China's Shenzhou-19 spaceship separates from space station combination

Xinhua) 08:17, April 30, 2025

JIUQUAN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- China's Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship separated from the space station combination at 4 a.m. (Beijing Time) on Wednesday, and the astronauts aboard -- Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze -- started to return to Earth, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

The spaceship is scheduled to return to the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Wednesday.

The CMSA said that prior to the separation, the Shenzhou-19 crew, with the assistance of the ground staff, completed various tasks such as setting the status of the space station combination, processing and transmitting the experimental data, and transferring remaining supplies. The Shenzhou-19 crew also carried out handover work and exchanged in-orbit work experience with the Shenzhou-20 crew.

The return of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship, originally scheduled for Tuesday, had been postponed due to unfavorable windy weather at the Dongfeng landing site, according to the CMSA.

The agency added that the meteorological conditions at the Dongfeng landing site meet the mission requirements at present, and all preparations have been made to welcome the crew's return.

China launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on April 24, sending three astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie to the space station for another six-month mission.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
ASEAN eyes united response to tariffs

10:27, April 30, 2025 By Prime Sarmiento ( China Daily

Southeast Asian countries have begun bilateral talks with the United States as the trade-dependent region grapples with potential effects of high tariffs and growing protectionism.

Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam have either started or expressed interest in conducting negotiations, while leaders within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have urged leveraging their strength as a bloc to negotiate with Washington.

Suthiphand Chirathivat, a professor emeritus of economics at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, said ASEAN countries should "stand together for the best for all".

Sonal Varma, a chief economist at Japanese investment bank Nomura, said ASEAN countries will seek negotiations to "address some of the shortcomings of the existing (trading) system, but without causing too much damage to everyone".

Varma also sees an increase in intra-regional trade, saying ASEAN members "will need to open up their markets  to trade more with each other".

Lowering both tariff and nontariff barriers, she added, will boost trade and investment within the bloc, while enabling it to tap into markets beyond the region.

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Thursday that ASEAN has agreed to work together to bolster the group's bargaining power in dealing with tariff hikes. Following her meeting with Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Paetongtarn said the two sides talked about a possible framework for cooperation among ASEAN countries.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for a "united regional front" shortly after the US launched the "reciprocal tariffs" on April 2.

On April 9, Washington announced a 90-day pause on the tariff hikes, which has spurred most of its trading partners, including ASEAN countries, to hold bilateral negotiations with the US.

Noting possible economic repercussions from a US tariff hike, ASEAN economy ministers said they will boost intra-ASEAN trade and investment and remain committed to the bloc's rule-based trade. They also expressed "common intention to engage in a frank and constructive dialogue" with the US, according to a joint statement issued on April 10.

Collective strength

Julia Roknifard, a senior lecturer at the School of Law and Governance at Taylor's University in Kuala Lumpur, said calls for ASEAN's collective action have shown that leaders know they are stronger as a bloc and they have "the political impetus to actually put into practice measures that will allow them to leverage on their collective strength".

Indonesia and Malaysia have sent respective delegations to negotiate with their counterparts in the US.

Airlangga Hartarto, Indonesia's coordinating minister for economic affairs, said on Saturday that Indonesia prioritizes the principles of fair and balanced trade. The two sides have agreed to conduct further discussions, he added.

Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Zafrul Aziz said the US and Malaysia have discussed enhancing US-ASEAN cooperation by leveraging Malaysia's rotating ASEAN chairmanship to foster regional stability and advance shared economic goals.

The meeting between the Thai delegation and the US was postponed indefinitely. Paetongtarn said Washington wanted her country to review and revise certain measures before negotiations could proceed.

Vietnam launched negotiations with the US with a phone conversation on Wednesday between US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien.

Both sides agreed on the importance of making swift progress toward reciprocal and balanced trade, according to a report filed by the daily Viet Nam News.

During his visit to Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia earlier this month, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other state leaders emphasized that countries should promote universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, facilitate multilateral trade and investment, and reject unilateral trade restrictive measures.

Amitendu Palit, a senior research fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore, said Xi's visit is significant as China, like the US, is a major trade partner of ASEAN.

With high US tariffs making it difficult for a trade-dependent region to export to the US, Palit said ASEAN countries are at least assured of having China as another market for their goods.

Suthiphand of Chulalongkorn University said US tariff hikes may further strengthen relations between ASEAN and China.

"China has a super large market, and its scale of industries is also competitive across the world," he said.

Yang Wanli in Bangkok contributed to this story.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
As a tribute to Maharashtra on its foundation day today, cake artist Prachi Dhabal Deb has unveiled a stunning creation that celebrates the state's rich culture and heritage. Her latest masterpiece, crafted with vegan royal icing, is more than just an artistic confection--it is a heartfelt tribute to the land that nurtured her journey. The Maharashtra-themed cake replicates elements of traditional Maharashtrian attire, featuring intricately designed edible versions of a Paithani saree, Vajratik neckpiece, Chinchpeti, Jhumkas, Bangles, Sindoor box, and Nath. Every detail reflects the deep-rooted traditions and artistry that define the state's cultural identity. Speaking about her creation, Prachi expressed her deep connection to the state, stating, "This cake is my heartfelt tribute to the glorious state of Maharashtra. Creating this piece was deeply personal for me. Maharashtra is where my journey as an artist began, and the love and appreciation I have received here continue to inspire me every day." The cake's visual elegance is enhanced by its meticulously piped Paithani saree border, adorned with vibrant peacocks made from more than 25,000 royal icing dots, a precise and intricate nod to the iconic handloom patterns. Adding a regal touch, the cake also features edible Maharashtrian jewellery, including Thushi, Nath, Bugadi, and Kolhapuri Saaj, all set in the traditional hues of green and red, symbolising the festivity and spirit of the region. The cake weighs around 50 kg, 4 feet in height. Atop the grand creation sits a hand-piped replica of the New Kolhapur Palace, an ode to Maharashtra's architectural heritage and deep historical roots. Prachi's artistic excellence has been previously recognised in several monumental works, including a 100 kg edible structure inspired by the Milan Cathedral and a 200 kg vegan royal icing palace celebrating Indian architecture. Her mastery of royal icing artistry continues to push creative boundaries while celebrating cultural and architectural grandeur. (ANI)
The US is closely monitoring the developments and is in touch with the governments of both India and Pakistan amid tensions between the two neighbouring countries after the brutal Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. She also said that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will speak with the foreign ministers of both countries "as early as today or tomorrow." "The Secretary of State will speak with the foreign ministers of both countries. We're also monitoring the developments across the board in that region, and we, as you know, are at multiple levels in touch with the governments of India and Pakistan," Bruce said at the US State Department briefing on Wednesday. "Not just at the Foreign Minister level, certainly, but at multiple levels. We, of course, are encouraging all parties to work together for a responsible solution. The world is watching this, but I have no additional details in that regard," she added. Further, she said Secretary of State Rubio has asked the two countries "not to escalate the situation", "Rubio said we are reaching out to both parties and telling them not to escalate the situation. The secretary expects to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow. He (Rubio) is encouraging other national leaders and foreign ministers to reach out to the countries on this issue," she added. Further, Bruce added that "every day action is being taken" In this case, the secretary is speaking directly to his counterparts in India and Pakistan. This comes after the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, and injured many others on April 22. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting in New Delhi, which was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan, and the three service chiefs. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present at the meeting. The meeting took place days after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on April 23, following the terror attack. Government sources said the Prime Minister affirmed that it is India's national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism. The sources said PM Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian Armed Forces. They said that PM Modi stated that the Indian Armed Forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 23, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably ends its support for cross-border terrorism and closes the integrated Attari Check Post. India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission as Persona Non Grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. India has also decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. (ANI)
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately and strongly condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that killed 25 Indians and a Nepalese citizen. According to the United Nations statement, the Secretary-General, in his phone calls, noted the importance of pursuing justice and accountability for the attack through lawful means. He also expressed his deep concern at rising tensions between India and Pakistan and underscored the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences, and offered his Good Offices to support de-escalation efforts, the statement said. This comes after the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, and injured many others on April 22. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting, which was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan, and the three service chiefs. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present at the meeting. The meeting took place days after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on April 23, following the terror attack. Government sources said the Prime Minister affirmed that it is India's national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism. The sources said PM Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian Armed Forces. They said that PM Modi stated that the Indian Armed Forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 23, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably ends its support for cross-border terrorism and closes the integrated Attari Check Post. India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission as Persona Non Grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. India has also decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. (ANI)
Faced with mounting global pressure, a jittery Pakistan leadership has resorted to accusations against India following the deadly Pahalgam incident that killed 26 people. In a bid to divert attention from its failure to curb terrorism, the Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, has issued a statement claiming that Pakistan has "credible intelligence" suggesting India plans to launch military action against the nation within the next 24-36 hours. In a post on X, Tarar wrote, "Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends to carry out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident." The post added, "Indian self-assumed hubris role of Judge, Jury and Executioner in the region is reckless and vehemently rejected. Pakistan has been the victim of terrorism itself and truly understands the pain of this scourge. We have always condemned it in all its forms and manifestations anywhere in the world. Being a responsible state, Pakistan offered a credible, transparent, and independent investigation by a neutral commission of experts, which was heartily welcomed. Unfortunately, rather than pursuing the path of reason, India has apparently decided to tread the dangerous path of irrationality and confrontation, which will have catastrophic consequences for the entire region and beyond." In another instance, Pakistan's foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, stated in the National Assembly that it was under Pakistan pressure that the name of the resistance forum (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, was deleted from the UNSC statement on Pahalgam, proving once again Pakistan's tacit support to terror operatives. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and pleaded for a neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident. "Had a telephone conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. I reaffirmed Pakistan's condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, rejected baseless Indian accusations, and called for a transparent and neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident...Pakistan remains committed to peace, but will defend its sovereignty with full force if challenged," Sharif wrote on X on Tuesday. The statements come after India took decisive action against Pakistan after the attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 people. (ANI)
Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and emphasised the need for justice and accountability. He also expressed concern over rising tensions between India and Pakistan, warning that "confrontation could have catastrophic consequences." While addressing a press briefing on Tuesday, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said, "UN Secretary General spoke separately with Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, and he also spoke with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs of India. In his phone call, the Secretary General reiterated strong condemnation of the April 22 terrorist attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir. The Secretary General noted the importance of pursuing justice and accountability for these attacks through lawful means." Dujarric added, "The Secretary General also expressed his deep concern at the rising tension between India and Pakistan, and he also underscored the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences. The Secretary General offered his good officers to support any de-escalation efforts. Guterres stressed that the region and the world cannot afford a confrontation between the two nations. "The Secretary General remains concerned by the high level of tension between the two countries... He wants to see both sides towards a de-escalation. The region and the world cannot afford a confrontation between India and Pakistan, which would be catastrophic for those two countries and for the world as a whole," Dujarric said. Notably, Jaishankar received calls from various world leaders condemning the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, and injured many others. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Received a call from UN SG Antonio Guterres. Appreciate his unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Agreed on the importance of accountability. India is resolved that the perpetrators, planners and backers of this attack are brought to justice." Sharif, in his telephonic conversation with Guterres, pleaded for a neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident. "Had a telephone conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. I reaffirmed Pakistan's condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, rejected baseless Indian accusations, and called for a transparent and neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident... Pakistan remains committed to peace, but will defend its sovereignty with full force if challenged," Sharif wrote on X on Tuesday. (ANI)
The United States has imposed sanctions on six entities and six individuals in Iran and China for their involvement in procuring ballistic missile propellant ingredients for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The sanctions target a network that has facilitated the transfer of key materials, including sodium perchlorate and dioctyl sebacate, from China to Iran. In a press statement released on Tuesday, the US Department of State said, "The United States is sanctioning six entities and six individuals based in Iran and China for their role in a network procuring ballistic missile propellant ingredients on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)." The statement added, "Today's action, which targets this network that has facilitated the procurement of sodium perchlorate and dioctyl sebacate from China to Iran, is taken in support of the United States' maximum pressure campaign to curtail Iran's ballistic missile program and disrupt the activities of the IRGC, as outlined in the President's National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 of February 4, 2025." The statement further said that the US will continue to hold accountable those who seek to advance Iran's ballistic missile programme, to include its procurement of propellant ingredients used for ballistic missiles. As per the US Department of Treasury, Sodium perchlorate is used to produce ammonium perchlorate, which is controlled by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), a multilateral political understanding among states that seek to limit the proliferation of missiles and missile technology. Both ammonium perchlorate and dioctyl sebacate are chemicals usable in solid propellant rocket motors, which are commonly used for ballistic missiles. US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent emphasised that Iran's development of missiles poses a significant threat to the safety and security of the United States. "Iran's aggressive development of missiles and other weapons capabilities imperils the safety of the United States and our partners. It also destabilises the Middle East, and violates the global agreements intended to prevent the proliferation of these technologies. To achieve peace through strength, Treasury will continue to take all available measures to deprive Iran's access to resources necessary to advance its missile programme," Bessent said. (ANI)
According to the MND, 18 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zones (ADIZ).

Sharing a post on X, the MND wrote, "20 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today."

It added, "18 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded."

https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1917383403231494416

On Tuesday, MND said that 27 sorties of PLA aircraft, nine PLAN vessels and one ship were detected operating near Taiwan until 6 am.

According to Taiwan's MND, 27 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ.

In response to Chinese activity, Taiwan's armed forces deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor the situation.

In a post on X, Taiwan's MND stated, "27 sorties of PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 27 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."

This incident follows a recent pattern of escalated manoeuvres by China around Taiwan, sparking concerns over regional stability as Beijing continues to assert its claims over the island. Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary.

Last week, Taiwan's ruling party responded to growing fears about Chinese spying by requiring its members to declare their plans before visiting China, particularly Hong Kong and Macau, according to a report by Radio Free Asia (RFA). (ANI)
US President Donald Trump congratulated Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney after his Liberal party won the election on Tuesday, with the leaders discussing their nations' relationship amid trade tensions, including US tariffs impacting Canadian economy. Both leaders also agreed to meet in person soon. The Canadian Prime Minister's Office in a statement on Tuesday said, "Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. President Trump congratulated Prime Minister Carney on his recent election." The statement added, "The leaders agreed on the importance of Canada and the United States working together - as independent, sovereign nations - for their mutual betterment. To that end, the leaders agreed to meet in person in the near future." Canadian news outlet CTV News had projected that Carney and the Liberal Party would retain power, winning enough seats in the 45th federal election to form the government. Carney had taken over the leadership from Justin Trudeau, who resigned towards the end of his term after losing the confidence of his party. The election was marked as one of the most unpredictable in Canadian history, with Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet, and Green Party co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault leading their respective parties in a highly competitive race. The election took place against the backdrop of tariff threats and repeated attacks from Trump, who referred to Canada as the "51st state of the United States." A change in US leadership has had a dramatic impact on Canada. Trump's sudden tariffs have plunged Canada's economy into uncertainty. More than 70 per cent of the country's exports go to the US, including automotive parts, lumber, agricultural products and steel. Earlier in March, Carney had declared that the long-standing economic and security relationship between Canada and the United States has ended, following Trump's announcement of new auto tariffs. "The old relationship we had with the United States, based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military cooperation, is over," Carney had said. (ANI)
The UK's Royal Air Force (RAF) joined forces with the United States in a precision strike against a key Houthi military target in Yemen. The operation, carried out on Tuesday, targeted a facility involved in the production of drones used to attack international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The UK Ministry of Defence in a press release stated, "On 29 April 2025, UK forces participated in a joint operation with US forces against a Houthi military target in Yemen. This action was in line with a long-standing policy of the UK government, following the Houthis initiating their campaign of attacks in November 2023, threatening freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, striking international ships, and killing innocent merchant mariners." The RAF Typhoon jets, along with Voyager tankers, utilised Paveway IV precision-guided bombs to minimise the risk of civilian casualties and damage to non-military infrastructure. The statement added, "Careful intelligence analysis identified a cluster of buildings, used by the Houthis to manufacture drones of the type used to attack ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, located some fifteen miles south of Sanaa. Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, with air refuelling support from Voyager tankers, therefore engaged a number of these buildings using Paveway IV precision guided bombs, once very careful planning had been completed to allow the targets to be prosecuted with minimal risk to civilians or non-military infrastructure. As a further precaution, the strike was conducted after dark, when the likelihood of any civilians being in the area was reduced yet further. All of our aircraft subsequently returned safely." In a post on X, UK Ministry of Defence wrote, "Overnight, @RoyalAirForce Typhoons conducted strikes against a Houthi military target in Yemen to defend freedom of navigation, strengthen regional stability, protect UK economic security, and reduce the Houthis' capacity to launch further attacks." Earlier, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) had revealed that it has launched over 800 targeted strikes against the Houthi terrorist group in Yemen since March 15, aiming to restore "freedom of navigation and reinforce American deterrence." In a statement released on Sunday, CENTCOM, responsible for military operations in the Middle East, said that the campaign has significantly reduced Houthi attacks on international shipping, with ballistic missile launches dropping by 69 per cent and drone strikes decreasing by 55 per cent. CENTCOM further informed that to protect operational security, it will not share details about its ongoing or future military actions. "To preserve operational security, we have intentionally limited disclosing details of our ongoing or future operations. We are very deliberate in our operational approach, but will not reveal specifics about what we've done or what we will do," the statement said. Houthi attacks on ships escalated after the outbreak of the war between Israel and Gaza, despite then-President Joe Biden's warning to Iran and its allies to avoid involvement in the conflict. The Houthis, who took control of Yemen's capital in 2014, initially claimed they would target only ships connected to Israel. However, they have since attacked vessels associated with numerous other nations. (ANI)
Israeli Embassy in India on Wednesday denied issuing a note verbale to Ministry of External Affairs, in which it accused Indian Army officer of sexually assaulting Israel Defence Force (IDF) personnel during a joint military exercise in Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir and termed it "fake news." The Israeli Embassy in India emphasised the "solid bond" between the two nations and said that "haters" who resort to fake news will not succeed in harming it. Notably, the note verbal shared on social media was signed by Naor Gilon, who previously served as Israel's Ambassador to India. In a post on X, the Israeli Embassy in India stated, "Unbelievable! The bond between Israel and India is so solid, haters resort to fake news to try to harm it. It won't work." https://x.com/IsraelinIndia/status/1917427728195748209 On April 24, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the phone and condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. Sharing the details regarding the conversation between two leaders on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that PM Modi shared the "barbaric nature" of the cross-border terrorist attack and expressed India's firm resolve to bring the perpetrators and their supporters to justice. "PM @netanyahu of Israel called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terror attack on Indian soil. He expressed solidarity with the people of India and the families of the victims. PM Modi shared the barbaric nature of the cross-border terrorist attack and reiterated India's firm resolve to bring the perpetrators and their supporters to justice", Jaiswal posted on X. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1915387755695055263 As many as 26 people were killed and several others were injured after terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. The decision was taken during the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, chaired by PM Modi on April 23. (ANI)
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khan slammed the authorities for not permitting her to meet her brother in Adiala Jail despite orders issued by the court, Dawn reported. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Aleema Khan expressed regret over what she termed the denial of basic human rights. On Monday, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) submitted a list of individuals approved to meet Imran Khan to the Superintendent of Adiala Jail. The names of Salman Safdar, Gohar Khan, Naeem Haider Panjutha, Abuzar Salman Niazi, Niazullah Niazi, and Zaheer Abbas. However, authorities allowed only Zaheer Abbas and Faisal Chaudhry to meet PTI founder Imran Khan. Speaking to Dawn, Niazullah Niazi said that, since his appointment as Imran Khan's spokesperson on March 24, he had been allowed to meet him only twice. Niazi said, "After the initial meetings, I have not been permitted to meet him, simply because I conveyed Imran Khan's message without altering it. The same situation applies to Salman Akram Raja." Last week, PTI leaders and Imran Khan's sisters filed contempt petitions against the Adiala jail authorities, accusing them of defying court orders by repeatedly denying them access to meet the PTI founder, Dawn reported. Appearing before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on April 25, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, along with PTI leaders Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, Aliya Hamza and others, called for action against what they described as the jail administration's consistent refusal to allow court-ordered meetings. Aleema Khan, represented by Advocate Ali Bukhari, submitted a contempt petition naming the Punjab home secretary and the Adiala jail superintendent as respondents. The petition described the denial of access to Khan as a "blatant violation of court orders." It also pointed out that the IHC had previously allowed Imran Khan to meet his family, lawyers, and party representatives twice a week--on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The petition further noted that a complete list of approved visitors, including legal counsel and family members, had been submitted in compliance with the court's directive. However, it alleged that even scheduled visits were blocked by jail authorities. It argued that access to legal representation and family is a fundamental right, particularly for a former prime minister facing multiple legal proceedings, Dawn reported. The petition further stated that the jail administration's conduct constituted a breach of both the court order and the jail manual. Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz had previously filed a similar contempt petition, which is still pending scheduling for a hearing by the court. Speaking to the media outside the IHC, Aleema Khan condemned the jail authorities for preventing legal counsel from meeting Khan. She stated, "The court has clearly issued an order for a list of lawyers [to meet Khan]. Why are they being stopped? "She expressed concern that the interference was aimed at "sabotage" of the PTI founder's legal defence and accused authorities of "deliberate interference" in the judicial process. (ANI)
Chinese officials have arrested a young man for displaying pro-democracy banners earlier this month on an overpass in Chengdu, located in southwest China, as reported by Radio Free Asia (RFA). Authorities are conducting an investigation into whether Mei Shilin (27) has any overseas connections and have implemented criminal detention measures against him. In China, criminal detention for individuals suspected of "endangering national security" typically involves being held by police for an extended period, often months, before formal charges are brought - this is officially termed residential surveillance at a designated location. Those detained endure constant monitoring, extensive interrogations, and may face torture, as per the RFA report. Mei, who lives in Youngfu town within Muchuan county of Sichuan province, has been unaccounted for for over 10 days. Authorities apprehended him shortly after confirming his role in displaying three banners on a bridge near Chengdu's Chadianzi Bus Station on April 15, as mentioned in the RFA report. The three banners stated: "Without political system reform, there will be no national rejuvenation," "The people do not require a political party with unchecked power," and "China does not need anyone to dictate the direction, democracy is the direction," as quoted by RFA. Legal experts think that authorities may accuse Mei of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble," a frequently used charge in China against political, civil, and human rights advocates. "They (the prosecution) might pursue a case for the offense of picking quarrels and provoking trouble because they prefer to avoid bestowing upon him a more consequential charge, such as inciting subversion of state power or subverting state power," remarked Lu Chenyuan, a legal expert in China, as quoted by RFA. Peng Lifa, popularly known as "Bridge Man," had displayed similar pro-democracy banners on Beijing's crowded Sitong Bridge, with slogans that were echoed during the 2022 White Paper protests. During these protests, which occurred in multiple cities across China, individuals displayed blank sheets of paper to symbolise the lack of a voice imposed by authorities amidst frustrations regarding lost freedoms and pandemic lockdowns, reported RFA. (ANI)
Pakistan's track record in sponsoring, sheltering, and exporting terrorism has once again come under global scrutiny in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. For decades, its soil has been used as a launchpad for cross-border terrorism, insurgency, and extremist ideology. In 2018, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, had suggested that the Pakistani government played a role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks that Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based Islamist terrorist group, carried out. General Pervez Musharraf, who took power in a coup in 1999, acknowledged that his forces trained militant groups to fight India in Kashmir. He confessed that the government turned a blind eye because it wanted to force India to enter into negotiations, as well as raise the issue internationally. Just a few days back, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan's Defence Minister admitted in a recent viral video conversation with Sky News' Yalda Hakim that Pakistan has been funding and supporting terrorist groups, claiming, "We have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about three decades... and the West, including Britain..." Pakistan's ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) has been widely documented as supporting the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network, providing them with funding, training, and safe havens. These groups have been responsible for numerous deadly attacks on Afghan civilians, government targets, and international forces, including the 2008 Indian Embassy bombing in Kabul and the 2011 attack on the US Embassy in Kabul. In April, a Pakistan link emerged in the investigation of the Moscow terror attack. Russian authorities identified the mastermind as a Tajik national and are probing connections to Pakistan, with reports suggesting that the attackers may have had logistical or ideological support tracing back to Pakistani networks. The country has also been involved in attacks in Iran, as well as the UK. Pakistan-based Sunni extremist group Jaish ul-Adl has repeatedly attacked Iranian security forces in Sistan and Baluchestan province. In response, Iran carried out missile and drone strikes on January 16, 2024, inside Pakistan's Balochistan province, targeting what it described as Jaish ul-Adl hideouts. Iran has also regularly accused Pakistan of harbouring and failing to act against Sunni militants who stage attacks across the border. The July 7, 2005, London bombings, carried out by four British Islamist terrorists, were linked to training and indoctrination in Pakistan. Three of the bombers - Mohammad Sidique Khan, Shehzad Tanweer, and Germaine Lindsay - spent time in Pakistan between 2003 and 2005 The 2011 US raid that killed Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, exposed systemic failures in Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts. Bin Laden had lived undetected for years in a compound near Pakistan's Military Academy, raising suspicions of ISI collusion. Pakistan's ISI has been accused of funding and training Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), a banned Islamist group responsible for the 2016 Gulshan cafe attack in Dhaka (20 hostages killed). In 2015, Bangladeshi authorities expelled Pakistani diplomats after catching them red-handed transferring funds to JMB operatives. Pakistan also hosts a network of terror training camps across provinces like Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly NWFP), Waziristan, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Pok). These camps, operated by groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), and transnational outfits like ISIS-Khorasan, serve as hubs for radicalisation, weapons training, and suicide mission preparation. Ex-Pakistani Army personnel often assist in training, lending military expertise to enhance operational lethality. The US State Department's Country Reports on Terrorism 2019 identified Pakistan as a country that "continued to serve as a safe haven for certain regionally focused terrorist groups." In a report titled Pakistan Army and Terrorism: An Unholy Alliance, the European Foundation for South Asian Studies highlights a deeply entrenched relationship among Pakistan's military establishment, its intelligence agency--the ISI--and radical religious leaders. (ANI)
The Indian Embassy in Tokyo and members of the Indian community on Tuesday paid homage to the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. While paying homage to the victims, India's Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, said that they have gathered to pay tribute to the people who lost their lives in the attack. He asserted that terrorism will not go unpunished and that the perpetrators behind the attack will be brought to justice. In his speech, he said, "We have gathered here today in deep sorrow and solemn reflection as we pay tribute to the innocent lives lost in the recent terror attack in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir in India. Our hearts are heavy with grief and spirits united in this mourning. I would like each one of you to please stand and observe two minutes of silence." "Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in its resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. You all have got this (posters), let's all stand together and hold it so that our message will reach every corner of Japan, every corner of the world, "Pahalgam Never Forgive Never Forget," he added. https://x.com/IndianEmbTokyo/status/1917211327388635393 People held posters with the message "Pahalgam Never Forgive Never Forget" while paying homage to the victims. During the event, the Indian Embassy showed pictures of the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. It also played Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks regarding the Pahalgam attack during his 121st episode of Mann Ki Baat on April 27. As many as 26 people were killed and several others were injured after terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the 121st episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and spoke about the "deep agony in his heart" while reassuring the families of the victims that "conspirators and perpetrators of the attack will face the harshest response. "Nyaye milke rahega", the PM said. He called the terror attack an attempt by those behind terrorism to disrupt the peace in Kashmir. "Today, as I talk my heart out with you, there is a deep agony in my heart. The Pahalgam terrorist attack of 22 April has left every citizen of the country heartbroken. Every Indian feels deep sympathy for the families of the victims No matter which state one belongs to, no matter which language one speaks, I understand every citizen is seething with anger after seeing the images of the terrorist attack," PM Modi said. "As peace was returning to Kashmir, the enemies of the nation and J&K did not like it. Terrorists and their masters want Kashmir to be destroyed again, which is why such a conspiracy was hatched," said Prime Minister. He emphasised that the unity of the nation is its biggest strength in the ongoing war against terrorism and urged the country to strengthen its resolve to face this challenge. PM Modi emphasised that the increasing number of tourists, the growing income of the people, and the strengthening of democracy in the region were not being accepted by the forces responsible for the attack. "This attack in Pahalgam shows the desperation of the patrons of terrorism; it displays their cowardice...at a time when peace was returning to Kashmir, there was a vibrancy in schools and colleges, construction work had gained unprecedented pace, democracy was getting stronger, the number of tourists was increasing at a record rate, people's income was increasing, and new opportunities were being created for the youth. The enemies of the country, the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir, did not like that," he added. (ANI)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expressed strong disapproval on Tuesday regarding China's attempts to diminish Taiwan's presence on the international stage, following a report by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists that detailed pressure from the Chinese embassy in Belgium to take down the Taiwanese flag at the nation's representative office in 2022, as reported by Taipei Times. The flag was taken down in January 2023, and the plan to feature Taiwan as the guest of honour at the previous year's Brussels International Book Fair was also scrapped due to fears of a backlash from China, according to a report by Belgium's French-language newspaper Le Soir. This report was part of the consortium's "China Targets" series, which investigates how Beijing "misuses international organisations to intimidate its critics and spread its repressive methods globally." Tanguy Roosen, director of the Brussels International Book Fair, informed the newspaper that the fair had intended to highlight Asian countries last year, but the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised against it, Taipei Times reported. MOFA remarked that China's efforts to frame the Taiwan situation as a matter of "domestic politics" aim to exclude Taiwan from international backing. "We urge the global community to take substantive action against China's attempts to alter the status quo," it stated. The international community must make it clear that it opposes Beijing's use of legal, psychological, and media warfare against Taiwan to collectively maintain stability and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region, it added, according to Taipei Times. Roy Lee, the representative to Belgium, commented that China's oppression of Taiwan has been widespread and unyielding, and Taiwan's diplomatic representatives will persist in advocating for the acknowledgement and visibility of the nation's rights by the international community. Sara van Hoeymissen, an expert in world politics at the Royal Military Academy of Belgium, explained that the representative office is navigating a delicate balance regarding diplomatic actions that are permissible. According to Van Hoeymissen, the Chinese embassy continuously engages with the Belgian government about the official terminology used for Taiwan in formal documents, insisting that any references to Taiwan avoid any implication of independence, as reported by Taipei Times. (ANI)
North Korea has conducted its first tests of critical weapons systems on its newly launched destroyer, with leader Kim Jong-un emphasising the urgency of boosting the navy's nuclear capabilities to strengthen the country's maritime forces, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing state media. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the tests took place Monday and Tuesday under Kim's supervision and involved the "combat application" of armaments installed on the new 5,000-ton warship, named Choe Hyon. The destroyer, described as a multipurpose vessel, was officially launched last Friday. It is equipped with an array of offensive weapons, including supersonic strategic cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, and other advanced strike systems. North Korea conducted a test-firing of supersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles, anti-aircraft missiles and 127 millimetre ship-based automatic guns Monday, the KCNA said. A test of firing ship-to-ship tactical guided weapons, as well as the ship's automatic guns, smoke and electronic jamming guns, took place the following day, Yonhap reported. Kim also urged the establishment of a proactive and offensive defensive system. "It is important to establish a proactive and offensive defensive system on the premise of powerful attack capability. The time has come to make a responsible option for accelerating the nuclear armament of the navy to defend the state and maritime sovereignty from the existing and future threat," Kim was quoted as saying by the KCNA. At the ship's launching event, Kim urged the construction of more destroyers of the Choe Hyon class, along with larger cruisers and various support vessels, next year. He also reiterated the country's ambition to develop nuclear-powered submarines. Back in March, the North unveiled what appears to be a nuclear-powered submarine under construction, with its leader warning that his country's maritime defense capability will be "fully" projected "in any necessary waters without limitation," Yonhap reported. (ANI)
East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) Prime Minister, Abdulahat Nur, has urged newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberal Party administration to take significant action against China's ongoing genocide and unlawful occupation of East Turkistan. Abdulahat Nur called on the Canadian government to officially recognise and denounce the Uyghur genocide and to acknowledge East Turkistan as a territory under Chinese colonial domination, and to reaffirm its pledge to resettle at least 10,000 Uyghur refugees in Canada. Furthermore, he urged Carney to take robust measures to facilitate the release of Canadian citizen Huseyin Celil, who remains unjustly incarcerated in China, as noted in ETGE's post on X. Congratulating Carney on his victory in the elections, Nur said, "On behalf of the East Turkistan Government in Exile and the people of East Turkistan, I sincerely congratulate Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party on their electoral success." He continued, "As a Canadian citizen, it fills me with pride to witness Canada's democracy renew its dedication to opposing oppression and championing the values of freedom and justice," according to ETGE's statement shared on X. https://x.com/ETExileGov/status/1917283332888617344 The Uyghur people, a minority ethnic group in China's Xinjiang region, have faced severe persecution under Chinese government policies. Reports document mass arbitrary detentions in so-called "re-education" camps, forced labour, extensive surveillance, religious restrictions, and cultural erasure. Human rights organisations and international bodies have described these actions as crimes against humanity, and in some cases, genocide. Uyghurs are often targeted for practising Islam, speaking their native language, or preserving their cultural identity. Despite mounting global condemnation, the Chinese government denies any wrongdoing, framing its actions as part of counter-terrorism efforts. The Uyghur community has been calling for justice, freedom, and sustained international pressure to end the abuses. The East Turkistan Government-in-Exile (ETGE), officially the Government in Exile of the Republic of East Turkistan, is the democratically elected representative body of East Turkistan and its people. (ANI)
Central officials from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) have voiced serious concerns regarding an ongoing government crackdown on their organisation. During a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Tuesday, BYC representatives mentioned instances of unlawful arrests, abuse within prisons, and widespread violations of human rights, as reported by The Balochistan Post. Sammi Deen Baloch stated that Mahrang Baloch and other members of the central committee have been held in detention for over a month. She noted that the crackdown on the BYC began after an armed assault on the Jaffar Express, an incident that the organisation had no ties to, according to TBP. She claimed that the attack served as a justification to "maliciously target" the BYC. Baloch stressed that the BYC is a non-violent organisation functioning within constitutional and democratic parameters. "Violence or confrontation has never been part of the organisation's struggle," she said. Baloch indicated that state institutions are focusing on peaceful demonstrators, particularly the families of those who have been forcibly disappeared. She expressed that the burial of unidentified remains in Quetta and the lack of access to them have instilled significant fear and anxiety among families, The Balochistan Post reported. She claimed that the state's actions have "effectively criminalised lawful and constitutional demands." According to Baloch, since the crackdown initiated on 19 March, over 200 BYC members have been detained, with only a few eventually released. She pointed out that Mahrang Baloch, Bebarg Baloch, Sibghatullah Shahji, Beebow Baloch, and Gulzadi Baloch are still in custody. Sammi Deen Baloch alleged that the detained leaders have endured torture and mistreatment in prisons, as reported by The Balochistan Post. The BYC urged the United Nations, international human rights organisations, journalists, and civil society to pay attention to the issue. They called for the urgent release and protection of Mahrang Baloch, Bebarg Baloch, Sibghatullah Shahji, Beebow Baloch, and Gulzadi Baloch. (ANI)
Around 600 North Korean soldiers are believed to have died while fighting alongside Russian forces in the war against Ukraine, with more than 4,000 others reportedly injured, South Korea's intelligence agency informed lawmakers on Wednesday, according to a report by Yonhap News Agency. During a private session with the National Assembly's intelligence committee, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) shared this assessment. According to lawmakers Lee Seong-kweun from the People Power Party and Kim Byung-kee of the Democratic Party, the NIS reported that approximately 15,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia, with total casualties estimated at around 4,700, including 600 fatalities. North Korea has deployed its troops to Russia over two phases, and fighting has decreased since April after Moscow took back most areas of its front-line region of Kursk, the lawmakers quoted the NIS as saying, Yonhap reported. In exchange for providing troops and weapons, North Korea is believed to have received military and technological assets from Russia, including a launch site for reconnaissance satellites, drones, electronic warfare systems, and SA-22 surface-to-air missiles. Additionally, the two nations are reportedly discussing cooperation to modernise North Korea's industries across 14 sectors such as aviation, energy, and tourism. As part of this collaboration, roughly 15,000 North Korean workers have also been sent to Russia, the NIS added. This assessment comes just two days after North Korea, for the first time, confirmed it had sent troops to fight for Russia against Ukraine, and the "sacred mission" was aimed at strengthening friendship with Moscow. The state news agency KCNA said that Pyongyang's military claimed its soldiers helped Russian forces "completely liberate" the Kursk border region, according to an order given by Kim Jong Un. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to North Korea for helping Russian forces defeat a group of Ukrainian fighters in the Kursk Region. He praised Kim Jong-un and commended Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) soldiers for their "heroism, excellent training and dedication" during the fighting. (ANI)
Protests against controversial canal projects that draw water from the Indus River have persisted for the eleventh consecutive day across various areas of Sindh. The Balochistan Post (TBP) reports that as a result of these demonstrations, all transport routes from Sindh to Punjab have been entirely obstructed for the past eleven days. Demonstrators have stated that they will keep all highways from Sindh to Punjab closed until every canal project built by Punjab on the Indus River is dismantled and military companies exit the occupied lands in Sindh. They have also declared their intention to escalate their movement, according to TBP. During these protests, there have been instances of violence, leading to the detention of several people by the police. In this context, the Jiye Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) Bashir Khan Group has announced the shutdown of all rail lines and stations linking Sindh to Punjab on May 11, as noted by the TBP report. Additionally, other nationalist parties have signalled their plan to broaden the protest movement throughout Sindh and arrange large marches in Karachi and Hyderabad. In several locations in Sindh, public anger has manifested in surrounding Pakistan People's Party (PPP) offices, as cited by the TBP report. Sit-ins at border locations such as Babarlou and Sukkur have entirely halted all passage from Sindh to Punjab over the past eleven days. The transport of food and goods from Sindh to Punjab, including shipments from ports in Karachi, has been suspended indefinitely, leaving thousands of containers stuck on Sindh's highways, according to the insights provided by TBP. These protests and sit-ins continue in Sindh in opposition to the federal government's initiative to extract six new canals from the River Indus, with nationalist parties, legal professionals, farmers, writers, and members of civil society denouncing it as an effort to seize Sindh's water resources, as reported by TBP. The USD 720 million project, introduced under the "Green Pakistan" initiative, seeks to redirect water from the Indus to cultivate agricultural land in the Cholistan desert for a military-run agribusiness. Detractors argue that this plan infringes upon Sindh's water rights and could greatly harm its agricultural industry, as highlighted by the TBP report. (ANI)
The Balochistan High Court (BHC) on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of a petition challenging the detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) chief organiser Mahrang Baloch and 90 others from the Baloch National Party - Mengal (BNP-M) and National Party, Dawn reported. A division bench, which includes Balochistan's Acting Chief Justice Ejah Ahmed Swati and Justice Muhammad Aamir Rana, briefly resumed the proceedings before adjourning the case to Wednesday. The decision of judges came after the court was told that Balochistan's advocate general, who was expected to submit a response on behalf of the provincial government, could not appear before the court due to a cabinet meeting. The court said, "He submitted for granting another day." The court agreed to the request and suspended the hearing until Wednesday. The detainees have been held under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order. Earlier on Monday, a division bench of the Balochistan High Court (BHC) admitted for hearing a plea against the arrest of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) chief organiser Mahrang Baloch and 96 other people under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance and issued a notice to the Advocate General, Dawn reported. Mahrang's sister, Nadia Baloch, said that Mahrang Baloch and other BYC activists, who were on hunger strike for the past few days against the shifting of detained activist Beebo Baloch to Pishin Jail from Quetta District Jail and the torture of detained activists by security personnel in the prison, were persuaded to end the hunger strike. Advocate Imran Baloch stated that Nadia Baloch visited Quetta District Jail on Monday and urged Mahrang Baloch and others to end their hunger strike. Meanwhile, the Home Department rejected the application filed by Mahrang Baloch's lawyers, despite the directive issued by the BHC. Earlier, the division bench of the High Court had asked the lawyers to approach the concerned authorities to demand the release of Mahrang Baloch and others before disposing of the challenge to their detention. The new petition for the release of Mahrang Baloch, Beebo Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, Sabghatullah, Bebarg Baloch, and 96 workers, along with BNP-M and National Party leaders, was filed in the Balochistan High Court. Advocate Sajid Tareen moved a petition on behalf of Agha Hassan Baloch of the BNP-M, while Nadia Baloch filed a petition against the detention of BYC leaders. The court had adjourned further hearing of the petitions until Tuesday at the request of the Advocate General. (ANI)
As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, Professor Srikanth Kondapalli, a leading expert in Chinese studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, warned that recent developments signal a coordinated military and diplomatic effort by China and Pakistan to box India into the South Asia region strategically. He further said that this is now taking shape through military posturing, regional alliances, and weapons transfers. The Pahalgam incident, Kondapalli suggests, is a grand plan that China and Pakistan are hatching. While speaking with ANI, Kondapalli, Professor in Chinese Studies and Chairperson of the Centre for East Asian Studies at JNU, said, "In 2009, the Indian Armed Forces began to shift towards the two front war under the nuclear threshold and since then, we started deploying S-400 ballistic missile, in between Pakistan and China, somewhere in Jammu and Kashmir or Himachal... Instead of being defensive, we are now planning for an offensive campaign with these measures. So, in light of the 2009 shift from Pakistan to China and also to a front war under the nuclear threshold, Indian armed forces have been preparing for that kind of contingency since 2009. The current Pahalgam incident suggests that China doesn't like the Indian preparations. So, China wants to confine India to the South Asia box, and the Pahalgam incident suggests there is a grand plan that China and Pakistan are hatching." On being asked about elaborating the grand plan, Kondapalli stated, "During the Cold War, all the Chinese texts, speeches, and important documents, they all mentioned India is an important country in South Asia, as the Americans used to say. But, then the 123 agreement (Agreement for Cooperation between the Government of India and the Government of the United States of America concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy) and other nuclear agreements with the United States and the foundational agreements we signed with the United States remove that aspect of confining India to the South Asia box. However, the Chinese continue with this discourse that India is an important country in South Asia, meaning it is not an important country in the rest of the world, but only confined to South Asia." He added, "China also began a trans-Himalayan Quadrilateral dialogue with Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nepal, and they conduct the Xicha Trans-Himalayan conferences. Four of these were held with the countries of the Trans-Himalayan region, excluding India. So this is the diplomatic effort. At the military level, there is nearly 60 per cent of all Chinese arms transferred abroad have landed in Pakistan, including last week's PL-15 air-to-air missiles. This PL missile was developed with Israeli support. The Chinese have got these missiles from Israeli collaboration. Today they are giving it to Pakistan to counter the Rafale aircraft that India has deployed and acquiring, which means that both militarily as well as diplomatically, China intends to confine India to the South Asia bloc, and of course at a USD 4 trillion economy you cannot be confined to a small region. You have to trade with every other country. But there is this effort to confine to South Asia." (ANI)
According to reports, Russia had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the event. However, the Indian side conveyed earlier that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh would represent the country at the parade instead.

Earlier, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov had confirmed to state news agency TASS that Prime Minister Modi would not attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow.

Victory Day commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and is marked with a grand military parade in the Russian capital.

Rajnath Singh last visited Russia in December 2023 for the commissioning ceremony of the Indian Navy's INS Tushil in Kaliningrad. During that trip, he also paid tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow, honouring Soviet soldiers who died in World War II. He also interacted with members of the Indian community.

INS Tushil, commissioned on December 9, is a multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate of the upgraded Krivak III class under Project 1135.6. Of this class, six frigates are already in service with the Indian Navy--three Talwar-class ships built in St. Petersburg and three Teg-class ships constructed at Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, as per a statement from the Ministry of Defence.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India following an invitation from Prime Minister Modi. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed this in March, saying preparations for the visit are underway.

"[Russian] President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation to visit from the Indian head of government. A visit by the Russian head of state to the Republic of India is currently being prepared," Lavrov was quoted as saying by TASS.

Last year in July, Prime Minister Modi visited Russia to attend the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit at President Putin's invitation. (ANI)
The deteriorating distribution network of Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) caused significant flooding at Karachi University in Pakistan on Tuesday, with water leaking from an 84-inch main water supply line that also infiltrated the residences of faculty and staff, as reported by Dawn. The leak in the main supply line is anticipated to exacerbate water shortages for residents throughout the city, leading to a nearly 40 per cent reduction in water availability for the next four days due to necessary repair work. Neighbourhoods affected include Chanesar Town, Jinnah Town, Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Pak Colony, Golimar, Shershah, the Old City Area, Landhi, Korangi, and PAF Base Masroor. The city, which requires over 1,200 million gallons of water daily (MGD), will receive 400 MGD instead of the usual 650 MGD due to repairs on Siphon No. 19, the 84-inch diametre pipeline that developed a leak near Karachi University, as per the Dawn report. KWSC spokesperson Abdul Qadir Shaikh mentioned that the repair efforts are expected to take 96 hours, during which water supply to several areas of the city will be partially halted. He noted that the leak surfaced on Tuesday morning, prompting immediate emergency responses from the water utility. He added that the repair process would lead to partial water supply disruptions in various regions of the city. He stated that KWSC Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Ali Siddiqui had instructed relevant teams to initiate repair work without delay. He explained that water supply from the Dhabeji Pumping Station was immediately suspended following the leak, and repairs would commence once the water level decreased. "To ensure the safety of the repair crews and facilitate efficient operations, water pressure in the affected pipeline has been temporarily lowered," he noted. The spokesperson indicated that full-scale repair activities had already begun and would proceed continuously around the clock. Residents are urged to store water in advance and use it judiciously to prevent any inconvenience. (ANI)
Three people were killed in a shooting incident in Sweden's Uppsala on Tuesday. Police have detained a 16-year-old suspected of shooting. According to Swedish police, three victims were aged between 15-20 years. Officers have conducted door-to-door inquiries to gather additional information from witnesses. Police said the family members of the victims have not yet been informed. A large police operation was being conducted after the shooting near Vaksala Square in Uppsala, public broadcaster SVT reported. It further stated that the suspect is believed to have fled the scene of the incident on an electric scooter. People reported hearing loud bangs that resembled gunshots in the area. Several people sustained injuries which indicated gunshots. Magnus Klarin, a spokesperson for the Swedish police, said, "We have received several reports of bangs in the area. That is what we can say at this time. I cannot say more." Klarin made these remarks before the deaths were confirmed, according to SVT. The reason behind the shooting incident on Tuesday is unclear as yet. Earlier this year, the European Parliament said that Sweden is "battling a wave of gang violence." Sweden has high rates of gun ownership as per EU standards. However, people of Sweden are required to have a license before being permitted to own a weapon, and the nation enforces tight restrictions on eligibility. The shooting incident on Tuesday comes just months after a gunman opened fire at an adult education center in Sweden's Orebro. Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has termed it the "worst mass shooting in Swedish history." As many as 10 people were killed in the attack that took place in February, while six others were injured. (ANI)
The Tibet Museum of the Tibetan government-in-exile is hosting a temporary exhibition titled "Women of Tibet". The museum is highlighting many faces of Tibetan women activists who have sacrificed their lives during their freedom struggle against China. Rinchen Khando, founder member of the Tibetan Women's Association, inaugurated the exhibition. Rinchen Khando, the chief guest of the event, told ANI, "I think in general, the message should be that Tibetans are still alive. They are fighting for the freedom of the Tibetans inside Tibet and to go back to a free Tibet. In this exhibition here, these women are the ones who sacrificed their lives to tell the Chinese government that we are not Chinese, we are Tibetans, and Tibet is not a part of China. And these are the women who took part in the demonstrations against China. They are a great source of inspiration for all of us, including the younger generation." Dukten Kyi, Joint Secretary, Department of Information and International Relations of Tibetan government in-exile, told ANI, "This is the launch of a temporary exhibition by the Tibet museum and its title is Women of Tibet and it is in order to honour the sacrifices as well as to spread information about the hard work and contribution that women throughout the generations have done towards the Tibetan freedom movements and I am here to witness so many amazing Tibetan women of the elder generation who have made huge sacrifice in order to serve for the Tibetan cause." Tenzin Thubten, director of the Tibet Museum, told ANI, "This exhibition is all about the Tibetan women who sacrificed their lives since 1951 till date. We have highlighted 15 renowned Tibetan freedom fighters, and many of them are those who fought against the Chinese regime, and a few of the others were in the field of religion or education. So this is just a tribute and remembrance to tell the youngsters that women in the past have shown a lot of courage and bravery. We have also highlighted many common faces, which also shows that the spirit of Tibet is not lost. At the same time it is the silver jubilee of the Tibet Museum as it was inaugurated by his Holiness the Dalai Lama in the year 2000 on April 30. So we are commemorating this day as well." (ANI)
The Chair of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights, MEP Mounir Satouri, along with the Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the People's Republic of China, MEP Engin Eroglu, have sent a letter to the Chinese Ambassador to the European Union regarding the suspicious death of the well-known Tibetan Buddhist leader, Tulku Hungkar Dorje, as reported by the Central Tibet Administration (CTA). At the same time, the Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights has sent a distinct letter to the Vietnamese Ambassador to the EU, addressing similar issues, according to the CTA report. Both letters convey significant concern and dismay over the unclear circumstances surrounding Tulku Hungkar Dorje's death and the subsequent cremation of his remains in Vietnam without his family's approval. The Chairs urged both the Chinese and Vietnamese governments to facilitate a transparent, independent, and impartial inquiry to clarify the situation relating to Tulku Hungkar Dorje's disappearance and the cause of his death, as highlighted by the CTA report. The concluding remarks of the joint letter expressed a desire for collaboration, stating, "We sincerely hope that the People's Republic of China will act as a constructive partner in revealing the details surrounding the disappearance and death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje," as reported by the CTA. "While extending heartfelt gratitude to the Chairs of the Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Delegation for Relations with the People's Republic of China for their timely and principled communication on the suspicious death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje in Chinese custody in Vietnam, Representative Rigzin Genkhang also acknowledged sincere and productive discussions held with both Chairs in recent times. Tulku Hungkar Dorje was a respected spiritual leader whose suspicious passing and the unexplained circumstances surrounding his swift cremation in Vietnam has caused profound distress among Tibetans worldwide. In light of this, we continue to urge for a transparent and independent investigation. We deeply value the Chairs' engagement and encourage sustained international attention to ensure such troubling incidents are neither ignored nor repeated", CTA report quoted. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday spoke with the Foreign Minister of Kuwait, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, and thanked him for Kuwait's solidarity and support following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In a X post, Jaishankar said, "Glad to talk to FM Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya of Kuwait. Thanked him for Kuwait's solidarity and support in the aftermath of Pahalgam terrorist attack." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1917560735539822763 Several world leaders have reached out to Jaishankar, condemning the deadly attack that killed 26 people and injured many others. The attack targeted tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam. In response, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan, accusing it of supporting cross-border terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 121st episode of Mann Ki Baat, strongly condemned the attack. He said he felt a "deep agony" and assured the families of the victims that the attackers would face the "harshest response". "Today, as I talk my heart out with you, there is a deep agony in my heart. The Pahalgam terrorist attack of 22 April has left every citizen of the country heartbroken. Every Indian feels deep sympathy for the families of the victims. No matter which state one belongs to, no matter which language one speaks, I understand every citizen is seething with anger after seeing the images of the terrorist attack," PM Modi said. He added, "As peace was returning to Kashmir, the enemies of the nation and J&K did not like it. Terrorists and their masters want Kashmir to be destroyed again, which is why such a conspiracy was hatched." The Prime Minister said the country's unity is its greatest strength in the fight against terrorism and urged citizens to stay united and resolute. "This attack in Pahalgam shows the desperation of the patrons of terrorism; it displays their cowardice... at a time when peace was returning to Kashmir, there was a vibrancy in schools and colleges, construction work had gained unprecedented pace, democracy was getting stronger, the number of tourists was increasing at a record rate, people's income was increasing, and new opportunities were being created for the youth. The enemies of the country, the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir, did not like that," PM Modi said. (ANI)
President of Angola, Joao Manuel Goncalves Laurenco, will pay a state visit to India from May 1 to 4 at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday. President Laurenco will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including several Ministers, senior officials, business houses, and the media. According to an MEA statement, this will be President Laurenco's first ever bilateral State visit to India, and a visit of the President of Angola to India in 38 years. The visit comes as India and Angola are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year. President Laurenco will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 3. He will hold discussions with President Murmu, who will host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary. Besides, President Laurenco will have delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who will also host a luncheon in his honour. A number of MoUs/ Agreements are expected to be signed during the visit, which shall give a fillip to bilateral relations. On May 4, President Laurenco will participate in a business event in New Delhi, aimed at promoting investment and commercial linkages between the two countries, the MEA said. India and Angola enjoy warm and friendly relations built over the years. The bilateral relations are underpinned by a vibrant energy partnership. Bilateral trade between the two countries has been growing and reached USD 4.192 billion during 2023-2024. The MEA underscored that initiatives such as Development Partnership, Capacity-Building Cooperation and Defence relationship have also been expanding. Both countries support each other's candidature at various multilateral fora, including in the UN. (ANI)
Saudi Arabia expressed concerns over the rising tensions between India and Pakistan in wake of the horrific Pahalgam terror attack and gave a call for both the countries to de-escalate, and resolve disputes diplomatically, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday. In a statement posted on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said, "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its concern over the escalating tensions between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the continued exchange of fire along the border areas." The statement further added, "The Kingdom calls on both countries to de-escalate, avoid further escalation, and resolve disputes through diplomatic means, while upholding the principles of good neighborliness and working towards stability and peace in a manner that serves the interests of both their peoples and the peoples of the region." https://x.com/KSAmofaEN/status/1917563649717047737 Earlier, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately and strongly condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that killed 25 Indians and a Nepalese citizen. According to the United Nations statement, the Secretary General, in his phone calls, noted the importance of pursuing justice and accountability for the attack through lawful means. He also expressed his deep concern at rising tensions between India and Pakistan and underscored the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences, and offered his Good Offices to support de-escalation efforts, the statement said. This comes after the attack in Pahalgam, where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, and injured many others on April 22. Notably, there has been a rise in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC. The Indian Army has effectively responded to Pakistan Army's unprovoked small arms firing across the Line of Control (LoC). The Army responded swiftly to the ceasefire violation on the night of April 27-28 in areas opposite Kupwara and Poonch districts in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The Indian Army had also responded effectively to the Pakistan Army firing along the LoC on the night of April 26-27 in areas opposite the Tutmari Gali and Rampur sectors, as per officials. Security forces have intensified anti-terror operations in Kashmir valley in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met a day after the Pahalgam terror attack. In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in Jammu and Kashmir and its steady progress towards economic growth and development. India has taken a raft of measures against Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism, including holding the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance and closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari. India has also decided to curtail the strength of High Commissions. The government has given armed forces complete operational freedom to decide on the response to the Pahalgam terror attack. (ANI)
Advocate Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee, representing spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, expressed happiness after the Bangladesh High Court granted bail, describing the allegations against his client as "completely false." While speaking to ANI, Bhattacharjee also added that, "Das will be freed within a week." Bhattacharjee also noted that the case has seen a lack of progress, as there has been "no investigation report" for the past seven months. He further observed, "I think the government will try for a stay, and they may go to the Supreme Court," indicating the possibility of further legal action. Despite these concerns, Bhattacharjee spoke about the bail order, saying, "We are happy for this order." The Bangladesh High Court granted the bail on Wednesday in a sedition case, as reported by the Bangladesh-based The Daily Star. The ruling was made by a bench comprising Justice Md Atoar Rahman and Justice Md Ali Reza. Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent figure in the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatani Jagran Jote and a former ISKCON leader, was arrested at Dhaka airport on November 25 of the previous year. He is accused of insulting the national flag of Bangladesh and faces sedition charges about the alleged incident. Das had earlier applied for bail in the High Court after a lower court in Chittagong had rejected his plea on January 2. In February, the Bangladesh High Court asked the government to explain why Das should not be granted bail, as confirmed by Bhattacharjee. "The Bangladesh High Court has asked the government to respond to the ruling within two weeks," said Bhattacharjee in an earlier statement to ANI. In the January 2 hearing in Chittagong, Das' defence team presented arguments highlighting his respect for the country, comparing it to the reverence he has for his mother. "We mentioned to the court that the priest respects the motherland like his mother and is not a traitor," Bhattacharjee explained. Despite these arguments, the court, led by Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Saiful Islam, ruled against granting bail. The bail hearing in Chittagong was held under tight security, with Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Advocate Mofizur Haque Bhuiyan representing the prosecution. The case has attracted significant public interest, and the developments in the Bangladesh High Court continue to draw close attention. (ANI)
American lawmaker Rich McCormick strongly condemned the heinous terror attack which took place in Pahalgam on April 22. He highlighted how US President Donald Trump had taken a hard stance on terrorism in this regard. He referred to the movie, Kashmir Files on how it tells the history of Kashmir. "If you look at the history of Kashmir and what's happened historically, seeing the movie Kashmir Files or understand the history of that region", while speaking to ANI about Pahalgam attack, Republican lawmaker McCormick said, "There's still threatening and posturing by Pakistan. This is just more of the same. People would want to steal that area away from India to destabilise that region to make people scared to live there." He said that he is concerned about escalations between India and Pakistan in this regard. "So what I'm concerned about is escalations between two major powers, mean you two nuclear powers involved...You have people that are trapped in between. The president's already taken a hard stance against this sort of violence for this, it's terrorism. We can't call it anything else." He said that the government of Pakistan should be condemning the violence. "We should be looking to them to make a hard statement, that that (attack) is wrong. We don't ever accept that sort of violence against innocent people." Speaking about the importance of India as America's ally, McCormick said that India is an ally and "somebody who's economically tied to us (US), somebody who is now militarily tied to us, somebody who looks over a region and is in the proximity of China and Taiwan and a region that's strategically important to us." Speaking about the fight against terrorism, McCormick remarked, "I think when it comes to fundamental terrorism, wherever it's in the world, we should be helping people avoid it. Our common enemy are those people who would do harm to innocent people." Remarking on India-US cooperation to combat terrorism, McCormick told ANI, "I think it's extra important to make sure that we are sharing intelligence. It doesn't compromise either nation, actually enhances the security of India as well as the United States simultaneously." As many as 26 people were killed and several others were injured after terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 121st episode of Mann Ki Baat, strongly condemned the attack. He said he felt a "deep agony" and assured the families of the victims that the attackers would face the "harshest response." (ANI)
The injured citizens were evacuated to the Ziv Medical Center in Safed, after sustaining injuries in Syrian territory.

The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) said it is monitoring developments in the region, and IDF troops are deployed and prepared for defense and developments in Syria. (ANI/TPS)
In a show of solidarity, Ambassadors and representatives of dozens of countries contributing troops to United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), as well as Member States of the UN Security Council, visited the UN peacekeeping mission's headquarters in south Lebanon and the Blue Line on Wednesday. Notably, it was not until 2000 that Israel withdrew from Lebanon. In the absence of an agreed border, the UN identified a 120km line of withdrawal known as the Blue Line, which UNIFIL monitors and patrols. According to the UNIFIL statement, the visit of ambassadors and representatives from 38 countries, including all five permanent members of the Security Council, is the first such event since the recent hostilities. UNIFIL currently has peacekeepers from 47 countries. https://x.com/indiainlebanon/status/1917610723196182642?s=48 Ambassador of India to Lebanon, Noor Rahman Sheikh, participated in the briefing by UNIFIL & also joined the visit to the Blue Line. "Ambassador @NoorRahman_IFS participated in the briefing by UNIFIL & also joined the visit to the Blue Line. The Indian Battalion @INDBATT has also been doing an outstanding peacekeeping job in the Eastern Sector of the Blue Line for the last 26 years," the Embassy of India, Beirut wrote on X. Welcoming the visitors to the mission headquarters in Naqoura, its head and Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lazaro, said that such a visit would not have been possible due to the unfavourable situation on the ground only a few months ago. "Your presence here is an encouraging indication of the increased stability in the south and the progress made since the understanding on a cessation of hostilities came into effect on November 27, 2024," said the UNIFIL head. "The support of UNIFIL's troop-contributing countries - and the countries who contribute in other ways - is essential to restoring stability to south Lebanon and along the Blue Line. I thank them and their peacekeepers serving on the ground for their continued contributions." The delegation visited two UNIFIL positions along the Blue Line, near Marwahin and in Labbouneh, as per UNIFIL. Ambassadors expressed their appreciation for peacekeepers' important work under difficult circumstances to support the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and United Nations Security Council resolution 1701, including facilitating the redeployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces to the south. (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], May 1 (ANI/TPS): Pursuant to the urgent operational need as defined by the Fire and Rescue Service Commissioner, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the National Security Council in cooperation with the National Security Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to lead an international assistance effort for firefighting aircraft. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has contacted nearby countries, including Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy and Bulgaria. The National Security Ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Fire and Rescue Service are coordinating the integration of the assistance as per updated assessments of the situation. All relevant agencies are working to bring about the arrival of the international assistance as soon as possible. At the same time, local firefighting aircraft will be put into operation gradually as per their capabilities, operational considerations and availability. Aircraft from the "Elad" squadron and Israel Police helicopters are currently in action; the Air Force is preparing to render immediate operational assistance. (ANI/TPS)
Iranian companies have called on the Indian government and international organisations to help lift US-imposed sanctions that are hindering their global trade operations. Industry leaders from firms such as Modiran Polymers and Mobarakeh Steel Group emphasised the urgent need for support in removing these restrictions, which have severely limited their ability to conduct financial transactions, access shipping services, and engage directly with international markets. They urged India and global bodies to play a constructive role in facilitating smoother trade relations and restoring fair market access for Iranian exporters. Speaking to ANI, Mohammad Kaboli, Managing Director of Modiran Polymer, says that they want to do business with India, but due to US sanctions, they can't do business with India directly. "India is a good country, but we can't do business due to US sanctions. We have to use the Dubai transit route, because we have a problem with the money transaction and transportation. Due to sanctions, very few shipments come to Iran for the transportation of goods," he said. He added that traders who are coming to our stall in the Iran Expo are showing good quality products. "Our purpose is to increase our client base and export. Our only request to the government is to solve some problems so that companies like ours can work easily for export. We want to make easy money transfers, as there is no system to transfer money to Iran through SWIFT. Iran and the US are engaged in negotiations, and we hope that negotiations between Iran and the United States will solve everything", he said. Speaking exclusively to ANI on the sidelines of the Iran Expo, Abouzar Alvandi, Export Head for Far East and Middle Asia at Mobarakeh Steel Group, said, "Due to these sanctions by the US and EU, we face difficulties in financial transactions, particularly through the SWIFT system. As a result, we're often forced to export indirectly via third-party traders instead of directly to end users, who fear being blacklisted under US sanctions," he said. He also pointed to logistical challenges, especially in maritime shipping. "Very few ship owners are willing to work with Iranian companies or send vessels to Iranian ports, which severely hampers our operations," he noted. (ANI)
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Legislative coffees hosted by the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce wrapped up last weekend, even as lawmakers aren't quite sure when they'll be done for the session.

While lawmaker's per diem expenses stop being paid Friday, legislators at Saturday's public forum said they expect the session will extend further.

In attendance Saturday at Wilson Middle School were Rep. Josh Turek, House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl and Sen. Dan Dawson. The legislators answered questions about topics like education, energy bills and eminent domain.

Watch legislators answer constituents' questions at Saturday's Legislative Coffee The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce held its final Legislative Coffee public forum on Saturday morning.

Private schools

One of the first topics of conversation revolved around the difference between private and public school regulations.

With the Education Savings Account program in Iowa, taxpayers are curious as to how with public funding, regulations differ between types of school.

Dawson said that there should be some different regulations otherwise there wouldnt be a difference between types of schools.

One of the reasons for ESAs was not to create private schools and public schools but to give people a choice. There's a lot of choices out there, and that was the part of education reform, Dawson said.

Dawson did say there should be some minimum standards across the board.

What would be the point of giving these other education opportunities if we're just going to, essentially, in the end, make everyone a public school, Dawson said.

On the other side, Turek said that while he does support private schools, he does not agree with public dollars going into them.

I don't think that we should be giving hundreds of millions of dollars. I mean, essentially, we're allowing taxpayers to pay for the richest families in the state to go to private schools, Turek said.

Cellphone ban

The legislators were asked how teachers are to enforce a cellphone ban in schools that was recently passed in the Legislature.

Each pointed out that the bill allows districts to have the flexibility to create their own policy. The bill only mandates that they have one.

What we were doing is we're just requiring basically a basement, just requiring every single school district or school board to have some policy to at least restrict cellphone regulation now, Turek said.

Turek said the action was necessary as cellphones can have a negative impact on children.

We are looking at what's happening with cellphones, and it's now really, really clear this is having a negative impact on our children, so we have to do something about it, Turek said.

Dawson noted that ultimately the schools may even see some improvement.

When a kid goes to school, they go to school to learn. They don't go to school. Stick their head in this for four hours a day. We're just asking the school districts, which they supported, just putting the policy in place and can be tailored for each district, Dawson said.

Windschitl pointed out that the bill does allow for exceptions to cellphone usage in cases of emergency.

There are certain exceptions to it for students. Maybe they monitor their glucose or insulin levels on their phone, there are medical exceptions in there if they need to have that device with them, or if there's an emergency going on at home, Windschitl said.

Water quality

Legislators were also asked about water quality, specifically in schools. The legislators responded noting that water quality is not just a problem that affects schools, but the whole state.

Water quality is something that really, really ultimately affects us all. And I do think that there's a direct correlation to our water quality and our cancer rates in this state, Turek said.

Both Turek and Windschitl brought attention to the fact that members of the House have tried to pass multiple bills addressing water quality but none have made it through the Senate.

However, the legislators are working to enhance treatment plants.

We're continuing to advance different water quality measures. We have put a lot of funding into making sure that we're not having to run off from farm fields or rural districts, especially in your urban districts as well going along and that's running down into waterways, Windschitl said.

Dawson said that targeting the treatments is a big part of the equation to addressing water quality concerns.

If we don't help these treatment plants, then you know, water quality will deteriorate, but you know, it's a tough issue, right? It's really a tough issue out there, Dawson said. We're actually actively working on legislation right now, trying to figure out how we can support some of these treatment upgrades out there.

One bill that did pass that concerns water quality is legislation that requires the disclosure of lead pipes when selling a home.

Eminent domain

As talks of a carbon pipeline flurry, legislators were asked about their thoughts on eminent domain, especially for such a project.

All legislators were in agreement that eminent domain is something that should be used sparingly.

I think that property rights are paramount, and I think that we should not be using eminent domain when it comes just for the benefit of corporations, Turek said.

Windschitl also noted the attempts made so far to help protect private property.

We have sent numerous proposals to try and protect private property, landowner rights, and make sure that somebody's property is not taken away from them by use of force, Windschitl said. If you allow the government to come in and take your property willy-nilly, what's the point of having private property?

Other topics

One question asked if there could be more transparency about who writes the bills. Legislators said that a lot of them are combinations of other states bills as well, which is how it should be. Windschitl went into an explanation of how the bills are written, saying they have drafters who take ideas and look into codes and write them.

Legislators were also asked about age restrictions on pornography. They all agreed on age restrictions to enter explicit sites, but Windschitl pointed out that it is difficult to do. What a site would need to verify age could get tricky and can wander into privacy rights territory.

Dawson hopes to resolve property tax and pharmacy benefit manager reform before the session is over. Windschitl also hopes for pharmacy benefit manager reform, funding for nursing homes and funding for community colleges.

Turek hopes to secure additional funding towards Medicaid reimbursement for dentistry, funding for nursing homes and also would agree with pharmacy benefit manager reform.

Windschitl: Governor's energy bill won't advance 'in its current form' Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds' energy bill won't advance "in its current form," Iowa House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl told constituents in Council Bluffs during a public forum.
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Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
In a letter to the members of the UN Security Council, Morocco debunked a series of allegations used by Algeria to deny its responsibility over the continuing suffering of the population held in the Tindouf camps.

The letter was sent by Moroccos representative to the UN, Omar Hilale, in response to Algerian claims put forward during a Security Council meeting on forced displacement.

The Algerian ambassador spoke of the population held against their will in the Polisario-run camps as forcibly displaced. Hilale noted that these people have been denied the freedom of movement for decades as they continue to be deprived of their most basic rights, including the choice to return to their homeland Morocco, settle in a third country, or integrate into the host country Algeria, as recommended by the UNHCRs durable solutions.

The Tindouf camps population is also denied the rights to freedom of expression, movement, and assembly, he said, adding that Algeria has abandoned its jurisdiction over the camps to the Polisario militias in violation of international law and contrary to its obligations as a host country, as denounced by the Human Rights Committee in its report CCPR/C/DZA/CO/4 of August 17, 2018, paragraph 9.

Algeria has also denied the UN Refugee Agency the right to conduct a census to allow a proper registration of the people held in the camps.

The absence of a census facilitates the diversion of humanitarian aid, which has led agencies and NGOs to reduce the volume of their assistance, Hilale said.

Hilale asked Algeria to look itself in the mirror as the party that blocks progress towards a lasting political solution to the conflict on the basis of the autonomy plan, which has been described in recent UN resolutions as serious and credible.

As it sticks to the obsolete and unfeasible referendum option, Algeria has blocked the UN round tables process by rejecting to take part, he said.

Hilale added that Algerias blindness prevents it from realizing that the autonomy initiative has the support of more than 100 UN member states, including two permanent members of the Security Council, the former occupying power of the Moroccan Sahara, and 23 EU member states.
Two Italian MPs of Democratic Party have expressed firm support for the autonomy plan offered by Morocco for the Sahara under its sovereignty, commending the serious, credible, and realistic plan which is gaining a growing international recognition.

The two politicians, Ettore Rosato and Ouidad Bakkali , voiced their supportive stand at the 2nd Policy Conference of the Coalition for Autonomy in the Sahara (AUSACO) held Tuesday in Dakhla, pearl of Moroccan Sahara.

The two members of Italian parliament hailed the impressive socio-economic development in the Sahara region, which is becoming a hub of peace and stability in the Sahel-Saharan area.

They lauded the excellent Moroccan-Italian relations, describing Morocco as an essential partner of the European Union, a gateway to the African continent, and a bridge linking Europe to Africa.

In 2019, Morocco and Italy signed multi-dimensional strategic partnership roadmap. Italy remains one of Moroccos major European trading partners, with nearly 200 Italian companies installed in the country and operating in various sectors.
Progress continues on the several projects bringing broadband internet access to unserved residents in Lee County, and a statewide plan to address access is in the works as well.

District 5 Lee County Commissioner Richard LaGrand, who was attending Monday's Lee County Commission meeting remotely, requested time for a discussion on broadband issues in Beauregard and Loachapoka. Monday night's discussion was primarily County Administrator Holly Leverette providing an update on the current projects in Lee County that will provide access to unserved residents, as well as next steps being taken at the state level.

Leverette said the project creating access in Salem is complete, and the area is in the operations phase, where residents can request service at their houses.

Work on the Southeast project began on July 25, 2024, and is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2026. The project is 26 total miles and is expected to cover 196 households, Leverette said.

The East Central project is one that has some ties to the Salem area project, Leverette said. The East Central work began on Jan. 1 and is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, with 24 miles in total and 370 locations to be served.

The South Central project, which will cover 21 miles and serve 127 locations, is scheduled to begin in October and be completed around March 31, 2026.

The Loachapoka project is expected to start on Sept. 1, 2025, and be ready for operations phase by Dec. 31, 2026. The Loachapoka project will be 9.9 miles and will serve approximately 89 locations in the area.

Loachapoka resident Lakeisha Young Hicks has been a vocal supporter of getting broadband access to the unserved and underserved communities in Lee County, and she asked the commission for continual updates on the projects.

What is the BEAD program from ADECA?

Beyond Lee County's own broadband access projects, Leverette said she recently attended a webinar held by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs that discussed the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program. The BEAD Program is meant to reach all of the unserved or underserved areas once counties like Lee are finished with their ARPA projects.

Leverette said ADECA identified 18,150 locations in Lee County that are unserved or underserved. She said the goal for ADECA is that once the BEAD Program is complete, all of those locations will be served.

She said ADECA identified 30 community anchor institutions, which are different areas in each county that ADECA sees as vitally important for getting broadband to that location, like schools and hospitals. Leverette said 16 of the 30 identified in Lee County were schools in rural Lee County.

"When the ISPs come in to put their project plans out there, project plans that are including these anchor institutions are going to be given higher priority because they feel that they are so important to the community," Leverette said. "So the areas around these schools and these anchor institutions are also going to benefit from having broadband come into those areas."

Leverette said right now the program is just in the phase of accepting awards from ISPs, and the total end date for the project and work associated is 2030.

Batting cages at Beulah Park, new subdivision and more

The commission unanimously approved the capital project for new batting cages at Beulah Park. Lee County Parks Manager Ryan Norris said the project will be funded by an allocation from Beulah Recreation, and he expects the project to cost $150,000.

"(I've) been in communication with the Lee County Recreation Board representative of Beulah, and they expressed the need of a batting cage structure in the new park," Norris said.

The commission also voted to declare April as Financial Literacy Month in the county, following a presentation from Nate Dunlap, the chairman and co-founder of The PRF Institute.

"We know that Alabama is one of the states that has a high poverty rate, and it does trickle down to our county and our cities," Dunlap said. "Our organization, the PRF Institute, has been a leader across the nation in helping to make sure that people have the financial literacy resources to get into much better places financially."

For more information about the nonprofit organization and the work it does, you can visit prfinstitute.org.

The commission approved a liquor license application for an off-premise retail wine license for Store 109, which is located on Auburn Road in Phenix City, according to Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones.

The commission unanimously granted preliminary plat approval for Phase 1 of the Sweet Home Estates Subdivision. The proposed subdivision is located adjacent to Lee Road 158. The plat will create six lots, with the smallest being 1.23 acres, according to the memorandum in the commission's agenda packet.
Bella Ramsey, Harris Dickinson, Nicola Coughlan and Paapa Essiedu are among more than 400 industry professionals who have signed an open letter calling for UK Film & TV Industry action on trans rights.



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Noble Corp's management expressed optimism about the future of the deepwater market and the company's position within it, leading to a positive market response.

Noble Corp, (NYSE:NE) turned in a pretty solid report for Q-1 this week, and gave a forecast that caused the stock to rally sharply, up 12%, on the news. Over the course of the day, where oil prices had dropped to around $60, it managed to hold onto a good chunk of that gain. Key among the salient points of the release was the announcement of a $2.0-$2.5 bn addition to the company's backlog in the quarter, bringing the total to $7.5 bn on the upside. Anytime you can announce a 30% increase in future contracted revenues, you're doing something right and will attract investors attention. Even when you miss slightly on EPS guidance for the quarter, $0.26 vs expectations of $0.35.

Equally important for investors was the confidence the company expressed about an observed backlog "inflection" in the market, and a strong pipeline of new contracting opportunities. It is important for investors that key players, like Noble, express optimism about the health of the deepwater market, and given the reaction today, they have nicely ticked that box. The stock prices of offshore drillers, such as OSD, have been crushed over the last six months as white space in drilling schedules and a lack of backlog additions have caused doubts about an eventual recovery in the OSD sector. Nobles Q-1 report put a lot of those fears to rest.

A transformative contract in the Gulf of America with Shell

The announcement of the Shell GOA contract for two 7-G rigs, with a 4-year timeline and over $1.2 bn in guaranteed revenue, was what the market had been waiting to see. That works out to $ 465,000 per day, which, for a contract of that length, sets the bar for top-tier assets. These

It brings a couple of things to mind. The first being that Shell has a significant amount of GOA work planned over the specified time period. The second is that they are willing to commit big bucks to have these rigs available at today's rates. Meaning that if they did a shorter deal, the day rate might be higher, costing them more in the long run. This is the type of contract NE has alluded to as being on the horizon in past quarters. One that provides long-term revenues at competitive day rates, supporting margins and cash flow for operations and investor returns.

NE is incurring some upgrade capital expenditures for these rigs, including hookload to 2.8 mm lbs, a controlled pressure mud line, which precludes the need for managed pressure drilling (MPD) equipment, heave-compensated cranes, and a few other items. They figure $60-70 mm per rig. In a 4-year deal with performance incentives, that's no big deal.

Again related to the Shell contract, we haven't seen in a while. A long while. Performance bonuses to the day rate of 20% will apply if certain incentives were met. They weren't specific but it's very likely these are related to beating the AFE technical limit curve, and doing so with no recordable safety incidents. Time and safety are always integral to Shell contracts.

If that wasn't enough Total, (NYSE: TTE) picked up two rigs-1 7-G drillship and a 6-G Semi, for their work offshore Suriname. The contracts span 16 wells per rig or approximately 1,060 days each and are expected to commence between Q4 2026 and Q1 2027. Total revenue is $753 million, with an additional $297 million in upside potential from performance bonuses. Across both rigs were also four one-well options that could extend the life of the contract.

There were other positive commercial items cited in the call, but these are the ones that drove the stock price higher

Q-1, financials and guidance

Drilling revenue for the first quarter totaled $832 million, adjusted EBITDA was $338 million, and adjusted EBITDA margin was 39%. Q1 cash flow from operations was $271 million, net capital expenditures were $98 million, and free cash flow was $173 million.

Total backlog as of April 28th stands at $7.5 billion, up approximately 30% versus the prior quarter.

Noble paid $80 million in dividends and repurchased $20 million of shares during Q1. Yesterday, our Board declared another $0.50 per share dividend for the second quarter of 2025. It is worth noting that the dividend component of this well-funded shareholder return program is yielding nearly 10% at current share prices. Solidly covered dividends with a yield this high are rare indeed.

Full year guidance ranges, including total revenue between $3.25 billion to $3.45 billion, adjusted EBITDA between $1.05 billion to $1.15 billion, and capital expenditures, which excludes customer reimbursements of between $375 billion and $425 billion.

Company filings

Risks

Further-short term I would think, share price deterioration if WTI and Brent break down completely. An eventuality thats not off the table at this point. How low could it go? That is the eternal question. Zero is the answer, but with the improving market and solid balance sheet, we dont view it as a significant risk.

There is also some white space on their calendar in the near term to medium term, as noted below. The company mentioned discussions that could color in this space.

We still expect this contracted rig count to sag a bit lower through the rest of this year, with an anticipated inflection sometime in 2026. Although, admittedly, forecasting precision is definitely hampered at the moment. But again, we do have decent visibility for some additional work for our fleet, which would support a materially improved contracted position by next year.

Company filings

Your takeaway

If you have any faith in the deep-water market rebounding, buying NE at current prices is a solid choice for capital allocation. I have previously branded them as best in class, and stand by that comment. Robert Eifler, CEO, commented on the market outlook-

We still see a choppy spot market for deepwater and jackups throughout 2025 and into 2026. However, we also believe that the medium- to long-term fundamentals are actually enhanced by every month of curtailed investment and spare capacity being unwound. Contracted UDW utilization has been flat with total rig count having dipped only slightly from 100 rigs to 99 rigs since the time of our last earnings call, offset by a two-rig reduction in marketed supply, leaving marketed utilization essentially unchanged at 90%.

That sounds bullish to me for investors with a little patience. With their ability to land a huge contract like Shell, NE has demonstrated a market preference for their assets. That rings true from my experience in the field. I was always glad to hit a Noble rig. Noble was and is a class act and rates a Strong Buy at current levels, based on EV/EBITDA-4.3X, solid financials, shareholder returns and a long pipeline of high margin cash flow.

By David Messler for Oilprice.com
The US President has suggested recognizing Russia's annexation of Crimea as part of a peace deal, which is strongly opposed by Ukraine, and the US continues to urge both sides to seek a resolution to the ongoing war.

While Russia declared a three-day cease-fire, Ukraine's President Zelenskyy has called for a longer, unconditional truce and rejects any land concessions to Russia, particularly regarding Crimea.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the US will step back from mediating the Russia-Ukraine war unless both parties present specific plans to end the conflict.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on April 29 that unless Russia and Ukraine put forward specific plans for ending the war in Ukraine, the United States will curtail its efforts to mediate.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce cited Rubio as saying that the time had been reached at which "concrete proposals need to be delivered by the two parties on how to end this conflict."

If there is not progress, the United States will step back as mediators in this process," Bruce told reporters.

Later on April 29 at a UN Security Council meeting, US diplomat John Kelley blamed Russia for the continuing bloodshed, saying it had "regrettably" carried out high-profile strikes "causing needless loss of life, including of innocent civilians."

"Right now, Russia has a great opportunity to achieve a durable peace," Kelley said, while adding that the burden for ending the war rests with Russia and Ukraine.

"It is up to the leaders of both these countries to decide whether peace is possible. If both sides are ready to end the war, the United States will fully support their path to a lasting peace," he said.

US President Donald Trump said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to end the war in Ukraine, telling ABC in an interview broadcast on April 29, "I think he does," when asked if Putin wants peace

Putin on April 28 declared a three-day cease-fire on May 8-10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union and its allies in World War Two.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy questioned the need to wait until the anniversary for a cease-fire and called for an "immediate, full, and unconditional" 30-day truce.

Trump and his envoys have been pressing Ukraine to agree to a cease-fire. At the same time Trump has been urging Russia to stop attacking Ukraine. In the interview with ABC, Trump said he "was not happy when I saw Putin shooting missiles into a few towns and cities."

The US president reportedly has suggested an official recognition of Russia's takeover of Crimea -- an annexation rejected by nearly all the world -- in addition to land swaps.

Zelenskyy has held firm against formal international recognition of Russia's 2014 takeover of Crimea.

"We all want this war to end in a fair way -- with no rewards for Putin, especially no land," Zelenskyy said on April 29 in a videoconference at a summit organized by Poland.

At the Security Council, France and Britain praised US mediation, while criticizing Russia, which launched more drone attacks late on April 29, hitting the cities of Dnipro and Kharkiv.

Jean-Noel Barrot, France's minister for Europe, said Kyiv had demonstrated goodwill and called Putin the sole obstacle to a cease-fire by seeking Ukraine's "capitulation."

Russia's UN ambassador, Vasily Nebenzya, rejected allegations that Russian forces had targeted civilians and accused Ukraine of using civilians or human shields by positioning air defenses in heavily populated areas.

He accused Kyiv of recklessly rejecting balanced US peace proposals and targeting Russian civilians, while saying it was increasingly difficult for Western backers of Zelenskyy's government to conceal its "brutal, misanthropic and Nazi essence."

Mariana Betsa, a Ukrainian deputy foreign minister, told the Security Council that Russia wants Ukraine to surrender and Kyiv could not accept peace at any cost.

She said Ukraine would never recognize any temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine as Russian, including Crimea, which Moscow has held since 2014.

By RFE/RL

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Koch will exit the oil and fuels trading business to focus on other, more customer-oriented trading activities, a spokesperson for Koch Minerals & Trading, a division of the industrial conglomerate, said, as quoted by Reuters.

Bloomberg reported that the company was going to expand in metals, maritime transport, and natural gas related products, citing a letter by company executives.

Last November, Reuters reported that Koch was laying off people at the oil and fuels trading division. The layoffs were being made in the United States and other locations of the company around the world.

Besides oil and fuels, Koch trades in natural gas, metals, and other commodities.

The conglomerate began to shrink its presence in oil several years ago, when it sold oil sands operations to Canadian Cavalier Energy. The company was following in the footsteps of international energy majors, which staged an exodus from the oil sands industry amid tightening regulations that put a burden on costs and ease of doing business in the area.

In the years prior to the asset sale, Koch blamed the former Alberta NDP government for the regulatory uncertainty that, the company said, forced it to suspend a planned S$601-million project in the oil province.

Even earlier than that, Koch said Canadas signing of the Kyoto Accord on emissions reduction was the reason for it to abandon another project, Fort Hills, which would have sucked in some $2.6 billion in investments. Fort Hills is now Suncor's property and is operating, despite the Kyoto Accord.

Meanwhile, Koch has been investing in electric cars. By 2022, the company had made at least 10 investments in electric cars and batteries, a Wall Street Journal report revealed at the time, despite the owners of the conglomerate also being active in funding organizations opposing climate change policies and themselves opposing the tightening of environmental regulations in the United States.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Natural gas production from the massive discovery in the Black Sea offshore Romania is expected to begin in 2027, Austrias energy giant OMV said on Wednesday, adding that the project, Neptun Deep, is advancing as scheduled.

Drilling for the first of ten wells began in March this year and is anticipated to take two to three months, OMV said in its first-quarter results release.

Initial gas production at Neptun Deep is planned for 2027.

The development concept of Neptun Deep includes ten production wells  four in the Pelican South field and six in the Domino field.

Upon reaching peak production, Neptun Deep is expected to yield around 8 billion cubic meters of gas annually, according to OMV.

Neptun Deep is the largest natural gas project in the Romanian Black Sea and the first deepwater offshore project in Romania, OMVs Romanian business, OMV Petrom, says.

The estimated natural gas production is equivalent to around 30 times the current annual demand of about 4.3 million households.

By developing this project, Romania can secure its natural gas needs from domestic sources and become an important player in the European market, Christina Verchere, CEO of OMV Petrom, said in March when the first production well was spud.

When Neptun Deep comes on stream, it is expected to make Romania the biggest natural gas producer in the European Union (EU), as well as a net gas exporter for the very first time.

Norway, not an EU member but a close ally to the bloc, is the single biggest gas supplier to Europe, having replaced Russia in 2022.

Norways natural gas exports hit a record level in 2024 and are expected to remain close to this all-time high in the next few years, gas export system operator Gassco said at the end of 2024. Last year marked a record year for Norwegian exports to Europe, Gassco said, adding that Norways gas accounted for 30% of Europes natural gas imports and about 9% of all European energy consumption.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Petrobras booked a virtually flat crude oil production for the first quarter of the year, at 2.77 million barrels daily, down by 0.2% on the first quarter of 2024. It was up by 5.4% sequentially, however, the Brazilian state energy major reported.

Production of crude specifically registered a decline of 1%, to 2.21 million barrels daily, Reuters reported, citing the companys first-quarter report.

Petrobras attributed the overall quarterly increase in oil and gas production to lower losses resulting from maintenance-related suspensions of operations, improved efficiency at fields in the Santos Basin, the addition of a new floating production, storage, and offloading vessel at the Buzios field, and the ramp up at another FPSO at the Mero field.

The company noted, however, that the ramp-up was partially offset by a natural decline in production at some fields.

Earlier this year, the Brazilian state oil company reported a new discovery at the Buzios field that could boost production from that field to 2 million barrels daily by 2030. Currently, the field produces around 800,000 barrels daily.

Also earlier this year, Petrobras said its proven oil and gas reserves increased by 500 million barrels last year, from 10.9 billion barrels to 11.4 billion barrels. As much as 85% of this total was in the form of crude oil and condensates, with the remainder natural gas, Petrobras also said. The company also added 1.3 billion barrels of oil equivalent to its total reserves, while production came in at 900 million barrels of oil equivalent.

Petrobrass plans for production growth focused on greater recovery rates at existing fields and stemming natural depletion processes. Its investment plan for the five years to 2029 stands at $111 billion. Of this, $77 billion was earmarked for oil and gas exploration and production activities. The total budget was revised $10 billion higher in late 2024 from its original version.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Businesses in the US are facing increased procurement costs and uncertainty as elevated aluminum premiums are expected to persist in the near term.

The tariff wall creates an arbitrage opportunity, but logistical and cost barriers make it difficult to move European aluminum to the US market.

Via Metal Miner

A striking aspect of the aluminum premium and the aluminum market turmoil currently unfolding after Trumps aluminum tariffs is how differently its playing out in the U.S. versus other regions. While premiums inside of the U.S. are rising, outside the United States, aluminum premiums are actually falling. With U.S. tariffs shutting out or discouraging some imports, those metal volumes are being redirected elsewhere, leading to relative oversupply abroad.

In Europe, for instance, the going premium for aluminum (duty-paid) has plunged to about $230 per metric ton, their lowest level in over a year. Since January, Europes aluminum premium has dropped more than 35% according to Reuters, a mirror image of the U.S. increase. As Reuters noted, physical market premiums in Europe have been falling elsewhere as aluminum produced in countries where import levies apply is diverted away from the U.S. In other words, according to MetalMiners weekly newsletter, metal that might have shipped to American buyers is now piling up in European warehouses, pushing down regional prices in the aluminum market.

Can Traders Beat the Tariff Wall?

This trans-Atlantic premium gap is a direct outcome of the tariff wall. The arbitrage opportunity is obvious on paper: if not for trade barriers, traders would rush to send cheap European aluminum into the pricey U.S. market. However, the very causes of the gap also complicate exploiting it.

A European producer might sell aluminum in the aluminum market at a $230/ton premium in Europe, for example, but shipping that metal to an American customer means incurring the U.S. import duty (25%). That duty alone could add roughly $600 per ton. Even with the higher U.S. premium, the math is tight once tariffs are paid.

Second, the logistical challenges discussed earlier, from finding available cargo ships to securing inland transport, make it non-trivial to simply divert all excess European metal stateside. Strategies to deal with these sourcing challenges can be found inThe 5 Best Practices for Metal Based Sourcing. It takes time to reorganize supply routes, and many buyers also hesitate to rely on distant shipments given the uncertainties.

Aluminum Market: From Beverage Cans to Aerospace

Europes aluminum industry is nonetheless scrambling to adapt. European producers and traders find themselves in an odd position: their local premium is depressed due to oversupply, yet a very attractive market exists across the ocean if they can navigate the tariffs. Some European suppliers have reportedly begun lobbying for relief or creative solutions. (Brussels, in fact, has hinted at investigating the surge of metal being diverted into Europe due to U.S. tariffs, worried it could hurt local producers.)

On the flip side, U.S. buyers are seeking any possible workaround. A few are exploring whether certain specialized aluminum products could be excluded from tariffs, or whether alternate trade channels could be viable. Thus far, however, the tariffs are broad and loopholes few. The net effect is that U.S. aluminum consumers remain largely locked into paying the steep premiums. American primary aluminum production capacity, which has been in decline for decades, cannot ramp up quickly enough to alleviate the shortage, according to Reuters.

With domestic output limited and imports now more costly, users have no immediate alternative. Many are simply absorbing the hit in the short-term. Industries from beverage can manufacturers to aerospace companies are bracing for higher input costs.

Outlook: Elevated Costs Likely to Persist

For business-to-business buyers in the aluminum market, the current scenario amounts to a rapid increase in procurement costs and considerable uncertainty ahead. All signs suggest that elevated premiums are here to stay in the near term. Traders predict U.S. aluminum premiums will continue rising as long as these dynamics hold, with producers and sellers pushing as much of the tariff burden onto consumers as the market will bear?.

Thus far, demand for physical aluminum has proven resilient enough that buyers are indeed paying these higher premiums, especially for must-have grades and prompt deliveries.

Some relief could eventually come from market adjustments or policy changes, but neither is immediate. If the high U.S. premium persists, it will gradually incentivize more creative supply responses. Perhaps new export channels from places like the Middle East, or increased secondary (scrap) aluminum utilization domestically.

Its telling that only one major supplier country, the United Arab Emirates, currently isnt subject to the new U.S. tariffs. The UAE accounts for about 11% of U.S. aluminum imports, according to Reuters. With Canada (the top supplier) now under heavy tariff, some U.S. buyers may pivot to rely more on UAE metal.

Policy resolution is the other hope on the horizon. There are murmurs of ongoing trade negotiations in the background. One example is talks with the EU and others to possibly dial down tensions. But for now, the tariffs remain firmly in place, and so does the retaliatory environment. In fact, businesses are operating under the assumption that these import taxes and the resulting supply chain snags will be an enduring feature for at least the next several months.

By Jennifer Kary

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(Photo courtesy of Marine Corps Installations Pacific)



Eisa on Camp Foster 2025 to showcase Okinawan dance on the Marine Corps installation May 11.

This open-base event will feature six local and on-base dance teams performing at Camp Foster Resale Lot near the PX from 2-4 p.m.

Eisa, an Okinawan dance whose history is thought to date back 400 to 500 years, is commonly performed during Obon or Kyu-bon, a period in late summer when locals welcome home the spirits of their ancestors. The dance was originally meant to see off the ancestors back to the afterlife at the end of the period. However, Eisa season is now broadly considered between June and September, according to the planning committee of Zento Eisa Matsuri (All Island Eisa Festival), the biggest Eisa Festival in Okinawa.

If you have lived in Okinawa for some time, youve probably heard the drum beat of the dancers when summer comes along.

The event on Camp Foster will lead the way to celebrate the arrival of Eisa season. Teams from Chatan Town will be joined by a team from the U.S. military as well as the Firebird Drummers, a team from the Amelia Earhart Intermediate School, to pump up the mood.

Local citizens with a photo ID will be granted access to the base via Legion Gate (Gate No. 6) from noon to 3 p.m. Those 17 years old and younger must be escorted by adults.

Come to Foster and celebrate the Eisa season together.

Eisa on Camp Foster 2025


By Taxpayers Association of Oregon Foundation,

The Deschutes National Forest along China Hat Road runs close to the City of Bend which has provided homeless campers a safe haven to escape the city to hide out in the campgrounds of the National Park.

The Taxpayers Association of Oregon Foundation did a tour of the area and found an apocalyptical wasteland of abandoned vehicles and camp sites. This area has been a hotbed of crime, drugs and vandalism.

Not being able to clear and clean the area has created a fire hazard problem. Also, the campers have blocked authorities from removing hazardous material found at the sites. The Trump administration has made fixing this problem a priority. They are closing off a 40-square mile area and warning of 6-month prison time and $5,000 fine for violators.

Previously, law enforcement has cited illegal campers only to have them move elsewhere on the vast property. Some have said this large encampment spread out over a large area remains as one the larger homeless refuges in the nation.

The large unruly encampments have made it hostile for families to enjoy the camp sites that their taxes pay for.

Homeless advocates who have filed over 80 disability lawsuits regarding enforcement issues.
I was born, raised and educated as a Catholic and continue to practice Catholicism unimpeded by the secular machinations of its leadership  including that of the late Pope Francis. It is the scripture and the teaching of the Church that remain despite attempts by those inside and outside the Church to warp them to fit their political beliefs. But let me digress to make the point.

Throughout the history of the Catholic Church there has been one Order that stands apart from the rest  the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). In large part that was due to educational excellence and contributions to math and science. However, equally important was their insistence on accompanying the European explorers as they opened the new world. In most instances the Jesuit priests were smarter and bettered educated than the leaders of these expeditionary forces and thus maintained significant influence over explorations and settlements, in North and South America as well as Japan, China and coastal Asia. It now extends in to Africa. So powerful did the Jesuits become they alone are not subject to the authority of bishops, archbishops and cardinals as all the other orders. They are subject only to the authority of Superior General of the Society of Jesus and he only to the Pope. At various times the Jesuits have been banned in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Mexico because they became too influential and supported the overthrow of various governments

And that was the prelude to Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) introduction to the priesthood in Argentina. It was at the time that liberation theology was in vogue and the Jesuits were busy trying to align the teachings of the Church with the goals of the communist rebels in much of South and Central America. The communists were anti-capitalists mostly because the wealthy who ruled those countries also controlled most of the wealth. And those in the Church bowing at the alter of liberation theology likewise became anti-capitalists, including then Fr. Bergoglio and continuing as he became Bishop and then Archbishop. He held particular animosity towards America even though he developed a close relationship with two nominal Catholics, former President Joe Biden (D) and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) both unwavering advocates of taxpayer funded abortions on demand despite the Churchs teaching to the contrary. And yet at the same time he took take every instance to criticize the current administration for seeking the deportation of illegal and criminal aliens in America.

That sort of asymmetrical outrage is made even more hypocritical by that fact that the Vatican  like most nations  bans illegal immigration and enforces it through massive and impenetrable walls. So, like much of Pope Francis attempt to inject himself into the secular world, his opposition has more to do with who is doing it rather than what is being done. Much like his progressive brethren.

The same can be said when he made comments regarding the plight of gay marriages and women in the priesthood. In doing so he declared his solidarity but did nothing about either of them. He outraged traditionalist with the suggestion and eventually those seeking change when he did nothing. In the end he simply fanned the flames of discord.

And while Pope Francis was sticking his nose into the business of other nations, what he didnt do  and what was actually within his power to do  was address the continuing outrage of members of the clergy engaging in sexual exploitation of our young and the ongoing financial scandal enveloping the Vatican Bank and the likely involvement of wealthy European capitalists. Neither of these matters can be dealt with convincingly without exposing historic corruption.

But it doesnt end there. During his papacy, Pope Francis installed three-quarters of the Cardinals who will select the next Pope. Given the propensity of leaders to gather like minded people around them you can be assured that these Cardinals are likely to be progressive. And while the progressives of Hollywood pushed the idea of a sexual outlier as Pope in The Conclave, the progressives of the College of Cardinals are much more likely to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. The result will be more of the same with the next Pope focusing on the affairs of other nations rather than the stain of the affairs of its own clergy. There is a high probability that the next pope will be a person of color if for no other reason than there has never been an African or Asian pope. Regardless of whether the person selected is qualified, the decision is likely to be made on the basis of diversity.

Notwithstanding my criticism of Pope Francis, I believe that he truly cared about the poor and the victims of war. But, he was a victim of his own history and was unwilling to seek solutions outside of his Socialist beliefs. Hopefully the next Pope will share his concerns but will actually act to remedy them rather than just point fingers.


By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

Here is a copy of the Voter Argument that the Taxpayers Association submitted in opposition to Measure 26-259

Taxpayers association of Oregon urges vote no on 26-259

Dont be fooled by the bond boondoggle

Portland taxpayers, dont be fooled by Portland Public Schools (PPS) massive $1.83 billion construction bond.

This measure is a blank check with virtually no accountability.

Incredibly, the school board still has no clear idea what projects will be included, how much they will cost, or when theyll be completed.

Go to the PPS website, and youll see  the bond budget does not show individual school budgets. It simply shows a single number$1.15 billionfor the three high schools, plus unnamed elementary and middle schools.

Will your kids school get repaired? You dont know, and PPS wont tell you .

PPS has a terrible track record with your money.

The 2020 bond included $311 million for Jefferson high school, but costs ballooned to $491 million without a single shovel put in the ground.

Think about it  PPS wants you to pay twice for Jefferson. First, with the 2020 bond. Now, with this bond.

An audit of the 2017 bond revealed that PPS presented public cost estimates that were $100 million lower than their own staff said it would cost!

PPS learned their lesson. This time, theyre not showing us the cost estimates!

The truth is simple: PPS wants your money with almost no accountability.

Theyre planning to build massive high schools while enrollment is dropping and will continue to drop.

Dont reward mismanagement and wasteful spending.

Vote no and demand a better plan with real accountability.

For more information on Portland Measure 26-259, follow us at OregonWatchdog.com

Help us stop new taxes on the ballot: Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty).
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Co-lead scientists Jasper Konter and Matt Jackson look for a suitable sampling site using data of seamount collected with the research ship's sonar system. Credit: Val Finlayson.

Geologists led by the University of Maryland and the University of Hawaii finally connected the dots between one of the largest volcanic eruptions in Earth's history and its source deep beneath the Pacific Ocean.

In a paper published in the journal Nature, the team revealed that the same underwater hotspot created both a chain of underwater volcanoes in the southern Pacific region and the massive Ontong-Java Plateau, the largest volcanic platform on Earth.

"Up until now, we've had this extremely disconnected picture of the Pacific and its volcanoes," said the study's corresponding author Val Finlayson, an assistant research scientist in UMD's Department of Geology.

"But for the first time, we're able to make a clear connection between the younger southern and older western Pacific volcanic systems. It's a discovery that gives us a more complete history of how the Pacific Ocean basin has evolved over millions of years to become what it is today."

For years, scientists wondered whether the southern Pacific Ocean's Louisville hotspotan area where hot and chemically distinct material from deep inside Earth rises to the surface to create volcanoesformed both the underwater mountain chain bearing its name and the 120-million-year-old Ontong-Java Plateau, a submerged seafloor platform located what is now north of the Solomon Islands.

Previous theories and models on how the Pacific seafloor moved attempted to explain the connection between the two major geological features but failed to provide a definitive answer.

Val Finlayson (left) and Paulo Galvan recovering rock samples from a dredge from a 2013 expedition. Credit: Val Finlayson. Credit: University of Maryland

"Much of the physical evidence for a connection between Louisville and Ontong-Java has disappeared because part of the Louisville hotspot track was subducted, or pushed, under tectonic plates in the Pacific region," Finlayson said. "We had to sample deeply submerged volcanoes from a different long-lived hotspot track to find evidence from tens of millions of years ago that suggested our models for the Pacific plate needed revision."

Finlayson and her team made their first breakthrough when they discovered a series of underwater mountains near Samoa that were much older than expected for volcanoes in the area. By analyzing the age and chemical makeup of ancient rock samples taken from the area, the researchers concluded that these mountains were part of a much older segment of the Louisville volcanic track, which Finlayson compared to a volcano's "footprints." As Earth's crust (tectonic plates) moves over hotspots, they form these volcanic tracks.

"We can track these 'footprints' across time and space," Finlayson explained. "The footprints get progressively older as you move away from an active hot spot, similar to how your own footprints will fade away in the sand as you walk. But you can still tell that these prints belong to the same source. Thanks to this new evidence, we were able to revise current models of Pacific plate motion and gain a better understanding of how the seafloor has moved over millions of years."

Finlayson's team now plans to apply their improved models to better understand other ancient volcanic features scattered across the ocean floor and above its surface. As many Pacific island nations currently sit atop volcanic platforms and underwater volcanic chains, Finlayson hopes that her work furthers understanding of the very foundations of those countries. She also believes that her team's discovery will help scientists develop a better understanding of volcanism and geological evolution, not just in the Pacific region, but around the world.

"We've solved one mystery, but there are countless more waiting to be unraveled. This finding offers us a more accurate history of the Pacific and its volcanic activity and helps us understand more about the dynamics and style of volcanism that occurs there," Finlayson said. "Everything new we learn about Earth's tumultuous past helps us better understand the dynamic planet we live on today."

More information: Valerie Finlayson, Pacific hotspots reveal a LouisvilleOntong Java Nui tectonic link, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08889-0. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08889-0 Journal information: Nature
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Chinese astronauts Wang Haoze, from left, Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong wave as they attend the see-off ceremony for the Shenzhou-19 mission at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, in the early hours of Oct. 30, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File

Three Chinese astronauts landed back on Earth on Wednesday after six months on China's space station.

The crew's landing module came down slowly after separating from the return vehicle, descending on a red-and-white parachute, in Dongfeng, in China's northern Inner Mongolia region on the edge of the Gobi Desert. Their return had been delayed by a day due to strong winds and low visibility. The area is prone to sandstorms this time of year.

The astronauts, Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze, were launched to the Tiangong space station in October, and they turned over control of the station Tuesday to the new crew that recently arrived to replace them.

The Shenzhou 20 that brought the new crew also carried equipment for space life sciences, microgravity physics and new technology for the space station.

The Tiangong, or "Heavenly Palace," space station has made China a major player in a new era of space exploration and the use of permanent stations to conduct experiments in space, especially since it was entirely Chinese-built after the country was excluded from the International Space Station over U.S. national security concerns.

Shenzhou-19 spacecraft sitting atop a Long March rocket takes off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwestern China in the early hours of Oct. 30, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File

China's space program is controlled by the People's Liberation Army, the military branch of the ruling Communist Party.

The three Chinese astronauts have carried out experiments and improvements to the space station during their time in space. Two of the astronauts, Cai and Song, conducted a nine-hour spacewalk, the world's longest, during their mission, China's space agency said.

The country's space program has grown rapidly in recent years. The space agency has landed an explorer on Mars and a rover on the far side of the moon. It aims to put a person on the moon before 2030.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

In a study led by the University of Agder (UiA), published in Microorganisms, researchers examined 331 horses from four counties. The results show that a full 66% of the horses have been exposed to one or more tick-borne viruses or bacteria.

"That's insanely high. Well over half of the horses tested positive for one or more tick-borne infectious agents," says Ph.D. Research Fellow Hanne Kloster, who led the study.

Highest in Scandinavia

Researchers took blood samples from horses in four counties: Agder, Vestfold and Telemark, Vestland and the former Viken county. They tested the blood samples for antibodies against three types of tick-borne diseases: Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and tick-borne encephalitis (which is caused by TBE).

If horses have antibodies against a bacterium or virus in their blood, it means that they have been infected by it at some point.

Antibodies against Borrelia were most prevalent, with findings in 47% of the horses. Antibodies against Anaplasma were found in 34%, while antibodies against TBE virus were detected in 10%.

"This is higher than similar findings in both Sweden and Denmark," says Kloster.

Many get sick without it being detected

The horse owners also completed a questionnaire. Of the 331 horses in the study, only one had been treated with antibiotics for tick-borne diseases. This may indicate that many horses have been sick without their owners noticing.

"If you have a horse with non-specific issues, you should consider testing for tick-borne diseases. This is particularly important in areas with a lot of ticks," says Kloster.

She recommends horse owners be more vigilant. "I would advise horse owners to use tick repellent on their horses and be diligent in checking them regularly for ticks. This applies to all types of horses. We found infection in competition horses, trotters and Icelandic horses, so none are exempt from the risk."

Differences between coast and inland

The study also revealed differences between the regions. Anaplasma was found in about half of the horses along the coast of Agder and Vestland, but in less than two out of ten horses in Vestfold and Telemark and the former Viken county.

TBE antibodies were equally common in Vestland as in the other counties.

"In Western Norway, no cases of TBE have been detected in humans. So the fact that we found quite a lot of antibodies in horses is quite surprising, and interesting for further research," says Kloster.

Could be a measure of infection

The findings are important for both horse owners and the general public. Ticks are spreading further north in Norway than before and can easily move from animals to humans.

"We can use horses as indicators of the infection levels in different areas," says Kloster.

The discovery of antibodies against the TBE virus, which can lead to meningitis, are particularly interesting, she finds.

"TBE can, at worst, be fatal for horses if untreated. This disease has also increased significantly among humans in Norway in recent years," says Kloster.

More information: Hanne Kloster et al, Seroprevalence of IgG Antibodies Against Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Virus in Horses in Southern Norway, Microorganisms (2025). DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13040771. www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/4/771
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The recent deportation orders targeting foreign students in the U.S. have prompted a heated debate about the legality of these actions. The Trump administration made no secret that many individuals were facing removal because of their pro-Palestinian advocacy.

In recent months, the State Department has revoked hundreds of visas of foreign students with little explanation. On April 25, 2025, the administration restored the legal status of many of those students, but warned that the reprieve was only temporary.

Because of their tenuous legal status in the U.S., immigrant activists are vulnerable to a government seeking to stifle dissent.

Critics of the Trump administration have challenged the legality of these removal orders, arguing that they violate constitutionally protected rights, including freedom of speech and due process.

The administration asserts that the executive branch has nearly absolute authority to remove immigrants. The White House has cited legislation passed during the peak of the nation's Cold War hysteria, like the McCarran-Walter Act of 1952, which expanded the government's deportation powers.

I'm a historian of immigration, U.S. empire and Asian American studies. The current removal orders targeting student activists echo America's long and lamentable past of jailing and expelling immigrants because of their race or what they say or believeor all three.

Where it began

The United States' current deportation process traces its roots to the late 19th century as the nation moved to exercise federal control of immigration.

The impetus for this shift was anti-Chinese racism, which reached a fever pitch during this period, culminating in the passage of laws that restricted Chinese immigration.

The influx of Chinese immigrants to the West Coast during the mid-to-late 19th century, initially fueled by the California Gold Rush, spurred the rise of an influential nativist movement that accused Chinese immigrants of stealing jobs. It also claimed that they posed a cultural threat to American society due to their racial otherness.

The Geary Act of 1892 required Chinese living in the U.S. to register with the federal government or face deportation.

The Supreme Court addressed the constitutionality of these statutes in 1893 in the case of Fong Yue Ting v. United States. Three plaintiffs claimed that anti-Chinese legislation was discriminatory, violated constitutional protections prohibiting unreasonable search and seizure, and contravened due process and equal protection guarantees.

The Supreme Court affirmed the Geary Act's deportation procedures, formulating a novel legal precept known as the plenary power doctrine that remains a key tenet of U.S. immigration law today.

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Court confirms the law

The doctrine included two key assertions.

First, the federal government's authority to exclude and deport aliens was an inherent and unqualified feature of American sovereignty. Second, immigration enforcement was the exclusive domain of the congressional and executive branches that were charged with protecting the nation from foreign threats.

The court also ruled that the deportation of immigrants in the country lawfully was a civil, rather than criminal matter, which meant that constitutional protections like due process did not apply.

The government ramped up deportations in the aftermath of World War I, fueled by wartime xenophobia. American officials singled out foreign-born radicals for deportation, accusing them of fomenting disloyalty.

Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer, who ordered mass arrests of alleged communists, pledged to "tear out the radical seeds that have entangled Americans in their poisonous theories" and remove "alien criminals in this country who are directly responsible for spreading the unclean doctrines of Bolshevism."

This period marked a new era of removals carried out primarily on ideological grounds. Jews and other immigrants from southern and eastern Europe were disproportionately targeted, highlighting the cultural affinities between anti-radicalism and racial and ethnic chauvinism.

'Foreign' agitators

The campaign to root out so-called subversives living in the United States reached its apex during the 1940s and 1950s, supercharged by figures like anti-communist crusader Sen. Joseph McCarthy and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.

The specter of foreign agitators contaminating American political culture loomed large in these debates. Attorney General Tom Clark testified before Congress in 1950 that 91.4% of the Communist Party U.S.'s leadership were "either foreign stock or married to persons of foreign stock."

Congress passed a series of laws during this period requiring that subversive organizations register with the government. They also expanded the executive branch's power to deport individuals whose views were deemed "prejudicial to national security," blurring the lines between punishing people for unlawful actssuch as espionage and bombingsand what the government considered unlawful beliefs, such as Communist Party membership.

While deporting foreign-born radicals had popular support, the banishment of immigrants for their political beliefs raised important constitutional questions.

Prosecution or persecution?

In a landmark case in 1945, Wixon v. Bridges, the Supreme Court did assert a check on the power of the executive branch to deport someone without a fair hearing.

The case involved Harry Bridges, Australian-born president of the International Longshoremen and Warehousemen's Union. Bridges was a left-wing union leader who orchestrated a number of successful strikes on the West Coast. Under his leadership, the union also took progressive positions on civil rights and U.S. militarism.

The decision in the case hinged on whether the government could prove that Bridges had been a member of the Communist Party, which would have made him deportable under the Smith Act, which proscribed membership in the Communist Party.

Since no proof of Bridges' membership existed, the government relied on dodgy witnesses and assertions that Bridges was aligned with the party because he shared some of its political positions. Accusations of "alignment" with controversial political organizations are similar to the charges made against foreign students currently at risk of deportation by the Trump administration.

The Supreme Court vacated Bridges' deportation order, declaring that the government's claim of "affiliation" with the Communist Party was too vaguely defined and amounted to guilt by association.

As the excesses and abuses of the McCarthy era came to light, they invited greater scrutiny about the dangers of unchecked executive power. Some of the more draconian statutes enacted during the Cold War, like the Smith Act, have been overhauled. The federal courts have toggled back and forth between narrow and liberal interpretations of the Constitution's applicability to immigrants facing deportationshifts that reflect competing visions of American nationhood and the boundaries of liberal democracy.

From union leaders to foreign students

There are some striking parallels between the throttling of civil liberties during the Cold War and President Donald Trump's crusade against foreign students exercising venerated democratic freedoms.

Foreign students appear to have replaced the immigrant union leaders of the 1950s as the targets of government repression. Presumptions of guilt based on hyperbolic claims of affiliation with the Communist Party have been replaced by allegations of alignment with Hamas.

As in the past, these invocations of national security offer the pretext for the government's efforts to stifle dissent and to mandate political conformity.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Nuts cosmological vignette on the outer coffin of Nesitaudjatakhet in the collection of Odessa Archaeological Museum OAM 52976 (C107). Nuts body is covered in stars as well as a thick, undulating black curve that runs from the soles of her feet to the tips of her fingers. This curve, surrounded by stars on both sides, is reminiscent of the Milky Ways Great Rift. Credit: Mykola Tarasenko; Odessa Archaeological Museum, NASU

An interest in understanding the role that the Milky Way played in Egyptian culture and religion has led University of Portsmouth Associate Professor of Astrophysics, Dr. Or Graur to uncover what he thinks may be the ancient Egyptian visual depiction of the Milky Way.

Various Egyptian gods are either associated with, symbolize, or directly embody certain celestial objects. In his study, Dr. Graur reviewed 125 images of the sky-goddess Nut (pronounced "Noot"), found among 555 ancient Egyptian coffins dating back nearly 5,000 years.

Combining astronomy with Egyptology, he analyzed whether she could be linked to the Milky Way and his findings are now published in the Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage.

In scenes reflecting the day and night sky, Nut is shown as a naked, arched woman, sometimes covered with stars or with solar disks. Nut's arched posture is seen as evoking her identification with the sky and its protection of Earth below.

As the goddess of the sky, Nut is often depicted as a star-studded woman arched over her brother, the earth god Geb. She protects the earth from being flooded by the encroaching waters of the void and plays a key role in the solar cycle, swallowing the sun as it sets at dusk and giving birth to it once more as it rises at dawn.

The Milky Way over the sand dunes of the Egyptian Western Desert near El-Fayoum, taken on 57 August 2022 at 12:00 AM (total exposure: 1.2 hours). Note the similarity between the Great Rift and the undulating black curve that bisects Nuts body. Credit: Osama Fathi

However, on the outer coffin of Nesitaudjatakhet, a chantress of Amun-Re who lived some 3,000 years ago, Nut's appearance deviates from the norm. Here, a distinctive, undulating black curve crosses her body from the soles of her feet to the tips of her fingers, with stars painted in roughly equal numbers above and below the curve.

Dr. Graur said, "I think that the undulating curve represents the Milky Way and could be a representation of the Great Riftthe dark band of dust that cuts through the Milky Way's bright band of diffused light. Comparing this depiction with a photograph of the Milky Way shows the stark similarity."

He added, "Similar undulating curves appear in four tombs in the Valley of the Kings. In the tomb of Ramesses VI, for example, the ceiling of the burial chamber is split between the Book of the Day and the Book of the Night. Both include arched figures of Nut displayed back-to-back and separated by thick, golden undulating curves that issue from the base of Nut's head and travel above her back all the way to her rear."

"I did not see a similar undulating curve in any of the other cosmological representations of Nut and it is my view that the rarity of this curve reinforces the conclusion I reached in a study of ancient texts last year, which is that although there is a connection between Nut and the Milky Way, the two are not one and the same. Nut is not a representation of the Milky Way. Instead, the Milky Way, along with the sun and the stars, is one more celestial phenomenon that can decorate Nut's body in her role as the sky."

The astronomical ceiling from the tomb of Seti I (KV 17). Note the undulating black curves between rows of yellow half-circles that border the two halves of the ceiling. Credit: Theban Mapping Project, Francis Dzikowski, May 2000

In a study published last year (April 2024), Dr. Graur drew from a rich collection of ancient sources, including the Pyramid Texts, Coffin Texts, and the Book of Nut, to compare them alongside sophisticated simulations of the Egyptian night sky and argue that the Milky Way might have shone a spotlight on Nut's role as the sky in Egyptian mythology.

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It proposed that in winter, the Milky Way highlighted Nut's outstretched arms, while in summer, it traced her backbone across the heavens. Dr. Graur's conclusions about Nut and the Milky Way have evolved since that initial paper. He said, "The texts, on their own, suggested one way to think about the link between Nut and the Milky Way. Analyzing her visual depictions on coffins and tomb murals added a new dimension that, quite literally, painted a different picture."

Both the current and previous studies are part of a larger project by Dr. Graur to catalog and study the multi-cultural mythology of the Milky Way. He said, "I chanced upon the sky-goddess Nut when I was writing a book on galaxies and looking into the mythology of the Milky Way. My interest was piqued after a visit to a museum with my daughters, where they were enchanted by the image of an arched woman and kept asking to hear stories about her."

More information: Or Graur, The Ancient Egyptian Cosmological Vignette: First Visual Evidence of The Milky Way and Trends in Coffin Depictions of The Sky Goddess Nut, Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage (2025). www.sciengine.com/doi/10.3724/  .140-2807.2025.01.06
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Study location in the Dolomite mountains in Italy. Credit: Monica Gagliano/Southern Cross University

An international study has revealed spruce trees not only respond to a solar eclipse but actively anticipate it by synchronizing their bioelectrical signals hours in advance into a cohesive, forest-wide phenomenon.

The discovery, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, shows older trees exhibit a more pronounced early response, suggesting these ancient sentinels retain decades of environmental memory and may use it to inform younger trees of impending events.

This study adds to the emerging evidence that plants are active, communicative participants in their ecosystems, capable of complex, coordinated behaviors akin to those seen in animal groups.

The lead authors are Professor Alessandro Chiolerio of the Italian Institute of Technology and University of the West of England, and Professor Monica Gagliano from Southern Cross University, Australia.

"This study illustrates the anticipatory and synchronized responses we observed are key to understanding how forests communicate and adapt, revealing a new layer of complexity in plant behavior," said Professor Gagliano.

"Basically, we are watching the famous 'wood wide web' in action."

Using custom-built, ruggedized low-power sensors deployed across a forest in the Dolomites (Italy), the interdisciplinary teamcomprising experts from Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Australiarecorded simultaneous bioelectrical responses from multiple trees.

A spruce tree with recording unit attached. In the Dolomite mountains in Italy. Credit: Monica Gagliano/Southern Cross University

Their analysis demonstrates that individual trees' electrical activity became significantly more synchronized before and during the eclipse, indicating that trees function as a unified living system that coordinates its response to external events.

"By applying advanced analytical methodsincluding complexity measures and quantum field theorywe have uncovered a deeper, previously unrecognized dynamic synchronization not based on matter exchanges among trees," said Professor Chiolerio.

"We now see the forest not as a mere collection of individuals, but as an orchestra of phase-correlated plants."

Professor Gagliano said the findings support calls for the preservation of wise old trees.

"The fact that older trees respond firstpotentially guiding the collective response of the forestspeaks volumes about their role as memory banks of past environmental events.

A spruce tree with wires attached. In the Dolomite mountains in Italy. Credit: Monica Gagliano/Southern Cross University

"This discovery underscores the critical importance of protecting older forests, which serve as pillars of ecosystem resilience by preserving and transmitting invaluable ecological knowledge," said Professor Gagliano.

Adding to its global impact, this pioneering research is set to be featured in an upcoming feature-length documentary, "Il Codice del Bosco" (The Forest Code), set to release in May 2025 in Italy.

More information: Alessandro Chiolerio et al, Bioelectrical synchronization of Picea abies during a solar eclipse, Royal Society Open Science (2025). DOI: 10.1098/rsos.241786 Journal information: Royal Society Open Science
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Natural archiveslike tree rings in old-growth forestscan provide information on climate change over time. A. Pace, CC BY

The effects of climate change are complex, especially on the water cycle. As we seek to better understand human-driven climate changes, long-term baselines for environmental data are essential.

However, records of past environmental conditions are too short to give us a robust understanding of how these systems have changed over time. One solution is to look at natural archives.

There are many natural processes that leave behind records of past environmental conditions, including tree rings.

Trees form a ring of wood every year, and the width of that ring can have a significant relationship with climate. We can then create a model based on the time period for which there is both recorded climate data and tree-ring widths. That model can be applied to the rings that formed before climate records began to reconstruct past conditions.

The challenge is to find forests with both strong climate-growth relationships and trees over a century oldsubstantially older than the length of climate data. This is especially difficult in southeastern Canada, where the vast majority of forests have been clear-cut.

Sensitive old growth forests

In the Appalachian Mountains of the Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec, we studied a rare old-growth cedar grove tucked into the valley between the base of Mont-Albert and the Sainte-Anne River, known for its Atlantic salmon fisheries.

The average hiker passing this eastern white cedar grove would probably not guess that some of these relatively small-diameter cedars are more than 500 years old, an age that is still relatively young for the oldest species in eastern Canada.

The strong competition for light in this closed-canopy forest causes trees here to grow very slowly. We found they grow especially slowly during years where the winter snow remained on the ground late into the spring. This late snowpack effectively shortens the trees' growing season and leads to a thinner tree ring that same year.

We went on to sample hundreds of trees in the valley and on the slopes at sites that had never been logged. We repeatedly found a strong relationship with snowpack and a related relationship with spring river flow. With these two closely related connections, we were able to reconstruct 195 years of climate history in the region.

Modern climate change records

Our recent study reconstructed spring and early summer river flow from 1822 for the Sainte-Anne River, a major river in Gaspesie National Park, the second-largest provincial park in southern Quebec.

Analysis of this tree ring/snowpack/river relationshipwhich was previously undocumented in eastern North Americasuggests that the region was affected quite early by modern climate change. A significant shift occurred in 1937, after which individual years of extremely high river flows and high snowpacks declined. Newspaper reports of floods in the greater region matched the years of high flow in our reconstruction as far back as the year 1872, further validating the results.

The reconstruction also reveals that the short river flow records for the Gaspesie mountains under-represent the region's susceptibility to prolonged periods of drought-like conditions. Local river flow records kept since 1968 show that the region experienced an equal number of decade-long dry springs and wet springs. However, our reconstruction suggests that during the 1822-1968 period, long bouts of dry spring climate were substantially more frequent and prolonged than wet ones.

Conservation impacts

The insights from this reconstruction could have implications for wildlife and hydropower. First, low water levels contribute to the decline of threatened Atlantic salmon populations.

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Second, alpine snowpack serves as a refuge for the threatened woodland caribou populations, which used to be spread across Atlantic Canada and northern New England. Today, the caribou are in sharp decline, with less than 40 remaining south of the St. Lawrence River, all within the Gaspe Peninsula.

The primary threat to these caribou is the extensive clear-cutting of old-growth forest habitat. Younger forests provide less food for caribou and lead to an increased abundance of moose and deer, along with their predatorsmainly coyotes and black bearswhich also prey on caribou.

Changing mountain snowpack conditions add to their peril as the snowpack has important effects on the health of caribou and the ability of their calves to avoid predators.

Given this, a better understanding of the implications of reduced snowpack on caribou urgently requires further study.

Lastly, Quebec's billion-dollar hydroelectric industry might also benefit from a better understanding of past moisture in the region, with a dam complex located a few hundred kilometers northeast of our study site.

Documented histories

Our study improves our understanding of past moisture patterns across the east coast of North America. It fills a large gap in climate research based on tree rings between New York and northern Quebec.

When comparing the past 200 years of these East Coast reconstructions, important climate connections arise. The comparison suggests that the complex Atlantic climate system can synchronize, leading large portions of the coast to collectively lock into periods of very wet or very dry conditions.

This is important for water resource managers, who often rely on help from other managers in neighboring basins, which may not be available given this common synchrony.

The insights from the tree rings of these forests are another reminder of the value of old growth and the many services they provide. As we try to better understand the context of human-induced environmental change, our search continues for old forests with a story to tell.

Our ongoing research includes analyzing dead cedars preserved for almost 800 years at the bottom of lakes. The resulting tree ring chronology will extend our work with trees in the region so far, helping us further examine the environmental history of our rapidly changing planet.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Viruses have evolved various strategies to coexist and replicate within host cells. Mimicry of host proteins represents a key mechanism that ensures the prolonged persistence of herpesviruses in host cells. A new study by researchers from Japan sheds light on novel regulatory mechanisms of host cyclin-dependent kinase mimicry by a conserved herpesvirus kinase. Their findings demonstrate that phosphorylation of conserved residues in the viral kinase regulates viral replication, active lytic infection, and recurrence following latency. Credit: Prof. Yasushi Kawaguchi from The University of Tokyo, Japan

Viruses are microscopic pathogens composed of genetic material housed within a protective protein shell. While they carry the blueprint required for producing additional viral proteins, they lack the equipment needed for the same. For this, they hijack host cells and rely on their machinery for multiplication.

Viruses have evolved multiple strategies that help them gain control of the host's cellular processes and make the environment conducive to their survival and replication. One key strategy is mimicking the host's regulatory factors that govern important cellular pathways. However, viral infection dramatically transforms the host's cellular environment. Therefore, the regulatory mechanisms of viral factors are likely distinct from those of host factors.

Phosphorylationthe reversible addition of phosphate groups carried out by proteins known as kinasesacts as a switch that turns key cell cycle-related proteins on and off. Interestingly, some viral protein kinases in herpesviruses are structurally conserved and mimic human cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs).

Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) causes skin and genital infections, meningitis, and neonatal diseases and often establishes a lifelong infection characterized by periods of latency and recurrent outbreaks. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate CDK mimicry by HSV-2 can aid the development of novel antiviral therapies and preventive vaccines.

To this end, Professor Yasushi Kawaguchi and Assistant Professor Naoto Koyanagi from the Division of Molecular Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan, investigated the mechanisms underlying phosphorylation-mediated CDK mimicry by conserved herpesvirus protein kinases (CHPKs).

Providing further insight into their work, Prof. Kawaguchi explains, "We demonstrated that UL13, which is the CHPK of HSV-2, mimics the functional and regulatory mechanisms of CDKs. This mimicry by UL13 contributes not only to the suppression of lethal viral infection in the brain but also to the efficient recurrence of the virus. Our findings unveil part of the sophisticated strategy employed by the virus to ensure its persistence within the host."

Their findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on April 16, 2025.

CDKs contain two structurally and functionally distinct lobes: the N- and C-lobes. The N-lobe contains a highly conserved motif across CDKs and CHPKs, in which phosphorylation of specific serine/threonine and tyrosine residues inhibits its catalytic activity.

The researchers examined whether UL13 was phosphorylated at the corresponding tyrosine residue in the conserved motif in cells infected with either wild-type HSV-2, UL13-deficient HSV-2, or HSV-2 UL13-Y162F, in which UL13 Tyr-162 was replaced with phenylalanine.

An antibody targeting tyrosine-phosphorylated UL13 reacted strongly with lysates obtained from wild-type-infected cells. Conversely, there was no reaction in lysates from mock-infected control cells, cells infected with UL13-deficient HSV-2 or HSV-2 UL13-Y162F. Notably, phosphorylation was more pronounced at 24 hours post-infection than 12 hours, suggesting that tyrosine phosphorylation by UL13 occurred later during HSV-2 infection.

Further, mutational analyses revealed that phosphomimetic mutation of tyrosine in UL13 reduced the phosphorylation of all UL13 substrates (proteins phosphorylated by UL13), suggesting that phosphorylation downregulates its catalytic activity. Similar effects were noted in other subfamilies of herpesviruses as well.

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Additionally, phosphomimetic mutation at tyrosine in HSV-2 UL13 downregulated viral replication and pathogenicity in the brain of mice injected with HSV-2, during the active lytic phase (when new viral particles are released). Conversely, in guinea pigs infected with HSV-2, phosphorylation of UL13 tyrosine residue was required to establish recurrent infection following the latent phase. These findings suggest that CDK mimicry by UL13 may regulate both acute lytic and latent HSV-2 infections in vivo.

Overall, the study highlights a novel regulatory mechanism of CDK mimicry that may help herpesviruses coexist and expand within host cells while balancing host survival with viral persistence throughout the host's lifespan.

Prof. Kawaguchi concludes, "Insights into the regulatory mechanisms of CHPK kinase activity may lead to a better understanding of how pathogenicity is controlled across different herpesviruses. Furthermore, the corresponding tyrosine residue in the conserved motif of CDKs and CHPKs is also conserved in viral kinases encoded by poxviruses, suggesting poxviruses might have also evolved CDK regulatory mimicry."

More information: Regulatory Mimicry of Cyclin-Dependent Kinases by a Conserved Herpesvirus Protein Kinase, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2500264122 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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An artists impression of a magnetar, which is a special type of neutron star with an incredibly strong magnetic field. Credit: ESA

Magnetars are among the rarestand weirdestdenizens of the galactic zoo. They have powerful magnetic fields and may be the source of fast radio bursts (FRBs). A team of astronomers led by European Space Agency researcher Ashley Chrimes recently used the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) to track one of these monsters called SGR 0501+4516 (SGR0501, for short, and SGR stands for Soft Gamma Repeater). It's whipping through the Milky Way at a rate as high as 65 kilometers per second. The big challenge was to find its birthplace and figure out its origin.

At first, astronomers thought it could be related to a supernova remnant called HB9. After a great deal of study, it turns out SGR0501 is not the product of a massive core-collapse supernova, but Chrimes and her colleagues aren't completely sure of its origin, which makes it even more rare and strange.

"Magnetars are neutron starsthe dead remnants of starscomposed entirely of neutrons. What makes magnetars unique is their extreme magnetic fields," said Chrimes. "Our definite conclusion is that SGR0501 did not originate in HB9. However, since there is no other clear birth site or smoking gun for a different origin, the alternatives are all plausible and we can't yet say which is the most likely."

Unraveling the track of the traveling magnetar

There are only about 30 known magnetars in the Milky Way galaxy. These dense balls of neutrons aren't very bigonly about 20 km (12 miles) across. Their tiny sizes belie the incredibly strong magnetic fields that they generate. As the folks at NASA like to say, those fields are so strong that if one flew by Earth at the distance of the moon, all our credit cards would be wiped out. Even worse, if we flew out to visit the magnetar on its way, our ship and astronauts would be torn apart.

Luckily, we only observe them from a distance. Chrimes estimates that it most likely lies about 2,000 parsecs (~6520 light-years) away from us. SGR0501 was originally spotted in 2008 when the Swift Observatory detected brief but bright flashes of gamma rays in its direction. It also looked like it was close to the supernova remnant HB9. Naturally, astronomers assumed the two might be related, since known magnetars are the result of core collapse supernova explosions.

The separation between the magnetar and the center of the supernova remnant on the sky is just 80 arcminutes, or slightly wider than your pinky finger when viewed at the end of your outstretched arm. However, things didn't add up after astronomers studied the magnetar with HST. A decade-long set of Hubble observations resulted in images that helped astronomers figure out the magnetar's path as it travels.

By tracking its position, the team charted the object's apparent motion across the sky. Both the speed and direction of SGR 0501+4516's movement showed that it could not be associated with the nearby supernova remnant. Tracing the magnetar's trajectory thousands of years into the past showed that there were no other supernova remnants or massive star clusters that could have produced it.

So, what formed it?

So, if SGR0501 didn't form in a supernova explosion, what else could form a tiny ball of neutrons with a super-strong magnetic field? That was the challenge the team faced next. It turns out that there are a couple of non-supernova ways to make magnetars. One is by merging two lower-mass neutron stars. That would create the larger, stronger SGR0501.

The other way is by something called accretion-induced collapse. For that, you need a binary star system with a white dwarf as one of the components. As it pulls in gas and material from its companion, it can get greedy and take too much. That destabilizes the white dwarf and leads to a massive explosion.

"Normally, this scenario leads to the ignition of nuclear reactions, and the white dwarf exploding, leaving nothing behind. But it has been theorized that under certain conditions, the white dwarf can instead collapse into a neutron star. We think this might be how SGR 0501 was born," added co-investigator Andrew Levan of Radboud University in the Netherlands and the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom.

How are fast radio bursts connected to magnetars?

The birth of a magnetar is a pretty powerful event that gives off the kind of brief but strong emissions that characterize fast radio bursts. If SGR0501 formed from a merger or accretion-induced collapse, that might explain the phenomenon of FRBs. These are very short (on the order of less than a millisecond) that don't always re-occur (in other words, they're transient flashes in the sky). Many FRBs occur outside our Milky Way, but some are also detected within the galaxy.

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"Magnetar birth rates and formation scenarios are among the most pressing questions in high-energy astrophysics, with implications for many of the universe's most powerful transient events, such as gamma-ray bursts, super-luminous supernovae, and fast radio bursts," said Nanda Rea of the Institute of Space Sciences in Barcelona, Spain.

Magnetars that form through accretion-induced collapse could provide the kinds of short, powerful bursts of radio waves that characterize FGBs. In particular, that could explain the FRBs seen in ancient stellar populations too old to have massive stars that could explode as supernovae. Since there are other magnetars to study, the team is planning to use HST for further observations of these weirdly magnetic stellar remnants.

The findings are published on the arXiv preprint server.

More information: A. A. Chrimes et al, The infrared counterpart and proper motion of magnetar SGR0501+4516, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2504.08892 Journal information: arXiv
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Installation of the first superconducting magnet, Poloidal Field Coil #6, in the tokamak pit at the ITER construction site. The Central Solenoid will be mounted in the center after the vacuum vessel has been assembled. Credit: ITER Organization.

In a landmark achievement for fusion energy, ITER has completed all components for the world's largest, most powerful pulsed superconducting electromagnet system.

ITER is an international collaboration of more than 30 countries to demonstrate the viability of fusionthe power of the sun and starsas an abundant, safe, carbon-free energy source for the planet.

The final component was the sixth module of the Central Solenoid, built and tested in the United States. When it is assembled at the ITER site in Southern France, the Central Solenoid will be the system's most powerful magnet, strong enough to lift an aircraft carrier.

The Central Solenoid will work in tandem with six ring-shaped Poloidal Field (PF) magnets, built and delivered by Russia, Europe, and China.

The fully assembled pulsed magnet system will weigh nearly 3,000 tons. It will function as the electromagnetic heart of ITER's donut-shaped reactor, called a Tokamak.

How does this pulsed superconducting electromagnet system work?

Step 1. A few grams of hydrogen fueldeuterium and tritium gasare injected into ITER's gigantic Tokamak chamber.

Step 2. The pulsed magnet system sends an electrical current to ionize the hydrogen gas, creating a plasma, a cloud of charged particles.

Step 3. The magnets create an "invisible cage" that confines and shapes the ionized plasma.

Step 4. External heating systems raise the plasma temperature to 150 million degrees Celsius, ten times hotter than the core of the sun.

Step 5. At this temperature, the atomic nuclei of plasma particles combine and fuse, releasing massive heat energy.

A 10-fold energy gain

At full operation, ITER is expected to produce 500 megawatts of fusion power from only 50 megawatts of input heating power, a tenfold gain. At this level of efficiency, the fusion reaction largely self-heats, becoming a "burning plasma."

By integrating all the systems needed for fusion at an industrial scale, ITER is serving as a massive, complex research laboratory for its 30-plus member countries, providing the knowledge and data needed to optimize commercial fusion power.

A global model

ITER's geopolitical achievement is also remarkable: the sustained collaboration of ITER's seven membersChina, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United States. Thousands of scientists and engineers have contributed components from hundreds of factories on three continents to build a single machine.

Pietro Barabaschi, ITER Director-General, says, "What makes ITER unique is not only its technical complexity but the framework of international cooperation that has sustained it through changing political landscapes."

"This achievement proves that when humanity faces existential challenges like climate change and energy security, we can overcome national differences to advance solutions."

"The ITER Project is the embodiment of hope. With ITER, we show that a sustainable energy future and a peaceful path forward are possible."

In 2024, ITER reached 100% of its construction targets. With most of the major components delivered, the ITER Tokamak is now in assembly phase. In April 2025, the first vacuum vessel sector module was inserted into the Tokamak Pit, about 3 weeks ahead of schedule.

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Extending collaboration to the private sector

The past five years have witnessed a surge in private sector investment in fusion energy R&D. In November 2023, the ITER Council recognized the value and opportunity represented by this trend.

They encouraged the ITER Organization and its Domestic Agencies to actively engage with the private sector, to transfer ITER's accumulated knowledge to accelerate progress toward making fusion a reality.

In 2024, ITER launched a private sector fusion engagement project, with multiple channels for sharing knowledge, documentation, data, and expertise, as well as collaboration on R&D. This tech transfer initiative includes sharing information on ITER's global fusion supply chain, another way to return value to Member governments and their companies.

In April 2025, ITER hosted a public-private workshop to collaborate on the best technological innovation to solve fusion's remaining challenges.

How have ITER's members contributed to this achievement?

Under the ITER Agreement, members contribute most of the cost of building ITER in the form of building and supplying components. This arrangement means that financing from each member goes primarily to their own companies, to manufacture ITER's challenging technology. In doing so, these companies also drive innovation and gain expertise, creating a global fusion supply chain.

Europe, as the Host Member, contributes 45% of the cost of the ITER Tokamak and its support systems. China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United States each contribute 9%, but all members get access to 100% of the intellectual property.

The United States has built the Central Solenoid, made of six modules, plus a spare.

The U.S. has also delivered to ITER the "exoskeleton" support structure that will enable the Central Solenoid to withstand the extreme forces it will generate. The exoskeleton is comprised of more than 9,000 individual parts, manufactured by eight U.S. suppliers.

Additionally, the U.S. has fabricated about 8% of the Niobium-Tin (Nb 3 Sn) superconductors used in ITER's Toroidal Field magnets.

Russia has delivered the 9-meter-diameter ring-shaped Poloidal Field magnet that will crown the top of the ITER Tokamak.

Working closely with Europe, Russia has also produced approximately 120 tons of Niobium-Titanium (NbTi) superconductors, comprising about 40% of the total required for ITER's Poloidal Field magnets.

Additionally, Russia has produced about 20% of the Niobium-Tin (Nb 3 Sn) superconductors for ITER's Toroidal Field magnets.

Sn) superconductors for ITER's Toroidal Field magnets. And Russia has manufactured the giant busbars that will deliver power to the magnets at the required voltage and amperage, as well as the upper port plugs for ITER's vacuum vessel sectors.

Europe has manufactured four of the ring-shaped Poloidal Field magnets onsite in France, ranging from 17 to 24 meters in diameter.

Europe has worked closely with Russia to manufacture the Niobium-Titanium (NbTi) superconductors used in PF magnets 1 and 6.

Europe has also delivered 10 of ITER's Toroidal Field magnets and has produced a substantial portion of the Niobium-Tin (Nb 3 Sn) superconductors used in these TF magnets.

Sn) superconductors used in these TF magnets. And Europe is creating five of the nine sectors of the Tokamak vacuum vessel, the donut-shaped chamber where fusion will take place.

China, under an arrangement with Europe, has manufactured a 10-meter Poloidal Field magnet. It has already been installed at the bottom of the partially assembled ITER Tokamak.

China has also contributed the Niobium-Titanium (NbTi) superconductors for PF magnets 2, 3, 4, and 5, about 65% of the PF magnet totalplus about 8% of the Toroidal Field magnet superconductors.

Additionally, China is contributing 18 superconducting Correction Coil magnets, positioned around the Tokamak to fine-tune the plasma reactions.

China has delivered the 31 magnet feeders, the multi-lane thruways that will deliver the electricity to power ITER's electromagnets as well as the liquid helium to cool the magnets to -269C, the temperature needed for superconductivity.

Japan has produced and sent to the United States the 43 kilometers of Niobium-Tin (Nb 3 Sn) superconductor strand that was used to create the Central Solenoid modules.

Japan has also produced 8 of the 18 Toroidal Field (TF) magnets, plus a spareas well as all the casing structures for the TF magnets.

Japan also produced 25% of the Niobium-Tin (Nb 3 Sn) superconductors that went into the Toroidal Field magnets.

Korea has produced the tooling used to pre-assemble ITER's largest components, enabling ITER to fit the Toroidal Field coils and thermal shields to the vacuum vessel sectors with millimetric precision.

Korea has also manufactured 20% of the Niobium-Tin (Nb 3 Sn) superconductors for the Toroidal Field magnets.

Sn) superconductors for the Toroidal Field magnets. Additionally, Korea has manufactured the thermal shields that provide a physical barrier between the ultra-hot fusion plasma and the ultra-cold magnets.

And Korea has delivered four of the nine sectors of the Tokamak vacuum vessel.

India has fabricated the ITER Cryostat, the 30-meter-high, 30-meter-diameter thermos that houses the entire ITER Tokamak.

India has also provided the cryolines that distribute the liquid helium to cool ITER's magnets.

Additionally, India has been responsible for delivering ITER's cooling water system, the in-wall shielding of the Tokamak, and multiple parts of the external plasma heating systems.

In total, ITER's magnet systems will comprise 10,000 tons of superconducting magnets, with a combined stored magnetic energy of 51 gigajoules. The raw material to fabricate these magnets consisted of more than 100,000 kilometers of superconducting strand, fabricated in nine factories in six countries.

Technical specifications for each ITER magnet system

Central solenoid (cylindrical magnet)

Height: 18 meters (59 feet)

Diameter: 4.25 meters (14 feet)

Weight: ~1,000 tons

Magnetic field strength: 13 Tesla (280,000 times stronger than Earth's magnetic field)

Stored magnetic energy: 6.4 Gigajoules

Will initiate and sustain a plasma current of 15 MA for 300500 second pulses

Fabricated in the United States

Material: Niobium-tin (Nb 3 Sn) superconducting strand produced in Japan

Sn) superconducting strand produced in Japan Cooling: operated at 4.5 Kelvin (-269C) using liquid helium cryogenics to maintain superconductivity

Structure (exoskeleton): built to withstand 100 MN (meganewtons) of forceequivalent to twice the thrust of a space shuttle launch.

Poloidal field magnets (ring-shaped magnets)

Diameters: varying in range from 9 meters (PF1) to 10 meters (PF6) to 17 meters (PF2, PF5) to 25 meters (PF3, PF4)

Weight: from 160 to 400 tons

Fabricated in Russia, Europe (France) and China

Material: niobium-titanium (NbTi) superconducting strand produced in Europe, China, and Russia

Cooling: operated at 4.5 Kelvin (-269C) using liquid helium cryogenics to maintain superconductivity

Toroidal field coils (D-shaped magnets, completed in late 2023)

Each coil: 17 meters high  9 meters wide

Weight: ~360 tons each

Fabricated in Europe (Italy) and Japan

Material: niobium-tin (Nb 3 Sn) superconducting strand produced in Europe, Korea, Russia, and the United States

Sn) superconducting strand produced in Europe, Korea, Russia, and the United States Cooling: operated at 4.5 Kelvin (-269C) using liquid helium to maintain superconductivity

Correction coils and magnet feeders

Correction Coils: manufactured by China; critical for fine plasma stability adjustments.

Magnet Feeders: deliver cryogenics, electrical power, and instrumentation signals to the magnets; also produced by China.

Provided by ITER
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The new research reveals that small population sizes and random birth patterns raise the fertility threshold needed to avoid extinction. Credit: Rafael AS Martins, Unsplash, CC0 (creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)

Human populations need at least 2.7 children per womana much higher fertility rate than previously believedto reliably avoid long-term extinction, according to a new study published in the open-access journal PLOS One by Takuya Okabe of Shizuoka University, Japan, and colleagues.

While a fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman is often considered the replacement level needed to sustain a population, this figure doesn't account for random differences in how many children people haveas well as mortality rates, sex ratios, and the probability that some adults never have children. In small populations, these chance variations can wipe out entire family lineages.

In the new study, researchers used mathematical models to examine how this demographic variability affects the survival of populations over many generations.

The study found that, due to random fluctuations in birth numbers, a fertility rate of at least 2.7 children per woman is needed to reliably avoid eventual extinctionespecially in small populations. However, a female-biased birth ratio, with more females than males born, reduces the extinction risk, helping more lineages survive over time.

This insight may help explain a long-observed evolutionary phenomenon: under severe conditionssuch as war, famine, or environmental disruptionmore females tend to be born than males. It also suggests that, while extinction isn't imminent in large developed populations, most family lineages will eventually fade out.

The authors conclude that true population sustainabilityas well as the sustainability of languages, cultural traditions, and diverse family lineagesrequires rethinking conventional fertility targets. The findings also have implications for conservation efforts of endangered species in which target fertility rates are set, they point out.

Diane Carmeliza N. Cuaresma adds, "Considering stochasticity in fertility and mortality rates, and sex ratios, a fertility rate higher than the standard replacement level is necessary to ensure sustainability of our population."

More information: Cuaresma DCN, et al. Threshold fertility for the avoidance of extinction under critical conditions, PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0322174 Journal information: PLoS ONE
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Native Australian ants (Pheidole hartmeyeri) returning to their nest after harvesting seeds of a common weed species, annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum). Credit: Peter Yeeles

A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution has put to the test what happens when dominant ant species vanish from the ecosystemwith worrying results.

The joint study, led by a team from the University of Western Australia, Australia's national science agency CSIRO and James Cook University, found the loss of dominant ant species was quickly compensated by rarer species, with other similar native ant species effectively picking up the slack by taking on the additional roles left behind by the original species.

"Insects are everywhere and some people question what all these species do in ecosystems," study lead author and JCU entomologist Dr. Peter Yeeles said.

"Here, the research is showing that they provide a built-in redundancy that allows ecosystems to absorb shocks.

"Think of them like pieces of scaffolding. Remove one, or a few, and the structure still stands because each part offers a degree of redundancy to the other parts. Redundancy makes systems resilient. Without it, even small disturbances can cause big collapses."

But Dr. Yeeles said the study also found that there is likely to be a limit to how much the ant community can compensate for species losses.

"Losing the common species can be like replacing a few reliable generalists with a team of specialists," he said.

"You might maintain performance, but you also increase the risk if one of them goes missing.

"With so much reliance on specific roles, losing any more species could cause much greater ecosystem damage than before."

Dr. Yeeles said the study highlighted how important dominant ant species were in performing everyday tasks that keep ecosystems "running smoothly."

"It is easy to forget how important ants are in the majority of terrestrial ecosystems. They're often referred to as ecosystem engineers because they have such profound effects on the ecosystems they live in," he said.

"Some ant species are granivores, meaning they eat seeds, so they regulate plant communities.

"For example, in an agricultural setting, ants consume weed seeds, providing free weed control services. They're also important for soil structure as they dig and increase soil porosity to allow water infiltration. The list goes on."

Dr. Yeeles said managing insecticide use and land conservation were just some of the measures that would need to be taken in preserving diverse native ant communities so they maintain their built-in buffering capacity against unexpected losses.

"Globally, scientists are increasingly concerned about dramatic declines in insect populations, including many once-common species," Dr. Yeeles said.

"We must act now to protect not only rare species, but also the everyday insects that quietly keep our world running."

More information: Peter Yeeles et al, Functional redundancy compensates for decline of dominant ant species, Nature Ecology & Evolution (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-025-02690-y Journal information: Nature Ecology & Evolution
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People cast shadows on the ancient Anasazi ruins of Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico on Nov. 21, 1996. AP Photo/Eric Draper, File)

For the first time, a federally recognized Indigenous tribe in the U.S. has led research using DNA to show their ancestral history.

The Picuris Pueblo, a sovereign nation in New Mexico, has oral histories and cultural traditions that link the tribe to the region of Chaco Canyon, one of the ancient centers of Pueblo culture and society.

"We've been telling our stories as long as time immemorial," said Picuris Lt. Gov. Craig Quanchello. But he said those traditions were often "overlooked and erased."

As members of the Picuris Pueblo seek a greater voice in shaping decisions about the future of Chaco Canyon, where debates about oil and gas drilling loom, leaders including Quanchello decided that using DNA sequencing to complement or corroborate their oral histories could be a useful tool. The group began a collaboration with an international team of geneticists.

"The DNA could help us protect" our heritage, he said. "Now we can say, 'This is ours, we need to protect it.'"

The findings, published Thursday in the journal Nature, show close links between the genomes of 13 current members of Picuris and ancient DNA recovered from 16 Picuris individuals who lived between 1300 A.D. and 1500 A.D. in or near Chaco Canyon.

In this photo provided by researchers, Clifford Tsosie stands in front of the Round House in Picuris Pueblo, N.M., in April 2024. It is one of the Picuris' ritual rooms, used by members of the summer and winter society for rituals and meetings. Credit: Thomaz Pinotti via AP

"The results show a strong relationship between ancient and present-day Picuris," said co-author Thomaz Pinotti, a geneticist at the University of Copenhagen.

The genetic analysis was led by the Picuris. The researchers said this model of collaboration contrasts with a long history of archaeologists and geneticists seizing and studying artifacts and remains without the consent of Indigenous groups.

"It wasn't an easy decision" to begin the collaboration with scientists, said co-author and Picuris Gov. Wayne Yazza. "This is life-changing data."

There are 19 Pueblo tribes in New Mexico. The new study does not refute the historic connections of other tribes to Chaco Canyon.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site managed by the U.S. National Park Service. It is famous for sweeping desert vistas and for monumental sandstone structuresincluding multistory homes and ceremonial structuresbuilt by ancestral Pueblos.

Pueblo Bonito, the largest archaeological site at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, is seen in northwestern New Mexico, on Aug. 28, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Cedar Attanasio, File

"It's super important that we don't talk about Chaco in the category of 'lost civilizations,' like the Egyptian pyramids or Stonehenge," said Paul Reed, a preservation archaeologist at Archaeology Southwest, who was not involved in the study. That notion "is particularly damaging in this instance because it disenfranchises the Pueblo people who live all around the canyon to this day."

Brian Vallo, a member of the Acoma Pueblo who leads the Chaco Heritage Tribal Association, said a current concern revolves around drilling and mining permits on federal land adjacent to the park, which also impact the environment within the canyon.

"We have these close connections because our ancestors migrated and built these places - they remain central to the preservation of our own Indigenous culture," said Vallo, who was not part of the research.

More information: Eske Willerslev, Picuris Pueblo oral history and genomics reveal continuity in US Southwest, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08791-9. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08791-9 Journal information: Nature

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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A fringe-lipped bat, Trachops cirrhosus, approaches a Fitzinger's robber frog, Craugastor fitzingeri, in Panama. This species of bat eavesdrops on the mating calls that male frogs produce to attract females, and uses these frog calls to detect, assess and localize its prey. Young bats do not share the same responses to frog mating calls that adults do; juveniles must acquire the ability to discriminate which frog calls signify palatable and poisonous prey. Credit: Merlin Tuttle

Scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) found that the fringe-lipped bat, known to eavesdrop on frog and toad mating calls to find its prey, learns to distinguish between palatable and unpalatable frogs and toads through experience.

The findings, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, provide the first evidence that eavesdropping predators fine-tune their hunting cues over the course of their development.

To source their food, some predators eavesdrop on calls emitted by prey. Fringe-lipped bats, which range from Panama to Brazil, are some of the most skilled eavesdroppers in the world. They are attuned to the sexual advertisement calls of over a dozen frog and toad species that live in their habitat. If a fringe-lipped bat hears a call, it will fly toward the sound within seconds.

However, just like some incoming calls on people's cell phones originate from scammers, not every frog or toad call guarantees a safe and healthy mealif a frog is too large or emits a toxin, the prey can pose a danger to the bat.

A fringe-lipped bat, Trachops cirrhosus, responds to the calls of the tungara frog, Engystomops pustulosus, one of its preferred prey species. First, the bat hears the call of a single male tungara frog, producing a complex call (a 'whine' plus multiple 'chucks'.) Then, the bat hears the cacophony of a large tungara frog chorus, with many male tungara frogs acoustically competing for females at once. Credit: Joseph See

Fringe-lipped bats have adapted to this risk by developing their own caller ID; if they hear a call from an unpalatable frog or toad, they save their time and energy by not responding. But frog and toad calls do not come with automatic "spam" warnings like phone calls do, and until now, scientists did not know where the fringe-lipped bat's ability to distinguish between palatable and unpalatable frogs came from.

"It's truly remarkable that these bats hunt using the calls of an entirely different group of animals in the first place, and we have wondered for a long time how these bats acquire this unusual skill," said Logan James, STRI postdoctoral researcher and lead author of the study.

"We knew from previous research that these bats are very clever and can learn during experiments, but we had not tested whether their aptitude for learning had a role in fine-tuning their responses to sound cues from their natural prey."

A fringe-lipped bat, Trachops cirrhosus, hears a male tungara frog, Engystomops pustulosus, producing an advertisement call to attract a mate. The bat approaches the calling frog, but the frog detects it in time, stops calling and ducks, successfully avoiding the eavesdropping predator. Credit: Joseph See

The research team tested how individual, wild-caught adult and juvenile fringe-lipped bats responded to mating call recordings of 15 local frog and toad species. These species included frogs known to be palatable, toxic or too large to handle.

First, the team confirmed previous studies showing that adult bats responded more strongly to palatable versus unpalatable frogs and toads. Yet, as the team discovered, juvenile bats did not make the same distinctions. On average, juvenile bats did not respond differently to frogs and toads based on their palatability.

Looking more closely, the team found that juveniles could identify larger prey by their calls, just like adults can, but they could not distinguish the toxic species. This indicates that juveniles tend to respond to body size early on, but they learn to identify toxic species over time.

A fringe-lipped bat, Trachops cirrhosus, returns to its perch after a successful hunt, and consumes its prey, a tungara frog, Engystomops pustulosus.. Credit: Joseph See

"We have studied this fascinating species for years, and in many aspects, we understand its behavior very well," said Rachel Page, staff scientist at STRI, and one of the study's senior authors.

"But this was the first time we had ever tested juvenile bats. It was so interesting to see that, like human children, young bats needed time and experience to hone their discrimination skills."

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This study is the first to explicitly compare eavesdropping responses of generalist predators at different ages. But it is likely that this strategy is widespread across the animal kingdom, and fringe-lipped bats are not the only predators that need to learn how to distinguish palatable prey. Ultimately, this study highlights the critical role of experience in early life in shaping predatory behaviors in the wild.

"This study highlights the power of development and learning to shape eavesdropping behavior, an insight that may extend far beyond bats to other predators also navigating complex sensory environments," said Ximena Bernal, research associate at STRI, professor at Purdue University and one of the study's senior authors.

"We hope it will inspire other scientists to examine how early experience modulates predator-foraging decisions."

Provided by Smithsonian
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A team of psychologists led by the University of Cambridge have found that it takes parents about a year, on average, to attune to their child's attitudes towards school once they start education.

In fact, by Year 1, parental perceptions of how a child feels about school most closely match responses given by the child when they were in Reception class a year earlier.

Scientists say that parents can get a "misleading picture" of a child's introduction to education, especially if children only talk about school when they have a bad day.

Now, researchers have teamed up with writer Anita Lehmann and artist Karin Eklund to create a picture book designed to help parents better understand their child's experiences and emotional state during that crucial first year of school.

"How I Feel About My School," published by Routledge, is based on findings from the Ready or Not Study led by Prof Claire Hughes at Cambridge's Department of Psychology.

The study included two waves of interviews with over 200 children in Reception and Year 1, from over 100 different UK primary schools.

Along with a series of tasks that measure cognitive skills and well-being, the children were guided through simple, emoji-based questionnaires about how different aspects of the school day make them feel.

A parent or caregiver (predominantly mothers) also completed interviews about their child that covered everything from mood to sociability and attitudes to school.

In Reception class, Hughes and team found little affinity between children's thoughts and feelings about school and how their caregivers believed they felt about it.

By Year 1, levels of agreement between children and adults had more than doubled on average, although significant gaps remained. Year 1 responses from parents often matched those given by their children the previous year.

Over both years, researchers found the biggest gaps between the outlooks of parent and child were parents overestimating how happy children are in the classroom, and underestimating how happy children feel in the playground.

"We found a clear and wide gap between how parents think their children feel about the first year of school, and how children actually feel about school," said Prof Claire Hughes, Deputy Director of Cambridge's Center for Child, Adolescent and Family Research.

"Our research shows that it typically takes parents a year to tune into their child's experiences of school. By Year 1, parents are often only just catching up to where their children were a year earlier."

"We wanted to create a book that can help parents connect with their child's feelings about school much earlier," said Hughes. "Parents get a misleading picture if children are motivated to talk about their school day only when something has upset them."

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The new picture book follows four young children through a day at school, from arriving at the gates through to playtime, quiet time and show-and-tell, with incidents along the way including lunchtime disagreements and classroom collaborations.

The book's characters display a variety of behaviors and traits to allow children with a range of personality types to recognize themselves, say researchers. The book has built-in prompts to get children talking more meaningfully about their school day, and how it left them feeling.

"We want to normalize difference. Kids have ups and downs in a day for lots of reasons," said Hughes. "There can be a tendency to over-medicalise sadness, but getting through a school day is a big deal for children, and problems are a natural part of that."

Initial Ready or Not findings came out last year in the British Journal of Educational Psychology, as well as in a book: "The Psychology of Starting School".

Further findings, published in the journal Developmental Psychology, suggest that children's well-being at school declines on average between Reception and Year 1. This is perhaps unsurprising for a UK cohort, says Hughes, as Reception is play-based, whereas reading and writing requirements begin in Year 1, so children start to experience the demands of the curriculum.

"A closer understanding of how a child feels about starting school will allow parents to gauge well-being and help their child adapt as key stages kick in," said Hughes. "Happy children are better learners, and the first years of school can set the tone."

The published findings from Ready or Not show that greater well-being as reported by the child in Reception class predicted higher levels of "self-concept"how confident a child feels about their ability to read, write and countby time they are in Year 1.

Hughes points to other UK studies suggesting that children who say they enjoy school at age six tend to achieve better academic outcomes by age sixteen, including higher GCSE exam grades.

"If children can have a positive couple of years at the beginning of school and we can really protect that time for building up their enthusiasm and their confidence, then when things do get more serious, the children are willing to embrace it," said Hughes.

"We hope the picture book will promote conversations about what happened at lunchtime or in the playground, giving parents a better understanding of their child's enjoyment of school, and building up an emotional literacy for children."

More information: Rory T. Devine et al, Changes in children's well-being and mental health across the early school years: Links with academic and social competence., Developmental Psychology (2025). DOI: 10.1037/dev0001962 Journal information: Developmental Psychology
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Responses to the survey question: "Which of the following do you consider the top 3 main barriers or limitations for increasing Global South participation in the IPCC workforce?" Credit: Climatic Change (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s10584-025-03857-z

A new study has exposed significant underrepresentation of researchers and content from the Global South in climate science publications, raising concerns about systemic disparities in academic publishing. The research, recently published in the journal Climactic Change, highlights how scholars from Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia face barriers to visibility and influence in global scientific discourse.

"Since the first Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report evaluating scientific knowledge about climate in 1990, there has been geographic inequality in authorship and content," the authors write. Using survey data and interviews with IPCC authors from the Global South, the study identifies institutional and structural factors that limit their nomination, selection, and ability to contribute to IPCC reports.

The study is co-authored by Diana Rucavado Rojas of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Julio Postigo, Assistant Professor of Geography in the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington. The IPCC is a United Nations body responsible for assessing scientific knowledge on climate change, its impacts, and potential policy responses.

Rucavado Rojas and Postigo analyzed Global South authors' participation in the IPCC Working Group II, which assesses the scientific literature about the vulnerability of socioeconomic and natural systems to climate change, and found that scientists and content from these regions are often underrepresented in the IPCC report. The findings suggest that structural biases, funding limitations, and institutional inequalities contribute to this disparity.

"These barriers create a cycle of underrepresentation where Global South research is systematically excluded from IPCC reports, reinforcing existing disparities in climate science and policy influence," said Professor Postigo.

Barriers to representation in scientific publishing

The study examined the mechanisms of the geographic bias in the IPCC report, revealing that researchers from wealthier nations, particularly in North America and Europe, dominate the field. Scientists from the Global South, even when conducting research in their own regions, have to overcome more barriers and limitations than their peers from the Global North. Reduced research output diminishes the salience of Global South authors and content in global assessments such as the IPCC reports.

"Scientific progress should be a global effort, but our findings indicate a stark imbalance in who gets to shape the discourse," said Rucavado Rojas. "Researchers from the Global South contribute invaluable knowledge, yet systemic barriers prevent them from being equally recognized."

Key challenges for Global South authors include limited access to research funding, language barriers in English-dominated academic world, and biases in editorial and peer-review processes, the authors assert. The study also found that international collaborations often position Global South scientists in supporting roles rather than as lead authors.

"Economic inequality among countries is a major driver of this North-South divide in knowledge production," noted Postigo. "The financial constraints faced by Global South institutions limit opportunities for researchers to participate fully in international scientific efforts, further entrenching disparities in authorship and influence."

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Why representation matters

The study points out that underrepresentation of Global South researchers affects more than just individual careersit shapes the direction of scientific inquiry. When research is disproportionately led by scientists from wealthier nations, it risks overlooking local expertise, cultural perspectives, and region-specific challenges.

This is particularly risky for reports like the IPCC because their known influence on policymaking for adaptation to impacts of climate change and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. Further, geographically biased reports may be less legitimate and salient for underrepresented regions.

"Scientific knowledge should be inclusive and representative of diverse viewpoints," said Rucavado Rojas. "Addressing these disparities isn't just about fairnessit's about improving the quality and relevance of research worldwide."

Bridging this gap requires multiple institutional transformations, including increasing investment in research and development (R&D) by Global South countries, and expanding the ways knowledge is produced and assessed within countries and by international organizations such as the IPCC. Undertaking these transformative actions will improve the quality and legitimacy of IPCC products for policymaking.

The authors call for a more inclusive approach to scientific publishing, including prioritizing local expertise in research conducted in Global South regions. They also recommend strategies to bridge the knowledge production gap, such as:

The establishment of structured mentorship programs where experienced researchers, particularly from the Global North, work with Global South scholars to help them navigate the publishing process, secure leadership roles, and gain visibility in scientific discourse.

Increasing research grants and other international funding initiatives for Global South scholars, to ensure they have the resources to conduct independent studies, attend international conferences, and publish in high-impact journals.

Reforming editorial and peer-review policies and processes to reduce biases against Global South authors, promoting inclusive authorship policies in international collaborations, and ensuring fairer representation of Global South research in major scientific reports like those of the IPCC.

Reducing the teaching and service demands of researchers in the Global South while raising their salaries would enable scholars to increase their time dedicated to research.

"If implemented, these recommendations are likely to promote the production of local climate science, broadening the knowledge base of the [IPCC] assessment reports with authors and contents from underrepresented regions," the authors write.

Without meaningful action, the authors observe, the cycle of exclusion will persist, limiting not only the careers of Global South scientists but also the depth and accuracy of global scientific knowledge.

The authors assert that true progress in climate science and in academic publishing more generally requires dismantling barriers, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that all voicesnot just those from wealthier nationsshape the future of research and policy.

More information: Diana Rucavado Rojas et al, The cycle of underrepresentation: structural and institutional factors limiting the representation of Global South authors and knowledge in the IPCC, Climatic Change (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s10584-025-03857-z Journal information: Climatic Change
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Robonaut, one of NASA's humanoid robots, and an astronaut suit. Credit: NASA

How do robots feel in space? This is both a practical and possibly an existential question. Still, today, we'll focus on the practical side by looking at a review paper from Hadi Jahanshahi and Zheng Zhu of York University in Canada that discusses different tactile sensor types and their advantages and disadvantages for use in space.

The review paper, published in the Chinese Journal of Aeronautics, can be divided into two major categories: the challenges of the space environment and a deep dive into individual sensor modalities. In addition, the authors discuss current material science research on how each of these sensor types might be improved in the near future and lay out a paradigm for selecting the right type of sensor for your space application.

To make the right selection, it's best to know the environment your application will be going into. Space has environmental conditions that are never naturally seen on Earth, such as microgravity, extreme radiation, and massive temperature swings. Each of these can impact sensors, and some will have a larger impact on certain types of sensors than others.

Those types of sensors include four that warranted a deeper dive: resistive, capacitive, piezoelectric, and optical. Other, more advanced sensors, such as quantum tunneling composites or barometric pressure sensors, are mentioned, but they are still either early in the development cycle for use in the harsh environment of space or not well suited for those applications.

Resistive pressure sensors are some of the most commonly used on Earth. They're simple, robust, and work under even the harshest conditions, including space. However, they suffer from both limited sensitivity and resolution. This is exacerbated at extreme temperatures, as the sensors report different resistance changes, leading to different outputs for the same force at various temperatures. They are most useful for extremely harsh environments that don't require a lot of precision, such as docking implements.

Capacitive sensors are commonly used in smartphones and have almost become ubiquitous over the last twenty years. They are extremely sensitive and particularly useful for touchscreen interfaces if a robot has to interact with a human. However, they are also extremely environmentally sensitive and can be falsely triggered based on general proximity to objects. Helping a robot get into close proximity to something without actually touching it is its forte.

Piezoelectric sensors are commonly used in consumer applications but have a wide range of uses in industrial settings. They are very good at quickly detecting vibration, which is especially useful in dynamic environments like proximate spacecraft. However, they are expensive, and over time, they can lose their signal strength, which, though it can be compensated for, requires expensive computational algorithms to do so. They are most useful for monitoring dynamic vibrations in a robot's hull or housing, especially at high frequencies.

Optical sensors, such as the proximity infrared sensor that turns on lights when someone enters a room, are useful in various precision applications. They allow a robot to estimate how close another object is to them, similar to how a robotic car would do on Earth. Despite being expensive and difficult to integrate, they are also effective at withstanding electromagnetic interference (EMI).

As robots become more common in space, especially as they interact with their environment and other robots more frequently, tactile sensors will become an increasingly important part of their repertoire. However, these valuable sensors already have many applications on Earth. While the space environment might be harsher, the space exploration industry would indirectly benefit from sensors developed initially for extreme applications on Earth. As robots continue to find their way into the solar system, they might even find time to think about how they truly feel about being the vanguard of human exploration.

More information: Hadi Jahanshahi et al, A comprehensive review of tactile sensing technologies in space robotics, Chinese Journal of Aeronautics (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cja.2025.103423
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Southern Corroboree Frog. Credit: Corey Doughty

Ever since I first learned about the devastating disease killing frogs worldwide, I knew I wanted to be part of the solution.

In the 1980s, mysterious die-offs started occurring in frogs in Australia and the Americas. During this time, hundreds of frogs were found dead or reported missing.

Declines in Australia started in Queensland and moved up and down the east coast.

Then, in 1998, during her Ph.D. studies, Associate Professor Lee Berger discovered the pathogen that causes amphibian chytrid fungus disease, found to be responsible for the mass deaths of many frog species in Australia and worldwide.

Since then, the fungus has decimated populations of a tiny black and yellow Australian frog.

The Southern Corroboree Frog (Pseudophryne corroboree; Myobatrachidae) is now classed as functionally extinct, meaning it can no longer survive without support in the wild, only in zoos.

But with our latest study, we hope we now have the genetic tools to help the Corroboree Frog overcome the fungus and return to its habitat in the Snowy Mountains.

After nearly 10 years of work, our research team has produced the first genome sequencethe genetic blueprintof the Southern Corroboree Frog.

Understanding its genetics will help our team develop innovative breeding strategies to support its survival.

In 1988, chytrid fungus disease was found to be responsible for the mass deaths of many frog species in Australia and worldwide. Credit: Corey Doughty

Blueprint to fight infection

Despite their small size, Corroboree Frogs have remarkably large genomes, nearly three times the size of the human genome. Measured in DNA base pairs, the Corroboree Frog genome is nearly 9 billion base pairs or 9 gigabases, where ours is around 3.1 gigabases.

Interestingly, Corroboree Frogs have only 12 pairs of chromosomes compared to our 23, meaning their chromosomes are exceptionally large, with the biggest being five times the size of the largest human chromosome.

This makes it one of the largest genomes of any Australian frog and significantly larger than many other species of Australian ground frogs.

Amphibian genomes are notoriously difficult to sequence due to their sheer size, but the reasons behind why they are so large remain unclear.

We also found that more than 80% of its genome is made up of non-coding DNAgenetic material that doesn't directly code for proteins, and we aim to explore what this might mean for the species, and for other amphibians.

A decade in planning

Sequencing the Corroboree Frog genome was an international effort nearly a decade in the making. It began when I first reached out to researchers at the Vertebrate Genomes Project at Rockefeller University (U.S.) to explore the possibility of sequencing the genome.

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After extensive discussions about funding, selecting the right DNA-donor frog from Melbourne Zoo's conservation breeding program and navigating logistical challenges to transport the invaluable samples to the U.S., sequencing finally commenced in early 2021.

Seeing the first assembled genome data was an incredible moment for meafter years of effort, we finally had a complete genetic blueprint of this iconic species.

This project is a testament to the power of collaboration, persistence and scientific innovation.

Thanks to our amazing team, we achieved a high-quality genome, assembled with exceptional completeness, down to piecing together the DNA sequences into their full chromosomesthe thread-like structures that house the DNA in the cell.

Now, my research group, in collaboration with Melbourne Zoo, Taronga Conservation Society Australia and NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, is using this genome to investigate how and why individual frogs and populations respond differently to chytridiomycosis infection.

Targeted breeding for Corroboree Frog survival

The genome will allow us to understand down to the gene level which factors increase or decrease susceptibility to the chytrid disease. This will help us to develop approaches to increase the frequency of potential genes that may boost the immune system to fight it.

Our goal is to apply this knowledge to selectively breed Corroboree Frogs for increased disease resistance, giving them a fighting chance to persist in the wild once again.

Beyond Corroboree Frog conservation, this genome is also an incredible resource for studying amphibian genetics more broadly.

As part of the Amphibian Genomics Consortium, an international initiative dedicated to advancing amphibian genomics, researchers will use this data to explore genetic factors linked to disease resistance, climate adaptation and evolutionary history.

These insights could help inform conservation strategies for other frogs threatened by chytridiomycosis and other environmental challenges by enabling the identification of genes that impact resilience to major threats.

We also plan to compare the Corroboree Frog genome with those of other amphibians to uncover broader patterns of resilience.

Our ultimate goal is to translate these findings into real-world conservation action, helping to secure a future for this remarkable species in the wild.
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From left, USU geoscientists Srisharan Shreedharan and Lindsey Broderick collect rock samples from the Wasatch Fault near Brigham City, Utah, USA. Credit: Alexis Ault

About 240 miles long, Utah's Wasatch Fault stretches along the western edge of the Wasatch Mountains from southern Idaho to central Utah, running through Salt Lake City and the state's other population centers. It's a seismically active normal fault, which means it is a fracture in Earth's crust that has moved many times in the past.

"Normal faults are observed along different tectonic systems, where the tectonic plates are moving apart," says Utah State University geophysicist Srisharan Shreedharan. "The Wasatch Fault forms the eastern edge of the Basin and Range geologic province, which has stretched and broken over millions of years."

Shreedharan, assistant professor in USU's Department of Geosciences, says normal faults generally look like two slabs of rock, where one slab, the "hanging wall," moves downward relative to the other slab, the "footwall."

"The dip angle of the sliding surface tends to be steep, often between 4590 degrees," he says. "The Wasatch Fault plunges, toward the west, at a steep angle at the surface in the Salt Lake City area."

A steep angle could mean seismic activity may be dampened during an earthquake and spare inhabitants and buildings from much injury and damage on the surface.

"But the 2020 Magna earthquake, which occurred at about 9 kilometers depth west of Salt Lake City, caused injuries and resulted in nearly $50 million in property damages," Shreedharan says. "It was a wake-up call. We want to understand how and why it happened at such a shallow depth, if the Wasatch Fault dips so steeply at the surface."

With USU Geosciences Associate Professor Alexis Ault and doctoral student Jordan Jensen, Shreedharan has published new findings about why earthquakes occur along the Wasatch Fault and why communities along the fault are more vulnerable to earthquake damage than previously thought. Their paper appeared in the April 25 online edition of Geology.

Using rock samples collected from the fault, Shreedharan combined experiments and analysis in his Rock Deformation and Earthquake Mechanics lab with Ault's investigative expertise in earthquake geology and fault rock textures at USU's Microscopy Core Facility. Their research revealed significant clues about the Wasatch Fault's earthquake risk.

"Although the Wasatch Fault dips sharply at Salt Lake City, it curves more gently at depth as it moves west and is probably oriented at a much shallower angle at earthquake depth than expected," Shreedharan says. "This means that an earthquake rupture could lead to stronger, more intense shaking at the surfacemeaning a greater chance of injury and destruction."

Further, the scientists discovered earthquake slip is possible along the shallowly dipping portion of the Wasatch Fault because the fault rocks themselves are much weakerworn down and slickerthan the surrounding, undamaged rock.

"It turns out this weak frictional behavior, which we characterized with deformation experiments and microscopy, is a product of deformation that happened more than 1.7 billion years ago when what is now the Wasatch Fault was at even greater depths within Earth," Ault says. "Repeated past earthquakes since then have further modified the fault properties through time, priming the fault rocks to fail again in a future event."

Understanding how one rock is frictionally weaker than another, Shreedharan says, is like comparing ice to sand.

"You can envision how slick rock can slide more easily and at lower angles than a rock with a rough surface," he says. "This process is happening continuously, though at a very slow pace, under our feet."

More information: Srisharan Shreedharan et al, Frictional and microstructural evidence for a weak Wasatch fault zone, Geology (2025). DOI: 10.1130/G52606.1 Journal information: Geology
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The diagram illustrates an organic microresonator that functions as a logic element, with the output signal based on whether input pulses are synchronized and whether the previous state has been exhausted. Credit: Physical Review B (2025). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.111.L161403

A research team from Skoltech and the University of Wuppertal in Germany determined that an all-optical universal logic gate that was previously developed at Skoltech can operate at a speed of 240 GHz at room temperature.

In an article published in the Physical Review B journal, the authors also examined what limits the time between successive polariton condensations by examining the effect of bimolecular quenchingit plays a key role in limiting the speed of transistors.

The Skoltech Laboratory of Hybrid Photonics, headed by Distinguished Professor Pavlos Lagoudakis, Senior Vice President for Fundamental Research at Skoltech and a laureate of the Vyzov Scientific Prize, continues its research project on how to speed up computing and computers with optics.

To perform more tasks, computers need fast processors, but semiconductor electronics cannot handle this taskthey heat up very quickly from high clock speeds. Alternatively, optical systems can operate a thousand times faster than electronic ones.

Previously, the scientists created a universal NOR logical element (from NOTa negation operator and ORa disjunction operator). It is based on polariton condensates, operates at room temperature, has multiple inputs, can work hundreds of times faster than electronic analogs, and is also completely opticalthat is, it works without electric current. Such elements can be reproduced and connected in a circuit.

The speed of polariton transistors is determined by how quickly consecutive logic states can be executed. This process requires sufficiently depleting the residual polariton population from the previous "1" state to ensure a clear distinction between the "1" and "0" logic states.

As operational frequency increases, the residual polaritons from the first pulse can unintentionally amplify the second pulse, thus creating a maximum amplification at some nonzero time delay between pulse sequences.

"Our new study has revealed that our logic gate can operate at 240 GHz. We also described the effect of bimolecular quenching, which is important to consider when calculating, since it limits the maximum clock frequency of a polariton devicedelocalization of polaritons leads to additional losses," said Mikhail Misko, the lead author of the study, a Ph.D. student of the Physics program at Skoltech.

The authors conclude that their observations reinforce theoretical predictions. The researchers propose a model that considers k-dependent losses in order to successfully compare experimental data from various trials.

The study outlines that for optimal performance, the duration of pump pulses must be shorter than the characteristic times of relevant processes in order to effectively manage polariton dynamics and enhance the functionality of optical logic devices.

The results of the study are another important step toward the creation of optical computers that can work hundreds of times faster than traditional computers.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Construction costs have surged in recent years, pushing homeownership further out of reach for many Americans. But this isn't a new concern: In 1978, the U.S. Government Accountability Office warned that rising costs were threatening the American dreamat a time when the median home price was just US$44,300, less than three times the median household income. Today, that figure has climbed past $419,000, more than five times what the median American makes.

One often-overlooked factor behind this surge? Labor costs.

We are engineering experts, and in our latest study, we analyzed wages and workforce trends across more than 20 occupations in construction from 1999 to 2023. Interestingly, we found that unskilled workersthose in the lowest-paid rolessaw the largest wage gains. And the effects of these gains have rippled across the entire construction industry.

A changing construction landscape

A lot can change in 25 years, which is the last time researchers analyzed construction labor trends at this scale. Back then, construction wages were declining, driven in part by the rise of affordable trade schools and in part by falling union membership.

Today, the landscape looks very different. The construction industry is grappling with a persistent labor shortage, facing an annual shortfall of more than a half-million workers. At the same time, wage dynamics have shifted greatly.

The biggest gains go to the lowest-paid roles

Construction projects rely on a wide range of rolesfrom highly skilled professionals like engineers and electricians to lower-skilled or unskilled workers. Unskilled workers handle physically demanding tasks like trench digging, concrete mixing and site preparation, and earn lower wages. As a result, contractors often hire more of them.

While contractors tend to focus on expensive skilled labor when estimating project costs, our recent study found that unskilled workers have seen the largest wage gains in recent decades. Their wages rose by 2.75% to 3.5% per yearcompared with under 2.5% for most skilled roles.

The size of the construction workforce is also changing, with 88% of U.S. construction firms reporting difficulty finding workers. The shortage is especially severe among unskilled labor. For example, half as many people work as unskilled helpers now than in 1999.

Given these trends, to avoid budgeting shortfalls and project risks, we encourage contractors to plan for higher costs for low-skilled workers. Our study also offers a simple method to help forecast wage trends, which contractors can use to estimate future labor costs.

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly.

Wage hikes have a ripple effect

Interestingly, not only did unskilled occupations see the biggest wage jumps, but they also influenced wage changes in other trades.

Using econometric models, we analyzed these occupations as part of an interconnected system. We found that trades typically involved early in a project tend to influence wages for trades that come later. In particular, unskilled construction laborerswho handle tasks like site preparation and material handlingemerged as the leading drivers of wage trends across the industry. When their wages rise, others' tend to follow.

These insights suggest that contractors should monitor early-stage wage trends closely. When wages start rising among early-trade or unskilled workers, that is often a signal that broader labor costs are about to rise too. Planning ahead can help firms manage costs more effectively.

Recent world eventssuch as COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war and the 2018 steel and aluminum tariffsbrought major challenges to the construction industry, which is still dealing with their aftermath. On top of that, worsening labor shortages, new tariffs and global supply chain disruptions mean the industry will continue to face significant challenges.

However, tracking market data offers a valuable opportunity to understand emerging trends and develop strategies to respond effectively. Our research teamworking closely with major U.S. contractors through the Missouri Consortium for Construction Innovationis exploring solutions across a range of issues, including construction material costs, cross-border material trade with Canada and Mexico, and persistent labor shortages, among other critical topics.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
UPPER TOWNSHIP  Pristine houses line the horseshoe streets of Osprey Cove, an over-55 development stretched between Routes 9 and 50.

The streets are named for shore birds, the 110 houses in the development built as modular units, each with a front porch, a patch of grass and a driveway.

The residents own their retirement homes, but not the land underneath. That they rent, and those rents are set to climb.

The property sold recently, to the same company that owns the Avalon Campground in Dennis Township.

Shortly after acquiring the property, they increased the allotment by 30%. That really poses a difficulty to meet that; a strain on some of our seniors. Some of them live there from check to check, said Osprey Cove resident Greg Heffron.

There was no immediate response to an email requesting comment sent to Osprey Cove, and the number posted on the developments social media page is no longer in service. Someone who answered the phone at Avalon Campground confirmed the purchase but said any comment would have to come from management, and there was no response from management to a phone message or an emailed request for comment.

Some residents rely on Social Security and will likely have to leave the community, Heffron said.

He and other Osprey Cove residents came to the Township Committee on Monday to ask for help, potentially to include imposing rent controls.

Upper Township mobile home residents seek rent control UPPER TOWNSHIP  When Francine Shimp moved to the Pine Hill Mobile Court 19 years ago, her k

Heffron, who has lived at the development since 2019, said the fee includes rent and the homeowners association fees, which includes landscaping. He had been paying $726 a month, set to increase to $925, Heffron told committee members.

There have been several previous increases, but closer to 12% than 30%, he said. The change is expected to take effect within 30 days.

Legally, Im not sure what we can do, Committee member Victor Nappen said.

Other communities have imposed rent controls in similar situations.

Township attorney John Amenhauser suggested the residents contact their state representatives. Some of the residents said state officials suggested they try the committee.

Resident Mary Alice Calhoun said she had spoken with someone from state Sen. Michael Testas office, who cited a potential new law that could help.

He said that should happen by the end of June. Well, thats not going to help us, she said.

This is not the first time a similar request has been made of Upper Township. In 2022, residents of the Pine Hill Mobile Court came before the committee to ask for action to curtail rental increases. Also a community for those over 55, the site is described as a mobile home park, but in both communities, the homes almost always stay on the lot.

Middle Township OKs amendments to rent board The Middle Township Committee on Monday unanimously approved changes to the townships rent control board. A new board is expected to be appointed in January. Officials described the previous board as dysfunctional.

At the time, committee members agreed to seek a recommendation from the Planning Board, but no ordinance was introduced.

In April 2023, then-Mayor Jay Newman said at a committee meeting that no ordinance would move forward, saying there were adequate protections under state law.

Osprey Cove residents said they were told about a potential change that could prevent big increases to their rents. Introduced last year, with Assembly members Antwan McClellan and Erik Simonsen, both R-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic, signing on as co-sponsors, Assembly bill 3361 would prevent rents in mobile home or manufactured home parks from being increased by more than 2% a year.

A similar Senate bill sets the limit at 3%. The bills will need to be reconciled between the two legislative houses before going to the governors desk for potential signature.

On Monday, some of the residents suggested the increase put in place was aimed at coming in ahead of the state limits.

Both Osprey Cove and Avalon Campground had previously been locally owned. Cape May County records show the purchase of the site by Osprey Cove Community LLC, identified as a New Jersey company, for a little over $9.8 million in October.

Osprey Cove received local construction approvals in 2016 for an age-restricted mobile home park, according to township records.

Some of the owners who spoke to the Township Committee said they had considered moving their homes to a new location but acknowledged that might not be practical.

Middle Township mobile home park owners stuck in the middle A Middle Township board limits rent increases for mobile home residents. But it no longer meets, and park owners say they are feeling the pinch.

The houses are sold on site, with prices varying depending on the size, the model and the amenities. One is currently listed at $385,000, with the real estate sales material emphasizing the peaceful location and the proximity to the beaches of Ocean City, Sea Isle City and Avalon.

Community fees cover everything from taxes and landscaping to snow removal and trash pickup, making life carefree! the real estate posting reads.
TRENTON  New Jerseys environmental protection commissioner on Tuesday defended a set of proposed climate-related building rules at the Jersey Shore against criticism from Republicans that they could create no-build zones or even force a retreat from the shoreline.

At budget hearings for the Department of Environmental Protection, Commissioner Shawn LaTourette defended the rules as common sense responses to keep people and property safe from rising sea levels and stronger, more frequent storms.

They are called NJ Protecting Against Climate Threats Resilient Environments and Landscapes, or NJ PACT REAL.

Were talking about helping to ensure that what we build today is equipped to stand the test of time in a changing climate, LaTourette said. It does not tell people all the things they cant do, all the places they cant build. It is about building stronger.

The proposed rules would apply only to new construction or rebuilds; existing properties do not have to do anything, he said.

A key feature of the rules is adopting slightly higher elevations for new or rebuilt homes, to 5 feet above the level mandated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

State Sen. Michael Testa, R-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic, said he has been approached by numerous constituents worried that they will no longer be able to afford  or even be allowed  to continue to live in shore homes theyve worked their entire lives to afford.

They worry about whether theyre going to be able to get insurance on their property, be able to sell their property, what it does to the value of their property, he said.

Upper Township delays presentation on BL England redevelopment plans Plans for the site of the former B.L. England power plant will come before the Upper Township Committee on May 12, not April 28 as previously planned.

He said many coastal residents, along with the real estate industry, fear the rules could create no-build zones along the shore, or a forced pull-back from the shoreline, something LaTourette rejected.

Of course not, the commissioner replied. It doesnt call for a retreat, Senator. Theres nowhere to retreat to. This is it.

Testa said there has been a major retreat from bayshore communities.

LaTourette acknowledged this has been happening along the Cumberland County coastline because were losing land mass. Were losing it every day.

Sen. Declan OScanlon, R-Monmouth, said expanding flood zone designations will reduce the value of peoples homes.

LaTourette said the state needs to be upfront with people about the risks they face from flooding and storms.

But Testa said the study the state relied upon in calculating the new rules assumes sea levels will rise more quickly than other studies have.

The New Jersey Business and Industry Association says 2 feet over the next 75 years is a more realistic assumption, which should be reflected in an amended proposal.

What is next for the former B.L. England power plant site? In the coming weeks, Upper Township will receive a formal proposal for extensive residential and commercial development for the former site of the B.L. England power plant.

No one in the climate science community is forecasting 5 feet of sea level rise in 75 years, and you dont create life-changing, potentially economically devastating policy upon a low-confidence data point, and certainly not without input from the Legislature, said Ray Cantor, an official with the association and a former adviser to the DEP under the administration of Gov. Chris Christie.

It is appropriate for the DEP to incorporate sea level rise in their updated land use rules, but sadly they are far too extreme in their projections and overly burdensome with these proposed regulations, he said.

Later Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency agreed to "engage with New Jersey state leaders" about the flood rules, which he opposes as overreach.

"We all support protecting our environment, but these regulations are based on extreme, worst-case scenarios that do not reflect reality and could do real damage to the future of the Jersey Shore," Van Drew said in a statement. "The NJPACT rules significantly expand flood zones, restrict construction, and place costly requirements on homebuilders and small businesses which will only make it more difficult for families to afford to live and work in our coastal communities.

"I made it clear that South Jersey cannot absorb these regulations as they stand, and the EPA listened. They have committed to discussing this with the state and urging a more moderate, workable approach."

Environmental groups favor the proposed rules as necessary to protect against a changing climate.

After witnessing the devastating effects and the loss of life from major storms like Hurricane Sandy, Irene and Ida, it is more apparent than ever that our state needs to adopt these rules as soon as possible to best protect people and property from the increasingly severe impacts of climate change, said Taylor McFarland, conservation program manager for the New Jersey Sierra Club.

LaTourette said the rules are on pace to be adopted by August.
Children's clothing brand Gigi and Max started as a hobby but is slowly turning itself into a household name.

Co-owned by husband and wife team Mike and Kristin Gonzales, Gigi and Max is an online boutique that specializes in fun fabric prints for children and even has options for parents. Before they grew into the nationwide company they are today, it started with a headband.

Before Gigi and Max was a company, sewing was just a hobby for Kristin, who in 2014 had recently become a stay-at-home mom. She needed something to keep herself occupied and asked her mom to teach her to sew.

She started with soft, knit fabric and began making headbands for her daughter with big bows on them, called top knots. Kristin was happy with her product, and so were friends who began asking more about them.

"So I started posting to Instagram and listing them on Etsy. And to be legal, I needed a name, so I did not put much weight into the name, just Gigi was for (my daughter), and Max was my nephew that was born a few months prior," she said.

At the time, social media sites like Instagram were still early in their development. If something was posted, everyone saw it, and at the time, Kristin had about 2,000 followers. That's just a fraction of the more than 161,000 followers she now has.

To build up to that, Kristin kept up with the social media posting and selling on Etsy while also trying to up her sewing game and learning how to make clothes. She'd just started learning to sew with a serger, so she could make stronger stitches to hold fabric better.

Then she was invited to a baby shower.

"And Mike said, 'Why don't you bring a few outfits for the baby?'" she said. "So, I made three outfits for the mom-to-be and at the shower, the reaction I got was just crazy."

The whole time, Kristin had been selling her products online and receiving positive reviews, but after getting those same reviews in person, everything clicked, she said. It solidified she had a great idea for a new business, and Mike agreed after hearing about it.

"That sort of catapulted us into this newborn-going-home outfit world," Kristin said.

The outfits they made had sayings like "Hello, world" and "Isn't she lovely" made specifically to be the outfits newborns would wear home from the hospital. Matching headbands came with the girls outfits and hats for the boys.

As soon as Kristen added the new outfits to her social media accounts, they flew off the table faster than the pair could make them.

"At that time, we were sitting at a five-week lead time because Mike was cutting the fabric and I was sewing it," she said.

The sewing operation then moved from the dining room table to the basement and the couple hired a seamstress to help them complete orders faster. As their family expanded to include their son, Gabe, their business was expanding too.

"Then we hired another (seamstress) to come in, so we had three people sewing in a basement," Mike said, adding it got crowded quickly. "We couldn't keep up, so we started working with a manufacturer in the U.S."

The couple found a husband-and-wife-owned company in the Boston area that was able to manufacture much faster than the Gonzaleses. With five full-time employees and heavier equipment, the company would receive the patterns, make the outfits and send them back to Bettendorf in record time.

"Something that took me an hour to make was taking them less than 10 minutes," Kristin said.

With their help, Gigi and Max had products on the shelf ready to ship and the five to six week waiting period went by the wayside. They now had things in stock and were ready to ship for last-minute shoppers.

As online marketplaces expanded, people were getting used to the concept of having things at their fingertips, Kristin said.

"In our world, you can have that too, and we've never gone away from that," she said.

After a few years, the brand continued to gain speed and the Gonzaleses were looking to add more details and expand their offerings. It proved to be too much for the U.S.-based company they had found to handle, so they started working with manufacturers overseas.

Mike said the move was mainly for the expertise because the sewers abroad are experts in their craft. With the help of their on-staff graphic designer, the pair choose all the designs from the print down to the ruffles, pockets and bows on the outfits.

"We basically send them the art and they send us the finished goods after lots of sampling and trials," Mike said. "Everything comes into our warehouse here ... we inspect it, we look it over, we package it up and then we ship it to our customers from right here."

The 'here' Mike referred to is the 6,000 square foot Gigi and Max warehouse in Bettendorf. Tucked into an industrial park, the building is split into a manufacturing side and a commercial side.

In the manufacturing area, rows and rows of racks holding packaged outfits are carefully labeled. Gigi and Max carries clothing ranging in size from newborn to size 8, as well as pajama and robe sets for parents. They also offer swaddles, blankets and crib sheets, and recently expanded into swimwear  matching towels included.

Employees pack orders twice a day, first in the morning and again right before the mail truck comes in the afternoon. They ship to more than 500 retailors, including Von Maur.

Same day shipping is a big part of the business, and so are exclusive clothing drops.

Every Wednesday, Gigi and Max drops a new print, sometimes multiple at holidays, to keep things fresh. Once all of one design are sold out, they move on to another to help bring customers back in.

Gigi and Max exclusively uses an extremely soft bamboo fabric for their clothing. All the clothing is tag-less to prevent sensory issues. For heavier items like hoodies or joggers, they use a heavier bamboo material that still provides a soft feel with high quality.

On the commercial side of things, the Gonzales' have set up a photo studio in the back where they do all of their own marketing photos and campaigns. They utilize all local models for their website, changing them into Gigi and Max branded outfits, then sending them home with a gift card for clothing.

That strategy has helped grow their local fanbase in the Quad-Cities, with more and more orders staying in town. Gigi and Max ships to all 50 states, but is most popular in Texas. Iowa is a close second, Mike said.

In its 11th year, Gigi and Max is continuing to grow, all thanks to social media. Kristin said TikTok is especially helping the brand gain recognition, as they make videos featuring themselves and showing off their products.

It helps connect them to the brand, and the brand to communities, including their own.

"People love that they can trust us," Kristen said. "We're two people from Iowa and we're selling stuff that we have in our warehouse. It's not pre-order, what you're buying is our brand. And people like that a lot."
Pakistani army accuses India of sponsoring terrorism, presents "irrefutable evidence"

Xinhua) 14:25, April 30, 2025

ISLAMABAD, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The director general of the Pakistani military's media wing on Tuesday accused India of being directly involved in orchestrating acts of terrorism within Pakistan, presenting "irrefutable evidence" of "state-sponsored terrorism".

Speaking at a press briefing in Rawalpindi, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Ahmed Sharif said that the Pakistani security forces have apprehended an India-trained terrorist and uncovered detailed evidence of cross-border coordination by Indian military personnel.

A Pakistani national trained by Indian operatives was arrested on April 25 near a bus stand in the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, and the suspect was found in possession of a 2.5-kg explosive device, two mobile phones, an India-manufactured drone, and 1 million Pakistani rupees in cash.

Forensic analysis of the suspect's mobile devices allegedly revealed communication with Indian army officers, including a junior commissioned officer and a serving major stationed in the India-controlled Kashmir.

"During interrogation, the suspect confessed to carrying out four IED attacks under direct instructions from Indian military officers," Chaudhry stated, noting that drones were being used to smuggle explosive devices into Pakistani territory.

In a recorded audio clip played during the briefing, an individual identified by the Pakistani military as an Indian officer was allegedly heard instructing the suspect to carry out an attack in a public area to maximize media coverage.

"This audio clip and the accompanying forensic data provide irrefutable evidence of Indian state involvement in terrorism on Pakistani soil," said Chaudhry.

"This is just one evidence, we have dismantled many such networks."

He urged the international community to take serious notice of India's actions, warning that such activities threaten not only Pakistan's national security, but also regional peace and stability.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
In his last meeting as Rock Island mayor, Mike Thoms addressed public commenters at Monday's City Council meeting.

Thoms spoke against accusations that the council and city staff had not been truthful with the public regarding a proposed 10-acre development adjacent to Milan Bottoms.

A Hana Illowa LLC is considering the site across from Bally's Quad Cities Casino and Hotel for a cannabis dispensary and gas station project.

Opponents say the development will negatively impact the nearby wetlands, including eagles who roost there.

While there were a number of people speaking against the project during public comment during the past several city council meetings, Thoms' anger was directed at the people calling him and the council liars, and insinuating they were taking money to push the project through.

Thoms said he welcomes an investigation, but emphasized that neither he nor anyone on council has any investment in the proposed project, and none have taken any money from anyone.

During Monday's meeting, wildlife biologist Kelly McKay, a frequent critic of the project, began his comments by saying "the insincerity and dishonesty of the city council knows no bounds."

In her remarks during public comment, Toni Bare said, "I've even been told that the deal is already done and that you guys know that it's done, so this even confuses me more why you guys act like it's not done if it's already done."

During his own comments, Thoms said that while the council and staff have listened patiently, the public has been rude and abusive.

The project was brought forth publicly, Thoms said, well earlier than normal for economic projects of this size. Many of the developers' ideas have changed due to how early the project was announced, he said.

The Dispatch-Argus/Quad-City Times first reported the proposed project in August of 2024. According to previous reporting, at an August 2024 council meeting, council members approved two letters of intent to enter into development agreements with A Hana Illowa LLC, owned by Matt Stern and Jeff Hughbanks, to relocate the businesses to Rock Island.

The city also issued a news release in August of 2024 following the approval of the development agreement in which Stern and Hughbanks expressed their excitement for the development.

"You think we lie because we talk about a gas station, and then we talk about something else," Thoms said. "It's because the project isn't fully cooked. We're working with the public trying to develop it, we're working with the developers trying to develop it, we're working with city council and within state laws trying to develop it, and trying to keep people informed as we go."

As the developer learns more about what elements the project will entail and what laws affect the plans, those elements and designs change, he said.

"We're not lying to you," Thoms said. "We're telling you the facts as we know them that very day, but the next day or a week later, things could change."

The developer is adding more dollars to this project to address some of the needs and concerns that citizens have raised, he said.

"If it doesn't work for them, they go to another city," he said. "Some of you may be happy with that, but there are a lot of citizens in Rock Island that would not be happy with that."

Developments don't happen overnight, he added. Often, they take years.

Thoms said everyone wants to preserve the environment. The city has proposed placing around 500 acres of Milan Bottoms in a conservation easement.

"Whether you take money over the environment you can argue all night long," he said. "We need the revenue, or we cannot keep up with the things that need to be kept up with in Rock Island."

To bring in the revenue that Rock Island needs, Thoms added, another big development will be needed for the city, and then another one after that.

Saying that opponents of the development have "embellished" their arguments, Rock Island County Board member Kai Swanson took to the podium as a Rock Island citizen to voice his support for the development.

Swanson said that the eagles made a dramatic return after the 1972 ban on the pesticide DDT.

The 1973 construction of the Interstate 280 bridge, he added, "with its ever-increasing noise and pollution," has not hampered the eagles "glorious return." He does not believe the development will impede eagles from roosting in the area.

Revenue from the proposed development will "fuel accelerated restoration of the 500 acres of neighboring wetlands," Swanson said, while there is no documented evidence the development will threaten any species.

Don Mewes, of Rock Island, said the city has lost too many businesses to people who protested. Those include a Fareway, a Jimmy John's and a Bass Pro Shop.

In November 2012, the city was trying to cut a deal for a development with Fareway at the location of the former Audubon School at 18th Avenue and 27th Street. That deal fell through, and CVS purchased and developed the land.

Mewes said about 10 years ago, Jimmy John's wanted to open up at 38th Street and 18th Avenue and protests shut down that project. Then on the northeast corner of that same intersection, protestors stopped a Bass Pro Shop from coming in.

"Illinois is one of the greenest states in the country," Mewes said. "Illinois will not approve a development that doesn't meet the state's environmental standards."

Alderman Bill Healy, 7th Ward, said the developers have signed a contract with Terracon Consulting: Engineers and Scientists to perform necessary environmental studies.

Terracon will perform, among other tasks, aquatic resource delineation, a bald eagle nest survey, protected species habitat assessment and on-site species examinations, Healy said. In addition, the development will not include a corner parcel that includes a portion of wetlands. Instead, the parcel will stay with the city to be included in the conservation area.

The next public hearing on the development is June 18.
A family accused of stealing federal lands said Wednesday they're thankful for those who helped get the charges dropped.

"We would like to thank the people behind us for being here," Heather Maude said during a press conference in Washington, D.C. livestreamed on the U.S. Department of Agriculture website. Press conference attendees included U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden, U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary (and former South Dakota governor) Kristi Noem and U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman of Wyoming.

"We knew that we were innocent of any wrongdoing, and we sought to find a resolution, and that was not forthcoming from the other side," Maude said.

Maude and her husband, Charles, have a cattle and hog operation near Caputa. Heather Maude said the couple are fifth-generation farmers and the Maude family has owned their ranch land, which sits next to Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, since 1910.

A federal grand jury indicted the couple in June of 2024, according to court records. The indictment said the family, "did knowingly steal, purloin, and convert to their own use National Grasslands managed by the United States Department of Agriculture, a department and agency of the United States, namely, approximately 25 acres of National Grasslands for cultivation and approximately 25 acres of National Grasslands for grazing cattle."

State lawmakers, members of the South Dakota congressional delegation and the South Dakota Governor's Office worked with the Trump Administration to get the charges dropped, calling the indictment an overreach by the Biden Administration. On Monday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson of the District of South Dakota filed a motion to dismiss the case, which was granted.

"Thank you for all you've done to help us," Charles Maude said ahead of his wife's remarks.

Rhoden's office said the couple faced up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the charges.

"The Maude family's been put through hell," South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden said during the press conference. "Today we restore sanity, restore fairness and justice."

The USDA said the Maudes were alerted by the United States Forest Service "that fencing on their property blocked access to the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands and in good faith agreed to a survey of the property lines." In a July 2024 letter to then-Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Rounds said the family was notified about the boundary discrepancy in March of 2024. After a survey was conducted, the Maudes were served with a summons related to the indictment. In the letter, Rounds noted the family had grazing permit agreements with the Forest Service and the service had previously not disputed the fence placement while granting permits over the course of 60 years.

Publicly available federal court documents include the indictment, but little else that cast light regarding the investigation that led to the charges. When asked about the future of the 50 acres in question, the USDA asked the Journal to file a Freedom of Information Act request. The agency directed questions about the now-dropped case to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Rounds said he's introduced the Fence Line Fairness Act, legislation his offices says would create a formal mediation process for land boundary disputes between landowners and the United States Forest Service.

Landowners deserve a proper notice and review process involving land disputes with the federal government, Rounds said in a release from his office. My legislation would create a committee made up of local farmers and ranchers appointed by both the federal and state Departments of Agriculture. This gives local landowners a fighting chance at settling a dispute before it escalates.

Johnson said, "Our team was honored to play a part in bringing attention to this issue," in a release from USDA.

South Dakota is full of hard workers who want to do right, and the Maude family is no different. ... A big thanks is due to Secretary Rollins and Secretary Noem on their efforts to bring relief to the Maude family. Im grateful the Trump Administration is focused on prosecuting real criminals, Johnson said.

Rounds said, "Hard work and common sense have finally prevailed. We want to thank President Trump and his team for working closely with us and the Maude family to right this wrong. I am happy to see we have finally reached a positive resolution but this massive government overreach from the Biden Administration should have never happened in the first place, and we must continue our work to stop this from ever happening again."
ARLINGTON - Four days after he asked John Reid to withdraw as the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Tuesday that the decision is Johns and up to John.

Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, the GOP nominee for governor, agreed in a statement Tuesday night, saying: "John Reid is the Republican nominee for Lt. Governor. It is his race and his decision alone to move forward."

Earle-Sears added: "We all have our own race to run."

Youngkin's call Friday for Reid to step down fractured the GOP ticket and has prevented joint campaigning.

Youngkin and Earle-Sears - both publicly addressing the uproar for the first time - said Tuesday that the drama over explicit social media posts that the governor has attributed to Reid - which Reid adamantly denies reposting - are a distraction from discussion of important issues.

Reid, the first openly gay statewide nominee in Virginia, says he is the target of a fabricated internet lie and that he will stay in the contest.

Earle-Sears said in her statement: "President Lincoln said 'a house divided against itself cannot stand.' Those biblical words of Matthew 12:25 embody the positive mission of our campaign to unite and inspire Virginians of all backgrounds. This week focus on the Lt. Governor nominee distracted from that mission and cannot continue."

She added: "I am going to continue to make the case to the people of Virginia that Abigail Spanberger," the Democratic nominee for governor, "will tear down all the successes we've made in Virginia."

Youngkin addressed the issue earlier Tuesday after an event in Arlington County where he announced a sharp reduction in Virginia's fentanyl-related overdose deaths.

One of the reasons why I called John last Friday morning was because these kinds of situations with explicit social media content, are a distraction, Youngkin said following a presentation at the Drug Enforcement Administration headquarters. Its a distraction for campaigns and its a distraction from people paying attention to the most important issues.

And here we are today talking about fentanyl and saving lives, and the distraction is present. And thats why I called him on Friday morning and thats why he and I had a very serious personal conversation.

And the decision is Johns and up to John. But thats why I called him and thats what I wanted him to understand.

"At a time when we need to be speaking about really important topics, its a distraction and I dont think thats the best way for us to get a message out to Virginians.

Miyares silent

Miyares, who also spoke at the overdose event in Arlington, left without stopping to take reporters' questions. "He's got to get to another event," his aide said.

Earle-Sears was to attend a fundraiser for her campaign Tuesday evening at Gauthier Vineyard in New Kent County. Campaign representatives asked a reporter and photographer from the Richmond Times-Dispatch to leave.

Reid in Henrico

Reid is set to hold a rally in Henrico County on Wednesday evening  at the same time and place where the full Republican ticket was originally expected to appear together for the first time in person.

News of Reids rogue rally comes as he ratchets up his rebuke of Youngkins attempt to remove him from the ticket. On Monday, Reids lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter to the chairman of Youngkins political action committee, ordering him to stop publishing lies about Reid.

In the letter, Reids lawyers accuse the executive director of Youngkins PAC, Matt Moran, of defamation and malice. Moran did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.

We have all seen how they tried to destroy President Trump with false personal attacks, and your willingness to now attack Virginias conservative Pro-Trump Republican nominee for Lt. Governor is unconscionable, the letter reads.

The letter claims that Moran provided false information about Reid to news outlets and threatened to share additional content if Reid does not drop out of the race by Saturday.

On Friday, news broke that Youngkin had asked Reid to step down as the lieutenant governor nominee because the governor was aware of a Tumblr account with naked photos and videos of other men reposted by an account that has the same username as Reids accounts on other social media pages. Reid denies the account is his or that he reposted the photos.

Reid, who is openly gay and has been with his partner Alonzo Mable for eight years, said in a video Sunday that Youngkins political team is extorting him and seeking a coup against a gay man whom they didnt want to be their nominee but didnt have the guts to run against.

Reid said in a post to X on Tuesday: "If people thought I was bluffing - i was NOT! I will NOT be abused or blackmailed!! By ANYONE."

He added: "I did everything right to be able to run for Lt. Governor and now I absolutely wont be smeared and abused and extorted by enemies or supposed 'friends.'"

After speaking Tuesday to the Virginia Beach Republican Women's Club, Reid posted: "We CAN win this fall! We just cant allow ourselves to be distracted by the inevitable ugliness and craziness of modern politics. Lets focus on serving the citizens with solid ideas and leadership."

Amid the tumult, a number of GOP officials around the state have come to Reid's defense. Matthew Hurtt, chairman of the Arlington County Republican Committee, released a statement of support for Reid.
For robbing and fatally shooting a marijuana dealer he did business with, putting the body in the trunk of a car, driving to Bedford County and then setting the car on fire, Joseph Richard Walker was sentenced Tuesday to 35 years in prison.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen called the crimes heinous, brutal and cold-blooded in imposing the maximum sentence allowed by a plea agreement.

I know I was wrong. I blame no one but myself, Walker, 31, told the judge before his sentence was pronounced. I accept my punishment and deserve whatever the court chooses.

In January, Walker pleaded guilty to robbery and discharging a firearm in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug trafficking. Federal prosecutors gave the following account of what happened:

Walker and a friend, Garrett Williams, had a standing agreement to purchase large amounts of marijuana from their source in Pennsylvania. Ethan Ryan Bert, 20, would regularly drive from his home in York to consummate the deals at Walkers house in southeast Roanoke.

In April 2023, Williams came to owe Bert about $40,000 for drugs he had been given with a promise to pay later. After trying and failing to call his customer, Bert attempted to reach Walker but inadvertently called his mother.

Walker testified Tuesday that he became angry at his dealer for involving his family in their drug business.

In 15 years of doing this, Ive never had anyone call my family, he said. No matter what they owe you, you dont drag family into this.

Although he had gotten to know Bert well and considered him a friend, Walker held a grudge from the slight.

Knowing that the debt could not be paid off, Walker and Williams devised a plan to lure Bert to Roanoke to make another drug delivery, at which point they would rob him in a way that he would never want to return to Virginia.

On the night of April 17, Bert arrived with about 10 pounds of marijuana and two pounds of marijuana wax, a potent form of the drug made from oils of the cannibas plant.

During a conversation that followed, Walker said he thought he saw Bert reach for something. He shot him once in the face, then stood over the unarmed man and shot him a second time in the head.

After taking the marijuana, he dragged the body to a car and drove to a rural road near Goodview, where he set the car on fire in an effort to dispose of evidence.

Williams, who was not in the house that night, pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiring to rob Bert. He is awaiting sentencing.

In asking Cullen to impose the maximum prison term allowed by the plea agreement, Assistant U.S. Attorney Coleman Adams said the incident was at least the fourth marijuana-related killing in Roanoke over the past five or six years.

While many believe the drug to be harmless in small amounts, Adams said it is not unusual for large-scale dealing to turn violent. Lives are being lost in this city on a routine basis, he said.

But there was no evidence that Walker planned to kill Bert, defense attorney Chris Kowalczuk said in asking Cullen to impose a 25-year sentence, the minimum under the plea agreement.

Theres no doubt that Mr. Walker did not wake up on the morning of April 17, 2023, and think, Im going to take him out. Kowalczuk said. The defense attorney also cited Walkers mental problems and substance abuse as mitigating factors.

But to the more that 20 friends and family members who attended Tuesdays hearing in U.S. District Court in Roanoke, that was no excuse for a crime that many said called for a harsher punishment.

Berts mother, Katie Payton, was not convinced by the talk about Walkers mental problems.

The way I see it, its a heart problem. He has an evil heart, Payton said from the witness stand. She brought with her a poster-sized portrait of Bert, who she called a loving son and truly my best friend.

As for Williams, she said, I really think he deserves life.
Those among us who read the scriptures will recognize that the words above come from Micah 6:8 where people of faith are told, You must act with justice. You must love to show mercy. And you must be humble as you live in the sight of your God. (New International Version)

Now I realize that everyone that we interact with may not be a person who values Gods spoken and written Word in the Bible, including some who regularly attend faith houses. Nevertheless, this is a call for good and godly persons to do as Micah 6:8 has described.

One of the major reasons so many people in the United States of America and other countries are experiencing inhumane consequences of state and national governmental actions is a lack of caring and valuing all of its citizens. Many of us have worked with persons who did an excellent job of pretending to be just and caring, but turned 180 degrees when the face, policies and procedures changed to the disadvantage of people of color, women and others who are thought to be expendable.

Listen to the words of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. that were expressed in the 1960s: Being a Negro (African American) in America is not a comfortable experience. It means being a part of the bruised, the battered, the scared and the defeated.

Being a Negro (African American) is trying to smile when you want to cry. It means trying to hold onto physical life amid psychological death. It means the pain of watching your children grow up with clouds of inferiority in their mental skies. It means having your legs cut off and then being condemned for being a cripple. It means seeing your mother and father spiritually murdered by the slings and arrows of daily exploitation, and then being hated for being an orphan.

Being a Negro (African American) in America means listening to suburban politicians talk eloquently against open housing, while arguing in the same breath that they are not racists. It means being harried by day and haunted by night by a nagging sense of nobodiness and constantly fighting to be saved from the poison of bitterness. It means the ache and anguish of living in so many situations where hopes unborn have died.

Today we can include women, and other groups of human beings being impacted by actions of the current legislative and executive branches of government.

Just when some of us thought that some of the racist practices and processes embedded in and shaping the social, political, economic, legal, educational, religious, infrastructural and medical systems and policies in our society  initially established and perpetuated by the government (Systemic racism as defined by Dr. Tony Evans) were put on life support, the current executive branch of government has given them CPR.

Eliminating the historical contributions of African Americans and women to the varied areas of our society in the United States begs the question,: Why?

Those among us who were born before 1960 see a reopening of internal wounds that were created in a segregated America.

Among the attacks against Social Security, the Veterans Administration and other federal service delivery agencies is the effort to eliminate the Department of Education and turn the educational matters over to the states.

How many of us are confident that the legislative and executive branches of South Carolina will do justly for all the children in the public schools as well as the students in all the colleges and universities of South Carolina?

Last year our governor denied the opportunity for children to be fed through a needed program.

South Carolina resisted the desegregation of its public schools, colleges and universities for more than seven years after the May 17, 1954 Supreme Court decision declared segregation unconstitutional.

In Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi, federal troops had to be called to protect African American students from governors and crowds that protested their entrance to previously segregated schools.

According to the November 2020 Executive Summary of the South Carolina: Structural Factors Associated With Poverty document:

As of 2018, the state ranked second in the nation for medical debt burden with 27% of South Carolinians having medical debt in collections compared to 16% nationally.

In 2016, 27 public transit providers operated in the state, and many did not reach rural areas with a high need for services.

Financial investment in K-12 education is directly associated with higher student academic performance and career readiness, starting with graduation. In school year 2018-2019, 19% of South Carolina students did not graduate from high school.

In 2015, nearly half of the states residents, approximately 2.3 million, lived in areas of low food access.

In 2018, there were 224,529 South Carolinians who were uninsured that would also potentially have met the income requirements for Medicaid coverage provided by program expansion.

Do we care as a city, county, state and nation about the needs of ALL our children, the poor, our elderly, our disabled and each other? Or do we choose to continue to ignore the concerns and needs of people based upon the color of their skin, gender, socio-economic status, faith or whether we like the person? Many of us now understand why our parents and grandparents regularly prayed and sang, I Will Trust IN The Lord until I die.

Allie E. Brooks Jr. is the former superintendent of Florence School District One and the past principal of Wilson High School.
Make China great again!

Posted on 30 April 2025 by Guest Author

This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler

As readers of this Substack will know, I've been increasingly concerned about the destruction of one of Americas greatest competitive advantages: our university research system. Recently, the Trump administration announced that they were going to cut university overhead rates to 15%. This sounds like a discussion that would put an accountant to sleep, but it's actually quite important, as this post describes. This was originally published Apr. 18 in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.

Theres an important battle brewing over university overhead rates. Sounds boring, right? But hang with me and youll see why this is so crucially important to America. It will determine whether breakthrough technologies emerge in American labs or Chinese ones.

Last week, the Department of Energy slashed university overhead rates to 15 percent. They claim this saves taxpayers $405 million annually while ensuring funds support support scientific researchnot foot the bill for administrative costs and facility upgrades. This is dangerously misleading.

To understand why, let me start by explaining what overhead means. When you picture a university research lab, you probably imagine scientists in lab coats, surrounded by high-tech equipment, performing groundbreaking experiments. What you see in this mental image are what we would call direct coststhings that are directly involved in a research project.

What you dont see are the countless support systems making that research possible. Air conditioning, electricity for lighting, wifi, janitorial services, administrative support for payroll and purchasing, and a million other things that cannot be neatly assigned to a particular research project but without which research cannot be done.

These costs are what go into overhead and they fall into two main categories. First are shared, distributed expenses spread across the entire research enterprise that would be impossible or absurdly inefficient to track project-by-project: think HVAC systems, IT support, building maintenance, administrative staff processing grants, library resources, and safety training.

Trying to determine how many kilowatt-hours each of the 300 experiments running in a building consumed, or what percentage of the universitys toilet paper expense should be charged to a specific project would be a bureaucratic nightmare.

Second are long-term investments that must be spread over many years: constructing laboratory spaces for faculty, building office space and classrooms for graduate students, building core research facilities, and upgrading infrastructure.

When a university recruits a promising new scientist, they might invest millions in building out lab space before that researcher has even secured their first grant. These costs should be recovered gradually over time.

At Texas A&M University, our overhead rate is 54 percent. Thus, for a hypothetical proposal with $100,000 in direct research costs (salaries, supplies, equipment), an additional $54,000 is requested to support the overhead that makes that research possible. So the total cost to the government for this work would be $154,000. This is comparable to other research universities, which generally have overhead rates between 50 and 70 percent.

This rate isnt arbitrary. Its negotiated with the federal government through a rigorous process where A&M had to justify the costs going into the overhead rate to ensure it reflects the actual costs of research.

The Department of Energys 15 percent cap will blow a hole in universities finances. There are three ways universities could respond.

First, university departments could explicitly include these costs in grant proposals. Imagine future research proposals where we must specify line items for fraction of janitorial expenses, fraction of elevator maintenance, or fraction of wifi used by a particular project.

Right now, such expenses would be prohibited because they are already covered by overhead. If the US government allows, however, those restrictions could be relaxed in response to overhead being cut. However, this approach would be comically inefficient. The administrative burden will increase costs overall, not reduce them. Science will slow to a crawl as researchers become part-time accountants.

Second, universities could find another source of money to cover these costs. But money needs to come from somewhere, and Texas A&M doesnt have a pile of it sitting around waiting to be spent.

The only real options are through tuition increases or state appropriations. But this fundamentally misunderstands the value of federally funded research. University research benefits the entire nationcreating new technologies, advancing healthcare, strengthening national security, and maintaining Americas competitive edge. Students shouldnt bear this cost through higher tuition, nor should individual states subsidize what is clearly a national asset.

Third, universities could stop conducting DOE research. When each DOE grant becomes a financial liability rather than an asset, institutions will simply pull the plug. I worry that this will be the approach universities take.

If so, it wont eliminate research; it will simply relocate it. Improvements in battery technologies, innovations in nuclear and renewable energy, and advances in other related fields will still happen, just not in America.

China, Europe, and other regions with rational research funding models will happily fill the void. Ultimately, in the name of saving 0.006 percent of the federal budget, were surrendering Americas technological leadership. But the true price of this penny-wise, pound-foolish policy cant be measured in moneyits lost innovation, vanished industries, and diminished global standing. Thats a price America simply cannot afford.
Slate Plus members get more Care and Feeding every week. Have a question about kids, parenting, or family life? Submit it here!

Dear Care and Feeding,

I am from Australia and just moved to a deeply religious southern city in the U.S. There is a bit of a cultural difference in how overtly religious people are and my kids who are 10 and 14 are trying to navigate life in a new country. So I let the 10-year-old join a local religious youth group figuring he would be surrounded by basically wholesome types and able to make friends.

But in between the bowling trips he is becoming indoctrinated into some pretty extreme ideas. There were tears the other day about the fact that his beloved atheist grandpa died and went to hell. When I asked the local pastor I was astonished to learn that this is what they taught. This church also appears to be a little racist in that they have no Black kids attending at all even though his school is pretty diverse and the church is a big part of the local community. I am loosely Catholic but very much of the idea that faith or lack thereof is a private conviction and that churches are social institutions. His dad thinks we should let him stay in this group as many of his school friends belong but I think its doing more harm than good. Help!

Godless in Georgia

Dear Godless in Georgia,

I was raised evangelical Christian in the Bible belt, and without knowing the details of the church your child is attending, I can confirm that many religious groups in the South are teaching some pretty extreme ideas. Since youre from Australia, you probably didnt know what you were getting into. But you should do some more research now to see if this churchs teachings align with your values. Some Christian churches have an anti-abortion agenda, teach that homosexuality and being transgender are evil, and have outdated ideas about sex and womens roles in society. The fact that your child is coming home upset by what hes being taught is a red flag to methe traumatic aftermath caused by some of these communities can be long-lasting.

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That said, faith itself can be a beautiful thing. I think its great to make kids aware of the different systems of belief in the world and let them draw their own conclusions. This could be a good opportunity to explore other world religions with your son, particularly ones like Buddhism that teach a gentler, kinder version of what happens when we die than the burning in hell model. Let him know that hes free to believe whatever he would like, and if that means he wants to continue attending this youth group, let him. But also remind him hes free to change his mind. Continue to have these tough conversations by sharing your own religious beliefs and why you value kindness and tolerance toward others. Chances are your son will come around to your way of thinking eventually if you keep the doors of nonjudgmental communication open.

Emily

More Advice From Slate

What is the current policy on allowing young children to urinate in public parks? I let my 3-year-old son pee in a park recently, in a secluded spot among some bushes, and another adult confronted me.
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At long last, the time has come for House Republicans to answer the $880 billion question. Thats the amount in cuts that the Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid, must find to help cover the cost of President Donald Trumps one big, beautiful bill comprising his legislative agenda.

For months, as Republicans in the House and Senate negotiated blueprints and frameworks ahead of the actual bill-writing process, they punted on exactly which changes theyd make to Medicaid. Its a delicate subject. It puts House Republican factions at loggerheads, as spending hawks insist on substantial cuts to the health coverage program for the poor and needy, while swing seat members worry that such cuts will cost them their seats. And Democrats have been preparing since Election Day 2024 to obliterate Republicans for slashing Medicaid while giving tax cuts to the rich.

But they cant dance around the question any longer. And although the Energy and Commerce Committee hasnt yet released a draft of its portion of the legislation, or even made its final decisions, the envisioned cuts are coming into view. And the target is, unmistakably, the Affordable Care Acts Medicaid expansion, which provides health coverage to 20 million people.

Traditional Medicaid focuses primarily on covering the most vulnerable low-income populations, like children, parents, caregivers, pregnant women, and disabled people. The cost is split between the federal government and states, and theres a formula, based largely on states per capita income, to determine the feds share of the bill. It varies roughly from 50 and 75 percent, again, for traditional Medicaid.

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Obamacare, now more than 15 years old, expanded Medicaid by making those who earn up to 138 percent of the federal poverty line eligible for the program. Crucially, it enticed states to accept the expansion by promising that the feds would cover 90 percent of the costs for these new enrollees. Under that generous financial arrangement, 41 states and the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid.

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If youve read between the lines of Republicans rhetoric in recent weeks, theyve carefully left the door open to significant cuts to the Medicaid expansion. House Speaker Mike Johnson, when asked about potential cuts, typically begins by laughing off the suggestion, then explains that theyre merely going to root out fraud, waste, and abuse in the program. In his mind, that includes able-bodied workers and young men who should never be on the program at all.

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When you have people on the program that are draining the resources, it takes it away from people that are actually needing it the most and are intended to receive it, Johnson said in a Fox News interview in mid-April. Youre talking about young single mothers down on their fortunes at a moment, the people with real disabilities, the elderly, and weve got to protect and preserve that program. So were going to preserve the integrity of it in this process. Here, hes drawing a bright line between expansion enrollees who might be draining the resources from those on traditional Medicaid.

Even the House moderates, who earned headlines for a mid-April letter supposedly warning their leaders against pursuing big Medicaid cuts, still left themselves plenty of space to pursue expansion cuts. We cannot and will not support a final reconciliation bill, the dozen members wrote, that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations. Those last three wordsfor vulnerable populationsare key, suggesting that their line is drawn only at reducing coverage for traditional Medicaid.

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So how do Republicans target the Medicaid expansion? Right now, theyre looking at a couple of different approaches to get the big savings they would need.

The first would be to do away with the expansions 90 percent federal match rate and offer expansion states the same federal match rate they get under traditional Medicaid. That would reduce the deficit by $561 billion over 10 years, getting the committee most of the way to its $880 billion target. Their argument for this is that its unfair for states to get a better deal covering able-bodied people who are simply poor than for their most vulnerable populations.

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We have an expansion population that gets 90 percent federal money, and you have traditional [Medicaid], so a disabled child in Kentucky gets 72 cents when they go to the doctor. And we know thats just unsustainable, Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie told NBC News on Monday.

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The other element of the spin is that they wouldnt be kicking people off Medicaid with this change. Why, were anyone to be kicked off, that would be the choice of individual states.

Related From Slate Republican Lawmakers Are Debating Whether They Can Afford to Totally Gut Their New Base Read More

Nobody would be kicked off Medicaid as long as the governors decided that they want to continue to fund the program, Georgia Rep. Austin Scott, another committee member, said on Fox last week. And so we are going to ask the states to pick up and pay some additional percentage of Medicaid.

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But picking up more of the cost was not part of the deal. States took up the expansion only because of the 90 percent match rateindeed, thats why the match rate was set up at 90 percent: to give states an offer they couldnt refuse to help achieve Obamacares goal of near-universal health coverage. At this moment, in fact, 12 states have trigger laws that would end or amend the expansion were the federal share to dip below 90 percent.

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Its partially because of these laws that negotiators are now reportedly leaning toward the second approach: per capita caps for the expansion population. Capping the amount of funds states receive per expansion enrollee, as Guthrie told Axios on Monday, takes away the open-ended checkbook. The cap could be adjusted to produce whatever savings target the committee has in mind.

The political issue, though, would be the same: If you make a major reform to Medicaid that strips it of hundreds of billions of dollars over 10 years, plenty of poor people are going to either lose their health coverage or get a worse version of it.

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This cant be spun away. Republicans cant say theyre cutting waste, or that theyre finding administrative efficiencies, or that its the mean old governors who would be kicking people off. There will come a point when House Republicans pursuing this path have to attempt to make an honest case for what theyre doing: that Medicaid spending has grown too sharply, and flattening its trajectory is necessary as the government approaches $40 trillion in federal debt and rising borrowing costs. (Also, because they need the cash for delicious tax cuts.) This argument wouldnt make people happy, but it would be less insulting to the intelligence than arguing that theyre just trimming the hedges a bit. Instead, theyre talking about taking out trees. People will notice.
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During oral arguments on Wednesday in one of the biggest religion cases in generations, it became clear that the Supreme Court appears all but certain to compel Oklahoma to establish and fund a Catholic charter school, opening the floodgates to mandatory taxpayer support for religious education across the country. Indeed, the Republican-appointed justices took turns accusing the state of engaging in unconstitutional discrimination against religion by declining to admit a church-run academy into its public school system. Their position, if adopted, would transform U.S. public education, striking down restrictions on religious charter schools enshrined in federal statute as well as the laws of 46 states and the District of Columbia. It would bury what remains of churchstate separation, forcing every American to subsidize the indoctrination of children into faiths they may not share. And it would further enfeeble secular public education, diverting billions of dollars away from inclusive public schools toward religious academies that openly discriminate against those outside their faith.

The conservative justices, however, did not sound concerned about any of these extreme consequences. If anything, they appeared eager to accelerate themcasting the long-standing nationwide ban on sectarian charter schools as an egregious form of anti-religious bigotry. This Supreme Court has evidently sunk so deep into the mindset of conservative grievance that it now feels victimized by the very concept of public secularism.

Wednesdays case, Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond, was engineered by conservative activists seeking to expand state funding of religious education. They worked with the diocese to create St. Isidorea full-time virtual Catholic school that provides overtly sectarian instructionand apply for participation in Oklahomas charter school program. The board that runs this program narrowly approved the schools application, making it the first religious charter school in the nation. But Attorney General Gentner Drummond, a Republican, objected; the states constitution, he pointed out, forbids the expenditure of public money on any sectarian institution and requires that public schools be free from sectarian control. The Oklahoma Supreme Court sided with the attorney general last year, ruling that the state constitution prohibits taxpayer funding of St. Isidore.

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The schools lawyers then appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that its exclusion from the charter school program violated the free exercise clause of the First Amendment. Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself, presumably because of her close friendship with an attorney advising St. Isidore. The court took up the case nonetheless, reflecting a clear desire among the conservative justices to declare that Oklahoma had violated the schools constitutional rights.

Just a decade ago, that argument would have been unthinkable. The Supreme Court had long held that the First Amendments establishment clause, which safeguards separation of church and state, bars states from spending public money on religious instruction. In recent years, though, SCOTUS has turned that precedent on its head, holding instead that the First Amendments free exercise clause requires states to fund religious schools. Until now, it has focused on private schools, ordering states to extend tax credits, vouchers, and scholarships to religious academies. This case extends that line of precedent all the way to public education.

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Justice Brett Kavanaugh seemed indignant that anyone would even question whether St. Isidore has a right to taxpayer dollars. All the religious school is saying is, Dont exclude us on account of our religion, he told Gregory Garre, who defended the attorney generals effort to block the school. I mean, if you go and apply to be a charter school and youre an environmental studies school, or youre a science-based school, or youre a Chinese immersion school, or youre a English grammarfocused school, you can get in. And then you come in and you say, Oh, were a religious school. Its like Oh, no, cant do that, thats too much. Thats scary. Were not going to do that.

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His voice rising, Kavanaugh continued lecturing Garre. Our cases have made very clear, and I think those are some of the most important cases weve had, of saying you cant treat religious people and religious institutions and religious speech as second-class in the United States, the justice said. And when you have a program thats open to all comers except religion, No, we cant do that, we can do everything else, that seems like rank discrimination against religion.

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The problem with Kavanaughs position, of course, is that Oklahoma treats religion differently because the First Amendment treats it differently, limiting its entanglement with the state. The Framers imposed this rule not out of hostility toward the faithful, but to ensure that believers of every stripeand nonbelievers tooare not forced to support a faith that conflicts with their conscience. Kavanaugh does not appear to care that non-Catholic Oklahomans would be subsidizing Catholic indoctrination if St. Isidore is approved, or that non-Catholic students could face discrimination or expulsion for failing to share the schools beliefs. His tunnel vision blocks out these competing interests, leaving him with the false impression of heinous anti-Catholic persecution.

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Related From Slate How Sam Alito Inadvertently Revealed His Own Homophobia From the Bench Read More

Justice Samuel Alito raised similar gripes, then took the complaint of persecution to a new level, accusing Oklahoma of perpetuating a long and unsavory history of anti-Catholic bigotry. Alito claimed, incorrectly, that the state constitutions limits on public funding of religion emerge out of a campaign against American Catholics. Chief Justice John Roberts, along with Justice Neil Gorsuch, embraced St. Isidores absurd argument that it isnt a public school at all, merely an arm of the church that happens to get state money. In reality, the school would operate as a governmental entity, funded and regulated by state officials. Yet the conservative justices seemed eager to embrace the fiction that it is somehow private for First Amendment purposesin part, perhaps, to evade concerns about the infusion of religious proselytization into a public school curriculum.

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But these justices simply cannot escape the reality that their preferred outcome in this case threatens to topple the entire legal regime governing the charter school system. That is because charter schools are public schools, by every metric, and requiring the establishment of a Catholic charter school would blow up the legal foundation of the entire enterprise. Why? As Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson each took pains to note, the federal statute that governs charter schoolsthrough which billions of dollars are disbursed each yearrequires that these institutions be nonsectarian in their programs, admissions policies, employment practices, and all other operations. This same rule is enshrined into the laws of the 46 states (plus D.C.) that allow charter schools. Yet St. Isidore intends to provide Catholic education, force students to attend Catholic Mass, and exclude students who do not support its Catholic mission.

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Remarkably, Trumps Justice Departmentwhich stepped into the case to support St. Isidoredid not bother defending this federal statute. Instead, Solicitor General John Sauer dismissed it as a First Amendment violation. Kagan sounded incredulous: Youre saying, she asked Sauer, that the law is so patently unconstitutional that you will not defend it? Sauer affirmed that in the Trump administrations view, Congress cannot require that publicly funded charter schools maintain secular operations, so the provision is unenforceable. Weeks into his tenure as solicitor general, Sauer is already defying his obligation to defend federal law, sabotaging Congress handiwork with the same reckless zeal that defined his efforts to help overturn the 2020 election and win Trump sweeping federal immunity from prosecution.

If St. Isidore prevails, as it almost certainly will, the ruling will not just permit states to establish religious charter schools. It will compel them to do so, under threat of federal lawsuit. And, as Kagan told Sauer, the resulting regime will favor accepted establishment religions, which have the resources to establish and lobby for their own schools, over smaller minority religions, which wont have sufficient influence to get through the door. It will also invite a flood of challenges to curricular requirements that states attempt to impose on charter schools. More-fundamentalist religions will attempt to cut aspects of the state-approved curriculum that clash with their beliefs. They may, as Sotomayor said, try to replace evolution with creationism, or another topic with a church-approved belief. The schools may then demand exceptions from the statewide tests that ensure that charters are meeting educational standards. With each challenge, the states authority to regulate these schools will be weakened, each exception giving institutions more leeway to defy government standards. Eventually, Kagan warned, states may have to fund Orthodox Jewish yeshivas, which teach no secular subjects at all.

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There is a reason why the nations major charter school organizations have lined up to oppose St. Isidores demands. These groups want charter schools to carry out the central mission of public education as an engine of civic democracy that gives all children the tools to flourish as people and citizens. St. Isidore seeks to subvert that goal by handing control of charters over to religious establishments that want to inculcate children in their faith with the compulsory support of taxpayers. The dueling visions of education could not be more different. Unfortunately, only one aligns with this Supreme Courts preference for religious supremacy over the rights of everyone else, the vision of the Founders be damned.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250430/europe-will-not-be-able-to-send-25000-troops-to-ukraine---reports-1121958326.html

Europe Will Not Be Able to Send 25,000 Troops to Ukraine - Reports

Europe Will Not Be Able to Send 25,000 Troops to Ukraine - Reports

Sputnik International

European countries that support the deployment of the so-called "deterrence" force in Ukraine will not be able to muster 25,000 troops for this purpose due to a shortage of troops and funding, The Times newspaper reported, citing sources.

2025-04-30T11:38+0000

2025-04-30T11:38+0000

2025-04-30T11:38+0000

military

russia-nato showdown

russian foreign ministry

united kingdom (uk)

emmanuel macron

european union (eu)

sergey lavrov

ukrainian crisis

ukrainian conflict

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UK Chief of the Defense Staff Tony Radakin raised the issue of deploying a contingent of 64,000 troops to Ukraine with his European colleagues, the report said on Tuesday. He also noted earlier that London was ready to send up to 10,000 soldiers, the report added. However, the defense ministers of European countries said later that there was "no chance" that they would be able to send such a contingent, and even 25,000 would "be a push for a joint effort," the newspaper reported. Close allies expressed their doubts to UK Defense Minister John Healey and emphasized that a force of this size would require a total of 256,000 troops over two years, taking into account rotation, the report read. Poland, Spain and Italy have made it clear that they are not going to send their troops to Ukraine. Following the Paris summit of the "Coalition of the Willing" on March 27, French President Emmanuel Macron said that a number of countries were planning to send "deterrent forces" to Ukraine. As the French leader emphasized, this French-UK initiative will neither replace Ukrainian troops nor act as peacekeepers. Their goal will be to contain Russia, and they will be deployed in strategic locations pre-determined with the Ukrainians. Macron noted that not everyone agreed with the initiative, but this is not necessary for its implementation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on March 6 stressed that Russia did not see any room for compromise on the issue of deploying foreign troops in Ukraine. The Russian minister has said that if a foreign contingent is deployed in Ukraine, Western countries will not want to agree on the terms of a peaceful settlement, since this contingent will create "facts on the ground." The Russian Foreign Ministry said earlier that the plans of some EU countries to send "peacekeepers" to Ukraine were a provocative step aimed at maintaining illusions among the authorities in Kiev.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250429/trump-seeks-cooperation-with-russia-instead-of-confrontation---expert-1121952423.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250426/russias-unconditional-talks-offer-exposes-zelenskys-diplomatic-machinations--ex-pentagon-analyst-1121939503.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250430/moscow-hosts-seventh-road-to-yalta-festival-to-honor-80th-anniversary-of-victory-1121955663.html

Moscow Hosts Seventh 'Road to Yalta' Festival to Honor 80th Anniversary of Victory

Moscow Hosts Seventh 'Road to Yalta' Festival to Honor 80th Anniversary of Victory

Sputnik International

In honor of the 80th anniversary of victory in WWII, famous and beloved songs about the Great Patriotic War will be performed in various languages by vocalists from 15 countries in the international music competition from April 28 to May 1.

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russia

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The 'Road to Yalta' festival, which began in 2019 in Yalta, has since become one of the most significant annual cultural events in Russia and one of the brightest television projects dedicated to the Great Victory. Since 2022, Road to Yalta has been hosted by Moscow.The concert broadcasts are streamed live on city screens and online, reaching viewers across Russian regions and connecting audiences from dozens of countries. The goal of the festival is to preserve and convey the historical memory of the Great Patriotic War through song, to celebrate the image of the Soviet and Russian soldier-liberators, and to remind everyone of the heavy price paid by our country and people to rid the world of the scourge of fascism. This idea was set by the festival's president, Andrei Kondrashov, and artistic director, Ernestas Mackevicius.The Road to Yalta festival is held as a competition. In 2025, the organizing committee received 160 applications from vocalists across 55 countries. The jury selected participants from 15 countries in the online qualification round, and these performers have been invited to Moscow. Their fate will be decided during the final concerts, which will be held in two stages, with the names of the winners announced on stage at the State Kremlin Palace. Finalists in 2025 include representatives from Brazil, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Cyprus, China, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Mongolia, Cuba, Serbia, the United States, Tunisia, and France.Solo performances by vocalists, where they perform Soviet war songs in their native languages, took place on the first competition day, April 28, at the Palace on the Yauza. On May 1, during the final gala concert at the Grand Hall of the Kremlin Palace, international performers will sing duets with Russian stars.The laureates of the Road to Yalta 2025 will be chosen by a jury consisting of: Mikhail Shvydkoy, special representative of the president of Russia for international cultural cooperation and Mikhail Kovalyuk, president of the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute, as well as honored Russian artists Denis Maydanov, Kai Metov, Zara, and Alexander F. Sklyar. The jury chairperson will be People's Artist Lev Leshchenko.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20210424/foreign-singers-to-perform-soviet-ww2-songs-at-final-of-road-to-yalta-festival-on-1-may-1082715217.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250430/north-korea-tests-weapon-system-of-choe-hyon-destroyer---reports-1121954959.html

North Korea Tests Weapon System of Choe Hyon Destroyer - Reports

North Korea Tests Weapon System of Choe Hyon Destroyer - Reports

Sputnik International

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the test of the weapon system of the Choe Hyon multi-mission destroyer, state-run media reported on Wednesday.

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military

kim jong un

north korea

korean central news agency (kcna)

military exercise

naval exercise

military drill

naval drill

cruise missile

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The first test of the weapon systems was conducted on April 28 and 29, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. Kim Jong-un watched the first test-fire together with leading officials from North Koreas Missile Administration, the Academy of Defence Sciences, the detection and electronic warfare administration and the Nampho Shipyard, KCNA specified. On April 28, the test-fire of a supersonic cruise missile, a strategic cruise missile, an anti-aircraft missile and a 127 mm ship-based automatic gun took place. On April 29, the test-fire of a ship-to-ship tactical guided weapon, various kinds of ship-based automatic guns and smoke and electronic jamming guns took place, KCNA said. The North Korean leader stressed the need to perfect the Choe Hyon warship's weapon systems for integrated operation in a short time span.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250430/pakistani-information-minister-says-india-planning-attack-in-next-24-36-hours-1121955240.html

Pakistani Information Minister Says India Planning Attack in Next 24-36 Hours

Pakistani Information Minister Says India Planning Attack in Next 24-36 Hours

Sputnik International

Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday that India plans to launch a military strike on Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours amid worsening relations between the two countries following a terrorist attack in India's Jammu and Kashmir.

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conflict between india, pakistan escalates over exchange of airstrikes in kashmir

pakistan

india

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"Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends carrying out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident," Tarar said on X. He noted that any act of aggression will be met with a decisive response from Islamabad. On April 22, a terrorist attack took place near the town of Pahalgam in India's Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 people, including one Nepalese citizen. A group of terrorists from the Resistance Front, affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba group (banned in Russia), claimed responsibility for the attack. Following the attack, the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security decided to reduce the staff of the embassies of India and Pakistan in each other's countries, suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and close the only functioning land border crossing between the two countries.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250430/trump-reiterates-that-putin-wants-to-stop-ukraine-conflict-1121955385.html

Trump Reiterates That Putin Wants to Stop Ukraine Conflict

Trump Reiterates That Putin Wants to Stop Ukraine Conflict

Sputnik International

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to end the conflict in Ukraine, US President Donald Trump said in an interview with ABC News, aired on his 100th day in office.

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ukraine

ukraine crisis

ukrainian conflict

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"I would say that he [Putin] would like to stop the war," Trump told ABC News' Terry Moran. "He could be tapping me along a little bit," Trump admitted, but added later on in the interview "I do believe that -- he's willing to stop the fighting." Trump blamed his predecessor, Joe Biden, for the start of the armed conflict in Ukraine and said that he believed that Putin had wanted to "take over the whole country [of Ukraine]." Last week, Trump criticized Volodymyr Zelensky's "inflammatory" remarks about Kiev's refusal to recognize Crimea as part of Russia, saying that they were detrimental to peace negotiations and could further prolong the Ukraine conflict. Earlier this week, Trump said in an interview with US media personality Glenn Beck that Zelensky kept making increasing demands despite having no bargaining power. The US president told Beck that Putin was willing to conclude an agreement on Ukraine and was "easier to deal with than Zelensky."

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Standardbred Canada (SC) would like to advise participants that the deadline for a number stakes payments in British Columbia has been extended.

Stake payments for these events are now due on Friday, May 30, 2025.

British Columbia

B.C. Bred Stakes

Yearlings in 2025 (foals of 2024) - $50

2YO in 2025 (foals of 2023) - $100 (A late nomination / sustaining fee of $1,500 includes the two-year-old payment)

3YO in 2025 (foals of 2022) - $150

B.C. Open Stakes (Penny Bath Memorial & Ray Gemmill Memorial)

Yearlings in 2025 (foals of 2024) - $10

B.C. Sale Stakes

2YO in 2025 (foals of 2023/sale of 2024) - $100

For information regarding making stakes payments online, click here.

If not paying with a credit card via SC Online, please mail and make a cheque payable to:

Standardbred Canada - Stakes Department

2150 Meadowvale Blvd.

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For more information, contact Emelia Gillespie at 905-858-3060 ext. 254 or [email protected].

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IBM announced the establishment of a new Microsoft Practice within IBM Consulting. This announcement builds upon a multi-year partnership aimed to deliver stronger and more measurable business outcomes for clients who are navigating complex AI, cloud, and security transformations.

The new practice addresses what businesses need in their digital transformation journeys: a unified approach that combines IBMs industry and transformation expertise with Microsofts technology portfolio, including Copilot, Azure OpenAI, Azure Cloud, Fabric, and Sentinel. This integration is intended to help simplify the process for business leaders to drive growth, reduce costs, and build sustainable competitive advantage.

IBM Consulting is committed to our clients successes and were proud to offer them the opportunity of working with an ecosystem of global industry leaders with proven track records of innovation and delivery excellence, said Mohamad Ali, Senior Vice President and Head of IBM Consulting. Establishing a dedicated Microsoft Practice is needed to drive meaningful business outcomes for our clients and I look forward to what we will be able to achieve together.

Top Breaking News Of The Day

The new practice brings together a team of more than 33,000 Microsoft-certified professionals across key markets and geographies where IBM Consulting has a presence, providing clients benefit from:

Supercharged innovation with deep expertise across cloud, AI, data and security

Extensive global scale with implementation capabilities in every major market, including recently-opened IBM and Microsoft Experience Zones.

End-to-end transformation capabilities from strategy through implementation and ongoing optimization.

Enterprise-grade security and compliance controls backed by the rigorous standards and experience that two global industry leaders can provide.

The Microsoft Practice also includes integration of Microsofts technology ecosystem in IBM Consultings AI-powered delivery platform IBM Consulting Advantage. By adding advanced Copilot integrations, clients will have the flexibility to deploy the optimal AI solutions for specific business needs while maintaining enterprise governance and security.

IBMs launch of a Microsoft Practice is a pivotal step in our shared mission to empower customers through cloud and AI technologies, said Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer, at Microsoft. This collaboration unites experts to deliver tailored solutions that will drive innovation and operational excellence, to help businesses unlock new growth opportunities and accelerate business transformation.

Client Success Through Combined Strengths:

The new practice will develop new innovative offerings and industry-specific solutions to address customers unique challenges in sectors like retail, consumer packaged goods, government, financial services, and supply chain. This will build on recent offerings such as IBM Copilot Runway and IBM Consulting Azure OpenAI Services that are currently helping clients scale their adoption of generative AI to unlock new growth opportunities, enhance operational efficiency, and drive industry-specific innovation.

Our work with IBM Consulting has been integral to our digital transformation strategy, said Frank Sweeney, Chief Information Officer of the State of Arizona Department of Child Safety. The IBM team helped us implement key Microsoft generative AI solutions that have significantly improved the efficiency of caseworkers, enabling them to focus on what really mattershelping families.
Qubo announced the appointment of Nikhil Sareen as Co-founder, strengthening its leadership team as the company gears up for its next phase of strategic growth and expansion.

With over 15 years of experience spanning entrepreneurship, e-commerce, brand building, and global strategy, Nikhil brings a wealth of experience in building category-defining brands from the ground up. He is widely known for transforming Strauss Sport into a leading sporting brand, a testament to his sharp brand-building instincts and ability to scale operations in highly competitive digital ecosystems. His career journey, marked by a consistent focus on consumer-centric innovation and data-driven decision-making, will be instrumental in shaping Qubos next chapter.

Previously, as Chief Business Officer at Vahdam India, Nikhil played a pivotal role in the brands successful foray into multiple international markets, driving its evolution into a globally loved Indian brand. He also co-founded Schoolkart.com, an early e-commerce venture that catered to a niche education needs  a testament to his entrepreneurial mindset and consumer-first approach. Nikhils track record of scaling digital-native consumer brands and building strategic partnerships aligns perfectly with Qubos mission to revolutionize smart living and bring Made-in-India tech innovations to global audiences.

Top Breaking News Of The Day

I am thrilled to join Qubo at a time when its reimagining smart living in India, said Nikhil Sareen. The brands deep focus on innovation and its tech-first approach truly set it apart. I look forward to contributing to its strategic growth, expanding the portfolio, and unlocking new opportunities.

We welcome Nikhil Sareen as the co-founder, said Nikhil Rajpal, Founder & CEO, Qubo. His expertise in building and scaling innovative brands positions him as a valuable partner in advancing Qubos mission to elevate its connected living platform.

A graduate of the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, Nikhil brings with him not only academic rigour but also practical insight into building scalable, high-trust consumer brands. His appointment marks a significant milestone in Qubos journey as it prepares to deepen its leadership in the smart security, mobility, and connected living ecosystems.

With this strategic addition to the leadership team, Qubo reaffirms its commitment to building a world-class, homegrown smart tech company that is as innovative as it is impactful.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The COVID-19 pandemic forced hundreds of daycare providers across the Bay Area to shut down, creating a "childcare desert." That shortage inspired entrepreneur Gretchen Salyer to launch June Care, a platform that connects families with local moms and sitters.

What started in Silicon Valley and the Bay Area has now expanded nationwide. Salyer, a Los Altos resident, discusses how she hopes to leverage technology to help families navigate the challenges of finding reliable childcare.

Q: What inspired you to create June Care?

A: June Care was born out of the pandemic. Before COVID-19, I had recently decided to step away from the tech industry and become a full-time mom. Then, two months later, everything changeddaycares shut down, nannies were hesitant to enter homes, and parents were left juggling full-time childcare with full-time work.

As a stay-at-home mom already caring for my kids, I started offering to help friends and neighbors. At the same time, news coverage about the childcare crisis made it clear this was a massive, ongoing issuemore than half of American families struggle to find reliable childcare.

I started wondering: How many other stay-at-home parents already caring for their own kids might have the capacity to welcome another child into their home? This led to what is now June Careessentially, an "Uber for childcare" that connects families who need childcare with stay-at-home parents willing to help.

Q: How does pricing work on the platform?

A: Our providers set their own rates, though we offer guidance based on average rates in their area. For many providers, June Care is a meaningful source of income, so they set prices closer to market rates. Others do it simply to help, charging flexible rates based on what a family can afford.

Typically, June Care costs about half as much as a traditional nanny but is more expensive than daycare, which operates with a higher child-to-provider ratio. Since our providers are already home with their children, this is a way for them to earn supplemental incomewhether that's covering household expenses, paying for extracurriculars, or just having extra flexibility.

Q: How has June Care grown since launching?

A: Our first year was tricky, as we were still navigating COVID-19 restrictions. In the Bay Area, where we started, lockdowns were ongoing, and parents had varying comfort levels regarding safety. That challenge pushed us to expand beyond the Bay Area earlier than expected, launching in San Diego and Orange County, where there was more flexibility for outdoor interactions.

Then, in August 2022, we were featured on "Good Morning America," which catapulted us into national expansion. We now have 30,000 providers across the country, growing daily, and operate in every major metropolitan area. It's always exciting to see where matches are happening!

Q: How big is your team?

A: There are just seven of us. We're a small but dedicated team, and many of us are moms, which keeps us closely connected to our mission. This perspective has also helped us build best-in-class screening processes for our providers.

Q: Speaking of safety, how does June Care ensure a high standard of care?

A: Safety is a top priority. Every provider undergoes a background check, preference screening, and profile verification, including photos of their family and play space.

We also have mechanisms in place for families and providers to report concerns. While serious issues are rare, we have a Head of Trust and Safety who manages any instances requiring intervention. Our goal is to maintain a supportive, trusted community of moms helping moms.

Q: What's been the biggest challenge in launching and running June Care?

A: There are many challenges in building a startupespecially a consumer marketplace in childcare. One of the trickiest aspects has been refining our technology to accommodate real-life flexibility.

Unlike booking an Airbnb, where dates and requirements are set, childcare is more nuanced. A parent may plan to book for one child but then need care for a second at the last minute. A pickup might be delayed. Payment rates may need adjustment. We've worked hard to build a scalable product that can flex with real-life parenting needs.

Q: What is your background, and how did it influence your decision to start June Care?

A: I started the company to solve a need. My goal was to spend a year or two focusing on my children full-time before figuring out my next step. But I was struck by my own experience of having no supportand by how many others in my community faced the same challenge. When you rely on professional childcare without involving other families, it can feel isolating. And when that option disappears, the isolation only deepens.

So I wondered: Could we bring people together to raise our children and truly live life as a community? The pandemic made that disconnect even more apparent. At the same time, we needed real solutionsboth for childcare access and for parents doing the rewarding but difficult work of caring for kids.

Q: How has June Care impacted providers and users?

A: The stories from our providers are incredibly rewarding. Many were facing tough choicesreturning to hourly jobs that barely covered the cost of childcare, or extending their maternity leave with no income. June Care has allowed many of them to stay home with their own kids while earning money.

In the early days, many of our providers had tried other platforms but found they were often dismissed once families learned they had their own children with them. June Care flips that dynamiceveryone knows from the start that providers are caring for their own kids alongside others.

Q: What are you most proud of in your journey with June Care?

A: My team. There's a lot of ups and downs. There's a lot of hours put in at all hours of the day and on the weekend. But the dedication to our missionto supporting families and providerskeeps us going. I'm incredibly grateful to them.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

A: Just start. Too many people delay launching their idea, waiting for the perfect timing, the right team, or the right product. But there will always be more to be and do. The sooner you start, the sooner you learn.

When we started, everything was manualwe connected people through WhatsApp groups and processed payments via Zelle. It was far from polished, but it allowed us to learn quickly, get real customer feedback, and refine our approach. The best way to build a great product is to get it into people's hands as soon as possible and iterate from there.

#YR@ MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Seabed mining.

Canada's The Metals Company said Tuesday it applied to the United States to mine deep-sea minerals in international waters, a world first made possible by President Donald Trump's embrace of the industry.

Metal-containing deep-sea nodules, which have the appearance of potato-size pebbles and typically contain nickel and cobalt, are highly sought for use in electric vehicle batteries and electric cables.

But environmental groups have raised the alarm about the ecological cost of their extraction.

The request for a commercial exploitation license, submitted to US authorities by the TMC U.S. subsidiary, is for the mining of polymetallic nodulesdeposits made up of multiple metalsin 9,700 square miles (25,200 square kilometers) of the Pacific's Clarion-Clipperton Zone.

"Today marks a major step forwardnot just for TMC U.S., but for America's mineral independence and industrial resurgence," said Gerard Barron, chairman and CEO of The Metals Company.

TMC, which hopes to be the first firm to harvest the valuable nodules, said in March it would seek the first commercial deep-sea mining license from Washington.

It marked an abrupt shift in strategy as it had initially indicated that it would submit its request to the International Seabed Authority in June, which has jurisdiction over the seabed in international waters.

TMC justified cutting out the ISA because of the organization's slow pace in adopting a mining code that establishes the rules for exploiting seabed minerals.

Activists rally against deep sea mining outside the European Parliament in March 2023.

'Rogue and dangerous'

Just weeks after TMC's about-turn, Trump signed an executive order speeding up the review of applications and the issuing of exploitation permitsincluding in international waters.

"This latest development is just a confirmation they are a rogue and dangerous actor," Emma Wilson of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition told AFP.

"A moratorium at the ISA would send a clear signal to states and companies that are choosing to act outside the ISA that the global community is united in defending international law."

Washington, not a member of the ISA, governs the commercial extraction of minerals from the international seabed under a 1980 law that was the basis of Trump's executive order.

The United States hopes underwater mining will create 100,000 jobs and increase GDP by $300 billion over a decade, according to a US senior administration official, who also emphasized Washington's desire to outpace China in the field.

Polymetallic nodules grow with the help of microbes over millions of years around a kernel of organic matter, such as a shark's tooth or the ear-bone of a whale.

Beijing has strongly condemned Trump's move, accusing him of violating international law and harming the interests of the international community as a whole.

According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which established the ISA but has never been ratified by the United States, the seabed in international waters is considered the common heritage of humanity.

Greenpeace campaigner Ruth Ramos said the announcement would "be remembered as an act of total disregard for international law and scientific consensus."

Environmental campaigners argue that deep-sea mining threatens ecosystems about which little is known.

 2025 AFP
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The Waymo logo is shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017. Credit: AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File

Japan's top automaker Toyota announced a partnership with U.S. autonomous driving technology company Waymo on Wednesday.

The move was somewhat anticipated, as the use of such technology speeds up around the world, and Toyota Motor Corp. has been aggressive about its intention to stay on top of such advances.

"Toyota is committed to realizing a society with zero traffic accidents and becoming a mobility company that delivers mobility for all. We share a strong sense of purpose and a common vision with Waymo in advancing safety through automated driving technology," Toyota Executive Vice President Hiroki Nakajima said in a statement.

Waymo, which started out as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, now offers fully autonomous ride-hailing services in San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Austin, and is rolling them out in other U.S. cities. It also has a partnership with ride-hailing leader Uber.

Toyota has built a city, complete with streets and housing, near Mount Fuji called Woven City to test robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous zero-emissions transportation. The maker of the Camry sedan and Lexus luxury models tends to be very cautious about rolling out auto technology, seeking to protect its reputation as a safe and environmentally conscious manufacturer.

A Waymo self-driving vehicle sits curbside on Dec. 16, 2022, at the Sky Harbor International Airport Sky Train facility in Phoenix. Credit: AP Photo/Matt York, File

Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO at Waymo, said partners were key to winning trust.

"This requires global partners like Toyota that share our commitment to improving road safety and expanding accessible transportation," Mawakana said.

Details of the terms of the deal were not disclosed. Both sides said they were still exploring how their collaboration might develop into actual products.

Although there are various test versions of fully autonomous vehicles in Japan, they are for now limited to certain restricted areas. Other companies and automakers are working on similar services, including public transportation.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Passengers crowd the train accesses at Sants train station in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti

The sweeping power outage that hit Spain and Portugal this week has raised questions about the electricity grid in a region not normally known for blackouts.

Monday's outage, one of the worst ever in Europe, started in the afternoon and lasted through nightfall, affecting tens of millions of people across the Iberian Peninsula. It disrupted businesses, hospitals, transit systems, cellular networks and other critical infrastructure.

Authorities in Spain and Portugal are still investigating exactly what caused the failure, though some information has emerged about happened. Here's what to know:

What happened?

Spain and Portugal lost most of their electricity early Monday afternoon.

Shortly after 12:30 p.m. local time, Spain lost 15 gigawatts of electricityor roughly 60% of demand in the country of 49 million, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said.

There had been two significant "disconnection events"or interruptions in powerbefore the outage, Spain's electric grid operator Red Electrica de Espana said Tuesday.

While Spain's grid managed to recover from the first event, systems operations director Eduardo Prieto said that the second was more damaging, progressing to the point of interruptions from France's electrical system and producing "a massive, temporary disconnection."

Paquita Gonzalez cries as she waits for news of train departures, after spending the whole night at the station in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti

About three hours before the outage, power quality sensors in homes in the Madrid area showed warning signs of an unstable gridthere were small fluctuations in voltage around 9:30 a.m. local time, Whisker Labs CEO Bob Marshall said Tuesday. The Maryland-based software developer has a couple dozen sensors in homes in and around Madrid, testing the technology for use in Europe for home fire prevention and grid monitoring.

Instead of normal, steady voltage, Marshall said the data shows there were oscillations whose frequency and magnitude increased over the next three hours until the grid failed. He does not know what caused the instability.

Around noon, there was a big jump in the magnitude of the fluctuations, with the voltage measured going up and down by about 15 volts every 1.5 seconds, Marshall said.

"The way I would interpret our data," Marshall said about Monday's events, "is that the grid is struggling. Something's wrong. And it's showing increasing signs of instability."

What don't we know?

We don't know exactly what caused Monday's fluctuations and eventual failure.

"There's a variety of things that usually happen at the same time, and it's very difficult for any event to say 'this was the root cause,'" said Eamonn Lannoye, managing director at the Electric Power Research Institute, Europe.

Passengers crowd the train entrances at Sants station in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti

Lannoye said there was a range of events that can explain grid failures, including that electric grid lines or generators are switched off in some locations for maintenance.

"This could be a really complex event, I think it's fair to say," Lannoye said.

What causes power outages?

Power outages can have several triggers, including natural disasters and extreme weather, human-caused disasters, equipment failures, overloading transformers and wires and so on.

Electric grids are sensitive to imbalances in the amount of energy generated versus what's used.

Enric Bartlett, an energy expert and professor of public law at Spain's Esade business school, likened a grid's supply and demand balance to a tandem bike.

"To avoid falling, everyone must pedal at the same cadence," Bartlett said.

"Electrical grids are large interconnected systems, and their stability is related to a very close balance between electricity generation and demand," said Grazia Todeschini, an engineering researcher at King's College London.

"If one area is disconnected, it can cause knock-on effects in nearby areas," she said, adding that while grids have measures in place to limit the impact of outages to small areas, when the imbalance is large, disruptions can spread quickly and far.

A man sells battery-powered radios and torches on a Barcelona street during the blackout in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti

What have Spain and Portugal's governments said?

Authorities in Spain and Portugal have downplayed the idea that a cyberattack was responsible. Spain's High Court said it would investigate to find the cause.

On Tuesday, there was renewed attention on Spain's renewable energy generation. The southern European nation is a leader in solar and wind power generation, with more than half of its energy last year having come from renewable sources. Portugal also generates a majority of its energy from renewable sources.

Questions remain about whether Spain's heavy renewable energy supply may have made its grid system more susceptible to the type of outage that took place Monday. The thinking goes that non-renewable energy sources, such as coal and natural gas, can better weather the type of fluctuations observed Monday on Spain's grid.

That is because renewable energies like solar and wind provide intermittent supply, relying on when the sun is shinning and wind is blowing. However, in recent years batteries that store energy, along with other methods, have helped regulate changes in electricity supply from renewables.

Lannoye said it was too early to draw a straight line between Monday's event and Spain's solar power generation.

"I think there's some putting the cart before the horse to say this was solar," Lannoye said, simply because there was solar power on the grid at the time of the disruption.

Passengers react as they wait for news of train departures, at Sants train station in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti

Why was France partially affected?

Europe's electric grid is highly connected, meaning that it can pool power between countries. That can make the system more resilient, experts say. It also means a disruption in a major transmission artery or frequency imbalance can trigger cascading protective shutdowns across countries, according to Shreenithi Lakshmi Narasimhan, member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Spain and Portugal are connected to Europe's main electric grid through France. Spain's grid operator on Tuesday said that the sudden drop in power caused an interconnector between Spain and France to trip.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

As Australians face one of the worst housing crises in generations, the dream of home ownership is slipping away for many.

Stories of rental bidding wars, families living in cars and young professionals giving up on ever owning a home have become distressingly common.

At the heart of this national emergency lies a productivity crisis in our construction industry that few are talking abouteven during election season.

While politicians debate tax cuts, zoning changes and first-home buyer schemes, none address the fundamental issue.

Australia simply can't build homes fast enough because our construction productivity has collapsed.

This invisible crisis is driving up housing costs, reducing availability and creating major delays that affect everyday Australians, while draining billions from our economy.

Despite a 25% increase in construction workers since 2013, they're working two percent fewer hours and producing 25.4% less output, according to recent Productivity Commission data.

This isn't a temporary dipit's a systemic problem that's been getting worse. Construction productivity has been declining steadily since its 2014 peak, falling to levels not seen since the 1990s.

In the residential sector, the situation is particularly dire: the number of homes completed per hour worked has plummeted by 53% over three decades.

And the financial impact is staggering.

Three decades of weak productivity in construction cost Australia $AU56 billion in potential output in the 2022 financial year alone, according to Oxford Economics.

This significant shortfall stems from the sector's poor productivity performance since 1990 when compared to other major industries like mining, manufacturing and financial services.

To understand the scale of this decline, consider this: if the broader economy's labor productivity had fallen as sharply as the housing construction sector's, average Australian income would be 41% lower than it is today.

Promising solutions

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation offer promising solutions, particularly when integrated with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and robotics.

The technology is already here in Australia, with local innovation leading the way.

Australian robotics company, FBR Limited, has developed brick-laying robots that work consistently and safely, while Melbourne-based Sync/Hickory's smart factories use assembly-line principles to manufacture building components off-site, significantly reducing construction time and errors.

In Western Australia, Contec's advanced 3D concrete printing technology shows promise to potentially transform Perth's housing market by offering a faster and more cost-effective way to construct homes.

If successful, this approach could help address the city's housing challenges through more durable and sustainable building methods.

What's missing isn't Australian ingenuity or technological capabilityit's the institutional support and industry-wide adoption needed to scale these innovations.

Without significant investment in both technology and education that prepares workers to use them, these promising solutions remain isolated success stories rather than industry transformers.

AI and automation

Construction technology (ConTech) companies are emerging as crucial drivers of this essential transformation. The rapid growth of the sector reflects its transformative potential.

And its market size is projected to grow significantly.

In 2025, it's estimated at $US5.6 billion. That figure is expected to grow to $US10.34 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8% during that period.

This exponential growth signals the industry's confidence in technology-driven solutions and the great potential of ConTech as an emerging sector, particularly when it comes to the construction industry.

However, this is a technological revolution that comes with a crucial challenge: job displacement.

While AI and automation will improve efficiency and productivity, there will be an inevitable reduction in the need for traditional construction workers.

But it also presents an opportunity.

The expanding ConTech sector offers new employment possibilities for construction professionals who are trained to adapt and acquire new skills. The key is to view ConTech not just as a driver of automation, but as a growing source of employment.

This emerging sector needs professionals who understand both construction and technologypresenting a viable career path for those affected by automation and new graduates entering the industry.

The future of construction education

The construction industry's future lies in embracing these technological solutions while preparing its workforce for new roles in ConTech.

This transition is essential for tackling the industry's low productivity and wasteful operations, as well as for securing ongoing employment opportunities for construction professionals in an increasingly digitized and automated landscape.

To do this, we need to ensure workers aren't left behind. We need to rethink how we prepare the construction workforce for an automated future.

The construction education sector faces two main challenges.

Firstly, the adoption of innovative technologies like AI remains slow, largely because existing curricula are already crowded with traditional subjects. This leaves little room for educators to incorporate new topics that would give students current industry knowledge.

Secondly, while we can effectively deliver foundational knowledge, it often falls short of developing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed in today's dynamic construction technology landscape.

Embracing entrepreneurial thinking

Traditional assessments often fail to reflect real-world scenarios where professionals must navigate uncertainty and incomplete information.

Construction education needs to embrace entrepreneurial thinking to prepare graduates for this evolving sector.

Rather than simply training students to follow procedures, programs should develop capabilities in handling uncertainty, spotting opportunities and creating innovative solutions.

This approach aligns with broader educational trends.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has found that entrepreneurship education not only drives economic growth and job creation but also boosts student engagement and personal development.

Australia has not kept pace with other nations like the US (63% of ConTech unicorns are based there), Europe and Israel in fully integrating and leveraging the potential of ConTech to drive significant improvements.

The Australian construction industry stands at a crossroads.

Without significant changes to both industry practices and education, Australia risks falling further behind in construction productivity, potentially exacerbating housing affordability issues and economic inefficiencies.

The solution lies in embracing technological innovation while nurturing a new generation of construction professionals who can drive transformation.

The question isn't whether change will come, but whether our educational institutions can adapt quickly enough to prepare the workforce that will lead this revolution.

The future of Australia's construction industry depends not just on adopting new technologies, but on fostering the entrepreneurial mindsets needed to imagine and implement innovative solutions to our long-standing housing challenges.
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

Microsoft on Wednesday committed to boosting its presence in Europe and protecting European citizens' data against a backdrop of rising "geopolitical volatility."

The tech titan's pledges come as the return of President Donald Trump has upended the relationship between the United States and Europe, reversing decades of US policy.

Trump has taken umbrage over the European Union's rules against Big Techdominated by US giants including Microsoftthreatening retaliation against any moves.

But Microsoft President Brad Smith struck a positive note during a visit to Brussels.

"We are at a moment in time when business needs to be a bridge across the Atlantic," Smith said.

Microsoft is expanding its data center operations in 16 European countries and help build an artificial intelligence "ecosystem" on the continent.

It also wants to establish partnerships with European cloud players. Currently, US tech firmsAmazon, Google and Microsoftdominated the cloud market in Europe.

But Europe's dependence on US tech has been called into question since Trump's return and threats to impose tariffs, take over Greenland and cut support for Ukraine.

The worry is that Washington could use its tech dominance as a weapon in any standoff with Brussels if transatlantic ties, already strained, deteriorate further.

For example, Europeans worry access to US servers could possibly be cut if Trump, whose ties with tech titans have grown, opted to use this leverage.

Microsoft's Smith alluded to this scenario in a blog post published on Wednesday without ever naming Trump, describing it as "unlikely" to occur.

But, Smith vowed, if Microsoft was asked to suspend or cease cloud operations in Europe, it would "promptly and vigorously contest such a measure."

"We are committing today that if any government anywhere in the world ever issues an order that seeks to compel Microsoft to suspend or cease operations and support for Europe out of our data centers here, we will go to court," Smith said in Brussels.

"We appreciate that it is a real concern of people across Europe," he added.

 2025 AFP
As Republican members of Congress focus more on what Washington pays to support expanded Medicaid coverage, Jessi Ross, thinking of her path to recovery from addiction, is growing alarmed.

Im not even sure if I would be alive if it were not for Medicaid, Ross said Wednesday at a news conference at the General Assembly Building where she and others called on Virginias congressional delegation not to cut Medicaid funding.

She said she had been addicted to opioids for more than 20 years, living out of state, and when her partner died of an overdose a few years back, her mom brought her back home to Virginia.

In 2018 Virginia lawmakers and Gov. Ralph Northam approved Medicaid expansion, choosing to accept Affordable Care Act funds to provide Medicaid coverage to more people. Before that, Virginia had some of the most limited coverage in the nation.

Virginias Medicaid expansion, which covers some 630,000 people now, is at risk. Even the smallest cut in what the federal government pays as its share of the expansion  90% as opposed to 50% for traditional Medicaid  would trigger an automatic cancelation of coverage for those 630,000 people, including Ross.

Virginias Medicaid expansion included a kill switch to reverse the expansion if the federal government reduced its share of the costs by more than 1%.

This week, Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., told Fox Business that Republicans are thinking of cutting much of their $880 billion target for Medicaid by cutting the amount Washington pays for Medicaid expansion.

When Ross thinks of what that could mean, she remembers that Medicaid paid for an intensive outpatient treatment program  eight hours a day, three days a week  as well as group therapy.

My case manager, who was paid by Medicaid, literally just put me on my feet and sober  Medicaid also paid for my suboxone when I relapsed, she said, Without Medicaid, suboxone and doctors appointments would have been unaffordable.

Ross said that on the way to getting better, she learned that she had undiagnosed bipolar disorder and panic disorder.

Just my mental health medications would cost me $80 a month when I didnt even have shoes, she said.

Medicaid gave me basic stability in terms of affording my medicine and my treatment, as well as my outpatient treatment.

So Im here just to beg Congress, please do not cut Medicaid  People will relapse. Im afraid I will relapse without the health care I get to Medicaid, she said.

She said shes learned she can live a sober, productive life  Ross now works as a peer recovery specialist, helping others along the path shes been following.

But you need supports to do it, and when you start removing those supports, the world collapses around you, and you could relapse. Medicaid saved my life, she said.

State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, echoed the call to Virginias congressional delegation  especially Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st, and Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-2nd. They recently signed a letter saying they will not support the budget bill that House Republicans are preparing to carry out President Donald Trumps political agenda if it cuts health care coverage that vulnerable Virginians receive under Medicaid.

I see it very much as a performative gesture. And I hope that it is more than that, said Hashmi, one of six Democrats seeking the partys nomination for lieutenant governor in a June 17 primary. I hope theyre going to actually follow up with real, meaningful action.

The impact on Virginia if expansion funding is cut and so many Virginians are cut from Medicaid rolls would be catastrophic, she said.

Medicaid, thanks to the expansion, pays for the anxiety medication that DeShawn Cross needs, just as it paid for a detox program and the medication he needed when withdrawal triggered seizures.

I was addicted to alcohol and living on the streets of Newport News and Norfolk at first, but thanks to Medicaid, I was able to get to a recovery program in the area, he said.

Medicaid also covered my first 30 days of my recovery  and it was thanks to my case manager there, who was paid by Medicaid, that I was able to get into a recovery house program, he said.

I would just tell members of Congress, if you want to get more people to be productive members of society, some of them need help getting a start. I needed that help getting a start, and Medicaid was that start, he said.

You cant take something away from somebody who is trying to find their way. If you take that away, what are they going to start with?

Where are they going to go? What are they going to do?
(TBTCO) - Mot trong linh vuc ang uoc nha au tu quan tam la cong cuoc sap xep lai on vi hanh chinh khong chi la cai cach hanh chinh on thuan, ma con huong en muc tieu tao ra nhung on vi hanh chinh co quy mo u lon, u tam phat trien va ket noi. oi voi TP. Ho Chi Minh, ay chinh la co so e thanh pho tro thanh manh at mau mo cho von au tu truc tiep nuoc ngoai (FDI).
Former prime minister Stuart Young is leading the legal team representing former Central Bank Governor Dr Alvin Hilaire in his wrongful dismissal battle against the State.

On Wednesday, Hilaire told the Express that his attorneys issued a pre-action protocol letter to the Attorney General and the Cabinet Secretariat.

When asked by the Express to provide a copy of the pre-action letter and the names of his attorneys, Hilaire responded yesterday, declining to share the letter but confirming that Young is leading his legal team.
FULL BLOWNS music isnt made for one time of year. You can listen to it at the gym, the office, the bedroom, on rainy days, during break-ups, and as a pick-me-up.

In a genre driven by the cyclical rush to Carnival, the Hart brothers are among a growing group of deliberate outliers. Theyve always made music that lives beyond the season. That very philosophy inspired their latest single, Castaway.
A PRIVATE contractor is dead after an accident in Tobago.

Police have identified the victim as Darryl Figaro of Black Rock, Tobago. He died on Wednesday after falling from a ladder while working at a private villa.

An autopsy of Figaros body yesterday at the Scarborough Mortuary determined injuries were consistent with a fall, and it ruled out foul play. The body was previously identified by the victims daughter.
My wife and I are in our sunset years and have been trying to deal with the many issues of our health, so our doctors have been giving us prescriptions for medication which is needed to try to control our health issues.

We would normally go to distributors of the various medications that are prescribed, and purchase two months supply at any one time. Alas, we no longer can do this because of the recent ruling by the respective Government agencies, and now have to purchase these medications from registered pharmacies.
For Chandler Warden, giving the Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation $2 million for its expansion project takes him back to his 7-year-old self.

Warden, a trustee of his familys Chicago-based Bert W. Martin Foundation, remembers sitting in the theater on an early June Saturday afternoon in 1958 watching Disney shorts as part of the Mickey Mouse Club.

Every month that summer, he and his friends would go back to the Fox to be part of what turned out to be one of the theaters most treasured memories.

I kept going back to the Fox as I got older and went to shows and this and that, said Warden, who this week pledged $1.6 million to the Foxs expansion project and $400,000 to its operating expenses.

The Bert W. Martin Foundations gift, to be spread over four years, is the second largest in the Fox Tucson Theatre Foundations Just Around the Corner capital campaign. The goal is to raise $26.4 million to grow the Fox by 20,000 square feet.

Rio Nuevo, which had owned the theater at 17 W. Congress St. since 2014, sold it to the foundation for $100 in October 2022 and agreed to kick in $2 million in matching dollars towards the renovation.

Theres a lot of people who care deeply about the Fox in this community, Fox Tucson Executive Director Bonnie Schock said. And beyond the sort of emotional connections that people have to this place, the sense, the understanding that people have that it needs to be here. Its part of our overall fabric of the community.

The Fox Tucson Foundation spent $2.7 million in late 2022 for the adjacent properties on North Stone Avenue including Raes Place Downtown Market. The $26.4 million budgeted for the expansion includes that expense, Schock said.

Plans include adding a lobby bar, food and beverage services and catering, as well as a gift shop. There will be space on the second floor for small music and speaker events or private group events.

There will be no changes to Fox Theatre itself, which opened in 1930 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Bert W. Martin Foundation, run by Warden and his brother Andy and their two daughters, supports local charities in Tucson and Southern Arizona, Californias San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and central Florida.

In addition to giving more than $1 million to the Fox over the past decade, the foundation has supported projects at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Banner Diamond Childrens Medical Center.

Warden, who grew up in California and spent his childhood summers in Tucson as a camper at the El Carnila Ranch Camp at Tanque Verde Ranch, moved to Tucson full-time 32 years ago.

In addition to the Martin Foundation gift, the Fox also received $500,000 pledges from Tucsonans Nancy March and Neil Ampel, and Jerry and Mary Beth Radke.

Schock said the foundation has raised $6.4 million, a quarter of its goal, during what she described as the campaigns quiet phase, which is targeting six-figure-plus donations.

It is so exciting to get to this point, she said. You know this is not a small amount of money to raise in this community, and we know that. And at the same time, this project is absolutely essential to the future of the Fox, the arts in downtown, the kind of vibrancy, the growing localness of the sense of arts and culture here in Tucson.

Schock said the theater hopes to break ground on the expansion in 2028 and open in 2030, in time to mark the Foxs 100th birthday.
University of Arizona Faculty Senate leaders are asking all faculty to vote in an online referendum urging UA President Suresh Garimella and the Arizona Board of Regents to defend against the Trump administrations ideological attacks on universities and higher education.

Specifically, the referendum asks Garimella to sign an April 22 letter from the American Association of Colleges and Universities or AAC&U, titled Call for Constructive Engagement, which now has more than 550 signatures from university presidents across the nation, though none of Arizonas three public university presidents. That letter states that while the signing universities are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight, they must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses.

An email sent out Tuesday by UA Faculty Senate leaders, calling for the vote, says, Ongoing attacks on American universities threaten bedrock principles of a democratic society, including individual and inalienable rights of free expression, association, petition, and inquiry. The public land grant mission of higher education in the state of Arizona and the professional academic traditions of inclusive, critical, and free research and teaching in our state and across the country must be protected.

The email was sent by Chair of the Faculty Leila Hudson, Secretary of the Faculty Katie Zeiders and Faculty Senate Chair Mona Hymel, and includes the faculty referendum with an anonymous voting system.

UA spokesperson Mitch Zak did not respond Tuesday to a request for comment nor to questions about whether Garimella intends to sign the AAC&U letter.

Hudson told the Arizona Daily Star in an interview Tuesday, This has been building for a few weeks now and it comes from both internal pressures of our faculty constituency that we are elected to serve  who are very agitated and disturbed about the wave of encroachments on universities (and) higher education values and traditions across the country.

Theres that internal pressure that I mentioned, where just so many of our colleagues have reached out to us from all different disciplines, all different ranks and statuses, Hudson continued. We have the perception that this is quite a unifying issue for faculty at our university, and that compelled us to engage and try get specific data about how the faculty feels, so that we can more effectively engage with our administration.

Another motivation, Hudson said, is a nationwide mobilization of other universities in a mutual defense compact. The idea is that an attack on one university should be countered by an alliance of as many universities as possible, so that universities can more effectively rally and defend their shared mission, she said.

Since the Jan. 20 inauguration, the Trump administration has delayed, frozen or cut various forms of federal research funding to universities, demanded the end of diversity, equity and inclusion activities, revoked numerous student visas and deleted some international students status in a federal database, and made specific ideological and administrative demands of universities including Harvard and Columbia, among other actions targeting higher education.

The faculty referendum also asks Garimella and ABOR to:

 Legally contest and not comply with unlawful demands that threaten academic freedom, university governance, and the constitutional rights and safety of students, faculty and staff.

 Participate in the establishment of a Public Land Grant University Mutual Academic Defense Compact.

 Commit financial, legal and organizational support in responses to political, partisan, and ideological attacks on the integrity of American universities and higher education.

The AAC&U letter is something that we saw with enthusiasm and we were disappointed, although not surprised, that our Arizona public universities have not signed onto that letter, but I think we would be in good company if our president did, Hudson told the Star.

None of Arizonas three public university presidents  Garimella, Arizona State University President Michael Crow and Northern Arizona University President Jose Luis Cruz Rivera  has signed the AAC&U letter. The Republican-controlled Legislature has threatened Arizonas universities with loss of state funding if they dont honor U.S. President Donald Trumps order to dismantle DEI programs.

Nolan Cabrera, a professor of educational policy studies and practice and a faculty senator, said this is a test for the UA administration. Are they going to stand for our core values by signing the AAC&U letter or cave to the likely unconstitutional demands of the current administration? he asked.

Elaborating on the request to legally contest federal "unlawful demands", Hudson said faculty leaders werent referring to any specific courses of action, but said that lawsuits or legal actions shouldnt be off the table.

The Faculty Senate effort comes on the heels of more than 60 Regents and Distinguished professors at the UA sending a letter April 18 to Garimella urging him to defend the UAs values, which they said are under existential threat.

In his response, Garimella detailed the importance of federal and state funding to the UA, and noted the university has created a bridge funding program to support research in the face of paused or stopped federal grants. He did not address specific actions requested by the professors, including issuing a statement affirming commitment to the principles of freedom of speech, equal protection, and due process under the law; and protecting international students and scholars who fear deportation.

Garimella noted that UA depends on more than $470 million in federal research grants, more than $380 million in state funding, and over $70 million in federal Pell Grants supporting 22% of our student body.

We also have a responsibility to comply with the laws and guidelines that apply to our public university, he wrote to the professors last week.

In the UA referendum, faculty members will be able to vote Tuesday through 5 p.m. Friday. The results will be presented in a Faculty Senate meeting Monday and will also be shared with public land-grant universities like the UA across the U.S., and with shared governance bodies of Arizona universities.

Hudson said the anonymous voting is the norm in referendums like this, especially since many faculty members are employed on a contingency basis and do not always feel comfortable taking a public stance.

So many of you have reached out to urge University of Arizona leadership to join our land grant public peers across the nation in taking a stand against the wave of aggressively politicized attacks on higher education, said Hudson, Zeiders and Hymel in the email.

Hudson referred to the Regents and Distinguished professors letter to Garimella, saying it was very inspiring to see a group of the most prestigious and productive faculty come together across disciplines and viewpoints to articulate their demands.

Reactively abandoning established principles and long-standing policies will compromise our land grant academic mission, they wrote. Concessions of our professional principles, which may appear at first expedient, can invite further ideologically based attacks and hasty changes that place our students, staff, and faculty at risk.

Some faculty members spoke out immediately Tuesday in support of the Faculty Senates effort.

A university that hampers freedom of thought and conscience in response to political and funding pressure will not inspire young people to follow their imaginations to wherever they need to go, said Matthew Abraham, a UA professor of English. Lets not let political expediency destroy a central pillar of the American democratic experiment.

Vanessa Perry, a professor of education, said she is proud of her fellow faculty for making use of shared governance to encourage ABOR and Garimella to stand with the rest of the faculty. This moment will be remembered for how higher education leaders cowered or stood valiantly, she said.

Gary Rhoades, a professor of higher education, said the referendum offers the UA administration the opportunity to unite in support of the bedrock principles of our university, in service to our students, staff, the communities and state we serve, and in fulfillment of our land grant mission.

In calculating risk, some universities have focused only on the risk of not complying with governmental demands, which should be distinguished from the laws and due processes of the land, said Rhoades.

That overlooks the very real costs of forms of overcompliance that abridge our defining freedoms and work, and that compromise our integrity and standing, as has become quite clear in the case of Columbia University, which complied with some Trump demands, only to be met with escalating demands.

I would urge, in the words of the AAC&U letter, constructive engagement, not self-destructive detachment from the faculty and complicity with governmental threats  distinct from laws  that compromises, and sacrifices quite literally who we are as a diverse, broadly accessible institution seeking to enhance equity and inclusion by meeting and respecting our students and surrounding communities where they are, Rhoades said.
PHOENIX  Republican Sen. John Kavanagh has spent years pushing culture war fodder, and this year is no different despite repeated vetoes by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.

The veteran lawmaker from Fountain Hills has seen Hobbs axe measures in the past two legislative sessions barring teachers from using a pronoun different from a students birth sex and targeting transgender students use of bathrooms of the sex they identify with.

Yet he keeps trying  with versions of the same two proposals just a vote away from heading to a sure veto stamp once they hit Hobbs desk.

Kavanagh said he had hopes that this year would be different after Democrats jarring defeats in Novembers elections signaled support from voters for some of the culture war issues he backs. But House and Senate Democrats have remained united against the bills.

Because of the major backlash to illegal immigration and all this wokeness that cost the Democrats the presidential election, I thought that maybe the Democrats have moderated and they would support these bills, Kavanagh said in an interview with Capitol Media Services. Apparently, they have not moderated, so I will bring them back next year as ballot referrals.

Sending the proposals directly to voters bypasses the governor, as lawmakers did last year with a ballot referral cracking down on illegal immigration that was opposed by Hobbs but was approved at the ballot box.

And with Hobbs facing a reelection battle next year, putting hot-button measures on the same ballot would serve to remind voters that she opposes them as well.

Hobbs has stood firm against Republicans who control the House and Senate and vetoed 52 bills so far this legislative session.

One recent day alone, she rejected 33 bills, including one that Republican supporters named the Arizona Immigration, Cooperation and Enforcement Act. It would have required law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and detain people with questionable immigration status for federal agents.

On Monday, the House gave final approval to another culture war measure that splits Democrats and Republicans along ideological lines, showing their stark differences on issues involving gender identity and sexual preferences.

House Bill 2438 removes the ability of transgender Arizonans from having their birth certificates changed if they have sex reassignment surgery.

Democrats called it an attack on an individuals ability to have their documents reflect reality and compared it to genocide. Republicans called it a common-sense application of natural law.

It, too, is likely to be hit with a veto, given Hobbs support for LGBTQ rights.

The two other measures expected to get House votes this week tackle issues Kavanagh and other GOP lawmakers have championed. They argue they are needed to reinforce parents rights and the safety of female students.

Senate Bill 1002 bans school employees from addressing a student by a pronoun different from the one aligning with their biological sex unless a parent is informed and gives written permission.

Democrats strongly opposed the measure, saying that dealing with issues like gender can be an important part of growing up for some students and support and recognition from teachers is important.

All it is are kids exploring who they are, and that is a good thing, said Rep. Nancy Gutierrez, D-Tucson, a high school teacher. She said that for students who might be fearful of being thrown out of their homes because they are gay or transgender, having teachers and other school staff support them is critical.

So can we please just respect our young students and allow them this, she said during debate on the bill banning different pronouns. I promise you, they need to feel respected in school.

Kavanagh and other backers argue that parents need to know if their child is struggling with their gender identity and schools are wrong to sidestep their wishes and call them by a different pronoun without informing them.

Rep. Lisa Fink, R-Glendale, said Arizonas parents bill of rights gives parents ultimate authority to direct the upbringing and education of their children and Kavanaghs proposal solidifies that.

What were seeing is that, yes, many of these kids do present with a mental health challenge, but its being hidden from the parents, Fink said. Parents need to know and need to understand if their child is having some difficulties, that they have the ultimate responsibility, not the school, in transitioning these children.

The second Kavanagh measure, Senate Bill 1003, tackles the use of bathrooms by transgender students by requiring schools to provide private bathrooms for any student unwilling or unable to use a multi-occupancy restroom, changing room or shower.

Kavanagh focused on locker rooms and showers, saying that girls should not be subjected to a biological male showering in the same area.

Human beings have an innate sense of modesty. Maybe its protective, especially in the case of females, Kavanagh told the Senate Education Committee early this session.

This bill simply respects that basic human sense of privacy for the same gender only in these kind of situations, he continued. By the same token, this bill tries to accommodate transgender people or anybody whos uncomfortable ... by saying provide an alternate location.

House Democrats noted that Kavanagh has been pushing bathroom bills for more than a decade  he first focused on adults before pivoting to schools in recent years.

SB 1003 takes direct aim at transgender students by restricting their ability to use restrooms and other facilities, Rep. Patty Contreras, D-Phoenix, said during debate last week. While these bills are designed to ensure student safety, they stigmatize our transgender students, putting them more in harms way.

Contreras said the bill was being peddled by lawmakers in Arizona in an effort to sow fear and division and called it unnecessary.

Just let these people go relieve themselves, she said. Let the students, let the adults, let the transgender folks go to the bathroom where they feel they need to go.

Republicans see it differently  and believe they have the publics backing. And they pushed back on Democrats who have argued that lawmakers should be addressing more important issues like housing.

This bill is on a different topic, one that voters have told us is important to them, one that is important to families who are incredibly concerned about efforts to carve them out of their childrens education and their childrens development, said Rep. Alezander Kolodin, R-Scottsdale.

Hobbs vetoed an identical Kavanagh bill last year, echoing arguments made in the Legislature this year.

As I have said time and time again, I will not sign legislation that attacks Arizonans, she wrote.

She also vetoed a version of the pronouns bill in 2023, also saying, I will veto every bill that aims to attach and harm children.

Kavanagh tried to get around the governor last year, pushing not just legislation but also ballot referrals.

Then-Sen. Ken Bennett, R-Prescott, refused to go along with the ballot referral. He did vote for the bill that had been vetoed by Hobbs, but it never got a House vote last year, so another veto never happened.

I can probably identify three or four of my nephews and nieces that would fall under some of these situations, and I have to always think of them on behalf of everyone whos in one of these situations, he said at the time. How would I want a state law to affect them at such tender ages?

And Bennett said he was concerned that once the measure was passed by voters, any unintended consequences could not be fixed. Thats because the state Voter Protection Act bars lawmakers from repealing voter-approved law and severely restricts their ability to amend them unless those changes further the intent of the original law.

Bennett is now gone, having been defeated in his GOP primary reelection bill. And that, said Kavanagh, convinces him that he can line up the votes to get both the pronoun measure and whats been called the bathroom bill to voters in 2026.

Ill get them on this time, because Bennetts gone and we have an additional vote, he said.
It should have been possible to review the performance and the employment of one of the Tucson areas top officials.

A member of the Pima Association of Governments board asked for the review to be put on the agenda for Monday, April 21. And it was.

But then nothing happened. And now, nothing may happen for a long time, even as opposition to that official, PAG executive director Farhad Moghimi, has grown on the boards that oversee his employment.

More importantly, the destiny of the RTA Next plan, a 20-year plan for regional transportation projects, could depend on how the conflict over Moghimi plays out. And its playing out slowly, while the deadline to schedule a county-wide vote and campaign for a plan draws nearer.

The delays in reviewing Moghimi, who makes around $200,000 per year, depend in large part on the redundant bureaucratic structure that he leads. The Pima Association of Governments regional council and the Regional Transportation Authority board are made up of the same members, but they have different leaders, and they both must be called to meet separately in order to review his contract, under the terms of that contract.

In addition, when the PAG council tried to review Moghimi last week, he stood in the way. Pima County Supervisor Matt Heinz asked Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, who is chair of the Pima Association of Governments board, to put a review of Moghimi on the agenda, and she did.

But somehow, in the execution of that request by Moghimi or his staff, it was done incorrectly and did not include the citation of an Arizona statute that is routinely placed on board agendas.

At the April 21 meeting, a suspicious Romero asked Moghimi directly, Who is responsible?

Its ultimately my responsibility, Moghimi said.

Further delay on review

But now the review is being delayed even further. The PAG council voted during that meeting to schedule a new special meeting to review Moghimis employment and consider dismissing him.

In the aftermath of the meeting, though, longtime PAG/RTA counsel Thomas Benavidez stepped down. Now, Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield, who is chair of the RTA board, is saying he cant schedule a meeting until the entities appoint new counsel. And that could take a while, at least the way Winfield described it to me Tuesday.

Itll go out to the board with a recommendation or suggestion of how to proceed, he said. If theres no objections, well initiate a process to secure legal counsel.

When we have a recommended legal firm, then we would convene a meeting to approve that selection.

When I asked him directly if hes trying to delay consideration of Moghimis employment, Winfield said no.

Im not trying to delay it. Im just dealing with the cards that have been dealt.

Heinz, who wants to proceed toward firing Moghimi as soon as possible, fired off an angry letter to Winfield Tuesday, noting that he must schedule a meeting if requested to do so by three board members, as has happened in this case.

Your invocation of legal counsel as a barrier to fulfilling your obligation is a red herring, Heinz wrote. While the departure of the previous counsel is noted, it does not suspend the rules nor excuse your noncompliance.

A long-building conflict

The conflict over Moghimi as director has been building for years. City officials, especially, have complained about his treatment of their projects and his management of the authority, arguing the regions biggest city has suffered under his management.

Previous efforts at challenging Moghimis position have failed, though, because each of the member jurisdictions has equal voting power. Suburban jurisdictions such as Marana and Sahuarita, along with, at times, some of the tribal officials or South Tucsons mayor, have supported him on the nine-member board. Hes always had majority support.

A series of coincidences have broken down that bloc of support for Moghimi, though. Peter Yucupicio, the long time chair of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and sometime supporter of Moghimi, was replaced by Julian Hernandez in July 2024 as tribal chairman and as the tribes representative on the board.

Marana Mayor Ed Honea, a longtime supporter of Moghimi on the board, died in November. His replacement, Mayor Jon Post, voted in favor last week of setting a meeting to reconsider Moghimis employment.

Roxanna Valenzuela took over as mayor of South Tucson, replacing previous mayors who have sometimes supported Moghimi.

And most importantly, Heinz took over from fellow Pima County Supervisor Rex Scott as the county governments representative on the boards. Its Heinz who has been behind the recent push to fire Moghimi.

The RTA Next problem

For years, committees have been coming up with a so-called RTA Next plan. This is the regional transportation plan that would go for the next 20 years, after the current one expires in June 2026. Voters would have to approve RTA Next in order to extend the half-cent, countywide sales tax that pays for it.

The planning has been rife with difficulties, in part because there isnt enough money to pay for some of the projects passed as part of the original RTA project. And disproportionately, those projects are in the city of Tucson, which has angered city officials and residents. Some of those projects have been pushed off into the RTA Next project, but with two projects  on East Grant Road and North First Avenue  it remains uncertain how theyll be completed.

What board member Ted Maxwell wants, he told me Tuesday, is to put a plan to voters and give them a chance to consider it. For now, that vote is scheduled for March 2026.

Our job is to put something in front of them and see if they want to continue this. If we dont put anything in front of them, then weve said your decision-making isnt important, he said. We dont have time to go back to the drawing board completely, but do we have time to make some improvements.

Winfield, too, said his priority is to get a ballot measure to voters.

To a certain extent, this business with the director is a distraction, he said.

He added that he thinks Moghimis experience and the stability he brings would help the likelihood of passage.

RTAs leadership problems

I view the issue differently. In my view, having watched dynamics at PAG and the RTA for years, I think Moghimis presence is an obstacle to success.

He holds significant responsibility for the situation the RTA is in now  with incomplete projects, an uncertain plan and hostility from the regions biggest municipality, Tucson.

An RTA led by someone else has a greater chance at bringing around city officials and city voters than an RTA led by Moghimi, I think. And city voters are the key to the RTA Next plans success at the polls.

Replacing Moghimi with a trusted interim leader could well remove the negativity that has surrounded the RTA in recent years and give the RTA Next plan a better chance of passing.
PHOENIX  In a bid to strengthen animal protection laws, Arizona legislators have reintroduced a bill that clarifies animal cruelty, neglect and mistreatment. Advocates say the bills clear definitions will help educate the public on proper animal care and strengthen law enforcements ability to address cruelty cases.

Senate Bill 1658, formerly SB 1234, specifies the actions and conditions that constitute animal cruelty. The proposed bill revises the definition of cruel neglect, setting clearer standards for providing food, water and shelter.

Arizona Sen. Shawnna Bolick, R-Phoenix and the bills sponsor, said the bill makes sure that were looking at the animal cruelty laws in a different light than previously.

Current law says cruel neglect means a failure to provide necessary food, water or shelter. Under this definition, a puddle of dirty water could be considered adequate drinking water for animals, according to Joe Casados, Arizona Humane Societys public relations and social media manager.

If passed, the bill will require that owners provide animals with food that is appropriate for the species and that is fit for consumption, water that is suitable for drinking, as appropriate for the species, and except for a dog that primarily resides outdoors, access to shelter that is necessary and adequate. The revised definition of cruel neglect also outlines shelter standards for dogs that primarily live outdoors.

Another part of the bill redefines animal protection law, saying a person commits animal cruelty if they intentionally, knowingly or recklessly fail to provide medical attention necessary to prevent unreasonable suffering to any domestic animal in their care. Current law limits this standard to cases of protracted suffering. SB 1658 addresses both.

Bolick and Casados said law enforcement officers and the county attorney requested the bill after a 2023 incident in Chandler that gained national attention.

In that case, Chandler police removed 55 live and five deceased animals from the home of April McLaughlin. According to a statement from the Arizona Humane Society, five of the rescued animals had to be euthanized due to their poor medical condition. According to authorities, McLaughlin ran a fraudulent rescue for animals with special needs from her home and solicited nearly $50,000 in donations.

It really highlighted where the flaws were in our current state law when it comes to animals and cruelty, Casados said.

Absent a clear state law, some cities have enacted their own animal protection ordinances. Heather Nicely, executive director of the National Association of Companion Animal Rescues, said law enforcement officers have no clear understanding of animal protection law because of sparse training and confusion over city ordinances and state law. Those factors sometimes delay involvement by law enforcement in cruelty cases.

If every city were going to has different laws in place, it makes the process slower, it makes things take longer, things fall through the cracks, Casados said. So having a standard, agreed-upon, bare minimum standard of care makes everyones lives a lot easier.

Although the bill aims to aid law enforcement, Casados emphasized that its not meant to take peoples animals away. Rather, its a tool for educating the public on the adequate standards for animals in their care, he said.

We have over 22,000 pets come through our doors each year, he said. We are not trying to get more pets to come through our door. Our goal is education first and to keep pets in homes as much as possible.

For the most egregious cases, Casados said, the bill gets pets in dire need of medical help the attention they need as quickly as possible.

The bill was introduced during the last legislative session by Sen. Thomas Shope, R-Coolidge, but it did not pass. This session, it was introduced as SB 1234 with Bolick as the primary sponsor. The new version passed in the Senate but did not pass the House. Legislators were able to revive with a strike-everything amendment in another bill.
China-donated tents serve as shelter to Afghan returnees in Kandahar

Xinhua) 14:40, April 30, 2025

KABUL, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Afghan refugees who recently returned from the neighboring Pakistan have been sheltered in tents donated by China in the southern Afghanistan Kandahar province, provincial director for the Afghan Red Crescent Society Mawlawi Mohammad Shuaib Haqqani said Wednesday.

In the first phase, 100 pieces of the China-donated tents were erected in Takhtapul district to accommodate 100 families who returned from Pakistan, the official said, adding his office has the capacity to erect 150 more tents if required.

Mawlawi Haqqani also expressed gratitude to China for sending humanitarian aid to help the needy families.

Nearly 2 million Afghan refugees have reportedly returned home from neighboring Iran and Pakistan, and both countries have asked undocumented foreign nationals to put an end to illegal stay and return to their homes.

Around 100,000 Afghan refugees returned to their homeland in April.

China has provided a variety of assistance, including medicine, winter clothes, blankets and foodstuffs to the war-ravaged Afghanistan over the past several years.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Tim Stanley Tulsa World Reporter Follow Tim Stanley 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

Related Separation of church and state at risk as Oklahoma case goes before Supreme Court this week

The plaintiffs in one of the lawsuits challenging Oklahomas plan to establish the nations first religious charter school say they are confident that most of the states residents are behind them in opposing it. And that includes most Republicans.

I spent nearly the entire summer knocking doors for our Republican primaries. I have spoken with thousands of everyday Republican Oklahomans. Overwhelmingly, they oppose this, said Erika Wright, a Republican and education advocate from Noble. So despite the negative rhetoric that you do hear from elected officials who are just doing this for personal promotion, take that noise away and everyday Oklahomans are very, very opposed to the idea of using their tax dollars to fund a religious education when they can send their children to Sunday school for free.

Wright, among the group including Oklahoma parents, faith leaders and a public education nonprofit that have sued to block St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, was joined by fellow plaintiffs Erin Brewer and the Rev. Mitch Randall for a virtual press call with the media on Tuesday. The call was coordinated by Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Wednesday in Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond. If established, St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School would become the nations first religious charter school.

How to listen to Supreme Court audio Oral arguments are set to begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Listen in to live audio feed. go.tulsaworld.com/scotus Find all of the Tulsa World's reporting on this case. go.tulsaworld.com/religiouscharter

The proposal was ruled unconstitutional last June by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, prompting Catholic leaders, along with the Statewide Charter School Board, which previously offered authorization, to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The securing of state sanctioning and public dollars for St. Isidore, which is unabashed in its intent to have religious teachings, policies and hiring practices, is viewed nationally as a possible test case of separation of church and state laws. Brewer, of Oklahoma City, is a parent of two children and founder of the Oklahoma Parent Legislative Advocacy Coalition. I want to be clear that I am a person of faith, she said. I highly prioritize my privilege of raising my children with the values I have chosen, and I dont want or need the governments help to do that. But I want to note that this case is not about faith. This case is actually about access to government funding.

Should the Supreme Court side with St. Isidore, Brewer said, it will be a sea change, forever altering how the First Amendment right to freedom of religion is understood. If you can imagine, she added, every religious school and institution in the country would now be demanding access to your taxpayer dollars, the same dollars that fund your neighborhood public schools today.

An ordained Baptist minister and member of the Muscogee Nation, Randall, of Norman, said the issue of church and state separation is deeply personal to his family. His great-grandmother was required to attend a government-run Christian school in Oklahoma, which in a forced attempt at assimilation stripped her of her language and traditions, he said. Such schools belong in our past and should not be resurrected for Oklahomas future, Randall said. He said his fellow Baptists were persecuted for not conforming in the early years of the country. Weve seen time and time again in Oklahoma, in America and across the globe that both religion and people are harmed when church and state are entangled, Randall said. Thats why I joined the lawsuit. (Creating a religious public charter school in Oklahoma) would be repeating the mistakes of our past and not learning important lessons from our history. Wright, a parent of three children, described herself and her husband as devoted Christians. Im not opposed to the existence of private Christian schools, she added. In fact, my oldest daughter previously attended a private Catholic school. But this attempt to create a religious public school actually violates our religious freedom as a family (and) tramples on the religious freedom of every single taxpayer in Oklahoma, while diverting desperately needed resources away from our public schools. Wright is especially concerned about the potential impact on rural schools. She co-founded the Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition to help speak up for them. In our rural communities, public schools are the heartbeat of our culture. We are particularly vulnerable to the loss of state funding that we desperately depend on. Andrew Seidel, spokesman for Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said the organization arranged the call because these are real people whose real lives will be impacted by whatever decision this court makes, whose religious freedom could possibly be violated, whose children may face discrimination. Their lives are in Oklahoma, so they wont personally be in D.C. for the argument, but we did want to let them tell their stories.

St. Isidore case timeline November 2021: Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley sends the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board a letter signaling his intent to apply for charter school sponsorship and inquiring as to whether the application would be denied because of our religious affiliation or because of the integration of religion into our schools operations and programs. That small state agency then requested an attorney generals opinion. December 2022: Then-Attorney General John OConnor, who was appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt to a vacant, unexpired term, issues an advisory, non-legally binding opinion that Oklahomas current ban on publicly funded charter schools being operated by sectarian and religious organizations could be a violation of the U.S. Constitutions First Amendment. February 2023: Catholic leaders present an application for St. Isidore Virtual Catholic School, which would be the first religious charter school in the country, to Oklahomas Statewide Virtual Charter School Board. Newly-elected Attorney General Gentner Drummond immediately withdraws OConnors advisory opinion and signals his opposition to the legality of state sponsorship of an openly religious charter school. March 2023: Two vacancies on the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board are filled by appointment ahead of a St. Isidore vote, but the boards attorneys question the legality of their ability to vote on any matter until their predecessors' terms expire in November 2023. April 2023: The state board ultimately rejects the Catholic charter school request based on concerns about the application but gives 30 days for revisions. June 2023: Then-Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall replaces a longtime member of the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board on a Friday, and the following Monday, St. Isidore's application is approved 3-2, including the deciding yes vote by new member Brian Bobek. July 2023: The first legal challenge to St. Isidore is filed in Oklahoma County District Court by various Oklahoma taxpayers and clergy. October 2023: AG Drummond enters the legal fight to stop the St. Isidore application in its tracks. January 2024: Bobek, the last-minute appointee who cast the deciding vote in the St. Isidore case, is hired as top aide to Gov. Stitt. June 2024: Drummond prevails as the Oklahoma Supreme Court declares the St. Isidore application for state sponsorship, taxpayer funding unconstitutional. October 2024: St. Isidore and the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board file separate appeals of the state court opinion with the U.S. Supreme Court. January 2025: SCOTUS agrees to take up the appeals, which ultimately are consolidated and set for oral arguments on April 30. A decision is expected no later than the end of June.

Andrea Eger reporting from the Supreme Court Tulsa World Projects Reporter Andrea Eger will be in the courtroom of the U.S. Supreme Court as oral arguments are made in the case of Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond. Read her story Wednesday on tulsaworld.com and in Thursday's print edition.

The plaintiffs in one of the lawsuits challenging Oklahomas plan to establish the nations first religious charter school say they are confident that most of the states residents are behind them in opposing it.

And that includes most Republicans.

I spent nearly the entire summer knocking doors for our Republican primaries. I have spoken with thousands of everyday Republican Oklahomans. Overwhelmingly, they oppose this, said Erika Wright, a Republican and education advocate from Noble.

So despite the negative rhetoric that you do hear from elected officials who are just doing this for personal promotion, take that noise away and everyday Oklahomans are very, very opposed to the idea of using their tax dollars to fund a religious education when they can send their children to Sunday school for free.

Wright, among the group including Oklahoma parents, faith leaders and a public education nonprofit that have sued to block St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, was joined by fellow plaintiffs Erin Brewer and the Rev. Mitch Randall for a virtual press call with the media on Tuesday. The call was coordinated by Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Wednesday in Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond.

If established, St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School would become the nations first religious charter school.

How to listen to Supreme Court audio Oral arguments are set to begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Listen in to live audio feed. go.tulsaworld.com/scotus Find all of the Tulsa World's reporting on this case. go.tulsaworld.com/religiouscharter

The proposal was ruled unconstitutional last June by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, prompting Catholic leaders, along with the Statewide Charter School Board, which previously offered authorization, to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The securing of state sanctioning and public dollars for St. Isidore, which is unabashed in its intent to have religious teachings, policies and hiring practices, is viewed nationally as a possible test case of separation of church and state laws.

Brewer, of Oklahoma City, is a parent of two children and founder of the Oklahoma Parent Legislative Advocacy Coalition. I want to be clear that I am a person of faith, she said. I highly prioritize my privilege of raising my children with the values I have chosen, and I dont want or need the governments help to do that.

But I want to note that this case is not about faith. This case is actually about access to government funding.

Should the Supreme Court side with St. Isidore, Brewer said, it will be a sea change, forever altering how the First Amendment right to freedom of religion is understood.

If you can imagine, she added, every religious school and institution in the country would now be demanding access to your taxpayer dollars, the same dollars that fund your neighborhood public schools today.

An ordained Baptist minister and member of the Muscogee Nation, Randall, of Norman, said the issue of church and state separation is deeply personal to his family.

His great-grandmother was required to attend a government-run Christian school in Oklahoma, which in a forced attempt at assimilation stripped her of her language and traditions, he said.

Such schools belong in our past and should not be resurrected for Oklahomas future, Randall said.

He said his fellow Baptists were persecuted for not conforming in the early years of the country.

Weve seen time and time again in Oklahoma, in America and across the globe that both religion and people are harmed when church and state are entangled, Randall said. Thats why I joined the lawsuit. (Creating a religious public charter school in Oklahoma) would be repeating the mistakes of our past and not learning important lessons from our history.

Wright, a parent of three children, described herself and her husband as devoted Christians.

Im not opposed to the existence of private Christian schools, she added. In fact, my oldest daughter previously attended a private Catholic school.

But this attempt to create a religious public school actually violates our religious freedom as a family (and) tramples on the religious freedom of every single taxpayer in Oklahoma, while diverting desperately needed resources away from our public schools.

Wright is especially concerned about the potential impact on rural schools. She co-founded the Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition to help speak up for them.

In our rural communities, public schools are the heartbeat of our culture. We are particularly vulnerable to the loss of state funding that we desperately depend on.

Andrew Seidel, spokesman for Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said the organization arranged the call because these are real people whose real lives will be impacted by whatever decision this court makes, whose religious freedom could possibly be violated, whose children may face discrimination.

Their lives are in Oklahoma, so they wont personally be in D.C. for the argument, but we did want to let them tell their stories.

St. Isidore case timeline November 2021: Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley sends the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board a letter signaling his intent to apply for charter school sponsorship and inquiring as to whether the application would be denied because of our religious affiliation or because of the integration of religion into our schools operations and programs. That small state agency then requested an attorney generals opinion. December 2022: Then-Attorney General John OConnor, who was appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt to a vacant, unexpired term, issues an advisory, non-legally binding opinion that Oklahomas current ban on publicly funded charter schools being operated by sectarian and religious organizations could be a violation of the U.S. Constitutions First Amendment. February 2023: Catholic leaders present an application for St. Isidore Virtual Catholic School, which would be the first religious charter school in the country, to Oklahomas Statewide Virtual Charter School Board. Newly-elected Attorney General Gentner Drummond immediately withdraws OConnors advisory opinion and signals his opposition to the legality of state sponsorship of an openly religious charter school. March 2023: Two vacancies on the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board are filled by appointment ahead of a St. Isidore vote, but the boards attorneys question the legality of their ability to vote on any matter until their predecessors' terms expire in November 2023. April 2023: The state board ultimately rejects the Catholic charter school request based on concerns about the application but gives 30 days for revisions. June 2023: Then-Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall replaces a longtime member of the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board on a Friday, and the following Monday, St. Isidore's application is approved 3-2, including the deciding yes vote by new member Brian Bobek. July 2023: The first legal challenge to St. Isidore is filed in Oklahoma County District Court by various Oklahoma taxpayers and clergy. October 2023: AG Drummond enters the legal fight to stop the St. Isidore application in its tracks. January 2024: Bobek, the last-minute appointee who cast the deciding vote in the St. Isidore case, is hired as top aide to Gov. Stitt. June 2024: Drummond prevails as the Oklahoma Supreme Court declares the St. Isidore application for state sponsorship, taxpayer funding unconstitutional. October 2024: St. Isidore and the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board file separate appeals of the state court opinion with the U.S. Supreme Court. January 2025: SCOTUS agrees to take up the appeals, which ultimately are consolidated and set for oral arguments on April 30. A decision is expected no later than the end of June.

Andrea Eger reporting from the Supreme Court Tulsa World Projects Reporter Andrea Eger will be in the courtroom of the U.S. Supreme Court as oral arguments are made in the case of Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond. Read her story Wednesday on tulsaworld.com and in Thursday's print edition.
Andrea Eger Tulsa World Projects Reporter Follow Andrea Eger 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

WASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday morning in the case of Oklahoma Catholic leaders, who believe they have a First Amendment right to open the nations first religious charter school at taxpayers expense.

The proposal for St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School has already been declared unconstitutional by the Oklahoma Supreme Court based on long-established federal and state legal doctrine on the separation of church and state.

The establishment clause does not restrain it, and the free exercise clause protects it, argued St. Isidores counsel of record, Michael McGinley, of the law firm Dechert LLP.

Named for a sixth-century Catholic bishop and scholar whom Catholics have deemed the patron saint of the internet, St. Isidore seeks to expand Catholic religious teachings to rural areas of Oklahoma where parochial school options are unavailable.

The religious charter school proposal has been viewed nationally as a possible test case of separation of church and state laws from the time it was received in early 2023 by a very small state agency currently known as the Statewide Charter School Board.

At the heart of the legal controversy over St. Isidore are two clauses within the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The establishment clause prohibits the government from establishing or creating an official religion or actions that unduly favor one religion over another or religion over non-religion, while the free exercise clause protects both the right to believe in and practice any religion or no religion at all.

Federal law and the laws of 46 states, including Oklahoma, currently define charter schools as public schools, and many of those laws, including Oklahomas, specifically prohibit their affiliation with a nonpublic sectarian school or other religious institution.

But the St. Isidore case also hinges on the argument by proponents from the Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and Diocese of Tulsa that charter schools are actually private entities that cannot be barred from participation in government funding programs simply based on religion.

Hostility to religion?

Chief Justice John Roberts only questions of the day centered on the state of Oklahomas role in St. Isidore as a charter school, including the role government plays in charter schools curriculum.

Justice Clarence Thomas also asked a few questions on the subject of whether charter schools are really state actors or private entities, as claimed by Oklahoma Catholic leaders.

Jim Campbell, chief legal counsel at the conservative Christian legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom, handled the Statewide Charter School Boards half of the appeal.

He argued that the Supreme Court should find it unconstitutional for religion to be the wrong kind of diversity, when charter schools across the country offer enhanced focus on Native American culture, foreign language immersion, and science, technology, engineering and math.

He accused Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond of suing to exclude religious people from participating in Oklahomas charter school program and insisted that they should not be treated as second class.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh echoed the sentiment that St. Isidores proponents are simply asking not to be treated differently because theyre religious.

Theyre not asking for special treatment, he said.

Justice Samuel Alito pointed to multiple public statements by Drummond in saying he thought Drummonds legal position seems to be motivated by hostility to religion.

Meanwhile, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson seized on the facts that St. Isidores application required the Statewide Charter School Board to offer it an amended version of its standard, template contract and that St. Isidores proposal includes an amended version of the standard nondiscrimination clause that public schools, including all other Oklahoma charter schools, have been held to for decades.

What you are saying is it (St. Isidore) is being denied a benefit no one else is.  They want to come in and get a contract tailored to your own terms, said Jackson.

Charters defined for decades as public schools

Arguing for Oklahomas attorney general, the respondent in the case, was Gregory Garre, a partner in the D.C. office of Latham and Watkins LLP and former colleague and mentee of Chief Justice Roberts.

He has has argued nearly 50 cases before the Supreme Court and was a former U.S. solicitor general under President George W. Bush.

Garre focused his entire argument on the facts that, for the three-plus decades they have existed, charter schools have been defined in federal and state laws as public schools and have been treated as such.

Among the public school characteristics of charter schools: free and open student enrollment, required provision of special education services for those with disabilities, open meetings requirements on their governing boards, required state testing of students, and the imposition of highly articulated state academic standards set by each state for decades, Garre said.

He also said there is no chicken or egg debate to be had with St. Isidore because Oklahoma law specifies that a charter school isnt created or established until it receives state-approved sponsorship  not when proponents come up with a concept for a school and apply.

Its not me saying it  its the state, Garre said, referencing the Oklahoma Supreme Courts earlier decision, which he said stated that St. Isidore would participate in the states public school system. With respect, I dont think this court can second-guess that.

Justices Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch inquired of Garre how a states charter school program differs from state-funded programs with private operators of nursing homes, food banks, hospitals, and adoption and foster care programs.

Government contractors are completely different, Garre said. Its an easy distinction.

Questioning on Department of Justice shift in position

Since President Donald Trump returned to office, the U.S. Department of Justice began supporting the St. Isidore charter school proposal. In an advanced court brief, the DOJ stated that it believes at least some charter schools (including St. Isidore) retain Free Exercise rights.

During arguments by U.S. Solicitor General Dean John Sauer, three justices asked about the recent shift in position.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor put it this way: So you are saying the federal charter school program is unconstitutional?

Sauer responded, Not exactly.

Justice Elena Kagan asked Sauer to help her understand what part of the federal statute youre giving up today and what part is so patently unconstitutional that you will not defend it?

Sauer explained the Trump administrations position that several recent decisions by the Supreme Court favoring individuals rights to free exercise of religion now require some exceptions.

Justice Jackson said: Im trying to understand your establishment clause-nothing-to-see-here position. ... Are you saying religious charter schools use of public school funds to proselytize present no establishment clause issues?

Sauer said that concern would be addressed by the fact that all student participation in Oklahoma charter schools is optional and governed solely by parent choice.

Stakeholders travel to D.C. for arguments

Dozens of Oklahomans were in attendance for all two hours and 20 minutes of oral arguments before eight of the nine U.S. Supreme Court justices, as Justice Amy Coney Barrett has recused herself from the case.

Among them were Gov. Kevin Stitt; his appointed secretary of education, Nellie Sanders; John OConnor, Stitts former attorney general appointee; current general counsel Ben Lepak; and Brian Shellem and Rebecca Wilkinson, chairman and executive director, respectively, of the statewide charter board.

Those there on behalf of St. Isidore included Harrison Garlick, chancellor and in-house legal counsel for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa; Brett Farley, executive director of the Catholic Conference of Oklahoma; and Michael Scaperlanda, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

St. Isidores application for state sanctioning and public school funding was developed in concert with a religious liberty clinic at the University of Notre Dame Law School, where Barrett, a Supreme Court conservative bloc member, once taught.

Seated alongside the counsels of record for St. Isidore and the statewide charter board at the petitioners head table was John Meiser, an associate clinical professor of law at Notre Dame and the director of the schools religious liberty clinic.

St. Isidore is also represented by law firms Dechert LLP and Perri Dunn PLLC.

After oral arguments, the participating Supreme Court justices hold conferences to discuss cases and vote on them.

The courts decision is expected no later than the end of June.

Listen to audio or read transcript of St. Isidore oral arguments before U.S. Supreme Court Go to supremecourt.gov to listen to the official audio recording of oral arguments in the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School case, or read the transcript to be posted by the end of the day Wednesday, April 30.
Entries are now officially open for the 2025 Antenna Awards, celebrating creativity in the Community Television sector.

For the first time the 2025 Antenna Awards ceremony are set to be available on-demand via the upcoming CTV+ Smart TV apps, rolling out mid-year on Samsung, Google TV, and Apple TV platforms.

This years event follows the Federal Government announcing a $3 million, three-year funding package last December.

Past events have recognised Waleed Aly, Hamish & Andy, Emma Race, Jess Harris, The Bazura Project, Mitch McTaggart, and more.

The night will also see new inductees welcomed into the CTV Hall of Fame, established in 2023 to recognise icons of community television. Previous Hall of Fame inductees include Rove, Vasili Kanidiadis, and the late Stella Young.

The Antenna Awards have always been a beacon for the creative energy and diversity that community television fosters, said Joseph Matina, Chair of C31 Melbourne, following renewed national support and the growing success of CTV+, 2025 marks the beginning of an even brighter future for our sector  and we cant wait to celebrate the people who make it happen.

Community television is unique in its ability to tell deeply local stories while contributing to a broader national conversation, said Lauren Hillman, General Manager of C44 Adelaide. Were incredibly proud of the strong showing of South Australian-based creators and contributors in recent years, and I have no doubt that 2025 will be another standout year. The Antenna Awards are a vital celebration of the creativity, diversity, and innovation that define our sector, and Im thrilled to see them continue to grow in reach and recognition across Australia.

Submissions close on June 30th with the event to take place on Saturday, 15th November 2025.

c31.org.au/antennas25
(L-R) Travis Cardona, Director of First Nations and Outreach, NIDA; Liz Hughes, CEO of NIDA; Dena Curtis, Head of Commissioning and Production, NITV; Nakul Legha, Head of Scripted, SBS

SBS, National Indigenous Television and the National Institute of Dramatic Arts have announced a new three-year partnership to provide practical and structured pathways for emerging creatives and support the transition for students into the screen industry.

The initiative will offer students industry experience, expertise and opportunities, supporting historically under-represented creatives and reinforcing a commitment to building a diverse and inclusive screen industry.

Head of Scripted, SBS, Nakul Legha, said: Getting a foot into the screen industry can be tough for emerging creatives. SBS is incredibly proud to launch the NIDA Pathways partnership, which creates structured programs to develop practical skills and offers a meaningful entry point into the industry for NIDA students, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds.

At SBS, we are steadfastly committed to elevating and developing the next generation of new voices for Australias screen sector. We look forward to working with NIDA and NITV to keep putting this commitment into action.

Head of Commissioning and Production, NITV, Dena Curtis, said: Being able to directly connect First Nations students with industry experts gives them the opportunity to explore, learn and build on their skillset and gain real-world production experience in a culturally safe environment.

NITV is proud to support the development of emerging First Nations talent, they are the future of First Nations storytelling.

NIDA CEO, Liz Hughes, said: NIDA is a place where stories grow for emerging creative practitioners involved in all aspects of production. SBS, uniquely renowned for celebrating Australian stories from all communities, is the ideal partner as this project is a great opportunity to create a pathway for people in the early stages of their career.

This partnership between NIDA, SBS, and NITV is a powerful step towards creating a more inclusive and representative screen industry.

In each year of the partnership, SBS and NITV will collaborate with NIDA, Australias premiere national dramatic arts educator and innovator, to deliver a range of opportunities for students that will provide practical pathways into the sector.

Activities will include an annual creative pitch workshop run by the SBS Scripted and NITV teams, culminating in one student receiving the opportunity to spend time in an SBS writers room; a First Nations production placement program, giving First Nations NIDA students an opportunity to work on SBS and NITV productions; an annual industry talk presented by SBS and NITV, covering essential topics such as crafting effective pitches, leveraging your degree in the industry and understanding what makes content appealing to international audiences; and speed networking sessions to connect emerging talent with industry professionals.

The TV Lunch sessions with SBS Scripted, a monthly one-hour lunchtime event connecting early to mid-level screen creatives with the team behind SBS Originals, will feature a special session with NIDAs Head of Writing, Joe Hepworth, on Friday 2 May.
Producers will descend upon the Gold Coast next week for the annual Screen Forever conference.

The 3 day event held by Screen Producers Australia is the leading calendar event for producers to exchange ideas, lobby for industry support and to forge new creative relationships.

Collaboration is key but as producer and showrunner Tony Ayres (Clickbait, Fires, Glitch, Nowhere Boys) explains, gathering as a sector is essential.

Personally, I think that any time we get together as an industry, its useful because its rare, he tells TV Tonight.

We just dont do it very often. I mean, it is necessarily a collaborative industry, particularly television. Its at a scale where you need more people and you have to work with people. And I think that weirdly, surprise surprise, you work out who you want to work with when you meet them.

I mean, its kind of like the difference between Grindr and a gay bar, he teases. Im old fashioned. I just like to be in a space where I can actually meet people and talk to them and see how we connect.

Otherwise, its just names I mean, zooms are okay but, I dont love zooms because there are limitations to it. So I think that anytime we get everyone together, there is a lot of information exchanged. A lot learning through osmosis, a lot of connection in the interstitial moments. And sometimes the panels are great as well. Like, you learn from that as well. But actually its all the bits in between, where I think you really benefit and and certainly the fact that Screen Forever is open to younger and emerging producers, writers and directors is really important because the beginning of the process is actually meeting people.

The conference also facilitates round table pitching, whether to other producers, or sometimes to commissioners. Attendance this year includes ABC, SBS, NITV, Stan, Foxtel, ACTF, Fifth Season, Lionsgate, Madman, Roadshow, Sky NZ, StudioCanal, Warner Bros Discovery NZ and more.

Ayres will participate in a mock game show session Redlight Greenlight in which producers will create new show pitches on the spot for judging by industry execs.

So what makes a good pitch?

I think that weve got it all wrong with pitching. What makes a good pitch is someone who is prepared to catch. If your project is what the buyer wants, at the time that you pitch the project, then its a great pitch. Quite frankly, if the project is not what the buyer wants, its a terrible pitch, he suggests.

Originally, Clickbait was sold to Amazon in the UK. But there was a change of management, the project got dropped, and the studio basically pitched the project to every single buyer over it got dropped and every single buyer said no.

Fast track a year later, and I reset the show in the States because I happened to be in the States. I pitched the show to five different people. We got about four offers within 24 hours and there was a bidding war for it. Same pitch, same idea, but at that particular moment in time, the project was what people were looking for.

Of course there are rules of thumb like, dont be boring. dont make it too long. But I think theres no magical secret sauce that will guarantee a pitch being bought. The only thing that will lead to a pitch being bought is if someone wants to buy it.

Since Covid, pitching has also shifted from face to face to more online pitches, especially those involving US streaming platforms.

In America now that they just want pitches to be shorter, they dont want to know everything. They just want the the essence of the show. Ive always found pitching in Australia to be way more casual, not quite as formal. But with the advent of the streamers in Australia, were moving towards a more formal pitching style that the Americans use. A lot of the streamers have either American execs or execs who are answerable to Americans so the style has bled into the way that we do things, he continues.

In America, they like to do the pitches on Zoo. and sometimes youre pitching to 12 people who never say anything.

I like the Australian version. Im used to it, but I do think we are becoming a little bit more formal in Australia.

If attending Screen Forever, Ayres also urges not to overwhelm buyers with a pitch at every opportunity.

Sellers are always a little bit desperate, like, thats just the nature of selling. But I also think you try to get to know people more (to ascertain) whether there is any chance of selling something. Is there any kind of overlap in taste and sensibility? If you can enjoy a meal together or laugh at a joke together, or have a conversation about something else, I think that is kind of useful as a foundation for a relationship.

Screen Forever May 6  8, The Star Event Centre, Gold Coast.
2023 My Kitchen Rules contestant Claudean Uamaki-Mu has pleaded guilty to six historical common assault offences.

Claudean Uamaki-Mu, and husband Anthony, could only be named after a non-publication was finally lifted in a Brisbane court yesterday. She pleaded guilty to kicking, spitting on and hitting children.

Acting Magistrate Michael Quinn described the charges as extremely serious.

He said some of the common assault offences included pulling a child up by the hair, spitting on a child and throwing a Tupperware container at the back of a childs head. The court heard that on another occasion, a child was kicked in the stomach.

There was another, involving grabbing a child and throwing (the child) into the bedroom wall, he said.

[There was] another involving pulling the child to the ground and poking the complainant child in her face with your finger, Quinn said.

In all, those allegations are extremely serious, and the court must take those into account.

Other charges were withdrawn.

She faces 12 other charges, including rape, and will stand trial at the Queensland District Court at a future date.

Her husband was due to be sentenced on 11 summary offenses, after more serious charges against him were also dropped.

Defence barrister Simon Lewis said his client suffered from depression and anxiety and had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The case first drew headlines while the 2023 MKR season was underway but a non-publication order prevented their names from being made public. Rival media organisations were unsuccessful in having the order lifted at the time. Despite the severity of charges they remained on air on Seven but were edited out of the shows grand final.

Claudean Uamaki-Mu was sentenced to a good behaviour bond for 12 months, with a $1000 recognisance. No convictions were recorded.

Source: Brisbane Times, news.com.au, Daily Mail
Sidra Fatima, TwoCircles.net

Haye kasher zev, me che cheeni drieh, cze myeen khabar, cze myeev nzar, cze myeen shaoorich sonzil zich, cze myeeni zameerich mecxsang.

(O Kashmiri language! I swear by you, you are my awareness, my vision too, the radiant ray of my perception, the whirling violin of my conscience.)  Hymn to Language, Rehman Rahi

Kashmir  where conflict and political upheaval always dominate headlines  is witnessing a quieter but equally pressing struggle, wages by a young girl, against the fading of the Kashmiri language, Koshur.

Seerat Hafiz, 22, a writer and peacemaker, has founded Yikvot  a reading club that means together. Her mission is to preserve and revive the beauty, rhythm and soul of Koshur, especially among the youth.

For me, this language, which is now endangered, has been the voice of my grandparents. With English and Urdu-speaking parents, we often reserved our last bit of Kashmiri for the elderly, trying to converse only to bite back our tongue. This stands as a testament of resilience and faith, she says.

She adds, Kashmiri has a beautiful ring to it. I often say that it is impossible to translate any language without it missing its essence, its love and its sweetness. Kashmiri is one such language that not only is soulful and sweet but all kinds of emotions get expressed in it. I believe what was interesting to our readers was the quirky touch of Kashmiri added to the translation of the world-famous Russian author Dostoevskys Crime and Punishment.

What began as a scribbled idea on a coffee shop napkin in 2024 has since blossomed into a vibrant literary movement, now boasting over 300 students. Through weekly meetups, social media outreach and intergenerational storytelling sessions, Seerat is not just preserving Koshur  she is giving it new life.

A revival

The most exciting aspect of attending this class is the chance to get deeply involved with Kashmiri literature. The guest lectures, most of all, have been wonderfully insightful, making us get more intimately attached to our mother tongue. It was through Yikvot that I actually realised the richness of my own emotional attachment to the Kashmiri language, says Fabiha (18), a student at Yikvot.

Finding Yikvot marked a turning point for me. It made me want to be a part of a movement that not only preserves our language but also brings us back to our cultural heritage, she adds.

For Noha (18), it is how each of the members helps one another in learning new words and sentences, decoding the language that makes Yikvot special. I believe I have built a sense of connection and belonging at Yikvot. I joined the club because I wanted to meet people who do not have a prejudice against the language, she says.

Unseen yet unshaken

But Seerats journey has not been without its obstacles. As a young woman wearing the veil, she is constantly met with judgment from within her own community. Her success and visibility have been tainted by criticism that targets not her work, but her appearance and gender.

If my life were to be chronicled, she says, it would be marked by constant remarks like itni padhayi karke niqab hi pehnna tha aur reading club hi chalana tha? (After all that education, you chose to wear a veil and start just a reading club?)  a refrain meant to belittle her ambition and dim her spark.

For a year, I kept on pushing through and handling every aspect of Yikvot. I was not only a woman but a veiled one at that. Suddenly, my reading club fell into expectations of a religious entity, which was not my goal at all. People were joining my personal lifestyle with my work, causing distress. I believe the biggest setback of it all was to see different people coming up not to call me out or find any faults in the club, but to shame me for being an outspoken veiled woman and debating my hijab, perpetrating the same ideals that a woman who chooses to veil should not be in a public sphere, Seerat says.

Despite these trials, Seerat stands resolute with form determination and a clear vision. Her dream is to transform Yikvot into a permanent, offline space  a cultural sanctuary where the young can learn and the old can guide, where Kashmiri literature, stories and emotions live on.

Valleys lingering silence

Koshur, one of the oldest living languages in South Asia, belongs to the Dardic subgroup of the Indo-Aryan family. Despite its richness and resilience, the language has long faced systemic neglect.

In 1953, Kashmiri was officially removed from the school curriculum to lighten the academic burden on students. It was not until 2001 that it was reintroduced up to Grade 8  yet even then, instruction remained patchy and symbolic at best.

By 2017, the then Jammu and Kashmir government made teaching regional languages, including Kashmiri, compulsory for grades 9 and 10 in areas where they are still spoken. But implementation has remained a major hurdle, with schools often ignoring the directive.

Dominant languages like Urdu, Hindi and English have taken center stage, pushing Kashmiri into the margins. This erosion is not merely linguistic  it is cultural, with each passing generation growing more detached from traditional poetry, storytelling and heritage.

Dr. Wahid Raza, a noted Kashmiri writer and columnist, highlights social media and unemployment as culprits. People go abroad to earn a living, adopt the culture there, learn the local language and slowly start forgetting Kashmiri, he tells TwoCircle.net.

Still, he believes there is hope. As long as our dreams, our songs, our thoughts and our way of thinking live in our language, our language will stay alive.
TCN Correspondent

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): Even if my brother was involved in the attack, what has our family got to do with it? asks Aisha Begum (name changed), standing in the middle of the rubble that was once her home in Pulwama, demolished by security forces.

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Her familys house was razed following the deadly terrorist attack on April 22 at Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.

Aisha insists that they had no knowledge of her brothers alleged involvement, yet they are now bearing the brunt of his reported actions.

The Pahalgam massacre has triggered a massive security crackdown across Kashmir. Hundreds have been detained, and at least eight homes of suspected terrorists have been demolished in raids conducted in the dead of night. These actions have left families displaced, including elderly parents, women and children, stirring anger and fear among local communities.

Our son has nothing to do with anything. He works as a shopkeeper. Whenever these situations arise, he is detained, says the mother of a detainee, speaking to TwoCircles.net.

She adds that the government should focus on punishing the perpetrators of the attack, not innocent families. Killing innocent people is not the teaching of Islam. These tourists were our guests, and we respect our guests as God.

Reports indicate that over 1,900 people have been detained for questioning following the attack, with officials claiming these detentions are necessary for gathering intelligence on the terrorists involved.

The attack, where terrorists targeted tourists based on their religion, has been widely condemned across Kashmir. In solidarity with the victims, the Valley observed a complete shutdown, with public sentiment rejecting the violence.

Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a local pony operator, lost his life while attempting to protect tourists during the attack. His bravery has been hailed throughout the Valley, becoming a symbol of local resistance to violence.

However, the governments response, alleged locals, has been harsh. In Pulwama alone, several neighbouring civilian homes were also allegedly damaged during the demolitions. This has amplified tensions, with fears growing that the Hindu-Muslim divide is being exploited, allegedly heightening the sense of insecurity among Muslims in India.

Political leaders from across the spectrum have condemned the mass detentions. Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi called the operation punishment by exile, warning that this is not security.

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader also expressed support for action against those involved in violence or threats to national security. However, he stressed that such actions should not harm innocent civilians or be used as a cover to silence political opposition. He cautioned against the alleged misuse of power under the guise of security operations.

Any misuse of power under the pretext of security operations is unacceptable and deeply troubling, he said.

In a post on X, Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed concern over the widespread detentions.

While Kashmiris collectively condemn the heinous crime at Pahalgam, and it is imperative to bring its perpetrators to justice, indiscriminate arrests and videos circulating on social media of demolition of houses and neighbourhoods, is disturbing and distressing. I urge the  Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) April 27, 2025

He joined in the collective condemnation of the attack but criticised the alleged indiscriminate arrests and the destruction of homes of alleged terrorists.

I urge the authorities, in seeking justice for the innocent victims, not to punish innocent Kashmiri families, he wrote.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also called for a decisive crackdown on terrorism following the Pahalgam attack. In his statement on X, he underscored the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable while ensuring that innocent civilians are not harmed.

After the Pahalgam terror attack, there must be a decisive fight against terrorism and its origin. People of Kashmir have come out openly against terrorism and the murder of innocent people, they did this freely & spontaneously. Its time to build on this support and avoid any  Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 27, 2025

After the Pahalgam terror attack, there must be a decisive fight against terrorism and its origins. The people have freely and openly condemned the killing of innocents. We must build on this unity, punish the guilty without mercy, but avoid any action that alienates or harms the innocent, he added.

As Kashmir grapples with this violent chapter, the delicate balance between justice and collective punishment remains at the heart of the ongoing debate. The governments heavy-handed approach continues to spark deep concerns among local communities, while the quest for justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack unfolds.
HA NOI  Shinhan Life Insurance Vietnam Limited Liability Company (Shinhan Life Vietnam) has been honoured as the leading insurance company in health and wellness in the Top 30 Outstanding Foreign Invested Enterprises (FIEs) in 2024-25 at the 24th Golden Dragon Awards ceremony on April 23.

The Golden Dragon Awards is the largest annual event organised by the Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam ( VnEconomy and Vietnam Economic Times) in cooperation with ministries, sectors and relevant agencies, to recognise FIEs in Viet Nam.

Over the past 20 years, the awards have accompanied the business community, praising FIEs that operate effectively and post impressive achievements in production and actively contribute to the development of the locality where they operate, alongside the national economy.

The hosts conducted a survey and selected a winner based on five main criteria, including business results, brand building, development and protection, corporate responsibility, green and sustainable business development and application of digital transformation in business activities and operational efficiency.

2025 marks the second consecutive year that Shinhan Life Vietnam has been honoured in the Golden Dragon Awards. This is the recognition of the companys efforts in its sustainable development journey, constantly improving product and service quality to accompany and provide customers with a comprehensive and suitable financial protection solution.

Throughout 2024, Shinhan Life Vietnam continued to focus on enhancing its infrastructure, strengthening the training of staff and agents, and preparing for a phase of accelerated growth in the near future.

"In addition to accompanying and providing customers with quality financial protection solutions, we focus on building a friendly and professional working environment, promoting CSR activities, community initiatives and joining hands to actively contribute to the common development of the economy and society," said General Director of Shinhan Life Vietnam, Bae Seung Jun.

According to its 2024 Financial Report, Shinhan Life Vietnam recorded total revenues of VN402 billion, (US$ 15.4 million) with net revenue from insurance business operation amounting to VN256 billion, reflecting a 19 per cent growth compared to the previous year, and a solvency margin at the high level of 4,496 per cent.

Officially operating in Viet Nam since January 2022, Shinhan Life Vietnam offers life insurance, health insurance and financial investment and has a charter capital of VN2.3 trillion.  VNS
Since national reunification 50 years ago, HCM City has consistently affirmed its role as a key economic driver, contributing a fifth of the countrys GDP and a quarter of the governments revenues.

Behind these figures lies the collective determination of the Government, enterprises, organisations and the populace  who have joined forces with courage, innovation, and ambition in the citys development journey.

To mark the 50th anniversary of reunification, the municipal People's Committee [Administration] launched a programme to honour 50 outstanding enterprises and organisations with significant brands and products over the past half-century. These exemplary businesses not only play a vital role in the economy but also contribute to shaping the citys cultural identity and brand.

These enterprises and organisations are not only leaders in production and business, but also promote positive values such as environmental responsibility and international integration, Bui Ta Hoang Vu, director of the city's Department of Industry and Trade, said:

One of the honoured companies, NutiFood Nutrition Food JSC, a nutrition product manufacturer, has grown into one of Viet Nams leading food enterprises, providing high-quality goods domestically and internationally.

Nutifoods vice chairman Le Nguyen Hoa said the recognition motivates the company to continue with its mission of improving peoples nutritional standards.

The city is not only an economic powerhouse but also a place where the health services of hospitals are highly valued. Among the 50 honourees, six are top-tier hospitals known for their expertise and specialised treatment, attracting patients and tourists from across the country and abroad.

Cho Ray Hospital, established in 1900 and one of the countrys leading hospitals, has adopted numerous advanced techniques in diagnosis and treatment.

Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Tri Thuc said such progress would not have been possible without the support of local authorities.

In education, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) was honoured as a distinguished unit for consistently providing high-quality human resources to the economy.

UEH Principal Su inh Thanh said the university had reached many milestones and was steadily building its reputation in international higher education.

These exemplary enterprises and organisations have generated more than VN461 trillion (US$19 billion) in revenues and contributed over VN10.5 trillion ($422 million) to the citys budget.

They represent not only a strong economic force but also key contributors to social welfare efforts, embodying the spirit of For the whole country, with the whole country.

The city is entering a new era filled with both challenges and opportunities, as it clearly defines a strategy for sustainable development and continues to support businesses in expanding their global reach.

With a robust business community and government backing, the city aspires to become a regional and global economic powerhouse.

Pioneering new era of growth

The countrys economic engine, HCM City, is recognised not only for its dynamic development but also pioneering spirit.

As Viet Nam transitions into a new era of growth, the citys business community continues to lead the way, driving progress on both a local and national scale.

For decades, the city has stood out as a vibrant and resilient hub, unafraid to lead even in uncertain or uncharted conditions.

According to Pham Phu Ngoc Trai, chairman of Global Integration Business Consultants and PRO Viet Nam, the city does not wait for perfect conditions but steps forward boldly, embraces risk and forges its own path.

This pioneering mindset has become a defining value, embedded not only in local governance but also within businesses and the broader communityall united by a shared commitment to progress and innovation.

City-based enterprises have extended their influence beyond domestic borders, helping elevate Vietnamese brands on the global stage and contributing to the countrys international economic identity.

A prime example is the Saigon Trading Group (SATRA), founded in 1995. It has since developed into one of the city's core enterprises.

Lam Quoc Thanh, SATRA general director, said the company was preparing for extensive restructuring from 2026 to 2030 and was aligning with the citys directives to move towards equitisation.

By boosting exports and enhancing its network of subsidiaries such as Vissan and Cofidec, SATRA aims to further integrate Vietnamese products into global value chains.

Similarly, Cholimex Food, a company with a presence of more than four decades in the city, continues to innovate and expand.

The opening of its second factory in April marked a key milestone, increasing production capacity and improving logistics for exports, paving the way for Vietnamese products to gain greater access to international markets.

Local government and enterprises

The citys business sector now accounts for over 50 per cent of the southern regions output of goods and services, 67 per cent of public investment, and 25 per cent of Viet Nams foreign trade.

With its sights set on becoming one of Asias foremost financial and economic hubs, the city is moving beyond merely managing enterprises and now viewing them as strategic partners.

Deputy chairman of its Peoples Committee Vo Van Hoan underscored the city's commitment to supporting businesses by streamlining administrative procedures, improving the investment environment and ensuring a fair, transparent playing field.

At the same time it is also focusing on green growth, digital transformation, technological innovation, and the circular economy while proactively preparing for global economic fluctuations to ensure resilient and sustainable growth.

Through the concerted efforts of government, businesses and the public, the city is steadily transforming its vision of becoming a world-class financial and economic hub into reality.

In this new era HCM City's enduring pioneering spirit will continue to light the path ahead, empowering both the city and enterprises to strengthen their presence on the global economic map. VNS
HA NOI  The State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) has announced its divestment plan for 2025, identifying 31 companies targeted for capital reduction.

This strategic initiative highlights the Government's commitment to streamlining state ownership in key sectors and enhancing market efficiency.

Among the notable transactions is the planned divestment of 5.7 per cent of shares in FPT Corporation (FPT), a leading technology firm with a market capitalisation exceeding VN161 trillion (around US$6.8 billion).

SCIC's current stake is valued at VN839.8 billion, positioning it as the second-largest shareholder behind FPT's chairman, Truong Gia Binh.

The divestment list also includes significant enterprises such as the Vietnam Seafood Corporation (Seaprodex), Tien Phong Plastic Joint Stock Company, Domesco Medical Import Export JSC, Hai Phong Thermal Power JSC and Quang Ninh Thermal Power Joint Stock Company.

Notably, shares of Ha Giang Mineral and Mechanics JSC have surged to VN322,000 per share on April 28. If SCIC successfully divests its 46.6 per cent stake, it could generate approximately VN1.89 trillion.

SCIC recently completed a successful divestment from Thang Long JSC via an auction on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX) in late December 2024, which led to significant trading activity and price increases in Thang Longs shares.

In addition, SCIC is preparing for a competitive sale of shares in Domesco, with an auction scheduled for May 12, starting at VN1.531 trillion for over 12 million shares.

The Ministry of Finance has set ambitious targets for 2025, aiming to finalise the restructuring of state-owned enterprises and complete divestments in firms where the government no longer holds significant stakes.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy outlined in Decision No. 690/QD-TTg, approved by the Prime Minister on July 17, 2024, which details SCIC's restructuring plan through the end of 2025.

From 2021 to 2024, the government successfully divested from 15 enterprises, achieving a book value of VN405.2 billion and generating revenue of VN656.9 billion.

The plan for 2025 includes additional divestments from 131 state-owned enterprises, projected to yield approximately VN10.04 trillion.  BIZHUB/VNS
HA NOI  Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen uc Tam met on April 28 with Zhu Wei, Deputy Director of the Guangdong provincial Development and Reform Commission, and a delegation from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Office in a bid to deepen economic and trade ties.

During the meeting, Tam welcomed the goodwill and proposals from the Greater Bay Area delegation aimed at enhancing economic and trade collaboration, developing joint Viet Nam-Guangdong industrial parks, and strengthening supply chain linkages between the two countries.

He underscored that Viet Nam places great importance on advancing cooperation with the Greater Bay Area, particularly in the sectors based on Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as ICT, digital technology, nanotechnology, biotechnology, new materials, pharmaceuticals, high-tech agriculture, environmental technology and clean energy.

He noted that Guangdong, home to several cities with twin relationships with Vietnamese provinces, has long been a focal point for trade and investment promotion activities from Viet Nam. This, he emphasised, illustrates the significant potential for expanded collaboration between Guangdong and Vietnamese localities.

The Deputy Minister identified several priority areas for deeper cooperation, including the development of joint industrial zones, trade in agricultural products, infrastructure investment (especially railways), science - technology and digital transformation.

For his part, Zhu highlighted that the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is one of China's comprehensive opening-up strategies, designed to enhance the country's competitiveness in the global market. The Bay Area contributes to 11 per cent of Chinas GDP and is positioned as a hub for economic and technological innovation.

Expressing a keen interest in sharing the regions reform and innovation experiences with Viet Nam, he further noted growing interest among Greater Bay Area enterprises in exploring investment opportunities in the country, aiming for long-term and sustainable partnerships that will contribute to Viet Nams economic growth in the coming years.

Zhu held that Viet Nams ongoing efforts to streamline its administrative apparatus present a timely opportunity for both sides to exchange experiences in developing the "two countries, two industrial parks" model, with a focus on sectors such as electronics, display technology and automotive components.

Tam affirmed that Viet Nams development priorities now hinge not only on traditional growth drivers but also on new ones which are science, technology and innovation. He lauded the office's cooperation proposals, which are appropriate to Viet Nam's goals.

He considered the "two countries, two industrial parks" model as a good proposal, expressing confidence that the two sides will soon translate this idea into tangible results, opening up more cooperation opportunities between Viet Nam and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.  VNS
HCM CITY  The undestroyed heart of Thich Quang uc, the Buddhist monk who self-immolated to protest against religious suppression in erstwhile South Viet Nam during the war against America, will be displayed from May 3 to 10 at HCM City's Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple.

It is part of the commemoration of the upcoming UN Day of Vesak Celebrations from May 6 to 8 at the citys Viet Nam Buddhist University.

Following his immolation, Thich Quang ucs body was cremated, but his heart remained intact.

The heart was then subjected to cremation at over 4,000 degrees for several hours, but it transformed into a solid, heart-shaped sarira.

In Buddhism, sarira refers to bead-shaped bodily relics, typically found within the cremated ashes of revered figures, particularly Buddhist masters.

It is a remnant of a life well lived, reflecting the individual's piety and spiritual attainment.

On May 3 the sarira will be escorted from the HCM City office of the State Bank of Viet Nam to the Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple.

Monks, Buddhist followers and the public can see the relic from 1:30pm on the same day.

The exhibition will be open from 8am to 11am and 1:30pm to 5:30 pm, and entry will be free.

The exhibition will be temporarily closed to the public on May 5 to welcome international Buddhist delegates.

From May 11 the relic will be permanently preserved at a Bao Tower at the Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple.

The organisers have called on the public not to make any offerings such as flowers or money.

Children under two, unwell people and those with inappropriate outfits will not be allowed into the venue.

Smartphones, cameras, food, drinks, and dangerous objects are prohibited.

The organisers encourage visitors to register in advance by sending information to the executive council of the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha at 242-244, 3/2 Street, Ward 12, District 10, HCM City.

Beginning in 1963 the Buddhist crisis in erstwhile South Viet Nam was a period of political and religious tension that led to widespread protests sparked by Catholic President Ngo inh Diems perceived favouritism towards his religion and policies that marginalised Buddhists.

With Buddhism on the brink of eradication, Thich Quang uc self-immolated on a street in Saigon on June 11, 1963, witnessed by over 300 monks.

His act was neither intended to overthrow the government nor install Buddhists in the government, but solely to change the religious favouritism of Diems regime.

It sparked a chain reaction in other countries that forever changed history.

The heart was preserved at Xa Loi Pagoda and later moved to the Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple, and is currently being preserved at the State Bank of Viet Nam.  VNS
HA NOI  Ambassadors of countries in Viet Nam have extended their congratulations to the Party, State and people of Viet Nam on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - 2025).

Lao Ambassador to Viet Nam Khamphao Ernthavanh affirmed that the April 30, 1975 victory was a symbol of ardent patriotism, the strength of great national unity, the indomitable and heroic fighting spirit of the Vietnamese army and people, and the strong aspiration of the Vietnamese people for independence, freedom, peace and happiness. This was also a typical victory of the world revolutionary forces, contributing to strongly promoting the struggle of the world people for independence, peace, democracy and social progress.

The April 30 victory was a triumph that shook the world and was a historical turning point for the Vietnamese people but also an event of great significance for the Lao and Cambodian revolutions as well as the world revolution, contributing to promoting the struggle of the world people for national independence, peace, democracy and social progress, encouraging the spirit of the peoples who were carrying out the struggle for liberation, against imperialism, defeating neo-colonialism in Indochina as well as in the world, the ambassador stated.

According to the diplomat, Laos and Viet Nam have formed a special fighting solidarity alliance. With special affection, the Lao Party, State and people have fully supported and created favourable conditions for Vietnam to open the "Ho Chi Minh Trail" through Lao territory to "cut through Truong Son mountain range to save the country," completely liberate South Viet Nam, and unify the country.

That noble and extremely great sacrifice became an unparalleled strength and a great source of motivation, contributing to bringing the revolutions of Viet Nam and Laos to a great victory in 1975, ending decades of war, establishing a miracle of defeating both colonialists and imperialists. The victory that the Vietnamese army and people had made was a great source of encouragement for the people of all Lao ethnic groups in the cause of defending and developing the country. The Lao Party, State and people consider this triumph as their own, she stressed.

The Lao People's Army participated in the parade marking this important anniversary, she said, affirming that this participation shows the traditional friendship and special solidarity between the people and armies of Laos and Viet Nam, and affirms the most friendly relationship between the two armies.

Congratulating Viet Nam on the anniversary, Chinese Ambassador to Viet Nam He Wei called the event a historic and symbolic milestone marking the countrys complete national unification and the dawn of its journey toward becoming a strong, independent nation.

We deeply admire the resilience, solidarity, and cooperation of the Vietnamese people, Party, and Government, as well as their unwavering determination to resist foreign invasions, he said.

He said that throughout Viet Nam's struggle for national liberation and reunification, the Chinese Party and Government always gave the Party, Government and people of Vietnam the most steadfast and greatest support.

Both nations should remember the past and look to the future, continuously inheriting and upholding the traditional Viet Nam - China friendship, jointly building a bright future for bilateral ties, and writing a new chapter about their enduring friendship, he said.

At the invitation of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence, the Honour Guard of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) of China joined the military parade celebrating the anniversary. He described it as a powerful reflection of the profound friendship and growing mutual trust between the two nations and armies.

According to him, videos showing the PLA Honour Guard rehearsing on the Ho Chi Minh City streets have been widely circulated on Chinese social media, garnering enthusiastic and positive responses from netizens. Many expressed their eagerness to visit Viet Nam to experience its hospitality firsthand, witness its development achievements, and explore its natural beauty.

Cuban Ambassador to Viet Nam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes affirmed that the victory on April 30, 1975 was an extraordinary testament to the will, sacrifice, intelligence and solidarity of the Vietnamese people, under the wise leadership of the Party and the legacy of President Ho Chi Minh. Viet Nam defeated the most powerful war machine of US imperialists, achieved complete victory in the South and realised its dream of national reunification.

That victory was a great source of encouragement for revolutionary forces, anti-colonialism and anti-imperialism movements around the world. President Ho Chi Minh predicted that it would be a worthy contribution to the national liberation movement, the ambassador said, praising the remarkable development of Vietnam under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam after 50 years of national reunification.

After five decades, from the ashes and poverty, Viet Nam has once again created a great miracle: peace, prosperity and justice - that can only be achieved thanks to the dedication, creativity and solidarity of an entire nation, the ambassador said.

In his congratulatory message to Vietnam on this occasion, Kazakhstans Ambassador to Viet Nam Kanat Tumysh expressed his deep personal pride in being born in the year of Viet Nam's reunification, and sent his warmest congratulations to and admiration for the Vietnamese people.

Ambassador Kanat Tumysh also expressed his delight at Viet Nam's strong development steps, believing that Viet Nam's current reform efforts will achieve good results, helping the country to enter a new era of development, with double-digit growth, and becoming one of the countries with the most developed economies in the world.

Expressing his joy at experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the important holiday of the Vietnamese people, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Viet Nam Shovgi Kamal Oglu Mehdizade said that he saw many people walking and taking pictures along streets, especially at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and many children wore shirts with the Vietnamese flag printed on them.

At that moment, he also wanted to go out to share the feelings of pride and joy with the Vietnamese people, he said, adding that their patriotism is very high and it is wonderful to see flags hanging on all the windows.

Considering that the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification an opportunity to look back at Viet Nam's remarkable development over the past 50 years, Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam Gillian Bird emphasised that Viet Nam's transformation over the past half century - becoming one of the fastest growing economies in the region and a major production and investment hub - is truly remarkable.

According to the ambassador, the achievements are a testament to the value of peace as well as the will and persistent efforts of the Party, State and people of Viet Nam in pursuing development and prosperity for the country.

The ambassador said that, since establishing diplomatic relations with Viet Nam in 1973, Australia has always been proud of the partnership between the two countries.  VNA/VNS
HCM CITY  The national-level grand ceremony, military parade and procession commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975  2025) has taken place from early morning along Le Duan Boulevard and several main streets in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

In the fine weather, adorned with flags and flowers in celebration of this major national holiday, large crowds of officials, soldiers, and people from all walks of life gathered at Thong Nhat Square and the Independence Palace area to spectate the anniversary ceremony.

Attending the ceremony were the following leaders and former leaders: Party General Secretary To Lam; former General Secretary Nong uc Manh; State President Luong Cuong; former State Presidents Nguyen Minh Triet and Truong Tan Sang; Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh; former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung; Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man; former National Assembly Chairpersons Nguyen Van An and Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan; Permanent Member of the Party Central Committees Secretariat Tran Cam Tu; former Standing Members of the Secretariat Phan Dien and Tran Quoc Vuong; and Party Central Committee Secretary, and President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee o Van Chien.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were around 20 international delegations, including 3 high-level delegations, 4 at ministerial or higher level, and representatives from more than 15 political parties across various continents; representatives from over 20 localities twinned with Ho Chi Minh City, as well as numerous foreign individuals who had contributed to the anti-war movement and the struggle against the war of aggression in Viet Nam.

The high-level delegations are from Laos, led by Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party and Laos' President; the Kingdom of Cambodia, led by Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Peoples Party and President of the Senate; and Cuba, led by Comrade Salvador Valdes Mesa, Vice President.

The anniversary ceremony began with a grandly staged art performance themed Radiant Land of Viet Nam. The programme featured a ceremonial drum performance titled The Epic of Total Victory," performed by 1,000 artists who are cadets of the Drum Art Troupe of the Peoples Police Academy under the Ministry of Public Security. It also included an artistic formation performance themed A Nations Joyful Reunification, staged by artists and soldiers of the Viet Nam Peoples Army, along with numerous other artistic acts vividly portraying the nations glorious struggle for independence and its efforts in nation-building and development.

The official commemoration commenced with a solemn flag-raising ceremony accompanied by 21-gun salutes performed by the ceremonial artillery unit at Bach ang Wharf, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

In his address to the ceremony, Viet Nam's top leader To Lam said the national reunification was one of the brightest milestones in the country's history of nation building and defence, marking a conclusion of a resilient 30-year-long struggle for independence and freedom.

He recalled the history of the struggle against Americans, noting that the US imperialists have deployed a vast number of troops and the most advanced weaponry, applying multiple dangerous war strategies and conducting two brutal bombing campaigns against the North, causing tremendous pain and losses to the people and country on both sides of the country. The wars devastating consequences linger to this day.

"Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh, our military and people pursued two strategic revolutionary tasks: carrying out the socialist revolution in the North and the national democratic people's revolution in the South. With a burning desire to protect independence and national unity, guided by the principle that nothing is more precious than independence and freedom, the entire nation, from Muc Nam Quan to Ca Mau Cape, stood united to drive out the aggressors. Every part of the country bears witness to the courage, sacrifice, and glorious victories of our people and armed forces.

"Fuelled by the iron will to liberate the South, we resolutely advanced. Our military and people achieved successive victories, eventually culminating in the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, which brought the entire nation under one flag," he said.

According to the Vietnamese top leader, the success of the resistance against the United States stemmed from the Partys sound and creative leadership, the people's war strategy, the strength of national unity and international solidarity, and the skilful combination of military, political, and diplomatic struggles.

He expressed "boundless gratitude to beloved President Ho Chi Minha brilliant leader of our Party and nation, a great teacher of the Vietnamese revolution, a hero of national liberation, a world cultural figure, and an outstanding soldier of the international communist and workers movement."

"With a burning desire to liberate the South and reunify the country, and with unwavering belief in victory despite any hardship or sacrifice, our people were determined to triumph and reunify the Fatherland so that compatriots in the North and South would once more live together as one family."

General Secretary To Lam said the nation deeply values the immense contributions of revolutionary leaders, heroic martyrs, heroic Vietnamese mothers, heroes of the peoples armed forces, generations of cadres, generals, officers, soldiers, militia, youth volunteers, logistics workers, wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, families of martyrs and those with meritorious service to the revolution, war veterans, and all forces of the peoples armed forces and citizens across the country and abroad who devoted and sacrificed themselves for the cause of the complete liberation of the South and national reunification.

He also extended gratitude to the profound, heartfelt, and loyal support and assistance from international comrades, friends, especially from the Soviet Union, China and other socialist countries, the special solidarity between Viet Nam, Laos, and Cambodia, along with progressive forces, and peace-loving people around the world for the Vietnamese peoples struggle for national liberation and reunification.

"The success of the resistance against the United States stemmed from the Partys sound and creative leadership, the people's war strategy, the strength of national unity and international solidarity, and the skilful combination of military, political, and diplomatic struggles. Victory was seized through bold action, strategic timing, concentrated forces, and strong support from the North for the South," the top leader remarked.

"The historic Spring Victory of 1975 strongly encouraged global movements for national liberation, peace, independence, democracy, and social progress. It signalled the collapse of neo-colonialism worldwide and marked a crucial turning point in human history," the Party chief noted.

"After the country is liberated, the people have been united to rebuild the country, surmounting the aftermath of war and striving to develop a peaceful, independent, unified, and socialist Viet Nam."

After 50 years of national reunification and nearly 40 years of implementing the oi moi (renewal) policy, the country has overcome numerous difficulties and challenges to achieve monumental accomplishments of historical significance, creating the foundation, potential, position and international prestige as today, according to the leader.

To realise the aspiration to build a Viet Nam ten times better than today, we must liberate all productive forces, unleash all resources, and leverage all potential and strengths to strongly promote socio-economic development. In 2025, we strive to achieve economic growth of at least 8 per cent and double-digit growth in the 2026-30 period, are determined to successfully implement the strategic goals of becoming a developing country with upper-middle-income and modern industry by 2030 and a developed, socialist-oriented nation with high income by 2045. The focus must be placed on resolving institutional development bottlenecks; adjusting the economic space, expanding the development space, increasing decentralisation and delegation of authority, allocating and combining economic resources; establishing a new growth model, with science-technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the main driving forces, to create dramatic transformations in productivity, quality, efficiency, and competitiveness of the economy, identifying the private sector as the most important driving force of the national economy. Besides, we must continue making breakthroughs in mindset and methods to create new productivity, new productive forces, and new quality.

The Party leader took the occasion to reaffirm that Viet Nam will persist in implementing foreign policies of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development; multilateralisation and diversification of external relations; being a friend, a trustworthy partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community; and making effective use of international resources to serve national development goals.

"We call upon our entire Party, people, and armed forces to forever engrave in our hearts the sacrifices of our predecessors, to unite with one heart, to uphold the heroic spirit of the Spring 1975 Victory, and to strive to fulfil the aspiration of building a strong and prosperous nation, bringing lasting happiness to the people," To Lam said.  VNS
HCM CITY  General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) To Lam delivered an address at the national celebration of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30.

The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) respectfully introduces a translation of the address.

ADDRESS BY PARTY GENERAL SECRETARY TO LAM

AT THE NATIONAL CELEBRATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF THE SOUTH AND NATIONAL REUNIFICATION

Dear leaders, former leaders of the Party, State, and Viet Nam Fatherland Front,

Dear revolutionary veterans, Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, Heroes of the People's Armed Forces, Heroes of Labour, generals, officers, veterans, families with meritorious service to the nation,

Dear international guests,

Dear delegates, comrades, compatriots, soldiers nationwide, and the Vietnamese community abroad.

Today, in the heroic atmosphere of the historic April 30, in the heroic city named after beloved President Ho Chi Minh, with great excitement and pride, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the National Assembly, the State President, the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, and the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front solemnly organise a ceremony to celebrate the "50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification"  the most brilliant milestone in the history of building and defending the country; marking the glorious end of the 30-year resilient struggle for independence, freedom, and reunification of the Fatherland; putting to an end to the more-than-a-century domination of old and new colonialism; and bringing the country into a new era  the era of national independence and socialism.

On behalf of leaders of the Party, the State and the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, I warmly welcome and would like to extend my respectful greetings, warm regards, and best wishes to leaders, former leaders of the Party, the State, and the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, revolutionary veterans, Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, Heroes of the People's Armed Forces, and Heroes of Labour; generals, officers, soldiers, veterans, militiamen, guerrillas, youth volunteers, frontline workers, families with meritorious service to the country, international guests, all compatriots and comrades nationwide, overseas Vietnamese, and the Party Organisation, administration, and people of Ho Chi Minh City.

In this sacred moment, we respectfully remember and express our boundless gratitude for the great contributions of beloved President Ho Chi Minh  the genius Leader of our Party and nation, the great teacher of the Vietnamese revolution, a hero of national liberation, a great man of culture, an outstanding soldier of the international communist and workers' movements - with the burning desire to liberate the South and reunify the nation, with the faith in victory that "No matter how difficult or arduous, our people will definitely win. Our Fatherland will definitely be reunified. Compatriots of the North and the South will definitely be reunited under one roof."

We will forever remember and be grateful for the great contributions of revolutionary leaders, martyrs, Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, Heroes of the People's Armed Forces, generations of cadres, generals, officers, soldiers, militiamen, guerrillas, youth volunteers, frontline workers, wounded and sick soldiers, families of martyrs, families with meritorious service to the revolution, veterans, and the entire people's armed forces and people across the country as well as overseas Vietnamese, who devoted and sacrificed their lives for the cause of completely liberating the South and reunifying the country.

We sincerely thank our international brothers, comrades and friends, progressive forces, and peace-loving people around the world for their great, valuable, wholehearted, loyal, and steadfast support and assistance to the Vietnamese people's cause of national liberation and reunification.

Dear comrades, compatriots and delegates,

Immediately after the success of the August Revolution in 1945 and the birth of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, our people had to enter two long resistance wars to protect the country's independence and unification. The resistance war against the French colonialists ended, and like many nations around the world, the Vietnamese people wished for a peaceful, independent and free life. However, the US imperialists quickly replaced the French colonialists, intervening in Viet Nam, carrying out the plot to divide our country, and turning the South of our country into a new type of colony and an outpost to prevent communism in Southeast Asia and other progressive forces in the world. During the war of aggression against Viet Nam, the US imperialists deployed a large number of troops with the most modern and sophisticated weapons, implemented many dangerous war strategies; carried out two brutal destructive wars against the North, causing a lot of pains and losses to the people in both regions of the country; and the consequences of the war still linger today.

In the face of countless difficulties, challenges, hardships and fierceness, we inherited and promoted our ancestors' glorious tradition in fighting against foreign invaders, summarised valuable lessons in the prolonged resistance war against the French colonialists, with the mettle and clear-sighted brainpower, and by harnessing the strength of the people and the great national unity bloc, while maximising the support and assistance of international friends, progressive forces and peace-loving people in the world. Our Party and President Ho Chi Minh led our army and people to simultaneously carry out two strategic tasks: The socialist revolution in the North and the people's national democratic revolution in the South, resolutely driving away the invaders.

With a burning desire to safeguard national independence and reunification, and with the spirit of "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom," the entire Vietnamese people, from Nam Quan Pass to Ca Mau Cape, united to repel the invaders and everywhere marked the bravery, sacrifices and glorious feats of our army and people. With the iron will to liberate the South, we are determined to move forward," our army and people secured successive victories, dismantled the enemy step by step, and moved towards complete victory with the climax being the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, reuniting the country.

Time will pass, but the victory of our people in the resistance war against the US for national salvation will forever be recorded in the nations history as a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism, a victory of justice, a victory of Vietnamese mettle, spirit and intelligence; a victory of ardent patriotism and the aspiration for independence, freedom and national reunification, with the truth Viet Nam is one, the Vietnamese people are one, a milestone affirming that our entire Party, people and army had realised the most earnest wishes and instructions of Uncle Ho, completing the cause of completely liberating the South, reunifying the country, and bringing the North and the South together as one family.

The victory of the resistance war against the US for national salvation stemmed from the correct and creative leadership of the Party; from the peoples war policy, carried out through the strength of great national unity and international solidarity; from the combination of military, political and, diplomatic struggles and the art of seizing the right moment to concentrate forces for a general offensive and uprising; from the strength of the great rear base in the North supporting the major frontlines in the South, with the spirit: No a grain of rice is lacking, no soldier is absent; cutting through Truong Son to save the nation; from the great, righteous, sincere and effective support and assistance of the Soviet Union, China and fraternal socialist countries; from the Viet Nam - Laos - Cambodia special solidarity; from peace-loving, progressive people and forces worldwide, including the progressive Americans. In particular, the Great Spring 1975 Victory strongly encouraged the national liberation movement of the world's people for peace, national independence, democracy, and social progress, opening the way for the collapse of neo-colonialism all over the world and marking a pivotal turning point in human history in the 20th century.

Along with its epochal significance, the Great Spring 1975 Victory left behind valuable lessons in both theory and practice for the revolutionary cause of our Party and nation. These are (1) The lesson of promoting the strength of the people and the great national unity bloc, skilfully combining national strength with the strength of the times; (2) The lesson of promoting to the highest degree the spirit of patriotism, national pride and self-esteem; the spirit of independence, self-reliance, bravery and resilience; the determination to fight and win of our entire Party, people and army; (3) The lesson of holding high the banner of national independence and socialism, determining the correct path, suitable to the conditions and characteristics of the Vietnamese revolution; (4) The lesson of creatively applying and developing revolutionary struggle methods and methods of carrying out all-people and all-out war; developing unique and creative theories of people's war and military art; using the few to fight the many, using benevolence to replace violence; (5) The lesson of firmly grasping, seizing opportunities, and attacking rapidly, boldly, proactively, sensitively, flexibly, creatively and resolutely to carry out the 1975 Spring General Offensive and Uprising to achieve complete victory; (6) The lesson of benevolence, national reconciliation, putting the past behind and looking to the future after victory; (7) But the greatest lesson, at the same time, the leading factor deciding the victory of the 1975 Spring Great Victory was to maintain the absolute leadership of the Party; to build a strong Party in all aspects; to enhance the leadership capacity and combat strength of the Party throughout the process of fighting for national liberation, national reunification and protecting the achievements of socialism.

Dear comrades, compatriots, and distinguished delegates,

Upholding the valuable lessons from the victory of the resistance war against the US for national salvation, under the leadership of the Party, our entire people and army joined forces to recover, rebuild, construct and develop the country in accordance with Uncle Hos final wishes: My ultimate desire is that our entire Party and people to unite and strive to build a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic, and prosperous Vietnam, and make worthy contributions to the world revolutionary cause.

After 50 years of national reunification and nearly 40 years of implementing the oi moi (Renewal) policy, our country has overcome numerous difficulties and challenges to achieve monumental accomplishments of historical significance, creating the foundation, potential, position and international prestige as today. From a poor, backward nation devastated by the war and subjected to blockade and embargo, Viet Nam has transformed into a developing country with near upper-middle income status, deeply integrated into the world politics, global economy, and human civilisation, taking on many international responsibilities and playing an active and positive role in various international organisations and important multilateral forums.

The country's independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity have been firmly maintained while national interests have been secured.

The size of the economy in 2024 ranked 32nd in the world and stood among the top 20 economies in terms of trade and foreign investment attraction.

The peoples living standards have significantly improved, with the poverty rate sharply declining to just 1.93 per cent (according to multidimensional standards) compared to more than 60 per cent in 1986. Economic, political, cultural, social, scientific-technological, national defence and security potential has been increasingly consolidated.

Foreign relations have been expanded while the countrys position and prestige have been constantly enhanced. To date, Viet Nam has established diplomatic ties with 194 countries which are members of the United Nations, and built cooperative relations, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive strategic partnerships with all major powers in the world, including the US, with 2025 marking the 30th founding anniversary of Viet Nam  US diplomatic relations.

Dear comrades, compatriots, and distinguished delegates,

Half a century has passed and with the obtained great achievements, we are now standing at a new historical starting point to help the country to rise up, take off, and stand shoulder to shoulder with powers across the five continents. To realise the aspiration to build a Viet Nam ten times better than today, we must liberate all productive forces, unleash all resources, and leverage all potential and strengths to strongly promote socio-economic development.

In 2025, we strive to achieve economic growth of at least 8 per cent and double-digit growth in the 2026-2030 period, are determined to successfully implement the strategic goals of becoming a developing country with upper-middle-income and modern industry by 2030 and a developed, socialist-oriented nation with high income by 2045. The focus must be placed on resolving institutional development bottlenecks; adjusting the economic space, expanding the development space, increasing decentralisation and delegation of authority, allocating and combining economic resources; establishing a new growth model, with science-technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the main driving forces, to create dramatic transformations in productivity, quality, efficiency, and competitiveness of the economy, identifying the private sector as the most important driving force of the national economy. Besides, we must continue making breakthroughs in mindset and methods to create new productivity, new productive forces, and new quality.

Being proud of the nation's glorious historical traditions, with infinite gratitude for the great contributions and sacrifice of soldiers and compatriots across the country, we are increasingly aware of our responsibility to fulfil Uncle Hos final instructions before he passed away: "The Party must have a good plan to develop the economy and culture, aiming to continuously improve the people's lives." Caring for the people and increasingly meeting their material and spiritual needs, especially for those in remote areas, border regions, islands, revolutionary base areas, and former resistance zones, have been the Party's goals. We must focus on effectively implementing the policies of fairness, social progress, social security and social welfare as well as those for people who rendered service to the nation; implement the tuition exemption policy for all levels of general education; strive to complete the programme on eliminating temporary and dilapidated houses, accelerate the construction of social housing for low-income earners; and pay due attention to healthcare development and public health care, moving towards exempting hospital fees so that every Vietnamese citizen could truly have a secure, safe, free, prosperous and happy life.

Deeply aware of the incomparable great strength of the people and the great national solidarity bloc of Viet Nam, we thoroughly grasp and consistently implement the viewpoint that "people are the root," people are the centre, the subject, the purpose of the process of national construction, development and protection. It is necessary to strongly implement the policy of national harmony and reconciliation with the spirit that we all have the blood of Lac Hong, are all brothers and sisters, "like trees of the same root, like children of the same family". All Vietnamese people are citizens of Viet Nam, all have the right to live, work, the right to freely pursue happiness and love in the homeland, all have the right and responsibility to contribute to building the Fatherland. With the policy of closing the past, respecting differences, looking towards the future, our entire Party, people and Viet Nam together strive to build a peaceful, unified, happy, prosperous and developed Viet Nam.

As a nation that experienced countless pains and losses due to the wars in the past and also a nation that has enjoyed great benefits from peace and friendly cooperation in recent decades, Viet Nam earnestly desires to work with the international community to build a future of peace, prosperity, solidarity and development. Let us do all we can today, with the desire to leave to future generations not only a better world, but also the faith and admiration for the sense of responsibility and wisdom of today's generation.

We will continue to deepen our friendly and cooperative relations with countries around the world; promote the implementation of the motto "Viet Nam is a friend, a reliable partner and an active, responsible member of the international community"; innovate mechanisms and policies, create all favourable conditions for international friends and the Vietnamese community abroad, those who carry Vietnamese cultural identity, have grown up in developed countries, have expertise and management skills, and have extensive international connections, to participate in activities to promote socio-economic development in Viet Nam. The 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification is also a historic moment for all Vietnamese people, all classes of people, compatriots of all ethnic groups and religions, Party members and all people at home and overseas Vietnamese, millions of people as one, to unite, join hands, and turn towards the Fatherland for the goal of building a strong, prosperous, civilised and happy Viet Nam.

In the context of the complicated world situation, as a nation that has suffered many losses and pains due to the wars, deeply understanding the precious values of peace, independence and freedom, we need to continue to strengthen and modernise national defence and security, build all-people national defence for peace and self-defence, firmly safeguard the Fatherland "early", "from afar", and "protect the country when it is not yet in danger".

We must build and promote the "people-based position", firmly consolidate the all-people defence position and the people's security position. It is necessary to build the revolutionary, disciplined, elite and modern People's Army and People's Public Security, which are the core forces to firmly protect the Fatherland's independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, making them the "precious sword" and "shield" to protect the Party, State, people and safeguard the regime, always a solid mainstay for the people.

Proud of the glorious Party and the great achievements of our army and people under the Party's leadership, we must strive to build a clean, strong and comprehensive Party so that the Party is truly "moral and civilised", representing the intelligence, honour and conscience of the nation and the era, worthy of the trust, choice and expectations of the people. We must continue to innovate the Party's leadership, governance and combat strength; successfully carry out the revolution in reorganising the apparatus of the political system, reorganising administrative units to make them more streamlined, efficient and effective. We must build and gradually perfect the mechanism of power control, resolutely push back corruption, wastefulness, negative phenomena and bureaucracy; and build a contingent of cadres at all levels, especially strategic cadres and leaders with sufficient qualities, intelligence, dedication and efforts, who dare to think, dare to do, and dare to take responsibility for the interests of the country and the people.

Dear compatriots, comrades, and distinguished delegates,

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification; welcoming International Workers' Day on May 1, the 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh, and other important events in 2025, on behalf of the leaders of the Party, the State, and the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, I once again sincerely thank all compatriots, comrades, those who have sacrificed themselves for the country; thank the people, peace-loving friends, and progressive forces around the world who have supported and helped the Vietnamese people in the past struggle for national liberation, as well as in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland at present.

Promoting the spirit of the Great 1975 Spring Victory, and the achievements of the four decades of oi moi, our entire Party, people, and army are striving with determination to successfully accomplish the five-year socio-economic development plan for the 2021-25 period, and to achieve further outstanding accomplishments to welcome the upcoming Party Congresses at all levels, in the lead up to the 14th National Party Congress. With the mettle, intelligence, and strength of Viet Nam, we secured the historic Great Spring Victory; and we are firmly confident that we will continue to attain even greater victories and remarkable achievements in the new era of prosperity, civilisation, and national rise, building our country that is more dignified and beautiful", standing shoulder to shoulder with the powers of the five continents, fulfilling the aspirations of President Ho Chi Minh and of the entire nation.

The spirit of the Great Victory of Spring 1975 is immortal!

Long live the glorious Communist Party of Viet Nam!

Long live the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam!

Eternal glory belongs to the people!

Great President Ho Chi Minh lives forever in our cause!

I respectfully thank you all.
MOSCOW  Viet Nam has dispatched a military delegation to participate in the Victory Day parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War triumph at the invitation of Russias Ministry of Defence.

This marks the first time the Viet Nam Peoples Army (VPA) is officially taking part in a military parade abroad.

The Vietnamese delegation, comprising 80 members, including 68 cadets from the Army Officer Training School No.1, arrived in Moscow on April 24 after a 20-hour journey. The group is undergoing intensive training in preparation for the May 9 parade on the Red Square.

Despite facing cold spring temperatures that are significantly lower than in Viet Nam, the troops have shown strong determination and discipline. Training is held three times daily, with the final session ending at 9 pm. The team is stationed about 60 kilometers from Moscow, alongside delegations from China, Laos, and Myanmar.

Major General Nguyen Van Thanh, head of the delegation, stated that the team is well-prepared and fully committed to representing Viet Nam's people and armed forces with pride.

Logistical support, including proper uniforms, food supplies, and Vietnamese meals, were arranged to help the soldiers maintain performance and adapt to local conditions.

A particular challenge has been adapting to Russias marching pace of 120 steps per minute, faster than Viet Nam's standard 106. Lieutenant Colonel Ho Si Quang, head of formation training, said the team had quickly adjusted the pace and earned praise for their improvement.

Security and living conditions have been well ensured by the host country. The Vietnamese Embassy and Defence Attache Office in Russia have closely supported the delegation.

On April 28, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia ang Minh Khoi visited the team and praised their role in strengthening traditional ties between the two nations.

Ambassador Khoi emphasised that Viet Nam's participation reflects not only the enduring friendship between Viet Nam and Russia but also the VPAs commitment to peace and solidarity. The parade will gather military units from several countries, with 19 national leaders and territories confirming attendance.

The official parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism will take place on May 9 in Moscows Red Square. The Vietnamese contingent consists of officers and cadets aged 1930, selected for their strong physique, discipline, and precision.  VNA/VNS
HCM CITY  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam met with Salvador Valdes Mesa, Politburo member of the Communist Party of Cuba (CPC) and Vice President of Cuba, in HCM City on Wednesday, right after the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975-2025).

Lam respectfully extended his regards and thanks to leaders of the Cuban Party and State for sending a high-ranking delegation to Viet Nam to share the joy with the Party, State and people of Viet Nam during these historic April days, especially as the two countries are celebrating the 65th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations later this year (December 2, 1960-2025).

He emphasised that Viet Nam always treasures and remembers the solidarity and sincere support, both spiritual and material, that Cuba has given Viet Nam in the past struggle for national liberation and reunification, as well as in the current cause of national defence and construction. The loyal friendship and special cooperation between the two countries are a valuable asset that the two countries need to preserve, promote and pass on to future generations, the Party chief said.

The General Secretary recalled his good impressions as well as special sentiments that the Cuban Party, State and people reserved for him and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation during his state visit to Cuba in September 2024.

He said that the Party, State and people of Viet Nam sympathise and share the difficulties and challenges that Cuba is facing, and affirmed their determination to accompany and be ready to do everything within their capacity to support Cuba. Lam believed that under the wise leadership of the CPC, the heroic Cuban people will overcome all difficulties and continue to reap many new achievements in the cause of building socialism in the Western Hemisphere.

Salvador Mesa said he was delighted and honoured to visit Viet Nam again on the occasion of the anniversary of the great victory of the Vietnamese people. He respectfully conveyed the warm greetings of First Secretary of the CPC, President of Cuba Miguel Diaz Canel, and General Raul Castro to General Secretary To Lam and leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State.

He congratulated Viet Nam on successfully organising the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National rReunification, which was shared and congratulated by the international community. The Victory on April 30, 1975 was a victory of justice and conscience, and it was the victory of not only the Vietnamese people but also of all peace-loving people in the world, including the brotherly Cuban people, Salvador Mesa stressed.

The Cuban leader shared his impressions of the great festival of the entire Vietnamese nation, saying that he could clearly feel the exciting, joyful atmosphere and the people's firm belief in the correct leadership of the Vietnamese Party and State after 50 years of liberation. He believed that this is an important foundation for Viet Nam to build the great national solidarity bloc and gather national strength to successfully achieve the goal of becoming a developed, high-income country.

The Vice President highly appreciated the great achievements that the Vietnamese people under the correct leadership of the CPV have achieved in the past time, believing that Viet Nam will continue to achieve more positive results in the cause of national construction and development, effectively implementing the policies and guidelines recently approved by the CPV Central Committee headed by General Secretary To Lam.

In an atmosphere of comradeship and brotherhood, the two leaders expressed their joy at witnessing the continuous enhancement of the traditional solidarity, special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the Parties, States and people of the two countries, especially in strategic and priority areas such as rice production, seafood exploitation, renewable energy and biotechnology.

The two sides also discussed measures to further promote bilateral economic cooperation to make it more substantive and effective, with the determination to bring trade and investment ties to be on par with their good political relations.  VNA/VNS
HCM CITY  Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and Chief of the committees Office Le Hoai Trung hosted a reception in HCM City on Wednesday afternoon for Vice President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) Jesus German Faria Tortosa, who is leading a high-level delegation from the PSUV and Venezuelan government to attend the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification.

Highly appreciating the PSUV and Venezuelan government's decision to send a high-level delegation to engage in Viet Nam's important commemoration, Trung said that the visit stands as vivid testimony to the trusted and effective cooperative relationship between the two parties and represents the valuable support of the Venezuelan people for the Vietnamese people's cause of national defence and development.

He expressed his delight at the robust development of the two parties ties over the recent past and suggested enhanced delegation exchange and contacts at all levels through the Party, State, parliament and people-to-people exchange channels.

The Party official laid stress on the need to effectively carry out the cooperation agreement between the two parties for 2023-2028, political consultation mechanisms at the Deputy Foreign Minister level, and coordination for the fourth meeting of the Viet Nam-Venezuela Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee. He also emphasised advancing cooperation documents across various sectors to facilitate market access for each country's competitive products, thereby increasing bilateral trade turnover, and promoting investment cooperation in energy, telecommunications, agriculture, and construction materials.

Jesus German Faria Tortosa, for his part, conveyed his admiration for the Vietnamese people's struggle for national liberation and reunification, as well as the comprehensive achievements of the oi Moi (Renewal) process initiated and led by the CPV.

He affirmed that Venezuela highly values Viet Nam's increasingly important position in the international arena as well as the cooperation relationship with the country, stating Venezuela stands ready to collaborate with Viet Nam to expand cooperation in strategic fields and broaden Viet Nam's relationships with the Latin American region, for the benefit of both peoples and for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in both regions and the world.

The same afternoon, Trung received General Secretary of the United Left Movement (MIU) Party of the Dominican Republic Miguel Mejia, who is leading a delegation to attend the reunification commemoration.

Viet Nam always values the solidarity and support from the Dominican people, as well as the efforts to connect and promote the relations between the two countries made by the MIU, especially by Mejia and the MIU leadership, through their contributions to enhancing the value of the Ho Chi Minh statue in Santo Domingo, a symbol of the sound relationship between the two peoples, Trung highlighted.

Expressing his joy with the positive development of ties between the two countries, he suggested both sides strengthen delegation exchanges and contacts at all levels and called for the effective implementation of the political consultation mechanisms at the Deputy Foreign Minister level and completion of procedures to launch the joint committee mechanism to promote bilateral trade and investment.

He also urged negotiations towards signing cooperation documents to improve the legal framework facilitating bilateral cooperation, and continued exploration of potential investment cooperation opportunities in such fields as construction materials, oil and gas exploitation, semiconductor, high technology, tourism, and agriculture.

Mejia affirmed that the MIU always values and wishes to strengthen effective cooperative relations with the CPV. The MIU will continue to promote measures to expand multifaceted cooperation between the two countries and stands ready to support Viet Nam in strengthening and expanding relations with the Latin American region.

The two sides concurred to enhance and expand cooperation between the two Parties, especially in sharing leadership experience and national development management, human resources training, as well as to strengthen cooperation within international organisations and at multilateral forums.  VNA/VNS
HCM CITY  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on Wednesday held meetings in HCM City with Nicaraguas Foreign Minister Valdrack Jaentschke and Algerias Minister Mujahedeen and Rights Holders Laid Rebiga, who are in Viet Nam to attend the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 19752025).

Welcoming Minister Jaentschke and the Nicaraguan delegation, Deputy PM Son stressed that despite geographical distance, Viet Nam and Nicaragua share long-standing relations and solidarity, with strong bonds between the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) and the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), as well as between the two Governments and the two peoples.

He commended the recent achievements of the Nicaraguan Government and people under the leadership of President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo. He expressed his belief that Nicaragua will continue to make significant progress under the Nicaraguan Government ad FSLN's leadership.

For his part, Jaentschke said it was his honour to lead the Nicaraguan Governments delegation to the celebration. He praised Viet Nams remarkable development over nearly 40 years of oi Moi (Renewal) under the CPV's clear-sighted leadership, saying the shared aspirations for independence, freedom, and social progress provide a solid foundation for closer bilateral ties.

He also thanked the Party, State and people of Viet Nam for their enormous solidarity with and support for the Sandino revolution and people of Nicaragua.

The minister underscored that Nicaragua particularly admires President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV's leadership, during both the struggle for national independence and the current process of reform and development. He affirmed that Viet Nam's successes in the past and at present are a bright example and a source of inspiration for the Government, FSLN, and people of Nicaragua.

On bilateral relations, the two sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made in political, economic and trade ties, and shared the view that there remains great potential to expand cooperation in areas such as trade, science and technology, culture, education, construction, and climate change response.

They pledged to coordinate actively in implementing measures to enhance cooperation effectiveness in the future, particularly by promoting delegation exchanges at all levels, maintaining regular political consultations between the two foreign ministries, and completing legal frameworks to facilitate collaboration in mutually beneficial areas. They also agreed that Viet Nam and Nicaragua will continue close coordination at multilateral forums and organisations while supporting each other in strengthening ties with the other's region.

The two sides concurred in boosting people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in the sectors of shared interest and strengths such as agriculture, digital transformation, telecommunications and infrastructure. These efforts will deepen mutual understanding and lay the groundwork for further advancing the traditional friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and Nicaragua, they said.

The Nicaraguan minister took the occasion to express sincere thanks to Viet Nam for its hospitality and extended an invitation to Deputy PM and FM Son to visit Nicaragua at a mutually convenient time. The host gladly accepted the invitation.

At the meeting with Algerias Minister Mujahedeen and Rights Holders Laid Rebiga, Deputy PM Son thanked the minister and the Algerian delegation for participating in the celebration. He reiterated that Viet Nam always values the solidarity and invaluable support extended by the Government and people of Algeria during the years of fighting for national liberation and throughout the countrys ongoing development.

Minister Rebiga expressed his honour and delight in representing the Algerian Government at Viet Nams historic event, affirming that Viet Nams struggle for independence had inspired many African nations, including Algeria, to rise up to gain independence.

He stated that Algeria attaches great importance to the traditional friendship and solidarity between the two peoples.

He also voiced his admiration for Viet Nams robust transformation and development, particularly in the fields of economy and trade. He underlined Algerias readiness to contribute actively to enhancing bilateral ties in all aspects and proposed that the Viet NamAlgeria Intergovernmental Committee convene soon to discuss concrete measures to advance relations.

To further strengthen the traditional friendship between the two countries, Deputy PM Son suggested the two sides increase mutual visits at all levels, especially high-level ones, while enhancing coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums for peace and development in each country, each region and the world at large.

The host also proposed prioritising cooperation in energy, agriculture, and the development of Viet Nams Halal industry.

On this occasion, he called on the Algerian Government to facilitate Vietnamese investments in Algeria, particularly the expansion of the Bir Seba oil and gas project so that it becomes a symbol of effective economic cooperation and solidarity between the two nations.

The two sides agreed to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and educate younger generations on the heroic histories and resilient struggles of the two peoples, helping to preserve and build upon the valuable legacy of bilateral relations, cultivated by generations of leaders from both countries.  VNA/VNS
HCM CITY  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Wednesday suggested Viet Nam and Tanzania prioritise economic cooperation and work toward completing the legal framework for bilateral collaboration.

The leader made the suggestion while hosting Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo in HCM City, where he attended a grand ceremony celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975-2025).

PM Chinh welcomed the first official visit to Viet Nam by the Tanzanian minister, which took place on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (February 14, 19652025).

The leader emphasised that the presence of the minister and distinguished guests from Tanzania at the celebration brought joy and valuable encouragement to the Party, the State, and the people of Viet Nam.

Chinh expressed deep appreciation for the support that the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (Party of the RevolutionCCM), the Government, and the people of Tanzania have extended to Viet Nam during its past struggle for national independence and in its ongoing nation-building efforts.

The PM noted his belief that Tanzania will achieve even greater successes in national construction and development.

Chinh suggested the two countries enhance delegation exchanges at all levels and expressed his hope to soon welcome President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa to Viet Nam.

He also suggested Tanzania soon open its embassy in Viet Nam and called for joint efforts in negotiating and signing a free trade agreement, promoting cooperation in areas with potential and strengths, such as digital transformation, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, aviation, education and training, and cybersecurity.

On this occasion, Chinh proposed that the Tanzanian government continue to facilitate the investment and operations of Viettel and other Vietnamese enterprises in the country.

In reply, Kombo expressed his honour in being present and sharing in the joy of the Vietnamese people during the celebration.

The minister said that witnessing firsthand the patriotism of the Vietnamese people and the remarkable development of Viet Nam gave him a deeper understanding of the great value of Ho Chi Minh's ideology and the wise path chosen by the Communist Party of Viet Nam.

He conveyed regards and an invitation from Samia Suluhu Hassan, CCM Chairwoman and President of Tanzania, to Vietnamese Party and State leaders to visit Tanzania soon.

Agreeing with the proposals and directions for cooperation outlined by the PM, Kombo said he hopes for more Vietnamese businesses to explore investment opportunities in Tanzania, particularly in agriculture, including cashew production and processing, as well as other agricultural products.

He emphasised leveraging Tanzania's strategic location as a gateway to access East African markets.

The minister committed to advancing the negotiations and signing of investment promotion and protection, and double taxation avoidance agreements, and other sector-specific cooperation documents to create a favourable legal framework for bilateral cooperation.  VNA/VNS
HCM CITY  The Party, State, and people of Viet Nam deeply treasure the noble international solidarity and invaluable support from friends around the world during the most challenging and difficult times, stated o Van Chien, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee.

Chien was addressing a reception in HCM City for a delegation of foreign friends who supported Viet Nam during its struggles for national independence and reunification. They are in Viet Nam to attend the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 19752025).

He underlined that the support formed an important part of Viet Nams history during the countrys struggles as well as the movement for peace, reason, and justice around the world.

The VFF leader expressed deep gratitude to international friends for their enduring friendship, wholehearted support, and noble international solidarity extended to Viet Nam during its two resistance wars, as well as its ongoing process of national renewal, development, and safeguarding.

He highlighted Viet Nams socio-economic, political, and diplomatic achievements over the past five decades, highlighting them as proof of the success of the renewal process and the countrys chosen path of socialist-oriented development.

Amid todays global uncertainties, he reaffirmed Viet Nams commitment to upholding the values of peace and the UN Charter and international laws basic principles of respect for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in other countries internal affairs, no use or threats of using force in international relations, and peaceful dispute resolution.

Viet Nam hopes that friends across the five continents will continue promoting international solidarity to support the country in national construction, development, and defence, Chien said, calling on them, especially those from the US, to continue assisting Viet Nam in addressing the war legacy.

Viet Nams consistent stance is to be a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community while staying firm in its pursuit of peace, national independence, democracy, and social progress. Together with other countries, the country is committed to maintaining an environment of peace, friendship, and cooperation for development in the region and the world.

Delegates from the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples, the Chinese Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the PhilippinesViet Nam Solidarity Committee, the US-based Fund for Reconciliation and Development, and the World Peace Council shared memories of April 30, 1975, and praised the victory's significance to global peace and liberation movements.

Phan Anh Son, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations, pledged to continue nurturing solidarity with the peoples worldwide so that it remains a lasting source of strength for Viet Nam to create new miracles in the new era.

During their stay, the delegation met with President of the HCM City Peace and Development Foundation Ambassador Ton Nu Thi Ninh, visited the War Remnants Museum, attended a banquet hosted by the citys Peoples Committee, and took part in the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification.

The over-100-member delegation included representatives from US groups such as Veterans for Peace, the Fund for Reconciliation and Development, and the National Council on Aging, as well as organisations from India, the Philippines, France, Japan, and Hungary, among others.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  World leaders have sent congratulatory messages to Viet Nam as the country is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 19752025).

The Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the Government, the National Assembly, and the Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Construction offered congratulations to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV), the President of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, the Government, the National Assembly, and the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front.

The messages affirmed that the great 1975 Spring victory, with its peak being the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, came to complete triumph on April 30, 1975, standing as a significant event etched in the world's history and a brilliant historical landmark of the CPV.

They stated that this victory was not only for Vietnamese soldiers and people but also the common triumph of the special Viet NamLaos combatant alliance as well as the peoples of Viet Nam, Laos, and Cambodia.

Lao leaders expressed their admiration for Viet Nam's enormous and historic achievements over the recent past, which have contributed to elevating the country's position in the region and the world.

They said they believe that under the leadership of the CPV, headed by General Secretary To Lam, Viet Nam will continue to obtain even greater achievements, successfully implement the Resolution adopted at the 13th National Party Congress, and organise a successful 14th National Party Congress.

The Lao Party, State, and people always take pride in the special and faithful solidarity between Viet Nam and Laos, which has been increasingly developed, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples, they wrote, conveying profound gratitude to the Vietnamese Party, State, and people for significant, valuable, effective, and timely assistance throughout history.

On the occasion, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone extended congratulations to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Additionally, Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane and acting head of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee's Commission for External Relations Bounleua Phandanouvong also sent congratulatory messages to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.

President of the Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) Samdech Techo Hun Sen sent a letter of congratulations to General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee To Lam. Cambodia's Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet and President of the Cambodian National Assembly Khuon Sudary extended their congratulations to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, respectively.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia Prak Sokhonn also sent a congratulatory message to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.

In their letters, the senior Cambodian leaders wrote: "The victory of April 30, 1975, marks a proud chapter in history, a testament to the spirit of patriotism, unity, indomitable will, courage, and sacrifice of the Party, army, and people of Viet Nam in the just cause of national liberation and reunification."

They expressed their admiration for the remarkable achievements in national development that the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam have attained over the past 50 years, and said they firmly believe that Viet Nam will continue to gain new successes and steadily advance towards the goal of industrialisation and modernisation by 2030.

The leaders affirmed that CambodiaViet Nam relations are bound by a strong traditional friendship and close cooperation across all areas, marked by mutual support and solidarity between the two countries' Parties, States, and people.

They reaffirmed their commitment to further promoting, preserving, and advancing this fine cooperative relationship to a new height, in the spirit of good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability."

The Communist Party of India cabled a congratulatory letter to the CPV Central Committee. On this occasion, Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar sent congratulations to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, expressing her appreciation for the friendship and close neighbourliness between the two countries. She affirmed her determination to cooperate with Viet Nam to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a new height.

On this occasion, Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa extended congratulations to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.

The Sri Lankan People's Liberation Front also congratulated the CPV Central Committee, while President of the Communist Party of Bangladesh Shah Alam sent a congratulatory letter to Party General Secretary To Lam.

Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalia Kochanova and Speaker of the House of Representatives Igor Sergeenko sent congratulations to NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man; while Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan cabled a congratulatory message to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.  VNA/VNS
BUDAPEST  The Embassy of Viet Nam in Hungary hosted a celebration in Budapest to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (February 3, 1950  2025) and the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification of Viet Nam (April 30, 1975  2025).

The event honoured the proud shared history between the two nations, reaffirming the strong and evolving traditional friendship. It also stirred patriotic pride within the Vietnamese community in the European country, recalling Vietnam's heroic, arduous but glorious struggle culminating in the 1975 Spring Victory that ushered in an era of independence, unity, and global integration.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai emphasised that the 75-year diplomatic relationship between the two countries has been one of pride, nurtured through solidarity, mutual trust, and sustainable cooperation.

The ambassador expressed deep gratitude for the invaluable support the Government and people of Hungary had extended to Viet Nam during the years of national liberation and reunification, as well as during the country's ongoing process of renewal and development.

He affirmed that despite geographical distance and global changes, the Party, Government, and people of Viet Nam attach great importance to and are committed to further strengthening the traditional friendship and comprehensive partnership with Hungary.

Looking back on five decades since national reunification, Thai stated that the 1975 victory was not only a monumental achievement for Viet Nam but also a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism, the will for independence and self-reliance, and the strength of national unity and international solidarity  embodying the profound truth that nothing is more precious than independence and freedom.

He added that todays Viet Nam is stepping confidently into a new era  an era of the nation's rise grounded in confidence, self-reliance, resilience, and patriotic pride.

The ambassador also underscored that with a 75-year foundation of friendship and cooperation, strong political trust, and shared values of peace, progress, and prosperity, the two countries are well-positioned to write a new chapter in their bilateral relations.

Representing the Hungarian Government and Parliament, First Deputy Speaker of Hungary's National Assembly Marta Matrai conveyed congratulations from Speaker Laszlo Kover and the National Assembly to the Vietnamese people.

She praised Viet Nam's post-1975 achievements and expressed pride in Hungarys role in supporting Viet Nam's national liberation, notably through its participation in the International Commission of Control and Supervision (ICCS) between 1973 and 1975.

Deputy Speaker Matrai highly valued the long-standing friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two nations, particularly parliamentary collaboration  a pillar of the bilateral relationship  through high-level visits, committee exchanges, and legislative dialogues. She also informed that Speaker Laszlo Kover had accepted an invitation and is scheduled to visit Viet Nam this October.

Recognising the positive role of the Vietnamese community in Hungarys development and prosperity, Matrai reaffirmed the commitment of both the Hungarian Government and National Assembly to creating favourable conditions for them to successfully integrate into society.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Thai presented a special commemorative publication jointly produced by the Embassy and Eurasia magazine to distinguished guests in celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

The event also featured rich cultural experiences. More than 500 guests enjoyed vibrant artistic performances, traditional Vietnamese cuisine, and exhibitions and films showcasing the 75-year journey of Viet NamHungary friendship and 50 years of Vietnams post-war development.

Held at the iconic Pesti Vigado on the picturesque banks of the Danube, the celebration left a profound impression on all attendees  further energising efforts by both countries to continue writing new chapters in their shared history of friendship and cooperation.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  President of the European Council Antonio Costa congratulated Viet Nam on the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 19752025) during his phone talks with Party General Secretary To Lam on Wednesday evening.

Costa stressed that this is a historic event of great significance not only for Viet Nam but also for the conscience of the entire world.

For his part, Lam expressed his gratitude to the European Union (EU) and the President of the European Council himself for their warm congratulations on this occasion.

Stressing the importance of the 1975 victory, the leader said it opened up a new era in the countrys history  one of building a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic, and prosperous Viet Nam.

The triumph was not only a result of the great national unity and the Vietnamese peoples aspiration for peace, independence, freedom, and national reunification, but also a profound reflection of the power of shared aspirations and international support for peace and national independence, he noted.

Viet Nam deeply values and appreciates the invaluable support of the international community, including EU member states, the leader said.

General Secretary Lam thanked the President of the European Council for his attention and support for the development of Viet Nam-EU relations. He expressed his satisfaction with the dynamic and comprehensive development of the bilateral relations from politics - diplomacy, trade - investment, defence - security to new areas such as green transition, science - technology, and innovation. He affirmed that after 35 years of diplomatic relations, both Viet Nam and the EU as well as their relationship are now in a new stage of development.

The Party chief affirmed that in the context of difficult world trade, Viet Nam advocates multilateralisation, diversification, and equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with all partners, including the EU and its member states, towards balanced, sustainable trade collaboration and harmonising the interests of all parties to achieve common development goals.

He suggested the two sides actively discuss and coordinate to find common solutions to difficulties and obstacles in order to strongly develop economic cooperation in the coming time.

Costa affirmed that the two sides are important, trustworthy and stable partners of each other. He noted with delight that the bilateral relationship is developing dynamically and strongly in all areas, affirming Viet Nam is a fundamental partner of the EU in Southeast Asia and the EU-Viet Nam relationship deserves being elevated to a new level.

He said that the EU is proud to be part of Viet Nam's network of free trade agreements, and hoped that the Viet Nam-EU relationship will be a model for the EU's cooperation with other countries.

The President of the European Council affirmed that in the context of complex world geopolitics and economic developments, the EU wishes to strengthen cooperation with Viet Nam to promote free trade and respond to global challenges, including climate change.

The two sides need to strengthen collaboration in the fields of transport, infrastructure connectivity, green transition, digital transformation, and innovation, he said.

Costa said he will coordinate efforts to promote the priorities in bilateral relations as outlined by the Vietnamese Party chief. These include exchanges of high-ranking delegations, the effective implementation of cooperation mechanisms as well as the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) while setting forth new cooperation initiatives.

Efforts will also be made to urge the remaining EU member states to soon complete the ratification of the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), support Viet Nam in the implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) to realise net-zero emission target by 2050, and urge the European Commission (EC) to consider lifting the yellow card imposed on Vietnamese seafood.

Regarding the international and regional situation, General Secretary Lam affirmed that Viet Nam welcomes the EU and its member countries to implement a number of cooperation initiatives with the Indo-Pacific region with a balanced approach and many cooperation priorities suitable for countries in the region, including Viet Nam.

The two leaders agreed that Viet Nam and the EU need to strengthen cooperation at multilateral forums, contributing to ensuring peace, stability and security in the world, supporting the settlement of disputes in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), thus helping ensure peace, stability and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.

The President of the European Council agreed with the Vietnamese Party leaders sharing that Viet Nam is a nation that loves peace, is ready to be a bridge for peace, reconciliation, and actively and responsibly participate in solving regional and global issues.

On this occasion, General Secretary Lam congratulated the EU and the President of the European Council on the occasion of Europe Day (May 9). He respectfully invited Costa to visit Viet Nam at a suitable time, and the latter accepted the invitation with pleasure.  VNS
HA NOI  Six outstanding contestants have been selected for the final round of a communication competition, entitled 'Youth in action: Towards eliminating rabies and the dog and cat meat trade'.

Targeting young people, who are at the forefront of social change, the competition aims to spark a broader movement within the community to eliminate practices that cause serious consequences for public health, animal welfare and hurt Viet Nam's image.

The final round candidates were selected at the Viet Nam Youth Academy in Ha Noi on April 29, with first prize awarded to Nguyen Khanh An, a student from the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam.

Two second prizes were awarded to Pham Nguyen Phuong Linh, a student of the High School for Educational Science and Duong Thi Kim Loan, a student from Ha Noi Medical University.

Third prizes went to inh Tran Thien Bao, a student of the Ha Noi University of Culture, Le Hoai Nam, a student of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, and Pham Hong Ha, a student of Ha Noi Medical University.

The competition was jointly organised by Thanh Nien (Youth) Magazine, in collaboration with the Vietnam Social and Behaviour Change Communication for Sustainable Development Company (SBCC Vietnam), and the Soi Dog Foundation.

In the final round, contestants will need to make a presentation of between five and six minutes on the topic 'Why Viet Nam should eliminate dog and cat meat trade'. Winners will have the opportunity to receive prizes of up to VN10 million (US$385).

The dog and cat meat trade in Viet Nam poses serious threats to public health and animal welfare. This activity is closely linked to the spread of rabies, with Viet Nam recording 80-100 human deaths from rabies annually, many of which are related to dog bites and human rabies infections from the trading, transportation and the slaughter of dogs and cats. This reality also raises concerns about public health, as improper meat handling can transmit diseases such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Brucellosis.

The competition aims to engage Ha Noi's youth by creating an interactive platform for young people to explore the negative impacts of the dog and cat meat trade and rabies, and subsequently propose practical solutions. It encourages participants to express personal viewpoints, learn from global best practices and contribute positively to changing habits in a constructive and sustainable manner.

"I am very excited to participate in this competition as it gives me the opportunity to raise awareness about the dog and cat meat trade and the risks of rabies. I believe that together, we can effectively protect human and animal health," said Duong Thi Kim Loan, who is a fifth-year student from Hanoi Medical University and came second in the earlier round.

"This competition presents a special opportunity for press agencies, radio, and television stations to play a key role in raising community awareness and encouraging changes in attitudes toward the dog and cat meat trade. Supporting this initiative will help us amplify the voices of future young leaders who are driving positive changes in Viet Nam," said the Editor-in-Chief of Thanh Nien Magazine, Nguyen Toan Thang.

"We believe that changing deeply ingrained habits, especially long-standing practices, requires collective effort. This competition aims to educate individuals about the negative impacts of the dog and cat meat trade on public health and animal welfare.

"Encouraging young people to pioneer this change can spark transformations in social norms and cultural lifestyles. Through this, we can build a more civilised society where respect for all living beings becomes a shared value, bringing greater benefits to all," said Duyen Bui, Director of the Behaviour Change Programme at SBCC Vietnam.

The competition is part of a broader effort to improve community health by addressing these issues at the grassroots level and contributing to the national goal of eliminating human deaths from rabies by 2030.

"When young people participate in the competition, they become more knowledgeable and encourage others in their community to reflect on the consequences of dog and cat meat trade. The knowledge and passion they share through their creative entries will contribute to changing attitudes and behaviours in society, influencing how people view animal treatment and the spread of diseases like rabies. We believe that through education and collective action, we can create a compassionate society that is safe from disease," said Rahul Sehgal, International Communication Director at Soi Dog Foundation.  VNS
HA NOI  A total of 221 Vietnamese citizens detained in Myanmar for breaching immigration regulations returned home on April 28-29 on three flights from Bangkok, Thailand.

The repatriation was co-organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security, Viet Nam's diplomatic missions in Myanmar and Thailand, and relevant domestic, Myanmar and Thai authorities.

Earlier, 39 other Vietnamese citizens were brought home on April 9.

The MoFA has on multiple occassions urged Vietnamese citizens to be cautious about job offers abroad that promise easy work with high pay but do not require qualifications, contracts, or formal recruitment channels.

It advised individuals to thoroughly research job details, locations, the credentials of recruiters, insurance policies, and benefits, and to consult relevant authorities before accepting overseas work to avoid becoming undocumented migrants.

For assistance, Vietnamese citizens or their relatives in Myanmar can contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar via its phone number +95 966088 8998 and email vnembmyr2012@gmail.com as well as the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand at +66 8989 666 53 and vnemb.th@mofa.gov.vn. They can also call the foreign ministrys consular protection hotline at +84 981 84 84 84 or send their requests to the email address baohocongdan@gmail.com.  VNS
HA NOI  The Vietnam Military History Museum offers free admission to all visitors during the holiday period, from April 30 to the end of May 4.

This initiative is part of the museums activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975-2025).

It is a tribute to the sacrifices and contributions of generations of veterans and martyrs who devoted their lives to the cause of national liberation, building and protection.

Founded on July 17, 1956, the Vietnam Military History Museum is one of six national museums and the first established within the military museum network.

Since 2020, the museum's new facility has been under construction in Nam Tu Liem District, on the outskirts of Ha Noi.

The first segment of the museum, spanning 64,640 square metres across four above-ground floors and a basement, was open to the public on November 1, 2024.  VNS
By Hanh Quynh, Viet uc

HA NOI  In a quiet house on Nguyen Viet Xuan Street in Ha Noi, Colonel Hoang Bieu, a veteran fighter pilot of the Viet Nam Peoples Air Force, opens a dusty photo album.

Inside are images of him in flight suit more than half a century ago, when he flew night missions to intercept US B-52 bombers over the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

"We were tasked with a special mission," Bieu said. "Not only to defend the strategic supply route through Truong Son, but also to study how to take down the B-52s."

In 1966, US aircraft began carpet bombing the Mu Gia Pass in Quang Binh Province, later expanding their targets to key civilian and military infrastructure, especially the legendary trail. President Ho Chi Minh ordered the air force to find a way to destroy the B-52s.

The Soviet-supplied MiG-21 fighters arrived in 1966. The following year, Viet Nams Air Force formed a three-man night flying team, which included Bieu, and later a full squadron, with MiGs hidden at forward airbases in Vinh, ong Hoi and Tho Xuan.

"Night flying was far tougher than daytime missions," Bieu said. "We operated alone, navigating with radar and our eyes, landing on short, narrow airstrips. A moment's lapse could be fatal."

The US soon adapted, shifting their B-52s to night raids, and American radar from the East Sea (internationally know as the South China Sea) tracked the appearance of the MiGs. But even a single MiG over the region was enough to force B-52s to abort.

Bieu recounted a mission on March 30, 1972, in severe weather. Suspecting an incoming strike on Route 9 in western Quang Tri, he climbed to an altitude of 14km to draw the B-52s attention.

His presence forced the bombers to retreat, but their escorting F-4 fighters rushed to engage. Low on fuel, disoriented in fog, and unable to return to Ha Noi, he parachuted into a potato field in Yen Thanh.

"I spotted a faint light from a cooperative nearby, crawled toward it, and passed out," he said.

When he woke, headquarters informed him: "We knew the weather was bad. But our troops began the Tri Thien Campaign in the morning, and the B-52s were coming. We needed you in the sky. Your presence forced them to turn around."

Reflecting on the war, Bieu said the greatest pain was seeing comrades fall and aircraft destroyed. "But we night pilots accepted death lightlyfor the homeland," he said.

That same spirit is what drove Lieutenant Colonel Pham Chu Hai, a former military inspector and member of the famed Quyet Thang (Victory) Squadron that bombed Tan Son Nhat Airbase on April 28, 1975.

After a Nangs liberation, Hai, then an officer in Air Division 371, was dispatched south on a classified mission: assess captured South Vietnamese aircraft, particularly the F-5 and A-37, for potential use against their former owners.

At the captured Nha Trang Airbase, he uncovered technical manuals in English detailing the loading procedures for bombs on enemy aircraft. Soon, Vietnamese pilots, many trained on MiGs, began transitioning to A-37s.

The air force even recruited two former pilots of the Republic of Vietnam Air Force who defected to the revolution. "They were highly skilled and eager to atone," Hai said.

By April 27, his team reached Thanh Son Airbase and prepared five A-37s with fuel and ordnance. The next day, an Mi-6 helicopter delivered more pilots and technicians, some of whom were former South Vietnamese mechanics who had joined the revolutionary cause.

Their target: Tan Son Nhat Airport, a critical military hub.

"We picked it because hitting it would shatter enemy morale and send shockwaves through their ranks, paving the way for our armies to liberate Sai Gon," Hai recalled.

At 4.25pm, five captured A-37s took off, flying low to evade radar. Their bombs destroyed 24 aircraft on the ground, deepening panic in the collapsing Sai Gon regime.

"Back at base, we waited in agony, praying for their safe return," he said. "They made it."

The strike was later known as the "Sixth Offensive"  the final air assault before Sai Gon fell.

Despite the dangers and losses they experienced, veterans like Bieu and Hai remain proud of their roles.

"We longed to do something direct on the southern front to help unify the country," Bieu said.  VNS
NEW YORK  Major orders canceled. Containers of products left stranded overseas. No roadmap for what comes next.

The Trump administration raised tariffs on goods from China to 145% in early April. Since then, small-business owners who depend on imports from China to survive are increasingly desperate as they eye dwindling inventory and skyrocketing invoices.

President Donald Trump seemed to back down somewhat last week when he said he expected the tariffs to come down "substantially." That helped set off a rally in the stock market but, for small businesses that operate on razor-thin margins, the back and forth is causing massive upheaval.

Some say they could be just months from going out of business.

Massachusetts family-owned game company

Game makers are particularly susceptible to the tariffs since the majority of games and toys sold in the U.S. are made in China, according to The Toy Association.

WS Game Co., based in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, is a family-owned business that licenses Hasbro board games like Monopoly, Candy Land and Scrabble and creates deluxe versions of them. Its most popular line of games come in boxes that look like vintage books and sell for $40.

The company's games were featured in Oprah's Favorite Things list in 2024 and sold in 14,000 stores in North America, from big national chains to mom-and-pop stores, said owner Jonathan Silva, whose father founded the company in 2000.

All of WS Game's production is done in China. The tariffs brought 25 years of healthy growth to a screeching halt.

Over the past three weeks, WS Game had three containers of finished games, worth $500,000, stranded in China. It lost orders from three of the largest U.S. retailers totaling $16 million in business.

There's not much Silva can do about it.

"As a small business, we don't have the runway or the capabilities to move manufacturing on a whim," said Silva, who has 22 employees. He said the tariffs "disrupted our business and put us on the verge of insolvency" and estimates he has about a four-month runway to stay afloat if nothing changes.

Artificial flowers in Kentucky

Jeremy Rice co-owns House, a home-decor shop in Lexington, Kentucky, that specializes in artificial flower arrangements for the home. About 90% of the flowers his business uses are made in China.

Rice uses dozens of vendors. The largest are absorbing some of the cost of the tariffs and passing on the rest. One vendor is raising prices by 20% and another 25%. Rice expects smaller vendors to increase prices by much higher percentages.

House offers mid-range artificial flowers. A large hydrangea head will retail for $10 to $16, for example. China is the only place that manufacturers higher quality silk flowers. It would take a vendor years to open a factory in a different country or move production, Rice said.

Even after stocking up ahead of the tariffs, he only has enough everyday floral inventory in to last two to three months.

"After that, I don't know what we're going to do," he said.

Rice is concerned that the trade war will wipe out a bunch of mom-and-pop stores, similar to what happened in the Great Recession and the pandemic.

"There's nowhere to turn, there's nothing to do," he said.

Tea in Michigan

A tea shop in Michigan also is caught in the middle of the tariff fight.

Lisa McDonald has owned TeaHaus in Ann Arbor for nearly 18 years and sells tea to customers across the U.S.

Americans drank about 86 billion servings of tea in 2024, according to the Tea Association of the U.S.A.. Almost all of that is imported since tea isn't grown in the U.S. at scale, due to factors ranging from climate to cost.

McDonald imports loose-leaf tea from China, India, Kenya, Sri Lanka and other countries. She worries there is a limit to what her customers will spend. Her premium teas can cost up to $33 for a 50-gram bag.

"I don't think I can charge $75 for a 50-gram bag of tea, no matter how amazing that tea is," she said.

She understands Trump's rationale for wanting to use tariffs to spur U.S. manufacturing but says it doesn't apply to the tea industry.

"We can't just flip the industry and 'make tea great again' in America," she said. "It just can't happen."

Car accessories in Oklahoma

Jim Umlauf's business, 4Knines, based in Oklahoma City, makes vehicle seat covers and cargo liners for dog owners and others. To do so, he needs raw materials such as fabric, coatings and components from China.

Umlauf explored manufacturing in countries other than China since 2018, when Trump first instituted a 25% tariff on goods from China, but ran into complications. In the meantime, 4Knines absorbs the extra cost, which Umlauf says limited its growth and squeezed its margins.

Now, the new tariffs make it nearly impossible to do business. The demand is there, but the company can't afford to bring over more products.

"We only have a limited amount of inventory left, and without some relief, we'll run out soon," Umlauf said.

As a small-business owner who worked hard to develop a high-quality brand, create jobs and contribute to the community, Umlauf is frustrated. He tried to contact the White House and other decision-makers to ask for small-business support but got zero response.
The defeat of NATO may necessitate a separate confrontation with America. I assert that the Axis powers are attempting to transition from hegemony to a state of normalcy to prevent nuclear fallout. The Americans exhibit psychopathic tendencies, rendering them incapable of making moral decisions. I believe Russia is justified in probing the situation to uncover the truth; however, it seems that Russia will need to achieve significant military victories to jolt the Western ruling class back to the objective reality that many in the know have all acknowledged from the outset: the Ukrainians are unlikely to overcome Russia and never had a chance

The current global situation is quite thrilling

There appears to be an unusual synchrony among Western leaders who are engaging with apparent moral and social status issues, raising questions about their mental stability. We may be on the brink of a tumultuous period, potentially lasting many years, during which the geopolitical landscape could and is dramatically shifting. If the conflict in Ukraine had not occurred, could we assert that Israel would already be engaged in war with Iran?

It seems the Israelis did not anticipate the Ukraine war would unfold so rapidly, thereby diverting some, to all of their resources from the USA intended for a potential conflict with Iran. That is what Russia planned and did when she jumped the Wests Ass as they planned to attack Russia in due time.  kKEETON
MAY 8 UPDATE:

Special Olympics Nevada has shared the results of the 2025 Lake Tahoe Polar Plunge.

Organizers say they raised more than $78,000 during last Saturday's event.

Those funds will directly support training programs and competitions for Special Olympics Nevada athletes.

They also shared pictures from the event.

---

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

The 2025 Tahoe Polar Plunge is coming up on Saturday, May 3, and Special Olympics Nevada will host this year's event.

The event will be held at Round Hill Pines Beach Resort with onsite registration opening at 9:30 a.m., according to a release.

The plunge itself will happen at noon and will be followed by lunch, prizes, and a raffle drawing. A raffle drawing will also happen before the event at 11 a.m.

At noon, when the plunge begins, participants will be invited to hop, skip, run, jump, or dive into Lake Tahoe to support Special Olympics Nevada's sports, education, leadership, and athlete health programs.

All plungers that raise $125 or more will get a Lake Tahoe Plunge t-shirt and a lunch ticket.

This year's theme is "Mythical Magic," encouraging participants to wear their best costumes inspired by dragons, fairies, mermaids and other mystical creatures.

Online registration is already open and can be found at this link.
The demolition process has officially begun on the old Reno Police building across the street from Greater Nevada Field.

Some officers were stopping by throughout the day, watching their former home get torn down leaving behind nothing but memories, including Assistant Chief Oliver Miller.

Miller says, "I've had the privilege of working out of this building since the mid to late 90s as an intern. I grew up here. A lot of our police operations, family events, good times, and bad times at this building."

While Miller says he's sad to see it go, they're also really happy with their new Public Safety Center.

Public Information Officer Chris Johnson describes it as "revolutionary".

He says, "It's completely different than this old building here. It's got a lot more technology, a lot more space for us to be able to grow as a department, as well as have different tools that all of our officers are able to utilize every day."

Johnson tells us this also marks a milestone for the Reno Fire Department.

Once the demolition finishes, construction will begin for the new Reno Fire headquarters which is expected to be complete in 2027. The department hasn't had a headquarters since 2008.

Johnson says demolition will take about two to three weeks so there's plenty of time to swing by and check it out for yourself.
The Douglas County Community Services Department is inviting public participation in shaping the future of the Douglas County Fairgrounds through a Visioning Workshop.

The workshop is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fairgrounds Pavilion, located at 920 Dump Road, in Gardnerville.

The workshop is part of the Countys initiative to develop a Land Use Site Plan and conduct a feasibility study for a possible Indoor Event Center.

The study is funded by a Conserve Nevada grant provided through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and supported by room tax revenue.

The session will focus on identifying community needs, evaluating development opportunities, and addressing site limitations through stakeholder collaboration.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to attend and contribute input during the session.

Those unable to participate in person may submit written comments by mail to the Douglas County Community Services Department at P.O. Box 218, Minden, NV 89423, or via email to Ryan Stanton at rstanton@dou
The Community Health Alliance is holding a free Family Health Festival next month in Reno.

The May 22nd event at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center will offer free resources and information to the community.

Free services include:

* Food Bank Mobile Harvest

* Back-to-school vaccines

* Blood pressure checks

* WIC enrollment assistance

* Food Stamps / SNAP Registration

* Mental Health Resources

* Childrens Books

* Free clothing items

* Basic needs resources

All free services are offered while supplies last.

Just head to the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center at 1350 North Wells Avenue between 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Family Health Festivals are a collaborative service brought to you by a committee of local non-profit, civic, and healthcare organizations, including: Northern Nevada Public Health, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, Community Health Alliance, Community Services Agency, Family Resource Center, Health Plan of Nevada, Molina Healthcare, Renown Health, Family Navigation Network and Asian Community Development Council

If you're on Facebook, you can check out the Facebook event page for more information.
The Nevada Secretary of State, Cisco Aguilar, hosted Election Demonstration Day at the Nevada State Legislature on Tuesday.

State leaders and lawmakers got the chance see the election technology and ask questions on how it works.

They had things people could check out on the first two floors of the building.

The first floor had the poll pads that voters use to check in at polling locations, and the second floor had all the technology laid out where people could get a full picture of what goes on come Election Day.

"These are the educational opportunities that exist when the chaos of the actual election comes and everybody has questions and it's harder to get this information out," Cisco Aguilar said. "This information is being provided while there are legislative hearings going on about election legislation that they can see why the systems work the way they do."

There are two election-related bills that were heard Tuesday - both are in their second committees: Assembly Bill 306 and Senate Bill 102.

Aguilar says the central thesis to the demonstration is transparency.

"You know our office, we're trying to modernize, we're trying to be innovative, but also be transparent and this is an opportunity for legislators and state leaders to understand the systems we are using, and full transparency," he said. "We can talk directly to the vendor, I don't have to filter the information, they have the opportunity to talk about what works and what doesn't work."

The Secretary of State says they are always finding ways to improve.

"It'll also help the counties plan on their capacity when they know ballots are arriving, they can build the capacity to process those so they don't sit in possession for days," he said. "The counties had 99 percent of the ballots on hand on election day, they were able to process 90 percent of those ballots. We want to get to that 99 percent processing."

Aguilar says they are also planning on doing some outreach in the tribal and rural communities.
The United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra has had to make massive cuts to its United Readers early literacy program after losing $700,000 in funding.

The organization was forced to dismiss 40 mentors after AmeriCorps cut $400 million in funding nationwide.

In northern Nevada, $100,000 in AmeriCorps funding was cut for the 24-25 school year, and $600,000 was cut for the 25-26 school year, according to a release from UWNNS.

The notice of AmeriCorps grant termination was received early Monday morning, resulting in an emergency meeting Monday afternoon to tell mentors.

Mentors cannot claim unemployment due to AmeriCorps ineligibility. Additionally, they will not receive their full education award or living allowance.

Only 41% of Nevadas third graders are reading at grade level, and just 33% are proficient in math, according to the release.

Since launching in 2019, United Readers has served over 2,400 students across 25 elementary schools, providing trained literacy mentors who deliver one-on-one and small-group support to build core reading and math skills.

Last school year, the program demonstrated an average of 2.5 levels of proficiency growth, with a one-level increase in the literacy of 91% of the 643 children served.

"The need for strong, targeted intervention has never been greater," said Blake Pang, CEO and President of United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, in the release. "United Readers is not an inefficiency  its essential for closing the achievement gap and securing a better future for Nevadas children."

Meanwhile, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford has joined a lawsuit as part of a coalition of 23 attorneys general and two states challenging the Trump administrations termination of AmeriCorps grants and an 85% reduction of its workforce.

"This illegal action by the Trump administration has terminated AmeriCorps programs throughout Nevada, including educational programs for our children in Las Vegas, Reno and the rural areas of our state, said AG Ford in a statement. The Trump administration does not have the legal ability to dismantle this agency unilaterally. Congress has created AmeriCorps to give Americans the ability to help their communities during times of need, and the president cannot handwave away the decisions of Congress.

For its part, the White House on Tuesday pointed to improper payments reported by AmeriCorps as a reason for cuts.

The White House claimed those payments totaled over $40 million in 2024 and attributed them to insufficient documentation from grantees, calculation errors, and miscoded expenses.

President Trump has the legal right to restore accountability to the entire Executive Branch, Anna Kelly, White House deputy press secretary, said in an email.

In light of the funding loss, UWNNS is asking the community for help in funding the immediate continuity of United Readers through the end of the current school year and for the continuation of the program beyond that.

To donate, go to uwnns.org/saveunitedreaders.


Quarterly Activities Report 31 March 2025

Perth, April 30, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Horizon Minerals Limited ( ASX:HRZ ) is pleased to provide the March 2025 Quarterly Activities Report. Horizon is a gold production and exploration company within the Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie regions of Western Australia (Figure 1*).



HIGHLIGHTS



- First gold pour from Boorara under the ore sale agreement with the Paddington Mill.



o First ore stockpile from Boorara was 50,604 dry tonnes at 0.791g/t for 1,163oz sold at an average gold price of $4,256/oz, generating ~$4.951M in revenue



- First gold pour from Phillips Find and processing of the first parcel of gold ore through the Greenfields Mill near Coolgardie under a toll milling agreement.



o First ore parcel consisted of 37,624 dry tonnes at 1.46g/t for 1,675oz at an average price of $4,728/oz, generating ~$7.9M to the Phillips Find JV



- Safe, steady state production continued at both Boorara and Phillips Find to build a pipeline of ore stockpiles for processing under processing agreements.



- The merger with Poseidon Nickel Limited was completed during the quarter, bringing in assets with key infrastructure including the Black Swan processing plant.



- Toll Milling Agreement executed to treat 70,000t of ore from Phillips Find in September/October 2025 at Focus Minerals' Three Mile Hill processing plant.



- Addition of key operating personnel to lead growth and progress the Company's ambitions of being a relevant standalone gold producer.



JUNE QUARTER ACTIVITIES



- Continued safe gold production and revenue from Boorara and Phillips Find via the existing ore sale and toll milling agreements.



- Commencement of the Burbanks resource extension drilling programme.



- Generation of exploration target pipeline.



- GR Engineering Services to commence engineering studies work program to support the refurbishment and repurposing of the Black Swan processing plant for gold production.



- Commencement of mining studies to generate a Life of Mine plan to feed the Black Swan processing plant.



Horizon Minerals key objective is near term gold production and exploration upside within our large tenement package of 1,309km2. In addition to 1.8Moz of gold resources, the Company holds a number of multi-commodity assets including the Nimbus silver-zinc project.



Activities during the quarter focussed on delivering steady state production from the Company's Boorara gold operation, located east of Kalgoorlie, and through the Phillips Find gold project to the north-northwest of Coolgardie. First gold pour was achieved from both Boorara and Phillips Find through separate milling agreements with Paddington Mill and FMR Investments' Greenfields Mill respectively.



Work commenced on the Burbanks drilling programme scheduled for the June quarter, as well as generating a long-term exploration target pipeline and increasing exploration personnel. There was minimal emphasis on in-ground exploration drilling during the quarter as resources and expenditure remained focussed on establishing steady state production and saleable ore stockpiles at Boorara and Phillips Find and generating cashflow for the Company.



*To view the full Quarterly Report, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/6I6R184N





About Horizon Minerals Limited





Horizon Minerals Limited (ASX:HRZ) is a gold exploration and mining company focussed on the Kalgoorlie and Menzies areas of Western Australia which are host to some of Australia's richest gold deposits. The Company is developing a mining pipeline of projects to generate cash and self-fund aggressive exploration, mine developments and further acquisitions. The Teal gold mine has been recently completed.

Horizon is aiming to significantly grow its JORC-Compliant Mineral Resources, complete definitive feasibility studies on core high grade open cut and underground projects and build a sustainable development pipeline.

Horizon has a number of joint ventures in place across multiple commodities and regions of Australia providing exposure to Vanadium, Copper, PGE's, Gold and Nickel/Cobalt. Our quality joint venture partners are earning in to our project areas by spending over $20 million over 5 years enabling focus on the gold business while maintaining upside leverage.

Related Companies


Quarterly Activities Report

Perth, April 30, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Basin Energy Ltd ( ASX:BSN ) ( BSNEF:OTCMKTS ) is pleased to provide an overview of activities for the period ending 31 March 2025 ('Quarter', or the 'Reporting Period') and an accompanying Appendix 5B.



Key Highlights



- Finalised the acquisition of a 100% interest in a uranium and green energy metals exploration portfolio in Sweden and Finland



- Received initial reconnaissance mapping and geochemical sampling results from Sweden



o Exceptional results with highlights including rock chip samples over 5.9% uranium, up to 9.8% zinc and greater than 0.3% total rare earth oxides



- Expanded Swedish portfolio through the staking of the Trollberget licence, doubling Basin's landholding within the Swedish Arvidsjaur-Arjeplog uranium district



- Completed extensive relogging and sampling of historic core from North Sweden projects, successfully identifying structures associated with mineralisation



- Expanded Athabasca uranium portfolio through the staking of two additional claims adjacent to the Preston Creek drill target area at the Geikie project



Basin's Managing Director, Pete Moorhouse, commented:



"The first quarter of 2025 has been a transformative period for the company. We successfully completed the acquisition of a highly prospective uranium and green energy metals exploration portfolio in Scandinavia. This strategic expansion not only diversifies our asset base but also positions us to capitalize on the evolving European energy landscape. Notably, the Swedish government's recent recommendation to lift the uranium mining ban further enhances the potential of our new assets.



Concurrently, we continue to advance our Canadian uranium projects in the Athabasca Basin, including the recent announcement of the successful staking of claims adjacent to the 2024 drilling at Preston Creek, part of the Geikie project.



The early exploration efforts in Scandinavia have already yielded highly encouraging results. At the Virka project in northern Sweden, rock chip assays returned high-grade mineralization including up to 1.43% U3O8, 9.8% zinc, 9.15% lead, and 0.34% copper, highlighting the polymetallic potential of the area. Furthermore, rock chip results from the neighbouring Bjorkberget returned uranium in excess of 5.9%. At our Prastrun and Hakantorp projects, assays identified up to 0.43% niobium, 0.39% U3O8, and 0.33% total rare earth oxides.



These outcomes, combined with the geological observations from mapping and logging, have validated our strategic focus on these critical mineral projects. We are excited about the scale of opportunity unfolding and remain committed to advancing our exploration programs and delivering shareholder value through discovery and development."



*To view the full Quarterly Report, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/93YP0107





About Basin Energy Ltd





Basin Energy Ltd (ASX:BSN) (OTCMKTS:BSNEF) is a green energy metals exploration and development company with an interest in three highly prospective projects positioned in the southeast corner and margins of the world-renowned Athabasca Basin in Canada and has recently acquired a significant portfolio of Green Energy Metals exploration assets located in Scandinavia.

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Quarterly Activities Report

Melbourne, April 30, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Lithium Universe Limited ( ASX:LU7 ) ( KU00:FRA ) ( LUVSF:OTCMKTS ) recently announced the results of its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for the Becancour Lithium Carbonate Refinery in Quebec, Canada. The DFS confirms the viability of a strong lithium conversion project, even within a below-average pricing environment. The Company plans to build a reliable, low-risk lithium conversion refinery with an annual capacity of up to 18,270 tonnes, utilizing proven expertise from the Jiangsu processing model. The facility will produce environmentally friendly, battery-grade lithium carbonate. The Company aims to establish a Canadian-based lithium chemicals business, purchasing spodumene feedstock from both domestic suppliers and international markets, including Brazil and Africa and producing a battery grade lithium carbonate product. This aligns with the Company's broader vision of contributing to the North Atlantic lithium supply chain and closing the Lithium Conversion Gap.



The project's economics are highly favourable, even with conservative price assumptions. The refinery is economically viable with a pre-tax Net Present Value (NPV) of approximately US$718 million, using an 8% discount rate, and a pre-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of around 21.0%. The payback period is estimated at 3.9 years. The financial model is built on cautious price forecasts of US$1,170 per tonne for spodumene concentrate (SC6) and US$20,970 per tonne for battery-grade lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). LU7's directors believe they have a reasonable basis for using the assumed price in the study of US$20,970 per tonne for battery grade lithium carbonate. Key operational assumptions include 86% plant availability and 88% lithium recovery. At full production capacity, the project is expected to generate approximately US$383 million in annual revenue, with costs totalling around US$236 million, leading to an annual EBITDA of approximately US$147 million and a gross margin of in the region of 38%.



Post-tax, the NPV at an 8% discount rate is estimated at approximately US$501 million. The capital cost for the project is estimated at US$494 million, which includes a contingency of US$68 million. The capital cost estimate is based on advanced design specifications from the Jiangsu Lithium Refinery model, ensuring robust financial planning and projection. These factors highlight the project's strong financial viability, even under conservative pricing conditions.



*To view the full Quarterly Report, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/R30380X1





About Lithium Universe Ltd





Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7) (FRA:KU00) (OTCMKTS:LUVSF), headed by industry trail blazer, Iggy Tan, and the Lithium Universe team has a proven track record of fast-tracking lithium projects, demonstrated by the successful development of the Mt Cattlin spodumene project for Galaxy Resources Limited.

Instead of exploring for the sake of exploration, Lithium Universe's mission is to quickly obtain a resource and construct a spodumene-producing mine in Quebec, Canada. Unlike many other Lithium exploration companies, Lithium Universe possesses the essential expertise and skills to develop and construct profitable projects.

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By Michael Hayles, partner in the Pensions team at law firm Burges Salmon



This decision, described as unprecedented by the Funds own officers, has led to concern among various stakeholders, including from the Fund's actuary, Hymans Robertson. This article explores how Kensington and Chelseas decision highlights potential uncertainty over the role of the actuary when giving statutory advice under the LGPS Regulations.



The LGPS is a nationwide public service pension scheme, comprised of around 90 individual funds, and primarily for local government employees (although employees of some other types of employers can also join). It is funded by contributions from both employees and employers, with employer contributions fundamental to ensuring the LGPS long-term sustainability, as employers typically contribute a materially higher percentage of pay than members. As of 30 June 2024, the Kensington and Chelsea Pension Fund had a robust funding level of 207% on an ongoing basis. This funding surplus prompted the review under Regulation 64(A) of the LGPS Regulations 2013 of the councils contribution rate  Regulation 64(A) providing for reviews of employer contribution rates between formal valuations on certain triggers, including at the request of the employer, as in this case.



Kensington and Chelsea Funds investment committee decision to cut the councils contribution rate to zero was made despite Hymans Robertson strongly advising against it. Hymans had instead recommended a reduced contribution rate of 7.5% of pensionable pay, half of the original 15% rate set for 2025-26, following the Fund's 2022 valuation. However, the investment committee argued that reducing the contribution rate to zero would not have any detrimental effect on the ability of the Fund to meet benefits, citing the strong funding position. Hymans agreed with the premise that the nil rate for a year would not materially affect funding levels, but advised, nonetheless, that it would be inappropriate for the actuary to certify the zero rate.



Under Regulation 64(A), there is ambiguity on where authority lies in revising the contribution rate. Although the Regulation states that the administering authority may revise an employer contribution rate (suggesting the power is with the administering authority), the Regulation also refers back to Regulation 62, which expressly gives the actuary power to set contribution rates following triennial valuations. Therefore, there is some uncertainty whether the actuarys certification is required to set a new contribution rate between formal valuations under Regulation 64(A). On balance, the power is probably with the administering authority, and this appears to be the approach taken by Kensington and Chelsea. What is clearly stated under Regulation 64(A) is that, when considering any revision of contribution rates, administering authorities must have regard to the views of an actuary. When focusing on this aspect, the Kensington and Chelsea case then raises some interesting questions about precisely on what issues actuaries should opine.



The advice given by Kensington and Chelseas actuary was tabled at the Funds investment committee meeting earlier this year and is publicly available. It is clear from this advice that part of the reason the actuary was unable to support the decision was on actuarial due diligence grounds  the actuary had not been instructed to undertake formal actuarial modelling of the longer-term impact of a zero contribution rate. However, other reasons for the actuary objecting related to governance rather than actuarial consideration, including:



 the risk of employer expectations that the zero rate would continue beyond 2025-26;

 the potential wider implications of a zero rate, such as discouraging academy conversions of council maintained schools (presumably due to academy trusts having to pay a higher employer contribution rate);

 that the administering authority should take legal advice (potentially from Kings Counsel) about the decision and also liaise with the LGPS Scheme Advisory Board and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG); and

 that MHCLG would likely object to the decision to set a zero rate.



These governance issues are clearly relevant to the decision making (and the actuary was, in fact, correct that MHCLG would be unhappy, with government now proposing that Regulation 64(A) should be amended to expressly limit its use). However, where the Regulations require regard to the views of the actuary, should this be limited to actuarial advice, meaning consideration of what contributions are required now to fund the liabilities as they fall due in the future, or should / could the actuary advise more widely, such as on governance issues? In our view, where there is a statutory requirement to take advice from the actuary, the policy intention is likely to be that it is actuarial advice to which the administering authority must legally have regard. Other advice may be helpful to inform decision making, but, under the legislation as it is now, it would be arguably incorrect for an actuary to withhold certification of an employer contributions revision merely on non-actuarial grounds, particularly where an administering authority takes legal advice on the wider governance issues  as appears to be the case with Kensington and Chelsea.



The actuarial firms who advise the LGPS all provide administering authorities with wider consultancy services, including advising on governance. Governance issues (and other wider considerations) are of course relevant to the exercise of any statutory power by administering authorities, including under Regulation 64(A), and, in relation to these issues, many LGPS Funds may quite rightly use these consultancy offerings. This potentially gives rise to the risk that the statutory function of the actuary under the LGPS Regulations might sometimes become blurred.


More than 50 machine gun conversion devices found stashed in a DoorDash bag led to the arrests of four men on federal charges in Montgomery.

A fifth person is facing state charges in connection with the case.

Middle District of Alabama Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson said Wednesday arsenal of switches is the largest single seizure of machine gun conversion devices recorded in the Montgomery area.

A federal grand jury last week indicted Maceo Levar Edwards and Elliott Arjuna Turner, both 22-year-old Montgomery men, on charges of illegal possession of 53 machine gun conversion devices and the unlawful transfer of a federally regulated firearm, according to a joint announced by Davidson, ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz and ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor.

Machine gun conversion devices are small, often easily concealed components that illegally convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons.

These devices are classified as machine guns under federal law, even if not installed on a firearm.

According to the indictment and other court records, the charges stem from an April 3, operation during which Edwards and Turner were allegedly found with the illegal devices after leaving a residence in Montgomery.

Later that day, agents made contact with 24-year-old Jemarion FeQon Lausane at the same residence. Lausane was arrested on site and now faces federal charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On April 25, 2025, 22-year-old KeMarcus Simmons of Selma was charged with the federal crime of illegal possession of a machinegun.

Additionally, Davidson said, 20-year-old Jalen Rodgers is facing state charges for the possession of machinegun conversion devices following the execution of a search warrant at his home in Repton on April 18, 2025.

The search of Rodgers home was part of the investigation that began on April 3.

The Metro Area Crime Suppression unit in March received a tip of suspect criminal activity at a home on Pickfair Street. The tipster advised law enforcement that numerous individuals were frequenting the residence and were involved in narcotics transactions and the possession of machine guns, records state.

Officers set up surveillance on the home.

On April 3, they saw two men  later identified as Edwards and Turner - walk from the home, get into a vehicle and drive away.

Officers saw that the window tint on the vehicle appeared darker than the legal limit allowed by Alabama law, so a traffic stop was carried out.

Officers detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, which gave them probable cause to search the car. Inside they found a red DoorDash bag in the rear pocket of the front passenger seat.

In the bag, law enforcement found 52 Glock and AR-type machine gun conversion devices, records show. The devices were made of 3D-printed black plastic.

Another device was found already installed on a Glock pistol.

Similar 3D-printed devices, authorities said, can be sold for $25 on the low end an for as much as $100 each on the high end.

During the investigation, according to the indictment, authorities found a post on Edwards Facebook page that shared another accounts post which state, mane where tf can I buy a switch I got sht to handle.

When sharing the post, the ATF agent noted, Edwards wrote yall know who to hit up followed by a picture of an arrow pointing to a cell phone

This investigation was led by the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit, a multi-agency task force that includes law enforcement officers from ALEA, the Montgomery Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, and ATF.

If convicted on all charges, Edwards, Turner, and Simmons each face up to 10 years in federal prison.

Lausane faces a sentence ranging from five years to life. There is no parole in the federal system.

Assistant United States Attorney Christopher P. Moore is prosecuting the four federal cases.
Damien McDaniel, charged with killing 14 people and wounding 30 others in Birmingham over a span of 14 months, appeared in a Jefferson County courtroom April 29, 2025, along with attorney John Robbins. (Carol Robinson)

Accused mass murderer Damien McDaniel, charged with killing 14 people and wounding 30 others in Birmingham over a span of 14 months, learned Tuesday prosecutors will seek the death penalty for him and his co-defendants in cases where execution is an option.

The 22-year-old Fairfield man appeared in a Jefferson County courtroom earlier today to be formally arraigned on the latest charges against him.

Those charges are: capital murder-for-hire involving the 2023 ambush killing of Birmingham Firefighter Jordan Melton, the capital murder-for hire in the 2024 shooting death of UPS worker Anthony Love, and the 2024 fatal shooting of Mia Nickson outside her familys home.

McDaniel, who was brought from state prison to Jefferson County for the hearing, pleaded not guilty to the crimes.

His cases include two mass shootings that each left four dead  one at Trendsetters lounge that killed four people and wounded 10 others, and the second at Hush Lounge that killed four people and wounded 17 others.

Hatarius Woods, 27, is also charged with capital murder and 10 counts of first-degree assault in the Trendsetters mass shooting.

NyQuan Lollar, 22, and Crishawn Jamel McLemore-Bruce, 23, are also charged with capital murder of two or more people in the Hush massacre that killed four people on Birminghams Southside on Sept. 21, and with 17 counts of first-degree assault for those injured.

McDaniel is also charged with intentional murder in the Sept. 19, 2024, shooting death of Diontranet Tinae Brown, a 35-year-old mother who police say was an innocent bystander shot to death inside 604 Bar and Lounge on Ninth Street North.

Shackled at his hands and feet, McDaniel greeted his defense team  led by lawyer John Robbins - with smiles and handshakes, and he also turned to acknowledge his family and friends in the courtroom.

Jefferson County Deputy District Attorney Shawn Allen told the court that prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty in all the capital cases involving McDaniel and those charged alongside him.

Allen also told Jefferson County Circuit Judge Shanta Owens that the district attorneys office planned to take the Trendsetters case to trial first.

Allen said it is a straightforward case, but did not elaborate.

Owens said she wants to get all the cases to trial as soon as possible.

It is unlikely, prosecutors said, that any of the trials will take place in 2025.

Several other co-defendants were arraigned Tuesday, and another round of arraignments is set for Wednesday.

Also in court Tuesday were Larry Denzel Rollins Jr., 25, Charles Derius Nance, 41, and Eddie Jerry Jones, 47.

Rollins, McDaniel, and four others were initially charged with capital murder during the theft of a backpack in the Sept. 22, 2024, ambush killing of 32-year-old father two Jamarcus McIntyre.

The others charged are Crishawn Jamel McLemore-Bruce, 23; NyQuan Lollar, 22; Demarco Beck Jr., 29; and Zachary Holmes, 31.

A Jefferson County grand jury recently added capital murder-for-hire charges against the six suspects, and it was that new charge for which they were arraigned Tuesday.

Larry Rollins, charged with capital murder-for-hire and drug trafficking, was in court Tuesday, April 29, 2025, with attorney John Lentine. (Carol Robinson)

Rollins, acquitted last year of an unrelated murder, is also under state and federal indictments on drug trafficking charges.

Rollins has pleaded not guilty.

His attorney, John Lentine, has previously complained about the heightened security in the courtroom which on Tuesday included 11 armed tactical deputies and two courtroom bailiffs.

The heightened measures, he contends, gives the appearance that his client is a danger and a threat.

Lentine told the judge he has formally requested the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office ease the policy on the show of force and said sheriffs officials have not responded to his request.

He also previously complained about Rollins having to wear a bullet-proof vest to court.

The judge noted that Rollins did not have to wear the vest to court on Tuesday.

Charles Nance, charged with capital murder, appeared in a Jefferson County courtroom Tuesday, April 29, 2025, alongside attorney Moses Stone. (Carol Robinson)

Nance is charged with capital murder for hire in Loves slaying at UPS, and also with capital murder in Aug. 13, 2024, slaying of Charlie Herbert Moore, 61, who was shot to death inside his Birmingham home.

Police say the shooter or shooters were actually looking for someone else.

Authorities contend Nance provided the intended victim or victims names and address to McDaniel.

Nance has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Jones is charged with capital murder of a first responder and capital murder-for-hire in Meltons death. He was also indicted federally in a massive drug conspiracy case.

Eddie Jones, 47, is charged with capital murder-for-hire in the 2023 ambush killing of Birmingham Firefighter Jordan Melton. He is shown here with attorney Roger Appell in a Jefferson County courtroom on April 29, 2025. (Carol Robinson)

Charging documents against Jones, who was previously convicted of murder in a 1999 homicide, state Jones provided specific information to McDaniel regarding Meltons identification and location which led to his death.

The criminal complaint says Melton was killed because he was subpoenaed to testify against Larry Denzel Rollins in a murder trial. Rollins, who was acquitted in that murder, has not been charged in Meltons death.

Jones attorney, Roger Appell, is seeking bond for Jones.

The judge said she would set a hearing on the matter but warned the attorney he will probably not be successful in that quest.

Appell said Jones is being held in super max custody at the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer, and said the conditions for Jones are intolerable.

The attorney said Jones is in a cell where the lights are kept on 24 hours a day, preventing his client from sleeping.

If he cannot get bond, the attorney said, he is requesting to be moved to the county jail in downtown Birmingham.

Hes being punished, Appell said, for a crime hes pled not guilty to.
A walker found two Alabaster teens shot to death just before 2 p.m. Monday, April 28, 2025, in a wooded area of Army Corps of Engineers property between Lincoya Bay Apartments and Percy Priest Lake. (Metropolitan Nashville Police Department)

Two Alabama teens have been identified as two people found killed earlier this week in Tennessee.

The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department identified the victims as Amir Landan Wilkerson, 19, and Jamie Valdez-Garcia, 18. Both lived in Alabaster.

The victims were found just before 2 p.m. Monday in a wooded area of Army Corps of Engineers property between Lincoya Bay Apartments and Percy Priest Lake.

The discovery was made by a resident walking on a wooded trail, police said. Both had been shot multiple times.

Authorities Identified Wilkerson on Tuesday through his wallet. They released Valdez-Garcias identity on Wednesday.

Police on Wednesday said the teens are believed to have traveled from Alabaster to Nashville on Sunday, which is when their families last reported seeing them.

Investigators are still trying to determine why they made the trip, and who killed them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. A cash reward of up to $5,000 is offered.
A state inmate who claims to be a high-ranking member of a highly known white supremacist group has been sentenced to federal prison for threatening the Mobile County district attorney with a very horrible and painful death.

William Terry Holmes, who is serving a 20-year sentence for domestic violence and violating the states sex offender registry law at Kilby Correctional Facility in Montgomery County, pleaded guilty earlier this year to mailing threatening communication to DA Keith Blackwood.

A federal judge this week sentenced the 54-year-old Holmes to five years in prison, according to Middle District of Alabama Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson. Additionally, Holmes was ordered to pay $26,185.70 in restitution.

Holmes sent a threatening letter to Blackwoods office on March 19, 2024.

It stated: i [sic] am personally writing you to inform you we know where you live. You and your familys every move is being watched. As a high ranked [sic] member of a highly known white supremacist group, Im lettingyou [sic] know now that one of my own M. Perez has been sentenced to the death penalty.

Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood answers questions from the media on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, at Government Plaza in downtown Mobile, Ala. John Sharp/jsharp@al.com

The M. Perez Holmes was referring to, according to court records, is Marco Perez, who was convicted in early 2024 of the capital murder of Mobile Police Officer Sean Tuder.

Im gonna make damn sure you, your family and the judge suffers [sic] severe consequences, the letter continued. I promise you soon real soon you, your family and the judge will receive my death penalty and yalls lives will end in a very horrible and painful death. Dont try me you will lose just like me ex-wife [redacted] who was buried alive [redacted] in lrvington.

On March 22, 2024, agents interviewed Holmes.

During the interview, Holmes admitted to writing the letter and claimed he had associates watching the district attorney, warning that the prosecutor had only hours to live.

Security precautions had already been taken to protect the district attorney and his family.

No one who serves the cause of justice, or the families of those who serve, should ever be threatened for doing their job, Davidson said. Our system depends on the courage of prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers. Threats against them are attacks on the rule of law itself and cannot be tolerated.

The FBI in Mobile investigated the case, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Mobile County Sheriffs Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Patrick Lamb prosecuted Holmes.

There is no place in our justice system for threats of violence  especially leveled at officers of the court, said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. OMalley.
Any excuse for a party, right?

Thats sort of the way that I view the celebration that we undertake on the fifth of May each and every year thats better known by its Mexican name  Cinco de Mayo.

We all know that that day is when folks gather to drink Mexican beer, enjoy lots of guacamole and tacos and generally act up with reckless abandon.

But I wager that most Americans would be hard pressed to explain just exactly what it is that we are celebrating.

It is not, as many Americans seem to think, a commemoration of Mexicos version of July Fourth. Mexican Independence Day falls on September 16.

Cinco de Mayo is, in fact, a day set aside to celebrate a Mexican military victory over the French forces of Napoleon III in 1862. The battle came to be known as the Battle of Puebla.

It only became popular as a post-Easter, pre-Memorial Day throwdown in the mid 20th century in America. Like I said, any excuse for a party, right?

But as festivals go, Cindo de Mayo is a favorite of mine, not because I have a fondness for Mexican beer (I do) but because of my even more abiding love of Mexican cuisine. Its sort of like how I love St. Patricks Day, even though my Irish roots are unclear and tangled.

Regardless of your heritage Cinco de Mayo is a mighty fine excuse for gathering together, no matter what your reasoning.

Since Cinco de Mayo is a party, I thought it would be appropriate to include a few tasty recipe ideas for party food and appetizers. Even if you dont host the neighborhood for a fiesta, these are good for celebrating with close friends and family.

Just about everybody likes cheese dip, right? Its gooey, messy, fun to eat and helps cleanse that palate for that Mexican beer. Its also easy to make  melt a mess of processsed cheese with a can of tomatoes and green chiles and its a party.

But the folks who make one of my favorite hot sauces  Cholula  have a good (and easy) recipe that kicks the part up a notch.

Queso Dip

20 servings

1 tablespoon butter

1/4 cup finely chopped white onion

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh garlic

1 tablespoon flour

1 can (13 ounces) evaporated milk

1 cup shredded white American cheese

12 ounces processed cheese (such as Velveeta)

1 cup Cholula Original Medium Salsa

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Melt butter in medium saucepan on medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium.

Whisk in flour; cook and stir 1 minute. Gradually whisk in evaporated milk. Cook, stirring frequently until sauce is slightly thickened. Stir in cheese until melted and smooth.

Remove from heat. Stir in salsa and black pepper. Serve with tortilla chips or cut up veggies, or as a topping for quesadillas, burritos and tacos.

****

I can remember vividly the first time I ever at guacamole made from scratch. It was a long time ago, when I was in college in fact, and I can say with certainty that it changed the way I viewed the world.

Before that the only way I enjoyed this traditional pre-meal nibble was commercially made stuff that you find in the store. This one is Alton Browns version of guacamole and once you try it, I promise you that you wont fall back on the pre-made stuff again.

Guacamole

6 servings

3 Haas avocados, halved, seeded and peeled

1 lime, juiced

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon cayenne

1/2 medium onion, diced

1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

1 clove garlic, minced

In a large bowl place the scooped avocado pulp and lime juice, toss to coat. Drain, and reserve the lime juice, after all of the avocados have been coated.

Using a potato masher add the salt, cumin, and cayenne and mash. Then, fold in the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic.

Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved lime juice.

Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour and then serve.

****

Technically, a tostada is not an appetizer. But this recipe from allrecipes.com is so good that it will be worth the effort to make it.

Cinco de Mayo Tostadas

4 servings

1  pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 limes, juiced, divided

2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced

3 tablespoons adobo sauce from chipotle peppers

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

3 cloves garlic, sliced

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

3 tomatoes, halved

2 ears corn

1 avocado, diced

1 bunch fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped, divided

4 (8 inch) whole wheat tortillas

1 cup cooked brown rice

2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

1 cup tomatillo salsa

Combine chicken, the juice of 3 limes, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Marinate for 20 minutes to 1 hour.

Preheat a grill pan to medium-high heat. Coat tomato halves and corn with remaining olive oil and grill until blackened in spots, about 8 minutes. Cool until easily handled, about 5 minutes. Dice tomatoes and cut kernels off the corn cobs. Transfer to a bowl; mix in avocado and 1/4 cup cilantro.

Grill chicken until no longer pink in the center, about 7 minutes.

Meanwhile, place brown rice in a bowl. Mix in remaining lime juice and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.

Remove chicken from the grill pan. Grill tortillas until crispy on the edges, about 2 minutes per side. Place each tortilla on a serving plate. Layer brown rice, chicken, lettuce, tomato salad, and tomatillo salsa evenly over each tortilla.
Priscilla Pointer, veteran actress, has died at 100 in Connecticut. Pointer is known for her roles in "Carrie," "Dallas" and more. Peter Kramer/Getty Images

Priscilla Pointer, who played the mother of her real-life daughter Amy Irving in Carrie and also appeared on Dallas, died Monday in Ridgefield, Conn. She was 100.

Pointers death was confirmed to Variety by her son, USC professor David K. Irving.

Pointer played Irvings mom in Carrie and appeared with her daughter in six other movies. She also portrayed other famous mothers throughout the 70s and 80s, including Diane Keatons in Looking for Mr. Goodbar, Kyle MacLachlans in Blue Velvet and Sean Penns in The Falcon and the Snowman.

Additionally, she starred in the CBS soap opera Dallas as the mother of Victoria Principals character.

Over the years, Pointer appeared in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, Twilight Zone: The Movie, ER, Judging Amy, St. Elsewhere, McCoy, McCloud and N.Y.P.D. Pointer also appeared in three films directed by her son, David Irving, including the 1987 musical adaptation of Rumpelstiltskin, Good-bye, Cruel World and C.H.U.D. II: Bud the C.H.U.D.

Before acting in film and TV, Pointer got her start on the stage as a New York-born performer.

She appeared in several Broadway shows, including the original tours of A Streetcar Named Desire, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, The Condemned of Altona," Yerma and The East Wind, oftentimes under the direction of husband Jules Irving. She met Irving in Europe after an army production of Brother Rat.

With her husband, Pointer co-founded the San Francisco Actors Workshop with Herbert Blau and Beatrice Manley. The company was eventually taken over by the Vivian Beaumont Theater in New York City.

Pointer is survived by her three children.

 2025 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
This unique historic Dairy Queen has two buildings, one for walk-up orders and the one shown. It is located on Three Notch Street in Andalusia, Ala. Kelly Kazek

Andalusia, population 8,800, is often listed as one of Alabamas most picturesque small towns. The downtown square is still active with shops and a few eateries, plus Andalusia is a mural city with nine murals on downtown buildings. Ward & Co., a unique store located on the courthouse square, delights customers with its clothing, timepieces and displays of antique toys and signs.

Ward & Co., a unique store located on the downtown square in Andalusia, Ala., delights customers with its clothing, timepieces and displays of antique toys and signs. Kelly Kazek

Andalusia is also home to a unique historic Dairy Queen, located on Three Notch Street, and the refurbished Clark Theater that shows current movies. At Christmas, Andalusia turns into Candyland when downtown is filled with a brightly colored miniature houses and businesses perfect for children to play in.

But Andalusia is home to one more small village, this one located outside Three Notch Museum in the 1899 Central of Georgia Railroad Depot. The museum is filled with historical exhibits and displays about Covington County and Andalusia, the county seat.

Three Notch Museum in Andalusia, Ala., is located in an 1899 Central of Georgia Railroad Depot. Kelly Kazek

The museum was named after the Three Notch Trail, as are East Three Notch Street and South Three Notch Street, two important streets in downtown Andalusia, an article by the Encyclopedia of Alabama says. The trail was a Native American trade route later reportedly used by Gen. Andrew Jackson.

The village-within-a-village is a collection of historic buildings and railroad cars that honor the countys earliest days. From Covington County Courthouse, take East Three-Notch Street, then Central Street until it meets Tidsdale and youll see it.

This village is free to visit but to see inside the museum or any of the buildings, you should call to verify hours, which vary. The village is made up of:

This store was built sometime in the early 1900s by Henry Bennett Little (1884-1964) in the unincorporated community of Beck, Ala. It was later moved to Andalusia, Ala. Kelly Kazek

H.B. Little Country Store

This store was built sometime in the early 1900s by Henry Bennett Little (1884-1964) in the nearby unincorporated community of Beck. Little was married to Lucy Augusta Gustie Brooks in 1907. The one-room general store has been set up as it may have looked when it was in operation. Henry also operated a gristmill adjacent to the store, and his son owned an automotive garage on the other side. Henrys descendants donated the store building to the Three Notch Museum and it was moved to its current location.

The Old Post Office was built in 1891 in the small Covington County, Ala., community of River Falls. It operated there until 1975 and was later moved to Andalusia, Ala. Kelly Kazek

Old River Falls Post Office

The Old Post Office was built in 1891 in the small Covington County community of River Falls. It operated there until 1975, according to the Encyclopedia of Alabama.

The rustic post office, which has a schoolroom in the back, was later moved to its current location.

This authentic log cabin was built ca.1890 in the nearby Covington County community of Waycross, Ala. The building was donated to Andalusia's Three Notch Museum in 1992 by the Clark family. Kelly Kazek

Clark Family log cabin

This authentic log cabin was built ca.1890 in the nearby Covington County community of Waycross. It is believed to have been built by an African American family headed by Rhoda Daniel, according to an article by the Encyclopedia of Alabama.

Prior to its relocation, the cabin was expanded to include bedrooms and a kitchen, but these additions were removed and only the original structure stands at the museum, the article said.

The building, donated to the museum in 1992 by the Clark family, is filled with displays of vintage cookware, furniture, rocking chairs, and other nineteenth-century home goods.

Historic corn crib

Corn cribs were typically small wooden structures, like mini log cabins, where corn was stored after harvesting. An authentic corn crib is located among the other historic buildings in the village; the date of construction is unknown.

Railroad cars

Four train cars are located in the pioneer village outside Three Notch Museum. The Central of Georgia Railroad artifacts include two cabooses and two boxcars. The Mark Gibson Model Train Exhibit is set up in one of the cars.
A 60-year-old man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for having 153 images of child pornography.

A Blount County judge on Tuesday sentenced Jody Lane Crawford on the possession of obscene matter convictions. Crawford also received a year and a day for possession of a controlled substance.

Agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency in 2017 carried out a search warrant at Crawfords home on Abbott Road in Hayden in 2017 and seized at least five devices containing at least 153 images of children, many of whom were engaged in sexual acts, said Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey.

Crawford pleaded guilty to the crimes on Jan. 15, 2025. His plea did not include any agreement on sentencing.

According to the indictment, Crawford had digital files with names including phrases like illegal preteen underage, preteen (expletive), 10yo-boys-suck, little (expletive), young naked little girl, child incest and others.

One of the videos showed a prepubescent female blindfolded and bound and a dog that was taking part in the sex act.

Unfortunately, and sadly, as prosecutors, we can become accustomed to seeing a certain level of depravity in our line of work. Occasionally, someone comes along and moves the bar to a new level, Casey said. This case has raised the bar. The level of sexual deviance and depravity in these images is incomprehensible.

Casey went on to say that it was not a victimless crime.

Over 100 children are depicted in these images, she said. The very thought of a 5-year-old girl being tied to a bed and forced to engage in sexual acts with a grown man and a dog makes me sick and my heart hurt.

It will keep you up at night, Casey said.

The fact that the law treats possession of such an image as the equivalent to the unlawful possession of a forged dollar bill is incomprehensible, she said. We must change this if we want to make Alabama safe for our children and our grandchildren.
The Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners has temporarily suspended Scottsboro doctor Alan Joel Wayne pending a hearing on sexual misconduct and illegal prescribing.

According to a complaint filed with the Board, Wayne was licensed to practice family medicine in 1988.

He was investigated for the first report of sexual boundary violations and prescribing issues in 1998, it says.

It was alleged that Wayne allowed his office manager to order control substances unsupervised, dispensed controlled substances without a license, and prescribed controlled substances to his wife and himself.

The Board placed restrictions on Waynes qualifications in March 1999 and entered a voluntary agreement with him which limited his ability to possess and administer controlled substances.

The Board terminated this order in December 1999.

Starting in 2015, the complaint alleges that Wayne engaged in unprofessional conduct when he failed to properly utilize urine drug screen tests he ordered for multiple patients he was prescribing controlled substances to.

Between 2021 and 2024, Wayne received multiple allegations of sexual misconduct in the office from patients and employees told the Board it was a pattern of his, according to the complaint.

A woman identified as Patient 2 in the complaint says that during a medical examination sometime in this time frame, Wayne slipped his hands under her waistband and lifted up her pants so he could see her pubic area.

[Wayne] also asked Patient Two about her sexual relationship with her fiance on more than one occasion, it continues.

On August 15, 2024, a woman identified as Patient 1 filed a report with the Scottsboro Police Department alleging that Wayne harassed her at his office.

Her complaint, received by the Board in October, alleges that during a series of visits between 2022 and 2024, Wayne engaged in a series of acts that had no legitimate medical purpose and were reasonably interpreted by Patient One as being romantic in nature.

[Wayne] rubbed Patient Ones back, insisted that Patient One hug him before leaving the exam room, told Patient One that she would feel better if she had rough sex, made inappropriate comments about her body and, after entering the exam room and observing Patient One laying on the exam table, told Patient One he finally got her lying down and could lock the door,  the complaint states.

In June of last year Wayne also allegedly wrote himself a prescription for Soma, a controlled substance for pain relief.

The Board said there is probable cause to charge Wayne with five things in total, including:

Two counts of sexual misconduct based on the complaints of Patients 1 and 2

One count of unprofessional conduct based on comments he allegedly made to patients between 2021 and 2024

Another count of unprofessional conduct for prescribing himself Soma

A third count of unprofessional conduct for prescribing, dispensing, furnishing and supplying a controlled substance for any reason other than a legitimate medical purpose with the urine drug screens.

Based on the charges listed, the Board has requested that Wayne cease and desist from the practice of medicine in Alabama.

Waynes hearing with the Board will take place July 23 in Montgomery.

The Board is continuing to investigate Wayne and stated that this may lead to additional charges being filed against him before his hearing.
The Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was built from 1835 to 1850 in downtown Mobile. Archdiocese of Mobile

Termites go to church too.

Termites have been eating away for years at one of Alabamas most historic cathedrals.

The Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, which was built from 1835 to 1850 in downtown Mobile, has suffered such extensive termite damage that the west end of the building is no longer safe to use, the Archdiocese of Mobile announced.

Engineers have advised the Archdiocese of Mobile that the west end of the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is unsafe due to extensive termite damage, the Archdiocese said in a prepared statement. However, engineers informed the archdiocese that the remaining sections of Cathedral are safe to use. There is no timetable as to when the west side of the Cathedral may be used again.

Bishop Michael Portier, the first bishop of Mobile, consecrated the cathedral when construction was completed in 1850.

Efforts to control termites have been a struggle.

The Archdiocese of Mobile has been in ongoing arbitration with a major termite control company regarding damage to the Cathedral, the diocesan statement said.

The west end of the Cathedral stands parallel to Franklin Street, between Dauphin and Conti streets in downtown Mobile. The west end includes the sacristies  where priests prepare for Mass and where items used in worship are kept. Items kept in the sacristies will be relocated as a precaution. Those entering the Cathedral must now enter from the east side of the church off Claiborne Street.

The parish is the oldest in Mobile, established on July 20, 1703, by Jean-Baptiste de la Croix de Chevrieres de Saint-Vallier, Bishop of Quebec. It was the first Catholic parish on the Gulf Coast. Initially located at Fort Louis de la Louisiane, the parish moved to its present site in 1711, where a church named Notre Dame de la Mobile (Our Lady of Mobile) was built. By 1781, during Mobiles Spanish period, it was renamed the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
The Equal Justice Initiative's Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Alabama highlights the black experience in the U.S. Roy S. Johnson

This is an opinion column.

She was crying  the woman sitting on the bench over against a wall inside the Legacy Museum in Montgomery. Sitting with her head cupped in her hands, her shoulders slumped.

She was crying quiet tears.

Nearby was the striking exhibit of 800 clear jars containing dirt collected from the sites of lynchings, dirt contaminated by death. Unjustifiable death.

Unjustifiable murder.

My cousin and I sat next to the woman to comfort her. On one of the jars, she told us, bore the name of someone she knew  a distant relative.

Blood was in the dirt inside that jar. Her familys blood.

A security guard brought the woman a bottle of water. Does this happen often? I asked.

All the time, he whispered. All the time.

Museums arent supposed to be comfortable.

Enlightening? Absolutely. Theyre learning come to life. Theyre spaces where knowledge and history breathe through art, photographs, videos, artifacts, sounds and words.

Inspiring? No question. They should elevate our aspirations, empowering us to create our own great works and ensure we never repeat our darkest mistakes.

Comfort us? Nah.

They should challenge, not coddle us. Push us, not pacify us.

The truth hurts. Often.

I love museums, especially those that have emerged and evolved in my lifetime, that finally convey harsh truths of our nations journey  the full truth about the Native American strands of my heritage, and, of course, about the full truth of my Blackness.

About the Holocaust.

We weren't taught their names. Not in school. A trip to the Museum of Peace and Justice, though, is a sobering reminder of the deadly sacrifice too many made simply trying to vote.

I rarely leave a city without visiting at least one of its museums, and I never leave the same. Never leave feeling comfortable.

Leaving a museum the same as when you entered accomplishes nothing  like leaving the gym without breaking a sweat. You were there, but not there.

Lindsey Halligan, a 35-year-old former Florida insurance attorney whos now a legal advisor to the president of the United States (you read that correctly), apparently didnt enjoy how she felt after visiting a few Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. Halligan, is a native of Broomfield, Colorado, a Denver suburb (pop: 73,000) that is 73% white, 13% Hispanic and 1.1% Black.

She wasnt feeling the discomfort evoked by some of the exhibits  by truths revealed  at the respected museums of Natural History, American History, American Art and the like.

So, she told the president about it, and spawned yet another executive diss(us)-order aimed at Crest whitening America. Like the anti-DEI order and subsequent threats that have university leaders quivering and capitulating from Harvard to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the Smithsonian order is an attempt to whitewash our history.

It empowers Halligan to help V.P. JD Vance purge Smithsonian institutions of improper, divisive or anti-American ideology.

Which is exactly?

Weaponizing history, Halligan told the Washington Post.

Not-so-funny thing, though: the vast preponderance of weapons Ive seen in museums were formed against us. Not against folks from places like Broomfield.

We dont need to overemphasize the negative to teach people that certain aspects of our nations history may have been bad, she added.

Not sure who sets the overemphasize bar, especially when, for generations, so much of our history was deemphasized, diluted or outright deleted.

The truths of Americas journey, Halligan added, just makes us grow further and further apart.

Or uncomfortable.

Thats the point, confirms Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, curators and caretakers of the Legacy Museum and the soul-wrenching National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

Its ludicrous to believe that the greatness of America can only exist if we deny ever making mistakes, if we deny ever doing bad things, if we deny that there were times in our history when terrible things happened, Stevenson says. Thats not how you become great. Thats not how you become strong.

EJI, by the way, receives no federal dollars, according to a spokesperson, who added: Executive orders will have no impact on our sites.

Last weekend, an internet firestorm erupted over a report that the National Museum of American History was already removing artifacts in response to the executive order. In question were two books on loan to the museum by longtime San Francisco pastor Dr. Amos Brown  including a Bible he carried during marches with Martin Luther King Jr.  and part of an F.W. Woolworth Company lunch counter in Greensboro, N.C., where protestors once sat for the right to be served.

It was a false alarm, according to the Smithsonian:

The lunch counter is not leaving the Smithsonian, chief spokesperson Linda St. Thomas wrote in an email. It is on display at the National Museum of American History where it has been for many years.

Regarding Browns books, she added: They were originally loaned to NMAAHC in Nov. 2014, in preparation for the opening exhibitions in 2016. First renewal was for 2 years, from May 2020 (we were closed for pandemic) until May 2023. The second renewal was also for two years, May 2023 until May 31, 2025. We do not keep artifacts after their loan agreements expire. Loan agreements are signed by both parties.

Read the Smithsonians full statement here.

Whether sparked by removals real or perceived, the reaction to them speaks this truth: They could empty all the Smithsonians, execute DEI and squash scholarships for students who werent born white, and it would not change what happened in America. It would not change the truth.

Nor will it silence those among us who will still teach and share those truths, those who will not sit idle as the truth is weaponized to de-emphasize, diminish and delete us.

Get comfortable with it.

Lets be better tomorrow than we are today. My column appears on AL.com, and digital editions of The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile Press-Register. Tell me what you think at rjohnson@al.com, and follow me at twitter.com/roysj, Instagram @roysj and BlueSky.
Trina Martin, left, and Toi Cliatt sit for a portrait inside the home the FBI mistakenly raided in 2017, in Atlanta on Friday, April 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Sudhin Thanawala) AP

The Supreme Court seemed likely Tuesday to rule narrowly in favor of a family trying to hold federal law enforcement accountable in court after an FBI raid wrongly targeted their Atlanta home.

The justices seemed open to giving them another chance to sue over the raid, but wary of handing down a more sweeping ruling on federal liability in law enforcement cases.

The case was filed after FBI agents broke down Trina Martins door before dawn in 2017. They pointed guns at Martin and her then-boyfriend and terrified her 7-year-old son before realizing they were in the wrong place.

The FBI team quickly apologized and left, with the leader later saying that his personal GPS device had led him to the wrong place.

The government says judges shouldnt be second-guessing decisions made in the absence of a specific policy and Martin cant sue over an honest mistake. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed, tossing out the lawsuit in 2022.

Both liberal and conservative justices appeared skeptical of the governments position, with Justice Neil Gorsuch asking incredulously, No policy says, Dont break down the door of the wrong house? Dont traumatize its occupants?

Still, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was among those who suggested there could be some situations where law enforcement decisions should be shielded from liability, though perhaps not here.

The justices seemed to be leaning toward tossing out part of the 11th Circuits decision and sending it back for more litigation. A decision is expected around the end of June.

Public interest groups from across the political spectrum have urged the court to overturn the ruling, saying it differs from other courts around the country and its reasoning would severely narrow the legal path for people to try and hold federal law enforcement accountable in court.
The Alabama House has given final passage to a bill that would expand the list of crimes for which a judge can hold a person in jail without bail.

The bill is a proposed constitutional amendment and now goes to the ballot for voters, who will have the final say on whether it becomes law in the May 2026 primary.

SB118 by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Montgomery, would expand Aniahs Law, which lawmakers passed in 2021 in response to the kidnapping and murder of Aniah Blanchard.

Blanchard, a 19-year-old college student from Homewood, was abducted from a convenience store in Auburn in October 2019. A month later, authorities found her body in rural Macon County.

The man charged in Blanchards murder had been released on bail after being charged with kidnapping, robbery and attempted murder after an incident that happened in January 2019.

Before Aniahs Law, the Alabama Constitution said people charged with a crime had a right to a reasonable bail unless they were charged with a capital crime.

Aniahs law expanded that exception to the right to bail to include murder (non-capital), as well as first-degree kidnapping, rape, sodomy, sexual torture, domestic violence, human trafficking, burglary, arson, robbery, terrorism, and aggravated abuse of a child under age 6.

The law does not automatically deny bail for people charged with those crimes, but gave judges the authority to deny bail after a hearing.

Barfoots bill would add to the list of crimes for which a judge could deny bail:

Solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit murder

Firing a gun into an occupied dwelling, building, railroad locomotive, railroad car, aircraft, automobile, truck, or watercraft.

The House passed Barfoots bill 87-0. It had passed the Senate 29-0 back in February.

Alabama voters approved Aniahs Law by a wide margin in November 2022.

This story was updated on April 30 to add the date for the election on the constitutional amendment.
At its April meetings, Birminghams Design Review Committee approved the next phase of the Lakeview Marina development, signage plans, and portions of two new construction projects.

The multiuse courtyard at Lakeview Marina will also serve as an outdoor music space for acts who draw smaller crowds, a sized space the Birmingham music scene is lacking.

The Lakeview Marina courtyard will feature a stage, food truck parking, childrens play area, covered dining, and permanent airstreams to provide drinks and food during events. The area will also support smaller events. The courtyard will feature permeable, crushed stone paving and synthetic turf and brick in the food pavilion. A wire mesh fence with native vines and three entry / exit gates will be installed along the courtyards perimeter. The landscaping will also feature smaller shade trees and planters.

Signage

Plans for the updated YMCA in Roebuck came before Birmingham's Design Review committee in April. City of Birmingham

The committee approved two full-campus signage plans for the Parkway East YMCA renovation and a newly purchased block of buildings at the former AirGas complex in the northwest portion of Downtown Birmingham. Each of these projects include a variety of signage, from channel letters and lighted pole signs to murals.

During the signage discussions for these two districts, as well as the signage portion of the new construction in Five Points West, the committee requested and made clarification on specific signage regulations in the districts.

Currently, signage guidelines throughout the city are not consistent. For example, two of these districts do not restrict pole signs and one allows for monument signs. Another district does not have signage guidelines and relies on the ruling of the committee.

New Developments

Five Points West and the Phelan Park neighborhood of Five Points South will see new construction projects. Jacks is in the process of constructing a new restaurant near the upcoming FunPlex development near Birmingham Crossplex. Slated to open near the end of 2025, the committee asked the Jacks team to return with some additional designs that consider how the exterior of the building will relate to both the neighborhood architecture and the new FunPlex so the area will have a more cohesive look.

A group of alumni of UAB came before the DRC with plans for a new, off-campus Muslim prayer center in Phelan Park. Walking distance from campus, the center will be available to students and residents in the area. The site is on the edge of the neighborhood historic district and will feature a two story, painted brick building. Due to the locations dual site lines (residential bungalows and brick office buildings), the committee requested a work session with the project architect to discuss how the facade of the new building can bridge the different architectural styles of the area.

After the Agenda

The City of Birmingham will be celebrating National Historic Preservation Month in May with a month-long series of events. The observance will include walking tours through historic districts, and real estate and easement information sessions. Most events are expected to be held at Sloss Furnace National Historic Landmark at noon unless otherwise noted. More information is available at the citys website.

April Committee Decisions by Neighborhood

Twice a month, the city of Birminghams Design Review Committee considers plans to alter structures that fall within one of the citys many historic and commercial revitalization districts. This column recaps the DRC meetings April 9 and 23, 2025 with projects grouped by type and location.

Downtown  Northwest

Signage  Darragh, 1300 Seventh Avenue North  The committee approved as presented with the condition the pole sign cannot intrude into the right of way.

Five Points South  Phelan Park

New Construction  Off Campus Student Center, 1531 13th Avenue South  The committee gave conceptual approval on the massing and site plan and requested a work session with the property owner and architect before returning for final approval on the building design.

Five Points West

New Construction  Jacks, 2451 Crossplex Boulevard  The committee approved with conditions to remove the reader boards from the monument signs and to return to the committee for final approval of exterior designs that are more in line with the neighborhood and the new Funplex under construction.

Lakeview

Exterior Renovation  Lakeview Marina, 524 32nd Street South  The committee approved as presented with the understanding that the signage package will return once it is complete.

Parkway East

Signage  YMCA, 628 Red Lane Road  The committee approved as presented with a wall sign becoming a mural. The vote included one recusal.

Decisions of the DRC, as noted in the application process, are final. Applicants are responsible for carrying out the plans as presented and approved. Any deviations from the approved plans cannot be undertaken without a return to the committee for approval.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong speaks at Drake State Community and Technical College in Huntsville. Feb. 20, 2025. Scott Turner/AL.com

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, R-Monrovia, was among those on a congressional committee who voted this week for legislation to fund border security.

Strong, who represents North Alabamas 5th Congressional District, is a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. The committee approved its portion of the budget reconciliation package, his office announced Wednesday.

The package provides $69 billion in funding for the Department of Homeland Securitys border security mission.

Strong said American citizens were safer because Donald Trump is president.

He wasted no time restarting construction of the border wall and reinstating effective immigration enforcement policies, the congressman said. His decisive action is protecting North Alabama by curbing illegal immigration, stopping drug trafficking, and dismantling dangerous criminal networks.

Strong said Congress must provide the necessary resources to fund the presidents agenda.

This is a once-in-a-generation border security overhaul that includes funding for a state-of-the-art border barrier system, investments in border personnel and fleet vehicles, and border surveillance technology, Strong said.

The budget includes funding for:

An effective border wall system for domain awareness between ports of entry, including border barrier construction and wall technology

Additional frontline personnel to accomplish their vital homeland security missions in the field, including additional Border Patrol agents, CBP officers, and Air and Marine operations personnel and equipment

Technology to close exploitable gaps and enhance interdictions, including drone mitigation, surveillance equipment and towers, and technology to assist frontline officers in detecting deadly illicit drugs, such as fentanyl, at ports of entry.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection recorded its lowest southwest border crossings in history in March.

March was the second consecutive month in which U.S. Border Patrol averaged the lowest daily nationwide apprehensions in history at approximately 264 per day during the month. That is 20% lower than the 330 daily nationwide average apprehensions in February and 94% lower than 4,488 per day average from March 2024.

In March 2025, USBP apprehended 7,181 illegal aliens crossing the southwest border between ports of entry. This constitutes a 14% decrease from February 2025 when USBP apprehended 8,346 aliens, and a 95% decrease from March 2024 when USBP apprehended 137,473 aliens.
A proposed bill, HB618, would allow Alabama to send people incarcerated in the state to foreign prisons.

This bill would authorize the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections to enter into contracts with foreign nations to confine Alabama inmates in a penal institution or correctional facility, the legislation states.

But the bill was not filed with any intent for it to pass, according to the bill sponsor Rep. Chris Sells, R-Greenville.

Sells told AL.com that he understands the bill will not pass this legislative session with two weeks left and knows that it would meet legal challenges due to federal protections for those incarcerated.

Sells said the legislation was meant to send a message that more should be done to protect law abiding citizens.

Sells said he was inspired by seeing El Salvadors prisons and believes that if people feared being sent to prisons there it may deter crime.

El Salvadors prisons became a topic of discussion in America after President Donald Trumps administration sent hundreds of migrants to the foreign countrys infamous, CECOT prison, in March after accusing detainees of being gang members.

Human rights advocates have voiced that El Salvadors prisons, primarily CECOT, are brutal and inhumane.

I think if we were to send a couple prisoners down there and, if people thought they were going to get treated like that in prison, I dont think theyll commit the crimes, Sells said.

I think there need to be more (consequences) to breaking the laws and killing people than we have.

Alabama has one of the highest incarceration rates per capita in the world and those convicted of murder in the state can face life sentences or capital punishment.

El Salvador has the highest incarceration rate in the world achieved under Nayib Bukeles regime. Human rights organizations say this is due to Bukeles regime operating like a police state after suspending due process rights and arresting people under mere allegations of gang affiliation.

Sells also said he is not advocating to be like El Salvador, which incarcerates the most people in the world, or be cruel to prisoners.

But he does think Americas prisons are, soft.

Im not trying to say we need to abuse prisoners, Sells said.

But Im just saying that maybe our prisons are too soft nowadays. These other countries, I think, are way better at maintaining more order. And we cant do that because of our federal laws.

These federal laws include the Constitution which protects incarcerated people from cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment.

Trumps administration has already said it is considering the legality of sending American born incarcerated individuals to foreign prisons.

Civil rights advocates contend sending incarcerated people to foreign prisons would constitute cruel and unusual punishment.
Alabama lawmakers have given final passage to a bill to increase the penalty for firing a gun into a home or vehicle.

SB119 by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Montgomery, will also expand prohibitions on gun possession for people convicted of crimes.

The legislation is one of the public safety bills Gov. Kay Ivey said was a top goal during her state of the state address to open the legislative session back in February.

Under the bill, firing a gun into an occupied dwelling or building, automobile, truck, watercraft, or railroad car would be a Class A felony, punishable by 10 years to 99 years in prison.

The crime would be a Class C felony if the dwelling, building, or vehicle is not occupied. Class C felonies carry a penalty of one to 10 years in prison.

The House passed Barfoots bill by a vote of 66-0 with 37 abstentions. It passed the Senate 26-1 three weeks ago.

The bill now goes to Ivey, who can sign it into law.
Tax cut bills brought forth by Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, were approved Wednesday by the Alabama Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation (Education).

Committee chairman Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, called the tax package, which lawmakers say would save taxpayers more than $200 million, a work in progress.

We dont know where the edge of the cliff is, he said.

We dont know what the economy is going to be like in a year or two years.

So, when we make these decisions, such as today, I dont think any of us want a large, overfunded government just looking for ways to spend money, he continued.

And that money comes from the people. We dont want that kind of beast... thats inefficient and not making things happen. But on the other side of the coin, we have got to properly fund government.

The bills

HB388, which would increase a state income tax exemption for people 65 and older on money withdrawn from IRAs and 401(k) accounts, was approved with an amendment to phase the exemption in over three years.

It is expected to save taxpayers an estimated $45 million a year, according to Garrett.

HB389, which would make changes to the income tax affecting dependent exemptions and deductions and would save taxpayers an estimated $25 million a year, received unanimous approval.

HB379, which would exempt remote workers from income tax if they worked in the state for less than 30 days in the year, received unanimous approval.

HB386, which would reduce the state sales tax on food from 3% to 2%, was approved with an amendment to remove the second penny on the grocery tax.

It was also amended to combine with HB387, which would authorize, but not require, cities and counties to lower their sales taxes on food.

Current law allows cities and counties to reduce the sales tax on food only if their general fund grows by at least 2%.

HB387 was approved with an amendment to change the nature of the bill, reducing tax sales on machinery.

Sen. David Sessions, R-Grand Bay, said this was expected to be helpful to farmers.

There was a desire to assist businesses as well, Orr said on Garretts behalf.

HB386 and the new HB387 are anticipated to save consumers over $130 million combined a year.

We need a lottery, Democrat says

Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, expressed concerns over where the state was going to make up the money.

Businesses dont have to get the same cuts families get; we dont have to do this tit for tat, he said, referencing HB387.

Thats $11 million that we could save.

He added that a lottery would be helpful in making up the revenue loss, and said he hoped next year that the legislature would be open minded enough to consider it.

We need a lottery, we need that money, he said.

Alabama voters have not had a say on whether to establish a lottery since 1999, when they voted down Gov. Don Siegelmans education lottery proposal.

The four states bordering Alabama all help fund education and state services with lotteries.

Attempts to introduce a lottery to the state this year have continued a long streak of failing in the legislature.
A Republican-backed plan to rewrite Alabamas law on immunity for police officers advanced Wednesday with opposition from Democrats who said a statewide standard on police policy and training should be part of the law.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved HB202 by Rep. Rex Reynolds, a former Huntsville police chief, with Republican senators supporting it and four Democratic senators opposed.

The back the blue bill is one of the crime measures that Gov. Kay Ivey and Republican leaders have touted since the annual legislative session started in February.

It has faced Democratic opposition at each step in the process, including during public hearings in the House and in the Senate.

Four days remain in the legislative session, enough time to pass the bill, but if Wednesdays meeting was an indication, Democrats will work hard to change the bill or stop the Republican majority from passing it.

Reynolds and other supporters say Alabamas police immunity law needs to be updated to align with U.S. Supreme Court rulings. They say more protection from civil and criminal prosecution is important at a time when it is hard to recruit and retain law enforcement officers.

Reynolds said the bill would give no immunity to police who violate the constitutional rights of a citizen they encounter, such as in circumstances that require the officer to use physical force, including deadly force.

Sen. Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, proposed an amendment to the bill to require adoption of a statewide policy on police training and procedures.

The emphasis of this is to make sure there is a written policy that these officers have to go by and were not just leaving it out there to figure out what is constitutional, Singleton said.

Reynolds said there is no state requirement for sheriffs and sworn deputies to be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards & Training Commission (APOST-certified).

Reynolds said he agreed with the idea but opposed adding it to the bill. He said it would be hard for some agencies to meet the requirement.

Im not saying its a bad idea, senator, Reynolds said. Im saying Id love for everybody in the state to be under one policy.

But to get this (amendment) this morning at 8:20, and we just havent had time to work on the details.

Republicans on the committee opposed Singletons amendment, and it was voted down. But not before a discussion about the need for a certification requirement that covered all sworn officers.

We should at least have an amendment to say that every police officer should be APOST trained in the state, Singleton said. I cant see us giving them immunity, and them not being APOST trained.

Youre talking about a heavy burden on our counties and our cities, Reynolds said.

People are dying, Singleton said. Thats a heavy burden on families. In that split second were talking about. And then were talking about giving them immunity from that loss to that family.

So we at least need to make sure that everybody is trained properly across the state.

Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, agreed with Singleton.

I think if were going to give immunity to everybody, then everybody should operate under the same rules, policies, and regulations, Figures said. Immunity is a big thing. A big thing.

And while I appreciate our law enforcement - Ive stood with them on many pieces of legislation - I do think if were going to give immunity, it needs to be very clear.

Reynolds said there is a clear standard - the U.S. Constitution. He has stressed that the police who violate a persons constitutional rights will not be protected under the bill.

He said every law enforcement agency should have a policy.

The consistent language there, no matter where that policy is, is our constitutional law, Reynolds said.

And thats the basis of these policies. Theyve still got to go by the constitution.

To stand here this morning, with this language, and to force this on all the agencies, whether it be state police, local police, sheriffs departments, thats a heavy lift.

Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, who taught constitutional law for 25 years, said the constitutional language in the bill would not protect citizens.

At last weeks public hearing, Smitherman said the bill would be a green light for Black folks to get killed. He did not back off that on Wednesday.

The constitution does not protect citizens from the actions of the police officer itself, Smitherman said. It does not lay out the steps the officers ought to do - A, B, C, D.

Wednesdays approval by the committee puts the bill in position for consideration by the Senate as early as next Tuesday.

Smitherman said he hopes the bill can still be amended to include a standard training requirement.

Even if it passes, the implementation should be tied to this training, whatever time it takes to get these folks trained, Smitherman said.

Weve got to make sure that theyve got a set standard of what they can be measured by. Right now we dont have a set standard.

If its one life, one life, that trumps everything else that were talking about.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth listens as President Donald Trump meets with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth boasted on social media Tuesday that he had dismantled a program supporting women on security teams, an initiative that he called woke but actually was signed into law by his boss, President Donald Trump.

In a post on the social platform X, Hegseth called the Women, Peace & Security program at the Defense Department a UNITED NATIONS program pushed by feminists and left-wing activists. Politicians fawn over it; troops HATE it.

It was, in fact, bipartisan legislation that Trump signed into law in 2017 that recognized the role women have in achieving security goals, especially overseas when their male counterparts may not be able to question or have direct access to women for cultural or religious reasons.

Its the latest controversial move from Hegseth as the Pentagon works to nix programs or content seen as promoting diversity, equity or inclusion. After Trump ordered federal agencies to purge DEI content, the Pentagon issued a broad edict to the military services that ignited public outcry when online images of national heroes like Jackie Robinson were briefly removed.

A spokesman for Hegseth did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the secretarys post.

Some of Trumps Cabinet officials supported the Women, Peace and Security program when it was moving through the legislative process. And Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Congress this month that the program had helped troops in battle.

When we would go out into the field after concluding an assault, we would have female members who would speak with those women and children who were on the objective, and they would help us to understand the human terrain in a new and novel way, Caine said during his April confirmation hearing.

Trump met and became endeared to Caine when Caine was serving in Iraq, part of the reason Trump nominated him to the chairmanship.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, while representing South Dakota in Congress, wrote the House version of the 2017 Women, Peace and Security Act with Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who as a senator co-sponsored the Senate version of that bill, said this month that it was the first law passed by any country in the world focused on protecting women and promoting their participation in society.

The legislation stemmed from a resolution unanimously endorsed by the U.N. Security Council, the most powerful U.N. body, in October 2000, aimed at including women in peacebuilding efforts because women and girls have historically borne the brunt of global conflict.

Its no secret that women remain largely on the periphery of formal peace processes and decision making, which is not good for the cause of peace, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in response to Hegseths comments Tuesday.

Dujarric added that one of the real-life impacts of the Women, Peace and Security program has been the increasing number of women peacekeepers who serve in U.N. missions, which has had a very clear, measurable and positive impact on the protection of civilians in conflict zones.

Hegseths post drew fire from Democratic lawmakers who are continuing to question his qualifications for the job following his use of the commercial app Signal to share sensitive military operations with other officials, his wife and brother.

Hegseth has absolutely no idea what hes doing, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said on X.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., read Hegseths post aloud during a congressional hearing Tuesday.

That tweet contains some glaring inaccuracies that are far beneath the standard we should expect from the Department of Defense, Kaine said.

Hegseths post called the program yet another woke divisive/social justice/Biden initiative that overburdens our commanders and troops, pledging to do the bare minimum required by Congress while working to eliminate it altogether.

But the program has been celebrated by Trump, his administration and his family. It became a heralded part of the first Trump administrations accomplishments for women, and in 2019, Ivanka Trump celebrated that the WPS program was starting a new partnership to help train female police cadets in Colombia.
This is an opinion cartoon.

Roll Coddling Tide.

When his polls go south, Donald Trump does too. The MAGA man invited himself down here to pump up his ego at the University of Alabamas commencement event this week.

Many students - and at least one campus elephant - are not happy about UAs capitulation to the criminal-in-chief.

(Tuska asked me to draw his image with a brown paper bag over his head to conceal his identity. But I couldnt find a big enough bag.) Sorry for leaving you hanging, dude.

Sign up for JD Crowes newsletter: Enter your email to subscribe to JDs weekly newsletter, Crowe Jam.

I will now hand the virtual microphone to the student section via the UA College Democrats statement on their Facebook page.

They are planning a Tide Against Trump rally at Snow Hinton Park on May 1st, 5-7 PM.

Here are a couple excerpts:

For all his meddling in UA affairs, Donald Trump lost our campus to former Vice President Kamala Harris last semester. UA is not a fascist playground.

The Trump administration kidnapped one of our Ph.D. students for no reason a few weeks ago and is holding him without bond at an ICE black site in Louisiana. There is no greater insult than this.

Heres my colleague Maggie Kates story, and a few excerpts:

The University of Alabama College Democrats say school officials are coddling President Donald Trump with threats to discipline students who disrupt his speech in Tuscaloosa this week.

We are aware that the university is desperately trying to coddle Trumps ego as much as it can to stave off any threat of losing federal funding, said Braden Vick, president of the UA chapter of the College Democrats, in an email to AL.com.

It would be deeply unfortunate if the university blatantly violated the First Amendment to achieve this, he added, and it would certainly garner a much more hostile reaction from the public toward the universitys administration than what already exists.

Ahead of Trumps commencement address at Coleman Coliseum on Thursday evening, the university is warning attendees not to disrupt or heckle the president during his speech to graduating students.

The group has already condemned Trumps visit, particularly following the detainment of Alireza Doroudi, a Ph.D. student from Iran who was studying at the university. Doroudi was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement last month and taken to an immigration detention facility in Louisiana.

Check out more cartoons and stuff by JD Crowe

JD Crowe is the cartoonist for AL.com. He won the RFK Human Rights Award for Editorial Cartoons in 2020. In 2018, he was awarded the Rex Babin Memorial Award by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Follow JD on Facebook, Twitter @Crowejam and Instagram @JDCrowepix. Give him a holler at jdcrowe@al.com.
In this photo provided by the office of U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, Van Hollen meets with Kilmar Abrego Garcia (left) at an undisclosed location on April 17, 2025, in San Salvador, El Salvador. Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident, was illegally deported by the Trump administration and has been held in prison in El Salvador since March 15 despite a U.S. federal court order to return him to the United States no later than April 7. (Photo from Sen. Van Hollen's Office via Getty Images/TNS) TNS

President Donald Trump would not let it go.

During an interview marking the 100th day of his second term, Trump was adamant that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador and has become the poster child of the administrations immigration policy, had MS-13 tattooed on his knuckles.

On his knuckles, he had MS-13, Trump told interviewer Terry Moran of ABC News.

He had some tattoos interpreted that way, Moran responded, but lets move on. He did not have the letters M-S-1-3.

But Trump wouldnt let Moran move on to other questions, apparently not realizing that a printout of the tattoos translated the symbols on Abrego Garcias knuckles into MS-13.

Earlier this month, Trump posted to his Truth Social media platform a photo of him holding up a picture of the Maryland mans knuckles.

It says M-S-1-3, Trump claimed.

Moran explained that the MS-13 in the photograph was Photoshopped onto Abrego Garcias knuckles when Trump accused Moran of disrespecting him with the question.

That was Photoshopped? Hey, theyre giving you the big break of a lifetime. You know, youre doing the interview. I picked you because, frankly, I never heard of you. But thats OK. But I picked you, Terry, but youre not being very nice, the president said.

He did have tattoos that could be interpreted that way, Moran responded. Im not an expert on them.

The president disagreed.

Terry, Terry. No, no. He had M-S as clear as you can be. Not interpreted. This is why the people no longer believe the news because its fake news, he said.

Moran pointed out that photos of Abrego Garcia in El Salvador did not have the M-S-1-3 lettering.

This is a really strange exchange between President Trump and ABC reporter Terry Moran as Trump seems to genuinely believe the letters MS13 in an image of Kilmar Abrego Garcia's left hand tattoos, which he posed with recently, are real.



The MS13 letters in that image have https://t.co/pcCaz0LSft pic.twitter.com/IrVswOj5yf  Shayan Sardarizadeh (@Shayan86) April 30, 2025

Oh, they werent there. But theyre there now, right? Terry, hes got MS-13 on his knuckles, OK? Trump said.

Its such a disservice, the president continued. Why dont you just say, yes, he does. And just go on to something else.
Two-thirds of GPs believe political shifts under the new US administration, and the related geopolitical and economic consequences, will impact their fundraising activities in the year ahead, new research shows.










English News In China's harsh highlands, technology aids conservation efforts

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 26 Avril 2025



Technology has become an increasingly important tool in this work. A 20-meter monitoring tower now stands beside the station, part of a broader surveillance system that transmits live footage back to park headquarters. "It's made our enforcement much more efficient," Bayier said.

By He Yong, Qiao Dong, People's Daily Even in April, the vast, wind-whipped plains of Hoh Xil remain cloaked in snow and silence. Tucked within the Sanjiangyuan National Park in the remote headwaters of the Yangtze River in northwest China's Qinghai province, this high-altitude wilderness - averaging more than 4,500 meters above sea level - is the country's largest World Natural Heritage site. Its extreme coldness, thin air, and sweeping isolation have preserved a raw, otherworldly ecosystem, home to endangered wildlife such as Tibetan antelopes and wild yaks.



But the region's remoteness is no longer a barrier to protection. Conservation here is entering the digital age.



Turning west from China National Highway 109, People's Daily reporters joined rangers from Sanjiangyuan National Park's Hoh Xil administration on a patrol to Zhuonai Lake. As the convoy pushed deeper into the highland wilderness, herds of Tibetan wild asses, wild yaks, and Tibetan antelopes grazed and wandered freely across the plains.



The road, like much of Hoh Xil's core protection zone, remains untouched - a deliberate choice to minimize human disruption. But signs of modern conservation infrastructure are increasingly visible. Along the route, perching frames for eagles punctuate the landscape at intervals, offering safe roosts for highland birds of prey and encouraging biodiversity. Nearby, sleek, solar-powered monitoring stations quietly collect data on climate conditions and soil composition - valuable input for researchers studying the region's natural environment.



Since the national park was established, ranger teams have traded their aging pickups for high-performance 4x4 vehicles. Satellite phones, once a luxury, are now standard issue, providing check-in options on patrols that once lasted half a month without contact.



By nightfall, the team reached the Zhuonai Lake protection station, perched more than 4,800 meters above sea level. To their surprise, cell service had reached even here. "The telecom network was completed just last year," said Guo Xuehu, the station's former deputy head. "It runs on solar power. Now I can video-call my family during the day. I feel very content."



Guo, 48, spent 13 years at the Zhuonai Lake protection station before transferring to the Kunan protection station as deputy head two years ago. As one of the six manned stations across Hoh Xil, Kunan is currently staffed by seven rangers who patrol the wilderness in rotating pairs - each tour lasting roughly 15 days.



Since the establishment of the Sanjiangyuan National Park, the Kunan protection station has taken on more than just patrol duties - it has become a base for scientific research. Each summer, Zhuonai Lake transforms into what rangers call a "maternity ward" for nearly 30,000 Tibetan antelopes migrating through Kunan to give birth. Last year, Guo joined a research expedition from the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, spending two weeks tracking the animal's migration.



The payoff from years of protection and monitoring is beginning to show. Over the past decade, water conservation in the Sanjiangyuan area has risen by over 6 percent on average each year. Wildlife populations have also seen a notable recovery. The Tibetan antelope numbers have climbed from fewer than 20,000 individuals to over 70,000, leading to their reclassification from "critically endangered" to "near threatened." Once-rare sightings of snow leopards, Amur leopards, and Eurasian otters are also becoming more frequent.



The job of a ranger has evolved alongside this recovery. "Before, our work was mostly about stopping poachers and illegal mining," Guo noted. "Now, we're also tracking ecological indicators and helping with public environmental education."



At the Sonam Dargye protection station, the eastern gateway to Hoh Xil, that educational role is on full display. Every year, volunteers and visitors travel from across China to learn about the region. Last year, the station opened a new 300-square-meter exhibition hall introducing visitors to Hoh Xil's geography, ecology, and the institutional evolution of its protection. "Every staff member here also acts as a guide," said station ranger Bayier. "We know Hoh Xil inside and out, and we want to share that knowledge."



Behind the station, a fenced-off grassland serves as a temporary home for rescued animals. When Bayier mimicked the whistling calls of Tibetan antelopes, a few heads peeked out from a distant slope. The young antelopes bounded toward him, recognizing his voice. He pulled out a milk bottle and gently patted their heads as he fed them. "These are the ones we rescued last year," he explained. "After a year of care and rewilding training, they'll be released back into the wild. We also take in birds, like falcons."



Technology has become an increasingly important tool in this work. A 20-meter monitoring tower now stands beside the station, part of a broader surveillance system that transmits live footage back to park headquarters. "It's made our enforcement much more efficient," Bayier said.



That surveillance system is part of a sophisticated sky-ground intelligent monitoring network that combines satellite data, drones, and ground sensors. Sun Lijun, deputy director of the Sanjiangyuan National Park Administration, said that the system provides accurate, real-time information essential for managing ecosystems, protecting wildlife, and supporting ranger patrols in the park.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > Low-altitude economy lifts off as Chinese automakers enter the eVTOL era China expands efforts to boost global e-commerce cooperation Legacy of Tea-Horse Road lives on at China-Laos border Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
If you are old enough to remember the Vietnam War or to have studied it in school, this will sound familiar.

The Fake Narrative

The political leadership of the United States, President Lyndon Johnson and Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, wanted to prosecute the Vietnam War with as limited a force as possible. The military, knowing that a large force would be necessary, attempted to build the force through incremental, ever increasing troop requests. Ultimately, the never-ending requests and the growing quagmire disillusioned McNamara.

The origin of this narrative can be traced to a book titled The Pentagon Papers. The Secret History of the Vietnam War as Published by the New York Times. This book was not the complete study stolen by Daniel Ellsberg. It included some of the Papers, but four reporters (Neil Sheehan, Hedrick Smith, E.W. Kenworth, and Fox Butterfield) took turns explaining to the rest of us what various portions of the Papers meant. The beginning of McNamaras so-called disillusionment came at the end of 1965. The Times story was that at the end of 1965 U.S. commander General William Westmoreland suddenly found it necessary to request a vast increase in troops for Phase II of his plan. The General said he would need 154,000 more men.

The Actual Plan

Here is the actual account from the complete 12-volume Government Printing Office Pentagon Papers that the above story purports to summarize. By early 1965 the Johnson administration concluded that direct involvement of U.S. ground forces would be necessary to win the war. During the first half of the year the administration worked out a three-phase plan that should result in victory in early 1968. Phase I would raise troop strength to 175,000 by the end of the year. The goal was to stop losing. Phase II would add 112,430 troops in the first half of 1966. The mission was to start winning. The plan was based on intelligence estimates of the rate of infiltration from North Vietnam. We would start winning when we hit the crossover point, the point at which we were killing enemy soldiers faster than they could be replaced. There would be additional forces in Phase III, but those numbers were not yet worked out. The rate of deployment was limited by logistic constraints. This was about as fast as our capabilities would allow. There is no evidence of civilian-military disagreement.

There was nothing incremental about the plan. The plan was to deploy from mid-1965 to mid-1966 almost 300,000 troops. Phase I was launched and troop strength neared 180,000 by years end. The level of killing was better than McNamara anticipated.

The Problem

However, in late November intelligence concluded that the number of North Vietnamese soldiers had increased between July and November from 48,550 to 63,550 despite the positive level of killing. Earlier estimates of infiltration rates had been wrong.

McNamara was at a NATO defense ministers meeting when he received the new intelligence estimate. Instead of returning to Washington he decided to go to Vietnam to consult with Westmoreland. He cabled Westmoreland to be prepared to discuss the new intelligence and to give his recommendation for an increase to the Phase II 112,430 planned troop deployment. His cable said Will it not be necessary to add one or two divisions to the 28 battalions proposed in order to provide forces in the Delta? Weeks earlier McNamara had already proposed and Johnson had approved going ahead with the Phase II 112,430 deployment.

The Solution -- Two Explanations

When McNamara met with Westmoreland, the general recommended a 41,500 troop addition to the planned 112,430 deployment. But the New York Times book said that Westmoreland suddenly requested a vast increase of 154,000. Two different explanations. How can that be?

Recall that 112,430 had already been approved, but had not yet deployed. The recommendation to add 41,500 responded to McNamaras guidance Will it not be necessary to add a division or two. If you add 41,500 to 112,430 you get 153,930 or about 154,000, which is what the New York Times did. It was literally true that Westmorelands recommendation would ultimately result in 154,000 more troops from that point in time, but the Times explanation obscures the real story.

There was nothing sudden about Westmorelands response to McNamaras demand for a recommendation to plus up Phase II. The original plan called for a total force of nearly 300,000 by mid-1966. Westmorelands actual recommendation of 41,500 is not a vast increase. The number 154,000 is at best misleading and the words suddenly and vast are lies. There is no way the Times explanation was accidental or a difference of opinion. It was carefully crafted and intended to help build the narrative that most accepted. I accepted it until I got into my own research.

Is there any way to consider the Times explanation fair or accurate? No, but you cant challenge it with a sound bite. You have to go through the documents in detail, which is difficult in a short attention span era. And so the fake narrative stuck, in no small measure because of the Times book.

If you want to know how I know all this, read chapter 7 of my book Vietnam: Strategy for a Stalemate.

Image: U.S. Army
A disturbing fact emerged after wildfires ravaged Southern California in January this year. The California Coastal Commission (CCC) had thwarted the fire-safety efforts of the Los Angeles Department of Power and Waters (LADPW) in the Pacific Palisades, one of the worst-affected neighborhoods. The CCC even fined the department $2 million for its initiative.

The Palisades was said to be at elevated fire risk. So, in 2019, the LADPW started replacing wooden utility poles, which were about a hundred years old, with stormproof, fireproof steel poles. But an amateur botanist complained that the work would harm some 200 shrubs of endangered Brauntons milkvetch. So, the CCC ordered a halt to the upgrade.

The shrubs were saved, thanks to the CCC prioritizing the environment over people. But eventually, several more were destroyed in the wildfires, the worst California has seen. Thirty people were killed, 18,000 homes gutted, and over 57,000 acres scorched. The Palisades fire alone killed eight people, razed 6,800 buildings, and burned 23,400 acres.

Autonomous, quasi-judicial agencies like the CCC are meant to remain apolitical and humane rather than punitive in their duties. But across the U.S., many such agencies are anything but. The CCC could well qualify as one of the worst.

A lawsuit by Elon Musks SpaceX accused the CCC of naked political discrimination and of egregiously and unlawfully overreaching its authority. But more on the SpaceX lawsuit later. After all, Musks corporation has the clout to put up a strong fight. First, though, a look at how the CCC became so powerful and agenda-driven and how it has tyrannized the more helpless.

The commission was created in 1972 in response to complaints that private development blocked beach access and hampered the protection of the coast for the publics enjoyment. Proposition 20, an activist initiative to create the commission, was approved by 55% of voters, which paved the way for the California Coastal Act of 1976.

The legislation gave the CCC jurisdiction over 1,100 miles of Californias combined coastline and shoreline, stretching three miles into the Pacific and several hundred feet to five miles inland. The San Francisco Bay area, under its own commission, is excluded. Effectively, the CCCs writ also runs over 1.5 million acres of land, on which 50% of Californians live.

The CCC has quasi-legislative, quasi-judicial, and quasi-administrative powers. It can frame rules and regulations, veto permits issued by local governments, order government agencies and citizens to follow its orders, cite property owners for violations, and fine citizens and state agencies alike. It operates without time constraints. These vast powers are vested in 12 voting members with four-year terms (all political appointments) and three ex-officio non-voting members.

The 2014 decision of the California legislature to let the CCC impose fines of up to $11,250 per day made it a power unto itself. Now, instead of going to court to enforce orders, the commission started holding its own hearings. Property owners were denied the opportunity to rebut evidence against them or summon and cross-examine witnesses.

Since the commission operated without time constraints, the fear of mounting daily fines kept property owners, especially private citizens, in tight check. The CCCs overriding powers also forced them to suffer unfair, even nonsensical, rulings. Rather than sue the CCC when due process was denied, they sold their properties, often at a loss.

In the Warren and Henny Lent case, the CCC imposed an arbitrary fine of a whopping $4.185 million. In 2002, the Lents bought a home along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. Five years later, the CCC pulled out 25-year-old blueprints used by the original owners to build the house in the early 1980s and claimed that a staircase and a gate violated easement terms.

The Lents said they were unaware of any violations by the previous owners and couldnt be held responsible for any violations. In fact, they were able to show that there were no violations. The staircase was for emergency egress from the upper story, and the gate kept passers-by trying to reach the easement to the beach, safe from a six- to seven-foot fall to a wooden landing.

However, faced with the fine, the Lents removed the gate  only to find it reinstalled to protect the public from the drop. The Court of Appeals upheld the CCCs power to fine for blocking public beach access. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case, and the fines remain in place. As a Cato Institute brief points out, the Lents case is no outlier. Unbridled, the CCC will continue to go after citizens with the threat of massive fines.

When David and Stephanie Tibbitts wanted to retrofit their oceanfront house in San Luis Obispo County to make it accessible for wheelchair-bound David, the CCC stepped in despite having no jurisdiction. The local authority had granted permission for the changes, but the CCC said the Tibbittses must remove a seawall that predates the Coastal Act and is not bound by it.

After nearly three years of fighting, the Tibbittses were allowed to make the changes to their home. The Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF), the pro bono law firm that appeared in both cases, says the CCCs interference tactic in the Tibbitts case is part of its long-term plan to expand its power over local government and have the final say over everything that happens near the coast.

The CCCs action against Musks SpaceX lends credence to that allegation. Last year, it rejected SpaceXs plan to increase Falcon 9 rocket launches to 50 annually, claiming they would affect wildlife. However, statements by three commissioners affirm that the action is related not to any wildlife concerns but to Musks politics.

Indeed, politics is in the very DNA of the CCC. Peter M. Douglas, the principal author of Proposition 20 and the Coastal Act of 1976, which created the CCC, was an early social justice activist and environmentalist who abhorred capitalism. He described it as dehumanizing, amoral corporate capitalism and imperialism.

In his 26 years as executive director of the CCC, Douglas reoriented the agency and the state away from development toward his own brand of environmentalism. Although he opposed private property and development, he owned a house in ecologically sensitive Point Reyes, right on the coast.

That holier-than-thou hunger for control and hubristic belief that activists know whats best for the world thrives in the CCC. It has now insinuated itself into the rebuilding of the Pacific Palisades. Governor Gavin Newsom said in February, You cant rebuild the same. We have to rebuild with science, with climate reality in mind.

Acting in concert, the CCC will likely make things difficult for fire victims by blocking rebuilding with time-consuming requirements. In addition, the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors has asked the legislature to repeal fast-track building laws, claiming this would speed up reconstruction. Of course, this is just a tactic to make rebuilding more difficult.

However, at least one state representative, Kevin Kiley, is fighting back  both against the interference in the Palisades reconstruction and to cut the CCC down to size. In March, he introduced the Coastal Commission Accountability Act to strip the CCC of its powers. The California Coastal Commission is simply out of control and has veered far from its purpose of protecting the coast, he said. The need to rein in the commission has become urgent as we face the challenge of rebuilding Los Angeles following the fires.

Its high time this body of unelected bureaucrats, who put politics and junk science above property rights and citizens welfare, and even extract bribes, is disbanded.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church, died Easter Monday morning, and his funeral was attended by thousands of mourners and a few faux Catholics like the Bidens and Nancy Pelosi.

Almost immediately after his death was announced, the media was swarmed with responses from Hollywood stars and other celebrities expressing their sympathy for the passing of this beloved pontiff. Many other Catholics, conservative and fundamentalist, more likely silently thought, Ding, Dong, the pope is dead.

I, myself, do not believe that Pope Francis was an evil man, nor do I feel that he is suffering in Hell, as some of the nasty commentators posted on various blogs.

I believe he was a very compassionate man who cared deeply for the disenfranchised and those people who are considered unworthy sinners by judgmental critics. He has been quoted as saying, Who am I to judge? when confronted by reporters after advocating that gay and lesbian couples be allowed to have their own families, so he allowed priests to bless gay couples, and cleared the way for transgender Catholics to be baptized and even serve as godparents.

No wonder he is beloved by the progressive community.

Unfortunately, like so many liberals, the pope forgot that as the Vicar of Christ, he is required to judge and to remember what Jesus Christ said to the sinners he embraced, Go, and sin no more.

I do believe he was, like many Jesuits, incredibly naive. His pronouncements on climate change, illegal immigration, and global economics were not any issues that we Catholics have to adhere to, but as long as he remained staunchly pro-life, he was my pope.

I have read several caustic comments about the woke pope, which claim that he has destroyed the Catholic Church. No pope can destroy the Church founded by Jesus Christ because it is safeguarded by the Holy Spirit. Just compare the late pope to the really bad and evil popes in the past and recognize that, as evil as they were, they never changed the dogma of faith and morals given to us by our Lord, Jesus Christ.

And boy, did we survive many bad popes. Pope John XII (955-964) allegedly murdered several people; Pope Benedict IX (1032-1044) was accused of selling the Papacy; Pope Urban VI (1378-1389) tortured cardinals who had conspired against him. But perhaps the worst one is Pope Sergius III (904-911), who reputedly ordered the murder of his two immediate predecessors, Leo V and Christopher, and allegedly fathered illegitimately a son who later became pope, John XI. His pontificate has been described as dismal and disgraceful.

It was inevitable that Pope Francis, who was the first pope from the Americas, would embrace his papal reign with the theology of liberalism. Liberation theology is a theological movement that emerged in the 1960s, particularly in Latin America, which emphasizes the Church's role in addressing social and political injustices, especially poverty and oppression. It is fundamentally anti-capitalistic and has as its root Marxist social analysis, particularly its critique of structural inequality and class oppression.

But the Catholic Church is adamantly anti-socialism and pro-capitalism. When Jesus Christ said, the poor will always be with you, He added that this is because sin is always there. It is up to each individual to care for the poor rather than to wait for Caesar, a.k.a. the government, to do it.

As the papal conclave is assembled to pick the next pope, many on the left are afraid that the next pontiff will be super-conservative. I am just hoping that our next pope will be a man who is a true vicar to guide the Church in His name.



As much as I may have disagreed with Pope Franciss advocacy for change in the Church, he did once perform a very significant and positive action that magnified the most important tenet of the Church -- the Divine presence in the Eucharist.

In 1996, while still an archbishop in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was shown a consecrated communion wafer that had begun to change into flesh. He immediately safeguarded the host and then sent it to New York to be thoroughly scientifically examined by experts without revealing that it actually was a communion wafer. The flesh was determined to be living heart tissue and had the same blood type as found in the many other eucharistic miracles, and also on the Shroud of Turin.

Why is it AB positive? Because this is the universal recipient blood type. Makes sense, right?

For more information on eucharistic miracles, you can access all at carloacutis.com. This site was created by a young British-Italian man, Carlo Acutis, who died at 15. He will be named the first Millennium saint (after the conclave picks the next pope) for using his coding skills to spread Christian teachings online.

Perhaps Pope Franciss wisdom and belief in the Real Presence of Christ were why the Holy Spirit chose him as the next pope.

Thank you, Pope Francis, and may you rest in peace with God in Heaven.

Alicia Colon welcomes reader correspondence and can be reached at aliciav.colon@gmail.com.

Correction: Due to an editor's error, an earlier version incorrectly identified the author of the piece.

Image: Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Haemi Castle, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do), via Wikipedia
It was an awkward but inevitable consequence of the unconditional surrenders of Japan and Germany in 1945 that the USA emerged from WWII not only victorious but also as the leader of a vast global de facto empire.

That this empire was strictly de facto and not de jure was of little comfort to those embarrassed by the fact that possessing an empire was incompatible with our national political doctrine, something Pat Buchanan noted with some trepidation in his A Republic, Not An Empire.

The American Declaration of Independence was published on July 4, 1776, some 15 months after the shot heard round the world on April 19, 1775, at Lexington and Concord. This publication, following unsuccessful attempts at reconciliation with Britain, declared to the entire world the American Revolutions goal and necessity, and in particular declared the American Doctrine of government.

Image by Grok.

The American doctrine consists of the five central principles proclaimed to all the world in our Declaration of Independence:

1. All men are created (politically) equal.

2. All men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including (a) life, (b) liberty, and (c) the pursuit of happiness.

3. The purpose of government is to secure these rights.

4. Government derives its just powers from the consent of the governed.

5. Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.

These principles are inconsistent with an empire, and, indeed, America is not an imperialist power. To the contrary, the U.S. recognizes the human right of self-government, which means democracy. Democracy can exist in multiple forms, but the most time-tested, practical, and successful is a representative democracy, aka, a republic.

The Founders understood this. When Philadelphia socialite Elizabeth Willing Powel met Benjamin Franklin outside of Constitution Hall, she asked, Well, Doctor, who have we got? A republic or a monarchy? Franklin responded with both an assurance and a warning: A republic, if you can keep it.

We currently have four determined and capable enemies: China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea, three of which claim some form of democratic governance but all of which are, practically speaking, totalitarian states that do not meet any of the principles the Declaration of Independence set out for good governance.

However, both China and Iran have repeatedly had courageous democratization movements bubble to the surface with demands for liberty.

In recognition of these peoples rights to self-government (and all peoples rights) as declared in the American Doctrine, Americas foreign policy should focus on assuring these brave dissenters that the USA wholly supports their quest for a genuine republic, rather than the faux representative democracies masquerading under the labels The Peoples Republic of China or the Islamic Republic of Iran.

These people deserve to be assured that their movements success will not force them into an American global empire. The opposite is true. It means erecting their own chosen form of republic, which will be honored and welcomed into the circle of free nations on Planet Earth.
Did the person in charge of the disastrous Mulvaney Bud Light commercial campaign go to work at Amazon? In a potentially bizarre move that can only be attributed to insidious insularity in the Amazon Spheres, Amazon considered disclosing the cost of U.S. tariffs next to prices for its products.

Initial reports erred towards headline-grabbing truthiness rather than updated facts. In fact, it turns out that Amazon is not considering displaying a tariff surcharge on the main site. However, there was some initial confusion about their inclusion on their Amazon Haul store, which offers deep discounts on cheaper productsoften dumped on us by China.

It now seems that Amazon has relented to pressure from the White House, which included Karoline Leavitt describing the proposal in stark terms, such as a hostile and political act. Now, even Amazons Haul site wont include tariff listings. Whats alarming, though, is that such considerations reverberated so long, likely surviving many strategy sessions before President Trump had to take his precious time to intervene.

YouTube screen grab (cropped).

How did it get that far? Consider this: a spokesperson said, The team that runs our ultra-low cost Amazon Haul store has considered the idea of listing import charges on certain products [emphasis added]. In a way, that couldve been even worse than their main site because the price differential would be greater and duly noted by price-conscious consumers. A preponderance of their marketplace sellers are Chinese manufacturers.

Its often hard to discard bad ideas that have misguided momentum in the C-Suite, but a call from Trump to Bezos will do the trick. I wonder if, during the call, President Trump congratulated Bezos on the recent launch of the satellites that are bound for the Kuiper internet constellation. Hint-hint. Their purpose is to provide speedy, low-latency, broadband internet services. Turns out that the U.S. government, NASA in particular, is partially subsidizing that.

Who knows? Maybe DOGE may pay them another visit. Hint-hint. Who knows? Maybe competitor Starlink(SpaceX) may get a more favorable launch schedule. Whatever carrots and sticks the master negotiator dangled before Bezos, it worked  Amazon backed down.

Fortunately, Bezos is very business-savvy. Displaying tariff surcharges on Amazons low-cost Haul Site would have been a peevishly petulant pricing practice. It is wise to play the long game, and to suck it up for now! Heck, Amazon has a ready-made excuse, if needed, should margins tumble on their next quarterly earnings report.

Meanwhile, Trump, as always, was gracious in victory:

 NOW: President Trump reacts to Jeff Bezos and Amazon backing down on tariff prices



"Jeff Bezos was very nice. He was terrific. He solved the problem very quickly and he did the right thing."

pic.twitter.com/IiSU63iLEk https://t.co/iRsOOeG8x3  Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 29, 2025

In the meantime, Amazon should do its patriotic duty and align itself with the administrations herculean efforts to finally bring balance, fairness, and rationality to world trade economic systems. In the long run, that will be better for business than cozying up to China.

Consider this: Amazon brags about being customer-centric, but President Trump is ensuring it is America-centric.
Several years ago, a U.S. citizen friend who was originally from Argentina, told me she had a tough time explaining her career choice of police officer in the U.S. to her family back home. That's because police in her country are considered corrupt human rights violators as bad as or worse than common street thugs.

That's about what you get in a lot of third world countries, but that never stopped California's Gov. Gavin Newsom from signing SB 960 in 2022, dropping a U.S. citizenship requirement to become a police officer, in the name of representation and 'diversity.' You could be a proud citizen of the third world and enforce laws the way you enforce laws back home onto the racist and hopelessly flawed Americans. All you needed was a work permit, something readily given to those claiming asylum before their cases are heard.

What could go wrong?

Longtime investigative reporter Dan Noyes, now at ABC7, found what could go wrong:

BELMONT, Calif. (KGO) -- The I-Team has learned that the Belmont police officer arrested for rape last week had an arrest for domestic violence several years ago, before he became an officer. That's raising questions about whether he should have been hired at the Belmont Police Department in the first place. We have new information on his previous arrest and his immigration status. The I-Team confirmed Felipe Gomes is not a U.S. citizen but has a work permit, so he is allowed to serve as a police officer in this state under a recent law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Just four months ago, Belmont Police Chief Ken Stenquist presented his new recruits, including 35-year-old Gomes. "He was in the Brazilian Air Force and part of their Air Force Police," Chief Stenquist said. "He was a full-time police soldier and left that position when he moved to the United States. He enjoys practicing jiu jitsu and attending church when he's not working."

Seems they needed to celebrate diversity, so they ended up with a rapist on the force.

Sure, the left claims, he was just a bad seed, there are plenty of those from the domestic population, too.

But there are a lot of these problem cases:

This isnt an isolated incident, the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department has already had two DACA deputies arrested. This is one of them. https://t.co/YbCXvv5lXf  F-O-X-5 (@F_O_X_5) April 30, 2025

And the problem in the man's background, which was an accusation of wife-beating in 2017, was delivered to the Belmont Police Department, which ignored it.

But the other problem was in vetting those with records from abroad:

Nevertheless several lawmakers opposed the bill, including Assemblymember Tom Lackey, a Republican from Palmdale and a former California Highway Patrol background investigator. California law enforcement agencies have limited capabilities to determine the criminal background of foreign nationals, which the federal government does prior to granting citizenship that enables service as a peace officer in most agencies, Lackey told CalMatters in a statement. Additionally, someone who is not legally in the U.S. cannot legally possess a firearm, which is an essential tool for officers, he said.

A non-citizen would not necessarily have, or need to have American values. He could have third-world values, which include shaking down mordidas from citizens, engaging in death squad activity, lying on reports, or in this man's case, extracurricular rape against those too helpless to resist with a side of wife-beating.

These practices are commonly seen in the third world and as the opposition lawmaker said, very difficult to check.

Aside from that, how loyal to America's laws could a foreigner be if he hadn't taken time and commitment to apply for U.S. citizenship, whether he was an illegal granted DACA privileges or legally here on a green card?

Something like this would be opaque to most Democrats like Newsom who don't like the country anyway. How could you be against putting a former foreign cop or death squad member on payroll to police the U.S. citizens if you didn't like the citizens to begin with? It's also weirdly presumptuous that all countries are culturally alike and share Newsom's values.

Now we are seeing a wave of foreign-citizen crime from immense positions of power, such as those of the police. Not only was a helpless person raped, so was the citizenry, at least mentally, to see foreigners like this with full police powers over them.

Image: Screen shot from YouTube video
In a Washington, D.C. restaurant, an illegal alien working as a professional thief thought he had hit paydirt.

He found a handbag sitting on the floor, Gucci, to be exact, which would be easy steal with a little stealth technique.

Better still, once he got it, he found $3,000 in it. He didn't notice the government I.D. of the owner, the pretty lady he had taken for an easy mark.

He decided to reward himself, according to the New York Post:

The booze-hound illegal migrant who snatched Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems Gucci purse brazenly drank for hours with her Amex card at an Italian eatery after pulling off the caper, according to shocking details released by the feds. Mario Bustamante-Leiva, 49, was caught on camera blowing $205.87 on food and alcohol at Angolo Ristorante Italiano in Washington, DC, on April 20 just minutes after he slyly made off with her shoulder bag, charging documents from the US Attorneys office of DC show.

Turns out it was his unlucky day -- the woman he stole the bag from was the deporter-in-chief -- and as a top federal official had the resources to find the criminals, and make examples of him and a confederate. This wasn't Muriel Bowser's Washington they were robbing, as they no doubt thought, this was the feds under the Trump administration. The thief didn't expect that they would hunt him down through security cameras, catching him drinking away on her credit card. He'd probably done it a thousand times before with no consequences.

He's not going to be thieving in the U.S. much, one can infer, now that the bust has been announced.

As for Noem, it was an unwelcome up-close encounter with a sanctuary city, the home of illegal aliens. Coming from South Dakota, she probably wasn't aware that one must latch one's handbag, at least under the leg of the chair, if not keep it around one's arm all the time in these surroundings. Normal people don't need to do that. Only low-trust societies, such as those found in the third world do. I learned this in San Francisco as a teenager in the 1980s when the same thing happened to me, in a nice restaurant no less. It's how blue cities roll, particularly when there is no law enforcement worthy of the name, which started early in the City by the Bay, but eventually spread through the country with the advent of South America's theft rings, of whom these thieves seemed to belong.

As for carrying around $3,000? Yes, it could have happened, maybe she cashed a check and was taking home some money to have around the house if needed. Certainly the people of Spain, fresh from a greenie-induced blackout, are learning the value of that.

Two things stand out about this incident:

One, it comes as a surprise to no one that the brazen thief and his co-thief were an illegal aliens, from Chile where professional theft rings have been plaguing the U.S. for a while now, putting paid to the leftist narrative that illegal immigants wouldn't dream of commiting street crimes while ensconced in the U.S. without authorization.

While most illegals don't commit this professional level of crime, which takes a certain amount of practice and training, the incident shows that there are enough illegals of this kind here to make a difference in how we live. Soon, we will be living behind high walls, our social life will revolve around dinner parties solely with people we know, we won't wear jewels or fancy watches in public, we will throw our purses in our car trunks, we will all have security guards and we will drive in bulletproof cars -- which is how the middle and upper classes have to live in many countries in South America. Welcome to the new normal, the low-trust societies brought to us by Joe Biden's open borders and Washington, D.C.'s do-nothing prosecutors and disincentivized cops. The Chilean gangs, by the way, aren't the only imported thieves, South Asia has some impressive ones, too.

Two, that this could happen even to Noem, whose face should have been known to the thieves, tells us we are all vulnerable; we now live in a sea of crime, imported in by Joe Biden. When the thievery is so saturated in society it can even hit someone like Noem, we know it's thick on the ground, with thousands of victims without her resources (and the need, given the security concerns and the lack of knowledge of the motive) to catch the thief.

I've been a victim of what is almost certainly these Chilean gangs let in by Joe Biden myself -- two years ago, my car was robbed, of $3,000 worth of cashmere sweaters I was planning to take to storage, hidden in a black garbage bag. Rolling in at 4:30 a.m., the thieves working silently from a car with a chase car behind them to lift the items, carefully choosing only the best as I worked at the computer here. It was astonishing that they could break in and find the exact valuable items and I didn't hear a thing. They left the car door open so as not to create a sound. The cops took my police report and the neighbor's security camera footage showing the organized group in the act but told me they weren't going to do anything beyond maybe sending some extra patrols to the neighborhood. Whoop-dee-do. They told me I could look for the sweaters online and advise consignment shops, which I did, to no avail.

In that kind of atmosphere, thievery flourishes and theft rings grow richer and bigger.

So now it's hit Noem. It underlines how important her mission is, to remove the plague of illegals committing property and violent crimes in addition to undermining rule of law with their abuse of the asylum system.

I hope the feds throw the book at these thieves and force them to reveal their bosses and organizers, putting them in an appropriate place like the CECOT prison in El Salvador. Societies can't function with people like this around who make the quality of life for all go downhill. And I hope Noem gets her money back. This is what we voted for.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
It happened sometime during the summer of 1975. I was working plainclothes duty out of the 105 Precinct in Queens, New York. My partner and I responded to a call of cries for help in an apartment building. When we pulled up on the scene, we saw a young woman climbing down a fire escape, screaming hysterically. Her clothes were torn and bloody, and she had cuts and bruises on her arms and legs. After we calmed her down and summoned an ambulance, she told us she had been beaten, raped, and sodomized by a man she had met in a bar the previous night. Although she had accompanied him to his apartment, she alleged that he had held her against her will, locked the doors, and raped her several times, including sodomizing her. When he fell asleep, she quietly crept into the bathroom, broke the window, and squeezed through to the fire escape. I arrested the guy and arraigned him in Queens Criminal Court.

A few days later, the case was on the docket for a preliminary hearing. I had my facts in order, my evidence vouchers in hand, and the complainant in the courtroom. Before the case was called, I was summoned to the office of the assistant district attorney in charge of the Sex Crimes Unit. I was ushered into her office by a NYC police lieutenant assigned to her as a liaison. He stood in the corner of the room like a sentinel as she intermittently read the arrest report and looked over her glasses at me. She was the first person to take charge of this new unit, which was specifically designed to be a tough enforcement arm of the justice system, assuring that sexually victimized women would have a strong voice in the courtroom. After reading the documents, she began writing on a yellow pad as she spoke to me without looking up.

Im going to reduce this, she said matter-of-factly, from first degree rape to unlawful imprisonment and simple assault. The defendant will agree to the reduction to a misdemeanor, and he will accept the appropriate sentence. The shock on my face must have resonated with her, because she stopped writing and sat back on her recliner. You dont have a problem with that, do you, Officer? she said, with more than a hint of intimidation in her voice.

I told her that not only did I have a problem with it, but I would refuse to go along with it in court. I knew, as she did, that the judge always asked for the arresting officers consent when a reduction was requested. With a disdainful frown on her face, she looked toward the lieutenant and nodded.

He asked me to accompany him to a nearby room, where he proceeded to pull rank in order to get me to comply with the ADA. Since I had one of the highest rates of arrests and convictions in my precinct, which provided me with the undying gratitude of my commanding officer, I told him what he could do with his rank. In addition, I told him that if the ADA even tried to have the charge reduced, I would pursue an interview with a newspaper and expose the sham being perpetrated upon the public by the highly publicized new unit and its politically ambitious ADA.

In fact, the ADA didnt want to take a chance on losing any cases by going to trial. She knew that every reduced charge conviction was still a win on her record. I forced the case to trial, and the defendant was convicted on all charges. The victory was bittersweet, because although I had vindicated myself and justice had prevailed, the ADA ended up with a win on a felony count instead of the misdemeanor she had bargained for.

I ran into her only a few times after that, and it was always in the courtroom, not in her office. Soon she ran for and was elected district attorney of Queens County. Her propaganda machine extolled her virtues as a fierce proponent of law and order, and protector of womens rights. I couldnt help laughing when I saw the posters of her stating that she would fight for her sisters against the male-dominated hierarchy.

But I didnt receive true satisfaction until she ran for vice president in 1984. Thats when President Reagan and V.P. George H.W. Bush won a landslide victory over Walter Mondale and his crime-fighting womens liberationist running mate, Geraldine Ferraro. I began to believe there was justice in the world.

Image: scoutnurse via Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 (cropped).
On November 5, 2024, we saw a red wave for Donald Trump move across the United States of America. Still, unlike the rest of the country, Oregon voted to go bluer, and give the Democrats a supermajority in the Oregon legislature.

In April/May of 2025, Oregon saw a lethal bloom of red ink; as Margaret Thatcher said, The problem with socialism is that eventually, you run out of other peoples money.

In Oregon, we see the embodiment of a red algae bloom moving through all levels of Oregons government, stifling and killing every feel-good utopian program that the Democrats wanted or desired. This was even before DOGE, and Trump shut down federal funds.

Lets start with Portland, which has a $93 million shortfall in the 2025 city budget. Next, we have this, from the boondoggle that is the TriMet: Imagine a government agency that burns its way to 6 billion dollars in losses in the last ten years.

If we move up a level to a county government, we will have the same red ink problems:

Washington County has crafted a proposed $2 billion budget that would erase a $20.5 million shortfall in the countys general fund. On Monday evening, April 28, the county unveiled a spending plan that plugs the gap between projected revenues and expenditures, with cuts to general fund allotments to the transportation improvement program, library services, public safety and the Department of Health and Human Services. This is the fifth year in a row that the county has faced a general fund gap before final budget adoption. The general fund is supported primarily by property taxes.

In the Oregon 2025 legislative session, around 33 or 35 tax bills were submitted, including a gas tax, a tire tax, an alcohol tax, a well water usage tax, and a 1% sales tax on new cars, even though the state doesnt want to call it a sales tax.

I could go on adding links for a few more examples, but you get the picture.

Oregon is broken. The financial system is collapsing under unpaid debt and a supermajority Democrat philosophy that considers people are nothing but appendages to their wallets. The red algae bloom is slowly seeping through Oregons infrastructure, and all those NGOs and agencies are dying because of a lack of funding. I think Margaret Thatchers observation hits the nail right on the head, but Oregon believes it is the exception to that statement. Pain has a unique way of reorienting your thinking.

In his blustering bragging, one of our state senators said, Oregons election system is the model for others in the country. I hope anybody reading this post understands that any one-party system of government without checks and balances leads to corruption in elections and a deadly red ink wave at every level of government. Do not use Oregon as a model for anything you think is good, or it will cost you dearly.

John Woods: Father, Husband, Conservative, Activist, Patriot, Veteran, Certified Action Range Shooter, Voting Delegate to the Oregon Republican Party.

Image generated by AI.
Trump Derangement Syndrome is alive and well north of the border. To paraphrase something I heard on a Canadian podcast, Americans dont realize how much we (i.e., Canadians) hate Trump. Actually, we do. Its the radical wing of the Democrat party or the people that we see on TV.

So, PM-elect Carney will soon take over. As I understand, its a narrow victory:

Carneys party had about 43% of the national vote, but may fall short of the 172 seats needed for a majority in the House of Commons, meaning the government would be forced to work with other parties to pass budgets and other legislation. Under the tightest scenarios, the Bloc Quebecois, which runs candidates only in French-speaking Quebec, might hold the balance of power.

OK, I guess thats what they call a narrow victory.

Some Canadians may be using 4-letter words to describe whats coming.

Its hard to see how future PM Carney will fix housing costs, the lack of investment, and over-taxation. Even their much-talked-about health care program is not clicking well, as people wait longer periods for treatment.

Lets check out things:

The real measuring stick of a countrys economy, Osberg said, is real GDP per capita, an economys production per person. Canadas real GDP per capita in the third quarter declined for the sixth consecutive quarter, falling by 0.4 per cent. The unemployment rate in November rose to 6.8 per cent, up one percentage point from the same time last year. In terms of GDP per capita, weve been in a recession for some time now and the increase in the unemployment rate reflects that, Osberg said.

Beyond economic numbers, just talk to Canadians about their country. They are fed up with the cost of living, crazy immigration, and crime. They know deep inside that their countrys future is in danger. Again, just talk to real people stuck in a Toronto traffic jam because some foreign guests are having a prayer moment on a busy street.

So, Canadas problem is not Trump, but its so easy to blame the Orange Man, who exposed just how weak their economy is.

And did I tell you that they cant meet their NATO commitments?

So, PM Carney has his work cut out for him. We wish him well.

Image: Canadas new prime minister dancing (cropped).

P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.
In his extensive and deeply intellectual essay The Athenian Mirror: Reflections on Democracy in Crisis, Roger Kimball pays homage to the Athens of the time of Pericles. Kimball reflects on what has been called one of the greatest orations of all time: Pericless Funeral Oration, given on the first anniversary of the war with Sparta to memorialize those Athenian warriors who had fallen in that ultimately disastrous war, which went on for another 27 years after his speech.

We see in Pericles the commanding general and First Man of Athens, a leader who was immensely proud of his state and what it stood for, and why it was worth dying for, as so many at that time had already done. We have seen woefully little of that kind of pride of nation in our leaders before and after the two Trump presidencies, especially with the Obama-Biden brand of visceral hatred of everything at least half the nation they led believes in.

Though it is difficult for me to be objective about my favorite president, Ronald W. Reagan, I feel that he showed us those Periclean qualities for his eight years in office: an unbounded love of and pride in America, his enthusiastic optimism for the country he served and loved, his unabashed attitude that it was Morning in America! and that You and I have a rendezvous with destiny  emotions those of us who love our nation thirsted for in the dark years of hatred and tyranny brought to us by the Democrats, primarily the hater-in-chief, Barack Hussein Obama.

Kimball begins his discussion by noting some observations from the great classicist Victor Davis Hanson, in which he notes

that the unabashed confidence of Pericles in his own civilization and national ethos . . . were once gold standards for unapologetic Western democratic rhetoricians. And not only rhetoricians, but for Western democracies tout court. Pericles, Hanson observes, reminds us that should a great culture not feel that its values and achievements are exceptional, then no one else will either.

Then, before examining some passages from the famous speech, he asks what Pericles stood for. And what lessons does the leader of the first experiment in democracy have for us?

Athenian democracy was not just a system of government, but a way of life. Kimball explains that there were two keynotes to that way of life:

freedom and tolerance, on the one hand, and responsible behavior and attention to duty, on the other. The two go together. We Athenians, Pericles said, are free and tolerant in our private lives, but in public affairs we keep to the law  including, he added in an important proviso, those unwritten laws, like the lawlike commands of taste, manners, and morals  which it is an acknowledged shame to break. Freedom and tolerance, Pericles suggested, were blossoms supported by roots that reached deep into the soil of duty. Burke again: Manners are of more importance than law. ... The law touches us but here and there and now and then. Manners are what vex or soothe, corrupt or purify, exalt or debase, barbarize or refine us, by a constant, steady, uniform, and insensible operation like that of the air we breathe in.

I found these words of Pericles especially timely in view of what seems to be a growing number of our fellow Americans who eschew, or pretend to eschew, politics altogether and have little or no tolerance for any viewpoint but the narrative they are indoctrinated to espouse:

We do not say that a man who takes no interest in politics is a man who minds his own business we say that he has no business here at all.

Kimball also notes the troubling tendencies in the West today related to the spread of egalitarianism. The core of this idea would have been anathema to Pericles, as it threatens to overwhelm that other great social impulse, the impulse to achieve, to excel, to surpass: always to be best and to rise above others, as Homer put it in one classic expression of the agonistic spirit.

Those impulses, so critical to the overwhelming success of the Athens of Pericles, certainly define President Reagan, who, in my opinion, loved his country more openly and optimistically than many who preceded him. To my mind, they also characterize our current president, Donald J. Trump.

There are so many examples of President Reagans unbounded love for his country that it would be impossible even to begin a full discussion of them. Obviously, his confidence in the exceptional nature of his country shone through in his famous speech at the Brandenburg Gate  Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall! But perhaps his most iconic speech was the one he gave for Barry Goldwater in 1964  A time for choosing, a portion of which a family member, knowing of my dedication to the memory of President Reagan, had framed and is presently hanging on the wall of my den. The text is here, and it makes for electrifying  one is tempted to say Periclean  reading. Here is the portion that lent its content to become the commonly known title:

You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. Well preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or well sentence them to take the last step into a thousand years of darkness.

Several speeches of President Trump would, in my opinion, certainly meet the high bar history has set in comparing any leader to Pericles. The one I would select was from his first term and was given in Warsaw. I would submit the Warsaw speech as the most Periclean of all his utterances. Here is one of my favorite passages:

We write symphonies. We pursue innovation. We celebrate our ancient heroes, embrace our timeless traditions and customs, and always seek to explore and discover brand-new frontiers. We reward brilliance. We strive for excellence, and cherish inspiring works of art that honor God. We treasure the rule of law and protect the right to free speech and free expression. We empower women as pillars of our society and of our success. We put faith and family, not government and bureaucracy, at the center of our lives. And we debate everything. We challenge everything. We seek to know everything so that we can better know ourselves. And above all, we value the dignity of every human life, protect the rights of every person, and share the hope of every soul to live in freedom. That is who we are. Those are the priceless ties that bind us together as nations, as allies, and as a civilization.

Pericles said this about the Athenian form of government:

Our form of government does not enter into rivalry with the institutions of others. Our government does not copy our neighbors, but is an example to them. It is true that we are called a democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many and not of the few. But while there exists equal justice to all and alike in their private disputes, the claim of excellence is also recognized; and when a citizen is in any way distinguished, he is preferred to the public service, not as a matter of privilege, but as the reward of merit. Neither is poverty an obstacle, but a man may benefit his country whatever the obscurity of his condition.

I respectfully submit that we have had one president who more than met his standard, and we have a current president whose oft-repeated dedication to and love for his country also qualify him for that honor.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.


Two Maori gum-diggers pose with a substantial pile of kauri gum, representing a weeks labour. Photo credit: Museum at Te Ahu

In the middle of the 19th century, New Zealands South Island struck gold. Gabriel Read, an Australian prospector who had previously searched for gold in California and Australia, discovered the precious metal in a creek bed near Lawrence. News of the find spread quickly, drawing thousands of prospectors from the dwindling goldfields of Australia, as well as from Europe, the United States, and China. Boomtowns such as Dunedin, Lawrence, Hokitika, and Thames expanded rapidly, with some populations quadrupling within just a few years.

Less than a thousand kilometers away, in New Zealands North Island, a different kind of gold rush was on. At its peak, at the turn of the 20th century, some 20,000 fortune-hunters were spread across some 800,000 acres of land looking not for metallic gold, but a treasure that closely resembled itdried gum from kauri trees. Known as kauri gum, this natural treasure ranged in colour from chalky white to reddish-brown to deep black, but the most coveted was a rich, golden hue that could be polished to a glass-like finish. Kauri gum became one of New Zealands most striking and valued natural products.

Agathis australis, or kauri, is a coniferous tree with a remarkably narrow natural range. It grows only north of 38S latitude, confined to the northernmost regions of New Zealands North Island. During the last ice age, advancing glaciers forced the species very far north, until its habitat was reduced to a small pocket in the North Island. As the climate warmed and the ice sheets retreated, kauri trees gradually expanded southward, reaching as far as Kawhia Harbour in the west and the eastern Kaimai Range.



Tane Mahutathe largest living kauri tree. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

The kauri grows tall and straight, making its timber highly sought after for shipbuilding and construction. Kauri trunk wood has been used in everything from furniture and bridges to fences and railway sleepers.

In addition to its valuable wood, the kauri produces a resin known as kauri gum, which held significant value for the Maori. The gum seeps from cracks in the trees bark and hardens upon contact with air, forming a natural sealant that protects the tree from further damage. As the kauri grows and sheds its bark, the hardened gum often falls to the ground around the base of the tree. When the tree eventually dies and decays, the gum remains in the soil. Over time, layers of earth or swamp may cover these deposits, preserving them underground for thousands of years.

The Maori called the resin kapia. When fresh and soft, they used it as a type of chewing gum. Older gum was sometimes soaked in the juice of the puha thistle to soften it and make it more palatable. Chewed gum was also used medicinally, believed to help treat vomiting, diarrhoea, and other digestive ailments.

The resins ability to burn brightly and with intense heat made it useful as a natural firelighter. Maori also burned kauri gum as torches. When the soot from the burning gum was collected, pounded, and mixed with oil, it created a thick black pigment that was used in traditional facial tattooing. Kauri gum was also crafted into jewellery, keepsakes, and small decorative objects.



A polished kauri gum. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons



A mid 19th century carving in kauri gum of a Maori warrior. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

When British explorer James Cook landed at Mercury Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula in 1769, he came across resinous lumps, which he mistakenly believed had come from mangroves. It wasnt until 1819 that a British missionary positively identified the substance as a product of the kauri tree.

Initially, kauri gum attracted little attention in Europe. According to a report in a Whangarei newspaper, in 1836 Captain James ClendonMagistrate and Collector of Customs at Rawene on the Hokiangasent a trial shipment of 20 tons of gum to London. The cargo was deemed worthless and dumped into the Thames. Sometime later, the story goes, a young boy playing along the riverbank found a piece of the gum and took it home, intrigued by what he called a stone that floats. His father, who was in the varnish trade, had the gum analysed and discovered it as a good ingredient for varnish, and an industry was born.

As demand for kauri gum grew in London and America, both Maori and European settlers turned to collecting it. In the early days, gum was easily found lying on the forest floor. But by 1850, most of the surface deposits had been gathered, and diggers began turning to the soil, probing and excavating to reach buried gum deposits.

Gum-digging was hard and dirty work. Men used long iron rods to probe the ground, searching for the tell-tale resistance of buried resin. Once located, the gum had to be dug upsometimes from as deep as six meters below the surfacethen cleaned, scraped, and sorted by colour and clarity.

Gum-digging camps sprang up across Northland and Auckland, drawing a diverse mix of settlers, including many Maori, European immigrants, and a significant number of Dalmatians from what is now Croatia. These diggers often lived in rough conditions, sheltering in huts made from scrub or canvas, enduring mud, isolation, and long days of labour in the swamps and forests.



Two men washing dishes in a tin basin at a gum climbers' camp by the Waipapa River, 1918. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

While Maori had long harvested gum for use in fire-starting, tattooing, and as a form of chewing gum, the commercial boom altered traditional practices. Many Maori joined the gum-digging economy, adapting their skills to the growing demand from overseas markets. For European and Dalmatian settlers, gum-digging offered one of the few ways to earn a living in the sparsely populated north.

The towns of Dargaville, Kaitaia, and Kaikohe became hubs of the gum industry, with merchants and exporters setting up warehouses to buy, process, and ship the resin. Schools, stores, and post offices followed, gradually transforming once-remote bushland into semi-permanent settlements. Gum exports grew into a major industry that helped fuel the development of Auckland. Between 1850 and 1950, more than 450,000 tons of kauri gumvalued at 25 millionwere exported, primarily to Britain. There, it was used in the manufacture of varnish, paints, and linoleum.

However, the trade also had environmental consequences. Swamps were drained, forests cleared, and kauri stumps and roots dug out, sometimes with little regard for regeneration. As gumfields became increasingly scarce, some diggers resorted to deliberately cutting the bark of living kauri trees, returning months later to collect the hardened resin. These bled gums gave a temporary boost to production, but it soon became clear that the practice was severely damaging and often killing the trees. In response, the government banned the bleeding of kauri in all state forests in 1905.



Two gum climbers up a kauri tree near Anawhata. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons



Two gum-digger huts next to bush at Anawhata. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

By the 1930s, the development of cheaper synthetic alternatives for varnish and linoleum led to a sharp decline in demand for kauri gum. Alkyd-based varnishes, which were easier to apply and dried more quickly, soon replaced traditional copal and kauri-based products. Meanwhile, the rise of vinyl flooring effectively signalled the end of linoleums popularity.

At the same time, the remaining gumfields had become increasingly depleted. Extracting kauri gum grew more difficult and expensive, making it less competitive. By the mid-20th century, the kauri gum industry had virtually vanished.

Today, kauri gum is a rare commodity. Polished pieces occasionally surface in antique shops, tourist outlets, or online marketplaces, often fetching high prices due to their beauty, history, and scarcity.

With the decline of the gum-digging trade and widespread deforestation in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the kauri forests were left fragmented and diminished. By the mid-20th century, conservationists began to recognize the ecological and cultural importance of preserving what remained of these ancient trees, some of which had been growing for over a thousand years.



Workers scrape gum at E. Mitchelson & Co., Auckland. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons



Gum sorters at work at E. Mitchelson & Co, Auckland. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Efforts to protect the kauri gained momentum in the 1950s and 60s, leading to the establishment of reserves and national parks such as Waipoua Forest Sanctuary. This forest is home to Tane Mahuta, the largest known living kauri tree, and Te Matua Ngahere, believed to be the second largest living kauri tree.

More recently, however, a new threat has emerged kauri dieback disease. Caused by the soil-borne pathogen Phytophthora agathidicida, this disease infects the trees roots, gradually starving it of nutrients and water until it dies. The disease spreads through soil movement, on boots, animal hooves, vehicle tires, and even water.

Because there is no cure, conservation efforts have focused on containing the spread of the disease by closing or rerouting walking tracks through kauri forests, installing cleaning stations to disinfect footwear, and raising public awareness about the risks. Scientists are also investigating resistant trees and methods of early detection, as they work to protect the countrys remaining kauri forests and honour the ecological and cultural heritage of these remarkable trees.

References:

# Kauri gum and gum digging, Teara.govt.nz

# Northlands Buried Treasure, NZ Geo
Theres no end to the Tariff Turmoil in sight, as prices are set to skyrocket in the near future. Were already seeing the effects of this with certain e-commerce sites like Temu and Shein. Both companies show people the effects of the tariffs on the price that people pay. Well, the biggest e-commerce site was about to do the same thing. However, Amazon has denied plans to show the effects of the tariffs on its prices.

The tariffs make importing products from different countries especially China  more expensive. This means that customers need to pay more for these products. Prices are already starting to shift. As stated, Temu and Shein have been showing the effects of the tariffs on the prices. Shein includes a banner letting people know that their price has gone up, and it really makes the effects visible.

Amazon denies plans to show the effects of tariffs on its prices

While Temu and Shien are large companies, Amazon is still the top dog. Many people use Amazon to buy products from cheap tech trinkets to expensive luxuries. As such, the company pretty much has a responsibility to show how its prices are going to fluctuate. There were also some rumors that it was going to happen.

However, it appears that the White House got wind of its plans and intervened. According to CNBC, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt held a press conference. She told them that she just got off the phone with the president about Amazons announcement. That doesnt sound suspicious at all. She then stated that showing the effects of the tariffs is certainly a hostile and political action by Amazon.

Now that this statement is out in the open, Amazon has denied its plans to show the effects of the tariffs. This was never a consideration for the main Amazon site and nothing has been implemented on any Amazon properties, said an Amazon Spokesperson. They explained, The team that runs our ultra low cost Amazon Haul store considered the idea of listing import charges on certain products.

Amazon would have been a saint for this

We know that Amazon is a major company. As such, its done some shady practices, many of which its been called out for. However, showing the effects of the tariffs would have been a show of goodwill. It would have showed the customers (people who have been screwed over majorly in this situation) whats really going on.

However, it seems that this is not the case. If the White House pressured Amazon to walk back its plans, then it would be a massive blow to consumers. People deserve to know whats going on, and they need to know that this massive trade war has consequences. Now, people are going to see massive spikes in price, and they wont know the true cause.
Googles NotebookLM tool officially rolled out last year, but language support was a little lacking following the initial rollout. If youre not familiar with NotebookLM, its an AI-powered notebook tool on the web that is designed primarily for helping you research. It can also act as a writing assistant, and its fueled by sources you upload directly to it, kind of like you would physically write down notes in a real notebook. The nice thing about NotebookLM is that it uses AI to help you in a number of ways that writing down your notes cant. Only, its much more useful when the language support includes your language.

NotebookLM Audio Overviews now support more than 50 languages

When the Audio Overviews were first made available, they only supported the English language. This obviously made it impossible for people who dont speak English to use the feature. While also making it less convenient for people whose first language isnt English. Google is now rectifying that with the inclusion of more than 50 new languages for it. Theres a long list of every supported language on the official NotebookLM help page, but some of the newly supported languages include Filipino, Arabic, German, Italian, Japanese, Swahili, and both Simplified and Traditional Chinese.

To use Audio Overviews in your native language, or at least the language of your choice from those supported, you need to have your default language set in the NotebookLM tool. More specifically, the Audio Overviews work off the language set for your account. So if its set to English, itll still play the overviews in English.

You can change the language of the audio and chat responses at any time

Even if you set a default language for Audio Overviews, its possible to change the language at any time. Rather easily, we might add. As part of todays update, Google added another new feature NotebookLM. An option to change the output language from the settings with a new Output Language option.

Google says this allows users to create multilingual content by mixing and matching resources in different languages. So, basically, part of your research can be in English, part of it in Spanish, and yet another part in Chinese. The Output Language option is located in the settings. So you just have to click the little gear icon to bring that up. Then, select output language. Google says itll be working to improve NotebookLM further. Whats more, itll be taking user feedback and using that to refine the tool. Audio Overviews will also be coming to Google Docs in the near future.
These days, AI isnt just a buzzword, as it used to be a few years ago. Many tech companies around the globe are using AI to automate and replace human tasks. While the use of AI isnt necessarily all about replacing workers, Duolingo appears to be taking a step in that direction.

Yesterday, Duolingo announced that it is going to be an AI-first company. Those unfamiliar with the term should know that the company will drop employees in favor of AI. Sharing a copy of an email as an official LinkedIn post, Duolingos CEO, Luis von Ahn, announced the platforms shift to AI.

Ahns email mainly talks about how Duolingo will gradually stop using contractors to do work that AI can handle. The announcement follows the companys decision from January last year. It then slashed 10 percent of its contractors because AI could easily do their tasks.

The CEO is aware that the Duolingo team will need to create a massive amount of content, and doing that manually doesnt scale. Not to forget, the company recently replaced a slow, manual content creation process with an AI-powered one.

Image: LinkedIn/Duolingo

The company wants to use AI in different ways

Besides the mention of replacing contract workers, the email discusses different ways the company would use AI. The technology will play a key role in Duolingos hiring process, evaluating performance reviews, and more.

Finally, the CEO notes, Duolingo will remain a company that cares deeply about its employees, and assured that it isnt about replacing Duos with AI. Duolingo, which is a popular language learning learning app, might soon have a direct rival. Its none other than Google. The Mountain View giant is reportedly working to make Google Translate teach you new languages.
Google Play Store has seen a massive decline in the number of apps it offers. That may not be a bad thing, though. At the start of 2024, Google Play hosted around 3.4 million apps worldwide. Today, that number is around 1.8 million, according to Appfigures.

Google has removed almost half of apps from the Google Play Store

As you can see, that is a sharp 47% decline in around a year, as around 1.6 million apps are now gone. And before you jump to that conclusion, no, that is not a trend these days. Apples App Store went from 1.6 million to 1.64 million in the same time frame.

So, whats happening here? Why did Google Play lose 1.6 million apps? Well, Google is probably the reason for that, and it may not be a bad thing. Back in July last year, Google tightened its policies when it comes to app quality.

Back then, Google said that it would start banning not just apps that are broken, but apps that offer limited functionality and content. Google wanted to get rid of low-quality and spammy apps, basically.

The company explained why this happened

The company even confirmed, while speaking to TechCrunch, that this played a role in the sharp decline over at the Google Play Store. Google said that tougher rules, along with stricter developer verification, mandatory testing for new accounts, and expanded human reviews all played a role here

Google went on to say that it managed to block 2.36 million apps that violated Play Store policies before they even launched. The company also banned over 158,000 developer accounts due to harmful behavior.

Appfigures did note that it began seeing a decline in the number of apps on the Google Play Store even before the start of Googles app purge, though.
U.S. tariffs: The world needs cooperation, not division

15:30, April 30, 2025 By Liu Yeting ( People's Daily Online

Development is not an exclusive privilege of the U.S. but a universal right of all countries. The world is a diverse place, where each country has its own unique historical, cultural, social, and economic background, and each has the right to pursue its own development and progress.

Both developed and developing countries are striving for better futures. Developed nations have a responsibility to help developing countries enhance their development capabilities, rather than using their advantages to hinder the progress of others.

Open cooperation is the tide of history, and mutual benefit is the will of the people. Any attempt to monopolize or restrict development rights to a select few countries runs counter to fairness, justice, and the course of history.

Against the backdrop of an increasingly interconnected global economy, the U.S.'s abuse of tariffs deprives countries, especially Global South countries, of their rights to development. This policy, disguised as "fair trade," has become an economic noose around the necks of Global South countries.

Cooperation, not division, is an aspiration shared by countries worldwide. In recent days, an increasing number of countries have hardened their stance against America's so-called "reciprocal tariffs." Countries including France, the UK, Italy, and Australia have voiced opposition. Peru, Kazakhstan, Chad, and others have strongly condemned the severe impact of "reciprocal tariffs" on economically vulnerable developing countries.

Notably, political leaders have spoken out: Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong criticized the U.S. for violating free trade agreements; Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for ASEAN unity in response to U.S. tariff policies; and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized that Japan will not make compromises with the U.S. for the purpose of rushing into a tariff deal. The US government's strategy of building "small yards and high fences" is now backfiring.

The international community needs solidarity and cooperation, rather than division and confrontation.

On April 23, China chaired a UN Security Council (UNSC) Arria-Formula Meeting on "the Impact of Unilateralism and Bullying Practices on International Relations." Representatives from over 80 countries, including UNSC members, attended the meeting. China opposed unilateral bullying at the meeting, while many countries called for upholding multilateralism, strengthening dialogue and cooperation,

The world cannot pay the price for America's chaos, nor will it sacrifice its own stability to accept the "America First" slogan. Today's world is inevitably inching toward a more just and balanced world.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Googles Pixel 10 display might come with a key upgrade that allows users to adjust the PWM dimming rate. This could be crucial for anyone whos sensitive to flickering lights. If youve never really thought about PWM dimming before, chances are youre not really susceptible to the effects that PWM flickering can cause. This is the case for me, as Ive never really experienced any sort of sensitivity to light unless I already have a migraine, which can be a common side effect of those.

That being said, PWM flickering can be a problem for some users. Leading to eye strain and headaches even after light use of a device that has a display with this issue. In short, if youre sensitive to PWM flickering, it can make it pretty impossible to use a device that has PWM flickering issues. Luckily, it seems like Google is trying to tackle this problem and may be working on adding a fix in its next mainline Pixel phone.

Google may have hinted at a PWM dimming fix in the Pixel 10

Google hasnt actually spoken about this particular detail in an official announcement capacity. However, it does seem to have hinted that more details about PWM dimming adjustment are coming. In a recent report from Nick Sutrich over at Android Central, Sutrich says that Google is aware of the issue and that updates on it can be expected later this year.

Thats not a confirmation, but it is sort of a tease that Google is looking into the problem. Even if the problem doesnt appear to impact the majority of users. Its impacting enough of them that its been brought to Googles attention. Who now appears to be looking into possible solutions.

What Google might do to fix this issue

There are a few approaches Google could take, although its worth reiterating that Google might not change anything at all with the Pixel 10 display. If it is trying to seriously tackle this issue, however, the most likely approach could be adding an option to reduce the amount of display flicker in the phones accessibility settings. Another possible option is to just use a faster PWM rate. Some phones use a PWM rate that sits well above the average on phones from Google, Samsung, and Apple. All of which generally sit between 240Hz and 480Hz. If Google increases this number, then it could get rid of the issue altogether. Its not clear yet what Googles plans are, but it has at least acknowledged the problem some users are having. And thats better than just ignoring it.

Google is expected to launch the Pixel 10 series later this year. So, there may not be any concrete (I.E. official) information about it until later this Summer. Although Google may share some details about the upcoming phones at Google I/O next month.
IBM is the latest to announce a major US investment. On Monday, the company announced that it will invest $150 billion in the US over the next five years. Thats not all; it will be investing an additional $30 billion to expand manufacturing of its quantum computers and mainframes.

IBM commits $150 billion in investment to boost US technology opportunities

As you may know, US President Donald Trump recently announced a higher tariffs policy to boost local manufacturing. IBMs decision on US investment comes as it looks to stay aligned with the presidents goal. Remember, not every tech product is subject to Trumps aggressive tariff policy. As of now, chips, smartphones, computers, as well as other tech devices and components, are exempt from the tariff. No one knows how long it will be like this.

Speaking about the investment, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, in a press release, said, We have been focused on American jobs and manufacturing since our founding 114 years ago, and with this investment and manufacturing commitment we are ensuring that IBM remains the epicenter of the worlds most advanced computing and AI capabilities.

IBM says this move will help America become a global leader in computing and boost the economy. The company also plans to build and assemble a quantum computer system in the US. Well, IBM isnt the only tech giant that has committed a big investment in the US.

Apple and NVIDIA have also announced hefty investments

Previously, Apple and NVIDIA both announced plans to invest $500 billion over the next four years. NVIDIA plans to use the investment to build AI infrastructure in the US.

Before announcing a big US investment, IBM and Qualcomm partnered to integrate the formers AI-powered workflow optimization tools into the latters enterprise tools. Not to forget, IBM has also partnered with Meta last year to form an open-source AI alliance.
Cheat: Unfinished Business is the latest dating show to join Netflix. (Netflix) (Tom Dymond/Netflix)

With Amanda Holden's new dating show Cheat: Unfinished Business now streaming on Netflix, viewers may find themselves wondering how to spot signs of infidelity.

The reality series brings former couples together at a sun-soaked retreat in Mallorca to confront unresolved issues following an affair. With the guidance of Married at First Sight UK relationship expert Paul C. Brunson, the show explores whether love can survive betrayal  or if it's time to walk away for good.

Cheating is more prevalent than you may think: a 2022 survey conducted by World Population Review revealed that 36% of Brits admitted to being unfaithful to their partner at least once. While this is a notable drop from the 66% who reported the same in 2020, it still represents more than a third of respondents. A study conducted by Netflix found Nottingham to be the UK's cheating capital, with 41% of residents admitting to infidelity  the highest rate in the country.

Finding out your partner has been unfaithful can be emotionally devastating, and, often, the signs are subtle or easy to dismiss. We spoke to two leading psychologists about the red flags you should look out for if you're worried your partner is cheating.

Amanda Holden is the host of the new dating show. (Netflix) (Netflix)

Signs your partner may be cheating

Accusing you of being unfaithful

Rachel MacLynn, a chartered member of the British Psychological Society, tells us that one way to spot if your partner is cheating is if they're being more accusatory.

"One thing that might take someone by surprise is having more accusations thrown at the innocent party or the person who's not cheating. So you might experience what would feel like gaslighting or even some suspicion," she explains.

"You might get questioned yourself about what you're up to and maybe even be accused of cheating  and that would take people by surprise. It really comes down to the person who is cheating projecting their own sense of guilt and burden onto the other person. Also, as they start to reconcile what they're doing by trying to normalise their behaviour, they think that there's potential for it to be happening in all directions."

MacLynn says that sometimes, those who are unfaithful haven't necessarily gone out to cheat on their partner and might not consider themselves a "bad person."

She adds: "They feel that it's kind of happened without them realising and before they know it, something has developed and they're stuck in this very difficult position. Their mind can work in very bizarre ways and can have quite a strong impact on their behavioural response."

An increase in intimacy

It might come as a surprise, but some cheaters increase their level of physical intimacy within their relationship. While it may sound counterintuitive, MacLynn says it can be linked to feelings of shame.

"Most people would expect that if there is cheating going on, there would be a lack of sexual intimacy, or sort of a withdrawal from a sexual side as well. But actually, that can also go in the opposite direction, where you experience that there's a natural surge in sexual intimacy from the person who's cheating," she says.

"That can be a sign of the cheating partner's attempts to kind of almost overcompensate for their sense of guilt, or they're maybe trying to seek out new tunnels of stimulation. A little unexpected, but that can happen."

Details become overly detailed or vague

Dr Louise Goddard-Crawley, also a chartered member of the British Psychological Society, says if people are suspicious of their partner, they should pay attention to how they discusses their routine.

"A shift in how someone talks about their day can be telling. Over-explaining every moment or giving evasive or minimal answers can be a way to manage guilt or hide inconsistencies," she tells us.

Overly protective of their phone

"While everyone deserves privacy, a sudden change, like taking their phone everywhere, changing passwords, or turning screens away, can signal they're guarding something," Dr Goddard-Crawley shares.

According to 2016 research by YouGov, men are more likely than women to have something on their phones they wouldn't want their partner to see. This percentage rises in younger age groups, with 26% of 18 to 29-year-old men and 17% of 30 to 44-year-old men not wanting their partner to look at their device.

Becoming emotionally distant

According to MacLynn, the most common sign to look out for is a change in emotional intimacy. If you're used to your partner being an open communicator and they suddenly seem more distant and irritable, it could be a cause for concern.

"That can sometimes be a sign that they're developing a more emotional connection somewhere else," the psychologist says.

Of course, there could be other reasons your partner is being emotionally distant.

"It's really important not to jump from, 'I'm sensing emotional distance, therefore it must mean that there's cheating going on.' I think with all of this, it all comes down to communication," MacLynn continues.

"The backbone of any relationship is about having really strong, open and honest communication with your partner. So if you have any worries or any concerns, it's important to sit down and discuss."

They seem more distracted

Dr Goddard-Crawley says it's important to note that cheating isnt always marked by tension.

"Sometimes it shows up as a lift in mood or a dreamy detachment. If they seem emotionally elsewhere, even if they're not withdrawn, it could be a sign their attention is somewhere else," she says.

Dr Goddard-Crawley adds that if you notice an unexplained shift in your relationship, you should trust your instinct: "If something feels 'off,' it probably is. You don't need evidence to justify a gut feeling. Our instincts are shaped by thousands of micro-cues we pick up on without realising and they very rarely mislead us."

What to do if your partner is cheating

While it might be tempting to try and regain a sense of control, Dr Goddard-Crawley and MacLynn both agree that your first priority is yourself. They recommend the following steps:

Give yourself some time to process how you feel

"You do not need to put pressure on yourself to react, respond, decide or take action straight away," Dr Goddard-Crawley says. "As humans, we are wired to feel hurt, destabilised and even disoriented when weve been deceived. Betrayal shakes our sense of safety, not just in the relationship, but often in ourselves and the world around us."

MacLynn adds: "This pause allows your logical mind to catch up with the emotional shock, so you can respond with clarity rather than react from hurt."

Have a conversation with your partner

When you're ready to talk, MacLynn recommends focusing the conversation on understanding why the cheating happened, rather than interrogating or assigning blame.

"Feeling angry or hurt is completely natural but exploring your partner's perspective  if they're open to sharing  can help you see the relationship in fuller context and consider your next steps with clarity," she says.

Don't shoulder the blame

"Many go through a phase where they internalise their partner's cheating as their own failing. While it's healthy to reflect on the dynamics of the relationship, the choice to betray trust is theirs alone  and never your fault," MacLynn tells us.

Dr Goddard Crawley agrees, saying that if your partner cheats, it's not a reflection of your worth. She says: Infidelity is often rooted in the other person's struggles and not in your shortcomings. Whether you choose to stay, leave, or seek support together, the most important thing is that you take good care of you, first and foremost."

Read more about relationships:
Actors who have starred in JK Rowling adaptations have signed an open letter standing in solidarity with members of the LGBT+ community impacted by the recent Supreme Court ruling on gender.

The Harry Potter author, 59, who has been outspoken on gender issues, supported the ruling, which said that the terms woman and sex in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex.

Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne, who led the Fantastic Beasts films, and Katie Leung, who played Cho Chang in the Harry Potter film series, are among the stars who have signed the open letter addressed to film and TV industry bodies, encouraging them to support the trans community.

Eddie Redmayne at a Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them worldwide fan event (Ian West/PA)

Ghosts actress Charlotte Ritchie, who appeared as a student in Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, and Breeders star Daisy Haggard, who voiced the Ministry Of Magic lift in the Harry Potter films, also signed the letter.

Another signatory was Bridgerton actress Bessie Carter, the daughter of Dame Imelda Staunton, who played Dolores Umbridge in the popular films about witchcraft and wizardry.

The letter said that the signatories wish to add our voices to the 2000+ signatories of the Open Letter from UK Writers to the Trans Community published last week, which was signed by Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies and Chewing Gums Michaela Coel.

Signatories of the film and TV letter include The Brutalist actor Joe Alwyn, Babygirl star Harris Dickinson, The Last Of Us actor Bella Ramsey, Happy Valley star James Norton, and Bridgertons Nicola Coughlan, who previously said she was disgusted by the ruling.

The letter said: We believe the ruling undermines the lived reality and threatens the safety of trans, non-binary, and intersex people living in the UK.

JK Rowling (Andrew Milligan/PA)

The letter called on organisations including Bafta and the BBC to join them in condemning the Supreme Court ruling by using their public platforms to make meaningful commitments to protecting trans, non-binary, and intersex members, talent and staff from discrimination within their respective organisations.

It said: Film and television are powerful tools for empathy and education, and we believe passionately in the ability of the screen to change hearts and minds. This is our opportunity to be on the right side of history.

Rowling appeared to celebrate the April 16 ruling by posting a photo of her smoking a cigar on social media, with the caption I love it when a plan comes together, with the hashtags Supreme Court and Womens Rights.

The Supreme Court decision was hailed as a victory by womens rights campaigners, but LGBT+ charity Stonewall described it as incredibly worrying for the trans community.

The judges said trans people are still protected from discrimination under equalities legislation, and that this interpretation of the law does not cause disadvantage to the potentially vulnerable group.

Bafta and the BBC have been approached for comment.
A US military plane spraying a delta area with dioxin-tainted herbicide/defoliant Agent Orange in 1970, as part of a Vietnam war defensive measure - Dick Swanson/The LIFE Images Collection via Getty Images

It was an aggressive mission that turned the lush green landscape a desolate brown.

For almost a decade, as America tried to stamp out enemy fighters lurking in the jungle, US aircraft doused Vietnam with 20 million gallons of herbicides in a campaign codenamed Operation Ranch Hand. Forests were stripped bare; rice paddies left barren.

In the end, the toxic mission could not halt the Northern Vietnamese communists  who, exactly 50 years ago, delivered a final, humiliating blow to the US and its allies, bursting through the gates of South Vietnams presidential palace in T-54 tanks.

Saigon fell on April 30, 1975, bringing an end to decades of war and triggering the countrys reunification. Now one of the worlds fastest-growing economies and a popular tourist hotspot, Vietnam is this week marking 50 years of peace with military parades, a drone light show and picnics on streets lined with red and gold flags.

But for millions of people, the struggle against Operation Ranch Hand never ended.

A picture taken on April 30, 1975, in Saigon shows a tank of the North Vietnamese Army smashing in the gate of the South Vietnamese presidential palace - Vietnam News Agency/AFP via Getty Images

A parade in Ho Chi Minh City marking the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War - NHAC NGUYEN/AFP via Getty Images

Herbicidal warfare  especially the use of Agent Orange  has left a toxic legacy of environmental damage and severe health issues, from cancer to birth defects. Estimates suggest as many as three million people have been affected, including roughly 150,000 children born with serious developmental problems.

Yet efforts to clean up contamination and help those affected are now in jeopardy, another victim of the chaos caused by the Trump administrations sweeping aid cuts. According to a Washington Post tally, at least 34 of 43 USAID contracts in Vietnam were axed.

This has been gut-wrenching in so many ways, especially the uncertainty, said Susan Hammond, executive director of the War Legacies Project, which works on the long-term consequences of conflict in the region.

Were been advocating for so long to reach this point. To now see programmes so abruptly cut  its [a] huge setback, she told the Telegraph from Vietnam.

When the war ended, the US was eager to move on and largely turned its back on Vietnam. It was 20 years before diplomatic relations were normalised, and another decade before the governments overcame a deadlock to collaborate on the continued issues posed by Agent Orange.

A Vietnamese soldier stands guard in front of military aircraft near a dioxin contaminated area in Bien Hoa, outside Ho Chi Minh City - Kham/AP/Reuters

Roughly 12 million gallons of the defoliant were sprayed in Vietnam and in parts of Laos and Cambodia, as America sought to wipe out enemy cover. Amid the herbicide mix was a highly toxic substance: dioxin.

While some of the health implications of dioxin exposure have proved hard to scientifically confirm  for instance, birth defects  theres a broad consensus that it poses serious health risks. A 2018 US National Academies report found sufficient or suggestive evidence linking it to 19 conditions including cancer, strokes and Parkinsons disease.

In the immediate aftermath of the conflict the Vietnamese provided some support to impacted families, while fencing off the heavily contaminated sites where Agent Orange was still seeping into the environment, such as Da Nang airport.

With US backing, these projects expanded in the last 15 years. In 2024 the US Congress had an annual budget of $30 million for victims of Agent Orange and unexploded ordnance, funding everything from training for physiotherapists and specialist nurses, to speech therapy and education programmes. Another $35 million was allocated to clean up the final dioxin hotspot  a former US airbase in Bien Hoa.

But when Donald Trump, the US President, issued a stop-work order for all foreign assistance in January, these efforts were paused overnight and their future thrown into turmoil.

A woman walks next to a highly contaminated pond around the grounds of the Danang airbase - David Guttenfelder/AP

In Bien Hoa, bulldozers that were cleaning up more than 280,000 cubic metres of highly contaminated soil suddenly stopped. Although this work has been resumed, niggling doubts have been introduced about a previously steadfast commitment to the complex process.

Its an enormous volume of soil  even the most heavily contaminated portion would fill over 47,000 dump trucks, said Charles Bailey, co-author of the book From Enemies to Partners: Vietnam, the US and Agent Orange.

Less than half of the soil has so far been cleaned, he added, and the most heavily contaminated material will need to be put in an incinerator set to 300 degrees for one month. The furnace has not yet been built and Washington is yet to approve a contractor.

The government of Vietnam does work on this, but it lacks the resources to do this alone. It is a huge project and there is a cost to stopping any super fund site when youve started. That is the cost of failing to complete it and possibly make the situation worse.

With bipartisan support in Congress, Mr Bailey is optimistic that the Trump administration will see the value and ensure the clean-up is completed. In the short term, he is more concerned about disruption to programmes supporting individuals.

Students attend a physiotherapy class at a school for victims of Agent Orange in Da Nang - Hau Dinh/AP

Currently, the health and disability assistance program was unterminated in eight of the ten provinces, said Mr Bailey. However funding has returned in fits and starts, and for the NGO implementing the program in three of the eight [provinces], resumption came too late.

As a result of the shut off of funds, it had to stop services and let go all its field staff  it doesnt have the wherewithal to restart its work.

This stoppage of the program, not on paper, but in practical terms on the ground, has severe consequences for all the children and young adults with severe disabilities who until February were being reached and helped, he said.

Humanity & Inclusion, which operated two USAID-funded rehabilitation programmes in Vietnam, is one of the NGOs affected. Its experience also suggests it is not always as simple as turning a tap back on.

While the organisation received a letter to restart activities on March 5, a spokesperson told the Telegraph they have not received the next round of funding. They have also had to re-apply for approval from the Vietnamese government, which is yet to arrive.

War Legacies Ms Hammond said the turmoil is feeding into a wider uncertainty about what will happen to work for Agent Orange survivors in the future.

A student sweeps the area in front of a school for victims of Agent Orange in Da Nang, Vietnam - Aniruddha Ghosal/AP

Many of the programmes had contracts due to end this year or next but, given the Trump administrations America First agenda, its not clear if their work will continue to be a priority.

NGOs on the ground are also unsure how to apply for more funds, as Vietnams USAID office has closed, and some 100 USAID officials working on projects in the country have been fired.

The uncertainty makes it really hard to know what the future is going to be, Ms Hammond said, warning that there is no obvious alternative to step into the gap. Its not clear who else can provide the scale of the support  and the US is morally responsible.

Half a century on from the fall of Saigon, Ms Hammond is in the city  long since renamed Ho Chi Minh City  as events aimed at celebrating peace and unity unfold.

She said the atmosphere in the streets is electric. But in government circles, theres also an undercurrent of shock at the possibility of a new shift in US-Vietnam relations as US aid cuts bite  and President Trump threatens a 46 per cent tariff on Vietnamese goods.

The last 10 years has shown that the [US and Vietnam] can work together on a really divisive issue, said Ms Hammond.

You still cant prove whos an Agent Orange victim precisely, she said. But to get to this point where the US was acknowledging through their actions that these people exist and these people need help, and now to have that taken away, potentially, and the funding not reinstated fully  it is painful. Really painful. Particularly for people affected.

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An alleged knifeman carrying a martyrdom note tried to break into the Israeli embassy in London by scaling the 8ft fence in front of the building, a court has heard.

Abdullah Sabah Albadri, 33, of no fixed address, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with preparation of terrorist acts and two counts of possession of a pointed or bladed article.

It is claimed that he wrote a martyrdom note and went to the embassy in Kensington on Monday armed with two kitchen knives.

Speaking only to confirm his identity, bearded Albadri appeared flanked by two dock officers wearing a black sweatshirt and grey trousers.

The court heard that he wanted to send a message to the Israeli government to stop the war.

He was arrested at around 6pm on Monday by officers from the Mets Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command as it is alleged he tried to enter the site.

Earlier, Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Mets Counter Terrorism Command, said there is no wider threat to the public.

The embassy also published a statement on X, formerly Twitter, thanking British security forces for their immediate response and ongoing efforts to secure the embassy and confirming that all staff and visitors were safe.

Albadri was remanded in custody to appear at the same court on May 7.
George and Amal Clooney. Mrs Clooney says she served on the ICC panel because she believes in the need to protect civilian lives

Amal Clooney could be barred from entering the US by Donald Trump, according to reports.

The British human rights barrister, who is married to George Clooney, could be sanctioned by the US president after a panel she sat on recommended an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, on war crimes charges in Gaza.

Lawyers involved in the International Criminal Courts (ICC) decision to issue the warrant, including Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws and Lord Justice Adrian Fulford, have been warned by the Foreign Office they could be barred from the US, The Financial Times reports.

It is currently unclear whether Mrs Clooney has been cautioned, but she was a member of the panel which recommended prosecutor Karim Khan issue an arrest warrant for Mr Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, then Israels defence minister.

In February, Mr Trump used an executive order to sanction Mr Khan, banning him and his family from the country and seizing his US assets, and warned further measures could follow against those responsible for the ICCs transgressions.

Amal Clooney and Karim Khan in 2022. Mr Khan has been banned from the US - JUSTIN LANE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

He claimed the court had engaged in illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel.

The executive order threatened tangible and significant consequences against others involved in the decision, which include freezing their property and blocking their entry into the US.

The Clooneys are said to spend most of their time in France and have homes in London and Italy, although they are currently in New York while Mr Clooney stars in the Broadway show Goodnight and Good Luck.

Mr Trumps order set a 60-day deadline, which fell on April 7, for internal recommendations about other figures who should be sanctioned alongside Mr Khan. So far, further sanctions have not been publicly announced.

Unanimous recommendations

Mr Khan had asked his panel of legal experts to review the evidence against Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant before issuing the warrants, and Mrs Clooney said last year it was unanimous in its recommendations.

She claimed there were reasonable grounds to believe the pair had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, including starvation as a method of warfare, murder, persecution and extermination.

The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court asked me to assist him with evaluating evidence of suspected war crimes and crimes against humanity in Israel and Gaza, she wrote on the Clooney Foundation for Justice website.

I served on this panel because I believe in the rule of law and the need to protect civilian lives.



The law that protects civilians in war was developed more than 100 years ago and it applies in every country in the world regardless of the reasons for a conflict.

Mrs Clooney says she served on the panel because she believes in the rule of law - TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP

Mr Netanyahu has fiercely criticised the arrest warrant, claiming it created a twisted and false moral equivalence between the leaders of Israel and the henchmen of Hamas.

The court also charged three leaders of Hamas, the proscribed terrorist group, who have since been killed.

Mr Clooney is a long-time Democrat supporter who took a prominent role in last years election campaign, appearing at fundraisers alongside Joe Biden, the former US president, before publicly urging him to drop out of the race.

In a 60 Minutes appearance in March, he criticised Mr Trump for attacking press freedom, provoking an angry response from the president.

Mr Clooney was a second-rate movie star and failed political pundit, Mr Trump said, calling the interview a puff piece.

He fought hard for Sleepy Joes election and then, right after the debate, dumped him like a dog. Later, I assume under orders from the Obama camp, pushed all out for Kamala [Harris], only to soon realise that that was not going to work out too well, he wrote on his Truth Social account.

Mrs Clooney has been approached for comment via her chambers and the Clooney Foundation for Justice.
Britains electricity system is highly resilient, energy minister Michael Shanks has said in a bid to reassure MPs following Spain and Portugals widespread blackouts.

Power has largely been restored across the Iberian Peninsula, but not before the outage grounded flights, paralysed train systems and disrupted mobile communication.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Shanks said the UK had not been affected by the power cuts but the Government continues to prepare for all eventualities.

In a statement on energy grid resilience, he said: I would like to reassure the House that Great Britain has a highly resilient energy network, and the incident in Iberia has not impacted Great Britain.

The Secretary of State has been in regular contact with the National Energy System Operator, the Neso, over the past two days, and they have provided reassurance that there is no increase in risk to our energy supplies or system stability from this incident.

Mr Shanks added: An event similar in impact to this incident in Great Britain would be the equivalent of a national power outage, which is the total loss of power across the whole of GB. This risk is listed on the national risk register as a high-impact but low-likelihood event.

He said the Government is prepared for all eventualities no matter how unlikely, adding: This includes having robust emergency plans, summarised in the national emergency plan for downstream gas and electricity, and regularly exercising emergency plans with the energy industry and Ofgem (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets).

Shadow energy minister Andrew Bowie said: We cannot get away from the fact that this Governments plans to rush ahead to build a grid that is entirely dependent on the wind and the sun, in just five years time, makes our electricity grid significantly less reliable.

He added: Data from Neso (National Energy System Operator) shows that the inertia in our grid has been steadily decreasing over time, as gas and coal have come off the system to be replaced by wind and solar. This comes with a hefty price tag.

And this is the problem with so much of the party opposites approach to energy security. Because of their imposed targets, they are saddling the British people with mountains of extra costs as they rush ahead towards a power system that depends on the weather rather than firm, reliable base load.

Shadow energy minister Andrew Bowie accused the Government of rushing ahead to build a grid that is entirely dependent on the wind and the sun (Michal Wachucik/PA)

In his response, Mr Shanks said the Governments first priority is to ensure energy security, adding: We have a resilient grid in this country. Its important to continue to have that  that means building new grid infrastructure which (Mr Bowie) quite often opposes, along with a number of his colleagues.

Mr Shanks also said the Government will implement any lessons from investigations by the Spanish and Portuguese authorities on the cause of the power outages.

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice called for increased transparency from the National Energy System Operator.

He said: Just before the Spanish blackouts, we had two outages that were unexpected, one in Lincolnshire and one on the other end of the Viking link that the Neso was not going to tell us about, but thanks to a whistleblower we now know about.

It seems to me, with the ever increasing reliance on renewables, and many are concerned about the fluctuations from the voltage and that becoming a serious risk, whilst the minister is confident, will he confirm to the House that actually the Neso will tell us and be completely transparent about all future unexpected outages?

Mr Shanks said the network is incredibly resilient and robust but there are outages for a whole range of reasons.

He continued: The system continues to function, as indeed it entirely did, without any concern at all on the instance that he raises.

So this, while its not a regular occurrence outages do happen in any system, and particularly in the energy system across the whole of the UK.

I will take away the point about if there is any more transparency, but I suspect the answer will be that this is the day-to-day operational running of the electricity system, and its not something to be alarmed about at all.

Labour MP for Basingstoke Luke Murphy described Mr Tice as the honourable Inspector Clouseau for Boston and Skegness, saying he has already jumped to blaming renewables for this issue.

He went on: Isnt it the case that the benches opposite want to weaponise this because of their ideological obsession against clean energy, which will leave my constituents colder and poorer while they enjoy the warm embrace of Vladimir Putin?

Mr Shanks replied: Any sensible member of this House, I am sure, will await the full response of any investigation that will be carried out by the authorities relevant in this case, rather than just jumping to speculation.
A container ship is moored at a terminal of the port in Hamburg. In 2021 police announced Europes biggest ever seizure of cocaine at the port: 16 tonnes stashed in 1,700 wall-putty tins shipped from Paraguay. Photograph: Ina Fassbender/AFP/Getty Images

In Hamburgs spring sunshine, 200,000-tonne cargo ships almost a quarter of a mile long, piled high with the same weight in shipping containers, are docked quayside along the Elbe River. Cranes slowly offload the metal boxes packed with everything from raw materials to food and electronics, and, in some, cocaine.

Between 2018 and 2023 cocaine seizures rose by 750%, marking out Germany as another major European hub in the ever-expanding global trade. But the influx is not just ramping up addiction, it is also fuelling corruption in a country perceived as being one of the least corrupt in the world.

We are seeing an infiltration of the port infrastructure in Hamburg, bribing of police officers in exchange for information and lately a state attorney awaiting trial for [allegedly] leaking information to a cocaine trafficking network, said Daniel Brombacher, who runs the Europe bureau at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

In 2021, police announced Europes biggest ever seizure of cocaine at the port: 16 tonnes of high-purity powder stashed in 1,700 wall-putty tins shipped from Paraguay to Hamburg. The lead public prosecutor in that case was in court last week accused of being on the payroll of the same gang he was supposed to be prosecuting.

The man, named as Yashar G, is accused of leaking investigation details to the gang and warning suspects of their imminent arrest in return for 5,000 (4,250) a month. He was arrested in October by police monitoring the gangs encrypted communications  when police raided the network shortly after the Hamburg seizure, key targets had already fled to Dubai. Yashar G is also accused of leaking sensitive information to other drug gangs. He denies all allegations against him.

Cocaine production in Colombia and its consumption in western Europe are hitting record highs. So too is the money being made by European organised crime networks distributing a product worth more by weight than platinum. A kilo of cocaine is worth $2,000 in Colombia, but once in Europe its value rockets to an average of $40,000. Profits from this huge mark-up are not just spent on luxury cars and villas, but used to smooth the path for the next shipment as the gangster creep digs its tentacles into countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden and Germany.

Hamburg, the European Unions third largest port is one of its most targeted ports by drug gangs, according to Europol. Insiders known as hafeninnentater (including dock and shipping workers, security guards and truck drivers) move the drugs unnoticed. Two Hamburg port workers were this month jailed for helping transport 480kg of cocaine from Ecuador and enabling a physical attack on a colleague who threatened the plot.

Police have launched a publicity campaign to help port workers fend off drug gangs trying to recruit or extort them, but Hamburgs port security forces feel so under threat they last year demanded submachine guns. In one incident Belgian police tipped off Hamburgs port police that an armed French drug gang was planning a raid to recover seized cocaine.

Cocaines profits meanwhile spill out on to Hamburgs streets. Karl, a former bouncer in the citys red light district, said money from cocaine has become increasingly visible in the last five years. Every weekend you see more and more young men in Ferraris, Lamborghinis and 150,000 SUVs, he said. This is not money earned from prostitution, or scams or cannabis. This is cocaine money.

A series of cases in Germany have also highlighted alleged corruption within police ranks: an officer in the south-western state of Baden-Wurttemberg arrested this month on suspicion of being on the Italian Ndrangheta mafias payroll, a senior police officer in Hanover suspected of taking bribes from a drug trafficking network arrested in January, a drug squad officer arrested near Frankfurt in November on charges of aiding and abetting drug dealers and a police officer arrested in Bonn in August who was accused of passing classified information to members of the Dutch-Moroccan mafia, big players in Europes drug trade.

The cocaine bonanza that we have witnessed in Germany and the EU in the past decade has led to an unprecedented influx of cash into organised crime, said Brombacher. Organised crime groups have never had so much venture capital available, and also never before such a strong incentive to invest in bribing to make sure the business keeps moving.

Hamburg Port Authority said issues linked to port security were dealt with by Hamburg police. In a statement, a spokesperson for the police said: International organised criminal groups are often recruiting employees of the port industry in order to support the smuggling of cocaine from South America into Germany and Europe via the port of Hamburg. These so-called internal port offenders are playing a particular key role in this kind of illegal drug importation.

The spokesperson said the police, alongside customs, the port authority and the private sector, were making significant efforts to combat this issue. They added: So far, cases of bribed police officers have not been proven in Hamburg in this context.

Organised crime experts have warned that the true nature of corruption brought by drug trafficking networks remains hidden.

Germany has found it very difficult to admit its problem with organised crime and still today it is largely in denial. The sudden influx of cocaine has just started to make the problem visible, said Zora Hauser, a criminologist at the University of Cambridge whose book, Mafia Expansion, about the rise of the Ndrangheta in Germany, was published this month. Its the perfect storm: a combination of fragmented policing, political neglect, weak legislation especially in relation to money laundering, and excessive data protection have made Germany a paradise for criminal operations.

Organised crimes lifeblood is cocaine. But the authorities are being hopelessly outfought. Despite all the work by law enforcement in targeting the cocaine trade in Europe, supply is plentiful and, unlike most products, it costs around the same as 10 years ago. When the Dutch spent 524m increasing port security in response to a wave of gangland executions linked to the cocaine trade, the gangs just switched to ports in France, Spain, Portugal, Scandinavia and the Baltics.

Cocaine seizures at Hamburg were down in 2024, but the drug is still arriving in abundance: on small boats into smaller north German ports or via parasite smuggling, where cocaine is attached to the outside of cargo ship hulls and retrieved by divers at the destination port.

But catching the gangsters themselves is not enough, criminologists warn, and the search for corruption needs to go deeper.

Cocaine trafficking and the associated money laundering in Germany can only function on a large scale through corruption of public officials and other facilitators. But the focus of investigators is only on the perpetrators within the criminal networks, said Robin Hofmann, a specialist in organised crime at Maastricht University. Instead, Hofmann said, as has been done in the Netherlands, the search for the infiltration of cocaine money must be widened further to the facilitators, the lawyers, local politicians and financial advisers who enable organised crime and profit from it.

 This article was amended on 30 April 2025. An earlier version said cargo ships in Hamburg were almost half a mile long. This should have said a quarter of a mile.
Demonstrators gather outside New Scotland Yard over the killing of Chris Kaba, 2022 - Ian Forsyth

We hear much about two tier policing these days but very little about the double jeopardy that attaches to police officers, cleared by the courts but then pursued by regulators. Or the impact this has on police effectiveness and morale. The news that Sergeant Martyn Blake is now facing a disciplinary hearing into the shooting of Chris Kaba even though he was acquitted of his murder last October is a case in point.

Sergeant Blake, an authorised firearms officer was charged after shooting dead Chris Kaba, the occupant of a car who was fatally injured in South London in September 2022. Police were pursuing the car which was linked to an earlier shooting and had attempted to stop it. Blake fired a single shot into the vehicle as it tried to ram itself through. His trial considered one key issue. Did the officer hold an honestly held belief that his life or the life of his colleagues was at immediate risk such that would have made lethal force justifiable. The prosecution said not. Blake vehemently maintained that position. The jury took just three hours to agree with him.

This wasnt good enough for the Independent Office for Police Complaints which has legal and enforcement powers to investigate police misconduct. Having originally referred the fatal shooting to the CPS to begin Sergeant Blakes ordeal, they are now pursuing gross misconduct charges for the officer which could lead to his dismissal for doing his job and protecting Londoners.

The standard of proof in a criminal trial that led to his acquittal is beyond reasonable doubt. The IOPC standard, conversely requires only a balance of probabilities test to be applied. In data from 2022 to 2023, 80 per cent of the misconduct or gross misconduct cases it pursued resulted in a proven finding. Many people may find this statistic reassuring as it demonstrates a robust approach to recent police wrongdoing which has so badly eroded public trust in the organisation and in the Met in particular.

But Sergeant Blakes plight requires special attention. He is one of a relatively small number of specialised firearms officers who regularly find themselves in high pressure situations carrying lethal firearms and confronting determined and resourceful criminals who often carry weapons too.

Such officers require years of training and we must expect the highest standards from them. Yet they are also human beings who have an extraordinary burden of responsibility and accountability placed on them. The least they can expect from the state in return is a contract that protects them from disproportionate pursuit after a court has found them innocent. Many IOPC misconduct cases have dragged on for years, blighting officers professionally and psychologically who are later found to have no case to answer.

And there is a wider context to consider as well. The Mets commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, who immediately reinstated Sgt Blake after his acquittal has spoken eloquently about the corrosive impact on police morale such cases create.

Immediately following the decision to charge Sgt Blake, the force was plunged into a temporary crisis with authorised firearms officers threatening to hand in their weapons in protest. The UK is almost unique in western Europe as its policing model is largely unarmed despite rising levels of violent crime and an enduring terrorists threat.

The last resort is roving teams of firearms officers who can be deployed to where there is serious trouble or provide backup as was the case when the car containing Chris Kaba was stopped. The prospect of such officers concluding that they will not be properly protected by the state for doing the very role they are trained for is chilling. We have no other backstop.

Chris Kaba and Sergeant Blake were both volunteers. Kaba willingly embraced a violent criminal lifestyle that led to previous convictions and gangland associations. He died as a direct result of the decisions he made on the night he was killed.

Sergeant Blake volunteered for a role in protecting the community few of us could do, with unimaginable pressures. The court found he did not act unlawfully after an exhaustive trial.

The Home Secretary should act to change the rules of IOPC investigation to either exclude officers acquitted from further jeopardy or require the same high standard of proof as used in the criminal trial for any further proceedings. His long ordeal should now be over, not entangled in further fruitless pursuit. He has paid enough.

Professor Ian Acheson is a former senior official with the Home Office and a volunteer police officer
Armed members of Syrias Druze community attend the funeral of seven people killed in the recent clashes near Damascus. Photograph: AFP/Getty

At least 16 civilians and security officials have been killed in clashes in a town near Damascus, Syrias interior ministry reported, the second consecutive day of fighting in Druze-majority areas around Syrias capital.

Reports on Wednesday said fighting had started overnight in the town of Ashrafiah Sahnaya, south-west of Damascus, after unknown gunmen attacked a security checkpoint. An attack on the Druze-majority Damascus suburb of Jaramana a day earlier left at least 10 people dead, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Residents reported hearing gunfire, explosions and shelling throughout Wednesday morning. The security forces closed off roads leading to the area and sent reinforcements in an attempt to stop the fighting.

The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, also announced that Israeli forces had struck an extremist group that was preparing to attack the Druze population south of Damascus.

A second Israeli strike killed a member of Syrias security forces outside Damascus and Israels military chief of staff ordered preparations to attack Syrian government targets if the violence against the Druze did not stop.

Israel has said it will protect the Druze population in southern Syria, an offer that Syrian Druze have said they did not ask for.

Syrias authorities are still grappling with rising tensions a month after an attack by remnants of the deposed regime of Bashar al-Assad on security forces led to sectarian massacres in the coastal Latakia governorate that left at least 1,000 people dead.

This weeks clashes are likely to strain the already frosty relationship between the Syrian government and Druze communities, which are engaged in negotiations over their areas inclusion in the Syrian state.

The Druze are an Arab religious minority of about 500,000 people in Syria, mainly concentrated in Suwayda governorate and small towns south of Damascus. Since rebels toppled Assad on 8 December, the new authorities and the groups leaders have been discussing how to fully integrate Suwayda into the Syrian state.



Negotiations have been slow, however, because Druze leaders have asked for some measure of autonomy from Damascus, wary of the background of the new government, which is headed by Ahmad al-Sharaa, the former leader of the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

Related: The streets are empty, no one dares go outside: Syrias Alawites terrorised by revenge killings

Tuesdays fighting was sparked by a fake audio recording attributed to a Druze cleric insulting Islams prophet, Mohammad, which was circulated on social media. Unknown gunmen launched their attack on Jaramana seemingly in connection with the audio clip.

The cleric supposedly speaking in the clip posted a video on social media later on Tuesday clarifying that he had no connection to the Islamophobic recording.

I did not say that, and whoever made it is evil and wants to incite strife between components of the Syrian people, said Marwan Kiwan. Syrias interior ministry confirmed that the recording was falsely attributed to a Druze official, and stressed that people should abide by the law and not engage in acts of vigilantism.

Community leaders and government representatives managed to broker a deal to end the fighting in Jaramana on Tuesday with stipulations that victims families would receive compensation and attackers would be brought to justice.

Fighting quickly reignited several hours later in Ashrafieh Sahnaya, but it is unclear if the attackers were related to those in Jaramana.

The clashes inflamed anger in Suwayda, whose inhabitants have been reluctant to allow the Syrian government full access to the area.

In Jaramana there was a massacre, Ashrafieh Sahnaya is surrounded and is being attacked by terrorists. General security is preventing Druze and the military council from helping them, the head of the Suwayda military council, Tarek el-Shoufi, said by phone.

Videos on social media showed armed Arab tribesmen stopping a convoy of cars originating from Suwayda from reaching Ashrafieh Sahnaya.



El-Shoufi said: The Druze men that are in Sahnaya are running out of ammunition. The road has been cut off and a group of Druze that wanted to help came under fire, killing one of them.

Syrias cash-strapped authorities suffer from a lack of capacity. The nascent state has launched training courses to bolster the ranks of its security forces, but it has struggled to disarm and prevent sporadic attacks by the myriad armed factions that roam the vast countryside.

Syrias minister of interior put out a statement on Wednesday saying it will not hesitate to deal with these criminals and will strike with an iron fist anyone who seeks to destabilise Syrias security and target its people.
Mohsen Mahdawi speaks outside the courthouse after a judge released him in Burlington, Vermont, on Wednesday. Photograph: Amanda Swinhart/AP

Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian green-card holder and Columbia University student who was detained for his activism, walked out of immigration detention on Wednesday after a federal judge in Vermont ordered his release.

Mahdawi had been detained and ordered deported by the Trump administration on 14 April despite not being charged with a crime.

The two weeks of detention so far demonstrate great harm to a person who has been charged with no crime, said Geoffrey Crawford, a US district judge, at a hearing on Wednesday, according to ABC News. Mr Mahdawi, I will order you released.

Mahdawi was arrested by Ice in Colchester, Vermont, while attending a naturalization interview.

Related: National disgrace: US lawmakers decry student detentions on visit to Ice jails

He is one of a number of international students who have been detained in recent months for their advocacy on behalf of Palestinians. The Trump administration is attempting to deport them using an obscure statute that gives the secretary of state the right to revoke the legal status of people in the country deemed a threat to foreign policy.

In his ruling, Crawford stated that the evidence before the court suggests that Mr Mahdawi is neither a flight risk or a danger to the community, and his release will not interfere with his removal proceedings.

Crawford wrote that the government failed to demonstrate any legitimate interest in Mr Mahdawis continued confinement and that his continued detention would likely have a chilling effect on protected speech.

Crawford ordered that Mahdawi be released from prison on bail, pending the resolution of his case in federal court.

The order allows Mahdawi to continue residing in Vermont and to travel to New York to attend school and meet with his lawyers. His case in federal court will continue alongside separate immigration proceedings.

Upon his release, Mahdawi greeted supporters and thanked them for their support.

For anybody who is doubting justice, this is a light of hope and faith in the justice system in America, he said in a brief address. We are witnessing the fight for justice in America, which means a true democracy, and the fight for justice for Palestinians, which means that both liberation[s] are interconnected, because no one of us is free unless we all are.

Shezza Abboushi Dallal, one of Mahdawis attorneys said outside the courtroom on Wednesday that todays victory cannot be overstated.

The courts order to free Mohsen today is a victory for Mohsen, in his just pursuit of continued advocacy for Palestinian lives, and it is a victory for all people in this country invested in their ability to dissent and speak and protest for causes they are morally drawn to, Abboushi Dallal said. We will continue our legal battle for Mohsen until his constitutional rights are fully vindicated.

Attorneys for Mahdawi, a lawful permanent US resident, argued that he was being unlawfully detained in retaliation for his speech advocating for Palestinian human rights and say that it was part of a policy intended to silence and chill the speech of those who advocate for Palestinian human rights.

The Trump administration is seeking to deport 34-year-old Mahdawi, claiming that his presence and activities in the US would have serious adverse foreign policy consequences and would compromise a compelling US foreign policy interest. Critics say that the crackdown that swept up Mahdawi constitutes an unprecedented assault on free speech.

In new court filings submitted on Monday, the justice department included a two-page letter from Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, saying that Mahdawis activities and presence in the US undermines US policy to combat antisemitism according to NPR, and that his activities could potentially undermine the peace process underway in the Middle East.

In a statement following Mahdawis release, the Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin declared: No judge, not this one or another, is going to stop the Trump administration from restoring the rule of law to our immigration system.

This week, the Vermont senate voted to condemn the manner and circumstances of Mahdawis arrest, and called for his immediate release.

Several Democratic members of Congress  joined by Senator Bernie Sanders  rallied outside of the state department this week on his behalf.

He has used his voice to advocate for peace, justice and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis Sanders said. Not only was this action cruel and inhumane, most importantly, it was illegal, it was unconstitutional.

David Myers, a Jewish history professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, who has been involved in Israeli-Palestinian dialogue efforts with Mahdawi, said he was overjoyed at the release of his friend. He called Mahdawis detention a profound miscarriage of justice.

Mohsen was such a clearcut case, given his extraordinary commitments to non-violence, dialogue across difference, and acknowledging the humanity of all, he said in an email. If it is a crime to embody such values, then the edifice of democracy in the United States has completely crumbled.

Mahdawi immigrated to the US over a decade ago and began attending Columbia University in 2021. According to his attorneys, last year, as a student at Columbia, he was an outspoken critic of Israels military campaign in Gaza and an activist and organizer in student protests on Columbias campus until March of 2024, after which he took a step back and has not been involved in organizing.

Mahdawi, who was born and raised in a refugee camp in the West Bank, spoke with NPR this week from the Northwest State correctional facility in St Albans, Vermont.

Im centered, internally I am at peace, Mahdawi told NPR. While I still know deeply that this is a level of injustice that I am facing, I have faith. I have faith that justice will prevail.

Also this week, a federal judge in New Jersey ruled that a lawsuit filed by the Columbia University graduate and Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who is also challenging his detention and deportation order, can proceed.

The Tufts University graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk and Georgetown scholar Badar Khan Suri also remain detained and continue to fight against their deportation, which the Trump administration is pursuing on the same foreign policy grounds.

Noa Yachot contributed reporting
Gretchen Whitmer and Donald Trump hugged as he arrived at Selfridge Air National Guard Base - Alex Brandon

A Democrat governor who hid her face during a disastrous Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump joined the president during a visit to Michigan to mark his 100 days in office.

Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan governor, attempted to shield her face with a folder at an event in the Oval Office earlier this month, drawing mockery online and condemnation from fellow Democrats.

Despite attempting to distance herself from Mr Trump in the wake of the meeting, she accompanied the president on his visit to the state on Tuesday as he marked 100 days in office since returning to the White House in January.

Her appearance will likely further isolate Democrats who regard Mr Trump as a toxic figure and are frustrated with their partys seeming inability to stand up to him.

Ms Whitmer is hoping to secure investment in the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, where Mr Trump addressed the Michigan National Guard on Tuesday.

Gretchen Whitmer blocks her face at an event in the Oval Office on April 9 - ERIC LEE/Eyevine

The governor is accompanying the president as he visits the state - JIM WATSON

A spokeswoman for the Michigan governor said she was planning to appear at the base to support her troops and the longstanding effort she has made to secure support for Selfridge.

Mr Trump greeted Ms Whitmer with a hug after landing in Michigan, and at the air base said he would replace its ageing fleet with 21 brand-new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets.

He then invited Ms Whitmer up to the podium, where the surprised governor said she had not expected to talk but was grateful for the presidents announcement.

Ms Whitmer was invited on stage to speak at the event ahead of a rally to mark Mr Trumps first 100 days of his second administration - Alex Brandon

Ms Whitmer, 53, is a frontrunner to become the Democrats presidential candidate in 2028, but is in an awkward position because she needs Mr Trumps support to secure federal funding for her state.

She was seen as a favourite to succeed Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket last year when the election was thrown into chaos by his disastrous debate performance, and according to journalist Michel Wolff Mr Trump was convinced he would lose the election to her.

Democrats fear the popular swing state governor is now squandering her chances for a potential White House bid.

Earlier this month, she met with Mr Trump at the White House in what she had apparently expected would be a private meeting to discuss the impact of tariffs on her state.

Ms Whitmer speaks to Donald Trump in the Oval Office - Nathan Howard/REUTERS

She was seemingly caught unawares by the media in attendance, and vainly attempted to hide her face from cameras by shielding it with a large blue folder.

The strange moment quickly went viral on social media.

Ms Whitmer was just feet from the US president as he claimed the 2020 presidential election was rigged and signed executive orders for the justice department to conduct probes into critics, later insisting that her presence was not an endorsement of the actions taken or statements made.

In what could further complicate her relationship with the party grassroots, Mr Trump showered her with praise, calling her a very good person and saying she had done an excellent job.

Credit: Reuters, C-Span

Brad Bannon, a Democrat strategist, suggested the soundbite would come back to haunt her presidential ambitions, telling Fox News: One of her opponents will dig that clip up and put it in a television ad.

One Democrat staffer labelled the event a a f-----g disaster which lost some of the momentum she had as a politically savvy swing-state Dem.

Her appearances with Mr Trump are a potentially damaging misstep while potential rivals are jockeying to become the Democrats next presidential candidate, and she risks being outflanked by more vocal critics of the US president.

JB Pritzker, the Illinois governor, is positioning himself as a favourite among party activists frustrated at the lack of meaningful opposition by Democrats, launching a barrage of attacks on Mr Trump in recent appearances.

Rahm Emanuel, the former Chicago mayor, has taken a tougher stance on Mr Trumps tariff policy than Ms Whitmer, accusing him of forcing an economic recession.
The jury in a murder trial have been shown footage of the accused begging his dead wife to make contact with him, claiming he was extremely concerned about her.

Richard Satchwell, 58, from Grattan Street in Youghal, Co Cork, denies murdering his wife Tina Satchwell at the home they shared in March 2017.

Her remains were found buried under a concrete floor under the stairs in their family home, six years after she disappeared.

Tina Satchwell was 45 when she was last seen alive (Family Handout/PA)

Satchwell, who is originally from Leicester in England, formally reported his wife missing on May 11 2017, weeks after he told police she had left their family home, suspecting it was because their relationship had deteriorated.

Some three months after his wife disappeared, Mr Satchwell took part in a number of televised and recorded interviews with various broadcasters, in which he expressed his concern for her whereabouts.

The interviews, which took place in late June and July 2017, were shown to the jury at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.

In an interview with RTE on June 26, Mr Satchwell described his wife as a loving and gorgeous woman who loved fashion.

He appealed for Ms Satchwell to contact him or the police, adding that he wanted to know if she was okay.

He told the reporter that he was struggling to eat, had lost weight and could not sleep at night, saying he was becoming increasingly worried about her.

As the interviews were played to the court, Mr Satchwell sat looking at the floor of the court room.

Mr Satchwell said in the interview that he was extremely concerned for his wife, and that he had been suffering over the previous three months.

He added that their pet dogs and parrot were lonely and missing her.

In another interview with Independent.ie, Mr Satchwell said that he nothing to hide about his wifes disappearance, and that he had been telling the truth.

Members of the Garda forensics at the scene in Youghal, Co Cork (Brian Lawless/PA)

In an interview with Cork 96FM, recorded on July 9, 2017, Mr Satchwell said he did not appreciate some of the questions put to him by police, in which he was asked if he would harm his wife.

He said he never lifted a finger to her in their 28 years of marriage.

During the radio interview, he said he knew after within hours of meeting her, he knew he wanted to marry her.

He said he was not her type as he was overweight at the time and he would not be the good looking guy she would usually look for but she fell in love with my personality.

Inspector Daniel Holland told the court that he spoke to Mr Satchwell at Midleton Garda Station the day after his house was searched in June 2017.

Mr Holland said it was a very general conversation, describing it as an exchange of information that lasted around an hour or an hour-and-a-half.

He said that Mr Satchwell discussed his relationship with his wife, and told police that he had given up a lot of be with Ms Satchwell, that his family did not approve and no longer spoke to him.

He said he wanted to have kids, but she did not, claiming she was very headstrong and determined.

Mr Holland said that Mr Satchwell alluded to physical assaults on previous occasions and said that on two occasions she had knocked him out cold and was left unconscious.

He told police that before Christmas 2016, her mood had deteriorated, and that shortly before she went missing, she had assaulted him.

Flowers and messages left near the scene in Youghal, Co Cork, where Tina Satchwells body was found (Brian Lawless/PA)

During the exchange, he told police that he never once reacted to her alleged outbursts and assaults.

He said he would deal with them by driving away on his own, and would have a cry.

He claimed he would never physically react and did not report the assaults to police.

Mr Satchwell told officers that he had conversations with Ms Satchwell about her mental health and that he has asked her to seek help in relation to it but she did not want to.

He said he felt that Ms Satchwell would not hurt herself as she was not that type of person.

He said he fully expected her to return home, but added that the publicity surrounding her disappearance may be an obstacle, as she thought people may ridicule her for leaving.

Following the search, police found documents showing transfers of money to various people around the world.

Mr Holland said that thousands of euros were sent to Western Union accounts and police wanted to know if it had something to do with her disappearance.

Mr Satchwell claimed Ms Satchwell wanted to adopt marmoset monkeys and had great difficulty in doing so and that was the reason behind the international transfers.

He said that emails on his laptop would provide an explanation about the money, however Mr Holland said the explanation for the money was confusing.

Richard Satchwell (second right) arriving at the District Court in Cashel, Co Tipperary, after being charged in connection with the murder of his wife Tina Satchwell (Brian Lawless/PA)

Asked to explain how the couple were able to save 26,000 euros in cash, Mr Satchwell claimed a large portion of the money came from going to car boot sales, and they would earn between 150 to 200 euros a week from selling clothes, and bric-a-brac.

He said this money was saved over four years and sold items he got from cleaning out his house in Fermoy and clearing out his wifes garage.

They had kept the cash in a tin box in the attic, which he sold shortly after she disappeared, the court heard.

When asked what the money was being saved for, he said it was for a new central heating system.

Mr Holland told defence barrister Brendan Grehan that Mr Satchwell said he was obsessed with his wife, adding that he specifically noted the word as it was so strong.

Mr Satchwell told police his wifes mood had deteriorated before Christmas in 2016, and that her extreme anger led to serious assaults on him.

When asked why he had put up with the alleged assaults, Mr Satchwell said that when she was not angry, she was a perfect person and he had long accepted this dark other side to her.

He claimed he never retaliated, and that she carried a lot of baggage from her childhood.

Asked to go through his movements on the night before and morning of his wifes disappearance, police said he was scant on detail, but was able to provide a good description about his travels to the post office in Youghal, to Grange Church and on to Dungarvan before he returned home.

Earlier, the court heard that police investigating her disappearance strongly suspected that something untoward and criminal had happened to her.

Members of the Garda forensics at the scene in Youghal, Co Cork (Brian Lawless/PA)

Retired sergeant John Sharkey, who worked at Youghal Garda Station in 2017, said it was treated as missing persons case for a period of time and over a two-week period in May, officers carried out a number of inquiries.

He said that on May 15, police launched a national public campaign through media platforms which included a picture of Ms Satchwell.

The court was told that this did not generate any assistance to investigators.

He said that police carried out inquiries to locate her, including trawling CCTV footage of the area in Youghal, launching a social media campaign with pictures of Ms Satchwell, using local radio and TV stations and carrying out house-to-house inquiries but they were fruitless.

He told the court that due to a lack of progress to locate any trace of Ms Satchwell, he became suspicious that something untoward had occurred.

Mr Sharkey said he was not alone in his suspicions and that there were others in An Garda Siochana (Irish police) who were also suspicious.

Asked by Mr Grehan if by June 2 2017, he believed Ms Satchwell may have been injured or incapacitated by a criminal event, he replied: Correct.

He said that in the days leading up to the search, he held a meeting with his superiors to review the case and a decision was made to apply for a search warrant.

Mr Sharkey said that full police resources were deployed to search the family home in Youghall, which began at around 7.30am and was fully completed by 7pm.

Mr Sharkey said it was a thorough search completed by a team of specialists and he believed there were up to 10 trained officers involved.

Garda Cathal Wheelan, who is a crime scene investigator attached to north Cork crime investigation unit at Cobh Garda Station, was also involved in the search.

His role was to take pictures of the premises before the search team went into the property and take photos of anything of significance found.

Describing the house, he said it was a three-storey, semi-detached old property.

He said the house was untidy and unkept and that there was dog faeces on the floor, as well as a dirty bird cage with a parrot inside and dirty dishes.

He also noted that the stairs appeared to be made of relatively new, untreated and unpainted wood.

The wall at the stairs had unpainted plasterboard which again appeared to be relatively new.

He said he believed building works had been going on in the house, which appeared to be started but not finished, adding that there appeared to be some repair work.

Mr Wheelan said that upstairs he saw a large amount of racks with a lot of clothes, the master bedroom was untidy and the walls were not painted nor had wallpaper on them.

In the attic, he saw shoes and handbags.

The trial continues.
Jennifer Vasquez Sura, wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, speaks during a news conference in Maryland. Photograph: Jose Luis Magana/AP

Kristi Noem, the US homeland security secretary, said that if Kilmar Abrego Garcia was sent back to the US, the Donald Trump administration would immediately deport him again.

Noem repeated White House assertions about Abrego Garcia, a Salvadorian man who the Trump administration has admitted was mistakenly deported from Maryland last month, in a new interview with CBS.

[Abrego Garcia] is not under our control. He is an El Salvador citizen. He is home there in his country. If he were to be brought back to the United States of America, we would immediately deport him again, Noem said of the 29-year-old who entered the US illegally around 2011 after fleeing gang violence.

Abrego Garcia was subsequently afforded a federal protection order against deportation to El Salvador. Despite the order, on 15 March, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials deported Abrego Garcia to El Salvador where he was held in the Center for Terrorism Confinement, a controversial mega-prison.

Though the Trump administration admitted that Abrego Garcias deportation was an administrative error, it has repeatedly cast him as an MS-13 gang member on television  a claim his wife, a US citizen, and his attorneys staunchly reject. Abrego Garcia has no criminal record in the US, according to court documents.

Since Abrego Garcias deportation, the Trump administration has refused to bring him back to the US  despite the supreme court unanimously ordering it to facilitate his release. Trump officials claim that US courts lack jurisdiction over the matter because Abrego Garcia is a Salvadorian national and no longer in the US.

Noem asserted the Trump administrations claims to CBS, saying: President Trump and his administration has adhered to the court and respects the court and its decision, adding, This individual is not under the United States of Americas jurisdiction and he is not one of our citizens. He is home in his home country. And thats up to that country to decide what to do.

Last week, a federal judge accused the White House of bad faith in the case, arguing that defendants have sought refuge behind vague and unsubstantiated assertions of privilege, using them as a shield to obstruct discovery and evade compliance with this courts orders.

Yet, Noem maintains that the Trump administration spends hours and hours building cases against alleged gang members.

Upon being asked about the administrations claims against individuals who have been deported without due process, the homeland security secretary said: Obviously, were relying on the expertise of our investigators, our teams, double-checking, triple-checking, going through the paperwork, making sure that we have done everything absolutely correctly.

Noem also accused federal judges who have issued court orders the Trump administration dislikes as activist judges.

Im sure that these judges will continue to challenge every single thing that this administration does. We have several activist judges across the country, she said, despite some of the judges who have ruled against Trumps immigration policies being nominated by Republicans.

Earlier this month, J Harvie Wilkinson, a Ronald Reagan-appointee and conservative appellate judge, called the Trump administrations claims in Abrego Garcias case shocking, saying: This should be shocking not only to judges, but to the intuitive sense of liberty that Americans far removed from courthouses still hold dear.
Pulp, Paul Weller and Primal Scream are among the notable music names who have defended Kneecap after one of the rap groups members appeared to call for Tory MPs to be killed.

Video has emerged from a November 2023 gig appearing to show one member of the Irish trio saying: The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for Kneecap to be banned while other politicians pushed for the group to be dropped from the Glastonbury Festival line-up.

In a joint statement, also signed by former BBC Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac, a group of artists said there has been a clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform Kneecap.

Annie Mac signed the statement (Ian West/PA)

It went on: As artists, we feel the need to register our opposition to any political repression of artistic freedom.

In a democracy, no political figures or political parties should have the right to dictate who does and does not play at music festivals or gigs that will be enjoyed by thousands of people.

The full list of signatories is: Annie Mac, Beoga, Bicep, Biig Piig, Blindboy Boatclub, Bob Vylan, Christy Moore, Damien Dempsey, Delivery, Dexys, English Teacher, Enter Shikari, Fontaines D.C., Gemma Dunleavy, Gurriers, Idles, Iona Zajac, Jelani Blackman, John Francis Flynn, Joshua Idehen, Katy J Pearson, Kojaque, Lankum, Lisa ONeill, Lowkey, Massive Attack, Martyn Ware, Paul Weller, Peter Perrett, Poor Creature, Primal Scream, Pulp, Roisin El Cherif, Shirley Manson, Sleaford Mods, Soft Play, The Mary Wallopers, The Pogues, Thin Lizzy, Toddla T.

Meanwhile, Massive Attack put out their own statement on their Instagram account saying: Language matters of course. The hideous murders of elected politicians Jo Cox and David Amess means theres no scope for flippancy or recklessness.

It said politicians are strategically concocting moral outrage over the stage utterings of a young punk band while ignoring a genocide in Gaza.

The statement added: Kneecap are not the story. Gaza is the story. Genocide is the story.

And the silence, acquiescence and support of those crimes against humanity by the elected British Government is the real story.

Solidarity with all artists with the moral courage to speak out against Israeli war crimes, and the ongoing persecution and slaughter of the Palestinian people.

Speaking on RTEs Prime Time on Tuesday, the bands manager Daniel Lambert said: Were in the space now of moral hysteria and moral outrage, and you have a band being held to a higher moral account than politicians who are ignoring international law.

He added: The idea that that was incitement of violence against an MP is ludicrous. It was taken entirely out of context. They are performers as part of performance.

If you were to look at dozens of comedians globally and you were to take the script of their comedy act and remove six words from a comedy act and then lay it out in a headline and say that this was dangerous, you could do that to dozens of people.

This was a concerted campaign and the aim of this campaign is really important. Its not about Kneecap. This has nothing to do with Kneecap or something that Kneecap may or may not have said, its solely about de-platforming artists.

Its about telling the next young band, both through the music industry and through the political class, that you cant speak about Palestine.

It comes as the Metropolitan Police assesses the video clip, along with footage from another concert in November 2024 in which a member of Kneecap appeared to shout up Hamas, up Hezbollah  groups which are banned as terrorist organisations in the UK.

Meanwhile, the Irish rap trios scheduled performance at the Eden Project, in Cornwall, was cancelled, with a spokesperson for Eden Sessions saying ticket-holders would be contacted directly and refunded.

Three more Kneecap concerts have been cancelled in Germany, BBC News reported.

Sir David Amesss daughter, Katie Amess, has said it would be very dangerous for Kneecap to perform at Glastonbury (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Ministers also put pressure on the organisers of the Glastonbury Festival over the bands inclusion in the line-up.

In a statement posted on Instagram, the group, comprising Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, addressed the families of Sir David Amess and Jo Cox saying we never intended to cause you hurt and said they reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual.

It added: Kneecaps message has always been  and remains  one of love, inclusion, and hope. This is why our music resonates across generations, countries, classes and cultures and has brought hundreds of thousands of people to our gigs. No smear campaign will change that.

They said they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah.

Labour MP Ms Cox was stabbed and shot in 2016 while Tory Sir David was stabbed to death in 2021.

The daughter of Sir David, Katie Amess, suggested the trio had been badly advised because the statement was deflection and excuses and gaslighting.

She also said that it would be very dangerous for the group to perform at Glastonbury.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: They should apologise. I think you have seen what they have said, I think it is half-hearted.

We completely reject in the strongest possible terms the comments that theyve made, particularly in relation to MPs and intimidation as well as obviously the situation in the Middle East.

Its right that the police are looking into these videos.
Richard Burrows in handcuffs outside Chester Crown Court - Andrew Price/View Finder Pictures

One of Britains most wanted paedophiles will die in prison after spending nearly 30 years on the run in Thailand.

Richard Burrows, 81, a former Scout leader and school housemaster, fled the UK in 1997 after being charged with a litany of sex offences against 24 boys as young as nine years old.

He successfully absconded by stealing the identity of his terminally ill friend Peter Smith and used his details to fraudulently acquire a passport.

For 27 years, detectives fruitlessly searched for any sign of Burrows while he was living in paradise, building a successful career as an advertising executive and sailing around the jade waters of Phuket in a yacht.

Despite several rounds of appeals on BBCs Crimewatch programme, and numerous victims coming forward, the police, in the words of the lead detective on the case, had no clue where he had gone.

In the end, it was a single officers curiosity and a facial mole that led to Burrowss arrest.

In April 2023, an officer from Cheshire Constabularys serious and organised crime unit turned to a publicly available search engine called PimEyes.

Users can upload images to the website that are then cross-referenced with matching images on the internet, using artificial intelligence software.

Burrowss custody mugshot in 1997 was found to be a match for a picture published in a 2017 article celebrating his retirement from his employer Image Asia.

A distinctive mole on the left-hand side of his chin proved to be the key identifier. Police finally had their man.

Richard Burrowss custody mugshot in 1997 was found to be a match for a picture celebrating his retirement - Cheshire Constabulary

In March 2024, Burrows emailed his brother, after years of silence, to say he was coming back to the UK because he had run out of money and was suffering from cancer.

Burrowss brother tipped off Cheshire Constabulary and the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Police arrested Burrows on his arrival at Heathrow Airport on March 28.

At Cheshire Crown Court on Wednesday afternoon, he was jailed for 46 years after being convicted of 97 offences, including indecent assault of boys, buggery, attempted buggery and indecency with a child, making indecent images of children, possession of indecent images of children and four counts of possession of false identity documents with intent.

Judge Steven Everett said that it was one of the most, if not the most, serious case of its kind he had dealt with in his career.

He told Burrows: I recognise you will not be released.

You are a despicable man. You have ruined countless lives. These serious sexual assaults were committed by you because you are a predator.

You deliberately positioned yourself amongst groups and communities to get closer to them, and to groom and sexually abuse young boys.

I have no doubt that you were never going to come back [to the UK] had you not run out of money and suffered ill-health with cancer, albeit not terminal  presumably because you were not going to get treatment abroad.

I have seen no remorse in your behaviour. I recall only too well that when you were interviewed by the police, you did not admit a single thing. You just lied through the back of your teeth because you knew what you did.

Living in paradise

In emails retrieved by police, Burrows boasted of living in paradise while in the town of Chalong in a purpose-built olive-green shipping container.

Multiple online photographs showed him rubbing shoulders with fellow expatriates at drinks receptions  and even sailing events attended by members of the Thai royal family.

Burrows had told his new colleagues that he had come to Thailand to retire on the ocean waves.

A magazine article celebrating his retirement described Burrows as perfectly suited for building relationships and trust.

Det Insp Eli Atkinson, who led the joint investigation with the NCA, believes Burrows probably abused children in Thailand.

She said: You can make an assumption. Why would somebody who had abused children for such a long time suddenly stop?

But I couldnt go further than it being an assumption that abuse had carried on while he was out there. We just dont know, unfortunately, you could make a logical assumption that he did, it would be fair to say.

Thai police have not confirmed whether they are investigating any potential sex offences carried out by Burrows.

I hope that you will find some peace

Det Insp Atkinson explained how they finally tracked down the paedophile.

In all honesty, it was a curious officer who said oh thats an interesting case, I wonder if we can find him, nothing more formal.

It was just somebody who had that extra little bit of curiosity to say: Oh right lets have a go at that one.We have had success finding other people via different means. And also I suppose it is a bit of a last ditch attempt isnt it?

We know hes 80, he could be dead, in which case we can close this whole thing off. Or if he isnt dead, we have got a limited amount of time to find him.

Samantha Thompson of the Crown Prosecution Service said: Im pleased that many of Richard Burrowss victims were in court today to see their abuser get justice.

He will very likely never leave prison. Burrows is an unrepentant paedophile who used his position of trust to sexually abuse boys over three decades.

Burrows stared ahead blankly throughout the sentencing before he was led from the dock.

After the defendant left the courtroom, Judge Everett told some of the victims present: I hope that you will find some peace.
Adelle Foster, a musician in the Coldstream Guards, is facing a military tribunal - Solent

A female British Army musician sexually assaulted a female colleague while drunk, a court martial has heard.

Adelle Foster, a clarinet player in the Coldstream Guards, is alleged to have inappropriately touched her colleague on three separate occasions, mocking her protestations.

Musician Foster pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual assault at Bulford Military Court.

Commodore James Farrant, prosecuting, said the assault took place in the early hours of the morning after Mus Foster had drunk a bottle of wine.

He said the two women usually didnt get on that well and argued about each others behaviour.

Cdre Farrant continued: Mus Foster moved closer to [the woman] and suggested that she, Mus Foster, give her a massage to help her sleep.

The court heard the woman declined the offer, but the clarinet player started stroking her hand anyway.

Cdre Farrant said she continued to touch the womans belly, breasts, and genitals, which the alleged victim told the court consisted of grabbing and jabbing.

The alleged victim was fully dressed, wearing jeans and a jumper.

Cdre Farrant added: All touching was over clothing. Eventually, Mus Foster said she was going to sleep.

But the assault continued as Mus Foster began touching [her] again, this time on her breasts and bottom.

She began trying to take [the womans] clothes off. She eventually stopped, following [the womans] polite protest.

The alleged victim said no, but was mocked for this with Mus Foster repeating [her] protestations to her.

Mus Foster initially stopped the alleged victim from fleeing the room, though she eventually escaped to a lift, where she called friends to tell them what had happened.

Audio recordings

The court heard audio recordings the alleged victim had made of some of the interactions between the women that night.

After the woman said she had a partner, Mus Foster could be heard saying: Im still going to touch you.

The alleged victim then said: I dont find it comfortable, all this touching.

Cdre Farrant told the court that Mus Foster sent the woman a message around 2.40am, after the alleged attack, which said she was just trying to be friends.

The women met in person again that night, when the alleged victim reportedly told Mus Foster that she shouldnt have touched her.

According to an audio recording, Mus Foster responded: Before, when I was joking and touching you, I was joking.

When shown this evidence in an interview, the musician said she did not remember having said she was joking.

Mus Foster also denied touching her colleague inappropriately.

The trial continues.
Andrew Johnston denies two counts of rape and a count of sexual assault - Lucy North/PA

A former Britains Got Talent finalist has denied two counts of rape.

Andrew Johnston, 30, said he had fast, energetic, maybe a bit passionate sex with two women that was consensual and not aggressive.

The former choirboy shot to fame on the ITV talent show in 2008, coming third and signing a record deal with Simon Cowell.

He was charged with raping and sexually assaulting one woman and raping another.

Mr Johnston, of Carlisle, Cumbria, fought back tears as he denied the allegations at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday.

Now a full-time roofer, Mr Johnston said he had never sung a note since the allegations against him.

I had lost everything  my career, my girlfriend over this period of time, he said.

I just got into a bad state really quickly. I have never sung a note since. I cant bring myself to.

Andrew Johnston competed on Britains Got Talent in 2008 and came in third - Ken McKay/Rex Features

The first alleged victim accused Mr Johnston in a police interview of ignoring repeated requests to stop, holding one of his hands on her throat and using the other to pin down her arms.

She alleged that he only stopped when she slammed on his chest with both hands.

Giving evidence, Mr Johnston said a condom was always used and he never put my hands anywhere near her neck during the energetic, fast intercourse.

He also denied removing the condom when he had sex with the other woman or holding her around the throat.

Mr Johnstons defence is that the womens allegations are a pack of lies, the jury was told.

Prosecutor Maryam Syed KC told Mr Johnston he had taken a calculated risk and deliberately raped both women, with the two alleged incidents bearing a pattern.

I did not rape those two girls, he replied.

One of the alleged victims also claims Mr Johnston sexually assaulted her by groping her bottom and kissing her at a nightclub.

Giving evidence in court, Mr Johnston was asked by defence counsel Rupert Kent if he at any time reasonably believed that she was not consenting.

He replied: It was always consenting.

Mr Johnston was also asked if he touched her, answering: No, never.

Mr Kent asked: Are you guilty of these three charges?

Mr Johnston replied: I am not at all.

He added: It is not me. It is not the way I was brought up. It is not something I would do and it does not sound like me at all.

I was really suffering with depression

Mr Johnston told the court he had suffered from depression and ended a relationship since the allegations were made.

I was really suffering with depression. It was quite hard, so we called quits on it, he said.

It started instantly when I heard about these allegations, but it just got gradually worse as time went on and spiralled until I went on medication for it.

His mother entered him on Britains Got Talent where he impressed the judges, including Mr Cowell, with his version of Pie Jesu and Eric Claptons Tears in Heaven.

He came third and went on to sign a contract with Mr Cowell, released an album that went to number four in the UK charts and appeared in a UK Tour with other finalists.

The early stardom stopped as his voice changed prompting him to make a shift and sing in a lower range.

He told the court: It went on for a couple of years until my voice started to change. It became a bit difficult to sing the songs I was singing in the show.
Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, promised to recruit thousands of extra state school teachers, funded by adding VAT to private school fees. Photograph: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing/Getty Images

A key government pledge to appoint 6,500 extra teachers in England by the end of this parliament will be difficult to achieve and is likely to fall short of demand, the UKs public spending watchdog has warned.

The education secretary Bridget Phillipsons promise to recruit thousands of extra teachers in state schools, which has been funded by adding VAT to private school fees, forms one of the cornerstones of the governments education policy.

However, a report by the National Audit Office (NAO), published on Wednesday, warned that a projected increase in secondary schools pupil numbers was likely to outpace Labours recruitment ambitions, leaving teacher vacancies unfilled.

Further education (FE) colleges, which are particularly badly affected by a longstanding recruitment and retention crisis, will need up to 12,400 more teachers alone by 2028-29, almost double the governments overall pledge, the report says.

Meanwhile, the number of newly qualified teachers who started in state secondary schools in 2023-24 fell to 8,700  the lowest number since 2010-11. The Department for Education (DfE) has missed its recruitment target for secondary teacher training in all but one of the past 10 years.

With secondary school pupil numbers likely to peak in 2028, piling further pressure on the system, the NAO called on the government to publish a delivery plan, outlining how it intends to recruit the additional 6,500 teachers within the timeframe. It also urged ministers to assess the extent to which the further education workforce model is fit for purpose.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the chair of the public accounts committee, said: The DfE assesses that meeting the governments pledge for 6,500 more teachers will be very challenging. Even if met, it is not clear that this will be enough to fix the nationwide shortage of teachers amidst growing numbers of students.

There needs to be a new cross-sector approach to recruiting and retaining enough high-quality teachers. Otherwise, workforce challenges will continue to pose a real threat to young peoples education and life prospects.

Gareth Davies, the head of the NAO, said: Despite the governments pledge, secondary schools and further education colleges face a challenge in securing enough teachers to support growing student numbers.

Jack Worth, the school workforce lead at the National Foundation for Educational Research, said the report sent a clear message to government that it would miss its 6,500 teacher recruitment pledge if it does not take action now.

Unfilled vacancy levels are at their highest rates since records began in 2010, with pay, stress from dealing with pupil behaviour and workload pressures reported to be contributing to teachers leaving the profession, he added.

Properly funded pay rises are urgently needed alongside and non-financial measures, such as workload reduction and flexible working, to improve both recruitment and retention. The Treasury has already said any pay rises must come from existing budgets.

Responding to the NAO report, Phillipson reiterated the governments commitment to recruiting 6,500 more teachers. Were already seeing green shoots, with 2,000 more secondary school teachers training this year, alongside a boost in the number set to begin training in shortage Stem [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] subjects, but theres still much more to do.

Following last years 5.5% pay award, and with hundreds of millions of pounds being invested to help us turn the tide, Im determined to restore teaching as the attractive, prestigious profession it should be.

Separate research into teacher recruitment, meanwhile, claims that men face discrimination when applying for roles in Englands school workforce, particularly for jobs at entry level such as teaching assistant roles.

The study by Warwick Business School asked 600 teachers to evaluate fictitious CVs and found on average men were rated 1.2 percentage points lower than women, and 1.8 percentage points lower in applications for teacher assistant roles.

Theres growing concern about the lack of male teachers, especially to act as role models for boys, said Dr Joshua Fullard, an assistant professor at the school. But our research shows that, despite this concern, men still face biases during the hiring process  particularly in lower-ranked positions.

Prof Stephen Gorard, the director of the University of Durhams evidence centre for education, who was not involved in the study, said: This is a useful finding that shows a small bias against male applicants. However it seems that it was conducted as a simulation and so may not be true to a real application process.
Anas Altikriti says the mass slaughter of Israeli citizens on Oct 7 was a lie - Jeff Gilbert

The Muslim Association of Britain (MAB) has always denied being an extremist organisation, yet there can be little dispute as to the extremist views of its most significant director.

Anas Altikriti, who was president of the MAB from 2004 to 2005, has described the mass slaughter and rape of Israeli citizens on Oct 7 2023 as a lie and called the taking of hostages a very important part of any act of resistance.

The MAB has tried to distance itself from Mr Altikriti, saying he does not speak for, nor represent the views of the MAB.

Yet Companies House lists Mr Altikriti as not only a current director of the MAB, but also the only director designated as a person with significant control of the organisation.

The MAB was founded by Muhammad Kathem Sawalha, the former Hamas chief, and was one of the groups that organised a pro-Palestine march in London on Armistice Day, a month after the Oct 7 massacre.

Hamass armed wing hold a Palestinian flag as they destroy a tank of Israeli forces in Gaza on Oct 7 2023 - Anadolu Agency

In a video recorded with the US imam Tom Facchine in Nov 2023, British Iraqi Mr Altikriti was asked about Hamass taking of hostages.

He said: The taking of hostages is a very important part of any strategic sort of military action or act of resistance or the such because for every hostage you can then negotiate.

You have personnel who are vital and crucial at least in your thinking and your mind to your adversary, to your enemy, so its a negotiating power.

For the people of Gaza, for Hamas, for the resistance, call them as you may, a hostage is very, very valuable, and therefore they will be looked after, they will be cared for, they will be cared for even more than the actual citizens of Gaza simply because they provide cover for the resistance, they provide a negotiating card once the battle arrives at a point where people are sitting around the table or talking at least about some sort of deal.

Therefore those hostages were taken by Hamas in order to negotiate more freedoms, more rights, the breakout of this prison that we call Gaza, this concentration camp that we call Gaza.

Mr Altikriti has also made highly controversial statements on X, including a post on the day of the Oct 7 attack that said: What did we think was going to happen? That Palestinians would stay silent whilst forever subjugated, victimised, abused, violated, murdered and tortured?!

This is for every time western governments stayed silent and whitewashed Israels crimes and violations.

Rape and slaughter allegations a lie

In December 2023 he objected to the British governments designation of Hamas as a terrorist organisation and added: Allegations of rape made by Israel are false. Its a lie

Just like every other allegation made by Israel turns out to be a lie, including the mass slaughter of Israeli citizens on the 7th of October. That too was a lie.

Michael Gove proposed in Parliament last year that the MAB be considered for inclusion under a new definition of extremist organisations.

The MAB was founded in 1997 with the stated aim of helping British Muslims seeking to contribute positively within society.

But according to a 2015 parliamentary report commissioned by the then prime minister Lord Cameron, the MAB was in its early days dominated by the Muslim Brotherhood, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and three other countries, though not Britain.

The report stated that: MAB has links to the Cordoba Foundation, a think tank which is associated with the Brotherhood (though claiming to be neither affiliated to the Muslim Brotherhood nor a lobby organisation for it).

That link comes through Mr Alkitiri, who is the chief executive and founder of the Cordoba Foundation, which Lord Cameron described in Parliament in 2009 as a front for the Muslim Brotherhood.

The report also said: MABhave consistently opposed programmes by successive governments to prevent terrorism.

A spokesman for the MAB said: Mr Altikriti does not speak for MAB, and should you have any questions regarding his views or comments please direct them to him.
From left to right, Mel C as Sporty Spice, Geri Halliwell as Ginger Spice, Victoria Beckham as Posh Spice, Emma Bunton as Baby Spice and Mel C as Scary Spice at the 1997 Brit Awards - 2012 Avalon

The Spice Girls are reportedly planning to reunite for a world tour to mark their 30th anniversary.

Stars Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Mel B and Mel C are said to be secretly planning a reunion of their former pop group with meetings in Miami next week.

The group, however, will be one spice short, as Posh Spice  Victoria Beckham  has told friends that she is 90 per cent out of the running, according to The Sun.

The 51-year-old, who runs her own eponymous fashion and beauty lines, has pretty much ruled herself out, the newspaper reported.

The Spice Girls reunited for a private performance at Victoria Beckhams 50th birthday party last year - Instagram

Halliwell is said to be back in touch with the music mogul Simon Fuller to mastermind the long-rumoured reunion.

A source told the publication: There have been rumours swirling for months, but Geri has always been too busy and had other things on, preventing her from saying yes.

Nothing is yet confirmed but Geri and Simon are back in touch with a myriad of exciting ideas.

Unfortunately Victoria has pretty much ruled herself out, but there is still a world in which she could do some sort of avatar appearance or a special one-off thing. She would always want to honour the girls history.

The reunion rumours come after Mel B told The Telegraph Magazine in March last year: Im planning on reuniting with the Spice Girls but theres no announcement yet.

The Spice Girls is one of my priorities in life, its what launched me.

She is not the only former band member to have previously hinted at a reunion of the popular nineties pop band.

Just last month, Halliwell told The Times that she hopes the group come back together as a collective, explaining that it was more respectful to come as one.

The five members appear onstage at the O2 Arena for The Return of the Spice Girls world tour in 2007 - MJ Kim/Spice Girls LLP

The 52-year-old, who formed the five-member band in 1994, fanned the reunion rumour flames by conclusively stating: There will be something.

She added: Well come as one. We love each other. I love them, I care about them, we want the best for each other.

We shared something so monumental. Weve always believed in each other, had trust in each other, which is beautiful.

She is said to be meeting with Fuller later this week in Miami, where she will be supporting her husband, Christian Horner  who is the Red Bull Formula 1 team principal  at the Grand Prix.

If the reunion does take place, it would coincide with the 30th anniversary of the bands debut hit single, Wannabe, in 1996.

The song propelled The Spice Girls to global stardom, selling more than 100 million records and achieving nine number one singles before Halliwell quit in 1998.

The group last toured, without Posh Spice, in 2019, for which they each made 4.4 million. Before that, they had all reunited for one performance at the London Olympics closing ceremony in 2012.

The Telegraph understands that the reunion plans are not official and talks are only rumoured to be taking place.
Beeban Kidron said: Tech funding of universities is just one strand of a deliberate system of lobbying. Photograph: Carl Court/Getty Images

Britains elite universities are continuing to benefit from multimillion-pound funding from Facebooks owner, Meta, amid criticism over its approach to harmful content, ditching of independent factcheckers and political influence.

Members of the Russell Group benefited from a total of 2.8m worth of funding from Meta last year, and 7.7m over the past four years. Imperial College alone has taken 3.6m from Mark Zuckerbergs companies since 2021.

The funding ranges from donations classified as philanthropic gifts to formal research partnerships on projects at Imperial with titles such as Hearables: In-ear monitoring of physiological responses and Cross-modal learning of emotions.

The figures, released after freedom of information requests, have prompted calls from online safety campaigners for universities to take a more cautious approach to engagement with Meta.

The subject of taking funding from Meta has also become a live issue in the academic community, and some researchers who have benefited from funding in the past have since expressed regret privately that they did so.

Beeban Kidron, a leading critic of big tech firms and an advocate of childrens rights online, said: Tech funding of universities is just one strand of a deliberate system of lobbying. Individual academics and thinktanks should display not only where their funds come from but what proportion, so the context in which they are working can be taken into account.

Imperial appears to have been the largest beneficiary, while others include Oxford University, which has accepted 1.8m over the past four years. Oxfords funding has gone towards projects such as research into improving large language models (LLMs), a type of artificial intelligence that can understand and generate human language.

Oxford said it followed robust and rigorous guidelines to ensure that the acceptance of funding did not impair academic freedom or academic integrity.

A spokesperson for the Russell Group said: Our universities regularly work with global businesses across many sectors. These relationships support their research and innovation activities and promote valuable international links, bringing benefits to the UK economy and local communities.

All our universities carry out thorough due diligence on philanthropic donations and external R&D funding to ensure they comply fully with university policies and UK regulation.

Andrew Chadwick, a professor of political communication at Loughborough University, said Meta and Facebook had funded academic research in a variety of ways in recent years, from ad hoc unrestricted gifts to controlled, conditional data-access schemes.

He noted that the company funded a 2020 US election study but there were accusations that Facebook changed its news feed algorithms during the experiment without making this fully clear to researchers involved, undermining some of the studys key findings.

We know from the past that large corporations can sometimes see funding academic research as a way to generate a veneer of legitimacy for aspects of their activity that members of the public and policymakers see as harmful  a sort of fig leaf approach that aligns with a companys strategic PR aims and not necessarily the pursuit of scientific knowledge, said Chadwick, who has not received funding from Meta.

Some of the universities refused to provide details of the funding or did so only in part. The University of Bristol said disclosure of companies that had made donations and the amount donated would undermine trust in the university and deter these companies and prospective donors from donating to the university in future.

Abhinav Shukla, a former PhD student at Imperial who had access to Meta data as part of his research, made the case for collaborations between the company and universities, which he said was generating new knowledge and was open for others to use.

He said: Its a recruiting tool for them. If they fund some research and if it goes well, then its not like Meta will try and patent it or hide it. But if theres a direct application to a Meta product, then theyll try and hire the person who has that specific expertise to do so.

From the students perspective, I found it to be a pretty good deal for me in particular. Because it helped me get a job that I really wanted to do out of my PhD. It helped me work in an area that was directly applicable to products.

Meta has been approached for comment.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador - Abrego Garcia Family/REUTERS

El Salvador has no proof that Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang, the countrys security minister has admitted.

The US Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate Mr Abrego Garcias return after he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March.

The White House initially has refused, insisting Mr Abrego Garcia is a member of the notorious South American gang, allegations his wife and lawyer have denied.

In an exclusive interview with The Telegraph, Gustavo Villatoro, El Salvadors justice and security minister, said Mr Abrego Garcia is currently being held in a low security prison where strictly no gang members are jailed because the US has sent no evidence of his criminal history.

Mr Villatoro also suggested it was possible El Salvador could facilitate the return of Mr Abrego Garcia in the future should Donald Trump request it.

His comments are the latest twist in a contentious legal fight that has become a political flashpoint of Mr Trumps controversial deportation policy, prompting Democrats to fly to El Salvdor to campaign for Mr Abrego Garcias release.

Gustavo Villatoro is El Salvadors justice and security minister - VICTOR RAISON

It comes after Mr Trump said on Tuesday night that he could have the El Salvadorian returned to the US but is choosing not to  after previously claiming he had no power to bring the father-of-three back  again insisting he is a member of MS-13.

The Trump administration reportedly sent a diplomatic note inquiring about releasing Mr Abrego Garcia, but Nayib Bukele, the president, refused, saying he should remain in El Salvador as he is a Salvadorian citizen, sources told the New York Times.

It was not clear whether this was a full-throttled attempt to return Mr Abrego Garcia, or a move to appease Judge Paula Xinis, who is overseeing his case.

Mr Abrego Garcia entered the US illegally 14 years ago and was living in Maryland with his wife and children when he was arrested. He was protected under a 2019 court order determining that he could not be deported to El Salvador, but he was sent there around a month ago.

Mr Abrego Garcia, 29, was originally imprisoned in El Salvadors notorious Terrorism Confinement Center, Cecot, a mega prison designed for MS-13 gang members.

Mr Villatoro said this is where the serial killers of the gangs, who are referred to as homeboys are kept, and other gang members are sent to one of the other five prisons designated for gang members.

He was then transferred to Centro Industrial prison in Santa Ana, one of the lowest security prisons in the country which is solely for trusted inmates who are preparing for release. In this prison inmates can reduce their sentences by rearing dairy cows, making furniture and painting.

Credit: Susie Coen for The Telegraph

On Tuesday Mr Villatoro confirmed Mr Abrego Garcia was still being held there. Speaking as he sat at the head of a large wooden table in his government office, he said: It is a common prison for common criminals.

Asked why Mr Abrego Garcia was being held there, given the White House has claimed he is a member of MS-13 and Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, had called him a terrorist, Mr Villatoro said: We are receiving and asking for information [from the] US, because, remember, he committed [a] crime in [the] US, not in El Salvador.

He added: But the thing is, he is accused by the US government as a member of MS-13, so if we want to accuse him, we have to receive the whole proof that he is a member of MS.

Pressed on whether this means right now that El Salvador is unsure whether Mr Abrego Garcia is a member of MS-13, Mr Villatoro replied: Yes, we are waiting for the evidence.

Earlier in the interview, Mr Villatoro said the El Salvadoran government has intelligence on MS-13 gang members living abroad and has sent a list of around 1,000 names to the US of gang members they believe are hiding in the US requesting their deportation.

Asked if the El Salvadoran government would facilitate Mr Abrego Garcias return should Mr Trump request it, Mr Villatoro, who conducted the interview in English, said: This is under the possibilities right, we have to cooperate with the US government, with US state and right now, our president has to be clear about the Abrego Garcia status.

We cant... as El Salvador, we cant send him to the US, we dont have the possibility, and of course, we are not trying... to move US terrorists, to move to the US... in the future can pass a lot of things, but all of that has to be according to our agreement and according to the law, of course.

No domestic interest in custody of Garcia

Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, Mr Abrego Garcias lawyer said: This confirms what weve been saying since the very first hearing in this case, a full month ago, that if the United States made a genuine good faith ask for Kilmar Abrego Garcias return, that would happen very quickly.

El Salvador has confirmed that it has no domestic interest in retaining custody of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and that theyre only doing it pursuant to a contract with the United States of America, under which theyre being paid on a per capita bonus, according to reporting that weve seen.

Now were at the point where various US government officials are pointing fingers at each other. Everyones saying its someone elses fault that this hasnt happened yet, so its time for it to happen now.

Mr Abrego Garcia entered the US illegally 14 years ago and was living in Maryland with his wife and children - Abrego Garcia Family

On Monday, The Telegraph obtained access to the vast prison where Mr Abrego Garcia is being held with around 8,500 inmates.

At the jail, which sits on five acres of land, inmates are given different jobs depending on their skills and interests.

In a strictly organised tour in which we were forbidden from speaking with any prisoners who had not been pre-approved by the director, The Telegraph saw inmates bottle-feeding calves, watering flower beds with red roses and painting artwork for public offices.

Mr Villatoro said he did not know what sector of work Mr Abrego Garcia had been assigned.

On Tuesday Mr Trump told ABC News that Mr Abrego Garcia had MS-13 tattooed on his knuckles.

Donald Trump holds an image appearing to show tattoos on Mr Abrego Garcias hand with MS-13 digitally added

He previously shared an image which appeared to show tattoos on Mr Abrego Garcias hand with MS-13 digitally added. Photographs from Mr Abrego Garcias meeting with Democrat Senator Chris Van Hollen showed tattooed symbols on Mr Abrego Garcias hand  including a marijuana leaf, skull, cross and a smiley face with Xs for eyes  but not MS-13 as Mr Trump alleges.

Mr Trump has also referred to Mr Abrego Garcia as a wife beater. In 2021 his wife Jennifer Vasquez sought and received a temporary protective order against Mr Abrego Garcia, alleging he had punched and scratched her. Ms Vasquez, who is campaigning for Mr Garcias return, said she did not move forward with the process because it did not escalate and has described her husband as an excellent father.

Jennifer Vasquez, Mr Abrego Garcias wife, is camapigning for his return - Kent Nishimura/REUTERS

Following a wave of gang violence in 2022, Mr Bukele declared a temporary state of emergency in the Central American country and waived key constitutional rights. The government has arrested 84,000 people  more than 1 per cent of the countrys population  the vast majority of whom remain in prison without a court sentence.

While the crackdown has fuelled waves of human rights criticisms, it also prompted a sharp decline in crime and homicide rates, causing Mr Bukeles popularity to soar.

Human rights organisations allege there have been over 300 deaths inside prisons since the state of exception was introduced, and inmates are tortured and denied access to food, water, clothing and health care.

Asked whether innocent people had been swept up in the mass arrests, Mr Villatoro said no judicial system is perfect and families must wait for those who have been imprisoned to appear in court. Many of those already imprisoned for several years have not been given a court date and have had no contact with their families or lawyers.

Mr Villatoro also said it would be a possibility that El Salvador could build a prison for US citizens, following Mr Trumps claims he would like to deport homegrowns, but it would depend on both countrys legal systems.

Right now is the new era to build new agreements, new relations using our common sense and how to defeat criminal organisations from common sense view, not how the UN and NGO says, Mr Villatoro said.

The minister added that he believes Mr Bukele and El Salvador are being attacked because bad minds  such as the UN, NGOs and globalists want to keep Latin America poor and violent.

Mr Abrego Garcia was arrested in March 2019 by the Hyattsville City Police Department in Maryland after being found outside a Home Depot store with a known MS-13 gang member and two others suspected of being linked to the gang.

He was wearing a Chicago Bulls hat which the police said was indicative of Hispanic gang culture and showed he was a member in good standing with MS-13, according to the report.

According to the document, an officer spoke with a past and proven reliable source who advised that Mr Abrego Garcia was an active member of MS-13.

Mr Abrego Garcias lawyers have said their client was not charged with any crimes and insist he is not a member of MS-13.

The Telegraph has contacted the Trump administration for comment.
South African dancer Oti Mabuse has said she felt a sense of belonging from seeing interracial couples during trips to London while she lived in Germany.

The former Strictly Come Dancing professional said that seeing multicultural couples reminded her of her own relationship.

The 34-year-old is married to Romanian dancer Marius Iepure and the couple announced the birth of their first child on Christmas Day in 2023.

Speaking to Prima magazine, she said: When I lived in Germany, Marius and I used to come to London.

Oti Mabuse (Ian West/PA)

The best dance school was in Croydon, and all the best couples would go there.

I remember the first time wed be walking the streets, and there were so many interracial couples.

I would say to Marius, Theres us! Theres us! Oh, there we go again! And I was just like, Wow, where have I been living? Why am I not here? I just see so many multicultural couples, and it felt like, I need that diversity in my life.

And when I came here, every time we took a lesson, wed always take a walk. It just felt amazing; it felt like I belonged.

Mabuse was the dance partner of Iepure after she left Pretoria, South Africa, in 2012 for Nuremberg, Germany, and together they competed for Germany in showdance Latin.

In 2015, Mabuse joined Strictly. She won the celebrity dance show twice before departing in 2022.

On a possible return to the BBC dance competition series, she told Prima: When I look back on Strictly, I think the whole seven-year journey was amazing.

Prima June Cover (Prima UK/Nicky Johnston/PA)

I still work on the show. I still do choreography, Im still talking to the producers.

I say that the show brought me everything, like me sitting here today, and the relationship still very much continues.

There were ups, there were downs  if you can imagine being the first black anything, anywhere, there will always be ups and downs.

Everyone asks me (if Id return to Strictly). I think right now, with a daughter and everything Im doing, Im quite busy, and Im happy with what Im doing at the minute. But never say never.

The doors are always open, which is really, really nice. Aljaz (Skorjanec) went back and hes doing really well.

I went back to choreograph with him and hes just in a different space. Hes absolutely sensational. So, you never know.

The June 2025 issue of Prima is now on sale.
Indian paramilitary soldiers patrol in Srinagar, in the India-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir - Anadolu

Pakistan has claimed it has credible intelligence that India is preparing to launch a military strike within the next 24 hours as tensions soar between the two nuclear neighbours.

Pakistans federal minister for information and broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said India would be fully responsible for any serious consequences in the region.

Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends to launch a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours using the Pahalgam incident as a false pretext, Mr Tarar said at a hastily arranged late-night press conference on Tuesday.

Any act of aggression will be met with a decisive response. India will be fully responsible for any serious consequences in the region.

On April 22, at least 26 tourists were killed at Baisaran-Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, triggering a major crisis between the two countries.

The attack, which no group has credibly claimed responsibility for, was the worst attack on civilians in the country for nearly two decades.

India has blamed Pakistan, accusing it of backing cross-border terrorism, and suspended its participation in the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

Pakistan has warned that any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water under the treaty would be considered an act of war. It denied any role in the attack and called for a neutral investigation.

Mr Tarars statement came hours after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and top military brass in New Delhi. Modi reportedly gave the armed forces complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of Indias response.

People burn an Indian flag and an effigy depicting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a rally against Indias suspension of the Indus Water Treaty - Shutterstock

Throughout the day, both India and Pakistan engaged in heavy diplomatic outreach, holding private briefings for foreign envoys, speaking with world leaders and issuing public statements targeting global audiences.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to urge the two countries to de-escalate tensions.

Mr Guterres expressed his deep concern at rising tensions between India and Pakistan, and underscored the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will urge his Indian and Pakistani counterparts not to escalate, his spokeswoman said on Tuesday, as tensions soar between the arch-rivals.

We are reaching out to both parties and telling, of course, them to not escalate the situation, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters.

The secretary expects to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow, she said.

He is encouraging other national leaders, other foreign ministers, to also reach out to the countries on this issue.

A heavy exchange of fire between the border guards of India and Pakistan was reported along the Line of Control (LoC), the 460-mile de facto border separating the Indian and Pakistani-administered Kashmir, for a sixth straight night.

Pakistan said it had downed a drone, amidst fears of escalation growing.

Its a highly precarious moment in the region, Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington DC told The Telegraph.

Lots of talk on what an Indian military strike might look like. In reality, India is likely weighing a broad range of possible responses targeting Pakistan, some designed to be highly visible for political impact than others. Covert actions are likely under discussion, too, Mr Kugelman said.

He warned that the broader mood in India seems to reflect a belief that past responses have failed to restore deterrence.

This time, there appears to be a desire that it needs to be restored once and for all. Such a view, if applied, would carry escalation risks, Mr Kugelman added.

Authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir closed 48 out of 87 government-approved tourist destinations in the scenic Himalayan region. No timeframe was given for the measure, as panic-stricken tourists sought an early exit.

Indian authorities alleged that Pakistani hackers launched a cyberattack on various websites of the Indian armed forces. The websites were restored later.
Psychiatrists rally in January. The NSW government believes it will have enough mental health staff for the new unit being built at Westmead. Photograph: Natasha May/The Guardian

Construction of a new mental health facility set to become the largest in New South Wales began on Wednesday in western Sydney, but psychiatrists say it will be an empty shell until the issues within the states workforce are resolved.

The peak body for psychiatrists has said the $540m Westmead integrated mental health complex is likely to suffer the same fate as several recently opened facilities in western Sydney, which are only able to operate at less than half the available beds due to lack of staff.

Over a third of the permanent public sector psychiatrist positions were already vacant in the state before the remaining specialist doctors resigned en masse in a high-profile dispute with the state government which remains in arbitration before the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.

Related: Psychiatric care in NSW facing collapse because of poor pay and conditions, court hears as arbitration battle begins

The doctors union, the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation (Asmof), representing psychiatrists, is arguing for a special levy to increase pay by 25%. The union claims the boost will stem the flow of specialist doctors leaving the states public system, which is caught in a vicious cycle where remaining staff are left to pick up the slack of the understaffed system, meaning more suffer moral injury and leave.

Rose Jackson, the NSW mental health minister, on Wednesday said the state of the art facility at Westmead would have 250 to 300 beds to be able to care across the continuum from those experiencing severe, acute mental illness, eating disorders, adolescents, older people, to those who are experiencing situational distress, anxiety, depression. Its all here under the one roof in an integrated complex.

We dont want people experiencing mental distress shunted away in small, isolated facilities. We want to bring their care into an integrated network of health facilities, Jackson said.

The hospital is due to open in 2027, Jackson said, if the weather goes our way.

Dr Pramudie Gunaratne, the chair of the NSW branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, said that as it stands, the fate of the new Westmead unit will be the same as other newly built units, it will either remain empty once built, or it will run at only a fraction of its capacity.

Gunaratne said at the new facility at Campbelltown, only two of six beds are open at the mental health intensive care unit (MHICU) while only eight of the 16 beds are open in its high-risk civil rehab unit, including the only female high-risk civil rehab beds in the state  all due to lack of staff.

None of the female beds are open so there are no high-risk female beds in NSW. Currently the waiting time for patients accepted to this unit is over 6 months, Gunaratne said.

At the new forensic facility at Blacktown, completed and opened in September, which is a 44-bed unit, only 16 beds are open due to lack of staff, she said.

Until we sort out crisis in our mental health workforce in NSW, opening such new units will be a waste of time and money.

Furthermore, dangling a mirage-like new unit we know cant fully function, mocks the anguish of those patients and their families who are crying out for proper care.

Ian Lisser, Asmofs manager of industrial services, said: Emergency departments are overwhelmed. Patients in crisis are waiting up to 90 hours for care. Unless the government takes urgent steps to attract and retain psychiatrists, this new complex will be an empty shell.

Asked about the workforce shortage at a press conference, the premier, Chris Minns, said the government believed it would have enough mental health professionals, whether its psychiatrists or others that work in the system and was now recruiting, paying what it regards as competitive salaries.

Minns said the government had come to the table with the best offer for psychiatrists and doctors and public sector workers in this state for over a decade and it would accept the decision of the independent umpire (the IRC). What we cant do is hand over a blank cheque.

The health minister, Ryan Park, denied the government was investing in bricks and mortar and not the workforce, saying the biggest challenge that I see is not new buildings, [it] is in staffing. That remains the thing that keeps me up at night.
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor - Stefan Rousseau/PA

Rachel Reeves is being investigated by Parliaments standards watchdog over her declaration of free theatre tickets.

The parliamentary standards commissioner has launched an inquiry into a potential breach of rules by the Chancellor relating to a registration of interest.

The Telegraph understands the matter concerns the declaration of free tickets to the National Theatre that Ms Reeves was given last year.

The tickets were received and accepted in December but declared on the MPs register of interests only in March. MPs must declare any change to their interests within 28 days.

They were said to be declared on the ministers register of gifts and hospitality on time. The MPs register is also now up to date.

The tickets, used by Ms Reeves and three members of her family, were worth an estimated 276.

Sabrina Carpenter performs at the Brit Awards - Max Cisotti/Dave Benet/Getty Images

Any finding of wrongdoing would be embarrassing for the Chancellor, who recently ruled out taking any more free tickets in the wake of a backlash over her decision to accept hospitality at a Sabrina Carpenter gig.

It is understood that Ms Reeves referred herself to the standards commissioner for investigation. The fact that an inquiry has been launched does not mean any rules have been broken.

A spokesman for Ms Reeves said: The Chancellors interests are fully declared and up to date.

It comes after the Chancellor ruled out accepting free tickets to future concerts in the wake of the Sabrina Carpenter row.

She had initially defended taking the tickets to the gig at the O2, insisting it was necessary for her safety to sit apart from the crowd.

But she went on to say she would not make the same decision again, telling ITVs Good Morning Britain: I dont have any intention of doing this again. I thought it was the right decision for my family on that occasion. But I do understand how people feel.

Sir Keir Starmer faced a backlash last year after it emerged that he initially failed to declare money towards clothing he received from Lord Alli, the Labour donor.

The Prime Minister originally recorded the donation, worth 16,200, in April 2024 as private support for the office of the leader of the Opposition.

But a month later, his office updated the register of members financial interests to say the money was for work clothing, value 16,200, the Financial Times reported.

Sir Keir also moved the section in which the donation was recorded from any other support to gifts, benefits and hospitality.

It followed the revelation that he had originally broken parliamentary rules by not declaring Lord Allis gifts of money towards clothing for his wife.
Polling suggests Nicusor Dan, George Simion and Crin Antonescu are the three leading candidates with a chance of advancing to the second-round runoff. Composite: EPA / AP / Guardian design

Romania returns to the polls in May for a rerun of its crunch presidential election after the original vote last year was annulled  and its shock far-right winner disbarred  amid widespread concerns over Russian interference and other irregularities.

With another far-right candidate ahead in the polls, the vote is being watched from Brussels to Washington: a nationalist victory could result in the EU and Nato member, which borders Ukraine, veering from a pro-European path. The Trump administration, meanwhile, has accused Bucharest of overturning democracy.

Why is the vote being rerun?

The first round of Romanias presidential election last November was won by Calin Georgescu, a far-right, anti-EU, Moscow-friendly independent who surged from less than 5% days before the vote to 23%, finishing well ahead of both pre-vote frontrunners.

Declassified intelligence documents revealed the hallmarks of a possible Russian influence operation, identifying 85,000-plus cyber-attacks on the election computer system and 25,000 previously dormant TikTok accounts that had amplified Georgescus messages.

The files suggested social media influencers had been hired by intermediaries and paid to share videos promoting Georgescu, who declared zero campaign spending, and that some of his campaign workers were linked to organised crime gangs and neofascist groups.

The election was annulled a fortnight later and in February the former soil scientist was placed under investigation on six counts including misreporting campaign finances, illegal use of digital technology and promoting fascist groups. He has denied wrongdoing.

In March Romanias top court upheld a decision to ban Georgescu from standing in the rerun of the vote in May, leaving the countrys far-right parties  which hold more than a third of the seats in parliament  just days to find a presidential candidate.

Who is running and what are their chances?

Opinion polls  which are not especially reliable in Romania, and signally failed to spot Georgescus late surge  suggest four candidates have a chance of finishing in the top two of the 4 May first round and advancing to the second-round runoff on 18 May.

They are headed by George Simion, leader of Romanias second-largest party, the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), who has pitched himself as a force for change, is fiercely critical of the EUs leadership and aims to stop military aid to Ukraine.

Romanias ultranationalist forces have united behind Simion, 38, who is averaging about 29% in the polls. He has called the cancelled election a coup and his party, which began during Covid as an anti-vaxx movement, the natural allies of Trumps Maga Republicans.

He has opposed gay marriage and introducing dedicated Holocaust lessons in schools, is barred from Moldova and Ukraine after supporting a return to Romanias pre-1939 borders, but has moderated his pro-Moscow views and denies accusations he met Russian spies.

Behind Simion are the candidate of the governing Social Democratic party (PSD) and National Liberal Party (PNL), Crin Antonescu (22%), and the centrist Bucharest mayor, Nicusor Dan (20%), both of whom support EU and Nato membership and aid to Ukraine.

Trailing on about 14% is Victor Ponta, a former PSD prime minister who resigned in 2015 after a deadly nightclub fire led to huge anti-corruption protests. He has since adopted an ultranationalist discourse, while still backing Romanias EU and Nato commitments.

Elena Lasconi of the reformist Save Romania Union (USR), who finished second behind Georgescu in Novembers cancelled vote, is staying in the race despite her partys decision to back Dan  who is running as an independent  instead of her, but is polling at barely 8%.

For what they are worth, polls predict Simion, popular among rural and working-class voters, would beat Dan, whose electorate is largely in Bucharest and other urban centres, in a hypothetical run-off, but might struggle against the broader appeal of Antonescu.

How does the system work?

Any candidate securing more than 50% of all registered votes in the first round is declared the winner. Otherwise, a runoff between the contenders who achieved the two highest first-round scores is won by the candidate with the larger share of the second-round vote.

Romanias president serves for five years and has a semi-executive role with considerable decision-making powers over foreign policy, national security, defence spending and judicial appointments. He or she also represents the country on the international stage.

Romanias 7 million-strong diaspora, one of Europes largest, is rarely included in polls but casts between 5% and 7% of all ballots. Since 2020 it has been a reliable source of votes for far-right candidates and parties; more than half voted for Georgescu in November.

What are the issues and why does the election matter?

Voters are fed up with the mainstream politicians who have run Romania since the 1989 fall of Communism, and their vote is increasingly likely to reflect what analyst Valentin Naumescu called their frustrations, revolt and anger towards the system.

Median household income is a third of the EU average; food is 50% more expensive than five years ago; almost a third of the countrys 19 million people are at risk of poverty and social exclusion; nearly 20% of the workforce has sought better opportunities abroad.

Public services are poor, inequality high, a long history of corrupt and incompetent politicians has left public trust in MPs and ministers low. The war in Ukraine is also a major topic, especially for far-right voters who object to Romanias continued backing of Kyiv.

The vote matters abroad because the EU does not want another disruptive, sovereignist figure in the region alongside Hungary and Slovakia, and Ukraines western allies would prefer Romania, which hosts a big Nato military base, to remain a strategic ally.

The Trump administration, which has accused Bucharest of trampling on free speech and suppressing political opponents, is also watching. JD Vance has asked if Romania shares Americas values, and Elon Musk has asked how a judge can end democracy in Romania.
A Russian soldier is seen atop an armoured vehicle in front of a fashion store on the day of a rehearsal for a military parade

By June this year, the war in Ukraine is about to reach a further grim milestone: one million total Russian casualties.

The Ministry of Defence estimates that Russian casualties  those killed and wounded  number 920,000 since the war started. Independent reports from the Ukrainian military further estimate that Russian daily losses are currently reaching 1,300  or 39,000 a month. At this rate, by June Russia will have lost one million men.

Its difficult to contextualise the scale of Russian losses during its devastating reinvasion of Ukraine because its so high outside the threshold for modern warfare where risk propensity, battlefield medicine and modern tactics have reduced the scale of casualties.

In Britains campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, for example, 636 British service men and women lost their lives. During those wars, weekly processions of the Union flag draped in coffins making their way through Royal Wootton Basset served as a constant reminder of our nations sacrifices. Russia currently suffers that same loss in under one week.

The sheer amount of loss will have a demonstrably catastrophic effect on Russias economy, society and indeed future generations as an entire generation of childbearing young men have been slaughtered for nothing more than Vladimir Putins own vanity project.

But despite losing the equivalent population of Newark-on-Trent, or Salisbury, each month, Russia still plays from a hand of relative military and political strength. It is seemingly able to continually grind through Ukrainian defences, further westward, while a fragmented Europe still fails to reach consensus on how best to deter Russia, whilst guaranteeing Ukraines security.

I remember an event I attended in the early days of the invasion, where there was hope that maybe the mothers of Russian soldiers killed and wounded would become national symbols for the losses which Russia would incur. As I grimly predicted, their stories are being silenced by the Russian state, terrified of the effect that one million grieving mothers will have.

In fact the opposite is happening: the Russian state is radicalising the next generation of Russian soldiers, with 2024s youth strategy highlighting the importance of increasing the prestige for military service across Russian schools. Despite suffering such horrific losses, Putins all-of-state war machine slows very little sign of slowing. Meanwhile, an increasingly frustrated and disinterested Washington watches on.

Russia cannot simply be bled dry, as was the initial optimism. Additional pressures other than battlefield losses must be urgently applied to Moscow if Europe and America really want a meaningful and lasting peace.

Robert Clark is a fellow at the Yorktown Institute, a trans-Atlantic security think-tank based in Washington, DC
The small town of Potes, on the edge of the Picos de Europa national park. Photograph: Kay Roxby/Alamy

As you sail into Spains Bay of Santander, with its spectacular beaches and elegant waterfront architecture, you realise immediately that the capital of Cantabria is a place where people live very well indeed.

The beauty of arriving by ferry, slap bang in the heart of the city, is that you can dive straight into local life by heading for the Mercado de la Esperanza, a short stroll from the port. The imposing iron and glass structure was built in 1904 and is still the citys main market today. Seeing the dazzling array of super fresh fish glistening on slabs on the rows of stalls is enough to give you an idea of the high gastronomic standards throughout northern Spain.

Buy a sobao sponge cake, made with rich butter from the bucolic Pas valley, to nibble on as you wander around upstairs, where dozens of tempting cheeses made in Cantabria, the Basque country, Asturias and Galicia are on display.

Driving west along the coast from Santander, you can dip into a string of traditional towns, such as the chocolate-box pretty Santillana del Mar. Book ahead to experience the astounding reproduction of the Altamira cave paintings at the nearby National Museum and Research Centre of Altamira. Just a short drive from there youll reach Comillas  which holds a market in the main square on Fridays. Its a popular seaside resort in summer, but also has some surprising architecture, such as El Capricho, an extraordinary house richly decorated with sunflower tiles that was designed by Antoni Gaudi.

While you could happily spend at least a couple of weeks tootling along the coast, swimming at a different splendid beach every day, you are never far from the mountain ranges that rise up a short distance inland. Crossing from Cantabria into Asturias, Cangas de Onis makes a great base for exploring the Picos de Europa national park.

Time your stay to coincide with the Sunday market, where people converge from the villages in the hills to sell their produce and catch up with friends. Start by buying one of the traditional baskets, as you are going to need it.

A real feast for the senses, this is where youll find all the ingredients for the signature dishes of Asturias, such as fabada  an unctuous bean stew with chorizo and morcilla (blood sausage). Many varieties of apple are grown in orchards across the region and used to make cider, which you can try in the bars around the market.

Poured into tumblers from a great height to create a bit of fizz, it is fresh and zingy and goes very well with the cheeses that are the star of the show here. Cabrales is a dense, pungent blue cheese matured in mountain caves. Or you might prefer Gamoneu, which has a crystally texture and tangy finish. Some of these cheeses are made in cabins high in the hills around the beautiful Covadonga glacial lakes, Enol and Ercina, which are an easy drive from Cangas de Onis and popular with hikers.

Heading back towards Cantabria along twisting mountain roads, you stumble on tiny dairies in almost every village. Stop in the hamlets of Bejes or Tresviso to get a taste of rural life and try Picon Bejes-Tresviso, a deliciously creamy blue cheese. Drive deeper into the mountains to reach Potes, a gorgeous town in the heart of the Liebana area with plenty of characterful, rustic places to stay. Try to be there on a Monday morning when the market is in full swing and you can pick up everything you need for a hearty picnic.

Youll probably want to spend at least a couple of days in attractive Potes, but when you feel like a bit of sea air again, drive east across Cantabria to the fishing town of Santona, east of Santander. If you love anchovies, youll be in heaven here. But even if you think you dont like them, the softer texture and more subtle flavour of the local varieties may well change your mind.

The quayside is packed with factories devoted to the fiddly process of filleting and preserving the fish in oil, a job usually done by women. You can visit some of the factories to see this for yourself or have a look around the Galeria de Arte de la Anchoa  the Anchovy Art Gallery  which is actually a fun multimedia experience that leads you through the history and development of the industry. Of course you get to taste some too, and by the end will understand why Santona anchovies are so highly-prized in Spain and beyond.

To get back to Santander, drive along the Costa Trasmiera, a surprisingly rural stretch of coastline that is popular with Spanish holidaymakers. Have a walk around the Trasmiera ecopark in the Santona, Victoria and Joyel marshes, one of the most important wetland areas in northern Spain and a haven for wading birds.

Later on, stop off for a swim at one of the superb beaches, such as Berria, Langre or Somo. You wont feel like leaving northern Spain  and there is so much more to explore  but at least when you get home you can dine out on the memories of all the wonderful local produce you discovered.

Explore northern Spains market towns, mountains and mouthwatering produce for yourself and save up to 30% on your sailing when you book a Brittany Ferries Holiday
Ed Miliband, Sir Keir Starmer and Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, visit a gas terminal in Peterhead, Scotland - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Politicians of every colour are perpetually on the lookout for conspiracies to do them in. The most nervous of them see plots around every corner.

Im not sure into which category Ed Miliband, our Energy Secretary, falls, but if I were in his shoes Id certainly be on my guard, especially in relation to both his favourite policy of net zero and his place in Sir Keir Starmers Cabinet.

After all, its not every minister who finds his favourite policy attacked in pretty forthright terms by none other than former premier Sir Tony Blair, whose comments were praised by another senior minister. Mr Miliband was also denounced by Gary Smith, the leader of one of Britains biggest unions, GMB, who described the shut down of oil and gas fields as bonkers and a betrayal of thousands of workers.

However, much more important for Unionists than this ministers future is preventing the SNP winning an overwhelming majority in the next Scottish Parliament election, due a year from now. Here lies the danger of yet another bruising referendum battle over whether Scotland should leave the United Kingdom.

Mr Milibands determination to proceed with the winding down of the development of North Sea oil and gas fields could play a major part in that campaign. If his boss persists with this policy, say his critics, Scottish Labour will be the only party  other than the Scottish Greens  who will be campaigning against the continuation of what came to be called black gold.

The Scottish Conservatives want to continue using oil and gas from the North Sea, while the SNP are almost certain to advocate a variation of such a policy.

Gary Smith, the general secretary of trade union GMB, said the suspension of new North Sea oil field developments was absolute madness - Chris Watt/Chris Watt Photography

The SNP and its separatist allies will definitely press for another independence referendum, and if the opinion polls are correct, increased support for both Reform and the Scottish Greens will take votes off Labour and the Tories, making it easier for the nationalists to score a significant triumph.

Proving that old adage that nothing is forever in politics, what some surveys are suggesting is an incredible reversal of last Julys general election when Labour smashed the SNP, winning 37 of their seats. A combination of unpopular policies such as the withdrawal of the winter fuel payment and the failure to honour promises to Waspi women have damaged Labours chances north of the border.

Scottish Labour inherited both of these policies from the UK Government and they have had a pretty devastating effect on its popularity north of the border.

The same might be said of the net zero plan, which would see existing fields continue in production but no new fields developed, which led the boss of GMB  one of Labours biggest union backers  to say it was absolute madness.

For his part, Sir Tony said it was wrong that people were being asked to make financial sacrifices and changes in their lifestyle when they know that their impact on global emissions is minimal.

The fact that the next Scottish Parliament election is still a whole year away may strike some as being plenty of time for parties to work out their campaign strategy,

But to Scottish Labour, that timing is the equivalent of the day after tomorrow.
A Second World War evacuee has recalled how mass evacuations from London during the Blitz separated children from their families and changed peoples lives.

Doreen Simson, who was evacuated from her home in White City, west London, in 1941 at the age of four, said she still remembered being left crying after she was separated from her eight-year-old brother Dennis as the pair were taken in by different homes when they arrived in Wales.

Speaking ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the 87-year-old described getting to the station, getting off the train and watching her brother and his friend be chosen by a farmer and taken away.

I was most upset. Wed always been a very close family. My mum had told me that we had to stay together, added Ms Simson who now lives in Crawley, Sussex.

Then this lady came up to me and she said, Ill take this little girl.

I didnt see him again the whole time we were there.

Doreen Simson was the youngest of five children when she was evacuated (Gareth Fuller/PA)

May 8 marks the date in 1945 when the Allies accepted Germanys surrender in the Second World War, ending almost six years of conflict in Europe. This years landmark anniversary will be celebrated on the Royal Albert Hall stage with personal accounts of the Second World War and performances from around 100 musicians.

Reflecting on how the evacuations saw children being separated from family members and welcomed into strangers homes, Ms Simson said: I dont even know if they were paid. You think today, it wouldnt be allowed for people to take children. So many were badly treated and abused.

But Ms Simson says she was fortunate with the home she was allocated in Borth, in Ceredigion, Mid Wales, describing how she was taken in by a woman named Mrs Sharpe who would go on to become a second mother to her.

Mrs Sharpe introduced me to the good things in life. She used to take me around the country lanes and we would look at all the wild flowers, she said, adding that she later became a florist thanks to Mrs Sharpe.

I stayed there for nearly four years and I was happy, she said.

Ms Simson was the youngest of five children when she was evacuated. As well as Dennis, she had brothers Harry, 21, Eric, 18, Derek, 13, and sister Joan, 13.

Sister Janet arrived in 1943 while Ms Simson was in Wales, and she said, I left home as the baby of the family. When I got back there was a baby there that had taken my place! It was just very strange.

Asked about how her family coped with the memories of the war, Ms Simson said: We didnt really talk about it that much. I mean, my dad was one of the air wardens.

We never really even discussed it. All my mum used to say was, Oh, youve been with that nice lady. That was all she would ever say. I dont know why, you just had no idea.

Ms Simsons brother, Harry, served as a cook in the Royal Navy and survived multiple ship sinkings.

They had no counselling. They just had to get on with it, she said.

One day, he put his head under the blanket and said none of you have got any idea what its like seeing your mates drown in burning oil.

When Ms Simson was 15, she went back to see Mrs Sharpe.

I went every year after that. She always wrote to me. Ive still got the letters.

My mum and dad had never met her and I thought if I ever took them up there, they would have been uncomfortable. They were just working class whereas Mrs Sharpe was posh.

Doreen Simson visited Mrs Sharpe again when she was 15 (Gareth Fuller/PA)

When my own mum died, she said, you know, sorry your mums died but Ill still be your mum number two and I can be number one now that your own mums gone.

One year later, in 1989, Ms Simson wrote a poem The Evacuee, which describes screaming children being told they are going away to catch a train.

I was in my shop, and it was the anniversary of when my mum had died, and I was just sitting there and I got a pen out and I wrote this poem  the only one Ive ever written.

After reading the poem, Ms Simson paused and said: It makes me quite emotional.

It was just how I was feeling that day, having lost my own mum, and l suppose all the memories came back.

One year, around 15 years or so ago, I said to my sisters, I think I want to go out and see Mrs Sharpe, so the three of us went up to see her. We went down to the house, and she wasnt there. She was in hospital.

I went in to see her. I spoke to her, and as I left, I said, I do love you, which is a thing sometimes you dont say to somebody a bit posh. A couple of days later, she died.

 Doreen Simson will appear as a special guest in VE Day 80: The Party at the Royal Albert Hall on May 8. The event is in support of SSAFA the Armed Forces charity and is produced by The Makers Of.
Shoppers face higher prices as a result of Houthi disruption to international shipping, the Defence Secretary has warned after airstrikes by British forces.

After a Royal Air Force strike against a drone manufacturing facility used by the Houthi militia in Yemen, John Healey said the UK took action in part because ordinary people pay the price for Red Sea disruption in the food they buy, the goods they depend on.

It is the first time the RAF has struck Houthi targets in Yemen since May 2024, under Rishi Sunaks administration, and it was part of a joint operation alongside US forces.

It came after a leaked US Signal group chat revealed vice president JD Vance hated bailing Europe out and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said European freeloading was pathetic.

At the despatch box on Wednesday, Mr Healey said: This is a matter of freedom of navigation.

Its a matter of international law, but its a matter of economic self-interest for us in Britain because the price paid by the disruption to world shipping and this essential trade route through the Red Sea, that price is paid by ordinary people in the food they buy, the goods they depend on, and that is in part why weve taken the action we did last night.

The Defence Secretary had earlier said: I can tell the House now this afternoon that our initial assessment is that the planned targets were all successfully hit, and weve seen no evidence of civilian casualties.

He told the Commons that since November 2023, the Houthis had launched more than 320 attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, adding: Maritime routes have been disrupted, sailors have been killed, commercial ships have been hit and sunk.

Houthis have even targeted aid vessels destined for Yemen itself, as well as military vessels of our allies and partners.

Commons defence committee chairman Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the Labour MP for Slough, said: Houthi attacks since 2023 have tragically killed innocent merchant mariners, led to a shocking 55% drop in shipping through the Red Sea costing billions, fuelled regional instability and has exacerbated the cost-of-living crisis here in the UK and across the globe.

But how confident is (Mr Healey) based on current intelligence that after yesterdays strike that there will be freedom of navigation and that there will be no further loss of life because of the Houthis?

Mr Healey replied that there is no overnight solution to this but added: The evidence that is reported from the US military of this new, sustained, intensive campaign seems to be having an effect on the pace and the rate and the threat that the Houthis pose.

And our action last night was designed to reinforce that campaign, to support the push for regional stability and also to protect the domestic economy and the impact of the disruption in international shipping and the effect that that has on prices for ordinary people.

The Defence Secretary has previously warned that a 55% drop in shipping through the Red Sea had already cost this economy billions.

Overnight, @RoyalAirForce Typhoons conducted strikes against a Houthi military target in Yemen to defend freedom of navigation, strengthen regional stability, protect UK economic security, and reduce the Houthis' capacity to launch further attacks. https://t.co/Hlu2Yhk3Oi pic.twitter.com/gppCNZTgQt  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) April 29, 2025

The Houthis claim their actions in the region are in response to Israels war on Hamas in Gaza, an assertion dismissed by the UK and allies.

The MoD said careful intelligence analysis identified a cluster of buildings used by the Houthis to manufacture drones around 15 miles south of capital Sanaa.

The strikes were conducted by Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, which used Paveway IV precision-guided bombs.

Asked on Wednesday if the UK had escalated its involvement as a result of US concerns revealed in leaked Signal messages, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said: We have always provided support to the United States on this.

In recent months, weve been supporting the US whether it is through air-to-air refuelling, the use of Diego Garcia, the provision of RAF Typhoons to support the defence of the US carrier strike groups which have been coming under daily attack from Houthi missiles and drones.

In the Commons chamber, Liberal Democrat international development spokeswoman Monica Harding asked: Can I ask the Secretary of State, is he confident about the appropriate security for our military personnel given the previous leaks from the Trump administration on Signal giving details of attacks before they happened, and what reassurances he has had from the United States?

Mr Healey replied: I am confident. We handle secure communications in secure ways and we do that consistently here in the UK.
TV pictures show North Korean fighters being trained in Russia before being sent to fight against Ukraine in Kursk - Nexta/X

About 600 North Korean troops have been killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine, a South Korean MP said on Wednesday.

So far, North Korean troop casualties are estimated at around 4,700, including approximately 600 deaths, Lee Seong-kweun, who serves on the South Korean parliaments intelligence committee, told reporters.

The figures came from a report by the countrys National Intelligence Service (NIS), which found that Pyongyang had suffered 4,700 casualties, including dead and wounded, from a deployment of 15,000 troops.

Mr Lee said the report indicated that 2,000 injured soldiers were repatriated to North Korea by air or train between January and March.

The dead soldiers were cremated in Russia before their ashes were sent home, he added.

The toll is an increase on Januarys estimates, which put the number of dead North Korean troops at 300 and injured at 2,700.

On Monday, Pyongyang acknowledged for the first time that it had sent troops to Russia to fight against Ukraine, with the dictator Kim Jong-un describing the deployment as a sacred mission.

North Korean fighters have gained technical skills while deployed, according to South Korean intelligence - Nexta TV

American, South Korean and Ukrainian officials have said that North Korea deployed between 10,000 and 12,000 troops to Russia last autumn and that an additional 3,000 troops were sent earlier this year.

North Korea has also sent billions of dollars worth of artillery ammunition and missiles to Russia, said Kim Byung-kee, another MP who attended the intelligence briefing on Wednesday.

South Korea and the US believe North Korea has received economic and military support from Russia in return.

Mr Kim said the NIS reported that Russia had given the hermit kingdom air defence missiles, electronic warfare equipment, drones and technology for spy satellite launches.

South Korean intelligence also found that the North Korean soldiers gained technical skills while deployed, including operating spy satellites, as well as drones and anti-aircraft missiles.

After six months of participation in the war, the North Korean military has become less inept, and its combat capability has significantly improved as it becomes accustomed to using new weapons such as drones, Mr Lee said.

On Monday, North Korea test-fired the weapon of its new Choe Hyon warship, according to state media.

Overseen by Kim Jong-un, the destroyer launched supersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles and anti-aircraft missiles, and fired its 127mm gun.

The Choe Hyon is named after a late North Korean anti-Japanese fighter - KCNA/AFP via Getty

The KCNA news agency quoted Kim as saying that it was important to establish a proactive and offensive defensive system on the premise of powerful attack capability, and that the time has come to make a responsible option for accelerating the nuclear armament of the navy in order to defend the state.

Analysts at 38 North, a think tank focused on North Korea, said that satellite images of tugboats nudging the ship back towards the dock could indicate the lack of [a] functioning propulsion system and that more work could be needed before the destroyer was ready for sea.

South Koreas defence ministry said that the countrys defence agencies and the US were closely monitoring North Koreas shipbuilding activities.
Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky meeting at Pope Franciss funeral was indicative of the effort being put in to secure a peace deal for Ukraine, David Lammy has said.

The US and Ukrainian presidents were pictured in discussion at the Vatican over the weekend, having both travelled to Rome for the service.

The Foreign Secretary told the House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee on Wednesday that Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have done a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of trying to bring nations together to support any potential future agreement.

It comes as Ukrainian officials prepared to sign an agreement on critical minerals with the US.

Late on Wednesday, the US Treasury announced a reconstruction investment fund for Ukraine, with Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal describing it as truly an equal and good international deal.

The meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky on Saturday was the first since their fraught White House encounter earlier this year. In the hours following, the American president appeared to criticise Vladimir Putin, writing on TruthSocial that the Russian leader could be just tapping me along.

Asked by the crossbench peer Lord Darroch how likely he thinks a ceasefire and peace deal is in light of the weekends events, Mr Lammy said: Theres no doubt about it, our Prime Minister alongside Emmanuel Macron has done a lot of heavy lifting in the coalition of the willing.

Good meeting. We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to pic.twitter.com/q4ZhVXCjw0  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) April 26, 2025

I think you saw that in the Nato meeting of foreign ministers in which (US Secretary of State) Marco Rubio recommitted the United States to Nato, which was very important.

We see that in the nations coming together and committing to stepping up in terms of Ukraines security, but also importantly in terms of Europes security.

He later added: All of that has happened in a sense because Donald Trump was pretty clear that he wanted to get a deal.

I think that we see the images coming out of the basilica at the Popes funeral I think were indicative of this, that actually because of a lot of our effort, and indeed this time last week I was with the Ukrainians, the Germans, the French again ensuring that we aligned and got into the right place, that then went into the American system.

He added: All attempts are going in to get the ceasefire.

The Ukrainian leader also had a meeting with Sir Keir on Saturday, and Mr Zelensky and the Prime Minister were also separately pictured in a conversation with Mr Trump and Mr Macron.

Amid the efforts to secure a peace deal, Mr Trump has previously said he wants access to Ukraines rare earth minerals as a condition of further support.

A deal is seen by Kyiv as possibly key in future military support from Washington, but talks had stalled following the Oval Office meeting between the leaders in February.

Economy minister Yulia Svyrydenko is thought to be currently in Washington for the final co-ordination of the agreements technical details, however it is not immediately clear whether the US administration is also ready to sign a deal.
The skulls of three indigenous Ainu people have been returned to their community by a university.

The remains, which have been held at the University of Edinburghs Anatomical Museum for more than 100 years, were returned to the Ainu Association of Hokkaido during a formal ceremony in the city.

An indigenous group who predominantly inhabit the Japanese island of Hokkaido, members of the Ainu community held a traditional service at the university before the formal transfer of the skulls.

The Ainu lived in self-governing villages across northern Japan for centuries, maintaining a separate language and distinctive culture from the rest of the population.

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson with Mr Okawa Masaru, executive director of the Ainu Association of Hokkaido and Mr Matsuura Katsumi, director general and head of Comprehensive Ainu Policy Office (Neil Hanna/PA)

On their return to Japan the skulls will be interred at a memorial site established in the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park, in accordance with Japanese government guidelines.

The remains were donated to the university in 1913 by anthropologist Neil Gordon Munro, a Scottish-born physician and Edinburgh graduate.

Dr Munro worked as director of the General Hospital in Yokohama for the majority of his career and lived in Japan until he died in 1942.

He was believed to be one of the first Westerners to write extensively on and make records of Ainu culture.

The Ainu were marginalised and subjected to studies in the late 19th and early 20th century, with remains and cultural artifacts taken and displayed or used for research in Japan and further afield.

Masaru Okawa, executive director of the Hokkaido Ainu Association, said: Since it became clear that Ainu remains were taken both domestically and internationally for research purposes, our association has been advocating for the return of these remains to their respective regions and for respectful memorialization.

We can only imagine the feelings of our ancestors who spent many years in foreign lands, but we believe they are pleased to return home.

We are committed to continuing to honour the spirits of our ancestors with dignity, following the traditions handed down through generations.

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson and Mr Okawa Masaru, executive director of the Ainu Association of Hokkaido, during the formal repatriation ceremony (Neil Hanna/PA)

Professor Tom Gillingwater, chairman of anatomy at the University of Edinburgh, said: Repatriations are an important part of the universitys efforts to care for, and address, its historical collections.

Rather than being viewed as a diminishment of the universitys collections, they represent an important opportunity for the university to work with communities across the world in order to build new relationships and friendships.

We are honoured to have been able to play a part in returning these remains to the Ainu community.

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, the universitys principal and vice-chancellor, said: It has been a privilege to welcome representatives from the Ainu community and to work with them during this process.

Repatriations are part of the universitys important ongoing work to review its colonial past and we are committed to returning remains in our care to their rightful descendants.
A CBP surveillance camera in New Mexico. Photograph: Cheney Orr/Reuters

The US Department of Justice has begun the first criminal prosecutions of migrants for entering a newly declared military buffer zone along the border with Mexico, according to court filings, Reuters reports.

At least 28 people were charged in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Monday for crossing into the 170-mile-long, 60ft-wide militarized buffer zone patrolled by active-duty US troops.

Related: Trump border pick accused of cover-up over death of man beaten by US agents

Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, visited the area last week and said it was the start of a plan to extend the buffer zone along the border.

The reason we are here today, at almost the 100-day mark of President Trumps administration, is because youre standing on a national defense area: this may as well be a military base, Hegseth said in a defense department social media video posted online. Any illegal attempting to enter that zone is entering a military base.

As New Mexicans, we have deep concerns about the enhanced militarization of our borderlands communities, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico in a statement last week.

The expansion of military detention powers in the New Mexico national defense area  also known as the border buffer zone  represents a dangerous erosion of the constitutional principle that the military should not be policing civilians.

Court documents showed immigrants detained in the area were charged with both crossing the US-Mexico border illegally and entering a restricted area.

Customs and Border Protection maintains jurisdiction over illegal border crossings in the area and troops would hand over migrants they detained to US Customs and Border Protection or other civilian law enforcement, according to Maj Geoffrey Carmichael, a US army spokesman.

Troops have yet to detain any migrants or other trespassers within the so-called New Mexico national defense area, said Maj Carmichael.

The area was created with the transfer of 110,000 acres (445 sq km) of federal land to the US army.

The idea of militarizing the border has long been a dream of far-right politicians, like the failed Arizona candidate for US Senate Blake Masters, who devoted a campaign ad to the idea in 2022.

The buffer zone allowed the Trump administration to use troops to arrest migrants without invoking the 1807 Insurrection Act that empowers a president to deploy the US military to suppress events like civil disorder.

The last time the Insurrection Act was invoked was during the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

Around 11,900 troops are currently deployed to the US south-west border where the number of migrants caught illegally crossing in March fell to the lowest level ever recorded, according to government data.

 This article was amended on 2 May 2025. Maj Geoffrey Carmichael stated that troops have yet to detain any migrants or other trespassers within the New Mexico national defense area, not that they have yet to arrest any as an earlier version said due to wording introduced during editing.
Credit: X via @wking__

A runaway kangaroo named Sheila caused a car crash and shut down a motorway before being tranquilised by its owner in the US state of Alabama on Tuesday.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) responded to reports of a kangaroo spotted hopping along the side of Interstate 85 in Macon county, Alabama, and shut down the entire motorway until they could apprehend the animal.

ALEA Investigates Crash Involving a Kangaroo  Thats a headline you dont hear often, ALEA wrote in a post on its Facebook page.

Sheilas owner, Patrick Starr, told AP that the animal had escaped from her enclosure on his farm, where he kept her as his personal pet.

The kangaroo caused a two-vehicle crash, but none of the humans and animals involved were injured, local media reported.

The kangaroo hopped down Interstate 85 in Macon county - Austin Andrew Price

Andre Brunson, Macon countys sheriff, said he didnt believe it when he received the call about the incident.

Recording the pursuit on Facebook live, he said: When somebody said there was a kangaroo of course I didnt believe it, and nobody believed it. But Im looking at him.

A kangaroo in Tuskegee, Alabama, Macon county. We see a little bit of everything here.

Footage filmed by a driver showed the kangaroo hopping across the motorway before escaping into a line of trees and onto a hill.

The bemusing incident caused traffic delays - Austin Andrew Price

ALEA said it found the marsupial with the help of Mr Starr, who shot her twice with tranquilliser darts and waited for her to calm down before putting her into his car.

Shes back home safe. Shes up. Shes not sedated anymore. Shes eating. Shes drinking. Shes not injured, Mr Starr told AP.

Shes a sweet pet. Im glad shes back home, and Im glad everybody slowed down a little bit.

Mr Starr said Sheila was treated by staff at Auburn Universitys college of veterinary medicine.

The incident caused traffic delays of over 30 minutes  and bemused commuters.

That is insane, that is incredible. Where would we find a kangaroo in Alabama? Connie Clanton told ABC.

I thought there may have been a wreck, but no, there was a wreck that was caused by a kangaroo.

I would never have guessed in a million years that [it] had been a kangaroo. Im hoppin mad.
The Prince and Princess of Wales will learn about the work of rangers on the Isle of Mull as royal funding was announced to safeguard two nature warden roles.

William and Kate will spend their second and final day on Mull with schoolchildren taking part in an outdoor learning session with the rangers in Ardura Community Forest.

Grants provided by Williams conservation umbrella group United For Wildlifes Nature Protectors initiative aim to ensure the protection and continuation of two ranger roles working on Mull and the neighbouring island of Iona.

William and Kate will spend their second day on the Isle of Mull (Oli Scarff/PA)

Ardura is an Atlantic rainforest and one of Scotlands most precious habitats which has been central to the way of life of generations of Mull families.

The couple will join Ardura Acorns, an early-years outdoor learning play group that takes the children on nature trails, den building and animal tracking.

The visit aims to highlight the importance of protecting and championing the natural environment, and afterwards the couple will spend private time on Iona after taking the public ferry from Mull.

Wonderful to be back on the Isle of Mull. Thank you to everyone for such a warm welcome  W & C pic.twitter.com/pBmx9qCLri  The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) April 29, 2025

William and Kate celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary on Mull on Tuesday and released a romantic image on their social media accounts to mark the moment.
If you're after an adventure that combines history, exploration, and a variety of activities, the American Southwest has it all. These 15 road trips will give you a little bit of everything. Get ready to hit the road and explore some of the most iconic destinations in the region!

Nevada: Las Vegas to the Valley of Fire

Credit: Canva

This route is located in the heart of Las Vegas. The journey quickly takes you to some of the most beautiful deserts in the country. Before reaching the Valley of Fire State Park, youll pass through the Red Rock Canyon with the red sandstone formations.

Utah: Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef

Credit: Canva

Utahs Scenic Byway 12 is a 122-mile route connecting Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Park. The scenery along the way has towering rock spires, narrow slot canyons, and vast landscapes. Keep your camera handy because every curve brings a new view begging to be captured.

Colorado: Colorado National Monument to Rocky Mountain National Park

Credit: Getty Images

This route offers a transition from desert canyons to alpine environments. Start with a hike through the canyons of Colorado National Monument, then make your way to Rocky Mountain National Park for alpine adventures. It has something for everyone, whether youre into whitewater rafting or simply soaking in the vistas.

Texas: San Antonio to the Gulf Coast

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Texas may be big, but this coastal road trip perfectly introduces the state's culture and natural beauty. Its got the famous River Walk and the Gulf Coast. Dont forget to check out the peaceful Mustang Island for some much-needed beach time.

New Mexico: Taos to the Bisti Badlands

Credit: flickr

The drive between Taos and the Bisti Badlands is not quick, but the changing terrain offers a strong cross-section of the states natural features. Early on, the route includes a section of the Rio Grande near Taos, where whitewater rafting is common during spring and early summer. Continuing west, the landscape shifts into the forested highlands of the Jemez Mountains before reaching Valles Caldera, a large volcanic depression known for its open grasslands and seasonal wildlife activity. The final stretch leads to the Bisti Badlands, a remote area marked by eroded rock formations and minimal infrastructure.

Arizona: Grand Canyon to Monument Valley

Credit: Getty Images

No Southwest road trip list would be complete without the Grand Canyon. But after being mesmerized by the views, why not continue your journey to Monument Valley? You can also stop at Vermilion Cliffs for an equally beautiful experience. This way, youll experience the vastness and grandeur of the desert.

California: Southern Coast to Mojave Desert

Credit: iStockphoto

Leaving San Diego behind, the scenery changes fastfirst its suburbs and low hills, then dry ridgelines and stretches of scrub. Around Anza-Borrego, the land opens up into wide desert basins. Keep driving and the terrain flattens out even more, giving way to the Mojaves quieter stretches. Its not a long route in miles, but the shift in mood and climate is noticeable.

Nevada: Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Just a short drive from Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam is one of the countrys greatest engineering examples. Before you get there, detour through Red Rock Canyon and the nearby Lake Mead National Recreation Area, where you can kayak, hike, or enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the Colorado River.

Utah: Arches to Canyonlands

Credit: flickr

Arches and Canyonlands are two of Utahs best-known parks, and for good reason. This road trip lets you experience both in one go. If youre hiking to Delicate Arch or just enjoying the views from Needles Overlook, you will be treated to some of the best desserts in the country.

Colorado: Telluride to Ouray

Credit: Instagram

If youre looking for a mountain adventure, this drive from Telluride to Ouray, known as The Switzerland of America, will take you through the alpine. The route offers views that are out of this worldjagged peaks, mountain towns, and picturesque waterfalls. Make a stop in Ouray to enjoy the towns famous hot springs.

Arizona: Sedona to Flagstaff

Credit: Instagram

This shorter, but no less stunning, trip starts in Sedona, where the red rocks will leave you speechless. From there, head north to Flagstaff, a town known for its proximity to the San Francisco Peaks. Youll encounter diverse landscapes, from the famous Sedona vortexes to the pine forests around Flagstaff.

Texas: Padre Island to Corpus Christi

Credit: iStockphoto

For a truly Texan experience, head down the coast to Padre Island, known for its beaches and birdwatching opportunities. After some time in the sand, go to Corpus Christi, where you can visit the Texas State Aquarium or enjoy sunset along the bay.

New Mexico: Santa Fe to White Sands

Credit: Youtube

Santa Fe is all about culture and history, which makes it a great starting point for your Southwestern road trip. After exploring the art galleries and adobe buildings, drive to White Sands National Park for gypsum dunes.

California: San Diego to Palm Springs

Credit: Getty Images

From the breezy beaches of San Diego, head inland to Palm Springs. Along the way, youll pass through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Its a great spot to admire wildflower blooms or just bask in the quietness of the desert before reaching the glitz of Palm Springs.

Utah: Zion to Monument Valley

Credit: iStockphoto

Zion National Park is one of the most popular parks in the Southwest, and you will understand why once you visit. The cliffs, canyons, and views here are unforgettable. Continue your journey to Monument Valley and witness the famous buttes and mesas that have become the ultimate symbols of the American West.
Alec Baldwin's movie "Rust" hits theaters and video on demand May 2. Typically, a star such as Baldwin, who also served as producer of the Western, would be doing interviews to promote the film. But his representatives have indicated he will not be doing so.

The story of "Rust"  about an orphaned boy who journeys to Mexico with his grandfather (Baldwin) after being sentenced to hang for an accidental killing  has long been overshadowed by the death of the film's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, on Oct. 21, 2021.

Baldwin, whose prop gun fired the bullet, and others have faced criminal and civil lawsuits from state officials and Hutchins' family alike as a result of the shooting during rehearsal in New Mexico. The movie set, like all others, should have only had blanks on hand, but somehow a number of live rounds made their way to the location and one such bullet ended up in the gun that went off as Hutchins and Baldwin lined up a shot in an old church.

While the film's young armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, 24 at the time of the shooting, is serving 18 months for involuntary manslaughter, Baldwin's case was vacated by the judge on legal technicalities. He has since sued New Mexico prosecutors, contending he was defamed and his civil rights violated.

'Rust' movie review: Alec Baldwin's movie finds beauty amid tragedy

A file photo from the investigative files shows Alec Baldwin after the shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of "Rust."

'Rust' later resumed production in Montana partly at the behest of Hutchins' family and widower, Matthew, who was made a producer on the movie.

Baldwin and his wife Hilaria and their seven children are currently the subjects of a TLC reality series, "The Baldwins." While the actor isn't commenting on the film these days, he has referenced the shooting on that reality show as well as various other times over the past years.

Here are some of Baldwin's statements dating back to the 2021 "Rust" tragedy:

Shortly after the deadly shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the 'Rust' set, Alec Baldwin surfaced on X

After the incident, Baldwin issued this statement on X, formerly Twitter: "There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. Im fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.

Alec Baldwin tells ABC's George Stephanopoulos 'the trigger wasn't pulled' when the gun discharged

That December, in his first public interview following the incident, Baldwin told ABC News' George Stephanopoulos, "The trigger wasnt pulled, I didnt pull the trigger ... I would never point a gun at anyone.

Baldwin also said he had fitful dreams as a result of the incident. "I wake up constantly where guns are going off. ... I havent slept for weeks. Ive really been struggling physically. Im exhausted from this. I might have killed myself if I thought I was responsible, and I dont say that lightly.

Alec Baldwin rails against coverage of the 'Rust' shooting and his role in it during a podcast with Chris Cuomo

In August 2022, Baldwin spoke with former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo on his podcast and complained about harsh press coverage. It doesnt matter what you do. The ones that are out to get you. And in this case, not even so much that kind of trash press, I mean anything Murdoch and anything (New York) Post.

In 2021, Alec Baldwins prop gun fired a live bullet on the set of the movie "Rust," killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. She and her tragic death are the focus of a new Hulu documentary, "Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna."

The actor said the people on hand that day "know what happened. ... And the people that are talking loudest about what happened or speculating about what happened were not on the set of the film  theLA Times, The Hollywood Reporter,they talk on and on and on about what if this? and what if that.' "

Alec Baldwin tells CNN he is losing Hollywood work as a result of 'Rust' lawsuits, backlash

Later that same month, Baldwin told CNN filming had compromised both his ability to work and his health. I got fired from another job yesterday, he said. There I was all set to go to a movie, jump on a plane ... Ive been talking with these guys for months and they told me yesterday we dont want to do the film with you because of this. The overall stress, he said, has taken years off my life."

'Rust' resumes filming in Montana, but Alec Baldwin says he and his wife are just eager to put the movie in the past

In "Rust," Alec Baldwin hunkers down with Patrick Scott McDermott. The Western is being released May 2 after many delays related to the 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

In spring 2023, "Rust" resumed filming in Montana. In November 2024, the completed movie had its premiere at a Polish film festival. Baldwin did not attend. That December, Baldwin was asked by Variety about whether he had seen or intended to see the final cut.

"Right now, no," he said. The "Rust" shoot "was the most difficult thing I've ever dealt with in my life." He added that he wanted "all things 'Rust' to just leave my windshield." He and Hilaria were just "trying to get the wind in our sails, to get away from this stuff," he said.

Judge dismisses Alec Baldwin's criminal case, actor thanks fans on Instagram

In July 2024, a New Mexico judge stunned prosecutors by dismissing the charges against Baldwin. The defense had argued the state had withheld evidence, including live ammunition that was critical to pleading Baldwin's case, and the judge agreed.

After an emotional reaction in court where he appeared to sob in the arms of his wife, Baldwin took to Instagram to thank his friends and fans. "There are too many people who have supported me to thank just now," Baldwin wrote. "To all of you, you will never know how much I appreciate your kindness toward my family."

In the debut of 'The Baldwins,' Alec Baldwin says the aftermath of the 'Rust' shooting left him bereft and drifting

In the first episode of "The Baldwins," which aired this past February, Baldwin was seen talking about "Rust" with his wife.

I cant even believe were going through this, he said. "I always feel more in pain about you than me. Ill try my best to get through it, but when I think of what its done to you and how much it hurt you and everything.  This past year has been just terrible. There was times Id lay in bed and Id go, Wow, I cant get up. Thats not like me. Im not like that at all.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alec Baldwin's statements about 'Rust' shooting ahead of film's debut
Columbia University student and pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi is free after a federal judge in Vermont ordered his release only weeks after armed Department of Homeland Security agents arrested him.

Mahdawi, who was born and raised in a refugee camp in the West Bank, was arrested by federal authorities back on April 14 while he was arriving to a naturalization interview. Since then, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been holding him at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans, Vermont.

"I am saying it clear and loud to President Trump and his Cabinet: I am not afraid of you," Mahdawi said told a crowd of supporters after his release. What appeared to be hundreds of people cheered him on as he emerged from a courthouse and cheered, "No fear!"

Mahdawis release, which came after an order from U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford, comes as other college students like Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk continue to fight for their freedom after being detained by federal agents in recent months.

"You might think I am free, but my freedom is interlinked to the freedom of many other students," he said. "What is happening now is a light of hope. Justice Crawford, who ruled to release me against all of the heinous accusations, horrible attacks, chills of speech, First Amendment violations, he has made a very brave decision to let me out and this is what justice is."

In a statement to USA TODAY, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said that the judge's ruling would not stop the Trump administration from "restoring the rule of law to our immigration system."

It is a privilege to be granted a visa or green card to live and study in the United States of America. When you advocate for violence, glorify and support terrorists that relish the killing of Americans, or harass Jews, that privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country," she said.

The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to USA TODAYs request for comment on Wednesday.

Demonstrators hold placards that read "Free Mohsen" in reference to Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian green card holder and student at Columbia University who was detained.

Only steps away from citizenship

According to court records, Mahdawi was detained by federal agents back on April 14 as he was showing up to an appointment to become a citizen of the United States.

A friend of Mahdawi's posted a video online of him being taken from the immigration office by Department of Homeland Security officers and placed in an official vehicle. Mahdawi flashed a pair of peace signs with his hands cuffed in front. He flashed peace signs again after his release on Wednesday.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, and others from Vermont's congressional delegation labeled the detention "immoral, inhumane, and illegal," saying the legal U.S. resident should be afforded due process and released immediately.

Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi raises his arms as he leaves the federal courthouse after he was released on bail, in Burlington, Vermont, U.S., April 30, 2025, in this screen grab taken from a handout video.

Mahdawi "walked into an immigration office for what was supposed to be the final step in his citizenship process. Instead, he was arrested and removed in handcuffs by plainclothes, armed individuals with their faces covered," they said.

According to court records, Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified Mahdawis detention by saying that his presence and activities in the United States would have serious adverse foreign policy consequences and would compromise a compelling U.S. foreign policy interest."

Rubio did not elaborate.

This story was updated to fix an inaccuracy.

Contributing: Reuters

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi freed from federal custody
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has some suggestions for companies that want to cut management layers. Amazon

Amazon's CEO has advice for companies that want to cut management layers.

Andy Jassy said companies should have a solid feedback loop in place to figure out the biggest problems.

He also said companies need to keep working on resolving the issue if they want to see change.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said the company is on a mission to "operate like the world's largest startup."

"We want to flatten our organizations, to move faster and to drive more ownership," the Amazon CEO said during a speaking event at the Harvard Business Review Leadership Summit on Tuesday.

In addition to a five-day return to office mandate, Amazon has undertaken a plan to increase the ratio of individual contributors to managers by at least 15% across the company. Jassy said it will have beaten that goal by the end of the first quarter.

Jassy said the company hasn't perfected its mission yet, but companies wanting to follow the same path of reducing bureaucracy should follow these three steps.

Step 1. Address the issue

"The very first thing is the leadership team deciding they want to actually change it and resolving themselves to take action," Jassy said about cutting down on bureaucracy.

Jassy said in Amazon's case, it decided to flatten the organization because it wanted to give individual contributors more ownership.

Jassy said this step isn't "simple" because people get used to operating in a certain way, and then it can feel impossible to change the organizational structure.

Step 2. Figure out the biggest problems

If companies decide they want to move fast, Jassy said they first have to figure out what's slowing them down. Jassy advises companies to develop good feedback loops to sort out those issues.

"It's really hard to see some of the red tape deep in your organizations," Jassy said, adding that visibility can help you "knock down a bunch of things."

Jassy said Amazon started a "no bureaucracy email alias" where it encouraged anyone in the company experiencing bureaucracy to email him.

In about six months, he said he received over 1,000 emails, all of which were read. Not all of the emails included examples of bureaucracy, he said, but many did. Jassy said he draws a distinction between "process" and bureaucracy, and considers the latter to be processes that are layered in without adding "any real creative value." The emails have already helped change 375 processes, Jassy said.

Step 3. Keep working at it

Jassy said that there are all sorts of "natural ways" that companies can get bogged down as they grow. He added that while Amazon has a "really strong culture," it's not its "birthright to keep having a strong culture."

While Amazon leadership may have decided to tackle the problem and shift its organizational structure, that doesn't mean its problems were solved overnight. Jassy said that Amazon still hasn't quite nailed its mission to flatten its workforce, and companies have to "keep iterating at it."

"You have to keep working on strengthening the parts of your culture that you see being stretched if you want to keep being successful culturally," Jassy said.

Amazon did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Arizona State University's West Valley Campus in Glendale. Avi Waxman | Unsplash

(The Center Square) - Visas are apparently being reinstated for some foreign students at Arizona State University.

There was concern earlier this month that international students might have to return home. Inside Higher Ed reported that nationwide, more than 1,800 students have lost their F-1 or J-1 student status as part of the Trump administrations crackdown on immigration and alleged antisemitism. A chart published on the Inside Higher Ed website said 100 students at ASU had their visas revoked.

The Trump administration has more recently reversed its termination of foreign students visas.

A spokesperson for ASU confirmed in an email to The Center Square that federal authorities did revoke visas for some of the universitys students. The spokesperson then added that ASU students are being reinstated.

It is unclear how many of the 100 students are affected by this update. There are more than 17,000 international students at ASU, which prides itself on having one of the largest international student communities in the country.

None of ASUs students have been deported by the federal government, said the ASU spokesperson.

The Center Square reached out to the State Department for comment but did not receive a response by press time.

Kelly Baur, graduate student government president of ASU, told The Center Square that she was relieved by news of the reinstated visas.

We would like to see the university leadership communicate about what is going on at ASU regarding this situation, but we have not seen proactive communication with the student body regarding the revocation or reinstatement of student visas, said Baur.

Baur went on to stress that visas should not be revoked from anyone without legal grounds.

Everyone should be concerned when human rights are being violated by the government because an injury to one is an injury to all, said Baur. If they can revoke visas without any justification, what's stopping them from stripping away citizenship or other legal statuses from others?

In a Jan. 30 Fact Sheet, the White House said the purpose for the visa terminations was to protect law and order, quell pro-Hamas vandalism and intimidation, and investigate and punish anti-Jewish racism in leftist, anti-American colleges and universities.
Ryan Hemphill, left, in Manhattan criminal court in New York last week for his arraignment on sexual assault charges.

In the years before prosecutors accused him of torturing and raping six women inside his midtown Manhattan apartment, Ryan Hemphill presented himself to the world as a success story.

Across his three personal websites and LinkedIn profile, Hemphill, 43, flashed a law degree, an MBA, ownership of a private equity firm, a nonprofit and a former role at the United Nations. On Thursday, New York prosecutors said he used that image of wealth and power as both sword and shield to prey on women, charging him with 116 counts of rape, strangulation, predatory sexual assault and bribery, among other charges.

He told them that he had resources that made him untouchable, including purported deep connections in law enforcement and in organized crime, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said at a news conference. He impressed upon them that going to the authorities would be futile and that he would never be held accountable.

But upon closer examination, Hemphills projected image of affluence and influence appears to crumble.

Driving his supposed success appears to be two companies he says he founded: New York City-based private equity firm Madison Park Capital Advisors, Inc. and online car auction site the MB Market, according to his LinkedIn.

On one of his personal websites, he boasts of clients including an international mens fashion label and one of the largest residential real estate developers in the Midwest.

However, the LinkedIn profile and official website of Madison Park Capital Advisors lists its location as Seattle, Washington, not New York City. The firms website does not list Hemphill as a founder or an employee. The Madison Park Capital Advisors listed on Hemphills LinkedIn profile also links out to the Seattle firm.

One of the firms principals, Chris Featherstone, said in an email that he does not know who Hemphill is.

He is not related to us whatsoever, Featherstone said, before declining to comment further.

Do you have a story to share with NBC News? Contact us.

NBC News couldnt find records for another company under the name Madison Park Capital Advisors in New York or any other state. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission referred NBC News to its website, which did not list Hemphill or any companies associated with his name in a database for investment companies and registered investment advisers.

When I saw the news report and it referred to the money and power, I certainly chuckled, said a person whos worked for Hemphill. Either I was scammed or, otherwise, my sense is theres not a lot of money and certainly not a lot of power there.

The person, who spoke with NBC News on the condition of anonymity due to fear of being associated with the allegations against Hemphill, said Hemphill frequently complained about his finances.

Hemphills attorney, Caroline Ng  a public defender of the Legal Aid Society  and the Manhattan District Attorneys Office declined to comment. Hemphill pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

Hemphills history with the other company he claims to have founded, the MB Market, is somewhat more verifiable.

A spokesperson for the MB Market said in a statement that Hemphill was an early investor in the auction site, which launched in 2020, but noted they would not consider him to be an original founder.

He is no longer affiliated with the company and hasnt been for quite some time, the spokesperson wrote. He entered into a private agreement with the company that prohibits the company from commenting further.

On Jan. 31, 2024, Hemphill sued the founders of the MB Market for trying to sell the company without his prior knowledge that month, according to court records.

Hours after the sale of the company was announced, Hemphill sent threatening text messages to Ben Everest, one of the companys co-founders, according the MB Markets response to the suit. In the exchange, Hemphill insinuates that he knew the former head of the Federal Trade Commission and would use the connection to punish Everest and Blakley Leonard, the co-founder of the MB Market.

I will spend every waking moment, and every g------ time I have to ensure that the rest of his life is nothing but suffering, Hemphill wrote about Leonard, according to the documents.

The amount of fire I have to burn in response to this exceeds anything they could potentially anticipate, Hemphill wrote in another text, according to the documents. I will do TIME to f--- them up. Praise be to GOD.

Everest and Leonard did not return multiple requests for comment. Hemphill, Everest and Leonard ended up settling, with Hemphill selling his share of the company, according to the documents.

In New York, prosecutors accuse Hemphill of similarly leveraging false connections to officials to intimidate women, including threatening he could get them arrested if they reported him to authorities.

You prostitute, he texted one of the women on Dec. 22, according to prosecutors. Did you not notice all the police business cards on my f------ coffee table? I know half the precinct, you f--.

A man who is familiar with the business operations of the MB Market  and spoke on the condition of anonymity due to fear of association with the accusations against Hemphill  said Hemphill couldnt really answer any legal or business questions with any sort of certainty.

When they began working together, the man said he was suspicious of Hemphill and confronted him about his business dealings.

I asked him point blank, have you ever done private equity? And he admitted it to me and said, no, the man said.

Before his supposed work in the private sector, Hemphill claims that he worked as a diplomatic advisor and a delegate for the United Nations throughout 2008 and 2009, according to his LinkedIn profile.

United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the intergovernmental organization found no record of him ever having been a U.N. staff member. Dujarric cautioned that it was possible Hemphill worked as a consultant for the U.N., but cast doubt.

"The way I read his LinkedIn is that he was a delegate for an NGO for a meeting at the UN, which then often then people tend to exaggerate 'oh, I was working at the UN,' which is different," Dujarric said.

NBC News confirmed with the New York State Unified Court System that Hemphill is a licensed attorney with a law degree from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. Hofstra confirmed Hemphill obtained his law degree there, in addition to obtaining his bachelors degree in drama and MBA at the university.

Other aspects of his resume remain unverified. The other previous employers he lists on his LinkedIn profile declined to comment or could not be reached for comment.

Building a strong online profile could have been useful for Hemphill.

Officials said that between October 2024 and March, Hemphill met several of the six women hes accused of torturing and raping online, including on Seeking.com, SugarDaddy and SugarDaddyMeet, FetLife, and Craigslist.

He allegedly offered the women large sums of money in exchange for sex and companionship, but often did not pay them on agreed-upon amounts or paid them with fake money, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors allege Hemphill recorded the sex acts and torture, during which he allegedly punched, waterboarded, urinated on and used shock collars and cattle prods to harm the women. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said on Thursday that prosecutors believe there may be more survivors, adding that dozens, if not hundreds, of women are captured on that footage.

The defendant told these survivors that he was untouchable, Bragg said. The indictment makes clear that he was wrong.
Food & Wine / Photo by Greg DuPree / Food Styling by Margaret Dickey / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen







Key points

Carne asada pairs best with earthy red wines like Chianti Classico or Mourvedre.

Pair al pastor tacos with Chardonnay to gain the most from complementary notes of pineapple.

Fish tacos work best with high-acid white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino, Aligote, and Riesling.

Orange and skin-contact wines go great with chicken, but should be avoided with steak or pork.







Tacos are the perfect food. Theyre a complete meal in a handheld package, and they pack in every flavor from salty to spicy to sour to sweet to umami. But the next time you have a taco, instead of grabbing a beer, that default beverage pairing, try reaching for a glass of wine.

But what kind of wine? Taco fillings can range from simple grilled fish to marinated, spit-roasted pork shoulder; a flaky flour tortilla is not the same as a nutty, slightly sweet corn tortilla; and toppings range from punchy pico de gallo to smoky, savory salsas or even fresh fruit. This is not the time for a one-size-fits-all approach to pairing.

To find the perfect taco-pairing wines, I teamed up with a sommelier who ponders this question on a daily basis: Damon Cohen of Cosme, chef Enrique Olveras upscale Mexican restaurant in New York City. We tasted over a dozen types of wine with different kinds of tacos to find what worked best. Read on for 16 excellent wine pairings to upgrade your next taco night.

Related: 32 Taco Recipes to Put on Repeat

Greg DuPree / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen

Pair carne asada tacos with earth red wines

Although steak is a famously red winefriendly ingredient, it was surprisingly difficult to find a pairing for carne asada tacos. As it turned out, a medium-bodied red with the right balance of tannins, acidity, and not-too-fruity flavors matched every element in the taco: nutty corn tortilla, savory steak, sharp chopped onion, and herbal cilantro.

2022 Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico ($16)

Strawberry and raspberry flavors meld with a touch of earth in this energetic Sangiovese. Classically Chianti in style, it has firm tannins that stand up to the richness of a steak taco and enough acidity to match any tangy topping.

2023 Cline Ancient Vines Mourvedre ($28)

Cline Family Cellars in Sonoma County has an ongoing commitment to cultivating 100-year-old vines to make excellent, affordable wines, including the Mourvedre vines that supply the grapes for this juicy, fruit-forward red, with its spice and leather nuances.

Related: Carne Asada Clasica

2022 Lioco Mendocino County Pinot Noir ($28)

Theres so much textural appeal in Liocos Mendocino Pinot Noir: medium tannins, quenching acidity, and a pleasant touch of bitterness. It weaves together ripe red and black fruit to yield the platonic ideal of a California Pinot for a really great price.

2022 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico ($30)

Made to pair with meaty, tomatoey Tuscan dishes, its no surprise that this Chianti Classico works well with a steak taco. And it has everything you want from a Chianti Classico: cherry-plum flavors, lively acidity, grippy tannins, and an earthy finish.

Greg DuPree / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen

Pair al pastor tacos with Chardonnay

Traditionally topped with pineapple, a taco al pastor offers a perfect blend of sweet and savory with a touch of tart lime, which all turned out to be a glorious partner for Chardonnay. Its hard to say that there could be a better pairing for this, Cohen remarked. Seek out Chardonnays with a subtle pineapple quality and toasty notes to match the corn tortilla, starting with the ones listed here.

2022 Tensley Fundamental Chardonnay ($22)

Winemaker Joey Tensleys Fundamental Wines are all about making excellent wine and selling it for an incredible price. This is a total Goldilocks wine  not too tart, not too oaky, not too buttery, not too fruity  its classic Cali Chardonnay, and just right.

2023 Melville Sta. Rita Hills Estate Chardonnay ($44)

This Chardonnays complexity starts in the vineyard: Vines face fierce breezes from the Pacific and withstand cool temperatures throughout the growing season. The result is a briny white with enough body to stand up to the heat in an al pastor marinade.

Related: Chardonnay Has a Lot More to Offer Than Buttery and Oaky, Here's How to Find the Best

2023 Patrick Piuze Terroir de Chablis ($38)

Since starting his label in 2008, Patrick Piuze has emerged as a star among Chablis next-gen winemakers. In 2023, his Terroir de Chablis bottling is rounder and more melony than a typical, stony Chablis; it was a hot year, yielding juicier wines with just enough lemon-lime acidity.

2022 Domaine Jerome Fornerot Les Charrons Santenay Blanc ($45)

This thirst-quenching wine from the talented Jerome Fornerot comes from a hillside vineyard next to a 13th-century church. It deftly balances the roundness of a warmer-zone white Burgundy with bracing acidity and a pleasing, gravelly texture.

Greg DuPree / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen

Zippy white wines pair best with fish tacos

Fish taco fillings come in many forms: crispy, battered, and fried; flaky and chargrilled; simply seasoned; heavily dressed. But theyre all a great match for a well-chilled, bright white wine. The tart, citrusy notes of the wine help balance the richness of a flaky flour tortilla and add zip to the flavors of the fish itself.

2023 Boundary Breaks #198 Reserve Finger Lakes Riesling ($25)

This slightly off-dry white comes from New Yorks Finger Lakes region, where Riesling reigns supreme. Balanced and brisk, it offers a blend of lemony acidity and honeyed sweetness that makes it a great match for a punchy tomatillo salsa.

2023 Guilhem et Jean-Hugues Goisot Bourgogne Aligote ($25)

The underdog grape of Burgundy, Aligote yields light-bodied wines with citrusy notes. This cuvee from Domaine Goisot comes from vines planted in soils rich with fossilized oyster shells and offers lively mint, white tea, and lemon flavors.

2023 Sandy Cove Sauvignon Blanc ($17)

Passion fruit defines this energetic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Winemaker Josh Scott lets sustainably farmed Sauvignon come to peak ripeness before harvesting for a white thats a bit rounder compared to the usual herbaceous New Zealand style.

2023 Cadre Sea Queen Albarino ($30)

Winemaker John Niven knew the potential of Californias San Luis Obispo Coast from a young age; his grandfather was a pioneer in planting vines there in the 1970s. This distinctly Californian Albarino has more richness and pineapple-mango notes than youd find in those from Spain.

Greg DuPree / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen

Orange wine and chicken tacos are a great match

Finding a match for an orange wine  the more common term for skin-contact white wines  was a fascinating part of our tasting. Orange wines fought with the iron notes in steak tacos and were overpowered by the fattiness of pork tacos. But with a chargrilled chicken thigh taco, the light tannins were a perfect match, providing just enough structure to stand up to the rich meat, while the wines bright acidity added a zesty edge.

2023 Meinklang Weisser Mulatschak ($18)

This hazy orange wine comes from Burgenland, Austria, where the family behind Meinklang makes wine in the middle of a national park. While orange wines arent made with oranges, this blend nevertheless has a distinct orange-peel quality.

Related: Is Orange Wine the Same as Skin Contact Wine?

2022 Latta Wines Lucius Skin-Contact Viognier ($25)

Andrew Lattas wines prove that Rhone varietals are right at home in Washington state. With his new Lucius line, hes been experimenting with new varietals and techniques, with results like this peachy-hued skin-contact Viognier. It blends jasmine florality with mango notes, and tealike tannins give it a ton of texture.

2022 Cortes de Cima Chamine Branco ($30)

This golden-hued white is a reminder that not all skin-contact wines are orange in color. Made with a blend of Alvarinho, Sauvignon Blanc, Moscatel, and Viogner, theres a thrilling balance of high acid and tropical-fruit florality here.

2023 Tinto Amorio Monje ($35)

After discovering low-intervention wines in Spain while studying to be a monk, winemaker Anish Patel set out to make a California wine that mirrored his own values: intentionality, transparency, and sustainability  with a sense of fun. His lively, peach-hued wine has gentle tannins and notes of green mango, persimmon, and nectarine.



Read the original article on Food & Wine
By Minh Nguyen and Francesco Guarascio

HO CHI MINH CITY (Reuters) -Thousands of Vietnamese celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War on Wednesday, in what the country's communist leader said was a "victory of faith".

Celebrations culminated in a grand parade in Ho Chi Minh City with thousands of marching troops and an air show featuring Russian-made fighter jets and helicopters, as Vietnamese waved red flags and sang patriotic songs.

The historic anniversary commemorates the first act of the country's reunification on April 30, 1975 when Communist-run North Vietnam seized Saigon, the capital of the U.S.-backed South, renamed Ho Chi Minh City shortly after the war in honour of the North's founding leader.

"It was a victory of faith," and also of "justice over tyranny," To Lam, Vietnam's Communist party chief and the country's top leader, said on Wednesday, citing one of Ho Chi Minh's mottos: "Vietnam is one, the Vietnamese people are one. Rivers may dry up, mountains may erode, but that truth will never change."

The fall of Saigon, about two years after Washington withdrew its last combat troops from the country, marked the end of a 20-year conflict that killed some 3 million Vietnamese and nearly 60,000 Americans, many of them young soldiers conscripted into the military.

"Communist troops rolled into the South Vietnamese capital virtually unopposed, to the great relief of the population which had feared a bloody last-minute battle," said a cable from one of the Reuters reporters in the city on the day it fell.

The cable described the victorious army as made up of "formidably armed" troops in jungle green fatigues but also of barefoot teenagers.

Those events were seared into many memories by the images of U.S. helicopters evacuating some 7,000 people, many of them Vietnamese, as North Vietnamese tanks closed in. The final flight took off from the roof of the U.S. embassy at 7:53 a.m. on April 30, carrying the last U.S. Marines out of Saigon.

The formal reunification of Vietnam was completed a year later, 22 years after the country had been split in two following the end of French colonial rule.

VIETNAM-US TIES

Vietnam and the United States normalised diplomatic relations in 1995 and deepened ties in 2023 during a visit to Hanoi by former U.S. President Joe Biden.

"The United States and Vietnam have a robust bilateral relationship that we are committed to deepening and broadening," a spokesperson for the U.S. Mission in Vietnam said on Wednesday.

That bond is however now being tested by the threat of crippling 46% tariffs on Vietnamese goods that Biden's successor, Donald Trump, announced in April.

The tariffs have been largely paused until July and talks are underway. But if confirmed, they could undermine Vietnam's export-led growth that has attracted large foreign investments.

Washington sent Susan Burns, its consul general in Ho Chi Minh City, to represent the country at the parade.

At the celebrations for the 40th anniversary no U.S. official was present.

France, which also lost a war in Vietnam, sent a minister to last year's celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the end of the battle of Dien Bien Phu, when French colonial rule collapsed.

While Hanoi has re-established relations with the United States, it has maintained close ties with Russia, which is its top supplier of weapons.

Vietnam has also nurtured closer relations with northern neighbour China despite a complex history involving several conflicts and a rivalry in the disputed South China Sea.

China is now a major investor in its economy and the source of many of the components that are used in products that are then exported to the U.S.

Underlining the warming ties, a contingent of 118 Chinese troops was expected to march alongside Vietnamese soldiers and policemen "to honour the international support Vietnam received during its struggle for independence," according to state media.

(Reporting by Minh Nguyen, Thinh Nguyen in Ho Chi Minh City, Francesco Guarascio in Hanoi; Additional reporting by Phuong Nguyen; Editing by Kate Mayberry and Michael Perry)
Jennifer Whitlock married her husband, Ronnie Whitlock, in rural Texas in 2021, weeks after he was diagnosed with stage 4 blood cancer.

They'd talked about getting married before he got sick, she said, but it came down to logistics: Her employer at the time wouldnt grant Whitlock family leave unless they officially tied the knot.

That was obviously never how I expected to get married," Whitlock said.

For the next year, Whitlock balanced working full time with taking care of her husband. They never were able to get back to a normal relationship, she said. While there were bright spots, Whitlock said she called her mother nearly every day and cried. She started going to therapy to help with the grief and stress of caring for the man she loved, who was withering away. Ronnie Whitlock died in March 2022.

Jennifer Whitlock cared for her husband, Ronnie, until he died in March 2022. People will say, Youre so strong. 'Youre so brave,'" she said. "You dont feel like youre any of those things when its happening. But what other choice do we have as humans?

More: 'I don't know where to start.' Parents and caregivers are burned out. Who's most at risk?

I loved him, Whitlock said. And I knew that if the shoe were on the other foot, he would do the same for me.

Thats not always the case.

While many couples power through difficult times, when one partner falls ill, the other takes up more responsibility. The mental toll of caregiving, the shift in household chores, the financial stress and the heartbreak of watching a loved one grow weak is too much for some to bear. The vow in sickness and in health sometimes isnt as strong as some couples might think  particularly if the woman is the one who gets sick, according to a recent study.

In February, researchers in Italy published a new report in the Journal of Marriage and Family. The study looked at the risk of divorce in European couples 50 and older. It found that in couples aged 50-64, there was a higher risk of divorce if the woman reported poor self-rated health or faced severe activity limitations and the man maintained good health, compared with couples where both parties were in good health. The same risk did not increase when the man experienced poor self-rated health or activity limitations.

Giammarco Alderotti, one of the Italian researchers who authored the report, said caregiving stress "plays the most important role here," especially if a caregiver's spouse has severe health issues or disabilities that require a lot of attention.

One of the two partners, the healthy partner, needs to change completely their life and their routine," Alderotti said.

A 2009 study published by the American Cancer Society found divorce rates among patients with cancer and multiple sclerosis weren't generally high, but that divorce rates among female patients were significantly higher than male patients. In 88% of the divorces reported in that study, the woman was the ill partner.

The study also found patients who stayed married fared better overall, and patients who separated had greater use of antidepressants, less participation in clinical trials, more frequent hospitalizations and other negative consequences.

Family caregivers are extremely valuable and outcomes are worse for patients without partners or caregivers, said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer for the American Cancer Society. He believes cancer care needs to include care for the patient's partner, especially since cancer diagnoses are becoming more common in younger adults and people with cancer are living longer thanks to new treatments.

I dont think that cancer automatically means that relationships are going to be strained," Kamal said. "I think it means that we have to think about the cancer journey as a shared journey. And weve spent many decades defining it as the journey of a patient who happens to have a bystander whos the caregiver.

A study published in 2015 in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior also found that marriages were more likely to end when the wife got sick than when the husband got sick, but the study was retracted because of a coding error and later corrected and republished. That's led to some questions on the validity of this phenomenon.

Lena Nguyen, a family lawyer based in Texas, said she's seen more divorces stem from a wife falling ill than a husband falling ill in her practice, though each situation is unique.

I think that society plays a role in it," Nguyen said. "We often assign women as primary caregivers. And when those roles are reversed, I think couples really struggle with that adjustment.

They both had cancer. Now, they're getting divorced

But what if both individuals in a marriage suffer from cancer diagnoses?

That's what happened to Jamil Rivers and Fredric Rivers, a couple in New Jersey with three children.

Fredric Rivers was diagnosed with liver disease in high school but was asymptomatic until he was 28. At that point, he and Jamil Rivers had been dating for a few years and were living together. He got a liver transplant in 2009 and they were married in 2011. Eight months later, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. In 2018, Jamil Rivers was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. And in 2019, Fredric Rivers was diagnosed with kidney cancer.

The Rivers family has been featured by multiple news outlets over the years, sharing a story of hope and love. In a 2019 People magazine article, Jamil Rivers said: "We remind ourselves that we are lucky in some ways and that we will get through this. Family is everything."

But in April, the couple told USA TODAY they're getting a divorce and that they had hardly spoken to each other in person in 10 months, despite still living in the same house. Fredric Rivers has been living in the basement, and since June the couple has mostly communicated through emails and texts.

Jamil Rivers and two of her sons.

Jamil Rivers was the breadwinner for the family and worked all through her cancer treatment and chemotherapy. Fredric Rivers worked on and off while he was sick and collected disability checks. Jamil Rivers said she supported her husband "with whatever he needed," even when she was sick, too. No one, she said, was taking care of her.

"I didnt want him to have to worry about taking care of me, thats how I rationalized it in my mind at the time, she said. So, I think the fact that he was just still present, you know, he thought that he was being supportive.

Fredric Rivers said the same about his wife, that "she was there, physically," but that he couldn't lean on her for emotional support. People have different definitions of what "taking care" is, he said. Fredric Rivers said he rubbed her back when she was sick, drove her to some of her appointments and procedures and reminded her she was still beautiful after she lost her hair due to chemotherapy.

I did everything I could to make sure that she was good and that she was OK and that she had the support that she needed to succeed, and I kind of resigned myself to just, you know, whatever she can give me, Ill be OK with," he said.

Marital troubles often arise from different values and priorities in dealing with a cancer diagnosis, Kamal said. One partner might think about logistics: appointments, medications and next steps for treatment. The other might think about big picture impacts of the illness, like how it will change their family dynamics. Both might avoid hard conversations, he said, like what happens if the sick partner dies. That creates more space between couples, as their relationship becomes secondary to curing the cancer.

Both Jamil Rivers and Fredric Rivers said their marriage had issues outside of their diagnoses.

Now, granted, these things are stressors that, they didnt help any of that at all, Fredric Rivers said. But where we are is probably where we would have ended up eventually, anyway, whether we were diagnosed with cancer or not.

What is 'cancer ghosting?' Support for spouses, other family caregivers is key

Sick people need caregivers. And a caregiver's role is "very emotionally taxing," Whitlock said.

People will say, youre so strong, youre so brave. You dont feel like youre any of those things when its happening," Whitlock said. You just get up every day and keep doing the things that you need to do."

Spouses of ill partners need workplace protection, paid family leave and generally more information on how to navigate caregiving, Nguyen said. The medical and caregiving communities should also have more conversations on how caregiving impacts marriages. Whitlock said she found a new job with Guardant Health that offered better benefits for caregivers, and said she found a lot of support through Facebook groups for caregivers and cancer patients.

I dont think that many couples realize the emotional toll that it can take on them until they are in the middle of it," Nguyen said.

That's why Kamal includes his cancer patients' partners in conversations about their care and quality of life. He said it's not uncommon for relationship strain to come up in those conversations, as finances, physical intimacy and emotional connection can suffer when one partner becomes ill. The caregiver partner can feel a consistent stress to keep it together during that time, which can last decades.

At the same time, Kamal said, other people in the couple's life  friends, extended family, coworkers and other acquaintances  "might have moved on." Kamal calls this "cancer ghosting." The patient might feel a lot of social support in the beginning of their cancer journey, but as people lose interest or grow distant, they can feel abandoned.

Caregivers get ghosted, too, Kamal said. They might feel supported right after their loved one is diagnosed, with offers for meal trains and time to vent to their friends. But after a while, those offers dwindle or halt altogether.

Add in divorce, and "that extended social support system tends to unravel," said Ann Gold Buscho, a clinical psychologist.

Don't make big decisions during a health crisis, psychologist says

Buscho said she's helped several clients through divorce and illness, and both. There's a lot of guilt and resentment in divorce, she said, and when you add in a layer of sickness it becomes a moral dilemma, especially for the person who isn't sick.

"If youre in an unhappy marriage and you know that the marriage isnt working out, and then theres a diagnosis, the cultural judgement is going to be that youre leaving because of this diagnosis," she said. But there may have been other upsetting or even dangerous things happening in the marriage before the illness, like physical or emotional abuse.

Outside of an abusive situation, Buscho said partners of recently diagnosed patients should do some self-reflection about their expectations, boundaries and capacity to provide support to their spouse.

"I think an impulsive decision would be a huge mistake," Buscho said.

When someone in a partnership is diagnosed with cancer or another life-altering disease, Buscho said, the couple should talk through myriad topics, from finances to the impact on kids in the household. How is this going to affect your lives? Do you need to downsize? Should you seek counseling? What supports can you draw on?

The couple will need to talk about support for the caregiver spouse, too, Buscho said, since burnout is common among family caregivers and sometimes caregivers feel some shame in seeking support.

"They can't be good caregivers unless they get the support that they need," Buscho said.

'Many women come out of this a lot stronger.'

Nguyen said some of her clients realized they wanted a divorce during their health issues, based on "the way that they were treated during their illness," and sought divorce after they regained their strength.

Divorce after an illness is always "incredibly heartbreaking," she said.

"But I also believe that it is a new chance and its a new opportunity to kind of redefine your life and you get to do it on your own terms," Nguyen said. "And I do think that many women come out of this a lot stronger. You start to realize your strength, actually. You become a lot more independent, and then I find that a lot of my clients have, like, this renewed sense of purpose in life.

Jamil Rivers is living with breast cancer.

Jamil Rivers has felt this renewed strength.

When Fredric Rivers told her he wanted a divorce, she said she tried to turn things around for a while but that she felt he "had already checked out" of their marriage.

Now, she said she doesn't think the cancer had anything to do with it.

The divorce was like a grenade to her finances, she said. She's been late on her recent house and car payments. Still, she said, "cancer is clarifying" and her illness made her "appreciate how much time we have."

Of course theres nothing wrong with loving your family, loving your partner, you know, doing everything that you can for them  but make sure its reciprocal, she said. Make sure that you can receive love and care, too.

Madeline Mitchell's role covering women and the caregiving economy at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal Ventures and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input. Reach Madeline at memitchell@usatoday.com and @maddiemitch_ on X.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wife gets sick to divorce pipeline, caregivers need support too
USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.

Airlines recommend travelers arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights, but whether by choice or unforeseen circumstances, there may be times when you cut it down to the wire.

Even if you can make your flight, your bags may not. Thats because most airlines require a certain amount of time for checking in luggage.

Delta Air Lines recently updated their deadlines:

Beginning April 8, a minor change took effect for most U.S. domestic minimum bag drop times for our customers who check a bag. This is so Delta teams can ensure all customers have a great experience that begins with safety and continues with a clean, on-time and enjoyable flight with their bags, a Delta Air Lines spokesperson said in a statement to USA TODAY.

Delta said most of their passengers check luggage more than 45 minutes before departure and the airline doesn't foresee major disruptions.

Heres what to know before your next flight:

How long do you have to check bags before a flight?

The general rule of thumb is at least 45 minutes before a domestic flight and longer for international flights.

Either way, youll need to be at the airport even earlier to allow for waits at check-in counters or curbside.

Rules for Americas five largest airlines:

Melbourne Orlando International Airport baggage claim area.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines requires bags to be checked in at least 50 minutes before the scheduled departure time for most domestic flights. Travelers flying out of King Salmon (AKN) and Dillingham (DLG) in Alaska need to check their bags at least 60 minutes early.

Bags must be checked in at least 60 minutes before most international flights. Ninety minutes are required for flights leaving Guadalajara (GDL).

American Airlines

American Airlines requires bags to be checked in at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time for most domestic flights and at least 60 minutes before most international flights.

Some airports require even more time. For instance, 75 minutes leaving Delhi, India (DEL) and 90 minutes departing from St. Croix (STX) and St. Thomas (STT) in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Location-specific guidelines can be found on Americans website.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines requires bags to be checked in at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time for most domestic flights and at least 60 minutes before most international flights.

A few notable exceptions include New Yorks John F. Kennedy international Airport, which requires a minimum of 60 minutes, and Athens International Airport (ATH), which requires two hours for checked bags. Additional domestic and international deadlines can be found on Deltas website.

Christmas travelers arrive to bag-check on Christmas Eve at Sky Habor Airport on Dec. 24, 2024, in Phoenix.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines' checked baggage policy doesnt specify a cutoff time for domestic flights, but the airlines website states: Baggage checked in 45 minutes or less before the scheduled or posted departure time (whichever is later) is considered Late Check. Although every effort will be made to get late checked baggage on your flight, in the event your baggage does not arrive with you at your destination, Southwest will not assume delivery charges to get your baggage to you.

Bags must be checked in at least 60 minutes before most international flights. Passengers leaving Aruba (AUA), with or without checking baggage, must check in at least 75 minutes before their scheduled departure.

Southwest debuts new fare bundles: From Choice Extra to Basic, what to know

United Airlines

United Airlines requires bags to be checked in at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time for most domestic flights and at least 60 minutes before most international flights.

Some airports require even more time but at least one airport requires less. Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) in California only requires 30 minutes advanced check in, with or without bags. Other airports with differing time limits can be found on Uniteds webbite.

Travelers on other airlines should check with their specific carrier.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Checking bags? Heres when you need to get to the airport
Two 18th-century shipwrecks off the coast of Costa Rica, previously thought to have been pirate ships, have been confirmed to be two Danish slave ships, a museum said Sunday.

"Investigations of ship timbers, bricks from the cargo and clay pipes found during underwater excavations" had determined the identity of two vessels shipwrecked in 1710, Denmark's National Museum said in a statement.

Marine archaeologists identified the slave ships Fridericus Quartus and Christianus Quintus, which, according to historical sources, were wrecked off the coast of Central America in 1710, said the museum. The museum also released images of Andreas Kallmeyer Bloch and David Gregory digging underwater and excavating bricks and wood from the wreckage.

Marine archaeologists David Gregory and Andreas Kallmeyer Bloch from the National Museum of Denmark during the underwater excavation in Costa Rica. / Credit: John Fhr Engedal Nissen/The National Museum of Denmark.

Fridericus Quartus was set on fire, while Christianus Quintus was wrecked in the surf after its anchor line was cut. Until now, it has not been clear exactly where the ships were lost.

The museum added that in Costa Rica, it had long been known that two wrecks were located in the waters of the Cahuita National Park.

"For many years, however, they were thought to be pirate ships. But when American marine archaeologists in 2015 found yellow bricks in one of the wrecks, new questions emerged about the history of the ships," the museum said.

An underwater excavation was carried out in 2023. It was part of the National Museum's new research center, Njord, which the museum said is planning to excavate several Danish shipwrecks abroad.

Marine archaeologist and research professor David Gregory from the National Museum of Denmark at piled bricks on the seabed in Costa Rica. / Credit: Jakob Olling/The National Museum of Denmark

"The analyses are very convincing and we no longer have any doubts that these are the wrecks of the two Danish slave ships," Gregory, a research professor at Denmark's National Museum, said in the statement.

"The bricks are Danish and the same goes for the timbers, which are additionally charred and sooty from a fire. This fits perfectly with the historical accounts stating that one of the ships burned," Gregory added.

Fellow marine archaeologist Bloch, who's also a museum curator, called it "undoubtedly the craziest archaeological excavation I've yet been part of."

"Not only because it matters greatly to the local population, but also because it's one of the most dramatic shipwrecks in the history of Denmark, and now we know exactly where it happened," the marine archaeologist said.

The Danish government banned the transatlantic slave trade in 1792, but the country didn't abolish slavery until half a century later, in 1847, according to the museum.

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By Sarah N. Lynch and Peter Eisler

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A member of Elon Musk's U.S. Department of Government Efficiency helped steer the Justice Department's April termination of more than $811 million in grants, including funding for Trump administration priorities such as aid to crime victims and police, according to a document and a person familiar with the matter.

Tarak Makecha, a former employee of Musk's Tesla, is listed as the author of a DOJ spreadsheet that detailed the 365 targeted grants, according to a copy of the document viewed by Reuters.

Makecha created the list without consulting program managers at the department's Office of Justice Programs, its largest grant-making arm, though he had questioned employees about the grant process, according to interviews with grantees and others with knowledge of the process.

The list was not initially provided to managers of the grant programs, many of whom learned about the cuts from grantees who received termination letters, according to multiple grantees and others with knowledge of the process.

A White House official told Reuters that all of Makecha's actions were approved by DOJ leadership. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment and Makecha did not respond to requests for comment.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has said she authorized cuts to programs that did not align with President Donald Trump's priorities to assist law enforcement, combat violent crime, protect children and support victims of violence and sexual assault.

But many of the terminated grants appeared to align with those priorities, and some cuts were quickly reversed after Reuters reported on them.

Tapped by Trump to carry out a massive campaign of government cuts, Musk's DOGE has moved at great speed, in some cases causing chaos within the government, and in others firing then rehiring the same workers.

The Intercept previously reported that Makecha started doing work on the grant programs in late March.

'VERY CONFUSING AND VERY SAD'

The DOJ has restored at least seven of the grants that were cut, including funding for pet-friendly domestic violence shelters and crisis hotlines.

But the majority remain terminated, and grantees have 30 days to appeal.

One terminated grant, $8.3 million to the National Policing Institute, funded rural police departments and district attorneys' offices, including many in regions where Trump has had strong support. It helped pay for automated license plate readers, violent crime investigators and programs to combat child sexual abuse, according to a list seen by Reuters.

Police Chief Justin Holliday of Lyons, Kansas, said his department just started using grant funds to pay for the new Rice County Child Advocacy Center, where the executive director conducted forensic interviews of child sex abuse victims.

Braeley Hammeke, that director, said Rice County has a population of about 10,000 and the center has received referrals for 28 kids since it opened in November.

"I feel that the work we do falls in line with all of the priorities," said Hammeke. "It's very confusing and very sad."

Funding was also cut for a police officer embedded in the district attorney's office in Union County, Oregon. That officer has been the only person working on homicide cold cases and negligent homicide investigations against drug dealers for fentanyl overdoses, said District Attorney Kelsie Davis McDaniel.

"We were really optimistic that this funding would continue in the future," she said.

The National Policing Institute declined to comment, saying it did not know DOJ's rationale.

In an April 23 post on X, Bondi touted examples of "wasteful grants," including a $2 million grant to fund "national listening sessions of individuals with lived experience." DOGE later shared her post, saying "Great work."

That $2 million grant trained prosecutors to investigate child abuse in juvenile detention facilities, youth correctional facilities or group homes, according to Makecha's list. The listening sessions allowed prosecutors to hear directly from youth abuse victims.

The Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, which won the award, did not respond to requests for comment.

DOJ employees have been flooded with calls and emails from cut-off grant recipients, some of whom have already had to fire employees, one person briefed on the matter told Reuters.

Staff were provided a script for speaking with grantees who may get "confrontational," a copy seen by Reuters showed.

Since then, the DOJ's Office on Community Oriented Policing Services started soliciting applications for new grants. One solicitation said that local governments that mandate COVID-19 vaccines in schools, promote gender ideology or have "failed to protect public monuments" from vandalism would not be eligible.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch and Peter Eisler; Editing by Scott Malone and Cynthia Osterman)
Westhill High School in Syracuse, N.Y.

Eleven high school students in upstate New York are being ordered to turn themselves into the sheriffs office within 48 hours following a hazing stunt on younger lacrosse team members in which at least one student was taken to the remote woods and tied up.

Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick described the alleged incident as hazing on steroids during a press conference Tuesday.

The incident unfolded April 24 involving students at Westhill High School in Syracuse, Fitzpatrick said. Some lacrosse team students decided they were going to haze or play some sort of prank on younger members, he added.

There were at least five victims identified by the sheriffs office.

One victim reported that he went to a lacrosse game and then McDonald's with upperclassmen. But the evening took a turn when he said he was taken to a remote wooded area in the county after the driver of the vehicle pretended to be lost.

At some point by prearrangement, people came out of the woods all dressed in black. They were armed with what appeared to be at least one handgun and at least one knife, Fitzpatrick said. The individual had a pillowcase placed over his head, he was tied up and placed in the trunk of a car.

The district attorney said he saw videotape of the incident.

There was a period of time where he thought that he was going to be abandoned in the middle of nowhere, Fitzpatrick added. "You can hear some individuals found it amusing.

The student was eventually returned home. Fitzgerald said he wasnt aware if the student suffered any physical injury but emotionally thats going to be long term.

He said some of the other individuals were able to escape.

Fitzpatrick said he and the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office have decided to prosecute the case  and gave anyone involved a 48-hour window to turn themselves in to avoid a criminal record. Investigators believe 11 people, perhaps more, were involved in the stunt.

You have 48 hours to turn yourself into the sheriffs department and the following will happen: You will be given an appearance ticket with a crime of unlawful imprisonment, a class A misdemeanor. You will not be spending time in the public safety building, you will not have bail set, you will be released to the custody of your parents, Fitzpatrick said.

The district attorney said the case will likely be handled in family court, and those who turn themselves in will have the opportunity to "end this situation without a criminal conviction and a criminal record."

Get an attorney, contact the sheriffs department, arrange to surrender yourself, youll be given an appearance ticket, he stressed.

Those who dont turn themselves in within this window will be arrested, prosecuted as an adult and charged with a very very serious felony of kidnapping, Fitzpatrick said.

He said no one is in custody and no one was ticketed yet at the time of the press conference. Fitzpatrick said some of the individuals involved are "of age" meaning at least 18, but none of their names have been released.

Fitzpatrick said, "some people have been cooperative with the sheriff's office and given statements, some people have not."

"There's a thing in New York called accomplished liability. This was a group effort. Some people were assigned different roles. I don't care who held the gun. His role is no different than the guy who held the knife, than the guy who held nothing, than the guy who dragged this poor kid into the trunk of a car. They're all in this together," the district attorney explained.

Westhill Central School District Superintendent Steve Dunham announced the rest of the boys lacrosse season has been canceled.

In a statement, he said the district has been investigating reports of a potential off-campus hazing incident, WSTM of Syracuse reported.

Let me be clear: the majority of the varsity boys lacrosse team was NOT involved in the incident from last week, nor were they aware of it ahead of time. Some may argue that all student-athletes shouldnt be punished for the actions of a few. While I understand that perspective, we must address the culture of the program, and the most appropriate way to do that is with a reset, he said.

"Hazing is an indefensible act," Dunham added. "As I shared previously, we will address inappropriate behavior that negatively impacts members of our school community promptly and appropriately according to our Code of Conduct."

Dunham said that the district is cooperating with the district attorneys investigation.






The headquarters of the insurance corporation Allianz SE in Munich (Alexander PohlNurPhoto via Getty Images)

Around 2.75 million Singaporeans are eligible to vote in the Southeast Asian countrys general election on May 3, and choose a prime minister to lead the city for the next half decade.

And in the nine days of the election campaigning, one of the worlds shortest, a failed deal between Allianz, the Global 500 insurance giant, and local insurer Income Insurance from last year is getting dragged back into the spotlight.

Allianz offered to take over Income Insurance for $1.7 billion last July. The deal was controversial: Singaporeans worried that a new corporate owner might push Income away from its social mission of providing affordable insurance to Singaporeans.

A few months later, in October, Singaporean officials blocked the deal. Allianz abandoned its takeover bid in December.

Now, politicians from the ruling Peoples Action Party and its main opposition, the Workers Party, are bringing up the now-defunct deal to score political points in hotly-contested constituencies. The main topic of debate: Why Singaporean officials were first fine with the deal before later changing their minds, and who failed to ask questions at the time.

Speaking at a rally on Sunday, Ng Chee Meng, chief of the National Trades Union Congress, argued that the labor movement initially felt the takeover bid was reasonable and would have strengthened Income Insurance. Ng, who is running for a seat in Singapores parliament as part of the ruling PAP party, was responding to arguments that the union should have spoken up against the deal.

Income Insurance used to be part of the NTUC umbrella. Even after Incomes privatization, NTUC Enterprise remains a majority shareholder, holding about 72.8% of shares.

Still, Ng promised to do better during Sunday's rally. We will do our best, and sometimes Im sorry that it is not good enough.

Former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong argued that the Workers' Party would have approved the Income Insurance deal if the opposition party had held power. He noted that only one opposition member of parliament had inquired about the takeover, and that the Workers Party abstained from a measure to block the merger.

Pritam Singh, leader of the Workers Party, has in turn accused the PAPs labor MPs for not asking questions about the deal last year.

Another member of the WP, Harpreet Singh, demanded that Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong explain his role in the scuppered deal, and respond to an open letter by the former CEO of Income Insurance Tan Suee Chieh.

The letter, addressed to Gan and published on April 27, posed questions on regulatory oversight, the changing role of NTUC, and accountability.

On Tuesday afternoon, Gan asked why the opposition never questioned the Income deal at the time. But the deputy prime minister also tried to explain why the Singapore government ultimately changed its mind over Allianzs bid. We want[ed] to support the deal, because it will help Income. But when more details were furnished, we decided [we had] to stop the deal, he explained.

Saturday's election will be the first political test for the PAPs leader, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who took over the party last year. The PAP, which has governed Singapore since its independence in 1965, is expected to remain in power following the election.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Nvidia (NVDA) stock fell as much as 4% Wednesday as news from Wall Street and Washington spurred fears of moderating AI demand and tightening chip trade rules from the Trump administration.

Nvidia customer Super Micro Computer (SMCI), which makes servers using Nvidia's designs to sell to data center operators and tech firms, cut its revenue and profit outlook for the third quarter  the latest news tosignal a wider potential pullback in demand for AI infrastructure.

Super Micro stock dropped 12% on Wednesday.

Nvidia stock pared losses later in the day and ended the trading session flat. Shares are down nearly 19% in 2025, and the AI darling than was issued a rare Sell rating by analysts at investing firm Seaport Wednesday, who said that the benefit of AI to tech stocks has been priced in for now.

Tech stocks were also under broad pressure amid a market sell-off spurred by negative news early Wednesday on US economic growth and the state of the labor market.

Another challenge for Nvidia stock, according to analysts, is further potential changes from the Trump administration to AI chip export rules. Reuters reported late Tuesday that Trump officials are working to change a Biden-era AI trade rule capping access to US AI chips, potentially making it stricter.

Big Tech has called on Trump to scrap the so-called AI diffusion rule passed by Biden in January during his final days in office. This rule would restrict chip exports by country using a tiered system.

Aside from 18 "key" US allies (i.e., "tier one"), the rule capped the amount of AI chips that roughly 150 countries can purchase from US companies without obtaining a special license with the aim of thwarting chip smuggling to China.

Read more about Nvidia's stock moves and today's market action.

These "tier two" countries include Israel, Switzerland, and India. "Tier three" countries such as China, North Korea, and Iran are already blacklisted from the US chip trade. The AI diffusion rule would go into effect in May.

Reuters reported Trump administration officials are weighing discarding the tiered approach and instead using a global licensing regime with government-to-government agreements, making the rule possibly more restrictive.

Citi analyst Atif Malik wrote in a note to investors late Tuesday that "these modifications, if true, would be potentially more strict than Biden's as they would put AI chips at the center of tariff negotiations." In Malik's view, this would create more uncertainty for the stock.

Bernstein's Stacy Rasgon said in his own note the existing rules seemed, in his view, "onerous and capricious ... replacing a global framework with individually negotiated bilateral agreements seems clearly worse."

Rasgon added, "[G]iven increasing decoupling of the US from the rest of the world we see potential risk that such rules open up further opportunities for non-US options like Huawei, who (even though uncompetitive head-to-head) could be seen as more viable if they become the only option available (we are about to see this in China anyway given the recent H20 ban)."

Nvidia stock spiraled earlier this month after the US government effectively banned exports of its H20 chips made specifically for the Chinese market to comply with ever-tightening US trade rules. Since then, reports have surfaced that Chinese tech giant Huawei is rushing to fill the gap, introducing a new advanced AI chip reportedly more competitive than Nvidia's prior generation H100 chips.

Trump has also set the stage to impose tariffs on semiconductors. TD Cowen analysts this week said the administration could introduce semiconductor tariffs of as high as 25% as soon as July.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivers the keynote address at the GTC AI Conference in San Jose, Calif., on March 18, 2025. (Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images) (JOSH EDELSON via Getty Images)

CEO Jensen Huang has courted global leaders amid the rapid deterioration of trade relations between the US, China, and other key trading partners. Huang met with trade officials in China and leaders in Japan earlier this month and visited D.C. on Wednesdayfor a tech conference.

"It is unfortunate that AI is getting so caught up amid ill-conceived, self-inflicted geopolitical actions given we think AI demand overall remains relatively healthy, and the hardware itself has some shelter from direct tariff effects," Bernstein's Rasgon wrote.

The Trump administration has temporarily exempted computing products  including GPUs and servers  from reciprocal tariffs. And as Rasgon previously noted, even if those measures are scrapped, most Nvidia chips are imported in the form of AI servers from Mexico, which are exempt from US tariffs under the USMCA.

StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market.

Laura Bratton is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Bluesky @laurabratton.bsky.social. Email her at laura.bratton@yahooinc.com.

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The biggest win ever: Ohio woman, 73, recovers most of $42K she lost in tech support scam  because she acted quickly. What you need to know to protect yourself from this growing threat

Scam artists target older Americans online, thinking theyre easy prey  like one 73-year-old woman in Delhi Township, Ohio, who handed over $42,000 in bitcoin in an online scam.

But thats how the story begins. Its not how it ends.

Don't miss

A growing number of people are onto the scammers techniques  including that same woman, local police and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which has a dedicated unit to deal with cybercrime.

She teamed up with authorities to recover $34,000 of the $42,000 she lost.

Being able to help somebody get through their retirement years by recovering some of their hard-earned savings back to them is the biggest win ever, Supervisory Special Agent Scott Stranahan told WKRC.

Heres what happened to this woman and what was critical to getting her money back.

Fast action halts cryptocurrency con job

The scammers followed an increasingly familiar playbook: posing as a legitimate organization and using fear and a sense of urgency to get a victim to hand over cash.

In August 2024, con artists sent the Ohio woman a fake Microsoft pop-up on her computer warning that her computer had been hacked. The pop-up included a number to call.

Theyre very convincing when they get you on the phone," Stranahan said of the imposters.

Read more: Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025  thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But heres how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

When the woman called, an imposter told her shed reached the Microsoft hotline and they could fix her computer, but it would cost $42,000 and that she needed to convert her cash into bitcoin and send it in multiple online transactions.

She followed instructions, but as soon as she realized shed been duped, she contacted Delhi police who immediately contacted the Electronic Financial Investigations Unit at the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

Stranahan said theres a misconception that its impossible to trace bitcoin, but investigators can track and cancel bitcoin transactions with enough lead time. In this case, they were able to freeze 81% of the transactions, recovering $34,000 of the womans money.

Everyones fast action  including the victims  was critical.

How to avoid falling for Tech Support scams

Tech Support scams are so common that Microsoft has posted these tips:

Microsoft will not send phone numbers with legitimate error messages

Microsoft will not tell you that there is a problem with your computer without you first reaching out for help.

If you see a questionable Tech Support pop-up on your computer, close your browser (press ALT+F4 if youre unable to use your mouse) or restart your computer.

If you receive a call about problems with your computer, hang up.

Report a technical support scam to Microsoft.

Stranahan warns people to beware of calls from anyone claiming to be a service provider or a law enforcement officer and offers these tips:

Dont feel pressured to act right away , even if the person or message sounds urgent.

Dont share your personal information and refuse any request for money , especially if youre asked to convert money into gift cards or bitcoin, both of which can be hard to trace.

Ask the person who called you for their supervisors name and a local callback number. A scammer wont want to provide that information. If thats the case, hang up or delete the message immediately.

Call a trusted friend or family member and tell them about what happened to you to help confirm whether youve been targeted for a scam.

If you do fall prey to an online scam, reporting it is essential  not just to protect yourself but others. In addition to police, consider reporting the crime via the Federal Trade Commissions website Reportfraud.ftc.gov or by calling 877-382-4357.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Four major Asia-Pacific countriesAustralia, Singapore, the Philippines and South Koreawill hold elections in the next month, with two happening this Saturday, May 3.

U.S. President Donald Trumps tariff threats are a constant hanging over all four contests. Since Trump paused the implementation of his so-called reciprocal tariffs until early July, all four countries have been negotiating with Washington to avoid getting slapped with new tariffs on their U.S.-bound exports.

Heres who is voting over the next several weeks, what issues are driving voters on the groundand how each country is grappling with a more protectionist, more volatile U.S.

Australia, May 3

Australians will vote in parliamentary elections on May 3, choosing between current prime minister Anthony Albanese and his opponent, the more conservative Peter Dutton. Current polling suggests that the left-wing Labor Party, led by Albanese, is leading.

Foreign policy usually isnt a big factor in Australian elections, says Ryan Neelam, director of public opinion and foreign policy at the Lowy Institute, an Australia-based think tank. But he adds this year is different, thanks to Trumps tearing up of the global trading system.

Australia was only hit with a baseline 10% tariff rate, the lowest possible in Trumps reciprocal tariff policy, on Liberation Day. Still, Trumps tariffs threaten Australia indirectly: Neelam points out that China is a major export market for Australia, putting it at risk from any slowdown in the worlds second-largest economy.

That could be an additional drag on Australias economy, which is already bearing the brunt of increasing living costs.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 29: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese holds a member of the public's dog during a visit Sunnybank Market Square in the electorate of Moreton on April 29, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. The Australian federal election will be held on Saturday, May 3. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Albanese has also criticized U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. While Australian exporters got exemptions under the first Trump administration, they failed to escape tariffs this time around.

But even if tariffs arent directly on the minds of Australian voters, the man behind themDonald Trumpis. Polling by the Lowy Institute reports a significant drop in trust in the U.S., with a majority of Australian voters disapproving of most of the U.S. presidents policies.

Dutton and the broader Australian conservative movement tied themselves closely to Trump at firstfor example, Dutton promised to make the U.S. his first international trip, as opposed to the traditional choice of Indonesia but that now appears to be dragging down their popularity.

The conservatives are seen as the party that can keep Australia safe, says Darren Lim, a senior lecturer in international politics at Australian National University. Theyve lost that [advantage] completely, because the major threat right now is coming from Trump himself.

Trumps unpopularity has already killed one of Duttons big policy proposals. The conservative candidate has walked back a pledge to end remote work and sack government employees, calling his proposed Trump-style crackdown a mistake earlier this year.

Still, Lim points out that trade and tariffs arent in the top three issues in Australias elections, with cost of living and housing dominating most discussions.

Huw McKay, a visiting fellow at the Australian National University and the former chief economist for BHP, suggests that Trumps constant trade flip-flops may be helping tariffs recede as a political issue. A 10% tariff looks like a get out of jail free card, he says.

Yet in the long-term, Australia likely views Trumps trade threat as harmful. Australia is very clear that the multilateral trade agenda is in its national interest, so itll be doing a lot of work behind the scenes, speaking to other nations that also understand that the multilateral framework for international trade is also in their best interests, McKay says.

Singapore, May 3

Singaporeans will also be voting on May 3. The frontrunner in Saturday's general election is the ruling Peoples Action Party, led by prime minister Lawrence Wong. The PAP has governed Singapore since the country's independence in 1965.

The leading opposition party, the Workers Party, hopes to increase its representation in the next parliament, but is contesting fewer than a third of the available seats.

Still, Saturday's election will be the first referendum of the PAPs performance since Wong took over leadership of the party from Lee Hsien Loong last year. Lee, the son of Singapores first prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, led the country for two decades.

Wong will be looking for a strong mandate to give him the political and moral authority to make sharp shifts to a more generous social welfare model, says Devadas Krishnadas, founder of the Future-Moves Group, a public policy consultancy. He adds that Wong wants to be perceived as a politically strong, anchored leader to strengthen his hand in negotiating future trade arrangements.

Devadas suggests that a result below the PAPs vote share of 61.24% in the previous 2020 elections could weaken Wongs personal brand.

Lawrence Wong, Singapore's prime minister, during a election campaign rally in Singapore, on Monday, April 28, 2025. Singapore's political leaders are warning against foreign attempts to influence voters in an election campaign, under measures introduced four years ago to guard against external meddling. Photographer: Ore Huiying/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Singapores prime minister is a vocal critic of Trumps tariffs policy, suggesting that it has made the world more arbitrary, protectionist, and dangerous. The leader of Singapores opposition, Workers Party head Pritam Singh, is also backing Wongs calls for unity in the face of Trumps threats.

Like Australia, Singapore runs a trade deficit with the U.S. The country also received the baseline 10% tariff on U.S.-bound exports on April 2.

Singaporean officials hope to negotiate possible concessions on pharmaceuticals, the Straits Times reported on Sunday. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs specifically on drug imports. Yet local officials do not believe that the baseline 10% tariff is negotiable.

The Philippines, May 12

Filipino voters will vote in midterm elections on May 12, in the first major political test of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.s administration since he took office in 2022. The entire House of Representatives and half the Senate will be up for election.

Under Trumps now-paused Liberation Day tariff regime, imports from the Philippines will get a 17% tax rate. Thats lower than other countries in Southeast Asia, and some Filipino officials see that as an opportunity to increase the countrys trade with the U.S., which is also a close security ally.

Officials hope to negotiate the U.S. tariff rate down to zero, or at least low enough so the country has a trade edge against its neighbors. The country is offering to buy more U.S. farm products to help rebalance trade.

Still, Liberation Day tariffs arent playing a large role in Filipino political discussions, says Julio Amador III, founder of Amador Research Services, a Manila-based geopolitical risk firm. Instead, the midterm elections will focus on domestic concerns, primarily corruption, jobs, and food security.

South Korea, June 3

South Koreans will vote in snap presidential elections on June 3, following the successful impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. South Koreas legislature impeached Yoon in late December after he tried, and failed, to impose martial law, and upheld that decision in early April. The East Asian country has been governed by acting presidents since then.

This political instability comes as the countrys government is hurriedly trying to negotiate a trade deal with the U.S. Even before Trump threatened a 25% reciprocal tariff, South Korea was already grappling with 25% tariffs on cars, steel and aluminum.

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung will run against a still-to-be-confirmed conservative candidate (who will be named on May 3).

Lee Jae-myung, a presidential primary candidate of the Democratic Party, gives a thumbs-up during the final nomination convention for the 21st presidential election at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea, on September 27, 2021. (Photo by Chris Jung/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Any conservative candidate will have a steep hill to climb. The conservative party, the Peoples Power Party, really lost their legitimacy and their popularity after Yoons attempted coup, notes Eunjung Lim, a professor in the international studies division at Kongju National University.

Yet tariffs, and South Koreas broader relationship with the U.S., is an issue that generally favors the more business-friendly conservatives. South Koreas conservatives have more experience dealing with Washington, Lim says.

Interestingly, the trade negotiations may be lifting the prospects of one dark horse conservative candidate: Han Duck-Soo, South Koreas prime minister and current acting president, now leading Koreas response to Trumps tariffs. Local media reports suggest that Han may run as an independent candidate.

Still, the election victor might not have much room to manoeuvre.

Word is that the 10% baseline tariff is not negotiable. The auto tariff is not negotiable. So what are you left with? asks Victor Cha, Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Because of this, South Korea will try to enlarge the deal, he says.

Ramon Pacheco Pardo, an international relations professor at Kings College London and Korea expert, suggests that U.S.-Korea negotiations will focus on investment in the U.S., defense procurement, access to technology, and relations with China. The U.S. is going to, in my opinion, make it very clear to South Korea that it has to be closer to the U.S. position on China issues, he says.

That last item will be tough for Korea. They don't want to be put in a situation where they get an exemption in return for decoupling from China, Cha says. Thats a lose-lose situation for Korea.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Viagra and Zepbound are manufactured in Ireland, much to the chagrin of Donald Trump. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Irelands tranche of American multinationals is likely behind an aggressive surge in exports from the country back to the U.S., as companies like Pfizer and Eli Lilly scrambled to ship their Viagra and Mounjaro (Zepbound) to the States before a tariff onslaught.

The Eurozone members economy expanded by 3.2% in the first quarter of 2025, according to data released on Tuesday by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Compared with the same quarter in 2024, the Irish economy expanded by 13.3%.

It wasnt Irelands homegrown champions driving the countrys impressive Q1 growth. It instead appears to have come from the countrys increasingly precarious multinationals.

The result was driven mainly by a rise in the multinational dominated sectors in Q1 2025 with a more modest increase in the domestic economy, the CSO wrote.

Earlier in April, the CSO revealed that Irelands exports to the U.S. rose by 8.7 billion ($9.9 billion) in February, or by 210.5%. The overwhelming majority of these exports, around 90%, came from the chemicals sector, which includes pharmaceuticals. Ireland exported a total of $76 billion worth of goods to the U.S. in 2024, leaving it with a 50 billion ($57 billion) surplus.

It may not be a surprise to see a similar monthly increase in March, the month in which firms digested the reality of Donald Trumps tariff threats and raced to do damage control ahead of April 2s so-called Liberation Day.

Ireland has built up an impressive roster of U.S. corporate giants over this century off the back of a competitive tax policy. Meta, Google, and Apple all have their EU headquarters in the country, employing thousands of residents. As evidenced by Februarys strong pharmaceutical export data, a number of the countrys biggest drugmakers have extensive manufacturing operations in Ireland.

Eli Lilly produces the weight-loss variant of its drug Mounjaro in Ireland, while Pfizer and AbbVie respectively manufacture Viagra and Botox in the country. Many of these drugs are shipped back to the U.S. for consumption, with February perhaps marking a panic-buying moment for these products.

In total, U.S. companies account for 10% of employment in Ireland and 72% of foreign direct investment in the country.

Goodbody, Irelands oldest operating stockbroker, likened its home country to the U.S.s 51st state from an investment perspective, owing to these links. In February, KPMG warned that proposed tariffs could affect one-third of Irish exports.

Trumps vendetta against the U.S.s traditional trading partners is on ice after the administration enacted a 90-day pause to retaliatory tariffs based on trade imbalances.

However, companies and policymakers are on tenterhooks as they wait for the presidents next move. Irelands pharmaceutical sector, by far the countrys most exposed, could be next in line.

Speaking earlier in April, Trump promised an audience of Republicans that major tariffs were coming to pharmaceutical imports very shortly.

European pharmaceutical companies are turning on their home continent, threatening to accelerate moves to the U.S. if the EU doesnt overhaul its regulation and intellectual property practices.

U.S. drugmakers, meanwhile, will continue to feel the heat from the Trump administration to pack up and head back West.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
By Rich McKay and Andrew Hay

(Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Justice has begun the first prosecutions of migrants for illegally entering a military zone created along the U.S.-Mexico border as part of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, according to court filings.

Some 28 migrants were charged in U.S. District Court in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Monday for crossing into the 170-mile-long (274-km-long) buffer zone patrolled by U.S. troops, according to court filings.

Creation of the 60-foot-wide (18.3-meter-wide) strip this month along the base of New Mexico gave U.S. troops the authority to detain and search migrants in the area. Troops cannot arrest migrants or other civilians outside military zones.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited the area last week and said it was phase one of a plan to extend the buffer zone along the border.

"Any illegal attempting to enter that zone is entering a military base," Hegseth said in video posted on social media.

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico in a statement called the defense area a "dangerous erosion of the constitutional principle that the military should not be policing civilians."

Court documents showed migrants detained in the area were charged with both crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally and entering a restricted area.

The so-called New Mexico National Defense Area was created with the transfer of 110,000 acres (445 sq km) of federal land to the U.S. Army.

Migrants detained in the area by U.S. troops are transferred to civilian law enforcement, such as U.S. Border Patrol, before prosecution, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

The buffer zone allowed the Trump administration to use troops to arrest migrants without invoking the 1807 Insurrection Act that empowers a president to deploy the U.S. military to suppress events like civil disorder.

The last time the Insurrection Act was invoked was during the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

Around 11,900 troops are currently deployed to the U.S. Southwest border where the number of migrants caught illegally crossing in March fell to the lowest level ever recorded, according to government data.

(Reporting by Andrew Hay in New Mexico, Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Sandra Maler)
President Donald Trump attends a meeting with Russia's President Vladimir Putin during the G20 summit in Osaka on June 28, 2019. Photo by Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

A European leader who met with President Donald Trump on Saturday said Trump is growing impatient with Russian President Vladimir Putin as he attempts to resolve the war in Ukraine.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb told the New York Times on Sunday that he hopes the Kremlin understands that you dont play with President Trump following a Saturday meeting with him in Vatican City, Rome. Trump has accused both Ukraine and Russia of not showing a sufficient desire for peace since he returned to office on a promise to end their over three-year conflict.

[Trump] is running out of patience, and weve now seen statements which are quite tough on Putin and Russia, Stubb told the paper regarding ongoing peace talks.

Trump said in a Saturday Truth Social post that there was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days.

It makes me think that maybe he doesnt want to stop the war, hes just tapping me along and has to be dealt with differently, he said.

Stubb, whose country shares its border with Russia, said he hopes the toughness on Putin will move things in the right direction toward peace and that he felt a tad more optimistic after meeting with Trump.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.

Trump and Vice President JD Vance previously argued with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on national television about his posture toward the war when Zelenskyy visited the Oval Office in February. Zelenskyy complained to the pair that the U.S. had not done enough to stop Putins aggression after giving Ukraine tens of billions of dollars in aid since Russias 2022 invasion. (RELATED: Embattled Federal Agency Failed To Verify Ukraine Aid Partners Werent Enabling Sex Trafficking)

With respect, I think its disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media, Vance told Zelenskyy to his face, adding that you should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict.

Trump posted later that day that Zelenskyy can come back when he is ready for Peace. However, the president insisted at a Thursday press briefing that you have no idea what pressure Im putting on Russia.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
Jonathan Kitchen - Getty Images

If you are concerned about your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, youll usually get a specific blood test to look at your cholesterol levels to see where things stand. At least, thats how it has worked in the medical world for nearly 60 years.

But new research suggests that a cholesterol test may not actually be the best way to identify those who are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Instead, theres a different blood test that could be much betterand potentially save more lives. It's just not used all that often.

Heres what the study found, plus how to actually get this test.

Meet the experts: Cheng-Han Chen, MD, interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA; Nicholas A. Marston, MD, MPH, study co-author and assistant professor of medicine at Brigham and Womens Hospital; Ragavendra Baliga, MBBS, a cardiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

What did the study find?

For the study, which was published in the European Heart Journal, researchers analyzed blood samples from more than 200,000 people in the UK Biobank who had no history of heart disease to look for the number and size of cholesterol-carrying lipoproteins in the blood. (Lipoproteins are proteins that combine with and transport fat in the blood.)

The researchers specifically focused on lipoproteins that carry a protein called apoBthat protein is typically linked with LDL or "bad cholesterol. The researchers followed the participants for up to 15 years, looking at lipoprotein types and sizes that were most strongly linked to future heart attacks. They then compared that information with a separate Swedish cohort study to see how bad cholesterol lipoproteins lead to the development of heart disease.

The researchers discovered that apoB is the best way to test for heart disease, since measuring this protein actually indicates the total number of bad cholesterol particles better than your standard cholesterol test. Ultimately, they found that measuring a combination of apoB and a lipoprotein called Lp(a) gives the most accurate results.

LDL cholesterol is an important contributor to this risk, but does not tell the whole story, says Nicholas A. Marston, MD, MPH, study co-author and assistant professor of medicine at Brigham and Womens Hospital.

Why is this new test better at screening for heart disease?

Currently, doctors often determine someones heart disease risk by looking at the levels of LDL ("bad cholesterol") particles in their blood. This is just done by a blood test that analyzes cholesterol levels, explains Cheng-Han Chen, MD, interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA.

But cholesterol cant circulate in the blood or cause damage without a lipoprotein carrier, Dr. Chen points out. As a result, focusing on the lipoproteins that can carry bad cholesterol may be a more accurate way to tell a persons future cardiovascular disease risk.

ApoB appears to be the most accurate measure of cardio risk when compared to the traditional methods of measuring LDL, HDL (good cholesterol), and other types we use, Dr. Chen says.

What is bad cholesterol and apoB?

Bad cholesterol is another term for LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is the most common form of cholesterol and is known to cause heart disease, Marston says.

Again, apoB is a type of protein thats typically linked with LDL or "bad cholesterol.

"ApoB [is] a more accurate count of harmful particles," says Ragavendra Baliga, MBBS, a cardiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Where can I get one of these tests?

The tests currently exist, and you can get one. Its not part of the normal cholesterol panel, but it is readily available at most testing laboratories, Dr. Chen says. Doctors would have to order this testing panel on top of what we currently use.

However, it's not common. "Ive never, ever ordered apoB," Dr. Baliga says.

Still, Dr. Chen says if your doctor determine its needed, it is possible to get one. If we are especially concerned or if the patient is especially concerned, we can add this test on to get more information, he says.

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Virginias Republican nominee for lieutenant governor is accusing Gov. Glenn Youngkins political advisers of extortion and says theyre trying to force him to end his campaign.

John Reid is the first openly gay man to run on a Republican or Democratic statewide ticket.

In two videos he posted online, he went public with details of what he called Youngkins efforts to get him to leave the race. Many Republicans continue to support Reid, a former Richmond radio talk show host who has been with his partner for eight years.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Reid suddenly became the nominee for lieutenant governor a week ago, when the favorite and only other candidate, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors member Pat Herrity, stepped aside for health reasons.

Reid said that before that, "a local religious activist" and two people he has "known for several years" threatened him with what they described as sexually explicit photos they claimed he had posted on a Tumblr account. Reid says that the photos are not his and that the account was fabricated.

Next came a call from Youngkin asking him to step down, Reid said. He said that when he refused, his aides were contacted again.

They were told if I dropped out of the race, they would purchase the opposition research and the lies and threat against me would suddenly stop. This is extortion, and it is illegal in Virginia, Reid said on video. I am more outraged now.

Reid said he has no intention of dropping out.

Im tougher than any of my detractors, and Im not going anywhere, he said in the defiant conclusion to a video he posted online Sunday.

On Tuesday, Youngkin defended his call to Reid, saying concerns about lewd photos distract from key topics.

Explicit social media content like this is a distraction. Its a distraction for campaigns, and its a distraction from people paying attention to the most important issues, he said at an event on fentanyl awareness.

Youngkin said its Reids decision to remain in the race or not.

The decision is Johns and up to John, he said.

Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, the GOP nominee for governor, also referred to distraction from core issues and left it to Reid to continue with his campaign or not.

President Lincoln said, A house divided against itself cannot stand. Those biblical words from Matthew 12:25 embody the positive mission of our campaign  to unite and inspire Virginians of all backgrounds. This week, focus on the lieutenant governor nominee distracted from that mission and cannot continue. John Reid is the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor. It is his race, and his decision alone to move forward. We all have our own race to run, she said in a statement Tuesday.

Earle-Sears called for a focus on results, unity and winning in November.

The governor has brought this on the party

Other Republicans said theyre upset about what theyre seeing unfold.

Matthew Hurtt, the chair of the Arlington County Republican Committee, contacted his members over the weekend to gauge their reaction.

More than two-thirds of my members who responded said we dont think John should drop out, and an even higher percentage of respondents said they would still vote for John in November as the Republican nominee, he said.

Hurtt blamed the governors political action team for the mess.

Youngkin's Spirit of Virginia PAC didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on Reid's allegations.

Political analyst Bob Holsworth, a partner at the public policy consulting firm DecideSmart, said that Republicans were already facing an uphill battle in November and that this only deepens their challenge.

Now you have this situation where the governor is largely being seen as an individual who is pushing out a gay man, he said.

Republicans have brought this on themselves. The governor has brought this on the party, and they dont have an easy way out of it, he continued.

A unity rally with the three statewide candidates and Youngkin planned for Wednesday was canceled. A rally for Reid was held Monday night in Sterling.

This story first appeared on NBC Washington.
Iran hanged a man on Wednesday who was convicted of working as a spy for Israel's foreign intelligence agency, the Mossad, and assisting in the 2022 assassination of a Revolutionary Guard colonel in Tehran, according to the Islamic republic's official IRNA news agency. An activist group says his confession was forced.

Mohsen Langarneshin, identified by the news agency as one of the Mossad's "top spies inside Iran," allegedly provided "technical support" in the killing of Col. Hassan Sayyad Khodaei, who was shot five times by two unidentified gunmen on a motorbike  said to have been purchased by Langarneshin  near his home in Tehran.

At the time of his killing, Iranian media identified Khodaei only as a "defender of the shrine," according to The Associated Press. The term is a euphemism used by Iran to refer to Iranians fighting against ISIS in Syria and Iraq within the Revolutionary Guard's elite Quds Force.

A photo of Mohsen Langarneshin, an alleged Mossad spy, from his Facebook page in April 2023. / Credit: Facebook

IRNA said Langarneshin had also provided support for an attack on an industrial center linked to the Iranian defense ministry, purchased vehicles and equipment "to create a secure environment for Mossad elements in Iran," transferred money from Mossad officers to contacts inside the country and rented safe houses in several Iranian provinces. One of those homes was in Isfahan, where, in January 2023, bomb-carrying drones targeted what Iran described as a military workshop. Iran has accused Israel of masterminding the attack.



Langarneshin was recruited by the Mossad in 2020 and worked for the Israelis for two years, according to Iran's state-run media, during which time he met with Mossad officers in the nation of Georgia and Nepal, "and received his missions."



IRNA said Langerneshin confessed "during all stages of the interrogation, prosecution and court proceedings," after being "confronted with extensive case documents."



The Human Rights Activists News Agency, a non-profit group focused on rights issues in Iran, said Wednesday that a source close to Langerneshin's family had recently told the organization that he "had been promised that if he repeated what the interrogators wanted on camera, he would only face imprisonment. As a result, the confessions were extracted under pressure and coercion."



The organization quoted another source whom it said was close to Langarneshin as saying that he "was taken to the specified location and forced to narrate a prewritten script by interrogators, which was filmed."



Masoud Langarneshin, Mohsen's father, released a video in the days before the execution claiming his son had been sentenced to death without a fair trial. His mother, who issued a public appeal for help to human rights organizations, had her last visit with her son at the Ghezel Hesar prison on Karaj, west of Tehran, on April 29.



Iran's Revolutionary Court, which sentenced Langarneshin to death, was established in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Revolution and is known for its brutal punishments of political opponents of the country's clerical rulers. The court usually provides a court-appointed lawyer and doesn't allow any press access.



"After going through legal procedures at various stages of the case, Langarneshin was sentenced to death, and his sentence was carried out this morning," IRNA reported Wednesday.

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US President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday in Washington, DC. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Iran is crafting a potential nuclear agreement with the United States, wrapping it in language designed to flatter US President Donald Trumps favorite persona: the dealmaker-in-chief.

Officials in Tehran have seized on Trumps anti-war, pro-business image to pitch an Iran-US nuclear agreement as a way to help Trump fulfill his pledge to make America rich again.

Tehrans argument is that a war with Iran would bleed American coffers, while diplomacy could open the door to economic prosperity.

To that point, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi presented his country as being open for American business in a Washington Post opinion article last month.

Many in Washington portray Iran as a closed country from an economic point of view. The truth is that we are open to welcoming businesses from around the world, he wrote. It is the US administrations and congressional impediments, not Iran, that have kept American enterprises away from the trillion-dollar opportunity that access to our economy represents.

Iranian officials are framing a potential deal as a business opportunity tailored to Trumps priorities, including his emphasis on tariffs and demands for economic reciprocity, said Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, chief executive of the economic think tank Bourse & Bazaar Foundation.

They see that Trump wants to be a kind of dealmaker.  Theyre clearly understanding that Trump wants agreements that he can position as a win for the US economy.

Iran and the US have had three rounds of largely indirect talks mediated by the Gulf Arab nation of Oman  the last of which, on Saturday, included technical discussions on the finer details of a potential deal. Both sides have expressed optimism.

Changing Trumps calculus

Trump has repeatedly criticized the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers as not serving American interests. After he withdrew from it in 2018, he described it as one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into.

That deal, agreed to during the second Obama administration, primarily lifted secondary sanctions: US penalties aimed at non-American companies that trade with Iran. Primary sanctions, which directly bar US firms from doing business with Iran, mostly remained in place. As a result, foreign companies were allowed to re-enter the Iranian market, while US firms remained largely barred.

Few American and foreign firms do business in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and many Western businesses were hesitant to enter the country even after the 2015 deal was signed. The US Treasury Department can issue special licenses  typically for humanitarian trade  but nearly all other commercial activity remains off-limits.

Tehran appears to be trying to shift Trumps calculus by framing a deal as a win-win. Irans foreign minister has even dangled access to its prized nuclear energy program  a symbol of national sovereignty and prestige that some US officials have sought to dismantle.

Our longstanding game plan is to build at least 19 more (nuclear) reactors, meaning that tens of billions of dollars in potential contracts are up for grabs, Araghchi said on X this week. He argued that the Iranian market is large enough to help revitalize the struggling nuclear industry in the United States.

For Western businesses, Iran represents an untapped and consumer-driven market of 90.6 million people, over 60% of whom are under the age of 35, according to market research firm Mordor Intelligence.

After the 2015 deal was signed, McKinsey Global Research estimated that Iran could add $1 trillion to its GDP and create 9 million jobs within 20 years of the agreement going into effect if it pursued structural reforms and attracted investment.

Iranians shop in Tajrish Bazaar as they prepare for the Nowruz, or Persian New Year celebrations in Tehran, Iran, on March 18. - Bahram/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images

Irans economy produced $434 billion worth of goods and services in 2024. But when adjusted for local prices and living costs  a measure known as Purchasing Power Parity  Irans GDP jumps to $1.7 trillion. The big gap between the two numbers reflects how small Irans economy looks from the outside due to its weak currency and international sanctions.

That gap is where the untapped opportunity lies, according to Bijan Khajehpour, managing partner of the Vienna-based Eurasian Nexus Partners, a consulting firm. International companies can help fill the gap and benefit from it, he said.

That prospect may be tempting for American firms, but past experience and current realities suggest doing business in Iran wont be easy. Even if a new nuclear deal is reached, it wont automatically open the door for US companies.

The IRGCs growing economic footprint

The US largely applies two types of sanctions on the country: those linked to its nuclear activities, and those linked to terrorism. Iran is designated by the US as a state sponsor of terrorism and its Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), an elite paramilitary force that is deeply embedded in the countrys economy and politics, is considered a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Even if current talks over Irans nuclear program succeed, terrorism-related sanctions are likely to remain in place  meaning American companies would still need case-by-case approval, via licenses from the US Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), to do business in some sectors there.

Over the years, the IRGC has expanded to become a state institution that functions parallel to the government with an ever-expanding economic footprint.

Experts say the IRGCs role in Irans economy has only grown since the US pulled out of the last nuclear agreement, potentially making it even more difficult for US companies to enter.

With foreign companies reluctant to do business there, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has championed a resistance economy, a strategy focused on self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign imports and investments. The IRGC has stepped in to fill the vacuum, expanding its role in sectors like construction, banking, telecoms and oil.

The ownership of economic players has shifted away from the government, moving towards what we call semi-state entities, said Khajehpour, who has advised international companies on Iran. Some of these semi-state entities are sanctioned and foreign companies have to appreciate the various risks of their partnership strategies.

Decades of war, sanctions and economic stagnation, as well as corruption and the ambiguities of Iranian business culture, have made doing business in the country complex, he said.

Overcoming hurdles to doing business

After the inking of the 2015 deal, Western companies like Boeing, Total, Peugeot and Nestle became some of the early movers into Iran. Boeing, for example, finalized a $16 billion contract to sell Iran Air 80 aircraft after receiving a license from OFAC. But the US government revoked the license during Trumps first term, nullifying the contracts.

If the hurdles can be overcome, trade could resume  most notably with the potential revival of the Boeing deal  but other opportunities also abound, Khajehpour said. In addition to oil and gas, Iran offers potential partners mining prospects (including rare metals), a growing digital economy, and an educated labor force, he added.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during an interview at the Iranian consulate in Jeddah on March 7. - Amer Hilabi/AFP/Getty Images

One way to enable American business entry into Iran, said Batmanghelidj, would be to replicate a workaround introduced in the 2015 nuclear deal: an exception that allowed non-US subsidiaries of American firms to operate in Iran under strict conditions.

A key difference this time, he noted, is that US-aligned Gulf Arab states now support an Iran nuclear deal and have shown willingness to engage economically with Iran. Thats in stark contrast to the last round, when they severed ties with the Islamic Republic soon after the deal was implemented. Araghchi, Irans chief negotiator, has made a point of keeping Arab neighbors informed of the talks progress.

The US can gain indirect exposure to the Iranian market by working through Gulf states, where many American companies have regional headquarters, Batmanghelidj added.

Still, he cautioned, none of this is possible if the businesses remain hesitant to engage, given lingering doubts about the durability of any new deal  especially after Trumps withdrawal from the 2015 agreement.

Despite all of the baggage we have over the 2015 nuclear deal falling apart, there are a lot more tools that could be used to find ways of structuring a win-win, Batmanghelidj said.

If the two sides are serious about structuring aspects of this deal to make sure that theres an economic benefit for the US, then there are things that can be done, he added. Ultimately, you still have a middle class in Iran that wants access to imported goods and would love to be able to buy more American brands.

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In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, and President Donald Trump, talk as they attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025.(Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The U.S. and Ukraine on Wednesday signed an agreement granting American access to Ukraines vast mineral resources, finalizing a deal months in the making that could enable continued military aid to Kyiv amid concerns that President Donald Trump might scale back support in ongoing peace negotiations with Russia.

The two sides offered only barebone details about the structure of the deal, which they called the United States-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund. But it is expected to give the U.S. access to Ukraines valuable rare earth minerals while providing Kyiv a measure of assurance about continued American support in its grinding war with Russia.

This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine.

The announcement comes at a critical moment in the three-year war as Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with both sides. The signing comes two months after a different but similar agreement was nearly signed before being derailed in a tense Oval Office meeting involving President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Trump has long criticized Zelenskyy, saying he didnt have the cards to win the war and blaming him for prolonging the killing by not giving up Crimea, but in recent days has rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin as well, saying he was complicating negotiations with very bad timing in launching deadly strikes on Kyiv.

Trump said Wednesday night on NewsNation that the deal, in theory, means that the U.S. will get more from Ukraine than it contributed. I wanted to be protected, he said, adding that he didnt want to be looking foolish by not getting money back for the investment.

Ukraine praises signing as an equal and good international deal

For Ukraine, the agreement is seen as key to ensuring its access to future U.S. military aid.

Truly, this is a strategic deal for the creation of an investment partner fund, said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. This is truly an equal and good international deal on joint investment in the development and restoration of Ukraine between the governments of the United States and Ukraine.

Ukraines economy minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, flew to Washington on Wednesday to help finalize the deal.

Together with the United States, we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment to our country, she said in a post on X after the signing.

White House had raised doubts that agreement was ready

Earlier Wednesday, Bessent said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House  hours after Ukrainian officials indicated a deal was nearly finalized  that there was still work to do.

The Ukrainians decided last night to make some last-minute changes," Bessent said when asked about reports that Ukraine was ready to agree to the pact. "Were sure that they will reconsider that. And we are ready to sign this afternoon if they are.

He didn't elaborate as to the late changes he said Ukraine made.

The U.S. has been seeking access to more than 20 raw materials deemed strategically critical to its interests, including some non-minerals such as oil and natural gas. Among them are Ukraine's deposits of titanium, which is used for making aircraft wings and other aerospace manufacturing, and uranium, which is used for nuclear power, medical equipment and weapons. Ukraine also has lithium, graphite and manganese, which are used in electric vehicle batteries.

After Kyiv felt the initial U.S. draft of the deal disproportionately favored American interests, it introduced new provisions aimed at addressing those concerns.

According to Shmyhal, the latest version would establish an equal partnership between the two countries and last for 10 years. Financial contributions to a joint fund would be made in cash, and only new U.S. military aid would count toward the American share. Assistance provided before the agreement was signed would not be counted. Unlike an earlier draft, the deal would not conflict with Ukraines path toward European Union membership  a key provision for Kyiv.

The Ukrainian Cabinet approved the agreement Wednesday, empowering Svyrydenko to sign it in Washington. The deal still needs to be ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament before it can take effect.

Putin wants answers before committing to a ceasefire

The negotiations come amid rocky progress in Washington's push to stop the war.

Putin backs calls for a ceasefire before peace negotiations, but before its done, its necessary to answer a few questions and sort out a few nuances, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Putin is also ready for direct talks with Ukraine without preconditions to seek a peace deal, he added.

We realize that Washington wants to achieve quick progress, but we hope for understanding that the Ukrainian crisis settlement is far too complex to be done quickly, Peskov said during his daily conference call with reporters.

Trump has expressed frustration over the slow pace of progress in negotiations aimed at stopping the war. Western European leaders have accused Putin of stalling while his forces seek to grab more Ukrainian land. Russia has captured nearly a fifth of Ukraines territory since Moscow's forces launched a full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.

Trump has long dismissed the war as a waste of lives and American taxpayer money  a complaint he repeated Wednesday during his Cabinet meeting. That could spell an end to crucial military help for Ukraine and heavier economic sanctions on Russia.

US wants both sides to speed things up

The U.S. State Department on Tuesday tried again to push both sides to move more quickly and warned that the U.S. could pull out of the negotiations if there's no progress.

We are now at a time where concrete proposals need to be delivered by the two parties on how to end this conflict," department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce quoted Secretary of State Marco Rubio as telling her.

Russia has effectively rejected a U.S. proposal for an immediate and full 30-day ceasefire, making it conditional on a halt to Ukraines mobilization effort and Western arms supplies to Kyiv.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Wednesday that Ukraine had accepted an unconditional truce only because it was being pushed back on the battlefield, where the bigger Russian forces have the upper hand.

UN says Ukrainian civilian casualties are on the rise

Meanwhile, Ukrainian civilians have been killed or wounded in attacks every day this year, according to a U.N. report presented Tuesday in New York.

The U.N. Human Rights Office said in the report that in the first three months of this year, it had verified 2,641 civilian casualties in Ukraine. That was almost 900 more than during the same period last year.

Also, between April 1-24, civilian casualties in Ukraine were up 46% from the same weeks in 2024, it said.

The daily grind of the war shows no sign of letting up. A nighttime Russian drone attack on Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv, wounded at least 45 civilians, Ukrainian officials said.

Also Wednesday, the Ukrainian Security Service claimed its drones struck the Murom Instrument Engineering Plant in Russias Vladimir region overnight, causing five explosions and a fire at the military facility. The claim could not be independently verified.

___

Kullab and Arhirova reported from Kyiv, Ukraine. Associated Press writer Fatima Hussein in Washington contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty

Three U.S.-born children  aged 2, 4 and 7  were deported to Honduras with their mothers in the early morning hours of Friday, April 25, despite being American citizens.

The 4-year-old has Stage 4 cancer and was deported without medication or the ability to contact their doctor before leaving, the familys lawyer told The Washington Post last week.

The children, who come from two different families, were taken into custody during a routine immigration check-in in New Orleans on Thursday. They were then transported over 200 miles to Alexandria, La., and put on a plane to Honduras.

According to the lawyer, they were not given the opportunity to contact legal representatives before being sent out of the country, and a phone call to the father of the 2-year-old was ended by ICE officers after just one minute.



Related: Donald Trump Says He'd Be 'Honored' to Deport Americans to El Salvador Prison: 'I'm All for It'

Trump administration officials, including Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, claim that the children were deported because their mothers  who are not citizens  wanted to take them with them back to Honduras.



It is common that parents want to be removed with their children, McLaughlin told the Post.



However, lawyers representing the father of the 2-year-old filed an emergency petition in the Western District of Louisiana on Thursday seeking her release. The girl was put on a plane to Honduras the following morning before the court opened.



Hours later, U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty, a Trump appointee, signed an order detailing his concern that the girl was deported against her fathers wishes. He wrote that, without a court appearance, there was no way to have an official record that the family wished for the child to be sent to Honduras.



Doughty set a May 16 hearing to investigate his strong suspicion that the government just deported a U.S. citizen with no meaningful process.



Related: Trump Officials Accidentally Sent a Maryland Father to the El Salvador Mega Prison. Now They Can't Get Him Back

Grace Willis, a lawyer for the father of the 2-year-old agreed, saying, We have absolutely no idea whether [the mothers] ever actually did give consent for their children to come with them or if they did under what kind of duress and what other options were presented to them.



KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, whose department oversees ICE

Alanah Odoms, executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana, lamented the lack of due process in the speedy deportations.



I dont know how much more of a blatant or clear constitutional violation there can be than deporting U.S. citizens without due process, she told the Post. Especially with some of those citizens being the most vulnerable of all vulnerable, children, and not just any children, children with medical conditions that are dire.



Related: After ICE Agents Realized They Arrested the Wrong Teen in N.Y.C., They Were Told to 'Take Him Anyway': Report

This latest news comes on the heels of Gothamist's reporting on migrant children in New York who are being forced to make appearances in immigration court hearings without a lawyer.



On March 21, the Trump administration terminated an $18 million contract that provided attorneys and friends of the court to migrant children across New York state.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.



Following the funding cutoff, Sierra Kraft, executive director of the ICARE Coalition, said that she now sees 50-60% of children  who can be as young as 4 years old  appearing without a lawyer on any given docket, as opposed to a previous 30-40%.



According to data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, 96% of people who appear in New York state immigration courts without a lawyer are deported. That number is just 23% for those who appear with a lawyer.



Read the original article on People
Editor's note: This page summarizes testimony in the Karen Read trial for Wednesday, April 30. For the latest updates on the Karen Read retrial, visit USA TODAY's coverage for Friday, May 2.

A key witness against a woman accused of murdering her cop boyfriend clashed with lawyers on Wednesday over a bombshell admission she heard from the accused woman: I hit him, I hit him, I hit him.

Jennifer McCabe, a friend of Karen Read and John OKeefe, is perhaps the central witness in the case against the woman accused of hitting the Boston police officer with her SUV and leaving him to die. McCabe says Read made the shocking confession the morning OKeefe, 46, was found unconscious in the snow in January 2022.

The star witness bout with Reads lawyers signals a high point in the case so far. McCabe also shared vivid details about discovering the body of one of her closest friends and Reads crazy and erratic behavior that morning following a night of drinking with the couple.

Jurors also heard McCabes reaction to discovering OKeefe directly through a recording played in court of a 911 call she made then: Theres a man passed out in the snow, said McCabe through labored breath. I think hes dead.

Who is Jennifer McCabe? Star witness returns to the stand in Karen Read case

Read, 45, is back on trial over the 46-year-old officers death after a trial in 2024 ended in a hung jury. Prosecutors say she deliberately killed her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV after a night of heavy drinking and fighting. Reads lawyers, led by attorney Alan Jackson, have long held that the former financial analyst was framed for the murder by law enforcement officers who they allege killed OKeefe during an altercation.

The defense continued a strategy of challenging the memory of witnesses against Read by pointing out inconsistencies between testimony given to the grand jury, in the first trial and on the stand at the ongoing trial.

According to a transcript shared in court, McCabe told the grand jury that Read asked, Could I have hit him?

When pressed by Reads attorney, McCabe said, There are certain things I will never forget, Mr. Jackson.

The case, which began when OKeefes body was discovered January 29, 2022, has turned into a years long whodunnit legal saga that has garnered massive intrigue from true-crime fans across the country, spurring an array of podcasts, movies and television shows.

Heres what else happened in the Dedham, Massachusetts, courtroom.

Court adjourned

Cannone dismissed the jury around 4 p.m. McCabe's cross-examination will continue on Friday, May 2.

Jackson, one of Read's attorneys, told the court that he expects to cross-examine McCabe for roughly two more hours. Brennan, the prosecutor, said his questioning would take 20 minutes or less.

McCabe pressed by Read's lawyers

Upon cross-examination, Jackson challenged McCabes testimony that she heard Read say, I hit him, I hit him, I hit him, after finding OKeefes body at the home at 34 Fairview Road.

He handed McCabe a 227-pagecopy of her April 2022 grand jury testimony where she remembered Read saying Could I have hit him? Did I hit him?"

"I don't remember specifically that every grand jury and everything I said, but I can tell you with 100% accuracy, she said 'I hit him, I hit him, I hit him,'" McCabe told Jackson during a heated back and forth.

When Jackson pressed McCabe further about her grand jury testimony, she said Read made both the "Could have" and "I hit him" statements the morning they found O'Keefe dead.

Heated cross examination

Jackson questioned McCabe about an interaction she had with independent investigators not affiliated with the Massachusetts State Police or Canton police  in what appeared to be an attempt to poke holes in her credibility.

Jackson questioned whether McCabe lied to the investigators when she was asked if she had contacted anyone between the time they entered her home and when they began questioning her. McCabe originally told them she had called her husband and Kerry Roberts, a friend who was there the morning she found OKeefes body.

After they left, she later called them back and told them she had also spoken with OKeefes mom, Peggy OKeefe, her witness advocate at the Norfolk District Attorneys Office and her brother-in-law, Brian Albert.

The defense in a previous trial alleged that Albert and other police officers killed OKeefe.

McCabes chilling 911 call

Prosecutors played McCabes eerie 911 call the morning she, Read, and Roberts, found O'Keefe lying in the snow outside 34 Fairview Road in Canton, Massachusetts. Distressed noises can be heard in the background, with one person yelling, Karen, you need to get off of him.

When police officers arrived, McCabe said Read was running around crazy ... yelling, screaming, kind of like a ping pong.

Dashcam footage from the police cruiser showed the pitch-black morning scene. Snow pelted the windshield and a thick-white layer coated the pavement.

'I couldnt believe that was him lying there'

McCabe previously told jurors during her April 29 testimony that Read had raised concern several times the day O'Keefe's body was found that she hit him the night before. Read, she said, pleaded with her and Roberts to search for him at the home where his body would later be discovered.

In a video from a Ring camera at John O'Keefe's home, Karen Read is seen arriving in her SUV to look for O'Keefe with Kerry Roberts and Jennifer McCabe. The video was shown Read's trial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

As they approached the house, McCabe said Read began screaming something to the effect of there he is, but she and Roberts could only see snow blanketing the ground and covering their windows.

It wasnt until McCabe got out of the car and walked over to a patch of the lawn where Read and Roberts had congregated that she saw OKeefe. Roberts, she said, was removing snow from his face.

I couldnt believe that was him lying there, McCabe said with tears in her eyes. It looked like him but just frozen ... I think I knew in that moment that John, you know, was dead.

Crucial witness Jennifer McCabe takes the stand, describes hearing Read scream

Much of McCabes early testimony revolved around her relationship to OKeefe and Read, as well as the events that took place the evening before OKeefe was found dead.

McCabe said she was happy to see both Read and OKeefe when they joined her and other friends, including Brian Albert, at the Waterfall Bar and Grille in Canton, Massachusetts, early in the evening. She said she knew Read through OKeefe and enjoyed spending time with her.

When the group decided to go to Alberts house around midnight to continue the evening, McCabe said she expected OKeefe and Read to join. OKeefe had texted her to get Alberts address sometime between 12:15 a.m. and 12:30 a.m., and she called him to relay the plans.

Looking out the glass door at Alberts house, McCabe said she saw a dark SUV she assumed was Reads pull up in several locations in front of the home: at one point straight in front of the house, then near a flagpole in the lawn, then further up the road.

She texted OKeefe here? and then, when the car moved, she told OKeefe he could pull behind her car. He never answered.

By about 1:30 a.m., as the snow and wind began to pick up, she and others began leaving Alberts house. The mood the entire night was celebratory, McCabe remembered.

That changed at 4:53 a.m. when she was awoken by Reads screams. OKeefes niece, Kayley, and Read had called her because OKeefe had not returned home that night. Read told McCabe that they had gotten into a fight, and she thought she had left him at the Waterfall.

By 5:30 a.m. Read was in front of her house, screaming. Soon after, Roberts, who had also received a call from Read, pulled up at McCabes house, too. The three women planned to go search for OKeefe together.

Who is Jennifer McCabe?

McCabe is one of the prosecution's key witnesses. She is the sister of Nicole Albert, who is married to Brian Albert, one of the men Read's defense team has alleged killed O'Keefe. The couple lived at 34 Fairview Road.

In the first trial, Read's defense team suggested that McCabe knew something happened to O'Keefe and later helped frame Read.

How to watch Karen Read trial

CourtTV has been covering the case against Read and the criminal investigation since early 2022, when O'Keefe's body was found outside a Canton home.

You can watch CourtTVs live feed of the Read trial proceedings from Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts. Proceedings begin at 9 a.m. ET

Contributing: Jessica Trufant, USA TODAY Network

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Karen Read defense lawyers spar with star witness for prosecution
A Louisiana vehicle inspection sticker. Eunice City Marshal's Office | Facebook

(The Center Square)  A new bill from Rep. Larry Bagley, R-Caddo, would eliminate the requirement for most Louisiana vehicles to have inspection stickers, arguing that modern cars are safer than ever and the current system is outdated, ineffective, and ripe for abuse.

Under current law, nearly all vehicles registered in Louisiana  including passenger cars, trailers, and low-speed vehicles  must display a valid safety inspection sticker issued by the state.

Bagley's proposal would repeal that requirement for private passenger vehicles, keeping it only for commercial and student transportation vehicles. Vehicles in parishes subject to the U.S. Clean Air Act would still need emissions inspections.

Bagley, speaking before a House committee, emphasized that Louisiana is now an outlier among Southern states.

"There are no red states that have them, except Louisiana. There are 39 states that have eliminated the requirement include neighboring Texas, Mississippi and Alabama," Bagley said. "There are no southern [states that require them]."

He pointed to advances in automotive safety as a key reason the law is no longer needed.

"Modern vehicles are safer than ever, vehicles manufactured today are with advanced safety technologies, including airbag, analog braking systems, crash avoidance censors," Bagley continued. "I can see 20 years ago, but not anymore."

He also questioned the effectiveness of current inspections.

"A vehicle might pass inspection one day but develop a safety defect the next," Bagley said. "An inspection sticker only shows the vehicle's compliant on the day that was inspected, not months after."

Fraud in the inspection system was another concern Bagley raised.

"Reports of fraudulent inspection stickers being printed and sold undermine the purpose and credibility [of] the current system," Bagley said, recounting testimony from a previous bill hearing. "They go through parking lots and grocery stores. In fact, they caught one at State Police headquarters here in Baton Rouge, walking through the parking lot actually trying to sell fraudulent stickers."

Bagley added that the public's frustration lies not with the inspection fee, but with the process itself.

"It's not a $10 fee that citizens find most frustrating. It's a hassle and inconvenience of having to visit inspection [stations]," Bagley said. "Citizens have been fined for missing sticker renewals when their vehicles are operating safely."

The proposed law would also remove the requirement for law enforcement to issue formal written notices when citing vehicles for unsafe conditions. Officers would still be able to issue citations for safety violations based on existing state equipment standards.

Bagley has brought similar legislation in past sessions, but it has faced resistance from those who argue inspections are a basic safeguard.

This time, he's hopeful his argument resonates with lawmakers and drivers alike.

An amendment to the bill clarifies that overweight and oversize mobile homes requiring a state permit would not be subject to the inspection sticker requirement when being transported by a bonded carrier.

Additionally, used motor vehicles being moved by a dealer would also be exempt from the inspection certificate requirement while in transit.
Growtika | Unsplash

(The Center Square)  Maine lawmakers are considering a proposal that would require disclaimers on the use of artificial intelligence tools by political operatives to make deceptive "deep fake" ads.

The proposal, which goes before the Legislature's Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs on Friday, wouldn't ban the use of AI by political candidates and groups, but would require a disclosure statement saying the communication "contains audio, video and/or images that have been manipulated or altered."

The bill's primary sponsor, Rep. Amy Kuhn, D-Falmouth, said at least 24 states have enacted laws banning deepfake content in campaigns and elections. She said many of those laws have passed with "strong or even unanimous bipartisan support because they have the potential to impact all of us, and the institutions  like free and fair elections  that we all rely on."

"Without regulation, deepfakes are likely to further exacerbate voter confusion and a loss of confidence in elections," she wrote in testimony in support of the bill. "It is critical that the public maintains trust in our elections or else we risk losing their participation."

Broadcasting companies have raised concerns about provisions of the bill, arguing that it would hold them responsible for content that they don't create and have asked lawmakers to amend the measure to reduce their liability.

"Providers like Comcast, who distribute video content and sell advertising, typically do not have any role in creating the content and advertising inventory that they sell, nor are they able to review the content and advertising and discern in every instance when artificial intelligence has been used," Chris Hodgdon, Comcast's vice president of government affairs in Maine, said in testimony.

A deepfake is a computer-generated manipulation of a persons voice or likeness using machine learning to create visual and audio content that appears to be real. The technology was born out of the AI revolution and is being used to generate fake imagery for anything from revenge porn to political mudslinging.

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a Democrat, said her office hasn't taken a position on the bill but says the increased accessibility of AI tools to political campaigns and "rogue actors" misinformation has been on the rise in recent election cycles.

"One frustration that we hear over and over from voters, especially as campaign advertising periods pick up, is an inability to tell what is true and what isnt," she said in recent testimony. "The increased availability of artificial intelligence to create realistic-seeming photos and videos quickly and cheaply will only supercharge these fears."

In August, the Federal Election Commission voted to begin the process of regulating AI-generated deepfakes in political ads ahead of the 2024 election. The panel held a 60-day public hearing process, but has yet to take action on any new regulations.

The FEC has also been feuding with the Federal Communications Commission over its efforts to require AI disclosures for on-air broadcasts, arguing the agency does not have the jurisdiction to do so. The FCC argues that it does.

A 2024 report issued by the Congressional Research Service, a public policy research arm of Congress, warned that deepfakes could also be generated by rogue countries or foreign adversaries to meddle in the upcoming presidential elections.
Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty; Mattel Mattel debuts the Anna Sui Barbie doll in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month

Mattel is celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a new Barbie doll of Chinese fashion designer Anna Sui

The doll is featured in the Inspiring Women Series, which has previously honored Kristi Yamaguchi and Anna May Wong

Sui tells PEOPLE how her Barbie came together from the outfit to the glam

Anna Sui designs for the runway, for the stars and, yes, even for Barbie dolls.

In 2006, the Chinese-American fashion icon collaborated with Mattel on the Boho Barbie, a figurine that encapsulated Sui's signature bohemian aesthetic, but not the woman behind the seams. Now, almost 20 years later, that is all changing.

Today, Sui, 60, is the face of her very own Barbie figurine featured in Mattel's Inspiring Women Series and the moment comes just in time for Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month (May 1-May 31). It's an opportunity that she tells PEOPLE she "never dreamed would happen."

Sui immersed herself in the process of creating her own doll and had "a lot of fun" doing it. "It was such an amazing moment when they said, you can choose what body type you want, your skin tone, your hair type. All those things were in the selection of how we were developing," she says.

Related: Kristi Yamaguchis Barbie Celebrating 1992 Olympics Gold Medal Moment Even Includes Her Big Hair (Exclusive)

Mattel The Anna Sui Barbie doll comes dressed in a look inspired by the designer's 2005 collection

What she and the team also approached with precision was creating an outfit for mini Anna Sui. The doll comes glammed up in a grunge-forward starburst dress paying homage to one of Sui's 2007 collections, is decked out in accessories inspired by her personal treasures and Spring 2025 designs and carries a miniature version of the Anna Sui Classic Eau de Toilette fragrance.

Sui's signature glam  her bangs, her red lip, her black eyeliner (which she loves so much she does her eyes up before she hits the gym) and a colorful nail polish  come together to reflect the designer to the fullest. "This is me and this is how I feel the most comfortable. I think that having that recognition of a look is really important. You kind of, I don't know, become a caricature of yourself," explains Sui.

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Mattel The Anna Sui Barbie

From head to toe, Sui's Barbie tells a story of perseverance. Growing up in the suburbs of Detroit as a child of Chinese immigrants, she wasn't surrounded by peers who looked like her. But, she says, "I think the fact that I was unique, I liked that. And so I pursued that and my style became much more exaggerated even once I moved to New York and started experimenting with looks and makeup and clothes...I liked the attention. I wanted to stand out." A motto she always stuck by: "You have to stick with your guns."

Now Sui  a former Parsons student who launched her label in 1981 and put on her first runway show a decade later  hopes that her Barbie will "inspire other women to dream what it is they want to do with their lives."

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Mattel Anna Sui poses with her Barbie figurine

Related: Barbie Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month with Doll of Late Chinese-American Hollywood Icon Anna May Wong

"Everything that we've talked about is really trusting in your own instinct, building your confidence [and knowing] that you are unique and there's a way that you can do it. Not everybody's the same. You can't do it the way other people do it. You have to find your own path, and you have to stick with it," she adds.

In honor of AAPI Month, Mattel's Barbie Dream Gap Project will also be donating to APEX for Youth, a non-profit organization based in New York City that empowers underserved Asian and immigrant youth from low-income families through community, mentorship and other resources.

Read the original article on People
Don Arnold/WireImage/Getty; James Brickwood / Sydney Morning Brooke Bellamy and Nagi Maehashi

Plagiarism allegations are growing against a popular Australian baker.

On Tuesday, April 29, RecipeTin Eats founder Nagi Maehashi accused fellow Australian food influencer Brooke Bellamy of publishing plagiarized recipes. Maehashi shared a post on her food blog called When you see your recipes in a $4 million book outlining her months-long private battle with Bellamy and her cookbooks publisher, Penguin Random House Australia.

I have made copyright infringement allegations against Penguin Random House Australia, claiming there are plagiarised recipes in the bestselling book Bake with Brooki, including two from my website and other authors, including cookbooks, Maehashi wrote, saying that the publishing house denied the allegations and Bellamy had not responded.

The saga began in November 2024, said Maehashi  who added that the language in her post feel a little clunkybecause of legal constraints. Back in the fall, a reader wrote that Bellamys 2024 cookbook included a caramel slice recipe with remarkable similarities to Maehashis. Upon further inspection, Maehashi found that her baklava recipe looked very similar to one included in Bake with Brooki.

Maehashi compared the recipes side-by-side in her post and wrote, While recipes can resemble one another, because there are only so many ways some recipes can be made, the precision and detail in the similarities in this case are, in my opinion, far too strong to be a co-incidence.

Maehashi wrote to the publishers in December but was allegedly not thrilled with their response. Disappointingly, instead of engaging in civil discussions with me, Penguin brought in lawyers and resorted to what felt to me legal intimidation, she wrote.

Plus, in the months since their conversations started, more allegedly plagiarized recipes from other bakers have come into question. Maehashis post did not name any of these chefs nor recipes. But, following her revealing blog post, Sallys Baking Addictions Sally McKenney revealed that she is involved in the drama.

Related: Chloe Fineman Calls Out Restaurant Manager Who Was Rude to Her In Front of Demi Moore

Nagi, you know how much I admire and support you  and Im so grateful you let me know months ago that one of my recipes (The Best Vanilla Cake Ive Ever Had, published by me in 2019) was also [allegedly] plagiarized in this book and also appears on the authors YouTube channel, McKenney wrote to her 1 million Instagram followers via Instagram Stories, according to CNN. Original recipe creators who put in the work to develop and test recipes deserve credit  especially in a best-selling cookbook.

Sally's Baking Recipes/Youtube Sally McKenney

Bellamy shared a statement on her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, April 29. In the lengthy response, she wrote, I did not plagiarise any recipes in my book which consists of 100 recipes I have created over many years, since falling in love with baking as a child and growing up baking with my mum in our home kitchen.

She continued, sharing a 2016 photo of her bakerys products and circling an item that looks like caramel slices. On March 2020, Recipetin Eats published a recipe for caramel slice. It uses the same ingredients as my recipe, which I have been making and selling since four years prior.

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Despite Maehashis comment that Bellamy has not responded to her letters, the accused chef wrote, I immediately offered to remove both recipes from future reprints to prevent further aggravation, which was communicated to Nagi swiftly through discussions. I have great respect for Nagi and what she has done in recent years for cooks, content creators and cookbooks in Australia - especially as a fellow female entrepreneur.

Per Maehashis post, a new edition of Bellamys cookbook has been released with a different caramel slice recipe than the allegedly plagiarized version.

Neither Maehashi, Bellamy, McKenney nor Penguin Random House Australia replied to PEOPLEs request to comment.

Read the original article on People
Waldorf Astoria Osaka The Waldorf Astoria Osaka sits above Umekita Park in Osaka, Japan.







Waldorf Astoria Osaka

The hotel is in the buzzy Umekita neighbor, near Osaka Station and the new 11-acre Umekita Park.

Entry-level rooms feel lavish, with walk-in closets, deep soaking tubs, and glass-enclosed rain showers.

Andre Fu designed the Art Deco-inspired hotel, which uses Japanese technique and materials for an elegant aesthetic.

On-site restaurant Tsukimi elevates teppanyaki to an art form unlike anything you can find in the United States.







A magnum of 2015 Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage appears almost as soon as I sit down for my first meal at Waldorf Astoria Osaka, the Hilton luxury brand's first hotel in Japan. Director of food and beverage Maximiliano Elias proudly tells me that this is their house Champagne and that Moet & Chandon made magnums exclusively for the hotel, because Champagne tastes better poured from magnums, and regular-sized bottles would look silly against the soaring ceilings of Peacock Alley, the trademark Waldorf Astoria lobby lounge.

It just doesn't have the same effect, Elias says with a casual shrug. This go big or go home mentality permeates every aspect of the hotel, from the imposing entryway doors, to the sweeping marble staircase leading to Peacock Alley to the generously sized guest rooms. This is a place of grandeur and celebration, where it's only natural to drink Champagne every day, from a magnum-size bottle, no less.

Staff members I meet throughout my stay hail from Argentina, Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland, along with many excited locals, eager to share their hometown with visitors. Osakans are, in my experience, among the friendliest Japanese citizensmore talkative and less reserved than the people I've met in Tokyo and Hokkaido. One bartender was quick to AirDrop me a detailed note full of recommendations upon learning this was my first time in Osaka, while Toki, my chatty driver who picked me up from the airport, left me a handwritten card upon checkout.

Waldorf Astoria Osaka Interior of the hotel lobby.

Andre Futhe Hong Kong interiors architect behind hotels such as The Shangri-La, Tokyo, and Villa La Coste, in Aix-en-Provence, Francehas outdone himself with this latest project. Fu drew Art Deco inspiration from the original Waldorf Astoria New York, which reopens after a massive renovation this summer, along with Osaka's Yodoko Guest House, the only surviving Frank Lloyd Wright residence in Japan. There are subtle peacock tail motifs throughout the hotel, from the geometric patterns in intricate kumiko woodwork headboards to Japanese washi paper designs in the elevator.

Waldorf Astoria Osaka comprises two separate buildings connected by an indoor walkway to transition from the public spaces and lively opulence of Peacock Alley to the warm, homey arrival lobby, revolving around a natural stone fountain, where the front desk is located along with guest room elevators. This space is nicknamed the lantern for its warm golden glow and reminds me of the atrium at Upper House in Hong Kong, Fu's first hotel project.

Here, everything you need to know about Waldorf Astoria Osaka.

The Rooms

Waldorf Astoria Osaka Scenic views can be seen from the bedroom inside the Presidential Suite.

I was impressed by the entry-level guest rooms, which felt more like junior suites, with spacious walk-in closets, separate soaking tubs and walk-in rain showers, and minibars featuring local snacks and beverages.

All 252 guest rooms and suites have floor-to-ceiling windows with automated drapes and sheer linen curtains that can be easily controlled from bed to reveal views of the Osaka Bay, Yodo River, and the city skyline. You can do lazy sightseeing from bed, says Ewoud Roosjen, Waldorf Astoria Osaka's commercial director. Many rooms have views of the Umeda Sky Building with its famous glass-enclosed escalators, and Roosjen tells me that rooms on the West side of the hotel have front-row seats for the annual Yodogawa Fireworks Festival. Thoughtful details like the angle of the TV tilted perfectly toward the bed, a lacquered jewelry box, folded pajamas, and housemade chocolates for turndown service make for a pampered and comfortable stay.

Three signature suites include a Presidential Suite built for entertaining with a natural hardwood dining room table that seats eight, a full kitchen, pantry, and private bar.

Food and Drink

Waldorf Astoria Osaka Peacock Alley has panoramic views of the Kansai region with seasonal dishes made from local produce.

Waldorf Astoria Osaka has four restaurants and bars with Peacock Alley as the striking first impression when the elevator doors open on the 29th floor. Peacock Alley is the beating heart of the hotel, Roosjen says. A light all-day dining menu is available, along with afternoon tea, pairing sweet and savory bites served on Ginori pastel porcelain with a selection of Steven Smith Teamaker loose-leaf tea and Champagne.

Jolie Brasserie serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the impressive breakfast buffet could have been arranged by a food stylist, including an exquisite salad bar with more than a dozen freshly julienned and sliced ingredients, congee accompanied by a plethora of toppings, and a Japanese breakfast set that you'd be remiss to skip.

Waldorf Astoria Osaka Classic sushi and teppanyaki is made fresh as Tsukimi.

Tsukimi, a teppanyaki spot, is the hotel's signature restaurant. Guests sit right at the bar and are treated to a study in the precision of grilling meats. Wagyu beef from nearby Kobe is proudly served here, and chefs respectfully present the cow's noseprint birth certificate to guests. There is also a sushi counter within Tsukimi for those who prefer raw fish to cooked meat.

Waldorf Astoria Osaka Classic Waldorf Astoria cocktails and Jazz Age favorites are served at Canes & Tales.

After dinner, head downstairs to Canes & Tails for a nightcap. The Jazz Age-inspired speakeasy bar is located behind an unlabeled green door and twisting hallway with cocktails inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald book. After a long day of travel, I opted for a tropical non-alcoholic The Lees of Happiness, with a flower-shaped amazake ice cube that slowly melted into the drink to soften the sour flavors with sweetness.

Amenities and Experiences

Waldorf Astoria Osaka The indoor pool sits on the 30th floor with views of Osaka Bay.

Upon arrival, every guest is offered personal concierge services via Whatsapp. My concierge promptly delivered a yoga mat to my room, helped me locate the hidden-away ironing board, and made a couple of dinner reservations for me. Complimentary shoe shine is offered to all guests, along with free Wi-Fi, and first-come, first-serve access to the Mercedes-Maybach house car. The hotel concierge can also organize off-property excursions, like knife-making in Sakai or a traditional tea ceremony experience.

The 30th floor is dedicated to well-being, with a library, indoor 82-foot-long pool, fitness center with Technogym equipment, and spa. The library is a relaxing retreat that's open 24 hours, serving as a private space to work, read, or take meetings, and you can even order in-room dining here. You can also workout with skyline views at the fitness center with a variety of cardio equipment, free weights, fresh fruit, and fruit-infused water.

The hotel has ample beautifully designed meeting spaces too, connected by dramatic corridors, including two glamorous ballrooms and a bright and airy chapel.

The Spa

Waldorf Astoria Osaka A treatment room at the hotel spa.

Located on the 30th floor, the intimate spa has four treatment rooms and features four skin care lines, including Swiss brands La Prairie and Dr. Burgener and Japanese skin care by Tiaraleen. The intriguing spa menu goes far beyond standard massages, with fascial release therapy, scalp exfoliation, abdominal massage, infrared heated body masks, and a magnesium-laden meridien massage to combat jet lag. I opted for a two-hour vitality experience, which began with a foot scrub using local sake, sake lees, and salt while I sipped freshly whisked matcha. I started face down with a firm lymphatic massage to help improve circulation before flipping over for a gua sha facial, all using Tiaraleen products. Men's and women's changing areas are well-appointed with a sauna, steam room, and hot tub. These facilities are available for hotel guests to enjoy even without a spa appointment.

Family-friendly Offerings

Although there isn't a kids' club, the hotel caters to families with quite a few connecting rooms and amenities like mini bathrobes and slippers, kids-sized pajamas, small umbrellas, Stokke high chairs, and a kids' menu with dishes like pork curry vol-au-vent. My kids were terrible eaters until we moved to Japan, says Roosjen, who moved to Osaka from Qatar. But now they snack on nori paper and eat yakitori chicken hearts. The pool is also family-friendly with flutterboards and arm floaties upon request. Osaka is a great home base for families looking to explore Kyoto (less than an hour's drive), Nara, and Universal Studios Japan.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Waldorf Astoria Osaka uses Hilton's LightStay platform to measure environmental impact and energy efficiency, and offers carbon neutral meetings through Meet with Purpose. There are no single-use plastics on property, with full-size refillable Aesop bath amenities and complimentary glass bottles of sparkling and still water from Ashigara Seiga replenished daily in every room instead.

The hotel features four purposefully designed accessible rooms, thoughtfully equipped with features like automatic doors, grab bars, and lowered sinks to support the comfort and independence of guests with mobility and sensory needs. In public spaces, there are Braille elevators, ramp entrances, and accessible amenities including the meeting rooms, fitness center, and swimming pool.

Location

The hotel is on the top 10 floors of the trendy new Grand Green Osaka development, which has dining, shopping, and a terrific onsen (hot spring) that's popular with locals. It's also next to the 11-acre Umekita Park and across the street from JR Osaka Station, for easy airport access and convenient day trips to Kyoto, Kobe, Hiroshima, and Nara by train. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is 45 minutes by car or train, and you can fly directly to Osaka from San Francisco and Los Angeles.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Waldorf Astoria Osaka is part of the Hilton Honors program, and members can earn and redeem points during their stay. Gold members receive room upgrades based on availability, complimentary breakfast, and a 25-percent discount in hotel restaurants, while Diamond members also get two complimentary cocktails per night at Peacock Alley. The hotel is also part of American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts, which means, if you book with an Amex platinum card, you get early check-in, late check-out, room upgrades based on availability, complimentary breakfast, and a $100 food and beverage credit. Nightly rates at Waldorf Astoria Osaka start from $1,013.



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Youras Ziankovich, in an undated photo provided by his wife. - Courtesy Youras Ziankovich's wife

An American detained in Belarus has been freed, Special Envoy for Hostage Response Adam Boehler and a second US official told CNN on Wednesday.

Youras Ziankovich was arrested in Moscow in 2021 and then was brought to Belaruss capital Minsk, where he was accused of being part of a US-backed coup plot against Belarus strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko. The US State Department denied any such involvement.

Ziankovich had been declared wrongfully detained in February 2025. There was not a prisoner swap that led to his release, Boehler and the unnamed official said.

No exchange, Boehler told CNN Wednesday. It really was an open mindedness to have a discussion, but I think its real hard for us to have discussions when people are holding Americans.

Belarus  which has been isolated from the West  is interested in trying to warm relations with the United States, and they know that President Trump is not going to do anything if theyre holding Americans.

Weve made that clear across the interagency, Boehler said.

Following his release from Belarusian detention, Ziankovich was turned over at the border with neighboring Lithuania to a team of US officials. He is expected to arrive back on US soil on Thursday, Boehler said.

Boehler said he had not yet spoken with Ziankovich, but said, physically, it looks like hes in good shape.

Hes quite happy to be in American hands, he said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the news on Wednesday, without naming Ziankovich.

Thanks to @POTUSs leadership, Belarus has released another wrongfully detained U.S. citizen. No president has done so much, so quickly, to keep Americans safe abroad, Rubio posted on X.

According to Global Reach, an organization that advocated for his case, Ziankovich did not have access to State Department personnel until January 2025.

I knew this day would come. It took 1,480 days, but he survived and is on his way home to me and to America, his wife Alena Dzenisavets said. I want to thank President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and Special Envoy Boehler and the SPEHA staff. I also want to express my appreciation to Rep. Morgan Luttrell and the nonprofits Global Reach and the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation for their help advocating for Youras.

Ziankovich is not the first American to have been released from Belarus under the Trump administration.

Anastassia Nuhfer was released in January after being detained in December 2024. An unnamed American citizen, who was detained in September 2024, was released in mid-February. Two other political prisoners were also released at the time.

Ziankovichs release comes a day after a second group of 10 Americans were released from detention in Kuwait in a goodwill gesture from the US ally. Boehler said the group would be back on US soil on Wednesday.

This story has been updated with additional details.

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By Will Dunham

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -After the demise of the dinosaurs following an asteroid strike 66 million years ago, mammals became Earth's dominant land animals. But that does not mean they went unchallenged. In South America, for instance, nightmarish land-living crocs - cousins of today's crocodiles and alligators - became apex predators.

This lineage of terrestrial crocs, called sebecids, lasted longer than previously believed, according to researchers who described fossils recently unearthed in the Dominican Republic that reveal that the islands of the Caribbean served as an unexpected last refuge for these ferocious predators.

Until now, the most recent fossils of sebecids were found in Colombia and dated to about 10.5-12.5 million years ago. The Dominican Republic fossils date to about 5-7 million years ago. The largest of the sebecids reached roughly 20 feet (6 meters) long, though the partial remains from the Dominican Republic indicate an animal up to about 7 feet (2 meters) long.

"These were the type of predators that one thinks were from the dinosaur times," said Lazaro Vinola Lopez, a graduate student in paleontology at the University of Florida and lead author of the research published this week in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

Instead, Vinola Lopez said, sebecids were at the top of the food chain in South America during the age of mammals alongside terror birds, giant flightless birds up to about 10 feet (3 meters) tall with massive hooked beaks, and saber-toothed marsupials, counterparts to the saber-toothed cats of North America and elsewhere.

Various types of crocs have inhabited Earth dating back to the Triassic Period more than 200 million years ago. Most, like the ones alive today, lived a semiaquatic lifestyle. But some conquered the marine realm and others lived exclusively on land, like the sebecids.

The sebecids were built differently than the usual semiaquatic crocs.

They had longer legs and a more upright stance, capable of running quickly to chase down prey. They had a narrow and deep skull - superficially resembling that of a meat-eating dinosaur and much different from modern crocs that have a wider and shallower skull. And the teeth of sebecids were tall and narrow with fine serrations running along the edges for cutting through meat, also similar to carnivorous dinosaurs.

Like many other crocs, they had protective armor made of bony plates called scutes embedded in their skin.

The fossils found in the Dominican Republic in 2023 were a single tooth that closely resembled those of South American sebecids and two vertebrae with characteristics that enabled the researchers to definitively conclude that these remains belonged to a sebecid.

"It is amazing to think that these fast-moving, dinosaur-like terrestrial crocs with serrated teeth specialized for cutting meat survived in the Caribbean hunting sloths, rodents and whatever else was around up until just a few million years ago," said study co-author Jonathan Bloch, curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida.

The researchers said that fossils of two teeth apparently from a sebecid dating to about 18 million years ago that were previously discovered in Cuba and a similar one dating to around 29 million years previously found in Puerto Rico suggest that this lineage was widespread in the islands of the West Indies.

But how did land-living crocs from South America manage to get there? The researchers said their presence on the islands is another clue indicating there may have been a pathway of temporary land bridges or a chain of islands that permitted land animals to travel from South America to the Caribbean around 32-35 million years ago.

"The distance between the islands and northern South America was significantly shorter than what it is today. This likely facilitated the dispersal of sebecids from South America," Vinola Lopez said. "This shows how important islands can be as a biodiversity museum, preserving the last members of some groups that have gone extinct everywhere."

(Reporting by Will Dunham, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
By Parisa Hafezi and John Irish

DUBAI/PARIS (Reuters) -Iran will hold talks in Rome on Friday with European parties to their now moribund 2015 nuclear deal, its foreign minister said on Wednesday, as both sides seek to position themselves ahead of a new round of U.S.-Iranian negotiations on Saturday.

Reuters reported on Monday that Tehran had proposed meeting Britain, France and Germany, collectively known as the E3, who stuck to the 2015 deal meant to curb Iran's nuclear activity, which unravelled in 2018 when U.S. President Donald Trump walked out of it during his first term in the White House.

"In my opinion, the three European countries have lost their role (in the nuclear file) due to the wrong policies they have adopted. Of course, we do not want this and are ready to hold talks with them in Rome," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told state media on Wednesday.

There was initial hesitation within the E3 over concern such talks could create a parallel track and hijack the negotiations pursued by Trump's second administration that Washington says aim to prevent Iran developing nuclear weapons.

But three European diplomats told Reuters that the E3 decided it was ultimately in their interest to maintain dialogue with Iran and reaffirm how they envisaged the parameters of a new nuclear deal.

Foreign ministry political directors were meeting U.S. officials in Berlin on Wednesday to be briefed on previous rounds of U.S.-Iranian talks and prepare for the Rome meeting, and will head there on Friday, two diplomats said.

Iran is looking to build on the momentum of nuclear negotiations with the Trump administration that resumed in Oman on Saturday and after its talks with Russia and China last week. U.S. and Iranian negotiators will reconvene in Rome on Saturday.

Iran's approach to the E3 suggests it is keeping its options open but also wants to assess where the Europeans stand on the possible reimposition of United Nations sanctions against Tehran before October, known in diplomatic circles as the "snapback mechanism", when a resolution ratifying the 2015 accord expires.

EUROPEAN-IRANIAN TENSIONS

Relations between the E3 and Iran have worsened over the last year despite sporadic meetings since last September against a backdrop of new sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic over its ballistic missile programme, its detention of foreign citizens and support for Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Highlighting those tensions, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Tuesday that Paris would not think twice if the current negotiations failed about launching the snapback of sanctions, which he said would have "devastating effects".

He accused Tehran of being on the cusp of covertly developing a nuclear weapon. Iran has long denied this, saying its accelerating uranium enrichment programme is only for civilian energy purposes.

In a letter distributed to the U.N. Security Council and seen by Reuters, Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said Barrot's comments were "unfounded and politically irresponsible".

He said that applying the snapback would be "legally and procedurally flawed, inadmissible, and invalid".

"(Barrot's) open threat to reimpose sanctions with 'devastating effects' on Irans economy constitutes a blatant act of political and economic coercion," the letter said.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed new sanctions on what it described as a network based in Iran and China suspected of procuring ballistic missile propellant ingredients for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Araqchi said the fresh U.S. sanctions during negotiations sent the "wrong message".

Trump has said he is confident of clinching a new pact that would block Iran's path to nuclear bomb capability.

(Reporting by Dubai Newsroom and John Irish; editing by Hugh Lawson and Mark Heinrich)
An unidentified skull uncovered at a Hungarian basilica decades ago may belong to the legendary 15th century king Matthias Corvinus, a new study found.

While further DNA tests are needed to confirm the identity of the remains, researchers from the King Stephen Museum in Hungary say the skull bears resemblance to that of Corvinuss illegitimate son.

The skull was first found during excavations at the southern aisle of the Basilica of the Virgin Mary in 2002 and has remained marked simply as I/10.

Now, archaeologists suspect it belongs to Matthias Corvinus, the legendary king of Hungary and Croatia, who ruled from 1458 to 1490.

Engraving of the King of Hungary, Matthias Corvinus (Getty Images)

Known by his nickname  King Corvinus The Just  was renowned for reforming the justice system and for favouring talented individuals, chosen for their abilities, instead of working with people based on their social status.

His kingdom was also one of the first to embrace the Renaissance, spreading from Italy, ushering in a new age of art and science.

King Cornivuss royal library  Bibliotheca Corviniana  was one of the largest collections of books in Europe at the time.

He is also known for establishing one of the earliest professional standing armies in medieval Europe that played a key role in driving out the invading Ottomans.

The Basilica of the Virgin Mary, where the skull was found, is known to have been the coronation and burial site for medieval Hungarian kings. However, it too was destroyed in the 19th century following centuries of damage, including by the Ottomans.

The latest study comes after researchers reconstructed skulls found at the basilica.

They found that the one labelled I/10 particularly bore resemblance to that of Matthias illegitimate son Janos Corvinus, whose remains were previously found in Croatia.

Given the skulls burial location at the basilica where other kings were also buried, researchers suspect the only likely candidate could be King Matthias himself.

Several historical written sources also point to King Corvinuss funeral taking place at the cathedral in 1490.

The kings body, covered in purple, was lifted into a coffin with a sword, sceptre, crown, orb, golden spurs, and an uncovered face, in a carefully chosen space of the open vestibule of the basilica, Antonio Bonfini, Matthias court historian and poet, wrote.

However, Hungarian officials urge caution, stating that scientific verification of the hypothesis is ongoing.

We will be able to make a final statement after the verification, the Institute of Hungarian Research said, according to Archaeology Mag.
By Nate Raymond

BOSTON (Reuters) - A federal judge ordered the Trump administration on Wednesday to ensure migrants held at Guantanamo Bay are given a chance to raise any concerns about their safety before being deported to El Salvador or countries other than their places of origin.

U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy in Boston issued the order after immigrant rights advocates argued the administration had violated a court order he issued by flying four Venezuelans held at the U.S. naval base in Cuba to El Salvador on a flight conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Murphy in late March had issued a temporary restraining order, which he later extended into an injunction, restricting the Department of Homeland Security's ability to rapidly deport migrants to countries other than their own without allowing them to first raise concerns that they fear being persecuted or tortured in those third countries.

Republican President Donald Trump's administration argued it had not violated the judge's order as it only applied to the Homeland Security Department, which oversees U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, not the Defense Department.

The U.S. Department of Justice said three of the four migrants were members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and said the Department of Defense removed them to El Salvador without the knowledge or direction of the Homeland Security Department.

At the president's direction, the administration has been housing some detained migrants at Guantanamo Bay, a base better known for holding foreign terrorism suspects following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

Murphy, an appointee of Trump's Democratic predecessor Joe Biden, said he was not at this time assessing whether the deportations of the four Venezuelans to El Salvador were not at the Homeland Security Department's behest and was instead modifying his order "in an abundance of caution."

He said going forward, before Homeland Security deports or allows another agency to deport a migrant held at the base to countries other than their own, it must comply with the injunction he issued providing them due-process guarantees.

Murphy also barred Homeland Security from ceding custody or control of a migrant in any manner that prevents that individual from receiving due process in accordance with his preliminary injunction.

Trina Realmuto, a lawyer for migrants at the National Immigration Litigation Alliance pursuing the case before Murphy, called his decision "a positive step toward preventing DHS from using Guantanamo Bay and the Department of Defense to carry out third country deportations without due process."

The Departments of Justice and Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In separate cases, judges have said the administration violated an order to return hundreds of Venezuelans swiftly deported to El Salvador under a wartime law, and that the administration had not acted upon an order to facilitate the return of a migrant wrongly deported to El Salvador.

Many Venezuelan migrants accused by the administration of belonging to Tren de Aragua are now being held at El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center, under an agreement in which the U.S. is paying President Nayib Bukele's government $6 million.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Alistair Bell, Alexia Garamfalvi and Chizu Nomiyama)
FOSTER, West Virginia Robert Cash, a third-generation coal miner, prays each morning with his fellow miners before going underground for a long shift.

In the coalfields of Appalachian West Virginia, everyone hopes the mine will keep giving up its coal to pay rare six-figure salaries. But their prayers ask that they return safely to the surface.

While fatal accidents have fallen over the years, cases of black lung disease resurged in the last two decades. It has laid low colleagues and neighbors. Cash, 55, fears it will arrive for him one day, too.

Cash is among those here hoping that President Trumps promises to revive the coal industrys fortunes after years of decline from cheaper natural gas, rising mining costs and environmental regulation will pan out. But in recent weeks, those hopes have been complicated by worries that Trumps federal cost-cutting is simultaneously weakening mine safety.

Robert Cash, a longtime coal miner, sits outside his home near Foster, West Virginia.

Earlier this month, Trumps federal workforce cuts hit the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), hobbling the work of a black lung surveillance and prevention program, according to union and health workers.

In addition, the administration delayed a new rule set to go into effect April 14 that would cut in half exposure limits of silica dust, a driver of resurgent black lung that now affects one in five coal miners in Appalachia. And the administration has been reviewing ending the leases of more than 30 Mine Safety and Health Administration offices.

At the end of the day, the most valuable thing in the mines is the miners, Cash told USA TODAY.

Those concerns have produced a growing pushback in West Virginia, with Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and others calling on the Trump administration to reconsider changes. One coal miner in danger of developing black lung has filed a federal suit challenging the layoffs.

That would make anybody think about their decision to go in the mines, said Josh Roberts, head of health and safety for the United Mine Workers of America, which recently joined a legal battle over the silica rule to keep it from falling by the wayside.

In what health workers hope could be a sign that those voices are being heard, several dozen laid-off NIOSH staff including some working on the Coal Workers Health Surveillance Program got phone calls on April 28 asking them to return from administrative leave but without signaling a change in their planned termination in June, a union leader told USA TODAY on April 29.

Supporters in Morgantown, West Virginia protest federal workforce cuts to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Capito said on social media April 29 that some NIOSH functions for coal miner safety were slated to resume with some select staff" but that "my understanding is that this is temporary, so my focus will continue to be on working with @HHSGov on permanently restoring these functions and personnel in the most efficient and effective manner.

Trump administration officials said that NIOSH would join the Administration for a Healthy America and that critical programs would remain intact.

There is no greater ally to Americas coal miners than President Trump, who immediately unleashed American energy upon taking office and signed an Executive Order to expand production of critical minerals. He is using every lever of his executive power to carry out his energy dominance agenda while keeping our hardworking coal miners safe, Anna Kelly, White House deputy press secretary, said in a statement.

In West Virginia, where 7 in 10 voters supported Trump last year and coal mines employed about 14,000 workers in 2023, the delay in new silica standards and worries about mine safety programs are not the only concerns creating caution and uncertainty around a promised revival.

West Virginia produces 28% of U.S. coal exports to other countries, according to the federal Energy Information Agency. Chris Hamilton, head of the West Virginia Coal Association, said the state produces about half of U.S metallurgical coal exported to China, which is now a key target of Trumps trade war. Others noted that despite Trumps attempt to ease environmental regulations, competition remains from less expensive natural gas and renewables.

But Cash said Trumps attempt to extend the lives of coal-fired power plants and encourage more U.S.-based manufacturing, such as steelmaking that relies on coal, could eventually boost local mining jobs -- whose incomes are hard to replace in his corner of Appalachia.

If, that is, they can do it safely.

Federal cuts lead to coal-safety concerns

In early April, Noemi Halls pinging phone woke her up at 5:30 a.m. with texts from colleagues at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health who had gotten reduction-in-force notices.

She jumped into her car and drove to their Morgantown office building, where she worked as an epidemiologist in NIOSHs Respiratory Health Division, primarily supporting the Coal Workers Health Surveillance Program.

Her badge still worked. But she quickly discovered that she, too, got a reduction notice. She packed up what she could and grabbed her diplomas off the wall. She said the cuts have since stymied the programs work.

Laid-off staffers included those who helped process lung X-rays, critical for miners to obtain black lung benefits or to be relocated to a less dusty work setting, she said. A mobile clinic that travels to remote coal communities to screen workers has been idled.

I am incredibly worried for the health of these coal miners, she said.

On April 8, the Mine Safety and Health Administration announced it would pause enforcement set to start April 14 of new, long-sought limits on silica dust exposure, citing the restructuring. The rule has faced a legal challenge from industry groups who say it would be costly.

Cutting programs to prevent black lung and its costly treatments and benefits make little financial sense, said Cathy Tinney-Zara, the union president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3430, which represents some of the laid-off workers who organized a rally in Morgantown on April 23.

Meanwhile, Harry Wiley, a West Virginia coal miner, filed a federal lawsuit alleging he is unable to process his mine-transfer rights because of the cuts affecting the NIOSH facility in Morgantown, which union officials estimated to have affected at least 185 union workers.

Cases of black lung, an incurable illness, fell before it began resurging, particularly in Appalachia, nearly two decades ago. It came as more rock was mined to reach ever smaller and more remote coal, mine union officials said. That in turn increased silica dust exposure.

Pulmonologist Drew Harris checks a patients chest X-ray for black lung at the Stone Mountain Health Services clinic in Haysi, Virginia.

A NIOSH study in 2018 found that 10% of underground coal miners who had worked for at least 25 years had black lung, up from 7% in 2012. In central Appalachia, that figure reached 20%, the highest level recorded in 25 years. That rise included more progressive massive fibrosis, the most severe form of the disease, and more cases among younger miners.

Enforcement of stricter exposure limits, which require more respirators and dust monitors, falls to mine safety inspectors as DOGE considers closing office buildings. The Appalachian Citizens Law Center said the offices slated for closure nationwide performed more than 16,000 safety and health inspections between February 2024 and 2025.

Roberts, of the United Mine Workers, said fewer physical locations will only make it harder for inspectors to reach mines in remote parts of Appalachia, where miners often commute for an hour or two each way through remote winding mountain roads.

We want the coal industry to be successful. We want there to be mining jobs for years to come. But I don't think anybody would want to do that at the cost of health and safety, he said.

A spokesperson for the Department of Labor said this week it was looking to identify workable solutions to keep Mine Safety and Health Administration teams on the ground, continuing their critical mission to prevent death, illness, and injury and promote safe and healthy workplaces for our miners.

A memorial honoring the 29 miners who died in the 2010 Upper Big Branch Mine explosion stands beneath an abandoned conveyor beltline in Packsville, West Virginia, U.S., April 12, 2025.

Stanley Stewart knows all too well the importance of safety measures. And the need for strict enforcement.

He was 300 feet underground at the Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia in 2010 when an explosion caused by excess methane gas and flammable coal dust killed 29 of Stewarts co-workers. Stewart survived but had to stack the bodies of fellow miners.

It was later found that inspectors had cited the mine for excess coal dust and methane, and the disaster drove stepped-up safety rules and inspections, according to the Associated Press.

Stewart, now retired in Orgas, West Virginia, told USA TODAY that cutting resources for miner safety would endanger workers.

If you aint got them people there to enforce the laws and try to make them behave, then you know, the miners are going to have hell to pay, he said.

Coal operators hopeful but cautious

On a chilly mid-April morning, workers and leaders from coal and related businesses poured into the convention center in Charleston for the annual Coal Show and symposium amid a new air of hope.

Attendees walked past displays of shining new equipment such as the low-slung mantrip that takes miners deep underground. A woman in a coal queen sash talked to visitors. Nearby was a sign for a job fair, with tables set up by businesses hoping to ramp up staffing.

A job fair was held in Charleston at the 2025 West Virginia Coal Show in April.

Hamilton, president of the West Virginia Coal Association, whose members include coal companies, said he thinks Trump will do more this time to boost coal than he was able in his first term.

Trumps executive orders, signed April 8, include efforts to extract coal on federal lands, speed mining permits and extend the life of coal-fired power plants. The administration is also seeking to roll back environmental regulations, including exemptions for some coal-fired power plants from rules to curb toxic emissions.

Experts have said that competition from natural gas and renewables likely would dissuade utilities from opening new coal-fired power plants or restoring coal to its former place. Coal now generates less than 20% of U.S. electricity, down from about 50% in 2000, according to the Energy Information Administration.

And Trumps moves have drawn criticism from environmental groups, who note that burning coal is the most polluting of all fossil fuels and accounts for roughly 40 percent of the worlds industrial carbon dioxide emissions, the main driver of global warming.

But Hamilton said extending the lifetime of existing coal plants could help a state that once shipped coal to 165 coal plants, a figure now down to 35.

The working miners and their families, they've been going to bed at night and waking up every morning wondering whether they were going to have a job, he said. They're seeing signs that maybe this time around, the Trump administration will be able to effectively change and ensure that coal is a bigger part of our nation's energy mix going forward.

Meanwhile, Hamilton said the tariff battle with China has led some coal operators to stockpile mined coal. Its unclear if or when those producers will need to find new markets, but Hamilton said he believes demand in other countries could take up the slack.

Theres concern. There are some markets that are in jeopardy at the current time, he said earlier in April. But we think at the end of the day, that's going to be corrected.

A loaded coal truck crosses the Big Coal River in rural West Virginia.

Indeed, despite the uncertainty, many in the once-blue state turned deep red are willing to give Trump time.

Few forget that Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton campaigned in 2016 on cleaner energy and transitioning workers to new industries, saying, Were going to put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business.

A changing coal job market

During coals better years in the mountains of West Virginia, a miner could spend a career in the same mine, where large seams took decades to extract, Roberts said.

But over time, shrinking coal seams became more expensive to mine, making companies more sensitive to price dips. That meant frequent idling and closures. And on-and-off work.

I've worked with guys who went straight from high school to retirement at one coal mine. That's just unheard of nowadays, Roberts said. Now, if you get five years at a coal mine, you've been there a while.

Between 2011 and 2022, coal industry employment fell by around 57%, a decline that hit the hardest in Appalachian coal producing states including West Virginia and Kentucky.

A drone view captures extracted coal as it is transported out of a beltline system during operations at the Black Eagle Mine in Packsville, West Virginia, U.S., April 12, 2025.

Some entered job retraining but few could replace the pay. Some have given up and left the state to find jobs.

There was a period there when there was a downturn in coal, when a lot of mines shut down and people moved out of state, found other careers, so they either moved on or got to the age they're retired and completely out of the industry now, said Brian Lacy, United Mine Workers of America District 17 Vice President.

Even with a hoped-for uptick in jobs, he said experienced miners remain difficult for some companies to find. There are now efforts to revive new-miner apprentice programs.

At the Coal Show job fair, employers from several related industries looking for truckers, welders and machinists had set up at tables with pens and applications. On this day, some werent yet seeing many applicants.

Keith Lester, a manager from a company that makes mining equipment, said his company was leaning into coal on the expectation that mining would increase. But how long federal coal policies would stay in place remained an ever-present question.

Sad to say, it all rises with whoever is sitting in Washington in this industry, he said.

Many would like to see a boost in coal to support the small towns that once survived off the industry but over the years have faced poverty and depopulation. Federal funding now makes up nearly 45% of the states revenue, according to a Wallethub analysis.

Stewart, the Upper Big Branch survivor, said he is skeptical the administrations coal push will ever bring back the days when large coal seams and jobs were seemingly everywhere.

When I grew up you could hardly find a place to park up in Whitesville. Now it's a ghost town, he said. At least in my area, I don't ever see coal ruling again.

Miners caught between jobs and health

After spending the day in Boone Memorial Hospital in Madison, West Virginia, helping miners with X-rays and breathing tests to qualify for black lung benefits, physician Drew Harris headed just over the Virginia border to Haysi, population 498.

Inside an exam room at Stone Mountain Medical Center, which sees more than 1,600 black lung patients a year, Ralph Colley, 64, sat on a chair with an oxygen line in his nose leading to a tank he carries everywhere. Harris held a stethoscope to his chest.

Pulmonologist Drew Harris checks black lung patient Ralph Colley at the Stone Mountain Health Services clinic in Haysi, Virginia.

Youve got a lot of black lung, he told Colley.

Colley spent 37 years in dozens of mines in the region, from shoveling coal to working as a boss. Some mines were so small, he said, it was like working under a table.

As the seams grew narrower over the years, more rock was mined along with the coal, including silica-rich sandstone. Hed come out of the mine with a thick coat of rock dust on his hat.

By 2016, a lack of oxygen in his lungs made it too dangerous to work.

I was getting lost in the mines, Id get confused and sit down and try to figure out how to get out. My brain just wouldnt work, he said. Nowadays, he said he spends his days inside his house, looking out his window, struggling to sleep or walk.

Theres no cure for black lung, only management. Harris told Colley he needed a lung transplant. He promised to talk to programs at hospitals in other states.

Colley is like most of Harris patients: Despite the price they paid for working in coal mines, few regret it. But Colley said safety measures that were hard-won over the decades should not fade away.

That was also on Hall's mind in Morgantown. She said that on the night of April 28, she got a phone call from local management telling her to report to work next week. She isnt sure what that means yet for her termination, which was set for June after she was placed on administrative leave. I hope the return to work order is a positive step to full reinstatement of operations for the coal workers health surveillance program that is so vital for the health of the nation's coal miners," she said.

Back in Foster, Cash sat on a picnic table outside his home tucked in a valley framed by mountains where spring leaves were budding. It had been several months since his mine, which produced metallurgical coal, was idled by shrinking profits.

He was waiting for a new company mine to open. Tariffs, he said, probably arent helping. How the Trump administrations policies would eventually land  or last  he couldnt be sure.

He wants to work in mining for another 12 years before he retires. He loves the camaraderie, the family-like closeness of fellow miners. The prayers they say every day.

Uncertainty had always been part of being a coal miner. As soon as he could get back underground, he was ready.

Contributing: Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trumps coal push stirs hopes and worries in Appalachia
Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the United States is in talks with multiple countries to try to get them to take people from third countries who are in the United States illegally.

"We are working with other countries to say, We want to send you some of the most despicable human beings to your countries,'" Rubio said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on April 30. "'Will you do that as a favor to us?' And the further away the better, so they cant come back across the border."

Rubio emphasized that the conversations are with "not just El Salvador." He didn't name the countries, but the Washington Post reported earlier this month there could be as many as 30.

More: Trump has cracked down on immigration and the border. At what cost?

The United States already has this type of agreement with the government of El Salvador, which notably has been accepting Venezuelan nationals and housing them in the country's notorious Terrorism Confinement Center, known as CECOT. Among them were Maryland's Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 30, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

Rubio said the United States has also sought to have countries take back their own citizens who are in the country illegally and had "historic cooperation."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rubio: U.S. needs more countries to take in migrants
New Delhi  A week after 26 people were killed in a terrorist attack in Kashmir, concern was mounting over a possible military clash between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan. Pakistan's government claimed late Tuesday night that it had "credible intelligence" that India was planning to take military action within hours in retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack, which Indian officials blame on Pakistani-backed militants.

"Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends carrying out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours on the pretext of concocted and baseless allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident," Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said at a midnight news conference.

The remarks came hours after Indian media reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given the country's armed forces "complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response to the terror attack."

Modi had met with senior government ministers and military commanders behind closed doors on Tuesday evening to discuss the response to the attack, which saw at least 26 people  25 of them tourists  killed in a rampage by gunmen in Indian Kashmir's picturesque Pahalgam area.

An Indian paramilitary serviceman keeps watch in Pahalgam, south of Srinagar, in Kashmir, April 23, 2025, following a deadly terrorist attack. / Credit: TAUSEEF MUSTAFA/AFP/Getty

India quickly accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack. Islamabad flatly denied any responsibility and offered to carry out an investigation.

"Pakistan has nothing to do with this incident. Period." Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told journalists Tuesday, calling such allegations "baseless, preposterous, and politically motivated."

Dar said Pakistan was committed to peace, but its "armed forces are fully alert. Any misadventure will be met with a befitting and resolute response."

The April 22 terrorist attack was claimed by a little known group that calls itself the Kashmir Resistance, but there has been no way to corroborate the claim made on social media.

Just days after the tourists were killed in the popular vacation area, India took a number of non-military measures against Pakistan, calling off a key water sharing pact, downgrading diplomatic relations, and asking Pakistani nationals to leave the country. Pakistan announced similar, reciprocal measures a day later.

Kashmir is claimed in full by both India and Pakistan, but each nation has controlled its own portion of the mountainous region for decades. The two nations have fought three wars over the region, which is now divided by a de-facto border called the Line of Control (LoC).

Indian and Pakistani military forces in the region have exchanged gunfire across the LoC repeatedly over the last six days.

The scenic Himalayan region has been hit regularly by militant violence since an armed anti-Indian insurgency began in 1989. The simmering conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives over more than three decades.

A member of India's security forces stands guard on a street in Srinagar, Kashmir, April 29, 2025, days after a deadly terrorist attack on tourists near Pahalgam, in Kashmir. / Credit: Adnan Abidi/REUTERS

On Tuesday, the United Nations warned of potentially "catastrophic" consequences if the two nuclear-armed neighbors were to go to war.

"The region and the world cannot afford a confrontation between India and Pakistan, which would be catastrophic for the two countries and for the world as a whole," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General Antontio Guterres.

He said Guterres had held separate phone calls with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and India's foreign minister.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday called on Pakistan to condemn the attack in Kashmir and cooperate in an investigation while also encouraging India to de-escalate, in telephone calls with both sides, the AFP reported.

Modi was meeting again with his cabinet on Wednesday. His government did not immediately issue any response to the Pakistani claims of imminent plans for military action.

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Indian paramilitary troopers stand guard Wednesday in Srinagar.

Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends to launch military strikes in the next 24-36 hours, the country's information minister said Wednesday as tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors ramp up.

Any such military adventurism by India would be responded to assuredly and decisively, Attaullah Tarar said in a post on X without elaborating on what intelligence Pakistan has.

His comments came amid a sharp war of words between the two nations after last week's deadly terrorist attack on tourists in the Indian-administered Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed. All but one were Indian nationals; the one was from Nepal.

A previously unknown militant group calling itself the Kashmir Resistance has claimed responsibility for the attack, but New Delhi is still pointing the finger at Islamabad, which it has long accused of supporting cross-border terrorism. India has said that two of the three attackers identified were Pakistani nationals.

Pakistan has denied any connection to the attack and has called for a neutral investigation, saying it will defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.

The April 22 attack took place in the Baisaran Valley in Kashmir, a disputed Himalayan region that is the only Muslim-majority part of India and one of Kashmirs top tourist destinations, known for its lush green meadows, dense pine forests and snowcapped mountains.

A funeral for a victim of the militant attack last week in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

The massacre set off tit-for-tat diplomatic measures between India and Pakistan that included cancellation of visas and a recall of diplomats. New Delhi also suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty with Islamabad and ordered its border shut with Pakistan.

Indian and Pakistani troops have also exchanged gunfire along the Line of Control that divides Kashmir.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has insisted that the security situation in Kashmir was stabilized after a decadeslong separatist insurgency, has vowed retribution. He was expected to convene a security committee meeting on Wednesday, following a meeting with his top military and security officials.

India has signaled a certain posture vis-a-vis Pakistan to domestic audiences in ways that makes it difficult for them not to carry out a strike in the face of a terrorist attack, Srinath Raghavan, a professor of international relations and history at Ashoka University in India.

Tensions have ramped up between the nuclear-armed neighbors since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Experts have said that the U.S. presence historically deterred violence between India and Pakistan.

President Donald Trump said the two countries will figure it out "out one way or the other."

Theres great tension between Pakistan and India, but there always has been," he told reporters last Friday.

The strategic and policy decisions surrounding Indian military actions have historically been the prerogative of its elected government, Raghavan said.

He added that the military has the operational attitude to decide what kinds of targets they want to respond to and how they want to carry out these operations.

This means that there is no restraint on them, he said. Of course, the military will make a presentation to Modi, but after that, they will get a go-ahead.
(Reuters) -The board of Paramount Global , the parent company of CBS News, outlined acceptable financial terms for a potential settlement with U.S. President Donald Trump on his "60 Minutes" lawsuit, The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing three people with knowledge of the internal discussions.

Shari Redstone, the board's non-executive chair and Paramount's controlling shareholder, recused herself from the portion of the meeting in which board members discussed a settlement, one source who requested anonymity told Reuters.

The exact dollar amounts remain unclear, but the boards move paves the way for an out-of-court resolution, the New York Times said.

Paramount and a spokesperson for Redstone could not immediately be reached by Reuters for comment.

Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against CBS in October, alleging the network deceptively edited an interview with then-vice president and presidential candidate Kamala Harris to tip the scales in favor of the Democratic Party in the November election.

In an amended complaint filed in February, Trump increased his claim for damages to $20 billion. The parties are set to begin mediation on Wednesday, the New York Times reported.

Bill Owens, the long-time executive producer of "60 Minutes," earlier this month said he was stepping down over concerns about editorial independence, in a story first reported by Reuters

(Reporting by Dawn Chmielewski in Los Angeles and Janaki Venugopalan in Bengaluru; Editing by Sandra Maler, Jackie Wong and Leslie Adler)
FILE - Linda Shields pays her respects in front of the West York Police Department after a police officer was killed responding to a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pa., Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

YORK, Pa. (AP)  A police officer killed while responding to a Pennsylvania hospital siege was struck by a shotgun blast fired by another officer that also hit the attacker as he held a hospital worker hostage with a gun to her head, a prosecutor disclosed Wednesday.

The attacker and West York Patrolman Andrew W. Duarte were killed in the gunfire at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York on Feb. 22, while several other officers and hospital employees were injured.

The disclosure that Duarte was killed by shots from fellow police came as York County District Attorney Tim Barker announced the findings of his investigation and pinned blame for Duarte's death on the attacker.

That man, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, 49, was shot as he was attempting to leave the intensive care unit with a zip-tied hospital employee and a gun already emptied of bullets. It was then, Barker said, that officers unleashed a barrage of gunfire.

He said the responding officers, waiting just outside the ICU's doors, fired 22 times, striking Archangel-Ortiz at least 15 times. The zip-tied hospital employee wasn't hit, but an officer's shotgun blast that hit Archangel-Ortiz also felled Duarte and wounded a second officer, Barker said.

Barker called the officers heroes who risked their lives for the hostages while not knowing the attacker's weapon was already emptied of bullets. He called their actions 100% justified and legally appropriate.

I looked at every moment of video and I saw on every persons face that willingness to walk into, to run into the path of gunfire and potential death. They were willing to lay down their lives for every single person at that hospital, Barker said.

Hundreds of officers attended Duartes funeral in February, remembering him as a dedicated public servant who died a hero.

Archangel-Ortiz unleashed a torrent of evil and directly caused Duartes death during a siege in which he threatened and zip-tied several hospital employees and fired his gun at several, hitting one in the leg, Barker said.

The attack occurred after Archangel-Ortiz learned the woman he lived with had died following a week of treatment at the hospital, Barker said, adding the gun used in the attack was stolen in 2017.

He said Archangel-Ortiz appeared to become nauseous when a doctor told him the woman had been moved to the hospital morgue.

Moments later, he displayed the gun and announced, This is what we're going to talk about, according to Barker. Archangel-Ortiz fired on the doctor, grazing his arm and piercing a jacket. The doctor texted colleagues about the danger and fled from the ICU.

What ensued was a chaotic series of events in which Archangel-Ortiz threatened hospital employees and made one hospital worker zip tie others. One worker he shot in the leg escaped and locked herself in a bathroom.

Barker said Archangel-Ortiz called his brother during the siege, telling him, This is how I'm going out.

At one point, Archangel-Ortiz fired his 9mm handgun three times at an officer who tried to enter the ICU, missing all three times, Barker said. At another, he pointed it at a hospital employee who had broken out of her zip-ties and fired three times, only to hear a clicking noise because the gun was already empty, he said.

Police tried to talk to Archangel-Ortiz, Barker said, as they also organized teams at the intensive care unit doors and formulated a plan to enter the ICU unit behind a tactical shield.

That's when Archangel-Ortiz tried to leave the ICU with a zip-tied employee, telling her to take him to where the most people are, Barker said.

Barker said there was no warning signs Archangel-Ortiz would become violent and they had no details why he did what he did, noting, sometimes there is no why and that Archangel-Ortiz had been fully prepared to take hostages and kill people.

Some of the nurses who survived have shared their accounts on social media, disclosing injuries and treatment and how the attack has haunted the survivors. The attack highlighted rising violence against U.S. health care workers and the challenges of protecting them.

Nurse Tosha Trostle said Archangel-Ortiz held her at gunpoint, arms zip-tied behind her back, as they walked through a doorway and encountered a phalanx of officers.

She said she begged Archangel-Ortiz to let her go and that he pushed the gun against her neck and spine. She heard gunshots and fell to the floor under his body.

The officers told me to run. I struggled to get out from under him, Trostle wrote. I remember his limp cold hand against my face as I pushed away with my feet.

___

Scolforo reported from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., represents one of three GOP-held districts Kamala Harris won in the 2024 election.

Republican leaders are trying to convince Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., to drop his consideration of a run for governor of New York as concerns over protecting his battleground House seat next year mount, according to four senior GOP sources familiar with the situation.

Lawler says he hasnt made a final decision about whether he will launch a 2026 campaign for governor. But party leaders are already growing nervous about the prospect of his abandoning one of just three GOP-held districts Kamala Harris carried in the 2024 presidential election and have privately urged him to stay in the House as they seek to protect their narrow majority, the four sources said. Some advisers close to President Donald Trump also have similar concerns about Lawlers running for governor, according to two GOP sources familiar with the matter.

Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, who recently met with Trump at the White House, called Lawler an outstanding House candidate.

I would prefer he not run for governor, Hudson told NBC News. Asked whether he has communicated those feelings to Lawler, he said, Yes.

Republicans see Lawler, a two-term congressman and former member of the New York Assembly, as uniquely situated to win his Hudson Valley-area district, which is why several senior Republican sources said they believe it would be difficult to recruit a candidate to replace him. Lawler, who was considered one of the most vulnerable GOP lawmakers up for re-election last cycle, ended up winning by nearly 6 percentage points.

No one is waiting in the wings of his quality, a national GOP strategist involved in House races said. Everyone thinks very highly of Mike, and we believe he is uniquely qualified to run and win that seat.

Lawler has said he will decide on his plans by June.

As I have said throughout this process, I will make my decision as to whether to run for Governor in June, Lawler said in a statement to NBC News. That decision, which will be based on a number of factors and considerations, will be mine alone to make and will not be impacted by the decisions or desires of any of my colleagues.

Democrats need to gain only three seats to regain control of the House, and the presidents party typically loses seats in a midterm election. For Trump, a Democratic-controlled House also would mean he would be likely to face an onslaught of investigations and potentially a third impeachment.

The Elise Stefanik factor

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., also looms over the situation, as she is considering a bid for governor, NBC News first reported this month.

Trump withdrew Stefaniks nomination to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations last month because of concerns over Republicans narrow House margins as they try to pass a sweeping domestic policy agenda. Party leaders, though, would be less worried about defending Stefaniks upstate New York seat, which Trump carried 21 points in November, than Lawlers if it opened up next year.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., is weighing a run for governor.

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said he would prefer that both Lawler and Stefanik remain in the House when NBC News asked whether he has had conversations with them about their ambitions, adding that he would support whatever they decide to do.

I have lots of conversations. I love them both. Theyre two of my favorite people and my most trusted colleagues, and theyre both super talented, which is why they get talked about for doing other things, Johnson said at his weekly news conference Tuesday. I mean, my preference is that they all stay here with me, right? We get the job done, but, but I dont begrudge anybody for having other opportunities, and we ultimately support them in whatever they do.

After Stefanik called out Johnson on social media for those remarks, saying it was not true that they had talked, Johnson clarified that he hadnt specifically spoken to Stefanik about her gubernatorial ambitions but simply meant that he has conversations with his members in general about potential opportunities.

Stefaniks office declined to provide any further comment. Johnsons office also declined to comment.

Tensions between the two camps have been brewing privately for weeks, as Johnson is still working to deliver on a promise to put Stefanik back on the House Intelligence Committee after her nomination to be U.N. ambassador fell through. Now some of those tensions are spilling out into public view.

In the same social media post Tuesday, Stefanik said shes looking forward to the conversation about the state and local tax deduction with fellow New York Republicans on Wednesday. Johnson had planned to host a smaller meeting with some so-called SALT Republicans in his office, including Lawler, but not everyone was invited to attend, according to a source familiar with the invitation list. They include Stefanik, who voted against the 2017 tax law because it put a $10,000 cap on the SALT deduction.

But Johnson has since opened up the SALT meeting to include other Republicans who care about the issue, according to another source familiar with the planning. How Republicans address the SALT cap in their bill for Trumps agenda will have a major impact in high-tax blue states like New York, and it could emerge as a key issue in the race for governor.

Senior New York Republicans told NBC News they believe Stefanik, one of Trumps top allies on Capitol Hill, could easily defeat Lawler in a primary if both decided to run.

But theres less confidence among New York GOP sources about how Stefanik would perform in a general election. While some polls have found Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul with a poor approval rating and she only narrowly defeated former GOP Rep. Lee Zeldin in 2022, New York hasnt elected a Republican governor since 2002. And the political environment could be difficult for Republicans in 2026 given that it will be a midterm year under a GOP president.

A high-ranking New York Republican was skeptical that either Stefanik or Lawler could win a general election.

There are 3 million more of them than there are of us, the Republican said, comparing voter registration numbers. Hochul may just win even though shes upside down right now.
An Arkansas school owner and director, along with three of her employees, were arrested after being accused of orchestrating a fight club among students.

One of the individuals charged, Mary Tracy Morrison, 50, founded a school called the Delta Institute for the Developing Brain, located in Jonesboro, about 143 miles northeast of Little Rock, per court documents obtained by USA TODAY.

Morrison also runs a program called the Engage Center for Enriched Learning, which claims to help students age 4 and up improve their executive functioning, academic and social skills. She is facing 11 felony counts of permitting child abuse, 18 misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, as well as failure to notify by a mandated reporter.

Her employees, Katherine Lipscomb, 45; Michael Bean, 39; and Kristen Bell, 36, were charged with felony permitting child abuse and misdemeanor failure to notify by a mandated reporter, per the documents.

On April 21, Morrison was released on a $250,000 bond, Lipscomb was released on a $100,000 bond, and Bean and Bell were both released on $10,000 bonds, according to the court documents. All four of them are barred from having contact with the school or the students, reported KAIT.

Attorney for employee says accusations are 'blown out of proportion'

Randel Miller, who is representing Lipscomb, told USA TODAY on April 30 that his client is a teacher at the school and the situation "has really been blown out of proportion." The attorney added that Morrison, who runs the school, was trying to let the children hash out their problems.

The school is "very specialized," and Morrison's team takes different approaches that other schools wouldn't need to take, Miller said.

"I'm not going to say something didn't get out of hand, but they were attempting to work through issues that these kids were having with each other," he added.

USA TODAY contacted the Delta Institute For The Developing Brain and attorneys for Morrison and her other employees on April 30, but has not received a response.

Backpacks at a 'Back to School Resource Fair'event.

School founder allegedly told children they could punch victim sitting in circle

In the court documents, the Craighead County Sheriffs Office detailed events leading up to charges against Morrison and her three employees.

Authorities initially found out about the alleged crimes on April 17, when a parent reported the school for child abuse, per court documents.

The parent alleged that her child, on April 16, while at Engage school, was forced to sit in the center of a circle, surrounded by Morrison and other students.

In a video taken that day, Morrison could be seen putting her hands on the juvenile numerous times and she also told other juvenile children that they could punch the juvenile victim sitting in the middle of the circle, court documents read.

Morrison also previously allowed other children to choke and punch the victim on other occasions, court documents read.

According to the documents, investigators secured a search warrant for footage from inside the school and saw Morrison encourage other students to mentally and physically abuse a child at the school.

How were the employees allegedly involved in the fight club?

At one point during the incident, which lasted about 30 minutes, the victim was surrounded by 18 students and Morrison, who hit the child with an object.

Dr. Morrison verbally berated the child the whole time as she watched many of the other students sitting around the circle punch, kick, and choke the juvenile victim sitting inside the circle, the court documents read.

Investigators added in the documents that Morrison gave one student a high five after they choked the victim.

While this went on, Lipscomb was sitting at her desk and did not intervene, investigators wrote in the documents. Bean was also in the footage, and could be seen entering and watching as the victim was being attacked, court documents show. Bell is seen in the footage walking through the classroom as well, court documents show.

A child wears a clear backpack.

During the attack, Morrison asked some of the students if they had anything to say about the childs appearance and what they didnt like about it. Morrison allegedly hit the victim with an object and told the victim to look at the student who was listing things they didnt like about the victims appearance.

Morrison also told a student they could hit the child in the private area if they want to, per the documents. When one student hit the victim, Morrison asked the student if the victim had ever made fun of them, court documents show, adding that the student then choked the victim.

Morrison later made the victim apologize to the other students and told them that they should not talk about what happened that day.

According to investigators, a school employee found out about the allegations the day of the incident and told multiple teachers not to cooperate with authorities or the Department of Children and Family Services.

Another employee at the school told investigators that among the four employees who were in the room that day, none of them reported it to the child abuse hotline despite being mandated reporters, per court documents.

Prosecutor: Morrison was 'ringleader of this makeshift child fight club'

Last year, Morrison spoke to KAIT about the Engage program and what it would offer. The program would allow children with autism to continue learning there, even after they turn 18, she said.

To live in those apartments, they manage their bills, Morrison told the TV station. Theyll do their own meals, cleaning, and transportation.

At the time, Morrison said the Engage program had 120 learners.

Regarding the charges Morrison is facing now, Prosecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood said on April 21 that Morrison orchestrated the abuse.

Morrison was the ringleader of this makeshift child fight club, Hagood alleged, per KAIT. She was the ringleader of this particular incident.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia  the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: School director, 3 employees accused of running 'child fight club'
If theres one thing Beyonce Giselle Knowles Carter excels at, its putting on a showevery element, from the musical direction to the stage production, is crafted with meticulous precision down to the finest detail. (She is a Virgo, after all!) As we saw on the opening nights of her Cowboy Carter Tour, all that advanced prep paid off as she delivered a spectacular celebration of her latest Grammy-winning album and the rich legacy of Black country music.

When it came to her wardrobe, Beyonces longtime collaborator Shiona Turini made sure the singer radiated pure superstar energy with a high-fashion take on the yee-haw aesthetic. Think: dazzling catsuits, flowing fringe, sparkling embellishments, and cowboy hatsall reimagined through a glam Americana lens. While Bey offered a preview of her Cowboy Carter style during the album rollout and her show-stopping NFL halftime show on Christmas, the onstage looks are no less jaw-dropping. In fact, they just might inspire your own concert outfit.

Take a look at some of Beyonces best Cowboy Carter Tour looks belowand keep checking back as she brings her rodeo-inspired style to every stop.

On night two, Beyonce debuted a new custom look by Loewe, comprised of a crystal-covered white bodysuit paired with a red plaid skirt inspired by the fashion houses spring/summer 2025 collection. She completed the ensemble with a pair of Onda flame thigh high cowboy boots.

Courtesy of Parkwood Entertainment

Beyonce opened her first show in a custom all-white outfit by Mugler, setting the tone for the nights high-glam Western aesthetic. The look features a structured jacket, a corseted bodysuit, and matching buckled chaps adorned with 1,740 laser-cut bonded fringes, according to the brand.

Julian Dakdouk via PictureGroup/Shutterstock

Of course, she had to wear denim on denim on denim on denim. This is a custom look by Roberto Cavalli, with glasses by Andre Montana.

Julian Dakdouk via PictureGroup/Shutterstock

For one of the more sentimental moments of night one, Bey was joined by her daughters Rumi and Blue for a performance of Protector. She wore a shimmery Burberry bodysuit and chaps, accented with Swarovski crystal-embellished suede fringe. Her boots were covered in crystals too.

Another standout look? This red-hot monochrome ensemble, custom-made by Moschino. It features 223,200 light siam crystals and 34,650 clear Swarovski crystals, and hand-threaded tassels made of 75,200 beads, according to the brand.

Slightly veering from the cowboy aesthetic, Beyonce switched things up with a bold newspaper-print jumpsuitbut kept the hat to stay on-theme.

Perhaps as a playful nod to her iconic Crazy in Love look, Bey donned a tank top and cutoff shortsthis time adding furry white boots and tasseled gloves for a Western touch. The ensemble comprised of custom and vintage pieces from Dsquared2.

You thought the Renaissance era was over? Not yet, says Beyonce. She performed Cozy in a glittery gold catsuit with fringe details, combining her Renaissance and Cowboy Carter aesthetics in one look.

Her most technically impressive look was undoubtedly this LED dress, which transformed throughout her performance. As she moved, it projected dynamic patternsranging from the American flag to paisley and a spectrum of vibrant colors. Created by the Japanese brand Anrealage in collaboration with MPLUSPLUS, the piece was a mesmerizing fusion of fashion and technology.

This story will be updated.

Even for those of us fans who spent months prepping our best Cowboy Carter outfits, none could compare to the wardrobe of the queen herself.

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Aug 30, 2024; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic (SRB) waves to the crowd while leaving the court after his match Alexei Popyrin (AUS) celebrates after his match against(not pictured) in a men's singles match on day five of the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament at Billie Jean King USTA National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Novak Djokovic's bid for his 100th ATP Tour singles title will have to wait a little longer after the Serbian star pulled out of next month's Italian Open on Tuesday.

Djokovic, a six-time winner of the clay-court tournament in Rome, is coming off a shocking loss on Sunday to Italy's Matteo Arnaldi in his opening match at the Madrid Open.

By withdrawing from the Italian Open, which starts May 7, Djokovic is unlikely to play another competitive match before the start of the French Open on May 25.

Djokovic, 37, has three triumphs at Roland Garros among his men's record 24 Grand Slam singles titles. He was shut out in the four majors in 2024 but did win a gold medal on clay at the Paris Olympics.

So far in 2025, Djokovic has also suffered opening-match losses at Monte-Carlo, Indian Wells and Doha. He reached the final in Miami, losing to Czech teenager Jakub Mensik. He lost to Germany's Alexander Zverev in the semifinals at this year's Australian Open.

"(It is) kind of a new reality for me, I have to say, trying to win a match or two, not really thinking about getting far in the tournament," Djokovic said after his loss in Madrid.

"It's a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years," he continued. "It's a challenge for me mentally to really face these kinds of sensations on the court, going out early now regularly in tournaments."

--Field Level Media
WASHINGTON  The Supreme Courts conservative majority on April 30 seemed sympathetic to the Catholic Churchs bid to create the nations first religious charter school in Oklahoma, a potentially major expansion of the use of taxpayer money for religious education.

However, the chief justice's relative silence makes it possible the case could end in a 4-4 tie, since one of the six conservative justices, Amy Coney Barrett, recused herself from the case.

Apart from Chief Justice John Roberts, the other conservative justices involved in the case appeared swayed by the argument that barring the churchs participation would be discriminatory.

All the religious school is saying is dont exclude us on account of our religion, said Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

The courts liberal justices, meanwhile, raised concerns about how religious charter schools could favor one religion over another and entangle the government in religious issues.

"Really, what you're saying is the free exercise clause trumps the essence of the establishment clause," Justice Sonia Sotomayor told the attorney for the states charter school board. "The essence of the establishment clause was, 'We're not going to pay religious leaders to teach their religion.'"

The Oklahoma case presents a major test of the separation of church and state.

The U.S. Constitution prohibits the government from establishing a religion, but also says the government cannot prohibit people from freely exercising religion.

In some recent cases where those portions of the Constitution have been in tension, the Supreme Court came down on the side of protecting religious exercise, expanding the role of religion in public life.

A similar decision in the Oklahoma case could greatly increase the use of taxpayer money for religious education.

Here's a summary of key moments from oral arguments before the high court about the proposed religious charter school.

As arguments wrap, Chief Justice John Roberts appears to be key vote

Arguments ended on April 30 with evident divisions between the three justices appointed by Democrats and several Republican-appointed justices on the court.

With Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a Trump appointee, recused from the case, the outcome could come down to Chief Justice John Roberts, who did not show his hand clearly. He said early in the arguments that the Supreme Court's previous rulings dealt with a less significant mixture between state governments and schools than the current Oklahoma cases involve.

If the justices split 4-4 in the case, the Oklahoma Supreme Court's ruling against the Catholic school seeking charter status would stand. However, the U.S. Supreme Court might later choose to hear a similar case with Barrett's participation.

 Aysha Bagchi

Charter schools are only option in some places: Oklahoma lawyer

Justice Samuel Alito questioned how religious charter schools could become the only option for students in some areas.

Why would that be the only option of such a parent? Alito asked. The parent could always send his or her child to the schools that you characterize as public schools.

In some jurisdictions, such as New Orleans, the only public schools are charter schools, according to Gregory Garre, representing the Oklahoma attorney general. Half the public schools are charter schools in other places, such as Denver or Washington, D.C., he said.

In Oklahoma, there are jurisdictions where children are assigned to charter schools by default, Garre said.

You can get out of that, but you have to raise your hand and say, No, I dont want to go to the Catholic charter school, he said. That raises the same problem as raising your hand in the public school and saying you dont want to participate in prayer today.

 Bart Jansen

'Reeks of hostility toward Islam': Alito accuses Oklahoma AG, lawyer pushes back

Justice Samuel Alito, a George W. Bush appointee, accused the Oklahoma attorney general's office of being "motivated by hostility toward particular religions" in its argument that religious schools shouldn't be eligible for charter school funding.

Alito quoted the state attorney general as having said "many Oklahomans undoubtedly support charter schools sponsored by various Christian faiths," but that approval of the Catholic school would require the state to approve similar applications from all faiths.

"We have statement after statement by the attorney general that reeks of hostility toward Islam," Alito alleged.

"That's entirely incorrect, your Honor," said Gregory Garre, who was arguing on behalf of the Oklahoma attorney general. Garre said the attorney general was simply saying that once you started bringing certain religious groups but potentially not others into the government, religious strife would follow.

"If your concern is the treatment of Islam or Muslims, then the concern should be the Muslim family whose only practical option is the religious charter school that happens to teach the Catholic faith as truth," Garre said.

 Aysha Bagchi

Jackson highlights vouchers as an alternative

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson noted that Oklahoma supports religious education through vouchers to defray the cost of private schools.

Gregory Garre, the attorney for the Oklahoma attorney general, called that an important point.

He said thats the win-win the Supreme Court should endorse without requiring the state to support public religious schools.

 Maureen Groppe

Supreme Court allowing religious charter schools would bring 'uncertainty, confusion': Oklahoma lawyer

Justice Elena Kagan asked what would happen in more than 40 states with charter schools if the high court allowed religious schools to get public funding.

What kind of issues would they have to confront in the future? Kagan asked.

Gregory Garre, representing the Oklahoma attorney general, said every charter school law would become unconstitutional because all of them say charter schools are public and nonsectarian.

Garre said some states might change their laws to adapt, but others would abandon charter schools to avoid having religious schools.

This is going to create uncertainty, confusion and disruption for potentially millions of school children and families across the country, Garre said.

The court would also be putting itself in a position to judge future cases about whether charter schools could exclude gay teachers or teach creationism rather than evolution, Garre said.

There are going to be a lot of line drawing, Garre said.

 Bart Jansen

Alito alludes to state's 'unsavory discriminatory history'

Justice Samuel Alito said the Oklahoma constitutions ban on religious public schools has an unsavory discriminatory history.

Gregory Garre, who represents the Oklahoma attorney general, disputed that a 19th-century movement spurred by prejudice, particularly against Catholic immigrants, was behind that provision.

He said there were other reasons for the provision, including the governments Christianization campaign of Native American children.

Alito was unconvinced.

Do you think that anti-Catholic bigotry had disappeared from Oklahoma by 1907? asked the justice, who is one of six practicing Catholics on the Supreme Court.

 Maureen Groppe

Allowing religious charter schools could have 'dramatic effect'

Justice Brett Kavanaugh said questioned how Oklahoma could block funding for religious charter schools.

Theyre built on the idea that innovative approaches to education would increase the quality of education in a particular community, Kavanaugh said.

But Gregory Garre, representing the Oklahoma attorney general, said Congress has designated charter schools as public schools since 1994.

Thats the way its always been understood, Garre said.

If the Supreme Court rules in favor of St. Isidore, Garre said, There are going to be other states that ramp it up, no question."

But there are going to be other states that want out," he said.

This is going to have a dramatic effect on charter schools across the country, Garre added.

 Bart Jansen

'Rank discrimination': Kavanaugh concerned for religious schools

Justice Brett Kavanaugh made it clear he's skeptical about Oklahoma keeping religious schools out of its charter school program in light of the Supreme Court's past rulings.

"Those are some of the most important cases we've had of saying, 'You can't treat religious people and religious institutions and religious speech as second class in the United States,'" Kavanaugh said.

Kavanaugh suggested that Oklahoma's policy is in tension with those decisions.

"That seems like rank discrimination against religion, and that's the concern that I think you need to deal with here," Kavanaugh told Gregory Garre, who was arguing for the Oklahoma attorney general.

Garre said the state attorney general's office respects the principle of not discriminating against religion, but states are still allowed to maintain public schools that are strictly secular.

"That's all the state of Oklahoma has done here," Garre said.

 Aysha Bagchi

Oklahoma lawyer describes charter schools as public

Justice Neil Gorsuch asked what standard courts should use to determine whether religious charter schools are public schools.

We need a test, a legal test, Gorsuch said.

Gregory Garre, a lawyer representing the Oklahoma attorney general, said charter schools bear all the hallmarks of public entities and that the state cant fund an entity to teach religion as truth in public schools.

Charter schools are created by the state legislature, have state supervision and control through oversight of curriculum and finances, and annual evaluations, Garre said.

Here you have state control, Garre said.

 Bart Jansen

Kagan suggested some religions might not meet state requirements

Chief Justice John Roberts asked how extensively the state could require charter schools to teach certain subjects, such as history.

U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer said if there were a requirement to teach evolution and a school rejected it, there would be no opt-out for the school. The state would argue a compelling interest in teaching the subject and the court would have to assess it, he said.

Justice Elena Kagan suggested mainstream religions could meet the states requirements, but more obscure ones might have trouble if the government curriculum violated religious schools' beliefs. She said, Theres a line out the door of people seeking charter funding."

Ive got to think there are religions that will have no problems dealing with all the various curricular requirements and religions that are going to have very severe problems, Kagan said. Were going to end up in a state of the world with kind of establishment religions and more different, more fundamentalist, more use-the-adjective-you-want religions that seem peculiar to many eyes, but that are deeply felt.

Sauer said he would be surprised if there were charter schools unwilling to meet the requirements.

Id be very surprised if that were the practical outcome, Sauer said. If there is, in fact, a 'line out the door,' so to speak, that line out the door will increase the diversity of options for parents and students that have programs that are similar to Oklahoma.

 Bart Jansen

Oklahoma attorney: court should not reverse 'time-honored precedents'

Gregory Garre, representing the Oklahoma attorney general, told the justices that St. Isidore is seeking a special status: the right to establish a religious charter school plus an exemption from non-discrimination requirements that apply to every other charter school and distinguish public schools from private schools.

If the Supreme Court goes along with this request, Garre said, it would render unconstitutional the federal charter school program and the laws of 47 states.

And it would result in the astounding rule that states not only may, but must, fund and create public religious schools, he said, an astounding reversal from this courts time-honored precedents.

 Maureen Groppe

Kavanaugh pushes back on liberal colleagues' fears

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who was appointed by President Donald Trump in 2018, appeared to be pushing back on fears his liberal colleagues on the court were voicing. Some of the liberal justices suggested a win for the Catholic school could force states to fund schools with concerning curricula or admissions policies if the states wanted to fund other charter schools.

But Kavanaugh suggested a ruling for the Catholic school would have simple implications: states can't favor one religion over another, or favor religion generally over secular schools, when approving charter schools.

"In other words, if it has charter schools, it must allow secular and religious?" Kavanaugh asked U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer.

"Correct, correct," Sauer responded.

 Aysha Bagchi

Solicitor general says states can block religious charter schools

Justice Neil Gorsuch asked what a state would have to do if it wanted to make clear that charter schools are government entities, which would mean they could be secular.

U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer said the schools would have to be created directly by law and be controlled by public officials.

He said Californias system is similar.

If the Supreme Court rules for St. Isidore, Sauer said, states that dont want to allow religious private schools could restructure their programs.

 Maureen Groppe

Jackson pushes back against discrimination argument

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said St. Isidore is claiming its being discriminated against, but its asking for a benefit no other school gets: the ability to establish a religious public school.

The states program, she said, allows only nonsectarian schools. But St. Isidore wants to change the terms of the contract.

Michael McGinley, who represents St. Isidore, said the program cant be limited to nonsectarian schools because thats discrimination.

 Maureen Groppe

Kagan questions if Oklahoma will have to fund all religious schools, Catholic school could open floodgates, she says

Justice Elena Kagan, an Obama appointee, suggested that a win for the Catholic school could jeopardize the quality of a publicly funded education nationwide.

"I would say that a state doesn't have to open up an educational program to private organizations," Michael McGinley, representing St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, replied. "If you do open it up, then you can't exclude the religious because they're religious."

Kagan said a state with a charter school system might not want to start funding every religious school, such as an Orthodox Yeshiva or a Muslim school.

I dont have to imagine very hard to come up with 100 hypotheticals like this because religious communities are really different in this country and are often extremely different from secular communities in terms of the education they think is important for their young people."

McGinley said the state isnt forced to fund religious schools. But because the state created its charter-school program, religious ones shouldnt be excluded, he argued.

When you open a program to other private organizations, you cant exclude the religious, he said.

 Bart Jansen and Aysha Bagchi

Sotomayor says taxpayer funding keeps schools afloat

Justice Sonia Sotomayor said the hallmark of public education is that taxpayers pay for it.

The government is doing this, she said, trying to make a case for why charter schools are public. Here the government is the actual creator of the charter school.

Michael McGinley, an attorney representing St. Isidore, disagreed. He said the only way the school receives public funds is if parents choose to send their children there.

 Maureen Groppe

St. Isidore lawyer says school's not part of government

Michael McGinley, representing St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, told the justices the school is a private entity led by a private board, so it should be able to compete for government funding.

The free exercise clause bars a state from inviting private parties to participate in an educational funding program while excluding those who exercise their faith, McGinley said. That is precisely what Oklahoma law does here.

Oklahoma law labels charter schools as public schools. But McGinley said it is incorrect to label St. Isidore a government entity.

Casting the cloak of state action too broadly risks intruding on individual liberty, McGinley said.

 Bart Jansen

Gorsuch asks, Is history really on Catholic school's side?

Justice Neil Gorsuch, a Trump appointee, noted that the state charter school board has argued that throughout U.S. history, states have sometimes funded religious schools.

That kind of historical argument is especially significant with today's conservative Supreme Court, in which justices often rule that constitutional provisions should be interpreted today according to what they meant at the time they were ratified.

But Gorsuch said there are also historical examples in which religious schools were denied funding and didn't file a lawsuit arguing their constitutional rights had been violated.

James Campbell, a lawyer arguing on behalf of the statewide school board that wants religious schools to be eligible, responded that the history of public funding for religious schools at least shows such funding doesn't violate the Constitution's bar on the government establishing an official religion.

 Aysha Bagchi

Sotomayor: Oklahoma wants free exercise clause to beat establishment clause

Justice Sonia Sotomayor said the Oklahoma charter board sought to have one provision of the Constitution protecting the free exercise of religion trump another provision called the establishment clause, which prevents spending government money on religion.

Sotomayor said the school only hires Catholic teachers or those who teach Catholic morals. But she asked how it would work if the state funded a Christian school and not schools of other religions.

Your school doesnt want to be a charter school, it wants to be a religious school, Sotomayor said.

If the government is picking and choosing a particular religion, and not agreeing to allow other religions into the program, then that would be an establishment clause violation, Campbell agreed.

But he said St. Isidore would be open to other religious applicants.

Under our theory, it would be open to other religious organizations that are willing to abide by the terms of the program, Campbell said.

 Bart Jansen

Kagan spars with school board over whether charter schools are public schools

Justice Elena Kagan laid out a case for why charter schools are public schools, a key legal distinction.

These are state-run institutions. They give the charter schools a great deal of curriculum flexibility, she said. But with respect to a whole variety of things, the state is running these schools.

Campbell, the attorney for the charter school board, said St. Isidore would be run by a privately selected board of directors. All Oklahoma is doing, he said, is exercising contractual oversight.

The state is not running these schools, Campbell said.

 Maureen Groppe

Could students be forced to go to religious charter schools?

Justice Samuel Alito gave the state charter school board a chance to rebut criticism that some students might have no option other than attending a religious charter school.

Campbell, the attorney for the charter school board, said that would not happen in Oklahoma. No student has to go to a charter school and every school district must have other options.

If that changed, he said, a family who didnt want to send their child to that school could raise a legal challenge.

The mere specter that that might result in the future is not a reason to categorically exclude religious groups on the front end, he said.

 Maureen Groppe

Roberts asks what precedents support Oklahoma school

Chief Justice John Roberts said previous rulings dealt with less significant state involvement in schools, such as placing wood chips on a playground or providing tuition credit or tax credits. He asked what case would support St. Isidore.

This does strike me as a much more comprehensive involvement, Roberts said.

James Campbell, representing the charter school board, cited a case that found when the state provides a benefit, it cant exclude people because of religion.

Its telling religious groups and religious groups alone that they dont belong, Campbell said.

 Bart Jansen

Liberal justices raise religious entanglement issues

Two of the liberal justices  Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor  immediately dove into whether religious public schools entangle the government in making decisions about religion.

Jackson said a charter schools curriculum is reviewed by a state governing body.

James Campbell, the attorney representing the charter school board, said that happens at a very high level.

Sotomayor asked what would happen if the school didnt want to teach evolution or the history of slavery.

As much as you want to say that you are not looking at the substance, youre charged by law to do that, because you have to determine whether its a quality education, she said. You have to accept the teachings of the Church with respect to certain principles.

 Maureen Groppe

Thomas asks whether Catholic school is a state entity

Justice Clarence Thomas said the crux of the debate is that the school is engaging in some sort of state action and that it is a state entity, as a public Catholic charter school.

But James Campbell, representing the State Charter School Board, said St. Isidore is neither. He said the school was created by two Catholic organizations and came up with its own charter program and funding. He also said there was no government control.

They should not be treated as second class, Campbell said in his opening.

 Bart Jansen

Discriminating against religion? Charter school board makes its case

James Campbell, a lawyer arguing on behalf of the statewide charter school board, opened the day's proceedings by arguing that Oklahoma state laws discriminate against religion.

Oklahoma "state law categorically bars religious groups and programs, deeming religion to be the wrong kind of diversity," Campbell said.

That doesn't square with the U.S. Constitution's protection for religious exercise, Campbell urged.

 Aysha Bagchi

Who's on which side?

The case before the justices pits the Oklahoma attorney general against an Oklahoma Catholic school known as "St. Isidore" and the Oklahoma state charter school board that initially approved St. Isidore to become a virtual charter school. That approval decision was struck down by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

Demonstrators rally outside the Supreme Court as the justices hear oral arguments in Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond in Washington D.C., on April 30, 2025. At issue in the case is the establishment of the nation's first religious charter school.

The Trump administration has decided to hear the school board and Catholic school's cause. U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer will be arguing for the administration.

 Aysha Bagchi

'Religious bigotry is wrong

Oklahomas top educator is rooting for St. Isidore.

Excluding religious schools from our charter school program in the name of 19th-century religious bigotry is wrong, Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters said in a statement.

Walters said he hopes the Supreme Court will stand with parents and families in opposition to religious discrimination.

 Maureen Groppe

Demonstrators rally outside the Supreme Court as the justices hear oral arguments in Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond in Washington D.C., on April 30, 2025. At issue in the case is the establishment of the nation's first religious charter school.

'Dangerous sea change for our democracy'

Among those planning to watch the arguments in person is Rachel Laser, head of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

Laser said allowing religious public schools would be a dangerous sea change for our democracy.

Its un-American and unconstitutional to force people to fund religious indoctrination or discrimination, she said in a statement before the arguments.

 Maureen Groppe

Trumps solicitor general arguing in support of St. Isidore

In todays arguments, John Sauer is making his first appearance before the Supreme Court as President Donald Trumps solicitor general. Sauer asked for time to make the federal governments case for why the Catholic Church can run a charter school.

Sauer, who clerked for the late Justice Antonin Scalia, is a former federal prosecutor and former solicitor general of Missouri.

He represented Trump in last years blockbuster case about presidential immunity.

 Maureen Groppe

Not the only religious rights case before the court

The case is one of three that could make this a blockbuster term for religious rights.

The court is also deciding whether parents with religious objections can request that their children be excused from class when books with LGBTQ+ characters are being used. And theyre deciding whether a Wisconsin Catholic charitable organization should be exempt from state unemployment taxes.

During oral arguments, the court appeared likely to side with the religious groups.

 Maureen Groppe

Church hopes court will build on recent decisions

The Catholic Church says religious charter schools are the logical next step following a trio of rulings since 2017 that allowed taxpayer funds to flow to religious organizations when a program is generally available to others.

In 2022, the court said Maine couldnt exclude religious schools from an indirect aid program based on the schools religious use of the funds.

In 2020, the court said a Montana scholarship program could not exclude religious schools if the program is open to any private schools.

In 2017, the court backed a church preschool's challenge to its exclusion from a Missouri grant program to resurface playgrounds.

 Maureen Groppe

Justice Barrett is not participating

Justice Amy Coney Barrett is not participating in the oral arguments.

Although she didn't give a reason for her recusal, Barrett is close friends with the Notre Dame Law School professor who was an early legal adviser to the Catholic Church in Oklahoma.

Her absence means the court could deadlock 4-4 on a decision. If they do, that would leave in place the Oklahoma Supreme Court's decision that religious charter schools are not allowed.

 Maureen Groppe

What's the key issue?

The courts decision is expected to turn on whether charter schools  which are publicly funded but have private operators  are public schools under the law.

If they are, religious charter schools could violate the Constitutions prohibition on the government backing a religion.

If theyre not, prohibiting the church from participating in the states charter school program could be discrimination under the Constitutions promise that Americans can practice religion freely.

 Maureen Groppe

An ornate stained glass window at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Menasha, Wisconsin.

Most Supreme Court justices are Catholic

The Catholic education that the church wants to offer Oklahoma children through the states public charter school program is likelyfamiliar to the justices.

Seven were raised Catholic. Six are still practicing Catholics And six went to Catholic schools.

That might give extra weight to one of the church's arguments for why the justices should allow them to run a charter school. They argue that Oklahoma's insistence that public schools be free from sectarian control, stems from a 19th-century movement that led to multiple states blocking religious schools from receiving taxpayer dollars. The movement was spurred by prejudice against immigrants, particularly Catholic immigrants, they say.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, however, has countered that the state's constitution can't be smeared with that stain.

 Maureen Groppe

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Recap: Supreme Court could open door to religious charter schools
A memorial for victims after a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouve on Sunday.

The man accused of killing 11 people when he allegedly plowed his vehicle into a crowded Vancouver, British Columbia, festival had been receiving mental health treatment, but was on an "extended leave" at the time of the attack.

The suspected driver, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, was under the care of a mental health team, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) said in a statement on Tuesday. He was on an extended leave under the Mental Health Act.

Police examine the scene where a vehicle drove into a crowd during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, on April 27.

When a person is on extended leave, they are "supported by a community mental health team that monitors their mental health and well-being and provides treatment and support as necessary," VCH said.

An extended leave is intended to help people maintain their treatment plan while transitioning back into the community.

"If the person is not able or refuses to follow the care or treatment plan in place, the mental health team has the ability to recall the person back to (the) hospital," the statement read.

Authorities had hinted at Lo's mental health issues during a Sunday news conference when asked about a possible motive. Vancouver interim police chief Steve Rai told reporters that the suspect has "a significant history of interactions with police and health care professionals related to mental health."

Mayor Ken Sim had said that officials believe "that mental health appears to be the underlying issue here."

VCH said in its statement that there was no indication that Lo was not following his treatment plan or presented a public safety risk.

The crash happened Saturday night at the Lapu Lapu Day block party in East Vancouver, an annual event celebrating Filipino culture. Eleven people, aged 5 to 65, were killed and more than two dozen were injured, police said.

Toan Le told NBC News that his brother, Richard Le, 47; his sister-in-law, Linh Hoang, 30; and his niece, Katie Le, 5, were killed.

One witness described hearing an engine revving moments before the attack.

"All I can remember is seeing bodies flying up in the air higher than the food trucks themselves and landing on the ground and people yelling and screaming," clothing vendor Kris Pangilinan told The Associated Press.

Lo was subdued at the scene by festivalgoers until police arrived and took him into custody. He's been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, and police say further charges are anticipated.
Twenty47studio/Getty Images The Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul during the autumn time.







A Reddit user crowdsourced the best solo travel destinations in the world.

A repeat suggestion was South Korea's capital, Seoul.

The top 3 answers were all in Asia.







Its not just your algorithm serving you solo travel content. According to an industry report from Future Partners, solo trips continue to be a popular choice among travelers. While the creative insights firm found that 43 percent of American travelers are interested in traveling alone in general, another report from Virtuoso confirmed that the majority of solo explorersa whopping 71 percentare women.

Although the beauty of solo travel lies in experiencing a new place and new challenges by yourself, Future Partners also discovered that solo travelers are nearly twice as likely as other travelers to use travel agents and digital influencers to plan their trips. That might mean hiring a professional, scrolling through TikTok videos, or joining a solo travel-focused community, where you can lean on other solo travelers experiences to inform where and what you book. One of those communities happens to be on Reddit.

Recently, Reddit user /Eufedoriaa/ asked the r/solotravel/ community about the cities that are currently in their prime, a la San Francisco during the 60s, Berlin in the early 2000s, Seattle during the grunge era of the 90s, [and] 1980s Los Angeles. Travelers immediately began to share their favorites, and we mined the comments for the top responses, seeking out answers that received the most upvotes.

While answers spanned the globe, Asian and Northeastern, Eastern, and Central European cities tended to rise to the top. Seoul, the capital of South Korea, made several repeat appearances. One user described it as a city thats quickly transforming into a global hub for tech, design, and fashion, adding that its fast-paced, cutting-edge, and really knows how to blend tradition with innovation.

Travelers say Ho Chi Minh City has a similar vibe. It's a city that knows it's on the cusp of greater things, explained another user, who shares it has new world-class restaurants and cocktail bars popping up every month, [and] rooftop parties that go on till 4am.

Unsurprisingly, Thailand, T+Ls 2025 Destination of the Year, was also featured a few times. Several users noted that Bangkok is a good choice for solo travelers. It has insanely low crime in all levels  lowest prices for luxury living (even Western standards of luxury), and the city overall seems to be getting better every day, said one user. Another shared its the cuisine, friendliness of people, beaches, mountains, [and] proximity to interesting countries that appeals most to those traveling alone.

Other standout destinations for solo travelers, according to Reddit, include:

Taipei, Taiwan

Tallinn, Estonia

Lisbon, Portugal

Tbilisi, Georgia

Warsaw, Poland

Mexico City, Mexico

Budapest, Hungary

Tirana, Albania

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
(Correction: The work by Elon Musk and DOGE has dominated the early days of Trump's second term. An earlier version of this story had the wrong time period for Musk and DOGE working for Trump.)

President Donald Trumps first 100 days in office have spooked financial markets, tested legal bounds and turned the federal government upside-down, denting his poll numbers in the process.

On April 29 during a rally in Michigan, Trump claimed its all going according to plan.

Weve accomplished more in three months than most administrations accomplished in four years or eight years," the president declared.

Trumps second administration has opened with a furious blitz of conservative policy focused around deportations, deep cuts to federal agencies and tariffs. Polls show most Americans think he has gone too far on all of those issues.

A New York Times/Sienna College survey released April 25 found majorities of those surveyed disapprove of his handling of the economy, immigration, the federal bureaucracy and overall job performance.

Faced with a growing backlash, Trump tried to sell his agenda to the American people at the Warren rally. Trump defended his efforts on tariffs, immigration and his Department of Government Efficiency and promised much more to come.

"Were just getting started," he said, standing in front of supporters waving "MAGA" and "USA" signs.

Here are four takeaways from Trumps Michigan rally.

What the Trump administration means for you: Sign up for USA TODAY's On Politics newsletter.

President Donald Trump arrives to deliver a speech marking his 100th day in office at Macomb County Community College Sports Expo Center in Warren, Michigan, on April 29, 2025.

'A little time before we slaughter them' on tariffs

Trumps handling of the economy has been especially concerning for many Americans.

Key stock market indexes are down significantly since Trump first took office and economic forecasters say the likelihood of a recession has increased amid looming trade wars sparked by the presidents tariffs.

The New York Times/Sienna College survey found that 55% of respondents disapprove of Trumps handling of the economy. An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll released April 27 found that 72% of those surveyed say Trump's policies are likely to cause a recession.

President Donald Trump speaks during a rally to mark his 100th day in office, at Macomb Community College in Warren, Michigan, U.S., April 29, 2025.

Michigan's auto industry has been hit hard by globalization, though, and Trump said his policies will help restore manufacturing in the state, pointing to tariffs on foreign automobiles.

This is going to create more jobs in this state and this country," he said.

Trump has walked back some of his tariffs amid concerns about their economic impact. He eased the auto levies on the same day of the rally, pitching the move as giving car companies "a little bit of flexibility."

We give them a little time before we slaughter them if they dont do this, he said.

Not 'under the thumb of Elon'

The dramatic overhaul of federal agencies pushed by Elon Musk and DOGE dominated the early days of Trump's second term.

DOGE has fired tens of thousands of federal workers and dismantled whole agencies in a quest to reduce spending and improve efficiency. Democrats have slammed Musk's approach as haphazard and chaotic. Many Americans seem to agree, with 52% saying in the New York Times/Sienna College poll that they disapprove of how Trump is handling the federal government.

The huge leeway Trump has given Musk with DOGE has prompted criticism from Democrats that Musk is running the government.

"You know they all say, oh, well Trump is under the thumb of Elon," Trump told the crowd.

Tien Tran, center, of Fullerton, Calif., holds a flag celebrating President Donald Trump's first 100 Days in office before Trump speaks at his rally at Macomb Community College in Warren on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

Trump noted he repealed former President Joe Biden's electric vehicle push despite Musk running electric car company Tesla. He praised Musk's work at DOGE, though.

"On day one I created that ... very successful Department of Government Efficiency headed by Elon. That was a big thing doing that," he said, touting DOGE moves such as dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Trump touts Alien Enemies Act

Immigration has long been a focus for Trump and an issue he points to as pivotal to his political success.

He promised mass deportations during the campaign and is following through. But his deportation tactics have sparked outrage.

Trump declared members of crime gangs Tren de Aragua and MS-13 as foreign terrorist organizations and invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport them more swiftly. But courts all the way up to the Supreme Court have temporarily paused the removals while hearing arguments about whether the migrants deserve hearings to voice their side of the story and to deny their membership in the gangs.

Trump touted the lengths his administration has gone to in pushing deportations, including using the Alien Enemies Act against alleged foreign gang members.

"They've been designated the highest level of terrorists, and that lets us do a lot of things that you wouldn't be able to do," he said.

Sue Mesbitt, of St. Clair Shores, wears glasses that say 100 during the National Anthem while waiting for President Donald Trump to speak at a rally at Macomb Community College in Warren on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

"We've invoked the Alien Enemies Act to expel every foreign terrorist from our soil as quickly as possible," he added.

Illegal crossings dropped 95% at the Southwest border in March, to fewer than 7,200 migrant encounters from more than 137,000 encounters the same month a year ago, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data.

'Trump 2028 anybody?'

Trump is prohibited by the Constitution from seeking a third term. But he's openly toyed with the idea.

The president said in an NBC interview that he's "not joking" about the possibility of staying in office.

"A lot of people want me to do it," Trump said. "But, I mean, I basically tell them we have a long way to go, you know, its very early in the administration."

At the Michigan rally Trump aide Margo Martin raised the prospect of a third term when the president called her onto the stage.

"Trump 2028 anybody?" Martin said.

Trump seemed to relish being back among a rally crowd, saying "I miss the campaign." He returned to many of his favorite campaign lines, jabbing at Biden and his 2024 Democratic opponent Kamala Harris.

Contributing: Bart Jansen

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Takeaways from Trump Michigan rally touting first 100 days
PHOTO: ABC News Exclusive: President Donald J. Trump sits down with Anchor and Senior National Correspondent Terry Moran, April, 29, 2025 as Trump marks his first 100 days in office. (Michael Le Brecht II/ABC News)

PHOTO: ABC News Exclusive: President Donald J. Trump sits down with Anchor and Senior National Correspondent Terry Moran, April, 29, 2025 as Trump marks his first 100 days in office. (Michael Le Brecht II/ABC News)

President Donald Trump discussed his first 100 days in office during an exclusive interview with ABC News, discussing a wide range of topics from the economy to immigration, executive powers, and foreign policy.

In an Oval Office sit-down with ABC News anchor and Senior National Correspondent Terry Moran, Trump highlighted his administration's immigration policies and sought to reassure anxious Americans on the economy. He acknowledged that Russian President Vladimir Putin might be "tapping" him along in Ukraine peace talks and repeatedly criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden.

The interview airs on ABC at 8 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. CT. It can also be streamed later Tuesday on ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu.

And he delivered positive remarks about some of his administration's officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and billionaire Elon Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency.

Here are more headlines from ABC News' exclusive sit-down with Trump.

'They did sign up for it'

Asked by ABC News' Moran for a message to voters who may feel some anxiety at the prospect of higher costs from tariffs, Trump claimed that he has delivered on his signature campaign pledge to lower prices on his first day in the White House.

"There is a lot of concern out there," Moran said. "People are worried, even some people who voted for you sayin', 'I didn't sign up for this.' So how do you answer those concerns?"

"Well, they did sign up for it, actually. And this is what I campaigned on," Trump replied. "I said that we've been abused by other countries at levels that nobody's ever seen before  I could've left it that way, and at some point, there would've been an implosion like nobody's ever seen. But I said, 'No, we have to fix it.' I've -- I've wanted to do this for many years."

Trump claimed credit for what he said were lower prices for gasoline and groceries, pointing specifically to eggs, which emerged as a major issue during the 2024 campaign.

"They hit me the first week, 'Eggs, eggs, eggs,' like it was my fault. I said, 'I didn't cause this problem. This problem was caused by Biden. What's the problem with eggs?' And they said, 'They've doubled it.' Well, eggs are down 87% since I got involved," Trump said. "And by the way -- and there were plenty of eggs for Easter, which we just went through."

Trump says immigration policies 'seem to work'

Trump promoted his administration's immigration policies and responded to concerns about the wrongful deportation of some people living in America, maintaining that they are "careful" in their efforts.

"Well, they seem to work," Trump said of his methods to cut down on illegal crossings along the southern border.

PHOTO: ABC News Exclusive: President Donald J. Trump sits down with Anchor and Senior National Correspondent Terry Moran, April, 29, 2025 as Trump marks his first 100 days in office. (Michael Le Brecht II/ABC News)

Moran questioned Trump about whether he agrees that even "really bad guys" deserve due process.

"Well, they get a process where we have to get 'em out, yeah," Trump replied, adding later that, "If people come into our country illegally there's a different standard. These are illegal. They came in illegally."

When Moran later asked about podcaster and Trump supporter Joe Rogan's comments that those being deported must be afforded due process because "we gotta be careful that we don't become monsters while we're fighting monsters," the president said he agreed.

"Oh, I agree with that a hundred percent, yeah. We want to be careful," Trump said. "We are careful. We're doing something that has to be done. We have a country that's very sick."

Trump on his use of presidential powers

Trump framed his unprecedented use of official powers to push through his policy agenda as a necessary step in healing a "sick" country.

"What do you say to people who are concerned you are taking, seizing too much power and becoming an authoritarian president like we haven't had before?" Moran asked.

"No, I would hate them to think that," Trump said. "I'm doing one thing: I'm makin' America great again. We have a country that was failing. We have a country that was laughed at all over the world. We had a leader that was grossly incompetent. He should have never been there."

Putin may be 'tapping' Trump along

In a social media post on Saturday, Trump asserted that "there was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days," adding that "it makes me think that maybe he doesn't want to stop the war, he's just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through "Banking" or "Secondary Sanctions?" Too many people are dying!!!"

"It's possible," Trump told Moran of Putin "tapping" him along. "Yeah, that's possible. Sure. He could be tapping me along a little bit. I would say that he would like to stop the war. I think that--"

"You believe that?" Moran jumped in.

"If -- if it weren't for me, I think he'd want to take over the whole country, personally," Trump continued. "I always felt -- so when I left, there wasn't even a chance that this would happen. When Biden got involved, I won't say whether or not he handled it properly, but obviously it wasn't good, because the war started."

MORE: Trump pushes back against economic anxieties in ABC interview, says China 'probably will eat those tariffs'

The president went on to say, "I think Putin wanted all of Ukraine," and claimed Putin invaded Ukraine because Biden was in office. "I think if I didn't win the election, he would have gotten all of Ukraine."

He later added that, "And because of me, I do believe that -- he's willing to stop the fighting."

Trump responds to questions about DOGE

Trump, in discussing his administration's Department of Government Efficiency, the effort spearheaded by billionaire Elon Musk to rid the federal government of what they call waste and fraud, said referrals have been made to the Department of Justice for prosecution on fraud charges.

Moran asked if DOGE, which has cut foreign food programs and medical research, among other items, had gone "too far, too fast, too recklessly."

Trump said, "no," saying DOGE had saved the country billions.

PHOTO: ABC News Exclusive: President Donald J. Trump sits down with Anchor and Senior National Correspondent Terry Moran, April, 29, 2025 as Trump marks his first 100 days in office. (ABC News)

"We also found tremendous waste, fraud, and abuse, as you know. We found a lot of fraud. There was a lot of fraud," Trump said. "Fraudulent things were taking place, and we ended that, and those people are gonna be suffering--"

Asked several times on whether any fraud referrals were made to the Justice Department, Trump said, "Have there been? Yes, there have."

"So, there have been referrals for fraud from the work of DOGE?" Moran asked Trump.

Trump replied, "Of course there have been."

Bashing Biden

Throughout the interview, Trump repeatedly accused former President Joe Biden of incompetence and blamed his predecessor for myriad challenges facing his administration. Moran also asked Trump about his decision to strip his political opponents' security details and about appearing to target some law firms.

"Are you using your powers as president to get personal revenge?" Moran asked Trump.

"No. I'll tell you what -- I tell you what you sh -- not -- you're really not asking and you should be asking. There has never been a president in this country in the history that was persecuted like I was persecuted by really crooked people," Trump maintained. "Dishonest, horrible people. And it's been proven."

MORE: Trump hopes Hegseth will be 'great' defense secretary despite Signal flap

Moran later asked Trump again if "that gives you the right to go after your political opponents with the powers of this office?"

"I don't go after -- I don't go -- I'm going after -- all I'm doing -- hey, Biden did something to me -- and I did something to Biden. And you know why I did it? 'Cause he's grossly incompetent," Trump said. "That's not a man that should be allowed to, you know, be lookin' at things that are very confidential."

Trump defends U.S. reputation abroad

A day after Canadians voted to elect a fourth straight Liberal government and keep Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has been fiercely critical of Trump's tariffs and annexation threats, Trump downplayed souring relations with America's northern neighbor.

"You were a big issue in it," Moran told Trump of the election. "And Canadians, many of them, are really angry, furious, about your talk about, 'We're gonna take over Canada. It's gonna become the 51st state--'"

"That's their prerogative," Trump said.

When Moran pointed to a decrease in travel from Canada to the U.S., Trump said, "We're doing great."

"Feels like there's been reputational damage," Moran told the president.

"The country's doing great," Trump maintained.

Moran later asked Trump if he thought "the reputation of the United States has gone down under your presidency?"

"I -- no, I think it's gone way up, and I think we're a respected country again," the president said. "We were laughed at all over the world."

Trump discusses first 100 days of historic presidency in exclusive ABC interview originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Mohsen Mahdawi speaks outside the courthouse after a judge released the Palestinian student activist on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in Burlington, Vt. (AP Photo/Amanda Swinhart)

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP)  A judge on Wednesday released a Palestinian student at Columbia University who led protests against Israel's war in Gaza and was arrested by immigration officials during an interview about finalizing his U.S. citizenship.

Immigration authorities have arrested and detained college students from around the country since the first days of the Trump administration, many of whom participated in campus protests over the Israel-Hamas war, which has killed more than 52,000 Palestinians.

Mohsen Mahdawi is among the first of those students to win his freedom after challenging an arrest. He walked out of a Vermont courthouse Wednesday and led hundreds of supporters in chants including No fear and Free Palestine. He said people must come together to defend both democracy and humanity.

Never give up on the idea that justice will prevail, he said. We want to stand up for humanity, because the rest of the world  not only Palestine  is watching us. And what is going to happen in America is going to affect the rest of the world.

Mahdawi, 34, has been a legal permanent resident for 10 years. He was in a Vermont state prison since April 14. In his release order, U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford said Mahdawi has raised a substantial claim that the government arrested him to stifle speech with which it disagrees.

Even if he were a firebrand, his conduct is protected by the First Amendment, the judge wrote, adding that offending political opponents or alarming the State Department doesnt make him dangerous enough to justify detention.

The U.S. government argues they can remove Mahdawi from the country under the Immigration and Nationality Act. That's because Secretary of State Marco Rubio says his presence and activities would have serious adverse foreign policy consequences and would compromise a compelling U.S. foreign policy interest."

A government attorney said Wednesday that Mahdawi is a national security threat, pointing to a 2015 FBI investigation into allegations that he made threatening comments about Jews at a gun shop  but the judge said the FBI appears to have determined those accusations were fabricated.

Mahdawi will appear remotely before an immigration judge in Louisiana on Thursday, his lawyers said. The U.S. attorneys office did not respond to messages seeking comment on whether it will appeal his release.

According to a court filing, Mahdawi was born in a refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and moved to the United States in 2014. He organized campus protests at Columbia until March 2024 and cofounded the school's Palestinian Student Union with Mahmoud Khalil, another Palestinian permanent resident of the U.S. and graduate student who was arrested in March.

Khalil has been held for nearly eight weeks in a Louisiana detention center, missing the birth of his first child. An immigration judge ruled that Khalil can be forced out of the country as a national security risk.

In another high-profile case, Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University student from Turkey, was detained in March over what her lawyers say is apparent retaliation for an op-ed piece she co-wrote in the student newspaper.

More than 1,000 college students nationwide have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated since late March, according to an Associated Press review. The federal government has since announced it will reverse the termination of legal status for international students after many filed court challenges, a government lawyer said Friday.

The judge referred to the Ozturk case and others like it in his ruling, saying such arrests are reminiscent of nationwide raids targeting suspected anarchists and communists in 1919 and 1920 and deportations during the McCarthy era of the 1950s.

Security is like liberty in that many are the crimes committed in its name, he wrote, quoting from a dissent in a 1950 case.

Mahdawi's release allows him to travel outside his home state of Vermont and attend graduation next month in New York. He recently completed coursework at Columbia and planned to begin a masters degree program there in the fall.

The Ivy League university has faced criticism from some students for agreeing to implement a host of policy changes demanded by the Trump administration. After Mahdawis release, school spokesperson Millie Wert said every person in the country deserves due process regardless of their citizenship status.

Outside the Vermont courthouse, Mahdawi directly addressed President Donald Trump and his Cabinet, saying, I am not afraid of you.

If there is no fear, what is it replaced with? he said. Love. Love is our way.

___

Ramer reported from Concord, New Hampshire. Associated Press writers Kathy McCormack and Kimberlee Kruesi also contributed.
China releases white paper on Covid-19 prevention, control and origins tracing

Xinhua) 15:35, April 30, 2025

BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council Information Office on Wednesday issued a white paper titled "Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Origins Tracing: China's Actions and Stance."

Apart from preface and conclusion, the document contains three chapters: "Contributing Chinese Wisdom to the Study of the Origins of SARS-CoV-2," "China's Contribution to the Global Fight Against Covid-19," and "The Mismanaged Response of the US to the Covid-19 Pandemic."

According to the white paper, since the outbreak of Covid-19, China has consistently dedicated substantial resources to collaborative studies into the origins of the virus, involving both Chinese and international scientists. Upholding its international responsibilities with openness and transparency, the country spearheaded research initiatives in critical fields such as clinical epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, environmental epidemiology, and the identification of animal hosts. China closely cooperated with the WHO on the study of the virus origins with a strong sense of global responsibility and transparency.

The white paper points out that "WHO-convened Global Study of Origins of SARS-CoV-2: China Part-Joint WHO-China Study," as well as other studies, conducted systematic epidemiological investigations, molecular tracing, animal reservoir screening, and studies on cold-chain pathways, ruled out the possibility of Wuhan being the natural origin of SARS-CoV-2, and concluded that a Wuhan lab leak is extremely unlikely. These efforts have provided the global scientific community with critical empirical evidence and established a research paradigm for future studies.

The white paper says the vision of a global community of shared future guided China's broad international cooperation against the pandemic. China shared the epidemic information with the WHO and the international community in a timely manner, and provided the genome sequence of the virus. It also invited WHO international expert missions to the country to conduct joint research into the origins of SARS-CoV-2, shared without reservation its effective measures for prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment, and did all it could to provide massive supplies and extensive aid to the international community.

As pointed out in the white paper, the U.S. government, instead of facing squarely its failure in response to Covid-19 and reflecting on its shortcomings, has tried to shift the blame and divert people's attention by shamelessly politicizing SARS-CoV-2 origins tracing. It has severely undermined joint international efforts in the fight against the pandemic and become a weak link in global public health governance. Substantial evidence suggested the Covid-19 might have emerged in the United States earlier than its officially-claimed timeline, and earlier than the outbreak in China. A thorough and in-depth investigation into the origins of the virus should be conducted in the United States. The United States should respond to the reasonable concern of the international community, and give a responsible answer to the world.

The white paper says infectious diseases are the common enemy of humanity. Any attempt to politicize the scientific effort against infectious diseases, or to fabricate misinformation in order to attack other countries for self-serving purposes, will ultimately threaten the health and wellbeing of the entire world, including the very nation engaged in such practices. China will continue to work with all nations in advancing global public health and good governance, and contribute more proactively to preventing new infectious diseases in the future.

Full text: Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Origins Tracing: China's Actions and Stance

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
The Food and Drug Administration could make a decision on approving Wegovy for MASH by the end of the year.

The weight loss drug Wegovy treated a serious form of liver disease in about two-thirds of patients in a major clinical trial, according to the findings published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease  previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease  affects about 33% of adults in the U.S. About 5% to 7% have a more advanced form of the disease, called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or MASH. (Another type of liver disease, alcohol-associated liver disease, is caused by drinking.)

Both conditions are the result of the body storing too much fat in the liver, said Dr. Sobia Laique, a liver doctor and the director of the Multidisciplinary MASLD Clinic at Cleveland Clinic. In people with MASH, the excess fat has started to cause inflammation, which over time can lead to scarring, or fibrosis.

Left untreated, it can progress to liver failure and liver cancer, Laique said.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is more common in people with obesity or Type 2 diabetes, according to the National Institutes of Health. An estimated 75% of overweight people and more than 90% of people with obesity have the disease.

Theres only one FDA-approved medication for MASH, called resmetirom, Laique said. However, the medication only helps about a quarter of patients and doesnt address the underlying conditions that drive the disease. Bariatric surgery is often the recommended treatment for those who cant resolve the condition through lifestyle changes, she added.

This is fairly monumental and really is going to be paradigm-changing, Laique said of the Wegovy trial results, because at least in the pharmacotherapy space, you dont have a comparable drug yet. She was not involved with the clinical trial.

The trial, funded by drugmaker Novo Nordisk, included 800 patients with MASH from 37 countries. Patients either got a weekly 2.4 milligram dose of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, or a placebo, for 72 weeks.

The trial found that about 63% of patients in the semaglutide group saw a reduction in liver inflammation, compared with 34.3% of people who got a placebo.

Prior to starting the trial, the participants also had moderate to high levels of scar tissue in the liver, known as stage 2 or 3 fibrosis.

About 37% of the semaglutide group saw improvements in their fibrosis, compared with 22.4% in the placebo group. The semaglutide group also saw other benefits, including a 10.5% average weight loss.

Dr. Susan Spratt, an endocrinologist and senior medical director for the Population Health Management Office at Duke Health in North Carolina who was not involved in the study, said she was impressed, noting that once fibrosis has developed in patients, its often difficult to reverse or treat the inflammation.

Its incredibly good news that semaglutide not only reduced inflammation but also that fibrosis regressed, Spratt said.

Dr. Christopher McGowan, a gastroenterologist who runs a weight loss clinic in Cary, North Carolina, said in an email that the results may offer hope for a condition with few treatment options but added that long-term data is to determine whether the improvements from the drug will reduce liver-related complications and death.

These findings represent a very promising step forward in the fight against a common, progressive, and often silent disease, McGowan said.

The trial results add to the growing list of conditions that GLP-1s  the class of drugs that includes Novo Nordisks Ozempic and Wegovy and Eli Lillys Mounjaro and Zepbound  can treat beyond diabetes and weight loss.

Last year, the Food and Drug Administration approved Wegovy to reduce heart disease risk in people with obesity. The agency also approved Zepbound for obstructive sleep apnea in December, and Ozempic to treat chronic kidney disease in patients with Type 2 diabetes in January. Researchers are also investigating whether the drugs are effective against Alzheimers and alcohol addiction.

Insurance companies are often reluctant to cover the drugs for weight; however, theyve shown willingness to cover them when approved for other conditions, such as heart disease risk and sleep apnea.

In a release Wednesday, Novo Nordisk said the FDA could make a decision on whether to approve Wegovy for MASH as early as the end of the year.

The FDA has granted the drug a priority review designation, the drugmaker said, meaning it will review the application in six months, rather than the standard nine-month window.

Spratt noted that side effects can be a barrier for some who want to take Wegovy and similar weight loss drugs.

The drug was well tolerated, according to the trial results. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal, including nausea, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting. Side effects leading to people dropping out of the trial were 2.6% for the semaglutide group and 3.3% for the placebo group.

Laique questioned whether patients would continue to see improvement after 72 weeks. She also noted that patients would likely have to continue taking the medication, or risk MASH coming back.

Its significant weight loss, but then is it also durable weight loss? she said. And I think thats the part people often forget about obesity management, its two battles.
That might sound basic, but most competing tools get caught up in the engineeringhow the tool works, rather than just returning results.

What we do for clients is blend data from lots of different systems into a cohesive, simple format they can use.

Moving off on-prem

Before it could do any of that, Avery explained that SWSPHN specifically had an on-premises environment of Qlik in the past, which was a good product pre-cloud, but now cloud is here.

We did a migration for SWSPHN, which involved resetting everything, porting apps across, reconnecting things, getting it all working, testing, validation, trainingall the usual tasks youd expect, he said.

The real value for SWSPHN is giving information back to its commissioned service providers.

PHNs face a challenge, he said. They ask for all this information from GPs and clinics, but theyre often criticised because they dont give anything back.

Having insights in return would be great for medical professionals, noted Avery.

Moving to the cloud, from a technology perspective, has meant that if [SWSPHN] want to give access to their commissioned service providers, theres a very easy onboarding path for them, he said. They just need to know an email address, fill out an onboarding form, and they can securely lock it down so that only that practice sees its own data.

According to Avery PHNs are effectively the content aggregator and are able to provide that unique comparison for practitioners under their network.

Its the difference between saying, heres the data and heres the data from an anonymised peer group.

That may not sound like much, but if youre running a busy practice, youre always laser focused, said Avery. Being able to look up and out is key, and PHNs are one of the few bodies that can provide that comparison uniquely due to their role in aggregating practice information.

That has been well adopted, noted Avery, and cloud makes that process infinitely easier than trying to work with a legacy on-premise system.

Challenges

For Avery however the core challenge has been between the people who collect healthcare data and those who use it, while making sure the data is high quality, meaningful, and collected in a way that protects privacy and reduces risk.

What happens is in a busy healthcare setting, entering information is a manual task, he said. Its often an afterthought or just a compliance activity that people dont really care about. So quality isnt front of mind.

They just want to tick the box and get on with the real task theyre meant to be doing, which is fair enough.

What Notitia try to do is use field builds that are system-generated.

That way, theyre not relying on someone to key in free text, said Avery. It might happen automatically through a console.

For example, if someone tabs to the next section, that action in the system represents that its completed. That gives you a really good kind of system control.

The other thing Notitia does when reviewing information is look for things like completeness and duplicates.

Weve got some clever scripts we write and review to handle that from a technology perspective, he said. But the core of data quality comes from people and process not technology.

So thats really a cultural and educational change more than anything else.

To overcome this theres a few things that Notitia does. For example, it will build a quality dashboard that shows the quality of whats coming in and the quality of whats going out.

Then, well share that with the people who actually create the information, because theyre the ones who need to change behaviour, he said. Well run training with them, put together guides, and look to leadership within the organisation to [ask] who is responsible for data as an actual asset.

Notitia will also ask a senior staff who are able to sign off on the data and for, crudely, the person whos head will be on the chopping block if its wrong.

That kind of cultural change starts by us putting in those processes [of] identifying the senior people who are ultimately responsible, said Avery. We also try to drive it from the bottom up by giving them the tools, but also from the top down, by having leadership [look] [at] [whats] actually important, and why it matters.

This is to help people understand the context, he explained.

Its not just a box-ticking activity, this actually impacts outcomes, said Avery. I think closing the loop allows that messaging to stay consistent through technology as well.

Busy clinical staff, who are highly educated, could be doing anything else but entering information, he explained.

They dont normally see how their clinical knowledge and contextual understanding can be blended with the outputs, he said. We try to do is give that information back to the people who are actually going to use it, the people on the ground.

This stops the information from becoming just executive corporate board reporting, which is a bit separated from the day-to-day activities of the business.

Instead, Avery noted Notitia try and put it back into the hands of the people who run the business or carry out the activities that keep it operational.

In this way, they can see the data and understand its relevance, he said. Think its all about giving them access and visibility.

Keeping it ISO

One of the biggest challenges for Avery and an organisation like SWSPHN is the clear responsibilities it has in holding information, particularly under the under the Australian Privacy Principles, and the Notifiable Data Breach Scheme.

Our position is to minimise risk by asking, really critically, every time you capture information on the need for it to be identifiable, said Avery. It matters that we have a unique ID and so on.

From a technology perspective its all the standard things making sure that things are secure, youve got multi-factor, that data doesnt leave Australia, that ideally all processing happens on cloud computing, nothing happens locally on the machine.

The sensitive nature of information that PHNs have are also under very strict kind of compliance guidelines that have to be followed, including ISO quality standards and cybersecurity standards.

According to SWSPHNs Macghie one of the key things that PHNs have been tasked with is working towards ISO 27001 certification by June 2026 which is a massive undertaking.

Any MSP [managed service provider] that we work with is really key on that journey, because they need to be able to support, the controls that were implementing, or even just supporting in a mitigation strategy that we can then document, he said.

Even just something as simple as that just, you know, being available to talk through those complex issues.

Extracting value

For Macghie the main goal and priority for SWSPHN is extracting the most value from the platforms being utilised.

Quite often, what will start the conversation is Alex [Avery] is he will give me a call and tell me about a feature for Qlik, he said. I might have seen a pop-up for it but probably dismissed it and forgot to have a look at what features have been released.

Its really great to have someone actually try and understand the context of your business and your workflows.

McGhie said theres not too many other relationships that SWSPHN have had where thats done as well as this one.

Qlik chief technology officer Charlie Farah told ARN, its partners have industry specialisation.

Weve got a consulting arm, but we dont go out there and pretend that we know everything about a finance or a healthcare organisation, he said. We have certain subject matter experts like me that can go in to support, but typically we rely on our partners, the teams like Alex and Notitia, that have the specialisation.

Farah said Notitia are closer to the ground and understand, based on their experience with Qlik customers, what works, what doesnt and the best path forward for success.
The big thing about that is, if youre not doing anything in that space, and youre not aligning yourself to where these large transformational activities are happening, you could quite easily be left behind.

The other thought taking up residence in his mind is making sure to keep his focus on his business strategic direction.

We are a consulting organisation. Were dependent on doing project work. Weve got to continually keep signing up new customers and new projects, so we can continue operating as a business, he said.

By not focusing on that direction and keeping in touch with emerging trends, partners can miss out on growth opportunities, Stankovski added.

Its easy to lose sight and go, Oh no, we need to win the next piece of work or the next project. Before you know it, youve lost sight of the ball and the markets shifted quite substantially away from where you are, he said.

Synapsewerx CEO Malcon Ingram is deep into AI, since its the MSPs core focus.

For Ingram, particularly at the C-suite, high profile success stories of AI integrations are giving off the impression that utilising the tech is quick and easy, but the truth is anything but.

Theres an expectation that AI is really easy because we have it on our mobile phones and we can use it every day, he said. I can jump online and go into Gemini and do some deep research really quickly that would normally take me weeks. Theres a general perception at the C-level sea level that this capability is really easy to implement.

Theres a reality though, and we see this in many these surveys, where a lot of the implementation of AI is not so successful; its not getting through to production.

This keeps me awake at night because Im wondering why it is. I know from personal experience now, because weve done so much work in this space, that if you just want to take a GenAI large language model and use it within your organisation  whether its through RAG (retrieval-augmented generation), whatever guardrails you put around it  its geared towards a particular use case.

Theres an expectation that there should be the ability ability to plug it in and its going to do a great job, noted Ingram. Theres an expectation that its going to get it right 90 per cent of the time, the reality is it wont, explained Ingram.

However, some partners are so confident and can sleep soundly at night, like Annexa director Matt Owens.

He told ARN his business has grown to the point where its autonomous.

Weve got a very capable team and were not single point sensitive across any of the functions in our business, said Owens. We dont have any key man risks and that weve got that size where it runs itself and that pulling people out [is] not going to cause any disruption.

He explained when Annexa was smaller sensitivity across functions mightve been an issue however having great people helps.

Now,  I cant think of something that keeps me up at night, said Owens.

Vendor views

Monday.com Asia Pacific and Japan director of partnerships Carly Giltrap has the challenge of dealing with differing viewpoints in the large area she covers.

Within looking over a region that has a lot of complexity, Asia and A/NZ [Australia and New Zealand], there are a variety of different needs for those regions to be successful, she told ARN.

For Giltrap the things that keep her up at night arent a hair-on-fire situation but more about the main things that needed to be focused of success.

Within partnerships, theres many different streams that you can go after, but I think its really about how we can engage in certain markets that have cultural nuances that we need to think about how we approach them differently, she said.

As the vendor expands in the region, particularly into Asia, Giltrap said questions about the big rocks it wants to attack, tracking success, and how its tracking on that as a go to market strategy.

Its the endless to do list of things that are top of mind to be successful, as we go into a region which has a lot of complexity and diversity, she added.

Confluent A/NZ regional director Simon Laskaj is worried that, despite the companys achievements, it is not doing enough.

While we have great coverage across some partners  we can do so much more, he told ARN. Often we sit within an engineering tenant or a development tenant within the partners, and certainly some of the bigger partners, but we just dont have the bandwidth to get across the various different client directors of different verticals.

Partners like Capgemini, Accenture or Deloitte, for example, have a lot of influential people own verticals and own customer relationships, noted Laskaj.

If you dont have an army of people on the street that are pounding the door, having those repetitive tech conversations with partners and different people within the partners, youre only touching a very small surface of the potential. I think weve just scratched the potential of what we should be doing with partners, he said.

This then comes to the age-old issue of not having nearly enough resources, Laskaj said.

I came from AWS [Amazon Web Services], where theyve got an army of  partner success managers and even they struggle to scratch the surface a lot of the time. So, we just arent thinking big enough, or more specifically, we arent able to go big enough with partners without being a lot more deliberate, he said.

That requires resourcing as well.
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An Armenian mining giant has built a new copper and molybdenum ore processing plant in Nagorno-Karabakh as part of the biggest business project implemented in the territory in more than a decade.

Vallex Group inaugurated the modern plant late last month shortly after launching open-pit mining operations at the nearby Kashen deposit in Karabakhs northern Martakert district containing an estimated 275,000 metric tons of copper and 3,200 tons of molybdenum. The company claims to have invested $130 million in the new facilities currently employing more than 1,400 people.

The Kashen project was launched two years ago amid the depletion of copper and gold reserves located elsewhere in Martakert. Vallexs Karabakh subsidiary, Base Metals, has exploited the Drmbon reserves since 2001, becoming Karabakhs single largest corporate taxpayer and private employer.

According to officials in Stepanakert, Base Metals has paid an average of 4 billion drams ($8.3 million) in taxes each year. By comparison, the Karabakh governments 2016 budget is worth 89 billion drams.

Bako Sahakian, the Karabakh president, underscored the Kashen projects importance to the local economy with his presence at the inauguration ceremony. Sahakian said new jobs created by Vallex will contribute to economic growth.

His prime minister, Ara Harutiunian, told reporters that the non-ferrous metal reserves at Kashen will be enough to keep the new mining complex operational for at least 25 years. Harutiunian downplayed recent years substantial drop in international copper prices, saying that Vallex could even expand its mining operations in Karabakh in the coming years.

Vallex plans to extract and enrich at least 1.75 million tons of ore annually. It says that the Kashen deposit contains about 56 million tons of ore.

The company, which has bigger mining operations in Armenia, has hired not only Armenian but also foreign specialists to build and run the new facility. I hadnt heard of a country called Karabakh before I came here, Johann Murray, a South African mining engineer, told Karabakh television during the ceremony. Karabakh Armenians are proud and decent people. I enjoy working with them.

The Martakert mines have been a major contributor to robust economic growth recorded in Karabakh in the last several years. The total number of employed people in Karabakh rose from 41,000 in 2007 to 50,300 in 2014, Harutiunian said a year ago.

Thousands of other, mostly male Karabakh Armenians serve in the local military closely integrated with Armenias armed forces.

According to the authorities in Stepanakert, the Karabakh economy grew by over 7 percent in January-September 2015 on the back of a 32 percent rise in agricultural production.
30 April 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

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IMF stress tests confirm the resilience of Azerbaijans banking system under baseline scenarios. However, in more severe situations, the overall capital adequacy ratio could decline to 4.5%. Alarmingly, 8 of the 23 banks -representing 35% of the sectors assets - could require recapitalization, albeit with a relatively modest estimated capital gap of 0.5% of GDP....

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30 April 2025 13:46 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

In the shifting landscape of Eurasian geopolitics, where historical rivalries and new strategic equations often collide, a quiet yet consequential recalibration is unfolding between two neighbors with a complex past: Azerbaijan and Iran.

At the heart of this diplomatic revival is a message laden with symbolism and intent. During a recent high-level meeting, the presidents of the two nations addressed each other as "dear brother"a public display of warmth rarely seen in the recent history of bilateral ties. The language underscored not only a thaw in relations but a deliberate step toward a more structured and strategic partnership.

For Azerbaijan, whose foreign policy has long prioritized strong relations with neighboring powers, including its formal alliance with Turkiye and strategic partnership with Russia, reviving ties with Iran represents a pragmatic evolution. It also reflects the vision first articulated by Azerbaijan's National Leader, Heydar Aliyev, and now refined by his son, President Ilham Aliyev: a foreign policy anchored in balance, pragmatism, and respect for sovereignty.

The backdrop to this rapprochement is critical. In the aftermath of the 2020 Garabagh war, regional alignments have shifted. Azerbaijan emerged more confident, its territorial integrity largely restored. In turn, Baku began reimagining its role not just as a recovering post-conflict state, but as a regional transit hub and diplomatic broker. Iran, recognizing the emerging architecture, has signaled its readiness to engage more constructively.

Significantly, both countries have stated that no obstacle stands in the way of raising bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership. Tehrans willingness to meet Baku halfway is partly driven by broader regional recalibrations, including its complex relationship with the West and a need for stable borders amid domestic and international pressures.

Central to the dialogue is connectivity. President Aliyevs 2020 visit to Khudaferin Bridgerenamed the "Friendship Bridge"symbolized more than a photo opportunity. It was a declaration of intention: that the southern corridor, linking the Black Sea to the Persian Gulf, runs not only through shared geography, but through shared interest. Projects like the Rasht-Astara railway, the Klal-Agbnd corridor, and broader upgrades to Azerbaijans internal railway infrastructure speak to this ambition.

These initiatives dovetail with the North-South Transport Corridor, a multi-national project that aims to reshape freight flows between Russia, Central Asia, Iran, and South Asia. Azerbaijan, uniquely positioned between East and West, is now actively shaping this agendaat once modernizing its infrastructure and asserting its place in the Eurasian economic order.

Yet infrastructure alone does not cement alliances. Political will does. And here, both Tehran and Baku are signaling alignment. Azerbaijan has emphasized its consistent goodwill towards Iran, rooted in the principle of non-interference and mutual respect. Its posturethat two different political systems can peacefully coexistis not merely diplomatic courtesy. It is a foundational tenet, particularly in a region where external actors have often exploited differences to sow discord.

Indeed, the leadership in Baku has made clear that third-party interference in Azerbaijani-Iranian relations is unacceptable. This is not just rhetoric. It reflects Azerbaijans broader foreign policy doctrine: that regional problems must have regional solutions, and that neighborhood diplomacy should not be hostage to great-power games.

There is also a deeper current running beneath the surfaceone of culture, kinship, and historical memory. Shared religious, linguistic, and familial ties run deep across the border. In invoking "brotherhood," the two presidents are tapping into a reservoir of common identity that, if harnessed, could provide a durable foundation for cooperation.

The economic potential of this detente is substantial. While trade with Turkey and Russia has surged in recent years, Iran-Azerbaijan trade volumes remain modest by comparison. There is wide recognition that this must change. Energy cooperationparticularly in renewable energy and regional power exchangesoffers one path forward. So too does collaboration in regional groupings such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

Diplomatic formats that include Iran and Azerbaijan are gaining renewed momentum. Baku has taken the lead in promoting trilateral platforms such as Azerbaijan-Iran-Turkey and Azerbaijan-Iran-Russia, hosting summit meetings as early as 2016. These groupings serve as forums not only for dialogue but for building shared economic and security infrastructure.

Still, the path ahead is not without risk. Structural trust deficits, historical grievances, and regional rivalries could quickly re-emerge. But if the current trajectory holds, it could mark the beginning of a more mature and self-confident Azerbaijani-Iranian relationshipone based not on tactical necessity, but on strategic vision.

As Eurasia continues to reshape itself around new transit corridors, shifting alliances, and economic pragmatism, Baku and Tehran may find that geography, when paired with political will, is destiny.
30 April 2025 12:22 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The State Tax Service (STS) under the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan and the National Revenue Committee of Kazakhstan have initiated negotiations on a new draft Convention on the Elimination of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Tax Evasion with respect to taxes on income and property, Azernews reports, citing the STS.

The meeting was attended by Orkhan Musayev, Head of the Main Department for International Taxation and Tax Monitoring of the State Tax Service; Ablaykhan Bagibayov, Deputy Director of the Department of Tax and Customs Legislation of Kazakhstans Ministry of Finance; and Kimbat Ibraeva, Deputy Head of the Department for Taxation of Non-Residents at the State Revenue Committee.

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan originally signed a Convention on the Elimination of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Tax Evasion in September 1996, which entered into force on January 1, 1998.

In April 2017, both parties signed a protocol amending the agreement by removing clauses related to property. This protocol took effect on January 1, 2019.
30 April 2025 15:59 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

By the end of 2026, the state program plans to build 44 villages in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan and return their original residents.

Azernews reports that this was announced by Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov during his speech at the Agrarian Business Festival held in Zangilan.

He noted that in all of these villages, the surrounding lands will be incorporated into cooperatives jointly established by farmers:

"According to a decision by the Cabinet of Ministers, the lease fee for these annexed lands is set with a coefficient of 0, meaning no rent will be charged. Various benefits will be provided in the liberated territories - for both purchased equipment and trailers, as well as for cultivated land. Additionally, increased subsidies and benefits will be offered to farmers participating in cooperatives and cultivating these areas. We believe that cooperative farming will lead to better outcomes."

"The infrastructure and approach developed here are based on insights gained from other regions of Azerbaijan. Our main goal is to ensure that farmers earn a good income from their agricultural activities," Mammadov added.
30 April 2025 17:56 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Every year on April 30, jazz enthusiasts from around the world come together to celebrate International Jazz Day, an occasion that highlights the genres rich history, cultural significance, and global impact, Azernews reports.

Declared by UNESCO in 2012, International Jazz Day is celebrated in over 190 countries, with events ranging from round tables and masterclasses to vibrant concert programs. The day culminates in a special concert in Congo Square, New Orleansthe birthplace of jazzmarking the deep roots of this art form.

Over the years, jazz has flourished across the globe, and one of its most unique contributions comes from Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani jazz has carved out its own distinctive identity, blending American jazz with the rich, traditional sounds of mugham, a classical music genre rooted in the country's cultural heritage. This fusion has produced a unique sound that resonates both locally and internationally. The roots of Azerbaijani jazz can be traced back to the late 1930s when the State Pop Orchestra, often referred to as the State Jazz Orchestra, was founded by two prominent figures in Azerbaijani musicNiyazi and Tofig Guliyev. This orchestra laid the foundation for what would become a burgeoning jazz scene in the country.

Rise of Azerbaijani Jazz: From the Gaya Ensemble to Vagif Mustafazadeh

The true renaissance of Azerbaijani jazz, however, began with the iconic Gaya ensemble, formed by the talented Rafig Babayev. The ensemble quickly gained fame across the former Soviet Union, showcasing the countrys distinctive approach to jazz. But it was the genius of Vagif Mustafazadeh, a virtuoso pianist, that truly marked the height of Azerbaijani jazz. Mustafazadeh's groundbreaking fusion of mugham and jazz created a revolutionary sound that captured the attention of jazz lovers worldwide. His innovative compositions and performances marked the birth of a unique genre that combined the improvisational spirit of jazz with the deeply expressive melodies of mugham.

Continuing the Legacy: Aziza Mustafazadeh and Young Talents

Vagif Mustafazadehs legacy did not end with his passing. His daughter, Aziza Mustafazadeh, has become a celebrated figure in her own right, carrying forward the torch of her fathers musical vision while pushing the boundaries of jazz even further. Her contributions to both jazz and mugham have earned her a place on the global stage, allowing Azerbaijani jazz to continue its evolution.

The story of Azerbaijani jazz is far from over. New generations of musicians are continuing to build on the foundations laid by their predecessors.

One such artist is Isfar Sarabski, whose win at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival has brought him international recognition. Alongside him, other notable musicians such as Rain Sultanov, Salman Ganbarov, Emil Afrasiyaboglu, and Shahin Novrasli are keeping the Azerbaijani jazz tradition alive and thriving.
30 April 2025 16:32 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The Hungarian-Turkic Summit on Culture, Higher Education and Innovation has been held in the Hungarian capital Budapest, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijan was represented at the summit by a delegation led by Deputy Culture Minister Saadat Yusifova.

The opening ceremony, moderated by Hungarian Minister of Culture and Innovation Balazs Hanko, was addressed by Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTG) Kubanychbek Omuraliev. He stressed the importance of the summit, noting that such events make a significant contribution to the cultural cooperation of friendly countries.

Then two plenary sessions were organized on closer cooperation between the Turkic world and Hungary in the field of education and innovation. The sessions featured speeches by deputy ministers of education and innovation of the Turkic countries.

On the second day of the event, the summit continued with the third plenary session on the topic of "Common Cultural Ties: How Can We Better Cooperate as a Region to Showcase Our Traditions to the World?".

Following the speech by TURKSOY Secretary-General Sultan Raev, Azerbaijan Deputy Culture Minister Saadat Yusifova and her colleagues from Turkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan spoke.

In her speech, the Deputy Culture Minister particularly noted the successful results achieved in recent years within the framework of cultural cooperation between Azerbaijan and Hungary, and emphasized that friendly relations between the two countries are also developing at a high level in the cultural sphere.

She noted that in 2023, the Cultural Forum of the Turkic World was held for the first time in the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, Shusha, and significant initiatives were put forward on cultural cooperation between the Turkic states. At the same time, following the results of the Forum, the Shusha Declaration was adopted.

The rapprochement of the peoples is facilitated by the production of joint films reflecting the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Turkic republics, including animation, the implementation of exchange programs between specialists in this field, and much more.

A statement was adopted following the summit. The document reflects issues of further expansion of multilateral cooperation in the cultural sphere, strengthening cooperation in the film industry, as well as increasing the potential of young people in the areas of museum affairs and media literacy, and others.
30 April 2025 17:31 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Tatarstan to Azerbaijan has hosted a concert titled "Daughter of Two Worlds" dedicated to the memory of the outstanding composer Sofia Gubaidulina (1931-2025) and organised by the Tatar Community of Azerbaijan and the Baku Music Academy, Azernews reports.

The event curators, including Doctor of Philosophy in Art History, Senior Lecturer at the Baku Music Academy Alena Inyakina and Peace Ambassador, Director of the Department of Humanitarian and Commercial Projects of the Moscow State University "Europe-Asia" of the Institute for Peace Culture (UNESCO), member of the Azerbaijan Cultural Association Renat Ilyazov.

At the opening, the Chairman of the Tatar Community of Azerbaijan, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Veteran of Labour of Azerbaijan, Elmira Ilyazova and Renat Ilyazov addressed the assembled audience with greetings.

The host of the event, Alena Inyakina, spoke about the creative path of Sofia Gubaidulina - an incredibly titled and world-famous author, a person of rare dignity and equally rare modesty, whose name has become a symbol of modern academic musical art, and whose creative legacy is one of the most significant contributions to the development of academic music of the 20th century.

The audience was also able to see footage from a documentary chronicle and fragments of an interview with the composer herself, in which she shares her thoughts on music, creativity, art and man.

The concert program included piano miniatures by Sofia Gubaidulina performed by laureates of international competitions - Doctor of Philosophy in Art Criticism, BMA teacher Nargiz Kangarli and BMA student Narmin Guneshova, poems of classical poets were recited, presented by Renat Ilyazov and poet, translator, member of the Academy of Russian Folk Poetry Zaur Jafarov, and a dance to the music of Sofia Gubaidulina performed by ballerina and choreographer Natella Kadimova was demonstrated.

During the concert, the audience was in for a surprise, specially prepared for the event. This is the Baku premiere of three vocal miniatures by the composer, performed by laureate of international competitions, soloist of the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre, Yulia Heydarova and Alena Inyakina.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.
30 April 2025 10:22 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Bangladesh has expressed its keen interest in the opening of an Azerbaijani diplomatic mission in Dhaka, Azernews reported., citing Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin, as he said during the second round of interministerial political consultations with Azerbaijan.

The consultations were co-chaired by Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Jashim Uddin and Azerbaijans Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the full scope of bilateral cooperation and noted the positive trajectory in political, economic, cultural, and multilateral relations. Uddin reiterated Bangladeshs longstanding proposal to establish an Azerbaijani embassy in Dhakacurrently, Azerbaijans ambassador to India is also accredited to Bangladesh.

Praising Azerbaijans active engagement on the global climate agenda, the Bangladeshi minister also emphasized the need for practical steps to resolve the existing visa challenges faced by Bangladeshi citizens wishing to visit Azerbaijan.

As a result of the consultations, both parties agreed to prepare a series of memorandums of understanding, including a visa-free regime for diplomats and government officials. The next round of bilateral political consultations is scheduled to be held in Baku.
30 April 2025 11:02 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Today Azerbaijan marks the 26th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijani Special Forces. The Special Forces were founded on April 30, 1999. Officers and warrant officers who had participated in the First Garabagh War were involved in the formation of the unit, Azernews reports.

The Turkish Armed Forces Special Forces played an exceptional role in the development of Azerbaijans Special Forces. In addition, Azerbaijani special forces have participated in courses held at training centers in various countries and have repeatedly achieved high results in competitions held in the United States, Turkiye, and Pakistan.

Units of the Special Forces took part in the April 2016 clashes. During the fighting, numerous enemy personnel and military equipment were destroyed.

The Special Forces also demonstrated great bravery in the Patriotic War, which began on September 27, 2020. They played an invaluable role in liberating Azerbaijani territories from occupation. Their operation to scale cliffs and liberate the city of Shusha from occupation has gone down in military history.

The Azerbaijani Special Forces are equipped with modern weapons, combat gear, and technology produced by leading global defense industry companies.

It should be noted that the commander of the Special Forces is Major General Alakbar Jahangirov, a Hero of the Patriotic War.
30 April 2025 11:53 (UTC+04:00)

On April 30th, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the horticulture and cold storage complex of "Ismikhanli" Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the Gusar district, Azernews reports.

Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov briefed the President on the complex's operations.

The company has established state-of-the-art intensive orchards covering 330 hectares in Gusar and 30 hectares in Agsu. Currently, these orchards feature 230 hectares of apple trees, 35 hectares of pear trees, 26 hectares of peach trees, 21 hectares of nectarine trees, and 18 hectares of cherry trees. This intensive orchard model maximizes the efficient use of agricultural land and enables high productivity.

The complex maintains year-round sales and export of the harvested fruits. Products are sold on the local market and exported to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia.

Experts from Turkiye, Italy, and Spain have been brought in to ensure precise and efficient agro-technical practices in the orchards. Highly efficient drip irrigation technology is employed, ensuring environmental sustainability and preventing water loss. The farm's equipment fleet features modern machinery from leading global manufacturers.

The cold storage complex was commissioned in October 2023. It includes a refrigerated fruit storage facility with a capacity of 8,700 tons, a sorting and packaging area, a materials warehouse, and loading docks. The storage facility is equipped with 29 refrigeration chambers, each with a 300-ton capacity.

The modern sorting equipment categorizes fruits by color, shape, and size, ensuring packaging meets market demands. The sorting area also features equipment capable of producing over a thousand folding and gluing packaging boxes per hour.

The "Ismikhanli" horticulture and cold storage complex, a project valued at 18 million manats, provides 270 permanent jobs and 400 seasonal jobs. The Entrepreneurship Development Fund under the Ministry of Economy provided a concessional loan of 3.3 million manats to support the project. The company also benefited from customs and tax exemptions on imported equipment.
30 April 2025 11:39 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Israel Isaac Herzog, Azernews reports.

"Dear Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my sincerest congratulations and best wishes to you, and through you, to all your people on the occasion of the national holiday of the State of Israel  the Independence Day.

The high-level relations of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel are a clear manifestation of the historical bonds between our peoples, and of the respect and sympathy they share for each other. It is gratifying to see the dynamic and comprehensive development of Azerbaijan-Israel interstate relations, anchored on solid foundations such as mutual trust and support.

Azerbaijan attaches special importance to the enhancement of relations with its close friend and reliable partner, Israel.

Today, our countries are effectively collaborating in economic, trade, defense, humanitarian and other areas. I fondly recall our meeting with you in Davos in January of this year, and the exchange of views and discussions we held.

I believe that through our joint efforts the traditional ties of friendship between Azerbaijan and Israel, our mutually beneficial cooperation across several important spheres will continue to develop on an upward trajectory and will be further strengthened in line with the interests of our peoples in the coming years.

On such a festive day, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavours, and peace, tranquillity, and prosperity to the friendly people of Israel," the letter reads.
30 April 2025 14:25 (UTC+04:00)

On April 30, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park to inaugurate the construction chemicals production plant of "Kartash Kimya" LLC and the factory of "Az-Tex-Import" LLC for the production of IVECO-branded trucks and special-purpose vehicles, Azernews reports.

The event began with the inauguration of the construction chemicals production facility of "Kartash Kimya" LLC.

Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov first briefed the head of state on the operation of industrial zones in the country and the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park.

Currently, Azerbaijan has 9 industrial parks and 4 industrial districts. To date, 170 business entities have been granted resident or non-resident status within these zones, with a total investment volume of 8.1 billion manats. Entrepreneurs have invested over 6.9 billion manats into industrial zones, resulting in the creation of more than 10,600 permanent jobs. To date, the industrial zones have produced goods worth 16.2 billion manats, with 5.2 billion manats of that amount exported..

Established by Presidential Decree in 2011, the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park is Azerbaijan's first and the South Caucasus' largest industrial park.

Spanning 613 hectares, the park is home to competitive production and processing facilities in the petrochemical and other priority industries. Resident status has been granted to 39 business entities, representing a total investment of approximately 6 billion manats. Of these, 24 are already operational. With the inauguration of these two plants today, the number of operational enterprises has reached 26. To date, Park residents have generated approximately 14 billion manats in sales, with roughly 5 billion manats attributed to exports. In the first quarter of 2025, production in the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park increased by 14.2 percent, and exports by 17.2 percent, compared to the same period last year. The Park currently provides permanent employment for over 6,000 people. Products manufactured in the park are exported to more than 70 countries.

The head of state participated in the opening of the construction chemicals production plant of "Kartash Kimya" LLC within the Chemical Industrial Park.

President Ilham Aliyev learnt that "Kartash Kimya" LLC was granted resident status in the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park in July 2022. The head of state laid the foundation of the 2.5-hectare plant in 2023.

The features advanced Turkish machinery and seven production lines. The plant boasts a total annual production capacity of 295,000 tons, utilizing primarily domestically sourced raw materials. This new plant will not only expand the range of available products but also replace imports by producing previously unavailable items. The company also intends to export products to Turkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Russia, and Georgia.

The President officially launched the plant's operations.

The facility will produce cement-based dry mixes, waterproofing materials, flooring materials, cement grinding additives, concrete additives, and their essential raw materials.

The plant currently employs 102 individuals, with plans to expand the workforce to 245 in the next phase.

The investment volume of the project amounts to 25 million manats. A concessional loan of 6 million manats was provided to the enterprise by the Entrepreneurship Development Fund under the Ministry of Economy. The enterprise has also benefited from the incentives available to residents.

X X X

President Ilham Aliyev also participated in the opening of the IVECO truck and special-purpose vehicle manufacturing plant of "Az-Tex-Import" LLC.

"Az-Tex-Import" LLC was registered as a resident of the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park in April 2022. The President had also laid the foundation for this enterprise that year.

The facility will assemble IVECO trucks and special-purpose vehicles from Italy. Phase two of the project includes the production of vehicle bodies. The plant will produce 100 trucks and specialized vehicles and 300 bodies annually. The project anticipates the creation of 150 new jobs across both phases; 96 people have already been employed in the first phase.

The President officially launched the enterprise's operations.

In addition to selling products on the domestic market, the plant aims to export to international markets. "Az-Tex-Import" LLC has also benefited from all tax and customs incentives offered to Sumgayit Industrial Park residents.

The project, with a total investment of over 19.2 million manats, occupies an area of 4 hectares within the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park.

The commissioning of these new enterprises will bolster the development of Azerbaijan's non-oil sector, expand the country's export markets, accelerate economic diversification, and significantly contribute to increased employment.
30 April 2025 18:16 (UTC+04:00)

Within the framework of mutual commitments to strengthen bilateral relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State of Kuwait, the 3rd meeting of the Joint Commission for Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State of Kuwait was held on April 30, 2025, in Kuwait, Azernews reports, citing Azertag. The meeting was co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, Mr. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, with the participation of delegations from both countries.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the main goal of the meeting was to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations at all levels between Azerbaijan and Kuwait. These relations are based on mutual respect, shared interests, and coordinated actions on matters of mutual importance. The existing Joint Commission for Cooperation serves as a sustainable dialogue platform aimed at enhancing shared economic priorities and long-term cooperation between the two governments.

Both sides emphasized the importance of long-term development of relations between the two friendly countries, highlighting shared views on expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interestparticularly in energy, trade, investment, infrastructure, high technology, transportation, agriculture, food security, education, healthcare, tourism, media, and sports. The parties also stressed the importance of taking concrete steps and coordinated actions to strengthen bilateral ties.

The Commission agreed on additional measures to increase trade turnover, promote economic cooperation, support joint industrial and technological initiatives, and improve logistics services to facilitate trade between Azerbaijan and Kuwait. Opportunities to expand cooperation in the energy sector, including oil and gas, were discussed. The importance of identifying joint initiatives in clean energy projects that support the long-term diversification of economic resources was also noted.

The Kuwaiti side congratulated Azerbaijan on successfully hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). Kuwait emphasized that hosting such a significant international event with broad global participation reflects Azerbaijans prominent role and special status in the international arena, and commended Azerbaijans organizational efforts in creating favorable conditions for the success of the conference. The two sides expressed high appreciation for their cooperation and mutual support in multilateral partnerships and various international forums.

In the context of AzerbaijanGulf cooperation, Azerbaijan expressed appreciation for Kuwaits role as chair of the current session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The sides expressed their intention to pursue cooperation on relevant issues and to implement the 20242028 Joint Action Plan between the GCC and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Regional and international issues requiring attention were also reviewed. Both parties emphasized the importance of supporting efforts to achieve international peace and security, and underlined the necessity of resolving conflicts in accordance with the UN Charter and principles of international law. Azerbaijan and Kuwait reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each others sovereignty and territorial integrity.

At the conclusion of the 3rd Joint Commission meeting, the parties signed the approved protocol of the session, along with monitoring mechanisms and annexes, including a joint roadmap for the next two years. This roadmap outlines the activities of the relevant institutions of both countries through strategic cooperation across various fields, detailing specific procedures and a timeline covering the period 20252027. The parties also signed a cooperation agreement in the field of agriculture, along with several action programs in sports, culture, and tourism.

Finally, both parties agreed to hold the 4th meeting of the Joint Commission in 2027 in Baku, the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
30 April 2025 16:55 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

April 30 marks a solemn yet proud chapter in Azerbaijans military history  the anniversary of the formation of its elite Special Forces, whose name has become synonymous with precision, courage, and unmatched combat capability.

Established in 1999 under the visionary leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijans Special Forces (SSF) were conceived not merely as a tactical asset but as a strategic necessity. Formed by veterans of the First Garabagh War and molded through cooperation with the Turkish Armed Forces, these elite units were built from the outset to be fast, adaptable, and lethal. Over the past 25 years, they have become the iron edge of Azerbaijans military.

"The liberation of Shusha is the brightest page of the war Our lions and heroes paved the way forward with their bare hands, their own feet and with their own chests." - President Ilham Aliyev's speech in 2022.

This powerful statement, delivered recently by President Ilham Aliyev, encapsulates the very soul of the Special Forces  warriors willing to embrace death so that their country may rise victorious. Their legacy was forged in blood, and nowhere was it more clearly displayed than in the defining battles of Azerbaijans modern military history.

From April 2016 to Shusha: rewriting the course of war

The April battles of 2016 served as a strategic and psychological turning point, demonstrating to both Azerbaijan and the world that its army  and its special forces in particular  were no longer what they had once been. These operations were a prelude to the Patriotic War of 2020, in which the SSF played a decisive role, especially during the liberation of Shusha  a feat that many military observers described as one of the most complex urban and mountainous assaults in recent regional history.

Hand-to-hand combat, infiltration behind enemy lines, psychological endurance, and asymmetric warfare  these were the domains where the Special Forces excelled. Their triumph was not simply due to firepower or advanced equipment but to selflessness and an unbreakable will, attributes that President Aliyev described as "decisive" to the victory.

Trained to survive, prepared to win

Entry into the Special Forces is not granted  it is earned. It requires enduring one of the most demanding selection and training processes in the Azerbaijani military. Training spans every domain of modern warfare: close quarters combat, deep reconnaissance, survival, engineering, sniper shooting, medical response, diving, landing, and unconventional tactics.

These elite warriors have trained in some of the worlds toughest military environments  from Turkiye, Pakistan, and the USA, consistently earning top honors in international competitions. The result is a force that combines local knowledge with global tactical expertise.

In the post-war era, Azerbaijans defense doctrine continues to evolve. The modernization of the Special Forces reflects this trajectory. Armed with cutting-edge weaponry and systems produced by top-tier international defense firms, Azerbaijans SSF are now more prepared than ever to confront hybrid threats and protect national interests  not just in wartime, but in peace.

Their continued development, alongside the establishment of new special units, signals a clear message: Azerbaijan is ready for any scenario in the region. The threats may evolve, but so does the resolve.

For Azerbaijan, the Special Forces are more than just a military unit  they are a symbol of national endurance, honor, and strength. Their heroism has been immortalized in the names of "National Hero of Azerbaijan" and "Hero of the Patriotic War," bestowed upon those who laid down their lives or stood firm in the fiercest battles.

On this anniversary, as the red berets of the Special Forces stand proud, Azerbaijan remembers not just their victories but the values they represent: discipline, loyalty, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in the nation's future.
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The abuse of power to push a partisan political agenda by the radical leftwing Obama and Biden judges just keeps getting worse.. They are unelected, unaccountable political appointees but they think they should make policy instead of the President and Congress who are elected by the voters to do so.

The latest outrage in the ongoing judicial insurrection or judicial coup d'etat comes from a Biden judge in California, Jennifer L. Thurston who thinks she can reinstate Biden's disastrous "catch and release" policies for illegal aliens by court order. Thurston has signed an order to the Border Patrol in the eastern district of California that they cannot detain illegal aliens crossing the border or even ask their status unless the Border Patrol can prove they are about the flee. She ordered the Border Patrol to send her reports on who they stop.

This travesty of a case was filed by the radical left ACLU. Like Boasberg, this judge did not even have jurisdiction over the subject matter. Federal immigration law does not give a federal district court judge any jurisdiction in immigration cases UNLESS the case has gone before an immigration judge first, which this case had not. But like many Obama and Biden judges, she just ignored the law to get the political result she wanted.

So this judge, without the power to do so has ordered the Border Patrol to reopen the border to illegal aliens. It would be fitting if the FBI were to arrest her for harboring illegal aliens.

America has a badly broken judicial system and it needs to be fixed.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/04/unbelievable-race-baiting-biden-judge-orders-border-agents/
Up to 140 jobs could be lost from Derry with the devastating blow of the closure of the citys BT office, an MP has said.

The entire site is understood to be closing and some jobs will be moved to Belfast.

An email sent to staff, and shared with this newspaper, shows that BT wants customers to resolve common billing issues online rather than by phone call.

The company created an automated virtual assistant which is now supporting customers online.

AI and other technological improvements, the email says, will increase customer self-serve journeys, with the company keen to reduce costs and drive revenue growth given challenging market conditions.

The communication says Derry is not a long-term strategic location for the BT Group and the building is not considered suitable for long-term occupation and no longer meets the standard of accommodation that we want for our people.

It adds: "After careful consideration weve taken the difficult decision to propose closing the Customer Service Billing operations in Derry-Londonderry and, BT Group has taken the difficult decision to propose closing Derry-Londonderry TE to all desk-based workers.

It says that for team members and team leaders who work in those roles, their last day will be September 30, with two team members and two team leaders staying until March 31 2026 "to support the transition of work and accountabilities  if they dont wish to accept that offer, their final day is September 30.

BT building in Derry. Photo: Martin McKeown

News Catch Up - Wednesday 30 April

Derry City & Strabane council unanimously backed a motion from People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin requesting a meeting with BT management.

The motion from councillors will express the concern and the anger felt by people across the city following the announcement.

It adds: The council requests the Economy Minister and Invest NI work with the council and the trade union to do everything possible to support workers and employment here.

Mr Harkin said targeting and stripping jobs out of Derry is an absolute disgrace and is a decision driven by maximising profits, with no care shown to workers or their communities.

SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said the proposed loss of around 140 jobs in the city will have a serious impact.

This is devastating news for BT workers, their families and the broader local economy in Derry, he added.

"At a time when we need to be investing more in jobs and opportunities in our city, the proposed loss of these jobs will have a serious impact.

I am in touch with senior leaders at BT about these plans and am relaying the outrage in Derry that staff and the whole community will be feeling. Relocating these roles to India and Belfast is a mistake, it makes regional economic imbalances worse and its a direct transfer of opportunity from our city to other places that do not need it.

I will be raising this mater directly with Ministers in London and Belfast. Both have indicated their commitment to addressing the opportunity gap and its time that they put their money where their mouth is."

Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin said: This is a devastating blow to our city and to the workers now facing huge uncertainty.

Immediate support must be put in place for all those affected  including options for redeployment, retraining and financial help.

Once again, we are seeing jobs stripped from Derry while services are centralised in Belfast. That is not sustainable and its not fair. People here should not have to relocate or commute to access secure, good-quality employment.

BT said: BT is going through an ambitious modernisation programme and consolidating buildings within its estate from more than 300 to closer to 30, modern workspaces. We are considering closing our office in Derry-Londonderry and we are consulting with colleagues and their unions on our proposals.

"Where appropriate, people will be given the opportunity to relocate to other roles at our Riverside Tower office in Belfast, which benefited from a multi-million pound refurbishment in 2023 and which is home to around 2,000 people. Benefiting from a state-of-the-art workplace, there are also greater career opportunities within a larger location for colleagues. Theres no impact to customers from these proposals.

BT Group remains committed to Northern Ireland, building full fibre broadband further and faster than anyone else. Weve already reached nearly 90% of homes and businesses with Openreachs full fibre broadband network, and with extensive 5G and 4G mobile coverage from EE, Northern Ireland is the most digitally connected region in the UK.
DUP calls for special council meeting to address serious concerns over Kneecaps Belfast concert

It comes as dozens of artists defend under-fire Belfast rappers

Kneecap (Photo by Kevin Scott)

James McNaney Wed 30 Apr 2025 at 22:30

The DUP has requested a special meeting of Belfast City Council be called to condemn remarks attributed to a west Belfast rap group.
It felt like a safe space: Inside the NI charity transforming lives of children and young people in care

Arlene Harris meets the CEO of Include Youth and some of the service users she has helped

Include Youth has branches across Northern Ireland

Arlene Harris Wed 30 Apr 2025 at 08:46







With almost 4,000 children and young people in care in Northern Ireland  the highest number recorded since 1995  the right support is crucial in order for them to get the best start in life.
Latest | Gerry Adams tells trial that BBC show containing claim he sanctioned Denis Donaldson murder was a hatchet job

The former West Belfast MP gave evidence on the second day of his defamation case against the BBC in Dublin over a claim that he played a role in Denis Donaldsons murder

Former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams arrives at the High Court in Dublin where he is bringing a legal action against the BBC. Photo: PA

Shane Phelan Wed 30 Apr 2025 at 19:14

Ex-Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has described as a hatchet job a BBC programme in which it was alleged he sanctioned the killing of former party official Denis Donaldson.
A Co Tyrone man has appeared in court accused of domestic violence offences allegedly committed just weeks after he was released on bail for serious motoring offences.
Latest | UK Government cruel and inhumane to challenge court ruling over Sean Brown public inquiry, First Minister says

The High Court had given the NIO four weeks to consider the ruling

Bridie Brown, the wife of Sean Brown with his daughters (Liam McBurney/PA)

Liam Tunney Wed 30 Apr 2025 at 17:27







A UK Government decision to challenge a court ruling that their decision not to hold a public inquiry into the murder of a GAA official in 1997 was unlawful is cruel and inhumane the First Minister has said.
Lidl to open new store at the foot of the Mourne Mountains

Lidl has announced the opening of a new store at the foot of the Mourne Mountains on a new site which will allow a local rescue group to expand.

Paralympic Gold Medalist Bethany Firth will cut the ribbon at the grand opening on Thursday, June 19 to welcome new and existing customers to the new concept store.

The new unit at Shan Slieve Drive and Bryansford Road at the foot of the hills will see the existing store at Railway Street in Newcastle town centre relocate after almost 25 years.

Occupying a site of 12,236 square metres, with sales floor space of 1,338 square metres, the site will also provide the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team the space it needs to develop a new facility.

Commenting on the first store opening in the region since taking up his new role as Regional Managing Director for Lidl Northern Ireland Gordon Cruikshanks said: "We have been serving the Newcastle community for the last 25 years from our former premises in Railway Street and our project to develop this brand-new store for the local area has been in planning for the last nine years.

"Newcastle is a thriving community and bustling seaside town attracting visitors from across the island of Ireland. With growing customer numbers in the area and more shoppers choosing to Go Full Lidl, we had long outgrown our original store so it's fantastic to now confirm a June opening for the new store.

Shoppers will be able to enjoy a fully modern, expansive and spacious store, built with sustainability and longevity at the fore, with a few customisations making this a unique store in our portfolio.

Beyond providing shoppers with the best customer experience in the town, were looking forward to completing construction of the site to enable the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team to construct an upgraded new base for their services which are invaluable in this community.

The new Lidl store will incorporate energy efficient features, including LED lighting, heat pumps and PV solar panels, thereby reducing carbon emissions.

Unique for the site is the retailers first store with a living roof - designed to blend seamlessly with the stores backdrop set within the Mourne Mountains Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Parking for 147 vehicles as well as two electric vehicle charging points also feature in the build.

The 6.3m investment will see 15 new jobs added, bringing the total team employed at Lidls Newcastle store to 37.

The project also saw over 200 jobs created as part of the planning and construction process.

The Newcastle store is the latest investment by Lidl Northern Ireland in the region, complementing new store opening in recent years in Boucher Road, Stewartstown, Carryduff and Coleraine.
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 30th April 2025 Jamie Bryson arrives at the High Court in Belfast to being his legal challenge to Irish language signs being installed in Grand Central Station. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

No planned work to install Irish language signage at Grand Central Station in Belfast will take place for at least six months, the High Court heard today.

Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson is challenging Sinn Fein Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins decision to approve the 150,000 scheme at the citys public transport hub.

But a judge was told today that it was unnecessary to impose an interim order against any changes to signs in the station due to the timeframe for a procurement process.

Counsel for the Minister also indicated that Mr Bryson could face a claim for damages if he does seek an injunction and ultimately loses his case.

Tony McGleenan KC submitted: Lets say the costs of IT or signage goes up by 50,000 and the case fails, we need to know if that will be met, he said.

Judicial review proceedings were issued after Ms Kimmins announced in March that Irish signage would be installed at Grand Central and on ticket vending machines.

She said the decision was based on a commitment to promotion of the language and the importance of the station reflecting all citizens.

Representing himself in the case, Mr Bryson contends she unlawfully breached the Ministerial Code by failing to refer the issue to the Executive Committee for discussion and agreement.

Under Stormont rules any significant, controversial or cross-cutting decision should be tabled for consideration by the power-sharing cabinet.

Work to introduce the bilingual displays had been put on hold until May 1 due to the legal action.

At a preliminary hearing today, the department insisted there was no need for Mr Bryson to seek any further injunctive relief.

The progression of any changes on signage at Grand Central Station will be the subject of a procurement exercise before any works can actually take place to the signage and associated IT, Mr McGleenan disclosed.

The projected timescale for that is about six months, there will be no physical changes until that process has been completed.

Confirming the challenge is being resisted, Mr McGleenan highlighted that a TUV petition in the Assembly against the dual language signage attracted no signatures from any other MLAs.

But according to Mr Bryson the petition was a political development irrelevant to his case.

They ought to have signed it, but legally it has no consequence, he submitted.

He claimed Ms Kimmins has made clear she does not believe it was a controversial decision.

She is not for turning and it is precisely the type of case where the court should intervene, the activist said.

The Minister has somewhat defiantly in a PAP (Pre-Action Protocol) response set out that she is not referring the matter back, she is defending her position.

At one point the judge asked if he was prepared to give assurances over any financial damages or losses incurred if sought after he obtained an injunction in an ultimately unsuccessful challenge.

Yes I would give such an undertaking, Mr Bryson confirmed.

If I was not confident in my own case I would not be here.

Listing the judicial review application for hearing on May 9, Mr Justice Scoffield declined to impose any interim order.

He told the activist: The main reason why Im not going to do that is it would put you at risk if it comes to a cross-undertaking in damages.

Secondly, Ive been told by senior Crown counsel, acting on instructions, that the practical position is that nothing is going to happen in the near future.

It is unnecessary for me to exercise the courts coercive powers.
An elderly man and woman have escaped injury following an arson attack in north Belfast.

The occupants, both aged in their 80s, were at the rear of their home in the Clifton Drive area of the city when it was targeted shortly after 9.45pm on Tuesday.

Neighbours came to the rescue after a quantity of rubbish was set alight close to the front door and helped put out the flames before NIFRS crews arrived and fully extinguished the blaze.

A PSNI spokesperson said: A man and a woman, both in their 80s were at the rear of the property during the incident but were not injured.

"Had neighbours not assisted, this could have been a very different set of circumstances.

"We would like to thank them for their quick actions and making the family of the couple aware.

Enquiries are continuing and the fire is being treated as deliberate ignition. Police would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have any information, to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 1853 29/04/25.
Revealed | Blair and Trimble wanted Queen to visit Ireland in 2000  but Taoiseach feared for her security

First Minister told British Ambassador that a successful visit to Ireland by the monarch would be very helpful to him personally.

The Queen chatting to fishmonger Pat O'Connell as she visited the English Market in Cork in 2011 (Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty)

Sam McBride Wed 30 Apr 2025 at 07:37

More than a decade before Queen Elizabeth IIs seminal state visit to Ireland, Tony Blair and David Trimble suggested such a visit  but were knocked back by the taoiseach, declassified files reveal.
Latest | Murdered MPs widower was fan of Kneecap movie until he watched 'kill your MP' video: 'Its not taken out of context'

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Brendan Cox says band should stop blaming establishment conspiracy and take responsibility for outrageous words heard in video clip

Kneecap rappers Mo Chara, DJ Provai and Moglai Bap. Photo: Michael Cooper/Getty. Inset: Labour MP Jo Cox, who was murdered outside a library in West Yorkshire in 2016 (photo by Yui Mok/PA Wire), and her widower Brendan Cox, who has since remarried.

Kurtis Reid Wed 30 Apr 2025 at 07:32

The widower of murdered politician Jo Cox has said Belfast rap group Kneecaps apology isnt genuine, revealing that he initially believed their alleged remarks urging fans to kill your local MP had been taken out of context  until he reviewed the footage himself.
A council deputy mayor has warned elected members that their low attendance could have put a meeting with health chiefs at risk.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) held a special sitting with both the South Eastern and Belfast Trust this month to respond to constituents medical concerns, six months after questions were lodged by reps.
TUV hits out at other unionist parties over dual language signs  but DUP explains decision to swerve petition

Timothy Gaston has hit out at other unionist parties for not signing the petition

Belfast's Grand Central Station

Liam Tunney Tue 29 Apr 2025 at 17:42







The TUV has hit out at its fellow unionist parties after not a single MLA joined the party's petition against the Infrastructure Ministers decision to install dual language signs at Belfasts Grand Central Station.
Criticism as deputy First Minister and husband take in the tennis alongside stars at Wimbledon
Shoppers face higher prices as a result of Houthi disruption to international shipping, the Defence Secretary has warned after airstrikes by British forces.

After a Royal Air Force strike against a drone manufacturing facility used by the Houthi militia in Yemen, John Healey said the UK took action in part because ordinary people pay the price for Red Sea disruption in the food they buy, the goods they depend on.

It is the first time the RAF has struck Houthi targets in Yemen since May 2024, under Rishi Sunaks administration, and it was part of a joint operation alongside US forces.

It came after a leaked US Signal group chat revealed vice president JD Vance hated bailing Europe out and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said European freeloading was pathetic.

At the despatch box on Wednesday, Mr Healey said: This is a matter of freedom of navigation.

Its a matter of international law, but its a matter of economic self-interest for us in Britain because the price paid by the disruption to world shipping and this essential trade route through the Red Sea, that price is paid by ordinary people in the food they buy, the goods they depend on, and that is in part why weve taken the action we did last night.

The Defence Secretary had earlier said: I can tell the House now this afternoon that our initial assessment is that the planned targets were all successfully hit, and weve seen no evidence of civilian casualties.

He told the Commons that since November 2023, the Houthis had launched more than 320 attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, adding: Maritime routes have been disrupted, sailors have been killed, commercial ships have been hit and sunk.

Houthis have even targeted aid vessels destined for Yemen itself, as well as military vessels of our allies and partners.

Commons defence committee chairman Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the Labour MP for Slough, said: Houthi attacks since 2023 have tragically killed innocent merchant mariners, led to a shocking 55% drop in shipping through the Red Sea costing billions, fuelled regional instability and has exacerbated the cost-of-living crisis here in the UK and across the globe.

But how confident is (Mr Healey) based on current intelligence that after yesterdays strike that there will be freedom of navigation and that there will be no further loss of life because of the Houthis?

Mr Healey replied that there is no overnight solution to this but added: The evidence that is reported from the US military of this new, sustained, intensive campaign seems to be having an effect on the pace and the rate and the threat that the Houthis pose.

And our action last night was designed to reinforce that campaign, to support the push for regional stability and also to protect the domestic economy and the impact of the disruption in international shipping and the effect that that has on prices for ordinary people.

The Defence Secretary has previously warned that a 55% drop in shipping through the Red Sea had already cost this economy billions.

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The Houthis claim their actions in the region are in response to Israels war on Hamas in Gaza, an assertion dismissed by the UK and allies.

The MoD said careful intelligence analysis identified a cluster of buildings used by the Houthis to manufacture drones around 15 miles south of capital Sanaa.

The strikes were conducted by Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, which used Paveway IV precision-guided bombs.

Asked on Wednesday if the UK had escalated its involvement as a result of US concerns revealed in leaked Signal messages, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said: We have always provided support to the United States on this.

In recent months, weve been supporting the US whether it is through air-to-air refuelling, the use of Diego Garcia, the provision of RAF Typhoons to support the defence of the US carrier strike groups which have been coming under daily attack from Houthi missiles and drones.

In the Commons chamber, Liberal Democrat international development spokeswoman Monica Harding asked: Can I ask the Secretary of State, is he confident about the appropriate security for our military personnel given the previous leaks from the Trump administration on Signal giving details of attacks before they happened, and what reassurances he has had from the United States?

Mr Healey replied: I am confident. We handle secure communications in secure ways and we do that consistently here in the UK.
The Swedish journalist was arrested as he arrived in the country to cover protests happening following the arrest of Istanbuls mayor (Francisco Seco/AP)

Joakim Medin was given an 11-month suspended prison term, a media rights group said, but he remains in custody awaiting the outcome of a separate trial on terrorism-related charges.

Medin, a journalist with the daily newspaper Dagens ETC, was detained on March 27 as he arrived at Istanbul airport.

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He arrived in the city to cover last months nationwide protests that erupted following the arrest of Istanbuls popular mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu.

The journalist was jailed days later on charges of insulting Erdogan and membership of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK.

No trial date has been set for his second trial, where he could face a maximum sentence of nine years in prison.

Medin, who is being held in Istanbuls high-security Marmara Prison, joined Wednesdays hearing in the capital Ankara via a video conference system.

The charges against him were based on an investigation launched by the Ankara Public Prosecutors Office into a rally in Stockholm on January 11 2023, which was attended by supporters of the PKK and included an effigy of Erdogan hanging by his feet.

According to the Turkish Presidencys communications department, the prosecutors office identified 15 suspects, including Medin, who had organised, participated or covered the event.

It said Medin also allegedly facilitated communication between the PKK and media outlets.

During the opening hearing, Medin reported multiple violations of his basic rights during the initial stages of his detention, including the right to access to a translator, to a lawyer and consular services, according to the Media and Law Studies Association, or MLSA, which observed the proceeding.

He denied that he was present at the rally.

The indictment begins with a protest I did not attend and includes (social media) posts I did not share, the MLSA cited Medin as telling the court.

On January 11 2023, a small group of activists held a protest in front of the city hall, hanging an effigy of Erdogan upside down, the journalist continued. I wasnt there  I was working in Germany at the time. I had no knowledge of this protest and made no social media posts about it.

The PKK has waged a 40-year insurgency in Turkey, which has cost tens of thousands of lives and is designated a terrorist organisation by Ankara and its Western allies.

A peace initiative between the Turkish state and the PKK was initiated in October, and the organisation declared a ceasefire at the beginning of March upon a call to do so by its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan.
Harvey Weinstein appears in state court in Manhattan for his retrial (Sarah Yenesel/Pool Photo via AP)

A former TV production assistant told a jury that Harvey Weinstein held her down on a bed and forced oral sex on her after she told him: No, no  its not going to happen.

Dabbing her eyes as she gave evidence on Wednesday, Miriam Haley recalled what ran through her mind during the alleged July 2006 assault: The unthinkable was happening, I just thought any unthinkable thing could happen. I just didnt know where it ended.

Weinstein, sitting between his lawyers, shook his head as she spoke.

Miriam Haley, centre, an accuser giving evidence at Harvey Weinsteins rape trial, arrives to the courtroom after a break in New York (Seth Wenig/AP)

Haley, who has also gone by the name Mimi Haleyi, is the first of the former Hollywood honchos accusers to testify at his rape retrial.

It is happening because New Yorks highest court overturned Weinsteins 2020 conviction.

The 73-year-old former studio boss has pleaded not guilty and denies sexually assaulting anyone.

Ms Haley, 48, testified at the original trial and was candid last year about her ambivalence about repeating the experience.

Her demeanour on Wednesday was calm and matter-of-fact, if briefly tearful, as she answered prosecutors graphic questions about the alleged assault.

Ms Haley got to know Weinstein through a mutual connection. She worked on the Weinstein-produced reality show Project Runway in June 2006 and had a series of interactions with him that were sometimes inappropriate and suggestive, but other times professional and polite, she told jurors.

She insisted said she was only looking for professional opportunity  not sex or romance  with the then-powerful producer of such Oscar winners as Shakespeare in Love and Gangs of New York.

Ms Haley said she accepted an invitation to visit Weinsteins Manhattan apartment one early evening because she felt it would have been odd to decline  she was due to fly on his companys dime to Los Angeles the next day to see a premiere of the companys film Clerks II.

Harvey Weinstein appears in state court in Manhattan for his retrial in New York (Sarah Yenesel/Pool Photo via AP)

Almost as soon as she and Weinstein sat down on his living room sofa, he lunged to kiss her, she testified.

She said she leapt up and rejected him, but he grabbed her and forcibly backed her into a bedroom.

Ms Haley said he then pinned her down on a bed and performed oral sex on her, ignoring her pleas that she didnt want it.

After the alleged assault, she felt shocked, disgusted, humiliated and trapped as to what to do about it, she recalled.

The Finnish-born Ms Haley said she ultimately did not call police because she feared getting in immigration trouble for having worked on Project Runway while on a tourist visa.

Ms Haley and two of her friends testified that she soon told them, however, that Weinstein had sexually assaulted her.

A few weeks later, Ms Haley said, she agreed to meet Weinstein at a Manhattan hotel, expecting theyd talk in the lobby and hoping to navigate the whole situation in a way that would make me feel better about myself and would have the most upside to me.

When she was told instead to go to his room, she did, and let him steer her onto the bed for sex that she didnt want but didnt physically resist because she felt stupid for having agreed to meet him at all, she said.

Still, I made it clear at all occasions when he made advances that I didnt want to go there, she said.

Miriam Haley says she stayed in touch with Weinstein because she was desperate for work and wanted to derive some professional benefit from knowing him (Seth Wenig/AP)

Over the next few months, Ms Haley asked Weinsteins assistant for a plane ticket to London.

I didnt feel bad about it, after everything that had happened, especially, she said.

Jurors were shown occasional reminders to call HW on Haleys 2006 calendar. She said those calls were about jobs, projects or pitching ideas.

She testified that she stayed in touch because she was desperate for work and wanted to derive some professional benefit from knowing Weinstein.

His lawyers have not had their chance to question Ms Haley and potentially try to poke holes in her account.

The defence has argued that all of Weinsteins accusers consented to sexual encounters with him in hopes of getting work in show business.

Weinsteins retrial includes charges based on allegations from Ms Haley and another accuser from the original trial, Jessica Mann, who was once an aspiring actor. She alleges that Weinstein raped her in 2013.

He is also being tried, for the first time, on an allegation of forcing oral sex on former model Kaja Sokola in 2006. Her claim was not part of the first trial.

Mann and Sokola are also expected to testify at some point.

The Associated Press generally does not name people who allege they have been sexually assaulted unless they give permission for their names to be used. Ms Haley, Ms Mann and Ms Sokola have done so.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in February (Mystyslav Chernov/AP)

Ukraine is prepared to sign a landmark mineral resources agreement with the United States in Washington on Wednesday, according to two senior Ukrainian officials.

Ukraines economy minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, was in Washington on Wednesday to help sew up technical aspects of the deal, according to two senior Ukrainian officials.

Although the main part of the agreement had been settled, there were still hurdles to overcome, said a senior Ukrainian official.

For Ukraine, the deal is seen as key to ensuring its access to future US military aid.

Ukraine hopes that the deal allowing the US to access its rare minerals will ensure continued support from the US in the war against Russia (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said: Truly, this is a strategic deal for the creation of an investment partner fund.

This is truly an equal and good international deal on joint investment in the development and restoration of Ukraine between the governments of the United States and Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump indicated in February that he wanted access to Ukraines rare earth materials as a condition for continuing US support in the war, describing it as reimbursement for the billions of dollars in aid the US has given to Kyiv.

But talks stalled after a tense Oval Office meeting of US and Ukrainian leaders, and reaching an agreement since then has proven difficult and strained relations between Washington and Kyiv.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House that the Trump administration was ready to sign off on a deal, but that there was still work to do.

The Ukrainians decided last night to make some last-minute changes, Mr Bessent said when asked about reports that Ukraine was ready to agree to the pact.

Were sure that they will reconsider that. And we are ready to sign this afternoon if they are.

He did not elaborate as to the late changes he said Ukraine had made.

Emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

The US is seeking access to more than 20 raw materials deemed strategically critical to its interests, including some non-minerals such as oil and natural gas.

Among them are Ukraines deposits of titanium, which is used for making aircraft wings and other aerospace manufacturing, and uranium, which is used for nuclear power, medical equipment and weapons.

Ukraine also has lithium, graphite and manganese, which are used in electric vehicle batteries.

Talks had stalled earlier this year after a tense Oval Office meeting in February between the US and Ukrainian leaders.

For Ukraine, the deal is seen as possibly key in getting future military aid from the US.

The Ukrainian Cabinet approved the agreement on Wednesday, empowering Mr Svyrydenko to sign it in Washington.

Once signed by both sides, the deal would need to be ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament before it could take effect.

Firefighters put out a fire following a Russian drone attack that hit apartment buildings in Kharkiv, Ukraine (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

In Moscow, a senior Kremlin official said on Wednesday that clinching a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war is far too complex to be done quickly, as the US labours to bring momentum to peace efforts and expresses frustration over the slow progress.

The negotiations come amid rocky progress in Washingtons push to stop the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin backs calls for a ceasefire before peace negotiations, but before its done, its necessary to answer a few questions and sort out a few nuances, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Mr Putin is also ready for direct talks with Ukraine without preconditions to seek a peace deal, he added.

We realise that Washington wants to achieve quick progress, but we hope for understanding that the Ukrainian crisis settlement is far too complex to be done quickly, Mr Peskov said.

Meanwhile, a night-time Russian drone attack on Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, wounded at least 45 civilians, officials said.

The United Nations reported that Ukrainian civilians have been killed or wounded in attacks every day this year.

The UN Human Rights Office said in the report that in the first three months of this year, it had verified 2,641 civilian casualties in Ukraine.

That was almost 900 more than during the same period last year.

Also, between April 1 and April 24, civilian casualties in Ukraine were up 46% from the same weeks in 2024, it said.
Key witness in Craigavon Two murder trial avoids jail over drug dealing

High profile case ended in jailing of two dissidents for 2009 killing of PSNI Constable Stephen Carroll

Brendan McConville (left) and John Paul Wootton

John Toner Wed 30 Apr 2025 at 20:00

A key witness who helped secure convictions against two dissident republicans for the murder of Constable Stephen Carroll has been handed a suspended sentence for drug dealing.
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There are very few questions on which more depends than the question of whether or not Jesus Christ rose from the dead 2,000 years ago. If the Christian claim that He did is true, then there is good reason to believe that Christians truly know God. If Jesus did not rise, however, then more than 2 billion people are living a lie. To raise the stakes even further, most religions would agree that there is nothing more or less than billions of souls at stake given that the question of whether or not Jesus was resurrected ties directly into the claim of whether or not He was actually God.

Christians have been acquiring and sharing evidence that Christ really was resurrected for centuries, and skeptics have argued their own case for why the Resurrection is a myth for almost as long. One question that comes up repeatedly in these debates is how much the Bible can be relied upon as an objective source. Some people claim that the New Testament should not be used as a historical source at all because it is a religious text first and foremost. On the other end of the spectrum are people who claim the Bible should be treated as a completely objective and accurate historical text. In the middle are those who believe that the Bible is a decent reference but its stories need to be confirmed through other sources and that it should be treated with no more or less scrutiny than any other first century document.



Given how contentious the use of the Bible can be in a debate, it is best to have other sources to back up an argument about the Resurrection. So, what would those sources be? Is there evidence for the Resurrection outside of the Bible?



The short answer is that yes, there is. The Bible is by far the greatest source of information about the Resurrection, and there are non-theological reasons to treat the Bible as a legitimate source when investigating first century Israel and the life of Christ. It is one of the most complete and oldest sources that describes the events of Jesus life. The Bible is also far easier to fact check than many ancient documents as the Bible has a habit of including specifics. Places, people and dates are often referenced in its pages, many of which can be confirmed as fact or fiction. Early non-Christian sources for the life and resurrection of Christ are more difficult to find simply because it took time for Christianity to spread and for non-Christians to become interested in the life of Christ. For decades after Christs death, Christians were a small but unnervingly zealous religious group. It was not until they began to increase in number and strength that people from outside Judaism and Christianity became curious about the man for which the religion was named. That said, there are some early sources besides the Bible that point toward confirming the Resurrection.



One of the most trusted sources for information on ancient Israel is the Jewish historian Josephus. He was more interested in the history of his people than with the birth and growth of the strange new offshoot of Judaism that was beginning to be known as Christianity, but he does reference Jesus twice. One of the times Jesus is mentioned by Josephus is actually when he is discussing Jesus brother, James. In the Antiquities of the Jews book 20, chapter 9, Josephus names James as the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ. As a Jew, Josephus does not claim that Jesus of Nazareth was the prophesized Messiah, but he does use Jesus identification as Christ as a way to differentiate Him from the 20 other people named Jesus who are mentioned in Josephus work. Josephus other reference to Christ is in what is called the Testimonium Flavianum. The text, as it normally stands, reads in many ways, like something a Christian would write:



About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call him a man. For he was one who performed surprising deeds and was a teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly. He won over many Jews and many of the Greeks. He was the Christ. And when, upon the accusation of the principal men among us, Pilate had condemned him to a cross, those who had first come to love him did not cease. He appeared to them spending a third day restored to life, for the prophets of God had foretold these things and a thousand other marvels about him. And the tribe of the Christians, so called after him, has still to this day not disappeared.



This, of course, is not something that a Jew would write. That said, the structure of the passage and the way the passage about James is constructed strongly suggests that the Testimonium Flavianum is not a complete construction by later Christian readers. Josephus makes it clear in the passage about James that he has already referenced Jesus, who was called Christ elsewhere. The Testimonium Flavianum is the only other place Jesus is referenced by name, and it comes before the passage about James. As such, it is believed that the Testimonium Flavianum originally reference Christ but was tampered with later. The discovery of another version of Josephus Antiquities, however, contains what is most likely the original passage:



At this time there was a wise man called Jesus, and his conduct was good, and he was known to be virtuous. Many people among the Jews and the other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. But those who had become his disciples did not abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive. Accordingly, he was perhaps the Messiah, concerning whom the prophets have reported wonders. And the tribe of the Christians, so named after him, has not disappeared to this day.



This is something a Jew could write without converting to Christianity, and it lines up with what other ancient sources either explicitly state or imply about the beginnings of Christianity.



Unsurprisingly, Josephus has little to say about the actual Resurrection, but he is one source that helps to prove that the disciples, at least, believed the Resurrection occurred. Josephus also confirms that Jesus was crucified by Pilate, and His disciples claimed He rose on the third day. This is far more than most ancient sources have to say about a carpenter from a Mediterranean backwater. Tacitus, a Roman historian and senator, confirms Josephus account that the Christians who Tacitus so loathed were named for a Judean man who was called Christ who had been put to death. It is worth noting that even Roman aristocrats were aware that Christianity, a most mischievous superstition, had originated in Judea, a place most Romans regarded as the back end of the universe.



Outside of non-Christian textual evidence, some of the best proof in the Resurrection was the actions of Early Christians. Roman and Jewish persecution set in almost as soon as Christianity began. That said, most Christians refused to give up their faith. As Christ had only died 30 years before, a number of Early Christians would have been people who had actually known Him. They would have been the ones that could not have been fooled by lies and could have confirmed or denied the Gospel accounts. Those accounts were already circulating, as Rabbi Tarfon stated in the second half of the first century that Christian texts should be burned even if they contained pieces of the Hebrew scriptures.



Rather than claiming the accounts were false, eyewitnesses suffered horrifically under Roman rule. When the Great Fire of Rome broke out in A.D. 64, Nero used Christians as scapegoats for the fire. The torturous executions of identified Christians following the fire were brutal even by the standards of Romes dark creativity. Tacitus specifically mentions the most famous of those gruesome punishments, that of the human torch. In this horrific method of murder, captured Christians were nailed or tied to crosses and then burned alive to serve as a nightly illumination when daylight had expired. Other Roman sources confirm that Christians were persecuted throughout the Empire, though Neros cruelty was legendary enough to stir a feeling of compassion for a class hated for their abominations even among Romans who were used to viciously creative methods of execution and public displays of exquisite tortures.



Another source of evidence for the Resurrection is actually what did not happen in Judea. As Christians became a problem, Jesus body was never displayed. In fact, Jewish polemics claimed that His body was stolen. They never claimed that the body was still in the tomb. There was also not a shrine erected over Jesus tomb until nearly 300 years after His death. In the first century, it was customary to set up a shrine over the bones of a holy man or prophet. Jesus was publically executed and then buried by a member of the Sanhedrin. His burial place would have been easy to discover, but it was never used as a place of veneration or mocking, possibly because there was nothing there to venerate or to mock.



Innumerable books have been written on the subject of Christs resurrection, both for and against its historicity. As such, there is a great deal of evidence out there on both sides of the argument. What really happened 2,000 years ago is still up for debate, but whatever occurred reverberated throughout the ancient world with enough strength that it was noticed not just by Christians but by those who wanted the fledgling Church crushed before it could go on to become the global force it would one day become. Although there is not proof for what specifically happened in Judea 2,000 years ago, there is no doubt that it was something huge as the ripples from it shook the ancient world to its foundations and continue to echo into modernity.

More on the Resurrection here:

The Reality of the Resurrection

5 Important Facts About the Resurrection

What the Resurrection Means for You (even if you don't believe)

Stephanie Hertzenberg is a graduate of the College of William and Mary where she majored in Religious Studies and minored in Creative Writing. She maintains an avid interest in health, history and science.
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The first two books of the Bible are some of the most miraculous in the entire book. Genesis details the creation of the world, the original fall of man, the expansion of mankind and how the world as it is known today began. Exodus details a much smaller period of time, but is packed with almost as many miraculous events. In Exodus, the Israelite people grow in slavery until God uses Moses to lead them out of slavery. In the process, Egypt is practically razed to the ground. Moses then, in one of the most famous miracles of all time, parts the Red Sea and leads the Israelites across the dry land and toward a new life in the Promised Land. After that, the Israelites spend 40 years wandering the desert where they experience even further miracles such as the manna from heaven and the stone with water trapped inside it.



The miracles in the Bible are the pieces of the Good Book that are usually most heavily scrutinized or dismissed as fantasy by science. This is the case at first, but further scientific investigations have shown that many of the miracles in the Bible have actually held up under scrutiny. Are the events of Exodus among these miracles?



When it comes to dealing with the miracles of Exodus, there are practically too many to choose from. Confirming or denying every miracle in Exodus would fill a book as large as the Bible itself. That said, when most people talk about the miracles in Exodus, they are speaking of the events that take place toward the beginning of the story. They are curious about the miracles that are among the best known in the Bible: the plagues of Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea.

The Plagues of Egypt

Parting of the Red Sea

The Exodus Itself

Stephanie Hertzenberg is a graduate of the College of William and Mary where she majored in Religious Studies and minored in Creative Writing. She maintains an avid interest in health, history and science.

The plagues of Egypt seem to be utterly impossible for science to explain at first glance. That said, science suggests that the plagues were miraculous in their timing but were actually the result of a catastrophic domino effect that began when the current of the Nile slowed. This allowed for a form of toxic algae related to the infamous oceanic Red Tide to grow. This killed off the fish and turned the Nile red. The toxic water drove the frogs onto the shores. When the frogs died, disease carrying insects had more than enough food to cause them to swarm and infect both livestock and humans. Simultaneously, there was a volcanic eruption in the Aegean Sea that caused either massive hail and red lightening to fall on Egypt or threw flaming pumice into the area around the Nile. The volcanic ash cloud from the eruption plunged Egypt into darkness and may have also been responsible for driving swarms of locusts out of their usual territories. The hail that fell on Egypt would also have wet the ground and made it the perfect breeding site for locusts in incredible numbers.The death of the firstborn, meanwhile, was the result of Egyptian customs that insisted on feeding the firstborn more food. The food stores, however, had become toxic due to the polluted Nile River and swarms of insects. The firstborn ate more toxins and were thus the ones who died.It may sound far-fetched, but pumice and volcanic ash have been found in Egypt dating to around the time of the Exodus, as have mummies with scars consistent with the sort of diseases described as striking Egypt.Hollywood loves the parting of the Red Sea, and that should not be surprising. The image of the sea splitting in two is iconic and practically begs to be depicted on the silver screen. That said, Hollywood likes to show Moses parting the sea in an instant and the Israelites walking between two towering pillars of water. That, however, is not how the Bible says the miracle occurred. Exodus 14 says, Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry groundThe Egyptians pursued them[but God] jammed the wheels of their chariots so they had difficulty drivingand at daybreak the sea went back to its placeThe water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen.The Hollywood portrayal of the parting of the Red Sea is just that, Hollywood. Science insists that there is no way for the sea to part like that, at least not without flagrant divine intervention. The actual biblical description of the event, however, is definitely possible, if highly unlikely. If a 63 mile per hour wind truly blew all night from the east, the waters of the Red Sea would be pushed back enough to expose a small land bridge that the Israelites could cross. The Egyptians would struggle with their chariots in the wet soil and sand while the Israelites, who were largely on foot, would have had fewer difficulties. When the wind stopped, it would take less than 30 minutes for the sea to roar back in and cover the bridge. Half an hour would likely not be enough time for panicked Egyptian soldiers who were trapped in the middle of the crossing to make it to dry land safely on foot. As such, they would have been drowned.Historians have said for years that there is no real evidence that the Exodus occurred. That, however, is not, strictly speaking, true. Ruins and pottery found near the River Jordan at Khirbet el-Mastarah is suspected to have belonged to early Israelites who left Egypt. The enslavement of the Israelites prior to the Exodus also came during a time of political turmoil when there were two major ethnic powers in Egypt, the Hyksos and the Egyptians, which muddies the waters further as far as reliable records are concerned. That said, pottery discovered in Egypt has been found to match artifacts from Israel, not Egypt.Exodus is filled with miracles that at first glance appear to be completely impossible for science to even hope to explain. It turns out, however, that the events of Exodus have a far firmer scientific backing than most people would have ever considered possible for a book known for its miracles.
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BENNINGTON  Three figures apparently from the 1770s reappeared Monday during the Select Board meeting to remind residents of historic anniversaries being celebrated locally this week and beyond.

Colonial re-enactors Jonah Spivak, who also is the towns communications coordinator, James Thatch and Mike Cutler, who also is production manager at Catamount Access Television, were on hand to spread the word.

This was Benningtons moment on the national stage, Spivak said, referring to the days shortly after fighting April 19, 1775, in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, had sparked the war for independence from Great Britain.

A series of celebrations, remembrances and re-enactments marking historic May 1775 events, which took place 250 years ago in our region, will include events in Pownal, Bennington, Shaftsbury, Arlington and other county towns.

For information on this weeks events, visit the bennington250.org website or write or email bennington250@gmail.com

Most events are related to the role of Ethan Allen and Vermonts Green Mountain Boys, who joined with colonials from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and other areas to march into upstate New York and capture Fort Ticonderoga from the British on May 10, 1775.

That expedition, which resulted in Americans first victory in the war, was led by Allen and Col. Benedict Arnold of Connecticut.

Seizure of cannon from Ticonderoga later led to the evacuation from Boston of an occupying British army, after the cannons were transported to Massachusetts and placed overlooking Boston harbor and British ships in early 1776.

The British army withdrew to Nova Scotia on March 17, which now is celebrated in the Boston area as Evacuation Day.
BENNINGTON  Hale Resources LLC is expected to close soon on purchase of the former Bennington High School property on Main Street, clearing the way for construction in a $54 million redevelopment project.

Asked for a progress update during Mondays Select Board meeting, Town Manager Stuart Hurd said, Benn High, as far as I know, does have all of the funding in place. They are moving forward with a proposed closing  right now, it should happen next week.

He said the town knows of no instance that would prevent the closing from happening, adding, Its just a very complex issue, and people are working very hard  not only town staff but folks with [developer] Zak Hale, and all of the individuals and banks involved to bring this to fruition ... So this will happen  potentially as early as next week. We will have a formal closing on the property.

Reached on Tuesday, Hale, the CEO of Hale Resources LLC, said in an email, Were scheduled to close in May, with construction starting immediately afterward.

He added, Its been a long road to get here, and were incredibly grateful to the many people whove helped bring the project to this point.

Hale Resources is the towns development partner in the public-private project.

The project will redevelop the historic, 112-year-old former high school building and wings added to the structure over the years into 39 units of housing, along with space for town recreation and senior programming and a child care center.

Afterward, it will be owned by Hale Resources, which intends to lease about 27,000 square feet of the 100,000-square-foot complex to the town on a long-term basis.

The structure, which had sustained deterioration after standing vacant for more than a decade, currently is owned by developer Christopher Gilbert of Dorset and Red Hook, New York.

He purchased the vacant former school for $146,000 in 2000, initially planning to redevelop it for mixed commercial and residential uses, before he entered into a lease-purchase agreement with the town.

The town intends to transfer its lease agreement to Hale to facilitate the developers purchase of the property.

Funding for the project involves multiple sources, including historic preservation and new market tax credits, state and federal grants and low-interest financing. The project list includes approximately 20 sources of funding.

The town is providing about $2.9 million in federal American Rescue Act pandemic relief funding Bennington received. The town also acted as the grant applicant for some grant sources that would not have been available to a private developer.

As part of the purchase agreement for the former school, the town also will turn over to Gilbert the Bennington Senior Center building on Pleasant Street  valued at $400,000 -- with the intent of moving all senior programming into the redeveloped Benn High building.

More information about the project can be found on a Benn High Redevelopment page on the towns website. https://benningtonvt.org/services/bennhi_redevelopment/index.php
BENNINGTON  The town is seeking approval from state and federal officials to allow public works department crews to complete sections of the Walloomsac Valley Path at an anticipated savings to the town.

Asked to update the Select Board on the next stages of the multi-use path, which stretches north-south from North Bennington to near the Pownal line, Planning Director Dan Monks said any savings would go toward the towns match for federal grants awarded to the pathway work.

He said the overall cost is of the entire pathway is approximately $2.6 million, including the required 20 percent town match for the grant funding  or between $400,000 and $500,000.

Monks said discussions have begun with state transportation officials about the proposal, which he said would be unusual but might be approved in this case, given the high level of experience and expertise on town DPW crews.

He termed the level of expertise very unique for a Vermont municipality.

Completed in segments

Several segments of the pathway are already in existence, Monks noted, but the overall vision is to have that north-south corridor with several east-west connections.

The focus of upcoming projects, he said, includes construction of a permanent bridge over Furnace Brook to replace a temporary wooden bridge on the path just north of the Bennington Self-Storage property on Morse Road.

That project contract has been awarded to Belden Construction, which is expected to begin work within four weeks and should be completed by October, he said.

The pathway in the section known as the Ninja Path now has a simple, primitive wooden bridge, which seems to work fine, Monks said, but the state is requiring that a very substantial bridge be constructed there.

The Ninja Path sections extend from Hicks Avenue to near Silk Road and the entrance to Bennington College. The beginning and ends are completed and paved, and a temporary dirt path extends from behind Walmart to Silk Road also running behind Hannaford supermarket.

We are now moving into a phase where we will formalize that path with paved pathways, Monks said.

Completion of two other pathway segments also is planned, one from behind Walmart to Bennington Self Storage, extending behind businesses on Morse Road, and completion of the path north from the planned new bridge to near Silk Road.

Belden Construction has proposed some additional work on the Ninja pathway corridor while the company is already set up to work on and near the Furnace Brook bridge, Monks said, adding that doing that work now would likely avoid higher construction costs later.

He asked the board to consider authorizing such an amendment to the construction contract, which would require a $74,000 grant match from the town.

The board voted unanimously to ask Town Manager Stuart Hurd to look into whether budgeted or other funds can be found to meet that 20 percent match, and if so to amend the Belden contract as needed.

Questions raised

During the discussion Monday, board member Nancy White said there hasnt been enough public discussion of all the pathway extensions that have been considered, such as along County Street.

People in Bennington need to understand exactly where these are being proposed, because there are going to be a lot of questions on some of them, she said.

Monks said that if we decided to build those portions of the pathway, we would certainly be working with the select board on locations, impacts to property owners, etc.

He added that an initial concept for a path along County Street was brought before the Select Board for public comment, but there is no proposal at this time for any additional pathway there and no requests to seek grant funding.

Resident Mike Bethel said the board needs to clarify how the matching funds for the project will be met.

Hurd said the staff briefing Monday details the status of the project and funding at this point, but a decision on whether town crews can assist with the work is needed before the board can identify a source for the towns 20 percent match.

If town crews are used and reimbursements are received from grant funds, that would lower the amount of the towns cash match, Monks said.

Federal funding?

Board member Jim Sullivan asked whether the federal grant funding might be cut, given recent budget slashing by the Trump administration.

Monks said there were concerns of significant reductions a few months ago, but it was later determined that is not likely to happen. But again, we cant be sure until the funds are actually expended.

He said the town was advised to proceed expeditiously to complete the pathway.

This has been an important project for a long time, Sullivan said, and I think it is time to get it done.

Three residents at the board meeting expressed support for the projects.

Bill Karis said, I want to point out that it is a really screaming deal ... Its 80 percent paid for, and it is a really valuable resource for the community, particularly for families with young children learning to ride bicycles.

Stephanie Darby said, As a visually impaired cyclist without a drivers license, this is a very important project to me.

She said the pathway is the only alternative to busy, heavily traveled roadways and access to the business in that area.

I wholeheartedly support this project, she said.

Kelly Carroll praised the work town DPW crews did on the Walloomsac Riverwalk section of the pathway and said the projects should be a priority.

She added, And I thank you for thinking out of the box a little bit.
William Lambers is an author who partnered with the UN World Food Program on the book "Ending World Hunger." His writings have been published by The Washington Post, Newsweek, Cleveland Plain Dealer and many other news outlets. Opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
Just as the birds in the Western Hemisphere fly north from Latin America into the United States and Canada to breed, so do the birds of the Eastern Hemisphere  fly north from Africa to Eurasia to find suitable nesting grounds.

The Camargue in the south of France is the stopping off point for thousands and thousands of birds coming or going across the Mediterranean Sea. This massive delta  over 350,000 acres  of the Rhone River silted in over the years to form tangles of lagoons, wetlands, freshwater marshes, salt pans, rice paddies and pastureland with occasional stretches of riparian forests and hedgerows. A bird  and mosquito haven.

Armed with a tattered guide to the birds of Europe and binoculars, Danny and I head out from our digs in Istres (pronounced as a pleasant hiss in French: iss-tr, leaving off that final es) west towards the delta. Keying in Camargue to the map function of the phone, we see that to go the 12 miles to the middle of the vast area will take more than an hour. Soon we discover why.

Instead of going up and around through Arles, we follow a route directly west through many fields, some plowed and ready for planting, some with very green pastureland, others covered with some sort of plastic protecting seedlings. Beautiful, flat, empty and green.

Now and again we stop and listen, using our Merlin app for identification of songs. The first and noisiest bird is the common nightingale, the bird with the beautiful voice. It is loud and has a varied sequence of riffs and musical phrases. The bird is not visible although it sounds so close I could part the branches to find it practicing in its green room. From the Guide: A well known bird that is difficult to see. Indeed!

I had expected a sweet melodious song, maybe like a long warbling vireos with more varied notes and phrasing. Yet these birds which are everywhere sound more like a mockingbird, with a wide variety of phrases some sweeter than other, but others quite jarring. Nightingales, though, are not mimics. Nor do I see why the famous soprano, Jenny Lind, would be called, back in the day, the Swedish Nightingale.

Dry fields and salt pans appear occasionally as we cross small streams and irrigation canals. All of a sudden we come to a complete stop with a line of cars in front of of us and more coming in behind. The map app says: delay of 22 minutes. So I figure construction. After about 5 minutes (we scan for birds as we wait, seeing black-headed gulls and a few glossy ibises fly over), the line creeps forward  as a stream of cars passes us going the other way. A ferry  a ferry is waiting to take us across Le Petit Rhone!

The ferry loads (maybe 20-25 cars) and in no time we are on firm ground and back on our way, across the flat delta, stands of swaying reeds or trees at either side. We hear different warblers and eventually see the melodious warbler which sounds more what I would have thought the nightingale would sound like.

Along the route to a large lagoon, a vineyard, Domaine d'Espeyran, appears on the right with rows and rows of vines each with enormously large trunks and main branches now showing bright spring green leaves along the branches of each plant. The new season for creating rose has begun.

Soon we come to a gate across the road and an enormous, hand-painted sign: Cabin de Espeyran. Private property. Fortunately there is a small lagoon on the left, busy with birds.

There are many egrets, both great white and little egrets (same as our great and snowy), glossy ibises, a grey heron (similar to our great blue), a few coots, a pair of mallards and a few odd looking ducks with bright red bills, red heads, black chests and rears, white on the sides and mottled rust/white/grey on the back. Quite distinctive.

I check the book: a red-crested pochard similar to the common pochard which Ive seen only a few times. The pochard, Aythya ferina, a medium-sized diving duck related to our redhead, Aythya americana. The much flashier, rarer, red-crested pochard is a Mediterranean bird that nests regularly in the Camargue. A life bird!

Back on the main road, a southerly route takes us to the extensive salt pans. A glistening white hill of crystals sits not too far away in the wind-whipped water. A white salty path takes us up to an overlook where a skin of pale blue water covers the salt beds. Baleine Sea Salt, found in my kitchen back home and in the local supermarkets of the Berkshires, is not only advertised on a rock, but sold in a small booth nearby.

The Greeks, 2,600 years ago, ventured into this river delta to obtain salt among other necessities. Later the Romans settled nearby in Arles, (where they built a bridge to take their legions to Spain). Roman ruins dominate the town: a large amphitheater (still used for events) and a smaller theater. There are two stone pillars still standing proudly of the original 120 that existed at one time, evidence of a thriving Roman community.
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Jeff Robbins, a part-time resident of Stockbridge, is a former U.S. delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Council and a former assistant U.S. attorney and chief counsel for the Democrats on the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. He is the author of Notes from the Brink: A Collection of Columns About Policy at Home and Abroad.
A young girl, almost 16, has just learned she is about to be a mom in nine short months. She tells her boyfriend who has just turned 17. They dont know what they should do next. They are both scared. Both have thoughts of abandonment, disappointment, fear, and grief running through their heads. They do not know what people are going to think. What if their parents kick them out or hate them?

This is a story that is sadly common in our world. Teen pregnancy is a truth we most likely will all witness, either in our own families or families we know. While as Christians, we preach purity and waiting until marriage to bring children into the world, we also must see the opportunity to share Gods love with those young people who find themselves becoming parents all too soon.

What Would Jesus Do?

Christians learn how to treat others by the example Christ gave us. While there are no specific stories of Jesus with a pregnant teenager, there are powerful examples of him loving those who were considered outcasts of society.

In Mark 2 Jesus is in Capernaum. He was teaching and people were bringing him loved ones to heal. After Jesus heals a paralytic, he goes out beside the sea and meets Levi, the son of a tax collector. Jesus sits down and begins sharing a meal with many tax collectors and sinners. In verses 16-17, the scribes who were Pharisees asked the disciples why Jesus would eat with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus responded by saying It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. I didnt come to call the righteous, but sinners (Matthew 2:17).

Jesus also finds himself in Samaria in John 4:1-42. When he reaches Samaria, he visits a well where a Samaritan woman is getting water. Jews and Samaritans were not friends, and even the disciples questioned Jesus in this. Jesus willingness to break the societal codes of the day left not just one woman with a new faith, but all the people of her town.

We cannot overlook the story of Mary Magdalene. Her name is mentioned numerous times in the four gospels. She was a woman who struggled, and while we do not know specifically what her trials where, we know that Jesus cast seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2-3). We can only speculate what Marys life was like when Jesus met her, but we can most likely agree that if she was carrying demons within her, she may not have been looked upon gracefully in society. Jesus did not shy away from her though, and she became one of his most dedicated followers.

There are many more instances in which Jesus boldly cared for, healed, and taught people of this world that some religious leaders and well-meaning people would turn their backs on. The lesson for us is that we should not turn our backs on others because we do not think they are behaving correctly. If anything, we should be drawn to them.

What Should the Church Do?

I am using the word Church in this section to refer to Christians around the world. We are all a part of the Church, the bride of Christ. The Church is an integral and necessary part of our world and individual societies. The building and all the people in it should be a safe place for teenage mothers and fathers to land.

In order to be a safe place for teen mothers and fathers, we must take an introspective look at ourselves. The church is not just a construction of walls we can hide behind. We cannot believe that the only people welcome there are the ones that have been on their best behavior. Church is not a place we look and act our best for God, it is where we can meet Him and He can begin to make us look and act better because of our relationship with Him. Church is a place for sinners who are seeking to follow Christ. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. None of us have arrived at perfection yet.

Once we understand the role of the Church, we can then clearly see the role Christians play in the lives of pregnant teens. As the body of Christ, we can provide love, guidance, and support. Churches can create mentorships where older women can love on these young people. Support groups can be formed to help not just church members, but the community as a whole.

Christians who value support and non-judgmental thoughts toward teen mothers and fathers are helping to create a place where becoming a teen mom or dad is not a life sentence of poverty, exclusion, and dirty looks. The situation becomes a season that can be a stepping stone for healthy and successful lives for them and their child.

The Consequences of Shunning Teen Parents

When Christians look down upon teen parents, the message to them is that they have done wrong, and forgiveness is unavailable. The consequences of this message are heartbreaking and could be fatal.

Teen parents who feel ostracized by the church may decide to make drastic decisions. They lose hope and could decide to quit school, fall into a drug addiction, turn to abortion, or even suicide. These choices will only perpetuate a cycle of loss, hopelessness, and poverty.

In my personal observations of teen pregnancies and church, I have seen teens leave the church and some have yet to return. When the body of Christ does not step out, teens are left to their own devices. We must meet them where they are and choose not to leave them there.

No matter your age, finding out you are having a child can be both exciting and scary. Feelings of worthlessness and fear could lead teen moms to consider or follow through in having an abortion. Statistics from May 2024 state that six out of ten unintended pregnancies end in induced abortions. Globally, 45% of abortions are unsafe.

For more on this hard but important topic, read An Honest Look at Why Many Women Choose Abortion.

Final Thoughts

This article is not meant to be a reprimand to the Church. Rather, it is to remind the Church and all Christians that teen pregnancies are happening, and while these pregnancies may not come at the best time, they are the miracle of life in action.

An article from GotQuestions shares an important reminder for us. It seems that one of the hardest things for Christians to remember is that it is not a sin to be pregnant. It is not a sin to be pregnant out of wedlock. And its not a sin to be born to unmarried parents. It is a sin to have sex outside the marriage relationship.

Christians have a duty to love others as Christ loves them (John 15:12), and Jesus does not specify any people we should leave out. Teen parents-to-be are as precious to God as you are.

So, I leave you with this. Christians rise up and love one another. Lift teen mothers and fathers up in prayer. Share words of wisdom in love with them. Work to make this difficult season a lasting memory that showers repentance and forgiveness in their lives. Use your gifts to remind them they are loved by you and by God.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Image Source

Ashley Hooker is a freelance writer passionate about missions. She has collaborated with mission teams in North Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, West Virginia, and Vermont. Presently, she lives in North Carolina with her husband and two children, where she fulfills roles as a pastor's wife, a dance mom, and a farm girl.
Sorrow cloaked the spark of hope my pastor initiated when he invited those needing prayer to come to the altar. I longed to respond, but past disappointments kept my feet planted. I knew God could heal and had heard numerous stories of those miraculously freed from illness and pain. Thered even been a time when I felt convinced Id soon have my own glorious testimony to share.

Ive asked people to pray over me  my husband, my church, my faith group, my friends  more times than I can count. When initially diagnosed, first with colitis, now well-managed by medication, and later, with fibromyalgia, my husband and I nightly asked the Lord, for years, to eradicate my pain, without noticeable effect. This used to swing my emotions from frustration to self-blame. Struggling to understand why all-powerful God refused our requests, and uncomfortable with the anger this stirred within me, I searched my heart for some hidden sin that could explain why He chose to heal others, but not me.

If youre reading this, I suspect you can relate. Perhaps you bear the soul wounds of years, or decades, of unanswered prayers. Or worse, the condemning words of those more focused on casting blame than remaining present in your pain. If so, may the theological investigation God led me on, back when I sat in that place, comfort and encourage you.

Jesus Greater Purpose on Earth

Ive read the biblical accounts from when the Lords Almighty hand freed the spiritually enslaved, cleansed the leper, gave sight to the blind, and opened deaf ears. But Im also cognizant of the miracles that didnt occur.

My mind immediately turns to John 5. This passage tells us about a time when Jesus encountered a man whod suffered an undisclosed infirmity for 38 years. In verses 6-8, we read:

When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, Do you want to be made well? The sick man answered Him, Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me. Jesus said to him, Rise, take up your bed and walk. And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.

What a beautiful, life changing moment for this particular man. But what about those referenced in verses 3:

Here a great number of disabled people used to lie  the blind, the lame, the paralyzed (emphasis added).

While we can only speculate, it appears as if, out of all these desperate individuals, the Lord only healed one.

Notice, also, His response in Mark 1. Although this occurred early in His earthly ministry, His authoritative teaching and supernatural power had already gathered quite a crowd, filled with the demonized and sick. On this particular morning, Christ arose early and slipped away to connect with His Father. Sometime after, the disciples awoke to a throng of desperate and needy people, but no Jesus. Later, upon finding Him, they exclaimed,

Everyone is looking for you! (Mark 1:37b).

They probably expected Him to rush back to Simon and Andrews place, where Hed been staying, to help the men and women gathered there. Instead, He replied,

Let us go somewhere else  to the nearby villages  so I can preach there also. That is why I have come (Mark 1:38).

It appears that He left those people in their hardship, not from apathy or ineptitude but rather, because His greatest mission wasnt to bring humanity comfort. Instead, He came to provide our broken souls salvation. While we may not always understand Gods ways, we can trust His heart, and His promise to use everything we encounter for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28-30).

Unexpected Goodness

However, to quote therapist Lisa Saruga, a recent Faith Over Fear guest, Gods goodness might look quite different than we expect. For some, like the paralyzed man by the healing pool, that means receiving that thing for which weve hoped. But for others, like the apostle Paul, Gods goodness reaches beyond external challenges to that place deep within our soul where we connect with our Savior.

While Scripture doesnt reveal precisely how Paul suffered, it does tell us why. In a passage that has encouraged countless Christ-followers for millennia, he wrote:

Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christs power may rest on me. That is why, for Christs sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:6-10, emphasis added).

Clearly, strong faith, which Paul possessed in abundance, doesnt always result in healing. Nor did the Lord ignore or minimize his pain. Rather, God had something greater in mind. He was keeping this first century evangelist from the arrogance and self-reliance that has destroyed numerous ministries and their leaders in the generations since. In increasing Pauls need for Him, He was placing the apostle in a position to receive supernatural strength.

This reminds us that while God loves us all equally and without condition, He responds to us each individually, according to His perfect knowledge of our unique purpose and everything that might make us stumble, become stagnant, or backslide. In short, He uses whatever necessary to lift our gaze off our circumstances and this worlds temporary trappings and onto the hope of eternity. That is the lens through which we must view our entire lives, and the only lens through which todays hardships, healed or otherwise, make sense.

Trusting God, No Matter What

Throughout Johns gospel, he often referred to Christs miracles as signs. For example, when discussing a wedding at which Jesus turned water to wine, we read:

What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him (John 2:11).

The Greek word translated as glory refers to Gods essence  who He really is, and His value. Through His seemingly secretive act performed during this ceremony, He demonstrated that He cares for every detail of our lives. But more than that, He wants us to know Him and experience Him as He truly is.

He wants us to reach the point where we trust His heart, even when we dont understand, or cant see His hand. To phrase it another way, He wants us to place our faith in Him, His wisdom and His ways, not a particular outcome.

In our culture, subtly influenced by the prosperity gospel, we often get this backwards. We assume, perhaps subconsciously, that our faith earns Gods favor, and our struggles, fear, and questions earn His displeasure and discipline.

Scripture, however, reveals a more nuanced truth. Whereas we receive salvation through faith in the person and work of Christ, few, if any of us, will ever reach a completely doubtless existence this side of heaven. Nor is this what God expects. While He never forces a relationship with those who reject Him, He faithfully, relentlessly, and gently pursues the One who feels uncertain, disillusioned, and confused.

God Meets Us in Our Doubts

Consider the Lords interaction with Gideon, the terrified man turned warrior in Judges 6. At this point in the nations history, the ancient Israelites lived under the oppression of other more powerful people groups who raided their land, ravaged their livestock, and ruined their crops. In their dire state, Gods people cried out for help. He responded by calling Gideon, who happened to be hiding in an old wine press, to lead the people into battle.

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, The Lord is with you, mighty warrior. Pardon me, my lord, Gideon replied, but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt? But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian. The Lord turned to him and said, Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midians hand. Am I not sending you? Pardon me, my lord, Gideon replied, but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family. The Lord answered, I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive (Judges 6:12-16).

Still plagued with doubt, Gideon asked for a sign, for proof, twice. Both times, and without reproach, the Lord gave Gideon the assurance he needed.

Moses, the Egyptian prince turned fugitive turned national leader who freed Gods people from 400 years of slavery, demonstrated even more cowardice, and received even more affirming signs. First, the Lord spoke to him through an enflamed bush that burned without becoming consumed. Then, to reveal His power, He turned Moses shepherding staff into a live snake, his hand leprous, and then restored his flesh.

But still, Moses doubted.

He actually told God no and asked Him to send someone else. While the Lord didnt grant Moses request, He also didnt rebuke him in anger. Instead, He brought Moses support through his brother who, along with their sister, helped him lead the emerging nation.

I Believe, Help My Unbelief

Perhaps the most instructive example, however, comes from Mark 9. This occurred shortly after what scholars refer to as the transfiguration, when Jesus led three of His disciples up on a high mountain to glimpse some of His pre-incarnate glory. They returned to find the other disciples arguing over their inability to help a mans demonized son.

Jesus called the child to Himself and said to the Father, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. To which the man replied, Lord, I believe; help my unbelief! (Mark 9:23-24).

Here again, we dont see God responding with anger or frustration  at least, not for the man or his son. He did, however, rebuke the evil spirit, thereby setting the boy free.

Im confident the Lord preserved this account, including the fathers tearful cry, to encourage us when we land in that I believe-unbelief place. When our fears and doubts increase, He invites us to pray, Father, increase my faith.

After all, He alone is the source, and the object, of our faith, and He holds our lives and eternities secure. While the Lord told us to expect trouble this side of heaven, He also promised us a wonderful, hope filled future. As we await that glorious day, we keep praying, hoping, and trusting, knowing whether God heals us today, next month, next year, or when He ushers us to our eternal home, all His children will eventually receive complete healing and unshakable joy.

Photo credit: Pexels/Van Thang

Jennifer Slattery is a writer and speaker who co-hosts the Faith Over Fear podcast and, along with a team of 6, the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast. Shes addressed womens groups, Bible studies, and taught at writers conferences across the nation. Shes the author of Building a Family and numerous other titles and maintains a devotional blog at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLou d.com .

Shes passionate about helping people experience Christs freedom in all areas of their lives. Visit her online to learn more about her speaking or to book her for your next womens event, and sign up for her free quarterly newsletter HERE and make sure to connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and GodTube.
Can technology uplift the Indian BioSuppliers ecosystem?

April 30, 2025 | Wednesday | Features | By Vrushti Kothari

The bioindustrial and biopharma segment have emerged as the two key sectors contributing majorly (82 per cent) to Indias bioeconomy which stands at $165.7 billion in 2024. The development of new drugs, vaccines, cell therapies by Indian companies are further strengthening these segments, thereby enhancing the innovation potential of our country. But these innovations require a strong domestic biosupplier ecosystem which is currently dominated by foreign players. However, with the advent of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, generative AI, automation etc, can we expect self-reliance within the domestic biosupplier sector anytime soon? Lets find out.

image credit- shutterstock

India has emerged as a key player in the global biopharmaceutical industry, and with the rapid expansion of biologics and biosimilars, the role of domestic biosuppliers has never been more crucial. Also, with a funding support of Rs 1500 crore under the Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) scheme by the government, for promoting high performance biomanufacturing and biofoundry support to the industry, the call for reducing the dependence on imported research equipment, consumables and raw materials is getting strongly established.

According to the India Bioeconomy Report 2025, developed by the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE), the bioindustrial segment, representing nearly half of the bioeconomy valued at $165.7 billion, stands at $78.2 billion. Its dominance reflects the growing adoption of bio-based solutions across sectors such as biofuels, chemical, bioplastics and enzymes. Likewise, with a significant 35.2 per cent share, valued at $58.4 billion, the biopharma segment is growing stronger with development of new drugs, vaccines, and therapies by the Indian companies.

In order to reach the bioeconomy target of $300 billion by 2030, or before, all stakeholders must come together to overcome the challenges currently facing the domestic biosupplier sector, namely regulatory compliance, stringent quality standards, expertise, and policy support. While efforts are being made by the local players to overcome these challenges, the key probably lies in the implementation of emerging new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI, automation etc.

Suggesting a few solutions to these existing challenges, Martin Wilfried Pichler, Chief Executive Officer, Zeta India said, Meeting stringent regulatory requirements is crucial and can be time-consuming and costly. However, early and continuous engagement with regulatory bodies can ensure compliance. Implementing robust quality management systems and using advanced analytics to monitor compliance can also be beneficial. Also, high initial costs for new technologies and the risk of financial loss if the technology fails to deliver expected results can pose a big challenge. But conducting detailed cost-benefit analyses and phased implementation can help manage costs. Exploring funding opportunities and partnerships can also mitigate financial risks.

Relying positively on new technologies, Thane-based biosupplier PharmNXT Biotech has emerged as a key player in the domestic market leveraging advanced automation across critical stages of bioprocessing, including design, prototyping, and scalable production.

The rise of next-generation therapies, including mRNA, cell and gene therapies, and Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), will require more sophisticated containment and processing solutions. However, the industry faces significant hurdles in achieving economies of scale, primarily due to regulatory complexities and the dominance of larger global players. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in streamlining regulatory frameworks, subsidising equipment manufacturing, and implementing equitable procurement policies. Also, automated design and prototyping can enable precision engineering, ensuring that products meet the highest safety and operational standards. Automation extended to manufacturing, thereby reducing production costs by 35-40 per cent while maintaining global quality benchmarks is the need of the hour. We are focusing on self-sufficiency in consumables and critical raw materials to provide just-in-time solutions, reducing reliance on imported materials with long lead times, said Ankush Kapoor, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, PharmNXT Biotech.

Another key player establishing itself in the domestic biosupplier market is Chennai-based VFL Sciences. The company has recently developed and launched a range of bioreactors and fermenters for the biopharma industry, with a particular focus on biomanufacturing. With new offerings in the pipeline this year and beyond, VFL Sciences is building products of global standards, and with new technologies.

The overall biosupplier market is growing very well, however the competition is very intense. Opportunities around Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) as well as synthetic biology are increasing. Government spending on capital instruments is muted, however, we expect that to grow faster in the coming years. The government procurement through GeM (Government e market) is a challenge especially for startups and small companies. Scientific instrument purchase is more complicated and doing this through a system of GeM is cumbersome for scientists as well as companies. We hope to be a better alternative to the leading global brands. Our team of engineers and scientists are working to understand the needs of the customers better and offer products that are made with the concept of affordable excellence, said V Sankaranarayanan, Managing Director, VFL Sciences.

Speaking about how deployment of new technologies can uplift the local biosupplier sector, he further adds, Artificial intelligence is being tried and used by different biosuppliers. Since several of the bio instruments are made for repeated use of the same protocols, applying GenAI will be very useful to automate the analysis. We expect more of this to come in major analytical and life sciences instruments.

Ahmedabad-based supplier Shree Biocare is another player at the forefront of technological advancements, developing and installing large-scale automatic media preparation and dispensing systems (bioreactors) and fermentors for the life sciences industry. Likewise, OmniBrx Biotechnologies, also based in Ahmedabad, has designed single-use bioreactors for vaccines, gene therapies, and biologics production.

Attending to the growing use of new technologies, Mumbai-based HiMedia Laboratories, one of the oldest players of the Indian biosuppliers sector, has recently opened a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence (CoE) for 3D Cell Culture Laboratory, where cutting-edge technologies and pioneering research is converging to shape the future of cell culture methodologies. This facility is also serving as a catalyst for developing novel solutions and driving breakthroughs in 3D cell culture and bioprinting technologies.

On the global front, biosuppliers have been implementing new technologies to their products as fast as possible. For instance, Thermo Fisher has recently launched Krios 5 Cryo-Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) with enhanced optics and AI-enabled automation, while Agilent has acquired US-based startup Sigsense Technologies, which uses AI and power monitoring to help optimise lab operations. Likewise, Eppendorf SE and DataHow AG have announced a strategic collaboration to advance bioprocess data management using AI; while Qiagen has launched an AI-extension of Ingenuity Pathway Analysis for automatic interpretation of biological data.

Although the use of technology can prove to be beneficial for the domestic biosupplier industry to strengthen its presence, and come at par with the global competitors, it will require a skilled workforce for efficient handling. This will in turn require comprehensive training programmes to be organised by the local players, with support from other stakeholders, to help bridge the knowledge gap.

Vision towards becoming the global biopharma powerhouse demands close collaboration between all members of the ecosystem i.e. organisations focusing on research and manufacturing, biosuppliers, academia, and policymakers. While the biosupplier market is currently dominated by global players, a stronger nationwide presence of high-quality domestic suppliers will be essential to drive innovation in emerging biopharma technologies, concludes Dr Cyrus Karkaria, President, Biotechnology  Lupin.

Vrushti Kothari

(vrushti.kothari@mmactiv.com)
Lifesigns and Cura Hospital bridge urban-rural healthcare gap with AI

April 30, 2025 | Wednesday | News

Redefining emergency and cardiac care for South Bangalore

Cura Hospital has partnered with Lifesigns, Indias leading artificial intelligence (AI)-powered patient monitoring platform, to enable round-the-clock, real-time tracking of vital signs across hospital, home, and in-transit care.

This collaboration ensures that critical health data is continuously streamed to clinicians, helping them intervene at the right time, reduce delays, and significantly improve outcomes, especially for cardiac emergencies where every minute matters.

The partnership allows the hospital to monitor patients remotely using wearable IoT devices, receive intelligent alerts, and deliver targeted care from the moment symptoms start, regardless of where the patient is located.

Located in South Bangalore, Cura Hospital is emerging as a regional pioneer in advanced cardiac and emergency care. With a mission to serve both urban and rural populations, the hospital is uniquely positioned to bring state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure to underserved communities.

Through this collaboration with Lifesigns, the hospital can now deliver proactive, tech-enabled care, especially during the golden hourthe crucial window following a cardiac event when rapid response can save lives. Cura's clinical team receives live data to prepare and guide precise treatment plans, whether the patient is in-hospital, at home, or en route via smart ambulance.

The collaboration also bridges the urban-rural healthcare divide, extending advanced monitoring, early warning systems, and expert intervention to patients from both South Bangalore and neighboring semi-urban and rural areas. The partnership reflects a shared vision between Cura Hospital and Lifesigns to create a patient-centric, technology-led healthcare futurewhere care is not only reactive but predictive and proactive.
Specialised Skill Development for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India

April 30, 2025 | Wednesday | Views | By Sudeep Krishna, Co-Founder & President, Healthark Insights

India is a key hub for Life Sciences and Healthcare (LSHC) Global Capability Centers (GCCs). With over 280,000 professionals, 40 per cent are focused on clinical research and using AI for healthcare advancements. The AI talent pool in India is projected to grow to 633,000 by 2025, emphasising the need for specialised skills and continuous learning to maintain its reputation as a top destination for LSHC GCCs.

India has solidified its position as a pivotal hub for Global Capability Centers (GCCs), especially in the Life Sciences and Healthcare (LSHC) sectors. These centres are instrumental in driving advancements in research and development, digital transformation, regulatory compliance, pharmacovigilance, clinical trial analytics, and supply chain management for global pharmaceutical and healthcare enterprises.

To sustain this momentum, developing a workforce with specialised skills is essential. Currently, LSHC GCCs in India employ over 280,000 professionals. Of this talent pool, 43 per cent are engaged in core healthcare and R&D, 16 per cent specialise in IT, and 41 per cent focus on business process management.

This article delves into the initiatives undertaken for skill development, the contributions of industry leaders, emerging competencies, and the role of GCC consortiums in fortifying the talent pipeline for LSHC GCCs in India.



Escalating Demand for Specialised Skills in LSHC GCCs

As India cements its status as a preferred destination for LSHC GCCs, there is an escalating demand for professionals proficient in Regulatory Affairs & Compliance for navigating guidelines from authorities such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) of India for drug approvals; Clinical Research & Data Management for executing clinical trials, analysing real-world evidence, and managing extensive healthcare datasets.

Currently, 40 per cent of the GCC talent pool is engaged in clinical research, Digital Health & AI/ML Applications for leveraging artificial intelligence for drug discovery, diagnostics, and personalised medicine.

India's AI and big data analytics talent base is projected to reach approximately 633,000 professionals by 2025, with a broader goal of 30 million digitally skilled professionals by 2026; Pharmacovigilance & Medical Writing for ensuring drug safety through monitoring adverse events and preparing scientific regulatory documents.; and Healthcare Supply Chain & Operations for overseeing procurement, logistics, and employing predictive analytics to enhance supply chain efficiency.

To bridge the skill gap, a concerted effort involving government bodies, industry leaders, academic institutions, and GCC consortiums is underway, implementing structured programmes to upskill professionals in these critical domains.



Strategic Initiatives for Skill Development

Government-Led Skill Development Programmes

Recognising the potential of LSHC GCCs, the Indian government has launched several initiatives to cultivate a highly skilled workforce:

Skill India Mission & National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC): These programmes offer specialised courses in clinical research, medical coding, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, aiming to enhance employability in the LSHC sector.

Life Sciences Sector Skill Development Council: Established by NSDC, the initiative aims to empower approximately 6.15 million skilled professionals in the sector within the next decade.

Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) Initiatives: Focused on R&D skill enhancement in biopharma and life sciences, BIRAC supports startups and enterprises in developing innovative solutions. Under the National Biopharma Mission, BIRAC has conducted 43 training programmes, trained approximately 7,000 professionals.

Healthcare Sector Skill Council (HSSC): Provides targeted training in healthcare technology, diagnostics, and regulatory affairs to ensure alignment with industry standards.

AI & Digital Health Upskilling: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) collaborates with healthcare firms to offer AI training tailored to medical applications, fostering digital transformation in healthcare.

LSHC GCC Consortium: The Government of Telangana has facilitated the formation of India's first-of-its-kind GCC Consortium with 40 LSHC companies, which is dedicated to developing a highly skilled workforce to meet industry demands.

Industry-Led Initiatives in Skill Development

Corporate Training Programmes (CTPs)- Life sciences and healthcare companies are proactively investing in skill development through CTPs. Companies such as Roche, AstraZeneca, and Biocon have established specialised internal training modules focusing on R&D, regulatory compliance, and clinical research to enhance employee competencies.

Centres of Excellence (CoEs)- Organisations like Johnson & Johnson have established CoEs dedicated to skill development in pharmaceutical innovations and medical technology, fostering continuous learning and innovation.

Healthcare-Academia Partnerships- Collaborations between global healthcare firms and academic institutions facilitate certification programmes, hands-on training, and workshops for clinical and regulatory professionals, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Startup Engagement & Incubation Support- Many leading healthcare companies are investing in incubators focused on AI-driven diagnostics, medical devices, and drug discovery, nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.

Initiatives by Leading Companies in Skill Development

Several multinational and Indian companies are undertaking targeted efforts to enhance skill development in the LSHC GCC sector. In collaboration with universities, Pfizer runs workforce upskilling programmes focusing on clinical research and regulatory affairs, aiming to align academic curricula with industry requirements.

Through its generative AI programme, AstraZeneca enhances the digital capabilities of its employees, focusing on data science and machine learning applications in healthcare.

Biocon conducts hands-on training programmes in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and quality control, ensuring adherence to global standards and best practices.

Cipla has launched the "Cipla University" to provide continuous learning and development opportunities for its employees.

Merck in collaboration with CSIR-IMTECH, has established a High-Tech Skill Development Centre to address employability gaps by offering specialised training in advanced technologies.

GE Healthcare runs skill enhancement programmes for medical device engineering and healthcare technology management, addressing the evolving needs of the medical technology sector.

Role of GCC Consortiums in Skill Development

The government of Telangana has enabled a one-of-its-kind LSHC GCC Consortium in India to further nurture and accelerate the ecosystem. GCC consortiums play a pivotal role in building talent pipelines by Specialised Training Programmes with a focus on areas such as molecular chemistry, data sciences, and regulatory sciences. Companies like Dr. Reddys Laboratories provide specialised training at institutions like Young India Skills University.

Industry-Academia Collaboration brings together 40 life sciences companies to enhance skill development in Telangana.

Technology Integration focuses on incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies into life sciences education.

Hybrid Course Development designs courses that blend traditional science education with modern technology skills.

Curriculum Enhancement collaborates with universities to include emerging niche areas in academic programmes.

Bridging Skill Gaps ensures students graduate with industry-relevant skills, creating a steady pipeline of skilled professionals.

Industry-Academia Collaborations

Strategic partnerships between LSHC GCCs and academic institutions are instrumental in aligning educational outcomes with industry requirements,

Joint Degree & Certification Programmes: Institutions such as the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) offer specialised courses in biomedical informatics, regulatory sciences, and data analytics, developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders.

Internship & Apprenticeship Models: Companies like Novartis, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson provide structured internship programmes, offering students hands-on experience in GCC operations and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Corporate Training Centres: Several multinational healthcare firms have established dedicated training centres within universities to enhance R&D and regulatory skill sets, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Focusing on Skill Development



As India continues to solidify its position as a global leader in LSHC GCCs, investing in skill development is crucial for sustaining innovation and growth. Government policies, industry-led initiatives, academia collaborations, and GCC consortium-driven strategies are collectively shaping a future-ready workforce. By addressing skill gaps proactively and fostering continuous learning, India can reinforce its role as a preferred destination for LSHC GCCs, driving advancements in global healthcare and life sciences.

Sudeep Krishna, Co-Founder & President, Healthark Insights
Medical Device Classification and FDA Approval: What Startups Need to Know

April 30, 2025 | Wednesday | Views | By Aishwarya Varpe, Associate- Regulatory Services, Venture Center

For many innovators, the United States represents a key market, being the worlds largest for medical devices. However, entering the US market requires navigating the US Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) stringent regulatory landscape, where accurate device classification is crucial. To assist innovators, the Regulatory Information and Facilitation Center (RIFC) at Venture Center, Pune has released a whitepaper early this year that offers practical insights, featuring examples of devices developed by Venture Center-supported startups to illustrate how medical devices are categorised based on risk.

Under the FDA, the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) oversees the regulation of medical devices. It ensures that patients and healthcare providers have timely and sustained access to safe, effective, and high-quality medical devices, including radiation-emitting products.

To assist innovators, the Regulatory Information and Facilitation Center (RIFC) at Venture Center has released a whitepaper titled "Classification of Medical Devices in the US", providing a simplified step-by-step guide in the form of a flowchart on determining device classification (Class I, II, III), regulatory pathways (510(k), De Novo, PMA), and key compliance requirements with examples. The whitepaper also offers practical insights, featuring examples of devices developed by Venture Center-supported startups to illustrate how medical devices are categorised based on risk.

Determining whether a product qualifies as a medical device and identifying its risk classification become important when navigating the FDA approval process. A product is classified as a medical device only if it meets the FDAs definition, which can be ambiguous and often requires further evaluation. This is because medical devices may closely resemble drugs, combination products, or wellness products, each following distinct regulatory pathways. Accurately classifying a device is crucial as it determines the level of regulatory scrutiny and the appropriate market approval process.

Fallout of Misclassification

Misclassifying a medical device can lead to additional efforts, increased costs of rework and delays in the approval process. A clear example provided by the CDRH is the distinction between infant diapers and adult diapers. An adult diaper is designed for individuals with incontinence, a medical condition that affects bladder or bowel control. Since it is intended to manage a health issue, the FDA classifies it as a medical device. In contrast, an infant diaper is a standard part of baby care, as infants naturally lack bladder or bowel control. Because it does not treat a medical condition, it is not classified as a medical device. In fact, according to FDA regulation 21 CFR 876.5920, adult diapers fall under the category of protective garments for incontinencedesigned to protect clothing from leaks. The regulation even makes it clear that this does not include infant diapers. The whitepaper further explores similar examples, demonstrating how a products intended use and the manufacturers claims can impact its classification as a medical device.

The US FDA Classification System employs a risk-based approach to classify medical devices into three categories: Class I, Class II, and Class III, with Class I (Low risk) having the least regulatory requirements and Class III (High risk) undergoing the most rigorous review through the Premarket Approval (PMA) pathway. Devices may require a 510(k) clearance, a De Novo request, or PMA submission, depending on their novelty and risk. The classification is determined by the intended use of the device, its indications for use, and the potential risks it poses to patients and users. FDA applies regulatory controls (general controls and special controls), which are essential for ensuring the safety, effectiveness, and quality of medical devices.

Once the product is confirmed to be a medical device, the next step is to identify similar devices. The FDA product classification database, an online tool, allows manufacturers to search for devices by name, intended use, or Product Code. This database provides information on the class of a device, applicable regulations, and any predicate devices already cleared by the FDA to confirm the risk-based classification. Venture Centers whitepaper serves as a guide for innovators, offering insights on how to navigate these pathways effectively.

Reclassification of Medical Device

Classifying a medical device and obtaining approvals is not the final step. A device may be reclassified in case of updates that affect its safety and performance. The change in classification depends upon the updated risk profiles due to technological, non-technical modifications and the recent clinical data concerning the subject device. Reclassification ensures that the modified device remains subject to appropriate regulatory controls and continues to meet safety and effectiveness standards. If the FDA receives a petition for reclassification, it may refer the request to a device classification panel for review. After evaluating all relevant information, the FDA will issue an order either approving or denying the petition. Before 2012, if a medical device received a "not substantially equivalent" (NSE) decision, it was automatically placed in Class III. However, after section 513(f)(2) of the FD&C Act was amended by Section 607, an alternative reclassification process allows such devices to be classified under De Novo, and this process does not require a 510(k) submission first. Between 2020 and 2024, the FDA has reclassified seven medical devices through this alternate process.

With evolving technologies like Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) and AI-driven healthcare tools, regulatory landscapes are continuously adapting. New regulatory frameworks and flexible approaches to reclassification will continue to play an important role in fostering innovation. Manufacturers must stay informed about FDA guidance and classification databases to navigate compliance efficiently and align with the latest regulatory expectations.

As regulatory pathways evolve to accommodate emerging technologies, they are expected to become more streamlined and tailored, enabling faster market entry while maintaining patient safety, device quality and efficiency. Understanding these evolving trends will be critical for manufacturers as they navigate the future regulatory landscape.

Aishwarya Varpe, Associate- Regulatory Services, Venture Center

(With inputs from Akash R Dhade, Chetna Dharmawat-Dabi and Dr Pinky Raychaudhuri at Venture Center)


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Retired member of the Defence Forces, Eddie Lillis, was unmasked on Wednesday as a depraved paedophile who preyed upon and sexually assaulted two little girls, 40 years ago.

Lillis was jailed for three and a half years at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court after he denied sexually abusing the two girls, who were aged between three and eight, when he groomed and abused them in the 1980s.

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Judge Colin Daly lifted a court order restricting the media from identifying Lillis, (63), of Shannonvale, Old Cratloe Road, Limerick.

Shortly after Lillis sexually assaulted his first victim, Girl A, she told her mother what happened and gave a formal statement to gardai, however the Director of Public Prosecutions , at the time, directed there was not enough evidence to prosecute Lillis.

Lillis went on to abuse Girl B, the court heard.

However, four decades later, in 2020, after Girl A made another complaint and gardai received a separate complaint from Lillis second victim, Girl B, gardai re-investigated the case and the DPP ordered Lillis to face trial.

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Lillis pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. Following his trial at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court he was convicted on four of the five charges, and the jury could not reach a decision on the fifth count.

In her victim impact statement which she read in court, Girl A stated: If Eddie Lillis had been held accountable when I made my original complaint, (Girl B) may have avoided his depraved actions.

My hope is that by making his crimes known to the public Eddie Lillis will never have the opportunity to harm another child.

Both women said they came forward to gardai to protect other little girls from Lillis, or indeed, any other paedophile.

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They said they wanted to show other victims of historic sexual abuse that it is never too late to pursue justice.

Lillis, who was supported in court by some of his family said, through his barrister, that, despite him having contested the trial, he accepted the jurys decision.

Girl A stated that the heinous sex acts carried out on her by Lillis changed her from being a carefree, innocent six-year old little girl, to feeling confused and terrified.

The person who hurt me was someone who was supposed to protect and serve our community - Instead, he took advantage of my innocence and vulnerability.

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I had never seen a mans penis before, and the thought and disgusting smell of his penis has stayed with me into adulthood and still makes me feel sick to my stomach.

Girl A, who was sexually assaulted by Lillis a few days prior her First Holy Communion, praised her parents who instantly believed me and brought me to make a statement to gardai.

She said she continued to struggle afterwards with anxiety knowing that there are many more Eddie Lilliss out there.

It has affected my family who felt helpless in bringing this pedophile to justice, I watched it have a devastating impact on my parents and siblings, she said.

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The only reason I have put myself and my family through this is to keep other children safe from this man.

He is now a convicted paedophile, I am relieved that my allegations were finally taken seriously by the DPP and that (the defendant) is being held to account, Girl A concluded.

Girl B told the court that, Lilliss sexual assaults on her had warped her childhood, and that despite extensive and ongoing therapy, the psychological scars never go away.

Girl B said the abuse made her fearful for her own daughter and all little girls because of men like Edward Lillis, and that her fear for other children convinced her to come forward once and for all.

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He (Lillis) maintained his innocence and put my family and I through the further trauma of a trial, he has never shown a midget of remorse.

Neither victim wished to be identified but they said they supported the court lifting reporting restrictions on identifying Lillis.

Lillis barrister, senior counsel, Anthony Salmon, asked Judge Colin Daly to take into account Lilliss service to the State, and his previous good character until his convictions caught up with him.

Jailing Lillis, Judge Daly said the married father of three, took advantage of his position of trust in the community to abuse the two children.
A man who registered at the Mater Hospital with a genuine medical issue left the A&E department, then broke into a hospital charity, stealing of 3,000 worth of items.

James Lawlor (44) was later seen on CCTV sitting in the A&E department at the Dublin hospital after carrying out the burglary at the Mater Hospital Foundation, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard.

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He pleaded guilty to burglary on February 7th, 2024, at the Mater Hospital Foundation. Lawlor with an address in Cavendish Row, Dublin 1, has 168 previous convictions including for burglary, theft, criminal damage and drugs offences.

The investigating garda told Aideen Collard BL, prosecuting, that Lawlor was released from custody a week before he committed this offence, having served a sentence of three years for burglary.

The Mater Hospital Foundation is a charity which supports the hospital's work through fundraising. Gardai received a report of a break-in at its offices in the early hours of February 7th, 2024.

A basement window and two interior doors were damaged, costing approximately 380 to repair. Three laptops, an iPhone in its box, three headsets and bags had been taken, with a total value of 3736.50 for all items.

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A screwdriver and Stanley knife were recovered at the scene.

CCTV from the hospital showed Lawlor registering as a patient at the A&E on the evening of February 6th.

This footage showed him leaving the A&E department and later gaining entry to the Mater Hospital Foundation building, which he was seen leaving an hour later carrying two bags.

He returned to the A&E, and in other footage - a laptop was visible from a bag. Lawlor was also examining the iPhone box.

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He registered as a patient at the hospital using his own name and address. None of the property was recovered and no victim impact statement was provided to the court.

When interviewed by gardai, Lawlor denied any involvement in the burglary but identified himself on CCTV from the hospital. He said the bag belonged to a relative. He has been in custody since his arrest on February 11th, 2024.

The investigating garda agreed with David Perry BL, defending, that his client checked into the hospital out of genuine medical need.

It was further accepted that the Mater Foundation's building was unoccupied at the time.

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The garda agreed that Lawlor has a long history of addiction and many of his previous convictions relate to his use of drugs. Lawlor is married with children.

Mr Perry outlined his client's background to the court. Lawlor started to use drugs as a teenager.

Counsel said Lawlor has previously completed drug treatment and was drug-free for a three-year period. Lawlor relapsed following an injury and the death of a close family member.

Mr Perry said his client instructs that contact has been made with Coolmine Treatment Centre with the aim that he will attend residential treatment following his release from custody.

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Counsel asked the court to take into account that the building was an unoccupied commercial premises and that no violence or confrontation occurred.

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Judge Orla Crowe said it was aggravating that Lawlor committed this offence a week after being released from custody and that no property was recovered.

The judge said Lawlor's record of previous convictions, and the value of the property stolen were also aggravating.

Judge Crowe imposed a sentence of three years and nine months, suspending the final nine months for two years on strict conditions, saying the court wished to incentivise Lawlor's rehabilitation.

She directed Lawlor to place himself under the supervision of the Probation Services for 12 months following his release from custody, noting that structure would facilitate his re-integration into society.
The special rapporteur on child protection, Caoilfhionn Gallagher, has welcomed the intervention of the General Solicitor for Minors and Wards in the Grace case and called for an inquiry into the inquiry.

Speaking on RTE radios Morning Ireland, Ms Gallagher paid tribute to the decision by Marie Claire Butler, which was really unprecedented.

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She's obviously limited in what she can say for legal reasons, because of the confidential nature of Wardship, but it really is a further alarm call about this appalling process. And we must now add these very serious concerns, but extensive concerns made by the legal team for Grace not being included or at all referenced in the final report.

"We've got to add those to the very grave concerns raised by survivors and families, by the whistleblowers and by others who were involved in the process over the last number of weeks.

Ms Gallagher said she was pleased to hear that Ms Butler was going to have a meeting with the Minister for Children.

One of my really core concerns is Grace was nonverbal and she was let down over a very long period of time from 1989 to 2009 for 20 years when she was in an environment that she should not have been in, and 16 years later she continues to be failed. So, for me, I think we've got to look at, first of all, what is going to be done in relation to accountability for Grace and for Grace's family.

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Second, what it's going to be done about accountability and the investigation, which never happened in phase two for the other families and survivors who've been let down by this process.

And thirdly, we need to learn lessons from the failures in this process to ensure that this simply never happens again. There's got to be essentially an inquiry into the inquiry, by which I simply mean there needs to be a quick fire review of what went wrong here procedurally, so we never again have a process which is so far away from trauma-informed and which lets down survivors, victims, families and whistleblowers. It's simply not good enough, and we must ensure this doesn't happen.

Derval McDonagh, CEO of advocacy group Inclusion Ireland, also welcomed the intervention by Ms Butler.

The report had been a further silencing of Grace, she said.

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She's a woman with an intellectual disability. She's non-speaking. That was well established before the commission was put in place. And therefore her testimony and the way that she would communicate at the commission was obviously going to be not in a typical fashion.

"She wasn't going to turn up at the commission and give her verbal account of her experience. But people in her immediate environment, people who care for her, know her and love her, and her legal team, could have built up a very careful picture over time of her experience," Ms McDonagh said.

It's a myth to say that people with intellectual disabilities who are non-speaking don't communicate. Everybody in this country communicates, but Grace communicates in different ways. And that is just as valuable as any verbal communication. And unfortunately, in this instance, it seems to be that her testimony, gathered carefully by her team over many years, was ignored or set aside, and it's simply not good enough.

"That has silenced her again. It has re-traumatised her. I spoke to a family member on the way in this morning who said that the commission has left families utterly broken. We have to listen to that. We can never do this again.

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Ms Gallagher added that whatever happened next, it was important to listen to Grace and Graces legal team.

The report process, despite costing millions of euros and taking such a long time, did not deliver answers and accountability as it was supposed to, she said. It was also damaging and re-traumatising.

All eyes have got to turn to the government to see what the government is going to do about both the vacuum and accountability that we've seen and the disgraceful failures in the process. It wasn't the government's own process, but now the ball is in the governments court to do what it needs to do, to put matters right for Grace and for the other survivors.

Ms McDonagh said that the next steps would have to be co-designed and led by survivors and their families.

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They are the experts; they have gone through this excruciating process over the last number of years. They feel broken and bruised by the process. And they know what the best process is for them and for their loved ones, and we've got to listen to that and treat them as the experts that they are and hear the testimony of non-speaking people and treat that as just as valuable as speaking people.
A Ukrainian travel agent and her husband remain in custody after allegedly attempting to smuggle 340,000 out of Ireland for a criminal organisation three weeks ago.

Gardai claim that businesswoman Iryna Bandarieva, 69, and Ihor Shandar, 60, were caught red-handed at Dublin Airport's Terminal 1 on April 10th and are awaiting directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

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They were refused bail at Dublin District Court two days after the arrest and charged with money laundering offences.

They have lodged High Court bail applications, which will be heard next week.

They appeared again at the District Court on Wednesday and were remanded in continuing custody by Judge Maire Conneely to appear again on May 28th.

It follows a joint investigation by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Revenue.

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The couple with an address in Betova, Kiev, Ukraine, face duplicate charges under section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, which carries a maximum 14-year sentence on conviction.

They are accused of possessing 340,000 in crime proceeds but deny the allegations.

With the help of a translator, the businesswoman told the court the money was from their life savings. "My husband and I are planning to challenge this case in court. We have documents to prove the source of the money is legit".

Objecting to bail at their first hearing on April 12th, Detective Vincent Jaffray and Kate Gilligan had told Judge Anthony Halpin that the GNDOCB received confidential information about a transnational crime group involved in money laundering and drug trafficking.

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The couple's luggage was checked, and officers found 170,000 in 50 notes and 17 bundles of 10,000 each among the clothing in Mr Shandar's luggage. Some 167,000 was found in Ms Bandarieva's bag.

Another 7,000 was in their hand luggage.

The officers believed 340,000 in the bundles was proceeds of crime and that the pair were taking it out of the jurisdiction. They arrived in the country the previous day.

Detective Jaffray said that when interviewed, Mr Shandar claimed they came to Ireland for a sightseeing trip.

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The court heard they arrived in Ireland from Nice, France, and used a bank card to pay for a hotel. The court heard the defendants had recently moved to Italy and claimed the money was to buy a property in Cyprus.

The gardai said they were set to fly there on Thursday and, following a 12-hour stopover, get an onward flight to Milan, Italy, where they had lived recently.

The bail hearing was told that court Ms Bandarieva's business, Dolce Travel, was still operating in Ukraine and that she had family in the UK.

Their lawyer said they would fight the case.

The court heard Ms Bandarieva had trust issues with banks.

The defence described her as a lady of good character with no prior convictions who had worked all her life
17 injured in residential area blast in north China city

Xinhua) 16:20, April 30, 2025

TAIYUAN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Seventeen people were injured in a residential complex explosion on Wednesday afternoon in Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, with four in critical condition and three discharged after treatment, according to local authorities.

The blast occurred in the Beiying neighborhood of Xiaodian District at around 1 p.m. As of 3 p.m., the fire triggered by the blast had been extinguished.

Rescue teams are conducting door-to-door safety checks in the affected building, and an investigation into the cause of the blast is underway.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
An estimated 4,700 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded while fighting alongside Russia against Ukrainian forces, South Koreas spy agency has told legislators.

The assessment came two days after North Korea confirmed for the first time that it had sent combat troops to help Russia recapture parts of the Kursk region, which it lost control of to a surprise Ukrainian incursion last year.

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In a closed-door parliamentary committee briefing, South Koreas National Intelligence Service (NIS) said North Korea had suffered 4,700 casualties, including 600 deaths, on the Russia-Ukraine battlefronts, according to Lee Seong Kweun, one of the legislators who attended the meeting.



A TV screen at Seoul railway station in South Korea shows a file image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Mr Lee told reporters the NIS said that 2,000 injured North Korean soldiers were repatriated to North Korea by air or train between January and March.

He cited the NIS as saying the dead North Korean soldiers were cremated in Russia before their remains were sent back home.

In January, the NIS said about 300 North Korean soldiers had died and another 2,700 had been injured, and the South Korean military increased the estimated casualties to 4,000 last month.

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On Monday, North Korea announced that leader Kim Jong Un had decided to dispatch troops to annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers and liberate the Kursk area in co-operation with the Russian armed forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin later issued a statement thanking North Korea and promising not to forget the sacrifices of North Korean soldiers.

Both Mr Kim and Mr Putin said the North Korean deployment was made under their countries landmark 2024 defence treaty, which requires each side to provide aid if the other is attacked.

The US, South Korea and their partners say North Korea has been supplying vast amounts of conventional weapons to replenish Russias depleted stocks as well.

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They suspect Russia is providing North Korea with military and economic assistance in return.



A TV screen at Seoul railway station in South Korea shows a file image of soldiers believed to be from North Korea standing in line to receive supplies from Russia (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

US, South Korean and Ukrainian officials have said North Korea dispatched 10,000-12,000 troops to Russia last autumn.

South Koreas military said in March that North Korea sent about 3,000 additional troops to Russia earlier this year.

During its Wednesday briefing, the NIS said it assessed that Russia has given North Korea air defence missiles, electronic warfare equipment, drones and technology for spy satellite launches, according to Kim Byung-kee, another legislator who attended the NIS briefing.

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Mr Kim quoted the NIS as saying that 15,000 North Korean labourers have also been sent to Russia under bilateral industrial co-operation programmes.

The legislator said the amount of North Korean missiles and artillery sent to Russia was worth billions of dollars but the NIS has not detected signs that Russia has sent North Korea cash remittances for them.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys Liberals celebrated election victory in a stunning turn of fortune but fell short on Tuesday of winning an outright majority in Parliament, and the party will have to seek help from other another, smaller party.

The vote-counting agency Elections Canada finished processing nearly all ballots in what turned out to be a razor-close election that will leave the Liberals three seats short of a majority. Recounts are expected in some districts.

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The Liberal party seemed likely to find the extra votes necessary to pass legislation, but it was not clear whether they would come from the progressive party, which backed the Liberals under former prime minister Justin Trudeau, or from a separatist party from French-speaking Quebec.

Mr Carneys rival, populist Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, was in the lead until US President Donald Trump took aim at Canada with a trade war and threats to annex the country as the 51st state.

Mr Poilievre not only lost his bid for prime minister on Monday but was voted out of the Parliament seat that he held for 20 years.

That capped a swift decline in fortunes for the firebrand Mr Poilievre, who a few months ago appeared to be a shoo-in to become Canadas next prime minister and shepherd the Conservatives back into power for the first time in a decade.

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Mr Poilievre, a career politician, campaigned with Trump-like bravado, taking a page from the America First president by adopting the slogan Canada First. But his similarities to Mr Trump may have ultimately cost him and his party.

The Liberals were projected to win 169 seats of Parliaments 343 seats while the Conservatives were projected to win 144. The separatist Bloc Quebecois party was expected to finish with 22 seats, the progressive New Democrats with seven and the Greens with one.

Elections Canada said 68.5% of eligible voters cast ballots in the federal election  the highest turnout since 1993.





In a victory speech, Mr Carney stressed unity in the face of Washingtons threats. He said the mutually beneficial relationship Canada and the US had shared since the Second World War was gone.

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We are over the shock of the American betrayal, but we should never forget the lessons, he said.

As Ive been warning for months, America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country, Mr Carney added.

These are not idle threats. President Trump is trying to break us so America can own us. That will never  ever happen. But we also must recognise the reality that our world has fundamentally changed.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the Canadian election does not affect President Trumps plan to make Canada Americas cherished 51st state.

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Mr Carney spoke to Mr Trump, and the two leaders agreed on the importance of Canada and the United States working together  as independent, sovereign nations  for their mutual betterment, Mr Carneys office said in a statement.

The men agreed to meet in person in the near future.
A former soldier accused of strangling his Irish mum-of-one girlfriend to death at their holiday hotel has insisted he would never hurt a woman and claimed she had taken her own life.

Keith Byrne acted out the dramatic moment he claimed he found Kirsty Ward dead with their hair straightener power cord tied around her neck and attached to the inside of their room door knob on the penultimate day of his murder trial.

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The 34-year-old urged the nine-strong jury to use logic and common sense in an unconventional address to the trial court in the Spanish city of Tarragona on the east coast.

Public prosecutors are seeking a 21-year prison sentence for Dubliner Byrne for killing Kirsty at the four-star Magnolia Hotel in the popular Costa Daurada resort of Salou.

A private prosecutor acting for Kirstys family wants him jailed for 30 years if convicted of the 36-year-olds murder on July 2nd, 2023.

Kirstys mum, Jackie Ward, described Byrne as someone she didnt like and didnt trust on day one of the trial last Wednesday and said she had found out after her daughters death that she had planned to leave him during their make or break holiday.

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Prosecutors are claiming the Irish man, who had been living in Duleek, Co Meath, deliberately killed his alleged victim because he couldnt accept the end of their eight-month relationship.

Byrne, identified around the time of his arrest as a fugitive from the Royal Military Police in England for going AWOL in 2017, delivered an extraordinary character assassination of his late partner in court yesterday before insisting: It wasnt a murder, it was suicide.

He spoke in heavily-accented Spanish, which he is believed to have learnt during his nearly two years on remand in jail, despite sitting beside a translator he used to help him re-enact his discovery of Kirsty on the floor of their hotel room after her alleged suicide".

Byrne described himself as a respectful and intelligent father of three who would never commit an act of domestic violence and had never been accused of hurting a woman in Ireland.

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He initially described Kirsty as affectionate, friendly, funny and amusing when they started their relationship.

But he went on to paint her as an unstable woman who could be four people in one day, especially after binging on alcohol and banned substance drugs, which he claimed made her psychotic and turned their romance toxic.

Describing their trip to Salou as a rollercoaster of emotions, which he claimed began with an argument sparked by her insistence on smuggling cocaine onto their flight to Spain from Dublin, he said in an impassioned plea to the jury: Please use logic and common sense.

For the last two years, people have called me a killer, and Ive been locked up in a sh***y prison for a crime I didnt commit.

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Im here today as a witness and also a victim. This wasnt a murder. It was suicide.

My last words to Kirsty before I was taken away by police after giving her a kiss were: 'Ill love you forever, with all my heart and soul. None of this is your fault. Go in peace'.

He recounted to the court in detail their last day together when he says he left her alone to binge on margarita cocktails in a bar called Bikini after a last straw argument sparked by her threat to leave him in Spain and return to Ireland early.

He also alleged she badgered him into taking her to a swingers club earlier in the holiday and called him a son of a b***h for failing to bring back a man or woman to their hotel, she could have fun with after a drink and drug binge.

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Recalling the moment he claims he found Kirsty dead, and using his translator to represent her in a gruesome role play, he said: I began CPR and started shouting Baby, please come back and called out for help after loosening the pressure of the cord and dragging her out of the room towards the hotel corridor.

It felt like hours before any help arrived.

My world fell apart that day, my partner was dead. No one has ever understood that.

Kirstys mum, Jackie, sat feet away from Byrne. She broke down in tears and was comforted by loved ones as police photos of her body were shown to the jurors on large TV monitors in the courtroom.

Public prosecutors are accusing Byrne of aggravated murder and not simple homicide under Spanish law because of his alleged execution of the crime in a way or with means that left the victim defenceless.

They are demanding he pay Kirstys teenage child, Evan, who was 14 at the time she died, 150,000 in compensation and to pay her mum 100,000.

Tests have shown Kirsty had consumed alcohol, cocaine, Benzoylecgonine and Lidocaine before her death. Prosecutors said in a pre-trial indictment that these substances prevented her from defending herself in equal conditions when Byrne strangled" her by taking advantage of the privacy of their hotel room and his superior physical strength.

Kirstys mum was asked on day one of the trial whether she thought her daughter could have committed suicide, but replied angrily: She did everything for her son. She would never ever leave him. She would never do that to him.

The trial is due to finish later on Wednesday, following lawyers final speeches.

Jurors will start deliberating their verdict at the start of next week after the May Bank Holiday.
The Palestinian Red Crescent aid group said one of its medics, Asaad al-Nsasrah, was released by Israel on Tuesday alongside nine other detainees from Gaza.

Prisoners released by Israel have said they were ordered by Israel not to speak to the media, and fear for their safety.

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The medic had been detained since Israeli forces killed several of his colleagues on March 23  eight medics with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, six members of the Hamas governments Civil Defence rescue group, and a United Nations staff member.

Israeli troops bulldozed over the bodies along with their mangled vehicles, burying them in a mass grave. UN and rescue workers were able to reach the site only a week later.

Among the Palestinians released on Tuesday was Mohammad al-Sharif who was taken from Rafah.

He said it felt like he had been given a new date of birth because he can finally see his family again.

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While I was in captivity, I thought that I would not find any of my family members and relatives if he returned to Gaza, he said.

The 10 Palestinians released by Israel arrived at Aqsa Hospital in a Red Cross vehicle on Tuesday, where they were examined by doctors. Some of them said they had been held for around five or six months.
Clinching a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war is far too complex to be done quickly, a senior Kremlin official said, as the US labours to bring momentum to peace efforts and expresses frustration over the slow progress.

Meanwhile, a night-time Russian drone attack on Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, wounded at least 45 civilians, officials said.

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The United Nations reported that the number of Ukrainian civilian casualties in the more than three-year war has surged in recent weeks amid Washingtons attempts to broker a peace agreement.





Russian President Vladimir Putin backs calls for a ceasefire before peace negotiations, but before its done, its necessary to answer a few questions and sort out a few nuances, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Mr Putin is also ready for direct talks with Ukraine without preconditions to seek a peace deal, he added.

We realise that Washington wants to achieve quick progress, but we hope for understanding that the Ukrainian crisis settlement is far too complex to be done quickly, Mr Peskov said.

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There are many details and an array of small nuances that need to be solved before a settlement.

US President Donald Trump has previously expressed frustration over the slow pace of progress in negotiations aimed at stopping the war, which he said he could end in the first 24 hours of his new administration in January.

Western European leaders have accused Mr Putin of stalling while his forces seek to grab more Ukrainian land.

Russia has captured nearly a fifth of Ukraines territory since Moscows forces launched a full-scale invasion on February 24 2022.

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Mr Trump has chided Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for steps that he said were prolonging the killing field, and the US leader has rebuked Mr Putin for complicating negotiations with very bad timing in launching deadly strikes that battered the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

The US president has long dismissed the war as a waste of American taxpayer money and of lives lost in the conflict.



Firefighters put out a fire following a Russian drone attack that hit apartment buildings in Kharkiv, Ukraine (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

Senior US officials have warned that the administration could abandon the peace efforts if it sees no solution.

That could spell an end to crucial military help for Ukraine and heavier economic sanctions on Russia.

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The US State Department on Tuesday tried again to push both sides to move more quickly.

We are now at a time where concrete proposals need to be delivered by the two parties on how to end this conflict, department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce quoted US secretary of state Marco Rubio as telling her.

How we proceed from here is a decision that belongs now to the president, she told reporters, relating a conversation that she had with Mr Rubio.

If there is not progress, we will step back as mediators in this process.

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Russia has effectively rejected a US proposal for an immediate and full 30-day ceasefire, making it conditional on a halt to Ukraines mobilisation effort and Western arms supplies to Kyiv.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov claimed on Wednesday that Ukraine had accepted an unconditional truce only because it was being pushed back on the battlefield, where the bigger Russian forces have the upper hand.

In the context of the developments on the ground, along the front line where the Kyiv regime is increasingly in retreat, they have made an about-turn and started demanding an immediate ceasefire without any preconditions, Mr Lavrov said at a briefing in Rio de Janeiro where he was attending a ministerial meeting of the Brics grouping.

He also suggested that Ukraines ceasefire promises were not credible.



Emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

Both sides have accused each other of breaking previous truces.

Independent verification of the battlefield claims was not possible.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian civilians have been killed or wounded in attacks every day this year, according to a UN report presented on Tuesday in New York.

The UN Human Rights Office said in the report that in the first three months of this year it had verified 2,641 civilian casualties in Ukraine.

That was almost 900 more than during the same period last year.

Also, between April 1 and 24, civilian casualties in Ukraine were up 46% from the same weeks in 2024, it said.

The Ukrainian air force said that Russia fired 108 Shahed and decoy drones at Ukraine between Tuesday and Wednesday, predominantly at the cities of Dnipro and Kharkiv.

Also on Wednesday, the Ukrainian Security Service claimed its drones struck the Murom Instrument Engineering Plant in Russias Vladimir region overnight, causing five explosions and a fire.

The plant located east of Moscow produces ammunition ignition devices, as well as components and products for the Russian navy and military aviation, a source at the agency told The Associated Press.

The claim could not be independently verified.
Microsoft has pledged to fight any US government order to halt data centre operations in Europe as it sought to soothe concerns among European customers that transatlantic tensions would lead to service disruptions.

The companys president Brad Smith said it is not something that officials are talking about in Washington, DC but it is a real concern for Microsofts customers across Europe, which include governments.

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President Donald Trump has stoked tensions between the US and Europe with his tariff-fuelled trade war and alarmed European leaders with policy changes, including pausing intelligence sharing with Ukraine, that throw into doubt his administrations commitment to the transatlantic relationship.





Mr Smith, speaking at an event in Brussels, tried to allay concerns as he announced that the company was expanding data centre operations across Europe.

What we want Europeans to know is that they can count on us, he said in a speech.

In the unlikely event we are ever ordered by any government anywhere in the world to suspend or cease cloud operations in Europe, we are committing that Microsoft will promptly and vigorously contest such a measure using all legal avenues available, including by pursuing litigation in court, Mr Smith wrote in a Wednesday blog post.

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He noted that Microsoft has experience fighting lawsuits from the previous Trump administration as well as from former president Barack Obamas administration.

If we ever find ourselves losing we will put in place business continuity arrangements that include storing computer code in Switzerland that European partners can access, he said.

Microsoft is making five digital commitments to Europe, including increasing its data centre capacity by 40 in 16 countries over the next two years, Mr Smith said.



Microsofts president Brad Smith at a conference on digital resilience during geopolitical volatility in Brussels (Virginia Mayo/AP)

The expansion will cost tens of billions of dollars annually.

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Mr Smith declined to be more specific about the cost when asked by reporters.

The expansion comes amid calls for Europe to assert tech and data sovereignty by weaning itself off reliance from big US cloud data service providers, including Microsoft, Amazon and, to a lesser extent, Google.

Given recent geopolitical volatility, we recognise that European governments likely will consider additional options, and Microsoft is committed to collaborating with European companies, Mr Smith said.
Dozens of Pakistani nationals living in India have headed to the main land crossing between India and Pakistan, following New Delhis decision to order almost all Pakistani citizens to leave the country after last weeks deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

The deadline for Pakistani citizens to leave the country  with exceptions for those who are on medical visas in India  passed on Sunday, but many families were still scrambling to the Indian side of the border in Attari town in northern Punjab state to cross into Pakistan.

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Some were arriving on their own and others were being deported by police.



Pakistani national Sara Khan, left, married to Indian citizen Aurangzeb Khan, right, prepares to leave for Pakistan without her husband from the Attari-Wagah border between India and Pakistan (Prabhjot Gill/AP)

We have settled our families here. We request the government not to uproot our families, said Sara Khan, a Pakistani national who was ordered back to Pakistan without her husband, Aurangzeb Khan, who holds an Indian passport.

Waiting on the Indian side of the border crossing, Ms Khan carried her 14-day-old child in her arms.

She said Indian authorities did not give her any time to recuperate from a caesarean section and that her long-term visa was valid until July 2026.

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They (authorities) told me you are illegal and you should go, said Ms Khan, who has been living in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 2017.

They gave us no time. I could not even change my shoes.

Tensions between rivals India and Pakistan have escalated after gunmen killed 26 people, most of them Indian tourists, near the resort town of Pahalgam in disputed Kashmir.

At least three tourists who survived the massacre told The Associated Press (AP) that the gunmen singled out Hindu men and shot them from close range.

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The dead included a Nepalese citizen and a local Muslim pony ride operator.



An Indian paramilitary soldier stands guard at a temporary checkpoint in Srinagar, Indian-controlled Kashmir (Dar Yasin/AP)

Aishanya Dwivedi, whose husband was killed in the massacre, said a gunman approached the couple and challenged him to recite the Islamic declaration of faith.

Her husband replied that he was Hindu, and the attacker shot him point blank in the head, she said.

He was on my lap. I was soaked in his blood, Ms Dwivedi told the AP over the phone from her home in the Indian city of Kanpur.

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India has described the massacre as a terror attack and accused Pakistan of backing it.

Pakistan has denied any connection to the attack, which was claimed by a previously unknown militant group calling itself the Kashmir Resistance.

The massacre set off tit-for-tat diplomatic measures between India and Pakistan that included cancellation of visas and a recall of diplomats.



Seema Bashir, who is a Pakistani citizen, bids goodbye to her Indian son as she leaves in a bus at the Attari-Wagah border between India and Pakistan, near Amritsar, India (Prabhjot Gill/AP)

New Delhi also suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty with Islamabad and ordered its border shut with Pakistan.

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In response, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines.

As tensions escalate, cross-border firings between Indian and Pakistani soldiers have also increased along the Line of Control, the de facto frontier that separates Kashmiri territory between the two rivals.

Kashmir is split between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety.

New Delhi describes all militancy in Indian-controlled Kashmir as Pakistan-backed terrorism.

Pakistan denies this, and many Muslim Kashmiris consider the militants to be part of a home-grown freedom struggle.

Meanwhile, Indias cabinet committee on security, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met on Wednesday.



A policeman checks an auto rickshaw as paramilitary soldiers stand guard at a temporary checkpoint in Srinagar, Indian-controlled Kashmir (Dar Yasin/AP)

It was its second such meeting since the attack.

United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres, in separate phone calls with India and Pakistan, stressed the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences.

The US State Department also called for de-escalation and said secretary of state Marco Rubio would be speaking soon to the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

The two nations have frequently come to blows over Kashmir in the past, but last weeks massacre has escalated tensions and Mr Modi has repeatedly vowed to pursue and punish the attackers.

Early on Wednesday, Pakistan said it had credible intelligence that India intends to carry out military action against it in the next 24-36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident.

Indian government officials said Mr Modi has given complete operational freedom to the armed forces to decide on the mode, targets and timing of Indias response to the Pahalgam massacre. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations.
US President Donald Trump has dismissed many of former president Joe Bidens nominees to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, including Doug Emhoff, the husband of former vice president Kamala Harris.

Mr Emhoff, who is Jewish and who led the Biden administrations efforts to combat antisemitism, criticised Mr Trumps action, saying: Let me be clear: Holocaust remembrance and education should never be politicised.

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He added: To turn one of the worst atrocities in history into a wedge issue is dangerous  and it dishonours the memory of six million Jews murdered by Nazis that this museum was created to preserve.

Others dismissed alongside Mr Emhoff include former Biden chief of staff Ron Klain and former domestic policy adviser Susan Rice, who was the principal author of and the impetus behind the first-ever comprehensive National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism in 2023.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Since taking office in January Mr Trump has moved to sack many Biden appointees across government  including ostensibly apolitical roles.

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Mr Biden too dismissed some Trump carryover appointees after he entered the White House in 2021, most notably 18 appointees named to US military academy boards, but at a far smaller scale.
US President Donald Trump landed in Michigan on Tuesday and shared a hug with a longtime antagonist, Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, as they appeared together to announce a new fighter jet mission being placed at an Air National Guard base outside Detroit and ease fears that the installation could close.

Mr Trump delivered the news at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, shortly after arriving in Michigan for an evening rally marking his 100th day in office.

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He was joined by Ms Whitmer, who has softened her stance toward Mr Trump in the hope of finding common ground  with securing a new mission for the base a top priority.

For decades, Mr Trump said the base has stood as a crucial pillar of North American air defence.



President Donald Trump greets Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer as he arrives on Air Force One at Selfridge Air National Guard Base (Alex Brandon/AP)

In recent years, many in Michigan have feared for the future of the base. Theyve been calling everybody, but the only one that mattered is Trump, he said.

Today I have come in person to lay to rest any doubt about Selfridges future.

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After Mr Trump and Ms Whitmer hugged upon the president disembarking Air Force One, she climbed in his motorcade to ride to the base. During his remarks, Mr Trump said the governor has been very effective in advocating for the base.

State officials had been pushing for years to replace the bases aging fleet of A-10 aircraft, which are set to be retired, to help ensure Selfridge remains in operation.

Mr Trump had suggested that new fighter jets could secure Selfridges future, including the likes of F-16s or F-35s.

Located 30 miles north of Detroit, the base generates an estimated 850 million dollars (634 million) in statewide economic impact and supports about 5,000 military and civilian personnel, according to the office of Senator Gary Peters.

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For years, Ms Whitmer has pressed multiple administrations  including Mr Trumps first term and former Democratic president Joe Bidens  to secure a new mission for the base, calling it a key defence hub and economic anchor.

The US Air Force announced in 2017 that Selfridge had lost out on a bid for F-35A Lightning.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth travelled separately from the president to Selfridge for the announcement. But military implications aside, Mr Trumps announcement handed Ms Whitmer a victory  though it remains to be seen what political price she may have paid to secure it.

The governor has been frequently mentioned as a potential presidential candidate. As she works to raise her profile nationally, Ms Whitmer has vowed to find common ground with Mr Trump where she can.

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But some Democrats view the president and his administration as so harmful that they would rather see the party oppose Mr Trump and his team whenever possible.

Earlier this month, Ms Whitmer travelled to Washington to meet Mr Trump to discuss Selfridge and other issues affecting Michigan, including the steep tariffs Mr Trump has imposed on Canada and other US trading partners.

The governor said she was unexpectedly ushered into the Oval Office, where she stood awkwardly as the Republican president signed executive orders and assailed his political opponents during a photo opportunity.

At one point, a photo captured Ms Whitmer trying to hide her face from the cameras by holding up a folder.

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Mr Trump had told Ms Whitmer during her visit that he hoped to keep the base open, strong, thriving.

Its a great piece of property. Its a great location, and its a great state, Mr Trump said. So I think were going to come back with a very good answer.

He followed through on that on Tuesday, at a time when Michigan has seen its unemployment rate rise for three consecutive months, including a 1.3% jump in March, reaching 5.5%, according to state data. That exceeds the national average.
Ukraine is prepared to sign a landmark mineral resources agreement with the United States in Washington on Wednesday, according to two senior Ukrainian officials.

Ukraines economy minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, was in Washington on Wednesday to help sew up technical aspects of the deal, according to two senior Ukrainian officials.

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Although the main part of the agreement had been settled, there were still hurdles to overcome, said a senior Ukrainian official.

For Ukraine, the deal is seen as key to ensuring its access to future US military aid.



Ukraine hopes that the deal allowing the US to access its rare minerals will ensure continued support from the US in the war against Russia (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said: Truly, this is a strategic deal for the creation of an investment partner fund.

This is truly an equal and good international deal on joint investment in the development and restoration of Ukraine between the governments of the United States and Ukraine.

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US President Donald Trump indicated in February that he wanted access to Ukraines rare earth materials as a condition for continuing US support in the war, describing it as reimbursement for the billions of dollars in aid the US has given to Kyiv.

But talks stalled after a tense Oval Office meeting of US and Ukrainian leaders, and reaching an agreement since then has proven difficult and strained relations between Washington and Kyiv.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House that the Trump administration was ready to sign off on a deal, but that there was still work to do.

The Ukrainians decided last night to make some last-minute changes, Mr Bessent said when asked about reports that Ukraine was ready to agree to the pact.

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Were sure that they will reconsider that. And we are ready to sign this afternoon if they are.

He did not elaborate as to the late changes he said Ukraine had made.



Emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

The US is seeking access to more than 20 raw materials deemed strategically critical to its interests, including some non-minerals such as oil and natural gas.

Among them are Ukraines deposits of titanium, which is used for making aircraft wings and other aerospace manufacturing, and uranium, which is used for nuclear power, medical equipment and weapons.

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Ukraine also has lithium, graphite and manganese, which are used in electric vehicle batteries.

Talks had stalled earlier this year after a tense Oval Office meeting in February between the US and Ukrainian leaders.

For Ukraine, the deal is seen as possibly key in getting future military aid from the US.

The Ukrainian Cabinet approved the agreement on Wednesday, empowering Mr Svyrydenko to sign it in Washington.

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Once signed by both sides, the deal would need to be ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament before it could take effect.



Firefighters put out a fire following a Russian drone attack that hit apartment buildings in Kharkiv, Ukraine (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

In Moscow, a senior Kremlin official said on Wednesday that clinching a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war is far too complex to be done quickly, as the US labours to bring momentum to peace efforts and expresses frustration over the slow progress.

The negotiations come amid rocky progress in Washingtons push to stop the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin backs calls for a ceasefire before peace negotiations, but before its done, its necessary to answer a few questions and sort out a few nuances, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Mr Putin is also ready for direct talks with Ukraine without preconditions to seek a peace deal, he added.

We realise that Washington wants to achieve quick progress, but we hope for understanding that the Ukrainian crisis settlement is far too complex to be done quickly, Mr Peskov said.

Meanwhile, a night-time Russian drone attack on Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, wounded at least 45 civilians, officials said.

The United Nations reported that Ukrainian civilians have been killed or wounded in attacks every day this year.

The UN Human Rights Office said in the report that in the first three months of this year, it had verified 2,641 civilian casualties in Ukraine.

That was almost 900 more than during the same period last year.

Also, between April 1 and April 24, civilian casualties in Ukraine were up 46% from the same weeks in 2024, it said.
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Eating outBaking Baking bad: What you need to know about the RecipeTin Eats v Brooke Bellamy recipe row The oven gloves are off in the battle of the caramel slice and baklava recipes, which Nagi Maehashi, aka RecipeTin Eats, claims Brooke Bellamy copied from her. Bianca Hrovat April 30, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Nagi Maehashi of RecipeTin Eats, Australias most powerful recipe blogger, launched an online offensive on Tuesday against Brisbane baking influencer Brooke Bellamy of Brooki Bakehouse, whom she accuses of recipe theft. Maehashis claims were broadcast to her 4.6 million social media followers, and millions of website users, sparking widespread online commentary, think-pieces on the ethics of recipe writing and national news stories. Bellamy, with more than 3.5 million social media followers herself, has denied the charge. Theres a lot to digest, so heres a quick run-down of everything you need to know. Nagi Maehashi, aka RecipeTinEats, with her dog Dozer. James Brickwood Who is Nagi Maehashi, aka RecipeTin Eats?

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RecipeTin Eats is Australias leading food website, with more than 1500 recipes attracting around 35 million visitors each month. It was founded by Sydney-based recipe writer and Good Food columnist Nagi Maehashi, who made the leap into food media after 16 years of working in corporate finance. Maehashis recipes are known for taking familiar, budget-friendly dishes such as chocolate cake, nachos and fried chicken and meticulously fine-tuning them. Her approach has earned the trust of more than 4.6 million social media followers from across the globe, and her debut cookbook, RecipeTin Eats: Dinner, sold 78,000 copies in its first week, breaking the record for the highest first week of sales for a nonfiction title. Her second cookbook, RecipeTin Eats: Tonight, which sold nearly 300,000 copies in less than three months, was the highest-selling title of 2024. Brooke Bellamy, nee Saward, from Brooki Bakehouse. Brooke Saward Who is Bake with Brooki (Brooki Bakehouse) aka Brooke Bellamy?

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Brooki Bakehouse began as an online cookie delivery service in 2022 and has since expanded to three bakeries across Brisbane, with international shipping and pop-ups in cities such as Dubai. Founder Brooke Bellamy, a self-taught baker, rose to social media fame with her day in the life TikTok videos, which attracted 2 million followers and earned her a nomination for 2024 TikTok business of the year. Bellamy is known for making thick, New-York-style cookies in flavours such as red velvet and classic choc chip, as well as rich chocolate brownies. In October, her debut cookbook, Bake with Brooki, became a sell-out success at major bookstores, selling more than 90,000 copies over the past six months. It was the countrys third highest-selling cookbook, with RecipeTin Eats: Tonight at No.1. Which recipes were allegedly stolen?

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Maehashi claims Bellamys cookbook Bake with Brooki plagiarised its recipes for caramel slice and baklava from the RecipeTin Eats website. In a statement, Maehashi said: the similarities are so specific and detailed that calling these a coincidence feels disingenuous, and it felt like a slap in the face to every author who puts in the hard work to create original content. The recipes appear to contain the exact same ingredients, and the methods are fundamentally the same. Maehashi went on to allege Bellamy had plagiarised the recipes of other writers in Bake with Brooki, but did not include further details. How did Bake with Brooki (Brooki Bakehouse) aka Brooke Bellamy respond? Bellamy took to Instagram stories on Wednesday night to deny the allegations of plagiarism and said she had offered to remove both recipes from future reprints of Bake with Brooki. I have been creating my recipes and selling them commercially since October 2016, she said, noting Maehashis recipe for caramel slice did not appear on RecipeTin Eats until March 2020. Bellamy went on to acknowledge her recipes took inspiration from other cooks, cookbook authors, food bloggers and content creators, stating this willingness to share recipes and build on what has come before is what I love so much about baking  and the community that surrounds it. Brooke Bellamy, author of Bake With Brooki.

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Who else has accused Bake with Brooki of plagiarising recipes? US-based food blogger Sally McKenney, of Sallys Baking (formerly Sallys Baking Addiction), has claimed her recipe for vanilla cake appeared in Bake with Brooki. In a statement posted to Instagram, McKenney thanked Maehashi for [letting] me know, months ago, that one of my recipes (The Best Vanilla Cake Ive Ever Had, published by me in 2019) was plagiarised in this book and also appears on [Bellamys] YouTube channel. Fans of RecipeTinEats have taken to online forums to analyse Bake with Brooki recipes, uncovering further similarities between Bellamys Portuguese tart recipe and Bill Grangers Portuguese tart recipe, contained in his 2006 cookbook Every Day. Bellamy has not responded to further allegations of plagiarism.

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How does recipe copyright law work? Ideas, ingredients and methods of a recipe are not protected by Australian copyright laws, so people are permitted to take recipes from external sources and rewrite them in their own words. That said, they are not permitted to reproduce exact physical and digital copies of a recipe without the original creators permission. Generally speaking, if you write a recipe in your own words with your own descriptions, without using the same expression, you are unlikely to infringe copyright, says the Australian Copyright Council. What does the publisher, Penguin Australia, say? Bake with Brooki publisher Penguin Australia denied the allegations, according to Maehashi. In her statement, she said Penguin (via their lawyers) respectfully rejects your  allegations and confirms that the recipes were written by Brooke Bellamy. Penguin Australia has not released further comment. Related Article RecipeTin Eats founder accuses Bake with Brooki author of stealing recipes

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Eating outSex, sleaze and hospitality Im still in disbelief: Ex-Swillhouse staff take fight global with tears, dancing and packed bars The alleged victims of sexual assault and harassment are going after widespread industry change, following strong nationwide support. Bianca Hrovat April 30, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Members of the Sorry Not Sorry collective, Alex Hooker, Jenna Hemsworth and Rachelle (Rocky) Hair at Perth bar Edward & Idas. Jacqueline Jane A campaign to end sexual violence and harassment within the hospitality sector, led by former employees of high-profile Sydney hospitality group Swillhouse, is going global in June following the success of their Australian fundraising tour. The Sorry Not Sorry Collective, made up of Rachelle (Rocky) Hair, Jenna Hemsworth, Alex Hooker, Brittany Rowe and Reuby Kahl, allege they were sexually harassed, assaulted or discriminated against while working for Swillhouse, as revealed in a series of reports published by The Sydney Morning Herald and Good Food in August. Their stories sent shockwaves through Australias hospitality community, where sexual harassment is prevalent but rarely discussed publicly, and they paved the way for other alleged victims to come forward. It also prompted a SafeWork NSW investigation into the Swillhouse Group, and led to compulsory sexual violence prevention training for all staff working in pubs and clubs across the state. But they can do more, says Hair. In June, the ex-Swillhouse staff will take their stories international, embarking on a four-to-six week world tour with panel discussions and bar takeovers in Singapore, Hong Kong, Spain and Britain.

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Sexual harassment and assault is an industry-wide problem in hospitality, extending beyond Australian borders, and the collective aims to collaborate with local advocacy groups to encourage underrepresented voices to speak up, and to lead a widespread cultural shift. Were insane for doing it, but were committed, Hair says. Our experience needs to be part of the wider conversation. Supporters at Saville Row in Brisbane. Samantha Wooller Hundreds of supporters turned up to their Australian tour over the past month, packing into participating bars, including Disco Pantera (Sydney), Caretakers Cottage (Melbourne) and Edward & Idas (Perth). Its been an overwhelming show of solidarity, says Hair, who founded the collective alongside Hemsworth.

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There were moments at each event where young women or queer people would come forward and say, You know, I needed this. I needed to talk to someone, says Hair. As much as it was all fun and games, there was a lot of heavy stuff, and there were a lot of tears, but it was amazing to be able to actually openly talk about it. Its a significant shift for Hair, a former bartender at Swillhouse venues The Baxter Inn and Shady Pines, who once believed no one would care about her story. Instead, hers is one of many that have sparked a lot of conversations across different communities, she says. Im still kind of in disbelief. Sorry Not Sorry members Jenna Hemsworth, Rachelle (Rocky) Hair and Alex Hooker, are pursuing legal action against their former employer. The tours arent just about advocacy. The collective is also fundraising to pursue their former employer for damages, with the help of one of the worlds top employment lawyers, Sheryn Omeri KC. She has advised victims of Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein and she won a landmark case defining Uber drivers as employees in Britain.

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Through drink and merchandise sales, as well as GoFundMe donations, Sorry Not Sorry exceeded their financial target and raised more than half of their legal fees during the first leg of the tour. Due to high demand, a second leg of the national tour is planned for Hobart (May 8) and Brisbane (June 16), and there are talks of a regional tour with more than 10 eager bars. The collective is seeking partnerships, collaborations and sponsorships from businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors to spread the word and to bring their vision to life. Merchandise sales have helped to raise funds for legal representation. Samantha Wooller Swillhouse, which owns venues including Restaurant Hubert, Caterpillar Club and Le Foote, said it was aware of sexual assault allegations at its venues and that it sincerely regretted and apologised to any former employees who felt unsupported and at risk.

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Eating outRestaurant news Hold on to your hats: Hospitality heavyweights brace for election amid record closures Sydney restaurateurs including Golden Centurys Wong family, Neil Perry, Judy McMahon and Leon Fink discuss immigration, penalty rates and secrets to success. Bianca Hrovat April 30, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Good Food gathers with recipients of the Vittoria Coffee Legend Award at The International. Dion Georgopoulos Legendary chefs and restaurateurs including Neil Perry are hunkering down and holding on to their hats ahead of the federal election on Saturday as political promises on penalty rates and immigration threaten Sydneys struggling hospitality sector. Elections always fk things up, said Perry at the Vittoria Legends Lunch, a gathering of hospitality veterans recognised by The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide for their outstanding contribution to the industry over the years. Perry was keen to talk politics with former Vittoria Coffee Legend Award recipients Leon Fink (Quay, Bennelong), Judy McMahon (Catalina), Lyndey Milan, Jane Strode, Guillaume Brahimi (Bistro Guillaume) and Eric, Linda and Billy Wong (Golden Century) at the event, hosted by Vittoria chief executive officer and long-time patron of the Good Food Guide Les Schirato. The Vittoria Legends Lunch at The International. Dion Georgopoulos

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The election comes at a critical time for the hospitality industry, in which rising costs and low profit margins contributed to a record 9.3 per cent of businesses (or one in 11) shutting down over the past 12 months, according to CreditorWatch. It worries me how many restaurants and cafes are closing, Schirato said. Its not the cost of coffee [which rose to a 50-year high on the commodity markets this year]  its all the other costs: the rent, the labour  its insane. Most of the people around this table have got longevity, and theyve lasted, but they still have to work bloody hard to make it work. Neil Perry talks politics with Good Food and industry legends. Dion Georgopoulos Penalty rates are front of mind for the group. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attracted criticism from cafe and restaurant owners on Monday after he claimed businesses could afford to pay staff extra for nights, weekends and holidays without passing on costs to customers.

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Judy McMahon, who co-founded Rose Bay restaurant Catalina with late husband Michael McMahon in 1994, said even surcharges couldnt cover increased costs. [Opening on a public holiday] is a public service, she said. My Easter is really soft, except for Easter Sunday, and I think its because we put a 15 per cent surcharge on. We have to, but even that doesnt cover it, and people are not really prepared to pay an extra 15 per cent on top of what we already charge. Judy McMahon (Catalina), with head of Good Food Sarah Norris (left) and Jane Strode (right). Dion Georgopoulos In April, Labor promised to pass laws to prevent the Fair Work Commission from removing penalty rates for about 3 million workers on the basic wages, or awards, for their industries. The Coalition has opposed Labors proposed policy, but Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said he did not intend to make changes.

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Dutton does, however, seek to limit immigration. Under the Coalition, intake of permanent migrants would be reduced by 100,000 people over the next four years. Labour also intends to decrease the number of immigrants from an intake of 190,000 to 185,000. The hospitality industry, which relies on overseas migrants to fill skills shortages, faced a critical staffing shortage during the COVID pandemic, when border closures caused national population growth to slow to a near stand-still. While job vacancies have gradually declined in the years since, they have never returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. Sydney is a multicultural city, and we have an incredible industry thats fuelled by immigration, Perry says. If we stop immigration, were really stopping the essence of what Australia is all about. Hospitality groups, including Perrys collection of restaurants in Double Bay, joined forces to found industry lobby group Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association (ARCA) in 2024. The group has also called on political parties to remove fringe benefits tax, freeze alcohol excise increases for two years and freeze income tax on tips.

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Billy, Linda and Eric Wong. Dion Georgopoulos Five tips to survival in Sydney's hospitality scene Industry leaders shared their secrets to longevity in the cutthroat industry, in which one in 11 businesses have closed over the past year. Pursue consistency over passing trends

A lot of the restaurants that are on trend are also the first ones that end up going out of business, said Schitaro. Restaurants such as Catalina and Golden Century focus on delivering consistent quality of food and service, building a customer base of regulars which have returned with their children and grandchildren.

A lot of the restaurants that are on trend are also the first ones that end up going out of business, said Schitaro. Restaurants such as Catalina and Golden Century focus on delivering consistent quality of food and service, building a customer base of regulars which have returned with their children and grandchildren. Dont put off the pursuit of excellence

You cant just react and say, shoot, its getting really hard now, I better be good, said Perry. You have to be the best you possibly can be every day, so when the hardships come, people will come and spend their money with you because they know theyre going to get great value and create a memory and have an experience... You cant manufacture that good will during hard times - you have to manufacture that during the good times.

You cant just react and say, shoot, its getting really hard now, I better be good, said Perry. You have to be the best you possibly can be every day, so when the hardships come, people will come and spend their money with you because they know theyre going to get great value and create a memory and have an experience... You cant manufacture that good will during hard times - you have to manufacture that during the good times. A dry venue is a safer venue

The group reflect on a time when the most expensive steak in Australia cost $40, and they worked hard and played harder. Thats just not acceptable in restaurants anymore because bad things happen, and you cant afford to have bad things happening, said Perry, who does not permit staff to drink at his restaurants. [As business owners], we are totally responsible for our staff now.

The group reflect on a time when the most expensive steak in Australia cost $40, and they worked hard and played harder. Thats just not acceptable in restaurants anymore because bad things happen, and you cant afford to have bad things happening, said Perry, who does not permit staff to drink at his restaurants. [As business owners], we are totally responsible for our staff now. Take advantage of tourism

Forty thousand tourists are expected to visit Australia when the British & Irish Lions rugby team tours in June, said Brahimi, who has already started to see a boost in reservations. For six weeks, the whole hospitality industry will be booming. The comparatively low Australian dollar makes it an attractive international destination: I was talking to them about our prices, and they couldnt believe it. Its almost half price.

Forty thousand tourists are expected to visit Australia when the British & Irish Lions rugby team tours in June, said Brahimi, who has already started to see a boost in reservations. For six weeks, the whole hospitality industry will be booming. The comparatively low Australian dollar makes it an attractive international destination: I was talking to them about our prices, and they couldnt believe it. Its almost half price. Love it or leave it

The work is really, really hard, said Eric Wong, who co-founded Golden Century with wife Linda Wong 36 years ago. Day after day, the pair woke up and put in long hours to make their restaurant a success  Wong recalls the shifts when hed break in the afternoon to sleep in his car before returning to work until 3am. You have to love it, or you wouldnt do it, he said. More than three decades on, Linda said she still loves her work. I get to be a part of so many special moments, she said.

The work is really, really hard, said Eric Wong, who co-founded Golden Century with wife Linda Wong 36 years ago. Day after day, the pair woke up and put in long hours to make their restaurant a success  Wong recalls the shifts when hed break in the afternoon to sleep in his car before returning to work until 3am. You have to love it, or you wouldnt do it, he said. More than three decades on, Linda said she still loves her work. I get to be a part of so many special moments, she said. Passion is critical, but partnerships help

Whats the special sauce - that little thing that makes you just want to go back to a place? said Strode. It isnt necessarily that the food is good, or that the service is good, but its this feeling you know youll get every single time you go. Thats the special sauce, and well lose that if there arent halfwits out there, with that deep need to create a place with feeling. But get a backer, she advises, because theyll help in making sound financial decisions.
Never make predictions, especially about the future, New York Yankees manager Casey Stengel famously said. In the sport of politics we are in peak prediction mode this week  and Saturday night will reveal what surprises are in store.

Ive been part of many elections where the polls have got it spectacularly wrong  most shockingly in Labors 2019 loss and most painfully in Donald Trumps 2016 win.

Both were a result of the fact that while we obsess about the number of people who report a certain opinion at a given moment in time, we pay much less attention to the strength of that opinion. Large and unpredicted swings between polls and actual results are usually a reflection of the softness of the opinions held by those being polled  the likeliness they will change their mind. Too often we report public opinion as if it is chiselled in stone.

We experienced this collectively as a nation in 2023. The prime minister, encouraged by polls that showed up to 75 per cent support for an Indigenous Voice to parliament, ploughed ahead with a referendum to enshrine it even after Peter Duttons denial of bipartisanship.

As we found out, in the face of a barrage of unprecedented disinformation and a sophisticated MAGA-inspired outrage machine, that support turned out to be very soft. Over the course of the campaign it evaporated  on polling day the Yes vote garnered less than 40 per cent.
Eye-catching, modern and the citys version of the Hollywood sign: thats how those viewing South Banks Brisbane sign described its fresh look.

The sign, which was initially erected as a temporary installation during the G20 Summit in 2014 and made permanent the following year, has had its first major makeover in more than a decade.

Designed by local agency Allo Creative, the artwork now has different bucket-list attractions splashed across each letter. Inspiration was sourced from the citys vibrant subtropical lifestyle, native flora and fauna, and cultural and outdoor tourism destinations.

Albert and Jenna Hua, who were visiting from Melbourne, easily recognised the citys iconic attractions, including the Story Bridge, Brisbane River and Brisbane Wheel.
Don and Gail Patterson were Simon Pattersons parents. They married in November 1973 and had four children. They settled in Korumburra in 1984 and lived there until their deaths. They are the parents-in-law of Erin Patterson and remained in contact and on amicable terms with her despite Erin and Simons marriage breakdown. Don worked as a teacher but had been retired for several years before his death aged 70. Gail was a homemaker and was also 70 when she died. She had two sisters, including Heather Wilkinson.

Heather Wilkinson and Ian Wilkinson

Heather Wilkinson was the sister of Gail Patterson and aunt of Simon Patterson, Erin Pattersons estranged husband. Heather married Ian Wilkinson in February 1979 and had four children. They settled in Korumburra in 1984. Heather was a teacher and died aged 66. Ian has been the pastor of the Korumburra Baptist church since 1999.

Follow our live coverage of the Erin Patterson trial here.

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Dinh Nguyen served in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam for five years during the Vietnam War, becoming a second lieutenant. He was still a soldier when Saigon  which he refuses to call by its modern name, Ho Chi Minh City  was captured by the communist forces of North Vietnam exactly 50 years ago. In less than two months, the authorities announced that all those who had been in the service of the former Republic of Vietnam must gather in designated places to be educated in the policies and rules of the new regime. Dinh Nguyen with his wife, Bach Yen Truong, and their daughter, Van Uyen Nguyen, soon after they were reunited in Australia in 1989. Dinh went to a high school, where he was told his study would take 10 days. Five days later, he and those around him were suddenly loaded onto trucks and transported to a re-education camp in the jungle on the border of Vietnam and Cambodia. He refers to such places as concentration camps.

He and his fellow inmates had to build their own shelters  huts each crammed with 40 or 50 people. There was no electricity, and Dinh soon learnt what it was to be hungry. There are two forms of hunger, he says. There is physical hunger, where your body always craves fats and sugar. The craving. Always. And there is psychological hunger, where you miss your family, and you live in fear and uncertainty. A concentration camp is not a prison because in prison, you know how long you will be there. In a concentration camp, you do not know when it will end. He remembers a man tortured by the knowledge that he had left his two children to be cared for by neighbours, believing he would return in 10 days. As years passed, he never knew what had happened to them. Dinh lost contact with the man, and does not know the fate of his children. Four such camps  two of them near the old city of Bien Hoa, just a tantalising 35 kilometres from his home in the former Saigon  engulfed Dinhs life for the next 6 years.

Eventually, he was allowed to write to his family, who brought him food from their own increasingly scarce supplies to keep him alive. Aged 31, he was so frail, he hobbled around with a walking stick. Dinh as a young man. On December 19, 1981, his camp  this one at Xuyen Moc, in south-east Vietnam  was assembled to hear the names of those who were to be released. Dinh Nguyens name was called. Two men stood  both with the same name. It was hours before the confusion was sorted and Dinh Nguyen, former second lieutenant of a defeated army, was given enough money for a bus ticket to the nearest town. There, he sold his mosquito net and bought a bus ticket to his home city. He was greeted by cousins and the aunt who had raised him, and later, he tracked down his father and his mother. He was required to report to a police station weekly, and to present his written diary accounting for all his daily activities.

Soon, he met up with the woman who became his wife, Bach Yen. In 1983, they decided to escape Vietnam. Bach Yen was three months pregnant. Because of his military skills, Dinh was taken in by a group of eight men who had a large boat, 2.5 metres by 10 metres. Their plan was to sail about two kilometres from the Vung Tao shore, 120 kilometres from Saigon, and wait for 150 others, including Dinhs wife, to be transferred from a hiding place by small boats. But in the night, shots were heard. Authorities had found the hiding spot of those trying to escape. A Vietnamese navy ship gave chase, and Dinh had no choice but to stay aboard as his almost empty boat fled at speed. The boat reached international waters and the navy quit the chase.

Dinh fell into the deepest despair. I could do nothing, he says. Imagine how I felt, leaving my pregnant wife. I was just lying dead in the boat until the others got me awake to advise on positioning. I had a compass. Dinh with his wife, Bach Yen Truong, at home in Melbourne. Credit: Joe Armao They made it to Singapore, but were refused permission to land. Eventually, their boat was boarded by the Malaysian navy and they were taken to a huge refugee camp on Malaysias Bidong Island. There, Dinh signed up to go to the United States as a refugee. A friend told him he was a fool  the US had no diplomatic relationship with Vietnam, and if he wanted to be reunited with his wife, he should choose Australia.

Dinh begged an official of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to change his destination. Despite being told it was impossible, another officer finally took pity on him. Soon, he was on a plane to Sydney. Loading There, he got a job in a nut factory. He eventually learnt his wife was alive and had spent only three months in prison because she was pregnant. He cannot speak as he shows me a two-word telegram he received from his father-in-law in November 1983: he had a baby daughter and she was well. He applied desperately for permission to reunify with his little family, and heard back nothing. Dinhs first wage was $178 a week. It was the first time he had held money. He sent monthly the permitted 500-gram parcel  clothes for the baby and Panadol, which could be sold in Vietnam for good money  to ensure his wife and child survived.

Years passed with no word on his application for reunification. Dinh, determined to move beyond factory work, gained a bachelor of arts degree in interpreting and translation from the University of Western Sydney, and was employed in Hong Kong by the UNHCR. In 1989, he was required to accompany UNHCR officials to a conference in Hanoi, amid trepidation about returning to the country that had imprisoned him for so long. And there, waiting to undertake interpreting duties in a high officials office, he spied on a desk a list of people to be granted permission to leave Vietnam for reunification with their families. His eyes mist and his voice softens as he recalls the moment. The names of his wife and daughter were on the list.

He could barely believe it, and could not risk saying a word lest his past destroy the sudden dream of a future. Soon, he was back in Australia, anxiously awaiting developments. A phone call came from a friend in late 1989. He was to send money for air tickets. Finally, after six years of separation, the family was together again in Australia. Dinh finally got to hold the daughter he had never met. These days, Dinh works as a freelance interpreter and translator.

Loading He and Bach Yen are grandparents to the four children of their daughter, Van Uyen, who is a lawyer. Dinh is a former president of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam Veterans Association in Victoria, and a volunteer at the nations first Vietnamese Museum, recently established in Sunshine. He says he is proud the veterans association has raised funds to help Australian communities recover from bushfires and floods. We want to extend our gratitude to Australia and Australians for their compassion, kindness and generosity in accepting a hundred-thousand Vietnamese refugees and giving us new lives, he says.
To the courts now, and a man who ran down another with a ute, severing his leg before attacking him with a hammer has had his sentencing date set.

Matthew William Lawson, 26, just appeared in Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court where he formally pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Trae Black, 30.

It comes nine months after Lawson refused legal advice and attempted to plead guilty to the crime during his first court appearance in July 2024.

At the time, the magistrate encouraged him to seek legal advice, which he since has.

A neuropsychologist report will be prepared for Lawsons sentencing on November 25, which will include an assessment for untreated ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Police said Lawson was involved in a verbal stoush with Black on July 29 at a construction site in the affluent suburb of City Beach.

Black ran from the site and Lawson chased him in a silver Mazda BT-50 utility onto busy West Coast Highway. It is understood Lawson struck Black with the vehicle, severing his leg, before assaulting him with a hammer.

After the incident, police said Blacks life was likely saved by members of the public, who provided first aid at the scene.

The victim has sustained significant injuries to his leg region ... there is a likelihood that he would have lost his life, Superintendent Manus Walsh said.

We are very, very thankful for the off-duty doctor and the member of the public who assisted in helping this victim.
When I was studying for my bachelor of arts (back when people willingly went into debt to become experts on Jacobean literature), I was pretty opinionated. I loved getting into political discussions with anyone whod engage. This mainly involved regurgitating the content of newspaper commentary pages to my grandparents and quoting articles about the failures of mutual obligations policies to creeps with darting eyes on public transport (the joke is on you, eccentrically dressed man who just wanted to sit near a human female).

This election day, every politician in the country will be filmed gnawing on some unidentified meat in limp white bread.

Since Ive had kids and life experience, Ive left hyper-engagement behind, choosing instead to cultivate a world-weariness that matches my character-actor face. Humanity keeps pumping out novel cruelties and down in the anus of the world (as Jerry Seinfeld once said) we are prisoners to inertia. It is dispiriting to care too much. These days, I pay attention only when I have to vote. The entry-level Australian democratic experience  standing in line, quietly mocking the independent whos a little too into commonsense gun ownership, and eventually casting your vote  is also where the democracy sausage rears its ugly, sausagey head. I hate them, and I want you to hate them too.

Before I go too deep, I should declare a potential conflict of interest: my parents  relics of the original hippy era  raised my siblings and me as vegetarians. At school, I had to bring my foil-wrapped vegetarian sausages on sausage sizzle days. The idea of sausages being remotely celebratory, given their link to a very 90s brand of exclusionary regional Australia, has never sat quite right. But honestly, even without that particular trauma, Id still hate them. I get that to some, the democracy sausage (democrausage?) is a quintessentially Australian tradition  but to me, its inauthentic, low-key jingoistic and flat-out gross.
The Coalition will pledge to slash at least $10 billion out of budget deficits over the next four years while bringing down government debt by $40 billion amid suggestions the cost of its signature nuclear power policy will be far more expensive than it has promised.

Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor and finance spokeswoman Jane Hume will on Thursday reveal the Coalitions full costings, which will confirm cuts to several high-profile Labor programs, including its pledge to wipe $16 billion in student debts.

Angus Taylor and Jane Hume will release the Coalitions election costings, which are expected to show a $40 billion reduction in gross government debt. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

But even with its promises, both the Coalition and government will go to voters on Saturday with the budget facing deficits over the rest of the decade and gross debt soaring through the $1 trillion mark.

This week, ratings agency S&P Global warned Australias AAA credit rating could be put at risk if either of the major parties election promises resulted in larger structural deficits and more debt than expected.
Gallagher criticised the Coalitions accountability for the cost of its nuclear policy, after Taylor suggested it was sufficient to provide forecasts in the medium term.

Look at what is happening around the world. In Hinkley, a [proposed] $35 billion nuclear reactor is over a decade late and costs $90 billion, and that is in [the UK] where there is an existing nuclear industry, which we dont have here, Gallagher said when asked if she believed the Coalitions nuclear policy was achievable.

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

I think it is laughable to suggest you dont need much more investment over the short term, if you are actually going to build these nuclear reactors. They are either not committed to it or are hiding the numbers from people, she continued.

Afternoon Briefing host Patricia Karvelas then raised Taylors claim that Labor hadnt provided forecasts of how it would pay for things in the future, asking if it was reasonable that the Coalition had given a medium-term forecast.

We arent suggesting taxpayers find a whole new energy system, which is what they are suggesting, she replied.

We accounted for our investment in energy in which they want to cut through their costings today, and we have been very clear about that, including with the role the private sector will play in investing in our renewable energy future.
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 American reality star and convicted felon Joe Exotic, known as the Tiger King, has endorsed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the most extreme example of an online influencer capitalising on the federal election to chase online clout. Exotics post on Wednesday was just the latest in a long string of interventions from influencers including Abbie Chatfield and Ethan Marrell  known as Ozzy Man Reviews  who made their start outside politics but have leapt on the spectacle of the election to support policies or garner views. Greens leader Adam Bandt and influencers Abbie Chatfield (centre) and Holly MacAlpine, pose for photos with toothbrushes symbolising the minor partys plan to put dental care in Medicare. Credit: Dan Peled Trisha Jha, a policy analyst at the Centre for Independent Studies, said Australias political class had finally decided to engage seriously with new media, including YouTubers, TikTokers and podcasters at this election. Theres a couple of risks, one that new media is not really regulated, Jha said. Traditional media is subject to the Australian Communications and Media Authority or the press clubs. Its not perfect [but]  theres a whole set of professional conduct or rules that apply to traditional media which does not exist with new media. On Monday night, SBS The Feed published a 40-minute YouTube video of six content creators debating key topics of the upcoming federal election.

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The debate included a left-leaning side with Chatfield, an influencer who came to fame via a reality TV dating show but parlayed that into fame as a cultural commentator; Hannah Ferguson, who posts on Instagram and other platforms under the Cheek Media brand, and former teacher turned politics content creator Punters Politics, also known as Konrad Benjamin. On the right-leaning side was the head of conservative campaign group Turning Point Australia, Joel Jammal; Freya Leach, a former Liberal candidate now at the conservative Menzies Institute, and Jha, who is the only one without TikTok, Instagram or YouTube. She instead reaches people through X. The others have a combined 1.2 million followers on Instagram alone. Loading The debate between the six content creators was civil and spanned immigration, housing and climate change. But they started trading barbs once the cameras were finished rolling. Leach said on TikTok afterwards: Punters [Politics] is a one-trick pony, Hannah is not as smart as I thought and Abbie had no idea what she was talking about. Chatfield responded with her own video describing Leach as mean and Punters Politics laughed off the insult, posting a clip joking he was a two-trick pony as he twirled a pen on his finger.

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It is not the first outburst of conflict to come from influencers this election. Teal independent Allegra Spender revealed earlier in the election that her campaign had paid for an agency to organise influencers to post favourably about her, sparking anger from Liberals. The so-called independents campaigned on integrity  now theyre handing out cash to influencers in secret and dodging questions when caught out, Coalition spokesman James Paterson told Sky News. And the ABC revealed that a company associated with satirical news site Betoota Advocate, whose pseudonymous editors Clancy Overell and Errol Parker have become influencers in their own right, was contracted to run Labors podcast strategy, raising concerns about bias. But influencers have long been applying the strategy of taking money in exchange for promoting products, with the going rate determined by their following and how much their supporters trust their recommendations. This is just the first election that it has been applied to politics. And the tension has not stopped mainstream media organisations from working with influencers. Network 10s election night panel, for example, will include Parker and Overell. The Greens have hosted a series of parties around the country with influencers, including Chatfield, as the minor party seeks to woo younger voters who may be disconnected from mainstream media.

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Last week, Chatfield hosted Vote 2.0 in Brisbanes Fortitude Valley, a Greens event featuring a DJ set from party leader Adam Bandt and appearances from local Greens MPs Max Chandler-Mather and Elizabeth Watson-Brown. Some attendees at the Greens influencer party in Brisbane screamed like they were seeing a chart-topping artist. Instead, they got Adam Bandt. Credit: Dan Peled Hundreds were in attendance, as well as other influencers such as reality TV contestant Holly MacAlpine, her content creator partner Jake OBrien and Sunshine Coast personality Cassie Fenton. Loading Despite the rain, attendees  most in their 20s  crammed under the marquees outside local venue The Brightside in anticipation. When the party members took to the stage around 9pm to act out a game of policy charades  some with giant toothbrushes symbolising the Greens plan to put dental health in Medicare  each was met with resounding chants. Some looked about to burst into tears of joy. Others screamed like they were seeing a chart-topping artist. MacAlpine said US President Donald Trumps re-election had prompted her to shift her content from fashion to politics.

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A Toorak house that was sold by Geelong Grammar to a developer for $3.4 million in 2020 has been rebuilt and relisted for $14.5 million to $15.5 million.

The stunning new contemporary home at 20 Douglas Street has four bedrooms, five bathrooms and a swimming pool set on 600 square metres.

It is being sold by a corporate entity ultimately owned by retailer-turned-developer Fadil Butch Sadikay, the founder of Jetty Surf.

Designed by architects Cera Stribley and built by Conly, the residence now features luxurious materials such as wide oak floors, natural stone and ribbed marble feature walls.
Depression, schizophrenia and other mental health conditions affect 1 in 4 people in their lifetime, but mechanisms underlying these conditions are poorly understood. New research led by researchers at the University of Bristol has linked the bodys immune response with schizophrenia, Alzheimers disease, depression, and bipolar disorder. The study demonstrates mental health conditions might be affected by the whole body as well as changes in the brain. The findings could pave the way for better treatments of some mental health conditions.

Most people with depression or schizophrenia are treated with drugs that work on brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. However, 1 in 3 people with these conditions do not benefit from these treatments, suggesting that other mechanisms are involved.

The study led by Dr Christina Dardani and Professor Golam Khandaker in Bristols MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) used Mendelian randomisation  a computational approach that uses genetic information from large datasets  to examine whether immunological proteins are likely to be involved in 7 neuropsychiatric conditions.

The research team looked at the relationship of 735 immune response related proteins measurable in human blood with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Alzheimers disease, autism, and ADHD.

The researchers found a potential causal role of 29 immune response related proteins in these 7 neuropsychiatric conditions. From the identified biomarkers, 20 showed potential as targets of drugs approved for other conditions. These biomarkers could potentially be used in the future for novel therapeutics in the area of mental health conditions.

The findings suggest a fundamental change in the understanding of causal mechanisms for neuropsychiatric conditions. To date causal explanations for depression and schizophrenia have been predicted on monoamine neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, but this study suggests that overactivity of the immune system could also contribute to the cause of mental health conditions.

Golam Khandaker, Professor of Psychiatry and Immunology and MRC Investigator in the Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences (PHS), said: Our study demonstrates that inflammation in the brain and the body might influence the risk of mental health conditions.

The findings challenge the centuries-old Cartesian dichotomy between the body and the mind, and suggests that we should consider depression and schizophrenia as conditions affecting the whole person.

The next step is to examine biomarkers identified through genetic analysis using other methods. This includes research based on health records, animal studies, and proof-of-concept clinical trials in humans, to further evaluate causality; understand precise mechanisms from inflammation to symptoms of mental health conditions; and therapeutic potential - does modulating immune pathways improve symptoms of these conditions.

The research was funded by a Medical Research Council programme grant for immunopsychiatry to Professor Golam Khandaker. This grant forms part of the University of Bristols MRC IEU.

Paper

Immunological drivers and potential novel drug targets for major psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative conditions by Christina Dardani, Golam M. Khandaker et al. in Molecular Psychiatry [open access]
Sharp drop in personal financial outlook

The most significant drop came from consumers views of their personal finances over the next 12 months. Only 26% (down three percentage points) of Australians expect to be better off financially next yearthe lowest since April 2020. Meanwhile, 30% (up four points) expect to be worse off.
Superman may prefer flying to get wherever hes going, but if he needs something much more grounded, he can rely on BYD. Teaming up with War...
High Court Reporters

Gerry Adams was shocked to hear of the killing of British informer Denis Donaldson, and considers him a victim of the conflict in Northern Ireland, the High Court has heard.

The former Sinn Fein president was giving evidence on the second day of the civil trial hearing into his defamation action against the BBC.

Mr Adams claims a BBC Spotlight programme and related article published in 2016 falsely accused him of sanctioning the 2006 killing of British agent Mr Donaldson.

The BBC denies it defamed Mr Adams.

On Tuesday, Mr Adams said he liked and knew Mr Donaldson, but didnt really have any dealings with him. Mr Donaldson worked for Sinn Fein in a number of roles, the court heard, including as an administrator at Stormont Assembly.

Mr Adams said that Mr Donaldson  along with others  was arrested and charged in 2002 over claims of a Sinn Fein spy ring operating in Stormont. The charges were complete nonsense, and the charges were dropped, Mr Adams said.

Mr Adams said that after the charges were dropped, Mr Donaldson was revealed to be an agent working for British security services.

Mr Adams said that the only people who could have revealed this were the people using him, his handlers. Mr Donaldson was expendable to his handlers, Mr Adams said.

Mr Adams said he asked Declan Kearney, a senior Sinn Fein official, to ascertain the truth of the allegations that Mr Donaldson was a spy.

On meeting with party officials, Mr Donaldson acknowledged that he had been an agent for 20 years, Mr Adams said. He was dismissed from the party.

Mr Adams said he was shocked to hear of Mr Donaldsons killing in April 2006.

He also said he was shocked that Mr Donaldson hadnt moved from the cottage in Glenties, Co Donegal where he was shot dead, where he was vulnerable.

Weeks before Mr Donaldsons killing, the Sunday World newspaper published a photograph of Mr Donaldson at the house, Mr Adams noted.

Mr Adams said that he made contact with Mr Donaldsons family following the killing.

Personally, I think Denis Donaldson was a victim of the conflict. I dont see any other way of describing it, Mr Adams said. He said it was deeply troubling that Mr Donaldsons family are still struggling to get to the truth of his killing.

Mr Adams said that he first met Mr Donaldson at Long Kesh prison, where the latter was a sentenced prisoner. He said that Mr Donaldson ended up doing international work for Sinn Fein, spent time in the United States, and worked as an administrator for the party at Stormont.

Mr Adams said that he liked the guy, and knew Mr Donaldson and his wife and daughter. Mr Adams said that he didnt really have any dealings with Mr Donaldson, but that he had a good relationship with him.

Mr Adams said that he was working at a different level to Mr Donaldson in the party.

The BBC denies it defamed Mr Adams, and claims the Spotlight programme and publication were put out in good faith and during the course of discussion on a subject of public and vital interest. The BBC says the programme constituted responsible journalism that was the result of careful investigation.

The trial, before Mr Justice Alexander Owens, is expected to last four weeks.

In his opening address to the jury on Tuesday, Tom Hogan SC, for Mr Adams, said the BBC engaged in reckless journalism by publishing the allegations. He said that Mr Adams reputation was one of a peacemaker, and the publishing of the allegations was an unjustified attack on his reputation.

The published allegations relied on a single, anonymous source, Mr Hogan said.

Mr Adams has at all times denied any involvement in Mr Donaldsons death, which dissident republicans claimed responsibility for in 2009. He claims all allegations connecting him or the IRA to the death are attempts to discredit republicans.
By David Young, PA

The Government has moved to secure the option of challenging a court ruling that found it was acting unlawfully in failing to order a public inquiry into the murder of a Gaelic Games official in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has sought leave for a Supreme Court appeal over the Sean Brown case.

Mr Benn has not confirmed he ultimately intends to take the case to the Supreme Court, but has applied for protective leave to appeal to the UKs highest court if he believes that course of action to be necessary.

The deadline for making such an application is later this week.

Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill has branded the Governments move cruel and inhumane.

Hilary Benn has asked judges for more time to consider their ruling (PA)

Mr Benn has also applied to the Court of Appeal in Belfast for further time to consider its judgment in the Brown case.

He has indicated the outcome of that application, and what transpires during any subsequent extension, if one is granted, will determine his decision making in respect of a Supreme Court challenge.

Mr Brown, 61, the chairman of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA club in Co Derry, was ambushed, kidnapped and murdered by loyalist paramilitaries as he locked the gates of the club in May 1997.

No-one has ever been convicted of his killing.

At the start of April, three judges at the Court of Appeal in Belfast said the Governments failure to order a public inquiry into the murder cannot stand and gave Mr Benn four weeks to reflect upon the judgment.

Mr Benn has now asked the judges for more time to consider their ruling.

He had brought the case to the Court of Appeal to challenge an earlier ruling by a High Court judge that he must set up a public inquiry into the killing.

The Northern Ireland Secretary contends the case involves a key constitutional principle of who should order public inquiries, the Government or the judiciary.

In regard to Mr Browns murder, Mr Benn argues the case could instead be dealt with by a new Troubles investigatory body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

Last year, a coroner halted an inquest into the killing, expressing concern that his ability to examine the case had been compromised by the extent of confidential state material being excluded from the proceedings on national security grounds.

Bridie Brown, the widow of murdered GAA official Sean Brown (PA)

Preliminary inquest proceedings had already heard that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents.

It had also been alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning.

The Court of Appeal judges said the limitations of the ICRIR to deal with cases such as Mr Browns killing are apparent.

The panel of judges said the commission, as it is currently established, is not equipped to deal with cases which involve sensitive material.

Mr Benn has vowed to implement reforms to ensure the new truth recovery body is capable of carrying out an independent and rigorous investigation into the murder of Mr Brown.

The ICRIR was established as part of the previous governments contentious Legacy Act.

Mr Benn is repealing the Act but is retaining the ICRIR, stating that he wants to improve its disclosure regime and, in specific circumstances, enable the commission to hold public hearings.

The Labour MP had faced vocal calls, including from Mr Browns widow Bridie, not to challenge the Court of Appeal ruling and move to set up an inquiry.

However, on Wednesday Mr Benn filed applications with the Court of Appeal seeking an extension of time for decision making and seeking protective leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The murder of Sean Brown nearly 28 years ago was brutal and despicable and it has caused deep pain and anguish to Mrs Brown, her family, and many in the wider community, he said.

I know that this has been exacerbated by the time it has taken to find answers.

As I have said many times, I am committed to ensuring that there is a full, thorough and independent Article 2-compliant investigation into the murder of Sean Brown.

I am taking steps to repeal and replace the previous governments Legacy Act to ensure that we have a legacy system that is capable of delivering for all families who lost loved ones during the Troubles, and who are seeking answers.

It is clear that the detailed judgment requires a full and considered response.

I have therefore today asked the Court of Appeal for more time to consider it and the terms of the declaration. This will allow me to receive comprehensive advice that responds in full to the issues the court has identified.

Also, given the approaching deadline from the court for requesting leave to appeal, I have today asked the court for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, in case that should ultimately be necessary.

These steps will not delay the Governments determination to take the necessary steps to ensure that the system for dealing with legacy is human rights-compliant and can command the confidence of victims and families.

First Minister Michelle ONeill said the Government was acting in a cruel and inhumane way (Liam McBurney/PA)

Ms ONeill responded: At the Court of Appeal, Lady Chief Justice Keegan was unequivocal in her remarks, saying that the decision to refuse a public inquiry cannot stand and is unlawful and in breach of Article 2 obligations.

It is an affront to the basic principles of truth and justice that Keir Starmers government is threatening to once again drag Bridie Brown and her family back to court.

As Bridie Brown previously said, five High Court judges have instructed the British government to do the right thing, yet it seems hellbent on denying her family a public inquiry.

This cruel and inhumane act is just the latest example of British government political cynicism  blocking the right of families to access truth and justice.

She added: This will only add further insult to the Brown family who, unlike the British government, have led with courage and dignity in their fight for answers into Sean Browns murder.

These cruel actions undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.

SDLP leader Claire Hanna said: Seans widow Bridie is 87 years of age and it is heartbreaking what she and the whole Brown family have been through to get answers around their beloved husband and fathers death.

To continue to deny that to them is simply wrong and its disgraceful that the UK government continues to prioritise keeping secrets for those responsible for murder over the rights of victims and their families.
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Netflix debuted today a teaser for Lost in Starlight, its first Korean animated film. The pic will debut May 30.

With Korean animation currently having a moment, Netflix could not have chosen a more opportune time to release this title. This past weekend, King of Kings surpassed Parasite to become the highest-grossing Korean film ever released in the United States and Canada, while another Korean feature  Bo-Sol Kims The Square  was recently selected to screen in competition at both Annecy and Tribeca. Not to mention, last week the Korean government revealed ambitious plans to support and expand the countrys animation industry, pledging to invest over $1 billion in the next five years.

Netflix is bringing audiences Lost in Starlight from Han Ji-Won, whose debut film Clearer Than You Think (2015) was released when she was 25 years old. She is claimed to be the youngest Korean to release a theatrical animated feature.

Lost in Starlight is set in 2050 and tells the story of an astronaut dreaming of Mars and a musician with a broken dream who find each other among the stars, guided by their hopes and love for one another:

Netflixs press release offers additional details on the films story and tone:

Set against a starry sky, the near-future version of Seoul in 2050 is strange yet familiar. Retro objects like a record player and vinyl albums add a cozy, nostalgic touch, building excitement for the unique retro-cyberpunk universe that Lost in Starlight will bring to life. The teaser trailer opens with the fateful first meeting of Nan-young and Jay, accompanied by the films evocative soundtrack. When Nan-young visits an audio equipment repair shop to fix an old record player her mom left behind, she runs into Jay, and a romance slowly blossoms. Director Bong Joon-ho describes the film as, This visual masterpiece takes you around the universe, fueling excitement for director Han Ji-wons intricate and fantastical visual storytelling. Scenes of Nan-young and Jay enjoying adorable dates in different parts of 2050 Seoul  Sewoon Plaza, the submersible bridge, and more  are beautifully depicted on-screen through director Han Ji-wons masterful drawings, capturing the heart-fluttering emotions of new love. But as Nan-young leaves for Mars, she inevitably has to leave Jay behind. How will the two navigate their journey toward their dreams and love?

A new poster was also released today:
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Carbon pricing continued its decline during March and early April, falling to EUR60/t (US$65.58/t) after US tariffs were announced as speculators scrambled to reduce risk positions and the energy complex, led by oil and gas, dropped further.

The green focus has become a lower priority in the turmoil during the first week after the tariffs announcement.

Two European Commission initiatives  the Clean Industrial Deal and Omnibus  will help support heavy industry and shift the focus to a more competitive EU. The EU stresses it will maintain a firm stance on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) following concerns raised by CEMBUREAU and other industry associations that the scope of CBAM requires further improvements.

On 4 April the EU published its verified emissions for 2024, indicating these had fallen five per cent on the previous year. Likewise, cement sector emissions had decreased by five per cent, although this was mainly accounted for by lower production. According to the EU, the power sector had reduced its emissions by 12 per cent based on higher production from renewables, since power production was unchanged from 2023.

EUA trading ranged between EUR58-70/t, while long-term prices for 2030 fell sharply by EUR20 to EUR75/t. The front (Dec 25) contract fell by seven per cent to EUR64.80/t compared with last months issue of ICR.

The UK Allowance (UKA) December 2025 went against the trend and rose 10 per cent to GBP43 (EUR 50.50). Brannvoll forecasts a range of EUR65-85 in 2025 with a Dec 25 contract average of EUR75.

by Frank O. Brannvoll, Brannvoll ApS, Denmark
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Molins has reported its first quarter 2025 results. Net profit reached EUR48m, six per cent lower than the same period of the previous year. This decrease is mainly due to the unfavourable effect of the depreciation of the Mexican currency, which offset the improvement in operating and financial results.

The company achieved a first quarter revenue of EUR327m, three per cent less than the same period of previous year, also affected by the depreciation of the Mexican and Argentinian currencies. Nevertheless, sales at constant currencies have increased by six per cent compared to the previous year, driven mainly by higher selling prices in a context of slowing markets and high global economic uncertainty due to tightening tariff policies. In addition, heavy rains in Spain and Argentina have affected the construction activity during the month of March.

EBITDA reached EUR87m, three per cent lower than the previous year. However, in constant currencies, EBITDA increased by nine per cent driven by operating efficiencies and the net contribution of selling prices over costs, highlighting the increase of the businesses in Europe and South America. The EBITDA margin was 26.7 per cent, slightly lower than the first quarter of previous year, while the annualised margin remained at 26 per cent.

The net financial debt decreased slightly during the first quarter, reaching a net cash balance of EUR102m. This financial strength continues to be an important lever to develop new growth opportunities and to execute the investments foreseen in the Sustainability Roadmap 2030.

During this first quarter 2025, we have demonstrated the strength of our operating model in a global environment characterised by significant uncertainty and currency volatility, explains Marcos Cela, CEO of Molins. Despite these challenges, our operations have shown positive growth, supported by efficient management and the adaptability of our entire team.

We continue to make progress on our strategic roadmap, with a clear focus on efficiency, sustainability and long-term value creation. This performance reflects the commitment of the people who make up Molins and our shared vision to decisively face the challenges of the present and the future, adds Mr Cela.
This week, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will celebrate its 265th commencement with three McKenzie Arena ceremonies recognizing the Class of 2025.The spring 2025 ceremonies will recognize approximately 1,300 undergraduates and 300 graduate students earning their degrees.The celebration begins at 2:30 p.m. Friday as the Graduate School ceremony has Dr. Tyler Forrest, president of Tennessee Wesleyan University and a three-time UTC graduate, to deliver the graduation charge.On Saturday, May 3, undergraduate ceremonies will honor graduates from all four academic colleges, with UTC alumna and Thirty-One Gifts founder Cindy Monroe as the keynote speaker. The 9 a.m.event will celebrate graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering and Computer Science. The 2 p.m. ceremony will recognize graduates from the Gary W. Rollins College of Business and the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies.Among the graduates being celebrated this week: Andrew Farmers UTC experience, sparked by a coin toss, led him to discover a passion for communication, marketing and data analytics. April Van Brunts path from film production to kindergarten teacher shows its never too late to find your true calling. Bailee Smith, a first-generation college graduate, turned her passion for cognitive science into a successful academic and research career at UTC. Chamyra Teasley made her mark at UTC through leadership, service and a drive to inspire changeboth on campus and beyond. Chello Gardner turned a chance encounter with Scrappy into a transformational journey of leadership, resilience and finding her voice. Destiny Pope turned campus involvement and leadership experiences into a career-launching path to human resources. Jordan Fall used his platform as Student Government Association president to advocate for students at the highest levels of UTC leadership. Landon Boone combined his passion for physics and LEGOs into research opportunities that helped define his undergraduate experience at UTC. Marcelle Baez-Carlo made an impact on and off the volleyball court at UTC, combining athletic excellence with a deep commitment to serving the Chattanooga community.Commencement ceremonies are open to the public and tickets are not required.
State Rep. Greg Vital, R-Harrison, has passed legislation requiring the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations to study and recommend long-term funding solutions for the states transportation infrastructure system.

House Bill 736 directs TACIR to determine how much funding the state needs to maintain and improve its roads and bridges. The legislation also directs the commission to find new funding methods as revenue from traditional sources, such as the gasoline tax, declines due to the growing use of fuel-efficient and electric vehicles.

Tennessees population is growing, and the cost of building and maintaining roads is rising, Rep. Vital said. Transportation remains a top priority but with declining revenue, the state must find new ways to generate funds that meet long-term highway and bridge infrastructure needs.

The commission must estimate the states transportation funding gap, analyze ongoing costs such as staffing and maintenance and explore alternative funding options. These may include fees for road usage, rental cars, delivery services or large commercial vehicles, as well as using part of the state sales tax from vehicles and tires.

The study will also consider how these options would impact industries and residents and review successful funding strategies from at least three other states.

The final report is due by Sept. 30, 2026, and must be submitted to the chairs of the House and Senate transportation committees and to the states legislative library.

House Bill 736 now heads to the governors desk for his signature.




A stolen car from Alabama was found in Sale Creek and two juveniles were apprehended; one inside the car was concealing a stolen handgun.Hamilton County Sheriffs Office personnel received a request from Alabama law enforcement authorities on Tuesday at approximately 2:45 p.m. to be on the lookout for a BMW X3 SUV that had been stolen overnight during a rash of auto burglaries in Florence, Al.A HCSO patrol sergeant spotted the stolen vehicle in a parking lot of a local business on Dayton Pike in Sale Creek.The drivers seat was occupied by a 17-year-old male who reached towards a concealed handgun, but surrendered before force had to be used. A 15-year-old male accomplice was located inside the store and arrested without incident.The firearm, a loaded 9mm, had also been reported stolen from Florence overnight. Both juvenile suspects, who are residents of Florence, were transported to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center where they were booked on charges of theft and unlawful possession of a handgun.As this incident pertains to juveniles, no further details are available.
The historic 76th Chattanooga-Hamilton County Armed Forces Week Parade will spotlight the Space Operations Command with General B. Chance Saltzman as the chief reviewing officer and keynote speaker for the Armed Forces Week Luncheon at the Chattanooga Convention Center. General Saltzman is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U. S. Department of Defense. All branches of the United States military will be honored at both events.In recognition of this historic moment in Chattanooga history, two grand marshals will lead the parade.Captain Robert L. Hoot Gibson, USN [Ret], former NASA astronaut will be joined by his colleague and friend, Dr. June Scobee Rodgers as they marshal the longest, continuously-staged Armed Forces Day Parade in the city that has been known as most patriotic city in the nation since 1921.Officials said, "Dr. Rodgers, one of Chattanoogas most renowned citizens, is the widow of Challenger Space Shuttle Commander Richard Dick Scobee. She has dedicated her time and energy to continuing the crews educational mission by founding Challenger Center for Space Science Education to foster a new generation of 'star challengers'  young people who will reach for the stars no matter their circumstances."Nationally recognized and honored with countless awards during her professional career, in 2015, June received the distinguished Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award, and in 2019, she received the 'Apollo 50th Education Award,' saluting her pioneering work and dedication to motivate our future Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce."An active and prominent leader in education throughout her professional life, June holds a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and an honorary doctor of science degree from the University of Leicester, England. She has been a classroom teacher and university professor, served as a consultant to local, state and federal education agencies, and become a nationally recognized advocate for the advancement of science and math education."While best known for her tireless efforts on behalf of Challenger Center, Dr. Rodgers has also gained attention for her work as an author. June created the Star Challengers science adventure books for young readers."Silver Linings - My Life before and after the Challenger 7 is the expanded story of her book, Silver Linings - Triumph of the Challenger 7. More than the story of a ragged teenager who struggles to overcome adversity, it is a coming of age story that deals with issues like personal triumph, perseverance and compassion.Dr. Rodgers and Dick Scobee had two children: Kathie Scobee Fulgham and LTG Richard Scobee, USAF. Dr. Rodgers was married to recently deceased LTG Don Rodgers for 33 years.The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Armed Forces Week Parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. this Friday, and follow a Market Street route from MLK Boulevard to Second Street, turning west and processing in front of the Reviewing Stand in front of the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. Citizens are urged to line the streets in support of active-duty and veteran military servicemen and servicewomen.
Bob Johnson Michael Nolen Peter Cullen Hunter Myers Tanya Jesunas Cage Gary Previous Next

SVN | Second Story Real Estate Management announces the opening of its Atlanta office, marking the company's strategic expansion beyond its Chattanooga headquarters. This growth positions the firm to better serve the booming Southeast commercial real estate market with its nationally recognized advisory services.

Joining the SVN | Second Story team are Atlanta locals, Bob Johnson, Michael Nolen and Peter Cullen. Known for their track records, market insight and client-first approach, the trio brings decades of combined experience and relationships across the commercial real estate spectrum in Georgia and throughout the Southeast.

This move represents an exciting new chapter of expansion for SVN | Second Story, said CEO Tiffanie Robinson. Welcoming Bob, Michael and Peter to our team enhances our capacity and reach in one of the nations most dynamic markets. Their reputation for client service and success aligns with our mission to wake up every day ready to deliver unparalleled professional commercial real estate expertise, dedicated care and operational excellence. Were thrilled to work together and continue to grow under the SVN banner.

The new office will also include talent from the Chattanooga headquarters. Hunter Myers, who is from Atlanta, joined the SVN | Second Storys Chattanooga team in 2019 and was promoted to senior brokerage director at the launch of the Atlanta office. His expertise encompasses investment sales and leasing, with a focus on retail and shopping centers. Mr. Myers will lead a retail-centered team out of the Atlanta office. Also relocating from the Chattanooga office is Cage Gary, with two years of experience specializing in retail.

SVN | Second Story has grown exponentially since joining SVN network, and the company nearly doubled its total sales volume last year; it currently ranks 25th out of more than 220 SVN offices nationally. The team was already working in North Georgia, and opening a second office positions the company for further success, said officials.

The Atlanta market continues to have so much opportunity for this new team, said Bob Johnson, senior vice-president of brokerage, who will lead the Atlanta office. The platform, the culture and the collaborative ethos of SVN create a unique opportunity to better serve all our clients with national reach and local expertise. These opportunities, along with the leadership, vision and regional knowledge that SVN | Second Story offers clients, position us and our clients for success.

Day-to-day operations in Atlanta will be managed by Tanya Jesunas, director of brokerage operations, a real estate professional with more than 15 years of management experience.

The Atlanta office will offer commercial brokerage services across office, retail and industrial, with an emphasis on middle-market assets throughout the Southeast.

The new office is at 10400 Old Alabama Road Connector, Suite 400, Alpharetta, GA 30022, and can be reached at (404) 445-2176.
Red Bank Parks, Trails and Recreation Department announced their May schedule for Red Banks Active Older Adult (AOA) classes. All classes will be held at the Red Bank Community Center located at 3563 Tom Weathers Dr.Regularly scheduled classes for the month include chair yoga, qi gong, guided exercise sessions, music jam, bingo and art classes presented by the Chattery via a grant from TN Arts Build.The Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability will have a representative speaking on Thursday, May 8.They will share insights into the agency's programs. Available resources include benefits assistance, legal aid, healthy aging initiatives, transportation services, caregiver support and in-home support.On May 12, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Bank Public Works Director Greg Tate and listen as he shares insights and updates on the latest projects and initiatives shaping the community."We have a variety of free activities planned to keep you engaged, active and connected with the 55+ community, said Tegan Barber, program assistant for the Parks, Trails and Recreation Department.For more information or to register, go to the City of Red Bank website or on Facebook @redbanktn.
Drivers traveling on I-75 in Hamilton County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will impact traffic. Tonight from 8 p.m.-6 a.m., Tennessee Department of Transportation contract crews will reduce I-75 to one lane in each direction at Hamilton Place Boulevard to perform a concrete deck pour for the new bridge over I-75.



The I-75 South entrance ramp from Hamilton Place Boulevard will also be closed during this time.



This work is part of the I-75 Interchange Improvements project at Hamilton Place Boulevard.



Drivers are encouraged to use caution as they travel through this area and expect significant delays. Avoid the area if at all possible.



This work is weather-dependent. Should inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances cause delays, it will be rescheduled for a later date. Uniformed police officers will be present to assist with traffic control and law enforcement.

Also, drivers traveling near the I-75 at I-24 interchange in Hamilton County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will temporarily impact traffic. As part of Phase 2 (the second of two projects) to widen and improve the I-75 at I-24 interchange, Tennessee Department of Transportation contract crews must implement night-time lane closures on I-75 near East Brainerd Road.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel. Get the latest construction activity traffic updates from the TDOT SmartWay Map. Travelers can also call 511 for statewide travel information.



The Move Over Law was passed in 2006. The penalty for violating the law in Tennessee carries the possibility of up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of up to $500.
Middle Valley Church of God, located at 1703 Thrasher Pike in Hixson, Tennessee, announces that Pastor Mitch McClure will be preaching on Sunday, May 4, in the 10:30 a.m.service. His sermon title will be, Help Me Fix My Problems(I Need Jesus Now!). The goal of this sermon series is to assure the listener that they have access to God through Jesus Christ in all situations of life along with His promises to help. All are welcome to participate.





Each Sunday at 5:30 p.m. the church conducts a Prayer Meeting. The Prayer Meeting is open to all who wish to participate and is designed to encourage prayer. Information on various methods of prayer will be shared with participants. The goal of this prayer meeting is to encourage Believers to seek God through prayer. All are welcome to participate.





Each Wednesday at 7 p.m., an Interactive, Interesting, and Informative Bible Study will be held in the church auditorium. Alex Baker is currently leading this Bible study. All are welcome to participate. The goal of this Bible study is to encourage Believers to study the Bible and discuss with others, making the Scripture their guide.





Middle Valley Church of God is a community focused church with various ministries in the Middle Valley area and in Cusuna, Honduras. The community is welcome to join in times of worship and community service. MVCOG has been ministering in the Middle Valley Community since 1948 from the same location. If you have questions, please contact the church office at 423.843.1539. All are welcome.
Nicole Greenfield was named Lee Universitys 2025 Charles Paul Conn Award recipient and was recognized for this achievement during the schools Honors Chapel.

It is entirely because of the grace of God that I have won this award, said Ms. Greenfield. It comes as a great encouragement that scholarship and academics are where God has called me. Lee University has taught me so much, and while I hope to go and study and further my education, Lee will always be home. I leave knowing I have the vote of confidence of the faculty here, and I hope to make them proud.

The CPC Award is given to a Lee senior who demonstrates the greatest promise of achievement in graduate or professional studies after graduating from Lee. Established in 1996, it is named after Lees 16th president. Each department may nominate one student for the award. From these nominees, a winner is selected by a faculty vote.

"Nicole has an ability to grasp various theological views and ascertain the strengths and weaknesses from them, said Dr. Terry Cross, dean of the School of Theology & Ministry and distinguished professor of systematic theology. She comes to the task of theology with the mind of a discerning student yet also the heart of a committed Christian. This combination augurs well for her future work in graduate school."

During her time at Lee, Ms. Greenfield received the Presidential and Centennial scholarships and was placed on the Deans List from fall 2021 through fall 2024. She was also published in McNair Scholars Research Journal #7.

Ms. Greenfield is a member of the Theta Alpha Kappa Honor Society and is a Poiema and McNair Scholar. She was a member of the Lee Prayer Leadership team her freshman year and has served as a resident chaplain since fall 2022. Ms. Greenfield works as a student worker in the School of Theology & Ministry and is an active volunteer both at her local church and in her trips abroad to Colombia.

Nicole perfectly embodies the spirit of the School of Theology & Ministry and Lee University, said Dr. Daniel Glover, assistant professor of New Testament. She is committed to the community, which she has shown by her broad campus involvement. Her obvious leadership potential and dedication to her work has earned her several wonderful opportunities during her time here at Lee.

Ms. Greenfield will graduate in May with a bachelors degree in intercultural studies with a vocational global transformation emphasis and minors in biblical/theological studies and Spanish. She was accepted into graduate programs at Emory University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Duke Divinity School. She will attend Princeton Theological Seminary in the fall to pursue a masters degree in theological studies.
A Ringgold woman has entered a non-negotiated guilty plea to one count of exploiting an elderly person, one count of identity fraud, and one count of theft by taking.

Prosecutors said Vickie Long conned her mother into giving her large sums of money for fictitious cancer treatments. After Adult Protective Services and family members intervened and put a stop to the voluntary transfers, the defendant started using her mothers personally identifiable information to take money from her checking and savings accounts.

As soon as Daniel Thacker, a detective with the Catoosa County Sheriffs Office, was notified of the abuse, he acted quickly to bring the defendant to justice, officials said.

Law enforcement later determined that the defendant spent most of the stolen money on fentanyl.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Zachary Trippe.

After hearing evidence and argument from both sides, Judge Melissa Gifford Hise sentenced the defendant to 30 years, with the first 15 years to be served in confinement.

The victim lost her home and nearly $200,000 as a result of the defendants fraudulent schemes.

If you steal from your elderly mother, youre not just a criminal - youre a coward, said District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller. This defendant claimed to have cancer, but the truth is, she was the cancer. In this community, we protect our most vulnerable, and we will make sure predators like her pay the price. Were thankful to Judge Hise for delivering a stiff sentence because criminals need to knowif you prey on the weak in Northwest Georgia, the strong are coming for you.
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The grand entry of hundreds of Native American and Indigenous dancers begins with the staff procession during the annual Gathering of Nations powwow in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Friday, April 25, 2025.
Helder Favarin, Brazilian missionary and CEO of Community Bible Study, is speaking at the Ibero-American Missionary Congress COMIBAM 2025 on April 25, 2025, in Panama City. | Photo Credit: Christian Daily International/ Diario Cristiano

The Ibero-American Missionary Congress COMIBAM 2025 concluded on Friday night in Panama City after four days of activities wrapped up with a renewed commitment to missions.

Cristian Castro, executive director of COMIBAM, opened the evening by thanking former directors and presidents of the movement, acknowledging their contributions over nearly four decades of Ibero-American missionary cooperation.

The cultural segment featured a unique performance where individuals dressed as visitors from the future encouraged attendees to write letters to future generations, offering advice on how to continue Gods mission in an increasingly complex world.

The final plenary session was delivered by Helder Favarin, a Brazilian missionary and CEO of Community Bible Study, who posed the question, What kind of legacy are we leaving? His address was based on Acts 20:1738 and organized around three key points that characterize the apostle Pauls legacy and should guide the Church today: integrity, humility, and radical obedience.

Paul said, You know how I lived the whole time I was with you. Our legacy begins here: with a life of integrity, Favarin stated, emphasizing that current cultural trends have normalized practices that conflict with Christian teachings. He remarked, The proper use of money, sexuality, the way we speak  our integrity is a gift to our loved ones.

Favarin also articulated the importance of humility in mission work and maintaining a genuine relationship with God, calling for radical obedience even in the face of hardship. He noted, The idolatry of success is producing thousands of disappointed former believers. God is not here to fulfill our dreams, but He will be with us. And one day He will say, Well done, good and faithful servant. Mission includes pain. Let us leave a legacy of radical obedience.

The evening included the celebration of the Lords Supper, led by veteran missiologist Bill Taylor, during which participants recited the Apostles Creed and read passages from 1 Corinthians. The communion service served as a reminder of the significance of community in mission and symbolically reinforced the theme of being sent into the world.

Pastor Luis Marti of El Salvador led a final commissioning prayer, inviting participants to join hands across the auditorium in a symbolic act of unity.

In his closing remarks, Cristian Castro expressed gratitude to attendees and outlined a vision for the next decade, stating, We are praying for 10,000 new workers and 20,000 new churches to join this movement over the next 10 years. Please continue praying and giving for missions.
The ancient graffiti found in the Room of the Last Supper, situated on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. | Photo Credit: Israel Antiquities Authority/ Shai Halevi

A team of researchers and archaeologists has uncovered a series of centuries-old inscriptions within the Cenacle in Jerusalem.

Researchers from the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OAW) and the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) discovered nearly 40 elements that could be classified as ancient graffiti located in the Room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion. The findings, recently published in Liber Annuus, include 30 inscriptions and nine drawings on the walls of the room, as reported by CBN News.

Archaeologist Amit Re'em shared insights about the sophisticated methods used for the discovery, stating to CBN, Using ground-penetrating radar, laser measurement, laser scanning, and an advanced photography technique, we managed to reach every corner of the Last Supper room. We managed to create an accurate 3-D model of the place. We even managed to penetrate inside the ancient stones. He noted the presence of symbols such as the "Lion of Judah" and "Agnus Dei," which represents Jesus.

Ilya Berkovich, a co-author from the Austrian Academy of Sciences, explained that the graffiti offers new information about the geographical diversity and the international pilgrimage movement to Jerusalem during the Middle Ages. He remarked, When put together, the inscriptions provide a unique insight into the geographical origins of the pilgrims. This was far more diverse than current Western-dominated research perspective led us to believe, according to Scinexx.

The discoveries indicate that Christians have visited the site between the 14th and 16th centuries, leaving messages in their native languages.

Scholars suggest that one inscription was written by a Christian woman from Aleppo, while another inscription bears the name of Johannes Poloner from Regensburg in Germany. Additionally, a coat of arms was found belonging to Tristram von Teuffenbach, a Styrian nobleman who traveled with Archduke Frederick of Habsburg in 1436, and an inscription from Swiss knight Adrian I von Bubenberg, known for defending Bern, was also discovered.

Researchers uncovered an Armenian inscription reading Christmas 1300, which, along with its markings and location, is associated with Armenian nobles. According to the Jerusalem Post, this discovery adds credibility to the theory that King Het'um II of Armenia and his troops reached Jerusalem following their victory at the Battle of Wadi al-Khaznadar in Syria on December 22, 1299.
The Statue of Martin Luther in front of Merchant's Church in Erfurt, Germany. | Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Wim van 't Einde

More Germans identify as religiously unaffiliated than as Roman Catholics or Protestants, marking the first time in modern German history. This finding comes from a new survey published by the Weltanschauungen research group (Fowid) and reported by Evangelical Focus.

The 2024 data indicates that 47% of Germanys populationapproximately 39 million peopleconsider themselves to have no religious affiliation, while the combined number of Protestants and Roman Catholics stands at 38 million, or 45% of the population.

In 2024 alone, both the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches recorded the departure of about 580,000 members each, marking the fourth time in recent years that the two churches together lost over one million members within a single year.

Currently, Roman Catholics make up 24% of the population, while Protestants affiliated with the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) account for 21%. According to Fowid, Protestants had experienced steeper membership declines in the years leading up to 2020. However, from 2021 to 2023, the Roman Catholic Church faced greater losses, a trend that continued into 2024.

Muslims constitute 3.9% of the German population, with other religious communities representing 4.1%. The number of Muslims increased by approximately 80,000 last year, according to asylum application data reported in the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees 2024 Annual Report.

The survey also examined church attendance patterns, finding that only 5% of Germans attend a religious service at least once a month. Among Roman Catholics, 6.6% reported attending monthly services, while that figure was significantly lower for EKD Protestant churches at 2.3%. In contrast, about 25% of Muslims were reported to attend mosques for Friday prayers or other regular services.

Further highlighting the trends, the survey noted higher levels of religious practice among smaller religious communities. Although official church members showed relatively low participation, nearly half of those in smaller faith groups attend services regularly, indicating a more engaged practice within these communities.
Home News Ark. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs bill to provide $2M to pro-life pregnancy centers

Arkansas has set aside $2 million in state funds to support pro-life pregnancy centers as several states and activists across the United States have begun to see providing money to such organizations as an essential part of the pro-life movement.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican, signed House Bill 1202 into law last week, one of several pieces of legislation she approved. The bill passed with no opposition in both the Republican-controlled Arkansas House of Representatives and the Republican-controlled state Senate.

The legislation spans more than 40 pages and includes several appropriations for fiscal year 2025-26. Included in the bill is $2 million for pregnancy help organization grants.

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The measure defines a pregnancy help organization as a nonprofit that seeks to provide a range of services to individuals facing an unintended pregnancy with the intention of encouraging pregnant women to give birth to their unborn children.

Examples of organizations eligible for the grants include crisis pregnancy centers, maternity homes, adoption agencies and social services agencies that provide prenatal care and other maternity healthcare and nutrition services.

The legislation defines a pregnancy help organization is one that doesn't offer or refer women for surgical or chemical abortions.

According to Arkansas Family Council, this isn't the first time the state has provided funding to pro-life pregnancy centers.

Since 2022 Family Council has worked with the Arkansas Legislature and the governor to secure funding every year for pregnancy resource centers. These state-funded grants have helped support dozens of charities that assist women and children in Arkansas, the advocacy group said in a statement provided to The Christian Post.

Arkansas isn't the only state to fund crisis pregnancy centers. Earlier this month, Kansas lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys veto of a measure providing state funding to crisis pregnancy centers. In 2023, the governor of West Virginia approved similar legislation.

Efforts to fund crisis pregnancy centers come after pro-life activist Lila Rose suggested in an interview with CP that following the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs v. Jackson decision determining that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion, the pro-life movement should be focused on both private and public financial support for families to help them raise their children.

Following the Dobbs decision, abortion became illegal in almost all cases in several states, including Arkansas.

Crisis pregnancy centers have also come under fire from Democratic lawmakers at both the state and federal levels after the Dobbs decision.

Separately some pro-abortion activists have attacked pro-life pregnancy centers and churches, especially after the Dobbs ruling was leaked to the press back in 2022.

Following Politicos publication of a leaked draft of the Dobbs decision followed by the ruling itself, pro-life pregnancy centers across the U.S. found themselves subject to varying degrees of vandalism.

A 2023 report compiled by the Charlotte Lozier Institute, the research arm of the pro-life advocacy group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, found that 2,750 pro-life pregnancy centers across the U.S. provided over $350 million worth of goods and services to expectant mothers in 2022.
Home News Calif. church to appeal $1.2 million fine for breaching COVID-19 lockdown orders

A California church is going to appeal a decision in which a court ruled that it had to pay over $1.2 million in fines for violating COVID-19 lockdown orders.

Calvary Chapel San Jose is facing $1,228,700 in fines for refusing to follow Santa Clara Countys mask-wearing requirements from November 2020 and June 2021.

In response to an appeals court decision rendered on April 15 that upheld an earlier ruling against the church, Calvary Chapel has decided to continue its legal fight against the fines.

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Robert Tyler of Tyler Law LLP, a lawyer representing Calvary Chapel through the nonprofit law firm Advocates for Faith & Freedom, told The Christian Post on Tuesday that the church was going to be appealing the decision.

The written decision was wrong both legally and factually, Tyler said. We are filing a motion for panel rehearing tomorrow (Wednesday) and will eventually appeal to the California Supreme Court and to the U.S. Supreme Court.

According to Tyler, the fines are based on a notice of violation that was void on its face, which was an argument ignored by the court of appeal in the April 15 decision.

We have a very strong case to take to the higher courts, he added. The notice of violation had unconstitutional conditions requiring the church to not only force congregants to wear face masks, but to also comply with a [temporary restraining order] issued in November 2020 that this same court of appeal already ruled was void and unconstitutional.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Calvary Chapel was fined extensively for refusing to follow county requirements that people attending their services wear facemasks and that the church submit a social distancing protocol to local authorities.

Calvary Chapel refused to pay the fines, arguing that the county public health orders on facemask wearing were unconstitutional and that the fines were excessive.

While battling the fines, Calvary Chapel filed a lawsuit against the county over the COVID-19 restrictions, which a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit rejected in a unanimous ruling in April of last year.

The circuit panel decision upheld a lower court ruling from 2023, concluding that the district court properly abstained from the churchs lawsuit since a state case on the matter was still being adjudicated.

A trial court ruled against Calvary Chapel in February 2024, concluding that it owed $1,228,700 in fines, a reduction in the original fine that officials claimed the church owed.

On April 15, the Sixth Appellate District for the Court of Appeal of the State of California ruled against Calvary Chapel, upholding the February 2024 trial court order.

Significantly, it is undisputed that Calvary Chapel intentionally and repeatedly failed to comply with any of the public health orders requiring face coverings to be worn during its indoor church services and other indoor activities, read the ruling.

Calvary Chapel was aware that some of its congregants had contracted COVID-19 and its school had sustained a serious outbreak, and that the County issued the public health orders requiring face coverings in certain circumstances as part of the Countys effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. We therefore determine that the undisputed facts show that Calvary Chapels level of culpability due to violating the public health orders requiring face coverings is high.
Home News DOJ 'going after' criminals who vandalized, torched churches, pro-life centers, attorney says

A leading Trump administration attorney says the U.S. Department of Justice dismissed several cases against pro-life activists filed by the Biden administration and vowed to prosecute perpetrators responsible for vandalizing churches and pro-life pregnancy centers in the wake of the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

In an appearance on "The Glenn Beck Podcast" Saturday, Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon identified protecting "the rights of people of faith throughout the United States, whether they're in federal agencies or not" as one of the key aspects of the Trump administration's agenda.

Dhillon also discussed the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act and how it is "supposed to protect people going into abortion facilities from violence." The legislation in question subjects anyone who "intentionally injures, intimidates or interferes with or attempts to injure, intimidate or interfere with any person" seeking to provide or obtain "reproductive health services" to federal charges.

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Dhillon contends that the legislation has not fulfilled its intended purpose.

"The only violence being done in recent years is to the law and to the rights of speech and of prayer of people of faith who want to pray, which is in their entire First Amendment right, outside abortion facilities," she said.

"Those elderly and young Americans have been arrested and persecuted by the Biden DOJ. One of the first things that was done under the new administration was to dismiss multiple cases. Cases in Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Ohio have been dismissed."

Dhillon vowed: "We are not going to be pursuing these FACE Act cases other than in extraordinary circumstances involving death, serious bodily harm or extreme property damage." Dhillon maintained that "none of the recent cases have any of those fact patterns."

Host Glenn Beck asked Dhillon if she could use the FACE Act to "get the people that are firebombing or doing harm on the other side," referring to the wave of violence directed at pro-life pregnancy centers following the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organizationdecision that determined that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion.

"Facilities  involving prenatal care are protected by the FACE Act and so we will be aggressively going after" the perpetrators of such crimes, Dhillon responded. "There were more than 200 incidents in the last few years of those kinds of facilities where people were counseled about their choices, about adoption, about keeping the baby. Those facilities have been violently attacked by activists with no action by law enforcement, federal or state."

Aside from a group of pro-abortion activists responsible for vandalizing pro-life pregnancy centers in Florida, prosecution of perpetrators behind most other attacks on pro-life pregnancy centers and churches has been relatively muted.

"We will be going after those cases because every woman has a right to go into those facilities and get fair, open and even in some cases, religiously inflected advice about their choices with respect to the baby that they are growing in their bodies," Dhillon said.

Beck lamented the violence and vandalism that broke out following the Dobbs decision also impacted churches, saying that the perpetrators "never seem to go to jail." Dhillon pushed back: "We actually have won prosecutions of firebombings of churches in recent weeks and the Civil Rights Division, our criminal section, has done a tremendous job going after that."

Dhillon stressed that the DOJ "has a zero-tolerance policy for violence or intimidation against any person of faith in the United States that prevents them from getting an education, worshiping freely, enjoying the right to [go to] a church, mosque, temple, gurdwara and use that appropriately within federal law."

"We venerate religion in our country, in our Bill of Rights. It is a founding basis of our country, and we're very, very committed to it," she said.

During the interview, Dhillon also described a meeting of cabinet members, explaining that "many of them came and told tales of persecution happening in the ranks of the federal government."

She pointed to the "Department of Defense dismissing thousands of brave soldiers for refusing to take a vaccine shot that was not necessary for them in their opinion and violated their religious principles" as an example of such persecution. She stated that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has "invited those folks back."
China urges Philippines to stop sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces

Xinhua) 16:21, April 30, 2025

BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- China urges the Philippines to stop sending wrong signals to separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence," a Chinese spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks at a press conference when answering a query on Philippine media report that the Philippine government had relaxed restrictions on interactions with Taiwan officials, including allowing Philippine officials to visit the island.

"We firmly oppose any form of official exchanges between countries having diplomatic ties with China and China's Taiwan region," Zhu said.

The Philippines should adhere to the one-China principle, stop playing with fire on the Taiwan question, and stop sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Home News Elders reject Firefly's findings in Michael Brown investigation, say he didn't engage in sexual abuse

A group of Christian leaders asked by the board of the North Carolina-based The Line of Fire  Dr. Brown Ministries, Inc, to review the findings of a Firefly investigation, which concluded that the ministrys founder Michael Brown engaged in sexual misconduct with two women, have rejected the findings.

The group, officially called the Elder Accountability Team, includes: Jonathan Bernis, president and CEO of Jewish Voice Ministries International; Raleigh Washington, founder and pastor emeritus of Rock of Our Salvation Evangelical Free Church in Chicago, Illinois; Leif Hetland, founder and president of Global Mission Awareness and Leif Hetland Ministries; and Mark and Nicki Pfeifer, lead pastors of Open Door Church in Chillicothe, Ohio.

It is the position of the Elder Accountability Team that the LOF Board should have been officially contacted to seek a proper Mathew 18 process since these allegations resurfaced 5 years ago. Instead, these allegations, which could have been resolved with proper Biblical Due Process, were relitigated with accusations, judgement and sentencing by a jury on social media, the elders said in a statement included in a 27-page response to the Firefly report on Monday.

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This process is unbiblical and has caused irreparable damage to Dr. Browns credibility and ministry. We believe all who are responsible for this miscarriage of Biblical Due Process should search their hearts before God and pursue a biblical resolution to these unresolved issues.

The Christian Post reached out to Michael Brown for comment on Tuesday morning, and a response is forthcoming and will be part of a forthcoming article.

In its 47-page report released earlier this month, independent sexual abuse investigation firm Firefly said it was asked on Jan. 13 to examine information received from Line of Fire about allegations that Brown had an inappropriate relationship with former Fire School of Ministry member Sarah Monk. Brown, 70, had said she was like a daughter to him. They were also asked to investigate a second inappropriate relationship with a married woman from his church community who has since died.

The investigation focused on determining the validity of the complaint and whether the alleged actions were deviant. After reviewing evidence, conducting interviews, and analyzing the situation, the investigation concluded that BROWNS actions toward the two females were inappropriate and unacceptable for his leadership position within the ministry, investigators stated. Such conduct violated the ethical standards expected of someone in his role and undermined the trust and integrity essential to leadership within the church community.

The Elder Accountability Team argued in their review that the Firefly investigators overreached in their investigation of Brown's actions when they expanded their definition of sexual abuse beyond the historically narrow understanding of those terms to classify his conduct with the two women in 2001-2002 as, sexually abusive misconduct.

We believe a more accurate and historically consistent characterization of what Dr. Brown did is Moral Indiscretions in the case of the Wife and Leadership Misconduct in the case with Sarah, the elders wrote.

Prior to Firefly's investigation, Brown admitted to exercising a definite lack of judgment, but denied that he engaged in sexual misconduct with the former female staffer he treated like a family member more than 23 years ago. According to the report, Brown exchanged inappropriate communications of a sensual nature with the unnamed married woman who was a friends wife.

The Elder Accountability team also raised concern that the Firefly report included a number of testimonies that did not include a rebuttal from Brown or his wife, Nancy. A claim that Brown groomed Monk was also distilled down to a grievous lack of judgement and a violation of the conduct established by his standards for Fire School of Ministry.

Elders further noted that since Browns moral indiscretion with his friends wife and leadership misconduct with Monk, he has made multiple efforts over the years to address them.

It appears clear to the Elder Accountability Team that throughout this process, dating back 23 years, Dr. Brown has been repeatedly questioned about these two situations and has answered his interrogators consistently with honesty and remorse, the group said. The Elders Accountability Team believes it is time to finally put this matter to rest and allow these transgressions to remain where they should be  nailed to the cross of Christ, cast as far as the east is from the west and no longer used against him.

Monk alleged that in 1999, when she was 18, she attended the Brownsville Revival School of Ministry, where Brown served as president until he was fired in 2000. Brown then started the FIRE School of Ministry in Pensacola, Florida, where the school operated until 2003 when it was relocated to North Carolina.

She explained that she followed Brown to his startup school, and he asked her to call him Dad and she obliged.

She recalled that because she had endured a difficult home life, she initially enjoyed the attention from Brown, and they would write endearing notes to each other.

I looked at it as a blessing because of the respect that we all have for him, Monks sister told The Roys Report in an earlier interview.

In less than a year of her working at the new school, Monk said Brown  who was recently involved with providing guidance to the International House of Prayer Kansas City as they navigated founder Mike Bickles sexual misconduct scandal  started holding her hands.

He lifted it (her hand) up in the truck ... and hes like, You all know that I think of (Monk) as my daughter, and said, Thats why were holding hands because shes like a daughter to me, Monk said.

The handholding eventually progressed to other contact, including kissing. Monk said she was alone in Browns office one day when he asked her to kiss him on the lips. She said she didnt want to kiss him, so she gave him a peck that day. Kisses on the lips would become a part of their goodbyes when they spent time alone.

It was no longer (Brown) was asking for a kiss, she recalled. It was (Brown) leaning down to get a kiss. ... I knew I couldnt stop it, or I felt I couldnt stop it.

Brown allegedly later began slapping Erins buttocks habitually.

The elders recommended that Brown or Line of Fire should offer to pay for reasonable counseling expenses for Monk. Among other things, it was also recommended that Brown receive counseling to focus on the appropriate means of engaging ministry with a clearer perspective of the events and processes that led to this point.

The Elder Accountability Team also cleared brown for public ministry with the expectation that he would follow their recommendations.

Since Dr. Browns sins were committed long ago without any repeated behavioral patterns of like conduct, considering that these issues were believed to have been dealt with using Biblical Due Process as they understood it in 2002, considering his recent confession and repentance of his sins, considering his willingness to step back from ministry until the completion of the FIREFLY Investigation, believing he is trustworthy, presuming the above recommendations will be followed, the group said, the Elder Accountability Team recommends that Dr. Brown be released to public ministry with the hope that a new dimension of humility and strength of character may be added to his already broad field of Biblical knowledge, believing that the years ahead will be the most fruitful of all, marked by a greater humility and Christlikeness.
Home News United Methodist LGBT advocacy group calls God she in email

A theologically progressive LGBT advocacy organization centered on changing The United Methodist Church's stance on sexual ethics recently sent an email using the female pronoun "she" to refer to God.

Reconciling Ministries Network sent an email to supporters last Wednesday commemorating the first anniversary of when the UMC General Conference voted to remove its ban on same-sex unions and the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals.

"We wish we could say that this was an ending  a happily ever after for LGBTQ+ folks in our Church. To be clear: what we did together at General Conference was ground-breaking. And we did it because you showed up," stated the email.

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"But queer and trans people are still experiencing discrimination in their ordination processes and from the pulpit. And moreover, the world is more dangerous for queer and trans folks than it's been in a long time."

The group claimed that many "of the most ruthless opponents of Reconciliation are right inside the house of God" and that they are "pinning the blame on God."

"But God is not silent, and she speaks in part through our compassionate witness," stated RMN.

This terminology contrasts with the historic usage of male pronouns to describe God, found in the Bible and throughout Christian history.

The Christian Post reached out to Reconciling Ministries Network to clarify if the comment was a typo or if it had referred to God with female pronouns in past emails. However, a reply was not given by press time.

Mark Tooley, president of the theologically conservative think tank Institute on Religion & Democracy, told CP that while some socially liberal Christian groups "try to be creedally orthodox," RMN "has always been heterodox and radical theologically."

"Scripture and Christian tradition use masculine pronouns for God while citing some feminine qualities. Citing God as 'she' or 'mother' is more pagan than Jewish or Christian," said Tooley.

Founded in the early 1980s, RMN sought to change the UMC's stance on LGBT issues, which at the time labeled homosexuality "incompatible with Christian teaching" in its Book of Discipline.

Over the years, several hundred UMC congregations have affiliated with RMN to become "Reconciling Congregations," supporting its progressive views on LGBT issues.

The United Methodist Judicial Council ruled in Decision 871 that individual congregations could not affiliate with any unofficial advocacy group or movement.

In May 2015, a former RMN employee named Andy Oliver filed a complaint against the organization, alleging wrongful termination and gender identity discrimination.

"I filed a grievance with RMN's Personnel Committee objecting to and refusing to participate in what I reasonably believed amounted to gender identity discrimination," read the complaint.

"Specifically I stated that I believed RMN's Executive Director, Matt Berryman, was trying to 'bully' me into changing a subordinate's job title despite that I believed that the title change constituted discrimination based on the subordinate's transgender status."

Oliver alleged in his complaint that over the next couple of months, he was "subjected to unjustified adverse employment actions" that included "more severe scrutiny" of his work and eventually being fired "without giving me any justification at all."

Oliver voluntarily withdrew his complaint later that year.
Home News White Evangelicals most likely to oppose pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants: poll

White Evangelical Protestants are the only major religious group in the United States in which a majority are opposed to a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants, according to a survey by the Public Religion Research Institute.

PRRI released the results of a survey examining Americans attitudes on immigration policy on Thursday. The survey, conducted between Sept. 1629, 2021, asked 2,508 adults who are part of Ipsos Knowledge Panel about their support for policies related to undocumented immigrants living in the U.S."

While a majority of respondents supported pathways to citizenship for illegal immigrants (62%) and believe that immigrants strengthen American society (56%), only 44% viewed immigration as a critical issue.

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The results revealed that with the exception of white Evangelical Protestants, majorities of all religious groups support a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

While just 47% of white Evangelicals supported a pathway to citizenship, majorities of all other religious groups polled expressed support for the policy. Support was highest among black Protestants (75%), followed by Hispanic Catholics (70%), religiously unaffiliated Americans (69%), other Christians (65%), white mainline Protestants (59%), non-Christians (55%) and white Catholics (54%).

The survey measured approval of a pathway to citizenship at 66% among white mainline Protestants who attend church services at least once a week, and at 57% among white Catholics who attend church services weekly or more. On the other hand, white Evangelicals who attended services at least once a week were less likely than the complete sample of white Evangelicals to indicate support for a pathway to citizenship, with support measured at 45% among the former group and 47% among the latter.

Additionally, white Evangelical Protestants were much less likely than members of other religious groups to believe that immigrants strengthen American society. Thirty-five percent of white Evangelicals agreed with the aforementioned statement.

The only other religious groups where less than half of respondents believed that the growing number of newcomers from other countries strengthens American society were white Catholics and white Protestants. Among both groups, 46% of those surveyed pointed to immigrants as a source of societal strength.

Majorities of nearly all other religious groups saw immigrants as a benefit to American society, with overwhelming majorities of the religiously unaffiliated (74%), black Protestants (69%), non-Christians (65%) and Hispanic Catholics (61%) subscribing to that belief.

In addition to 53% of Evangelicals, most white Christians viewed immigration as a critical issue. Fifty-seven percent of white Catholics were more likely than their Protestant counterparts (54%) to rate the issue as a matter of high importance. Less than one-third of religiously unaffiliated Americans (32%) believed immigration constitutes an important issue.

The survey also asked respondents who view immigration as a critical issue how they felt about allowing undocumented immigrants to become citizens provided they meet certain requirements and allowing immigrants brought illegally to the U.S. as children to gain legal resident status.

Among all subgroups surveyed, support for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which allows those who were children when they were brought to the U.S. illegally to remain in the country, was higher than support for providing a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants in general.

It's estimated that between 11 million to 14 million people living in the U.S. either entered the country illegally or have overstayed their visas. Among those numbers are some 700,000 temporary DACA recipients, those who were younger than age 31 when it was enacted in 2012.

The Americans who rate immigration as an important matter were broken down into four subgroups: White Evangelical Protestants, Democrats, Republicans and Independents. Thirty-four percent of white Evangelicals expressed support for letting illegal immigrants become citizens if they met certain requirements, and 41% of white Evangelicals indicated approval of the DACA program.

The latest PRRI survey compares the responses of demographic subgroups to questions about immigration in the 2021 questionnaire to the responses they gave in previous surveys. The share of black Protestants who supported a pathway to citizenship rose from 70% to 75% from 2013 to 2021.

In the same time period, support for a pathway to citizenship dropped from 74% to 70% among Hispanic Catholics, 61% to 59% among white mainline Protestants, 68% to 55% among non-Christians, 62% to 54% among white Catholics, and 56% to 47% among white Evangelicals. By contrast, support increased from 64% to 69% among the religiously unaffiliated and from 63% to 65% among other Christians.

While most religious subgroups saw an increase in the share of respondents who saw immigrants as a strengthening force in American society, the percentage of white Evangelical respondents who ascribed to that belief decreased from 38% in 2011 to 35% in 2021. The share of white mainline Protestants who reported seeing immigrants as a source of strength recorded a similar drop in that same time period (48% to 46%), while white Catholics saw a much more significant decrease (56% to 46%.)

PRRI attempted to single out the factors that led respondents to be more supportive of a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants. The study concluded that Democrats were twice as likely as Republicans to support a path to citizenship, while Independents were 1.5 times more likely than Republicans to do so.

Those who believed immigrants today strengthen our country because of their hard work and talents were 2.8 times more likely than respondents who believed immigrants today are a burden on our country because they take our jobs, housing, and health care to support a pathway to citizenship. Respondents who believed immigrants strengthen American society were 2.3 times more likely than those who think immigrants threaten traditional customs and values to support a pathway to citizenship.

The release of the PRRI survey comes as the U.S. continues to grapple with a surge in illegal immigration across its southwest border with Mexico. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported 1,734,686 encounters with migrants at the southwest border in fiscal year 2021, more than four times the number recorded in fiscal year 2020. Three months into fiscal year 2022, CBP recorded 518,360 border crossings.

Critics of the Biden administration attribute the increase in border crossings to the reversal of Trump-era policies designed to curb illegal immigration, specifically the Migrant Protection Protocols requiring migrants seeking asylum to remain in Mexico while their cases are adjudicated and Title 42, which allowed immigration officials to turn back most migrants because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Biden administration restarted the Migrant Protection Protocols late last year in response to a court order.
Trump Vs. NY Times On Deported Kidnapper, Colorado Forcing Taxpayers To Fund Abortions, Canadas New PM

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:24 07:24

Top headlines for Wednesday, April 30, 2025

In this episode, we explore the controversy surrounding The New York Times' report on Nascimento Blair, an illegal immigrant and drug dealer whose deportation has sparked a political uproar. Next, we turn to the art world, where the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth has regained possession of provocative photographs by renowned artist Sally Mann, months after they were confiscated by police. Finally, we take a closer look at Mark Carney, the newly appointed leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. Discover five key facts about Carney as he steps into the shoes of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

00:11 Trump admin. responds to NYT article about deported kidnapper

01:04 Naked child images seized by police returned to Texas art exhibit

01:53 DOJ 'going after' criminals who vandalized, torched churches

02:56 United Methodist LGBT advocacy group calls God she in email

03:57 Elders reject Firefly's findings in Michael Brown investigation

04:51 Colorado will force taxpayers to fund abortions

05:44 Mark Carney: 5 things to know about Canada's newly elected PM
Home News Boko Haram terrorists' killing spree leaves 7 dead, homes and churches set ablaze 'Please pray for Gods intervention'

ABUJA, Nigeria  Boko Haram terrorists on Monday attacked a predominantly Christian community in Borno state, northeast Nigeria, killing seven Christians and setting homes and church buildings ablaze, residents said.

The militants attacked Kwaple village in Chibok County, said area resident James Musa.

Kwaple village in Chibok Local Government Area is under attack from Boko Haram terrorists. Please pray for Gods intervention, Musa said, echoing text messages to Christian Daily International-Morning Star News from other residents.

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Resident Ibrahim Adamu said seven Christian mourners at a wake were slain and several others severely injured by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. Modu Mustapha, chairman of the Chibok Local Government Council, confirmed the attack.

On Monday at about 5 p.m., Boko Haram terrorists attacked Christians at a wake in Kwaple community, Mustapha told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. The attack on the mourners resulted in a stampede and pandemonium as these mourners were forced to flee as they were shot at randomly by the terrorists. Seven Christians, who were mourning, were killed during the attack carried out by Boko Haram, while many others were injured.

The wounded were receiving hospital treatment. Mustapha said a number of church buildings were destroyed in the attack.

The assault was the latest in a wave of violence reflecting a resurgence of jihadist attacks in Nigerias northeast by Boko Haram and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Suspected militants reportedly ambushed and killed 10 civilians and two security officials in Borno states Gwoza area on April 26 and injured two others. Also on Saturday in Adamawa state, suspected Boko Haram militants reportedly killed 10 people and wounded several others in an attack in Kopre village.

On Monday, 26 people were killed when an improved explosive device detonated as two vehicles were traveling between Rann and Gamboru Ngala in Borno state.

Boko Haram, officially known as Jamaat Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Dawah wal-Jihad, seeks to impose Sharia (Islamic law) throughout Nigeria. The jihadist militant group based in northeastern Nigeria saw a split in 2016 that resulted in the emergency of ISWAP.

The name Boko Haram was long translated as Western education is forbidden, but the group says it should be translated as Western civilization is forbidden. Boko Haram insurgents believe other Muslims who do not join their jihad are infidels and thus justify killing them as well as apostates. This position is considered part of strict Salafi jihadism but not mainstream Islam.

Nigeria has remained among the most dangerous places on Earth for Christians, according to Open Doors 2025 World Watch List of the countries where it's most difficult to be a Christian. Of the 4,476 Christians killed for their faith worldwide during the reporting period, 3,100 (69%) were in Nigeria, according to WWL.

The measure of anti-Christian violence in the country is already at the maximum possible under World Watch List methodology, the report stated.

Nigeria ranked No. 7 on the WWL list of the 50 worst countries for Christians.

This article was originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News
Home News New River Bible Chapel pastor found dead at home, police suspect foul play

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in Arizona is now investigating the death of the beloved leader of New River Bible Chapel, Pastor William Schonemann, after he was found dead in his home under suspicious circumstances Monday. He was 76.

In a news release provided to The Christian Post on Wednesday, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said officers found Schonemann dead at his home after they responded to a call at 7:31 p.m.

Based on observations at the scene, it appeared there may have been foul play, the statement said.

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When asked for additional information on Schonemanns death on Wednesday, the police noted, Detectives are awaiting the autopsy for cause of death. We have no further updates at this time.

Calls made to New River Bible Chapel by CP on Wednesday for comment went to a voicemail where Schonemanns voice is still featured.

When asked about the late pastor, neighbor Zane Sharpe told ABC 15 that he was shocked by his suspicious death.

Just complete utter shock. Complete utter shock and complete lack of just being able to grasp how and why this happened, Sharpe said.

My heart literally just dropped. It dropped to the core of my stomach. I just couldnt believe it. What a sweet guy. A pastor too, he added. Everyone always holds pastors in high esteem, but this guy truly lived what he spoke.
Home News Supreme Court hears arguments in Okla. taxpayer-funded Catholic charter school case 'Teaching religion as truth in public schools is not allowed,' argues Gregory Garre for Oklahoma

The United States Supreme Court on Wednesday heard oral arguments on whether Oklahoma can allow the creation of a taxpayer-funded online Catholic charter school.

The highest court in the land heard arguments in the combined cases of Oklahoma Charter School Board, et al. v. Drummond, Attorney General of Oklahoma and St. Isidore of Seville School v. Drummond, Attorney General of Oklahoma.

At issue is whether the state can contract with two Catholic Church regional bodies to operate a taxpayer-funded online charter school known as St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School.

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Read Should religious charter schools be funded by public tax money?

Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself from the case. While she didn't give an explanation, The New York Times speculated that it had to do with Barrett being friends with Nicole Stelle Garnett, a professor who was an early adviser for St. Isidore.

Alliance Defending Freedom Chief Legal Counsel Jim Campbell argued on behalf of the charter school, saying in his opening remarks that when a state creates a public program and invites private actors, it cant exclude people or groups because theyre religious.

The Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board is committed to this principle of religious neutrality, said Campbell. Thats why it approved St. Isidores application based on the strength of its proposal, refusing to reject the group because of its faith.

Campbell took issue with the claim that the proposed charter school was part of the government, which the ADF attorney rejected, noting that it was privately created by two Catholic organizations, and it is controlled by a privately selected board of directors.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked a hypothetical about whether a charter school could, by the legal standard argued by Campbell, lawfully decide to no longer teach evolution in its science classes, compel students to attend mass or accept Catholic teaching.

Campbell responded that St. Isidore allows exceptions for anyone that doesnt want to attend mass and does not require students to affirm its religious beliefs.

Regarding the other hypotheticals, Campbell said the argument and the analysis would be different, as this case was focused on the question of there being any sectarian programming.

Michael H. McGinley, an attorney representing St. Isidores, argued that the charter school was created by private actors and was therefore not a government entity to be held to the same standards as public schools.

Justice Elena Kagan asked McGinley about whether a Jewish Talmudic school that did little to teach state standards would have to be accepted by the charter school program by his reasoning.

McGinley replied that a state doesnt have to open up an educational program to private organizations and that he was arguing that a state program cannot exclude a school solely because it is religious.

Gregory Garre represented Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who had filed a lawsuit against the state board for agreeing to greenlight the creation of the charter school.

Garre stated in his opening remarks that charter schools are public schools and thus have to be considered state actors that can be held to the same curricular standards as government schools.

Teaching religion as truth in public schools is not allowed, he said. St. Isidore has made clear that thats exactly what it wants to do in infusing its school day with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Oklahoma respects and promotes through vouchers and other means the abilities of families to secure such an education in a private school.

Garre emphasized the similarity between public schools and charter schools, including how Oklahomas charter schools and public schools, in accordance with state law, are both prohibited from teaching gender ideology or critical race theory.

Justice Samuel Alito asked about how charter schools are known to have more flexibility than public schools and to serve as a real alternative to them for students.

Garre conceded this, but then countered by noting that charter schools are rigorously scrutinized from when they present an application to when they hold classes.

Alito noted that while charter schools must have a curriculum that has to meet certain state requirements, their curriculum can be quite different in its focus.

In June 2023, the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board voted 3-2 to approve the creation of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. The school would be jointly overseen by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Catholic Diocese of Tulsa.

However, progressive groups and Republican Attorney General Gentner Drummond objected to the charter school, with Drummond filing a complaint against the board in October 2023.

Progressive advocacy groups also filed suit. Defendants named in the complaint included the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board, individual board members, the Oklahoma Department of Education, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters and Saint Isidore of Seville Virtual Charter School, Inc.

In June of last year, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled 7-1 against the religious charter school, with the majority deciding that the approval of the entity ran afoul of the state constitution.

Although the charter school board unanimously voted to rescind the contract for St. Isidore per an order from the state Supreme Court, they also filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court.

In January, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the combined cases of Oklahoma Charter School Board, et al. v. Drummond, Attorney General of Oklahoma and St. Isidore of Seville School v. Drummond, Attorney General of Oklahoma.
Home Opinion 'Side B' Christianity: An insidious, neutered gospel that has infiltrated the church

As someone who once lived and identified as a homosexual man but who has been transformed by Jesus Christ, Im burdened by an insidious, neutered gospel that has heavily infiltrated many Evangelical churches.

Its called Side B Christianity, and its proponents have for many years pushed a set of deceptive doctrines about human sexuality.

For those who dont know what Side B means, Tim Keller described it like this: People attracted to the same sex, though remaining celibate in obedience to the Bible, still can call themselves gay Christians and see their attraction as part of their identity which should be acknowledged like ones race or nationality.

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This was in contrast to Side A, which fully affirms homosexuality. The Side A versus Side B debate emerged years ago among some who were grappling with identity questions, with one side saying its fine to embrace ones same-sex sexuality and the other side saying it must be resisted while simultaneously asserting that same-sex sexual desires cannot and should not be counseled to change. Both Side A and Side B view the sanctifying power of Gods grace as an attempt to pray the gay away or conversion therapy.

Side Bs insidious nature is that it speaks in loving tones but leaves its hearers in chains, claiming to be biblically faithful while subverting the heart of the Gospel. This false distortion is taking my home state of Minnesota by storm and its poisoning the whole Body of Christ.

Case in point, at the recent Exiles in Babylon conference hosted by Pastor Dave Brickey at Church of the Open Door in Maplewood, Minn., a wave of Side B ideology was presented to attendees under the guise of compassionate missiological Christianity. The idea is best explained by the group Posture Shifts mission, writing a new church history where communities of faith and homes are safe for LGBTQ+ family and friends. This approach of missional ministry attempts to practice relational engagement and inclusion of LGBT identity into the church body.

But the Side B view and its praxis are nothing short of theological malpractice because it is built upon a false anthropology and a false ontology. Scripture teaches that we are created male and female (Genesis 1:27) and that our identity is not in our temptations or struggles but in Christ alone (2 Corinthians 5:17). Side B Gay Christianity redefines the self according to desires and feelings and then baptizes those desires in religious sexual orientation language.

Why the Gospel is undermined

Side B theology does not confront the Church with the open defiance seen in progressive movements, such as rainbow flags waved at Pride parades. Instead, it operates subtly, often emerging from pulpits that otherwise hold to theological orthodoxy. It appeals not to sound exegesis but to emotion, personal narratives, and therapeutic language. Prominent voices such as Christian psychologist Mark Yarhouse are frequently cited to support views on identity that are not grounded in Scripture. These appeals often masquerade as empathy but amount to emotional manipulation rooted in sentimentalism rather than biblically rooted compassion.



One common method used by Side B proponents is the empty chair presentation. A speaker shares the lived experience of an LGBT-identifying person while pointing to an empty chair, representing the absence of such individuals in the Church. The audience is then invited to lament that absence, implying that the Church has failed these individuals. While this appears compassionate, Proverbs 18:17 warns us: The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him. This technique, steeped in emotionalism, subtly replaces sin with sorrow and identity with injury. The narrative often omits why that person adopted an LGBT identity in the first place, or what repentance would mean.

The result is a theological bait-and-switch. Congregants enter believing the LGBT identity is distorted. They leave emotionally softened, grieving the absence of someone they are now primed to see not as a sinner in need of transformation, but as a victim who must be affirmed. The language of compassion has masked a shift from viewing LGBT identity as a behavior and desire to be repented of, to seeing it as an immutable, ontological reality  an identity to be embraced. This psychologically disruptive sleight of hand has deceived many, even in some of the largest Evangelical churches in Minnesota.

When pastors adopt or endorse Side B theology, they do more than accommodate an unbiblical view  they suppress the hope of transformation. They withhold the power of the Gospel from those crying out for freedom. Instead of proclaiming Christs power to redeem and sanctify, they leave sinners in bondage, effectively declaring that God has no more to offer.

What does it say to men like me when a pastor tells others that transformation in ones sexuality is not possible, or worse, not to be expected? It says: Your story of sanctification doesn't matter, but rather, what matters is the experience of those who have not experienced freedom or healing. Lets show empathy to the one who is unable to be set free. Stop the stigma of change, do not call them to freedom in Christ, but help them to not act out on it and affirm their gay celibate identity.

Side B theology also teaches that homosexual desires are permanent and central to ones identity, but that acting on them is sinful. Whats the solution? Side B proponents say it is lifelong celibacy, not sanctification and transformation.

This view denies one of the most precious truths of the Gospel: that Jesus doesnt just forgive sinners, He makes them new creations. As the Apostle Paul famously said, Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified (1 Corinthians 6:11, NASB 1995). By refusing to uphold were sanctified, Side B offers a truncated Gospel where sinners remain defined by their old desires even as they claim Christ. This is the false anthropology at the heart of Side B: that being gay is the defining trait, rather than a struggle to be laid at the foot of the cross.

The Gospel is for the whole person

The most destructive error of this theology is that it gives sexual desires a rigid ontological status, that being same-sex attracted or gay is a fixed category of personhood. This creates a spiritual caste system where an elite, unchanging sexual minority must be related to and catered to on their own, self-defined terms  the Gay Christian (but celibate!). But this is antithetical to the Gospel! It is not gay people who need a different kind of discipleship; it is sinners  all of us  who must be born again (John 3:3).

Side B advocates will ask questions like What would you do if you were me? But they never answer the deeper question: Who does God say we are?

The damage of Side B and motte-and-bailey tactics

Perhaps worst of all, Side B implies that God is unwilling or unable to transform certain sins, particularly the LGBT variety. This theology deeply wounds those of us who have experienced the genuine freedom God has brought to us, as it suggests that the blood of Christ is strong enough to cleanse but not enough to change us. Furthermore, its proponents often employ misleading motte-and-bailey tricks, mixing truth with lies. Side B advocates are often quick to retreat to the motte of theological orthodoxy: We still believe sex is only for marriage between a man and a woman. But the bailey is that false ontology, that being gay is a fundamental, God-ordained aspect of ones identity, and a false anthropology, that sexual desire defines the core of who we are, not what we do. They pull a strategic, sinister, spiritually manipulative maneuver. They will defend themselves by appealing to belief in historic Christian sexual ethics while infusing it with unbiblical views about who we are as persons, effectively pitting Genesis 1 against itself.

Biblical anthropology and ontology are not secondary or tertiary doctrines. They are first-order teachings, cornerstones of our faith. The image of God in man and woman is not compatible with modern psychological sexual identities that arise from the Fall. To say that a person is gay in their core self not only denies the foundational teaching in Genesis but contradicts the entire trajectory of redemptive sanctification through all of Scripture.

To the confused believer who may be struggling, know this: you are not alone in your anguish. Your temptations do not define you. Your sexual desires are not your identity. You can be free. You can be transformed. You are not beyond redemption. Christ died to make you holy, not just celibate. You do not have to live as a spiritual orphan, fighting for scraps of healing and transformation. You are a child of God, and He will not withhold good from those who seek Him.

Side B Gay Christianity is regression, and it should be wholly rejected. It has a form of godliness but denies the power of God unto salvation. Its the wisdom of men dressed up in religious clothing. Pastors should not patronize those who are crying out for freedom with Side Bs muted, lifeless promises and therapeutic slogans.

Sexual strugglers of every kind need the Gospel  the real, full Gospel  which sanctifies and sets captives (of all types of sin) free.
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Funders have been encouraged to do more to help charities in the criminal justice sector, with smaller organisations facing particular funding challenges.

A report , published today by think tank NPC and commissioned by the Lloyds Bank Foundation, analyses funding in the criminal justice sector.

Its research found that almost all statutory funding goes to larger charities, while only 3% of total income goes to criminal justice charities working with specific groups.

The criminal justice voluntary sector is a vital and diverse ecosystem encompassing everything from large national charities to local community groups, it says.

However, securing financial support in this landscape can be a significant challenge.

Smaller charities facing tangled web of funding

The research found that 94% of all statutory funding for the criminal justice sector goes to charities with annual incomes above 2m.

Meanwhile, charities with annual incomes up to 500,000 received less than 2% of statutory funding.

It found that statutory funding accounts for double the share of income for criminal justice charities (57%) compared to the wider voluntary sector (26%).

The research also found that just 3% of total income goes to criminal justice charities working with specific ethnic groups, with just 7% of charities identified people of a particular ethnic or racial origin as the beneficiary group they focus on.

This is in stark contrast to the over-representation of people from minoritised ethnicities within the criminal justice system, suggesting that the funding for charities supporting these people is insufficient, the report says.

Commenting on the report, Nicole Sykes, director of policy, communication, and research at Lloyds Bank Foundation, said: Small charities working within the criminal justice system often face a tangled web of government and charitable funding sources.

Understanding how funders can adapt and evolve to ensure vital charities can effectively access and leverage these resources is essential to delivering life-changing services to those in need.

The report recommends that more opportunities for flexible and multi-year funding should be provided, in order to reduce application burdens.

It also calls for funders to offer support initiatives to tackle the root causes of people to come into contact with the criminal justice system, in addition to clarifying which activities and initiatives fall under the remit of statutory responsibilities.

Additional recommendations include funders making a commitment to minimum standards of contracting, and exploring pooled funding.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
The Charity Commissions chief executive has told an event that voluntary trusteeship has proven to be no barrier to diversity and that it must be protected as the linchpin of public trust in charity.

David Holdsworths speech at yesterdays Trustee Exchange conference, organised by Civil Society, followed a panel discussion in which some called for trustee payments to attract more diverse board members.

Referring to the debate, Holdsworth said: While we heard some cogent arguments in favour of paying trustees at the panel today, to my mind, none can truly stand up to what is actually at stake here.

Which is why I want to be very clear its the commissions belief, and my personal belief, that voluntary trusteeship underpins the publics trust in charity.

And public trust is particularly important when we consider the fact that charities in England and Wales rely on 60bn a year in donations from the British public.

Holdsworths comments came after the commission last week published revised guidance for charities on paying trustees.

Panel discussion

Mita Desai, co-chief executive of the Young Trustees Movement and chair of Community Action Redbridge, told the panel that the current system of trusteeship is not working to enable the diversity of thoughts and representation on boards.

Burnout for people on the sharp end of exclusion on trustee boards is high, Desai said, adding that 23% of young people leave boards because they feel that they dont belong.

Desai said paying trustees would not affect the passion that people have for the organisations they serve, but not paying trustees, she said, would affect how much trustees can participate.

If you cant afford to pay your bills, something has to drop, she said.

However, former president of NCVO, Baroness Jill Pitkeathley said that paying trustees could damage the publics perception of charities.

Pitkeathley said: The general public does have this image of charity, about it being something that can do for the good of others and not for the good of yourself.



Chief executive of Plan UK Tanya Barron, who is taking on paid and unpaid trustee roles at organisations, expressed concern that if more charities start to pay their trustees, it might narrow the pool of trustees for small organisations that cant afford to pay.

Meanwhile, Paul Latham, director of communications and policy at the commission, said during the debate that trustees should be unpaid because they are in a position to act on behalf of the wishes of others.

Latham said: Its a fiduciary duty and you should generally seek to avoid a conflict between your personal and the trustee role and not to profit from the position youre in.

Holdsworth: Voluntary trusteeship is the linchpin of public trust in charity

The commissions latest report showed that there was a lack of diversity among trustees, with younger people and those from ethnic minority backgrounds being underrepresented.

However, the commissions chief executive David Holdsworth said at the event that paying trustees would not broaden the roles appeal, particularly among currently underrepresented groups.

Voluntary service has proven to be no barrier to diversity when it comes to trustee recruitment, he said.

Holdsworth also said that according to the commissions research on public trust in 2023, most people said they were more inclined to trust charities run by volunteers than those run by paid professionals.

Put simply, voluntary trusteeship is the linchpin of public trust in charity, and we must guard it fiercely and not look to other solutions unless the evidence points to the other solutions working, he said.

Holdsworth and Latham both emphasised at the event that expenses do not count as payment to trustees.

They said trustees are entitled to have their expenses, which include childcare, travel costs and meals, reimbursed by their charity.

In this way, trustees can undertake their voluntary duties without worrying that that it will put them out of pocket, Holdsworth said.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
Insured losses from natural catastrophes could soar to $145 billion this year  well above the 10-year average  as population growth, urban sprawl and climate change combine to supercharge risks, according to a report by Swiss Re Institute.

Severe thunderstorms, floods and wildfires are the main drivers behind this years loss estimate, the reinsurer said in a report on Tuesday. The figure is based on a long-term growth trend of 5% to 7% each year and includes about $40 billion in losses from the Los Angeles wildfires.

Swiss Re also warned that the risk of peak loss years is growing. Such events, which can result in insured losses of about $300 billion in a single year, should not be considered an anomaly, it said.

Related: Hedge Funds Are Hunting Deals in Risks Too Big for Insurers

As natural disasters become more frequent, the U.S. is bearing the brunt of insured losses. In 2024, America accounted for almost 80% of the global total, with losses concentrated in Florida, Texas, California, Louisiana and Colorado, Swiss Re said. The development has led to rising insurance premiums. In hurricane-exposed Florida, for example, premiums per household are now twice the national average.

In a separate report also published on Tuesday, Zurich Insurance said that extreme weather events led to about $2 trillion in economic losses over the past decade and will continue to disrupt ecosystems, agricultural productivity and human health.

The outlook is now alarmingly bleak, Zurich Insurance said.

Related: Smoke Damage from LA Wildfires Leaves Questions to Be Answered

Insurers and reinsurers have responded by raising prices in high-risk areas while seeking new sources of capital to buttress their balance sheets. For large, one-off disasters, insurers are passing more of the risk to capital markets via catastrophe bonds, a fast-growing market thats seen record levels of issuance in recent months.

Insurance coverage is not keeping up with growing losses, leading to more underinsured or uninsured households and businesses, Zurich Insurance said in a statement.

Financial watchdogs are concerned about the systemic repercussions. The European Central Bank and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority recently warned that the insurance protection gap in Europe, which already stands at 75%, is likely to increase as the continent warms.

Its a similar story across the globe. Over the last 30 years, the total cost of insured losses from natural catastrophes grew at a faster pace than the global economy, more than doubling relative to global gross domestic product since 1994, according to Zurich.

The escalating costs highlight an urgent need for action from governments, insurers, and communities to collaboratively build climate resilience, it said.

To keep a lid on losses, the insurance industry says it needs the flexibility to lower the cost of insurance while continuing to transfer risk to other parts of the financial economy. Swiss Re says that while it may be expensive to build dikes, dams and gates for flood protection, doing do is ten times more cost effective than rebuilding after a disaster.

That is why it is important that capital grows in line with rising risk, for the industry to fulfill their role for future peak years, said Jerome Haegeli, group chief economist at the reinsurer.

Top photo: An insurance company employee surveys damage at homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
Genetic testing company 23andMe agreed on Tuesday to allow a court-appointed overseer to take charge of ensuring customers genetic data remains protected during the companys bankruptcy, settling a dispute with several U.S. states.

Those states had argued the company was not taking data security seriously enough.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Brian Walsh approved the agreement at a court hearing in St. Louis, Missouri, ordering the appointment of a consumer protection ombudsman who will be empowered to review 23andMes handling of customers genetic information and its security policies.

The ombudsman will also review any sale of 23andMes business or data during the companys bankruptcy, and report to the court about how any sale would impact customers data.

23andMe had initially proposed hiring a customer data representative who would have had a more limited focus on ensuring that a future sale of the company or its data complied with the companys existing privacy policies. But a group of more than 25 states objected, saying that 23andMe simply wanted to hire someone who would tell this court everything is fine.

23andMe has collected genetic data from 15 million customers who ordered DNA testing kits online and provided saliva samples to the company. The company has said it wont go through with a sale that imperils customers genetic data, but the bankruptcy has drawn scrutiny from state attorneys general and lawmakers who warn that customer data could be sold to unscrupulous buyers.

The consumer protection ombudsman will have an initial budget of $300,000 for their work, with the ability to ask the court for more money if needed.

23andMe filed for bankruptcy last month, seeking to sell its business after a drop-off in consumer demand and a 2023 data breach that exposed millions of customers genetic data.

The company is still negotiating with potential buyers for its business. It had hoped to name a bidder last week to serve as a minimum bid for other companies to compete against in a future auction. But those talks remain ongoing, and 23andMe has pushed the deadline to April 30, Chris Hopkins, a lawyer for the company, said at Tuesdays hearing.

23andMe founder Anne Wojcicki has also expressed interest in buying back the company.

During the hearing, attorneys representing a class of more than 6 million customers affected by the 2023 data breach raised concerns about the bankruptcys impact on a $30 million settlement reached last year. 23andMes attorneys said the value of the class action settlement is in dispute now that the company is in bankruptcy.

Walsh said he will address potential disputes about the class action settlement at a later date.

(Reporting by Knauth; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Sonali Paul)
A report conducted by Harvard Universitys Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias Task force finds Jewish, Israeli students faced hostility and exclusion after Hamas attacks on Israel. Stuart Cahill/Getty Images

A new report from Harvard Universitys Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias reveals that Jewish and Israeli students, faculty and staff have faced unprecedented levels of hostility, exclusion and identity-based bias on campus in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.

The more than 300-page final report, released Tuesday, describes how the Middle East conflict triggered a wave of politicized protest and anti-Zionist activism that, in many instances, crossed into overt antisemitism.

Among the most alarming accounts: A Jewish student was initially barred from sharing their Holocaust family history in a campus speech because it referenced the British Mandate of Palestine  which student organizers deemed not tasteful, the report said.

The report paints a picture of Harvard campus life in the 20232024 academic year. Jewish and Israeli students were pressured to denounce Israel in order to be accepted socially, found themselves excluded from activities and in some cases, chose not to enroll or complete their degrees at Harvard, the report said. Israeli students, including Arab and Christian Israelis, reported being excluded from things for their national identity, the report also said. The environment, the task force concluded, kept Jewish and Israeli affiliates from fully participating in Harvards educational, co-curricular, and social life.

In response, Harvard President Alan Garber issued a statement acknowledging institutional shortcomings and outlining next steps.

The 2023-24 academic year was disappointing and painful, Garber said in the statement that was released Tuesday. I am sorry for the moments when we failed to meet the high expectations we rightfully set for our community.

Garber noted that the Hamas assault on Israel and the ensuing war exposed and intensified longstanding divisions on campus.

Members of our community reported incidents that led them to feel targeted and shunned on the basis of their identities, he said.

Garber said both the antisemitism task force and its parallel body  the Task Force on Combating Anti-Muslim, Anti-Arab, and Anti-Palestinian Bias  were asked to examine these tensions in historical context and develop approaches and actions that would help Harvard meet its obligation to create a community in which every one of us can thrive.

Garber emphasized that Harvard cannotand will notabide bigotry, and vowed to redouble our efforts to ensure that the University is a place where ideas are welcomed, entertained and contested where argument proceeds without sacrificing dignity and where mutual respect is the norm.

He outlined University actions that are underway, including:

Strengthening campus policies around protest and harassment

Reviewing and revising disciplinary procedures for fairness and clarity

Promoting viewpoint diversity through a new university-wide initiative

Launching a research project on antisemitism and a historical analysis of Muslim, Arab and Palestinian life at Harvard

Implementing recommendations concerning admissions, curriculum, training and community standards across Harvards schools

Garber said he is committed to publishing annual reports on how Harvard handles discrimination and harassment complaints and tasked deans with submitting action plans by the end of the academic term.

Our efforts are focused on nurturing a widespread sense of belonging and equipping our students with the skills and experiences they need to engage complex issues fully, to have productive and civil dialogue with people whose backgrounds and identities differ from their own, he said in the statement.

May our successors  whether they are Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, or of any combination of backgrounds find Harvard to be a place where they can be themselves, express their views freely, and encounter sympathy and understanding.

In recent weeks, Harvard University has been under intense scrutiny by the Trump administration over its handling of demands related to campus policies and practices.

Kaylee Remington is a trending news and metro reporter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Read her work online.
Retired teachers stuck signs on a glass divider in the board room of the Ohio State Teachers Retirement System, on Thursday, May 18, 2023. The signs ask, "Where's Wade?," referring to Gov. Mike DeWine's removal of Wade Steen from the STRS board, and criticize proposed bonuses that could be given to STRS staff, while there's no concrete proposal to give retirees a cost-of-living adjustment.
A view of high voltage transmission towers on February 21, 2021 in Houston, Texas. Millions of Texans lost their power when a winter storm hit the state and knocked out coal, natural gas and nuclear plants that were unprepared for the freezing temperatures brought on by the storm. Wind turbines that provide an estimated 24 percent of energy to the state became inoperable when they froze. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OhioOhio lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a sweeping energy bill that backers say is the states answer to a looming energy demand crisis.

House Bill 15 would, among other things, increase oversight over what electric utilities charge customers, repeal coal and solar subsidies from 2019s scandal-ridden House Bill 6, and lower property taxes on electricity and pipeline infrastructure.
A smoke shop in Cleveland that markets itself as a "dispensary" despite the fact that it doesn't sell genuine marijuana, only THC products like Delta-8. Sean McDonnell

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Restrictions on where Ohioans can buy most intoxicating hemp products, such as Delta-8 THC, unanimously passed the Ohio Senate Wednesday.

Senate Bill 86, sponsored by Miami County Republican state Sen. Steve Huffman, would require most products with 0.3% or more of any THC compound to be sold at state-licensed marijuana dispensaries.
Gov. Mike DeWine and the lawmakers in Columbus are working again to make life more difficult for the people running Ohio's public schools, this time with potential new rules that would force the districts to sell taxpayer-owned buildings. Jeremy Pelzer, cleveland.com

Who really controls Ohios public school buildings? Thats the rhetorical questions that Today in Ohio podcasters posed in response to a controversial budget proposal that could force school districts to sell buildings against their will.

The proposal would make it easier for the state to force local school districts to sell buildings by changing the definition of underutilized  a move that podcast host Chris Quinn blasted as government overreach.
A lamp in the 8th Ohio District Court of Appeals in Cleveland with the scales of justice built into the stand. (John Kuntz, cleveland.com) cleveland.com

Theres a moment in the film, A Few Good Men, released the same year I became a lawyer, that captures the tension at the heart of our democracy. Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway, played by Demi Moore, and the defense team are defending two Marines accused of murder. In one exchange, her co-counsel, troubled by the prospect of defending them, asks, Why do you like them so much? Galloway answers, Because they stand on a wall and say, Nothings going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch.

This scene reflects a reality in our system of justice: the competing imperatives of protecting society and ensuring that the rights of the accused are protected. The film portrays a government that attempts to obscure the truth in favor of a convenient narrative. The film highlights the cornerstone of our criminal justice system: that it is the governments burden to prove the truth beyond a reasonable doubt. That principle is what shields the innocent, holds power accountable, and ensures fairness in every courtroom.

Ohio attorney Dennis Lieberman shared with me his account of a visit to China on a legal exchange. He observed a murder trial with no witnesses called, no opportunity to cross-examine, and no jury  only several officials serving as the sole deciders. If convicted, the defendant would face execution the next day. When the lawyer asked whether the verdict could be appealed, the response was chilling: Yes  after the sentence is carried out.

Regardless of political leanings, most Americans would find such a process unthinkable. Because, in our system, the individual  not the state  is the center of justice. We believe in due process. We believe in confronting accusers and being judged by ones peers. These are not formalities; they are the lifeblood of liberty.

During my time on the Supreme Court of Ohio, I often reflected on a quote from Cicero that hung in our cloakroom: We remain in bondage to the law in order to be free. Its a paradox that defines our democracy. And its not always easy.

I recall reviewing a cold case involving a brutal attack on a woman who miraculously survived. Decades later, DNA identified her attacker. He was tried and sentenced. Tragically, the crime was barred by the applicable statute of limitations. As difficult as it was, my colleagues and I unanimously decided we were duty bound to reverse the conviction. The law is the law. In response, the legislature closed that loophole  an evolution made possible by adherence to due process, not its abandonment.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower created Law Day. It speaks volumes that a decorated U.S. Army general chose to honor not weaponry, but the rule of law. He knew that our strength lies in our ideals, in our shared agreement to be governed by laws, not by force.

Michael P. Donnelly is a former justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio. Courtesy of Michael P. Donnelly

We now find ourselves amid what many experts describe as a full-blown constitutional crisis. The institutions that have anchored our democracy for generations are under strain, and the guardrails that once felt immovable now seem vulnerable. We live in a time of extraordinary division, where trust in government, in elections, and even in the rule of law itself is being tested like never before.

And yet, across the country, lawyers continue to hold the line. They do not wear armor or bear arms. Instead, they rise in courtrooms, draft legal arguments, protect civil liberties, and insist that due process be observed. Their work is often thankless  but it is essential to the preservation of our republic.

Let this Law Day be a call to courage. A moment to renew our shared commitment to liberty, justice, and the rule of law.

Michael P. Donnelly of Cleveland Heights served as Ohios 160th Justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio.

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* Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication.

* Email general questions about our editorial board or comments or corrections on this opinion column to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Severe thunderstorms left thousands without power in Ohio and Pennsylvania on Tuesday, and are also being blamed for three deaths in Pennsylvania.

In Ohio, New Philadelphia was hit especially hard, with several trees brought down by the strong winds and downpours. Calmer weather on Wednesday allowed residents to deal with the aftermath and begin cleaning up.
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CNBC's Jim Cramer on Tuesday expressed that politicians should take investors' interests into consideration and pushed back against the notion that only wealthy people are shareholders who stand to benefit from market gains.

"Shareholders are a constituency," he said. "We should be considered. It's not just arrogant rich people who own stocks. In fact, the mega-rich love to come on the air and tell you the stock market is too dangerous."

According to Cramer, the U.S. is home to many companies that do meaningful business and could make investors a lot of money, "yet neither political party wants to take credit for them" and "neither party wants to stand up for you, the investor." Cramer noted that President Donald Trump may have invited CEOs to the White House, but he also issued major tariffs on their goods. Cramer suggested that former President Joe Biden was more overtly unwelcoming to big business during his term.

It is difficult for companies to operate in the best interests of their shareholders when action from the government is unpredictable, Cramer surmised. He indicated that companies have faced whiplash, moving manufacturing to countries like Mexico or China only to face a drastic trade policy change a few years later.

Cramer also emphasized that a large portion of Americans have exposure to the stock market, whether directly or indirectly through 401k or IRA accounts.

As 'Mad Money' celebrates 20 years on air, he opined on the mission of the show  to help people understand and navigate the stock market in order to make money. He mentioned advantages individual investors can garner from investing rather than just putting funds in a savings account. For example, stocks are "ridiculously tax advantaged," and "more than just rich people want that," he said.

"We do our best to help you, to entertain you, to teach you, and, yes, to stick up for you in a country where our leaders and many of our people deny that you even exist," Cramer said.
Facebook's CEO Mark Zuckerberg (L) speaks with Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella after posing for a family picture with guests who attend the "Tech for Good" Summit at the Elysee Palace in Paris, on May 23, 2018.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Tuesday said that as much as 30% of the company's code is now written by artificial intelligence.

"I'd say maybe 20%, 30% of the code that is inside of our repos today and some of our projects are probably all written by software," Nadella said during a conversation before a live audience with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

The pair of CEOs were speaking at Meta's inaugural LlamaCon AI developer event in Menlo Park, California. Nadella added that the amount of code being written by AI at Microsoft is going up steadily.

Nadella asked Zuckerberg how much of Meta's code was coming from AI. Zuckerberg said he didn't know the exact figure off the top of his head, but he said Meta is building an AI model that can in turn build future versions of the company's Llama family of AI models.

"Our bet is sort of that in the next year probably  maybe half the development is going to be done by AI, as opposed to people, and then that will just kind of increase from there," Zuckerberg said.

Microsoft and Meta together employ tens of thousands of software developers, but they're the latest companies to discuss how AI is replacing some of the work written by human software developers.

Since OpenAI's launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, people have turned to AI for a number of tasks, including customer service work, generating sales pitches and software development itself.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai in October said that more than 25% of new code was written by AI. Earlier this month, Shopify CEO Tobi Lutke told employees that they will have to prove AI cannot do a job before asking for more headcount. Similarly, Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn on Monday announced in a memo that the language-teaching company will gradually turn to AI in lieu of human contractors.

Earlier this month CNBC and other outlets reported that OpenAI was in talks to acquire Windsurf, a startup with "vibe coding" software that spits out whole programs with a few words of input. The dream is that with machines helping to write code, organizations will be able to produce more and better software.

WATCH: Amazon forms new unit focused on Agentic AI
To get more personalized investment strategies, join us for our next "Fast Money" Live event on Thursday, June 5, at the Nasdaq in Times Square.

Over President Donald Trump's first 100 days, the S&P 500 lost more than 7% while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 11%.

On a sector basis, consumer staples is the biggest gainer in that time period, up 5%. Consumer discretionary lost the most value, off 13%.

We asked the "Fast Money" traders to share which market areas should see the most promise  and problems  over the next 100 days.

No. 1: Karen Finerman

Most promise: Big cap pharma. She's bullish because the group is "way oversold," and it's largely out of the tariff crossfire.

Most problems: Container space. It's likely seeing benefits right now from a big pull forward in demand. If the tariff fight takes a while to get resolved, expect to see fewer containers and a reduction in full containers overall, making for a "very sad income statement."
A Waymo self-driving car, seen with a driver, stops at a red light outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Friday, March 31, 2025.



Alphabet -owned Waymo and Toyota on Tuesday announced a preliminary partnership to explore bringing robotaxi tech to personally-owned vehicles.

"The companies will explore how to leverage Waymo's autonomous technology and Toyota's vehicle expertise to enhance next-generation personally owned vehicles," the two companies announced.

The companies said they aim to use the partnership to more quickly develop driver assistance and autonomous vehicle technologies for personal vehicles. Toyota is the world's largest automaker by sales.

Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana said the strategic partnership could also result in the Google-owned company incorporating Toyota's "vehicles into our ride-hailing fleet."

The Toyota tie-up is the latest automotive partnership for Waymo.

The self-driving company has previously worked with automakers such as Jaguar Land Rover, Stellantis predecessor Fiat Chrysler, Daimler Trucks, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, Hyundai Motor and China's Geely. The partnerships, many of which touted long-term tie-ups, largely resulted in automakers producing modified vehicles for testing or for Waymo to use in its fleets.

The partnership with Toyota will not affect Waymo's plans to deploy Hyundai and Geely vehicles through the Waymo One ride-hailing service in the future, a spokesman for the Alphabet-owned company told CNBC.

Waymo is now serving 250,000 paid rides per week, up from 200,000 in February, before Waymo opened in Austin and expanded in the San Francisco Bay Area in March. Waymo is already running its commercial, driverless ride-hailing services in the San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Austin regions.

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai noted in first-quarter earnings last week that Waymo has not entirely defined its long-term business model, and there is "future optionality around personal ownership" of vehicles equipped with Waymo's self-driving technology.

Waymo and Toyota are not the only companies turning their focus to personally-owned autonomous vehicles. When GM announced in December that it was abandoning its Cruise robotaxi business, the company said it would instead focus on the development of autonomous systems for use in personal vehicles.

Toyota previously invested in and partnered with Tesla , Elon Musk's automaker which now aims to compete with Waymo on driverless tech. Toyota sold the its stake in the EV maker in June 2017.



Tesla, once seen as a pioneer in self-driving tech, does not yet produce cars that are safe to use without a human driver at the wheel, ready to steer or brake at any time.

Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, criticized Waymo on a recent earnings call claiming the robotaxis are too expensive for mass-production. Musk also promised Tesla will be "selling fully autonomous rides in June in Austin," using Model Y vehicles with a new "unsupervised" version of the company's "Full Self-Driving" or FSD systems installed.

-- CNBC reporter Michael Wayland contributed to this report.

WATCH: Pichai: Google may offer personal Waymo robotaxis
Gantry cranes stand near a cargo ship at Yangshan Port outside of Shanghai, China, on Feb. 7, 2025.

China has waived the 125% tariff on ethane imports from the United States imposed earlier this month, two sources with knowledge of the matter said Tuesday, among a group of products that have been granted exemptions.

The move will ease pressure on Chinese firms that import U.S. ethane for petrochemical production as well as provide an outlet for the natural gas liquid, a byproduct of U.S. shale gas production.

The sources said the tariff on ethane had been waived in recent days. One of them said the waiver has not been publicly announced. They declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.

China's Ministry of Commerce and China customs could not be immediately reached after office hours.

Reuters reported last week that some pharmaceutical, aerospace and semiconductor products had also been granted tariff exemptions as Beijing tries to blunt the economic impact of its trade war with the United States.

China increased its levies on imports of U.S. goods, including ethane, to 125% earlier this month, hitting back at U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to single out the world's No. 2 economy for higher duties.

China buys nearly half of U.S. ethane exports, which hit a record of 492,000 barrels per day in 2024, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The EIA expects U.S. ethane exports to increase to 530,000 bpd in 2025 and to 630,000 bpd in 2026.

Ethane importers in China include Satellite Chemical , SP Chemicals, Sinopec, Sanjiang Fine Chemical and Wanhua Chemical Group while the key U.S. exporters are Enterprise Products Partners and Energy Transfer .
Chinese battery giant CATL plans to launch its Hong Kong listing next month, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said, in what is set to be the city's largest share sale in four years.

The bookbuilding for the deal, or the process to invite bids for the equity offering from investors, is expected to start the week of May 12, the sources said who declined to be named discussing information that is not yet public.

Reuters has reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter, that the offering could raise at least $5 billion.

CATL did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The size and timing of CATL's bookbuilding could change, one of the sources added.

The battery giant's listing would be the largest in Hong Kong since 2021 when Kuaishou Technology raised $6.2 billion in an initial public offering.

CATL has previously said in a regulatory filing that part of the funds raised will be used to build a 7.3 billion-euro ($7.53 billion) battery plant in Hungary.
Mohsen Mahdawi speaks at a protest on the Columbia University campus on November 9, 2023 in New York City.

Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi is free on bail after a judge ordered his release from federal immigration custody on Wednesday, weeks after armed DHS agents detained him in Vermont during his naturalization interview.

Mahdawi, a 34-year-old U.S. permanent resident who was born and raised in a refugee camp in the West Bank, was detained April 14 and had been held at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, the Northwest State Correctional Facility, in St. Albans, Vermont.

"I am saying it clear and loud to President Trump and his Cabinet: I am not afraid of you," Mahdawi said Wednesday outside the Vermont courthouse after his release.

"What we are witnessing now and what we're understanding is exactly what Dr. Martin Luther King has said before: Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," he added.

From the bench, Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford ordered the release of Mahdawi from prison on bail, pending the resolution of his habeas petition.

The government requested that Judge Crawford pause Mahdawi's release from prison for seven days by issuing a stay of the order, but the judge denied it.

The Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately return requests for comment.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified Mahdawi's detention, saying his "presence and activities in the United States would have serious adverse foreign policy consequences and would compromise a compelling U.S. foreign policy interest," according to the DHS notice for Mahdawi to appear.

Mahdawi, who has a green card, was a key organizer of pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia last year.

Before Wednesday morning's hearing in Vermont, the government and Mahdawi's attorneys filed multiple court documents over his release, many of which were filed under seal but reviewed by NBC News.

In the government's opposition to releasing Mahdawi, it said that law enforcement records indicated that Mahdawi has admitted "to being involved in and supporting antisemitic acts of violence" and "an interest in and facility with firearms for that purpose," according to court documents reviewed by NBC News.

The government included two exhibits with their filing, which have been filed under seal. One of the exhibits, which NBC News has reviewed, is a 2015 report from the Windsor Police Department in Vermont, where a gun shop owner told officers that Mahdawi "supposedly told" the owner that he used to build machine guns "to kill Jews while he was in Palestine."

In his declaration, Mahdawi said that he recalled visiting a gun shop in Windsor, Vermont, but that he is "absolutely certain that I never expressed the words the report falsely attributes to me, in that exchange or ever."

"I am a peaceful person, and would never express wanting to harm or kill anyone," he wrote. "I am heartbroken to have such appalling words, which stand in complete contrast to my philosophy on life and spiritual beliefs, misattributed to me."

Addressing reporters outside the courthouse, Mahdawi's attorneys claimed victory against what they described as "the government's retaliation" against Mahdawi's right to free speech.

"Their claims and actions are baseless, without evidence, and are a disgrace to the U.S. Constitution," said Luna Droubi, partner of Beldock Levine & Hoffman LLP. "We will keep fighting until Mohsen is free for good."
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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  Eric Trump has a warning for banks: change the way you operate, or go extinct. "The modern financial system is broken, it's slow, it's expensive," the executive vice president of the Trump Organization told CNBC's Dan Murphy in Dubai while discussing the United Arab Emirates' development as a cryptocurrency hub. "There's nothing that can be done on blockchain that can't be done better than the way that the current financial institutions are working. SWIFT is an absolute disaster," Eric Trump said Tuesday, referring to the global international messaging network for financial transactions. He lambasted what he described as the slowness and inefficiency of the traditional banking system, calling it "antiquated"  a criticism held by many, especially crypto enthusiasts. The second son of U.S. President Donald Trump has made frequent visits to the UAE in recent years amid expanding Trump-branded real estate projects in the country and wider Gulf region  and as the desert sheikhdom rapidly becomes a global hub for cryptocurrency. A vocal advocate of digital currencies, Eric Trump in December predicted that bitcoin would reach $1 million while attending the Bitcoin MENA 2024 conference in Abu Dhabi.

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Crypto markets have proven to be highly volatile amid a sell-off of risk assets, stoked by President Trump's trade tariffs imposed on countries worldwide. Bitcoin was trading around $95,357 late Tuesday. "Our banking system favors the ultra-wealthy," Eric Trump said. "And what actually got me into [cryptocurrency] is the fact I realized our banking system was weaponized against the vast majority of people in our country, either the people that don't have the zeros on their balance sheet, or people who might have worn that red hat that said 'Make America Great Again.' And it forced me into the crypto world. And I'm telling you, if the banks don't watch what's coming, they're going to be extinct in 10 years."

A new era for crypto?

His criticism of banks comes as the sector attempts to navigate the rapidly growing cryptocurrency industry, which is decentralizing finance and eliminating the need for traditional intermediaries like banks. Decentralized finance, or DeFi, platforms enable peer-to-peer transactions with competitive or zero transaction processing and account fees, which have typically been a source of revenue for traditional banks. "You can open up a DeFi app right now, you can open up any cryptocurrency app, and you can send money, wallet to wallet, instantaneously, without the expense, without the variability" of banks, Eric Trump said. Some financial giants, including JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, have launched blockchain networks and crypto trading desks in response to the growing popularity of digital currencies.

watch now
The regional Stoxx Healthcare index was 1.5% higher at 11:18 a.m. in London, making the industry one of the best-performing sectors in Europe as a number of pharmaceutical companies updated investors on their outlook for the rest of the year.

British medical equipment manufacturer Smith+Nephew on Wednesday confirmed its full-year guidance of around 5% revenue growth in 2025, saying its unchanged outlook included an expected net impact of $15 million to $20 million from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs regime this year.

"Just over half our revenues are in the US and two thirds of the products we sell within the US are manufactured in-market," the company said in its first-quarter earnings release. "Our other manufacturing sites are in Costa Rica, UK, Malaysia, China and Switzerland. We are working to mitigate tariff impacts from products and raw materials imported into the US, including leveraging our global manufacturing network in terms of mix and supply routes."

Shares of Smith+Nephew gained 6.7% during morning deals, pushing the company's stock close to the top of the Stoxx 600 index. The company's first-quarter revenue came in at $1.4 billion, in line with estimates.

U.K. pharmaceutical giant GSK, which also released a quarterly earnings report on Wednesday, saw shares jump 4.2% after it confirmed its 2025 guidance and addressed the possibility of the Trump administration slapping the industry with new import duties.

"The company is well positioned to respond to the potential financial impact of sector-specific tariffs, should they be implemented, with mitigation options identified in the supply chain and productivity initiatives," GSK said in its earnings update. "The company will continue to monitor and review developments related to this situation."

GSK's 7.5 billion ($10 billion) first-quarter revenue came in above the 7.4 billion expected by analysts polled by LSEG.

The companies' statements came a day after AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot told reporters the pharmaceutical giant was well positioned to cope with any tariff shocks.

"If tariffs were implemented in the range we have seen recently in other industries on medicines imported from Europe to the U.S., we would remain within the guidance range we indicated for 2025," he said, in comments cited by news agency Reuters. "It's really something that we are going to manage."

AstraZeneca's stock was trading 1.6% higher on Wednesday morning in London.

 Chloe Taylor
First Solar missed expectations on profit and offered investors weak guidance on Tuesday, but most analysts nonetheless remain bullish on the solar panel manufacturer. Shares of First Solar plummeted 13% in Wednesday's premarket trading hours after the company reported first-quarter earnings of $1.95, missing the $2.49 analysts polled by FactSet had forecast. While the company's first-quarter revenue beat expectations, First Solar's second-quarter earnings guidance missed the mark. First Solar sees its earnings for the current quarter coming in between $2 and $3 per share, lower than FactSet's estimate of $3.99. As an additional blow, the company lowered its full-year earnings guidance to a range between $12.50 and $17.50, again below FactSet's $17.77 estimate. The company's prior guidance had called for earnings to range between $17 and $20 per share. Despite this earnings disappointment, most analysts maintained their bullish stance on First Solar, although they unanimously lowered their price targets. Here's what analysts at some of Wall Street's biggest shops had to say on the report. KeyBanc downgrades shares to underweight from sector weight, adopts price target of $100 Analyst Sophie Karp's target implies about 27% downside from Tuesday's close. "While FSLR has sizable domestic manufacturing capacity that is used to serve the U.S. market, the impact of volumes imported from its facilities in Vietnam, Malaysia, and India appears to be greater than we thought, and not likely to be mitigated in the NT under the 10% global tariff regime or higher 'reciprocal' tariffs. This uncertainty is pancaked on top of broader anxiety over the fate of various IRA provisions, and we believe will put pressure on valuation in the NT." Oppenheimer downgrades First Solar to perform from outperform, removes prior price target of $304 "Uncertainty on timing of policy resolution (FSLR's indicated federal budget negotiations could extend into 2026) suggest the low-end of guidance in 2025 is a realistic scenario. We downgrade to hold pending further policy clarity." Bank of America reiterates buy rating but lowers price objective to $185 from $215 Bank of America's forecast corresponds to upside of around 35%. "We reiterate our Buy rating on First Solar despite a weaker-than-expected Q1 and a meaningful cut to '25 guidance due to tariff-driven uncertainty impacting SEA production. The decision to remove up to 2.5 GW of potentially uneconomic volume from guidance and idle Malaysian/Vietnamese production in 2H25 reflects disciplined execution and risk mitigation." Morgan Stanley keeps overweight rating, decreases price target to $194 from $223 Morgan Stanley's target calls for 41% upside going forward. "Another turbulent quarter for FSLR, with tariff headwinds driving a ~20% cut to the midpoint of the guidance. We still see the top-end of the guide as achievable but recognize there are lingering risks around its international manufacturing footprint." Citi maintains buy rating, reduces price target to $198 from $236 Analyst Vikram Bagri's forecast is 44% above First Solar's Tuesday closing price. "FSLR revised FY25 guidance with tariff book-ends. Low end reflects tariffs reverting to country specific levels resulting in plant closures. The high end, which is more likely, assumes tariffs stay at 10% and FSLR absorbs the exposure. Notably, high end is within the previous guidance range." JPMorgan keeps overweight rating, cuts price target to $200 from $268 Analyst Mark Strouse's price target was approximately 46% higher than First Solar's closing price on Wednesday. "We are updating our model, baking in the more conservative view that tariffs will increase to Reciprocal levels in July, while also continuing to assume that 45x IRA tax credits will remain in place. Our YE25 price target goes to $200, from $268, including ~$87 in value from 45x, though we believe there is material upside in the event that tariffs are lower than previously announced Reciprocal levels. We maintain our Overweight rating and highlight FSLR as a top pick." Goldman Sachs maintains buy rating, lowers price target to $204 from $236 Goldman Sachs' target equates to 49% upside. "We expect the stock could be under pressure near-term and range bound until further clarity around tariffs, though we do note that incremental tariff developments and headlines around de-escalation and/or trade deals with FSLR's impacted countries of exposure would likely serve as catalysts for the stock and signal a potential revision higher in guidance on the next earnings call, all else being equal." UBS stands by buy rating, decreases price target to $235 from $240 Analyst Jon Windham's price target implies upside of 71%. "FSLR cut FY2025 shipment, revenue and gross profit guidance due to potential tariff impacts. Broadly, the high-end of the guide contemplates current tariffs and the low-end contemplates the 'reciprocal' tariffs (currently paused for 90 days) taking effect on 09-Jul-2025  Our base case had already assumed the 10% global tariff remains in place, but not the "reciprocal", currently paused, tariffs."  CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report.
Attendees arrive at the auditorium of the CHI Health Center during the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, US, on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

For decades, Berkshire Hathaway 's annual meeting  Warren Buffett's "Woodstock for Capitalists"  has attracted foreign investors traveling to Omaha, Nebraska, sometimes from thousands of miles away. This year, their international trip has a new wrinkle to it.

Xin Jin, a Chinese investor in Guangzhou, wanted to pay his second visit to Omaha this May but international travel in the current political climate worried him. In 2012, he poured half his assets into Berkshire's stock, which became one of the most profitable names in his portfolio.

"I really want to go to Omaha this year," Jin said. "I admire Buffett and I'm very touched by him."

A consumer-focused Chinese investor in Shanghai who didn't want to be named but who has attended the annual meeting three times, also said the hostile political environment kept him from traveling this year. Another Chinese shareholder noted there are fewer third-party agencies organizing trips to Omaha this time. One shareholder in Jakarta, Indonesia, who attended last year decided to stay home, saying he's concerned about "unnecessary and unfounded issues with customs."

This year's meeting comes after President Donald Trump launched a global trade war in the early days of his second term, intensifying political tensions between the U.S. and other nations. China, in particular, has issued a risk alert for Chinese tourists traveling to the U.S., citing recent "deterioration of China-U.S. economic and trade relations and the domestic security situation in the U.S."

"What I noticed the last couple of years, the demographics of the shareholders tilted a lot more towards international  shareholders being there for the first time, largely international and very young," said David Kass, a finance professor at the University of Maryland, who once held private lunches for his students and Buffett.

Berkshire's annual gathering can attract as many as 40,000 people to the Cornhusker State for a unique opportunity to hear from Buffett, his designated successor Greg Abel and Berkshire's insurance chief, Ajit Jain. The Q&A session will be broadcast on CNBC and webcast in English and Mandarin.

Buffett, 94, has long acknowledged the growing international representation at his annual gathering. In fact, he and his late partner, Charlie Munger, used to hold special receptions for those traveling from outside North America. He eventually ended the event as the number of foreign attendees grew.

"Our count grew to about 800 last year, and my simply signing one item per person took about 2 12 hours," Buffett said in annual letter in 2009. "Since we expect even more international visitors this year, Charlie and I decided we must drop this function. But be assured, we welcome every international visitor who comes."

 Additional reporting by CNBC's Evelyn Cheng.
GE HealthCare reported better-than-expected first-quarter results on Wednesday, but the company slashed its annual forecast to account for the impact of President Donald Trump's far-reaching "reciprocal" tariff policy.

Shares of GE HealthCare closed up 3% on Wednesday.

Here's how the company did:

Earnings per share: $1.01 adjusted vs. 91 cents expected by LSEG.

$1.01 adjusted vs. 91 cents expected by LSEG. Revenue: $4.78 billion vs. $4.66 billion expected by LSEG.

Revenue increased 3% year over year from $4.65 billion. GE HealthCare reported net income of $564 million, or $1.23 per share, up from $374 million, or 81 cents per share, during the same period last year.

GE HealthCare's adjusted EPS figure is a result of adds like nonoperating benefit costs, restructuring costs and investment valuations, among other things.

For its full year, GE HealthCare said it expects to report adjusted earnings in the range of $3.90 to $4.10 per share, which is a decline of 13% to 9% from its guide last quarter. The company said the range includes roughly 85 cents per share of tariff impact.

"Regarding the current global trade environment, we are actively driving mitigation actions," GE HealthCare CEO Peter Arduini said in a statement. "We continue to see strong customer demand in many of the markets we serve and are well-positioned to drive long-term value as we invest in future innovation."
Meta shares rose as much as 5% Wednesday after the company reported stronger-than-expected revenue in the first quarter and provided second-quarter guidance that was in line with Wall Street's expectations.

Here's how the company did, compared with estimates from analysts polled by LSEG:

Earnings per share : $6.43 vs. $5.28 expected

: $6.43 vs. $5.28 expected Revenue: $42.31 billion vs. $41.40 billion expected

Meta's first-quarter sales rose 16% year over year while net income jumped 35% to $16.64 billion, up from $12.37 billion a year earlier.



Second-quarter sales will be in the range of $42.5 billion to $45.5 billion, said Meta finance chief Susan Li. That was in line with analysts expectations of $44.03 billion. However, Li also added that the company has begun to see some reduced ad spend from Asia e-commerce exporters.

"Our business is also performing very well, and I think we're well positioned to navigate the macroeconomic uncertainty," Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg told analysts on an earnings call on Wednesday.



Meta said that it lowered the range of its 2025 total expenses, which will now come in between $113 billion to $118 billion. That figure was previously $114 billion to $119 billion.



However, Meta increased its 2025 capital expenditures to come in the range of $64 billion to $72 billion, up from its prior outlook of $60 billion to $65 billion.

"This updated outlook reflects additional data center investments to support our artificial intelligence efforts as well as an increase in the expected cost of infrastructure hardware," the company said in the earnings release.

The increase in expected infrastructure hardware is the result of "suppliers who source from countries around the world," Li said.



"There's just a lot of uncertainty around this, given the ongoing trade discussions," said Li, adding that Meta is "working on our end on mitigations by optimizing our supply chain."



The company also warned that a recent decision by the European Commission could result in a materially worse user experience for European users and cause "a significant impact" to Meta's European business and revenue as soon as the third quarter. The company said this is the result of the EC deciding that Meta's no-ads subscription service for European users is not in compliance with one of its regulations.

"We are continuing to engage actively with the European Commission further on this, so we hope to have more clarity by next quarter's call," Li said.

The company's advertising revenue for the first quarter came in at $41.39 billion, ahead of Wall Street projections of $40.44 billion.

Meta's Reality Labs hardware division posted an operating loss of $4.2 billion in the first quarter, which was less than the $4.6 billion figure that Wall Street was expecting. However, Reality Labs' sales came in at $412 million, which was down 6% from a year ago and came in below analysts' expectations of $492.7 million.

Daily active users rose to 3.43 billion in the first quarter, topping analyst estimates of 3.39 billion. That's up from 3.35 billion in the previous quarter.

The company's Threads microblogging service now has 350 million monthly users, Zuckerberg said. That's up from 320 million in January. Meta last week said that all "eligible advertisers globally" will be able to run ads on Threads. Meta does not expect Threads ads to meaningfully drive revenue growth in 2025, Li said Wednesday.

The Meta AI digital assistant now has nearly 1 billion monthly users, Zuckerberg said. In January, the company said the AI service had 700 million monthly users. WhatsApp is the primary way people access Meta AI, Li said. The company on Tuesday released a standalone Meta AI app, confirming a February report from CNBC.



Zuckerberg said that he envisions Meta AI as a place to show ads and that the company could charge for a premium version of the assistant, but Meta will focus on building the product for at least the next year before beginning to monetize it.

Meta said its employee headcount was 76,834 as of March 31, representing an 11% year-over-year increase. The company in February laid off 5% of its workforce that it deemed as its lowest performers.

The company recorded $8.22 billion in first-quarter advertising sales stemming from the Asia-Pacific region. Analysts expected Meta to post $8.42 billion in Asia-Pacific ad sales for the quarter.

Li told analysts that the company has "seen some reduced spend in the U.S. from Asia based e-commerce exporters." The company believes that is in anticipation of the de minimis loophole ending on Friday, Li said.

"A portion of that spend has been redirected to other markets, but overall spend for those advertisers is below the levels prior to April," Li said.

Snap on Tuesday and Google last week warned of potential headwinds affecting their respective advertising businesses due to macroeconomic uncertainty.

When Google reported first-quarter earnings last Thursday, company executives told analysts that it is likely the search giant will experience headwinds to its online ad business stemming from Asia. Regarding the broader economy, Google Chief Business Officer Philipp Schindler said "it's still too early in the second quarter to have a more specific view of things."

Snap, which also relies on online advertising, reported its first-quarter earnings on Tuesday. Its stock price plunged after the company said it couldn't provide forward guidance due to macroeconomic uncertainties.

Reddit and Amazon will report earnings on Thursday.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speaks at an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the company at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington, on April 4, 2025.

Microsoft shares rose about 9% in extended trading on Wednesday after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly results, driven by its Azure cloud business, and issued surprisingly strong guidance

Here's how the company performed in comparison with LSEG consensus:

Earnings per share: $3.46 vs. $3.22 expected

$3.46 vs. $3.22 expected Revenue: $70.07 billion vs. $68.42 billion expected

Microsoft called for revenue in the range of $73.15 billion to $74.25 billion. The middle of the range was higher than LSEG's $72.26 billion consensus. The company sees 34% to 35% in Azure growth at constant currency, compared with StreetAccount's 31.5% consensus.

Management reiterated that capital expenditures will grow in the new fiscal year, though at a slower rate than the current 2025 fiscal year. The company's implied operating margin of 43.35% was just shy of StreetAccount's 43.5% consensus.

Revenue increased 13% year over year in the fiscal third quarter, which ended on March 31, according to a statement. Net income climbed 18% to $25.8 billion from $21.9 billion, or $2.94 per share, a year earlier.

While earnings and revenue topped estimates, those results are backward looking. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs were announced in early April, so the company's optimistic forecast provided some relief to investors who have been concerned about how tech businesses will fare the remainder of the year.

CEO Satya Nadella said earlier this year that Microsoft plans to spend $80 billion in fiscal 2025 on construction of data centers that can handle artificial intelligence workloads. That requires hefty imports from overseas, meaning costs could rise depending on where tariffs land.

Microsoft continued to invest heavily in AI infrastructure during the quarter. Capital expenditures, excluding finance leases, reached $16.75 billion, up nearly 53%. Analysts surveyed by Visible Alpha had expected $16.37 billion.
Hannah Dugan speaks during a forum at the Milwaukee Bar Association in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, while seeking election to Milwaukee County Circuit Court, March 15, 2016.

The Wisconsin judge accused of obstructing federal authorities who were seeking to detain an undocumented immigrant for deportation was temporarily relieved of her duties Tuesday, an order from the state's high court shows.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court's order bars Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan from her position while the federal charges are adjudicated.

The court, which said it was acting on its own and not in response to a request from anyone, said the order was intended to protect public confidence in Wisconsin courts.

A criminal complaint shows Dugan was charged with obstructing or impeding a proceeding before a department or agency of the United States, a felony, and concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest, a misdemeanor.

She could face a maximum prison sentence of six years.

The FBI arrested Dugan, who was first elected to the circuit court in 2016, last week in the parking lot of the Milwaukee County Courthouse, a senior law enforcement official has told NBC News.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said Wednesday that China is "not behind" in artificial intelligence, and that Huawei is "one of the most formidable technology companies in the world."

Speaking to reporters at a tech conference in Washington, D.C., Huang said China may be "right behind" the U.S. for now, but it's a narrow gap.

"We are very close," he said. "Remember this is a long-term, infinite race."

Nvidia has become key to the world economy over the past few years as it makes the chips powering the majority of recent advanced AI applications. The company faces growing hurdles in the U.S., including tariffs and a pending Biden-era regulation that would restrict the shipment of its most advanced AI chips to many countries around the world.

The Trump administration this month restricted the shipment of Nvidia's H20 chips to China without a license. That technology, which is related to the Hopper chips used in the rest of the world, was developed to comply with previous U.S. export restrictions. Nvidia said it would take a $5.5 billion hit on the restriction.

Huawei, which is on a U.S. trade blacklist, is reportedly working on an AI chip of its own for Chinese customers.

"They're incredible in computing and network technology, all these essential capabilities to advance AI," Huang said. "They have made enormous progress in the last several years."

Nvidia has made the case that U.S. policy should focus on making its companies competitive, and that restricting chip sales to China and other countries threatens U.S. technology leadership.

Huang called again for the U.S. government to focus on AI policies that accelerate the technology's development.

"This is an industry that we will have to compete for," Huang said.

President Trump on Wednesday called Huang "my friend Jensen," cheering the company's recent announcement that it planned to build $500 billion in AI infrastructure in the U.S. over the next five years.

Huang said he believes Nvidia will be able to manufacture its artificial intelligence devices in the U.S. The company said earlier this month that it will assemble AI servers with its manufacturing partner Foxconn near Houston.

"With willpower and the resources of our country, I'm certain we can manufacture onshore," Huang said.

Nvidia shares are down more than 20% this year, sliding along with the broader market, after almost tripling in value last year. The stock fell almost 3% on Wednesday.
Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snap Inc., speaks onstage during the Snap Partner Summit 2023 at Barker Hangar on April 19, 2023 in Santa Monica, California.

Snap shares fell more than 12% Wednesday after the social media company withheld second-quarter guidance due to the uncertain macroeconomic environment.

"While our topline revenue has continued to grow, we have experienced headwinds to start the current quarter, and we believe it is prudent to continue to balance our level of investment with realized revenue growth," the company said Tuesday, adding that macro conditions could impact advertising demand.

Snap's finance chief Derek Andersen said during an earnings call that some advertisers are already seeing an impact from changes to the de minimis exemption. The loophole, which ends Friday, currently allows shipments under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free.

President Donald Trump's shifting tariff plans have created an unsettling backdrop for companies this earnings season. Fears of a weakening economy have also fueled concerns that companies could ease up advertising spending, where Snap makes a key component of revenues.

The company said ad revenues grew 9% year over year to $1.21 billion during the quarter.
Stellantis logo is pictured at one of its assembly plants following a company's announcement saying it will pause production there, in Toluca, state of Mexico, Mexico, on April 4, 2025.

Auto giant Stellantis on Wednesday said it was withdrawing its full-year financial guidance due to uncertainties regarding the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's back-and-forth trade policy.

The multinational conglomerate, which owns household names including Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, Chrysler and Peugeot, reported first-quarter net revenues of 35.8 billion euros ($40.7 billion), reflecting a 14% drop from the previous year.

The company said the decline in net revenues was primarily due to lower shipment volumes, an adverse regional mix and price normalization.

Analysts had expected Stellantis' net revenues to come in at 35.4 billion euros, according to a Reuters poll.

"While Q1 2025 top-line results were below prior-year levels, other KPIs reflect early, initial progress on our commercial recovery efforts," Doug Ostermann, chief financial officer at Stellantis, said in a statement.

The carmaker said it would scrap its 2025 financial guidance due to tariff-related uncertainties, adding it is "highly engaged" with policymakers on tariff policies.

Shares of Milan-listed Stellantis closed down 2% on Wednesday. The stock price is down around 32% year-to-date.

The results come shortly after the global automotive sector welcomed something of a reprieve from the Trump administration.

The U.S. president on Tuesday signed an executive order to water down some auto tariffs.

Tariffs of 25% on imported vehicles into the U.S. will continue, but the new measures aim to reduce the overall level of duties on vehicle imports that had resulted from separate levies  such as an additional 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum  "stacking" on top of one another.

Under the latest White House order, additional 25% tariffs on auto parts that were set to start by May 3 will also still take effect, but vehicles that go through final assembly in the U.S. will be able to qualify for partial reimbursements on those levies for two years.

 CNBC's Michael Wayland & Michele Luhn contributed to this report.
Workers cross a junction near the Bank of England (BOE) in the City of London, UK, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images

LONDON  Britain is at risk of losing budding fintech and cryptocurrency entrepreneurs to rival hubs if it doesn't address pressing regulation and funding challenges, according to industry leaders. Several crypto bosses told CNBC this week that the U.K. has created an unfavorable environment for fintech and crypto. They argued that the local regulator takes too strict an approach to registering new firms, and that pension funds managing trillions of pounds are too risk-averse Whereas a decade ago the U.K. was seen as being at "the forefront in terms of promoting competitiveness and innovation," today things "have shifted more towards prioritizing safety and soundness to an extent where growth has been held behind," according to Jaidev Janardana, CEO of British digital bank Zopa. "If I look at the speed of innovation, I do feel that the U.S. is ahead  although they have their own challenges. But look at Singapore, Hong Kong  again, you see much more rapid innovation," Janardana told CNBC. "I think we are still ahead of the EU, but we can't remain complacent with that."

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Tim Levene, CEO of venture capital firm Augmentum Fintech, said entrepreneurs face challenges attracting funding in the U.K. and could be tempted to start their founding journeys in other regions, like Asia and the Middle East. "We're scrambling around looking for pots of capital in the U.K., where currently it would be more fruitful to go to the Gulf, to go to the U.S., to go to Australia, or elsewhere in Asia, and that that doesn't feel right," Levene told CNBC. Lisa Jacobs, CEO of business lending platform Funding Circle, said that the negative impacts of Brexit are still being felt by the U.K. fintech industry  particularly when it comes to attracting overseas talent. "I think it is right that we're paranoid about other locations," she told CNBC. "It is right that we are trying to  as an industry, as government  make the U.K. still that great place to set up. We have all the ingredients there, because we've got the ecosystem, we do have this talent setting up new businesses. But it needs to continue. We can't rest on our laurels."

Crypto rules unclear

The U.K. is home to a vibrant financial technology sector, with firms like Monzo and Revolut among those scaling to become challengers to traditional banks. Industry insiders attribute their rapid rise in part to innovation-friendly rules that allowed tech startups to apply for  and secure  licenses to offer banking and electronic money services with greater ease.

Businesses operating in the world of crypto are frustrated that the same hasn't happened yet for their industry. "Other jurisdictions have started to seize the opportunity," Cassie Craddock, U.K. and Europe managing director at blockchain firm Ripple, told CNBC. The U.S., for example, has adopted a more pro-crypto stance under President Donald Trump, with the Securities and Exchange Commission dropping several high-profile legal cases against major crypto businesses. The EU, meanwhile, has led the way when it comes to laying out clear rules for the industry with its Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. "The U.S. is driving global tailwinds for the industry," Craddock said, adding: "MiCA came into force in the EU at the end of last year, while Singapore, Hong Kong and the UAE are moving full steam ahead with pro-industry reforms," she added. The U.K. on Tuesday laid out draft proposals for regulating crypto firms  however, industry insiders say the devil will be in the detail when it comes to addressing more complex technical issues, such as reserve requirements for stablecoins.

Rules on stablecoins unclear

One area in particular where fintech and crypto leaders alike want to see more clarity is stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency whose value is pegged to that of a sovereign currency. Mark Fairless, CEO of payments infrastructure firm ClearBank, told CNBC that his business has been looking to develop its own stablecoin  but it's been held back from launching one because of a lack of regulatory clarity. Stablecoins are "part of our medium-term, longer-term strategy," Fairless told CNBC. "We see ourselves well set up for that." However, he added that a ClearBank stablecoin will only be possible when there's clarity from U.K. regulators including the Bank of England. Crypto industry insiders also say the Financial Conduct Authority has been too restrictive when it comes to approving registrations from digital asset firms. The FCA is the regulator responsible for registering firms that want to provide crypto services within the scope of money laundering regulations in the U.K. Last year, the watchdog published a roadmap detailing its plan to implement crypto regulation. The roadmap includes a series of discussion papers on topics ranging from stablecoins to crypto lending over the next two years. A full regulatory regime is expected to go live by 2026.

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"I think the U.K. will get it right  but there is a risk if you get it wrong that you drive innovation to other markets," Keith Grose, head of U.K. at Coinbase, told CNBC. "This is such a fast developing space  stablecoins grew 300% last year. They're already doing more volume than Visa and Mastercard," he added. "I think if you deliver smart regulation here, stablecoins can be a foundational part of our payment ecosystem in the U.K. going forward." Another issue faced by crypto companies is that of being "debanked" by high street banks, according to Grose. "Debanking is a huge issue  you can't get bank accounts if you're a company or individual who works in crypto," he said. "You can't build the future of the financial system here if we don't have that level playing field." Survey data published in January by Startup Coalition, Global Digital Finance and the U.K. Cryptoasset Business Council found that 50% of crypto firms were denied bank accounts or had existing ones closed by major banks.
Apple CEO Tim Cook poses as Apple holds an event at the Steve Jobs Theater on its campus in Cupertino, California, on Sept. 9, 2024.

The most anticipated part of Apple's Thursday earnings won't be iPhone sales or Mac forecasts  it'll be CEO Tim Cook's comments on how the company is dealing with President Donald Trump's tariffs.

Apple is one of the most exposed companies to Trump's tariffs and expected retaliation. It makes about three-quarters of its overall revenue from physical goods  iPhones, Macs and Apple Watches  mostly made in China or elsewhere in Asia. And the U.S. is its largest market.

"It's how Apple responds to 'everything else' that will set the tone for post-earnings sentiment," wrote Morgan Stanley analyst Erik Woodring in a Monday note.

He has an overweight rating on the stock, and wants to hear what Cook and Apple finance chief Kevan Parekh have to say about how the company is mitigating supply chain and tariffs risks, if Apple will raise prices or eat costs, and the status of Cook's relationships with Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Apple hasn't commented on the hefty tariffs Trump announced for every country in the world on April 2, but they represent a deep threat to the iPhone maker's supply chain and sent the company's share price down 9%.

"We are monitoring the situation and don't have anything more to add than that," Cook said during Apple's January earnings call. Those were the company's most recent comments on Trump's trade policy.

Apple is perhaps the highest-profile example of a company that's gotten caught up in Trump's trade war.

It's the most valuable U.S. company, hundreds of millions of Americans own iPhones and Cook built his reputation in Silicon Valley as an operations expert who keeps Apple's inventory low and its logistics tight.

But Apple and Cook have stayed tight-lipped publicly even as Trump administration officials called for the company to move iPhone production to the U.S., imagining millions of Americans "screwing in little screws" to build the devices.

The White House suggested that Apple was capable of building iPhones in the U.S., something that many analysts said is impossible at worst and would result in a $3,500 iPhone at best.

"I speak to Tim Cook. I helped Tim Cook, recently, and that whole business," Trump said in an oval office briefing earlier this month after he delayed the highest-tariffs on non-China nations for 90 days. It was a move that boosted Apple stock. Cook has maintained a line of communication with the Trump administration, according to Trump, dating back to his first term.
Here are the biggest calls on Wall Street on Wednesday: Bank of America reiterates Spotify as buy Bank of America sees "profitability momentum" following earnings on Tuesday. " SPOT reported a solid 1Q as gross margins and operating income were above our forecast, while revenue and [monthly active users] were essentially in-line." Morgan Stanley reiterates Seagate Technology as overweight Morgan Stanley said the data storage company's earnings were "even better than expected" and that it remains bullish heading into Seagate's analyst day on May 22. "Post-earnings our estimates increase across the board while our PT moves to $99 (from $89)" KeyBanc downgrades First Solar to underweight from sector weight KeyBanc downgraded the solar stock following earnings saying "tariffs hurt." " FSLR reported 1Q results below our estimates and consensus, missing on sales, GM, [gross margin] and EPS." Wells Fargo downgrades Nike to equal weight from overweight Wells Fargo says it sees "EPS risk and poor positioning to manage [near term] headwinds" for Nike shares. "Lastly, the NKE turnaround has proven to be one that could take ample time, and simply put, layering a much tougher macro (including one where they are highly leveraged to the key issue  China sourcing) forces us to throw in the towel." JPMorgan reiterates Carvana as overweight JPMorgan says Carvana is well positioned ahead of earnings on May 7. "Share Gains Remain Robust and See Ongoing EBITDA/Unit Expansion." Citi upgrades Warby Parker to neutral from sell Citi sees a more balanced risk/reward. "With shares down 41% since Feb 5, we believe the market has priced in near-term tariff pressures. WRBY sells products that are medically necessary (people need to update their glasses to see), and their optical labs (where lenses are set) are located in the U.S." Barclays upgrades NetApp to overweight from equal weight Barclays says the data storage infrastructure company is a market share gainer. " NTAP has maintained 9-10% total (14-15% ex white box) storage market share over the past five years, and we expect this to continue into 2025-2026." Goldman Sachs downgrades Starbucks to neutral from buy Goldman Sachs downgraded Starbucks following earnings Tuesday, seeing too many negative catalysts along with a loss of market share gains. "Placer foot traffic data and our proprietary quarterly survey of 2k consumers suggest some signs of stabilization, but not sufficient to indicate a reversal to market share gains vs. peers in the coffee category." Raymond James reiterates Apple as outperform The investment bank lowered its price target but said it is sticking with Apple ahead of earnings on May 1. "We reiterate our Outperform rating ahead of F2Q earnings but are lowering FY25/26 EPS and our price target from $250 to $230 on tariff-related headwinds." Wolfe upgrades Ford to peer perform from underperform Wolfe says Ford could have a competitive advantage given recent tariff developments. "And while the rationale for our previously cautious stance on the stock remains largely intact  namely, cyclical risks not fully reflected in estimates and potential pressure on shareholder returns from cash burn  recent tariff developments could offer Ford a meaningful competitive advantage." Barclays reiterates Apple as underweight Barclays lowered its price target on Apple to $173 per share from $197 ahead of earnings on May 1. "We expect March-Q beat led by better FX, 1M iPhone pull-in and Mac upside, with Services in-line." Wells Fargo upgrades Sherwin-Williams to overweight from equal weight Wells Fargo says the paint company has pricing power. "We upgrade SHW to OW given its exceptional execution, driving earnings growth despite anemic demand thanks to share gains and positive pricing momentum." Loop reiterates Amazon as buy Loop sees a "better-than-feared retail outlook" ahead of earnings. "We expect solid 1Q results from Amazon on Thursday, looking for strong trends at AWS and upside to retail segment margin." Mizuho initiates OneStream as outperform Mizuho says the corporate management platform is well positioned. "We are initiating coverage on OneStream with an Outperform rating and $30 PT." Truist downgrades Freshpet to hold from buy Truist said in its downgrade of Freshpet that it is concerned about slowing growth for the pet food company. "However, based on our survey results and other data collected, we believe the pet food and products categories will post tepid to no growth for at least the rest of 2025 due to the continued post-Covid reversion of pet ownership in the U.S." Deutsche Bank reiterates Snap as buy Deutsche Bank sees "promising ad platform improvements" for the social media stock following earnings on Tuesday. " Snap reported 1Q results that beat expectations throughout the P & L, highlighting encouraging improvements to the ad platform as the company moves increasingly down-funnel." Seaport initiates Nvidia at sell Seaport initiated research coverage on Nvidia with a sell on Wednesday, seeing several negative catalysts. "Upside appears fully understood, bias is towards downside with concerns about supply chains missteps, deployment delays, growing scrutiny for AI spend by customers and geopolitics." Barclays reiterates Super Micro as equal weight Barclays is sticking with its equal weight rating on the chip computer company following earnings on Tuesday. "We think prior guidance from SMCI was too optimistic to begin with. There is too much uncertainty on AI server builds with lack of visibility into CY25 as customers go through product transitions." Bernstein reiterates Disney as outperform Bernstein says it is sticking with its outperform rating on Disney but that it is cautious ahead of earnings on May 7. "Comcast's Universal Parks' results typically offer a directional read-across for Disney Parks, but this quarter is harder to assess with other anomalies to consider: the devastating LA fire that lasted most of January, and the addition of Treasure to Disney's fleet of cruise ships with a full quarter impact." Benchmark upgrades Qorvo to buy from hold Benchmark upgraded the semiconductor company following earnings. "For its March quarter, Qorvo posted a $20 million revenue upside and $0.42 better than consensus EPS, on sales of $870 million and EPS of $1.42, versus the Street consensus of $850 million and $1.00, respectively." Morgan Stanley reiterates Tesla as overweight Morgan Stanley says it is sticking with Tesla as a key player in the race to build humanoid robots. " Tesla CEO Elon Musk reiterated the company's plans to produce 'thousands' of Optimus robots by year-end (and 1 million by 2030). However, since a material portion of the supply chain still needs to be developed in-house, production may be concentrated near the end of the year." Read more about humanoids here. D.A. Davidson upgrades Airbnb to buy from neutral D.A. Davidson added the stock to its best-of-breed list and says it has resilience in the leisure travel market. "We are upgrading shares of ABNB from Neutral to BUY. We are also adding ABNB to the D.A. Davidson research team's Best-of-Breed Bison initiative, which focuses on long-term best in class companies in our coverage universe." Benchmark upgrades Shift4 Payments to buy from hold The firm upgraded the payment company following earnings. "After almost five months of moving down and sideways amid concerns about the impact of macroeconomic headwinds and the impending departure of founder and longtime CEO Jared Isaacman, the share price of Shift4 Payments perked up yesterday, jumping by 12.6% in response to the company's solid 1Q25 print and management's upbeat guidance for the balance of 2025." Disclosure: Comcast owns NBCUniversal, the parent company of CNBC.
Sherwin-Williams looks to be relatively tariff-proof, according to Wells Fargo. The bank upgraded shares of the paint and coatings manufacturer to an overweight rating from equal weight. Analyst Michael Sison's price target of $420, up from $350, corresponds to a potential upside of 21%. Shares of Sherwin-Williams have added 2.4% this year. SHW 1Y mountain SHW 1Y chart Sison pointed out that Sherwin-Williams should be strong enough to hedge against any potential tariff headwinds. "SHW noted in its release that given the majority of its revenue comes from the US (80% from the US, 2% from China), tariff impacts are likely limited to raw materials," he wrote. "However, the majority of raw materials are sourced from the regions in which the related products are manufactured. Thus, while SHW does plan to update guidance with results in July, tariffs are unlikely to have a significant impact as it stands." As another reason for the upgrade, Sison pointed to Sherwin-William's strong fundamental backdrop, including its "exceptional execution" that continues to drive earnings growth. The company's strong pricing has also continued to raise its paint stores margin growth. "We upgrade SHW to OW based on consistent above-market growth despite a challenging macro. We are encouraged by SHW's share gains, new account wins, and efficiency/cost improvements across its segments, and believe these actions position the company as the premier name to own for a housing recovery," he wrote. Another catalyst comes in the form of the company's mid-February announcement to acquire a Brazilian decorative paints business from BASF for $1.15 billion in cash. The deal is expected to close in the latter half of this year.
Chinese mainland slams Lai Ching-te's "two states" comments

Xinhua) 16:24, April 30, 2025

BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland has condemned Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's recent remarks promoting the "two states" theory, calling them a "blatant provocation."

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a Wednesday press conference that Lai's call for cross-Strait engagement based on "parity and dignity" was an attempt to alter the historical and legal fact that both sides of the Strait belong to one China.

Zhu warned that denying the 1992 Consensus, going against the one-China principle, and seeking "Taiwan independence" would leave no basis for cross-strait dialogue.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Jim Cramer says don't count Starbucks out  not with turnaround specialist Brian Niccol at the helm. Despite a bruising quarter for Starbucks and Wednesday's 7% drop in shares, Jim is standing by the stock and the CEO, who is only roughly 7 months on the job. "It's Brian Niccol. He's the best there is," Jim said on "Squawk on the Street" on Wednesday, defending the Starbucks CEO after the company released a disappointing quarter the night before. "It was obviously a bad hand. People didn't know how bad the hand was," Jim explained, referring to the problems that Niccol inherited when he jumped ship as CEO of Chipotle to try to overhaul the struggling coffee giant. Starbucks shares sank as much as 11% on Wednesday to under $76 per share after the company reported weaker-than-expected earnings per share (EPS) and revenue for its fiscal 2025 second quarter. While same-store sales in the U.S. missed, international, as a whole, beat, and China was flat, which broke a four-quarter streak of declines. Jim sees the stock dip as a buying opportunity. "We would buy some Starbucks [Wednesday], but now we're restricted," he said during our Morning Meeting . We trimmed our Starbucks position on Feb. 10 north of $111 per share and then again on Feb. 28 at nearly $115, which at the time was a 52-week high. We knew that the turnaround wasn't going to be easy. We bought back some of those shares last week when they were down 30% since our last sale. It proved to be a bit early. Now, we're looking to buy again when we get the chance. SBUX YTD mountain Starbucks YTD The confidence Jim has in Niccol comes straight from the CEO's messaging during Wednesday's CNBC interview. "[Niccol] said nothing that indicates to me that this turnaround isn't on track," Jim reflected. He added that Niccol saying he's buying Starbucks stock "all the time" really stood out. We're aware that the turnaround won't be linear, but Wall Street hoped for quicker progress, especially since Niccol turned Chipotle around in less than a year when he took over as CEO of that company in 2018. Before Chipotle, Niccol helped revive the Taco Bell brand. Jim stressed that Starbucks is a different kind of challenge. "I don't know if people remember but Chipotle had just been implicated in one of the worst situations you could possibly have as a restaurant - people were getting sick all over the country. In six months, he turned it. Ok, so now, we are six months in [with Starbucks], and that's why analysts are saying, 'six months and where is the turn?' Can I just point out that Chipotle was a better company than Starbucks; he had something to work with," Jim said. Niccol himself acknowledged that the early payoff won't be to the financials. "In the near term, earnings will lag," the CEO told CNBC. "But if you drive growth, do the right thing for the customer (and) our partner, the financial performance comes with it." Part of that effort at Starbucks includes pilot stores testing Niccol's new strategy. Early results are promising, with average cafe and drive-thru wait times down and mobile orders hitting on-time marks. A major shift has been moving investment away from equipment and toward labor. "The solution is figuring out the right staffing, the right deployment, so our partners are set up for success and therefore give our customers a great experience and great connection," Niccol said on Tuesday evening's post-earnings conference call. He noted that a 700-store pilot showed better staffing boosted service speed, customer connections, and transactions. Niccol said on CNBC that he's trying to get costs under control and balance them against investing in the business. He said Starbucks was previously too concerned about the "back of the house" production and not enough on the "front of the house" consumer experience. He also reiterated that Starbucks won't raise prices this year  and in fact, he pointed to the company's removal of up-charges for dairy alternatives such as coconut and almond milk. Looking ahead to 2026, there's more for investors to look forward to. Niccol said that next year the company will be focusing on rebuilding its innovation pipeline with plans to develop new food and beverage offerings, improving the digital experience, and updating Starbucks' rewards program. The CEO framed the strategy as long-term and foundational, saying it's all about setting Starbucks up to be "the global iconic brand that it is." In CNBC's interview, Niccol also said that Starbucks will be a long-term player in China, though he didn't rule out getting some local expertise through partnerships. He did point to the flat China comps as evidence that store traffic in the world's second-largest economy is coming back. He added that he is not seeing any impact on business from the U.S.-China trade war. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long SBUX. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
A Pizza Hut store is seen on November 01, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Pizza Hut's third-quarter revenue fell short of analysts' expectations for same-store sales.

Yum Brands on Wednesday reported mixed quarterly results as Pizza Hut's same-store sales dropped more than expected.

Shares of the company fell more than 1% in premarket trading.

Here's what the company reported for the first quarter compared with what Wall Street was expecting, based on a survey of analysts by LSEG:

Earnings per share: $1.30 adjusted vs. $1.29 expected

$1.30 adjusted vs. $1.29 expected Revenue: $1.79 billion vs. $1.85 billion expected

Yum reported first-quarter net income of $253 million, or 90 cents per share, down from $314 million, or $1.10 per share, a year earlier.

Excluding costs to move KFC's U.S. headquarters to Texas and other items, the company earned $1.30 per share.

Net sales climbed 12% to $1.79 billion. Across all of its brands, Yum's same-store sales rose 3%.

Once again, Pizza Hut was the laggard this quarter. The struggling pizza chain saw its same-store sales shrink 2%, a steeper decline than the 0.1% decrease projected by StreetAccount estimates. Pizza Hut's U.S. same-store sales slid 5%, while the metric was flat in international markets.

"In the U.S., sales started soft in January and improved through February and March," CEO David Gibbs said on the company's conference call. "With the last few weeks showing sequential gains in revenue and transaction growth, the U.S. business faced an intense competitive environment to drive momentum."

Taco Bell, the standout of Yum's portfolio, reported same-store sales growth of 9%, topping estimates of 8%. The chain saw traffic growth across all income cohorts, and menu items like Steak and Queso Crunchwrap sliders and Crispy Chicken Nuggets drew diners to its restaurants.

"I know this is a tough operating environment for everybody else in the industry," Gibbs said. "It just is probably an environment that favors Taco Bell, and that's what you're seeing there, firing on all cylinders."

KFC's same-store sales rose 2%, beating estimates of 1.4%. The bulk of the fried chicken chain's sales come from outside the U.S. China, its largest market, saw system sales growth of 3%.

But like Pizza Hut, KFC's U.S. business has been struggling. The chain's domestic same-store sales shrank 1% in the quarter. Rival Wingstop and Raising Cane's have overtaken KFC's U.S. sales, pushing the Yum chain down to the fifth-largest domestic chicken chain, according to Circana's 2025 ranking of U.S. restaurants by sales.

Yum recently tapped Catherine Tan-Gillespie, the former chief marketing officer of KFC U.S., to lead the chain's domestic business.

Digital orders, which include those on mobile apps and in-store kiosks, accounted for 55% of Yum's total sales this quarter.

Yum isn't expecting any material impact to its global supply chain from trade conflicts sparked by President Donald Trump's tariffs. Moreover, the company also hasn't seen any consumer backlash as a U.S. brand operating internationally, even as tensions between the U.S. and its key market of China rise.

"We have not seen, and we obviously monitor this, any anti-American consumer sentiment," Gibbs said.

For the full year, Yum reiterated that it will be able to reach its long-term target of 8% core operating profit growth. However, the company expects lower profit growth in the first half of 2025, thanks in part to one-time expenses, like a global franchise convention in Australia.

In late March, Gibbs announced plans to retire in the first quarter of 2026. The company's board is currently searching for his replacement.
Three Chinese astronauts, including a woman, who spent six months in Chinas space station, returned to Earth safely on Wednesday.The return capsule of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship, carrying astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze -- Chinas third female astronaut and a space flight engineer, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.The three were taken out of the capsule one by one by the crew on the ground.They landed at a new site in the Inner Mongolia region, after poor weather had delayed their return from the Tiangong space station.On-site medical staff confirmed that the astronauts were in good condition, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said.Earlier, the Beijing Aerospace Control Centre issued a return command through the ground station, after which the orbital capsule of the Shenzhou-19 spaceship separated from the return capsule.It touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the CMSA said.The three astronauts stayed in orbit for 183 days, during which they carried out three spacewalks, breaking the previous world record for the longest single spacewalk set by the Shenzhou-18 crew members.The crew set the record during its first extravehicular activity on December 17, 2024, which lasted for nine hours, according to CMSA.The crew also carried out a wide range of space science experiments across various fields, including fundamental physics in microgravity, space materials science, space life sciences, aerospace medicine, and space technology, the CMSA said.The three astronauts were launched to the Tiangong space station in October, and they turned over control of the station on Tuesday to the new crew that recently arrived to replace them.China built its space station after it was reportedly excluded from the International Space Station (ISS) over concerns that Beijing's space programme is manned by its military, the People's Liberation Army (PLA).China is currently the only country to have a space station, while the ISS is a collaborative project of several nations.
Germanys Social Democrats voted in favour of the coalition deal with Friedrich Merzs conservatives, clearing the way for the Christian Democratic leader to be confirmed as chancellor next week.About 85% of SPD members who participated in the online ballot backed the blueprint for government that was agreed earlier this month with the CDU/CSU alliance, the party said on Wednesday in Berlin.The SPD is ready to take on responsibility in the next government, Matthias Miersch, the partys general secretary, said at a news conference in Berlin. Its about setting the right path to take Germany forward and above all about investing in the future of this country.Of the roughly 360,000 members, just 56% took part, with 15% voting against the accord. The SPD youth wing, which accounts for just over 10% of the membership, had led internal opposition to the agreement but failed to muster enough support to block it.To revive growth, Merz campaigned for lower taxes and tighter spending, but abandoned his hawkish fiscal stance shortly after the Feb. 23 election to pass constitutional changes that will unlock hundreds of billions of euros in debt for defense and infrastructure investment. Hes also promised to clamp down on migration and rein in Germanys bureaucracy.On foreign policy, Merz aims to take a more active role in Europe in contrast to the more tepid approach of his predecessar Olaf Scholz. Once he is sworn in, he is expected to travel to Paris and Warsaw to meet counterparts Emmanuel Macron and Donald Tusk. Hes also likely to soon visit Kyiv to show support for Ukraine in its defense against Russias invasion.The 69-year-old Merz is due to be voted in by Bundestag lawmakers next Tuesday, after which hell take his oath of office along with the members of his cabinet. The Christian Democrats and their Bavarian sister party, the CSU, have already nominated their 10 ministers, while the SPD is expected to name its seven on Monday.Lars Klingbeil, an SPD co-leader, will take over the key finance portfolio as expected and will also be Merzs deputy as vice chancellor, according to people familiar with the planning. His twin roles were formally approved Wednesday at an SPD leadership meeting, said the people, who asked not to be identified before a public announcement.Merz, a former corporate lawyer with no experience in government, is set to take over the running of Europes biggest economy at a time of domestic and geopolitical turmoil.His approval rating is only at around 36% and support for the parties in the next government have slumped further in polls, with combined support at about 40%, while the far-right Alternative for Germany has become the strongest force in some opinion polls. That puts pressure on Merz to act fast.How quickly the new government draws up the budget  and whether it will be passed before the summer break  will be decisive for bolstering the economy, said Marion Muehlberger, economist and political analyst at Deutsche Bank Research.Germanys gross domestic product has shrunk the past two years and is in danger of doing so again this year. In the first quarter, the economy grew by 0.2% from the previous three months, the statistics office said on Wednesday, but more challenging times are ahead as the impact from US trade levies has yet to be fully felt.As well as restoring economic growth, coalition officials have pledged to strengthen the military and domestic security in the face of Russian aggression and tackle irregular migration, a key concern among AfD voters.While its still unclear how the trade conflict will affect export-dependent Germany, a giant investment package the conservatives and the SPD secured last month with the support of the Greens is expected to help propel growth next year to around 1%.Merzs center-right bloc didnt hold membership ballots on the coalition deal, which was approved instead by party officials.Merz will lead a so-called Grand Coalition with the SPD, the fifth such alliance since World War II  three of them under former conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel. The last time the SPD gave members a vote on a coalition deal was in 2018 before they joined Merkels government as junior partner.
Many success stories start with the future celeb boldly dropping out of school. This might make you think leaving school will increase your chance at success, but this is the purest example of survivorship bias. Most people lose out when they leave school early.

That goes extra for when they leave because the school expels them. If you yourself get kicked out of the academy due to your private experiments that violate all laws, you will probably abandon your career as an artificer and end up writing for the internet. But some celebrities had more luck.

5 Willem Dafoe Got Kicked Out for Making Porn That was how hed put it, anyway, when later describing the incident in passing. Eventually, I was expelled from school for making a pornographic film, he said, speaking of his teenage years. I was just a young boy in Wisconsin  anything to get out of there. Don't Miss That sort of claim prompts a few follow-up questions, and when he elaborates on other occasions, he says the situation was a little different from the one summarized there. He was taking a communications class at Appleton East High School, and a project of his involved going out with a camera and interviewing people. These subjects were eccentrics, who possibly played up their eccentricities for the camera. One, who called himself a satanist, brought out his porn collection while young Willem was filming. Focus Features It was the 1970s, as you see pictured here. Dafoe claims he knew better than to include that part in his final submission, but the teacher still saw the footage and called in his parents, saying he was making pornography. Dafoe left the school now and managed to take a class a nearby college that fulfilled his high school graduation requirements. If the school caught him making a pornographic film for real, starring himself, no such class would have been necessary as they would have immediately issued him an honorary degree.

4 Samuel L. Jackson Got Kicked Out for Taking Hostages If we made the 1970s sound weird, they were nothing compared to the tumultuous 1960s. During this time, Samuel L. Jackson attended Morehouse College, and when he and some other students demanded changes at the place, they registered their request by holding the faculty hostage. We mean that literally. They sealed off Harkness Hall with chains and padlocks, sealing themselves in with the trustees for a standoff that lasted 29 hours. New Line Cinema I fight to get these Hall administrators kept under lock and chain. They had four demands. First, they demanded a Black studies program, which is surprising because this was Morehouse and youd think theyd have had one of those already. Second, they demanded that the majority of the trustees be Black, which is again something you might expect to already be true at Morehouse, but if it wasnt, thats not really something students can ask for. The third demand concerned housing, and the fourth said that the college should merge with five other colleges and rename itself Martin Luther King University. That last part was truly absurd and stood no chance of being granted, even though Martin Luther King Sr. was one of the trustees and was present in that very room. Advertisement Today, people are debating just what types of protest schools must allow. Youll be unsurprised to learn that physically locking in hostages violates not just school disciplinary codes but state law. Not only did Moorehouse kick Jackson out  he found himself with a felony conviction. The surprising part is this was no permanent expulsion, and the school let him return after two years. The school motto is, Et Facta Est Lux, or, Let bygones be bygones.

3 Ted Turner Was a Lover Students in the 1960s had another major grievance: Dorms didnt allow guests past a nightly curfew. Seriously: A fair number of giant campus protests in those days werent about the war or broad national issues but about how male and female students werent allowed into each others buildings past a certain time. Over at Brown University, a student named Ted Turner was suspended twice when a female companion was found in his dorm room. Then, the university expelled him after determining that he and his girlfriend were living together. Further details on the expulsion arent public, so we dont know whether this meant she moved in with him in his dorm or whether he responded to a suspension by moving in with her. Advertisement LBJ Library There are two things you should access 24 hours a day  the news and your lover. Either way, this didnt permanently sour relations between Brown and Turner. They went on to name him as one of their trustees. They had a good reason: He now had a lot of money. Advertisement

2 Harlan Ellison Was a Fighter If you go to college to learn a skill, and a professor tells you youre not great at it, youd be wise to listen to their advice so you can improve. Harlan Ellison took a different path. When he was at Ohio State University at the start of the 1950s, a professor criticized his writing. Ellison responded by punching the guy, and that marked the end of his time at Ohio State University. He went on to a career in writing, which started out with magazines like the below one, as this was still the 1950s. Advertisement Ziff-Davis Publishing Were being misleading here. His other covers were far sexier. He then progressed into more notable work in fantasy and sci-fi, and this is what we were talking about before when we mentioned survivorship bias. There are far more cases out there with professors criticizing students writing and the students then not becoming writers, precisely because the professors assessed them validly.
For some actors, landing a role on a long-running sitcom would be a dream come true. But that wasnt the case when Natalie Schafer won the part of the obscenely rich Lovey Howell on Gilligans Island. I didnt even want to be in Gilligan when I tested, she told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, via MeTV. I cried when I got the role.

Bob Denver, the comic actor who played Gilligan, told a slightly different version of the story. In a CJAD interview with Peter Anthony Holder, Denver said Schafer didnt have to test for the role at all. An accomplished film, television and theater actress, she worked constantly, and Gilligan producers offered her the part without requiring an audition.

It took some convincing, but Schafer agreed to film the pilot  mainly because she wanted a free Hawaiian holiday. My agent called me, saying, Listen, Natalie, we can get you good money, and you can go to Hawaii where youve never been, she explained in The Unofficial Gilligans Island Handbook. This will never sell. You dont have to worry about it.

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Gilligans Island sold. Cue the crying.

Denver confirms Schafers story that she shed tears when she learned that Lovey Howell would be an ongoing role. Her story was that she was in Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta, one of those cities in Mexico on a vacation. At the time her mother was ill in Los Angeles and a telegram came to her table at dinner, he said. She read it and burst into tears. All of her friends with her on vacation said, Oh Natalie, is it your mother? Is something wrong? And she said, No, the pilot sold!

To make matters worse for Schafer, only the pilot was shot in exotic Hawaii. Once Gilligans Island became a series, it was filmed on soundstages in California.

But Schafer quickly got over her disappointment, said Denver. After we started shooting, she really got into it. She was really a great lady.

Schafers biggest concern about landing a role on a popular sitcom was typecasting, something that her castmates like Denver and Tina Louise complained about over the years. While Schafer landed the role of a sadistic lesbian in The Killing of Sister George soon after Gilligan ended, garnering great reviews, she had trouble finding subsequent work. When I was up for a different part, the new network kids said, We cant put Natalie Schafer in another kind of part at five oclock, and at six oclock Gilligans Island goes on. It wouldnt be believable, she complained. I dont agree. I think audiences would be fascinated by people who change their personality and play something else.

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Schafer eventually found success working in a new field: voice acting. As it turned out, staying off camera wasnt all bad. I love doing voice-overs for film and commercials, she decided, because you dont have to hold your stomach in.
Now that the White House Correspondents Dinner is all about coddling the White House instead of roasting it, getting kicked out of the gala is officially cooler than getting invited.

Back in February, the White House Correspondents Association announced that late-night host and writer Amber Ruffin would be the mistress of ceremonies at this years meeting of White House officials and the journalists who are supposed to hold them accountable. Then, barely a month later, the WHCA board voted unanimously to fire Ruffin from the White House Correspondents Dinner hosting gig after White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich publicly expressed his outrage about Ruffin making some extremely mild criticisms of the Trump administration on a podcast.

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While Ruffins firing left the 2025 White House Correspondent Dinner a dull, toothless banquet that President Trump still refused to attend, it also gave Ruffin more confidence than ever in the importance of her message: Dont let Trump teach you to hate. Ruffin listed the lessons she learned from the WHCD during her talk with another comedian who had more balls than the entire WHCA put together on yesterdays The Late Show with Stephen Colbert:

Colbert, whose performance at the 2006 WHCD while in-character as his conservative Colbert Report persona scandalized the late-years Bush Administration and set the standard for satirizing the political elite at the black-tie event, pointed out that Ruffin being too sharp-elbowed for the newly spineless WHCA is actually a huge flex. Colbert told Ruffin that getting fired from the dinner might be cooler than getting invited.

As Ruffin told Colbert, the origin of the WHCAs discontent with her as a hosting pick started when she admitted that it would be hard to be a fence-sitter and roast both sides of the aisle equally, as the WHCA had instructed her to do, when the Trump administration is deporting American citizens to foreign prisons without due process. Even though Ruffin stuck to her guns on this valuable point, the loss of the job still stung. I was really, really sad for, like, two hours, Ruffin said of the WHCAs decision to give her the ax. But, then, I had a brunch, so then I felt great.

I thought, if they didnt want me doing that show before I had even opened my mouth, then they would have been really, really sad with what they got, Ruffin said of the conclusion she came to after the dust had settled on her would-be hosting gig. And then, also, after they fired me, I looked back at my Google Doc and was like, Oooh, this would have been bad. They would not have liked it.

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While Ruffin refused to reveal the roasts she had planned for her WHCD performance that would have incensed the media elite who have chosen capitulation to power over proper coverage, she did reveal what would have been her closing remarks, saying, This administration is trying to get you to hate other people, and thats not your natural state. Human beings are made to love one another.

They got you by convincing you that youre filled with hate and you absolutely arent. Its the opposite of what youre made for, Ruffin recited. And, saying that out loud now makes me glad that I got canceled.

It should make Ruffins fans glad, too  making comments like that in front of Trump officials is just about the easiest method of winning a one-way ticked to El Salvador.
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According to the polls, Nigel Farage is set to sweep the country in tomorrows local elections. But one man who appears singularly unmoved by his populist pitch is TUC general secretary Paul Nowak.

In a rare intervention over the weekend, the putative chieftain of Britains workers branded Reforms leader a political fraud and a hypocrite. Farage is a public school-educated ex-metals trader cosplaying as a champion of the working class. Theres a massive contradiction between what he says and what he actually does in practice, Novak raged.

Theres some truth in the charge. Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen the man who once made a mint playing the steel markets suddenly popping up in a hard-hat alongside the Scunthorpe blast furnaces demanding the industrys immediate renationalisation. Quite the political U-turn, given two years earlier hed tweeted, Why should the government bail out the company now? And that when he was a Ukip MEP he was one of only a handful of members who voted against legislation aimed at preventing steel dumping.

But by highlighting Nigel Farages blatant opportunism, Paul Nowak has inadvertently raised an awkward question. Namely, how is it that senior trade-union leaders  indeed, the trade-union movement as a whole  have let this supposed public-school chameleon sideline them and supplant them in their historic role as tribunes of the British working-class?

After Farage appeared in Scunthorpe alongside the workforce demanding the plants salvation, his appearance was immediately condemned by the Community Union, who accused him of not just appropriating their membership, but their campaign literature. Farage is holding old posters and does not represent steelworker interests, a union spokesman charged.

But when was the last time a trade-union leader standing alongside their members in a fight for their livelihoods generated such widespread media interest? If you showed a photo of Roy Rickhuss  Communitys General Secretary  to the working men and women of Scunthorpe, how many would be able to cite his name? Or that of Paul Nowak?

You can be sure theyd recognise Nigel Farage. To some people this disparity is just a further example of the long, slow but inexorable decline of the British trade-union movement.

Yet the bald numbers tell a different story. This morning Reforms membership tracker stands at 226,380 members. That is the size of Nigel Farages populist army.

Nigel Farage remains the only figure of substance in British politics prepared to speak for the working-class with a clarity and vigour that actually provokes some sort of reaction, writes Dan Hodges

TUC chief Paul Nowak sought to highlight Farage's blatant opportunism in relation to the crisis surrounding Scunthorpe's blast furnaces

In contrast, according to the latest figures, the TUC currently represents 48 unions, with a combined membership of 5.5million members. Paul Novaks divisions dwarf those of Farage. But he is utterly incapable of properly connecting with them, never mind mobilising them.

And the reason is nothing to do with history, or the reconfiguration of modern working patterns, or a raft of anti-trade union legislation from a succession of hostile governments. Its because Britains trade-union leaders are no longer capable of talking the language of the British working-class. Or, at least, are no longer willing to.

Look at the issue dominating British politics. A poll conducted yesterday by More in Common found in those areas where Britain is set to go to the polls, Reform is now outperforming both Labour and the Tories. And two-thirds of those voters claim they are supporting Nigel Farage because of one main issue  his stance on immigration.

This is Paul Nowaks own stance: Every migrant is my sister, my brother, and this Government shames us all because our country should never turn its back on those fleeing persecution, poverty or war, he told his annual conference in 2023. When I hear the Home Secretary talking of a migrant invasion, that her dream is to deport people to Rwanda, when I see immigrants housed on a barge with legionella, or hear that the immigration minister ordered a mural for kids painted over, for me it is personal.

These are noble sentiments. Nowak is himself a grandson of immigrants from Poland and China. But they are not the sentiments of the vast swathes of working Britain who want the small boats stopped and net migration slashed.

Take another issue currently dominating the headlines: trans rights. The law is now clear, and it is aligned with the bulk of British working-class opinion. A woman is a biological woman, and a man is a biological man.

But this is the TUCs opinion: Trade unionists are champions of equality, including equality for trans and non-binary people. And we recognise the need to change the process for gender recognition, which is often lengthy, humiliating and expensive. We need urgent reform to the outdated and stigmatising Gender Recognition Act 2004 across the whole of the UK. We need a simplified, free, statutory gender recognition process based on self-declaration while maintaining the Equality Act 2010 as it stands, it said in a 2023 statement.

Again, these may be compassionate words. But they are not words that encapsulate the views of millions of working women who have been appalled at the potential erosion of their own workplace rights, and have had to fight through courts  without the support of the most senior trade-union officials  for legal redress.

There are some exceptions to this abandonment of trade unionisms core mission. Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham has spoken strongly against the excesses of Ed Milibands messianic Net Zero strategy. Two days ago GMB leader Gary Smith blasted the decision not to issue more oil and gas licences as madness.

But the fact these concerns are simply brushed aside by Keir Starmer and his ministers plays into Nigel Farages hands. And it underlines his central charge that Labour  and by extension the unions that bankroll them  is no longer any more receptive to the fears and aspirations of working people than the long-despised Tories.

Paul Nowak can rage at Farage and Reform all he likes. But when the votes are counted on Friday, all he will be doing is further underlining his own inability to speak to and for working-class Britain.

Its completely irrelevant to the men and women who stand on the nations shop floors and tend to its furnaces whether Nigel Farage is a charlatan or not. So long as he remains the only figure of substance in British politics prepared to speak for them with a clarity and vigour that actually provokes some sort of reaction, what other choice do they have?

Paul Nowak believes Reforms leader is a fraud. But hes the TUC General Secretary who has allowed a Dulwich College-educated city-slicker to shunt him aside as the voice of Britains workers. So, remind us whos really cosplaying as the champion of Britains working class.
The cyber attack on Marks & Spencer, reported to have been carried out by a gang of teenage hackers, has sent a ripple of fear through the High Street and spread dismay among investors.

After all, its not been just any old hack, it is a hack on M&S  and thus more significant and unsettling, especially now the Metropolitan Police are involved.

There is anger among customers and M&S shares have fallen by 5 per cent within the past few days in response to the news that online and app orders have been paused and warehouse staff sent home. This has coincided with a period of record temperatures, exacerbating damage to sales.

Susannah Streeter, of investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown, says: Demand for fashion is likely to take a big hit. During this spell of warm weather, summer ranges would ordinarily be piling up in virtual baskets.

Executives in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) are working around the clock to sort the crisis. While the company is making no comment on the nature of the investigation, progress has been made: contactless payments in stores have been restored.

But click-and-collect, a means of delivery that boosts visits to its 1,492 stores, remains unavailable, and such has been the publicity around the hack that speculation is emerging about a change of strategy.

M&S, a 7.76billion FTSE 100 company, sells about 3.7million of clothing and homeware online every day, making up about a third of its daily total. But the plan is that this will rise to more than half, making M&S the pre-eminent multi-channel retailer of our era.

But apprehension surrounding this plan has been heightened by power outages in Spain and Portugal, which highlighted the extent of our reliance on technology. There is no evidence these were the result of a hack. Nonetheless, they remind us how vulnerable nations and corporations are to rapacious hackers eager to exploit gaps in systems that make modern life work.

The alleged hack has cause mayhem for Marks & Spencer which has been unable to process online orders for days now

An alleged cyber attack which has crippled Marks & Spencer has been linked to notorious teenage hacking gang, Scattered Spider (file image)

This disquiet may be temporary, or indeed misplaced. But M&S chairman Archie Norman and CEO Stuart Machin may feel they should execute a pivot in their approach. Machin, appointed to the top job in 2022, is famously positively dissatisfied about progress, always striving for better, and Norman has a similar commitment to unremitting improvement. Norman, whose career includes a spell as an MP and chairman of ITV, has two years left at M&S to fulfil his ambition for the revitalisation of this 141-year old retailing stalwart. A nine-year term as chairman is the Citys unspoken rule.

The Norman-Machin turnaround of the chain, transforming it from fusty to funky, is seen as one of the UK corporate success stories of the decade  which may be why there is, as yet, no talk that either could be toppled from their roles.

The City may be alarmed by the hack, but will also appreciate the bounce in shares, still up 290 per cent over the past five years thanks to advances in food and fashion.

This week, the Kantar consultancy reported spending on groceries at M&S grew by 14.4 per cent in the 12 weeks to April, confirming the store is the place for the weekly shop as well as gourmet dishes.

This campaign to ensure that M&S is an affordable proposition for families looking to eat well has been accompanied by a transformation of the clothing division. M&S is now a fashion leader, showcasing collections designed by the actress and style icon Sienna Miller. Shoppers can buy labels such as Nobodys Child, Whistles and even Calvin Klein on the app and website.

But the expansion online makes a retailer an even a tastier proposition to the hoodie-wearing adolescent tech nerds who carry out ransomware extortion in return for cryptocurrency payouts.

The rumours are Scattered Spider, a ransomware group based in the US and the UK, is behind the M&S hack. These English-speaking criminals do not only look for weaknesses within target companies systems, they also try to hoodwink and manipulate IT help desks to facilitate their access by sending phishing emails.

In February, Scattered Spider stole software from the M&S systems that seems to have given them the authentication necessary to gain entry to some or all of the network. In April, they deployed, or so it is said, DragonForce, a malicious software that encrypts systems, freezing them so they cannot be used, so the maximum chaos will be created in orders, payments and more.

Marks and Spencer says it is battling to restore its services following the Easter cyber hack

DragonForce disables anti-virus software, communicating to hackers information it has garnered. They then demand money for keys to unlock the decryption and restore operations. It is unclear to what extent hackers infiltrated M&S systems and if they have been able to steal customer data.

But empty shelves at the flagship Marble Arch store raise suspicions the attack might be more extensive than first thought.

Billions are spent on securing IT systems against such criminal forays. But as George Weston, boss of Associated British Foods, conceded this week: Its a threat to us all.

Pressure to reassess the speed of the M&S switch to online may mount ahead of the results for the year to March, which will be announced on May 21. Last year, M&S made profits before tax of 716.4million. A rise to 830million is projected for the 2024-2025 year. But the loss of sales from the hack will affect this years profits.

Customers may be apprehensive about venturing on to the website and app, but Nathaniel Jones, of cyberspace company Darktrace, says M&S will come back online with sustained crisis management support from NCSC and the National Crime Agency.

Investors may be equally wary over the impact of the potential loss of trust that may result. As Lucy Rumbold, an analyst at wealth manager Quilter Cheviot, says, food and clothing stores remain open. But she raises the issue of how much M&S will have to spend to address the fallout from attacks at a time when competition is ferocious in the groceries market.

Streeter also emphasises the importance of the establishment of more resilient frameworks so worried customers can be won back, which she suspects may not happen overnight.

Tyler Robert Buchanan, a 23-year-old, is alleged to be Scattered Spider's leader. He was arrested at a Spanish airport in June last year (pictured is his arrest)

An alleged cyber attack which has crippled Marks & Spencer has been linked to notorious teenage hacking gang, Scattered Spider. Scotland Yard is now investigating

Many private investors who are also shareholders will be irritated at the lack of internet shopping and fall in share price. I am one of these investors, having acquired a holding in November 2022, when the price was 122p. It is now 388p.

Most of my wardrobe is bought at M&S: in my view, the retailer is now better at providing the latest looks for less than Zara. The quality is also superior. I invested because people would not believe some of my pieces came from M&S. This unfamiliarity with the product suggested there was scope to win new customers. I feel M&S has further to go and am sticking with the shares.

Seven of the analysts rate the shares a buy and a further nine consider them a hold or outperform. The average target price is 428p.

This may sound ambitious, but the current share price is still 31 per cent below their level of a decade ago  which should give Norman and Machin even more impetus to move on beyond the hack, reassure investors and customers and show that a national institution will not be brought low by a teenage criminal gang.
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Pack your bags people! We are going on a wild ride with hotel heiress Marcia Kimpton  and it starts on the French Riviera.

The decorated Hollywood director, actress, and late-night host sat down with us all the way from her luxurious hotel room on the French Riviera to spill all of her must-know travel hacks, from her favorite products to her favorite places.

Though Kimpton is known for several pieces of work in the film world, including her upcoming mockumentary An American in Amsterdam, which comes out on May 1st, it is her extensive knowledge of travel that has people enthralled.

The jet-setting guru has written too many pieces to count for several magazines on her many escapades around Europe, Asia, and beyond. Most recently, her app Kimpton Travels and Films launched for $7.99 in the app store.

The app was designed to be a place for like-minded travelers to find advice, recommendations, and art insights from Kimpton herself. Users can explore her favorite places around the globe, including potentially her favorite of all 40 countries shes been to  France. Bonus! You can watch the world traveling experts new film 'An American in Amsterdam, in the app come May 1st.

Marcia Kimpton in her favorite L'AGENCE rain jacket strolling the streets of her favorite city  Paris! Photo Credit: Chantal Spieard

With decades of experience under her belt, Marcia Kimpton has become a travel force to be reckoned with, which is why we, of course, had to get the details of all of her must-have travel products that go beyond the basic carry-on.

Here she tells us her must-have purchases...

Passive Ceramic Essential Oil Diffuser 'It smells great. It's a totally original traveling thing!' When in doubt diffuse it out! Marcia Kimpton swears by this $10 Amazon diffuser that is shaped like a beautiful rose. The compact wellness find can diffuse any essential oil from Lavender to Tea tree and beyond. According to Kimpton, adding this into your hotel room is a game changer! Shop

Space Clearing Healing Aura Crystal Spray 'Balinese people make this beautiful, pure infused crystal spray. It's like you just, you know, that your air is immediately better!' says Kimpton. This spray is currently on sale on Amazon and is a Marcia must-have. It cleanses the air with pure crystal water and is sourced in Bali. Kimpton referred to it as 'pure gold.' Shop

True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil What is the one thing Marcia Kimpton never leaves at home? Her face oil! The True Botanicals luxe top-rated Vitamin C is just one of the brand's best-sellers created by founder Hillary Peterson whom Kimpton is a big fan of. 'It's all certified. It's cruelty free. I have to say when you're traveling like this dehydration is real,' said Kimpton. Shop

TUMI 21-Inch Hardshell Spinner Suitcase 'I couldn't believe this luggage.' TUMI is a leading destination for quality travel gear and the well-traveled Marcia Kimpton swears by their carry-on. This hardshell find is perfect for seeing the world with enough space to pack for even the unexpected. In the words of Kimpton, 'They're a great brand and have a fantastic warranty as well.' Shop

Polo Ralph Lauren Slim Fit Silk Shirt 'I mean, literally I always have a Ralph Lauren silk blouse.' Kimpton swears by the classic clothing brand for her travel wardrobe with its upscale quality and wrinkle-proof silks. Whether it is a classic black button up or a printed blouse  according to the hotel heiress you can't go wrong with Ralph Lauren. 'The clothing is classic and beautiful, so it's rare if I don't have the black silk shirt in my bag!' said Kimpton. Shop

L'AGENCE Safiya Toile-Print Transparent Belted Raincoat 'This raincoat is to die for.' This luxe brand has been a celebrity favorite with Demi Lovato, Emma Roberts, and more swearing by their quality clothing. Kimpton noted this pink piece as a must-have of hers recently. If you are in search of a stylish coat for the spring, this fits the bill. Kimpton said, 'It is so comfortable, it's so beautiful. I think it's completely original!' Shop

Chai Latte by Four Sigmatic According to Marcia Kimpton, 'In France they don't know how to make their coffee.' That's why she travels with this superfood coffee blend. Powered by mushrooms, this organic coffee alternative provides natural energy while still tasting decadent. Why mushroom coffee? Simple! Kimpton said, 'I'm not against coffee at all, but for me personally, I was trying to do a liver cleanse and just not drink coffee and I thought this was great!' Shop
Australian women are flocking to Bunnings to snap up a $31 personal carry-it-with-you alarm.

The Swann Graphite Gen 2 ActiveResponse Personal Alarm - which can both trigger a loud siren by pulling a cord, or discreetly text an emergency contact - is now trending thanks to New Zealand TikToker Jen Lourdes.

Jen said she picked up the device after seeing other women recommend it as a simple but effective way to feel a little safer.

'There was a lady on TikTok that recommended getting the personal alarm,' Jen said.

'This is really great if you're going runs or you're solo travelling, or if you work night shifts.'

The small, sleek, pocket-size device doesn't look like much, but packs a serious punch when it comes to making enough noise to (hopefully) ward off danger.

'What you do is you pull it, and it makes a really loud noise,' Jen explained.

Alternatively, you can push a button and it texts a friend or family member.

The Swann Graphite Gen 2 ActiveResponse Personal Alarm, now trending thanks to New Zealand TikToker Jen Lourdes, is being hailed as a must-have safety essential for women

The small, pocket-size device packs a serious punch when it comes to making enough noise to help ward off danger.

Compact enough to clip onto a keychain or lanyard, the alarm is easy to carry during a jog, stash in a handbag or keep close while walking to the car after a night shift.

'I'm slowly started to get into running so I thought it would be perfect to take with me when I go on a run,' Jen added.

'I also do a lot of solo travelling for work, I feel like it's just a bit of extra security.'

While it's comforting to know gadgets like this exist, the surge in popularity sadly reflects a growing reality: women in 2025 are still forced to think about personal safety every time they step outside alone.

'The fact that we live in a world where we need this to feel safe,' one follower commented.

'These should be handed out for free at police stations tbh. Genius!' added another.

While the Swann ActiveResponse offers a quick, affordable way to feel more empowered, the hope remains that one day, women won't have to plan their day around personal protection.

For now though, many are praising Jen and others like her for spreading the word about such a useful gadget.

'Omg this is such a good idea!! Need this asap.'
The latest episode of a BBC podcast examines the conspiracy theories surrounding the Luigi Mangione case - including how the number 286 has been linked to the murder suspect.

The new release from The Mangione Trial, a BBC World Service series also airing on YouTube, looks at how social media became 'obsessed' with the dawn slaying of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, in New York on December 4th 2024 - and the subsequent manhunt and arrest of University of Pennsylvania graduate Mangione.

An explosion of outlandish theories have since been served up on mainstream social media platforms, with armchair detectives conjuring up hundreds of potential narratives on the case.

On Friday, Luigi Mangione, who was arrested on suspicion of Thompson's murder after a five-day chase, pleaded not guilty to all charges in the federal case brought against him alleging he killed the United Healthcare CEO.

Mangione denied murder through the use of a firearm, another gun offence and two counts of stalking at Manhattan Federal Court. He faces the death penalty if found guilty.

The 26-year-old is alleged to have fled New York after the killing; he was arrested at a McDonalds more than 200 miles away in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

The podcast, presented by Jordan Dunbar, is following the case in real-time and the new installment discusses just how credible some of the most popular conspiracy theories aired since Mangione, who has amassed a huge fan following, was brought into custody are.

Dunbar explains how the case has captured the imagination of millions across the globe, likening the weeks following Mangione's arrest as like watching a 'crime series or a murder mystery game play out'.

Fans of true crime quickly created narratives on social media platforms in the days after Mangione's arrest. TikToker @yourtruecrimebestie published a video highlighting the perceived significance of the number 286 to the case

Many have suggested that the number 286 appears linked to the case, down to how many posts Mangione made on X, to his love of Breloom, the 286th character in the Pokemon series

Killed: UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down outside a New York City hotel on December 4, 2024. Mangione (pictured at his extradition hearing from Pennsylvania in December) has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Thompson

'Mangione denied the murder charges in court...a normal criminal process was beginning but online the theories became turbo-charged and grew in popularity and extremes - from Deep State involvement, professional assassins, fake backpacks, eyebrow length and Pokemon.'

David Gilbert, Disinformation Reporter at Wired magazine told the podcast that far from just being siloed to smaller, more niche platforms, the theories quickly became mainstream on places such as TikTok and Facebook - because of ongoing discontent around the US healthcare system.

One of the conspiracy theories to have gathered the most momentum is the 286 theory.

In the days after Mangione's arrest, TikToker @yourtruecrimbestie published a video explaining why she claims the number is significant to the case.

She claims: 'There's a repetition of the number 286. On the banner of his X profile, he has the Pokemon creature known as Breloom which is number 286 in the collection.

'Luigi also has exactly 286 posts on X. According to somebody on Twitter, Luigi was found at a McDonald's exactly 286 miles from the crime scene.'

The latest episode of BBC World Service podcast The Mangione Trial looks at how conspiracy theories exploded online in the days after the arrest of the 26-year-old American, who is charged with the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson

Podcast host Jordan Dunbar deep dives into the 286 conspiracy theory, which some conspiracy theorists say has significant meaning when it comes to the case

Lindsey Mitchell, who goes by @lindsunhinged on TikTok, claimed to have 'figured something out' about the Ivy League student, suggesting Mangione may have been playing his own version of Monopoly

Many others, and including @yourtruecrimbestie, also linked Proverb 286 from the bible, which reads: 'Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways'.

Investigating the claim that there's 286 posts on his X account, the podcast found the theory possibly flawed, saying a manual count revealed 281 posts, while the automated count now listed 285.

Mangione's account being suspended could have also 'thrown up some errors', said producer Melanie Stewart-Smith, but concluded that it's still possible that Mangione did indeed have 286 posts on the day he was arrested.

X declined to comment to the BBC on the post count.

Gilbert said people were motivated to find links because they 'wanted to be involved in the conversation' and would be branded a 'genius' who everyone else should listen to within the conspiracy theory community.

He said: 'You would get that kind of kudos that people crave because that kudos comes with massive dopamine hits.

'Because If you're told in real life that you're great, it equally feels good if you're told by tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, millions of people online that you've uncovered something that's hidden.'

David Gilbert, Disinformation Reporter at Wired magazine, told the podcast that the potential for kudos within the online community is what drives the theorists

Court sketch: Luigi Mangione is pictured with his lawyers Karen and Marc Agnifilo and Avi Moskovitz in Manhattan Federal Court on Friday

Footage: Security cameras caught the man who killed Thompson in action. Cops say that man is Luigi Mangione but his supporters disagree

Other theories that have been put forward since Mangione's arrest include one that suggests Mangione may have been playing his own version of Monopoly.

One sleuth, @lindsunhinged on TikTok, claimed in December that Mangione may have been intentionally plotting in adherence with common Monopoly rules - as she suggested his alleged escape into Central Park may have served as the 'free parking' feature of the board game.

In the boardgame, when a player rolls doubles three times with the dice, that player then is sent immediately to jail. She claims Mangione must have 'rolled three times' before he ultimately went to jail in real-life.

'There is way more to come in this situation,' she added. 'I am so excited, I can't wait.'

Explaining why Mangione's case had attracted such theories online, Gilbert said it hit a nerve because many feel strongly about the US healthcare system.

He said: 'I think underlying everything was the fact there was this anger, this latent anger around the healthcare system in the US, that people have been angry for a long time about the way that system works.'

Explaining why such theories exploded, he said: 'The reason it became viral so quickly was because the algorithms that power social networks feed these videos to people because there's such huge levels of engagement with them - the algorithms saw that and decided people wanted more.'

Signs: Protesters held placards protesting the case brought against Mangione in Manhattan last week

On Friday, Judge Margaret Garnett asked Mangione to stand and asked him if he had read the indictment regarded the crime he's charged with.

He said: I have. Mangione waived the public reading of the indictment and was asked to enter his plea. He said: Not guilty.'

Prosecutors said they have around one terabyte of data including Mangiones iCloud account and information from his social media accounts. The judge ordered prosecutors to hand it all over within a week.

Prosecutor Dominic Gentile said that he understood that the state trial would be going first, followed by the federal trial.

But Mangiones lawyer said that they would now be opposing the handshake deal with the prior administration  apparently referring to the Biden administration  whereby the state case was first.

She said that because the death penalty was now on the table, she would be requesting the federal case go first. The judge said that both sides had to file motions as to whether prosecutors should be precluded from seeking the death penalty.

The Mangione Podcast is out now on BBC Sounds and YouTube
Dr Charlotte Proudman, leading feminist barrister, remembers the last time she saw her father. It isnt a happy memory.

He was drunk, she says. I was at nursery and he turned up, asking to see me. His breath smelled funny, his skin was yellow and his teeth were rotten.

She believes the nursery staff had been warned not to let young Charlotte  whose parents had separated as a result of her fathers abusive and violent behaviour  go with her dad.

There were no rules about him talking to her though and she was nudged in his direction by staff who werent entirely sure what to do.

I remember the nursery staff watching nervously as I went over to him. They didnt stop that. He was my father, after all, she says. I just remember looking at my little feet, wanting it to be over. I do remember the fear, the feeling that I didnt want to be left alone with him. Because of what Id seen at home, he was a frightening figure to me.

There is a tendency, in the family courts, to say children are unreliable witnesses who have no memories. Well, I can tell you, I do.

Just after that upsetting encounter, Charlottes father, a refrigeration engineer, was dead, a victim of his own drink driving. He died a week after her fourth birthday.

The facts are presented in the manner of a barrister, for the prosecution rather than the defence. She will not name her father as that humanises him. There is no attempt to sugarcoat; no presenting of mitigating circumstances.

If she were in court, she would urge the judge to throw the book at this monster  a man who, she points out, once poured a kettle of boiling water over her pet dog. A man who once threw her carrycot  with me in it  through the door.

If she were in court, barrister Dr Charlotte Proudman says she would urge the judge to throw the book at her 'monster' of a father

It was a regular thing for him to drive drunk. Hed been in the pub. He was paralytic, and he got behind the wheel. But on this day, he caused an accident. He died. He also killed another woman, which is horrific.

He left me with the guilt caused by his actions and a trail of destruction. He could have killed me, had I been in the car with him. Afterwards, I remember people saying I was very lucky not to have been there. She says its hard, now, when well-meaning people express sympathy on discovering she lost her dad so young, so tragically.

I find it incredibly difficult when they say so sorry or refer to it as a tragedy, because that isnt how I see it. It was obviously a terrible tragedy for the poor womans family, but for me? The fact that my father died saved me, and it saved my mum. If hed lived, we would have had a life of sheer hell.

I know that it is a terrible thing to confront and admit. Most people wouldnt want to think that way about a parent, but Im afraid I do.

My father wasnt just a violent drunk, he was a vindictive one. When my mother tried to get us away from him, he rewrote his will, leaving us with nothing, not even a roof over our heads. My mum spent ten years dealing with solicitors, fighting for justice, which was denied to her. Even in death, he couldnt leave us in peace.

Charlotte Proudman revels in her reputation as one of Britains most outspoken barristers, a thorn in the side of the (male-dominated) legal profession.

She first came to prominence in 2015 when she accused a senior male colleague of sexism after he praised her stunning profile picture on LinkedIn and said they should work together. She put a screenshot of her takedown on Twitter.

Still only 36, she has continued to call out misogyny. Last year, she faced a disciplinary tribunal from the Bar Standards Board after opening a complaint about a boys club attitude in the judiciary. The case against her was thrown out, but the fact that it was brought at all rather proved her point, she feels.

It was against this backdrop that late last year Charlotte sat down to write a book about her legal career. She was adamant from the off she wanted the focus to be on women and children she has represented, and what their stories say about the treatment of women in a family justice system built largely by men.

It was always going to be a powerful, and at times, upsetting read, given the issues covered include domestic abuse, forced marriage, child abduction and female genital mutilation.

A particular bugbear of Charlottes is the way, in her experience, the family courts often force children into unwanted contact with violent fathers  and accuse distraught mothers of parental alienation when they argue that these children need to be protected from their own dads.

When she submitted the first draft to her editor, however, it was gently suggested that Charlottes own background should feature more heavily than it did. She resisted at first, puzzled as to what her own past had to do with her work in the family courts.

I didnt see how it was relevant, she says, managing a laugh.

I dont think I was aware that my childhood experiences shaped me to the degree that they have, but the process of writing the book, laying it out, did make me think Oh my gosh. Clearly its had an impact on why Ive ended up doing what Im doing. I dont think I appreciated it before because you dont until you are confronted with it and have to face it head on.

Actually she rowed back from including too much detail about her father in this book, mostly to protect my mother, but her account of that childhood today is angry and impassioned.

As she tells her story, she agrees that she feels she is talking on behalf of every abused mother, and frightened child she has represented.

Very often I read the court documents detailing abuse, I remember the small child in me, she admits. Every time I represent a child who is compelled to have contact with a father they are afraid of, I think: Would the courts have forced me to have contact with my dad, on the basis that it was his right?. I think they would have, and my mum would have been facing years of fighting the family justice system to protect me.

Unlike most other lawyers, I approach my cases from a very rare vantage point  I know what it is like to stand in the shoes of many of my clients. I can see their arguments clearly, and I have the power to robustly advocate for them.

Her book, He Said, She Said, explores a series of precedent-setting cases in which she played a pivotal role  from securing special measures for victims in courtrooms to shaping legal definitions of gaslighting and coercive control.

While Charlotte has some vivid memories of her early years, she has also pieced together the story of her violent and alcoholic father. Not so much from my mum, but from relatives and friends, she says.

Sitting down and writing my book has made me realise how important it is to tell my story to show other women and girls they are not alone.

Pouring a kettle of boiling water over the family dog, a collie who was a sweetheart and went everywhere with me, as well as throwing a carrycot with Charlotte in it through the door showed that her father was a man who had a temper, and when his temper got the better of him, it didnt matter who was in the way.

The threat of serious injury or death was ever-present and walking on eggshells was the norm.

He didnt have to be drunk to start, but it was worse when he was. We had a good family friend who lived close by and, when he kicked off and started destroying our home, this friend would look after me.

The situation was clearly dangerous. The fact that the nursery staff had been alerted to the possibility of Charlottes father turning up unannounced speaks volumes.

It was significant when he did because that was highly unusual. It was always my mum who collected me.

She doesnt remember being told that her father had died. But I do remember him being dead, if that makes sense. I remember people being in the home, on the day of the funeral. I remember the depressing atmosphere, and just feeling very confused.

He left a will that disinherited Charlotte and her mum. Every penny he possessed  which was everything we possessed  had been left to charity.

Charlotte and her mum were facing the potential loss of their home. He did that to be nasty and cruel, not to be kind to charitable causes. It was another form of financial control, she says. Even in death he was vindictive. He did it out of spite.

There was some settlement, eventually, but Charlotte says she received less than 15,000 from her fathers estate and her mother received nothing.

Charlotte credits her mum with giving her a fighting spirit.

My mum, who was a teacher, is a great believer in education and she instilled in me the importance of being independent  financially independent too. The idea that I would go to university, and always have my own money, was a non-negotiable with my mum.

She always thinks of her mum when someone questions how a bright and educated woman can end up in an abusive relationship, though.

Charlotte revels in her reputation as one of Britains most outspoken barristers

At 16, Charlotte got a job in the local Co-op in Staffordshire, and set her sights on studying law at university. She applied to nearby Keele University because it meant she could continue to live at home, work and save money while studying. She assumed that being a lawyer meant being a solicitor, but in court one day she saw a glamorous female barrister, who had blonde hair, papers bound with pink ribbon under one arm and a Louis Vuitton bag on the other, who didnt take any crap from the men, and her path was set.

I genuinely never made the connection with what had happened to us, but of course I can see it now.

Does she have any positive memories at all of her dad? No, not a single one. He was an abusive drunk.

Even before this terrible background was known, Charlotte was accused of being a man-hater, the sort of woman who sees misogyny everywhere and blames men for everything.

She fiercely rejects that, pointing out that such accusations are used to silence women from speaking out against male violence. And anyway, when her father died, her maternal grandfather became her father-figure, and a wholly positive male role-model.

She is also in a long-term relationship, although she is careful to keep her partner out of the limelight, but no, I do not hate men, far from it, but I do hate male violence.

She does seem to hate her father, though, and even the fact that he is her father. When she was in her early twenties she changed her name, discarding her fathers surname and adopting Proudman  the name of her maternal great-grandmother, who was a keen supporter of the suffragette movement.

She has said it was an act of respect and a way of honouring the female line in her family.

Her father? She doesnt believe he deserves respect. Its why she finds it difficult filling in official forms asking for her fathers full name and everything about him.

I always think Why do I have to fill this in. Why?. It is not who I am. It is not part of my identity. It feels totally irrelevant. I find it extremely frustrating.

I dont mind admitting that I find it hard when you call him my dad, or even my father, she says, because I dont think of him like that. I feel that being called a dad is a privilege and an honour.

The very word suggests a loving, caring figure. My relationship with my father wasnt loving. He wasnt a dad.

Her career was in part shaped by him, though. Does she feel that her life was damaged by him?

Not as much as it would have been, had he lived, she says.

If he hadnt died that day, I dont think we would ever have escaped him. He would never have left us alone.

He Said, She said: Truth, Trauma and the Struggle for Justice in Family Court by Dr Charlotte Proudman (20, W&N) is out May 1. Pre-order from Amazon and Waterstones.
A boss has sparked outrage by accusing a work-from-home employee of not working because he appeared offline all day.

George sent a message to his employee Josh asking him to explain why he was not showing on their workplace messaging app as actively working.

'Why does your Teams (status) keep showing that you are away? Please explain,' the manager said.

The employee responded, saying he had 'no idea' why his Microsoft Teams status showed him as idle, but clarified that he had been 'cracking on with everything'.

'It's been like that all day though,' George replied bluntly.

The WFH employee responded: 'Honestly have no clue, but you know I am working, I just sent you the presentation for tomorrow and we were on a call together an hour ago?'

However, George wasn't convinced and fired back, 'Are you lying to me?'

The confused employee replied: 'Lying about being on a call with you?'

Boss George sent a message to his employee Josh asking him to explain why he wasn't actively working during work hours

His manager appeared furious, as he responded: 'Don't try and be clever. Are you lying about doing the work?'

Josh insisted he wasn't lying and he had been working on his computer all day.

'How can I be lying when I literally just sent you the presentation that you briefed us on this morning? Been focusing on that so maybe my Teams went idle as I wasn't talking to anyone else,' he explained.

The boss ended the conversation with, 'Make sure it doesn't go idle again. It is important.'

The exchange was shared by British career expert Ben Askins, who reads out anonymous submissions from employees about their toxic bosses.

'It's this simple: judge your employees' performance by their OUTPUT, not by their Teams status...,' Ben said in a viral video.

'Honestly, I get this is such a weird way to manage. I know there's a perception that people who work from home are not doing work... but the easiest way to find out is just say, 'What have you done today?'

'It's a very easy conversation. If they haven't done anything, then of course, you'd have that chat.'

Ben explained that managing people remotely is 'exactly the same' as managing them in the office.

'You just simply have to say at the start of day, "What are you up to today?" Find out, check in and make sure they know what they need to be doing and it's the work that you want them to be doing and then you just make sure they do that work.

'It's really as simple as that.'

The heated message exchange was re-shared by British career expert Ben Askins, who reads out anonymous submissions from employees about their toxic bosses

His video has been viewed more than 240,000 times, with many calling out the boss for being a 'toxic' micromanager.

'Teams status is the most toxic mechanic on any platform. I get it's useful if you need to message people, but it just turns into another micromanagement tool,' one said.

'Blimey - if the manager can monitor the status and spend time chasing them about it - what the hell are they working on?!' another suggested.

'I reckon the boss has PTSD from his mates ignoring him on MSN back in the day,' one joked.

'Micromanaging and intimidation is a big red flag. Bye bye work,' another added.

Meanwhile, one IT employee weighed in on the situation.

'Teams status will change even when you're actively working on your PC. If you're not tabbing back over to Teams every five minutes, it'll say "away",' he said.

'Thank god my boss doesn't worry about that kind of stuff. He focuses on output, not a little blinking light from Microsoft, which is wrong 99 per cent of the time. It's not worth firing someone wrongly because of it.'
A remote beach in Western Australia has been named 11th best in the world for 2025 thanks to its incredible wildlife, 'nature soundtrack' and crowd-free shores.

Turquoise Bay, a pristine hideaway 1,310km north of Perth (a 40 minute flight) and a short 46 minute drive from Exmouth, wowed a lengthy panel of esteemed travel experts who deemed it worthy of this year's World's 50 Best Beaches list.

Each year the team reaches out to thousands of the worlds most experienced travel professionals and asks them to vote for what they think is the 'best beach on earth'.

The final list is then compiled based on uniqueness, wildlife, how 'untouched' it is, how easy it is to access and how calm/relaxing the water is.

Described as having the 'most radiant turquoise waters you might ever see', Turquoise Bay is undeveloped and maintains a sense of untouched natural beauty where the desert meets the sea.

'This remote location within Cape Range National Park means fewer crowds and more space to explore the sandy shores and surrounding scrubland,' the team raved.

Part of the incredible Ningaloo Reef, the waters also provide up-close encounters with a diverse array of marine life, making it perfect for snorkellers and scuba divers.

Holiday-starved Australians have been placing the beautiful strip on their bucket lists for years after it spiked in popularity following a TikTok video by Sydney photographer, Adam Rikys.

A remote beach in Western Australia has been named 11th best in the world for 2025 thanks to its 'incredible wildlife', 'nature soundtrack' and crowd-free shores

Turquoise Bay is a pristine hideaway 1,310km north of Perth (a 40 minute flight) and a short 46 minute drive from Exmouth

However, the bay is often plagued by strong currents, so anyone wanting to dip into the sea is advised to be cautious.

Mr Rikys' video of the beach, which has been viewed thousands of times since it was uploaded, quickly drew widespread praise and had travellers the world over itching to visit.

It has also received thousands of rave reviews on TripAdvisor, where is has won countless awards including number one beach in the South Pacific and number three in the world (2022).

A recent visitor described its sandy shores in one word: 'paradise'.

'Turquoise Bay is a must. Clear, warm water and the most magical underwater extravaganza,' they wrote.

'I swam with large manta rays and fish but be mindful of the current... if doing the Drift Loop swim at nearly high tide when the current is subtle.'

Another said it was 'simply incredible'.

'Turquoise water, white sand, perfect water temperature and lots of things to see underwater,' they wrote.

Described as having the 'most radiant turquoise waters you might ever see', Turquoise Bay is 'undeveloped' and 'maintains a sense of untouched natural beauty where the desert meets the sea'

'This remote location within Cape Range National Park means fewer crowds and more space to explore the sandy shores and surrounding scrubland,' the team raved

'One of the best beaches I have seen so far in Australia.'

This year, the number one beach in the world was Cala Goloritze on Italy's Baunei Coast, followed by Entalula Beach in the Philippines, Bang Bao Beach in Thailand, Fteri Beach in Greece and PK 9 Bach in French Polynesia.

Two other Australian beaches made the list in addition to Turquoise Bay: Wharton Beach in Western Australia and Nudey Beach in Queensland.

Coming in at 21st, Wharton Beach is nestled in the Duke of Orleans Bay area and an eight hour drive south-east of Perth.

Coming in at 21st in the world, Wharton Beach (pictured) is nestled in the Duke of Orleans Bay area and an eight hour drive south-east of Perth

Nudey Beach (pictured) wasn't far behind at number 37. The little-known beach is on Fitzroy Island off the Queensland coast and is often considered the 'gateway to the Great Barrier Reef'

Like Turquoise Bay it won over travellers thanks to its excellent nature and peaceful surrounds but was also acknowledged for its easy water access.

Nudey Beach wasn't far behind at number 37. The little-known beach is on Fitzroy Island off the Queensland coast and is often considered the 'gateway to the Great Barrier Reef'.

Also credited for its nature and quiet shores, this beach won extra favour for its 'untouched' and pristine state.

"Absolutely one of Australia's best beaches,' a traveller raved.

'The lush rainforest backdrop makes it so special!'
The condiment has inspired four new products

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Tesco shoppers have gone wild over a new range of Marmite products dubbed 'unreal' by fans of the spread.

The versatile yeast spread has collaborated with a number brands over the years, creating peculiar innovations with everything from cheese to popcorn, oatcakes and even sausages and butter.

Now, the British supermarket giant has unveiled a new range of Marmite infused potato products, debuting a total of four new potato-based dishes.

The range was spotted shelved in the chilled section at Tesco, with eagle-eyed foodies taking to social media to spread the word to Marmite fanatics.

Food spotter page Food Finds UK Official posted pictures of the tasty new selection.

Included in the range is a packet of Marmite coated roast potatoes, as well as wedges and a creamy mash.

The final item on the new menu is a cheese and potato gratin made with sliced potatoes, sharp cheddar, crunchy breadcrumbs combined with Marmite.

Each of the chilled range costs 3.50 and is available for purchase both instore and online.

Tesco shoppers have gone wild after discovering a new range of Marmite products dubbed 'unreal' by spread lovers (stock image of Marmite)

Taking to social media, devoted Marmite fans have hailed the new products, with one describing the delectable dishes as 'unreal' and 'banging'.

'Look at them bad boys. Mmmmmm,' one wrote.

Our world is better,' a second said, 'Tesco is killing it.'

'Oh yes please!!! I already do my own marmite roasters but these look unreal,' another said.

And it would appear the range has been popular, with other commenters saying they had seen the entire range already sold out in their local shops.

However, not everyone approved on the new products, with some Marmite sceptics writing in the comments it was the 'worst taste ever'.

'Love marmite but this sounds disgusting,' another unconvinced commenter wrote.

The new range is yet to be reviewed online.

Marmite Mash Potato The versatile yeast spread has collaborated with a number brands over the years, creating peculiar innovations with everything from cheese to popcorn, oatcakes and even sausages and butter

Marmite Roast Potatoes The range was spotted shelved in the chilled section at Tesco, with eagle-eyed foodies taking to social media to spread the word to Marmite fanatics.

Marmite Potato Wedges Included in the range is a packet of Marmite coated roast potatoes, as well as wedges and a creamy mash packing a delicious helping of the salty spread

Marmite Cheese & Marmite Potato Gratin The fourth and final on the new Marmite menu is a cheese potato gratin made with sliced potatoes, sharp cheddar, crunchy breadcrumbs, all combined with the tasty yeast condiment

The spread has become an increasingly popular  though no less divisive  addition to a number of dishes, with celebrity chef Nigella Lawson having raised eyebrows with a recipe for a Marmite-smeared spaghetti.

Others curious cooks have used Marmite in a range of unique recipes, including adding it to cheese straws, glazing spuds and in sandwiches.

Marmite has previously collaborated with a number of brands, including infusing the distinctive taste onto crackers, crisps and even cheeses.

It comes after fans of the condiment were left devastated when it's manufacturer Unilever, revealed that it was discontinuing fan-favourite Marmite peanut butter.

Upon its release five years ago, Unilever said it had been 'carefully crafted by the clever boffins in our Marmite lab to appeal to both Marmite fans and peanut butter lovers'.

Taking to social media, devoted Marmite fans have hailed the new products, with one describing the delectable dishes as 'unreal' and 'banging'

And after several Marmite lovers took to X to complain they were struggling to get hold of it, a Unilever spokesman confirmed the product would be leaving British supermarkets.

One said: 'Not a single supermarket that I have been to in Kent has it,' while another moaned they'd searched the aisles of Tesco and Sainsbury's only to find 'nothing'.

But a spokesperson at the time assured fans that Unilever was working on a number of exciting new products.

She said: 'Whilst we will no longer be making Marmite peanut butter, we are working on some new and exciting launches within our licensing range to bring our iconic Marmite flavour to shoppers in new ways and formats.'

After realising the Marmite hybrid spread had gone for good, frustrated fans took to X to share their devastation.

One wrote: 'So Unilever has confirmed that Marmite peanut butter has gone. This justification is typical of corporate-ese. This justification is typical of corporate-ese. "We're giving you other things to eat". Listen. I don't want other things. I want Marmite Peanut Butter. Boycotting from now on.'

Tagging the manufacturer, a second complained: 'Peanut butter marmite discontinued shameful!'
Dara Huang - the ex-fiancee of Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi - has split from her partner.

The Chinese-American architect, who now lives in Chelsea, was revealed by the Daily Mail's Richard Eden to be dating London-based financier Filippos Kodellas de la Morena in 2020 - the same year Beatrice and Edo tied the knot.

Dara and Edo share a son, eight-year-old Wolfie, to whom Beatrice is now stepmother. The couple split in 2018, shortly before Beatrice and Edo's relationship came to light.

Following their break-up, Dara, 42, found love once more with Filippos, the son of retired Greek diplomat Nasas Kodellas and a 'well-connected Spanish mother'.

They were thought to have met through mutual friends after he moved to London, but chose to keep their relationship private.

Last month, the investor announced he is engaged and set to tie the knot this summer with his new partner, Sofia Marti Marti, a businesswoman and dentist, according to Spanish magazine El Confidencial.

The couple will host their nuptials in Spain - with two wedding registries in Seville and Madrid.

Filippos studied business administration and finance at Comillas Pontifical University, before moving to the UK.

Dara Huang - the ex-fiancee of Princess Beatrice 's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi - has split from her new partner. Pictured with her son Wolfie

The Chinese-American architect (pictured), who now lives in Chelsea, was revealed by the Daily Mail's Richard Eden to be dating London-based financier Filippos Kodellas de la Morena in 2020

The bride-to-be, who is from Valencia, works in periodontics and is the founder of Babuins shoe brand.

In January, Beatrice and Edo welcomed a baby girl, Athena, who was born several weeks prematurely. She is a younger sister to Sienna, three.

Despite Edo going public with Beatrice very shortly after his split from Dara, the trio are on great terms, with the Harvard graduate often gushing about the royal.

Recently, she said Wolfie 'has had two sets of parents trying to help him on both sides, adding 'the more, the merrier.'

'I feel lucky to have such positive people around him, who really embrace him  because it didnt have to be so easy,' she told Harper's Bazaar.

Dara added: 'It's all about your point of view. I don't understand people who are divorced and then hold their children as collateral; that doesnt make any sense.

'It's about creating a happy home and lifestyle.'

The respect is clearly mutual, as Wolfie was included in Buckingham Palace's official statement announcing news that Prince Andrew's daughter was expecting last year.

Last month, the investor announced he is engaged and set to tie the knot this summer with his new partner, Sofia Marti Marti (pictured)

Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Beatrice, Counsellor of State attend the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins Service earlier this month

Dara Huang who was in a relationship with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi between 2015 and 2018, shares eight-year-old Wolfie with her ex, who is now married to Princess Beatrice

Beatrice and Edoardo with Wolfie, whom Edo shares with ex-fiancee Dara Huang, for the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham in December 2022

Meanwhile Beatrice shuns the term 'stepmother' and calls herself a 'bonus mum' to Wolfie, calling it a 'great honour' to be in his life. Her own mother Sarah, Duchess of York, refers to Wolfie as a 'grandson'.

This means Wolfie - who is the brother of the late Queen's great-grandchildren - lives a very luxurious lifestyle with his award-winning architect mother.

Dara, who was born in Florida to Taiwanese parents has worked for celebrities including Margot Robbie, was a head judge on Channel 4's 2023 show The Big Interiors Battle.

Speaking in September to The Wick she said she feels 'really blessed' to live in London as it celebrates 'art, design, fashion, history, culture and also food'.

She added that she considers herself 'global' and that she 'reads her diary every night, and 'couldn't live without her PA'.

Her Instagram page shows regular getaways, including kid-friendly Disney cruises with Wolfie and her parents, as well as luxurious homes she's built, trips to spas, children's parties and gifts from Cartier.

She also shares tips for buying art, and snaps of her upmarket west London home.

Recent videos show her heading to beach days in the Hamptons, boat trips in Ibiza, as well as working holidays to Paris, Miami, Wisconsin and Dubai.

The Harvard graduate spends most of her time building her new furniture brand, Dara Maison - which includes glam trips to Paris and the US.

Dara often travels the world and takes snaps in glamorous destinations

Dara is pictured on a recent trip to Wisconsin with Wolfie

The architect, who is from Florida but lives in Chelsea, said she is glad her son has 'two sets of parents trying to help him on both sides'

She became engaged to Edoardo in 2017 after the pair met in 2015. One year later, they had their son.

But their relationship was short-lived and they parted ways in 2018, just weeks before rumours broke out that Edoardo and Princess Beatrice were in a relationship.

When asked if it was love at first sight, she previously told Lifestyle Asia: 'He was the father of my child, and he left as quickly as he came, so I would say unfortunately it's not an instinct you can trust!'

However, Edoardo is said to enjoy an amicable relationship with Dara.

In recent years, Wolfie has joined the Royal Family at outings, such as the Princess of Wales's 2023 carol concert.

He was pictured holding Beatrice's hand as they arrived at Westminster Abbey.

Wolfie made his first official appearance with the family at the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee pageant in 2022.

He sat in between his father and stepmother, who refers to him as her 'bonus son', in the royal box outside Buckingham Palace.

When her ex and Beatrice announced their engagement, Dara told MailOnline: 'I wish the best for Edoardo and Beatrice and look forward to uniting our families'

Dara's father emigrated from Taiwan to the US before he became a NASA rocket scientist.

She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida - where she grew up - and a masters in architecture from Harvard.

She has spoken openly about being a child of immigrants on social media.

In March 2022, she wrote on Instagram: 'What does an immigrant look like? My mother was an immigrant of war; leaving everything she had to flee to Taiwan.

'My father, was the only child of 7 who could afford to be educated. He immigrated to the USA on a full scholarship.

'After, he served the US government for 40 years at NASA (once part of the military) and pledged his allegiance to defend his new country.

'I am an immigrant of the United Kingdom. The values of working hard, appreciating opportunity, not taking things for granted and fighting for a better life were the values that I was taught led by the two best examples. We all received dual citizenship.'

She continued: 'Immigration can be a wonderful thing; a contribution to society, a creation of new prosperity and the beginning of hope. Let's open our hearts and help those around us, at this time.'

Princess Beatrice and Edo announced they had welcomed a daughter, Athena, in January (pictured)

Dara established her own architecture and interior design company, Design Haus Liberty, in 2013 and later founded Vivahouse, which converts disused commercial properties into living spaces.

She has worked on projects including the Tate Modern Museum in London and the Tribeca skyscraper in New York.

Dara was granted British citizenship in January 2022 - she announced the news with a picture holding her new citizenship in front of a Union Flag and a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth.

When her former fiance and Beatrice announced their engagement, she told MailOnline: 'I wish the best for Edoardo and Beatrice and look forward to uniting our families.'

In January 2020, a friend of the former couple told the Mail On Sunday they remain close, and that Dara still cuts Edo's hair and occasionally buys him clothes.

Princess Beatrice and her sister Eugenie have made a number of public appearances of late - both attending the royal family's Easter service in Windsor, and also spending time with teenage cancer patients during a visit to London's University Hospital.
Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates has revealed that he was 'worried' youngest daughter Phoebe would ask for money to start her new business after cutting her inheritance.

The 22-year-old Stanford University grad - along with her former roommate, Sophia Kianni - recently launched an e-commerce startup app called Phia.

The platform, which went live on April 24, offers shoppers an easy way to compare the prices of new and used items across thousands of selling sites.

Upon first hearing about her idea, Gates, 69, said, per The New York Times: 'Wow, a lot of people have tried, and there's some big guys in there.'

He was also worried that the young entrepreneur would ask for money to fund the venture.

'I thought, "Oh boy, she's going to come and ask,"' he said.

'And then I would have kept her on a short leash and be doing business reviews, which I would have found tricky, and I probably would have been overly nice but wondered if it was the right thing to do?

'Luckily, it never happened.'

Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates has revealed that he was 'worried' youngest daughter Phoebe would ask for money to start her new business after cutting her inheritance

The 22-year-old Stanford University grad (pictured) - along with her former roommate, Sophia Kianni - recently launched an e-commerce startup app called Phia

The platform, which went live on April 24, offers shoppers an easy way to compare the prices of new and used items across thousands of selling sites

'When it comes to shopping, I'm not exactly the target audience,' the billionaire admitted, before adding that he did offer some advice but limited it to mostly personnel issues.

His ex wife, Melinda Gates, encouraged Phoebe and Sophia to raise the capital to launch Phia on their own.

'She saw it as a real opportunity for me to, like, learn and fail,' Phoebe who branded her mom as her 'rock,' told the outlet.

The pair started with $100,000 from Soma Capital and a Stanford grant of $250,000 from a social entrepreneurship program.

Eventually, they received another $500,000 from angel investors.

The launch of Phia has also been covered by Wealth which explained how the program works.

'Phia flashes real-time median prices so you know exactly when an item is worth buying new, and when it's a better deal secondhand,' per an Instagram post.

The pair started with $100,000 from Soma Capital and a Stanford grant of $250,000 from a social entrepreneurship program. Eventually, they received another $500,000 from angel investors

Gates shares Jennifer, 30, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22 with ex-wife Melinda French Gates, 60

The app is free to use and the company will be funded through purchases via affiliate links.

Gates shares Jennifer, 30, Rory, 25, and Phoebe with ex-wife Melinda, 60.

Earlier this year, he revealed that his children will inherit 'less than one percent' of his wealth - despite his $149 billion net worth, per Bloomberg.

The Microsoft founder told the Raj Shamani podcast: 'My kids got a great upbringing and education, but less than one percent of the total wealth because I decided it wouldn't be a favor to them.

'It's not a dynasty, I'm not asking them to run Microsoft. I want to give them a chance to have their own earnings and success.'

In 2011, the billionaire suggested to DailyMail.com that he would be leaving his children around $10 million.

'It will be a minuscule portion of my wealth,' he said. 'It will mean they will have to be their own way.'
A breastfeeding mother has revealed she was threatened with a fine and warned she would be left behind when she attempted to take breast milk on a flight.

Daisy Crawford, 40, from Belfast, was humiliated on Sunday after easyJet staff at Bristol airport told her she was not allowed to bring breast milk on the flight despite travelling with a premature newborn.

Daisy was flying from Bristol to Belfast after visiting friends and family in Devon.

She said that staff were uncaring and refused to understand how important it was for her to bring the milk with her.

The mother-of-three said she had had no issue going through the airport security earlier but staff refused to listen to her explanation and told her the flight would take off without her unless she paid a 50 fine.

Daisy said she found the whole experience very upsetting and claimed she was being treated differently because she was breastfeeding.

Speaking to BristolLive, she claimed that staff at the gate told her that she would be charged extra for bringing breast milk in a cool bag and her pumping equipment onboard the flight despite the issue not being flagged while going through security.

The mother was told she would have to pay 50 for extra baggage because her separate breast milk bag would not fit in one cabin bag.

Daisy Crawford, 40, (pictured) was humiliated after easyJet staff at Bristol airport told her she was not allowed to bring breastmilk on the flight despite travelling with a premature newborn

Daisy told the publication she tried to explain how critically important the milk was for her little one and find the government information she had previously read online but she had no service.

She alleged that staff grew impatient and were unkind, explaining: 'The staff were very stony faced and said "Were just doing our job and were people too. Were not trying to upset you."

Daisy replied: 'Well, this is very upsetting for me.'

Determined not to pay the extra 50, she began unpacking her bags to try and find room.

As she scrambled to reorganise her bag to make space for the milk, Daisy said she was told the plane would leave without her if she didn't hurry up.

She said: 'The shuttle bus was full of everybody waiting so they were saying "You're going to miss your flight". They then threatened to fly without me.'

In the end, Daisy wore a jumper, jacket and coat and put her flip-flops in her pockets so she could fit the cool bag in her cabin bag.

Daisy said she was very upset by the experience - especially since she had done her research about the rules beforehand.

The mother-of-three said she had had no issue going through the airport security but staff at the gate told her if she couldn't fit the milk in her cabin bag she would have to pay 50 (tock image)

She added that she felt she had been discriminated against, explaining: 'Why should I have to use space in an already small baggage allowance to carry equipment that is essential to me as a breastfeeding mother?

'Its medically necessary, and I dont think someone with other medical equipment would be expected to fit it in their hand luggage or be charged extra.'

The government website states that mothers can carry as much breastmilk as they need for the journey, although it recommends checking with the airport before flying.

It states: 'When travelling with a baby youre allowed to take enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the journey. There is no legal limit to how much you can take however check with your airport before you travel.'

You can also carry breast milk in hand luggage even when not travelling with a baby but frozen breast milk cannot be transported in hand luggage.

The website also says: 'Individual containers of breast milk must hold no more than 2,000ml. Each container will need to be screened at the security point. Airport staff might need to open the containers to screen the liquids.'

An easyJet spokesperson told BristolLive: 'We are very sorry for Ms Crawfords experience while boarding her flight as this is not the level of service we expect.

'We advise customers to carry baby milk in their cabin baggage and do allow customers an additional free of charge bag for a breast pump and milk.

'We ask them to let us know in advance of travel so there are no issues at the gate.'
Princess Sofia of Sweden and Prince Carl Philip's newborn daughter Princess Ines Marie Lilian Silvia has made her first public appearance on her grandfather King Carl XVI Gustaf's birthday.

Sweden's longest reigning King was joined by his wife Queen Silvia, children, and grandchildren as he waved at crowds gathered outside the Royal Palace in Stockholm on the occasion of his 79th birthday.

Among them was the newest member of the Swedish royal family, Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip's baby, Princess Ines Marie Lilian Silva.

She was swathed in a cream blanket with embroidered flowers and leaves, and Ines' face was concealed with a white bonnet.

Princess Sofia, 40, was glowing as she lovingly cradled the infant, with Carl Philip, 45, and the couple's two sons, Prince Gabriel and Prince Julian, watching over them.

Sofia picked an elegant cream blazer for the occasion and kept her makeup natural and dewy while Carl Philip donned his naval regalia in honour of his father Carl Gustaf's birthday.

Prince Gabriel, seven, and Prince Julian, three, were dressed in identical beige coats worn over what appeared to be dark suits.

While Sweden's heir apparent, Crown Princess Victoria, was not photographed at the Inner Courtyard on her father's birthday, her husband Prince Daniel, 51, and the couple's two children, Princess Estelle, 13, and Prince Oscar, nine, were present.

Princess Sofia of Sweden and Prince Carl Philip's newborn daughter Princess Ines Marie Lilian Silvia has made her first public appearance on her grandfather King Carl XVI Gustaf's birthday

Princess Sofia was radiant in an white ensemble as she cradled Ines during the 79th birthday celebrations

Sweden's longest reigning King was joined by his wife Queen Silvia, children, and grandchildren as he waved at crowds gathered outside the Royal Palace in Stockholm on the occasion of his 79th birthday

Carl Gustaf and Silvia's youngest daughter Princess Madeline was also present, alongwith her husband, financier Christopher O'Neill, their daughters, Princess Leonore and Princess Adrienne, and son, Prince Nicolas, nine.

The Swedish Palace announced Princess Ines' birth on February 7, with Princess Sofia and Prince Philip's daughter eighth in line to the throne.

The couple already have three sons Prince Alexander, eight, Prince Gabriel, seven, and Prince Julian, three, meaning Ines will grow up surrounded by the love and support of her older brothers.

Days after Princess Ines was born, Sofia and Carl Philip shared adorable photographs of their 'perfect quartet' on Instagram.

In the first snap, the three older brothers admired their sister, who was wrapped in a warm blanket.

The second image showed three-year-old Prince Julian sweetly pecking his younger sister on the forehead.

The Instagram caption read: 'It turned out to be a perfect little quartet. Big and warm thanks for all the nice congratulations to our little Ines.'

Viewers flocked to the comment section to share their thoughts, including Princess Beatrice's husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, who wrote: 'Congratulations'.

Princess Sofia cradled her newborn as she chatted with Queen Silvia during today's celebrations

Sofia, who gave birth to Ines in February, opted for a glamorous makeup look for the occasion, complete with pink lipstick

Pictured: King Carl Gustaf, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Carl Philip, Queen Silvia, Prince Daniel, Princess Estelle, Prince Oscar, Princess Sofia, Prince Alexander, Prince Gabriel, Princess Ines, Princess Madeleine, Chris O'Neill, Princess Leonore, Prince Nicolas, Princess Adrienne during the 79th birthday celebrations of the Swedish King

Silvia waved to the crowds gathered to mark the occasion alongside Carl Gustaf, Sofia, and Ines

Prince Carl Philip cut a dapper figure in formal attire as he marked his father's 79th birthday today

Princess Sofia, Prince Julian, Prince Gabriel, and Prince Carl Philip of Sweden attended the celebrations in Stockholm

Prince Oscar, Christopher O'Neill, Prince Daniel, and Princess Estelle alongside Queen Silvia of Sweden at the Royal Palace in Stockholm on April 30

Their social media post came after the Swedish Palace officially released the first portrait of Ines that was captured by her mother.

The sweet snap showed her little one, in a white shirt with hearts, cuddled up in a blanket.

Commenters rushed to share the congratulations to the family, with messages of support.

'Adorable! Congratulations on the little Princess!' one penned. 'So sweet,' a second gushed. A third penned: 'Such a pretty little Ines! Congratulations to the whole family.'

According to the Palace, the royal, 40, delivered a 'healthy' daughter at on Friday February 7 at 1.10pm, with her husband by her side.

As she left the hospital, Princess Sofia was glowing, looking radiant as she smiled at waiting photographers.

The royal couple announced last September that they would be having their fourth child together.

A Palace statement revealing the pregnancy at the time said: 'Swedish Royal Household at the time of the pregnancy announcement read: 'Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia have the great pleasure to announce that the Princess is expecting the couple's fourth child.

While Sweden's heir apparent, Crown Princess Victoria, was not photographed at the Inner Courtyard on her father's birthday, her husband Prince Daniel, 51, and the couple's two children, Princess Estelle, 13, and Prince Oscar, nine, were present. Pictured from left to right: the King, Queen Silvia, Princess Sofia and her sons, Prince Gabriel and Prince Julian

Prince Carl Philip, 45, donned his naval regalia in honour of his father Carl Gustaf's birthday

Carl Gustaf, Victoria, and Carl Philip took part in the traditional birthday parade in the courtyard of the Royal Palace in Stockholm today

Carl Gustaf and Silvia's youngest daughter Princess Madeline (left) was also present, alongwith her husband, financier Christopher O'Neill, their daughters, Princess Leonore (in pink) and Princess Adrienne, and son, Prince Nicolas, nine

The King accepted flowers from his well-wishers

Prince Nicolas, Princess Estelle, and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at the monarch's birthday celebrations

Carl Gustaf and Silvia's youngest daughter Princess Madeline was also noticeably absent from the courtyard, with only her husband, financier Christopher O'Neill, and their son, Prince Nicolas, nine, (not pictured) seemingly joining at the Royal Palace on the occasion of the monarch's birthday.

A little girl holds flowers for the King

'Princess Sofia is doing well and the birth is expected in February 2025. No changes are expected in Princess Sofia's official program during the autumn.'

The statement was shared alongside a sweet photograph of the couple, with Carl Philip smiling at the camera, while his wife leaned her head on his face. The background featured a stunning lake and several mountains.

While she is eighth in line to the throne, Sofia and Carl Philip's child will not have an HRH style title because of a decision made by King Carl XVI Gustaf in 2019.

During his Christmas speech, he revealed that he was stripping his grandchildren of their titles so that it could help them 'eventually carve out their own future'.

The monarch said at the time: 'The decision was to make clear who within the royal family will act as official representatives of Sweden in the future. For me, this is a way of clarifying what expectations are.

'It will hopefully be helpful when my grandchildren eventually carve out their own future. But, to that day, it is far away.'
She made the revelation on her first podcast interview released earlier this week

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, candidly explained the origin of the moniker

Meghan Markle has revealed the real reason why she calls husband Prince Harry by the nickname 'H'  and her explanation makes perfect sense.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, and her other half are both known to abbreviate each other's names when referring to each other, although no one really knew why until now.

Speaking to her friend, IT Cosmetics CEO Jamie Kern Lima, in her first ever podcast interview released on Monday, Meghan explained the origin of her unusual moniker for Prince Harry.

She began by referring to when they first met almost a decade ago, in 2016.

'Probably at the beginning of us dating, when everything was in code,' Meghan said. 'People didn't know we were dating for - talk about memory lane - so long ago.

'I mean, it'll be our seven-year wedding anniversary soon.'

Dropping the bombshell, Meghan continued: 'I couldn't tell anyone who I was dating, and who was keeping [the secret], so I think we were just on a letter basis.'

Meghan added that their nicknames quickly 'stuck' and became something they use for each other regularly.

Meghan Markle has revealed why she calls her husband Prince Harry by the nickname 'H'

She revealed that in the early days, she and Prince Harry used the first letter's of their names to keep their romance under wraps

'I like it,' she added. 'I love nicknames.'

Meghan and Prince Harry got engaged in November 2017.

The couple wed on May 19, 2018 at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Duchess of Sussex Meghan was first heard calling Prince Harry 'H' during their official royal tour of South Africa the following year.

Meghan and Prince Harry are parents to two children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.

Elsewhere on the podcast, Meghan likened her marriage to Prince Harry to the popular game Super Mario Brothers.

During the episode, she reflected on the last seven years of her relationship with her other half and recognized just how far they've come as a couple.

In doing so, she referred to the famous Nintendo gaming series Super Mario Bros, which first arrived on the scene in 1985.

Meghan and Prince Harry got engaged in November 2017 and tied the knot one year later on May 19, 2018 at St George's Chapel

'H, that man loves me so much and you know, look what we've built,' Meghan began. 'We built a beautiful life, and we have two healthy, beautiful children.

'I always think about it like the end of Super Mario Brothers when you get to the final level and what's the goal? They're like slay the dragon, save the princess. That's my husband.'

When asked whether she's in love more than ever before, Meghan answered: 'You have to imagine, at the beginning it's like butterflies, and then we immediately went into the trenches together right out of the gate, six months into dating.

'So, now seven years later when you have a little bit of breathing space, you can just enjoy each other in a new way. And that's why I feel like it's more of a honeymoon period for us now.'
Prince Harry is expected to miss his son's sixth birthday to attend an event in Las Vegas.

It will be the second time the royal hasn't been present on the special day after he skipped the festivities to attend the coronation of his father, King Charles, in 2023.

The Duke of Sussex is set to launch a new initiative in collaboration with The Diana Award in the Nevada city on May 6, the same day as Archie's celebration.

The Diana Award's Pledge to Invest initiative aims to put a spotlight on the future of youth leadership and how forward-thinking businesses can support it.

During his trip Harry will also meet two young recipients of The Legacy Award, a prize given to exceptional recipients in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, while Archie enjoys his birthday at home with Meghan in Montecito.

The royal is expected to take part in a panel discussion with Sikander 'Sonny' Khan, from Michigan in the US, and Christina Williams, from Jamaica, as well as Paul Fipps, of Service Now, at the Knowledge 2025 event.

The award, set up in memory of his late mother, honours exceptional social action and humanitarian work.

Prince Harry is expected to miss his son's sixth birthday to attend an event in Las Vegas. It will be the second time the royal hasn't been present on the special day after he skipped the festivities to attend the coronation of his father, King Charles, in 2023

The Duke of Sussex will be in the city to launch a new youth initiative as part of the Diana Award on May 6, the same day as Archie's celebration

Prince Harry arrives to the Coronation of his father King Charles on May 6, 2023

One past Las Vegas trip saw Harry make the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The Nevada city was famously the destination of Harry's raucous road trip in 2012. The escapade ended with photos of the naked prince being splashed on front pages of newspapers. Pictured: Prince Harry at the Las Vegas Encore Beach Club

Tessy Ojo, chief executive of The Diana Award, said: 'Companies that invest in youth leadership today are cultivating the workforce, innovators and consumers of tomorrow.

'The Diana Award is proud to launch Pledge To Invest - an opportunity for forward-thinking businesses to make a strategic, measurable and high-impact investment in the future of youth leadership.

'For over 25 years, The Diana Award has invested in young people, empowering them to tackle the pressing issues of our time.'

Mr Fipps said he is 'proud to partner with Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and The Diana Award to provide a platform that encourages other business leaders to invest in young people'.

It comes 13 years after a trip to Las Vegas saw the royal make the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The city was famously the destination of Harry's raucous road trip in 2012.

The escapade ended with photos of the naked prince, who was frolicking with a woman in his hotel room after a game of strip billiards, being splashed on front pages of newspapers around the world and on celebrity gossip websites.

Harry later wrote in his autobiography Spare, that he had berated himself for the controversy, saying: 'How had I let it happen? How had I been so stupid?'

News of the royal's upcoming trip comes just days after Meghan Markle posted adorable unseen photographs of her 'little loves' Archie and Lilibet picking flowers.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, took to Instagram to show her two children helping her select pink roses from a bush, alongside the caption: 'Sunday kind of love....with my little loves.'

Princess Lilibet could be seen with her hair down and wearing a pink top, while Prince Archie wore a navy blue, long-sleeved shirt.

Meanwhile Lilibet's adorable American accent was heard for the first time as the three-year-old gave her one-word verdict on her mother's jam last weekend.

Meghan posted a video on Instagram in which she can be heard asking Lilibet what she thinks of her strawberry jam while preparing a fresh batch of the sweet treat.

'It's beautiful,' the toddler gushed, as her Californian accent shone through.
Todd Engel had lived with type 2 diabetes for 25 years  and managed it without a hitch.

But that all changed after he saw glowing headlines and slick ads praising Ozempic as a miracle drug.

The 62-year-old, who had struggled with his weight for years, was intrigued by the blockbuster shots now-famous side effect: effortless fat loss.

At first, it seemed like the answer hed been waiting for.

But just four months into taking the weekly injection, Engels world went dark  literally  when he suddenly lost vision in his right eye.

At the time, in late 2023, doctors had no clue the fat-loss jab could be linked to blindness  and his medical team dismissed it as a coincidence.

So Engel kept injecting himself for another six months. Then, he went blind in his left eye, too.

Doctors now say the damage is permanent and that Engel will never see again  the most he can perceive is faint pinpricks of light.

Todd Engel is pictured above with the grandchildren and one of his children while on a family outing

'I will also never be able to see my wife smile again, or see my grandchildren grow up,' Engel said.

Engel was diagnosed with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION  a rare condition that cuts off blood flow to the optic nerve and causes permanent vision loss.

Now blind in both eyes, the 62-year-old has been forced to give up his job as a motor equipment operator.

At home, his family has installed special push-button controls for the microwave and television  devices he can no longer see, but can still hear.

The Engels have now filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, claiming the drug triggered the condition that robbed him of his sight.

He says he was never warned of the potential risk  and believes he would have reconsidered the drug had he known the danger.

Engel had lived with type 2 diabetes for more than 25 years, and had been taking medication to manage it.

His lawyers say he had no history of eye problems, and routinely passed the annual vision tests required for his job.

A spokeswoman for Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, insisted that NAION is not a known side effect of the drug.

But while NAION isnt officially listed as a side effect, an emerging body of evidence is raising questions about a possible link.

The FDAs drug monitoring system has recorded 141 cases of people experiencing vision loss or serious vision changes after using Ozempic.

However, the agency notes the reports havent been independently verified and may not reflect the true scope of the issue.

Experts believe one possible explanation is that Ozempic causes a rapid drop in blood sugar, which may damage the optic nerve  the crucial connection between the eye and the brain.

Once that link is broken, the brain can no longer interpret visual signals.

A spokesman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology told the Daily Mail that it was 'biologically plausible' that Ozempic could be linked to blindness.

But they also said it was 'premature' to lay blame entirely on the drug, saying Engel's diabetes could also be a factor.

NAION itself is rare with an estimated 2.3 to 10.3 cases per 100,000 people diagnosed every year, according to studies.

But among diabetics, the risk is far higher  up to 82 cases per 100,000, according to some studies.

Engel pictured above with his wife Shelley. He has lost vision in both his eyes after taking the weight loss and type 2 diabetes medication Ozempic

Engel first lost vision in one eye in December 2023. Doctors initially suspected his diabetes was to blame and began preparing him to live with sight in just one eye.

But when he also lost vision in the second eye months later, attention turned to his Ozempic prescription, especially as new studies online began to raise red flags.

Engels Attorney Ashley Hornstein, from the law firm Motley Rice, told the Daily Mail: The tragic thing about this case is that he had no idea this was even a possibility with the drug.

'He stayed on Ozempic for another five or six months after the vision loss happened the first time.

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'If he hadn't, it's quite likely that he would still have vision in one eye today  that is all part of this horrific tragedy.'

His legal team said its unclear whether Engel even lost much weight while on the medication  the reason he started taking it in the first place.

Ozempic does not list NAION on its warning label of possible side effects.

But it does mention a different vision condition: diabetic retinopathy, where damage to the retina in the eye from changes in blood sugar levels leads to vision loss.

Unlike NAION, this type of vision loss develops over time  not overnight.

Engels devastating case has now emerged in a lawsuit filed in New Jerseys Superior Court, alleging Ozempic was to blame for his total blindness.

And hes not alone. New research is beginning to raise alarm bells about a possible connection between Ozempic and NAION.

Engel is pictured above with wife Shelley and one of his grandchildren. He said it was heartbreaking to know he wouldn't be able to see the children grow up or his wife smile again

One study from July 2024 found that people with diabetes who took semaglutide  the active ingredient in Ozempic  were four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION than diabetics who did not take the drug but were taking other medications for their condition.

It also found that people who were overweight or obese but did not have diabetes and took Ozempic were seven times more likely to develop the condition compared to those who were not taking the drug.

A second paper published that December, echoed those findings  again pointing to a heightened risk of NAION among Ozempic users.

But both studies stressed the need for more research and noted that other factors may be at play.

In clinical trials, some participants on Ozempic did report vision loss.

The label currently states that three percent of patients in a two-year trial experienced complications from diabetic retinopathy  compared to 1.8 percent on a placebo.

More than one in eight adults in the US  or 32million people  have tried Ozempic or a similar weight loss drug at least once in their lifetime, estimates from KFF Health suggest.

Stock picture of someone injecting themselves with Ozempic

A spokeswoman for Novo Nordisk said: 'NAION is a very rare eye disease, and it is not an adverse drug reaction for the marketed formulations of semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy) as per the approved labels.

'After a thorough evaluation of studies from the University of Southern Denmark and Novo Nordisks internal safety assessment, Novo Nordisk is of the opinion that the benefit-risk profile of semaglutide remains unchanged.'

She added: 'Novo Nordisk, on its part, has conducted an analysis across randomized controlled clinical trials with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including a blinded ophthalmologist evaluation to confirm NAION diagnoses. These data do not suggest a causal relationship between GLP-1 RA use and NAION events.

'Patient safety is a top priority for Novo Nordisk, and we take all reports about adverse events from the use of our medicines very seriously. This also relates to eye conditions, which are well-known comorbidities for people living with diabetes.'

It follows another lawsuit filed last month, which also suggested that Ozempic could cause patients to go blind.
One of America's leading surgeons has warned men against taking a hair-loss drug linked to permanent genital side effects.

Called finasteride, the drug has been taken by the likes of President Donald Trump, Hollywood stars, as well as millions of other men.

But consultant urologist Dr Edward Schaefferwho treated actor Ben Stiller for prostate cancerinstructs men to avoid the treatment.

He claimed that finasteride is known to cause impotence and depression in one in ten men.

The drug recently sparked headlines after US patients went on record to reveal how taking it had caused their genitals to shrink and develop and usual bend.

Now MailOnline can revealed at least 55 British men believe this has happened to them, according to official data from the UK's medicines watchdog.

Finasteride was originally developed for men with an enlarged prostate, but it has since become a popular hair loss treatment.

It works by blocking the conversion of the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a compound thought to cause hair loss by shrinking hair follicles on the scalp.

One of America's leading surgeons has warned men against taking a hair-loss drug linked to permanent genital side effects

Called finasteride, the drug has been taken by the likes of President Donald Trump , Hollywood stars, as well as millions of other men

But DHT is also crucial for sexual arousal, erectile function, and genital tissue health, and its reduction.

While the drug shows a remarkable ability to promote hair growth, some men have ending up paying a steep price.

UK data show there has been a three-fold rise in reports of finasteride causing depression, low libido and erectile dysfunction.

According to UK drug safety data, 39 men have reported that their genitals shrank while taking the drug.

Another 16 developed Peyronie's disease, when scar tissue forms in the penis causing it to bend or have curvature when erect.

The drug has also been linked to 87 cases of suicide, suicide attempts or self-harming behaviour.

These suspected side effects were logged under the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Yellow Card scheme.

Although impossible to prove, it allows doctors, pharmacists and patients to report adverse reactions they believe to be caused by drugs used in Britain.

Mark Millich, 26, a former US Army sergeant, took finasteride pills to cure his baldness. Instead, his libido plunged as his genitals shrank and changed shape

Speaking on The Peter Attia Drive Podcast, Dr Schaeffer said he believed about one in 10 men who take the drug may suffer problems with intimacy and mental health.

'The side effects from this post-finasteride syndrome are real,' he said.

The duration can be highly variable. Some people will stop the medication, and they'll have resolution within a couple weeks, once the drug washes out.

'But there are people I know who have it permanently.'

Dr Schaeffer added that the problems seem to affect both young and older men, though the former are more likely to report issues with lower libido.

He also claimed the side-effects are likely linked to how the drug suppress DHT.

'Having that hormone around is critical for just about everything,' he said.

In the US, 32 complaints regarding finasteride products have been issued to the FDA between 2019 and 2024.

Customers have detailed incidents such as erectile dysfunction, anxiety, suicidal ideation, brain fog, depression, fatigue, insomnia, decreased libido and testicular pain after applying the hair-loss drug.

Most of the men and women who filed the complaints said these side effects continued to persist even when they stopped using the products.

Earlier this month, the US's Food and Drug Administration issued a stark warning over the drug warning it may pose a 'potentially serious risk' to men's genitals.

According to medics about two to three per cent of patients taking the drug experience sexual function problems, including erectile dysfunction, decreased libido and reduced ejaculate.

One man who detailed the shocking problems he experienced after taking finasteride is former US Army sergeant Mark Millich.

Earlier this year he said he took the drug in a bid to cure his baldness but instead found his libido plunged as his genitals shrank and changed shape.

'I got Peyronie's disease, that happened within a month or two after coming off finasteride,' he told the YouTube channel Moral Medicine.

His doctors could not say whether the condition was caused by the medication, with Peyronie's often linked to injuries sustained during sex that cause scar tissue to form in the penis.

A 2023 study showed that there have been more than 830 reports of 'penile curvature' or Peyronie's disease to the US's drug monitoring system among finasteride patients.

But scientists said the results were 'highly speculative' and 'very questionable', claiming more research was needed to determine whether the drug could cause the condition.

Other men have since come out with similar claims  alleging finasteride left them with shrunken or bent penises, burning testicles, and deep emotional scars.

UK's health authorities urged men on finasteride to be 'vigilant' for possible psychiatric and sexual side effects in April last year.

Finasteride is not prescribed for hair loss on the NHS but is available privately in the UK for as little as 28 for a course.
Can you spot the difference between these two food products?

Americans have expressed their horror after comparing US cereal to their foreign counterparts.

Fruit Loops seems to the focus for many social media users, as the neon-hued rings look wildly different to the same product sold in Europe and Canada due to a range of synthetic food colorings.

Used in the American food supply for decades to give treats an appealing hue, in recent years concerns have been raised over the health effects of food dyes - including animal studies suggesting they can cause hyperactivity, cancer and other health problems.

Among the most scrutinized dyes in the food and beverage industry are Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6.

European countries have already banned them or heavily restricted their use, requiring warning labels disclosing the health risks.

And after mounting pressure in the US to ban them, FDA Commissioner Dr Marty Makary announced last Tuesday that the agency will phase out the use of eight artificial food dyes in Americas food supply within the next two years.

In one clip shared to TikTok, video creator Joseph DeBenedictis compares the US and Canadian version of Kellogg's' Fruit Loops which are currently on sale.

In one clip shared to TikTok, video creator Joseph DeBenedictis compares the US and Canadian version of Fruit Loops which are currently on sale

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Along with Red 40 - which has been branded the most concerning additive used in the food industry - the American variety of Fruit Loops contains Yellow 5, Blue 1, Yellow 6, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which have been linked to health problems in children.

Canadian Froot Loops, however, replaced these dyes with concentrated blueberry, carrot, and watermelon juices. The same goes for the version sold in Europe.

As he assesses a bag of Canadian Froot Loops, content creator Joseph describes the cereal as 'muted colors' and 'not too vibrant'.

But as he pulls out the American equivalent, he is blown away by the vibrant colors, equating it to 'looking like candy'.

He says in comparison, the Canadian version 'looks like oatmeal'.

In a bid to see how the two versions of Fruit Loops compare taste wise, he conducts a blind taste test.

Before donning a face covering, he looks at a bowl of the colorful American-made rings and exclaims: 'How can something so beautiful be so bad for you?'

Meanwhile, he says of the bowl of the Canadian breakfast treats: 'Definitely not as appetizing.'

However, he is surprised when he gives both cereals a try, he opts for the Canadian version.

While Joseph gave the naturally flavored Fruit Loops the thumbs up, fellow TikTokker Justus Reid disagrees.

He says although the texture is the same, he prefers the sweetness of the American version as that's what he grew up on.

'The aftertaste is especially unpleasant... I couldn't eat a whole bowl of this,' he says while wincing, after giving Fruit Loops from Europe a whirl.

'The European version is bad, objectively bad,' he adds.

Ex-FDA food chief Dr Darin Detwiler previously branded Kellogg's Froot Loops the worst breakfast cereal in the US - amid protests about the ingredients in the product.

While Joseph gave the naturally flavored Fruit Loops the thumbs up, fellow TikTokker Justus Reid disagrees. He says although the texture is the same, he prefers the sweetness of the American version

Along with Red 40, the American variety of Fruit Loops (seen left) contains Yellow 5, Blue 1, Yellow 6, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which have been linked to health problems in children

He told DailyMail.com that the colorful rings are 'heavily processed and contain high levels of added sugars, artificial dyes, and preservatives, which are linked to health concerns.'

The morning snack contains 12.35g of sugar per serving (one cup), or three teaspoons, which is almost half of a child's daily allowance.

Dr Detwiler notes that most children 'consume a lot more than the recommended serving size, as one cup is not a realistic amount.'

But more concerning is the additives Froot Loops contain.

Dr Detwiler said Red 40, a dye that gives the hoops their neon red color, was the most concerning.

It's banned in several European countries for its link to hyperactivity and cancer, and are not present in most products internationally such as those in Australia and Canada.

He says the worst offending dye in Froot Loops is Red 40, which has been been banned in several European countries for its link to hyperactivity and cancer, and are not present in most products internationally such as those in Australia or Europe.

Along with campaigners, most notably actress Eva Mendes, Dr Detwiler is calling for Kellogg's to 'consider reformulating their products to reduce the use of artificial additives, dyes, and high sugar levels.'

He continues: 'With growing concerns about the long-term health effects of processed ingredients, especially those linked to cancer risks like certain food dyes, Kellogg's has the opportunity to lead in healthier food production.

'By focusing on cleaner ingredients and transparency, they can address consumer concerns and shift toward healthier, more sustainable food options.'

Some of the other cereals Dr Detwiler recommends steering clear of are Lucky Charms for its high sugar content and artificial colors, and Frosted Flakes for their high sugar content.

'These cereals may also contain food dyes linked to potential health risks, which is a concern when consumed frequently, especially by children,' he adds.

With all of these cereals, Dr Detwiler says they should 'only be considered occasional treats and most definitely not consumed on a daily basis.'

New York-based nutritionist, Lisa Moskovitz, agreed with this serving suggestion, telling DailyMail.com: 'Even though these sugary cereals are harmless in very small quantities, if consumed on a regular basis, they could pose a health problem.'

Kellogg's promised to remove artificial colors and ingredients from all of its cereals nearly a decade ago by 2018 but has yet to deliver on that promise.

However, it defended its current recipe. In a statement, Kellogg's said: 'Our products  and the ingredients we use to make them  are compliant with all applicable relevant laws and regulations.

'We remain committed to transparently labeling our ingredients so consumers can easily make choices about the food they purchase.'

The company also claims that 85 percent of its cereals do not contain colors from artificial sources.

Ex-FDA food chief Dr Darin Detwiler previously branded Kellogg's Froot Loops the worst breakfast cereal in the US - amid protests about the ingredients in the product

Dr Detwiler said Red 40, a dye that gives the hoops their neon red color, was the most concerning in America

Red 40, yellows 5 and 6, and blue 1 are dyes used to give cereals and other processed foods their bright colors.

They have been theorized to exacerbate attentional problems in children, leading EU regulators to mandate that product makers say dyes could cause an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.

A 2021 report from California's Environmental Protection Agency also linked artificial dyes to "hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems" in some children, particularly those with ADHD or other existing behavioral disorders.

Red 40 as well as Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 also contain benzidene, a human and animal carcinogen permitted in low levels.

According to the FDA, ingestion of free benzidine raises the cancer risk to just under the concern threshold, or one cancer in 1 million people.

BHT, meanwhile, is an additive used to keep food fresh. It also may be found in beauty products like lip glosses and lotions, as well as chewing gum.

The research on BHT is mixed, though some studies have suggested that it long-term exposure cause liver and thyroid issues in mice by disrupting hormones.

Several states have made steps to ban or restrict these additives. In 2024, California became the first state to ban schools from serving foods containing red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6, blue 1, blue 6, and green 3.

And New York state officials called for the removal of red dye No. 3, propylparaben, brominated vegetable oil (BVO), potassium bromate, titanium dioxide, azodicarbonamide, and BHA.
Health chiefs have warned of a surge in a lethal flu-like bacterial disease that can lead to permanent disability and even rapid death.

Meningitis W, an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, has been detected in those travelling to the UK from the Middle East.

The five cases, confirmed between February and March, had all either recently returned from an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, or had family members who had, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The deadly condition spreads primarily by droplets from the nose and mouth through close contact with the infected person, such as by coughing, sneezing or kissing.

Symptoms can initially appear flu like, but without rapid treatment can cause life-threatening septicemia, otherwise known as blood poisoning.

Within hours this can trigger complications including brain damage, seizures and even death.

Officials have urged Britons to ensure they've received the meningitis vaccine to prevent against infection, especially those planning a trip to Saudi Arabia.

Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'Vaccination is essential for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia, particularly given recent cases among UK returnees and their families.

UK Health Security Agency officials said all patients had recently returned from from Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, or had family members who had

'Meningococcal disease [the medical term for meningitis] can be fatal and may leave survivors with serious lifelong conditions including hearing loss, brain damage and limb amputations.

'Pilgrims should ensure vaccination at least ten days before travel and remain vigilant for symptoms like sudden fever, severe headache, stiff neck, or rash.

'If you or anyone at home becomes unwell with any symptoms of meningitis within two weeks of returning from Saudi Arabia, contact your GP or NHS 111, mentioning your recent travel history, or dial 999 in case of emergency.'

Dr Sahira Dar, President of the British Islamic Medical Association, added: 'Millions of people gather in close proximity during the pilgrimages, in accommodation, and on public transport, increasing the risk of contracting infectious diseases like meningitis.'

The association 'highly recommends' anyone attending the pilgrimages get the meningitis vaccine  known medically as the MenACWY vaccine  she added.

Muslim pilgrims make trips to Mecca throughout the year to receive blessings.

Some also undertake a larger pilgrimage, known as the Hajj pilgrimage, at least once in their lifetime, which this year will take place from June 4 to June 9.

UKHSA officials said several Meningitis W cases throughout 2024 were known to have had recent travel to the Middle East, with similar cases also identified in France and the US.

Latest World Health Organization (WHO) data also shows there have been 11 confirmed cases of the infection in Saudi Arabia between January 7 and March 12  all in pilgrims.

Meningitis W is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, which can often live harmlessly in the back of the throat without causing illness.

But in some cases, it 'invades' the body's defences, leading to invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and septicaemia.

Research suggests IMD has a fatality rate of 8 to 15 per cent, meaning it can kill around 1 in 10 people it infects.

Symptoms can initially appear flu like, with patients suffering a fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea or drowsiness.

But as it invades the defenses of the body and spreads into the brain through the bloodstream, symptoms quickly become more severe.

Signs the infection has spread include severe aches or pain in the muscles, joints, chest, or abdomen, a dark purple rash and rapid breathing.

One in five survivors will have long-term disabilities, such as brain damage, deafness, loss of limbs and nervous system problems.

Meningitis W is one of seven different meningococcal bacteria that can cause meningitis.

These are A, B, C, W, X, Y and Z, with Meningitis B accounting for roughly 80 per cent of all cases each year.

Meningitis W, by comparison, is thought to account for around 7 per cent of all UK cases.

The MenACWY vaccine offers protection against 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis: meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.

It is offered to teenagers aged 14 years old as well as people up to the age of 25 who have never had a meningitis vaccine before.
Indoor rock climbers could be filling their lungs with cancer-causing pollutants, scientists have warned.

Austrian researchers have found that the rubber soles of footwear worn by climbers release a host of toxic chemicals into the air, which is then inhaled into the lungs.

These chemicals have been linked to lung inflammation, organ damage, respiratory illnesses and even some types of cancer.

University of Vienna scientists found the level of fumes in the air was similar to that recorded in some of the most polluted cities on Earth.

They are now calling for gyms to improve ventilation and for climbing shoe designers to change the materials used to help protect climbers and gym staff.

'These substances do not belong in the air we breathe,' they said.

Indoor rock climbing has exploded in popularity in recent years, with dozens of facilities opening up in major UK cities.

The sport is also referred to as bouldering, which specifically involves manoeuvring up and down walls without any safety equipment such as a harness.

Indoor rock climbers could be exposing their lungs to the same level of pollution as living in a Chinese mega-city, scientists warn

The graphic created by the researchers shows how tiny particles from climbing shoes could spread in a gym and ultimately be inhaled by people

Joint author of the new study, environmental scientist Anya Sherman, said many climbers would be familiar with the black residue left on footholds on indoor climbing walls.

'Climbers wipe it off to get a better grip, and it gets kicked up into the air,' she said.

In the study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Air, the experts collected air samples from five climbing gyms in Vienna and four from France, Spain and Switzerland.

To do so they used an impinger  a piece of scientific equipment that acts like an artificial set of human lungs  which allows scientists to measure exposure to pollutants.

Analysing the results, they found levels of rubber chemicals in the air was similar to those recorded on busy roads in major cities in China.

Fellow study author and environmental scientist Professor Thilo Hofmann, also of Vienna, said: 'The levels we measured are among the highest ever documented worldwide, comparable to multi-lane roads in mega-cities.'

They explained that the soles of climbing shoes use many of the same chemical additives as car tyres to improve their grip and durability.

Some of these chemicals are known to be toxic to human lung cells and others have been linked to mass deaths of wildlife when they have leaked into rivers.

Indoor climbing is an increasingly popular recreational activity. Actor Jason Momoa is a fan and took part in a climbing contest in Barcelona in 2016

One, called 6PPD-quinone, has been shown to trigger inflammation and scarring of the lungs and widespread organ damage in animal studies.

A recent Chinese study also suggested people exposed to high levels of the chemical showed potential signs of damaged airways.

And another study on Chinese children living in areas with high 6PPD-quinone levels showed they were at higher risk of falling ill with respiratory infections like the flu.

Another substance found in the tests was benzothiazole which has been linked to a higher risk of bladder cancer among factory workers.

Professor Hofmann said the health implications for people breathing in high quantities of these substances over time was unknown and needed further research.

However, he added that we couldn't afford to wait and should take action now to reduce exposure.

'These substances do not belong in the air we breathe,' he said.

'It makes sense to act before we know all the details about the risks, especially with regard to sensitive groups such as children.

'It is essential to switch to sole materials with fewer harmful substances.'

Ms Sherman added that in the meantime, climbers may want to try to exercise at non-peak gym times when the levels of these airborne particles will be lower.

Indoor climbing has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years, with Hollywood stars like actor Jason Momoa of Aquaman fame being a fan.

According to a 2018 survey, one in 100 Britons and one in 20 Americans used indoor climbing facilities as a form of exercise.

Of these an estimated 20 per cent considered themselves regular climbers who attended multiple sessions a week.
In a sprawling Milwaukee lab facility, lab workers are mixing beet root and carrot juice to obtain the right shades of blues and oranges to replace the technicolor artificial dyes in Americans favorite snack foods.

People in head-to-toe suiting at Sensient Technologies Corp., one of the worlds largest dye-makers, create powdered and liquid dyes out of natural ingredients and store them in a giant warehouse to be shipped out to businesses they contract with.

Dave Gebhardt, Sensients senior technical director, said: Most of our customers [including companies that make candies, sodas, and frozen treats] have decided that this is finally the time when theyre going to make that switch to a natural color.

However, Sensient also fears that it, along with the broader food dye manufacturing industry, will struggle to meet the demand for natural dyes that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the wider Trump Administration are compelling food companies to use exclusively by 2026.

It takes up to two years to grow the plants used to make natural colors, including black carrot extract, beet juice, and red cabbage. Synthetic dyes like the controversial Red 40, meanwhile, are relatively easy to make in large quantities.

According to Sensient, there is no guarantee that a robust enough supply of carrots, cabbage, beets, and algae will be available to produce the bright hues of red, orange, blue, and green that Americans have become accustomed to eating.

James Herrmann, marketing director of food colors at Sensient Technologies, said: If everybody switches at once, there is simply not enough material around the world available to meet the demand.

Major manufacturers, such as Sensient, will also need to alter their processing practices to scale up the development of natural products, a costly undertaking that may take longer than the timeline ordered by RFK Jr.

Inside a Milwaukee lab, scientists blend beet and carrot juices to create natural blue and orange hues, aiming to replace artificial dyes in popular snacks

Lab workers at Sensient Technologies Corp. create powdered and liquid dyes out of natural ingredients

Abby Tampow, a researcher in the lab, is working over petri dishes of red dyes spanning different ruby hues, trying to match the synthetic shade used for years in raspberry vinaigrette dressing.

With this red, it needs a little more orange, she told the Associated Press, mixing in purplish black carrot juice and an orange-red tint made from algae.

Sensient is investing in the cultivation of new plant-based ingredients for dyes and broadening its sourcing network for crops from around the world, to maintain a stable supply regardless of climate issues or geopolitical disruptions.

However, adhering to the Trump Administrations new initiative will necessitate a significant scale-up in growing and producing the natural sources of the dyes, which Sensient leadership does not believe is currently feasible.

Paul Manning, the companys chief executive, said: Its not like theres 150 million pounds of beet juice sitting around waiting on the off chance the whole market may convert.

Tens of millions of pounds of these products need to be grown, pulled out of the ground, extracted.

Furthermore, small bugs called cochineal, which can create the bright Barbie pink used in candies, come from only a few sources, such as prickly pear cacti in Peru. Approximately 70,000 insects are required to produce just 2.2 pounds of dye.

Lab workers use natural ingredients like carrots and paprika to devise orange dye

Sensient sources raw materials from global farmers and producers. The ingredients typically arrive in bulk concentrates, which Sensient workers refine into liquids, granules, or powders.

Then, they are supplied to food manufacturers to be used in finished products.

Natural dyes are significantly more challenging to produce, store, and transport than their synthetic counterparts.

It can take around 10 times as much material to make natural colors to mimic just a small amount of artificial dye, which will likely drive up costs for producers.

Light and heat can cause colors to fade or change, or even separate. They are also likely to become chemically unstable with slight changes in acidity.

There are also specific colors, namely blue, that are particularly difficult to maintain during processing.

Manning said: How do you get that same vividness, that same performance, that same level of safety in that product as you would in a synthetic product?

Theres a lot of complexity associated with that.

At Sensient Technologies Corp., workers in full protective gear produce natural-based powdered and liquid dyes, storing them in a massive warehouse for distribution to client companies

It can take around 10 times as much material to make natural colors to mimic just a small amount of artificial dye, which will likely drive up costs for producers

RFK Jr., flanked by FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, announced last week that the agency will phase out the use of eight petroleum-based artificial food dyes  Red No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Citrus Red No. 2, and Orange B.

The new timeline follows a recent meeting in which he urged food industry executives to eliminate artificial dyes from products before the end of his term in 2028.

The FDA has not reached a formal agreement with the food industry to implement these goals, although it appears to have an understanding, and the agency has not presented a detailed plan for achieving them.

RFK Jr suggested more additives could be next, telling the crowd: 'Were going to get rid of the dyes and were going to get rid of every ingredient and additive in food that we can legally address.

'And for those ingredients we can't ban legally, we're going to start informing Americans about what they're eating.'

Red 40 is among a group of dyes that contain benzidine, a known carcinogen for both humans and animals. While regulators permit trace amounts deemed safe, concerns remain.

In 1985, the FDA estimated that exposure to free benzidine from these dyes could increase cancer risk to nearly 1 in 1 million people, just below the official threshold for concern.

Light and heat can cause colors to fade or change, or even separate. Theyre also likely to become chemically unstable with slight changes in acidity

Sensient's CEO Paul Manning emphasized the challenges of scaling natural dye production, noting that the industry can't rely on existing surplus crops like beet juice. Transitioning the market would require cultivating and processing tens of millions of pounds of raw materials

Studies have also linked Red 40 and similar dyes to hyperactivity in children, including those without ADHD. Research suggests that these additives may exacerbate symptoms or induce behavioral changes.

Additionally, Canadian scientists have found that Red 40 (also known as Allura Red) can disrupt gut function, impairing nutrient absorption and increasing the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis.

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They warn that prolonged exposure may weaken the bodys defenses.

Blue 1, another common dye found in candies like gummy bears, has also been tied to hyperactivity and attention issues in kids.

Unlike the U.S., where the FDA often reacts to safety concerns after products hit the market, European regulators ban or require warning labels on many of these dyes, taking a more preventive approach to food safety.
A Texas couple who survived the world's most infectious disease are pleading with their neighbors and countrymen to get vaccinated.

Clayton and Kathryn Nash, 68 and 72, were born in the 1950s, about a decade before the measles vaccine was approved in the US.

Clayton was just six when he fell ill with the virus that is most deadly in young children. He said it was the 'worst rash' he's ever experienced.

'It's different, because you're itchy,' he said. 'It's like the flu, but add itching  lots of it  and then if you end up scratching it, you're going to have sores.'

Kathryn also remembers being bedridden for nearly two weeks, burning with fever and missing school. Neither was hospitalized, but both say they were lucky.

Now, with measles making a comeback in parts of the country, the couple say it feels like the US is 'moving backwards'  and they're terrified that preventable diseases will once again become a part of daily life.

The measles vaccine was like a 'savior' when it first came, they said, with parents rushing to protect their kids.

It comes as their home state battles America's largest measles outbreak since 2000, with 663 people  mostly young children  infected. More cases were recorded in 2019, but officials believe these were the result of multiple outbreaks caused by repeat cases of the virus being imported from abroad.

Two small girls, aged 6 and 8, have also died from the disease marking the first measles fatalities in the US in a decade.'

Clayton and Kathryn Nash, pictured above and from Dallas, urged others to get vaccinated against measles to avoid being infected with the disease

Their pleas were published in the Dallas Morning News, with the couple saying it was their duty to speak up for the vaccine.

'The people who have lived through those diseases or seen what they've done to others say, 'Get vaccinated,'' said Kathryn.

She added: 'It makes me think that we're going backwards, when we come up with another outbreak of something like this.

'We should be going forward and eliminating more diseases, instead of letting the old ones come back and reinfect people.'

The couple fear that as vaccination rates fall, more children will suffer the way they did  bedridden for days, covered in a horrendous rash, and at risk of serious complications.

Now in their 60s and 70s, they were never vaccinated against measles themselves. Health officials say people born before 1957 are presumed to have natural immunity from prior infection.

Clayton noted that his younger sister, born in 1962, did receive the vaccine. And today, the couple stay current on all their recommended shots, including their Covid boosters.

'I just find it unbelievable that parents who have the option, opt against it,' Kathryn said. 'That's just unbelievable to me.'

The measles vaccine  part of the combined MMR shot for measles, mumps, and rubella  was approved in 1963.

One dose of the vaccine provides 93 percent protection against the disease, while two doses trigger 97 percent protection.

Measles cases recorded this year have surpassed the 2024 tally, and are continuing to surge (stock image)

The first dose is offered to children around 12 months old, while the second is offered between the ages of four and six years.

Among unvaccinated people who are infected, the CDC says about one in five are hospitalized while one in 20 children develop pneumonia.

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About one in 1,000 unvaccinated children who catch measles develop encephalitis, or swelling of the brain that can lead to brain damage. And sadly about one to three in 1,000 die.

In the early 1960s, before the measles vaccine became widely available, the US saw an estimated 3 to 4 million cases of measles every year, according to the CDC.

Of those, approximately 48,000 were hospitalized, 1,000 developed encephalitis  a dangerous swelling of the brain that can cause permanent damage  and 400 to 500 people died annually.

Since the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, the number of infections has plummeted by more than 99 percent.

In recent years, the US has typically reported fewer than 200 cases annually, and measles deaths have become exceedingly rare.

But vaccine uptake has declined in some communities  a trend experts attribute to fallout from Covid-era vaccine skepticism, misinformation suggesting measles is a 'mild' illness, and long-debunked claims linking the MMR vaccine to autism.

In Texas, 94.3 percent of kindergarteners were vaccinated against the disease in 2024  slightly below the 95 percent threshold that experts say is needed to stop an outbreak.

It is also home to the US county with among the lowest vaccination rates nationwide, Gaines County in the Panhandle region, where only about 82 percent of people were vaccinated against measles.

The county is also at the center of the major measles outbreak that experts say could last for more than a year and risks losing the US its measles elimination status, which it achieved in 2000.

Measles is a highly infectious disease spread by coughs or droplets in the air, and can infect nine out of ten unvaccinated people that are exposed to it.

The disease starts in a similar way to the flu, with coughs and a fever, but patients will quickly develop the characteristic rash, which starts on the head before spreading across the whole body.

The disease attacks the immune system and weakens it, raising the risk of other infections  like pneumonia  which can be fatal.

Doctors treat measles using antibiotics for secondary infections, as well as drugs to reduce fever and other symptoms.
A case of the world's deadliest infectious disease has been confirmed in a school in Florida.

State officials confirmed a person infected with active tuberculosis was recently present at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale.

Officials are yet to specify whether the person was a student, staff or faculty and when exactly they were present on the premises.

John Sullivan, chief of communications Broward County Public Schools confirmed in a statement that the officials will soon be on campus to provide testing to staff and students with parental consent.

School Principal Alfred Broomfield assured parents no action is needed by the community unless they are contacted.

Tuberculosis, also called TB, is a potentially fatal illness caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It mainly affects the lungs and can also cause damage to the brain, spinal cord and lymph nodes.

It most commonly spreads through the air when infected people cough or speak.

Once known as consumption, TB is one of the deadliest diseases in the world and according to WHO, over 10 million people across the globe were diagnosed with the illness out of which nearly two million died.

In the US, over 10,000 Americans were diagnosed with the infection and 565 died in 2024, according to the CDC.

Florida state officials have confirmed a case of active tuberculosis in a Fort Lauderdale high school. (Stock image)

MR Broomfield said in a letter addressed to school parents: 'DOH-Broward and BCPS [Broward County Public Schools] have identified and notified those individuals who have been determined to be a close contact, at this time. No further action is needed unless you are contacted directly.'

Earlier, this year an 'unprecedented' tuberculosis outbreak occurred in Kansas - which left 147 people infected.

Out of this 67 people became actively ill and 80 contracted the illness but showed no symptoms. Two patients have died, as of now.

In 2024, Florida reported 681 tuberculosis (TB) cases - a nine percent increase from 2023.

As of 2025, TB cases are increasing both globally and in the United States due to higher international travel and migration, increased reporting, reactivation of latent TB infections and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Children, older people and those with weak immune systems are most at risk of contracting TB - leading to permanent lung damage, even after successful treatment.

TB is mostly spread through an exchange of germs containing the bacteria through the atmosphere.

Symptoms of active TB in the lungs usually begin gradually and worsen over a few weeks and signs can include coughing up blood or mucus, chest pains, pain with breathing or coughing, fever, chills and night sweats.

People can protect themselves against TB by getting the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, but it is not generally not on the vaccination schedule in the US due to the low risk of infection.

The Florida Department of Health said that a member of Dillard High School in Broward County (pictured) with active tuberculosis was recently present on campus.

Tuberculosis, also called TB, is a fatal illness caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria and mainly affects the lungs

If infected, patients are asked to remain isolated and must take antibiotics for six months to treat TB.

If left untreated, the bacterial infection can damage the lungs and spread to other parts of their body such as the brain, kidneys and spine.

Some people become infected with TB germs that live in the body for years without causing illness. This is known as inactive TB or latent TB.

However without treatment, one in 10 people with inactive TB will get sick with active TB disease, according to the CDC.
Beijing has sensationally claimed that America  not China  is to blame for the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a white paper released Wednesday, China's State Council Information Office suggested the virus that killed 1.2 million Americans and at least 7 million people worldwide may have originated in the United States.

The document appears to be a direct rebuttal to renewed attacks from the Trump campaign, which has doubled down on claims that Covid leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV)  a lab known to be conducting coronavirus experiments  calling it the only plausible explanation for the pandemic.

The white paper released by China's State Council Information Office was meant to rebut the Trump Administration which has claimed the virus came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) which was doing coronavirus experiments at the time.

In the report, Chinese officials wrote: 'The US government, instead of facing squarely its failure in response to Covid-19 and reflecting on its shortcomings, has tried to shift the blame and divert people's attention by shamelessly politicizing SARS-CoV-2 origins tracing.

'A thorough and in-depth investigation into the origins of the virus should be conducted in the United States. The United States should respond to the reasonable concern of the international community, and give a responsible answer to the world.'

The report goes on to say: 'Substantial evidence suggested the COVID-19 might have emerged in the United States earlier than its officially-claimed timeline, and earlier than the outbreak in China.'

Despite originally being dismissed as a racist conspiracy theory, The CIA and FBI both believe evidence points to the Wuhan lab as the source of the virus.

China has been fending off allegations of a lab leak for years, often becoming the target of China hawks in Congress who have advanced investigative reports into the pandemic's origins

Many virologists and epidemiologists still believe that the coronavirus emerged in the human population after being transmitted between various animal hosts.

The Chinese government said in its latest report that the US should not continue to 'pretend to be deaf and dumb,' but should respond to the legitimate concerns of the international community.

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The report comes after White House launched a new Covid website earlier this month, where the official line is that the coronavirus escaped from the WIV labs while criticizing former President Joe Biden and top infectious disease specialist Dr Anthony Fauci.

The Chinese government wrote in its white paper that in January 2020, 'the US was aware that an epidemic of a novel coronavirus was spreading quickly within its borders' and chose to 'downplay the severity of the epidemic [on] multiple occasions compared Covid-19 to the flu, saying that it would disappear automatically one day.

'The US has made China the primary scapegoat for its own mismanaged Covid-19 response. The US government's indifference and delayed actions wasted the precious time China had secured for the global fight against the pandemic.'

The white paper goes on to allege that the virus has its roots in US soil, detailing respiratory disease outbreaks from May to October 2019 that the Chinese government alleges were Covid cases, though lab test results never concluded this.

'A US CDC study revealed that out of 7,389 serological survey samples collected from nine states between December 13, 2019 and January 17, 2020, 106 were SARS-CoV-2 antibody positive. This suggests that the virus existed in the US before the first official case was identified,' the white paper said.

It continued with a misleading claim that an NIH study proved that the coronavirus was widely circulating by December 2019.

NIH researchers tested 24,079 blood samples collected from participants across 50 states between January 2 and March 18, 2020, identifying nine containing antibodies for the virus.

The White House launched a new Covid website earlier this month, where the official line is that the coronavirus escaped from the WIV labs while criticizing former President Joe Biden and top infectious disease specialist Dr Anthony Fauci.

But antibody tests can cross-react with other coronaviruses, such as the common cold, and can produce false positives. Further, antibodies only confirm exposure, not active infection or chains of transmission.

The Chinese government's framing also avoids noting that the initial sequences of the virus, conducted by officials at China's CDC, originated from patient samples at Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital and workers at the Huanan Seafood Market.

It added that the US recorded around 1,500 'serious laboratory incidents involving coronaviruses and other highly dangerous pathogens linked to diseases such as SARS, MERS, Ebola, anthrax, smallpox, and avian influenza.'

The allegation excludes the fact that all but 11 incidents were minor, such as broken vials. Fifteen people contracted laboratory-acquired infections, and there were three unintended infections of animals.

The Chinese government maintains that the US failed to proactively share information about early illness outbreaks with the World Health Organization.

'The US should cease from shifting blame and evading responsibility, stop finding external excuses for its internal malaise, and genuinely reflect on and overhaul its public health policies,' the Chinese government said.

'The US cannot continue to turn a deaf ear to the numerous questions over its conduct.'
A former staffer on John Oliver's late night show hinted that she has explosive secrets to share after boasting that she hadn't signed a non-disclosure agreements.

'How it feels knowing I could tell anyone at any moment what an award-winning late night show did to me after four loyal years of working there because I didn't sign an NDA,' wrote Katherine Nevitt-Chung on TikTok alongside a selfie.

The 30-year-old did not specify what went wrong during her time at Oliver's show, but she set her TikTok account private after her post went viral.

According to her LinkedIn, Nevitt-Chung worked as a research associate producer for Last Week Tonight until November of 2021.

She started on the HBO show as a a transcriber in January 2018.

Her Instagram includes several posts with her former Last Week Tonight colleagues, including from award shows.

In September 18, 2018, she shared images celebrating the show's Emmy win with her colleagues.

'love my coworkers who work very hard and are very smart and funny and who dont care when I wear the same pair of jeans three times a week,' she wrote.

'Congrats to the whole Last Week Tonight fam, I couldnt be prouder.'

Former Last Week Tonight with John Oliver staffer Katherine Nevitt-Chung made the above claim on TikTok before setting her account to private

Her Instagram includes several posts with her former Last Week Tonight colleagues, including from the 2018 Emmys

Olive rose to prominence thanks to appearances on Jon Stewart's The Daily Show started his hit HBO weekly show in 2014. He is known for discussing progressive issues and relentlessly mocking conservatives

The following month she posted more pictures with her co-workers and wrote: 'Cant believe season 5 is already over and that these people tolerated me bringing up Cher or A Star Is Born every 15 minutes!! I love em...couldnt ask for a better work fam.'

Nevitt-Chung previously interned at The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The New York Times Magazine and Buzzfeed.

She now works as a preschool teacher in Brooklyn while doing stand-up comedy, per her social media.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Nevitt-Chung and to Warner Bros. Discovery for comment on this story.

Olive rose to prominence thanks to appearances on Jon Stewart's The Daily Show started his hit HBO weekly show in 2014.

He often delves into progressive issues and relentlessly mocks conservatives.

Oliver has repeatedly defended the inclusion of transgender women in female sports, and earlier this month DailyMail.com revealed he has a trans activist staffer pushing her agenda behind the scenes.

Earlier this month the comedian was sued over comments he made about a former Medicaid medical director.

Dr. Brian Morley, once a medical director at AmeriHealth Caritas, is suing Oliver and his production company, alleging that the Emmy-winning comedian took his words grotesquely out of context, irreparably harming his career and reputation.

Nevitt-Chung, pictured in the middle, is seen on the HBO set with former colleagues

Nevitt-Chung worked as a research associate producer for Last Week Tonight until November of 2021

Earlier this month Oliver was sued over comments he made about a former Medicaid medical director

At the center of the lawsuit is Oliver's claim made in an episode broadcast in 2024 that Morley 'thinks it's okay if people have s*** on them for days.'

The line was aired during a blistering segment on Medicaid cost-cutting and managed care abuses, and was followed by Oliver's response: 'F*** that doctor with a rusty canoe. I hope he gets tetanus of the balls.'

Like many others comments on Oliver's HBO show it was laced with sarcasm and but according to Morley's legal team, it crossed a line and ignored the truth.

Morley's defamation suit that was filed in federal court on Friday argues Oliver and his team intentionally twisted his testimony to paint him as a cold, negligent villain willing to let disabled patients rot in their own waste, the Independent reported.

The legal filing goes on to state that Morley never claimed it was 'okay' or medically appropriate for people wearing diapers or who are otherwise immobile 'to have s*** on them for days,' and calls Oliver's characterization a malicious distortion of what Morley actually said in a 2017 administrative hearing in Iowa..
CNN's Scott Jennings might soon say goodbye to the station, but his next daring career move is set to leave liberal viewers seething.

Jennings - affectionately referred to as the 'black sheep' of the left-leaning network - could potentially run to become a 2026 Senate GOP contender, he told Daily Beast's The Swamp.

'If the president wants me, I'll run,' he told the outlet during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner soiree Saturday.

Although he would love to be the next senator from Kentucky, he said he will support what Donald Trump wants.

'If he wants somebody else, I'll support that candidate,' the Daily Mail columnist added.

When asked if he thinks his name and others would still be in the running come next year, Jennings said he is confident Trump will still have a standing over Republicans, despite the president's low approval ratings in his first 100 days in office.

According to the outlet, Trump and Vice President JD Vance seem to have already chosen who they think will replace Sen. Mitch McConnell after the 83-year-old announced his retirement in February.

McConnell served Kentucky since 1984, and according to businessman Nate Morris, 'The last thing Kentucky needs is another puppet for Mitch McConnel running for office.'

CNN's Scott Jennings could potentially become a 2026 Senate GOP contender

Although he would love to be the next senator from Kentucky , he said he will support what Donald Trump wants. (Pictured: Trump and Jennings Tuesday night)

'If you're asking for a permission slip to run for office here in Kentucky from Mitch McConnell, then you shouldn't be running in the first place,' Morris said on X.

Morris has also been touted as a possible contender, and according to a veteran GOP political consultant Jennings' might have good standing with Trump, but that doesn't mean he'll get the job.

'I can't imagine Trump endorsing Jennings against Morris, even if Jennings is a good TV presence,' they told the outlet.

On Tuesday evening, Jennings, 47, joined Trump on stage during a Michigan rally celebrating the president's first 100 days in the White House.

Trump gave Jennings a generous introduction to the boisterous, partisan Michigan crowd.

'We have a man here that I don't know but he's defending me all the time on CNN and he defends me really well,' Trump said.

The president joked that Jennings 'can't take it too far' but added that it's 'amazing' how he can 'take it right to the edge' for their left-leaning audience.

'He really does a good job. I think he's terrific,' Trump said before bringing him up.

According to the outlet, Trump and Vice President JD Vance have already chosen who they think will replace Sen. Mitch McConnell (pictured April 11) after the 83-year-old announced his retirement in February.

American businessman Nate Morris (pictured in 2022) has also been touted as a possible contender as well, and according to a veteran GOP political consultant Jennings' might have good standing with Trump, but that doesn't mean he'll get it

Trump gave Jennings a generous introduction to the boisterous, partisan Michigan crowd during his rally

As he waited for Jennings to make it to the stage, he joked about what it would mean for his career at CNN: 'This is the end of Scott!'

He then embraced Jennings and allowed him to speak briefly to the assembled crowd.

Jennings told the crowd: 'Michigan, we were flying in here today and I said "look at these farms!" I gotta' get a farm in Michigan cause when you own as many libs as I do, you gotta' get a place to put them all!'

He then thanked the audience and gave a final handshake to a beaming Trump.

The father-of-four and grandson of a Democrat-elected official has recently made headlines for his opposing Republican views on CNN's NewsNight.

'Often the show sort of comes down to several people versus Scott. Part of my job here is to honestly help translate from Red America,' Jennings previously told The Wall Street Journal.

His coverage of President Trump's re-election, and his defense of his policies and allies, has welcomed the Republican party viewpoint to CNN - boosting the outlet's ratings and viewership.

In June, prior to the show turning to a round table discussion format, NewsNight averaged 485,000 viewers. So far this year, the show attracted about 500,000 viewers, WSJ reported.

The father-of-four and grandson of a Democrat-elected official (pictured Saturday), has recently made headlines for his opposing Republican views on CNN's NewsNight

In July alone, the show brought in 669,000 viewers, and in October, just before the election, it attracted 717,000.

Although some of his critics have torn into Jennings for the apparent shift, CNN host Van Jones has branded Jennings a 'genius' that Republicans who tune into CNN 'love to hate.'

'The genius of Scott is that he somehow has managed to be the Republican that all CNN watchers love to hate,' the processive Democrat said, adding, 'Emphasis on the love.'

Jennings previously served as a White House aide, reporting to Karl Rove, and was a longtime advisor to Senator McConnell who aided in several re-election campaigns and also helped Bush win New Mexico in the 2004 election.

Outside of his job at CNN, Jennings is also a contributing columnist for Daily Mail, helps lead RunSwitch PR in his home state - a crisis communications firm - and recently joined the Los Angeles Times' editorial board.
President Trump hinted that he's coming after The New York Times after suing legacy news outlets CBS and ABC.

In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform Wednesday, he said The Times' recent coverage of his ongoing lawsuit against CBS News, which the publication called 'baseless,' could open them up to legal liability.

The Times reported Tuesday that CBS News' parent company, Paramount, is prepared to make a deal with Trump over his suit regarding the network's 60 Minutes interview with his opponent, Kamala Harris, prior to the 2024 election.

A line near the top of the story says notes: 'Legal experts have called the suit baseless and an easy victory for CBS.'

This set the president off, causing him to accuse the Gray Lady of potential 'tortious interference.'

'[T]he Failing New York Times, which is Fake News both in writing and polling, claims that "people" said that the case is baseless,' Trump wrote.

'They don't mean that, they just have a non curable case of TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, possibly to the point where the Times' interjection makes them liable for tortious interference, including in Elections, which we are intently studying.'

Trump maintained that 60 Minutes edited out an 'incompetent' answer from its sit-down interview with Harris and he painted his lawsuit as 'a true WINNER.'

President Trump hinted that he's coming after The New York Times after suing legacy news outlets CBS and ABC .

In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform Wednesday, he said The Times' recent coverage of his ongoing lawsuit against CBS News , which the publication called 'baseless,' could open them up to legal liability

Trump is suing CBS News over its 60 Minutes interview with his opponent, Kamala Harris , prior to the 2024 election

He added that 60 Minutes replaced her answer with 'a response that she gave later on to an entirely different question,' and 'perpetrated a Giant FRAUD against the American People, the Federal Elections Commission, and the Federal Communications System.'

'Nothing like this, the illegal creation of an answer for a Presidential Candidate, has ever been done before, they have to pay a price for it, and the Times should also be on the hook for their likely unlawful behavior,' the post concluded.

'It is vital to hold these Liars and Fraudsters accountable!'

Meanwhile, mediation talks between Paramount and Trump are currently underway, months after the Republican managed to score a massive settlement with ABC News.

He sued the network for defamation after GMA's George Stephanopoulos accidentally said he was liable for rape rather than sexual abuse, paving the way for a $15million payout.

In its story, The Times report homed in on the president's continued campaign against the press.

'Legal experts have called the suit baseless and an easy victory for CBS,' it stated in the second paragraph, echoing the opinion of countless legal experts on both sides of the political aisle .

'But Paramount is entering the talks prepared to make a deal.'

Long-term 60 Minutes producer Bill Owens quit this week in a fury. He said he'd lost 'independence' at the show

Brass at Paramount - and controlling shareholder is Shari Redstone (pictured) - are said to be looking to protect a planned merger with Skydance that requires federal approval

The story revealed how a little more than two weeks ago, Paramount's board of directors outlined acceptable financial terms for a potential settlement.

No details on financial amounts were offered. As of Wednesday afternoon, a settlement had yet to be reached.

Days after the April 18 meeting where the settlement details were drafted, 60 Minutes' Executive Producer, Bill Owens, dramatically resigned.

He and CBS News and Stations CEO Wendy McMahon were said to be the main figures pushing back against the prospect of a settlement.

Brass at Paramount - and controlling shareholder is Shari Redstone - are said to be looking to protect a planned merger with Skydance that requires federal approval.

The Times - and 60 Minutes Correspondent Scott Pelley, in an unapproved on-air speech delivered on the air Sunday - noted this as well.

In February, Trump announced that copies of the paper would no longer be delivered to the White House - after doing the same in 2019.
Conservative flamethrower Ann Coulter broke ranks with President Trump as she slammed his cabinet for their 'Kim Jong il-style tributes' to the commander-in-chief at a meeting Wednesday.

The right-wing firebrand took issue with several of Trump's inner circle gushing over the president's first 100 days back in the White House.

This included Attorney General Pam Bondi claiming that Trump has saved over 250 million lives in his first months back in office.

She said officials with the DEA told her that Trump has 'taken the handcuffs off of DEA agents', leading them to seize 'more than 22 million fentanyl pills, 3,400 kilos of fentanyl... which saved - are you ready for this, media? - 258 million lives.'

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon also said she has 'never worked so hard' to get herself fired, as she follows through with Trump's desire to eliminate her department.

After several more cabinet members gushed over Trump and his special advisor Elon Musk, who was also in attendance, Coulter took to X to share her thoughts.

'Would it be possible to have a cabinet meeting without the Kim Jong il-style tributes?' Coulter tweeted.

Although Coulter was mocked a decade ago for her early support for Trump during his first run - famously declaring he would win in 2016 before many gave him a chance - she has not been shy about criticizing Trump's second presidency.

President Trump held a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, where his inner circle fawned over the administration and took turns giving the president compliments

Ann Coulter slammed Trump's cabinet for their 'Kim Jong il-style tributes' at the cabinet meeting

Although Coulter was mocked a decade ago with her early support for Donald Trump in his first candidacy, famously declaring he would win in 2016 before many gave him a chance, she has not been shy about criticizing Trump's second presidency

That includes slamming the Trump administration's arrests of legal foreign students who have shown support for pro-Palestine causes.

Following the detainment of Columbia protestor Mahmoud Khalil earlier this year, she questioned in an X post: 'Isn't this a violation of the First Amendment?'

She continued her antagonism on Wednesday, sharing her disapproval with how Trump's cabinet fawned over the president for the cameras.

This also included Bondi praising Trump's first 100 days as greater than any other in American history.

'Mr. President, your first 100 days has far exceeded that of any other presidency in this country,' she said. 'Ever, ever. Never seen anything like it.'

After Coulter expressed her disapproval of Trump's deportation efforts, she made a public u-turn earlier this month as she supported sending illegal migrants with gang affiliations to El Salvador.

'Trump 2 is AWESOME!' she said in a post on X.

Coulter has yo-yo'd between supporting and criticizing Trump for years, saying in 2020 that America was in a 'national emergency' because 'our president is an idiot.'

The cabinet meeting included Attorney General Pam Bondi making the claim that Trump has saved over 250 million lives in his first months back in office

Special White House Advisor Elon Musk was also in attendance, and at one point put on several hats that were on display on the table

'Trump 2 is AWESOME!' Coulter wrote on X earlier this month, after previously questioning the legality of the president's deportation efforts

The pundit who penned a book praising Trump's 2016 campaign continued to criticize Trump for the next several months for not following through on his promise of building a border wall.

Hitting him with insults such as 'disloyal retard' and 'blithering idiot,' the author of the 2016 book said in May 2020 when asked about her about-face: 'I will never apologize for supporting the issues that candidate Trump advocated.

'I am deeply sorry for thinking that this shallow and broken man would show even some remote fealty to the promises that got him elected.'

Trump, meanwhile, called Coulter a 'washed up' pundit he 'didn't want around' in September 2023, before running for president again without her support.
When it comes to the role that cash  hard cash  plays in the running of our creaking economy, I am not for turning.

Whatever the banks, government agencies and the big payment processing companies (US-owned) may say about the consumer benefits of moving to a digital payment world, my view is simple.

The UK must become a nation where cash  good old pounds and pence, notes and coins  is universally accepted.

Whether its paying for pricey parking at a council-controlled car park, purchasing a last-minute ticket at a train station, or buying a coffee and a pain aux raisins on a Saturday morning after a week of hard graft, we should always be given the option to pay with cash.

I say this despite the evidence of the map to the right which confirms that cash usage in some parts of the country (as measured by cash withdrawals from ATMs) has fallen off a proverbial cliff over the past six years. In some cases, by more than 50 per cent.

This drop-off, which varies widely across the country, is not just a result of reduced consumer demand for cash and the widespread closure of ATMs and bank branches.

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It is also a reflection of many retailers giving up on cash because of the difficulty in handling it (security issues) and finding somewhere to bank it.

It is my view that the right to use cash to pay for everyday goods and services should be enshrined in law  sooner rather than later. Without the protection of the law, I fear that cash will die a slow death.

And while they may not say it publicly, its what the financial institutions ultimately want. Its their Holy Grail. A country without cash.

Yes, call me a Luddite: I wont be offended. Believe me, Ive been called far worse over the years.

Call me old fashioned: I am, although if old fashioned means being a champion of choice and customer service par excellence, Ill wear the badge all day long.

But make no mistake, without the right to payment choice, financial life will become more challenging, especially for some of the most vulnerable in our society.

For example, the elderly, the unbanked and those with learning disabilities or mental health issues: many of whom rely heavily on cash.

Yet its not just these segments of society that will suffer if physical cash disappears. We will all become more financially vulnerable, even the digitally savvy.

In pushing us towards a cashless world, the banks and the payment companies are exposing us (consumers and businesses) to ever greater risks and costs.

Higher risks in terms of fraud and regular payment system failures, preventing us from shopping or accessing our own money.

Think Marks & Spencers IT meltdown last week which meant contactless payments were routinely declined in their stores without a four-digit PIN being entered (my payments were rejected even after entering my PIN  I successfully used my card elsewhere minutes later).

Think Barclays IT failure in late January this year which meant some customers were unable to pay tax due ahead of the deadline for self-assessment.

And as sure as night follows day, a cashless society will result in greater costs for businesses in terms of the fees charged by some of the worlds largest corporations for processing customer payments.

The likes of Visa and Mastercard are giant money-making machines as evidenced by the resilience of their share prices despite the antics of President Trump.

Threat: Without cash, we would be fully at the mercy of the banks. They could stop us accessing our money at the drop of a bankers bowler hat

Profits, not the fairness of their fees, are what matters to their shareholders  not the ability of an independent trader on Wokingham High Street to make a living against a backdrop of rising costs, including punitive merchants fees.

With cash out of the way, whats to stop these financial companies using their powerful market dominance to ramp up merchant fees even higher  and, God forbid, for the banks to start charging us every time we make a contactless payment? Not much, I would say.

Indeed, without cash, we would be fully at the mercy of the banks. They could stop us accessing our money at the drop of a bankers bowler hat. Believe me, its where we are heading.

A report published today by the Commons Treasury committee on cash acceptance may not be as bold as I am in calling for cash payments to be accepted by all businesses and public organisations in the UK.

But it states that there may come a time when it is necessary for HM Treasury to mandate cash acceptance in order to protect those who depend upon physical cash to go about their everyday lives.

Some of the evidence gathered from a mix of charities and retail organisations by the committee supports such mandating.

For example, Age UK, a charity representing the elderly, says that at some stage in the near future, the case for mandating will become extremely convincing.

The impact of dwindling cash usage is starkly highlighted by the report. Banking trade association UK Finance says that cash was used for just over half of all payments in 2013. Ten years later, the percentage had fallen to 12 per cent.

UK Finance argues, predictably, that this reflects a preference among consumers to make payments by card or digitally.

Yet I dont believe this is the whole story. You cant use cash if its access is restricted where you live  through the closure of local banks or cash machines.

And you cant use it if your local coffee shop, car park or leisure centre says they wont accept it.

For the committees report, cash machine network Link provided details of the drop off in the amount of cash withdrawn from ATMs in each of the countrys 650 parliamentary constituencies over the six years to the end of 2024.

The variation in the fall in cash usage is eyebrow-raising as the map highlights.

Those suffering the sharpest decreases (50 per cent-plus) are primarily urban constituencies in central London (for example, Holborn and St Pancras and the Cities of London and Westminster), and the likes of Bath, Edinburgh, Leeds, Norwich and Sheffield.

Running dry: In some parts of the country (as measured by cash withdrawals from ATMs) has fallen off a proverbial cliff over the past six years. In some cases, by more than 50%

In contrast, those constituencies with the smallest drops in cash usage are predominantly (not exclusively) found in more financially challenged areas of the country such as Bradford, Middlesbrough and Stoke-on-Trent (no offence intended).

Indeed, the Treasury committee uses Links data to suggest a correlation between cash withdrawals and child poverty rates.

In other words, constituencies with high volumes of cash withdrawals (the likes of Birmingham Ladywood and Blackpool South) often have high child poverty rates.

In contrast, the likes of the North Cotswolds and Mid-Buckinghamshire (affluent constituencies) have smaller cash withdrawal volumes and below-average child poverty rates.

But the missing part of the jigsaw in this analysis is how these cash withdrawal figures have been impacted by the increasing number of retailers who refuse to accept cash.

I am sure that a fair chunk of the fall-off in withdrawals is explained by this. Indeed, the report quotes the result of a poll late last year by Link which showed that half of respondents said they had been somewhere in the previous eight weeks that did not accept cash or discouraged its use.

Dame Meg Hillier, chairman of the Treasury committee, believes there may (not will) come a time when cash acceptance by retail facing businesses should become mandatory.

The Government begs to differ. In the report, Emma Reynolds, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, says the Governments focus remains on ensuring national access to cash through a mix of banking hubs (community banks), post offices and cash machines.

We have no plans to regulate businesses, big or small, to compel them to accept cash, she adds.

I think shes making a big mistake. Greater access counts for nothing if businesses wont accept cash. Greater access and acceptance go hand in hand. They dont work in isolation.

Two years ago, 71 per cent of British adults surveyed by The Payments Choice Alliance said they would like to see a law passed guaranteeing that they could use their cash when and where they choose.

If I had been asked to participate, I would have given the same answer. Two years on, I remain more convinced than ever.

Cash is precious and we should not allow the big financial institutions to swipe it away from us.
The cyber attack on Marks & Spencer, reported to have been carried out by a gang of teenage hackers, has sent a ripple of fear through the high street and spread dismay among investors.

After all, it's not been just any old hack, it is a hack on M&S - and thus more significant and unsettling, especially now that the Metropolitan Police are involved in the case.

There is anger among customers on social media and shares have fallen by 5 per cent within the past few days, in response to the news that online and app orders have been paused and warehouse staff sent home. This has coincided with a period of record temperatures, exacerbating any damage to sales.

Susannah Streeter of investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown comments: 'Demand for fashion is likely to take a big hit. During this spell of warm weather, summer ranges would ordinarily be piling up in virtual baskets.'

Executives in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) are working around the clock to sort the crisis. While the company is making no comment on the nature of the investigation, progress has been made: contactless payments in stores have been restored.

But click-and-collect, a means of delivery that boosts visits to the 1,492 stores, remains unavailable, and such has been the publicity surrounding the hack, that speculation is emerging about a possible change of strategy at the retailer.

M&S, a 7.76bn FTSE 100 company, sells about 3.5million of clothing and homeware online every day. Currently these sales make up about one-third of the total, but the plan is that this will rise to more than a half, making M&S the pre-eminent multi-channel retailer of our era.

But the apprehension now surrounding this plan has been further heightened by the power outages in Spain and Portugal - which dramatically highlighted the extent of our reliance on technology.

The cyber attack on Marks & Spencer, reported to have been carried out by a gang of teenage hackers, has sent a ripple of fear through the high street and spread dismay among investors

Empty food shelves at Marks and Spencer in Cambridge as the retailer struggles to manage the fallout from the cyber attack

The images are raising suspicions that the attack might be more extensive than first thought

There is no evidence that these blackouts were the result of a hack. Nonetheless, they have reminded us how vulnerable nations and corporations have become to rapacious hackers eager to exploit gaps in the technology systems that make modern life work.

This disquiet may be temporary, or indeed misplaced.

But M&S chairman Archie Norman and chief executive Stuart Machin may now feel that they should execute a pivot in their approach. Machin, who was appointed to the top job in 2022, is famously 'positively dissatisfied' about progress, always striving for better, and Norman has a similar commitment to unremitting improvement. He has described the collaboration as a 'high-wire act'.

In January the pair unveiled bumper Christmas trading: the nation could not get enough of M&S's festive treats which included pigs in blankets double-wrapped in bacon, Turkey feast sandwiches and panettone.

But Norman still reiterated his commitment, saying: 'We think keeping the spirit of the turnaround is essential because it takes a long time to irreversibly change a business.'

Norman, whose illustrious career includes a spell as an MP and as chairman of ITV, has only two years left at M&S to fulfil his ambition for the complete revitalisation of this 141-year old retailing stalwart. A nine-year term as chairman is the City's unspoken rule.

The Norman-Machin turnaround of the chain, transforming it from fusty to funky, is seen as one of the UK corporate success stories of the decade  which may be why there is, as yet, no talk that either could be toppled from their roles.

The City may be alarmed by the hack, but they will also be appreciative of the bounce in the shares. Despite this week's setback, shares are still up 290 per cent over the past five years, thanks to the advances in food and in fashion.

M&S chief executive Stuart Machin, who was appointed to the top job in 2022, is famously 'positively dissatisfied' about progress, always striving for better

This week, the Kantar consultancy reported that spending on groceries at M&S grew by 14.4 per cent in the 12 weeks to April, confirming that the store is now the place for the weekly shop as well as gourmet dishes, celebration cakes like the Colin the Caterpillar and confectionery, such as Percy Pigs.

This campaign to ensure that M&S is an affordable proposition for families looking to eat well has been accompanied by a transformation of the clothing division.

M&S is now a fashion leader, showcasing collections designed by the actress and style icon Sienna Miller. Shoppers can opt for M&S own brand and the Autograph, Jaeger and Per Una lines. They can also buy labels such as Nobody's Child, Whistles and even Calvin Klein on the app and website.

But online expansion makes a retailer a tasty proposition to the hoodie-wearing adolescent tech nerds who carry out ransomware extortion in return for cryptocurrency payouts.

The rumours are that Scattered Spider, a ransomware group based in the US and the UK, is behind the M&S hack.

These English-speaking criminals do not only look for weaknesses within target companies' systems, they also try to hoodwink and manipulate IT help desks to facilitate their access by sending phishing emails.

In February the Scattered Spider gang stole a piece of software from the M&S systems that seems to have given them the authentication necessary to gain entry to some or all of the network.

In April they returned, deploying, or so it is said, DragonForce, a type of malicious software that encrypts systems, freezing them so that they cannot be used - and so that the maximum chaos will be created in orders, payments and much else.

DragonForce disables anti-virus software, regularly communicating back to the hackers to provide information it has garnered.

The hackers then demand money for the 'keys' that will unlock the decryption and restore operations. Julius Cerniauskas, chief executive of web intelligence experts Oxylabs, comments: 'Their goal is simple: the greater the disruption, the greater the pressure on the company to pay the ransom.'

It is not clear to what extent the hackers have infiltrated systems at M&S and whether they have been able to steal customers' data, including card details and passwords. But pictures of empty shelves at the flagship Marble Arch store are raising suspicions that the attack might be more extensive than first thought.

Billions are spent on securing IT systems against such criminal forays. But as George Weston, boss of Associated British Foods, the Primark group, conceded this week: 'It's a threat to us all.'

Susan Streeter, of investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown, emphasises the importance of the establishment of more resilient frameworks so that worried customers can be won back

Now pressure to reassess the speed of the switch to online at M&S may mount ahead of the results for the year to March which will be announced on May 21.

Last year, M&S made profits before tax of 716.4million. A rise to 830million is projected for the 2024-2025 year. But the loss of sales from the hack will affect this year's profits.

M&S's customers may be apprehensive about venturing back on to the M&S website and app, but Nathaniel Jones of the cyberspace company Darktrace says that M&S will come back online with 'sustained crisis management support from both NCSC and the National Crime Agency'.

Investors may be equally wary over the impact of the potential loss of trust and credibility that may result from the hack.

However as Lucy Rumbold, an analyst at wealth management firm Quilter Cheviot, points out, the food and clothing stores remain open. But she raises the issue of how much M&S will have to spend to address the fall-out from the attacks at a time when competition is becoming more ferocious in the groceries market.

She comments: 'In the short-term, M&S will need to focus on getting out of this cyber attack in a good state. It also needs to ensure that it has the trust of customers, so that it can build on the momentum created by Norman and Machin and fight off any other headwinds.'

Streeter also emphasises the importance of the establishment of more resilient frameworks so that worried customers can be won back, which she suspects may not happen overnight.

Many private investors who are also shareholders will be irritated at the lack of internet shopping and the fall in the share price. I am one of these investors, having acquired a holding in November 2022, when the price was 122p. It is now 388p.

Most of my wardrobe is bought at M&S: in my view, the retailer is now better at providing the latest looks for less than Zara. The quality is also superior.

I invested because people would not believe that some of my pieces came from M&S. This unfamiliarity with the product suggested to me that there was huge scope to win new customers. I still feel that Marks has further to go, and I am sticking with the shares.

Seven of the analysts rate the shares a 'buy' and a further nine consider them to be a 'hold' or 'outperform'. The average target price is 428p.

This may sound ambitious, but the current share price is still 31per cent below their level of a decade ago  which should give Norman and Machin even more impetus to move beyond the hack, reassure investors and customers and show that a national institution will not be brought low by a teenage criminal gang.
Astrazeneca's boss has warned Europe is falling behind as it steps up investment in the United States.

Pascal Soriot said innovation in pharmaceuticals has mostly been funded by the US as he doubled down on plans to grow the business in America  which already accounts for 40 per cent of revenues.

And urging Europe to step up its game, he said AstraZeneca will shift manufacturing across the Atlantic to avoid tariffs on pharma imports planned by Donald Trump.

When you see the amount of investment that is going into the US, it really sends a very strong signal that Europe has to contribute to pharmaceutical innovation a lot more, said Soriot.

Otherwise, all these jobs, whether they are manufacturing jobs or R&D jobs, are going to move to the US over time.

Trump has repeatedly said he will slap tariffs on drugs imports, which could make life-saving treatments more expensive for Americans and encourage firms such as AstraZeneca to produce more in the US.

Expansion: AstraZeneca boss Pascal Soriot (pictured) said innovation in pharma has mostly been funded by the US as he doubled down on plans to grow the business in America

Warning against such tariffs, Soriot told Bloomberg TV: We actually believe that a better incentive to attract investment in manufacturing and in R&D is to have a great tax policy that incentivises companies to invest in the country.

But he added that AstraZenecas exposure to tariffs would fall over time as it shifted production.

Beyond 2025, any impact will be short-lived, because of the ability we have to move things around, he said. Our company is firmly committed to investing and growing in the US.

We have even greater US investment in manufacturing and R&D planned.

AstraZeneca  Britains largest company with a value of 160billion  reported a 10 per cent increase in revenue for the first three months of 2025.

The rise came after it made strong sales of cancer drugs, with the oncology division reporting a 13 per cent surge in business.

Separately, AstraZeneca is awaiting a potential fine in China over possible unpaid import taxes.

AstraZeneca said authorities in Shenzhen have claimed the unpaid taxes amount to 1.2million and that it could face a fine of between one and five times the amount of unpaid importation taxes if found liable  or up to 6million.

Despite the turmoil, Soriot said: We remain very committed to China. Its an important market for us.
Aston Martin is limiting exports to the US after President Donald Trump's trade tariffs struck a major blow to European and other global automakers last month.

Global car makers have been hit hard by Trump's 25 per cent tariffs on all imported vehicles and foreign-made auto parts, though some of those levies were eased on Tuesday.

Aston Martin revised down sales its targets slightly in April as Trumps liberation day announcement rocked global markets and sent shares in a string of car makers spiralling.

Adrian Hallmark, Aston Martin's chief executive, said on Wednesday that the group was 'carefully monitoring the evolving' situation and curbing expert while leveraging the stock held by its US dealers.

He added: 'We remain vigilant in monitoring events and will respond to changes in the operating environment as they materialise.'

Aston Martin is among other European car manufacturers who have seen their shares slide in value in recent months over concerns about the potential impact of tariffs on demand for their vehicles in the US.

Impact: Aston Martin is limiting exports to the US to offset the impact from Donald Trump's trade tariffs

The group said: 'Whilst potential ramifications on the global economy from the recently announced US tariffs remain uncertain, Aston Martin still expects to make significant improvements across all key financial performance metrics in 2025, compared to the prior year.'

Aston Martin reported a narrower-than-expected first-quarter loss on lower expenses and higher average prices.

The company reported an adjusted pre-tax loss of 79.8million for the three-months ending 31 March, against a loss of 110.5million a year ago, and lower than analysts' average consensus estimate of 89million.

Its operating loss for the period came in at 67.3million in the three months ending 31 March, 15 per cent higher than a year ago.

On an adjusted basis, the company's earnings before interest and taxation reached 64.5million, down 13 per cent year-on-year.

Aston Martin's revenue fell 13 per cent to 233.8million, amid a one per cent rise in wholesale volumes to 950million.

The group said it expects to deliver a 'significantly stronger' second half performance compared with the year prior, driven by deliveries of its Valhalla model.

Hallmark said: 'As guided, Q1 wholesale volumes were in line with the prior year and retail volumes materially outpaced wholesales, reflecting our disciplined approach to production and stock optimisation.

'Core average selling price increased by 10 per cent, demonstrating the positive impact of our recently launched range of ultra-luxury high performance models.'

In November, Aston Martin said it was looking to raise cash as it issued its second profit warning in two months. To boost its finances, the car maker has said it would issue new shares and debt totalling 210million.

In February, Aston Martin announced plans to cut 5 per cent of its workforce after losses widened by a fifth last year and it sold fewer cars than in 2023.

In February, the luxury car maker highlighted a string of supply chain issues and production delays as it told shareholders it would cull 170 jobs as part of a cost-cutting plan.

Aston Martin shares rose 4.08 per cent or 2.85p to 72.75p on Wednesday, having fallen over 50 per cent in the last year.

Adam Vettese, a market analyst at eToro, said: 'The firm has had no choice but to overhaul production and cost controls, having previously been burning through cash while the stock price remained in free fall.

'Although there is still a very long way to go, this morning's beat will be welcomed by investors.

'There are issues that still remain. Tariff policies in the US will be a disappointment not only to anyone across the pond who would like the same set of wheels as James Bond, but also to the company as it puts a key market at risk.'
Aston Martin is cutting exports to the United States as the industry reels from Donald Trumps tariff wars.

The British-based James Bond car maker said that it will let American dealerships run down stock amid the uncertainty.

The announcement came as Peugeot-maker Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz became the latest car manufacturers to pull profit guidance as the chaos unleashed by Trump made financial forecasting impossible.

And German car maker Volkswagen said profits tumbled 40 per cent in the first three months of the year as it warned over the impact of the global trade war.

The flurry of updates  which highlight the repercussions of Trumps tariffs on the car industry  came after Coventry-headquartered Jaguar Land Rover last month paused shipments to America in response to the White Houses policy.

The car industry was rocked when the President announced a 25 per cent charge on vehicle and part imports to the US in a bid to ramp up domestic manufacturing.

Bond girl: No Time To Die star Ana de Armas with an Aston Martin DB5. The British luxury car maker said that it will let American dealerships run down stock

The White House was this week forced to climb down after a backlash from industry leaders who warned of higher prices and lower sales.

In a speech in Michigan  known as the car making capital of the world  to mark his first 100 days in office, Trump said manufacturers with factories in the US will be able to reduce the amount they pay in import taxes, depending on how many cars they sell and at what price.

The climbdown came after motor industry groups including General Motors, Toyota and VW wrote to the White House urging Trump to reverse course.

But geopolitical uncertainty continue to affect the industry, adding to existing problems including the transition to electric vehicles and depressed consumer demand.

Aston Martin boss Adrian Hallmark yesterday said the car maker would limit sales to the US, one of the companys biggest markets.

The company reported a 13 per cent fall in first quarter revenues to 233.9million and a loss of 79.6million, although that was improvement on the 138.8million loss a year earlier.

We are carefully monitoring the evolving US tariff situation and are limiting imports to the US while leveraging the stock held by our US dealers, Hallmark said.

Analysts said the setback could knock Aston Martins turnaround plan off track.

Aarin Chiekrie, of Hargreaves Lansdown, said: Given that the US accounted for nearly 40 per cent of its revenue last year, its difficult to imagine Aston Martin meeting its full-year targets unless tariffs are eased.

Stellantis yesterday reported a 14 per cent drop in first quarter revenues to 30.4billion, driven by a slump in North American sales.

It said it was engaging with policymakers on tariff policies, while taking action to reduce impacts as it pulled guidance for 2025.

Volkswagen said earnings have fallen 40 per cent since the start of the year to 1.9billion, although sales ticked up nearly 3 per cent to 66.1billion.

Mercedes-Benz said Trumps tariff policy had caused an exceptionally high level of uncertainty. Revenue fell 7 per cent to 28.3billion in the first quarter.
Shares in Snap tumbled yesterday after it ditched its forecasts due to Donald Trumps trade war.

The social media giant, which owns photo messaging app Snapchat, stoked fears that advertisers are cutting spending because of tariffs.

It comes as a blow to co-founder and chief executive Evan Spiegel and his wife, the Australian model Miranda Kerr, who have a sizeable stake in the firm.

Snaps share price tanked 12 per cent after it withheld guidance for the second quarter.

Investors were spooked by the social media giants warning that it has seen a slowdown in ad spending.
A 'fit and healthy' father says the NHS has ruined his life after being ignored on a hospital trolley for 30 hours and ended up paralysed.

Mike Crease, 46, woke up one morning unable to use his legs after a freak 10-inch abscess had grown on his spinal column.

The father-of-one was rushed to the Countess of Chester hospital - ranked as one of the worst hospitals in the UK - where he claims he was 'neglected and ignored' in a corridor.

When he reached a specialist unit it was found the nerves had already been crushed beyond repair.

Now unable to move below his chest, Mike - who used to be 'an outgoing, independent man who loved the outdoors' - admits that now every day is a 'battle'.

He told MailOnline: 'I'm a prisoner in my own home, severely depressed and mental health at its absolute lowest.'

'The only time I smile now is when I see my three-year-old son - he turns up and everything bad goes away.'

Harley - who is Mike's 'everything' - is too young to understand that 'daddy can't do some things' but the father said it 'breaks my heart' that one day 'he'll clock that daddy isn't standing'.

Mike Crease, 46, was left paralysed after being on a hospital trolley at the Countess of Chester hospital for 30 hours

Doctors removed a large part of his spine to reach the abscess but by then 'the damage was already done'

'The only time I smile now is when I see my three-year-old son - he turns up and everything bad goes away,' he said

The self-employed car dealer has since launched a GoFundMe page to pay for a groundbreaking spinal implant and stem cell treatment abroad after the NHS refused to fund the procedure.

'I've lost my job, my independence, the ability to drive, to play properly with my son,' he wrote.

'Now I just sit in my wheelchair pondering, wishing the day away as a recluse in my home, loss of any focus, feeling lost and alone - it's a horrible way to spend my days.

'Unable to move freely, work, drive, do the very simple daily things in life or even play with my young son normally has understandably left me and my family absolutely devastated.'

'Some days I even question if I can keep going,' Mike confessed. 'This isn't the life I imagined.'

'I want Harley to remember me playing with him, teaching him, holding his hand and chasing him in the park. Not just as his disabled dad,' he added.

Mike said that 'if I could walk again, the first thing I'd do is take Harley on holiday and jump straight into the pool together - he would love that but it kills me that I can't'.

He added that what made his paralysis even harder to accept was that 'there was no accident, I didn't do anything. I just woke up one morning and never stood up again'.

Mike has had to battle blood poisoning, infections, bed sores and constant pain during his seven month stay in hospital as well as losing 25kg of muscle to atrophy.

The self-employed car dealer has since launched a GoFundMe page to pay for a groundbreaking spinal implant and stem cell treatment abroad unavailable on the NHS

Last April, Mike - who used to be 'an outgoing, independent man who loved the outdoors' - was able to go hiking with friends but is now a 'prisoner' in his body

'I want Harley to remember me playing with him, teaching him, holding his hand and chasing him in the park. Not just as his disabled dad,' he added

'It's been absolute hell.'

Last February, the Care Quality Commission revealed that the Countess of Chester Hospital Trust's emergency care was at 'significant risk' with the 'safety and dignity' of patients being compromised.

It came after the hospital was ranked 116th out of the 120 trusts in England for its care.

Inappropriate care settings were also flagged as 'people receiving care in corridors had become normalised'.

After Mike was 'neglected' at the Countess of Chester Hospital Trust, doctors removed a large part of his spine to reach the abscess but by then 'the damage was already done'.

The father then waited for a bed to become available in a specialist rehab centre but the same day he was offered a space, a nurse discovered a pressure sore on his bottom 3cm wide and deep.

'It was like a bullet hole,' Mike said, adding that 'this could have been avoided if the hospital had given me the correct mattress...the NHS have ruined my life.'

The rehab centre said they were unable to care for Mike's pressure sore, so his bed was given away and extended his stay in hospital by 100 days.

The dad said: 'I was screaming for them to let me go home by the end'.

'I've lost my job, my independence, the ability to drive, to play properly with my son,' Mike said

On the day he was supposed to move to a specialist hospital, a nurse discovered a pressure sore on his bottom caused by an 'incorrect mattress'

The specialist hospital said they were unable to care for patients with sores and gave his bed away, extending Mike's hospital stay by more than 100 days

'Some days I even question if I can keep going,' Mike confessed, 'this isn't the life I imagined'

'I'm a prisoner in my own home, severely depressed and mental health at its absolute lowest'

A care commissioner said the hospital were Mike visited had been flagged for normalising 'people receiving care in corridors'

Mike said that 'if I could walk again, the first thing I'd do is take Harley on holiday and jump straight into the pool together - he would love that but it kills me that I can't'

And in March the police said they were widening their investigation into Lucy Letby's killings at the Countess of Chester Hospital where she had worked.

They were looking into corporate manslaughter following her conviction in 2023 but are now also investigating gross negligence manslaughter.

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust told MailOnline: 'We are sorry to hear that the experience of Mr Crease did not meet his expectations.

'We take the confidentiality of our patients very seriously and so we will not comment further in relation to his individual case.

'We would be very happy to meet with Mr Crease to talk to him about his care, review his treatment and to discuss his experiences at our hospital.

'Anyone who has a concern about care provided in our Trust is encouraged to contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service.'

The Department of Health and Social Care said: 'This is a shocking case  no patient should have to spend 30 hours in A&E waiting to be admitted to a ward and our thoughts are with Michael.

'The NHS was neglected by years of underfunding but we're turning it around through our Plan for Change.

'Backed by a record 26 billion investment, we are fundamentally reforming the NHS to make sure it is there for patients once again, and we've instructed the NHS to improve A&E waiting times as a priority.'

Mike is planning to fly to Thailand to get innovate spinal treatment currently unavailable on the NHS where a device is attached to his spinal chord which would reconnect the nerves from his brain to the lower part of his body.
A shocked couple are 'living a nightmare' after leaving their 70,000 car with an official airport parking service - only for an employee to crash it through a fence as they returned to collect it.

Dr Jeremy Bliss and his wife Tracey, from Radlett, Hertfordshire, were left stunned after discovering a staff member at London Luton Airport's official priority service had extensively damaged their 'immaculate' Jaguar I-Pace, bought in 2022, while driving it from the secure parking area a short distance away.

The incident occurred in the late hours of March 5, after the couple and two of their daughters had returned to the UK from a five-day holiday to Alicante, Spain.

Father-of-three Dr Bliss, who runs a dental practice in north London, has shared astonishing photographs and footage showing significant damage to the front of the electric SUV, which has been declared a write-off.

However the couple face being thousands of pounds out of pocket after insurers for APCOA - which manages the official parking service at London Luton Airport - offered to pay only the current market value for the car, which they say is just under 30,000.

This has left Dr Bliss and his wife with a 14,000 shortfall on the outstanding finance, and an additional 3,000 for other expenses - including the 70.99 parking fee they say at the very least should be refunded.

But aside from a potential financial loss, Dr Bliss said no-one at APCOA has yet reached out to them directly to offer an apology - or provide a full explanation as to how their car ended up as a wreck.

The couple claim after being informed their car was 'undriveable', staff members 'immediately closed ranks' and tried to persuade the family to return home in a taxi without seeing their vehicle or being able to speak to the employee involved.

Dr Jeremy Bliss and his wife Tracey say they are 'living a nightmare' after leaving their 70,000 car with an official airport parking service - only for an employee to crash it through a fence

The electric SUV was significantly damaged at the front and has been declared a write-off

The incident occurred in the late hours of March 5, after the couple and two of their daughters had returned to the UK from a short break to Alicante, Spain

When they insisted on both, they were informed the driver had been sent home after claiming he had banged his head on the steering wheel during the collision, leaving the Blisses with lingering questions as to what really happened eight weeks later.

Speaking to MailOnline, Dr Bliss said: 'The whole thing has been a nightmare. We chose to use the official priority service because we thought it was more reliable and they would take better care of our car - but we never thought something like this could happen.'

Recalling the events of that night, Mrs Bliss, a company director, said: 'We had just flown back and went straight to the priority parking office.

'Jeremy went in to get the keys, while I waited outside with my daughters - but he was in there for quite a while, which I thought was a bit strange.

'Eventually he came out and said to me: 'They've crashed the car.'

'I was just stunned, and we were so exhausted as well. It was late at night and we just wanted to get home.

'I went storming into the office, where other people were sitting there waiting and I asked them what had happened, but they really didn't want to talk to us. They wouldn't look us in the eye, and they wouldn't explain anything.

'When I asked to see the car, they seemed to be a bit taken aback.'

Photographs show the external pedestrian airbag had deployed after the crash - but not the driver airbag, which repair expert say was likely caused by the car being airborne

The couple face being thousands of pounds out of pocket after insurers for APCOA - which manages the official parking service at London Luton Airport - offered to pay only the current market value for the car

After insisting they should see the vehicle, a deputy manager agreed to drive the family over to the parking site - and were left 'shocked and upset' by what they saw.

Mrs Bliss continued: 'As we were taken down to the car park, we saw half the metal fence was down, but I didn't realise it was my car that had caused it.

'Eventually we see two men with high-vis vests waiting for us and I said again: 'Where's the car?'

'And they pointed down a slight embankment, where I could see it had been concertinaed into the fence and somehow ended up on the other side.

'I'd looked after the car like a newborn baby and just couldn't believe what I was seeing.'

The couple said they again asked questions around the circumstances of the crash, who was driving the car and whether or not he had been tested for intoxication at any stage.

'I told them it wasn't normal for a driver to drive a car in that way, but they told me they had not breathalysed the employee before sending him home.

'It doesn't look remotely possible somebody can just get into a car and do this without a reason, but they wouldn't communicate with us.'

Dr Bliss and his wife said there is still a 14,000 shortfall on the outstanding finance, and an extra 3,000 for other expenses - including a 70.99 parking fee which is yet to be refunded

Dr Bliss said it then took the next six days before the car was recovered and taken to a repairer. An analysis showed the external pedestrian airbag had been deployed as the front of the car took the brunt of the collision into the metal fence - but not the driver's airbag.

'The repairers told us the reason it didn't go off is because the car was likely airborne when it crashed, before spinning around 180 degrees.

'We were told it was a write off, which was obvious from looking at it, and 50,000 worth of damage had been done to the car.'

With questions remaining as to what exactly had occurred, Mrs Bliss reached out to APCOA's priority parking operations manager, but they claim she 'wasn't remotely apologetic' and would only speak directly with her husband as he was the registered owner.

They also reached out to the company's managing director of UK and Ireland, Kim Challis, and three other directors in a bid to speak to someone who might investigate further for them, but despite confirmation the emails had been delivered they claim 'not a single one of them responded to us'.

Since the incident, the matter has been in the hands of APCOA's claims management and their insurers, but the Blisses say they have yet to receive any answers - or an apology.

Mrs Bliss said: 'Eight weeks on we're still not really any further forward. We don't know if the driver is still working for the firm. We don't know if he's had any training or repercussions. We don't know anything, because no-one will talk to us.

'I'm very upset they've ruined my car because it was so unnecessary. But I think what's even worse is the fact they don't seem to have any humanity or humility.

The couple say that APCOA - which manages the official parking service at London Luton Airport - have yet to provide an explanation or offer an apology

'There's been no apology and they don't seem to care. It's more about them protecting the driver and themselves rather than looking out for their customers.

'Obviously the claim is going through their insurance - but it doesn't cost anything to say sorry for what's happened. It's just astounding to me a professional driver could get into a car and do that - and being literally silent ever since is awful.'

Dr Bliss said: 'This company was responsible for looking after what is the second most expensive purchase you generally make and ruined it.

'Then didn't even have the decency to send a heartfelt apology, some kind of gesture and say, 'of course we'll refund your parking fee!'

'They just basically put it in the hands of their insurance and got on with their lives, whereas they've actually made life for us more difficult and stressful.'

Asked if she would ever use the service again, Mrs Bliss said: 'Never in a million years. Things do happen - but it's the disgraceful attitude of no respect, no thought for us as human beings or the fact they've ruined our car. They've caused us an awful lot of stress and worry.

'We immediately cancelled our forward bookings with them.

'Because they won't speak to us, for all we know the driver could still be working for them without any repercussion, which is not acceptable.

'I would never recommend or use them ever again.'

In a statement to MailOnline, APCOA said: 'This type of incident is very rare, and we are very sorry for the inevitable inconvenience that has been caused to Jeremy & Tracey Bliss.

'As well as offering our sincere apologies at the time of the event, we have tried to mitigate any immediate transport concerns by providing a hire car from within 48 hours of the incident to the present time and a full internal investigation was carried out.

'A full refund for the parking charges will be issued as soon as the case is closed and the matter is no longer under review.

'We understand that a settlement offer has now been made by our insurance company.'

A London Luton Airport spokesperson said: 'Whilst thousands of passengers take advantage of our on-site Priority Parking service every week, incidents such as this are extremely rare.

'We take our responsibilities with passengers' vehicles seriously and we are continuing to work closely with the Meet and Greet service provider and the insurer to resolve this matter as quickly as possible.'
Oliver Bonas has been accused of 'ripping off' the work of a young artist for its spring and summer homeware collection.

Zoe Gibson, a 30-year-old visual artist from Dundee, produced a line of wallpaper and fabric for a small London-based company called CommonRoom in July 2023.

Her work was inspired by the summer solstice and features a series of sun and moon motifs alternating between light and shade.

But Kate Hawkins, creative director of CommonRoom, was shocked after hearing earlier this month that Oliver Bonas was selling a range of items bearing a strikingly similar design, ranging from 4 gift bags to 32.50 cushion covers.

She is now demanding the company pay compensation to both Ms Gibson and CommonRoom while also pledging not to 'copy' the work of other artists without their permission.

'In their designs, Oliver Bonas has turned the flares of the suns into pineapples but that's not different enough,' she told MailOnline.

'I was mainly shocked by the similarity of the colours because those are really easy to change, but they haven't even bothered.

'We can't ignore this because it sets a precedent and encourages these big companies to keep on doing it. We also have a responsibility to protect our artists.'

Zoe Gibson, a 30-year-old visual artist from Dundee, produced a line of solstice-inspired wallpaper and fabric for a small London-based company called CommonRoom in July 2023

A 20 lamp shade in Oliver Bonas that bears a striking similarity to Ms Gibson's design

One difference between both designs is the use of pineapples rather than suns and moons. Pictured right is a 4 gift bag sold by Oliver Bonas alongside Ms Gibson's range on the left

CommonRoom is selling 'Solstice' wallpaper designed by Ms Gibson on its website for 120 for a 10m roll, while the upholstery fabric costs 125.

Ms Hawkins, 44, said she was first alerted to the Oliver Bonas range on April 13 by another designer who had been browsing the chain's website.

She found a large number of products seemingly inspired by the solstice design, including a 20 lamp shade and a 35 set of three laundry bags.

'I'd rather we didn't have to go public with it. But I'd like to get some compensation for Zoe, and us too, because we've spent a lot of time on this,' she said.

'They could have just commissioned her in the first place. It's confusing that such a big business with huge resources wouldn't funnel those into creativity.

'It's almost as much effort to find an existing design and copy it while changing a few things instead of just making something new.

'They also go big on ''integrity'' and have a public code of conduct that says they will operate in a way that ''is ethical and doesn't negatively impact others''.'

Kate Hawkins, creative director of CommonRoom, was shocked after hearing about the Oliver Bonas range earlier this month

One of a set of three laundry bags on sale at Oliver Bonas for 35 (right)

A close up of fabric produced by Ms Gibson (left) and Oliver Bonas (right)

Ms Hawkins said she contacted Oliver Bonas two weeks ago but did not hear anything back at first. She then contacted her PR team.

They responded on April 24 with a statement reading: 'I have been informed that the print designer involved in creating this design is no longer with our team.

'As such, we need to investigate the origin and inspiration behind this print.

'We appreciate your patience as we look into this matter and will get back to you as soon as we have more information.'

The entrepreneur, whose business is based at Hackney Downs Studio in north London, said she had demanded 'clarification and serious engagement' from the company by April 28 and decided to make the matter public when this was not received.

'Since then we've heard nothing back,' she said.

'We try and do stuff properly, which is why it's taking us time to grow - so I'd like them to stop doing this.'

A cushion made using Ms Gibson's fabric (left) compared with a fabric bag in the Oliver Bonas range

A 32.50 cushion cover on sale at Oliver Bonas as part of its spring/summer collection

Oliver Bonas has more than 90 shops in the UK and Ireland and made revenues of 135.78million last year

The small business owner said she pays commissioned artists 10 per cent (excluding VAT) of the sale price of products that use their designs.

She would now like Oliver Bonas to do the same for all historical and future sales of products 'inspired by Zoe's design'.

The High Street firm has more than 90 shops in the UK and Ireland and made revenues of 135.78million last year.

MailOnline contacted Oliver Bonas for comment on Monday but has not received a reply.
Eighty years after Adolf Hitler's death in Berlin and Nazi Germany's defeat, it may seem like everything we can possibly learn about the fuhrer and his henchmen has already been written into history books.

But new documents out of Switzerland and Argentina suggest there may be more to uncover.

Now, a team of forensic accountants and historians is poring over tens of thousands of recently unearthed files of Swiss bank accounts held by Nazis and their enablers in the 1930s and '40s.

Experts involved in the probe told the Daily Mail their coming report will blow apart our understanding of this dark chapter in history, and will name and shame many more Nazi collaborators than we previously knew about.

Their investigation will fill in gaps about how the Nazis plundered the wealth of millions of European Jews, and laundered it through businesses and accounts held at Credit Suisse, one of Switzerland's biggest banks.

Even more sensationally, they say, it will reveal how those same funds later financed the so-called ratlines (escape routes) used by thousands of Nazis who fled after Germany's 1945 defeat.

Neil Barofsky, an independent ombudsman, is heading the probe for UBS, which bought Credit Suisse in June 2023, having gained access to troves of previously hushed-up files in a Zurich archive.

The audit may lead to new multimillion dollar compensation payouts and turn previously anonymous actors into wartime villains.

Adolf Hitler with top officials in 1938. The Nazi system of theft, slave labor and money laundering is still not fully understood

A coming report on wartime accounts with Credit Suisse, one of Switzerland's biggest banks, is set to expose more Nazi profiteers

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), has thrown his weight behind the inquiry and is coordinating with Barofsky and a Jewish human rights group called the Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC), which takes its name from a famous Nazi hunter.

In an exclusive interview, Dr. Ariel Gelblung, who is based in Buenos Aires and heads SWC's South America office, said the probe will 'substantially change our understanding of that period of history' when it comes out in March 2026.

'We will see differently things before the war, during the war and after the war,' said Dr. Gelblung.

The painstaking work continues in Zurich, as veteran groups mark the 80th anniversary of Hitler's death in the Fuhrerbunker on April 30 and Germany's surrender to the Allies on May 7.

Barofsky, along with a team of 50 experts, is studying old microfilms and tens of thousands of documents - many of them original paper files - that occupy a staggering 300,000 meters of shelf space.

Among them is a recently uncovered trove marked 'American blacklist' - a designation for those trading with Nazi-affiliated entities - which Credit Suisse apparently hid during previous investigations.

Barofsky, a former US prosecutor, has flagged the names of hundreds of previously unknown Credit Suisse account holders suspected of helping the Nazis.

The list includes a German manufacturer who used concentration camp slave labor, and a banker who laundered stolen Jewish assets.

In a letter to US lawmakers late last year, Barofsky said these collaborators helped Nazis 'hide gold, camouflage illicit transactions to purchase war materials, loot Jewish assets and generally support the Nazi war economy.'

He has also identified some three dozen Credit Suisse account holders who helped Nazis flee Europe after the war - as many as 9,000 ex-Nazi officials reached South America while others went to the US, Canada, Australia, the Middle East and beyond.

Some Jewish women were forced to work in a factory in a Polish ghetto, part of Nazi Germany's business empire

Independent investigator Neil Barofsky says Credit Suisse account holders helped the Nazis 'hide gold, camouflage illicit transactions to purchase war materials, loot Jewish assets'

Barofsky's team is studying tens of thousands of documents that occupy a staggering 300,000 meters of shelf space

Some files were marked 'American blacklist,' a designation for those trading with Nazi-affiliated entities, which Credit Suisse apparently hid during previous investigations

American liberators found this crate full of rings confiscated from prisoners at the Nazi concentration camp in Buchenwald

Roughly 5,000 of them are said to have settled in Argentina, including Holocaust architect Adolf Eichmann and Josef Mengele, the man known as Auschwitz's 'Angel of Death,' who fled along a ratline in 1948 using a fake identity.

One widely-discredited theory even floats the idea that Hitler escaped: It suggests he did not actually die in his bunker, and instead faked his death and fled by plane and then U-boat to Argentina.

In February, Dr. Gelblung and his colleagues reached a deal with Argentina's President Javier Milei to declassify government files in an effort to shed more light on the ratlines. Those papers are being sent directly to Barofsky's team, he said.

An Argentinian official told DNEWS that they include banking and military records of Nazis who fled to Argentina and were 'protected' in the 1940s and '50s under the presidency of Juan Peron, a Nazi sympathizer.

Pedro Filipuzzi, an Argentinian researcher, says Credit Suisse is being exposed as the primary banker for a Nazi-led consortium of dozens of German businesses, known as DWB, that used slave labor from concentration camps.

The coming report, he says, will lift the lid on all the 'money that was stolen from Jews by the Nazis, laundered by Credit Suisse and ultimately financed the ratlines.'

'When everything is released next year, we'll have a much fuller understanding of this dark chapter of history, and the companies, bankers and individuals who prospered off the backs of the victims of the Third Reich,' he told the Daily Mail.

'The money trails lead to the comfortable lifestyles enjoyed by such Nazi fugitives as Adolf Eichmann, Josef Mengele and Erich Priebke as they evaded justice for decades in South America.'

Argentinian president Javier Milei said he would release the Nazi archives after meeting with officials from the Simon Wiesenthal Center and others in Buenos Aires, in February

Workers inspect gold bars taken from Jews by the Nazis and stashed in a mine

Jewish men arrive for forced labor as demolition workers in Nazi-occupied Poland in the early 1940s

Holocaust mastermind Adolf Eichmann fled along a ratline to Argentina after the war, but was ultimately captured, tried and executed

Senator Chuck Grassley, an Iowa republican, supports the investigation and is coordinating with Barofsky and the Simon Wiesenthal Center

The inmates of Ebensee concentration camp, seen here after being liberated by US forces, were forced to dig tunnels by their Nazi captors

Credit Suisse commissioned its probe after SWC levied allegations against the bank in 2020, but removed Barofsky as ombudsman in November 2022 once he located several Nazi-linked accounts that had not been disclosed in previous investigations.

In 2023, following UBS's acquisition of Credit Suisse, Barofsky was reinstated under pressure from Grassley's Senate Budget Committee, which oversees a compensation program for Holocaust victims.

Anita Greil, a UBS spokeswoman, said the new management is committed to a 'fulsome review of the Credit Suisse archives concerning Nazi-linked legacy accounts previously held at predecessor banks.'

Since the acquisition, 'we have made it a priority to ensure that the review is thorough and comprehensive and have reengaged Neil Barofsky as independent ombudsman accordingly,' Greil said in an email.

'We are providing all necessary assistance to facilitate his review of the Credit Suisse archives to continue to shed more light on this tragic period in history.'
The reason why Erin Patterson allegedly invited her in-laws over for a poisonous beef Wellington has finally been revealed in court, as her trial began in Melbourne.

Patterson, 50, is accused of killing her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, with death cap mushrooms served in the pastry dish during a lunch at her Leongatha home on July 29, 2023.

Pastor Ian Wilkinson was the only one to survive the lunch, with an attempted murder charge related to his alleged poisoning also in play.

Dressed in a blue and white striped shirt, Patterson appeared in the Supreme Court of Victoria, sitting in the Latrobe Valley, 155km east of Melbourne, on Wednesday.

The jury has already heard three attempted murder charges relating to her estranged husband Simon Patterson were withdrawn last week.

She has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one of attempted murder.

In opening the trial, Crown prosecutor Dr Nanette Rogers told the jury Patterson had invited everyone over to ask them how she ought to tell her children she had ovarian cancer.

Prosecutors said that Patterson served beef wellington - and ate from a different plate to the others, distinguishing her meal from those alleged to have been poisoned.

There were four large grey dinner plates on the table, while Patterson ate from a smaller, tan orange dish, according to Mr Wilkinson, who became sick but survived.

Appearing teary-eyed from her position at the back of the court, Patterson listened intently as the allegations were aired before the jury of 15.

The jury heard Patterson had been keeping Simon's parents informed about her illness in the weeks leading up to the lunch.

Erin Patterson has heard the full extent of the allegations against her in court

A court sketch of Erin Patterson from earlier this week

The court heard Patterson had mentioned to Gail she required tests at hospital.

On June 28, Gail texted Patterson and asked how those tests had gone.

The next day Patterson replied they had 'went okay' but she required a biopsy and an MRI the following week.

On July 6, Gail texted and asked again how Patterson was progressing, the court heard.

Patterson allegedly told her mother-in-law 'there was a bit to digest' and wanted to talk in person.

On July 16, during a church service, Patterson allegedly asked her in-laws over for lunch, the court heard.

She also asked Simon to attend, despite the couple's relationship being on the decline.

The court heard the purpose of the lunch was to discuss 'medical issues' and how 'to break it to the kids'.

Simon Patterson will give evidence at the trial

Patterson was insistent she did not want the kids to attend and Simon agreed to attend the lunch.

The court heard each of Patterson's guests were confused about the invitation and wondered what the purpose was.

Simon pulled out at last minute because he 'felt uncomfortable' - a move which allegedly annoyed his estranged wife.

Patterson texted 'she was disappointed' as she'd put in a lot of effort for the 'special meal'.

The court heard Patterson told Simon it was important everyone attended.

On the day of the lunch, Simon's in-laws arrived at the Patterson household together.

After some small talk, lunch was served.

Patterson plated the meal of beef Wellingtons, mash and beans.

The Leongatha home where the deadly lunch took place

Patterson's legal team ran the gauntlet of media as they entered the court on Wednesday. Above is her barrister Colin Mandy SC (right front)

They were served as individual pastries on grey plates, but Patterson's was on a smaller coloured plate.

The court heard Gail ate only half of her portion and Don ate the rest.

Dessert consisted of a fruit platter and a cake brought by her guests.

After lunch Patterson told them she had cancer and asked how to tell the kids.

The court heard they prayed as a group for Erin's 'health and wisdom' before leaving together about 3pm

They became violently ill hours later.

On Tuesday, Justice Beale began his opening address to the jury, who had been meticulously selected from a jury pool of 120 people.

While 15 jurors are taking part in the full trial, which is expected to take anywhere up to six weeks, only 12 will decide Patterson's fate.

Heather and Ian Wilkinson in happier times. Mr Wilkinson survived the deadly lunch

Don and Gail Patterson both died after the lunch

A ballot will be held before the jury retires to consider its verdict, with three to be ejected without any input.

The additional jurors are selected as a back-up should any juror fall ill or need to be discharged during the lengthy trial process.

As the trial gets underway, more than 50 reporters from across the globe have descended on Morwell which is located about 60km from Patterson's home town in Leongatha, in Victoria's Gippsland region.

Almost all available accommodation within 13km of Morwell - as far away as Traralgon - has now been snapped up by media organisations covering the trial.

True crime podcasters and documentary crews have also converged on Morwell, which is located among lush green fields and has a population of under 15,000.

Morwell is known for its role as a major energy production centre for Victoria, as the centre of a major coal mining and fossil-fuel power generation industry.

Daily Mail Australia and a team of journalists will be on the ground in Morwell covering every minute of the case, with stories to appear daily online.

A podcast spearheaded by a top team of international Daily Mail journalists will accompany Daily Mail Australia's coverage.
A much-loved kangaroo that was filmed in a confrontation with a dog has likely died after being hit by a car while trying to escape.

The kangaroo, which was known as 'Nigel' in the south-east Melbourne region of Rowville, came face to face with a black and white Aussie shepherd on a street.

It was seen balancing on its hind legs and tail as the canine barked aggressively at it.

A driver caught the incident unfold and the footage quickly spread across the country before it was shared on Channel Nine's Today Show where it was described as 'the most Australian thing you've ever seen'.

But what was not known to many was that the kangaroo was clipped by a car while he was trying to get away from the dog.

Sue Johnston, owner of Sues Roos, has been rescuing kangaroos for 20 years and said Nigel was left panicked, with a foot injury and suffering myopathy.

Myopathy is a stress-related condition that is common in kangaroos and it can come on after just three minutes of being chased.

It destroys muscles and eventually poisons the kidneys of a kangaroo.

The dog escaped from its owners and chased a kangaroo onto a road

'I have known the kangaroo in the clip for four years,' Ms Johnston said.

'He is a gentle creature.'

The Victorian Kangaroo Alliance president Alyssa Wormald told Daily Mail Australia there was 'every chance Nigel did not survive'.

'We know that he was injured by a car, and if he received even a small bite from the dog he is likely to succumb slowly to infection,' Ms Wormland said.

'So if he has not died, he will be suffering and in need of care.

'Nigel is a well-known gentle giant, beloved and admired by many in the community. I was horrified to see him fighting for his life against an uncontrolled dog.

'Nigel was chased from his home into the middle of traffic, and despite his size, he is a prey animal defending himself out of necessity, not aggression.'

Ms Johnston said Nigel had not been sighted since the fight broke out.

Nigel is a big grey kangaroo but is harmless according to locals who mingle with him

She said the incident started in a local park where Nigel often coexisted with dogs and people.

'Most people love that he's there. They visit him, take photos and keep their dogs away,' Ms Johnston said.

'He was chased from the park by this dog who was being walked off leash and clearly not under control.'

The dog was unharmed despite Nigel kicking out towards him to defend himself.

'Hopefully he has just been frightened enough from the idiots of this suburb to stay in the bush and he is not dying a slow and painful death,' Ms Johnston said.

Aussies also slammed the way the Today Show had a laugh at the kangaroo's expense.

The Sydney-based panel watched the clip and described Nigel as 'very menacing' and joked that his encounter with a dog was 'the most Australian thing'.

'It was upsetting the way Today handled it. When something like this happens, and they think it's funny, but it's not on,' Ms Johnston said.

There are fears Nigel could have died after a shocking incident with a dog on a suburban road

Ms Wormald agreed with Ms Johnston.

'This incident was treated like a joke by the Today Show,' she said.

'We need the media to stop sensationalising these videos.

'Kangaroos deserve our consideration and respect, and theres no way we should be deriving amusement from them being terrorised into defending themselves.'

Deakin University wildlife ecology expert Professor Euan Ritchie said the video was 'distressing'.

'The owner of the dog may not realise their dog is in serious risk of being harmed by the kangaroo. Large males are very powerful animals with long sharp claws and powerful feet and are quite capable of killing a dog,' he told Yahoo.

'Of course, there's also the possibility that the dog will harm the kangaroo, which is of course protected native wildlife.

'Really, the whole situation is quite worrying and problematic, and certainly nothing to make a joke about.'
From the team behind the award-winning true crime series 'The Trial', Daily Mail has launched a new podcast following the trial of Erin Patterson, who stands accused of murdering her in-laws with poisonous mushrooms.

On 29 July 2023, Erin Patterson, 50, allegedly served her parents-in-law Don and Gail Patterson, Gails sister Heather Wilkinson and her husband, local pastor Ian Wilkinson, a beef Wellington containing death cap mushrooms.

All four felt unwell by midnight that evening, with Don, Gail and Heather all dying within a week of consuming the toxic dish. Ian survived after spending months in hospital.

Erin, an Australian mother-of-two from the small town of Leongatha near Victoria, has protested her innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges.

The Trial of Erin Patterson is available now, wherever you get your podcasts. Listen here

Erin Patterson allegedly served four guests a beef Wellington containing death cap mushrooms

Erin has pleaded not-guility to all charges. Listen here

Her defence points to the fact that she was also poisoned by the beef Wellington in evidence of her not-guilty plea.

Another charge against her is for the attempted murder of her ex-husband Simon Patterson, which was dropped just days before the trial began.

The stage is set for a case that will dominate headlines in Australia, with the Mail's acclaimed crime correspondent, Caroline Cheetham, and reporter in Australia, Wayne Flower, set to share every courtroom revelation as it happens.

With the trial now underway, Flower told the podcast what the jury selection process was like having sat inside the busy Valley Latrobe Courthouse.

'There were 120 jurors that had to come into the small courthouse', Flower described.

'Each of them went in and Erin Patterson got to eyeball each one of them. They made sure that no juror knew any of the witnesses.

'By around 3 in the afternoon, they had a jury of about 15  ten men and five women.

The Latrobe Valley courthouse where Erin Patterson's fate will be decided

Don and Gail Patterson both died after the lunch

'The jurors go into the opening of the trial with some information about what lies ahead.

'They were told straight off the bat by the prosecution that these were not any ordinary mushrooms: they consumed deadly death cap mushrooms.'

Tune in to 'The Trial of Erin Patterson' every week as the prosecution lays out its case against the defendant.

New episodes will then be released every Wednesday and Friday. Search for The Trial of Erin Patterson, wherever you get your podcasts now.

Also watch out for The Trail's coverage of the proceedings of The Kim Kardashian heist in Paris, available now, and the cutting down of the famous Sycamore Oak, released on Thursday.

To listen to The Trial of Erin Patterson ad-free, subscribe to The Crime Desk - the home of arresting podcasts from the makers of The Trial.

Become a member by clicking here, for ad-free access to every show across The Crime Desk network  including over 200 episodes of UK's No.1 True Crime series - The Trial and On The Case and so much more.
More than half of Britons fear vulnerable people could feel pressured to end their life early under assisted dying laws, a new poll has shown.

The YouGov survey, conducted for The Salvation Army, found 56 per cent thought it was likely people would have assisted deaths because they feel a burden to others.

A similar proportion (58 per cent) said, if assisted dying is legalised, then those with disabilities would be at higher risk of being pressured into applying for an assisted death.

Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) thought there was a higher risk of the elderly being pressured into applying for an assisted death, if Parliament passes laws to allow it.

And 56 per cent said those with mental health issues would be at higher risk of being pressured into making an assisted dying application.

Even among supporters of assisted dying legislation, a majority thought those with a disability (55 per cent), the elderly (60 per cent), and those with mental health issues (53 per cent) would be at higher risk of applying for an assisted death.

It comes ahead of the return of assisted dying legislation to the House of Commons next month, when MPs are set to hold another crunch vote on proposed laws.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - being spearheaded by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater - is due to complete its Commons stages on 16 May, following weeks of scrutiny of the legislation by a committee of MPs.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - being spearheaded by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater - is due to complete its Commons stages on 16 May

Supporters of assisted dying legislation campaigned in Westminster in November as MPs approved the Bill's second reading

Disabled people and their supporters also gathered outside Parliament to demonstrate their opposition to assisted dying

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During the Bill's committee stage, charities reacted with alarm after MPs rejectedan attempt to close a potential loophole that would allow patients with anorexia to access assisted dying.

The committee also rejected an amendment, proposed by ex-home secretary James Cleverly, that sought to strengthen safeguards against people requesting to end their lives because they feel a burden.

The YouGov survey found a majority (55 per cent) of Britons thought assisted dying should not be allowed for those with a mental illness that has affected their physical health, such as anorexia.

It also showed 63 per cent thought assisted dying should not be legal for those whose primary reason is that they feel like a burden on their families or the NHS.

Commissioner Paul Main, territorial leader of The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland, said: 'Everyone agrees that people should have relief and dignity in their final days.

'But this survey shows that the public are concerned that the legislation will not provide that.

'Even those who support the principle of assisted dying admit that particularly vulnerable groups like those who have a disability and who are elderly are at risk of pressure should the Bill become law.

'Beneath widespread sympathy lies a deep unease about how such legislation could expose the most vulnerable to harm, coercion, or abandonment.

'Though this legislation stems from a sincere desire to alleviate suffering, we are urging MPs to vote against the Bill.

'We are gravely concerned that the Bill invertedly creates a two-tier system of death.

'It is terrifying to face terminal illness without palliative care but if you cannot access the support that can help alleviate suffering, you may feel you have no choice but to ask for an assisted suicide.'

Tory MP Andrew Rosindell, an opponent of the Bill, said: 'The grim reality of the Leadbeater Bill is that significant numbers of vulnerable people will opt for an assisted death because they feel like a burden.

'Wherever these laws have been introduced this has been the case. It's not surprising the majority of the public are opposed to people opting for an assisted death because they feel like a burden.

'The moment the public are presented with the reality of Leadbeater's Bill the majority shun it.'

Fellow Conservative MP Greg Smith said: 'When you ask the public about the reality of Leadbeater's Bill and what it's likely to mean for vulnerable people the majority view is clear.

'The majority of the public do not believe that this Bill safeguards vulnerable people.'

Labour MP Jess Asato said: 'Public support for assisted dying has always been conditional on protecting the most vulnerable from abuse within any new regime.

'The current Bill fails this test for numerous groups of people including those with eating disorders, domestic abuse victims, and older people who may feel they are a burden on their family.

'This polling demonstrates that the public are rightly concerned about the consequences for vulnerable people who may be harmed by this legislation.'

In a letter to MPs earlier this month, Ms Leadbeater said the Bill's committee stage had 'significantly strengthened what was already the most robust assisted dying legislation in the world'.

In an historic vote in November, the Commons voted in favour of the Bill at its second reading and sent it for line-by-line scrutiny by the committee of MPs.

But Ms Leadbeater subsequently sparked anger when she made a major change to the Bill from when it was first introduced to Parliament.

It had initially been said assisted dying applications would only be allowed with the approval of two doctors and a High Court judge.

But Ms Leadbeater later proposed scrapping the High Court oversight in favour of an assisted dying commissioner and expert panels.

Under her new plans, the panels will feature a senior legal figure, a psychiatrist and a social worker who will decide on assisted dying applications.

YouGov surveyed 2,003 adults online between 14 to 15 April.
An illegal nightclub stormed by the Drug Enforcement Administration over the weekend had been operating as a prostitution and drug den and was frequented by Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Transgender prostitutes worked in what authorities have called a 'den of iniquity,' according DailyMail.com law enforcement sources.

Customers were offered a 'menu of drugs' while members of US military who were being paid to provide security while crimes happened there or who were patrons, the government said.

An army of 300 federal agents raided an underground party room in Colorado Springs early Sunday morning.

About 200 people were inside, with 114 initially arrested on suspicion of being in the US without permission, the DEA confirmed, however, by Tuesday only 105 were in ICE custody, according to the Denver Post.

A federal agent with knowledge of the investigation revealed transgender sex workers were among them.

Photos released by the agency show multiple scantily clad women and men exiting the club, including one unidentified man in sky-high heels and a figure-baring black bodysuit.

Tren de Aragua, a vicious Venezuelan migrant gang that crossed into the US in 2022, is believed to be involved in the illegal sex club.

'The use of transgender prostitutes that goes on with South Americans is pretty high,' the law enforcement officer who asked not to be named told DailyMail.com.

A man, dressed in a revealing black bodysuit and sky-high heels, was among the 200 people caught inside the illegal night club that authorities believe was being used as a 'sex den' in Colorado Springs, according to the DEA

'They use transgender prostitutes much more than people realize.'

TdA is known for its brutal trafficking of women and children and anyone else they can successfully exploit for cash.

'The gangs run these transgender prostitute and make money off them. They even use them beat people up,' he explained.

The agent added that the South American mob also used transgender escorts in the Aurora, Colorado apartment complex that made the criminal organization a household name in America.

Armed TdA thugs seen storming an apartment unit at the Edge of Lowry in August also employed trans working girls.

'They had one transgender (person) over there...they were using her to enforce some stuff. She was definitely picking up money on drugs. She was definitely running the other prostitutes.'

Cop sources add that the use of transgender sex workers among the South American gangs is higher than than with criminal organizations in the US or other parts of Latin America-- where gay sex is considered much more taboo than in America.

'For some of these gangs, getting oral sex from a transgender person is not "gay,"' the source said.

'You're the one receiving oral sex, so you're in position of power.'

Sex and drugs were sold to patrons at the after-hours club, the DEA told reporters after Sunday's raid

DEA agents had been investigating illegal activity at the Colorado Springs venue for months

'I think everybody who goes into a nightclub at 3 oclock in the morning knows what theyre getting into,' DEA Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen told reporters Sunday

About 200 people were inside the illegal club, with 105 in ICE custody suspected of being in the US illegally, the federal agency announced

Agents had been surveilling the club for months after locals called police to report shootings outside the club, drug sales and overdoses, according to NewsNation.

'During the Biden Administration, they received 170 calls to that club alone,' US Attorney Pam Bondi told Fox News.

'So what would happen at this club is you would go in. Security would give you a menu of drugs: cocaine, there's something new called pink cocaine, meth. You could go in a bathroom stall, get that.'

The head of the DEA in Colorado told the network his uncover agents had been inside the club leading up the operation and had witnessed TdA, MS-13 and Hells Angels members inside while drugs and sex were being sold.

The morning of the raid, agents found 'pink tusi', or pink cocaine that's become known as TdA's 'calling card.'

'As you can suspect, when the cops showed up, most of the drugs hit the floor,' Pullen shared.

'We did find cocaine. It looks like some pink cocaine, the Tusi, and it looks like a little bit of other drugs. We haven't had time to test everything, but there were dozens of packages of small drugs recovered so far that I have personally seen.'

Citizens of Chile, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Venezuela were inside the nightclub, the DEA confirmed.

The other surprise of the raid were the soldiers from nearby Fort Carson who were also present inside.

With over 200 people in the club, authorities said they were still working on going through each person's history to determine what, if any, charges they will face

The underground club had been operating at its current location for several months, but had previously been located at different addresses

Citizens of Chile, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Venezuela were inside the nightclub, the DEA confirmed

About 114 club goers were initially loaded up onto buses to be transferred to immigration authorities on Sunday morning. By Tuesday, only 105 people remained in ICE custody

'We had over a dozen active-duty security members in the club tonight, either as patrons or working as armed security,' DEA Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen told reporters at a press conference Sunday morning.

When asked if the soldiers hired to provide security for the venue knew what was happening inside, Pullen told reporters:

'I think everybody who goes into a nightclub at 3 oclock in the morning knows what theyre getting into.'

17 soldiers were later confirmed to be inside, according to the Denver Post.

'We acknowledge that there were some Fort Carson service members present at the location during the operation,' the spokesperson said in a statement.

'Each person involved in this incident is presumed innocent until proven guilty. We will look at everyones situation on a case-by-case basis.'
Voters in the critical swing state of Michigan delivered some mixed reviews when describing President Donald Trump's first 100 days, some celebrating his policy, others bashing him as a liar.

The Republican is heading to the Detroit area on Tuesday to celebrate his first 100 days in office.

The president has made an event of the anniversary of his first few months back in the Oval Office by bringing MAGA stars onstage and touting successes on the border and tariffs.

He celebrated his administration's quick start; they have, so far, made good on immigration, economic and labor reform.

Though those walking around the streets of downtown Detroit Tuesday afternoon ahead of Trump's celebratory rally just outside of town warned the rapid changes have been unsettling - a sentiment reflected in recent polling.

Others, however, celebrated the president's early achievements like his aggressive deportation campaign that has already ejected over 65,000 illegal aliens, many of whom have criminal records.

'He has said that he's going to do some change. He's going to change the status quo. And he's definitely seems like he's trying,' Tom told DailyMail.com sitting in a park in downtown.

'The corruption, the money that's being wasted. You know, it definitely appears that they're making a difference,' he said.

President Donald Trump is celebrating his first 100 days back in the Oval Office with a rally in Michigan on Tuesday night

Tom told DailyMail.com he believes Trump deserves an 'A-' for his first 100 days in office because of his sweeping immigration reforms and cracking down on government corruption

Kevin gave Trump a 'B' because he felt the two have common ground

Tom, who graded Trump with an 'A-' for his first 100 days, was particularly impressed with the 78-year-old's handling of illegal immigration and national defense.

Kevin, a Detroit father, gave Trump a 'B' because 'he pretty much do what he wants to do.'

'And I can relate to that because I do what I want to do,' he said cracking a smile.

But not all reactions were so supportive and the majority of respondents delivered poor grades for the two-time president.

The flagging sentiment was also found in the latest Daily Mail/J.L. Partners poll examining Trump's approval rating.

Trump's approval fell nine points from 54 percent - when his popularity was at a record high - to 45 percent this week, the survey found.

'I give him a D,' an older man, Rube, told DailyMail.com. 'Seems like he's always a bullsh***er.'

'He's going to solve something in one day? I'm waiting for that, you know? I'm waiting for anyone to solve complicated problems in one day,' he barbed.

Rube ridiculed the president and gave him a 'D'

Workers take a midday break to grab lunch from food trucks and enjoy the warm weather in downtown Detroit on Tuesday afternoon

Another local, Zach, joked that he wasn't sure whether to grade Trump or his close confidant and DOGE leader Elon Musk.

'Trump and Elon, right? Elon's with Trump or something. I'll give them a C,' he concluded.

'I haven't really noticed the difference between Biden and Trump so far,' he continued. 'But I'll give them a C, because, you know, my life's about the same.'

'We'll see what the next 100 days brings,' he added.

'I think that the tools he's using are not the right tools in order to accomplish some of the change I think we all want to see,' Tori, 61, a longtime Detroit resident, told DailyMail.com as she walked her family's dog.

She likened Trump's approach to policy change to taking a hammer to a problem that requires a scalpel.

Tori gave the president a 'D' for his performance thus far, primarily due to the president's attacks on inclusivity.

'The best parts of who we are as people are that we are inclusive and we grow and flourish as a result of that,' she said disappointedly. 'We're not seeing that.

Tori took issue with Trump's aggressive reforms, sharing she thinks he has taken a 'hammer' to problems that require a 'scalpel'

Detroit resident, Zach, gave the president a 'C' because he feels not much has changed since Joe Biden was in office

The worst ratings came from Mikayla, a duel American-Canadian citizen and Michael, who works in ministry.

Both of them gave the president the poorest rating they could, delivering the Republican deserves an 'F' for his performance.

The dual citizen ripped the president for his conduct towards America's northern neighbor.

'I don't like how he speaks about other people in a really hateful way,' she explained, adding 'I'm hoping that the price of eggs gonna go down.'

Michael said his distaste with the president comes on religious grounds.

'God does not like ugly nor lying,' he said with a pastoral tone. 'Trump is just a habitual liar.'

'It's foolishness, you can't trust what he says,' he added.
Anthony Albanese has shared his damning take on Donald Trump amid speculation that parallels between the US President and Peter Dutton could win him the election.

Mr Albanese said a fall in popularity for Mr Dutton's Coalition could be due to apparent similarities between his leadership and that of Mr Trump's.

In an interview with News.com.au, Mr Albanese said a Trump-style government wasn't what Australian voters wanted.

'I think Australians look at the United States, and they see a society that is really conflicted, is really polarised, that's not healthy. They don't want that here,' he said.

The Labor leader compared Mr Trump's controversial tariffs to Mr Dutton's changing policies on working from home.

'I think what Australians have also seen is that President Trump has changed positions on tariffs, for example, pretty regularly,' Mr Albanese said.

'I think people have a look at uncertainty and they know also that in uncertain times what they're looking for is not volatility; what they're looking for is stability and certainty, and that's what my government is  the most stable.'

A senior member of Mr Dutton's Liberal Party told the outlet if they lost the election, the blame would lay with Mr Trump.

Anthony Albanese (pictured with partner Jodie Haydon) drew parallels between US President Donald Trump and Peter Dutton

Donald Trump is pictured

'Honestly, easily, the single biggest factor is Trump,' they said.

'He has just smashed us, right? And if you track the timing, the polling starts to turn south for us after an inauguration day, accelerates a bit after the Zelensky meeting and then after the tariffs, it just drops through the floor.'

The comparisons between Mr Dutton and Mr Trump have been a key part of criticism against his leadership ahead of the election on Saturday.

This is in spite of Mr Dutton's multiple attempts to distance himself from the American leader.

On Sunday, Mr Dutton was quizzed by Sunrise host Nat Barr and moderator Mark Riley.

'Mr Dutton, have you distanced yourself from Mr Trump's style?' Barr asked.

The Opposition Leader claimed he had 'not sought to style myself on anybody other than myself' and named John Howard as his 'political mentor'.

He also took aim at Mr Trump's right-hand man, Elon Musk, calling him an 'evil genius'.

Mr Dutton (pictured) has repeatedly been compared to Mr Trump, despite criticising the president

It fell to the Coalition's campaign spokesperson, James Paterson, to play down Mr Dutton's comments.

'I think you all know, as you've seen on this campaign trail, Peter engages very well and very respectfully with all media outlets who had great access to him on the campaign trail,' Mr Paterson told Channel Seven.

Meanwhile, Trump has confirmed he will speak to the prime minister after Mr Albanese admitted this week he had recently been unable to reach the US president to talk about trade tariffs.

Australia is angry after being slapped with a 10 per cent tariff on goods exports to the US, and 25 per cent on steel and aluminium exports, by its long-term diplomatic ally.

'They are calling and I will be talking to him, yes,' Mr Trump told reporters at the White House overnight.
A mother died from sepsis and internal bleeding when a discount gastric bypass surgery she had in Mexico went wrong.

Lisa Roemeling, 53, died on November 21 after the surgery in Tijuana that was organized by a medical tourism company for about $7,000.

Getting the weight-loss surgery in the US would have cost about $30,000 as it was not covered by insurance, and Roemeling couldn't afford it.

The mother-of-one flew from Hugo, Minnesota, where she ran Carbone's Pizzeria with her husband Tad Roemeling, to San Diego.

The company then drove Roemeling and her cousin Jenny Poppo across the border to the clinic where the operation was performed.

But there were complications and she suffered internal bleeding and later sepsis, leading to a cardiac arrest that left her braindead.

There was no improvement in her condition when she was transferred to a hospital in San Diego, and her husband took her off life support.

Lisa Roemeling, 53, died from sepsis and internal bleeding when a discount gastric bypass surgery she had in Mexico went wrong

Roemeling died on November 21 after the surgery in Tijuana that was organized by a medical tourism company for about $7,000

Poppo furiously gave the medical tourism company a one-star review on Yelp, criticizing the clinic's lack of equipment, or staff who spoke English and had the skills to deal with her cousin's complications.

The company sent her an email on Christmas Day that apologized for Roemeling's death, but warned her not to speak out.

'We respectfully request... that everyone affected refrain from making public statements that are both hurtful and inaccurate,' it said.

Poppo said the surgery was a 'circus act' from the moment they arrived, and the staff failed to find the source of the bleeding.

'They didn't have basic things like an MRI machine, a CT machine,' she told Fox 9.

Roemeling was buried after her funeral on January 12 at the Huge City Hall, where hundreds braved a freezing cold day to pay their respects.

Her son Austin Roemeling mourned her online beside a photo of her holding his newborn son, born just three months before her death.

'It pains me that my son will have to grow up without seeing his grandma,' he wrote.

'But I'm so glad that she at least got her dream of being a grandma and getting those special 3 months with him where I wish she could have gotten 30 years, at least.

Her son Austin Roemeling mourned her online beside a photo of her holding his newborn son, born just three months before her death

Roemeling's daughter-in-law Alyssa called her the 'best mother-in-law ever' whom she would miss forever

'As I told my mom before she passed, her legacy will live on in all of the people lives that she changed and I will be telling my son all about his amazing grandma as I try to do the best I can to be an amazing parent like she was for me.'

Her family added in their eulogy: 'Her family was the center of her world, and she relished every moment spent with them, whether at home or on cherished vacations,' her family wrote.

'Known for her thoughtful and generous spirit, Lisa was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

'Her warmth and compassion left a lasting impression on everyone she met, and her legacy of kindness will continue to inspire those who knew her. Lisa's love for life and her family was evident in everything she did.'
Rail passengers fumbling blindly in pitch-black tunnels. Shoppers gazing at empty supermarket shelves by torchlight. And airport concourses full of bewildered travellers whose flights have been cancelled.

The blackouts in Spain and Portugal this week viscerally exposed how vulnerable Europes energy networks have become.

Its now plain that the politicians who led the continents dash to Net Zero have simultaneously destroyed the robustness of its electricity grids. Energy security, a cornerstone of any functioning society, has been sacrificed on the altar of green dogma.

The shameful images from the Iberian Peninsula must now compel the political class, in Britain and elsewhere, to reconsider their obsession with renewables such as wind and solar power.

Spain has experienced a revolution over the past two decades with about 70 per cent of its electricity now being generated by renewables and nuclear, with gas and fossil fuels being hurriedly phased out. Just before the country was plunged into darkness on Monday as part of the worst power cut in modern European history, solar was providing 53 per cent of its electricity, with wind responsible for another 11 per cent and just 6 per cent being generated by gas.

But wind and solar, as I shall explain, are intrinsically unreliable for several reasons. It is the same story here in Britain. As the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, ours is one of the most energy-rich countries in the world, boasting vast reserves of shale gas, coal and North Sea oil.

Yet successive governments, intoxicated by a grandiose and self-appointed mission to save the planet, have spurned these rich natural resources while failing to replace our ageing nuclear power stations.

Our eco-zealot Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has actually approved plans to pour concrete down Britains shale gas wells so they cant be used. In November, one of our last remaining coal-fired power stations, West Burton A in Nottinghamshire, was blown up, so sure were our leaders of this bright renewable future.

The result of these antics? Britain now suffers some of the highest electricity prices in Europe, imposing a monstrous burden on cash-strapped households and making it impossible for countless businesses to compete.

Travellers prepare to spend the night on the floor of Madrid's Atocha train station on Sunday night

Even Tony Blair, the high priest of progressivism, declared yesterday that Britains environmental policy had become gripped by irrationality and hysteria. Predicting that Europeans green dash was doomed to fail since China, India and the developing world are expanding their use of fossil fuels, the ex-PM warned that the debate had grown so toxic that many sensible figures are afraid to challenge the agenda espoused by the likes of Miliband because they dont want to be labelled climate change deniers.

Such eco-madness is a religion  and it needs far more heretics.

After all, renewables are intrinsically unreliable. Readers will be aware that the sun does not always shine in our rainy islands, nor the wind blow consistently. Blackouts are therefore inevitable unless effective alternatives, not so reliant on climatic conditions, are put in place.

But there is another crucial factor, far less well-known, that makes renewables more unreliable still. This is so-called synchronous inertia, which is vital for any electricity grid to function.

Ed Conway, Sky News correspondent and an expert in the field, put it well yesterday when he described this as the magic ingredient at the heart of our power systems.

When you think of the electricity grid, think of lots of big wheels turning, all around the country. It is like an enormous orchestra across the land, all playing the same tune at exactly the same tempo.

That tempo is in fact electricity pulsing around the grid at a narrow band of 50hz. Conventional grids, powered by fossil fuels or nuclear, maintain that crucial frequency because they use huge turbines spinning at the right speed, with enormous momentum. This is synchronous inertia in practice. But an all-renewable grid doesnt have these turbines, which makes it extremely fragile. So when a grid using renewables suffers a fall in power, the 50hz band falters, causing a blackout.

That is precisely what seems to have happened in Spain and Portugal. The same phenomenon afflicted South Australia in 2016. And there was a similar outage in Britain in 2019, though thankfully not on the scale of this weeks emergency in continental Europe.

The blackouts in Spain and Portugal this week viscerally exposed how vulnerable Europes energy networks have become. Pictured: Barcelona on Sunday night

Britains politicians have known about these problems for decades but have been so wedded to green ideology that they have tried to ignore fundamental physics, to say nothing of the weather in the North Atlantic. We will all soon be paying the price for their self-indulgence and warped priorities.

And to be clear, Miliband himself deserves much of the blame. He has always preferred embarrassing gesture politics  such as strumming a guitar in front of a wind turbine for social media clips  to the hard graft of safeguarding the countrys energy security.

Yet Miliband is merely the latest in a long line of eco-obsessives it has been our misfortune to be governed by. The last Tory Government was hardly any better.

David Cameron staged embarrassing stunts alongside huskies near the Arctic and ostentatiously placed a wind turbine on the roof of his West London home.

Theresa May and Boris Johnson were no less enthusiastic believers in decarbonisation and Net Zero.

During this period, energy prices rose, the grid was rendered less stable and the likelihood of cascading power outages soared. Now we need to end this green insanity and return, in a more turbulent world, to realism.

If our current Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, chastened by the scenes in Spain and Portugal, wants to get serious about Britains energy security, he will embark on an emergency programme to build up to 20 new conventional power stations  and sack Miliband at once.

If he doesnt, our future will be dark, cold and poor.

Rupert Darwall is a senior fellow at the National Center for Energy Analytics
I visited Darlington market in County Durham earlier this year as part of the Treasury Committee's inquiry into cash acceptance. Apart from coming away with a lovely plant and English apples, I had the chance to speak to traders and customers.

Two things struck me. Firstly, market traders are tougher negotiators than most. And secondly, there are many people for whom being able to buy essentials with cash is critical.

The report my committee has published today warns that if the Government doesn't act soon on cash acceptance, it will be the poorest and most vulnerable that bear the brunt.

Online banking and digital payment services have become the norm for many, making paying for petrol or ordering a weekly food shop easier. However, there have been some devastating unintended consequences for some groups. For example, older people, some of whom told us they prefer to avoid digital payment methods as they feel more vulnerable to being scammed.

Research shows that almost half of disabled people face barriers when trying to navigate online systems.

Worrying evidence suggests that poorer people who rely on cash as a budgeting tool are being pushed further into hardship.

As public transport, parking meters and leisure centres refuse cash, people have less choice of shops where they can spend their money and are forced to travel to buy goods and services. They face a poverty premium.

Worrying evidence suggests that poorer people who rely on cash as a budgeting tool are being pushed further into hardship

For millions of women who face economic coercive control or abuse, cash is more than a form of payment. Victims often find their ability to access or manage money is controlled by an abuser, so collecting and hiding cash can offer a path to safety. We heard the harrowing account of a survivor, unable to pay for her child's school lunches as the school has gone cashless.

This was despite explaining to the school that her abuser, who had sole control over the school's online payment account, was refusing to pay. Alarmingly, this was not recognised as a safeguarding issue by the school who said paying in cash was not possible. This is unacceptable.

Of course, there are those who believe the cost of keeping cash alive is too high; they would advocate for a cashless, digital-first society.

Other countries  Sweden, for example  have found themselves transitioning to a cashless society. They rowed back from this decision when it became clear that if cash is lost as a form of payment, it risks the most vulnerable groups in society being left behind.

The UK is not yet in that position, although exactly how far off it is we do not know. It has become clear that nobody truly knows what the general levels of cash acceptance in British society are. Without properly monitoring this, we cannot be assured that buying with cash will always be an option for those who need it.

That's why we're calling on the Government to review cash acceptance, ensuring we can understand the scale of the issue across the economy and identify trigger points where intervention might be needed.

Prevention is far better than the cure and letting cash decline further before acting could end up costing a lot more in the long run.

The Treasury Committee, which I chair, is just beginning our work on this issue and will exert pressure on the Government.

The traders and customers I met at Darlington market, and all those that gave evidence to our inquiry, reminded me how critical it is that, as MPs, we acknowledge that cash is a way of life for a lot of people.

Inaction risks creating a two-tier society where cash users are paying more for less  and risk being completely cut off from community spaces. This cannot be allowed to happen.
Labor cabinet minister Clare O'Neil has cut ten of her campaign volunteers after it emerged they were sourced from an organisation with links to the Chinese Communist Party's foreign influence operations.

The volunteers were intended to staff polling booths in the Housing Minister's electorate of Hotham which covers suburbs including Oakleigh and Keysborough in east Melbourne.

Chinese-Australian Labor Party Member Chap Chow organised the volunteers with the Hubei Association in the past week.

The Hubei Association has previously been accused of working with the Chinese Communist Party's United Front Department which seeks to influence policies in foreign nations.

But Mr Chow contacted the association's president Ji Jianmin on Tuesday morning to cancel the volunteers, according to The Australian.

Mr Chow said the cancellation came after media exposed that two volunteers working for the campaign of Teal member Monique Ryan in the inner-Melbourne seat of Kooyong were from the same organisation.

The two volunteers said they were told by the Hubei Association to work for Ms Ryan.

Mr Jianmin was mentioned in the controversial video, with a female volunteer claiming he 'required us Chinese diaspora to support her (Dr Ryan)'.

Clare O'Neil has cut 10 campaign volunteers connected to an organisation with links to China 's foreign influence operation

Fotage emerged of volunteers in Kooyong claiming they were told by the Hubei Association to support Monique Ryan earlier in the week

Labor Party Member Chap Chow organised the volunteers with the Hubei Association in the past week

A male volunteer added: 'Monique is an independent federal MP, her policies are quite suited to the needs of us Chinese diaspora. It feels like she can give a voice to us, so we want to support her.'

Dr Ryan has denied she sought the support of the Hubei Association but admitted she has a personal relationship with its president Mr Jianmin.

The video sparked an investigation by the Australian Electoral Commission.

Labor said Mr Chow, who provides a link between the ALP and the Chinese community in Melbourne, and was presenting an offer from the Hubei Association.

'This organisation contacted my office earlier this week through an intermediary to offer volunteers, and my team politely declined,' Ms O'Neil said in a statement.

An interpreter for Mr Ji claimed it was Ms O'Neil's office which had initiated the contact and had contacted him asking for ten volunteers.

Mr Ji's interpreter claimed the Greens - in addition to Labor and the Teals - had been in contact with the association, looking for 10 volunteers as well.

Mr Ji denied his organisation was advancing the foreign policy of the CCP.

'We uphold Australian values,' he said.

'We serve and contribute to Australia  this is our responsibility and duty.

'If fulfilling our obligations as Australian citizens leads to Chinese communities being maliciously distorted, slandered, and defamed, then what justice is left?'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms O'Neil's office and the Greens for comment.
A little boy who was fatally hit by a bus on his way home from school spent his final moments being comforted by a Good Samaritan neighbor.

Five-year-old Lens Arthur Joseph was publicly identified by his grieving family as the victim of the tragic accident in Boston on Monday afternoon.

He had been on the school bus but a substitute driver dropped he and his 11-year-old cousin at a different location than their usual bus stop, the family claimed.

Little Lens stepped in front of the bus to cross the road to get home, and was ultimately struck and killed.

Neighbor Nathaniel Thomas told WCVB he had just 'pulled up in front of my driveway' when he 'saw the kid on the ground.'

He said Lens was 'not in a good condition' and a relative was screaming nearby. It is unclear if he was referring to Lens' 11-year-old cousin.

'The bus driver was panicking. I told [a] neighbor to call the police.'

Thomas said he moved Lens into a position on his side in an effort to help him breathe better.

Five-year-old Lens Arthur Joseph was publicly identified by his grieving family as the victim of the tragic accident in Boston on Monday afternoon

He had been on the school bus but a substitute driver dropped he and his 11-year-old cousin at a different location than their usual drop-off spot, the family claimed. Little Lens stepped in front of the bus to cross the road to get home, and was ultimately struck and killed

'He was not doing so well,' he said, as he explained how he tried to comfort the kindergartener as he waited for help to arrive.

Lens' aunt Remercie Edmond said he was a 'happy boy, a very smart boy, and very intelligent boy.

'He made everybody happy. He's going to be missed. It's a big loss for the family.'

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said she was 'completely heartbroken at imagining what this family is experiencing right now.

'No parent expects that they could send their child off to school and have something horrible happen.'

Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper also issued a statement extending condolences to 'our student's family, school community, and all those affected by this tragedy.

Lens' aunt Remercie Edmond said he was a 'happy boy, a very smart boy, and very intelligent boy'

Neighbor Nathaniel Thomas said he had just 'pulled up in front of my driveway' when he 'saw the kid on the ground' and approached to comfort him and offer assistance

'We are grieving this heartbreaking loss.'

It's understood Lens and his family live in the neighborhood. He was rushed to hospital after the accident but later died.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation, but noted the situation is 'very complex.'

'There are a lot more questions than there are answers in a situation like this, right now, unfortunately.'

Witnesses have been urged to come forward.
A mother-of-two who taught prisoners to read has been charged with a plan to kidnap and kill her ex-boyfriend.

Former probation officer Paris Wilson, 34, is accused with plotting alongside a crime gang to throw sulfuric acid in Danny Cahalane's face.

A personal trainer, the 38-year-old was attacked at his Plymouth home.

Police said Cahalane remains in a serious condition in hospital. He is reported to have been moved out of the city for safety.

Wilson, of The Quay in Plymouth, had previously worked as a probation officer and taught male lags to read and write by volunteering at Dartmoor Prison.

Former probation officer Paris Wilson, 34, is accused with plotting alongside a crime gang to throw sulfuric acid in Danny Cahalane's face

The 38-year-old (pictured with Wilson) was attacked at his Plymouth home

Police said Cahalane remains in a serious condition in hospital. He is reported to have been moved out of the city for safety

Wilson, of The Quay in Plymouth, had previously worked as a probation officer and taught male lags to read and write volunteering at Dartmoor Prison

She cried in the dock at Plymouth magistrate's court last week charged with conspiracy to murder and kidnap as well as participating in the criminal activity of an organised crime group.

'Paris was trusted to access the prison and worked closely with inmates,' a source told The Sun.

'Nobody can believe she's now locked up.'

Seven others have also been charged in relation to the attack.

Some also face drugs charges, while others face charges of possession of an offensive weapon.
Anthony Albanese gave a wide ranging speech at the National Press Club on Wednesday afternoon in which he touched on the failure of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

The Prime Minister suggested he wanted the referendum to go ahead because he believed Australia should have the Voice - but that he didn't neccessarily believe the referendum would be successful or that the majority of Australians were on board.

'We supported a Voice To Parliament. I wanted it out of conviction. Not out of convenience,' Mr Albanese said.

'It's not easy to win a referendum in this country.'

'The Voice To Parliament didn't come from me. It came from First Nations people who had a constitutional convention at Uluru under the former government under a process that they set up that led to that in 2017.

'We put it to the Australian people which was their gracious request. That was something I said I would do, and we did. We also said we would respect the outcome and we have.'

The Voice would have been a spectacular legacy for Labor and Mr Albanese, but its rejection by 60 per cent of Australians at the polls has been slammed across the political spectrum as setting back Indigenous reconciliation by decades.

Mr Albanese in particular was criticised for making the Voice part of his 2022 election victory speech and not negotiating bipartisan support from the Coalition beforehand.

James Blackwell, Research Fellow in Indigenous Diplomacy at Australian National University, said the PM 'treated the referendum like an election campaign but without the usual level of resourcing and advocacy'.

Mr Albanese has said the government will not pursue the Voice in another form, despite Foreign Minister Penny Wong saying this week that the country will eventually wonder why there was ever an argument against it.

'What we are now working towards is practical reconciliation. How do we close the gap?,' Mr Albanese said in his Press Club speech.

'The truth is that every government, Labor or Conservative have not done well enough, because if we did, then we wouldn't have the life expectancy gap, the education gap, the housing gap, the health gap.

'We wouldn't have first nations people having diseases that no one in this room will have to worry about. What we are doing is addressing those issues.'

Mr Blackwell is unconvinced.

'The governments current attempts at Indigenous policy remain exercises in seeking consent over genuine consultation,' he said.

He called the proposed economic empowerment agenda for First Nations people a prime example.
Hair stylist to the stars, Jenn Lagron, is in intensive care having suffered life-changing injuries after being struck by a drunk driver while she was out walking in Venice on Sunday along Abbot Kinney Boulevar.

'This is every hairstylist's nightmare,' wrote her friend Brandon Pietsch on a GoFundMe page launched in her name to help fund medical bills, physical therapy, rent, and daily living expenses.

'Jenn suffered devastating injuries, including a severely damaged arm - the very arm she relies on for her career as a hairstylist - and a fractured vertebrae in her neck.'

Lagron has been trusted by stars like Chrissy Teigen, Ellie Goulding, Hayley Kiyoko, Claire Kittle, and Kristin Juszczyk to for their hair.

Lagron's story has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit beauty and celebrity community.

Within hours of the accident, fashion designer Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, took to Instagram to rally support.

'My girl @jennlagron was hit by a drunk driver last night. Sick to my stomach,' she wrote alongside a heartfelt video of Jenn styling her hair.

'She is the most amazing person and incredibly talented hair artist. She's going to have a long road to recovery so truly anything will help.'

Celebrity hairstylist Jenn Lagron was hit by a drunk driver suffering devastating, career-threatening injuries. She sustained a severely damaged arm and fractured vertebrae - injuries that require multiple surgeries and at least a year of rehab

Doctors had to replace nerves in her arm using nerves from her leg, and she will be in a wheelchair during recovery

The fundraiser is now surging with donations and messages of support and by Tuesday afternoon, it had raised more than $51,000 toward its $60,000 goal.

Pietsch offered frequent updates for the many followers now invested in her recovery.

'She just got out of surgery for her broken vertebrae and is feeling a bit better,' he shared shortly after her first operation.

'It was successful with no complications She'll be having another surgery tomorrow to address her arm.'

That second surgery has since been completed, and while doctors are optimistic, the road ahead remains long and uncertain.

'Her surgery went well last night - everything went according to plan,' read Tuesday's update.

'Jenn is resting today after starting physical therapy. We are so grateful for the success of both of her surgeries and are hopeful for a strong recovery ahead.'

One heartbreaking detail from the update revealed the extent of the nerve damage in Jenn's arm with doctors forced to replace nerves using tissue from her leg.

A GoFundMe launched by friends has raised over $51,000 to help cover her medical bills and living expenses.

Lagron's community, including celebrity clients, is rallying to support the woman they call 'a light in everyone's life.'

She will now spend an extended period in a wheelchair and faces at least a year of intensive rehabilitation, during which she will be unable to work or support herself financially.

'Jenn has always been a light in the lives of everyone around her,' the GoFundMe page reads. 'Now she needs our help more than ever Any contribution, no matter the size, would mean the world to Jenn.'

Lagron, who built her reputation on making others feel beautiful and confident appears to have an affection for her clients.

'I truly feel like I have the most incredible clients who make me strive to be my best, not only professionally but personally as well They hold such a special place in my heart,' she said in a 2023 interview with The House magazine.

Now, those same clients, friends, and supporters are returning that love.

'This is a long road,' Pietsch wrote on Tuesday. 'But we are off to a great start and feeling very hopeful.'
The Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended a judge accused of helping an illegal migrant evade ICE authorities.

The highest court in the state said Tuesday that it was in the public interest to relieve Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan of her of her duties as she faces two federal charges.

The FBI took Dugan into custody Friday morning at the county courthouse on charges of concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest and obstructing or impeding a proceeding.

Dugan is accused of escorting the migrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, and his lawyer out of the courtroom through the jury door on April 18 as a way to help avert his arrest by ICE, according to an FBI affidavit filed in court.

Ruiz, who is from Mexico, had been charged with battery for allegedly punching someone 30 times in the face after they complained about his loud music.

In its two-page order, the court said it was acting to protect public confidence in Wisconsin courts during the criminal proceedings against Dugan.

The order from the state supreme court noted that the court was acting on its own initiative and was not responding to a request from anyone. Liberal justices control the court 4-3.

'It is ordered ... that Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah C. Dugan is temporarily prohibited from exercising the powers of a circuit court judge in the state of Wisconsin, effective the date of this order and until further order of the court,' the justices wrote.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended Judge Hannah Dugan (pictured) accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities, saying Tuesday that it is in the public interest to relieve her of her duties as she faces two federal charges

Dugan is accused of escorting the man, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz (pictured), and his lawyer out of the courtroom through the jury door on April 18 as a way to help avert his arrest, according to an FBI affidavit filed in court

In a statement, Dugan's legal team said it was disappointed 'that the Court acted in unilateral fashion. We continue to assert Judge Dugans innocence and look forward to her vindication in court.'

A state court spokesperson said that a reserve judge began filling in for Dugan on Monday for an indefinite period.

Flores-Ruiz illegally reentered the U.S. after being deported in 2013.

He was taken into custody outside after a foot chase after Dugan allegedly escorted Flores-Ruiz out of the courtroom jury door.

Court documents suggest Dugan was alerted to the agents' presence by her clerk, who was informed by an attorney that they appeared to be in the hallway.

An FBI affidavit says Dugan was 'visibly angry' over the agents' arrival and called the situation 'absurd' before leaving the bench and retreating to her chambers.

It says she and another judge later approached members of the arrest team inside the courthouse with what witnesses described as a 'confrontational, angry demeanor.'

After a back-and-forth with officers over the warrant for Flores-Ruiz, Dugan demanded they speak with the chief judge and led them away from the courtroom, the affidavit says.

Supporters of Judge Hannah Dugan hold a rally in Milwaukee at the U.S. Courthouse in Milwaukee on Friday

A sign on Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan's door is seen on Friday, the day of her arrest for accusations that she hid an undocumented migrant from ICE

After directing the agents to the chief judges office, investigators say, Dugan returned to the courtroom and was heard saying words to the effect of 'wait, come with me' before ushering Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer through the jury door into a nonpublic area.

The action was unusual, the affidavit says, because 'only deputies, juries, court staff, and in-custody defendants being escorted by deputies used the back jury door. Defense attorneys and defendants who were not in custody never used the jury door.'

Dugan was taken into custody by the FBI on the courthouse grounds, according to US Marshals Service spokesperson Brady McCarron. She appeared briefly in federal court in Milwaukee later Friday before being released from custody.

'Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest. It was not made in the interest of public safety,' her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, said during the hearing.

The affidavit suggests that Dugan was alerted to the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the courthouse by her clerk, who was informed by an attorney that they appeared to be in the hallway.

This 2016 photo shows Judge Hannah Dugan in Milwaukee

Ruiz, who is from Mexico, had been charged with battery for allegedly punching someone 30 times in the face after they complained about his loud music

Dugan was elected in 2016 to the county court Branch 31. She also has served in the court's probate and civil divisions, according to her judicial candidate biography.

Before being elected to public office, Dugan practiced at Legal Action of Wisconsin and the Legal Aid Society. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1981 with a bachelor of arts degree and earned her Juris Doctorate in 1987 from the school.

Dugan's arrests has sparked outrage among Democrats, who have accused the Trump administration of trying to chill the judiciary. Demonstrators gathered outside the FBI's Milwaukee field office Saturday to protest her arrest.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat who represents Wisconsin, called the arrest of a sitting judge a 'gravely serious and drastic move' that 'threatens to breach' the separation of power between the executive and judicial branches.

'Make no mistake, we do not have kings in this country and we are a Democracy governed by laws that everyone must abide by,' Baldwin said in an emailed statement.

'By relentlessly attacking the judicial system, flouting court orders, and arresting a sitting judge, this President is putting those basic Democratic values that Wisconsinites hold dear on the line.'

She is set to appear in court for arraignment May 15.
Aussie baking queen Brooke Bellamy has a glamorous background that includes 10 years of jet-setting as a travel blogger and having married into the family behind Bellamy's baby food.

Before she published her debut cook book, Bake with Brooki, and became locked in a war of words with fellow star baker Nagi Maehashi over plagiarism claims, Ms Bellamy ran a blog under the name World of Wanderlust.

The work involved years of solo trips and stays at luxurious resorts around the globe.

It was in 2016 that the 33-year-old returned home to Tasmania and started successful cafe Charlie's Dessert House, which is now owned and operated by her parents.

In 2021 Ms Bellamy moved to Brisbane with her then-boyfriend, landscape architect Justice Bellamy, and launched the bakery Brooki Bakehouse. The pair honeymooned at a private game reserve in South Africa earlier this year.

Mr Bellamy grew up on the family farm where infant formula company Bellamy's Organic was founded by his parents, David Bellamy and Dooley Crighton-Bellamy, before it was acquired by a Chinese dairy giant for $1.5billion.

In Brisbane, Mr Bellamy has been acting as a co-director of Brooki Bakehouse with his wife. The business has garnered a massive social media following off the back of TikTok videos of Ms Bellamy at work in the shop.

But it's the cook book Ms Bellamy published with Penguin last year that her rival has taken issue with.

Brooke Bellamy (pictured) has become locked in a war of words with fellow star baker Nagi Maehashi

Before she published her debut cook book, Ms Bellamy ran a blog under the name World of Wanderlust

Ms Bellamy's work as a travel influencer involved years of solo trips and stays at luxurious resorts

Ms Maehashi's rise in the food blogging space has been just as meteoric - if not more so. Both chefs are savvy businesswomen with massive followings on social media.

The 47-year-old's newfound cooking celebrity has afforded her a luxury lifestyle that includes a $7million Victorian manor in Hunters Hill, northwest Sydney.

She is a former financier at Brookfield Multiplex and PwC who pivoted to food blogging in 2014.

Ms Maehashi's cook books with Pan Macmillan Australia have sold hundreds of thousands of copies, won industry awards and smashed nonfiction sales records.

Her wildly popular website RecipeTin Eats, and a Sydney food bank feeding the city's vulnerable, have only raised her profile further.

Ms Maehashi, who will famously cook dozens of iterations of a treat before putting a recipe online, claims the recipes for Caramel Slice and Baklava in Ms Bellamy's cook book are nearly identical to the ones she has posted on RecipeTin Eats.

Daily Mail Australia does not suggest that Ms Maehashi's claims are true.

'To me, the similarities are so specific and detailed that calling these a coincidence feels disingenuous,' she wrote on social media on Tuesday.

Nagi Maehashi (pictured) is a former financier at Brookfield Multiplex and PwC who pivoted to food blogging in 2014

Ms Maehashi's cooking celebrity has afforded her a luxury lifestyle that includes a $7million Victorian manor (pictured)

'There are also recipes from other authors, including from a very well known, beloved cookbook author where the similarities are so extensive, dismissing it as coincidence would be absurd (in my opinion).

'I'm speaking up because staying silent protects this kind if behaviour.'

Ms Bellamy denied the claims, saying on Instagram: 'I did not plagiarise any recipes in my book which consists of 100 recipes I have created over many years.'

She said she had been making and selling her caramel slice since 2016, whereas RecipeTin Eats published its recipe for the slice in 2020.

Ms Bellamy added she had 'immediately offered to remove both recipes from future reprints to prevent further aggravation'.

'I have great respect for Nagi and what she has done in recent years for cooks, content creators and cookbooks in Australia - especially as a fellow female entrepreneur.'

Ms Maehashi explained that out of respect for the other authors, she has chosen not to name them or share further details of the allegedly plagiarised recipes.

But a second baker did come forward to echo Ms Maehashi's plagiarism claims just hours after she posted her statement.

US-based baker Sally McKenney claimed on Instagram that Ms Bellamy had also copied her Vanilla Cake recipe

Ms Maehashi will famously bake dozens of iterations of a treat before putting a recipe online

Ms Maehashi claims the recipes for Caramel Slice and Baklava in Ms Bellamy's cook book are nearly identical to her own

US-based baker Sally McKenney claimed on Instagram that Ms Bellamy had also copied her Vanilla Cake recipe. Ms Maehashi had reached out to her to let her know.

'Original recipe creators who put in the work to develop and test recipes deserve credit  especially in a best-selling cookbook,' Ms McKenney said.

Penguin has also denied the allegations, saying via their lawyers Our client respectfully rejects your clients allegations and confirms that the recipes in [Bake with Brooki] were written by Brooke Bellamy', according to Ms Maehashi.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Maehashi, Ms Bellamy and Penguin for comment.
President Donald Trump doubled-down on his international tariff plans despite widespread disapproval and a wildly unpredictable stock market since he launched the economic policy.

The president did not offer any reassurance to voters when ABC News' Terry Moran asked if Americans will be forced to 'hang tough' through economic hardship and a volatile market.

'I said all of these things during my campaign  I said, you're going to have a transition period,' Trump said in a sit-down interview airing on his 100th day back in the Oval Office.

Moran said: 'There is a lot of concern out there. People are worried, even some people who voted for you saying, 'I didn't sign up for this.' So how do you answer those concerns?'

'Well, they did sign up for it, actually,' Trump insisted. 'And this is what I campaigned on. I said that we've been abused by other countries at levels that nobody's ever seen before.'

The president added: 'I could've left it that way, and at some point, there would've been an implosion like nobody's ever seen. But I said, 'No, we have to fix it.' I've -- I've wanted to do this for many years.'

President Donald Trump said in his 100-day interview that Americans need to be patient with the economy and claims prices are and will continue to come down

President Trump speaks on his first 100 days in Warren, Michigan

'Since I came in, gasoline is down, groceries are down, egg prices are down,' Trump claimed

He went on to reassure Americans by listing the items where prices have decreased since January  including on gasoline and eggs.

'Hard times are ahead?' Moran posed.

'I don't think so,' Trump replied, and predicted: 'I think great times are ahead.'

'Since I came in, gasoline is down, groceries are down, egg prices are down,' he claimed. 'Many things are down, just about everything.'

But Americans aren't feeling the relief in their wallets.

Trump revealed he put a 90-day pause on his global tariffs because people were 'getting yippie' about it.

Stock markets tanked after Trump started his trade war and the president admitted he had been watching the collapse.

'I thought that people were jumping a little bit out of line. They were getting yippie, you know, getting a little bit yippie, a little bit afraid,' he said at the White House in early April.

'Is that what Americans should expect? Some hard times?' ABC News anchor Terry Moran asked Trump as they sat down in the Oval Office for an interview on his 100th day back in office

Your browser does not support iframes.

Trump appeared to be referring to the 'yips' - when golfers start twitching and missing putts.

He added: 'The bond market is very tricky. I was watching it. But if you look at it now, it's it's beautiful. The bond market right now is beautiful. But yeah, I saw last night where people were getting a little queasy.'

The president called the time period the 'transition to greatness.'

Additionally, he might consider exempting some US companies from the tariffs over the 90-day pause period, he noted, adding his thinking on that would be made 'instinctively.'

Trump's walk-back on tariffs earlier in April caused a polling fallout where the president saw his lowest-yet approval rating since getting back into office.

The president's approval in a new Daily Mail/J.L. Partners poll released on Monday fell a significant nine points from 54 percent on April 17 - when his popularity was at a record high - to 45 percent this week.

The decline is universal with voters increasingly concerned by price and economic issues that were critical to Trump's victory over Kamala Harris in November's presidential election.

Six in ten say the economy is bad or getting worse, including 49 percent of Republicans.

President Donald Trump arrives to speak on his first 100 days at Macomb County Community College Sports Expo Center

The president held a rally in Michigan to celebrate his first 100 days

Many believe food, and their favorite products, are getting more expensive  even though Trump claims prices are coming down.

Trump wrote on his social media platform that 'it won't be easy, but the end result will be historic' when it comes to his plan to bring down the cost of living.

'You said that to the American people,' Moran said in reference to the post. 'Is that what Americans should expect? Some hard times?'

'I've said that during my campaign,' Trump replied. 'Look, we won a campaign by a lot. We won all seven swing states. We won the popular vote by a lot. You know, we had a tremendous campaign.'

'I said all of these things during my campaign. I said, 'You're going to have a transition period.''

'We've been ripped off by every country all over the world,' he continued. 'They're laughing at us. They thought we were stupid people, and we were. And I said, 'That's not going to happen. We're not going to let that happen.''

Trump revealed on his April 2 'Liberation Day' event at the White House his plans to impose sweeping and significant tariffs on other nations.

He claims the U.S. has gotten the short end of the stick when it comes to international trade agreements  and he wants to right the ship.

Elsewhere in the interview, the president defended his Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth after a tumultuous month at the Pentagon

The president spoke about how he had counseled the Defense Secretary during a series of leaks and an internal investigation that led to several top officials being fired

Elsewhere in the interview, the president defended his Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth after a tumultuous month at the Pentagon.

Moran asked Trump if he had '100 percent confidence' in Hegseth and Trump immediately snapped back.

'I don't have a hundred percent confidence in anything, OK? Anything. Do I have a hundred percent? It's a stupid question.'

'It's a pretty important position,' Moran replied.

'No, no, no. You don't have a hundred percent. Only a liar would say, 'I have a hundred percent confidence.' I don't have a hundred percent confidence that we're gonna finish this interview,' Trump said.

Moran tried to diffuse the situation, joking: 'we will.'

The president spoke about how he had counseled the Defense Secretary during a series of leaks and an internal investigation that led to several top officials being fired.

'I had a talk with him, and whatever I said I probably wouldn't be inclined to tell you but we had a good talk. He's a talented guy. He's young. He's smart, highly educated. And I think he's gonna be a very good defensehopefully a great defense secretary,' he said.

The president brought a team of surprise guests to a rally in Michigan on Tuesday evening to mark the first 100 days of his second term.

He is staging his largest public event since returning to the White House in a state that has been especially rocked by his steep trade tariffs.

Trump invited a pair of administration personnel to the stage - Special Assistant to the President and Communications Advisor Margo Martin and homeland security advisor and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.

The president celebrated the 100th day of his second term - yet spent much of his rally marking it in campaign mode, fixated on past grudges and grievances.

He repeatedly mocked his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, attacking his mental acuity and even how he appears in a bathing suit.

Trump again and again returned to immigration, his signature issue, at the rally that marked his largest political event since returning to the White House - boasting about his administration's 'mass deportation' efforts that have sent arrests for illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico plummeting .
An ex-member of a conservative Christian sect has exposed an alleged nationwide campaign by the church's 'army' to campaign for the Liberal Party.

Ben Woodbury, 33, was at his local polling booth in Sydney last week when he saw members of Plymouth Brethren Christian Church campaigning for the Liberals.

The church, which is also referred to as the Exclusive Brethren, is a small, separatist Christian sect in which members do not vote in any elections.

Mr Woodbury told Daily Mail Australia he was excommunicated from the Church, which he calls a 'cult', nine years ago because he is gay.

He was understandably 'shocked' to see church members campaigning for a gay Liberal candidate in his area and took to his TikTok to share his thoughts.

Aussie viewers told him 'there's Brethren everywhere' with Mr Woodbury admitting he personally handed out flyers for Liberal candidates before he left the church.

'But this is an unprecedented amount of involvement, which I've never seen before in my life and heard of,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday.

'I thought there's something bigger going on here, so I reached out to a couple of my insiders in the cult and they said there's a nationwide operation happening.'

An ex-member of a conservative Christian sect has exposed an alleged nationwide campaign by the church's 'army' to campaign for the Liberal Party

Mr Woodbury (pictured on the far left) said his family are still members of the Brethren

Mr Woodbury said the Church has reportedly flown members as far as Darwin to 'swamp the booths' at Labor marginal seats.

When asked if the campaigning is for a specific party, he said: 'It's always Liberal.'

The Brethren's website states that members do not vote and the Church has never made donations to any political party.

'Some of our individual members have donated to individual politicians, but this is to their discretion and they do not represent the Church's view when doing so,' it said.

But Mr Woodbury disputes that, alleging the orders come straight from the Church.

'We used to call it "Voluntold", so essentially you're told what to do, but if anybody asked you're volunteering,' he said.

'You weren't allowed to ask questions because, as they quote, 'You do the doing and we'll do the thinking'. That's the mindset.'

Mr Woodbury also alleges the Church contacted volunteers with tips on how to respond if 'approached by an opposition candidate or their volunteers'.

Mr Woodbury alleges the Church contacted volunteers with tips on how to respond if 'approached by an opposition candidate (that alleged text is pictured)

In a text, which was shared with Mr Woodbury and provided to this publication, an individual describes possible questions and suggested responses for volunteers.

For the query 'what Church are you from?', individuals were encouraged to reply: 'I don't think it's appropriate to ask about my religion. I'm here volunteering for (XXX), which is my right.'

Volunteers were also urged to 'be polite and courteous but avoid getting drawn into extended conversations'.

The national conversation around the Brethren was sparked after The Sydney Morning Herald reported the Church had dispatched hundreds of members to pre-polling booths in marginal seats.

Sky News also shared footage of Labor member for Parramatta, Andrew Charlton, asking a volunteer whether they were a member of the Brethren.

Asked about the presence of Brethren members on the campaign trail on Tuesday, Peter Dutton said people are volunteers and the Liberal Party doesn't recruit any.

'We're a volunteer-based organisation. People can volunteer and provide support to their local Liberal National Party candidate. I'd encourage them to do that,' he said.

Footage of emerged Labor member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton asking someone whether they were a member of the Brethren (pictured)

Mr Woodbury said the Church and its members 'align themselves a lot more with the right wing party and especially somebody like (Peter) Dutton'.

'The (Church has been) very active... in putting money out there to help campaign against things like marriage equality,' he said.

'They don't support women's rights. They hate anything to do with abortion.'

Mr Woodbury said he finds it hard to believe Mr Dutton and other Liberal candidates are not aware of members of the Brethren working as volunteers.

'It has become like an army of them. They're so easy to spot because they don't blend in,' he said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Dutton's office for comment.

Mr Woodbury said women in the church are usually 'dressed quite literally like The Handmaid's Tale' but alleged they have been told to remove headscarves for volunteering.

He claims members were told to don 'disguises' and 'have fun with it'.

Mr Woodbury has not spoken to his family since 2023, when he says his mother was forbidden from meeting him for coffee.

His family are all still members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.

A spokesperson for the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church released a statement on Thursday responding to media's questions on its involvement in the federal election.

'Our church does not campaign for, nor support, any political parties and have not organised or coordinated any volunteer efforts of any type in any location,' they said.

'We are anecdotally aware that parishioners from our church have decided to volunteer this year for a variety of candidates from the Liberal Party, Teals, Nationals, One Nation and Labor, amongst others.

'And if and when church members volunteer, the church does not tell them who to support, what to wear, how to participate or anything else of that nature.'
A Florida police officer made a daring rescue after an unmanned boat came dangerously close to striking its operator, who had been thrown overboard just moments earlier.

The wild and dangerous incident unfolded on Monday after the boater departed from Marina Jack in Sarasota.

According to Sarasota Police, a larger vessel suddenly cut in front of the boater, prompting the man to overcorrect while attempting to navigate the wake before he lost control and was ejected from his boat.

The unmanned craft then began circling at roughly 40 miles per hour, narrowly missing the boater, who was struggling in the water without a life jacket.

'When he came and got his wits about him, he noticed that the boat was actually circling towards him, and according to him, passed within five feet of him... almost getting struck by his own boat,' Sarasota Police Officer Ron Dixon said.

Officers with the Sarasota Police Marine Unit responded to the call for help quickly, aiming to stop the out-of-control vessel before it could cause serious harm.

Dixon said his team made multiple attempts to slow the boat using tow lines, but those efforts initially failed.

It wasn't until Sea Tow, a local marine towing and recovery service, was called in and managed to reduce the boat's speed using a high-strength plasma tow line.

A Florida police officer made a daring rescue after an unmanned boat came dangerously close to striking its operator (pictured), who had been thrown overboard just moments earlier

Officers with the Sarasota Police Marine Unit responded quickly, aiming to stop the out-of-control vessel before it could cause serious harm

With the vessel slowed, officers were able to position their boat close enough for Lieutenant Bruce King to jump aboard (pictured)

With the vessel slowed, officers were able to position their boat close enough for Lieutenant Bruce King to jump aboard.

Lieutenant Bruce King (right)

'There really was no anxiety in that job. I calculated it. Ron had it perfectly set up, Mike was holding me, I took the jump,' King told WFLA.com.

King was able to bring the boat to a stop safely, preventing further injury or damage.

'It wasn't until afterwards that you get the adrenaline dump and say, "Wow, that was pretty neat," and I'm glad we were able to do it without colliding with his boat, with me going overboard, or between the boats. It all worked out really well,' King added.

Police said the boater sustained minor injuries, including two broken fingers, and confirmed he was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident, according to ABC7.

However, he will not face any charges or citations, the Herald-Tribune reported.

At his request, the boat was later towed to Sarasota Bay Marina.

'There really was no anxiety in that job. I calculated it. Ron had it perfectly set up, Mike was holding me, I took the jump,' King said. Pictured: Lt. King safely hops aboard the speeding unmanned vessel

Lieutenant Bruce King was able to bring the boat to a stop safely, preventing further injury or damage

The wild and dangerous incident unfolded on Monday after the boater departed from Marina Jack in Sarasota

When officers later interviewed the man at the hospital, he reportedly became emotional, expressing both deep remorse and gratitude for surviving the ordeal largely unscathed.

Authorities noted that the dangerous situation might have been avoided altogether had the boat's engine cut-off switch, commonly known as a kill switch, been used.

Although a federal law mandates the use of kill switches, local and state police cannot enforce it due to Coast Guard jurisdiction, WFLA reported.

'I would probably say over 90% of the people don't wear that cut-off switch,' King said, adding that his unit uses every opportunity to educate boaters on the device's importance.
Cybercriminals are sharing the banking passwords of thousands of Australian customers online, sometimes for free, and banks are unable to stop it.

A recent sweep of dark web and encrypted messaging threads by information security firm Dvuln found at least 31,000 Australian internet banking passwords had been exposed by hackers in the last four years.

The Sydney-based firm identified credentials belonging to at least 14,000 Commonwealth Bank customers, 7,000 ANZ customers, 5,000 NAB customers and a further 4,000 customers of Westpac.

'The actual number of compromised customer devices is likely substantially higher, as many infections remain undetected or are traded in private channels outside our visibility,' Dvuln said in a report released on Tuesday.

The passwords were stolen through so-called 'info-stealer malware', a malicious software installed on devices through online ads, SMS messages and emails.

Harvested data includes the usernames, passwords, browsing data, credit card details, local files and cryptocurrency wallets of Australian consumers.

A global industry has spawned to take advantage of the hack, in which providers build the malware and distributors share the harvested information.

'The exposures were linked to consumer device infections, not breaches of bank systems,' Dvuln founder Jamieson O'Reilly told Daily Mail Australia.

Tens of thousands of internet banking passwords belonging to customers of Australia's biggest banks including Westpac, ANZ, NAB and Commonwealth are circulating online

A recent sweep of dark web and encrypted messaging threads by information security firm Dvuln found at least 31,000 Australian internet banking passwords had been exposed (stock)

It was for this reason the affected banks were not named in the initial report, though Mr Jamieson has since confirmed the figures.

'Naming them could create misleading headlines and shift attention away from the real issue - the need for the public to improve cyber hygiene,' the expert explained.

'Our intent was to raise awareness and encourage collaboration across the sector, not to single out individual institutions.'

Australian Banking Association chief executive Anna Bligh agreed, stating the issue related to breaches of individual devices including phones and laptops.

'Keeping customers secure online is the top priority for Australia's banks,' Ms Bligh told Daily Mail Australia.

'They continue to invest security defences to help keep customers safe, including using advanced intelligence systems to monitor both open and dark web sources for compromised customer credentials.'

Cybercriminals can harvest valuable data for years after a device has been corrupted, allowing hackers to retrieve information to take over accounts and conduct fraudulent transactions long beyond the initial attack.

The infections overwhelmingly targeted computers operating on Windows software though a growing number of mobile devices are also being targeted.

An estimated 3.9billion stolen banking passwords were circulating online last year, KELA said (pictured is a stock image)

Dvuln founder Jamieson O'Reilly (pictured) said the info-stealer malware exposures arose from vulnerabilities in consumer devices rather than banking systems

Australian consumers are not unique in being targeted by the malware, with research from KELA identifying an estimated 3.9billion stolen passwords circulating online globally last year.

So abundant is the harvested data that cybercriminals have begun selling bundles of credentials at discounts and even for free in a bid to secure future business.

While the signs of an malware infection are notoriously difficult to identify, the firm suggested looking out for unprompted two-factor-authentication notifications, uninitiated password resets and new locations or devices under login histories.

Other potential indicators include bank logins from interstate or abroad and unauthorised transactions.

Given the depth and adaptability of the threat, the standard security approaches of multi-factor authentication and regular password changes may not solve the issue.

Mr O'Reilly likened changing passwords from an infected machine to 'locking the door while the burglar is still inside'.

Instead, customers should change their passwords from a separate device and to regularly undertake software and antivirus updates.

'Have a clean device. If you're dealing with money - banking, investments, tax - use a machine that's never touched a game, torrent, or a free movies app,' he said.

Mr O'Reilly advised online banking be kept separate from the family computer.

'If your kids are using a computer, make sure it's not the one that has access to your financial life. This is the equivalent of not writing your bank PIN on a sticky note beside your front door. Yet it's happening in thousands of homes every day,' he said.
Whatsapp group chats can 'blur the boundaries' between the professional and private lives of employees, a tribunal has warned.

It pointed out the dangers of colleagues mixing messages about work with social 'chit-chat, jokes and inappropriate language'.

A conversation between four female staff at a children's nursery was highlighted as a 'perfect example' of when the divide between people's jobs and personal relationships goes wrong.

The ruling came in the case of deputy manager Laura Pagnello, who took action against Barrow Hill Pre-School in St John's Wood in north London after she was referred to as 'witcheypoo' in the group chat.

While her case was dismissed, the tribunal criticised the nursery.

Judge Garry Smart expressed 'disappointment' that a 'simple issue' of the nursery briefly breaching its ratio of staff to children had led to a family feud, calls to police, a 'dubious' referral to the local authority, 'childish' comments on WhatsApp and the resignation of every trustee from the facility's board.

The hearing in central London was told Ms Pagnello was related by marriage to the nursery's boss Mandy Rogan and that she was friends as well as colleagues with childcare practitioners Kelly Shailer and Karen McKenna.

The pre-school had a WhatsApp group called the 'A-Team' with the four being members.

Whatsapp group chats can 'blur the boundaries' between the professional and private lives of employees, a tribunal has warned (stock photo)

The tribunal pointed out the dangers of colleagues mixing messages about work with social 'chit-chat, jokes and inappropriate language' (stock photo)

The 'watershed moment' was an incident in June 2023 when  due to a medical emergency  Mrs Rogan had to leave work.

This left Ms Pagnello with fewer staff than was required to supervise the children.

She voiced her concerns to members of the nursery's trustees in front of parents that the ratio was 'in breach of the law'.

The tribunal heard the relations with her fellow staff began to deteriorate. On the last day of term in July, Ms McKenna and Mrs Rogan went for a late 'bottomless prosecco' lunch while Ms Shailer went straight on holiday.
Anthony Albanese has denied that one of his most senior ministers said the Voice to Parliament will be resurrected despite being overwhelmingly rejected by voters at a referendum.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong sparked a political firestorm three days before the federal election by predicting that the Voice  a separate indigenous body with powers to influence government legislation - will eventually be introduced.

'We'll look back on it in ten years' time and it'll be a bit like marriage equality,' Senator Wong told the Betoota Talks podcast.

'I always used to say, marriage equality, which took us such a bloody fight to get that done, and I thought, all this fuss...

'It'll become something, it'll be like, people go "did we even have an argument about that?"

'Kids today, or even adults today, barely kind of clock that it (same-sex marriage) used to be an issue. Remember how big an issue that was in the culture wars? Blimey, just endless.'

But the Prime Minister has rejected suggestions that Senator Wong's comments indicated the Albanese government will have another go at introducing the Voice.

'She didn't say that at all,' Mr Albanese told ABC Radio Melbourne on Wednesday morning.

Anthony Albanese has denied that one of his most senior ministers claimed a resurrected Voice to Parliament was inevitable in Australia

Foreign Minister Penny Wong sparked a political firestorm three days before Aussies head to the polls by suggesting that there will one day be a Voice  and people will wonder why there was ever an argument about it

'She spoke about how people will look back on what the issues were. That's very different from saying it's inevitable.'

The Labor spin machine went into overdrive on Wednesday morning, trying to negate any suggestion that the re-election of the Albanese government would lead to the resurrection of a highly unpopular policy.

'The Minister was clearly reflecting on the heated debate on how we address reconciliation and close the gap  and saying that as progress is achieved, todays arguments will no longer be an issue,' a campaign spokesperson said.

'The government has been clear that we respect the outcome of the referendum, and we need to find different paths to achieve reconciliation in this country.'

Mr Albanese has repeatedly said there will be no second referendum, after Australians voted 60 per cent to 40 per cent in 2023 against the creation of a Voice.

Asked by Channel Seven's Political Editor Mark Riley during Sunday night's leaders' debate whether he still believed in the Voice, Mr Albanese responded: 'It's gone'.

'I respect the outcome (of the referendum), we live in a democracy,' he said.

Pushed on his position, he added: 'We need to find different paths to affect reconciliation.'

The campaign was a major blow for the Labor government and Anthony Albanese, who hinged his legacy on the Voice

But now it can be revealed that on the day before the election was called, the government refused to rule out whether work was still progressing on Voice, Treaty and Truth.

At Senate Estimates on 27 March, Senator Wong refused multiple times to answer a simple question from Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash: 'Is the Prime Minister still committed to Voice, Treaty, Truth?'

Instead, Senator Wong directed a government official to answer.

'The government remains committed to the principles of the Uluru Statement and continues to engage in good faith with leaders and communities around next steps,' Greta Doherty, First Assistant Secretary of the Social Policy division responded.

'Government acknowledges there is considerable work underway at a state and territory level on treaty and truth-telling process - and government welcomes this work.'

Wong's comments are an unwelcome distraction for the government during the closing days of a campaign in which it had established itself in the eyes of pundits - and bookmakers - as likely to be re-elected.

The disastrous Voice campaign was a major blow for the Labor government and Albanese, who hinged his legacy on the proposal.

Senator Wong's comments are a political gift to Peter Dutton who had been trailing in the polls three days out from the election and badly in need of such a Labor own goal.

The Opposition Leader brought up the failure of the Voice referendum in the leaders' debate on Sunday night as he addressed the debate over Welcome to Country ceremonies.

He said he thought the ceremonies were 'overdone', cheapening their significance.

'It divides the country, not dissimilar to what the Prime Minister did with the Voice,' he said.

On Wednesday morning he accused Senator Wong of 'letting the cat out of the bag'.

'Under a Labor-Greens government we see this secret plan to legislate the Voice and Penny Wong has let that cat out of the bag,' Mr Dutton told reporters.

People will be opposed to that because they thought they sent a very clear message to the Prime Minister that they didnt want the Voice.

Mr Dutton claimed legislating the Voice would be one of the first items of business for a Labor-Greens government.

It's obvious the Prime Minister shares the view of Penny Wong, he added.

He's just not as honest as Penny Wong and Australians should know that if you vote for Anthony Albanese, he hasn't listened the first time around in relation to your decision on the Voice referendum.

Send him a message at this election that no, we're not going to support a Voice legislated by Labour and the Greens and treaty and truth-telling. We expressed our view very clearly.
Patterson, who claimed to have the runs but no vomiting, told doctors she bought the mushrooms at the centre of the lunch from Woolworths, the court heard.

Then she sat in a chair and 'sulked' after being told she had to go to Dandenong Hospital for testing.

She also repeatedly asked to leave despite being warned treatment was 'time critical' 'I was just coming to be checked' she said

A doctor later said: 'She was adamant that she would not stay'.

Doctors also warned Patterson to get her kids to hospital 'fast'.

Patterson discharged herself against medical advice but the hospital called police who made a welfare check on Patterson the next day.

The jury heard Patterson turned up to hospital a second time after the welfare check.

She claimed her kids had eaten the leftovers but she 'insisted' they hadn't eaten the mushrooms.

The doctor repeated it was 'critical' they be treated for death caps.

'Is this really necessary,' Patterson said.

'I don't want them to be panicked.'

'They can be scared and alive, or dead,' the doctor said in what the jury heard was a 'blunt' reccommendation.

Patterson also claimed she had had the 'runs' since eating the lunch but when nurses checked her stool it looked like urine, the court heard.
A former real estate agent has been fined $4,500 for stealing money from her employer to pay her own bond and outstanding rent.

Western Australian agent Dianne Sandra Huggins proved not even those working in the property sector are safe from the country's severe housing crisis.

Consumer Protection WA heard Huggins was living in a rental property in Mandurah on Perth's southern fringe which was managed by her employer but her landlord decided to switch to another agency.

Having not paid her $1587.20 bond and still owing rent, the real estate agent took $2,700 from the agency's trust fund to cover her debts.

That money had originally been paid as bond and rent by another renter on a property managed by the company.

A subsequent audit of the agency's trust fund quickly revealed $2,700 was missing, prompting an internal investigation.

When confronted by the agency, Huggins submitted a fake bank receipt showing her husband had paid $2,700 to the agency for their bond and rent.

However, she later admitted to creating the document by altering a pre-existing receipt to cover-up her theft.

Dianne Huggins (pictured) stole $2,700 from her employer, H&N Perry, to cover her rent

Huggins resigned from the agency and $2,700 was deducted from her final paycheck to make up for the lost funds.

The State Administrative Tribunal fined Huggins $4,500 on April 9 for making unauthorised withdrawals from the trust account and acting dishonestly.

Between being fined and deregistered by the tribunal, Huggins was hired by real estate agency, H&N Perry, and did not inform them about the legal matter.

Director Frank Lawrence felt let down by the regulator.

'It's disappointing that the Department of Mining Industry Regulation and Safety allowed her to continue to work without providing any notification to her existing employers of the impending investigation into her,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'Our systems are such that she had no access to receipting and she had no access to tenants' or owners' funds, fortunately.

'The offences she committed occurred prior to her employment here.'

Mr Lawrence said Ms Huggins had been dismissed from H&N Perry and would be required to apply for a new licence should she wish to be a real estate agent again.

The agent, based in Mandurah (pictured), was fined $4,500 by Consumer Protection WA

Mr Lawrence called for the regulator to better inform employers of agents' history.

'We are disappointed with the regulators for putting our clients, and potentially our business, at risk,' he said in a statement to Daily Mail Australia.

WA Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Trish Blake, said Huggins' conduct 'undermined the community's trust in the real estate industry'.

'Knowing full well the unpaid bond would be discovered by the new managing agency, she engaged in a series of deceptive acts, including misappropriating another tenant's funds and forging a bank receipt,' she said.

'Real estate agencies hold substantial sums of money in trust for tenants and property owners, necessitating strict regulatory compliance and routine audits of these accounts.

'Making unauthorised withdrawals from real estate trust funds is a serious offence, and sales representatives or agents who engage in such misconduct will be subject to legal consequences.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Huggins and the WA Department of Mining Industry Regulation and Safety for comment.
President Donald Trump tore into his 'lunatic' detractors during his rally celebrating '100 Days of Greatness' in Michigan Tuesday, where he touted his efforts to revive U.S. manufacturing.

Flanked by giant signs that read 'Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!' and 'Buy American, Hire American,' the president noted how he turned the critical swing state red 'after decades of leaders who have destroyed Detroit to build up Beijing.'

Trump promised the crowd of residents from the Detroit area - the heartland of American automotive manufacturing that has been hollowed out by jobs being sent overseas - that he's just getting started.

'Gasoline prices are down by a lot, energy prices are down,' he proclaimed to the 'Motor City' crowd.

Early on in his remarks the 78-year-old took a detractor head-on, calling them out for being a 'radical left lunatic.'

'Is that a radical left lunatic? He's just a child! Get him out,' he said to applause.

'Oops, I'm sorry ma'am. I thought you were a guy I said he and it's a she. I'm sorry,' he joked. 'And now she has to go home.'

A protestor was later escorted out of the rally as they fought with security, video captured by Daily Mail shows. It's unclear if it was the individual Trump began ridiculing, who apparently was yelling and swearing at the president during the address.

Donald Trump dances as he walks out at a rally in Michigan on Tuesday to celebrate his administration's work in the 100 days since he became president

The speech focused heavily on the White House's efforts to restore U.S. manufacturing capabilities

During the remarks Trump ripped into a 'lunatic' protestor and a new Democrat-led attempt to impeach him

The president also took on his enemies in Congress and finally broke his silence on the newest impeachment effort against him.

'What the hell did I do they want to impeach me,' he asked after mentioning the Democrats' most recent attempt to remove him.

'Did I just hear I'm being impeached again?' he remarked slyly. 'They've gone totally crazy.'

The impeachment bid, launched this week by Michigan Democrat Rep. Shri Thanedar, includes over half a dozen articles implicating the president.

The charges include obstruction of justice, bribery, corruption, abuse of power and more.

The impeachment bid is a long shot at best in a Republican-led Congress. It is likely that the effort to oust Trump won't even get a vote given the GOP control.

'We cannot wait for more damage to be done. Congress must act,' Thanedar said announcing his articles of impeachment, adding Trump is 'unfit to serve as President and represents a clear and present danger to our nation's constitution and our democracy.'

Trump didn't just tear into Democrats, though.

'Every once in a while you have a grandstander Republican,' the commander-in-chief told the crowd.

Video captured by Daily Mail shows security walking an individual out of the rally after Trump told his people to 'Get him out!'

Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., launched a bid to impeach Trump this week

'We have some grandstanders. Not many. Not many. But remember who those grandstanders were and vote them the hell out of office.'

It's unclear which Republican the president was talking about.

Trump also paraded his top MAGA stars including aides Karoline Leavitt, Margo Martin and CNN pundit Scott Jennings.

Margo Martin suggested Trump should run in 2028 for a third term to the cheers of the crowd assembled.

Trump next brought out CNN conservative 'black sheep' and Daily Mail columnist Scott Jennings at his Michigan rally celebrating his first 100 days in office.

Jennings is often seen as the lone right-leaning voice at liberal CNN, getting into intense debates defending the president's MAGA agenda.

Trump gave Jennings quite an introduction to the boisterous, partisan crowd in Michigan.

'We have a man here that I don't know but he's defending me all the time on CNN and he defends me really well,' Trump said.

The president joked that Jennings 'can't take it too far' but added that its 'amazing' how he can 'take it right to the edge' for their left-leaning audience.

'He really does a good job. I think he's terrific,' Trump said before bringing him up.

As he waited for Jennings to make it to the stage, he joked about it what it would mean for his career at CNN: 'This is the end of Scott!'

He then embraced Jennings and allowed him to speak briefly to the assembled crowd.

He then dove into more auto-specific policies he has been rolling out, like a proposed 25 percent tariff on foreign-made vehicles and incentives for automakers to manufacture their products in America.

Trump vowed to keep 'protecting our great American autoworkers.'

'I'm proud to be the president of the workers, not the outsourcers,' he said.

The Republican also wanted to share an update on his deportation efforts, telling the crowd how he is getting criminal aliens out of the country as fast as possible.

'The worst of the worst are being sent to a no-nonsense prison in El Salvador,' he shared.

He then paused his speech to play a highlight reel for the crowd of migrants getting deported to CECOT, El Salvador's maximum-security prison where the Trump administration has been shipping deportees.

Trump played a video of his administration's deportation operations. It showed prisoners, like the one above, being escorted in shackles to the infamous CECOT prison

The video showed deportees getting filed onto buses before they arrive at the prison and have their heads shaved while shackled in their prison garb.

'Best 100 days of any president,' Trump proclaimed. 'And were just getting started.'

The administration's tariff plans, the president shared, is going exactly to plan.

'They're coming from all over the world,' to make deals, he said. 'China too.'

The president also remarked how he won't wait too long to make deals should U.S. trading partners delay in reaching out.

'If it takes too long, I'll just set a price,' he said with a smile.
Donald Trump brought CNN conservative 'black sheep' Scott Jennings on stage during a Michigan rally celebrating his first 100 days in office.

Jennings, a DailMail.com columnist, often appears as the lone right-leaning voice at liberal CNN, sparking tense debates while defending the president's MAGA agenda.

Trump gave Jennings a generous introduction to the boisterous, partisan Michigan crowd.

'We have a man here that I don't know but he's defending me all the time on CNN and he defends me really well,' Trump said.

The president joked that Jennings 'can't take it too far' but added that its 'amazing' how he can 'take it right to the edge' for their left-leaning audience.

'He really does a good job. I think he's terrific,' Trump said before bringing him up.

As he waited for Jennings to make it to the stage, he joked about it what it would mean for his career at CNN: 'This is the end of Scott!'

He then embraced Jennings and allowed him to speak briefly to the assembled crowd.

Donald Trump (pictured left) brought out CNN conservative 'black sheep' and DailyMail.com columnist Scott Jennings (pictured right) at his Michigan rally celebrating his first 100 days in office

Jennings (pictured) is often seen as the lone right-leaning voice at liberal CNN, getting into intense debates defending the president's MAGA agenda

'Michigan, we were flying in her today and I said 'look at these farms!' I gotta' get a farm in Michigan cause when you own as many libs as I do, you gotta' get a place to put them all!'

Jennings then thanked the crowd and gave a final handshake to a beaming Trump.

The president brought a team of surprise guests to a rally in Michigan on Tuesday evening to mark the first 100 days of his second term.

He is staging his largest public event since returning to the White House in a state that has been especially rocked by his steep trade tariffs.

Trump invited a pair of administration personnel to the stage - Special Assistant to the President and Communications Advisor Margo Martin and homeland security advisor and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.

The president celebrated the 100th day of his second term - yet spent much of his rally marking it in campaign mode, fixated on past grudges and grievances.

He repeatedly mocked his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, attacking his mental acuity and even how he appears in a bathing suit.

Trump again and again returned to immigration, his signature issue, at the rally that marked his largest political event since returning to the White House - boasting about his administration's 'mass deportation' efforts that have sent arrests for illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico plummeting .

Trump (pictured left) gave Jennings (pictured right) quite an introduction to the boisterous, partisan crowd in Michigan

Jennings then thanked the crowd and gave a final handshake to a beaming Trump

'Removing the invaders is not just a campaign pledge,' Trump said. 'It's my solemn duty as commander-in-chief. I have an obligation to save our country.'

He paused his remarks to play a video of migrants who Trump asserts are gang members arriving at a notorious prison in El Salvador, with the crowd cheering as images of deportees having their heads shaved were played.

And while Michigan has seen unemployment rise since Trump reclaimed the White House, yet Trump used his speech to continue to defend his administrations steep tariffs on cars and auto parts - hours after the White House announced it was softening those.

'Were here tonight in the heartland of our nation to celebrate the most successful first 100 days of any administration in the history of our country,' Trump said, standing before large electronic screens reading '100 Day of Greatness.'

He later added: 'Weve just gotten started. You havent even seen anything yet.'

Trump has also championed sweeping expansionism, refusing to rule out military intervention in Greenland and Panama, suggesting that American developers could help convert the war-torn Gaza Strip into a Riviera-like resort and even suggesting annexation of Canada.

Meanwhile, government-slashing efforts led by billionaire adviser Elon Musk have shaken Washington to its core.

'After a lifetime of unelected bureaucrats stealing your paychecks, attacking your values and trampling your freedoms, we are stopping their gravy train, ending their power trip, and telling thousands of corrupt, incompetent and unnecessary deep state bureaucrats, `youre fired!'' Trump said during the 90-minute speech.
Penny Wong has belled the cat on what Labor really wants to do about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

That is, revive the debate and ultimately ensure it becomes a reality in the future.

Her comments come despite Anthony Albanese point blank ruling it out in the final leaders' debate. Albo said 'it's gone' on Sunday evening, adding: 'I respect the outcome (of the referendum), we live in a democracy.'

Not a lot of wiggle room there.

Wong, however, told the Betoota Talks podcast that the PM is 'not a pull the pin kind of guy'.

She said: 'I think we'll look back on it in 10 years' time and it'll be a bit like marriage equality.'

Marriage equality eventually became law via a plebiscite result that was the polar opposite of what happened when Labor put the Voice to a vote and it failed.

Where to even start dissecting the political stupidity of Wong's remarks to a podcast often reserved for satirical ideas.

Penny Wong is Anthony Albanese's closest confidant. If Wong thinks the Voice will one day become law, then so does Albo

She is Labor's senate leader and Albo's closest confidant in the parliament. Any suggestion these are just her thoughts, entirely removed from Albo's, is rubbish.

Maybe she thought the podcast wouldn't air until after the election. Maybe she was caught up in the moment and accidentally said what she really thinks. Maybe she was silly enough to somehow think her remarks didn't contradict the PM.

Or perhaps her confidence in a Labor election victory is now sky high and arrogance took over.

This last option is entirely possible given we are talking about Penny Wong.

Her dumb comments are political manna from heaven for Peter Dutton, although it's most likely too little too late to save his campaign.

Labor has got this election in the bag and it knows it, hence the slip up by Wong.

Wong's delusion in her commentary actually bordered on the satirical.

In comparing the likelihood of the Voice becoming a reality to the fight for same sex marriage, she seemingly took credit for gay marriage becoming law in Australia.

Wong on the Betoota Talks podcast that set off a political firestorm on Wednesday

'I always used to say, marriage equality, which took us such a bloody fight to get that done and I thought, all this fuss,' she said.

'Get that done'? 'Us'? She didn't get that done, nor did the Labor Party.

The Coalition legislated gay marriage under Malcolm Turnbull's prime ministership during its second term in power.

And that was only after running a postal survey - strenuously resisted by Labor - which proved that an overwhelming majority of Australians wanted the reform.

In the ultimate irony it was actually Dutton who swayed the government that a postal vote was the way to get it over the line.

What did Wong ever do in government to achieve same sex marriage? Zero.

Nothing when Kevin Rudd was PM, nothing when Julia Gillard took over. Nothing when she was sitting around the cabinet table and had a voice, despite being openly gay herself.

Wong chose to climb Labor's greasy pole and keep her mouth shut instead, securing promotions along the way, sticking to the party line that marriage was between a man and a woman rather than stand up for her community.

I remember interviewing her on the subject back then and almost having to pick my jaw up off the ground listening to her sell-out words.

Her delusion in now trying to take the credit for what was achieved is off the charts.

It was a sanctimonious and unjustified claiming of credit for something she should have done when in power but never did. Because it was too politically hard, she thought at the time.

Wong kept her mouth shut rather than voice support for same sex marriage when she had power and influence, but now is seemingly claiming credit

I remember pleading with her privately to take a stand back then when I was writing opinion piece after opinion piece calling for same sex marriage to become law.

Labor only changed its stance, as did Wong, once she was out of government and sitting on the opposition benches. Heroes, one and all!

You could almost forgive Wong for putting her career first as a calculated act of political selfishness if she wasn't always standing on the high moral ground when judging others in her public comments.

But that's her style.

On this occasion the only thing that surprises me about Wong's remarks is that she made them now, not on the other side of the election campaign.

I didn't think she was that stupid. Because what she says in private is often very different to the party line she utters publicly.

This time she uttered it publicly.

Wong knows Albo better than any other MP. They are close. Albo told me for the book I wrote about his 2022 victory that he personally intervened to stop Wong retiring after the 2019 loss when taking over the leadership.

The pair are as close as you get in factional Labor politics. Friends and allies.

If Wong thinks the Voice will one day become law, then so does Albo ... even if he's smarter than her and won't declare it publicly now.
The White House on Tuesday was swarmed with media influencer guests as President Donald Trump's aides threw open the doors to celebrate the 100th day of his presidency.

The White House created a video to celebrate the occasion, sharing images of their special 'Media row' for podcast and alternate conservative and MAGA media figures.

The outlets included interviews with conservative media outlets like The Blaze, the Daily Wire and podcast hosts such as Anthony Pompliano, Tudor Dixon, and Nick Freitas of the (DOGE Report).

'It's been 100 days of the most transparent administration in history so we have done 100 interviews on the White House campus today,' Leavitt said in a video exclusively shared in advance with the Daily Mail.

While President Trump sat down with the more-traditional ABC News for an interview to mark his 100 days as president, White House staff and administration officials participated in a rotating series of interviews with alternate media figures.

Other audio and radio interviews included WRVA Radio, Scripps, Spectrum, WPHT Radio, John Fredericks, and Sirius/XM's David Webb.

White House staffers and administration officials also participated in traditional television interviews throughout the day, and Leavitt also hosted a traditional media briefing in the morning.

But she also hosted a new media briefing in the afternoon in the Executive Office Building as she welcomed a number of influencers on the White House media stage.

Podcaster Tudor Dixon at the White House

Radio host John Fredericks

Brenden Dilly played a game of Trump Trolling or Trump Truthing with Leavitt, gauging the president's seriousness about issues like adding Greenland to the United States, making Canada the 51st state and running for a third term.

Link Lauren from the Megyn Kelly Network asked Leavitt about the importance the president placed on hiring parents with young children into the White House.

Leavitt also hosted a new media briefing on Monday.

'As I promised as my first briefing as press secretary back in January, the Trump White House will speak to all media outlets and personalities  not just the legacy media who traditionally has covered this institution,' Leavitt announced.

Young influencers participate in the New Media briefing at the Executive Office Building at the White House

New media and podcasters appear with Karoline Leavitt to launch the first New Media briefing of the administration

Young influencers participate in the New Media briefing at the Executive Office Building at the White House

As President Trump left the White House for a rally in Michigan, he took questions from alternate new media platform hosts along with the more traditional media outlets in the White House driveway.

Gateway Pundit reporter Jordan Conradson was among the reporters who Trump approached and asked a question about the mainstream media blurring images of the signs that White House staff had set up in the driveway.

'The American people should not feel removed from what is going on in this building, and we will continue to provide unparalleled transparency to the public,' Deputy Communications Director Kaelan Dorr told the Daily Mail. 'There's no better way to celebrate our 100th day in office than engaging in conversation with the American public.'
A heartbroken wife whose husband died in her arms at Dignitas has revealed the awful moment he received an emailed detailing the date he would die.

Louise Shackleton is being investigated for taking terminally ill Anthony, 59, to Switzerland last December to assist his suicide, after he had suffered from motor neurone disease for six years.

Ms Shackleton, 58, said her world was 'blown apart' by the email - while he was so happy he marked the date on his calendar.

Now she is pleading with MPs as she believes that her husband died prematurely because of the law and would still be alive today - because he had to leave the UK while he could still physically travel.

She said: 'Antony had anxiety before he got what they call the provisional green light from Dignitas. When he got the green light, he then started looking at how his body would come back.'

She continued: 'Because he was deteriorating, he knew that I wouldn't be able to help him soon, and he didn't want anyone else to get in trouble.

Louise Shackleton is being investigated for taking terminally ill Anthony, 59, to Switzerland last December to assist his suicide, after he had suffered from motor neurone disease for six years

Ms Shackleton, 58, said her world was 'blown apart' by the email - while he was so happy he marked the date on his calendar

'He was scared of his death from motor neurone but he wasn't scared of his death day at Dignitas. In fact he was rejuvenated knowing that his end would be peaceful.'

Ms Shackleton described how she had to wait to call their three children and his 90-year-old parents after he died and even had to leave his husband's memorial early to protect them from laws against assisted dying.

She described the awful moment she called her family for a familiar voice as she drove away from the Dignitas 'blue' house in an Uber.

She said they were 'blindsided' by the 'horrifying' news and he could not even say goodbye because they couldn't let them know they were going.

Ms Shackleton said that the event was made all-the-more painful because had to die away from everyone he loved, and had to plan how he could speak to them for one final time.

She said they must have been suspicious to get a phonecall out-of-the-blue, but he rang all his friends the night before he left for Manchester Airport - with the exception of one he could not get hold of.

Ms Shackleton has previously described her husband's final days, saying Mr Shackleton was given an 'anti-sickness medication' upon his arrival to Dignitas and was greeted by three 'knowledgeable' staff members who 'explained everything that was going to happen'.

Now she is pleading with MPs as she believes that her husband died prematurely because of the law and would still be alive today - because he had to leave the UK while he could still physically travel

The Shackletons discussed assisted death from more than two years before deciding it was the only way Mr Shackleton could die without pain or suffering

After their walk, he was asked again if he wanted to go through with the process, which would see him take medication, fall asleep and never wake up. Ms Shackleton claims he smiled, laughed and replied: 'What do you think I'm here for? Let's do this!'

She laid next to her husband as administered his own end-of-life medication, admitting she 'couldn't look at him doing that'. She recalled how she held him in her arms and 'within minutes he was becoming heavy'.

Mr Shackleton told his wife 'I feel sleepy' and let out a snore, prompting her to hold him tighter as she joked about his snoring. She says 'he laughed and gently slipped away' in what she described as a 'beautiful death'.

The Shackletons discussed assisted death from more than two years before deciding it was the only way Mr Shackleton could die without pain or suffering.

It is illegal in the UK to assist someone's suicide - but people are rarely prosecuted.

The assisted dying bill currently going through Parliament would allow someone with a terminal diagnosis and less than six months to live to end their life, with approval from two doctors and a panel of experts.

The next vote on it has been postponed for three weeks, to give MPs time to think about amendments to the bill.

Ms Shackleton, from North Yorkshire, has argued that if the laws had been different in Britain, the couple's family would have been able to support them during his final moments.

Ms Shackleton said that the event was made all-the-more painful because had to die away from everyone he loved, and had to plan how he could speak to them for one final time

She gave herself up to police after returning from Switzerland and said that although she 'committed a crime', she does not regrets going to Dignitas.

She told Sky News: 'I have committed a crime, which I have admitted to, of assisting him by simply pushing him on to a plane and being with him, which I don't regret for one moment. He was my husband and I loved him.'

The couple had been together for 25 years - and had known each other since they were both 18.

She said: 'It was in those four days that I realised that he wanted the peaceful death more than he wanted to suffer and stay with me, which was hard, but that's how resolute he was in having this peace.'

And if legislation had been different in the UK, she added, they could have also shared those final days with family.

Concerns have been raised that the assisted dying bill puts vulnerable people at risk, with fears they will feel coerced into making use of what the legislation would allow.

Critics of the bill have also said they worry that it will see attitudes towards the elderly, ill and disabled change - and that the focus should be on improving palliative care instead.

Ms Shackleton said people need to be safeguarded - but equally, their wishes need to be respected, even if others are not comfortable with them or do not agreed.

British membership of Dignitas has increased by more than 50 per cent over the last five years. Pictured is a file photo of the Dignitas clinic in Pfaeffikon, near Zurich

She recalled the kindness and generosity of her husband, a furniture restorer who had been recognised globally for his handmade rocking horses - and who no one ever had a bad word to say about.

She added that she chose to speak publicly because she did not want him to die in vain - and because he had made her promise, on his final day, to tell his story.

Ms Shackleton said: 'This is about a dying person's choice to either follow their journey through with disease or to die peacefully when they want to, on their terms, and have a good death. It's that simple.'

British membership of Dignitas has increased by more than 50 per cent over the last five years, according to statistics from the Dignity in Dying campaign.

But chief executive Sarah Wootton warns that individuals who cannot afford the 15,000 costs associated with end-of-life care at the Swiss facility are often 'eft to suffer as they die, or take matters into their own hands'.

She told the Mirror that the Shackletons' story highlights how the UK's 'blanket ban' on assisted suicide is 'failing dying people and their loved ones'.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: 'The investigation is ongoing. There is nothing further to add at this stage.'
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth canceled a program that sought to increase the role of women in national security sectors that was first signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2017.

In a move that was meant to target the previous Biden administration, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth instead found himself torching key members of Donald Trump's own cabinet as he vowed to gut a Pentagon initiative focused on women's roles in conflict prevention.

On Tuesday, Hegseth announced that he would begin dismantling the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) program, a defense-wide initiative that promotes women's participation in peace-building efforts and national security planning.

The program was signed into law by President Trump in 2017, the WPS Act had bipartisan backing and global acclaim, but in a scorching post on X, Hegseth dismissed the effort entirely.

'Yet another woke divisive/social justice/Biden initiative that overburdens our commanders and troops - distracting from our core task: WAR-FIGHTING,' Hegseth tweeted.

He didn't stop there. Hegseth labeled the WPS initiative as a 'UNITED NATIONS program pushed by feminists and left-wing activists,' vowing the Pentagon would only comply with the bare minimum requirements under federal statute before lobbying Congress to kill the program outright.

But in aiming at 'wokeness,' Hegseth overlooked a crucial detail: the program wasn't a Biden-era initiative but was in fact created and codified by the previous Trump administration.

The program has even been celebrated by Trump, his administration and his family.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth canceled a program that sought to increase the role of women in national security sectors that was first signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2017

At the time of its introduction it received significant help from Trump's closest allies, including Kristi Noem and Marco Rubio, both now prominent cabinet officials in Trump's second term

On Tuesday, Hegseth announced that he would begin dismantling the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) program, a defense-wide initiative that promotes women's participation in peace-building efforts and national security planning

It became a heralded part of the first Trump administration's accomplishments for women, and in 2019, Ivanka Trump celebrated that the WPS program was starting a new partnership to help train female police cadets in Colombia.

In a later post, Hegseth wrote a post saying, without evidence the program was 'straight-forward & security-focused' but that it had been 'distorted & weaponized' by the Biden administration. He confirmed his intention to end it.

At the time of its introduction it received significant help from Trump's closest allies, including Kristi Noem and Marco Rubio, both now prominent cabinet officials in Trump's second term.

But Hegseth's inadvertently scorched the very figures expected to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him in the administration's ideological war against 'wokeness.'

Kristi Noem, now Homeland Security Secretary, was the lead author of the House version of the 2017 Women, Peace, and Security Act when she served in Congress.

At the time, she introduced the bill alongside progressive Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Illinois).

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State and former senator from Florida, co-sponsored the Senate version of the same law and hailed Trump's signature on it as a historic moment.

Even as recently as this month, Rubio celebrated the WPS Act as 'the first law passed by any country in the world focused on protecting women and promoting their participation in society.'

Senior White House Advisor Ivanka Trump speaks during a roundtable discussion with the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the US strategy for implementing the The Women, Peace, and Security Act, on Capitol Hill in June 2019 during Trump's first term

It became a heralded part of the first Trump administration's accomplishments for women, and in 2019, Ivanka Trump celebrated that the WPS program was starting a new partnership to help train female police cadets in Colombia

The legislation stemmed from a resolution unanimously endorsed by the U.N. Security Council, the most powerful UN body, in October 2000, aimed at including women in peacebuilding efforts because women and girls have historically borne the brunt of global conflict.

National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, another staunch Trump ally, previously co-chaired the bipartisan Women, Peace and Security Caucus in Congress and supported efforts to expand the program.

Hegseth's post drew fire from Democratic lawmakers who are continuing to question his qualifications for the job following his use of the commercial app Signal to share sensitive military operations with other officials, his wife and brother.

Many Democrats and national security veterans accused him of willfully ignoring both the program's origins and its track record.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), who co-authored the Senate version of the bill with Rubio, issued a blistering statement.

'It's startling that just because the word 'women' is in the title, this evidence-based security program has been reduced to a DEI program,' Shaheen said.

'This is a dangerous and disturbing pattern from the Secretary, who clearly does not listen to advice from senior military leaders.'

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) took aim at the credibility of Hegseth's claim that the military hates the program.

It's the latest controversial move from Hegseth as the Pentagon works to nix programs or content seen as promoting diversity, equity or inclusion

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) joined Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) for House Speaker Paul Ryan's (R-WI) signing of S. 1141, the Women, Peace, and Security Act in September 2017

'The fact that he claims that it's a Biden issue when it is an initiative that was supported unanimously by a Republican majority of the Senate and 'troops hate it' when the newly confirmed head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff testifies to its value, I find shocking,' Kaine said.

Indeed, that military leader, Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, Trump's nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, spoke favorably of the WPS program during his recent confirmation hearing, lauding its role in creating more stable post-conflict environments and strengthening US national security.

'When we would go out into the field after concluding an assault, we would have female members who would speak with those women and children who were on the objective, and they would help us to understand the human terrain in a new and novel way,' Caine said during his April confirmation hearing.

Trump met and became endeared to Caine when Caine was serving in Iraq, part of the reason Trump nominated him to the chairmanship.

Despite the program's bipartisan history and continued endorsements from military brass, Hegseth is pressing forward.

He insisted in his post that social justice frameworks have no place in military planning and accused the Pentagon of being 'distracted from its core task.'

But critics say Hegseth's real distraction may be his obsession with performative anti-woke crusades, even if it means taking aim at his own administration's accomplishments.

As of Tuesday evening, neither Rubio nor Noem had responded publicly to Hegseth's remarks.

It's the latest controversial move from Hegseth as the Pentagon works to nix programs or content seen as promoting diversity, equity or inclusion.

After Trump ordered federal agencies to purge DEI content, the Pentagon issued a broad edict to the military services that ignited public outcry when online images of national heroes like Jackie Robinson were briefly removed.
A politician was shot and killed while dining at a seafood restaurant in a crime-riddled neighborhood in Mexico.

Secretary General of the Teocaltiche City Council Jose Luis Pereira was shot dead inside the restaurant in Jalisco state about 4.57pm on Monday.

The prosecutor's office said Pereira was already dead by the time medical personnel arrived.

Senator Alejandro Moreno condemned the 'cowardly murder' on X, noting the 'lack of capacity and action by the Jalisco and federal governments claims another victim today.'

He said locals in Mexico deserve to live without fear of gang attacks on the streets, and demanded authorities step up and begin policing criminals.

'Insecurity continues to grow while those who should be protecting the people remain idle,' he wrote.

'We demand immediate justice and firm action against the organized crime that has taken over entire regions of our country. Our full support and solidarity goes out to his family, to the Jalisco PRI, and to all Mexicans who today demand to live without fear.'

Pereira's death comes just two weeks after the region's police chief Ramon Grande Moncada was shot dead.

Secretary General of the Teocaltiche City Council Jose Luis Pereira was shot dead inside the restaurant in Jalisco state about 4.57pm on Monday

The politician was shot and killed while dining at a seafood restaurant in a crime-riddled neighborhood in Mexico

At the time, the Teocaltiche Municipal Administration expressed outrage on its official Facebook account.

'The people of Teocaltiche can no longer live in fear, violence and pain. Today we raise our voices with profound powerlessness and indignation for the tragedies that have repeatedly struck our community.

'Enough of the deaths! Enough of the suffering of our families! Stop being ignored!

'Every life lost, every family broken, every night spent, are wounds that cry for justice. We can't and shouldn't get used to living like this.

'We don't ask for privileges, we ask for what is rightfully ours: to live safely, with justice and with respect. Indifference is also violence.'

The American government has urged tourists to reconsider any travel to Jalisco state due to the high prevalence of gang activity, kidnapping and murder.

'Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state,' the US advisory reads.

'Territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders.

The prosecutor's office said Pereira was already dead by the time medical personnel arrived

'US citizens have been victims of kidnapping.'

Additionally, employees of the United States government have been restricted from traveling from certain parts of the area.

They're banned entirely from traveling along the Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula, and travel along the Federal Highway 110 between certain areas near the Jalisco-Michoacan border is also forbidden.

In October last year, local police found the decapitated bodies of five men on a road in the region.

According to official figures, 1,415 people were murdered in Jalisco between January and September 2024.
Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre left behind a handwritten note with a message of support for sexual abuse survivors before she died by suicide last Friday night.

Her family revealed they found the note among her possessions at the Neergabby farmhouse, 80km north of Perth, Western Australia, where her body was discovered.

Giuffre's brother Sky Roberts shared an image of the note which he believed was intended to be sent to a protest rally outside the White House in Washington today.

In it, in a section which was partially obscured, she told supporters: 'We are not going to go away.'

She added: 'Mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers need to show the battlelines are drawn and we stand together to fight for the future of victims.

'Is protesting the answer - I don't know, but we've got to start somewhere.'

It's believed Giuffre wrote the message for organisers of the Washington rally of sexual assault survivors being held in Lafayette Park, opposite the White House, ahead of Denim Day on April 30.

Giuffre became famous as a victim of Epstein and his girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, who she accused of sex trafficking her to Prince Andrew when she was just 17.

Virginia Giuffre was last seen in public being driven by her brother Danny Wilson close to her farmhouse just over a fortnight before her death

She left behind a handwritten note with a message of support for sexual abuse survivors before she died by suicide last Friday night.

The Royal has always denied the allegations but reportedly paid her millions to settle a lawsuit over her claims against him.

Her death came just weeks after she said on social media she only had four days to live following a car crash, which police later described as a minor collision.

She had recently split with her Australian husband of 22 years, Robert Giuffre, and had admitted her heartbreak at being estranged from her three teenage children.

Her brothers Sky and Danny Wilson had been staying with Giuffre at her $1.3million farmhouse in the wake of the furore over her claims to be on her deathbed.

On Wednesday, Roberts shared the note on social media and added: 'Hello world, we received news today that there is a protest in [Washington] DC.

'We found a handwritten note that our sister Virginia wrote.

'I think it's important that survivors know that she is with you and her voice will not be silenced.

'I know that it's so important and her wish is that we continue to fight her words are.'

Her brother Sky Rocket Roberts (pictured left with Giuffre and brother Danny Wilson) revealed on Wednesday that they had discovered the poignant note

Virginia Giuffre escaped Epstein's influence after she met her husband-to-be Robert (pictured together) while on a masseuse training course in Thailand, that Epstein had paid for

No other details regarding the note were revealed by Roberts - in his first-ever Instagram post - but he underlined its importance by reposting it to his Stories.

'That first post feeling,' he wrote across the second post.

He also added the hashtags #victimsrefusesilence #virginiaroberts #solidarity #survivor #strengththroughstrides #SOAR

SOAR - Speak Out, Act and Reclaim - was Giuffre's foundation which she set up to provide a safe place for survivors of sex trafficking.

Roberts also added the butterfly emoji which his sister often used to depict freedom.

Hours after the post appeared, just two comments had been made by his followers.

'I miss her,' posted one, and Roberts replied: 'We'll take time to mourn but we'll turn this pain into strength.'

Another added: 'Her legacy will be carried on,' and Roberts agreed: 'Absolutely.'

The rally in Washington will see sex abuse survivors march on the Lincoln Memorial, led by Summer Willis, who was raped as a 19-year old college student.

Virginia Giuffre became famous as a victim of Epstein and his girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, who she accused of sex trafficking her to Prince Andrew when she was just 17

Giuffre, 41, posted on Instagram about the crash on March 24, which occurred ten days after she was listed at the court near her $2m former family home

She didn't initially report the attack to police but in the 11 years since, she has fought for greater support for victims and new laws to define sexual consent.

The march comes on the eve of Denim Day, named after a case in Italy where a judge dismissed a teenage girl's rape allegations because she was wearing tight jeans and must therefore have consented and co-operated.

Giuffre escaped Epstein's influence after she met her husband-to-be while on a masseuse training course in Thailand, that Epstein had paid for.

She had a whirlwind romance with the martial arts instructor and they married within a week in 2002 before moving to the NSW Central Coast in Australia and setting up home together.

They lived there for 11 years before moving to the US, until they returned to Australia and bought a $1.7million six-bedroom beachside mansion in Perth in 2020.

The marriage is believed to have broken down last year, with Giuffre moving into their weekend getaway farmhouse while her husband remained in Perth with their children.

Newly-released court documents seen by Daily Mail Australia reveal Giuffre was living a life of misery in constant pain and needing a full time carer in recent years.

Her husband told a court that - prior to their marriage breakdown - he was looking after her around the clock after she broke her neck a 'few years ago'.

No further details were given about the injury or how it happened.

He lost his driving licence after he was caught speeding home at 147km/h in a 100km/h-zone, but told the court he was rushing to be by his wife's side.

He hired a home help for his wife in the wake of his court appearance, and her most recent caregiver was behind the wheel when she was involved in the minor collision with a school bus near her farmhouse that sparked the fears for her life.

On Monday, her grieving carer Cheryl Myers, 71, (pictured) told Daily Mail Australia she was devastated by Giuffre's death, and added: 'Virginia was like a daughter to me'

On Monday, her grieving carer Cheryl Myers, 71, told Daily Mail Australia she was devastated by Giuffre's death, and added: 'Virginia was like a daughter to me.'

Giuffre had been facing charges over breaching a family violence prevention order at the time of her suicide. It's believed it related to her trying to text her children.

Her husband and children have remained unseen behind the gates of their Perth mansion in the wake of the tragedy.

'Virginia Giuffre lost her life to suicide, after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking,' the family said in a statement on her death at the weekend.

'Virginia was a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse and sex trafficking. She was the light that lifted so many survivors.

'Despite all the adversity she faced in her life, she shone so bright. She will be missed beyond measure.'

It's understood Giuffre's US-based family have now flown back to America, with funeral details still shrouded in secrecy.

Her barrister Karrie Louden told Daily Mail Australia she had been in contact with Giuffre in the days before her death and was due to meet her on Monday.

'This has been a complete shock to all of us,' she told Daily Mail Australia on Monday.

Virginia Giuffre (pictured) was found dead at her Perth farmhouse on Friday night

Karrie Louden (pictured outside her client's farmhouse on Monday) has represented Virginia Giuffre since the start of 2025

'If any of us had thought she's going to commit suicide, of course we would have taken more steps, put her into a clinic or got her some more help.

'When I got the phone call, I was like, "Are you joking?" Because there were no signs that was something she was considering.'

Ms Louden wouldn't speculate on the circumstances surrounding the mum-of-three's death.

'It's inconclusive. I'm a defence lawyer and I don't like to speculate about things until the evidence is in [and] the evidence is not in,' she said.

'The police told me nothing, they didn't even confirm she was dead. It wasn't suspicious circumstances  it's suicide or misadventure.

'I didn't see her in the room. I wasn't in there. The family said what the family has said but I'm not going to speculate whether it was suicide or accidental.

'You'll all be aware that she's been in hospital. She's been on medications.

'Has she just taken too many painkillers? Was she intentionally doing it? I just, you know I don't even know what the cause of death was.'

Virginia Giuffre (pictured with estranged husband Robert) had been facing charges over breaching a family violence prevention order at the time of her suicide

Her husband and children have remained unseen behind the gates of their $1.7million Perth mansion (pictured) in the wake of the tragedy

Ms Louden said there were no suspicious circumstances 'as far as we are aware'.

'Given the recent activities, it's very likely that we will never know. The police were just very, very vague. I know that she's gone but how that happened, I don't know,' Ms Louden said.

'I'm not sure we'll ever know. I mean, sometimes the coroner might say it was suicide, the coroner might say it was misadventure, the coroner might say inconclusive.

'Physically, she's been very unwell for a long time. But she's a very strong person. She's obviously been through hell.'

Ms Louden added that her client 'was in a lot of pain' but was looking forward to what was ahead.

'She wanted to renovate this place and she had plans for the future,' she said.

The lawyer said Ms Giuffre's body will likely be released in three weeks but it could take up to two years before a coroner's report is filed on her death.
READ MORE: Chef claims Brooke Bellamy STOLE her creations for a new book

A second author has accused social media cooking sensation Brooke Bellamy of stealing recipes for her bestselling cookbook Bake With Brooki.

Hours after RecipeTin Eats' Nagi Maehashi raised allegations of copyright infringement on Tuesday night, Sally McKenney, the US author and blogger behind Sally's Baking Addiction, also levelled claims.

Ms Bellamy, who owns the popular Brooki Bakehouse in Brisbane, denied the accusations, saying she had been making and selling her recipes well before Ms Maehashi's were published.

The allegations relate to Ms Maehashi's caramel slice and baklava recipe, along with Ms McKenney's Best Vanilla Cake recipe.

Ms McKenney posted on social media, saying she was first alerted to the similarity months ago.

She said her recipe was first published in 2019.

'One of my recipes was also plagiarised in this book and also appears on the author's YouTube channel,' she said.

'Original recipe creators who put in the work to develop and test recipes deserve credit - especially in a best selling cookbook.'

Author Sally McKenney (above) accused Brooke Bellamy of stealing her Vanilla Cake recipe

Bake With Brooki is a bestselling cookbook published by Penguin in October last year and retails for $49.99.

Ms Bellamy quickly became a global sensation after sharing videos on TikTok, which receive millions of views each day.

She is best known for her cookies and has opened pop-up stores in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Both Penguin and Ms Bellamy deny the allegations.

'I did not plagiarise any recipes in my book which consists of 100 recipes I have created over many years,' she said.

'In 2016, I opened my first bakery. I have been creating my recipes and selling them commercially since October 2016.'

Ms Bellamy posted an image showing her caramel slice, which dated back to December, 2016.

'On March 2020, RecipeTin Eats published a recipe for caramel slice. It uses the same ingredients as my recipe, which I have been making and selling since four years prior,' she said.

Ms Bellamy (above) denied earlier allegations of recipe theft from popular cook Nagi Maehashi

Ms Maehashi's (above) accused Ms Bellamy of 'profiting' from the alleged plagiarised recipes

While the Brisbane baker insisted she did not copy the recipes, she 'immediately offered' to remove both from future reprints to prevent further aggravation'.

In Ms Maehashi's Instagram post, she described Ms Bellamy of 'profiting' from the alleged plagiarised recipes.

Ms Maehashi claims she first raised concerns with Penguin in December.

'I put a huge amount of effort into my recipes. And I share them on my website for anyone to use for free,' she said.

'To see them plagiarised (in my view) and used in a book for profit, without credit, doesn't just feel unfair. It feels like a blatant exploitation of my work.'

Ms Maehashi is the founder of popular website, RecipeTin Eats, which has 1.5 million followers on Instagram.

She is also the author of award-winning cookbooks Dinner and Tonight.
Ted Kaczynski's brother has opened up about the desperate letters he wrote to the Unabomber pleading for forgiveness after turning him over to the FBI.

David Kaczynski, now 75, spent nearly three decades writing to his brother as he languished in federal prison for his 17-year bombing campaign, sending letters and cards, along with books he thought Ted would find interesting.

The first came just one month after David told the FBI his Harvard-educated brother was unmasked as the domestic terrorist who had killed three people and injured nearly two dozen others.

'I could only imagine how much Ted resented me,' David recounted to the New York Times, as he described how he wished to talk to Ted face-to-face in prison.

'I wanted to tell him in person that we morally felt an obligation to stop the violence,' he said of his and his wife's decision to turn Ted in.

But Ted instead refused to put David on his visitors list, and sent back a scathing three-page letter.

'You will go to hell, because for you, seeing yourself as you really are will truly be hell,' the Unabomber wrote.

'You know me well enough to realize that, above all, I need physical freedom, silence and solitude and that to me permanent imprisonment will be a fate worse than death,' he said following a plea deal that averted the death penalty.

'The real reason why you informed on me is that you hate me,' Ted continued. 'And what you hate me for is your own gnawing sense of inferiority. Your suspicion that I was the Unabomber at last gave you the opportunity to get a crushing revenge on [your] big brother for being smarter and more capable than you are.'

Unabomber Ted Kaczynski was arrested after his brother, David, turned him in

David spent decades writing to his older brother behind bars

The words stung, David said, but he was not surprised by his older brother's reaction.

'Ted's letter confirmed my fear and expectation,' he told the Times. 'It felt like the hand of fate falling.'

'I wasn't necessarily hoping that Ted would understand my point of view well enough to forgive me. But I thought we both deserved a chance to look into each other's eyes and share the truth of our principles and our feelings.'

Still, he remained undeterred - remembering how his mother once told him to 'Please remember that you must never abandon your brother, because that's what he fears the most.'

Ted had been intensely protective of his younger brother and David seemed to be the only person Ted really cared about, their mother once recounted.

As they grew older, David said he helped his brother 'negotiate our social world,' noting he is 'not sure I quite realized at the time just how important I'd become in Ted's life as his best and only friend.'

The bombings started years after David moved away, on May 25, 1978 - when a campus security officer at Northwestern was injured while investigating a suspicious package.

Another explosive device turned up at the university's technological institute a year later.

In April 1996 authorities found him in a 10-by-14 foot wood cabin outside Lincoln, Montana

In the years that followed, Ted became increasingly separated from his family, and by 1985, Ted had nearly cut off all contact with his parents - after angrily accusing them of pushing him too hard to excel academically and blaming them for making a social misfit.

He made a few exceptions over the years, including in 1990 when he called his mother to express his condolences after his father - who had been given a terminal cancer diagnosis - committed suicide.

Five years later, the Unabomber published a 35,000 word manifesto named 'Industrial Society and Its Future', which claimed modern society was plagued by the increasing role of technology in everyday life and allegedly inspired Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson at point-blank range last year.

When the ramblings were published online, David's wife, Linda Patrik, urged him to read the manifesto, and asked her husband whether he, too, thought some of the phrases sounded like things Ted would say.

'Without Linda, I probably would have shoved it in a drawer and tried my best not to think about it,' David said.

But instead, David spent three months working with a private investigator and a former FBI behavioral science expert to probe whether his brother could be the man behind the bombing campaign.

Finally, he reached out to a lawyer - who helped him reach out to the FBI.

The tip led to the end of the nation's longest manhunt, and in April 1996 authorities found him in a 10-by-14 foot wood cabin outside Lincoln, Montana.

A major clue leading to Kaczinsky's identity came after he published a 35,000-word manifesto

He claimed modern society was plagued by the increasing role of technology in everyday life

For years afterward, David said he felt remorse, and in October 1996 he tried to apologize.

'I have had to glimpse my own cruelty and it is, as you know, a kind of hell. I do love you,' he wrote to his brother.

'I'm so, so sorry for what I've done and for how it hurts you.'

David never heard back from his brother, but continued to make deposits in Ted's commissary account to help him pay for some small purchases at the prison. He also sometimes ordered books for his brother online.

By 2007, David took it upon himself to inform Ted that their mother was suffering from a 'serious health crisis.'

He appealed to Ted to finally reach out to her, writing: 'Mom has never stopped loving you for a moment.

'In case you don't know, I mean to tell you very clearly that it would mean the world to Mom if you would tell her that you know she loves you.'

When their mother was then near death, David contacted the prison chaplain.

'The chaplain never called me back, but instead called Mom's doctor and said Ted didn't want to talk,' he recounted.

Wanda ultimately passed away in 2011 at the age of 94.

David continued his correspondences with his brother, and urged Ted to reach out to their mother, Wanda (left) before she passed away in 2011

Still, David continued his one-way correspondences with his brother - and was left shocked over the Christmas season in 2021, when a holiday message he sent Ted at the supermax prison he had been imprisoned in in Colorado was returned as undeliverable.

He called the prison and was just told that Ted was no longer housed there.

From there, David decided to search the Bureau of Prisons online inmate locator, which showed Ted was housed at the Federal Medical Center in Butner, North Carolina - the federal prison system's largest medical complex.

When he then reached out to a lawyer who represented his brother at his trial, she informed David she heard that Ted had been diagnosed with late-stage cancer.

On Reddit, he also found a letter Ted apparently wrote to someone whose name was scratched out.

'I can't expect to live more than two years at the outside and I may well be dead in less than a year,' the Unabomber wrote in 2022.

The domestic terrorist had been moved to the federal prison medical facility in North Carolina after spending two decades in a federal Supermax prison in Colorado

A sign is seen outside of the Butner Federal Correctional Complex in North Carolina

Devastated by the news, David stepped up the pace of his letters to his brother.

'I needed to tell him that I loved him and to recount the ways in which he'd had a positive influence on my life,' he said.

'But I knew Ted had a very stubborn side, making it highly unlikely I would ever hear from him.'

The Unabomber ultimately died by suicide inside his cell at the Butner Federal Correctional Complex at the age of 81.

David pleaded with prison officials in the aftermath to get custody of his brother's remains - but prison officials said they were handled according to his handwritten will.

To this day, David said, he never learned what happened to his brother's body.
Penny Wong has made a sensational backflip after suggesting that it was inevitable the Voice to Parliament would pass in Australia.

The Foreign Minister sparked a political firestorm three days before the federal election by predicting that the Voice  a separate indigenous body with powers to influence government legislation - will eventually be introduced.

'We'll look back on it in ten years' time and it'll be a bit like marriage equality,' Senator Wong told the Betoota Talks podcast.

'I always used to say, marriage equality, which took us such a bloody fight to get that done, and I thought, all this fuss...

'It'll become something, it'll be like, people go "did we even have an argument about that?"

Australian voters soundly rejected the Voice proposal at a 2023 referendum, 60 per cent to 40 per cent, being defeated in all states.

Her comments sent the Labor spin machine into overdrive, with a campaign spokesperson claiming that Senator Wong was 'clearly reflecting on the heated debate on how we address reconciliation and close the gap', rather than the Voice.

Later on Wednesday, Senator Wong disavowed her own comments, telling SBS 'the Voice is gone'.

The Foreign Minister sparked a political firestorm three days before the federal election by predicting that the Voice  a separate indigenous body with powers to influence government legislation - will eventually be introduced. Senator Wong (pictured) has now walked back her comments

'The prime minister has made that clear, and the Australian people have made their position clear, and we respect the result of the referendum,' she said.

'What I would say is, that doesn't mean reconciliation and closing the gap stops, and we need to keep together, progressing those.'

Mr Albanese has repeatedly said there will be no second referendum on the Voice, but Senator Wong's comments muddied the waters just three days before the federal election.

Asked by Channel Seven's Political Editor Mark Riley during Sunday night's leaders' debate whether he still believed in the Voice, Mr Albanese responded: 'It's gone'.

'I respect the outcome (of the referendum), we live in a democracy,' he said.

Pushed on his position, he added: 'We need to find different paths to affect reconciliation.'

However the day before the election was called, the government refused to rule out whether work was still progressing on Voice, Treaty and Truth.

At Senate Estimates on 27 March, Senator Wong refused multiple times to answer a simple question from Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash: 'Is the Prime Minister still committed to Voice, Treaty, Truth?'

Instead, Senator Wong directed a government official to answer.

'The government remains committed to the principles of the Uluru Statement and continues to engage in good faith with leaders and communities around next steps,' Greta Doherty, First Assistant Secretary of the Social Policy division responded.

'Government acknowledges there is considerable work underway at a state and territory level on treaty and truth-telling process - and government welcomes this work.'

Senator Wong's comments are an unwelcome distraction for the government during the closing days of a campaign in which it had established itself in the eyes of pundits - and bookmakers - as likely to be re-elected.

Senator Wong's comments are a political gift to Peter Dutton who had been trailing in the polls three days out from the election and badly in need of such a Labor own goal.

On Wednesday morning the Opposition Leader accused Senator Wong of accidentally announcing Labor's plans to introduce the Voice by stealth.

'Under a Labor-Greens government we see this secret plan to legislate the Voice and Penny Wong has let that cat out of the bag,' Mr Dutton told reporters.

People will be opposed to that because they thought they sent a very clear message to the Prime Minister that they didnt want the Voice.

Mr Dutton claimed legislating the Voice would be one of the first items of business for a Labor-Greens government.

It's obvious the Prime Minister shares the view of Penny Wong, he added.

He's just not as honest as Penny Wong and Australians should know that if you vote for Anthony Albanese, he hasn't listened the first time around in relation to your decision on the Voice referendum.

Send him a message at this election that no, we're not going to support a Voice legislated by Labour and the Greens and treaty and truth-telling. We expressed our view very clearly.
Anthony Albanese has begun one of his final election pitches by delivering an Acknowledgement of Country, in a week when the use of such recognition of Aboriginal inhabitants of land at public events had stirred debate.

'I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we're meeting and I pay my respect to elders past, present and emerging,' Mr Albanese said as he addressed the National Press Club on Wednesday.

The booing and jeering of Uncle Mark Brown by a small number of attendees at the Anzac Day Dawn Service last Friday sparked fresh controversy over when it was appropriate to have a Welcome To Country.

The delivery of such addresses by Aboriginal and Torres Strait elders was to formally welcome visitors to their ancestral land and to give their blessing for events to take place on those lands, or in the absence of an indigenous representative for someone to acknowledge their history.

While the ceremonies were intended to be inclusive, some have argued that they are divisive and have become overused.

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price previously said Australia was 'saturated' with it, which was 'removing the sacredness of certain traditional culture and practices'.

'It's just become almost like a throwaway line. We don't want to see all these symbolic gestures. We want to see real action,' she said.

Mr Albanese's Acknowledgement of Country comes just hours after Penny Wong sparked a political firestorm three days before the federal election by predicting that the Voice  a separate indigenous body with powers to influence government legislation - will eventually be introduced.

Anthony Albanese has begun one of his final election pitches by delivering an Acknowledgement of Country

'We'll look back on it in ten years' time and it'll be a bit like marriage equality,' Senator Wong told the Betoota Talks podcast.

'I always used to say, marriage equality, which took us such a bloody fight to get that done, and I thought, all this fuss...

'It'll become something, it'll be like, people go "did we even have an argument about that?"

Her comments sent the Labor spin machine into overdrive, with a campaign spokesperson claiming that Senator Wong was 'clearly reflecting on the heated debate on how we address reconciliation and close the gap', rather than the Voice.

And later Senator Wong disavowed her comments, telling SBS 'the Voice is gone'.

'The prime minister has made that clear, and the Australian people have made their position clear, and we respect the result of the referendum,' she said.

'What I would say is, that doesn't mean reconciliation and closing the gap stops, and we need to keep together, progressing those.'

Mr Albanese has repeatedly said there will be no second referendum, after Australians voted 60 per cent to 40 per cent in 2023 against the creation of a Voice.

The Foreign Minister sparked a political firestorm three days before the federal election by predicting that the Voice  a separate indigenous body with powers to influence government legislation - will eventually be introduced. Senator Wong (pictured) has now walked back her comments

Asked by Channel Seven's Political Editor Mark Riley during Sunday night's leaders' debate whether he still believed in the Voice, Mr Albanese responded: 'It's gone'.

'I respect the outcome (of the referendum), we live in a democracy,' he said.

Pushed on his position, he added: 'We need to find different paths to affect reconciliation.'

He also brought up the Voice campaign during his National Press Club address.

'We supported a Voice To Parliament. I wanted it out of conviction. Not out of convenience.

'It's not easy to win a referendum in this country. No prime minister has had a referendum in this century.

'The Voice To Parliament didn't come from me. It came from First Nations people who had a constitutional convention at Uluru under the former government under a process that they set up that led to that in 2017.

'We put it to the Australian people which was their gracious request. That was something I said I would do, and we did. We also said we would request the outcome and we have.

'What we are now working towards is practical reconciliation. How do we close the gap?

'The truth is that every government, Labor or Conservative have not done well enough, because if we did wouldn't have the life expectancy gap, the education gap, the housing gap, the health gap.

'We wouldn't have First Nations people having diseases that no one in this room will have to worry about. What we are doing is addressing those issues.'

The Voice campaign was a major blow for the Labor government and Mr Albanese, who hinged his legacy on the proposal.

He went to the 2022 federal election with the referendum promise, spoke about it in his first speech as the PM and campaigned tirelessly for most of 2023, instead of focussing on the election issue that mattered to most Aussies - the cost of living.

Some 60 per cent of Australians voted No to Mr Albanese's proposal to enshrine an Aboriginal advisory body in the constitution at a referendum in October 2023. A majority of voters in all states and territories - except the ACT - rejected it.
An Aussie battler fears he will have to delay his retirement after waking up to find $50,000 gone from his super and investments because of Donald Trump's tariffs.

Brisbane man Peter Jarratt, 69, was all set to retire from his automotive job at the end of 2025, but now seriously doubts will be able to do so.

Trump's reciprocal tariffs, which are on a 90-day pause, have caused stock market panic around the world.

Mr Jarratt told Yahoo his savings took an enormous hit when the tariffs were first announced at the start of the month.

'I saw close to $50,000 vanish almost overnight from super and investments,' he said.

'Thanks to Trump, I'm facing another year of work to replace what has been lost.'

Mr Jarratt, who has been a fleet manager for 15 years, was keen to finish up in December.

He said his investments and super have recovered about 50 per cent from their initial fall, but he was worried they wouldn't return completely by the end of the year.

Peter Jarratt was set to retire but Trump's tariffs have put those plans in doubt

'It just seems to be so volatile and there's no end to the madness,' he said.

The 69-year-old said his retirement plans were likely to be set back by another six months at the very least.

Superannuation consultant firm Chant West revealed the median super balanced option in Australia fell 1.9 per cent in March and was set to drop a further two per cent in April.

It means the average Aussie who is about to retire could be doing so with $13,000 less than they had at the start of the year.

But markets have been recovering since the Liberation Day tariffs on April 2 were announced for dozens of countries including Australia.

Terry Vogiatzis, from Omura Wealth Advisors, told Daily Mail Australia that younger Aussies shouldn't be worried.

'There has been a fairly sharp recovery after Liberation Day and you have to remember that a lot of super funds hold a lot of different asset classes that may not have been as affected as much,' he said.

'I think diversification would have cushioned the blow. Volatility and the market downturn don't last forever.

Many Aussies have lost varying amounts from their nest eggs due to Trumps tariff war

'If you're young could see this as a good thing because would you rather a market downturn on $300,000 when you're 45 or would you rather that same drawdown happen on a $1milllion when you're 65?'

Moomoo Australia CEO Michael McCarthy warned against getting too excited about the market recovery.

'Strong remarks from China's President Xi Jinping, doubts from corporate America, and weakness in copper and oil markets, suggest the current rally is fuelled by optimism rather than fact,' he said.
Nyunggai Warren Mundine (AO) is a former President of the Australian Labor Party, a member of the Liberal Party, and a former co-head of the "No" campaign against the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum.

Here we go again. Labors Foreign Affairs Minister, Penny Wong, has let her guard down and revealed the truth - the Albanese Government will not be giving up on the culture wars, and will be pushing for another Voice referendum.

Labor is refusing to listen to the clear message of the Australian people. In the 2023 Referendum, Australians resoundingly rejected the Voice, in every state and territory bar the Canberra bubble.

The Voice was rejected in the cities and in the regions alike, including the multicultural suburbs of western Sydney and Melbourne - Labors so-called heartland.

The Voice was also rejected by Aboriginal people who were overwhelmingly indifferent to it. Most people in Aboriginal communities in remote and regional Australia cared so little about the Voice they didnt even vote at all, with typical turnout well below 40%.

So Labor is not listening to the Australian people or even to its own heartland. And Labor has not listened to the silence of Aboriginal people.

In rejecting the Voice, Australians rejected racial division. And they rejected embedding racial difference in our constitution and in our system of government.

Australians voted for all Australians being treated equally and fairly. The Albanese Labor government spent nearly $500 million on a Referendum to be told this but still wont accept the message.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong (pictured) shocked voters three days out from the federal election by declaring the Indigenous Voice to Parliament is an inevitability

Labor's plans to hold another Voice referendum shows it doesn't respect the Australian people says former co-head of the 'No' campaign Warren Mundine (pictured)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pictured alongside 'Yes' campaigners prior to the unsuccessful referendum

Labors plans to hold another Voice referendum and to not take No for an answer shows it doesnt respect the Australian people and doesnt mind wasting taxpayers money in the process.

The Voice was an ideological project of elites - academics, lawyers, corporates and the Aboriginal peak bodies who already advise on and design Aboriginal policy.

It offered no solutions and would have been a vast, pointless bureaucracy; a giant mission manager entrenched in the constitution.

Poverty and disadvantage for Aboriginal people is predominantly concentrated amongst those living in remote Australia and amongst families trapped in intergenerational welfare dependence.

Labor has no solutions for the problems experienced by these people or their communities.

Apart from the Voice, the Albanese Governments most significant Indigenous policy has been to remove alcohol bans and cashless welfare. This policy was a disaster and only made the problems worse.

The solution to Aboriginal poverty and disadvantage is not rocket science. Get every Aboriginal child to school every day, get every Aboriginal adult into a real job and ensure the communities in which Aboriginal people live are safe, with laws upheld and zero tolerance for criminal and anti-social behaviour.

The only reason these outcomes are considered to be difficult to achieve is lack of political courage and politicians pandering to progressive ideologies like those that underpin the Voice.
Millions of Aussies could be hit with a $222 fine and risk a criminal conviction if they fail to vote in the upcoming federal election.

Any Australian citizen over the age of 18 who is on the electoral roll and forgets to vote will receive a $20 penalty from the Australian Electoral Commission, which could jump to $222 and even a court date if left unpaid.

More than 18 million Aussies are enrolled to vote in the election on Saturday, May 3, with thousands already having their say at pre-polling centres across the country.

A record-breaking 2.395 million voters have already cast their ballots for this federal election - 400,000 more people than this time in 2022.

Hundreds of pre-polling centres, operating between 8am and 6pm, opened across the country on April 22 to allow Aussies the chance to cast their vote early.

April 26 marked the biggest single pre-poll day so for for this election, with 608,400 people casting their votes from across the country.

There are certain caveats that can excuse people who are unable to vote on May 3, who can vote early either in person or post.

Failure to vote in the upcoming Federal Election may lead to a $20 administrative penalty.

Millions of Australians could be hit with a $222 fine and risk a criminal conviction if they fail to vote in the upcoming federal election (pictured, Queensland police officers)

More than 18 million Aussies are enrolled to vote in the election on Saturday May 3, with thousands already having their say in pre-polling centres (pictured, voters in Sydney in 2019)

The AEC will then send a letter with instructions on how to pay the penalty.

Some valid and sufficient reasons for not voting on May 3 could include being too ill to make it to the polls, a natural disaster, or some other accident.

If a person believes they have a valid and sufficient reason for not voting they can advise the commission, which will review the reason along with any specific circumstances.

The Divisional Returning Officer will determine if the reason for not voting is valid and sufficient.

If the reason is deemed invalid, the AEC will notify the person that they are required to pay the fine - which if left unpaid could up to $222.

Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said that while the legislated deadline for postal vote applications is 6pm on Wednesday, it is difficult to service some people who apply that late.

'If you can vote in-person, that's what you should do,' Mr Pope said.

'Postal vote applications have been open for a month now and we've been consistent in encouraging people to apply as early as possible if they need a postal vote.'

Australia is one of only 16 countries that actively enforces mandatory voting

'We've received more than 2.4 million applications so far.

'Clearly most people have listened to our messages, and we thank them for that - including the more than 550,000 people that have already returned their completed postal vote.

'While we appreciate that for some people in-person voting isn't an option for their circumstances, Australia does have some of the best in-person voting options in the world with thousands of venues available.'

Mr Pope also advised those who could not make it to the ballot on Saturday to cast their votes early at any of the pre-polling centres.

'Early voting centres are open today, tomorrow and on Friday  all 570 of them across the country can cater to any of the 150 electoral divisions,' Mr Pope said.

'If you can vote on election day Saturday 3 May then that is what you need to do. If you cant then you can vote at one of our many early voting centres across the country.

'I encourage all voters to consider their circumstances and plan their vote.'

AEC figures reveal 17.23 million Australians were enrolled to vote but only 84.7 per cent of the population made a valid vote, with others casting an invalid or blank vote or choosing not to vote all together.

The latest polling from YouGov,showed Labor ahead of the in the two-party preferred basis (pictured, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and fiance Jodie Haydon)

Australia is one of only 16 countries that actively enforces mandatory voting.

In 2016 Darwin man Frank Bost refused to vote on principle and took his case to court.

He pleaded guilty to violating the Commonwealth Electoral Act and was ordered to pay $308 including a fine as well as the Australian Electoral Commission's legal fees.

A similar thing happened in 2016 to Tasmanian woman Emma Louise Pearce.

Ms Pearce failed to vote at the 2016 federal election and was taken to court by Commonwealth prosecutors.

After telling the court she disagreed with the voting system she was hit with a $180 fine, legal costs, and a criminal conviction.

Polling throughout the five-week race has consistently shown Mr Albanese cement his lead as preferred prime minister over Mr Dutton as the coalition has similarly fallen behind in voter surveys.

The latest polling from YouGov, released on Friday, showed Labor ahead of the coalition by 53.5 per cent to 46.5 per cent on a two-party preferred basis.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (pictured) assured his supporters that the Coalition could still win the federal election despite the unfavourable polling results

The Labor party also lead in the two-party preferred basis between 52-48 and 53-47 in four new national polls from Resolve, Essential, Morgan and DemosAU.

While Labor's vote slumped from a high 55.544.5 in Morgan to 5347, such a slide hasn't been seen in any other poll. Labor remains the likely winner of the election this Saturday.

On Sunday, Mr Dutton assured his supporters that the Coalition could still win the federal election despite the unfavourable polling results.

'I have no doubt in my mind we can win this election, forget about what you have been told by the ABC, in The Guardian and the other hate media,' Mr Dutton said.

The coalition needs to gain 21 seats to secure a majority, a figure its leaders insist is still achievable.
Alleged mushroom killer Erin Patterson repeatedly tried to stop doctors examining her children despite a warning they could die after claims they had consumed the same meal that ultimately killed their grandparents.

Patterson, 50, is accused of killing her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, with death cap mushrooms served in the pastry dish during a lunch at her Leongatha home on July 29, 2023.

Pastor Ian Wilkinson was the only one to survive the lunch, with an attempted murder charge related to his alleged poisoning also in play.

In opening the trial, Crown prosecutor Dr Nanette Rogers told the jury Patterson had been reluctant to have doctors at Leongatha Hospital examine her two children despite her repeated claims they had eaten a portion of the deadly meal.

The court heard Dr Chris Webster insisted she bring the children in so they could be treated.

'At that point, the accused became emotional and said, "Is this really necessary? They dont have symptoms" and she also said they did not eat mushrooms. "I just dont want them to be panicked or stressed",' the prosecutor told the court.

But the court was told Dr Webster warned her: 'They can be scared and alive, or dead.'

Dressed in a blue and white striped shirt, Patterson appeared in the Supreme Court of Victoria, sitting in the Latrobe Valley, 155km east of Melbourne, on Wednesday.

Erin Patterson has heard the full extent of the allegations against her in court

A court sketch of Erin Patterson from earlier this week

The jury has already heard three attempted murder charges relating to her estranged husband Simon Patterson were withdrawn last week.

She has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one of attempted murder.

Patterson herself had refused treatment, forcing Dr Webster to call Triple-0 after she left the hospital and refused to pick-up her phone.

'He left a voicemail message each time requesting that she return to hospital for treatment,' Ms Rogers told the jury.

'In the third voicemail, Dr Webster said apologetically that he would have to call the police to ask for their assistance in getting her to return to hospital, as he was concerned about her health.'

When Patterson eventually returned to hospital, she told Dr Webster her two children had eaten the meat, but not the mushroom or pastry surrounding it.

The jury heard Patterson was not actually concerned about the children becoming ill because they never actually ate the leftovers.

'The prosecution asserts that the childrens meal was not contaminated with death cap mushrooms,' Dr Rogers said.

The court heard Patterson had presented at hospital claiming to have been suffering from diarrhoea.

She was later transferred to Monash Hospital and the children were taken to Monash Childrens Hospital.

The court heard while they showed no symptoms of ill health, they were kept overnight for supervision.

Appearing teary-eyed from her position at the back of the court, Patterson listened intently as the allegations were aired before the jury of 15.

In opening the case, Dr Rogers claimed while separated, Patterson and her estranged husband Simon had initially enjoyed a 'friendly relationship'.

Despite separating in 2015, Simon had remained hopeful they would reunite someday, Dr Rogers said.

The pair had communicated regularly via the Signal messaging app up until 2022 when Simon noticed a change.

Dr Rogers told the jury Patterson expressed concern when Simon listed himself as separated on his tax return.

Simon Patterson will give evidence at the trial

She also wanted child support and the school fees paid.

The court heard Patterson changed the kids' school without consulting Simon.

On June 28, leading up to the deadly lunch, Gail texted Patterson and asked how some medical tests had gone.

The next day Patterson replied they had 'went okay' but she required a biopsy and an MRI the following week.

On July 6, Gail texted and asked again how Patterson was progressing, the court heard.

Patterson allegedly told her mother-in-law 'there was a bit to digest' and wanted to talk in person.

On July 16, during a church service, the court heard Patterson asked her in-laws over for lunch.

She also asked Simon to attend, despite the couple's relationship being on the decline.

The court heard the purpose of the lunch was to discuss 'medical issues' and how 'to break it to the kids'.

The Leongatha home where the deadly lunch took place

Patterson was insistent she did not want the kids to attend and Simon agreed to attend the lunch.

The court heard each of Patterson's guests were confused about the invitation and wondered what the purpose was.

Simon pulled out at last minute because he 'felt uncomfortable' - a move which allegedly annoyed his estranged wife.

Patterson texted 'she was disappointed' as she'd put in a lot of effort for the 'special meal'.

The court heard Patterson told Simon it was important everyone attended.

On the day of the lunch, Simon's in-laws arrived at the Patterson household together.

After some small talk, lunch was served.

Patterson plated the meal of beef Wellingtons, mash and beans.

Part of Patterson's legal team Sophie Stafford and Ophelia Holloway make their way past camera men on Wednesday

Patterson's legal team ran the gauntlet of media as they entered the court on Wednesday. Above is her barrister Colin Mandy SC

Detective Senior Constable Stephen Eppingstall (right) has spearheaded the investigation into Patterson

They were served as individual pastries on grey plates, but Patterson's was on a smaller coloured plate.

The court heard Gail ate only half of her portion and Don ate the rest.

Dessert consisted of a fruit platter and a cake brought by her guests.

After lunch Patterson told them she had cancer and asked how to tell the kids.

The court heard they prayed as a group for Erin's 'health and wisdom' before leaving together about 3pm

They became violently ill hours later.

On Tuesday, Justice Beale began his opening address to the jury, who had been meticulously selected from a jury pool of 120 people.

While 15 jurors are taking part in the full trial, which is expected to take anywhere up to six weeks, only 12 will decide Patterson's fate.

Heather and Ian Wilkinson in happier times. Mr Wilkinson survived the deadly lunch

Don and Gail Patterson both died after the lunch

A ballot will be held before the jury retires to consider its verdict, with three to be ejected without any input.

The additional jurors are selected as a back-up should any juror fall ill or need to be discharged during the lengthy trial process.

As the trial gets underway, more than 50 reporters from across the globe have descended on Morwell which is located about 60km from Patterson's home town in Leongatha, in Victoria's Gippsland region.

Almost all available accommodation within 13km of Morwell - as far away as Traralgon - has now been snapped up by media organisations covering the trial.

True crime podcasters and documentary crews have also converged on Morwell, which is located among lush green fields and has a population of under 15,000.

Search for The Trial of Erin Patterson where you get your podcasts now. To listen ad-free, plus get access to other fascinating true crime series, subscribe to The Crime Desk, the home of arresting podcasts

Morwell is known for its role as a major energy production centre for Victoria, as the centre of a major coal mining and fossil-fuel power generation industry.

Daily Mail Australia and a team of journalists will be on the ground in Morwell covering every minute of the case, with stories to appear daily online.

A podcast spearheaded by a top team of international Daily Mail journalists will accompany Daily Mail Australia's coverage.
The Trump administration has told Congress that it intends to designate Haitian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.

The State Department similarly labeled eight Latin American crime organizations in February as it ratcheted up pressure on cartels operating in the US and anyone assisting them.

The new move indicates that the administration plans to put similar pressure on gangs from Haiti.

The designation carries with it sanctions and penalties for anyone providing 'material support' for the group.

It comes after a series of steps against the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which was designated a foreign terror organization and then dubbed an invading force under an 18th-century wartime law.

The invocation of the law was then to justify the deportation of Venezuelan migrants to a notorious El Salvador prison under President Donald Trump's sweeping immigration crackdown.

Using the Alien Enemies Act is significant because it gives the president wide powers to imprison and deport non-citizens who otherwise would have the right to ask for asylum in the US or have their cases heard in immigration courts.

Trump, at a rally in Michigan on Tuesday, touted his designation of the six Latin American crime groups as foreign terrorist organizations, including MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.

The Trump administration has told Congress that it intends to designate Haitian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations. Pictured, a member of the gang Venezuelan Tren de Aragua and the MS-13 gang

The Trump administration moved in February to nix protections that shielded half a million Haitians from deportation

'They've been designated the highest level of terrorist, and that lets us do a lot of things that you wouldn't be able to do,' Trump said.

According to the notification sent to congressional committees on April 23, the Trump administration said it intends to designate the Haitian gangs Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as foreign terrorist organizations.

The foreign relations committees in the House and Senate have also received the notification.

The designation follows a Trump administration move in February to nix protections that shielded half a million Haitians from deportation.

Tens of thousands of Haitians came to the United States under a Biden-era program permitting people from four countries including Haiti to stay for two years provided they had a financial sponsor and bought their own plane ticket.

Trump administration terminated that program and is seeking to revoke the status of those admitted under the Biden administration.

The foreign terrorist organization label has typically been reserved for groups like al-Qaida or the Islamic State group, but applying it to Haitian gangs means that the Trump White House is expanding the longstanding US definition of foreign terrorism.

Viv Ansanm, which means 'Living Together,' is a powerful gang coalition that formed in September 2023.

A Honduran police officer checks a migrant's tattoo to rule out he is not affiliated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua at a checkpoint

Salvadoran prison guards escort alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and the MS-13 gang recently deported by the US government to be imprisoned in the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) prison, in Tecoluca, El Salvador

The gang is best known for launching a series of attacks starting in February 2024 across Port-au-Prince and beyond that shuttered Haiti's main international airport for nearly three months, freed hundreds of inmates from the country's two biggest prisons and eventually forced former Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign.

The coalition united more than a dozen gangs, including two of Haitis biggest ones: G-9 and G-Pep, which were fierce rivals.

Gangs control at least 85 percent of Haitis capital, with Viv Ansanm attacking once peaceful communities in recent weeks in a bid to control even more territory.

Gran Grif, also known as the Savien gang, forms part of the Viv Ansanm coalition and is led by Luckson Elan, best known as 'General Luckson.'

It is the biggest gang operating in Haiti's central Artibonite region with some 100 members.

It was blamed for an attack in the town of Pont-Sonde in October 2024 in which more than 70 people were killed in one of the biggest massacres in Haitis recent history.

Gran Grif also was blamed for a recent attack in the Petite Riviere community in which several people were killed, including an 11-year-old child.

Gran Grif was formed after Prophane Victor, an ex-member of Haitis Parliament who represented the Petite Riviere community in Artibonite, began arming young men in the region, according to a UN report. Victor was arrested in January.

The State Department labeled eight Latin American crime organizations in February as it ratcheted up pressure on cartels operating in the US and anyone assisting them

Salvadoran police officers escort an alleged gang member who was deported by the US along with others the US alleges are members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and MS-13

Canada sanctioned him in June 2023, as did the US in September 2024, accusing him of supporting gangs 'that have committed serious human rights abuse.'

More than 5,600 people were killed across Haiti last year, with gang violence leaving more than 1 million homeless in the country of nearly 12 million people, according to the U.N.

While much of the violence has occurred in Port-au-Prince, gangs recently struck the city of Mirebalais in Haitis central region and freed more than 500 inmates from a local prison.

They also attacked the nearby town of Saut dEau, considered sacred by the thousands of Haitians who travel there yearly for a Vodou-Catholic pilgrimage.

Gangs also have seized more control in Port-au-Prince, killing more than 260 people in Kenscoff and Carrefour earlier this year.

The UN political mission in Haiti noted that it took the country's military, police and a UN-backed mission led by Kenyan police roughly five hours to respond to those attacks.

Hunger also has surged to record levels as a result of the persistent gang violence, with more than half of Haiti's population expected to experience severe hunger through June, and 8,400 people living in makeshift shelters projected to starve.
A 15-year-old Indiana teen has been formally accused of raping a 7-year-old non-verbal second grade student while the two were on the school bus.

The family of the Jennings County second grader has since announced plans to sue Jennings County School Corporation claiming their young son was raped repeatedly by an older student while riding on the school bus.

The harrowing alleged incident happened on April 16 on a bus designated for students with special needs, the Jennings County Juvenile Probation Department confirmed.

'The victim is a non-verbal special education student who was improperly seated directly next to a much older 15-year-old student and was helplessly left unmonitored by two school employees who were on the bus and charged with caring for his safety,' Laura Swafford, an attorney for the second grade student's family, said.

The alleged assaults were recorded by at least one camera inside the school bus, according to court documents.

'Video camera footage later downloaded from inside the bus shows that, on multiple occasions, the victim was sexually assaulted and raped, but neither the Corporation's bus driver nor the extra bus monitor employee did anything to stop the assaults,' Swafford added.

Now, the Jennings County School Corporation is undergoing an extensive review of security footage, from the entire school year, to learn whether there have been additional, unreported incidents.

A 15-year-old Indiana teen has been formally accused of raping another student - a 7-year-old non-verbal second grade student - while the two were on the school bus. Pictured: A Jennings County School bus leaving Sand Creek Elementary School

The alleged incident happened on April 16 on a bus designated for students with special needs, the Jennings County Juvenile Probation Department confirmed. Pictured: Sand Creek Elementary School, one of six elementary schools within the school corporation

Both the victim and the alleged rapist are juveniles and have not been publicly identified.

On Tuesday, the 15-year-old alleged rapist appeared at the Jennings County Circuit Court for a hearing that was closed to the public, WTHR13 reported.

Days earlier, on April 25, the Jennings County School Corporation released a statement, claiming the school corporation is now 'increasing safety protocols.'

North Vernon, where the approximately 3,800 student school corporation is located, is roughly 70 miles southeast of Indianapolis.

'This nightmare tragedy should never have happened,' Swafford said.

The Indianapolis-based attorney went on to raise questions as to the awareness of the school's staff and their 'ability to protect their young.'

'How could both the bus driver and the additional bus monitor-aid not notice anything? Like all parents in the community, the boy's family believed the school would protect their young, vulnerable son.

The family entrusted the school to protect their son by monitoring activity on the bus. The school system breached this trust and clearly failed in its responsibility,' the lawyer added.

Swafford has since filed a tort claim - the legal first step to filing a lawsuit against the North Vernon school corporation.

'The tort claim alleges that the Jennings County School Corporation was grossly negligent, violated the child's civil rights, and caused him permanent injuries and damages,' Swafford said.

The 15-year-old alleged rapist appeared at the Jennings County Circuit Court (pictured) on Tuesday for a hearing that was closed to the public

The North Vernon Police Department confirmed that the 15-year-old suspect is being held in a juvenile detention center. He has reportedly been charged with one count of rape. Pictured: The accused juvenile was escorted from the court to the detention center in the police van

'The victim's family is hoping that this claim and its publicity will help prevent such a tragedy from happening to another child while sending a powerful message that all schools should be held accountable for the safety and protection of their students, particularly the most vulnerable disabled children.'

On Tuesday, the district Superintendent Nicole Johnson released a statement addressing the alleged incident.

'We are aware of the legal filing connected to very concerning incidents that allegedly occurred on one of our special transportation buses, and we will respond to this filing through the appropriate legal channels.

We cannot go into any detail about this situation because we are cooperating with an active police investigation and additionally are involved in this litigation.

I want to emphasize, though, that these reports involving students' safety have been heartbreaking and devastating to all of us. Nothing is more important than the safety of our students. While this incident must still be investigated and resolved through our criminal justice system, we are taking steps to try to better ensure the safety of our students,' Johnson's statement concluded.

The North Vernon Police Department confirmed that the 15-year-old suspect is being held in a juvenile detention center.

He has reportedly been charged with one count of rape.
Pauline Hanson has warned voters that Labor will believe it has a 'mandate' to revive the defeated Voice proposal if it wins Saturday's election.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong sparked a furore on Wednesday by predicting that the Voice  a separate indigenous body with powers to influence government legislation - will still be introduced, despite it being voted down 60 per cent to 40 per cent in a 2023 referendum.

'We'll look back on it in ten years' time and it'll be a bit like marriage equality,' Senator Wong told the Betoota Talks podcast.

'I always used to say, marriage equality, which took us such a bloody fight to get that done, and I thought, all this fuss... It'll become something, it'll be like, people go "did we even have an argument about that?"

Her backing for the indigenous body came just three days after Anthony Albanese ruled out any attempt to bring back the Voice, telling the leaders' debate: 'It's gone... I respect the outcome (of the referendum), we live in a democracy.'

Ms Wong later echoed Mr Albanese's words in an apparent backflip, telling SBS, 'the Voice is gone... The prime minister has made that clear, and the Australian people have made their position clear, and we respect the result of the referendum.'

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday from Tasmania, where she is on the campaign trail with her daughter and Senate candidate Lee Hanson, Ms Hanson said the Foreign Minister's comments were proof Labor had not given up on the Voice.

'It doesn't surprise me, because I know their agenda,' she said.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong sparked a furore on Wednesday by predicting that the Voice will eventually be introduced

Ms Hanson told Daily Mail Australia the Foreign Minister's comments were proof Labor had not given up on the Voice

'They haven't walked away from it, they have disregarded the referendum and what people voted for.'

Ms Hanson claimed millions of dollars Labor had earmarked in a previous election promise for a Makarrata Commission, focused on deal-making and 'truth-telling' between governments and Aboriginal groups was yet to be re-allocated, indicating the process will be re-started.

'This is their agenda - have no doubt about it,' Sen Hanson said.

'If they're given a majority government they're going to look at it - renewables and a Voice to Parliament - as a mandate. It's not dead and buried.'

Ms Hanson's One Nation party is polling higher than its 2022 election result, with a recent survey putting its primary vote at 10.5 per cent, boosting its chances of getting additional Senate seats.

But Labor holds a clear lead over the Coalition, which has reached a preference arrangement with One Nation party in marginal seats.

The arrangement is intended in part to shore up the Coalition against Labor, but also to offset a move by Clive Palmer's Trumpet of Patriots party to put incumbents in last position.

Ms Hanson said the Coalition's campaign performance 'has been very poor, I'm hearing that from the public, they don't see a strong leader in Peter Dutton'.

Ms Hanson's One Nation party is polling higher than its 2022 election result, with a recent survey putting its primary vote at 10.5 per cent

'It's a shame people haven't got the confidence in him.'

Mr Dutton had not 'stood his ground' on key issues, such as his policy to stop public servants in Canberra from working from home, Ms Hanson said.

As for Clive Palmer's party, she was 'not worried about the Trumpet of Patriots' and thought Aussies were 'fed up' with receiving the party's spam texts.

The senator pointed out that Palmer had approached her last year with an offer to join forces but she had refused.

'We're totally different. I wouldn't go anywhere near him (Palmer) with a barge pole.'

She had been surprised at being referred to as 'evil' in ads featuring party leader Suellen Wrightson, given they crossed paths when Ms Wrightson was chief of staff for Senator Ralph Babet and found her 'so complimentary'.

'If Suellen thinks she's the next prime minister it's a joke. I think they're a joke.'
Controversial US television personality Joe Exotic has thrown his support behind Anthony Albanese for Prime Minister.

The colourful subject of the hit Netflix documentary 'Tiger King' - whose name is actually Joseph Maldonado - shared a post on Wednesday.

It featured himself in a picture alongside Mr Albanese with the words 'Albanese for Prime Minister Australia'.

'Keep Australia safe and awesome. All my friends in Australia vote for Albo MP,' the caption said.

The 62-year-old ran the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park from 1999 to 2018 which kept and displayed big cats, before he was sentenced to more than two decades behind bars.

Maldonado was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire stemming from his feud with animal rights activist Carole Baskin.

Basking is the founder of Big Cat Rescue.

In a follow-up post, Exotic insisted there was no inducement offered to him to endorse Mr Albanese.

Controversial US television personality Joe Exotic has thrown his support behind Anthony Albanese for Prime Minister

'No Anthony Albanese did not pay me,' he wrote in a follow-up Instagram post.

'I made a public offer to work for their zoo for free for 6 months or any other wildlife conservation if he would call President Trump and ask for me to be released based on the American government's witnesses have admitted to perjury. Will make the same offer to President Trump or the President of Mexico.'

It was not known which zoo was being referred to, or if he believes Mr Albanese did intervene in his legal case.

Exotic was also found guilty of breaching the Endangered Species Act after multiple tigers at his zoo died.

Despite being behind bars, Maldonado announced his candidacy for the 2024 US election as a Democrat.
A lifelong Labor member and former colleague of Anthony Albanese has branded the Prime Minister's shock new superannuation policy as 'ethically wrong'.

Labor has vowed to tax anyone with retirement savings above $3million on all notional gains - even before they're cashed in - if the government is re-elected on Saturday.

Those with a self-managed super fund would be taxed at 15 per cent regardless of whether they actually sold off any assets like real estate.

The policy is a radical departure from the fundamental principle of only applying capital gains tax to assets after they are sold for a profit.

The government's groundbreaking policy has never before been applied to superannuation anywhere else in the world.

Despite that, Labor still included it in the pre-election March Budget.

Former Labor MP Michael Danby described Labor's plan to tax unrealised gains on super as 'ethically wrong'.

'It's a mistake that shouldn't be proceeded with,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

A former Labor colleague of Anthony Albanese has described his superannuation policy as unethical

'The fact that these are unrealised gains, people may not realise they even have them.

'People have been frugal and put aside money for their superannuation and for it to be, even part of it jeopardised, and have to be sold - when it's not even realised is wrong, it's ethically wrong.'

Mr Danby likened the ALP's super policies to former Opposition Leader Bill Shorten's 2019 election policy to tax shareholders on franking credits.

'I think it's a minefield and it's as bad as the idea of taxing franking credits - it's a mistake,' he said.

But Mr Danby doubted Labor's super policies would hurt its re-election chances.

'I don't think it will because it's come to light too late for people to realise what's happening,' he said.

Earnings taxes on balances above $3million would also double to 30 per cent under Labor's plan which last year stalled in the Senate.

'If it emerges from that other policy, it's a bad idea too,' he said.

Former Labor MP Michael Danby described Labor's plan to tax unrealised gains on super as 'ethically wrong'

As Opposition Leader, Mr Albanese promised ahead of the 2022 election that superannuation would remain untouched.

'We've said we have no intention of making any super changes - one of the things that we're doing in this campaign is we're making all of our policies clear,' he told reporters.

Despite that pledge, Labor introduced the Treasury Laws Amendment (Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions and Other Measures) Bill in 2023.

Labor won a majority at the last election and wasn't forced into introducing this policy to placate the Greens or independents.

This was different to 2011, when former prime minister Julia Gillard introduced a carbon tax as the leader of a minority government, breaking a 2010 election promise.

The Albanese Government's super proposal stalled in November 2024 when it failed to pass the Senate with the Greens wanting the threshold for taxing unrealised gains reduced from $3million to $2million.

The idea of taxing super assets before they were sold would mark the most radical departure from the capital gains tax since it debuted in September 1985 under Bob Hawke's Labor government.

Mr Danby, who held the old seat of Melbourne Ports from 1998 to 2019, is campaigning for Labor MP Josh Burns in the renamed electorate of Macnamara on the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay.
Trump's chief of staff has revealed Elon Musk is no longer working at the White House after spending the first 100 Days by the president's side.

The world's richest man is quietly stepping away from his official role with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) - the controversial task force slashing spending across the federal government.

After months of dominating the West Wing, attending Cabinet meetings, riding shotgun on Air Force One, and even bringing his toddler son 'X' into high-level budget briefings, Musk is now notably absent from the White House campus.

'Instead of meeting with him in person, I'm talking to him on the phone, but it's the same net effect,' White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles told The New York Post.

'He's not out of it altogether. He's just not physically present as much as he was.'

But Wiles insists Musk's team stationed in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building will carry on his vision. 'He hasn't been here physically, but it really doesn't matter much,' she said.

'The people that are doing this work are here doing good things and paying attention to the details. He'll be stepping back a little, but he's certainly not abandoning it. And his people are definitely not.'

His absence may signal the beginning of the end of the most disruptive experiments in modern US governance.

Elon Musk is stepping back from his daily post just steps away from the Oval Office

For the first several months of Trump's second term, Elon Musk seemed to be everywhere Trump was

Trump's chief of staff, Susie Wiles, right, has revealed Elon Musk is no longer working at the White House after spending the first 100 Days by the president's side

For the first several months of Trump's second term, Elon Musk was everywhere - briefing Trump personally, gutting federal departments, and boldly promising to slash the federal deficit by $1 trillion, a figure he vowed to halve by the end of the fiscal year.

From the moment Trump stunned Washington by appointing Musk as an unpaid special government employee and unofficial 'Efficiency Czar,' the billionaire's presence has sparked admiration and outrage in equal measure.

Democrats accused Musk of launching a Silicon Valley coup on American democracy while Republicans hailed him as the one man willing to treat the federal bureaucracy like a malfunctioning machine needing a complete rewiring.

Under the DOGE initiative, Musk set out to dismantle what he and Trump called the 'Deep State of Waste.'

The drive has seen the gutting and attempted dismantling of multiple agencies and the firings of over 200,000 federal workers. It has faced legal challenges and lawsuits.

His targets were aggressive and symbolic and included the 10,000-employee US Agency for International Development (USAID) which he gutted and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) which has been slated for closure.

By March, Musk's war on Washington had reached such a fever pitch that vandals began targeting Tesla cars and holding demonstrations outside of showrooms , accusing the mogul of turning federal cuts into a tech-sector feeding frenzy.

In response, Trump staged a political spectacle in the White House grounds and purchased a Tesla on camera calling the vandals 'domestic terrorists' and ordering the DOJ to respond with force.

Musk was even allowed to attend cabinet meetings under his role as White House Senior Advisor. His 130-day mandate as a special government employee was set to expire in May

President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk speak to the press as they stand next to a Tesla Cybertruck on the South Portico of the White House last month in Washington, DC

Given DOGE's contentious work, including initiating sweeping federal layoffs, investors year have grown worried about damage to the brand but Musk has announced he's stepping back

Musk would regularly travel with the president aboard Air Force One along with his son, X

But last week, Musk confirmed that he would be pivoting away from the White House.

Musk's 130-day mandate as a special government employee was set to expire at the end of May. He said he will continue to help Trump overhaul the government, but not full-time.

'Starting next month, I will be allocating far more of my time to Tesla,' he said during a Tesla earnings call. 'The major work of establishing [DOGE] has been completed.'

But he didn't entirely shut the door on future government work. 'I would still be interested in continuing to spend a day or two a week on government matters, as long as it is useful,' he added.

Despite Musk's bold promises to reduce the deficit and shutter bloated agencies, the administration has yet to release an official tally of savings.

Independent watchdogs say transparency has been limited.

Trump also accompanied Musk on some of his passion projects including a Space X Starship rocket launch

People hold placards during a Tesla Takedown protest against billionaire Elon Musk, outside of a Tesla car showroom in central London earlier this month

Tesla boycotts and protests grew in the first quarter, while weak deliveries and sales data in the US and abroad led to a dismal earnings report on Tuesday

A man sprays paint graffiti against Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on a Tesla showroom in New York earlier this week

Critics have portrayed the spending cuts as reckless and dangerous, particularly in emergency and humanitarian assistance abroad, while Trump and Musk say they are needed to fight waste and fraud.

His reduced role leaves DOGE's future in doubt, but governance experts said they believe the cost-cutting will continue.

A DOGE website that gives regular updates on what it claims it has saved U.S. taxpayers - $160 billion to date - has been riddled with errors and corrections.
Donald Trump has claimed that Vladimir Putin is only negotiating in Russia-Ukraine peace talks because of him adding that he's 'willing to make a deal'.

The US president added that Putin 'has been easier to deal with' than Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during negotiations.

In an interview with BlazeTV's Glenn Beck, Trump pointed towards his explosive meeting with Zelensky in the Oval Office in late February, saying that the Ukrainian leader was 'screaming' at him.

'He's asking for more, just more and more and more, and he doesn't have the cards,' Trump told the former Fox News host.

'I don't believe that Vladimir Putin would be doing this for anybody else but me, a lot of people have said it, too,' he added.

'I think he had the idea of going all the way through, I think he's willing to make a deal.

'And I would say, thus far he's been easier to deal with than Zelenskyy. Thus far.'

Following the interview, peace talks have hit another impasse as the Kremlin rejected a seven-point plan to end the war set out by the United States that would recognise Moscow's control of Crimea and effectively freeze the frontline in place.

President Donald Trump pointed towards his explosive meeting with Zelensky in the Oval Office in late February with BlazeTV founder Glenn Beck at the White House

President Donald Trump welcomes Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025

The US president said that Vladimir Putin 'has been easier to deal with' than Volodymyr Zelensky during negotiations

The plan, presented by the Trump administration to European allies earlier this month, is widely seen as a land-for-peace deal that would allow Putin to keep Ukrainian territory seized by his forces while assuring that Ukraine would not join NATO.

But Sergei Lavrov, Russia's veteran Foreign Minister, declared on Monday in a written interview with Brazilian outlet O Globo that the Kremlin would only accept a ceasefire if various strict terms are met.

These include the removal of Ukrainian President Zelensky and what he called Ukraine's 'neo-Nazi' regime, international recognition of Russian sovereignty over the four annexed Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, and a restriction on the size of Ukraine's army, among other measures.

'All the commitments Kiev assumes must be legally binding, contain enforcement mechanisms and be permanent,' Lavrov wrote.

'Demilitarising and de-Nazifying Ukraine is also on the agenda, along with lifting sanctions, withdrawing lawsuits and cancelling arrest warrants, as well as returning Russian assets subjected to the so-called freeze in the West.'

Lavrov's open rejection of the US devised plan came as Vladimir Putin's declaration of a three-day ceasefire from May 8-10 was ridiculed by Ukrainian officials and analysts as a 'trick' and 'cynical'.

Dara Massicot, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think tank focusing on Russian defence, pointed out that Putin likely doesn't want the threat of Ukraine air attacks to disrupt Russia's Victory Day on May 9, with the nation set to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's triumph in World War II.

'The Kremlin wants a ceasefire for those days because it can't suitably defend airspace from Ukrainian drones and they want a smooth 80th anniversary victory day parade,' she said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky looks on during a visit to a military training area to find out about the training of Ukrainian soldiers on the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system

An explosion of a drone is seen in the sky over the city, during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine April 29, 2025

Rescuers work at a site of the Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine in this handout picture released April 29, 2025

The criticism of Putin's Victory Day ceasefire comes as his forces pounded Ukraine with a hundred drones overnight. A 12-year-old girl was killed in the central region of Dnipropetrovsk, while several were wounded there and in the capital Kyiv.

Russia sought to cast its proposed three-day ceasefire in May as a humanitarian pause to coincide with the Victory Day celebrations.

'Based on humanitarian considerations, the Russian side is declaring a truce during the 80th anniversary of Victory Day,' the Kremlin announced on Monday, claiming from May 8 through May 10 'all hostilities' would be stopped.

'Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example. In the event of violations of the truce by the Ukrainian side, the Russian armed forces will give an adequate and effective response,' it added.

The Kremlin announced a similar, 30-hour truce during Easter but while both sides reported a dip in fighting, they accused each other of hundreds of violations.

Meanwhile, Russia's refusal to consider the US-devised peace deal is said to be angering Trump, who urged his opposite number in Moscow to 'stop shooting and sign a deal'.

Trump is seeking a permanent ceasefire in Ukraine, his spokeswoman said on Monday, indicating the President did not see Putin's three-day pause as satisfactory.

Trump himself has threatened to walk away from peace talks altogether if making a deal proves too difficult, setting off alarm bells in Kyiv and its European allies.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, right, huddles with US President Donald Trump during a one-on-one meeting before the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica

Though he has expressed irritation at Putin's refusal of US ceasefire proposals, he has also lambasted Zelensky, accusing him of prolonging the 'killing field' by pushing back on his demand that Ukraine hand over occupied Crimea to Moscow.

But if it were accepted, the American land-for-peace plan would mark a significant shift in the post-World War II order and signal to other authoritarian regimes that the world's most powerful nation will allow border to be redrawn by force.

'It took a World War to roll back de jure annexations and 60 million people died,' said Francois Heisbourg, special adviser at the Foundation for Strategic Research in Paris, referring to the pre-war annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany.

'Europeans will not accept it' and Ukraine will not either, he said.

In an interview with Paris Match published on Moday, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed hope that the sides may now be closer to a truce than ever before, but stressed the need for 'caution,' because 'part of the equation' depends on Moscow.

'In the next eight to ten days, we will increase the pressure on the Kremlin. [] It's not right for all the pressure to fall on Ukraine,' he said.

But if Trump truly does walk away from the negotiating table and withdraw support for Ukraine in the process, Europe may have to find a way to fill the gap and support Kyiv's military indefinitely.

Russia has attacked Ukraine almost nightly since Putin's forces invaded in February 2022.

Rescue workers stand near a destroyed building where roses are placed in Kyiv, Ukraine on April 25, 2025

Ukrainian service members of the 25th Sicheslav Airborne Brigade fire a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launch system towards Russian troops near the frontline town of Pokrovsk

The death toll from the Russian attacks would 'inevitably' be higher without the Patriot missile systems protecting Ukraine's skies, said Douglas Barrie, senior fellow for military aerospace at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London.

The Patriots can track and intercept Russian missiles, including the hypersonic Kinzhal, which Putin has boasted was unstoppable. Kyiv uses them to protect critical infrastructure, including the country's energy grid.

Earlier this month, Zelensky asked to buy an additional 10 Patriot batteries, but was swiftly rebuffed by Trump.

'You don't start a war against someone 20 times your size and then hope that people give you some missiles,' the US President said, a day after a Russian strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy killed 35 people.

France and Italy have given Ukraine their Aster SAMP/T air-defence system but the issue is not 'quality, it's quantity,' Barrie said, pointing to the larger US defence industrial base and greater US stockpiles.
Anthony Albanese was confronted about his 'bulls**t' by a hard-charging reporter during a tense exchange at the National Press Club.

Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell took the Prime Minister to task over the 'fair amount of BS in this campaign' after his address in Canberra on Wednesday.

'Before the last election, you said power bills would reduce - they didn't. You said you wouldn't alter the tax cuts - you did,' Clennell said.

'You said you wouldn't change super - you're trying. You said we'd have cheaper mortgages - we don't.

'You said on election night you'd commit to the Uluru Statement in full - you haven't.

'You said when you'd messed up, you'd admit fault - you haven't.'

The sledge continued with references to Labor's attempts to run a 'Mediscare' campaign against Peter Dutton which claims the Opposition Leader will cut Medicare.

'Why do you have to exaggerate in this campaign? Why can't you win this election by telling the truth?', Clennell asked.

Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell (pictured) took the Prime Minister to task over the 'fair amount of BS in this campaign' on Wednesday afternoon after his address to the National Press Club in Canberra

While Mr Albanese did not address the broken promise on power bills - to reduce them by $275 - or the mortgages, super or the Uluru Statement from the Heart, he was strongest on his decision to break his promise on the stage three tax cuts

But the Prime Minister hit back, insisting that the reason the Opposition Leader 'tried to abolish bulk-billing and introduce a GP tax every time people visited the doctor was he wanted it to be sustainable'.

'He belled the cat. That's still his view,' Mr Albanese said.

He accused Mr Dutton of 'ripping' $50billion out of hospitals when he was health Minister in the Abbott government - a claim the Opposition Leader has branded a 'mistruth'.

In 2014, the Coalition government projected healthcare spending to reduce by $50billion over ten years.

While Mr Albanese did not address the broken promise on power bills - to reduce them by $275 - or the mortgages, super or the Uluru Statement from the Heart, he was strongest on his decision to break his promise on the stage three tax cuts.

'What I did on income taxes was to come here, front up, say, "I have changed our position",' he said.

'Why? Because there are cost-of-living pressures on people, and it wasn't sustainable to, on 1 July last year, to say that you and I get $9,000 and the people who've served this meal, the people who've cooked it out the back, the people who'll clean up after us in this room when we leave, get a big duck egg.

'That is not the Labor way. I fronted up.

'I had the argument. I won the argument. And they voted for it.'
Erin Patterson is accused of killing her in-laws with a poisonous beef Wellington but her alleged motive will remain a mystery - even when the trial ends.

Patterson, 50, allegedly killed her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, with death cap mushrooms served in the pastry dish during a lunch at her Leongatha home on July 29, 2023.

Pastor Ian Wilkinson was the only one to survive the lunch, with an attempted murder charge related to his alleged poisoning also in play.

In closing her opening address on Wednesday, Crown prosecutor Dr Nanette Rogers told the jury a motive was not necessary for members to convict Patterson and they would not be given one.

'Motive is not something that has to be proven by the prosecution,' Dr Rogers said.

'The prosecution will not be suggesting that there was a particular motive to do what she did.'

Instead, Dr Rogers told the jury that by the end of the trial they would be convinced Patterson lured her victims to lunch with false claims she had cancer before deliberately serving them mini beef Wellingtons laced with death cap mushrooms.

She told the jury it could be convinced Patterson had not eaten any of the poisonous meal, pretended to be sick and never fed her children any of the leftovers containing the death cap mushrooms.

Erin Patterson has heard the full extent of the allegations against her in court

Dr Rogers also highlighted Patterson's conduct after the meal, dumping a dehydrator that was used to concentrate the death cap mushrooms.

In closing out Wednesday's proceedings, Patterson's barrister Colin Mandy, SC suggested motive was an important factor in the case.

'Did she have a motive to kill these four family members?' he said. 'That issue of intention is the critical issue in this trial.

'Did she intend to kill these four people? That's the issue.

'We say she didn't do it deliberately ... the defence case is what happened was a tragedy. A terrible accident.'

Mr Mandy told the jury Patterson had lied about having cancer and did dump a dehydrator later found to have traces of death cap mushrooms.

'She panicked because she was overwhelmed because there were four people that had become so ill because of the food she served them,' he said.

Dressed in a blue and white striped shirt, Patterson appeared in the Supreme Court of Victoria, sitting in the Latrobe Valley, 155km east of Melbourne, on Wednesday.

A court sketch of Erin Patterson from earlier this week

In opening the case, Dr Rogers claimed while separated, Patterson and her estranged husband Simon had initially enjoyed a 'friendly relationship'.

Despite separating in 2015, Simon had remained hopeful they would reunite someday, Dr Rogers said.

The pair had communicated regularly via the Signal messaging app up until 2022 when Simon noticed a change.

Dr Rogers told the jury Patterson expressed concern when Simon listed himself as separated on his tax return.

In an opening that went for hours, Dr Rogers told the jury Patterson had sourced the death cap mushrooms from areas reported on the iNaturalist website - a site that allows people to log flora and fauna and their locations.

Phone data later obtained by police alleged Patterson's phone was later 'pinged' in areas identified on that site as having death cap mushrooms there.

The jury further heard Patterson took steps to hide evidence, dumping her usual mobile phone and later factory resetting her new phone multiple times, including when detectives executed a search warrant on her home.

The court heard Patterson's original phone has never been recovered.

Simon Patterson will give evidence at the trial

The Leongatha home where the deadly lunch took place

The jury also heard Patterson had previously used the dehydrator to dehydrate mushrooms for her daughter and had put them in muffins without telling her.

Patterson claimed she did so because her daughter said that she didn't like mushrooms.

The court heard she wanted to prove her daughter liked mushrooms because she enjoyed the muffins, which contained dried mushrooms over the muffins that didn't.

Patterson also secretly put dehydrated mushrooms into her children's chocolate brownies.

The jury has already heard three attempted murder charges relating to her estranged husband Simon Patterson were withdrawn last week.

She has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one of attempted murder.

Dr Rogers told the jury Patterson had been reluctant to have doctors at Leongatha Hospital examine her two children despite her repeated claims they had eaten a portion of the deadly meal.

The court heard Dr Webster insisted she bring the children in so they could be treated.

Erin Patterson's legal team march into court on Wednesday

Patterson's legal team ran the gauntlet of media as they entered the court on Wednesday. Above is her barrister Colin Mandy SC

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'At that point, the accused became emotional and said, "Is this really necessary? They dont have symptoms" and she also said they did not eat mushrooms. "I just dont want them to be panicked or stressed",' the prosecutor told the court.

But the court was told Dr Chris Webster warned her: 'They can be scared and alive, or dead.'

Patterson herself had refused treatment, forcing Dr Webster to call Triple-0 after she left the hospital and refused to pick-up her phone.

'He left a voicemail message each time requesting that she return to hospital for treatment,' Ms Rogers told the jury.

'In the third voicemail, Dr Webster said apologetically that he would have to call the police to ask for their assistance in getting her to return to hospital, as he was concerned about her health.'

When Patterson eventually returned to hospital, she told Dr Webster her two children had eaten the meat, but not the mushroom or pastry surrounding it.

'The prosecution asserts that the childrens meal was not contaminated with death cap mushrooms,' Dr Rogers said.

The hearing will continue on Thursday.
British forces carried out airstrikes on a Houthi military target in Yemen overnight, the Ministry of Defence has revealed.

The MoD said RAF Typhoons had joined in operation with US forces in targeting the Iran-backed group's drone-making facilities near the capital, Sanaa.

Several Typhoon FGR4s used Paveway IV precision guided bombs on a cluster of buildings used on facilities manufacturing drones like those used to target ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in recent months.

The MoD said 'very careful planning had been completed to allow the targets to be prosecuted with minimal risk to civilians or non-military infrastructure'.

'We conducted these strikes, supported by the US, to degrade Houthi capabilities and prevent further attacks against UK and International shipping,' said Defence Secretary John Healey.

The strikes marked the UK's first involvement with America's new intense campaign targeting the group.

The campaign, called 'Operation Rough Rider,' has been targeting the rebels as the Trump administration negotiates with their main benefactor, Iran, over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program.

Two RAF Typhoon FGR4 aircraft operating at night from their base in the Mediterranean (File)

Houthi rebel fighters march during a rally of support for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and against the U.S. strikes on Yemen outside Sanaa on Jan. 22, 2024 (File)

Flames and smoke rising from an explosion at the British oil ship Cordelia Moon after an attack by an unmanned Houthi exploding boat in the Red Sea, October 1 2024

The British offered no information on the damage done in the strike, nor whether it believed anyone had been killed.

The U.S. military's Central Command did not acknowledge the strike.

'The strike was conducted after dark, when the likelihood of any civilians being in the area was reduced yet further,' Britain's defence ministry said.

Mr Healey added that all UK aircraft and personnel involved had also safely returned to base.

'This government will always act in the interests of our national and economic security,' he said.

'Royal Air Force Typhoons have successfully conducted strikes against a Houthi military target in Yemen and all UK aircraft and personnel have returned safely to base.

He stressed that the Houthis' activities in the Red Sea were a 'persistent threat' to 'freedom of navigation'.

'A 55% drop in shipping through the Red Sea has already cost billions, fuelling regional instability and risking economic security for families in the UK,' he said.

'The Government is steadfast in our commitment to reinforcing global stability and protecting British working people.

'I am proud of the dedication and professionalism shown by the service men and women involved in this operation.'

The Houthis claim their actions are in response to Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza - an assertion dismissed by the UK and allies.

Britain has taken part in airstrikes alongside the U.S. since the Biden administration began its campaign of strikes targeting the Houthis back in January 2024.

A security inspects a damaged car following US aerial attacks on April 27, 2025 in Sana'a, Yemen

A view of destruction after an attack by US warplanes on a shelter center for African irregular migrants in the northern Yemeni city of Sadah on April 29, 2025

Houthi supporter holds up a mock drone during a protest against the United States, in Sana'a, Yemen, 25 April 2025

The U.S. is conducting strikes on Yemen from its two aircraft carriers in the region - the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea and the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea.

US forces have struck more than 1,000 targets in Yemen since Washington launched the latest round of its air campaign in mid-March, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

The joint U.K.-U.S. strike follows an alleged a U.S. airstrike on Monday that hit a prison holding African migrants, killing at least 68 people and wounding 47 others.

The U.S. military said it was investigating.

On April 18, an American strike on the Ras Isa fuel port killed at least 74 people and wounded 171 others in the deadliest-known attack of the American campaign.
An iconic department store is holding a 'Rachel Reeves closing down sale' as it shuts its last outlet.

Large yellow posters with the Chancellor holding her red Budget box have been splashed on the windows of the Beales store in Poole, Dorset.

The firm's boss Tony Brown paid for the signs as a 'poke in the ribs to the government' having blamed Ms Reeves' tax-grabbing Budget for killing off the family business after 144 years of trading.

Beales' last remaining department store on the south coast will bring down the shutters for the final time at the end of May.

Mr Brown has warned Britain's high streets will be full of vape and coffee shops in the next five years if the Chancellor continues with her 'fiscal strategy'.

He said the increases in National Insurance costs and the minimum wage brought in on April 1, combined with the reduction in rates relief, had cost the firm 200,000 and made the business 'unviable'.

He said the posters, which he paid to have produced 'are not just for us, they are for the whole industry'.

'I'm giving the government a poke in the ribs for everyone who is affected by this,' he said.

Yellow posters with the Chancellor holding her red Budget box have been splashed all over the windows of the Beales store in Poole, Dorset

The firm's boss Tony Brown paid for the signs as a 'poke in the ribs to the government' having blamed Ms Reeves' tax-grabbing Budget for killing off the family business

'Ever since the punitive business taxes heaped on by the chancellor, the two NI increases and the National Minimum wage increase and the reduction of the rates relief to 40 per cent adding significantly to our costs, these punitive taxes have had the effect that the business has become unviable.

'This, coupled with the risks and uncertainty of further tax increases in the coming years, have left us no other option.

'If you increase the complexity and cost of business and give no indication whatsoever that you could realistically forecast what next year's going to look like, you have to look at risks and uncertainties.

'The risks and uncertainties of the government's fiscal strategy are just too much to bear.

'As investors in businesses, you've got to look at 'what's this likely to be?' and 'how are we going to get out of it? And our forecast is we can't.

'The investors, which includes me, our principal investor, our historical investor, have put millions into the business over the last four years because we believe in it.

'But there's so much appetite you could take before you have to take critical action. The investors haven't taken a penny out of this business in dividends.

'The only way people can survive this is if you're not paying yourself a minimum wage, you're paying yourself a dividend.

'Only those very small businesses will be able to weather this, and even then, a lot of small businesses are shutting down as well.'

Mr Brown has warned Britain's high streets will be full of vape and coffee shops in the next five years if the Chancellor continues with her 'fiscal strategy'

Ms Reeves poses with the red Budget Box as she leaves 11 Downing Street ahead of announcing the autumn Budget to Parliament in October

Mr Brown added that he thought the government had been 'manipulative' with its manifesto commitment 'not to increases taxes on working people'.

He said: 'The Government carefully worded their manifesto to say they would not increase taxes on working people.

'But I consider myself a working person, people who run businesses are working people.

'It was manipulative of the Government to give the impression that all the increases in costs to businesses would not impact working people.'

Beales was founded in Bournemouth in 1881 and grew to have branches all over the country.

But in recent years it has been hit hard by the problems facing UK high streets, including high rents, crippling business rates and competition from online.

It went into administration in January 2020 and most of the 22 branches closed in March that year after the coronavirus crisis brought an early end to clearance sales.

Beales in Poole, which employs 30 people, is the last remaining store.

More than 13,000 shops closed their doors for good in 2024  an increase of 28 per cent on the year before

Store closure figures were compiled by industry experts at the Centre for Retail Research

UK retail 2024 shop closures data Administration Rationalisation Totals Multiples: stores closed 918 1,220 2,138 Independents: store closures 6,619 4,722 11,341 Total stores closed 7,537 5,942 13,479 Source: Centre for Retail Research

John Grinnell, centre manager of the Poole Dolphin Centre, said: 'We're very sorry to see Beales go after so many years here.

'Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the store's closure, and we'll do everything we can to support former Beales employees to find employment elsewhere.

'We're alarmed to see this happening to lots of retail businesses because of the new budget and National Insurance increase.'

Mr Brown's criticisms were echoed last week by another leading local businessman who said the government took a 'cheap shot' when it raised national insurance on the hospitality industry.

Kris Gumbrell, the Bournemouth-based chief executive of Brewhouse and Kitchen, said his business has to pay 500,000 more in costs because of the rise in minimum wage.

He said: 'The stock attitude you get from MPs is that we've got to get the money back on pricing.

'But I'm doing as much as I can with deals to get footfall coming.

'This is a really lazy position on part of the government to just penalise predominantly hospitality and high street operators.'

The Labour government has consistently defended the budget measures as necessary to plug an alleged 22billion 'black hole' in the country's finances.
Pakistan claims it has 'credible intelligence' that India is preparing to launch a military operation within two days, raising fears of a war between the nuclear-armed neighbours amid escalating tensions in Kashmir.

The statement by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met yesterday with army and security chiefs, giving the military 'complete operational freedom' to respond to the attack, a senior government source said.

Fresh fighting erupted last week in Kashmir - a territory that has been disputed between India and Pakistan since the British partition of India in 1947 - after gunmen killed 26 people.

The shooting, which Indian authorities say was perpetrated by three terrorists, including two Pakistani nationals, targeted Hindu tourists relaxing in the meadows near the town of Pahalgam in Indian controlled Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement early on Wednesday, Islamabad again denied any involvement in the attack, adding that it condemned terrorism in all forms and would respond 'assuredly and decisively' to any Indian military manoeuvres launched 'on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident'.

'Any act of aggression will be met with a decisive response,' said Tarar. 'India will be fully responsible for any serious consequences in the region!'

The warning comes after Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told Reuters in an interview earlier this week: 'We have reinforced our forces because (an incursion) is something which is imminent now.'

He added that India's rhetoric was ramping up and that Pakistan's military had briefed the government on the possibility of an Indian attack, though he gave no details as to why he thought an incursion by India's forces was in the offing.

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People burn an Indian flag and an effigy depicting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a rally against India's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty over the Pahalgam attacks

Indian army patrols on way to Hapatnar in Anantnag district south of Kashmir on April 29, 2025

Indian paramilitary troopers stand guard along a street in Srinagar on April 30, 2025

A policeman searches the car of a commuter along a street in Srinagar on April 30, 2025

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met yesterday with army and security chiefs

The April 22 assault prompted a flurry of military and diplomatic action as both sides moved to militarise along the 'Line of Control' (LoC) that separates Indian- and Pakistani-administered Kashmir.

India launched naval drills, test-fired several long-range missile systems and suspended a key treaty that ensures India supplies Pakistan with water from the Indus River, a provision that is crucial for Pakistan's water supply and agricultural economy.

The unprecedented abeyance of the treaty on India's part is seen by some analysts as a key factor that could hasten a major conflict.

Dr Manali Kumar  an Indian foreign policy expert and lecturer at the University of St. Gallen, said: 'India's response, moving beyond conventional diplomatic and past kinetic military actions to include the unprecedented suspension of participation in the foundational Indus Waters Treaty... carries immense risks.

'It is perceived by Pakistan as an existential threat  an act of war if water flows are curtailed - drastically increasing the likelihood of military confrontation between two nuclear-armed states.

'This also sets a dangerous precedent for the weaponisation of shared resources, raising alarms among India's other neighbours who will be watching how this develops very carefully.'

Pakistan in turn deployed its air force to close its airspace to Indian airlines and has mobilised its army with footage appearing to show artillery batteries and armoured vehicles on their way to the LoC in anticipation of a major conflict.

India's army today said it had repeatedly traded gunfire with Pakistani troops for a sixth night in a row across the LoC - a heavily fortified zone of high-altitude Himalayan outposts - but with no reported casualties.

Pakistan's military did not confirm the shooting, but state radio in Islamabad reported on Tuesday it had shot down an Indian drone, calling it a violation of its airspace.

In the meantime, several politicians have ramped up threatening rhetoric.

Pakistan's railway minister, Hanif Abbasi, dramatically declared at the weekend that his nation's nuclear arsenal of more than 130 missiles were 'not kept as models' and were reserved 'only for India'.

'These ballistic missiles, all of them are targeted at you,' he concluded in a chilling warning.

Indian tourists are pictured in Pahalgam south of Srinagar on April 29, 2025

India's navy conducted long-range missile drills in recent days

People burn an Indian flag and a photo of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a rally against India's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty over the Pahalgam attacks near the Afghan border, in Chaman, Pakistan, 28 April 2025

Activists from Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal burn an effigy of terrorism and burn the Pakistan national flag during a protest against the killing of tourists by militants near Pahalgam, in Ahmedabad, India, April 28, 2025

The brutal attack that stoked tensions in Kashmir unfolded on a stunning day in the rolling hills a short walk from the town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.

The majority of the dead were Hindu tourists from India, with reports from witnesses and survivors claiming the gunmen, who remain at large, were ordering civilians to recite Islamic prayers and shooting those who were unable to do so.

A Pakistani militant group known as The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility in the wake of the attack, only to rescind the statement days later and blame the initial claim on a communications breach.

India accused Pakistan of supporting 'cross-border terrorism' as authorities concluded the gunmen were Islamic militants and identified two of the three suspected shooters as Pakistani.

Indian foreign policy and defence experts also claimed that the TRF is closely linked with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency.

But authorities in Islamabad called attempts to link Pakistan to the attack 'frivolous'.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif claimed an Indian incursion into Pakistani territory was 'imminent'

The body of Adil Hussain Shah, who was killed in the April 22 shooting, is carried for burial

An all-out conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations could prove devastating for the 15-million-strong population of the disputed territory.

The US State Department said top diplomat Marco Rubio would call his Pakistani and Indian counterparts soon to urge them 'to not escalate the situation'.

UN chief Antonio Guterres meanwhile held calls on Tuesday with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in which he 'offered his Good Offices to support de-escalation', his spokesman said.

Sharif's office later said he had urged Guterres to 'counsel India' to exercise restraint, while pledging to defend Pakistan's 'sovereignty and territorial integrity with full force in case of any misadventure by India'.

India's defence forces have conducted several military exercises across the country since the attack, though many of them were reported to be military preparedness drills.

Security forces have detained around 500 people for questioning after searching nearly 1,000 houses and forests around the site of the attacks in their hunt for the militants and further evidence, a local police official said this morning.

Several houses belonging to Muslim families living in Indian Kashmir were demolished in the course of the operation, prompting regional political leaders to ensure the innocent are not harmed in the government's actions against terrorism.

India's navy released footage of long-range missile drills

India launched naval drills, test-fired several long-range missile systems and suspended a key treaty that ensures India supplies Pakistan with water from the Indus River

Pakistan appears to have deployed artillery to India's border as tensions continue to grow with its nuclear-armed rival India following a tourist massacre in Kashmir

Members of the Anti-Terror Action Forum chant slogans during a protest near the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to 'identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers' in a stern statement last week

'It's time to... avoid any misplaced action that alienates people. Punish the guilty, show them no mercy but don't let innocent people become collateral damage,' Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir said on X on Saturday.

Another former chief minister made an appeal to the Indian government 'to take care that innocent people are not made to feel the brunt as alienation aids terrorists' goals of division and fear.'

But the Indian government is pressing ahead with a raft of measures in response to the shooting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning that New Delhi would 'identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers' and vowed to hunt the shooters 'to the ends of the Earth'.

Last week, India's Ministry of External Affairs declared it was suspending visa services for Pakistanis.

'In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect.

'All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025.

'Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025.

'All Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave India before the expiry of visas, as now amended.

'Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid travelling to Pakistan. Those Indian nationals currently in Pakistan are also advised to return to India at the earliest.'

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The UN urged both New Delhi and Islamabad to show 'maximum restraint' after troops exchanged fire along the border overnight

India suspended a decades-old water sharing treaty brokered by the World Bank in 1960 as part of its response, threatening to cut water off to Pakistani farms

India also suspended the World Bank-mediated Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 that ensures water for 80% of Pakistani farms, saying it would last until 'Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.'

The treaty split the Indus River and its tributaries between the nuclear-armed rivals.

Government officials and experts on both sides say India cannot stop water flows immediately, because the treaty has allowed it to only build hydropower plants without significant storage or dams on the three rivers allocated to Pakistan.

But things could start changing in a few months.

'We will ensure no drop of the Indus River's water reaches Pakistan,' India's water resources minister, Chandrakant Raghunath Paatil, said on X.

Pakistan responded to the moves by suspending all visas issued to Indian nationals under an exemption scheme with immediate effect and closing its airspace to Indian flights.

A statement from Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office said: 'Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty, and the usurpation of the rights of lower riparian will be considered as an Act of War and responded with full force.'

Khalid Hussain Baath, chairman of a national farmers' union in Pakistan, said India's move came at a time when there is both a water shortage and low predicted rainfall.

'This is a true war,' he added.

The two nations have clashed over Kashmir since 1947, when Britain, which controlled India, split the nation into two, creating an independent India and Pakistan.

The partition of the two nations established Pakistan as a Muslim-majority nation, while India was created as a Hindu-majority nation.

Britain's decision, passed by parliament in July 1947, also gave Kashmir, as well as Jammu, the opportunity to decide which nation to join.

Kashmir's monarch, the maharaja, initially decided that his nation should go it alone, claiming that it had been under the yoke of empires for centuries and had been ignored and under-developed.

But ultimately, the then-ruler of Kashmir agreed his nation should join India, in exchange for the former colony providing material support against Pakistan, which later triggered the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-48.

Years of conflict led to rebels in Kashmir waging an insurgency that began in 1989, seeking independence or a merger with Pakistan.

Meanwhile, China - which also has territorial claims in Kashmir - has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint following last week's shooting.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters in a briefing Monday morning that Beijing welcomes 'all measures that will help cool down the situation'.
Campaigning for the local elections has entered a frantic final 24 hours as a poll showed Reform on track to win most votes.

Politicians are out knocking on doors ahead of the contests in England, with the Tories and Labour trying to quell a surge by Nigel Farage's party.

Some 23 local authorities, six mayoralties and the Commons seat of Runcorn & Helsby are up for grabs tomorrow.

Research by More in Common found that Reform ahead overall in the battlegrounds, with 26 per cent support. The Conservatives - defending many traditional heartlands last balloted at Boris Johnson's peak in 2021 - were second on 25 per cent.

Labour had 18 per cent backing, the Lib Dems 17 per cent, and the Greens 8 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Runcorn by-election looks to be on a knife edge, with Keir Starmer trying to stop Reform from seizing it - although he has been mocked for failing to campaign there personally.

The premier will have one last chance to get his message across to the country at PMQs this lunchtime.

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Keir Starmer is braced for a tough night in local elections tomorrow

Nigel Farage's Reform are expected to make significant gains

Kemi Badenoch's party is braced to lose 500 councillors in a grim sign of the slump in Tory fortunes.

Meanwhile, experts have warned that Labour might not make any progress despite coming from a very low base - after suffering the worst poll plunge for any newly-elected government.

In a sign of Labour nerves, party chair Ellie Reeves has accused the Conservatives of 'gifting' Reform victory in Runcorn by not campaigning there.

A debate on Channel 4 News last night saw clashes between representatives from the five main parties.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed criticised Reform London Assembly member Alex Wilson over his history as a Tory party member and councillor.

'He must believe in what the Conservatives believe, or he wouldn't have been doing that,' he said.

Shadow housing secretary Kevin Hollinrake urged voters to use their ballot to elect 'good people' rather than to express dissatisfaction.

'I think we can bring forward the solutions and then we won't need Reform to try and have that situation where people think 'vote for none of the above', which is effectively what you do when when you're voting for Reform,' he said.

'When you're casting your vote on Thursday, do not use that vote to protest.'

Mr Wilson insisted he was 'not particularly typical of a lot of our candidates' when challenged over his history as a Tory member for more than 20 years and his previous experience as a councillor.

'Absolutely we have a choice, and we have a choice between a political class that has taken your vote for granted for far too long and new parties.'

Green co-leader Adrian Ramsay said 'moving away from the two big parties is not about a protest vote' and that his party offered a 'hopeful vision' for the future.

He appealed to voters not to back Reform, which he said was 'only really about supporting the very richest in society', but to support the Greens' offering of 'a safe environment' and 'tackling inequality'.

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said the UK's institutions are not built for the country's current political make-up, arguing that the first-past-the-post voting system is 'broken'.

She said: 'We have a lot of people who haven't forgiven the Conservatives for the state they left the country in and they're deeply disappointed with some of the decisions that the Labour Government has taken, and people I think are crying out for change.'

Kemi Badenoch's party is braced to lose 500 councillors in a grim sign of the slump in Tory fortunes

Luke Tryl, executive director at More in Common, which has been surveying the public across areas where ballots will be held this week, told reporters that 'disillusionment' is a 'primary driver'.

He said: 'I don't think I'm exaggerating to say that the groups that we did over the past week are some of the most disillusioned, disappointed, disaffected that we've run.

'There was a real sense that people keep demanding change from politics and they're not getting that change, and that they are as a result not just thinking things are bad, but starting to lose faith in the inability of the system to change things.'
At least 15 people have been killed after a fierce fire ripped through a hotel in the Indian city of Kolkata, as several guests jumped out of windows to escape.

Several people were rescued from rooms and roof of the budget hotel, Kolkata police chief Manoj Verma said, after the fire broke out on Tuesday evening.

'The death toll has risen to 15, including two children and a woman,' said Verma, adding an investigation had been launched to find out what triggered the blaze.

'The hotel turned into a gas chamber and it appears that many people suffocated to death.'

Footage shared on social media shows how hotel guests clambered out of windows and onto the rooftop to escape the deadly inferno.

The Rituraj Hotel, which had 88 guests when the fire erupted, is located in a congested business district of central Kolkata.

About a dozen people suffered burn injuries and were undergoing treatment.

Building fires are common in India due to a lack of firefighting equipment and a routine disregard for safety regulations.

A devastating fire in the Indian city of Kolkata has killed 22 people, including two children

Footage shared on social media showed how hotel guests clambered out of windows and onto the rooftop to escape the deadly inferno

About a dozen people are said to have been injured

Last year, six people were killed in a fire at a hotel in Patna in the eastern state of Bihar.

The Press Trust of India news agency, which filmed images of soaring flames from the Kolkata building, reported that 'several people were seen trying to escape through the windows and narrow ledges of the building'.

Kolkata's The Telegraph newspaper reported that at least one person died when he 'jumped off the terrace trying to escape' the fire.

Verma said the fire had been tackled and that 'cooling operations are underway'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the families of those killed.

'May the injured recover soon,' his office said in a statement.

Kolkata, a bustling metropolis of more than 15 million people, is the capital of West Bengal state, which is governed by the opposition Trinamool Congress party.

The horrific fire in India comes after a restaurant blaze in northeastern China killed 22 people and injured three more on Tuesday.

Videos on social media show how flames embattled the building yesterday

A firefighter is seen climbing a window to rescue a guest trapped in the hotel

Building fires are common in India due to a lack of firefighting equipment

Several people were rescued from rooms and roof of the budget hotel, Kolkata police chief Manoj Verma said

Firefighters are seen setting up a ladder to rescue guests trapped in the hotel fire

Firefighters inspect the Rituraj Hotel where a fire brokeout, in Kolkata on April 30, 2025

The cause of the fire is being investigated by police

Onlookers stand in a balcony as they look at the Rituraj Hotel where a fire broke out

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the families of those killed

ndian firefighters work to extinguish the fire at Ritruaj hotel

The inferno broke out at a restaurant in the Baita District, Liaoyang City, which is around 360 miles northeast of Beijing.

President Xi Jinping said that the blaze had caused 'significant casualties' and that the lessons from it were 'profoundly serious', Chinese state media reported.

Xi called for 'every effort to treat the injured, properly handle the aftermath for the deceased and provide support to their families, swiftly determine the cause of the fire, and pursue accountability in accordance with the law,'.

Footage shared online and verified by AFP showed fierce flames engulfing a two-storey restaurant and thick black smoke billowing skyward.

Other authenticated videos published on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, showed paramedics wheeling one victim on a stretcher into an ambulance and several firefighters battling the flames with hoses.

It is not clear what caused the fire to break out, but China's premier Li Qiang called for a full-scale investigation into the deadly incident.

Deadly fires are relatively common in China due to lax building codes and an often slipshod approach to workplace safety.
A taxi driver was left in a coma after a British man attacked him and allegedly tried to bite off his nose in a horrifying onslaught in Turkey.

Harrowing dashcam footage appeared to show a clash between the Brit and 56-year-old cab driver Kadir Bicer.

The driver's face was said to have been 'completely shattered' in the altercation, and his unconscious body left at the roadside until a fellow cabbie found him.

Critically injured Bicer was rushed to hospital and remains in a coma in an intensive care unit.

The brawl reportedly erupted as the British national rowed with the taxi driver over his fare from Istanbul Airport into the city.

Later footage showed blood stains over the doors of the yellow cab and the British man being led away by police.

He was brought before a court and remanded in custody pending trial.

The British man was seen leaning through the seats and appeared to attack the driver

Driver Kadir Bicer was left in a coma after allegedly being attacked in his car on April 25

Dashcam footage of the attack in the early hours of April 25 showed the Brit becoming increasing agitated in the back of the cab.

Witnesses said he was drunk and had earlier caused disturbances at the airport before Bicer agreed to drive him into the city, via Eyupsultan.

Circulating footage began as the he slipped one arm around the driver's throat and used the other to twist his face towards his mouth.

With the taxi still in busy traffic, he leaned through the seats and appeared to grapple with the driver, who for a time managed to resist.

The driver appeared visibly uncomfortable during the exchange.

As momentum shifted, Bicer was briefly able to move his assailant back through the seats, holding him at an impasse.

The Brit then moved his body forward through the seats for greater range, grabbing the driver's face with one hand and keeping him in a lock with the other.

Bicer managed to remove his seatbelt and exit the car, shaking off the grip.

From another view, the Brit is then seen grappling on the tarmac with the driver, cars continuing to pass on the busy highway.

Bicer was ultimately left on the side of the road until another taxi driver found him.

Grim medical evidence photos show the driver on a hospital gurney with massively bruised and swollen eyes.

Further cuts and bruises to his right hand seem to have been caused by his desperate struggle.

The fracas was said to have began after the Brit fought with the driver over the taxi fare

The Brit moved his body forward through the seats for greater range, grabbing the driver's face with one hand and keeping him in a lock with the other

Bicer managed to escape the car onto the road, but the exchange continued on the tarmac

Police tracked down and arrested the Brit.

Following questioning, he was brought before a court and remanded in custody pending trial.

Bicer's brother, Huseyin Bicer, said they fear he could leave Turkey without facing justice because he is a foreign national.

He said his brother's face was 'completely shattered' and that the family are anxiously awaiting news from doctors.

Police are investigating the attack.
Vladimir Putin's propagandists have declared that British blood 'must be spilled' in a haunting World War III threat, after they accused Britain of supplying the explosives that killed a top general in a Moscow car bomb last week.

Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik died in Moscow last week near his home in the eastern suburb of Balashikha after a Volkswagen Gold filled with explosives was detonated in his presence.

The dead military man was a deputy head of the main operational department in the General Staff of the Russian army.

While the Kremlin last week blamed Ukraine for the attack, Putin's propagandists have now turned their ire on Britain.

So-called military expert Andrei Klintsevich told Russia 1 that Britain's security service handed explosives to the perpetrators 'by the ton.'

Propagandist Vladimir Solovyov angrily added: 'We do realise that someone is creative a network of planted explosives and [transporting] these explosives.

'When we say that British security services are behind every terrorist attack, it means that the blood of the British who authorised the killings on Russian soil must be spilled.

'They must realise that they will pay personally. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.'

Propagandist Vladimir Solovyov (pictured) angrily said: 'The blood of the British who authorised the killings on Russian soil must be spilled'

Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik died in Moscow last week near his home in the eastern suburb of Balashikha after a Volkswagen Gold filled with explosives was detonated in his presence

Solovyov threatened revenge on the alleged suppliers of the explosives and British intelligence.

'If these factories blow up [as well as] the headquarters of the intelligence agencies that gave the go-ahead for the terrorist attacks, they should not be surprised,' he said.

The commander was personally in charge of briefing Vladimir Putin on the war in south-eastern Crimea.

The bombing has been blamed on Ukraine, as was the December assassination of Lt-Gen Igor Kirillov, 54, in charge of Russia's radiation, chemical and biological defence troops, who died in a bomb blast as he emerged from his apartment building in Moscow.

This month also saw the killing in a car bombing of electronic warfare expert Yevgeny Rytikov, 34, head of the design bureau at the Bryansk Electromechanical Plant.

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky appeared to take responsibility for the assassinations, saying he was this week briefed by his head of Foreign Intelligence 'on the liquidation of individuals from the top command of the Russian armed forces'.

He said: 'Thank you for your work.'

It comes after Putin lackey Dmitry Medvedev warned that Sweden and Finland, two of NATO's latest members, are now potential targets of nuclear revenge.

So-called military expert Andrei Klintsevich (pictured) told Russia 1 that Britain's security service handed explosives to the perpetrators 'by the ton'

Solovyov threatened revenge on the alleged suppliers of the explosives and British intelligence

Yaroslav Moskalik (circled, left) with former Russian Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu (centre)

The moment of the explosion said to have killed Yaroslav Moskalik, deputy head of the Main Operations Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces

Russian media circulated the purported scene of the explosion in Moscow region on Friday

Dmitry Medvedev, who has styled himself as one of Russia's most outspoken anti-Western hawks, appeared to be referring to Sweden and Finland, the last two countries to join the Western military alliance.

If conflict were to arise, nuclear weapons would not be off the table, the TASS state news agency reported.

'The non-aligned status gave them [Finland and Sweden] certain international perks, given their geopolitical position and many other factors,' Medvedev said.

'And now they are part of a bloc hostile to us which means they automatically became a target for our armed forces, including potential retaliatory strikes and even the nuclear component or preventive measures within the framework of a military doctrine.'

Sweden was granted full membership of NATO last March, while Finland joined in April 2023, extending the alliance's border with Russia by over 1,300km.

Last week, Moscow also warned Britain against deploying a 'coalition of the willing' in Ukraine, declaring it could lead to a nuclear World War Three.

Putin hawk Sergei Shoigu, secretary of the powerful Russian security council and ex-defence minister, said Russia rejected Western boots on the ground in the war-torn country.
A British tourist has been arrested and fined for allegedly sinking a jet ski in Thailand.

Vincent Zammitt, 26, from London, said he rented the machine for a 30-minute ride off the coast of Phuket earlier this month.

He was allowed to set sail into the idyllic turquoise waters, despite the jet ski not undergoing maintenance checks.

Mr Zammitt said he was carving up water when the jet ski's warning lights reportedly went off 15 minutes into the ride.

The alarmed holidaymaker steered the watercraft back to shore but it capsized, leaving him stranded at sea in shark-infested waters.

A rescue team was called to the scene after he failed to return to the beach after 30 minutes.

Footage shows volunteers arriving on jet skis to save Mr Zammitt, seen wearing a life vest as he sat on the overturned machine.

But Mr Zammitt is convinced that the rental company set him up with a dodgy jet ski to fleece him - and that the police were in on it too.

Vincent Zammitt, 26, said he was carving up water when the jet ski's warning lights reportedly went off 15 minutes into the ride

A rescue team was called to the scene after he failed to return to the beach after 30 minutes

Recounting the ordeal, he said: 'I went to Phuket in Thailand on the April 9th, 2025. I decided to rent a jet ski out for 30 minutes.

'Halfway through the journey, I noticed that the warning light was flashing on so I decided to drive back to shore.

'All of a sudden I flipped off leading to be stranded in the ocean. Knowing that these were shark-heavy waters, I climbed on top of the jet ski for safety until being rescued, which led to the jet ski sinking.'

Mr Zammitt said he was arrested and fined 500 GBP upon returning to the beach.

However, he believed the rental operators had connived with corrupt police in a common scam targeting tourists.

He added: 'I think they lure tourists in with a cheap price and will rent out faulty jet skis.

Mr Zammitt was left stranded on the overturned jet-ski and tried to stay out of the shark-infested waters by clambering on top

The holiday-maker believed the rental operators had connived with corrupt police in a common scam targeting tourists

'I also believe the police are in on it too, and will get a cut from the fine and also the jet ski company.'

Phuket is among Thailand's most popular tourist destinations known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife.

However, it is also a notorious enclave of criminal activity, with greedy locals taking advantage of naive visitors.

Jet ski scams have become a notorious money spinner for locals, with rental companies working in cahoots with a few apparently corrupt police to extort vast sums from holiday makers for non-existent damage to the machines.
A Royal Marine has claimed he was 'arrested' and 'treated like a terrorist' after complaining about women serving in the elite naval unit.

In a highly unusual move John Carr - who MailOnline understands is serving in 43 Commando protecting Britain's nuclear submarines and Trident missiles in Scotland - took to social media to air his concerns.

The Faslane-based Marine feared top brass in the elite strike force were potentially lowering fitness standards for female recruits seeking to earn a coveted green beret.

Mr Carr claimed lives could be at risk should Britain go to war with female marines serving in front-line units.

He also said up to 1,000 of his fellow Marines had signed a private petition calling on military bosses to tackle so-called diversity, equality and inclusion policies which were in danger of creating a 'weakened and compromised version of the corps'.

His comments have been heavily rebuked by both the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and veterans minister Al Carns, who have insisted there has been no lowering of standards for recruits seeking to become a commando.

Defence sources added no females have yet reached the standard to pass the arduous 32-week course to become a Royal Marine, since the ban on women serving in the unit was lifted more than six years ago.

And that so far, only seven have passed the shorter, nine-week All Arms Commando course, with those who earned their green beret going into support roles, not direct front-line combat positions, MailOnline understands.

Royal Marine John Carr has raised fears about female recruits being allowed to join frontline commando units

The Faslane-based Marine feared top brass in the elite strike force were potentially lowering fitness standards for female recruits seeking to earn a coveted green beret (pictured are two Marines during a training exercise in Norway)

However, in the private letter to military chiefs, it is claimed some female recruits at the Commando Training Centre in Devon were being 'artificially pushed through training', leading to women getting 'unearned paper passes'.

In a 32-minute video posted online, Mr Carr said: 'We believe that we have the high standards that we keep for [a] very important reason, which is to prevent Marines from being killed in dangerous situations when we go to war... We are concerned that those standards are being dropped.'

The commando alleges he was treated like a 'terrorist and criminal' after reportedly raising his concerns about the fitness standards of female recruits with his bosses.

He also claimed that after complaining to his chain of command he was arrested and briefly held by police under counter-terrorism laws.

In the video, the Marine says: 'I ask them: "Am I being detained?" They say: "No, you're not being detained, but we're holding you here under the Terrorism Act". And I'm just shaking my head in this instance. And I said: "Have I committed any acts of terrorism? Am I expected to commit any acts of terrorism?" And they said: "No, we have you here because of your views."

After questioning, the commando was allowed to return to his duties. However, he was later detained for questioning under counter-terrorism legislation.

Mr Carr claimed officers from Police Scotland were waiting for him at immigration when he arrived at a Scottish airport after his family holiday.

According to the Telegraph, sources in Whitehall claimed the man was grilled by cops over concerns he may be linked with 'extreme far-right politics'.

Royal Marines still need to complete all the arduous fitness tests to pass out and earn their green beret. Pictured are recruits on their gruelling 30-mile, weighted speed march

The commando alleges he was treated like a 'terrorist and criminal' after reportedly raising his concerns about the fitness standards of female recruits with his bosses

It adds that sources claimed the Marine was never arrested, nor was he charged with any offence. He has since returned to his duties.

Women have been allowed to serve in frontline combat roles since a ban was lifted by former Tory prime minister David Cameron in 2016.

Two years later, Gavin Williamson - the then defence secretary - announced all roles in the military would be open to women, which included frontline positions in the special forces, Royal Marines and Parachute Regiment.

However, the MoD has insisted women still have to pass all the same exhaustive fitness tests male recruits do and that there has been no lowering of standards.

'The standard for selection into the commandos has not changed and there is no intended change planned,' a defence source told MailOnline. 'Regardless of gender, they all still have to reach the same standards.'

They added: 'We're looking for the best people and only the best will pass. Why shouldn't women be Royal Marines, if they're able to pass all required fitness tests?'

But according to Mr Carr, there is widespread concern within the corps about female trainees being given favourable treatment during training.

He said he set up a survey online to garner the sense of feeling among his comrades - one which he claims about 1,000 Marines signed.

Defence sources have insisted there has been no lowering of standards when it comes to the fitness requirements recruits need to achieve to become a Royal Marine Commando (pictured are recruits during training)

Two Royal Marines are seen through an icy fjord during a training exercise in Norway

In his video, Mr Carr adds: 'That survey exploded in the Royal Marines. Within 24 hours, I can tell you that nearly a thousand people had signed up [to] that survey. Now why do I say within 24 hours? Because within 24 hours it was deleted. That survey was taken down.'

He later accused the MoD of launching a 'full-on witch hunt', claiming his bosses tried to blame the petition on 'Russian bots' before launching a probe into who set it up.

Marines were meant to 'feel like they would go to jail' if they did no give up the commando's identity to superiors, he added. It later led to him handing himself into his chain of command, the commando said.

Mr Carr claims he was then flown to MoD HQ in London for what he describes as a 'two-hour' interrogation.

'They tell me that they deal with security leaks,' he continues in his video. 'And they essentially try and make what is a genuine issue look like it was just some uppity Marines that are just being sexist, being evil... It's absurd because we wrote that in the survey, that we were concerned that... we will be painted as sexists.

'And that is exactly how they treated us. Telling me that I should be concerned for my career. Telling me that I should comply for the sake of myself and my family.'

The Marine, who is based with 43 Commando guarding nuclear submarines in Faslane, has still serving in the military. He reportedly was not arrested or charged with an offence, the Telegraph said

The claims has sparked a fierce debate on social media.

Responding to it, veterans minister and former special forces operator, Al Carns, insisted standards to get into the Marines would never be compromised.

Mr Carns - who was awarded a Military Cross in 2011 for gallantry during his tour of Afghanistan and is a Colonel in the Royal Marine Reserve - said: 'I know the dedication, drive and grit required to complete the arduous Commando tests I speak from experience.

'I have completed the Commando course not once, but twice; first as a Marine and then again as a Young Officer.

'I therefore want to be very clear that the standards expected to pass the Royal Marines Commando Course have not, and will not change. An issue close to every Royal Marines' heart, and something I track very closely.'

MailOnline understands that entry standards to the Royal Marines are higher now than 30 years ago.

Recruits still have to complete an arduous series of tests, which concludes in a 30-mile speed march carrying 40lb of kit, during their 32 weeks of basic training.

A defence source insisted Mr Carr, although part of 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group, does not have access to sensitive equipment based on nuclear submarines

An MoD spokesman said: 'Royal Marine commando selection standards have not changed, and the same high standards apply to every recruit.

'This issue is subject to an ongoing investigation, so we are unable to comment further at this stage.

'We expect the highest standards of all our service personnel. We are committed to investigating any allegation of behaviour that could bring the Armed Forces into disrepute.'

The MoD also denies that as many as 1,000 Marines backed the petition.

It added it does not tolerate extremism and works with the Home Office and police forces to prevent individuals from being drawn into extremism and to investigate any suspicious activity.

MailOnline has approached Police Scotland for comment.
A Ghanian asylum seeker has won a human rights claim to remain in the UK after arguing he is too traumatised by getting Covid to return to his home country.

Winfred Kwabla Dogbey was diagnosed with PTSD after he was hospitalised with the virus in 2020, where he suffered an extreme version of the illness with multiple organ failure.

The 52-year-old told a tribunal that he had been experiencing 'post Covid-19 syndrome' and was part of a rehabilitation programme for those impacted by the outbreak.

The panel heard that this type of treatment in the West African country was 'practically non-existent' and that psychiatric care offered is 'insufficient'.

After hearing of how Mr Dogbey would likely experience a 'rapid and severe decline in his mental health' if he were to return to Ghana, he has won a claim to stay in the UK.

The Upper Tier Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber heard Mr Dogbey came to the UK in April 2013 on a visa.

He claimed asylum in June 2016 and after this was refused, there was a 'protracted history of lodging further submissions'.

The panel heard that the asylum seeker was hospitalised and required critical care after contracting Covid-19 in May 2020.

The Upper Tier Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber heard Mr Dogbey came to the UK in April 2013 on a visa

Mr Dogbey had suffered a 'very severe' episode of Covid-related pneumonia, with associated multiple organ failure.

The tribunal referred to a letter from his GP, which detailed how he was experiencing 'post Covid-19 syndrome'.

And it was heard that he had been diagnosed with moderately severe PTSD and major depressive disorder [MDD].

Mr Dogbey argued that there would be 'very significant obstacles' to his integration in Ghana, if he were to be returned.

This was after the Home Office ultimately rejected his asylum claim in December 2023.

The judge heard Mr Dogbey is taking part in a 'Covid-19 Rehabilitation Programme' and is receiving physiotherapy appointments.

He has appointments arranged for CT and Ultrasound scans, and has been referred to the Neurology department at All Bucks Hospital in Buckinghamshire.

The panel, made up of Upper Tribunal Judge Khan and Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge Gill, said they were 'satisfied' that Mr Dogbey's health conditions 'persist' and agreed that he was a 'seriously ill person'.

Lawyers representing the Home Office argued that both treatment and medical care is available to Mr Dogbey in Ghana.

They said there are psychiatric hospitals in the West African country.

But the panel noted they 'conceded' to mention that the psychiatric care offered in Ghana has been deemed 'insufficient'.

Mr Dogbey's lawyers referred to a report which stated he would be 'highly unlikely' to receive professional mental and physical health services in Ghana.

The Home Office had fought the asylum application by saying there are mental health hospitals in Ghana - but the judge heard the hospitals that do exist are insufficient and patients are subjected to torture

The tribunal heard that only 0.6 percent of Ghanaians with a major depressive disorder are able to receive treatment.

It was said that even those patients who are able to access mental health treatment received 'poor quality of care'.

The judgement said: 'Ghanaians with severe mental health illnesses are referred to psychiatric hospitals and prayer camps.

'They experience 'human rights abuses in both' where they suffer further trauma.'

The lawyers said that the 'Ghanaian crisis of mental health care and the mistreatment of the mentally ill' has received 'international attention'.

They referred to evidence which stated that in hospitals patients are 'forcibly coerced, including being sedated and beaten, into taking the prescribed mental health medication, and are given electroconvulsive therapy without use of anaesthesia'.

The judgement added: 'Furthermore, post Covid treatment in Ghana is 'practically non-existent'.'

It was heard that there is 'only one private psychologist trained in trauma focused therapy' in Ghana.

And, the country's healthcare system does not cover psychiatric or psychological counselling services, meaning that those practising are 'not regulated' and had been 'evidenced to cause harm'.

The panel heard that one expert said Mr Dogbey would experience an 'intense and overwhelming' level of suffering if he were to return to Ghana which would be 'intolerable'.

The Consultant Clinical Psychologist said he would 'not be able to cope with the rapid and severe decline in his mental health'.

Judge Gill said: 'Given the severe and systemic problems identified in the provision of mental health services, and with no evidence before us to suggest that the position is likely to change, we determine that mental health treatment is not reasonably likely to be accessible or become available to Mr Dogbey for his mental health conditions.

'We therefore find... that Mr Dogbey would face a real risk of being exposed to a serious, rapid and irreversible decline in his state of health resulting in intense suffering.'

The judge said he is allowed to stay on the grounds of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights act.
British Gas has issued a warning to thousands of customers who could face huge bill hikes this summer.

The utility company has told households to upgrade their old electricity meters as soon as possible if they want to avoid possibly paying more for their electricity or even losing their water and heating supply altogether.

Customers still using Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) technology for their meters are required to upgrade to smart meters before June 30 - at which point all the old models stop working.

While a majority of households in the UK do not use RTS-dependent meters and therefore will not be affected, campaigners have warned more than 300,000 homes could still be at risk.

Campaign group End Fuel Poverty Coalition have called on the government and Ofgem to take action against this 'looming crisis' amid concerns of the speed and pace which will be required to replace the meters before the June deadline.

Energy companies have warned it could be 'very, very difficult' to replace all the RTS meters in time, with around 430,000 households still using the technology at the end of March.

British Gas has issued a warning to thousands of smart meter users who could face huge bill hikes this summer (Stock image)

British Gas is urging its 12,000 customers to book a free appointment with an engineer to upgrade their RTS meter as soon as possible.

Octopus Energy reported around 20,000 customers relied on RTS meters, while E.ON Next has issued a warning to over 65,000, GB News reported.

RTS meters were introduced in the 1980s and rely on longwave radio signals from the BBC's transmitter to switch meters between peak and off-peak tariff rates.

However the equipment, which broadcasts the signal from the Droitwich Transmitting Station in Worcestershire, is nearly obsolete, prompting their termination.

Households may have an RTS meter if they have a switch box near their energy meter labelled 'Radio Teleswitch', or have electric or storage heaters.

RTS meters are also found if there is no gas supply to the area, or in rural areas or in a block of flats.

Those who get cheaper energy at different times of day may also be impacted, including on tariffs such as 'Economy 7', 'Economy 10' or 'Total Heat Total Control'.

A campaign for the switchover was launched in January by a taskforce set up last year which included Ofgem and trade group Energy UK, backed by consumer groups National Energy Action and Energy Action Scotland.

Ofgem warned in the campaign: 'Failure to act may result in the heating and/or hot water being continually left on or off, or the charging-up happening at the wrong time of day, leading to higher bills.'

Customers were told that they will not be charged for their meter replacement and should be aware of scams, given no payment details should be asked for when booking an appointment.

British Gas is urging its 12,000 customers to book a free appointment with an engineer to upgrade their RTS meter as soon as possible (Stock image)

Customers still using Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) technology for their meters are required to upgrade to smart meters before June 30 (Stock image)

How to find out if you have an RTS meter Ofgem advises that you may have an radio teleswitch service (RTS) meter if: Your home has a separate switch box near your meter with a Radio Teleswitch label on it

Your home is heated using electricity or storage heaters

There is no gas supply to your area, including households in rural areas and high-rise flats

You get cheaper energy at different times of day, for example, you might be on an Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heat Total Control tariff

Ofgem said at the time that it expected suppliers to transfer 100,000 customers using RTS every month until June, which it said was feasible under current plans.

But suppliers have warned this task is becoming increasingly difficult with the deadline looming.

Energy UK's deputy director for customers Ned Hammond told BBC Radio 4 that a 'significant' increase in the rate of replacements is needed to meet the deadline.

'I wouldn't want to say impossible - but clearly very, very difficult to get to that point,' he warned.

A British Gas spokesman told The Sun: 'It's important that customers with an RTS meter have it exchanged as soon as possible to ensure their heating and hot water continues to work properly after the Radio Teleswitch Service is switched off.'

'Many customers have already been in touch and have avoided any issues, but we're urging those who haven't to arrange their free appointment for one of our engineers to visit.'
Labour is embroiled in a major row over Net Zero today after former leader Tony Blair laid into the 'irrational' push for green power being championed by Ed Miliband

In a thinly veiled swipe at the Energy Secretary, the former Labour prime minister said Western political leaders fear admitting that the current approach 'isn't working'.

He warned that 'any strategy based on either phasing out fossil fuels... or limiting consumption is a strategy doomed to fail'.

But his call for a more pragmatic approach to restore public trust in tackling climate change were not backed by Mr Miliband when he faced MPs last night.

And a Labour source told the Times the former PM was having a 'public tantrum' and pointed out his Tony Blair Institute for Global Change had previously advised oil-rich Saudi Arabia.

However, Environment Secretary Steve Reed this morning rejected that assessment, branding Sir Tony's intervention as a 'valid and important contribution' to the debate, while saying he did not agree with all of it.

Several Labour MPs also warned that the Net Zero charge ran the risk of handing votes to Nigel Farage's Reform.

One told Politics Home: 'Is it really worth sacrificing our party for the sake of cutting our emissions that are already below one per cent?'

In a thinly veiled swipe at the Energy Secretary, the former Labour prime minister said Western political leaders fear admitting that the current approach 'isn't working'.

But his call for a more pragmatic approach to restore public trust in tackling climate change were not backed by Mr Miliband when he faced MPs last night.

A Labour source told the Times the former PM was having a 'public tantrum' and pointed out his Tony Blair Institute for Global Change had previously advised oil-rich Saudi Arabia.

In a foreword to a new report by his Institute for Global Change, Sir Tony said that people are turning away from the politics of climate change because they believe the proposed solutions 'are not founded on good policy'.

He said voters in developed countries feel 'resentment' at being told to make financial sacrifices when their impact on global emissions is minimal. He wrote: 'Political leaders by and large know that the debate has become irrational.

'But they're terrified of saying so, for fear of being accused of being 'climate deniers'.'

Despite having been an adviser to COP host Azerbaijan last year, he also took aim at the annual UN climate summits as 'a forum that frankly doesn't have the heft to drive action and impact.

'They would like to start taking some of the hysteria out of the climate debate but are reluctant to be the first to do so.'

At the weekend, Mr Miliband warned that an anti-Net Zero agenda would risk 'climate breakdown' and 'forfeit the clean energy jobs of the future'.

He also vowed to 'double down' on his environmental agenda and accused those against it of 'making up nonsense and lies'.

Yesterday Dan McGrail, the interim CEO of the Great British Energy quango set up by Labour, criticised Mr Blair's remarks.

According to the Times he told the Innovation Zero conference in London: 'When you think about that, resets, stops, massive changes or 180-degree changes in strategy are deeply unhelpful.'

Shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins said former Sir Tony's criticism was a 'clear message' that the Government needs to 'rethink' its approach to net zero.

She told Sky News: 'A couple of months ago, (Conservative leader) Kemi Badenoch gave a big speech about net zero, her concerns about it, how the targets that have been laid are proving impossible to meet.

'Lo and behold, it seems now Sir Tony Blair agrees with her, and it's the Labour Government that perhaps has lost their way in this argument.'

She added: 'If Tony Blair, even Tony Blair, doesn't agree with the Labour Government, then that is quite a clear message, I would imagine, to them, that they have got to rethink this.'

Mr Reed told Times Radio he did not agree that Sir Tony's intervention was a 'public tantrum'.

'He's making a valid and important contribution to a very significant debate that we're having.

'I agree with much of what he said, but not absolutely every word and dot and comma of it.

'But this Government is moving to clean energy because it's best for Britain. It's more energy security for Britain.'

The Government is asking people to take action because it 'breaks our dependency on fossil fuels and the likes of Vladimir Putin', he said.

He added: 'Why should anybody that cares about the security of the United Kingdom want us to remain dependent on fossil fuel dictators?'
Anthony Albanese has made a shock admission about his health that he has suffered since a serious car crash four years ago.

Mr Albanese was metres from his Marrickville home in Sydney's inner-west on January 8, 2021 when he was involved in a two-car crash.

The then-Opposition Leader was driving his Toyota Camry when a 17-year-old P-plater behind the wheel of a black Range Rover veered into the wrong lane and ploughed into his car.

He was treated at the scene and rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital with extensive injuries.

The Prime Minister has revealed the crash has left him with ongoing spinal issues which he has had to manage during a five-week cross-country campaign for the federal election, which will held this Saturday.

'It took me some time to recover physically and I still have damage to my spine,' Mr Albanese told news.com.au.

It means makes sitting in a car for long distances difficult, with his office trying their best to avoid lengthy road trips wherever possible.

The Prime Minister can move more freely when on his campaign plane, which helps alleviate his back pain.

The Prime Minister (pictured with fiance Jodie Haydon) revealed he suffers from ongoing spinal issues since the accident

Anthony Albanese was just metres from his Marrickville home when a Range Rover, driven by a 17-year-old P-plater, veered into the wrong lane and ploughed into his Toyota Camry in 2021

Mr Albanese also revealed that he was 'very lucky' to survive.

'All of a sudden, he was right in front of me and headed straight for me. I had a little millisecond to react,' Mr Albanese said.

'It was all a little bit of a blur for me afterwards... I was just very lucky I had a guardian angel up there looking after me.'

Mr Albanese's car was written off due to the extensive damage.

The 17-year-old driver of the Range Rover escaped uninjured and was later fined for negligent driving.

Mr Albanese had been dating his now fiancce Jodie Haydon for barely a year at the time.

'When I got to the accident and I saw the car before I saw Anthony, and I remember thinking at the time, 'this can't end well',' Ms Haydon told 7 News Spotlight in 2022.

'And that overwhelming sense of 'what if I lose him?' And I knew then that, yeah, I love him. And I love him deeply.'

Mr Albanese (pictured on Wednesday) has launched a 72-hour pre-election blitz across Australia

Mr Albanese's makes a final push in the remaining days of a gruelling six-week campaign before the federal election this Saturday.

On Wednesday afternoon Mr Albanese gave a wide ranging speech at the National Press Club in which he touched on the failure of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

Mr Albanese suggested he wanted the referendum to go ahead because he believed Australia should have the Voice - but that he didn't necessarily believe it would be successful or that the majority of Australians were on board.

'We supported a Voice To Parliament. I wanted it out of conviction. Not out of convenience,' Mr Albanese said.

'It's not easy to win a referendum in this country.'

He later travelled to Perth to kick off his 72-hour pre-election blitz of the country.
The public could be urged to hoard cash for cyberattacks and blackouts, MPs have suggested.

The Treasury Select Committee mooted the drastic advice as it warned over the growing shift away from coins and banknotes.

The MPs said businesses might have to be forced to accept hard currency to stop the UK sleepwalking to becoming a cashless society,

The report from the cross-party committee found growing numbers of retailers and services are rejecting cash payments.

Unless the problem is tackled, Britain could become a 'two-tier society' where vulnerable groups become excluded from community spaces.

One in two shoppers have recently been somewhere that did not accept, or discouraged the use of, cash, according to research from ATM network Link published last year.

Around a fifth experienced this in a cafe, restaurant or when paying for parking, and one in ten on public transport or in a pub.

Charities also told the Committee that local governmentfunded services, such as leisure centres, are increasingly cashless.

The Treasury Select Committee mooted the drastic advice as it warned over the growing shift away from coins and banknotes (file picture)

Vulnerable groups who rely on cash, including elderly people, those with learning disabilities and domestic abuse victims, told the Committee that they are forced to pay more for essential goods and services because the number of places where they can spend cash is reduced.

The Committee suggested the Government could recommend that households hold cash in case of a national emergency.

'In discharging its responsibility for national security and resilience, HM Treasury must consider the value of physical cash in emergency preparedness,' the report said.

'This may include recommending that cash is held by individuals in case of emergency, and considering what role cash distribution might play in a severe payment systems outage.'

Ross Borkett, banking director at the Post Office, told the Committee that there tends to be 'a big increase in cash withdrawals on days where there is an outage of [some form of] payments system'.

As little evidence is collected about cash acceptance, the Committee called on Whitehall to improve monitoring and reporting.

This will help the Treasury decide whether it is necessary to enforce cash acceptance by law.

However, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds, told the Committee that the Government has 'no plans to regulate businesses to compel them to accept cash'.

Ron Delnevo, chair of the Payment Choice Alliance, said: 'All the Committee has asked for is for the Treasury to start measuring cash acceptance and report back in a year's time.

'We don't have a year to wait. Most of our European neighbours are introducing laws to compel businesses to accept cash. What has the British public done to not deserve these same rights?'

The committee highlighted the potential role of cash in moments of crisis, such as the blackouts in Spain and Portugal this week

Caroline Abrahams, director at charity Age UK, said older people often rely on cash due to fears of being scammed.

Mr Borkett said: 'Cash remains vital for millions of people and businesses across the UK, and we are working closely with banks and building societies to ensure that Post Offices continue to play a central role in providing access to it under the new Access to Cash regulations.

'It's not just about access to cash - it's also about ensuring people can use it. Maintaining cash acceptance among shops, services and local businesses is critical. If acceptance falls too far and there's later a need to reverse course, the cost and disruption to communities could be significant.'

A Treasury spokesman said: 'Cash continues to be used by millions of people in the UK.

'We're working with banks to roll out 350 hubs by the end of this Parliament so that people and businesses in areas that have lost local bank branches still have access to it.

'We welcome businesses who want to continue accepting cash, and new Financial Conduct Authority rules support this by helping them to make deposits.'
A clothing designer has lost her 'David and Goliath' court battle against Boohoo over claims it copied her clothing designs.

In a chastening ruling, a judge said Sonia Edwards' garments had 'low originality' while also saying it was unlikely the fast-fashion giant was looking at her social media channels as he Instagram account only had 268 followers.

The 53-year-old, from Newport, Gwent, had for years accused Boohoo and four linked companies of using her designs.

She took the firm to London's High Court over the alleged infringement of five of her designs in a bid for compensation.

Ms Edwards also wanted to prevent the companies from importing or selling items which she claimed were copies of her designs.

She also wanted a court declaration that Boohoo had infringed the design rights of her company, Cwtchy Cwtchy.

But Judge Tom Micheson KC has thrown out her case saying: 'The stark truth is that there are also only so many ways to design clothing to fit the human body.'

The self-taught designer began her career in 2010, exhibiting at the Clothes Show Live in 2011, where her signature 'Infinite' multiway bikini top first hit the catwalk.

Sonia Edwards, 53, pictured here in a social media post, had taken Boohoo to London's High Court over claims the firm copied five of her designs

Pictured: Ms Edwards is pictured outside of London's High Court where she represented herself against Boohoo's team of lawyers

Celebrities, including Liss Jones from The Voice and Welsh media personality Lateysha Grace, have worn her designs, while her work has also featured in Vogue.

Judge Micheson found that despite 'evidence...indicating that designs are copied from social media on occasion' by Boohoo companies, it was unlikely hers was as she 'had just 268 Instagram followers in 2020'.

The companies Ms Edwards sued alongside Boohoo.com were Prettylittlething.com Ltd, Nasty Gal Ltd, Miss Pap UK Ltd, and Debenhams Brands Ltd.

The alleged infringements related to five designs marketed by Boohoo or the linked companies: a halter neck bikini top; rib organza mesh puff sleeve top; Taylor velvet ruched midi skirt; a twist front skirt, and leather front ruched leggings.

Presenting her own case against a team of lawyers representing Boohoo and the other companies she told the judge she began to notice more of her designs proliferating online during the Covid lockdown.

Focusing on her 'infinite bikini' line, she said the garment could be 'tied in lots of different ways,' alleging that a similar item has been marketed by one of the defending companies, Nasty Gal Ltd.

At issue with the bikini were several telltale features which she said betray the products marketed by Nasty Gal as copied from her work.

This included a top strap that forms 'one piece' without fastening and two front breast panels with 'openings at the top and bottom allowing the strap to be passed through'.

However, Boohoo's KC, Andrew Norris, argued that the alleged similarities are not specific enough to be protected under copyright law.

'These features do not describe protectable shape and configuration,' he said. 'They are concepts and methods of construction and are not protectable features in design law in accordance with the Act.'

Adding that the concept of a 'multiway' bikini was 'well established,' the barrister claimed there was nothing unique about the disputed design, noting that its 'selling point' for Ms Edwards was the fact that its wearer can change how they wear it according to their whims.

'Whether the top strap forms one piece or is two pieces - i.e. which way the ends of the strap go - is the wearer's choice and is not the shape or configuration of the design,' he said.

Giving his ruling, the judge said: 'The claimant has been complaining for a number of years about the alleged copying of her clothing designs by various big fashion brands, including ASOS, Missguided, Moschino and Shein. Her complaints against boohoo have also been going on for some years.'

Dealing with the bikini, the judge threw out Ms Edwards' claim, saying the opportunity for any copying was 'extremely limited,' citing the 'relatively low profile' of Ms Edwards' social media channels.

'The contemporaneous material shows that the claimant had only a handful of likes and comments on the Facebook pages showing her designs over the relevant period. Her Instagram account Scrunchbooty had just 268 followers in 2020,' the judge said.

He said it was more likely that someone would have come up with a similar design themselves without copying Ms Edwards' ideas.

'That is a function of the low originality of the claimant's design...which is generic enough that other people in the industry are quite capable of coming up with the same design independently,' he said.

'For all these reasons and in spite of the evidence...indicating that designs are copied from social media on occasion by the defendants, I reject the suggestion that the claimant's (bikini) has been copied in the present case.'

He went on to dismiss the claims relating to the other garments too, finding that the 'defendants did not copy the claimant's designs.'

'I recognise that Ms Edwards will be disappointed in this outcome. She has campaigned for some time to shine a light on what she sees as injustice against the small designer in the fashion industry.

'I have no doubt that her grievances are sincerely held, but she has subjected the defendants and others to a torrent of complaints over a period of many years.

'Regrettably, the complaints that I have had to adjudicate are misdirected, either as a matter of fact or law, or both.

'I acknowledge that copying undoubtedly takes place within the fashion industry, particularly in fast fashion. Every time the defendants ask manufacturers to reproduce images found on social media, there is a risk of someone's design right being infringed.

'But the stark truth is that there are also only so many ways to design clothing to fit the human body.

'Given the enormous numbers of articles being churned out by the likes of the defendants each week, it is completely unsurprising that as a matter of chance, some of these resemble articles designed previously by others, including the claimant.

'And whilst the probability of chance reproduction in such circumstances is high, the likelihood of a fast fashion company using a social media feed with few followers published many years ago is low.

'It is for these reasons that I have dismissed the claimant's suspicions about alleged copying by the defendants.'
Meghan Markle has revealed she has an 'amazing' nanny for her children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet who has been with the family for five years.

The Duchess of Sussex said the nanny, whom she did not identify, takes her son and daughter from their home in Montecito to their different schools on some mornings.

It comes a fortnight after Meghan claimed how she felt 'juggling' working and being a mother can be 'incredibly overwhelming', adding: 'Oh my gosh, I just need a break.'

In an appearance on The Jamie Kern Lima Show which was released on Monday, Meghan praised her nanny after being asked: 'What's your morning routine look like?'

She said: 'This morning was different because Archie has a cold so he's home from school, but I get up at 6:30 and gives me a minute to - I wish I could say I woke up and meditated - I don't do that, I have the monitors on so I could hear both the kids.

'They get up at 7 so I give myself a little bit of time to either put on workout clothes brush my teeth, get both of them, up I get them dressed get them downstairs, make breakfast and then if I haven't done their lunch boxes the night before then do that.

'I love doing lunch boxes, it makes me very happy and writing a little note in their lunch boxes... If I don't have meetings in the morning then I try to do school drop off.

'They're at two different schools, so that's a big circuit. So from 6:30 in the morning on drop off mornings for me I'm not home till 9. And then after that I'll just jump into meetings.

Meghan appeared on The Jamie Kern Lima Show podcast in an episode released on Monday

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their son Archie and daughter Lilibet in December 2021

'And then on other days then I'll wake up and get them all set and then our amazing nanny who's been with us for five years, she'll take them to school for us and then, yeah, we always try to...'

Smiling, she added: 'I know, that's morning, that's the morning, that gets you to 9am.'

It comes two weeks after the second episode of the Duchess's new Confessions Of A Female Founder podcast was released on April 15, in which Meghan spoke about 'juggling it all' and nursing a poorly Archie and Lilibet at home.

The Duchess revealed how, at the time of recording, one of her children had RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)  a common cause of coughs and colds  and the other influenza A  a form of flu.

Meghan, talking about the challenge of being a working mother, said: 'With that comes the woman who is juggling it all and doing it all from home, being confident enough to tell the truth about what's going on, because you can't give grace to someone in the same way if you just have no sense of it

'My kids, for example, right now, one has RSV, the other has influenza A.

'I hear a little pitter patter of feet upstairs, home from school, you know cough syrup all night and rubbing the back, and  we still find a way to show up for both.'

The Duchess also shared how being a 'mom' was her 'favourite title' and how Harry tries to encourage her to take a break from her children.

'Now you have the title of mom. Just like me. Favourite title. Love it. Oh my gosh. I love being a mom so much,' Meghan said. 'It's my favourite thing. It is the thing where you're like 'Oh my gosh, I just need a break. I just need a minute'.

Lorren Khumalo, Archie's former nanny, appeared in Harry and Meghan's Netflix show in 2022

Lorren Khumalo is pictured with baby Archie in Frogmore Cottage, in their Netflix documentary

'And the second you step into the other room, you go, oh but let me scroll through pictures of them endlessly on my phone, and my husband's like, 'My love, can you just give yourself a minute? Why don't you go work out? Why don't you go take a bath?'

'I'm like I know, but I just want to cuddle. It's the parenting paradigm where it is so full-on and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

'But I think what's really key about what you said, and the pandemic may have been the thing that shifted this, when working from home and parenting from home where they are completely converged, can feel incredibly overwhelming.'

In episode one of the eight-part Lemonada Media podcast, released on April 8, Meghan spoke about the benefits of working from home, saying of Lilibet: 'If she wakes up and wants to find me, she knows where to find me, even if my door is closed to the office.

'She'll be sitting there on my lap during one of these meetings with a grid of all the executives I wouldn't have it any other way.'

During Harry and Meghan's tell-all Netflix documentary in December 2022, the Duchess spoke about Archie's former nanny Lorren Khumalo.

Ms Khumalo, a paediatric nurse and consultant, took care of Archie as a newborn back in the UK and described the couple as 'really hands-on parents'.

Meghan revealed the back of Princess Lilibet in a photo she posted on Instagram on Sunday

Another photo posted by Meghan on Sunday showed the back of her son Prince Archie

In the fourth episode of the show, Ms Khumalo said: 'I had this phone call and they were like 'Prince Harry and Meghan would like to see you and speak to you about looking after Archie'. I was like: 'Hang on a minute, I need to sit down'.'

'When I arrived at Frogmore Cottage, I see this guy, he's tall, he's ginger and he's walking barefoot and I have gone and bought a new pair of shoes in Clarks and suddenly whatever I thought or felt, the formality just sort of slipped and I felt so at ease,' she added.

'They were really hands-on parents, in the morning when he (Archie) woke up, first thing, mum and dad would come in, they would be with their baby, she would feed him, and then after that I'll take over and normally we would go for a morning walk.'

Meghan said: 'She (Ms Khumalo) said: 'Is it OK if I like tie him on my back with a mud cloth like we do in Zimbabwe?'

'(I said) 'yes let's do that!' She just took care of Archie and she took care of us, she definitely took care of me.'

This followed claims in Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand's 2020 book 'Finding Freedom' that Meghan and Harry let go of Archie's night nurse during her second shift for being 'unprofessional and irresponsible'.

The book stated: 'Meghan and Harry felt they were forced to let the nurse go in the middle of her second night of work for being unprofessional and irresponsible.'

It went on to say that they hired a second night nurse who 'did a fine job,' but the experience with their first nanny meant 'neither found themselves comfortable sleeping through the night without going to check on Archie regularly'.

A few weeks later, the couple chose to hire a daytime nanny and took on the night duty themselves, according to the book.

Meghan appeared on the podcast hosted by Jamie Kern Lima, the co-founder of IT Cosmetics

During the interview with Kern Lima on Monday, Meghan said was enjoying a new 'honeymoon' feeling with her husband since the pair got 'a little bit of breathing space' after stepping back from their royal duties.

The Duchess said the couple struggled to fully enjoy one another's company early in their relationship as they were quickly put into 'the trenches'.

In Meghan's appearance on the podcast hosted by entrepreneur Kern Lima, the co-founder of IT Cosmetics, Meghan also said she has been able to better appreciate her relationship with Harry in more recent years.

She said: 'You have to imagine at the beginning, everyone has, like, butterflies. Then we immediately went into the trenches together. Yeah, right out of the gate, like six months into dating.

'So now, seven years later, when you have a little bit of breathing space, you can just enjoy each other in a new way, and that's why I feel like it's more of a honeymoon period for us now.'

The Duchess also praised her husband for keeping the family 'safe', adding: 'He's just out there, just constant, like he's just going to do whatever he can to make sure that our family is safe and protected and we're uplifted and still make time for date nights.

'He's also a fox. If you haven't noticed, my husband's very, very handsome. But his heart is even more beautiful.'

Meghan became emotional when talking about Archie and Lilibet in another section of the podcast, and revealed that she sends emails to secret addresses she has created for them to read when they are older.

'Before I go to bed, almost every night, I email them, like, here's your report card from today, or, oh my gosh, wasn't it the funniest thing this morning?

'Or here's a picture of you two having breakfast, or here's you playing.

'The things that you're not going to frame, the things that you're not going to put pen to paper in a journal, but which they will end up seeing at one point in their life, maybe when they're 16 or when they're 18.

'I'll say, here's an email that I've been keeping for you. Here's everything and every moment that I wanted to tell you how much I love you and, like, how proud I am of you.'

The podcast also resulted in sources close to Meghan revealing the Duchess used her HRH style privately but not for commercial purposes.

The revelation flouts the agreement made with Buckingham Palace when the Sussexes stepped down as senior working royals five years ago.

Controversy has grown over Meghan's use of HRH after it emerged she sent a gift basket to Kern Lima last year, with a monogrammed card reading: 'With Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex'.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Time100 Summit in New York City on April 23

Kern Lima showed an image of the present in footage of her podcast interview with Meghan. A source described the basket as a 'personal gift'.

It contained a jar of Meghan's jam which she has started selling as part of her As Ever lifestyle business brand.

As part of their Megxit negotiations with the Palace, Meghan and the Duke of Sussex agreed to stop using 'Her Royal Highness' and 'His Royal Highness' at the end of March 2020.

They still retain the styles, with Harry having had his since birth, but they are essentially held in abeyance, as is the case for the Duke of York, who also no longer uses his HRH style.

The duchess's representative denied on Monday that the couple used them, but a source said yesterday that the Sussexes did not use HRH publicly but retained the style, and did not use it for commercial purposes.

In January 2020, the late Queen issued a statement after Harry and Meghan announced they wanted to step down as senior royals, saying that 'together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family'.

Buckingham Palace outlined 'the new arrangement' for the 'next chapter' in Harry and Meghan's lives.

It included the statement: 'The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the royal family.'

No documents were signed or laws passed, but the decision was seen as a blanket ban, with no suggestion that Harry and Meghan were permitted to use the style privately.

Amid the growing controversy, Meghan spoke of her 'fear of failure' and revealed she was given business advice by Oprah Winfrey.

In her latest Confessions of a Female Founder podcast released yesterday, the Duchess claimed she was an over-achiever because her blood type is A positive, and admitted ignoring her own advisers to follow her gut feelings.

Meghan told her friend Kern Lima, who she interviewed in return: 'I feel like we haven't talked about our blood type, but yours is probably an A positive like mine, because I was like 'Even my blood is over-achieving'.'

She added of her jam-making: 'At the beginning, I just liked making jam. All I liked to do was just make jam and preserves.

'And it went from 'OK, I'm going to share this jam with lots of friends and family' to 'People really like it and it brings me joy, so maybe I can share it more broadly'.

'But even then I was in so much fear of failure or opinion that I wasn't thinking big enough at first.'
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's choice of neckwear on the campaign trail has sparked a cost of living row three days out from the election.

The Coalition leader was questioned over his pricey fashion choice after he was spotted wearing a $600 tie from a luxury Italian menswear brand at a Melbourne charity on Wednesday, where he packed boxes for families in need.

Mr Dutton was conducting a press conference afterwards when a reporter noticed he was wearing a tie from designer label Zegna.

'Mr Dutton, what's on your tie?' they called out as he wrapped up the press conference.

He did not respond to the question and walked away.

Mr Dutton was still wearing the tie when he sat down with Chinese community leaders and later when he dropped by patisserie in Bayswater.

But there was no sign of the flashy attire when he later filled up at a petrol station on the EastLink freeway.

The specific design of Mr Dutton's tie is not currently listed on the Italian brand's Australian website, but it is available on Zegna's Thailand store.

Peter Dutton wore a $600 tie from designer label Zegna while packing charity boxes for families in need in Melbourne on Wednesday

The tie Mr Dutton wore at several events on the election trail on Wednesday is from designer label Zegna

Similar silk ties are on sale on the brand's Australian website for around $605.

The Italian menswear label is also a favourite of former Labor Prime Minister Paul Keating, who was rarely seen in anything but a double-breasted suit.

Mr Dutton has repeatedly declared during the election campaign that he wants to stand up for working class Aussies.

He has also criticised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for failing to address the cost of living crisis.

However, Mr Dutton came under fire during the final leaders' debate on Channel Seven on Sunday night when he caught out over the price of eggs.

The two leaders were asked about the cost of a dozen eggs.

The Opposition leader was still wearing the tie when he say down with local Liberal candidate Manny Cicchiello at a patisserie in Bayswater

Mr Dutton (pictured) was spotted without the tie later on Wednesday during a visit to a petrol station

The Opposition Leader grossly under-estimated the price when he said 'about $4.20' while Mr Albanese was closer in nominating $7.

The most recent online price were $8.80 at Coles and $8.50 at Woolworths.

Some commenters were not impressed with Mr Dutton's answer.

'It was really shocking to see how out of touch someone can be with a carton of eggs,' a member of the studio audience commented.
This is the terrifying moment two hot air balloons crashed into each other, leaving screaming riders fearing for their lives.

The horrifying incident took place in the Dutch village of Luttelgeest, located north-east of Amsterdam, on Sunday.

Shocking footage shows a hot air balloon lifting off from the ground, when suddenly a change in wind makes it veer into another balloon.

The clip captured how the vehicles collided= into one another as the basket of the first balloon flies into the top of the second balloon's envelope, while riders are heard screaming in fear.

Passengers were forced to cling on for dear life as the basket is then seen tipping over at an almost horizontal angle.

Following the crash, the second hot air balloon's envelop is seen completely deflated.

The first balloon, however, safely took to the air after the collision.

No injuries were reported, but several riders and spectators were left in a state of shock.

Passengers were left fearing for their lives after two hot air balloons collided into each other on Sunday

The horrifying incident took place in the Dutch village of Luttelgeest, located north-east of Amsterdam

Footage shows a hot air balloon lifting off from the ground, when suddenly a change in wind makes it veer into another balloon

One witness recounted: 'Just as it was lifting off the ground, the wind pulled it up at an angle.

'That's when things started to go wrong.'

Sunday's hot air balloon crash is just the latest in a spate of unlucky incidents involving the tourist attraction.

Earlier this month, a hot air balloon carrying a dozen tourists plunged to the ground in Dubai.

Shocking footage shows a Russian tourist and her mother on the balloon ride over the desert, which had set off at dawn before suddenly 'tilting too much to the side' and falling sharply.

The basket hit the ground and then was dragged along hitting the ground several times.

Several passengers were reportedly injured and taken to hospital, with some allegedly being 'unconscious' after the crash.

But the company operating the hot air balloon flights said no accident had occurred, stating that the incident had simply been a 'hard landing'.

Their representative acknowledged that passengers suffered minor injuries, adding that they have already been discharged from hospital.

Sunday's hot air balloon crash is just the latest in a spate of unlucky incidents involving the tourist attraction

It also comes after two Britons watched on in horror as a giant hot air balloon packed with tourists slammed into Turkey's famed 'Fairy Chimney' rock formations after a freak gust of wind in June last year.

Rebecca Horsfall, 31, filmed the shocking moment the basket holding 20 tourists and two pilots crashed into the rocks of the Love Valley site in Cappadocia, Turkey, around 6am.

'Suddenly people were screaming and running to the edge of the valley,' Ms Horsfall, who went to a scenic lock out spot with her partner Kieran McDonnell, 30, to take pictures for social media at sunrise, told MailOnline.

Ms Horsfall, from Burnley, added: 'It was incredibly scary to see the hot air balloon basket slip down the mountain side.'

A gust of wind blew the giant air balloon against the rocks as pilot Caner Uzun was trying to land opposite the Love Valley, according to local media.

Footage shows the balloon deflating as emergency services rush to the scene to examine the passengers.

Ms Horsfall said that their drone captured footage of one of the tourists onboard, who 'was being fanned' after she appeared to have fainted.

None of the tourists or pilots were injured in the rock landing.

'I actually went on a balloon flight in this area two years ago, and found the whole operation very safe. I am sure this was more of a freak accident, Mrs Horsfall, who is a self-employed event planner, told MailOnline.

'It appears as though the balloon had got caught on the side of a rock. The valleys can be narrow and the pilots like to fly the balloons low for the best experience for the passengers.'

One of the passengers on the balloon told local media that the pilot 'constantly gave us confidence and comfort', despite the rough landing.

Ms Horsfall, who was travelling in a camper van with her partner and three dogs in Turkey at the time, said in her video: 'Well guys, we're just leaving Love Valley now and this is not what we expected to see.

'We've been in Cappadocia for a week watching the balloons rise every morning.

'Thankfully the emergency services got there quickly, looked like everyone has got out safely. I don't think there's been any major injuries. Just really shocking to see.'
Swedish police have arrested a teenager following a deadly barber shop shooting that saw three people die as they got their hair cut.

The Tuesday shooting in the city of Uppsala, around 40 miles north of the country's capital, saw three young men, aged between 15 and 20, get shot in the head by a gunman who police have confirmed is just 16 years old.

Local media reported that a masked man chased one of the victims into the barber shop, before shooting him and two others to death.

Two of the men were still wearing barbershop capes when they died.

The gunman is said to have fled the scene of the attack on an electric scooter.

Police are yet to reveal the identity of the alleged attacker, and added that they haven't '100%' confirmed the identities of all the victims.

Swedish media has reported that local cops are investigating the possibility that the attack was related to spiralling gang violence in the nation.

One of the people who died in the attack was reportedly known to police, as he was involved in the investigation of a planned attack on a relative of local gang leader Ismail Abdo.

Swedish police have arrested a teenager following a deadly barber shop shooting that saw three people die as they got their hair cut

Police investigate the scene of a shooting on April 29, 2025 in Uppsala, Sweden

Police are yet to reveal the identity of the alleged attacker, and added that they haven't '100%' confirmed the identities of all the victims

Abdo, whose nickname is 'The Strawberry', is reportedly a well-known figure in Uppsala's gangland.

His mother was murdered in her home in the city in 2023, which sparked a dark and violent chapter in gang violence in the country.

While police said they believed this to be an 'isolated incident' that did not pose any further danger to the public, Swedish criminologist Manne Gerell said: 'The risk of retaliation is high after an incident like this.

'Then there could be new shootings in the near future, and when there are new shootings, there is always a small risk to the public.

'In general, in the criminal world, it is important to defend yourself, to maintain your violent capital. People will be angry and want revenge.'

In recent years, Sweden has been hit by a massive wave of teenage gang violence.

In response, the country's government has proposed giving cops new powers to wiretap children under 15 to further investigations.

Sweden's justice minister Gunnar Strommer said in a separate, pre-planned press conference that police wouldn't need concrete evidence to justify wiretaps.

In recent years, Sweden has been hit by a massive wave of teenage gang violence

Three people were killed and several injured at a hair salon before the shooter fled on a scooter

While he acknowledged that this may massively breach the privacy of those under investigation, Strommer said that these powers were necessary to prevent young children from being recruited into gangs.

The shooting came on the evening of the Walpurgis spring festival, which was expected to draw large crowds to Uppsala.

The festival in the university town normally sees students washing down herring breakfasts with champagne, before racing each other on rafts on the river.

While local police chief Asa Larsson said that people shouldn't change their plans, she urged visitors to contact police if they saw anything suspicious.

Swedish gangs are increasingly recruiting children to carry out contract killings, authorities have warned, with the country being overrun by a 'gig economy of gang violence' in recent months.

The Nordic nation has the worst rate of gun violence in the EU, while the number of murder cases involving children more than tripled from 31 counts in the first eight months of 2023 to 102 in the same period of this year, according to authorities.

Youngsters are lured by recruiters on social media platforms such as Snapchat and Telegram, with group chats titled 'bombing today' and 'who wants to shoot someone in Stockholm' reportedly attracting thousands of members.

The children - who are often vulnerable and from poor backgrounds - are promised quick cash, with bounties of up to 13,000 offered for a successful hit.

Three teenagers were sentenced after a man was murdered while eating dinner at a restaurant south of Stockholm last March, with the 17-year-old who is believed to have fired the fatal shot handed a jail term

The bloody nighty worn by a two-year-old girl when she was shot in the stomach

Gunshots pictured following the attack, apparently designed to scare the ex-girlfriend of a rapper

Once signed up, the young recruits carry out gang bosses' dirty work, assassinating relatives of rival gangsters and other targets, often without ever meeting the person who is ordering the killing.

Crime bosses increasingly seek out children under 15 as they are too young to be prosecuted in Sweden, according to police, with a boy aged just 11 years old reportedly involved in a recent case.

Children travelling across the country to commit the crimes for cash is becoming 'the new normal', Erik Lindblad, head of the police's gang violence taskforce, warned in November.

He said that online chat groups were advertising jobs to 'tens of thousands' of young members, inviting them to volunteer to carry out a hit.

Gangs have increasingly sought out young girls and children with mental disabilities to carry out the killings, as they believe they are less likely to be suspected by their target.

They deliberately hire children as Swedish law dictates that under-15s cannot be prosecuted, a law which critics say is in urgent need of reform.

Confronted by the increased involvement of young people in violent gang crime, prosecutors are increasingly seeking imprisonment rather than 'closed care' for child suspects, according to Swedish media.
A British woman who fled the scene after reversing into a pensioner avoided jail time, receiving only a fine and a six-month suspended sentence.

The woman from Plymouth was sentenced in absentia by the Rennes Criminal Court in France on Tuesday for 'running over' a man in his eighties during a stay in Brittany.

Prosecutors had requested a ban on driving any motor vehicle in France for three years, after she initially faced 'three years in prison'.

The woman, now 86, reversed without looking into the victim, then 83, trapping him between her campervan and his vehicle, witnesses told.

The victim was later found by police bleeding and suffering severe pain from six pelvic fractures, with the driver nowhere to be seen.

The prosecutor argued it was 'shocking' the driver did not come forward or 'even contact him to find out the state of health' after the September 2023 incident in Bain-de-Bretagne.

This showed 'real contempt for the victim', lawyer Kevin Descamps-Guezou said, saying she should have at least 'stopped to understand the commotion'.

File photo. A woman was sentenced on Tuesday for her involvement in the 2023 incident

The driver, who was arrested as she tried to return to the UK that November, admitted to having caused the accident but denied that she fled because she had been told to leave.

Separately, she said she had not seen the man, now 85, despite witness statements to the contrary, France 3 reports.

The victim was said to have been trapped between the two vehicles in front of his wife, who heard his screams.

A witness said that she probably did not understand what had happened.

Somebody at the scene was said to have shouted out 'go, go, go' as they tried to free the victim from between the vehicles.

The woman then left the Pommeniac rest area and was only arrested as she tried to cross the Channel nearly two months later, on November 4, 2023.

'She may not have understood, but she knows she did something,' Mr Descamps-Guezou argued.

General view of Dinan, Brittany. The woman was arrested upon trying to return to the UK

The public prosecutor had requested a ten-month suspended prison sentence and a ban on driving for three years, noting the defendant would 'soon be 87 years old'.

She was ultimately sentenced by the Rennes Criminal Court to a six-month suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay an initial 'advance' of 4,000.

The fine will go towards the victim's compensation, with an appraisal underway to put a figure on the total amount of damages to be paid.

The victim did not have his own lawyer at trial, France 3 reports.
A female British Army musician in the renowned Coldstream Guards band sexually assaulted a colleague in a wine-fuelled attack after offering to 'massage her to sleep', a court martial heard.

Military clarinet player Adelle Foster tried to take the woman's clothes off before groping her, prosecutors said. And when the woman protested, Musician Foster replied: Im still going to touch you, the court heard.

The alleged victim - who had a boyfriend - was so troubled by Musician Fosters persistent assaults she recorded the incident, the audio of which was played to the hearing.

The historic Coldstream Guards - recognised by the iconic red tunics and bearskin caps - was formed in 1650 and is the oldest continuously serving regiment of the regular British Army.

The reigiment is responsible for guarding the Royal Family and is famed for its high-profile ceremonial duties outside Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

Its band is one of the oldest and best-known military bands in the world and takes part in global public events including King Charles's Coronation in 2023.

Musician Foster - who told the woman she had just been 'joking' - has pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual assault at Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire.

Opening the case, Commodore James Farrant said the incident took place in the early hours after the clarinettist had drunk about a bottle of wine.

Military clarinet player Adelle Foster allegedly sexually assaulted a colleague after offering to 'massage her to sleep'

The court martial at Bulford Military Court heard Musician Foster grabbed the alleged victim's breast and touched her intimately

The prosecutor said that usually, the women 'didnt get on that well, and they argued, including about each others behaviour.

Commodore Farrant continued: Musician Foster moved closer to (the woman) and suggested that she, Musician Foster, give her, ([the woman), a massage to help her sleep.

He said the alleged victim declined, but Musician Foster started stroking her hand anyway.

Musician Foster then grabbed her breast and touched her intimately, the court heard.

The prosecutor continued: All touching was over clothing.

Eventually, Musician Foster said she was going to sleep, (the woman) thought the incident was over.

But Musician Foster began touching (her) again, this time on her breasts and bottom.

She began trying to take (the womans) clothes off. She eventually stopped following (the womans) polite protest.

Musician Foster arriving at Bulford Military Court on Tuesday

Commodore Farrant told the court on Tuesday that, despite telling her colleague that she was going to bed, Musician Foster touched her genitals through her jeans once again.

The alleged victim, who was also wearing a jumper, told her no, and Musician Foster mocked her by repeating (her) protestations to her.

The woman then tried to leave the room, but Musician Foster stopped her from going before her alleged victim managed to flee.

The exchanges between the women were partially captured in audio recordings the alleged victim made that night, which were played in court.

After the woman told Musician Foster that she has a partner, the alleged sex attacker was heard saying: Im still going to touch you. Later, she asked: Are you going to tell your boyfriend?

The woman was then heard saying Dont, and I dont find it comfortable, all this touching.

Musician Foster repeatedly said Im joking in reply.

Commodore Farrant said that at around 2.40am, Musician Foster sent a message to the woman telling her that she was just trying to be friends, and not to make herself a victim.

She tried to call the woman, and in another message asked if she was pretending to be a victim.

Speaking face to face again that night, the woman told Musician Foster that she shouldnt have touched her.

After the alleged victim said that she has a partner, Musician Foster could be heard on an audio recording which was played to the court saying: 'Im still going to touch you

The musician responded that she was joking when she had done that - this can be heard on an audio recording.

Musician Foster said: Before, when I was joking and touching you, I was joking.

The musician, when confronted with this evidence in an interview, said that she didnt remember saying she was joking.

She denied touching her colleague inappropriately.

The victim told the court: She admitted herself by saying I just tried to make the situation lighter.

The trial continues.
A Met firearms officer cleared of murdering violent gangster Chris Kaba now faces a gross misconduct hearing and could lose his job.

Sergeant Martyn Blake shot the 24-year-old in the head after he drove towards officers in an attempt to smash through a roadblock in Streatham, south London.

Officers had been tailing Mr Kaba, a 'core member' of one of the capital's most dangerous gangs, after linking his Audi to a gangland shooting the previous evening.

Mr Blake told jurors how he feared his colleagues would be run over as the thug used his car as a 'battering ram' to try and force his way between a police car and a Tesla parked nearby.

After his swift acquittal last October, the Met argued the evidence against him had been 'tested significantly' and called on the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) watchdog to spare the officer from misconduct proceedings.

But the IOPC announced today that it had decided to haul Mr Blake before a misconduct panel, meaning he will now face a painful and lengthy legal process that could end with his dismissal.

Police misconduct hearings are only subject to a 'civil' test, which states that an honest but mistaken belief in a particular action must be 'reasonable' - a far lower threshold than in a criminal trial.

The IOPC's move has enraged politicians, police unions and serving officers, who downed their weapons after the deeply controversial decision to charge Mr Blake with murder - forcing the Army to be put on stand-by to plug the gap.

Martyn Blake who shot Chris Kaba will face a gross misconduct hearing

Footage of the moment armed officers ran towards Mr Kaba's car as he tried to escape from a roadblock

IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: 'We understand the impact this decision will have on Chris Kaba's family and Sergeant Blake and acknowledge the significant public interest in this case, particularly among our Black communities, firearms officers and the wider policing community.

'This is a decision we have taken based on examining all the evidence, views of all parties and by applying the thresholds set out in legislation and guidance which govern our work.

'The legal test for deciding whether there is a case to answer is low - is there sufficient evidence upon which, on the balance of probabilities, a disciplinary panel could make a finding of misconduct. This has been met and therefore we need to follow the legal process.

'We appreciate that the Home Office is carrying out a review of the legal test for the use of force in misconduct cases, however, we must apply the law as it currently stands.'

The fatal shooting happened on September 5, 2022 after armed police started tailing Mr Kaba's Audi Q8 because it had been used as a getaway car in a shooting the night before.

The incident provoked a stream of criticism from left-wing politicians before Mr Blake's acquittal allowed the press to reveal Mr Kaba's status as one of London's most feared gangsters with a shocking history of violence.

Mr Kaba was high on cocaine and still had gun residue on his sleeve and a balaclava in his car, providing 'strong evidence' that he had carried out the Brixton shooting the night before, the Old Bailey heard.

Just six days before his death, Kaba brazenly gunned down a rival in the middle of a crowded nightclub during a bloody feud for control of a profitable county lines drug network.

Had he not been killed, Kaba would have stood trial at the Old Bailey for the attempted murder.

In October, Jurors took just three hours to acquit Mr Blake, who was later praised and promoted by Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who warned charging the police in such situations was 'crushing the spirit of good officers' and was making London less safe.

The IOPC's decision to pursue misconduct hearings against the officer provoked fury today.

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Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said he was 'deeply disappointed' by the decision decision, adding: 'Sergeant Martyn Blake has already been unanimously acquitted of murder by a jury having carefully considered all the facts and evidence.

'He made a difficult decision in the heat of a moment, when confronted by a car associated with firearms offences ramming into police officers. Chris Kaba was a violent gang member.

'We need to support police officers who do difficult things to protect the public, provided they act in accordance with the law, as a jury found this officer did. This has hung over Sergeant Blake for too long. I think the IOPC has got this wrong.'

Scotland Yard will now consider whether to launch a legal challenge against the decision.

Met Police Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, using the cypher NX121 that was given to Mr Blake before a judge ruled he could be publicly named, said: 'We know any fatal use of force by police understandably prompts concern among communities.

'NX121 made a split-second decision on what he believed was necessary to protect his colleagues and London and a jury unanimously decided that was an honestly-held belief and the force used was reasonable.

'However, the IOPC has now determined that NX121 has a case to answer for his use of force and has directed us to hold a gross misconduct hearing.

'We know another lengthy process will fall heavily on the shoulders of NX121 and more widely our firearms officers, who continue to bravely and tirelessly police the streets of London every day to protect the public.'

A chief officer from an outside force will be asked to chair the disciplinary hearing, which will be held in due course, the Met said.

Mr Blake was publicly named during his trial as is standard practice, but restrictions remain in place banning the publication of his address or any description or image of him.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is bringing in legal changes that will give police marksmen accused of murder the right to anonymity up to the point of conviction.

Mr Kaba's family said: 'We welcome the IOPC's direction that the Met Police must bring disciplinary proceedings against Martyn Blake. We hope this leads to him being removed from the Met Police.

'What Martyn Blake did was deeply wrong. We are still so devastated to have lost Chris - this should never have happened.

'The fact that the Met promoted Martyn Blake after the verdict only deepened our pain and showed a complete disregard for our loss. Martyn Blake should not be allowed to remain a police officer. He should lose his job.'

Downing Street said Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper were 'clear' the verdict of the jury at the criminal trial that found the officer not guilty 'must be respected'.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'Firstly, it's a decision for the IOPC, who are independent of Government. I think you'll remember, on the criminal trial, the Home Secretary told the House in October the verdict of the jury - who found the office not guilty - must be respected.

'More generally, we have also taken action to make sure the police - particularly firearm officers - have the confidence they need to do their jobs.'

Downing Street confirmed the PM has confidence in the IOPC.
A predatory asylum seeker who arrived in the UK on a small boat has been jailed for more than eight years after raping a woman who was so drunk she couldnt remember the attack.

Eritrean Dan Tesfalul, 27, attacked his victim in a busy city centre after she left a nightclub and only fled when he was challenged by a security guard.

The defendant, who arrived in the UK in 2022, bought drinks for the woman and followed her outside when she went to get food.

He then forced himself on her on a patch of grass near a car park in Norwich city centre.

Details of the case emerged in the week Home Secretary Yvette Cooper revealed plans to make it easier to deport asylum seekers convicted of sex offences.

The announcement came as it emerged the number of Channel migrant crossings this year had passed 10,000  more than a month earlier than in 2024 and six weeks earlier than 2023.

Jailing Tesfalul for eight years and three months with another five years on licence, Judge Alice Robinson told him he was an extremely dangerous offender who had shown a predatory sexual manner towards the victim he specifically targeted as she was unable to defend herself due to drink.

She added: This was a horrific attack on a lone, intoxicated female in the middle of the night, resulting in a number of bruises  and deep distress.

'Predatory' Dan Tesfalul, 27, raped the woman after plying her with drinks at a Norwich nighclub

The woman Tesfalul attacked bravely read out her victim impact statement at Norwich Crown Court, saying: It was such a horrible attack when I was at my most vulnerable.

Revealing she was now scared of being out alone in case it might happen again, she continued: I feel scared of men and feel they are out to get me and rape me too.

Its horrible to feel scared of every man you see when in the city and in the shops.

Tesfalul was staying in the Best Western Brook Hotel  one of two Norwich hotels used by the Home Office to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers  at the time of the attack on May 2, 2024.

He had been out drinking when he saw the woman in Qube nightclub on the citys busy Prince of Wales Road.

After plying her with drinks, she went outside to get some food and he followed her before raping her near the car park.

Prosecutor Stephen Spence said although the woman was too drunk to remember what happened, a woman leaving the car park heard her screaming out and called police.

Other passers-by saw what was happening and Tesfalul pulled up his trousers and ran off when a car park security guard approached him.

The woman was followed outside Qube nightclub by Tesfalul after she went to get some food. He then attacked her near a car park in the busy city centre

The defendant was arrested a short distance away minutes later.

Tesfalul was initially charged with raping the women three times on the same occasion but two of the offences were allowed to lie on file after he admitted one count.

The court was told that he had been studying for a psychology degree in his home country before leaving in 2018 and eventually arriving in the UK on a small boat three years ago.

He was granted leave to remain in November 2023 and was studying software development when he committed the rape.

Matthew Sorel-Cameron, defending, said his client knew his victim will have to live with the consequences of his actions and was deeply sorry and profoundly ashamed for the suffering he had caused.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced plans on Monday to make it easier to deport asylum seerks who commit sex offences

Tesfaluls father had died while crossing the Mediterranean in a boat when the defendant was four or five, he added.

The defendant was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and given a restraining order banning him from contacting his victim directly or indirectly for 15 years.

Detective Constable Dave Block, of Norfolk Police, said after the sentencing: I would like to commend the members of the public who intervened in this incident, the police officers who attended swiftly and professionally, and, most of all, the victim who has engaged with us throughout the investigation.

Any offender given a jail term of a year or more  as well as war criminals or terrorists  can be refused asylum and deported from the UK under the Refugee Convention at present.

Ms Cooper said on Monday that the government would widen this to include anyone convicted of a crime that led to them being placed on the sex offenders register in the UK, regardless of the length of their sentence.

She said this would ensure these appalling crimes are taken seriously but the Conservatives dismissed the move as too little, too late.

The Home Office was approached for a comment.
A British tourist is fighting for his life after he was attacked at a Greek nightclub, local media reports.

The 19-year-old is said to have been savagely punched by a fellow Brit, 24, in the nightlife capital of Rhodes before falling to the ground and maiming his head.

The young man, covered in blood, managed to find a private health clinic in the town of Faliraki on Monday afternoon but was unable to explain how he had been attacked.

Doctors at the Euromedica clinic immediately intubated him and he was rushed to the General Hospital of Rhodes where he had surgery for internal bleeding on the brain.

The 19-year-old continues to be in critical condition and is unable to communicate or provide a statement on the attack, Greek media reports.

Medics reported the incident and police pieced together from videos and witness testimonies his alleged attacker.

They arrested the tourist in his room at a well-known hotel the same night.

It is said the 24-year-old admitted to attacking the other Brit and a case has been opened for serious intentional bodily harm.

A 19-year-old was savagely punched by a fellow Brit, 24, at popular holiday spot of Faliraki before falling to the ground and maiming his head

Doctors at the Euromedica clinic immediately intubated him and he was rushed to the General Hospital of Rhodes where he had surgery for internal bleeding on the brain

Faliraki is renowned for its long sandy beaches as well as its raucous nightlife

The victim's friend was also called in to confirm the identity of the suspect.

An investigation continues and the authorities are said to be examining the exact causes of the brawl.

Personal differences or an argument being the root of the feud has not been ruled out.

A forensic report is expected too, which would detail the severity of the victim's injuries.

It was also reported that the attacker was taken to the prosecutor's office and given a deadline to apologise to the investigator.
The conflict in Ukraine is 'too complicated' to end quickly, Russia has said, dashing hopes that a lasting ceasefire or peace deal could soon be struck and likely angering Donald Trump, who has urged both sides to stop the' bloodbath'.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow today that President Vladimir Putin supports the initiative to establish a lasting ceasefire.

'But before going for it, a whole series of questions need to be answered and a whole series of nuances need to be resolved,' he said.

He went on to claim Putin had expressed a willingness for direct talks with Ukraine, but that there had been no answer yet from Kyiv.

'We understand that Washington is willing to achieve a quick success in this process... Unfortunately, we haven't heard any statements in this context from Kyiv. So we don't know whether Kyiv is ready or not,' Peskov told reporters.

His comments followed an interview between Trump and ABC journalist Terry Moran yesterday in which the US President said he 'wasn't happy' to see Russia's continued missile and drone attacks on Ukraine.

But he added: 'If it weren't for me, I think he'd want to take over the whole country,' before refusing to answer a question about whether Washington would halt military aid to Kyiv if it were to abandon peace negotiations.

Peskov's disheartening declaration comes days after Kremlin rejected a seven-point plan to end the war set out by the US that would recognise Moscow's control of Crimea and effectively freeze the frontline in place.

The plan, presented by the Trump administration to European allies earlier this month, is widely seen as a land-for-peace deal that would allow Vladimir Putin to keep Ukrainian territory seized by his forces while assuring that Ukraine would not join NATO.

However, Sergei Lavrov, Russia's veteran Foreign Minister, declared Monday in a written interview with Brazilian outlet O Globo that the Kremlin would only accept a ceasefire if various strict terms are met.

These include the removal of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and what he called Ukraine's 'neo-Nazi' regime, international recognition of Russian sovereignty over the four annexed Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, and a restriction on the size of Ukraine's army, among other measures.

A serviceman of the 68th Oleksa Dovbush Separate Jaeger Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fires a BM-21 Grad multiple-launch rocket system toward Russian troops

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow today that President Vladimir Putin (pictured right) supports the initiative to establish a ceasefire, but added that it could not be resolved quickly

The US President said he 'wasn't happy' to see Russia's continued missile and drone attacks on Ukraine in an interview with ABC yesterday

Rescuers work at a site of the Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine in this handout picture released April 29, 2025

'All the commitments Kiev assumes must be legally binding, contain enforcement mechanisms and be permanent,' Lavrov wrote on Monday.

'Demilitarising and de-Nazifying Ukraine is also on the agenda, along with lifting sanctions, withdrawing lawsuits and cancelling arrest warrants, as well as returning Russian assets subjected to the so-called freeze in the West.'

Lavrov's open rejection of the US devised plan followed Putin's declaration of a three-day ceasefire from May 8-10, which was ridiculed by Ukrainian officials and analysts as a 'trick' and 'cynical'.

Dara Massicot, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think tank focusing on Russian defence, pointed out that Putin likely doesn't want the threat of Ukraine air attacks to disrupt Russia's Victory Day on May 9.

Russia is set to hold major celebrations commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II.

'The Kremlin wants a ceasefire for those days because it can't suitably defend airspace from Ukrainian drones and they want a smooth 80th anniversary victory day parade,' she said.

Hours after Putin announced the Victory Day ceasefire, his forces pounded Ukraine with a hundred drones overnight. A 12-year-old girl was killed in the central region of Dnipropetrovsk, while several were wounded there and in the capital Kyiv.

An explosion of a drone is seen in the sky over the city, during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine April 29, 2025

Sergei Lavrov, Russia's veteran Foreign Minister (left, alongside Putin), declared yesterday in a written interview with Brazilian outlet O Globo that the Kremlin would only accept a ceasefire if a litany of strict terms are met

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky holds a briefing after the ceremony to pay tribute to 12 people killed by the Russian ballistic missile in the Sviatoshynsky district on April 24, Kyiv, Ukraine, April 25, 2025

Analysts pointed out that Putin is likely proposing a ceasefire from May 8-10 to avoid Ukrainian strikes on Russia's May 9 Victory Day parade

Russia sought to cast its proposed three-day ceasefire in May as a humanitarian pause to coincide with the Victory Day celebrations.

'Based on humanitarian considerations, the Russian side is declaring a truce during the 80th anniversary of Victory Day,' the Kremlin announced on Monday, claiming from May 8 through May 10 'all hostilities' would be stopped.

'Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example. In the event of violations of the truce by the Ukrainian side, the Russian armed forces will give an adequate and effective response,' it added.

The Kremlin announced a similar, 30-hour truce during Easter but while both sides reported a dip in fighting, they accused each other of hundreds of violations.

Meanwhile, Russia's refusal to consider the US-devised peace deal is said to be angering President Donald Trump, who urged his opposite number in Moscow to 'stop shooting and sign a deal'.

Trump is seeking a permanent ceasefire in Ukraine, his spokeswoman said on Monday, indicating the President did not see Putin's three-day pause as satisfactory.

Trump himself has threatened to walk away from peace talks altogether if making a deal proves too difficult, setting off alarm bells in Kyiv and its European allies.

Though he has expressed irritation at Putin's refusal of US ceasefire proposals, he has also lambasted Zelensky, accusing him of prolonging the 'killing field' by pushing back on his demand that Ukraine hand over occupied Crimea to Moscow.

But if it were accepted, the American land-for-peace plan would mark a significant shift in the post-World War II order and signal to other authoritarian regimes that the world's most powerful nation will allow border to be redrawn by force.

'It took a World War to roll back de jure annexations and 60 million people died,' said Francois Heisbourg, special adviser at the Foundation for Strategic Research in Paris, referring to the pre-war annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany.

'Europeans will not accept it' and Ukraine will not either, he said.

In an interview with Paris Match published yesterday, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed hope that the sides may now be closer to a truce than ever before, but stressed the need for 'caution,' because 'part of the equation' depends on Moscow.

'In the next eight to ten days, we will increase the pressure on the Kremlin. [] It's not right for all the pressure to fall on Ukraine,' he said.

But if Trump truly does walk away from the negotiating table and withdraw support for Ukraine in the process, Europe may have to find a way to fill the gap and support Kyiv's military indefinitely.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, right, huddles with US President Donald Trump during a one-on-one meeting before the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica

Rescue workers stand near a destroyed building where roses are placed in Kyiv, Ukraine on April 25, 2025

Ukrainian service members of the 25th Sicheslav Airborne Brigade fire a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launch system towards Russian troops near the frontline town of Pokrovsk

A woman throws debris out of her flat window in an apartment building which was damaged by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine

Diplomats and experts described various scenarios if the US decides to back out of peace talks.

They range from the US ceasing direct aid to Ukraine - but allowing European nations to pass on critical American intelligence and weapons to Kyiv - to Trump banning transfers of any American technology, including components or software in European weapons.

Any withdrawal of US military aid to Ukraine could create serious difficulties for Europe, as Kyiv's ability to keep fighting would depend on European political will to muster money and weapons.

If it were easy, Europe would 'already be doing things without America,' said a European diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity to an Associated Press reporter.

No new US aid package for Ukraine has been approved since Trump came into office, even as European nations have collectively provided Ukraine with more aid than Washington, according to the Keil Institute.

Europe's 'big mistake' was undertaking major military downsizing following the Cold War and thinking 'this war started in February 2022 and not in February 2014,' when Moscow invaded and then annexed Crimea, said Thomas Gomart, director of IFRI, a French international affairs think tank.

Europeans are scrambling to acquire weapons for themselves and for Ukraine, while confronting constraints on production capacity, a fragmented defence industry and a decades-long reliance on the US.

Some extra production capacity could come from Ukraine, which has ramped up manufacturing of ammunition and drones since Russia's invasion.

But advanced American weapons, including air defence systems like the Patriot that are central to Ukraine's ability to limit the damage of Russian drone and missile assaults, are much harder and more costly to replace.

President Donald Trump welcomes Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky looks on during a visit to a military training area to find out about the training of Ukrainian soldiers on the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system

US Patriot missile is fired during a test-firing in Greece

The result of a ballistic missile attack in Kryvyi Rih

Russia has attacked Ukraine almost nightly since Putin's forces invaded in February 2022.

The death toll from the Russian attacks would 'inevitably' be higher without the Patriot missile systems protecting Ukraine's skies, said Douglas Barrie, senior fellow for military aerospace at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London.

The Patriots can track and intercept Russian missiles, including the hypersonic Kinzhal, which Putin has boasted was unstoppable. Kyiv uses them to protect critical infrastructure, including the country's energy grid.

Earlier this month, Zelensky asked to buy an additional 10 Patriot batteries, but was swiftly rebuffed by Trump.

'You don't start a war against someone 20 times your size and then hope that people give you some missiles,' the US President said, a day after a Russian strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy killed 35 people.

France and Italy have given Ukraine their Aster SAMP/T air-defence system but the issue is not 'quality, it's quantity,' Barrie said, pointing to the larger US defence industrial base and greater US stockpiles.

If Trump walks away, or if Kyiv rejects a deal and keeps fighting with European support, it won't necessarily mean 'the collapse of Ukraine' - although Heisbourg admitted that more people will almost certainly die if the US pulls its air defences and intelligence-sharing capabilities.

The analysts all agreed on one thing - Trump has jolted European leaders into awareness that they need to take responsibility for their own defence, regardless of who occupies the White House.

'This issue is not a question about the next two months or the next two years. This issue is about the next two decades,' Gomart said.
Russia gave back the body of a detained award-winning Ukrainian female journalist with her eyeballs, brain and part of her larynx missing, in order to hide the horrific abuse she underwent, officials in Kyiv have claimed.

Prisoner of war Viktoria Roshchyna, 27, was held in occupied Ukraine and tortured by Vladimir Putin's brutal regime.

The body bag she was sent home in marked the corpse as an 'unidentified male'.

DNA testing confirmed the emaciated body - with her head shaved and a neck bone broken - was Roshchyna.

Ukraine said that these crude steps were likely taken to 'hide evidence of how she was finally killed.'

There were 'numerous signs of torture and cruel treatment', said of her body, said representative of the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office, Yuriy Bielousov.

But while they found evidence of torture, they were unable to establish a formal cause of death as her body had been mummified.

Ukrainian investigators found burn marks on her feet, likely traces of electric shock, and a broken rib, reported independent news outlet Important Stories.

Russia gave back the body of a detained award-winning Ukrainian female journalist with her eyeballs, brain and part of her larynx missing

The body bag she was sent home in marked the corpse as an 'unidentified male'

DNA testing confirmed the emaciated body - with her head shaved and a neck bone broken - was Roshchyna (pictured)

She had vanished into Putin's penal hell in 2023 on a reporting mission inside Ukraine's occupied territories.

'The larynx can be important evidence in cases of strangulation,' an expert told the news outlet.

'When a person is strangled, the hyoid bone [in the neck] is often broken.

'Haemorrhages can be found in the whites of the eyes, and oxygen deprivation can be detected in the brain.'

Former POWs held with Roshchyna - who worked for digital media Hromadske TV and other outlets - said she was detained in Energodar in the summer of 2023 and three days later transported to Melitopol, where she was held captive for four months and subjected to torture.

From here, she went to Taganrog's SIZO-2 - likened to a concentration camp - in a critical condition.

She had fevers, her menstruation stopped, and she suffered from abdominal pain.

Yet she still defied her captors, telling guards: 'You are occupiers, you came to our country, you kill our people... I will never cooperate with you!'

A former inmate said: 'Even the word 'concentration camp' would be too mild for SIZO-2.'
Tony Blair blinked first today as he and Keir Starmer attempted to smooth over bitter Labour infighting over Net Zero.

The former prime minister's consultancy insisted it 'supported' the Government's 2050 green energy target, the day after he said that such policies were 'irrational'.

In a thinly veiled swipe at under-pressure Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, he said Western political leaders fear admitting that the current approach 'isn't working'.

He warned that 'any strategy based on either phasing out fossil fuels... or limiting consumption is a strategy doomed to fail'.

However, while he received some qualified support from other ministers including Environment Secretary Steve Reed and Northern MPs, Sir Tony faced accusations that he was having a 'public tantrum' days before the local elections.

His call for a more pragmatic approach to restore public trust in tackling climate change was not backed by Mr Miliband when he faced MPs last night.

Critics also pointed out the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change had previously advised oil-rich Saudi Arabia and other fossil fuel concerns.

Shortly before PMQs at lunchtime, the Institute issued a statement saying it supported Net Zero targets.

And Sir Keir then told the Commons that Sir Tony is 'absolutely aligned with what we're doing here'.

'What Tony Blair said is we should have more carbon capture, we've invested in carbon capture. That's many jobs across different parts of the country,' he said.

'He said that AI (artificial intelligence) should be used, we agree with that. We've invested huge amounts in AI and the jobs of the future. He also said we need domestic targets so that businesses have their certainty.

'If you look at the detail of what Tony Blair said, he's absolutely aligned with what we're doing here, these are the jobs and the security of the future.'

In a thinly veiled swipe at the Energy Secretary, the former Labour prime minister said Western political leaders fear admitting that the current approach 'isn't working'.

But his call for a more pragmatic approach to restore public trust in tackling climate change were not backed by Mr Miliband when he faced MPs last night.

Sir Keir told the Commons that Sir Tony is 'absolutely aligned with what we're doing here'

A Labour source told the Times the former PM was having a 'public tantrum' and pointed out his Tony Blair Institute for Global Change had previously advised oil-rich Saudi Arabia.

The statement from the institute said: 'The report is clear that we support the government's 2050 net zero targets, to give certainty to the investors and innovators who can develop these new solutions and make them deployable. People support climate action, and it is vital that we keep the public's support for how we do it.'

'The TBI report is clear: we must prioritise technologies which capture carbon, place a bigger emphasis on protecting and enhancing nature, and develop new nuclear power, smart grids, and a new system of financing existing renewable solutions in developing economies.

'The UK government is already pursuing these, and their approach is the right one.

'The report also makes a plea for a different international policy approach which focuses on the global sources of emissions and the additional solutions we are likely to need to meet climate goals.

'It notes that ongoing domestic decarbonisation efforts in all countries remain vital for reducing emissions and delivering a sustainable future. In the short term - and we emphasise short term - fossil fuels will continue to be a large part of the global energy supply, particularly in developing countries who need to meet the immediate and increasing energy demands of their people as their economies develop.'

Downing Street insisted Mr Miliband is doing 'a fantastic job' championing Net Zero policies.

In a foreword to a new report by his Institute for Global Change, Sir Tony said that people are turning away from the politics of climate change because they believe the proposed solutions 'are not founded on good policy'.

He said voters in developed countries feel 'resentment' at being told to make financial sacrifices when their impact on global emissions is minimal. He wrote: 'Political leaders by and large know that the debate has become irrational.

'But they're terrified of saying so, for fear of being accused of being 'climate deniers'.'

Despite having been an adviser to COP host Azerbaijan last year, he also took aim at the annual UN climate summits as 'a forum that frankly doesn't have the heft to drive action and impact.

'They would like to start taking some of the hysteria out of the climate debate but are reluctant to be the first to do so.'

At the weekend, Mr Miliband warned that an anti-Net Zero agenda would risk 'climate breakdown' and 'forfeit the clean energy jobs of the future'.

He also vowed to 'double down' on his environmental agenda and accused those against it of 'making up nonsense and lies'.

Mr Reed this morning rejected the claim that Sir Tony was having a 'tantrum, saying his remarks were a 'valid and important contribution' to the debate, while saying he did not agree with all of it.

Several Labour MPs also warned that the Net Zero charge ran the risk of handing votes to Nigel Farage's Reform.

One told Politics Home: 'Is it really worth sacrificing our party for the sake of cutting our emissions that are already below one per cent?'

But yesterday Dan McGrail, the interim CEO of the Great British Energy quango set up by Labour, criticised Mr Blair's remarks.

According to the Times he told the Innovation Zero conference in London: 'When you think about that, resets, stops, massive changes or 180-degree changes in strategy are deeply unhelpful.'

Shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins said former Sir Tony's criticism was a 'clear message' that the Government needs to 'rethink' its approach to net zero.

She told Sky News: 'A couple of months ago, (Conservative leader) Kemi Badenoch gave a big speech about net zero, her concerns about it, how the targets that have been laid are proving impossible to meet.

'Lo and behold, it seems now Sir Tony Blair agrees with her, and it's the Labour Government that perhaps has lost their way in this argument.'

She added: 'If Tony Blair, even Tony Blair, doesn't agree with the Labour Government, then that is quite a clear message, I would imagine, to them, that they have got to rethink this.'

Mr Reed told Times Radio he did not agree that Sir Tony's intervention was a 'public tantrum'.

'He's making a valid and important contribution to a very significant debate that we're having.

'I agree with much of what he said, but not absolutely every word and dot and comma of it.

'But this Government is moving to clean energy because it's best for Britain. It's more energy security for Britain.'

The Government is asking people to take action because it 'breaks our dependency on fossil fuels and the likes of Vladimir Putin', he said.

He added: 'Why should anybody that cares about the security of the United Kingdom want us to remain dependent on fossil fuel dictators?'
A Florida nurse told her 15 year-old stepson she was 'horny' then raped him - with the sex abuse only interrupted when her lineman husband walked in, it's claimed.

Alexis Von Yates, 34, was arrested last year and charged with sexual battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 15, over the July 2024 incident court records say.

She had her medical license revoked by the State of Florida last week, Law & Crime reported.

An arrest affidavit says that her husband Frank - the alleged victim's father - had walked in-on the incident, after finishing a late shift as a lineman.

The child later spoke with investigators in August, saying he had been in Florida on vacation to visit his father over the summer.

The teen said he had sex with Von Yates after they had spent time vaping cannabis oil and playing video games before watching a movie together.

Von Yates is alleged to have started telling the teenager about 'how horny' she was after not having sex for two weeks because she had been on her period.

He told investigators that Von Yates had been making jokes about her sexual appetite the whole week before they allegedly had sex.

Alexis Von Yates, 34, was arrested last year and charged with sexual battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 15, court records say

The teenager claimed that Yates had been making sexual remarks for a week in the lead up to the incident

The teenager described in detail how he started kissing her neck, with Yates allegedly saying: 'I wish you were 18, because you're not old enough.'

Yates is said to have kicked off her underwear before engaging in oral sex and intercourse without the use of a condom.

The affidavit also describes how they 'heard something in the garage' but 'kept going' before the boys father walked in.

The teenager told investigators he ran to the bathroom with his pants around his ankles as his father walked in.

He was then taken to his grandparents' house, with his father allegedly telling him that he had 'ruined his life'.

According to the teenager his father had made a stop on the way for a six-pack of beer and was drink driving.

Describing the jokes about her being 'horny', the teen said they had spent time together at a gym where he says she said: 'I bet everyone thought you were my little boy toy'.

On another alleged incident, he said Yates had made sexual references with a can of whipped cream, putting it on her tongue and sticking it out at him.

In court last December she pleaded not guilty, she is seen here in her prison mugshot

An arrest affidavit says that Frank, seen here with Yates, had walked in-on the incident, who works late shifts as a lineman

He told investigators that he had likened it to scenes in pornographic films he had viewed before. She also asked as: 'Oh you like that?', as she did so.

The following day the teen called Yates who then told him that he wished his father hadn't caught them, the affidavit adds.

She had also made references to the size of his penis, and rated his sexual performance as 'seven out of ten', it is claimed.

After the boy's father failed to inform the authorities of the incident, a family member eventually informed the police.

She was arrested in November on a charge of sexual battery of a minor, according to Ocala News.

According to the arrest report, several of the relatives of the teenager had attempted to discourage him from disclosing to police what had happened.

In court last December she pleaded not guilty, the outlet reported that her trial has been delayed.

A ruling on the decision to suspend her medical license said: 'Nurses are placed in a position of trust; therefore, it is imperative that they demonstrate good judgment and good moral character.

'Ms. Yates decision to engage in sexual activity with a minor child and/or her decision to allow a child to engage her in oral and penetrative sex indicates that she lacks the good judgment and moral character necessary to be a registered nurse.'
Ex-chancellor Sir Jeremy Hunt has thrown his support behind a ban on social media for under-16s.

The senior Tory MP said it was a 'no-brainer' to stop children accessing sites such as Instagram and TikTok as he voiced fears about the impact on society.

At the end of this year, Australia is set to ban children under 16 from using social media with hefty potential fines for tech companies if they don't comply.

Sir Jeremy told Sky News he would vote in favour of similar laws in the UK if they were proposed in the House of Commons.

'In a few years time, we'll look back and say why didn't we do that earlier?,' the ex-Cabinet minister said.

The father-of-three admitted he was 'worried' about the impact that social media was having on youngsters, including the 'addictiveness' of sites.

Sir Jeremy also voiced concerns about the effect of social media on 'people's ability to form relationships with other human beings'.

He said 'progress' had been made on limiting the threat of online harms for children - such as restricting access to pornography - but suggested there was more to do.

Ex-chancellor Sir Jeremy Hunt has thrown his support behind a ban on social media for under-16s

The senior Tory MP said it was a 'no-brainer' to stop children accessing sites such as Instagram and TikTok as he voiced fears about the impact on society

The father-of-three, pictured with his family in Downing Street last year, admitted he was 'worried' about the impact that social media was having on youngsters

'I think it's important to say that we have made progress and it is harder, for example, for kids to access porn than it used to be,' Sir Jeremy said.

'I recognise we're in a better place than we were. But the thing that worries me most -my kids are 10, 13, and 14 - and what worries me is the addictiveness.

'They're not on social media, we don't let them have social media accounts. But they go on to TikTok or YouTube Shorts and we can lose them for two hours.

'They're just tuned out. That worries me.'

He added: 'To anyone young I'm going to sound like a real fuddy-duddy, but I worry about people's ability to form relationships with other human beings.

'Because I think, actually, to form a friendship it needs to be face-to-face. You need to spend time with people. You need to have the patience to hear people out.

'And I do worry that social media is making that much harder. So, to cut to the chase, I would support moves to ban social media for the under-16s.

'I know it's been talked about in other countries, personally I would support that as a dad.'
Co-op had to shut down parts of its IT system after discovering an attempted hack just days after Marks & Spencer faced a cyber attack, it was revealed today.

The member-owned mutual told staff it had 'taken steps to keep systems safe' and therefore had 'pre-emptively withdrawn access to some systems for the moment'.

The group shut down some services for teams running supermarkets and its legal division - but all stores, deliveries and funeral homes continued trading as usual.

Co-op, which is the UK's fifth biggest food retailer, owns more than 2,500 grocery stores and more than 800 funeral parlours.

It also owns a general insurance and legal services business.

Alongside this, Co-op has a joint-venture travel business with Thomas Cook. It is not known whether the cyber attack on M&S and this latest attempt are linked.

A spokesperson for the Co-op said: 'We have recently experienced attempts to gain unauthorised access to some of our systems.

'As a result, we have taken proactive steps to keep our systems safe, which has resulted in a small impact to some of our back office and call centre services.

The Co-op had to shut down parts of its IT system after discovering an attempted hack just days after Marks & Spencer faced a cyber attack, it was revealed today

'All our stores (including quick commerce operations) and funeral homes are trading as usual.

'We are working hard to reduce any disruption to our services and would like to thank our colleagues, members, partners and suppliers for their understanding during this period.

'We are not asking our members or customers to do anything differently at this point. We will continue to provide updates as necessary.'

The attempted hack comes just days after Metropolitan Police's cybercrime unit were called in to probe a devastating IT meltdown at M&S.

A shadowy group operating under the name Scattered Spider was said to be behind the attack, which has crippled the retailer for more than a week.

The collective, thought to be made up of 1,000 mainly British and American youths and young men, has already gained global notoriety for a slew of attacks on major brands, with a cyber security expert warning it poses a 'sophisticated threat'.

Such criminal outfits typically demand up to 10million in ransom for returning full access to firms, say industry sources.

Detectives have been working alongside the National Cyber Security Centre and data watchdog the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

The group shut down some services for teams running supermarkets and its legal division - but all stores, deliveries and funeral homes continued trading as usual (file pic)

Trade website Bleeping Computer said 'multiple sources' pointed to Scattered Spider having gained access to M&S's servers as far back as February before putting their plan into action over Easter.

As a result M&S paused its click and collect service, where customers order items online for collection from a shop. These orders are still being hit.
More than a decade after bringing much of London to a standstill, one of Britains best-loved artistic displays has returned to its spiritual home.

Those glorious poppies are back at the Tower of London.

Ahead of next weeks national VE Day events, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, a new display is being installed at one of Britains most popular visitor attractions. It will be formally unveiled next week.

Back in 2014, as the country commemorated the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, the Towers moat was filled with exactly 888,246 handmade ceramic poppies  one for every British Armed Forces member killed between 1914 and 1918.

When the display was dismantled in 2014, all the poppies were sold to cover costs and raise millions for Forces charities. However, around 40,000 were bought and went on a national tour before being gifted to the Imperial War Museum. Now they have returned to the Tower to mark the sacrifices of the Second World War.

This time, the poppies are running riot inside the ramparts. I arrive to find a giant red teardrop bursting from the top of the White Tower, while another crashes to the ground beneath and cascades down towards Traitors Gate in a river of blood.

Another great starburst of poppies explodes nearby, replicating the night of December 29 1940 when more than 50 incendiary bombs landed on this part of the Tower. No one died, though five Tower residents had been killed in the preceding weeks of the Blitz.

I wanted to reflect the idea of a wounded Tower, but also to reflect the suffering across this part of London, says Tom Piper, the theatre designer and creative director on the original project.

Creative director Tom Piper and artist Paul Cummins at the Tower of London

A visitor takes in the display of 30,000 ceramic poppies to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day

The poppies resemble a wound at the heart of the Tower and cascade across the lawn

He has recently reunited with Paul Cummins, the Derbyshire artist who came up with the idea and handmade every single poppy.

At the start of 2014, Mr Cummins staked his entire livelihood on getting the project started after the grandees of the arts world, including the Arts Council, refused him a single penny for a project he called Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red.

Fortunately, Historic Royal Palaces, the charity which runs the Tower of London, welcomed the idea. Thousands of volunteers helped install each poppy and, by November, vast crowds would gather around the moat each day.

The final figure was estimated at five million. Especially moving was the nightly sunset ceremony during which a Yeoman Warder stood amid the poppies and recited the names of 180 war dead nominated by the public.

I remember seeing people leaving in floods of tears. The Queen was so impressed she included them in her Christmas broadcast. Mr Piper and Mr Cummins received MBEs.

The art world remained implacably sniffy, however. The Guardians art critic mocked the whole thing as prettified, toothless and a reflection of an inward-looking mood that lets UKIP thrive. However, when the time came to remove them, there was a public campaign to keep them in place.

Mr Cummins, however, was adamant their transience was part of the art. They were all sold off at 25 each to raise funds for six charities, and the artist went as far as destroying the thousands of spares, resolute that this would be an exact limited edition of 888,246 (to the extent that even Mr Cummins had to buy his own).

They were an instant sell-out. Villages bought one for every name on the war memorial. Tom Pipers old school in Oxford bought one for every old boy killed in action. Dame Vivien Duffield and Dame Susie Sainsbury bought many of them to send on tour. The crowds were so big that in Yorkshire they had to a build a new car park. A number would go on permanent display at the Imperial War Museum North.

And Mr Cummins is delighted crowds at the Tower still stop in their tracks to see them.

I have always loved the fact that we have never had to tell anyone what this stands for, he tells me.

Good public art should not have to explain. Quite so.

Most of the resident raven population, though, are still getting used to to these ceramic intruders. However, one has already decided that she likes the new installation. Her name? Poppy.
Peter Dutton has suffered a huge blow three days from the election as a new poll pinpointed why support has plummeted for the Coalition.

Concerns about the Opposition Leader's nuclear plan and global uncertainty caused by US President Donald Trump will likely see Prime Minister Anthony Albanese re-elected this Saturday.

The latest RedBridge-Accent poll for the Daily Telegraph found a dramatic slump in the Coalition's primary vote, which has fallen from 42 per cent to 34 per cent - 1.7 per cent less than its disastrous 2022 election result under Scott Morrison.

By contrast, Labor's primary vote has risen two points to 34 per cent since November - 1.4 per cent higher than when they won the 2022 election.

The Albanese government has also extended its two-party-preferred lead by an extra point to 53 per cent in recent weeks.

Global uncertainty concerns and scare campaigns came out as the top two reasons cited by voters for voting against a party.

Concerns Mr Dutton's nuclear plan will cost $600billion and require cuts to fund it was also a major concern.

This was followed by concerns voters would be worse off under Mr Dutton's government and Liberals cutting Medicare.

Peter Dutton (pictured with Liberal supporters in Melbourne) faces a dramatic collapse in the Coalition's primary vote which has fallen from 42 per cent to 34 per cent

Anthony Albanese (pictured) has extended Labor's two-party-preferred lead to 53 per cent

Mr Dutton's most successful scare campaign against Labor is concern this is the highest spending government in 40 years.

However, the aforementioned charges against the Coalition were all cited more frequently.

Meanwhile, the two most important reasons in deciding who voters would support were Labor promises.

Mr Albanese's promise to make nine out of ten GP visits bulk-billed and banning price gouging by supermarkets were the biggest vote drivers.

The Coalition's pledge to halve the fuel exercise for 12 months was the third most important reason followed by their promise to introduce a low and middle-income tax rebate of $1,200.

This promise was far more popular than Labor's pledge of a $5 a week tax cut.

Also attributing to Labor's growing popularity is the support of Millennial and Gen Z voters.

One in five Millennial and Gen Z voters said they had changed their mind since the start of the election campaign five weeks ago.

Mr Dutton was on the campaign trail on Wednesday with Amelia Hamer, Liberal candidate for Kooyong in Melbourne's inner-east (pictured)

Mr Albanese's (pictured with fiancee Jodie Haydon) scare campaign against the Coalition has been successful

Accent's Shaun Ratcliff said it 'looks increasingly likely' Labor will form government in its own right or as a minority with the support of crossbenchers.

'They have run a disciplined campaign that came out the gates strong in February focusing on cost of living, health and housing, the three issues our research shows voters care about the most,' he said.

'Labor has also relentlessly hammered the Coalition on these same issues.

'Concerns around the cost of the Coalition's nuclear power plan, that they will be worse off under the Coalition, and that a Liberal government will cut Medicare spending all rank highly as reasons deciding who voters' will not support.'

RedBridge Director Tony Barry added: 'Labor's central campaign has cleverly defined the risk of change in these uncertain times.'
Overcome with emotion, an Ohio mother heard her late daughter's heartbeat echo inside another child - three years after an accident claimed her life.

The heart of eight-year-old Maddy Schein is now beating inside the chest of Mireya Moody, another eight-year-old girl, after Maddy was tragically killed in an unexpected ATV accident in 2022.

Last summer, Maddy's mother met the little girl her daughter saved with her donated organs and, filled with tears, listened to her pulsing heart through a stethoscope.

In a touching video shared by the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday, Lisa Schein tearfully bowed her head and nodded in acceptance moments before the two shared a long, heartfelt embrace.

'I wanted to run up to Mireya, squeeze her and never let her go because that was all I had left of my girl,' Lisa told Cleveland Clinic.

'Meeting Mireya's mom, Bianca, talking with her and hearing her story about Mireya's illness was hard,' she added. 'But it helps to know a piece of Maddy lives on.'

Mireya was your typical, energetic second-grader until her life abruptly changed on January 25, 2022.

As her mother worked as an HR manager for a medical transportation company, the eight-year-old girl was in the care of her grandmother, who grew concerned when her granddaughter became unusually sluggish.

Overcome with emotion, Lisa Schein, an Ohio mother, heard her late daughter's heartbeat echo inside another child - three years after her eight-year-old girl tragically passed away

Maddy Schein, 8, was tragically killed in a sudden ATV accident back in April of 2022 (pictured: Maddy and Lisa)

The heart of eight-year-old Maddy Schein is now beating inside the chest of Mireya Moody (pictured), who went into sudden heart failure in January of 2022

'By the time I picked her up, she had gotten worse,' Bianca Robinson told Cleveland Clinic. 'She didn't even have energy to walk to the car.'

Her daughter couldn't keep anything down - not even water - without vomiting, leaving Bianca frantic over what could be wrong with her otherwise healthy child.

'She was completely normal - happy, healthy, going to see her pediatrician on a regular basis,' Mireya's mother told WKYC News.

'It honestly came out of nowhere for us. The day before she got sick, she was playing in the snow with her dad, making snow angels.'

It was when Bianca rushed her little girl to the hospital that her worst nightmare unfolded - Mireya's heart was failing.

'We were in shock,' Bianca told Cleveland Clinic. 'We couldn't comprehend, at the time, how it was possible. She had almost never been sick before.'

Doctors determined that Mireya was suffering from left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) - a rare and serious form of heart failure.

Immediately, the second-grader was given multiple rounds of medications to control severe symptoms of the disease, including rapid heartbeats and other heart arrhythmias.

Mireya was your typical, energetic second-grader until her life abruptly changed on January 25, 2022 - she was extremely lethargic, couldn't hold anything down without vomiting and had no energy to even make it to the car

Finally, in the summer of 2024, both families met face-to-face at a park near Mireya's University Heights home where they got to hear Maddy's heartbeat once more

After Maddy's tragic death, Lisa made the brave decision to donate her daughter's organs

It was when Bianca rushed her little girl to the hospital that her worst nightmare unfolded - Mireya's heart was failing, with doctors determining she was suffering from left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC)

Within three weeks, Mireya's condition worsened - she slept all day and couldn't tolerate the medications - prompting the medical team to seek specialty cardiovascular treatment at Cleveland Clinic Children's.

Though LVNC is treatable, it can't be cured. In certain cases, such as Mireya's, a heart transplant is the only chance at a second life - but the process of obtaining one can take well over a year.

'You can't do anything but rely on your faith and the healthcare professionals,' Bianca said. 'I felt helpless and angry, not understanding why this was going on and why it had to happen to her.'

As Mireya's condition rapidly declined, the medical team put her on a Berlin heart - a large machine that assists in pumping the heart, helping to maintain her strength and stabilize her condition.

However, unexpected news came in April 2022 - a suitable heart was found.

'My mom called me crying and screaming: "They found a heart! They found a heart!"' Bianca told WKYC.

'It's very conflicting, because obviously this is my child, and then there's this family that is going to have to live out your worst nightmare,' she added.

The heart belonged to eight-year-old Maddy, who lost her life following a sudden and tragic accident.

Lisa got in contact with Mireya's mother, Bianca Robinson, a year after the operation, where shared touching stories about Mireya and Maddy - only to find out they were deeply moved to discover just how similar their eight-year-old daughters were

As Mireya's condition rapidly declined, the medical team put her on a Berlin heart - a large machine that assists in pumping the heart, helping to maintain her strength and stabilize her condition

However, unexpected news came in April of 2022 - a suitable heart was found - specifically, Maddy's heart

Just two days later, Mireya underwent an eight-hour, successful heart transplant operation.

From the first moment in rehabilitation, Bianca described that her daughter 'took off like a rocket', Cleveland Clinic reported.

In a matter of no time, Mireya was walking and talking again. Her eight-week stay in the hospital was swiftly reduced to three weeks.

Throughout the entirety of Mireya's terrifying health journey, Bianca made it clear that she would be open to meeting the donor's family - if they were willing.

One year later, Bianca received a letter from Lisa, Maddy's mother.

The pair shared touching stories about Mireya and Maddy, and were deeply moved to discover just how similar their eight-year-old daughters were.

'The way Lisa described Maddy, she and Mireya sounded like they were practically the same child,' Bianca told Cleveland Clinic, adding that the girls both loved the same movies and singing.

Lisa agreed, and said: 'We learned the girls even shared some of the same phrases. I also loved being able to tell them stories about who Maddy was - about her infectious laugh and bubbly personality. I think that's when my heart began to start healing.'

From the first moment in rehabilitation, Bianca described that her daughter 'took off like a rocket', and was back to walking and talking in no time

Describing the summer face-to-face meeting, Bianca said: 'It was just joy. Just joy'

During their meeting, the Schein family gifted Mireya with an avocado-shaped plushie, which she lovingly named Maddy - and now sleeps with every night

Finally, in the summer of 2024, both families met face-to-face at a park near Mireya's University Heights home.

In an deeply emotional moment shared by the Cleveland Clinic, Lisa put on a special stethoscope and listened to the sound of her young daughter's heartbeat once more.

'It was just joy. Just joy,' Bianca told WKYC about the special moment.

'I can only imagine Lisa being able to hear Maddy's heart again and knowing that it's being well taken care of and that it's living on through Mireya, who is so sweet, so loving, so smart, and just so happy all of the time.'

During their meeting, the Schein family gifted Mireya with an avocado-shaped plushie, which she lovingly named Maddy - and now sleeps with every night.

Now, for Bianca, expressing her gratitude is impossible. Though Maddy's life ended much too short, she saved her daughter.

'Thank you is not enough,' Bianca told WKYC.

Though LVNC is treatable, it can't be cured. In certain cases, such as Mireya's, a heart transplant is the only chance at a second life

Maddy gave four people a second chance at life - adults and children - through her heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas donation

While speaking about the meeting, Lisa said: 'I wanted to run up to Mireya, squeeze her and never let her go because that was all I had left of my girl'

'I've seen the video of Lisa having to walk her daughter down that hallway at that hospital for the last time. There is nothing that I could say to tell her how much she changed our lives. She was thinking of others in a time where she was losing something so precious to her.'

Maddy gave four people a second chance at life - adults and children - through her heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas donations.

'I will continue to carry on Maddie's legacy for as long as I can,' Bianca said. 'Any event in honor of Maddie, if we can, we will make it, because I think it's important that we're there to represent this very important thing.'
The co-founder of the crowd-funding site that has raised over half a million dollars for killer teen Karmelo Anthony said he is not proud of company's role in the controversy while maintaining support for it.

Jacob Wells, whose platform GiveSendGo is the only fundraising site permitting donations for Anthony, gave a wavering response when grilled over the $515,000 the campaign has gathered for the confessed killer.

'I have no pride in having this being on GiveSendGo. I just have appreciation for what GiveSendGo is doing in the midst of these tragic moments,' he told Fox News.

'Which is standing on principle, which is loving people even in the midst of very hard and dark places.'

Other crowd-funding platforms like GoFundMe and Kickstarter have not allowed donations to Anthony, as he faces charges over the fatal stabbing of Texas teenager Austin Metcalf at a track meet in Frisco in the Dallas-Forth Worth area on April 2.

Anthony, 17, claimed he acted in self-defense during a fight that began when the high school student went to sit under a rival school's tent.

Metcalf, also 17 and a student at the opposing school, confronted Anthony and the pair started arguing before the deadly stabbing.

The case has sparked national outrage as many question why Anthony brought a knife to the track meet, while his supporters claim racism was a factor.

Jacob Wells, whose platform GiveSendGo is the only fundraising site allowing donations to killer teen Karmelo Anthony, said he is not proud of hosting the campaign

Karmelo Anthony's fundraiser has received over $515,000, with his family facing scrutiny over using funds for his legal defense to move into a new home and hire security guards

Austin Metcalf, 17, died after being stabbed by Anthony at a track meet on April 2

The GiveSendGo fundraiser had reached more than $515,600 as of Wednesday morning. Anthony's family has faced scrutiny for using funds for his legal defense to move into a new home and hire security guards.

Asked about the flood of donations to , Wells admitted to Fox News: 'How proud am I of this campaign? I don't, I wouldnt say I'm proud at all.'

Still, Wells said that the campaign does not violate his site's terms.

He said the company has only removed fundraisers for causes it deems 'illegal,' including those caught spending funds on expenses not made clear on the site.

Wells said he has taken down a page that was purportedly raising money for travel expenses when the host actually intended to use the money to buy a gun.

Wells added that 'pretty much' everyone on GiveSendGo's leadership team supported hosting the campaign.

He compared the controversy to his previous decision in 2020 to allow a fundraiser for Kyle Rittenhouse, the Wisconsin teen who shot three people during Black Lives Matter protests in Kenosha.

The site also hosted a fundraiser for Daniel Penny, who was acquitted on charges in the 2023 death of subway rider Jordan Neely.

Rittenhouse's campaign raised over $250,000, less than half of what Anthony has received in the weeks since he stabbed Metcalf.

The fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf has sparked national outrage as many question why Anthony brought a knife to the track meet, while his supporters claim racism was a factor

Anthony is facing first-degree murder charges, but his attorneys argue he acted in self-defense

Wells said he and his colleagues have received death threats over hosting the campaign, with the teen killer's family saying they needed to use the money to hire security because they have also faced death threats.

The co-founder said while he is content to continue keeping the campaign alive, he admitted that some people are donating for the 'wrong reasons.'

Some comments on the fundraising page call for attacks on white people and celebrate Anthony stabbing Metcalf 'even if it was for no reason at all,' which Wells blamed on 'right-wing outrage.'

'The outrage of the right has fueled the response of the other side,' he said.

'There will always be people who are donating for the wrong reasons, on any campaign. There are people that believe the best way forward is racial division.

'That's what they believe. So they're going to stoke the flames of racial division however they can.

'When you live in free societies, which we do, there's a price to pay, and that is it allows for some people to do things that might not be good. And I think people do that all the time.'

When asked about the claims of racism that have arisen in Anthony's case, Wells continued: 'When someone is championing a racial narrative that is divisive and not unifying, then I would claim that that's a wrong reason to be donating.

Anthony's family (pictured) said they were forced to move to a new home in an 'undisclosed location' due to threats they have received

Anthony (pictured in his mugshot) is free on house arrest after his bail was significantly lowered earlier this month

After being stabbed, Metcalf died in the arms of his twin brother, Hunter (pictured: Austin and Hunter)

'And there are people that have donated that are making claims that are divisive and not unifying. And those are in some of the comments.

'Unfortunately, in free societies, people can say stuff that is divisive and not unifying.'

The comments came as Anthony's family said they were forced to move to a new home in an 'undisclosed location' due to threats they have received.

Anthony is out on house arrest after his bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000. He is facing first-degree murder charges.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 988

A grief-stricken mother blames an evil pack of students for bullying her transgender child to the point of suicide.

On May 17, 2023, Nova Dunn climbed over a chain link fence on the I-93 overpass and jumped to his death in Manchester, New Hampshire.

He was 14.

Nova had been struggling with his mental health since the pandemic, had gone to three mental institutions in three different New England states, and had recently come out as transgender, his mother, Melissa Dunn, told WMUR.

Melissa never thought her child's depression would come to this point, and two years later, she's still not over the loss, even if she'll admit Nova, who went by he/him pronouns, is in a better place now.

'People hear my story and they're like: "Oh, I'm so sorry,"' she told the outlet. 'Don't be sorry. My kid's in a better place than this world. They're not being bullied no more.

'Knowing that they're at peace makes me kind of at peace, but it still hurts, if you get what I'm saying.'

Nova, who was born female, started transitioning in middle school and the bullying took a turn for the worse afterward.

On May 17, 2023, Nova Dunn climbed over a chain link fence on the I-93 overpass and jumped to his death in Manchester, New Hampshire. He was 14.

Melissa never thought her child's depression would come to this point, and two years later, she's still not over the loss, even if she'll admit Nova is in a better place now

Pictured: The overpass Nova jumped over. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among children ages 10 to 14

Students began writing nasty things about her child on the bathroom walls that gravely impacted young Nova's mental health, with which he was already struggling.

'We were at three different mental hospitals, one here in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and then the last one was in Vermont,' she told WMUR.

Melissa is convinced the students' transphobia was what ultimately led Nova to take his own life.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among children aged 10 to 14 and the third-leading for those 15 to 24, The Trevor Project said.

Those who fall into the LGBTQ+ group are at a significantly higher risk of suicide and are four times more likely to attempt suicide.

Nearly 2 million LBGTQ+ youths ages 13 to 24 consider attempting suicide each year in the US, The Trevor Project found.

'When you live with that much stress, anxiety and fear, it takes a toll,' Susan Sterns, the executive director of National Alliance on Mental Illness-New Hampshire, told WMUR.

'Bullying has a profound impact on anyone's mental health, and we do know that while it's not necessarily a causal factor, it can be a factor in a series of complex ones.'

Melissa is convinced the students' transphobia was what ultimately led Nova to take his own life

Nova, who was born female, started transitioning in middle school and the bullying took a turn for the worse afterward. Students began writing nasty things about her child on the bathroom walls, which gravely impacted young Nova's mental health

Melissa's best advice to parents is to watch over their kids and make sure they know they are loved.

'That's all you can do,' she told the outlet. 'People are different.'

In Nova's honor, the mother encourages others to be a 'good person and show kindness.'

'That's what Nova would've wanted,' she said.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 988.
The number of tourists visiting Las Vegas has plummeted as international visitors have begun to shun the United States.

Sin City welcomed 3.39 million visitors last month, down almost eight percent from 3.68 million in February, according to a report by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

The report, obtained by 8 News Now, also revealed that hotel occupancy has slumped over the past year.

Hotels were 82.9 percent full last month, compared with 85.3 percent full in March 2024.

Midweek occupancy recorded a decline of 2.5 percent in the same period, despite more than half a million people attending conferences.

Casinos also reported an almost five percent drop over the past year. Statewide, the figure fell by 1.1 percent.

In downtown Las Vegas, rooms were fractionally cheaper than they were a year ago at an average of $100.31 compared with $100.97.

It comes as hotel rates on the Strip have soared, while the number of overseas air passengers had dropped.

The number of tourists visiting Las Vegas has plummeted as international visitors shun the United States

The president's punitive tariffs and immigration crackdown have been blamed for a decline in foreign tourists

A report by the International Trade Administration found that the number of foreign air passengers had plunged by 10 percent over the past year.

In Las Vegas, Harry Reid International Airport recorded a four percent decline in passengers according to the Clark County Department of Aviation.

Road traffic also dipped by 3.1 percent, according to the LVCVA.

Bloomberg reports that the decline in international tourism could cost the US economy almost $90billion.

The article quoted a Canadian family who is shunning the US in the wake of punitive tariffs and inflammatory remarks by President Trump.

Tourists from elsewhere have cancelled trips to the US amid fears they could be caught up in the president's immigration crackdown.

Last week two young German tourists found themselves detained and deported for not having any accommodation booked when they arrived in Hawaii.

In March a British backpacker found herself locked up for nearly three weeks after allegedly having the wrong type of visa when she tried to enter the US from Canada.

Sin City welcomed 3.39 million visitors last month, down almost eight percent from 3.68 million in February

Hotels were 82.9 percent full last month, compared with 85.3 percent full in March 2024

The British government has warned that travelers could face being arrested or detained if they fail to abide by rules which are being strictly enforced by US border agents.

The picture is not all negative in Las Vegas however, where occupancy on the Strip was still above levels seen in March 2024.

This is despite prices for hotel rooms soaring by almost four percent to an average of $188.75 a night.

Research firm Tourism Economics estimates that visits to the US will decline by 5.1 percent in 2025, which will ultimately contribute to a $64 billion loss for the domestic tourism industry.

The company originally forecasted a nearly 9 percent tourism jump this year, a prediction that was revised late last month because of 'polarizing Trump Administration policies and rhetoric.'

'There's been a dramatic shift in our outlook,' Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, told the Washington Post.

'You're looking at a much weaker economic engine than what otherwise would've been, not just because of tariffs, but the rhetoric and condescending tone around it.'
Furious residents who live close to an oil exploration site in Utah are demanding compensation after a 'shockwave' tore through the area, damaging their homes.

People in the rural community of Roosevelt said cracks started showing on their properties after a project by SM Energy Company began 800 yards away.

The initial stages involved the firm removing rocks to make way for a well site, and one resident said a large boom was heard and their homes started shaking on April 6.

'And boom. A big kind of shockwave came through the area. I mean, the house shook. Everything was insane,' homeowner Troy L Hone told ABC4.

Hone said his home has been 'compromised all round', with cracks in the foundations and even shifted floorboards.

He said a repair company surveyed his home and said fixes would cost an estimated $80,000. Hone is now demanding compensation from SM Energy Company.

Hone added the loud blasts from the site also made it difficult to sleep. His wife showed a video of a blast taking place on her phone after 10pm.

Footage also shows a large billow of smoke rising from the construction site on one occasion, dropping dust on the surrounding neighborhood.

Furious residents who live close to an oil exploration site in Utah are demanding compensation after a 'shockwave' tore through the area, damaging their homes. Homeowner Troy L Hone (pictured) is now demanding compensation from the firm involved, SM Energy Company

Footage shows a large billow of smoke rising from the construction site on one occasion (pictured above) dropping a layer of dust on the surrounding neighborhood houses

People in the rural community of Roosevelt said cracks started showing on their properties (shown above) after a project by SM Energy Company began 800 yards away

Another homeowner, Steven Loftis, also blasted the company. 'They don't care about who they're affecting,' he told ABC4.

'They may look down here and see our little place like this as being maybe insignificant to them.'

'They told us it was going to be a series of small blasts,' Loftis said, adding that the worst of the carnage came on the day the project was supposed to have ended.

SM Energy Company said they 'immediately suspended the operations causing concern and adjusted our construction methods to limit impact on the surrounding community'.

'In the course of constructing a well site, SM Energy conducted limited rock removal operations,' the company said in a statement.

'Prior to beginning this work, we proactively reached out to all homeowners within the area to provide advance notice and information about the planned activity.

'After work commenced, a small number of homeowners raised concerns.

Another homeowner, Steven Loftis (pictured), also blasted SM Energy Company. 'They don't care about who they're affecting,' he told ABC4. 'They may look down here and see our little place like this as being maybe insignificant to them'

Hone added that the loud blasts emanating from the site close to his home also made it difficult to sleep. His wife showed a video of a blast taking place on her phone after 10pm (pictured)

'In response, SM Energy immediately suspended the operations causing concern and adjusted our construction methods to limit impact on the surrounding community.

'We are working individually with each concerned homeowner to fully understand their concerns and to address them directly.

'As a leading operator, SM Energy is deeply committed to being a responsible and responsive neighbor.

'We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or disruption this work may have caused and remain focused on maintaining open communication and strong relationships with our community.'

Roosevelt is a small rural city located in north-east Utah, around 140 miles east of Salt Lake City.
A 'despicable' paedophile scout leader who spent 27 years on the run in Thailand was today told he would die behind bars as he was jailed for 46 years.

Richard Burrows, 81, 'ruined countless lives' as he systematically abused 24 boys across Cheshire and the Midlands between 1968 and 1995, a judge said today.

The predator became one of the UK's most wanted fugitives when he fled the country before his trial was due to take place in 1997.

The trail went completely cold for more than a quarter of a century until last year when officers at Cheshire police ran a manipulated mugshot through a publicly available AI facial recognition program, PimEyes.

After searching through billions of photos online, it unexpectedly came up with a match with 'Peter Smith', a British expat living in Thailand, partly thanks to a distinctive mole visible on both his and 'Peter's' jaw.

Burrows was arrested at Heathrow Airport in March last year after returning from Thailand.

In emails found after his eventual arrest, Burrows described 'living in paradise' on the tropical island of Phuket.

He had stolen the name from an acquaintance who was terminally ill, which allowed him to fraudulently obtain a genuine passport and leave the country without detection.

This is the moment the evil paedophile was arrested when he landed at Heathrow Airport in March 2024

Richard Burrows is pictured in a police mugshot in 1997, when he was first arrested, and in a more recent one when he was arrested last year and found guilty

Cheshire Police released images of Burrows in Thailand, where he fled to before his trial in 1997

Last month, Burrows was found guilty by a jury at Chester Crown Court of 54 offences including indecent assault of boys, buggery, attempted buggery and indecency with a child.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to another 43 offences including indecent assault, making indecent images of children, possession of indecent images of children and four counts of possession of false identity documents with intent.

Passing an extended sentence today with an additional one-year period on licence, the Honorary Recorder of Chester Judge Steven Everett told Burrows: 'I recognise you will not be released.

'You are a despicable man. You have ruined countless lives.

'These serious sexual assaults were committed by you because you are a predator. You deliberately positioned yourself among groups and communities to get closer to them, and to groom and sexually abuse young boys.'

Judge Everett went on to tell Burrows: 'I have no doubt that you were never going to come back (to the UK) had you not run out of money and suffered ill-health with cancer, albeit not terminal - presumably because you were not going to get treatment abroad.

'I have seen no remorse in your behaviour.

'I recall only too well that when you were interviewed by the police, you did not admit a single thing.

'You just lied through the back of your teeth because you knew what you did.

'I see you nodding. Too late now.'

Burrows stared ahead blankly throughout the sentencing before he was led from the dock.

After the defendant left the courtroom, Judge Everett told some of the victims present: 'I hope that you will find some peace.'

Burrows' offending in Cheshire took place between 1969 and 1971 while he was employed as a housemaster looking after vulnerable children at Danesford Children's Home in Congleton.

His victims in the West Midlands and West Mercia areas were abused between 1968 and 1995, the majority through local Scout groups where Burrows worked as a leader.

In each case he befriended the victims by using his position of trust.

Afterwards Elise Carnot, a specialist solicitor at law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp who represents one of the victims, said: 'It is a huge relief that Burrows has finally been convicted and sentenced.

'The trial involves 24 survivors, but I am left in no doubt this is just the tip of the iceberg, given Burrows worked in a position of trust with children through both his role with the Scouts and at the school.

'I hope many more people now feel able to come forward, confident they will be able to access justice.'

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson, who had led the investigation, said: 'Burrows is a coward, he knew he was guilty in 1997, but rather than face the consequences of his actions, he fled the country after fraudulently obtaining a passport using the identity of an unwell man.

'He spent the last 27 years, in his own words, 'living in paradise'.

'It is clear that he did not spare a thought for his victims, who were trying to live their lives under the shadow of the abuse they had suffered.

Bodycam footage shows the moment Burrows is told he is being arrested after landing at Heathrow. He was put in a wheelchair after stepping off the plane with a walking stick

Richard Burrows, 81, at a previous hearing at Chester Crown Court

'It is my belief that Burrows hoped, on his return to the UK after so many years, that his offending might have been forgotten about.

'However, his victims could not forget what he did to them, Cheshire Police did not forget what he had done.

'The sentence handed to Burrows today will likely see Burrows spend the rest of his life in prison and I hope that this outcome finally provides the victims with some closure.

'I also hope that this case acts as a warning to any other wanted suspects out there  we will find you and you will be held accountable for your actions.'

Duncan Burrage, International Liaison Officer for the National Crime Agency, said: 'British paedophiles have gone to Thailand thinking it is a safe haven. It is not.

'This case is another example of our international officers working closely with Thai law enforcement to track down fugitives, making sure they return to the UK to face the consequences of the crimes.

'Richard Burrows spent decades on the run and went to great lengths change his identity and live in Thailand, but he has finally faced justice in the UK.

'I hope this has provided some closure to the individuals he targeted with such serious abuse.'
Iran on Wednesday executed a man convicted of espionage for Israel and involvement in the killing of a Revolutionary Guard but activists said he was sentenced to death after an unfair trial and a confession obtained by torture.

Mohsen Langarneshin, reportedly aged 34, was hanged at dawn at Ghezelhesar prison in Karaj outside Tehran, several rights groups said.

His mother and father held a vigil outside the jail during the night, pleading for his life to be spared, images on social media showed.

The Mizan news agency of the Iranian judiciary confirmed he had been put to death in the morning, describing Langarneshin as a 'high-ranking spy' who supported Mossad operations inside Iran.

The rate of executions is again surging in Iran in a trend that has caused international concern with at least 335 people hanged so far this year alone, according to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) monitor.

The hanging also comes as US President Donald Trump is seeking to reach out to the Iranian leadership to strike a deal on its nuclear programme, with both Israel and its ally the United States long refusing to rule out a military strike on Iran.

'Mohsen Langarneshin, who was sentenced to death in an unfair judicial process based on confessions obtained under torture and charged with espionage for Israel, was hanged at dawn today,' said IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam.

'The Iranian authorities' execution machine is accelerating every day, taking the lives of more people,' he told AFP, describing the executions as 'extrajudicial killings'.

Mohsen Langarneshin (pictured) was hanged at dawn at Ghezelhesar prison in Karaj outside Tehran

He was described as a 'high-ranking spy' who supported Mossad operations inside Iran

Langarneshin was implicated in the killing of Guards colonel Sayyad Khodaei (pictured)

Khodaei was gunned down by two motorcyclists on his way home in Tehran in May 2022

The US-based Abdorrahman Boroumand Center, which had campaigned over his case, said Langarneshin had been convicted after his July 2023 arrest at a Revolutionary Court presided over by judge Abolghasem Salavati, sanctioned by the US and EU and notorious for his handing out of death sentences.

'He denied all charges, stating that his confessions were extracted under torture,' the group said.

The Iran-born British actor and activist Nazanin Boniadi wrote on X: 'The bloodthirsty Islamic Republic has executed yet another innocent.'

Mizan said Langarneshin was implicated in the killing of Guards colonel Sayyad Khodaei, who was gunned down by two motorcyclists on his way home in Tehran in May 2022.

Activists also shared a video of Langarneshin's mother recorded on Tuesday where she makes a plea for his life after a last meeting with her son at the prison.

'I just came from the last visit with my son. I need your help. Please pray for my child. May my child be saved. I do not know if he will see sunrise tomorrow.'

Insisting on his innocence, she added: 'They will not accept our evidence. We have many documents. We have proof of his innocence, but they (the judicial authorities) reject everything.'

'It was an unfair trial! Why do you want to execute my chid? Why? Do not execute my child!' she added, in the video recorded inside a stationary car.

Western analysts believe Mossad agents do operate inside Iran as shown by sabotage attacks and killings such as the assassination of Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in 2020.

However activists fear that Iran scapegoats innocent people after failing to catch the actual agents who are often out of the territory by the time their work is uncovered.

According to the New York Times, Fakhrizadeh was assassinated by Mossad using a machine gun that had been assembled close to his home by its agents and then fired remotely after they left.

A man was executed in December 2023 after he was found guilty of collaborating with Mossad. Four others were hanged a year earlier over alleged ties to Israel.

At risk of execution is Iranian-Swedish academic Ahmadreza Djalali, who was arrested during a visit to Iran in April 2016 and sentenced to death in 2017 on charges of spying which his family says are false.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky pushed US president Donald Trump to take a harder line with Russian despot Vladimir Putin during their historic conversation at St. Peter's Basilica.

Following a disastrous meeting in the White House in February, in which Zelensky was unceremoniously booted out of the seat of American power, the two world leaders met face-to-face for the first time in two months at Pope Francis' funeral last week.

While both men were applauded for finally sitting down together, little was known about the content of their conversation until now.

According to Axios, Zelensky told Trump that Putin would not be moved on his position on the invasion of Ukraine until he was forced to.

A source told the outlet that Trump admitted he might have to change his approach to dealing with Putin.

Hours later, Trump criticised Putin in a Truth Social post for attacking Kyiv with a missile strike, writing: 'It makes me think that maybe he doesn't want to stop the war, he's just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through "Banking" or "Secondary Sanctions?" Too many people are dying!!!'

Zelensky also asked Trump to return to his original position on an unconditional ceasefire as a foundation for peace talks, which a source said Trump appeared to agree to.

The Ukrainian leader wasn't the only one to make demands of the other, with Axios reporting that the firebrand Republican pushed Zelensky to sign the US-Ukraine minerals deal as soon as possible.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky pushed US president Donald Trump to take a harder line with Russian despot Vladimir Putin during their historic chat at St. Peter's Basilica

Soldiers of the 115th brigade air defense atiaaerea fire drones in Lyman area, Ukraine, April 24, 2025

Firefighters extinguish the fire caused by the Shahed drone attack on the Ukrainian Red Cross base in Dobropillia, Donetsk Oblast Ukraine on April 30, 2025

One person suggested that the reason the Vatican meeting was more positive than their White House meeting was that vice president JD Vance and White House envoy Steve Witkoff were not present.

It is not currently clear how long Trump will hold up his more critical stance towards Russia.

Last night, Trump told ABC News that though Putin 'could be tapping me on a little bit', he still believed the despot was keen to end the invasion.

It comes after Trump said he believes that Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to give up Crimea in order to secure peace terms with Russia.

'Oh, I think so,' the U.S. president told reporters in New Jersey following the Vatican meeting, asked whether he thought the his Ukrainian counterpart was ready to 'give up' the territory.

The comments came after the pair met on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral, their first face-to-face since the disastrous White House summit in February.

Trump said that during their talks at St. Peter's Basilica they had 'briefly' discussed the fate of the Black Sea peninsula.

He insisted that Putin should 'stop shooting' and sign an agreement to end the grinding war.

Zelensky hailed the recent summit as a 'good meeting...that has the potential to become historic', while the Washington said it was 'very productive'.

A serviceman of the 68th Oleksa Dovbush Separate Jaeger Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fires a BM-21 Grad multiple-launch rocket system toward Russian troops

Rescuers work at a site of the Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine in this handout picture released April 29, 2025

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow today that President Vladimir Putin (pictured right) supports the initiative to establish a ceasefire, but added that it could not be resolved quickly

Earlier today, Russia said the conflict in Ukraine is 'too complicated' to end quickly, dashing hopes that a lasting ceasefire or peace deal could soon be struck and likely angering Donald Trump, who has urged both sides to stop the' bloodbath'.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow today that President Vladimir Putin supports the initiative to establish a lasting ceasefire.

'But before going for it, a whole series of questions need to be answered and a whole series of nuances need to be resolved,' he said.

He went on to claim Putin had expressed a willingness for direct talks with Ukraine, but that there had been no answer yet from Kyiv.

'We understand that Washington is willing to achieve a quick success in this process... Unfortunately, we haven't heard any statements in this context from Kyiv. So we don't know whether Kyiv is ready or not,' Peskov told reporters.
A police marksman acquitted of murdering a violent gangster now faces a 'nonsensical' disciplinary hearing to the fury of MPs and officers.

Sergeant Martyn Blake was cleared of any wrongdoing at an Old Bailey trial after shooting dead Chris Kaba to stop the fleeing motorist running over colleagues.

But now the 40-year-old officer could face the sack after the police watchdog determined that he should face a gross misconduct disciplinary hearing despite the jurys verdict.

In an extraordinary case which has profound implications for national security, hundreds of firearms officers around the country downed their weapons in protest when Sergeant Blake was charged with murder, as colleagues argued that he was just trying to save them from the 24-year-old motorist.

The decision by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to pursue a disciplinary hearing has incensed MPs and firearms officers, who say they face years of investigation if they pull the trigger to protect a life.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: Im deeply disappointed by this IOPC decision. Sergeant Martyn Blake has already been unanimously acquitted of murder by a jury having carefully considered all the facts and evidence.

He made a difficult decision in the heat of a moment, when confronted by a car associated with firearms offences ramming into police officers.

Chris Kaba was a violent gang member. We need to support police officers who do difficult things to protect the public, provided they act in accordance with the law, as a jury found this officer did.

Martyn Blake who shot Chris Kaba (pictured) will now face a gross misconduct hearing

Footage of the moment armed officers ran towards Mr Kaba's car as he tried to escape from a roadblock

This has hung over Sergeant Blake for too long. I think the IOPC has got this wrong.

Matt Cane, General Secretary of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: This is frankly a nonsensical ruling by the IOPC that will shock police officers across London and indeed the country.

Police officers should not have their livelihoods or liberty put at risk for performing what unequivocally, as has been found in a court of law, is their lawful and appropriate function.

And yet putting this brave officer on trial for murder - as astonishing as that was - was not enough for the IOPC. Being cleared unanimously by a jury who heard all the evidence was not enough for the IOPC. They have now decided to put him and his family through more torment.

This is not accountability. This is not in the public interest. This is not right or fair or just.

We will be vigorously defending the actions of Sgt Blake at any conduct proceedings.

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Chris Kaba (pictured on an earlier occasion) was shot by Sergeant Martyn Blake through the windscreen

And as a Federation, we continue to work with the Metropolitan Police Service to ensure that colleagues who make the decision to carry firearms remain fully supported in their difficult and demanding jobs.

Ministers are reviewing the way firearms officers are held to account after the case provoked outrage from policing leaders.

Sergeant Blake already faces a lifetime under threat after gangsters put a 10,000 bounty on his head, offering a reward to anyone prepared to provide his whereabouts so they could exact a bloody revenge.

The fatal shooting on September 5, 2022 happened after armed police started tailing the vehicle that Kaba was driving because the Audi Q8 had been used as a getaway car in a gang-related shooting the night before in Brixton, South London.

When police boxed in the vehicle in a residential street in Streatham, Kaba used the car as a battering ram revving back and forth in the high-powered Audi almost dragging the ten officers surrounding him under the wheels before Mr Blake shot him through the windscreen.

Although Mr Blake did not know the identity of the driver at the time, he later discovered that Kaba was a leading member of the 67 gang, which police consider one of the most dangerous gangs in South London.

The 24-year-old was high on cocaine and still had gun residue on his sleeve and a balaclava in his car, providing strong evidence that he had carried out the Brixton shooting the night before, the Old Bailey heard.

Just six days before his death, Kaba brazenly shot a rival in the middle of a crowded nightclub during a bloody feud for control of a profitable county lines drug network.

Had he not been killed, Kaba would have stood trial at the Old Bailey for the attempted murder.

In October, jurors took just three hours to acquit Mr Blake, who was later praised and promoted by the Met Commissioner.

Sir Mark Rowley warned charging firearms officers in such situations was crushing the spirit of good officers and was making London less safe.

Today the IOPC said there was sufficient evidence to indicate Sergeant Blake may have breached the police professional standards regarding his use of force

The threshold for misconduct cases is a lower test than that for criminal proceedings.

IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: The legal test for deciding whether there is a case to answer is low  is there sufficient evidence upon which, on the balance of probabilities, a disciplinary panel could make a finding of misconduct. This has been met and therefore we need to follow the legal process.

Scotland Yard will now consider whether to launch a legal challenge against the decision.

Met Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor referred to Mr Blake as NX121, the code name he was given in court before a judge ruled he could be named.

He said: We made strong representations that he should not face any further action due to the extensive evidence tried and tested at court and the not guilty verdict returned by the jury.

NX121 made a split-second decision on what he believed was necessary to protect his colleagues and London and a jury unanimously decided that was an honestly-held belief and the force used was reasonable.

However, the IOPC has now determined that NX121 has a case to answer for his use of force and has directed us to hold a gross misconduct hearing.

We know another lengthy process will fall heavily on the shoulders of NX121 and more widely our firearms officers, who continue to bravely and tirelessly police the streets of London every day to protect the public.

The hearing will be chaired by a senior officer from another police force.

In a statement issued through the charity Inquest, Mr Kabas family welcomed the IOPCs decision.

'We hope this leads to him being removed from the Met Police,' they said.

'What Martyn Blake did was deeply wrong. We are still so devastated to have lost Chris  this should never have happened.

'The fact that the Met promoted Martyn Blake after the verdict only deepened our pain and showed a complete disregard for our loss.

'Martyn Blake should not be allowed to remain a police officer. He should lose his job.'

Deborah Coles, director of Inquest, called it 'reprehensible' that the Met had to be directed to hold a disciplinary hearing.

Downing Street said Sir Keir Starmer had confidence in the police watchdog but the Government also believed the verdict of the Old Bailey jury should be respected.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: 'Its a decision for the IOPC, that is obviously independent of government.

'But the Home Secretary and the Prime Minister are clear that the verdict of the jury at a criminal trial, who found the officer not guilty, must be respected.

'More generally, we are committed to ensuring that the police have got the confidence they need to do their incredibly difficult and dangerous jobs.'
A body has been found in the burnt out wreckage of a backpacker hotel.

Emergency crews arrived at the Barnacles Backpackers in Bowen in North Queensland's Whitsundays region about 3.30am on Wednesday to find the accommodation up in flames.

Initial information indicated that eight occupants self-evacuated the burning building safely and were all accounted for. There were no reports of injuries at the time.

Firefighters battled the blaze for more than an hour.

A crime scene was declared and investigations commenced.

A body has since been found in the gutted hostel during an extensive search, which is yet to be identified.

Police and forensic officers remained at the scene on Wednesday night - almost 24 hours after the blaze.

Confronting footage showed the hostel fully engulfed in flames and billowing smoke as shocked onlookers watched on.

A massive fire ripped through the Barnacles Backpackers hostel in Bowen on Wednesday

It was initally thought that all occupants had fled the burning home and were all accounted for

Neighbours heard explosions and a 'whistling sound' shortly before the hostel erupted into the flames.

'It was about that time we heard the explosions/big bangs going off,' one woman told the Whitsunday Times.

'Probably just went for a few minutes with the explosions, some quite loud and some more just like fireworks going off.

'I was totally shocked how quickly the fire got huge from hearing the sirens to seeing huge flames above the big trees.'

Another added: 'It was quite big, quite scary.'

The building partially collapsed during the blaze.

Described online as the oldest working hostel in Bowen, the accommodation was popular with backpackers on working visas based in the tourist region for seasonal jobs such as fruit-picking.

Investigations into the blaze continue.

Anyone who with information, dashcam or CCTV is urged to call Crime Stoppers.
Officials have said a deadly plane crash at a beach in Alaska this week may have unfolded after the pilot swerved to avoid a loose dog on the runway.

A Cessna 207 tour plane carrying three people went down just before 2pm on Monday, killing pilot Daniel Bunker, 48, and passenger Jenny Irene Miller, 37.

An unidentified male passenger was also on board, and he was rushed to hospital in Anchorage with 'serious' injuries, officials added.

Witnesses said the horror unfolded after a dog ran loose on the runway in Nanwalek, where the plane had been due to land.

'What we understand now is that there may have been an animal, namely a dog, that was on the runway,' Clint Johnson, Chief of the National Transportation Safety Board's Alaska regional office, told Alaska's News Source.

'The pilot initiated a go-around. There was also another company airplane behind - he was talking to that airplane at the same time - said he was initiating the go-around, made a right turn away from the runway, pretty steep climb, and unfortunately, there was a loss of control.'

Johnson said investigators believe the plane may have been hit with an aerodynamic stall, though the investigation is still ongoing.

Officials have said a deadly plane crash at a beach in Alaska this week may have unfolded after the pilot, Daniel Bunker swerved to avoid a loose dog on the runway. Bunker has been remembered as 'a skilled pilot and kind soul who served our communities with dedication'

A Cessna 207 tour plane carrying three people went down just before 2pm on Monday, killing Bunker, 48, and passenger Jenny Irene Miller (pictured), 37, Alaska State Troopers have said. Miller was an artist and freelance photographer who created portraits of Alaska Natives

'We don't want to draw any conclusions at this point,' he said.

'We still are in the very formative stages. We are going to be looking very closely at that airplane.

'We are in the recovery process right now to get that airplane back to Homer and probably eventually back to Anchorage here where we are going to lay it out and make sure there are no mechanical issues that led to this loss of control.'

Johnson said the plane crashed on the beach close to the water, and rescuers are working to extract it.

'Right after the accident ... rescuers were able to pull that wreckage up a little bit further away from the water, but nevertheless it is in the tide zone,' he said.

The plane was operated by Smokey Bay Air, a tour operator which offers trips to Seldovia and bear-viewing expeditions from Homer Airport.

A Cessna 207 tour plane carrying three people went down just before 2pm on Monday, killing two people and leaving one man with 'serious' injuries, Alaska State Troopers have said

'What we understand now is that there may have been an animal, namely a dog, that was on the runway,' said Clint Johnson, Chief of the NTSB's Alaska regional office

Pictured: A Cessna T207 of the type which went down in Alaska on Monday in the deadly crash

The NTSB said investigators are working with the operator and its insurance company to coordinate the recovery of the wreckage.

Pilot Daniel Bunker was from Homer, while Jenny Irene Miller was from Anchorage. It's not known where the third passenger was from.

Bunker was a father-of-two with his partner Melissa. He frequently posted family photographs on his Instagram account.

He was also a naturalist brown bear guide, amateur photographer and volunteer firefighter.

Bunker was remembered by Seldovia Village Tribe as 'a skilled pilot and kind soul who served our communities with dedication'.

Miller was an artist and freelance photographer who created portraits of Alaska Natives and their homelands.

She leaves behind her partner Nora, according to a fundraising page for her family.

Miller worked as a board member for Native Movement, who said her Inupiaq name is Wiaganmiu.

'She broadened the expression of both Alaska Native and Queer identity, making it possible for more people to be our authentic selves,' the organization said.

Pilot Daniel Bunker was a father-of-two with his partner Melissa. He frequently posted family photographs on his Instagram account, as shown above. Bunker was remembered by Seldovia Village Tribe as 'a skilled pilot and kind soul who served our communities with dedication'

Miller leaves behind her partner Nora, according to a fundraising page for her family. Friends remembered her as an 'amazing human being' who would be 'deeply missed by many'

Miller was an artist and freelance photographer who created portraits of Alaska Natives and their homelands. She leaves behind her partner Nora, according to a fundraising page

Friends remembered her as an 'amazing human being' who would be 'deeply missed by many'.

Her friend Tikaan Galbreath paid tribute to her as a 'bright and kind human doing good work for the world'.

'She was a good friend who always reminded me to be thoughtful of others and caring even when it's hard to be,' Galbreath wrote on her fundraising page.

'Every time I had the chance to be with her, it felt like the simple joys were more clearly present and laughter was easy to find. I'll sorely miss her friendship.'

Officials are continuing to interview witnesses, and anyone with information is encouraged to get in touch by email to witness@ntsb.gov
An elderly Arizona woman died in the sweltering heat after the power company cut off her electricity.

Kate Korman, 82, was found dead inside her Sun City West home on May 19, 2024, just six days after her power was shut off.

The temperature outside was 99 degrees on May 13 - the day her power was turned off - and it reached over 100 degrees at least twice over the next week, according to 12 News.

The medical examiner's report stated her 'manner of death' was an accident caused by 'exposure to elevated temperatures.'

'She died baking in the heat in her own home because the electricity she needed for air conditioning was cut off and it killed her,' her son Jonathan told AZ Family.

Jonathan said at first he thought his mother's death was a tragic mistake, then he learned she was behind about $500 on her bills and the power company cut her off in the sweltering heat.

'When my brother and I came out to Arizona because of my mother's death, we arrived at our house and it was like an oven in there,' he said.

'Was there something mechanically wrong? No. We figured out it was the power company.'

Kate Korman (pictured), 82, died in the sweltering heat after the power company cut off her electricity

She was found dead inside her Sun City West home (pictured) on May 19, 2024, just six days after her power was shut off

The utility company, Arizona Public Service (APS), said Kate had stopping pay her electric bill in January.

APS claimed they followed company policy and tried to notify her multiple times before cutting her off.

'After then, and in line with established practices and rules regulated by the (Arizona Corporation Commission), we communicated directly to this customer 10 times through email, phone, monthly bill and notifications,' Jill Hanks of APS told the local news station.

The medical examiner also concluded the underlying 'cause of death' was complications of chronic alcohol use and heart disease is listed as a contributing factor.

'How is it possible that there is a switch that someone flips to switch off the power when it is too hot for them to survive? That should be a thing that is not possible to happen,' Jonathan said.

'We thought this was some kind of fluke. Just a weird tragic mistake and it was only this year I learned in fact that there is a pattern.'

Maricopa County data shows Kate was the 15 out of more than 100 heat-related deaths that occurred indoors in the county in 2024.

Out of those deaths, nearly 70 percent were cases with air conditioning present but not on or functioning within the home.

The medical examiner's report stated her 'manner of death' was an accident caused by 'exposure to elevated temperatures'

Her son Jonathan (pictured) said at first he thought his mother's death was a tragic mistake, then he learned she was behind about $500 on her bills and the power company cut her off

APS said they followed state policies in Kate's case, and they offer several programs to help people pay their bills.

'Our flexible policies and interactions with customers make it possible for the majority of customers who enter the collections process to avoid disconnection and work to get caught up on their accounts,' Hanks said.

One program allows relatives of a customer to be informed about their bills, Jonathan said his family was not part of the program.

Another program, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), uses federal funding to help people keep their power on.

'People on low fixed income, especially seniors or single moms that can't afford to pay their utility bill, they can use this program to pay that bill,' said Arizona state Rep. Mariana Sandoval.

However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services terminated the entire staff that allocates funds for the program, according to state leaders.

'Things are going to get worse for everyday people here,' Sandoval said. 'It can send people to an early grave.'
The last-known Nazi concentration camp guard due to face trial in Germany has died  just before he could be held to account for his alleged role in one of the Third Reich's most horrific killing machines.

Gregor Formanek, a former SS guard at Sachsenhausen concentration camp, was accused of aiding and abetting the murder of 3,322 people, including prisoners of war, Jews, and political detainees.

But on April 2, 2025, aged 100, he died  ending the case before it ever reached court.

His death was confirmed by the Hanau Regional Court this week, which had been preparing to retry the case after a higher court overturned an earlier decision declaring him unfit to stand trial.

The Frankfurt Higher Regional Court had slammed the original medical assessment as inadequate and ordered fresh investigations into Formanek's health, demanding that the Hanau Youth Chamber re-examine the evidence.

Formanek, who was a teenager during his time at the camp, was to be tried under juvenile law, but his advanced age had complicated proceedings.

Gregor Formanek, 100, was accused of helping to murder 3,322 people at the notorious WW2 prison Sachsenhausen while working there between July 1943 and February 1945

Pictured: Roll call in the early morning or late evening hours in front of the gate of the Nazi concentration camp Sachsenhausen

A bedroom for inmates at the former Sachsenhausen concentration camp site of the Sachsenhausen memorial in Oranienburg, Germany

Critics say those delays played right into the hands of old men avoiding justice.

'He helped kill thousands,' said one co-plaintiff. 'He lived free for 80 years. The victims never had that chance.'

The case had been closely watched as possibly the last major Nazi war crimes trial in German history.

Formanek's death now means no one will answer for these 3,322 murders.

Sachsenhausen, located near Berlin, was the site of mass executions, forced labour, starvation, torture, and medical experiments.

At least 100,000 people died there between 1936 and 1945.

Formanek was accused of actively supporting the operation of the killing system  but avoided prosecution for decades.

In 2023 the Hanau court refused to open the trial, citing a medical expert's opinion that Formanek was too frail.

It is estimated that 200,000 prisoners passed through Sachsenhausen and that 30,000 people were murdered there, not including Soviet prisoners (pictured: some of the prisoners at the camp)

A file image of the entrance tower of the former concentration camp Sachsenhausen in Oranienburg, Germany

The case was revived only after recent legal shifts allowed Germany to pursue anyone involved in the functioning of a death camp, regardless of direct action.

But like many before him, Formanek took the truth to the grave.

With his death, prosecutors must now drop the case. The Hanau court called it an 'irreversible procedural obstacle.'

Formanek had lived undetected for decades in a modest flat near Frankfurt, until reporters tracked him down last year - but the former camp guard remained silent on the allegations against him.

Born in September 1924 in Romania to a German-speaking tailor, Formanek joined the SS on July 4, 1943, and became part of the Sachsenhausen guard battalion in Brandenburg.

One Stasi document chillingly notes that Formanek 'continued to kill prisoners'.

Holocaust survivor Jurek Szarf, 90, vividly recounted the brutal treatment prisoners endured at Sachsenhausen.

Deported at age ten to Ravensbrueck with his aunt and mother, Jurek was later transferred to Koenigs Wusterhausen and then Sachsenhausen.

His mother starved to death in the Wusterhausen concentration camp in February 1945.

'I was in the hospital block in Sachsenhausen with my father and my uncle and was supposed to be shot. We waited for hours for the execution, then we were freed,' Mr Szarf told German newspaper Bild about being freed in April 1945 aged 12.

He was deported to Sachsenhausen from the other concentration camp where he was held just days before he was freed.

Gregor Formanek's service as an SS guard is confirmed by a document from the Main Personnel Office of the SS

The infamous 'Work Sets You Free' sign at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp gates, picture on the memorial service in January 2019

Built in 1936 to house high-ranking political prisoners, Sachsenhausen is the camp where the Nazis perfected killing methods that were scaled up and used to murder millions at larger and more notorious camps such as Auschwitz (pictured: prisoners at Sachsenhausen)

Mr Szarf said: 'The SS drove the prisoners from Sachsenhausen on a long march to escape the approaching Red Army. My father, my uncle and I were too weak to march.

'Two other uncles went with us. One was shot by SS guards, the other was beaten to death.'

After the war, Formanek was arrested by the Red Army and sentenced by a Soviet military tribunal to 25 years in prison for espionage and crimes against humanity.

Released after ten years, he moved to West Germany and lived quietly as a porter.

Germany has been scrambling to bring the last surviving former Nazi war criminals to justice since a 2011 landmark ruling paved the way for several trials.
A truck driver narrowly escaped a Final Destination-style death after the steel beams he was hauling pierced the back of his cab.

The driver was driving down East Dixit Drive in Asheboro, North Carolina, when the straps securing the beams to the back of the trailer snapped.

As he pulled to a stop, the large objects slammed through the back of the cab, photos showed.

The beams left a gaping hole in the side of the truck, but the driver was fortunately not harmed, Fox 8 reported.

'When I saw the metal beams  I expected him to be hurt pretty bad,' Fire Battalion Chief Brian Hussey told the outlet.

'The driver was pretty lucky because the metal beams were probably 16 to 18 inches from his head.'

The scene was eerily similar to one in Final Destination 2, where the straps securing wooden logs to a truck snapped, causing the poles to fall onto the highway and straight through a windshield, killing one unlucky fictional driver.

Anyone who witnessed the crash was thinking the same thing as they feared the worst for the North Carolina driver.

The driver was driving down East Dixit Drive in Asheboro, North Carolina , when the straps securing the beams to the back of the trailer snapped and as he pulled to a stop, the large objects slammed through the back of the cab, photos showed

The driver praised god for his goodwill. 'He said he thanked God, and he prayed every day, and he said it worked today,' Fire Battalion Chief Brian Hussey said

The scene was similar to one in Final Destination 2 (pictured), where the straps around wooden logs snapped and caused the poles to fall onto the highway, including straight through a windshield, killing one

'[I was] just hoping the driver was okay It looked like something out of a movie,' Byron Clegg, a witness, told Fox 8.

'I heard a loud boom When I heard the loud boom, I went and looked,' a surprised Clegg added.

The driver praised god for his good luck.

'He said he thanked God, and he prayed every day, and he said it worked today,' Hussey told Fox 8.

Last month, a Georgia woman who managed to escape her vehicle after a car crash tragically died after she fell down a well just moments later.

Mom-of-four Shirley Obert's body was discovered by police at bottom of a 'deep well that was surrounded by very thick brush' near where her car was found, authorities said.

'Mrs. Obert appeared to have been trying to go for help when this incident occurred. This appears to be a tragic accident,' Monroe County Sheriff's Office said.

'Please keep her family and her co-workers in your thoughts and prayers.'

'The driver was pretty lucky because the metal beams were probably 16-18 inches from his head,' Hussey (left) said. '[I was] just hoping the driver was okay,' Byron Clegg, a witness, said

A spokeswoman with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office told DailyMail.com: 'The well was covered under thick brush and would not have been noticeable.'

'We do not know exactly how she ended up in the wooded area, where her car was found. Our fatality Investigator is working on trying to piece everything together. We may never know exactly,' they added.
The champion bodybuilder Shigeru Sugita, who is considered one of the most influential sportsmen in his field, has died aged 78.

Winning the Mr Universe title in 1976, the bodybuilder's calves were said to have been a source of jealousy for internationally renowned hunk Arnold Schwarzenegger.

When he was asked what his secret was to flaunting such enviable calves, Mr Sugita said 'there's nothing to explain. I was born with these calves,' it was reported in Tokyo Sports.

His quick-witted remark left The Terminator star speechless and became an iconic story among bodybuilding circles.

Mr Sugita is said to have passed away from natural causes on April 13 and was buried the next day.

After finding initial success nationally and being crowned Mr Japan in 1972, the bodybuilder went on to establish himself globally as one of the best.

He became the first Japanese man to win the Mr Universe competition, only for his admirer, Mr Schwarzenegger, to win the same competition a year later.

When Mr Sugita was given his title, he posed for photos with his two fellow contestants and country men, Masashi Enomoto and Kozo Sudo, in Hyde Park but caused quite the ruckus for passerbys.

The champion bodybuilder Shigeru Sugita, who is considered one of the most influential sportsmen in his field, has died aged 78

Winning the Mr Universe title in 1976, the bodybuilder's calves (left) were said to have been a source of jealousy for internationally renowned hunk Arnold Schwarzenegger

Schwarzenegger was left speechless after the bodybuilder said 'there's nothing to explain. I was born with these calves'

It is said that hoards of people were lining up along the fence to watch them strike a pose.

Another career highlight would come five years later at the 1981 IFBB Mr. International (middleweight) competition where he would go on to win the competition thanks to his bulging muscles.

Mr Sugita also trained under Bill Pearl, the five-time Mr Universe champion who was named 'World's Best-Built Man of the Century', at his famous Old School gym in Pasadena, California.

After he retired from competing, Mr Sugita opened his own gym in Jyobashi, Osaka and trained bodybuilders, sumo wrestlers, and professional wrestlers.

His gym have now been taken over by Osaka Pro-Wrestling Zeus, who said they 'want to continue to pass on the spirit of Shigeru Sugita, Japan's only bodybuilding world champion'.

Mr Sugita became the first Japanese man to win the Mr Universe competition in 1976 and was admired by bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger

Mr Sugita is said to have passed away from natural causes on April 13 and was buried the next day

Mr Sugita's calves were said to have been a source of jealousy for internationally renowned hunk Arnold Schwarzenegger

Mr Schwarzenegger went on to win the Mr Universe title the year after Mr Sugita

Tributes from distraught fans all over the world have been pouring in, with one paying homing to his 'incredible physique for his day' and his skill as a 'very creatively dramatic poser'.

Another wrote 'that is sad to hear..I competed along side of Shiguru & Kozo in the 70s in the NABBA Mr Universegreat physicsR.I.P. Shiguru...'.
A crazed plane passenger who devoured a set of rosary beads on an American Airlines flight is a Haitian doctor whose mother and father were both murdered.

Delange Augustin, 31, was arrested last month after he lashed out just one minute into a flight from Savannah, Georgia, to Miami, Florida.

Augustin, a radiologist, had been traveling with his sister Medjina, who told authorities at the time that they were going to Haiti to 'flee religious attacks of a spiritual nature'.

Other passengers had to restrain him after he lashed out a flight attendant, before authorities boarded the flight when the pilot quickly returned to Savannah.

Medjina has since had an article she wrote about her brother published in Haitian outlet Le Nouvelliste.

She says that after being released on bail last month the siblings attempted again to return to Haiti, only for Augustin to be jailed again in Georgia before another flight.

Medjina said Augustin was being 'unjustly detained' after his violent outburst and held without any help for what she describes as 'his critical mental health needs'.

She also described how their two parents had both been murdered in the capital Port-au-Prince, his father was killed days before he was born, while his mother was murdered while returning from work in 2023.

According to Medjina, the two were travelling back home in order to renew his J-1 visa before planning to return to the US to complete his radiology training.

She said the stress of his studies combined with the worry about his visa sent her brother over the edge.

Augustin, a radiologist, had been traveling with his sister Medjina, who told authorities at the time that they were going to Haiti to 'flee religious attacks of a spiritual nature'

Other passengers had to restrain him after he lashed out a flight attendant, before authorities boarded the flight. He is seen here raising his fist, while holding onto his sister

Augustin, according to his sister, has been working at the University of California as part of an observership, he has also been offered to stay as part of a fellowship program - which prompted the trip to Haiti.

While on board the flight to Miami, she said he experienced his 'very first' mental health crisis.

She had originally told authorities after his arrest that spirits had followed them onboard as they did not want them to make it to Haiti.

Mentioning this, she said: 'I initially thought it was a spiritual attack - an interpretation reinforced by my own experiences.

'What was clearly a medical emergency was tragically mishandled', Medjina added.

She told authorities that her brother advised her to pray, warning her that: 'Satan's disciples had followed them onto the plane'.

Shortly after take off, authorities say he kicked a staff member so hard in the chest he sent them over a row of seats before swallowing a set or rosary beads.

Medjina said her brother swallowed the beads to use as 'a weapon of strength in the spiritual warfare' prior to his outburst.

Pilots onboard the flight heard the commotion unfolding on the flight and turned the plane around to land back in Savannah - but that didn't halt Augustin's behavior.

He started to then punch and kick the seat of the passenger in front of him and kicked a chair until it collapsed.

Medjina, seen here, had been onboard the flight at the time of the incident

When the official announcement came over the cabin that they would be returning to the airport, Augustin is said to have calmed down.

After touching back down and taxiing to the gate, a flight attendant asked everyone to remain seated.

That was when he stormed the galley and cornered the flight attendant, all of which was captured on video by a fellow passenger.

Medjina said the two were subjected to excessive force, her brother had to be tasered multiple times and was holding onto her hair so hard they had to cut part of it off.

'He was tased twice while in my arms, and in a profoundly traumatic moment, my hair was forcibly cut to separate us', she wrote.

'I too was humiliated, stripped handcuffed and mistreated by a male officer, Medjina added.

Prior to boarding, Medjina writes that her brother was stressing over the consular process in Haiti after the US Embassy was shut.

'He was barely sleeping, dedicating his nights to studying. Sleep-deprived and exhausted, he continued his efforts with unmatched dedication', she said.

Augustin was taken into custody by The Chatham County Sheriff's Office and charged with battery, obstruction of law enforcement, and criminal damage

Augustin lashed out at the seat in front of him, throwing kicks and punches at it. The aftermath of which is seen here

As well as kicking and punching the chair in front of him, he is said to have violently assaulted members of staff onboard the flight

Augustin was then taken into custody by The Chatham County Sheriff's Office and charged with battery, obstruction of law enforcement, and criminal damage.

His sister said that he was x-rayed after the incident due to swallowing the beads, but claims a psychiatric evaluation was not carried out.

After being released on bail, the two then again tried to make their way back to Haiti, this time on a flight from Atlanta where Medjina says he was arrested again.

DailyMail.com has been unable to identify exactly why he was arrested again at this time. His sister said he was taken to the Robert A. Deyton Detention Facility in Georgia.

It was at this facility that Augustin is said to have been diagnosed with schizophrenia 'and other psychotic disorders', his sister said.

She also claimed that during this time her brother was asked to sign documents without legal representation present.

He has since been transferred to the Coffee County Jail, in Georgia, where his sister says he remains without any psychiatric help.

'The mishandling of his situation has led to consequences that have been deeply affected his physical, emotional and professional well-being', she said.

She added: 'He meditates on Ephesians 4:24 and 5:8, urging us to live "as children of light", facing life's hardships not with despair but with hope and determination.'

Speaking with DailyMail.com prior to the publication going live, Medjina had spoke of an 'injustice' in her brother's detention but had declined to comment further.

She said: 'There has been a great deal of injustice since the time of his arrest, despite the medical report clearly indicating that he was not mentally well at the time of the incident.'

DailyMail.com has approached the Georgia Department of Corrections for comment.

Rob Rosenberg was one of the other passengers who had been on the flight, and spoke with CBS News Miami about the incident.

He said: 'He started stomping his feet violently, and heavily. It was kind of a chant he was talking about devils and possession, you kind of had to see it to believe it.'
READ MORE: RecipeTin Eats plagiarism scandal takes another turn as another author comes forward

Luke Mangan weighed into saga with his own claims

Popular social media baker Brooke Bellamy has been dumped as an ambassador for a program that helps girls get into business following plagiarism claims.

The federal government-funded program cut ties with the Brooki Bakehouse owner after RecipeTin Eats founder Nagi Maehashi accused her of stealing recipes for her bestselling cookbook Bake With Brooki.

Ms Maehashi raised allegations of copyright infringement on Tuesday before Sally McKenney, the US author and blogger behind Sally's Baking Addiction, came forward with similar claims about Ms Bellamy hours later.

Ms Bellamy has denied the accusations, saying she had been making and selling her recipes well before Ms Maehashi's were published.

The Brisbane-based Brooki Bakehouse owner was due to be announced as an ambassador for the Academy for Enterprising Girls, which is an initiative designed to help students think like an entrepreneur and start their own business one day.

'Brooke Bellamy was recently engaged to conduct a small number of promotional activities for the Academy for Enterprising Girls program over the coming months,' an academy spokesman told Daily Mail Australia.

'While we make no legal assessment on the allegations aired in the media, we have informed Bellamy that we will not move forward with the engagement at this time.'

The plagiarism row took a further twist on Wednesday night when award-winning chef/restaurateur Luke Mangan accused Ms Maehashi of not crediting him appropriately for one of his recipes.

Brooke Bellamy (pictured) owns the popular Brooki Bakehouse in Brisbane

RecipeTin Eats' Nagi Maehashi (pictured) accused Ms Bellamy of stealing her caramel slice and baklava recipes

He said that while she did provide a footnote credit to him for a butter chicken recipe she had used online and in her book, she should have got in touch to say she was using it, and to provide a link to his website.

'If a recipe is borrowed one should be asked for permission,' he said.

'To my knowledge we were not asked to use that particular recipe.'

He said he would expect any one who uses his recipes should include the name of the book it came through and credit both his website and the restaurant name.

Ms Maehashi adapted Mr Mangan's butter chicken recipe - adding salt and a low-fat cream option - and referenced the chef in a footnote online.

Mr Mangan was not mentioned in the print copy but it did feature a QR code linking to the online credited version.

Ms Maehashi's book includes the statement 'the author and the publisher have made every effort to contact copyright holders for material used in this book'.

Both Mr Mangan and Ms Maehashi were contacted by Daily Mail Australia for comment.

The plagiarism row erupted on Tuesday when Ms Maehashi posted a series of claims that Ms Bellamy had copied recipes for her million-dollar book.

Celebrity chef Luke Mangan (pictured) has accused Ms Maehashi of not crediting him appropriately for a butter chicken recipe she had used online and in her book

Brooke Bellamy has been accused of stealing recipes for her bestselling cookbook Bake With Brooki (pictured)

The allegations relate to Ms Maehashi's caramel slice and baklava recipe, along with Ms McKenney's Best Vanilla Cake recipe.

Ms McKenney posted on social media, saying she was first alerted to the similarity months ago.

She said her recipe was first published in 2019.

'One of my recipes was also plagiarised in this book and also appears on the author's YouTube channel,' she said.

'Original recipe creators who put in the work to develop and test recipes deserve credit - especially in a best selling cookbook.'

Ms Bellamy issued a plea for privacy in the wake of the fresh claims made by Ms McKenney on Wednesday.

'The past 24 hours have been extremely overwhelming,' a statement read.

'II have had media outside my home and business, and have been attacked online. It has been deeply distressing for my colleagues and my young family.

'While baking has leeway for creativity, much of it is a precise science and is necessarily formulaic. Many recipes are bound to share common steps and measures: if they don't, they simply don't work.

'My priority right now is to ensure the welfare of the fantastic team at Brooki Bakehouse and that of my family.'

Bake With Brooki is a bestselling cookbook published by Penguin in October last year and retails for $49.99.

Ms Bellamy quickly became a global sensation after sharing videos on TikTok, which receive millions of views each day.

She is best known for her cookies and has opened pop-up stores in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Author Sally McKenney (above) accused Brooke Bellamy of stealing her Vanilla Cake recipe

Ms Maehashi's (above) accused Ms Bellamy of 'profiting' from the alleged plagiarised recipes

Both Penguin and Ms Bellamy deny the allegations.

'I did not plagiarise any recipes in my book which consists of 100 recipes I have created over many years,' Ms Bellamy said on Tuesday night.

'In 2016, I opened my first bakery. I have been creating my recipes and selling them commercially since October 2016.'

Ms Bellamy posted an image showing her caramel slice, which dated back to December 2016.

'On March 2020, RecipeTin Eats published a recipe for caramel slice. It uses the same ingredients as my recipe, which I have been making and selling since four years prior,' she said.

While the Brisbane baker insisted she did not copy the recipes, she 'immediately offered to remove both from future reprints to prevent further aggravation'.

In Ms Maehashi's Instagram post, she described Ms Bellamy of 'profiting' from the alleged plagiarised recipes.

Ms Maehashi claims she first raised concerns with Penguin in December.

'I put a huge amount of effort into my recipes. And I share them on my website for anyone to use for free,' she said.

'To see them plagiarised (in my view) and used in a book for profit, without credit, doesn't just feel unfair. It feels like a blatant exploitation of my work.'

Ms Maehashi is the founder of popular website, RecipeTin Eats, which has 1.5 million followers on Instagram.

She is also the author of award-winning cookbooks Dinner and Tonight.

She and Ms Bellamy could face off next week at the Australian book industry awards in Melbourne, where their respective bestselling cookbooks have both been nominated for the 2025 Illustrated Book of the Year.
A man has been charged with terror offences after allegedly trying to get into the Israeli embassy in London with a knife.

Scotland Yard officers made an arrest yesterday after a male allegedly wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh head scarf was trying to scale the wall of the building at Kensington's Palace Green.

The Met announced today that Abdullah Sabah Albadri, of no fixed address, had been charged with preparation of terrorist acts and two counts of possession of a pointed or bladed articles.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today wearing a black jumper and grey sweatpants where he was remanded in custody until May 7.

Bearded and bespectacled Albadri, who was holding a book, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and to that he was of no fixed address.

Kristel Pous, prosecuting, said Albadi was arrested after he tried to scale the wall of the Israeli Embassy.

'He was in possession of two knives in his pocket as well as a martyrdom note that was in his pocket.'

Albadi was arrested on Monday at 5.45pm by officers from the Met's Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command as it is alleged he tried to get into the embassy in Kensington.

The Israeli Embassy beyond the iron gates is the site of frequent protests over the war in Gaza

Abdullah Sabah Albadri, 33, of no fixed address, has been charged with terror offences and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court (pictured) today

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, said: 'We remain in close contact with those based at the Embassy of Israel and we appreciate that these charges will be concerning to them.

'I would like to reassure the public, however, that from our enquiries so far, we are not seeking anyone else in connection with this matter and we do not believe there is any wider threat to the public.

'Although the man has now been charged, we continue with our investigation and would urge the public not to speculate further at this time.'
An undocumented immigrant spent nearly nine hours hidden in a backyard tree in Texas, desperately trying to evade arrest by ICE agents.

Raul Ical, a 29-year-old Guatemalan native, climbed into a tree on San Antonio's West Side on Tuesday morning, triggering an hours-long stand-off drawing the attention of neighbors, relatives and activists in the neighborhood.

The tense showdown ended with Ical's detainment, and he is now facing criminal charges for illegal re-entry after first being deported in 2013.

'You can run, but you can't hide,' Secretary Kristi Noem wrote in a statement to X following the situation.

'Whether in a tree or harbored in an activist judge's house, if you are here illegally, ICE will find you, arrest you, and you will be deported.'

At around 10:30 am Tuesday morning, San Antonio deportation officers and state police pulled over a car with Ical as the passenger, attempting to serve him with what the agency described as a 'criminal warrant'.

Ical, who was on his way to work at the time, frantically texted a relative that he was being 'chased' by ICE agents, San Antonio Express-News reported.

Just minutes later, the 29-year-old man bolted - racing into a nearby backyard and climbing a tree to evade arrest. There, he remained perched in the branches for hours.

Raul Ical, a 29-year-old Guatemalan native, spent nearly nine hours hidden in a backyard tree in San Antonio, Texas, on Tuesday morning - all in an attempt to evade arrest by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents (ICE)

Ical ultimately surrendered more than eight hours after climbing the tree. He was swiftly handcuffed by authorities, loaded into a white truck and taken away as the crowd watched on

Following the standoff, Secretary Kristi Noem released a statement that said: 'You can run, but you can't hide. Whether in a tree or harbored in an activist judge's house, if you are here illegally, ICE will find you, arrest you, and you will be deported'

The agency said that Ical illegally entered the US in March 2013 and was deported the very next month. He ended up returning to the country, though the exact date remains unknown.

A relative said that Ical had been living in San Antonio for more than two years, according to Express-News. It does not appear as though he has a violent criminal history.

'Like every other immigrant, he's here trying to have a better life for his family,' the unnamed relative told the outlet, adding that he was single and worked both landscaping and construction jobs to support himself and his parents.

News of the standoff rapidly spread throughout the neighborhood as agents tried to persuade Ical to climb down with a ladder they propped up on the trunk - all while dozens of concerned community members began to gather around.

'This is something that concerns me,' Gabriel Rosales, director of Texas chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, told The New York Times about his experience at the scene.

'They are coming into our communities and coming after people that look like us.'

Joel de la Roja, 61, grew worried when he saw a large presence of law enforcement officials around the neighborhood.

'A lot of people in this neighborhood are from Mexico, and they are probably scared, too,' Roja told NYT. 'It seems a bit too much. One man does not need all of these officers after him.'

San Antonio deportation officers and state police pulled over a car with Ical as the passenger on Tuesday and attempted to serve him with what the agency described as a 'criminal warrant', but Ical quickly fled on foot and climbed into the backyard tree

The agency said that Ical illegally entered the US in March of 2013 and was deported the very next month. He ended up returning to the country, though the exact date remains unknown

Chris Rodriguez, 38, heard a helicopter roaring above the neighborhood. He followed the noise on his bicycle.

'It's a sad situation,' he told the outlet.

'This is the first time I see something like this. If it's something where he's a danger to the community, then you understand it. But I think that if he's just undocumented, that's overkill.'

During the hours-long standoff, many residents shouted advice to Ical as agents continued to swarm the backyard on the hot, 89-degree Texas day.

Addressing Ical in Spanish, Express-News reported, one man was heard shouting: 'No te bajes, Raul', or 'Don't come down, Raul'. Later, that same man asked if he wanted an attorney, to which Ical signaled yes.

At around 6:45 pm, Ical began to descend down the ladder but quickly changed his mind - climbing back up after bystanders urged him to stay away from authorities.

'You don't have to sign anything,' Jose Montoya, an activist, yelled to Ical, according to NYT.

Defeated, Ical ultimately surrendered at about 7 pm. He was swiftly handcuffed by authorities, loaded into a white truck and taken away as the crowd watched on.

A relative said that Ical had been living in San Antonio for more than two years. It does not appear as though he has a violent criminal history, though he now faces charges of illegally reentering the US

Tuesday's intense showdown is the latest high-profile example of the Trump administration's aggressive crackdown deportations of undocumented immigrants across the nation

Early Sunday morning, a total of 114 illegal migrants were dramatically arrested after police officers busted a nightclub in Colorado during a multi-agency enforcement operation with The Rocky Mountain Division of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)

Sunday's Colorado operation was part of a probe into drug trafficking, prostitution and crimes of violence taking place in the club

'Treat him well,' one woman yelled upon his departure, NYT reported. 'Don't sign anything. Don't say anything.'

Tuesday's intense showdown is the latest high-profile example of the Trump administration's aggressive crackdown deportations of undocumented immigrants across the nation.

Early Sunday morning, a total of 114 illegal migrants were dramatically arrested after police officers busted a nightclub in Colorado during a multi-agency enforcement operation with The Rocky Mountain Division of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

The operation itself was part of a probe into drug trafficking, prostitution and crimes of violence taking place in the club, the DEA said.

Authorities made their way to the underground nightclub in Colorado Springs, where Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua is based.

Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and Hell's Angels gang members are known to frequent the underground club. It is unclear how many members were there at the time of the raid, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen said.

More than a dozen active duty service members were also in the building, some as patrons and others working security. The United States Army Criminal Investigation Division is now a part of the investigation into those individuals, Pullen said.

Dramatic video revealed the massive bust operation - including the moment a slew of officers surrounded the building before one of them smashed through a glass window.

This week, it was revealed that ICE agents arrested nearly 800 illegal immigrants following a statewide crackdown in Florida

Operation Tidal Wave - a joint effort by ICE agents, Homeland Security and local law enforcement - resulted in officers arresting 780 migrants, 275 of whom with final orders of removal

A total of 65,682 illegal immigrants were removed within Trump's first 100 days, a Department of Homeland Security official revealed to the Daily Mail

Officers were seen with their guns out as they instructed people to put their hands up and surrender.

Many of those detained were not in the country legally and taken into ICE custody. Drugs and weapons were also seized during the operation, the agency said.

Meanwhile, ICE agents arrested nearly 800 illegal immigrants following a statewide crackdown in Florida.

Operation Tidal Wave - a joint effort by ICE agents, Homeland Security and local law enforcement - resulted in officers arresting 780 migrants.

As part of the massive sweep, 275 people were arrested with final orders of removal, meaning a court has mandated that they leave the country already.

A total of 65,682 illegal immigrants were removed within Trump's first 100 days, a Department of Homeland Security official revealed to the Daily Mail.
An Australian woman accused of killing her in-laws with a poisonous beef Wellington has admitted to picking wild mushrooms, but insists the 'tragedy' was a 'terrible accident'.

Erin Patterson, 50, allegedly killed her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, with death cap mushrooms served in the pastry dish during a lunch at her Leongatha home on July 29, 2023.

Speaking in court on Wednesday, Barrister Colin Mandy argued that Patterson - who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of her relatives - 'didn't intend to cause anyone any harm on that day'.

He added that while the prosecution will try to cast Patterson's behaviour after the meal as 'incriminating', jurors should consider how someone may react in that situation.

'The defence case is that she panicked because she was overwhelmed by the fact that these four people had become so ill because of the food she had served them', Mandy said.

'What happened was a tragedy, a terrible accident,' he added.

Pastor Ian Wilkinson was the only one to survive the lunch, with an attempted murder charge related to his alleged poisoning also in play.

In closing her opening address on Wednesday, Crown prosecutor Dr Nanette Rogers told the jury a motive was not necessary for members to convict Patterson and they would not be given one.

Erin Patterson has heard the full extent of the allegations against her in court

A court sketch of Erin Patterson from earlier this week

Don and Gail Patterson and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, who all died after attending lunch at Don and Gail's former daughter-in-law, Erin Patterson's, home on July 29, 2023

'Motive is not something that has to be proven by the prosecution,' Dr Rogers said.

'The prosecution will not be suggesting that there was a particular motive to do what she did.'

Instead, Dr Rogers told the jury that by the end of the trial they would be convinced Patterson lured her victims to lunch with false claims she had cancer before deliberately serving them mini beef Wellingtons laced with death cap mushrooms.

She told the jury it could be convinced Patterson had not eaten any of the poisonous meal, pretended to be sick and never fed her children any of the leftovers containing the death cap mushrooms.

Dr Rogers also highlighted Patterson's conduct after the meal, dumping a dehydrator that was used to concentrate the death cap mushrooms.

In closing out Wednesday's proceedings, Patterson's barrister Colin Mandy, SC suggested motive was an important factor in the case.

'Did she have a motive to kill these four family members?' he said. 'That issue of intention is the critical issue in this trial.

'Did she intend to kill these four people? That's the issue.

Simon Patterson will give evidence at the trial

The Leongatha home where the deadly lunch took place

Erin Patterson's legal team march into court on Wednesday

Patterson's legal team ran the gauntlet of media as they entered the court on Wednesday. Above is her barrister Colin Mandy SC

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'We say she didn't do it deliberately ... the defence case is what happened was a tragedy. A terrible accident.'

Mr Mandy told the jury Patterson had lied about having cancer and did dump a dehydrator later found to have traces of death cap mushrooms.

'She panicked because she was overwhelmed because there were four people that had become so ill because of the food she served them,' he said.

Dressed in a blue and white striped shirt, Patterson appeared in the Supreme Court of Victoria, sitting in the Latrobe Valley, 155km east of Melbourne, on Wednesday.

In opening the case, Dr Rogers claimed while separated, Patterson and her estranged husband Simon had initially enjoyed a 'friendly relationship'.

Despite separating in 2015, Simon had remained hopeful they would reunite someday, Dr Rogers said.

The pair had communicated regularly via the Signal messaging app up until 2022 when Simon noticed a change.

Dr Rogers told the jury Patterson expressed concern when Simon listed himself as separated on his tax return.

In an opening that went for hours, Dr Rogers told the jury Patterson had sourced the death cap mushrooms from areas reported on the iNaturalist website - a site that allows people to log flora and fauna and their locations.

Phone data later obtained by police alleged Patterson's phone was later 'pinged' in areas identified on that site as having death cap mushrooms there.

The jury further heard Patterson took steps to hide evidence, dumping her usual mobile phone and later factory resetting her new phone multiple times, including when detectives executed a search warrant on her home.

The court heard Patterson's original phone has never been recovered.

The jury also heard Patterson had previously used the dehydrator to dehydrate mushrooms for her daughter and had put them in muffins without telling her.

Patterson claimed she did so because her daughter said that she didn't like mushrooms.

The court heard she wanted to prove her daughter liked mushrooms because she enjoyed the muffins, which contained dried mushrooms over the muffins that didn't.

Patterson also secretly put dehydrated mushrooms into her children's chocolate brownies.

The jury has already heard three attempted murder charges relating to her estranged husband Simon Patterson were withdrawn last week.

She has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one of attempted murder.

Dr Rogers told the jury Patterson had been reluctant to have doctors at Leongatha Hospital examine her two children despite her repeated claims they had eaten a portion of the deadly meal.

The court heard Dr Webster insisted she bring the children in so they could be treated.

'At that point, the accused became emotional and said, 'Is this really necessary? They don't have symptoms' and she also said they did not eat mushrooms. 'I just don't want them to be panicked or stressed',' the prosecutor told the court.

But the court was told Dr Chris Webster warned her: 'They can be scared and alive, or dead.'

Patterson herself had refused treatment, forcing Dr Webster to call Triple-0 after she left the hospital and refused to pick-up her phone.

'He left a voicemail message each time requesting that she return to hospital for treatment,' Ms Rogers told the jury.

'In the third voicemail, Dr Webster said apologetically that he would have to call the police to ask for their assistance in getting her to return to hospital, as he was concerned about her health.'

When Patterson eventually returned to hospital, she told Dr Webster her two children had eaten the meat, but not the mushroom or pastry surrounding it.

'The prosecution asserts that the children's meal was not contaminated with death cap mushrooms,' Dr Rogers said.

The hearing will continue on Thursday.
A wife who received nearly 80 million so her banker husband could avoid potentially paying inheritance tax should be able to keep a larger share of his fortune, the Supreme Court has heard.

Clive Standish, 70, a sheep-farming tycoon and former CFO of UBS, married Anna Standish, 55, in December 2005, but the couple separated in 2020 after a 15-year marriage during which they had two children.

Mr Standish transferred assets to his wife in 2017, expecting her to place the money in a trust 'primarily for the benefit' of their two children, his lawyers told a hearing in London.

When she issued divorce proceedings in 2020, she still held the assets in her name.

In 2022, High Court judge Mr Justice Moor split the family's total wealth of 132 million by awarding Mr Standish 87 million and Mrs Standish 45 million.

Mr Standish appealed against this decision, arguing that the majority of the money, including the 80 million of assets that he transferred, was earned before the marriage.

Court of Appeal judges ruled last year that Mrs Standish's share should be reduced to 25 million.

Mr Standish is British, but moved to Australia in 1976, before moving back to England with his family in 2010.

Multi-millionaire banker turned sheep farmer Clive Standish (pictured), 70, is locked in a divorce battle with his ex-wife over the 132million family fortune - after handing her 80m during a failed tax avoidance bid

Anna Standish (front left) with celebrity divorce lawyer Fiona Shackleton (front right) outside the Appeal Court in London

He had retired in 2007, living off the profits of a 28m sheep farm in Australia, while the couple enjoyed life in 18-bedroom mansion Moundsmere Manor, set in 83 acres of land in Hampshire on the site of an original manor once owned by Henry VIII.

This situation left him open to a potentially huge inheritance tax hit when prospective changes were announced in 2016, affecting anyone with a British domicile of origin returning to the UK from a country they had made their new permanent home.

Lord Faulks, for Mrs Standish, said in written submissions to the Supreme Court on Wednesday: 'The perverse effect of the judgment of the Court of Appeal is that the wife has almost no entitlement to share in assets that, during the marriage and by the express intention underlying the husband's gift, she came to own.'

He said Mr Standish had made the assets shared property when he gave them to his wife, and the value must therefore be split equally.

Mrs Standish is entitled to a higher share because she contributed to the wealth by accepting the assets as a gift, and because it was for the benefit of their two children, the barrister added.

He said: 'If left uncorrected, the judgment of the Court of Appeal will have significant implications in a considerable number of cases, including those in which one spouse has gifted or transferred assets to the other for all sorts of reasons.'

Tim Bishop KC, for Mr Standish, said in written submissions that the asset transfer should not be viewed as shared property because it was not given to Mrs Standish for her sole benefit.

He said: 'The gift made Mrs Standish the legal and beneficial owner but in no sense was it unconditional in the context of their marriage.

The couple owned mansion Moundsmere Manor in Hampshire when they were married before divorce proceedings started in 2020

'Rather, it was made for a very specific purpose which was not sharing; it was about avoiding potential inheritance tax in the event of Mr Standish's death before his return to Australia, and was primarily for the benefit of the children.'

He asked the court to dismiss the appeal and take into account the fact that his intention of having the money placed into a trust for his children was never carried out.

Mr Bishop also described Mrs Standish's position of having contributed to the wealth of the assets by accepting them as a gift as 'tenuous and unconvincing'.

He said: 'Acceptance of a gift cannot be seen as an endeavour by the donee.'

The hearing before the Supreme Court president Lord Reed, Lord Lloyd-Jones, Lord Burrows, Lord Stephens and Lady Simler will conclude on Thursday, with a judgment expected at a later date.
Ukraine and the US are reportedly on the verge of signing a minerals deal that has been negotiated for months.

The deal, expected to be signed later on Wednesday, reportedly gives the United States preferential access to new Ukrainian natural resources deals, but does not automatically hand Washington a share of Ukraine's mineral wealth or any of its gas infrastructure.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal said that the deal was due to be signed in the next 24 hours.

He said on Ukrainian television: 'As soon as all the remaining details are finalized, in the near future, I hope within the next 24 hours, the agreement will be signed.'

The draft sets out the creation of a joint US-Ukrainian fund for reconstruction which will receive 50% of profits and royalties accruing to the Ukrainian state from new natural resources permits in Ukraine.

It says that any future US military assistance to Ukraine will count towards the US contribution to the joint fund.

However, the draft does not spell out how the joint fund's revenues will be spent, who benefits, or who controls decisions about the spending.

According to the draft, the United States, or other entities it designates, will get preferential, but not exclusive, access to new permits, licenses and investment opportunities in the field of Ukrainian natural resources. Existing deals are not covered.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks to the media during a visit to the site of a Russian missile strike on a residential area in Kyiv, Ukraine, 25 April 2025

The deal, expected to be signed later on Wednesday, reportedly gives the Donald Trump's (pictured) United States preferential access to new Ukrainian natural resources deals

The Financial Times reported that negotiators ran into a hurdle at the last minute over specific details that both parties previously agreed on.

Ukraines first deputy prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, who flew to Washington to sign the deal with US treasury secretary Scott Bessent, was reportedly told by his team to 'be ready to sign all agreements, or go back home.'

The Americans reportedly wanted Svyrydenko to sign both a framework deal and a detailed agreement on the joint fund.

But Ukrainian officials said they wouldn't be able to do this, as the fund agreement would need to be approved by the country's parliament before it can be signed.

Previous iterations of the deal during negotiations had said that it would include Ukrainian natural gas infrastructure, which is one of Ukraine's most valuable assets, sources with knowledge of the matter said earlier this month.

Gas infrastructure is not covered by the draft seen on Wednesday.

The previous iterations had also stated that the United States would control how the joint fund's revenue was spent, and could therefore receive royalties and profits from Ukraine's natural resources, the sources had previously said.

However, this was absent from the draft deal that was slated for signing on Wednesday.

Firefighters extinguish the fire caused by the Shahed drone attack on the Ukrainian Red Cross base in Dobropillia, Donetsk Oblast Ukraine on April 30, 2025

A rescuer works at a site of a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Dnipro, Ukraine in this handout picture released April 30, 2025

It comes after it was revealed that Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky pushed US president Donald Trump to take a harder line with Russian despot Vladimir Putin during their historic conversation at St. Peter's Basilica.

Following a disastrous meeting in the White House in February, in which Zelensky was unceremoniously booted out of the seat of American power, the two world leaders met face-to-face for the first time in two months at Pope Francis' funeral last week.

While both men were applauded for finally sitting down together, little was known about the content of their conversation until now.

According to Axios, Zelensky told Trump that Putin would not be moved on his position on the invasion of Ukraine until he was forced to.

A source told the outlet that Trump admitted he might have to change his approach to dealing with Putin.

Hours later, Trump criticised Putin in a Truth Social post for attacking Kyiv with a missile strike, writing: 'It makes me think that maybe he doesn't want to stop the war, he's just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through "Banking" or "Secondary Sanctions?" Too many people are dying!!!'

Zelensky also asked Trump to return to his original position on an unconditional ceasefire as a foundation for peace talks, which a source said Trump appeared to agree to.

Rescuers work at a site of the Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine in this handout picture released April 29, 2025

A serviceman of the 68th Oleksa Dovbush Separate Jaeger Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fires a BM-21 Grad multiple-launch rocket system toward Russian troops

The Ukrainian leader wasn't the only one to make demands of the other, with Axios reporting that the firebrand Republican pushed Zelensky to sign the US-Ukraine minerals deal as soon as possible.

One person suggested that the reason the Vatican meeting was more positive than their White House meeting was that vice president JD Vance and White House envoy Steve Witkoff were not present.

It is not currently clear how long Trump will hold up his more critical stance towards Russia.

Last night, Trump told ABC News that though Putin 'could be tapping me on a little bit', he still believed the despot was keen to end the invasion.
A Connecticut town has practically devolved into civil war after a swinger's club opened just feet away from a Baptist church.

About 100 residents of Terryville, small town in the center of the state, attended a zoning board meeting on Tuesday night advocating for the shutdown of the 'Wicked Fun Club.'

Many of them were members of the Riverside Baptist Church, which shares a property line and a parking lot with the club.

Town officials say the club, which opened in November on the floor above a primary care clinic, has flouted zoning regulations that prevent 'adult-use' establishments from setting up shop within 1,000 feet of a church.

On March 28, club owner Steve Gagne was hit with a cease and desist order from the town, which demanded he close the business.

Gagne refused and appealed the letter on the grounds that the club isn't 'adult-use', leading to last night's tense meeting.

'We have well-dressed people, professionals who come to our club, and they socialize and have a good time,' Gagne said in an interview with NBC Connecticut. 'And this is just consenting adults having a good time and doing nothing, nothing wrong. Leave us alone and we'll be the good neighbors we've always been.'

Church members weren't convinced and loudly voiced their opposition to the club during the meeting.

Rev. David Townsley (left) of the the Riverside Baptist Church attended the zoning board meeting on Tuesday to strongly argue against allowing the Wicked Fun Club to continue operating. Club owner Steve Gagne (right) downplayed the activities done and argued he should be allowed to run his business

The church (left) shares a parking lot and a property line with the club (right), which opened back in November above a primary care clinic

Pictured: Some of the private sex rooms that the Wicked Fun Club advertises on its website

There is even a dress code that recommends women put on 'sexy club wear,' while men are required to don collared shirts and dress shoes

The zoning board meeting on Tuesday was packed with about 100 people, many of them members of the church who wanted to see the swinger's club shut down

'Mr. Gagne decided to co-locate with the church. And while Joe Public may be fooled by half truth, shame on any of us here if we do the same after hearing the truth,' said Matt Marcel, a member of the church.

Rev. David Townsley, the head of the church, has also been outspoken about his opposition to the swinger's club.

'They're glad that individuals and myself are taking a stand and trying to say, this doesn't seem like a great idea for the town,' Townsley said.

The club's website is very clear about what goes on inside, telling its members to 'practice safe sex' and to accept rejection because it 'happens to everyone.'

Also on the website, there are photos of multiple private rooms where club members can go with their partners. Among them is an orgy room, a sex swing room, and a 'gangbang' room.

There is even a dress code that recommends women put on 'sexy club wear,' while men are required to don collared shirts and dress shoes.

Ultimately, the Plymouth Zoning Board denied Gagne's appeal, a moment that elicited applause among most of the attendees.

Gagne will have to shut down, but he plans to sue the town. His hope is that a judge will grant a stay and allow him to operate while the lawsuit gets underway.

'Vote against us and we will fight back, just like any citizen, business or group would when facing illegal retaliation and threats,' Gagne said during the meeting.
It's time, once again, to get to know Meghan Markle for who she truly is (the worst), to connect with her (merchandise) profoundly, and to share in those (privacy please!) special moments that are now commodities.

Our Duchess of Despair and Endless Grievance has done a sit-down with yet another dear, dear friend  this time, it's Jamie Kern Lima, who sold her IT Cosmetics company to L'Oreal for $1.2 billion in 2016  to speak about 'intentionality,' how Meghan has rescued scores of women from human trafficking just by wearing a certain pair of jeans, Meghan's childhood report cards, and how much Harry and their kids adore her.

Save yourselves. Do not listen to a moment of this. That's what I'm here for.

These two present themselves as just a couple of awesome Montecito moms who enjoy getting together in their 'cozies,' sitting in rocking chairs, and having a glass of wine while working toward billionaire status.

Jamie, one would think, is a powerhouse. I'm not so sure. She speaks as if she's a baby who just inhaled helium.

The overall effect is of someone so cloying, so needy, that the entire podcast is impossible to take seriously.

Here these two sit, make-up free, they say (so authentic), even though their skin looks suspiciously even-toned and glowy.

So, right off the bat we get the feeling we're not getting the whole story.

It's time, once again, to get to know Meghan Markle for who she truly is (the worst), to connect with her (merchandise) profoundly, and to share in those (privacy please!) special moments that are now commodities.

Here's how Jamie opens this 'deep,' 'profound,' 'intimate' conversation with Meghan: 'My very first question and I think so many people also have this question for you. Meghan, how are you? And are you okay?'

This isn't a troll. Not by a long shot.

Jamie, an embarrassment to sycophants everywhere, seems to really mean it  despite this being the same question asked of Meghan, as we first were getting to know her, while she was visiting impoverished African kids in her official royal capacity.

Markle's unforgettable reply to British reporter Tom Bradby in 2019: 'Thank you for asking, because not many people have asked if I'm okay.'

Back then, Meghan could cynically and successfully elicit sympathy. That's not working anymore, and hallelujah for small mercies.

Next, Meghan tells us she was born for greatness  nay, that she was great before she was born, before she was even conceived.

'Oh gosh, how silly,' she begins.

Gosh golly gee whiz. Nobody, nowhere, speaks like this. It's as if she's using overly saccharine language to cover the true ugliness that might more accurately define her.

'Someone said to me last year, when I sat down, they said, "Well, you know, this is your soul contract. You signed up for this. You signed up for this before you were here."'

Wow. Meghan clearly believes she's a divine royal being, even though anyone else would think, 'You mean I signed up to marry a thick beta royal?'  'thick' being the sainted Diana's description of her son, by the way.

Meghan and Jamie think that when they get together it's a brain trust. It's sparks, two geniuses at work, changing the world through make-up and jeans.

This, despite Jamie showing her limitations by repeating, at least four times, the phrase 'all of the sudden.'

It must have taken everything in Meghan's power not to correct her  as she corrected, to great scorn, her Netflix guest Mindy Kaling for calling her 'Meghan Markle.'

'You know I'm Sussex now,' Meghan sniped.

So relatable. So likable.

Jamie goes on to regale us with tales of Meghan's heroism and bravery. Like the time they were on the playground, and a child fell, and Meghan went right over to help said child, who was not even her own.

You know, what the rest of us would call the absolute bare minimum any decent person would do.

Or the time Meghan dropped off a gift basket to Jamie when guests were coming. We get nearly ten minutes on this selfless act, which Meghan says is capable of 'changing lives.'

Right as this podcast dropped, Meghan inched closer to showing us her children  even though she ostensibly fled the UK to keep her family away from the media.

But Mummy's got merch to move, and so Meghan, on Monday morning, dropped an Instagram story showing Lilibet's hand, allowing us to hear little Lili's voice offscreen, calling Meghan's jam 'beautiful.'

An increasing afterthought is Harry, who Meghan diminishes on this podcast interview by calling him 'that man.'

Say what you will about Harry, but he is a prince of the royal blood. How can he stand this?

'That man,' Meghan tells us, 'loves me so much.'

The narcissist rears her head. The mask slips.

Mummy's got merch to move, and so Meghan, on Monday morning, dropped an Instagram story showing Lilibet's hand, allowing us to hear little Lili's voice offscreen, calling Meghan's jam 'beautiful.'

It's never about how much Meghan loves Harry, or how beautifully they support each other, or how much she loves their children. It's always how much Harry and the children love her.

Further proof that Harry's been relegated to the help: As they exited a black SUV and made their way into the Time100 Summit in New York last week, Harry reached for Meghan's hand and she swerved him, reaching instead for someone else, anyone else, to hug.

Someone, I suppose, of importance. Someone who could help Brand Meghan.

There's only room for one real star in the family now  and if Harry doesn't realize that soon, he is well and truly lost.
Human rights claims in the immigration courts do not always stand up to scrutiny, the Justice Secretary has admitted.

Shabana Mahmood defended the Governments decision to launch a review of the use of the controversial right to private and family life  under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights  in immigration cases.

The measure has been used repeatedly over the last 20 years by foreign nationals to dodge deportation after committing horrific crimes in Britain  including manslaughter and rape.

Ms Mahmood told Parliaments joint committee on human rights that some Article 8 claims in the immigration courts raised questions about the operation of the law.

She said: I don't think it's a responsible attitude of the Government, and certainly not a Government that supports the Convention and Human Rights Act and our human rights-related arrangements in this country, to simply adopt a position of there's nothing to see here and look the other way.

I think if we were to do that, you actually empower the populists in the country that would rather do away with all of these rights. And that would be damaging for everybody.

I think there is enough in some of the cases. They're not all, sadly, completely spurious.

Some do not always stand up to scrutiny when you get into the full facts, and they do raise questions over whether the law is working as it should.

Shabana Mahmood defended the Governments decision to launch a review of the use of the controversial right to private and family life  under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights  in immigration cases

Ms Mahmood said it was the role of the Government and Parliament to scrutinise whether laws were working effectively, and to amend them if necessary.

The Article 8 review, being led by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, is due to feed into recommendations in an immigration white paper expected to be published in a few weeks.

Ms Mahmood was being questioned by barrister Baroness Helena Kennedy who suggested the Governments review was a response to ugly popularism.

Ms Mahmood also told the committee that the Sentencing Council had gone too far in its measures earlier this year which were criticised for risking two-tier justice.

The Council got into a major spat with the Justice Secretary over its decision to press ahead with judicial guidelines which would have given minorities special treatment in the courts.

Chairman of the Sentencing Council, Lord Justice William Davis, initially rejected Ms Mahmood's request to re-think the guidelines

The proposals said it would normally be considered necessary for the courts to commission a pre-sentence report about criminals if they come from an ethnic minority, cultural minority, and/or faith minority community.

They also included a long list of other minority criminals to be covered by the measures, including transgender people, young adults and addicts.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrisk warned the 'two-tier justice' measures would lead to criminals being treated differently based on the colour of their skin.

Ms Mahmood asked the independent body to reconsider the imposition of this guideline as soon as possible but was rebuffed, with Council chairman, Lord Justice William Davis, telling her: I do not accept the premise of your objection.

The Council suspended implementation of its guidelines after Ms Mahmood announced plans to introduce new laws to block them.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said the sentencing guidelines amounted to 'two-tier justice'

Questioned by the committee over the debacle, Ms Mahmood said: I dont think its for the Sentencing Council on those issues of policy to make arrangements to deal with a societal policy issue.

The independent body had strayed very clearly into what I would consider to be the role of policy which should be decided by ministers, she said, adding: I think that they have gone too far.

Her measures to prevent the Council from issuing guidelines which frame different treatment according to race or other personal characteristics enters its final stages in Parliament later this week.
A career armed robber who personally bound Kim Kardashian at gunpoint before stealing $10million of jewellery from her today said his life since had been horrible because of mistreatment in prison.

Aomar Ait Khedache, who is 70 and barely able to speak or hear, was communicating with a judge using written notes on Wednesday, the third day of his Paris trial.

Known as Old Omar, Ait Khedache faces spending the rest of his life in a cell for the kidnap and robbery of the American reality TV star during Fashion Week in the French capital in 2016.

Now 80 per cent disabled, Ait Khedache was on Wednesday cross-examined by Judge David De Pas at the Paris Assizes.

How have the last few years been? asked the Judge.

Horrible, Ait Khedache replied in a written note which was transcribed by a court stenographer and then displayed on a screen.

When asked why, the defendant replied: Conditions of detention difficult during all those years.

He complained about the people I came into contact with and mistreatment by the French prison authorities.

A career armed robber who personally bound Kim Kardashian (pictured) at gunpoint before stealing $10million of jewellery from her today said his life since had been horrible

Kim Kardashian sporting the ring all week long at Paris Fashion Week in the days leading up to the robbery

Aomar Ait Khedache, who is 70 and barely able to speak or hear, (pictured) was communicating with a judge using written notes on Wednesday

Ait Khedache explained how his health deteriorated, and he suffered from serious heart problems, along with other conditions such as deafness.

Prosecutors allege that Ait Khedache, who was first arrested for burglary as a 14-year-old, was the ringleader of the gang who raided Ms Kardashians 12,000-a-night Paris penthouse.

He has admitted going into her room, and holding her up with a vintage Mauser pistol, but insisted he was just an ordinary small-scale robber.

Ms Kardashian was alone and naked except for a bathrobe at the time, and feared she was about to be raped or murdered.

Instead, she was tied-up, gagged and locked in a bathroom, before the gang made off with her favourite jewellery, including the $4million ring rapper Kanye West had given her to seal their engagement.

Ait Khedache is one of ten defendants in the current trial who were all arrested as early as 2017.

His DNA was found on plastic ties which were used to restrain Ms Kardashian, while video footage and telephone data also placed him at the scene.

Ait Khedache is one of the three raiders who arrived at the Kardashian property on bicycles, and he was allegedly later driven away by his eldest son, Harminy Ait Khedache, 38  another defendant.

Like all the others, Ait Khedache senior was released from a remand cell in April 2020, and bailed to stay at home in greater Paris.

Defendant Aomar Ait Khedache (R) and his lawyer Chloe Arnoux (L) on the opening day of the trial against suspects in the armed robbery of Kim Kardashian at the Paris Courthouse, France, 28 April 2025

Prosecutors allege that Ait Khedache, who was first arrested for burglary as a 14-year-old, was the ringleader of the gang who raided Ms Kardashians 12,000-a-night Paris penthouse

His DNA was found on plastic ties which were used to restrain Ms Kardashian

He remains addicted to tobacco, and during his court appearances was allowed regular breaks to smoke outside.

Ait Khedache was born in Algeria when it was part of the French Empire, and his father fought for French forces against Algerian nationalists during the war of independence in the North African country.

Like many so-called Harki families, they were viewed as traitors in Algeria, and fled to the Parisian suburbs when Ait Khedache was a child.

He started robbing banks in the 1970s  a decade when he was regulalry jailed.

Later, he was convicted four times for drugs trafficking, while learning to become a chef in prison.

In 2016, he was on the run from a five-year sentence for kidnap and robbery, using the alias Pascal Larbi  a name he stolen from a former colleague who has since died.

Ait Khedaches partner at the time of the Kardashian raid was Christiane Cathy Glotin, a 78-year-old woman who is also among the 10 defendants in court.

During police questioning, Ait Khedache attemped to incriminate a mysterious mastermined behind the Kardashian robbery.

Kim Kardashian West and chauffeur Michael Madar (R) arrive at 'L'Avenue' restaurant on October 2, 2016 in Paris, France

Pictures of gaffer tape used to gag Kim and Serflex cable ties used to bind her

The socialite was bound and gagged at a hotel room in Paris in October 2016

The thieves said they arrived and left on push bikes

Calling him Ben, he said they met in prison during the 1990s, but he could not remember his full name.

Chloe Arnoux, Ait Khedachess defence lawyer, has criticised prosecutors and judicial police for not investigating this mastermind.

There were originally 12 alleged gang members of the Kardashian gang but Marceau Baum-Gertner, the alleged super fence of the Paris underworld, died suddenly last month at the age of 72.

He made a number of trips to Antwerp with Ait Khedache to sell the Kardashian jewellery, which has never been recovered, it is alleged.

Pierre Bouianere, a 72-year-old friend of Ait Khedache, is also now excluded from the trial, because of his Alzheimers disease.

Ait Khedache and a second defendant, Yunnis Abbas, 72, have both admitted their guilt, while all the others deny any wrongdoing.

The trial, which is due to go on until May 23rd, continues.

Ms Kardashians American lawyers have confirmed that she will fly in from Los Angeles to give evidence in mid-May.
A Utah girl who vanished after leaving school may be headed to Las Vegas to meet up with people she met online, police have said.

Alisa Petrov, 15, disappeared on her way home from American Fork school on April 21.

She was spotted on surveillance footage making a purchase at a local gas station before boarding a UTA train.

She exited the train in Provo and asked multiple people to help her get to Las Vegas, Nevada, South Jordan Police Department said.

'Alisa is believed to be attempting to meet individuals she met online using multiple social media platforms and chat applications,' the force said in a statement.

Petrov's desperate family are offering a $20,000 reward for anyone with information on her whereabouts.

They set up a website where they have desperately appealed to the teen.

'Alisa, if you can see this, please know that we love you, we will always love you. We miss you. All of your friends and our friends are very worried too,' her family said.

Utah teen Alisa Petrov, 15, disappeared on her way home from American Fork school on April 21

Cops believe she may be headed to Las Vegas to meet up with people she met online

She was spotted on surveillance footage making a purchase at a local gas station before boarding a UTA train.

'We all want you to return. You will not get in trouble for running away. We are not mad at you. We absolutely love you regardless of what happened.

'We just want you to return back so that we are together as a happy family who care about each other, and we will try our hardest to make you happy. Please come back.'

Police said the teen is classed as an endangered runaway.

She is described as being about 53 tall and weighing about 122 pounds.

Surveillance footage showed her wearing a white shirt with darker lettering on the front.

Officials told ABC4.com that Petrov had a phone and iPad with her, which investigators are trying to probe to see if their locations can be traced.
Thousands of neo-fascists rallied in Italy last night to honour the death of a member of the extreme right group from 50 years ago.

'Roman salutes' were performed alongside banners saying 'honour to the fallen comrades' as more than 2,000 people gathered to mark the anniversary of Sergio Ramelli's murder in Milan, local media reported.

The 18-year-old member of the youth wing - Fronte della gioventu - was attacked outside his home with a wrench by members of the far-left group, Avanguardia Operaia, in 1975. He died 47 days later.

Echoes of Bella Ciao could be heard through the procession in via Paladini as Milanese locals sang the anti-fascist resistance song from apartment windows.

Crowds the gathered in front of the Italian flag and a wreath of red flowers was carried at the beginning of the march while police watched alongside.

The Italian Social Movement (MSI) ended their procession with a 'Roman Salute' - also known as the Fascist salute - towards Ramelli's mural.

The gesture involving an extended right arm with a downward-facing palm is said to have originated in ancient Rome but is now associated with 20th century fascist movements and dictators Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler.

At 10pm sharp, Ramelli's name is chanted three times, with 'present' chanted back three times in response.

Thousands of neo-fascists rallied in Italy last night, performing the 'Roman salute' in honour pf the death of a member of the extreme right group from 50 years ago

Members of the Italian Social Movement (MSI) lit torches, held banners and set off fire crackers in Milan yesterday evening

Sergio Ramelli - the 18-year-old member of the youth wing - was attacked outside his home with a wrench by members of the far-left group

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted a long message remembering the anniversary of Ramelli's death, explaining why her government decided to release stamp dedicated to the young activist.

She said: 'A month and a half ago my government decided to dedicate a stamp to the memory of Sergio Ramelli, for us a gesture that is much more than symbolic: it means affirming that his story and his death are a piece of Italian history that everyone on the right and left must deal with.

'Today that memory is starting to be shared more, in an attempt to heal a deep wound that must unite all the innocent victims of hatred and political violence.'

A plaque for Ramelli was also revealed last month at his old school in Milan, despite protests from left-wing students.

Milan's Mayor, Giuseppe Sala, suggested that a street be named for every young victim of a terrorist attack and welcomed the approval of the Senate president, Ignazio La Russa.

'I think it would be a good thing to name a square or a street after the young people of Milan who were victims of the brutal terrorism of those years,' he was reported to have said in Sky TG24.

Neo-fascist and members of extreme far-right groups hold torches as they gather to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Sergio Ramelli

Echoes of Bella Ciao could be heard through the procession in via Paladini as anti-fascists sang the resistance song from apartment windows

A man performs the fascist salute towards Ramelli's mural in Milan before Ramelli's name was chanted three times

A plaque for Ramelli was also revealed last month at his old school in Milan, despite protests from left-wing students

Emotional extreme-right activists paid their respects to the murdered youth member

A neo-fascist is seen kneeling at the mural dedicated to Ramelli

Far-right militants perform the fascist salute (with the right arm extended and the hand open) during the commemoration Ramelli's murder

A man with a tattoo reading 'Skinhead 88' attended the neo-fascist rally

Neo-fascists held up a banner saying 'honour to the fallen comrades'

A wreath of red flowers was also carried at the beginning of the procession

He added that this 'is not the time to increase tensions, but to lower the tone and only remember that period'.

La Russa, who attended the demonstration, said 'the individual stories are different, but if a square wants to bring together young people who lost their lives in a tragic moment in our history, I am in favour'.

He continued to say that the most important thing 'is that there is no more violence. The intent is to offer all Italians a sign of harmony, peace and pacification and above all love. Today we say no to any type of violence'.
The King has described the daunting and frightening experience of being told you have cancer.

In what has been described as his most poignant and deeply personal words about the illness fifteen months after his own diagnosis, the monarch also revealed he had taken inspiration from the late Dame Deborah James.

She urged sufferers, he said, with moving magnificence to find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope.

His Majesty opened up in a message to fellow sufferers as they are invited to Buckingham Palace tonight to recognise the incredible work of community-based cancer organisations.

The King is himself still undergoing regular treatments as someone living with cancer, although aides say his recovery continues in a very positive direction, as reflected with the very full national and international diary programme he is undertaking.

The personally-penned message has added significance given that his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, was also diagnosed with cancer within weeks of his own last year and underwent preventative chemotherapy.

In his message Charles, 76, takes pains to personally thank those who so selflessly work giving care, comfort and reassurance to the 390,000 people who receive a new cancer diagnosis across the UK each year - more than 1,000 a day -as well as those working to treat the disease, research cures and fundraise for them do do so.

Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones, he writes.

King Charles opened up in a message to fellow sufferers as they are invited to Buckingham Palace tonight to recognise the incredible work of community-based cancer organisations

In what has been described as his most poignant and deeply personal words about the illness fifteen months after his own diagnosis, the monarch also revealed he had taken inspiration from the late Dame Deborah James (pictured with Prince William)

King Charles speaks with Alistair and Heather James, the parents of the late broadcaster Deborah James, during a reception in Buckingham Palace

The personally-penned message has added significance given that his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales , was also diagnosed with cancer within weeks of his own last year and underwent preventative chemotherapy

As one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity, he writes.

It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years.

And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits - that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.

He added with added poignancy: You have my whole familys deepest admiration and gratitude.

The King was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in January last year following routine surgery for an enlarged prostate.

Buckingham Palace have not confirmed what form he has, but have ruled out it being connected with his prostate issue.

They have also not disclosed what treatment he is still undertaking.

But there is little doubt that Charles has been more open about his diagnosis and medical treatment than any other monarch in history.

The King was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in January last year following routine surgery for an enlarged prostate

He could be seen breaking into laughter as he spoke to guests at the celebration of community-based initiatives raising awareness about cancer

Buckingham Palace have not confirmed what form he has, but have ruled out it being connected with his prostate issue. Pictured: Three days after his prostate surgery, waving to well-wishers as he left the London Clinic

King Charles speaks with ballroom dancer Amy Dowden, actress and broadcaster Giovanna Fletcher and Maren Sheldon, co-founder of CoppaFeel

King Charles III and Queen Camilla speak with presenter Lorraine Kelly (second left) and the members of the Change + Check Choir

Camilla could be seen chatting animatedly with the chat show host as they attended the evening

He has always been keen not to seek public sympathy for himself, but use his situation to raise awareness of the disease and offer comfort to others suffering from all forms.

Tonights reception saw himself and Queen Camilla, accompanied by the Duchess of Gloucester, shine a light on those caring for people with cancer in the community, and raise awareness of preventative action people can take to avoid the disease.

Many of those present were from charities supported by the Royal Family, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Now, Maggies and Childrens Hospice South West.

High profile supporters included broadcaster Adele Roberts, a cancer survivor herself, reality star Ashley Cain who tragically lost his eight-week-old daughter to cancer, and actor Richard E Grant, whose beloved wife, Joanna Washington, died from lung cancer.

Also present were the parents of Bowel Babe Dame Deborah James, who earned the respect of the nation with her strength and bravery raising awareness and fundraising while living with incurable bowel cancer. She died in 2022 at the age of just 40 and was made a Dame by Prince William at her home just weeks before she lost her battle for life.

Describing her as an inspiration, the King writes: And to those who may be receiving such upsetting news today, tomorrow or at any point in the future, I can only echo the departing words of the late Dame Deborah James, whose parents I am delighted to have with us here this evening, and whose example stands as an inspiration to us all, in sickness and in health.

The King says that as long-term patrons of a number of organisations working in the field, he and the Queen have seen at first-hand how you not only fund vital research and deliver exceptional healthcare but also create spaces where patients and their families find sanctuary, understanding and practical assistance when they need it most.

Many of those present were from charities supported by the Royal Family, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Now, Maggies and Childrens Hospice South West

The King says that as long-term patrons of a number of organisations working in the field, he and the Queen have seen at first-hand how you not only fund vital research and deliver exceptional healthcare but also create spaces where patients and their families find sanctuary'

The King has always been keen not to seek public sympathy for himself, but use his situation to raise awareness of the disease and offer comfort to others suffering from all forms. Pictured: On February 4, when he was spotted for the first time since leaving hospital on his Sandringham estate

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer'

Also present were the parents of Bowel Babe Dame Deborah James, who earned the respect of the nation with her strength and bravery raising awareness and fundraising while living with incurable bowel cancer. Pictured: Dame Deborah at her home with Prince William and her family

King Charles speaks with Alistair and Heather James, the parents of the late broadcaster Deborah James, during a reception in Buckingham Palace

He continues: What strikes us repeatedly is the profound impact of human connection - whether in the careful explanation from a specialist nurse, the hand held by a hospice volunteer, or the shared experience in a support group.

These moments of kinship create what I might call a "community of care", one that sustains patients through the most difficult of times.

And there is no mistaking the Kings personal gratitude, as well as his professional one, as he continues: So to all the researchers pursuing pioneering breakthroughs; to the healthcare professionals providing specialist treatment; to the volunteers offering comfort, or campaigning to raise awareness; and to the fundraisers enabling all this vital work - you have my whole familys deepest admiration and gratitude.

Your commitment to early diagnosis, evermore successful therapies and truly holistic care represents the very best our country can offer.

This collective endeavour reminds us of what we can achieve when we are united with common purpose and uncommon determination.

While every patients journey may be different, together you are ensuring that a cancer diagnosis need never mean facing the future without hope and support.

Also performing the reception are the Watch the Change + Check Choir, made up of 26 women brought together by breast cancer diagnoses, by ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly.

Many of the women are still living with secondary breast cancer and have described performing for Their Majesties as poignant.

Also performing the reception are the Watch the Change + Check Choir, made up of 26 women brought together by breast cancer diagnoses, by ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly

Ms Kelly said: 'Its not every day you get to perform for royalty and its an absolute privilege to be invited.

Choir member Nikki Wheatley also praised the king, adding: I had the privilege of meeting The King at The Royal Variety Performance and he was so attentive and gave everyone his time. You wouldn't know from looking at The King that he is unwell, and that's the same with me, so I can relate to him.

To see him carry on with his work and engagements whilst battling cancer himself is inspiring as you know what it is like behind the scenes.

Gemma Peters, Chief Executive Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: We are so grateful to His Majesty for his continued support, both as our Patron and for being so open about his own cancer experience, which has inspired so many others to reach out for support from organisations like Macmillan.

Every day we see the impact that cancer is having on peoples lives and that experience is even worse for some people because of who they are or where they live, which is entirely unacceptable. We are on a mission to transform cancer care, but we cannot do it on our own.

It's incredible to see so many different community groups and organisations who are doing brilliant work for people living with cancer. It is only by working together as a cancer community, that we will be able to tackle the biggest issues facing cancer care and support the people living with cancer who need it most.
A teenage girl who had been reported missing in Missouri was miraculously found alive in a sex offender's closet in Colorado after she managed to send out an Instagram message.

The 16-year-old girl had been missing since 6 December last year and spent five months being held against her will before she was able to log into app on a phone her captor had given her. Since the time she disappeared her social media had been completely dark.

Her alleged captor, 320-pound registered sex offender Maximillian Bondrescu, 44, took her student ID and learners permit as well as smashing her phone so she could not reach out for help.

The young teen told police that she was forced to work for Bondrescu's snow removal business, FoCo Sno Go.

She was also made to dye her hair and wear a mask and sunglasses on the rare occasion she was allowed to leave the house.

In one critical mistake, her captor handed her one of his old phones which still had Instagram downloaded.

After working up the courage she used the dormant account to send a message to a friend about her ordeal.

The message and activity on the account led investigators to the Fort Collins home in which she was being held.

Maximilian Bondrescu, a 320-pound registered sex offender, has been charged with kidnapping and sexual assault after he allegedly held a 16-year-old for months

Officers obtained a warrant and arrived at Bondrescu's doorstep on April 18, when the sex-offender denied knowledge of the girl's disappearance.

After searching the home discovered the frightened young girl in a closet.

Friends had told police that the girl had discussed running away to Colorado as the investigation into her disappearance began.

According to the arrest affidavit she had started communicating with Bondrescu in November 2024 on an app called Boo, later moving to Snapchat.

The two plotted the young girl's escape, in which Bondrescu rented a car and picked her up in Missouri in the dead of night.

She told police the pair avoided toll roads, in what investigators believe was a deliberate attempt to swerve detection and leave no trace of their journey.

As they arrived in Colorado, Bondrescu allegedly wrapped the girl in a blanket, so she would not be seen and carried her inside the home.

The girl was eventually found at the 800 block of Warren Landing in Fort Collins, Colorado

During her five-month captivity, she told officers she was only allowed outside 'a handful of times.'

Around January or February the young girl pleaded with Bondrescu to let her return home, but he said he could not afford to take her back.

When asked what she thought would happen if she ran, the girl simply replied that she didn't know anyone in Colorado and had no way out.

The affidavit details how Bondrescu kept her isolated, monitored, and dependent on him.

Bondrescu allegedly forced the girl to work for his snow removal business, FoCo Sno GO, shoveling snow while masked to hide her identity and age

She told officers he took her phone and identification, leaving her powerless.

Bondrescu faces charges of child abuse, harboring a minor, obstructing an officer, second-degree assault, and false imprisonment for allegedly locking the girl in a room for extended periods and using threats to keep her compliant.

The registered sex-offender was previously convicted in 2019 for communication with a minor for immoral purposes.

Alongside charges of kidnapping and sexual assault, Bondrescu is accused of failing to properly register as a sex offender.

Investigators believe the girl may have been forced to work in public, wearing a mask in order to keep herself disguised, while her captor profited from her labor.

Police are now asking the public, particularly anyone who may have hired FoCo Sno GO, to come forward.

Bondrescu is being held on a $500,000 bond, according to online records, and is scheduled to appear in court on May 5.
Whether she is touring a notorious El Salvadoran prison or attending a two-hour Trump cabinet meeting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem knows what time it is.

Noem was famously spotted wearing a $50,000 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona when she toured the infamous Cecot prison shortly after the administration deported more than 200 people including alleged gang members there.

She sported the high-priced bling just days after the illegal migrant who allegedly snatched her Gucci handbag was publicly identified.

Noem, whose fashion choices have earned her the monicker ICE Barbie, was seen wearing the watch again at Wednesday's televised Cabinet meeting at the White House.

A pool reporter spotted the accessory at the start of the event, where Noem and other cabinet secretaries each got time to defend the work of their agencies - while tossing myriad complements in Trump's direction.

Noem jumped into the discussion after the meeting had been underway for an hour and 20 minutes, after Education Secretary Linda McMahon provided an update on Harvard University's lawsuit against the administration.

She said Homeland Security 'pulled back their grants' because Harvard wasn't providing information on critical activity by its students.

'And until they give us that list, they're not getting any more grants from homeland.'

That prompted Trump to respond that 'the attitude they have is not American.' He added that 'a grant is a grant. We don't have to give grants.'

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sported a pricey Rolex watch just days after law enforcement identified the migrant who allegedly swiped her Gucci handbag from a D.C. restaurant

Noem has been in the news repeatedly, and not just because of her agency's furious activity in what the administration calls a 'mass deportation' campaign.

Her trip to El Salvador came shortly after the government there released footage of inmates having their heads shaved as they were transferred there from a U.S. military aircraft.

She stood in front of dozens of silent prisoners who were behind bars.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a tour of the Terrorist Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador, Wednesday, March 26, 2025 soon after the administration deported alleged gang members there

U.S. Ambassador William H. Duncan, left, receives Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after she arrived at the Comalapa International Airport, on March 26, 2025 in San Salvador, El Salvador

She has also been photographed on horseback and riding an ATV at the Mexican border as the administration crafts a tough-on-immigration image.

On Easter in Washington Noem had her Gucci handbag snatched. It included her identification, passport, and $3,000 in cash. A suspect without legal documentation was later arrested, and records show he went on a spending spree immediately after the incident.

Noem, the former South Dakota governor and lawmaker, has an estimated net worth of about $ 1 million, according to her financial disclosure. That included cash savings of about $265,000 and livestock equipment worth up to $100,000.

Her husband Bryan Noem had commercial real estate worth up to $500,000 and an insurance brokerage worth between $1 million and $5 million.
A Reform candidate was left fuming when a video surfaced showing a Tory campaigner removing her leaflet from a letterbox and replacing it with his own.

Maxine Fothergill's team had been pounding the pavements putting leaflets through doors after she decided to stand in the Kent County Council elections on May 1.

But she was made aware of doorbell camera footage taken on Saturday April 19 which shows a rival Tory removing her pamphlet, shoving it in his pocket and then shuffling away.

Simon Fawthrop can be seen on the footage going up to the door in a Union Jack T-shirt in what is thought to be New Ash Green in Kent.

And he clearly removes the leaflet in question, before pushing a Tory one through the door instead.

Cllr Fawthrop was part of a campaign team for Conservative candidate Penny Cole, who is standing for election to the Sevenoaks Rural North East ward alongside Ms Fothergill tomorrow.

Cllr Cole has now apologised for what happened - and Cllr Fawthrop has taken to YouTube to defend his actions.

He blasted the video as 'fake news' and said he had taken the leaflet away, but only because he wanted to read it.

Simon Fawthrop can be seen on the footage going up to the door in a Union Jack T-shirt in what is thought to be New Ash Green in Kent.

And he clearly removes the leaflet in question, before pushing a Tory one through the door instead

Maxine Fothergill's team had been pounding the pavements putting leaflets through doors after she decided to stand in the Kent County Council elections on May 1

He claims he then returned with it later and put it back, something not seen on the film.

And amazingly he then blamed Reform, saying: 'Well done to Reform for what they've done in terms of trying to fake something, which is really good.

'The incident is a lot longer than was shown on that video.

'There's another 30 seconds to a minute after that which shows that, yes I took a leaflet out, I was being nosy and wanted to read what it said, but I then put them back in.

'The reason they won't show you that is that they're trying to do fake news.'

Cllr Fawthrop - a Conservative councillor on Bromley Council - challenged the homeowner to release the rest of the footage to prove him right.

'It will either show that I'm right, and I put it back, or it will be the most boring video that's ever been made,' he added.

'It's a challenge to Reform - you want to show you've got integrity, you want to show you're speaking the truth, so all you have to do is get hold of that person and get you to show the extra video.

Cllr Fawthrop was part of a campaign team for Conservative candidate Penny Cole, who is standing for election to the Sevenoaks Rural North East ward alongside Ms Fothergill today

Cllr Fawthrop - a Conservative councillor on Bromley Council (In an England Cap) - challenged the homeowner to release the rest of the footage to prove him right

Cllr Fawthrop blasted the video as 'fake news' and said he had taken the leaflet away, but only because he wanted to read it

He claims he then returned with it later and put it back, something not seen on the film

Ms Fothergill has become increasingly involved in politics after becoming disenchanted with other political parties

'Man takes leaflet, puts it back, really it's not a story at all.'

Voters will head to the polls today to elect councillors in the Kent County Council elections.

All of the 72 electoral divisions across the county, adding up to 81 county councillors in total, are up for election.

Currently, the six seats in the Sevenoaks division are held by five Conservatives and one Lib Dem councillor.

But it could be a night of gains for Reform, with several major issues giving candidates a boost.

Ms Fothergill has become increasingly involved in politics after becoming disenchanted with other political parties.

She lives in the Sevenoaks district hamlet of Fawkham, and stood for Old Bexley and Sidcup in the General Election last year, taking almost 22% of the vote, but losing out to Tory candidate Louie French.

She now hopes to wrestle the Sevenoaks Rural North East county council ward from the Conservative party.

Part of Ms Fothergill's appeal is that, as well as being local, she opposes plans for a huge solar farm on land between Fawkham and Horton Kirby.

She lives in the Sevenoaks district hamlet of Fawkham, and stood for Old Bexley and Sidcup in the General Election last year, taking almost 22% of the vote, but losing out to Tory candidate Louie French

She now hopes to wrestle the Sevenoaks Rural North East county council ward from the Conservative party

Part of Ms Fothergill's appeal is that, as well as being local, she opposes plans for a huge solar farm on land between Fawkham and Horton Kirby

She said she was first made aware of the footage of Cllr Fawthrop on a Whatsapp chat group.

She said: 'This is completely unacceptable. Not only is it underhanded and undemocratic, but removing items from a private letterbox may be a criminal offence.

'Smirking and treating the matter as if it's amusing is simply not on. He was caught red-handed, and he knows it.

'It's disappointing to see attempts to spin this and blame Reform UK.

'The individual acted improperly, and as a serving ward councillor in Bromley, he should know far better. This was electoral interference, plain and simple.'

Cllr Cole has since apologised saying that the leaflet should not have been removed by Cllr Fawthrop.

Sevenoaks Conservative Association released a statement on her behalf, saying: 'I want to be clear that I do not condone, nor have ever encouraged any of my volunteers who've helped me, to take opponents' leaflets from letterboxes.

'I have had a kind number of volunteers from around and outside the area come over to support me in my campaign, and I expect them all to act in a proper and professional manner.

'I have nonetheless written to Maxine directly, as a fellow candidate, to apologise for this incident, and she has accepted my apology.'

A spokesperson for Sevenoaks District Council said: 'If an alleged electoral offence has taken place, the matter should be referred to the police.'

Kent County Council has also been approached for comment.
President Donald Trump invited Elon Musk to stay in his administration as long as he wants - but it came as the Tesla founder is on his way out the door.

'You know you're invited to stay as long as you want. At some point, I guess he wants to get back home to his cars,' Trump said during his Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Musk praised the president's accomplishments in his first 100 days in the White House and then joked about his own government service: 'They say I wear a lot of hats. It's true. Even my hat has a hat.'

He gestured to the two baseball hats on his head.

Trump had placed red hats reading the 'Gulf of America' around the table for his Cabinet secretaries.

Musk, the world's richest man, spent part of the meeting fiddling with the hats. He adjusted a Gulf of America hat to make it large enough to fit over the black DOGE hat he was wearing.

That left him wearing two hats, one on top of the other.

Elon Musk wearing a red 'Gulf of America' hat over his black DOGE hat

Trump praised Musk's fashion choices.

'Elon, I love the double hat, by the way. He's the only who can do that and get away with it.'

The SpaceX founder is quietly stepping away from his official role with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) - the controversial task force slashing spending across the federal government.

Trump praised him on his way out the door.

'You have been treated unfairly, but the vast majority of people in this country really respect and appreciate you, and this whole room can say that very strong really been a tremendous help. You opened up a lot of eyes as to what can be done. And we just want to thank you very much,' the president said.

It sounded like farewell remarks. And the entire room applauded after Trump finished.

The Cabinet meeting had the feel of a goodbye party with officials who had clashed with Musk praising his work, cracking jokes and engaging in awkward laughter.

Specifically, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Transportation Secretary Sean Duff, who had clashed with Musk over cuts to their workforces, joked with him as they presented their reports.

Rubio publicly praised Musk's work.

'We went out and hired a consulting firm to help us organize ourselves. Luckily, they were free. They're called the Department of Government Efficiency,' he said as the room laughed.

The secretary of state and Musk, previously, fought behind closed doors. Rubio was one of the Cabinet secretaries who urged the president to rein Musk in.

Duffy had previously slammed Musk for firing air traffic controllers as his agency faced a shortage.

But he had a different tune on Wednesday, smiling and joking with the DOGE chief.

Duffy noted his Transportation Department was changing CAFE standards to 'bring it down to something more reasonable.'

He joked to Musk, the founder of Tesla: 'I hope Elon is fine with that.'

Again, awkward laughter filled the room.

President Donald Trump praised Elon Musk's work and noted the Tesla founder wanted to get back to his cars

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who clashed with Elon Musk on previous occasions, joked around with him now that he's leaving the administration

President Donald Trump held his fifth Cabinet meeting on Wednesday

Musk's presence at Trump's fifth Cabinet meeting was a remarkable change from his first time sitting at the head.

In the first Cabinet meeting, Musk spoke before any other secretary and held forth for several minutes on DOGE's work.

On Wednesday, Musk waited his turn to talk as Trump went around the table, asking each secretary to give their report.

It could be a sign of Musk's diminishing influence.

For the first several months of Trump's second term, Elon Musk was everywhere - briefing Trump personally, gutting federal departments, and boldly promising to slash the federal deficit by $1 trillion, a figure he vowed to halve by the end of the fiscal year.

But last week he announced he was stepping back.

His 130-day mandate as a special government employee is set to expire at the end of May but he told Tesla shareholders on a call that he was winding down his time in government.

'Starting next month, I will be allocating far more of my time to Tesla,' he said. 'The major work of establishing [DOGE] has been completed.'

Musk's aggressive slash and burn style - closing multiple government agencies and firing approximately 200,000 federal works - also caused major backlashes to his businesses.

It grew so bad that vandals began targeting Tesla cars and holding demonstrations outside of showrooms.

Tesla reported its earnings were down as Musk's work for Trump was criticized.
A California woman captured her own murder on a voicemail that was used to convict her abusive boyfriend five years later.

Laura Sardinha, 25, was stabbed to death in her Huntington Beach apartment on September 2, 2020.

Her boyfriend, 39-year-old Craig Charron, was found guilty of her murder on Tuesday, reported the Los Angeles Times.

Prosecutors said Sardinha and Charron's relationship had been fraught with abuse and she had just changed the locks on her doors when he broke in and killed her.

That afternoon, while on a three-way call with her best friend and her mother, Charron entered the apartment and Sardinha said, 'Oh my God, he's here.'

Her friend hung up and called 911, and Sardinha tried to call her back but was sent to voicemail.

On the message, Sardinha can be heard screaming, 'He's gonna kill me!' and 'Get away from me!'

'If you listen to it carefully, you hear a woman narrating her own murder,' Orange County Deputy Dist. Atty. Janine Madera told the jury.

Laura Sardinha (pictured), 25, was stabbed to death in her Huntington Beach apartment on September 2, 2020

She captured her own murder on a voicemail that was used to convict her abusive boyfriend, 39-year-old Craig Charron (pictured), five years later

The prosecution said Charron stabbed Sardinha twice in the chest, nearly sliced her nose off, and stabbed her in the head so hard it bent a pronged tomato knife he was using, the LA Times reported.

Police arrived to find Sardinha dead and Charron bleeding from wounds to his chest and neck, which the prosecution argued was self inflicted.

Charron, who is an Air Force veteran, claimed Sardinha had attacked him and he stabbed her in self defense.

However, the prosecution argued Charron stabbed himself and pointed to Sardinha's voicemail claiming he took pleasure in killing her.

'You don't hear the defendant on it, and his silence is absolutely deafening,' Madera said. 'He's enjoying taking his time killing her.'

Charron is six feet tall and 220 pounds, about nine inches tall and over 100 pounds heavier than Sardinha.

The prosecution also pointed out that Sardinha had been in a motorcycle accident in 2019 that left her unable to work in her job as a bartender's assistant

'She can't cut lemons and limes reliably with a knife, let alone defend her life,' Madera said. 'He towered over her.'

Prosecutor said Sardinha and Charron's relationship had been fraught with abuse and she had just changed the locks when he broke in and killed her

In a settlement from the accident, she received $750,000, of which she gave Charron $100,000.

Prosecutors said Charron texted Sardinha about the money saying, 'Thank you for showing me that you are all mine.'

Madera used other recordings Sardinha took to show the couple had been in an abusive relationship.

On the morning of her murder, Charron reportedly woke Sardinha up in the morning, demanding oral sex.

She recorded herself begging him to leave, according to the local newspaper. 'You terrify me because you won't leave,' Sardinha said.

Two weeks before her murder, Sardinha recorded herself complaining to Charron that she couldn't hear because of a busted eardrum.

'You keep hitting me,' she said. 'Massage my calves or end this relationship,' he replied.

Charron's sentencing is scheduled for July 25. He faces the possibility of life in prison.
A teacher in Maine repeatedly called for the killing of President Trump and his supporters in a shocking slew of social media posts - even acknowledging that her boss 'will have to fire me' over the call to violence.

JoAnna St. Germain, an English teacher at Waterville Senior High School, took to Facebook to share her inflammatory thoughts on how to 'take out' the president.

'The Secret Service has the perfect opportunity, if they choose to step up and take it,' she wrote.

'You are the ones with power. Coordinate. Take out every single person who supports Trumps illegal, immoral, unconstitutional acts. Look at the sycophants and give them what theyre asking for.

'Every other country sees whats happening and they are taking stands. If you step up, we can avoid a civil war.'

St. Germain wrote that she would not view the act as 'assassinating a president,' because 'a president is a person duly elected by the American people.'

'Trump has shamelessly bragged openly about stealing the election. He is making plans to give himself a third term,' she wrote.

After her post sparked outrage online, the teacher doubled down by saying that she made the statements 'knowing I'd likely lose my job and benefits,' but went ahead regardless because she believes Trump is comparable to Adolf Hitler.

JoAnna St. Germain, an English teacher at Waterville Senior High School in Maine, is facing backlash after calling for the killing of President Trump and his inner circle in a shocking slew of social media posts

The English teacher took to Facebook to share her inflammatory thoughts on how to take out the president, saying: 'The Secret Service has the perfect opportunity, if they choose to step up and take it'

In her original post, St. Germain said that she was urging the Secret Service to assassinate Trump and his team, but 'if I had the skill set required, I would take them out myself.'

'I'm making this post public for a reason, I promise you,' she added.

In a follow-up Facebook post, the teacher attempted to clarify her remarks on killing Trump and his inner circle by saying she was not calling for the deaths of all Republicans.

'I have no beef with Republicans, I have no beef with MAGA,' she wrote.

'I meant that those in the room with Trump, who are permitting and approving his egregious actions, need to be held accountable.

'I love each and every one of you, and I understand why you're angry with me... My love holds no quarter for people in power actively harming those I love.'

After sharing her explanation, St. Germain followed up with more calls for Trump's killing, including one saying he 'needs to have a conversation with Jesus.'

St Germain said that she was urging the Secret Service to kill Trump and his team, but 'if I had the skill set required, I would take them out myself'

In a follow-up post, St. Germain attempted to clarify her remarks on killing Trump and his inner circle by saying she was not calling for the deaths of all Republicans

After sharing her explanation, St. Germain followed up with more calls for Trump's killing, including one saying he 'needs to have a conversation with Jesus'

After her post sparked outrage online, the teacher doubled down by saying that she made the statements 'knowing I'd likely lose my job and benefits'

She went on to say she posted the remarks knowing she may lose her job, but insisted: 'I have zero shame about what I've said.

'I believe Trump and every sycophant he has surrounded himself with (this is not you - if you're reading this, this doesn't apply to you. You are beneath his notice and mine) needs to die,' she wrote.

Comparing Trump's orbit to the Nazis, she continued: 'I believe this will the same forceful belief that Hitler and his sycophants needed to die, before they murdered six million innocent Jewish persons.'

After her comments circulated widely on social media, St. Germain added one more post insisting she doesn't suffer from 'Trump Derangement Syndrome.'

'If you're mad at this post, knowing that I just threw away a decade of experience teaching the truth, fully knowing that my superintendent will have to fire me?

'If youre mad that I'm speaking truth to power? F*** you. Ill still take a bullet to keep your child safe.'

St. Germain wrote that she understood sharing her brazen social media posts could get her fired, but decided to proceed anyways

It is not clear if Waterville Senior High School has taken any action over her posts

St. Germain did not immediately respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com

It is not clear if Waterville Senior High School has taken any action over her posts.

The school did not immediately respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com
A conservative nonprofit is now targeting top officials in the Library of Congress, as President Donald Trump continues to search for 'deep-state' officials in the federal government.

The American Accountability Foundation is launching a campaign to highlight activities of Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden and Director of U.S. Copyright Office Shira Perlmutter, accusing them of acting as biased left-wing activists.

'The President and his team have done an admirable and long-needed job cleaning out deep state liberals from the federal government. It is time they show Carla Hayden and Shira Perlmutter the door and return an America First agenda to the nation's intellectual property regulation,' Tom Jones the president of the American Accountability Foundation told the Daily Mail.

A former chief librarian of the Chicago Public Library, Hayden worked for Encoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore when she was nominated to the Library of Congress by President Barack Obama in 2016.

The Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden

President Donald Trump faces the question of whether he will renominate Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden

The position used to be a lifetime appointment but Congress passed a law limiting their term to ten years.

Hayden would need to be reappointed by President Donald Trump to a new term in 2026 for her to continue her duties as Librarian of Congress.

The effort by conservative activists demonstrates their desire to eliminate partisans in all sections of government, even employees in positions that are not explicitly political.

Hayden is a registered Democrat and donated extensively to Obama's campaigns and has an extensive history of donating to Democrats.

She also pointedly denounced attempts by parents to remove books about sexual identity targeted at young people from libraries.

Hayden wrote that librarians were 'trusted people' in the community and that it was important to have children's books on sexual identity to offer them.

'A children's book, and that's so helpful. I've had parents that I even work with, it just makes such a difference when you can share a book with a young person,' she wrote.

She urged individuals to go to school board and other public hearings to endorse using their tax dollars to support children's books featuring topics like sexual identity.

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden

Shira Perlmutter; Register of Copyrights and Director, U.S. Copyright

Hayden also drew controversy for inviting musician Lizzo to play former President James Madison's crystal flute and take the historical instrument to a concert in 2022.

'B**h, I just twerked and played James Madison's crystal flute from the 1800s,' Lizzo boasted afterwards. 'We just made history tonight.'

Hayden also participated in a roundtable discussion on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in libraries in September 2024.

The organization pointed to Hayden hosting anti-Trump scholars like Professor Douglas Brinkley in 2023 and historian John Meacham as evidence that she is a critic of the current president.

The library also hosts events featuring a wide range of political views, including a 2017 event with JD Vance to discuss his book Hillbilly Elegy.

Hayden appointed Shira Perlmutter as the Director of U.S. Copyright Office in 2020 which has also raised concerns from activists as she made extensive political donations to former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama and New York Democratic senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer.

The organization raised concerns about Perlmutter's support for European-style online censorship and endorsing a 'three strikes' rule for individuals downloading copyrighted material on the internet.

'Good things are beginning to come to pass' as a result of the draconian rule, she explained at a forum, prior to her appointment in the copyright office.

The Library of Congress did not respond to a Daily Mail request for comment.


The power outages that caused chaos in Spain and Portugal this week will happen 'more and more' across Europe as the continent increases its reliance on green energy, acclaimed broadcaster Peter Hitchens told the latest episode of the Mail's Alas Vine & Hitchens podcast.

In conversation with co-host and columnist Sarah Vine, the author issued a grave warning over the gutting of power grids in the service of 'propaganda'.

Millions were left without power in Spain and Portugal on Monday, with the cause of the sudden blackout yet to be established. Theories range from an unusual power surge to a Russian cyber-attack.

'This is likely to happen more and more, as we rely on wind and solar power', Hitchens said.

'It doesn't have the same punch in it that nuclear, coal and gas do. An awful lot of people should have protested at how our power system was gutted  believing all the propaganda and allowing this to happen.

'We shut down coal-fired power stations, which cost billions to build and were still perfectly functional.

Alas Vine & Hitchens: What's the big idea? Get the Mail's new politics podcast, hosted by columnists Sarah Vine and Peter Hitchens - wherever you listen to podcasts now.

Millions were left without power in Spain and Portugal on Monday, with the cause of the sudden blackout yet to be established

Peter Hitchens: 'This is likely to happen more and more, as we rely on wind and solar power.' Listen here

'Did we put those stations on mothballs so, if times change, we can start them back up again? No: What did we do? We blew them all up.

'It's ridiculous  we are totally vulnerable.'

Spanish authorities have denied any link between the power cut and their use of sustainable energy sources.

They also refuted claims a cyber-attack was somehow able to shut down large swathes of their electricity grid.

Vine concurred with her co-host, saying it was 'ridiculous' how reliant we are on devices that require complex systems to work.

She said: 'Last week in the UK, they started shutting down the old copper wire telephone system.

'The plan is, by 2027, it will be completely gone  that's just madness. If we have a serious energy crisis, which is looking increasingly likely because of the drive to Net Zero or potential hacks, you're going to need your landline.

Peter Hitchens: 'An awful lot of people should have protested at how our power system was gutted.' Listen here

Spanish authorities have denied any link between the power cut and their use of sustainable energy sources

Sarah Vine: 'We've gone too far in the direction of relying on things that only work if they are plugged in.' Listen to Alas Vine & Hitchens here

'You can't have a separate generator if you live in a terraced house. What are you going to do if you can't charge your car? It'll become completely useless.

'We've gone too far in the direction of relying on things that only work if they are plugged in.'

According to Spain's Ministry for Ecological Transition, approximately 42.2% of Spain's electrical generation comes from renewable power sources.

The government has set a goal for this figure to leap to as high as 74% by 2030.

In the UK, renewable energy sources currently account for approximately 47% of the UK's electricity.

'We live in a country so completely dominated by dogma', Hitchens scathed.

Listen to Alas Vine & Hitchens now, with Sarah Vine and Peter Hitchens, wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes are released every Wednesday.
The family of Karmelo Anthony has made clear that some portion of the hundreds of thousands of dollars they've raised online will go toward finding a secure home for the 17-year-old murder suspect amid 'escalating threats.'

Anthony is accused of killing Austin Metcalf, also 17, during a track meet earlier this month in Frisco, a town just north of Dallas, Texas.

The two boys, both star athletes from opposing schools, argued over Anthony supposedly being under the wrong tent. The altercation ended with Anthony stabbing Metcalf, according to police.

The enduring attention on the case has been largely due to the fact that Anthony's family has been able to raise more than $515,000 from people who wholeheartedly believe in the boy's innocence.

With all the donations flooding in from supporters, the family has clarified why they need all this cash, explaining that it's not just for legal expenses.

'The funds raised will also support a range of urgent and necessary needs that have emerged as a result of this situation, including  but not limited to  the safe relocation of the Anthony family due to escalating threats to their safety and well-being, as well as basic living costs, transportation, counseling, and other security measures,' reads the description of the fundraiser on GiveSendGo.

It continued: 'We ask for your continued prayers, support, and solidarity. Your contribution not only helps protect and stabilize the family, but also serves as a powerful message of community care and resistance in the face of injustice.'

This message was first written on the Give Send Go page on April 16, two days after Anthony was released from jail on a $250,000 bond.

Karmelo Anthony (pictured) was released from jail just over two weeks ago on a $250,000 bond. Now his family has raised over $515,000 for his legal defense and a safe home for him amid death threats they say they've received

Anthony is accused of fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf, 17, at a track meet on April 2 in Frisco, Texas

Anthony's family has been renting a $900,000 home in a gated community but fled after a series of threats

Citing the death threats they were receiving, the Anthony family abandoned the $900,000 home they were renting in a gated community and went into hiding in an undisclosed location.

On Saturday, DailyMail.com exclusively uncovered that at least one of the threats that prompted the family to move out came from teenagers who drove by the home firing water guns.

Frisco cops were called to home April 15 by Andrew Anthony, the suspect's father, around 7:51 pm after two Jeeps with teenage passengers were seen driving past the house through the door bell camera, according to a police incident report obtained by DailyMail.com.

Within the first minute of his interaction with police, Andrew acknowledged the weapons the kids had were 'play guns.'

He further described the two Jeeps as having four passengers each, with both white and black males in the cars. Andrew also told police that the 'play guns' were never pointed at them.

This latest development comes almost a month after Metcalf was killed on April 2.

Witnesses told police the interaction between Anthony and Metcalf started at the track meet that day after Anthony migrated over to the pop-up tent for Memorial High School, where Metcalf attended as a junior.

Metcalf was under the impression that Anthony, a senior at Centennial High, should have been under his own school's tent and told him to leave, according to police.

That's when Anthony unzipped his bag and reached in, telling Metcalf: 'Touch me and see what happens,' a witness told police.

The police affidavit says Metcalf 'grabbed Anthony to tell him to move and Anthony pulled out ... a black knife and stabbed Austin once in the chest.'

Metcalf allegedly confronted Anthony in the Memorial High School pop-up tent at a track meet. Anthony responded by pulling out a knife and stabbing Metcalf, according to a witness who spoke to police

After being stabbed, Metcalf died in the arms of his twin brother, Hunter (pictured: Austin and Hunter)

Metcalf collapsed and died in the arms of his twin brother, Hunter. Meanwhile, Anthony is said to have fled the scene and tossed the knife into the bleachers.

He was arrested shortly after and responding officers said Anthony told them he was 'protecting myself' and that Metcalf had 'put his hands on me.'

Anthony also told officers, 'Im not the alleged, I did it, according to the affidavit.

Anthony has been charged with first-degree murder. Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said earlier this month he expects a grand jury will decide whether to uphold the charge by late June.

If the grand jury votes to indict, that will send the case to trial, unless a plea bargain materializes.

However, that's unlikely, as one of Anthony's defense attorneys, Mike Howard, has suggested the teen will claim he killed Metcalf in self-defense.

If convicted, Anthony will not face the death penalty or life in prison without parole, as the Supreme Court has ruled that those sentences for juvenile offenders constitute cruel and unusual punishment, violating the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution.
A Democratic congressman trying to impeach president Trump has been accused of abandoning over 100 dogs to starve after his company cruelly tested pharmaceuticals on them.

Shri Thanedar was behind a testing lab that shut down in 2010. The lab - AniClin Preclinical Services - was closed after its parent company, Azopharma, owned by the Democrat, went bankrupt.

Months after the New Jersey lab closed, local animal rights activists alerted authorities to 118 beagles that had been left behind locked in the facility, as reported by Huff Post.

At the time, the lab's ex-workers told USA Today they had been jumping fences at the facility to provide food and water for the dogs.

Insiders claimed that even before the dogs were abandoned to starve, they had lived horrific lives in captivity and were subject to toxicology tests.

'We believe that they have never been outside, ever,' an unnamed woman told the Times Herald-Record in 2010.

'I dont think theyve actually had their paws on the grass. When I walked in here it looked like they were walking on eggshells. They were kind of afraid to walk on the grass.'

Eventually two animal rescue groups were able to rescue the abused dogs and match them with families looking to adopt a pet.

Michigan rep Shri Thanedar owned a lab that shut down months before over 100 animals were rescued from the facility

One of 118 Beagles rescued from the New Jersey testing lab is pictured

The Democrat says he is the 'most progressive' democrat in Michigan politics and has purchased billboards advertising his impeachment bid against Trump

A California-based organization, Defense of Animals, then went back to the site and rescued 55 long-tailed macaque monkeys.

The non-profit had to negotiate with the company liquidating the lab's assets so they would release the monkeys rather than sell them to another testing facility.

Rep Thanedar told DailyMail.com on Thursday: 'These attacks are completely false and have been repeatedly litigated. When the lab was closed all of the animals were given to happy homes. In my long business career, I am proud to report that no animal was hurt or died under my watch.

'In Congress, I have made animal rights a top priority. I have a 100% record in protecting animal rights as a lawmaker, and I was honored to be awarded the Humane Society's highest legislative award not just once, but two years in a row. I look forward to building on my strong animal rights records this Congress and for years to come.'

The Democrat previously told the HuffPost that the lab had been under the control of Bank of America after it was seized in the bankruptcy case.

'I have no knowledge how well the bank took care of the animals,' Rep Thanedar said.

'It is my understanding that Bank of America made arrangements to assign caretakers for the animals and secure homes for them, but those decisions came from the bank after I left the company... I am an animal lover and completely understand the sensitivity of this issue.'

'No animal was harmed or subjected to any harmful conditions. No electric experiments were conducted,' he added.

Two animal rescue groups were able to rescue the abused dogs and match them with families looking to adopt a pet.

Thanedar, a chemist, is currently leading polls in the Dem primaries for Michigan governor

The wealthy former state representative and immigrant from India made a fortune from chemical testing businesses.

Earlier this month, Thanedar unveiled several articles of impeachment against president Trump. The charges include obstruction of justice, bribery, corruption, abuse of power and more.

The impeachment bid is a long shot at best in a Republican-led Congress. It is likely that the effort to oust Trump won't even get a vote given the GOP control.

'We cannot wait for more damage to be done. Congress must act,' Thanedar said announcing his articles of impeachment, adding Trump is 'unfit to serve as President and represents a clear and present danger to our nation's constitution and our democracy.'
A non-binary Canadian's $70,000 gender affirming surgery - that will see her keep her penis and get a vagina constructed - will be fully funded by taxpayers, a top judge ruled.

K.S., who was born a male at birth, uses female pronouns but does not identify as either fully male or fully female, according to documents from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, reviewed by DailyMail.com.

The 34-year-old, who is only identified by her initials in the legal filing, sued the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in 2022 after the company denied her request to pay for the cost of surgery to construct a 'neo-vagina' at a clinic in Texas.

She wanted to build a female sex organ in the gap between her scrotum and anus - while also keeping her fully-functioning male sex organ.

Now, the brunt of the $70,000 for surgery and flights to the US will fall on Canadian taxpayers after a landmark win in court.

Dr. Irena Druce, an endocrinologist at the Ottawa Hospital, submitted a 'Request for Prior Approval for Funding of Sex-Reassignment Surgery' - which cost $10,000 to $70,000 - for K.S. after completing multiple assessments on her along with Yael Sela, a mental health counselor.

Together, they determined K.S. has 'persistent gender dysphoria.' They said she was qualified to undergo the surgery because she had undergone hormone therapy for a year and 'lived for 12 continuous months in a gender role congruent with her gender identity,' the appeal said.

The procedure, also known as penile-sparing vaginoplasty, is only available in Texas. It is not allowed in Canada, but the money would pay for her to travel to the US to get the surgery, according to Reduxx.

K.S. (pictured), a 34-year-old Canadian who was born male at birth, sued the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in 2022 after the insurance company denied their request to pay for the cost of a surgery to construct a 'neo-vagina' at a clinic in Texas

Dr. Irena Druce (pictured), an endocrinologist at the Ottawa Hospital, submitted a 'Request for Prior Approval for Funding of Sex-Reassignment Surgery' for K.S. after completing multiple assessments

The insurer argued the surgery cannot be publicly funded because the vaginoplasty would not be accompanied by a penectomy and is therefore not a procedure listed on its schedule of benefits.

The company, which is run by President and CEO Matthew Anderson, also argued that the procedure is considered experimental in Ontario and not eligible for coverage, the appeal, submitted on April 22, said.

K.S. then appealed the denial to the Health And Services Appeal and Review Board - who then overturned OHIP's initial decision, arguing that it should be covered even if a penectomy is not performed.

OHIP appealed that, but lost again after the panel determined the surgery - which would leave her penis completely functional and create a 'neo-vagina' in the space between her penis and anus - would be fully insured.

The province's appeal was heard on November 26, 2024 as three judges - Benjamin Zarnett, Steve Coroza and Lise Favreau - rejected the company's arguments to deny coverage because a penectomy was 'neither recommended by K.S.'s health professionals nor desired by K.S,' the court's decision stated.

The appeal's court also said: 'The existence of different techniques to perform a vaginoplasty does not affect this conclusion. It was open to the drafters of the Schedule of Benefits to describe each specifically listed service in broad or narrow terms. Here the description chosen, 'vaginoplasty', is broad enough to encompass different techniques.'

They added that 'a vaginoplasty without a penectomy is an insured service because it is still a vaginoplasty, a specifically listed service,' the document read.

K.S.'s physician said in a letter that she 'identifies as transfeminine but not completely on the "feminine" end of the spectrum and for this reason it's important for her to have a vagina while maintaining her penis,' documents said.

According to Dr. Druce's biography, she is a clinician investigator that focuses on inflammation and chronic disease with an interest 'transgender health.'

The company, which is run by President and CEO Matthew Anderson (pictured), argued the surgery cannot be publicly funded because the vaginoplasty would not be accompanied by a penectomy and is not a procedure listed on its schedule of benefits

'And her hope is to contribute to clinical research in this domain as her career continues,' it continued.

In addition to winning the case to get the surgery, K.S. was also awarded $23,250 by the three judges, the filing said.

The province of Ontario has until June 23 to appeal the latest decision to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Her lawyer, John McIntyre, told National Post his client 'is pleased' with the decision.

'K.S. is pleased with the Court of Appeal's decision, which is now the third unanimous ruling confirming that her gender affirming surgery is covered under Ontario's Health Insurance Act and its regulation,' McIntyre said.

Soon after her first win last April, K.S. took to social media to celebrate her win and posted to a Reddit board for 'bigenital' individuals, per Reduxx.

Judge Benjamin Zarnett (pictured) and two others denied the insurer's appeals, ultimately ruling that taxpayers have to fund K.S.' s surgery. They also awarded her $23,250

In those posts, K.S. said she suffered from bipolar disorder, was a disability advocate.

K.S., who has since deleted her Reddit account, also delved into her sexual fetishes, describing herself as a 'transgender baby' and a 'little' - someone who is attracted to diapers and 'obsessed' with urinary and fecal incontinence, loss of control in the bladder and bowels.

There, she also claimed she designed her bedroom to reflect that of an eight-year-old girl, the outlet found.

Many of her posts were made to the Adult Baby Diaper Lover (ABDL) on Reddit - a group where people are sexually aroused while acting like babies or children.

K.S. has also spoken about her mental health struggles on the platform, detailing her suicidal ideations related to child abuse and little mental health support.
A star of Channel 4's Amazing Spaces has been accused of rape and sexual assault, it has been reported.

James Catling, 32, allegedly attacked a woman at an upmarket pub in Great Tew, Oxfordshire, in September 2022.

He appeared at Oxford Magistrates' Court yesterday afternoon after being charged with one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault last month, according to The Sun.

Catling was arrested the day after the alleged attack but was released under investigation.

His court appearance comes just two weeks after he starred on an episode of long-running property show Amazing Spaces on April 15.

Host George Clarke was left speechless by Catling's renovation of his rare Airstream campervan and described it as the best he had ever seen.

It remains unclear when the programme was filmed, or whether Catling told Channel 4 that he had been charged with the offences when it aired.

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Channel 4.

Wearing black trousers and a chequered shirt, Catling spoke only to confirm his name, age and address in court yesterday.

James Catling, 32, (pictured on Amazing Spaces) allegedly attacked a woman at an upmarket pub in Great Tew, Oxfordshire, in September 2022

George Clarke was left speechless by the 'best' campervan renovation he'd ever seen on Amazing Spaces. Pictured: The campervan after renovation

Catling appeared at Oxford Magistrates' Court yesterday afternoon after being charged with one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault last month

He was released on bail and is due to appear at Oxford Crown Court in May.

It was revealed on the show that Catling left his job as a property developer in 2019 to pursue his stream of restoring Airstream silver bullet campervans in Oxfordshire.

Before appearing on the programme, he had flown to Boston in the hope of claiming one of the most priceless models of them all - a 1947 Airstream, currently the seventh oldest in the world.

His find was incredibly rare - with original Airstream signs on the back and front, only used in the first few years of their production.

But battered and lacking in its famous shine, the prized find needed hours of work and 'deep pockets' to restore to its original state.

The episode witnessed James polishing the metal to make it look brand new, adding 800 new rivets and new panels, all while staying within his 40,000 budget.

And when George returned to see the final result at the end of the episode, he was simply blown away.

When George Clarke visited at the start of the programme, there was a lot of work to be done

Catling's Airstream camper which featured on the show is pictured before he began renovations

George Clarke gasped that the interior of Catling's campervan even resembled a 'luxury private jet'

'This looks absolutely amazing,' he said, adding it was 'the best' he'd ever seen 'without a shadow of a doubt'.

Airstream is an American brand of travel trailer, known for their polished aluminum surfaces.

They have been staples of the camper van industry since they were founded by Wally Byam in the late 1920s.
At least 12 people were left injured, two critically, after an out-of-control electric car smashed into a crowd in Copenhagen.

An elderly man rammed his vehicle into over a dozen pedestrians, benches, and tables near the city's iconic Queen Louise's Bridge, according to Denmark's emergency services.

Twelve people were reportedly involved in the horror collision, Jesper Frandsen, the head of the Copenhagen Police told TV2.

In a shocking scene likened to a 'war zone', the red car mounted the pavement around 3.30pm local time, ploughing into unsuspecting passers-by outside a popular cafe-lined stretch on Sortedam Dossering.

Eyewitnesses described bloodied victims strewn across the street as emergency services raced to the scene.

According to Copenhagen Police, three people remain in critical condition, after first responders desperately worked to save lives in the immediate aftermath.

Seven ambulances and an equal number of police cars descended on the area within minutes of the mayhem, after panicked calls flooded emergency lines.

One dramatic image shared on social media showed a mangled red car stopped across the road, flanked by ambulances and shattered debris.

An elderly man rammed his vehicle into over a dozen pedestrians, benches, and tables near the city's iconic Queen Louise's Bridge, according to Denmark's emergency services

Police and rescue workers operate at Sortedam Dossering, where a car drove into a crowd

Seven ambulances and an equal number of police cars descended on the area within minutes of the mayhem, after panicked calls flooded emergency lines

Eyewitnesses described bloodied victims strewn across the street as emergency services raced to the scene

Stunned locals said the driver, believed to be an elderly man, was helped out of the vehicle and stretchered away by medics.

His battered car left behind a trail of destruction and the popular city in shock.

'The car drove into these table and bench sets in front of the store, and they flew into the air, and people screamed,' said Henny Christiansen, a witness at the scene.

Police confirmed that the man had 'lost control of the vehicle' before crashing into the crowd and are treating the area as an active crime scene.

They say they are investigating whether speed or other factors played a role in the crash.

A wide cordon has been placed around the scene, with traffic halted between Norrebrogade and Sankt Hans Gade as forensic teams comb the area for clues.

The incident has chilling echoes of another tragedy just days ago, when 11 people, including a five-year-old child, were killed in Vancouver after a car ploughed into a festival crowd.

In that case, a 30-year-old 'lone suspect' known to police was quickly arrested.
A leading candidate in the New York City mayoral race has unveiled a $10 million proposal to set up centers for homeless people within the Big Apple's subway network.

Zohran Mamdani wants to convert shopfronts within the MTA system into drop-in facilities that would also serve mentally ill people, Gothamist reports.

The plans are likely to prove controversial among New Yorkers amid growing concern about crime on the subway and the city's homelessness epidemic.

Four in ten riders say they want to see fewer people acting erratically on the subway, according to an MTA survey published last month.

Mamdani's plans were inspired by a similar system which operates in Philadelphia.

'If you just think about New Yorkers who are in a moment of crisis, in a mental health crisis, to just have a place they know they can go to that is in the subway station, where they can get just a moment of relief, a moment of care, a moment of guidance,' he told Gothamist. 'It could be all the difference.'

Unlike his political rivals, Mamdani does not believe in hiring more police to tackle crime on subways.

Instead he proposes appointing workers in the 100 busiest subway stations to act as a point of outreach.

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani wants to create drop-in hubs inside the vacant storefronts which line the MTA system

Mamdani proposes appointing workers in the 100 busiest subway stations to act as a point of outreach

An MTA spokeswoman told Gothamist that there are currently 62 vacant storefronts out of a total of 203 units.

There are about 350,000 homeless people in the city according to the Coalition for the Homeless, which said that the majority of this population will be living with a mental illness or other severe health problems.

This combined with a lack of psychiatric care beds and support has created a safety crisis on the subway.

But policy director for the advocacy group Riders Alliance Danny Pearlstein suggested that attracting vulnerable people down to the centers could exacerbate the current issues.

'We need immediate steps to draw people off the system and into services,' Pearlstein told Gothamist.

'Public space is so precious and this problem is so palpable to so many New Yorkers that it seems irresistible to at least try a solution.'

Critics also noted that the Philadelphia system that influenced Mamdani is considerably smaller than what would be required in New York.

MTA data shows that felony crime fell in the year to February, but a number of high profile incidents has left many New Yorkers fearful about taking the train.

Four in ten riders say they want to see fewer people acting erratically on the subway, according to an MTA survey published last month

New Yorkers have been left feeling unsafe after high profile crimes on the subway, including the death of Debrina Kawam who was set on fire by a homeless man

Among the most shocking was the death of Debrina Kawam, who was set on fire by another homeless man as she slept on the subway.

So far the response by the authorities has been to send in more police who have at times forcibly removed mentally ill people from the system.

Mamdani's plan would form part of his $1 billion public safety proposal.

Candice Player, a vice president at Project HOME, the nonprofit that runs Philadelphia's drop-in center, told Gothamist that MTA bosses have contacted her about the model in her city.

MTA officials refused to comment to the outlet when asked about the feasibility of the democratic socialist's plan.

In the Democratic mayoral primary Mamdani is polling in second place behind disgraced former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, who has promised to hire 5,000 more police officers to tackle the crisis.

Mamdani acknowledges that his plans would come with a hefty price tag which he claims he would fund by pushing for tax increases for the wealthy.

Mamdani's plan would form part of his $1 billion public safety proposal

He is up against incumbent mayor Eric Adams, who is made a shock decision to quit the Democrat party and run for re-election as mayor of New York City as an independent candidate, while decrying extremist politics of the left.

Adams was once seen as a future leader in the party, declaring himself 'the Biden of Brooklyn' when he won four years ago.

He has since drifted from the rudderless Democrats who are furious with his recent deal-making with Donald Trump on immigration law.
Scotland's motorists face the prospect of even more punishing crackdowns after SNP ministers rejected demands to end the war on drivers.

The Scottish Tories lodged a motion to halt the anti-car policies claiming it is punishing already hard-pressed Scots.

But the SNP rejected it and insisted they will continue to take action to reduce car use.

They faced heavy criticism for viewing motorists as the bogeyman with punishing policies like low emission zones and lowering speed limits, while failing to take enough action to tackle potholes and upgrade major roads.

But connectivity minister Jim Fairlie said the claim that there was a war on the motorist was reckless given the environmental crisis, and vowed to continue to take action to reduce transport emissions, especially cars.

Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Sue Webber said: Motorists are not the enemy, they are parents doing school runs, workers getting to jobs, tradespeople running businesses, and carers reaching the most vulnerable - ordinary people going about their everyday lives.

Motorists are essential to Scotlands economy and crucial for our connectivity but they are being punished by this SNP Government through punitive low emission zones, controlled parking zones, botched disincentives to use cars, endless roadworks, a constant battle against pothole-riddled roads, and then there is the SNPs ludicrous plans for a 50 mile per hour national speed limit.

Despite what the SNP say, it is not an exaggeration to describe this as a war against motorists.

SNP connectivity minister Jim Fairlie dismissed claims that his party is waging a war on motorists

'Cars remain the most popular form of transport in Scotland and hard-working Scots feel they are increasingly treated as an afterthought.

She condemned relentless policies which make peoples lives harder and more expensive without a feasible alternative being available.

She added: This insidious drip-drip effect of anti-car policies is hampering our economy and connectivity and punishing already hard-pressed Scots.

The SNP must stop viewing car drivers as bogeymen and end the war on Scotlands motorists, moving away from these damaging policies.

In a vote on the demands to end the war on motorists, the Tory motion was rejected as an SNP amendment was passed by 64 votes to 52.

Mr Fairlie told MSPs: The war on motorists language, used out of context to maximise that political traction, failing to consider the sensitivities of such language, is frankly reckless given the wider global considerations.

The First Minister has spoken about the dangers of the pushback against the climate crisis and the need for unity to make a renewed case for climate action.

'Talking about a war on motorists is unfortunately falling into that trap, but hopefully we can reset the level of our discussion in order to find a solution that I think we can all agree to work to.

He blamed Tory deregulation of buses in the 1980s for decades of decline in public transport, and said people want alternatives to car use.

Mr Fairlie added: We need to reduce carbon emissions from transport, especially from car use, and the Scottish Government remains committed to reducing Scotlands reliance on cars and encouraging a shift towards public transport and active travel, alongside a shift to electric vehicles.

Tory MSP Sue Webber condemned the 'insidious drip-drip effect of anti-car policies'

SNP ministers had to drop a key target to reduce climate emissions by 75 per cent by 2030, which they had previously described as world-leading.

Earlier this year, a report by the Auditor General and Accounts Commission said the Scottish Government is unlikely to achieve another target to cut the number of car kilometres travelled by a fifth before 2030 because of a lack of leadership.

It also raised concerns about decision to reintroduce peak ScotRail fares and also questioned the impact of considerable sums spent on free bus passes for young people.

A draft just transition plan for transport launched by the SNP Government in February proposed further measures to cut car use.

It said there is some support in urban areas for reducing the size of parking spaces to disincentivise SUV use, and for considering vehicle size when setting out road charges and other taxation schemes.

Mr Fairlie yesterday defended current measures like low emissions zones as effective and necessary in order to protect health.

Scottish Labour transport spokesman Claire Baker said: There are areas of the Conservative motion worth considering: there has been problematic implementation of LEZ in Glasgow and the state of Scotlands roads and the cost to motorists of potholes.

But I think it is a stretch to describe this environment as a war on motorists and to seek to create a division on an issue which we as a parliament are all agreed on: the need to reduce emissions to improve air quality and meet our climate change targets.
A notorious grooming gang rapist could who tried to escape justice by feeling to Pakistan could be freed early after he has made a bid to move to an open prison.

Basharat Hussain was part of a grooming gang who were jailed in 2017 for the sexual abuse of girls in Rotherham.

Among the victims was Sammy Woodhouse, whose brave evidence first helped to expose the scandal.

Basharat Hussain was sentenced to 25 years behind bars after being found guilty of 15 charges, including rape and abduction.

He was also found guilty of an additional indecent assault and received a seven-year sentence which he is serving concurrently.

Hussain's brother, and the ringleader, Arshid Hussain was imprisoned for 35 years, brother Banaras Hussain, 44, was handed 19 years and their uncle, Qurban Ali, 53, was jailed for 10 years.

Basharat is now being considered for a move to an open prison as he is three years away from his conditional release date, The Sun reported.

Including time spent on remand, he will have served more than half of his sentence, therefore making him eligible for release.

Basharat Hussain was sentenced to 25 years behind bars after being found guilty of 15 charges, including rape and abduction.

Victim Sammy Woodhouse bravely gave evidence against her abusers after years of abuse by Rotherham grooming gang leader Ash Hussain

Sammy Woodhouse has blasted the move as 'disgusting'.

Basharat and his brothers were part of a vile gang that groomed and raped children for nearly 20 years.

Banaras Hussain was released early in December 2024, serving just nine years of a 19 year sentence.

Banaras was sentenced in 2016 after admitting 10 charges including rape, indecent assault and actual bodily harm, with some of his victims being as young as 11.

It emerged during his trial that Banaras, who is also a convicted drug dealer, was once caught in a police car park with one of his victims while she was performing a sex act on him - but that officers simply drove off.

Sammy Woodhouse, a victim of the grooming gang previously described him as 'one of the most dangerous men in the country'.

Victim turned campaigner Sammy, who gave evidence against all three men, hit out at the potential prison move.

'I received a message from a victim liaison officer asking for my views on Bash being moved to an open prison, that's how I found out about it,' she told The Sun.

She bravely waived her anonymity as a rape victim to expose the paedophile gang

Brothers Ash Hussain (left), Banaras (centre) and Basharat were all jailed for their vile crimes

'It's absolutely insane - he's only served eight years of a 25 year sentence. He should serve his whole sentence or what's the point of giving it out?'

Sammy said she met Basharat before his brother Ash, who was her main abuser.

She said Basharat had kissed her and tried to groom her, but she had managed to escape. Although some of her friends did become victims of Basharat.

She added: 'The thing with Bash is that before the trial he fled to Pakistan and tried to force one of the main witnesses against him to go with him. They had to force him to return for the trial.'

Sammy, 39, was sexually abused as a 14-year-old by ringleader Arshid 'Ash' Hussain and bravely waived her anonymity as a rape victim to expose the paedophile gang.

She was subjected to horrendous abuse including rape, assaults and coercion with threats to kill her family at the hands of Hussain, and in 1999 at the age of 15, Sammy fell pregnant with the 25-year-old's baby.

Opening up about her experience on Crime+Investigation programme Survivors in 2021, she told how she was 'completely out of her depth' as a teenager and had no idea how 'dangerous' Hussain would be.

'I was pretty much his sex doll; he was an absolute monster. I just felt like a dead body on a slab in a morgue', Sammy said.

Sammy, pictured at 15, was sexually abused as a teen by ringleader Arshid 'Ash' Hussain and gave birth to his child

Sammy told how she was 'completely out of her depth' as a teenager and had no idea how 'dangerous' Hussain would be

Sammy said when the trial ended she had believed the men would spend most of their lives in prison. Now having been told they may be getting out soon, she has asked 'what was it all for?'

She even said that had the case not exposed grooming gangs across the country, if she could go back in time, she would not have given evidence against the men.

On the government's websites Category D or open prisons, where Basharat is likely to be moved, are described as having 'minimal security and allow eligible prisoners to spend most of their day away from the prison on licence to carry out work, education or for other resettlement purposes'.

Sammy said the prosepct of knowing Basharat will likely be allowed in and out of open prison makes her feel unsafe.

She will have to tell her abusers where she is, but they will not be allowed to know where they are living.

This is because of conditions of a restraining order which means the brothers are not allowed to visit or contact Sammy. However this requires the men to know where Sammy lives and contact details of her family - including her grandchildren.

Sammy has been campaigning against grooming for years and is currently fighting for children born of rape to be considered victims of crime in the eyes of the law.

She says she has recently had family members of her abusers contacting her family for pictures of her grandson.
A driver who inhaled laughing gas before he killed a frail pensioner as she crossed a road with her walking stick has been jailed for five years.

Washe Manyatelo was driving a Mercedes C220 at excessive speed when he struck Annette Dixon, 70, after she got off a bus in Edinburgh.

The 24-year-old - who fell asleep in a police car following the incident - later refused to provide a blood sample for testing claiming that it was against his religion, the High Court in Edinburgh heard.

The convicted drug trafficker admitted causing the death of his victim by driving dangerously on August 26 in 2023, when he appeared at court earlier this year.

He appeared at the same court to be sentenced yesterday where judge Lady Ross said: The night before, you had been at a party. You had not slept at all that night, or into the following day.

You said that you would take some friends to their homes, and thought that you felt fine to drive, but that arrogant self-assessment of your condition was woefully wrong.

This was a lady in her later years who was much loved by her family.

'I have read the victim impact statements, provided by her children, and they make it very clear that they were close to her and that she is missed terribly.

Washe Manyatelo inhaled laughing gas before he ran over and killed a pensioner crossing the road

Annette Dixon, 70, died after being struck by Manyatelo's car

The impact on them, and on other family members has been profound, and it continues.

The sentence that I impose will not come close to matching their sorrow and their pain, and it cannot measure the value of Mrs Dixons life. No sentence could do that.

The court earlier heard how Manyatelo drove the car at excessive speed having inhaled nitrous oxide and failed to maintain proper observations.

He went into the opposing carriageway, mounted a pavement and grass verge and back onto the road where he struck the pensioner.

Officers found four deflated balloons in his car along with a nitrous oxide canister.

Manyatelo, who is currently serving a jail sentence for being concerned in the supply of cannabis, was found to have cocaine worth up to 1,400 on the streets, secreted on him internally after the crash.

It was discovered that the borrowed Mercedes he was driving would have failed an MOT because of the state of the tyres which would have affected steering and handling.

During a search of Manyatelo, of Edinburgh, officers found a further balloon, similar to those seen in his car, and discovered he had 18 grams of cocaine hidden internally in a plastic bag.

Lady Ross also banned Manyatelo from driving for eight years and 10 months.
A police department in California hired a migrant who has been arrested for rape despite knowing he had previously been apprehended for domestic violence.

Felipe Gomes, a Brazilian migrant, was hired by the Belmont Police Department in the last few months, despite his 2017 arrest for allegedly hitting his wife, according to ABC7.

Just last week, the department had to terminate his position after he was arrested on suspicion of committing forcible rape.

The outlet reported that Belmont Police Chief Ken Stenquist had been informed of Gomes' arrest in 2017, but decided to hire him anyway.

Sources said that the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office and East Palo Alto Police had called warning Stenquist of his arrest and that they had rejected his attempts to be a police officer.

A former commander in San Francisco told the outlet: 'When a department head calls you and says something's wrong, take a closer look or don't hire someone, you should take a closer look.'

Under state law he is allowed to serve as a police officer in California after new legislation was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022.

Bill SB-960 changed the law to allow non-citizens with valid work authorization to become police officers. Gomes has a work permit, sources told ABC.

Felipe Gomes, a Brazilian migrant, was hired by the Belmont Police Department in the last few months, despite his 2017 arrest for allegedly hitting his wife

Only four months ago Gomes had been introduced as one of their new recruits by Belmont Police Chief Ken Stenquist.

He said: 'He was in the Brazilian Air Force and part of their Air Force Police. He was a full-time police soldier and left that position when he moved to the United States.

'He enjoys practicing jiu jitsu and attending church when he's not working.'

The rape incident is said to have occurred when Gomes was off-duty, police said while they declined to comment further.

In a charging affidavit related to the 2017 incident, Gomes is said to have seen texts on his wife's phone from her ex.

He is then alleged to have struck her repeatedly in the face and the stomach, an officer said his wife was left with a large bruise over her face and scratches to her cheek.

The record indicates that Gomes had accused her of hitting and scratching him first, forcing the state attorney to charge both of them with battery and domestic violence.

The charges against the couple were then dropped a month later.

Under state law he is allowed to serve as a police officer in California after new legislation was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom

In an email to ABC7, Chief Stenquist stood by his decision to employ Gomes despite the arrest.

He said: 'Past law enforcement contact that does not result in charges are not disqualifying in of itself under policies or applicable law.'

Rich Corriea, a former San Francisco Police Commander, added: 'In these special victim domestic violence cases, they're often, the charges are dropped.

'They're dropped because the victims have a change of heart all number-- any number of reasons.'

Corriea told the outlet that in this case Gomes should have been disqualified even though the case was dropped.

He added: 'You don't want someone who in a family setting, you know, violence is a place they can escalate to. You want just the opposite. You want natural de-escalators.'

Following his arrest last week, Gomes was booked into the San Mateo County Jail before being released on $100,000 bail bond.

He is set to be at the San Mateo County Superior Court for an arraignment on May 21.
Labor MP Jerome Laxale has apologised after his father made offensive anti-gay comments to a Liberal volunteer at a polling booth.

Mr Laxale's father, Alain Laxale, was seen taunting a man handing out Liberal pamphlets in the marginal seat of Bennelong on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

'How's your boyfriend?' Alain Laxale asked, according to a video seen by The Sydney Morning Herald.

The man replied, 'I'm not gay, buddy,' to which Laxale Senior said, 'How's your bum? How's your bum, sore today?'

'Excuse me?' the man replied.

Mr Laxale, who is the incumbent in a tight race for the Sydney seat, has issued a statement apologising for his father's comments.

'I love my Dad, but the things he said were deeply offensive and completely unacceptable,' he said.

'He should not have said them. Ive spoken to him and he regrets them, and apologises unreservedly.'

Labor MP Jerome Laxale (left) has apologised after his dad Alain Laxale (left) made homophobic comments to a Liberal volunteer outside a polling booth

Alain Laxale (pictured right, with his son Jerome Laxale), made the comments to a Liberal volunteer who has handing out pamphlets

The incident came shortly after the Labor Party complained to the Australian Electoral Commission about volunteers from the Heart Party - which campaigns chiefly against mandatory vaccines - who had been following Mr Laxale around on the campaign trail and taunting him.

Bennelong, which Mr Laxale won in 2022, has become notionally Liberal after a redrawing of boundaries but the margin is just 0.04 per cent.

Mr Laxale previously made headlines when a young childcare worker alleged he had failed to delete naked photos she sent him during an intimate online relationship.

The 27-year-old said she was blocked when she asked why a Liberal Party staffer claimed to have seen her nudes during the 2022 election campaign.

Trouble has also hit the Liberals in Bennelong, after the party's candidate for the seat, Scott Yung, caused controversy when he was spotted handing out Easter eggs to kids outside a primary school as a campaign event.

Mr Yung had arrived before school pick-up time and was greeting children and parents as they came out of the front gates.

The incident angered some parents and that prompted the school principal to make an official complaint to Mr Yung's campaign.

Mr Yung previously ran in the 2019 NSW state election, contesting the seat of Kogarah and narrowly losing to now Premier Chris Minns.

Questions remain over his campaign disclosures during that election, including endorsements from famous Chinese actors, and free work from a public relations agency, which were not declared.

Mr Yung has previously said there was no need to disclose the endorsements and volunteered services because they were provided without charge.
The NYPD's latest wanted poster features a suspect whose assets are now being sought for all the wrong reasons.

Lucie Lora, a 34-year-old woman from Queens, was arrested Wednesday morning after the NYPD released a striking wanted poster with a seductive expression and a plunging neckline.

The scandalous poster was intended to help authorities locate Lora, who along with her brother Carlos Lora Diaz, allegedly attempted to steal his ex-fiancee's engagement ring during a violent confrontation at a Jackson Heights apartment.

But the internet was struck with the crime of sheer lust.

Lora is accused of telling her 38-year-old brother to snatch his exs ring as tensions flared inside an apartment on 32nd Avenue near 91st Street around 9:40 am Thursday, police said.

Diaz allegedly injured the woman's hand in the process, hurting her thumb and pushing her to the ground, hurting her hip, before both suspects fled the scene, according to police.

Around 8 am on Tuesday, several days following the NYPD's release of the eye-catching photo, the pilfering siblings were apprehended around and charged with second-degree attempted robbery.

While its Lora's first known arrest, Diaz has three prior offenses, though details have not been publicly disclosed.

The scandalous poster was intended to help authorities locate Lora, who along with her brother Carlos Lora Diaz, allegedly attempted to steal his ex-fiancee's engagement ring

Lucie Lora, a 34-year-old woman from Queens, was arrested Wednesday morning after the NYPD released a striking wanted poster featuring her with a seductive expression and a revealing neckline that drew widespread attention

Lora's revealing wanted poster has since caught the attention of many as social media users have expressed surprise and amusement over the NYPD's choice of photo.

'I need to see the evidence ... both of them,' one user wrote on X.

'That definitely helps...they at least find her boobs...' another user on X, formerly Twitter, joked.

'Dopes, no one will be looking at her face, never will be apprehended...' one user added.

'Come on guys, someone in NYC should be able to identify those t***,' another wrote.

Another chimed in: 'Wanted for stealing my heart.'

'Every man has been looking for her for a long time,' another quipped.

Just last month, the internet was sent into another frenzy after a sorority girl's stunning mugshot pictured the college girl smiling ear to ear in the grainy police picture.

Lora's revealing wanted poster has since caught the attention of many as social media users have expressed surprise and amusement over the NYPD's choice of photo

Lily Stewart was arrested on March 8 for speeding in excess of maximum limits. In some parts of Georgia, the fine for speeding can be as high as $1,000.

Morgan County Crime shared Stewart's mugshot with her arrest information but it didn't take long for viewers on the Internet to react to the striking image.

'Whatever she did my heart says shes innocent,' one person wrote on social media.

An account on X also shared the mugshot, and hundreds of social media users rushed to the comment section, with one writing, 'Is her phone number in the report? Asking for a friend.'

One person went as far as asking to see her in person, commenting, 'Hey Lily, My fraternity has a date night next week if you are seeing this you are invited.'

Stewart seemed to have a sense of humor about her viral mugshot, posting a TikTok with her favorite internet reactions.

She shared the photo on her account and captioned the post, 'Some of my favorite/unhinged comments on my mugshot.'

Morgan Stewart was arrested on March 8 for speeding in Morgan County, Georgia

Morgan County Crime shared Stewart's mugshot with her arrest information but it didn't take long for viewers on the Internet to react to the striking image

'They done locked up miss America,' one comment read.

'Guilty of stealing my heart, your honor,' another chimed in.

'I guess being pretty is a crime now,' a third joked.

Viewers rushed to Stewart's personal account with jokes about her mugshot, with one comment on her recent post reading, 'I just wanna know how fast you were going cause thats genuinely impressive.'

Stewart was arrested in Morgan County, which borders Athens, where the University of Georgia is located.
A Missouri man who allegedly firebombed a Tesla dealership in Kansas City has been released from federal custody so that he can receive gender-affirming care.

Owen McIntire, 19, was arrested earlier this month for the attack on March 17, in which he allegedly destroyed two Tesla Cybertrucks.

It is believed he used a Molotov cocktail to set the fire while he was home on spring break from the University of Massachusetts - where he is pursuing a degree in physics.

Federal prosecutors had sought to keep the suspect behind bars ahead of a trial claiming he is a risk to public safety and may be detained for terrorism-related charges, after the Trump administration declared attacks on Tesla dealerships to be domestic terrorism.

But on April 24, US Magistrate Judge Jessica Hedges granted McIntire's petition for his pre-trial release after his attorneys argued he has 'serious and ongoing' medical needs and treatments that likely would not be provided in prison, KSHB reports.

The attorneys claimed McIntire has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD and depression, according to KMBC.

He had also started receiving gender-affirming care the month of the Tesla attack - which would likely be interrupted or terminated in federal custody, his attorneys argued, according to court documents obtained by Fox 4 KC.

'By moving back home with his parents, he will have access to the care providers who are familiar with him and his specific needs,' they argued.

Owen McIntire, 19, was arrested earlier this month for allegedly firebombing a Tesla dealership in Kansas City, Missouri

The attack came at around 11.15pm on March 17, when a nearby officer reported seeing smoke coming from one of the Cybertrucks in the lot

The attorneys also cited McIntire's lack of a previous criminal history and his deep ties to the Kansas City area as reasons he would not be a flight risk.

But federal prosecutors have noted that the college student faces 20 years in prison for the Tesla attack - which came amid a series of firebombings at the electric vehicle maker's dealerships around the country as Americans hit out at CEO Elon Musk's role in the Trump administration.

They have claimed that McIntire set fire on several Cybertrucks at around 11.15pm on March 17.

Just one minute later, a Kansas City police officer reported seeing smoke coming from one of the vehicles and found a Molotov cocktail that had failed to detonate nearby, according to the Kansas City Star.

It was described as a clear apple cider vinegar bottle, with a burnt rag found next to it on the pavement.

The officer wrote in his report that he tried to put out the flames with his fire extinguisher, but was unsuccessful - and the fire spread to another Cybertruck and damaged two charging stations before firefighters arrived on the scene.

US Magistrate Judge Jessica Hedges granted McIntire's petition for his pre-trial release on April 24

The fire jumped from one Cybetruck to another and also damaged two charging stations

Police found an undetonated Molotov cocktail nearby, which an officer described as a clear apple cider vinegar bottle, with a burnt rag found next to it on the pavement

During an ensuing investigation, officers obtained surveillance footage from a resident's home a block away that allegedly showed McIntire parking his car outside.

Surveillance footage from a nearby business and from the Tesla Center itself also reportedly showed McIntire wearing dark, flowy clothing and a women's wide-brimmed hat and carrying a light-colored bag.

The footage from the Tesla Center even allegedly showed McIntire lighting a device and throwing it at a Cybertruck.

He then allegedly returned to the resident's house and was seen leaving the area in his vehicle.

A second witness who posted video of the fire to X also told police he saw McIntire fleeing the scene and gave a description - and one day after the fire a third witness, a Tesla employee, reported seeing a person in the area and gave authorities a description that matched the other witness' description.

McIntire was ultimately tracked down using traffic cameras, GPS, cellphone records, history from McIntire's UMass badge and surveillance footage from Kansas City International Airport, KCTV reports.

Authorities also said a DNA analysis from the wide-brimmed hat, which was found near the first witness' home, resulted in just one male profile.

At that point, McIntire was arrested on the University of Massachusetts campus and was charged with one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and one count of malicious damage by fire of any property using interstate commerce.

Authorities ultimately used surveillance footage to track down McIntire, who was home for spring break from the University of Massachusetts at the time

Surveillance footage showed the suspect wearing dark, flowy clothing and a women's wide-brimmed hat and carrying a light-colored bag

DNA from a women's wide-brimmed hat recovered from the scene resulted in just one match

As part of his release, McIntire must now live with his parents in Parkville, Missouri, participate in mental health programs and take any and all prescribed medications.

He has also been ordered to avoid all Tesla dealerships, and will be under home confinement with electronic monitoring.

But McIntire is also expected to appear in federal court on Thursday afternoon for an initial hearing.
A Democratic congressman from the South is in hot water after claiming he did not defend migrants getting deported, 'because I'm not a Latino at the Home Depot.'

'First, they came for the Latinos outside of the Home Depots trying to get work so that they could feed their families,' Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., said during a congressional hearing on Wednesday.

'I didn't say anything about it, because I'm not a Latino at the Home Depot,' the Democrat continued.

The lawmaker appears to have been making his own version of a poem by a Martin Niemoller.

The work, titled 'First They Came,' talks about how officials in Nazi Germany began persecuting communists, socialists and Jews, before the eventually ending with chilling phrase 'Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.'

Johnson clearly sought to connect President Donald Trump's approach to deportation to being akin to Nazi atrocities.

'Then they came for the Hispanic looking folks wearing hats backwards with tattoos, and they deported them to El Salvador,' Johnson recited.

'I didn't say anything about that because I don't wear my hair backward, and I don't have any tattoos, and I don't look like a Latino,' he added.

Rep. Hank Johnson was ripped online after coming up with a poem talking about how President Donald Trump is deporting 'Latinos outside of Home Depot' during a congressional hearing

Johnson at one point seemed to refer to Trump's controversial deportation of Salvadoran Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was booted from the U.S. due to law enforcement getting intelligence indicating he is in the gang MS-13

On X users slammed Johnson for the 'grotesque display.'

'There is obvious absurd humor in this grotesque display,' Jared Culver, a legal analyst for the Immigration Accountability Project wrote.

'Dont let it distract from the common Congress apologia for cheap labor servitude by foreign workersm' he continued. 'They casually justify it.'

'Man..thats hard to watch,' another X user, Brian Hastings, commented.

'Im sure he thought it would be dramatic and cool. But he seemed to realize, about half way through, that he looked like a complete idiot, taking eloquent, historically meaningful words, and making them meaningless.'

Another wrote: 'They are trying to draw a parallel with the Holocaust. Despicable.'

Johnson went on and also alluded to the White House targeting Latinas and children, a nod to recent reports that indicate the administration deported mothers who had children born in the U.S. along with their American kids.

One of the kids was reportedly receiving treatment for cancer before leaving the country.

Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., is arrested with activists from Black Voters Matter during protest to support voting rights outside of Hart Building on Thursday, July 22, 2021

Abrego Garcia, and many other migrants, have been deported by Trump to CECOT, a maximum security prison in El Salvador, which is pictured above

Border Czar Tom Homan, however, has said the mothers opted to be deported with their children as opposed to leaving the youngsters in the U.S.

'Then they came for the Latinas at home taking care of the children. Scooped up the Latinas and the children, some of whom were American citizens, one of whom was receiving treatment for cancer,' Johnson said.

'They swept them up, took them off, and deported them, and I didn't say anything about it, because I'm not a Latina, I'm not a little child who's American, who's an American citizen.'

Johnson's poem continued for about three minutes in total.

He also noted how the Republican has gone after students on visas and recently arrested a 'white' judge for aiding an illegal immigrant.

'They came and arrested a white female judge, a state court judge, presiding over her courtroom and the litigants therein, managing the affairs of her court, and they came and arrested her, and perp walked her to jail,' Johnson's poem concluded.
A quadruple murderer who killed a family and raped a woman at a country house dinner party has died behind bars.

George Stephenson was jailed for life in October 1987 aged 36 after being convicted alongside two others of murdering four people, raping a woman and robbery a year earlier in what became known as the Fordingbridge massacre.

The judge recommended a minimum term of 25 years but his tariff was later raised by the then home secretary to 35 years.

He died aged 73 on April 20 at HMP Full Sutton, a high security prison near York.

'HMP Full Sutton prisoner George Stephenson died in hospital on 20 April 2025,' a Prison Service spokesperson told The Sun.

'As with all deaths in custody, the Prison and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.'

According to media reports of the case, Winchester Crown Court heard how handyman Stephenson killed husband and wife Joseph and Hilda Cleaver, their son Tom and family nurse Margaret Murphy at Burgate House in Hampshire.

George Stephenson was jailed for life in October 1987 aged 36 after being convicted alongside two others of murdering four people

Stephenson killed retired publisher Joseph Cleaver and his wife Hilda (pictured together), both 82, and their son Tom, 47, and his wife Wendy, 46

He and accomplices, brothers John and George Daly, had gone to the wealthy New Forest estate where he used to work to steal shotguns.

John Daly was also convicted of murdering Tom Cleaver's 46-year-old wife Wendy and recieved a life sentence.

George was cleared of murder but sentenced to 22 years for rape, robbery and manslaughter.

Sentencing Stephenson, the judge reportedly told him the murders were of 'indescribable brutality, you showed no mercy and deserve none'.

By the time of the killings, he already had a string of convictions for violence, drugs, deception, burglaries and motoring offences after spending the previous 20 years committing around 70 crimes.

Stephenson's death comes less that two years after he made a Parole Board bid to be freed from jail.

Speaking after the attempt was rejected, Melissa Cleaver said: 'We cannot express how relieved we are to learn that George Stephenson's bid for parole has been refused.

'My mother endured a sadistic, brutal gang rape and indescribable torture before finally being strangled to death.

'My father, grandparents and Maggie were bound, gagged, doused in petrol and set alight, still alive and conscious.

The horrific murder at Burgate House, a secluded mansion in Fordingbridge, Hants, on the edge of the New Forest, took place on the evening of September 1, 1986

Sentencing Stephenson, the judge reportedly told him the murders were of 'indescribable brutality, you showed no mercy and deserve none'

'They lived for several minutes.

'My father, his charred flesh peeling from his body, had dragged himself into an adjacent bathroom in a vain attempt to escape.

'Our beautiful dog was clubbed with a pickaxe so violently that she had to be put down.'

In a summary of its decision, published on Thursday, the body said: 'After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public.

'Nor did the panel recommend to the Secretary of State that Mr Stephenson should be transferred to an open prison.

'He will be eligible for another parole review in due course.'

Ms Cleaver previously called for Stephenson to be denied freedom, telling the Daily Mirror he should die in jail.

Describing him as ringleader in one of the most heinous crimes in history' and branding him a 'psychopath', Ms Cleaver said in her statement that Stephenson 'smirked remorselessly in the dock and his time in prison won't have resulted in a changed man'.

'If he is ever released we feel it inevitable that something or someone will eventually trigger the violence we've seen him capable of,' she added.
A 39-year-old man has been charged after allegedly attacking a 92-year-old woman outside a Melbourne shopping centre.

Police allege the man, who has no fixed address, approached the elderly woman on Douglas Parade in Williamstown around 12.20pm on Wednesday and struck her on the head.

She fell to the ground and lost consciousness.

Members of the public restrained the man until police arrived.

The woman was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Local detectives interviewed the man later that day and charged him with intentionally causing injury.

He is due to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

A 39-year-old has been charged after allegedly striking a 92-year-old woman in Melbourne
There were more conflicting signals on President Trump's tariffs Wednesday, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick saying he had a trade deal that was 'done' but the Treasury secretary and trade officials stopping far short of that.

Trump put in place a 90-day pause of his 'reciprocal tariffs' after a market swoon at the start of the month. Now, Trump and his team have repeatedly sought to calm markets by stating that deals are at hand.

But Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was making no promises in an interview on Fox Business Tuesday evening.

'I'm not going to get ahead of the president. Nothing's done until President Trump announces it,' he told interviewer former White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow.

'So we should wait to hear from President Trump over the next couple of days,' Bessent added.

That was far less definitive a way of putting it than Lutnick, who has been taking some of the blame for the multinational trade war in the press.

'I have a deal done, done, done, done, but I need to wait for their prime minister and their parliament to give its approval, which I expect shortly,' he said in a statement, the New York Post reported.

'I have a deal done, done, done, done,' said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick

Trump himself has been talking up a potential deal with India. 'Indias coming along great. I think well have a deal with India they want to make a deal,' Trump said this week.

But Trump's trip to Michigan Tuesday came and went without a deal to announce.

Nor did Trump announce a new trade deal with any country Wednesday, when he held a cabinet meeting that ran for two hours.

Bessent was non-commital, even when asked about a potential deal with India, bringing up 18 countries the White House said is dealing.

'On the 18 key trading relationship, the president described them to the trade team as bespoke. Every deal is different, and he's going to be involved, so I'll wait to hear from him,' Bessent said.

'Nothing's done until President Trump announces it,' said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent

Bessent was upbeat when saluting Trump publicly for his first 100 days at Wednesday's cabinet meeting. But once again, he stopped short of touting any specific deal.

'I view this 100 days as setting the table for peace deals, trade deals, tax deals. So the next 100 days will be harvesting. You've created negotiating leverage and leadership. They're going to yield remarkable results,' he said.

'Are you busy?,' Trump joked, with Bessent trying to navigate a sprawling trade war that now encompasses key competitors like China as well as traditional allies like Canada and Mexico. 'He's doing a great job,' Trump said.

At the meeting, U.S. Trade representative held up paper with the status of trade talks, but gave no hint that one deal was immediate.

'I don't see any results,' said one expert who deals with the White House who is skeptical of the trade war. 'Look at the ports on the West Coast. They're empty. I mean, we're going to start seeing a shortage of things on the shelves. We're going to start paying more for stuff. And you're also making winners and losers,' said the expert.

Greer in a Wednesday evening interview with Fox News name dropped multiple countries.

He said he has a meeting with Japan Thursday, then mentioned Saudi Arabia and a Friday meeting with the Philippines.

'I wouldnt say finish line close,' he said in reference to India. As for South Korea, 'Theyve been very forward leaning. Were going to see them again very soon,' he told Bret Baier on 'Special Report.'
The United States and Ukraine have signed an agreement over access to Ukraine's natural resources, the White House confirmed to DailyMail.com Wednesday evening.

The deal will provide the U.S. privileged access to new investment projects to develop Ukraine's natural resources, including aluminum, graphite, oil and natural gas.

It was signed after a weeks-long press by President Donald Trump calling on Ukraine to compensate Washington for billions in military and economic assistance to help Ukraine repel the Russian invasion.

The Trump administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid.

Trump has pressed for a settlement in which Ukraine would give up some territory seized by Russia, which has rejected US-backed overtures for a ceasefire of at least 30 days.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out any formal concession to Russia of Crimea, the peninsula seized in 2014 and whose annexation by Moscow is roundly rejected internationally.

But Zelensky has taken care to voice support for Trump's diplomacy after a disastrous February 28 White House meeting where Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated him for allegedly being ungrateful for US assistance.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal said Wednesday morning that the deal was due to be signed in the next 24 hours.

The United States and Ukraine have signed an agreement long pushed for by Donald Trump (pictured) over access to Ukraine's natural resources, the White House confirmed to DailyMail.com Wednesday evening

It was signed after after a weekslong press by President Donald Trump calling on Ukraine President Zelensky (pictured) to compensate Washington for billions in military and economic assistance to help Ukraine repel the Russian invasion

He said on Ukrainian television: 'As soon as all the remaining details are finalized, in the near future, I hope within the next 24 hours, the agreement will be signed.'

The draft sets out the creation of a joint US-Ukrainian fund for reconstruction which will receive 50 percent of profits and royalties accruing to the Ukrainian state from new natural resources permits in Ukraine.

It says that any future US military assistance to Ukraine will count towards the US contribution to the joint fund.

According to the draft, the United States, or other entities it designates, will get preferential, but not exclusive, access to new permits, licenses and investment opportunities in the field of Ukrainian natural resources. Existing deals are not covered.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a video posted to X that 'this partnership allows the United States to invest alongside Ukraine, to unlock Ukraines growth assets, mobilize American talent, capital and governance standards that will improve Ukraines investment climate and accelerate Ukraines economic recovery.'

Calling the deal 'historic', he added: 'As the president has said, the United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war. This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centred on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term.'

Ukraines Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed to The Associated Press that the deal has been signed in Washington.

In a post on X, she said 'Together with the United States, we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment to our country.'

The Financial Times reported that negotiators ran into a hurdle at the last minute over specific details that both parties previously agreed on.

The United States and Ukraine have signed an agreement over access to Ukraine's natural resources

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a video posted to X that 'this partnership allows the United States to invest alongside Ukraine, to unlock Ukraines growth assets, mobilize American talent, capital and governance standards that will improve Ukraines investment climate and accelerate Ukraines economic recovery

Ukraines first deputy prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, who flew to Washington to sign the deal with US treasury secretary Scott Bessent, was reportedly told by his team to 'be ready to sign all agreements, or go back home.'

The Americans reportedly wanted Svyrydenko to sign both a framework deal and a detailed agreement on the joint fund.

Svyrydenko last night wrote on X: Together with the United States, we are creating the fund that will attract global investment into our country. Its implementation allows both countries to expand their economic potential through equal co-operation and investment.

The United States will contribute to the fund. In addition to direct financial contributions, it may also provide new assistance  for example air defence systems for Ukraine.

But Ukrainian officials said they wouldn't be able to do this, as the fund agreement would need to be approved by the country's parliament before it can be signed.

Previous iterations of the deal during negotiations had said that it would include Ukrainian natural gas infrastructure, which is one of Ukraine's most valuable assets, sources with knowledge of the matter said earlier this month.

Gas infrastructure is not covered by the draft seen on Wednesday.

The previous iterations had also stated that the United States would control how the joint fund's revenue was spent, and could therefore receive royalties and profits from Ukraine's natural resources, the sources had previously said.

It comes after it was revealed that Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky pushed US president Donald Trump to take a harder line with Russian despot Vladimir Putin during their historic conversation at St. Peter's Basilica. Trump believes Putin wants to end the invasion

However, this was absent from the draft deal that was slated for signing on Wednesday.

It comes after it was revealed that Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky pushed US president Donald Trump to take a harder line with Russian despot Vladimir Putin during their historic conversation at St. Peter's Basilica.

Following a disastrous meeting in the White House in February, in which Zelensky was unceremoniously booted out of the seat of American power, the two world leaders met face-to-face for the first time in two months at Pope Francis' funeral last week.

While both men were applauded for finally sitting down together, little was known about the content of their conversation until now.

According to Axios, Zelensky told Trump that Putin would not be moved on his position on the invasion of Ukraine until he was forced to.

A source told the outlet that Trump admitted he might have to change his approach to dealing with Putin.

Hours later, Trump criticised Putin in a Truth Social post for attacking Kyiv with a missile strike, writing: 'It makes me think that maybe he doesn't want to stop the war, he's just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through "Banking" or "Secondary Sanctions?" Too many people are dying!!!'

Zelensky also asked Trump to return to his original position on an unconditional ceasefire as a foundation for peace talks, which a source said Trump appeared to agree to.

One person suggested that the reason the Vatican meeting was more positive than their White House meeting was that vice president JD Vance and White House envoy Steve Witkoff were not present.

It is not currently clear how long Trump will hold up his more critical stance towards Russia.

Last night, Trump told ABC News that though Putin 'could be tapping me on a little bit', he still believed the despot was keen to end the invasion.

Russia told Trump that peace in Ukraine wont come quickly, despite the president being frustrated with negotiations.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said peace was too complicated to be done overnight

in a blow to Washingtons ceasefire push. He also said Vladimir Putin was ready to enter direct talks with Kyiv  stating a peace deal should be done with Ukraine and not with America.

It risks further provoking Trump, who said he was increasingly frustrated with Moscow and Kyiv earlier this week and threatened to walk away.

Peskov told reporters: We understand that Washington is willing to achieve a quick success in this process, but at the same time we hope for understanding that the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis is too complicated to be done overnight.
On the morning of Monday, May 7, 1945, a young clerk from Grays, Essex, left home with an unusual goodbye to her family: 'See you after the war!'

'At last, I am beginning to feel fluttery inside,' she noted, as she returned to Knightsbridge and the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) unit where she was serving.

Rumours of a German surrender had been circulating for days: 'There is an atmosphere of exhilaration in the office with everyone cracking feeble jokes and laughing enormously at each other's efforts.'

She had already bought red, white and blue ribbon, a paper Union Jack and 'a tawdry Stars and Stripes on a stick' in anticipation of a party.

But as the hours wore on that afternoon, she and her colleagues heard nothing. 'What a day!' she scrawled later, in frustration. 'At 5.15 the evening papers come in and are scanned for concrete news. The war is over  that's obvious  but when is Churchill going to say so?'

The impatient young woman's recollections are part of an extraordinary archive of wartime experiences gathered by Mass Observation, a social survey set up in 1937 to create a snapshot of life in Britain.

The Mass Observers were volunteers who agreed to write diaries describing their daily lives. In addition, some were part of a National Panel that responded to the project's eclectic, open-ended questionnaires, which asked their opinions on everything from behaviour at war memorials to beards.

This was not a 'representative sample' of the population, such as one might find questioned in an opinion poll today, but a group of self-selecting, strong-minded individuals who were attracted by the idea of recording their experiences, thoughts and feelings for posterity.

WW2 American soldiers and British girls celebrate VE DAY in Piccadilly Circus London on 8 May 1945

A truck of revellers passing through the Strand in London following the announcement of Germany's surrender and the end of hostilities in Europe

The People's Victory: VE Day Through The Eyes Of Those Who Were There by Lucy Noakes, published today by Atlantic at 22

By 1945, many hundreds were contributing and today, as the 80th anniversary of VE Day approaches, their words paint a compelling portrait of both the terrors of war and the surge of joy that bubbled up as the conflict came to an end.

Tuesday, May 8, was officially designed as Victory in Europe Day  when both prime minister Winston Churchill and King George VI would address the nation  but once the BBC had interrupted a concerto at 7.40pm on Monday evening to announce that fact, there was no stopping the crowds.

Despite it being CB [confined to barracks] night, the clerk and her co-workers were given permission by their company commander to go out  with strict instructions to be back by midnight: 'We rush back for our hats and jump on a bus to Hyde Park Corner,' she wrote.

Thousands of others had the same idea. In Trafalgar Square, crowds danced and sang The Marseillaise and Knees Up Mother Brown. In Haymarket, people lit little bonfires, fed by newspapers. The centre of London became one mass of yelling, laughing, singing, shrieking people.

'Most of the men are in uniform,' noted our ATS clerk. 'All services and nationalities. The Canadians are noisy, the sailors are merry, the airmen are drunk (or pretend to be), the Americans have a girl apiece . . . All the way to Knightsbridge, happy groups pass, and people still hope to get buses home. This is midnight, Victory Eve  and, oh, my poor feet!'

These are the images of VE Day that have been burned into the national consciousness: cheering, patriotic crowds overflowing with excitement and thankfulness.

But the testimonies of the Mass Observers paint a far more nuanced picture. By VE Day, after six years of deprivation and loss  more than 270,000 British combatants and 63,000 civilians would eventually be confirmed dead or missing  many were too exhausted and sorrowful to raise any enthusiasm for partying.

Others, with sons or brothers still fighting in the Far East or festering in Japanese prisoner of war camps, actively resented the scenes of jubilation. For them, the war was not over.

Young children in bomb scarred Battersea in south London (England) with their Union Flags. May 8, 1945

VE Day Celebrations, London, May 8, 1945, in Trafalgar Square

'I have no plans for VE Day. It can't mean much to us as my daughter's husband is a prisoner and we have heard nothing since December,' one woman told Mass Observation.

Another said there was little cause for celebration for a widowed friend: 'Peace won't bring back her husband, killed in [the] Coventry blitz, nor her house, destroyed [at the] same time.'

A woman in North Yorkshire wrote: 'Indeed, I felt like weeping on the actual VE Day. I thought of all the lads that would never return, of their families, of the crippled, of the war with Japan still to be won.'

Mass Observation writers were rarely public figures, and we often know little about them other than their ages, sex and location.

They wrote either in the form of diaries or as responses to the Directive questionnaires, and each was given a code number to ensure their privacy, though two  Nella Last, the daughter of a railway clerk in Barrow-in-Furness, and Naomi Mitchison, a Scottish novelist, poet and landowner whose husband Dick was elected as a Labour MP in 1945  later became known when their diaries were published. Mass Observation also employed a small pool of 'professional' observers, referred to as Investigators, often themselves volunteers, who were sent out into wartime Britain to question the people they met and to record what they saw.

In these reports, Mass Observation attempted to classify people by gender, age and social class, for example someone might be categorised as 'F45D', which translates as 'Female, aged 45, Social Class D' (manual labour), or M25B: 'Male, 25, Social Class B' (intermediate managerial, administrative, professional), and so on.

Living on the Carradale estate on the Kintyre peninsula in Scotland, Naomi Mitchison lived in far grander style than most Mass Observation diarists. The novelist made regular trips to London, where the family had a second home, and arrived in the capital on the sleeper train for VE Day.

VE (Victory in Europe) Day celebrations in the East End of London, marking the end of the war in Europe

Soldiers pulling copies of 'Stars and Stripes' from the press of the London Times at 9 pm on 7 May 1945. An extra edition was put out to announce the news of Germany's surrender. The headline reads 'Germany Quits'

Taking the Underground, she was struck that the Tube stations where people had been sheltering at night were now clear: 'Most of the bunks had gone already and I wondered where people were sleeping. Still the odd feeling of London being safe!'

That afternoon, she went into the West End with some friends. 'I bought a small USSR flag for Val [her daughter], she was wearing a blue skirt, light blue blouse and red scarf and looked beautiful.

'I didn't get any myself but wore my Croix de Lorraine [the symbol of the Free France forces during the Second

World War]. 'We had lunch at the Cafe [Royal] at 12.45 . . . When we got out there was quite a crowd. Almost everyone was tired and wanting to look, rather than do. They were sitting where possible, lots on the steps of St Martins.

'Most people were wearing bright coloured clothes, most of them red, white and blue in some form. (I was wearing my kilt and a blouse. Much too hot, as I found.) Most women had lipstick and a kind of put-on smile, but all but the very young looked very tired when they stopped actually smiling.'

For the ATS clerk who had been carousing in Piccadilly the night before, it was a quiet day at home: 'We stayed in listening to the radio, and had a family party at tea time. In the centre of the table was a dish of canned pineapple, which Mother had saved through all the long years for this day.'

Her mother wasn't the only one who had been saving something special to eat. A Sheffield accountant wrote that: 'In January 1941, we purchased some tinned chicken and, as we have never been called upon to use it, we promised ourselves a treat on Peace Day . . . It proved something of a disappointment, for, although it is genuine chicken  bones, skin and meat  it is spoilt by aspic jelly. A tin of sausages, purchased in November 1940, proved much more acceptable for lunch.'

In Fleet, Hampshire, an electricity sub-station worker described how his family enjoyed 'our much-discussed tin of brisket of beef'. They had bought it five years earlier and 'it was reserved for use if we had no meat for a week, or for peace, whichever came first. Peace won, fortunately.'

During the course of the war, Nella Last had reflected on the differences between Churchill and the previous prime minister Neville Chamberlain, concluding: 'If I had to spend my whole life with a man, I'd choose Mr Chamberlain, but I think I would sooner have Mr Churchill if there was a storm and I was shipwrecked'.

Churchill's speeches, with their promise to 'fight on the beaches. . . the landing grounds . . . the fields . . . the streets [and] the hills' and his assertion that in a thousand years' time 'men will still say 'this was their finest hour' helped create the mythology of the war.

In this May 8, 1945 file photo a vast crowd assembles in front of Buckingham Palace, London to cheer Britain's Royal family as they come out on the balcony, centre, minutes after the official announcement of Germany's unconditional surrender in World War II

British men, women and children celebrating 'Victory in Europe Day' in the street on May 8, 1945

Churchill gave two speeches on VE Day. The first was broadcast over the wireless from Downing Street at 3pm, and was described by one Mass Observation writer who was standing in Whitehall, where it was relayed by speakers: 'Big Ben strikes three . . . the crowd send up a mighty cheer.

'And then follows Mr Churchill and, for the time being, the voice of the Prime Minister is the only voice to be heard in Whitehall. People hang on to every word he has to say. When he tells them that, as from midnight tonight, hostilities will cease there's loud cheers, and again when people hear that the Channel Islands will likewise be freed as from midnight tonight.

'But there's whoops of joy and waving of hats and flags when he comes to that point in his speech when he declares that 'The German war is therefore at an end'.'

The second speech was given from the balcony of the Ministry of Health in Whitehall, which became the focal point of the day, even more so than the appearance of the Royal Family at nearby Buckingham Palace.

Mass Observation had an investigator in place as the crowds, and the atmosphere, built up: 'Lower Whitehall, 1.45pm. Whitehall is jammed with people. Thousands and thousands line the pavements. (Policeman estimates the crowds at 50,000.)

'A continuous stream of people walk in the roadway and the policeman calls 'Now move along there, please keep moving'. Everybody's pushing one another and laying the blame onto someone else. But it's done in good humour.

'The only time it does get ruffled is when some latecomer tries to wrangle a place in the front row and the crowd doesn't stand on ceremony.' At least one fight broke out.

In his second speech, Churchill told the people: 'My dear friends, this is your hour.

'This is not a victory of a party or of any class. It's a victory of the great British nation as a whole. We were the first, in this ancient island, to draw the sword against tyranny. . .

'There we stood, alone. Did anyone want to give in?'

(The crowd shouted 'No!')

'Were we down-hearted?'

'No!'

Two British sailors in a fountain in Trafalgar Square, London, with Joyce Digney (left) and Cynthia Covello, members of the Land Army, who travelled to London to celebrate VE Day

Crowds in Westminster as Big Ben strikes 3pm, the moment when Prime Minister Winston Churchill made his statement from Whitehall, broadcast to the nation, declaring that the war in Europe is over

The partying continued into the night. After resting at home for a few hours, Mitchison and her husband ventured out for dinner. In Piccadilly, 'there were a lot more drunks and broken bottles than earlier, and a few people crying or having hysterics or collapsing, and a lot of ambulances'.

They decided to catch the Tube back to their London home in Hammersmith. People were dancing near the station when they arrived, and she stopped to 'dance a reel' with 'a nice drunk Glasgow Sergeant' and then 'joined in one or two 'snake dances' '.

They left swiftly when a 'very drunk and rather repulsive lady tried to get off with Dick'.

After a short stop at a local pub where 'people were singing with the minimum of tune', they went home to their riverside house, where 'we went onto the roof and looked at the searchlights whirling beautifully around and reflected onto the river.'

VE Day was coming to an end. Other diarists were still celebrating, determined to wring every scrap of excitement and pleasure out of the day  whether in the crowds of central London, around the bonfires, or in packed pubs in cities, towns, villages and suburbs across Britain.

The long war in Europe was over. Some diarists reflected on the moment, others looked back over the past years, while others looked forward  often with anxiety.

Princess Elizabeth is greeted by crowds as she tours the East End of London on the day after VE Day

One rather affluent lady diarist had started the war by packing away a candelabra and 'wondered when, if ever, it would come out again, for I feel this is the end of my class and way of life'.

Now, as the war ended, a housewife in Sevenoaks found herself equally at a loss. The war had given even domestic drudgery a sense of meaning and value. Suddenly, she found herself 'deeply depressed and . . . as if [I] were floating in nothingness'.

Hitler had been defeated, but the wartime coalition with the Soviet Union was breaking down and India was calling for independence. Ahead lay a summer election and the long task of reconstruction.

Britain had survived the war, but not unscathed; the country and everyone in it stood on the edge of an uncertain future.

The People's Victory: VE Day Through The Eyes Of Those Who Were There by Lucy Noakes, published today by Atlantic at 22.
Reform is poised to sweep to victory in two major mayoral contests today, as a former Labour adviser warned that Sir Keir Starmer's party is 'toast' in local elections.

Polling yesterday suggested Nigel Farage's party is on course to have two mayors, in Lincolnshire and Hull, with Labour pushed into third place in both.

Bookmakers have also installed Reform as odds-on favourites to seize one of Labour's safest parliamentary seats in Runcorn and Helsby in a by-election.

Voters go to the polls today in 23 local authority areas and six mayoralties in England in the biggest electoral test since the general election.

Polls suggest both Labour and the Conservatives are likely to be punished by disillusioned voters.

John McTernan, who was a senior No 10 adviser to Tony Blair, yesterday warned Labour was set to take a beating because of the Government's unpopularity.

He told Times Radio: 'Labour are toast. There's nothing that can be done in the next 24 hours that can change the election results.

'You look at all the focus groups, if you go to any of them, what do people associate the Labour Party with?

A Labour source dismissed Mr McTernan's criticism, but acknowledged the party faced a 'difficult' set of elections

Polling yesterday suggested Nigel Farage's party is on course to have two mayors, in Lincolnshire and Hull, with Labour pushed into third place in both

'Taking winter fuel payments away from pensioners. Why are they attacking pensioners? Why are they now attacking the disabled? That's what people are saying.'

A Labour source dismissed Mr McTernan's criticism, but acknowledged the party faced a 'difficult' set of elections.

The Conservatives face the heaviest losses. Kemi Badenoch yesterday acknowledged a 'plague on all your houses vibe' among voters about the traditional parties.

But Mrs Badenoch's spokesman insisted she would not resign, regardless of how bad the losses may be.

He added: 'It is a statement of fact that it is going to be a tough night.

'But she was elected on the basis of a long-term plan and she is only five months in.'

Polling yesterday suggested Reform is set to win in the inaugural mayoral contests in both Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire.

Kemi Badenoch, pictured, yesterday acknowledged a 'plague on all your houses vibe' among voters about the traditional parties

The YouGov poll suggested outspoken former Tory education minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns, who defected to Reform last year, is set to secure 40 per cent of vote in Lincolnshire  well ahead of her Tory rival on 25 per cent.

In Hull and East Yorkshire, Reform's Luke Campbell is on 35 per cent, 15 points clear of his rival. The poll also suggested Labour is set to lose the West of England mayoral contest to the Greens.

Labour sources last night insisted the Runcorn by-election was not a 'lost cause'  but struggled to explain why Sir Keir has failed to visit the constituency, which Labour won at the general election with a majority of almost 15,000 votes.

The by-election was called after former MP Mike Amesbury admitted assaulting a constituent on a drunken night out.
Labor frontbencher Anika Wells has appeared to offer a third position on the Voice in as many days.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong sparked a firestorm when she suggested the Voice, like the struggle for marriage equality, was inevitable in a podcast interview with the Betoota Talks podcast.

The Prime Minister denied that's what she had said, insisting that the Voice is 'gone'.

But now the Minister for Aged Care and Sport has suggested that the Voice may continue in another 'form'.

Appearing on the ABCs News Breakfast this morning, Wells was asked directly: 'Voice to Parliament, will it make a comeback do you think at some point?'

She responded: 'The Voice in the form we took to the referendum is gone.

'We respect the opinions and the votes of people, they made that very clear, but we're always looking for ways to help First Nations people and for that policy to be tangible and credible.'

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has touted Wells as a future leader of the party.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton seized on Wells' comments, claiming it was evidence that 'the Voice, in some form, presumably through legislation, is going to be a part of the Albanese governments next term in power, if theyre successful on Saturday'.

'I'll just ask Australians to think about that for a second,' he said.

'You sent a very clear message to the prime minister that you said no to the Voice, and now the prime minister is saying back to you, "well, weve got this secret plan, when we're in government, to reintroduce the Voice in the form of legislation".'
Kneecap's manager appeared to praise terror leaders and compare Israel to the Nazis in a string of unearthed social media posts.

Last night, Jewish leaders wrote to organisers of the Glastonbury Festival demanding the rap group be 'immediately removed' from this year's line-up.

It comes after the Mail revealed the Irish trio told fans to 'kill your local MP' and said 'the only good Tory is a dead Tory' during a concert in November 2023.

Scotland Yard are also looking into footage from a show in November 2024 during which a band member appeared to shout: 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah'.

In a post on X, Daniel Lambert, who has managed the band since 2019, shared two pictures of the Brandenburg Gate  one with it draped in Nazi flags, the other in Israeli flags. He captioned them: 'History repeating itself in Berlin...'

Meanwhile, on December 14, 2024, Mr Lambert shared a picture of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah with the caption: 'Hassan Nasrallah spoke an awful lot more sense than Netanyahu does'.

He also shared an image of October 7 mastermind Yaya Sinwar alongside a quotation from the Hamas leader: 'Does the world expect us to be well-behaved victims while we are getting killed?'

Kneecap's manager appeared to praise terror leaders and compare Israel to the Nazis in a string of unearthed social media posts. Pictured: Naoise o Caireallain, Mo Chara and DJ Provai of Kneecap

In a post on X, Daniel Lambert (pictured), who has managed the band since 2019, shared two pictures of the Brandenburg Gate  one with it draped in Nazi flags, the other in Israeli flags. He captioned them: 'History repeating itself in Berlin ...'

It comes after the Mail revealed the Irish trio told fans to 'kill your local MP' and said 'the only good Tory is a dead Tory' during a concert in November 2023. Last night, Jewish leaders wrote to organisers of the Glastonbury Festival demanding the rap group be 'immediately removed' from this year's line-up



Scotland Yard are also looking into footage from a show in November 2024 during which a band member appeared to shout: 'Up Hamas , up Hezbollah'

And on the day of the October 7 attacks, Mr Lambert, a former Irish ambassador to the UN, tweeted: 'Gaza is now attempting to break out of its prison and striking for liberation.' He also wrote: 'Gaza is an occupied territory and therefore has the right to armed resistance under International Law.'

A legal representative for Mr Lambert said the Netanyahu claim was 'in reference to a very specific video clip', adding: 'This cannot be equated with 'praising Hamas and Hezbollah leaders'.'

The legal representative also said Mr Lambert 'did not compare Israel to Nazis  he compared 'Zionists', adding: 'The reference to 'resistance' was in reference to the topic of international law... and the fact resistance is 'legal'.'

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp urged Glastonbury to ban the group.

And Andrew Gilbert, of the Board of Deputies, said it is 'writing to the organisers of Glastonbury to urge them to immediately remove Kneecap from their line-up...'
Labour's biggest union backer attacked the Net Zero drive last night, warning that it is set to become a 'political millstone' around the party's neck.

Amid growing unrest over the green agenda, Unite took aim at the Government's 'laughable' inaction to protect jobs.

And Keir Starmer failed to guarantee Ed Miliband would stay in post as splits within Labour became apparent.

The row over Net Zero was re-ignited by former prime minister Tony Blair who this week delivered a scathing verdict on Mr Miliband's programme.

Sir Tony said any strategy based on phasing out fossil fuels in the short term or limiting consumption was 'doomed to fail'.

He said the public would be resentful at 'being asked to make financial sacrifices and changes in lifestyle when they know that their impact on global emissions is minimal'.

His intervention prompted anger within the Government, and No10 failed to deny that it had asked the Tony Blair Institute to issue a clarification yesterday.

Coming just before Sir Keir was set to face a tough grilling at Prime Minister's Questions, a spokesman for the TBI insisted its report, for which Sir Tony wrote the critical foreword, backed the administration's climate target.

Labour's biggest union backer attacked the Net Zero drive last night, warning that it is set to become a 'political millstone' around the party's neck (file photo)

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer MP, speaks during the Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite the Union, at the UK Labour Party annual conference

But, as Labour tried to turn down the heat of the argument, Unite stepped up the pressure by questioning the current path to Net Zero and saying it must 'deliver an industrial strategy underpinned by a fully-funded workers' transition, or Net Zero will become a political millstone around Labour's neck'.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'Unite is not against Net Zero but it will not be achieved without serious investment in new jobs.

'Unite has warned time after time, that all the rhetoric about a joined up industrial strategy and future jobs must be backed up with serious investment that actually delivers. What is Labour waiting for? The time to act is now.

'If they fail to do this, then Labour cannot expect workers to support their Net Zero plan.'

Unite's intervention comes after the GMB union described the Government's energy policy as 'bonkers'.

General Secretary Gary Smith said it was 'absolute madness' to be cutting off investment into North Sea oil and gas, and warned of a 'growing sense of betrayal'.

Last night it was reported that new homes will have to be built with solar panels as standard under green plans being considered by ministers.

The Times said developers will be mandated to include the roof panels, adding up to 4,000 to the cost of a detached house, in an attempt to cut homeowners energy bills and carbon emissions.

The row over Net Zero was re-ignited by former prime minister Tony Blair who this week delivered a scathing verdict on Mr Miliband's programme

Energy Secretary Ed Milliband leaves Downing Street, London, after a Cabinet meetin

Downing Street has said  at times when Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy were under fire  that they would keep their Cabinet positions for the whole of Labour's five-year term in power.

Asked if Sir Keir had confidence in Energy and Climate Change Secretary Mr Miliband, the Prime Minister's official spokesman told reporters: 'Absolutely. He's doing a fantastic job.'

But pressed on whether he would stay in post for the rest of this Parliament, the spokesman refused to confirm it, adding: 'The PM absolutely backs the Energy Secretary. He does a great job in winning the global race for the jobs of the future.'

Highlighting that perhaps not all in the Cabinet side with Mr Miliband's plans, Environment Secretary Steve Reed had earlier yesterday rejected suggestions that Sir Tony's intervention amounted to a 'public tantrum'.

'He's making a valid and important contribution to a very significant debate,' Mr Reed told Times Radio. 'I agree with much of what he said, but not every word of it.'

Downing Street distanced Sir Keir from Sir Tony's intervention  in which the former PM said most political leaders 'would like to start taking some of the hysteria out of the climate debate but are reluctant to be the first to do so'.

Asked whether the PM believed hysteria was present in the international debate on climate change, his spokesman said: 'I don't think so we're taking a very practical and pragmatic approach to this in the UK.'

Andrew Bowie, Tory energy spokesman, told the Mail last night: 'No amount of contrived backtracking can cover for the fact that Tony Blair clearly thinks the Labour Party's approach to Net Zero is causing hardship for the British people.'

Last night it was reported that new homes will have to be built with solar panels as standard under green plans being considered by ministers (file photo)

Tory peer Craig Mackinlay, founder of the Net Zero Scrutiny Group, said Sir Tony 'as a skilled political operator can see that unilaterally imposed high electricity prices, de-industrialision and ever more unpopular policies which restrict choice on the altar of Net Zero will always be rejected by the electorate.'

Norway's energy minister Terje Aasland said his country would never turn its back on North Sea oil and gas in the way Britain has done. He told The Telegraph it 'creates a lot of value for Norwegian society. In the UK, the oil and gas industry contributed in just the same way  until now.'

But Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told LBC: 'The transition to Net Zero can unlock really good jobs across the country.'
It was the weirdest of love triangles  a king's brother, desperately in love with a married woman. His wife doing her best to befriend the mistress, writing what amounted to love-letters to her. The mistress knocking on her prince's bedroom door while his wife slept in an adjoining room.

Sex, back in the Edwardian era, was done differently.

Hiding behind a bulbous moustache and looking pompous and old before his time, Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught, looked as strait-laced as you'd expect the favourite son of Queen Victoria to be.

Far from it. He hid his passion for women so that  even a century later  it's impossible to know exactly what he got up to when left alone in bedrooms, drawing-rooms, on board ships and in darkened corners.

The key to Arthur's colossal passion lay in hundreds of letters he wrote to his mistress Leonie, Lady Leslie  letters which, when he died, were urgently ordered to be destroyed by King Charles's grandfather, George VI.

Though apparently happily married to a German princess, Louise Margaret of Prussia, it was Leonie who gripped him.

The Duke of Wellington presenting a gift to Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught for his baptism at Buckingham Palace with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1851

Prussian royal, Princess Louise Margaret, Duchess of Connaught, married Prince Arthur

Prince Arthur and Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia making their wedding vows at Windsor

Bizarrely, Leonie equally forced her worldly charm on the duchess. 'For decades Leonie ruled the Duchess, and ran the Duke,' wrote her granddaughter Anita Leslie.

'He thought of her by day, and dreamt of her by night,' wrote Arthur's biographer. And Arthur's wife, known as Louischen, seemed just as smitten - 'This was an unusual relationship because the Duchess joined in it to the full, and was quite as enchanted by Leonie as was Prince Arthur.'

Arthur and Leonie were introduced at a party in Ireland given by Lord Rossmore at a time when, after 20 years of marriage, Louischen had become bad-tempered, introspective, and unwell.

It took no more than a minute for him to fall for her charms.

Leonie Jerome was a dazzling, outspoken American heiress married to Jack Leslie, heir to Castle Leslie in County Monaghan, Ireland. Her sister Jenny Jerome was married to aristocratic politician Lord Randolph Churchill and was the mother of Winston Churchill.

Though nine years Arthur's junior, Leonie became a mother-figure to a prince who was nervy and prone to depression.

'As an American she was untarnished by the staleness of British etiquette,' wrote biographer Noble Frankland. 'She was gifted and amusing, and married to a husband who could scarcely be described as anything more than ordinary.'

The relationship hotted up quickly, and though Arthur continually protested it was 'pure', that was because he was doing his best not to be compared with his older brother with his scores of mistresses and concubines.

'He relied on her for the advice and encouragement,' wrote biographer Noble Frankland, 'and the Duchess too was increasingly depending on Leonie for advice and friendship'.

Queen Victoria's dashing son, Prince Arhur, Duke of Connaught who was happily married to Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia but it was Lady Leonie Leslie that gripped him

A young Winston Churchill with his aunt Lady Leonie Leslie, her sister Lady Randolph had an affair with Edward VII, The Duke of Connaught's brother

The famous Jerome sisters, Jennie, Clara and Prince Arthur's mistress, Leonie

'In fact it was the Duchess who made the relationship between Prince Arthur and Leonie into a triangle of intimate friendship embracing all three.'

That's putting it diplomatically. Arthur had the hots for Leonie, and his duchess was clinging on to her marriage for dear life. Desperately, she wrote to Leonie admiring 'your kindness, unselfishness, and goodness  and your power of self-denial which makes the foundation of all that is good and true.'

At times the tone of Louise's letters to Leonie were almost pleading - and at one stage, when Leonie felt she was in too deep and wanted to withdraw from this messy menage a trois, the duchess pleaded both on her behalf and that of her husband that Leonie would not 'fold up her tent' and go away.

Guiltily, Leonie reached out to the duchess to such an extent that Arthur began to believe that 'you love my wife more than u love me!'

The king - Bertie  adored hearing about this love-tangle, and joked that when the trio went travelling it was 'only right that Arthur should have two strings to his bow'.

To which the Duke snapped back that those who lived in glass houses shouldn't throw stones  His Majesty had, after all, had an affair with Leonie's sister, Jenny.

Arthur was an important royal who took his position seriously. The third son of Queen Victoria, he moved up the royal pecking order when his older brother Affie inherited the dukedom of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and moved to Germany.

To demonstrate how significant he was in the Edwardian era, his homes included Clarence House  now occupied by King Charles and Queen Camilla  and Bagshot Park, the sprawling estate near Windsor which is currently home to Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

Jennie Jerome seen holding her dog , later Lady Randolph Churchill, Winston's mother, with her mother and two sisters Clarita and Leonie

Bagshot Park, the Surrey home of the Duke of Connaught, built in 1879 for Prince Arthur and is the current home of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh

The Duke and Duchess of Connaught in the great Durbar procession in Delhi, India, 1903 in honour of the Coronation of King Edward VII

Soon he was sent by Bertie to represent the realm in India at a jewel-bespattered Durbah. The journey by the ship HMS Renown would be long and arduous, and meant Arthur would be parted from his beloved Leonie for six months.

So, he took care of that by appointing Leonie as his wife's lady-in-waiting, and her complaisant husband Jack Leslie as his aide-de-camp. If Jack knew what was going on between his boss and his wife, he certainly never let it show.

Later Arthur would spend hours going over the Indian trip - 'the highlight of my life' with his lover. He recalled Leonie's 'three soft little taps on my door' at night as his wife was asleep next door.

But all too soon their private honeymoon was over and Leonie returned to her husband's vast estates in Ireland. She wondered whether she would see her 'Bon Ami' again.

She did, but after the death of the Duchess of Connaught at the age of 56, the relationship altered. Arthur retired to the South of France, and there succumbed to his 'tendency to fall in love', as a friend put it.

Arthur retired to the South of France, and succumbed to his 'tendency to fall in love'. One of these women was American heiress, Rhoda Doubleday, March 1915

Leonie moved back to Castle Leslie, Glaslough, County Monaghan after India trip

Landowners, Sir John Leslie with his wife Lady Leonie Leslie

American heiress Rhoda Doubleday, British socialite Gladys Deacon  later Duchess of Marlborough  and Canadian Ethel McGibbon came to keep the Duke company. Arthur confessed to Leonie that he wanted to marry McGibbon  and despite the passing of the years, Leonie was jealous.

Their affair was over, though they continued to correspond. The loving couple were to die within a year of each other  Arthur in 1942, Leonie in 1943  but the true intimacies between the two lovers were never to be revealed.

In the height of the Second World War, King George VI took time out and ordered their love-letters be destroyed. Arthur's daughter, Lady Patricia Ramsay, duly obliged, and word was sent out to Leonie's son, writer Shane Leslie, that he should do the same with his mother's letters from the duke.

And so the intimate details of the weirdest love-triangle in royal history were hushed - forever.
Meghan Markle could still be using her royal title despite the late Queen warning her against it and the couple promising not to use their titles to make money.

The title 'HRH, The Duchess of Sussex' was spotted on a card she sent her friend Jamie Kern Lima inside a gift basket.

Prince Harry and Meghan, 43, have previously agreed not to use their HRH titles for commercial purposes following their exit from the British Royal Family in 2020.

The gift basket was sent to Meghan's friend, CEO of IT Cosmetics Jamie, when she had in-laws staying and the Duchess wanted to help.

A screenshot of the hamper has since circulated online after featuring on Jamie's podcast on Sunday - and features the Duchess' homemade strawberry jam.

Halfway through the chat the host revealed Meghan sent her a gift box of food and the thank you card around a year ago.

The basket also includes two jars of Straus ice cream, some flowers, mint, and the note with Meghan's royal title embellished on it.

Royal fans have reacted furiously to the name on the card with one writing on X: 'I thought they couldn't use HRH?'

The gift basket was sent to Meghan Markle's friend, CEO of IT Cosmetics Jamie Kern Lima, when she had in-laws staying and the Duchess wanted to help out

Prince Harry and Meghan have previously agreed not to use their HRH titles for commercial purposes following their exit from the British Royal Family in 2020. They are pictured in 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa

Jamie said the basket containing homemade strawberry sauce and ice cream was sent to her home by Meghan 'about a year ago to see if that helps lighten my load'.

MailOnline reported that Meghan still calls herself Her Royal Highness to friends but has denied she is flouting a warning by the late Queen.

Tom Bower wrote in his explosive tell-all book Revenge that the Sandringham Agreement was tough.

'The Sussexes would cease to be working members of the Royal Family and would no longer use their HRH titles,' he wrote.

'Harry assured his family that he and Meghan would "never" use their royal titles to make money.'

In a statement at the time Buckingham Palace said: 'The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.'

HRH, an abbreviation of His/Her Royal Highness, is used as part of the title of some members of the royal family.

Since their exit, Meghan has often appeared to make thinly veiled swipes at the Royal Family, most recently claiming in a new podcast episode that her and Harry were 'in the trenches' when they first started dating.

Meghan has often appeared to make thinly veiled swipes at the Royal Family, recently claiming in a new podcast episode that her and Harry were 'in the trenches' when they first started dating

The late Queen as she leaves church at Sandringham on January 12, 2020, the day before her family gathered for the notorious summit

Harry has made the conspiratorial claim that the Sandringham Summit was 'fixed' by the Queen's advisors

In her first ever podcast interview, Meghan opened up to Jamie about her family life in Montecito with Harry and their children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.

Since Meghan Markle married Harry in May 2018, the couple had been unhappy with their lot and now wanted to carve out a new 'half-in half-out' role for themselves.

In response to their public whining, Queen Elizabeth II summoned them to try to heal the family rift that was threatening to break apart the House of Windsor.

On January 13, 2020 the Firm gathered at Sandringham House to discuss the looming problem of Megxit.

It was quickly dubbed 'The Sandringham Summit' by the press as media vans with satellite dishes descended on the outskirts of the estate to cover the monumental moment.

The Queen had expressly chosen Sandringham to try to give the summit a family, rather than formal, flavour.

As the 2pm meeting approached, normal life came to a halt as the maids were ordered to discharge their duties on the other side of the house and the footmen were confined to the pages' vestibule in order to give the royals maximum privacy.

The showdown took place in the Long Library, which used to house a bowling alley and where, as children, Princes William and Harry would take tea while staying at the estate.

Sandringham was chosen as the location to give the summit a family flavour

The summit grabbed headlines from all across the world with reporters camping outside the estate

Harry and Meghan visit Canada House in London on January 7, the week before the summit

But this time, the room had a long, polished conference table with eight chairs and a royal notepad in front of each one. The Queen was placed at the head of the table.

As she sat down with her immediate heirs, she knew she would be trying to resolve one of the deepest crises of her long reign.

The Daily Mail's renowned royal expert Richard Kay wrote at the time: 'Not since the dark days over Diana has there been such a sense of dread and unhappiness shrouding the Royal Family.'

The meeting lasted around 90 minutes, with the royals, alongside their closest aides, discussing a number of possible futures for Harry and Meghan.

Due to the deep privacy of the occasion, details of the intense family chat initially remained private.

According to informed sources at the time, the mood of the meeting was calm and there were no reports of shouting or blistering exchanges.

But Bower wrote: 'Harry returned to Vancouver knowing Meghan was 'raging' about their treatment.

'He and Meghan shared a sense of grievance: the loss of his security and financial support, and the hostility of Charles, William and Kate.'

In his and Meghan's 2022 Netflix docuseries, Harry alleged William left him 'terrified' during the summit after he 'screamed and shouted' at him, while also accusing Charles of telling untruths to his face - as the Queen quietly sat there and 'took it all in'.

And in his 2023 memoir Spare, he claimed the summit was 'just for show' as the outcome had already been 'fixed' by the Queen's aides.

He wrote that he arrived at Sandringham with the impression that the summit would consider five options for how the Sussexes would exit royal life  ranging from maintaining the status quo (option one), to full departure (option five).

The Duke claims the rest of the royals pressed him and his wife to stay, but barring that, the only other solution they would accept was option five, departure.

Harry made the allegations that the summit was 'fixed' in his 2023 memoir Spare

Sir Edward Young, the Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II (pictured in 2021), was called 'the Bee' by Harry in Spare

Upon coming to the summit, he and Meghan's preference had been option three - a compromise that was 'somewhere in between'.

After an hour, the Queen's private secretary, nicknamed by Harry as 'the Bee', (who has since been identified as Sir Edward Young) distributed drafts of a statement announcing the Sussex's departure through the implementation of option five.

The stunned Harry wrote: 'Wait. I'm confused. You've already drafted a statement? Before any discussion? Announcing Option 5?

'In other words, the fix was in, this whole time? This summit was just for show? No answer.

'I asked if there were drafts of other statements. Announcing the other options. Oh yes, of course, the Bee assured me.

'Can I see them? Alas - his printer had gone on the blink, he said. The odds! At the very moment he was about to print out those other drafts!

'I started laughing. Is this some kind of joke? Everyone was staring away or down at their shoes.'

Following the meeting Harry then writes he asked the Queen's friendliest page, 'who'd always liked him', for directions to the printer which he found was working fine 'churning out documents'.

When he asked an assistant if it was working properly he wrote, he was told it was 'indestructible', and when he asked if the printer in 'the Bee's' office worked too he was told yes.

Harry claimed in his Netflix show that his father 'said things that just simply weren't true'

Meghan and Harry are pictured the week before the Sandringham Summit

A few moments later 'the Bee' appeared and 'looked extremely sheepish' as he 'knew he was busted' - but brushed off the Prince and told him 'not to worry' about the printer.

Other details in Harry's account of the summit include that when he arrived early to chat with the Queen, Charles' private secretary 'reacted with alarm' and went 'buzzing off' to fetch him.

He also claimed his brother William 'looked at me as if he planned to murder me' when he first sat down at the table for the meeting.

Meghan also spoke about her outrage that she was not able to attend the summit as she was still in Canada with baby Archie.

She said in her and Harry's Netflix show: 'Imagine a conversation, a roundtable discussion about the future of your life.

'When the stakes are this high. And you as the mom and the wife and the target, in many regards, aren't invited to have a seat at the table.'

Harry added: 'It was clear to me that they planned out so that you weren't in the room.'

None of the other royal spouses, Philip, Camilla, or Kate, attended the meeting either.

Harry and William during the unveiling of a statue of Princess Diana at Kensington Palace in July 2021

Robert Lacey (left) described the Sandringham Summit in his 2020 book Battle Of Brothers: William, Harry And The Inside Story Of A Family In Tumult (right)

But despite not being in attendance, royal author Robert Lacey wrote the 'key negotiator and spiritual head of the whole team' who Harry would defer to was Rachel Zane  the character played by Meghan in the hit legal show Suits.

The author claimed she had not spent seven years playing the role of a hotshot paralegal in a top Manhattan law firm without 'developing the confidence that she could handle the cut and thrust of a high-stakes duel like this'.

'Don't sign anything unless you can get something in return' was one of the key commandments drilled into Rachel in the show - along with 'Stand Your Ground'.

Lacey described in his 2020 book Battle Of Brothers: William, Harry And The Inside Story Of A Family In Tumult, that William on the other hand maintained his distance at the summit.

He claims the Queen had suggested the family should gather for lunch before their big pow-wow in the afternoon, but he refused his grandmother's invitation.

William would obviously turn up at 2pm for the meeting, but he only wanted to talk business, wrote Lacey.

His friends speculated that he was so furious with his younger brother that he would not be able to endure the hypocrisy of smiling at him over lunch.

'It was like dealing with a hard-nosed Hollywood lawyer,' a senior palace source familiar with the negotiations told Lacey. 'The Sussexes wanted guarantees on every single point as if it were a contractual negotiation.'

Prince Charles (pictured with Harry in 2018) led the discussion at the Sandringham Summit

Lacey claims Meghan channeled the energy of her Suits character Rachel for the negotiations

The Queen's full statement after the Sandringham Summit 'Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family. 'My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family. 'Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family. 'Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. 'It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the U.K. 'These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days.' Advertisement

'They totally misplayed the negotiations,' said the palace insider, 'but then so did the palace.'

The man directing the palace strategy was the Queen's private secretary Sir Edward Young.

'The trouble with Edward,' a source told Lacey, who had worked with Young for many years, 'is that he is not very good at doing humans.

'He is incredibly difficult to read  impossible to fathom. He is also deeply cautious. He's a letter-of-the-law kind of man.'

Lacey believes the Sandringham Summit was a 'transatlantic cross-cultural conflict that pitted the stereotypical all-American superwoman against a Monty Python parody of a toffee-nosed royal sucker-up'.

But unlike the Sussexes, the rest of the Royal Family have remained tight-lipped about what happened at the meeting.

And due to their 'never complain, never explain' mantra, we are unlikely to ever hear their side of the story.

Harry seems to believe that the Queen was heavily influenced by her advisers, who he has accused on other occasions of blocking his access to her.

He said in his Netflix show: 'But you have to understand that, from the family's perspective, especially from hers [Queen Elizabeth], there are ways of doing things  and her ultimate sort of mission goal or responsibility is the institution.

'People around her telling her, by the way, that proposal or these two doing "xyz" is going to be seen as an attack on the institution, then she's going to on the advice that she's given,' he continued. 'That was really hard.'

It is thought that Elizabeth II had always had a soft spot for Harry, and she was widely seen to have been delighted by the arrival of Meghan, who she had high hopes for improving relations with her beloved Commonwealth.

But despite the kindness in her heart for her grandson, the Queen ultimately had to make the heartbreaking decision about how to conclude the family crisis.

And the statement that came in her name after the summit was laced with despair.

Her message was clear that she would not stand in the couple's way but it was seen by royal experts that she made the decision with a heavy heart.

In this one sentence alone, her sadness about this incendiary situation shone through.

'Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.'

Richard Kay wrote at the time of the announcement: 'Not since 1997 in the aftermath of the death of Diana has the Queen issued such a personal bulletin.'

But although the deal was dressed up with talk of it being 'a constructive and supportive way forward', at the end of the day it involved Meghan and Harry being 'required to step back from royal duties'.

Harry would also lose his beloved military appointments and his role as Commonwealth youth ambassador.

They also volunteered to forgo all access to the Sovereign Grant and public cash, along with paying off the costs of Frogmore Cottage's renovation.

After thinking about it for several weeks, the Queen ruled that Harry and Meghan could not use Sussex Royal as Meghan's brand name to market their merchandise in the US.

The summit was where Harry's security, which had been with him for his entire life at that point, began to slip away. He was so angered at the decision that he has since sued the government over the decision.

The relationship between the brothers (pictured in 2010) has broken down since the summit

Prince William and Prince Harry arrive to view the floral tributes to Queen Elizabeth II outside Windsor Castle on September 10, 2022

One of the only things the couple managed to keep was their His/Her Royal Highness titles.

Although logical, the Queen's ruthless decision to strip Princess Diana of her HRH title after her divorce from Charles was deemed as unnecessarily harsh by the public towards the mother of a future king.

Richard Kay believes that due to the repercussions of that decision, which linger to this day, it is unlikely that the step will be repeated with the Princess's son and his wife.

Nevertheless the shadow of the Sandringham Summit looms large to this day on the Royal Family.

Only 18 months earlier they had all welcomed Meghan into the family, along with millions of people around the world, as Harry married her in a lavish ceremony.

In Spare, Harry told of his anguish following the summit, writing: 'I love my Mother Country, and I love my family, and I always will.

'I just wish, at the second-darkest moment of my life, they'd both been there for me. And I believe they'll look back one day and wish they had too.'

It is unclear whether Meghan disobeyed the Queen's wishes and whether she is still using her royal title.

But either way, the public will be keeping a close eye on the Royal Family this week for a reaction.
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The Prince and Princess of Wales are currently touring the Isle of Mull and, as expected, Kate has been serving up a series of enviable style moments.

In celebration of their fourteenth wedding anniversary yesterday, Kate stepped out in a polished spring look, featuring a new Holland Cooper blazer and a lightweight Boden shirt - one of her favourite high-street brands. She completed the outfit with classic Massimo Dutti trousers and her well-loved Chloe boots.

Today, she continued her sartorial streak in a countryside-inspired ensemble that struck the perfect balance between elegance and ease.

Kate opted for a Ralph Lauren Collection tweed jacket layered over a Boden blouse and soft Johnstons of Elgin cashmere jumper, teamed with G-Star Raw trousers and her trusty Chloe boots. The finishing touch? Finlay sunglasses and a pair of dainty garnet earrings from Spells of Love.

The standout jacket - crafted in Italy from a blend of mulberry silk and linen - boasts a tonal herringbone pattern and timeless tailoring, making it a wardrobe staple.

But the hidden gem of Kate's look was the broderie blouse peeking out beneath her knitwear. With its ivory hue, ruffled mandarin collar and button-down front, it added a touch of romantic style and versatile charm.

While this exact design is no longer available to buy, the high-street offers a wealth of similar pieces. Scroll down to explore lookalikes, or shop Kate's exact outfit and handpicked alternatives.

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Athos Salome, the 38-year-old Brazilian who is often referred to as the Living Nostradamus on account of his predictions throughout the years, has expressed doubt over the future of Meghan and Harrys deal with Netflix.

The psychic - who claims to have foreseen the coronavirus pandemic, the Queens death in 2022 and the devastating CrowdStrike IT outage last summer - has told the Mail he has had fresh premonitions.

Salome sees a growing conflict between Meghan and Netflix that will eventually lead to them parting ways, more logistical setbacks for the show and a wave of criticism that will threaten the As Ever brands credibility.

And the self-styled seer may be on to something.

After all, the Duchesss latest Netflix show which was released in March, has been panned by critics as toe-curling and an exercise in narcissism.

Following the initial success of the documentary Harry & Meghan in 2022, the abysmal ratings on her new series were not what the streaming giant had hoped for when it signed the couple in an eye-wateringly expensive $100million deal in 2020.

So is it any wonder that there are murmurings in Hollywood Hills that all is not well between the media behemoth and the pampered couple?

The Mail can now reveal that, despite being one of Netflixs biggest stars, the Duchess of Sussexs condiments dont cut the mustard at the streamers official restaurant.

The Duchess of Sussex preparing a meal on her Netflix show With Love, Meghan

Athos Salome, 38, is regarded as a 'Living Nostradamus' and has predicted that the Duchess's relationship with Netflix is in danger

Netflix Bites serves food inspired by the streaming giants shows and opened in Las Vegas In February. The venue at the MGM Grand Hotel offers dozens of breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks based on TV hits, including a WWE Smash Burger, a Selling Caesar Salad, inspired by the popular property show Selling Sunset, and a Sex Education hoagie sausage.

But a month on, the streamer has still yet to serve Meghans As Ever raspberry jam or honey. And not a single reference is made to the Duchesss show in the restaurants six-page menu.

A chef at Netflix Bites confirmed to the Mail that As Ever products are not on the menu.

In contrast, it is stuffed with Bridgerton-themed items  inspired by Netflixs alternative historical drama  including a regency tea supposedly designed by the shows narrator Lady Whistledown herself, and eggs royale on an English muffin in honour of another character, Benedict Bridgerton.

It is really rather odd, one LA insider says. Netflix could have turned to its real royals for inspiration, instead of all the fake royal dishes.

Even more disappointingly for fans of Meghan, none of the famous dishes from her lifestyle show are served at Netflix Bites, such as the impressive honey lemon layer cake with raspberry or her single skillet pasta.

My insider says 'patience is wearing thin' and adds: It has certainly raised eyebrows. It feels very deliberate by Netflix to exclude their biggest food influencer from their menus, while featuring a number of smaller shows.

The whole menu is built around Netflixs best shows with clever puns and word plays for food and drink. Having her spread as a side for toast would be such a great way to include Meghan alongside other big shows. She could have even taught the chefs at the restaurant how to cook her single skillet pasta.'

Netflix Bites serves food inspired by the streaming giants shows. It includes items inspired by shows such as Bridgerton and Stranger Things

But the streamer has still yet to serve Meghans As Ever raspberry jam or honey. A chef at Netflix Bites confirmed to the Daily Mail that As Ever products are not on the menu

The apparent choice to avoid the food and dishes featured on her lifestyle television series seems striking given the US firms commercial relationship with her.

Netflix boss Ted Sarandos recently admitted the company is a passive partner in Meghans company.

With Love, Meghan may not have been a critics favourite, but her fans appear to be relishing her new products.

The Duchesss jam  sold through her As Ever brands website  costs 7, or 4 extra with Meghans special keepsake packaging, and it sold out this week.

Similarly, her limited-edition Wildflower Honey with Honeycomb was off the shelves within an hour even though it costs 22.

She has claimed As Ever is a love language rather than a brand, while celebrity pals such as actress Zoe Saldana and Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner have promoted the range on Instagram.

Sarandos has spoken highly of the Duchess as an entrepreneur, saying: I think Meghan is underestimated in terms of her influence on culture.

The choice to avoid these dishes seems striking given the US firms commercial relationship with her

He pointed to the worlds obsession with her, particularly after the Harry & Meghan docuseries.

The shoes she was wearing sold out... The Hermes blanket that was on the chair behind her sold out everywhere in the world.

But since Meghans show flopped, bosses at Netflix have been silent on their ongoing partnership.

Im also told that there was widespread dismay at the streaming giant when the couple failed to do any high-profile promotion for Prince Harrys five-part documentary Polo, which critics deemed boring.

Friends of the pair are keen to point out that they have secured a second series of With Love, Meghan, set to be released this autumn.

Yet sources at the media company tell me that the new season is nothing of the kind. The production team instead is said to have filmed enough footage for two series during the original shoot, and, as one insider told me, it would be silly not to air the show as they have already paid for it.

Despite talks of more documentaries and even a Meghan-produced movie based on the romance novel Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune, nothing has materialised.

Whether Netflix renews its deal with the couple remains to be seen but, following its latest apparent snub, the premonitions of the Living Nostradamus may yet prove eerily accurate.
He hankers after being the prince he once was, in the acute judgment of Tina Brown  author of a majestic biography about Princess Diana  who points out that the good you can do as a royal is so much more potent than anything anyone can achieve in exile in California, even if blessed with an 11 million mansion with 13-and-a-half bathrooms.

Perhaps nowhere is this more startingly evident than at Sentebale, the charity which Prince Harry, inspired by the memory of his mother, co-founded in 2006 with the goal of helping orphaned African children.

Engulfed by an appalling storm of accusation since its board of trustees resigned last month  swiftly followed by the Duke of Sussex and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, who stepped down as its patrons  Sentebale now appears to be at the mercy of events beyond its control.

Only a fortnight ago, I disclosed that one of its new trustees, Dr Margaret Ikpoh, had resigned just three weeks after being appointed.

They were certainly three dramatic weeks, during which Harry accused Sentebales chief executive, Dr Sophie Chandauka, of telling blatant lies.

Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho quit as patrons of the charity they had founded in solidarity with trustees who said they could not carry on under Dr Chandauka

Nerissa Naidu, who, like Dr Ikpoh, was appointed on March 25, has stepped down, leaving just three trustees in place: Iain Rawlinson, Dr Bhakti Hansoti and Dr Chandauka herself

Dr Chandauka is pictured with the Sussexes at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge held in Florida in April last year to raise funds for Sentebale

She hit back by accusing Harry of playing the victim card, declaring the Sussexes brand to be toxic and reporting her concerns to the Charity Commission, which announced that it was initiating an investigation.

Now, I can disclose, another trustee has resigned.

Nerissa Naidu, who, like Dr Ikpoh, was appointed on March 25, has stepped down, leaving just three trustees in place: Iain Rawlinson, Dr Bhakti Hansoti and Dr Chandauka herself.

This leaves Sentebale in a precarious position as charities are advised to have a minimum of three trustees.

Naidu, a South African entrepreneur, declines to comment, but Sentebale acknowledges that it has been a particularly difficult time to have joined the organisation.

It adds that Naidu has chosen to step down out of respect for her other professional commitments and says that it has deeply appreciated her tremendous support and insights in recent weeks and her interest in Sentebale over a long period of time.
The iconic Pyramids of Giza are already one of the world's greatest enigmas.

Last month the mystery deepened when a team of Italian scientists said they found a vast city stretching thousands of feet below the Egyptian structures.

Using ground-penetrating radar, the scientists reportedly detected massive shafts and chambers hidden beneath the Khafre Pyramid.

The controversial research, not yet peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal, has reignited a fringe theory that a now-lost civilization may have had a hand in building or inspiring the pyramids.

Alternate historians like Graham Hancock, a frequent guest on Joe Rogan's podcast, have long posited that a highly advanced prehistoric society was wiped out by a global cataclysm, possibly caused by a comet impact, around 12,800 years ago.

According to this theory, the resulting floods and chaos erased most traces of this civilization, whose survivors passed down knowledge of astronomy, engineering, and sacred architecture to later cultures  including the ancient Egyptians.

Now, in a new twist, a prominent geologist says there's geological evidence that Egypt may indeed have experienced catastrophic flooding linked to that very comet event.

The iconic pyramids of Giza are already one of the world's greatest enigmas. But last month, the mystery deepened when a team of Italian scientists said they found a vast city and network of tunnels stretching thousands of feet below the Egyptian structures

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Dr James Kennett, a geologist at the University of California Santa Barbara and a major proponent of the comet-impact hypothesis, told DailyMail.com that a highly advanced Stone Age culture in North America  the Clovis people  mysteriously vanished at the same time the comet is believed to have struck Earth.

'There is evidence of a major population decline in North America beginning at 12,800 years ago,' he said.

'That lasted a few hundred years, and then they started to come back  but as a different culture.'

While Kennett can't confirm the same impact effects occurred in Egypt, he points to impact evidence found at Abu Hureyra in Syria, which is around 1,000 miles from Giza, as compelling.

If debris struck that region, he said, it could have triggered massive flooding from the Mediterranean Sea and Nile River, potentially engulfing parts of ancient Egypt.

The flood narrative echoes surprisingly well with ancient Egyptian mythology.

Andrew Collins, a researcher of prehistoric civilizations, notes that hieroglyphs on the walls of the Temple of Edfu  some 780 miles south of Giza  reference a devastating flood that wiped out a mysterious civilization referred to as the 'Eldest Ones.'

According to Collins, the temple's inscriptions (known as the Edfu Building Texts) describe a 'sacred domain' in the Giza region that was destroyed by an 'enemy serpent' plunging the world into darkness and submerging the land under a great flood.

The flood narrative echoes surprisingly well with ancient Egyptian mythology. Andrew Collins, a researcher of prehistoric civilizations, notes that hieroglyphs on the walls of the Temple of Edfu reference a devastating flood that wiped out a mysterious civilization

Collins believes the enemy serpent could be a metaphor for a comet due to ancient cultures using the creature to symbolize celestial events.

The serpent in the Edfu Texts is described as a destructive force disrupting the primeval island, sometimes linked to a 'Great Leap' or a sudden, chaotic event like.

'[The text describes] them storing sacred objects in an underground structure called the Underworld of the Soul,' Collins told DailyMail.com.

'This I am sure relates to Giza's cave system and any structures it may contain.'

But last month, the mystery deepened when a team of Italian scientists said they found a vast city and structures stretching thousands of feet below the Khafre pyramid. Picture are enormous shafts with staircases around them

Though Collins' interpretations are widely rejected by mainstream Egyptologists, he and Hancock argue that the mythical 'Island of Creation' mentioned in the texts may symbolize a long-lost civilization at Giza, a sacred homeland destroyed in a cataclysm and later memorialized in myth.

However, mainstream scholars counter that the Edfu inscriptions are symbolic and that there's no direct reference to Giza itself.

They interpret the texts as mythological, with the surviving gods migrating to Egypt after the flood, not originating there.

Still, Collins insists that the sophistication of ancient cultures like the Gravettian peoples of Russia  who built rectilinear dwellings, wore tailored clothing, and possibly tracked lunar movements as early as 30,000 years ago  suggests that the official timeline of human history may be missing some vital chapters.

'Just look at the immense sophistication of the Gravettian peoples of Sungir and Kostenki in Russia,' he said.

Armando Mei (center) and his team, which includes Corrado Malanga (right) and Filippo Biondi (left), took the world by storm last month when they discovered shafts and chambers more than 2,000 feet below the surface.

Researchers believe there are other structures reaching more than 4,000 feet below the surface. The scans captured structures extend along the northern side with a tuning fork shape

The said the technology captured enormous chambers (pictured) in the middle of the shaft

'As much as 30,000 years ago, they were building rectilinear structures that might well have been aligned to the moon, experimenting with agriculture and wearing tailored clothing. They looked and acted like people living in medieval times.'

He also sites places like Gobekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe in Turkey, dating back to 9600 BCE, as evidence of early post-Ice Age civilizations.

'By 9600 BCE they were creating the world's first post ice age civilizations- one that we are only now beginning to recognize as having existed back then,' he said.

'So, yes, the idea of a few lost pages of history should never be dismissed.'

The discovery of underground structures at Giza was made by Filippo Biondi of the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, Egyptologist Armando Mei, and Corrado Malanga from Italy's University of Pisa.

Using radar pulses, the team claims to have mapped more than 4,000 feet of subterranean space  potentially rewriting the history of one of the world's most iconic sites.

Whether their findings will stand up to academic scrutiny remains to be seen. But for now, they've reopened an ancient mystery  and fueled the fire behind one of archaeology's most fascinating and controversial theories.
An Alaskan volcano could blow at any time, and when it does, it will set of a chain reaction that would cause international chaos.

Mount Spurr is an 11,000-foot-tall that sits about 80 miles from Alaska's most densely populated city, Anchorage, which is home to nearly 300,000 residents.

City residents are already bracing for a possible eruption, which experts say could happen in a matter of 'weeks to months,' but they won't be the only ones impacted by this explosive event.

A massive cloud of ash billowing 50,000 feet into the air would force international hubs such as Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and potentially Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) to shut down.

Halting all incoming and departing flights at these airports could have a ripple effect across the country, resulting in widespread delays and cancellations and even disrupting the global supply chain.

Hundreds of planes fly over Anchorage and Fairbanks per day, and it's not just passenger flights that would be impacted. ANC is the fourth-busiest cargo airport in the world, with more than 8,000 cargo flights passing through each month.

Then last time Mount Spurr erupted in 1992, ANC shut down for 20 hours while the ash cloud hung over Anchorage. It darkened skies in the middle of the day, and ultimately settled an eighth of an inch thick across the city.

Now, experts monitoring the volcano's activity warn it could blow again in a matter of 'weeks to months.'

In a Tuesday morning update from the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), experts said that unrest continues at Mount Spurr, with 'frequent small volcanic earthquakes' detected beneath the volcano over the past day.

When Mount Spurr blows, it will spew an enormous cloud of black ash 50,000 feet into the sky, and this will pose a significant hazard to airplanes because the particles are highly abrasive

'Most of the earthquakes that are occurring under the volcano are too small to be located. Nothing unusual was observed in cloudy to partly cloudy webcam and satellite views,' the update continued.

When Mount Spurr blows, the resulting ash cloud will pose a significant hazard to airplanes because the particles are highly abrasive.

Flying through an ash cloud can quickly damage windscreens, fuselage surfaces, compressor fan blades and even kill the plane's engine. Ash particles can also cause critical navigational and operational instruments to fail.

All of this means that it is extremely dangerous to fly a plane while a volcanic eruption is occurring nearby. So, all airports in areas affected by the ash cloud will have to shut down.

ANC is perfectly positioned to transit freight between Asia and North America, which is why it is a major cargo hub.

Even moderate disruptions at this airport can delay freight shipments, e-commerce and manufacturing deliveries. A total shutdown would bring all of this to a screeching halt.

As for passenger flights, both ANC and FAI are also critical for polar and Pacific air routes.

Flights between North America and Asia, or the US and Europe, sometimes rely on these airports for diversion, refueling or emergency landings.

Mount Spurr is one of 53 volcanoes in Alaska. It sits 81 miles from Anchorage, which is home to nearly 300,000 people

When Mount Spurr blows, all airports in areas affected by the ash cloud will have to shut down. This will likely include international hubs such as Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and potentially Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)

Closing them would force incoming passenger flights to re-route, resulting in longer flight times and congestion at alternate airports.

Any departing flights from these airports would be grounded until the ash cloud clears, which could take hours or days depending on how long the eruption lasts.

Therefore, Mount Spurr has the potential to snare travel and cargo logistics, resulting in disruptions that extend far beyond the Alaskan border.

The last time this volcano erupted was in 1992, when it saw three back-to-back explosive events in July, August and September.

During the August eruption, ANC shut down for about 20 hours, impacting commerce and transportation.

The Municipality of Anchorage reported nearly $2million in damages, office closures and cleanup costs from the August eruption.

No one was killed by these events directly. But two heart attacks, one fatal, from shoveling ashfall were reported in Anchorage.

Breathing in ash also poses a health hazards. The tiny particles can work their way deep into the lungs, worsening symptoms for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.

A resurfaced video taken on August 18, 1992 shows an enormous black cloud of ash billowing out of Mount Spurr's side vent, Crater Peak

If Spurr blows again, the event 'would be explosive,' Matt Haney, scientist-in-charge at the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), previously told DailyMail.com, adding that it would probably look similar to Mount Spurr's last eruption in 1992.

He and his colleagues at the AVO have been monitoring the volcano's heightened activity since April 2024, keeping track of shallow earthquakes, ground deformation, and gas and steam emissions.

All of these are signs of an impending eruption.

If Mount Spurr's activity continues to ramp up, the next sign of an eruption will be a volcanic tremor, Haney said.

This would be different from the brief, shallow earthquakes this volcano has already been experiencing.

A volcanic tremor is a longer stretch of ongoing shaking that can persist for minutes to days.

It occurs when magma beneath the volcano begins rising toward the surface as the eruption grows imminent.

Back in June 1992  the last time Mount Spurr erupted  volcanic tremors began about three weeks before it finally blew.
In the quest to safely generate limitless clean energy, China has just taken a giant step closer.

Scientists in Gansu province in the country's west have achieved the milestone of reloading fuel to an operational nuclear fission reactor while it was running.

The achievement shows fission reactors can run and be refueled continuously  potentially offering a constant source of power generation.

Drawing upon declassified US research, Chinese engineers began constructing the experimental machine  a thorium molten salt reactor (MSR)  back in 2018.

Thorium MSRs are a type of advanced nuclear technology that use liquid fuels, typically molten salts, as both a fuel and a coolant  and are generally safer than existing fission reactors which use uranium.

It marks the first long-term, stable operation of the technology, reports South China Morning Post (SCMP), citing Chinese communist party newspaper Guangming Daily.

Xu Hongjie, the projects chief scientist, said China 'now leads the global frontier' in the energy revolution, following decades of intensive research.

Xu said: 'The US left its research publicly available, waiting for the right successor. We were that successor.'

Drawing upon declassified US research, Chinese engineers began constructing their experimental thorium reactor back in 2018

The reactor, a two-megawatt liquid-fuelled thorium molten salt reactor (MSR), is located in the Gobi Desert city of Wuwei in Gansu province

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The world-first was announced by Mr Xu during a meeting at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing on April 8.

In a cheeky dig, Xu referred to America's research into molten salt reactors in the 1960s and 1970s, eventually abandoned in favour of uranium-based systems.

'In the nuclear game, there are no quick wins,' he was quoted as saying. 'You need to have strategic stamina, focusing on doing just one thing for 20, 30 years.'

In reference to Aesop's famous fable, he said: 'Rabbits sometimes make mistakes or grow lazy. That's when the tortoise seizes its chance.'

His team at the CAS Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics spent years dissecting declassified American documents and bettering their experiments, SCMP reports.

'We mastered every technique in the literature  then pushed further,' Xu added.

This experimental reactor is hidden away in the Gobi Desert city of Wuwei in Gansu province and can generate two megawatts (2MW) of energy  enough to power 2,000 households.

Only reaching full-power operation in June last year, it is the only operational thorium reactor in the world.

Thorium MSRs are a type of advanced nuclear technology that use liquid fuels, typically molten salts, as both a fuel and a coolant. They offer several potential advantages over traditional uranium reactors, including increased safety, reduced waste and improved fuel efficiency, the site added

Drawing upon declassified US research, Chinese engineers began constructing the experimental machine - a thorium molten salt reactor (MSR) - back in 2018

What is thorium? Thorium is a naturally-occurring, slightly radioactive metal discovered in 1828 by Swedish chemist Jons Jakob Berzelius. More abundant in nature than uranium, thorium can be used as a fuel source for nuclear energy, but not directly. Thorium itself is not a nuclear fuel, although it can be used to create such a fuel (in conjunction with a fissile material such as recycled plutonium). Advertisement

But a much bigger thorium molten salt reactor now being built is set to achieve its first sustained nuclear chain reaction by 2030.

Estimated to be 500 times more abundant than the uranium-232 used in conventional nuclear reactors, thorium has been hailed as a potential solution to the demand for nuclear power.

Nuclear reactors already in operation around the world create energy by forcing radioactive elements to undergo a process called fission.

During this process, the element breaks down into smaller, more stable elements and releases heat which can be used to drive steam turbines, in turn producing electricity.

Thorium on its own is not fissile, meaning it cannot be used for fission, but it can provide the basis for a fission reaction.

This is because thorium is 'fertile', meaning it can transmute into uranium-233 (U-233) when bombarded with neutrons.

In a molten-salt reactor, thorium is mixed with a chemical called lithium fluoride and heated to about 1400C (2550F).

This mixture is then bombarded with neutrons until some of the thorium starts to transform into uranium-232, which then decays in a fission reaction.

China has rich reserves of thorium which could help improve the safety of existing nuclear fission. Pictured, mining machine is seen at the Bayan Obo mine containing rare earth minerals, in Inner Mongolia, China

Thorium Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) are a type of nuclear fission reactor. They use molten salts as both the fuel (dissolved thorium) and the coolant

Nuclear fusion vs. nuclear fission Nuclear fusion and fission are nuclear processes; they involve nuclear forces to change the nucleus of atoms. Fusion joins two light elements (low atomic mass number), forming a heavier element. For fusion to occur, hydrogen atoms are put under high heat & pressure so they fuse together. Meanwhile, fission splits a heavy element (with a high atomic mass number) into fragments. In both cases, energy is freed because mass of the remaining nucleus is smaller than mass of reacting nuclei. Both reactions release energy which, in a power plant, can boil water to drive a steam generator, making electricity. Source: International Atomic Energy Agency Advertisement

As it decays, this uranium then produces more neutrons which convert additional thorium into fuel. In theory, this reactor design could turn the extremely abundant element into a nearly limitless source of power.

Molten-salt reactors also produce significantly less nuclear waste and remove the risk of dangerous nuclear meltdown by keeping the levels of fissile material relatively low.

What's more, China has a thorium source that could supply enough fuel to power the country for 60,000 years, geologists in Beijing have claimed.

The Bayan Obo mining complex in Inner Mongolia, an autonomous region of northern China, could contain enough thorium to supply China's household energy demands 'almost forever', a national survey reportedly found.

It identified 233 thorium-rich zones across the country and, if accurate, suggests that thorium reserves in China significantly exceed previous estimates.

The Wuwei experimental reactor is different from the 'Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak' (EAST), a fusion reactor located in Hefei in Anhui province.

Known as China's artificial sun, it set the record for running for as hot and as long as possible  for 1,066 seconds at 180millionF (100millionC)  seven times hotter than the sun's core.

EAST could be a precursor to the first ever fusion power plants that supply power directly to the grid and electricity to people's homes.

These power plants could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power-generation sector by diverting away from the use of fossil fuels like coal and gas.

China's self-designed 'artificial sun' - a device to harness the energy of fusion, has made an important advance by achieving a temperature of 180 million F (100 million C) in plasma

Nuclear fusion is still in the research and development phase - while nuclear fission is already making electricity. Pictured, nuclear power plant in Wuhan, China

Meanwhile, the SPARC nuclear fusion reactor, a US project involving MIT, is currently in development in Devens, Massachusetts and scheduled to start operations in 2026.

South Korea also has its own 'artificial sun', the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR), which has run at 180millionF (100millionC) for 48 seconds.

And Japan's reactor, called JT-60SA and switched on in Naka north of Tokyo late 2023, is a six-storey-high machine measuring 50 feet high and 44 feet wide.

Built and operated jointly by Europe and Japan, JT-60SA will be the world's largest fusion reactor until the completion of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France, set to begin delivering power in 2035.
As Pakistan swelters in unprecedented heat this week, experts give a terrifying insight into the fatal effects of climate change.

Extreme heat could kill around 11,000 Britons per year by 2050, according to the Climate Change Committee (CCC).

The body warns that the Government is failing to brace the UK for 'tomorrows disaster' of floods, heatwaves, droughts, wildfires and more dire climate effects.

From schools to hospitals, houses and railway lines, the country's infrastructure is not prepared for the effects of rising temperatures.

'We have seen in the last couple of years that the country is not prepared for the impacts of climate change,' said Baroness Brown, chair of the CCC's adaptation committee.

'We know there is worse to come, and we are not ready  indeed in many areas we are not even planning to be ready.'

It comes as unusually warm conditions spread over the Middle East and South Asia, including Pakistan, Iran, India and Saudi Arabia.

In Pakistan, temperatures rose to 118F (47C) at the weekend and could near the global record for April of 122F (50C).

A charity worker sprays water on a passerby's head amid the ongoing heatwave in Karachi, Pakistan. Temperatures rose to 118F (47C) last weekend and could near the global record for April of 122F (50C)

This image from the report shows rising global temperatures across multiple datasets, including Met Office's HadCRUT5. The current rate of warming is rapidly approaching 1.5C above pre-industrial levels due to human activity

The CCC assessment looked at 46 areas where climate adaptation needs to be delivered, from food security to transport, buildings, health and wellbeing, as well as 'community preparedness and response'.

It found there has been good progress in plans for only three  making rail and strategic road networks reliable and ensuring risks were properly disclosed and managed by financial institutions.

But it regarded a remarkable 12 areas as being insufficient.

Delivering change had actually worsened in the water sector because of a lack of decent plans to cut leaks and reduce water demand in the face of drought.

Authors say there is now 'unequivocal evidence' that climate change is making extreme weather in the UK more likely, pointing to recent events.

During 2022s heatwave, temperatures topped 40C (104F) for the first time ever, leading to nearly 3,000 deaths that were otherwise preventable.

In addition to the heat-related early deaths, it placed huge pressure on emergency services and halted operations in hospitals.

Climate change is not only responsible for higher temperatures, but other unpredictable weather events such as tropical storms and floods.

Intense temperatures trigger wildfires and thunderstorms, infrastructure damage and kill thousands of people. Pictured, fire breaks out in residential areas in Wennington, Greater London, during July 2022

Extremely wet weather between autumn 2022 and spring 2024 hit harvests

This graph from the report shows changes in annual UK temperature relative to the 1981-2000 average - with recent years setting records

Highlights from the report 11,000 people in the UK could die from climate change by 2050

6.3 million properties in England are in areas at risk of flooding

Over half of Englands top quality agricultural land is at risk of flooding today

Unchecked climate change could impact UK economic output by up to 7% of GDP by 2050 Advertisement

Also, climate change causes more 'wildfire-conducive conditions'  making fires more likely to start and spread.

The report warns 6.3million homes in England are at risk of flooding, which is set to rise to eight million (one in four) by 2050.

Record wet conditions from 2022 to 2024 caused devastating flooding and crop damage, affecting food production worldwide.

Half the UKs prime agricultural farmland is at risk of flooding, which is set to worsen, while schools, hospitals and care homes are among the most vulnerable to impacts such as heatwaves, the committee warned.

Flooding threats will be especially severe for cities and towns around the UK's coastline due to steadily rising sea levels, which is due to the melting of glaciers and ice sheets.

The societal effects of climate change will be far-reaching, the report warns.

For example, extreme heat will continue to disrupt infrastructure systems by making power lines sag, causing blackouts and making railway lines expand, causing equipment damage and delays.

A man cools himself with a cup of water at a roadside camp run by social group Sohni Dharti Youth Council in Hyderabad, Pakistan

France, Italy, Spain, Germany and the UK faced one of the most dangerous periods of heat in the summer of 2022. Pictured, Hackney, east London, on July 18 that year

Without action on climate change, up to 7 per cent of the UK's economic output could be hit by 2050, creating 'challenges for driving sustainable long-term growth'.

As there had been no improvement since its last assessment in 2023, the CCC accused the Government of failing to deliver the change in approach needed.

Baroness Brown said: 'People are worrying about the impacts of extreme weather, worrying about food prices. People are worried about whats going to happen to their vulnerable friends and relatives.

'Despite all this, we are seeing no such change in activity from the new government, despite the fact that its clear to my committee, its increasingly clear to the public that the current approach to adaptation policy just isnt working.

'Our message is the country is at risk, people are at risk, and theres not enough being done.'

She added: 'We cant wait to take action, this is not tomorrows problem, its todays problem, and if we dont do something about it, it will become tomorrows disaster.'

A government spokesman said they would carefully consider the committees report.

They added: 'Alongside our transition to become a clean energy superpower and accelerating towards Net Zero, the Government is taking robust action to prepare for the impacts of a changing climate.

'We are investing a record 2.65billion to repair and build flood defences, protecting tens of thousands of homes and businesses and helping local communities become more resilient to the effects of climate change such as overheating and drought.'

The report is available to download on the CCC's website.
A phenomenon that Elon Musk has called 'the greatest risk to the future of civilization' just got worse, according to a new study.

Musk - who has 14 children with four women - has for years warned about population collapse caused by baby bust in America and the West.

The consensus was that countries needed a fertility rate of 2.1 children per one woman to continue growing - a concern given that the US's is at 1.62.

But now researchers say that fertility target may be too low.

A new study found populations may need a fertility rate of 2.7 children per woman to avoid long-term extinction.

The team said the original estimate didn't fully account for variables like mortality rates, the male-to-female ratio, the probability that some adults never reproduce, and random fluctuations in family size.

Musk, who boasts of 'always banging the baby drum,' has been sounding the alarm on worldwide population collapse for years, claiming it will be 'the biggest problem the world will face in 20 years.'

The billionaire-turned-politician previously said that low birth rates result in fewer workers, increased debt, strained healthcare and pension systems, and total social unrest.

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Elon Musk, who has previously warned about 'population collapse', seen with his son X  A-Xii

Diane Cuaresma, one of the study's authors, said: 'Considering stochasticity [unpredictability] in fertility and mortality rates, and sex ratios, a fertility rate higher than the standard replacement level is necessary to ensure sustainability of our population.'

The team concluded that true population sustainability  as well as the sustainability of languages, cultural traditions, and diverse family lineages  requires rethinking conventional fertility targets.

Writing in the journal Plos One the team said: 'The underpopulation crisis has been a serious threat to the sustainability of developed countries.

'The worldwide total fertility rate  the number of children per woman  has dropped from 5.3 in the 1960s to 2.3 in 2023.'

According to the latest data the Republic of Korea has the lowest fertility rate in the world at just 0.87.

Several countries do still have a fertility rate above 5  including Niger and Chad.

Meanwhile fertility rates have plunged in every local authority in England and Wales over the past decade.

Alarming figures laying bare the 'baby bust' reveal some boroughs have seen a 60 per cent decline in women having children since 2013.

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Sue and Noel Radford, who live in Morecambe, boast Britain's largest family with a brood of 22 children

Experts fear the freefalling rates will trigger an 'underpopulation' crisis, potentially leaving Britain reliant on immigration to prop up our economy.

Women in England and Wales, on average, now only have 1.44 children - the lowest since records began in the 30s and half of levels seen during the mid-60s baby boom.

Almost a third of all 591,000 babies born were to foreign mothers in 2023, the latest year with full data available.

There are concerns that if fertility rates continue to plunge across the world, it may leave countries with too few younger people to work, pay tax and look after the elderly.

Figures also show that China's population is decreasing, standing at 1.408 billion at the end of 2024  a decline of 1.39 million from the previous year.

Other East Asian countries are in a similar position  including Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong  which have seen their birth rates plummet.

The reasons in many cases are similar, with rising costs causing young people to put off or rule out marriage and children while pursuing higher education and careers.

The team concluded: 'While the human population is unlikely to face immediate extinction, our findings provide a framework for extinction avoidance.'

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Musk has been warning about a decline in births for years.

In January, took to his social media site, X, to share a fertility rate chart published by the journal The Lancet. It showed significant declines for both the US and the UK since the year 1900.

'This is how great civilizations throughout history have ended,' Musk wrote.

'People assume it was due to conquest, but it was actually often simply too much prosperity leading to low birth rate and population collapse, which ultimately enabled them to be conquered.'

In a separate post from December, 2024, he said: 'Extreme birth rate collapse is the biggest danger to human civilization by far.'

But many experts have said Musk's fears may be overstated.

Musk - who has 14 children with four women - has for years warned about population collapse caused by baby bust in America and the West. Pictured is one of the four women, Ashley St. Clair who had Musk's latest child

According to recent projections, the global population is expected to keep growing until it peaks around the mid-2080s, reaching approximately 10.3 billion, before experiencing a gradual decline to about 10.2 billion by 2100.

Joseph Chamie, a consulting demographer and a former director of the United Nations Population Division, told CNN in 2022: '[Musk is] better off making cars and engineering than at predicting the trajectory of the population.

'Yes, some countries, their population is declining, but for the world, that's just not the case.'

He added that 'virtually every developed country' has seen birth rates below two percent, but that is the way 'it has been for 20 or 30 years.'

Ken Johnson, a professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire, told CNN the rate is down in the US due to a 'significant' decline in teen births.

'Most demographers would see that as a good thing,' he said.

At the same time, other experts have warned that the US is headed for a so-called 'underpopulation crisis' by 2050  when too few people are born to support the current economic system.
Archaeologists have uncovered a 'wonderful' penis pendant at Vindolanda, the historic Roman fort in Northumberland.

Measuring less than an inch, the jet black charm was likely handcrafted in the fourth century AD, about 300 years after the Romans invaded Britain.

At Vindolanda, small, portable phalli made of bone or metal were commonly worn as pendants around the neck, to ward off evil and aid fertility.

According to experts, this particular object's smooth surface suggests the owner touched it often for good luck.

Dr Andrew Birley, director of excavations at the Vindolanda Charitable Trust, called it a 'wonderful little artefact'.

'This little jet pendant was lost at sometime in the early 4th century when the barrack wall in which it was found was constructed,' he said.

Vindolanda Charitable Trust posted the find to its Facebook page, where it was met with some hilarious comments.

'Well, so much for size not mattering,' one person said, while another posted: 'Thats 6 honestly!'

According to experts, the object's smooth surface suggests the owner touched it often for good luck

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It was uncovered last Friday (April 25) by one of the volunteers joining Vindolanda Charitable Trust for ongoing excavations.

It is now at an on-site laboratory where it will be cleaned before going being researched further and going on public display at Vindolanda in 2026.

Just under an inch (2.5cm) in length, the phallic charm was constructed out of jet, a dark, semi-precious gemstone.

Jet became increasingly common as a material used for jewellery from the early third century onwards, according to Dr Birley.

'Small good luck charms or pendants like these would have been worn by many of the soldiers at places like Vindolanda,' he said.

'I have no doubt that this is just the start of many more discoveries to come from Vindolanda this year.'

Vindolanda Roman Fort was under Roman occupation roughly between 85 AD and 370 AD, archaeological excavations already show.

We also know that phallic symbols were used widely across the Roman Empire as a way to protect against bad luck and ward off evil.

Just under an inch (2.5cm) in length, the phallic charm was constructed out of jet, a dark, semi-precious gemstone

This aerial view shows the historic Roman auxiliary fort of Vindolanda near Hadrian's Wall in northern England

The phallus: An image of strength and virility Phallic emblems are found on a wide range of Roman objects, from amulets to frescoes to mosaics to lamps. They were symbols intended to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. As the ancient author Pliny attests, even babies and soldiers wore such charms to invite divine protection. Source: Met Museum Advertisement

Small phalli carved from bone or crafted from metal were commonly worn as pedants, while homes were often decorated with frescoes or mosaics featuring phalli.

It's not the first time phallic objects have been found at Vindolanda, which is also known for its collection of ancient writing tablets.

Back in 2023, researchers revealed a much larger artefact made of wood which may have been used for more than just warding off evil.

Both ends of this particular object were noticeably smoother, indicating 'repeated contact over time' possibly in a sexual context.

Alternatively, it may have been used as a pestle to grind ingredients for cosmetics or medicines.

Another possibility is it was slotted into a statue which passers-by would've touched for good luck or to absorb or get protection from misfortune  common throughout the Roman Empire.

Ancient Roman graffiti at Vindolanda also includes phallic engravings along with insulting text calling someone a 's***ter'.

In 2023, experts discovered a strange wooden artefact at the Roman fort of Vindolanda that they believe may have been used during sex

The object was found alongside dozens of shoes and dress accessories, which meant it was initally thought to be a darning tool. However, a new analysis suggests that the life-size object - measuring 6.3 inches long - was actually used as a sexual implement

Researchers discovered a large phallus and an inscription which brands a Roman soldier called Secundinus a 's***ter' at the historic site, dating back 1,700 years

Previously, archaeologists found a handwritten birthday invitation at Vindolanda where one woman invited her 'dearest sister' to join her.

Today, Vindolanda is somewhat less famous than Hadrian's Wall, the former defensive fortification begun in AD 122 during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian.

Although first built by the Roman army before Hadrian's Wall, Vindolanda became the wall's construction and garrison base.

Experts think Vindolanda was demolished and completely re-built no fewer than nine times, each rebuild leaving a distinctive mark on the landscape.

Vindolanda's archaeological site and museum, which houses many of its discovered artefacts, is open to the public seven days a week.
The idea of a Great Dane becoming best friends with a Chihuahua might sound like something from the latest Disney cartoon.

But it has become a reality in Idaho, where the world's tallest and shortest dogs have met for the very first time.

At just 3.59-inches tall, Pearl, 4, is around the same size as a large teacup.

In stark contrast, Reggie, 7, stands at an impressive 39.6-inches tall - around half the size of a King Size Bed.

Despite their 3ft height difference, the pair got on like a house on fire - and thankfully, Reggie was gentle with this new tiny pal.

Sam Johnson Reiss, Reggie's owner, said: 'Obviously, bringing the smallest dog in the world with the tallest dog in the world, there was a little bit of anxiety.

'But I think he was very gentle [and] very, very kind [to Pearl], as best as he could be.'

Pearl's owner, Vanesa Semler, added: 'I think she has no idea she is a small dog!'

The idea of a Great Dane becoming best friends with a Chihuahua might sound like something from the latest Disney cartoon. But it has become a reality in Idaho, where the world's tallest and shortest dogs have met for the very first time

At just 3.59-inches tall, Pearl, 4, is around the same size as a large teacup. In stark contrast, Reggie, 7, stands at an impressive 3ft 3-inches tall - around half the size of a King Size Bed

While the average Great Dane reaches an impressive 32-inches tall, Reggie stands at 39.6-inches, making him the tallest living dog.

However, even Reggie would looks small next to the tallest dog ever - Zeus, a fellow Great Dane, who measured 1.118 m (3ft 8 in) in 2011!

Meanwhile Pearl measures 9.14 cm (3.59 in) - signifiantly smaller than the average Chihuahua, which reaches 5 to 8 inches tall.

Pearl, who lives in Florida, travelled to Reggie's home in Idaho for the meet-up, co-ordinated by Guinness World Records.

Speaking ahead of the meet-up, Ms Semler said: 'When Pearl meets bigger dogs, she is really friendly.

'Normally she's really playful with bigger dogs, she just wants to be around [them].'

As the two owners predicted, the dogs got on well - although Reggie made sure to keep his distance.

'He was trying to be careful around her, so I think that may be the main reason he wanted to stay away because he was really, you know, gentle with her,' Ms Semler added.

While the average Great Dane reaches an impressive 32-inches tall, Reggie stands at 39.6-inches, making him the tallest living dog

At just 3.59-inches tall, Pearl, 4, is around the same size as a large teacup

As the two owners predicted, the dogs got on well - although Reggie made sure to keep his distance

'That's an amazing quality. That talks a lot about how caring and loving he is!'

Their meet-up comes shortly after the world's tallest and shortest women met for afternoon tea in London.

Rumeysa Gelgi, a 27-year-old Turkish web developer, and Indian actress Jyoti Amge bonded during their meeting at The Savoy hotel.

Ms Gelgi joked that it was 'difficult for us to make eye contact at times' due to their height difference, but said it was 'great' and 'amazing' to meet.

Ms Amge, 30, is the shortest woman at 62.8cm (2ft 1in), while Ms Gelgi holds the Guinness World Record (GWR) for being the world's tallest woman at 215.16cm (7ft 1in).
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Beauty fans looking to enjoy the benefits of Korean skincare will be delighted to know that Amazon Australia now offers cult-favourite brands all in one place.

The marketplace giant has launched its new Amazon Beauty Finds storefront, making it a go-to destination for the latest Korean and Japanese must-haves.

Aussie shoppers can now tap into the biggest K and J beauty trends and viral products making waves around the world - all at reasonable prices.

Customers can expect to find popular brands - including Beauty of Joseon, Mediheal, Dear Klairs, Anua, Torriden, SKIN1004 and, of course, COSRX, arguably the most viral K-beauty in Australia, made famous for its key ingredient 'snail mucin'.

To stay in the loop with popular beauty buys, the storefront will be refreshed frequently with new skincare, haircare, tools and gadgets.

'There's a reason so many of these products gain such viral fame and I'm always so excited to try them for myself, but they can sometimes be hard to source here in Australia,' Sydney makeup artist Dahn Doan said.

'To have a single place to get my hands on a huge range of trending skincare and make-up products on the Amazon Beauty Finds store is fantastic.'

Most items purchased from the Amazon Beauty Finds store are eligible for Prime delivery, meaning fast and free delivery for Amazon Prime members.

Beauty fans looking to reap the benefits of Korean skincare will be delighted to know Amazon Australia is now offering cult-favourite brands

'We know customers have their fingers on the pulse when it comes to the beauty products and brands that are causing a stir on social media, so with the launch of the Amazon Beauty Finds store they now have a one-stop hub to explore, find and shop with ease,' Country Manager of Amazon Australia Marketplace Amit Mahto said.

'Amazon is home to a huge selection of beauty must-haves at great prices, and we're proud to offer Australian customers brands that are renowned from here and overseas, with fast and free delivery options for ultimate convenience.'

Prime members are eligible for free same-day delivery in Sydney, Blue Mountains, Brisbane, Canberra, Geelong, Gold Coast, Gosford, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula Newcastle and Wollongong.

To shop Amazon Beauty Finds, click here.
A Boston judge who allegedly let a twice-deported illegal immigrant slip out a side door of her courtroom to avoid ICE agents may soon face punishment.

Judge Shelley Joseph, who now serves as a Boston Municipal Court judge, faces removal from the bench when she appears in Suffolk County Superior Court on June 9 for a public hearing into the April 2018 incident, the Boston Herald reports.

She has been accused of allowing Jose Medina-Perez, an illegal immigrant originally from the Dominican Republic, walk out a back door of the Newton District Courthouse to avoid getting arrested by the ICE agents on duty.

Facing justice: Judge Shelley Joseph, who now serves as a Boston Municipal Court judge, faces removal from the bench

Joseph was indicted months later by former U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling - a Trump appointee - but those charges were dropped in 2022 when she 'agreed to refer herself' to the Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct.

In a scathing 112-page report, the commission declared she engaged in 'willful judicial misconduct' and failed 'to cooperate and be candid and honest with judicial disciplinary authorities'.

It recommended at the time that the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court appoint a hearing officer - likely a retired judge - to 'preside over a public hearing'.

The hearing will now mirror an actual trial, in which both attorneys for the judge and the commission present evidence to a hearing officer who will determine whether Joseph can keep her $207,855 a year job.

But it remained unclear on Tuesday whether Joseph's attorney, Thomas Hoopes, will move forward with the hearing - or strike a deal with the state beforehand.

Escaped from ICE agents: She allegedly allowed Jose Medina-Perez, an illegal immigrant originally from the Dominican Republic, walk out a back door of the Newton District Courthouse

He previously suggested, though, that the judge looks forward to the hearing in which 'all the circumstances finally become public.'

Joseph was presiding over Medina-Perez's case in the Newton District Court on April 2, 2018 following his arrest for drug possession and being a fugitive from justice in Pennsylvania.

He had been deported from the U.S. once in January 2003 and again in 2007, according to ICE.

According to the commission's report, Joseph learned that ICE agents were at the courthouse armed with a 'civil immigration detainer' that would have allowed them take custody of Medina-Perez as a 'deportable alien' if he were released from state custody.

Before the final hearing, the defense attorney for Medina-Perez allegedly colluded with the trial court officer to let his client sneak out a 'sally-port door' in the lockup downstairs to avoid the ICE agents, the commissioners said.

Initial charges dropped: She was originally indicted by former U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling - a Trump appointee

As part of their alleged agreement, the defense attorney would get Medina-Perez to return to lockup after his court proceedings, per the report.

When the hearing began at around 2.48pm, Joseph agreed to a sidebar conference, in which she allegedly told that the prosecution no longer believed Medina-Perez was the same person subject to the Pennsylvania arrest warrant.

The prosecutor then said she would move to dismiss the fugitive charge and wouldn't seek bail on the drug charges, according to the report.

This gave Judge Joseph two options: release Medina-Perez on his own recognizance or detain him in jail until trial.

The defense then told Joseph that 'if hes bailed out ... ICE will pick him up,' the report claims.

Joseph is said to have responded by saying: 'ICE is gonna get him?' and: 'What if we detain him?'

After this, Joseph ordered the session clerk to shut down the courtroom recording system and proceeded to have a roughly 52-second off-the-record conversation with the defense and the prosecution, according to the report.

Joseph's statements inquiring about ICE and asking about detaining Medina-Perez gave a 'reasonable impression' that she was allowing him to evade the ICE agents that were in the lobby waiting, the commission said.

Ultimately, Joseph granted the defense's request to let Medina-Perez go downstairs to the lockup, where he exited through the sally-port door at around 3.01pm, the commission said.

'Judge Joseph was less than fully candid... in failing to explicitly acknowledge that she had conducted part of the hearing off the record,' the commission stated, adding that she also didn't immediately relay that she had granted the defense's request to let Medina-Perez go downstairs.

Boston-area ICE officers ultimately arrested Medina-Perez on April 19, 2018, based on his immigration violations.
The Trump administration has arrested and deported 65,682 illegal immigrants, which includes 'scammers' since the President took office in January.

That was most of the 66,463 arrested over that period, a Department of Homeland Security official revealed to DailyMail.com, adding 5 per cent of those detained had criminal charges or convictions.

That figure included 498 migrants with murder allegations and 1,329 tied to sex offenses, and 2,288 suspected gang members.

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Crackdown: President Donald Trump has ordered Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to increase the speed of arrests and deportations

DailyMail.com can also exclusively report that 7,120 illegal migrants were accused of welfare fraud schemes, including marriage fraud.

That was according to data compiled by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which conducted a screening of over 3,568 social media accounts.

USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser said Trump was putting a stop to 'disastrous Biden-era 'humanitarian' policies that 'invited fraud and allowed criminal aliens to legally live and work in our communities.'

He went on to say that USCIS facilitated arrests of 'criminals attempting to gain immigration benefits' and is ensuring that every migrant is being registered in the U.S.

'Aliens, immigration attorneys and non-government organizations take note: the days of exploiting our immigration system are over. Aliens who want to live and work in America need to do it legally or get out.'

A new DailyMail.com /JL Partners poll found that despite immigration successes, Trump is seeing a drop in his approval rating for the first time.

When asked to pick his biggest mistake, voters overwhelmingly said 'tariffs', while the 'border' was seen as the greatest success.

Vote winner: Americans said the border and immigration were clearly the biggest success of Trump's first 100 days. The White House put mugshots of migrants who had been arrested on the White House drive on Monday

In the poll of 1,006 registered voters conducted between April 23 and April 28, and covering a wide range of topics, disapproval of Trump stood at 55 per cent.

The nine-point slip in his approval appears largely due the administration's tariffs and the ensuing reversal on those economic threats.

Voters seem to have doubts over whether Trump has a plan when it comes to a trade war.

'Our last poll shocked DC as it showed Trump at his most popular ever after his tariffs announcement. But now, for the first time, we can say the Trump honeymoon period is over,' J.L. Partners pollster James Johnson told DailyMail.com.

The Trump administration promoted its immigration crackdown on Monday by lining the White House driveway with dozens of mugshots of migrants who have been arrested.

DailyMail.com obtained information on a series of deportations in February as the Trump administration started enforcing its strict border policies.

Those individuals included Ivan Oramas, 61, is a citizen of Cuba with a rap sheet including convictions for sexual battery and aggravated assault.

His sexual battery case caused serious injury, according to his charges in the file.

ICE Houston nabbed Oramas in February, enforcing a deportation order first handed down in October 200321 years overdue.

Santos Maradiaga-Villalta, a 40-year-old alien from Honduras, has convictions for smuggling aliens into the U.S. He was arrested recently by ICE in Phoenix. His first deportation order dates back to January 2006, a 19-year lapse in action.

Held: ICE Phoenix recently arrested Santos Maradiaga-Villalta, 40, Honduran national who was issued a removal order in 2006, when he was then 21. He had prior convictions for alien smuggling

Ivan Fabian Oramas, 61, was originally ordered to be deported in October 2003, over 21 years ago. Above is his mugshot from a Florida state sexual offender database

Now, as Trump's administration continues ramping up its crackdown on illegal immigration, these long-evading, at large fugitives are getting taken in after decades of delays.

The Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that in conjunction with Border Czar Tom Homan, immigration officials have already apprehended over 20,000 at large illegal aliens since Trump was sworn in.

'That's a 627 per cent increase in monthly arrests compared to just 33,000 at large arrests under Biden for ALL of last year,' she wrote in a post on X.

In another post on the platform she bragged that DHS has slashed border encounters from 15,000 a day under Joe Biden to just 200 under Trump.

It's a '15-year low,' she wrote.

Among the other criminals that surfaced in this week's federal data were Guatemalan national Alexis Aquirre-Velasquez, 37, who was ordered out of the U.S. 12 years ago in February 2013.

He was charged with four counts of indecent liberty with a child and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The president has pledged to purge the U.S. of its 'most dangerous' unlawful immigrants through a sweeping deportation strategy that would result in the 'largest deportation effort' ever carried out.

White House officials recently revealed to DailyMail.com that north of 6,000 migrants were deported in Trump's first two weeks.

Caught: ICE Atlanta arrested Alexis Aquirre-Velasquez, 37, a Guatemalan national. The authorities given him a final removal date in 2013

Case: ICE Sioux Falls arrested Hector Mendoza-Lopez, 22, of El Salvador for false statements while purchasing a firearm

Process: A migrant arriving at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, after he illegally entered the U.S.

It comes after Caleb Vitello, the former acting director of ICE was reassigned earlier this month.

It came as deportations of migrants have lagged expectations, a senior Trump official said.

A spokesman told the Wall Street Journal he was 'actually being elevated so he is no longer in an administrative role.'

Instead, he would be 'overseeing all field and enforcement operations: finding, arresting, and deporting illegal aliens.'

He was the third senior ICE official to be removed this month.
A man was captured on film desperately running away from a furious polar bear after he had attempted to shoot it on a remote Arctic island.

Residents of the village of Pyramiden had been trying to scare off bears after one was spotted sniffing around residents' snowmobiles.

But a clip shot on the Norwegian island of Svalbard showed the moment one brazen creature, undeterred even by a volley of gunshots, turned and gave chase.

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Terrifying: A desperate man runs for his life from a lpolar bear on a remote Arctic island

A Russian mining manager was seen bounding through the snow as onlookers shouted out 'No! Go away!' at the bear.

The animal, capable of running at speeds of up to 25mph, charged at the man who, in his panic, dropped his rifle as he leapt onto a snowmobile.

The bear was seen just feet away from the lucky Russian as the snowmobile came to his dramatic rescue.

The alarm at the Pyramiden came as the mining manager was trying to scare away polar bears from the village, which is popular with tourists.

At the time, there were about 80 people in the settlement, who were staying at the Tulip Hotel, said a source at Arktikugol, a Russian Arctic coal company operating in the settlement.

A person from the firm explained: 'Bears frequently enter Pyramiden because their migration route runs through the area. Some bears are aggressive, while others are more timid and skittish.'

The manager had a lucky escape as the bear closed in. While bears are not active predators of humans, they will attack if especially hungry or threatened.

Last year, two polar bears killed a worker at a remote Arctic radar station in Canada's Nunavut territory.

'Employees of the trust undergo training and monitor the safety of tourists, among other duties,' the Arktikugol source explained.

'Both the man and the bear are currently fine,' he said of the undated scare in Pyramiden. 'No-one was injured.'

Voices were heard in the clip admiring how the production manager had risked his life to scare the bear, as one said: 'Very brave guy. Damn, that guy is brave.'

There are around 300 polar bears on Svalbard. The same one had been seen two days earlier 'inspecting snowmobiles'.

Eyewitnesses said food had been left in the vehicles which attracted the predator.
Direct trains between Newcastle and Brighton could be on the way after an operator unveiled plans for services to run by the end of next year.

Arriva Group said the trains under its Grand Central brand would call at stations such as York, Sheffield, Birmingham New Street, Oxford, Reading and Gatwick Airport.

The new route would enable passengers to travel by train between the North East and the south coast without changing trains in London, which is currently required.

Services would call at Durham, Darlington, Northallerton, York, Doncaster, Sheffield, Derby, Burton-on-Trent, Birmingham New Street, Warwick Parkway, Banbury, Oxford, Reading, Wokingham, Guildford, Redhill, Gatwick, Haywards Heath and Brighton.

Travelling from Newcastle to Brighton - which was recently ranked as one of the UK's best seaside towns to move to - currently takes about four-and-a-half hours by rail, starting with a three-hour LNER train from Newcastle to London King's Cross.

From there, one option for passengers is to walk to St Pancras for a direct Thameslink service to Brighton. They can also use the London Underground to travel from King's Cross to Victoria, then catch a Southern or Gatwick Express service to Brighton.

But Arriva is now submitting an application to regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for permission to launch direct services from Newcastle to Brighton, and hopes five trains per day in each direction could begin running from December 2026.

The route will also be helpful to fans of Premier League football clubs Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion when the two play each other  such as in the fixture scheduled for this Sunday at the American Express Stadium in East Sussex.

Arriva Group said trains under its Grand Central brand would run from Newcastle to Brighton

Trains would run from Newcastle station (pictured), and call at Durham and Darlington

Grand Central already runs services connecting Sunderland and Bradford with London King's Cross.

The Sunderland service runs via Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe, Northallerton, Thirsk, York and Peterborough.

Route for new Grand Central train from Newcastle to Brighton

Newcastle

Durham

Darlington

Northallerton

York

Doncaster

Sheffield

Derby

Burton-on-Trent

Birmingham New Street

Warwick Parkway

Banbury

Oxford

Reading

Wokingham

Guildford

Redhill

Gatwick Airport

Haywards Heath

Brighton Advertisement

And the Bradford trains stop at Low Moor, Halifax, Brighouse, Mirfield, Wakefield Kirkgate, Pontefract Monkhill, Doncaster and Peterborough.

Arriva Group - which formally notified Network Rail of its new application last Friday - said the Newcastle to Brighton service would offer a 'more efficient, affordable and sustainable travel option'.

Each train will have capacity for 300 passengers, including luggage space for airport travellers, as well as on-board catering, wi-fi and charging points.

Paul Hutchings, managing director of Arriva UK Trains' rail services, said: 'We're committed to connecting communities and enabling more people to travel in ways that are convenient and sustainable.

'So we're very pleased to be submitting this application for the first direct service between Newcastle and Brighton, opening up new travel opportunities and making better use of available network capacity - all while building on Grand Central's proud history of connecting traditionally underserved communities.

'This is an exciting time for Grand Central's growth story and follows the extension of our existing access rights to 2038 as well as the recent announcement of an investment of around 300million in a new battery hybrid train fleet for our existing routes, further underlining our commitment and ambition for rail in the UK.'

The route will also provide direct trains to Gatwick for towns in the North East and Midlands such as Northallerton, Warwick and Burton-on-Trent.

Jonathan Pollard, chief commercial officer of Gatwick Airport, said: 'We welcome Arriva's exploration of a regular service between London Gatwick, the Midlands and North East, and are excited about the opportunities this proposed service could bring.

Services would run to Brighton station (above) in East Sussex after a stop at Haywards Heath

'London Gatwick is keen to encourage passengers to use public transport and this enhanced connectivity would support underserved areas, while strengthening and growing our catchment.

'London Gatwick already boasts an extensive network supported by strong relationships with transport providers, making the airport the best connected in the UK by public transport.

'This proposed addition would further enhance the seamless travel options for passengers and staff.'

There are a series of other applications currently awaiting approval from the ORR, include two extra daily return services between Bradford and London.

Another is an early morning and late evening return from York to London, while a third is a direct London connection to Grimsby and Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire.

Most train operators in England are paid a management fee, with the Government holding responsibility for costs and revenue.

Open access operators receive no taxpayer-funded subsidies and take on all revenue risk.

The trains would also provide a cirect route between Newcastle and Gatwick Airport (pictured)

The Department for Transport will next month begin bringing all services under public ownership as existing contracts expire.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has expressed concerns that the open-access model can cause 'potential congestion' and result in taxpayers being 'left to fill shortfalls' in infrastructure maintenance costs.

The Cabinet minister wrote to ORR chairman Declan Collier in January, stating it is her 'expectation' that 'the impacts on the taxpayer and on overall performance' are 'given primacy' by the regulator when it analyses proposals.

While acknowledging that open access can 'open up new markets, drive innovation and offer choice to passengers', she insisted there is 'a balance to be struck'.
After winning Race Across the World last year with his best pal Owen Wood, Alfie Watts has made it his mission to visit every country.

Now, with the new series of the BBC travel competition in full swing, the 22-year-old from St Albans gives his verdict on the show, as well as the 77 of the 195 countries around the world that hes visited.

When it comes to his favourite countries, Alfie has two - Jordan and Malaysia.

In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, the travel content creator says: I took my Nan to Petra because she'd wanted to see it for her whole life, so that was really nice, and the whole feeling around the trip was just really positive.

The people in Jordan are just so friendly as well.

And Malaysia is also a favourite, because it's just a cheap paradise.

But my single favourite place in the world has to be Angel Falls in Venezuela.

They're the tallest waterfall in the world, but they're completely off grid, and a nightmare to get to.

Former Race Across the World winner Alfie Watts, 22, tells MailOnline about his favourite and most overrated countries

One of Alfie's favourite countries is Jordan. In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, the travel content creator says: I took my Nan to Petra [pictured] because she'd wanted to see it for her whole life, so that was really nice, and the whole feeling around the trip was just really positive'

Alfie says his favourite place in the world is Angel Falls, Venezuela. He says: 'They're the tallest waterfall in the world, but they're completely off grid, and a nightmare to get to

When it comes to his least favourite country, Alfie finds it hard to single one out, but he admits Cambodia was the country he disliked the most, having stopped there during Race Across the World.

I just didn't get along with it at all, he says. I found the people quite unfriendly, and Cambodia is in southeast Asia, which obviously means that it's surrounded by Thailand and Malaysia, which are so top that I just don't think it comes close.

But a lot of people disagree, and love Cambodia, so I think I'm objectively wrong with this opinion!

Another place many people love, but Alfie found to be overrated is Sydney.

He says: Yeah, it looks all right, but it's very expensive, and I just didn't catch the hype.

I was really looking forward to it, and it was just a bit average.

Everywhere felt like it was trying too hard, and the whole hipster thing was just coming across a bit too much.

I do need to go back and explore more of Australia though, because Sydney is the only place I've been.

Another standout country for Alfie is Malaysia, as it's a 'cheap paradise'. He's pictured here in Kuala Lumpar

A place many people love, but Alfie found to be overrated is Sydney. He says: Yeah, it looks all right, but it's very expensive, and I just didn't catch the hype'

The most surprising place for Alfie was Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. It's like being in London, he says. It's not how you think of Africa at all. You think of Africa and it's chaos; there's no bus times, and all of that, but in Kigali it's completely different

The most surprising place for Alfie was Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

It's like being in London, he says. It's not how you think of Africa at all. You think of Africa and it's chaos; there's no bus times, and all of that, but in Kigali it's completely different.

There are organised buses, high-rise buildings. Theyve got more developed shopping centres than we have! Kigali was crazy.

Alfies most underrated destination, which he thinks everyone should experience, is the very top of Norway.

He explains: Its really slept on, and people put it off, probably because of the fact it gets 20 hours of daylight in the summer and 20 hours of night time in the winter.

But, up there, it's just a different world. It's just breathtaking.

Alfie and Owen applied for Race Across the World when they were on a rooftop in Brazil.

The application form came up on an Instagram advert while I was on the toilet. True story, he laughs.

Alfie (left) and Owen Wood (right) were only given 1,100 each and challenged to make their way from northernmost Japan to the idyllic Indonesian island of Lombok

After racing nearly 14,000 kilometres over seven weeks and through seven countries, Alfie and Owen crossed the finish line in Lombok (pictured)

Last year, viewers fell in love with the pair as they  along with five other pairs - spent 50 days travelling by land and sea from Japan to Indonesia and ultimately coming out on top to win the 20,000 prize.

And its been emotional for Alfie watching the current series, set across China, Nepal and India.

He says: Watching it back, it does remind you of the whole process, which was just amazing. The fact I got to do it with my best mate, and the fact that it was all filmed and then documented in a way that it would never be done before.

I think, just the uniqueness of it, just the way that you couldn't replicate it, no matter how hard you tried. We did something you truly cant replicate.

But he admits hes glad he got to do the show last year rather than this current series.

I'm much more relieved we had our route because it would have been a lot harder this year, particularly when they get to Nepal and India, just because of the chaos of those places. I think it's going to get really stressful because they're so overwhelming. Even going on holiday to India is such a sensory overload. Being in that situation is going to be tough for them.
An airport in New Zealand has been described as one of the world's scariest places to land a plane.

And it's for a very unusual reason.

As bizarre as it sounds, Gisborne Airport's main runway actually has a railway line cutting directly across it.

The airport's air controllers have to coordinate takeoffs and landings with the train's schedule.

However, luckily for them and any nervous travellers, the train line is currently only used 15 times a year.

The Gisborne City Vintage Railway's steam train is the only train to use the line and travels between Gisborne and Muriwai.

It's a popular tourist route and tends to run during the summer and when cruise ships are visiting.

The airport is used much more frequently than its trainline as Air New Zealand operates daily non-stop flights from Gisborne to Auckland.

As bizarre as it sounds, Gisborne Airport's main runway actually has a railway line cutting directly across it

The Gisborne City Vintage Railway's steam train is the only train to use the line and travels between Gisborne and Muriwai

The airport is used much more frequently as Air New Zealand operates daily non-stop flights from Gisborne to Auckland

But Gisborne isn't just worth visiting for its unique airport.

Located on New Zealand's east coast, the city has fantastic surfing beaches, a range of wineries and it's the first place in the world to see the sunrise.

Prefer to fly from a more luxurious airport?

The world's best airports were recently named in a new ranking and the best-rated hub is even home to the globe's tallest indoor waterfall.
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The cheapest day of the week and week of the year to travel have been revealed by Skyscanner.

The travel company looked at flight search activity from 1 January to 31 March 2025, covering outbound travel dates from 30 June to 31 August 2025, to find out the results.

And, if you want to save yourself as much money as possible when jetting off on holiday this summer, it turns out the sweet spot for your trip is 7th to the 13th of July.

When it comes to the day of the week thats cheapest to travel, Skyscanners Smarter Summer Report has revealed its Saturday.

Although, for the most popular holiday hotspots of Malaga, Faro in Portugal and Alicante, its Tuesday.

On this day, flights to Malaga cost 153 on average, flights to Faro cost 183, and flights to Alicante cost 160.

The cheapest weeks to travel to these destinations vary.

For Malaga, your best bet is flying out on the 30th June, when flights cost 142 on average, flights to Faro cost 171 on 25th August, and 7th July is cheapest for Alicante, when flights cost 152 on average.

The cheapest day of the week and week of the year to travel have been revealed by Skyscanner

Skyscanners report also found the destinations with cheap flights, which should be considered if you want to save money.

Bremen, Germany is the cheapest for flights, with the average price being 60.

Poprad, Slovakia is in second place, with flights costing 68, and Baden-Baden in Germany is in third place with 73 flights.

Commenting on the report, Skyscanners Martin Nolan said: We know how important summer holidays are to Brits, especially this year with people looking to stretch out the summer season.

Our Smarter Summer Report, built on key data from Skyscanner, has been designed to help travellers maximise their time and money as much as possible.

It is important to us that travellers can find their dream destination at the right price for them.

Our research shows that a large proportion of travellers (76%) are open to exploring more off the beaten track destinations this summer and here at Skyscanner we want to help them search and compare every option available to them.
With the weather heating up and a Bank Holiday on the horizon, many Britons will be planning to take a trip to the seaside.

But daytrippers have been warned that a common beach activity could lead to them being fined.

While it might seem like a nice idea to take a pebble or shell home from the beach, tourists can actually be charged 1,000 for doing so.

The Coast Protection Act 1949 states that it is against the law to remove natural materials from British beaches.

The rule is in place to protect the sites from erosion and banned items include sea shells, pebbles and sand.

Daniel McAfee, head of legal operations at Lawhive, says: 'While picking up a seashell might seem like a harmless souvenir, removing natural materials from beaches, including shells, stones and even driftwood can, in some cases, be illegal.

'Under the Coastal Protection Act 1949, it is illegal to remove natural materials like sand and pebbles from public beaches, without permission, as this can contribute to coastal erosion and damage delicate ecosystems.

'While the Act primarily targets larger-scale removal, individuals can still fall foul of the law, especially in protected areas such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, national parks, or heritage coastlines.

Daytrippers have been warned that a common beach activity could lead to a fine

The Coast Protection Act 1949 states that it is against the law to remove natural materials from British beaches

'If someone is found to be in breach of this Act, they could face a fine of up to 1,000 or more if prosecuted under related environmental legislation.'

Cumberland Council in the North West imposes a 1,000 fine for beachgoers who pinch a shell or rock.

Councillor Bob Kelly has said: 'Taking a pebble or shell from a beach can, in fact, damage the environment.

'We are asking people to leave the pebbles, shells and sand as we all want to ensure that our beaches remain vibrant and intact for future generations.'
Brittany Cartwright did not hold back anything when asked to assess her ex Jax Taylor's bedroom abilities.

The 36-year-old reality star appeared on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live on Tuesday with her co-star from The Valley, Luke Broderick.

The aftermath of their relationship - which ended in August 2024 when she filed for divorce - has played out on this season of The Valley, which airs Tuesdays on Bravo.

One of her former Vanderpump Rules co-stars Kristen Doute recently 'retired' her 'revenge dress' and gave it to WWHL host Andy Cohen, who used it for a skit where the 'sentient' dress asked questions of Brittany and Luke.

One such question for Brittany was, 'On a scale from 1 to 10, how would you rate Jax in the bedroom?'

Her answer stunned host Andy Cohen, who didn't even want to end the segment on that question since he was so shook.

Brittany Cartwright did not hold back anything when asked to assess her ex Jax Taylor 's bedroom abilities

The aftermath of their relationship - which ended in August 2024 when she filed for divorce - has played out on this season of The Valley, which airs Tuesdays on Bravo

One of her former Vanderpump Rules co-stars Kristen Doute recently 'retired' her 'revenge dress' and gave it to WWHL host Andy Cohen , who used it for a skit where the 'sentient' dress asked questions of Brittany and Luke

Cartwright responded with a smile, opening with, 'Oh, lord. There was times when he was about a 7 or an 8.'

However, she added with a laugh, 'But majority of the time, no stamina, no nothing. A two or three.'

Cartwright and Taylor first started dating in 2015, two years after Bravo's Vanderpump Rules debuted.

They got engaged in June 2018 and tied the knot in 2019 in Brittany's home state of Kentucky, and then welcomed son Cruz in April 2021.

The couple shocked the reality TV world when they split, with Cartwright citing, 'irreconcilable differences.'

A month after her filing, Taylor revealed he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD, and announced he was checking himself into a rehab facility.

When asked on WWHL if there was ever any chance she would get back with Taylor, Cartwright insisted, '100% no.'

She admitted, ' I had weak moments, for sure. I was with him for ten years. Obviously, I loved him. And want nothing but the best for him.'

Cartwright responded with a smile, opening with, 'Oh, lord. There was times when he was about a 7 or an 8'

However, she added with a laugh, 'But majority of the time, no stamina, no nothing. A two or three.'

Cartwright and Taylor first started dating in 2015, two years after Bravo's Vanderpump Rules debuted.

However, she added, 'But he has damaged our relationship far too much to go back,' and added the current state of their relationship was, 'not great'

However, she added, 'But he has damaged our relationship far too much to go back,' and added the current state of their relationship was, 'not great.'

She also admitted that she's not, '100% sure' that Jax is sober now, though she said, 'I really hope he is sober.'

'His personality is still very much a Jax Taylor personality, so it's a lot of ups and downs,' Cartwright admitted.

When asked why she stayed in Los Angeles with her son Cruz instead of going back to her home state of Kentucky, she said, 'In L.A., there's a lot going on. I need to support my son,' adding, 'L.A. is the best place.'

'There's so many more opportunity there's. There's a lot I can do. And I got crews set up and the therapies and his support group is incredible. They love him so much. Everything about his life as much as I do. And I don't want to change up what's happening at this moment. I love Kentucky. I love visiting home. I'm a Kentucky girl, always, through and through,' she added.
Amanda Owen made a cheeky joke about her ex-husband Clive's difficulties getting his leg over ahead of his latest hip operation - but concerned fans pointed out you can see hes in pain as he prepared for the procedure.

The English shepherdess, 50, returned to screens with Clive, 70, and their nine kids on Tuesday night for the second series of More4's Our Farm Next Door.

The first series of the programme aired in October last year and followed the Owen family as they renovated abandoned farmhouse Anty Johns Farm, next door to Ravenseat Farm, into a home.

Tuesday's episode saw dad-of-nine Clive preparing himself for his second hip replacement, which was filmed back in September 2024.

Speaking to the camera, Amanda said of her ex, who she split from back in 2022 after 20 years of marriage: 'It's getting ever so close now to Clive going for his hip operation. So yeah, he's a bit nervous. I can tell, I know he's a bit nervous, but he needs doing.

'Because basically, I don't think I can say... he can't get his leg over, but yeah, he can't.

Amanda Owen makes VERY cheeky joke about ex-husband Clive 'getting his leg over' - but concerned fans fret 'you can see he's in pain'

The English shepherdess, 50, returned to our screens with Clive, 70, and their nine kids on Tuesday night for the second series of More4's Our Farm Next Door

Tuesday's episode saw dad-of-nine Clive preparing himself for his second him replacement, which was filmed back in September 2024 and then the aftermath of the surgery

'He's having to sit sideways on the quad bike at the moment. So yeah, it's giving him some jip.

'And trying to persuade him to do anything that's gonna take him out of action is quite a hard sell, really.

'But finally, he's going, and he won't regret it, 'cause I mean he's had one done and he knows the difference, he knows it'll be literally, it'll breathe new life into him.'

She continued: 'He's already pointing out how he wants everything to be, yada yada yada.

'Because he's one of those, he's like, "oh, you know, the place is gonna fall apart if I'm not here."

'He's not very good at letting go. So I just know how it will be.'

Ahead of his appointment he said: 'I wouldn't say I'm really looking forward to it, but that's what's gonna happen and so this is my last day for a little while.

'And then, I'll be back and I'll just have to tell them what to do and drive them all mad.

Amanda and Owen pictured with their nine kids Raven, 23, Reuben, 21, Miles, 18, Edith, 16, Violet, 14, Sidney, 13, Annas, 11, Clemmy, nine, and Nancy, eight

'Yeah, I mean, you're bound to be nervous, but no, no, I'm alright with it.'

After the surgery Amanda described Clive as a 'terrible patient' as he just wanted to get back into work after the hip replacement.

Amanda said: 'Clive hasn't felt great, and with it his temperament has been problematic...

'Now, he's taking his first faltering steps outside and he's finding fault with everything.'

Those watching at home took to social media to share their worry about Clive after such a big operation.

One wrote on Instagram: 'You can see the pain he is in.'

'Get well soon, Clive, we finally see you... we missed you very much...'

'Hope Clive is OK after his op, the closeness you all share is beautiful, sticking together no matter.'

Back in November Amanda shared a rare health update about her ex husband during another appearance on Lorraine.

She previewed an exclusive peek at the latest episode of her reality show Our Farm Next Door, in which Clive underwent a hip replacement.

She revealed that she'd had a 'nightmare' looking after the pair's nine children and that Clive has been a 'terrible patient' while he recovers.

In behind-the-scenes footage, Amanda said: 'There's a lot going on here. It's been a nightmare here.

'I've got children going to school, I've got children studying and children working and then he comes to me and says he's bored.

It comes after Amanda sparked concern on Tuesday's episode of Lorraine as fans claimed 'something doesn't seem right' during an interview from her farm.

Our Farm Next Door is available to stream on More4.
An EastEnders legend will be returning to Albert Square in days - and they will be sending shockwaves through their family with life-changing news.

Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) will be back in Walford after two months away, following on from getting brutally hit over the head on Christmas Day.

Then in February it was revealed that it was in fact Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) who was the one who clobbered her outside the Queen Vic.

Cindy's return is going to cause a lot of drama and will disrupt Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and son Peter Beale's (Thomas Law) engagement party at Harry's Barn.

Her relationship with her daughter-in-law Lauren has been pretty non existent over the last few months.

And Cindy's shock return leaves Lauren - who is pregnant - fuming.

EastEnders legend makes explosive return to Albert Square in just days as they send shockwaves through family with life-changing news

Cindy Beal (Michelle Collins, pictured) will be back in Walford after two months away, following on from getting brutally hit over the head on Christmas Day

Stuck between his partner and mum, Peter tries to settle the animosity, but fails.

And a fed up Lauren tells Peter that he has to pick between her or Cindy.

Cindy's family don't want anything to do with her, so she decides to drop a bombshell and tell them who hit her over the head.

Later on in the episode, Cindy heads over to Peter and Lauren's house to talk and finds Lauren with her waters broken.

As viewers will know, she left Walford in February and pretended that she was never going to come back.

However she has actually been staying with her friend Gita and wants to take revenge on her family.

It comes after it was revealed that Michelle was taking a huge break from the soap after bagging a lead role in a brand new show.

Michelle Collins, 62, first appeared on the soap in 1988, but left in 1900 after her character supposedly got killed off during childbirth.

Stuck between his partner and mum, Peter tries to settle the animosity, but fails, and Lauren tells Peter that he has to pick between her or Cindy

However in 2023 she made a shock return and has been part of some gripping storylines, including the mystery of who hit her over the head on Christmas Day last year.

But now Michelle is going to step away from the Square for her debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as part of comedy Motorhome Marilyn.

A source told The Sun: 'She will be off screens for a few weeks but BBC bosses know it's important to let their biggest stars do other projects so they remain on the show long-term.

'Bosses will have big plans for Cindy when she does return to Albert Square.'

Michelle will be starring in the show at the Doonstairs, Gilded Balloon Patter House in the summer.

Fans will be able to watch her between July 30 and August 25.

The actress took to Instagram to share the exciting news with her fans.

Sharing a snap of herself as Marilyn, she captioned the post: 'Shes coming #MotorhomeMarilyn.'

And fans rushed to the comments section to share their excitement.

One wrote: 'This looks great.'

Another added: 'You are one awesome lady.'

'Cant wait youll be amazing,' a third chimed in.

EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.
A Netflix sci-fi horror, which has terrified fans so much they have been left 'struggling to breathe', has been dubbed a 'must watch'.

French-language film Oxygen stars Melanie Laurent as a young woman who finds herself trapped in a cryogenic chamber, with oxygen levels swiftly dwindling.

Having lost her memory, the woman tries to recall how she ended up in such a desperate situation - all while battling to survive, guided only by the voice of an AI robot.

Directed by Frenchman Alexandre Aja, the Netflix Original creation of debut screenwriter Christie LeBlanc has an impressive 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

And it has received significant praise from the critics, with the Guardian warning despite it requiring 'some hefty levels of disbelief suspension', 'it's a rather elegant contrivance' and 'excellent' French actress Melanie 'sells it hard'.

The film was released in 2021 - but new fans keep rediscovering the near one-woman effort on the streamer, taking to social media to express how captivating it is.

French-language film Oxygen (pictured) stars Melanie Laurent as a young woman who finds herself trapped in a cryogenic chamber, with oxygen levels swiftly dwindling

Having lost her memory, the woman tries to recall how she ended up in such a desperate situation - all while battling to survive, guided only by the voice of an AI robot

Directed by Frenchman Alexandre Aja, the Netflix Original creation of debut screenwriter Christie LeBlanc has an impressive 90 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes

One person said on X: 'Oxygen is a phenomenal example of one-location filmmaking done right.

'Brutal moral dilemmas, surprising discoveries about the mysterious protagonist, a fantastic one-woman show from Melanie Laurent keep the slow, flashback-heavy narrative engrossing.'

A fan review noted: 'As the tension build to excruciating levels at the climax, will have viewers so caught up in the action they will need to check they are still breathing.'

Another X user commented: 'Gripping, some nail-biting scenes and a great performance from Melanie Laurent - but maybe don't watch it if you're claustrophobic...'

Someone else recommended anyone scrolling for a new watch to check it out: 'It's a movie with big ideas but no matter how large the scope gets, it remains impressively intimate and confined to a single location.

'Clever and tense. Melanie Laurent is terrific.'

One person weighed in: 'This is a great movie! A variant of Buried [2010 survival thriller about a man buried alive] but sci-fi (and better). Laurent does an excellent job.'

Another user said: 'It's a tense and very claustrophobic ride. Melanie Laurent is superb... It's very good.'

And it has received significant praise from the critics, with the Guardian warning despite it requiring 'some hefty levels of disbelief suspension', 'it's a rather elegant contrivance' and 'excellent' French actress Melanie 'sells it hard'

Other critics have been impressed by the film too, with Forbes saying: 'The mystery at the centre of this story - who is this young woman, where is she, how did she end up there - will keep you hooked'

Viewers will recognise Melanie from Quentin Tarantino's infamous 2009 war film Inglourious Basterds

The film was released in 2021 - but new fans keep rediscovering the near one-woman effort on the streamer, taking to social media (pictured) to express how captivating it is

Other critics have been impressed by the film too, with Forbes saying: 'The mystery at the centre of this story - who is this young woman, where is she, how did she end up there - will keep you hooked.

'Melanie Laurent is quite phenomenal, carrying this suspenseful thriller through her sole performance.'

Viewers will recognise Melanie from Quentin Tarantino's infamous 2009 war film Inglourious Basterds, an alternative history about two accidentally clashing plots to assassinate Nazi leaders.

Melanie stars as Shosanna Dreyfus, a 23-year-old French-Jewish woman whose family was executed by the SS when she was 20 - which she managed to escape.

Fans' rediscovery of Oxygen comes after Netflix changed its subtitle settings in a way streamers have wanted for years - making any viewing of the sci-fi horror potentially even more enjoyable.

Many viewers watch with subtitles, a study showed - but find it irritating when the captions describe sound effects or music as well as showing the dialogue.

It means keen streamers were delighted to discover that an update to the service sees subtitles show just the words spoken - and nothing else.

The previous comprehensive closed captioning is mainly for deaf or hearing-impaired people, who account for only a small portion of total subscribers, the study showed.

Fans' rediscovery of Oxygen comes after Netflix changed its subtitle settings in a way streamers have wanted for years - making any viewing of the sci-fi horror potentially even more enjoyable. Pictured: File photo

Many viewers watch with subtitles, a study showed - but find it irritating when the captions describe sound effects or music as well as showing the dialogue. Pictured: File photo

It means keen streamers were delighted to discover that an update to the service sees subtitles show just the words spoken - and nothing else. Pictured: File photo

These viewers, who might appreciate the extra description, need not worry - this traditional closed captioning will still be available, listed as 'English CC', alongside the new style, named 'English' or whatever the viewer's preferred language.

There is also a range of other options for personalisation, including more settings for text font, weight, opacity, outline and shadow to help with contrast - and options to move the position of subtitles on-screen to avoid covering important action.

The new adaptation was rolled out on the fifth and final season of You, released last Thursday, and Netflix plans to add it to all its original shows from now on.

Early testers reported a smoother reading experience, Netflix said, saying it was less 'obtrusive' - and fans have now also taken to social media to express their delight at the new feature.

One user said on X: 'Finally, a win for subtitle lovers! No more getting distracted by every door creak and ominous music cue.

'Netflix is stepping up its caption game with a cleaner, more streamlined experience. Less chaos, more clarity.'

Oxygen is available to stream on Netflix now.
MasterChef Australia: Back To Win is back with a bang.

But it was the judges, not the contestants, who attracted the interest of viewers during Wednesday's episode.

Poh Ling Yeow and Sofia Levin headed into the pantry for a snack, with Sofia hunting out some burrata.

She then challenged Poh, asking if she has ever eaten burrata 'like an apple'.

Poh was fascinated with the suggestion and tried it - only for the round cheese to burst open and leak all over her and the floor.

Fellow judge Andy Allen wandered in and was stunned by what he saw.

MasterChef Australia: Back To Win is back with a bang. But it was the judges, not the contestants, who attracted the interest of viewers during Wednesday's episode

'She made me eat it like an apple!' Poh argued, with Andy replying that he was getting back to work.

Several fans were amused by the exchange, sharing their thoughts in the comments on the show's official Instagram page.

'Absolute brazen act' wrote one person, while another said, 'This is the most amazing thing I have seen!'

'If the contestants see this... they are mad' one more chimed in.

'Did Poh and Sofia just go into the pantry because they were hungry for burrata?' someone else asked.

'I'm not criticising! Used to love when Jock just ate from the pantry while the contestants were cooking - so relatable'.

It comes after Gordon Ramsay completed his short run on MasterChef Australia: Back To Win on Tuesday night.

The foul mouthed British chef left Aussie viewers shocked for an unusual reason - he was too nice.

Poh Ling Yeow and Sofia Levin headed into the pantry for a snack, with Sofia hunting out some burrata. Both pictured

She then challenged Poh, asking if she has ever eaten burrata 'like an apple'. Poh was fascinated with the suggestion and tried it - only for the round cheese to burst open and leak all over her and the floor

While leading the contestants in a challenge where they were tasked with keeping up with him as he prepared elaborate dishes, Gordon laughed with the contestants, encouraged them and exhibited unusual patience despite all hell breaking loose.

Viewers tuning it at home were stunned by seeing the kind side of the normally grumpy chef, with several sharing their thoughts on X.

'Gordon looks like the cheque's cleared and he has a plane to catch' one person wrote.

'I always get a little confused when Gordon's nice to people. I mean, I'm sure he is often but that not why I bought a ticket' another said.

'Gordon really isn't that bad' someone marvelled while one more added, 'Gordon being a sweetheart in supporting Cath'.

'You know Gordon Ramsay's in Australia when he actually smiles' another commented.

'Americans wouldn't recognise Gordon like that' one wrote with another agreeing, 'He only plays that up for Americans.'

Gordon kicked off the debut episode of MasterChef Australia: Back To Win on Monday night.

Gordon Ramsay (pictured) completed his short run on MasterChef Australia: Back To Win on Tuesday night. And the foul mouthed British chef left Aussie viewers shocked for an unusual reason - he was too nice

While leading the contestants in a challenge where they were tasked with keeping up with him as he prepared elaborate dishes, Gordon laughed with the contestants, encouraged them and exhibited unusual patience despite all hell breaking loose

Known for his expletive-laden rants, Gordon had a more typical spray at a team of contestants during a service challenge when they served up raw kingfish.

'Who cooked the fish!' he demanded, before unleashinga tirade, 'Raw fish. Ice cold, raw fish.

'May as well go to f***ing Nobu and serve those up as f***ing shushi!'

'Help me out, please. The job's hard enough. Please' he went on, pleading with the team.

Viewers were amused by Gordon's antics, with several pointing out he needed to be extensively bleeped from his first minute on screen.

Channel 10 earlier announced that Ramsay, 58, will be appearing as a guest judge on the new season's Back to Win competition.

The notoriously hot-tempered Ramsay is joined in the kitchen by regular judges Andy Allen, Sofia Levin, Poh Ling Yeow and Jean-Christophe Novelli.

Ramsay last appeared on the hit cooking competition in 2018.

Gordon kicked off the debut episode of MasterChef Australia: Back To Win on Monday night

This season sees 24 past contestants come back to win the MasterChef trophy and $250,000 in prize money.

Among the cast are MasterChef fan favourites, including season one's Andre Ursini, Sarah Todd from 2022's season 14 and Tim Bone from season 11.

Also among the contestants is season 6 runner-up Laura Sharrad.

Andre Ursini, who made his TV debut in 2009 as a contestant on MasterChef Australia, recently announced his return to the show.
Our Yorkshire Farm fans have said they 'barely recognised' Amanda and Clive Owen's children as they appeared in the latest series of their reality show.

The shepherdess, 50, her farmer ex-husband, 69, and their nine children returned to our screens for the first episode of the new edition of Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids on Tuesday night.

A spin-off from beloved farm life documentary series Our Yorkshire Farm, it sees the family renovate an abandoned farmhouse with the help of their children - Raven, 23, Reuben, 21, Miles, 18, Edith, 16, Violet, 14, Sidney, 13, Annas, 11, Clemmy, nine, and Nancy, eight.

But viewers were shocked to see the kids looking so mature on the show's second series - especially 13-year-old Sidney, who was just seven when Our Yorkshire Farm first aired in 2018.

Fans took to social media to express their love of seeing the Owen kids grow up on screen, with one saying, 'Sidney looks so grown up', and, another adding, 'Barely recognised Sid, he looks so grown up', the Express reported.

He was even compared to his older brother Reuben, who now has his own spin-off Reuben: Life In The Dales about setting up a heavy plant machinery business with friends.

Our Yorkshire Farm fans have said they 'barely recognise' Amanda and Clive Owen's children (pictured, Sidney Owen) as they appear in the latest series of their reality show

The shepherdess, 50, her farmer ex-husband, 69, and their nine children returned to our screens for the first episode (pictured) of the new series of Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids last night

Our Yorkshire Farm fans have said they 'barely recognise' Amanda and Clive Owen's children as they appear with dramatic new looks in the latest series of their reality show. Pictured: The family in the first series of Our Yorkshire Farm, released in 2018

Sidney and his older brother Miles stepped up in last night's episode, helping their father Clive with sheep herding on the family's Yorkshire Dales farm Ravenseat while he recovered from a hip operation.

Though the farmer could not stop himself from helping, he was deeply thankful to his sons for taking on most of the work.

He said: 'I couldn't have managed without these lads to do what needed doing. So yeah, they have done very well.

'It means from now on they needn't hand the reins back to me, they can just carry on.'

He even went as far to joke: 'I could find myself redundant.'

Viewers spotted the girls were suddenly looking much older too, with one saying, 'Violet has certainly shot up'.

Another added: 'My gosh, those girls have grown up so much.'

Some thought all the children were looking more grown-up these days: 'All the children have grown so much and have beautiful personalities.'

Viewers spotted the girls were suddenly looking much older too, with one saying: 'Violet has certainly shot up'

Another added: 'My gosh, those girls have grown up so much'

Another user agreed: 'Can't believe how much the children have grown'

But viewers were shocked to see the kids looking so mature on the show's second series - especially 13-year-old Sidney, who was just seven when Our Yorkshire Farm first aired in 2018 (pictured, right, during the first series)

The family in the first series in 2018

Another user agreed: 'Can't believe how much the children have grown.'

It comes after their mother Amanda Owen sparked concern on yesterday's episode of Lorraine as fans claimed 'something doesn't seem right' during an interview from her farm.

She split from her husband in 2022 after 22 years of marriage - and opened up to host Lorraine, 65, about family life as they continue to co-parent and what viewers can expect from the new series.

Speaking about her relationship with Clive, Amanda said: 'It's about moving forward. We've got plenty to amuse ourselves. There's space.

'There's room to get away from each other, if we're being absolutely brutally honest here.'

But some watching at home took to X to share their concerns. One asked: 'Is Amanda ok? Something doesn't seem right #Lorraine.'

'Wow, Amanda is not looking well at all #lorraine.'

'She doesnt look well.'

It comes after their mother Amanda Owen sparked concern on yesterday's episode of Lorraine as fans claimed 'something doesn't seem right' during an interview from her farm

Some watching at home took to X to share their concerns. One asked: 'Is Amanda ok? Something doesn't seem right #Lorraine'

'She does not look well & yet Lorraine totally oblivious  or ignoring it.'

Her concerning interview came before the release of the first episode of series two of Our Farm Next Door last night - in which she made a cheeky joke about her ex-husband's difficulties 'getting his leg over'.

It was in reference to the second hip replacement he was about to undergo - but concerned fans pointed out 'you can see he's in pain' as he prepared for the procedure in the episode, filmed in September last year.

Amanda said: 'It's getting ever so close now to Clive going for his hip operation. So yeah, he's a bit nervous. I can tell, I know he's a bit nervous, but he needs doing.

'Because basically, I don't think I can say... he can't get his leg over, but yeah, he can't.

'He's having to sit sideways on the quad bike at the moment. So yeah, it's giving him some jip.

'And trying to persuade him to do anything that's gonna take him out of action is quite a hard sell, really.'

The first series of Our Farm Next Door aired in October last year, coming to an emotional end in November.

Her concerning interview came before the release of the first episode of series two of Our Farm Next Door last night - in which she made a cheeky joke about her ex-husband's difficulties 'getting his leg over'

It was in reference to the second hip replacement he was about to undergo - but concerned fans pointed out 'you can see he's in pain' as he prepared for the procedure in the episode, filmed in September last year

Fans fretted for months about whether the show would return - before the production company Wise Owl Films confirmed last month it was coming back.

It announced just last week that the first episode would air last night.

A clip posted by production company Wise Owl Films when the series' return was announced told viewers what they could expect from it.

The caption read: 'The hard work continues...but theres also plenty of laughs in store, balmy sunny days, a winter wonderland, goats in coats and the return of Tony the Pony as we enjoy Summer to Spring in the new series.'

Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids is available on Channel 4.
Jeff Pope's four-part drama about the Stockwell shooting in 2005

Year: 2025

Certificate: 18

Watch now on Disney+

On 22 July 2005, when Jean Charles de Menezes was shot dead at Stockwell Tube station by armed police, the capital was still reeling from the terror attacks that had hit the transport network on 7 July. The police were on high alert for bombers and there was a policy called Operation Kratos, in which they were authorised to shoot suspected suicide attackers without warning and with multiple rounds 'to minimise the risk of detonation of a bomb'.

De Menezes, an innocent Brazilian electrician who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, died as a result of that and this four-part drama - written by Jeff Pope, the sure hand behind Stan & Ollie and the BAFTA Award-winning See No Evil: The Moors Murders to name but two - lays out what happened before and after. The first two parts follow the police through the 7 July bombings and their aftermath, and traces De Menezes's life and how it brought him to that fateful point at Stockwell; the back half deals with the consequences.

It all feels very much like a high-end ITV drama, with a cast of familiar faces that includes Daniel Mays, Conleth Hill, Russell Tovey, Laura Aikman and Emily Mortimer, with newcomer Edison Alcaide as de Menezes. The shooting, when it comes, is a necessarily brutal moment and so rigorously and extensively dramatised that, in the long moments before the trigger is actually pulled you find yourself thinking that maybe - just maybe - it won't happen. (Four episodes)
Leonardo DiCaprio sported a noticeably slimmer figure while vacationing in Ibiza this week with his supermodel girlfriend, Vittoria Ceretti.

As seen in exclusive photographs, the 50-year-old actor was spotted alongside Ceretti, 26, and their friends leaving the exclusive Spanish seaside restaurant Casa Jondal, where a caviar-topped wagyu steak tartar will set you back an eyewatering $295.

DiCaprio switched out his hallmark face mask - often donned in an attempt to conceal his identity - for a dark hat, sunglasses and a hoodie to keep incognito.

Ceretti, who wore her hair in braids, also sported a black zip-up, glasses, baggy blue jeans and carried a brown tote for the outing.

The movie star's slender frame was evident even when covered by his sloppy attire - and it was a far cry from the heavier build we've seen in recent years and which friends haved chalked up to DiCaprio's 'overindulgent' lifestyle of alcohol and cigarettes.

It seems he has ultra-slim Ceretti to thank for the transformation...

DiCaprio went incognito for an outing with his girlfriend and friends in Ibiza, where he hid a noticeably slimmer frame beneath a black zip-up.

Ceretti wore a matching sweatshirt, sunglasses and slouchy blue denim.

The couple walked with a group of their friends from the seaside restaurant Casa Jondal.

DiCaprio's slim figure is a stark contrast from his physique in years past.

Pictured on December 31, 2019, DiCaprio vacationed in St Barts sporting a heavier build.

'Leo has shed pounds before but this time is different because it isn't for a movie role,' a source close to DiCaprio told the Daily Mail. 'He is getting healthy and fit to keep up with Vittoria. She's a great influence on him and he is very much in love with her. She's a part of his world now and he intends on keeping it that way.'

And is she happy with the results?

'Vittoria is enjoying her "new man" so to speak, she is very happy with him and being several pounds under the weight he was at only a few months ago is only a good thing, she certainly doesn't hate it,' said another source close to the actor. 'But in no way was she turned off from what he looked like before.'

The once interminable bachelor is said to be serious about Ceretti after years of being teased for his apparent penchant for dumping girlfriends once they turned 25.

'With previous relationships he felt a certain pressure to make it official with talk of marriage, but there is no rush to change what [he and Ceretti] have right now,' an insider previously told the Daily Mail.

'She is the realest girlfriend he has ever had, and she makes him feel genuinely loved. You can see that they both appreciate what they have. [She] understands that his schedule can change, and she never shows any jealousy.'

DiCaprio previously admitted in a 2014 Esquire interview that women struggled with his more nomadic lifestyle.

'Six months of being on location or being off in Morocco or someplace like that is not the best thing for a relationship,' he told the magazine.

But Italian bombshell Ceretti  who, despite her young age, was previously married to DJ Matteo Milleri for three years  seems undeterred by DiCaprio's globetrotting.

DiCaprio is said to be maintaining his figure for his girlfriend of nearly two years, insiders reveal.

DiCaprio fans have joked that he has broken the unspoken 'Leo Law,' Historically, the Hollywood hunk has dated multiple women under the age of 25, but Ceretti is 26 - nearly 27.

'Leo has shed pounds before but this time is different because it isn't for a role,' a source close to DiCaprio said.

'He is getting healthy and fit to keep up with her. She's a great influence on Leo and he is very much in love with her,' the insider said. 'She's a part of his world now and he intends on keeping it that way.'

Ceretti has previously said she finds it 'annoying' when she is referred to as 'Leonardo DiCaprio's girlfriend.'

DiCaprio and Ceretti were romantically linked in 2023 and have been together ever since, globetrotting together on various beach vacations.

This trip to Ibizia is the latest excursion for the lovebirds, who insiders have previously revealed are quite serious.

Indeed, the model has accompanied him on a number of tropical vacations, with pictures variously showing the couple frolicking on a yacht off the coast of Sardinia, playing pickleball in the sands of the Caribbean or splashing about in the waters of St. Barts.

The couple reportedly met at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, but were not romantically linked until after they were spotted enjoying an ice cream date in Los Angeles that August and hot on the heels of DiCaprio's rumored fling with model Gigi Hadid, 30.

In a recent interview with Vogue France, Ceretti insisted they met 'in Milan,' but refused to divulge more details.

Bizarrely, she also shared that she finds it 'annoying' when she is referred to as 'Leonardo DiCaprio's girlfriend.'
Rosamund Pike looked effortlessly chic as she stepped out to support Elizabeth Debicki at the opening night of her West End show My Master Builder on Tuesday.

The Hollywood star, 46, turned heads in a black pinstripe suit, paired with a sleek black satin shirt.

She teamed her stylish ensemble with classic black pointed heels and carried a black handbag.

The beauty shielded her eyes with tortoise shell sunglasses and accessoried with dainty pearl drop earrings.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth, 34, showcased her quirky sense of style in a black and white playsuit from Lanvin's FW25 collection.

She was joined by her co-stars David Ajala, Mirren Mack, Ewan McGregor, and Kate Fleetwood.

Rosamund Pike (left) looked effortlessly chic as she stepped out to support Elizabeth Debicki (right) at the opening night of her West End show My Master Builder on Tuesday

The Hollywood star, 46, turned heads in a black pinstripe suit, paired with a sleek black satin shirt

She teamed ensemble with classic black pointed heels and carried a stylish black handbag a she posed up a storm on the red carpet

The cast all appeared in high spirits as they posed for snaps together on the red carpet.

Also in attendance was James Norton, Lila Raicek, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Anthony Welsh.

Directed by Michael Grandage, My Master Builder is playing at the Wyndhams Theatre in London from April 29 to July 12.

The new play is set on the eve of Independence Day in the Hamptons.

It follows Elena Solness, a publishing magnate, and her architect husband, Henry, as their marriage is disrupted by the arrival of Mathilde - a former student of Henrys with whom he once shared a deep connection.

It explores themes of love and vulnerability and draws inspiration from Ibsen.

Rosamund's outing comes just the day after she put on a very quirky display in furry Simone Rocha heels to attend the Hallow Road UK special screening in London.

The actress, who stars alongside Matthew Rhys as the lead in the new thriller flick, commanded attention in a bright red floor-length dress.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth, 34, showcased her quirky sense of style in a black and white patterned playsuit from Lanvin's FW25 collection

She was joined by her co-stars (L-R) David Ajala, Mirren Mack, Ewan McGregor, and Kate Fleetwood

Also in attendance was James Norton (left), Lila Raicek (right), Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Anthony Welsh.

Ewan's wife Mary Elizabeth Winstead stunned in a velvet yellow off-the-shoulder dress paired with gold heels

Ewan cut a casual figure in a white T-shirt and jeans, which he styled with a dark bomber jacket

He finished off his look with white Dr Martens shoes as he posed alongside Kate, who looked elegant in a navy dress

Anthony Welsh cut a dapper figure in an all brown ensemble

Rosamund's outfit was recently seen on Simone Rocha's Fall 2025 Ready to wear runway and featured a chunky dark metal chain and padlock.

The garment featured a ruffled neckline which created an oversized cap sleeve design over her shoulders.

But it was her shows which caught the most attention as she graced the red carpet in Mary Janes, which were covered in brown fur.

She kept the accessories to a minimum and opted for a pair of large grey flower earrings and wore a bright red lip colour.

The film sees two parents enter a race against time when they receive a distressing late-night phone call from their daughter after she caused a tragic car accident.

Jumping in their car, they race to get there before anyone else stumbles across the scene.

As they head deeper into the night, disturbing revelations threaten to tear the family apart.

It is set to be released in the United Kingdom and Ireland by Universal Pictures on 16 May 2025.

Later in the night, Elizabeth was seen stepping out following the party at St Martins Lane Hotel

Ewan was also spotted exiting the festivities as he appeared in good spirits following the bash

Mary made sure to capture attention in her vibrant green ensemble as she clutched Ewan's arm

She appeared to be in jovial spirits as she joined the stars in stepping out after the fun-filled night

It comes just the day after Rosamund put on a very quirky display as she stepped out in furry Simone Rocha heels to attend the Hallow Road UK special screening in London

The actress recently opened up about overcoming self-judgment, the power of storytelling and even her romantic side in a recent interview.

Rosamund - who played iconic personalities as physicist Marie Curie and journalist Marie Colvin - detailed the often 'traumatic' process of playing real life character.

'I've played a lot of real people, and that can be traumatic  going deep into someone's soul to try and portray them honestly and live their life more than your own,' she told PORTER.

'I need to step away from the cauldron, as it were. I need to go back to reality.'

Flaunting an array of impressive biopic roles throughout the years, the English star said about balancing a hectic schedule: 'I'm longing for time to be idle at the moment.'

Yet, the Golden Globe winner admitted she is keen to shift into comedy, adding: 'I'm so romantic.

'I'm excitable, and I love to laugh, but I convince in the dramatic, serious roles. People don't see the girlishness in me.'
Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds put on a brave face as they stepped out together in NYC on Tuesday following yet another bombshell amid their lawsuit with Justin Baldoni.

The Gossip Girl alum, 37  who awkwardly posed with castmate Anna Kendrick at the premiere of her latest film  strolled through the bustling city as she and Reynolds lovingly held hands.

It comes as Marvel asked the court last week on Friday to be removed from the lawsuit and to 'quash the subpoena' over the Nicepool character in Deadpool & Wolverine - which Baldoni previously claimed was 'bullying.'

Lively donned a black leather top with ruched fabric towards the bottom as well as matching trousers.

She slipped into a pair of embellished silver pumps and carried a colorful purse in her hand to hold a few items she needed during the evening excursion.

Reynolds opted for a pair of tan pants as well as a white-striped button up and burgundy-colored jacket.

Blake Lively, 37, and her husband Ryan Reynolds, 48, put on a brave face as they stepped out together in NYC on Tuesday following yet another bombshell amid their lawsuit with Justin Baldoni

The Gossip Girl alum - who awkwardly posed with castmate Anna Kendrick at the film's latest red carpet premiere - strolled through the bustling city as she and Reynolds lovingly held hands

The couple - who tied the knot in 2012 - held smiles on their faces as they brushed aside the ongoing legal battle.

Last week on Friday, Marvel requested that the court in a letter to Judge Lewis J. Liman to allow the company to 'quash the subpoena issued to Marvel from' Baldoni's Wayfarer Parties, per People.

Marvel has also asked for 'a protective order prohibiting the disclosure of Marvel's confidential documents by any party or other nonparty in this action.

'Alternatively, Marvel requests that the Court stay the return date of the Subpoena and related document requests until after the Court decides the pending motion to dismiss of Counterclaim Defendant Ryan Reynolds.'

In the film Deadpool & Wolverine, Ryan notably portrayed the character of Nicepool alongside other stars such as Hugh Jackman.

Nicepool was a 'variant' who sported a manbun - which was also similar to a past hairstyle that Baldoni had worn.

In a scene, Nicepool makes a comment about Ladypool (played by Lively) and said, 'Oh my goodness, wait til you've seen Ladypool. She is gorgeous. She just had a baby too and [you] can't even tell.'

Deadpool responded, 'I don't think you're supposed to say that,' to which Nicepool added, 'That's okay I identify as a feminist.'

It comes as Marvel asked the court last week on Friday to be removed from the lawsuit and to 'quash the subpoena' over the Nicepool character in Deadpool & Wolverine - which Baldoni previously claimed was 'bullying'; seen in 2024 in L.A.

Lively donned a black leather top with ruched fabric towards the bottom as well as matching trousers

In a scene, Nicepool makes a comment about Ladypool (played by Lively) and said, 'Oh my goodness, wait til you've seen Ladypool. She is gorgeous. She just had a baby too and [you] can't even tell'

The comments seemingly referenced to Justin referring to himself as a feminist in the past.

Blake had also given birth to her fourth child shortly before filming It Ends With Us - which Baldoni both starred in and directed. In her lawsuit, the actress claimed that Justin had 'criticized her body and weight.'

And this week on Monday, Justin's own legal team sent in a response to Marvel's recent request.

In a letter to the judge, obtained by PEOPLE, his lawyers stated that Marvel 'did not meet and confer with us "in a good faith effort to resolve this dispute."'

Baldoni's legal team wrote: 'On April 2, 2025, Marvel sent the Wayfarer Parties a letter containing its objections to the Subpoena, which are the same objections set forth in its recent letter-motion.

'On April 7, 2025, my office met and conferred with Marvel's counsel via telephone about the objections, and although we attempted in good faith to address Marvel's purported concerns about confidentiality and relevancy, Marvel's counsel interrupted us, refusing to engage in that discussion.'

They added, 'Instead, Marvel's counsel interjected and stated he merely wanted to know what documents the Wayfarer Parties "really" needed, regardless of the Subpoena's demand for all documents concerning: (a) the creation, development, modification or portrayal of Ryan Reynolds' "Nicepool" character from Deadpool & Wolverine; and (b) Justin Baldoni.'

Earlier on Tuesday, Blake put on a stylish display as she stepped out in NYC to promote her upcoming movie Another Simple Favor. She was seen grabbing a bite to eat at the Italian pizzeria L'Antica located in the West Village.

And this week on Monday, Justin's own legal team sent in a response to Marvel's recent request; seen in 2024 in NYC

Blake Lively put on a stylish display as she stepped out in New York City earlier on Tuesday to promote her upcoming movie Another Simple Favor

Lively flashed a cheerful smile upon arriving to the hotspot while sporting a sleeveless, black tweed vest as well as a pair of matching, loose-fitting trousers

It comes just days after Blake awkwardly posed with castmate Anna Kendrick on the red carpet amid rumors of a feud between them

The star was also joined by director Paul Feig and fellow co-star Lorenzo de Moor for the busy day.

Lively flashed a cheerful smile upon arriving to the hotspot while sporting a sleeveless, black tweed vest as well as a pair of matching, loose-fitting trousers.

The actress slipped into a pair of closed-toed, silver pumps with spiky details and allowed her blonde locks to flow down past her shoulders in light waves.

Blake easily carried a sparkling, pizza purse over her shoulder to fit the theme of the excursion. She accessorized the look with silver earrings as well as flashy gold and turquoise bracelets.

A warm blush was added to her cheekbones for a radiant glow while a glossy, nude-colored tint was worn on her lips for a finishing touch.

Lively sent a friendly wave towards awaiting fans at the restaurant and was later seen biting into a tasty slice as she mingled with other stars of the thriller comedy such as Michele Morrone.

The film is set to drop on Amazon Prime Video on May 1 - and is the sequel to the 2018 movie A Simple Favor.

Before climbing into a sleek black SUV to head to her next destination, Blake paused for memorable photos with Feig and Lorenzo de Moor.

The star - who is currently embroiled in an ongoing lawsuit with Justin Baldoni - was also joined by director Paul Feig and fellow co-star Lorenzo de Moor for the busy day

The actress slipped into a pair of closed-toed, silver pumps with spiky details and allowed her blonde locks to flow down past her shoulders in light waves

She accessorized the look with silver earrings as well as flashy gold and turquoise bracelets

A warm blush was added to her cheekbones for a radiant glow while a glossy, nude-colored tint was worn on her lips for a finishing touch

Lively sent a friendly wave towards awaiting fans at the restaurant and was later seen biting into a tasty slice as she mingled with other stars of the thriller comedy such as Michele Morrone

She was later spotted out in the bustling city once again following an outfit change and flaunted her midriff in a cropped, black tank top.

The star - who will make her talk show return this week on Thursday on Late Night With Seth Meyers - also opted for a unique, fitted skirt with chunky embellishments on the material.

The mom-of-four then slipped into a pair of black heels that contained silver-studded details.

Blake held a smile on her face while showing off the second look of the day as she also spent time in Chinatown.

Her appearance comes only days after she attended the NYC premiere of Another Simple Favor on Sunday - and was supported by her family, including husband Ryan Reynolds and her sister Lori.

She also posed for snaps with her mother Willie Elain McAlpin, other sister Robyn, her husband Bart Johnson, and their daughter Isabela Ferrer.

Lively and co-star Anna Kendrick were also seen awkwardly posing together on the red carpet amid rumors of a feud between them.

Blake draped her arm over the Twilight alum's shoulders as they stood next to each other and sent smiles to the cameras.

Before climbing into a sleek black SUV to head to her next destination, Blake paused for memorable photos with Feig and Lorenzo de Moor

She was later spotted out in the bustling city once again following an outfit change and flaunted her midriff in a cropped, black tank top

The star - who will make her talk show return this week on Thursday on Late Night With Seth Meyers - also opted for a unique, fitted skirt with chunky embellishments on the material

Blake held a smile on her face while showing off the second look of the day as she also spent time in Chinatown

Her appearance comes only days after she attended the NYC premiere of Another Simple Favor on Sunday (seen above) - and was supported by her family, including husband Ryan Reynolds and her sister Lori

Rumors of a feud sparked up earlier this year and the pair also attended the SXSW Festival in Texas last month in March.

The Pitch Perfect actress seemingly shaded Lively's ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni as she evaded a question during a red carpet interview with Variety.

Blake is currently amidst an ongoing and publicized legal battle with her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni - which began when she sued him for sexual assault and launching a smear campaign against her late last year in December.

It was also previously reported that Kendrick is 'upset' the lawsuit is overshadowing their upcoming sequel.

While talking to Variety, Kendrick shared a vague response when questioned about how the movie has been affected by 'everything going on in the world.'

'Why, what happened? I did ayahuasca and the last year of my life is just gone,' the star replied, referencing to the plant-based psychedelic.

The actress then continued, 'But I've heard the movie is amazing,' before walking away.

Anna had also offered a very awkward response at the event when questioned about working with Lively once again on their sequel.

In a viral video shared to X at the time, Kendrick was filmed cheerfully greeting fans outside of the event.

At one point, one asked the actress, 'What does it mean to be working with Blake again?'

Anna simply replied with, 'Oh, you know...,' and began to take selfies with others instead of further elaborating on the answer - which further fueled speculation of a feud between the two stars.

But a source previously informed E! News: 'There is no drama. They are not enemies. They are coworkers, friends and get along well.'

Rumors of a feud sparked up earlier this year and the pair attended the SXSW Festival in Texas last month in March (seen above)

After her appearance at the screening on Sunday, Lively was later mercilessly mocked by social media users over a wardrobe malfunction during the festivities

The insider also shared that the pair 'look forward to promoting the movie along with the rest of the cast.'

After her appearance at the screening on Sunday, Lively was later mercilessly mocked by social media users over a wardrobe malfunction during the festivities.

The actress donned a fitted, light blue gown that had cutouts on the front and a semi-sheer skirt that flowed down towards the ground.

Some fans pointed out that some of the star's body makeup had rubbed off onto the armpit area of the ensemble.

'The body makeup on the side of the corset,' one penned on Instagram, while another added, 'Unfortunate armpit spray tan on the dress.'

'Oh no!! Can't unsee it!!' one also typed out and a social media user also shared, 'The self-tanner pit stains on Blake's dress are a nice touch.'

On the red carpet, Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds cozied up together at the premiere - and reputation expert Sarah Schmidt and President of Interdependence shared her thoughts to DailyMail.com.

'When the headlines get heavy, love becomes a very convenient distraction. Blake and Ryan turning up the PDA right now isn't random.'

Schmidt added, 'It's a classic Hollywood play - drown out the controversy with a love story, get people talking about kisses instead of lawsuits. It's also a signal to the world that they're a team, standing strong together even when things get messy.'

However, she also pointed out, 'The thing is, today's audiences are sharp. If the affection feels real, it can absolutely work. But if it starts looking like a staged performance, it can backfire fast.

On the red carpet, Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds cozied up together at the premiere - and reputation expert Sarah Schmidt and President of Interdependence shared her thoughts to DailyMail.com

Blake has slowly been stepping back into the spotlight and made an appearance at the star-studded Time100 Gala in NYC last week on Thursday (seen above)

Blake took to Instagram to share snaps from her activities with her Another Simple Favor cast mates Anna Kendrick and Henry Golding, as well as the film's director Paul Feig (R)

Blake, who boasted a pricey pizza-shaped handbag, got to enjoy the real thing while out with the cast

She included praise for Feig, calling him 'a man who deserves every honor. On camera and off'

'Right now, it's giving Blake a little breathing room, but there's a fine line between sweet and strategic. Too much PDA, and people stop buying the love story and start seeing the spin.'

She said, 'It's a ridiculous joke. She shouldn't be here. I think [Blake has] launched a fake Me Too allegation against [Justin], and she's lived to regret doing it, because virtually every allegation she has made has fallen apart.

'So for her to be honored for doing that, to try to ruin a man over absolutely nothing, is a scandal.'

Blake has slowly been stepping back into the spotlight and made an appearance at the star-studded Time100 Gala in NYC last week on Thursday.

At the same event, Megyn Kelly notably told DailyMail.com that the actress 'shouldn't be here.'
This is the dramatic moment that Molly-Mae Hague was thrown from a horse in an accident she described as 'traumatising'.

The horrific fall was shown for the first time in the trailer for the second part of her Prime Video documentary, Molly-Mae: Behind It All.

In the clip, Molly-Mae, 25, can be seen riding around a menage before disaster strikes when she is thrown off the animal and onto the ground.

Molly-Mae's screams are heard as she falls off the horse, while the voiceover narrates: 'The higher you are, the further you can fall.'

The mother-of-one previously revealed she was left 'black and blue' after the incident as she opened up in a YouTube video in March.

She recalled the shocking accident during a riding lesson at Somerford Park in Cheshire.

This is the dramatic moment that Molly-Mae Hague was thrown from a horse in an accident she described as 'traumatising'.

The horrific fall was shown for the first time in the trailer for the second part of her Amazon Prime Video documentary, Molly-Mae: Behind It Alll

Molly-Mae explained how the fall was 'really quite bad' and it was 'a bit of a miracle' she was relatively unharmed.

She began: 'As for the horse riding, I actually had a really bad fall recently off a horse, which was really quite shocking because obviously like at the stage that I'm at with my riding like I'm like a beginner. And I'm really just learning.

'And the kind of fall that I actually had off the horse recently was like not the kind of fall that you would expect to have like at the stage of learning that I'm at."

'Thank god I was wearing a body protector and I was obviously wearing a helmet, so I was okay.'

Molly-Mae continued: 'We're not really sure how I was okay because the fall was actually caught on camera and when I watch it back I'm like "how am I okay? Like how did I get up from that?"

'I was literally black and blue. Like my bum. I cannot even. I've never ever had bruising like that before but to walk away with just bruising.

'I wasn't concussed. Like I was literally fine. I genuinely feel like it was a bit of a miracle because I really, really came hard off that horse.

'It really has made me question like whether horse riding is for me. But obviously, I would be absolutely lying if I sat here and said that having a really bad fall hasn't like semi-traumatised me.

Molly-Mae explained how the fall was 'really quite bad' and it was 'a bit of a miracle' she was relatively unharmed

The mother of one previously revealed she was left 'black and blue' after the incident as she opened up in a YouTube video in March

'Honestly the whole thing was just absolutely bizarre. I'm taking a pause on the whole horse riding thing just for a minute whilst I kind of like process what happened, really.'

Elsewhere in the trailer, Molly Mae finally confirmed she and Tommy Fury are back together but admits she lives in fear of their romance being 'destroyed.'

Former Love Island contestants Molly and Tommy, also 25, who share two-year-old daughter Bambi, split in August last year, later citing the boxer's struggle with alcohol as the reason for their breakup, but have since reconciled behind the scenes.

Molly shares her deepest fears during filming of the docuseries, asking herself: 'Things are looking like they are heading in a good direction but by tomorrow could it all be destroyed again?'

And her family's concerns are expressed in the first-look clip with Molly's sister Zoe questioning: 'Have you actually addressed the problems?'

The final instalment of Behind It All, Molly's first reality show with Prime Video, premieres on May 9 as viewers will finally see how she and Tommy mended their relationship.

Molly is seen smiling while on FaceTime to Tommy during an influencer trip she took to Switzerland as the sportsman says he can't wait to see her face again.

Fans first learned the couple were in the throes of getting back together after a video leaked of them sharing a passionate kiss on New Year's Eve.

Elsewhere in the trailer, Molly Mae finally confirmed she and Tommy Fury are back together but admits she lives in fear of their romance being 'destroyed'

Molly shares her deepest fears during filming of the docuseries, asking herself: 'Things are looking like they are heading in a good direction but by tomorrow could it all be destroyed again?'

Her family's concerns are expressed in the first-look clip with Molly's sister Zoe questioning: 'Have you actually addressed the problems?'

Molly reacts to the world seeing the intimate footage, burying her head in her hands as she screams: 'No, my God, what.'

The star's manager Fran Britton quizzes Molly over whether she spent the celebratory night with her ex, asking: 'Were you with Tommy on New Year's Eve?'

Elsewhere in the trailer, which previews the remaining three episodes from the first season of Behind It All, Molly is seen attempting to cope with the stresses of having an enormous fanbase as she continues to manage fashion brand Maebe.

She says to camera: 'My whole career is in the hands of the people that follow me.'

Footage of the YouTuber falling off a horse was also captured for the show.

Molly previously revealed it was a 'miracle' she was left unharmed from the brutal accident.

Molly and Tommy, who were engaged to marry, went their separate ways in August last year amid the fighter's struggles with alcohol.

Tommy said his problems with drink caused him to get 'black-out drunk' most nights and as a result he neglected his responsibilities as a partner and father.

Fans first learned the couple were in the throes of getting back together after a video leaked of them sharing a passionate kiss on New Year's Eve

The first-look clip previews the remaining three episodes from series one of Behind It All, which not only follows Molly's complicated romance with Tommy but her life as a mother and businesswoman

They welcomed daughter Bambi in January 2023, before getting engaged that summer

As well as co-parenting their daughter Bambi, the pair gradually started dating again and even spent Valentine's Day together at luxury country house Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire.

In recent weeks, Molly went on a family holiday together with Tommy to Dubai where she pictured the sportsman on her Instagram page for the first time since their breakup.

Molly and Tommy met on ITV2 dating show Love Island in 2019, where they fell for each other in front of the nation.

They welcomed daughter Bambi in January 2023, before getting engaged that summer.

Fans were shocked last August when Molly announced on Instagram that she and Tommy had split up after five years, with many suspecting he had been unfaithful.

In a statement posted to her 8.5million Instagram followers, Molly confirmed the breakup, saying: 'I never imagined our story would end, especially not this way.'

Tommy denied continued speculation about him cheating during a magazine interview, insisting any reports about him being with other women were 'complete and utter bollocks.'

The boxer, who's the half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, said the reason he and Molly ended their romance was down to his excessive drinking.

He said: 'Cheating was never a thing. You can ask Molly this yourself. It was the drink, and the drink is not a good thing.'

Molly is seen attempting to cope with the stresses of having an enormous fanbase as she continues to manage fashion brand Maebe

While the first instalment of Behind It All showed Molly's heartbreak during her breakup, the new episodes show her relationship with Tommy since they rekindled
Kate Moss put on a glamorous display as she joined Jaime Winstone and Patsy Kensit at the launch of Issue 8.5, held at The Lavery in London on Tuesday.

The supermodel, 51, showed off her incredible figure in a black midi dress and oozed confidence as she posed for sizzling snaps.

Kate boosted her height in pointed heels and accessorised with chunky gold jewellery, while her long blonde locks were styled in loose waves.

Meanwhile Jaime, 39, showcased her quirky style in a plunging blue top and leather knee-length shorts, teamed with lace-up platform heels.

Patsy, who was joined by son Lennon Gallagher, wowed in a figure-hugging black midi dress while cosying up to pal Kate at the party.

The luxury event was hosted by Perfect Magazine & Burberry to celebrate Kate and Ray Winstone.

Kate Moss put on a glamorous display as she joined Jaime Winstone and Patsy Kensit at the launch of Issue 8.5, held at The Lavery in London on Tuesday

The supermodel, 51, showed off her incredible figure in a black midi dress and oozed confidence as she posed for sizzling snaps (pictured with Patsy)

Kate's outing comes after it was revealed her wellness brand Cosmoss has narrowly avoided being dissolved, as new official documents show the threat of compulsory strike-off has been discontinued.

Just weeks after the company was issued a formal notice warning it could be removed from the official register, Companies House confirms the action has now been halted.

According to the update, the Registrar of Companies is 'taking no further action', stating that a cause had been shown as to why Cosmoss should remain on the register.

The Mail revealed in February that Cosmoss faced being struck off the register, sparking concern about the future of Moss's much-hyped lifestyle venture.

Launched in 2022 to much fanfare, Cosmoss promised to channel Moss's supermodel sensibilities into a wellness empire, offering products ranging from teas and face creams to 105 'sacred mist' sprays.

But while the business has seemingly dodged a legal bullet, fans are now left scratching their heads over the brand's digital silence and online dysfunction.

Despite the reprieve, Cosmoss hasn't posted on its Instagram account since February  an unusual lull for a brand that once leaned heavily on its moody, moss-green aesthetic and lifestyle messaging.

The last post, on 20 February, is filled with customer complaints.

Jaime, 39, showcased her quirky style in a plunging blue top and leather knee-length shorts, teamed with lace-up platform heels (pictured with Dizzee Rascal)

She posed for a beaming snap with her father Ray Winstone

Patsy, Kate and Katie Grand enjoyed catching up

Patsy, who was joined by son Lennon Gallagher, wowed in a figure-hugging black midi dress while cosying up to pal Kate at the party

Isobel Richmond and Lennon looked stylish in Burberry ensembles

Tish Weinstock put on a leggy display in a sheer silver dress and stockings

The luxury event was hosted by Perfect Magazine & Burberry to celebrate Kate and Ray

'Is there something wrong with your EU web shop? Trying to make some purchases but cart will not load. Have tried both on iPhone and Mac. Would love to put in an order,' one fan wrote.

Another replied saying they were having the same problem.

A third added, 'I placed an order 4 days ago and can't see its status because the website doesn't work. I see error all the time.'

Attempts to add products to the cart on Cosmoss's official website currently result in an empty basket, making it impossible to complete a purchase.

Adding even more fuel to the confusion, several Cosmoss products have recently surfaced on the beauty discount retailer Boop Beauty - with markdowns of up to 69 percent off, suggesting a potential stock clear-out or shift in distribution strategy.

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Kate for comment.

When Kate launched Cosmoss in 2022, she claimed it would 'open a door' to 'balance, restoration, and love'.

But this is not the first sign of trouble as the wellness brand reportedly owed lenders more than 405,000 in April 2023.

The skincare brand sells 20 herbal tea bags for 20, as well as perfumes, and skin creams - including a 105 regenerating face oil and a 125 Sacred Mist room spray.

Kate claimed Cosmoss is 'self-care created for life's modern journeys' upon its launch on September 1, 2022.

Kate's wellness brand Cosmoss has narrowly avoided being dissolved, as new official documents show the threat of compulsory strike-off has been discontinued

The brand's skincare products, made from 'potent, natural substances', are split into three daily rituals which cost more than 400 in total

It has been likened to a British version of Gwyneth Paltrow's US business Goop as Kate became the latest celebrity to jump on the wellness market.

Kate's beauty products, made from 'potent, natural substances', are split into three daily rituals which are said to balance the 'body and soul with the natural environment and the circadian cycles'.

The website describes these rituals as enabling us to 'adjust to the rhythm of nature, help us find inner peace and self-fulfilment, and open a door to balance, restoration and love'.

The full three rituals cost more than 400, while the popular Golden Nectar serum - which contains the 'mythical' tears of Chios, a plant resin produced on the Greek island - has a 105 price tag alone.

The dawn ritual, which fills the body with 'positive energy', costs a total of 287 and includes a 21 antioxidant 'dawn tea', a 52 cleanser and 95 anti-ageing face cream.

In 2023, the Daily Mail revealed that Kate had won a legal battle with a pharmaceutical firm over the name of her brand Cosmoss.

It means she has trademarked Cosmoss for ranges such as herbal preparations for medicinal purposes, plus food and mineral supplements in her latest venture.

'Kate has huge ambitions for the Cosmoss brand,' the Daily Mail's Richard Eden was told at the time.

Kate applied to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in 2022 to trademark Cosmoss for applications from aromatherapy candles, vitamin supplements and teas to magazines, videos and home furnishings, but Danish firm Pharmacosmos objected to her application.

The company, which makes products for those with iron deficiencies, has been in business for more than 50 years.

It gave a 'likelihood of confusion' as the reason for its objection, but the opposition to Kate's application was dropped.

A filed update at the IPO showed at the time Cosmoss no longer planned to trademark goods intended for treating iron deficiency, meaning there would be no clash with the Danish firm.

When Kate launched Cosmoss, to great fanfare in 2022, she claimed it would 'open a door' to 'balance, restoration, and love'

Then the brand faced backlash again in March 2024 when Kate boasted that she had succeeded where the world's top scientists have failed - and found a miracle cure for eczema.

Just one application of her new 105 Golden Nectar skin oil, she said, had an unexpected bonus of instantly getting rid of eczema or another uncurable skin condition, psoriasis.

'I have to tell you a secret: we didn't know when we made it; we've discovered it since,' she says in a video of her conversation with fashion writer Alessandra Steinherr, posted on the Cosmoss Instagram page.

'I have friends with eczema and any kind of psoriasis, any kind of spots, bite... You put this on  and gone, the next day.'

However, the NHS website states that there is no cure for eczema or psoriasis, which are painful, unsightly conditions whose symptoms are usually treated with moisturisers as well as creams and ointments to reduce swelling and redness during flare-ups.

Kate was blasted by the NHS ' top doctor Professor Sir Stephen Powis over the 'misleading health claims'.

The brand previously also had problems with federal authorities in the United States over plans to market a cannabis-derived health product.
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Real Housewives of Sydney star Lisa Oldfield has revealed she suffered a serious medical emergency.

Lisa, 50, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share that she was rushed to hospital for surgery this week.

The reality TV star shared an image that showed her recovering in a hospital bed with a breathing tube in her nose and what appeared to be electrodes attached to her forehead.

'I like to plan my week ahead. Perforated diverticulitis was not on my to do list,' she captioned the shock post.

Continuing, she thanked her partner James Laws for springing into action to get Lisa to hospital.

'Thanks Jimmy for getting me seen to and operated on quick smart, my doctor is the best vet on the Northern Beaches,' Lisa joked.

Real Housewives of Sydney star Lisa Oldfield has revealed she suffered a serious medical emergency. Pictured

Diverticulitis is a condition where small pouches called diverticula in the colon become inflamed or infected.

Perforated diverticulitis is a serious complication of the condition where an area of the bowel wall ruptures, allowing the contents of the colon to leak into the abdominal cavity.

This can lead to peritonitis - a potentially fatal infection of the abdominal lining.

Lisa's post was met with an outpouring of support and well wishes from friends and followers.

'Wishing you a speedy recovery! Its hard to come by good vet doctors these days,' one wrote while another chimed in with a similar: 'Sending big healing hugs.'

A third summed up the sentiment of many with: 'Oh that has got to suck! Hope you are on the mend and its a quick recovery.

It comes after Lisa alarmed her fans in November when she shared a shock photo to social media of her bleeding from the top of her head.

She had her eyes closed and looked worn out in the photo, and in the caption she revealed the surprising way she injured herself.

The reality TV star shared an image that showed her recovering in a hospital bed with a breathing tube in her nose and what appeared to be electrodes attached to her forehead

'I like to plan my week ahead. Perforated diverticulitis was not on my to do list,' she captioned the shock post

'Not the best way to start the day. Walking into the bathroom cabinet at 6:30am. Lesson learned, I will not get up in single digits again,' Lisa wrote.

Her shocking post alarmed many of her fans, who quickly took to the comment section to offer their well wishes.

'Oh no! I hope you are all right,' one concerned follower wrote.

It's not the first time Lisa has shared photos of her facial injuries to social media.

In July, she posted a similar image to Instagram, which captured a trail of blood running down her forehead from her scalp.

'I am the clumsiest person on the planet,' she wrote in her caption.

'I sneezed really hard and managed to bang my head on the door I was closing at the time'.

Lisa also revealed to her followers in March that she had been diagnosed with myocarditis - an inflammation of the middle layer of the heart wall.

It comes after Lisa alarmed her fans in November when she shared a shock photo to social media of her bleeding from the top of her head

Lisa also revealed to her followers in March that she had been diagnosed with myocarditis - an inflammation of the middle layer of the heart wall

'I thought it was the thrill of the win on Saturday, but turns out I have myocarditis,' she wrote on social media.

'Bit scary but with lots of rest I should make a 100% recovery,' she continued.

One follower enquired: 'Is it from your vaccine? Several friends of mine have myocarditis too and got it after they vaccinated.

Lisa was quick to address their concern.

'No from my osteomyelitis from my broken toe,' she responded.

Lisa, who is the ex-wife of One Nation co-founder David Oldfield, rose to fame after starring The Real Housewives of Sydney in 2016.
Joe Exotic has shared wild details about his wedding with a fellow inmate in prison.

The Tiger King star, 62, shocked fans earlier this month when he announced he had married fellow inmate Jorge Flores Maldonado while serving a 21-year federal prison sentence.

Joe is currently serving his sentence in Federal Medical Center, Fort Worth, after being convicted in 2019 of hiring hitmen to kill his zookeeper rival Carole Baskin, while Maldonado is incarcerated for immigration-related issues.

Speaking to 2DayFM's Jimmy & Nath Show, Joe revealed whether the couple had consummated the marriage.

'No... absolutely not,' he said after being asked if he and his husband had yet had sex behind bars.

Joe added that his spouse could be in danger from the Mexican cartel so he had to keep some things private.

Joe Exotic has shared wild details about his wedding to a fellow inmate in prison, Jorge Flores Maldonado (left)

Speaking to 2DayFM's Jimmy & Nath Show, Joe revealed whether the couple had consummated the marriage. 'No... absolutely not,' he said after being asked if he and his husband had yet had sex behind bars

'He is going to be deported. I don't want anything happening to him at the border, like the cartel kidnapping him because everybody thinks I am a millionaire,' he explained.

Joe announced his shock nuptials on Twitter last week.

Sharing a photoshopped snap of the couple wearing suits for the big day, he quipped: 'Never been more proud of someone. Meet my husband Jorge Flores Maldonado.'

Joe shared the news of their engagement back in October, as he told fans: 'Meet Jorge Marquez. He is so amazing and is from Mexico.'

He added: 'Now, the quest of getting married in prison and getting him asylum or we be leaving America when we both get out.

'Either way, I wish I would have met him long ago.'

Joe, also known Joseph Maldonado-Passage, submitted a marriage application to the federal prison to wed Jorge.

His now-husband is serving time for immigration-related issues, according to a report from CBS News.

Joe added that his spouse could be in danger from the Mexican cartel so he had to keep some things private

Both men were not only optimistic the prison would approve their wedding application, but also still have 'high hopes' that Joe's appeal of his entire case, including his conviction for hiring hitmen to kill Baskin, will succeed.

He claims to have evidence such as 'video confessions under oath' and '700 phone recordings of federal agents'.

In 2019, Joe was convicted and sentenced to 22 years in prison on 17 federal charges of animal abuse and two counts of attempted murder for hire for the plot to kill Big Cat Rescue founder Baskin.

Two years later, after filing a motion for a new trial, a U.S appeals court ruled the convictions for the two murder attempts were wrongly treated as separate, and as a result reduced his sentence by one year, and ultimately re-sentencing him to 21 years in prison in January 2022.

Joe has been featured in several documentaries, including the hit Netflix series Tiger King (2020-2021), which showcased his career as a zookeeper and his feud with Baskin.
MAFS UK star Mark Kiley has opened up about his father's suicide and the heartbreaking struggle he's had with grief.

Mark, 38, who appeared on series eight of the Channel 4 show, lost his father when he was just 20 years old, and turned to alcohol and food to avoid the grief.

Speaking about his beloved father, Mark shared: 'My dad was a family man. He worked hard to provide for us. He wasn't perfect, but everyone loved him. He was always the one to make people feel welcomed in our home.'

Despite the love that surrounded his father, Mark felt disconnected from him, admitting: 'Growing up, I felt different. I wanted to play hairdressers, and dad would let me brush his hair. Looking back, maybe that was his way of trying to bond with me. But during my childhood, I didn't understand that.

'We had some good times, but I often felt pushed aside. My brothers bonded with him over things like cars and motorbikes, while I was more comfortable with the women in our family. I thought he didn't love me as much as he loved them.'

Discussing his father's mental health, Mark added: 'He was a man's man who never showed his feelings. I don't think he ever got help because he feared being seen as weak.

MAFS UK star Mark Kiley has opened up about his father's suicide and the heartbreaking struggle he's had with grief

Mark, 38, who appeared on series eight of the Channel 4 show, lost his father when he was just 20-years-old, and turned to alcohol and food to avoid the grief

'As he struggled with work and his worth, he began to say things that raised alarm bells for us, like 'It's time for me to go' or "You boys don't need me anymore." Looking back, I can see the despair in those words.'

On April 8, 2007, Mark received the devastating news that his father had taken his own life, revealing that it 'shattered' his family.

He explained: 'I was on my way to my nan's house when I got a call from a family friend asking if everything was okay because the police were outside our home. I thought it was just another family drama. I had no clue what was really happening.

'I found out later that my brother had discovered him, and it shattered our family. I felt so much anger towards my dad for leaving us.

'I felt numb. I thought, "What difference does it make? We didn't have a close relationship anyway." But that numbness was deceptive, it masked a deeper pain that I was unwilling to confront.

'The first year was a blur. Everyone kept saying I seemed fine, but I wasn't dealing with my feelings. When the first anniversary came around, it hit me hard. I realised I would never see him again or have the chance to say goodbye.

'The last thing I responded to was a text where he said 'I love you,' and I ignored it. That guilt became unbearable.'

After turning to food and alcohol to cope, Mark revealed he was hospitalised and was later referred for counselling.

Speaking about his beloved dad, Mark shared: 'My dad was a family man. He worked hard to provide for us. He wasn't perfect, but everyone loved him. He was always the one to make people feel welcomed in our home'

Mark was left 'unemployed and single' after appearing on Married At First Sight

'I had numerous sessions and participated in a group. It was uncomfortable at first, but I needed it. I realised I wasn't alone in my struggles.

'I take medication, and I'm not ashamed of it. It's what helps me function. I want others to know it's okay to seek help. It took me a long time to reach this point of acceptance, to truly understand I am not defined by my grief,' he shared.

Mark added: 'For a long time, I was the worst version of myself. Instead of dealing with it, I chose to drown my sorrows, lash out, and blame everything else. I had to learn that grief isn't something you can ignore, it will catch up to you.

'Men are often seen as strong, and asking for help can be labelled as weakness. It hurts that my dad felt he didn't have anyone to talk to about his struggles. I know there are other men who feel the same. We need to change that narrative.'

Mark hopes for a world where open discussions about mental health can lead to understanding and healing, saying he wants to help others with his story.

'He worked hard for our family and encouraged us to be ourselves, even if we didn't fully understand it at the time. It's essential for everyone to know they are not alone and that it's okay to seek help,' he added.

The customer service manager signed up for Married At First Sight with dreams of finding Mr Right, and soon tied the knot with Sean Malkin.

Unfortunately the pair's relationship didn't work out, with both admitting they were struggling to find an emotional connection.

The customer service manager signed up for the series with dreams of finding Mr Right, and soon tied the knot with Sean Malkin

Mark revealed he's been forced to take a 7,000 pay cut to return to his old jobs, after hoping he'd be 'living the high life' following his appearance on the show

In an interview with The Sun, Mark revealed he was forced to take a 7,000 pay cut to return to his old jobs, after hoping he'd be 'living the high life' following his appearance on the show.

He said: 'When I went on the show, I quit my job and I missed a prepaid holiday that I spent 1,700 on. I left everything to do this, only to come out with nothing.

'I know it was my choice but it felt like I was mis-sold this dream that it would work and I would say goodbye to my normal life.'

When contacted by MailOnline, a Channel 4 spokesman said: 'All contributors are thoroughly prepped for the experience of being on Married at First Sight UK, a prominent TV reality series.

'We stress to all cast that the series should not be seen as a vehicle to gain fame or celebrity and warn against unrealistic expectations of this nature.'

Mark explained that he spent ten years single, and decided to sign up for MAFS UK, but claimed bosses were more focused on 'creating drama' than finding love.

He went onto say that bosses took tips from Love Island to boost ratings, and he was told that 'intruder couples' would be introduced throughout the series to stir up drama.

Questioning the divisive segment, Mark said he hopes that bosses ditch the idea next series, as it was 'ridiculous' entering the process at the halfway stage.

Mark went onto claim that he was given tips by some of the other couples in a bid to get more airtime, and many of the stars were 'scouted by producers'.

He also claimed that one couple agreed to remain friends early in the process, but kept up the pretence that they were in a relationship to stay on the show for longer.

A Channel 4 spokesman told MailOnline: 'MAFS UK is very much an unscripted reality series and what viewers see onscreen is an accurate depiction of the casts actions and opinions at the time.'

Mark went onto reveal that bosses were forced to tighten curfew rules for the couples after they would stay out partying until the early hours.

Mark went onto claim that he was given tips by some of the other couples in a bid to get more airtime, and many of the stars were 'scouted by producers'

He said: 'When the curfew was brought in, you had to be back by 7pm and were allowed to be in other people's apartments until 10pm.

'Then the production team would go to check that everyone was in their apartments by knocking on their doors to see if they were still there.'

A Channel 4 spokesman said: 'Each individual agrees to a standard of behaviour before commencing filming and we take appropriate action on a case-by-case basis if contributors fall below that standard.'

Mark's time on MAFS UK came to a premature end when he and Sean decided to end their marriage, and he believes his husband 'wasn't ready' for a serious relationship.

He went onto reveal that they are no longer in touch and he has unfollowed him on social media.

Mark said that while many of the couples put on a front that they are all still close pals, in reality he's struggled to get in touch with many of them.

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
Nicola Coughlan has shared her excitement as she revealed she's set to reunite with one of her Derry Girls co-star for a new project.

The actress, 38, - who played Clare Devlin in the Channel 4 sitcom - will soon star in show Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre.

And Siobhan McSweeney who played the iconic role of Sister Michael will be acting alongside her.

Sharing the news on her Instagram on Tuesday, Nicola wrote: 'Reuniting with an old friend for a new adventure doing an Irish classic

'So excited to be bringing the Wesht of Ireland to the @nationaltheatre.'

Sharing the news herself, Siobhan penned on her socials: 'What a delight to finally reveal this. Luckiest girl in the world.

Nicola Coughlan has shared her excitement as she revealed she's set to reunite with one of her Derry Girls co-star for a new project

The actress, 38, (right) - who played Clare Devlin in the Channel 4 sitcom - will soon star in show Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre

'Thank you @nationaltheatre for allowing me back.'

The Playboy of the Western World is a three-act play written by Irish playwright John Millington Synge, first performed at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in 1907.

A synopsis reads: 'Pegeen Flaherty's life is turned upside down when, on a normal day, a young man walks into her pub claiming that he's killed his father.

'Instead of being shunned, the killer Christy Mahon becomes a local hero. The welcome murderer wins hearts and races as he beds himself into village life. That is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene'

Caitriona McLaughlin (Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre, Dublin) directs Nicola, Eanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhan in John's story of youth and self-discovery.

Last week, Nicola appeared smitten with boyfriend Jake Dunn as they made their red carpet debut at the Bafta TV and Craft awards nominees party.

The actress and her Renegade Nell star partner, 25, could barely keep their eyes off each other as they arrived at London's Victoria and Albert Museum.

Nicola looked elegant for the evening in a figure-hugging black jacket dress which featured an eye-catching tulle bow on the back.

And Siobhan McSweeney who played the iconic role of Sister Michael will be acting alongside her

Sharing the news herself, Siobhan penned on her socials: 'What a delight to finally reveal this. Luckiest girl in the world'

Sister Michael seen in Derry Girls - played by Siobhan McSweeney

She layered the statement garment over a pair of black tights as she slipped into a pair of towering black platform heels.

To finish her chic ensemble, the blonde beauty toted her belongings around in a small satin micro bag.

Meanwhile Jake opted for a much more casual appearance as he stepped out in a pair of white trainers and a two-piece navy suit.

He layered his suit over a burgundy wool jumper and a white shirt which he opted to keep the top button open.

Nicola went Instagram official with Jake in February as she took to her Stories to celebrate her boyfriend's 25th birthday with a sweet post.

She shared a photo of Dunn sitting on what appears to be a set as he looked up at the sky.

Happy Birthday , she wrote on the post.

Nicola and Jake met after being after being introduced by her Derry Girls co-star and close friend Louisa Harland.

Following months of hiding the budding relationship, Nicola and Jake, finally confirmed their romance in October after they were spotted returning home hand-in-hand from a pub trip in North London.

Friends of the couple told MailOnline: 'They're absolutely besotted with each other and have so much fun together.

'Despite their busy schedules, they've slotted into each other's lives so easily as they share such a big group of mutual friends.'

Jake, who graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2023, has appeared in projects opposite Nicola's Derry Girls co-stars Louisa Harland and Dylan Llewellyn, 32.

It comes after last week Nicola appeared smitten with boyfriend Jake Dunn as they made their red carpet debut at the Bafta TV and Craft awards nominees party

Like Nicola, the London-born actor has also starred in a period drama, Disney's Renegade Nell, opposite Louisa.

The source added: 'When Derry Girls ended Nicola, Dylan and Louisa remained the best of friends and always supported each other in their careers so it made sense Nicola met Jake.'

While still at drama school, Jake was booked on for the Channel 4 Big Boys opposite Dylan and was written by Jack Rooke who is a close friend of Nicola's.

The gang of friends are big supporters of each other's work and are often spotted hanging out in North West London where Nicola has a house in the trendy Stoke Newington area.
Kerry Washington left little to the imagination in a racy look while attending a star-studded event in New York on Tuesday night.

The Scandal star, 48, joined the likes of Lily Allen and Emma Roberts at the 2025 Brooklyn Artists Ball held at the Brooklyn Museum.

Washington flashed her underwear while modeling a see-through black mesh dress on the red carpet.

She also wore a black bra under the sheer sleeveless frock and cinched in her waist with a leather belt with a silver buckle.

The actress accessorized with eye-catching layered necklaces and added height to her petite 5foot4inch frame with platform heels.

Washington's attendance at the event presented by Dior comes amid backlash over the upcoming reboot of the ABC series 'Desperate Housewives' that she's producing.

Kerry Washington left little to the imagination in a racy look while attending a star-studded event in New York on Tuesday night

The project, currently titled 'Wisteria Lane', is being reimagined at Onyx Collective, with Washington listed as one of the executive producers, as pert Variety.

The show follows five diverse friends living on the seemingly idyllic cul-de-sac of Wisteria Lane. But beneath the perfect facade of beautiful homes, lie hidden secrets.

The original show, which aired from 2004 to 2012, was also set in the suburban neighborhood of Wisteria Lane. It followed Susan Mayer (Teri Hatcher), Lynette Scavo (Felicity Huffman), Bree Van de Kamp (Marcia Cross), and Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria).

Following the news of the reboot, fans took online to express their disappointment, with one writing, 'Nobody asked for that, original is perfect.'

'Desperate Housewives 2.0 - now with 100% more desperation!' someone else chimed in on X.

The comments continued: 'If Teri, Eva, Felicity, and Marcia arent the stars, they can 10,000% keep buried in the drafts.'

'Did we completely run out of original ideas?'

Another fan wrote: 'We dont need a new cast. We want a return of our own ladies.'

The Scandal star, 48, joined the likes of Lily Allen and Emma Roberts at the 2025 Brooklyn Artists Ball at the Brooklyn Museum

Washington flashed her underwear while modeling a see-through black mesh dress on the red carpet

She also wore a black bra under the sheer sleeveless frock and cinched in her waist with a leather belt with a silver buckle

Someone else simply asked: 'Why?'

'Getting a new team to do a reboot is almost rarely a good idea, just dont do it if the OG team doesnt want to.'

'Hard pass,' yet another wrote.

The original 'Desperate Housewives' was the brainchild of Marc Cherry.

The show ran for eight seasons and nearly 200 episodes on ABC from 2004 to 2012.

During its run, the show earned 38 Emmy nominations, with Huffman winning lead actress in a comedy in 2005 and Kathryn Joosten winning guest actress in a comedy twice.

The show was originally produced by ABC Studios.

Natalie Chaidez is attached to the new project as writer and executive producer, and Pilar Savone will serve as executive producer via Simpson Street.

Stacey Sher of Shiny Penny is also set to executive produce.

The official logine states the show is 'set around a group of 5 very different friends and sometimes frenemies who all live on a picture-perfect cul de sac called Wisteria Lane. On the surface, all the Wisteria neighbors are living the dream. Beautiful homes, gorgeous families, shiny SUVs in the driveway  but behind those white picket fences and smiling Insta posts, are secrets.'

A new version of smash hit ABC series Desperate Housewives is currently in the works, but fans are far from happy about it; The original cast featuring Marcia Cross, Eva Longoria, Teri Hatcher, and Felicity Huffman seen in 2007 still

The project, currently titled 'Wisteria Lane', is being reimagined at Onyx Collective, with Kerry Washington listed as one of the executive producers, as pert Variety; Washington seen in April

Following the news of the reboot, fans took online to express their disappointment, with one writing, 'Nobody asked for that original is perfect'

The comments continued: 'If Teri, Eva, Felicity, and Marcia arent the stars, they can 10,000% keep buried in the drafts'

'Desperate Housewives 2.0 - now with 100% more desperation!' someone else chimed in on X

'Hard pass,' yet another wrote

Someone else simply asked: 'Why?'

The original show, which aired from 2004 to 2012, was also set in the suburban neighborhood of Wisteria Lane

The news comes after Longoria spoke about the possibility of a revival.

She appeared on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live on Monday, to promote her show Searching For Spain, which debuted Sunday night on CNN.

Longoria has said in the past that she would be interested in a Desperate Housewives reboot or revival series, which prompted a question from a fan.

The fan wrote into WWHL to ask who might be standing in the way of a Desperate Housewives reunion.

The answer may surprise some fans, with Longoria revealing it to be none other than series creator Marc.

'Marc Cherry, our creator. Yeah. He feels like we've exhausted the characters,' Longoria said, which stunned host Andy Cohen.

She added, 'It's unlike Sex and the City, which was only, like, six episodes, eight episodes a year. We did 24 episodes a year. For a decade.'

'So I can't sleep with any more people on that, right? Like I have slept with every single person on the street,' Longoria joked of the show's infamous Wisteria Lane.

Longoria was also asked by another WWHL guest, comedy legend Sandra Bernhard, if Longoria's Gabrielle ever slept with any women on the show.

'No, I didn't... wait, did I?' Longoria said, as Bernhard joked they could do a 'half season' on that.

During its run, the show earned 38 Emmy nominations, with Huffman winning lead actress in a comedy in 2005 and Kathryn Joosten winning guest actress in a comedy twice

Longoria recently addressed a potential revival, stating that series creator Marc Cherry feels 'we've exhausted the characters'

Also pictured at Tuesday night's 2025 Brooklyn Artists Ball was Emma Roberts, who wowed in a chic black gingham coord

Keri Russell was also on hand for the festivities in a sleek all-black look

'We got to convince Marc Cherry,' Longoria insisted of the show's creator and executive producer.

When Cohen asked if she still gets, 'healthy residual checks' from the show, she would only offer a smile and add, 'I do well.'

Desperate Housewives would also serve as the inspiration for Bravo's Real Housewives franchise, drawing from, 'real life desperate housewives.'

The show also spawned global adaptations in Argentina (200607), Colombia/Ecuador (2007), Brazil (200708), Turkey (201114) and Nigeria (2015).

It was even one of many soap operas banned from North Korean television, with the government allegedly executing upwards of 80 people for watching banned South Korean soap operas, of which Desperate Housewives was the most popular.
Rachel Riley's colourful dressing matched the spring sunshine as she stepped out in Manchester at Media City on Tuesday afternoon.

The Countdown star, 39, looked lovely in a chunky patchwork-style knit cardigan, which boasted floral applique all over.

Rachel wore the statement piece over a pink vest, which was styled with a pair of distressed ripped jeans and trainers.

The TV personality styled her blonde locks in soft waves and opted for a glamorous coat of make-up with a red lip.

Rachel accessorised the look with a metallic silver bag and carried her phone in her hand as she walked along in the afternoon sun.

The outing comes after she shared a series of bikini-clad snaps as she shared an insight into a past trip with husband Pasha Kovalev.

Rachel Riley's colourful dressing matched the spring sunshine as she stepped out in Manchester at Media City on Tuesday afternoon

The Countdown star, 39, looked lovely in a chunky patchwork-style knit cardigan, which boasted floral applique all over

Rachel wore the statement piece over a pink vest, which was styled with a pair of distressed ripped jeans and trainers

In celebration of World Wildlife Day in March, Rachel uploaded some photos from Brazil in 2016, with the Strictly Come Dancing star, 45.

The couple could be seen enjoying a bike ride, hiking, scuba diving and kayaking after visiting a conservation project in the worlds largest wetlands.

Rachel wrote: 'Its World Wildlife Day today, which gives me a good excuse to post this pic taken just as Pash was getting bitten by ants when we were in India a few years back!

'Youre supposed to tell wildlife conservation success stories today, so it made me think of our first nature trip together, which sparked a whole load of others and is pretty much our favourite way to spend our time.

'Back in 2016 we went to Brazil, and one of the highlights was visiting the Oncafari jaguar conservation project in the worlds largest wetlands - The Pantanal.'

Rachel continued: 'It was in its infancy then, conservationists had visited Africa, and brought techniques back like staking (already killed in nature) prey out in open spaces vs dense forest.

'So, tourists have more chance of spotting cats returning to the carcass to eat at nightfall, in order to boost eco tourism, collecting data showing jags werent the culprits eating cattle, and generally that jaguars are more valuable alive than dead.

'As is so much in life, the financial arguments often have more sway than anything else.

The outing comes after she shared a series of bikini-clad snaps as she shared an insight into a past trip with husband Pasha Kovalev

In celebration of World Wildlife Day in March, Rachel uploaded some photos from Brazil in 2016, with the Strictly Come Dancing star, 45

'Since then weve been to The Galapagos, Napo Valley in the Amazon Basin, Sri Lanka, India, The Maldives and can honestly say wildlife trips are where our happiest memories are.

'Hopefully more trips to follow when the kids are a bit bigger! (Any suggestions on where and when with them for future are much appreciated!)

'PS sorry for the terrible home videos at the end (Pantanal capybaras, jaguar, giant anteater), Ive definitely not missed my calling as a wildlife camerawoman but happy memories nonetheless!'

Rachel and Pasha met when they were paired together on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013.

The couple could be seen enjoying a bike ride, hiking, scuba diving and kayaking after visiting a conservation project in the worlds largest wetlands

Rachel wrote: 'Its World Wildlife Day today, which gives me a good excuse to post this pic taken just as Pash was getting bitten by ants when we were in India a few years back!'
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A Brisbane baker has weighed in on a controversy surrounding two Aussie food influencers and claims of plagiarised recipes.

RecipeTin Eats founder and best-selling author, Nagi Maehashi, has accused Penguin Australia of plagiarising recipes in Brooke Bellamy's Bake With Brooki.

Nagi took to social media and her website on Tuesday to make the accusations and invited followers to make their own conclusions.

Later that evening, Brooke hit back on Instagram to vehemently deny the accusations.

Now the owner and head baker at popular Brisbane eatery The Annerley Kitchen has given his thoughts on the drama.

Speaking to B105's Stav, Abby & Matt on Wednesday, baker Tu Pham gave his take on the confection clash.

A Brisbane baker has weighed in on a controversy surrounding two Aussie food influencers and claims of stolen recipes. Pictured: RecipeTin Eats founder Nagi Maehashi

'Could it be possible that the caramel slice recipe is just a caramel slice recipe and thats just what it is,' co-host Stav Davidson asked.

The baker replied that, like a snowflake, every caramel slice was unique.

'No every caramel slice recipe is different,' he said. 'Different ingredients. Similar ingredients but also different.'

'My caramel slice recipe is different to my brothers which is different to my other brothers and we are a family of bakers so every slice is different.'

Co-host Abby Coleman then asked Tu if the use of condensed milk was comment in caramel slice, as Nagi had claimed it was her 'secret'.

'Condensed milk is a primary ingredient in the caramel slice,' he admitted while revealing that vegetarian and vegan versions may use condensed coconut cream as a substitute.

Tu was then asked by Matt Acton to make a judgement call on who was in the right in the foodie fracas.

'Tu, I guess as an expert in caramel slice, we need to know whose side are you on?' he questioned.

RecipeTin Eats founder and best-selling author, Nagi Maehashi, has accused Penguin Australia of plagiarising recipes in Brooke Bellamy's Bake With Brooki including caramel slice and baklava/ Pictured: Brooke Bellamy

Now the owner and head baker at popular Brisbane eatery The Annerley Kitchen (pictured) Tu Pham has given his thoughts on the drama

'I've got to be on the fence,' Tu diplomatically replied. 'I don't want to get in trouble.'

Brooke released her debut cook book in October 2024 after her Brisbane-based store Brooki Bakehouse became a viral sensation on TikTok.

Ms Bellamy's 'day in the life' videos were a huge hit as she gained a following almost four million followers across social media.

But the RecipeTin Eats founder has claimed that Bake With Brooki contains several plagiarised recipes including two of her own - caramel slice and baklava.

'To me, the similarities are so specific and detailed that calling these a coincidence feels disingenuous,' Nagi wrote.

'There are also recipes from other authors, including from a very well known, beloved cookbook author where the similarities are so extensive, dismissing it as coincidence would be absurd (in my opinion).

The RecipeTin Eats founder said Penguin had denied the allegations via their lawyers, adding that she's yet to receive a response from Ms Bellamy directly.

In a statement shared by Nagi, the publisher's lawyers said: 'Our client respectfully rejects your clients' allegations and confirms that the recipes in the BWB Book were written by Brooke Bellamy.'

'No every caramel slice recipe is different,' Tu told B105's Stav, Abby & Matt on Wednesday. 'Different ingredients. Similar ingredients but also different'

Tu was then asked by Matt Acton to make a judgement call on who was in the right in the foodie fracas

'I've got to be on the fence,' the baker diplomatically replied. 'I don't want to get in trouble'

Ms Maehashi, who has now turned off comments on her Instagram post due to legal concerns, claimed she brought the allegations to Penguin's attention last December.

'You're a top tier publisher entrusted with protecting original work and upholding the integrity of the publishing industry,' she wrote.

'Your lack of accountability is profoundly disappointing.'

She alleged a new version of Bake With Brooki has quietly been released into stores in recent weeks with one huge difference in its pages.

In Ms Bellamy's original recipe, caramel is used to make the base in a similar way to Ms Maehashi's recipe.

The caramel slice recipe has since been tweaked, which Ms Maehashi claims is in response to her claims of plagiarism.

The RecipeTin Eats founder explained she used caramel 'rather than golden syrup which is the typical recipe' for this particular dessert.

In a new version of Bake With Brooki released to stores in recent weeks, the caramel slice recipe allegedly features golden syrup as an ingredient.

Ms Maehashi shared both RecipeTin Eats' and Bake With Brooki's caramel slice and baklava recipes to give her followers the opportunity to make up their own minds.
Jono Castano looked very loved-up when he stepped out for a date night with new girlfriend Emily Ryder.

The celebrity personal trainer and Simone Hotznagel's baby daddy, 35, went Instagram official with the Love Triangle star earlier this week.

The newly-minted couple looked over the moon to be in each other's company on Tuesday when they enjoyed an intimate dinner for two in Sydney's Potts Point.

Jono cut a relaxed figure for the romantic interlude, wearing a plain white T-Shirt that fitted his well-honed torso perfectly.

He also wore a pair of loose-fitting navy blue tracksuit pants, while finishing his ensemble with a pair of white runners.

Sporting a shock of stubble, Jono accessorised with a silver bracelet on his wrist while holding his phone tight as the couple strolled.

Jono Castano looked very loved-up when he stepped out for a date night with new girlfriend Emily Ryder. Both pictured

Emily also went with a casual look, stepping out in a plain black long-sleeved top with a scooped neck.

She tucked her top into a pair of patterned, wide leg pants that featured a drawstring and black and white stripes running down the leg.

Choosing to leave her flaxen locks down for the occasion, Emily finished the look with a pair of black leather slides.

Wanting to protect herself from the inclement Sydney weather, she also accessorised with a chic beige trench coat that finished just below the knee.

The lovebirds looked very happy to be spending the evening together, beaming as they walked, arm-in-arm to the restaurant.

Choosing to enjoy their intimate meal al fresco, Jono and Emily appeared lost in deep conversation as they enjoyed the ambiance.

Jono's new romance comes after he was previously linked to Perth-based fashion designer Nilofar Khirzad, following his high-profile split from Simone Holtznagel.

Jono and Simone dated for almost two years after meeting through Sydney's social scene.

The newly-minted couple looked over the moon to be in each other's company on Tuesday when they enjoyed an intimate dinner for two in Sydney's Potts Point

The lovebirds looked very happy to be spending the evening together, beaming as they walked arm-in-arm to the restaurant

Jono and Emily appeared lost in deep conversation as they enjoyed the ambiance

The trainer, who owns the Acero fitness brand, remains one of Australia's most in-demand celebrity trainers, having worked with the likes of Rebel Wilson, Rita Ora and Michael Clarke.

Castano abruptly ended his relationship with designer Nilofar in January after less than six months of dating.

'They've been over for weeks,' an insider told Daily Mail Australia at the time.

'Their relationship just ran its course.'

The genetically blessed couple have since unfollowed each other on Instagram.

Emily meanwhile rose to fame on Stan's hit dating series Love Triangle, where she was initially matched with Sam Fisher.

Their relationship quickly soured after it was revealed that Sam had been secretly communicating with an ex-girlfriend named Hannah during filming, leading to a dramatic fallout on the show.

Emily later spoke out about the betrayal, stating, 'The lies were so detailed, you couldn't even write this. I congratulate him for how great he was at lying, it was pretty well done!'

Meanwhile, Simone and Jono split in May last year, around nine weeks after welcoming their daughter Gia into the world on Easter Sunday.

The celebrity personal trainer and Simone Hotznagel's baby daddy, 35, went Instagram official with the Love Triangle star earlier this week

Jono's new romance comes after he was previously linked to Perth-based fashion designer Nilofar Khirzad (pictured)

Jono confirmed news of their break-up to Daily Mail Australia in July and Simone has since said she is raising Gia alone.

She also recently made a cryptic remark that she 'couldn't change' the man she loved.

'I wanted to set an example for my daughter; that's something that shifted for me, Simone revealed to Stellar.

'One day I was like, "What am I doing? This isn't right. And I would hate if she was ever in this situation.'

She continued: 'You have to do what is right for you at the end of the day.

'No matter the number of promises or anything else that people make, when they show you who they are, believe them.

Meanwhile, Simone and Jono split in May last year, around nine weeks after welcoming their daughter Gia into the world on Easter Sunday. Both pictured

'Because you can't change people.'

Simone also said she is co-parenting Gia with Jono and that she is confident she made the right choice.

'I've never felt more sure of anything, and I know I can do it by myself,' she admitted.

'It's unfortunate that I'm mostly having to do it by myself, but I couldn't think of it any other way, really.

'What I'm doing just feels very right for me, the most important thing to me is that Gia is happy and healthy, and that I'm happy too.'
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Matt Zukowski has shut down rumours he has split from his wife Tammy Hembrow by sharing footage of them together on a recent date night.

The Love Island Australia star, 29, appeared in a social media clip alongside Tammy, 31, in which he told fans they had just finished watching a movie at the cinema.

'We just watched a new horror, Until Dawn. It was pretty gory, there were a lot of jump scares and we were screaming heaps,' Matt told fans.

'I couldn't watch a lot of things, it was real gross,' Tammy added.

The pair then embraced in the cinema foyer as Tammy revealed Matt got so scared during the movie that he held onto her.

'He was clutching my hand!' Tammy said.

Matt Zukowski has shut down rumours he has split from his wife Tammy Hembrow by sharing footage of them together on a recent date night

It comes after Matt fuelled speculation that his whirlwind romance with Tammy may be over, after posting footage of himself going to the movies solo on Tuesday.

He took to Instagram to share a video revealing he was watching Death Of A Unicorn alone - a move that came just days after fans noticed he was absent from Tammy's lavish 31st birthday celebrations.

Matt made it clear he was watching the movie alone, appearing in a white hoodie and backwards cap as he addressed his followers while seated in a plush theatre chair.

Sources close to the couple told Daily Mail Australia that the pair have quietly split, with Matt recently relocating back to Melbourne, but neither Tammy or Matt have publicly confirmed their parting.

'Matt and Tammy are on a break. They're not saying it's over for good, but for now they're taking time apart,' the insider revealed.

'They're both really emotional people, and they've decided to put their marriage on pause for now.'

The solo cinema outing marked Matt's first public appearance since he broke his silence on ongoing divorce rumours surrounding the couple, who tied the knot just five months ago in a glamorous Byron Bay wedding.

In a candid Instagram Stories video posted earlier this week, Matt admitted to taking a step back from social media, blaming online negativity.

The Love Island Australia star appeared in a social media clip alongside Tammy in which he told fans they had just finished watching a movie at the cinema. Tammy told fans Matt got so scared watching the horror movie that he held onto her

It comes after Matt fuelled speculation that his whirlwind romance with Tammy may be over, after posting footage of himself going to the movies solo on Tuesday

'There's a lot of people out there who say negative stuff and they want to see people fail, they want to see things fail,' he said.

'It's depressing. So I took a break.'

However, the reality star notably avoided addressing his relationship status with Tammy, who was seen living her best life during her birthday festivities on the Gold Coast.

The fitness mogul shared several glamorous snaps from her big day, including photos of her decadent cake, extravagant floral arrangements and gifts - but her husband was nowhere to be seen.

She also made a point to thank her girlfriends in a post captioned: 'Grateful for the girlies in my life making me feel so special today.'

The snub did not go unnoticed by fans, with many flooding the comments section of her posts asking: 'Where's your husband?' and 'Divorced already?'

Tammy and Matt began dating in mid-2023, after Matt slid into her DMs, and were engaged just three months later.

They tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at Chateau Du Soleil in Byron Bay in November, surrounded by close friends and family.

Tammy, who has unfollowed Matt multiple times in the past, also deleted several images of the pair together before re-following him again.

The couple met after the former Love Island star slid into Tammy's DMs in 2023 and wed a year later in a stunning Byron Bay ceremony.

However, her recent social media move has fans questioning the state of their marriage - her Instagram now shows she has re-followed her spouse.
Simone Holtznagel has revealed the reason why she drank her own placenta after giving birth to her daughter Gia, who is now one-year-old.

The Australian top model, 31, told The Diary of a Birth podcast host Ksenija Lukich that she was 'really scared' she would suffer bad postnatal depression.

Simone quietly split from Gia's dad Jono Castano, 33, around nine weeks after they welcomed their baby on Easter Sunday in 2024.

But in the tell-all interview, Simone hinted that the relationship was in trouble well before the birth.

'I've kind of blocked it out because it wasn't the most stress free pregnancy,' she said.

'I spent a lot of time by myself - which was nice rather than dealing with... other unexpected things. I just remember being so uncomfortable.'

Simone Holtznagel (pictured) has revealed the reason why she drank her own placenta after giving birth to her daughter Gia, who is now one-year-old

Simone pictured with newborn baby Gia, who she welcomed on Easter Sunday in 2024

'I drunk my placenta,' Simone said.

'I did that because I was concerned about postnatal depression because I'd dealt with anxiety and depression years ago.

'I was really worried about that because of my at home life, relationship-wise,' the model continued as she hinted at a separation from her personal trainer partner.

'This was very new for both of us and I was concerned about the level of support I'd get from my partner.'

Some people believe that eating the placenta (placentophagy) can protect new mothers against postpartum depression.

It can also ease bleeding after delivery and increase the quantity of breast milk production.

The theory is based on the idea that the placenta contains hormones and nutrients that can help women recover from childbirth.

There is limited scientific evidence to support these claims, but Simone figured, why not try?

Simone told the Diary of a Birth podcast that she was 'concerned' about the level of support she would receive from her then-partner - and Gia's father - Jono Castano (left) if she wound up suffering from postpartum depression

Elsewhere in the podcast, the former Playboy cover girl said she learned she was pregnant on the way home from a celebratory 30th birthday trip to Maldives

'The woman doing it came in and picked up the placenta. It was on ice,' she explained.

'She came back with a little protein shaker that had a little 3cm piece of my placenta in it with coconut water, frozen banana, and frozen berries.'

'You have to sign a thing saying that no one else is allowed to have a sip because technically you're eating an organ. Like a human organ,' Simone continued.

She joked that 'it's literally the only legal form of cannibalism.'

'I stopped bleeding after three or four days and apparently that's unheard of,' she added.

Elsewhere in the podcast, the former Playboy cover girl said she learned she was pregnant on the way home from a celebratory 30th birthday trip to Maldives.
Olivia Munn opened up about why she made the decision to no longer have treatment for her post mastectomy scars following her battle with breast cancer.

The Predator actress, 44 - who recently gained new fans for her 'relatable' toddler temper tantrum story - talked about the moment during an interview with Access Hollywood at the 2025 Women's Cancer Research Fund's Gala on Monday.

The star revealed last year in March that she had been diagnosed with luminal B breast cancer in April 2023 - and underwent five surgeries, including a double mastectomy and hysterectomy.

Munn has now given credit to the SKIMS campaign she appeared in last year in October for making her 'proud' of her scars.

'Ever since I got such an amazing, loving response from the SKIMS campaign, I stopped doing laser treatment on my scars,' the mom-of-two expressed to the outlet.

'I had all my appointments, and I was doing them, and I had all my appointments scheduled for the next year, and I just canceled all of them.'

Olivia Munn, 44, opened up about why she made the decision to no longer have treatment for her post mastectomy scars following her battle with breast cancer; seen above on Monday in L.A.

Munn has now given credit to the SKIMS campaign she appeared in last year in October for making her 'proud' of her scars

Olivia shared that she felt it was important to be 'putting it out there and embracing it' following her battle - and expressed how it could help other women with the same experience as well as their own loved ones.

'And now these scars, at least on me, I'm proud of them now. They're not something I want to cover up as much anymore because everyone has been so sweet about it.'

While talking to the publication, Munn also gushed about how her husband John Mulaney has supported her during her health journey.

She said the actor has 'encouraged' her and added, 'The biggest support he's given me is just to love me, and to be my best friend, and to be the most amazing father to our children. So, I ask nothing more of him.'

In October 2024, the actress starred in the SKIMS campaign during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

In a few images, she could be seen posing topless while showing off a scar on her left breast and donned a pair of high-waisted, black leggings.

She also opened up about her cancer battle in a video accompanying the campaign and stated, 'Someone said this phrase to me, and it meant a lot and it really touched me.

'When it comes to breast cancer, welcome to the worst club with the best members.'

The star revealed last year in March that she had been diagnosed with luminal B breast cancer in April 2023 - and underwent five surgeries, including a double mastectomy and hysterectomy

'And now these scars, at least on me, I'm proud of them now. They're not something I want to cover up as much anymore because everyone has been so sweet about it,' she added

While talking to the publication, Munn also gushed about how her husband John Mulaney has supported her during her health journey; seen in March in Beverly Hills

'My name is Olivia Munn and I'm a breast cancer survivor. When I look at the scars or how my breasts look different or how clothes fit on me differently, I just feel a lot of gratitude. The way my body looks is just a representation of how hard I've fought.'

She later uploaded photos from the campaign and wrote, 'KINTSUGI . In the middle of this latest @SKIMS bra campaign shoot, I decided I was done being insecure about my mastectomy scars.

'Every mark life has left behind on my body is proof of how hard I fought. I hope other women who have been self-conscious about their scars see these photos and feel all the love I'm sending.'

She continued, 'It's really meaningful to be part of an initiative that supports research and helps countless individuals impacted by breast cancer...'

During an interview with Today at the time, Munn had explained that the campaign initially wasn't centered around her scars.

'When Skims approached me to do this campaign, it was just to do their shapewear and their new leggings, and it wasn't about my scar at all.'

But during the photo shoot for the brand founded by Kim Kardashian, Olivia found herself unable to hide her scar in one of the ensembles she was modeling.

'But were in the middle of the shoot and we changed into an outfit that could see more of my scars,' she explained.

She later uploaded photos from the campaign and wrote, 'KINTSUGI . In the middle of this latest @SKIMS bra campaign shoot, I decided I was done being insecure about my mastectomy scars'; seen on Tuesday in NYC

'So, the makeup artist was touching up my scars and then we got to the double mastectomy scars and they were just really hard to cover up.

'Then I was looking in the mirror, and I just thought, "I'm done being insecure about my scars." So I went to the team of Skims and I said, "What do you guys think about showing my scars in this campaign?"'

Munn expressed, 'And they were so amazing and thoughtful and wonderful. And we talked it out and then we decided to do it.'

A few months earlier in February, Olivia gave an update on her health journey while talking People at the TIME Women of the Year Gala.

She explained, 'I am working through different medications and I think anyone who's gone through any kind of cancer, but specifically breast cancer, understands there's a real science to figuring out the best kind of medication for you.'

The star also revealed to the outlet that she still goes through both 'good days and bad days.'

Olivia has been embracing her 'new normal' and taking things more slowly than she had done in the past.

She explained, 'I am working through different medications and I think anyone who's gone through any kind of cancer, but specifically breast cancer, understands there's a real science to figuring out the best kind of medication for you'; seen earlier this month in NYC

'I think before all of this, I wanted to seize the day and get stuff done and have my list of to-do things.

'And now my to-do lists are a lot shorter. I love organizing and my house is a mess - I don't know if it's because of cancer treatment or because I have two children,' she added.

'I give myself a lot of grace now with things like that. I don't worry about the house being a mess...'

Munn expressed, 'I just wake up and really kind of give myself, I call them attainable goals instead of making really big goals that you end up feeling like I fell short...so I feel successful every day no matter how small it is.'

The actress and husband John are parents to son Malcolm, three, and also daughter Mei - who was born via surrogate last year in September 2024

While focusing on her health and raising her two little ones, Olivia has also been keeping busy by starring in her latest series Your Friends & Neighbors; seen above this month with co-stars Jon Hamm and Amanda Peet

The actress and husband John are parents to son Malcolm, three, and also daughter Mei - who was born via surrogate last year in September 2024.

While focusing on her health and raising her two little ones, Olivia has also been keeping busy by starring in her latest series Your Friends & Neighbors.

The dark comedic drama premiered on Apple TV+ earlier this month on April 11 - and also stars Jon Hamm, Amanda Peet and Mark Tallman.

The premise is: 'A hedge fund manager resorts to burglary after losing his job, targeting wealthy neighbors to maintain his family's lifestyle, but makes a fateful error breaking into the wrong home,' per IMDB.
Ewan McGregor linked arms with his wife Mary Elizabeth Winstead as they left the opening night of his new West End play My Master Builder.

The actor, 54, cut a casual figure as he left the theatre, sporting a dark grey jacket along with black jeans and a white T-shirt.

Mary Elizabeth turned heads in a lime green midi dress with a low cut neckline which she wore with gold heels.

The actress showed off her dyed blonde locks for the evening and added to her look with a simple silver necklace.

Ewan and Mary Elizabeth fell in love on screen and off when they first met on the set of the FX series Fargo in 2016, when they both joined the cast for season three, playing each other's love interests.

At the time of the shoot, McGregor was still married to Eve Mavrakis, and Winstead was married to Riley Stearns.

Ewan McGregor linked arms with his wife Mary Elizabeth Winstead as they left the opening night of his new West End play My Master Builder

The actor, 54, cut a casual figure as he left the theatre, sporting a dark grey jacket along with black jeans and a white T-shirt

Mary Elizabeth turned heads in a lime green midi dress with a low cut neckline which she wore with gold heels

But eventually, both of their marriages ended and the co-stars began dating soon afterwards.

They worked with each other again on the superhero film film Birds Of Prey (2020), which is based on the DC Comics team the Birds of Prey.

The couple welcomed their first child together, a son named Laurie in June 2021, after nearly four years of dating.

Also in attendance on opening night was Rosamund Pike who stepped out to support Elizabeth Debicki who also stars in the show.

The Hollywood star, 46, turned heads in a black pinstripe suit, paired with a sleek black satin shirt.

She teamed her stylish ensemble with classic black pointed heels and carried a black handbag.

The beauty shielded her eyes with tortoise shell sunglasses and accessoried with dainty pearl drop earrings.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth, 34, showcased her quirky sense of style in a black and white playsuit.

The actress showed off her dyed blonde locks for the evening and added to her look with a simple silver necklace

Ewan and Mary Elizabeth fell in love on screen and off when they first met on the set of the FX series Fargo in 2016

Directed by Michael Grandage, My Master Builder is playing at the Wyndhams Theatre in London from April 29 to July 12.

The cast all appeared in high spirits as they posed for snaps together on the red carpet.

Directed by Michael Grandage, My Master Builder is playing at the Wyndhams Theatre in London from April 29 to July 12.

The new play is set on the eve of Independence Day in the Hamptons.

It follows Elena Solness, a publishing magnate, and her architect husband, Henry, as their marriage is disrupted by the arrival of Mathilde - a former student of Henrys with whom he once shared a deep connection.

It explores themes of love and vulnerability and draws inspiration from Ibsen.

Rosamund's outing comes just the day after she put on a very quirky display in furry Simone Rocha heels to attend the Hallow Road UK special screening in London.

The actress, who stars alongside Matthew Rhys as the lead in the new thriller flick, commanded attention in a bright red floor-length dress.

Rosamund Pike (left) looked effortlessly chic as she stepped out to support Elizabeth Debicki (right) on opening night

The Hollywood star, 46, turned heads in a black pinstripe suit, paired with a sleek black satin shirt

She teamed ensemble with classic black pointed heels and carried a stylish black handbag a she posed up a storm on the red carpet

Meanwhile, Elizabeth, 34, showcased her quirky sense of style in a black and white patterned playsuit

She was joined by her co-stars (L-R) David Ajala, Mirren Mack, Ewan McGregor, and Kate Fleetwood

Also in attendance was James Norton (left), Lila Raicek (right), Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Anthony Welsh.

He finished off his look with white Dr Martens shoes as he posed alongside Kate, who looked elegant in a navy dress

Anthony Welsh cut a dapper figure in an all brown ensemble

Rosamund's outfit was recently seen on Simone Rocha's Fall 2025 Ready to wear runway and featured a chunky dark metal chain and padlock.

The garment featured a ruffled neckline which created an oversized cap sleeve design over her shoulders.

But it was her shows which caught the most attention as she graced the red carpet in Mary Janes, which were covered in brown fur.

She kept the accessories to a minimum and opted for a pair of large grey flower earrings and wore a bright red lip colour.

The film sees two parents enter a race against time when they receive a distressing late-night phone call from their daughter after she caused a tragic car accident.

Jumping in their car, they race to get there before anyone else stumbles across the scene.

As they head deeper into the night, disturbing revelations threaten to tear the family apart.

It is set to be released in the United Kingdom and Ireland by Universal Pictures on 16 May 2025.

Later in the night, Elizabeth was seen stepping out following the party at St Martins Lane Hotel

It comes just the day after Rosamund put on a very quirky display as she stepped out in furry Simone Rocha heels to attend the Hallow Road UK special screening in London

The actress recently opened up about overcoming self-judgment, the power of storytelling and even her romantic side in a recent interview.

Rosamund - who played iconic personalities as physicist Marie Curie and journalist Marie Colvin - detailed the often 'traumatic' process of playing real life character.

'I've played a lot of real people, and that can be traumatic  going deep into someone's soul to try and portray them honestly and live their life more than your own,' she told PORTER.

'I need to step away from the cauldron, as it were. I need to go back to reality.'

Flaunting an array of impressive biopic roles throughout the years, the English star said about balancing a hectic schedule: 'I'm longing for time to be idle at the moment.'

Yet, the Golden Globe winner admitted she is keen to shift into comedy, adding: 'I'm so romantic.

'I'm excitable, and I love to laugh, but I convince in the dramatic, serious roles. People don't see the girlishness in me.'
Carina Mirabile has lifted the lid on an unexpected behind-the-scenes moment from Married At First Sight 2025.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the 31-year-old digital marketing manager, who runs fashion label, MIRAB, revealed that one of the brides slid into her DMs with a rather cheeky request for free clothes.

When pressed to reveal which bride it was, Carina confirmed that it was none other than Jacqui Burfoot, who messaged her on Instagram during the early days of filming.

The message came as a surprise to Carina, who admitted she initially had to double-check it was real.

Carina went on to explain that Jacqui's message came just a few weeks into the filming process.

'She said, "Hi, I am one of the MAFS brides of 2025. I love your pieces. Would love to get some clothes to wear on the show."'

Married At First Sight's Carina Mirabile (pictured), who runs fashion label, MIRAB, revealed that one of the brides slid into her DMs with a rather cheeky request for free clothes

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Carina confirmed that it was none other than Jacqui Burfoot (pictured), who messaged her on Instagram during the early days of filming

At first, Carina thought the request might be a joke.

'I actually screenshot it and was like, is this for real?' she admitted.

'We had only just spoken about it. I remember one commitment ceremony, we were in the lift  Jacqui, Rhi, and myself with our producers.

'A lot of the weeks, we would go to the commitment ceremony together in one car, the three of us girls, and Veronica as well.'

During that ride, Carina recalled how Jacqui had praised her sense of style, encouraging her to launch a clothing line.

'Jacqui said to me, 'Carina, you really need to start a clothing label or something because your style is insane. You have the eye,' Carina shared.

'Rhi chimed in and said, 'Oh, she actually has one.' And I was like, 'Yeah, I've got one, I just don't tell anyone because that's not my identity in this experiment. I came here for the right reasons, and I'm not gonna be boasting about that. It's just not me.'

After that conversation, Carina and Jacqui began discussing business ideas.

The insider claimed that when the time came to move out, her 'groom' Ryan Donnelly had to help her transport what was described as '25 bags worth of clothing' in a large Uber

'I learned about Jacqui's business idea. I was like, "Do you have Canva? Have you created the logo? Do you have Shopify?"' Carina explained.

'I gave her a lot of ideas, like platforms to use. I told her, "Don't use WooCommerce, use Shopify. Shopify's the easiest thing to do."'

Although Carina didn't directly help with the execution of Jacqui's business, she was more than willing to offer guidance.

'She said she bought all her samples and just needed to photograph them. It was great to have those conversations. I'm always open to helping people around me,' Carina added.

'I'm not gonna be a gatekeeper. I want everyone to win, especially those around me.'

It comes after Daily Mail Australia revealed a wider controversy surrounding Jacqui's alleged attempts to score free clothing from Australian brands during filming.

In text messages obtained by New Idea, Jacqui allegedly messaged multiple brands saying, 'Hi there! I'm one of the MAFS 2025 brides. Just wondering whether you'd be interested in gifting any pieces for me to wear and showcase on the show and tag & create around during airing next year on Instagram / TikTok? The show is international and seen by millions of viewers! This is me! Let me know & I'll be happy to send my address and/or preferences. I'm a size 8 xx.'

Sources have since revealed that Jacqui spent much of her downtime during filming online shopping and messaging Australian brands.

The source also alleged that Jacqui shared a list of 'willing' brands with fellow brides, including Awhina Rutene, in a bid to help them score free items too. (Both pictured)

'That's literally all she'd be doing in the apartment most days  constantly online shopping, scouring for Aussie brands to score free outfits, and she was so proud of herself for doing it,' an insider told Daily Mail Australia.

'She literally filled the entire spare bedroom and its closets with clothing deliveries, promising she'd be a huge star and promote them on the show.'

One production insider went as far as to claim that when it came time to move out, Jacqui had 25 bags worth of clothing transported by her groom, Ryan Donnelly, in a large Uber.

'It was ridiculous,' they added. 'Worth over $5k easily, I'd estimate in total. All the time she'd bring her laptop over and ask for Ryan's opinion on outfits before requesting them from the brands.'

The insider also alleged that Jacqui shared a list of 'willing' brands with fellow brides, including Awhina Rutene, in an effort to help them score free items as well.

'She had that f***ing spreadsheet of willing brands she sent to Awhina and the other brides to also score. Those poor little companies who were promised exposure with her 'golden' edit,' the source said.

However, Jacqui has since addressed the claims, taking to social media to clarify that MAFS cast members are required to source their own outfits for events like dinner parties and commitment ceremonies.

'Yes, almost all the cast collab with small local brands and business owners to help dress ourselves for the show!' Jacqui explained in an Instagram post.

Although Carina didn't directly help with the execution of Jacqui's business, she was more than willing to offer guidance

'We are expected to provide three of our own outfit options for every dinner party/commitment ceremony, and it should be colourful.'

Jacqui also acknowledged the generosity of rental dress companies and hair salons that helped the cast with styling during filming.

She further explained that she relied on businesses like Only Dress Hire and Base Hair Extensions for assistance, adding that in return, the cast provided exposure for their brands.

Despite the controversy, Jacqui's response suggests she views these brand collaborations as a necessary part of the show's styling requirements, rather than an opportunistic attempt to secure free clothing, as some sources have alleged.
Louise Thompson has opened up about suffering a 'horrendously debilitating' stoma leak while out in central London on Tuesday morning.

The former Made in Chelsea star, 30, who nearly died when giving birth to her son in 2021, revealed last April that she had been fitted with a stoma after years of battling with ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic bowel condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed and small ulcers develop on the colon's lining, which can bleed.

A stoma is a surgically-created opening made on the abdomen, which is made to divert the flow of body waste into a medical device, which the person can then empty.

Since her diagnosis, Louise has continued to spread awareness and proudly show off her stoma, which she's nicknamed Winnie, in a hilarious reference to Winnie The Pooh.

However, taking to her Instagram on Wednesday, she revealed she'd had a leak the day before, which left her in tears and needing some time out by herself.

Louise Thompson has candidly opened up about a suffering 'horrendously debilitating' stoma leak while out in central London on Tuesday morning

The former Made in Chelsea star, 30, who nearly died when giving birth to her son in 2021, revealed last April that she had been fitted with a stoma after years of battling with ulcerative colitis

She explained she had headed to Marylebone with her fiance Ryan Libbey on his motorbike for an appointment and a coffee, before going to record a podcast.

She explained she had headed to Marylebone with her fiance Ryan Libbey on his motorbike for an appointment and a coffee, before going to record a podcast. However, Louise explained that despite their 'great start', she suddenly realised her stoma bag had unfortunately leaked, forcing her to rush to the nearest hospital for supplies. Sharing several selfies of her and Ryan on their bike journey before everything went wrong, she wrote: 'Yesterday I found myself in a really depressing situation. 'l had a great start to the day. I had a medical appointment at @avenues.life in the morning with Ryan... we biked there to get ahead of the traffic and managed to shave off 20 minutes from the journey. 'Then was off to record a podcast with 2x good friends which has been in the diary for ages. Had a lot of excited energy in my belly following a c**p week of of c**p health. 'We got off the bike in Marylebone blissfully happy and headed to @watchhouse for some delicious coffee and cookies pre-recording because we were a smidge early, but then I felt something a bit wet in my pocket. I looked down and had had the most horrendously debilitating stoma leak.' She recounted how she was left 'too overwhelmed' to explain the situation, but Ryan had stepped in, while she was left in a bathroom for an hour waiting for staff to try and source any new stoma bags, while 'covered in mess'. Louise said: 'I had to hobble to the nearest hospital which was a private one so a bit awkward. I was actually too overwhelmed to speak when we got to reception so thankfully Ryan who I was with handled it for me. However, Louise explained that despite their 'great start', she suddenly realised her stoma bag had unfortunately leaked, forcing her to rush to the nearest hospital for supplies She recounted how she was left 'too overwhelmed' to explain the situation, but Ryan had stepped in, while she was left in a bathroom for an hour waiting for staff to try and source any new stoma bags, while 'covered in mess' Sharing a photo of the bag they had found, she explained she'd had to painfully rip off her old one and cut down the new device, while her assistant rushed to buy her a new pair of trousers and she struggled to pull herself together 'I then literally waited locked in a bathroom for an hour sat on the loo covered in mess whilst they dug around to see if they had any stoma bags for any of their [sic] inpatients.' Sharing a photo of the bag they had found, she explained she'd had to painfully rip off her old one and cut down the new device, while her assistant rushed to buy her a new pair of trousers and she struggled to pull herself together. She penned: 'Ryan then came out with this. I had to rip the one attached to my body off with no anti adhesive spray which was really painful. 'Meanwhile my lovely assistant had to head to the high street [sic] to buy me jeans from Sezanne that were about 10 inches too long.

'I tried to pull myself together. I cleaned up in the sink, I then had to ask for scissors to cut this to the right size (while my small intestine was free and active and hanging out of a gaping hole in my stomach), glued this contraption - that I'm not very familiar with - on to my body and put on some fresh, clean, but really long trousers.

'The whole time I thought I could still crack on with the podcast recording because I'm hella resilient and am used to this crazy s**t happening to me all the time at this point.

'Four of my team members had schlepped over to central to come enjoy the day/support too so I wanted to make it happen for everyone.'

However, she soon broke down after the ordeal and realised that she was unable to continue with her work commitments, needing to prioritise her mental health.

However, she soon broke down after the ordeal and realised that she was unable to continue with her work commitments, needing to prioritise her mental health

Bravely trying to stay positive, Louise reflected on her difficult experience and explained how she had taken the day to relax in the sun and read

Louise admitted: 'But then as I was leaving I caught sight of myself in the mirror and I just felt so f**king sorry for myself I burst into tears.

'I called Ryan and told him to come in and I just said I couldn't bloody do it anymore. I though it would make for a good story but I just couldn't.

'Sometimes, on a rare occasion I have a human reaction and I realise I'm not that strong and I need to be kind to myself and just call it a day and look after myself and my mental health. Work often comes first, but in this instance it was too much to push on. I cancelled everything.'

Bravely trying to stay positive, Louise reflected on her difficult experience and explained how she had taken the day to relax in the sun and read.

She said: 'Stupid bloody life-saving stoma bag. I've never considered a reversal more. But hey then I might have c****ed myself out of my bum and that would have been worse visually as people would know what that was. At least mess out of my hip just looks like I've spilled something.

'I lay down in the sun and read a book for a few hours and it kind of helped. I can't remember the last time I did this, I think it was on holiday in St Lucia in 2023. I had one hour by the pool to myself and read the book Option B by Sheryl Sandberg.

'I finally got 100 pages into this book I've been working my way into all year. The secret history. Donna Tartt is formidable.

'Oh and the good thing about being on the antibiotics is that they stop poo from smelling of ANYTHING! Isn't that remarkable. Every cloud.'

In her latest Daily Mail column , Louise opened up about her decision to get a stoma and the lead-up to her surgery, saying: 'My stoma was the start of my new life'

She detailed how her ulcerative colitis symptoms had worsened to the point that during a trip to the Alps, she was 'pooing upwards of 15 times a day and losing cupfuls of blood from my rectum each time' (seen with Ryan and Leo)

In her latest Daily Mail column, Louise opened up about her decision to get a stoma and the lead-up to her surgery, saying: 'My stoma was the start of my new life.'

She detailed how her ulcerative colitis symptoms had worsened to the point that during a trip to the Alps, she was 'pooing upwards of 15 times a day and losing cupfuls of blood from my rectum each time.'

She went on to explain how things then took an even more severe turn during a family holiday to Antigua, writing: 'I was constantly on the loo, I was passing out on the beach and I was bleeding out of my bum. Oh, and to top things off, I also suffered a rectal prolapse.

'I was trying to parent Leo, put on a show of having a good time myself, make sure Ryan, my dad and his girlfriend were enjoying their holiday, while at the same time I was in agony and having to push this prolapse back into my bottom.'

Louise and Ryan decided to cut the holiday short and return home and she recalled: 'I spent most of the flight sitting on the aeroplane loo  and by the time we got a taxi into London (me wearing a nappy), this stuff was pouring out of me.'

Going straight to the hospital, she admitted she was 'so fragile and depleted' and that despite doctors' attempts to medicate her, 'it was like this gradual, unstoppable decline into hopelessness.'

She recalled: 'I was going to the loo more than 20 times a day  Im not even joking when I say Id celebrate if I had a two-hour window where there wasnt a load of blood coming out of me. My whole world had ground to a halt.'

She went on: 'And so when, after a week, they raised the possibility of a stoma, I was thrilled. I know that might sound like a bonkers reaction to the prospect of having my colon removed and pooing through my stomach into a bag for, perhaps, the rest of my life.

However, she insisted that she soon saw her stoma as liberating and 'an end to the suffering', with her son Leo, three, being the only one to see it

Louise recently published her book Lucky which details her health battles over the past three years and decision to share her stoma news with her Instagram followers (seen last week)

'But to me it was the only answer I had left. It was a way to escape the suffering. I was exhausted and out of my depth. I didnt want to live like this any more. This wasnt living.

'My family felt differently and were completely devastated. But nothing  absolutely nada  will ever be as punishing as the mental anguish Ive fought since childbirth.'

Louise admitted: 'Having said that, Im not going to lie, the first time I saw the stoma itself knocked me sideways. Without the ileostomy bag attached, it looks quite shocking, like a big sea anemone. I wasnt even sure if I could bring myself to touch it.'

However, she insisted that she soon saw her stoma as liberating and 'an end to the suffering', with her son Leo, three, being the only one to see it.

Louise said: 'My recovery at home was quick, which I think everyone around me found rather alarming. "Poor Louise, shes got a bag of s*** attached to her stomach. How can she possibly live like that?" is what they thought.

'Its never been like that for me. I dont see my stoma as something limiting or disabling. Quite the opposite. Its freedom, an end to the suffering.

'Changing my bag takes two minutes twice a day  its never more than a mild inconvenience and most of the time its not even that. My stoma was the start of my new life.

'Ryan has always been extremely respectful of the situation although hes never actually seen the stoma. Not because hes repulsed by it, Ive just never felt the need to show him. Theres no reason for him to see it.

'Lets face it, its not the sort of thing you sit down and have a romantic moment together over! Stomas arent exactly beautiful and I dont need to scar Ryans brain with that.

'In fact, the only person who has seen it is Leo. This completely innocent little human has watched me change my bag (which Ive nicknamed Winnie, as in The Pooh) in the bathroom, he knows that poo comes out of my stomach and its totally normal to him.'

Louise recently published her book Lucky which details her health battles over the past three years, and decision to share her stoma news

with her Instagram followers, as she bravely admitted it is 'not something she wanted to hide forever'.
Katherine Ryan has confessed she has a favourite child, joking that her other two kids are 'the extras'.

The Canadian star gave birth to her first child, daughter Violet 15, when she was 25-years old and has since welcomed two more kids, son Fred, three and daughter Fenna, two, with husband Bobby Kootstra.

Appearing on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X on Wednesday Katherine explained that Violet 'is definitely my favourite because she was first and we have a real Beyonce, Blue Ivy and then the others are the extras.'

She explained how she had had asked the Radio X team if she could bring her two-year-old daughter Fenna to the studio only for Chris to tell her 'the sight of a two-year-old would make me sick!'

He explained he needed to see what Fenna looked like, 'you know, is it a beautiful child?'

Katherine quickly jumped in though, saying 'my most attractive child that's Fred. Fred's really beautiful but he's my least favourite. He's the most poorly behaved.'

Katherine Ryan has confessed she has a favourite child, joking that her other two children are 'the extras' - pictured L-R Katherine's daughter Violet, 15, Katherine with Fenna, two, Fred, three and her husband Bobby

Appearing on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X on Wednesday Katherine explained that Violet 'is definitely my favourite because she was first'

'And he's blonde which is only acceptable for maybe four more years on a man.'

Katherine and her husband Bobby have been together since 2018, but have known each other since they were children as they grew up together in Canada.

Childhood sweethearts, the two parted ways initially before rekindling their romance this side of the Atlantic.

The couple revealed in the latest series of the family's reality show that they 'want the option of having a fourth [child].'

The series sees the couple, who are both 41, exploring their marriage through therapy before visiting a fertility clinic.

Katherine admits in the scenes which aired in February that she knows conceiving a fourth child will be challenging thanks to both her and Bobby's age.

'It's not that surprising that over-40 women have fewer follicles than we once did,' says Katherine. 'But we talk a lot about male fertility as well, which is on a steep decline. But I would still like a fourth baby.

We are so blessed to have the kids that we do have. Having children is not for everyone, but I personally really like making people. I think it's a superpower, if you can do it.'

She added: 'My most attractive child that's Fred. Fred's really beautiful but he's my least favourite. He's the most poorly behaved'

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Katherine was seen making a low-key exit from Radio X and appeared to be in good spirits

She kept it casual in brown tracksuit bottoms and a navy hoodie for the occasion and toted her essentials in a black handbag

Appearing on the Chris Moyles Show in November, she admitted: 'I'd have so many more if I could.

'If I was a dad, I'd be like Robert De Niro having them. Because you can have kids when you're 80 as a dad. You just have to.'

Tune into The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X weekdays from 6:30am  10:00am and on Global Player.
Jennifer Garner, 53, certainly has become serious with her boyfriend of seven years, John Miller, 47.

The 13 Going On 30 actress is so smitten with the CEO and entrepreneur she's allowed him to move into the Los Angeles mansion she shares with her three children.

But there is a catch: the dashing Angeleno lives there only part time.

'John is basically living with Jennifer,' a source told UsWeekly on Wednesday, noting it was only 'part time.'

The site also claimed he moved out of his Los Angeles home after the wildfires ravaged several neighborhoods in the Southern California city, and he has yet to find a new pad.

'He has an office in L.A. and splits his time between staying there and at Jennifers home,' the source said.

'But hes been staying with Jennifer more often [and] doesnt want to impose, so hes looking for his own place [and] deciding whether hell rent or buy.'

Jennifer Garner, 53, certainly has become serious with her boyfriend of seven years, John Miller, 47. The 13 Going On 30 actress is so smitten with the CEO that she has allowed him to move into her Los Angeles mansion she shares with her three children; seen in 2023

But there is a catch: the dashing Angeleno lives there only part time, claimed UsWeekly on Wednesday. 'John is basically living with Jennifer,' a source told the site but noted it is only 'part time.' Garner seen April 24 in NYC

Jennifer and John have been dating since 2018.

Garner is also close to her ex-husband Ben Affleck whom she has her kids with: Violet, 19, Seraphina, 16, and Samuel, 13.

Ben bought a house just minutes from Garner so he can be closer to his kids.

There have been rumors that he has fallen back in love with ex Garner after he had his arm around her waist during a paintball session with the kids, but those rumors are unfounded.

He is still trying to sell the $68million mega mansion he used to live in with Jennifer Lopez, whom he divorced earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Jennifer - who is about to go on a summer tour - has snapped up a stunning $21million mansion in Hidden Hills, California near her pals Kim and Khloe Kardashian.

This comes after DailyMail.com confirmed in mid March that Garner is still going strong with Miller. They were seen by a DailyMail.com source getting cuddly date together.

The lovebirds were 'holding hands and kissing' and acting 'very cute with one another' when walking through the Brentwood Country Mart in Los Angeles.

The PDA session took place in the evening, said the eyewitness.

'They are still going strong and appear to be doing really well,' the source told DailyMail.com. 'They looked happy and at ease like they were a married couple that is thriving. They laughed and smiled at each other. Very cute.

'Both were dressed casually and she had no makeup on, her hair down. He had on a coat and jeans.'

Garner has been in Los Angeles to shoot season two of the Reese Witherspoon-produced series The Last Thing He Told Me with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.

The source added that there was plenty of affection between the two of them. 'They held hands and kissed and looked like a very normal couple with no Hollywood weirdness.'

It was also claimed that he moved out of his Los Angeles home after the wildfires and he has yet to find a new pad. 'He has an office in L.A. and splits his time between staying there and at Jennifers home,' the source said. 'But hes been staying with Jennifer more often [and] doesnt want to impose, so hes looking for his own place'

She used to be wed to Ben Affleck, who lives near her now; seen in 2013

Garner and Miller quietly began dating after she finalized her divorce from Affleck.

The pair, who reportedly briefly split in 2020, have managed to keep their relationship largely out of the spotlight, apart from a small handful of outings in Los Angeles over the years.

Affleck and Garner tied the knot in 2005 and announced they were separating in 2015. They finalized their divorce three years later.

After photos of Affleck tenderly embracing his ex-wife sent the internet into a frenzy, a source told DailyMail.com that Miller was a bit bothered seeing them 'being touchy-feely.'

'It would get to anyone, but this is nothing new,' the insider said. 'Ben and Jen have a unique relationship, especially for exes.

Lonely Ben does not seem to be dating at the moment; seen April 23 in Los Angeles

Last month, insiders shared that Miller struggles with her relationship with Ben, and avoids talking about the actor where possible.

Garner had adopted the role of 'marriage counsellor' to her ex-husband and Lopez in the wake of their shock split last year, with some friends fearing she had been forced to 'play mediator.'

The role did not sit well with Miller, who understands they have children, but reportedly doesn't like sharing her.

'John is trying to deal with Ben and Jen's relationship by mostly staying quiet, but it's very hard to do that,' a source told DailyMail.com exclusively. 'He knows that Ben has to be around as a father and he is more than OK with that, but he wants to be the man in the relationship.

'John only talks about Ben when Jen talks about Ben or when their kids talk about him. He doesn't bring him up unprompted.'

'John respects Ben, but less is more because John wants Jen for himself,' the insider continued. 'He still needs to figure out how to compartmentalize it all.'

Lopez is said to be on good terms with Garner, People reported. Lopez and Affleck seen in 2021

Jennifer is thriving with a new movie, Office Romance, and summer tour dates; seen April 19 in Saudi Arabia

Meanwhile Lopez is said to be on good terms with Garner, People reported.

Lopez and Affleck settled their divorce on January 6, however, court documents confirmed the marriage wasn't legally dissolved until February 21.

The exes rekindled their romance in 2021 and got married in 2022, but called it quits in 2024.

Jennifer filed for divorce on August 20 - the date of their second wedding anniversary  and cited 'irreconcilable differences.'
Selena Gomez's hair stylist Jenn Lagron is on the mend after being hit by an alleged drunk driver while walking in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Lagron has also worked with Chrissy Teigen, Ellie Goulding and Kristin Juszczyk.

On her GoFundMe page an update was shared on Tuesday by organizer Brandon Pietsch as $54K has been donated so far.

'Her surgery went well last night  everything went according to plan, and the doctors said it went smoothly,' he wrote.

'Jenn is resting today after starting physical therapy. We are so grateful for the success of both of her surgeries and are hopeful for a strong recovery ahead.

'She will be in a wheelchair for some time, as they had to replace nerves in her arm with nerves from her leg.

'Theres a long road of recovery ahead, but we are off to a great start and feeling very hopeful!

Selena Gomez 's hair stylist Jenn Lagron is on the mend after being hit by an alleged drunk driver while walking in Los Angeles on Sunday. Gomez seen on March 2 in Hollywood

Lagron has also worked with Chrissy Teigen, Ellie Goulding and Kristin Juszczyk. On her GoFundMe page an update was shared on Tuesday by organizer Brandon Pietsch

She has over $54K in donations as of Wednesday morning

'Please continue to share Jenns story, we are so grateful for every contribution!'

She will now spend an extended period in a wheelchair and faces at least a year of intensive rehabilitation, during which she will be unable to work or support herself financially.

Jenn was struck by a drunk driver while she was walking in the city of Venice Beach on Sunday along trendy mile-long shopping street Abbot Kinney Boulevard.

'This is every hairstylist's nightmare,' wrote her friend Brandon.

'Jenn suffered devastating injuries, including a severely damaged arm - the very arm she relies on for her career as a hairstylist - and a fractured vertebrae in her neck.'

Lagron's story has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit beauty and celebrity community.

Within hours of the accident, fashion designer Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, took to Instagram to rally support.

'My girl @jennlagron was hit by a drunk driver last night. Sick to my stomach,' she wrote alongside a heartfelt video of Jenn styling her hair.

'She is the most amazing person and incredibly talented hair artist. She's going to have a long road to recovery so truly anything will help.'

Jenn also worked with Chrissy Teigen; seen here with John Legend and their kids on April 11 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles

And the stylist worked her magic on Ellie Goulding too; seen at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 10, 2024 in Beverly Hills

Doctors had to replace nerves in her arm using nerves from her leg, and she will be in a wheelchair during recovery

'Her surgery went well last night  everything went according to plan, and the doctors said it went smoothly,' he wrote. 'Jenn is resting today after starting physical therapy. We are so grateful for the success of both of her surgeries and are hopeful for a strong recovery ahead'

The fundraiser is now surging with donations and messages of support and by Wednesday morning, it had raised more $54K.

One heartbreaking detail from the update revealed the extent of the nerve damage in Jenn's arm with doctors forced to replace nerves using tissue from her leg.

'Jenn has always been a light in the lives of everyone around her,' the GoFundMe page reads. 'Now she needs our help more than ever Any contribution, no matter the size, would mean the world to Jenn.'

Lagron, who built her reputation on making others feel beautiful and confident, appears to have an affection for her clients.

'I truly feel like I have the most incredible clients who make me strive to be my best, not only professionally but personally as well They hold such a special place in my heart,' she said in a 2023 interview with The House magazine.

Now, those same clients, friends, and supporters are returning that love.
To warn or not to warn. That is the question that faced the National Theatre.

Ticket buyers attending its upcoming production of Shakespeare's Hamlet are advised that the play contains themes of death, grief, suicide, madness and coercive behaviour.

The play, a cornerstone of English literature and widely taught in schools, ends with a fatal duel that sees most of the principal characters - including the prince himself - dead by the final curtain.

The production, which opens in September as part of Indhu Rubasinghams inaugural season as artistic director, stars Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera as the Danish prince.

Alongside casting announcements, the theatre has slapped the production with a trigger warning, stating: This production contains themes of grief and death, including suicide and the loss of a parent, depictions of madness, violence, and coercive behaviour.

The warning has prompted raised eyebrows among some theatre-goers and commentators, who questioned whether audiences need advance notice that a four-hundred-year-old tragedy contains tragic elements.

Ticket buyers attending its upcoming production of Hamlet are advised that the play contains themes of death, grief, suicide, madness and coercive behaviour. The production, which opens in September as part of Indhu Rubasinghams inaugural season as artistic director, stars Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (pictured) as the Danish prince

The National Theatres production runs at the Lyttelton from September 25, with a press night on October 2 and a global NT Live broadcast to follow

This comes amid news that Stormzy will front a new diversity initiative at the National Theatre, having signed on to lead a top secret project at the iconic South Bank venue

Roy Schwartz, a historian and author, told the Mail: A trigger warning is meant to alert that something contains potentially distressing material. Its gratuitous to include it in something thats well-known to have mature subject matter, and its frankly ridiculous to include it in a classic like Hamlet. For that matter, why not have a trigger warning in every history book? Every Bible and Sunday sermon?

Coddling audiences against reality only serves to infantilise culture. A trigger warning is fair when the audience might not expect something triggering, not in the most famous play in history.

Writer Simon Evans said: Trigger warnings are tiresome, infantilising and ultimately counterproductive as myriad research and indeed robust common sense and experience tells us. But to attach one to one of the supreme works of art in the western canon, a play that contains the single most quoted lines in the language, let alone on the subject of self-slaughter, is risible in the extreme.

Let all theatres bookshops and cinemas carry a single trigger warning henceforth. Take Heed! - all human life is here. Proceed at your own peril.

The National Theatres production runs at the Lyttelton from September 25, with a press night on October 2 and a global NT Live broadcast to follow.

This comes amid news that Stormzy is set to front a new diversity initiative at the National Theatre, having signed on to lead a top secret project at the iconic South Bank venue.

The Croydon-born grime artist, real name Michael Omari Owuo Jr, has been scouted by the new National Theatre boss as she looks to modernise and diversify its creative output.

As the South Bank venue's first female and ethnic minority artistic director, Ms Rubasingham has announced plans to stage rap adaptations of classic Greek tragedy

(Pictured: Life Of Pi star Hiran Abeysekera with presenter Anne-Marie Duff after being named best actor at the Olivier Awards in 2022)

As the South Bank venue's first female and ethnic minority artistic director, Ms Rubasingham has announced plans to stage rap adaptations of classic Greek tragedy.

The subversive move is part of a wider aim to build an international audience through the National Theatre's online streaming platform, National Theatre At Home.

The 9.99 per month platform - originally launched in 2020 - will give subscribers the opportunity to watch theatrical productions from the comfort of home and create what insiders hope will be a Netflix for theatre.

Discussing the move towards a more modernist theatre on Tuesday, Kate Varah, the National Theatres executive director, said plans to expand its streaming service would help attract audiences not just in our country, but in 184 countries around the world.

She said: 'Its no longer just about what happens here on the South Bank, the National Theatre is now a global theatre with an audience of 28 million per year.'

MailOnline has contacted the National Theatre for comment.
It looks like Kim Kardashian has not learned her lesson after her son Saint gained access to her Instagram account last year.

An unusual post encouraging followers to subscribe to Saint's channel appeared on Kim's Instagram grid early Wednesday morning, and fans immediately suspected the message was the work of her son.

The post contained the username for Saint's YouTube channel, which primarily consists of Roblox videos. 'Sub to Saint,s channel' (sic) the post stated.

Fans reprimanded Saint, nine, for the possible hack in the comments section and attempted to alert Kim to the compromised account.

'Girl tell ur son to get off ur phone,' one wrote.

'It's giving HACKED,' another posted with a cackling emoji.

'Saint, give mom her phone back!' one follower urged.

It appears Kim Kardashian's son Saint has gained access to his mother's Instagram account once again

An unusual post encouraging followers to subscribe to Saint's channel appeared on Kim's Instagram grid early Wednesday morning

Another praised the youngster's ambition: 'Saint done hacked the IG for the promo lolol.. smart man.'

In a similar vein, one wrote: 'I would do the same thing. Free publicity.'

'Saint did it again,' another wrote, referencing Saint previously hacking into his mother's account to share his Fortnite username.

'Kim we need a stronger passcode babe,' one account wrote.

'Kim your son is here again,' one said.

Last year, just hours after Donald Trump won the presidential election, Saint shared a post promoting his Fortnite account to his mom's Instagram.

While Kim was slammed for sharing such an out of touch Instagram Reel on her page at the time, some theorized that her son was likely responsible.

Speaking on the What in the Winkler? podcast back in November, Kim confirmed that the post had been created and shared by her child - leaving his mother embarrassed by the incident.

Kim shares Saint and three other children with her ex-husband Kanye West

Fans reprimanded Saint in the comments section

Several praised the youngster for allegedly hacking into the phone

During a discussion with podcast host and her childhood friend, Zoe Winkler, Kim was explaining how she is often reminded of the need to 'give yourself grace' as a parent.

'Like if your kid says a bad word or something where you would be mortified,' the star began. 'Like when Saint took my phone and posted and my publicist is writing me like "This is what you're posting on Election Day?''

The Skims founder continued: 'And I was like, "It's a kid. He has no idea".'

Kim then noted how it wasn't the first time her son had caused embarrassment for her in recent weeks after she was forced to delete his YouTube account due to him sharing two posts critical of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Wednesday's unusual post does not appear to be the first time Saint hacked into his mother's Instagram; pictured December 2023

The Skkn by Kim founder continued: 'He like reposted a video, something about the election, and I took his account down just because he has to ask me before every post.

'So he's just started a Fortnite account, and I'm like you have got to give yourself grace.'

When host Zoe pointed out that children are 'going to make a million mistakes', Kim agreed that she makes space for those experiences to happen.

The Kardashian star explained: 'Sometimes I like when kids work it out themselves, and they figured it out themselves. Sometimes we have to intervene.'

The beauty mogul added that she sometimes isn't harsh enough with her children and doesn't always 'make a big enough deal of things', but noted that she has started to 'put my foot down'.

'If I don't do this now and fight through the tears, as uncomfortable as that is, then they are always going to get their way,' the reality star noted. 'The lesson won't be learned.'

Her son promoted his Fortnite page to Kim's account the day after the election, unbeknownst to fans who initially believed it was the reality star's doing; pictured October 2024

The morning after the election, Kim's Instagram had a Reel that simply read: 'Please subscribe to my son's Fortnite channel on YouTube he will pick the best players to be in his clan.'

In the comments section, fans were shocked at the post - even using her sister Kourtney Kardashian's famous line to her 'Kim, there's people that are dying,' - which is in reference to when she lost her diamond earrings in the ocean and Kourtney called her out for being so out of touch.

Another said: 'Babes, read the room.'

One Instagram user sarcastically said: 'Nah this post wins most out of touch human award lol.'

One questioned her making it public her son has a page where 'people on the internet' can 'interact with your son at his age.'

Many speculated that it may have been Saint putting up the Reel promoting the page - due to the ill timing and the message of the post - just one week after she 'deleted' his YouTube page for his anti-Kamala posts.

The YouTube account - which was under the handle @TheGoatSaint - was 'taken down' by Kim in the wake of the politically-charged posts, according to The Daily Beast.

'This page isn't available. Sorry about that. Try searching for something else,' a message from YouTube read when clicking on the page.

Social media posts claimed Saint posted a meme of Kamala's picture on the bottom of a shoe worn by a cartoon character who says, 'I stepped in s***.'

Kim shares sons Saint, Psalm, five, and daughters North, 11, Chicago, seven, with her ex-husband Kanye West.
Vick Hope has continued to spark speculation that she is expecting her first child as she stepped out in London on Wednesday.

The TV and radio presenter, 35, has been at the centre of mounting rumours and has even had fans congratulate her on her 'baby news'.

Vick's latest appearance did little to quash the talk, as she stepped out in a stomach-hugging black dress as she arrived at BBC Radio in the capital.

Vick, who is married to DJ Calvin Harris, looked stunning in a short blue dress, which she teamed with Chanel espadrilles and a YSL bag.

She wore her curly brunette locks in a half-up half-down do, while opting for minimal make-up and a pair of stylish cat-eye shades to complete the look.

Vick arrived carrying her lunch in a paper bag from Farmer J, a London-based chain of restaurants serving healthy and fresh meals.

Vick Hope has continued to spark speculation that she is expecting her first child as she stepped out in London on Wednesday

The TV and radio presenter, 35, has been at the centre of mounting rumours and has even had fans congratulate her on her 'baby news'

Vick's outing comes a day after she shared a series of 'bump' snaps to social media, which were met with a wealth of congratulations from fans.

She sparked rumours she is pregnant after appearing to cradle a bump while filming for a press junket.

And following the interview, Vick shared several images to Instagram from her recent work highlights, with several showing her 'bump'.

Her famous friends and fans rushed to the comment section to congratulate Vick and her husband Calvin, who she married in September 2023.

Lisa Snowdon wrote: 'Congratulations darling. So happy for you both,' while Laura Whitmore seemed to drop a hint as she commented: 'She got the glow!'

Elizabeth Day said: 'Vick congratulations. You look RADIANT AF,' and Dr Ranj added: 'Congrats!!!!'

Other fan comments included: 'Omg are we going to talk about you expecting! Huge congrats!';

'Congratulations to you and Calvin. Fabulous news. Exciting times ahead,'; 'Knew she was pregnant at the Brits!'

During a new BBC Radio 1 interview with actress Florence Pugh, the presenter supported a bump as she sat in a cream bodycon dress.

Vick's outing comes a day after she shared a series of 'bump' snaps to social media which were met with a wealth of congratulations from fans

Fans rushed to the comment section to congratulate Vick and her husband Calvin, who she married in September 2023

Next to her co-host Jamie Laing, Vic gently stroked her stomach throughout the interview, also proudly showing off her dazzling engagement and wedding ring.

The recorded interview hasn't yet been published on social media, including Radio One's Instagram page nor Vick or Jamie's.

However, it was posted to YouTube on Monday night.

Vick and Calvin previously sparked pregnancy rumours after the Grammy Awards back in 2024.

The speculation started after the presenter posted a photo from the awards event where she was seen gently placing her hand on her stomach, which led fans to wonder if this was a subtle hint at a pregnancy.

However, Radio 1 presenter Vick quickly put an end to the rumours on Instagram.

She responded to a fan who urged others to stop commenting on women's bodies, saying: 'Yep, just placing my hand on my tummy! I think I was smoothing my dress or checking my post-brekkie bloat or something but thank you all for all the lovely messages.'

Vick and Calvin, whose real name is Adam Richard Wiles, celebrated their first wedding anniversary late last year, after tying the knot in a lavish Ibiza Glastonbury-themed wedding in September 2023.

The BBC Radio 1 presenter, 35, sparked rumours she is pregnant after appearing to cradle a bump while filming for a press junket

Following the interview, Vick shared several images to Instagram from her recent work highlights, with several showing her growing 'baby bump'

One penned: 'Omg are we going to talk about you expecting! Huge congrats!'

After their wedding, the newlyweds jetted off to Brindisi in Italy on a 25million private jet for their romantic honeymoon.

Previously, Vick revealed her and Calvin's love story actually goes all the way back to the mid-Noughties.

Vick shared that when she was 19 she rejected a 24-year-old Calvin's advances when he was riding on the high of his hit Acceptable In The 80s.

She told You Magazine: 'It's something that we laughed about on our first proper date. We still laugh about it now.'

While Calvin went on to become one of the world's highest producers, racking up an estimated 200million fortune, Vick previously admitted she was 'shallow' and had no idea he would turn into 'an Adonis'.

Talking about her engagement to Calvin, Vick confessed she kept the details of her engagement private noting it was a 'very special moment' and that 'it was... perfect'.

She added: 'We don't really put anything on social media because the time we have together is 'real life' and it's our own.

'For the first time in a long time, I'm finishing work and going home to a life that is just mine. I'm learning to find balance and peace.'

Vick Hope's and Calvin Harris's representatives were contacted for comment.
Arabella Chi has revealed if she will show her baby on social media as she shared an update with MailOnline, three weeks before her due date.

The former Love Island star, 34, is due to give birth to a baby girl in May with boyfriend Billy Henty, who she met after appearing on the All Stars version of the show last year.

Arabella has now confirmed she will show her 'little princess' on social media, despite many celebrities opting not to due to privacy reasons, as the influencer opened up on her 'tough' final weeks of pregnancy.

Speaking at Carmex's Pots & Prosecco lunch on Wednesday, she told MailOnline: 'Pregnancy has been fine, but it is getting tougher now at the end. It is the tiredness and she's heavy. I'm ready now.'

Sharing why she will show her baby on Instagram, Arabella added: 'Me and Billy have had the conversation about showing her on social media as we both have to agree and we've decided we will.

'My life is very much open and on social media and she's going to be my little princess so I want to show her.'

Arabella Chi has revealed if she will show her baby on social media as she shared an update three weeks before her due date

The former Love Island star, 34, is expecting to give birth to a baby girl in May with boyfriend Billy Henty, who she met after appearing on the All Stars version of the show last year

Arabella shared that she and Billy have already picked their unborn daughter's name, and are excited to share it with their followers.

The pair will be facing several big changes in their life this year, as they plan to move out of their flat and into a house at the end of summer, as well as Billy starting a new job just weeks after the baby is born.

She explained: 'Billy starts a new job a week after she's born, but it isn't a bad thing. They all say guys are useless at the start, so he can go away and do his thing and be with me in the evening and I'll have family and friends about during the day.

'You can't always decide timings in life.'

On her parents becoming grandparents for the first time, she added: 'I'll probably be hysterically crying seeing my mum with her first granddaughter!'

Arabella launched her own skincare brand Aura in 2024 and added that it has been tough juggling the launch of new products and preparing to welcome her first child.

She explained: 'I'm trying to keep the momentum up. I'm trying to wind down now, but when you launch new products it is tough, it is hard because I don't know when to switch off.

'I'm still trying to go at full power, but I need to relax and my diary is still full until I give birth, but obviously I'm not overdoing it.'

Sharing why she will show her baby on Instagram, Arabella added: 'Me and Billy have had the conversation about showing her on social media as we both have to agree and we've decided we wil'.

Speaking at Carmex's Pots & Prosecco lunch on Wednesday, she told MailOnline: 'Pregnancy has been fine, but it is getting tougher now at the end. It is the tiredness and she's heavy. I'm ready now.'

At the event, Arabella showed off her bare bump in a white crop top, teamed with matching trousers and a blazer (pictured with Ellis Ranson and Ashley James)

Love Island's Samie Elishi was also at the Carmex event, and put on a leggy display in stylish shorts and a brown bralette

At the event, Arabella showed off her bare bump in a white crop top, teamed with matching trousers and a blazer.

Love Island star Samie Elishi and This Morning's Ashley James were also at Carmex's lavish lunch, held at Somerset House in London.

Arabella's upcoming due date will come after a pregnancy which the personality has described as 'extra special' due to her ongoing battle with an incurable condition.

Arabella suffers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)  a lifelong hormonal imbalance characterised by ovarian cysts and irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding  which could have made it difficult for her to become a mother.

'When I found out I was pregnant it was magical,' she said in a previous interview.

'With my PCOS I don't know if I'll be able to have more children so she's special.

'If you'd have said to me a year ago that I would be having a baby I would have laughed in your face.'

Arabella first gained fame when she entered the Love Island villa in 2015.

Arabella shared that she and Billy have picked their unborn daughter's name, and are excited to share it with their followers

The mum-to-be first appeared on Love Island in 2015 before returning for All Stars in 2024

In her first appearance on the show as a bombshell, she ruffled feathers but was unfortunately dumped from the island after just seven days.

In early 2023, Arabella and Manchester City defender Ruben Dias, who is now thought to be seeing Maya Jama, sparked romance rumours and even jetted off on holiday together in January of 2024.

But just days after their return it was reported that Ruben dumped the TV personality, with the shocking announcement that she was returning to the villa announced a short time later.

During her time on Love Island All Stars series one, Arabella did strike up a romance with Adam Maxted, but it was short-lived.

Arabella went public with her relationship with Billy, a regenerative medicine businessman, in October of last year after they met through mutual friends.

Their relationship came after the Love Island star admitted that she feared time was running out for her to become a mum.

Arabella first went public with her boyfriend Billy in October and announced that they are expecting their first child in December

'I've learned to trust the timing of your life because life will happen how it's supposed to happen,' the mum-to-be said.

'I can't wait to become a mum to a baby girl.

'I can't believe that a year and three months ago I was in the Love Island villa. I feel so lucky to have found my forever partner.'

Billy added: 'I can't wait to be a girl dad. It's life-changing. It's my own little family. Arabella's amazing. She's got a heart of gold.'
George Clooney's wife could be banned from returning to the US alongside other top UK lawyers under sanctions imposed by Donald Trump.

Amal, a top international human rights attorney, 47, has reportedly been 'cautioned' by the Foreign Office that legal advice she provided in a war crimes case against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could mean she may be denied entry.

The couple are said spend most of their time at their homes in the UK and Italy, although they also have property in the US - where Mr Clooney is currently starring in a Broadway show.

It comes after the president issued an Executive Order against the International Criminal Court claiming to combat anti-Christian bias and condemn the illegitimate and baseless charges against Netanyahu. The court also charged three leaders of Hamas, who have since been killed.

The action included financial sanctions and travel restrictions against officials working for the organisation.

Lawyers including Baroness Helena Kennedy and Lord Justice Adrian Fulford, who were involved in the decision to issue the warrant, also received warnings, The Financial Times reports.

The warnings to the lawyers are 'due to the legal advice they provided to the International Criminal Court in a war crimes case against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.'

Trump issued Executive Order 14203 - Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court in February - banning ICC official Karim Khan, who is from the UK, and his family from the US and seizing his American assets.

The President warned that more measures could be on the way against 'those responsible for the ICCs transgressions', including freezing their property and blocking entry to the US.

George Clooney 's attorney wife Amal could face a ban from the US under proposed new sanctions from President Donald Trump

The top international human rights lawyer, 47, and other high-profile British attorneys have reportedly been 'warned' about receiving sanctions from Trump which would deny them entry to the United States, where the Clooneys own a home - Trump pictured Tuesday

The UK Foreign Office has 'cautioned several high-level barristers about the Trump administration leveling sanctions due to the legal advice they provided to the International Criminal Court in a war crimes case against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant' - pictured 2024

If additional sanctions end up getting handed down, Ms Clooney - who served as a special adviser in International Criminal Court Prosecutor Khan's investigation that led him to seek arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders - could be barred from the US.

DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Mr and Ms Clooney for comment.

It comes a year after a fierce war of words between Trump and Mr Clooney, who campaigned vocally for Joe Biden's Democrat campaign.

The President slammed him as a 'second-rate movie star' and a 'failed political pundit' who 'dumped' Biden 'like a dog', in posts from his Truth Social account.

The ICC is an international organization based in The Hague. It investigates and prosecutes those accused of war crimes, genocide and other crimes against humanity.

'The U.S. will impose tangible & significant consequences on those responsible for the ICC's transgressions,' Trump's order states.

The warrant for Netanyahu's arrest was pushed by Khan.

If the PM was to visit any countries like France or the U.K., he could be arrested. Khan also put out warrants for top Hamas leaders who have since been killed.

Ms Clooney was born in war-torn Beirut to one of Lebanon's most famous women journalists before emigrating to the United Kingdom to escape civil war when she was 2 and becoming a British citizen.

She previously represented WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his high-profile his extradition battle.

Trump issued Executive Order 14203 - Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court in February - naming ICC official Karim Khan, who is from the UK

If additional sanctions end up getting handed down, Ms Clooney - who served as a special adviser in International Criminal Court Prosecutor Khan's investigation that led him to seek arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders, could be barred from the US - pictured September 2024

In May 2024, Ms Clooney hit back at critics accusing her of not using her platform to highlight the alleged plight of the Palestinian people -

'I served on this Panel because I believe in the rule of law and the need to protect civilian lives,' Clooney wrote in a statement about her role in filing the warrants - pictured December 2023

In 2024, she won the Legal 500 Award for international lawyer of the year.

Ms Clooney is qualified to practice law in the United States and England and Wales. She was admitted to the bar in New York in 2002.

She frequently represents victims of mass atrocities, including genocide and sexual violence and has acted in many landmark human rights cases including the worlds first trials in which ISIS members were convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity.

In May 2024, Ms Clooney hit back at critics accusing her of not using her platform to highlight the alleged plight of the Palestinian people.

The attorney's father is Lebanese and her mother is a Sunni-Muslim of Palestinian ancestry.

'I served on this Panel because I believe in the rule of law and the need to protect civilian lives,' Clooney wrote in a statement about her role in filing the warrants.

'The law that protects civilians in war was developed more than 100 years ago and it applies in every country in the world regardless of the reasons for a conflict.'
Love Island's Biggs Chris has admitted to cheating on ex-girlfriend Rebecca Gormley during the first episode of Amanda Holden's new cheating Netflix series.

The series sees eight former couples reunite on screen in the hopes of putting infidelity issues behind them and reconnect at a luxury 'retreat' in Mallorca, where the nine-part season was filmed.

Rebecca and Biggs, who met when on Love Island in 2020, seek the help of Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda and Married At First Sight UK relationship expert Paul C. Brunson as they confront the reasons for their split head-on.

But it appears the pair have a lot to work on, with Biggs admitting just minutes into the first episode that he cheated on Rebecca, who was blindsided by the revelation.

He had previously been hit by cheating accusations but Rebecca was not aware if they were true or not, before Biggs confirmed his infidelity in a bombshell reveal.

Speaking alone to the camera, Biggs admitted: 'I'm hoping to rekindle things with Rebecca, but she doesn't know I cheated on her, and to move forward I have to come clean.'

Love Island's Biggs Chris has admitted to cheating on ex-girlfriend Rebecca Gormley during the first episode of Amanda Holden 's new cheating Netflix series

It appears the pair have a lot to work on, with Biggs admitting just minutes into the first episode that he cheated on Rebecca, who was blindsided by the revelation

He then proceeded to confess in front of the group: 'I did mess up,' as they all sat around a table and saw each other face-to-face for the first time.

Rebecca, who looked unimpressed, quipped: 'Do you want to elaborate?'

He finally said: 'I cheated towards the end of the relationship.'

Rebecca said it was 'a major shock', as she had heard rumours about cheating, but it was never confirmed.

Amanda said: 'Well done Biggs for giving clarity and being honest.'

Rebecca then told the camera: 'There was always allegations and I just brushed them under the carpet, and now he's said it is all true. It is hurtful finding out something like that.'

In a later conversation between the pair, Biggs shared: 'Towards the end of the relationship I slept with someone. I f***ed up. I don't know why I did it.'

Rebecca responded: 'It makes me feel violently sick. You are painted to be a nice boy but I think it was all an act.'

Rebecca was left devastated by the revelation and broke down in tears while speaking to camera as it remains to be seen if they can rebuild their romance.

Rebecca and Biggs, who met when on Love Island in 2020, seek the help of Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda and Married At First Sight UK relationship expert Paul C. Brunson as they confront the reasons for their split head-on

Speaking alone to the camera, Biggs admitted: 'I'm hoping to rekindle things with Rebecca, but she doesn't know I cheated on her, and to move forward I have to come clean.'

According to Biggs, he and Rebecca separated after 18 months together because she was a 'party girl' whereas he wanted to settle down and have a family

Eight ex-partners will feature in Amanda's show as they hope to put the past behind them and reconnect during their stay at a luxury 'retreat' in Mallorca, where the nine-part season was filmed

Amanda and Married At First Sight UK relationship expert Paul C. Brunson have joined forces as they hope to help a lineup of eight ex-couples who have split because of cheating

The couple previously had a long-distance relationship with Rebecca in Newcastle and Biggs in Glasgow, after the UK went into lockdown following the end of Love Island's first winter series.

According to Biggs, he and Rebecca separated after 18 months together because she was a 'party girl' whereas he wanted to settle down and have a family.

Speaking about their split, he previously said: 'Rebecca's more of a party girl, but I want a family and business and just to work work work. I want that 'couple goals' life where we both work hard together and build an amazing family.'

Their break-up turned nasty after Rebecca reportedly grew close to Love Island's Michael Griffiths following the end of her romance with Biggs.

Now, as Rebecca and Biggs enter Cheat: Unfinished Business, they have finally admitted some truths in the hope of reconciling for the future.

In 2023, Biggs became a father for the first time with Summer Hawkins, who he split from just weeks before she gave birth to their son.

Summer spoke on why the couple ended, explaining the distance between them proved difficult for a long-lasting relationship.

Summer, 28, left her teaching job and moved to Scotland to be with Biggs, previously declaring she was now a 'stay at home girlfriend'.

Speaking on the break-up, a source told The Sun: 'It's very sad but Summer and Biggs have decided it just isn't working.

'They want what's best for their baby and they just don't think it's being together at the moment  they were arguing too much.

'They might end up giving things another go but for now they want nothing to do with each other  and have even unfollowed on socials.'

In 2023, Biggs became a father for the first time with Summer Hawkins, who he split from just weeks before she gave birth to their son

Summer spoke on why the couple ended, explaining the distance between them proved difficult for a long-lasting relationship

The former couple have also wiped almost all traced of each other off their Instagram pages following the separation.

She previously explained their situation, saying: 'Biggs and I were in a long distance relationship.

'My rent was so high and I was struggling at work, so Biggs offered to look after me. All I had to do was move to Scotland and I'd never have to worry about money or stress again. I moved in with him in June 2022 and I don't regret it.'

The rest of her day included cleaning the house, doing the washing and making sure dinner was on the table for his return from work.

Biggs declined to comment when contacted by The Sun. MailOnline reached out for comment from his spokesperson.
Weezer bassist Scott Shriner's wife Jillian Lauren cleaned up her style act for her first court hearing Wednesday morning, after being shot by police early this month.

Lauren, 51, was shot in the arm in her Los Angeles backyard and later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after she supposedly pointed a weapon and fired at cops, whom she claimed to have confused with armed criminals on her property.

The authorities were on the scene because a hit-and-run suspect had been reported in the area - allegedly stripping down to his boxer shorts and jumping in a resident's swimming pool in a bizarre attempt to dodge his arrest.

While searching for the suspect, law enforcement encountered the rocker's armed wife and the situation rapidly escalated into a shootout.

Now DailyMail.com has exclusive images of Lauren and her attorneys appearing before Judge Theresa R. McGonigle at the Clara Shortridge Foltz criminal courthouse in downtown Los Angeles this Wednesday.

Sporting an elegant hairdo and full makeup, Lauren wore a fashionable sleeveless grey trouser suit with a sleek black top and nude heels, accessorizing with a gleaming gold medallion necklace and a scarlet quilted handbag.

Weezer bassist Scott Shriner's wife Jillian Lauren made her first court appearance Wednesday morning after being shot by police; pictured at the hearing

At the time when she arrived for the court date, the Los Angeles County district attorney had not filed any charges against her, and as a result she has been ordered to go back on May 13, according to Rolling Stone.

'The matter remains under investigation,' said DA spokesman Greg Risling. 'A case has not been formally presented to the District Attorneys Office for filing consideration. Ms. Shriner remains out of custody on bond.'

Risling added: 'A formal case presentation is anticipated within the next week. Our office will make a filing decision shortly thereafter.'

Prosecutors said at the hearing that the Los Angeles Police Department was still investigating the case, according to CBS.

The matter has apparently not yet been presented to the DA's office, but attorney Jeff Liu said: 'We anticipate that will happen within the next week.'

The court date comes days after newly released bodycam footage revealed jaw-dropping details about the moment Lauren was shot by police in her Los Angeles backyard.

This past Friday, LAPD released bits of bodycam and security footage, as well as audio clips from 911 calls pertaining to the incident.

The bombshell evidence shows LAPD officers approaching her home after being tipped off that a crime suspect had snuck into the yard.

Officers were then seen peering over a fence into the property as Lauren entered the area bearing a handgun, as captured on home surveillance video.

The LAPD unveiled three different angles of body-worn camera footage, documenting the chaotic moments leading up to shots being fired.

Now DailyMail.com has exclusive images of Lauren and her attorneys appearing before Judge Theresa R. McGonigle

Judge McGonigle is pictured during the hearing this Wednesday

The hearing took place at the Clara Shortridge Foltz criminal courthouse in downtown Los Angeles this Wednesday

Lauren is pictured exiting the courthouse following her hearing

when Lauren arrived for the court date, the Los Angeles County district attorney had not filed any charges against her

She has been ordered to make her next appearance May 13

'Put the gun down!' one cop was heard shouting. The command was allegedly refused by Lauren - who recently went public about her ongoing cancer battle - multiple times.

'Ma'am! We're trying to help you!' one of the officers frantically warned.

'Drop the gun! You're going to get shot! You're going to get shot, it's the police!'

After several tense minutes of the police officers urging Lauren to drop her weapon, one of the cops indicated she may be getting ready to shoot.

'Hey, she just pointed it. Not at us but she lifted it up,' he said.

Footage from Lauren's yard allegedly shows her raising her weapon, firing at cops and walking into her home after she got hit by a bullet.

Shortly after the heated encounter, police reportedly received a 911 call from one of Lauren's neighbors, who she was with at the time.

The phone call indicated she believed the three policemen were the hit-and-run suspects.

Lauren (pictured) was seen on her home's security camera entering her backyard holding a gun

Officers were then seen peering over a fence into the property as Lauren entered the area bearing a handgun

The author (right)- who tied the knot with the musician (left) two decades ago - had allegedly chased a suspect involved in a hit-and-run who had ran onto her property with a gun

Medical professionals examined her for what was described as 'a non-life-threatening gunshot wound' following the violent series of events

As a result of her encounter with the LAPD, Lauren sustained a minor gunshot wound near her shoulder (pictured)

Officers warned Lauren to drop her gun several times - demands she allegedly ignored before firing at them

'There were three men, she says there were three men and one of them shot her and the cops are looking for him right now,' the neighbor explained to the 911 operator.

'They have their guns out and like, I don't know if they found him yet or not, but they told me to not look out the window.'

Lauren then chimed in and explained the incident from her perspective: 'I had my gun, and he said put down that gun, put down that gun.

'I said put down your f**king gun. And then he shot me.'

About an hour after the ordeal, Lauren walked outside and was confronted by police officers.

Body-worn video shows Lauren sprawled out in the middle of the road as cops handcuffed her and noticed she was shot.

She was taken to the hospital to treat the non-fatal wound and cops confirmed Lauren was not involved in the original hit-and-run.

Lauren was charged for firing at the police, but she was later released from custody after posting her $1 million bail.

Body-worn video shows Lauren sprawled out in the middle of the road as cops handcuffed her and noticed she was shot

Lauren and 90s rock star Scott married in 2005 and they have two adopted children together

Lauren (pictured with her husband) was released on bond and is due in court on April 30

She is due back in court on April 30, according to LAPD.

The suspect cops were initially looking for was detained by California Highway Patrol officers, cited and released, shortly after Lauren's arrest.

Meanwhile, the remaining two suspects who fled the multi-car crash remain at large.

Lauren and Shriner married in 2005 and they have two adopted children together.

Beyond her marriage to Shriner, Lauren has found fame on her own after penning a series of memoirs and true crime books.

She also worked as a crime reporter, and was involved in investigating the serial killer Samuel Little, one of the most prolific murderers in US history.
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Kat Clark has announced she will be moving to America with her family.

The controversial Gold Coast influencer told her followers on Tuesday night, she will be relocating to the US with her husband Jonathan and their 14-year-old daughter Deja.

She explained the move will be a challenge as she will have to make new friends and will be leaving her eldest daughter Latisha, 21, in Queensland.

While some of Kat's fans praised her courage, others questioned why she had made the decision to relocate to the US.

'What's drawn you to move there? Remember to get health insurance,' one person said.

'Going to LA in search of experience, fame and money but you become a whole new different type of influencer. No longer a down to earth relatable mum really. Hope it goes well but doubt I will find the content to my liking anymore,' another said.

Controversial Gold Coast influencer Kat Clark (pictured) has announced she will be moving to America with her family

'Scary times to be making the move,' a third agreed, while one added: 'As someone living in America I highly recommend you don't move here.'

'At a time where Australians and those around the world are advised to steer clear of the US, you decide to move there. Best of luck!' another said.

'You honestly can't even compare US and Australia. Definitely strange you would leave such a safe country,' one wrote.

However one person commented: 'SO EXCITED FOR YOUUU!!!'

'We're all so happy for you. But sure will miss you a lot!!!' another said, as one added: 'Congratulations guys! We going to miss you here.'

'You can always come back home if needed So proud of you!!' another commented.

'Oooo that's so exciting, what part of America are you moving to?' one person asked.

In the video shared with her followers on Tuesday night, Kat said: 'We're moving to America. Oh my goodness, I'm so scared about telling you.'

The controversial Gold Coast influencer told her followers on Wednesday, she will be relocating to the US with her husband Jonathan (pictured) and their 14-year-old daughter Deja

'Australia is a beautiful country. We have free healthcare, the best beaches, amazing people. And if I'm being completely honest, there's a huge part of me that doesn't want to go,' she said.

'But there's also a part of me that's feeling curious  and I don't want to have any regrets.'

She explained she's had some opportunities in America and is 'going to give it a go' but admitted she is 'scared'.

'I really hope you guys understand, because if I'm being honest, I need all the support I can get. This is scary,' Kat told her followers.

She promised to share more details and answer any questions ahead of their move to the US.

Meanwhile, Kat sparked controversy last year, following the launch of her debut skincare line Kalade.

She launched the brand in February to roaring success, selling out her entire stock within ten minutes.

However not every customer was pleased with Kalade's advertising methods, thanks to a photo of Kat posing with a box of skincare products alongside her daughters Letisha, 20, and Deja, 12.

In March last year, Kat's skincare range has come under fire for this rude advertisement featuring her daughters (left and right) flipping off the camera

In the image, which is used to advertise the $120 Kalade 'OG Kit', Letisha and Deja are seen posing with their middle fingers raised towards the camera.

The Kalade Instagram page shared a photograph of a customer's online complaint about the ad, which read: 'I hate this because the girls in the picture are sticking the middle finger.'

Kalade replied by captioning the post with 'Womp womp' - a slang term used to respond to a minor disappointment or problem.

However it seems some customers enjoyed her daughters' decision to flip the bird, as another commenter wrote: 'Omg Deja and Letisha middle finger [laughing/crying emoji]. I'm such a big fan'.

At the time, Kat also raised eyebrows for sharing a video of herself crying after learning that mega-influencer Anna Paul was set to release her skincare brand Paullie at the same time as hers.
Americans are claiming their Social Security checks early, even though delaying their claims could lead to higher payments.

Concerns over the long-term future of Social Security are pushing retirees to begin banking their checks as early as possible.

However, every year you delay taking a Social Security payment after full retirement age you receive a significant increase in payments up to the age of 70.

Benefits taken for the first time at age 70 would be 76 percent higher than if they were claimed at 62, according to Boston University economist Laurence Kotlikoff.

Therefore, someone who put off claiming until they were 70 instead of 62 would end up with more dollars in their pocket if they live to at least 80, he told The Wall Street Journal.

Despite this, pending Social Security claims for retirement, survivor and health insurance benefits totaled 580,887 last month, up from 500,527 a year earlier.

The drive to claim early appears to be largely driven out of fear that the system could collapse beforehand.

More than 75 percent of US adults are very worried about the fate of Social Security, according to a recent Gallup poll.

More Americans are claiming their Social Security checks early over fears for its future

Elon Musk and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have cut 7,000 jobs from the Social Security Administration (SSA) in recent weeks.

The loss of more then 12 percent of the agency's workforce has meant those reliant on benefits are facing unanswered calls or standing in line for hours at understaffed government buildings.

While Trump has said he does not plan to cut benefits, experts have warned that he and Musk are spreading misinformation about the program with a view to eventually dismantle it.

'The spin that's being used to justify going after the program, saying that there's massive fraud, inefficiency and waste; I've never seen it and I'm a very close student of Social Security,' Chris Orestis, founder and President of Retirement Genius, told DailyMail.com.

'It is a well run and lean organization that quite frankly is understaffed for the important role that it plays.'

Musk has repeatedly alleged that the generosity of Social Security draws illegal immigration in to the US.

Musk and DOGE have claimed, without evidence, that the program has been the victim of mass fraud.

Officials at the SSA are aware of the effect the rhetoric is causing, stating that 'fearmongering has driven people to claim benefits earlier,' at a March 28 meeting.

Chris Orestis, founder and President of Retirement Genius, has more than 30 years' experience

Elon Musk DOGE have cut 7,000 jobs from the Social Security Administration

Social Security relies on its trust funds to provide monthly benefit checks to around 70 million Americans

'That is leading people to make decisions based on fear,' Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, told The Wall Street Journal.

An aging population is pushing up the cost of the program as a smaller share of people are paying into it, and spending is outpacing income.

Financial advisers and retirement experts including Orestis usually advise maximizing your Social Security check, even if it means waiting a few extra years.

Orestis says one of the great virtues of Social Security payments is they are not tied to the stock market like a 401(K) or many Roth IRAs.

Therefore having a steady check each month can help offset the turbulence in financial markets.

Fears over Social Security's future do predate Trump's second presidency.

The trust which provides the funds to the program is expected to run short of cash by 2035 if no changes are made.

The latest annual report from the Social Security Board of Trustees found that the program will only be able to pay out full benefits for the next decade - which is one year later than previous estimates.
A famed hedge fund manager, who previously joined a chorus of analysts correctly warning about the 2008 great recession, is speaking out again.

Ray Dalio, the billionaire founder of Bridgewater Associates, warned that President Donald Trump's tariffs will produce irreparable harm in the US and global economies.

He said it is 'too late' to stop the bleeding.

'Some people believe that the tariff disruptions will settle down as more negotiations happen and greater thought is given to how to structure them to work in a sensible way,' Dalio wrote in a post on social media site X.

'I am now hearing from a large and growing number of people who are having to deal with these issues that it is already too late.'

Dalio's criticism comes after the Trump administration has repeatedly launched and walked back several tariff measures.

The President, who has promised tariffs would reinvigorate slowing down American manufacturing facilities, initially launched tariffs on Mexico and Canada in February in a surprise move.

He temporarily revoked the tariff before launching them again in March. He then revoked the tariffs a second time.

Ray Dalio has become an outspoken critic of Trump's tariff policies

Then, he shocked with even larger 'reciprocal' tariffs, which were also pulled back in a 90-day pause.

That uncertainty has led to c-suite backlashes that are starting to spill into the public.

Dalio has joined a group of other bankers, analysts, and executives who believe the US is heading for a perilous economic moment.

JPMorgan's CEO Jamie Dimon and BlackRock's CEO Larry Fink have spoken out. Citadel CEO Ken Griffin, a Republican donor, also turned sour over Trump's economic policy earlier this month.

But Dalio's message is one of the most dire yet: 'We are seeing a classic breakdown of the major monetary, political, and geopolitical orders.'

It's not the first time Dalio, who has no party leaning, has spoken out against tariff policies.

In an interview with NBC's Meet the Press, he said he was seeing flashing red warning signs in the US economy.

'I think that right now we are at a decision-making point and very close to a recession,' Dalio said.

The stock market has been roiled by volatility around Trump's tariff proposals

President Trump said today's early morning stock market skid had 'NOTHING TO DO WITH TARIFFS'

The stock market reacted negatively to a lower-than-expected GDP reading

'I'm worried about something worse than a recession if this isn't handled well.'

Now, the government is starting to show some of its own stress signs about the economy.

This morning, the gross domestic product (GDP) surprisingly shrunk when bankers thought that it would rise.

GDP, which compiles the amount of money produced in the US economy, is one of the main metrics in defining a recession.

Experts expected the reading to come in up 0.4 percent. It was negative 0.3 percent instead.

But the new GDP measure might not capture the full picture of the US economy: it doesn't account for the amount that Americans spend on imported goods.

However, it cuts against Trump's claims that tariffs will reinvigorate global appetites for US-made products.

In the last quarter of former President Biden's term, the reading reached 2.4 percent growth.

'This is Biden's Stock Market, not Trump's,' the President claimed in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday.

'This will take a while, has NOTHING TO DO WITH TARIFFS, only that he left us with bad numbers, but when the boom begins, it will be like no other. BE PATIENT!!!'
American Airlines travelers are undergoing portion control when they visit one of its famous Admirals Clubs, customers are claiming.

Travel expert Gary Leff claimed the airline is offering small plates with all foods to save money at its lounges.

'They want to make sure that customers eat less, or at least take less, in order to control food costs. And they do this with very small plates,' he wrote on his blog View from the Wing - Thought Leader in Travel.

Already believing the Admirals Clubs 'lags the offerings of Delta and United,' Leff said the small plates also create a mess in lounges.

'They don't hold much food, and they don't do a great job of holding it in.

'If you pick up food using tongs and place it in the plates, some items like salad invariably fall onto the ground,' he wrote.

Leff also slammed the quality of the Club food, but noted it could be a reason why some locations aren't busy.

Admiral Club members are required to adhere to rules, including paying for certain foods and not taking items away from clubs.

Travel expert Gary Leff claimed the airline is offering small plates for food to save money at its lounges

Leff slammed American Airlines' Admirals Clubs and claims its features 'lags the offerings of Delta and United'

A reader provided an example of full-sized bratwurst in an Admirals Club at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in North Carolina.

The smaller-sized dishes were the only plates at the Club, and the bratwurst didn't fit.

Leff used the 'awkward' moment to give a tongue-in-cheek explanation of the basic purposes of a plate.

The travel expert explained that dishes are used to help keep food off surfaces, spilling or dropping on the ground, prevent it from spreading food everywhere, and serve as a barrier between food and dirty tables.

They can also provide a 'flat, often decorative space to arrange food attractively,' he said.

Leff believes American mainly uses the small plates for portion control.

'I suppose if the lack of proper plates for Admirals Club food is a stopper, you could always just limit yourself to the Snack Tower of Sadness,' he joked, referring to a selection of snacks presented in tall plastic tubes.

'Or, American could take seriously the idea of their premium pivot and invest in dishware, not just food.'

Reddit users were just as frustrated, and a few travelers claimed they watched Admirals Club attendees often 'dropping food from tiny plates.'

Leff also slammed the quality of the Club food, but noted it could be a reason why some locations aren't busy

Travelers interested in visiting a lounge must be Admirals Club members, Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard holders, purchasing a day pass, or traveling in premium cabins on qualifying flights

Admirals Club lounges are a hotspot for American Airlines fliers worldwide.

One of the airline's newer locations opened in 2023 at Denver International Airport in Colorado.

Travelers interested in visiting a lounge must be Admirals Club members, Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard holders, purchasing a day pass, or traveling in premium cabins on qualifying flights.

Besides American, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are known for offering high quality services through their lounges.

Delta Sky Clubs are hot commodities in the eyes of flyers - especially its new first class lounge inside JFK.

United offers three types of airport lounges, opened its newest United Club Fly location in February, reopened a Polaris lounge this week, and is scheduled to open a revamped club in June.

Daily Mail has reached out to American Airlines for comment about the lounge plates.
Customers of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon be warned: price rises are coming.

Bosses of the three biggest US carriers have all said prices will rise as President Donald Trump's latest tariff plans ripple through the smartphone industry.

Trump has placed a 145 percent tariff on imports from China, the country where iPhones are primarily assembled.

Smartphones have been exempted from tariffs temporarily, but that is not expected to last. Even if they get a longer term reprieve, the broader impact on supply chains is significant.

Apple has already responded by announcing it will shift iPhone production to India by 2026 to reduce dependence on China.

Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg has made clear that if Trump's proposed tariffs spike phone prices, the carrier won't be eating the cost  it'll be passing it on to customers.

'I the tariff is going to be as high as they say on the handsets, we are not planning to cover that,' he said last week.

AT&T CEO John Stankey echoed that view. 'If tariffs are the next driver of an increase in the unit cost of handsets... that cost is going to be... largely moving it through to the end user,' he told Yahoo Finance.

AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are expected to raise prices following Donald Trump's decision to exempt smartphones from reciprocal tariffs

Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg blamed some of the loses on government cutbacks

Even T-Mobile, which added 1.3 million subscribers this quarter, is preparing for potential fallout.

'If [tariffs] come in and they're significant... that's going to have to be borne by the customer,' CEO Mike Sievert warned.

Last week, it emerged Verizon lost customers in droves after quietly raising prices and scaling back deals.

The carrier lost 289,000 monthly subscribers within the first three months of this year.

Trump's tariffs have hugely reshaped the economic landscape since he was reelected last year.

Besides smartphones and other electronics, fast-food chains have been expecting price hikes due to tariffs on beef.

Albertsons has also offered a major warning after telling suppliers it would not accept increased prices resulting from tariffs.

Tariff growth caused a major trade war with China, and Amazon ignited one after announcing it would include the cost of tariffs on its products.

Despite the chaos, Trump is expected to sign an executive order to ease up on 25 percent tariffs on cars and their parts.
The visit of Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal to the Netherlands has laid the groundwork for setting up a green and digital corridor between the Port of Rotterdam and Indian ports for the export of green hydrogen to Europe, an official statement said on Tuesday. The commerce ministry said that huge opportunities are there for enhancing cooperation between Indian ports and the Netherlandsa Port of Rotterdam in areas such as digitalisation, green shipping, and logistics optimisation, to boost bilateral trade.

During the visit, Barthwal held discussions in this regard with the CEO of the Port of Rotterdam authority Boudewijn Siemon.

The Rotterdam port is Europeas largest and one of the worldas most advanced ports. Both sides discussed opportunities in the areas including knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and sustainable port management practices.

In the meeting, Barthwal highlighted the potential for collaboration in modernising Indian ports, aligning with Indiaas Maritime Vision 2030, which aims to enhance port capacity and logistics efficiency.

Both sides expressed interest in deepening ties through joint initiatives in port digitalisation, green shipping, and logistics optimisation, which are critical to boosting bilateral trade flows, the commerce ministry said.

aThe visit laid the groundwork for setting up of a Green and Digital Corridor between the Port of Rotterdam and Indian ports like the Deendayal Port Authority Kandla, and export of Green Hydrogen and carriers like Ammonia and Methanol from India to Europe, with the Port of Rotterdam acting as a gateway to Europe,a it said.

He also met ASML, a global leader in photolithography systems for the semiconductor industry, CEO Christophe Fouquet, and discussed deepening India-Netherlands cooperation in the sector.
Taiwan, with its world-leading National Health Insurance system and pioneering digital health innovations, stands as a model for equitable, accessible healthcare. Yet, it remains excluded from the WHO due to political barrier

Health is a fundamental human right and a universal value. Improved health results in greater well-being for the people and has ramifications for the survival and development of a country and even the world.

At the 77th World Health Assembly, members adopted the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Fourteenth General Programme of Work for 2025a2028. The programme includes such strategic objectives as improving health service coverage and bolstering financial protections to ensure universal health coverage.

WHO has called on all countries to take action on these issues. As concerns universal health coverage, Taiwan launched the National Health Insurance (NHI) system in 1995. The scheme, which brought together already existing occupational insurance schemes, has reached its 30th year and now covers 99.9 per cent of the population.

The NHI system provides equitable, accessible, and efficient healthcare to all people in Taiwan. It is also an important pillar and guarantor of Taiwan's social stability as well as people's health and safety. It has, moreover, become a global benchmark for achieving universal health coverage.

In an annual survey carried out by Numbeo, Taiwan has been ranked first in the Health Care Index category for seven consecutive years.The NHI operates on a pay-as-you-go, self-sustaining model capable of addressing the financial challenges posed by an ageing population and rising healthcare costs. By reforming premium rates and adding additional funding sources, such as the tobacco health and welfare surcharge, the system is on a sound, sustainable footing.

To promote the health of our people, President Lai Ching-te articulated a vision of a healthy Taiwan in 2024. This aims to ensure that people are healthy, the nation is strong, and the world is ready to embrace Taiwan. Remaining focused on people, families, and communities, we are expanding health promotion operations and preventive healthcare.

Moreover, we are implementing a family physician plan, offering comprehensive care to patients with chronic diseases, and utilising telemedicine to improve healthcare accessibility in rural areas. By promoting integrated long-term care, palliative care, and ageing in place, we ensure holistic, lifelong, and dignified care for all people, realising health equity. In 2021, WHO released the Global Strategy on Digital Health for 2020a2025.

Under this plan, the global health body is seeking the development and adoption of person-centric digital health solutions to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases. It also oversees the development of infrastructure and applications to use health data to promote health and well-being. Taiwan continues to utilise its prowess in information and communications technology to build effective, high-ROI health systems and services.

The NHI cloud facilitates the more efficient exchange of medical records, while the adoption of international standards such as Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources enhances international medical data sharing. Additionally, the incorporation of AI-assisted technologies is advancing the development of smart healthcare.

The introduction of a virtual health insurance card and the My Health Bank app, which enables real-time management of personal health data, empowers people to make health-enabling choices. In 2008, Taiwan introduced the Health Technology Assessment to facilitate evidence a based policymaking. It also accelerated the inclusion of new treatments under the NHI system. For example, in 2023, gene and cell therapies were covered for the first time, marking a new era for precision medicine and offering patients enhanced treatment options. Taiwan also continues to leverage innovative technologies to improve the working environment for the medical workforce and to bolster the overall quality of medical service.

Whatas more, despite facing political challenges, Taiwan has continuously participated in international health affairs and has been dedicated to supporting the global health system. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan played a crucial role in sharing supplies, strategies, and experiences, and proved to be a reliable partner of countries worldwide. Separately, Taiwan's success story in implementing universal health coverage offers valuable lessons for countries worldwide. As we continue to share our experiences in universal coverage, financial management, and digital health, we hope to facilitate other nations in reaching WHO's goal of universal health coverage.

In this rapidly changing era, health challenges transcend borders, and global cooperation has become essential to addressing various health crises. However, Taiwan has been prevented from participating in WHO a the foremost global health cooperation body a due to China's continued distortion of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and World Health Assembly Resolution 25.1. Neither of these resolutions mentions Taiwan or declares that Taiwan is part of the People's Republic of China.

Therefore, these resolutions have no power to confer upon the PRC any right to represent Taiwan in WHO. In light of this, and to uphold the core UN values of inclusiveness and universality, we urge WHO and all relevant parties to recognise Taiwan's considerable contributions to global public health and the human right to health.

WHO must adopt a more open-minded approach and demonstrate flexibility, adhering to the principles of professionalism and inclusivity. Taiwan should be included, as a matter of pragmatism, in the World Health Assembly and all WHO meetings, activities, and mechanisms, particularly those concerned with the WHO pandemic agreement.

Taiwan earnestly hopes to work with the international community to create a future of borderless healthcare that realises the fundamental human right to health stipulated in the WHO Constitution and the vision of leaving no one behind espoused in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

(The writer is Minister of Health and Welfare ROC Taiwan. Views are personal)
Reinforcing the enduring bond between India and Mauritius, IOS SAGAR made a significant and engaging port call at Port Louis, Mauritius, from April 26 to 28, as part of its operational deployment in the Indian Ocean, Defence Ministry said here on Tuesday.

During its harbour visit, the shipas Commanding Officer called on the Commandant of the Mauritius Coast Guard, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen cooperation between the two maritime forces. Select personnel of the multinational crew visited several key training facilities of the Mauritius Police Force (MPF), namely the Special Mobile Force Squadron, Maritime Air Squadron, Coast Guard Training School and the Police Helicopter Squadron and interacted with their counterparts.

The visit provided a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience and discuss areas of mutual interest in maritime security.

As part of social activities, an invigorating joint yoga session was organised onboard IOS SAGAR, with participation from the multinational crew and MPF personnel.

The Commandant of the National Coast Guard also attended the event.

The crew of IOS SAGAR and the MPF also played a friendly volleyball match. IOS SAGAR opened its decks to visitors, welcoming members of the MPF, the Indian diaspora, and other enthusiastic groups.

Visitors were given a tour of the ship and briefed on her operational capabilities, navigation systems, and life onboard.

In addition, a trek to the iconic Signal Mountain was conducted for the shipas crew, including the multinational crew.

On departure from Port Louis, IOS SAGAR is scheduled to undertake a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the Mauritius Coast Guard. Upon completion, the ship will proceed towards its next port of call, Port Victoria, Seychelles, continuing its mission of enhancing maritime security, regional cooperation , and goodwill in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday spoke to his counterparts from seven non-permanent member nations of the UN Security Council amid speculations about India's possible response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Citing "cross-border linkages" to the horrific attack, India has promised severe punishment to those involved in the April 22 strike that killed 26 civilians.

Jaishankar's phone conversations with the foreign ministers of the seven countries came days after the UN Security Council issued a statement condemning the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, but not before Pakistan, backed by China, worked to water it down.

Jaishankar spoke to his counterparts from Algeria, Greece, Guyana, Panama, Slovenia, Sierra Leone and Somalia and discussed the Pahalgam attack.

The external affairs minister also received a call from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and conveyed to him, India's resolve to bring the "perpetrators, planners and backers" of this attack to justice.

"Appreciate his unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Agreed on the importance of accountability," Jaishankar said in a social media post after the conversation with Guterres.

"India is resolved that the perpetrators, planners and backers of this attack are brought to justice," he said.

Besides the seven non-permanent member nations of the UNSC that the external affairs minister reached out to, the other members of the powerful body are Denmark, Greece and Pakistan.

There is a possibility that the UNSC may again discuss the Pahalgam attack.

In its April 25 statement on the attack, the UNSC condemned it in the "strongest terms" and reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the "most serious" threats to international peace and security.

However, the statement was seen as "inadequate".

The non-permanent members are elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms, and their membership rotates.

In his phone talks, Jaishankar is understood to have conveyed to the foreign ministers, India's policy on "zero tolerance" towards terrorism.

"A warm conversation with FM Hugh Hilton Todd of Guyana today. Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the need to combat terrorism in all forms and manifestations," the external affairs minister said on X.

On his discussion with Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, Jaishankar said he thanked her for Slovenia's condemnation of the attack.

During his phone conversation with Panama's Javier MartAnez, the external affairs minister thanked him for the country's "expression of solidarity and support" to India following the attack that killed 26 civilians.

"Good to speak with FM @AhmedAttaf_Dz of Algeria. Thanked him for the solidarity and support on the Pahalgam terrorist attack," Jaishankar said.

"Reaffirmed our strong bilateral partnership and look forward to welcoming him in India soon," he said.

In the last few days, India reached out to various world capitals apprising the nations about the "cross-border" links to the terror attack.

Several world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Jordan's King Abdullah II and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, also dialled Modi to condemn the attack.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, UAE President Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Dutch PM Dick Schoof, US Vice President J D Vance, Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli also spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Jaishankar's phone calls with his counterparts from six non-permanent members of the UNSC come as India mulls options to respond to the terror attack.

On Sunday, Modi said the "perpetrators and conspirators" of the Pahalgam attack will be "served with the harshest response".

"The whole world stands with 140 crore Indians in our fight against terrorism. I once again assure the affected families that they will get justice, and justice will be done," Modi said in his 'Mann ki Baat' address.

"The perpetrators and conspirators of this attack will be served with the harshest response," he said.

On Tuesday, Modi asserted that the armed forces have "complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the attack.

He said this while chairing a meeting that was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval and the chiefs of the three services.

Modi affirmed that it is the national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism, government sources said.
The U.S. Army has deployed its M1097 Avenger Air Defense System to Africa for the first time as part of African Lion 2025, a major annual joint military exercise. This deployment emphasizes the U.S. militarys dedication to improving collaboration with African allies and showcasing sophisticated, mobile defense technologies relevant to the regions operational environments. The Avengers involvement, particularly in the Tunisian segment of the exercise, offers a practical display of essential short-range air defense (SHORAD) capabilities crucial in modern conflicts with growing aerial threats, such as drones. This marks a notable step in security cooperation and technological deployment on the continent.

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The Avenger System: Mobile Short-Range Air Defense

The Boeing Avenger is a mobile U.S. Army air defense system on a Humvee chassis. It is armed with eight ready-to-fire FIM-92 Stinger missiles that are effective against low-altitude aerial threats. The Avenger also features a .50 caliber M3P machine gun for self-defense and can shoot on the move up to 35 km/h. Utilizing FLIR, optical sights, laser rangefinders, and IFF, it provides crucial point defense for mobile units and critical assets against low-level air attacks.

African Lion 2025: Enhancing Interoperability Across Nations

African Lion 2025, a U.S. AFRICOM-sponsored and SETAF-AF-directed multinational exercise, marks the Avengers initial deployment in Africa. This years iteration, lasting until May 23rd, involves over 10,000 personnel from more than 40 nations, including seven NATO allies, highlighting its significant international scope and strategic value. Training occurs in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia, offering varied operational environments to enhance joint, multi-domain capabilities across land, air, sea, cyber, and space. Designed to improve interoperability in complex scenarios, the exercise focuses on command and control, integrated maneuvers, live-fire drills, logistical support, and strengthening partnerships. The inclusion of advanced systems like the Avenger provides critical real-world experience for U.S. and partner forces in contemporary air defense.

Deployment Details and Demonstration in Tunisia

During African Lion 2025, the 57th Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Regiment operated the Avenger system. They deployed the unit to Tunisias Ben Ghilouf Training Center, which is a common location for international exercises due to its adequate space and resources.

A significant part of their involvement was a live-fire exercise where a Stinger missile was successfully launched from the Humvee-mounted Avenger. This demonstration underscored the systems primary function of engaging airborne threats. The exercise was intentionally designed to highlight the Avengers maneuverability and efficiency in the desert environment of North Africa. The successful operation of complex military equipment in the heat, dust, and rugged terrain confirmed its viability for deployment in comparable regions. This live-fire event practically validated the Avengers capacity to provide swift, mobile defense in demanding situations.

Strategic Significance and Future Implications

The initial deployment of the Avenger system in Africa holds significant strategic importance. This action underscores a U.S. commitment to strengthening air defenses for its regional forces and potentially African allies confronting dynamic aerial threats, notably from non-state actors using commercial drones. The selection of a mobile system like the Avenger highlights the requirement for adaptable defense measures capable of safeguarding mobile units or temporary bases.

Moreover, introducing this technology during a major multinational exercise such as African Lion promotes mutual learning and the harmonization of procedures. It provides partner nations with a direct view of the operational aspects and integration of advanced SHORAD systems, which could influence their defense acquisitions and doctrinal evolution. This collaborative element is crucial to the exercises objective of developing regional security capabilities and guaranteeing the interoperability of various military forces in future joint operations.

A New Capability on the Continent

The U.S. Armys deployment of the Avenger Air Defense System to Tunisia for African Lion 2025 signifies a first for U.S. military operations in Africa. A live-fire demonstration showcased the systems mobility and effectiveness in rugged terrain, emphasizing its value for short-range air defense. This debut within the large African Lion exercise enriched the training and emphasized the continuous U.S. dedication to security collaboration and interoperability with African allies, tackling contemporary warfare challenges in a complex global security landscape.
On Sunday 8 th June, at 2.30pm, in St Johns Church of Ireland, Moneymore; Rural Support are holding their annual Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving through their Life Beyond bereavement support programme, for the farming community across Northern Ireland.

The Life Beyond Programme, delivered by Rural Support in partnership with Embrace FARM, provides a unique combination of farm business and counselling support, specifically tailored to the needs of the farm family. The aim of the programme is to improve the mental, social, and physical wellbeing of farm families who have experienced loss or trauma, as well as provide support with the farming enterprise. Services are all provided at no cost to the farming family and are delivered in an empathetic and confidential manner.



Our farming community has faced unimaginable loss, and our annual Service of Remembrance offers a shared space for individuals and families who have had a similar experience to come together to remember and reminisce. This service allows us to share our grief, and focus our love, so that together we can be united in honouring the contributions made to the lives, land and agricultural community by loved ones who have passed away. Since its launch in 2021, this programme has supported over 100 bereaved families across the province; therefore its an honour to hold this event as no one should feel alone as they

navigate their grief and new norm, said Kevin Doherty, CEO of Rural Support.



At the service, those attending will be able to participate in the Tree of Life Ceremony, which emphasises the continued connection of love whilst offering comfort to those whose loved ones have passed away. There is also a Roll of Remembrance which shall be read by this years compare, BBC Journalist and Radio Presenter, Nicola Weir. If you would like your loved one placed on this memorial list, please contact the Farm Support Unit at Rural Support on 028 8676 0040 or email farmsupport@ruralsupport.org.uk



George Mullan, Chairperson of ABP Food Group and Chairperson of the Life Beyond Steering Committee said, Our annual Remembrance Service allows us all to come together to remember the lives that have been lost and celebrate them. Last years service was a beautiful event where families, friends and staff of Rural Support and Life Beyond had the chance to reflect, reminisce and remember those who are no longer with us and give thanks for the life they lived. This year we look forward to welcoming all the families and friends we have been working with through Life Beyond and celebrating the lives of their loved ones together.



The event is free of charge for all who have experienced loss within the farming community welcome. Light refreshments will be served, and the Farmers Choir will be performing on the day.



A recent participant of the Life Beyond programme said Very good service which I was glad of at the time. Rural support was of great help to me when I needed it most.

If you would like to find out more about the Life Beyond programme or the range of services and programmes available at Rural Support, go to the NI Farm Support hub at ruralsupport.org.uk or telephone the Support Line on Freephone 0800 138 1678 available Mon-Fri 9am-9pm.
China draws foreign investment as "oasis of certainty"

Xinhua) 08:21, April 30, 2025

An aerial drone photo taken on April 25, 2025 shows a cargo ship navigating at Tianjin Port in north China's Tianjin. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- In an increasingly unpredictable global environment, China is becoming an "oasis of certainty" as it continues to build up industrial strength and foster institutional opening-up, drawing influential foreign investors from tech giants to automakers into the world's second-largest economy.

Latest data from the Ministry of Commerce shows that foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Chinese mainland in actual use climbed by 13.2 percent year on year last month. In the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, 12,603 new foreign-invested enterprises were established nationwide, representing a year-on-year growth of 4.3 percent.

ANCHOR FOR GLOBAL ECONOMIC GROWTH

At a petrochemical plant rising a hundred meters from the ground, the sounds of welding, cutting and roaring interweave...The over 80 billion yuan (about 11 billion U.S. dollars) cooperation project co-invested by Saudi oil giant Aramco and Chinese enterprises in Panjin, northeastern Liaoning Province, has progressed to more than 60 percent.

Aramco is currently investing in projects in China that have a collective and total value of over 240 billion yuan, covering petrochemical projects and equity acquisition deals. "China is already the world's largest consumer and producer of petrochemicals, accounting for nearly half of global demand," said Amin H. Nasser, president and CEO of the company. He noted, "China is becoming an oasis of certainty in an increasingly unpredictable global environment."

Since the start of this year, more and more foreign brands from various sectors have beefed up investment in China, leveraging its super-large market advantage. For example, fast fashion brand Zara opened its Asian flagship store in Nanjing, while U.S. hair care brand Aveda opened its first store in south China in Guangzhou. German retail giant ALDI entered China's Jiangsu market.

Besides a vast market size, China's crucial role in fueling world economic growth has been harnessed by solid economic fundamentals and a stable policy framework, according to foreign institutions.

China's gross domestic product registered a 5.4 percent year-on-year growth in Q1. This expectation-beating performance is attributed to the fact that it has increased fiscal spending, vigorously boosted consumption, and introduced a series of measures to stabilize the property market and the stock market, Nathan Chow, senior economist at DBS Bank said.

The stable growth momentum in China's economy is a stability that serves as an important global public good, helping to buffer uncertainties across international markets, said Bernd Einmeier, president of the German-Chinese Association for Economy, Education, and Culture.

According to the 2025 Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index, which measures investor expectations for FDI over the next three years, China has led all emerging markets for three consecutive years. The market is expected to become a "stabilizer" for business confidence worldwide, with its steady growth, open attitude and innovative vitality, said He Xiaoqing, president of Kearney Greater China.

This photo taken from Jingshan Hill on Aug. 12, 2024 shows the skyscrapers of the central business district (CBD) on a sunny day in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH, INNOVATION DRIVE

Industry experts believe China's industrial strength and innovation drive have become key factors drawing foreign investment. At the same time, its market solidifies its crucial role in the integrated development of global industries, contributing to economic growth.

During an earlier business trip to China, Apple's COO, Jeff Williams, visited the company's supplier, Goertek, in east China's Shandong Province and praised its automated manufacturing and artificial intelligence technology on the production lines. Among the company's top 200 suppliers worldwide, more than 80 percent have factories in China engaging in related businesses.

China's ability to integrate industrial chains is almost irreplaceable on a global scale, whether in terms of engineer supply, industrial supporting capabilities, or scale advantages, noted Xing Ziqiang, chief economist at Morgan Stanley China.

This has attracted more and more foreign investment into the global manufacturing powerhouse and innovation hub, with Toyota committing to a 14.6-billion yuan strategic cooperation agreement in Shanghai, and AstraZeneca signing a landmark agreement to invest 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in a global strategic research and development center in Beijing.

In Rugao City of east China's Jiangsu Province, welding robots are busy on the production lines of Swedish truckmaker Scania. "The Scania Rugao Industrial Hub, the most advanced and sustainable in Scania's world, will add significant capacity to Scania's global production system, easing previous bottlenecks and benefiting both the Chinese and global markets," said Ruthger de Vries, president of Scania Industrial Operations Asia.

An aerial drone photo shows visitors enjoying the cityscape at The Stage, a new observation deck atop White Magnolia Plaza in Shanghai, east China, April 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

INSTITUTIONAL OPENING-UP ACCELERATES

Translating its opening-up pledge into concrete actions, China's growing economic openness spanning various sectors has further cemented its position as the world's second-largest FDI destination.

While all restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector were removed in China last year, the country has now extended its opening-up efforts to the service sector. China approved value-added telecommunications business operations of 13 foreign-funded enterprises in Q1, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

The number of foreign-invested telecommunications enterprises surged 26.5 percent from a year earlier and topped 2,400 in China at the end of last month. Over 40 foreign-funded biotechnology projects have kicked off, and three new wholly foreign-owned hospitals have been approved for operation by late March, according to the country's commerce ministry.

The constant opening-up in China's service sector has brought new development opportunities to foreign-funded enterprises and injected confidence into deepening the Chinese market, said Jacqueline Jiang, chair of the Chinese mainland at John Swire &Sons. Last month, a subsidiary of the group obtained the first foreign-owned cardiovascular specialty hospital practice license in China.

In the financial sector, an increasing number of foreign financial institutions have cast a vote of confidence in China by establishing new securities entities and expanding the scope of their existing businesses in recent years, with the latest move by UBS increasing its equity stake in UBS Securities from 67 percent to 100 percent.

Despite deficits in service trade, China seeks to further open sectors like medical and internet services in a well-conceived way. Pilot opening-up programs in free trade zones and select cities have been accelerated, with wholly foreign-owned hospitals now allowed in certain areas. According to the MIIT, China seeks to remove restrictions on the percentage of foreign capital for service businesses such as app stores and internet access in certain regions.

"In China, foreign companies can invest here because they find a good business environment, and those investments are also long-term and not only short-term," said Maximilian Butek, executive director and board member of the German Chamber of Commerce in China, the east China region.

"We have a strong business commitment here in China," he added.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
XI'AN, April 29 (Xinhua) -- At a logistics hub in Xi'an, a city known for sending freight trains loaded with premium goods across Eurasia, Syed Mustafa Kamal from Pakistan was imagining a different kind of treasure -- medical expertise and innovation. Kamal, the health minister of Pakistan, was there on Monday to visit the International Land Port Hospital under the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. In the neurology department, Kamal tested a brain-computer interface (BCI) system, wearing a brainwave-sensing headband and a robotic glove. As he focused, a virtual hand on a screen moved, catching butterflies and flipping eggs -- driven purely by thought. Developed in-house, this BCI technology aids stroke patients in regaining hand function through neural rehabilitation. "Phenomenal," Kamal said repeatedly during his tour, which also took him to the sunlit outpatient halls, 5G ambulances and advanced surgical instruments. "This is why Pakistan is eager to deepen healthcare cooperation with China," Kamal said. "We hope these outstanding practices can take root in our own health system." The official's hospital tour was a side event of the eighth Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Health Ministers' Meeting held in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Monday. Senior health officials from member states and dialogue partners of the SCO, an organization that spans over half of Eurasia and represents nearly half the world's population, gathered to discuss deepening collaboration to address global public health challenges. Initiated primarily for regional security cooperation in 2001, the SCO has evolved into a multidimensional platform dedicated to fostering closer cooperation across various sectors, with public health emerging as a key priority. And Xi'an -- boasting strong healthcare capabilities supported by top-notch cross-disciplinary research institutions and close geographic ties to many SCO countries -- provided a fitting backdrop for the high-level discussions. At the heart of Monday's meeting was a shared commitment to bolstering emergency response systems, expanding access to primary healthcare, embracing digital technologies, and advancing the development of traditional medicine across the SCO community. Kamal proposed creating a digital health alliance within the SCO to share medical technologies based on big data and artificial intelligence. He also called for infrastructure development, especially in underserved areas. Russian Deputy Health Minister Oleg Salagai, along with officials from Belarus and Kazakhstan, joined Kamal on the hospital tour. Salagai praised the Chinese government's prioritization of public health. "What struck me was not only the advanced facilities," Salagai noted while standing near a patient-service coffee kiosk outside the clinic rooms, "but the professional discipline of the medical staff and the seamless management of medical services." As rotating president of the SCO in 2024-2025, China has designated this year as the "SCO Year of Sustainable Development." The Russian official noted that the meeting on Monday underscored a shared belief: sustainable development is impossible without robust healthcare systems, accessible to every citizen. Health partnerships within the SCO are making headway. Since 2022, China has sent medical teams to conduct over 2,100 free cataract surgeries in SCO countries and established blindness prevention centers in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, with another planned in Tajikistan. Beyond clinical efforts, structural platforms are taking shape. The China-SCO Emergency Medical Center, the SCO Hospital Cooperation Alliance, and the Traditional Medicine Forum are now in place to boost cross-border capacity building. During the ministerial meeting, Lei Haichao, head of China's National Health Commission, called for greater use of these networks, focusing on emergency preparedness, primary care, digital health, and traditional medicine. That last theme -- the revival and modernization of traditional medicine -- drew particular interest. Delegations led by visiting SCO health officials visited the Xi'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a facility officially tapped to anchor the SCO's collaborative research in traditional healing methods. Among them was Askat Dzhakypov, an oriental medicine scholar accompanying Kyrgyzstan's health minister on his China trip. There, Dzhakypov tried "Baduanjin", a classical Qigong practice rooted in centuries-old traditional Chinese medicine. The slow, flowing movements are designed to stimulate the body's "Qi" -- the vital energy -- and promote physical and mental well-being. Sweating lightly after the session, Dzhakypov seemed as impressed as he was relaxed. "It's a powerful way to stay healthy. My whole body feels lighter," he said. Referring to Kyrgyzstan's proposal at the ministerial meeting for a joint medical center with China, he added: "What we hope to learn is how to integrate ancient medical wisdom with modern innovation -- just as China has done."
Members of Derry City and Strabane District Council today voted in favour of a Notice of Motion expressing great concern that BT intends to close their offices in Derry with the loss of up to 140 jobs.

Elected Members, as part of the proposal, agreed to seek an urgent meeting with BTs Corporate Management to discuss the decision and the impact it will have on the local economy.

At the monthly meeting of Full Council, Elected Members voted unanimously in favour of the notice of motion that stated: Council will meet with BT Corporate Management to express our concern and the concerns of people across the city feel at the announcement that they will close their Derry facility.

Council sends its solidarity to BT workers and their families and commits to do everything we can to support them.

Council will meet with the CWU to offer our support.

READ NEXT: Closure of BT office in Derry would be devastating blow, says Eastwood

Council requests the Economy Minister and Invest NI work with Council and the trade union to do everything possible to support workers and employment here.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr, who chaired the meeting added: News from BT Group regarding the proposed closure of their Derry office is deeply concerning.

My immediate thoughts are with the 140 individuals and their families who are directly impacted by this announcement.

While BT Group outlines their rationale for this decision, citing a modernisation programme and consolidation of their estate, the potential loss of these jobs in our city is a significant blow.

Our city has a skilled and dedicated workforce and we will work tirelessly to mitigate the impact of this proposed closure and to continue attracting and retaining quality jobs in our city.

I will be following up with BT Group directly to express these concerns and to advocate for them to reconsider their decision and to take all the necessary steps to protect those impacted in our community.
The proposed closure of BTs office in Londonderry would be devastating for the city, the MP for the area has said.

Colum Eastwood was speaking after the telecoms company announced a consultation with the Derry workforce on a closure plan.

Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said 140 jobs were at risk.

BT has said some workers will be given the opportunity to relocate to its main Northern Ireland operation, at Riverside Tower in Belfast city centre.

Stormonts Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald said she had met with BT and told them the plans are contrary to her drive for regional balance.

It is understood BT considers the Derry office premises no longer fit for purpose.

This is devastating news for BT workers, their families and the broader local economy in Derry, said SDLP representative Mr Eastwood.

At a time when we need to be investing more in jobs and opportunities in our city, the proposed loss of these jobs will have a serious impact.

I am in touch with senior leaders at BT about these plans and am relaying the outrage in Derry that staff and the whole community will be feeling.

Relocating these roles to India and Belfast is a mistake, it makes regional economic imbalances worse and its a direct transfer of opportunity from our city to other places that do not need it.

I will be raising this matter directly with ministers in London and Belfast.

Both have indicated their commitment to addressing the opportunity gap and its time that they put their money where their mouth is.

Ms Archibald said the move by BT was deeply disappointing.

She said: As a significant employer in Derry for many years, this announcement will be of real concern to BT workers and the wider local community.

I met with the company this afternoon and made clear that these plans are entirely contrary to my drive for regional balance.

I offered the support of my department and Invest NI to retain the jobs in Derry but unfortunately the company is proceeding with its consultation.

Invest NI will however be working with staff affected to offer retraining and to help them with other job opportunities.

Sinn Fein MLA for the area Padraig Delargy said: Its extremely concerning that BT is planning to move jobs out of Derry to Belfast and overseas.

I want to extend my full solidarity to the workers affected by this decision.

At a time when the north west is growing as an exciting place to live, work and study in, BTs announcement flies in the face of the economic consensus which is to create regional balance.

Most importantly, it is a hugely concerning announcement for workers and their families.

In a statement, a BT Group spokesperson said: BT is going through an ambitious modernisation programme and consolidating buildings within its estate from more than 300 to closer to 30, modern workspaces.

We are considering closing our office in Derry-Londonderry and we are consulting with colleagues and their unions on our proposals.

Where appropriate, people will be given the opportunity to relocate to other roles at our Riverside Tower office in Belfast, which benefited from a multi-million pound refurbishment in 2023 and which is home to around 2,000 people.

Benefiting from a state-of-the-art workplace, there are also greater career opportunities within a larger location for colleagues. Theres no impact to customers from these proposals.

The spokesperson added: BT Group remains committed to Northern Ireland, building full fibre broadband further and faster than anyone else.
The Government has moved to secure the option of challenging a court ruling that found it was acting unlawfully in failing to order a public inquiry into the murder of a Gaelic Games official in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has sought leave for a Supreme Court appeal over the Sean Brown case.

Mr Benn has not confirmed he ultimately intends to take the case to the Supreme Court, but has applied for protective leave to appeal to the UKs highest court if he believes that course of action to be necessary.

The deadline for making such an application is later this week.

Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill has branded the Governments move cruel and inhumane.

Mr Benn has also applied to the Court of Appeal in Belfast for further time to consider its judgment in the Brown case.

He has indicated the outcome of that application, and what transpires during any subsequent extension, if one is granted, will determine his decision making in respect of a Supreme Court challenge.

Mr Brown, 61, the chairman of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA club in Co Londonderry, was ambushed, kidnapped and murdered by loyalist paramilitaries as he locked the gates of the club in May 1997.

No-one has ever been convicted of his killing.

At the start of April, three judges at the Court of Appeal in Belfast said the Governments failure to order a public inquiry into the murder cannot stand and gave Mr Benn four weeks to reflect upon the judgment.

Mr Benn has now asked the judges for more time to consider their ruling.

He had brought the case to the Court of Appeal to challenge an earlier ruling by a High Court judge that he must set up a public inquiry into the killing.

The Northern Ireland Secretary contends the case involves a key constitutional principle of who should order public inquiries, the Government or the judiciary.

In regard to Mr Browns murder, Mr Benn argues the case could instead be dealt with by a new Troubles investigatory body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

Last year, a coroner halted an inquest into the killing, expressing concern that his ability to examine the case had been compromised by the extent of confidential state material being excluded from the proceedings on national security grounds.

Preliminary inquest proceedings had already heard that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents.

It had also been alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning.

The Court of Appeal judges said the limitations of the ICRIR to deal with cases such as Mr Browns killing are apparent.

The panel of judges said the commission, as it is currently established, is not equipped to deal with cases which involve sensitive material.

Mr Benn has vowed to implement reforms to ensure the new truth recovery body is capable of carrying out an independent and rigorous investigation into the murder of Mr Brown.

The ICRIR was established as part of the previous governments contentious Legacy Act.

Mr Benn is repealing the Act but is retaining the ICRIR, stating that he wants to improve its disclosure regime and, in specific circumstances, enable the commission to hold public hearings.

The Labour MP had faced vocal calls, including from Mr Browns widow Bridie, not to challenge the Court of Appeal ruling and move to set up an inquiry.

However, on Wednesday Mr Benn filed applications with the Court of Appeal seeking an extension of time for decision making and seeking protective leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The murder of Sean Brown nearly 28 years ago was brutal and despicable and it has caused deep pain and anguish to Mrs Brown, her family, and many in the wider community, he said.

I know that this has been exacerbated by the time it has taken to find answers.

As I have said many times, I am committed to ensuring that there is a full, thorough and independent Article 2-compliant investigation into the murder of Sean Brown.

I am taking steps to repeal and replace the previous governments Legacy Act to ensure that we have a legacy system that is capable of delivering for all families who lost loved ones during the Troubles, and who are seeking answers.

It is clear that the detailed judgment requires a full and considered response.

I have therefore today asked the Court of Appeal for more time to consider it and the terms of the declaration. This will allow me to receive comprehensive advice that responds in full to the issues the court has identified.

Also, given the approaching deadline from the court for requesting leave to appeal, I have today asked the court for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, in case that should ultimately be necessary.

These steps will not delay the Governments determination to take the necessary steps to ensure that the system for dealing with legacy is human rights-compliant and can command the confidence of victims and families.

Ms ONeill responded: At the Court of Appeal, Lady Chief Justice Keegan was unequivocal in her remarks, saying that the decision to refuse a public inquiry cannot stand and is unlawful and in breach of Article 2 obligations.

It is an affront to the basic principles of truth and justice that Keir Starmers government is threatening to once again drag Bridie Brown and her family back to court.

As Bridie Brown previously said, five High Court judges have instructed the British government to do the right thing, yet it seems hellbent on denying her family a public inquiry.

This cruel and inhumane act is just the latest example of British government political cynicism  blocking the right of families to access truth and justice.

She added: This will only add further insult to the Brown family who, unlike the British government, have led with courage and dignity in their fight for answers into Sean Browns murder.

These cruel actions undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.

SDLP leader Claire Hanna said: Seans widow Bridie is 87 years of age and it is heartbreaking what she and the whole Brown family have been through to get answers around their beloved husband and fathers death.

To continue to deny that to them is simply wrong and its disgraceful that the UK government continues to prioritise keeping secrets for those responsible for murder over the rights of victims and their families.

A spokesperson for Irelands deputy premier Simon Harris said he would continue to raise the Brown case in engagements with the UK government.

The spokesperson said: As the Tanaiste said to the Secretary of State in private last week and again in their joint press conference, the Brown family have waited too long to find out the truth of what happened to Sean Brown.

We are approaching the 28th anniversary of his murder. In the absence of an effective investigation into his death  which the UK government agrees has not yet taken place  the passage of time makes this increasingly pressing.

Bridie Brown has shown enormous strength in pursuing this case through every available channel.
Apple's Chinese supplier Luxshare hits US$37 billion milestone, breaks iPhone dependency

Shenzhen-based Luxshare Precision defied global headwinds in 2024, delivering robust earnings that underscored its leadership in precision manufacturing and its growing influence in China's high-end tech supply chain.

Luxshare reported revenue of CNY268.8 billion (US$36.85 billion) for 2024, a 15.9% increase compared to the previous year, with net income rising 22% to CNY13.4 billion. The growth trajectory continued into the first quarter of 2025, as revenue rose 17.9% to CNY61.8 billion and net income jumped 23.2% to CNY3.04 billion.

Consumer electronics remained Luxshare's revenue cornerstone in 2024, generating CNY224.1 billion, a 13.7% increase. The company continued to lead in OEM manufacturing, particularly for Apple, while steadily scaling up its ODM capabilities, according to Cninfo data.

Luxshare's vertically integrated supply chain, from components to system integration, now supports a rapidly expanding portfolio that includes AR/VR glasses, wearables, smart home devices, and advanced audio gear.

Bloomberg Intelligence analysts Sean Chen, Steven Tseng, and Charles Shum noted that Luxshare's double-digit sales growth has been driven by increased iPhone-related orders and rapid expansion in non-smartphone segments.

Apple accounted for 70.7% of Luxshare's 2024 revenue, down from 75.2% the previous yeara sign of diversification. Analysts say its China-based iPhone production helps buffer the impact of US tariffs.

Strategic M&A accelerates diversification beyond Apple

To diversify beyond Apple, Luxshare initiated a series of acquisitions in late 2024, including a deal with Wingtech Technology for assets tied to consumer electronics integration. The acquired businesses had served clients such as Qualcomm, MediaTek, Intel, AMD, Samsung, Lenovo, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Honor, broadening Luxshare's exposure to non-Apple markets, according to Sina.

In March 2025, Luxshare signed a second agreement with Wingtech to acquire Kunming Wenxun Industrial and related assets, enhancing its system integration capabilities. The company plans to use its manufacturing and R&D platform to scale non-Apple ODM operations and seize new commercial opportunities.

"Luxshare's share gains in iPhone assembly may offset softness in China's iPhone market," Bloomberg's Sean Chen wrote, adding that its moves into automotive and AI infrastructure could yield stronger long-term contributions, despite their current scale.

Automotive, data center, and AI-enabled hardware drive growth

In 2024, Luxshare's automotive electronics revenue jumped 48.7% to CNY13.8 billion. The company supplies core vehicle systemssuch as wiring harnesses, connectors, smart cockpits, ADAS modules, and powertrain electronicsto leading Chinese and global automakers.

In September 2024, Luxshare moved to acquire a 50.1% stake in Germany's Leoni AG, a legacy player in automotive wiring systems. The deal is expected to strengthen R&D collaboration, supply chain integration, and global client access, particularly for Chinese EV brands expanding overseas.

Communications and data center revenue rose 26.3% to CNY18.4 billion, driven by AI-fueled demand for computing and next-generation infrastructure. Luxshare now provides modular, customized components for AI servers, supporting top telecom operators and computing centers.

AI is increasingly embedded in Luxshare's consumer devices, from smart glasses and TWS earbuds to AI-powered speakers, locks, and robotic vacuums. The generative AI boom is expected to trigger a new product upgrade cycle, fueling further growth.

Outlook: steady growth with a broader base

For 2025, Luxshare aims to reinforce its capabilities in smart manufacturing and vertical integration while expanding its footprint across the electronics value chain, from R&D and design to assembly and delivery. Post-acquisition integration will be key to scaling ODM and growing its non-Apple customer base.

Bloomberg Intelligence projects 2025% net income growth for Luxshare in the first half of 2025, citing solid iPhone order momentum, customer diversification, and improved margins from scaling and mix optimization.

Though Apple remains a key customer, Luxshare's expanding global footprint and AI-infused product strategy signal its evolution from an Apple-dependent supplier to a diversified global electronics contender.

Article edited by Jerry Chen
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SEATTLE  Sam's Club, part of Walmart, closed its North Seattle big-box store in 2018. CBRE was the last known broker. Costco floated plans four years ago to claim the building at 13550 Aurora Ave. N., but didn't proceed.

Beginning last fall, WinCo Foods entered the permit process to lease the 144,776-square-foot-building. SEPA review is evidently required. The city recently deemed WinCo's permit application to be complete, and the public comment period ended today.





. . .
The Government has mounted an attack on low-paid workers, the deputy leader of the Social Democrats has said.

Cian OCallaghans comments come after it was reported that the Government is delaying the introduction of a living wage until 2029.

Speaking during Leaders Questions on Wednesday, he drew a comparison between the Governments treatment of senior leadership in semi-State organisations and its policies for low-paid workers.

Mr OCallaghan said: Not content with creating a new 430,000 euro post for the housing czar, this Government now wants to increase pay for senior executives in semi-State organisations.

Yesterday, (Public Expenditure Minister) Jack Chambers announced plans to change rules, which will see salaries soar.

The heads of 30 semi-State bodies, from Horse Racing Ireland to RTE, are now potentially in line for massive increases.

This is despite the fact that these CEOs received a combined 75 million in pay and perks over 10 years, according to Village magazine.

He added: Strangely, even though I carefully studied the Ministers statement yesterday, I did not see any reference to economic headwinds, tariffs or global volatility.

When it comes to gold-plated salaries for those at the top, it seems these concerns are not worth mentioning. Compare that with how people on low pay are treated and the Governments shameful decision to postpone the introduction of a living wage.

Improvement in sick leave for ordinary workers has also been put on the chopping block. In a triple whammy, plans to introduce pension auto-enrolment have also been kicked down the road yet again.

While all across the county people are struggling to make ends meet, keep their homes heated, rent paid and bills from piling up, this Government has mounted a despicable attack on low-paid workers.

Mr OCallaghan said housing costs more than double the EU average, bills have increased 80% since Russian invaded Ukraine, and the prices for goods and services are 42% higher than in other European countries.

The cost of living is skyrocketing and the Government expects people to get by on 13.50 an hour. Why does this Government believe those at the top deserve bumper salary increases while low-paid workers are thrown under the bus?

In response, Taoiseach Michaeal Martin said said the minimum wage had been significantly increased over the last number of years.

Over the past three to four years, significant improvements were made to the minimum wage, workers rights and sick leave pay.

2022 was the first time a statutory right was given to employer-paid sick leave in the sick leave Act.

The Deputy made the exaggerated comment that we are engaging in despicable action again workers. Sick leave has gone from three to five days, which was introduced in January 2024.

The minimumn wage has been increasing significantly over the past number of years as a result of Government decisions  it will continue to increase.

We decided to delay going from five to seven days. On the minimum wage, the delay is in respect of matching the living wage. It will be a matter for Low Pay Commission to determine the increase.

On auto-enrolment, he said Government was going full steam ahead with its plans.

This Government, the two main parties in government, spent the last three to four years building up what was a very substantive programme in terms of getting auto-enrolment ready.

In terms of the logistics of it, payroll providers and so on, the view was that it should start with the tax year in January as opposed to September  that is all.

So let us not pretend it is some massive undermining of workers rights or anything like that.
Photo: (Front) Brendan Kelly (100 time Donor), Briege Renaghan, Patricia ORourke, Louise Pickering, Gary Kinsella, Colm Lally (Back) David McDonnell, Anthony Nelis, Ciaran McCabe, Kieran Gallagher, David Mackin, Eamon Hoey

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) held its annual Gold Drop and Porcelain Pelican Awards Ceremony for the North-East, Midlandss region on Friday 25th April, 2025 in the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, Co Meath. One hundred and fourteen 50 time Donors received their Gold Drop and twenty two 100-time Donors received their Porcelain Pelicans at the ceremony. Donors and their guests attended from counties, Cavan, North County Dublin, Kildare, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Westmeath.

Iosif Korpas, Area Manager for the Ardee Centre was MC for the ceremony and welcomed everyone including Board Members of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service and congratulated all the Donors on their significant achievements. Chief Executive Officer Orla OBrien thanked Donors from the bottom of her heart stating that donating 50 times is quite an achievement but donating 100 times is awe inspiring. In our presence on the night was father & son - 100 time donor John Egan (father) and 50 Time donor his son Conor Egan who between them donated 219 donations! Both living in Kildare - the room erupted in applause when they received their awards.

It was noted that the Ardee Centre hosted the highest number of 100 Time Donor Awards to date. It is lovely to personally meet the Donors who without their help could not benefit the many people in our hospitals every day in Ireland. The CEO presented each of the 50 Time Donors with their Gold Drop awards and the Porcelain Pelicans to the 100 Time Donors.

Read Next: Louth CE wants to enhance quality of life of citizens in the county

Mrs. Emma Gilbey spoke on behalf of her family and thanked all the Donors present from the bottom of her heart. Emma received blood before and throughout the four hours of emergency surgery that followed during the birth of her son Charlie. 13-year-old Charlie took to the podium & thanked Donors for saving his Mums life bringing the crowd to a standing ovation.

Iosif Korpas, Area Manager delivered the closing address. He thanked all the donors on their fantastic accomplishment of donating 50 and 100 times. This requires significant dedication and they are truly inspiring. Iosif also thanked Emma for sharing her powerful story, reminding us all why blood donations are always required.
The Special Criminal Court has refused bail for a man accused of conspiring to steal cars with garda killer Aaron Brady, due to concerns that he might evade justice by leaving the country.



Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, presiding at the three-judge, non-jury court, said there is a concern that James Flynn (43) could be a "flight risk" if he were allowed to take up bail.

She noted that Mr Flynn is a citizen of the United Kingdom and the United States and has started businesses in both locations.



She said there is evidence that he has the financial means to evade justice, given that he had offered a cash lodgement and independent sureties totalling more than 1 million Stg when he was arrested in the UK to be extradited to Ireland in 2021.



The court did not accept submissions from Bernard Condon SC, on behalf of Mr Flynn, that he has substantial ties that bind him to the Republic of Ireland.

READ NEXT: Jury sworn in for former Louth TD's defamation case against BBC

Ms Justice O'Connor said the court's concerns are not allayed by conditions proposed by Mr Condon, including that Mr Flynn undertake to live with his mother-in-law in Monaghan rather than return to Northern Ireland.



Considering the seriousness of the charge, the nature of the evidence relied on by the prosecution, and the likely sentence to be imposed on conviction, Ms Justice O'Connor refused to grant bail.



She listed the matter for trial on February 9, next year.



Mr Flynn, with an address in Ravensglen, Newry, Co Down was originally charged with conspiracy to steal cars at various locations in the North East.

He was further charged with participation in the robbery of the Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, Co Louth on January 25, 2013 in which Aaron Brady shot and killed Det Gda Adrian Donohoe.



The three-judge, non-jury Special Criminal Court acquitted Mr Flynn of the robbery charge but amended the conspiracy indictment to find him guilty of conspiring to steal a Volkswagen Passat from a property in Clogherhead, Co Louth in January 2013.

The same Volkswagen Passat was used as the getaway car in the Lordship robbery.



Earlier this year, the three-judge Court of Appeal quashed Mr Flynn's conviction and ordered a retrial. They found that the Special Criminal Court's decision to amend the indictment without consulting the prosecution or defence legal teams breached Mr Flynn's right to constitutional natural justice.



At Mr Flynn's bail hearing yesterday, Det Insp Mark Phillips objected to bail on the grounds that the defendant is a flight risk and due to concerns regarding the potential intimidation of witnesses.



Ms Justice O'Connor said much of the evidence regarding intimidation of witnesses related to Mr Flynn's father, Eugene Flynn Snr. She said the court was not satisfied to refuse bail on that ground.



She noted there was no evidence of witness intimidation arising from Mr Flynn's previous trial on the conspiracy charge.



Mr Flynn, who is married with two children, has spent three years and nine months in custody since his arrest in the UK and subsequent extradition to Ireland.
A motorist caught speeding at 191kph on the M1 motorway was upset at the time over his wife initiating divorce proceedings, Dundalk district court heard last week.

Ivan Josan (33) of Cedar Brook Walk, Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10 who was prosecuted for dangerous driving at Drumleck, Castlebellingham on March 11th last year and entered a guilty plea last Wednesday on the day it was listed for a contested hearing.

A member of the Roads Policing Unit was conducting a speed enforcement checkpoint shortly after 5pm, when he detected a Toyota Avensis travelling at 191 kph where a 120kph limit applies.

He was overtaking other vehicles at the time.

The court heard the Moldovan national had no previous convictions.

His barrister, who had said when the case was called that there was no application to reduce the charge, as it falls squarely into the dangerous driving category, told the court his client lives a pro-social life but had received a phone call from his wife to serve divorce proceedings on him and he was upset.

Read Next: Louth CE wants to enhance quality of life of citizens in the county

He added he is a father of three children, who as a result of the breakdown of his relationship, now live in Moldova, while he works in construction in Leixlip.

Judge Nicola Jane Andrews said the consequences of a crash at that speed for both the defendant and other road users was "simply unthinkable."

Judge Andrews sentenced the defendant to six months, which she suspended for 48 months.

She also imposed a four year disqualification and a fine of 105.
Gerry Adams has said he liked but did not have many dealings with a British spy who was in the IRA, a Dublin court heard.

The former Louth TD and Sinn Fein president said he operated at a different level in the party to Denis Donaldson, who worked as a Sinn Fein official in Northern Ireland.

Mr Adams has launched a defamation case after claims were made in a BBC Northern Ireland Spotlight programme in 2016 over who sanctioned the killing of Mr Donaldson, who was a British spy.

Sinn Fein member Mr Donaldson, 55, was shot dead at a cottage near Glenties in Co Donegal in April 2006 after being exposed as an informer.

Mr Adams has denied the allegation that he had any involvement in ordering the murder.

Opening the case on Tuesday, barrister for Mr Adams Tom Hogan SC said the reputation of Mr Adams as a peacemaker suffered an unjustified attack due to the broadcast of the BBC programme.

At the end of the day, Mr Adams entered the witness box and described his early political awakenings in Belfast in the 1960s.

Continuing his evidence on Wednesday, Mr Adams told the court he first met Mr Donaldson in H-11 in Long Kesh.

He said Mr Donaldson was not an internee and was a sentenced prisoner who had been there a long time.

He told the court he was not sure what Mr Donaldson did after his release, but believed he did some international work before becoming an administrator for Sinn Feins Stormont team.

Asked whether he was an employee of Sinn Fein, Mr Adams replied I would say so.

I liked the guy and I knew him and I knew his wife and his daughter, Jane, but I didnt really have many dealings with him, Mr Adams said.

I would have been working at another level within the party.

He said that in 2002, a convoy of RUC landrovers arrived at Stormont, raided the Sinn Fein office and arrested Mr Donaldson and others.

The arrests were made in relation to a claim of a republican spy-ring at Stormont, which Mr Adams said was complete nonsense.

After IRA decommissioning took place in the summer of 2005, he said Mr Donaldson and others who had been arrested had the charges against them dropped in November.

But quite quickly after the charges were dropped it was revealed that he was an agent.

Mr Adams told the court: Denis Donaldson got a visit from the PSNI and he was given a piece of paper that alerted him to the fact that he was going to be named as an agent.

The only people who could have revealed that were the people who were using him, his handlers, so the special branch who he was acting as an agent for.

Mr Adams said Mr Donaldson told Declan Kearney of Sinn Fein, who then informed Mr Adams.

Mr Adams asked Mr Kearney to get in touch with Mr Donaldson and ascertain the truth of this.

He was interviewed by two senior members of the party, where Mr Donaldson acknowledged that the was an informer and he was dismissed, the court heard.

Denis acknowledged that he had been an agent and he had been an agent for 20 years, Mr Adams said.

Read Next: Louth TD says sexual abuse victims counselling records have no place in a courtroom

He said he was not in touch with Mr Donaldson after he left the party and said he was shocked when he received a phone call from the British secretary of state in April 2006 to say that Mr Donaldson had been found dead.

By the time he got in touch with Mr Donaldsons family, it had been made public that Mr Donaldson had been killed.

Personally I think that Denis Donaldson was a victim of the conflict, he told the court. I dont see any other way of describing it.

Mr Donaldsons family members observed proceedings via a videolink.
Above: Supporting Gaisce at the 40th anniversary 'Be The Arrow' launch were (L-R): Maria Walsh MEP, Majella Killeen, First Ever Gaisce Gold Awardee, Bernard Jackman, Former Ireland Rugby International, Marissa Carter, Aine Kerr, Chairperson of Gaisce & RTE Presenter, Avril Ryan, CEO of Gaisce, Sonya Lennon, TV Presenter & Designer, Entrepreneur, Aine Ni Gallachoir, Gaeilge Influencer.

President Michael D. Higgins is inviting the people of Louth to join a national celebration of Gaisce  The Presidents Award, which has empowered 649 young people in the past year alone.

Louth people of all ages are being encouraged to join the Be The Arrow: Gaisce 40th Anniversary Challenge, and take on a personal or group challenge during May. An Post has also unveiled a special Gaisce 40 postmark, which will feature on all standard letters from An Post between 12th and 25th May.

Over half a million young people have participated in Gaisce since its inception in 1985, a sign of its lasting impact, with almost 27,000 Gaisce recipients awarded in 2024 alone, the highest number since the programme began.

Be The Arrow is inspired by President Higgins inaugural speech in 2011, where he urged young people to "be the arrow, not the target." Gaisce is calling on individuals, schools, workplaces, and communities to set a challenge, push themselves, and make a difference, just as thousands of young people across Ireland have done over the past four decades.

As Patron of Gaisce, may I offer my best wishes to all those who will be participating in Be the Arrow this May, said President Higgins.

Read also: Shock as young Louth woman dies suddenly in Australia

Avril Ryan, CEO of Gaisce  The Presidents Award, says that for four decades, Gaisce has been dedicated to inspiring young people aged 14 to 25 to find purpose, set ambitious personal goals, push their limits, give back to their communities, and embrace adventure.

We regularly hear from past Gaisce Awardees, and their message is clear  Gaisce guided me at a time in my life when I needed it most. Our Be The Arrow challenge invites people of all ages to embrace that same spirit of adventure and achievement, not only to celebrate the impact of the past 40 years, but to help build momentum for the next 40 to ensure young people have every opportunity to fulfil their potential.

President Higgins added: Society is strengthened when it supports a diversity of experiences and perspectives. The promotion of an inclusive society is one to which every person can make a valuable contribution. Achieving equality is not simply about opportunities for the individual; it is also about how we change our spaces and our systems to ensure they actively drive and encourage inclusion.

Whether you missed out on doing Gaisce in school, or simply want to challenge yourself with purpose, Be The Arrow is the perfect fit. Participants can choose from:

A Volunteering Challenge  Give back to a cause, support your community with a clean-up, or volunteer your time or expertise to a local charity. A Physical Challenge  Walk, cycle, hike, swim or take on a fitness goal. A Skills Challenge  Learn something new, from painting to public speaking, sign language to improving your Irish.

Everyone who takes part and completes their challenge will receive a commemorative digital Gaisce Challenge Certificate from President Higgins, celebrating their achievement as part of the 40th anniversary.

How to Get Involved
The students from Dundalk IT's Stage 3 Intellectual Disability Nursing programme were delighted to host an event to raise awareness of 'World Down Syndrome Day' recently. The group were supported on the day by their fellow students from DkITs Skills for Independent Living (SIL) course.

This was a fun filled morning where students and staff wore odd socks and flew their Down Syndrome Ireland colours to raise awareness and an amazing 2785 for the Louth Meath Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland.

Activities on the day included ' Guess the amount of Odd Socks in the Jar', an awareness walk, light refreshments kindly donated by DKIT Hospitality, and an impressive raffle with a large array of hampers and spot prizes.

Joe Treacy, Programme Director Intellectual Disability Nursing at DkIT said: A huge congratulations to our Intellectual Disability Nursing and Skills for Independent Living (SIL) students for hosting a phenomenal fundraiser. It was fantastic to see both groups working so closely together to raise funds for an important cause like Down Syndrome Louth Meath which supports hundreds of families across both counties on a voluntary basis.

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The students presented their cheque to Ann Fallon Down Syndrome Ireland Louth Meath Branch Committee Member.

Ann said: We are deeply grateful to the DkIT Year 3 Intelletual Disabilities Nursing students for their outstanding fundraising efforts and their work with local businesses to gather spot prizes. Their generosity and hard work will directly benefit individuals with Down Syndrome in Louth and Meath, supporting programmes and activities across all age groups. It's heartening to see local students making such a meaningful impact in their own communities.
Professor Colette Henry, Head of Department of Business Studies at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) in north Louth, has been awarded two major book contracts from international academic publishers.

World-renowned publisher, Oxford University Press has appointed Colette to curate and edit their prestigious international research text  The Oxford Handbook of Entrepreneurship & Gender. Colette will commission and compile a set of detailed, extensive reviews of the field by the worlds top scholars across a range of sub-topics within the area of entrepreneurship and gender research. Entries will be authored by established scholars who are specialist researchers in their discipline area.

In addition, the award-winning, global publisher Edward Elgar has appointed Colette to lead a small team of editors to compile the Elgar Encyclopaedia of Gender & Entrepreneurship. This text will focus on short, encyclopaedic-style entries highlighting both established and emerging research areas in the field.

Read also: Louth CE wants to enhance quality of life of citizens in the county

The book will especially seek to platform early career academics or PhD students who, supported by their supervisors, are conducting international research at the vanguard of the field.

Both books will be managed in parallel and will act as major reference texts for academics and researchers worldwide.

Colette commented: I am thrilled to be awarded these two complementary contracts from such internationally renowned publishers. I see these projects as legacy texts that will serve as valuable reference points for future scholars for years to come.

"I am particularly excited to have an opportunity to work globally across international borders to learn about and highlight the excellent scholarship that is being built by research colleagues, some of whom I am yet to meet. What an honour to be part of these exciting developments.
Former Louth TD Gerry Adams reputation as a peacemaker suffered an unjustified attack when the BBC broadcast an allegation that he had sanctioned the murder of an informer, a civil case has been told.

Barrister for Mr Adams, Tom Hogan SC, accused the BBC of reckless and arrogant behaviour, and believing it could say anything about Mr Adams.

The former Sinn Fein president entered the witness box at the end of the first day of the defamation case in Dublin High Court, where he described his early political awakenings in Belfast in the 1960s.

The ex-TD launched the case after claims were made in a BBC Northern Ireland Spotlight programme in 2016 over who sanctioned the killing of British spy Denis Donaldson.

Sinn Fein member Mr Donaldson, 55, was shot dead at a cottage near Glenties in Co Donegal in April 2006 after being exposed as an informer.

Mr Adams has denied the allegation that he had any involvement in ordering the murder.

Making his opening statement to the jury, Mr Hogan said Mr Adams needed no introduction.

He said: He is credited, with others, in bringing about the peace process in Northern Ireland.

The barrister added: Gerry Adams reputation is that of a peacemaker.

It has taken Gerry Adams a lifetime to gain that reputation.

The essence of this case is an unjustified attack on his reputation.

The barrister told the jury that Mr Adams had been meeting Tony Blair in London when Mr Donaldson, who had admitted being a British agent, was killed in 2006.

He said the Provisional IRA had said it was not involved in the murder and that it had later been claimed by the Real IRA.

He said years later in 2016, Mr Adams had received a letter out of the blue from BBC Spotlight journalist Jennifer OLeary. Mr Adams had been asked to respond to allegations that he had the final say on sanctions taken by the IRA against Mr Donaldson.

Following a second letter, Mr Adams responded to the BBC that he had no knowledge or involvement in the murder.

The court heard the BBC Spotlight programme was broadcast in September 2016.

Mr Hogan said it contained a claim from an anonymous source, who said they were an informer within the IRA, that Mr Adams had the final say in the killing of Mr Donaldson.

The barrister said the same allegation was made in a story on the BBC website the following day.

Mr Hogan said the allegation that Mr Adams had sanctioned the murder was not true.

He said the BBC would not be standing over the allegation that the former Sinn Fein president sanctioned the murder of Mr Donaldson during the ongoing case.

He said: This case will proceed on the basis that the allegation is false.

He said the BBC would also contend that the allegation did not damage Mr Adams reputation.

The barrister told the jury: You will have no difficulty coming to a decision on what the article meant, the allegation is front and centre, both in the programme and in the article.

The barrister said it was a journalistic no-no for the BBC to broadcast serious allegations about Mr Adams relying on a single anonymous source.

He said: It was never put to the anonymous source that Gerry Adams denied involvement.

We say the BBC did not undertake the level of verification required or indeed any verification.

He added: This programme should have come with a serious health warning that the allegation was unverified.

It was reckless journalism.

He said: Many people say many things about Gerry Adams and he may have sued before, but over time he has let matters go, usually on legal advice.

But he wasnt willing to let this matter pass.

Mr Hogan said there was an arrogance from the BBC that it could say anything about Gerry Adams, including calling him a murderer.

The barrister said Mr Adams was a polarising character.

He added: To some he is a hero, to some he is not.

Mr Adams was then called as the first witness.

He told the court about his early upbringing in Belfast, his involvement in the civil rights movement and the beginning of the Troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1960s.

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Earlier in the day judge Mr Justice Alexander Owens said the trial is likely to last four weeks.

Speaking to the media as he arrived at court, Mr Adams said he was seeking to see the record corrected.

He said if he was offered compensation he would donate it to good causes.

A number of senior BBC NI representatives, including Northern Ireland director Adam Smyth attended the court.

Mr Adams, 76, stepped down as Sinn Fein president in 2018 after 34 years at the helm.

He served as an MP for west Belfast and represented Co Louth in the Dail for nine years until the 2020 general election, when he retired from politics.

Mr Adams will resume giving evidence on Wednesday.
Tanaiste Simon Harris has today welcomed the election of Louth's Mairead McGuinness as Vice-President of the European Peoples Party (EPP).

McGuinness began her political career in 2004 when she was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the East constituency, representing the Fine Gael party. She was re-elected in 2009, 2014, and 2019, serving a total of 16 years. During her tenure, she was a member of the European People's Party and served on committees such as Agriculture and Rural Development, and Environment, Public Health and Food Safety .

In 2014, McGuinness was elected Vice-President of the European Parliament and was promoted to First Vice-President in 2017, a position she held until 2020. In October 2020, she was appointed European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services, and the Capital Markets Union, serving until November 2024 .

Speaking after the vote, the Tanaiste said: I am delighted that Mairead McGuinness has been elected by her colleagues from across Europe to serve as a Vice President of the EPP.

The overwhelming level of support that Mairead received underlines the high regard she is held in across Europe being elected alongside other EU Prime Ministers and EU Commissioners.

Maireads election is also a vote of confidence in the Fine Gael party. Fine Gael has not held a Vice Presidency position since the election of Minister Helen McEntee to the role in 2019. When I was elected leader of Fine Gael last year, I stated that one of my key priorities was increasing Fine Gaels engagement with the EPP and regaining the Vice Presidency position within the party.

Fine Gael is the party of Europe in Ireland, the party was a founding member of the EPP in 1976. Mairead follows in the footsteps of Fine Gael public representatives serving at the highest levels of the EU political infrastructure.

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Mairead will bring a wealth of experience and a respected voice to this role where she will help shape the polices of the biggest political party in Europe.

Following her election, Ms. McGuinness said: I am very grateful to my EPP colleagues for expressing confidence in me to serve as their Vice President. The EU faces significant uncertainty given current geopolitical instability at present and therefore Irelands voice at the heart of the EPP has never been more important.

I want to thank all my colleagues who expressed confidence in me today by electing me to this position. I look forward to beginning my work immediately.

Senator Eileen Lynch, International Secretary of Fine Gael said: Im pleased that Mairead has been elected as Vice President of the EPP. Fine Gael is a long-standing member of the EPP family and it is vital that we again have a seat at the table. These are challenging times for the EU politically, so it is incredibly important that Fine Gael continues to provide a strong Irish voice within the EPP.
Louth Sinn Fein TD Joanna Byrne has renewed calls for a new ambulance station in Drogheda, citing what she said were deplorable and unsafe conditions in the current ambulance base.

Among the many issues the paramedics have had to contend with are subsidence, the presence of mould, the lack of security on site and paramedics having no space to rest on their breaks. Deputy Byrne told the Dail that the station has long-standing infrastructural issues and lies in a state of significant disrepair.

She further claimed that despite the HSE knowing this for a number of years, there has been little visible investment to provide what should be a very basic resource and home base for such a crucial life-saving service.

Speaking in the house Deputy Byrne said action is urgently needed on behalf of the 14 personnel currently based there."

She continued: "I've asked for the Minister to undertake an inspection of this station herself and I'd appreciate if that's brought back to her. I'd ask for her to personally keep an eye on whether these works will be carried out as soon as necessary.

"I did ask already that the Minister engage with the National Ambulance Services on a potential new site for this station. This was mooted a few years ago, there was a couple of false dawns, but to date there is no concrete confirmation that a new site will be provided. We're flushing money down the toilet in my view on repairs. I visited this depot, it's in a severe state of disrepair and it's not fit for purpose to house the frontline services that's needed."

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Deputy Byrne told media afterwards: The Minister cant commit to providing a new site, I appreciate that, but theres an onus on her and Government to intervene here and she can seek clarity from the National Ambulance Service as to where they are on that issue and encourage engagement and dialogue between NAS and the HSE.

I intend to pursue this issue until it is fully resolved and Drogheda, the largest town in the Country and next City of Ireland has a fully functioning, safe, fit-for-purpose station for the Ambulance personnel in this area to work out of."
A probe into a missing Kerry farmer has been upgraded to a homicide investigation, An Garda Siochana has said.

Gardai said there is a person or people who know what happened to Michael Mike Gaine more than five weeks ago.

Mr Gaine, 56, was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on Friday March 21.

He was last seen the previous day in Kenmare town buying phone credit in the Centra shop at 9.48am.

In the five weeks since his disappearance, Gardai said they had gathered around 2,200 hours of CCTV and dashcam footage, taken nearly 130 witness statements and carried out over 320 formal jobs/inquiries.

Irish troops and the Garda Water Unit were also involved in search efforts in recent weeks, and checkpoints were held a week after his disappearance to help gather information that would aid the investigation.

Based on the entirety of the information available to the investigation team at Killarney Garda station, An Garda Siochana can confirm today Tuesday, April 29 2025 that this missing person investigation has now been reclassified as a homicide investigation, and a formal criminal investigation has now commenced, Gardai said in a statement.

Mr Gaines family are being kept fully informed and have been updated on the announcement of a homicide investigation, gardai said.

Despite carrying out extensive inquiries, Mr Gaines remains have not been recovered.

Gardai are seeking information from anyone who can assist us in bringing Michael back to his family.

There are person or persons who know what happened on the 20th of March 2025.

Anyone with information they have not yet been able to share with gardai, or did not mention in previous garda statements, is being asked to contact the Garda Investigation Team.

Gardai said they would treat any information received in the strictest confidence.

The Garda Investigation Team can be contacted at Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or people can speak to a member of their local Garda station.
Younger generations should not be afraid of economic uncertainty facing Europe due to US tariffs, former taoiseach Enda Kenny has said as he predicted Ireland will weather this storm.

Mr Kenny, a former leader of Fine Gael, made the remarks after being awarded an honorary doctorate by Dublin City University (DCU) on Wednesday.

The doctor of philosophy (honoris causa) is the highest award DCU can bestow.

Mr Kenny became taoiseach in 2011, following the economic crash of late 2008 and the subsequent bailout and austerity measures which saw support for Fianna Fail collapse.

He held the role until 2017 and was credited at the DCU ceremony for taking a leading role in decisions which led to a faster-than-expected recovery from the economic hardship.

The EU is currently attempting to negotiate with the US during a 90-day suspension of sweeping 20% tariffs imposed on exports from the bloc by President Donald Trump.

A lower baseline 10% tariff remains in place.

Mr Trumps tariff regime has prompted significant concern over jobs, future investment and growth in Ireland.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Mr Kenny said: The Government here have taken a very clear line on this  and Ireland will weather this storm. I have no doubt.

Because if were good at anything, it is about relationships with others. We are a member, and a central member, of the European Union, and clearly the geopolitics has now changed, and Europe will strengthen its position across all sectors.

While there are serious challenges here now, there are also immense opportunities. So for the young generation, I would say: Dont be afraid of this, because in previous times, previous generations faced with what were seemingly overwhelming problems  and yet you come through that.

You moved from a position back in 2011 of being practically junk status to within a decade becoming one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

So you now face challenges of that nature  of a first world country.

While the politics have certainly changed dramatically, Ireland as an entity, as a country and as a member of the European Union I have no doubt will look at the challenges that we face and make the right decisions in the interests of our people, the people of the European Union, and in our part that we have to play as a global player.

Asked what advice he would give to the current Government based on his own previous interactions with Mr Trump, Mr Kenny said: I met President Trump in the Oval Office in 2017

and I reminded him that the waters that divide us were the waters that brought the Irish to freedom economically, and the Africans to slavery  and that [Saint] Patrick was an immigrant.

He noted some of Americas leading companies are made up of people who were immigrants into the US, and added: Obviously, this president is very different, but his decisions are part of what the American people voted for  but maybe not to that extent.

But in any event, you know Ireland as a political country, as part of the European Union, will play its part in leading into the future  and whatever that future holds, and whatever its challenges, youve got to meet them and make arrangements with the best interest of your people.

Meanwhile, Mr Kenny reiterated he has no intention whatsoever of contesting the upcoming Irish presidential election.

I always enjoyed visiting Aras an Uachtarain  I never had an intention of seeking to become a tenant there.

That requires a very particular personality, and for me, who had the privilege and the honour of being taoiseach twice, I would have no intention whatsoever of competing for the presidency.

Speaking at the conferring ceremony on Wednesday, DCU president Professor Daire Keogh said: Enda Kenny displayed steadfast leadership during a time of national economic crisis.

Under his government, Ireland exited the bailout programme ahead of schedule and saw a strong economic rebound, while avoiding the social unrest seen in other European countries at that time.

As a statesman, his keen diplomatic skills succeeded in gathering the strong support of our EU partners for Irelands position during the Brexit negotiations, notably gaining consensus that a hard border in Ireland would threaten peace. This stance had a lasting impact, protecting Irish interests well beyond his term.
The daughter of murdered MP Sir David Amess has accused Kneecap of gaslighting in the rap groups apology and said it would be very dangerous for the group to perform at Glastonbury.

Video has emerged from a November 2023 gig appearing to show one member of the group saying: The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.

In an interview with the PA news agency, Katie Amess said it is right that the Metropolitan Police are assessing the footage, adding that her father would still be here if officers had followed through and looked into threats against him.

Ms Amess said she was absolutely heartbroken after seeing the clip because it brought back so much pain and upset, and called for the group to take full accountability before being allowed to perform on stage.

Kneecap denied inciting violence, calling the clip deliberately taken out of context, but did say: To the Amess and Cox families, we send our heartfelt apologies.

Tory Sir David was stabbed to death in 2021, and Labour MP Jo Cox died after being stabbed and shot in 2016.

Ms Amess told PA that the Kneecap statement suggested the trio had been badly advised because it was deflection and excuses and gaslighting.

She said: It was absurd, thats not an apology. Its deflection, it is not taking accountability, its making excuses.

They dont understand what theyre talking about, they obviously arent educated enough in what theyre speaking about to think that they can use those excuses and everybody will be like, oh, never mind, lets move on to something else.

Ms Amess called on the group to apologise directly to those they had offended.

The Metropolitan Police are assessing the footage, along with a video clip from another concert in November 2024 in which a member of the band appeared to shout up Hamas, up Hezbollah  groups which are banned as terrorist organisations in the UK.

Ms Amess said Scotland Yard should absolutely investigate the matter, adding: If the police had followed through and looked into threats against my dad the night before the murder, my dad would still be here.

So we cant wait until after the act and then say, oh dear, lessons will be learned. No, lessons are never learned.

When these things happen, when theres a warning, when theres an incitement to do this, we have to get ahead of these things in order to prevent loss of innocent lives. And if wed have done that with my dad, he would still be here.

Ms Amess also said that Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch may be correct in saying that the group should be banned full stop.

She said: I think we need to let the police do an investigation.

I think that maybe Kemi is right. I dont know all the ins and outs of all the history of other stuff that they have said, so I dont want to speak out of line.

But the police definitely need to investigate and there needs to be criminal action against them.

And then if we find that, yeah, they really are spouting this kind of rhetoric and they dont understand the consequences, and this has happened consistently and theyre not taking accountability, then perhaps, yes, but we should investigate first.

Ministers are putting pressure on the organisers of the Glastonbury Festival over the bands inclusion in the line-up.

Ms Amess said: For them to get up on stage in front of millions of people, who knows what theyre going to say, it could be very, very dangerous.

Sir David, 69, was stabbed to death by Ali Harbi Ali at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on October 15 2021.

The MP, a father of five, had been holding a surgery in his Southend West constituency when he was attacked by Ali, who was sentenced to a whole-life prison term for the murder in 2022.

A series of threatening phone calls were made to the adult son of the veteran MP the evening before the murder, which police said were not linked in any way to the attack.

Ms Amess has called for a full inquest into his death, saying there are still unanswered questions about why the police did not protect his constituency surgery after the threats.
Gerry Adams has said he liked but did not have many dealings with a British spy who was killed, a Dublin court heard.

The former Sinn Fein president said that Denis Donaldson was a victim of the conflict and said the people who he was acting as an informer for had viewed him as expendable.

Mr Adams has begun a defamation case after claims were made in a BBC Northern Ireland Spotlight programme in 2016 about who sanctioned the killing of Mr Donaldson, who was a British spy.

Sinn Fein member Mr Donaldson, 55, was shot dead at a cottage near Glenties in Co Donegal in April 2006, months after being exposed as an informer.

Mr Adams has denied the allegation that he had any involvement in ordering the murder.

Opening the case on Tuesday, barrister for Mr Adams, Tom Hogan SC, said the reputation of Mr Adams as a peacemaker suffered an unjustified attack because of the broadcast of the BBC programme.

At the end of the day Mr Adams entered the witness box and described his early political awakenings in Belfast in the 1960s.

Continuing his evidence on Wednesday, Mr Adams told the court he first met Mr Donaldson in H-11 in Long Kesh prison.

He said Mr Donaldson was not an internee and was a sentenced prisoner who had been there a long time.

He told the court he was not sure what Mr Donaldson did after his release, but believed he did some international work before becoming an administrator for Sinn Feins Stormont team.

Asked whether he was an employee of Sinn Fein, Mr Adams replied I would say so.

I liked the guy and I knew him and I knew his wife and his daughter, Jane, but I didnt really have many dealings with him, Mr Adams said.

I would have been working at another level within the party.

He said that in 2002, a convoy of RUC Land Rovers arrived at Stormont, raided the Sinn Fein office and arrested Mr Donaldson and others.

The arrests were made in relation to a claim of a republican spy-ring at Stormont, which Mr Adams said was complete nonsense.

After IRA decommissioning took place in the summer of 2005, he said Mr Donaldson and others who had been arrested had the charges against them dropped.

But quite quickly after the charges were dropped it was revealed that he was an agent.

Mr Adams told the court: Denis Donaldson got a visit from the PSNI and he was given a piece of paper that alerted him to the fact that he was going to be named as an agent.

The only people who could have revealed that were the people who were using him, his handlers, so the special branch who he was acting as an agent for.

Mr Adams said Mr Donaldson told Declan Kearney, of Sinn Feins branch in Northern Ireland, who then informed Mr Adams.

Mr Adams asked Mr Kearney to get in touch with Mr Donaldson and ascertain the truth of this.

He was interviewed by two senior members of the party, Mr Donaldson acknowledged that he was an informer, and he was dismissed, the court heard.

Denis acknowledged that he had been an agent and he had been an agent for 20 years, Mr Adams said.

He said he was not in touch with Mr Donaldson after he left the party, and said he was shocked when he received a phone call from the British secretary of state in April 2006 to say that Mr Donaldson had been found dead.

By the time he got in touch with Mr Donaldsons family, it had been made public that Mr Donaldson had been killed.

Personally I think that Denis Donaldson was a victim of the conflict, he told the court. I dont see any other way of describing it.

Mr Donaldsons family members watched proceedings via videolink.

Mr Adams also described political and civil developments in Northern Ireland during the 1970s and 1980s during proceedings on Wednesday.

I do think the IRA was a legitimate response to what was happening at the time, he said.

Thats not to say that everything they did was legitimate.

His voice appeared to tremble at one point, as he spoke about the demands of the 1981 hunger strikers to wear their own clothes and receive an education.

None of them wanted to die, he said.

He said that afterwards, he began speaking to Fr Alec Reid about an alternative way forward.

If we want the IRA to stop we have to produce an alternative, he said.

Lets get an alternative, and that became my mantra for a number of years, he said.
Cork Airport is set to welcome 62,500 passengers over the May Bank Holiday weekend, a 20% increase compared to the same weekend in 2024.

It comes as An Taoiseach Micheal Martin will visit Cork Airport this Friday to launch the airports 200m Capital Development Plan. The new plan which, according to a Cork Airport spokesperson will be the most significant and largest investment by daa in the airport in more than 20 years, charts the course for its future growth and expansion.

Cork Airport is set to welcome 62,500 passengers over the May Bank Holiday weekend, a 20% increase compared to the same weekend in 2024.

May at Cork Airport will see Aer Lingus resume its twice weekly service to Dubrovnik, Ryanair resuming its twice weekly service to Alghero (Sardinia), and TUI restarting its weekly services to Reus, Lanzarote and Palma de Mallorca.

There will also be three new summer routes starting next month, with TUIs new service to Corfu starting on May 9; Aer Lingus new service to Bordeaux starting on May 15, and SunExpress new service to Izmir commencing on May 31.

Niall MacCarthy, managing director at Cork Airport, said that as the May Bank Holiday weekend arrives, summer season at the airport is very much on the radar.

Flower planting at Cork Airport Pic: Brian Lougheed

Its great to see our airport growing strongly and passengers throughout the south of Ireland choosing to use Irelands fastest growing airport.

Ahead of a busy bank holiday weekend, we recommend that passengers arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before their flight and most importantly, to pre book their car parking online on corkairport.com, where the best value and rates can be found across all three of our car parks.

In 2024, Cork Airport welcomed 3.1 million passengers from across more than 50 routes to the UK and continental Europe, with the airport forecasting that there will be even stronger growth for 2025.

According to Cork Airport, the busiest day of the May Bank Holiday weekend is expected to be Sunday, May 4.
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has threatened to withdraw co-operation from planning for the policing of Irelands EU presidency next year.

The association, which represents almost 13,000 frontline gardai, passed a motion at its annual conference yesterday, saying it will not attend policing planning meetings for the presidency until issues over suspension and entitlements have been resolved.

Ireland will hold the EU presidency from July to December 2026, and during that period, Irish ministers will be responsible for chairing meetings of the EU Council and steering its legislative and policy agenda.

The GRA annual conference, which is being held in Killarney, heard speaker after speaker agree with the motion that the GRA not attend meetings with Garda management to plan for policing of Irelands six-month presidency.

The motions proposal was said to be in response to failures to progress issues impacting on our members, including ongoing attempts to reduce conditions of employment and the continued refusal to engage in meaningful consultation on issues critical to welfare and wellbeing.

Those matters were listed as subsistence and travel rates; ongoing attempts to reduce injury on duty entitlements; and an agreed suspension policy reflecting input and consultation with the association.

Brendan OConnor, delegate for the Donegal division and former GRA president, said that once again gardai will be asked to don the green jersey, leaving their own districts to police EU presidency events, but he warned that the flexibility of rank-and-file members could not be taken for granted.

He said members were working on subsistence and travel rates from years ago.

He raised concerns about the lengthy suspensions of gardai as well as concerns about entitlements for gardai who become injured on duty.

He said there was a need for Garda management to look at international best practice in relation to suspension of personnel.

For the second year in a row, the GRA has not invited Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to address the conference, and, as a result, justice minister Jim OCallaghan has declined an invitation to attend.

In a statement issued through the Garda Press Office, Garda management said the commissioner would have dealt directly with the concerns of GRA members at the GRA conference, but the GRA executive had decided to deny him that opportunity.
A software company has announced an expansion of its Cork base with the creation of 50 new jobs.

Canto, a provider of digital asset management is to expand operastions at its innovation centre in Cork, based in South Mall in the city centre, with plans to grow the office as part of the companys global product development strategy.

The project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Minister for enterprise, tourism and employment Peter Burke TD said: The Irish Government supports Canto's expansion in Cork, creating 50 new jobs. This investment underscores our dedication to innovation and technological advancement, reinforcing Ireland's position as a leader in AI and software development.

"The Cork region, with its strong educational institutions like University College Cork and Munster Technological University, provides an excellent environment for fostering innovation and developing specialised talent, and IDA Ireland provides invaluable support to companies seeking to utilise this ecosystem. We look forward to Canto's continued growth and positive impact."

Wain Kellum, CEO of Canto said: As we continue to expand our global engineering efforts, Ireland is proving to be an essential part of our success story. Our continued expansion underscores our confidence in the exceptional technical talent and innovation ecosystem here.

Our Cork operations will play a pivotal role in driving next-generation product development and supporting customers across the entire content ecosystem  from creation to delivery.

Cork will serve as a strategic European hub for several core initiatives by the company.

CEO of IDA Ireland Michael Lohan said: "Cantos decision to grow its presence in Cork is a strong endorsement of the countrys reputation as a leading hub for innovative technology companies. Our deep talent pool, stable business environment, and strong track record in supporting global companies make Ireland an attractive location for growth and innovation."
A Northern Irish woman almost left a trail of breadcrumbs behind her when she stole a purse from an American tourist visiting Cork and used her bank card to buy food and drink on a pub crawl through the city, the sentencing judge remarked.

Judge Philip OLeary sentenced the accused to a total of five months in prison in respect of multiple charges to which she pleaded guilty.

Michelle Dillon, aged 56, of Glenview House, Lisburn Rd, Belfast, had some difficulties in her life and travelled to Cork for a break, but ran out of money during her visit. Diarmuid Kelleher, solicitor, said that after stealing the purse at Da Mirco restaurant on Bridge St, Ms Dillon could be tracked by the use of the bank card from there through other premises in Cork city.

At that point in the case, Judge OLeary said that she almost left a trail of breadcrumbs behind her.

Mr Kelleher accepted that the theft of the purse belonging to the American visitor was not a nice experience for this woman.

The solicitor said: Through very good police work, she was met at Cork Simon Community. She was so drunk the interview had to be postponed until the following morning. She pled guilty to all these matters at the earliest opportunity.

She has a lot of difficulties, including a very bad alcohol problem. She is from the North of Ireland and decided to visit Cork because her late father from Wexford used to bring them to Cork as children. It was a trip down memory lane. But she ran out of money, she took the items, and effectively went on a pub crawl of the local vicinity.

Sergeant Gearoid Davis said the offending commenced at Bridge St and continued at a number of venues in the city where food and drink was paid for with the stolen card.

The locations for the thefts in this manner included Da Mirco restaurant, Maldron Hotel, The Poor Relation on Parnell Place, and El Fenix on Union Quay.

Mr Kelleher said: When she was sober, she woke up to what she had done. She had a traumatic life herself and has medical difficulties. She has been out of trouble since 2009, but had this lapse. When she was caught, she ensured the tourist got her belongings back.
The Cork Business Association (CBA) hosted its first Cleaning and Greening morning yesterday in Cork city centre.

A team of volunteers focused on cleaning and improving North Main St, as part of a wider campaign to refresh and revitalise streets across Cork city.

The volunteers, working closely with local businesses on North Main St and with CBA volunteers, gave the street a spring refresh through deep cleaning, power washing, algae removal, planting, and painting.

Painting and cleaning contractors were also on site to assist the CBA volunteers.

Additionally, a mural project, led by artist Alan Hurley, will further colour 14 electricity boxes along the street.

This initiative follows a visual Clutter and Quality Audit of the street, undertaken by the CBA and Cork City Council, which identified short-, medium-, and long-term actions that would enhance the area.

Those actions included clearing dirt and debris, addressing unsightly wiring, redundant poles, outdated signage, broken lights, and other items that were in need of repair or replacement.

CBA president Dave OBrien said the initiative was about the business community taking real ownership and pride in our city and making it as attractive as possible to shoppers, visitors, and residents.

The CBA initiative was supported by Cork City Council, McKechnie Cleaning Services, Pat McDonnell Paint, and St Peters.

North Main St was the first in a series of Cleaning and Greening mornings planned by the CBA.

The initiative will be rolled out across the city annually, with the CBA also offering support to other business districts by sharing learnings, conducting audits, and advising on available grants and supports.

The CBA said the ambition for the campaign is to create the cleanest, safest city in Ireland to visit, work, live, and do business in.

For more information on the CBAs Cleaning and Greening mornings, or to get involved as a sponsor, see corkbusiness.ie or contact info@corkbusiness.ie.
The town of Youghal is said to be buzzing with excitement as a lucky player won the 500,000 top prize in yesterdays EuroMillions Plus draw.

The player purchased their quick pick ticket from Lidl, Mill Rd, Youghal, on April 26.

It marks Corks second top prize win this year in the EuroMillions Plus draw, with the 500,000 top prize from March 21 won in the city. That winning ticket was sold at Dunnes Stores, Ballyvolane Shopping Centre.

The winning numbers in last nights EuroMillions Plus draw were: 5, 25, 28, 35 and 49.

What a night for Youghal as a player in the town has claimed a life-enhancing amount of money, winning the EuroMillions Plus top prize of 500,000," Darragh ODwyer, National Lottery spokesperson said.

This is the 14th EuroMillions Plus win so far in 2025.

In total over 42,000 players in Ireland won prizes in the EuroMillions and EuroMillions Plus draws.

The National Lottery is urging all players in the Cork area to check their tickets carefully.

The winning ticket holder is asked to contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie to arrange the collection of their prize.
Cork will play host to this years edition of the EUs flagship maritime event, with a free family-friendly programme of activities and a two-day conference later this month.

The free event, entitled European Maritime Days to Play, is a celebration of the Irish maritime industry, taking place on May 23 and 24 across Corks quaysides.

The celebration coincides with both the European Maritime Conference, taking place from May 21 to 23, and the return of the Cork Harbour Festival, which will run from May 24 to June 2.

The two-day event includes a range of activities from cooking demos to interactive science exhibitions and the opportunity to explore an aquaculture classroom on wheels.

Attendees will also be given the chance to tour some of the countrys naval, research, patrol and buoy laying vessels on the citys quaysides.

There will also be some creative activities from street performances to live music.

Honoured

Cork city is honoured to be hosting European Maritime Day which will see up to 1,000 maritime professionals visit Cork to network, discuss and outline joint action on maritime affairs and the sustainable blue economy, Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle said.

To celebrate this event and Corks rich maritime heritage, people of all ages can enjoy the free and fun European Maritime Days to Play which will increase understanding around how our river, harbour, seas and oceans enrich our lives.

The event is funded by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, Cork City Council, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Eirgrid, the marine environment section of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the maritime regulator, MARA.

Registration to attend the European Maritime Conference will remain open until May 10.

For more information on the European Maritime Days to Play event, visit: https://www.corkcity.ie/.
A retired garda sergeant has told the trial of Richard Satchwell, who is accused of murdering his wife before burying her in a shallow grave beneath their Cork home, that gardai were suspicious "something untoward" had happened to Tina Satchwell more than six years before her body was discovered.

A senior officer also testified today that the UK truck driver told him Tina had physically assaulted him in the past and on two occasions, "knocked him out cold". Mr Satchwell said he had never once reacted to "these outbursts" and instead would "drive away and have a cry".

The jury also viewed video clips of Mr Satchwell making media appeals about his wife months after he is alleged to have murdered her, telling RTE viewers: "Tina come home, no one's mad at you, the pets are missing you like crazy, we just want and need you back".

The Central Criminal Court jury has heard that on March 24, 2017, Mr Satchwell told gardai that his wife had left their home four days earlier but that he had no concerns over her welfare, feeling she had left due to a deterioration in their relationship.

The accused formally reported Tina missing the following May but her body was not discovered for over six years, when gardai found her decomposed remains in a grave that had been dug underneath the stairs of her home.

Evidence was also heard today that "home improvement works" were going on at Mr Satchwell's home when gardai conducted an initial search in June 2017, with "relatively new" plasterboard on the stairs and a new red bricked wall underneath the stairway.

In her opening address on Tuesday, Gerardine Small SC, prosecuting, told the jury that after the body was recovered, Mr Satchwell told gardai that he lost his footing and fell to the ground when his wife tried to stab him with a chisel. He told detectives that he held her weight off with a belt but that in a matter of seconds, she was dead in his arms.

Mr Satchwell, aged 58, with an address at Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork has pleaded not guilty to murdering his 45-year-old wife Tina Satchwell - nee Dingivan - at that address between March 19 and March 20, 2017, both dates inclusive.

Giving evidence today, now retired Sergeant John Sharkey of Youghal Garda Station told Ms Small that he was aware in late March or early April 2017 that Mr Satchwell had made a report at Fermoy Garda station "indicating loosely" that his wife had suddenly departed the family home.

He said gardai monitored the situation in the hope that Tina would return home but that didn't happen. He said as time passed, the officers' concern for Tina's welfare grew.

Mr Sharkey said his colleague, Garda Thomas Keane, called to Mr Satchwell's home on May 2, 2017 and interviewed him about whether there had been any contact from Tina.

He said Mr Satchwell formally reported his wife missing on May 11, 2017 and this upgraded the investigation from what was "a casual inquiry of someone leaving home" to a formal missing person investigation.

He said the outcome of their inquiry, which included a trawl of CCTV footage from the town of Youghal, a social media campaign with pictures of Tina and house-to-house inquiries didn't lead them to her or productively further the investigation. "They were fruitless I suppose," he added.

Mr Sharkey said having reviewed the evidence available to him, he formed the opinion that "something criminal may have occurred" around late May or the start of June in 2017.

He said he called to Grattan Street on June 7, 2017 in possession of a search warrant but there was no answer at the door. He called Mr Satchwell, but he was not in the vicinity to allow gardai access to the house. The services of a locksmith were used and gardai gained access through the front door without any damage. A garda search team then conducted a formal search of the defendant's home.

In cross-examination, defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC asked the witness when matters moved from a missing person inquiry to "something perhaps suggesting more sinister".

Mr Sharkey said the accused formally reported Tina missing on May 11, 2017 and it was treated as a missing person case for a period of time. However, he said a number of inquiries were carried out in that time and due to a lack of progress and a lack of ability "to create any trace" of Tina he became suspicious in late May that "something untoward" had occurred.

"Was that a personal or corporate suspicion?" asked Mr Grehan. "I wasn't alone in this, it was a corporate suspicion. An Garda Siochana had that suspicion," he replied.

Mr Grehan put it to the witness that the June 2017 search wasn't intended to be a cursory or a simple exercise at Grattan Street but a "thorough one". "Yes, a thorough and formal search," Mr Sharkey replied, adding that full garda resources were deployed at the house.

The witness said that gardai entered the house to begin the search around 7.30am on June 7 and it concluded at 5pm that day. He said there were approximately ten gardai involved in the search team.

Inspector Daniel Holland told Ms Small that Mr Satchwell voluntarily attended Midleton Garda Station the day after the search. The Insp said they talked about the couple's relationship and Mr Satchwell explained how he had given up a lot of his life to be with Tina, that his family didn't approve of the relationship and they no longer spoke to him. The accused said he wanted to have children but Tina didn't.

The witness said Mr Satchwell told him that Tina was very headstrong and determined. "He also alluded to the fact she had physically assaulted him and on two occasions had knocked him out cold, unconscious," he said.

Mr Satchwell had told the Insp that Tina's mood had deteriorated prior to Christmas 2016 and she had assaulted him the week before she went missing. The accused told the officer that he had never once reacted to "these outbursts or physical assaults".

The witness added: "He said the way he dealt with it was to drive away and have a cry and he never physically retaliated and he didn't indicate to us he had reported these incidents".

Regarding Tina's mental health, the Insp said the accused told him how he asked her to seek help but she didn't wish to do so. Mr Satchwell said Tina wouldn't hurt herself as she was not the type of person to do anything to harm himself.

The Insp said the accused told him he fully expected Tina to return home but he was concerned that publicity from the social media appeals may be an obstacle to her returning, in that people might ridicule her for leaving in the first place.

The Insp said he asked the accused about a number of Western Union money transfer documents found at Grattan Street, which had been sent to a number of areas around the world. The witness said these transfers were for quite substantial amounts and worth thousands of euros.

The accused had told the officer that the couple wished to purchase or adopt 'Marmoset monkeys' and said his two laptops, which were taken from his house the previous day, contained emails which would explain this.

Under cross-examination, the Insp agreed with Mr Grehan that the accused had described himself as "obsessed" with Tina. He also agreed the accused referenced incidences of extreme anger by Tina, which led to "extreme assaults" on him.

The witness agreed he had asked Mr Satchwell why he put up with this, with the accused replying that Tina was "the perfect person" when she was not in a mood and he had long accepted her dark side. The accused said Tina carried a lot of baggage from her childhood and had a dysfunctional childhood.

Earlier, Garda Cathal Whelan said he had photographed Grattan Street on June 7 2017, which he described as an old, four storey narrow building. He said the house was untidy with dog faeces on the floor and a bird cage that hadn't been cleaned out for a long time. He said there were unwashed dishes lying around and it was in an unkept condition.

Asked by the prosecutor about the stairs, the witness said it was made of untreated wood with relatively new plaster board on it. He said a room on the second floor was overflowing with clothes on racks. He agreed building work in the house had started but wasn't finished.

Under cross-examination by Mr Grehan, Gda Whelan agreed a photograph he had taken showed a new red brick wall under the stairs.

Garda Denis Barry, who attended the house on June 7 2017 and seized two laptops, told Ms Small he noted some fresh plasterboard on the wall of the stairs.

He also agreed with the defence counsel that there were "home improvements works" going on at the house but they were unfinished. He further agreed he had probably noted in his statement that there was plasterboard on the stairs and a freshly bricked wall underneath the stairway but he no longer recalled that.

Forensic scientist Edward Connolly told Ms Small that he used a chemical called 'Bluestar' to trace blood in the house when he attended Grattan Street on June 7, 2017. He said he examined the stairs, stairwells, hallways and landings of the house but no blood was detected. He noted some renovations had also been completed in the house.

The jury also today viewed three of 14 open sourced media clips, including one where Mr Satchwell spoke to RTE's Pascal Sheehy on June 26 2017 saying: "Tina come home, no one's mad at you, the pets are missing you like crazy, we just want and need you back".

The trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of five men and seven women.
A woman having a massage at a hotel spa was asked by the masseur if she would like a surprise at the end of the session and was then sexually assaulted in a manner that caused her to jump from the table in absolute shock, a court has heard.

Judge Helen Boyle remanded 35-year-old Lenon De Souza Seara, of Granary Court, North Ring Rd, in custody at Cork Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing on May 21, stating that it required a custodial sentence.

Sergeant Brendan McBride testified that the 40-year-old woman went for a massage in a hotel spa in Cork, at the end of which the masseur asked her if she wanted a surprise, and her thought was that it was something to do with the massage, like extra oils or something of that nature. Sgt McBride said that what occurred was that the 35-year-old man licked her vagina. He later pleaded guilty to carrying out this sexual assault on July 4, 2024.

The woman said in a victim impact statement, which was read by Sgt McBride on her behalf: I was flustered and vulnerable. For context, I was wearing disposable underpants, had a towel over my face, and my body was draped with a towel. So, effectively, I was otherwise completely naked. When the incident occurred, I immediately sprang up and took the face towel off, basically leaving me even more exposed. Shocked and repeating: No no no, I was naked and frazzled.

I flip-flopped between speaking out on what occurred and just never mentioning it again. After all, I was physically unharmed. To speak up catapulted me into a process I didnt intentionally sign up for.

I had to arrive home and tell my husband that I had been taken advantage of. I had to witness his horror and concern.

He [the defendant] said it was a misunderstanding. OK, so it was a misunderstanding. What does that mean to me? Is it somehow my fault? Did I not pick up on something earlier? Was he testing me all along?

What was the motivation? How far was he going to go? How many times has he done this before? How did I not gauge it and stop it earlier? These questions I will never really know the answer to, but they are the ones that keep looping in my head.

I feel so naive and stupid. How did I not know how to speak until it was too late? How far would it have gone?

I feel like I cant trust my own observations and missed the danger signs. That makes me question myself as a person. I feel bad for what he is going through and wonder how he is supporting himself after his loss of earnings. It also makes me mad that I feel responsible for that. I did nothing wrong. I was violated. I spoke up. I have to live with the unanswered questions.

Defence barrister Elaine Audley said the defendant had shown insight and remorse and offered his abject apologies. She said he grew up in poverty in Brazil, where his brother was murdered and that as a child he was surrounded by sexualised behaviour and grew up to have difficulties with social interaction.

While the probation officer reported that he sought to minimise the blame, Ms Audley found that, from the beginning, his instructions were that he was guilty and he was the only person responsible. He lost his job and apologised to his former employer for what he did.
Discount pharmacy chain, Chemist Warehouse, is set to open its fourth Cork store this week, bringing more than 20 new jobs to the county.

The new shop, located at the Mahon Point Retail Park, will open to the public from May 2, joining the chains existing Leeside locations of Ballincollig, Mallow and Cornmarket Street.

Spanning 10,000 sq ft, the Mahon Point mega-store will bring 25 new jobs to the area, including three full-time pharmacist positions.

CEO of Chemist Warehouse Ireland, Colin Galligan said that the launch reflects the groups ongoing commitment to expansion in Ireland, marking the chains thirteenth store nationwide.

This new store is another exciting step in our journey to make healthcare more affordable, without compromising on quality or choice, said Mr Galligan.

Were delighted to expand further in Cork and look forward to welcoming new customers to Mahon Point.

In celebration of the new store at Mahon Point, a grand opening event will take place on Friday from 12pm to 4pm.

The new store at Mahon Point Retail Park will be open seven days a week, with opening hours of 8.30am to 8pm Monday to Wednesday; 8.30am to 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays; 8.30am to 7pm on Saturdays and 10am to 6pm on Sundays.
The body of a man was recovered from the River Lee this evening.

A search and rescue operation was launched but one man, aged in his 30s, has died.

Victor Shine, second officer at Cork City Fire Brigade, told The Echo the incident was a terrible tragedy.

Two people were swimming from one side of Popes Quay to the other. One person made it to the other side and raised the alarm. But sadly, the other person did not make it to safety, he said.

It was a tragedy. The deceased is a man in his 30s.

The Coast Guard, Rescue 117, Crosshaven Lifeboat, and Cork Missing Persons Search and Recovery were also on the scene, as well as two ambulances and a large number of gardai.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana told The Echo they received reports of a man in difficulty in the River Lee at Popes Quay at approximately 7pm.

"Gardai and responding emergency services commenced a search and rescue operation.

"The search was concluded a short time later following the recovery of the body of a man, aged in his 30s.

"The local coroner has been notified and arrangements will now be made for a post-mortem examination."

Caitriona Twomey, of Cork Penny Dinners, described the incident as a terrible tragedy in the heart of our city.

It is, however, a fine example of everyone coming together ... to try and help in a terrible moment of tragedy, she added.
Years ago  and to this day the memory makes me wince  I attempted to wave a red flag to some parents about the hazards of giving young children internet-enabled devices.

Even young children, I said, could be exposed to very inappropriate material by being allowed to use, unsupervised, the kiddie iPads in pretty blue, pink or unicorn-patterned covers that the parents were running out and buying them for Christmas/birthdays/First Communions, and so on.

Research was showing that they could enable access to pornography, I said.

Psychologists and other professionals were becoming increasingly concerned that screen-time could also adversely affect childrens concentration and ability to focus on tasks, their interpersonal communication skills, even their empathy levels.

It was feared, I said, that children who were allowed to entertain themselves regularly with these devices were quite literally losing the skill of healthy, traditional play.

There were other things. Their patience levels were being adversely affected, which in turn affected their ability to concentrate on schoolwork or take pleasure in making the effort and taking the time to submit well-presented work.

I explained that play therapists around the country were reporting that small children were reporting feeling lonely, because everyone in the house was on devices and nobody had time to talk to them or play with them.

That older children who should have been far beyond the tantrum stage were having fall-down screaming fits over the word no, because of the effect the endless instant gratification offered by online games and activities was having on their brains.

The immediacy of online play meant children were not learning how to wait, how to have patience with a task, or how to take pride in putting real-time work into something.

Id been researching this issue as part of my work, I said, and there were growing concerns that this was only the beginning of what some experts felt would be a tidal wave of problems coming down the line.

Look at how many children were now staring into screens, wearing cute pink or blue furry headphones, which made them oblivious to the real world.

Children were far better off reading books and playing catch than sitting inside on a sofa staring at a screen, I said. You cant keep tabs on what theyre doing on-screen all the time, I argued.

I shut up when I caught two of the mothers raising their eyebrows at each other and exchanging smirks.

I was left feeling wrong-footed and foolish.

Last week, a GP from Roscommon stood up at the annual conference of the Irish Medical Organisation and called on the government to urgently introduce regulations to prevent children from watching porn.

She warned of the shocking scale and pace of change in pornographic material now compared to only a few years ago.

Dr Ni Madeleine Dhalaigh said aggressive intercourse and non-fatal strangulation as well as gender-based violence were among the acts being normalised because they were so widely available to view online.

This material was essentially changing sexual norms, particularly amongst young people.

The effect on young men and women has been profound, she warned, adding that many of them were learning about sex from violent pornography which taught young males to push boundaries.

Online porn had normalised coercion and encouraged young men to frequently disregard the pain and discomfort of a woman being subjected to violent sexual activity.

A teacher from Wicklow, Eoghan Cleary, stood up and addressed the conference. He speaks to 15- and 16-year olds about the impact of pornography.

These young people, he said, had had access to the internet since the age of 11 or 12.

But now, he warned, there was a cohort of children coming up behind these teenagers who had had access to the internet  and unregulated access to the internet  since the age of six. Since the age of six.

These children, he warned, would be robbed of the opportunity to develop their natural sexuality because it was being dictated to them by the porn industry long before they even had a sexual thought.

If something was not done to interrupt the pervasive role that porn was playing in the sexual development of children, Mr Cleary said, the difference between sex and sexual violence would simply cease to exist for the next generation.

Pornographic content that was once viewed as extreme, or even niche, was now mainstream and available on every pornography platform to anybody, including children, with a couple of clicks.

Ruth Breslin, director at the Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy Institute, told delegates about the increasing eroticisation of sexual violence. Pornography, which included slapping and strangling, was now widely available, she said, and most of it was directed at women who were expected to react either as if it was a pleasurable experience, or to remain neutral.

Imagine that. Imagine all of that, along with the effect of the manosphere culture and incel ideology on young minds.

Think about that the next time you notice that your child is spending a long time up in his or her bedroom alone or staring at a screen.

Think about digital misogyny and the UK National Crime Agencys recent warning about networks of online, violent boy gangs, mostly teenagers, sharing sadistic and misogynistic material and grooming young girls into sexual abuse and self-harm.

The Netflix Adolescence crime drama series provided deeply disturbing insights into the influence of online misogyny on boys.

For many parents, the series was a horrifying revelation. But its not fiction. Its real.

This material is widely accessible. To our children. Via the screens we ourselves give them.
One in five Irish people would not take a traditional vaccine, and one in four said they would not take an mRNA vaccine, a global research project reported earlier this month.

The Worldwide Independent Network of MR (WIN), an association of independent market research and polling firms, surveyed over 33,000 people in 38 countries, including Ireland. It found a third globally either reject or are unsure about traditional vaccines.

The survey included 1,000 people in Ireland, where 73% said they would accept a traditional vaccine and 67% would accept an mRNA vaccine. While these figures are higher than the European average (68%, 60%) they are still way below what is needed for common vaccine preventable illnesses to be kept at bay.

Ongoing vaccine hesitancy is a real challenge for medical professions. Innovative methods to overcome uncertainty amid widespread vaccine misinformation are urgently required if entirely preventable and life-threatening illnesses are to be kept out of communities.

The vaccine story has been beset with heroes and villains. The latter tend to get widespread media coverage that fuels the fire of vaccine hesitancy, and include Andrew Wakefield, a UK doctor who in 1998 published a fraudulent study in The Lancet alleging the MMR vaccine caused autism. The predictable reaction ensued with frightened parents refusing the MMR vaccine for their children and vaccination rates plummeting. In 2010, The Lancet retracted the study and Wakefield was barred from practicing medicine. But damage was done and the rumours go on.

Probably the loudest anti-vaccine voice is Robert F Kennedy Junior (RFK Jnr). As a long time environmental lawyer, he has led the Childrens Health Defense, a non-profit organisation recognised by experts as one of the leading spreaders of vaccine misinformation.

Appointed U.S Head of the Department of Health and Human Services, RFK Jnrs shifting position on vaccines - veering from anti  vaccine to mixed messaging on the evidence of their safety and efficacy, is fuelling doubt and propagating mistrust in the organisations that both develop and promote vaccines.

The vaccine heroes include Edward Jenner.

As a 13-year-old medical apprentice, he is reputed to have overheard an English dairy maid in 1762 say: I shall never have smallpox for I have had cowpox. I shall never have an ugly pockmarked face.

It was 34 years later, in 1796, that he acted on those remarks, vaccinating an eight-year-old boy with a small sample from another dairymaids coxpox lesion and two months later exposing the same boy to smallpox.

In the absence of an ethics committee, the experiment worked and Jenner became the creator of the worlds first vaccine.

Almost 200 years later, in 1980, smallpox became the one and only disease to have been vaccinated out of existence.

Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin, researchers at the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis in the 1950s, were simultaneously trying to develop a polio vaccine. Salk was working on using a killed polio virus and Sabin was working on using a live weakened virus.

Salk was the first to be successful in 1955 and Sabin followed with a successful vaccine in 1962. Both have pushed polio to the brink of eradication. It is now endemic in only three countries  Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria.

Pearl Hendrick and Grace Eldering were doctors working in public health in the 1930s in the U.S Michigan Department of Health. In the course of their work, they were concerned about the number of children succumbing to whooping cough that was causing 6,000 childhood deaths per year and many more illnesses, particularly among the least well off.

Kendrick and Eldering started collecting pertussis samples from patients on cough plates and researching how to incorporate the virus into a vaccine. They tested it, first on mice, then on themselves and finally on 734 children. Of those, only four contracted whooping cough that year compared to 45 of the 880 unvaccinated children in the control group.

Within 15 years of the development of the pertussis vaccine, whooping cough in the U.S plummeted by 75%. By 1960, cases had fallen by 95%.

More recently, in 2023, a biochemist born in Hungary and an American immunologist won the Nobel prize for Physiology or Medicine- for research that led to the development of two covid-19 vaccines.

Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman had collaborated for decades to try to find ways to use genetic material called messenger RNA (mRNA) to make vaccines.

When the covid pandemic erupted in 2020, the vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech used Kariko and Weissmans techniques to create highly safe and effective vaccines in record time.

The advance spurred interest in using mRNA technology in the management of other diseases, from flu to cancer. Awarding the Nobel prize, the panel said the discovery fundamentally changed our understanding of how mRNA interacts with our immune system.

But the award for the unsung vaccination hero that has quietly saved millions of lives has to go to a little known architect frustrated by the lack of healthcare access in poorer communities. In the early 1970s, John Lloyd, on sabbatical from architecture to study primary healthcare facilities in Kenya and Tanzania, discovered that inadequate vaccine storage infrastructure was causing vaccines to lose their effectiveness in high temperatures.

Subsequently working with Ghana health authorities, he discovered domestic fridges and picnic boxes made in Europe could not compete with 40C heat.

In 1977, Lloyd published a strategy paper outlining Ghanas first vaccine cold chain and how it could be replicated in low-income countries. The strategy was later reproduced and implemented globally.

Key to the strategy was the development of a vaccine vial monitor, a heat sensitive label that changes colour progressively each time the vial is exposed to temperatures that are too high. The monitors are now affixed on all vaccines produced by UNICEF for global immunisation programmes.

In European Immunisation week, instead of focusing on the vaccine villains, lets proclaim the work of the unsung heroes across the world that have been instrumental in developing one of the most important medical advances in human history.

Dr Catherine Conlon is a public health doctor in Cork
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

The wife of a missing Co Kerry farmer has issued an appeal for information, stating she just wants him to come home.

Michael Gaine, 56, was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on Friday, March 21st.

Gardai said this week their probe into his disappearance had been upgraded to a homicide investigation.

His wife Janice Gaine and sister Noreen ORegan have recorded a video statement, issued through the gardai.

We appeal to any person who may have any information on what happened to Michael Gaine to contact the Garda investigation team.



The investigation team can be contacted at Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. pic.twitter.com/EuCnC1L9ba  Garda Info (@gardainfo) April 30, 2025

Ms Gaine said: He was my best friend, my husband.

This whole thing has been devastating.

He loved his home, he loved his farm, he loved farming, he loved his animals. He loved rallying.

He had lots of friends. He was a very popular guy and his disappearance is totally out of character, we knew that from day one.

She added: If there is anybody that has any information about Michael, do please come forward and talk to the gardai.

We just want Michael to come home. We want to know what happened to him because if we cant find Michael I just dont know what Im going to do.

I just want Michael to come home.

His sister Ms ORegan said he was a loving husband, brother, and uncle.

She added: His nieces and nephews loved him. We are absolutely heartbroken at what has happened. We are devastated, our lives are shattered.

We want answers. We love Michael, we want him back.

Im appealing to anyone with any information about what happened to Michael.

He went to the farm on March 20th, it was his routine to check his animals, but he never returned home. We are devastated and we want him back.

In the five weeks since his disappearance, gardai said they had gathered around 2,200 hours of CCTV and dashcam footage, taken nearly 130 witness statements and carried out more than 320 formal jobs/inquiries.

Irish troops and the Garda Water Unit were also involved in search efforts in recent weeks, and checkpoints were held a week after his disappearance to help gather information that would aid the investigation.

A CCTV image of Michael Mike Gaine buying phone credit in Centra in Kenmare at 9.48am on Thursday, March 20th, (Garda/PA)

A gardai statement said: Extensive searches utilising specialist equipment by state and other agencies have been carried out over the past five weeks which have failed to locate Michael.

The disappearance is completely out of character and entirely at odds with Michaels pattern of behaviour established by the investigation to date.

Based on the entirety of the information available to the investigation team at Killarney Garda station on Tuesday April 29 2025 An Garda Siochana reclassified the missing person investigation as a homicide investigation.

A formal criminal investigation has now commenced and gardai are seeking information from any person who can assist us in bringing Michael back to his family.

An Garda Siochana continues to keep Michaels family fully informed on the status of the investigation and supported through a family liaison officer, as they come to terms with this update.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

The less intensely farmers fuss with soil, the better off that soil could be, according to a new study on soil management practices across the Netherlands.

In the study, published in the journal Science, a team led by researchers from the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) analyzed soil management practices and biota at 53 farm fields around the Netherlands. The sites included both organic and conventional farms, and soil types included clay and sandy.

Based on the analysis, higher intensity soil management practices  regardless of the type of farm or soil  led to less soil multifunctionality, while lower intensity practices boosted soil multifunctionality.

Even just tilling or plowing the land less frequently than usual helped increase soil multifunctionality, meaning that both organic and conventional farms can improve the soil just by reducing the intensity that they are handling the soil on each field. Thats because tilling and plowing can disrupt the microbes and organic carbon content of the soil, as explained by Bioengineer.org.

The good news is that in conventional agriculture, which is the vast majority, there is a lot to gain, Wim van der Putten, soil ecologist and NIOO professor, said in a statement. On all farms, including organic ones, it is important at this point not to cultivate the soil too intensively. For example: ploughing less. Inverting the soil during ploughing is a very big disruption for soil life.

Ron de Goede / Wageningen University & Research

These findings revealed that some farming practices that are considered sustainable should be reconsidered for less intensive methods. Instead of a method of increasing field production with minimal environmental impact known as sustainable intensification  which has been scientifically controversial due to concerns over greenwashing  the authors recommended productive deintensification.

According to Kyle Mason-Jones, a contributing researcher to the study, if productive deintensification is successful, you will get more functions from a less intensively cultivated soil while retaining the crop yield as much as possible.

In addition to less frequent tilling, the study also determined that incorporating a mixture of grasses and clover to grow as cover crops could improve soil health. As NIOO reported, these grass and clover mixtures could be alternated with cereal crops, like wheat and barley, to improve soil health and better support crop growth.

The newly published research is the final component to a larger Vital Soils project, completed between NIOO and Wageningen University & Research with support from NWO Groen, Eurofins-Agro, BO Akkerbouw, Open Teelten and LTO-Noord. As part of Vital Soils, researchers previously used satellite imagery and measurements of greenness on farm fields to determine how decreased intensity in soil management appeared to affect farms. Based on those findings, less intensity appeared to improve the soil and yields, results that were confirmed with the latest study.

Based on the full outcomes from the Vital Soils projects, NIOO reported that organic farms could become just as productive as conventional farming after about 17 years of transitioning to less intense soil management.

However, all farms seem to benefit in both the short- and long-term with better, less intensive soil management.

You dont necessarily have to have gone through the entire transition to organic farming to still have a positive impact on soil health, Guusje Koorneef, who worked on the study as part of her doctorate program, said in a statement. I find it really promising that in both conventional and organic farms you can strengthen the functioning of the soil by working it less intensively.

Guusje Koorneef / NIOO-KNAW
April 29, 2025

Dear Vikings,

As we approach the final days of the semester, we want to acknowledge the weight many of you may be carrying. These are heavy times, and it is normal to feel unsettled. Please know that you are not alone, and resources are available to support your academic progress and emotional well-being. Whether you need someone to talk to, help to stay on track as the semester closes, or assistance navigating online platforms, ECSU is here to walk with you. Below you will find services and links to various resources for tutoring, counseling and academic support.

ECSU Peer Tutoring

The Tutorial Center is open and ready to support you! Peer tutors are available both in-person and online from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with additional drop-in and appointment hours also offered. To view the current list of courses that will be covered by our ECSU peer tutors through the end of the spring 2025 semester, please click the link below.

Peer Tutor Courses

How to Schedule an Appointment in E4U:

 Appointments can be made through E4U.

 Click the following link for instructions for scheduling an ECSU Peer Tutoring appointment: https://www.ecsu.edu/academics/student-success-retention.php

 Students scheduling an online appointment with a remote tutor will receive a Zoom link in the confirmation email.

Tutor.com

Need academic help anytime, anywhere? Get free, 24/7 online tutoring through Tutor.com, available right in your Canvas dashboard! Connect with expert tutors for help in math, writing, science, and morewhenever you need it. Get instructions on how to schedule a Tutor.com appointment via the link below: https://www.ecsu.edu/academics/student-success-retention.php

Have questions or need help? Reach out to Mrs. Nikki Smith at 252-384-1240, email her at nrsmith@ecsu.edu , or visit the Office of Student Success and Retention at https://www.ecsu.edu/academics/index.php

CANVAS End-of-the Semester Student Learning Support

The Center for Teaching and Learning, in collaboration with the Office of Distance Education, will be available to provide support to students who may be experiencing challenges with CANVAS during this period of transition at the end of the semester. If help is needed, in addition to communicating directly with instructors about assignments and final exams, students can:

1) Contact the Office of Distance Education Help Desk by emailing de@ecsu.edu

2) Contact the 24-Hour Canvas Support Help Desk by calling 1-877-216-6120.

3) Within Canvas, select the "Help" button, located on the left-side Global Navigation menu. Then, select from one of the support resource items within the menu (for example, Live Chat).

For students who are experiencing trauma or distress related to the April 27 shooting incident, please contact:

ECSU Counseling Services: 252-335-3275

Critical Incident Support Line: 855-447-6370

We appreciate your flexibility and understanding during this time. Our goal is to continue supporting you in every way we can, and to acknowledge the hard work and achievement of our Viking community as we prepare for commencement.
(Photo: REUTERS / Joe Penney)A church is seen guarded by soldiers behind sandbags, in Maiduguri, Nigeria May 23, 2014. Christian houses of worship are guarded by military soldiers at all times in Maiduguri.

International Christian Concern has since January documented a dramatic rise in attacks against Christian communities in Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, highlighted by recent attacks

In little over three months, more than 300 Christians have been killed, dozens abducted, and thousands displaced in a wave of organized violence that has swept across Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Ebonyi states.

ICC says it is an organization dedicated to serving and equipping persecuted Christians in regions where it is dangerous to follow Jesus.

One of the most devastating attacks occurred on Palm Sunday, April 13, in Zike village, Plateau state, where at least 56 people, including 15 children, were killed and 103 homes were burned.

Days earlier, militants launched simultaneous attacks on 15 villages in Bokkos LGA, leaving 56 dead, 28 injured, and displacing more than 5,000 people. Another 72 people were killed in an attack that occurred around April 18 in Ukum and Logo LGAs, Benue state.

"These are not isolated incidents," ICC's Africa Regional Director said. "This is part of a sustained and growing pattern of religiously motivated violence, where Christian communities are deliberately targeted and devastated."

The perpetrators are often identified as Islamic Fulani militants operating with impunity. ICC field partners report that many attacks are premeditated, targeting Christians during worship or in their homes at night.

Despite two decades of ongoing persecution, 2025 marks one of the most violent years in recent memory, said the ICC.

Nigerian authorities have yet to deliver adequate protection or justice, and many survivors report being left without shelter, security, or basic support.

Of Nigeria's estimated population of around 237 million, around 53.5 percent are Muslims, and Christians make up some 46 percent according to the CIA's World Factbook.

A Nigerian Catholic bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto on April 19 lamented a week of "terrorist violence" in which 200 Christians had been murdered.

The bishop severely criticised the lack of a comprehensive strategy by the government to combat the perpetrators following attacks, which include a Palm Sunday massacre that left at least 56 people dead, The Catholic Herald reported.

Fulani herdsmen stormed the village of Zikke in Plateau State, leaving "the corpses of deceased women, children, and senior citizens in their homes, which they torched as they left the village", according to Truth Nigeria.

Bishop Kukah said, "In less than one week, we have lost almost 200 lives across the country.
During an earnings call, Samsung's chief financial officer Soon-cheol Park told reporters that "ongoing uncertainty surrounding US tariff policies continues to pose a potential risk of demand slowdown." According to Financial Times, Park said that US tariff policies and stronger export controls against artificial intelligence products are expected to have an impact on product demand in the second half of the year. In addition to a downward trend on sales, the company also expects tariffs to raise prices for the components it uses on its mobile phones, which will have further impact on its revenue.

Samsung's call discussed its results for the first quarter of 2025, which ended on March 31. The company posted KRW 79.14 trillion in revenue ($55.6 billion), an all-time quarterly high mostly due to strong Galaxy S25 sales. It also posted KRW 6.7 trillion ($4.7 billion) in profit, which is slightly lower than the previous quarter's KRW 6.5 trillion ($4.6 billion).

Despite the record revenue, Samsung's chip business already took a hit due to tougher US export controls to China on chips used in hardware for artificial intelligence. The division posted KRW 1.1 trillion ($774 million) in operating profit, down from KRW 2.9 trillion ($2 billion) last quarter. Financial Times previously reported that Samsung had a boost in profit in the first quarter of the year thanks to Chinese customers stockpiling memory chips ahead of US tariffs, but the impact of US export restrictions overshadowed the increase in orders. The publication has also noted that the tariffs the US will be imposing on semiconductors and consumer electronics will lead to an increase in prices of its smartphones and TVs, which are mostly made in Vietnam and Mexico, respectively.
Amal Clooney, the prominent human rights lawyer and wife of actor George Clooney, may soon face travel restrictions to the United States due to her involvement in a high-profile war crimes case.

According to a report by the Financial Times, Amal, 47, and other top British lawyers have been cautioned by the UK Foreign Office that they may be sanctioned under a recent executive order signed by former President Donald Trump.

The order targets individuals linked to the International Criminal Court's (ICC) investigation into alleged war crimes by Israeli leaders.

Amal served as a special adviser to ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, who led the investigation that resulted in arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, DailyMail said.

These charges, issued in late 2024, were related to Israel's military actions in Gaza.

Trump responded by issuing Executive Order 14203 in February 2025, placing sanctions on ICC officials, including financial penalties and US travel bans.

Amal Clooney could be denied entry 2 US under new new Trump sanctions.



The sanctions would be in retaliation 4 Clooney advising the ICC in a war crimes case against i Crime Minister Netanyahu and former war minister Yoav Gallant.



Why does 47 bends backward 4 ?



 pic.twitter.com/NrXH6Bloao  Mahmoud El-Yousseph (@Abuyousef) April 29, 2025

Amal Clooney May Be Barred from US Over ICC War Crimes Case

The order states the court's actions are "illegitimate and baseless," and warns that those involved will face "tangible and significant consequences."

While neither Israel nor the US are members of the Rome Statute, which created the ICC, Palestine is, allowing for jurisdiction in the region.

Khan also issued warrants for several Hamas leaders, now deceased, in connection to attacks on Israel in October 2023.

If extended, these sanctions could bar Amal from entering the US, where she and George Clooney own property.

Amal, who holds British citizenship, is also licensed to practice law in New York and the UK. She was admitted to the New York bar in 2002, People said.

In a statement earlier this year, Clooney defended her work with the ICC: "I served on this panel because I believe in the rule of law and the need to protect civilian lives." She added that international law must apply equally to all sides, regardless of conflict.

Legal experts warn that executive orders like this one do not require proof or a court trial. Once issued, the sanctions take effect immediately and could remain in place for months or even years unless challenged in federal court.

Representatives for Amal and George Clooney have not yet responded to media inquiries.

The American Bar Association has criticized any threats toward legal professionals, stating: "We will not stay silent in the face of efforts to remake the legal profession into something that rewards those who agree with the government and punishes those who do not."
Austin Butler's upcoming role as Patrick Bateman in a new "American Psycho" reimagining is already facing backlash, including criticism from the casting director of the original film, who believes the actor's looks may actually work against him in portraying the infamous serial killer.

When "American Psycho", which starred Christian Bale, was in development in 2000, casting director Kerry Barden said Butler was more appropriate for a different role within that twisted world.

"I would cast Austin in Jared [Leto]'s role because he's that beautiful, and that's why we cast Jared, is because he's that beautiful," Barden told The Hollywood Reporter, referencing Leto's character Paul Allen  Bateman's coworker and eventual victim.

The new movie will not be a reimagining of Mary Harron's cult-classic adaptation but instead a reimagining of 1991's Bret Easton Ellis novel. It will be directed by "Call Me By Your Name" director Luca Guadagnino, with a screenplay by "The Laundromat" scribe Scott Z. Burns.

Butler, who gave a breakout performance as Elvis Presley, will portray Bateman  the character that brought Christian Bale to prominence with a performance famous for its intense and chilling physicality.

While Barden acknowledged Butler's talent, he emphasized that aesthetic casting still plays a major role in shaping character perception.

"Jared is certainly a great actor as well, and obviously, Austin has a lot of depth as an actor, too. But not every person has that kind of beauty," he said.

Doubts Over a New Adaptation Voiced by Online Commentators

Fans have been split over the project since news broke in December that the 33-year-old actor would helm the project. On Twitter and other social media channels, however, many users argued that a new adaptation simply isn't needed and Butler is the wrong actor for the role of Bateman.

But Lionsgate is steamrolling ahead despite the pushback.

Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed confidence in the new direction.

"We are thrilled to add another elite filmmaker to our upcoming slate," Fogelson said, per Deadline. "Luca is a brilliant artist, and the perfect visionary to create a whole new interpretation of this potent and classic IP."

The original film, which also starred Reese Witherspoon, Willem Dafoe, and Chloe Sevigny, has endured as a cult favorite for its biting satire of 1980s consumerism and masculinity.

No release date has been announced for Guadagnino's "American Psycho" reimagining.
Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Spend three mornings, Tuesday-Thursday (December 2-4) in the board room focusing on the health & wellness of your business/career and how we can innovate to accelerate growth & revenueArrive Monday, December 1 and depart Friday, Dec 6.

This is a (closed) invitation-only elite speaker retreat for Cigar PEG High Rollers, 2025 Benefactors, and Cigar PEG Staff.

2025 Group Meals Information:

Spouses are invited to group lunches and dinners. Participation is optional. Because of the challenges in Key West of large group events, if you commit to attendingyou need to show up. As for the finance, Ed will pay for each meal, divide it equally among the number dining and bill everyone after the mastermind is completed. Lunches will be planned daily. Dinners are planned: Monday through Thursday, generally at 7 PM.

This event helps you to grow your business by taking time to sharpen the axe incorporating the help of other high-level speakers. Many advanced-speaker attendees have commented on the high-value accelerated business growth strategies they have received from masterminding with other more advanced speakers. If you register, lock the date on your calendar as this event will be more important to you than accepting a booking. Here, we will draw a line straight to the money. And, youll have some fun and build closer relationships with your peers in helping you to (with leads) find new and more profitable business. (Spouses are welcome to join in at meals and during social timebut this IS NOT a plus-one invitation for your friends.)

There is a $300 (non-refundable & non-transferable) registration for each attendee and it is compulsory to stay a minimum of four nights at the event venue (rooms @ $399 per night, resort fee waived). Attendees will be responsible for their travel, lodging, and meals. Yes, please do bring your spouse/significant other (not plus-one friend). Spouses and significant others will not attend sessions in board room but are welcome to attend group meals.

Mastermind days: December 2-4, 2025. We will be at the Opal Key Resort & Marina (previously the Margaritaville and before that, the Westin) in Key West. Hotel room booking information and link at bottom of page. Staying a minimum of 4 nights is manditory to register and attend. If anybody leaves early and the Cigar PEG gets hit with an attrition non-performance peneltythe offending attendee will be billed for the room night(s).

Plan for Monday 12/1/24 (arrival) and Friday 12/5/24 (departure). Three business-growth mastermind mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) and three afternoons of R&Rwe generally reconvene in the spa. Group lunch and dinner is not mandatorybut why wouldnt you want to break bread with your colleagues?

Each attendee will have the opportunity to share their growing the business success secrets or ask others to help solve a challenge.

Learn from the greats$300Register for 2025this is non-refundable and-non transferable.

Book Your Room at the Opal Key

Monday, November 3, 2025 is the deadline for Mastermind room rate.

To reserve your room, call 855-366-8045

High Rollers & 2024 Benefactors Registered for 2024 Mastermind will receive first right of refusal for their spot in 2025:

Jeff Owens, High Roller

Mike Staver, High Roller

Ray Leone, High Roller

Lisa Ryan, High Roller

Bryce Austin, High Roller

Dan Knight, High Roller

Joe Curcillo, High Roller

Susan Fitzell, High Roller

Tom Guetzke, Benefactor

Kelli Vrla, Benefactor

Barry Moniak, Benefactor

Nelson Griswold, Benefactor

Mike Wright, Benefactor

Lori King-Taylor, Benefactor

Erik Larson, Benefactor

Val Grubb, Benefactor

High Rollers & 2023 Benefactors:



Ray Leone, High Roller

Mike Staver, High Roller

Lisa Ryan, High Roller

Joe Curcillo, High Roller

Jeff Owens, High Roller

Dan Knight, High Roller

Bryce Austin, Benefactor

Ken Blackwell, Benefactor

Nelson Griswold, Benefactor

Tom Guetzke, Benefactor

Mike Wright, Benefactor

Vivian Cobb, Benefactor

Lori King-Taylor, Benefactor

Barry Moniak, Benefactor

April Callis-Birchmeier, Benefactor

Kelli Vrla, Benefactor

Kit Welchlin, Benefactor

Sharon Grossman, Benefactor

High Roller & 2022 Benefactor Attendees

Jeremy Torisk, High Roller

Lisa Ryan, High Roller

Ray Leone, High Roller

Joe Curcillo, High Roller

Mike Staver, High Roller

Peter Stark, High Roller

Dan Knight, Benefactor

Randy Otto, Benefactor

Ken Blackwell, Benefactor

Bryce Austin, Benefactor

Mark Stiving, Benefactor

Amber Hurdle, Benefactor

Kathi Kulesza, Benefactor

Nelson Griswold, Benefactor

Kathleen Riessen, Benefactor

Ed Rigsbee, Meeting Organizer

Members that attended the 2021 Mastermind in Key West:

Jeff Owens, High Roller

Ray Leone, High Roller

Joe Curcillo, High Roller

Anne McKinney, High Roller

Mike Staver, High Roller

Lisa Ryan, High Roller

Dan Knight, Benefactor

Jeremy Torisk, Benefactor

Randy Otto, Benefactor

Susan Fitzell, Benefactor

Dwight Holcomb, Benefactor

Jerome Wade, Benefactor

Donn LeVie, Benefactor

April Callis-Birchmeier, Benefactor

Jan Spence, Benefactor

Ken Blackwell, Benefactor

Dale Irvin, Staff

Ed Rigsbee, Staff

Complete 2025 Opal Key Resort & Marina

Room Reservation Information

Reservations can be booked until November 3, 2025. Guests for the Cigar PEG Key West 2025 can book rooms at the Opal Key Resort & Marina arriving on December 1, 2025 and departing December 5, 2025 (12/06/2024) at group rates starting at $385.00 USD per night plus 12.5% tax and applicable resort fees. (Note from Ed: Resort Fees waved in contract.)

Please make sure your guests put in the dates they are requesting.

A credit card is required to guarantee each reservation. Guests will have until seven (7) days prior to arrival to cancel their reservations without a penalty.

Guests can call reservations at 1.855.366.8045 with any questions.

Thank you,

Mariana Velez-King Regional Group Sales Coordinator Florida Keys Regional Sales Office Key Largo and Key West

305.292.4345 (Direct)

305.451.8500 (Office) 305.292.4387 (Fax)

mariana.velez@ophotels.com

www.ophotels.com

www.opalcollection.com
(The Center Square)  President Donald Trump delivered remarks at a rally in Michigan Tuesday evening, his 100th day in office of his second term.

Trump touted his progress cutting federal waste, protecting workers, restoring the rule of law and ending illegal immigration as part of the most successful 100 days in the history of any administration.

Instead of putting China first, I'm putting Michigan first and I'm putting America first, Trump said at the Macomb County Rally.

In 100 days we have delivered the most profound change in Washington in 100 years, Trump said, adding he is ushering in the golden age of America, a nod to his inauguration speech in January.

Trump took time to attack former President Joe Biden, questioning how he ever got elected. He spent much of his speech touting his wins on immigration policy. The Center Square Voters Voice poll found immigration is the issue voters are happiest with the president.

I banned all welfare to illegals, and I signed an order that will end automatic citizenship for the children of illegal aliens, Trump said before touting his signing of the Laken Riley Act, a law that requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain illegal aliens charged with a crime after 22-year-old Riley, a nursing student, was killed by an illegal alien while jogging.

For years, Joe Biden and the media told us that stopping the flood of illegal immigration was absolutely impossible, Trump said. He said it was impossible. He didnt know what the hell anybody was talking about.

But it turned out that all we needed was a new president, Trump added, repeating a favorite line of his State of the Union address.

Trump said his immigration policies would be more effective if not for the courts blocking him.

Trump blasted a handful of radical, communist judges saying they are infringing on authority delegated to the president.

He also attacked Democrats for fighting his effort to deport migrants, saying he was elected in every swing state and won the popular vote because of immigration more than any other issue.

The last administration engineered a massive border invasion that allowed gangs and cartels to infiltrate our communities and rape and murder our citizens and that is being nice about it, Trump said.

Trump also hit Democrats, accusing them of cheating in elections and saying he actually won Michigan in 2020, a state he lost to then-President Joe Biden.

Trump attacked liberal media coverage as well as the pollsters who have reported his approval rating has fallen, saying they interview more Democrats than Republicans.

The Center Square Voters' Voice Poll, released last week, also shows more voters disapprove of the job Trump is doing than those who approve. The poll surveyed 2,527 registered voters. Of those respondents, 1,089 were Republicans, 1,187 were Democrats, and 251 were "True Independents."

In the speech, Trump touted stripping the security clearances of the intelligence officials who said Hunter Bidens laptop was Russian disinformation, a claim that was later debunked.

He also touted his bans of critical race theory and transgender military members, saying recruitment has since soared.

The president promised major tax cuts in the future and promised to defend Medicaid and achieve military supremacy.

The presidents speech was wide-ranging and often off the cuff, reminiscent of his time on the campaign trail. He went on to tout his drill baby, drill energy policy and his 25% tariff on foreign automobiles, saying it would revive auto manufacturing in Michigan.

We have been beaten up so badly by the countries he said.

Trump pointed to tens of billions of dollars in domestic investment promised by companies like Apple, Amazon, Johnson and Johnson and more.

Trumps tariffs have mostly been put on pause while his team negotiates trade deals, though his 145% tariffs on China remain in place.

Youre going to make the cars, he told the crowd.

We really dont want your cars, he added, speaking to other nations.

The president stands up for Main Street, not Wall Street.
April 30, 2025, marks Stop Food Waste Day, a global initiative that highlights the staggering amount of food wasted worldwide. Its a day to reflect, but also a reminder that every meal counts. Each time we plan a meal, pack leftovers or check the fridge before shopping, we have a chance to help reduce waste.

Photo credit: Depositphotos.

While the spotlight is on stopping food waste today, the idea is to carry this awareness beyond April 30 and into daily routines. We can do this by shopping smarter, cooking with intention and using every ingredient to its full potential. These everyday choices, repeated over time, build habits that help fight waste in a meaningful way.

The bigger picture

Data from ClimateScience states that approximately 30% of all food is lost or wasted worldwide. On average, that equals around 775 kilocalories per person per day, roughly the same as tossing out a dozen eggs or more than two dozen large carrots, every single day.

Food waste happens for many reasons: people throw away food because its past its expiration date, it looks imperfect, its stored poorly or simply because too much was bought in the first place. Globally, that adds up to around 1 billion hectares of land and 660 cubic kilometers of water lost each year. To make matters worse, wasted food contributes heavily to climate change  not only through the emissions from production and transport, but also from methane released as it breaks down in landfills.

According to the United Nations, food loss and waste put pressure on the sustainability of our food systems. Every time people waste food, they waste resources used to grow, harvest, process, and transport it, including water, land, energy, labor and money. To build food systems that are truly resilient, we must place sustainability at the core. That means adopting smarter, more connected approaches  from local composting programs to digital tools that help manage surplus food before it spoils.

How to take action at home

The United States Environmental Protection Agency says planning, prepping and storing food with intention can go a long way in reducing household waste. Here are a few thoughtful habits in the kitchen and at the store that can help keep more food on the plate and less in the bin:

Planning and shopping tips

Smart grocery habits are one of the easiest ways to cut down on food waste. It starts with choosing meals that the household already enjoys, such as familiar favorites that guide the grocery list and help ensure every item gets used. A quick check of the fridge, freezer and pantry before shopping keeps shoppers from buying duplicates and encourages meals built around ingredients already on hand.

Matching the list to the weeks routine is another helpful step. Factoring in takeout nights, leftovers or busier days when cooking isnt realistic can prevent overbuying. Adding details like spinach for two lunches keeps portions in check.

And while bulk bins and discounts can offer value, they only help when the food is stored properly and used in time. Choosing imperfect produce or upcycled goods is another practical and sustainable way to make the most of the food system without contributing to the waste stream.

Storage tips

Storing food the right way can make a big difference when it comes to waste. Keeping fruits and vegetables in the right part of the fridge helps preserve their texture and flavor  leafy greens, carrots and broccoli do better in the high humidity drawer, while mushrooms and peppers last longer in low humidity.

Some fruits, like bananas and apples, give off ethylene gas that speeds up ripening, so its a good idea to store them separately from produce that spoils easily. Berries and grapes stay fresher when washed only right before eating.

It also helps to understand the layout of your fridge. The door is the warmest spot, which is ideal for condiments but not milk or eggs. The coldest part is the lower shelves, where its best to store meat, poultry and fish. Refrigerators should stay at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. And dont forget the freezer as a powerful tool for saving bread, fruit or leftovers that wont get eaten in time. Just label and date items so theyre easy to find later.

Cooking and preparation tips

Getting creative in the kitchen is one of the most enjoyable ways to cut back on food waste. Ingredients that are slightly past their prime or leftover odds and ends can still be transformed into soups, casseroles, frittatas, stir fries, sauces, grain-based salads, smoothies or baked goods.

Stale bread makes great croutons or French toast, while beet greens and other edible scraps can become delicious side dishes or soup stock. Knowing the difference between sell-by, use-by and expiration dates also helps prevent tossing food thats still safe to eat.

Cooking just the right amount is another smart habit. Planning portions based on the number of people eating helps avoid uneaten leftovers, and storing extras in clear, labeled containers makes them easy to use later. When theres a surplus of fresh produce, techniques like freezing, canning, pickling or dehydrating can extend shelf life and reduce waste, especially during peak seasons.

Share the message

Food waste might start at home, but the impact multiplies when people work together. Sharing food-saving tips, recipes and even leftovers with friends, neighbors or coworkers helps build everyday awareness. Mentioning how you use up produce scraps, organizing a food-sharing box at work, or even posting a photo of your clean out the fridge dinner are all simple ways to make food-saving feel practical and personal. These small actions open the door for bigger conversations  and thats where change really starts:

Start conversations that stick

Food waste isnt always top of mind, but it becomes easier to talk about when people see practical examples. Mentioning a go-to leftover recipe, swapping tips during lunch break or even sharing small wins on social media can make waste reduction feel more normal and more doable.

Support local food initiatives

From food banks to composting hubs, community programs are already helping reduce food waste, and there are plenty worth supporting. For instance, City Harvest in New York City rescues millions of pounds of food each year and redistributes it to those in need.

In California, Food Forward collects surplus produce from farmers markets, backyard trees and wholesalers, redirecting it to hunger relief organizations across Southern California. The Food Recovery Network empowers students across the U.S. to recover surplus food from college campuses and donate it locally. And Imperfect Foods delivers ugly but perfectly edible groceries straight to homes, helping reduce waste before it starts.

Supporting these efforts by donating, volunteering or spreading the word can extend your impact beyond your own kitchen. Local restaurants and retailers are also getting creative, using surplus ingredients or offering discounts on foods near their sell-by date.

Use tech to spread change

Apps and online platforms make it easier than ever to rescue food and rethink the way people shop, cook and store meals. Tools like Too Good To Go connect users with restaurants and bakeries offering heavily discounted surplus food that would otherwise go to waste.

Olio helps neighbors share extra food and household items locally, making it easy to give away rather than throw away. Flashfood partners with grocery stores to offer soon-to-expire products at lower prices, cutting waste and costs at the same time. There are also apps like NoWaste that help track whats in the fridge and suggest recipes based on whats already on hand.

Sharing these tools with friends or community groups can make food-saving habits easier and more accessible to everyone. Technology isnt just convenient; its a growing part of the food waste solution.

Make every meal count

Stop Food Waste Day shines a light on a growing issue, but it doesnt end when the day does. Every mindful choice adds up. From how we plan and store food to how we cook and share it, small actions help build better habits. Because when food is valued at each stage, every meal really does count.

Zuzana Paar is the visionary behind four inspiring websites: Amazing Travel Life, Low Carb No Carb, Best Clean Eating and Sustainable Life Ideas. As a content creator, recipe developer, blogger and photographer, Zuzana shares her diverse skills through breathtaking travel adventures, healthy recipes and eco-friendly living tips. Her work inspires readers to live their best, healthiest and most sustainable lives.

The post Stop Food Waste Day is today and every meal counts appeared first on Food Drink Life.
Two men have received 25 years in prison after their conviction for stabbings that occurred last year in downtown Bozeman, leaving two men with serious injuries.

Santiago Machado Echeverri and Andres Felipe Lara Gonzalez pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a weapon and one count of tampering with evidence.

They will serve their sentences in the Montana State Prison. Thereafter, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE)  which has placed immigration holds on the two men  will be notified to take custody of them.

Todays sentencing is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to justice, County Attorney Audrey Cromwell said in a press release. Violent crimes such as this will not be tolerated in our community.

In February, the Chronicle reported a raid conducted by the Bozeman Police Department and Gallatin County Special Response Team at the intersection of Dell Place and East Story Street. During the raid, a dozen people were detained, including Gonzalez and Echeverri.

The two were accused of attacking Shane Skiff and Jared Mizner in the early morning hours of Feb. 10, 2024 after a verbal altercation outside the Rocking R Bar. A press release from the Gallatin County Attorneys office said Skiff was attacked around 1:37 a.m. near Bozeman Street and Olive Street and struck with edged weapons, causing severe lacerations to his face, shoulder, thigh and hand.

A few minutes later, Mizner was attacked near First Security Bank along Babcock Street and received multiple stab wounds including a deep laceration to his neck.

Echeverri and Gonzalez were identified because they were reported driving a silver Nissan Armada with Idaho Plates, which law enforcement located outside the apartment building on East Story Street.

Gonzalez later confessed to participating in both assaults, and that he was armed with a wood chisel, the press release said. Echeverri had a box cutter.

Both men later pleaded guilty to all three charges.

While in custody, Echeverri and Gonzalez were served immigration warrants at the Gallatin County Detention Center, which will remain throughout their sentence.

When released, ICE will be notified to take them into custody.
ALLIANCE, Ohio  Barns have long stood as iconic markers of Ohios agricultural tradition, officially recognized as a state symbol in 2019. But theyve always attracted keen-eyed admirers who study their craftsmanship with the same fervor that storm chasers reserve for swirling skies.

That passion was on full display during the Friends of Ohio Barns Stark County bus tour on April 25, where those in attendance bookmarked observations to discuss during the organizations all-day conference held the following day. Attendees visited five historic timber-framed barns, each revealing secrets the group eagerly uncovered with the same curiosity as forensic scientists.

Labor of love

The first stop was Jim Hustons barn in Marlboro Township, Ohio, a meticulously preserved 1883 bank barn with double drive bays built by Civil War veteran James Madison Walker. Huston has spent decades carefully restoring everything from the stone walls to the original splined floors using locally sourced materials.

Mom sold the place in 66, and we got it back in 95. And ever since then, Ive been shoveling money into it, Huston told the group that gathered to hear about his preservation efforts. So thats about it. I got it to where its not falling down. I still have a long way to go.

Since purchasing the farm where he had spent many of his teen years  his and his brothers signatures still mark the wide boards of the barns waste wall from the 1960s  Huston and his wife Deb have been steadily working on renovations.

Visitors marveled at original hand-hewn elements (if youre ever playing barn bingo with this group, youll want hand-hewn on your board) and careful reconstructions, like the vented doors Huston rebuilt using old patterns and window sashes found in antique shops.

Everything else I had to make, which was time and labor-intensive, he noted. All the repairs were carefully executed by Huston himself.

In transforming the lower level from dairy structures into horse stalls, he jacked up the basement, poured new concrete plinths to support the posts and added X-braces to reinforce the floor beams. After repairing the exterior stone walls, he rebuilt the large window openings and vented louvers, sourcing materials locally, often from dismantled barns.

As the group moved through the barn, deeper architectural details were revealed: hand-sawn beams showing marks from post-Civil War steam-powered mills, scaffold ties once used for temporary platforms and a rare hay trolley system  a marvel of 19th-century innovation that left observers in awe.

Were not just reading about history. Were not just hearing about history. We are experiencing it firsthand, Rudy Christian, founding member and past president of Friends of Ohio Barns, reminded the crowd. Unlike other historic buildings, barns evolved with the technological advances and needs of each farmer, and each remains as individual as the people who built and used them.

Other stops

Subsequent stops included the Schmuck Family Farm in Nimishillen Township, Ohio, once owned by John Mordie, an immigrant from Sweden who arrived in 1892.

Mordie built a cheese empire, owning 80 small cheese plants that contributed to his wealth. His gambrel roof barn showcased intricate architectural details, from its crown jewels, the copper cupolas, high up on the roof, to a unique grain storage system and hints of past innovations that spoke volumes about the farming methods it was built to enhance.

The group also visited the Scheetz barn in Louisville, Ohio, a 45-by-85-foot German bank barn. With its sturdy timber framing and unique characteristics, it was a highlight of the day, followed by a stop at the Brumbaugh Nature Center to see a large, well-preserved bank barn that showcased remarkable craftsmanship from wide boards to a double purlin roof and a rare waste wall design.

Lively discussions about the barns construction techniques abounded. Many tour goers were fascinated by the mechanics behind how workers managed to build the heavy timber structures without the modern machinery available today. They pointed flashlights at the various points of interest above them like tourists assessing Michelangelos famous ceiling fresco in the Sistine Chapel.

One of the groups stops took them to White Star Farms in Osnaburg Township, Ohio, to see a Queen Rod Truss barn boasting a wing with a striking Gothic roof frame that resembles the inverted keel of a ship.

My favorite thing is when you open the doors, every one of them is constructed differently. They were always built for function first, Caleb Miller, president of Friends of Ohio Barns, told Farm and Dairy. Stepping inside the barn reveals how builders carefully designed each structure to meet the specific needs of the farmer it belonged to, drawing on skills and techniques passed down through generations, he said. And so the beauty is in the function.

Mike Schmuck, whose family has farmed the land for six generations, shared the barns rich history with the group. His great-grandfather, Reason Andrew Schmuck, who came from Wooster, Ohio, built the house and barn in the 1880s which today houses dry cows and dairy heifer replacements.

Its an honor for me to live in that house. Its not just a place. Its the familys. And Im just lucky enough to live here, he said.

Schmuck has a keen eye for preserving his familys legacy. Hes safeguarded many treasures that were tucked away, including old trade catalogs, farming equipment books and 1910s newspaper clippings. One of his most treasured finds is a land grant deed signed by Thomas Jefferson. But Schmucks favorite discoveries were the boxes of 35mm slides from the attic, offering a glimpse into his aunts, uncles and fathers childhood on the farm.

Barn tour attendee Keith Thompson, a model maker who has been constructing scale models of barns for over 35 years, shared his deep appreciation for the craftsmanship behind these historic structures dating back to his childhood.

I grew up on a dairy, sheep and pig farm, Thompson told Farm and Dairy. (Ive made) over 1,200  well, coming up close to 1,300 pieces

That includes at least one the group had just seen: the barn at White Star Farms.

I built that barn  scale model, he said.

Thompson said that he finds joy in their intricate designs, particularly the oldest barns, which were built without the modern machinery that we now take for granted.

The barns were seeing today were built before we had all the tools to make the job easier, he said.

For Thompson, each stop on the tour felt like a reunion with old friends. Building models is his way of honoring them.

Its just a joy, he said.
Over 40 farmers protested outside the BBC's recording studio in Southampton to demand greater media attention to the challenges they face.

The protest, organised by campaigners at Farmers To Action, featured dozens of tractors parked outside the BBC South studios at midday on 30 April.

The demonstration aimed to draw attention to what organisers at the newly formed group describe as a lack of media coverage of issues impacting farmers.

These include the controversial inheritance tax reforms coming into effect from April 2026, surging costs and dissatisfaction over government policy.

FTA members have a static protest outside the BBC!

Highlighting the dishonest and terrible coverage over serious matters in this country!!

At this point the BBC are no more than government lapdog

Doing as they are told!

Only reporting on what they are instructed to!

Their pic.twitter.com/vzgz6hb8Vk  Farmers To Action (@FarmersToAction) May 2, 2025

A Farmers To Action spokesperson said on social media: They wont put us on the news, so well take the news to them.

We in Hampshire obviously havent got any local elections, so we decided to visit the BBC South studios to see why the BBC wont put current farming issues in their news broadcasts."

The added: Hope to see you there; weve got one local contractor whos bringing his guitar and singing a song hes written about the industrys issues too.

It follows a separate demonstration in London yesterday organised by Save British Farming, which saw farmers rally under the theme 'food and farming in a time of war'.

The event on 29 April aimed to underscore how import dependency, weak agricultural policy and rising costs are threatening the viability of British farms.

Before the protest, Save British Farming said: Britain cannot afford to take food for granted - we are at a critical moment.

"This campaign is about remembering the past to prevent history from repeating itself.
A major government crackdown on illegal waste operators has been launched, aimed at tackling rising fly-tipping and cleaning up rural areas across the UK.

The new measures will see councils working closely with police to identify, seize and crush vehicles used by waste criminals.

The government says it plans to slash red tape currently preventing councils from taking rapid enforcement action, including the destruction of fly-tippers vehicles.

Drones and mobile CCTV will also be used to identify and track vehicles involved in fly-tipping.

Under the proposed reforms, offenders operating illegally could face up to five years in prison.

Councils, which have traditionally borne the cost of storing seized vehicles, will soon be able to shift these costs onto the offenders.

Defra Secretary Steve Reed said: Waste criminals and fly-tippers who blight our towns and villages have gone unpunished for too long.

"That ends today. The government is calling time on fly-tipping. I will not stand by while this avalanche of rubbish buries our communities."

Councils across the country dealt with well over 1 million fly-tipping incidents on public land alone last year, a rise of 6%.

Rural campaigners frequently point out that many fly-tipping incidents occur on private land, painting an even more damaging picture of the financial burden and environmental impact it brings.

Just last month, a Hertfordshire farmer was forced to pay out thousands of pounds after clearing 40 tonnes of illegally dumped waste from her land.

To support enforcement, the Environment Agency will conduct identity and criminal background checks on waste sector operators and will receive increased resources to police the industry.

This will be funded through permit fees, reducing the cost to the public while giving regulators the power to revoke permits, issue enforcement notices, and impose fines.

Victoria Vyvyan, president of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), welcomed the new crackdown, as action was "badly needed" from the government.

She said: "The number of incidents is rising, but enforcement actions, fixed penalty notices and total number of court fines are all down year-on-year. This cannot go on.

Some local authorities are already seizing vehicles of fly-tippers, but last year two councils accounted for more than 60% of seizures.

"These powers need to be used much more widely to send a serious message to these environmental criminals."
The NFU has renewed calls for urgent government investment in flooding infrastructure following a stark warning from the Climate Change Committee (CCC).

In its latest progress report, the CCC highlights that the UK remains ill-prepared for increasingly frequent and severe weather events, placing UK food production in jeopardy.

The committee warns in a new report released today (30 April) that more than half of Englands highest quality agricultural land is now at risk of flooding.

The NFU says the findings underscore the need for decisive action in the upcoming government Spending Review.

Adding to the alarm, the National Audit Office recently revealed an ongoing funding gap in Environment Agency flood maintenance, a shortfall that rural areas felt acutely in 2024 one of the wettest years on record.

The report comes as many farmers are still recovering from flood-related damage that struck their land and disrupted their livelihoods last year.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: Last year we experienced one of the most challenging growing seasons in living memory with thousands of acres of farmland under water early in the year.

"Even now, more than 12 months on and during the warmest week of the year so far, farm businesses are still working to recover."

Not only does flooding cause significant damage to peoples properties and livelihoods, it also puts the UKs food production at risk.

Last years wheat harvest was one of the worst in 20 years, at a time when global food supply chains are increasingly unstable.

Recovering from flood damage comes at a huge cost to the taxpayer," Mr Bradshaw explained.

"Climate extremes are not going away and we need to be investing in the maintenance and expansion of our flooding defences now to minimise damage in the future.

In light of these findings, the NFU is calling on the chancellor to establish a long-term funding plan to overhaul the UKs flooding infrastructure, with a focus on meeting the specific needs of rural areas.

While the government has previously pointed to Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes as a primary tool for mitigating flood risk, the NFU says the recent closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme has left a critical gap in support.

Mr Bradshaw concluded that this showed how disjointed policies and funding decisions can be  a point the CCC also raises in its report.

"In 2023 the government said the best way farmers could adapt their businesses to a changing climate was through the SFI scheme, but then this year it shut up shop," he said.

We need an agricultural budget which allows more farms to take these important measures through the SFI, and a nationwide flooding investment plan, which recognises rural needs.
The NFU is calling on candidates in the local elections to show their support for British farming, particularly over changes to inheritance tax affecting family farms.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw described the elections as a critical moment to address the growing pressures on the UKs agricultural industry.

More than 1,600 council seats are being contested across 23 English counties on Thursday (1 May), alongside mayoral elections in numerous regions.

Mr Bradshaw said continued support from local authorities, councillors and regional mayors was "so important" to the industry.

Elections are a timely opportunity to shine a light on some of the huge challenges facing farmers such as the family farm tax," he explained.

It comes as farmer confidence has plummeted following 18 turbulent months, marked by soaring input costs, extreme weather events, rural crime and delays in planning processes.

The recent closure of the governments Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme has further exacerbated the strain.

However, the most contentious issue is the change to inheritance tax rules announced in the governments October budget, which will roll out from April 2026.

Mr Bradshaw said this change could saddle family farms with crippling financial burdens, threatening future investment and impacting mental health levels in rural areas.

The governments announcement...was a devastating blow with many farming businesses set to face unaffordable bills, the NFU president warned.

In response, the union has been campaigning under its "Stop the Family Farm Tax" banner, receiving backing from a growing number of county councils.

Dozens of local authorities, such as in Northumberland and Norfolk, have passed motions urging the government to reconsider the policy.

Highlighting farmings broader economic impact, Mr Bradshaw pointed out that UK agriculture underpins the countrys largest manufacturing sectorfood and drinkcontributing 148 billion to the economy and supporting over 4 million jobs.

The support of local councils and regional mayors for our industry is vitalnot just on the family farm tax, but also on issues such as planning and the procurement of more British food, Mr Bradshaw added.

We look forward to working with those newly elected representatives to help lay the foundations for a sustainable and profitable future.
UK dairy is addressing its ongoing workforce challenges with the launch of a new group tasked with boosting workforce skills for the 5.7 billion sector.

The Talent Forum, launched today (30 April), aims to address the growing skills gap and focus on attracting and retaining talent, which has become a pressing issue for the sector.

A recent report by dairy cooperative Arla found that 86% of farmers with vacancies reported very few or no applicants possessing the right skills.

It is hoped the initiative will address this, as well as improve succession planning and forecast future skill needs across the entire supply chainfrom farms to processing plants.

Launched by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), the Talent Forum has brought together senior leaders from across the dairy supply chain.

These include figures from industry organisations such as the AHDB, NFU, Dairy UK, Defra and the Scottish government.

Sam Rhynas, vice chair of the Talent Forum stated: The work of the forum is vital in ensuring a resilient, highly skilled workforce that meets the evolving demands of the sector, fostering both economic growth and individual career progression.

"Additionally, it opens opportunities to create a diverse environment, bringing expertise from other sectors to work collaboratively and develop new and innovative approaches.

The Talent Forums mission is to guide the development of a "future skills needs sssessment", utilising data and feedback from industry stakeholders.

This assessment will inform future investments in vocational education, apprenticeships and continuous professional development.

The Talent Forum said this would ensure the dairy sector is prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry.

Lynne Somerville, Think Dairy Careers Skills Lead at UWS, said the launch of the initiative was an exciting step forward for the UK dairy sector.

"By working together, weve got a real opportunity to raise awareness, open up new pathways and help build a skilled and future-ready workforce.
Kenya continued to outperform on apparel exports despite huge volatility in global trade and economic conditions. After recording impressive growth in apparel exports last year, the country again achieved a growth of 31.37 per cent in shipments during the first two months of the current year. The United States remained the top market, accounting for around 90 per cent of shipments.

Kenyas apparel exports stood at $67.752 million in January-February 2025, which was more than 31 per cent higher than the exports of $51.479 million in the same period in 2024, according to Fibre2Fashion's market insight tool TexPro.

Kenya's apparel exports rose by 31.37 per cent to $67.752 million in January-February 2025, defying global trade volatility. The US remained the dominant market, accounting for nearly 90 per cent of shipments. Kenya achieved similar annual growth of 31.24 per cent in 2024, reaching $419.736 million. After a sharp fall in 2023, the country rebounded strongly in 2024, driven by sustained US demand.

In 2024, the country exported apparel worth $419.736 million. Shipments grew at a similar pace this year. Kenyas apparel exports grew by 31.24 per cent in 2024 compared to $319.823 million in 2023. Shipments were noted at $383.882 million in 2021, which increased to $403.823 million in 2022, but then declined by 27.54 per cent to $319.823 million in 2023.

After mild growth in 2022, Kenyas apparel exports witnessed a steep fall in 2023. However, the country defied economic adversities and recorded impressive growth in trade in 2024.

The US remained the top market for Kenyan exports for several years. In January-February 2025, Kenya exported apparel worth $59.284 million to the US, accounting for 87.50 per cent of total apparel exports. Among other top five markets, Australia, China, Mexico, and Canada contributed around 7 per cent to Kenyas apparel exports during the period, as per TexPro.

In 2024, Kenya had exported apparel worth $385.700 million to the US, representing 91.89 per cent of its total apparel exports of $419.736 million. Among other top five markets, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and Uganda each contributed less than five per cent.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
After launching her wellness brand Dhun Wellness earlier this February, Shahid Kapoor's wife Mira Rajput Kapoor is embracing another milestone. She just stepped into a brand-new workspace, with her pillar of strength, Shahid. The entrepreneur took to social media to share a special moment from the new office site, where she was seen breaking a coconut alongside husband Shahid Kapoor, marking an auspicious new beginning.

The space is still under construction, as per the glimpse shared by Mira. Captioning the video, Mira wrote on Instagram's story section, "To new beginnings @dhunwellness with my forever @shahidkapoor.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Filmfare (@filmfare)
Korea Travel Road Show In Denver

"Discover Your Korea in Denver 2025 - A Taste of Korea in the Mile-High City, Denver"

"Discover Your Korea in Denver 2025" was successfully hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the Republic of Korea and the Korea Tourism Organization Los Angeles Office at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown

Denver.

The event marked its first-ever Korean Tourism Roadshow held in Colorado, attracting approximately 70 industry professionals and leaders from the mainstream travel sector across the Western United States, providing valuable insights into Korean tourism trends, travel insights, and detailed introductions to South Korean tour products. The event notably strengthened partnerships within the travel industry across the U.S. Midwest and West through productive discussions between Korean Destination Management Companies and U.S.-based tour operators regarding Korea travel packages. During the specialized workshop session, the Busan Tourism Organization showcased the city's vibrant tourism resources by delivering an informative presentation on regional tourism offerings, while Hawaiian Airlines provided early insights into its upcoming new direct flight from Seattle to Incheon, scheduled to launch on September 12th, 2025. Participants also enjoyed engaging in cultural experiences, including the art of Korean Calligraphy, and interactive photo booths, providing them with an immersive introduction to Korea's vibrant traditions.

The evening banquet commenced with warm welcoming remarks from the Regional Executive Director of South Korea's, Heejin Cho, followed by an insightful presentation from the Korea Tourism Organization of Los Angeles, highlighting the latest Korean travel trends and tourism contents. Cultural highlights included captivating K-pop cover dance performances and traditional Korean dances presented by the students from Colorado State University.

The major highlight of the event was Delta Air Lines' announcement of a new direct flight from its Midwest hub airport, Salt Lake City, to Incheon, commencing on June 12, 2025. This new route is notable to be Salt Lake City's only direct flight to Asia, emphasizing plans to stimulate and boost travel demand and promote tourism to Korea through enhanced connectivity with neighboring regions, including Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.

This event significantly contributed to promoting Korean tourism among travel industry professionals, generating strong momentum for Korea as a popular travel destination within the mainstream market, and fostering the development of new Korean travel products in the U.S. Midwest. The successful turnout once again highlighted the U.S. travel industry's growing enthusiasm and interest in Korean culture and tourism. In 2024, the number of U.S. visitors arriving in Korea reached 1.32 million, setting a new record that surpassed previous all-time high in 2023. According to Korea Tourism Organization Data Lab (www.visitkorea.or.kr), visitor arrivals from the U.S. between January and February 2025 recorded 146,707, representing an increase of over 18% compared to the same period last year. The Korea Tourism Organization announced its continued commitment to further intensifying its promotional activities and strengthening local industry networks to achieve yet another record-breaking year for U.S. tourism to Korea in 2025.

Contact Information

Naki Park

Deputy Editor

park.naki@koreadaily.com

818-863-6254

SOURCE: Korea Tourism Organization

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/travel/discover-your-korea-in-denver-2025-1021492
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 29, 2025) - Scope Technologies Corp. (CSE: SCPE) (OTCQB: SCPCF) (FSE: VN8) ("Scope Technologies" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has re-engaged Creative Direct Marketing Group Inc. ("CDMG") to provide investor relations and marketing services to raise public awareness of the Company.

Under the terms of the engagement, CDMG will provide investor relations and market awareness through the creation and distribution of digital marketing materials to www.theinvestmentjournal.com. The total amount to be paid to CDMG for their services is US$100,000. The parties anticipate that the services will be provided for an initial term of 1 month commencing on April 30, 2025 and continuing through May 30, 2025.

CDMG is based in Nashville Tennessee and does not have any prior relationship with Scope Technologies and is an arm's length party. To the best of Scope's knowledge, CDMG does not hold, directly or indirectly, any securities of Scope or have any right to acquire any such securities. The proposed compensation for CDMG does not include any securities of Scope. The Company believes that the principal owners of CDMG are Craig Huey, CEO and Director, and Caleb Huey, President.

The contact information for CDMG is Creative Direct Marketing Group, Inc., 1313 4th Avenue North Nashville, TN 37208; Phone: 615-814-6633; Email alobel@cdmginc.com.

About Scope Technologies Corp.

Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Scope Technologies Corp. is a pioneering technology company specializing in quantum security and machine learning. Through its flagship brands, QSE Group and GEM AI, Scope provides next-generation solutions in data security, quantum encryption, and neural networks, empowering businesses and individuals with secure, scalable technologies that drive growth and operational efficiency.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that constitute forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that are not purely historical statements of fact are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, future, strategy, objectives, goals and targets, and more specifically, the use of proceeds of the Offering. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable and reflect expectations of future developments and other factors which management believes to be reasonable and relevant, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "aim", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, including, but not limited to, those risks and assumptions described in the Company's prospectus dated August 10, 2022, a copy of which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. While Scope considers these assumptions to be reasonable, based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. In addition, forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions, continued satisfaction of Canadian Securities Exchange requirements, product safety and recalls, regulatory compliance and risks associated with the Company's business. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause anticipated opportunities and actual results to differ materially, please refer to the risk factors set out in the Company's prospectus dated August 10, 2022, a copy of which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, unless required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the business of the Company and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy hereof.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250235

SOURCE: Scope Technologies Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 29, 2025) - Mundoro Capital Inc. (TSXV: MUN) (OTCQB: MUNMF) (www.mundoro.com) ("Mundoro" or the "Company") announces the operating and financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024. The audited Financial Statements (FS), and Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for 2024 are filed on SEDAR+, and are available on Mundoro's website at www.mundoro.com under the heading "Investors". All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Mundoro's CEO, Teo Dechev, noted that fiscal year 2024 was a period of focused execution. Core activities involved continued exploration within partnered projects, assessment of new opportunities, and technical progression of available properties to facilitate third-party option discussions. Over a two-year perspective, the company's financial results illustrate a disciplined and sustainable business approach, allowing the reinvestment of the positive cash flow from 2023 into 2024 initiatives. In 2024, capital was allocated to advance targets across the property portfolio. The exploration conducted in 2024 has enhanced the attractiveness of the Company's properties, positioning them favorably for new partnerships. Discussions are ongoing with potential partners, indicating continued interest in the properties.

2024 Year End Financial Summary

Cash Position and Working Capital: As of December 31, 2024, the Company held $6.32 million in cash and cash equivalent and held $1.96 million in working capital. The Company has no long-term debt.

Fees Earned and Net Option Payments Received: Fees earned, including operator and option fees, were $1.11 million in fiscal year 2024.

Exploration and Project Evaluation Expenditures: Total exploration and project evaluation expenditures conducted on the Company's properties were $6.91 million in fiscal year 2024. Of this amount, $6.01 million was recovered from option partners, resulting in net exploration costs to the Company of $0.90 million for the year. These net exploration costs are primarily attributable to the Company's internally funded Project Generative operations.

Corporate Expenses: Corporate expenses in fiscal year 2024 were down 7.7% from the prior year to $1.26 million.

2024 Exploration Summary and 2025 Outlook

BHP-Mundoro Projects, Serbia

Borsko: Evaluating a Preserved Alteration System through Advanced Techniques Located in the central Timok Magmatic Complex, directly west of the Bor Mine, exploration of the Borsko Project is for significant copper-gold mineralization. Building on the discovery of an undercover alteration lithocap (Target 1), 2024 activities involved structural interpretations, mineralogy and petrography analysis, petrophysical measurements, and detailed structural mapping. Extensive geophysical surveys, including passive seismic and ground AMT, were completed or significantly advanced in late 2024, with final reports and 3D models received in Q1 2025 to optimize future drill locations. Exploration plans for early 2025 prioritize integrating these advanced datasets to finalize target definitions and develop a comprehensive drill program.

Trstenik and Crvena Zemlja: Systematic Exploration and Drill Program Advancement Immediately north of the Majdanpek copper porphyry Mine, the Trstenik project is strategically positioned within the northern Timok Magmatic Complex, with targets showing similarities to Majdanpek's porphyry and associated skarn mineralization. 2024 saw extensive systematic exploration, including receiving results from late 2023 drilling and passive seismic surveys, completing a ground AMT survey and inversion analysis, detailed mapping and sampling across multiple areas, and comprehensive geochemical and structural analysis. Importantly, a drill proposal was developed and logistical readiness was significantly advanced for a planned drill program in the North-Central target area, demonstrating clear progress towards drill testing high-priority targets in 2025, while data analysis and 3D modeling continue for the southern targets. The delay in receiving forestry permit approval, for the north-central target area drill program, has delayed the start of the drill program from Q4-2024 to 2025. Although the forestry permit approval is understood to be in the final stages, final timing for approval is unknown.

Vitanovac: Geophysical Surveys and Structural Interpretation for Target Generation Located as the southern extension of the Timok Magmatic Complex, the Vitanovac license is prospective for porphyry and epithermal copper-gold mineralization associated with intrusions. Building on initial stream sediment anomalies, 2024 exploration focused on completing extensive geophysical surveys, including ground AMT, gravity, and magnetic surveys, following receipt of results from late 2023 drilling. Processed results from these surveys were received, and structural interpretation completed in Q1 2025. Future plans prioritize the comprehensive interpretation and 3D modeling of all collected geophysical data in H1 2025 to generate refined drill targets for future exploration activities on this frontier license.

Ponor: Geophysical Surveys to Refine Anomalous Geochemical Targets The Ponor license, situated within a geologically prospective setting, is host to compelling gold, copper, lead, and zinc geochemical anomalies in the North and South target areas. 2024 exploration activities built upon these anomalies through comprehensive reconnaissance mapping, rock sampling, and the completion of multiple ground geophysical surveys, including ground AMT (with infill), gravity, and magnetic surveys. Processed results for these surveys were received, and structural interpretation was completed in Q1 2025. Future plans focus on the integrated interpretation and modeling of all collected geochemical and geophysical data in early Q2 2025 to define specific drill targets.

Lipovica: Geophysical Surveys for Subsurface Intrusive Target Identification Adjacent to the Ponor license, the Lipovica area presents an attractive exploration target for mineralization potentially associated with subsurface intrusive bodies beneath sedimentary cover sequences. 2024 activities involved completing comprehensive grid-based soil sampling, reconnaissance mapping, rock sampling, and multiple ground geophysical surveys including gravity, AMT (with infill commenced), and magnetic surveys. Processed results from the completed surveys were received, and structural interpretation was completed in Q1 2025. Remaining geophysical fieldwork was completed in Q1 2025 and finalization of integrated interpretation and modeling in Q2 2025 to delineate potential intrusive targets under cover.

Orlovac: Gravity and Magnetic Surveys for Greenfield Exploration The Orlovac license is located adjacent to the Ponor and Lipovica licenses and interpreted to have potential for intrusive-related mineralization. As a greenfield exploration effort in 2024, the Company rapidly advanced initial exploration, completing grid-based soil sampling (with results received), reconnaissance mapping, rock sampling, ground AMT, and ground magnetic surveys, while commencing a ground gravity survey and AMT infill survey in Q4 2024. Structural interpretation was completed in Q1 2025. Exploration plans for early 2025 prioritize completing remaining geophysical fieldwork and conducting comprehensive interpretation and modeling in Q2 2025 to define initial exploration targets within this prospective new license area.

JOGMEC-Mundoro Project, Bulgaria

EE1 Copper Project: Unlocking Sediment-Hosted Copper Potential The EE1 Copper Project in northwest Bulgaria, a joint venture with JOGMEC, is prospective for sediment-hosted stratiform copper, a deposit type found in world-class regions like Kupferschiefer, Poland, and the Central African Copperbelt. Extensive systematic exploration completed by the joint venture, including comprehensive soil geochemistry, detailed geological mapping, an AMT geophysical program, and a drone magnetic survey, have been instrumental in identifying high-priority drill targets. Building on these results, Mundoro has been diligently advancing the drill permitting process throughout 2024 and early 2025, securing a positive Appropriate Assessment (AA) decision from the Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW) in Q4 2024. Initial objections were received to the MoEW AA decision and then terminated by the courts in Q1 2025. An appeal process remains available, which could affect the final permitting timeline for the planned 1,800-meter drilling program designed to test these high-priority targets. After receipt of all necessary permissions from government agencies, Mundoro can then initiate the drilling program.

Mundoro Owned Projects, Serbia

Skorusa: Advancing Target Definition Located near the active Bor and Cukaru Peki mines, the Skorusa license is 100% owned by the Company, which is actively seeking new partnerships. Building on results from previous drill campaigns, 2024 activities focused on integrating assay, soil, and passive seismic data from the Vale funded 2023 exploration programs to advance data-driven target definition, particularly in the Skorusa West Zone. Future plans include evaluation of the Zlot 1, 2, 3, and Glavica targets, with continued engagement with potential partners to advance exploration on this license.

Oblez: Utilizing Geophysics for Enhanced Targeting Situated adjacent to the Skorusa license and benefiting from proximity to known mineralization, the Oblez license is 100% owned by the Company, which is seeking partnerships to advance exploration. In 2024, the focus was on integrating passive seismic survey results received from 2023 to enhance targeting, particularly along the western edge of the sedimentary basin, an area of interest due to its potential for mineralization styles similar to the nearby Coka Rakita discovery. Future exploration plans are centered on data-driven target evaluation guided by comprehensive analysis of all available geophysical data.

Branik: Proximity to World-Class Mining Operations Strategically located within the highly prospective corridor between the Bor, Veliki Krivelj, and Cukaru Peki mines, the Branik license is 100% owned by the Company, which seeks partners to explore this key location. 2024 activities included receiving and initiating the analysis of results from the Q4 2023 drill program and passive seismic survey. Future exploration plans aim to integrate this passive seismic data with structural interpretations to refine target models and advance the understanding of mineralization potential within this strategically located area.

Bobot and Odej: Extensive Hydrothermal Alteration The Bobot and Odej licenses, located southwest of the Bor Mine, contain a 14 sq.km hydrothermal alteration zone with compelling epithermal and porphyry potential, including historical gold assay results at Tilva Rosh. 100% owned by the Company which is seeking partners, 2024 activities focused on receiving and reviewing results from late 2023 drilling (Markov Kamen South) and passive seismic surveys (Tilva Rosh), further refining target definitions. In Q4 2024, updated presentations highlighting refined targets and vectors to potential porphyry sources were prepared for potential partners, to facilitate the ongoing discussions for these licenses, with future plans focusing on refining targets at Tilva Rosh and Markov Kamen.

Odej South and Gramada: Target Delineation Interpreted to host an 8 km southern extension of the significant hydrothermal alteration zone found at Bobot and Odej, the 127.1 sq.km Odej South and Gramada licenses are wholly owned by the Company, which is actively seeking partnerships. Four promising targets were identified historically, and 2024 activities included receiving assay results from late 2023 drilling at Bacevica North. Proactive steps were taken in Q3 and Q4 2024 to update partner presentations, clearly communicating project potential and progress to attract joint venture investment. Future plans are designed for targeted evaluation of key prospects within both license areas, including Gorunov and Bacevica North (Odej South) and Orlovo, D-vein, Prekostenski, and Bukova (Gramada).

Mundoro Owned Projects, USA

Dos Cabezas Project - Arizona: Advancing Porphyry Copper Targets through Exploration The 100% owned Dos Cabezas Project, strategically located in the prospective Laramide magmatic arc of Southeast Arizona and actively offered for partnership, covers approximately 61 sq.km with multiple land tenures. Exploration has identified six target areas, including four with compelling surface porphyry signatures and two potentially concealed under shallow cover. A significant step was the completion of the permitted Phase 1 drill program in 2023, which included the first known testing of two pediment targets and targeted drilling of one drill hole in each of Mineral Park and Mescal Canyon. Results from this drilling were encouraging, intersecting alteration and mineralization interpreted as indicative of a porphyry copper style system at depth or nearby, with Q3 2024 relogging further confirming favorable porphyry alteration. The untested Casey Copper Canyon target also offers additional upside. Plans for 2025 focus on refining geological models, advancing specific areas like Elma/Mascot towards drill-ready status, continuing fieldwork, and actively presenting the project to potential partners for future drill testing.

Picacho Project - Arizona: Unlocking Covered Porphyry Potential through Advanced Exploration The wholly owned Picacho Project in central Arizona, strategically situated within an area of major porphyry copper deposits and available for partnership, covers approximately 105 sq.km. Exploration has successfully defined three untested, or historically partially tested covered target areas, with potential for concealed porphyry deposits, alongside a large area of untested ground offering further discovery potential. Comprehensive exploration programs completed in 2023, including mapping, geochemical sampling, drone magnetics, and ground gravity surveys, have been integrated to develop initial drill targets beneath shallow pediment cover. Future plans for 2025, contingent on securing a joint venture partner, aim to advance these identified targets to drill-ready status through permitting.

Copperopolis Project - Arizona: Generative Fieldwork and Target Generation Located in the historically significant Black Rock Mining District of central Arizona and open for new partnerships, exploration at the Copperopolis Project is focused on porphyry and related vein systems, potentially linked to a deeper porphyry source like the nearby Sheep Mountain deposit. Detailed fieldwork has revealed compelling evidence for a genetic link between historical veins near the San Juan Mine and outcropping Laramide-age porphyry dikes/plugs on the property. 2024 exploration activities included planning for drill targets, acquiring high-resolution drone imagery for detailed mapping, and initiating a comprehensive BLEG geochemical sampling program across a significant area, completed in Q1 2025, designed to vector towards gold and copper mineralization. Plans for 2025 focus on refining geological models, advancing specific areas and undertaking age dating on intrusive units to better understand mineralization timing and refine exploration targeting.

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical information described in this Press Release has been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. The scientific and technical information for this press release has been reviewed and approved by R. Jemielita, PhD, MIMMM, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and Chief Geologist to the Company.

About Mundoro Capital Inc.

Mundoro is a publicly listed company on the TSX-V in Canada and OTCQB in the USA with a portfolio of mineral properties focused primarily on base and precious metals. To drive value for shareholders, Mundoro's asset portfolio generates near-term cash payments to Mundoro and creates royalties attached to each mineral property optioned to partners. The portfolio of mineral properties is currently focused on predominantly copper in two mineral districts: Western Tethyan Belt in Eastern Europe and the Laramide Belt in the southwest USA.

Follow Mundoro's weekly updates from the field on: LinkedIn and X @Mundoro

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This News Release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe" or "continue" or similar words or the negative thereof, and include the following: completion of earn-in expenditures, options and completion of a definitive agreement by the parties. The material assumptions that were applied in making the forward looking statements in this News Release include expectations as to the mineral potential of the Company's projects, the Company's future strategy and business plan and execution of the Company's existing plans. We caution readers of this News Release not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements contained in this News Release, as there can be no assurance that they will occur and they are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include general economic and market conditions, exploration results, commodity prices, changes in law, regulatory processes, the status of Mundoro's assets and financial condition, actions of competitors and the ability to implement business strategies and pursue business opportunities. The forward-looking statements contained in this News Release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this News Release are made as of the date of this News Release and the Board undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and for a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedar.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250247

SOURCE: Mundoro Capital Inc.
Electric Metals (USA) Limited ("EML" or the "Company") (TSXV:EML)(OTCQB:EMUSF) is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced non-brokered private placement, raising gross proceeds of approximately C$3.0 million. The financing, led by Eric Sprott and Crescat Capital, will advance the Company's Emily Manganese Project in Minnesota, supporting a critical U.S. domestic supply of high-purity manganese products, including high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM), for the U.S. electric vehicle battery sector.

Under the Offering, the Company issued 25,000,331 units (the "Units") at a price of C$0.12 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one non-transferable common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional Share at an exercise price of C$0.20 for a period of 18 months. The Shares and any Shares issued upon exercise of the Warrants are subject to applicable hold periods in accordance with securities laws and exchange policies.

Eric Sprott and Crescat Capital participated as the cornerstone investors, reinforcing the Company's long-term strategy and strengthening its shareholder base. The Offering also attracted additional institutional and accredited investors, both new and returning, demonstrating broad confidence in the Company's growth prospects.

Kevin Smith, CFA, Founder and CEO of Crescat Capital, commented: "High-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM) demand is expected to increase 29x by 2050 because it's critical for electric vehicle batteries. 96% of HPMSM is produced in China. This creates a US national security issue. Electric Metals has the highest-grade manganese deposit in North America and is deeply undervalued in our analysis. Because this deposit is right here in the US, we believe it has the strong potential of being fast-tracked under the new administration, and we are happy to contribute capital to advance this project."

"This financing puts Electric Metals in a strong position to advance the Emily Manganese Project in Minnesota and support the development of a secure, U.S. domestic supply of high-purity manganese products," said Brian Savage, CEO of Electric Metals. "We're especially pleased to have the support of Eric Sprott, Crescat Capital, and other respected institutional and accredited investors."

Net proceeds will be used to advance key initiatives, including the preliminary economic assessment of the Emily Manganese Project, technical and environmental studies, studies related to the planned high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM) facility, and for general working capital purposes.

This financing aligns with recent U.S. policy initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic critical mineral supply chains. The Emily Manganese Project is uniquely positioned to support these national objectives by reducing reliance on foreign sources of manganese and reinforcing U.S. economic and energy security.

In connection with the the Offering, the Company paid certain finders who introduced subscribers to the Offering including: Canaccord Genuity Corp. and Cormark Securities Inc. a cash commission totaling $37,220, being up to 3% of the gross proceeds raised under the Offering from investors introduced to the Company from such finders,and 310,170 non-transferable common share purchase warrants of the Company ("Finders' Warrants"), being up to 3% of the Units sold under the Offering from investors introduced to the Company from such finders. Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.20 for a period of 18 months.

Under the Offering, directors of the Corporation have subscribed for a total of 333,333 Shares for a total consideration of C$40,000, which constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of?Regulation 61-101 respecting Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions?("Regulation 61-101") and TSXV Policy 5.9 -?Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. However, the directors of the Corporation who voted in favor of the Offering have determined that the exemptions from formal valuation and minority approval requirements provided for respectively under subsections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of Regulation 61-101 can be relied on as neither the fair market value of the Shares issued to this insider, nor the fair market value of the consideration paid exceeded 25% of the Corporation's market capitalization. None of the Corporation's directors have expressed any contrary views or disagreements with respect to the foregoing. A material change report in respect of this related party transaction will be filed by the Corporation but could not be filed earlier than 21 days prior to the closing of the Offering, due to the fact that the terms of the participation of each of the non-related parties and the related parties of the Offering were not confirmed.

About Electric Metals (USA) Limited

Electric Metals (USA) Limited (TSXV:EML)(OTCQB:EMUSF) is a US-based mineral development company with manganese and silver projects geared to supporting the transition to clean energy. The Company's principal asset is the Emily Manganese Project in Minnesota, the highest-grade manganese deposit in North America, which has been the subject of considerable technical studies, including National Instrument 43-101 Technical Reports - Resource Estimates. The Company's mission in Minnesota is to become a domestic US producer of high-value, high-purity manganese metal and chemical products to supply the North American electric vehicle battery, technology and industrial markets. With manganese playing a critical and prominent role in lithium-ion battery formulations, and with no current domestic supply or active mines for manganese in North America, the development of the Emily Manganese Project represents a significant opportunity for America, the State of Minnesota and for the Company's shareholders.

For further information, please contact:

Electric Metals (USA) Limited

Brian Savage

CEO & Director

(303) 656-9197

or

Valerie Kimball

Director Investor Relations

720-933-1150

info@electricmetals.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions.

Such statements in this news release include, without limitation: the Company's mission to become a domestic US producer of high-value, high-purity manganese metal and chemical products to supply the North American electric vehicle battery, technology and industrial markets; that manganese will continue to play a critical and prominent role in lithium-ion battery formulations; that with no current domestic supply or active mines for manganese in North America, the development of the Emily Manganese Project represents a significant opportunity for America, Minnesota and for the Company's shareholders; and planned or potential developments in ongoing work by Electric Metals.

These statements address future events and conditions and so involve inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, the failure to obtain all necessary stock exchange and regulatory approvals; investor interest in participating in the Offering; and risks related to the exploration and other plans of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of trends, updated conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events, or developments, except as required by law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Electric Metals (USA) Limited

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/electric-metals-usa-limited-closes-3.0-million-non-brokered-private-placement-led-1021542
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 29, 2025) - Arya Resources Ltd. (TSXV: RBZ) ("Arya" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a Flowthrough (FT) financing of up to 3,846,154 common shares ("FT Shares") and up to 4,200,000 units (the "Units") of Non- Flowthrough financing, as per the terms below:

a) up to 4,200,000 units (the "Units"), each comprised of (i) one common share (the "Shares"); and (ii) one common share purchase warrant (the "Warrants"), at a price of $0.10 per Unit; plus

b) up to 3,846,154 common shares ("FT Shares") which will qualify as a "flow through share" as that term is defined in subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "ITA"), at a price of $0.13 per FT Share.

Gross Proceeds: Up to $920,000. The Issuer reserves the right to increase or decrease the size of the Offering in its sole discretion subject to any required approval by the Exchange.

Warrant Terms: A Warrant is exercisable to purchase one common share (the "Warrant Shares") at a price of $0.25 for a period of 24 months after Closing. The Warrants are non-transferable.

A finder fee may be paid to persons appropriately registered as a dealer or adviser (including exempt market dealer), subject to compliance with applicable securities laws and the approval of the Exchange, in the following amounts:

cash equal to 7% of the aggregate subscription proceeds from Units/FT Shares sold by the Issuer to subscribers introduced by the finder to the Issuer; and

a number of finder warrants, having the same terms as the Warrants, equal to 7% of the aggregate number of Units/FT Shares sold by the Issuer to subscribers introduced by the finder to the Issuer.

The Flowthrough funds raised will be used to explore the Company's mineral properties in Saskatchewan. The non-Flowthrough funds will be used for general working capital.

As per Aryas's March 19, 2025 News Release the company has received all the necessary permits for an exploration program including drilling on its Wedge Lake Gold project in Saskatchewan.

About the Company

Arya Resources Ltd (TSXV: RBZ) is a tier-2 listed mining and mineral exploration Company. The Company is focused on acquiring, exploring and development of precious metals and energy metals including Gold, Silver, Copper, Nickel and Cobalt in stable jurisdictions.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This news release includes "forward looking statements" that are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Statements in this news release which are not purely historical are forward looking statements, including without limitation any statements concerning the Company's intentions, plans, estimates, expectations or beliefs. Although the Company believes that any forward looking statements in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such forward looking statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions readers that all forward looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are based on assumptions, none of which can be assured, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward looking statements. Readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Any forward looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in the forward looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250251

SOURCE: Arya Resources Ltd.
Casa Rica Tequila is proud to announce the appointment of Andrei McQuillan as Interim Chief Executive Officer, ushering in a bold new era of creative innovation, cultural relevance, and strategic growth. A proven leader in branding and marketing, McQuillan brings deep expertise in building breakthrough consumer brands through visionary storytelling, distinct positioning, and immersive cultural experiences.

As co-founder and Head of Marketing at Stillhouse Spirits Co. - acquired by Bacardi in 2019 - McQuillan built a reputation for transforming early-stage businesses into high-impact lifestyle brands.

McQuillan's unique approach is rooted in his beginnings as a music manager under the mentorship of industry legend Benny Medina, where he guided the careers of global icons, including Jennifer Lopez, Brandy, and Ricky Martin. McQuillan applies the same philosophy of marketing a celebrity to building brands - focusing on authenticity, emotional resonance, and strategic creativity to drive exposure, engagement, and long-term growth.

"Casa Rica is built on something truly special - unshakable authenticity, fearless branding, and a taste that's nothing short of extraordinary. As Interim CEO, I don't just see a brand - I see a cultural movement in the making," says Andrei McQuillan.

McQuillan takes the helm at Casa Rica during a transformative time. The brand has quickly garnered attention for its collaboration with Maestra Tequilera Zandra Gomez of Agave Azul Distillery - one of the few women running tequila production in Mexico and an up-and-coming force in artisanal distilling. As Casa Rica matures under McQuillan's guidance, the brand strives to grow its cultural depth while expanding nationally through compelling content, partnerships, and experiences.

"Andrei possesses an incredible combination of razor-sharp strategic insight and creative energy," said John D. Quinn, Owner of Casa Rica Tequila. "Under Andrei's leadership, as we embark on our next chapter, we're extending our reach and building a brand legacy like no other."

From premium product positioning to breakthrough cultural moments, McQuillan will lead Casa Rica with purpose, precision, and passion, bringing the soul of tequila to a new generation of tastemakers.

Many of McQuillan's achievements were built on a deep expertise with marketing and communications. McQuillan founded Higher Evolution, a Los Angeles-headquartered creative agency in 2019. It will be supporting Casa Rica, and the agency will continue to thrive with services ranging from strategic consulting to product packaging design.

Explore Casa Rica Tequila

Media Contact:

John D. Quinn, Chairman & CEO

Email: john.quinn@upprinc.com

Phone: 310-623-7551

Andrei McQuillan, Co-CEO

Casa Rica Tequila, Inc

Email: andrei@casaricatequila.com

SOURCE: Casa Rica Tequila

Press Release New CEO - CR_4.28.25_photo

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/food-and-beverage-products/casa-rica-tequila-announces-andrei-mcquillan-as-interim-ceo-to-drive-bra-1021426
HIGHLIGHTS

Casposo Plant refurbishment advancing safely and efficiently across all core workstreams

Crushing Area completed refurbishment with initial unloaded tests underway

Commercial operations on track for start-up in the second half of 2025

Sydney, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 29, 2025) - Established gold producer Austral Gold Limited (ASX: AGD) (TSXV: AGLD) (OTCQB: AGLDF) ("Austral" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the refurbishment of its 100% owned Casposo Plant, as previously announced on 30 December 2024, following the execution of a Toll Agreement with ASX-listed Challenger Gold Limited.

Austral Gold's Chief Executive Officer, Stabro Kasaneva said: "We are pleased with the continued progress on the refurbishment of the Casposo Plant in Argentina. We expect this will enable us to diversify our revenue streams by bringing our second mine complex into operation alongside our flagship Chilean operational cluster. We will continue to keep our stakeholders informed and expect to provide a further update during the second quarter of 2025."

Processing Plant Overview

The Casposo Gold-Silver Processing Plant, which has been in care and maintenance since 2019 following nearly a decade of operations, has traditionally been divided into nine key areas as follows:

Area 100: Crushing

Area 200: Grinding, gravitational concentration, thickening, and intensive leaching

Area 300: Leaching

Area 400: Counter current decantation and tailings filtration

Area 500: Clarification and Merrill-Crowe process

Area 600: Refinery 1-2 and smelting

Area 700: Cyanide destruction

Area 800: Reagents 1 and Reagents 2

Area 900: Water and air supply

The plant has a capacity of 1,300 tonnes per day (tpd), as shown by previous production rates from operations, covering the full process from crushing to agitation leaching and the Merrill-Crowe processing stages. Since commencing operations in 2010, the Casposo Plant has processed more than 530,000 gold equivalent ounces.

Refurbishment Plant Overview

Key activities completed to date as part of the Casposo Plant refurbishment include:

Inspection Phase Finalised: Completion of the inspection stage to identify procurement needs and align them with existing warehouse inventory.

Longer Lead items for Plant equipment: Major equipment dismantled and sent for evaluation and repair, including leaching tank reducers, mill motor, hydrocyclones, and impeller blades.

Crushing Circuit Works Completed (Area 100): Mechanical, electrical, and fabrication works finalised and ready for commissioning.

Leaching Tank Reducers Repaired (Area 300): 100% of leaching tank reducers refurbished and ready for installation.

Leaching Tank Cleaning Progress (Area 300 and 400): 80% of accumulated solids removed from leaching tanks.

Thickeners and Counter-Current Decantation (CCD) repaired (Area 400): Milling thickeners and counter current decantation systems are repaired and ready for commissioning.

Belt Filter Refurbishment Underway (Area 400): Sandblasting and painting of belt filters 80% complete.

Process Water System Ready (Area 900): Refurbishment of the process water pumping system completed.

Electrical Cabling Organised (Area 400 and 500): Reorganisation and cleaning works finalised in the electrical rooms supporting CCD, Filtration, and Merrill Crowe areas.

Electric Motor Maintenance Advancing: 80% of testing and servicing is completed for the Plant's electric motors.

Valve Replacement Progress (Area 400): 40% of valves replaced across the CCD and Filtration areas.

General View of the Crushing Circuit Area (Area 100)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/690/250255_f028e76714c72b2d_002full.jpg

Main works planned for Q2 2025 include:

Primary crusher refurbishment

SAG mill relining and SAG engine repair

Installation of new hydrocyclones.

Engines and reducers for leaching tanks and CCD's repair

Filter band refurbishment

Modifications and improvement of piping and ducts

The Company also intends to prepare a technical report on the feasibility of processing Casposo's own mineralised material prior to completing the refurbishment of the Casposo Plant.

About Austral Gold

Austral Gold is a growing gold and silver mining producer building a portfolio of quality assets in the Americas based on three strategic pillars: production, exploration and equity investments. Austral continues to lay the foundation for its growth strategy by advancing its attractive portfolio of producing and exploration assets.

For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.australgold.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Release approved by the Company's Chief Executive Officer of Austral Gold, Stabro Kasaneva.

For additional information please contact:

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this announcement that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical, and consist primarily of projections - statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "potential", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar import tend to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this announcement include statements regarding our expectations for the refurbishment of the Casposo Plant in Argentina, the diversification of our revenue streams, and the operation of our second mine complex alongside our flagship Chilean operational cluster. Additionally, forward-looking statements include our plans to provide updates during the second quarter of 2025 and to prepare a technical report on the feasibility of processing Casposo's own mineralised material, the main works planned for Q2 2025, and our expectation that we can continue to lay the foundation for our growth strategy by advancing our attractive portfolio of producing and exploration assets.

All of these forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied, including, without limitation, uncertainty of exploration programs, development plans and cost estimates, commodity price fluctuations; political or economic instability and regulatory changes; currency fluctuations, the state of the capital markets, uncertainty in the measurement of mineral resources and reserves and other risks and hazards related to the exploration of a mineral property, and the availability of capital and a skilled workforce. You are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Austral cannot assure you that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Austral's forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and Austral does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250255

SOURCE: Austral Gold Limited
Geoswift announced today the integration of Visa Direct with Geoswift's cross-border payments platform. Visa Direct facilitates payouts to more than 140 countries and territories. The integration will enable payouts in 32 countries and territories, across 13 currencies, covering major markets in Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and Middle East, with plans for more in the future.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250423288249/en/

Bryan Ma, SVP, Head of Geoswift Global Payments, and Swapnil Mhasde, Head of Visa Direct Commercialization and Solutions, Asia Pacific, celebrating the launch in Singapore.

Geoswift is a leading provider of cross-border payment services and solutions globally. With over two decades of innovation, it has become a trusted name in B2B, education, eCommerce, remittance, and travel payment use cases. Raymond Qu, Group CEO of Geoswift, stated, "At Geoswift, our vision has always been to deliver borderless payment solutions to our customers. Our partnership with Visa enhances our global reach, empowering our customers to achieve their business goals more effectively on a global scale."

Swapnil Mhasde, Head of Visa Direct Commercialisation and Solutions, Asia Pacific, said, "We are confident that this partnership will open new opportunities for Geoswift in Asia Pacific. Visa Direct's mission is to make money movement simpler, faster, more secure and cost effective through a single point of access that connects everyone, everywhere."

About Geoswift

Geoswift is an innovative global payment technology company specializing in APAC cross-border payments. Since its founding in 2010, the Geoswift brand has become synonymous with proprietary innovation, deep expertise in international and local regulatory frameworks, robust banking partnerships, and a strong global presence. Licensed in the United States, United Kingdom, and China-and supported by an extensive payment network spanning APAC, North America, and EMEA-Geoswift provides customized, end-to-end cross-border payment solutions for a broad spectrum of industries, including education, e-commerce, travel, and financial services.

Its comprehensive product suite includes payment acceptance, business payouts, foreign exchange, multi-currency business accounts, card solutions, and more. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Geoswift has regional offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, San Francisco, London, Singapore, and Shenzhen-offering seamless, localized payment solutions to clients across the globe.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250423288249/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Brenda Ng

Brenda.ng@geoswift.com
029's net income stood at  0.33m, comparing to previous year's  5.6m loss, which was the result of the successful exit from the investment in Emerald Stay ( 0.94m other operating income) and the write-off of the investment Conscious Good the year before. As a reminder, 029 sold it's 5.2% stake in Emerald Stay. The transaction is expected to generate roughly  1.6m gross proceeds, reflecting a realized multiple on the FY23 book value of around 2.3x and 2.7x on the invested capital.

Limestone Capital, the key holding (87% of NAV, eNuW) continues to grow its portfolio. The company is about to open a hotel on Mallorca and purchased a former Nobu location in London. With those, the number of Aethos hotels owned and managed, is set to increase to 10. Further, Limestone acquired a majority stake in LOISIUM Wine & Spa Hotels. Over the next twelve months, four new LOISIUM hotels are set to open in Italy and France backed by Limestone's commitment to invest over  100m into the expansion of the brand. Limestone also spearheaded a  40m Series A financing round for MYNE Homes, Europe's leading managed co-ownership provider for premium vacation homes in Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, France, Sweden and Croatia.

TRIP Drinks (8.1% of NAV, eNuW), UK's leading brand for CBD and magnesium drinks, CBS oils, gummies and powders continues its growth trajectory. In March, TRIP was the third most popular drink choice. The company is also progressing well with its geographical expansion, especially in the USA.

hotelbird (3.3% of NAV, eNuW) is leading solution provider for a seamless digital guest journey within the hotel industry. As the company is able to finance itself, the last funding round took place in 2019. Worth highlighting, at the end of 2024, ReGuest AG went public in Austria. The hotel CRM software company generated some  4.3m sales in FY24 and is currently valued at  150m (market cap). While this is not an apples to apple comparison, it underpins the sector's high multiples.

Brother's Bond (1.1% of NAV, eNuW) raised $ 7.5m at the beginning of FY25. This should allow the company to further drive growth an reach sustainable profitability levels during the near-term.

As the current market cap (+197% ytd.) notably exceeds the company's fair NAV, we downgrade 029 to SELL with a new PT of  15.8 ( 14) based on a sum of-the-parts valuation with a 5% holding discount.

ISIN: DE000A2LQ2D0
New modular technical architecture provides a testing environment that empowers firms to innovate safely and scale their journey to pKYC with confidence

Capgemini today announced the rollout of a technology sandbox that offers financial institutions a sound framework to migrate from legacy, static Know-Your-Customer (KYC) processes and labor-intensive periodic reviews towards perpetual KYC (pKYC) and event-based reviews. A first of its kind, Capgemini has collaborated with multiple technology partners to orchestrate the integration of this architecture. The sandbox offers a safe and secure test environment for firms to visualize how they can transition to a pKYC process and demonstrate its effectiveness to senior management and regulators. Capgemini's enhanced portfolio of offerings in financial crime, risk management and regulatory compliance services, along with the news of its recent acquisition of Delta Capita BV, further strengthen the Group's position as partner of choice for Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) solutions.

Perpetual KYC provides an auditable, data-led and dynamic approach to alert firms automatically to material changes in a customer's circumstances that could affect their risk profile. This enables a financial institution to re-assess its corresponding risk exposure to the customer, better achieving a state of continuous, real-time anti-money laundering (AML) compliance.

Meeting regulatory requirements is key to success in the financial services industry and requires the consolidation of data across internal systems and external sources. The novel sandbox model, developed by Capgemini, enables firms to test, refine, and scale best-in-class software in a controlled environment, ensuring a seamless transition while mitigating risks. Engineered to be flexible and modular in design, organizations can easily implement the sandbox across their respective cloud platforms and technologies of choice.

"Static KYC processes present opportunities for financial criminals to exploit gaps and weaknesses for money laundering and other fraudulent activities, creating a continuous risk factor for financial institutions. We firmly believe that perpetual KYC is the approach needed to protect financial institutions from undue risk, enforcement actions, and large fines," said Manish Chopra, Global Head of Risk and Financial Crime Compliance at Capgemini. "The pKYC sandbox capability marks a significant advance for industry compliance, meeting regulators' growing expectations of responsible innovation. It is an actionable measure for financial institutions to demonstrate how they are mitigating inherent risk exposure more effectively."

"Financial institutions have a duty to not only understand their customer, but their customer's customer too," saidIvar Lammers, Global Head of Financial Crime Prevention for Wholesale Banking at ING. "As financial crime rapidly evolves, and pressure mounts on maintaining compliance, the traditional KYC models struggle to address real-world challenges. Perpetual KYC is the shift required to rapidly respond to customer behavior changes and drive smarter compliance. Capgemini's pKYC sandbox is an impressive blend of visualizing the effectiveness of KYC processes in action and experimenting with new tools in a secure environment, all without risking customer data and optimizing infrastructure cost. It presents a significant opportunity for the industry to demonstrate to regulators excellence in achieving the critical requirements of real-time KYC."

Key benefits of Capgemini's new pKYC sandbox include:

A safe testing environment: a secure environment where new KYC processes, policies, or technologies can be tested without risking real customer data leakage or compliance failures.

- Best-of-breed solutions integration of key components from best-of-breed RegTech solutions and accelerators.

- Real-time visualization: ability to visualize pKYC in action to gauge benefits and showcase the framework to regulators.

- Quantifiable business impact:rapid end-to-end testing of the tech stack and processes leading to much faster feasibility of the pKYC operating model and creation of the associated business case.

- Operational readiness: identifies operational bottlenecks and optimizes workflows to enable full-scale deployment with confidence.

"In response to industry challenges around manual KYC processes and operational spikes, Capgemini has developed a pKYC sandbox that offers agile testing and rapid time-to-value," says Dheeraj Maken, Practice Director, Everest Group. "The solution integrates real-time data orchestration, AI-led automation, and scalable cloud infrastructure to drive process efficiencies while aligning with regulatory expectations for proactive, real-time responses accelerating the industry shift toward perpetual KYC. This approach backed by strategic partnerships, targeted investments, and geographic expansion demonstrates Capgemini's commitment to innovation in the FCC space."

Partner of choice for FCC solutions

The new sandbox is now part of Capgemini's deep portfolio of offerings across financial crime, risk management and regulatory compliance services. It follows the recent acquisition of Delta Capita BV, a leading European provider of Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) solutions. Delta Capita comprises a strong consulting team focusing on KYC transformation. These developments further strengthen Capgemini's position as partner of choice for FCC solutions. Delta Capita BV was Capgemini's second major FCC acquisition, after the Group acquired and successfully integrated the FCC division of Exiger in 2023.

To learn more about Capgemini's unique sandbox, visit: Perpetual KYC Catalyst by Capgemini

About Capgemini

Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of 22.1 billion.

Get The Future You Want www.capgemini.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430681113/en/

Contacts:

Press contact:

Fahd Pasha

Tel.: 1 647 860 3777

E-mail: Fahd.Pasha@capgemini.com
KALMAR CORPORATION, PRESS RELEASE, 30 APRIL 2025 AT 10:00 AM (EEST)

Kalmar supports Victoria International Container Terminal with four automated straddle carriers

Kalmar has signed an agreement to supply Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) with four hybrid automated straddle carriers, each with a 60-ton twin lift capability. The large order was booked in Kalmar's Q2 2025 order intake, with delivery expected to be completed within Q1 2026.



VICT is Australia's only fully automated container terminal and is owned by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. The 35-hectare terminal has a design capacity of 1.5 million TEU and is the only terminal in Melbourne capable of handling the largest boxships.

VICT's automated operations are powered by the Kalmar One Automation System- a complete end-to-end system that combines Kalmar automated equipment and a pre-integrated and tested software solution. Kalmar is also responsible for the ongoing maintenance and support of the automated container handling software solution operating at VICT as well as related technical support. The new Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers are for twin lift shuttle operations and have been specifically designed to increase productivity by reducing loading times.

Bruno Porchietto, CEO, VICT: "Kalmar has greatly assisted our ongoing quest to increase productivity and maintain our customers satisfaction at the highest levels. We already rely on Kalmar solutions and were happy that Kalmar was able to engineer the straddle carriers to meet our specific needs."

Karri Keskinen, Head of Global Sales, Kalmar: "This project builds on our long and successful history of cooperation with Victoria International Container Terminal. The new straddle carriers will help to increase productivity and support the terminal to meet their customers' needs in a reliable way."

Further information for the press:

Karri Keskinen, Head of Global Sales, Kalmar tel. +358 407 002 198, karri.keskinen@kalmarglobal.com

Nina Jahi, Communications Manager, Kalmar, tel. +358 40 519 3635, nina.jahi@kalmarglobal.com

Kalmar

Attachments
Sofiane Ouffa and Priyadarshini Sharma to Join Kalsec Leadership Team

KALAMAZOO, Mich., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kalsec Inc. has welcomed Sofiane Ouffa as Vice President and Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Priyadarshini Sharma as Vice President and Managing Director of Asia Pacific (APAC).

"Sofiane's and Priya's leadership will be key to our strategic plan to accelerate growth in Europe and Asia, as well as fulfill Kalsec's mission of unlocking the potential of people, nature and science to nourish the world," commented Julie Heine, President and Chief Commercial Officer. "We're thrilled to bring them onboard at this critical time of expansion and growth to complement our new manufacturing centers in both the UK and Singapore designed to serve our regional and global customers."

Sofiane Ouffa joins Kalsec with nearly 20 years of experience in commercial roles, most notably with chocolate/cocoa manufacturer Barry Callebaut where he rose to the rank of Managing Director for Africa. Ouffa's strong entrepreneurial spirit and agility in both emerging and developed markets have been instrumental in establishing new markets in Africa and strengthening business in Canada.

Ouffa is known for his commercially oriented leadership, effectively managing product portfolios, building teams and leveraging organizational capabilities to drive growth and profitability. His open and collaborative approach connects his team with company strategy, inspiring others to contribute actively. With multilingual capabilities, Sofiane builds strong connections with people from diverse backgrounds, including key customers and distributors.

Priya Sharma joins Kalsec from McCormick, where she served as Managing Director for India and Southeast Asia, successfully leading both consumer and industrial business segments. Before McCormick, Sharma held senior commercial and marketing roles at Carlsberg, based in China and Hong Kong. Prior to Carlsberg, she worked with P&G in Singapore and PepsiCo in India.

Sharma is a seasoned, high-performing leader with a proven track record of success in P&L and driving profitable growth across APAC. Known for her people-centric approach, she leads with passion and purpose. She builds strong relationships and mutual trust to deliver transformational results for all stakeholders. Sharma's expertise in the food industry, combined with her strategic mindset and leadership style, will be key as she partners with her team to accelerate sales, foster innovation, and deliver excellence across the APAC region.

About Kalsec Inc.

Kalsec Inc. provides innovative taste and sensory, natural food protection, natural colors, and advanced hops solutions to the food and beverage industries. We capture the best nature has to offer and utilize over 60 years of experience and industry-leading innovation to make food and beverage products look better, taste better, and last longer. Family-owned and headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, since 1958, Kalsec has regional offices, laboratories, and sales teams in North America, Europe and Asia. As a certified B Corp, Kalsec makes ethical and sustainable decisions that serve our customers, employees, communities, and the environment. We are proud to be using our business as a force for good. For more information, visit www.kalsec.com.

Media Contact

Mark Staples

Vice President of Global Marketing

mstaples@kalsec.com

269.339.4208

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3851f3b8-3fbc-44e5-aefb-f9da66b57487

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d8da3cd2-43fe-4c75-91b6-69a27ee21e4b
CGTN published an article on the repatriation of the Chu Silk Manuscripts, an over 2,000-year-old Chinese cultural treasure currently held in the United States. Tracing the artifact's journey from its 1942 discovery in an ancient tomb to its 1946 smuggling to America by collector John Hadley Cox, the article presents compelling evidence from both Chinese and American scholars proving China's rightful ownership.



The Chu Silk Manuscripts date to around 300 B.C. /CMG

BEIJING, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the winter of 1942, Several grave robbers in Changsha, Hunan Province, Central China, targeted an ancient tomb from the Warring States period (475-221 B.C.), breaking into this Chu-state burial site and stealing a trove of artifacts, including lacquerware, bronze swords, and silk manuscripts.

When selling the loot to tailor turned antiquities dealer Tang Jianquan, the robbers casually threw in a bamboo container with a silk piece they called a "handkerchief" as a free bonus. This "handkerchief" would later be identified as the renowned Chu Silk Manuscripts from Zidanku, the only known silk text from China's Warring States period. Zidanku, literally "the bullet storehouse," refers to the excavation site, an ammunition depot in the city's suburbs.

Dating back approximately 2,300 years-over a century older than the Dead Sea Scrolls-the Chu Silk Manuscripts record early Chinese cosmology and rituals. Their intricate text, illustrations and exquisite craftsmanship make them an unparalleled relic.

A cultural tragedy

At the time, Tang didn't recognize the silk's significance. Local dealer Cai Jixiang purchased the manuscripts along with other artifacts. Cai treasured them deeply, carrying them even while fleeing wartime chaos.

In 1946, Cai brought the manuscripts to Shanghai, hoping to have infrared photographs taken to clarify the faded text. There, American collector John Hadley Cox, who was actively acquiring Chinese artifacts in Shanghai, approached Cai. Under the pretense of assisting with photography, Cox obtained and smuggled the manuscripts to the United States.

Sensing he had been duped, Cai could only sign a powerless contract with Cox, valuing the manuscripts at $10,000, with $1,000 paid upfront and the remainder promised if they were not returned from America. Thus began the manuscripts' near 80-year exile.

Consensus between Chinese and American scholars

Professor Li Ling of Peking University has spent over four decades tracing the tumultuous journey of this artifact. His exhaustive research has reconstructed a complete chain of evidence, proving that the manuscripts currently housed in the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art are in fact the Chu Silk Manuscripts from Zidanku.

Additional letters between Cai and Cox further exposed the deception behind the manuscripts' removal. In the correspondence, Cai implored Cox to come to Shanghai and demanded the remaining $9,000 payment for the manuscripts, yet to no avail.

At the International Conference on the Protection and Return of Cultural Objects Removed from Colonial Contexts held in June 2024 in Qingdao, UChicago Professor Donald Harper handed over a crucial piece of evidence: the original lid of the box used by Cox to store the manuscript in 1946. The lid bears original labels and receipt records that align with Li's timeline of the manuscripts' storage between 1946 and 1969.

Harper states, "It should be obvious to museum curators and to cultural authorities and to governments that the Zidanku Silk Manuscripts belong to China, and should be returned to China."

A 2018 New York Times article, "How a Chinese Manuscript Written 2,300 Years Ago Ended Up in Washington," corroborates this conclusion.

A homecoming deferred

In 1966, American physician and art collector Arthur M. Sackler purchased a portion of the manuscripts and had, in fact, attempted to return it to China on multiple occasions. In 1976, he planned to hand it to Chinese scholar Guo Moruo, but their meeting never took place due to Guo's illness. In the 1980s, he hoped to donate it to the new Sackler Museum at Peking University, but passed away before the museum opened.

Following Dr. Sackler's death in 1987, the manuscript was placed in the Sackler Gallery in Washington, D.C., now part of the National Museum of Asian Art. The museum's website lists the artifact as an "anonymous gift" with "provenance research underway." It also references Li Ling's book, acknowledging the legitimacy of his research.

From Cai's contract to his correspondence with Cox, from Li's documentation of the manuscripts' journey in America to Sackler's unfulfilled wishes-all evidence confirms the Chu Silk Manuscripts rightfully belong to China and should be repatriated without delay.

After nearly eight decades in exile, this national treasure must finally come home.

For more information, please click:

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-29/Why-the-Chu-Silk-Manuscripts-should-be-returned-to-China-1CYkLmp3luM/p.html

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c6dd904d-7e88-4ba9-b83c-fa3e465d93a5

CGTN cgtn@cgtn.com
Die Finanzwelt ist im Umbruch! Nach Jahren der Dominanz erschuttert Donald Trumps erratische Wirtschaftspolitik das Fundament des amerikanischen Kapitalismus. Handelskriege, Rekordzolle und politische Isolation haben eine Kapitalflucht historischen Ausmaes ausgelost.



Milliarden stromen aus den USA  und suchen neue, lukrative Ziele. Und genau hier kommt China ins Spiel. Trotz aller Spannungen wachst die chinesische Wirtschaft dynamisch weiter, Innovation und Digitalisierung treiben die Markte an.



Im kostenlosen Spezialreport stellen wir Ihnen 5 Aktien aus China vor, die vom US-Niedergang profitieren und das Potenzial haben, den Markt regelrecht zu uberflugeln. Wer jetzt klug investiert, sichert sich den Zugang zu den neuen Wachstums-Champions von morgen.



Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche 5 Aktien die Konkurrenz aus den USA outperformen durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter.



Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden!
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- WirelessCar, a global leader in connected vehicle services, will take center stage at World Expo 2025 Osaka as a Silver Sponsor of Sweden's AutoTech Day on May 20. The company will also exhibit cutting-edge solutions for connected mobility at the Automotive Engineering Exposition (AEE) 2025 in Yokohama, held from May 21-23. These consecutive engagements mark an important milestone in WirelessCar's growing presence in Japan, following the opening of its Tokyo office in late 2024.

WirelessCar at World Expo 2025 Osaka: Silver Sponsor and Speaker

Held under the theme Designing Future Society for Our Lives, World Expo 2025 Osaka serves as a global platform for sharing next-generation innovation. WirelessCar will participate in Sweden's AutoTech Day, part of the Nordic Pavilion programming focused on future mobility, connectivity, and sustainability.

As a Silver Sponsor of the event, WirelessCar will contribute to discussions around the future of mobility through both exhibition and thought leadership. Theo-Han Jansen, Vice President of Strategy at WirelessCar, will deliver a keynote titled: "From Tech to Purpose: The Path to Consumer-Centric, Sustainable Mobility."

The keynote will advocate for innovation led by purpose and consumer value-calling on the automotive ecosystem to align technology with real-world sustainability and seamless user experience. WirelessCar will also take part in a roundtable discussion and networking opportunities with Japanese OEMs and leading Swedish automotive tech companies.

Showcasing Innovation at AEE Yokohama 2025

Immediately following World Expo, WirelessCar will exhibit at AEE Yokohama 2025, Japan's premier automotive engineering trade fair. Located at Booth No. 264 in Hall C at Pacifico Yokohama, WirelessCar will unveil several new technologies for the first time in Japan, including:

Predictive Maintenance powered by AI/ML

Concrete deliverables for Software-Defined Vehicle development

WirelessCar Buddy, an LLM-based in-vehicle assistant

WirelessCar will also showcase its existing product portfolio, including Position & Journey, Digital Key Management (CCC-compliant), Smart EV Routing, Seamless Charging, and Connected Car Essentials.

The WirelessCar team will be on-site to engage with partners and customers throughout the exposition.

Media Contact:

Hanna Belleus

VP Marketing & Communications

WirelessCar

+46 428 88 84 66

hanna.belleus@wirelesscar.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/wirelesscar/r/wirelesscar-showcases-the-future-of-connected-mobility-at-world-expo-2025-osaka-and-aee-yokohama,c4141889

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Legado ' s communications platform is helping financial and professional services groups achieve significant productivity and efficiency gains

' Legado is also aiming to disrupt the UK ' s eSignature market with the launch of Legado eSign

' Recent client wins and assignments include Co-op Legal Services, Scottish Building Society, and FNZ

Josif Grace-led Legado has posted average year-on-year revenue growth of over 100 per cent for the last three years and is targeting revenue in excess of 3m in 2025

Legado, one of Scotland's fastest-growing technology scale-up companies, is on track for record revenue in 2025. Having posted average year-on-year revenue growth of over 100 per cent for the last three years, the company is targeting revenue in excess of 3 million this year. The Edinburgh-headquartered tech group now has a headcount of 50, and recently appointed senior hires in marketing, sales and finance.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430230001/en/

Josif Grace, CEO and Founder, Legado

Led by CEO and Founder Josif Grace, Legado is the UK's leading digital communication and interaction platform, supporting financial and professional services groups as they modernise external communications, enhance compliance, and improve operational efficiencies. The company's Interactive Hub and Digital Vault allow businesses to streamline workflows, while providing more secure and personalised communications.

Recent client wins and assignments include Co-op Legal Services, Scottish Building Society, and FNZ. Legado has a multi-year partnership with FNZ to integrate its technology into FNZ's global wealth management platform.

A research study commissioned by Legado and FNZ in 2024 unveiled significant opportunities to transform client experience through enhanced communications, revealing that 88 per cent of UK financial advisers face challenges with outdated communication practices, which CEO Grace says "underscores the need for innovative solutions".

Legado is also aiming to disrupt the UK's eSignature market with the launch of Legado eSign, an advanced, cost-effective alternative to outdated incumbents. The platform introduces more intuitive UK-aligned regulatory features and reporting, ensuring compliance while offering up to 95% savings compared to existing providers.

Josif Grace said: "The eSignature market has been dominated by legacy providers with outdated pricing and rigid structures that don't align with the evolving needs of UK businesses. With Legado eSign, we're delivering a next-generation solution-offering superior compliance, seamless integration with financial and professional services workflows, and significantly better value. This marks a major step in our mission to modernise communication and interaction across regulated industries."

Before founding Legado, CEO Grace was the Chief of Staff at world-renowned technology campus RocketSpace in San Francisco, where he worked alongside some of the world's most disruptive technology companies, helping them scale and innovate. This experience laid the foundation for Legado's mission to transform how businesses engage with their clients through smarter, more secure, and more efficient digital communication.

With a rapidly growing client base and continued investment in cutting-edge solutions like eSign, CEO Grace says Legado is poised to "redefine the future of customer interaction in financial and professional services".

For further information: https://www.joinlegado.com/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430230001/en/

Contacts:

Media contact:

Nick Freer

nick@freerconsultancy.com
GLASGOW, Scotland, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sampled, a fully integrated analytical laboratory and biorepository, has obtained WDA licensing from the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), enabling the expansion of robust distribution logistics and storage capabilities to the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors.

Safe and scalable product storage is essential for pharmaceutical and medtech companies to consistently meet market demand. However, building and maintaining large storage facilities for drugs, biologics, medical devices, and therapeutic products can drive up operational costs. Many products, such as flu vaccines, are only needed seasonally, leading to underused storage space and unnecessary expenditure. This makes outsourcing a cost-effective alternative to reduce CapEx. However, finding a reliable, WDA-licensed partner with the capacity to manage and store large volumes of inventory can be a significant hurdle.

WDA licensing, regulated by the MHRA, is mandatory for any organisation that stores or distributes human or veterinary medicines in the UK. This license ensures compliance with strict regulations, requiring that medicinal products are handled safely and maintained to high quality standards. WDA ensures customer protection by safeguarding end users from counterfeit products. It also mandates thorough documentation, which must be accurately maintained and stored for a minimum of ten years.

By obtaining WDA licensing, Sampled now offers a powerful new service covering distribution, returns, recalls, and secure long-term storage of medicinal products in two specialised warehouses (Cold 2-8?C and Controlled Ambient 15-25?C). This solution is ideal for large pharmaceutical manufacturers and is capable of handling substantial volumes while offering flexibility and reliability. Located on Scotland's central M8 corridor, Sampled streamlines logistics across the UK and beyond, with key advantages for pharmaceutical and life science companies, including:

Eliminating CapEx and maintenance costs for new storage facilities

Scaling with demand so you only pay for what you need

Remaining up to date with technological advancements and regulatory requirements to ensure enduring quality and compliance

"I am delighted to announce that Sampled has obtained WDA licensing, allowing us to offer extensive outsourced storage and distribution services for pharmaceutical companies operating within the UK" said Michael Whatmough, General Manager UK, Europe & Global Technical Services at Sampled. "This marks a significant expansion of our storage and logistics offerings, further strengthening our support for life sciences organisations with flexible, compliant, and scalable solutions."

About Sampled

Sampled is a fully integrated laboratory and biorepository with industry-leading storage, sample management, multiomics, cellular services, and custom clinical kitting. Founded in 1999 as RUCDR at Rutgers University, Sampled operates facilities in the US and UK and is CAP accredited and CLIA licensed. Sampled is committed to providing the highest quality sample storage, processing and analysis services that enable researchers to make new discoveries and advance human health. When combined with state-of-the-art biobanking facilities, these capabilities provide comprehensive scientific solutions that speed time to quality data.

Media Contact

Caroline Mitchell, PhD

Director, Content & Creative Strategy, Sampled

communications@sampled.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2676143/sampled_logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sampled-obtains-wholesale-distribution-authorisation-wda-licensing-expanding-storage-services-to-the-pharmaceutical-and-medical-device-sectors-302441927.html
OSLO, Norway, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The annual general meeting of Elkem ASA was held on 30 April 2025 in Oslo. All proposals on the agenda were adopted, cf. the notice of the annual general meeting that was sent to the Oslo Stock Exchange on 8 April 2025.

The minutes of the annual general meeting is attached and available on www.elkem.com.

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

For further information, please contact:

Odd-Geir Lyngstad

VP Finance & Investor Relations

Tel: +47 976 72 806

Email: odd-geir.lyngstad@elkem.com

About Elkem:

Elkem is one of the world's leading providers of advanced silicon-based materials shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity. Elkem helps its customers create and improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital communications, health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable cities. With a strong track record since 1904, its global team of more than 7,200 people has a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential. In 2024, Elkem achieved an operating income of NOK 33 billion. Elkem has been awarded top score of A on Forests and Water Security, and B on Climate Change from CDP. Elkem is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: ELK), where the company is also included in the ESG Index. www.elkem.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/elkem/r/elkem-asa---minutes-from-the-annual-general-meeting-2025,c4143512

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VAT Group AG / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

Invitation to VAT Capital Markets Day 2025



30.04.2025 / 11:00 CET/CEST





VAT would like to invite you to the 2025 Capital Markets Day at our new Innovation Center on May 20, 2025. Further details as well as the link to sign-up can be found in the PDF attached. For further information please contact:

VAT Group AG

Investor Relations & Sustainability

Michel R. Gerber

T +41 81 553 70 13

investors@vat.ch



Christopher Wickli

+41 81 553 75 39

Financial calendar 2025 Wednesday, July 23 Half-year 2025 results Thursday, October 16 Q3 2025 trading update ABOUT VAT

We change the world with vacuum solutions - that is our purpose as the world's leading supplier of high-end vacuum valves. The Group reports in two segments: Valves and Global Service. The Valves segment is a global developer, manufacturer and supplier of vacuum valves for the semiconductor, displays, photovoltaics and vacuum coating industries as well as for the industrial and research sector. Global Service provides local expert support to customers and offers genuine spare parts, repairs and upgrades. VAT reported net sales of CHF 942 million in 2024 and employs some 3,200 people worldwide, with representatives in 29 countries and manufacturing sites in Switzerland, Malaysia, and Romania.



FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Forward-looking statements contained herein are qualified in their entirety as there are certain factors that could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates" and similar expressions) should be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent known and unknown risks, uncertainties and contingencies because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future and may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond the company's ability to control or estimate precisely, such as future market conditions, currency fluctuations, the behavior of other market participants, the performance, security and reliability of the company's information technology systems, political, economic and regulatory changes in the countries in which the company operates or in economic or technological trends or conditions. As a result, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, VAT disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this report.



End of Media Release


London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - IN-VR is proud to announce its new strategic partnership with the Mongolian National Mining Association (MNMA) to promote MiningWeek & MinePro 2025 - International Mining Exhibition & Convention, taking place from September 11-13, 2025, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

This landmark collaboration brings together global expertise and regional leadership to elevate MiningWeek & MinePro 2025 as Asia's premier mining platform, showcasing Mongolia's critical role in the global mineral supply chain.

Positioning Mongolia at the Heart of Global Mining

MiningWeek & MinePro 2025 will serve as the international meeting point for government officials, global mining leaders, investors, and industry pioneers, providing unmatched opportunities for investment facilitation, technological exchange, and high-level dialogue.

Building on the overwhelming success of the 2024 edition-which featured over 7,000 visitors, 350 organizations, 100+ demo equipment displays, and delegations from 20+ countries-MiningWeek & MinePro 2025 is set to be even more impactful.

What to Expect at MiningWeek & MinePro 2025

120,000m Exhibition Space : Showcasing the latest in mining technology, heavy equipment, and innovation

Strategic Sessions : Featuring topics on procurement policy, critical minerals, green initiatives, responsible mining, exploration, and financing

Presentations & Panel Discussions : Led by government leaders, global dealmakers, and future-forward innovators

Exclusive Roundtable Meetings : Uniting mining associations, policymakers, and private sector leaders to explore collaborative pathways

Business Matchmaking: Targeted networking and deal facilitation among C-level executives, advisors, and procurement decision-makers

Why Mongolia?

Mongolia's vast mineral reserves-including copper, uranium, rare earths, and lithium-place the nation at the strategic crossroads of global mining demand and supply. Bordering China, the world's largest mining market, Mongolia is increasingly recognized as an essential source of critical and transitional minerals.

The Mongolian government is investing heavily in geological surveys, resource mapping, and infrastructure development, providing international partners with unprecedented access, transparency, and reliability.

Through MiningWeek & MinePro 2025, IN-VR and MNMA are committed to enhancing Mongolia's global visibility, attracting foreign direct investment, and fostering a responsible and innovative mining ecosystem.

Quote from IN-VR Leadership



Chryssa Tsouraki, CEO of IN-VR:

"We are thrilled to partner with the Mongolian National Mining Association to promote MiningWeek & MinePro 2025. Mongolia is uniquely positioned to lead the next era of sustainable mining in Asia. Through this partnership, we aim to attract global investment and spotlight Mongolia's dynamic potential across the international stage."

Register Today & Join the Mining Future

MiningWeek & MinePro 2025 is more than an exhibition-it's a global convention for those who lead, invest, and innovate in mining.

Pre-registration is now open. Don't miss your chance to join thousands of global stakeholders in shaping the future of mining.

Pre-Register here: https://www.netzerocircle.org/mongolia/register-your-interest

About IN-VR

IN-VR is a leading global consultancy specializing in energy, mining, and investment promotion, bridging the gap between governments and the private sector. With a track record of organizing premier industry summits, IN-VR facilitates high-impact investment opportunities and strategic collaborations worldwide.

About the Mongolian National Mining Association (MNMA)

Founded in 1994, MNMA is Mongolia's foremost institution dedicated to promoting sustainable mining practices, influencing national mining policy, and supporting the responsible growth of the industry. The association serves as a critical link between Mongolia's mining stakeholders and the global investment community.

Media & Sponsorship Opportunities

For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or to schedule interviews, please contact:

END OF PRESS RELEASE

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250282

SOURCE: IN-VR Limited
PORT VILA, Vanuatu, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage Markets is proud to launch a campaign that celebrates the essence of their partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP, built on the pursuit of excellence, ambition, passion, and innovation. This campaign showcases the synergy between two brands, highlighting their commitment to challenge the status quo and continuous progress in their respective industries.

The pursuit of excellence, precision and performance are at the heart of both companies. Just as Scuderia Ferrari HP team meticulously works on every element of the Formula 1 car to find the peak efficiency, Vantage continuously enhances its offerings to provide users with access to a seamless and reliable platform.

Ambition drives success, whether it's dominating the track or delivering an efficient experience, the campaign reflects both Vantage and Scuderia Ferrari HP's shared drive to push limits, embrace challenges, and set new standards for excellence.

Passion is the force that fuels innovation and progress. Vantage is united with Scuderia Ferrari HP by a deep-rooted passion for their respective fields. The campaign captures this relentless spirit and dedication to transforming their vision into reality.

Marc Despallieres, Chief Executive Officer at Vantage Markets, expressed his enthusiasm: "At Vantage, we share Scuderia Ferrari HP's dedication to excellence and innovation. This campaign reflects our common values-excellence, passion, ambition, and innovation. Together, we strive to push boundaries and dedicate ourselves to continuous progress."

As this campaign unfolds, fans can look forward to exclusive content, immersive experiences, and unique activations that bring the partnership to life. Stay connected for more updates on Vantage x Scuderia Ferrari HP Partnership, visit Vantage Markets.

About Vantage

Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset CFD broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a reliable trading platform, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that provide clients access to trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play.

trade smarter @ vantage

RISK WARNING: CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Ensure you understand the risks before trading.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, an offer, or solicitation of any financial products or services. The content is not intended for residents of any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. Readers are advised to seek independent professional advice before making any investment or financial decisions. Any reliance you place on the information presented is strictly at your own risk.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vantage-unveils-campaign-showcasing-partnership--shared-values-with-scuderia-ferrari-hp-302442504.html
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - Argyle Resources Corp. (CSE: ARGL) (OTCQB: ARLYF) (FSE: ME0) ("Argyle" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement ("Option Agreement") pursuant to which it may acquire a 100% ("Option Arrangement") interest in and to the Clay Howell Rare Earths project ("Project"), subject to a 1.5% net smelter returns royalty ("NSR").

The Project is located in northern Ontario, Canada, roughly 50 km north-northeast of the town of Kapuskasing, and is defined by 10 contiguous mining claims spanning a total of 160ha. The mining claims and patents can be easily accessed by 44 pick-up truck using an all-weather access road from Kapuskasing and an abandoned logging road named CSR-8. 2010 and 2011 drilling activities were staged from a camp located at UTM coordinates 4213982E and 5522864N (Zone 17, NAD 83.)

The Clay-Howells Alkalic Rock Complex is comprised of 2 broad types of silica over-saturated syenitic rocks intruding a sequence of Early Precambrian aged paragneisses and orthogneisses that have been regionally metamorphosed to the upper amphibolite - granulite facies typical of the Kapuskasing Sup-Province (Sage, 1988).

Diamond drilling activities were conducted on the Clay-Howells Property from January 16th, 2010 to March 30th, 2010. Norex Drilling Ltd. was contracted to build a camp on the property as well as conduct the drilling operations.

Eighteen drill holes were completed within the carbonatite - magnetite zone to test Niobium - Rare Earth Element mineralization at depth. A total of 5432.5 metres of core was recovered and 1825 samples were collected.

Following the 2010 drill program, an eight-hole diamond drill program program was initiated in early 2011 to test other magnetic anomalies within the 110 km carbonatite complex. Roughly 2,154 m were drilled and 235 samples were sent for assaying. Several high priority magnetic zones located outside of the main Clay-Howells deposit were tested. Of the 2010 and 2011 drill programs, 6 drill holes, Ch-08, CH-11-03, CH-11-04, CH-11-05, CH-11-06 and CH-11-07 fall within the current Clay Howell Project acquired by Argyle.

Figure 1: Clay Howell REE project and historical drill hole location map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10451/250253_d840be31f4514a41_002full.jpg

Under the terms of the Option Agreement, the Company may acquire the Project, subject to the NSR, by making the following cash and share payments to the vendors ("Vendors"):

Due Date Common Share Payments Cash Payment (CAD) Upon signing the Option Agreement ("Effective Date") - $12,000 Within 7 business days of the Effective Date 160,000 - On the 1st anniversary of the Effective Date of the Option 160,000 $16,000 On the 2nd anniversary of the Effective Date - $24,000 On the 3rd anniversary of the Effective Date - $32,000 Total 320,000 $84,000

The Company notes that the NSR is subject to a buyback right in favour of the Company, under which the Company may reduce the NSR to 1% by making a payment of $500,000 to the Vendors.

Qualified Person

George Yordanov, P.Geo., Director, reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information disclosed in this press release, acting as the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Argyle Resources Corp.

Argyle Resources Corp. is a junior mineral exploration company engaged in the business of acquiring, exploring, staking and evaluating natural resource properties in North America. In addition to the Saint Gabriel project, the Company currently holds an option to acquire up to 100% of the Frenchvale Graphite Property located in Nova Scotia, Canada and owns 100% interest in the Pilgrim Islands, Matapedia and Lac Comporte quartzite silica projects in Quebec, Canada. Argyle is engaged in a research partnership with the National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS), a high-level research and training institute funded by the Quebec government to conduct exploration programs on the Company's silica projects. The Company was incorporated in 2023 and its head office is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release such as statements regarding the acquisition of the Project and receipt of regulatory approval are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include but are not limited to the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company.

Factors that could cause actual results to vary from forward-looking statements or may affect the operations, performance, development and results of the Company's business include, among other things, that mineral exploration is inherently uncertain and may be unsuccessful in achieving the desired results; that mineral exploration plans may change and be re-defined based on a number of factors, many of which are outside of the Company's control; the Company's ability to access sources of debt and equity capital; competitive factors, pricing pressures and supply and demand in the Company's industry. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250253

SOURCE: Argyle Resources Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - LevelJump Healthcare Corp. (TSXV: JUMP) ("LevelJump" or the "Company") wishes to advise shareholders that its annual audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, will not be completed by the filing deadline of April 30, 2025 (the "Filing Deadline"). As a result, the Company anticipates that a cease trade order will be issued shortly after the Filing Deadline by the Ontario Securities Commission ("OSC") for failure to file the annual financial statements, accompanying management discussion and analysis and officer certifications for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024 (the "Required Filings").

Reasons for the Anticipated Delay

As the financial statements of LevelJump show, the Company has experienced unprecedented growth over the last 2 to 3 years, primarily due to acquisitions. Between September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2024, for example, gross revenues increased by over 30% due in large part to the Alberta acquisitions. Such growth does not come without challenges, however. The Company is required to integrate the historical and current records of each acquisition into its existing accounting platform. Quite often, such integration cannot be completed without significant time and effort.

To create a more streamlined process to support this type of growth into the future, a decision was made to implement important changes to the Company's accounting software and controls during fiscal 2024 which have taken time to implement. Additionally, during a continuous disclosure review by the Ontario Securities Commission (the "OSC") in connection with the issuance of a revocation order issued on April 23, 2024, several other accounting reporting improvements have been made.

The Company has drawn upon several different resources to increase the robustness and accuracy of its financial reporting. It has, for example, retained Ernst & Young LLP as an external consultant to review the financial reporting of the Company.

The Company is confident that its upgraded accounting reporting will enable it to integrate new acquisitions on a much more timely basis and help to control the costs in meeting the Company's continuous disclosure obligations.

Based on the foregoing and indications from its auditors, Ziefmans LLP, the Company is confident that it will be able to file the Required Filings within 30 days after the Filing Deadline.

Once the Required Filings have been made, the Company intends to proceed with an application to the TSX Venture Exchange to reinstate its listing. A further news release will be issued at that time.

About LevelJump Healthcare

LevelJump Healthcare Corp., (TSXV: JUMP) provides telehealth solutions to client hospitals and imaging centers through its Teleradiology division, as well as in person radiology services through its Diagnostic Centres. JUMP focuses primarily on critical care for urgent and emergency patients, establishing integral relationships in the communities we serve.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the Company's business plans and the outlook of the Company's industry. Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release and the Company assumes no responsibility to update them or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances other than as required by applicable securities laws. The Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of the Company, Canadian Teleradiology Services, Inc., their securities, or their respective financial or operating results (as applicable).

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250257

SOURCE: LevelJump Healthcare Corp.
The companies aim to cooperate in the field of smart cockpits by meeting the demands especially for the German market

VIA optronics AG (OTC: VIAOY) ("VIA" or the "Company"), a leading supplier of interactive display solutions, today announced a new strategic collaboration with Autolink Information Technology Co., Ltd. ("Autolink"), a leader in intelligent connected vehicle technology.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430916426/en/

Hongze Yang, Founder of Autolink and Howard How, Managing Director of VIA Suzhou

The companies aim to expand each other's business scope by sharing resources in various areas and leveraging complementary advantages, including but not limited to technology, talent, market channels and other commercial interests through business, sales marketing and technology cooperation. By combining their expertise, capabilities and capacities, VIA and Autolink aim to provide complete automotive system solutions for smart cockpit platforms, especially but not limited to the requirements of the German market.

Roland Chochoiek, Chief Executive Officer of VIA, commented, "We are excited to collaborate with Autolink. This collaboration will allow VIA to offer an even broader range of technical solutions and services to its customers. By combining synergies of both company's technologies, we can offer together complete system solutions that go beyond VIA optronics display, touch and camera solutions."

Hongze Yang, Founder of Autolink, stated that the collaboration with VIA is a key part of Autolink's "Integration, Globalization, Comprehensive" development strategy for 2035. "We are excited to partner with a company like VIA, which possesses advanced display technologies. This collaboration will accelerate the deployment of innovative smart cockpit technologies in the European market and jointly advance the evolution of in-vehicle human-machine interaction experiences."

About VIA:

VIA is a leading provider of interactive display solutions for multiple end markets in which superior functionality or durability is a critical differentiating factor. Its customizable technology is well-suited for high-end markets with unique specifications and demanding environments that pose technical and optical challenges for displays, such as bright ambient light, vibration and shock, extreme temperatures, and condensation. VIA's interactive display solutions combine customized design, interactive displays, touch functionality, cameras, and other hardware components. VIA's intellectual property portfolio, process know-how, optical bonding, metal mesh touch sensor and camera module technologies provide enhanced display solutions built to meet the specific needs of its customers.

About Autolink:

As a leading domestic technology company in the intelligent cockpit field, Autolink focuses on intelligent cockpit domain controller products, intelligent connected software products, and operation service products. The company is committed to becoming a leader and driver of transformation in the intelligent connected vehicle industry. Autolink boasts theworld's first fullyautomated production line for automotive intelligent cockpit domain controllers, providing customers with optimal product solutions and the most stable product quality. Looking ahead, the company will continue to explore and strive for industry leadership and transformational leadership in the areas of cockpit-driving integration and intelligent driving.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430916426/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact VIA:

Alexandra Muller-Plotz

Phone: +49 911 597 575-302

Amueller-ploetz@via-optronics.com

Media Contact Autolink:

Shi Kaifeng

Phone: +86 13917462715

shikaifeng@auto-link.com
SYDNEY, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading online FX and CFD broker Axi proudly announced a few months ago their first-ever Axi Select traders to have reached the Pro M stage of their capital allocation program, with each securing $1 million in funding.

To celebrate this major milestone and their remarkable achievement, the two traders, Francisco Quesada Godines and Daniel Gutierrez Vinas, visited Axi's headquarters in Sydney, Australia, where they were formally inducted into the Axi Pro Hall of Fame, and were presented with their $1M cheques, celebration trophies, and certificates of achievement. The visit also included a series of interviews where the traders reflected on their trading journey with Axi Select, their strategies to reaching the top milestone of the program, and the unique opportunities that the program provides.

Rajesh Yohannan, Chief Executive Officer of Axi, shared his excitement for the program's success, noting "The value of Axi Select extends far beyond funding. Both Francisco and Daniel benefitted from an array of support features such as the EDGE score, our dashboard and leaderboard, our exclusive trading room, and our vast educational resources, each one designed to elevate traders' edge in the markets."

Following the incredible news of Axi Select's first two $1,000,000 funded traders, 22-year-old Kayan Freitas also joined the ranks of Pro M traders, accessing the top funding amount. Reflecting on his success, the trader commented that "It's a big responsibility", but, at the same time, is confident in his skills and is ready to rise to the challenge.

Launched in 2023, Axi Select offers traders the opportunity to access capital funding up to $1,000,000 USD and earn up to 90% of their profits. Moreover, Axi Select traders benefit from $0 membership fees*, trading on a live account, unrestrictive trading conditions, an exclusive trading room, and more.

Watch video https://youtu.be/25ZOZBFUB3Y?si=QQuj4uDnxG-BJ8_g

The Axi Select programme is only available to clients of AxiTrader Limited. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. In our dealings with you, we will act as a principal counterparty to all of your positions. This content is not available to AU, NZ, EU and UK residents. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service. * Standard trading fees and minimum deposit apply.

About Axi

Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading company, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Oil, Coffee, and more.

For more information or additional comments from Axi, please contact: mediaenquiries@axi.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/af0cd73a-fe85-42d6-891a-4348cc3016d4

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Empowering organizations to proactively identify and reduce ergonomic risks with AI-powered technology

TORONTO, April 30, 2025, the global leader in enterprise Environmental, Health, and Safetysolution. Built to complement Cority's holistic CorityOne ecosystem, this innovative technology helps organizations proactively assess and address ergonomic risks in demanding, non-office environments - from manufacturing shop floors to oil and gas fields - where musculoskeletal injuries frequently occur. The financial cost of these non-fatal workplace injuries is significant. The National Safety Council (NSC) reported that work injuries cost U.S. businesses $167.0 billion in 2022 in wage and productivity losses, medical expenses, administrative costs, and other related expenditures. While these types of injuries are most often non-fatal, they can be impactful to worker health and businesses operations in both the long and short term

Industrial ergonomics focuses on designing tasks, workspaces, and tools around employees performing physically demanding jobs., It addresses risk factors such as repetitive lifting, forceful exertions, awkward postures, and other high-impact movements that can lead to musculoskeletal injuries. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics,nearly half of all non-fatal workplace injuries, nearly 550,000 out of more than 2.2 million recorded occupational injuries in 2021-22, stem from exposure to ergonomic risk factors, which can result in significant productivity, health, and financial burdens.

"Traditional manual ergonomic assessments can be extremely time-consuming and require significant expertise to perform," says Kim Moull, CCPE at Cority. "By integrating motion capture technology into our industrial ergonomics solutions, we enable health & safety professionals and even non-specialists to quickly and accurately capture key ergonomic risk data by simply recording a video of a task. This data is then analyzed using best-practice ergonomics frameworks to generate risk scores and highlight areas requiring immediate attention or expert follow-up. The result is a more proactive ergonomics program that can help prevent injuries before they occur."

AI-powered motion capture and analytics

At the core of this offering is an AI-driven motion capture technology delivered by Inseer, which uses patented computer vision driven algorithms and 3D modeling to assess ergonomic risk with a high degree of accuracy. Key features include:

3D precision and speed. Inseer's proprietary algorithms analyze full-range motion in just minutes, allowing organizations to scale ergonomic assessments across many different jobs and locations



Inseer's proprietary algorithms analyze full-range motion in just minutes, allowing organizations to scale ergonomic assessments across many different jobs and locations Industry-recognized assessment tools. Motion capture data is automatically applied to recognized ergonomic scoring methods, such as RULA, REBA, Revised Strain Index, NIOSH's Two-Handed Lifting Equation, and Liberty Mutual Push/Pull, offering a clear, quantitative view of ergonomic risk factors.



Motion capture data is automatically applied to recognized ergonomic scoring methods, such as RULA, REBA, Revised Strain Index, NIOSH's Two-Handed Lifting Equation, and Liberty Mutual Push/Pull, offering a clear, quantitative view of ergonomic risk factors. Integration with CorityOne. All ergonomic data from Inseer flows into Cority's centralized ecosystem, allowing organizations to unify health, safety, and environmental data for a single source of truth. Powerful analytics and dashboards enable data-driven decisions to prioritize high-risk tasks and allocate resources effectively.



Tackling limited resources and expertise

Many organizations lack the specialist resources needed to assess ergonomic risks at scale. This shortfall, combined with the fact that ergonomic injuries result from successive exposures to risk factors over time rather than manifesting from a single incident, has historically made prevention more challenging. Cority's new solution allows even generalists to capture reliable risk data in minutes, freeing up certified ergonomists and safety professionals to spend their time and expertise where it's needed most.

"Industrial ergonomics isn't just about meeting regulations," said Amanda Smith, Executive Vice President, Product Strategy at Cority. "It's about doing right by your workforce. With Motion Capture for Industrial Ergonomics, we're helping organizations move beyond reactive investigations toward a broader risk management mindset. This technology enables them to identify emerging issues and implement controls before injuries happen, ultimately protecting both employees and the bottom line."

Cority's Motion Capture for Industrial Ergonomics solution is now globally available through CorityOne, the company's integrated software ecosystem. For more information, existing Cority clients can reach out to their Account Executive or Customer Success Manager, while other interested parties can visit www.cority.com to request a demo or speak to a representative.

About Cority

Cority gives every employee from the field to the boardroom the power to make a difference, reducing risks and creating a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world. For over 35 years, Cority's people-first software solutions have been built by EHS and sustainability experts who know the pressures businesses face. Time-tested, scalable, and configurable, CorityOne is the responsible business ecosystem that combines datasets from across the organization to enable improved efficiencies, actionable insights, data-driven decisions, and more accurate reporting on performance. Trusted by over 1,500 organizations worldwide, Cority deeply cares about helping people work toward a better future for everyone. To learn more, visit www.cority.com

Media Contact

Natalie Rizk

RiotMind

natalier@theriotmind.agency
Keepit recognized for its leading SaaS backup and recovery solution by channel partners and Canalys analysts

Keepit, the world's only independent, cloud-native data protection, backup and recovery platform provider, today announced it's been named champion in the Canalys Managed BDR Leadership Matrix 2025. Since 2024, the Keepit Partner Network has been empowering channel partners through its leading SaaS backup and recovery solutions.

Companies labeled "Champions" in the Canalys Managed BDR Leadership Matrix 2025 demonstrate the highest levels of excellence in channel and technology capability over the previous 12 months compared with their industry peers, as rated by channel partners and Canalys analysts.

"Keepit's evolution to Champion in the Matrix has come as a result of its investment in the channel, geographical expansion, positive MSP feedback, and product advancements," said Robin Ody, Principal Analyst at Canalys. "In 2024, Keepit launched its Partner Network, appointed a new Chief Product Officer to oversee SaaS data protection, built relationships with cloud marketplace distributors, and expanded its global infrastructure. The company consistently provides high-value content for MSPs (Managed Service Providers) -including assets and webinars focused on cyber resiliency, cyber insurance, and compliance strategies-which are well received and impactful."

"Our channel partners are facing challenges that demand secure and reliable backup and recovery solutions. Keepit's offering supports MSPs to expand their portfolios to include an intelligent backup solution that ensures cyber resilience and business continuity, while providing a local partner with global presence," says Liz Barnhart, Vice President, Global Strategic Alliances at Keepit.

Backup and disaster recovery are critical to MSP platform strategies

In today's environment of growing ransomware threats, stricter regulations, rising cyber-insurance requirements, and increasingly complex SaaS stacks, backup and disaster recovery have become essential. MSPs are on the frontlines, and vendors that offer integrated backup solutions are better positioned to build strong MSP platform plays-especially when complementing cybersecurity and remote monitoring and management (RMM) offerings.

The Keepit Partner Network supports MSPs' growth

Launched in January 2024, the Keepit Partner Network reflects Keepit's deep commitment to empowering resellers, MSPs, and distributors through a "partner first" strategy. Now active across the Americas, EMEA, and ANZ, the program is designed to help MSPs drive business growth, increase gross profit, and expand service portfolios with offerings focused on cyber readiness, data recovery, regulatory compliance (including NIS2, DORA and GDPR), and more.

Keepit's unique, vendor-independent architecture-driven by fully self-managed software and infrastructure, with no sub-processors-continues to be in high demand among both partners and customers. By storing data in local data centers across the Americas, Europe, the UK, and Australia, Keepit enables customers to meet data sovereignty requirements within their regulatory region-independently of Privacy Shield agreements.

To become a Keepit partner, reach out to the partner team at partner@keepit.com or go to keepit.com/partners/.

About Keepit

Keepit provides a next-level SaaS data protection platform purpose-built for the cloud. Securing data in a vendor-independent cloud safeguards essential business applications, boosts cyber resilience, and future-proofs data protection. Unique, separate, and immutable data storage with no sub-processors ensures compliance with local regulations and mitigates the impact of ransomware while guaranteeing continuous data access, business continuity, and fast and effective disaster recovery. Headquartered in Copenhagen with offices and data centers worldwide, over fifteen thousand companies trust Keepit for its ease of use and effortless backup and recovery of cloud data.

For more information visit keepit.com or follow Keepit on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430088754/en/

Contacts:

RedIron PR for Keepit

Kari Ritacco

kari@redironpr.com
TORONTO, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MolecuLight Inc., a global pioneer in point-of-care fluorescence imaging for rapid detection of infection causing bacteria in wounds, today announced the immediate availability of its new Thermal Imaging Module for the MolecuLightDX fluorescence imaging platform. This innovative clip-on module allows clinicians using the DX device to capture informative thermal images simultaneously with the platform's established fluorescence images (for bacterial load assessment) and standard images (used for precise digital wound measurement), creating a unique all-in-one point-of-care assessment tool.

This exciting launch coincides with MolecuLight's significant presence at the upcoming Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Spring meeting in Grapevine, TX, from April 30 to May 3, 2025, where the company will be exhibiting at Booth 633 and presenting compelling clinical evidence supporting the use of its imaging platform.

MolecuLight is making a strong statement at the SAWC Spring meeting with over 10 posters demonstrating the transformative power of their fluorescence imaging, thermal imaging, and wound measurement technology. These presentations delve into key themes such as: enhancing wound assessment through precise bacterial detection and healing progress monitoring, revolutionizing the management of complex surgical wound reconstructions, and pioneering a holistic evaluation approach by integrating fluorescence imaging with modalities like thermal imaging. Leading experts in the field, including Drs. Michael Desvigne, Charles Andersen, Alisha Oropallo, and Misael Alonso, are contributing their insights, with multiple posters reinforcing the technology's vital role across diverse wound care settings.

A prime example of this integrated approach in clinical application is the use of thermal imaging, which is increasingly recognized in wound care for providing valuable information about localized skin temperature variations. These variations can be associated with inflammation/infection dynamics, changes in perfusion, or potential early-stage deep tissue injuries (DTIs), as suggested by clinical literature1-3. The MolecuLight Thermal Imaging Module empowers clinicians to easily visualize, document, and quantify these thermal changes directly at the bedside, complementing the DX's existing point of care capabilities.

By seamlessly integrating thermal data with bacterial load information (via fluorescence) and precise digital wound measurements on the single DX platform, clinicians gain a more comprehensive, objective understanding of the wound environment. This powerful combination supports better informed treatment decisions and enhanced tracking of healing progress, all while improving workflow efficiency.

Key capabilities and benefits of the integrated MolecuLightDX with the Thermal Imaging Module include:

All-in-One Comprehensive Assessment: Capture and correlate thermal, fluorescence (bacterial load), and standard images (for measurement) using one device at the point-of-care.

Capture and correlate thermal, fluorescence (bacterial load), and standard images (for measurement) using one device at the point-of-care. Objective Temperature Analysis: Quickly visualize skin temperature distribution and quantify temperature differences between two anatomical locations.

Quickly visualize skin temperature distribution and quantify temperature differences between two anatomical locations. Streamlined Workflow & Documentation: Capture co-registered thermal, fluorescence, and standard images with a single click, improving efficiency and creating a complete visual record for wound documentation compatible with existing EHR integration pathways.

Capture co-registered thermal, fluorescence, and standard images with a single click, improving efficiency and creating a complete visual record for wound documentation compatible with existing EHR integration pathways. Enhanced Clinical Insight: Combine objective data on wound size, bacterial presence, and thermal activity to support more informed treatment planning and monitoring.

"MolecuLight continues to push the boundaries of diagnostic imaging in wound care, and this launch represents a significant leap forward," says Anil Amlani, CEO of MolecuLight. "For the first time, clinicians can access critical insights from three essential assessment modalities - precise digital wound measurement, our validated bacterial fluorescence imaging, and informative thermal imaging - all seamlessly integrated within a single, handheld device. This powerful, multimodal capability provides a truly comprehensive view of the wound environment right at the point-of-care, empowering clinicians with unparalleled insights for more effective, data-driven treatment decisions and enhanced monitoring of healing progress."

Availability: The MolecuLight Thermal Imaging Module is nowavailable across North America for the MolecuLightDX platform. MolecuLight will be demonstrating this new all-in-one capability at the upcoming Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Spring meeting in Grapevine, TX, Booth 633, from April 30 to May 3, 2025.

About MolecuLight Inc:

MolecuLight Inc. is a privately owned medical imaging company with a global presence that manufactures and commercializes the MolecuLight i:X and DX wound imaging devices. These are the only class II FDA-cleared point-of-care imaging devices for the real-time detection of elevated bacterial burden in wounds. They also provide accurate digital wound measurement for comprehensive wound management, supported by strong clinical evidence including over 100 peer-reviewed publications.

_________________________________

1 Koerner S, et al. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2019;32(7):312-320. DOI: 10.1097/01.ASW.0000559613.83195.f9. 2 Chanmugam A, et al. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2017;30(9):406-414. DOI: 10.1097/01.ASW.0000522161.13573.62. 3 Fierheller M & Sibbald RG. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2010;23(8):369-79. DOI: 10.1097/01.ASW.0000383197.28192.98.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2676293/MolecuLight_MolecuLight_Unveils_Thermal_Imaging_for_DX__Platform.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/moleculight-unveils-thermal-imaging-for-dx-platform-delivering-measurement-bacterial--thermal-assessment-in-one-device-and-showcases-clinical-evidence-at-sawc-spring-302441942.html
Ende Mai leitete US-Prasident Donald Trump mit der Unterzeichnung mehrerer Dekrete eine weitreichende Wende in der amerikanischen Energiepolitik ein. Im Fokus: der beschleunigte Ausbau der Kernenergie.



Mit einem umfassenden Manahmenpaket sollen Genehmigungsprozesse reformiert, kleinere Reaktoren gefordert und der Anteil von Atomstrom in den USA massiv gesteigert werden. Ausloser ist der explodierende Energiebedarf durch KI-Rechenzentren, der eine stabile, CO-arme Grundlastversorgung zwingend notwendig macht.



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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The small drones market is estimated at USD 6.40 billion in 2025. It is expected to reach USD 11.25 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 11.9% according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The small drones market is growing rapidly, largely due to the increased use of drones for civil and commercial applications, such as agriculture, delivery services, and media. Military procurement is also rising, especially for intelligence and surveillance purposes. Supportive government regulations further foster a favorable environment for drone development. The growing need for small patrolling drones for marine border security adds to the market's growth.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Small Drones Market" 437 - Tables

69 - Figures

350 - Pages

Small Drones Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2025 $ 6.40 billion Estimated Value by 2030 $ 11.25 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 11.9% Market Size Available for 2020-2030 Forecast Period 2025-2030 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Application, Platform, Mode of Operation, Power Source, and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Lengthy regulatory approval process Key Market Opportunities Substantial public and private sector investments in drones Key Market Drivers Increased adoption of drones in civil and commercial sectors



Based on application, the commercial segment is expected to exhibit the fastest growth during the forecast period.

The commercial segment is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing adoption of drones across various industries. Drones offer several advantages, including cost savings, increased accuracy, and access to hard-to-reach or dangerous areas. In agriculture, drones are utilized for precision farming tasks such as spraying pesticides and monitoring crop health, leading to higher yields and reduced manual labor. In the real estate and construction industries, drones provide aerial surveys and photographs that enhance marketing efforts and improve project management. Additionally, drones are transforming delivery services, particularly into remote locations where traditional methods are inadequate. Their use in inspection and monitoring across industries like infrastructure, mining, and oil & gas is vital for cutting costs and boosting efficiency. Features such as GPS, high-quality cameras, autopilot technologies, and competitive pricing have made drones increasingly attractive to businesses.

Based on type, the rotary wing segment is expected to lead the small drones market during the forecast period.

The rotary wing segment holds the largest market share due to its flexibility and extensive applications. These drones, especially multirotors, have vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, allowing them to take off and land without the need for large spaces or runways. This feature makes them suitable for filmmaking, surveillance, and aerial imaging, where the ability to hover in place is essential. Rotary-wing drones, including single-rotor and multirotor types, are used across defense, commercial, and industrial sectors. While some battery limitations exist, advancements in technology are improving their performance, solidifying the position of rotary-wing drones in the small drones industry.

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North America is expected to be the largest market for small drones during the forecast period.

North America is the largest market for small drones worldwide. Since 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has allowed military, private, and commercial drones to operate in the US airspace. This has significantly increased the use of drones, particularly in defense for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The expansion of drone use is expected to continue due to ongoing counter-terrorism operations. In the commercial sector, there is a growing demand for small drones for services like last-mile delivery of products, medicines, and packages. Drone manufacturers are focusing on developing lightweight, long-lasting drones capable of carrying larger payloads over greater distances, enhancing their effectiveness in logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure. Similarly, drones are employed in various fields in Canada, including weather research, disaster monitoring, agricultural spraying, and search and rescue operations. Their capability to operate in challenging and remote environments makes them valuable across multiple industries.

DJI (US), Boeing (US), Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), Parrot Drone SAS (France), RTX (US), Northrop Grumman (US), Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel), BAE Systems (UK), AeroVironment, Inc. (US), and Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel) are the major key players in the small drones companies. These companies have strong distribution networks across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

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Browse Adjacent Market: Aerospace and Defence Market Research Reports &Consulting

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Unmanned Systems Market by Type (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Unmanned Marine Vehicle, Unmanned Ground Vehicle), Application (Defense, Government & Law Enforcement, Commercial, Consumer, Other), Mode of Operation, and Region -Global Forecast to 2030

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Military Drone Market by Platform (Small, Tactical, Strategic), Type (Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing, Hybrid), Application (UCAVs, ISR, Delivery), Propulsion (Fuel Powered & Battery Powered), MTOW, Operation Mode, Launching Mode, and Region - Global Forecast to 2028

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report.

MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe.

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The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts.

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "North America Copper Tubes Market by Type (Type K, Type L, Type M), Form (Straight Tubes, Coils, Capillary Tubes), Application (HVACR, Plumbing, Industrial, Automotive, Medical) - Global Forecast to 2030", North America copper tubes market is projected to grow from USD 3.18 billion in 2024 to USD 3.44 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period.

Browse in-depth TOC on "North America Copper Tubes Market"

140 - Tables

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The growth of the North American copper tubes market can be attributed to the expanding construction and infrastructure industries, as copper is an increasingly preferred material for plumbing, HVAC applications, and refrigeration due to its strength, corrosion resistance, and high thermal conductivity. The shift toward green building practices and energy-efficient systems further propels demand, as copper is easily recyclable and eco-friendly. Advances in technology in copper tube manufacturing, such as those that improve their performance in high-pressure uses, are also stimulating demand.

Type K is anticipated to be the largest segment of the North American copper tubes market during the forecast period

Type K copper tubes account for the largest share of the North American copper tubes market because they are widely used across different industries, especially in plumbing, HVAC, and refrigeration. Type K tubes have thick walls, which offer better durability and pressure resistance and are thus suitable for applications that need strength and longevity. In plumbing systems, Type K is widely applied for water supply pipes, particularly for underground installations where the tubes are subjected to aggressive environmental conditions. The growing demand for energy-efficient HVAC systems has led to the requirement for dependable and long-lasting copper tubes, which Type K can readily offer.

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Straight tubes segment accounted for the largest share of the North American copper tubes market

The straight tubes segment accounted for the largest share of the North American copper tubes market mainly because they are found to be extensively used in almost all industries. They are a key component in HVAC systems, refrigeration, plumbing, and automotive sectors, as they are utilized for gas and fluid transport. Their demand is due to their ease of installation, affordability, and consistent performance over time. Straight copper tubes serve as a dependable option for systems with high demands for thermal and electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength. The ease with which they are fabricated or easily bent to be tailored to their requirements makes them the favored choice among users. With the growth of the construction and manufacturing industries in North America, especially in residential, commercial, and industrial infrastructure development, the demand for straight copper tubes is expected to grow.

HVACR is anticipated to be the largest segment of the North American copper tubes market during the forecast period

The HVACR application constitutes the largest share of the North American copper tubes market because of a number of key reasons. Copper is the material of choice in HVACR systems because it has high thermal conductivity, is resistant to corrosion, and is very durable, thus being highly suitable for heat exchange and fluid conveyance in HVACR systems. Copper tubes find application in several components, including air conditioners, refrigerators, and heaters, where heat transfer plays a key role in performance. Copper's intrinsic antimicrobial features ensure that HVACR equipment stays cleaner and healthier, optimizing its long-term performance. Increasing pressure from the environment and legislation for energy-efficient systems further add to the popularity of copper tube applications in HVACR. Additionally, an increase in construction activities, particularly in commercial and residential buildings, and the growing demand for sophisticated cooling and heating solutions keep the demand for copper tubes in HVACR systems high.

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The US is expected to be the largest country in the North American copper tubes market during the forecast period

The US accounts for the highest market share in the North American copper tubes market because it has a robust industrial base and high demand from different industries like automotive, HVACR, medical, and plumbing. The US also has some of the world's biggest copper tube producers, which strengthens the manufacturing and distribution chains. Technological improvement in energy-saving systems that are mostly copper tube-dependent when it comes to heat conduction also contributes to the increasing demand in the market. Additionally, the healthcare industry supports the increasing demand for applications of copper tubes in medical gas systems. Building codes, energy efficiency, and green building practice regulations also drive demand for copper tubes, which are renowned for their recyclability and durability. These factors cumulatively account for the US' leading position in the North American copper tube market.

To enable an in-depth understanding of the competitive landscape, the report includes the profiles of some of the top players in the North American copper tubes market, such as Mueller Industries (US), Wieland Group (Germany), Hailiang Group (China), KME Group SpA (Italy), Luvata (Finland), Cerro Flow Products LLC (US), KOBE STEEL, LTD. (Japan), Cambridge-Lee Industries LLC (US), Golden Dragon Precise Copper Tube Group Inc. (China), and American Elements (US).

Get access to the latest updates on North America Copper Tubes Companies and North America Copper Tubes Market Size

Browse Adjacent Market: Equipment Machine and Tooling Market Research Reports & Consulting

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Oxygen-Free Copper Market - Global Forecast to 2029

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Methanol Companies

Activated Carbon Companies

Biodegradable Plastics Companies

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report.

MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe.

Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook .

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BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- In an increasingly unpredictable global environment, China is becoming an "oasis of certainty" as it continues to build up industrial strength and foster institutional opening-up, drawing influential foreign investors from tech giants to automakers into the world's second-largest economy. Latest data from the Ministry of Commerce shows that foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Chinese mainland in actual use climbed by 13.2 percent year on year last month. In the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, 12,603 new foreign-invested enterprises were established nationwide, representing a year-on-year growth of 4.3 percent. ANCHOR FOR GLOBAL ECONOMIC GROWTH At a petrochemical plant rising a hundred meters from the ground, the sounds of welding, cutting and roaring interweave...The over 80 billion yuan (about 11 billion U.S. dollars) cooperation project co-invested by Saudi oil giant Aramco and Chinese enterprises in Panjin, northeastern Liaoning Province, has progressed to more than 60 percent. Aramco is currently investing in projects in China that have a collective and total value of over 240 billion yuan, covering petrochemical projects and equity acquisition deals. "China is already the world's largest consumer and producer of petrochemicals, accounting for nearly half of global demand," said Amin H. Nasser, president and CEO of the company. He noted, "China is becoming an oasis of certainty in an increasingly unpredictable global environment." Since the start of this year, more and more foreign brands from various sectors have beefed up investment in China, leveraging its super-large market advantage. For example, fast fashion brand Zara opened its Asian flagship store in Nanjing, while U.S. hair care brand Aveda opened its first store in south China in Guangzhou. German retail giant ALDI entered China's Jiangsu market. Besides a vast market size, China's crucial role in fueling world economic growth has been harnessed by solid economic fundamentals and a stable policy framework, according to foreign institutions. China's gross domestic product registered a 5.4 percent year-on-year growth in Q1. This expectation-beating performance is attributed to the fact that it has increased fiscal spending, vigorously boosted consumption, and introduced a series of measures to stabilize the property market and the stock market, Nathan Chow, senior economist at DBS Bank said. The stable growth momentum in China's economy is a stability that serves as an important global public good, helping to buffer uncertainties across international markets, said Bernd Einmeier, president of the German-Chinese Association for Economy, Education, and Culture. According to the 2025 Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index, which measures investor expectations for FDI over the next three years, China has led all emerging markets for three consecutive years. The market is expected to become a "stabilizer" for business confidence worldwide, with its steady growth, open attitude and innovative vitality, said He Xiaoqing, president of Kearney Greater China. INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH, INNOVATION DRIVE Industry experts believe China's industrial strength and innovation drive have become key factors drawing foreign investment. At the same time, its market solidifies its crucial role in the integrated development of global industries, contributing to economic growth. During an earlier business trip to China, Apple's COO, Jeff Williams, visited the company's supplier, Goertek, in east China's Shandong Province and praised its automated manufacturing and artificial intelligence technology on the production lines. Among the company's top 200 suppliers worldwide, more than 80 percent have factories in China engaging in related businesses. China's ability to integrate industrial chains is almost irreplaceable on a global scale, whether in terms of engineer supply, industrial supporting capabilities, or scale advantages, noted Xing Ziqiang, chief economist at Morgan Stanley China. This has attracted more and more foreign investment into the global manufacturing powerhouse and innovation hub, with Toyota committing to a 14.6-billion yuan strategic cooperation agreement in Shanghai, and AstraZeneca signing a landmark agreement to invest 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in a global strategic research and development center in Beijing. In Rugao City of east China's Jiangsu Province, welding robots are busy on the production lines of Swedish truckmaker Scania. "The Scania Rugao Industrial Hub, the most advanced and sustainable in Scania's world, will add significant capacity to Scania's global production system, easing previous bottlenecks and benefiting both the Chinese and global markets," said Ruthger de Vries, president of Scania Industrial Operations Asia. INSTITUTIONAL OPENING-UP ACCELERATES Translating its opening-up pledge into concrete actions, China's growing economic openness spanning various sectors has further cemented its position as the world's second-largest FDI destination. While all restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector were removed in China last year, the country has now extended its opening-up efforts to the service sector. China approved value-added telecommunications business operations of 13 foreign-funded enterprises in Q1, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The number of foreign-invested telecommunications enterprises surged 26.5 percent from a year earlier and topped 2,400 in China at the end of last month. Over 40 foreign-funded biotechnology projects have kicked off, and three new wholly foreign-owned hospitals have been approved for operation by late March, according to the country's commerce ministry. The constant opening-up in China's service sector has brought new development opportunities to foreign-funded enterprises and injected confidence into deepening the Chinese market, said Jacqueline Jiang, chair of the Chinese mainland at John Swire & Sons. Last month, a subsidiary of the group obtained the first foreign-owned cardiovascular specialty hospital practice license in China. In the financial sector, an increasing number of foreign financial institutions have cast a vote of confidence in China by establishing new securities entities and expanding the scope of their existing businesses in recent years, with the latest move by UBS increasing its equity stake in UBS Securities from 67 percent to 100 percent. Despite deficits in service trade, China seeks to further open sectors like medical and internet services in a well-conceived way. Pilot opening-up programs in free trade zones and select cities have been accelerated, with wholly foreign-owned hospitals now allowed in certain areas. According to the MIIT, China seeks to remove restrictions on the percentage of foreign capital for service businesses such as app stores and internet access in certain regions. "In China, foreign companies can invest here because they find a good business environment, and those investments are also long-term and not only short-term," said Maximilian Butek, executive director and board member of the German Chamber of Commerce in China, the east China region. "We have a strong business commitment here in China," he added.
PRAGUE and BUDAPEST, Hungary, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Modern medical treatment options for endometriosis were among the main topics at the SEUD Congress (Society of Endometriosis and Uterine Disorders) held in Prague between 24-26 April, where a highly successful symposium took place with the participation of leading international experts, attracting hundreds of attendees. The symposium was supported by Gedeon Richter and featured presentations by prominent specialists, including the Chair, Professor Charles Chapron (FR), Dr. Harald Krentel (DE), Dr. Stavros Karampelas (BE) and Dr. Silvia Vannuccini (IT). They highlighted the latest medical advances and emphasized the importance of modern, patient-centric, personalized approaches to endometriosis management.

Endometriosis is a chronic, painful condition affecting over 190 million women worldwide, with an ever-increasing prevalence rate. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity, leading to inflammation, scarring, and significant pain. Beyond physical discomfort, endometriosis can seriously impact fertility and overall quality of life, making effective medical treatment crucial. Unfortunately, however women affected by the condition are still having to wait for a proper diagnosis and subsequent treatment for an average of 7-9 years.

Historically, surgical interventions were the primary option for managing endometriosis. Today, however, medical therapy is becoming the preferred treatment option, with its less invasive, sustainable and effective long-term outcomes. Hormonal treatments aim to reduce estrogen levels, which in turn slows the growth of endometrial-like tissue. Clinical studies show that more than 70% of women treated with hormonal therapies experience significant pain reduction and improved quality of life.

Gedeon Richter markets the first globally available GnRH antagonist combination therapy, for the treatment of uterine fibroids and symptomatic endometriosis. The medicine combines multiple active ingredients to effectively target the disease mechanisms, offering rapid and lasting symptom relief in a once-daily oral therapy. Its convenience, safety and proven efficacy allow many women to manage their conditions without resorting to surgery.

As Peter Turek, Head of the Women's Healthcare Business Unit at Gedeon Richter, explains: "As one of Europe's leading pharmaceutical companies in the WHC segment, Gedeon Richter is committed to delivering modern, innovative solutions globally. We believe that continuous advancement in therapy options like our endometriosis medication is essential to improving the quality of life for millions of women worldwide."

While surgery remains an important option for severe cases, it carries notable risks, including a 30-50% chance of symptom recurrence within five years. By contrast, modern pharmacological treatments provide a safer, long-term approach to managing the disease, enabling women to maintain their health, their fertility, and their quality of life.

Thanks to Richter's innovative therapeutic solutions, there is renewed hope for millions of women living globally with endometriosis. Today, effective symptom control is possible without invasive procedures and with a focus on giving the patients back their vibrant, pain-free life.

About Richter

About Richter's WHC Busness Unit

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EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act]

Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd.: Announcement on 2025 A-Share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan and 2025 H-Share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan



30.04.2025 / 13:03 CET/CEST

Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Announcement on 2025 A-Share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan and 2025 H-Share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt / Hongkong, 30 April 2025 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-share 690D.DE, A-share 600690.SH, H-share 06690.HK) yesterday published an announcement in accordance with applicable trading rules of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, Hong Kong Stock Exchange and applicable PRC laws in relation to 2025 A-Share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan and 2025 H-Share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

The full announcement is available at:

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2025/0430/2025043000129.pdf

IR Contact:

Haier Smart Home Hong Kong

T: +852 2169 0000

Email: ir@haier.hk

Press Contact:

CROSS ALLIANCE communication GmbH

Sara Pinto

pi@crossalliance.de

T: +49 89 1250903 35

About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.:

Haier is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household appliances with a focus on smart home solutions and customized production. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. develops, produces and distributes a wide range of household appliances. These include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, kitchen appliances as well as small household appliances and an extensive range of intelligent household appliances. The Company distributes its products through leading household brands such as Haier, Casarte, Leader, Candy, GE Appliances, AQUA and Fisher & Paykel. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. has launched Smart Home Experiential Cloud in the Chinese market, which connects homes, users, enterprises and ecosystem partners, and facilitates the integration of Haier's online, offline and micro-store businesses and supports user interaction to further optimize the user experience.

30.04.2025 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


DAVOS, Switzerland, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Davos Communications Awards 2025 celebrated excellence in global public relations and communications at a prestigious Gala Dinner held in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Organized by the World Communications Forum Association (WCFA), the event took place during the annual Davos Communications Summit and recognized outstanding campaigns, strategies, and leadership from 18 countries across 4 continents.

This year's awards spotlighted achievements across 24 categories, with entries submitted by PR agencies, in-house teams, and independent professionals. The full list of winners is available at: www.davosawards.com.

Maxim Behar, President of the World Communications Forum Association, expressed his excitement: "This year's in-person celebration in Davos brought a whole new level of energy and connection to the Davos Communications Awards. The winning projects demonstrate not only technical excellence, but the transformative power of communications to unite people, ideas, and purpose across borders. It was an honour to witness such global talent in one room."

This year's gold-winning projects demonstrated excellence across a wide range of disciplines - from crisis management and internal comms to branding, AI and social media innovation. Here are the standout achievements from across the globe:

Top Honors in PR and Communications Leadership

PR Consultancy of the Year - Sherlock Communications

- In-house Team of the Year - CERN

- Outstanding Freelancer of the Year - Jared Meade , Rayne Strategy Group

- , Rayne Strategy Group PR Rising Star - Chetna Krishna , CERN

- , CERN Best Leader in Public Relations - Patricia Zylberman , Sherlock Communications

- , Sherlock Communications Best Crisis Communications Leader - Katja Fasink , Key7 Communications

- , Key7 Communications Leader of the Future - Prof. Mohd Said Bani Che Mat Din, bzBee Consult

Excellence in Campaign Strategy

Best Public Relations Campaign - APO Group

- Best Marketing Communications Campaign - SPRING PR

- Global Communication Campaign - DTEK

- Engage for Change Campaign - DTEK

- B2B Communications Campaign - DTEK

- Best Corporate Affairs Campaign - DTEK

- Best Use of Brand - DTEK

- Special Event - DTEK

Creative & Digital Innovation

Best Social Media Campaign - Sherlock Communications

- Best Digital Campaign - BPRESS

- Emerging Technology Campaign - BPRESS

- Communications in the Age of Crypto - Sherlock Communications

- Best Influencer Marketing Campaign - BANCA COMERCIALA ROMANA

Impactful Sector-Specific Campaigns

Best Internal Communications Campaign - Brandbuch

- Best CSR or ESG Initiative - BANCA COMERCIALA ROMANA

- Best Health & Wellness Campaign - Public Dialog

- Best Education Campaign - BANCA COMERCIALA ROMANA

The awards were judged by a panel of ten internationally recognized PR leaders from Canada, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, India, Lithuania, Romania, Turkiye, the UK, and the USA, ensuring a diverse and balanced evaluation process. The live ceremony featured on-stage presentations of gold, silver, and bronze trophies, led by prominent figures including Ana-Maria Diceanu, Managing Director at Brain 4 Strategy PR Agency and President of Global Women in PR (Romania); Mike Southon, Entrepreneur Mentor at The Beermat Entrepreneur (UK); Inimfon Etuk, CEO and Lead Strategist at Global Narratives Consults (Nigeria); Tatevik Simonian, Co-Founder of SPRING PR (Armenia); Syed Bukhari, Head of Strategic Communications & Visibility at the American University of Sharjah (UAE); and Mary Beth West, Senior Strategist (USA), among others.

The Davos Communications Summit & Awards 2025 is done in cooperation with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and is proudly supported by The PREthics Community as the gold partner and Brain 4 Strategy as the silver partner. The official media partner is PR Newswire, part of Cision Group Ltd.

For more information, visit https://www.wcfaglobal.com/awards/homepage/2025 or contact Maxim Behar, WCFA President, at mainoffice@wcfaglobal.com or +359 888 50 31 13.

About Davos Communications Awards:

The annual Davos Communications Awards, launched by the World Communications Forum Association in 2021, are global prestigious awards that recognize exceptional professional work done by businesses, governments and academia in public relations, marketing, branding, social media, CSR and leadership. Entries are open to agencies, in-house teams and individuals from any sector to help celebrate and showcase professional excellence in the industry. Winning a Davos Communications Award is an opportunity for professionals and businesses to pitch themselves as the best, to stand out from the competition, increase their credibility, and motivate their teams.

About World Communications Forum Association:

The World Communications Forum was founded in 2010 in Davos, Switzerland, where the Association was registered in 2014. The WCFA is a n organization committed to active global discussions and exchanges focused on the development of communications expertise of its members and be an active voice in its key role in business, society and politics. Every year the forum gathers prominent representatives of the communication and public relations sector from around the world, who, through dialogue and discussion, exchange experiences and ideas to shape the art of global communications.

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Northern Superior Resources Inc. (" Northern Superior ") (TSXV:SUP)(OTCQX:NSUPF)(GR:D9M1) is pleased to share announcements from ONGold Resources Ltd. (the " Company " or " ONGold ") (TSXV:ONAU) (OTCQB:ONGRF), including an update on the Monument Bay Project. Northern Superior holds a 62% equity interest in ONGold, alongside a 15% interest held by Agnico Eagle Mines Limited.

ONGold is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Dunbar as Vice-President, Exploration effective as of April 1, 2025. With nearly four decades of experience in geology and gold resource evaluations, Mr. Dunbar has held prominent roles in executive and senior management positions across Canadian exploration, development and production mining companies overseeing gold resource expansions in support of mining operations and evaluating and advancing exploration projects.

Although focused predominantly on gold exploration and development projects, his expertise spans a wide variety of geological deposit types, including Archean greenstone gold deposits, epithermal gold/silver systems, SEDEX deposits, and copper-gold porphyry projects. He has managed diverse teams of professionals and has considerable success in globally steering projects from the grassroots stage to advanced resource definition and development stage having worked throughout Canada, Nevada, Peru, East and West Africa, China and Mongolia.

As the Director of Exploration for Argonaut Gold Inc., he led his team in advancing exploration, expanding resources, and assisting to develop the Magino open pit gold producing mine operating in Dubreuilville, Ontario. This operation and 10,000 tpd mill and remaining Canadian assets were acquired by Alamos Gold Inc. in 2024.

MONUMENT BAY GOLD PROJECT UPDATE

Mr. Dunbar will lead the reactivation of exploration at the Monument Bay gold project as well as a detailed resource review. The objectives of the current exploration program at Monument Bay are as follows:

Expand the geological understanding of the existing gold and tungsten deposits at the Monument Bay deposit and its mid-east zone.

Conduct an Initial Phase I Field Exploration Program to evaluate all high-priority targets identified across the Monument Bay property (please see the Company's press release dated March 3, 2025 for further details).

Undertake an induced polarization survey over the existing deposits as well as targets proximal to existing resources.

Explore opportunities to conduct optical televiewer structural studies on previously drilled boreholes to re-enforce and deepen the understanding of the structural control mechanisms concentrating high-grade gold and tungsten mineralization within the Monument Bay deposit.

Perform a comprehensive evaluation of historical gold-tungsten resources defined by previous operators. This includes assessing currently defined resource domains, cut-off grades, opportunities to expand the assay database through infill sampling and assaying, integrating drill hole data not previously incorporated in historic resource estimates, and identifying resource expansion opportunities within the main deposit. Historical resources were defined using US$1,200 gold and significantly higher gold prices will change the evaluation of the current deposits.

Undertake a fixed-wing lidar/ orthophoto survey to support further regional exploration targeting and property-wide structural interpretation to identify new target areas to focus future exploration activities and drilling programs.

PROJECT RESOURCE GEOLOGIST

ONGold is also initiating a re-examination of the existing Monument Bay gold resource as well as resource expansion opportunities. In order to complete the analysis, ONGold has engaged an experienced resource geologist; Mr. Wally Dzick. As a highly experienced and internationally recognized Professional Geologist, Mr. Dzick has cultivated a distinguished career centered on precious metals exploration and mining, resource evaluation, statistical analysis and development, corporate due diligence with notable expertise in exploration and resource appraisals in gold and silver commodities. His experience spans across domestic and international assignments, including roles in strata-bound sediment-hosted copper and polymetallic replacement-style deposits.

His career includes significant tenures with leading global companies such as Barrick Gold and Newmont Mining, complemented with mid-tier juniors like Getchell Gold, Silver Standard Resources, and Summit Mining. As Chief Geologist for Barrick Gold at the Meikle Mine in Nevada, he successfully managed the geology department and developed strategies for optimizing resources through effective drilling programs. His proficiency in mine geology, quality assurance and quality control processes, ore control, mine-to-mill reconciliation, and resource modeling position him as a key player in the industry.

Kyle Stanfield CEO and Director of ONGold commented: "I am delighted Paul Dunbar has joined ONGold in this critical leadership role. He brings the right balance of grassroots exploration planning combined with expansive gold resource development expertise to our team. With the planned reactivation of exploration activities at the Monument Bay gold project, we are excited about next steps as we enter an unprecedented gold price environment.".

Monument Bay Gold Project

The recently acquired Monument Bay Gold project in Manitoba represents a substantial acquisition of large known gold deposits. Monument Bay has had numerous mineral resources estimates completed by various Qualified Persons on behalf of various operators, which are no longer current under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (" NI 43-101 "). The most recent unpublished NI 43-101 technical report (2017) (the " Historical Report ") for the Monument Bay deposit (formally the Twin Lakes Deposit) identified 2.3 million gold ounces (58.0 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.24 g/t) in the "Measured" and "Indicated" Mineral Resources categories, and 720,000 gold ounces (24.4 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.92 g/t) in the "Inferred" Mineral Resources category. This includes only in-pit and resources with a cut off grade of 0.3 g/t gold.

Notes:

These mineral resources are historical in nature. Although compliant under NI43-101 at the time, resources should be updated to include more recent data, metals prices and cost assumptions. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There are no mineral reserves at the Monument Bay Project. Block size was 10mX10mX2m. Gold price at the time was assumed to be US$1,200/oz, and $CDN/$US of 1.30. Operating costs for open pit mining were assumed to be US$1.46/tonne for mining, $US12.49/t for processing and $US1.54/t for general and administrative (G+A). Pit constrained resources at 0.3 g/t Au cut off

New Gold Exploration Targets Identification

The compilation and new interpretive work announced by ONGold on March 3, 2025 resulted in the identification of five (5) new target areas, detailed below, for field exploration investigations with the goal of defining new targets for drilling. These zones are denoted and prioritized as follows:

Ankerite/Gold Pond Area along the Twin Lakes Shear Zone (" TLSZ "); AZ Zone (Easterly and Westerly strike extensions); Newly discovered Central Zone; Monument Bay Deposit West Extension, also located along the TLSZ immediately west of the Monument Bay deposit; and, Gold Ridge along the Stull-Wunnumin Fault/ Deformation Zone.

The Company is focused on exploring target areas that have the best opportunity to provide gold resource expansion opportunities. ONGold currently believes that the (1) Ankerite/Gold Pond area, (2) the AZ Zone/Central Zone area, and (3) Monument Bay deposit west extension are the "highest priority" areas having the highest potential to discover new gold resources.

Technical Information

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Rodney Barber, P. Geo. for ONGold, who is a " Qualified Person " as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Barber is the President of ONGold and is not considered independent.

All technical data contained in this press release related to Monument Bay is considered historical in nature.

The Historical Report contains resource estimates that were calculated using cut-off grades of 0.3 grams per tonne (g/t) gold for open-pit resources. The 2015 pit shell was used to constrain the resource. The Mid-East and AZ Zones are not included in this estimate. This resource only considers open-pit resources and is pit-constrained. Subsequent resource modelling has indicated there is a high degree of variability in tonnage, metal grades, and contained metal as a result of different estimation methodologies and geological models.

This estimate, prepared prior to ONGold's acquisition of Monument Bay, is considered historical in nature. It is no longer current and should not be relied upon. The 2015 pit shell used to constrain the resource is outdated and would need to be updated to reflect current economic conditions and technical parameters. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates in this news release as current mineral resources or mineral reserves, and ONGold is not treating the historical estimates as current mineral resources or current mineral reserves. ONGold does not have any more recent estimates or data available with respect to these historical estimates and has not conducted sufficient work to establish the relevance and reliability of the historical resource estimates.

To verify and update this historical estimate to current NI 43-101 standards, additional work is required. This includes further drilling, a review of the geological model, and validation of previous findings under the oversight of a qualified person. Until such work is completed, investors are cautioned that the historical estimate does not meet current NI 43-101 standards, and any economic analysis or decisions based on this estimate should be avoided.

About ONGold Resources Ltd.

ONGold Resources Ltd. owns significant exploration assets in Northern Ontario, including the district-scale Monument Bay Gold-Tungsten Project, TPK Project, Domain Gold Project and October Gold Project. These projects represent a strategic footprint in one of Canada's most prolific gold-producing regions.

ONGold Resources Ltd. on behalf of the Board of Directors

Kyle Stanfield, Chief Executive Officer & Director

Contact Information

Kyle Stanfield

Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: 1 (855) 525-0992

Email: info@ongoldresources.com

About Northern Superior Resources Inc.

Northern Superior is a gold exploration company focused on the Chibougamau Camp in Quebec, Canada. The Company has consolidated the largest land package in the region, with total land holdings currently exceeding 62,000 hectares. The main properties include Philibert, Lac Surprise, Chevrier, and Croteau. Northern Superior also owns 62% of ONGold Resources Ltd. (TSXV:ONAU) which is advancing promising exploration assets in Northern Ontario and Manitoba, including the district scale TPK Project and Monument Bay; Agnico Eagles Mines Limited owns 15% of ONGold Resources Ltd.

The Philibert Project is located 9 km from IAMGOLD Corporation's Nelligan 1 Gold project. Philibert hosts a maiden 43-101 inferred resource of 1,708,800 ounces Au and an indicated resource of 278,900 ounces of Au. 2 Northern Superior holds a majority stake of 75% in the Philibert Project, with the remaining 25% owned by SOQUEM, and retains an option to acquire the full 100% ownership of the project. Chevrier hosts an inferred mineral resource of 652,000 ounces Au (underground and open pit) and an indicated mineral resource of 260,000 ounces Au. 3 Croteau hosts an inferred mineral resource of 640,000 ounces Au. 4 Lac Surprise hosts the Falcon Zone Discovery, interpreted to be the western strike extension of IAMGOLD Corporation's Nelligan Gold project.

Northern Superior is a reporting issuer in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, and trades on the TSXV under the symbol SUP and the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol NSUPF. For further information, please refer to the Company's website at www.nsuperior.com or the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca .

Northern Superior Resources Inc. on Behalf of the Board of Directors

Simon Marcotte, CFA, President and Chief Executive Officer

Contact Information

Katrina Damouni

Director - Corporate Development

Tel: +44 7795 128583 (Mobile/WhatsApp)

info@nsuperior.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to matters that identify future events or future performance. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as "could", "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved.

The forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the performance of the Monument Bay project, the Company's plans relating to the Monument Bay project, and results of the Company's mineral exploration activities on the Monument Bay project (including, without limitation, its mineral resources, current claims and its ability to utilize global gold needs); and the performance of gold as a commodity, including the sustained gold demand and prices.

In making the forward looking statements in this news release, ONGold has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation: market fundamentals that result in sustained gold demand and prices; the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future development of Monument Bay in a timely manner; the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development; construction and continued operation of Monument Bay; Monument Bay containing mineral resources; the Company's ability to conduct an Initial Phase I Field Exploration Program; the Company's ability to execute on its plans relating to the Monument Bay project; and the Company's ability to comply with all applicable regulations and laws, including environmental, health and safety laws.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead reflect the Company's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of managements considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward- looking statements are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and under reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Company. Among the key risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward- looking statements are the following: operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development and mine development activities at Monument Bay; estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, requirements for additional capital; future prices of precious metals and gold; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities; possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates; possible failures of plants, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays or the inability of OnGold to obtain any necessary approvals, permits, consents or authorizations, financing or other planned activities; changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations; currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities; risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, including the impact of COVID-19 on ONGold's business; as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Management Discussion and Analysis and other filings of ONGold filed with the Canadian securities authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialized, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. ONGold does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.

1 " lAMGOLD Announces Significant Increase in Nelligan Ounces & Update of Global Mineral Reserves and Resources"

IAMGOLD reports increase in mineral reserves and resources at existing assets, with increase in resources at Gosselin; IAMGOLD Corporation News Release dated February 15, 2024, October 23, 2024, and February 20, 2025.

2 Northern Superior announces 1,708,809 gold ounces in inferred category and 278,921 gold ounces in indicated category at 1.10 g/t in maiden NI 43-101 pit constrained resource estimate at Philibert; Northern Superior's press release dated August 08, 2023.

3 NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource Estimation for the Chevrier Main Deposit, Chevrier Project Chibougamau, Quebec, Canada, October 20, 2021, Prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 by Lions Gate Geological Consulting Inc. IOS Services Geoscientifiques Inc. for Northern Superior.

4 Chalice Gold Mines Limited and Northern Superior Resources Inc. Technical Report on the Croteau Est Gold Project, Quebec, September 2015, Prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 by Optiro Pty Ltd ("Optiro") to Chalice Gold Mines Limited and Northern Superior.

SOURCE: Northern Superior Resources Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/northern-superior-highlights-ongolds-appointment-of-vice-president-exploration-an-1021463
Highlights:

Irinke Extension Gold Prospects, a potential extension of K92's Arakompa gold system, is a new cluster of four priority gold exploration targets revealed within a broad 4 km by 4 km area by advanced lithogeochemistry;

is a new cluster of four priority gold exploration targets revealed within a broad 4 km by 4 km area by advanced lithogeochemistry; Arakompa-like geochemical signature of the Irinke Prospect now confirmed ;

; Sampling underway across prospects, with assay results expected in May/June timeframe to help refine growing target pipeline; and

with assay results expected in May/June timeframe to help refine growing target pipeline; and Newly purchased diamond drill rig scheduled to arrive in-country mid-June, with year-round drilling to begin soon after.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - South Pacific Metals Corp. (TSXV: SPMC) (OTCQB: SPMEF) (FSE: 6J00) ("SPMC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce new exploration work programs are underway at the Anga Project, following surface geochemistry targeting results confirming the Irinke Prospect's priority nature and identifying several new gold prospects extensional to Irinke. Surface sampling will assist with prioritized drill targeting.

Cathy Fitzgerald, President and Chief Geologist of the Company, stated, "As the Company awaits delivery of its brand-new drill rig, we are accelerating exploration across our highly prospective Kainantu Gold District projects. In particular, the new study of all surface samples collected to date at the Anga Project has revealed further exciting targets near our Irinke Prospect, where mineralization of the same nature as K92's Arakompa system returned rock samples up to 3.68 g/t Au. We will be very active sampling across this broad area of gold-mineralization."

ALS Geoanalytics Advanced Technology Targeting Results

The Company engaged ALS Geoanalytics to complete a geochemical study of all soil, stream sediment and rock samples (including historic data) to provide a deeper understanding of geochemical indicators for discovery at the Anga Project. This work has confirmed the K92 Mining Arakompa-like geochemical signature of the Irinke target, providing vectors to further mineralized areas as well as identifying new prospects warranting on-the-ground follow up now underway.

Figure 1: Regional Location Map of SPMC Projects Relative to K92 Mining Projects

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Irinke Prospect

The Irinke Prospect is located only 1,500 m east of K92 Mining's processing plant and is approximately three km along strike from the Arakompa discovery. Previous work by the Company has identified gold in soil anomalism along with rock chips, from early-stage reconnaissance up to 3.68 g/t Au (see news release dated November 13, 2024). The Irinke Prospect is hosted in metasediments intruded by diorite, making it a comparable setting to K92 Mining's operations. Analyses of the geophysics indicates alteration and major structures are also similar. The results of this work provide additional confidence that the surface anomalism at Irinke is linked to a significant target (refer to Figure 2, target areas A, B, & C in the Irinke prospect region). Upcoming surface work will include closely spaced soil sampling and structural mapping.

Figure 2: Target Areas at Irinke and Extensions on the Anga Project

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Binano North (Irinke Extension to NE)

The Binano North Prospect is located approximately 1 km east of Irinke. Both metasediments and series of intrusive dykes are mapped in this area and there are strong indicators of hydrothermal activity. Previous work has been reconnaissance rock sampling with modest anomalous rock chips of up to 0.8 g/t Au. The pathfinder elements through this area (Bi-Sb-Te-Ag-Mo-Cu-Zn-Pb) are strong.

A review of aerial imagery indicated several disturbed areas which may be artisanal or alluvial gold workings, to be determined pending on-ground investigation. This target area incorporates three targets covering an area of 2.5 km by 1 km, from which the Company has collected approximately 250 grid soil samples at 50x50 m spacing to advance this large system to potentially drill ready Upcoming surface work will include closely-spaced soil sampling, and structural mapping (refer to Figure 2, target areas H, G & M).

Golkona and Golkona South (Irinke Extensions East)

The Golkona Prospect is located approximately 4 km east of Irinke. The area includes a large altered intrusive complex anomalous in gold in soils (>10 ppb Au, up to 70 ppb Au) over an area approximately 750 x 750 m (refer to Figure 2). The prospect area is located on a major NE-SW structure that can be linked through geophysical and topography analyses through to the Maniape vein system owned by K92 Mining. The work by ALS Geoanalytics indicates the Golkona area is near a mineral system with structural indicators to the south and a strong association to Cu-Mo pathfinder elements (refer to Figure 2).

The Golkona South area consists of a strong magnetic anomaly coincident with an apparent conductivity anomaly (referred to as the N1 anomaly in news release dated June 9, 2022), identified in the 2021 MobileMT survey. This area has been largely unsampled. Anomalous stream sediment sample results and alluvial gold in this area has not been followed up since sampling was initially completed in 2022. With the results of analysis at Golkona indicating that mineral indicators point southward, the Company is embarking on a ridge and spur soil sampling and rock chip sampling program in this region.

Other Targets

A number of other targets have been identified that warrant upcoming surface work which will include closely spaced soil sampling and structural mapping. These include:

North Ridge Target (L) - has Au soil results up to 90 ppb and rock results up to 0.85 g/t Au. Prior to infill sampling, the area is going to have reconnaissance to check several unsampled outcrops.

East Skarn Target (P) - An area of very high gold in soils (up to 330 ppb Au and 270pb Au) in an area mapped as metamorphosed carbonates. The geology and geochemical data suggest a possible gold-rich skarn target. Further reconnaissance work with mapping and rock sampling is planned in the short-term.

About the Anga Project

The Anga Gold-Copper Project comprises 461 km of 100%-owned exploration licenses in the highly gold-copper mineralized Kainantu Gold District. The project is located immediately northeast of, and adjacent to, K92's Kainantu Gold Mine Project (see Figure 3), and its southwestern project boundary is only 3 km from where K92 is currently drilling on the Arakompa lode-gold vein system, where multiple wide and high-grade gold zones have been intercepted. Access to the Anga Project is via the Ramu-Markham highway to the northeast.

About South Pacific Metals Corp.

South Pacific Metals Corp. is an emerging gold-copper exploration company operating across Papua New Guinea's proven gold and copper production corridors. With an expansive 3,100 km land package and four transformative gold-copper projects contiguous with major producers K92 Mining, PanAust and neighbouring Barrick/Zijin, new leadership and experienced in-country teams are prioritizing thoughtful and rigorous technical programs focused on boots-on-the-ground exploration to prioritize discovery across its portfolio projects: Osena, Anga, Kili Teke, and May River.

Immediately flanking K92's active drilling and gold producing operations to the northeast and southwest, SPMC's Osena and Anga Projects are located within the high-grade Kainantu Gold District - each having the potential to host similar-style lode-gold and porphyry copper-gold mineralization as that present within K92's tenements. Kili Teke is an advanced exploration project situated only 40 km from the world-class Porgera Gold Mine and hosts an existing Inferred Mineral Resource with multiple opportunities for expansion and further discovery. The May River Project is located adjacent to the world-renowned Frieda River copper-gold project, with historical drilling indicating potential for a significant, untapped-gold mineralized system. SPMC common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: SPMC), the OTCQB Marketplace (OTCQB: SPMEF) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: 6J00).

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Rock Sampling

Rock samples are selected and collected by a Company geologist in the field. Samples were sent to the ITS (PNG) Ltd (Intertek) Laboratory in Port Moresby. Gold assays were conducted using 30 g charge Fire Assay with Atomic Absorption Spectra finish (Intertek Code FA25/OES), with a detection limit of 0.01ppm. Samples >1 ppm (1 g/t) Au were re-assayed as a check with no significant difference noted.

Multi-element assays were determined using 4-acid digestion with Induced Coupled Optical Emission (ICPOS) (Intertek code 4A/OE33). Certified reference material, duplicates and blanks were inserted into the rock sample to monitor laboratory performance, with no significant variations from expected results.

Soil Sampling

Soil sampling involves sieving a c-horizon soil to a <2 mm in the field. Soil samples were sent to the ITS (PNG) Ltd. (Intertek) Laboratory in Port Moresby for assay. Assaying for gold and other elements is determined by aqua regia digestion with a mass-spectrometry finish (Intertek code AR01/MS). Certified Reference Material, duplicates and blanks are inserted in the soil sample to monitor laboratory performance, with no significant variations from expected results.

Stream Sediment sampling

Stream sediment sampling involves collecting and sieving a sediment from a naturally occurring trap site (no pan-concentrates reported in this release) from selected streams. Samples were sent to the ITS (PNG) Ltd. (Intertek) Laboratory in Port Moresby. Gold assays were conducted using 30 g charge Fire Assay with Atomic Absorption Spectra finish (Intertek Code FA25/OES), with a detection limit of 0.01ppm. Samples >1 ppm (1 g/t) Au were re-assayed as a check with no significant difference noted.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information disclosed in this release has been compiled by Company geologists and reviewed and approved by Darren Holden, Ph.D., FAusIMM, a "Qualified Person" as defined under the Canadian Institute of Mining National Instrument 43-101, 2014 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Dr. Holden is a Technical Advisor to the Company.

Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Information

Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of SPMC. In making the forward-looking statements, SPMC has applied certain assumptions that are based on information available to the Company, including SPMC's strategic plan for the near and mid-term. There is no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-Looking statements may involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of the Company. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because of the context of the statements, including such words as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "plans", "may", "estimates", or words of a similar nature. Forward-Looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things, future exploration or development programs, and any results therefrom and effect thereof. These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic, regulatory or other unforeseen uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, without limitation: success of the Company's projects, prices for metals remaining as estimated, currency exchange rates remaining as estimated, availability of funds for the Company's projects, capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates, prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation), no labour-related disruptions, no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production, all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner, and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in gold prices, fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation), fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar), operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mineral exploration, inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards, the Company's ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner, changes in laws, regulations and government practices, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations, legal restrictions relating to mineral exploration, increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel, the availability of additional capital, title matters and the additional risks identified in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ (available at www.sedarplus.ca). Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described, or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's property.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250150

SOURCE: South Pacific Metals Corp.
VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KuCoin, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has committed $2 billion to its newly launched "Trust Project", a long-term initiative aimed at strengthening transparency, enhancing platform security, advancing compliance, and promoting responsible innovation across the crypto industry. The announcement was made by BC Wong, CEO of KuCoin, during his keynote address at TOKEN2049, held from April 30 to May 1, 2025.

Oliver Stauber, CEO of KuCoin EU, joined BC on stage to jointly present KuCoin's renewed commitment to building a more resilient and trustworthy digital asset platform to an audience of over 15,000 industry leaders, regulators, and crypto enthusiasts.

Their keynote, titled "The Trust Gap in Crypto: Building Platforms That Deserve to Win," emphasized that the next phase of crypto adoption must be underpinned by proactive accountability and institutional-grade trust.

"Mainstream crypto demands responsible innovation," said BC Wong. "Big opportunities come with greater accountability."

The Trust Project reflects KuCoin's core platform values - user protection, verifiable transparency, compliance-first operations, infrastructure neutrality, and a commitment to long-term sustainability. This multi-year investment will support continued security enhancements, strengthen regulatory collaboration, and fund global educational initiatives that empower users and contribute to a more mature and credible crypto environment.

As part of this initiative, KuCoin also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the KCS (KuCoin Token) ecosystem, recognizing it as a core pillar in aligning long-term value with community participation. KCS will play a central role in reinforcing user incentives, supporting governance innovation, and expanding utility across KuCoin's growing suite of products and services.

With this bold initiative, KuCoin reinforces its position as a trusted leader dedicated to shaping the future of crypto through integrity, innovation, compliance, and user-first principles.

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is one of the pioneering and most globally recognized technology platforms supporting digital economies, built on a robust foundation of cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure, liquidity solutions, and exceptional user experience. With a connected user base exceeding 40 million worldwide, KuCoin offers comprehensive digital asset solutions across wallets, trading, wealth management, payments, research, ventures, and AI-powered bots.

KuCoin has garnered accolades such as "Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges" by Forbes and has been recognized among the "Top 50 Global Unicorns" by Hurun in 2024. This recognition reflects its commitment to user-centric principles and core values, which include integrity, accountability, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Learn more: https://www.kucoin.com/.

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Avanza Capital Holdings proudly celebrates Michael Henry, the firm's outside legal counsel and a driving force behind its litigation and compliance strategy, as he officially launches his 2026 campaign for New York State Attorney General. With contributions from over 6,000 donors, including more than 1,200 qualifying for public matching funds, Henry's campaign is off to a powerful and promising start.

Trusted legal strategist and commercial litigator secures 6,000+ donors as he launches high-profile rematch campaign

April 29, 2025 | New York Post

Michael Henry has long served as a legal cornerstone for Avanza Capital Holdings, playing a key role in managing complex merchant cash advance receivables enforcement, contract remediation, and risk litigation strategies. His deep understanding of commercial litigation and creditor bankruptcy has helped solidify the firm's leadership position in the private credit and alternative non-bank financing.

https://www.henryforny.com/

"This campaign is about restoring trust and accountability across New York State," said Henry. "I've spent my career fighting for transparency and upholding the rule of law-and that same dedication will guide me as Attorney General."

America's Top 50 Lawyers

Avanza Capital Holdings Asserts Legal Supremacy in Private Credit ...

Henry works alongside Anthony C. Varbero, General Counsel of Avanza Capital Holdings, to navigate regulatory, contractual, and litigation matters that directly impact the company's investor returns and legal posture. Together, they ensure Avanza's operations remain secure, compliant, and lender-first in today's complex financial landscape.

Frank Scarso, CEO of Avanza Capital Holdings, shared his support:

"Michael is more than legal counsel-he's a strategic partner, a trusted advocate, and a leader who embodies the values of discipline, integrity, and accountability. As he enters the next chapter of public service, we are proud to stand behind him and share in his vision for a better New York."

Anthony DeBenedictis, Managing Partner and Chief Strategy Officer of Avanza Capital Holdings, added:

"As Managing Partner, I'm proud to communicate this exciting milestone to our valued lending partners, clients, and stakeholders. Michael's campaign reflects the very principles that drive our business-transparency, accountability, and a commitment to doing what's right, even when it's not easy. His leadership continues to inspire confidence within our firm and the overall broader community."

In addition to his legal credentials, Henry has a record of recovering millions for clients, representing asylum seekers, and working on complex legal issues-bringing a multifaceted perspective to both public service and private enterprise. His campaign platform is laser-focused on public safety, government transparency, and COVID-era accountability-principles that closely align with the operational ethos of Avanza Capital Holdings.

About Avanza Capital Holdings: https://avanza.nyc/about-us/

Avanza Capital Holdings is a non-traditional private fixed-income platform specializing in short-term, collateral-backed business financing for companies underserved by traditional lenders. Offering 20% annualized returns with monthly distributions of principal and interest, the platform maintains a disciplined portfolio approach supported by robust legal oversight and risk management. Accredited lenders gain access to a diverse portfolio with high liquidity, moderate risk, and consistent performance.

Media Contact

https://avanza.nyc/

40 Wall Street, New York, NY 28th Fl 10005

Avanza Capital Holdings

Frank Scarso

CEO

frank@avanza.nyc

212-320-0532

Anthony DeBenedictis

Managing Partner/Chief Strategic Officer

anthony@avanza.nyc

914-536-7565

https://avanza.nyc/in-the-news/

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, financial instruments, or investment advisory services. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and no guarantees of returns are made. Avanza Capital Holdings is not a registered investment advisor, Hedge fund or SEC filing and nothing in this release should be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Prospective lenders should conduct their own due diligence and consult with independent legal and financial professionals before participating as an accredited lending partner. The outside general counsel for Avanza Capital Holdings provides legal oversight and regulatory guidance and is not responsible for the overall activity, actions, or financial outcomes in connection with the business relationships between Avanza Capital and its respective lending partners. General counsel conducts legal services as an outside entity to and for Avanza Capital Holdings and is not directly employed by Avanza Capital and acts solely as "Outside General Counsel."

SOURCE: Avanza Capital Holdings

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/avanza-capitals-very-own-michael-henry-gains-momentum-in-bid-for-1021612
London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - The Sends team is proud to be attending TOKEN2049 Dubai, taking place from April 30 to May 1, one of the most influential global gatherings in the Web3 and crypto space. During the event, Sends CEO Alona Shevtsova delivered a compelling talk on "AI as a useful tool for AML," exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming Anti-Money Laundering efforts across both traditional finance and the crypto sector.

Sends

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In her speech, Alona Shevtsova emphasised the growing importance of leveraging AI-powered systems to enhance compliance, detect suspicious patterns, stay ahead and predict increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics. "AI is not just a buzzword-it's a necessity in today's regulatory environment," she stated. "At Sends, we're committed to integrating smart, ethical, and effective tools that make financial systems safer and more transparent."

TOKEN2049 Dubai has drawn over 1,500 attendees, representing more than 4,000 companies globally. The event serves as a hub for C-level executives, innovators, and leaders who are shaping the future of digital finance.

Sends' participation at TOKEN2049 highlights the company's continued commitment to advancing secure, compliant, and innovative solutions in cross-border payments and digital finance.

To connect with the Sends team during the event or to learn more about our AI-driven AML initiatives, please email us at contact@sends.co.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250285

SOURCE: Sends
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - Galleon Gold Corp. (TSXV: GGO) (FSE: 3H90) (the "Company" or "Galleon Gold") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement (the "Agreement") with ETM UT Inc., a Delaware corporation, for the sale of a royalty (the "Milford Royalty") the Company holds on the Milford Copper Property ("Milford Property") located in Utah, USA for a total of US$700,000.

Comments from the CEO

R. David Russell, President and CEO of Galleon Gold, commented, "We are very pleased to have reached an agreement to sell the Milford Royalty, which we have held for over a decade. Monetizing this non-core asset aligns with our strategy to focus the Company's attention and resources to our flagship West Cache Gold project in Timmins, Ontario."

About the Milford Royalty

Under the original terms of an agreement signed with a predecessor company of ETM UT Inc' subsidiary, Milford Mining Company Utah, LLC, Nevada Star Resource Corp. (U.S.), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Galleon Gold, was granted a Net Smelter Royalty, capped at US$5,000,000, on the Milford Property. Prior to the Agreement, the Company had received a total of US$690,439 in royalty payments over the years.

The Agreement

Pursuant to the Agreement with an effective date of April 28, 2025, ETM UT Inc. has paid US$700,000 to Galleon Gold for the purchase of the Company's 100% interest in the Milford Royalty.

Interest Payment on Convertible Debentures

Galleon Gold also announces that under the terms of the convertible debentures (the "Convertible Debentures") issued on April 12, 2024, April 19, 2024 and April 29, 2024 (see news releases dated April 12, 19, and 29, 2024) it has elected to satisfy its obligation to pay interest accrued by issuing common shares (the "Common Shares").

Under the terms of the Convertible Debentures, no fractional Common Shares will be delivered upon payment of the interest obligation. The Common Shares will be priced based on the greater of the Market Price (as defined in the policies of the TSXV) and the 15-day volume weighted average closing price of the Common Shares on the TSXV.

The issuance of Common Shares in payment of interest remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The Common Shares to be issued in respect of the Interest Payment will be subject to a hold period of four months from the date of issuance.

Convertible Debentures issued on April 12, 2024 and April 19, 2024

An aggregate of $101,475 in interest accrued on the Convertible Debentures will be satisfied by issuing to such debenture holders for the interest payment due April 12, 2025 and April 19, 2025 an aggregate of 390,286 common shares of the Company.

An insider of the Company is a holder of Convertible Debentures. As a result, the Interest Payment is considered to be a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Interest Payment in respect of this individual is exempt from the minority approval and formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to subsections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the debt, nor the fair market value of the shares to be issued in settlement of the debt, exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

Convertible Debentures issued on April 29, 2024

An aggregate of $52,730 in interest accrued on the Convertible Debentures will be satisfied by issuing to such debenture holders for the interest payment due April 29, 2025 an aggregate of 210,921 common shares of the Company.

Certain officers and an insider and of the Company are holders of the Convertible Debentures. As a result, the Interest Payment is considered to be a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Interest Payment in respect of this individual is exempt from the minority approval and formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to subsections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the debt, nor the fair market value of the shares to be issued in settlement of the debt, exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

About Galleon Gold

Galleon Gold is an advanced exploration and development company focused on the West Cache Gold Project in Timmins, Ontario. The West Cache Gold Project is located 7 km northeast of Pan American Silver's Timmins West Mine and 14 km southwest of the Hollinger Mine. The Company's Closure Plan for an 86,500-tonne underground bulk sample has been accepted and initial work at the Project site has begun.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements", as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws, that reflect the current views and/or expectations of Galleon Gold with respect to its long-term strategy, proposed work, plans, bulk sample program and other reports including the PEA for its projects. Forward-looking statements are based on the then-current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about the business and the markets in which Galleon Gold operates. Some of the statements contained herein may be forward-looking statements which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and resources, exploration results, expectations, plans, and objectives of Galleon Gold are forward-looking statements that involve various risks. The following are important factors that could cause Galleon Gold's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements: changes in the world-wide price of mineral commodities, general market conditions and uncertainty of access to additional capital, risks inherent in mineral exploration, delays in the receipt of government approvals, risks associated with development, construction, mining operations and third party contractor activities, risks related to unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Galleon Gold undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250254

SOURCE: Galleon Gold Corp.
Strategic Global Expansion Allows Guests to Dine, Stay and Live with Nobu Throughout the World

NEW YORK, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Underscoring its distinctive approach to luxury living and lifestyle-led real estate, Nobu Hospitality continues to redefine the branded residence space with an expanding global portfolio that combines purposeful design, world-class hospitality and a deep sense of community.

With 18 Nobu Residences across four continents, Nobu is charting an ambitious path toward global expansion. Since the announcement of its first residential project in 2017, Nobu has achieved remarkable milestones - demonstrating not only the power of its global identity but its ability to create vibrant communities that resonate with discerning residents seeking more than just a place to live.

Notable milestones include setting record pricing with the highest apartment sale prices in Abu Dhabi with penthouses at $37.5 million, and the swift three-month sell-out of Nobu Residences Toronto-achieved at what was then the city's highest average price point. These accomplishments, among others, firmly establish Nobu at the vanguard of a new era in luxury living.

Nobu Hospitality's residential global success is rooted in its strategic collaborations with world-class regional partners, including visionary developers such as Aldar Properties, RCD Hotels, Salboy, SODIC, Viet Capital Real Estate, Asset World Corporation, Breevast, Madison Group, Enevoria Group, among others.

Designed to offer a residential experience akin to that of a luxury hotel, Nobu Residences provide exclusive access to signature Nobu dining, private catering, room service, wellness programming and a dedicated experience team - a lifestyle that seamlessly integrates into the essence of modern real estate. Nobu's approach to residences is rooted in cultivating a sense of place among like-minded individuals, by delivering spaces that reflect the brand's Japanese minimalism and contemporary luxury. In this evolving landscape, brand loyalty plays a pivotal role in rent premiums and real estate sales as location, and Nobu is a pioneer in this shift.

"The essence of real estate goes beyond mere structures; it's fundamentally about creating a sense of community and connection.Our residences transcend traditional amenities. They embody a lifestyle rooted in the Nobu community , like-minded individuals, featuring exceptional food and dining options, all seamlessly integrated into the fabric of real estate." , said Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality. "The Nobu brand has consistently showcased its brand power, community strength, lifestyle premium, and, most importantly, customer loyalty through historic sales of Nobu-branded real estate in record timeframes across multiple continents. We take pride in reshaping the standards of luxury living."

Developers and partners across the globe are increasingly drawn to the "Nobu effect", a proven combination of brand equity, lifestyle premium, and sales velocity. The Nobu name adds value but also creates loyal communities of residents who are drawn to the brand's unmistakable lifestyle, evident through historic cross-continent sales in record time.

"Nobu is currently focused on expanding within key global urban markets while also growing its portfolio of non-hotel branded residences to capture a broader segment of the luxury residential market," added Horwell. "A key advantage of these residences is their access to the same elevated food and beverage offerings, including private catering and in-residence dining - amenities that today's luxury buyers increasingly prioritize."

Through its pioneering approach to branded residences and impressive growth trajectory, Nobu Hospitality will continue to redefine luxury living on a global scale, combining signature lifestyle and design for an unparalleled residential experience.

For the full list of Nobu Residences, and further information on each, please visit: https://www.nobuhotels.com/residences/

For potential development enquiries - development@nobuglobal.com

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Combination Creates Global Leader in Vacation Ownership Software

(NYSE:KFS) Kingsway Financial Services Inc. ("Kingsway" or the "Company"), the only publicly-traded US company employing the Search Fund model to acquire and build great businesses, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Systems Products International Inc. ("SPI Software"), a leading provider of vacation ownership software, has acquired @Work International Pty Ltd ("ViewPoint"), a cloud native timeshare software firm headquartered in Mount Waverley, Australia, from RCI Pacific.

The acquisition advances SPI Software's leadership in the vacation ownership software market and positions the company to serve an even broader global client base with innovative, cloud-based solutions.

"I am pleased to welcome ViewPoint's employees, customers, and partners to the SPI Software family," said Drew Richard, President of SPI Software. "SPI Software and ViewPoint are a wonderful strategic fit given our highly complementary offerings. I am confident that by bringing the two firms together we can accelerate our collective product roadmap and capitalize on exciting new opportunities for geographic and market expansion. Importantly, SPI Software and ViewPoint share a commitment to outstanding customer relationships and support, which will remain a top priority going forward."

"Under Drew's leadership, SPI Software has achieved Rule-of-40 status by investing in its product, its people, and its customer experience," said JT Fitzgerald, Kingsway's President and CEO. "Kingsway is thrilled to continue supporting Drew as he adds a second company to the Vertical Market Solutions software platform under the Kingsway Search Xcelerator."

The transaction is immediately accretive to Kingsway's Adjusted EBITDA. Financial terms were not disclosed.

About the Company

Kingsway Financial Services Inc. ("Kingsway") (NYSE:KFS) is the only publicly-traded US company employing the Search Fund model to acquire and build great businesses.

Kingsway owns and operates a collection of high-quality B2B and B2C services companies that are asset-light, growing, profitable, and that have recurring revenues. Kingsway seeks to compound long-term shareholder value on a per share basis via its decentralized management model, its talented team of operators, and its tax-advantaged corporate structure.

About SPI Software

SPI Software is a leading provider of software, technology, and business services solutions for the vacation ownership industry. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, SPI empowers resorts and vacation clubs to streamline operations, enhance the member experience, and drive revenue growth. For more information, visit www.spisoftware.com .

Additional Information

Additional information about Kingsway, including a copy of its Annual Reports, can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov , on the Canadian Securities Administrators' website at www.sedar.com , or through the Company's website at www.kingsway-financial.com .

For Media Inquiries:

Hayden IR

James Carbonara

(646) 755-7412

james@haydenir.com

For Company Inquiries:

Kingsway Financial Services Inc.

Kent Hansen, CFO

(312) 766-2163

khansen@kingsway-financial.com

For SPI Software Inquiries:

Systems Products International Inc.

Drew Richard, President

(305) 209-1408

drew.richard@spiinc.com

SOURCE: Kingsway Financial Services, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/kingsway-announces-strategic-acquisition-of-viewpoint-by-spi-softwar-1021588
AI agents are gaining traction, but building them to be useful, governable and grounded in real business data remains a challenge. That's why KNIME, the open source data analytics and AI company, recently demonstrated the software's AI agent building capabilities at their annual Spring Summit event in Berlin last month. CEO Michael Berthold shared a vision for how organizations can leverage their existing infrastructure and the KNIME platform to create scalable, intelligent, and continuously evolving AI agents.

Agent design typically comes in two flavors either through blackbox prompt chains or through code-heavy environments accessible only to deep experts KNIME offers users something in between. The visual workflow-based software is as transparent and flexible as a coding language, but intuitive allowing for wider accessibility and easier collaboration. It's also modular, allowing for faster time to value and easy reuse.

What's more, organizations have worked tirelessly to figure out how to make the most of the large quantities of structured and unstructured data they have been storing. Enterprises build up data practices and upskill data science citizens but both approaches still only scratch the surface of making the most of the troves of proprietary data every organization sits upon. Agents that are built with KNIME can integrate the know-how of data experts and the context of domain experts allowing the organization to build more agentic data workers that surface information or perform actions based on the needs of the organization.

KNIME Software, historically, has been used for data access and integration, building analytical and predictive AI models, and automating data processes. The same intuitive, modular design of the platform allows existing users to turn their workflows into tools that can then be accessible by an agent (also built via KNIME workflow). For example, a customer churn model or a report generator, can now act as callable tools inside an AI agent's decision flow. KNIME Software also easily supports standards, like the recent Model Context Protocol (MSP) an open standard for connecting AI agents and their tools.

At the event, Michael Berthold defined agents as orchestrators systems that dynamically select and sequence tools (some powered by GenAI, some not) to solve problems in context. These tools include everything from predictive models and LLM-powered components to basic data aggregation workflows most of which many data teams are already creating. For KNIME's existing userbase of nearly half a million users, turning their existing repository of workflows into "tools" for an agent is straightforward and opens the door for agents to make use of their large collection of existing workflows.

Live demo'ing these advanced capabilities, the KNIME team showcased two internal agents. One was an internal 'Ask Me Anything' agent a chat-based AI assistant that pulls from customer, community, and employee data across multiple systems like Salesforce, Zendesk, and HubSpot. Another focused on enforcing communication consistency across public-facing content. KNIME's "Style Checker" agent scans blog posts and marketing material for tonality and terminology. It can even update its own guidelines based on human feedback via email, allowing it to learn and evolve with each interaction.

"This demonstration evidenced that building agents doesn't mean a tradeoff between transparency and complexity," says Michael Berthold. "KNIME gives enterprises a visual, modular, and governable way to build intelligent agents that they can trust and scale."

KNIME's agentic AI approach embraces flexibility. Agents can adapt broader scopes and new capabilities. Tools can live anywhere and be customized. Prompts can be edited and specified. Users (from data engineers to business analysts) can collaborate on intelligent systems without reinventing the wheel. Looking ahead, as agentic systems evolve, KNIME's infrastructure will continue to make it possible to combine flexibility with governance rooted with good data.

Ready to build your first AI agent? Get started at https://www.knime.com/.

About KNIME:

KNIME makes working with data and AI accessible, intuitive, and transparent for everyone.

The free and open-source KNIME Analytics Platform is a visual workflow tool that allows users from all backgrounds-business, technical, or data-focused-to explore, analyze, and design data solutions of any complexity from spreadsheet automation to advanced machine learning to AI-augmented analytics work with intuitive visual workflows.

KNIME's commercial products include the KNIME Team Plan, a cloud-based SaaS offering that supports teams who want to collaborate on and automate data work in the cloud. And KNIME Business Hub, the enterprise software that offers advanced capabilities for automation, collaboration, and data and model governance allowing organizations to drive up AI innovation while driving down any associated risk and ensuring scalable and responsible management of data and AI projects across organizations. KNIME, the company, has over 400 customers, including Audi, AMD, Lilly, Novartis, Bayer, Sanofi, Genentech, the FDA, P&G and Mercedes-Benz and nearly half a million open source users.

KNIME supports the complete data science lifecycle, allowing teams at all levels of analytics readiness to build a scalable data science and AI practice.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430335835/en/

Contacts:

For media inquiries, please contact:

Marissa Pasillas

Walker Sands for KNIME

knime@walkersands.com
Booking Health, the international medical tourism platform, offers new options for patients seeking the best prostate cancer care across top-rated hospitals and specialists globally. With a commitment to delivering access to advanced oncology services, Booking Health helps patients connect with prostate cancer best hospitals offering personalized treatment plans, including robotic surgery, immunotherapy, and high-precision radiation.

Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among men, and timely access to advanced treatment is crucial for long-term survivorship. Booking Health collaborates with hospitals recognized internationally for their excellence in oncology and urology. These institutions are equipped with modern diagnostic tools and technologies such as the Da Vinci robotic system, which allows for precise tumor removal while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.

Patients using Booking Health benefit from more than just access to care they also receive full support in:

travel planning

appointment coordination

translation services

follow-up logistics

The platform's experts guide individuals through every step of their medical journey, ensuring a stress-free experience with transparent pricing and access to verified hospital ratings.

Robotic-assisted surgery, particularly with the Da Vinci system, is a standout feature of top cancer centers. It enables minimally invasive prostatectomies with reduced blood loss, faster recovery times, and fewer complications. This technique is now a preferred option in advanced treatment protocols for localized and early-stage prostate cancer.

Another critical component of modern prostate cancer management is early detection through the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test. Elevated PSA levels may signal prostate abnormalities, prompting further evaluation and potentially life-saving intervention. Booking Health emphasizes the importance of regular PSA screenings for men over 50, as early-stage detection significantly improves the effectiveness of treatments like surgery and radiation therapy.

Advanced treatment options vary depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the disease. In addition to robotic surgery and radiation, many hospitals offer chemotherapy for more advanced cases, particularly when the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. Immunotherapy is also gaining ground, especially in patients with treatment-resistant or metastatic disease. By utilizing the body's own immune system, immunotherapy provides a targeted approach with the potential for improved survival outcomes and better quality of life.

Moreover, personalized treatment planning is at the heart of care provided through Booking Health's partner clinics. Multidisciplinary teams including urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and support specialists collaborate to tailor treatment strategies that reflect each patient's unique needs and preferences.

Booking Health also recognizes that survivorship is a critical phase of the cancer journey. Leading hospitals in its network offer:

comprehensive survivorship programs

including rehabilitation,

psychological support lifestyle

counseling

routine monitoring to prevent recurrence.

These services help patients adjust to life after treatment while maintaining their health and well-being.

Choosing the right hospital and specialist is one of the most important decisions a patient can make. Booking Health ensures that patients can easily access institutions known for their excellence in oncology and urology, where advanced technologies and evidence-based care meet compassionate, patient-centered service.

To explore prostate cancer treatment options or to learn more about Booking Health's services, visit www.bookinghealth.com.

About Booking Health

Booking Health is a leading medical tourism provider that connects patients worldwide with internationally accredited hospitals and top specialists. The platform facilitates access to high-quality care, offering full-service support for diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up in over 30 countries.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250423826220/en/

Contacts:

Booking Health GmbH

Germany

Phone: +49 228 972 723 20 (?ll languages)

E-Mail: info@bookinghealth.com

Web: bookinghealth.com
Issuer: Decent Cybersecurity s.r.o. / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

General Assembly of the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic Sets Future Direction



30.04.2025 / 14:30 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





BRATISLAVA, April 30, 2025, the General Assembly of the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic took place in Bratislava, attended by key experts and representatives of companies operating in the field of critical infrastructure protection. The main agenda items included the election of association bodies, admission of new members, and discussion about the strategic direction of the association's activities.

Tibor Straka, an expert with many years of experience in security and defense, has been serving as the association's president since its establishment. His vision for strengthening cooperation between public and private sectors in critical infrastructure protection received broad support from the members present.

Michal Bodo, Executive Director of FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services, and Lukas Parizek, Chairman of the Council of Slovak Exporters and former State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, were elected to the presidium. Both bring valuable experience in technological security and international relations to the leadership.

Matej Michalko from Decent Cybersecurity, who has long been involved in cybersecurity, post-quantum cryptography, and blockchain technology innovations, became the Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Adrian Belanik from FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services and Vladimir Zeman from Panterra Advisory were elected as members of the Supervisory Board.

The General Assembly was conducted in a constructive spirit, with delegates discussing future activities and priorities of the association. Key topics included increasing the resilience of critical infrastructure against security threats, sharing best practices, and strengthening cooperation between member entities.

The Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic aims to be an active partner of state institutions and the business sector in building a secure and resilient society. The new leadership expressed determination to continue developing professional discussion and promoting members' interests at both national and international levels.

About the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic

The Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic (Asociacia kritickej infrastruktury Slovenskej republiky, AKI SR) is a professional organization bringing together organizations and experts focused on the protection and development of key elements of critical infrastructure that ensure the stability and security of the state's strategic systems. AKI SR actively supports the implementation of innovative solutions, coordinates cooperation between public and private sectors, and provides expert consulting in the areas of cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection. The association has experts in several crucial sectors of critical infrastructure including IT and cybersecurity, strategic technologies, energy sector, and industrial systems. AKI SR offers its members significant benefits including representation of interests during negotiations with government bodies, expert support through consulting and training, networking opportunities with partners, and comprehensive information services. The association values trustworthiness, precision, resilience, stability, security, and professionalism in its approach to supporting critical infrastructure entities in Slovakia.

Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



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Trans Canada Gold Corp. (TSXV:TTG)(OTCQB:TTGXF) ("Trans Canada" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that the Company has agreed to sell to its working interest partners it's 18.75% interest in the recently drilled, non-performing 8-23-049-1 W4M General Petroleum (GP) zone well including all surface and downhole equipment, and GP Petroleum rights within the Area of Mutual Interest (AMI) for $100,000 CDN.

Under the terms of the agreement Trans Canada agree to sell its 18.75% interest in the 8-23-049-1 W4M Well and its drilling rights to its working interest partners in the GP Zone only, for the sum of $100,000 CDN, with $75,000 payable immediately and a bonus based on cumulative production of 45,000 barrels of oil for a total price of $100,000 (Purchase Price). The Company has an 18.75% working interest in the Joint Venture with Croverro. The Area of Mutual Interest currently contains 1040 acres with potential in the Sparky and GP zones. The Company has chosen to strategically focus on the prolific Sparky zone when drilling, to allow for greater operational efficiency by de-risking, uneconomic non-performing assets, lower operational costs, and utilizing current cashflow which will allow no further dilution to shareholders, with a commitment oil production success.

Commented Tim Coupland, "We are expecting continued drilling success with the new 5-23 Multilateral Well targeting the Sparky Zone slated for July, and additional increased oil production for 2025 with Croverro. We continue to focus on continued drilling success in the Sparky Zone, while navigating the increased market volatility and expected lower energy prices in the oil and gas energy sector. The Company remains extremely mindful of the current uncertainty within energy sector including tariff pricing pressures and the Canadian election results, which may influence energy policy direction." The Company continues exploring additional exploration drilling opportunities, despite industry and capital market challenges in both central Canada and the United States. The Company continues with advanced multilateral drilling techniques strategy for 2025-2026 to deliver long term value and production stability."

DRILLING TO COMMENCE SUMMER 2025 MULTILATERAL WELL-TARGETING SPARKY FORMATION

The Company has agreed to participate to drill a 7 leg Sparky multi-lateral well with Croverro as operator for the Joint Venture. The newly proposed 5-23 well will be situated adjacent to the Company's 12-14 Multilateral Well, near Lloydminster, Alberta. Trans Canada has a 18.75% interest in the new well. This third multi-lateral horizontal well is expected to be similar to the company's successful 7HZ LLOYD 12-14-49-01W4 well, that was drilled in 2023 and encountered 2486 metres of oil pay in the Sparky Oil Formation. The 12-14 Sparky well has now produced over 85,000 barrels of oil and continues to produce consistently month over month. The new 5-23 well is planned to open an estimated 3000 m of Sparky formation. The well is scheduled to be drilled this summer/ third quarter of 2025, subject to final permitting by the Alberta Energy Regulator.

The company now has an 18.75% working interest in the Joint Venture with Croverro. The Area of Mutual Interest now contains 1040 acres with potential in the Sparky Zone only. This third multi-lateral horizontal well is based on similar wells drilled in the Sparky Oil Formation using surrounding well control and recently processed seismic lines. Croverro Energy Ltd., under the terms of the agreement, is the Operator.

ABOUT TRANS CANADA GOLD CORP. - OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION/REVENUE PRODUCING WELLS

The Company is a discovery focused Oil & Gas Resource Development and Mineral Exploration Company that is currently focused on developing and drilling its' production of conventional heavy oil exploration properties, increasing production capabilities, and increasing future oil production revenues through responsible exploration. The Company identifies, acquires and finances with its working interest partners, the ongoing development of oil and gas assets primarily situated in Alberta Canada. The Company has qualified Senior exploration management and Geological teams of professionals, seasoned in exploration production, field exploration and drilling. The Company currently works with Croverro Energy Ltd., who has demonstrated proficiency, expected of an experienced oil and gas technical team that has proven oil production, and revenue success with large multi-lateral wells currently under their supervision. The Company has the necessary manpower in place to develop its natural resource properties and manage its production properties. The Company is committed to minimizing risk through selective property acquisitions, and responsible exploration drilling, and maximizing long term petroleum and natural gas resource assets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Tim Coupland, President and CEO

Trans Canada Gold Corp.

Tel: (604) 681-3131

astar@telus.com

www.transcanadagold.com

or

Christian Timmins, Director

Trans Canada Gold Corp.

Tel: (403) 597-3410

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider, (as the term is defined in the Policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Trans Canada Gold Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/trans-canada-gold-corp.-to-sell-its-18.75-petroleum-and-natural-gas-rights-and-in-1021561
From iconic posters to modern recognition programs, Successories reflects on four decades of helping companies motivate their people.

Successories, a trailblazer in workplace motivation and employee recognition, proudly marks its 40th anniversary this year. Since 1985, the brand has helped organizations across every industry recognize effort, reward achievement, and build stronger cultures through meaningful gifts and awards.

Successories Celebrating 40 Years of Service

Successories employee awards and recognition gifts are used to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Best known for launching the original motivational poster line-including the enduring bestseller Teamwork Rowers in 1987-Successories quickly evolved into a trusted source for corporate recognition. By the 1990s, the brand expanded into custom awards and service milestones, and in 2009, it became an eCommerce-first company following a strategic merger with Awards.com.

Today, Successories supports over 17,000 nonprofits, all branches of the military and government, and 80% of the Fortune 500-including Amazon, Google, JP Morgan Chase, Toyota, and T-Mobile. From onboarding welcome kits to years-of-service programs, Successories employee gifts and awards help companies inspire over a million individuals each year.

"As someone who joined the company during our eCommerce pivot in 2009, this anniversary is personal," said Vincent Nero, Vice President and General Manager of Successories. "We've adapted to economic shifts, remote work, and changing employee expectations-but one thing remains constant: recognition matters. A simple gesture of appreciation can drive loyalty, boost morale, and shape workplace culture for the better."

Successories continues to evolve to meet clients' expanding needs. This year, the company relaunched its Swag&Promos division to support external relationship-building through branded merchandise and promotional products-offering the same quality and reliability that has defined its recognition offerings for four decades.

Employee Recognition is More Important Than Ever

According to Gallup, employees who feel recognized are 4x more likely to be engaged and 5x more likely to stay. In an era of shifting workplace dynamics, programs that celebrate individual contributions-whether through awards, welcome kits, or thoughtful gifts-play a critical role in performance, retention, and team cohesion.

About Successories

Successories is a leading provider of employee recognition awards, motivational gifts, and corporate appreciation solutions. Since 1985, the brand has helped businesses build cultures of appreciation through thoughtful, impactful recognition tools. Learn more on our About Us or explore our full offering of Corporate Gifts online. https://www.successories.com/

SOURCE: Successories

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/successories-celebrates-40-years-of-inspiring-and-recognizing-gr-1018734


EQS Newswire / 30/04/2025 / 15:00 CET/CEST

LUX and VML Singapore Create Entertaining Playlists That Spark Reflection on Gender Representation in Popular Bollywood Songs SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 30 April 2025 - Iconic beauty brand, LUX, has always stood against casual sexism. Through the years, LUX has launched numerous campaigns to fight sexism and empower women. This year, LUX is tackling sexism head-on through music.



Unstoppable female DJs: Dr Sangria, DJ Pearl and DJ Tashi rocking club-goers with electrifying LUX Mash-Ups.

Teaming up with Bhushan Kumar's T-Series-India's leading music powerhouse with an expansive catalogue that resonates with diverse audiences-this collaboration marks a bold and culturally resonant step in driving the conversation around equality and respect.



Rather than dismissing these cultural touchstones, LUX chose to spark a dialogue and offer a fresh perspective. Working with VML Singapore and on-ground partner EYP Creations, and collaborating with India's leading female DJs - DJ Pearl, DJ Tashi, and Dr Sangria - the LUX Mash-Up was created to encourage reflection on the messages embedded within popular songs.



The Mash-Up playlists juxtapose popular Bollywood hits with empowering anthems, creating a dynamic interplay between familiar sounds and progressive perspectives. The project aims to offer a counterpoint to potentially limiting portrayals, fostering a more nuanced understanding.



LUX Mash-Ups remix and reframe familiar songs, inviting listeners to consider the underlying messages and encouraging a more empowering interpretation of these cultural staples.



See their posts here:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJEFplhKPr3/?igsh=d2kzdHNza2pzb2Ix

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJEKAcsJyPy/?igsh=MTFkZ2Q3dTBtb3MwMg==

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJETTKutQUC/?igsh=ZHJob3NtejNkaWt1



"Music is emotion. Music is memory. By evolving the narratives we dance and celebrate to, we can shape a more inclusive and empowering vision of women and their beauty and strength," said Hinoti Joshi, Global Managing Partner at VML Singapore. "With the LUX Mash-Up, we wanted to fight sexism without preaching; to make people move - and make them think - without missing a beat," said Marco Versolato, CCO of VML Singapore.



Live performances, curated playlists on digital platforms, and engaging online content allowed the campaign to organically integrate into India's celebratory spaces, sparking both joy and reflection.



This entertaining campaign builds on LUX's longstanding commitment to championing women and promoting positive cultural narratives.

Hashtag: VMLSingapore

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About LUX LUX has been celebrating beauty and femininity since 1925. We understand that beauty is a woman's armour, her source of strength. It is hers to express, unapologetically. We will continue to help women everywhere to rise above judgements they face at home, in the workplace and in wider society.





News Source: VML Singapore

30/04/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com


The acquisition of Rittman Mead, a Premier Oracle service provider, strengthens Pythian's marketplace expertise

OTTAWA, Ontario, April 30, 2025"), a leading global services company specializing in data, analytics, and AI solutions, today announced the acquisition of globally recognized Oracle data and analytics consultancy Rittman Mead. The acquisition significantly enhances Pythian's Oracle footprint, expands its geographic market presence in the United Kingdom and Europe, and strengthens the company's Oracle Database@Google Cloudcapabilities-a powerful multicloud partnershipthat accelerates modernization for customers.

The acquisition combines Pythian's expertise in data, analytics and AI with Rittman Mead's Oracle specializations. Pythian, a 2025 Google Cloud Partner of the Year for Databases, will add more Oracle ACEsto its roster of consultants. The synergy resulting from the acquisition will enable Pythian to offer an even wider range of advanced Oracle services to a broader and more global customer base.

"Rittman Mead and Pythian have worked together for more than 12 years, and we're aligned in our cultures and values," states Jon Mead, Founder and President, Rittman Mead. "Their technical expertise and the value of sharing information-consultants contributing to technical communities through thought leadership-along with a shared client-first approach to delivering projects, is what solidified Pythian as the right choice."

As a leading Oracle services provider, Rittman Mead has an exceptional reputation for delivering critical consultancy services to customers in the U.K., Europe and the United States. The company brings a unique level of expertise and experience in Oracle autonomous data warehouse (EDW), data platforms, data lakes, data lakehouses, and more, to bring advanced analytics to their shared clients. Rittman Mead has a range of accelerators, IP and toolkits that will further complement Pythian's existing suite of services. Over the last 20 years, Rittman Mead's team of analysts, architects, engineers and delivery managers have successfully delivered a wide range of data and analytics systems, from simple data marts to multi-workstream data transformations.

"The combination of Rittman Mead and Pythian offers an unmatched breadth and depth of Oracle expertise in the market," said Mead. "Our exceptional people, advanced Oracle capabilities, and focus on strategic solutions perfectly complement Pythian's existing capabilities, allowing us to offer even greater value to customers and accelerate our engagement in the data and AI services market."

Through the acquisition, Pythian gains an enhanced U.K. presence and access to greater Oracle-ecosystem expertise and influence-software skills, marketplace standing and strategic relationships. Rittman Mead in turn benefits from Pythian's Google Cloud Premier Partnership and 2025 Database Partner of the Yearwin, global reach, delivery capabilities and the broader spectrum of professional and managed services beyond the Oracle ecosystem. The partnership signals an elevated ability to deliver value on business critical projects along the data journey pathway, from data and cloud engagements to analytics and AI initiatives-no matter the platform or ecosystem.

"We are seeing a widespread adoption of vendors and hyperscalers by companies that need specific technical expertise. The challenge for us was finding a partner that could broaden our existing portfolio of skills and vendors," said Mead. "We're excited to meet that challenge by joining forces with Pythian. There are two sides to that-there is the breadth of technology including Google, AWS, and Azure, as well as the depth of expertise to expand our joint data, analytics and AI services."

"This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in Pythian's trajectory, solidifying our position as a global leader in data, analytics and AI solutions," said Brooks Borcherding, Pythian's Chief Executive Officer. "Rittman Mead's stellar reputation, deep Oracle expertise, U.K. presence and cultural alignment make them an ideal partner to accelerate our mission to empower enterprises to maximize the value of their data and redouble their innovative efforts as it relates to AI readiness."

Pythian's existing suite of data, analytics and AI services helps businesses transform with ease-no matter where they are in their journey. Businesses begin with a simple, strategic discussion with the Field CTO team. Field CTOs are IT executives that help customers define their data and AI strategies through transformation roadmapping sessions, including an AI Workshop, and serve as catalysts to expedited decision-making around pivotal strategies and technology solutions that drive customers toward the successful realization of their business goals. The acquisition will bolster Pythian's ability to bring more change-making customers into the fold-instilling in them, through our subject matter experts, the key information and guidance that allows innovators to build momentum for their respective data-driven initiatives.

Schedule your AI Workshop today.

About Rittman Mead

Founded in 2007, Rittman Mead quickly became a leader in Oracle Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence through successful projects, a popular blog, and community engagement. As the market evolved with open-source, big data, and cloud technologies, the company expanded its focus to data and analytics while maintaining its core ethos. Today, its partner and product portfolios reflect a recognition of multi-cloud and multi-vendor architectures. A dedicated R&D department explores emerging technologies and builds development frameworks. With over 15 years of experience, the company now provides hybrid solutions across a wide range of enterprise and open-source technologies, striving to be a global leader in the broader data and analytics landscape.

About Pythian

Founded in 1997, Pythian is a leading data and AI services provider specializing in digital transformation and operational excellence for enterprise customers. We help organizations optimize their data estates, helping them to drive AI enablement, innovation, and growth. Through strategic consulting, managed services and cloud migrations, we enable cost savings, risk reduction and seamless operations while preparing businesses to adopt AI and for the future of data management. A Google Cloud Premier Partner with multiple Specializations, including Data Analytics, Marketing Analytics, Machine Learning and a certified Google Cloud MSP, we've delivered thousands of professional and managed services projects for leading enterprises. For more information, visit www.pythian.comor follow us on X, LinkedIn, and our Blog.

Pythian Media Contacts
Regulatory News:

Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) (NYSE: PM) will host a live audio webcast of its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET. The meeting will be in a virtual format and can be accessed at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PM2025. Presentation slides, script and an archived recording of the webcast will be available at the same link. The recording will be available for one year from the date of the meeting.

During the meeting, Andre Calantzopoulos, Chairman of the Board, and Jacek Olczak, Chief Executive Officer, will address shareholders and answer questions. Only shareholders of record with a valid 16-digit control number will be allowed to ask a question or make a comment.

The audio webcast may also be accessed on mobile devices by downloading PMI's free Investor Relations App at www.pmi.com/irapp.

Philip Morris International: A Global Smoke-Free Champion

Philip Morris International is a leading international consumer goods company, actively delivering a smoke-free future and evolving its portfolio for the long term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's current product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, nicotine pouch and e-vapor products. As of December 31, 2024, PMI's smoke-free products were available for sale in 95 markets, and PMI estimates they were used by 38.6 million adults around the world. The smoke-free business accounted for 42% of PMI's first-quarter 2025 total net revenues. Since 2008, PMI has invested over $14 billion to develop, scientifically substantiate and commercialize innovative smoke-free products for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, with the goal of completely ending the sale of cigarettes. This includes the building of world-class scientific assessment capabilities, notably in the areas of pre-clinical systems toxicology, clinical and behavioral research, as well as post-market studies. Following a robust science-based review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the marketing of Swedish Match's General snus and ZYN nicotine pouches and versions of PMI's IQOS devices and consumables the first-ever such authorizations in their respective categories. Versions of IQOS devices and consumables and General snus also obtained the first-ever Modified Risk Tobacco Product authorizations from the FDA. With a strong foundation and significant expertise in life sciences, PMI has a long-term ambition to expand into wellness and healthcare areas and aims to enhance life through the delivery of seamless health experiences. References to "PMI", "we", "our" and "us" mean Philip Morris International Inc., and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.pmi.com and www.pmiscience.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430020481/en/

Contacts:

Philip Morris International

Investor Relations:

Stamford, CT: +1 (203) 904 2410

Lausanne: +41 (0)58 242 4666

Email: InvestorRelations@pmi.com



Media: David Fraser

Lausanne: +41 (0)58 242 4500

Email: David.Fraser@pmi.com
The company's utility-endorsed HVAC optimization software wins Energy Innovation of the Year Award for the fourth consecutive year.

Encycle Technologies, Inc., a data-driven technology company that deploys autonomous intelligence and analytics to improve commercial HVAC management, was named the winner of a Silver Stevie Award for Energy Innovation of the Year in the 23rd Annual American Business Awards. This award commemorates the fourth consecutive year Encycle is recognized for their groundbreaking advancements as an industry-leading technology provider for commercial energy management.

The American Business Awards are the U.S.A.'s premier business awards program, honoring achievements of organizations that demonstrate resilience and innovation in a wide range of categories. More than 3,600 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration and more than 250 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year's Stevie Award winners.

Judges provided comments during their evaluations of entry submissions. One judge wrote, "Encycle's focus on HVAC optimization using AI is clearly addressing a major need for energy efficiency and grid stability. The patented technology and impressive savings figures stand out."

Another judge commented, "Encycle presents a compelling case for innovation in energy efficiency with its AI-driven HVAC optimization software. The company's extensive utility endorsements, impressive portfolio of partnerships, and quantifiable energy savings demonstrate its industry leadership. The integration of fault detection and demand response capabilities sets Encycle apart, making it a key player in sustainable energy management," and added, "Encycle's impact on grid stability and decarbonization, reinforcing its position as a frontrunner in the energy industry."

Encycle's entry received positive comments from numerous judges, praising their commitment to sustainability and achievements in innovation to demonstrate clear leadership in energy efficiency. "We are honored to receive this recognition, which affirms our commitment to reshaping the future of energy through intelligent, data-driven solutions," remarked Ana-Paula Issa, Encycle CEO. Issa commented, "This award is a testament to our team's relentless innovation and our mission to empower businesses by providing the tools to achieve true energy efficiency and sustainability at scale."

For more information about Encycle, please visit encycle.com or call 1-855-875-4031 and for details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2025 Stevie winners, visit www.StevieAwards.com/ABA.

About Encycle:

Deploying autonomous intelligence and analytics, Encycle improves commercial HVAC management, energy efficiency and building comfort to reduce operating costs and carbon footprint. As the only utility-endorsed HVAC optimization software, our patented machine learning solutions seamlessly integrate into maintenance workflows. Encycle enables multi-site commercial and industrial companies to maximize efficiency and reach sustainability goals by improving energy use and budgetary spend decisions. For more information about Encycle, visit www.encycle.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.

About the Stevie Awards:

Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

Contact Information

Stephanie Gossman

Marketing Coordinator

marketing@encycle.com

7604817801





SOURCE: Encycle

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/clean-technology/encycle-recognized-as-silver-stevier-award-winner-in-2025-american-business-awards-1021340
New AI-native capability empowers legal teams with on-demand, visual insights and self-service analytics

Onit, the global leader in AI-native legal operations solutions, today announced the beta release of AskAI - a transformative new capability that empowers legal teams to interact with their legal spend data through a conversational AI interface embedded directly within SimpleLegal, Onit's ELM Professional platform. This beta launch represents a major step forward in Onit's innovation roadmap-bringing AI-native simplicity, speed, and self-service analytics directly into the heart of legal spend management.

AskAI marks a significant evolution in self-service analytics for corporate legal departments. Users can ask natural-language questions related to a wide range of queries spanning invoices, matters, vendors, and timekeepers, instantly receive answers, and visualize insights with downloadable charts and graphs. From tracking vendor performance to identifying billing anomalies or preparing for quarterly reviews, legal professionals can now explore their data in real time without relying on static reports, spreadsheets, or technical support.

"As legal departments are asked to do more with less, the ability to quickly surface insights is no longer a luxury-it's essential," said Michael Farlekas, CEO of Onit. "AskAI delivers on our vision to simplify legal operations by making data not just accessible but actionable. This is a bold step forward in empowering in-house legal teams with the tools they need to operate more strategically."

AskAI is currently in limited beta within the SimpleLegal platform, with general availability expected in summer 2025. For more information about AskAI and Onit's AI-native solutions, please visit www.onit.com or contact your Customer Success Manager.

About Onit

Onit is an AI-native Legal Operations platform that transforms legal business processes, no matter the size of their teams or maturity of their operations. Built by legal professionals for legal teams, Onit streamlines workflows, optimizes operations, and addresses critical challenges in contract management, legal spend tracking, matter management, and compliance.

Onit empowers 3,000+ customers, supported by 15 global partners, to work smarter-boosting productivity, reducing costs, and enhancing collaboration. Founded in 2009, Onit delivers measurable results with AI-driven tools, seamless integrations, and a relentless commitment to innovation, continually evolving to meet the needs of modern legal teams.

In 2025, Onit's comprehensive solutions-including enterprise legal management (ELM), contract lifecycle management (CLM), workflows, secure data room (SDR), and services-continue to redefine legal technology, helping teams focus on what matters most. Our goal is to help our customers flourish and drive business growth in the era of AI.

Contact Information

Garrett Denney

VP, Marketing

media.relations@onit.com





SOURCE: Onit

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/onit-introduces-askai-to-transform-legal-spend-analysis-and-stre-1021428
BitMobile , innovator of the Phenix X suite of blockchain devices, announced the imminent arrival of the Phenix X Watch, a groundbreaking wearable accessory poised to bring enhanced connectivity, health monitoring, and personal empowerment to people in emerging economies worldwide.

Currently undergoing rigorous CE testing with anticipated completion by June 1st, the Phenix X Watch is set to become an essential device for staying connected and managing daily life.

Engineered for performance, durability, and seamless connectivity, the Phenix X Watch is designed to meet the demands of users in diverse environments, providing secure and reliable access to information and communication right on your wrist.

Key Hardware Highlights:

Powerful RTL8768EWE Chipset: Ensuring smooth operation and efficient power management for extended use, so you stay connected longer.

Vibrant 1.53" 360*360 Display: A crisp, clear interface for easy interaction and accessing information on the wrist, even in bright conditions.

Robust Bluetooth Connectivity: Reliable pairing with your Phenix X phone and other devices, enabling a connected ecosystem for your daily needs.

IP67 Water and Dust Resistance: Built tough to withstand the elements and daily challenges, making it a reliable companion for active lifestyles.

The Phenix X Watch represents a significant expansion of the Phenix X suite of blockchain products, offering users a consistent, secure, and integrated experience across devices, as well as authentication access to the Phenix Portal. It provides individuals with a powerful tool for digital inclusion and personal empowerment.

Interest in the Phenix X Watch has already been exceptionally high, particularly among customers at recent Pick n Pay in-store events in South Africa. Attendees expressed excitement about the prospect of an affordable, secure, durable, feature-rich smartwatch designed with their needs and environments in mind.

"The Phenix X Watch is more than just a timepiece; it's a gateway to enhanced connectivity and a powerful tool for personal empowerment," stated Brian Maw, CEO of Finnovant. "Its robust feature set and imminent CE certification make it market-ready for the global community. We believe this device offers people in emerging economies a new way to stay connected, maintain security, track their health, access valuable information, and manage their digital lives right from their wrist."

Following successful CE Certification, the Phenix X Watch will proceed with Type Approval testing in all countries where the Phenix X phone has already been certified. This streamlined process will accelerate its global availability, bringing this exciting technology to more communities quickly.

"We understand the critical role affordable and reliable devices play in daily life," added Chris Benedict, COO of Finnovant. "The Phenix X Watch is built for durability and ease of use. Its combination of features, reliability, and the backing of the growing Phenix X ecosystem makes it an incredibly valuable device for individuals looking for accessible and powerful wearable technology."

The Phenix X Watch is poised to become a key driver of innovation, digital inclusion, and robust connectivity, offering reliable performance and valuable features to users across diverse emerging markets. BitMobile is committed to making this exciting new accessory available and accessible, empowering individuals in emerging economies worldwide.

About BitMobile:

BitMobile is an innovator in connected device technology, dedicated to developing the Phenix X blockchain products that empower users through advanced features, security, and seamless connectivity.

Follow BioFi at: biometricfinancial.org, X,Telegram, Discord, YouTube

Media Contact:

Chris Benedict

Finnovant, Inc.

1-844-724-8911

cbenedict@finnovant.com

SOURCE: Finnovant

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/ph%c4%93nix-x-watch-launches-globally-pioneering-affordable-wearable-techn-1021480
MIAMI, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Analytic Partners celebrates 25 years with a new website announcing a renewed push to elevate MMM and MTA measurement programs to deliver Commercial Intelligence.

Analytic Partners has enjoyed a long history of consistent, organic growth over its 25 years, becoming a recognized leader in the Marketing Mix Modeling and Commercial Analytics space. Despite decades of experience, Analytic Partners has assessed the marketplace and calculates that Commercial Analytics is still in its infancy.

"We find that 50 percent of our new customers haven't leveraged analytics to drive decisions before engaging with us, and the other 50 percent are looking to elevate their MMM measurement programs for speed to insight with a commercial perspective," explains Nancy Smith, President and CEO of Analytic Partners.

Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM), the predecessor to Commercial Analytics, was once the gold standard for evaluating marketing performance. However, most MMM deployments are limited by backward-looking ROI reporting and slow, custom data processing-offering only a historical view rather than forward-looking guidance.

Analytic Partners has revolutionized MMM with the benefit of 25 years of intelligence to develop an end-to-end analytics platform, GPS EnterpriseO (GPS-E). GPS-E produces actionable analytics available anytime, delivered at the right time, with a commercial perspective. GPS-E is designed to analyze all commercial factors (pricing, supply chain, COGS, relative channel margins, and other internal and external factors) that drive short-term results and long-term brand growth beyond just marketing and advertising.

Chief Science Officer, Hong Jin, explains: "We have adapted and evolved GPS-E as an end-to-end platform to deliver speed to value. GPS-E streamlines measurement programs by handling data ingestion, modeling, forecasting, optimization, and scenario planning. We've incorporated our intelligence to automate time-consuming, repetitive processes, while also building in the flexibility for users to customize models. As a result, users can iterate decisions to meet unique business needs -- such as optimizing for growth while balancing multiple objectives."

One major innovation embedded in GPS-E measures and tracks the value opportunities unearthed by the analytics. "We have the tremendous benefit of being able to quantify the value we create for brands, "says Maggie Merklin, Chief Customer Officer. "Back when MMM was state of the art, it was used largely to report ROIs and business drivers. Now, we have a highly accurate rubric for quantifying value and sizing the prize to inform commercial decisions for brands," explains Merklin.

"Forward looking decisioning is the future. In the past, there was a lot of attention on the models, and not enough focus on driving decisions for business impact. The impetus for Commercial Analytics is our understanding that brands need to move beyond backward-looking advertising ROI report cards to a faster and more holistic look at total commercial performance. For any company, your brand is your value proposition, and your growth engine." said Nancy Smith.

"I would like to thank our customers, our partners and our team for making the last 25 years feel like five. Together, we can elevate our industry from MMM to forward looking commercial decisioning with Commercial Analytics. We have so much promise ahead," added Smith.

About Analytic Partners

Recognized as a leader in both the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Marketing Mix Modeling Solutions and The Forrester Wave: Marketing Measurement and Optimization, Q3 2023 report, Analytic Partners provides marketing measurement and Commercial Analytics to Fortune 500 brands around the globe. We provide adaptive solutions for deeper business understanding and right-time planning and optimization - for marketing and beyond. We turn data into expertise so our customers can create powerful connections with their customers and achieve commercial success. For more information, visit analyticpartners.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/analytic-partners-shapes-marketing-mix-modeling-mmm-for-25-years-and-innovates-with-commercial-analytics-302442443.html
DALLAS, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Trintech, a leading global provider of cloud-based financial close solutions for the Office of Finance, today announced the launch of Adra Journal Entry, a new module within its Adra Suite. Purpose-built for mid-market finance teams, Adra Journal Entry uses AI-driven automation with intelligent workflows to centralize and streamline journal entry creation, approval, and ERP posting. By integrating journal entry functionality directly into the Adra Suite, organizations significantly reduce the manual effort, risk of errors, and time associated with month-end close, while improving audit readiness and visibility.

"Accounting teams are under constant pressure to do more with less-faster, and with greater accuracy," said Michael Ross, Chief Strategy and Product Officer of Trintech. "With Adra Journal Entry, we're empowering mid-sized companies with AI tools to simplify journal creation, integrate more deeply with their ERP systems, and cut labor costs, all while maintaining complete control and visibility."

Adra Journal Entry is a natural extension for current users of Adra Matcher (automated transaction matching) and Adra Balancer (automated balance sheet reconciliations), enabling a centralized workflow for journal creation and reconciliation. Adra Journal Entry eliminates disconnect by enabling journal entries to be created directly within the Adra Suite and then posted to the ERP via packaged API integrations, providing a connected, trusted, and single-source-of-truth across the financial close process.

"We're excited to implement Adra Journal Entry for managing all our journal entries. Instead of collecting individual files from each employee on an ad-hoc basis, our team now streamline the process-creating and exporting all entries in a single, consolidated upload each week. We are looking forward to driving further efficiencies with the Adra Suite by no longer having to manage this process in Excel spreadsheets," said Justin Sorrells, Sr. Manager at Sunbelt Rentals.

Key Benefits:

Centralized Control - Consolidate all journal entries in one system to improve consistency and compliance.

- Consolidate all journal entries in one system to improve consistency and compliance. Superior Auditability - Maintain a complete and accurate record of entries for faster, smoother, and accurate audits.

- Maintain a complete and accurate record of entries for faster, smoother, and accurate audits. Streamlined Workflow - Automatic ERP posting ensures minimal disruption and no need to toggle between systems.

- Automatic ERP posting ensures minimal disruption and no need to toggle between systems. Reduced Labor Costs - With automation, labor costs associated with journal entries are reduced by over 70%.

Real-World Use Cases Enhanced by AI:

Vendor and customer transaction postings

Intercompany cost allocations

Error corrections and reconciliation adjustments

Tax and currency-related journal entries

Capital asset and bank fee postings

Unlike competing solutions that either overcomplicate the process or operate in silos, AI-powered Adra Journal Entry provides the right balance of functionality and simplicity-ideal for mid-market finance teams who want more efficiency without complexity.

About Trintech

Trintech gives people time back for what matters most. Our cloud-based platform and solutions enable thousands of clients worldwide to lead productivity transformation across their finance and accounting organizations - driving efficiencies, ensuring accuracy to mitigate risk, and empowering strategic decision-making. Make time count with Trintech.

As the leader in Financial Close Management, Trintech is headquartered in Plano, Texas with offices and strategic resellers across United States, Europe, Australia, South America, Africa, and Asia Pacific. With a strong partner ecosystem, Trintech collaborates with over 100 companies to create a network of interconnected businesses. To learn more about Trintech, visit www.trintech.com.

Media Contact:

Kelli Shoevlin

Director, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications

kelli.shoevlin@trintech.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/trintech-expands-adra-suite-with-ai-driven-journal-entry-automation-to-accelerate-month-end-close-for-mid-market-organizations-302441650.html
Whirlpool Foundation and The Washing Machine Project won the gold award for Best Employee Engagement Initiative at the 2025 Engage for Good Halo Awards.

Whirlpool Foundation and The Washing Machine Project's winning employee engagement program exposed Whirlpool Corp. employees to the global washing divide and created an opportunity to help address it. Sixty percent of the world's population relies on washing clothes by hand, largely due to lack of access to reliable electricity and water. This unpaid labor disproportionately impacts women and girls. In 2024, Whirlpool Corp. employees participated in "Washout" events, hand washing clothes and helping them understand how the majority of the global population does laundry. Employees also volunteered to assemble manual washing machines for The Washing Machine Project.

"We are so humbled and grateful to receive this Halo Award. I'd like to thank Whirlpool Foundation for supporting this work and our employees who generously volunteered their time and talents on this initiative. Together, we hope to reclaim time and improve the lives of women and girls worldwide and open up new opportunities for them."

"We are so humbled and grateful to receive this Halo Award," said Rosa Skinner, senior manager of global CSR and community relations for Whirlpool Corporation. "I'd like to thank Whirlpool Foundation for supporting this work and our employees who generously volunteered their time and talents on this initiative," said Skinner. "Together, we hope to reclaim time and improve the lives of women and girls worldwide and open up new opportunities for them."

Whirlpool Foundation formally announced its support of The Washing Machine Project in April 2024. In the past year, hundreds of employees engaged in "Washout" experiences in global offices, and more than 300 employees assembled 375 manual washing machines, which were distributed to underserved communities in India, Mexico, Republic of Congo and Ghana.

"This unique engagement program helps Whirlpool employees better understand the daily challenges of those who hand wash clothes," said Navjot Sawhney, founder of The Washing Machine Project. "We exist to alleviate the burden of hand washing clothes, which can be life-changing. With the support of Whirlpool Foundation and Whirlpool volunteers, we were able to build more manual washing machines to impact more lives."

The Halo Awards are considered the highest honor of recognition for outstanding corporate and nonprofit partnerships in categories including employee engagement, mental health, education, DEI, and service. Engage for Good is a leading organization that empowers corporate and nonprofit professionals to create mutually beneficial partnerships. Additional nominees at this year's 23rd annual awards included Mercedes-Benz USA, Edward Jones and Rare Beauty. You can find more information about the Halo Awards at https://engageforgood.com/halo-awards/.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the last-remaining major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana,Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales - close to 90% of which were in the Americas - 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

View original content here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Whirlpool on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Whirlpool

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/whirlpool-corporation

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Whirlpool

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/whirlpool-foundation-and-the-washing-machine-project-win-best-employee-1021729
Mutual Fund Trust Powers Structured Finance and Asset-Based Lending Solutions for Mid-Market Businesses in Transition

Travelers Capital Corp. ("Travelers Capital" or "TCC") today announced the availability of its Travelers Capital Private Credit Fund, which is designed to provide investors stable, double-digit annualized net yields even through periods of heightened market volatility. The mutual fund is composed of the company's portfolio of private credit business loans which leverage the collateral value of the borrower's tangible owned assets, such as vehicles, aircraft, and heavy equipment. These asset-based loans reflect a conservative underwriting philosophy anchored by long-life, income-producing assets with clear secondary markets and independently verified liquidation values. The portfolio has a proven track record of delivering consistent net annualized returns averaging 12 percent from 2020 through 2024, remaining stable across increasing, flat, and declining markets.

"In an environment of economic uncertainty and credit market duress, our focus on senior-secured, equipment-backed lending has continued to generate attractive, uncorrelated risk-adjusted returns for our investors," said Warren Miller, CFA, managing partner of Travelers Capital. "The introduction of this trust structure enables broader investor participation in what we believe is one of the most compelling private credit strategies in Canada."

Key Highlights of the Travelers Capital Private Credit Fund:

Proven Track Record: Consistent net annualized returns averaging 12 percent from 2020 through 2024 (of the TCC managed portfolio), with capital preservation as a central pillar.

Conservative Underwriting Philosophy: Focused on long-life, income-producing equipment with clear secondary markets and independently verified liquidation values.

Disciplined Risk Management: Loans are structured with senior priority claims and prudent Loan-to-Value ratios (LTVs) based on appraised disposition values, with a focus on known downside protection.

Uncorrelated Yield: By design, the portfolio performance has remained stable across economic cycles, experiencing minimal correlation to volatility affecting broader public equity and debt markets.

Strategic Sector Focus: TCC targets traditional industries, including, but not limited to, construction, agriculture, forestry, aviation, transportation, manufacturing, and energy-where assets are essential to the operation and the cost to replace is reliably measured.

As traditional lenders tighten credit standards, Travelers Capital's platform is increasingly serving as a critical funding resource for Canadian and U.S. mid-market enterprises seeking non-dilutive, collateral-backed financing. The firm's lending strategy emphasizes financial resilience, supporting businesses with strong management, clear vision, and tangible asset bases.

"Over the past year alone, we've reviewed over $2.7 billion in asset-based lending opportunities, selecting only those that met our stringent criteria," explained Jim Case, chief executive officer for Travelers Capital. "This trust reflects our continued commitment to stability, selectivity, and investor alignment, and to delivering results that outperform the market."

The Travelers Capital Private Credit Fund is now available to accredited investors and advisors. To learn more, please contact Mark Breakspear at (604) 323-6675 or mbreakspear@travelerscapital.com.

About Travelers Capital

Travelers Capital Corp. is a Canadian-based private credit manager specializing in senior-secured, asset-based lending solutions. With a focus on equipment finance and collateral-backed credit structures, TCC serves middle-market borrowers across North America. The firm is known for its conservative underwriting discipline, capital preservation philosophy, and market-leading execution capabilities. To learn more about Travelers Capital, please visit www.travelerscapital.com.

Media Contacts:

Mark Breakspear

Head, Capital and Investor Relations

Email: mbreakspear@travelerscapital.com

Phone: (604) 323-6675

Warren Miller

Managing Partner, Travelers Capital

Email: wmiller@travelerscapital.com

Phone: (604) 262.9994

SOURCE: Travelers Capital Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/travelers-capital-corp.-introduces-mutual-fund-designed-for-stable-y-1021702
Steering the commercial vehicle industry into the future requires not only creativity but innovation. The Shyft Group is up for the task, leveraging smart manufacturing technology to aid in their quest to reinvent the wheel. Since implementing Rockwell Automation's Plex Enterprise Resource Planning in 2021, The Shyft Group has acted with precision and speed to develop commercial-grade electric delivery vehicles for their last-mile delivery customers - companies that pickup packages from a central hub and deliver them right to the customer's doorstep.

"The industry was looking to move to commercial grade EVs, but when we went to find a chassis that you need for a vehicle like that, there wasn't one available," explained Andy Anderson, vice president & CIO, The Shyft Group. "So, we built our own from the ground up, as well as the body on top of that, and became a full OEM of EV delivery trucks."

With its Blue Arc EV brand, The Shyft Group is steering the commercial vehicle industry into the sustainable future. They've used their 50 years of experience in designing and manufacturing custom commercial chassis and truck bodies to develop electronic vehicle solutions for last-mile delivery.

Plex Enterprise Resource Planning has powered The Shyft Group's ability to accelerate innovation. For their latest development, an electric delivery truck, they went from concept to functioning vehicle in just nine months. Their quick Plex implementation helped set the tone for the expedited pace.

"Plex came into play because we needed a solution where we were able to use a system in real time, and not have everything on spreadsheets and disparate communication," said Nicci Kew, ERP Manager, The Shyft Group. "We were able to create our Plex environment in two weeks, which included supplier purchase orders, pricing, parts information, receiving and receipts, accounts payable and some inventory information."

A well-known delivery company has already provided an initial order for 150 vehicles. The order reflects a shared commitment to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution through the adoption of commercial-grade EVs.

"These are fully electrified, lighter weight vehicles so fleets can deliver more packages. With the lighter weight, these vehicles have a longer range - over 220 miles - which is perfect for those last mile delivery companies," Anderson said. "Drivers pick up the packages, do their runs, and bring the trucks back to charge overnight."

Learn more about how The Shyft Group has used Plex to charge ahead with its quest to electrify the delivery vehicle segment and why it was named the 2023 Plex Innovator Impact Award winner.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Rockwell Automation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Rockwell Automation

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/rockwell-automation

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Rockwell Automation

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/rockwell-automation-helps-the-shyft-group-accelerate-innovation-and-ad-1021731
ORRVILLE, Ohio, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The J.M. Smucker Co. (NYSE: SJM) today announced the promotion of John Brase to the role of President and Chief Operating Officer, effective April 30, 2025. In this expanded role, Brase will continue to have oversight of the Company's U.S. Retail Coffee, U.S. Retail Frozen Handheld and Spreads, U.S. Retail Pet Foods and Sweet Baked Snacks segments and its International and Away from Home businesses, as well as the Company's Sales, Operations and Supply Chain functions, while expanding his support of growing and delivering the business. His expanded responsibilities will include participation in certain external engagements and industry associations that will support in broadening the Company's influence with its constituents. Brase will continue to report to Mark Smucker, Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.

"This promotion acknowledges the breadth of John's responsibilities and the positive impact he's had on our business performance over the past five years. It also supports the ongoing development of our executive talent, as we continue to position the organization for long-term growth and success," said Mark Smucker.

Brase has served as the Company's Chief Operating Officer since 2020. He joined the Company with more than three decades of experience in the consumer goods industry, including significant work across brand management, business operations, manufacturing, marketing and sales.

Since joining the Company, Brase has been integral to sharpening the strategic and operational execution of the Company's organization and portfolio. His relentless focus on growth brands, simplification and passionate leadership have been central to the Company's business delivery and momentum. He also played a leading role in the introduction of the Company's Transformation Office, which has generated significant cost savings and productivity improvements that have supported strong bottom-line performance while providing resources to invest in the business.

"The Smucker portfolio is synonymous with everyday brands consumers' love, and I'm incredibly energized to take on these additional responsibilities and to continue to work closely with Mark and the entire team as we further advance our strategy and build on our key growth platforms," said Brase.

About The J.M. Smucker Co.

At The J.M. Smucker Co., it is our privilege to make food people and pets love by offering a diverse family of brands available across North America. We are proud to lead in the coffee, peanut butter, fruit spreads, frozen handheld, sweet baked goods, dog snacks, and cat food categories by offering brands consumers trust for themselves and their families each day, including Folgers, Dunkin', Cafe Bustelo, Jif, Uncrustables, Smucker's, Hostess, Milk-Bone, and Meow Mix. Through our unwavering commitment to producing quality products, operating responsibly and ethically and delivering on our Purpose, we will continue to grow our business while making a positive impact on society. For more information, please visit jmsmucker.com.

The J.M. Smucker Co. is the owner of all trademarks referenced herein, except for Dunkin', which is a trademark of DD IP Holder LLC. The Dunkin' brand is licensed to The J.M. Smucker Co. for packaged coffee products sold in retail channels such as grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, e-commerce and drug stores, and in certain away from home channels. This information does not pertain to products for sale in Dunkin' restaurants.

SOURCE The J.M. Smucker Co.
Discover the C2810Z5, C2820Z5, Whitestone 2, and live firmware demos as OCP leaders and innovators come together.

DUBLIN, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MiTAC Computing Technology, a global leader in high-performance and energy-efficient server solutions, is proud to announce its participation at the OCP EMEA Summit 2025, taking place April 29-30 at the Convention Centre Dublin. At Booth No. B13, MiTAC will showcase its latest innovations in server design, sustainable cooling, and open-source firmware development - empowering the future of data center infrastructure.

MiTAC C2810Z5 & C2820Z5: Advancing Sustainable Thermal Design

MiTAC will debut two new OCP server platforms - MiTAC C2810Z5 (air-cooled) and C2820Z5 (liquid-cooled), built to meet the demands of high-performance computing (HPC) and AI workloads. Designed around the latest AMD EPYC 9005 series processors, these multi-node servers support the latest EPYC 9005 processors and are engineered to deliver optimal compute density and power efficiency.

The C2810Z5, a 2OU 2-node single-socket server with 12 DDR5-6400 DIMM slots per node, is perfect for microservices deployment in cloud environments, providing outstanding efficiency on performance-per-watt basis.

The C2820Z5, a 2OU 4-node dual-socket server, represents a leap forward in thermal design and sustainability. Its direct liquid cooling technology offers a compelling solution for high performance computing, reducing server energy consumption and acoustic noise levels while improving power utilization efficiency.

OpenBMC and Open Platform Firmware: Customizing and Enhancing Server Management

In line with MiTAC Computing's commitment to transparency and open innovation, the company will host live demonstrations of its OpenBMC and Open Platform Firmware developments during the summit. These demos highlight MiTAC's end-to-end expertise in integrating both hardware and software - a capability that sets it apart in the data center space.

Open-source firmware is more than a trend - it is the future of scalable, secure infrastructure. MiTAC Computing's firmware portfolio, built on OpenBMC and Open Platform Firmware, empowers customers with flexibility, transparency, and control, delivering unified server management, faster boot times, and enhanced sustainability through true open-source innovation.

MiTAC Whitestone 2: Legacy Meets Edge Innovation

MiTAC Computing will also feature the MiTAC Whitestone 2 (WS2) server series, a compact yet powerful platform purpose-built for ORAN CU/DU and edge computing applications. With support for 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processors, the WS2 offers a 1U short-depth chassis, front-access design for easy maintenance, and robust synchronization technologies including IEEE 1588 v2, Sync-E, and GPS hold-over options-ideal for telecom and mobile edge deployments.

With extended operating temperatures, dual -48VDC power input, and an onboard Intel Mount Bryce FEC accelerator, the WS2 demonstrates MiTAC's continued contribution to the Open Compute Project community. The platform is especially suited for vRAN and O-RAN deployments, aligning perfectly with OCP's vision for open, flexible, and sustainable edge computing in the EMEA region.

Join MiTAC at OCP EMEA 2025 - Booth B13

Visit MiTAC Computing at Booth B13 to explore its complete portfolio of OCP-inspired solutions. Our technical experts will show firsthand how MiTAC is advancing the conversation around data center sustainability, open-source technologies, and integrated compute solutions.

Download MiTAC's latest OCP Platforms brochure: https://www.mitaccomputing.com/en/company/catalogs

About MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation

MiTAC Computing Technology Corp., a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings, delivers comprehensive, energy-efficient server solutions backed by industry expertise dating back to the 1990s. Specializing in AI, HPC, cloud, and edge computing, MiTAC Computing employs rigorous methods to ensure uncompromising quality not just at the barebone level but, more importantly, at the system and rack levels-where true performance and integration matter most. This commitment to quality at every level sets MiTAC Computing apart from others in the industry. The company provides tailored platforms for hyperscale data centers, HPC, and AI applications, guaranteeing optimal performance and scalability.

With a global presence and end-to-end capabilities-from R&D and manufacturing to global support-MiTAC Computing offers flexible, high-quality solutions designed to meet unique business needs. Leveraging the latest advancements in AI and liquid cooling, along with the recent integration of Intel DSG and TYAN server products, MiTAC Computing stands out for its innovation, efficiency, and reliability, empowering businesses to tackle future challenges.

MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation website: https://www.mitaccomputing.com/

Press Contact

MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation

Sarah Chen Lin

sarah.chen.lin@mitaccomputing.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mitac-computing-unveils-next-generation-ocp-servers-and-open-firmware-innovations-at-the-ocp-emea-summit-2025-302442850.html
BitMobile , the driving force behind the revolutionary Phenix X Blockchain phone in South Africa and emerging markets, and Reality Network , a pioneer in decentralized blockchain technology, today announced a strategic partnership that highlights the Reality Network node app preloaded onto the Phenix X smartphone. This collaboration marks a significant engagement in bringing accessible Decentralized Finance (DeFi) earning opportunities directly to customers in each country and territory, particularly empowering communities in emerging markets.

The Phenix X, a device designed to be a catalyst for financial inclusion and digital literacy, comes preloaded with the Reality Network node application, allowing owners to easily participate in decentralized networks and earn cryptocurrency by simply contributing their device's unused computing power. This innovative approach transforms the smartphone into a valuable asset for generating passive income, aligning perfectly with the Phenix X's mission to empower individuals.

Recent in-store events at Pick n Pay locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg saw enthusiastic customer responses to the Phenix X and the huge potential for passive income through the preloaded Reality Network app. Customers expressed excitement about a device that not only provides secure communication but also offers tangible economic benefits.

"The Reality Network app integrated and preloaded onto the Phenix X is a game-changer for our users," said Brian Maw, CEO of Finnovant, the company behind BitMobile. "We are putting the power of decentralized earning directly into the hands of individuals, many of whom are in markets previously underserved by traditional financial systems. The positive feedback from our recent events in South Africa confirms the strong desire for solutions that offer both advanced technology and real economic opportunity. This partnership is a clear demonstration of the Phenix X fulfilling its promise as a catalyst for empowerment."

Reality Network's technology, built on the groundbreaking 2MEME consensus algorithm invented by CEO Wyatt Meldman-Floch, utilizes Proof of Useful Work, ensuring that computation is not wasted and the network is resource-efficient and environmentally friendly. This inclusive mechanism allows anyone with a Phenix X to join and contribute.

"Our vision at Reality is to empower humanity with unparalleled freedom and trust through decentralization," stated Wyatt Meldman-Floch, CEO of Reality. "By preloading the Reality Network app on the Phenix X, BitMobile is providing a direct pathway for millions to enter the decentralized economy. Reality Network allows for the creation of customized consensus networks where dApps can crowdsource validation globally, paying in their native token and ensuring 24/7 uptime. This partnership accelerates our mission to build the future of Web3, offering true decentralization and earning potential that scales with every new user."

This partnership works to fulfill the vision of the Phenix X platform and aligns with broader initiatives across the African continent and emerging global markets, aimed at empowering communities, fostering trust, and driving economic development.

The convergence of decentralized education and self-sovereign identity within the Phenix X represents a significant leap forward for Africa and the rest of the world. The Phenix X is not merely a communication tool; it is a catalyst for financial inclusion, digital literacy, and individual empowerment.

As the Phenix X rolls out in across Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, the potential to reshape the narrative of innovation and progress becomes increasingly apparent. The future is not just digital - it's decentralized and in the palm of your hand.

Reality Network's technology ensures absolute decentralization, freeing dApps from the constraints of traditional Layer 1 solutions and high gas fees. With built-in trust at the base layer through Reality Checking and a reputation-based model, the network is both secure and efficient. The more devices that join the network, the faster and more efficient it becomes, creating a generative economic effect.

About BitMobile:

BitMobile is dedicated to bringing the revolutionary Phenix X blockchain smartphone to users in South Africa and emerging markets. As a partner of Finnovant, BitMobile is committed to empowering individuals through blockchain solutions, fostering learning, growth, and driving financial inclusion and digital literacy.

Follow BitMobile at BitMobileTech.com, X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

About Reality Network:

Reality Network is building the future of decentralized consensus and economies. Through its innovative Reality Network platform and the 2MEME consensus algorithm, Reality enables anyone with a device to earn crypto, providing a truly decentralized, secure, and efficient network for dApps and the creation of Network States.

Media Contact:

Chris Benedict

Finnovant, Inc.

1-888-426-1892

cbenedict@finnovant.com

SOURCE: Finnovant Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/bitmobile-pty-ltd-and-reality-network-announce-strategic-partner-1021450
Beverly Hills marks the company's latest showroom in North America, inspiring with coastal chic and Spanish Revival design touches

Architects, designers, builders and consumers can explore BSH's premium and luxury home appliance brands: Bosch, Thermador and Gaggenau

BSH introduces wildfire recovery rebate program for affected households in the Greater Los Angeles region

BSH, the home appliances division of the Bosch Group, announces the opening of its latest Experience and Design Center (EDC) showroom in North America, located in Beverly Hills, Calif. Spanning 6,684 square feet, the showroom is the next to join BSH's expanding network of high-end spaces across the USA and Canada, offering a hub for design, real estate, builder, architecture, culinary and consumer groups to experience and be inspired by compelling design and superior quality appliances.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430466052/en/

Thermador Showroom in EDC Beverly Hills

The Beverly Hills showroom is at 257 N Canon Drive, Suite 102, in the heart of one of the world's most iconic luxury retail hotbeds. It serves as a dynamic, multifunctional space for professional engagement and immersive experiences with BSH's three North American brands: Bosch, Thermador and Gaggenau. Visitors can interact with the newest products and experience the ultimate in performance, technology and versatility while exploring their own unique design tastes. The showroom also facilitates personalized consultations with specialists, providing tailored solutions to ensure products fit seamlessly within specific project layouts and aesthetic goals.

Beverly Hills Luxury: Coastal Chic and Spanish Revival Collide

The design of the EDC reflects Los Angeles' coastal chic aesthetic, featuring subtle nods to Spanish Revival in its arches. Open-plan spaces and natural materials, such as warm, plaster walls and travertine, create a welcoming atmosphere. Custom artwork by local artist, Ali Enache, and sculptural stone elements further elevate the space, offering visitors a sensory journey that goes beyond appliances.

"This new Beverly Hills EDC is not just a showroom; it's an inspiring Southern California experience," says Christopher Kaeser, Head of Sales at BSH. "It's a sophisticated space where visitors can see, touch and experience the innovation and craftsmanship behind our three iconic brands Bosch, Thermador and Gaggenau. This location will serve as a true hub for the design, real estate, builder and luxury community offering inspiration and collaboration, while further reinforcing BSH as the go-to for premium, luxury and ultra-luxury home appliances."

In addition to serving as an engaging environment for exploring home kitchen design, the Beverly Hills EDC will host exclusive workshops, brand activations, trade partner training and media events. Visitors can streamline product specifications, stay informed on the latest trends and leverage support for project planning all in one place.

BSH Launches Rebate Program to Support Wildfire Recovery in Los Angeles and Maui

Reflecting the company's authentic commitment to the communities it serves, BSH has introduced a rebate program for those affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas earlier this year. A similar program is launching for Maui, Hawaii.

California Wildfire Relief Rebate

Bosch : Consumers who purchase a qualifying four-piece* Bosch kitchen package, which must include one serialized unit from at least four different categories, will receive a $700 rebate via a Bosch Visa prepaid card.

: Consumers who purchase a qualifying four-piece* Bosch kitchen package, which must include one serialized unit from at least four different categories, will receive a $700 rebate via a Bosch Visa prepaid card. Thermador : Consumers who purchase a qualifying four-piece* Thermador kitchen package, which must include one refrigeration unit, will receive a $2,000 rebate via a Thermador Visa prepaid card.

: Consumers who purchase a qualifying four-piece* Thermador kitchen package, which must include one refrigeration unit, will receive a $2,000 rebate via a Thermador Visa prepaid card. Gaggenau : Consumers who purchase a qualifying four-piece* Gaggenau kitchen package, which must include one refrigeration unit, will receive a $2,500 rebate via a Gaggenau Visa prepaid card. Eligible counties : Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Ventura and Kern.

: Consumers who purchase a qualifying four-piece* Gaggenau kitchen package, which must include one refrigeration unit, will receive a $2,500 rebate via a Gaggenau Visa prepaid card.

Maui County Wildfire Relief Rebate

Bosch : Consumers who purchase a qualifying four-piece* Bosch kitchen package, which must include one serialized unit from at least four different categories, will receive a $700 rebate via a Bosch Visa prepaid card.

: Consumers who purchase a qualifying four-piece* Bosch kitchen package, which must include one serialized unit from at least four different categories, will receive a $700 rebate via a Bosch Visa prepaid card. Thermador : Consumers who purchase a qualifying four-piece* Thermador kitchen package, which must include one refrigeration unit, will receive a $2,000 rebate via a Thermador Visa prepaid card.

: Consumers who purchase a qualifying four-piece* Thermador kitchen package, which must include one refrigeration unit, will receive a $2,000 rebate via a Thermador Visa prepaid card. Gaggenau : Consumers who purchase a qualifying four-piece* Gaggenau kitchen package, which must include one refrigeration unit, will receive a $2,500 rebate via a Gaggenau Visa prepaid card. Eligibility : Must live in Maui County to qualify.

: Consumers who purchase a qualifying four-piece* Gaggenau kitchen package, which must include one refrigeration unit, will receive a $2,500 rebate via a Gaggenau Visa prepaid card.

Program details:

Valid through : Dec. 31, 2025

: Dec. 31, 2025 Applications: May be submitted through BoschApplianceRebate.com and https://www.thermador.com/us/support/natural-disaster-relief-support (proof of residency required).

In conjunction with the opening of the new Beverly Hills showroom, this initiative underscores BSH's dedication to supporting the region during this challenging time.

Driving Loyalty and Growth in the Premium Sector

BSH currently operates a network of 10 Experience and Design Centers across North America. This includes its first California location in Irvine, as well as EDCs in Chicago, New York City, Miami, Houston and Washington, D.C. in the U.S. Additionally, BSH maintains a strong presence in Canada with EDCs in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.

About BSH

BSH Hausgerate GmbH, headquartered in Munich, Germany, with a total turnover of EUR 15.3 billion and more than 57,000 employees in 2024, is a global leader in the home appliance industry. The company's brand portfolio includes global appliance brands such as Bosch, Siemens, Gaggenau, as well as regional brands, such as Neff and Thermador. BSH produces at 39 factories and is represented in some 50 countries.

BSH Home Appliances Corporation, headquartered in Irvine, Calif., is recognized for its high-end kitchen and home appliances, known for quality and superior design. In North America, BSH markets its products under the Bosch, Thermador and Gaggenau brands each renowned for their rich legacy and excellence. Bosch is celebrated worldwide for its precision engineered and efficient home appliances, while Thermador is synonymous with luxury kitchen solutions tailored for culinary enthusiasts. Gaggenau stands out with its avant-garde designs and professional-grade appliances, appealing to those who seek the ultimate in performance and aesthetics.

BSH is a Bosch Group company.

Further Information

Website: https://www.bsh-group.com/us/press/press-releases

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bsh-north-america

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bshgroup.NorthAmerica

To learn more about the new showroom or to schedule an appointment, please visit the respective appointment page:

Bosch: https://www.bosch-home.com/us/kitchen-planning-resources/showrooms/beverly_hills_showroom

Thermador: https://www.thermador.com/us/experience/showrooms/beverly-hills/schedule-a-visit

Gaggenau: https://www.gaggenau.com/us/visit-us/visit-a-flagship-showroom/beverly-hills

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430466052/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

BSH Home Appliances Corporation North America

Title: Senior Media Relations PR Strategy

Name: Andrew de Lara

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SAN FRANCISCO, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global hydrogen generation market size is projected to reach USD 317.39 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.3% between 2024 and 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Robust demand for cleaner fuel, construction of energy-saving hydrogen stations and desulfurization of petroleum products are poised to underpin the market growth.

An emphasis on distributed power and utility projects has fueled the industry penetration. For instance, global electricity demand is likely to rise by nearly two-thirds of the current demand during the forecast period. Stakeholders are expected to witness traction for sustainability solutions in power manufacturing, generation and transportation.

In terms of technology, the steam methane reforming segment is likely to depict a notable share during the forecast period. The growing demand for hydrogen generation comes on the back of steam methane reforming being the most economical method for hydrogen generation. Some other factors, such as high conversion efficiency, have augured well for the market growth.

Request a free sample copy or view report summary: Hydrogen Generation Market

Based on application, the ammonia production segment spearheaded the market in 2023, accounting for over 21% of revenue share. The growth is likely to continue during the forecast period following the demand for ammonia to store and transport hydrogen. The trend for renewable hydrogen technologies and the use of ammonia as a carbon-free fuel will boost the segment growth.

With respect to source, the natural gas segment held the lion's share in 2023. Since hydrogen production from natural gas is the cheapest method of producing hydrogen, demand for the natural gas source will continue to rise over the next half a decade. Notable traction for steam methane reforming is expected to bode well for natural gas.

In terms of systems, the merchant generation segment will continue to depict a notable growth during the forecast period, mainly attributed to a massive natural gas pipeline network in the U.S., Russia and Canada. Hydrogen production at a central facility with a natural gas process is likely to reshape the segment growth.

Investors see hydrogen as a promising strategy to adhere to federal and environmental regulations while keeping up with the demand for energy. The trend for smart residential and commercial buildings will further drive the adoption of hydrogen for energy generation. Some factors, such as demand for low-carbon and sustainable energy solutions and robust government regulations, are poised to boost the hydrogen generation market revenue.

Read full market research report on Hydrogen Generation Market with TOC - Hydrogen Generation Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By System (Merchant, Captive), By Technology (Steam Methane Reforming, Coal Gasification), By Application, By Source, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Hydrogen Generation Market Report Highlights:

Coal gasification contributed 34.0% revenue share in 2023. The growth will continue during the forecast period as the U.S. has exhibited robust demand for coal gasification in hydrogen production and power generation. The trend is likely to reduce the U.S. dependency on imported petroleum products.

The ammonia production segment led the market with a revenue share of over 21.0% in 2023. The demand for carbon-free fuel will underpin the segment growth.

Asia Pacific contributed a lion's share of over 35.14% in 2023, and it will continue to exhibit a similar trend during the forecast period. The growth is largely attributed to the prevalence of an increasing number of refineries in emerging economies such as China and India. Moreover, Australia and Japan have prioritized greener and cleaner technologies for hydrogen generation.

Organic and inorganic growth strategies will shape the global hydrogen generation industry. To illustrate, in 2019, Linde Plc announced that it had started a new gas production facility that supplies carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen to Evonik Industries.

Hydrogen Generation Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the hydrogen generation market based on technology, application, system, source, and region:

Hydrogen Generation Market - Technology Outlook (Volume, Million Metric Tons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Steam Methane Reforming

Coal Gasification

Others

Hydrogen Generation Market - Application Outlook (Volume, Million Metric Tons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Methanol production

Ammonia Production

Petroleum Refining

Transportation

Power Generation

Others

Hydrogen Generation Market - System Outlook (Volume, Million Metric Tons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Captive

Merchant

Hydrogen Generation Market - Source Outlook (Volume, Million Metric Tons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Natural Gas

Coal

Biomass

Water

Hydrogen Generation Market - Regional Outlook (Volume, Million Metric Tons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

North America

U.S.



Canada



Mexico

Europe

Germany



Russia



U.K.



France



Spain



Italy

Asia Pacific

China



India



Japan



South Korea



Australia

Central & South America

Brazil



Colombia



Paraguay

Middle East & Africa

Saudi Arabia



U.A.E



South Africa



Egypt

List of Key Players in the Hydrogen Generation Market

Air Liquide International S.A

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc

Hydrogenics Corporation

INOX Air Products Ltd.

Iwatani Corporation

Linde Plc

Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc.

Messer

SOL Group

Tokyo Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd.

Check out more related studies published by Grand View Research:

Colombia Hydrogen Generation Market - The Colombia hydrogen generation market size is expected to reach USD 766.97 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 9.8% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growth can be attributed to the rising demand for cleaner fuel and increasing governmental regulations for the desulphurization of petroleum products.

The Colombia hydrogen generation market size is expected to reach USD 766.97 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 9.8% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growth can be attributed to the rising demand for cleaner fuel and increasing governmental regulations for the desulphurization of petroleum products. U.S. Hydrogen Generation Market - The U.S. hydrogen generation market size is estimated to reach USD 35.82 billion by 2030 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. With rising government regulations towards sustainable energy sources, the investments in smart 'energy-saving' residential and commercial buildings have also increased providing an impetus growth in the adoption of hydrogen for energy generation.

The U.S. hydrogen generation market size is estimated to reach USD 35.82 billion by 2030 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. With rising government regulations towards sustainable energy sources, the investments in smart 'energy-saving' residential and commercial buildings have also increased providing an impetus growth in the adoption of hydrogen for energy generation. Energy Storage As A Service Market - The global energy storage as a service market size is expected to reach USD 3.35 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 11.0% from 2025 to 2030. The global market is predominantly driven by the rising energy consumption and increasing demand for power management in the industrial and residential sectors.

The global energy storage as a service market size is expected to reach USD 3.35 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 11.0% from 2025 to 2030. The global market is predominantly driven by the rising energy consumption and increasing demand for power management in the industrial and residential sectors. Voluntary Carbon Credit Market - The global voluntary carbon credit market size is anticipated to reach USD 24.00 billion by 2030 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 34.6% during the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The voluntary carbon credit market (VCM) refers to the trading of carbon credits on a voluntary basis outside of any legal or regulatory requirements.

Browse Horizon Databook on Hydrogen Generation Market - Global Hydrogen Generation Market Size & Outlook

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research Helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead.

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A One-Stop Destination for Fuel, Food, and Relaxation

Nouria, a leading provider of convenience and travel essentials, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest location in Raynham, Massachusetts. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to serve the community with a wide range of high-quality products and services, enhancing the convenience and fueling needs of Raynham residents and visitors.

A One-Stop Destination for Fuel, Food, and Relaxation

Customers can expect a welcoming environment with friendly staff ready to assist with all their needs. With the opening of this location, Nouria brings a fresh experience to the community. The store's unique features include:

Premium Fueling Services: The new site is equipped with top-grade gasoline and diesel fuel for cars and large trucks, ensuring seamless access for all types of vehicles.

Nouria's Kitchen featuring Amato's: An authentic taste of Italy in every bite! Guests can enjoy freshly made sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta using handpicked ingredients, bakery-fresh bread, and authentic flavors. Nouria's Kitchen also offers a welcoming outdoor seating to enjoy Massachusetts' beautiful surroundings.

Exceptional Convenience Store Experience: With a wide range of snacks, beverages, and essential products, this well-lit, inviting space is designed for easy access and effortless shopping. Nouria's commitment to value and quality is evident in every product, and shoppers can take advantage of everyday savings on popular items.

"We are excited to expand our footprint in Massachusetts with this new Raynham location," said Tony El-Nemr, Founder and CEO of Nouria. "Our goal is to create a convenient, high-quality destination that meets the needs of this community and beyond. We look forward to becoming a part of Raynham and making a positive impact here."

Whether fueling up, grabbing a quick snack, or enjoying a meal, the new Raynham Nouria location promises a welcoming experience. Visit us today to see how Nouria is redefining convenience in Raynham, MA!

About Nouria

Founded in 1989, Nouria Energy Corporation is a proudly family-owned and operated business that has grown into one of the nation's leading convenience store chains.

Headquarters in Worcester, Massachusetts, Nouria now operates 319 convenience stores and 90 car wash locations, following its recent acquisition of Enmarket. The company also maintains a dynamic wholesale fuel distribution network, supporting a broad dealer base across the Northeast.

As a multi-year recipient of industry awards for customer experience, fresh food, and merchandising, Nouria continues to raise the bar for quality and innovation. Renowned for its exceptional service, and thoughtfully curated product selection, Nouria has recently earned several prestigious accolades, underscoring its unrelenting commitment to customer satisfaction.

Nouria remains deeply committed to sustainability, community engagement, and delivering an unparalleled convenience experience every day.

SOURCE: Nouria

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/oil-gas-and-energy/nouria-unveils-its-newest-convenience-store-in-raynham-ma-1021691
TP will integrate agentic AI solutions from emerging tech leaders Ema and Parloa to help clients combine and scale agentic AI with human experts to advance intelligent orchestration of AI and emotional intelligence across customer experience and back-office services

Regulatory News:

Global digital services leader TP (Paris:TEP) today announced partnerships with emerging leaders in agentic artificial intelligence (AI), Ema and Parloa. These partnerships advance TP's goal of delivering a steady pipeline of AI innovations that help clients accelerate AI adoption, enhance customer engagement, and realize value faster across their front-office and back-office activities.

The move underscores TP's ongoing commitment to driving technological advancements that address evolving market demands. Earlier this year, TP launched a 100 million AI investment program designed to strengthen its leadership in scaling intelligent operations and deliver greater value for its clients. The company's partnerships with Ema and Parloa mark a new milestone in this strategy, alongside TP's recent partnership with real-time accent translation software provider Sanas.

Together, these investments focus on innovating the use of advanced AI tools alongside TP Experts to augment their work, enabling Experts to provide more personalized and empathetic customer support and more efficient professional services.

"More than adopting the latest technology, we are orchestrating innovation with a highly skilled team and rigorous standards and processes, all guided by strategic vision built on deep industry expertise," said Thomas Mackenbrock, TP Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer. "Our mission: to deliver experiences that are smarter, faster, creating value and driving sustainable growth."

"By blending human expertise and empathy with advanced agentic AI, we are not only transforming customer experience but also propelling our digital transformation forward as we expand beyond traditional CX into high-growth areas that are driving the future of business," Mackenbrock continued. "In the process, we are also creating new professional opportunities within our company."

Scaled, Agile and Personalized Voice Engagement and Back-Office Processes

Ema and TP will work jointly with dedicated teams to further enhance and implement Ema's agentic systems to enterprise needs for a broad variety of tasks. In addition, TP becomes the exclusive global go-to-market partner and integrator of Ema's AI Agents platforms and solutions for 400+ clients. Last year alone, TP saw double-digit growth in back-office services, a market that is expected to reach approximately $320 billion in the next four years1 driven by the rising demand for digital transformation, coupled with operational and cost efficiency.

"Our collaboration with TP marks a pivotal move toward building the future of work where intelligent, autonomous AI seamlessly integrates with human expertise to elevate both experience and performance," said Surojit Chatterjee, CEO and co-founder of Ema. "By uniting Ema's advanced AI agents with TP's global reach and operational strength, we are enabling organizations to amplify human potential, spark real transformation, and create more agile, inventive, and resilient teams."

Parloa's platform seamlessly integrates AI agents with human experts, enabling TP to elevate, automate, and scale multilingual voice engagement for customer interactions. By delegating routine customer voice inquiries to AI, TP Experts can focus on solving more complex, high-impact challenges. Both companies are collaborating closely to further enhance and implement the Parloa suite of solutions and bring them to market. Initially, TP will be Parloa's strategic go-to market partner for selected target companies.

In addition, TP has the right to invest up to US$15 million in the next financing round of Ema and $10 million in Parloa.

"Our partnership with TP advances how businesses integrate agentic AI with human expertise to drive superior outcomes," said Malte Kosub, CEO Founder of Parloa. "For years, the focus was on building faster, more efficient digital channels, often at the expense of more human, voice-based communications which customers prefer because it is naturally easier. With TP, we are enabling their Experts to seamlessly delegate routine customer voice inquiries to our AI agents, thereby unlocking greater capacity to address intricate, high-impact challenges. This collaboration exemplifies how AI can not only transform operational efficiency but also enhance the human touch in delivering forward-thinking solutions that create lasting value for clients."

Parloa provides agentic AI voice engagement and support in 137 languages and dialects.

1Source: Frost Sullivan Global Business Process Management Services Forecast to 2029. Published February 2025.

ABOUT EMA

Ema is based in Mountain View, California, and is the leading horizontal agentic AI platform, enabling the largest enterprises to automate entire workflows in any business function end-to-end. With its collection of hundreds of pre-built AI agents and its no-code agent builder platform, Ema can automate any role from Customer Support and HR to Legal and Sales, freeing teams to focus on high context strategic work. Ema was founded in 2023 by Surojit Chatterjee and Souvik Sen, veterans from Google, Coinbase and Okta and employs over 100 people in Mountain View, CA and Bangalore, India. Ema is funded by notable investors like Accel Partners, Section 32, Prosus Ventures and a host of prominent Silicon Valley angels including Sridhar Ramaswamy (CEO, Snowflake), Divesh Makan (Iconiq Capital) and Jerry Yang (Yahoo). For more information, visit https://www.ema.co/.

ABOUT PARLOA

Parloa is a leading Agentic AI company for enterprise customer service. Parloa's voice-first platform unites humans and AI in one team to take companies' service quality to a new level through AI-based customer service, natural-sounding conversations, and outstanding service experiences on the phone and all communication channels. The Parloa platform resolves most customer queries quickly and automatically, allowing contact center agents to focus on complex issues. Parloa was founded in 2018 by Malte Kosub and Stefan Ostwald and today employs about 300 people in Berlin, Munich, and New York. For more information, visit https://www.parloa.com.

ABOUT TELEPERFORMANCE GROUP (TP)

TP (TEP ISIN: FR0000051807 Reuters: TEPRF.PA Bloomberg: TEP FP) is a global leader in digital business services which consistently seeks to blend the best of advanced technology with human empathy to deliver enhanced customer care that is simpler, faster, and safer for the world's biggest brands and their customers. The Group's comprehensive, AI-powered service portfolio ranges from front office customer care to back-office functions, including operations consulting and high-value digital transformation services. It also offers a range of Specialized Services such as collections, interpreting and localization, visa and consular services, and recruitment process outsourcing services. The teams of multilingual, inspired, and passionate experts and advisors, spread in close to 100 countries, as well as the Group's local presence allows it to be a force of good in supporting communities, clients, and the environment. In 2024, TP reported consolidated revenue of 10,280 million (US$11 billion) and net profit of 523 million.

TP shares are traded on the Euronext Paris market, Compartment A, and are eligible for the deferred settlement service. They are included in the following indices: CAC 40, STOXX 600, S&P Europe 350, MSCI Global Standard and Euronext Tech Leaders. In the area of corporate social responsibility, TP shares are included in the CAC 40 ESG since September 2022, the Euronext Vigeo Euro 120 index since 2015, the MSCI Europe ESG Leaders index since 2019, the FTSE4Good index since 2018 and the S&P Global 1200 ESG index since 2017.

For more information: www.tp.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430203427/en/

Contacts:

FINANCIAL ANALYSTS AND INVESTORS

Investor relations and financial communication department

TELEPERFORMANCE

Tel: +33 1 53 83 59 15

investor@teleperformance.com

PRESS RELATIONS

Europe

Karine Allouis Laurent Poinsot IMAGE7

Tel: +33 1 53 70 74 70

teleperformance@image7.fr

PRESS RELATIONS

Americas and Asia-Pacific Nicole Miller TELEPERFORMANCE

Tel: +1 629-899-0675

tppublicaffairs@teleperformance.com
All proposals of the Board of Directors approved.

Dividend of CHF 0.85 per share.

Bubendorf, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - Bachem Holding AG (SIX: BANB) ("Bachem") announced today that its Annual General Meeting 2025 has approved all proposals of the Board of Directors. A total of 79.7% of the 74'977'940 eligible shares were present.

The Annual General Meeting approved a dividend of CHF 0.85 per share. The dividend will be paid on May 7, 2025. The last trading day entitling to receive the dividend is May 2, 2025. As of May 5, 2025, the shares will be traded ex-dividend.

Both the Chairman and the other members of the Board of Directors were re-elected for a further year. Dr. Simone Wyss Fedele was elected as a new member of the Board. The existing members of the Compensation Committee were also re-elected for a further year.

The shareholders approved the annual report, the financial statements of Bachem Holding AG, the consolidated financial statements for the business year 2024, as well as the appropriation of retained earnings and reserves from capital contributions and the total amount of the annual compensation paid to the Board of Directors and to the Corporate Executive Committee. Further, the shareholders approved the sustainability report and, in a consultative vote, the remuneration report.

Forvis Mazars SA, Zurich was appointed by the Annual General Meeting as auditor of Bachem Holding AG for the business year 2025.

A detailed list of all resolutions will be made available at

https://www.bachem.com/about-bachem/investors-and-media/financial-events/.

Financial Calendar

May 7, 2025 Payout date for dividend

July 24, 2025 Publication of Half-Year Report 2025

March 12, 2026 Publication of Annual Report 2025; Media and Analyst conference

April 29, 2026 Annual General Meeting (financial year 2025)

About Bachem

Bachem is a leading, innovation-driven company specializing in the development and manufacture of peptides and oligonucleotides. The company, which has over 50 years of experience and expertise, provides products for research, clinical development, and commercial application to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide and offers a comprehensive range of services. Bachem operates internationally with its headquarters in Switzerland and sites in Europe, the US and Asia. The company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. For further information, see www.bachem.com.

This publication may contain specific forward-looking statements, e.g. statements including terms like "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation, development or performance of Bachem Holding AG and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties, readers should not rely on forward-looking statements. Bachem Holding AG assumes no responsibility to up-date forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250307

SOURCE: Bachem Holding AG
Regulatory News:

CARMAT (FR0010907956, ALCAR), designer and developer of the world's most advanced total artificial heart, aiming to provide a therapeutic alternative for people suffering from advanced biventricular heart failure (the "Company" or "CARMAT"), today announced the publication of the Company's Universal registration document ("URD") for the year ended December 31, 2024.

The document, filed with the French stock-market authority (Autorite des Marches Financiers) on April 30, 2025, is available upon request, free of charge, as per applicable regulations, and on the Company's website under the section Investors Documentation, as well as on that of the AMF (www.amf-france.org).

It notably includes the 2024 annual financial report, the report on corporate governance, the required information regarding the share buy-back program, as well as the statutory auditor's reports and information on the fees paid to the statutory auditor in 2024. The URD is available in French only, but for the convenience of English-speaking readers, CARMAT will provide a free translation into English of its 2024 financial statements1, which is anticipated to be available by the end of May in the English section of its website.

About CARMAT

CARMAT is a French MedTech that designs, manufactures and markets the Aeson artificial heart. The Company's ambition is to make Aeson the first alternative to a heart transplant, and thus provide a therapeutic solution to people suffering from end-stage biventricular heart failure, who are facing a well-known shortfall in available human grafts. The world's first physiological artificial heart that is highly hemocompatible, pulsatile and self-regulated, Aeson could save, every year, the lives of thousands of patients waiting for a heart transplant. The device offers patients quality of life and mobility thanks to its ergonomic and portable external power supply system that is continuously connected to the implanted prosthesis. Aeson is commercially available as a bridge to transplant in the European Union and other countries that recognize CE marking. Aeson is also currently being assessed within the framework of an Early Feasibility Study (EFS) in the United States. Founded in 2008, CARMAT is based in the Paris region, with its head offices located in Velizy-Villacoublay and its production site in Bois-d'Arcy. The Company can rely on the talent and expertise of a multidisciplinary team of circa 200 highly specialized people. CARMAT is listed on the Euronext Growth market in Paris (Ticker: ALCAR ISIN code: FR0010907956).

For more information, please go to www.carmatsa.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

____________________

1 Corresponding to Section 3.2 of the URD.

Name: CARMAT

ISIN code: FR0010907956

Ticker: ALCAR

Disclaimer

This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe, nor a solicitation of an order to buy or subscribe to CARMAT shares in any country.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements by the Company regarding its objectives and prospects. These forward-looking statements are based on the current estimates and anticipations of the Company's management and are subject to risk factors and uncertainties, including those described in its universal registration document filed with the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorite des marches financiers) (the "AMF") on April 30, 2025 under number D.25-0345, which is available free of charge on the websites of CARMAT (www.carmatsa.com) and the AMF (www.amf-france.org).

Readers' attention is particularly drawn to the fact that the Company's current cash runway is limited to mid-June 2025 (excluding the flexible equity financing line entered into with IRIS, which was announced on March 27, 2025). The Company is also subject to other risks and uncertainties, such as its ability to implement its strategy, the pace of development of its production and sales, the pace and results of ongoing or planned clinical trials, technological evolution and competitive environment, regulatory changes, industrial risks, and all risks associated with the Company's growth management. The Company's forward-looking statements mentioned in this press release may not be achieved due to these elements or other risk factors and uncertainties, whether unknown or not considered material and specific by the Company as of today.

Aeson is an active implantable medical device commercially available in the European Union and other countries recognising the CE mark. The Aeson total artificial heart is intended to replace the ventricles of the native heart and is indicated as a bridge to transplant in patients with end-stage biventricular heart failure (Intermacs classes 1-4) who cannot benefit from maximal medical therapy or a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and who are likely to benefit from a heart transplant within 180 days of implantation. The decision to implant and the surgical procedure must be carried out by healthcare professionals trained by the manufacturer. The documentation (clinician's manual, patient's manual and alarm booklet) must be read carefully to learn about the characteristics of Aeson and the information required for patient selection and proper use (contraindications, precautions, side effects) of Aeson. In the United States, Aeson is currently only available as part of a feasibility clinical trial approved by the Food Drug Administration (FDA).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430192215/en/

Contacts:

CARMAT

Stephane Piat

Chief Executive Officer



Pascale d'Arbonneau

Deputy Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer

Tel.: +33 1 39 45 64 50

contact@carmatsas.com



NewCap

Press Relations



Nicolas Merigeau

Arthur Rouille

Tel.: +33 1 44 71 94 98

carmat@newcap.eu



NewCap

Financial Communication

& Investor Relations



Dusan Oresansky

Jeremy Digel

Tel.: +33 1 44 71 94 92

carmat@newcap.eu
CEO Dr. Matthias Metz: "We have a strong roadmap for the future, which we are implementing, and which is starting to have an effect."

CEO Region North America Darcy Clarkson: "2024 was pivotal for BSH in North America with significant growth across key categories driven by consumer-centric strategies and brand investments all despite significant market challenges."

BSH Home Appliances Group, the home appliances division of the Bosch Group, has increased its turnover by just under 3% and gained market share in North America (U.S., Canada and Mexico). The positive year-over-year performance is primarily attributable to the expansion of the portfolio. This includes products that are tailored toward respective local market preferences, allowing BSH to reinforce its presence in the region and enhance its competitiveness.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430982600/en/

Darcy Clarkson, Chief Executive Officer of Region North America

BSH continues to expand its presence across the continent with more immersive showrooms, known as Experience and Design Centers (EDC) showcasing its iconic three brands that are offered here: Bosch, Gaggenau and Thermador. With the EDCs, BSH will strengthen its market presence and continue to invest in brand awareness, as well as customer and consumer engagement.

Darcy Clarkson, CEO of Region North America, states, "2024 was pivotal for BSH in North America with significant growth across key categories, as well as a gain in market share, driven by consumer-centric strategies and brand investments all despite significant market challenges. The expansion of our Experience and Design Center network, several product launches and more bold initiatives to drive our brands more into the national spotlight for consumers and customers position us strongly for 2025."

Global Growth in Important Product Categories

Following the slump in the real estate market, in particular, which led to curbed demand and drops in turnover across product families in recent years, 2024 saw BSH return to growth.

Positive 2024 global performance included positive movement with Laundry Care (+4.1%) and Customer Service (+5.2%), along with Dish Care (+3.2%) and Consumer Products (small home appliances such as coffee machines and vacuum cleaners) (+5.5%). Cooking (-4.6%) and Cooling (-0.4%) saw slight declines due to reduced demand for built-in appliances.

Growth Region: North America

North America is designated as a growth market for BSH. This is also reflected by the expansion of the Experience and Design Center network that now includes 10 showrooms across the U.S. and Canada. Customers and consumers may now be inspired by BSH's three iconic brands, with EDCs in Miami, Vancouver and Houston added in 2024, followed by Beverly Hills and Washington, D.C. in early 2025.

BSH's North America strategy is focused on solidifying its premium positions with Thermador and Gaggenau in the luxury and ultra-luxury markets, while pursuing profitable growth opportunities with Bosch by entering new product segments with more attractive pricing. Highlighting this strategy are Bosch's first-ever Big Game TV commercial and joint campaign alongside the Bosch Group and sister consumer product division, Bosch Power Tools demonstrating ambitious growth plans in North America and driving much wider awareness of the larger Bosch brand with consumers across the continent.

BSH's strong year-to-date sales through March are boosted by increasing partnerships with retailers like Lowe's, as well as joint promotional campaigns with Bosch Power Tools. Regional product categories, too, have shown strong performance, with Thermador Cooking enjoying high demand for Pro Ranges and Ovens. And the company has achieved year-over-year market share growth, while turnover in January was also higher compared to the previous year, signalling a strong start to 2025.

Global Spending on Research and Development Substantially Above Industry Average

BSH and the Bosch Group see innovation as part of the company's DNA driving continuous record investments in research and development globally. In 2024, 5.5% of global turnover (835 million EUR) went into pioneering technologies.

"We are making massive investments in innovations that inspire people and in the required skills and structures that will allow us to turn good ideas into successful products even faster and, for the record, we are significantly above the industry average on this," explains BSH Global Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Thorsten Lucke. Furthermore, BSH's forward-looking global investments amounted to 3.4% of turnover (520 million EUR) supporting the company's product and growth strategy in all regions.

Outlook for Fiscal Year 2025

BSH is driving forward with its growth strategy in North America. The Gaggenau brand's Expressive Series, for example, just launched in April 2025 and is redefining the ultra-luxury kitchen. The design of the new series follows renowned German Bauhaus principles: clear forms, thoughtful functionality and the highest standards of craftsmanship. Comprised of ovens, steamers, microwaves, coffee and espresso machines, as well as warming and vacuuming drawers, the series marks an important milestone for the iconic brand in North America.

The company is also leading the charge when shaping the kitchen of the future. With the smart home concept playing an increasingly important role in the everyday lives of consumers, BSH was the first major home appliance manufacturer globally to bring the new Matter smart home interoperability standard to market with Matter-enabled fridge-freezers available to consumers in Europe and the United States in the course of 2025. In 2025, all new BSH refrigerators in the U.S. market will be Matter enabled giving consumers more options to control their appliances using the smart home hub of their choosing.

Despite a market and geopolitical environment that continues to pose challenges and uncertainties across all regions, BSH is optimistic about the current fiscal year building upon existing momentum from the business and its brands.

About BSH

BSH Home Appliances, headquartered in Munich, Germany, with a total turnover of EUR 15.3 billion and 57,000 employees in 2024, is a global leader in the home appliance industry. The company's brand portfolio includes 10 well-known appliance brands such as Bosch, Siemens, Gaggenau, Neff and Thermador, along with the smart home ecosystem brand Home Connect and service brands. BSH produces at 39 factories and is represented in some 50 countries.

BSH Home Appliances Corporation, headquartered in Irvine, Calif., is recognized for its high-end kitchen and home appliances, known for quality and superior design. In North America, BSH markets its products under the Bosch, Thermador and Gaggenau brands each renowned for their rich legacy and excellence. Bosch is celebrated worldwide for its precision engineered and efficient home appliances, while Thermador is synonymous with luxury kitchen solutions tailored for culinary enthusiasts. Gaggenau stands out with its avant-garde designs and professional-grade appliances, appealing to those who seek the ultimate in performance and aesthetics.

BSH is a Bosch Group company.

Further Information

Website: https://www.bsh-group.com/us/press/press-releases

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2749637/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bshgroup.NorthAmerica

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430982600/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

BSH Home Appliances Corporation North America

Title: Senior Media Relations PR Strategy

Name: Andrew de Lara

Phone: +1 949.525.3893

E-mail: Andrew.deLara@bshg.com
BH Macro Limited - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, April 30

BH Macro Limited (the "Company")

(a closed-ended collective investment scheme established as a company with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 46235)

Transaction in Own Shares

30 April 2025

BH Macro Limited (the Company) announces today it has purchased the following number of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange from J.P. Morgan Securities plc:

Ordinary Shares: - Share Class Sterling Date of purchase: 30 April 2025 Number of ordinary shares purchased: 199,277 Lowest price per share (pence) 391.50 Highest price per share (pence) 396.00 Trading venue London Aggregate volume per date per trading venue: 199,277 Weighted average price per day per trading venue (pence): 394.3415

The Company intends to hold the purchased shares in treasury.

Following the above share transactions of the relevant US Dollar and Sterling Shares, the total number of shares in issue in each share class of the Company will be as follows:

Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding Treasury) Ordinary Shares held in Treasury 335,630,449 Sterling Shares 40,110,262 Sterling Shares 27,132,086 Dollar Shares Nil Dollar Shares

From 30 April 2025, the total number of voting rights in the Company (rounded up to the whole number) is 514,349,055.

Enquiries:

Company website: www.bhmacro.com

William Simmonds

JPMorgan Cazenove

Tel: 020 7588 2828

The Company Secretary

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited

Tel: 01481 745001
KLEA HOLDING (FR0013481835 - ALKLH), a group focused on the acquisition, development and digital transformation of businesses across multiple sectors, releases the date of its Annual General Meeting to be held on June 10, 2025. The Group also announces a planned governance transition, beginning with the appointment of a new Deputy CEO and the scheduled departure of its current team.

A thoughtful transition and a team ready for new challenges.

As part of this transition, Mr. Guillaume Bremond (Chairman) and Mr. Clement Pacaud (Chief Executive Officer) have decided to hand over the reins after having respectively chaired the Board and led the Company for more than three years. Their departures will become effective on the date of the Annual General Meeting. Under their leadership, Klea Holding has achieved key milestones, including a strong and sustainable growth, a robust financial position, and record profitability levels since the IPO of the Company.

Board members Mr. Axel Richebraque and Ms. Anne Gaignard have also submitted their resignations, effective as of the date of the Annual General Meeting.

These solid foundations will support a new ambitious team expected to be led by Mr. Raphael Smila, Board Member and largest shareholder controlling more than 20% of the Company's capital[1], who today has been appointed Deputy CEO and is expected to assume the role of Chairman and CEO following the upcoming Annual General Meeting. The current management team will ensure a smooth and seamless transition by actively supporting the new team during this period.

A new governance and a new momentum.

The incoming team, expected to be led by Mr. Raphael Smila, brings a complementary set of skills, experiences, and fresh perspectives. This new team is committed to supporting Klea Holding's strong growth and implementing a renewed strategy underpinned by new projects.

At the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors will propose the appointment of the following new members:

Tarik El Aoufi, who brings recognized expertise in trading and derivatives and is also the co-founder of Perpetua Investment Group, a important shareholder of the Company

Mehdi El Jazouli, who has solid experience in finance and is also the co-founder of Perpetua Investment Group, an important shareholder of the Company, and

Romain Wastiaux, an independent board member with many years of recognized experience in banking and structured finance.

Mr. Raphael Smila expressed his enthusiasm about working alongside Klea Holding's teams to continue the Company's growth trajectory. "We are excited to collaborate with all employees and to build an even more promising future together", said Mr. Smila.

Klea Holding's future: a shared vision.

As Klea Holding prepares to embark on this new chapter, the Company remains true to its core values: innovation, excellence, and partnership. Both the outgoing and incoming leadership teams share a common vision of a dynamic, forward-looking company, fully committed to delivering high-quality solutions to its clients and partners.

About Klea Holding

Klea Holding is a group focused on acquiring, developing and digitizing companies in various sectors to maximize their growth and value. Through its "scaling industries of the future" identity, Klea Holding draws on its successful experience in developing Smart Salem, the first network of digitalized medical analysis centers accredited by the Dubai Ministry of Health (DHA) in the United Arab Emirates, and its Smart Health joint venture developed in Saudi Arabia, to extend this entrepreneurial approach to the four corners of the globe.

Klea Holding is headquartered in Paris and listed on Euronext Growth (ALKLH). For further information, please visit http://www.kleaholding.com.

Investor Relation: Jerome FABREGUETTES LEIB // +33 1 53 67 36 78 // kleaholding@actus.fr

Press Relation: Fatou-Kine N'DIAYE // +33 1 53 67 36 34 // fndiaye@actus.fr

[1] See press release dated 28 January 2025

[1] See 2024 annual financial report (Fr version only)

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Press release Paris, April 30, 2025 - 6pm

Resilient 2024 full-year results

in a challenging environment

Revenues: 95.5m, compared with 98.9m in 2023

EBIT: 4.4m (representing 4.5% of revenues), compared with 6.4m in 2023

Consolidated net income: 3.9m (representing 4.0% of revenues), compared with 5.1m in 2023

Net financial debt representing 53.9% of shareholders' equity, compared with 47.7% at December 31, 2023

ROUGIER SA, a leading player in responsible African timber, is releasing its full-year results for 2024. In a challenging global economic environment, ROUGIER delivered a solid performance, with revenues of 95.5m and consolidated net income of 3.9m. In 2025, Rougier aims to strengthen its development, particularly through its strategic partnership with Taranis, the investment and asset management company of the Perenco group, to consolidate its position in the responsible African timber market.

Activities

Consolidated revenues were down -3.4%, reflecting the slowdown in global demand amid geopolitical tensions and an uncertain economic environment

Business trends varied across regions: in Gabon, revenues fell by 4.7%, due to weaker demand for logs from local manufacturers and a wait-and-see electoral climate, while Congo revenues were down 34.4%, reflecting a challenging market environment and production delays in the second half of the year. Rougier Afrique International's trading business remained stable, supported by the expansion of its range of panel products.

Earnings

Despite the decline in revenues, EBITDA[i] improved to 16.9 m, representing 17.7% of revenues (compared with 15.2m and 15.4% in 2023). This increase reflects both a higher gross margin rate, supported in particular by a positive change in inventories in Congo, and tight control over operating costs.

After accounting for depreciation, amortization and provisions totaling 12.6m, up 3.5m from 2023, mainly due to provisions for customer risks (0.6m) and inventory write-backs in Congo (1.9m), EBIT came to 4.4m, compared with 6.4m the previous year. The operating margin rate therefore stood at 4.6% of revenues, versus 6.5% in 2023.

Net financial expense remained under control at 0.8m, and after a tax charge of 0.7m, consolidated net income came to 3.9m, of which 2.7m Group share.

Financial structure

Consolidated shareholders' equity increased by +3.5m to 24.5m (compared with 21.1m at end-2023), supported by earnings for the year.

Consolidated net financial debt[ii] totaled 13.2m at December 31, 2024, up +3.2m year-on-year. It represents 53.9% of shareholders' equity at December 31, 2024, compared with 47.7% the previous year. This mainly includes bank borrowings from Rougier Afrique International's subsidiaries (5.4m, including 3.1m in non-current liabilities), other borrowings and related debts (8.1m) - including the blocked shareholder current account of Rougier Afrique International's minority partner - as well as bank overdrafts (2.4m) and 2.7m of cash.

Summary table

m

Audited consolidated data 2024 2023 Change

Income statement Revenues 95.5 98.9 (3.4)% EBITDA 16.9 15.2 +11.2% % of revenues 17.7% 15.4% Income from ordinary operations[iii] 4.3 6.1 (29.4)% % of revenues 4.5% 6.1% EBIT 4.4 6.4 (31.5)% % of revenues 4.6% 6.5% Net income 3.9 5.1 (24.3)% % of revenues 4.0% 5.2% Net income (Group share) 2.7 3.5 (23.0)% % of revenues 2.8% 3.5%

Balance sheet Shareholders' equity 24.5 21.1 +16.4% Gross financial debt 15.9 14.0 +13.9% Cash and cash equivalents 2.7 4.0 (30.7)%

Outlook

ROUGIER is pursuing its strategy focused on the certified and responsible harvesting of natural forests in Gabon and the Republic of Congo, while developing international trading of African tropical timber for markets increasingly driven on traceability and sustainability requirements.

In 2025, despite the uncertain economic context, ROUGIER aims to stabilize its activities and move forward with its environmental commitments, particularly through its strategic partnership with Taranis announced on February 5, 2025[iv]. This partnership paves the way for new synergies to accelerate the local energy transition and support sustainable, inclusive growth in Central Africa.

With its resilient model and strong commitments, ROUGIER intends to further strengthen its position as a key player in the timber sector, a driver of development for Central Africa.

Additional information

The corporate and consolidated financial statements for 2024 were approved by the Board of Directors on 25 April 2025. The 2024 annual financial report can be downloaded from www.rougier.fr under Financial Documentation / Reports.

Financial calendar

The General Meeting ruling on the accounts for 2024 will be held on June 26, 2025.

About ROUGIER

Founded in 1923, ROUGIER is a leader in responsible African timber. With operations in Central Africa (Gabon and the Republic of Congo), it is involved in the management of 100% responsible natural forests certified by independent international labels, in industrial processing and in international trade.

ISIN: FR0000037640 - ALRGR

www.rougier.fr

Contact

Cyril Combe

rougier@actus.fr

Tel: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 36

[i] EBITDA measures the Group's operating income before depreciation, amortization and provisions, and before the impact of non-recurring operations. It is determined based on income from ordinary operations before non-recurring items shown in the consolidated income statement, less the impact of depreciation, amortization and provisions.

M 2024 2023 Income from ordinary operations 4.3 6.1 + Depreciation and amortization 7.6 6.8 + Provisions 5.0 2.3 EBITDA 16.9 15.2

[ii] This indicator monitoring the Group's debt is determined based on the total amount of current and non-current financial debt recognized as liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet, representing the gross financial debt, less the impact of the cash and cash equivalents recorded as assets on the consolidated balance sheet.

[iii] Income from ordinary operating represents the EBIT from the company's core activities, excluding certain non-recurring items that could distort the assessment of the company's recurring performance due to their unusual, abnormal, or infrequent nature.

[iv] Taranis, the investment and asset management company of the Perenco group, signed an agreement on January 28th, 2025 for the acquisition of a minority stake (35%) in Rougier Afrique International from the Deposit and Consignment Fund of Gabon. This transaction remains subject to the required administrative and regulatory approvals.

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The Mint earns global industry recognition for a double-sided Extraordinarily High Relief pure silver coin celebrating the Year of the Dragon and its collaboration with McGill University on a more environementally responsible gold refining process

OTTAWA, ON, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Royal Canadian Mint is delighted to have twice earned global recognition for its coin manufacturing execellence and innovation by winning the Best Commemorative Silver Coin and the Best Collaboration coin awards of the 2025 Mint Directors Conference (MDC). The Mint was first recognized for its 2024 $50 Pure Silver Coin - Year of the Dragon, a new technical achievement that enhances the relief of a stunning Wood Dragon design to an impressive height of 4.7 mm on the reverse and created a rear view of the dragon in an equally impressive obverse relief. As well, our partnership with the Department of Chemistry at Montreal's McGill University, to develop a more environmentally responsible gold refining process, was recognized as the global minting industry's best collaboration.

The 2025 MDC is host to the prestigious Coin Awards, recognising industry achievements in the design, production, packaging, and distribution of commemorative and circulating coins worldwide.

"The Royal Canadian Mint is passionate about innovating to keep demonstrating the excellence and artistry of our world-famous coin products, as well as the sustainability of our processes," said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "To be recognized in two award categories by the Mint Directors Conference judges is a tremendous peer endorsement of our commitment to finding new ways to delight our customers while finding more caring and sustainable ways to continue leading the global minting community."

Designed by Canadian artist Simon Ng, our award-winning pure silver coin celebrates the Year of the Wood Dragon through an elaborate EHR engraving of a dragon, the fifth sign in the Chinese Zodiac. Framed by a laser-engraved pattern that represents the wood element, the dragon is shown moving among the clouds of a night sky illuminated by the moon, its tail coiled to form the shape of lucky number 8. A rear view of that same scene is rendered in EHR on the obverse. Above the obverse engraving appears the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, accompanied by a special device of four pearls symbolizing her four different effigies to have graced Canadian coins, as well as the double date of her reign.

The goal of the Mint's work with McGill University is to transform gold refining by replacing the longstanding Miller Chlorination process, which relies on the injection of chlorine gas separate impurities from molten gold. Our collaboration has, at a lab scale, resulted in a process that eliminates chlorine gas almost entirely by introducing an acoustic mechanochemical process to catalyze a chemical reaction with a mild reagent. The process, which yields pure gold in soluble form is non-toxic and less energy-intensive, and is safer for people and the environment.

This innovation builds on previous work done by the Mint in 2019 to reduce chlorine use in its gold refining operations. At that time, the Mint introduced acid-less separation (ALS) technology, that reduced the use of chlorine gas by more than 50% in the Ottawa refinery.

Images and video of the 2024 Pure Silver Coin - Year of the Dragon can be found here.

About the Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Mint is one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as well as Canada's prestigious military and civilian honours. As an established London and COMEX Good Delivery refiner, the Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver refining services. As an organization that strives to take better care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates, the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices in every aspect of its operations.

For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca. Follow the Mint on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

For more information, please contact: Alex Reeves, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, (613) 884-6370, reeves@mint.ca

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/royal-canadian-mint-wins-two-2025-mint-directors-conference-coin-awards-302442975.html
Regulatory News:

emeis S.A. (the "Company") (Paris:EMEIS) filed, today, its 2024 Universal Registration Document (document d'enregistrement universel) with the French Autorite des Marches Financiers ("AMF").

The 2024 Universal Registration Document, filed in xHTML version, is made available to the public under the conditions provided for by the regulations in force.

It includes:

the annual financial report including the 2024 management report and the Company's individual accounts and the Group's consolidated financial statements;

the sustainability information;

the report of the Board of Directors on Corporate Governance;

the Statutory Auditors' reports.

The 2024 Universal Registration Document provides up-to-date information, notably on page 362, on the current situation and outlook of the Group.

The 2024 Universal Registration Document is available (in French) on the website of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and on the Company's website www.emeis.com, Section Investors Shareholders Financial information and publications Universal Registration Document.

It can also be sent by e-mail upon request sent to relations-investisseurs@emeis.com and it is available free of charge and upon written request sent to the Company's headquarters (emeis S.A., Investor Relations Department, 12 rue Jean Jaures 92813 Puteaux Cedex).

An English version will be available on the Company's website without undue delay.

About emeis

With nearly 83,500 experts and professionals in healthcare, care, and supporting the most vulnerable among us, emeis operates in around twenty countries with five core activities: psychiatric clinics, medical care and rehabilitation clinics, nursing homes, home care services, and assisted-living facilities.

Every year, emeis welcomes around 280,000 residents, patients, and other beneficiaries. emeis is committed and taking action to rise to a major challenge facing our society, i.e, the increase in the number of people placed in a vulnerable position as a result of accidents, old age, or cases of mental illness.

emeis is 50.3% owned by Caisse des Depots, CNP Assurances, MAIF, and MACSF Epargne Retraite. It is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (ISIN: FR001400NLM4) and is a member of the SBF 120 and CAC Mid 60 indices.

Website: www.emeis.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430033538/en/

Contacts:

Press Contacts

Isabelle HERRIER NAUFLE

Medias e-reputation Director

+33 7 70 29 53 74

isabelle.herrier@emeis.com



IMAGE 7

Charlotte LE BARBIER // Laurence HEILBRONN

+33 6 78 37 27 60 // +336 89 87 61 37

clebarbier@image7.fr // lheilbronn@image7.fr



Investor Relations

Samuel HENRY DIESBACH

Investor Relations Director

samuel.henry-diesbach@emeis.com



Toll-free number for shareholders (from France Only)

0 805 480 480



NEWCAP

Dusan ORESANSKY

+33 1 44 71 94 94

emeis@newcap.eu
95% of B2B buyers say Self-Service Portals improve efficiency, but many suppliers lag behind customer expectations

BERLIN and NEW YORK, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spryker, the leading composable commerce platform for global enterprises, today announces findings from a new study released in partnership with Statista+. The findings reveal that as digital-first expectations reshape the B2B landscape, there is a growing urgency for enterprises to offer Self-Service Portals (SSPs) as a core part of the aftersales experience. The study, which surveys 100 U.S.-based B2B buyers across Automotive, MedTech, Agriculture, and Industrial Manufacturing sectors, highlights a widening "SSP Opportunity Gap"-the space between buyer demand for self-service capabilities and the limited availability offered by suppliers.

Key findings include:

SSPs are the second most preferred B2B aftersales channel, yet rank only fourth in actual usage.



95% of buyers believe SSPs improve purchasing efficiency, with two-thirds saving 30 to 60 minutes per transaction.



Only 32% of non-SSP users are satisfied with their aftersales experience, compared to 86% of SSP users.



88% of buyers say SSP availability influences their choice to continue purchasing from a supplier.

"There is a real opportunity here for enterprises looking to get ahead. As B2B buyers increasingly expect seamless, digital-first experiences, SSPs move from 'nice-to-have' to 'must-have,'" says Boris Lokschin, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Spryker. "The study finds that 79% of buyers believe SSPs will play an important role in B2B purchasing and aftersales. That's not just demand, it's a clear signal that the market is shifting."

According to Gartner, 75% of organizations will complete their highest-revenue deals via digital channels by 2028. As organizations are pushed to increase efficiency while delivering seamless customer experiences, the urgency for digital transformation accelerates. Paired with the need to do more with less, scalable and efficient service models become essential.

"Buyers want control and speed without sacrificing trust or performance," says Elena Leonova, Chief Product Officer at Spryker. "With 51% of buyers facing technical issues or downtime while using SSPs, the importance of choosing a robust, enterprise-grade solution designed for stability, security, and scalability is paramount."

Spryker's Self-Service Portal is designed to unify fragmented customer interactions into a single, user-friendly platform. It offers features like 24/7 account dashboards, asset and claims management, and account-specific pricing. As a one-stop shop, it supports a seamless aftersales experience, increasing efficiency, improving customer satisfaction, and driving profitable growth.

The study dives deeper into buyer expectations across industries, the most critical SSP features, and what sets digital leaders apart in today's B2B market. Read the full study findings here .

Methodology

The study, conducted by Statista+ on behalf of Spryker in March 2025, included 100 U.S.-based B2B buyers from four key industries: Automotive, MedTech, Agriculture, and Industrial Manufacturing.Data was collected through 10-minute Computer-Aided Telephone Interviews (CATI), including screen-sharing, to ensure clarity and accuracy. Participants were selected to provide a balance across industries. All respondents are involved in B2B purchasing processes and engage in aftersales transactions. The sample includes SSP users and non-users, providing a balanced view of current practices, pain points, and future expectations. Fieldwork was conducted between March 17-21, 2025.

About Spryker

Spryker is the leading global composable commerce platform for enterprises with complex use cases to enable growth, innovation, and differentiation. Designed specifically for sophisticated transactional businesses, Spryker's easy-to-use, headless, API-first model enables businesses to adapt, scale, and quickly go to market while facilitating faster time-to-value throughout their digital transformation journey. As a global platform leader for B2B and B2C Enterprise Marketplaces, IoT Commerce, and Unified Commerce, Spryker has empowered 150+ global enterprise customers worldwide and is trusted by brands such as ALDI, Siemens, ZF Friedrichshafen, and Ricoh. Spryker is a privately held technology company headquartered in Berlin and New York backed by world class investors such as TCV, One Peak, Project A, Cherry Ventures, and Maverick Capital. Learn more at spryker.com and follow Spryker on LinkedIn and X .

press@spryker.com
Regulatory News:

The Annual Combined General Meeting of the Shareholders of Tikehau Capital (Paris:TKO) was held today under the chairmanship of Mr. Christian de Labriffe, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, and was broadcasted on the company's website where a replay will also be available.

The quorum was established at 92.66%.

All of the resolutions proposed by the Managers were approved, including those related to the approval of 2024 annual and consolidated financial statements, and the distribution of a dividend of 0.80 per share, representing a 7% increase compared to the 0.75 reference dividend distributed for the 2023 financial year. The payment of this dividend will take place on 6 May 2025.

This General Meeting was an opportunity to review Tikehau Capital's activities and results in 2024 and share perspectives on the Group's growth ambitions. It also included a discussion on the dynamics of listed markets in 2024 and early 2025, an update on Tikehau Capital's Capital Markets Strategies platform and on the Group's broad range of solutions to address private clients' growing demand to access private markets.

In 2024, Tikehau Capital once again demonstrated the resilience of its business model amid a more complex macroeconomic environment. The Group continued to successfully execute its strategic roadmap, delivering strong growth in assets under management and creating substantial value for all its stakeholders.

Looking ahead, Tikehau Capital remains well positioned to continue its expansion and development in a context of renewed volatility and uncertainty.

Important information

The detailed results of votes will be published on the company's website at: www.tikehaucapital.com (section: Shareholders General Meetings Annual Shareholders Meeting 30 April 2025).

CALENDAR

30 July 2025 2025 half-year results (after market close) Management presentation to be held via audiocast 23 October 2025 Q3 2025 announcement (after market close)

ABOUT TIKEHAU CAPITAL

Tikehau Capital is a global alternative asset management Group with 50.6 billion of assets under management (at 31 March 2025).

Tikehau Capital has developed a wide range of expertise across four asset classes (credit, real assets, private equity and capital markets strategies) as well as multi-asset and special opportunities strategies.

Tikehau Capital is a founder-led team with a differentiated business model, a strong balance sheet, proprietary global deal flow and a track record of backing high quality companies and executives.

Deeply rooted in the real economy, Tikehau Capital provides bespoke and innovative alternative financing solutions to companies it invests in and seeks to create long-term value for its investors, while generating positive impacts on society. Leveraging its strong equity base (3.2 billion of shareholders' equity at 31 December 2024), the Group invests its own capital alongside its investor-clients within each of its strategies.

Controlled by its managers alongside leading institutional partners, Tikehau Capital is guided by a strong entrepreneurial spirit and DNA, shared by its 750 employees (at 31 March 2025) across its 17 offices in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.

Tikehau Capital is listed in compartment A of the regulated Euronext Paris market (ISIN code: FR0013230612; Ticker: TKO.FP). For more information, please visit: www.tikehaucapital.com.

DISCLAIMER

This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale or investment advisory services. It contains general information only and is not intended to provide general or specific investment advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future earnings and profit, and targets are not guaranteed.

Certain statements and forecasted data are based on current forecasts, prevailing market and economic conditions, estimates, projections and opinions of Tikehau Capital and/or its affiliates. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those reflected or expected in such forward-looking statements or in any of the case studies or forecasts. All references to Tikehau Capital's advisory activities in the US or with respect to US persons relate to Tikehau Capital North America.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430830450/en/

Contacts:

PRESS CONTACTS:

Tikehau Capital: Valerie Sueur +33 1 53 50 03 64

UK Prosek Partners: Philip Walters +44 (0) 7773 331 589

USA Prosek Partners: Trevor Gibbons +1 646 818 9238

press@tikehaucapital.com



SHAREHOLDER AND INVESTOR CONTACTS:

Louis Igonet +33 1 40 06 11 11

Theodora Xu +33 1 40 06 18 56

Julie Tomasi +33 1 40 06 58 44

shareholders@tikehaucapital.com
Press release - Regulatory information

Sainte-Marie, April 30, 2025, 8 :30p.m.





COMBINED GENERAL MEETING OF APRIL 30, 2025

Approval of all resolutions

Dividend of 0.24 euro per share paid in cash on June 13





CBo Territoria's Combined General Shareholders' Meeting, held on April 30 in Sainte-Marie (La Reunion) under the presidency of Mrs. Geraldine Neyret Gleizes, adopted all resolutions except the fifth resolution regarding the appointment of an auditor responsible for certifying sustainability information. The Board of Directors had called for its rejection due to the announced postponement of the application of CSRD to wave 2 companies, with a quorum of 38.74% for the ordinary part and 38.55% for the extraordinary part, including notably:

the parent company and consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2024,

the renewal of Mr. Guy Dupont's mandate as director

the appropriation of net income for the year, and the distribution of a dividend of 0.24 euro per share, with the coupon being detached on June 11 and be paid in full in cash on June 13, 2025,

resolutions on remuneration of corporate officers and members of the Board of Directors, including non-voting directors,

and the renewal of financial delegations to the Board of Directors.



In accordance with regulations, a recording of the Assembly will be available on the Company's website no later than seven working days after the date of the Assembly and will remain accessible for at least two years.



Detailed voting results and minutes of the Combined General Meeting will be accessible on the CBo Territoria website under Finance/Regulated information.





2025 Financial calendar

Results for the 1st half of 2025: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 (after market close)

More information on www.cboterritoria.com





About CBo Territoria (FR0010193979, CBOT)

CBo Territoria has been a major real estate operator in La Reunion for nearly 20 years and has evolved into a multi-regional property developer specializing in tertiary assets (378.28 million assets in value at end 2024). The Group is pursuing its expansion through the exploitation of its land reserves or through land acquisition, as it is involved in the full real estate value chain (property developer, property investor, and real estate company). CBo Territoria can finance its development through its activities as a residential developer (apartment buildings or sale of land plots) and, secondarily, as a service provider, as well as through the planned transfer of its residual residential properties to SHLMR.

CBo Territoria is a real estate investment firm listed on Euronext Paris (compartment "C") that is qualified for the PEA PME finance program (small and medium-sized enterprises). Responsible and committed to a more sustainable real estate since its inception, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is by nature in the company's DNA. Its commitment and actions are recognized by the Gaia-Index, the French benchmark index of the most virtuous small and mid-cap companies in terms of CSR. Since its entry in 2016, CBo Territoria has remained at the top of its category.



INVESTORS Contacts

Caroline Clapier - Director of Finance and Administration - direction@cboterritoria.com

Agnes Villeret - Komodo - Tel.: 06 83 28 04 15 - agnes.villeret@agence-komodo.com

PRESS Contacts

Finance: Agnes Villeret - agnes.villeret@agence-komodo.com

Corporate - Paris: Dina Morin - dmorin@capvalue.fr

La Reunion & Mayotte: Catherine Galatoire - cgalatoire@cboterritoria.com

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Teams equip mission-driven organizations with the tools, training, and tech to drive real impact and transformation.

Jean Ekwa, Strategic Communications & PR Lead, Tech To The Rescue

The power of AI is shaping industries, revolutionizing business, and transforming how we solve complex challenges. But while corporations and governments are investing heavily in AI innovation, many nonprofits risk being left behind-lacking the resources, expertise, or infrastructure to harness AI for impact. How can technology leaders support these organizations?

In a recent Tech for Good Talks podcast, Alice Damasceno, Director of Corporate Citizenship and ESG Communications for Lenovo Latin America, sat down in Sao Paulo with Ana Camerano from Tech To The Rescue (TTTR), a global nonprofit foundation that connects ambitious nonprofits with technology companies willing to support them with pro-bono solutions. They discussed Lenovo's vision for AI-driven impact, the company's approach to corporate citizenship, and how the Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab is giving nonprofits the tools and resources they need to integrate AI.

A partnership turning innovation into action

Lenovo and TTTR share a common belief: AI should be accessible and inclusive.

That's why Lenovo joined TTTR's AI for Changemakers Accelerator, an initiative backed by other major tech players. The accelerator matches nonprofits with skilled volunteer technologists who help them design and implement AI solutions tailored to their missions.

The Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab takes this support a step further-equipping ten selected nonprofits with cutting-edge Lenovo hardware, AI tools, and expert guidance to help them turn their AI aspirations into real-world impact.

For Lenovo, this collaboration is part of a broader vision to make AI a force for inclusion rather than a driver of inequality. As Alice Damasceno explained in the podcast, Lenovo sees its role in social impact not just as a donor but as a strategic enabler-ensuring that technology is developed and deployed in ethical and equitable ways.

How AI drives social change

For Lenovo, corporate citizenship is more than philanthropy-it is about leveraging technology to serve people and the planet. Alice Damasceno explains that Lenovo's approach is centered on Smarter Technology for All, ensuring that innovation advances business while addressing critical social and environmental challenges.

During the conversation, Damasceno shared inspiring real-world examples of how Lenovo is applying AI to solve pressing issues:

Indigenous Language Preservation - Lenovo works to integrate endangered languages into Motorola devices, ensuring that Indigenous communities can access and use technology in their native tongues.

AI-Powered Assistive Technology - With partners like the Scott-Morgan Foundation, Lenovo develops AI-driven avatars that allow ALS patients to communicate even after losing their ability to speak.

Disaster Relief Technology - Following natural disasters, Lenovo provides immediate aid and AI-driven tools to help communities recover more effectively.

AI for Accessibility - A Lenovo project in Brazil uses AI to translate Brazilian sign language (Libras) into text, making digital services more inclusive for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

These examples highlight a fundamental shift in how corporations approach social impact-not just through financial contributions but through strategic, tech-driven interventions that create sustainable change.

The role of corporate citizenship in a changing world

Reflecting on her career in social impact, Alice Damasceno emphasized the growing role of technology companies in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable future.

Corporate citizenship, she explains, is not an afterthought but an integral part of how Lenovo operates-embedding ESG principles, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement into its core business strategy.

"The world's challenges are complex, but technology can be part of the solution," says Damasceno. "By engaging employees, partnering with nonprofits, and investing in AI-driven impact projects, we are creating a model where businesses can thrive while driving meaningful change."

The Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab helps ensure that AI innovation doesn't remain a privilege of corporations-it becomes a tool for global problem-solving, available to those who need it most.

Looking ahead: how the tech industry can respond

As AI and emerging technologies continue to evolve, the collaboration between corporations, nonprofits, and impact-driven organizations will be critical in ensuring that these innovations benefit society.

This is a long-term commitment for Lenovo-part of its broader Smarter AI for All strategy, ensuring that AI innovation serves people, not just profits. For Tech To The Rescue, this partnership is a blueprint for how corporations and nonprofits can collaborate to make AI a true tool for social transformation.

"If we don't make AI accessible to mission-driven organizations, we risk deepening the digital divide," said Damasceno in the podcast. "But when we give nonprofits the right tools, knowledge, and partners, they can solve problems in ways we never imagined."

The real question isn't whether nonprofits should use AI - the question is whether the tech industry will step up to ensure they can.

Watch the full conversation here

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Lenovo on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Lenovo

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/lenovo

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Lenovo

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/unlocking-ais-potential-for-nonprofits-with-lenovo-and-tech-to-the-res-1021889
Regulatory News:

In accordance with its policy in favor of employee shareholding, TotalEnergies SE (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE) (the "Corporation") is implementing its annual capital increase reserved for employees and former employees of the TotalEnergies company (the "Company"). Through this operation, TotalEnergies SE intends to continue involving its employees in the Company's growth. Employee shareholders, within the meaning of Article L. 225-102 of the French Commercial Code and article 11 par. 6 of the Articles of Association of TotalEnergies SE, held 8.4% of TotalEnergies SE's share capital as of March 31, 2025.

The twenty-second resolution of the Shareholders' Meeting held on May 24, 2024 granted the Board of Directors (the "Board") the authority to decide, within a maximum period of 26 months, to carry out one or more capital increases of ordinary shares without preferential subscription rights, not to exceed 1.5% of the share capital at the date of the Board meeting deciding on the operation and reserved to members of a savings plan pursuant to the provisions of Articles L. 225-129 et seq., L. 225-138 and L. 225-138-1 of the French Commercial Code and Articles L. 3332-1 to L. 3332-9 and L. 3332-18 to L. 3332-24 of the French Labor Code.

The Board, pursuant to the above-mentioned authorization, decided during its meeting on October 30, 2024, to carry out, in 2025, a new share capital increase reserved for employees and former employees of the Company pursuant to the following conditions:

Maximum number of shares to be offered and total amount of the offer: 18 million shares with a nominal value of 2.50 each, representing a total nominal amount of 45 million, which is the equivalent of 0.75% of the share capital as of the date of the Board's decision.

Description of the newly issued shares:same category as existing TotalEnergies shares with immediate dividend rights. The rights attached to the newly issued shares are the same as the rights attached to the existing shares of the Corporation, and are described in the Articles of Association of TotalEnergies SE.

Listing of the newly issued shares on Euronext:on the same line as existing TotalEnergies shares (ISIN code FR0000120271), from their issuance. American Depositary Receipts admitted to trading on the New York Stock Exchange may be issued in exchange for the new shares.

Share subscription price: equal to price corresponding to the average of the closing prices of the TotalEnergies shares on Euronext over the 20 trading sessions preceding the date of the decision setting the opening date for the subscription period, reduced by a 20% discount, and rounded off to the highest tenth of a euro. The subscription price will be definitively fixed before the beginning of the subscription period.

By delegation of the Board of directors, the Chairman and CEO, on April 29, 2025:

confirmed the subscription period as follows:

opening on May 2, 2025

- closing on May 15, 2025 (included)

fixed the subscription price to 42.50 per share, corresponding to the arithmetic average of the closing prices of the TotalEnergies shares on Euronext Paris over the 20 trading sessions preceding April 29, 2025, reduced by a 20% discount, and rounded off to the highest tenth of a euro.

Please refer to the appendix to this press release for further information on this operation.

____

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas, biogas and low-carbon hydrogen, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.

@TotalEnergiesTotalEnergiesTotalEnergiesTotalEnergies

Cautionary Note

The program, reserved to eligible employees and retirees of the Company, will be implemented in France as well as in certain foreign countries, including the United States, where the shares offered in the United States will be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Shares and FCPE units offered outside the United States will not be registered with the SEC. In particular, the units of the below-mentioned FCPEs cannot be offered or sold in the United States directly or indirectly (or in its territories or possessions), or for the benefit of a "U.S. Person", as defined in American regulations. Persons wishing to subscribe to units in these FCPEs, will have to certify, when subscribing, that they are not "U.S. Persons". The definition of "U.S. Person" is available on the FCPE Management Company's website (www.amundi.com).

This press release is produced for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer for the sale or the subscription of securities. Moreover, this press release should not be distributed in the countries where the offering remains subject to approval of the local authorities.

The offer will be issued only in the countries where the local administrative and regulatory procedures have been implemented (in particular, the registration procedures, notification, granting of authorizations and/or applicable exemptions and the information or the consultation of the representatives of the employees).

This press release represents the document required to qualify for the exemption from the requirement to publish a prospectus as defined in Articles 1 4i) and 5h) of the Regulation (UE) 2017/1129 of June 14, 2017.

Appendix to the press release on April 30, 2025

Issuer: TotalEnergies SE

Information related to TotalEnergies SE is available on its website (www.totalenergies.com) and more specifically in its 2024 Universal Registration Document, the French version of which was filed with the Autorite des marches financiers ("AMF") on March 31, 2025 under the registration number D. 25-0203 and is also available free of charge at the head office of TotalEnergies SE.

SCOPE OF THE RESERVED OFFERING: CORPORATIONS AND BENEFICIARIES

Approximately 115,000 beneficiaries are eligible to participate in the 2025 capital increase.

Subject to compliance with regulations and required administrative approvals being obtained in the different countries, this capital increase will be reserved to employees and former employees of the Corporation and its French and non-French subsidiaries, the capital or voting rights of which, as of the opening date for the subscription period, are directly or indirectly held at more than 50% by TotalEnergies SE (the "Subsidiaries"), members of the PEG-A:

employees of TotalEnergies SE and its Subsidiaries:

who have at least 3 months of employment with the Company as of the last day of the subscription period; and

former employees of TotalEnergies SE or the Subsidiaries, if they:

have left the Company due to retirement or early retirement;

had made at least one payment in the PEG-A before termination of their employment;

still have assets invested in the PEG-A, and, thus, are members of the plan.

MATCHING CONTRIBUTION

Employees subscribing to the offering will benefit from a matching contribution in the form of a free allotment of additional shares, determined based on the amount of the personal contribution and within the limits of ten free shares per employee and within the maximum amount of the offering set by the Board at its meeting on October 30, 2024.

SUBSCRIPTION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The beneficiaries will have the opportunity to subscribe via employee shareholding funds ("FCPEs") created for the needs of this offering and which have been approved by the AMF. In the countries where this option is not available the shares will be directly subscribed.

Voting rights attached to the shares subscribed through an FCPE will be exercised by the Supervisory Board of such FCPE. With respect to the shares subscribed directly by employees, the voting rights will be exercised by the subscribers individually.

MAXIMUM SUBSCRIPTION

Pursuant to Article L. 3332-10 of the French Labor Code, the amount of the payments made each year by an employee as part of a savings plan (excluding matching contribution and profit-sharing schemes, i.e., interessement and participation) cannot exceed one quarter of the employee's gross annual salary.

LOCK-UP PERIOD FOR THE UNITS OR SHARES

Pursuant to Article L. 3332-25 of the French Labor Code, shares or FCPE units subscribed in this offering must be held during a lock-up period of five years, except for certain early release cases provided for by Articles L. 3324-10 et R. 3324-22 of the French Labor Code. For beneficiaries who are not French tax residents, the list of early release cases may be adapted due to legal provisions applicable locally.

RULE FOR REDUCTION OF SUBSCRIPTION REQUESTS

The capital increase will be fulfilled by the total number of shares subscribed directly by employees and via the FCPEs. If the total number of subscribed shares exceeds the maximum number of shares offered by the Board of Directors at its meeting on October 30, 2024 (18 million shares, including shares allotted as an immediate employer contribution), the subscriptions will be cut back in the following manner:

all subscription undertakings will be fully honored up to the subscription average, defined as the quotient between the maximum number of shares offered by the Board and the number of subscribers,

- subscriptions undertakings that exceed the subscription average will be fulfilled in proportion to the number of subscription undertakings not yet fulfilled with the reduction being made as follows:

the reduction will be carried out on a pro rata basis according to the subscription undertakings; and

the reduction will be carried out first on the portion of the offer paid with salary advance then, when applicable, on the portion paid with profit-sharing schemes and then on the portion paid in cash.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430981362/en/

Contacts:

TotalEnergies

Media Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPR

Investor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@totalenergies.com
BANGALORE, India, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenhouse Horticulture Market is Segmented by Type (Plastic, Glass), by Application (Ornamentals, Vegetables, Fruit).

The Global Greenhouse Horticulture Market revenue was USD 21760 Million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 31370 Million by 2029 with a CAGR of 5.3% during the review period (2023-2029).

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Major Factors Driving the Growth of Greenhouse Horticulture Market:

The global greenhouse horticulture market is experiencing robust growth, propelled by factors such as rising food demand, urbanization, climate change, and technological advancements. Greenhouses offer a viable solution for consistent, high-yield crop production, even in regions with limited arable land or unfavorable weather conditions. The market benefits from increasing consumer demand for fresh, locally grown produce and the growing appeal of sustainable agriculture practices. Both plastic and glass greenhouses are being adopted based on their respective cost, durability, and environmental control advantages. With strong government support, expanding export opportunities, and private sector investments, the greenhouse horticulture industry is poised for continued expansion, playing a pivotal role in addressing global food security and agricultural resilience.

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE GREENHOUSE HORTICULTURE MARKET:

The cultivation of fruits and vegetables within greenhouse environments has been a significant driver of growth in the horticulture market. Greenhouses offer controlled conditions that mitigate the challenges posed by climate variability, pests, and diseases, ensuring consistent and high-quality produce. This reliability is crucial for meeting the increasing consumer demand for fresh, nutritious, and locally grown fruits and vegetables. Crops such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and leafy greens thrive in greenhouse settings, where factors like temperature, humidity, and light can be optimized. The ability to produce these crops year-round enhances food security and reduces dependence on seasonal imports. Moreover, greenhouse cultivation supports sustainable practices by enabling efficient water use and reducing the need for chemical inputs. The profitability of high-value crops grown in greenhouses attracts investment and encourages technological innovation in horticulture. As urbanization and health consciousness rise, the demand for greenhouse-grown fruits and vegetables is expected to continue its upward trajectory, further propelling the greenhouse horticulture market.

Plastic greenhouses have significantly contributed to the expansion of the greenhouse horticulture market by offering cost-effective and adaptable solutions for crop cultivation. These structures utilize plastic films, such as polyethylene, which are more affordable than traditional materials like glass. The flexibility of plastic allows for the construction of various greenhouse designs, catering to different climatic conditions and crop requirements. Moreover, advancements in plastic technology have led to the development of films with enhanced properties, including UV resistance and thermal insulation, improving plant growth conditions. The lightweight nature of plastic greenhouses facilitates easier installation and relocation, making them accessible to small and medium-scale farmers. Additionally, plastic greenhouses enable year-round cultivation, protecting crops from adverse weather and pests, thereby increasing yield and quality. This affordability and versatility have made plastic greenhouses particularly popular in developing regions, where they support food security and sustainable agriculture practices. Consequently, the widespread adoption of plastic greenhouses continues to drive growth in the global greenhouse horticulture market.

Glass greenhouses play a pivotal role in advancing the greenhouse horticulture market by providing durable and efficient environments for high-value crop production. The transparency of glass allows maximum sunlight penetration, essential for photosynthesis and optimal plant growth. Unlike plastic, glass offers superior longevity and structural integrity, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintenance. This durability makes glass greenhouses a preferred choice for commercial operations focusing on crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and ornamental plants. Furthermore, glass structures can be integrated with advanced climate control systems, including automated ventilation, heating, and irrigation, enabling precise regulation of internal conditions. Such control enhances crop yield, quality, and consistency, meeting the demands of both local and export markets. In regions with less favorable outdoor growing conditions, glass greenhouses provide a reliable solution for year-round cultivation. The initial investment in glass greenhouses is offset by their long-term benefits and productivity gains. As the demand for high-quality produce increases globally, the adoption of glass greenhouse technology continues to bolster the growth of the greenhouse horticulture market.

The escalating global population has intensified the demand for food, necessitating increased agricultural productivity. Greenhouse horticulture addresses this need by enabling controlled environment agriculture, which allows for higher crop yields per unit area compared to traditional farming. By mitigating the effects of adverse weather conditions and pests, greenhouses ensure a stable food supply. This reliability is particularly vital in regions facing food insecurity, where consistent production can alleviate hunger and malnutrition. Additionally, the ability to cultivate crops year-round in greenhouses contributes to a more resilient food system. As the global community seeks solutions to feed a growing population sustainably, greenhouse horticulture emerges as a key strategy, driving its market growth.

Climate change poses significant risks to agriculture through increased frequency of extreme weather events, shifting growing seasons, and the proliferation of pests and diseases. Greenhouse horticulture mitigates these risks by providing controlled environments that shield crops from external climatic variations. This stability ensures consistent production and reduces crop losses, enhancing food security. Furthermore, greenhouses can be designed to minimize environmental impact through efficient resource use, including water and energy conservation. By offering a sustainable alternative to open-field farming in the face of climate challenges, greenhouse horticulture is gaining traction, fueling market growth.

Governments worldwide are recognizing the benefits of greenhouse horticulture and are implementing policies and incentives to promote its adoption. These include subsidies for greenhouse construction, tax incentives, and funding for research and development in controlled environment agriculture. Such support lowers the financial barriers for farmers and encourages investment in greenhouse technologies. Additionally, policy frameworks that prioritize food security and sustainable agriculture further bolster the greenhouse horticulture sector. As governmental backing continues to strengthen, it plays a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of the greenhouse horticulture market.

There is a growing consumer preference for fresh, locally sourced, and pesticide-free produce, driven by health consciousness and environmental awareness. Greenhouse horticulture meets this demand by enabling the production of high-quality fruits and vegetables close to urban centers. This proximity reduces the time between harvest and consumption, preserving nutritional value and taste. Moreover, controlled environments minimize the need for chemical inputs, aligning with consumer desires for cleaner food options. The ability to satisfy these consumer trends positions greenhouse horticulture as a key player in the modern food supply chain, stimulating market growth.

Greenhouse horticulture facilitates the production of uniform, high-quality crops that meet international standards, opening avenues for export. Countries with advanced greenhouse industries can supply produce to markets with less favorable growing conditions, enhancing global food distribution. This trade contributes to economic growth and diversification for exporting nations. Additionally, the reliability and consistency of greenhouse-grown products make them attractive to international buyers. As global trade in horticultural products expands, the demand for greenhouse cultivation increases, propelling the market forward.

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GREENHOUSE HORTICULTURE MARKET SHARE:

Global Greenhouse Horticulture key players include Rough Brothers, Richel, Hoogendoorn, Dalsem, Priva, etc. The global top five manufacturers hold a share of about 2.5%.

Europe is the largest market, with a share over 50%, followed by the USA and China, with a share of about 30 percent. Europe currently dominates the market, driven by advanced infrastructure, supportive policies, and a strong emphasis on sustainable agriculture. Asia-Pacific is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in China and India, due to increasing food demand and government initiatives promoting modern farming techniques. North America maintains a significant market share, supported by technological innovation and consumer demand for fresh produce.

In terms of product, Plastic Greenhouse is the largest segment, with a share about 80%.

And in terms of application, the largest application is Vegetables, followed by Ornamentals, Fruit, etc.

Key Companies:

Richel

Hoogendoorn

Dalsem

HortiMaX

Harnois Greenhouses

Priva

Ceres greenhouse

Certhon

Van Der Hoeven

Beijing Kingpeng International Hi-Tech

Oritech

Rough Brothers

Trinog-xs (Xiamen) Greenhouse Tech

Netafim

Top Greenhouses

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DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS!

- Greenhouse Soil Market was valued at USD 4723 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 5753 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 2.9% during the forecast period.

- Portable Greenhouse Market

- Vertical Agriculture Greenhouse Market

- Greenhouse, Nursery, And Flowers market was valued at USD 551580 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 675720 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 2.5% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- Greenhouse Plant Grow Lights Market

- Smart Agriculture Smart Greenhouse Market

- Greenhouse Drip Irrigation Systems Market was valued at USD 1449 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 2578 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period.

- Greenhouse Equipment Market

- Residential Greenhouse Market

- Greenhouse Environmental Remote Monitoring System market was valued at USD 1485 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 2382 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- Greenhouse Coating Market

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Cummins

Scott Saum, Cummins Water Works Program Manager, on his work and the wealth in his life:

Q: What is the greatest wealth in your life?

Scott Saum: The greatest wealth in my life is my family. My wife and I have been married for five years, and we have a wonderful nine-month-old daughter. We couldn't be happier.

Q: What do you do and why do you do it?

Scott Saum: I'm the program manager for Cummins Water Works in the Corporate Responsibility function. The program's goal is to strengthen communities through sustainable water initiatives. We look to stand up community projects that improve water quality, water quantity and access to wash water, sanitation, and hygiene in communities around the world. I do what I do to make the world a better place.

Q: What unexpected skill has become invaluable to your professional toolkit?

Scott Saum: In my role, I work with people around the world from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. The ability to collaborate with teams and remain flexible when conflict arises is vital to my role and the success of our projects.

Q: What can Cummins Water Works do to impact the energy transition?

Scott Saum: The goal is to be net water positive in each region by 2030 and in each Cummins community by 2050.

At Cummins, we track our water consumption at every location worldwide, whether it's a factory, office facility or warehouse. We also aim to establish community projects that offset that water consumption in each community.

We try to tailor projects to meet the needs of each community and support a variety of initiatives, including tree plantings, wetland restoration, cover crop adoption, litter pickups, restroom construction and hand and hygiene education.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cummins Inc on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Cummins Inc

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cummins-inc

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Cummins Inc

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/the-power-of-water-cummins-water-works-1021903
Paris, France--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS), a leading provider of 4G and 5G semiconductors and modules for the Internet of Things, announced today that its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and is available on the Company's website www.sequans.com in the Investors section under SEC Filings, as well as from the SEC's website www.sec.gov.

Shareholders may also request a printout of the file that appears on the website containing the Annual Report on Form 20-F, which includes the Company's complete 2024 audited financial statements, mailed from Sequans' headquarters free of charge by contacting the Company as follows:

online at www.sequans.com in the Investors section under Contact Investor Relations

by sending an email request to IR@sequans.com.

About Sequans

Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) is a leading semiconductor company specializing in wireless cellular technology for the Internet of Things (IoT). Our engineers design and develop innovative, secure, and scalable technologies that power the next generation of connected devices. We offer a wide range of solutions, including chips, modules, IP, and services. Our LTE-M/NB-IoT, 4G LTE Cat 1bis, and 5G NR RedCap/eRedCap platforms are optimized for IoT, delivering breakthroughs in wireless connectivity, power efficiency, security, and performance. Established in 2003, Sequans is headquartered in France and has a global presence with offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, Finland, Taiwan, and China.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250279

SOURCE: Sequans Communications
Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - CopySight AI is announcing a new program through which the company has secured a U.S. Copyright Office registration for AI-generated content on behalf of one of its clients, marking a milestone in the industry. This is significant as it demonstrates the possibility of copyrighting AI-generated assets-a process that traditionally required proof of human involvement in the creative process. While everything was previously created by humans, the advent of AI has changed this dynamic, necessitating the monitoring of human involvement to assert ownership. The service helps businesses prove that their AI-generated content is legally protected and can be safely used without fear of infringement.







Panel discussion on copyright, ownership, and the future of creativity alongside Shilpa Bisaria (VP, Warner Bros. Discovery), Dan Jasnow (AI & IP partner, ArentFox Schiff), and Sharon Goldman (Fortune) at AI & Creativity Summit in NYC

At CopySight AI, this is their mission: to give creators and enterprises confidence that what they build with AI can be protected, owned, and celebrated.

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CopySight AI accomplishes this in two steps. First, it uses similarity scoring to identify potential IP infringement risks. Once those are cleared, it monitors the creative pipeline and assists in copyrighting the final output.

With the rapid growth of generative AI and increasing concerns about intellectual property rights, CopySight is uniquely positioned to resolve this issue. Founded and led by Artem Petrov, Alex Friedman, Matt Stratton, and Kostya Orlov, the team is composed of former directors of leading tech companies, an ex-head of IP, a senior AI engineer, a Ph.D. and NLP researcher, and a specialist in AI legal technology. This team emphasizes the importance of addressing this problem now, as AI-generated styles may eventually become copyrightable, changing how IP law applies to digital content.

As Artem says, "This is a critical issue right now. In the past, if someone created something, it was automatically their IP. But with AI, it's a gray area-you can't simply copyright it. What's required now is proof of substantial human involvement, which is where we come in."

The Timeliness of the Issue

In traditional media, individuals are compensated for the right to utilize personal ideas. However, this framework is disrupted by generative AI. Models create new content without ascribing credit. Results are released without clear authorship identification. The protections that have safeguarded creators, agencies, and brands for years may now be ineffective. These issues inspired the team to launch CopySight.

CopySight strives to bring the same respect and protection that human creativity has always deserved into this new era. As Alex Friedman, co-founder and CPO at CopySight, says, "AI is just another brush-but we still need to sign the canvas, and CopySight exists to make that possible."

AI-Generated Visual Content Is Legally a Minefield

While AI unleashes creativity on a large scale, it also produces content with ambiguous authorship and hidden infringement risks. A recent situation involving a major Japanese animation studio and a popular LLM has brought attention to ongoing discussions around copyright and intellectual property in the context of emerging technologies. CopySight stands as one of the first platforms that provides structure, traceability, and copyrightability to AI-generated visuals, with the aim of rendering the visuals commercially viable.

Some GenAI models are trained on large-scale, uncurated web data, which may include copyrighted or proprietary content. This can lead to instances where generated outputs resemble or incorporate protected material, potentially exposing businesses to legal, reputational, or compliance risks that may not be immediately apparent.





CopySight Logo

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CopySight Offers Proactive AI Copyright Protection

CopySight AI's IP Scoring Engine evaluates AI-generated outputs for visual similarity, dataset lineage, and human authorship, providing legal defense before the content is released. By logging each step of the AI generation process, from prompt to output, and assigning a human author, CopySight ensures content meets U.S. and EU copyright standards. Think of it as "AI copyright insurance"-proactive rather than reactive. Reach out to arrange a demo.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250146

SOURCE: APG
Road Town, British Virgin Islands--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - LBank Exchange, a globally leading digital asset trading platform, has officially announced the listing of Phoenix (PXT) on April 24, 2025. The PXT/USDT trading pair is now live and accessible at https://www.lbank.com/trade/PXT_usdt .

PXT Listing Banner

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As Web3 continues to redefine the foundations of the digital economy, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) is opening up unprecedented opportunities. Phoenix stands at this intersection, providing a modular, open, and scalable framework for next-generation AI agents and intelligent applications built directly on-chain.

Phoenix: Bridging AI and DePIN to Build the Future of the Decentralized Economy

Phoenix is a lightweight, blockchain-based AI Agent ecosystem that aims to transform the way we interact with digital assets, decentralized governance, and intelligent automation in Web3. Built on the principle of composability, Phoenix empowers developers, enterprises, and individuals to create autonomous agents and decentralized applications with ease, lowering technical barriers and fostering broad participation.

At the core of Phoenix's infrastructure lies the fusion of DePIN and AI: decentralized physical networks are transformed into programmable economies, and AI agents are empowered to act as autonomous entities, capable of engaging in value creation, investment execution, and resource coordination.

The project addresses several key limitations in the current Web3 and AI landscape, including a lack of cross-chain interoperability, complex onboarding for non-technical users, and limited real-world utility for decentralized systems. Through Phoenix's modular design, intelligent toolchains, and incentive-aligned economics, developers can rapidly build scalable AI dApps that interface with real-world data, automate operations, and enhance the liquidity of tokenized assets.

Tokenomics

The native utility token of the Phoenix ecosystem, PXT, serves as the fundamental medium for economic interaction, coordination, and incentive alignment across all Phoenix modules. PXT facilitates the exchange of value between developers, intelligent agents, and users while securing the protocol and promoting long-term sustainability.

Key Details:

Token Name : Phoenix

: Phoenix Symbol : PXT

: PXT Total Supply: 21,000,000,000 PXT

Distribution Overview:

Community Incentives (50%)

Aimed at rewarding users for participating in ecosystem growth through task completion, governance participation, and smart agent usage. Designed to bootstrap network effects and community governance.

Ecological Development Fund (15%)

Reserved for supporting developer grants, open-source tool creation, and incentivizing plug-in innovation. This allocation ensures continual technical advancement within the ecosystem.

Team and Advisors (15%)

Allocated for long-term support of the founding team and advisory network, with strict vesting schedules to ensure sustainability and long-term commitment.

Investors and Strategic Partners (10%)

Used to onboard early contributors and partners who support protocol bootstrapping, infrastructure expansion, and strategic adoption. Subject to time-locked release schedules to ensure market stability.

Liquidity and Reserves (10%)

Maintained to support exchange liquidity, cross-chain interoperability, and emergency treasury reserves. Ensures sufficient liquidity for market operation and volatility management.

The PXT token not only fuels transactions and dApp operations but also contributes to the formation of the DePIN economy, enabling staking, AI agent incentivization, and cross-chain economic activity. Phoenix's model introduces programmable incentive layers and agent-led economies where intelligent algorithms can autonomously participate in governance, commerce, and on-chain coordination.

With a decentralized architecture, Phoenix is positioned to catalyze the next wave of adoption at the convergence of AI, DeFi, and digital infrastructure.

Learn More About Phoenix

Website: https://phoenixdm.com

About LBank

Founded in 2015, LBank is a top crypto exchange offering financial derivatives, asset management, and secure trading. With over 15 million users across 210+ regions, LBank ranks in the top 20 for spot trading and top 15 for derivatives trading globally, ensuring fund integrity and supporting global crypto adoption.

Leveraging its acute market insight and expertise, LBank always takes the lead in spotting and listing Alpha altcoins. The platform was among the first to list popular gem coins like BONK, BOME, and FLOKI, as well as emerging favorites like NEIRO, MOODENG, GOATSEUS, and PNUT.

Start Trading Now: lbank.com

Community & Social Media:

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Twitter

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

YouTube

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249995

SOURCE: LBank
The addition of Dr. Tilman Kuhn upholds Latham's legacy of cutting-edge legal excellence across its global platform.

DUSSELDORF, Germany, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Latham & Watkins LLP is pleased to announce that Dr. Tilman Kuhn will join the Dusseldorf office as a partner in its Antitrust & Competition Practice, and a member of the Litigation & Trial department. Dr. Kuhn is widely recognized as one of Germany's leading antitrust lawyers, bringing extensive international experience across multiple jurisdictions to the firm.

Dr. Kuhn advises on a wide range of antitrust matters, including cartel matters, conduct investigations, civil litigation as well as merger control and FDI reviews. His expertise spans key industries such as oil & gas/chemicals, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, automotive, and technology.

"Tilman is highly regarded for the top-notch quality of his advice, creativity and commercial approach, making him a highly sought-after advocate and solutions provider," said Michael Egge, Global Chair of Latham's Antitrust & Competition practice. "His arrival reinforces our dedication to excellence in Antitrust & Competition, and we're excited to see the impact Tilman will have on our clients and global platform."

Latham's Antitrust & Competition practice is internationally acclaimed for its exceptional multi-disciplinary expertise and unwavering excellence. Recently, the firm was distinguished as one of the leading competition practices worldwide by the Global Competition Review (GCR), securing a top-two ranking across all antitrust categories, including merger control, cartel, non-cartel, and litigation. This year proudly marks Latham's 17th consecutive inclusion in GCR's Global Elite ranking.

"We're thrilled to welcome Tilman to the firm," said Burc Hesse, Office Managing Partner in Germany. "His market reputation speaks positively to his leadership, work ethic, and entrepreneurialism, which aligns perfectly for Latham's global platform. His addition reinforces our position as a leader in the antitrust and competition arena."

"We're delighted to have Tilman join our team," said Max Hauser, Deputy Office Managing Partner in Germany. "We've gotten to know Tilman as a proven leader whose technical skills, personality, and business acumen make him an exceptional fit for our firm. We are confident that his expertise will greatly contribute to our continued success and growth."

"I am excited to join Latham's outstanding team of antitrust lawyers, who are strategically positioned across continents," said Dr. Tilman Kuhn. "As part of this exceptional team, I look forward to advising clients on their most complex antitrust issues, while leveraging, and continuing to support the growth of Latham's enviable global platform."

Dr. Kuhn joins from White & Case. He holds an LLM from the University of Amsterdam in 2001 and received his Dr. jur from the University of Cologne in 2005.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Latham & Watkins operates worldwide as a limited liability partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (USA) with affiliated limited liability partnerships conducting the practice in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and as an affiliated partnership conducting the practice in Japan. Latham & Watkins operates in Israel through a limited liability company, in South Korea as a Foreign Legal Consultant Office, and in Saudi Arabia through a limited liability company.

CONTACTS

Michael Egge, Global Chair, Antitrust & Competition Practice, +1.202.637.2285

Burc Hesse, Germany Office Managing Partner, +49.151.16311760

Max Hauser, Germany Deputy Office Managing Partner, +49.176.24432535

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2677251/Dr__Tilman_Kuhn.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1321606/Latham_Watkins_v1_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/latham-bolsters-antitrust-and-competition-practice-in-germany-302443143.html
LONDON, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

Dividend Announcement:

On 30 April 2025, the Board of Directors of Tetragon declared a dividend of U.S.$ 0.11 (11.00 cents) per share in respect of the first quarter of 2025. The ex-dividend date is 5 May 2025. The record date is 6 May 2025. Payment of the dividend will take place from 30 May 2025.

Tetragon's website (www.tetragoninv.com) includes information on Tetragon's Optional Stock Dividend Plan for those shareholders electing to receive dividends in the form of Tetragon shares. Shareholders may elect to receive dividends in the form of Tetragon shares by making a dividend share election up to 16 May 2025. If no election is made, the dividend will be paid in cash from 30 May 2025.

Cash dividends may be received in Sterling by those shareholders making a dividend currency election up to 16 May 2025. If no election is made, the dividend will be paid in U.S. dollars from 30 May 2025.

Update Regarding Equitix:

Following on from our discussion regarding Equitix in our 2024 Annual Report and in our 14 October 2024 statement regarding press speculation, we note that the continued strong performance of Equitix, as well as other businesses on the platform, has enhanced the attractiveness of individual business transactions and other strategic opportunities as important ways of realising and hopefully accelerating the value inherent in TFG Asset Management. As such, the strategy for TFG Asset Management with respect to Equitix includes continuing to engage with strategic partners and financial advisors to explore options for executing on transactions or partnerships that would take advantage of this value enhancement. Although we do not expect to consummate a transaction with respect to Equitix in the immediate term, our strategy remains unchanged.

About Tetragon:

Tetragon is a Guernsey closed-ended investment company. Its non-voting shares are listed on Euronext in Amsterdam, a regulated market of Euronext Amsterdam N.V., and also traded on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. Our investment manager is Tetragon Financial Management LP. Find out more at www.tetragoninv.com.

Tetragon's non-voting shares are subject to restrictions on ownership by U.S. persons and are not intended for European retail investors.

Please see: https://www.tetragoninv.com/shareholders/additional-information.

Tetragon Investor Relations:

Yuko Thomas

ir@tetragoninv.com

Press Inquiries:

Prosek Partners

pro-tetragon@prosek.com

U.K. +44 20 3890 9193

U.S. +1 212 279 3115

This release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (2014/596/EU), or EU MAR, and of the UK version of EU MAR as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act (as amended).

This release does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities of Tetragon have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons unless they are registered under applicable law or exempt from registration. Tetragon does not intend to register any portion of its securities in the United States or to conduct a public offer of securities in the United States. In addition, Tetragon has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and investors will not be entitled to the benefits of such Act. Tetragon is registered in the public register of the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (Autoriteit Financiele Markten) under Section 1:107 of the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act as an alternative investment fund from a designated state.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tetragon-financial-group-limited-announcement-of-dividend-and-update-regarding-equitix-302443215.html
American-Made Outdoor Trash Receptacles Built for Endurance, Style, and Effortless Maintenance in Every Commercial or Residential Setting

Coated Outdoor Furniture continues to set the standard for reliable, American-made outdoor furnishings with its highly regarded line of Outdoor Garbage Trash Cans. Trusted by parks, schools, municipalities, and homeowners alike, these durable outdoor trash barrels have earned a reputation for strength, performance, and polished aesthetics across a wide range of environments.

Designed and built in Central Texas, the company's rugged 32 Gallon Trash Receptacle has become a staple for outdoor and recreational spaces of all kinds. Manufactured using expanded metal or punched steel and coated with a thick, paint proof polyethylene finish, these trash receptacles are engineered to thrive in tough outdoor conditions-resisting stains, dirt, common acids, salts, and seawater. Enjoy Flat Top Lid or Dome Top Lid options depending on your style preference and pair with a matching Ash Tray if you prefer. Whether installed at serene campsites, inviting patios, or recreational spaces our Coated Outdoor Furniture products are known for offering hassle-free maintenance and long-term durability.

"Our customers consistently turn to our Outdoor Garbage Cans with Lids because they're not just durable-they're built to make life easier," said Lindsey Albracht, Amazon Expert Consultant at Coated Outdoor Furniture. "From day one, these receptacles were designed to outperform traditional outdoor bins, and today, they continue to prove their value in settings both large and small. We see customers expanding their use to indoor recreational areas like home gyms and fitness centers. The versatility of our trash solutions makes for an easy purchase."

Available in 14 vibrant color options and two distinct coating finishes-smooth & glossy or premium textured-the Outdoor Metal Waste Receptacle seamlessly blends toughness with visual appeal. Its thoughtful design features, such as a sturdy dome lid and moisture-reducing expanded metal grating, make it ideal for both residential and commercial settings. Customers appreciate the easy cleaning process, the superior coating adhesion, and the sleek look that complements a variety of outdoor landscapes and indoor facilities.

Today, Coated Outdoor Furniture's trash receptacles continue to be the trusted choice for those seeking a heavy-duty, American-made solution that prioritizes safety, durability, and design. Whether for a city park, schoolyard, campground, or home gym-this line remains a shining example of outdoor furniture done right.

About Coated Outdoor Furniture

Coated Outdoor Furniture is an American manufacturer of high-quality, durable outdoor furniture built to last. Founded on the principles of safety, durability, and American craftsmanship, we serve communities who deserve more than just temporary solutions. Our mission is to redefine industry standards by providing long-lasting, secure outdoor furnishings that foster connection and elevate the user experience. Learn more at www.coatedoutdoorfurniture.com.

Dallas, TX

sales@coatedoutdoorfurniture.com

(855) 955-1388

www.coatedoutdoorfurniture.com

SOURCE: Coated Outdoor Furniture

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/outdoor-garbage-trash-can-solutions-that-stand-the-test-of-time-coated-1021945
Sceptre Ventures Inc. ("Sceptre" or the "Company") (TSXV-NEX:SVP.H) announces that it intends to complete a consolidation of its issued and outstanding common shares (the "Shares") on the basis of one (1) new Share (each, a "Post-Consolidated Share") for every ten (10) current outstanding Shares (the "Consolidation").

It is anticipated that the Consolidation will reduce the number of outstanding Shares from 24,016,477 Shares to approximately 2,401,648 Post-Consolidated Shares, subject to adjustment for rounding. The board of directors of the Company believes that the Consolidation will both enhance the marketability of the Company as an investment and better position the Company to raise the funds necessary to execute the Company's business plan. The Consolidation is subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange").

The Company does not intend to change its name or its current trading symbol in connection with the proposed Consolidation. The effective date of the Consolidation will be announced in a subsequent news release.

No fractional Post-Consolidated Shares will be issued as a result of the Consolidation. Shareholders who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fraction of a Post-Consolidated Share will be rounded up to the nearest whole number of Post-Consolidated Shares and no cash consideration will be paid in respect of fractional Shares.

The exercise price and number of Shares of the Company issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants will be proportionally adjusted upon the implementation of the proposed Consolidation in accordance with the terms thereof.

About Sceptre Ventures Inc.

Sceptre Ventures Inc. is a Capital Pool Company ("CPC") within the meaning of the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and has not commenced commercial operations and has no assets other than cash. Sceptre is currently engaged in identifying and evaluating businesses and assets with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction under the TSXV's CPC policy.

For Further Information:

Kevin Bottomley, Chief Executive Officer

Suite 1450-789 West Pender Street

Vancouver, BC, V6C 1H2, Canada

Tel: 604-681-1568

Email: info@sceptreventures.com

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical, and consist primarily of projections - statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "potential", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar import tend to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements about the Consolidation, its terms, and its anticipated benefits, receipt of approval for the Consolidation from the Exchange and that the Company will complete the Consolidation. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied, including, without limitation, that the Company may not use the gross proceeds as initially contemplated. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. The Company cannot assure that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. These forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE: Sceptre Ventures Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/sceptre-ventures-announces-proposed-share-consolidation-1021900
Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release, publication, distribution or dissemination, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States.

KALO GOLD CORP. (TSXV:KALO) ("Kalo", "Kalo Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that due to significant market demand, the Company has increased the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement from $2,000,000 to $4,521,750. The upsized offering (the "Offering") will consist of up to 90,435,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.05 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $4,521,7500.

Each unit will consist of one common share (each, a "Share") in the capital of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire an additional Share at an exercise price of $0.08 per Share for a period of twenty-four months from the date of issuance. In addition, the expiry date of the Warrants is subject to acceleration if the volume weighted average trading price of the Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") (or such other stock exchange where the Shares are then listed or quoted) is greater than $0.15 for a period of twenty (20) consecutive trading days, in which case the expiry date of the Warrants may be accelerated to a date that is thirty (30) days following the date the Company provides notice to the Warrant holders, by way of a news release, that the expiry date has been accelerated.

The Offering is subject to TSXV approval. The Units and the underlying Shares and Warrants (including the Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants) will be subject to a four-month hold period, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering as follows:

an up to 9,000-metre diamond drilling program on the Company's 100% owned, 367 square kilometre, Vatu Aurum Project located in the Republic of Fiji: Initial focus -- Namalau Trend: Drilling, expected to commence in June, 2025.

Advancing other targets: As new information emerges from concurrent trenching and geological work, the campaign will expand to test additional epithermal upwelling zones in the Loma and Buca Trends.

Qiriyaga Complex drilling: The Company is also planning further drilling at the Qiriyaga Complex, targeting high-grade diatreme and surge deposits that have emerged as priority zones.

Fully preserved, untested system: The Company's geological modelling suggests that Vatu Aurum hosts a vertically intact epithermal system -- largely untested by drilling -- offering an exceptional discovery opportunity. general working capital; and marketing purposes.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This press release is not for distribution to U.S. newswire services nor for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. securities laws.

ABOUT KALO GOLD CORP.

Kalo Gold Corp., a gold exploration company, focused on epithermal gold deposits on the Company's Vatu Aurum Project, located on Vanua Levu (North Island). Kalo holds 100% of two Special Prospecting Licenses covering 367 km, encompassing a regional back-arc basin with volcanic calderas. Historical and ongoing exploration has identified numerous priority epithermal gold targets.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Kalo Gold Corp.

Terry L. Tucker, P.Geo.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Kevin Ma, CPA, CA

Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Director

For more information, please write to info@kalogoldcorp.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Forward Looking Statements Disclaimer

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") related to the closing of the Offering, use of proceeds and other such future events and Kalo's future business, operations, and financial performance and condition. Forward-looking statements normally contain words like "will", "intend", "anticipate", "could", "should", "may", "might", "expect", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential", "project", "assume", "contemplate", "believe", "shall", "scheduled", and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, actions, or developments and are based on expectations, assumptions, and other factors that management currently believes are relevant, reasonable, and appropriate in the circumstances. Although management believes that the forward-looking statements herein are reasonable, actual results could be substantially different due to the risks and uncertainties associated with and inherent to Kalo's business. Additional material risks and uncertainties applicable to the forward-looking statements herein include, without limitation, the impact of general economic conditions, and unforeseen events and developments. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond the control of Kalo. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as at the date hereof, and Kalo undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in its most recent management's discussion and analysis. They are otherwise disclosed in its filings with securities regulatory authorities available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

SOURCE: Kalo Gold Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/kalo-gold-announces-upsize-of-non-brokered-private-placement-to-4-521-750-1021915
Buenos Aires, Argentina--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - Central Puerto S.A (NYSE: CEPU) ("Central Puerto" or the "Company") one of the largest private sector power generation companies in Argentina, will issue a press release announcing its First Quarter results on May 12, 2025. Mr. Fernando Bonnet, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Enrique Terraneo, Chief Financial Officer and Mr. Alejandro Diaz Lopez, Head of Corporate Finance & Investor Relations Officer, will host a conference call to discuss the Company's financial results that same date, at 12:00 PM ET.

To access the conference call:

Webcast URL: https://mzgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8lNNg--URlKvEHaOAiKUug#/registration

The Company will also host a live audio webcast of the conference call on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.centralpuerto.com. Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the website and download any streaming media software that might be required to listen to the webcast. The call will be available for replay on the Company website under the Investor Relations section.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250361

SOURCE: Central Puerto S.A
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - Mark Jarvis, CEO of Shoal Point Energy Ltd. (CSE: SHP) ("The Company"), announced today that the Board of the Company has accepted the resignation of Natasha Tsai as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective at today's date. Mark Jarvis has accepted the position of Interim Chief Financial Officer, also effective today.

The Board wishes to thank Ms. Tsai for her service over the last six years.

About Shoal Point Energy Ltd.

Shoal Point Energy Ltd. is a public company listed on the CSE exchange under the symbol "SHP". The company is suing the government of Newfoundland and Labrador for at least $483,000,000 for "de facto expropriation" or "constructive taking" of its rights to develop its oil and gas interests in western Newfoundland.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250359

SOURCE: Shoal Point Energy Ltd.
Silver Bull Resources, Inc. (OTCQB:SVBL)(TSX:SVB) ("Silver Bull" or the "Company") provides an update on the progress of its international arbitration claim against the United Mexican States ("Mexico").

Silver Bull announces that it has filed its Reply to Mexico's Counter-Memorial in the arbitration that Silver Bull initiated on 28 June 2023 under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement ("USMCA") and the North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA") before the International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes ("ICSID"). Under the current schedule, Mexico now has until August 26, 2025 to file its Rejoinder before the case proceeds to a hearing, which will commence on October 6, 2025.

A summary of the key points of Silver Bull's claim is provided below:

The arbitration arises from Mexico's refusal to take action with respect to the illegal blockade of Silver Bull's Sierra Mojada Project, which commenced in September 2019 and remains ongoing. Mexico's actions and omissions led to the complete loss of Silver Bull's investment, and breached Mexico's obligations under the NAFTA, including the prohibition on unlawful expropriation and the duties to provide full protection and security, fair and equitable treatment, national treatment and most-favored nation treatment.

Silver Bull commenced the arbitration by filing a Request for Arbitration with ICSID on 28 June 2023. A three-person arbitration panel (the "Tribunal") was appointed by ICSID and they will adjudicate the case. Silver Bull filed its Memorial on 17 June 2024, setting out its claim in full and presenting supporting evidence. Mexico filed its Counter-Memorial on 23 December 2024, setting out its defence and presenting its evidence in response to the claim.

In the Reply filed on April 25, 2025, Silver Bull responded to Mexico's Counter-Memorial and provided further evidence to support its claim. In its Reply, Silver Bull updated its damages claim to US$374.9M (including interest), supported by the opinion of its damages expert.

Mexico will file its Rejoinder, responding to Silver Bull's Reply, on 26 August 2025. The hearing in the arbitration will take place from 6-10 October 2025.

The Company hired Boies Schiller Flexner (UK) LLP ("BSF") to act on its behalf as legal counsel for the claim. BSF is an international law firm with extensive experience in international investment arbitration concerning mining and other natural resources. The BSF team is led by Timothy L. Foden, a noted practitioner in the mining arbitration space.

Silver Bull is financially supported by Bench Walk Advisors LLC via a Litigation Funding Agreement for up to US$9.5 million to finance the case and the running of the Company.

Silver Bull's CEO, Mr. Tim Barry commented, "While Silver Bull had intended to continue developing the Sierra Mojada Project, an illegal blockade initiated in September 2019 by a small group of local miners - seeking to extort an unearned royalty payment from the Company has persisted to this day. Despite obtaining a favorable ruling from the Mexican courts dismissing the group's royalty claims, and despite repeated requests for the Mexican Government to enforce the law and remove the illegal blockade, the Government has continuously elected not to act. As a result, Silver Bull has been denied access to the site for more than five years, preventing the Company from conducting its lawful business activities in Mexico. This has led to the complete loss of Silver Bull's investment and the destruction of shareholder value at Sierra Mojada. The Mexican Government's actions and inactions directly drove investors away and effectively expropriated the Sierra Mojada Project.".

BACKGROUND TO THE CLAIM: The arbitration has been initiated under the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States process, which falls under the auspices of the World Bank's ICSID, to which Mexico is a signatory.

Silver Bull officially notified Mexico on March 2, 2023 of its intention to initiate an arbitration owing to Mexico's breaches of NAFTA by unlawfully expropriating Silver Bull's investments without compensation, failing to provide Silver Bull and its investments with fair and equitable treatment or full protection and security, and not upholding NAFTA's national treatment standard.

Silver Bull held a meeting with Mexican government officials in Mexico City on May 30, 2023, in an attempt to explore amicable settlement options and avoid arbitration. However, the 90-day period for amicable settlement under NAFTA expired on June 2, 2023, without a resolution.

Despite repeated demands and requests for action by the Company, Mexico's governmental agencies have allowed the unlawful blockade to continue, thereby failing to protect Silver Bull's investments. Consequently, Silver Bull is seeking to recover an amount of US$374.9M (including interest) in damages that it has suffered due to Mexico's breach of its obligations under NAFTA.

THE SIERRA MOJADA DEPOSIT: Silver Bull's only asset is the Sierra Mojada deposit located in Coahuila, Mexico. Sierra Mojada is an open pittable oxide deposit with a NI 43-101 compliant Measured and Indicated "global" Mineral Resource of 70.4 million tonnes grading 3.4% zinc and 38.6 g/t silver for 5.35 billion pounds of contained zinc and 87.4 million ounces of contained silver. Included within the "global" Mineral Resource is a Measured and Indicated "high grade zinc zone" of 13.5 million tonnes with an average grade of 11.2% zinc at a 6% cutoff, for 3.336 billion pounds of contained zinc, and a Measured and Indicated "high grade silver zone" of 15.2 million tonnes with an average grade of 114.9 g/t silver at a 50 g/t cutoff for 56.3 million contained ounces of silver. Mineralization remains open in the east, west, and northerly directions.

For a full summary of the Sierra Mojada resource, please refer to Silver Bull's news release located at the following link:

https://www.silverbullresources.com/news/silver-bull-resources-announces-5.35-billion-pounds-zinc-87.4-million-ounces-silver-in-updated-sierra-mojada-measured-and/

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Tim Barry"

Tim Barry, CPAusIMM

President and Chief Executive Officer and Director

INVESTOR RELATIONS:

1 604 687 5800 info@silverbullresources.com

Cautionary note regarding forward looking statements: This news release may contain certain information that is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties (such statements include statements regarding the final approval of the Private Placement by the Exchange and other statements implying a future state which are usually accompanied by words such as "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "may", "will", "should", "estimate", "intend" or other similar words). Any forward-looking statements in this document are intended to provide Silver Bull security holders and potential investors with information regarding Silver Bull, including management's assessment of Silver Bull's future plans and financial outlook. Any forward-looking statements reflect Silver Bull's beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made and as such are not guarantees of future performance. As actual results could vary significantly from the forward-looking information, you should not put undue reliance on forward-looking information and should not use future-oriented information or financial outlooks for anything other than their intended purpose. For additional information on the assumptions made, and the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the anticipated results, refer to the Company's filings under Silver Bull's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this news release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

SOURCE: Silver Bull Resources, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/silver-bull-provides-update-on-its-arbitration-case-against-mexico-1021932
Regulatory News:

Latecoere (Paris:LAT), a Tier 1 supplier to major international aircraft manufacturers, informs that it is still in the process of finalization its Universal Registration Document and consequently the filing will be delayed and will occur by mid-May.

About Latecoere

Tier 1 to the world's leading OEMs (Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, Bombardier, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Honda Aircraft Company, Lockheed Martin, RTX, Thales), Latecoere serves aerospace with innovative solutions for a sustainable world. The Group operates in all segments of the aerospace industry (commercial, regional, business, defense and space) in three business areas:

Aerostructures Europe and Americas: doors, fuselage, wings and empennage, rods;

Interconnection Systems: wiring, avionic racks, on-board systems;

Special Products and Services: customer services, on-board equipment, electronic systems.

As of December 31, 2024, the Group employed 5,400 people in 14 countries. Latecoere is listed on Euronext Paris Compartment B, ISIN Code: FR001400JY13 Reuters: AEP.PA Bloomberg: AT.FP

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430888250/en/

Contacts:

Thierry Mahe Media Relations

+33 (0)6 60 69 63 85

LatecoereGroupCommunication@latecoere.aero

Investor Relations

mandataires-ag-latecoere@latecoere.aero
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - OBSIDIAN ENERGY LTD. (TSX: OBE) (NYSE American: OBE) ("Obsidian Energy", the "Company", "we", "us" or "our") expects to release our first quarter 2025 financial and operational results (the "Release") before North American markets open on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. In addition, the first quarter management's discussion and analysis and the unaudited consolidated financial statements will be available on our website at www.obsidianenergy.com, and under our SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov on or about the same date.

ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING

The Company's Annual and Special Meeting (the "Meeting") is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. MT (3:00 p.m. ET) at the offices of Obsidian Energy, Suite 200, 207 - 9 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta. Access to the Meeting will, subject to Company's by-laws, be limited to essential personnel, registered shareholders and proxyholders entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting as well as invited guests. Additional information about the Meeting can be found on our website.

In association with the Meeting, our President and CEO, Stephen Loukas and other members of management will host a webcast presentation after the formal portion of the meeting at 2:00 p.m. MT (4:00 pm ET) (the "Presentation").

The Presentation will be broadcast live on the Internet and may be accessed either through our website or directly at the webcast portal. Those who wish to listen to the Presentation should connect at least five to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time through the following numbers:



Canada/U.S.: 1-844-763-8274 (toll-free)

International: 1-647-484-8814

A question-and-answer session will be held following the Presentation. If you wish to submit a question to the Company, participants can do so ahead of time after registering on the webcast portal on the Intranet or by emailing questions to investor.relations@obsidianenergy.com. An updated corporate presentation and the Presentation will be available following the webcast on our website.

ADDITIONAL READER ADVISORIES

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements or information (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the safe harbour provisions of applicable securities legislation. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information concerning: the expected date for the Release, Presentation and corporate presentation.

The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Obsidian Energy. Although Obsidian Energy believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because Obsidian Energy can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. By its nature, such forward-looking statements and information are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results and expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in commodity prices, changes in industry regulations and political landscape both domestically and abroad, and financial market volatility. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such forward-looking statements and information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements and information. Obsidian Energy gives no assurance that any of the events anticipated will transpire or occur, or, if any of them do, what benefits Obsidian Energy will derive from them. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information contained herein. Readers should also carefully consider the matters discussed that could affect Obsidian Energy, or its operations or financial results in Obsidian Energy's Annual Information Form (see "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" therein) for the year ended December 31, 2024, which is available on the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca), EDGAR website (www.sec.gov ) or Obsidian Energy's website.

Obsidian Energy shares are listed on both the Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada and the NYSE American exchange in the United States under the symbol "OBE".

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249831

SOURCE: Obsidian Energy Ltd.
Clayton, Missouri--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - Perimeter Solutions (NYSE: PRM) ("Perimeter" or the "Company"), a leading global solutions provider for the Fire Safety and Specialty Products industries, announced today it will release its financial results for the first quarter 2025 on Thursday, May 8, 2025, before the market opens.

The Company will host a conference call to discuss these results at 8:30 a.m. ET on the same day. The presentation will be led by CEO Haitham Khouri, CFO Kyle Sable, and Head of Investor Relations Seth Barker.

The live webcast of the call can be accessed through Perimeter's investor relations website at https://ir.perimeter-solutions.com/ and as follows:

When : Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 8:30 AM (ET)

Dial-in Number : 833-316-1983 / 785-838-9310 Conference ID (Required for Entry): Perimeter

Conference Name : Perimeter Solutions Q1 2025 Earnings Call

Materials Available At: https://ir.perimeter-solutions.com/

Replay Available : Thursday, May 8, 2025 to June 7, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)

Replay Number : 877-660-6853 / 201-612-7415 Access ID: 13753257

Internet Access : https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=gpVJwBaQ

About Perimeter Solutions

Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Perimeter Solutions (NYSE: PRM) is a leading global solutions provider for the Fire Safety and Specialty Products industries. The Company's products and operations are managed and reported in two operating segments: Fire Safety and Specialty Products. The Fire Safety segment provides fire retardants and firefighting foams, as well as specialized equipment and services typically offered in conjunction with the Company's retardant and foam products. The Specialty Products segment includes operations that develop, produce and market products for non-fire safety markets. The Company's largest end market application for the Specialty Products segment is Phosphorus Pentasulfide ("P2S5") based lubricant additives. The Specialty Products segment also includes IMS, which is a manufacturer of electronic or electro-mechanical components of larger solutions across a range of end markets, including medical systems, communications infrastructure, energy infrastructure, defense systems, and industrial systems, with a substantial focus on aftermarket repair and replacement. For more information, visit: www.perimeter-solutions.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250310

SOURCE: Perimeter Solutions
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - Rusoro Mining Ltd. (TSXV: RML) (the "Company" or "Rusoro") announces that it has experienced a delay in filing its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the related management's discussion and analysis, and CEO and CFO certifications (collectively, the "Required Filings"), which are required to be filed on or before April 30, 2025.

In connection with the anticipated delay, the Company has applied to, and received from, the applicable Canadian securities regulators, a voluntary management cease trade order ("MCTO") which restricts trading in the Company's securities by insiders of the Company, as opposed to a general cease trade order, which would restrict all trading in the Company's securities. The MCTO will be in effect until the Required Filings are filed or until it is revoked or varied.

The Required Filings are in the process of being prepared but haven't been completed as a result of the resignation of the Company's former auditor on October 11, 2024, and the appointment of a new auditor on October 11, 2024. Management expects to be in a position to file the Required Filings no later than May 23, 2025.

The Company confirms that it intends to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines described in sections 9 and 10 of National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders for so long as it remains in default of the requirement to file the Required Filings. The Company has not taken any steps towards any insolvency proceeding and the Company has no material information to release to the public. The Company has made the foregoing representations in accordance with the requirements of applicable securities laws.

Director Resignations :

The Company also announces that Jay Kaplowitz, Dmitri Ushakov and Vladimir Agapov will be resigning as directors of the Company effective immediately. The Company would like to sincerely thank them for their long-term and valuable contributions to the Company and wish them continued success.

ABOUT RUSORO MINING LTD.

The principal business activities of Rusoro were the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of gold mineral properties. Since Venezuela expropriated Rusoro's assets in Venezuela in 2012 the Company has been focused on the recovery of its Arbitration Award.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements:

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements about the expected filing of the Required Filings.

Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made including, without limitations, information based on the current status of the Required Filings and discussions with the auditor of the Company. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information, and there is no guarantee the Required Filings will be made on the timeline currently expected or at all. If the Required Filings are not filed on time or are subject to additional delays, the securities of the Company could be subject to a cease trade order or other actions taken by the securities regulators and/or the TSXV. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events, or developments, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250353

SOURCE: Rusoro Mining Ltd.
Justera Health Ltd. (CSE:VTAL)(OTC PINK:SCRSF) ("Justera" or the "Company") announces the resignation of Mr. Richard Yoon from its Board of Directors, effective March 28, 2025, as well as a change to its fiscal year end.

Mr. Yoon has stepped down from the Board to pursue other professional opportunities. The Company thanks him for his contributions and service, and wishes him continued success in his future endeavors. The Board will continue to be led by Mr. Joshua Herman and Mr. Young Cho Lee, who remain focused on advancing the Company's strategic initiatives and maximizing the value of its asset portfolio.

In addition, Justera has changed its fiscal year end from December 31 to March 31, aligning its reporting cycle more closely with operational and strategic planning objectives.

About Justera Health

Established in 2020, Justera is a Canadian company focused on health and wellness. Through its services, innovative products, strategic partnerships, Justera empowers individuals to prioritize their well-being. With four subsidiaries, it offers personalized healthcare services and solutions, such as IV Vitamin Therapy, premium nutritional supplements through its Naturevan Nutrition brand, a full 360-degree wellness and spa experience through Juillet Wellness that provides registered massage therapy, acupuncture, and new retail stores in Vancouver. Justera's mission is to enhance Canadians overall well-being with diverse solutions catering to individual needs.

For additional information on Justera Health and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at https://www.justerahealth.com/

For more information about the Company, please refer to the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

For further information:

Investor Relations & Communications

Paul Haber, CFO

Tel: (416) 318-6501

Email: info@justerahealth.com

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information, including statements relating to the future development of Justera's business. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking ?statements, including but not limited to: the terms, timing and completion of the Transaction, if the Transaction is to close at all, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and CSE approvals, authorizations and consents in connection with the Transaction, and the completion or waiver, as applicable, of all conditions precedent required for the completion of the Transaction; the anticipated business plans, management structure, and future activities of the Company and Port North, including the Company's intention to integrate Port North into its business; and the anticipated benefits and synergies to be derived from the Transaction on the business of both Port North and the Company; and the date in which the Payment Shares may become free-trading.

Forward-Looking Statements are based on assumptions, estimates, analyses and opinions of management of the Company at the time they were provided or made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, including: (i) successful completion of the Financing; (ii) successful completion of the Transaction and the integration of the business of Port North in connection therewith; (iii) the ability to manage anticipated and unanticipated costs; (iv) achieving the anticipated results of the Company's strategic plans; (v) obtaining and maintaining all required licenses, approvals and permits, including regulatory approvals required to complete the Transaction; and (vi) general economic, financial market, regulatory and political conditions in which the Company operates.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. The actual results of Justera could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of the inability of Port North to complete the Financing, the inability to consummate the Transaction, including the inability to obtain required regulatory approvals and third-party consents and the satisfaction of other conditions, inputs, suppliers and skilled labour being unavailable or available only at uneconomic costs; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets, changes in applicable laws generally and adverse future legislative and regulatory developments involving medical and recreational marijuana, competitive factors in the industries in which Justera operates, prevailing economic conditions, changes to Justera's strategic growth plans, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Justera.

Management of Justera believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information herein are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents Justera's expectations as of the date hereof and is subject to change after such date. Justera disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

###

SOURCE: Justera Health Ltd.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/justera-health-announces-director-resignation-and-change-to-fiscal-ye-1022071
Buc-ee's, home of the world's cleanest bathrooms, freshest food, and friendliest beaver, will break ground on its newest travel center in Goodyear, AZ on Wednesday, May 14that 10:00 AM MST. Buc-ee's will celebrate the start of the first Buc-ee's in Goodyear with a ceremony attended by local leaders.

Located at 1001 N. Bullard Avenue, Goodyear, AZ. Buc-ee's Goodyear will occupy 74,000 square feet and offer 120 fueling positions. Buc-ee's favorites include Texas barbeque, homemade fudge, kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, jerky and fresh pastries will all be available. Visitors will find thousands of snack, meal, and drink options, as well as the same award-winning restrooms, cheap gas, quality products and excellent service that have won the hearts, trust and business of millions for over 40 years.

Attendees of the Buc-ee's Goodyear groundbreaking ceremony will include Mayor Joe Pizzillo and City Council members Wally Campbell, Brannon Hampton, Laura Kaino, Vicki Gillis, Benita Beckles, and Trey Terry.

Founded in Texas in 1982, Buc-ee's operates 51 stores in total. Since beginning its multi-state expansion in 2019, Buc-ee's has opened travel centers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, and Colorado. In 2024,

Buc-ee's broke ground on its first Virginia, Mississippi, and Ohio locations. In April 2025, Buc-ee's began construction on our first Arkansas location.

Stan Beard, Buc-ee's Director of Real Estate and Development, said, "We could not have picked a better location for our first store in the Grand Canyon State. Perfectly placed for our road-trippers headed out to California or coming in for the destination-rich Phoenix area, Goodyear will be the place to stop."

Buc-ee's Goodyear will bring at least 200+ full-time jobs to the area, with starting pay beginning well above minimum wage, full benefits, a 6% matching 401k, and three weeks of paid vacation.

About Buc-ee's

Buc-ee's is the world's most-loved travel center. Founded in 1982, Buc-ee's is known for pristine bathrooms, friendly service, unique collection of gifts, Buc-ee's apparel and fresh, delicious food. Originally launched and still headquartered in Texas, Buc-ee's has combined traditional quality and modern efficiency to redefine the pit stop for their customers. For more information, visit www.buc-ees.com.

Contact Information

Crissy Gonzales

Media Coordinator

media@buc-ees.com

346-302-3653



SOURCE: Buc-ee's

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/buc-ees-to-break-ground-on-new-travel-center-in-goodyear-az-1022078
InventWood, a Frederick, Md.-based creator of SUPERWOOD material, raised $15m in the first close of its Series A funding round.

The firms development and the launch of its first facility have been supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Defense, Grantham, Builders Vision, the JLL Foundation, and Baruch Future Ventures.

The funding is supporting the construction of its first production facility and positions them to scale rapidly. The company prepares to begin shipments from its first commercial manufacturing facility in Frederick, Maryland, in the third quarter of 2025.

Founded by Dr. Liangbing Hu and led by Alex Lau, CEO, InventWood has developed SUPERWOOD, delivering a building material thats strong, and durable. Its nano-cellulose-based innovation retains woods countless natural qualities, from its organic warmth and tactile feel to its intrinsic connection to natural environments, while providing unmatched performance.

InventWood has received significant recognition and support, including a $20m SCALEUP award from the U.S. Department of Energy in 2022, as well as funding from prominent organizations including Grantham, Builders Vision, JLL Foundation, and Baruch Future Ventures. The company has now secured more than $50m in total capital.

The company recently formed a strategic partnership with Intectural, a distributor of high-performance architectural materials, positioning SUPERWOOD for rapid adoption across North America. Initial shipments will focus on commercial and residential applications requiring superior strength and climate resilience.

FinSMEs

30/04/2025
Drinking champagne reduces the risk of cardiac arrest.

Champagne reduces the danger of a person suffering sudden cardiac arrest

A new study has found that those who enjoy a glass of bubbly are less likely to suffer a sudden heart emergency.

In more conventional advice, the Chinese experts say that remaining cheerful and eating fruit protects the heart while feeling 'fed up' is bad.

Researchers at Fudan University in Shanghai assessed the health data of over 500,000 middle to older-aged individuals in Britain.

More than 3,000 of those tracked suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during the 14-year follow-up period and the boffins concluded that almost two-thirds of the cardiac arrests were avoidable as they identified 56 risk factors.

Dr. Huihuan Lao, the study author, said: "We found significant associations between various modifiable factors and sudden cardiac arrest, with lifestyle changes being the most impactful in preventing cases."
Particula, a Munich, Germany-based provider of AI-driven risk intelligence for digital assets, raised $5.5M in funding.

The round was led by SixThirty Ventures, Vanagon Ventures, and Futury Capital, with participation from TX Ventures, Blackwood Ventures, Tenity, Blue Bay Ventures, Plug and Play Tech Center, and angel investors.

The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its business reach.

Led by CEO Timm Reinsdorf, Particula provides automated risk ratings that analyze issuer credibility, asset backing, regulatory compliance, and smart contract security. By offering independent, data-driven insights, the company already empowers financial institutions, issuers and trading facilities, to assess digital assets with confidence, reinforcing its role as a driver in digital finance.

FinSMEs

30/04/2025
Sprive, a London, UK-based AI powered mortgage overpayment platform provider, raised $7.3m in seed funding.

The round was led by Ascension, with participation from Channel 4 Ventures, Velocity Capital, and Two Magnolias.

The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its business reach.

Launched in 2021 by CEO Jinesh Vohra, Sprive is building an AI mortgage assistant that lives on users smartphone to help them pay off mortgage faster and ensures theyre always on the best deal.

Sprive currently supports 14 of the largest lenders in the UK across Nationwide, First Direct, HSBC, Lloyds, Barclays, Santander, RBS, Virgin Money, Halifax, Natwest, Yorkshire Building Society, Coventry Building Society, Accord Mortgages and TSB Bank.

FinSMEs

30/04/2025
Sun Nuclear, a Melbourne, Fla-based Mirion Medical company, acquired Oncospace, a company providing cloud-based, AI-powered solutions for the radiation oncology community.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

Oncospace solutions will be integrated into Sun Nuclear Brand, expanding radiation therapy quality assurance digital-forward strategy.



Oncospaces AI and machine-learning technologies are designed to develop data-driven, physician-centric solutions that optimize patient outcomes. Since its inception in 2018, Oncospace has launched two main offerings:

Gateway: A Treatment Planning Conversion solution for Philips Pinnacle users, which converts patient archives to modern treatment planning solutions, such as Raysearch Raystation and Varian Medical Systems Eclipse. While originally developed for prostate treatments, this solution has since expanded to head and neck radiotherapy, with future offerings planned.

A Predictive Plan Quality and Feasibility solution, which leverages the AI approach of machine learning to analyze thousands of clinical treatment plans and derive achievable, best-practice dosimetry goals for plan optimization and evaluation.

We are excited to welcome Oncospace into the Sun Nuclear family, said

Led by Luis Rivera, president, Sun Nuclear is part of Mirion Medical, a group of healthcare-focused brands within Mirion, providing innovative solutions for Radiation Therapy and Diagnostic Imaging centers. More than 6,000 cancer centers worldwide use Sun Nuclear for independent, integrated Quality Management. By informing actions through harnessing vital information, the Oncospace offerings address the demands of radiation oncology professionals while improving the precision and efficiency of radiation therapy planning, thus enhancing the overall quality of care and outcomes.

FinSMEs

30/04/2025
Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, the wife of American actor George Clooney, could soon face travel restrictions to the United States. Recently, a group of senior British lawyers, including Amal, were warned that they might soon face US sanctions, potentially impacting their entry to the country. The concern is linked to Amals work and advice for the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its investigation into the situation in Israel and Gaza, which resulted in arrest warrants being issued for Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant read more

Several top British lawyers, including American actor George Clooneys wife and human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, could soon face travel restrictions to the United States.

Amal lives in the US with her husband, George Clooney, and their twin daughters.

Notably, the UK Foreign Office has warned several senior barristers that they might be targeted with sanctions by the Donald Trump administration.

ALSO READ | Dismantling DEI, imposing tariffs and more Trumps most controversial decisions in his first 100 days

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But why? And what could stop Amal Clooney from entering the United States to visit the familys homes in California and New York?

We explain the UK Foreign Offices warning and what the sanctions mean for the lawyers, including Amal.

Why Amal Clooney could be barred from entering US

On April 25, the Financial Times reported that a group of senior British lawyers, including Amal Clooney, had been warned they could soon face US sanctions that may affect their entry to the US.

Amal Clooney during a meeting at the United Nations Security Council. Reuters/File Photo

The concern, the report said, is linked to their work and advice for the International Criminal Court (ICC).

More specifically, it involves legal advice tied to the ICCs investigation into what is happening in Israel and Gaza.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February targeting ICC staff, their families, and others connected to the court. He accused the ICC of issuing baseless arrest warrants and responded with visa limits and financial measures.

According to Fox News, the order states: The United States will impose tangible and significant consequences on those responsible for the ICCs transgressions, some of which may include the blocking of property and assets, as well as the suspension of entry into the United States of ICC officials, employees, and agents, as well as their immediate family members.

So far, only ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan has been named. Notably, Khan urged the court to issue arrest warrants for Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant in May 2024.

Trump used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to sign the order. This law allows the president to freeze assets, stop people from entering the country, and block money transfers for anyone seen as hostile to American interests.

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If Clooney is added to the list, the 47-year-old British human rights lawyer could be banned from entering the US.

Amal was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1978. Her family moved to the UK two years later during the Lebanese Civil War. She grew up in Buckinghamshire and later studied at Oxford and New York University.

She is qualified to practise law in both England and Wales and the US, after joining the New York bar in 2002.

She married George Clooney in September 2014. The couple live in the US with their twin children, Ella and Alexander, who are seven years old.

Amal lives in the US with her husband, actor George Clooney, and their twin daughters. Reuters/File Photo

ALSO READ | Best 100-day start of any president, says Trump at Michigan speech. Is it true?

ICCs arrest warrants vs Trumps executive order

In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant.

The charges relate to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israels military action in Gaza. Both leaders have dismissed the accusations, calling them absurd and false lies.

The court also issued warrants for three Hamas leaders, all of whom are now dead. One of them was Mohammed Deif, Hamass military commander, who is believed to have played a major role in the October 7 attacks on southern Israel. The attack killed 1,200 people and led to 251 kidnappings.

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Israel later confirmed it had killed Deif in a targeted operation in July.

Because Netanyahu and Gallant are now wanted by the ICC, they could be arrested in any of the 124 countries that have signed and ratified the Rome Statute, including the United Kingdom, France, and Austria.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump issued an executive order in February 2025 criticising the ICCs actions. The order argued that since neither Israel nor the United States are members of the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the ICC, the court had no authority to issue what Trump called baseless arrest warrants.

Both countries signed the treaty in 2000 but never ratified it. However, Palestine ratified the agreement in 2015, meaning any crimes in Palestinian areas fall under the ICCs legal reach.

International criminal lawyer Alexandro Maria Tirelli told People magazine there is a chance that British lawyers involved with the ICC could face US sanctions and warned that Amal Clooney and others may be barred from entering the country.

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Tirelli also said that an executive order does not need a conviction or legal trial. In this case, deciding what counts as a threat lies entirely with the Trump administration.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Wednesday India will conduct a caste enumeration as part of the upcoming census. Since 1951, the survey of the countrys population included the count of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), but not all castes. But what is a caste-based census? read more

The Centre will carry out a caste enumeration as part of the forthcoming regular census in a transparent manner. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision taken by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday (April 30).

Caste census has been a hot-button issue in India for decades. The opposition parties, including the Congress, raised the heat on the Central government over caste-based data since Bihar released its caste survey in 2023. Now, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has thrown a googly at the opposition months before Bihar goes to the polls.

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Lets take a closer look.

Census and caste

A census is a survey of the population of an area that includes collecting details of a countrys demographics, including age, sex and occupation. It gives the government, policymakers and academics a better insight into the population, its makeup, and their socio-economic status.

Indias census gathers data on several factors such as religion, language, and region of the population.

The counting of Indias population was started by the British in 1872.

A caste census will tabulate the castes of all Indians, particularly the Other Backward Classes or OBCs.

Between 1881 and 1931, the census listed all castes. The caste enumeration was done in 1941  during World War II, but the data was not released. MWM Yeats, the then Census Commissioner, said a note: There would have been no all India caste table The time is past for this enormous and costly table as part of the central undertaking

As per the 1931 Census, when caste was last enumerated in then undivided India, there were 4,147 castes besides depressed classes or Dalits, reported The Hindu.

The first census in independent India was conducted in 1951. However, castes were not enumerated in this census, with the exception of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

From 1951 to 2011, the census published in independent India has published data on SCs and STs, but not other castes.

The last population census was held in 2011. According to this, India had a total population of 121 crore and the sex ratio was 940 females per 1,000 males.

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A pedestrian walks past a population clock board displayed outside the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) in Mumbai on June 2, 2023. File Photo/AFP

When Congress counted castes in independent India

The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) faced pressure to conduct caste enumeration in 2010. The then Law Minister Veerappa Moily wrote a letter to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, urging for gathering caste/community data in the 2011 Census.

The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted in 2011 by the Ministry of Rural Development in rural areas and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation in urban areas.

K Ashok Vardhan Shetty, former IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre, wrote for The Hindu last year that the SECC-2011 was poorly designed and executed, throwing up a ludicrous figure of 46 lakh castes and the results were never released.

The SECC data, excluding caste data, was published by the two ministries in 2016.

Debate over caste census

Caste census has been a divisive and politically charged topic in India. Not just the BJP but even Congress governments were hesitant about carrying out the caste count.

The critics of the caste census claim it is socially polarising and would further caste identities. Some also argue it will lead to increased demand for reservations.

However, those in favour of the caste census say it is a necessity that will help the government reshape its affirmative action for the marginalised communities. Shetty argued in his piece for The Hindu that caste-based census would help curb arbitrary demands from caste groups and capricious decision-making by governments.

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In 2021, the BJP-led Centre had rejected conducting the caste enumeration.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said in response to a question in Lok Sabha at the time: The Government of India has decided as a matter of policy not to enumerate caste-wise population other than SCs and STs in Census.

The BJPs ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), backed caste census for welfare but not politics. Despite growing calls from the opposition and even its allies, the saffron party remained ambiguous about its stance on caste census. Until now.

With inputs from agencies
On May 7, the College of Cardinals will meet under the roof of the Sistine Chapel to elect Pope Francis successor at the conclave. However, discussions and lobbying for this important position occurs earlier at tiny eateries near the Vatican over pasta, pizza and other Italian food read more

Chinese cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-Yan (C) arrives for the seventh congregation meeting at The Vatican. Cardinals from around the world dine in the quiet streets of the Borgo district on the outskirts of Vatican City. AFP

The coming week is significant for the Catholic Church. On May 7, cardinals, who have converged in Vatican City following the demise of Pope Francis, will meet under the roof of the Sistine Chapel where they will decide the new head of the Church.

However, very few are aware that the decision on who should be the next pontiff is actually decided in the small eateries around the Vatican over plates of lasagne, bottles of Chianti and lots of tiramisu, rather than in the Sistine Chapel.

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As we gear up for the all-important conclave, we take a closer look at how cardinals are campaigning for votes over meals and bottles of wine.

Gnocchi negotiations and tagliatelle talks

Many cardinals who are in Vatican City this week ahead of the conclave are using this time to engage in conversations on the state of the Church and the challenges it faces. However, these deep conversations arent occurring in Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican residence, but in the small, enchanting eateries that are all around Borgo, the small grid of streets next to the Vatican.

As Thomas Reese, a Jesuit priest and Vatican expert, told The Telegraph, The period before the cardinals go into the conclave is absolutely key. It is when they get to have dinners, coffee and drinks, and to have informal conversations where they can talk to candidates. They will be asking, how does he relate to me, what is his position on various issues?

He further added that it is very possible that this times pope is elected over a slice of pizza. Notably, in 2005 following the death of Pope John Paul II, a group of cardinals had met in Al Passetto di Borgo, a restaurant, and decided to lobby for German cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. The rest, as they say, is history. He was elected and became Pope Benedict XVI.

All these informal conversations are extremely important before they go into the conclave because when they are in the Sistine Chapel it is in total silence, except for voting. Theres no conversation, added Father Reese, a columnist for the Catholic news outlet Religion News Service.

The cardinals often venture into small eateries in Borgo. However, they often opt for simple attire, as they dont want to be identified. Representational image/AFP

Whats on the menu

The restaurants around the Vatican say they are aware of the cardinals they are serving. However, when asked who visits, they keep mum.

However, reports have stated that Tre Pupazzi is often patronised by the cardinals. Theres also Il Papalino  which means one who supports the pope  that offers the cardinals, who are also referred to as Princes of the Church, a more discreet dining environment in a back room away from the crowds.

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The trattoria named Marcantonio, named after the two brothers who own it, are also a popular choice among the cardinals. Antonio Statuto, one of the brothers, even told The Times, They come here for lunch and dinner. We mostly get foreign cardinals rather than Italians.

And what do these cardinals like to eat? Pietro Parolin, who is considered as one of the contenders in the papal race, loves his oven-baked fish. Meanwhile, Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik from South Korea prefers spaghetti with mussels, clams and prawns followed by a plate of grilled calamari.

Most of the eatery owners maintain that the cardinals have simple tastes. For instance, Federica Gianmaria, the owner of Arlu, says that most of the cardinals enjoying typical Roman staples like saltimbocca  the veal cutlets  burrata cheese, and pasta with the carbonara sauce made from fatty cured pork, hard pecorino cheese and eggs.

Even Anna Maria Scialanga of Il Papalino agrees. They eat very simple fare, they eat our typical Roman cuisine, which is poor, she told AFP. This includes dishes such as pasta with amatriciana (tomato, pecorino and pork jowl), gricia (pecorino, black pepper and smoke pork jowl), or carbonara sauces.

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For their second course, they take Roman saltimbocca, normally, tripe or oxtail.

Clients eat ice cream in front of a shop at Borgo Pio near The Vatican. Owners of gelato stores note that often times the cardinals indulge in their sweet tooth. AFP

Cardinals love for gelato

Eatery owners around St Peters Square note that most of the cardinals have a sweet tooth, favouring Italys ever-famous gelato.

As Giuseppe Longobardi, the owner of the famous LArena del Gelato store, told AFP, Many cardinals, bishops and archbishops have come here in the last 13 years. One such example is Nicaraguan cardinal Leopoldo Solorzano, who ordered the vanilla ice-cream in a small pot.

Another favourite among the cardinals is the dulce de leche, or caramelised milk, which was created in honour of Pope Francis as a tribute to the popular sweet spread from his homeland, Argentina.

Notably, once the conclave begins all of these cardinals will be locked inside the Sistine Chapel where they will be provided simple meals of soup, spaghetti, small meat kebabs and boiled vegetables cooked by the nuns.

With inputs from agencies
The Union Cabinet is set to meet under Prime Minister Narendra Modis chairmanship. The meeting comes after the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22. The Myanmar post-earthquake truce will also lapse today while aid groups and international mediators called for an extension to ease relief efforts. Today, marks 50 years since the bloody Vietnam War came to an end read more

PM Modi is set to chair the Union cabinet meeting since the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. File image/PTI

It is set to be a busy Wednesday with several events lined up for the day.

Firstly, the Union Cabinet is set to meet today. Meanwhile, a Myanmar ceasefire declared after last months devastating earthquake is set to expire today.

Today marks 50 years since the deadly Vietnam War. Meanwhile, Barcelona and Inter Milan are set to face each other in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League today.

Meanwhile, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi will launch a switch off light campaign on April 30 against the Waqf Amendment Act.

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Here is all that is set to take place today.

Union Cabinet to meet

The Union Cabinet will be meeting today for the first time since the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead. The meeting under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be convened at 11 am in Delhi.

Earlier, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had met last week and condemned the terror attack. Following the meeting, India had announced a number of measures, including downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan.

Among other measures, India announced the expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the over six-decade-old Indus Water Treaty and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post in view of the cross-border links to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Myanmar post-earthquake truce due to lapse

A Myanmar ceasefire declared after last months devastating earthquake was due to expire today after aid groups and international mediators called for an extension to ease relief efforts.

PM Modi is set to chair the Union cabinet meeting since the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. File image/PTI

The junta, which seized power in a 2021 coup sparking a many-sided civil war, said it would cease attacking its myriad armed opponents following the magnitude-7.7 quake which has killed more than 3,700.

Conflict monitors and residents in combat zones say fighting continued on both sides during the 20-day truce, declared to spur aid delivery in Myanmars central belt and due to expire at midnight (IST 11 pm).

50 years of Vietnam War

One of the most gruesome wars of the 20th Century, the Vietnam War came to an end today (April 30) in 1975. Spanning nearly two decades, the conflict officially began for the US with the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964 and ended on April 30, 1975, when Saigon fell to North Vietnamese forces, marking the unification of Vietnam under communist rule.

The war was rooted in Cold War tensions, as the United States sought to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. It pitted North Vietnam and the Viet Cong against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States. At its peak, over half a million U.S. troops were deployed. The war claimed more than 58,000 American lives and millions of Vietnamese, both military and civilian.

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Owaisi to launch switch off light campaign

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi called for a switch off light campaign today against the Waqf Amendment Act. He urged people to support the campaign by turning off the lights for 15 minutes from 9 pm on Wednesday.

Asaduddin Owaisi has called for a switch off light campaign against the Waqf Amendment Act. File image/PTI

Under the protest launched by All India Muslim Personal Law Board against Waqf Amendment Act 2025, a program has been launched to switch off lights from 9 pm to 9:15 pm on April 30 to register protest against the Act. I appeal to the people to take part in this protest by switching off the lights of their houses/shops so that we can send a message to PM Modi that this Act is a violation of fundamental rights, he said.

Barcelona (ESP) vs Inter Milan in UEFA Champions League

European giants collide as Barcelona host Inter Milan in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final today. The fixture, steeped in history and high-stakes ambition, promises an intense battle as both clubs vie for a coveted spot in the final.

With Camp Nou (or Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, if still used) as the venue, theyll look to capitalise on home advantage. The teams attacking prowess, bolstered by emerging talents and experienced leaders, has been key in overcoming tough opposition this season.
The blackout in Spain and Portugal left millions in the dark. Now, details are emerging of deaths that occurred during the power outage. But how many people are dead? What do we know? read more

The blackout in Spain and Portugal left millions in the dark.

Now, details are emerging of deaths that occurred during the power outage.

A family of three and an Irish father are thought to be among the casualties of the massive power cut across the Iberian Peninsula.

A woman in Madrid and another woman in Valencia are suspected to have died as a result of the power loss  though authorities are still investigating

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Lets take a closer look

What do we know?

As per BBC, three people from a family died of suspected monoxide poisoning in Spains Taboadela.

Police are investigating whether a faulty generator is to blame.

As per El Pais, the deceased were a married couple and their adult son.

Their bodies were found in bed by a care worker.

Sky News quoted Europa Press as saying the couple were aged 81 and 77, while their son was 56.

The outlet quoted local mayor Alvaro Vila as saying there were indications the poisoning resulted from the use of a generator.

A woman in Madrid also perished in a fire.

Authorities say the blaze may have been the result of a candle being used.

The victim, in her 50s, was found dead after the building in Madrids Carabanchel district went up in flames.

Euronews quoted neighbours as saying they witnessed the victim lighting candles earlier that evening.

As per El Pais, thirteen other people in the building were treated by medics.

A woman in her 40s also died in Valencia.

While police suggested the woman died after the ventilator she was using lost power, El Pais reported that the victim  who suffered from lung issues  died of natural causes.

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As per D_aily Mail,_ an Irish man died while swimming off Costa del Sol in Spains Andalucia region.

Paquita Gonzalez cries as she waits for news of train departures, after spending the whole night at the station in Barcelona. AP

The man, identified as one Darren, was in his 50s.

Darren and his son were taking a vacation in Torremolinos just weeks after the death of his wife.

Witnesses said they were unable to call emergency services as cellphones were down.

The sea was very rough, and there was a very strong current. A rescue worker was nowhere to be seen because its not yet the high season. As we sipped our drink on the beach, I noticed at first glance that someone was sinking in the sea about 80 metres from us. Quickly and without hesitation, I threw my things to Lindsay (his wife) and reached the individual in the sea. Along with many others, we brought the man onto the beach and began resuscitation. Unfortunately, all our efforts werent successful. And the man sadly died, a witness wrote on Facebook.

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They couldnt call emergency services, and when the police finally arrived, the ambulance was alerted by the phone. All of this took a long time, too long

Inquiry on

Meanwhile, the inquiry has begun for the cause of the blackout.

Spanish grid operator Red Electrica ruled out a cyber attack as the cause but Spains High Court said it would open an investigation to determine the cause.

Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Tuesday that even if Red Electrica had ruled out a cyber attack on its systems, it did not mean one could not have happened.

All the necessary measures will be taken to ensure that this does not happen again, Sanchez told a press conference, as per Daily Mail.

Beatriz Corredor, president of Spains power company, Red Electrica, has vowed that the incident wont happen again.

Corredor called Spains electrical system the best and most resilient in Europe.

Relating Mondays serious incident to the spike in renewables is not correct, she said.

Id like to highlight how quickly the restoration process was completed, Corredor added.

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Id like to highlight how quickly the restoration process was completed, Corredor said.

By 4 am, we already had 100% of the substations back online. The best minds in the electrical world are in this building. And it was a feat never seen before.

Red Electrica said it had identified two incidents of power generation loss, probably from solar plants, in southwestern Spain that caused instability in the electric system and led to a breakdown of its interconnection with France. The electrical system collapsed, affecting both the Spanish and Portuguese systems.

Spain was exporting power to France and Portugal at the time of the outage. Exports to France were close to the available net export capacity until 1000 local time.

According to Red Electrica data, exports to France stopped at 1235 local time from 868 MW beforehand.

Meanwhile, Portugals National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) has said they still dont know the cause of the blackout.

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ANEPC president Jose Manuel Moura told reporters on Wednesday that there were zero victims from Mondays power cut.

With inputs from agencies
Since US President Donald Trump took power in January, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) has become a far more visible and fearsome force on American streets. Though Ice is ostensibly still bound by constitutional limits, the way it has been operating bears the hallmarks of a secret police force in the making read more

Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, was mistakenly deported to El Salvador by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) because of an 'administrative error'. File image/ Reuters

Secret police are a quintessential feature of authoritarian regimes.

From Azerbaijans State Security Service to Zimbabwes Central Intelligence Organisation, these agencies typically target political opponents and dissidents through covert surveillance, imprisonment and physical violence.

In contrast to the regular police and armed forces, secret police primarily use preemptive repression to thwart threats to the government.

In Nazi Germany, for example, Gestapo informants penetrated all levels of society, producing an atmosphere of distrust among those against Adolf Hitler. In Uganda, Idi Amins State Research Bureau employed sophisticated spying equipment and intercepted mail at the post office to root out supposed saboteurs.

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In Syria, Bashar al-Assad relied on the General Intelligence Directorate to oversee a network of torture centres. And in Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro has used the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (Sebin) to spy on opponents overseas, often running operations out of diplomatic missions.

Since US President Donald Trump took power in January, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) has become a far more visible and fearsome force on American streets.

Though Ice is ostensibly still bound by constitutional limits, the way it has been operating bears the hallmarks of a secret police force in the making.

As an expert on authoritarian regimes, Ive studied historical and contemporary secret police forces extensively across Africa, Asia and Europe.

They typically meet five criteria:

Theyre a police force targeting political opponents and dissidents

Theyre not controlled by other security agencies and answer directly to the dictator

The identity of their members and their operations are secret

They specialise in political intelligence and surveillance operations

They carry out arbitrary searches, arrests, interrogations, indefinite detentions, disappearances and torture.

How close is ICE to becoming a secret police force? Lets consider each of these criteria.

Grabbing dissidents off streets

Ice has used the pretext of combating antisemitism to target dissidents. A branch of the agency previously used to target drug smugglers and human traffickers has reportedly been directed to scan social media for posts sympathetic to Hamas.

On March 8, Ice arrested the prominent pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a legal resident. It was a similar story for Rumeysa Ozturk, a university student grabbed off the street on March 25 by Ice agents.

Trump has cited the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 as the legal pretext for Ices actions in these cases and others. The law allows the US government to deport anyone whose presence has adverse foreign policy consequences for the country.

Because Khalil and others are being targeted for their activism, legal scholars say the government appears to be  retaliating against constitutionally protected free speech it disagrees with.

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Demonstrators gather near an Ice office in New York to protest against Khalils arrest. Sarah Yenesel/EPA

Loyalty to one man

While Ice does not report directly to Trump, the agency is controlled by people who have shown intense loyalty to him.

Ice is part of the Department of Homeland Security, which is overseen by stalwart Trump ally Kristi Noem. She is supported by Tom Homan, a former Ice director who Trump appointed as his border czar in November 2024.

Donald Trump and Kristi Noem. Source: AFP

Despite a court order barring the deportations of alleged Venezuelan gang members to a prison in El Salvador, Homan has remained defiant:

We are not stopping. I dont care what the judges think.

The pertinent question now is whether Noem or Homan would refuse to follow a dictate from Trump in the face of a direct court order.

Operating in the shadows

Ice agents are increasingly operating in secret. The individuals who took Ozturk off the street in a widely shared video claimed to be police officers, even though they were in plain clothes and face masks.

Similarly, Ice agents in plain clothes detained two men during a raid on a courthouse in Charlottesville, Virginia, on April 22. When two bystanders asked to see a warrant, they were ordered not to impede the agents lawful duties. Ice later said the two women would be prosecuted.

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A 5-year-old boy from Venezuela puts on his shirt while sitting near a space heater to warm up as his family waits after hearing reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents may come to detain immigrants for deportation in Aurora, Colorado. Reuters

Also last week, Ice agents attempted to arrest a man at a Wisconsin courthouse without a warrant. After a judge intervened, she was arrested herself by the FBI and charged with two felonies.

This shroud of opacity has been accompanied by an end to local agency liaison meetings aimed at helping people seek answers to Ices actions.

Surveillance gathering

Ice is organised into two distinct law enforcement components, giving it both political intelligence gathering and surveillance capabilities.

Its Homeland Security Investigations arm includes an intelligence division, while its Enforcement and Removal Operations arm uses third-party companies such as Geo Group, Giant Oak, and Palantir to conduct mass surveillance.

Demonstrators protest against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) and deportations carried out by President Donald Trumps administration, in New York City, on, February 13. Reuters

Most worryingly, Ice is trying to procure greater intelligence and surveilla Im sure you are nce capabilities by soliciting pitches from private companies to monitor threats across the internet.

According to a procurement document, contractors would be directed to focus on the backgrounds of social media users and use facial recognition capabilities to gather information on people. Criticisms of Ice itself would be monitored, too.

Arbitrary searches, arrests, and detentions

There has been a stream of reports exposing how Ice is conducting arbitrary searches, arrests, interrogations, and indefinite detentions.

Some of the most egregious reported examples include:

Since Trumps inauguration, at least three people have died in Ice detention facilities, the latest in a string of fatalities in recent years.

Prolonged solitary confinement is reportedly widespread. UN experts say this can amount to torture.

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Worst yet to come

Overall, the evidence shows Ice meets most of the criteria for being a secret police force. It has yet to target political opponents, which I define narrowly as members of the Democratic Party. And it is not directly controlled by Trump, although the current structure provides him with plausible deniability.

While the agency is far from resembling historys most feared secret police forces, there have so far been few constraints on how it operates.

The worst may be yet to come. A budget bill making its way through Congress would provide Ice with up to $175 billion in funding over the next decade. (Its current annual budget is $9 billion) This would supercharge its use of surveillance, imprisonment and physical violence.

When combined with a potential shift towards targeting US citizens for dissent and disobedience, Ice is fast becoming a key piece in the repressive apparatus of American authoritarianism.

Lee Morgenbesser, Associate Professor, School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
US Congress has passed the Take It Down Act in connection to the increasing cases of creation and distribution of non-consensual deepfake pornography also known as revenge porn. As the bill awaits President Donald Trumps signature to officially come into existence, let us take a look at what it is read more

Senator Cruz speaks about a bill to help protect victims of deepfakes and revenge porn, at the Capitol June 18, 2024. File image/AP

The House of Representatives passed the first major law tackling AI-induced harm, the Take It Down Act. Under this act, the legislation aims to enact stricter penalties for the distribution of non-consensual intimate imagery, sometimes called revenge porn. Now, the bill is headed President Donald Trumps way for his approval.

This bipartisan legislation establishes the creation and distribution of non-consensual deepfake pornography as criminal offences and legally obligates online platforms to remove such material within 48 hours of being notified.

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The bill, which was introduced by Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, and Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, saw gaining support from First Lady Melania Trump. Regarding the bill, which pertains to both real and artificial intelligence-generated imagery, critics assert that its overly inclusive language could pave the way for censorship and contravene First Amendment rights.

What is the bill?

This legislation criminalises the knowing publication or threatened publication of private images without consent, extending to AI-created  deepfakes. It also imposes a 48-hour removal requirement on websites and social media companies upon notification by a victim, along with a directive to delete duplicate content. Despite existing state-level bans on sexually explicit deepfakes and revenge porn, the Take It Down Act stands out as a rare instance of federal regulators intervening in the operations of internet companies.

Who are the supporters?

The Take It Down Act has received significant bipartisan support and advocacy, notably from Melania Trump, who lobbied on Capitol Hill in March, expressing her distress over the victimisation of teenagers, particularly girls, through the spread of such content. President Trump is anticipated to sign the bill into law. Cruz said the measure was inspired by Elliston Berry and her mother, who visited his office after Snapchat refused for nearly a year to remove an AI-generated deepfake of the then 14-year-old.

First Lady Melania Trump supports the Take It Down Act. File Image/AP

Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, supports the Take It Down Act. Meta spokesman Andy Stone conveyed last month that the sharing of intimate images without consent  whether real or AI-generated  can be deeply distressing, and that Meta has developed and actively backs various measures intended to prevent such occurrences.

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a tech industry-supported think tank, said in a statement Monday that the bills passage is an important step forward that will help people pursue justice when they are victims of non-consensual intimate imagery, including deepfake images generated using AI.

We must provide victims of online abuse with the legal protections they need when intimate images are shared without their consent, especially now that deepfakes are creating horrifying new opportunities for abuse, Klobuchar said in a statement after the bills passage late Monday. These images can ruin lives and reputations, but now that our bipartisan legislation is becoming law, victims will be able to have this material removed from social media platforms and law enforcement can hold perpetrators accountable."

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What are the concerns?

Free speech advocates and digital rights groups say the bill is too broad and could lead to the censorship of legitimate images including legal pornography and LGBTQ content, as well as government critics.

While the bill is meant to address a serious problem, good intentions alone are not enough to make good policy, said the nonprofit Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital rights advocacy group. Lawmakers should be strengthening and enforcing existing legal protections for victims, rather than inventing new takedown regimes that are ripe for abuse.

The takedown provision in the bill applies to a much broader category of content  potentially any images involving intimate or sexual content than the narrower definitions of non-consensual intimate imagery found elsewhere in the text, EFF said.

The takedown provision also lacks critical safeguards against frivolous or bad-faith takedown requests. Services will rely on automated filters, which are infamously blunt tools, EFF said. They frequently flag legal content, from fair-use commentary to news reporting. The laws tight time frame requires that apps and websites remove speech within 48 hours, rarely enough time to verify whether the speech is actually illegal.

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Senator Amy Klobuchar, Democrat from Minnesota helped introduce the Take It Down Act. File image/AP

As a result, the group said online companies, especially smaller ones that lack the resources to wade through a lot of content, will likely choose to avoid the onerous legal risk by simply depublishing the speech rather than even attempting to verify it.

The measure, EFF said, also pressures platforms to actively monitor speech, including speech that is presently encrypted to address liability threats.

The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, a nonprofit that helps victims of online crimes and abuse, said it has serious reservations about the bill. It called its takedown provision unconstitutionally vague, unconstitutionally overbroad, and lacking adequate safeguards against misuse."

For instance, the group said, platforms could be obligated to remove a journalists photographs of a topless protest on a public street, photos of a subway flasher distributed by law enforcement to locate the perpetrator, commercially produced sexually explicit content or sexually explicit material that is consensual but falsely reported as being nonconsensual

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With inputs from AP
An "orbital carrier" could offer a "game-changer" space 'launch pad'.

Gravitics Inc may create the in-orbit carriers

It acts like an aircraft carrier at sea, and allows space vehicle operators to launch spacecraft and satellites into orbit faster and at a cheaper rate to "address threats on orbit".

Space infrastructure firm Gravitics Inc may get up to $60 million worth of funding from SpaceWERX, which is the innovation branch of the US Space Force, to create the in-orbit carriers.

Colin Doughan, chief executive officer of Gravitics, told BBC Sky at Night magazine: "We're honoured to partner with the US Space Force on this critical initiative

"The Orbital Carrier is a game-changer, acting as a pre-positioned launch pad in space.

"It bypasses traditional launch constraints, enabling space vehicle operators to rapidly select a deployment orbit on-demand."

Gravitics said in a statement: "The Orbital Carrier is designed to pre-position multiple manoeuvrable space vehicles that can deliver a rapid response to address threats on orbit.

"This carrier will provide the US Space Force with unprecedented flexibility and speed for in-space operations, significantly enhancing the nation's space defence posture."
Several images and videos unrelated to the Pahalgam terror attack are going viral on social media with claims of being linked to the April 22 massacre in Kashmir. The Central government has flagged many such posts, including some shared by pro-Pakistan accounts read more

Security personnel inspect the site in the aftermath of a terror attack as food stall chairs lie empty in Pahalgam, about 90km from Srinagar on April 23, 2025. AFP

The Pahalgam terror attack has sparked a flood of misinformation on social media. Posts with little or no veracity are getting viral, further stoking tensions between India and Pakistan.

Videos related to the Indian Armys attack on Pakistan and vice versa have emerged on social media, falsely claiming they are related to the Pahalgam massacre. The Indian government has flagged several such posts fanning fake news online.

Lets take a closer look.

Misinformation abounds social media

Social media is full of old images and videos that are being associated with the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.

A video shows shelling with the claim that Pakistani military posts suffered heavy losses along the Line of Control (LoC). However, Press Trust of Indias (PTI) fact check unit found that the clip can be traced to May 2023. It displays security forces in Pakistan clashing with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters who were demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

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As per an India Today report, Pakistani users on X inaccurately dismissed the Pahalgam terror attack as a false flag staged by India.

There were also AI-generated videos making rounds on the Pakistani social media mocking the tragedy of the Pahalgam victims. The clip of a grieving woman sitting beside her husbands body was converted into a celebratory dance through AI.

Last week, a 26-year-old man was arrested by the Tamil Nadu Police for allegedly posting a video and falsely claming that a Dalit named Hussain Shah, believed to be linked to the BJPs IT wing in Jammu and Kashmir, has been arrested in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack and alleged links to a banned terrorist outfit.

Another viral claim on social media, which is being shared along with an image of a fire in the hills, is that the Pakistani Army destroyed two Indian checkpoints in the Leepa Valley of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to PTIs fact check, the picture was of the 2025 wildfire in Northern Irelands Mourne Mountain and not related to any military action.

A video, showing an explosion in the mountains, claimed that the Pakistan Army had wrecked an Indian Army post on the Indian side of the border. However, PTI found that the clip has existed online since 2020 and has nothing to do with the Pakistan Armys attack along the LoC.

A purported post on X by senior Chinese diplomat Lijian Zhao threatening that China will block the Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers flowing into India if it does not restore the Indus Waters Treaty gained traction on social media. However, the post is not from Zhaos official account and has several discrepancies.

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His last post on his official X account was on August 12, 2024. The viral screenshot is missing the number of views on the post and bookmarks, which X posts show. The fake post also mentioned retweets and quote tweets, instead of reposts and quotes that the social media platform now uses.

A video claimed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out surgical strikes on Indian civilians, leading to fatalities. However, as per PTI, the clip was from April 25 this year when a non-explosive drop tank accidentally fell from an IAF aircraft in Madhya Pradesh, damaging a house but causing no injuries.

Centre flags Pakistans propaganda

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has also fact-checked several viral claims on social media.

The nodal agency of the Central government said on Wednesday (April 30) that several pro-Pakistan social media accounts falsely claimed that Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, the commander of the Northern Army, has been removed from his post after the Pahalgam incident.

This is not true as Lt Gen Kumar retired on April 30 and Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma has taken over as new chief of the Northern Army Command.

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Several pro-Pakistan social media accounts falsely claim that Northern Commander Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar has been removed from his post after the Pahalgam incident#PIBFactCheck



 The claims being made in these posts are #fake



 Lt. Gen MV Suchindra Kumar is attaining pic.twitter.com/MogYJABl1Z  PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) April 30, 2025

The government flagged another claim as fake on Tuesday that said that an Indian Rafale fighter jet was shot down by Pakistan along the LoC.

Pro-Pakistan social media accounts are falsely claiming that confidential documents related to the preparedness of the #IndianArmy have been leaked#PIBFactCheck



 These documents are #FAKE



 Please avoid sharing unverified information and rely only on official sources from pic.twitter.com/qRGdn8vUgr  PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) April 28, 2025

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Earlier, PIB brought attention to some documents being circulated online, which were claimed as leaked information on the preparedness of the Indian Army. It said these documents were fake.

PIB has also fact-checked several other posts going viral in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

With inputs from agencies
Pakistan, angered by Indias suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, is looking to challenge the decision on the international stage. A Pakistani minister said that Islamabad has four options to consider, including moving the International Court of Justice. However, this plan is unlikely to bear any positive results read more

The IWT was signed by India and Pakistan on September 19, 1960, after nine years of negotiations to determine the distribution of the waters of the Indus and its tributaries. File image/Reuters

Tensions between India and Pakistan are higher than usual in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, in Pahalgams Baisaran meadow. Following the dastardly attack, New Delhi, vowing it would seek retribution for the tragedy, suspended the crucial Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 with Pakistan, adding that it would remain on hold until such time that Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

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However, this move has angered Islamabad immeasurably, with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs office releasing a statement, calling it an act of war. Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty, and the usurpation of the rights of lower riparian will be considered as an Act of War and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of National Power, said the official statement.

Days after issuing the threat, Islamabad is now preparing international legal action against New Delhi for putting the pact in abeyance.

As we await Pakistans future moves, we take a closer look at what could Islamabad possibly do in regards to the Indus Waters Treaty and if its plan would work.

India suspends Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan

Day after the Pahalgam attack, the Narendra Modi government took a slew of measures to punish Pakistan for its continued support of cross-border terrorism. One of the many was to put in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty, which had been signed between the two nations in 1960.

The treaty specifies how the waters of six rivers and their tributaries, called the Indus waters, will be used by the two countries. As per the pact, India has unrestricted use of the waters of the three eastern rivers: the Ravi, the Sutlej and the Beas. Pakistan has control of the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum, known as the western rivers.

Notably, this pact has survived the three wars  in 1965, 1971, and 1999  that the two countries have fought over the years. However, stating enough is enough, India has suspended this treaty, causing much anxiety in Pakistan.

This has put the neighbouring country in a tight spot; Islamabad is highly dependent on the Indus Waters for its agriculture, which contributes 24 per cent to the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) and 37.4 per cent to employment in 2024. The countrys statistics bureau says that the majority of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on the agriculture sector. According to the World Bank, the countrys current population is about 247.5 million.

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Ali Haider Dogar, one of the many Pakistani farmers, speaking to The Guardian explained just how they would be impacted by this decision. We fear India can cause flash floods or stop water destined for our crops, he said. India can starve us. Because now India wont be responsible to share any data about flash floods or dam projects with Pakistan.

Khalid Khokhar, president of the Farmers Association in Pakistan also echoed similar comments. There should be no politics on water. It is our lifeline, he told The Guardian.

Pakistans options to challenge IWTs suspension

However, now Islamabad is preparing to challenge Indias suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, saying it has a strong legal basis for appeal.

Aqeel Malik, Pakistans Minister of State for Law and Justice, told Reuters late on Monday that Islamabad is working on plans for at least three different legal options, including raising the issue at the World Bank - the treatys facilitator.

Supporters of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), carry flags as they stand on top of a van during a protest against the suspension of Indus Waters Treaty by India, in Lahore, Pakistan. Reuters

Another option for Pakistan is to approach the Permanent Court of Arbitration or at the International Court of Justice in the Hague where it would claim, as per Malik, that India has violated the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.

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The other option that Islamabad has, said Malik, is to raise the issue at the United Nations Security Council.

He further added, All the options are on the table and we are pursuing all appropriate and competent forums to approach.

The treaty cannot be suspended unilaterally and cannot be held in abeyance, there is not (such a) provision within the treaty, said Malik.

The Pakistani minister also added that it is highly probable that Islamabad would choose more than one option to seek justice in the matter.

Indias defence to suspend IWT

However, Indias water resources officials believe that New Delhi has standing if the matter was legally challenged by Pakistan. Kushvinder Vohra, a recently retired head of Indias Central Water Commission told Reuters: There are very limited options (for Pakistan)  I can say that there are solid grounds for us to defend our (Indias) action.

Others also note that Pakistans plan may bear no result.

But why?

In the case of the International Court of Justice, India has maintained that it would abide by the court, but in a declaration signed by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, India has listed down 13 exceptions wherein ICJ shall not have jurisdiction over India.

One of the caveats signed by India is  ICJ shall not have jurisdiction for disputes with the government of any State which is or has been a Member of the Commonwealth of Nations. This means that Pakistan, which is a Commonwealth nation, cant take New Delhi to the ICJ, since its jurisdiction is not valid in the case.

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People take a boat ride in the waters of Indus River near the Lansdowne Bridge in Sukkur, in the southern Sindh province. Pakistans move to challenge the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is unlikely to bear any positive results for Islamabad. AFP

Additionally, another caveat reads that ICJ shall not have any jurisdiction in disputes relating to or connected with facts or situations of hostilities, armed conflicts, individual or collective actions taken in self-defence, resistance to aggression, fulfilment of obligations imposed by international bodies, and other similar or related acts, measures or situations in which India is, has been or may in future be involved, including the measures taken for protection of national security and ensuring national defence.

Approaching the World Bank in this matter will also not help Pakistan. This is because the World Bank doesnt have any jurisdiction. While the World Bank has a role in appointing neutral experts and arbitrators, it is not an enforcement authority.

As NDTV reports, while the global financial body facilitates appointments of neutral experts and chairs of courts of arbitration, it is limited to the role of an appointer of such posts and cannot be responsible for the treatys overall management or its enforcement.

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Former Pakistani federal law minister, Ahmer Bilal Soofi, in a 2016 Dawn report, had also stated that Islamabad had few options if India chose to hold the treaty. In case India revokes the treaty, it literally means it has shunned it. The dispute resolution mechanism under Article IX and Annexes F and G of the IWT will be of no use and assistance to Pakistan. It is limited to a dispute under the treaty and not meant to provide for specific performance of the treaty itself, Soofi had told Dawn.

He further stated, Since there is no provision in the IWT about its duration or suspension, there is no avenue that Pakistan can approach for revival of the treaty. Nor can Pakistan approach the International Court of Justice seeking specific performance to implement the Treaty because of the Indian reservation given under the ICJ statute that bars the filing of a case by Pakistan against India. In other words, Pakistan will not be left with any peaceful mechanism for seeking performance of the treaty by India, Soofi said.

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With inputs from agencies
Shameema Akhtar, the mother of Shaurya Chakra awardee Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh, was taken aback when her name appeared among a group of Pakistani citizens listed for deportation after the Pahalgam terror attack, her family claimed. However, J&K Police set the record straight and called the reports fake and baseless. Akhtar has lived in India for over four decades read more

Shameema Akhtar, the mother of Shaurya Chakra awardee Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh, came to Kashmir more than 40 years ago. Her name initially appeared among a group of Pakistani citizens listed for deportation. However, officials dismissed it as a 'false and baseless' rumour. Image for Representation. AFP

She lost her son in the line of duty, received the Shaurya Chakra in his honour from the President of India, and yet, her name unexpectedly surfaced in a swirl of deportation rumours.

Shameema Akhtar, the mother of Shaurya Chakra awardee Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh, was taken aback when her name appeared among a group of Pakistani citizens listed for deportation. The claim had caused widespread outrage and confusion until Baramulla Police stepped in to set the record straight.

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Officials dismissed the rumours as false and baseless, assuring that Akhtar was not among those being repatriated.

The clarification came just days after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, following which Jammu and Kashmir authorities ferried 59 Pakistani nationals to Punjab for their repatriation to their country of origin.

But how did Shameema Akhtar get caught up in the chaos? Who is she? Heres a closer look at her journey.

Who is Shameema Akhtar?

Shameema Akhtar came to Kashmir more than 40 years ago.

Her father had migrated to Pakistan during the partition and started a new life there. Years later, after his wife passed away, he returned to India with his daughter. He chose to spend the rest of his life in Kashmir and was eventually laid to rest there too, said Shameemas brother-in-law Mohammad Younus Sheikh while speaking to The Indian Express.

In Kashmir, Shameema settled down and married Mohammad Maqsood, who would later retire from the police force. This was before militancy took hold in Jammu and Kashmir in the 1990s.

Their son, Constable Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh, followed in his fathers footsteps and joined the Jammu and Kashmir Police, working with the Special Operations Group.

In May 2022, during an encounter with foreign militants in Baramulla, Mudasir was killed in the line of duty. He was credited with helping to foil a planned terror attack on the Amarnath Yatra.

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For his bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra  Indias third-highest peacetime gallantry award. In his memory, Baramullas main town square was renamed Shaheed Mudasir Chowk.

The familys loss and sacrifice were acknowledged at the highest levels, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir visiting them to pay tribute.

In May 2023, Shameema, accompanied by her husband, received the award from President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi.

In May 2023, Shameema, accompanied by her husband, received Shaurya Chakra  Indias third-highest peacetime gallantry award, from President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi. Image courtesy: PIB

Was Shameema on the verge of deportation?

According to her son Nasir Maqsood, Shameema Akhtars name did appear on an initial list of individuals marked for deportation. However, she was later informed she could stay.

The SHO of our area came to our house in the evening stating that her name was amongst the list of people that have been asked to leave, but I have been informed today that her deportation has been put on hold, Maqsood told The Indian Express.

My brother made the supreme sacrifice for the country, how can my mother be asked to leave? he asked.

An Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel (L) inspects passport and documents of a Pakistani citizen (R) accompained by her husband, an Indian citizen, as she prepares to return to her country through the India-Pakistan Wagah border post. AFP

Amid growing concern, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday also issued a statement clarifying that 65-year-old Shameema Akhtar would not be deported, and dismissed the rumours circulating online.

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Reports circulating on social media regarding the alleged repatriation of the mother of Shaheed Constable Mudasir Ahmad are false, baseless, and categorically denied, the Baramulla Police said. They also urged media and the public to avoid spreading misinformation.

Shameemas brother-in-law, Mohammad Younus, also confirmed that she had returned home after not being taken for deportation. We are thankful to the Government of India, he said.

The confusion around Shameemas name came as the government launched a wider deportation drive following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 people. As part of its response, the Centre suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, and ordered Pakistani nationals to leave India by April 27.

Authorities have since confirmed that 60 individuals, mostly wives and children of former militants who returned under the 2010 rehabilitation policy, have been selected for deportation. These individuals were picked up from multiple districts, including Srinagar (36), Baramulla (9), Kupwara (9), Budgam (4), and Shopian (2), and have been moved to Punjab for repatriation through the Wagah border.

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With input from agencies
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) on May 29. He will be one of the four astronauts taking part in the Axiom-4 mission. The mission will include around 60 scientific experiments, seven of which will come from India. The experiments aim to improve our understanding of space and its effects on different biological systems read more

Shukla was named the Prime astronaut for the Indo-US mission to the International Space Station in August last year. Image: Axiom Space

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) on May 29.

He will be one of four astronauts taking part in the Axiom-4 mission, which is scheduled to launch from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 10.33 pm IST that day.

This mission, using SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft, comes four decades after Rakesh Sharmas famous space journey on Russias Soyuz spacecraft in 1984.

ALSO READ | Space junk: Why Nasa is offering $3 million to recycle astronaut waste in space

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Shukla, an officer in the Indian Air Force, will take on the role of pilot in the Ax-4 mission. The mission will be led by former Nasa astronaut Peggy Whitson. The two other astronauts on board are Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, a European Space Agency project astronaut from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

But what makes this mission so important?

We explain the missions goals, objectives, and what Shubhanshu Shukla will be studying in space.

What is the Axiom-4 Space mission?

The Axiom-4 mission will realise the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, as each of these countries will send a government-sponsored astronaut into space for the first time in over 40 years, according to the missions official website.

This will be the second human spaceflight mission in history for each country. However, it is the first time astronauts from all three nations will travel to the International Space Station together.

This historic mission underscores how Axiom Space is redefining the pathway to low-Earth orbit and elevating national space programmes globally, it said in a statement.

Shukla will be one of four astronauts taking part in the Axiom-4 mission. X/@NASASpaceOps

What will Shukla study?

The Ax-4 mission includes around 60 scientific experiments, with seven coming from India.

Shukla will carry out these seven studies in space, which will help improve our understanding of space and how it affects different biological systems.

ALSO READ | What does a typical day on International Space Station look like?

1. India-centric crop growth in space

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has planned experiments on the International Space Station focused on crops commonly used in Indian food, such as methi (fenugreek) and moong (green gram). These will be tested to see how they grow in microgravity.

The goal is to understand how the space environment affects how these seeds grow and how their genes behave. Researchers will also check if they could be a possible food source during future space journeys.

2. Impact of microgravity radiation

The International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology (ICGEB) and the National Institute of Plant Genome Research will carry out an experiment on how microgravity and space radiation affect edible microalgae.

The research will focus on the growth, metabolism, and genetic activity of three different microalgae strains, comparing their behaviour in space with those grown on Earth.

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3. Sprouting salad seeds in space experiment

This experiment will look at how seeds respond to spaceflight, especially how they sprout and grow.

Once the mission ends, the same seeds will be grown again over several generations. Scientists will then study any changes in their genetics, microbial content, and nutritional value.

By tracking these changes, the team hopes to find out if the seeds can become a stable food option for astronauts in the future.

We have a sprouting experiment which tries to sprout green gram or moong and methi or fenugreek seeds, which are believed to have medicinal properties, Tushar Phadnis, Group Head for Microgravity Platforms and Research, said at a virtual press conference.

Phadnis added, The idea is not just to stop with sprouting it there. The idea is also to see how these India-specific sprouts behave when they come back. They will undergo a lot of analysis in the labs of the respective PIs (principal investigators).

The Ax-4 mission includes around 60 scientific experiments, with seven coming from India. X/@NASASpaceOps

4. Voyager Tardigrades experiment

Tardigrades, often called water bears or moss piglets, are tiny eight-legged micro-animals known for their ability to survive in extreme conditions.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, which has been leading Indias space research, has designed two experiments for this mission.

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One focuses on how humans interact with electronic screens in space, and the other looks at the growth and survival of microscopic animals like the eutardigrade paramacrobiotus, also known as water bears.

As per Axiom Space, the experiment will examine how tardigrades wake up from a dormant state, lay eggs and hatch in space. It will also compare gene expression in those sent to space with those kept on Earth.

The study hopes to understand how tardigrades survive in such extreme conditions. This could help future space missions and lead to new uses in biotechnology on Earth.

5. Voyager Displays

This project explores how working with computer screens in space affects both the body and the mind. It will study tasks such as eye movement, focus, and pointing, and how these are influenced in microgravity. The aim is to see if these changes affect stress levels.

The results could help design better user interfaces for space computers, making them easier for astronauts to use.

6. Muscle regeneration

This study is focused on finding the reasons behind muscle loss in space and looking at possible treatments.

The Institute of Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine will test how certain metabolic supplements affect muscle repair in microgravity.

By identifying key molecular processes and how they might be controlled, the research could help astronauts stay healthy on long missions. It may also prove useful in finding new ways to treat muscle diseases on Earth.

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7. Cyanobacteria on ISS

This experiment looks at how two types of cyanobacteria grow and function in microgravity.

The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), along with the College of Agriculture at Kerala Agricultural University, will send crop seed samples to the space station to study how microgravity affects their growth and productivity.

By studying the two strains of cyanobacteria, Isro hopes to learn how they grow, how their cells respond, and how their biochemical activity changes in space. The findings may help use these bacteria in future life support systems on spacecraft.

Notably, Shukla was named the Prime astronaut for the Indo-US mission to the International Space Station in August last year. Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair was chosen as the Backup astronaut.

The Ax-4 team will travel on board a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and spend up to 14 days at the space station.

With inputs from agencies
Many people are worried about a military escalation between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. If this occurs, New Delhi will have to contend with Islamabad employing terrorists to do its dirty work and its soldiers relying on Chinese arms and equipment. Lets take a closer look read more

Many people are worried about India and Pakistan possibly going to war in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.

The Resistance Force (TRF), an offshoot of Al-Qaeda, had claimed responsibility for the assault on Basaran Valley which left 26 dead.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the armed forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of Indias response to the terror attack.

He made the remarks while chairing a high-level meeting attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the chiefs of three services.

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But if war breaks out, New Delhi will have to contend with Islamabad employing terrorists to do its dirty work and its soldiers relying on Chinese arms and equipment

Lets take a closer look

Terrorists

India Today has reported that the Pakistani Army has begun evacuating several terror launch pads across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The terrorists are being moved into army shelters and bunkers, as per intelligence sources.

Terrorists are being shifted from locations in Kel, Sardi, Dudhnial, Athmuqam, Jura, Lipa, Pachhiban, Forward Kahuta, Kotli, Khuiratta, Mandhar, Nikail, Chamankot, and Jankote.

There are at least 42 terror launch pads across Jammu and Kashmir containing between 150 and 200 terrorists.

The outlet earlier reported that there are 60 foreign terrorists from Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) currently active in Jammu and Kashmir as well as 17 local militants.

The development comes after news earlier today emerged that Pakistan had shielded the TRF at the UN.

Pakistans Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar admitted that he got the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to delete the name of the TRF from a press statement condemning the terror attack.

Pakistans Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Reuters file

On behalf of Pakistan, I had two objections [to the statement]. First, only Pahalgam was mentioned and secondly, the blame was put on The Resistance Forum, Dar was quoted as saying by India Today.

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Dar was using an alternate name for the TRF.

I gave clear instructions to our ambassador at the UN to ensure the amendments are made, Dar said. I received phone calls from big capitals to come to a consensus on the draft, but I told them nothing doing,

The council in its statement said terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

It added that acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable.

The council said those responsible for this reprehensible act of terrorism must be brought to justice.

Chinese arms and equipment

It was earlier reported that the terrorists in the Pahalgam attack used Chinese equipment and apps to avoid detection from Indian authorities and to keep in touch with their Pakistani handlers.

Islamabad will have to rely on arms and equipment from Beijing if conflict breaks out with India.

As per Indian Defence Research Wing, reports emerged on social media earlier this week that Pakistan has positioned Chinese artillery systems in the crowded areas of Lahore.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a conversation with Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar expressed concern over the rising tensions between the two countries and urged an impartial investigation. Reuters

The SH-15 truck mounted 155mm/52 calibre artillery system could be capable of reaching targets up to 53 kilometers away  as far as Amritsar in India.

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The system known as PCL-181 in China is a howitzer developed by Chinas North Industries Corporation (Norinco).

China has already thrown its weight behind Pakistan in case of a conflict during a phone conversation between its foreign minister Wang Yi and Dar.

Expressing deep appreciation for Chinas consistent and unwavering support, the minister assured Pakistans strong commitment to the Pakistan-China friendship and the shared vision of an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

Both sides agreed to maintain close communication and coordination at all levels to advance their shared objectives of peace, security, and sustainable development in the region and beyond.

What do experts say?

Some say India does not want to heighten tensions further.

India is not looking to escalate this crisis, ex-Indian ambassador Yogesh Gupta told SCMP.

We are only interested to re-establish the deterrence for Pakistans terror strikes against India as in the post-Balakot period, which has broken now, Gupta said.

Gupta called Pakistan army chief Asim Munir far more hostile than his predecessor Qamar Bajwa.

Consequently, this [Indian] deterrence will need to be established at a much higher level, Gupta said.

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However, Asfandyar Mir, a South Asia security analyst based in Washington, said the two countries were likely moving toward a hot conflict, which is likely to be more intense than the 2019 crisis.

The mood in India is one of vengeance, and Indian leadership appears committed to imposing an enormous cost on Pakistan, Mir said.

He said that Pakistan is equally prepared to counter any Indian action and respond forcefully and swiftly.

2019 showed that India did not have escalation dominance, added C Christine Fair, a security studies professor at Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service in Washington. Its impossible to say how the crisis would have ended.

Mir said the presence of China  which he called a concurrent threat  makes things more difficult for India.

China-Pakistan ties also remain strong and its plausible that China will provide the help Pakistan needs to stay in the fight with India, Mir added.

Gupta told the outlet Beijing has been giving Islamabad nuclear technology, heavy arms, advanced warships and fighter aircraft  all to use against India.

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So we [India] are not surprised that it has decided to supply more arms to Pakistan now, in the hope that a war between Pakistan and India would weaken the latter, Gupta added.

With inputs from agencies
Erin Patterson, a 50-year-old woman from Australia, has been accused of turning an ordinary family lunch into a deadly affair after she served a dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms that killed three of her former in-laws and left a fourth relative fighting for life. While Patterson has pleaded not guilty, the case has become one of the most closely-watched criminal trials in Australia. Heres what happened read more

Erin Patterson, a 50-year-old woman from Australia, has been accused of serving a dish laced with poisonous mushrooms to her guests at a deadly lunch in 2023. AFP

In one of Australias most bizarre and closely-watched criminal trials, Erin Patterson  a 50-year-old woman from small town in Victoria  stands accused of turning an ordinary family lunch into a deadly affair.

She is now on trial for allegedly serving a dish laced with poisonous mushrooms that killed three of her former in-laws and left a fourth relative fighting for life. Patterson, however, has pleaded not guilty and maintains her innocence.

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Nearly two years after the incident, the case has finally reached court, with prosecutors trying to piece together the events that led to the tragedy. Heres everything you need to know.

The fateful lunch

On July 29 2023, Patterson invited a bunch of guests to lunch at her home at Leongatha, a town of around 6,000 people, some 135 kilometres from Melbourne.

Patterson had separated from her husband, and the guests were her former mother and father-in-law law Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and her former aunt and uncle-in-law, Heather Wilkinson, 66 and Reverend Ian Wilkinson, 68.

Patterson said she served her guests with beef wellingtons, an English baked steak dish that consisted a piece of steak covered in mushrooms and encased in pastry, with mashed potato and green beans on four large grey plates. According to prosecutors, the dish contained poisonous mushrooms, as all four who ate the dish began feeling unwell at midnight.

Police previously said that their symptoms were consistent with poisoning from wild Amanita phalloides, known as death cap mushrooms, which are responsible for 90 per cent of all toxic mushroom-related fatalities.

Death cap mushrooms are responsible for 90 per cent of all toxic mushroom-related fatalities. Erin Patterson is accused of serving her guests with the poisonous mushroom in her dish of beef Wellingtons. Image for Representation

While Gail and Heather died nearly a week later on Friday, August 4, Don died a day later. Reverend Wilkinson also spent seven weeks in the hospital but somehow survived.

Patterson, a 50-year-old mother of two, was charged with the murder of Don, Gail and Heather, and the attempted murder of Ian over the fatal lunch. However, she has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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In a voluntary statement to police in August 2023, Patterson said she wanted to clear up the record because she was extremely stressed and overwhelmed by the deaths of my loved ones and was hospitalised herself after eating the meal. Her two kids, however, had eaten a different supper.

She said she served the meal and allowed the guests to choose their own plates, adding she then took the last plate and ate some of the beef wellington herself. Patterson said she had absolutely no reason to hurt these people whom I loved.

The trial

The trial commenced on April 29, 2025, at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Morwell. During opening statements, prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC presented several key points:

Different plates: Patterson allegedly served the guests on large grey plates while using a smaller,lighter-coloured plate for herself.

False cancer claim: Prosecutors claim Patterson purportedly fabricated a cancer diagnosis to explain the gathering with her in-laws and to ensure her children were not present during the lunch.

Food dehydrator disposal: Patterson admitted to disposing of a food dehydrator, which a forensic analysis later found to contain traces of death cap mushrooms. She was also seen dumping the machine at a local tip on CCTV footage.

The defence acknowledges that Patterson lied about certain aspects, including the cancer diagnosis and the origin of the mushrooms. But the incident was not a deliberate act of poisoning.

She did not intend to cause any harm to anyone on that day. The defence case is this was a tragedy and a terrible accident, Pattersons lawyer, Colin Mandy SC, told the court on Wednesday.

Earlier, Patterson was also accused of attempting to kill her husband, however, the charges were dropped by prosecutors.

The trial is expected to last for five to six weeks. The case continues to draw significant public and media attention as it unfolds.

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With input from agencies
The price of saffron has crossed Rs 5 lakh per kilo  as much as 50 grammes of gold. The development came after India shut down the Attari-Wagah border for trade in response to the terror attack in south Kashmir, which left 26 dead read more

The price of saffron has surged 10 per cent over the past four days to hit Rs 5 lakh per kilo.

Saffron prices are through the roof  and it has to do with the Pahalgam attack.

According to several media reports, the price of saffron has crossed Rs 5 lakh per kilo.

The development came after India shut down the Attari-Wagah border for trade in response to the terror attack in south Kashmir which left 26 dead.

The Resistance Force (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has taken responsibility for the attack.

Lets take a closer look:

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Saffron prices skyrocket

As per Business Today, Indias move has cut-off the flow of saffron  the worlds most expensive spice  from Afghanistan.

A kilo of saffron now costs as much as 50 grams of gold.

The price of saffron has surged 10 per cent over the past four days.

Prior to the attack and the closure of the border, prices of the highest quality saffron ranged between Rs 4.25 lakh and Rs 4.50 lakh per kilo, as per Economic Times.

As per Business Today, there are three major varieties of saffron.

These are:

Mongra (Kashmir)  A deep crimson, with the strongest flavour. Is also the most expensive

Lacha (Kashmir)  slightly lower strength saffron

Pushal (Afghan, Iran)  lighter strands of saffron with some yellow. Cheaper than other varieties.

Saffron from India is the only saffron in the world grown at an altitude of 1,600 metres to 1,800 metres above mean sea level (AMSL).

According to Economic Times, the saffron from Kashmir is thought to be top quality.

Saffron cultivators in Kashmir.

But Kashmir produces just six to seven tonnes of saffron per year, while the rest is imported from Afghanistan and Iran, which is the worlds largest saffron producer.

Afghanistan saffron is known for its intense colour and aroma, while Iranian saffron is thought to be the cheaper option.

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However, the price of Iranian saffron has also increased by five per cent.

India, on the other hand, consumes around 55 tonnes of saffron every year, as per Business Today.

Time for Kashmiri saffron to step up

As per The Hindu, Kashmiri saffron is grown in Pampore, Budgam, Pulwama, Srinagar and Jammus Kishtwar district.

Saffron cultivation in Kashmir dates back to 500 BC, as per India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Center.

Kashmiri saffron was given granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2020  making it the only GI tagged spice in the world.

A GI tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin.

The GI certification will stop the prevalent adulteration of Kashmir saffron, thereby, authenticated saffron will fetch much better prices, an official said at the time.

Kashmiri saffron is used in food, for medicinal purposes, in cosmetics and is a part of religious rituals all across India.

However, Kashmiri saffron has witnessed a significant decline in output since the 1990s.

Senior trade officials, speaking to Economic Times on conditional of anonymity, blamed pollution from new cement factories in Pampore and erratic weather conditions for the falling output.

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The saffron flowers are tender and wilt when cement dust falls on them, hurting the quality and quantity of saffron, officials said.

With inputs from agencies
The Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan have discussed the cross-border firing over hotline, according to sources read more

Army soldiers near the house where militants were hiding during an encounter in Ratnipora area of Pulwama district of south Kashmir, Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019. (Representative Photo, Credit: PTI)

The Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of Indian and Pakistani armies have discussed the ceasefire violations over a hotline, sources told ANI.

Sources said that Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai discussed the situation with his Pakistani counterpart.

Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan talked over hotline yesterday to discuss the unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan. India warned Pakistan against the unprovoked violations by Pakistan Army along the Line of Control, said sources.

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Notably, Pakistan has put Simla Agreement with India in abeyance, which has formed the basis of the ceasefire agreements of 2003 and 2021. With Simla agreement in abeyance, the ceasefire agreements emanating from it are in abeyance as well.

Since the Pahalgam attack in which terrorists killed 26 people, Pakistan forces have violated the ceasefire along the border. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack. The police have said that at least two of the attackers involved are from Pakistan.

For the past six days, Pakistan has violated the ceasefire every night in the border along the Line of Kashmir (LoC) as well as the International Border (IB).

In the latest instance, Pakistan resorted to unprovoked firing along the LoC and International Border in multiple sectors across four border districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials told PTI earlier in the day.

Officials said that the firing that began with small arms was reported from the Pargwal sector along the IB in Jammu district and the Sunderbani and Naushera sectors in Rajouri district. They said that Indian forces responded effectively to the firing.
The tally of operational entities saw a threefold increase post-2019. As of March 2025, Jammu and Kashmir housed 8,168 active or operational firms, an increase from 3,293 in 2020 read more

Security personnel patrol a street the morning after militants indiscriminately opened fire on tourists near Pahalgam in Kashmir, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. AP

Did Jammu and Kashmirs booming tourism and economic growth make Pahalgam a target for last weeks terror attack? Data shows that businesses in the region saw a massive boom following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

According to a report by the Economic Times, the tally of operational entities saw a threefold increase post-2019. As of March 2025, Jammu and Kashmir housed 8,168 active or operational firms, an increase from 3,293 in 2020.

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The region is currently ranked second-highest in terms of the number of operational companies among all the hilly states after Uttarakhand, which has 12,946 companies.

Although there are recent concerns about the short-term investment environment in Jammu and Kashmir, central government officials believe the regions solid long-term growth potentialalready a draw for many companiesremains strong and will keep supporting economic development.

Officials have attributed the central governments push for investments in J&K and an overall drop in terrorism since 2019, barring the recent attack, to the boom in business in the region. However, there was a slight decline in the number of fresh companies that set up shop in J&K from 1,433 in FY24 to 1,380 in FY25.

A senior official told ET that the slowdown was due to an unusually high surge in FY23, describing the current situation as a period of normalisation. The FY25 numbers are still well above the historical trend, the official noted.

The government calculates the number of active companies by excluding those that have shut down, are undergoing liquidation, or are in the process of being deregistered from the total number incorporated. Jammu and Kashmir continues to offer various incentives to attract businesses, including capital investment assistance, interest subsidies on working capital loans, and GST-linked benefits.

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At the same time, Kashmir experienced an unprecedented surge in tourism in 2024, with over 34.98 lakh visitors, marking a significant rebound from previous years. This influx was driven by improved security conditions, successful international events like the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting, and increased digital promotion of the regions attractions. Notably, foreign tourist arrivals rose sharply from 1,614 in 2021 to over 43,000 in 2024. 
Indian Muslims today, unlike in the 1990s and 2000s, are firmly integrated with global Islamic issues, trends, and forces. In such a situation, it becomes very easy for the global Islamist organisations and terror outfits to develop robust roots in remote regions of the Indian hinterland read more

Over the last 12 years, the Indian Muslims have been fed a narrative that the Modi government is anti-Muslim, despite no proof to prove such false claims. Representational image: AP

Today, Indias biggest security challenge comes from Islamism and its manifestation in the form of home-grown radicalisation and extremism. Kashmir has been a militancy hotbed since 1990. A multitude of Pak-sponsored terrorist groups have remained active in Kashmir and continue to do so. The most prominent ones are Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizbul Mujahideen, and Jaish-e-Mohammad.

Besides, Al Qaeda (AQ) affiliate Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind and local units of IS have also made Kashmir their playground; however, Pak-sponsored groups continue to call the shots. Post-370, Pakistan changed the strategy and tactics, bringing in new groups like The Resistance Front and the Peoples Anti-Fascist Front, with secular-sounding names to project an indigenous face of the militancy and dupe watchdogs like FATF.

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What is most concerning today is the spread of Islamism in the Indian hinterland, i.e., beyond Jammu and Kashmir. Though the phenomenon started in the 90s, in recent times, ideological extremism and its carriers in the form of terror outfits like AQ Indian Subcontinent and Islamic StatesKhorasan Province have made considerable gains in finding a firm foothold in several Indian states. Home-grown terror outfits like the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and its new avatar, Indian Mujahideen (IM), wreaked havoc in a range of Indian cities like Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jaipur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Coimbatore in the 2000s.

Indian agencies successfully busted the IM modules and neutralised them. Likewise, in recent times, the Indian security agencies have successfully busted AQIS and ISKP modules in India. Given this track record, there is a ray of hope. However, what differs in the current scenario from the 2000s is that today radicalisation and Islamism are far more widespread and have taken deeper roots among the Indian Muslims.

Over the last 12 years, the Indian Muslims have been fed a narrative that the Modi government is anti-Muslim, despite no proofs to prove such false claims. Islamist organisations like PFI, academics, a range of human rights activists and organisations, and foreign NGOs like the Open Society Foundation have left no stone unturned in arousing and radicalising Indian Muslims.

The Modi governments tough approach towards terrorism and measures taken in vital national interests like the CAA-NRC, triple talaq, and the abrogation of Article 370 have been portrayed as anti-Muslim. Alarming levels of radicalisation are manifesting in many ways.

Against CAA-NRC, massive pan-India Islamist-led protests popularly known as the Shaheen Bagh agitation were orchestrated. There were celebrations among the Islamists over the Talibans return to power, HTS ouster of the Asad regime in Syria, the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh by the Islamists, and the persecution of minorities after that. During this years Eid celebrations, local Islamists protested the Waqf amendment by wearing black bands, waving anti-Israel posters, and shouting anti-Israel slogans.

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Even today, as I write this piece, Murshidabad in West Bengal is burning. Islamists have erupted into massive communal violence and gone on a rampage, killing Hindus. Between 2014 and 2024, 6214 communal riots have taken place. Most interestingly, the riots that are taking place are not because of any concrete local or regional issue. They are borne out of a pan-Islamist consciousness woven with a religious flavour, with local issues like the CAA-NRC, Waqf amendments, and disputes over religious processions. Indian Muslims today, unlike in the 1990s and 2000s, are firmly integrated with global Islamic issues, trends, and forces.

In such a situation, it becomes very easy for the global Islamist organisations and terror outfits to develop robust roots in remote regions of the Indian hinterland.

This phenomenon has a specific modus operandi and trajectory that must be studied and investigated. Rohan Gunaratnas book, Sri Lankas Easter Sunday Massacre: Lessons for the International Community, provides brilliant insights into this phenomenon. Gunaratna, an eminent counter-terrorism expert with a clever combination of field knowledge, which includes interrogating a range of terrorists like a typical field intelligence officer or a detective, and theoretical perspectives, was one of the first scholars to educate the global counter-terrorism community about Al Qaeda. His historical briefings to the US Congress after 9/11 played a pivotal role in the investigation of 9/11.

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Once again, in his book on Sri Lankas Easter Sunday Massacre, he shares his insights about how ISIS staged simultaneous bomb explosions in several high-end hotels and churches of Sri Lanka on April 21, 2019, Easter Day, killing more than 200 people and injuring 500 civilians. Gunaratna informs us that the Easter Sunday massacre was one of the most lethal ISIS attacks outside its central territory in the Syria-Iraq region. It happened precisely a month after President Trump celebrated the victory of US forces against ISIS in Baghouz. Gunaratna says that this attack portrayed its global reach and the changing complexion of the threat and mounted by the adherents of IS, the attack is a critical milestone in the emerging threat landscape of transnational terrorism.

Today, in India, when the concoction of widening communal rifts, rapid spread, and penetration of Islamism, sweeping demographic changes, and sabotage by the inimical foreign state and non-state entities threatens our national security, particularly the internal security, transnational terrorist organisations like IS or AQ can easily find deep roots in urban and rural spaces of India inhabited by the Muslim population.

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This threat becomes alarming given IS changed strategy to decentralise along ideological and operational lines and expand its activities through local units, provincial groupings and regional wilayats.

A detailed study of Gunaratnas book can help security experts understand their modus operandi, ie, how they expand, recruit and train cadres, create networks and ideological spheres of influence, arrange safehouses, weapons, and logistics, and take advantage of weak political leadership, democratic freedoms, and poor intelligence machinery. His findings are based on the interviews with Noufer, the key IS ideologue in Sri Lanka and the successor of Zahran, the mastermind of the attack; Milhan, the head of the IS military wing of Sri Lanka; and a critical study of foreign and domestic investigations of the attack.

The book informs that traditionally, Sri Lankan Muslims followed a syncretic version of Islam rooted in Sufi beliefs and lifestyle, which had integrated well with the local culture and lifestyle over the years. The gradual spread of Salafi-Wahhabi ideology challenged the Sufi ideologues and beliefs and damaged their credibility as the repositories of Islamic knowledge and piety.

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Gradually, the Salafi-Wahabis organised themselves into groups like All Ceylon Thowheed Jamaat, All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ulama, All Ceylon Thareekathul Mufliheen, and Kattankudy Thowheed Jamaat. Such groupings challenged and eroded the legitimacy and popular support of Sufi institutions and lay Sufi followers. Then, they also had clashes with Sufis over the control of mosques.

Zahran, the key mastermind, orchestrated one such violent clash with Sufi Muslims. Within the Salafi-Wahhabi groups, a race started to outdo each other in extremism and orthodoxy. Zahran and his band of followers represented an extreme strand of Salafism in Sri Lanka. The Salafi-Wahhabi entities were better organised and received better funding vis-a-vis the Sufis from the foreign sources and domestic individual donations.

Gunaratna also busts certain myths, like economic deprivation being a significant cause for terrorist recruitment. In the Sri Lankan IS cell, Ilham and Inshaf, both suicide bombers, came from one of the most respected and wealthiest Muslim families of Sri Lanka.

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Even other IS cadres like Milhan and Hasthoon had foreign exposures, were well-read, and had elite educational backgrounds. They were inspired and indoctrinated by Zahrans extremist Wahhabi teachings. Also, the motivation for the attack came from global events, not the local ones. The authors interviews revealed that the attack on Muslims in two mosques of New Zealand and ISISs defeat in Baghouz were the main catalysts for this attack.

Also, an interesting aspect of Salafism in Sri Lanka is the influence of Thowheed preachers from Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the two South Indian states, have witnessed a rapid spread of Wahhabism because of a robust exposure of their Muslims working in the Middle East to Wahhabi trends there. Notably, the perpetrators of the Easter Sunday massacre also travelled to India before the attack. These linkages indicate a robust connection between the various IS cells operating in South Asia.

The author also gives a detailed account of the protocol followed by ISIS before opening a local branch in any country. He writes (page 106) 

First, it was to raise awareness of the Muslim community.

Second, was to consult among the leaders and elders of Islamic movements.

Next, a leader had to be selected.

Afterwards, disparate organisations would have to be merged and consolidated before starting to operate.

Finally, it was only after a significant attack that the IS leadership in Iraq and Syria would declare or claim the opening of a theatre, vilayat, or IS province.

The recovery of a huge IS arms cache in a police raid at Wanathawilluwa suggested that the local IS cells had made elaborate preparations for simultaneous attacks in all 25 districts of Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the IS also managed to establish safe houses across the country and hide its arms and equipment in them. As regards radicalisation, the book reveals that the online content played a crucial role. Besides, many members of the Sri Lankan IS cell had radicalised in foreign countries like the UK and Australia. Many of them also travelled to Syria and Iraq.

Finally, Gunaratna also gives some excellent policy recommendations  most, most importantly, beefing up the intelligence machinery and intelligence coordination and exchange between the countries. He suggests creating a subcontinental database on terrorism and counter-terrorism. Further, to stamp out fanaticism, he suggests that the national and global Muslim leaders should revamp existing systems. This includes 

Screening and registration procedures for local and foreign clerics

Blacklisting of hate preachers

Regular re-education and re-certification of existing clerics

Rehabilitation programmes for radical and violent clerics

Development of a comprehensive and holistic curriculum for student clerics, including possible audiences and counter-terrorism dialogues with survivors of the radical Islamic sect

Regular reviews of key texts

Banning texts that advocate violence

Establishment of a consultative process where Islam and other religions are mainstreamed. Singapore has such a body in the form of the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony, where key religious leaders meet to resolve conflicts.

To conclude, it must be argued that India needs to take this existential threat from Islamic extremism seriously. Its fragile neighbours, like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, make Indias position even more vulnerable. Hence, India needs a long-term roadmap and a multipronged strategy to address this challenge.

The author is a Cornell University graduate in public affairs, bachelors from St Stephens College, Delhi and has done his PhD on Jaish-e-Mohammad. He is a policy analyst specialising in counterterrorism, Indian foreign policy and Afghanistan-Pakistan geopolitics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The world's tallest and smallest dogs have met.

Reggie, the world's tallest dog, and Pearl, the world's smallest pooch, have met

Reginald (Reggie) the Great Dane, from Idaho, welcomed Pearl the chihuahua, from Florida, into his home earlier this month, coordinated by Guinness World Records - which is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2025.

Standing at 3.59 in, four-year-old Pearl looked up at the seven-year-old 3ft 3 in giant - but he was "very careful" around the little one, which "eased both owners' anxieties about the meeting".

Reggies owner Sam Johnson Reiss said: "Im not worried that [Reggie] wont be careful around Pearl.

"Hes very, very cautious and aware.

"I anticipate that he will be really good with her and probably be more interested in Pearls owners than maybe Pearl herself!

"Obviously, bringing the smallest dog in the world with the tallest dog in the world, there was a little bit of anxiety, but I think he was very gentle [and] very, very kind [to Pearl], as best as he could be.

"And then, when he was done, he was done."

Agreeing, Pearl's owner Vanesa Semler said: "I think that was the main reason, he was trying to be careful around her, so I think that may be the main reason he wanted to stay away because he was really, you know, gentle with her.

"Thats an amazing quality. That talks a lot about how caring and loving he is!

After a great day of fun - which included the pooches having a ball - the pair were exhausted and took some "well-earned naps".

Reflecting on having record-breaking dogs, Sam said: "If Reggie gives happiness to any one person, that will be great for him and that will make him happy.

Vanessa added: "I think you can see through the photos and videos the love we have for our pets, theyre part of the family."
The Blinkit-Airtel home delivery service has been paused after the Department of Telecommunications raised concerns about compliance with regulations and stipulated norms. Read on for more details read more

The Blinkit-Airtel home delivery service has been paused after the Department of Telecommunications raised concerns. (Photo: Gadgets 360)

Days after Blinkit-Airtel SIM home delivery was announced with much fanfare, the service has been put on hold, news agency PTI said quoting sources. The move came after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) queried Airtel on the process being followed and made it clear that stipulated norms have to be complied with, the PTI sources said.

The telecom department recently circulated a e-mail to various telecom service providers, saying the existing self-KYC process, as per the extant instructions, shall be followed scrupulously.

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PTI quoted a person privy to the development said that the offering has been put on hold, not discontinued. A quick search done on Blinkit for Airtel SIM returned no matches.

A user on X penned a post saying: Tried ordering an Airtel SIM via Blinkit. I blinked the service was discontinued 

PTI said emails sent to Airtel and quick commerce platform, Blinkit, seeking comments on the status of the launch announcement and whether or not the same have been discontinued, did not elicit any response.

On April 15, Bharti Airtel had announced this partnership with Blinkit for the delivery of SIM cards to its customers within ten minutes.

It had said that in the initial phase of the launch, the SIM delivery service will be available across 16 major cities, including metropolises such as Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ahmedabad, Surat, Chennai, Bhopal, Indore, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Lucknow, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.

There were plans to add more cities and towns over a period of time.

Here are seven reasons why the government put the home delivery of Airtel SIM on hold:

1. Regulatory compliance concerns

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) queried Airtel about the process being followed and emphasized that all stipulated KYC (Know Your Customer) norms must be strictly complied with.

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2. KYC process scrutiny

The DoT reminded telecom service providers that the existing self-KYC process, as per current instructions, must be followed scrupulously, raising concerns about whether the rapid home delivery model could maintain these standards.

3. Security and fraud risks

Rapid SIM delivery combined with Aadhaar-based eKYC increases the risk of misuse, such as SIM swap fraud, identity theft, and unauthorised SIM activations using stolen or forged documents.

4. Potential for criminal misuse

There have been past instances where SIM cards obtained through fraudulent means were used for illegal activities like cyber fraud, terrorism, and human trafficking, making strict verification essential.

5. Need for robust verification protocols

The fast delivery model demands rigorous on-the-spot verification, which may not be feasible or reliable with delivery personnel, increasing the risk of SIMs falling into the wrong hands.

6. Data privacy concerns

Sharing customer data between Blinkit and Airtel for SIM activation and delivery raises privacy and data protection concerns, especially in light of past Aadhaar data leaks.

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7. Service still in evaluation phase

The offering has been put on hold, not discontinued, suggesting that both companies and regulators are reviewing processes to address these compliance and security issues before resuming the service.
Fuels that can operate inexpensively around the clock, such as coal, gas, and nuclear, are critical to US AI competitiveness, according to Burgum, who also chairs the National Energy Dominance Council read more

Some of the largest US power corporations disagree with senior Trump administration officials on how to address the countrys growing electricity deficit while beating China in the AI race.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated at Semafors World Economy Summit last week that Washingtons drive to expedite permission for the development of new energy resources will not apply to intermittent power sources.

The prolonged use of government tax subsidies to replace fossil fuels in the electric grid with renewables would be catastrophic for our country, he said.

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Fuels that can operate inexpensively around the clock, such as coal, gas, and nuclear, are critical to US AI competitiveness, according to Burgum, who also chairs the National Energy Dominance Council.

However, executives at firms that manage the transmission of electricity to new data centres have a more nuanced perspective.

Even while growing trade barriers with China make some technologies more expensive, renewables and batteries remain the cheapest and fastest option to add additional electrons to the grid.

Before, I always argued that you need some gas in the [power] mix to make it cheaper, said Andres Gluski, CEO of the international energy giant AES, one of the leading data centre power providers in the United States, at WES.

Now, I would argue that you need renewables in the mix to make it cheaper. Over the next five years, the bulk of new energy in the US is going to be renewables.

Burgum stated last week that the Trump administration had no hostility towards renewables.

One may expect the urgency of the AI race to break down ideological barriers for policymakers on both sides of the fossil fuels vs. renewables debate.

However, for a politician like Burgum, whose home state of North Dakota is a major oil and gas producer, the attachment to hydrocarbons runs deep, which can lead to some ignorance regarding the true costs and timescales for other data centre energy solutions.

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Any state in this country that is saying Were not going to allow natural gas pipelines, were going to bank on wind and solar, theyre not going to have any AI data centers, Burgum said. Theres not some magical solution thats appeared yet where we can have cheap and affordable load-shifting by using batteries in conjunction with intermittent [power sources].

According to Bob Frenzel, CEO of the midwestern utility Xcel Energy, some utilities may decide to gradually prolong the life of current coal plants rather than rush to shut them down in response to Trumps recent executive order that supports coal mining and coal-fired power generation.

Batteries will be among the technologies whose costs are disproportionately increased by trade barriers with China.

However, whether it comes down to supplying new data centre clients with utility-scale batteries or a new $50 million substation, batteries still win, according to Calvin Butler, CEO of Exelon, the largest regulated utility company in the United States.

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If the Trump administration is serious about assisting power companies in the AI race, it may need to explore establishing tariff exemptions for utility-scale batteries.

The more the United States tries to distance itself from renewables and batteries, whether through trade barriers, reduced tax incentives, or pushing them to the back of the permitting reform queue, the greater the bifurcation between their prices in the United States and elsewhere, according to Gluski. That risks undermining the United States AI objectives.

Renewables are advancing quickly, but natural gas still plays an important part in the future US power grid, and although a turnaround in coal demand is doubtful, gas consumption is expected to increase.

Gas is already the dominant energy source for data centres, accounting for around 40% of consumption. And as data centre demand rises, IT businesses will face increased competition from US LNG producers, who may have less fuel to sell overseas.
The sanctions target seven entities based in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Iran, along with two vessels involved in the trade, according to a report, citing a statement from the US State Department read more

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends a meeting of the Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias Task Force at the Justice Department in Washington, DC, US, on April 22, 2025. Reuters File

Days ahead of a fresh round of US-Iran negotiations set for Saturday, the US on Wednesday imposed new sanctions on entities it accuses of participating in the illicit trade of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products.

According to a Reuters report, citing a statement from the US State Department, the sanctions target seven entities based in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Iran, along with two vessels involved in the trade.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measures are aimed at four sellers and one buyer of Iranian petrochemicals, with transactions valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

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The move marks the latest escalation in Washingtons renewed maximum pressure campaign, originally introduced by former President Donald Trump, aimed at curbing Irans oil exports and preventing it from advancing its nuclear programme.

The President is committed to driving Irans illicit oil and petrochemical exports - including exports to China - to zero under his maximum pressure campaign, Reuters quoted Rubio as saying.

Irans mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment following the latest round of US sanctions targeting its petrochemical trade, according to Reuters.

The sanctions come as the US prepares to resume talks with Iran over its nuclear programme, with negotiators from both sides scheduled to meet in Rome on Saturday.

During his first term in office from 2017 to 2021, Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers.

The deal had imposed strict limits on Irans uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump later reimposed sweeping US sanctions, escalating tensions with Tehran.

In the years since, Iran has significantly exceeded the enrichment limits set by the agreement.

Western powers have accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capability by enriching uranium to levels deemed unjustifiable for a civilian energy program. Tehran maintains that its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful, civilian energy purposes.

With inputs from agencies

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Amazons Haul site, which debuted in November, is particularly susceptible to tariffs because it is dependent on goods shipped directly from China, similar to popular low-cost site Temu. In exchange for lower prices, customers face longer shipping times read more

Packages are transported on a conveyor belt at the Amazon warehouse, busy on Prime Day, in Melville, New York, U.S. File image/ Reuters

Amazon said on Tuesday its low-cost Haul unit had considered listing import charges for goods in light of new U.S. tariffs but denied looking at such a plan for its main website, after the White House accused it of a hostile political act.

The Seattle retailer spent a chaotic morning denying a report from Punchbowl News that it planned to display prices showing tariffs impact on Amazon.com. It acknowledged it had considered it for certain inexpensive China-made products on Haul but then rejected the idea.

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The confusion initially prompted a 2% drop in Amazon shares after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the reported pricing plan a hostile and political act by Amazon. Amazon denied the initial story.

The company said its smaller Haul division, which competes for low-cost buyers with Temu and Shein, had mulled displaying import levies. The team that runs our ultra low cost Amazon Haul store considered the idea of listing import charges on certain products. This was never approved and (is) not going to happen, a company spokesperson said, adding that teams discuss ideas all the time.

Amazon shares recovered losses and were up slightly in afternoon trading.

President Donald Trump has imposed a tsunami of tariffs on U.S. trading partners, including China which has seen tariff costs rise by 145% since Trump took office, sending many corporations scrambling. Trump called Amazon founder and executive chairman Jeff Bezos to complain about the Punchbowl News report, a White House official said.

Jeff Bezos is very nice, Trump told reporters. He solved the problem very quickly. He did the right thing.

Automakers and others have said new tariffs could drastically hike the cost of consumer goods.

Amazons Haul site, which debuted in November, is particularly susceptible to tariffs because it is dependent on goods shipped directly from China, similar to popular low-cost site Temu. In exchange for lower prices, customers face longer shipping times.

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Trump this month signed an executive order that closes a trade loophole known as de minimis that has allowed low-value packages from China and Hong Kong to enter the United States free of duties. The order takes effect on May 2.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer urged national retailers to show the true cost of Trumps tariffs. To the large businesses that sell to consumers, I say: show your customers how much tariffs are hurting in their pocketbooks, Schumer said.

U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Trump ally, jumped into the fray. Ahhh come on Amazon!!, she posted on X. I was getting so excited about the Amazon tariff tracker so I could avoid buying anything from China!!

Reuters reported on Monday that some third-party merchants who previously sold China-made goods during Amazons premier July Prime Day shopping event are sitting it out this year or reducing the amount of discounted merchandise they offer.

The company on Tuesday announced the return of Prime Day this year, but did not provide specific dates, a departure from prior announcements.

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Trump was a frequent critic of Bezos during the Republicans first term, particularly over what he said was unfair coverage by The Washington Post, which Bezos owns.

Bezos and Amazon have appeared to try to reconcile with Trump including by buying a documentary about first lady Melania Trump for $40 million, contributing to the presidents inaugural fund and showing episodes of Trumps reality show The Apprentice on Prime Video.

The strategy to remain in the White Houses good graces seemed to have been working. In a March interview with The Atlantic that was published Friday, Trump said of Bezos, Hes 100 percent. Hes been great.

But Leavitt on Tuesday cited a 2021 report by Reuters that the tech company had partnered with a Chinese propaganda arm.

So, this is another reason why Americans should buy American, Leavitt said, underscoring the Trump administrations efforts to shore up critical supply chains and boost domestic manufacturing.

Amazon in 2021 said it complies with all applicable laws and regulations, wherever we operate, and China is no exception.

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The White House tweeted a link to the Reuters report earlier Tuesday. The White House did not immediately comment after Amazon denied the tariffs report.
The Bangladesh High Court on Wednesday granted bail to former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, after six months of his arrest. read more

The Bangladesh High Court on Wednesday granted bail to former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in a sedition case, after six months of his arrest, Dhaka-based Daily Star reported.

A bench of Justice Md Atoar Rahman and Justice Md Ali Reza passed the order.

He was arrested in Bangladesh on 25 November 2024 on multiple serious charges, including sedition, which many international observers have called judicial harassment.

His arrest last year, following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime, sparked public outrage and strained India-Bangladesh relations.

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Das was arrested in Dhaka on 25 November after a case was filed accusing him of insulting the Bangladesh national flag at a Hindu community rally. A court in Chattogram sent him to jail on 26 November and later denied him bail on 11 December.

Dass lawyer, Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee, told ANI that the Bangladesh High Court has asked the government to respond to the ruling within two weeks.

At a hearing in Chattogram on 2 January, Dass defence argued that he deeply respects his country, comparing it to the love one has for their mother, and insisted he is not a traitor. However, the court rejected his bail plea.

The hearing was held under tight security and was presided over by Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Saiful Islam. Advocate Mofizur Haque Bhuiyan represented the prosecution.

The case has drawn significant public attention, with many closely following the proceedings in the High Court.
Radical Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has threatened Yunus over gender reform proposals, warning of consequences similar to Hasinas ouster, according to a report read more

Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh. Reuters File

Radical Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has warned Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus that he could face the same fate as deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina if the interim government proceeds with implementing what it calls anti-Islamic recommendations proposed by the Womens Affairs Reform Commission.

According to a Times of India report, at a recent gathering, Hefazat leaders strongly criticised the Commissions proposals, claiming they contradict the Quran and Sunnah and urged the government to scrap the reforms immediately

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Separately, the Islamist political party Khelafat Majlis also demanded the abolition of the Womens Affairs Reform Commission, echoing Hefazats opposition and calling the body unnecessary and harmful to Islamic values, added the report.

This is against the Quran and Sunnah and threatens the religious identity of Muslims, ToI quoted secretary general Ahmad Abdul Quader as saying.

Hefazats warning came during nationwide protests triggered by the Commissions recent report, which Hefazat claims goes against Islamic law.

Addressing protesters in Narayanganj on Friday, Hefazat joint secretary general Mamunul Haque said, We welcomed five of the six reform commissions, but the proposals from the Womens Affairs Reform Commission are shocking. They blame religious and social norms for gender discrimination, which is a clear rejection of Islamic law.

We have shown him respect, but if he insists on pushing this agenda, we will be compelled to treat him no differently than Sheikh Hasina, said Haque referring to Yunus.

Hasina, Bangladeshs longest-serving prime minister, resigned and fled to India last year, marking a dramatic end to her 15-year tenure following an unprecedented wave of nationwide protests.

Her departure came after weeks of escalating demonstrations and violent clashes with security forces, which left nearly 300 people dead since mid-July.

Initially sparked by student anger over a controversial quota system for government jobs, the protests quickly evolved into a widespread movement against Hasina and the ruling Awami League.

The 76-year-old leader, who secured a fourth consecutive term in January through a disputed election boycotted by the main opposition, faced growing domestic and international criticism over democratic backsliding. The latest unrest proved to be the final and most significant challenge of her political career.

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With inputs from agencies
Brics, formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China and currently include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, has emerged as a key counterbalance to Western-led groups such as the G7 read more

Foreign Ministers and senior diplomats from BRICS countries pose for a family photo during the second day of the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. AFP

China, Brazil, and other Brics members denounced the resurgence of trade protectionism on Tuesday during a conference in Rio de Janeiro, overshadowed by US President Donald Trumps tariff blitz.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Russian colleague Sergei Lavrov were among the 11-country groups senior diplomats who met for two days to discuss problems ranging from Trumps trade war to the fight for peace in Ukraine.

Mauro Vieira, the foreign minister of Brazil, which now holds the rotating Brics leadership, stated that the bloc emphasised its firm rejection of protectionism without directly alluding to Trump.

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Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has imposed a blanket 10% tax on dozens of nations, while China faces levies of up to 145% on numerous imports.

Beijing has replied with 125% levies on US products.

Brics, formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China and currently include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, has emerged as a key counterbalance to Western-led groups such as the G7.

It currently accounts for about half of the worlds population and 39% of the global GDP.

The meeting in Rio came at a critical moment for the world economy after the International Monetary Fund slashed growth forecasts over the impact of Trumps sweeping levies on imports.

The ministers did not issue a joint statement.

Brazil instead settled for a declaration summarizing the discussions.

Vieira said there was absolute consensus on the subject of trade conflicts and tariffs.

DDD

Some Brics members have avoided Trumps trade fury.

Brazilian exports to the United States are subject to 10 percent tariffs, a fraction of those imposed on China.

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And while Latin Americas biggest economy has been hit by Trumps tariffs on steel imports  Brazil is the second-biggest supplier of steel to the US  President Luiz Inacio Lulas government has declined to retaliate and sought to negotiate with Washington instead.

Brazil has however made no secret of its frustration with European Union regulations on some of its agricultural exports, imposed over Amazon deforestation.

Vieira hit out Tuesday at the use of non-tariff trade barriers, deployed under environmental pretexts.

The group trod more carefully on the issue of non-dollar transactions among Brics members.

At a summit last year in Russia, Brics leaders discussed boosting such transactions, eliciting a swift rebuke from Trump who threatened them with 100 percent tariffs if they undercut the US currency.

Brazil said the ministers this week had underlined the importance of greater use of local currencies.

Climate ambitions in jeopardy

Multilateralism and cooperation were the watchwords of the meeting, which also discussed the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

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The Brics ministers called for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, terming Israels more than 50-day aid blockade of the territory unacceptable.

They had less to say about the war in Ukraine, which is at a critical juncture, with Washington threatening to end its efforts to broker peace in the absence of a breakthrough.

As in the past, Russias Brics partners stopped short of condemning Moscows invasion of its neighbor, while calling for a lasting peace deal.

The growing global polarization is of particular concern to Brazil as it prepares to host the annual, often fractious UN climate conference in November in the Amazon.

On Tuesday, Brazil warned that the international fragmentation was jeopardizing global climate action ambitions.
While China is set to lift sanctions on EU lawmakers to revive trade talks, European lawmakers warn that the core issues causing the rift  ranging from human rights abuses to aggressive industrial policies  remain unresolved, according to a report read more

China is set to lift sanctions on five current and former Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who have spoken out against its human rights abuses, paving the way for renewed trade talks between the EU and China, according to a report, citing senior Parliament official.

But while Beijing may be offering an olive branch, European lawmakers warn that the core issues causing the rift  ranging from human rights abuses to aggressive industrial policies  remain unresolved, with one of the MEPs saying, Facts do not change with lifting of sanctions.

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According to a Politico report, citing the official, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is expected to inform political group leaders of the development during a closed-door meeting on Wednesday.

Last week, Metsolas spokesperson confirmed that talks between the European Parliament and the Chinese government to lift the sanctions were in their final stages.

The decision to remove the sanctions comes amid broader global trade tensions, following US President Donald Trumps imposition of sweeping tariffs, particularly targeting Chinese imports. That disruption has prompted the EU to pursue trade negotiations with a wider range of partners.

Since China introduced the sanctions in 2021, the European Parliament has effectively frozen diplomatic engagement with Beijing, insisting that any formal contact be contingent on the sanctions being lifted.

Despite the thaw in relations, EU lawmakers have maintained their criticism of China, particularly over President Xi Jinpings assertive trade and industrial strategies and ongoing human rights violations.

Bernd Lange, the Parliaments lead MEP on international trade, cautioned that while dialogue with China may now resume, significant challenges still lie ahead for achieving a stable EU-China trade relationship.

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We are very concerned about Chinas industrial policy that leads to market distortions and creates overcapacity that floods the world market, Politico quoted Lange as saying, adding he also wants to discuss intensively the market access barriers China has imposed.

Facts do not change with lifting of sanctions, French Socialist MEP Raphael Glucksmann, one of the sanctioned MEPs, told Politico.

We are talking about mass deportations, systematic forced labour, atrocities against the Uyghurs, brutal repression and human rights violations in Hong Kong, threats, interference, and intimidations against Taiwan, and so many other grave human rights violations, Glucksmann added.

The other sanctioned MEPs include Bulgarian liberal Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Slovak center-right politician Miriam Lexmann, and two Germans: Green Party member Reinhard Butikofer and Christian Democrat Michael Gahler.

In recent months, EU-China engagement has intensified.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met with President Xi Jinping in mid-April, while EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic has held discussions with Chinese officials. A high-level EU-China summit is scheduled for July.

With inputs from agencies
The Indian Army responded with a proportionate action after Pakistans unprovoked small arms fire along the Line of Control, marking the sixth consecutive day of cross-border firing. read more

The Indian Army on Wednesday gave a proportionate response after the Pakistan Army opened unprovoked small arms fire at several locations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, marking the sixth straight day of cross-border firing. The flare-up follows the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 innocent people were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists.

The firing occurred in the Naushera and Sunderbani sectors of Rajouri, the Akhnoor and Pargwal sectors in Jammu, and parts of Baramulla and Kupwara. Indian troops responded quickly and in a measured way, officials said.

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During the night of 2930 April 2025, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the Line of Control opposite the Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor sectors in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Indian Army troops responded swiftly and proportionately, the Indian Army said in a statement.

Since the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, Pakistan has been continuously firing at the Line of Control (LoC), facing a strong response and violating the ceasefire.

India planning military action in next 24-36 hours: Pak

Earlier, Pakistan claimed it had credible intelligence suggesting India plans military action within the next 24-36 hours, PTI reported.

Pakistans Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, accused the Indian government of preparing military action based on false and fabricated claims about Pakistans involvement in the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

PM Modi holds key meet, gives forces full operational freedom

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, CDS Anil Chauhan, and the three service chiefs, giving the forces full operational freedom to decide the mode, targets, and timing of Indias response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Government sources said that during the meeting, PM Modi emphasised that it is our national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism.
The official manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) slipped to 49.0 in April, falling below the 50-point threshold that separates growth from contraction and undershooting economists forecasts read more

The tariffs have finally taken a toll on China's manufacturing sector. File Image- FP

Chinas manufacturing sector shrank for the first time in three months in April, offering the clearest evidence yet that US President Donald Trumps sweeping new tariff regime is beginning to bite.

The downturn in factory activity, coupled with a sharper-than-expected plunge in export orders, marks the most significant early signal of disruption to the worlds largest exporter since the White House announced its so-called Liberation Day tariff package.

The official manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI), released Wednesday (April 30) by Chinas National Bureau of Statistics, slipped to 49.0 in April, falling below the 50-point threshold that separates growth from contraction and undershooting economists forecasts.

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The March figure had registered 50.5. Particularly concerning for Beijing, the subindex for new export orders collapsed to 44.7, down sharply from 49.0 in March, highlighting the immediate blow to Chinas overseas sales, Wall Street Journal reported.

The disappointing data shows the mounting pressure on Chinas export engine following the imposition of steep US tariffs aimed at correcting what Trump has repeatedly described as a long-standing unfair trade imbalance. The White Houses latest tariff package, which came into effect earlier this month, targets a vast swathe of Chinese goods and marks a significant escalation in Washingtons protectionist push.

The broader Chinese economy also showed signs of strain. The countrys nonmanufacturing PMI, which includes services and construction, slipped to 50.4 from 50.8 in March. Service activity edged lower to 50.1, while the construction sector, typically a buffer during economic turbulence, also lost momentum, falling to 51.9 from 53.4.

The economic tremors in China are not going unnoticed elsewhere in the region.

Worry rises in Japan

In Tokyo, concerns are rising that Trumps aggressive trade stance could imperil broader Indo-Pacific stability. Speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, Itsunori Onodera, policy chief of Japans ruling Liberal Democratic Party and a former defence minister, urged the US to reconsider its tariff plans, warning that alienating Southeast Asia could backfire.

Countries of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations may become more distant from the US because the tariffs, Onodera said, adding that Japan hoped the US would reassess its approach.

Japan has been drawn into the tariff crossfire despite being a long-time US ally and a major investor. Alongside a 10 per cent baseline duty, Japanese exports have been slapped with additional levies on key sectors including cars, steel and aluminium. Though Trump paused a punitive 24 per cent reciprocal tariff on Japanese vehicles for 90 days, pressure remains high.

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Japans chief trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, departed for Washington on Wednesday for a second round of talks aimed at securing relief. The government may offer concessions such as streamlined import procedures for US vehicles or increased purchases of American corn, soybeans, and liquefied natural gas.

There has been no change to our stance of strongly demanding that all the tariffs be scrapped, Akazawa told reporters, warning that Japanese companies are losing money each and every day under the current tariff regime.

With Beijing grappling with the initial economic fallout and Tokyo scrambling for a diplomatic off-ramp, the Trump administrations tariff blitz appears to be reshaping not just trade flows, but also regional alliances and political calculations across Asia.

With inputs from AFP
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The leaders of Japan and the Philippines pledged in Manila on Tuesday to deepen security ties, including increased intelligence sharing, as they grapple with territorial disputes with China.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, on his first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in October, said both leaders opposed "attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea and the South China Sea by force or coercion".

The two countries have previously signed a visiting forces agreement, which has been ratified by the Philippine Senate, allowing them to station troops on each others' soil.

"We agreed to start negotiations on an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement," Ishiba said after his meeting with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos on Tuesday.

Such deals have typically involved the transfer of supplies and services between militaries.

"We also confirmed the start of government-to-government talks towards sealing a security of information agreement in the future," Ishiba said.

Praising a "golden age" in relations, Marcos said Tokyo's previous security assistance had "allowed our security agencies, and especially the Department of National Defence, to achieve meaningful upgrades."

Chinese-Philippine relations have been repeatedly tested by confrontations involving the two nations' coast guard vessels in the disputed South China Sea.

Beijing claims nearly all of the disputed waterway despite an international tribunal ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

Tokyo has been a key financer of Philippine efforts to modernise its South China Sea patrol craft as well as maritime surveillance systems.

Japan has its own dispute with China over uninhabited islands in the East China Sea -- known as the Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan -- which are claimed by Beijing but administered by Tokyo.

The two countries' shared grievances over China's territorial claims have seen them draw increasingly close to each other -- and treaty ally the United States.

Marcos and former Japan prime minister Fumio Kishida visited Washington late last year for their nations' first trilateral summit.

Ishiba said on Tuesday he and Marcos had "affirmed the importance of Japan-US-Philippines cooperation".

On the economic front, the Japanese premier said the two men had also talked about the impact of US President Donald Trump's tariff blitz.

"We discussed the current measures taken by the United States, as well as the impact felt on... the world economy, because of the reciprocal retaliation seen between the United States and China," he said.

While hit with a "reciprocal" levy of 17 percent, Manila's Department of Trade and Industry has noted the country ranks among "the least hit" regionally by the tariffs and played up the opportunity that presents.

Trade secretary Cristina Roque was scheduled to leave Tuesday for talks in the United States that will reportedly focus heavily on the tariff issue.
The bill, which was born out of a 2024 Senate report that warned France faced a tipping point from rising drug violence, was not without controversy. A measure to provide police with an automatic backdoor into encrypted messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal was removed by lawmakers during debate read more

Member of parliament Sylvain Maillard of the Renaissance party speaks at the National Assembly in Paris, France. File image/ Reuters

French lawmakers on Tuesday approved a sweeping counter-narcotics law to equip the state with tougher tools to fight a sharp rise in drug crime following a record-breaking surge of South American cocaine into Europe.

The new law will create a national prosecutors office for organised crime, isolate dangerous kingpins in prisons to prevent them from running their empires from behind bars, and allow for the shutdown of businesses that launder drug money.

The use of cooperating witnesses - criminals offering information on their network in return for lighter sentences or other benefits - will be expanded, while assets will be confiscated unless their owners can attest to their provenance.

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The bill, which was born out of a 2024 Senate report that warned France faced a tipping point from rising drug violence, was not without controversy. A measure to provide police with an automatic backdoor into encrypted messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal was removed by lawmakers during debate.

Centrist lawmaker Sylvain Maillard told Reuters tougher laws were needed to tackle a problem that is affecting nations across the continent.

Countries in Europe, like Holland and Belgium, are under attack, Maillard said. All countries with major ports are particularly affected, and this is the case in France. We must combat this scourge, which has grown enormously in recent years, by updating the legislation.

The new law comes amid growing awareness of Frances struggle with organised crime. A spate of attacks on prisons across France, which the government says are in response to its push to make jails less hospitable to drug barons, has underlined the threat to the state posed by the narcotics trade.

At least 25 people suspected of involvement in the prison attacks were arrested on Monday on terrorism charges.

Years of record cocaine imports to Europe have transformed local drug markets, generating a wave of violence. Despite historic cocaine seizures in France, gangs are reaping windfalls as they expand from traditional power bases in cities such as Marseille into smaller towns unused to drug violence.

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The rise in gang crime has also increased support for the far-right National Rally party and helped drag French politics further to the right.
Pakistan has constructed a network of deep tunnels across the Line of Control (LoC) to facilitate the infiltration of terrorists into Indian territory and potentially to send troops during an armed conflict, says report. read more

Pakistan has dug deep tunnels across the Line of Control (LoC) to infiltrate terrorists into Indian territory and potentially send troops into the other side during an armed conflict between the two nations, The Hindustan Times reported, citing sources in security agencies.

The report says that the BSF and the Army have been directed to investigate the possibility of deep underground tunnels being used for infiltration.

An officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Hindustan Times that after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, they were directed to find out if Pakistan has managed to dig very deep tunnels, under the trenches, to facilitate infiltration and even send soldiers in case of any armed conflict.

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According to BSF, Army, and intelligence officials cited in the report, Pakistan has positioned ex-servicemen near the border, both to act as first responders and to facilitate tunnelling operations from their side.

One of the tunnels uncovered by security forces in 2020 was 500 metres long and 30 metres deep. Pakistan has also allowed areas near the border to become overgrown with tall elephant grass to conceal terrorist movements, the officer said.

A third officer added that the tunnel stretched nearly 200 metres into Pakistani territory and was equipped with an oxygen pipe to help infiltrators breathe while waiting to cross over.

Tunnels used for cross border movements during Pulwama, Nagrota camp attack

Umar Farooq, the nephew of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar and one of the key men behind the 2019 Pulwama attack, entered India through a tunnel in the Samba sector in April 2018. Similarly, the four attackers behind the 2016 Nagrota camp attack also used a tunnel to cross the border.

While we have deployed anti-tunnel technology and carry out physical inspections along the entire border, we cannot be sure if Pakistan has dug very deep tunnels with openings on the Indian side that remain undetected, the officer told The Hindustan Times.

Since 2001, India has discovered around 22 tunnels used by Pakistan to infiltrate terrorists, but officials believe there may be more.

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Anti-tunneling operation at LoC to stop infiltration

Earlier in January this year, the Border Security Force (BSF) launched a large-scale, months-long operation to check if tunnels were being used by terrorists to enter Indian territory. This was done amid intelligence inputs warning of increased infiltration attempts.

During the exercise, along a 33-km stretch of the International Border (IB) with Pakistan, anti-tunnelling trenches were dug across 25 km to prevent underground infiltration. This step was taken after intelligence reports warned of a high risk of infiltration this year.

Pahalgam terror attack

The Pahalgam attack, one of the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama strike, killed at least 26 people, including foreign nationals, and injured many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.

In response, India took strong action against Pakistan, accusing it of supporting cross-border terrorism. India downgraded diplomatic ties, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, reduced Pakistans diplomatic presence in New Delhi, and expelled military officials. The Attari check post was also closed.

Pakistan retaliated by saying it would withdraw from the 1972 Simla Agreement and close the Wagah border.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed strong action, promising to pursue the terrorists to the end of the earth. Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned that any changes to the Indus Waters Treaty would be seen as an Act of War.

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Netanyahus wife Sara was overheard saying there are fewer than 24 hostages alive in Gaza, sparking anger among families who demand answers from the government about the whereabouts of their loved ones read more

There seems to be no consensus between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, on the actual number of hostages who are alive in Gaza. Panic ensued among hostage families after Sara was overheard saying that there are fewer than 24 alive hostages remaining.

On Monday, Netanyahu addressed a meeting with Israeli holiday torchbearers where he said, We have of course an important task, not only to win but also to bring home (the hostages). Until today we have returned 196 of our hostages, 147 of whom were alive. There are up to 24 living. Up to 24 living.

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In the same line of the sentence, Sara was heard saying fewer as she interrupted her husband, who was sitting beside her. Netanyahu quickly responded, I say up to. And the rest are, Im sorry to say, not alive. And we will return them.

We demand to know

Saras purported gaffe has caused anger among hostage families who were present at the event.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, in a statement, said, On the eve of Memorial Day, you sowed indescribable panic in the hearts of the families of the hostages  families already living in agonising uncertainty.

If there is intelligence or new information regarding the condition of our loved ones, we demand full disclosure, it added, demanding answers from Netanyahu on why his wife has sensitive information about the hostages and not them.

If the wife of the prime minister has new information about the kidnapped who were killed, I demand from her to know if my Matan is still alive, or if he was murdered in captivity because your husband refuses to finish the war, Einav Zangauker, the mother of one of the hostages said.

How many hostages are left?

There are still 59 hostages being held in Gaza, and in recent weeks, Israel has stated that it believes up to 24 of them are alive. However, the limited nature of the recent exchange suggests the Israeli government may have reason to believe that some of those 24 hostages are no longer alive.
The vehicle carried slogans that read Humanity bleeds, the world must wake up and Terrorism will not go unpunished. Justice for Pahalgam read more

Following last weeks deadly attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, support poured in from all across the world for the victims and India. From global leaders to the Indian diaspora to netizens, all came together to condemn the terrorist attack. This week, a truck carrying the digital photos of the victim and a message for justice was spotted in New Yorks Times Square.

The vehicle carried slogans that read Humanity bleeds, the world must wake up and Terrorism will not go unpunished. Justice for Pahalgam.

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Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired another Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting in New Delhi to discuss the overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was followed by sessions of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), and a full Cabinet meeting.

In todays meeting, officials briefed the committee on the cross-border links to the attack, which came shortly after peaceful elections and steady development efforts in the Union Territory.

On Tuesday, PM Modi told the top defence brass that the armed forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of Indias response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

During a high-level meeting, which was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the chiefs of three services, Modi affirmed that it is the national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism.

Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the armed forces.

They have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response, a source quoted Modi as saying, told PTI.

PM Modi has vowed to pursue the terrorists behind the attack and their patrons, a clear reference to Pakistan, which has a history of sponsoring terror strikes in India, to the ends of the earth and inflict the harshest punishment on them beyond their imagination.

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With inputs from agencies
Ahead of the convening of the Conclave to elect the successor of late Pope Francis, US President Donald Trump has said that he would want to be the next pope read more

US President Donald Trump and Pope Francis meet at the Vatican, May 24, 2017. (Photo: Reuters)

Even as US President Donald Trumps loyalists are figuring out how to get him a third term, he may have handed them another challenging task.

Now they may have to see if Trump can be a head of two states as Trump appears to have his eyes on the Vatican City.

When asked who he would want to see as the successor of late Pope Francis, Trump on Tuesday said that he would be the best candidate.

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Id like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice, said Trump.

Trump: "I'd like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice." pic.twitter.com/VHB5VPdoV9  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 29, 2025

Trump has already found support for the idea among his loyalist Congresspersons.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said that he would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!

The Conclave is the gathering of top Roman Catholic Christian bishops to elect the next pope. The Conclave is set to convene on May 7.

The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides. Watching for white smoke.Trump MMXXVIII! said Graham.

I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope. This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!



The first Pope-U.S. President combination has pic.twitter.com/MM9vE5Uvzb  Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) April 29, 2025

Despite immediate support, Trump appears to recognise the challenge before him. He went on to suggest that he might be joking about wanting to be pope.

Trump said, I dont have any preference [about the next pope]. Id say that we have a cardinal who happens to be out of a place called New York who is very good. So, lets see what happens.

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Trump has a major obstacle in his path of becoming pope. To be a pope, a person must be a baptised Roman Catholic man. But Trump is not a Roman Catholic. He has identified as a Protestant previously and there is no indication that he has converted to Catholicism.
India issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) on Wednesday, closing its airspace for Pakistan-operated aircraft, airlines and military flights read more

Six days after Pakistan blocked Indian flights from its airspace, India has responded in kind by taking a similar move. India has issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) on Wednesday (April 30), closing its airspace for Pakistan-operated aircraft, airlines and military flights.

The decision goes into effect on April 30 and the ban will remain in place till May 23. It is to be noted that Pakistani airlines had already started avoiding Indian airspace due to concerns of an impending reciprocal action.

After Indias move, Pakistani airlines flying eastward will now have to take longer routes via China in the north or Sri Lanka in the south.

This follows rising tensions after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed by terrorists. The attack specifically targeted Hindu men and happened shortly after a provocative speech by Pakistans army chief, General Asim Munir.

The Pakistan government earlier on Wesdnesday claimed it had credible intelligence that India was going to launch a military action across the Line of Control (LoC), further fuelling tensions in the region.

Other tit-for-tat moves

India stopped giving visas to people from Pakistan, and Pakistan did the same for Indians. Both countries told their diplomats and citizens in the other country to go back home before April 30th.

India has also held the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance following the attack. This agreement has been in place since 1960 and is usually seen as a positive example of how the two countries can work together, even though they often disagree.

The treaty decides how the water from the huge Indus River system is shared. This water is very important for the lives of many millions of people in Pakistan and northern India. The Indus River starts in Tibet and flows through China and Indias Kashmir before it reaches Pakistan.

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Pakistan has said that if anyone tries to block or change the flow of water that belongs to them, it will be seen as an act of war.

International response to Indo-Pak tensions

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged both India and Pakistan to avoid any confrontation that could lead to tragic consequences. In separate phone calls with both nations, Guterres emphasised restraint and dialogue.

The United States echoed this message, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected to speak soon with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts to help de-escalate the situation.

Meanwhile, Britain has called for calm among its Indian and Pakistani communities and has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid all travel to Jammu and Kashmir, except for essential cases.
The Israeli Embassy in New Delhi denied issuing any official note to the MEA regarding the alleged sexual assault of an Israeli soldier by an Indian Army officer, calling it fake news. read more

The Israeli Embassy in India, taking dig at haters of Israel-India friendship, strongly denied issuing any official note to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding an Indian Army officer allegedly sexually assaulting an Israeli soldier during a joint military exercise in Jammu, calling the circulated allegation fake news.

In a firm statement, the embassy emphasised the strong relationship between India and Israel, stating that those spreading false information would not weaken the bond between the two countries.

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In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Israeli Embassy in India said, Unbelievable! The bond between Israel and India is so solid, haters resort to fake news to try to harm it. It wont work."

Unbelievable!

The bond between Israel and India is so solid, haters resort to fake news to try to harm it.

It wont work.

#FakeNews #FactCheck #Pahalgam pic.twitter.com/KgX9HQe3Lh  Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) April 30, 2025

Earlier, on 24 April, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the phone to condemn the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared details of the call on X.

During the conversation, PM Modi described the attack as barbaric and said India is fully committed to punishing those responsible and their supporters.

PM @netanyahu of Israel called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terror attack on Indian soil. He expressed solidarity with the people of India and the families of the victims, Jaiswal posted. PM Modi shared the barbaric nature of the cross-border terrorist attack and reiterated Indias firm resolve to bring the perpetrators and their supporters to justice.

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China is building a new observatory in Chiles Atacama Desert to track objects in Earths orbit and look for new stars. The project, however, has made Washington anxious as it flags growing Chinese presence in Latin America read more

China and the US cannot seem to catch a break from all the disputes they have been engaging in for the past couple of months. As the two countries have barely settled a trade dispute triggered by tariffs, Beijing has now slammed Washington over its concerns about an increased Chinese presence in Chile.

During a press conference in Santiago, the Chinese Ambassador to Chile, Niu Qingbao, defended the countrys space project in the South American nation. He accused the US of meddling in Chiles autonomy and spreading false information about the project.

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What is the space project?

In December 2024, Newsweek reported that a new observatory is being built at Cerro Ventarrones in Chiles Atacama Desert. Its a joint project between Chiles Universidad Catolica del Norte and Chinas National Astronomical Observatories.

The observatory will track objects in Earths orbit and look for new stars. However, it may also support Chinas military space programsomething Chilean partners reportedly knew little about. Construction has started on the 10-square-mile Ventarrones Astronomical Park, located below an 8,600-foot peak in the Andes.

Why is the US concerned?

Chinas presence in Chile has made Washington anxious about its intentions and growing presence in Latin America. During his Senate confirmation, US President Donald Trumps Chilean Ambassador nominee Brandon Judd flagged Beijings project in the country.

He said, We are the better partner in everything, whether its Antarctica, fisheries, marine conservation - in all of the areas that are very important to Chile. We will continue to strengthen our ties to Chile and limit Chinas access to all of the resources that Chile might have available.

What has China said?

Meanwhile, China has dismissed Americas concerns with Niu stating that Beijing has no geopolitical interests in the region.

We are closely monitoring the developments of the incident and hope that the Chilean side can eliminate US interference and approve the implementation of the project as soon as possible, Niu said.

On the other hand, Chile, in March, halted the Chinese project to put it under review. We are aware of it, so we are revising and analysing it, a spokesperson for Chiles Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Newsweek.
With his victory in the face of unprecedented threats from the United States, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has emerged as a model for the worlds liberals to stand up to US President Donald Trump read more

In Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the liberals of the world are looking for a leader who could take on US President Donald Trump.

Carney has presided over a stunning victory of the Liberal Party. In January, Liberals were set to lose to Conservatives in a landslide. Then came an unprecedented territorial and economic aggression from Trump that rallied people around the flag. After the resignation of Trudeau, Carney campaigned on the plank of Canada Strong whereas Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre campaigned on Canada First that made him look like Trump knock-off.

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The result was that Carney led the Liberals to their fourth straight election victory and Poilievre lost his own seat as well as a chance to form government.

With Carney setting a template for standing up to Trump, the liberals of the world are looking up to him to play a leading role in creating a counter-balance to Trump. Carney knows this and he is up for the job.

Canada is ready to take a leadership role in building a coalition of like-minded countries who share our values. We believe in international cooperation. We believe in the free and open exchange of goods, services and ideas. And if the United States no longer wants to lead, Canada will, said Carney on the campaign trail.

Carney aiming at Canada-Europe partnership

Amid a common challenge from Trump, Carney is aiming to weave a partnership between Canada and Europe. He has already made a visit to Europe.

In his election victory speech, Carney said that the relationship with the United States that had stood for generations is over. He said the new focus would be on Europe and Asia.

We will strengthen our relations with reliable partners in Europe, Asia and elsewhere. We will chart a new path forward because this is Canada and we decide what happens here. We will need to think big and act bigger. We will need to do things previously thought impossible at speeds we havent seen in generations, said Carney.

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However, experts say that Carney would not want to pitch Canada as part of some opposition to Trump or the United States.

Carney will need to muster his global coalition without waving a giant red flag in front of Donald Trump, said Roland Paris, a professor of international affairs at University of Ottawa who previous served as an adviser to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

It will be a difficult tightrope or balancing act for him. He and Canada have an interest in coordinating with other like-minded countries, but without necessarily setting up Canada as the organizer of an opposition. Why turn Canada into that kind of target? said Paris.

Carneys experience as the head of central banks of two G7 countries gives him an edge in this project  he ran the Bank of Canada during 2008-13 and Bank of England during 2013-20. Addressing Canadas economic and cost-of-living woes would be top priorities besides standing up to Trumps threat of annexation.

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Standing up with strength  not appeasement

Carney has also proved to the world that standing up with resolve and strength works with Trump and not appeasement.

In an article in Financial Times, Edward Luce noted that all those leaders who have tried to copy Trump or appease him have failed. He further said that Trump has no loyalty to those who extend him friendship and obeisance comes at a cost.

Citing examples of former Canadian PM Trudeau, who rushed to Mar-a-Lago to meet Trump, Luce said: Not only does Trump disrespect sycophants, he goes out of his way to humiliate them. That also applies to foreign leaders. Trudeau got on a plane to Palm Beach in November when Trump first threatened tariffs on Americas neighbours. Mexicos leader, Claudia Sheinbaum, did not make the trek. Trump speaks of her with respect; he kept taunting Trudeau as governor of the 51st state.

As for Conservative Party leader, who turned his campaign into a semi-Republican Party platform with Canada First appearing like a nod to Trumps agenda, Luce said: Poilievre sold himself as a milder version of Trump. Peter Dutton, leader of Australias (conservative) Liberal party, has done so more brashly. Both locked themselves into a cage of someone elses making. When Trump took steps to harm their nations economies, they could not easily repudiate him. Even low information voters know a flip-flopper when they see one.

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Carney, like President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, has set an example in front of the world of how strength works with Trump, not obedience.

In his election speech, Carney made it clear: We are over the shock of the American betrayal, but we should never forget the lessons. We have to look out for ourselves and above all we have to take care of each other. When I sit down with President Trump, it will be to discuss the future economic and security relationship between two sovereign nations. And it will be with our full knowledge that we have many, many other options than the United States to build prosperity for all Canadians.
While Carneys Liberals won the most seats, they did not reach the 172-seat threshold required for a majority government. They will need support from other parties to pass legislation and avoid no-confidence votes read more

Canada's Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader Mark Carney speaks to supporters at a victory party in Ottawa, Ontario on April 29, 2025. AFP

Mark Carney, a relative newcomer to Canadian politics, has secured a fourth consecutive mandate for the Liberal Party, defying expectations and ushering in a new era of leadership just two months after replacing Justin Trudeau as party leader.

But despite the victory, Carney now faces the daunting task of governing with a minority in Parliament, amid rising tensions with the United States and pressing economic challenges at home.

Shortly after polls closed on Monday evening, Canadian broadcasters projected a Liberal win, with the party set to fall just three seats short of an outright majority in the House of Commons. While final results are still being tallied, Prime Minister Carney will remain in office, continuing the role he assumed following Trudeaus departure from politics earlier this year.

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A PM for unstable times

In his victory speech, Carney struck a combative tone, pledging to stand up to the US, which he accused of attempting to break Canada, a clear reference to the renewed friction with President Donald Trumps administration over tariffs and trade rules.

The two leaders spoke in March, agreeing to begin negotiations for a new economic and security framework once the election concluded. Those talks now loom large, with Canadian exporters bracing for further disruption under Trumps protectionist policies.

Domestically, the Liberals are expected to act swiftly to cushion the economyintroducing legislation that includes tax relief for lower- and middle-income Canadians and a streamlined approval process for critical mining and energy infrastructure.

Carney, a former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, is widely seen as a technocrat who brings economic gravitas to a political environment increasingly shaped by populism and polarisation. His pledge to position Canada as a clean and conventional energy superpower forms part of a broader bid to reconcile environmental goals with the countrys resource-driven economy. A proposed C$5 billion trade diversification fund is also on the table, aimed at reducing Canadas reliance on the US market.

Governing without a majority

While Carneys Liberals won the most seats, they did not reach the 172-seat threshold required for a majority government. That means Carney will need support from other parties to pass legislation and avoid no-confidence votes. Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet called for a temporary truce among parties, suggesting a period of political stability was needed as Canada embarks on delicate negotiations with Washington.

Blanchet said he envisions a collaborative period of slightly over a year, hinting at the possibility of issue-based support for the Liberals in Parliament. The left-leaning New Democratic Party (NDP) is also expected to play a kingmaker role in key votes.

The Conservatives, meanwhile, are projected to return as the Official Opposition, leaving them little immediate leverage but the ability to challenge Carneys mandate if the Liberal minority falters.

Whats next on the political calendar?

Carney may reshuffle his Cabinet in the coming days, though no formal ceremony is required unless changes are made. The immediate focus will turn to Parliaments return, where members will be sworn in and a new Speaker elected. This will be followed by the Speech from the Throne, laying out the governments legislative agenda.

With the G7 summit scheduled for June in Alberta, Carney will also have a global stage on which to assert his leadership visionand perhaps define the next phase of Canadas place in a volatile world order.

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Whether the Liberals surprise comeback marks a lasting shift or a temporary reprieve may depend on Carneys ability to deliver quick wins, manage economic headwinds, and keep a fragile minority government afloat.
Geologists surveying rock layers in east-central Mississippi recently made a startling discovery: a massive fossilized vertebra from a Mosasaurus hoffmannii, one of the largest marine reptiles to have ever lived.

The fossil, more than seven inches across at its widest point, was uncovered from the muddy sediment near Starkville, a town known for housing Mississippi State University. James Starnes, Jonathan Leard, and Tim Palmer of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality conducted the geological mapping project.

"I ... was completely awe-struck by its size," said James Starnes, who first spotted the bone, in an interview with Live Science. "The feeling you get when you find a fossil, even as a professional, never gets old. But when you find something you have never seen before, the elation can be overwhelming."

The vertebra, now housed at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, has been identified as belonging to Mosasaurus hoffmannii, one of the most formidable species of mosasaursmarine reptiles that ruled the seas during the Late Cretaceous period.

Based on the size of the bone, scientists estimate the animal would have been at least 30 feet long. "This was a true, true sea monster," Starnes told the Mississippi Clarion-Ledger. "This is bigger than most dinosaurs walking around on land."

During the Cretaceous period, roughly 66 million years ago, Mississippi was submerged beneath a warm, shallow sea teeming with ancient life. Mosasaurs like M. hoffmannii patrolled these waters, which were also home to sharks, ammonites, fish, and other marine reptiles. Above the waves, pterosaurs and early birds soared through the skies, while dinosaurs roamed the coastal forests.

"Pterosaurs and even some birds would have been flying overhead, while a variety of both plant and meat-eating dinosaurs of different sizes and kinds would have been walking the shorelines and through the wooded forests along the coastal estuaries," Starnes told Live Science.

With their streamlined bodies, powerful tails, and razor-sharp teeth, mosasaurs were apex predators capable of devouring nearly anything in their pathincluding other mosasaurs. According to a post from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, "While the dinosaurs ruled the land, these Mesozoic era oceans were likely the most dangerous of any time in the entire history of our planet."

Mosasaurs, like the dinosaurs, vanished in the mass extinction triggered by an asteroid impact 66 million years ago. Yet their fossils continue to offer tantalizing glimpses into Earth's distant past. In 2022, researchers in northeast Mississippi uncovered another remarkable mosasaur specimenthis time a fossilized skeleton that included the skull of a species that lived over 80 million years ago.
Kim, in a speech from the launch reported by KCNA, said the warship would be handed over to the navy and go into service early next year read more

View of what state media KCNA reported was a test-firing of the weapons system of the new "Choe Hyon-class" warship, in this picture released on April 30, 2025, by the Korean Central News Agency. Reuters

North Korea earlier this week conducted the first test-firing of the weapons system of the new Choe Hyon-class warship it recently unveiled, state media KCNA reported on Wednesday.

Cruise and anti-air missiles were launched and artillery fired as part of the test-firing attended by leader Kim Jong Un and senior officials, the report said.

The time has come for North Koreas navy to choose to accelerate nuclear armament for maritime sovereignty and for the sake of national defence, Kim was quoted as saying.

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The intelligence agencies of South Korea and the U.S. were closely monitoring North Koreas shipbuilding activities, an official at Seouls defence ministry said.

More work might be needed before the new naval destroyer could take to the sea under its own propulsion, said 38 North, a think tank focusing on North Korea, noting a satellite image of tug boats nudging the ship back towards a floating drydock.

The use of tugboats to move the ship into place and back again could indicate the lack of a functioning propulsion system, the think tank said.

North Korean state media on Saturday revealed the 5,000-tonne warship that it said was equipped with the most powerful weapons.

Kim, in a speech from the launch reported by KCNA, said the warship would be handed over to the navy and go into service early next year.

The Choe Hyon-class ship was named after anti-Japanese revolutionary fighter Choe Hyon, according to KCNA.
In the board previous meeting, India had abstained from voting on Pakistans bailout package. But this time around, New Delhi will vote against giving the loan to the neighbouring country read more

A view of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S. File image/ Reuters

In the aftermath of the terror attack in Pahalgam, India might oppose a $1.3 billion International Monetary Fund loan to Pakistan, citing the countrys support to terrorism in an upcoming board meeting.

The Economic Times quoted a source familiar with the development as saying, There is a view that support to terror by the neighbouring nation be flagged at the board meeting when the loan is taken up.

On May 9, the IMF board is set to review a proposed $1.3 billion loan for Pakistan as part of its climate resilience program. At the same meeting, it will also assess Pakistans progress on policy commitments tied to the existing $7 billion bailout package.

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In the previous meeting, India had abstained from voting on Pakistans bailout package. But this time around, New Delhi will vote against giving the loan to the neighbouring country, saying that it misuses the funds.

Islamabad secured the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility last summer to help claw its way out of an economic crisis, with an immediate disbursement of about $1 billion.

The review, if cleared and approved by the lenders board, could unlock another tranche of funding for cash-strapped Pakistan ahead of its annual budget, which is usually presented in June.

The programme has played a key role in stabilising Pakistans economy, and the government has said the country is on course for a long-term recovery.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has spoken to his counterparts from seven non-permanent member nations of the UN Security Council amid speculations about Indias possible response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Citing cross-border linkages to the horrific attack, India has promised severe punishment to those involved in the April 22 strike that killed 26 civilians.

Jaishankar spoke to his counterparts from Algeria, Greece, Guyana, Panama, Slovenia, Sierra Leone and Somalia and discussed the Pahalgam attack.

With inputs from agencies
Pakistan said on Wednesday that it has credible intelligence indicating Indias plan for military action within 24-36 hours in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. read more

Pakistan claimed on Wednesday that it has credible intelligence suggesting India is planning military action within the next 2436 hours in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which was carried out by terrorists backed by the military and intelligence leadership in Islamabad. It also warned of consequences for such an action.

In a post on X, Pakistans Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, said that the Indian government is preparing military action based on baseless and fabricated allegations regarding Pakistans involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack.

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Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends to launch a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours using the Pahalgam incident as a false pretext, Tarar said.

PM Modi holds key meet, gives forces full operational freedom

The statement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting on Tuesday with top defence officials, where he gave the armed forces complete operational freedom to decide how and when to respond to the Pahalgam terror attack, news agency PTI reported, citing government sources.

Tensions have escalated between the two countries following the Pahalgam terror attack last week, which killed 26 innocent people at the hands of Pakistan-based terrorists.

Earlier, PM Modi had vowed that India would identify, track, and punish the terrorists and their backers, and pursue the killers to the ends of the earth, as India ramped up its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan.

He said that Islamabad had offered a credible, transparent, and independent investigation by a neutral commission of experts, accusing India of evading such an investigation and choosing a confrontational approach instead.

Pakistan urged the international community to remain alert, warning that any military action by India would be responded to assuredly and decisively, and that the onus of any escalation and its consequences would squarely lie with India.

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According to the statement, Tarar also said that Pakistan had itself been a victim of terrorism and had consistently condemned it in all its forms. However, his statement appears paradoxical, as Pakistan has a long history of backing and training terrorists and terror organisations responsible for killing innocent people.

We have been doing this dirty work: Pak minister

In a recent interview with Sky News, Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitted that the country has a history of supporting terrorist groups.

When asked about Pakistans links to such organisations, he said, We have been doing this dirty work for the United States and the West, including Britain, for about three decades.

Earlier, India had announced several measures against Pakistan, including the expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, the suspension of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, the revocation of all visas issued to Pakistani nationals from 27 April, and the immediate closure of the Attari land transit post.

Firing continues at LoC for 6th day, India gives proportionate response

Earlier, the Indian Army gave a proportionate response after the Pakistan Army opened unprovoked small arms fire at several locations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, marking the sixth consecutive day of cross-border firing. The flare-up followed the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 innocent people were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists.

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The firing took place in the Naushera and Sunderbani sectors of Rajouri, the Akhnoor and Pargwal sectors in Jammu, and parts of Baramulla and Kupwara. Officials said Indian troops responded swiftly and in a measured manner.

With inputs from PTI.
According to reports, Nawabshah in Pakistan might exceed the worlds highest recorded April temperature of 50 degrees Celsius read more

Men ride on a motorbike as they cover their heads with a wet cloth to cool off and to avoid sunlight. Source: Reuters

Pakistan is set to face a staggering 50 degrees Celsius temperature this week, close to the global April record. The intense heat already caused temperatures in central and southern Pakistan to reach 48 degrees Celsius last weekend and is expected to rise through Wednesday (April 30).

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted a heatwave from April 26 to 30 and advised the public to take precautions.

Pakistans Nawabshah may be hit with 50C

According to a report in The Washington Post, Nawabshah in Pakistan might exceed the worlds highest recorded April temperature of 50 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures over 43.3 degrees Celsius are expected in 21 countries this week: Pakistan, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, India, Iraq, Qatar, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, Oman, South Sudan, Bahrain, Mali, Senegal, Chad, Ethiopia, Niger, Eritrea, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso.

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Current forecasts using the reliable European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model suggest temperatures could reach 49 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday.

However, the same model underestimated temperatures last weekend by about 2 to 3 degrees, which means the actual peak could break the 50-degree record.

Later in the week, the extremely hot air will move eastward toward China, causing a new heat wave in Central Asia, where temperatures in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan could exceed 38 degrees Celsius.

Global temperature data shows that April 2025 has already been very warm, with 63 per cent of the planet experiencing above-average temperatures.

Warmer-than-average conditions have affected 116 countries, while 39 have been cooler than average.

These extremes are more frequent with a rapidly warming climate. The first quarter of 2025 was the second-warmest on record globally, only behind 2024, despite a switch from a warming El Nino to a typically cooler La Nina.

Impact of climate change on Pakistan

Pakistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to the devastating effects of climate change. During the 2022 monsoon season, extreme heat was followed by historic rainfall, triggering catastrophic floods that affected nearly 15 per cent of the population. These floods were among the worst in the nations history, claiming lives and damaging infrastructure on a massive scale.

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Yet, Pakistan is barely responsible for the climate crisis. It contributes less than 1 per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a minimal player in the buildup of atmospheric carbon dioxide  the primary driver of global warming.

Despite this, the impact on Pakistan is severe, worsened by local challenges like poor sewage systems, industrial pollution, and deforestation. The country simply lacks the resources to invest in climate resilience or prepare adequately for such disasters.
Dar stated that if TRF were to be specifically mentioned in the press release, there should be supporting evidence. He also claimed that media reports suggesting TRF had taken responsibility for the brutal attack were false read more

Pakistans Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has accepted that his country removed the terror group The Resistance Fronts (TRF) name from a UN Security Council Statement that condemned the Pahalgam attack.

Speaking in Pakistans National Assembly on Tuesday, Dar said, We opposed the mention of TRF at the UNSC statement condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. I got calls from global capitals, but Pakistan will not accept. TRF was deleted, & Pakistan prevailed.

On April 22, the day of the attack, TRF, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, reportedly claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack that killed 26 people. Later that week, however, the group backtracked and denied involvement in the Pahalgam attack.

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Dar added, On behalf of Pakistan, I had two objections [to the statement]. First, only Pahalgam was mentioned and secondly, the blame was put on The Resistance Forum. I thought this was not acceptable. You have to write Jammu and Kashmir along with Pahalgam. Throughout his statement at the Assembly, the foreign minister used an alternate name for TRF.

In its statement on the attack, the UNSC did not mention Pahalgam or name any terror outfit, as it condemned the act in the strongest terms.

The minister defended TRF, saying that it is just a forum founded by locals and rejected its classification as a terrorist group. TRF was the byproduct of the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.

Dar stated that if TRF were to be specifically mentioned in the press release, there should be supporting evidence. He also claimed that media reports suggesting TRF had taken responsibility for the brutal attack were false.

Dar said the statement took two and a half days to finalise because Pakistan rejected the original draft. "I received phone calls from big capitals to come to a consensus on the draft, but I told them nothing doing," he said.
According to media reports, experts attribute the steep decline in stock prices to the heightened tensions with neighbouring India read more

Stock brokers monitor new on television screen at a booth, during a trading session at the Pakistan Stock Exchange, in Karachi, Pakistan July 3, 2023. Source: Reuters

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Wednesday (April 30) saw a bloodbath on the trade floor as stocks crashed by more than 3,500 points. According to media reports, experts attribute the steep decline in stock prices to the heightened military tensions with neighbouring India.

The benchmark KSE-100 index decreased by 1,717.35 points, or 1.5 per cent, to stand at 113,154.83 from the last close of 114,872.18 at 9:53 am local time, Pakistans Dawn News reported. The index closed at 111,326.57, down by 3,545.61 or 3.09 per cent, the outlet reported.

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Tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations are running high since the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir last week, in which 26 people were killed. The Pakistan government earlier on Wesdnesday claimed it had credible intelligence that India was going to launch a military action across the Line of Control (LoC).

Dawn quoted Mohammed Sohail, chief executive of Topline Securities, as saying that the crash could be attributed to news of likely attack in next few days.

Meanwhile, Awais Ashraf, director of research at AKD Securities, said the concerns in the stock market have intensified following the press conference by the countrys information minister.

Investors are worried about potential Indian military action against Pakistan, concerns that have intensified following the information ministers press briefing, he was quoted as saying.

What did Pakistans information minister say?

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told the media that there was credible intelligence hinting at a potential military strike by India within the next 24 to 36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident.

His statement came a day after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly gave the countrys powerful military operational freedom to respond to the Pahalgam attack. The PM has vowed to pursue and punish the terrorists involved in the incident.

According to a Reuters report, India has identified three terrorists for their involvement in the Kashmir attack, including two Pakistani nationals.

Pakistan meanwhile has urged India to conduct a transparent international probe into the incident and has called for Russias and Chinas involvement.

International response to Indo-Pak tensions

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged both India and Pakistan to avoid any confrontation that could lead to tragic consequences. In separate phone calls with both nations, Guterres emphasised restraint and dialogue.

The United States echoed this message, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected to speak soon with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts to help de-escalate the situation.

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Meanwhile, Britain has called for calm among its Indian and Pakistani communities and has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid all travel to Jammu and Kashmir, except for essential cases.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met for the second time on Wednesday at Prime Minister Narendra Modis residence following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), in New Delhi on Wednesday. ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) as the top decision-making body on national security convened for the second time on Wednesday at his residence, following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, in which Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 innocent people, mostly tourists.

The meeting was followed by sessions of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), and a full Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

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The CCS is the top body for decisions on national security and is chaired by PM Modi, comprises Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The CCS last met on 23 April to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen.

The CCS strongly condemned the attack, offered condolences to the victims families, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Officials briefed the committee on the cross-border links to the attack, which came shortly after peaceful elections and steady development efforts in the Union Territory.

In response, the government announced a series of strong measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, sending a clear message to Pakistan over its support for cross-border terrorism.

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a separate high-level meeting attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

Sources said PM Modi reaffirmed that India is determined to crush terrorism and expressed full confidence in the professional capabilities of the armed forces. In the meet, PM Modi gave complete operational freedom to security forces decide the timing, targets, and mode of response, news agency PTI reported citing sources.

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South Koreas Yonhap news agency said the prosecution raided Yoons house as part of its investigation into various suspicions over relations between his family and a controversial shaman read more

South Korean prosecutors on Wednesday raided the home of the countrys ex-president, Yonhap reported, as part of a probe into a shaman accused of receiving lavish gifts for the former first lady.

Former president Yoon Suk Yeol was stripped of all power and privileges earlier this month by the Constitutional Court over his disastrous December 3 martial law declaration.

He was forced to move out of the presidential residence and into his long-time previous home in Seouls Seocho district.

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South Koreas Yonhap news agency said the prosecution raided Yoons house as part of its investigation into various suspicions over relations between his family and a controversial shaman.

The shaman, Jeon Seong-bae, is accused of receiving a diamond necklace, a luxury bag and ginseng  a popular health tonic that can cost thousands  from a high-ranking official from the Unification Church and handing them to Yoons wife, Kim Keon Hee.

Jeon claimed he lost the intended gifts and never delivered them to Kim, but local media reported that prosecutors had obtained a text message from the official from the church group also known as the Moonies demanding he give the necklace back.

Prosecution are also trying to verify the authenticity of the alleged delivery of gifts, and find out whether the then-first lady ever received them, Yonhap added.

Both Yoon and Kim have also faced criticism over alleged ties to another shaman, with critics claiming Yoon moved the presidential office at the start of his term in 2022 based on shamanistic beliefs.

Kim was also questioned last year over allegations of stock manipulation and graft, after hidden camera footage surfaced showing her accepting a $2,200 designer handbag.

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The scandal hit then-president Yoons already-low approval ratings, contributing to a stinging defeat for his party in general elections last April as it failed to win back a parliamentary majority.

He later cited purported election fraud and legislative gridlock as justifications for his short-lived effort to suspend civilian rule.
During the call, S hehbaz Sharif accused India of engaging in escalatory and provocative behavior, amid growing concerns over a potential flare-up between the two nuclear-armed neighbors read more

In this image posted by @DrSJaishankar via X on January 22, 2025, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a meeting, in Washington DC. @DrSJaishankar via PTI

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, as tensions escalate between India and Pakistan following a recent Pahalgam terror attack.

According to media reports, he is also likely to call External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

During the call, Sharif accused India of engaging in escalatory and provocative behavior, amid growing concerns over a potential flare-up between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

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Indias provocations would only serve to distract Pakistan from its ongoing efforts to defeat terrorism, particularly from militant groups, AFP quoted Sharif as saying, according to the statement released by his office.

On Sunday, Washington said it was in touch with the nuclear-armed Asian neighbors at multiple levels while urging them to work towards what it called a responsible solution.

We are reaching out to both parties, and telling, of course, them to not escalate the situation, a State Department spokesperson told reporters on Sunday, quoting a statement by Rubio.

The State Department had also said Rubio would to speak to the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan on Tuesday or Wednesday and encouraged other foreign ministers to do the same.

In public, Washington expressed support for India after the attack that was condemned by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, but it has not criticised Pakistan.

India blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26. Pakistan denies responsibility and called for a neutral probe.

India is an increasingly important US partner as Washington aims to counter Chinas rising influence. Pakistan remains Washingtons ally even as its importance diminished after the 2021 US withdrawal from neighboring Afghanistan.

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After the Pahalgam attack, India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty that regulates water-sharing from the Indus River and its tributaries, and Pakistan closed airspace to Indian airlines.

They also exchanged fire across their de facto border.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to punish the attackers. Pakistans defence minister has said a military incursion by India was imminent.

With inputs from agencies
Russia has sought to carve out a buffer zone in Ukraines northeastern Sumy province to prevent forces from mounting cross-border operations in Kursk and Belgorod regions read more

Russia is seeking to carve out a buffer zone in Ukraines northeastern Sumy, according to the provincial governor.

Sumy Governor Oleh Hryhorov said on Telegram that Russia is attacking four villages of Zhuravka, Veselivka, Basivka, and Novenke, and they are currently in a grey zone.

Earlier, Russia claimed to have seized control of Zhuravka and Basivka, but Ukraine denied that none of these four villages had been lost to Russia.

Currently, the enemy continues to try to carve out a buffer zone on the territory of our region, but has not had any significant success, said Hryhorov.

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The idea behind the push in Sumy appears to be to create a buffer zone to stop any incursion from Ukraine into Kursk  Sumy borders Kursk.

For months, Ukraine has warned of Russian attacks in Sumy from Kursk and Belgorod regions of Russia.

The development comes at a time when US President Donald Trump appears to be frustrated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin for not accepting a peace deal. In his latest attempt to strike peace, he floated a seven-point peace proposal. Ukraine rejected it as it sought to recognise all provinces annexed by Russia. However, Russia rejected as the proposal did not cover its maximalist demands in entirety.

Russia has also rejected all three US-endorsed temporary ceasefire proposals  Ukraine has accepted all three proposals.

While Trump has always been harsh on Ukraine and the nations leader, Zelenskyy, he has lately expressed mild disappointment with Putin as well. He has wondered in public remarks whether Putin is playing with him. However, unlike the time he suspended aid to Ukraine and called for Zelenskyys ouster, he has not taken any action to punish Russia or Putin.

Last year, Ukraine invaded Kursk and captured large swathes of territory. It also captured territory in neighbouring Belgorod region. However, Russia has now recaptured most of territory in these two regions. The idea behind Ukranian assaults inside Russia was to exchange captured Russian land for Russian-controlled Ukrainian in any peace negotiations.

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DeepState, an open-source analyst focussed on Ukraine, said that around 52 sq km of the Sumy region are in the contested grey zone, according to Reuters.
The driver of the vehicle that crashed into a Chatham, Illinois, after-school daycare, killing three children and a teenager, has been identified by the police as 44-year-old food service worker Marianne Akers, who, as of now, walks free.

The Sangamon County Coroner's Office confirmed the victims included three children and one young adult: Kathryn Corley, 7; Alma Buhnerkempe, 7; Ainsley Johnson, 8; and Rylee Britton, 18. All were pronounced dead at the scene from multiple blunt force injuries.

The coroner's report stated that "All four girls were pronounced deceased at the scene. Postmortem procedures done today indicate that they all died from multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the incident."

According to the authorities, six more children were injured and taken to hospitals, with one in critical condition. The accident occurred when Akers' black Jeep SUV veered off the road "for unknown reasons" into a field, slamming directly into the rear of the Youth Needing Other Things (YNOT) After School Camp.

@abcnews Four minors are dead after a vehicle crashed into a building hosting an after-school camp in Chatham, Illinois, officials announced at a press conference on Monday. They ranged in age from 4 to 18 years old, according to a statement from the Illinois State Police. Multiple others were injured in the incident, which took place shortly after 3 p.m. on Monday. The extent of their injuries is unknown, though several were hospitalized and one was airlifted from the scene of the accident. "The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was uninjured and transported to an area hospital for evaluation," the ISP statement said. #news #illinois  original sound - ABC News - ABC News

Authorities from the Illinois State Police and the Sangamon County Coroner's Office are investigating the crash, which they do not believe was intentional, stating that it did not "appear to be a targeted attack."

Akers, who was uninjured, has not been taken into custody and is undergoing evaluation at a local hospital, with state police stating, "Akers is not in custody at this time as the cause of the crash remains under investigation."

The police also denied on its Facebook page rumors that the driver was driving intoxicated. Akers did a DUI test on the scene, and the results of the toxicology tests are still pending.

Sangamon County Coroner Identifies Four Young Victims in Fatal Crash at YNOT Daycare in Chatham, IL. Suspect Marianne Akers Identified as Driver.

Ainsley Johnson, age 8

Rylee Britton, age 18, of Springfield

Kathryn Corley, age 7

Alma Buhnerkempe, age 7https://t.co/uyiZvD9Ay7 pic.twitter.com/M3KmLfDm1S  News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) April 29, 2025

My administration is closely monitoring the crash in Chatham.



As we continue to learn more, please follow the guidance of all local authorities.



Let's wrap our arms around the community tonight as we receive updates on the situation.  Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) April 28, 2025

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker expressed condolences and urged community support, stating, "Let's wrap our arms around the community tonight as we receive updates on the situation." The Illinois State Police stated, "ISP offers its sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and Chatham community during this difficult time." On the homepage of YNOT's website, the organization wrote, "Please keep the families of Chatham YNOT and our staff in your prayers. We could sure use them."

The community in Chatham, a village of 14,000 people just south of the Illinois state capital, Springfield, remains in mourning over the accident, with tributes being brought to the scene of the crash.

Originally published on Latin Times
In November 2024, Olaf Scholzs coalition government in Germany fell because he fired his finance minister. Now, his party (SPD) co-leader, Lars Klingbeil, is set to take over the ministry whose 500 billion fund is at the heart of the new govts economic recovery plan read more

German chancellor-in-waiting and CDU leader Friedrich Merz (left) with co-leader of the SPD Lars Klingbeil at a news conference. Image: Annegret Hilse/Reuters

Germany is on the cusp of inaugurating a new chancellor, bringing to a close a rather turbulent political chapter that began nearly six months ago with the collapse of Olaf Scholzs government.

The collapse was triggered by Scholzs contentious decision to dismiss Christian Lindner, the fiscally conservative finance minister from the Free Democratic Party (FDP), after months of disagreements over Germanys budget planning.

Now, conservative leader Friedrich Merz is just days away from being sworn in as Germanys next chancellor, following weeks of intense coalition negotiations.

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The finance minister for his government has also been decided. The position has become crucial and not just because the previous government had collapsed due to disagreements on finances.

The new administration relies heavily on a 500 billion fund to drive its economic recovery plan. The Finance Ministry is going to be in-charge of it.

So, who is this new finance minister and what lies ahead for him?

Merzs win and tough coalition talks

The February snap election, called after Scholzs Social Democrat-led coalition fell apart in November 2024, resulted in Merzs centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) emerging on top.

Since it fell short of an outright majority, the CDU was forced to court coalition partners. The SPD, despite its losses, became the surprising linchpin in the negotiations. After weeks of backroom talks, the two parties struck a deal that cleared the way for Merz to form a government with significant compromises on both sides.

That change has thrust the finance ministry into the spotlightand into the hands of SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil.

Klingbeil, 47, will become both finance minister and vice-chancellor in the new government. A political scientist by training with no background in economics, he is seen as a shrewd operator who led the SPDs coalition negotiations. He is expected to rely heavily on a circle of economic advisers as he assumes responsibility for managing the massive spending programme and drafting Germanys next two federal budgets, Financial Times reported.

Klingbeil replaces Jorg Kukies, a former Goldman Sachs banker who served as finance minister under Scholz after Lindner was fired.

Historic budget, historic stakes for Klingbeil

Among the most critical outcomes of the coalition agreement is the creation of a 500 billion fund to overhaul Germanys crumbling infrastructure and modernise its armed forces, a historic shift in the countrys fiscal policy. To do so, the coalition agreed to ease Germanys long-standing debt brake restrictions, which cap government borrowing.

The 500 billion fund is at the heart of the new administrations economic recovery plan. Of that amount, 300 billion is earmarked for federal-level investment in infrastructure and public services, while the remaining 200 billion will support regional initiatives and military upgrades.

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Klingbeil will be responsible for shepherding the funds rollout, having to steer through a deeply polarised political landscape while reassuring both domestic and international markets that the fiscal discipline of Europes second-largest economy remains intact.

It looks very much like a high-risk, high-reward opportunity that could completely change how the German public sees him and his party.

Chancellor-designate Merz and Klingbeil are expected to be sworn in next week after the formal signing of the coalition pact.
North Korea confirmed for the first time Monday that it had deployed troops to Russia, with state news agency KCNA reporting Pyongyangs soldiers helped Moscow reclaim territory under Ukrainian control in the Russian border region of Kursk read more

Military members salute during a military demonstration involving tank units, guided by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (not pictured), in North Korea, March 13, 2024 in this picture released on March 14, 2024, by the Korean Central News Agency. File Image/KCNA via Reuters

Around 600 North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia against Ukraine have been killed and thousands more wounded, a Seoul lawmaker said Wednesday, after Pyongyang officially confirmed deploying troops to aid Moscow.So far, North Korean troop casualties are estimated at around 4,700, including approximately 600 deaths, MP Lee Seong-kweun, a member of parliaments intelligence committee, told reporters after a briefing by the countrys spy agency.

North Korea confirmed for the first time Monday that it had deployed troops to Russia, with state news agency KCNA reporting Pyongyangs soldiers helped Moscow reclaim territory under Ukrainian control in the Russian border region of Kursk.

Moscow had separately confirmed the Norths participation, after months of official silence from both countries, even as Seoul and Washington accused Pyongyang of sending ever more troops and weapons to help.

Some 2,000 soldiers have been taken back to nuclear-armed North Korea this year, Lee said, and were now reportedly being held in isolation in Pyongyang and at other locations across the country.

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It is understood that the bodies of fallen soldiers were cremated locally in Kursk before being transported, back to the North, he added.

North Korea supported Russias recapture of Kursk by deploying 18,000 troops in two phases, Lee said, adding that the number of clashes in the area had decreased since around March.

Since then, there have been reports of misconduct within North Korean forces, including excessive drinking and theft, he said.

Combat capability significantly improved

South Korea has repeatedly slammed the troop deployment, and criticised the North for sending container-loads of weapons, including missiles, to aid Russias war against Ukraine.

The nuclear-armed North has received significant technical support from Russia in return, Seoul claimed.

In addition, after six months of fighting, Seouls National Intelligence Service estimates that the North Korean forces combat capability has significantly improved, Lee said.

Early inexperience has diminished and they have become more proficient in using new weapon systems, including drones, he said.

Lee said it was not possible to entirely rule out that the North could send more soldiers to Russia.

The troops sent to Russia, reportedly from North Koreas elite Storm Corps, have been ordered to kill themselves rather than be taken prisoner, Seoul has previously said.

Moscow and Pyongyang have boosted their military cooperation since Russia launched its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The two countries signed a sweeping military deal last year, including a mutual defence clause, when Russian President Vladimir Putin made a rare visit to North Korea.

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Pyongyang launched a flurry of ballistic missiles last year in violation of UN sanctions.

Experts have warned that the nuclear-armed North may be testing weapons for export to Russia for use against Ukraine.
The mother of the toddler was deported to Venezuela, the father was imprisoned in El Salvador, and their child remains unaccounted for somewhere in the United States, as the family urges authorities to reunite them following the Trump administrations crackdown on illegal immigrants. read more

A Venezuelan family is urging US authorities to reunite a two-year-old girl with her mother after the woman was deported to Venezuela without her daughter on Friday, The New York Times reported.

The childs father was deported to El Salvador in March, as part of US President Donald Trumps crackdown on illegal immigrants.

The toddler, Maikelys Antonella Espinoza Bernal, is currently in foster care in the US, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Officials said she was separated from her parents and not placed on the deportation flight for her safety and welfare.

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The Trump administration has claimed that the parents are linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, though it has not provided evidence to support the claim.

After taking office, President Donald Trump initiated a crackdown on immigration, which included the deportation of undocumented migrantsmany of whom were detained and handcuffed. In the Oval Office, he revived his earlier anti-immigration stance, a key part of his presidential campaign.

The toddler is among several children caught up in President Trumps recent immigration crackdown. This month, at least three US-born children were deported to Honduras with their mothersa move now being challenged by their families on legal grounds.

In Antonellas case, her mother, 20-year-old Yorely Bernal, entered the U.S. in May 2024 with her partner, Maiker Espinoza, and their daughter, during President Bidens term.
Consumer confidence in the US has plummeted to levels akin to the COVID-era as anxiety over the impact of tariffs takes a heavy toll. Earlier this week, the Conference Board said that its consumer confidence index fell 7.9 points in April to 86, its lowest reading since May 2020 read more

US President Donald Trump attends a rally to mark his 100th day in office, at Macomb Community College in Warren, Michigan, US. Reuters

US President Donald Trump has completed 100 days in office, and while his administration celebrates the success of the four months that have passed by, Americans are wary about the economic impact of his policies in the coming days.

Consumer confidence in the US has plummeted to levels akin to the COVID-era as anxiety over the impact of tariffs takes a heavy toll. Earlier this week, the Conference Board said that its consumer confidence index fell 7.9 points in April to 86, its lowest reading since May 2020.

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The figures capture the mood of Americans rapidly depleting outlook over Trumps sweeping measures, which most think would increase the prices of commodities in the US. Rattled consumers are less than confident consumers. If confidence sags and consumers retrench, growth will go down, Carl Weinberg, chief economist at High Frequency Economics, told AP.

A measure of Americans short-term expectations for their income, business conditions and the job market plunged 12.5 points to 54.4, the lowest level in more than 13 years. The reading is well below 80, which typically signals a recession ahead.

Recession likely in the US?

Meanwhile, an AP-NORC poll has found that roughly half of US adults think that Trumps policies are a catalyst for an impending recession. About half of Americans are extremely or very concerned about the possibility of the US economy going into a recession in the next few months.

Only 4 in 10 Americans believe that Trump has what it takes to handle the countrys economy. Matthew Wood, 41, said hes waiting to see how the tariffs play out, but hes feeling anxious.

Im not a huge fan of it, especially considering China and going back and forth with adjustments on both ends. Personally, it hasnt affected me as of yet. But, generally, I dont know how this is going to come to an end, especially with the big countries involved, he told the news agency.

About half of US adults, 52 per cent, are against imposing tariffs on all goods brought into the US from other countries. Thats up slightly from January, when a poll found that 46 per cent were against tariffs. Driving that small shift largely appears to be adults under age 30 who didnt previously have an opinion on tariffs.

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The Amazon tiff

While Trump is reportedly losing support from his fellow countrymen, big companies like Amazon are also fighting a battle with the White House over tariffs.

Amazon said on Tuesday its low-cost Haul unit had considered listing import charges for goods in light of new US tariffs but denied looking at such a plan for its main website, after the White House accused it of a hostile political act.

The Seattle retailer spent a chaotic morning denying a report from Punchbowl News that it planned to display prices showing the tariffs impact on Amazon.com. It acknowledged it had considered it for certain inexpensive China-made products on Haul but then rejected the idea.

The confusion initially prompted a 2 per cent drop in Amazon shares after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the reported pricing plan a hostile and political act by Amazon.

With inputs from agencies
Several cross-party MPs overwhelmingly condemned the killing of 26 innocent tourists in the terrorist attack last week, with many raising concerns for their Indian and Pakistani diasporas read more

The UK government urged peace and communication between India and Pakistan during a period of increased regional tensions after the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, as the topic was brought up in Parliament on Tuesday.

Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer responded to an Urgent Question tabled in the House of Commons by British Sikh Labour MP Gurinder Singh Josan on Britains involvement in assisting India in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Additionally, he raised concerns about the regional tensions spilling over onto UK streets through protests, marked by provocative gestures and language, such as windows being smashed at Pakistans High Commission in London and what appears to be a throat-slitting motion by an alleged Pakistan official.

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The horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April was devastating We call on all sides, all community leaders and all involved to call for calm at a time of tension in the region, said Falconer.

We are aware of reports of the video that my Honourable Friend refers to; the Metropolitan police are investigating, so I will not provide any further commentary on that particular incident, but it is obviously concerning, he said, with reference to a Pakistani official caught on camera making a threatening gesture towards Indian protesters last week.

We take seriously our responsibility for the security of all embassies and High Commissions under the Vienna Convention, so both the Pakistani and Indian High Commissions will receive all the support of the UK state to ensure that they stay safe, the minister said.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel was among the MPs who pressed the minister on cross-border links to Pakistan among the perpetrators of this terrorist act and actions being taken to prevent tensions from escalating among communities in the UK.

We want to see the perpetrators held to justice properly, and we will be supporting India to do so, Falconer said.

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We are playing our role to try to ensure that tensions do not escalate. Many of us in this House are familiar with the tense and storied history between the two countries. We are friends to them both, and we do not want to see an uncontrolled escalation in tensions, he said.

The minister reiterated the long-standing UK position that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting resolution to the situation in Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

It is not for us to prescribe a solution, he asserted, calling for direct dialogue between both countries.

Several cross-party MPs overwhelmingly condemned the killing of 26 innocent tourists in the terrorist attack last week, with many raising concerns for their Indian and Pakistani diasporas.

This escalation is unsettling for communities within the UK. British Pakistanis and British Indians are valued parts of our community, but we look to all community and faith leaders to spread the message that now is the time for coming together across religious and ethnic differences, not to play out the tensions between two states on the streets of the UK, and we will continue to send that message, stated Falconer.

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He was also asked to address the BBCs reference to the attack as militancy, to which he responded: I resist calls for ministers to police the BBCs language too much, but let me be clear: this was a horrific terrorist attack, and that is the view of the British government.
According to media reports, the draft of the deal has been finalised, and it could be inked as soon as on Wednesday read more

Ukraine is looking to sign a long-anticipated natural resources deal with the US within hours, a move which could pave way for continued American military support to Kyiv, reported Bloomberg. The report said the draft of the deal has been finalised, and it could be inked as early as Wednesday (April 30).

According to the sources cited by the outlet, Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is currently heading to Washington to sign the deal. The deal will see both the US and Ukraine create a joint fund to manage Ukraines investment projects.

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The deal could provide US firms access to Ukraines natural resources, including aluminum, graphite, oil and natural gas. According to the report, the Ukrainian cabinet is ready to approve the deal, which will also have to be ratified by Ukrainian parliament on Wednesday.

The US and Ukraine will seek to create the conditions to increase investment in mining, energy, and related technology in Ukraine, the draft of the agreement reads.

One major breakthrough

The potential signing of the deal could come at a time when US President Donald Trump has expressed his frustration to both Ukraine and Russia over the delay in ending the conflict, which has now entered its fourth year.

Trump last week slammed Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyys stance on Crimea, saying his pledge to not recognise the territory as Russian will harm the peace efforts. He also lashed out at Russian leader Vladimir Putin for incessant bombing of Ukrainian cities.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated on Tuesday that Trump was getting frustrated with the difficulty of getting both Ukraine and Russia to agree to a peace deal, but that he remains optimistic that we can get this done.

However, the White House said President Trump was confident that a minerals deal will be signed with Ukraine.

The agreement strengthens the strategic partnership between the Parties for the long-term reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine, in response to the large-scale destruction caused by Russias full-scale invasion, the draft read.

Notably, a previous attempt to reach the agreement collapsed earlier this year after Zelenskyy had a confrontation with Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a meeting in the Oval Office. However, progress resumed when Zelenskyy held a one-on-one meeting with the US president at the Vatican on Saturday, just before the funeral of Pope Francis.

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A record 22 Punjabi-origin candidates were elected to Canadas House of Commons in the 2025 federal election. Among them, Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal won a sixth term, sparking celebrations in his native village in Punjab. Read on for more details. read more

22 Punjabi-origin candidates secured seats in Canadas House of Commons in the 2025 election.

Punjabs Sujapur village erupted in celebration on Tuesday (April 29) as native son Sukh Dhaliwal secured his sixth term in Canadas federal elections. Contesting on a Liberal Party ticket, Dhaliwal won from Surrey Newton, defeating Conservative candidate Harjit Singh Gill.

The 64-year-old businessman-turned-politician is among 22 Punjabi-origin candidates elected to the Canadian House of Commons this year. The Liberal Party, which emerged victorious in the federal polls, fielded several candidates of South Asian and Punjabi descent, reflecting the growing influence of the diaspora in Canadian politics.

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Dhaliwal, who earlier represented NewtonNorth Delta, has now retained Surrey Newton for the third consecutive time after wins in 2011, 2015, and 2019.

Back in his native Sujapur village in the Jagraon region of Ludhiana, the mood was jubilant. Locals danced to dhol beats, burst crackers, and distributed sweets in celebration. His elder brother credited the win to Dhaliwals deep connection to his roots and regular visits to the village.

Gurcharan Singh Grewal, general secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Dhaliwals former classmate, expressed pride over the win. He has always stayed close to the people of the village. Its a proud moment for all of us, he said.

Two more candidates from Punjabs Moga districtAmanpreet Singh Gill (Calgary Skyview) and Sukhman Gill (AbbotsfordSouth Langley), both Conservativesalso emerged victorious, prompting celebrations in their respective hometowns.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and AAP MLA from Moga Amandeep Kaur Arora congratulated the winners, expressing hope for stronger diplomatic and cultural ties between India and Canada.

Other prominent Punjabi-origin winners in the election include:

Anita Anand (Liberal, Oakville East), Bardish Chagger (Liberal, Waterloo), Anju Dhillon (Liberal, DorvalLachine), Randeep Sarai (Liberal, Surrey Centre), Dalwinder Gill (Conservative, Calgary McKnight), Arpan Khanna (Conservative, Oxford), Tim Uppal (Conservative, Edmonton Gateway)

Reacting to the results, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami called the victories a matter of great pride for the Sikh and Punjabi communities globally. He attributed the success to the candidates hard work, honesty, and humanitarian values, and urged them to uphold Sikh principles while serving in office.

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Dhami also extended congratulations to the Liberal Party and its leader Mark Carney, commending their inclusivity and diverse representation.

A record 22 Punjabi-origin candidates were elected as Members of Parliament in the 2025 Canadian federal election, the highest ever, up from 20 in 2019 and 17 in 2021.

These winners represent both major parties: 12 are Liberals and 10 are Conservatives, showing strong cross-party support from the Punjabi community.

Out of 65 Punjabi-origin candidates who contested (across Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba), the successful MPs include 6 women and 6 turbaned Sikh men, reflecting the communitys diversity.

Key results include:

* NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, one of the most prominent Punjabi-Canadian politicians, lost his seat in Burnaby Central and announced he will step down as party leader.

* Liberal minister Kamal Khera lost her Brampton West seat to Conservative Amarjit Gill.

* Liberal ministers Anita Anand (Oakville East) and Bardish Chagger (Waterloo) retained their seats.

* Conservative Tim Uppal held on to his Edmonton Gateway seat.

* Liberal Sukh Dhaliwal was re-elected in Surrey-Newton.

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This election marks a milestone for the Punjabi diasporas influence in Canadian politics, with their largest-ever representation in Parliament.

(Input from other agencies)
The trial of an Australian woman accused of killing three lunch guests by poisoning their food with toxic mushrooms is set to begin this week.

Erin Patterson, 50, is charged with three murders and one attempted murder related to the incident, which took place in July 2023, CBS News reported.

Police accuse Patterson of lacing the beef Wellington she served with toxic mushrooms. The lunch killed her estranged inlaws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70. It also killed Gail's 66-year-old sister, Heather Wilkinson, who died days later. Wilkinson's husband, 68-year-old Ian, was severely sickened by the meal.

Patterson's estranged husband also was invited to the meal but did not attend, PEOPLE reported.

Erin Patterson has denied wrongdoing, telling the Associated Press, "I'm devastated. I loved them. I can't believe that this has happened and I'm so sorry."

The 15-member jury for the trial has been selected, and proceedings are set to commence this week, CBS News reported. Patterson has pleaded not guilty.

The BBC reported that the four lunch guests became ill hours later, with police believing death cap mushrooms were used in the meal. Erin Patterson did not become ill from the lunch, which immediately drew interest from investigators.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
Samsung has announced that select Galaxy A series devices will soon support AI assistant activation through the side button. This feature, previously associated with the Galaxy S series, will become available to a wider range of users, aligning with Samsungs stated aim of broadening access to AI experiences.

An upcoming software update will enable users to activate AI experiences, including Googles AI-powered assistant, Gemini, by pressing and holding the side button.

Samsung recently introduced Awesome Intelligence on certain Galaxy A series models, such as the Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G, incorporating select AI-powered features. The forthcoming update aims to simplify access to Gemini for additional Galaxy A series users globally, facilitating the completion of everyday tasks.

The update is intended to provide a more streamlined mobile experience on the Galaxy A series, which is noted for balancing performance and value. With easier access to Gemini, users can perform tasks such as checking schedules, finding local businesses, or requesting gift suggestions using voice commands.

The functionality also extends to performing actions across various applications, including Samsung, Google, and select third-party apps, with a single command, such as locating a restaurant on Google Maps and sharing the address via Messages.

The integration is highlighted as providing quicker access to assistance for everyday situations, such as making impromptu plans. Users can utilize voice commands to specify search criteria, such as Find French, pet-friendly restaurants with terrace seating nearby, and receive suggestions.

The software update is scheduled for a global rollout to select Galaxy A series models starting in early May. Availability and supported features may differ based on market, carrier, and device model. The update is planned for the Galaxy A56 5G, A55 5G, A54 5G, A36 5G, A35 5G, A34 5G, A26 5G, A25 5G, A25e 5G, and A24 devices running One UI 7. The timing of the rollout is subject to change.
At Intel Foundry Direct Connect 2025, Intel outlined advancements in its process technologies, packaging solutions, U.S. manufacturing efforts, and ecosystem collaborations. The event focused on technical updates and partnerships to address semiconductor industry needs.

Process Technology Developments

Intel discussed its Intel 14A process, the next step after Intel 18A. It shared early Intel 14A Process Design Kits (PDKs) with key customers, who plan to create test chips. Intel 14A uses PowerDirect for direct power delivery, building on Intel 18As PowerVia technology.

Intel 18A is in risk production and set for volume manufacturing in 2025. Intels ecosystem collaborators have created electronic design automation tools, reference flows, and intellectual property for manufacturing.

A variant, Intel 18A-P, targets better performance for more customers, with early wafers in fabrication. As its compatible with Intel 18A design rules, partners are updating their tools for Intel 18A-P.

Another variant, Intel 18A-PT, improves performance and efficiency. It supports Foveros Direct 3D stacking with a hybrid bonding pitch under 5 micrometers. Intel also started its first 16nm production tape-out and is working with UMC on a 12nm node and related variants.

Advanced Packaging Solutions

Intel detailed packaging options, including Intel 14A on Intel 18A-PT with Foveros Direct (3D stacking) and embedded multi-die interconnect bridging (2.5D bridging).

Intel introduced EMIB-T to support high-bandwidth memory needs, alongside Foveros-R and Foveros-B variants for adaptable designs, and collaborated with Amkor Technology to assist customers in choosing suitable packaging solutions.

U.S. Manufacturing Progress

The company said its Arizona Fab 52 has processed its first wafer, marking progress in U.S.-based Intel 18A manufacturing. Oregon will begin large-scale production, with Arizona increasing capacity in 2025, and Intel 18A and 14A research and production will stay in the U.S.

Ecosystem Collaborations

Intel expanded its Accelerator Alliance with the Intel Foundry Chiplet Alliance, focusing on secure chiplet solutions for government and commercial uses, and the Value Chain Alliance, which supports supply chain collaboration. Other alliances include IP, EDA, Design Services, Cloud, and USMAG. These programs provide tools and IP to support customer designs, Intel said.

CEO Lip-Bu Tan stated, Intel is building a world-class foundry to meet the growing need for leading-edge process technology, advanced packaging, and manufacturing. Naga Chandrasekaran, Chief Technology and Operations Officer, and Kevin OBuckley, General Manager of Foundry Services, gave keynotes on process, packaging, and global supply chain updates.

At the event, Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said:
The GSMA and Samsung Electronics have announced a new partnership aimed at enhancing voice call quality and connectivity on 4G and 5G networks. The collaboration focuses on enabling Voice over LTE (VoLTE) by default on Samsung devices running Android 15 or later operating systems.

Enhancing Voice Quality and Connectivity

This initiative is designed to support a more seamless global rollout of VoLTE technology. By making VoLTE the default setting, the partnership seeks to ensure that essential telephony services, such as emergency calling and roaming, remain functional as mobile operators worldwide increasingly transition away from legacy 2G and 3G networks to utilize the higher capacity and quality offered by 4G and 5G.

Leveraging GSMA Platforms and Standards

The partnership leverages the GSMAs Network Settings Exchange (NSX) and Interoperability Testing services. Samsung is working to facilitate consistent and reliable voice services across diverse operators and geographical regions.

New Samsung devices, including the recently introduced Galaxy S25 series and all subsequent models running Android 15 or above, will be equipped to access high-quality VoLTE where supported. This will be achieved by utilizing operator-defined IMS settings distributed via the NSX platform or, when necessary, defaulting to GSMA Profile #4.

The Role of GSMA Network Settings Exchange (NSX)

The GSMA NSX serves as a centralized platform designed to standardize and streamline the distribution of mobile network settings from operators to device manufacturers globally. It allows mobile network operators (MNOs) and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) to upload, manage, and distribute their latest network configurations. Through the NSX, operators can share IMS-specific settings directly with device manufacturers, aiming to ensure seamless service functionality and interoperability. Device manufacturers can then pre-configure devices based on the shared network settings provided by operators on the hub.

Streamlining Interoperability Testing

Further supporting this effort is the GSMAs Interoperability Testing service, which provides tools for validating operator-device compatibility for VoLTE before commercial deployment. Recognizing the significant scale of testing required to enable VoLTE on Samsung devices globally, Samsung has aligned its testing protocols with standard GSMA VoLTE testing procedures in addition to enabling VoLTE by default.

Collaborative Industry Effort

The collaboration between the GSMA and Samsung is intended to assist operators in assessing VoLTE readiness through standard tests, highlighting the role of industry-wide cooperation in this transition. The GSMA is also offering Interoperability Testing services to support operators with pre-launch VoLTE testing in conjunction with Samsung.
Google has announced that its NotebookLM Audio Overviews feature now supports more than 50 languages, broadening access to its podcast-style audio summaries.

NotebookLM, which became available in over 200 countries last year, introduced Audio Overviews to convert uploaded sources into conversational audio summaries.

The feature, powered by Googles Gemini audio technology, gained traction soon after its debut. This update allows more users to access Audio Overviews in languages like Afrikaans, Hindi, Turkish, and others, said Michael Chen, Software Engineer at Google Labs.

Arielle Fox, Program Manager at Google Labs, noted that this is an early look at the features potential. Were committed to refining it based on user feedback, she added.

Customizable Language Settings

The update includes a new Output Language setting in NotebookLM, allowing users to choose the language for their Audio Overviews. Users can select a language for audio and chat responses and switch it as needed, supporting the development of educational resources or content in multiple languages.

As Google noted, for example, a teacher developing a lesson on the Amazon rainforest can use varied resources, like a Portuguese video, a Spanish journal article, and English study notes.

Students can enter these into NotebookLM to craft an audio narration in their selected language, easing comprehension of detailed subjects and fostering cross-lingual understanding.

Availability and Access

The NotebookLMs audio feature now supports more than 50 languages, and users can explore it at notebook.google.com.

Speaking about the update, Michael Chen, Software Engineer at Google Labs, said:
Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly demanding land that Moscow does not currently occupy as a condition to end the war in Ukraine, potentially complicating peace efforts further.

Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that the four regions in question are Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Russia staged referendums in the four regions months after the invasion and Putin said they would be "forever" part of Russia following the results, not recognized by the vast majority of the international community. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called them a "violation of the UN Charter and international law."

Moscow has not fully seized all regions, but the outlet detailed that Putin wants them in full as one of his conditions to end the war. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff sought to persuade him to agree on a ceasefire along the current frontlines, but Putin stood firmly by his demands, Bloomberg added, quoting people familiar with the issue.

The Trump administration said it's willing to walk away from talks if an agreement is not announced soon. But Trump changed his tune on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after meeting him at the Vatican during the funeral of Pope Francis, directing his latest criticism to Putin rather than him.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said Russia's recent attacks, which killed several civilians, made him think that Putin "maybe doesn't want to stop the war, he's just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through 'Banking' or 'Secondary Sanctions?'"

While in the Vatican, Trump and Zelensky were captured facing one another for a conversationtheir first one-on-one since their contentious Oval Office meeting in February in which Zelensky was berated for "disrespect" as the Ukrainian president cautioned skepticism toward Putin's interest in peace.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not immediately respond to Bloomberg's request for comment on the report, while U.S. National Security Council Spokesman James Hewitt said "we continue to make progress with both Ukraine and Russia to bring this conflict to a peaceful resolution."

Originally published on Latin Times
Parents of a newborn boy claim that their son is fighting for his life as he is in critical condition following a circumcision where he almost "bled to death."

The child was identified as Cole Groth, born to parents Tim and Gabrielle Groth on Mar. 31, 2025, at New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. The infant was also found to have a heart disease and medical professionals placed a stent a few days after he was born.

Baby Nearly Bleeds to Death After Circumcision

Tim said that their situation was going relatively well and that their son was doing okay enough to be cleared for discharge. However, the hospital later asked the parents if they wanted their son to be circumcised, which is considered a routine procedure.

When the Groths agreed, they allege they were not told about the elevated risks for children who have congenital heart disease. The couple said that the day after their son's circumcision was the worst day of their lives, according to WCAX.

Gabrielle said that she walked in and found her son extremely pale and was crying like she never heard him before. The mother added that what she saw was not the healthy baby boy that she saw the day before the procedure.

The father noted that throughout the night, their son continued to bleed, nearly to death. He added that the child's vital organs lost blood and oxygen and he also suffered liver damage, kidney damage, and brain damage.

He said that his son required a transfusion every day and had four surgeries in a week. Tim wondered how their son could go from a circumcision-stable situation to being in a life-or-death crisis, Local12 reported.

In a Critical Condition

When Cole was taken into emergency surgery, the doctors told the parents that the boy's intestines had died and turned black. They added that they found feces in his abdomen that they needed to cut out.

In a GoFundMe page for their son, the parents said that Cole was sitting in the ICU after being left cut open with countless tubes, medications, and fluids. Tim shared that words can only touch the surface of the pain that his son, wife, and family feel amid the situation.

The baby remained at the hospital in critical condition as of Apr. 20, 2025, and Tim is hoping that sharing their story can help prevent the incident from happening to other people. The father said that there is no place for carelessness in medicine, as per People.

Originally published on parentherald.com
From the earliest days of the pandemic that shocked the world in 2020, researchers at Fred Hutch Cancer Center tracked the rapid evolution and spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 by studying how its genomic sequence  the order of its genetic building blocks  changed over time.

Computational biologist Trevor Bedford, PhD, and evolutionary biologist Jesse Bloom, PhD, became go-to media sources, providing expert information that influenced consequential policy decisions about what to shut down and when.

Researchers have now amassed an enormous database of genomic sequences of SARS-CoV-2 and its many variants, sampled from more than 16 million patients around the world over the last five years.

But the sheer volume of genomic sequences  a dataset that is orders of magnitude bigger than whats available for any other pathogen  has overwhelmed the capacity of common analytical methods to make sense of it in a timely and practical manner.

Two recently published papers from postdoctoral researchers in the Bedford and Bloom labs showcase new tools invented at Fred Hutch that provide researchers traction to make that mountain of data more manageable.

The Bedford study, recently published in the journal Nature, uses a new statistical technique to track the spread of a virus through a population.

The analysis of more than 100,000 genomic sequences of SARS-CoV-2 collected in Washington state between March 2021 and December 2022 captures fine-grain details about transmission between regions and age groups, including important information about the role young children played in transmission.

Meanwhile the Bloom study, recently published in the journal Cell, shows that the same method developed in his lab to analyze the effects of thousands of SARS-CoV-2 mutations in a single, safe experiment can also be applied to understand the evolutionary capacity of viruses for which only a small number of sequences are available.

This study uses the Bloom method to safely measure the effects of mutations to a key protein from Nipah virus, a rarer but scarier and deadlier pathogen that some researchers worry could pose a risk of triggering a new outbreak or pandemic.

A new way to see the forest when the trees grow too thick

Bedfords early career focused on using genomic sequences to construct family trees of viruses and visualize their evolution as easily as someone traces the branches of their ancestry from parents to grandparents to great-grandparents.

He built phylogenetic trees to better understand influenza, Ebola, MERS and other viruses and co-founded an open-source website in 2015 called Nextstrain that posts the phylogenetic trees of global pathogens.

In February 2020, Bedford used phylogenetic trees to analyze genomic sequences of a newly emerged virus, SARS-CoV-2, that already was overwhelming hospitals in Wuhan, China.

His analysis revealed a probable transmission chain in Washington state that began in mid-January with the first diagnosed U.S. patient, a man who returned from Wuhan. The genomic sequence of a second Seattle-area patient in late February had several new mutations indicating that the virus had been spreading quickly and largely undetected in Washington.

Bedford sounded the alarm, prompting a rapid shutdown of the region that likely saved thousands of lives in the state.

Nextstrain became an essential tool for visualizing and tracing the evolution of SARS-CoV-2, but as the number of SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences has swelled, phylogenetic trees have become increasingly unwieldy.

When those family trees grow beyond a few hundred or a few thousand sequences, it gets harder computationally to infer whats going on. Theres just too many branches and twigs and offshoots to untangle.

It just becomes computationally very costly to reconstruct that tree, said Cecile Tran-Kiem, PhD, lead author of the Nature study and a postdoctoral researcher in the Bedford Lab in the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division at Fred Hutch.

She figured out a different way to track the spread of the virus that doesnt require building trees showing new branches that represent new mutations.

Her method instead looks for pairs of identical genomic sequences to figure out how different subgroups of the population, such as those defined by geography or age, contribute to transmission.

The method takes advantage of a mismatch between the rate of transmission and the rate of mutation in SARS-CoV-2.

We expect the virus to mutate every 11 to 12 days, but transmission maybe happens every six days, more or less, Tran-Kiem said. This means if were looking at viruses that havent mutated yet, were looking at people who are pretty close in a transmission chain.

The more often pairs of identical genomic sequences straddle two groups  with one half of the pair in one group and the other half in the other group  the greater the probability of higher transmission between those groups.

The method finds statistical patterns and connections that might otherwise be missed because the virus is moving too fast in the population for the tree method based on new mutations to keep pace.

Testing the method against real-world data from Washington state

The idea made computational sense, but Tran-Kiem wanted to test it against real-world data to see if her method reached the same conclusions about the spread of the virus as conventional methods that epidemiologists use to track the spread of disease.

Classically, its been shown that patterns of transmission of respiratory pathogens correlate well with mobility data  the virus tends to go where you move, she said.

Tran-Kiem applied the method to 114,298 SARS-CoV-2 genomes collected in Washington state. The patterns of paired sequences were consistent with expectations from mobility data collected from smartphone records.

She also was able to track transmission between age groups, which also was consistent with expectations based on social contact surveys.

But her approach could potentially overcome the limitations of tracking smartphones (not everyone has one) or conducting surveys (memories of previous contacts may be inaccurate or incomplete). It also saves money by reducing the need for phone and survey data, which is costly to collect.

As predicted, her method showed that adjacent counties were more likely to be linked by identical pairs of sequences than regions that are further apart, except for adjacent counties separated by the Cascade Mountain Range. Also as expected, transmission generally flowed from Western to Eastern Washington.

Some data didnt match expectations, however.

For example, Tran-Kiem and her colleagues found two counties that shared many more pairs of identical sequences than they should have based on their geography.

They realized that what they were seeing in the genomic data was transmission between male prisons. They discussed their results with epidemiologists and physicians working with the Washington State Department of Corrections.

They said that certain policies and procedures regarding the transfer of prisoners and staff between prisons could explain patterns that did not show up in conventional mobility data. The state has only two womens prisons, which are in adjacent counties and didnt stand out.

By analyzing the timing of sequence collection, she also could use the method to better understand transmission between age groups and provide some context to the highly debated role played by young children during the pandemic.

Young kids are notorious germ-factories who spread colds to classmates and bring them home from school, so initially it was not unreasonable to think they might also play a big role in transmitting COVID-19.

But while it is possible for young children to transmit the virus to adults, thats not usually how the virus spread in Washington state.

During the alpha and delta variant waves, she found that children ages 0 to 9 could have been a source of infection for the elderly, but not younger adults.

But that pattern disappeared during the omicron wave and overall, she found no indication that young school age children were a major source of transmission in Washington state, even after schools reopened.

We know for sure they did infect adults, were just saying that overall, when there was transmission between children and adults, it didnt tend to be the kids who infected the adults. It rather tended to be in the other direction.

Information like that  which is more precise than data about where someones phone has been or who they remember being around before they got sick  could be useful in the future when policymakers must make decisions about whether to close schools and for how long.
As you walk through the Arnold Building at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle, you may feel like you are visiting an art gallery. This is thanks to a unique, long-standing partnership between Fred Hutch and Cornish College of the Arts that started in 2005.

When the [Fred Hutch] Public Health Sciences Division first moved into the Arnold Building, there were what felt like miles of empty white walls, said Rosemarie Keenan, associate vice president of the Public Health Sciences Division and a longtime supporter of the art partnership.

A chance encounter between Cornish professor Bonnie Biggs, MFA, and a staff member of the division sparked the idea to use the space for art. Cornish was recently acquired by Seattle University.

Bonnie mentioned their annual Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) show and suggested bringing some of the pieces here, Keenan said.

The idea quickly gained traction and 20 years later, the program remains a fixture at Fred Hutch. This year's BFA Exhibit and selections were held on April 4 and the selected art pieces will be on display beginning 2026 in the Arnold Building.

In addition to the Public Health Sciences Division, the Arnold Building is home to several other research divisions and groups as well as the Wellness Center, which contains a number of specialty clinics including Survivorship, and Employee Health Clinic.

The annual exhibition and curation process

Each year in the spring, the Art Task Force visits and selects pieces from the Cornish BFA Exhibition.

Originally composed exclusively of Public Health Sciences staff, the task force now includes members from Fred Hutch clinical teams and other divisions such as the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division as more groups have moved into the building.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Tuesday that the United States would give up on mediation unless Russia and Ukraine put forward "concrete proposals," as US patience wanes on an early priority for Donald Trump.

The US president had vowed to end the war in his first 24 hours back in the White House but, as Trump celebrates 100 days in office, Rubio has suggested the administration could soon turn attention to other issues.

"We are now at a time where concrete proposals need to be delivered by the two parties on how to end this conflict," State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters, in what she said was a message from Rubio.

"If there is not progress, we will step back as mediators in this process."

She said it would ultimately be up to Trump to decide whether to move ahead on diplomacy.

The president suggested on Tuesday that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin still wants to negotiate a peace agreement with Ukraine.

Asked in an interview with ABC television if Putin wants peace, Trump said: "I think he does."

Putin recently proposed a three-day ceasefire around Moscow's commemorations next week for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

But he has rebuffed a Ukrainian-backed US call for a 30-day ceasefire.

The United States wants "not a three-day moment so you can celebrate something else -- a complete, durable ceasefire and an end to the conflict," Bruce said.

It remains unclear if Rubio is actually ready to turn the page or is seeking to pressure the two countries.

The United States already put together a framework proposal which Ukrainians feel bows to Russian demands.

Trump has suggested an official recognition of Russia's takeover in 2014 of Crimea, an annexation rejected by nearly all the world, in addition to land swaps.

"We all want this war to end in a fair way -- with no rewards for Putin, especially no land," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told an event in Poland by videoconference on Tuesday.

Russia has also not moved on the proposal with many experts believing Moscow now sees an upper hand -- on the battlefield and diplomatically, with Trump eager to reconcile.

Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, sought to blame Zelensky and said that Russia would keep speaking with the United States.

Zelensky "is bent on escalating the conflict. He's recklessly rejecting the United States' balanced peace proposals," Nebenzia told a UN Security Council meeting.

US diplomat John Kelley told the session that both sides would benefit from working off the US framework and condemned Russian strikes into Ukraine.

"Right now, Russia has a great opportunity to achieve a durable peace," Kelley said.

Trump in turn berated Zelensky in a February 28 White House meeting. He and Vice President JD Vance accused the wartime leader of ingratitude for US weapons sent under Biden.

Ukraine quickly tried to make amends by backing US diplomatic efforts and pursuing a deal in which the United States would control much of the country's mineral wealth.

US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Tuesday that recognizing "Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea would invite additional aggression from Moscow and Beijing."

"I have endeavored to give President Trump the space to negotiate a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which is a goal we both share," she said.

"However, President Trump and his team have fatally mismanaged these negotiations -- offering concession after concession to Russia, throwing away our leverage and fracturing the united front with our allies that is critical to ending this war," she said.

Ukraine ordered on Tuesday the evacuation of seven villages in the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region which used to be remote from the frontlines but are now under threat as Russian forces close in.

Last week a ballistic missile ripped into a residential area of Kyiv in one of the deadliest attacks on the capital since the invasion.

Trump, who has claimed that Putin would not have attacked Ukraine if he were in power in 2022, wrote, "Vladimir, STOP," on social media after the attack.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024.
Former Bureau of Land Management director William Perry Pendley thinks before answering a question from the moderator while arguing in favor of moving the BLM headquarters back to Grand Junction from the Washington, D.C., area during a debate hosted by The Steamboat Institute with former BLM state director in Wyoming, Mary Jo Rugwell, at Colorado Mesa University on April 3, 2025.
Fri Friday

90 /65

Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 90s and lows in the mid 60s.
North Korea has conducted the first test firing of its newly unveiled "Choe Hyon-class" warship, state-run news agency KCNA reported Wednesday.

The test included the launch of cruise and anti-air missiles, along with artillery firing, in an event attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and senior military officials.

The 5,000-ton warship, which North Korean media described as being equipped with the country's "most powerful weapons," was first revealed over the weekend. It is named after Choe Hyon, an anti-Japanese revolutionary fighter, according to KCNA.

During the weapons test, Kim stressed the strategic importance of strengthening North Korea's naval capabilities, stating: "The time has come for North Korea's navy to choose to accelerate nuclear armament for maritime sovereignty and for the sake of national defense."

The warship is expected to be handed over to the North Korean navy and enter service early next year, according to Kim's remarks during the launch ceremony.

However, international experts have cast doubt on the vessel's readiness. Satellite imagery analyzed by 38 North, a think tank specializing in North Korea, suggested that the ship may not yet be fully operational. The ship was seen being maneuvered with the help of tugboats, which "could indicate the lack of a functioning propulsion system," the think tank noted.

Meanwhile, South Korea's defense ministry confirmed that its intelligence agencies, along with those of the United States, are "closely monitoring North Korea's shipbuilding activities." The new warship has drawn significant attention amid concerns over the country's expanding military ambitions, particularly its push toward nuclear armament at sea.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks hunter education classes and field days for online students are being offered across central and eastern Montana.

In-person hunter education class starting dates:

Wolf Point: April 30

Havre: May 1

Great Falls: May 1

Havre: May 8

Glasgow: May 12

Great Falls: May 16

Sidney: Aug. 4

Glasgow: Aug. 11

In-person, instructor-led hunter education classroom courses are available to anyone age 10 and older and provide new hunters with a hands-on learning experience. In-person courses are led by volunteer instructors who are passionate about preserving Montanas hunting tradition, teaching firearm safety, ethics, and other outdoor skills.

Students aged 10 and 11 can take an in-person course and hunt as an apprentice but will not be able to put in for special applications until the year they turn 12.

To find a classroom course and register, go to fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/hunter and search for the in-person class listed. Students MUST be registered before the class begins. More information about the class, location, and other details will be on the registration page. Make sure to print, read and sign any necessary paperwork ahead of the class.

Hunter education field days for online students dates:

Glasgow: May 16

Miles City: Aug. 9

Glasgow: Aug. 15

Consistent with FWPs licensing laws, students who are currently 11 and who will turn 12 by Jan. 16 of the current license year may take the online course and the requisite field day. The online course (course fees apply) needs to be completed before signing up for a field day. The online course takes around 4-6 hours to complete. Adults 18 and older may take the field day to gain hands-on experience, though it is not required.

During the field day, participants receive instruction, practice, and then demonstrate their skills and knowledge in two key areas: firearm safety and hunting ethics. Instructors provide hands-on instruction and present realistic scenarios, then evaluate students on their understanding and competency. All hands-on firearm training is done with a variety of inert firearms, and some field days offer a live fire station.

Students must be registered prior to attending a field day and bring their field day qualifier certificate to the field day. To find a class and register, or to take the online course, go to fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/hunter . More information about the field day, location, and other details will be on the registration page. Make sure to print, read and sign any necessary paperwork ahead of the class.

If there are any questions, please contact hunter and bowhunter education coordinator Marc Kloker in Glasgow at 406-228-3704.
Takoa Old Person Wins Awards And Qualifies For Nationals

Six Frazer students, along with their advisor, social studies/history educator Mary Zuchowski, traveled to Bozeman on April 12 to compete in the State competition of National History Day Montana, after qualifying at the Regional competition in Miles City at the beginning of February.

Nayla Old Person, Journey Jackson and Mila Smoke participated in the Junior Group Exhibits with their presentation board about Eloise Cobell, who founded the Blackfeet National Bank, the first national bank located on Indian reservation and owned by a Native American tribe. Elli Mail and Bethany Hotomanie also participated in the Junior Group Exhibits with their presentation board about the creation of the Rocky Boy Reservation. During the National competition, their presentation won an award from the Montana 250th Commission for Excellence in Indigenous History and Culture.

Maci Fourstar-Sibley and Aubrey Mail presented in the Senior Group Exhibit with their presentation board about Rights of Women In Greece.

Takoa Old Person presented an essay on the Federal Government's Failure to Ensure Voting Rights For Native People with the Snyder Act of 1924. Her essay won an award from the Montana 250th Commission for Excellence in Indigenous History and Culture. She also qualified for Nationals, which will be held in Washington, D.C., June 8 through 12.

National History Day is a co-curricular, standards-aligned academic program for students in grades six through 12. Students research topics related to an annual theme, then present their findings as documentaries, exhibit boards, papers, performances, or websites. The challenge for the students was to select a topic that is significant in history, that connects to the annual theme and that interests the individual student or group completing the project.

As a result of the travel involved in participating in the National competition, T. Old Person and Zuchowski are appreciative of any monetary assistance that can be provided to help them travel to compete. Payments can be addressed to Mary Zuchowski, Attn: NHD-Frazer, 7284 US Hwy 2, Wolf Point, MT 59201. For further information regarding this experience, Zuchowski can be contacted at 406-480-7199 and/or [email protected].
Editor's Note: This story was originally published on Montana Public Radio on April 11, http://www.mtpr.org/montana-news/2025-04-11/to-help-fill-eye-care-shortages-in-rural-montana-this-optometrist-commutes-by-plane.

Dr. Jon Kolstad prepares for his weekly commute to Scobey, Mont. His ride? A two-seater bush plane with red-tipped wings.

The plane takes off toward a lilac sunrise. Kolstad drifts over waves of prairie. Below, low hills are speckled with grazing deer and cattle. A large green tractor stands out on the vast landscape. This is the bird's eye view of northeastern Montana.

It's an unusual mode of travel for an optometrist, but in rural Montana, it works. Kolstad operates three offices in three different counties, in this corner of the state.

"I've made the schedule work," Kolstad said. "And, having access to a plane does shorten the state."

Kolstad is one of few private eye doctors in the region. He serves five counties and drives up to 400 miles a week. Local hospitals and patients have his personal cell number. He'll make house calls to patients who are unable to travel to him.

"I think it's kind of normal, but I know it's not normal everywhere else," he said.

Kolstad's efforts reflect the lengths rural residents go through to provide or receive basic care. Patients face months of backlog for appointments at some clinics alongside burdensome travel times. This gap between rural need and access to care is expected to grow as Montana's population ages and develops issues with vision.

On Tuesdays, Kolstad goes to Wolf Point, a hub on the Fort Peck Reservation. The office is filled with green floral wallpaper and wood moldings. Locals say there is one alternative for eye care - an optometrist with Indian Health Services.

But patient Shanae Burshia said that hardly feels like an option: "It's always hard to get in with them," she said. "Just giving them a call earlier, they said it'll take months." Burshia has been coming to Kolstad for about three years. Without him, she says finding care would be almost impossible.

Optometry is a growing profession, according to federal labor projections.The number of eye doctors in the U.S. could grow by nine percent in the coming decade. But most of that growth is in larger cities, not rural communities.

Dr. Ron Benner is a former president of the American Optometric Association and works in Laurel, Mont. "Looking at the numbers and looking at where medical eye care is, medicine in general is, we don't have enough providers to take care of the population, let alone in increasing demand," he said.

An aging population is susceptible to developing vision-impairing diseases. This means more demand for appointments to treat things like cataracts or macular degeneration.

And specialized care for eye surgery is even more difficult to access. Most eye surgeons are in cities, not rural counties. One report found by 2035 there will only be enough providers to meet 30 percent of the need for specialized eye care in rural communities.

"I'm a hundred miles from Cody, Wyo. Because of the time delays on some of these procedures, I send my patients 100 miles south into Wyoming to have my optometric colleagues take care of them because I can get them in within two weeks instead of two months or three months or four months," he said.

Montana lawmakers recently passed a bill that expands the scope of what optometrists can do. It's an effort to fill some of those gaps in care by allowing them to perform specific laser surgeries. Some opposed the bill concerned it would lead to optometrists performing medical procedures they're not prepared for. Kolstad drove hours across the state in order to testify in support of that bill in the Capitol.

For Kolstad, patients are more than just patients. "A lot of the patients here, yeah you see them on a regular basis," he said. "Whether they're in their exam or you're talking to them at a ballgame so a lot of them become close friends."

Kolstad says the future of eye care in rural Montana lies in the hands of young people returning to the communities they're from. Kolstad's son is in optometry school. He hopes to see the two of them practicing optometry in Montana.

"I hope we get to put up a few more offices and take care of these rural towns," he said.

Montana Public Radio is a public service of the University of Montana. State government coverage is funded in part through a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Paid Political Content

Conservation enjoys the support of all parties and a huge majority of residents. That support takes the form of the North American Wildlife Recovery model and is responsible for our abundance of wild things and places. Within the last 20 years, a fringe of extremists began advancing an agenda to erode the North American Model and found a small foothold in Montana. We can now add a group of Democrats in the Montana Senate to those who are kicking conservation to the curb.

A heartbreaking vote occurred on the 24th. The Senate had an opportunity to right a wrong from the prior session and join the House in passing HB907. Instead, HB907 failed thanks to the no votes from a cabal of Democratic Senators - Flowers, Boldman, Curdy, Dunwell, Ellis, Fern, Hayman, Pope, Smith and Windy Boy. There was other no votes, but not from people who profess to support conservation or resident hunters.

HB907 removed the guaranteed licenses for non-resident landowners which they currently receive in exchange for absolutely nothing. Resident Montanans were outraged and the North American Wildlife Recovery model violated. HB907 added some minor form of access in exchange for the licenses and flew out of the house on a bi-partisan basis. HB907 was supported by every significant conservation/hunting group in Montana including Montana Wildlife Federation, BHA, Montana Sportsmen Alliance, Skyline Sportsmen, Anaconda Sportsmen and Helena Hunters and Anglers. Opposed were lobbyists for the non-residents, which was enough for those Senate Democrats to turn their backs on our residents and the North American Model in favor of people who cant vote here.

Conservation politics is no longer as simple as it used to be because of those seeking to undermine our progress. I want to thank Minority Leader Sullivan (D  Missoula) and Rep. Hinkle (R-Belgrade) for putting Montana ahead of billionaire non-residents and leading this bill out of the House on a bi-partisan basis only to die an unceremonious death at the hands of a small group of Senate Democrats.

Andrew Posewitz is a fourth-generation Montanan and a fierce public land and hunting advocate. He previously served as Chief of Staff in the State Auditors office, is one of the founders of the Montana Public Trust Coalition and a frequent speaker at conservation events.
During the April 21 regular City Council meeting, Mayor Rod Karst read the Frontline Worker Appreciation Proclamation encouraging all residents to recognize and honor the heroic contributions of our healthcare workers, firefights, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel and teachers.

Below is the proclamation that was read:

WHEREAS, frontline workers are the builders of our community, exercising curiosity,compassion, courage, and creativity to provide essential services that ensure the safety, health,and education of our residents;

and

WHEREAS, over 9 million healthcare workers across the United States serve in hospitals,clinics, and long-term care facilities, often placing themselves at risk to provide lifesaving care;

and

WHEREAS, firefighters respond to an estimated 36 million emergency calls each year, over 800,000 sworn law enforcement officers nationwide work tirelessly to uphold the law and ensure public safety, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel respond to more than 240 million calls annually;

and

WHEREAS, teachers dedicate their careers to shaping the future of our communities, with over 3.7 million educators in the U.S. providing knowledge and guidance to our youth;

and

WHEREAS, frontline workers embody the essence of Builders - flexible thinkera nd constructive problem solvers who respect the dignity of all people - by dedicating themselves to overcoming challenges and uniting communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rod Karst, Mayor of The City of Glasgow do hereby proclaim the month of May as

FRONTLINE WORKER APPRECIATION MONTH

in the City of Glasgow and encourage all residents to join in recognizing and honoring the heroic contributions of our healthcare workers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and teachers.

/s/ Mayor Rod Karst
Arrest of new 'Chinese spy' validates poll interference - senator

Philippine News Agency

By Wilnard Bacelonia

April 29, 2025, 8:36 pm

MANILA -- Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino on Tuesday said the arrest of a Chinese national allegedly carrying surveillance equipment near the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Manila confirms earlier warnings that foreign interference threatens the upcoming elections.

The suspect was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday. Spy equipment were found in the suspect's vehicle, parked outside the Comelec's main office in Intramuros.

In a statement, Tolentino pointed to the discovery of an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher inside the suspect's vehicle as a direct evidence of ongoing covert operations.

He noted that the development validates the findings of last week's Senate inquiry, which exposed efforts by China to meddle in the Philippines' democratic processes.

"The arrest reinforces what we revealed -- that there is an active attempt to undermine our elections," he said, lauding the NBI for its "timely and critical action" to thwart what he called an "insidious plan" to advance Beijing's agenda.

Tolentino, principal author of Senate Bill No. 2951 or the proposed Counter Foreign Interference Act, said he is pushing for stronger laws to modernize the country's out-dated anti-espionage framework, which dates back to the Commonwealth era.

"With vigilance from the government, intelligence community, and the people, any sinister attempt to compromise our democracy will surely fail," he added. (PNA)

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NBI nabs Chinese with surveillance equipment near Comelec office

Philippine News Agency

By Benjamin Pulta

April 29, 2025, 7:57 pm

MANILA -- Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested Tuesday a Chinese national in possession of electronic eavesdropping equipment near the Commission on Elections (Comelec) building in Intramuros, Manila.

NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin said the foreigner is identified as Tak Hoi Lao on his Macao passport.

Seized from the suspect was a gray Mitsubishi Adventure with an electronic equipment laid out behind the back seat cooled by a make shift fan to prevent overheating.

The equipment has been identified as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher, capable of intercepting mobile phone communications and tracking location data from other gadgets.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency, Lavin said investigators are now collating evidence and that the subject may be brought for inquest "before the close of office hours" on Wednesday.

He said they are eyeing the filing of violation of the Anti-Espionage Act in relation to the Anti-Cybercrime Law against the suspect.

The foreigner, meanwhile, told reporters in broken English that he was merely a tourist and that another person owned the vehicle.

Rage bait

In a separate development, NBI Director Jaime Santiago urged the public to be vigilant against the spread of fake news and "rage bait" in social media.

Santiago said rage bait are posts in social media made to stir anger, leading to more engagement and reactions that further promote the social media content.

"People should be aware of what a rage bait is. When we encounter these posts, one should try to relax and calm down before engaging with it. This allows us to think before we act and avoid promoting this on social media algorithm," he said in a statement.

Santiago said not all information found on social media is accurate, and advised the public to rely only on trustworthy media outlets and content creators.

He also underscored the importance of distinguishing between false information and factual information by identifying primary and secondary sources.

"Primary sources are based on first-hand accounts or direct evidence, while secondary sources interpret and analyze information from primary sources, typically created by individuals who have expertise in a particular topic," he said.

Santiago encouraged everyone to fact-check information on social media and verify the credibility of the author of any post before believing it or even sharing it. (PNA)

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NATO's Search and Rescue Exercise Kicks Off in the Baltic Sea

NATO Allied Maritime Command

Apr 24 2025

NORTHWOOD, United Kingdom -- NATO's maritime search and rescue exercise, Dynamic Mercy, involving NATO's search and rescue facilities and units kicked off in the Baltic Sea April 28. Dynamic Mercy is an annual LIVEX exercise that rehearses Search and Rescue (SAR) scenarios essential for cross-region cooperation/interaction between military and civilian Rescue Coordination Centres and mobile SAR units. The exercise, led by NATO's Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), is designed to evaluate and improve search and rescue collaboration procedures with regional Allies and to enhance communication between Rescue Coordination Centres.

"Dynamic Mercy provides an important venue for NATO to bring regional Allies together and enhance cooperation in an integral search and rescue capability that often spans beyond national borders and boundaries of our nations, and requires multinational coordination," said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Thomas Yale, a lead exercise planner assigned to MARCOM. "While the search and rescue services of participating nations are structured and organized differently, they are all motivated by the desire to save lives."

The exercise provides an opportunity to practice and develop inter-regional and cross-boundary cooperation and coordination between the Rescue Coordination Centres of Allies in the Baltic region that have common Search and Rescue Region (SRR) boundaries. Regional rescue responders will also participate in the exercise, bringing national and civilian entities side-by-side with military units.

This year's iteration will occur in separate operation centres in the Baltic Sea and is scheduled to conclude May 9. Ships, units and personnel from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the United States will train together in accordance with standards and procedures described in the international Search and Rescue Manual, IAMSAR.

Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM

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April 29, 2025

Release

Statement by Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and Senior Advisor Sean Parnell on the First 100 Days at the Department of Defense

Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and Senior Advisor Sean Parnell provided the following statement:

From day one, our overriding objectives have been clear: restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding our military, and reestablishing deterrence. In 100 Days, the Department of Defense and our warfighters have delivered historic victories for the American people. Here are our first 100 days milestones:

Record-Breaking Recruiting

Since Nov. 5, 2024, the U.S. military has seen the highest recruiting percentage of mission achieved in 30 years.

Securing the Southwest Border

Approximately 11,900 troops are currently deployed protecting the southwest border.

Border crossings are down 99.99% due to DoD and DHS joint interagency collaboration to secure the southwest border, compared to the first 100 days of the Biden administration.

DoD has supported 19 transfer flights to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay and 34 removal flights, with approximately 2,300 illegal aliens removed from the continental U.S.

Established the New Mexico National Defense Area - allowing criminal illegal migrants to be apprehended by U.S. troops, transferred to appropriate civilian law enforcement, referred to the Justice Department, and prosecuted.

In just three days, JTF-Southern Guard stood up operations to support the temporary holding of over 450 illegal aliens at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, including over 270 high-threat illegal aliens.

From a previous baseline of 85 Mobile Surveillance Capable (MSC) sites, Active Duty service members have dramatically increased sites, now manning approximately 170 MSCs and monitoring approximately 28 Remote Video Surveillance Sites.

Since March 20, 2025, when the Secretary of Defense authorized enhanced detection and monitoring, JTF-SB has conducted more than 300 patrols, including joint patrols with Customs and Border Protection agents.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS Gravely (DDG 107) are actively supporting southwest border operations at sea (Gulf of America and Pacific Ocean) in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.

On April 22,2025, USS Stockdale (DDG 106) intercepted nine migrants in the Pacific Ocean.

Rapidly deployed U.S. Marines to improve over 16 miles of barriers along the southwest border, temporary emplacing triple-strand Concertina wire and repairing existing barriers.

Conducted over 260 UH-72 helicopter flights for aerial detection and monitoring. Prior to Jan. 20, these National Guard helicopters were only being used for training.

Flown over 190 airborne ISR sorties supporting this mission. Platforms include P-8s, U-2s, RC-135s, MQ-1s, and RQ-4s.

DEI Dead at DoD

Created the "Restore America's Fighting Force" Task Force to oversee the Department's efforts to abolish DEI and implement merit-based, color-blind policies.

Returned Fort Bragg and Fort Benning to their "historic names" - now in honor of Army Private First-Class Roland L. Bragg and Army Corporal Fred G. Benning.

Prohibited DoD resources from being used to host celebrations of events related to cultural awareness months.

Eliminated jobs focused primarily on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Removed DEI content and so-called "climate change" signage from DoD websites, DoD social media, and DoD installations.

Refocused our Military on Warfighting

Awarded NGAD F-47 contract, the world's FIRST 6th Generation aircraft, ensuring American air superiority.

Submitted Golden Dome for America plans to the President in line with the executive order.

Welcomed back former Service members involuntarily discharged for their COVID-19 vaccination status.

Directed the Military Services to develop comprehensive plans to distinguish combat arms occupations from non-combat arms occupations.

Initiated a rapid force-wide review of military standards pertaining to physical fitness, body composition, and grooming so the U.S. military remains the most lethal and effective fighting force in the world.

The Department issued policy guidance on the removal of service members with gender dysphoria.

DOGE Efforts

Found nearly $6 billion potential savings for reinvestment within the Department of Defense.

Methodically reduced our workforce to optimize the Pentagon for our warfighters.

Shifted $50 billion of Biden-era funds from woke initiatives to lethality.

Eradicated so-called "climate change" initiatives and cancelled contracts for consulting firms and COVID-19 response equipment.

Reoriented the Pentagon toward Emerging Threats in the Indo-Pacific

Secured numerous bilateral agreements with the Philippines to reestablish military deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

Initiated phase one of upgrading U.S. Forces Japan to a joint force headquarters to deepen operational cooperation and deter Chinese Communist Party aggression.

Operation Rough Rider Successfully Degrades Houthi Capabilities

Conducting intense and sustained operations targeting Houthi terrorists in Yemen to restore freedom of navigation and American deterrence, which began March 15, 2025.

Increased military presence in the Middle East by deploying additional air assets and the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike group to the U.S. Central Command Area of Operations, augmenting existing fighter aircraft and the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group.

USCENTCOM strikes have hit over 1,000 targets, killing Houthi fighters and leaders, including senior Houthi missile and UAV officials, and degrading their capabilities.

Took Back the Panama Canal from China

Signed a Memorandum of Understanding to reestablish U.S. military presence in Panama and secured a framework for "First and Free" canal passage for U.S. military vessels.

Continued the Trump Administration's work to eradicate malign Chinese Communist Party influence from Panama and the Panama Canal.

European Ownership of European Security

Shifted the Ukraine Defense Contact Group from a U.S.-led effort to a European-led effort.

Encouraged European nations to spend 5% of GDP on defense, which resulted in British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing the biggest increase in UK defense spending since the end of the Cold War.

Unbreakable Bonds between the United States and Allies

Held bilateral meetings with defense officials from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, El Salvador, France, and met with NATO.

Authorized the release of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel on Jan. 25, 2025 - a munition that had been withheld by the previous administration.

Targeting and Eliminating Terrorist Threats

Deferred operational decision making to combatant commanders to find and prosecute terrorist targets who would do harm to Americans and our allies and partners.

U.S. Africa Command forces partnered with the government of Somalia and its forces to target and destroy al Shabaab, ISIS-Somalia and other terrorist networks, dealing devastating losses to enemy combatants, including senior leadership.

Returned Accountability to the DOD

Pledged to conduct a review into the previous administration's disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal.

Military-Crewed SpaceX Flight

Worked with NASA and SpaceX to bring retired Navy Captains Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore home after the previous administration abandoned them in space.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4169267/

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Poland - AIM-120D Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles

NEWS | April 29, 2025

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No. 25-15

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Poland of AIM-120D Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $1.33 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Poland has requested to buy four hundred (400) AIM-120D3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM); sixteen (16) AIM-120D3 AMRAAM guidance sections, including either Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Modules or M-Code; and one (1) AIM-120 AMRAAM Instrumented Test Vehicle. The following non-MDE items will also be included: AMRAAM control sections, missile containers, and support equipment; Common Munitions Built-in-Test Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); ADU-891 adapter group test sets; KGV-135A encryption devices; Computer Program Identification Numbers (CPINs); spares and repair parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; weapons system support and software; classified software delivery and support; classified publications and technical documentation; transportation support; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $1.33 billion.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political and economic stability in Europe.

The proposed sale will improve Poland's capability to meet current and future threats by providing air-to-air defense to protect Polish and allied forces in transition or combat and significantly improve the Polish contribution to NATO requirements. Poland already has AMRAAM in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Poland.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military-Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

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A Guatemalan national who spent eight hours perched in a tree in San Antonio, Texas to evade federal immigration officers was arrested Tuesday evening.

The man, identified by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as 29-year-old Raul Ical, eventually surrendered, ending a widely viewed incident that drew neighbors, activists, and media.

ICE officials said they attempted to serve a criminal warrant to Ical around 10:30 a.m. in coordination with the Texas Department of Public Safety, as San Antonio Express-News reported. Ical, a passenger in a vehicle stopped by authorities, reportedly fled on foot and climbed up a tree in a residential backyard on the city's west side. Temperatures reached 89 degrees as the standoff continued into the evening.

ICE said Ical had entered the U.S. unlawfully on March 27, 2013, was deported to Guatemala on April 24 of the same year, and later reentered the U.S. on an unknown date. He now faces federal criminal charges for illegal re-entry after deportation.

It remains unclear whether Ical has a violent criminal history or legal representation. Local advocates and residents expressed concern over the scale of the operation. "This is just the beginning. What we see here is a waste of resources," said Gabriel Rosales, Texas state director for the League of United Latin American Citizens. "We're not clear if he has an actual criminal record.

Throughout the day, onlookers gathered along Ceralvo Street as officers attempted to force Ical to climb down. Activists shouted messages of support, including offers of legal help. "Do you want an attorney?" one man called out. Ical nodded. "OK, we're going to make them all famous," the man replied. The incident was also streamed live on Facebook.

A woman identifying herself as a relative of Ical's told the San Antonio Express-News that the man had been living in San Antonio for over two years, working landscaping and construction jobs to support his parents. She said he was on his way to work when ICE intercepted his vehicle, and that agents had previously tried to arrest him at his home.

At approximately 7 p.m. Ical descended a ladder placed by agents and was immediately taken into custody. "You don't have to sign anything," activist Jose Montoya shouted as Ical came down, as The New York Times reports. ICE agents then handcuffed him, gave him water, and escorted him to a waiting vehicle.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem later commented the incident on her X account:

"You can run, but you can't hide. Whether in a tree or harbored in an activist judge's house, if you are here illegally, ICE will find you, arrest you, and you will be deported."

You can run, but you cant hide.



Whether in a tree or harbored in an activist judges house, if you are here illegally, ICE will find you, arrest you, and you will be deported. https://t.co/Q99mXcp9HY  Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) April 30, 2025

Originally published on Latin Times
Finland's Ministry of Defence to host NATO Nuclear Policy Symposium in Helsinki

Finnish Ministry of Defence

29.04.2025 15:49

NATO's annual Nuclear Policy Symposium will be held in Helsinki on 29-30 April. Held annually since 1992, the Symposium is the main annual event focusing on the Alliance's nuclear policy. The NATO Nuclear Policy Symposium brings together high-level experts from Allies' governments and research institutes. This is the first time Finland hosts the Symposium.

"Nuclear deterrence is an important component of our security. NATO is in the process of strengthening its conventional defence as well as its nuclear policy. Deterrence and defence in the High North and the effects and challenges of nuclear weapons in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions will be among the topics of this year's NATO Nuclear Policy Symposium," says Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen.

According to Minister of Defence Hakkanen, the purpose of NATO's nuclear deterrence is to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression.

"Russia maintains and develops its nuclear deterrence, and it has turned up its nuclear rhetoric. It is stepping up its military cooperation with China which is also increasing the capacity of its nuclear arsenal. North Korea has nuclear weapons, and Iran is close to developing one. In today's world it is self-evident that NATO, too, must have credible nuclear deterrence that alongside conventional capabilities forms an integral part of the collective deterrence and defence of the Alliance," says Minister Hakkanen.

"The greatest benefit of Finland joining NATO is that our deterrence is now stronger, which in turn lowers the threat of war. Ultimately, Finland's defence is supported by the forces and capabilities of the entire Alliance, including its nuclear deterrence. We are also engaged in planning and making decisions on NATO's nuclear policy," says Hakkanen.

Minister Antti Hakkanen's speech at the NATO Nuclear Policy Symposium on 29 April 2025.

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Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen's speech at the NATO Nuclear Policy Symposium on 29 April 2025

Finnish Ministry of Defence

29.04.2025 15:28

Distinguished guests, experts and friends of nuclear policy, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As Finland is 8th year in a row the happiest country in the World, I am also very happy to wish you all warmly welcome to Helsinki.

This is most likely the most northernmost NATO Nuclear Policy Symposium ever - if not, at least the first ever in Finland.

In my opening speech of this year's Symposium, I will focus on the importance of NATO's Nuclear deterrence. I will also describe, how we Finns see the vital importance of deterrence and defence.

However, I will start with some words regarding the current security environment and threats that we are all facing together.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We are facing the most complex and rapidly changing security environment in a generation. This includes growing nuclear threats.

Global strategic balance is shifting, and the strategic competition is intensifying. Russia's aggressive and illegal military actions have undermined the international rules-based order. Russia has endangered peace and stability throughout the Euro-Atlantic area. Instability has many global symptoms.

Russia poses the biggest threat towards Euro-Atlantic security. Russia has showed and been very clear in its policy, that it is ready to use all means to achieve its goals.

We have witnessed coercive nuclear signalling from Russia. Russia has updated its nuclear doctrine, and it emphasises the importance of nuclear weapons and broad-spectrum influencing. And many of us experience that influencing, including heavy disinformation campaigns, daily.

Russia's very close security relations with China, Iran and North Korea are of great concern.

The support from these countries to Russia's illegal war in Ukraine is underlining the importance of NATO's collective deterrence and defence posture.

Lately we have seen diverse discussions on the future of nuclear deterrence. While engaging those discussions, we should not forget the central role of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) to global security.

The NPT is the foundation of the Alliance's mutual security guarantee and collective defence. Nuclear non-proliferation cannot be questioned. We are all committed to the NPT as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and disarmament architecture.

The critical link between arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation and nuclear deterrence needs to be emphasized.

As we have noticed, Russia has been using nuclear deterrence language and nuclear signalling in the way we have never witnessed before.

We need to make sure, that our strategic communication is strong and counters the Russian disinformation. We cannot let Russia and others to lead the narrative and neither undermine our deterrence nor influence our resilience.

It is very important that NATO remains committed to credible, effective and safe nuclear deterrence mission.

We can support that effort in many different ways. One of them is by strengthening the coherence between conventional and nuclear planning.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Strategically most important areas of the Russian Federation are located in the very close vicinity of Finland. These are Kola Peninsula and St Petersburg. I want also to highlight the importance of the Baltic Sea, which has significant importance regarding Russia's vital energy exports. Lately the Baltic Sea has also been the stage of the broad-spectrum influencing.

The accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO are reshuffling the strategic landscape in Northern Europe.

Finland's strategic location both at the Baltic Sea region and in the Arctic is significant for the Alliance.

This creates stronger deterrence and defence in the strategic set-up in Northern Europe and in High North.

Finland has been here bordering Russia and its' strategic and non-strategic nuclear assets already for decades. We have always taken the Russian threat seriously and prepared for that.

In March Finland made the decision to increase our defence spending to 3 percent of our GDP. Our contribution to defence and to resilience has always been strong.

An evolving conscription system, a trained large reserve and a strong will to defend the country are the cornerstones of the Finnish defence.

I will shortly address the basis for our defence capability and strong resilience, the concepts of comprehensive security and total defence.

Comprehensive security is the foundation of resilience in the Finnish society. In the concept of comprehensive security, the vital functions of society are taken care of in collaboration between the authorities, business community, organisations and citizens in all circumstances and at all levels of society.

The lessons learned from the second world war taught us that to be able to stay independent and resist invasion - all society's resources must be available for national defence.

Finland is a nation of 5,5 million people with a big land mass. With such a small population, it was deemed impossible to prepare for the defence against a neighbouring superpower alone. During crises, the civilian society supports defence - all society's resources are needed.

This concept of total defence involves comprehensive national efforts, including civilian and military cooperation.

Everything starts with people: Every citizen have a role in the system. Citizens must understand that total defence does not only comprise the actions of the defence forces or the authorities - it is a whole-of-nation effort.

As some of you witnessed yesterday in central Helsinki, we have one of the largest civil protection systems in the World.

Civil defence is a field that supports the military defence in secondary role. The military rely heavily on the civilian society in many support functions and proper civil defence ensures that these functions are carried out also in the times of crises.

Each city, county and municipality have a legal obligation to plan and acquire facilities for evacuation and in-place shelters for their population.

In urban areas, every block of flats is required to have sufficient shelters for the tenants. Cities maintain large complexes for population for in-place sheltering. For example, the city of Helsinki, with the population of less than 700 000 has 5500 shelters with a capacity for 900 000 people.

We have similar comprehensive approach also to our preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats and the concept of dispersal is part of defence.

Dear guests,

Finland is committed to NATO's deterrence and defence posture by contributing to both. In addition to our contribution to strong conventional defence, Finland participates NATO's nuclear policy and decisions without any prior restrictions.

Before Finland's NATO membership, we described our national defence policy with the word threshold. Our goal was to develop a relatively strong national defence, which would signal to our opposing forces, that an attack towards Finland would come with significant costs. We have always understood the importance of nuclear deterrence to our security. Finland benefited from the strategic stability Nato's nuclear deterrence created even before our membership.

The coherence between conventional and nuclear components of NATO's deterrence and defence posture across all domains are more relevant than ever.

We understand the importance of burden sharing very well. There are many ways to do that for a non-nuclear country. For example by policy means, conventional support to nuclear operations, exercising, and facilitating policy discussions like this symposium here in Helsinki.

Nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence are the key elements in our international security and defence policy discussions. We are committed to improve our competence and raising our nuclear IQ.

We have some steps to climb what comes to nuclear IQ in Finland, but we have started it already by the help of many Allies also and proceeding steadily in this.

Credible deterrence and defence are based on strong national and collective resilience. This is one of our assets to share with the Alliance.

As an example, I want to mention CBRN Defence and preparedness: the better you are prepared for C, B, R and nuclear threats, the better resilience we have against those threats. These conventional capabilities not only might support NATO's nuclear operations and resilience, but they also strengthen deterrence.

Distinguished participants, of this year's symposium,

There are many crucial changes taking place: firstly the decisions to increase defence spending to enhance our conventional deterrence, secondly our continued efforts to develop NATO's nuclear deterrence and thirdly the crucial demand for our coherence and unity.

I am confident that NATO's deterrence and defence will be stronger than ever. I also want to assure you Finland's strong commitment to credible and effective deterrence.

NATO Nuclear Policy Symposium is a unique way to work together towards this goal and to raise our IQ on important nuclear policy issues.

Finally, I want to thank the Nuclear Policy Directorate and the organisers of this year's event here in Helsinki. I am confident that through your hard work you have prepared a great symposium for us all.

You will have an excellent two days here at the Symposium with the best experts in this field.

I wish you all fruitful and productive symposium.

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China calls on India, Pakistan to exercise restraint, properly resolve differences through dialogue and consultation: FM spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 29, 2025 04:51 PM

China has called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation and jointly uphold regional peace and stability, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday, following reports that Indian and Pakistani troops engaged in another cross-border exchange of fire on Monday night.

Following the terrorist attack in Kashmir last week, Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged cross-border fire again on Monday night. AFP reported, citing an Indian army statement, small arms fire occurred across the Line of Control during the night of Sunday and Monday.

Commenting on the latest development, Guo stated at a press conference that India and Pakistan are both important countries in South Asia, and that their peaceful coexistence is crucial for regional peace, stability and development.

"As a common neighbor to both nations, China urges the two sides to exercise restraint, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation and jointly maintain regional peace and stability," Guo said.

The terrorist attack in India-administered Kashmir last week, which killed at least 26 tourists, has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.

After the attack, New Delhi downgraded diplomatic ties, revoked visas for Pakistani nationals, suspended a water-sharing treaty and announced the closure of its main land border crossing with Pakistan, AFP reported.

In response, Islamabad ordered the expulsion of Indian diplomats and military advisers, cancelled visas for Indian nationals and barred its airspace to Indian airplanes.

The UN has urged the two sides to show "maximum restraint" so that issues can be "resolved peacefully through meaningful mutual engagement," according to AFP.

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Hamas: Continued use of starvation by Israel as a weapon is a war crime

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 29, 2025

In an official statement, the Islamic Resistance Movement described the continued use of starvation against the people of Gaza by Israel as a war crime and a clear disregard for international judicial institutions.

According to Al-Aqsa Network, the Hamas movement, in a statement referring to the continued severe siege of the Gaza Strip by the Zionist regime, emphasized that the systematic use of starvation as a weapon against civilians by the cabinet of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not only a clear war crime, but also a disrespect for international law and human rights institutions, including the International Court of Justice.

The statement said that for 60 consecutive days, the "fascist occupying army" has blocked the entry of food, water, medicine and fuel into Gaza by closing all crossings and by continuing the bombardment, bringing the famine crisis in the region to a catastrophic stage. "These actions are part of a genocidal war aimed at destroying all aspects of life in Gaza."

The Palestinian resistance movement also cited recent revelations by UNRWA Commissioner-General Philip Lazarini that the occupation is using agency employees as human shields during their arrest, saying they further expose the brutality of the Israeli entity, which has entirely abandoned humanitarian values and engaged in criminal conduct at all levels.

Hamas called on countries worldwide and United Nations institutions to stand by the values of humanity and justice.

The movement further made an urgent appeal to Arab and Islamic nations as well as to free peoples around the world to take immediate action in support of Gaza.

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U.N. chief says Gaza's humanitarian crisis has gone 'beyond imagination'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 29, 2025

New York, IRNA -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip has deteriorated to "beyond imagination."

Speaking at a U.N. Security Council open debate on the Middle East on Tuesday, Guterres said that nearly 2,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since March 18, when Israel resumed airstrikes on the enclave.

Condemning Israel's complete blockade of food, fuel, medicine, and commercial supplies into Gaza, Guterres said that Israel is depriving more than two million people of lifesaving relief.

"Aid is non-negotiable," he said, adding that "Israel must protect civilians and must agree to relief schemes and facilitate them."

"Gaza isand must remainan integral part of a future Palestinian state," he emphasized.

Turning to the situation in Lebanon, Guterres said Israel must respect the ceasefire and the country's territorial integrity.

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Joint statement by the Nordic-Baltic-Weimar Ministers of Foreign Affairs

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2025-04-29

We, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Iceland, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and the Minister Delegate for Europe of France, have met today on the island of Bornholm to address Russia's continued illegal aggression against Ukraine, including its implications for European security.

We reaffirm that a sovereign, independent, and democratic Ukraine is integral to Euro-Atlantic and global security. Respect for territorial integrity is a fundamental principle of international law. We welcome progress made at the London meeting between the E3, Ukraine, and the United States. We deem it important that this process continues.

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, supported and facilitated by some third countries, we have been among the strongest supporters of Ukraine and have provided more than EUR 53 billion in military support and more than EUR 47 billion in civilian support. We will continue our political, military, and civilian support for Ukraine for as long as necessary to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to reach a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, based on the UN Charter and international law, securing Ukraine's independence and sovereignty, and strengthening Europe's security. We reaffirm our support for the efforts of the Coalition of the Willing and are exploring ways of how best to contribute. Together we will pursue multiple lines of action to support Ukraine's long-term defence and security.

We continue to stand by our commitment regarding Ukraine's irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration.

Russia remains the most significant and direct threat to our security. We remain committed to strengthening our defence readiness and will work to become better equipped to act and deal responsibly and jointly with immediate and future challenges and threats with a 360 approach. We support the ambition that we have to increase defence spending substantially in order to fulfil NATO's Capability Targets and take greater responsibility, as Europeans, for Euro-Atlantic Security. The implementation of the European Commission's White Paper on European Defence Readiness 2030 and the ReArm Europe Plan represent important steps towards this end. We are determined to contribute to scaling up the European defence technological and industrial base and closing critical capability gaps. This requires, inter alia, strategic partnerships, more joint development, procurement, and investments in order to send stronger demand signals to the European defence industry. To turn vision into reality, we must move swiftly and also work towards further deepening cooperation between NATO and EU.

We are committed to further limit Russia's ability to wage a war of aggression against Ukraine by stepping up pressure on Russia, including through the swift adoption of additional sanctions. We look forward to the upcoming EU Action Plan on phasing out Russian energy imports as an important tool for reducing Russia's revenues from energy exports, which are financing the war in Ukraine. We also recall that subject to EU law, Russia's assets should remain immobilised until Russia ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates it for the damage caused by this war.

We strongly condemn Russia's intensifying campaign of hybrid actions against Europe aimed at disrupting our support to Ukraine and influencing and destabilizing the security of our democracies including through sabotage, information manipulation, cyberattacks, instrumentalization of migration, disinformation campaigns, and election interference.

Collectively, we have raised our common situational awareness and we will continue to increase our information-sharing as well as our maritime presence, monitoring, and surveillance to better anticipate, deter, and counter maritime threats and other hybrid operations.

Russias use of the so-called shadow fleet aims to evade our sanctions and fuel its war economy and also presents risks internationally to the environment, maritime safety and security, including in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.

We are determined to take further coordinated steps to deter and counter Russia's shadow fleet and acknowledge that all measures must be implementable, legally sound, and in full compliance with international law. We will remind relevant flag States of their legal obligations under UNCLOS to exercise effective jurisdiction and control over vessels flying their flag and to ensure their full compliance with applicable international rules and standards. Building on existing efforts, we look forward to working together with participating G7 members in a Shadow Fleet Task Force to enhance monitoring and detection and to otherwise constrain the use of shadow fleets.

This meeting on Bornholm is an expression of our commitment to deepen regional cooperation, and to strengthen security and resilience in the Nordic Baltic Sea Region.

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Lithuania and Israel strengthen cooperation

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-04-29

International cooperation | Security and defense policy

Meeting Minister of Defence of the State of Israel Israel Katz, Minister of National Defence discussed principal topics of bilateral cooperation. Lithuania is inviting Israel to cooperate in developing defence industry in Lithuania and proposes good investment conditions for Israeli companies to advance that purpose. Lithuania also aim to learn from Israel's experience in total defence and reservist force enhancement, as well as to develop security and defence dialogue across all levels.

"With the rapidly changing geopolitical environment in mind, Lithuania and Israel bear more similarities than differences. We wish to learn from their experience gained in the period of a difficult war and apply it in Lithuania. Israel has strategic meaning to us, their military were seasoned in warfare, through painful experience in defence of their people. It is especially important to learn from this real-life experience rather than of a paper army that does not know what it actually is to defend its country," said Minister of National Defence Dovile Sakaliene.

According to D. Sakaliene, both countries are facing similar security threats and the sources of those partner with each other closely and exchange experience. A tighter cooperation with Israel will allow Lithuania not just to bust its defence capabilities but also to contribute to the wider international deterrence strategy and facilitate security of both countries for the long-term.

Lithuania is also interested in Israel's experience in recruit attraction, improving motivation, application of high-tech products and innovation testing system installation. Such expertise put in practice would significantly improve Lithuania's defence capabilities.

"Small countries who have aggressive neighbors, such as Lithuania and Israel, are united by the fighting spirit - defence of our land and peoples. My goal is to have a military that is not for one battle only but the one which wins the entire war," Minister D. Sakaliene underscored.

On April 26-29 Minister of National Defence Dovile Sakaliene is conducting a visit to Israel. It is the first trip of a Lithuanian Minister of National Defence to Israel in 14. Minister has met with Minister of Defence of Israel Israel Katz, Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee of the Knesset Yuli Yoel Edelstein, members of SIBAT, the International Defense Cooperation Directorate at Israel's Ministry of Defense (IMOD), and defence industry. D. Sakaliene will also visit the Yad Vashem Memorial to pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust.

Lithuania and Israel maintain a close political dialogue and cooperation on cyber security and defence industry, as well as joint force upgrading projects. Israel has posted its first Defence Attache to Lithuania in February 2025.

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The President: The Three Seas Initiative is a consistent path to long-term European security and transatlantic cooperation

President of the Republic of Lithuania

April 29, 2025

On Tuesday, President Gitanas Nauseda took part in the tenth Summit of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) in Warsaw.

Addressing the leaders of the region, Gitanas Nauseda emphasized that in a challenging geopolitical environment, the Three Seas Initiativebased on the North-South axis of interconnectivityis gaining ever more relevance.

"Regional cooperation, rooted in a spirit of solidarity and aimed at accelerating the implementation of joint infrastructure projects, provides a strong response to ensuring the security and long-term prosperity of our region and Europe as a whole. Today, we are coordinating efforts in the areas of digitalization, energy security, military mobility, critical infrastructure protection, and support for Ukraine," the President addressed the Summit.

Gitanas Nauseda highlighted the Three Seas Initiative's potential for further advancing long-term transatlantic cooperation in energy, innovation, new technologies, and the defense industry. This is clearly demonstrated by the example of the region's first liquefied natural gas terminal, built in Klaipeda, which supplies gas from the United States to Lithuania and other countries in the region.

"Earlier this year, the Baltic States synchronized their electricity grids with continental Europe. Our close friend, Poland, contributed to this project of significant geopolitical importance. From the outset, the European Commission recognized the synchronization project as a strategic EU project, offering its full backing. As a result, the Baltic countries are now fully integrated into the EU electricity market and independent from Russia," the Head of State pointed out while speaking about energy security.

Gitanas Nauseda also stressed the importance of continued support for Ukraine.

"As Russia continues its war against Ukraine, Lithuania remains steadfast in its principled and firm position: we must stay united, resolute, and provide Ukraine with full political, economic, military, and humanitarian support. Only just and lasting peace in Ukraine can secure peace in Europe. The fulfillment of Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations is the best security guarantee. Lithuania therefore calls for an ambitious approach and advocates for Ukraine's accession to the European Union to be set for 1 January 2030," the President underlined.

Gitanas Nauseda recalled one of the key achievements of the ninth Three Seas Initiative (3SI) Summit, held in Vilnius in 2024, when Japan joined as the fourth strategic partner, alongside the United States, Germany, and the European Commission. Under Lithuania's presidency, the Three Seas Initiative successfully strengthened both its regional and global dimensions.

The President also welcomed the addition of two new associated participating countriesAlbania and Montenegroas well as strategic partners, Turkiye and Spain. According to the Head of State, this reflects the growing geopolitical significance of the initiative.

As is tradition at 3SI Summits, the Heads of State adopted a joint declaration setting out the political roadmap for future activities. The text of the declaration is available here.

The 11th Three Seas Initiative Summit will be hosted by Croatia in 2026.





The President's Communication Group

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Address by Gitanas Nauseda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the 10th Summit of the Three Seas Initiative

President of the Republic of Lithuania

April 29, 2025

Dear Colleagues, Dear Friends,

It is my pleasure to congratulate you all on the 10th anniversary of the Three Seas Initiative.

A decade ago, Poland and Croatia came up with the idea to boost the development of the Three Seas region, speed up its cohesion within the European Union and empower the transatlantic link. Today, it is highly symbolic that this special summit in Warsaw is hosted by one of the founding fathers, the President of the Republic of Poland, my dear friend Andrzej Duda. Thank you for the important steps taken and for everything our countries were able to achieve by acting together!

In a challenging new geopolitical environment, the Three Seas Initiative - based on the North-South axis of interconnectivity - is gaining ever more relevance. We need more of it to ensure both our security and long-term prosperity.

Lithuania had the great honour of coordinating the activities of the Initiative. We were glad to welcome Japan as a new strategic partner last year in Vilnius.

Today, I also extend congratulations to Albania and Montenegro as new associated participating states, and to Spain and Turkiye as strategic partners. Together, we are even stronger and better prepared to connect the entire Three Seas region.

Over the years, our focus has significantly expanded to encompass digitalisation, military mobility, protection of critical infrastructure, and supporting Ukraine. The Initiative established itself as a vibrant regional and transatlantic cooperation platform - one that is highly successful, transformative and open to external cooperation and enlargement.

Lithuania began this era fresh from the success of building the LNG terminal in Klaipeda and followed with constructing a gas interconnector with Poland. Today, these projects serve the needs of the entire Baltic Sea region. They have already allowed Lithuania to cut all gas imports from Russia at the outset of its bloody war against Ukraine.

Early in 2025, the Baltic States' electricity synchronization with continental Europe through Poland was accomplished. From now on, the Baltic States are completely integrated into the EU electricity market and free from dependence from Russia.

I am confident that the Initiative will also contribute significantly to other large-scale infrastructure projects, such as Rail Baltica and Via Baltica. Serving both civil and military mobility, these projects have become essential to our regional development and security.

To this day, the Three Seas Initiative also provides a unique platform for enhancing transatlantic cooperation. Our region benefits greatly from the strategic presence of the United States of America, which is crucial for our deterrence, defence and energy security, and promises increasingly broader cooperation in new technologies, innovation and defence industries. To cite one example, LNG imports from the United States not only serve Lithuania's major needs but also allow us to play the role of a regional gas supplier.

It is also evident that our countries, representing the Eastern Flank of NATO and the European Union, should not only increase defence spending but use it for resilience. We must do more for our cyber security, carrying joint cyber research and defence operations, and protect our critical infrastructure on the land and undersea. Strong and coordinated actions are needed to safeguard our infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and to neutralize risks to maritime security and the environment posed by Russia's shadow fleet.

When it comes to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, Lithuania strongly supports the Three Seas Initiative taking a more active role. We must assist Ukraine - an associated participating state of the Initiative - on its EU integration path and support its reconstruction and recovery.

Ultimately, fulfilling Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations will be the best security guarantee. Thus, Lithuania proposes setting the 1st of January 2030 as the target date for Ukraine's EU accession.

Dear Colleagues,

Today, I thank Poland for its tremendous work in steering the Initiative this year and wish much success to Croatia, who will chair the Three Seas Summit next year.

I am truly glad to see the Three Seas Initiative growing and gaining strength.

We have this wonderful opportunity to enhance regional cooperation, build a resilient Europe and stronger transatlantic partnership.

So, let us work accordingly. Let us shape our future together!

Thank you.

Gitanas Nauseda, President of the Republic of Lithuania

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The President called for boosting the growth of defense industry across the region at the Three Seas Initiative Business Forum

President of the Republic of Lithuania

April 29, 2025

President Gitanas Nauseda took part in the presidential panel at the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) Business Forum in Warsaw.

According to the Lithuanian leader, many important projects were startedand completedunder the banner of the Three Seas Initiative, including the development of the defense industry, dual-use cross-border transport corridors, energy modernization, digital transformation, and strengthening cyber resilience.

"Lithuania's ambitious goal of spending more than 5% of its gross domestic product on defense from next year creates opportunities to boost defense industry through new military and dual-use projects, especially considering that most of the Three Seas countries represent the eastern flank of NATO," President Gitanas Nauseda underlined.

The Head of State also outlined Lithuania's path towards fully ending its the energy dependence on Russia.

"A decade ago, Lithuania built an LNG terminalthe first in the regionand transformed itself into a regional gas supplier, with most of its LNG imports coming from the United States of America. This year, the Baltic States completed synchronization with the continental Europe electricity grids through Poland," Gitanas Nauseda emphasized.

This year, Lithuania will significantly improve its transport connections with the rest of Europe by building a modern Via Baltica highway, while Rail Baltica railway project is also in the making.

"However, we must also ensure the protection of critical regional infrastructure, continue advancing military mobility and other strategic projects, and fully leverage the potential of artificial intelligence. Only by strengthening the region's resilience can we create favorable conditions for business development," the President said during the high-level debate at the 3SI Business Forum.

According to Gitanas Nauseda, 3SI has an enormous potential for businesses to tap into: the rapid economic growth of our region together with skilled workforce ensures high yielding and safe investment returns, especially in higher value-added sectors.

Lithuania has already established itself as a global fintech hub, is among the leaders in cybersecurity, and known for scientific and industrial laser technologies, life science products. Our green-tech and mil-tech ecosystems are also on the rise.

As each Three Seas Initiative Business Forum gathers more business representatives from all around the world, the vision of a more interconnected and prosperous region becomes a reality, the President pointed out. Gitanas Nauseda wished the participants of the Forum to continue deepening strategic partnerships and mobilizing both private and public capital to make the next decade even more successful.

Following the Business Forum, the Head of State will take part in the Three Seas Initiative Summit.

The Three Seas Initiative brings together thirteen European Union countries located between the Baltic, Black, and Adriatic Seas. Its strategic partners include the United States, Germany, the European Commission, and Japan, while Ukraine and Moldova hold associated country status.

The President's Communication Group

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An Oklahoma City mother and her three daughters were forced outside in their underwear during an early morning immigration raid, only for ICE agents to realize they had stormed the wrong home.

Marisa and her children had just moved to Oklahoma from Maryland two weeks prior, seeking a quieter and more affordable life, KFOR reported. They rented a house in a northwest Oklahoma City neighborhood, unaware that former residents were still receiving mail thereand that their names would soon be linked to a federal search warrant.

Last Thursday morning, roughly 20 armed agentsreportedly from ICE, the FBI, and possibly other federal agenciesbroke down the family's door without warning.

Claiming to have a warrant, they ordered Marisa and her daughters outside into the rain without allowing them to change. While the warrant listed their new address, the names on it belonged to the previous residentsnot Marisa or anyone in her family.

Marisa said the agents showed little regard for their citizenship status or privacy, treating them roughly, ransacking their belongings, and seizing their phones, laptops, and emergency savings in cash.

The family was left without any communication tools or financial resources. Marisa has received no information on how to retrieve her property and says the agents didn't identify themselves properly or leave a contact.

The U.S. Marshals Service has denied involvement, while the FBI directed inquiries to Homeland Security, leaving the family in bureaucratic limbo.

Originally published on Latin Times
NATO experts discuss nuclear deterrence challenges in Helsinki

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

29 Apr. 2025

NATO's annual Nuclear Policy Symposium kicked off in Helsinki, Finland, on Tuesday (29 April 2025). Held annually since 1992, it is the Alliance's main nuclear policy event. The symposium brings together outside experts as well as NATO and Allied senior officials to discuss pressing nuclear challenges facing the Alliance.

"This year's symposium is taking place at a critical moment for NATO's nuclear deterrence" said Mr Jim Stokes, NATO's Director of Nuclear Policy, who co-hosts the two-day event with Mr Janne Kuusela, Director General for Defence Policy at the Ministry of Defence of Finland. "The Alliance is facing an increasingly complex and rapidly changing security environment."

Mr Stokes added that NATO Allies reiterate their determination to take all necessary steps to ensure the credibility, effectiveness, safety and security of the nuclear deterrence mission. "Raising our collective awareness of nuclear policy issues, and having an opportunity to discuss implications, is key outcome from the symposium," he said.

"The commitment of NATO and its member states to credible and effective deterrence and defence is now more important than ever, said Antti Hakkanen, Minister of Defence of Finland. He emphasised that the Nuclear Policy Symposium supports achieving this aim. "This is a unique event which increases our understanding of pivotal topics in nuclear policy. The best experts in this field will be in attendance. I wish everyone a productive symposium", Minister Hakkanen added.

This year's Nuclear Policy Symposium will address High North perspectives on deterrence, as well as the implications of nuclear threats and challenges across the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.

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New Zealand contributes Poseidon to North Korea sanctions monitoring

New Zealand Air Force

A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft has deployed to Japan to conduct monitoring of United Nations sanctions against North Korea.

29 April, 2025

The four-week deployment will see the aircraft and crew carrying out airborne surveillance of the waters around East Asia to capture evidence of ship-to-ship transfers of resources used for the North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

The deployment supports the Pacific Security Maritime Exchange (PSMX), a multinational coalition formed in 2018 to monitor United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions. Naval vessels, maritime patrol aircraft and staff officers are deployed by the coalition nations and coordinated by the Enforcement Coordination Cell based in Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan.

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Rob Krushka says the New Zealand Defence Force contribution is an important one.

"New Zealand is committed to maintaining regional peace and security by upholding the rules based international system, and the UNSC sanctions are the international community's best way of encouraging North Korea to denuclearise and return to diplomacy.

"Our maritime patrol aircraft and ships have been part of this multinational effort to monitor the sanctions since 2018, and there will be further deployments of our assets to support the operation later this year."

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Turk calls on world to prevent total humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza

Press releases

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

29 April 2025

GENEVA -- UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk today urged the world to act to prevent the total collapse of critical life-saving support in Gaza, where Israeli strikes continue to kill civilians, including in shelters and health facilities.

"As the complete blockade of assistance essential for survival enters its ninth week, there must be concerted international efforts to stop this humanitarian catastrophe from reaching a new unseen level," Turk said.

Since 2 March, Israel has prevented the entry of food, fuel and other life-saving assistance to Gaza. Bakeries have now stopped working as flour and fuel have run out, and the remaining stocks of food are being rapidly depleted. "Any use of starvation of the civilian population as a method of war constitutes a war crime, and so do all forms of collective punishment," the High Commissioner warned.

A reported Israeli plan to declare Rafah governorate as a new "humanitarian zone" would require Palestinians to move there to receive food and humanitarian aid. "Such a plan will almost certainly mean large parts of Gaza and those who cannot easily move, including people with disabilities, those who are sick or injured, and women supporting entire families, will be forced to go without food," Turk said.

Israel continues to strike locations in Gaza where Palestinian civilians are sheltering. Between 18 March and 27 April, the UN Human Rights Office recorded 259 attacks on residential buildings and 99 on tents of internally displaced people (IDP).

Most of the attacks resulted in fatalities, including of women and children. Among the strikes on IDP tents, 40 reportedly took place in Al-Mawasi area, where the Israeli army repeatedly directed civilians to seek refuge. "These incidents reflect the pattern we have seen during this escalation, of attacks that raise grave concerns of violations of the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions. Each of these incidents must be fully investigated. Intentionally directing attacks against civilians not taking a direct part in hostilities would constitute a war crime," Turk stressed.

There are also serious concerns of additional violations as the Israeli army continues to attack health facilities. On 22 and 24 April, the army reportedly struck the Martyr Mohammad Al Durrah Children's Hospital, putting it completely out of service.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have continued to target civilian objects indispensable to the survival of the population. On 21 and 22 April, they conducted apparently coordinated attacks in three governorates, destroying 36 heavy machines, including excavators, water trucks and sewer suction tanks. These were used for relief operations, such as removing debris, distributing water and repairing sanitation systems.

"Such destruction significantly hinders access to water, degrades public health, and obstructs both the delivery of humanitarian aid and conduct of rescue operations, including retrieving the injured and the dead from under the rubble and clearing debris to allow the ambulances to get to the victims," the High Commissioner said.

Turk reiterated that the cumulative impact of Israeli forces' conduct in Gaza raises serious concerns that Israel appears to be inflicting on Palestinians in Gaza conditions of life increasingly incompatible with their continued existence as a group in Gaza.

"Third States have clear obligations under international law to ensure that such conduct stops immediately, and they must act accordingly," Turk said. "They also must search for and bring to justice all perpetrators of crimes under international law, by whomever committed."

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Israel Increases the Killings and the International Community Sounds the Alarm of Famine ----- The Occupation Storms the West Bank 300 Times, and 63 Settler Attacks Take Place in a Week

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

29-04-2025

Trapped between killing and starvation, the Gaza Strip has seen one of its bloodiest weeks. Some 289 martyrs fell under the deliberate bombing of civilians; 38 other bodies were recovered; the data of 697 Palestinians, who were martyred earlier, were confirmed; and 5 Palestinians were shot dead by the occupation forces in the West Bank. The OIC Media Observatory for Israel's Crimes against Palestinians reported the killing of 1079 Palestinian martyrs and 900 injured from 22 to 28 April 2025, compared to the martyrdom and injury of 1000 Palestinians prior to April. This reflects the occupation forces' widening of its civilian targets scope.

It is noteworthy that the number of martyrs from 7 October 2023 to 28 April 2025 amounts to 53,242 and the injured over the same period 124,469.

The past week has seen a series of the bloodiest Israeli crimes since the occupation forces broke the ceasefire agreement, chief among them, the bombing of a school sheltering the displaced in al-Tuffah neighborhood, of Al-Saftawi Cafeteria in Bureij refugee camp and of the passing crowds at Al-Jala Avenue as well as putting Mohammed al-Durrah Hospital out of service.

The catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the Gaza strip has ever reverberated worldwide. Palestinian warnings of mass death have been issued; the World Food Program announced that its food reserve in Gaza has run out; the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) denounced the interdiction of Israel, the occupation force, of the entry of aid into Gaza over the past 50 days, considered by the international community the longest period in the history of starving out the Gaza strip. This occurs at a time when Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, highlighted the depletion of medical supplies.

In the West Bank from 22 to 28 April 2025, the occupation forces stormed cities and villages 300 times; arrested 165 Palestinians, including 4 children; killed a child; injured 39 Palestinians, including 7 children; stormed the girls' high school during its raid of Misilyah village in Jenin; demolished 12 houses, four of which are in the occupied Al-Quds, as well as a brick factory, three barns in Al Quds and Hebron, and 10 greenhouses in Jenin; bulldozed Al-Nasbah avenue, east of Yasuf village, and demolished its retaining walls; bulldozed and uprooted olive trees in Salfit and a swathe of land near Jibya village in Ramallah; demolished stone chains and uprooted trees in Al-Jwaya in Masafer Yatta in Hebron; expelled and prevented Palestinian farmers from plowing their land in Qaryut village in Nablus; backfilled four wells in Hebron; and halted the road pavement project between Biddya and Mas-Ha in Salfit.

Settlers carried out seven settlement activities in a week to seize Palestinian lands. They bulldozed lands in Qusra in Nablus and Azzun in Qalqilya; planted trees in seized Palestinian lands near al-Rayhiyya village in Hebron; erected tents near the western entrance to Bruqin town in Salfit and on the lands of Masafer Yatta in Hebron; and placed a fence around an agricultural land plot to set the scene for its seizure and planting in the northern Jordan Valley in Tubas. Meanwhile, the occupation forces ordered the confiscation of a swathe of agricultural land under Silwad town in Ramallah to build a settlement road.

Attacks by settlers totaled 56 in seven days, during which settlers burned 3 cars, 6 agricultural facilities, an estate and a construction workshop, stole 45 sheep and killed some of them in Sinjil town in Ramallah, which was the subject of daily attacks.

Others smashed the windows of a vehicle repair shop, damaged its contents and stole its equipment in Umm Safa village in Ramallah. They damaged and vandalized an irrigation system on a farm in Bardala village in Tubas. They grazed their sheep on agricultural land in Beit Dajan village in Nablus, Yatta town, and Wadi Al-Jwaya area in Hebron.

Some settlers destroyed a school in Zanuta village in Hebron for the second time after it was renovated, and stole its iron doors, educational tools and class partitions. They set fire to residential tents and livestock pens, attempted stealing sheep and damaged agricultural crops in Bardala village in Tubas. Others attacked the guards and employees of the Beit Anan landfill in Al-Quds, shot directly at the waste collection vehicle and its crew, and seized a bulldozer and a motorcycle.

Some settlers cut water pipes supplying Palestinian houses in the al-Auja waterfall community in Jericho. Others damaged water tanks and a water transmission line near Tayasir checkpoint in Tubas, set fire to agricultural land near "Efrat" colony in Bethlehem, stole a tractor on the outskirts of Bazaria village in Nablus and the contents of a house in the Khalet area in Hebron.

As regards attacks on religious places, the occupation forces raided and searched a mosque in the Bir Ayoub area in Silwan neighborhood in Al Quds. The settlers stormed religious shrines over several days in Kifl Haris town. Thus, the Israeli crimes against Palestinians totaled 3,267 crimes in a week, and 250,722 crimes in a year and a half, including the various categories of crimes documented by the OIC observatory, and all Palestinian territories.

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OIC Secretary-General Congratulates Mr. Hussein Al-Sheikh on his Appointment as Vice-president of PLO and Deputy President of the State of Palestine

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

29-04-2025

The Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, congratulated HE Hussein al-Sheikh on his appointment as vice-president of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Deputy President of the State of Palestine.

In a written message, the Secretary-General expressed his confidence that the new role and responsibilities taken will serve as a bridge to strengthen Palestinian national unity, based on commitment to the PLO, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, its political program and international commitments, which constitute a strong guarantee to confront the enormous challenges imposed by the Israeli occupation and an important pillar for moving forward to enable the Palestinian people to achieve their legitimate rights to their independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

The Secretary-General also reaffirmed the OIC's permanent and unwavering support for the rights of the Palestinian people and their just cause, wishing Hussein al-Sheikh every success in his national mission and Palestine and its people freedom, sovereignty, and independence.

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Pakistan Army shoots down Indian quadcopter over LoC for airspace violation: sources

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 16:29, April 29, 2025

ISLAMABAD, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The Pakistan Army on Monday shot down an Indian quadcopter for violating the country's airspace along the Line of Control (LoC), Pakistani military sources said.

The incident occurred in the Manawar section of Bhimber district of the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, where the Indian quadcopter was engaged in surveillance activity, the sources told Xinhua.

The army took immediate action and successfully intercepted the unmanned aerial vehicle, the sources added.

No casualties or damage were reported on the Pakistani side, and the wreckage of the quadcopter was recovered for further examination.

Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors have remained high, with frequent reports of ceasefire violations and aerial surveillance attempts along the LoC.

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Trump's call for free U.S. passage through Suez Canal sparks outcry in Egypt

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:41, April 29, 2025

CAIRO, April 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's recent call for free passage of American ships through the Suez Canal has triggered widespread condemnation in Egypt, where legal experts, political leaders, and citizens have denounced his remarks as legally groundless and a serious threat to the international order.

On Saturday, Trump posted on Truth Social, a social media platform he majority-owns, that U.S. military and commercial vessels should be allowed to travel through both the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal free of charge.

He claimed both routes would "not exist" without the United States and said he had asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately "take care of, and memorialize, this situation."

"Trump's proposals about international waterways constitute a serious threat to international peace, security, and public order," Ayman Salama, professor of international law at Cairo University, told Xinhua on Monday.

Salama highlighted the 1888 Constantinople Convention, which established the fundamental principles governing international dealings with the Suez Canal, preserving the right of all countries to benefit from this global waterway.

He said Trump's "legally baseless" claims, which ignore the sovereignty of coastal states over their territorial waters and straits, could lead to interference in countries' internal affairs, a clear violation of the general principle of non-interference of contemporary international law.

Warning against disruption to international trade and harm to the global economy by U.S. interference, the Egyptian legal expert urged the international community to stand firm in defending international laws and conventions and take serious steps to safeguard the legal bases for navigation.

Meanwhile, Samaa Soliman, deputy chairman of the Foreign, Arab, and African Affairs Committee of the Egyptian Senate, affirmed on Monday that "only Egypt is responsible for securing and protecting the Suez Canal," and the revenues generated from canal transit fees are a legitimate sovereign resource backing the national economy and serving Egyptian citizens, and shall not be impaired under any pretext or justification.

The Egyptian senator termed Trump's call as "unjustified interference in the affairs of a sovereign state, and is inconsistent with the principle of mutual respect between states."

Soliman said that the Suez Canal and the Egyptian economy have been harmed by the U.S. as its unfair policies on the Palestinian issue fueled the region's instability and failed to stop the Houthis in Yemen.

Egypt's revenues from the Suez Canal fell by more than 60 percent year-on-year in 2024 amid the Red Sea tensions, resulting in a loss of nearly 7 billion U.S. dollars, according to the Suez Canal Authority (SCA).

Sayed Abdel Aal, president of Egypt's socialist Tagammu Party, said in a statement on Sunday that "(Trump's) remarks not only represent provocative rhetoric but also reveal a hateful colonial mentality."

The party leader explained that canal fees are fair and are determined according to international standards, without discrimination, adding that the United States cannot impose exceptional conditions.

"Trump's call can only be viewed as economic colonialism in a new garment," he added.

Also on Sunday, the Egyptian Parties Alliance, which includes approximately 42 political parties, condemned Trump's statement, criticizing it as "ignoring historical facts."

The controversy has ignited strong reactions on Egyptian social media, particularly regarding Trump's suggestion that the United States deserves credit for the canal's existence.

"Our grandfathers built the Suez Canal with their blood when America was engulfed in civil war. We will continue the course of our ancestors, and Trump will not impose his conditions on us," read one widely shared post.

The canal, which opened in 1869, has long been the linchpin of global trade, connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Despite its complex colonial history under French and British control, the canal has remained a powerful symbol of national pride for Egyptians, particularly since its nationalization in 1956 by President Gamal Abdel Nasser, a pivotal moment in Egypt's modern history.

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Navy frigate BRP Jose Rizal fires Mistral-3 surface-to-air missiles

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

April 29, 2025, 5:03 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday announced that its flagship guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), for the first time, successfully fired two of its MBDA Mistral 3 surface-to-air missile (SAM) launchers.

In a statement, the Navy said the test-firing took place in the waters of San Antonio, Zambales on Monday.

The two drones that the BRP Jose Rizal fired upon were supplied by the US Indo-Pacific Command's Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability and Threat Systems Management Office.

It added the ship hit both targets successfully.

"This historic firing which validated the effectiveness of a new capability for the PN and the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines was witnessed, in real-time, at the Philippine Fleet headquarters in Subic where Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe, along with his unit commanders and staff, were monitoring and communicating with participating units through the aid of various command and control Systems," the PN said.

It also said Offshore Combat Force head and Naval Task Force commander, Commodore Raul Regis, was aboard the BRP Jose Rizal, executing the actual scenario-based test firing.

The PN said the BRP Jose Rizal also took part in a simulated Integrated Air and Missile Defense exercise together with other participants of "Balikatan" 2025 last April 27.

"Moreover, also observing on board was the Commander of the Army Artillery Regiment and the rest of the TWG for the Short-Range Air Defense Project," it said.

Providing vital support during the exercise were other Fleet capital assets BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), MUARS Flight Bravo's Scan Eagle ISR UAS, missile gunboat BRP Albert Majini (PG-909) and coastal patrol vessel BRP Rafael Pargas (PG-379).

The Mistral 3 is a versatile, combat-proven short-range air defense missile system with a "fire and forget" capability developed by MBDA of France.

This significantly bolsters the Jose Rizal Class Frigate's capability with advanced weapon systems, which is a critical part of modern defense systems that ensure airspace security, strategic deterrence, and optimum operational readiness as the Fleet carries on with its mandate to uphold territorial integrity and protect the country's maritime interests.

The missiles were delivered and integrated into the BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna in October 2021.

This successful firing demonstrates the PN's resolve to forge modern and mission-ready personnel, assets, and systems toward strengthening this maritime nation's archipelagic defense. It likewise provides a remarkable prelude to the celebration of the PN's 127th anniversary in May. (PNA)

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'Balikatan' troops demonstrate firepower in counter-landing drills

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

April 29, 2025, 3:40 pm

MANILA -- Troops from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Australian Defence Force and the US Marine Corps demonstrated their firepower during a counter-landing and live-fire exercise in Palawan province on Monday, as part of the ongoing "Balikatan" exercises.

The activity, held in Barangay Kampong Ulay in Rizal town, showcased the combined strength and operational synergy of the participating troops, the AFP said in a press statement Tuesday.

"The exercise opened with a maritime interdiction scenario, in which Philippine Navy assetsincluding multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC) and fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC)swiftly engaged and neutralized a simulated seaborne intrusion. The operation demonstrated seamless coordination between naval and ground forces and transitioned into an integrated coastal live-fire mission," the AFP said.

The drills also demonstrated the diverse range of military capabilities of the participants. This was highlighted when the Philippine Marine Corps deployed its howitzers to initiate the synchronized fire mission.

Meanwhile, the US High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) was utilized to deliver rapid and precise strikes, reinforcing the allies' ability to respond decisively to threats. Supporting fire was provided using .50 caliber machine guns and M-16 rifles, contributing to the overall firepower and coordination on the battlefield.

"The drill culminated with a precision strike from the HIMARS, highlighting the allied forces' capability to deliver fast, accurate, and decisive responses to amphibious threatsan essential element of regional deterrence," the AFP said.

Meanwhile, troops from the Japan Self-Defense Forces observed the exercise, reinforcing ongoing efforts to enhance multilateral security cooperation and joint training initiatives in the Indo-Pacific Region.

This year's "Balikatan" started on April 21 and runs until May 9. (PNA)

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NSC scores group for echoing China narrative vs. PH defense upgrades

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

April 29, 2025, 10:47 am

MANILA -- A ranking National Security Council (NSC) official on Tuesday criticized a militant group's remarks against the government's acquisition of the BrahMos cruise missile system, which seeks to beef up the Philippines' defensive capabilities.

In a statement, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said the statements of Bayan Muna no longer defend Filipino interests but openly echo and amplify the official propaganda of the People's Republic of China.

"Let's call a spade a spade: Bayan Muna is not advocating for the national interest, it is now speaking for Beijing," he added.

Malaya was referring to Bayan Muna executive vice president Carlos Zarate's remarks, saying the country's acquisition of the Indian-made missile system would spark an "arms race " and escalate regional conflict.

"Zarate's statement against the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is a repetition of China's official propaganda line. Their talking points are exactly the same as those of Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, who early this year demanded the removal of US missile systems in the Philippines and accused our country of 'creating tensions' and 'inciting confrontation,' " the NSC official said.

Malaya also added that Bayan Muna's language and logic are the same.

"The only difference? One speaks Mandarin, the other pretends to speak for the masses and the people," he stressed.

The NSC official said to call the country's missile acquisitions "warmongering" and "waste" is to ignore the realities on the ground.

"Bayan Muna is practically demanding that we disarm in the face of mounting Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea. While Chinese ships swarm our waters, block our resupply missions, destroy our reefs, and harass our fisherfolk, Bayan Muna would have the Filipino people surrender our right to defend ourselves," he added.

Malaya reminded the group that the BrahMos missile procurement from India, and the planned acquisition of the US Typhon system, are both defensive, strategic, and calibrated responses to real and growing threats.

"These are not weapons of offensive war, they are tools of deterrence. These strengthen our defense posture to protect our shores, assert our sovereign rights, and uphold regional stability based on international law," he added.

"Public funds spent on defense are not 'wasted'they are investments in freedom, sovereignty, and peace. Defense is not the enemy, foreign aggression is." (PNA)

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SHANGHAI, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese official He Lifeng on Tuesday called for the comprehensive enhancement of Shanghai's capabilities as an international financial center.

He, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the office of the Central Financial Commission, made the remarks while attending a symposium on supporting Shanghai to build itself up as an international financial center.

He emphasized that the city's functions as a gateway to and hub of financial opening-up should be strengthened continuously under the premise of ensuring financial security, and its status as both a global allocation center for RMB assets and a risk management center should be enhanced.

Shanghai Municipality should assume its primary responsibility, He said, adding that financial regulatory authorities and financial institutions -- especially those in Shanghai -- should enhance coordination and cooperation.
Korean actor Park Seo Joon is receiving widespread praise for his philanthropic efforts that have led to a life-saving medical treatment for a child.

The "Itaewon Class" star took to Instagram on April 29 to share the touching story, expressing his commitment to living diligently and his hope for the child's recovery.

The child's parent sent Park a handwritten letter; he shared it on his Instagram account out of gratitude and kindness.

They disclosed, "Thanks to the donation made by Park Seo Joon, my child was able to receive a hematopoietic stem cell transplant successfully. My kid was diagnosed with a brain tumor in January 2024.."

The letter continued with the parents' touching confession: "The situation was challenging, both in mind and financially. So my kid was struck with a crazy thought when it first found out it was sick. But now that the first hematopoietic stem cell surgery is done, I feel a little hopeful."

The child's parent also described the emotional impact of learning about Park's involvement, noting how their child was "very surprised and moved" when informed of the actor's generous sponsorship.

The child, inspired by Park's gesture, has vowed to become famous in the future to thank the actor personally.

The actor also posted a letter from the Samsung Medical Center confirming that Park funded one patient's surgery- the message emphasized his impact on the world.

Park Seo Joon will appear in the upcoming JTBC K-Drama Waiting for Gyeong Do, known for balancing his career with philanthropy.

Fans admire people like Park Seo Joon, who prove it is easy to help others and enjoy it.
Yemen warns US, West: We have 8 million fighters ready, may expand our war

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 9:48 PM

Ansarullah has issued a stark warning to the United States and its Western allies, asserting that over eight million Yemeni fighters stood ready for combat and cautioning that their retaliation could escalate if aggression against the Arab Peninsula nation persisted.

Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a senior member of the Yemeni resistance movement's Political Bureau, made the remarks via his official account on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday.

"We advise the United States and the West to end their aggression and lift the siege on Gaza, or else our war against them will intensify and expand."

The comments came amid ongoing American and British airstrikes targeting Yemen.

The American attacks were markedly intensified last month, under the so-called Operation Rough Rider, which had been authorized by President Donald Trump.

The campaign aims to halt Ansarullah's strikes on Israeli and Israeli-linked vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes as well as the movement's operations that have been hitting targets deep within the occupied Palestinian territories.

Yemen's Armed Forces have been carrying out the strikes since October last year, when the Israeli regime began taking the Gaza Strip under a genocidal war and further tightened its already suffocating siege against the coastal sliver. The war has so far claimed the lives of nearly 52,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

Despite the Western allies' bombardments, the forces have continued their pro-Palestinian operations, besides conducting many successful reprisal strikes against American military assets.

Recently, a US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet warplane fell into the Red Sea after the USS Harry S. Truman, an American aircraft carrier, made a hard turn to evade a strike by the Yemeni servicemen.

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Gaza's humanitarian crisis deteriorating 'beyond imagination': UN chief

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 7:21 PM

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that Gaza's humanitarian crisis was deteriorating to levels "beyond imagination."

Guterres, in remarks on Tuesday, underscored that Israel had killed more than 2,000 Palestinians since it violated the ceasefire on March 18, with no end in sight for the killings in Gaza.

Guterres further added that Israeli military offensives in the occupied West Bank, settlement expansion, and forcible displacement are dramatically altering demographic and geographic realities.

The UN chief further said the complete blockade of food, fuel, and medicine into Gaza had deprived more than two million people of lifesaving relief,

Guterres said Gaza must remain an "integral part of a future Palestinian state."

The UN chief said illegal Israeli settler violence continues "at alarmingly high levels", with entire Palestinian communities facing "repeated assaults and destruction, sometimes abetted by Israeli soldiers".

The UN chief gave his remarks at the quarterly UN Security Council open debate on the Middle East, including on the situation in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and Lebanon.

Israeli occupation forces have killed some 50 more Palestinians and wounded 113 others in the past day.

The Palestinian death toll since the start of the US-Israeli genocide in October 2023 has topped 52,300, with nearly 118,000 others injured.

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Over 65,000 children hospitalized for malnutrition as Israel starves Gaza

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 6:45 PM

More than 65,000 Palestinian children have been hospitalized due to severe malnutrition as Israel continues to use starvation as "systematic weapons of war" in the Gaza Strip, officials say.

The Gaza Government Media Office warned in a statement on Monday that "the continuous closure of border crossings has caused a catastrophic deterioration in health conditions, especially among children and infants."

Israel is "using starvation and thirst as systematic weapons of war against civilians, in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law."

The Gaza government reiterated that the Tel Aviv regime has to be held responsible for "endangering the lives of hundreds of thousands of children, women and elderly people due to the lack of food, medicine and clean water."

It also called for immediate international action to "save lives and halt the catastrophic humanitarian collapse" in Gaza.

The statement called for all border crossings into the coastal enclave to be reopened to allow the urgent entry of humanitarian aid, nutritional supplements, and medical supplies, particularly for children and critically ill patients.

Israel halted all aid deliveries to Gaza since it broke a two-month ceasefire agreement on March 19.

Volker Turk, UN human rights Chief, warned on Tuesday that the regime's "use of starvation of the civilian population as a method of war constitutes a war crime."

Turk urged the international community to halt a "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza, and "bring to justice all perpetrators of crimes under international law."

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Hamas condemns Gaza blockade as war crime, demands global action

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 6:22 PM

Hamas has condemned Israel's two-month total blockade of the Gaza Strip, asserting that the regime's use of starvation as a weapon constitutes a war crime and shows contempt for the international community and defiance of international judicial institutions.

In a statement released on the sixtieth day of Gaza's blockade, Hamas warned that famine is intensifying as food stocks are depleted and deliberately targeted by bombardment as part of a brutal extermination campaign against the Strip.

"The continued use of starvation as a weapon against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip by the terrorist occupation government represents a blatant disregard for the international community, for humanitarian values and laws, and directly challenges international institutions, including the International Court of Justice, which is currently holding dedicated hearings on the occupying power's humanitarian obligations," Hamas said.

The movement also cited recent revelations by UNRWA Commissioner-General Philip Lazarini that the occupation is using agency employees as human shields during their arrest, saying they further expose the brutality of the Israeli entity, which has entirely abandoned humanitarian values and engaged in criminal conduct at all levels.

Hamas called on countries worldwide and United Nations institutions to stand by the values of humanity and justice.

"Pressure must be exerted on the occupying power to lift the blockade imposed on over 2.25 million people in the Gaza Strip and to end the systematic war crime of starvation unfolding before the eyes and ears of the world," it said.

The movement further made an urgent appeal to Arab and Islamic nations as well as to free peoples around the world to take immediate action in support of Gaza.

"We reiterate our call to Arab and Islamic countries, their peoples, and to the free peoples of the world to take immediate action to assist our people in the Strip. Efforts must be made on all levels to enforce the opening of crossings, to deliver aid and relief supplies, and to support and bolster the resilience of our people on their own land."

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At ICJ hearings, South Africa says Israel committing genocide with 'impunity'

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 6:18 PM

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is holding its second day of hearings into the crimes of Israel and its obligation to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Representatives from several countries, including South Africa, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia, addressed the ICJ on Tuesday.

Zane Dangor, director-general of South Africa's Department of International Relations, launched the proceedings at the ICJ with a strong condemnation of Israel's actions.

In his opening statement, Dangor said that under the world's watchful eye, Palestinians are being subjected to atrocity, crimes, persecution, apartheid, and genocide.

"While we watch, the gaze of Palestinians is directed squarely at the international community."

The South African representative argued that Israel was committing crimes in Gaza and across the occupied territories with complete impunity.

"We wish to emphasize the impunity with which Israel is inflicting these harms. Israel continues to act with impunity as it does enjoy some form of exceptionalism from accountability to international law and norms."

"Any country or entity which seeks to hold Israel accountable for its inhumane and unlawful actions is subject to countermeasures and sanctions from which the UN and this court has not been spared."

Elsewhere in his remarks, Dangor slammed the Israeli ban on the UN agency for Palestinian refugees and connected recent attacks on UNRWA to broader political aims.

"In this context, the UN and UNRWA is one of the latest casualties of Israel."

South Africa has been one of the outspoken critics of Israel's campaign of genocide in Gaza.

The African country, which has experienced long years of an apartheid regime, has been praised by activists as the vanguard of the global conscience and voice of the oppressed.

On Tuesday, the Saudi representative told the court that Israel has turned Gaza into a pile of rubble while attempting to bring about ethnic cleansing.

On the first day of the hearings, Palestine's ambassador to the Netherlands said Israel has not allowed any food, water, medical supplies, or fuel into Gaza for two months, leading to a man-made humanitarian catastrophe, including deaths by starvation.

Dozens of pro-Palestine activists also demonstrated at The Hague's Peace Palace during ICJ hearings.

In total, 40 states and four international organizations will speak during the ICJ hearings between April 28 and May 2.

Israel is not attending the proceedings, but it has provided a written submission to the ICJ.

The UN top court has already ordered the Israeli regime to take all measures within its power to prevent genocide in Gaza.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has also issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former minister of military affairs, Yoav Gallant, over war crimes against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

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UNRWA: Over 50 Gaza aid workers faced abuse in Israeli detention

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 4:32 PM

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees says more than 50 of its aid workers, who had been abducted by Israeli forces, suffered severe abuse in the regime's detention centers and were also used as human shields.

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA's Commissioner-General, wrote on his X account on Tuesday that UNRWA staff members who had been abducted by the Israeli regime reported shocking abuse at the hands of the regime.

"Since the start of the war in October 2023, over 50 UNRWA staff, among them teachers, doctors, and social workers, have been detained and abused," said Lazzarini.

"They have been treated in the most shocking & inhumane way. They reported being beaten [and] used as human shields," he continued.

Lazzarini has been citing the testimony of a UNRWA staff member who had been abducted by the Israeli regime and released recently.

The Israeli regime had subjected the UNRWA abductees to "sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats of harm to them and their families, [and] attacks by dogs," said Lazzarini.

He said the UNRWA abductees had been forced to confess under torture, which is nothing short of outrageous.

The Israeli regime has repeatedly accused UNRWA staff members of being "Hamas operatives," but independent investigations have discredited these claims.

The Israeli regime's parliament (Knesset) passed a law in October that banned UNRWA from activity within the occupied territories.

The Knesset also revoked the 1967 treaty that allowed UNRWA to carry out its mission. The ban has greatly restricted UNRWA's ability to operate in Gaza and the occupied territories.

Lazzarini said at the time that the move violated international law and was "the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimize its role toward providing human-development assistance and services to Palestine refugees."

On March 18, the Israeli regime assaulted Gaza and effectively ended its ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas.

Since then, the Israeli regime has put Gaza on total blockade and barred the entry of all humanitarian aid, which, according to the UN's Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), has driven Gaza's population toward phase 5 famine.

Phase 5 famine is the highest phase of the IPC Acute Food Insecurity scale, and is classified when an area has the deaths of two people or four children for every 10,000 people each day due to outright starvation or to the interaction of malnutrition and disease.

Dozens of nations and organizations have been advising the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in order to draw up an advisory opinion on the Israeli regime's humanitarian obligations, as the occupying entity, to Palestinians.

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ICC bars chief prosecutor from disclosing Israeli arrest warrants: Report

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 10:59 AM

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has reportedly imposed restrictions on its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, amid reports that he is seeking additional arrest warrants against Israeli officials over the occupying regime's unbridled onslaught against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

British newspaper The Guardian said in a report on Monday that Khan "has been restrained from publicizing any new applications for arrest warrants in the court's Palestine case after judges ordered they must be kept secret."

Citing sources within the court, the paper said the order was "issued behind closed doors this month," and Khan "can no longer make public announcements referring to the existence of his applications for arrest warrants or his intention to seek them."

The ICC prosecutor recently submitted or is due to submit new warrant requests, at least one of which has either been approved or is close to approval, according to The Guardian.

"The new order comes as Khan is preparing a fresh round of applications for Israeli suspects in connection to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the occupied Palestinian territories," the paper said.

The identity of the warrant's target is being kept confidential, reflecting a growing rift between Khan and ICC judges over his approach, particularly his public announcements regarding sensitive investigations.

The judges claim that Khan's approach, in which he publicly announces his decision to seek warrants, is detached from routine practice and places pressure on the judges considering the applications.

Khan has already secured arrest warrants against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant over their genocidal crimes in Gaza.

The ruling, issued last November, obliged all the 125 countries that signed the Rome Statute establishing the ICC, to detain and surrender the pair to the Hague-based court.

In a press release on Thursday, the Appeals Chamber of the ICC announced that it had rejected Israel's request to cancel or suspend the arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant over their crimes against humanity and war crimes related to Israel's ongoing genocide against Gazans.

"Investigations indicate that Netanyahu and Gallant oversaw attacks targeting the civilian population and used starvation as a method of warfare," the ICC emphasized.

Israel unleashed its genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the Hamas resistance group carried out its historic operation against the occupying entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

The Tel Aviv regime has so far killed at least 52,314 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 117,792 others, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

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Hamas welcomes ICJ hearings on Israel's humanitarian obligations towards Palestinians

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 7:22 AM

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has welcomed the beginning of proceedings at the top UN court on the obligation of Israel, as an occupying regime, to ensure and facilitate humanitarian aid to all Palestinians, particularly those in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas issued a statement on Monday after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) opened a week of hearings on Israel's breach of international law as it has refused to let aid into Gaza and banned the UN's Palestinian aid agency, UNRWA.

The Hague-based tribunal will issue an advisory opinion about Israel's obligation at a later stage. Although the decision is not binding, it carries legal weight and could affect governments' policies toward the usurping entity.

Hamas said the ICJ has highlighted the Israeli blockade of aid into Gaza as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and exposed the occupation's use of starvation as a weapon of war against civilians.

The resistance group also underlined the need for enforcing the court's previous rulings, which Israel has deliberately ignored by continuing its genocide in Gaza, escalating policies of siege and starvation, and targeting civilian infrastructure.

"The international community, with its legal and rights groups, must uphold its legal and moral responsibilities, and move beyond verbal condemnations to practical steps that ensure accountability for the occupation, an end to its crimes and our people's suffering," it added.

Israel launched its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, which has so far killed at least 52,314 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured more than 117,792 others.

The Tel Aviv regime accepted longstanding negotiation terms by Hamas under a Gaza ceasefire, which began on January 19.

However, Israel unilaterally abandoned the truce on March 2, cutting off humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. It also resumed its deadly bombing campaign and redeployed troops to the besieged territory.

In January 2024, the ICJ handed down a ruling, ordering Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent genocide in Gaza. In June 2024, the court said in an advisory opinion that Israel's occupation of the West Bank, East al-Quds and Gaza is illegal.

Palestinian Ambassador to the Netherlands Ammar Hijazi told the court that Israel is waging a "genocidal campaign" against Palestinians, adding that the regime's crimes put Palestinians at risk of irreparable harm.

"Israel is starving, killing, and displacing Palestinians while also targeting and blocking humanitarian organizations trying to save their lives," he noted.

Palestine's UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour told the judges it has "never been more painful to be Palestinian."

Israel is seeking "deliberately to deprive the population in Gaza" to ensure it has "no way to survive," he said, adding that people are "trapped between death and displacement" in the besieged territory.

In total, 40 states and four international organizations will speak during the ICJ hearings between April 28 and May 2.

Israel is not attending the proceedings, but it has provided a written submission to the ICJ.

"It is not Israel that should be on trial," Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar claimed, but rather the UN and UNRWA.

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Sheikh Qassem: Hezbollah fully committed to ceasefire despite Israeli violations

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 6:02 AM

The Hezbollah secretary general says the Lebanese resistance movement is fully committed to the November 27 ceasefire agreement with Israel, although the Tel Aviv regime frequently violates the deal.

"No violations of the ceasefire agreement have been recorded against us, whilst the Israeli side has infringed upon it more than 3,000 times," Sheikh Naim Qassem said in a televised speech broadcast from the Lebanese capital Beirut on Monday evening.

He called on the Lebanese government to act promptly, stressing that responsibility rests with state officials to follow up on the ceasefire agreement implementation by urging the United States and France, as guarantors of the cessation of hostilities agreement, to compel Israel to immediately cease its attacks.

He pointed to the ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon, stating that the latest aerial attack on a building in the southern suburbs of Beirut was carried out with the US green light and support.

"The United States has interests in Lebanon. It must realize that its interests cannot be spared once Lebanon's stability is in jeopardy," Sheikh Qassem said.

The Hezbollah leader also said Washington has been providing the occupying Tel Aviv regime with pretexts for more acts of aggression against the Arab country.

He called on the Lebanese government to send a letter to the United Nations, summon the US Ambassador to Beirut Lisa Johnson, and use every single forum to shed light on the repercussions of Israeli assaults on Lebanon.

Israel seeks to weaken Lebanon through continued aggression, occupation, and political pressure, Sheikh Qassem said, stressing that Lebanon's strength is rooted in its resistance front, armed forces and nation.

"Israel wants to dominate Lebanon, construct settlements within its territory, and weaken it. Whoever does not believe in such a fact should explain why Israeli troops remained in Lebanon for 18 years and only withdrew in the face of struggle by resistance fighters," the Hezbollah chief said.

He stressed that Lebanon will remain strong through unity among its resistance front, army and different walks of the society, stating that the Lebanese people will not abandon their duty to expand defense capabilities.

Sheikh Qassem then urged the Lebanese nation not to lose hope since Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is caught in a very dire situation, as he has shed the blood of many people without achieving any of his objectives.

He then outlined the three main priorities for Lebanon at this critical juncture, saying, "The first priority is to stop the Israeli aggression, ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and secure the release of prisoners."

He also criticized procrastination regarding national reconstruction efforts, saying, "The second priority is reconstruction. The government's plans for reconstruction have been seriously delayed."

Sheikh Qassem highlighted that Hezbollah is offering assistance to internally displaced persons in Lebanon, sheltering 50,755 individuals whose homes were completely destroyed in the wake of Israeli offensives, and has repaired 332,000 residential buildings.

He stressed, "The third priority is state-building. Our main task is to follow the path towards the consolidation, stabilization and sustainable development of the country."

Turning to the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, Sheikh Qassem praised the steadfastness of Palestinians, saying, "Your legendary steadfastness prevents the Zionist enemy from achieving its goals. This resilience is a prelude to victory."

He also extended his deep condolences to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei as well as the Iranian government and nation over the tragic explosion that occurred in the country's southwestern port city of Bandar Abbas on Saturday and killed at least 70 people and injured more than 1,000 others.

The Hezbollah chief offered his sincere commiserations to Christians worldwide on the demise of Pope Francis.

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Pakistan Readying To Challenge India's Suspension Of Vital Water Treaty Amid Rising Tensions

By RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal April 29, 2025

Pakistan says it is readying international legal action against India for suspending a vital water-sharing agreement between the two nuclear-armed rivals as tensions mount following a militant attack in the disputed Kashmir region.

Pakistani Minister for Law and Justice Aqeel Malik said Islamabad is working on plans for at least three different legal options, including raising the issue at the World Bank, the facilitator for the six-decade old Indus Waters Treaty.

"Legal strategy consultations are almost complete," Malik said in an interview with Reuters late on April 28.

After an April 22 militant attack in Kashmir that killed 26 tourists, all but one of whom were Indian nationals, New Delhi said that it was suspending its participation in the water treaty that splits the Indus River and its tributaries between the two neighbors and governs most of the water used in Pakistani agriculture.

'Act Of War'

India has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, though it has stopped short of putting direct blame on Islamabad for the attack.

Islamabad has denied any role in the attack and warned that any Indian attempt to stop or divert the flow of water between them would be considered an "act of war."

The water treaty now looks to be a potential flashpoint in the unpredictable situation between the nuclear-armed neighbors that was sparked by the militant attack.

Malik said that Islamabad would likely pursue more than one path in taking legal action, including at the Permanent Court of Arbitration or at the International Court of Justice in the Hague where it could allege that India has violated the 1960 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.

He added that the Pakistani government was also considering raising the issue at the United Nations Security Council.

"All the options are on the table and we are pursuing all appropriate and competent forums to approach," Malik said.

The treaty became necessary after 1947, when India and Pakistan were partitioned by Britain and became independent countries. The water agreement, however, took a decade to negotiate and was signed in 1960, with the World Bank as a mediator.

Acute Water Shortages

The treaty governs the distribution and use of waters from the Indus River and its tributaries, which feed 80 percent of Pakistan's irrigated agriculture and its hydropower.

Suspending the deal would put major pressure on Pakistan, which has been battling acute water shortages, partly because of extreme weather events.

In March, Pakistan's water regulator warned that Punjab and Sindh, the country's key agricultural provinces, could already face water shortfalls of as much as 35 percent during the final phase of the current crop season.

Other issues may arise during the heavy rains of the coming monsoon season. India could decide to release surplus water from the eastern rivers without prior notification, potentially triggering floods.

Despite a history of tensions and war, the treaty has managed to survive through the years, withstanding threats from New Delhi to pull out of the agreement during previous times of high-tensions.

"We will ensure no drop of the Indus River's water reaches Pakistan," India's water resources minister, Chandrakant Raghunath Paatil, said on X on April 27.

Halting the flow of water is not a straightforward process, experts and officials from both countries have said.

The treaty stipulated that India was only to build hydropower plants without significant storage or dams on the three rivers allocated to Pakistan, preventing New Delhi from immediately stopping water sharing.

Tensions continue to mount since the attack in Kashmir, which both India and Pakistan rule in part but claim in full.

The two countries continue to exchange small-arms fire in the region and both governments suspended trade ties, limited diplomatic contact, and suspended some visas following the attack.

On April 29, India claimed both sides exchanged fire, the fifth consecutive day of such reports. State broadcaster Radio Pakistan said the Pakistani military had shot down an Indian drone, calling it a violation of its airspace.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/india-pakistan-war-conflict-water-treaty-indus-attack/33400042.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Choi Soo-young, known worldwide as a member of the K-pop group Girls' Generation, is set to make her Hollywood debut in the upcoming action thriller "Ballerina," a spin-off from the acclaimed "John Wick" franchise.

Soo-young will play the role of Katla Park, a pivotal new character in the film, which is scheduled to be released in theaters on June 6, 2025. Katla Park is described as the daughter of Il Seong, a colleague of the Ruska Roma syndicate, the group known for training assassins through their ballet school. Eve's first field mission in the film is to protect Katla Park at the lavish Minus Eleven club.

Ballerina is directed by Len Wiseman and stars Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, a young ballerina who is drawn into the secretive world of assassins after her father's murder. The film is positioned between the events of "John Wick: Chapter 3  Parabellum" and "John Wick: Chapter 4." Throughout the film, Eve faces off against the Chancellor, the main antagonist leading a town against her, while crossing paths with both new and returning characters from the John Wick saga.

The cast of "Ballerina" also features several returning stars from the John Wick series, including Keanu Reeves as John Wick, Ian McShane as Winston, Anjelica Huston as The Director, and the late Lance Reddick in his final performance as Charon. Newcomers joining the franchise include Norman Reedus, Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Robert Maaser, and David Castaneda.

Soo-young began her acting career with minor roles while still active as a member of the top K-pop group Girls' Generation, before landing her first major role in the medical drama "The Third Hospital" in 2012. Since then, she has steadily built a diverse filmography, starring in popular television dramas such as "My Spring Days," "Run On," "So I Married the Anti-Fan," "Fanletter Please," and "Not Others," as well as movies like "Miss & Mrs. Cops," "Memories of a Dead End," and "New Year Blues."
Europe's Game Plan For Ukraine-Russia Talks, And Will The Next Pope Be Hungarian?

By Rikard Jozwiak April 29, 2025

Briefing #1: What's Europe's Game Plan For Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks?

What You Need To Know: Over the past week, European nations largely represented by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have tried their best to engage in talks between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia. There were a number of rather successful high-level meetings in Paris on April 17 and one in London six days later that ended up being politically downgraded after Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff pulled out. The snub reportedly came over Kyiv's unwillingness to agree to a peace plan involving the recognition of Russia's illegal annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.

After speaking with several European diplomats familiar with the matter, it's clear that something of a game plan has emerged in response. The first priority is keeping the Americans onboard and keeping them talking to the Ukrainians. Exactly how successful this aim can be is up in the air, as Washington has threatened to walk away if no progress is made soon. The officials I talked to, however, believe this could be a negotiation tactic aimed to pressure Ukraine, saying Trump has a penchant for playing tough in public only to go back to the negotiation table later -- as evidenced by the way he has enacted and retracted sweeping trade tariffs in recent weeks.

Deep Background: The Europeans are keen to secure what they call a "sequencing," meaning first a cease-fire observed by both sides followed by lasting peace. The belief is that this could ensure more of Ukraine's security interests are guaranteed and that not everything is on Moscow's terms. There is hope that Ukraine's willingness to observe a cease-fire in the past month -- and Russia's failure to do so -- shows that Kyiv is acting in good faith and not Moscow. This would also buy the Europeans time to assemble a "reassurance force" in the Western part of Ukraine with at least some sort of American political backing, even though American participation seems off the table, according to the European diplomats I spoke with. The current thinking is less of a "boots on the ground" presence and more toward air patrolling with the aim of securing Lviv airport and the surrounding areas as a transport hub for Ukraine. The Europeans are also keen to continue military aid to the country. Although there is an understanding that it might be impossible to completely fill the void left by the United States, there's hope that European money will keep flowing and the new German government in place in early May will be more forthcoming, notably on providing Kyiv with long-awaited Taurus cruise missiles.

Drilling Down

 As for some of America's demands for a potential peace proposal, the Europeans are also crystal-clear. There will never be a de jure recognition of Crimea as part of Russia -- unless, of course, Ukraine agrees to it. De facto recognition of the lands currently under Russian control is another matter. Ukrainian NATO membership being off the table can also be swallowed.

 Several European states hid behind the United States when, under the Biden administration, it nixed the prospects of inviting Ukraine into the military alliance at both the NATO summit in Vilnius in 2023 and in Washington a year later.

 Eventual EU membership, though, is another matter. Brussels and all key European capitals are adamant Moscow has no say in that. According to diplomats familiar with the proposed American peace deal, Russia accepts that Ukraine could join the bloc.

 A so-called Cyprus scenario, which means all of Ukraine could at some point be considered part of the club whereas in fact only those parts under Kyiv's control would be, is the most likely solution.

 One thing that appears off the table for now, to much European relief, is the call for new elections in Ukraine, a point that diplomats told me has quietly disappeared from American talking points after it was initially mentioned as a potential condition. I have heard that Russia still might want to push for it.

 Then there are the sanctions. While the United States has offered Russia sanctions relief, the Europeans are not in favor. You would need unanimity to lift the measures now, and that unanimity simply doesn't exist.

 In fact, I was told Paris and Berlin want to pile up pressure on Russia and, in particular, enact more restrictive measures in the coming weeks.A 17th round of restrictive measures against the Kremlin was in the works already after the deadly Russian attacks on the Ukrainian cities of Sumy and Kryviy Rih earlier in April, and Brussels will now speed up those efforts.

 The EU is also finalizing asset freezes and visa bans against 15 Russians accused of carrying out hybrid attacks on the EU in a separate sanctions package. As with all things related to Russia, EU officials admit it will be hard to get Hungary to give the green light and that is why the next package is likely to be symbolic rather than hard-hitting.

 They also need to secure Budapest's consent to roll over sectoral sanctions on Russia in July. There are plenty of worries that this won't happen and that even other member states will start picking out sanctions measures they don't like, hence the scrambling for alternatives to keep the sanction measures alive.

 The one item that most countries want to save are the near 200 billion euros of frozen Russian assets in the bloc, not least of all because the EU would like to use this sum as a bargaining chip against Moscow to pay for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

 The windfall profits from frozen assets currently bankrolls Ukraine's military needs, and the 45 billion euro G7 loan propping up Kyiv's macrofinancial needs for 2025 is backed up using frozen assets as a collateral. So Europe will want to sustain at least some sanctions on Russia going forward.

Briefing #2: Will Pope Francis's Successor Be Hungarian?

What You Need To Know: With the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, the speculation about who will succeed him as head of the Holy See is already in full swing. One of the front-runners, at least according to bookmakers, is Peter Erdo, the archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest. The 72-year-old Hungarian cardinal has held several prominent roles within the Catholic Church in recent decades and was a potential candidate to become the bishop of Rome already back in 2013, when Francis ultimately was chosen.

So what chances does Erdo have to replace the Argentine? And perhaps more interestingly, what is his relationship with Hungary's increasingly authoritarian conservative prime minister, Viktor Orban?

Make no mistake about it, Erdo is very much "papabile" -- a term used for candidates who are regarded as viable for the papacy. Technically any baptized Catholic male is eligible, but ever since the 14th century only cardinals, the senior members of the clergy, have been selected. Currently there are 252 cardinals, but that number dwindles to 135 with voting power, as only those under 80 can cast a ballot. Erdo could manage to secure the necessary two-thirds of the vote at the Papal Conclave that is set to commence in early May (no earlier than 16 days after the pope's passing, according to the current rules).

Deep Background: His cardinal resume is glittering. Between 2006 and 2016 he headed the Council of European Episcopal Conferences, a key organization representing Europe's Catholic bishops. This is not without significance, as European cardinals still form the biggest voting bloc in the upcoming conclave. But it's not only the European credentials he has honed. Heading the council meant that he has been in regular contact with the African, Asian, and Latin American equivalences, building up lots of links with the Global South, seen as the emerging powerhouses of the church. The fact that he is fluent in both Italian and Latin -- two crucial languages for higher offices in this part of Rome -- and is a recognized expert in canonical law, which governs the way the Catholic Church is run, also gives him good stead among a select few. Perhaps his crowning achievement is to have secured the International Eucharistic Congress for his hometown, Budapest, in 2021. The congress, which typically takes place every four years, is a massive gathering of both clergy, including the Pope, as well as common practitioners and involves big open-air masses. This provided him with a perfect platform both for visibility and to secure the necessary contacts both within the Vatican and across the Catholic parishes of the world. Perhaps his biggest strength, though, and the reason he might prevail in the end, is his pragmatism. Although Erdo is seen as a conservative who, for example, openly speaks out against divorced Catholics receiving holy communion, he cooperated with the more progressive Francis and refrained from criticizing him openly, unlike others on the traditionalist flank. The pope even tapped him to help organize special Vatican meetings on family issues, and Francis visited Hungary twice during his 12-year tenure.

Drilling Down:

 But what about Erdo's links to Hungary's ruling Fidesz party and Orban, who styles himself as a defender of Judeo-Christian values, notably against the EU institutions he claims are against both nations and Christianity in general?

 The Hungarian state budget sponsors the Catholic Church, like many other recognized churches, in various ways and generously. It notably does this through direct support via financing of religious education, paying reparations for assets seized during the Communist regime, or simply bankrolling events like the above-mentioned International Eucharistic Congress.

 Politically, during the migrant crisis that swept Europe in 2015, Erdo likened accepting migrants to facilitating human trafficking. It was a statement that seemed more in line with the Hungarian prime minister's more combative approach than that of Pope Francis's more tolerant view on the matter.

 Erdo did, however, shortly thereafter warn about turning religions against each other and questioned whether a continent really can be called Christian -- seemingly going against Orban's outspokenness about the so-called Islamization of Europe.

 He seems to take the same pragmatic approach to the Hungarian government as he has with the various factions of the Catholic Church. While he himself has never openly endorsed the party, Catholic priests across the country have often told their congregations to vote for Fidesz.

 Erdo has picked his fights carefully with Budapest. He has remained silent over some laws adopted in recent years but been vocal on others. For example, he refused to openly criticize the regulation against homelessness passed in 2018 -- an issue that went against the teachings of Pope Francis. When it came to the move by the Hungarian government to nationalize IVF clinics a year later, he did not hold out on criticism.

 While most Vatican watchers still believe the Catholic Church now might select its first-ever African or Asian pope, a compromise candidate to stabilize the various fractions after the progressive and tumultuous years of Francis might very well be the primate of Hungary.

Looking Ahead

There is an interesting case to be settled at the European Court of Justice on April 30 pertaining to the EU's sanctions on Russia. The bloc has imposed restrictions on exporting banknotes denominated in an official currency of any EU member state even though there are exemptions for personal use. A regional court in Frankfurt has brought up a case in which a woman travelling from city's airport to Moscow via Istanbul with nearly 15,000 euro was stopped and most of the money seized. The woman claimed the money was for various medical treatments she was planning to do in Russia and the court will now have to determine who wide the sanctions scope really is in this case.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/wider-europe-jozwiak- ukraine-russia-pope-hungary/33398846.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Secretary Rubio's Call with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

April 29, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp. Secretary Rubio thanked the Netherlands for hosting the upcoming NATO Summit and welcomed Dutch procurement of U.S.-origin defense capabilities, noting that U.S. companies must not be sidelined in Europe's rearmament process. He reiterated President Trump's call for NATO Allies to spend five percent of GDP on defense spending. The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed further cooperation on ending the Russia-Ukraine war. They also discussed ways to make progress toward a fair and balanced trade relationship and ensure that cutting-edge technology does not go to our strategic adversaries.

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We must reinvest in efforts to achieve a two-state solution: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa and the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Lord Collins of Highbury

29 April 2025

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 29 April 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)



The human cost on October 7th was horrific. And since that day, the hostages have endured unimaginable cruelty, and Palestinians have faced relentless death and destruction.

We welcome President Abbas's call for the hostages to be released, and we echo that call. We also need a return to the ceasefire to end the terrible bloodshed.

We are deeply concerned by the World Food Programme's announcement on Friday that its food stocks in Gaza have run out.

It is unacceptable that Israel has blocked humanitarian support from entering Gaza for nearly two months, meaning that Palestinian civilians, including one million children, are facing starvation, disease and death.

UN and other workers must be able to deliver life-saving assistance safely, and in line with humanitarian principles.

We are outraged by recent attacks, including the killing of Palestinian Red Crescent workers and the hit on a UN compound on 19th March. Israel has admitted that this was caused by one of their tanks, despite the compound being known to the IDF as a UN humanitarian facility.

This is inexcusable.

We urge Israel to ensure accurate public statements on such grave incidents. It must conduct full and transparent investigations into these incidents, hold those responsible to account and reinstate an effective deconfliction system to prevent such tragedies.

President, the UK believes that lasting peace and security can only be achieved through a two-state solution.

And we thank France and Saudi Arabia for their leadership in preparing for the conference in June. We should build on the Arab plan for Gaza's future and develop credible security and governance plans acceptable to both Israelis and Palestinians. Hamas must no longer govern Gaza or pose a threat to Israel and we should build the capability of the Palestinian Authority, which will be central to a future State.

Finally, we must seize the opportunity to build lasting peace across the region. There has been important progress in Lebanon, where the government has committed to crucial reforms, and in Syria, with moves towards an inclusive political transition.

The United Kingdom will continue to support the Lebanese and Syrian people to build on this momentum and we urge all parties to avoid destabilising actions and abide by their international obligations.

President, a better future in the Middle East is possible.

To realise it, we must return to a ceasefire in Gaza, reinvest in efforts to achieve a two-state solution and pursue wider normalisation of relationships for the benefit of Palestinians, Israelis, and all those living in the region. I thank you.

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As Afghans are forced to return, UNHCR seeks support for humanitarian crisis

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch - to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

29 April 2025

GENEVA -- An even deeper humanitarian crisis is looming in Afghanistan as tens of thousands of Afghans are being forced to return from neighbouring countries, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warned today as it urgently seeks $71 million to assist those arriving home in desperate conditions.

In April, more than 251,000 Afghans have returned in adverse circumstances from Iran and Pakistan, including over 96,000 who were deported. UNHCR continues to advocate with the Governments of Iran and Pakistan that returns to Afghanistan must be voluntary, safe and dignified. Forcing or putting pressure on Afghans to return is unsustainable and could destabilize the region.

While UNHCR recognizes the many challenges - including economic pressures - facing these countries that have hosted millions of Afghans for decades, we have also consistently shared our concerns that regardless of their legal status, people forced to return to Afghanistan may encounter serious protection risks.

This is especially true for Afghan women and girls who face increasing restrictions in terms of access to employment, education and freedom of movement in Afghanistan. Among other profiles, ethnic and religious minority groups, human rights activists, and journalists could also be at risk upon their return. These concerns are compounded by acute humanitarian needs inside Afghanistan, rising unemployment rates, as well as natural disasters and extreme weather incidents.

Since 2023, more than 3.4 million Afghans have returned or been deported from Iran and Pakistan, including over 1.5 million in 2024 alone. Such mass returns have strained the capacity of many provinces in Afghanistan and exacerbated the risk of further internal displacement. There has also been new displacement into Iran and Pakistan, and heightened risks of onward movements towards Europe. In 2024, Afghans became the largest group (41 per cent) of irregular arrivals from the Asia-Pacific region into Europe.

UNHCR is working with partners like UNDP and IOM to support the growing number of returnees in Afghanistan. Amid the current funding uncertainties, we need $71 million to respond to this crisis across the region over a nine-month period.

The additional funds will allow our teams to provide crucial financial assistance for returnees to cover urgent needs, travel, access to services, livelihoods, and reintegration activities - with an emphasis on reaching women and girls. We will also enhance our reception capacity and centres to help returnees address protection needs and receive critical information.

In Iran and Pakistan, we will scale up emergency support through community outreach, protection monitoring, and psychosocial and legal support. Communication with refugees will be strengthened through hotlines and SMS in local languages to provide timely information about services. Border monitoring will be reinforced. Specialized and tailored services are planned for the most vulnerable groups.

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Hundreds of thousands of Afghans forced back into danger, says UNHCR

29 April 2025 - Afghanistan's escalating humanitarian crisis is being compounded by the mass return of its nationals from neighbouring countries, UN aid agencies warned on Tuesday.

According to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), over 250,000 Afghans returned in April alone - among them, 96,000 who were forcibly deported. The agency voiced particular alarm over the fate of women and girls, who face increasing repression under Taliban rule.

The large-scale returns are putting even greater pressure on already stretched humanitarian resources and worsening the plight of millions struggling to survive.

"They face increasing restrictions in terms of access to employment, education and freedom of movement," said agency spokesperson Babar Baloch.

"We keep telling the governments of Iran and Pakistan that returns to Afghanistan must be voluntary, safe and dignified," he continued.

Aside from women and girls, forcibly returned human rights activists and journalists as well as ethnic or religious minority groups are among those who face the biggest dangers back in Afghanistan.

Massive needs

These risks are further compounded by rising needs, where half the population relies on humanitarian assistance. Since 2023, more than 3.5 million people have returned to the country.

Such high numbers of returnees only increase the risk of further internal displacement and attempts to reach Europe, Mr. Baloch noted.

UNHCR is seeking $75 billion to assist returnees and help stabilize the region. Afghans represented the largest group of irregular arrivals from Asia Pacific to Europe in 2024, at more than four in 10.

Additional funds will allow UNHCR in Afghanistan to provide returnees with urgent assistance including access to services, livelihoods, reintegration services, travel and financial assistance - "with emphasis on reaching women and girls," Mr. Baloch explained.

The agency also plans to address immediate protection needs and enhance reception capacity.

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UNRWA Commissioner-General on Gaza: for UNRWA staff, humanitarian duty is met with brutality

UNRWA

29 Apr 2025

From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter)

"I wished for death to end the nightmare I was living through".

Received this awful testimony from a colleague who was rounded up in Gaza tortured while in Israeli detention and finally released.

For UNRWA staff humanitarian duty is met with brutality.

Since the start of the war in October 2023, over 50 UNRWA staff among them teachers, doctors, social workers, have been detained and abused.

They have been treated in the most shocking and inhumane way. They reported being beaten up and used as human shields.

They were subjected to sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats of harm to them and their families and attacks by dogs.

Many were subjected to forced confessions.

This is nothing short of harrowing and outrageous.

Humanitarian workers are not a target. Their suffering must not be ignored.

There must be justice and accountability for the crimes and violations of international law committed in the Gaza Strip.

Justice for those serving on the humanitarian frontlines is not an option, it is an obligation.

Background Information:

UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.

UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.

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UNRWA Commissioner-General on the ICJ hearing on the presence and activities of the United Nations and other organisations in the occupied Palestinian territory

UNRWA

29 Apr 2025

From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter)

I welcome the ICJ hearing on the presence and activities of the United Nations and other organisations in the occupied Palestinian territory.

UNRWA and other agencies are present in the occupied Palestinian territory to address overwhelming needs.

The Agency's services must continue unobstructed until there is a just and lasting solution to the plight of Palestine Refugees.

Unlawful restrictions on the work of UNRWA and other organisations hamper the delivery of assistance to people in need.

The laws passed by the Parliament of Israel against UNRWA impact the agency's ability to fulfill its mandate.

The no contact policy under the Knesset laws bans Israeli officials from coordinating or communicating with UNRWA officials, obstructing the delivery of essential relief services and aid.

Since these restrictions came into effect at the end of January, UNRWA international staff have not received visas to enter Israel.

This is banning them from entering the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip where over 2 million people rely on the Agency services and assistance.

Several UNRWA facilities including schools in occupied East Jerusalem are also threatened by closure orders from the Israeli Authorities. Some 800 children are likely to miss out on finishing the school year if their schools are forced closed.

As an occupying power, the State of Israel must provide services or facilitate their delivery- including through UNRWA- to the population it is occupying.

This is a clear direction from the international community, through the UN General Assembly.

All parties to the conflict, including the State of Israel, must comply with all their obligations under international law at all times.

They must respect and protect United Nations personnel at all times.

Background Information:

UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.

UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.

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'Take Irreversible Action towards Implementing Two-State Solution', Secretary-General Tells Member States at Security Council Debate

Press Release

Secretary-General/ Statements and Messages

SG/SM/22631

29 April 2025

Following are UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' remarks to the Security Council open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, in New York today:

I thank the French presidency for convening this ministerial-level meeting on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

The region is undergoing fundamental shifts, marked by violence and volatility but also opportunity and potential. In Lebanon, the ceasefire and territorial integrity must be respected and all commitments implemented.

In Syria, we must keep working to support the country's path towards a political transition that is inclusive of all segments of the Syrian population  one that ensures accountability, fosters national healing and lays the foundation for Syria's long-term recovery and further integration into the international community.

This includes the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan  which remains precarious with significant violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, with the continued presence of the Israel Defense Forces into the area of separation and their several strikes targeting locations across the ceasefire line.

Across the Middle East, people demand and deserve a better future, not endless conflict and suffering. We must collectively work to ensure that this turbulent and transitional period meets those aspirations  and delivers justice, dignity, rights, security and lasting peace.

It starts by recognizing two fundamental facts: First, that the region is at a hinge point in history. And second, that truly sustainable Middle East peace hinges on one central question.

On a core issue that this Security Council has affirmed and re-affirmed decade after decade, year after year: a two-State solution, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.

Today, the promise of a two-State solution is at risk of dwindling to the point of disappearance. The political commitment to this long-standing goal is farther than it has ever been.

As a result, the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live and peace and security have been undermined  and the legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinians have been denied  while they endure Israel's continued presence that the International Court of Justice has found unlawful.

And since the horrific 7 October 2023 terror attacks by Hamas, it has gotten worse on every front. First, the unrelenting conflict and devastation in Gaza  including the utterly inhumane conditions of life imposed on its people who are repeatedly coming under attack, confined to smaller and smaller spaces, and deprived of life-saving relief.

In line with international law, the Security Council has rejected any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce its territory. Gaza is  and must remain  an integral part of a future Palestinian State.

Second, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations and the use of heavy weaponry in residential areas, forcible displacement, demolitions, movement restrictions and settlement-expansion are dramatically altering demographic and geographic realities.

Palestinians are being contained and coerced. Contained in areas that are subject to increasing military operations and where the Palestinian Authority is under growing pressure  and coerced out of areas where settlements are expanding.

Third, settler violence continues at alarmingly high levels in a climate of impunity, with entire Palestinian communities facing repeated assaults and destruction, sometimes abetted by Israeli soldiers. Palestinian attacks against Israelis in both Israel and the occupied West Bank also continue.

The world cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear. Political leaders face clear choices  the choice to be silent, the choice to acquiesce, or the choice to act.

In Gaza, there is no end in sight to the killing and misery. The ceasefire had brought a glimmer of hope  the long-sought release of hostages and delivery of life-saving humanitarian relief. But, those embers of opportunity were cruelly extinguished with the shattering of the ceasefire on 18 March.

Since then, almost 2,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes and military operations  including women, children, journalists and humanitarians.

Hamas also continues to fire rockets towards Israel indiscriminately  while the hostages continue to be held in appalling conditions. The humanitarian situation throughout the Gaza Strip has gone from bad to worse to beyond imagination.

For nearly two full months, Israel has blocked food, fuel, medicine and commercial supplies, depriving more than 2 million people of life-saving relief. All while the world watches.

I am alarmed by statements by Israeli Government officials about the use of humanitarian aid as a tool for military pressure. Aid is non-negotiable. Israel must protect civilians and must agree to relief schemes and facilitate them.

I salute the women and men of the United Nations and all other humanitarian workers  especially our Palestinian colleagues  who continue to work under fire and in incomprehensibly difficult conditions. And I mourn all of the women and men of the United Nations who were killed  including some with their families.

The entry of assistance must be restored immediately  the safety of UN personnel and humanitarian partners must be guaranteed  and UN agencies must be allowed to work in full respect of humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

There must be no hindrance in humanitarian aid  including through the vital work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

We need the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. And we need a permanent ceasefire. It's time to stop the repeated displacement of the Gaza population  along with any question of forced displacement outside of Gaza. And the trampling of international law must end.

I call on Member States to use their leverage to ensure that international law is respected and impunity does not prevail. This includes for the 19 March incident for which Israel has now acknowledged responsibility in firing on a UN guesthouse, killing one colleague and injuring six others; the 23 March killing of paramedics and other rescue workers in Rafah; as well as many other cases. There must be accountability across the board.

Advisory proceedings are ongoing at the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel, as an occupying Power and a Member of the United Nations, in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

In February, the United Nations Legal Counsel submitted a written statement to the Court  and yesterday, she made an oral statement before the Court  both of which on my behalf. The statement to the Court includes points that I have made on a number of occasions. Specifically, that all parties to conflict must comply with all their obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

That Israel, as an occupying Power, is under an obligation to ensure food and medical supplies of the population. That Israel has an obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. That humanitarian, medical and United Nations personnel must be respected and protected.

And I emphasize the obligation under international law to respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel, including the absolute inviolability of United Nations premises, property and assets  and the immunity from legal process of the United Nations.

Such immunity applies to all UN entities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory  including UNRWA  a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly. I call on Member States to fully support all of these efforts.

In this period of turmoil and transition for the region, Member States must spell out how they will realize the commitment and promise of a two-State solution. This is not a time for ritualistically expressing support, ticking a box and moving on. We are past the stage of ticking boxes  the clock is ticking. The two-State solution is near a point of no return. The international community has a responsibility to prevent perpetual occupation and violence.

My call to Member States is clear and urgent: Take irreversible action towards implementing a two-State solution. Do not let extremists on any side undermine what remains of the peace process.

The High-Level Conference in June, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is an important opportunity to revitalize international support. I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-State solution before it is too late.

At the same time, the Palestinian Authority needs stepped-up and sustained support  politically and financially. This is crucial to ensure the continued viability of Palestinian institutions, consolidate ongoing reforms and enable the Palestinian Authority to resume its full responsibilities in Gaza.

At this hinge point of history for the people of the Middle East  and on this issue on which so much hinges  leaders must stand and deliver.

Show the political courage and exercise the political will to make good on this central question for peace for Palestinians, Israelis, the region and humanity.

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Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council - on the Middle East [as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

United Nations Secretary-General

New York

29 April 2025

Monsieur le President, Excellences,

Je remercie la presidence francaise d'organiser cette reunion au niveau ministeriel sur le Moyen-Orient, y compris la question palestinienne.

La region traverse des bouleversements fondamentaux, marques par la violence et la volatilite, mais egalement porteurs d'opportunites et de potentiel.

Au Liban, le cessez-le-feu et l'integrite territoriale doivent etre respectes et tous les engagements doivent etre mis en uvre.

En Syrie, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts pour accompagner le pays sur la voie d'une transition politique inclusive de toutes les composantes de la population syrienne - une transition qui garantisse la reddition de comptes, favorise la reconciliation nationale, et jette les bases du redressement a long terme de la Syrie ainsi que de son integration future au sein de la communaute internationale.

Cela inclut la situation dans le Golan syrien occupe, qui demeure precaire en raison de violations majeures de l'Accord de desengagement des forces de 1974 - notamment la presence continue des Forces de defense israeliennes dans la zone de separation, ainsi que leurs multiples frappes contre des sites au-dela de la ligne de cessez-le-feu.

A travers le Moyen-Orient, les populations reclament et meritent un avenir meilleur - et non des conflits et des souffrances sans fin.

Nous devons agir ensemble pour faire en sorte que cette periode de turbulences et de transition reponde a ces aspirations - et qu'elle apporte justice, dignite, droits, securite, et une paix durable.

Cela commence par la reconnaissance de deux faits fondamentaux :

Premierement, la region se trouve a un moment charniere de son histoire.

Et, deuxiemement, que toute paix vraiment durable au Moyen-Orient depend d'une question centrale.

Un element essentiel que ce Conseil de securite a affirme et reaffirme, annee apres annee, decennie apres decennie : une solution a deux Etats, Israel et la Palestine, vivant cote-a-cote dans la paix et la securite, avec Jerusalem comme capitale des deux Etats.

Mr. President,

Today, the promise of a two-State solution is at risk of dwindling to the point of disappearance.

The political commitment to this long-standing goal is farther than it has ever been.

As a result, the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live and peace and security have been undermined - and the legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinians have been denied - while they endure Israel's continued presence that the International Court of Justice has found unlawful.

And since the horrific 7 October terror attacks by Hamas, it has gotten worse on every front.

First, the unrelenting conflict and devastation in Gaza - including the utterly inhumane conditions of life imposed on its people who are repeatedly coming under attack, confined to smaller and smaller spaces, and deprived of lifesaving relief.

In line with international law, the Security Council has rejected any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce its territory.

Gaza is -- and must remain -- an integral part of a future Palestinian state.

Second, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations and the use of heavy weaponry in residential areas, forcible displacement, demolitions, movement restrictions, and settlement expansion are dramatically altering demographic and geographic realities.

Palestinians are being contained and coerced. Contained in areas that are subject to increasing military operations and where the Palestinian Authority is under growing pressure - and coerced out of areas where settlements are expanding.

Third, settler violence continues at alarmingly high levels in a climate of impunity, with entire Palestinian communities facing repeated assaults and destruction, sometimes abetted by Israeli soldiers.

Palestinian attacks against Israelis in both Israel and the occupied West Bank also continue.

Mr. President,

The world cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear.

Political leaders face clear choices -- the choice to be silent, the choice to acquiesce, or the choice to act.

Mr. President,

In Gaza, there is no end in sight to the killing and misery.

The ceasefire had brought a glimmer of hope - the long-sought release of hostages and delivery of lifesaving humanitarian relief.

But those embers of opportunity were cruelly extinguished with the shattering of the ceasefire on 18 March.

Since then, almost 2,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes and military operations - including women, children, journalists, and humanitarians.

Hamas also continues to fire rockets towards Israel indiscriminately - while the hostages continue to be held in appalling conditions.

The humanitarian situation throughout the Gaza Strip has gone from bad ... to worse ... to beyond imagination.

For nearly two full months, Israel has blocked food, fuel, medicine and commercial supplies, depriving more than two million people of lifesaving relief.

All while the world watches.

I am alarmed by statements by Israeli government officials about the use of humanitarian aid as a tool for military pressure.

Aid is non-negotiable.

Israel must protect civilians and must agree to relief schemes and facilitate them.

I salute the women and men of the United Nations and all other humanitarian workers - especially our Palestinian colleagues -- who continue to work under fire and in incomprehensibly difficult conditions.

And I mourn all of the women and men of the United Nations who were killed - including some with their families.

The entry of assistance must be restored immediately -- the safety of UN personnel and humanitarian partners must be guaranteed - and UN agencies must be allowed to work in full respect of humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

There must be no hindrance in humanitarian aid - including through the vital work of UNRWA.

We need the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

And we need a permanent ceasefire.

It's time to stop the repeated displacement of the Gaza population - along with any question of forced displacement outside of Gaza.

And the trampling of international law must end.

I call on Member States to use their leverage to ensure that international law is respected and impunity does not prevail.

This includes for the 19 March incident for which Israel has now acknowledged responsibility in firing on a UN guesthouse, killing one colleague and injuring six others ... the 23 March killing of paramedics and other rescue workers in Rafah ... as well as many other cases.

There must be accountability across the board.

Mr. President,

Advisory proceedings are ongoing at the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel, as an occupying Power and a Member of the United Nations, in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

In February, the United Nations Legal Counsel submitted a written statement to the Court - and yesterday, she made an oral statement before the Court - both of which on my behalf.

The statement to the Court includes points that I have made on a number of occasions.

Specifically, that all parties to conflict must comply with all their obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

That Israel, as an occupying Power, is under an obligation to ensure food and medical supplies of the population.

That Israel has an obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

That humanitarian, medical and United Nations personnel must be respected and protected.

And I emphasize the obligation under international law to respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel, including the absolute inviolability of United Nations premises, property and assets - and the immunity from legal process of the United Nations.

Such immunity applies to all UN entities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory - including UNRWA - a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly.

I call on Member States to fully support all of these efforts.

Mr. President,

In this period of turmoil and transition for the region, Member States must spell out how they will realize the commitment and promise of a two-State solution.

This is not a time for ritualistically expressing support, ticking a box, and moving on.

We are past the stage of ticking boxes - the clock is ticking.

The two-State solution is near a point of no return.

The international community has a responsibility to prevent perpetual occupation and violence.

My call to Member States is clear and urgent:

Take irreversible action towards implementing a two-State solution.

Do not let extremists on any side undermine what remains of the peace process.

The High-Level Conference in June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is an important opportunity to revitalize international support.

I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-State solution before it is too late.

At the same time, the Palestinian Authority needs stepped-up and sustained support - politically and financially. This is crucial to ensure the continued viability of Palestinian institutions, consolidate ongoing reforms, and enable the PA to resume its full responsibilities in Gaza.

Mr. President,

At this hinge point of history for the people of the Middle East - and on this issue on which so much hinges - leaders must stand and deliver.

Show the political courage and exercise the political will to make good on this central question for peace for Palestinians, Israelis, the region and humanity.

Thank you.

***

[all-English]

Mr. President, Excellencies,

I thank the French presidency for convening this ministerial-level meeting on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

The region is undergoing fundamental shifts, marked by violence and volatility but also opportunity and potential.

In Lebanon, the ceasefire and territorial integrity must be respected and all commitments implemented.

In Syria, we must keep working to support the country's path towards a political transition that is inclusive of all segments of the Syrian population - one that ensures accountability, fosters national healing, and lays the foundation for Syria's long-term recovery and further integration into the international community.

This includes the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan -- which remains precarious with significant violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, with the continued presence of the Israel Defense Forces into the area of separation and their several strikes targeting locations across the ceasefire line.

Across the Middle East, people demand and deserve a better future, not endless conflict and suffering.

We must collectively work to ensure that this turbulent and transitional period meets those aspirations -- and delivers justice, dignity, rights, security and lasting peace.

It starts by recognizing two fundamental facts:

First, that the region is at a hinge-point in history.

And, second, that truly sustainable Middle East peace hinges on one central question.

On a core issue that this Security Council has affirmed and re-affirmed decade after decade, year after year: a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

Mr. President,

Today, the promise of a two-State solution is at risk of dwindling to the point of disappearance.

The political commitment to this long-standing goal is farther than it has ever been.

As a result, the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live and peace and security have been undermined - and the legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinians have been denied - while they endure Israel's continued presence that the International Court of Justice has found unlawful.

And since the horrific 7 October terror attacks by Hamas, it has gotten worse on every front.

First, the unrelenting conflict and devastation in Gaza - including the utterly inhumane conditions of life imposed on its people who are repeatedly coming under attack, confined to smaller and smaller spaces, and deprived of lifesaving relief.

In line with international law, the Security Council has rejected any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce its territory.

Gaza is -- and must remain -- an integral part of a future Palestinian state.

Second, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations and the use of heavy weaponry in residential areas, forcible displacement, demolitions, movement restrictions, and settlement expansion are dramatically altering demographic and geographic realities.

Palestinians are being contained and coerced. Contained in areas that are subject to increasing military operations and where the Palestinian Authority is under growing pressure - and coerced out of areas where settlements are expanding.

Third, settler violence continues at alarmingly high levels in a climate of impunity, with entire Palestinian communities facing repeated assaults and destruction, sometimes abetted by Israeli soldiers.

Palestinian attacks against Israelis in both Israel and the occupied West Bank also continue.

Mr. President,

The world cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear.

Political leaders face clear choices -- the choice to be silent, the choice to acquiesce, or the choice to act.

Mr. President,

In Gaza, there is no end in sight to the killing and misery.

The ceasefire had brought a glimmer of hope - the long-sought release of hostages and delivery of lifesaving humanitarian relief.

But those embers of opportunity were cruelly extinguished with the shattering of the ceasefire on 18 March.

Since then, almost 2,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes and military operations - including women, children, journalists, and humanitarians.

Hamas also continues to fire rockets towards Israel indiscriminately - while the hostages continue to be held in appalling conditions.

The humanitarian situation throughout the Gaza Strip has gone from bad ... to worse ... to beyond imagination.

For nearly two full months, Israel has blocked food, fuel, medicine and commercial supplies, depriving more than two million people of lifesaving relief.

All while the world watches.

I am alarmed by statements by Israeli government officials about the use of humanitarian aid as a tool for military pressure.

Aid is non-negotiable.

Israel must protect civilians and must agree to relief schemes and facilitate them.

I salute the women and men of the United Nations and all other humanitarian workers - especially our Palestinian colleagues -- who continue to work under fire and in incomprehensibly difficult conditions.

And I mourn all of the women and men of the United Nations who were killed - including some with their families.

The entry of assistance must be restored immediately -- the safety of UN personnel and humanitarian partners must be guaranteed - and UN agencies must be allowed to work in full respect of humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

There must be no hindrance in humanitarian aid - including through the vital work of UNRWA.

We need the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

And we need a permanent ceasefire.

It's time to stop the repeated displacement of the Gaza population - along with any question of forced displacement outside of Gaza.

And the trampling of international law must end.

I call on Member States to use their leverage to ensure that international law is respected and impunity does not prevail.

This includes for the 19 March incident for which Israel has now acknowledged responsibility in firing on a UN guesthouse, killing one colleague and injuring six others ... the 23 March killing of paramedics and other rescue workers in Rafah ... as well as many other cases.

There must be accountability across the board.

Mr. President,

Advisory proceedings are ongoing at the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel, as an occupying Power and a Member of the United Nations, in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

In February, the United Nations Legal Counsel submitted a written statement to the Court - and yesterday, she made an oral statement before the Court - both of which on my behalf.

The statement to the Court includes points that I have made on a number of occasions.

Specifically, that all parties to conflict must comply with all their obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

That Israel, as an occupying Power, is under an obligation to ensure food and medical supplies of the population.

That Israel has an obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

That humanitarian, medical and United Nations personnel must be respected and protected.

And I emphasize the obligation under international law to respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel, including the absolute inviolability of United Nations premises, property and assets - and the immunity from legal process of the United Nations.

Such immunity applies to all UN entities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory - including UNRWA - a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly.

I call on Member States to fully support all of these efforts.

Mr. President,

In this period of turmoil and transition for the region, Member States must spell out how they will realize the commitment and promise of a two-State solution.

This is not a time for ritualistically expressing support, ticking a box, and moving on.

We are past the stage of ticking boxes - the clock is ticking.

The two-State solution is near a point of no return.

The international community has a responsibility to prevent perpetual occupation and violence.

My call to Member States is clear and urgent:

Take irreversible action towards implementing a two-State solution.

Do not let extremists on any side undermine what remains of the peace process.

The High-Level Conference in June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is an important opportunity to revitalize international support.

I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-State solution before it is too late.

At the same time, the Palestinian Authority needs stepped-up and sustained support - politically and financially. This is crucial to ensure the continued viability of Palestinian institutions, consolidate ongoing reforms, and enable the PA to resume its full responsibilities in Gaza.

Mr. President,

At this hinge point of history for the people of the Middle East - and on this issue on which so much hinges - leaders must stand and deliver.

Show the political courage and exercise the political will to make good on this central question for peace for Palestinians, Israelis, the region and humanity.

Thank you.

***

[all-French]

Monsieur le President, Excellences,

Je remercie la presidence francaise d'organiser cette reunion au niveau ministeriel sur le Moyen-Orient, y compris la question palestinienne.

La region traverse des bouleversements fondamentaux, marques par la violence et la volatilite, mais egalement porteurs d'opportunites et de potentiel.

Au Liban, le cessez-le-feu et l'integrite territoriale doivent etre respectes et tous les engagements doivent etre mis en uvre.

En Syrie, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts pour accompagner le pays sur la voie d'une transition politique inclusive de toutes les composantes de la population syrienne - une transition qui garantisse la reddition de comptes, favorise la reconciliation nationale, et jette les bases du redressement a long terme de la Syrie ainsi que de son integration future au sein de la communaute internationale.

Cela inclut la situation dans le Golan syrien occupe, qui demeure precaire en raison de violations majeures de l'Accord de desengagement des forces de 1974 - notamment la presence continue des Forces de defense israeliennes dans la zone de separation, ainsi que leurs multiples frappes contre des sites au-dela de la ligne de cessez-le-feu.

A travers le Moyen-Orient, les populations reclament et meritent un avenir meilleur - et non des conflits et des souffrances sans fin.

Nous devons agir ensemble pour faire en sorte que cette periode de turbulences et de transition reponde a ces aspirations - et qu'elle apporte justice, dignite, droits, securite, et une paix durable.

Cela commence par la reconnaissance de deux faits fondamentaux :

Premierement, la region se trouve a un moment charniere de son histoire.

Et, deuxiemement, que toute paix vraiment durable au Moyen-Orient depend d'une question centrale.

Un element essentiel que ce Conseil de securite a affirme et reaffirme, annee apres annee, decennie apres decennie : une solution a deux Etats, Israel et la Palestine, vivant cote-a-cote dans la paix et la securite, avec Jerusalem comme capitale des deux Etats.

Monsieur le President,

Aujourd'hui, la promesse de la solution des deux Etats court le risque de s'effilocher au point de disparaitre.

L'engagement politique en faveur de cet objectif de longue date n'a jamais ete aussi tenu.

De ce fait, les droits des Israeliens et des Palestiniens de vivre en paix et securite ont ete mis a mal - et les aspirations nationales legitimes des Palestiniens ont ete niees - alors qu'ils continuent de subir une presence israelienne que la Cour internationale de justice a jugee illicite.

Depuis les effroyables attaques terroristes perpetrees par le Hamas le 7 octobre, la situation s'est aggravee sur tous les fronts.

Premierement, avec le conflit incessant et la devastation que subit la bande de Gaza : les conditions de vie sont absolument inhumaines, les habitants sont la cible d'attaques a repetition et sont confines dans des espaces de plus en plus reduits et prives d'une aide vitale.

S'appuyant sur le droit international, le Conseil de securite a rejete toute tentative de changement demographique ou territorial dans la bande de Gaza, y compris tout acte visant a reduire le territoire.

Gaza fait partie integrante d'un futur Etat palestinien et doit le rester.

Deuxiemement, en Cisjordanie occupee, y compris Jerusalem-Est, les operations militaires israeliennes et l'emploi d'armes lourdes dans des zones residentielles, les deplacements forces, les demolitions, les restrictions de circulation et l'expansion des colonies transforment radicalement les realites demographiques et geographiques.

Les Palestiniens sont cantonnes dans certains endroits et contraints d'en quitter d'autres. Ils sont cantonnes dans des zones ou les operations militaires se multiplient et ou l'Autorite palestinienne est soumise a des pressions croissantes, et contraints de quitter les zones ou les colons etendent leur emprise.

Troisiemement, la violence exercee par les colons se poursuit dans un climat d'impunite, parfois avec la complicite de soldats israeliens, et atteint des niveaux alarmants : des communautes palestiniennes tout entieres sont agressees et victimes de destructions a repetition.

Les attaques menees par des Palestiniens contre des Israeliens en Israel et en Cisjordanie occupee se poursuivent egalement.

Monsieur le President,

Le monde ne peut pas se permettre de voir la solution des deux Etats s'evanouir.

Les dirigeants politiques ont le choix : se taire, acquiescer ou agir.

Monsieur le President,

A Gaza, rien ne laisse entrevoir la fin de la tuerie et des souffrances.

Le cessez-le-feu avait apporte une lueur d'espoir : la liberation des otages, tant attendue, et l'acheminement d'une aide humanitaire vitale.

Helas, cette lueur d'espoir s'est eteinte avec la rupture du cessez-le-feu le 18 mars.

Depuis, les frappes et les operations militaires israeliennes ont fait pres de 2000 morts parmi les Palestiniens dans la bande de Gaza, y compris des femmes, des enfants, des journalistes et du personnel humanitaire.

Le Hamas continue egalement de tirer des roquettes sur Israel sans discernement - tandis que les otages sont toujours detenus dans des conditions epouvantables.

Deja mauvaise, la situation humanitaire dans la bande de Gaza n'a fait qu'empirer et depasse aujourd'hui l'entendement.

Depuis pres de deux mois, Israel bloque les livraisons de nourriture, de carburant, de medicaments et de marchandises, privant ainsi plus de deux millions de personnes d'une aide vitale.

Et ce, au vu et au su du monde entier.

Je suis alarme par les declarations de representants d'Israel concernant l'utilisation de l'aide humanitaire comme moyen de pression militaire.

L'aide humanitaire n'est pas negociable.

Israel est tenu de proteger les civils ; il doit accepter les programmes d'aide et en faciliter l'execution.

Je rends hommage au personnel des Nations Unies, femmes et hommes, ainsi qu'a tous les autres agents humanitaires, en particulier a nos collegues palestiniens, qui continuent a travailler malgre les frappes et dans des conditions inouies.

Et je pleure toutes les femmes et tous les hommes des Nations Unies qui ont ete tues - y compris certains avec leurs familles.

L'acheminement de l'aide doit etre retabli immediatement, la securite du personnel des Nations Unies et des partenaires humanitaires doit etre garantie et les entites des Nations Unies doivent pouvoir travailler dans le plein respect des principes humanitaires : humanite, impartialite, neutralite et independance.

Il ne doit y avoir aucune entrave a l'aide humanitaire, notamment au travail vital que fait l'UNRWA.

Il faut que tous les otages soient liberes immediatement et sans conditions.

Et il faut un cessez-le-feu permanent.

Il est temps de mettre un terme aux deplacements repetes de la population de Gaza, ainsi qu'a la question des deplacements forces en dehors de Gaza.

Et il faut cesser de bafouer le droit international.

J'engage tous les Etats Membres a user de leur influence pour que le droit international soit respecte et que l'impunite ne l'emporte pas.

Je veux parler notamment de la frappe du 19 mars contre une residence des Nations Unies, qui a fait un mort et six blesses parmi nos collegues et pour laquelle Israel a desormais reconnu sa responsabilite ... de l'attaque du 23 mars, dans laquelle du personnel paramedical et d'autres secouristes ont trouve la mort a Rafah ... et de bien d'autres encore.

Aucun acte ne saurait rester impuni.

Monsieur le President,

Une procedure consultative a ete engagee a la Cour internationale de Justice sur les obligations d'Israel, Puissance occupante et membre de l'ONU, en ce qui concerne la presence et les activites des entites des Nations Unies dans le Territoire palestinien occupe et en lien avec celui-ci.

En fevrier, la Conseillere juridique de l'ONU a soumis en mon nom une declaration ecrite a la Cour, et hier, elle a fait une declaration orale devant la Cour, egalement en mon nom.

Cette declaration reprend des points que j'ai souleves a plusieurs reprises.

En particulier, le fait que toutes les parties au conflit sont tenues de s'acquitter des obligations que leur impose le droit international, y compris le droit international humanitaire et le droit international des droits humains.

Qu'Israel, Puissance occupante, est tenu d'assurer l'approvisionnement de la population en produits alimentaires et fournitures medicales.

Qu'il est tenu d'accepter les programmes d'aide et d'en faciliter l'execution dans le Territoire palestinien occupe.

Que le personnel humanitaire et medical, ainsi que le personnel des Nations Unies, doit etre respecte et protege.

Je tiens a insister sur l'obligation faite en droit international de respecter les privileges et immunites des Nations Unies et de leur personnel, y compris l'inviolabilite absolue des locaux, des biens et des avoirs des Nations Unies, ainsi que l'immunite de juridiction des Nations Unies.

Cette immunite s'applique a toutes les entites des Nations Unies dans le Territoire palestinien occupe, y compris l'UNRWA, organe subsidiaire de l'Assemblee generale.

J'engage les Etats Membres a soutenir tous ces efforts.

Monsieur le President,

En cette periode de tourmente et de transition pour la region, les Etats Membres doivent enoncer clairement comment ils concretiseront l'engagement qu'ils ont pris et la promesse qu'ils ont faite quant a la solution des deux Etats.

Ce n'est pas le moment d'exprimer rituellement son soutien, de cocher une case et de passer a autre chose.

Nous avons depasse le stade des cases a cocher : le temps presse.

Pour la solution des deux Etats, le glas a presque sonne.

La communaute internationale a la responsabilite d'empecher l'occupation et la violence perpetuelles.

L'appel que je leur lance est urgent et sans equivoque :

Prenez des mesures irreversibles pour concretiser la solution des deux Etats.

Ne laissez pas les extremistes de tout bord saper ce qu'il reste du processus de paix.

La Conference de haut niveau qui se tiendra en juin, co-presidee par la France et le Royaume d'Arabie saoudite, est une veritable occasion de revitaliser le soutien international.

J'encourage les Etats membres a aller au-dela des affirmations et a reflechir de maniere creative aux mesures concretes qu'ils prendront pour soutenir une solution viable a deux Etats avant qu'il ne soit trop tard.

J'encourage les Etats Membres a traduire les paroles en actes et a reflechir de maniere creative pour determiner les mesures concretes qu'ils prendront pour soutenir une solution viable de deux Etats - avant qu'il ne soit trop tard.

Parallelement, l'Autorite palestinienne a besoin d'un soutien accru et durable, tant sur le plan politique que financierement parlant. C'est une condition essentielle pour garantir la viabilite des institutions palestiniennes, asseoir les reformes engagees et permettre a l'Autorite palestinienne d'exercer de nouveau toutes ses responsabilites dans la bande de Gaza.

Monsieur le President,

A ce moment charniere de l'histoire pour les peuples du Moyen-Orient - et vis-a-vis de cette question dont dependent tant de choses - les dirigeants doivent concretiser leur promesse.

Faites preuve de courage et de volonte politiques, tenez vos engagements vis-a-vis de cette question centrale pour la paix : pour les Palestiniens, les Israeliens, la region et l'humanite tout entiere.

Je vous remercie.

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San Jose Engineer Pleads Guilty to Bombings of PG&E Transformers, Causing Property Damage and Widespread Power Outages

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Peter Karasev, 38, a U.S. citizen residing in San Jose, pleaded guilty in the Northern District of California today to federal charges related to two separate bombings of PG&E electrical transformers in late 2022 and early 2023.

Karasev was indicted on Oct. 19, 2023, and pleaded guilty today to two counts of willful destruction of an energy facility. According to the plea agreement, Karasev admitted that on Dec. 8, 2022, and Jan. 5, 2023, he willfully damaged energy facilities involved in the production, storage, transmission, and distribution of electricity. In both attacks, Karasev used homemade explosive devices to cause significant destruction and widespread power outages in the San Jose area.

"Attacks on America's critical infrastructure are attacks targeting the heart of our nation's security. They will be treated like the grave threat they are to our country," said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department's National Security Division. "With today's guilty plea, the defendant admitted to putting thousands of lives and businesses at risk and endangering essential services for countless more. The Justice Department will not rest until we disrupt and hold accountable those participating in these dangerous attacks."

"The defendant admitted to using homemade explosives to intentionally damage two electrical transformers and cause significant disruptions to more than 1,500 residences and businesses in San Jose. The search of his home following his arrest uncovered a staggering trove of explosive devices and hazardous chemicals. There can be no mistake as to the extent of destruction that could have resulted," said Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins for the Northern District of California. "We applaud the swift work of law enforcement officers to investigate these threats to critical infrastructure, bring the defendant to justice, and prevent further harm to the residents of San Jose."

"With today's guilty plea, Karasev admits to using explosives to attack two electrical facilities which resulted in power outages to numerous homes and businesses in the San Jose area," said Assistant Director David J. Scott of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division. "Americans rely on essential infrastructure as they go about their daily lives. The FBI works with our partners to protect that infrastructure, and we will hold accountable anyone who seeks to damage it."

The first attack, which occurred near the Westfield Oakridge Mall, resulted in the destruction of a PG&E transformer and left more than 1,450 customers without power for nearly 16 hours. The second attack, carried out near Plaza Del Rey shopping center, caused further destruction, damaging a transformer and adjacent building, and interrupted power to dozens more residents and businesses.

In connection with his plea, Karasev admitted that the attacks were premeditated and deliberate. He conducted extensive internet searches regarding explosive materials, infrastructure attacks, and geopolitical conflicts. Upon his arrest on March 1, 2023, law enforcement agents discovered multiple homemade explosive devices, over 300 pounds of explosive precursor materials, hazardous chemicals, firearms, and remote detonation devices in his home, vehicle, and office.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Karasev faces a stipulated sentence of between 102 and 126 months (approximately 8.5 to 10.5 years) in federal prison. He also agreed to pay restitution of no less than $104,076.26 for the damages caused. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 19.

The FBI and the San Jose Police Department are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne C. Hsieh for the Northern District of California and Trial Attorney Jacob Warren of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

Topic: Domestic Terrorism

Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - California, Northern

Press Release Number: 25-441

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ADV Reliant bolsters Pacific partners

Issued by Defence Media

29 April 2025

Australia's Pacific Support Vessel, Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant, has departed Darwin on its second deployment of 2025, responding to needs and requests made by our Pacific partners.

ADV Reliant and her crew, including a Royal Australian Navy liaison officer, will spend the next three months visiting Pacific island countries delivering vital stores and equipment as part of Australia's ongoing commitment to the region.

During the deployment, ADV Reliant will deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster relief stores to Fiji and protective equipment to His Majesty's Armed Forces of Tonga to support their contribution to Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025.

ADV Reliant is deployed for up to 300 days a year utilising a multi-crew system to provide vital support such as search and rescue, maritime surveillance, transport of essential cargo, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, RAN said ADV Reliant supports the combined response by Australia and Pacific island countries to regional challenges.

"We recognise our region experiences concurrent threats and disasters, having impacts on multiple nations at various scales of severity," he said.

"The Pacific family is best placed to respond to the needs of our region."

"The Pacific has a proud record of working together across common security concerns, which will continue long into the future," Vice Admiral Jones said.

ADV Reliant will also deliver essential spares and stores to Fiji, Tonga and Tuvalu needed to support the operation of their Guardian-Class Patrol Boats delivered through the Pacific Maritime Security Program.

ADV Reliant's previous deployment saw the delivery of firetrucks to Kiribati, emergency service supplies and infrastructure support to Tonga, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief stores to Solomon Islands.

During earlier deployments, the ADV Reliant has also conducted hydrographic survey taskings to support safe navigation in vicinity of Pacific island ports.

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Soldiers test their eyes in the sky

By Captain Tadek Markowski

29 April 2025

The ADF's Tactical Uncrewed Aerial Systems (TUAS) program came into sharp focus during Exercise Chimera Walk at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area recently.

The 20th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, launched, flew and recovered their newest uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), the Integrator, in round-the-clock operations.

It was the first time the Brisbane-based regiment's three flying batteries (131, 132 and 133), Combat Service Support (CSS) Battery and Operational Support Battery had field-tested the new aircraft.

Live flight trials at the Army Aviation Training Centre, Oakey, and hours of simulator flight training preceded the regiment's first 'shake-out' exercise of the year, which focused on getting experience with the Integrator's systems, flight characteristics and support equipment.

Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Marc Plant, of Army's Aviation Command, said the two-week exercise was important "hands-on" training.

"It's an opportunity to build familiarity with the equipment as well as applying a tactical scenario to support how the Integrator is used with the protected mobility vehicles [PMVs]," WO2 Plant said.

"20th Regiment has two UAS capability bricks, each comprising three aircraft, a trailer-mounted launcher and 'skyhook' recovery system, with Bushmaster PMVs used as ground control platforms."

By the end of the year, the unit is expected to take delivery of additional Integrators, enabling two capability bricks per flying battery.

The Integrators are being delivered by Insitu Pacific Ltd, and are being assembled at a Brisbane factory using several components designed and built in Australia, including an advanced camera gimbal.

The UAS form part of Project DEF 129, designed to enhance situational awareness and increase force protection across maritime and land military operations.

Launched via catapult and caught using a vertical arrest cable, the Integrator and its support systems are readily deployable by road, air and sea - an essential requirement for supporting Army's littoral-manoeuvre fighting force.

With its day/night cameras and potential for modular payload sensor suites, it provides Defence with enhanced intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance capabilities.

Intelligence gathered during Integrator missions can be shared with land and maritime strike capabilities, including Army's new long-range artillery and rocket systems.

20th Regiment UAS operator, Gunner Jake McKean, said lessons from modern conflicts demonstrated why drone technology and capability was becoming one of the fastest growing areas within Defence.

"It's an evolving capability, so it's at the forefront of technology in the Australian Army," Gunner McKean said.

"We're a really valuable asset to the entire Defence Force. We are the first eyes on target."

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Meeting with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko

Vladimir Putin had a bilateral meeting with President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in Volgograd.

April 29, 2025

17:40

Volgograd

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Lukashenko,

Thank you once again for marking glorious Victory with us here on the hallowed Stalingrad land in Volgograd. We look forward to seeing you in Moscow on May 9, the day of the main celebrations. I am aware that you have decided on your ceremonial unit marching on Red Square on that day as well. Thank you very much.

Of course, as usual, we have an opportunity to discuss, formally and informally, current affairs, which are many. Suffice it to say that in trade and economic ties alone we have achieved, to put it bluntly, an outstanding result of over $50 billion in trade. According to your statistical data, the figure is even a little bit larger: according to ours it is slightly over 50, about 51. According to Belarusian data, it is slightly over 51.

Without a doubt, we will need to discuss matters of industrial cooperation. We agreed to expand it through joint work in the aircraft construction, the aircraft industry, among other things. I would like to inform you about our proposals. We are ready to lay down a plant and an appropriate laboratory for unmanned aerial vehicles in conjunction with your specialists. This is crucial primarily for the economy and logistics.

We have earlier agreements regarding aircraft construction; we managed to preserve a portion of the aviation industry. There are things to work on in this department as well including a small airplane, cooperation on medium-range airplanes, and so on.

We will discuss other areas as well. Our respective governments are working on these issues all the time. You and I are aware of what our colleagues are discussing. So, I am very pleased to see you.

Welcome again.

President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko: Mr Putin, thank you for the opportunity, especially for the opportunity to visit new places, not only the ones I have been to before. I mentioned earlier to you that I was in Stalingrad, Volgograd, in Soviet times and later when I became President. It is an impressive location, and I am overwhelmed each time I come here. It is, indeed, very intense.

I studied history in my own time, and I know the kinds of battles that unfolded here. Every time I come here - I am an adult person - but when I stand next to this monument - you and I were inside, too - I get awestruck. It is a feeling that I cannot express. That is why I am grateful to you for inviting me here, and here I am again, on our sacred land, where Belarusians and Russians, and all the peoples of the Soviet Union, fought to death.

You have rightly said that we have a good tradition to encourage our respective governments, and to set a trend in our relations, and to also resolve some issues that do not get resolved by the governments - we meet regularly. Thank you for us having frequent telephone conversations to discuss urgent matters. We have a common understanding of the entire development process, and our respective international agendas overlap. There is no need to say anything about it; we are not hiding anything, and there is no duplicity or artifice about it.

A major holiday is lying ahead. I forgot to mention during my speech [at the forum]: some of our comrades, in Russia as well, we have St George ribbons, memory and so on... That is owing to you, by the way, when you spearheaded the Immortal Regiment march, we followed this path in Belarus as well. However, in parallel with St George ribbons, our young people initiated the Belarus Remembers drive, which is our version of Immortal Regiment. No one bans anybody from wearing St George ribbons. I asked about its history. I suggest that you ask your historians to provide you with information about the St George ribbon. We do not deny it, but the history of the St George ribbon is somewhat special.

The symbol of the drive includes the colours of - many people reproach us for that - the Soviet flag, but we decided this by the referendum. The Belarus Remembers drive is similar to your Immortal Regiment drive - the very first one, in which you participated. I do not see anything wrong with that: some people prefer St George's ribbon, others Belarus Remembers symbol. These badges go together, and no one is pushing their own agenda wearing them. But still there are people out there who must make a fuss about it.

So, do not pay attention to it. We share the same idea. You are aware of our ideas, and we are aware of Russia's ideas. We are one Fatherland. I say that from Brest to Vladivostok, we are one Fatherland. It was not our choice to have two countries. And we must do everything to make our relations within this Fatherland even closer than in a unitary state. You and I have done a lot in this regard.

I am confident that our children and future generations will appreciate what we are painstakingly working on now. It is not an easy feat for us, because we are being attacked left and right. All our decisions are aimed at ensuring unity of our peoples. This is very important on the eve of this bright date. So, thank you for this opportunity.

Let no one be surprised that we meet often. We are not leaving anyone out. We are ready to welcome anyone. Mr Emomali Rahmon agreed to come to our village in March. We welcomed him and sat down to discuss general issues. So, why hold anything against us, or envy us? Come, we will talk and build relations.

Thank you again for these bright days and for the invitation to attend the parade. We could not stay away. You are aware that we first go to Red Square, and then we hold the parade in Belarus. Two states, two Presidents are committed to this. We are not crowding each other, nor are we bored. We are doing our job. Anyone is welcome to join us.

Vladimir Putin: Mr Lukashenko, I am not sure what you meant saying what you said about the St George's ribbon, but I think I know what it might be about. I fully agree with you: symbols can be slightly different. The important thing is what stands behind these symbols.

Alexander Lukashenko: The deep meaning.

Vladimir Putin: These symbols are about our common history, our present and our common future. Thank you very much for your stance.

<...>

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Canada should 'never forget' US betrayal; old relations 'over', says new PM after victory

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 8:22 AM

Canada's newly-elected Prime Minister Mark Carney has delivered a strong message to the United States, stating that Ottawa should "never forget the lessons" of Washington's "betrayal" that has adversely affected the two countries' trade ties.

Carney made the remarks on Tuesday after his Liberal Party won control of the parliament amidst growing tensions with US President Donald Trump's administration over trade policies.

"We will win this trade war," Carney told cheering supporters in Ottawa, warning of "challenging" days ahead due to Trump's tariffs and annexation threats.

"We are over the shock of the American betrayal, but we should never forget the lessons," Carney said.

The Liberal Party secured a victory in Canada's election, but fell short of the majority government Carney had hoped for, winning 167 seats -- still short of the 172 needed to govern without support from smaller parties. The Conservative Party followed with 145 seats, with votes still being counted.

Carney made it clear in his victory speech that the traditional relationship between Canada and the US had changed. "Our old relationship with the United States, a relationship based on steadily increasing integration, is over," he said.

"The system of open global trade anchored by the United States, a system that Canada has relied on since the Second World War, is over," he again asserted.

"These are tragedies, but it's also our new reality," Carney added, acknowledging the hard road ahead, which he says would require sacrifices from Canadians.

Tensions between the countries have been escalating, especially after the US imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian-made automobiles.

US tariffs, particularly the increase that has affected Canadian-made cars, have significantly impacted Canada's economy, with many inside the country seeing these actions as an affront to their nation's sovereignty.

Carney's victory is, among other things, attributed to the fallout from Trump's aggressive trade measures, which have become a major issue in the Canadian election. The tariffs, especially on aluminum and steel, sparked a wave of patriotism, leading to a shift in voter sentiment.

Many Canadians, especially those in smaller parties such as the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the separatist Bloc Quebecois, rallied behind Carney's leadership as the prime minister with the strength to handle Trump's trade war.

'America can never own us'

The tension resulting from Washington's confrontational trade approach has added up to other instances of strain in the bilateral ties that have resulted from more cases of controversial attitude on the part of the American administration, including threats of making Canada the US' 51st state.

Carney, however, underscored, "America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country," adding, "These are not idle threats. President Trump is trying to break us so America can own us. That will never ever happen."

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Xinjiang conducts joint armed exercise on counterterrorism, deterrence

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 29, 2025 11:56 AM

To implement the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC)'s deployment for advancing the counterterrorism and stability maintenance efforts in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region under the rule of law and in a normalized manner, Xinjiang on Monday conducted the joint armed exercise "Counterterrorism Deterrence-2025" in the Ili River Valley, Xinjiang Daily reported on Tuesday.

The exercise aimed to strengthen armed deterrence, enhance combat readiness, and fully demonstrated Xinjiang's resolve to consolidate border defense and lawfully combat violent terrorist activities, resolutely safeguarding national political security and social stability in Xinjiang, the news report said.

The 4,000-strong task force consisted of military, armed police, border inspection, public security, and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps personnel, supported by mobilized drones, armored vehicles, assault vehicles, and other equipment.

The exercise included operations such as joint border reconnaissance and apprehension, port interception of cross-border infiltration, urban residential area lockdown and capture, border interdiction of illegal crossings, and mountainous area search-and-destroy missions, all of which were successfully completed.

The exercise was meticulously organized and efficiently executed with strong coordination. It comprehensively tested the participating forces' capabilities in emergency command, intelligence gathering, perimeter control, apprehension operations, rapid reinforcement, and civil-military coordination, further enhancing Xinjiang's operational proficiency in combating violent terrorism and resolutely maintaining long-term stability and security.

Ma Xingrui, secretary of the Xinjiang regional committee of the CPC, fully affirmed the exercise's results. He emphasized the need to recognize Xinjiang's critical role in safeguarding national security, always prioritizing social stability while better balancing development and security, as well as openness and security, to build a strategic barrier for national geopolitical security, according to Xinjiang Daily.

Ma stressed maintaining relentless pressure on the "three forces" through lawful and stringent measures, continuously improving counterterrorism and stability maintenance mechanisms under the rule of law, and enhancing capabilities in early warning, preemptive judgment, and rapid response. Additionally, he called for vigilance against imported terrorist threats, strengthened port management, and reinforced border controls to safeguard frontier security, Xinjiang Daily reported.

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Compromise, backing down will only embolden bully: Chinese Foreign Minister

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 29, 2025 10:16 AM

In elaborating on China's position on upholding multilateralism and safeguarding multilateral trade rules at the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs on Monday local time in Rio de Janeiro, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said multilateralism is the cornerstone of the international order established after World War II, and solidarity and cooperation represent the greatest common ground of the international community.

Certain countries have developed a seriously distorted perception of the world. The US is vigorously pursuing unilateralism and prioritizing its own interests above the common good of the international community. Although the current international system has underpinned global stability and prosperity, the US, as its greatest beneficiary, is now moving against it, Wang said.

We are witnessing a blatant return to the law of the jungle, where coercion and bullying are no longer disguised, and the very foundations of international relations are under sustained threat, Wang said.

Wang emphasized that safeguarding multilateral trade rules is the most urgent task at present. The essence of trade lies in complementary advantages and mutual benefit, not in calculations of who wins or loses, and certainly not as a tool for serving selfish interests.

The US has long reaped enormous benefits from free trade, yet it now wields tariffs as a bargaining chip to make exorbitant demands on other countries. If we choose to remain silent or to compromise and back down, it will only embolden the bully, Wang noted.

BRICS countries should jointly oppose all forms of protectionism, firmly uphold a rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, defend its core values and fundamental principles, and promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade, Wang said.

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Xi visits New Development Bank, hails broader BRICS cooperation for 'entering a stage of high-quality development'

Global Times

Close coordination within Global South plays a critical role in resisting protectionism, hegemony: expert

By Wang Qi and Chen Qingqing Published: Apr 29, 2025 11:42 PM

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday visited the New Development Bank (NDB) in Shanghai and met with Dilma Rousseff, president of the institution, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Xi congratulated Rousseff on her reelection as president of the NDB, and noted that the bank is the world's first multilateral development institution established and led by emerging markets and developing countries. Xi called the bank "a pioneering initiative for the unity and self-improvement of the Global South," and said that it conforms to the historical trend of reforming and improving global governance.

Established in 2015, NDB is a multilateral development bank established by BRICS countries with the purpose of mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging markets and developing countries.

Xi stressed that broader BRICS cooperation has entered a stage of high-quality development, and that the bank is set to embark on its second golden decade of high-quality development. The Chinese leader called on the bank to consider the development needs of the Global South, and to provide more high-quality, low-cost and sustainable infrastructure financing, according to Xinhua.

The bank needs to improve its management and operations, implement more technology and green finance projects, and help developing countries bridge the digital divide and accelerate green and low-carbon transformation, Xi said.

In discussions on the reform of international financial architecture, the bank should amplify the voice of the Global South, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South, and support the countries of the Global South in their pursuit of modernization, he said.

China is also willing to share its development experience through the bank with other member countries, and stands ready to provide more international public goods, Xi said.

Rousseff expressed her gratitude to China for its long-term strong support for the growth and expansion of the NDB, according to Xinhua.

Despite the volatile situation in today's world, the Chinese government has resolutely stood up for the interests of the Global South, supported multilateralism, defended international fairness and justice, and promoted the construction of a community with a shared future for all, setting an example for the international community, she added.

Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times that NDB serves as a core mechanism for fostering unity among BRICS members and Global South countries on the economic and financial fronts.

By promoting a stronger and more resilient foundation of shared interests, the NDB plays a constructive role in nurturing a collective consciousness of a shared human destiny, inspiring meaningful actions to advance this vision, Li said.

The greater BRICS and Global South countries play a critical role in safeguarding the global multilateral free trade framework, Li added. "Their close coordination and collaboration generate strong unity and cohesion, effectively countering the protectionism, unilateralism, and hegemony of a certain country."

This cooperation provides a powerful guarantee for strengthening and sustaining the health and vitality of the current WTO-centered multilateral free trade mechanism, Li added.

For open, sustainable development

Noting that the Global South countries have risen collectively into an important force in maintaining world peace, promoting common development and improving global governance, Xi said no matter how the international situation changes, the general course of human development and progress will not alter, Xinhua reported.

China has achieved its development through self-reliance and hard work. It will firmly safeguard its own legitimate rights and interests, as well as the common interests of the international community, Xi noted.

Noting that unilateralism and protectionism have been eroding the authority of international law and undermining the stability of industrial and supply chains, Rousseff said the New Development Bank will remain true to its original aspiration, take active measures, and contribute to promoting the development of developing and emerging-market countries.

Ahead of the Chinese leader's NDB visit and sending a clear signal of strengthening the greater BRICS cooperation and safeguarding Global South's common interests, foreign ministers from the BRICS countries called for bolstering multilateralism and inclusiveness, and promoting the establishment of a more just and reasonable international order, as they met in Rio de Janeiro.

Chaired by the Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting convened its first-stage meeting on Monday local time. During the meeting, Viera said that the BRICS bloc of emerging economies is a paramount example of multilateralism. He said BRICS is not "against any bloc or any country," but instead in favor of unity and development for Global South countries, according to Xinhua.

During the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that BRICS countries should take the lead as a positive force on the international stage to serve as a pillar of peace and development.

During the meeting, other participants expressed support for China's series of global initiatives, agreeing that BRICS countries should oppose power politics and double standards, safeguard the legitimate rights of BRICS members and common interests of the Global South, work toward building a more just and equitable international order, and promote open, inclusive and sustainable development, according to Xinhua.

Wang Youming, director of the Institute of Developing Countries at the China Institute of International Studies in Beijing, said that the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting  the first to be held after the inclusion of the bloc's new partner countries - comes at a pivotal moment as BRICS cooperation enters a new phase.

"It is evident that BRICS collaboration is evolving in a more comprehensive and multi-layered manner," Wang noted, adding that the meeting is expected to play a constructive role in strengthening Global South cooperation and improving global governance mechanisms, with 2025 marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.

The BRICS foreign ministers meeting came at a critical moment for economic recovery. The International Monetary Fund has recently slashed growth forecasts due to the impact of the US-launched global tariff war, according to the AFP.

During the BRICS foreign ministers meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed China's commitment to upholding multilateralism and multilateral trade rules.

Wang believes it is imperative to uphold multilateral trade rules. He urged BRICS countries to jointly oppose all forms of protectionism and firmly uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, according to Xinhua.

The Chinese foreign minister criticized the US for pursuing unilateralism and prioritizing its own country, placing its own interests above international public interests. If one chooses to stay silent and compromise, it will only embolden the bullies to push further, Wang warned.

Citing Brazil's BRICS representative Mauricio Lyrio, the AFP reported that ministers are negotiating a declaration aimed at reaffirming the centrality and importance of the multilateral trading system.

More countries in the world are taking concrete actions and expressing a collective will to uphold the WTO-centered multilateral trading system and the principles of free trade, while pushing back against deglobalization and the arbitrary imposition of tariffs by a certain country, said Li Haidong.

According to the expert, China's positions stand firmly with the common interests of the vast majority of countries and align with the broader trend of constructing a more balanced international economic system. The BRICS stance of strengthening international coordination and cooperation serves as a powerful counterbalance to forces that weaponize tariffs and seek to undermine the established global trading order.

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China gives Thailand high priority in neighborhood diplomacy: Chinese FM

Global Times

By Xinhua Published: Apr 29, 2025 02:28 PM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that China always gives China-Thailand relations high priority in neighborhood diplomacy.

Wang made the remarks when meeting with his Thai counterpart, Maris Sangiampongsa.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China is ready to work together with Thailand to deepen practical cooperation across various fields and bring more certainty to regional peace and stability.

China welcomes Thailand's participation as a BRICS partner country and supports its full engagement in BRICS cooperation, he added.

For his part, Maris said that Chinese modernization will bring huge opportunities for his country and that Thailand hopes to join the BRICS family, strengthen Global South cooperation and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

Both sides agreed to accelerate the construction of the China-Thailand railway, continue international cooperation on giant panda, resolutely crack down on telecom fraud and other cross-border crimes and advance the construction of the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area.

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Compromise will only embolden the bully: Chinese FM

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 11:05, April 29, 2025

RIO DE JANEIRO, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday reaffirmed China's commitment to upholding multilateralism and multilateral trade rules.

The United States pursues unilateralism and prioritizes its own country, placing its own interests above international public interests, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, during BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

Wang regards it imperative to uphold multilateral trade rules.

Having long reaped enormous benefits from free trade, the United States is now using tariffs as leverage to extort exorbitant demands from other nations, he said.

If one chooses to stay silent and compromise, it will only embolden the bullies to push further, Wang warned.

He urged BRICS countries to jointly oppose all forms of protectionism and firmly uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on April 29, 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 29, 2025 19:01

AFP: Canada's Liberal Party led by Mark Carney won the election. What is China's reaction to his victory? How does China view the future of China-Canada ties?

Guo Jiakun: China noted relevant report. China's position on its relations with Canada is consistent and clear. China stands ready to grow its relations with Canada on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

Kyodo News: When talking with the Chinese side in Beijing during their recent visit to China, the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians' Union expressed their hope that China will lease giant pandas to Japan again. What's China's comment?

Guo Jiakun: Giant pandas living in Japan are loved by people there. When giant panda Xiang Xiang was about to return to China in 2023, many locals, reluctant to see Xiang Xiang leave, waited in long lines to say goodbye to her. Over the years, China and Japan have achieved good results in giant panda breeding, scientific research, technical exchanges and raising public awareness. We welcome Japan's continuous interest in international cooperation on giant panda conservation and support for China's giant panda conservation endeavor to jointly protect this special species. As far as I know, the two countries maintain close communication on relevant cooperation.

China News Service: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Today marks the 28th anniversary of the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Japan's abandoned chemical weapons (ACWs) in China are vital testaments to the crimes committed by Japanese militarists to the Chinese people, and the disposal of the ACWs is an important work under the CWC. Could you elaborate on the process of this endeavor? What are China's concerns on this?

Guo Jiakun: The Japanese army's abandoned chemical weapons (ACWs) mark one of the gravest crimes committed by the Japanese militarist aggressors during the war of aggression against China. Eighty years have passed since the end of the war, yet the Japanese ACWs are still threatening and even jeopardizing the safety of people's life and property and the environment of relevant regions in China. To remove the hazardous ACWs is Japan's unshirkable historical, political and legal responsibility. It is also an international obligation stipulated by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). With China's active assistance, Japan so far has excavated and retrieved about 150,000 ACWs and destroyed about 120,000. However, the disposal process is still seriously lagging behind schedule in general.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It also marks the 28th anniversary of the entry into force of the CWC. However, there are still Japanese ACWs remaining on China's territory. China urges the Japanese side to earnestly fulfill its responsibility under relevant convention, fully and faithfully implement the Destruction Plan Beyond the Year 2022 for the Chemical Weapons Abandoned by Japan in the People's Republic of China in its entirety, and expedite the ACWs disposal process, so that the day will come sooner when the Chinese people no longer have to live on soil threatened and tainted by ACWs, and when justice is restored to the international community.

Bloomberg: Yesterday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that he believes it's up to China to deescalate on the tariff war, because "they sell five times more to us than we sell to them, so these 125 percent tariffs are unsustainable." Do you also agree or does China agree that it's China's responsibility to deescalate first?

Guo Jiakun: China has made it clear more than once that there is no winner in a tariff war or a trade war. This tariff war is launched by the U.S. If a negotiated solution is truly what the U.S. wants, it should stop threatening and exerting pressure, and seek dialogue with China based on equality, respect and mutual benefit.

Reuters: The Foreign Ministry WeChat account this morning published a video, both in English and Chinese, in which it said China would not kneel to the U.S. and accused Donald Trump of "playing a 90-day pause game with other nations and forcing them to limit trade with China." Do you have any comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: Thank you for your attention to the social media accounts of the MFA. We hope this video will help everyone better understand China's position.

RIA Novosti: Yesterday, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 to 11. I wonder what's China's comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: China's position on the Ukraine crisis is very clear. We support all efforts for peace. We hope relevant parties will continue to resolve the crisis through dialogue and negotiation.

Bloomberg: Today, Korean media Yonhap reported that a Korean boy band is going to play a concert next month in Fuzhou in China. This would be the first Korean or K-pop concert in China for nine years. Can you confirm that this is happening? Why there hasn't been any concert like this for several years?

Guo Jiakun: I'm not familiar with the specifics of the performance you mentioned. Let me stress that we are open to useful cultural exchanges and cooperation with the ROK. We hope that the ROK will work with China to advance bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

AFP: Syria's Foreign Minister said his government wants to strengthen relations with China when he met the Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations in New York. Can you provide any information on that meeting between Fu Cong and Asaad al-Shaibani? Is China willing to strengthen ties with the new regime in Syria?

Guo Jiakun: The people of China and Syria enjoy a traditional friendship. China supports Syria in realizing peace at an early date and finding a nation-reconstruction plan that meets its people's aspirations through inclusive dialogue. We hope that Syria would firmly oppose all forms of terrorist and extremist forces.

AFP: The Italian tire producer Pirelli has reportedly said that Sinochem's control of the company has ended under a new government ruling that allows the government to block foreign control over strategic assets. Would China's Foreign Ministry like to comment on this development?

Guo Jiakun: As for the specific details, I'd refer you to competent Chinese authorities.

AFP: Gunfire exchanges between the Indian and Pakistani troops continued again last night after the attack of tourists in Kashmir. Does China plan on stepping in to mediate?

Guo Jiakun: Both India and Pakistan are important countries in South Asia. Their harmonious coexistence is vital to the peace, stability and development of the region. As the neighbor of the two countries, China calls on the two sides to exercise restraint, properly handle differences through dialogue and consultation, and jointly keep the region peaceful and stable.

Bloomberg: Today, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said that it's willing to support cooperation with Boeing, the U.S. airline company, days after rejecting delivery of Boeing jets. Is this a change in China's position towards Boeing and also towards imports from the U.S. more generally? And would this be seen as a deescalation by the Chinese side?

Guo Jiakun: On the cooperation of specific program, the Ministry of Commerce has issued a press release, which you may refer to. China's position on the tariff issue is consistent. If the U.S. wants to work on the issue, it should stop threatening and pressuring China, and conduct dialogue with China on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit.

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Hong Kong frees 4 former lawmakers jailed for subversion

They held a poll to pick candidates for an election but were accused of trying to topple the government.

By Mike Firn for RFA

2025.04.29

BANGKOK -- Hong Kong authorities on Tuesday freed four former lawmakers who each spent more than four years in prison for their part in staging an unofficial primary election in 2020, local media reported.

Claudia Mo, Jeremy Tam, Kwok Ka-ki and Gary Fan were among 47 activists arrested for the election activities. Only two of the 47 were acquitted after a grueling 118-day trial that ended in November 2024 with prison sentences of four to 10 years.

Vehicles carrying the freed activists left three prisons early on Tuesday amid tight security, The Associated Press reported.

Reporters outside Mo's home were told by husband Philip Bowring that she was resting and didn't want to speak to them, according to the AFP news agency.

"She's well and she's in good spirits," he said. "We look forward to being together again."

Mo, Tam, Kwok and Fan - who received the shortest sentences of the 47 - had their prison time reduced after pleading guilty.

The group organized the 2020 primary to find the best pro-democracy candidates for Hong Kong's September 2020 Legislative Council election at a time when Beijing was aggressively eroding the territory's autonomy. More than 600,000 people cast their votes in the preliminary poll.

Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's governor at the time, postponed the 2020 election, citing health concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government then rewrote the electoral rulebook to prevent pro-democracy candidates from running, eventually holding a fresh election in December 2021 in which only "patriots" approved by a Beijing-backed committee were allowed to stand.

On Jan. 6, 2021, the newly formed national security police arrested 55 people. They brought formal charges against 47 of them, then denied bail to the majority.

The 47 pro-democracy activists were charged with subversion under the city's 2020 National Security Law, a charge which carries a maximum life sentence.

The prosecution argued that their bid to win a majority was "a conspiracy" to undermine the city's government and take control of the Legislative Council.

The long-running case sparked international outrage, with protests from the U.S., U.K. and Australian governments, and the United Nations. Hong Kong's last British colonial governor, Lord Patten of Barnes, called the case "an affront to the people of Hong Kong."

Edited by Taejun Kang and Stephen Wright.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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China tight-lipped on North Korea's Russia troop deployment confirmation

China faces pressure to act as a responsible stakeholder in regional security, especially over North Korea.

By Taejun Kang for RFA

2025.04.29

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- China avoided directly commenting on North Korea's confirmation of its troop deployment to Russia and reiterated support for a "multilateral solution" to the conflict.

North Korea on Monday acknowledged for the first time that it sent troops to Russia to support Moscow's war against Ukraine, six months after reports of their presence first emerged.

China, one of North Korea's few allies, has been under pressure to serve as a restraining influence on Pyongyang as the U.S. and its allies worry that the deployment of North Korean troops could dangerously escalate the Ukraine war.

"Regarding bilateral interactions between Russia and the DPRK, we've stated our position on multiple occasions. China's position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a regular press briefing on Monday.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or DPRK, is North Korea's official name.

"We have been actively working for a ceasefire and promoting peace talks," Guo said, without elaborating.

China previously called for a "multilateral solution" to the Ukraine crisis, saying: "all parties need to promote the de-escalation of the situation and strive for a political settlement."

Ukraine estimates as many as 14,000 North Korean soldiers, including 3,000 reinforcements to replace its losses, are in Russia to fight Ukrainian forces who occupied parts of Russia's Kursk region last summer in a counteroffensive.

Reports of the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia first surfaced in October. Even as evidence of their presence grew - including when North Korean soldiers were taken captive by Ukrainian forces in Kursk and interviewed - neither North Korea nor Russia acknowledged their presence.

The U.S. previously voiced concern to China over "destabilizing" actions by North Korea and Russia and said Beijing should be concerned about steps that Russia had taken to undermine stability and security.

Last year, speculation emerged that ties between North Korea and China had cooled as Pyongyang moved closer to Moscow in recent years, but China's foreign ministry in October dismissed such suggestions.

The Chinese foreign ministry's remarks Tuesday came amid media reports that North Korea "urgently repatriated" all of its IT workers based in the Chinese city of Shenyang, after one of them was detained by Chinese public security authorities for allegedly stealing Chinese military technology.

Authorities discovered extensive data related to Chinese weapons and military technologies on the detained North Korean IT worker's laptop, which had allegedly been obtained through hacking, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported on Tuesday, citing unnamed sources familiar with North Korean affairs.

While the specific nature of the Chinese military information found on the worker's laptop has not been disclosed, it is speculated that it may involve unmanned aerial vehicle, or UAV, technologies - a field North Korea has recently prioritized for development.

North Korean-linked hacking groups have repeatedly been found targeting military institutions and defence companies worldwide, including in South Korea. While Russia has often been among their targets, it is rare for North Korea to be caught stealing information from its close ally China, sources told Yonhap.

Edited by Mike Firn and Stephen Wright.

Copyright 1998-2016, 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 April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Persian Gulf security must be ensured by regional countries: IRGC Navy commander

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 29, 2025

Bandar Abbas, IRNA -- Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri has reiterated Iran's commitment to promoting peace in the region, saying the security of the Persian Gulf must be ensured by regional states.

Speaking at a ceremony on Tuesday commemorating Persian Gulf Day (which falls on April 30, the 10th of Ordibehesht), Rear Admiral Tangsiri described the presence of foreign forces in the Persian Gulf region as a security threat and called for regional cooperation without extra-regional powers' interference.

He pointed out that enemies seek to create insecurity and sell weapons, but Iran has always been, and will remain, the guardian of security in the Persian Gulf.

"Achieving these sinister goals requires fomenting hostility in the region," he said. "There's no doubt that those who travel thousands of miles to this region do not seek the security of this region."

Rear Admiral Tangsiri pointed to the economic significance of the Persian Gulf, saying that "62% of the region's oil and 40% of its gas are exported through this waterway."

"Today, we have firmly secured the Strait of Hormuz, with more than 80 ships passing through this international waterway daily," the commander said.

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Qalibaf: Israeli rhetoric stems from delusion; any attack on Iran will ignite the region

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 29, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has dismissed Israeli rhetoric as delusional and futile attempts to influence the talks between Iran and the United States, warning that even a slight act of aggression against Iran would trigger a regional explosion.

Speaking at a Parliament session on Tuesday, Qalibaf said that Iran does not take these threats seriously but remains vigilant.

"Even the slightest aggression will be like igniting a barrel of gunpowder," he said, warning that all U.S. bases in the region would be at risk and regional states would share the cost of Israel's adventurism.

He underlined Iran's full readiness for a powerful response and said the best path forward is strengthening internal capacities and foreign ties to secure Iran's national interests.

According to Qalibaf, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he described as a "corrupt criminal," was making threats in a bid to avoid his looming political demise.

"He is so terrified of being arrested that he changes his flight routes daily," he said, calling Netanyahu the "most hated criminal in modern history."

"Every time this corrupt criminal brags louder, he suffers a bigger defeat," Qalibaf said, adding that "Hamas has become his nightmare."

The parliament speaker argued that Israel's "true face" has now been exposed, especially to young people in the U.S. and Europe.

The Israeli regime has failed to achieve any of its declared goals in the Gaza war and is now "at its most insecure state," plagued by deep economic, political, and social crises, he added.

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Iran committed to implementing agreements with Azerbaijan: President Pezeshkian

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 29, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran and Azerbaijan reached significant agreements during his Monday visit to Baku, emphasizing that Tehran is committed to implementing them.

The president made these remarks in a meeting with Iranian expatriates in Baku, stressing that the shared deep cultural roots of the region's nations as a solid foundation for enhanced collaboration.

He also said that the Islamic Republic is determined to overcome any obstacles that may hinder the execution of agreements. The president expressed confidence that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev would facilitate the development of bilateral relations.

Pezeshkian said that the region is at a golden juncture for transformative change, aiming to create a new civilization in the West Asia region.

He said that there is potential for regional nations to collaborate to improve their positions and address shared challenges. The president said that effective communication is key to fostering growth and creating a world rich in development.

Pezeshkian also highlighted Iran's expansive market opportunities in trade, science, industry, and tourism, which he deemed critical to the country's further progress.

Addressing Iranian expatriates, the president said that his administration is committed to simplifying regulations and removing barriers faced by compatriots living in Azerbaijan.

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US announces new Iran sanctions despite ongoing nuclear talks

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 6:51 PM

The US government has announced new sanctions targeting Chinese and Iranian firms and individuals despite the ongoing nuclear talks with Tehran.

The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said in a statement on Tuesday that it had imposed sanctions on six entities and six individuals for their alleged role in procuring ingredients needed in Iran's ballistic missile program.

The designation targeted five China-based companies, one Iran-based firm, and six Iran-based people, which OFAC said had been involved in the procurement from China to Iran of sodium perchlorate and dioctyl sebacate, the ingredients it said were usable in solid propellant rocket motors.

The Iranian firm and its related people included in the blacklist were identified as Saman Tejarat Barman Trading Company, Abed, Hamed and Zahra Zargar, Forough Modarres, Abbas Pour Kazemi, and Mohammad Asgari.

The five Chinese forms were Shenzhen Amor, Dongying, Yanling Chuanxing Chemical Plant, China Chlorate Tech, and Yanling Lingfeng Chlorate.

The new sanctions are the eighth such action taken by the US government against Iran since February 4, when US President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum ordering a campaign of maximum pressure on the country.

They come despite the fact that Iran and the US have held three rounds of reportedly positive talks since early April to settle disputes about Tehran's nuclear program. The indirect talks have been held in Oman's capital, Muscat, and in Italy's Rome under Oman's mediation.

The sanctions come days after a huge explosion in Iran's southern port of Shahid Rajaee, which media outlets based in the US and Europe claimed could have been caused by sodium perchlorate stored in the port's dockyards.

The Iranian defense ministry has vehemently denied the reports, saying it has never used the Shahid Rajaee port for imports of sensitive materials.

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Qalibaf slams Israel's threats as 'delusional' rhetoric to derail indirect talks with US

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 9:54 AM

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf says Iran does not take seriously Israel's delusional rhetoric against the Islamic Republic meant to influence the ongoing indirect talks between Tehran and Washington.

Qalibaf made the remarks during an open parliamentary session on Tuesday, two days after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the complete dismantlement of Iran's nuclear infrastructure and claimed that the "only good deal" would be one modeled on the deal that Libya agreed to in 2003.

"We consider these positions to be merely worthless rhetoric to influence the process of Iran-US indirect negotiations, and we do not take it (the rhetoric) seriously," he said.

However, he added, the Zionist regime will not engage in any act of adventurism or foolishness without the permission of the United States.

Qalibaf also warned that any attack against Iran "means igniting a powder keg that will explode the entire region and put all American bases in regional countries at risk of Iran's response."

He further noted that the Zionist regime's life hinges on murder and crime, while peace and stability drives it crazy.

The Israeli prime minister has once again resorted to rhetoric against the great Iranian nation to prevent his political death, the Iranian parliament speaker said.

"During his ominous political life, this corrupt criminal (Netanyahu) has shown that every time he brags louder, he faces a bigger defeat in the field. His fear of [the Palestinian resistance group] Hamas has made him more delusional than before."

In an X post on Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Netanyahu is trying to dictate the US policy in negotiations.

The top diplomat also emphasized that Iran is "strong and confident enough" to "thwart any attempt by malicious external actors to sabotage its foreign policy or dictate its course."

Iran and the US have held three rounds of indirect talks, mediated by Oman, on Tehran's nuclear program and the termination of US sanctions. The two sides are also expected to hold a fourth round of the discussions.

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Iran Port Explosion Death Toll Hits 70 As Authorities Blame 'Negligence'

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda April 29, 2025

The death toll from a massive explosion at Iran's key Shahid Rajaei port has hit 70, local authorities said, as the interior minister blamed "negligence" for the incident, which injured more than 1,000 people.

Eskandar Momeni told Iranian state television late on April 28 that "noncompliance with safety precautions and negligence" had caused the incident, though it was not immediately clear what started the fire at the hazardous and chemical materials storage depot.

Momeni said several "culprits have been identified and summoned" but did not share further details.

Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, the director of the crisis management office in the southern Hormozgan Province where the port is located, told state television that most of the injured had already been released from hospital.

On April 27, a day after the explosion happened, Hossein Zafari, a spokesman for Iran's crisis management organization, appeared to blame the blast on poor storage of chemicals in containers at the port.

Open-source data suggests that Iran took shipments of chemical ingredients from China used in missile fuel at the port in February and March. However, an Iranian Defense Ministry spokesman has denied that any cargo used for military use, including missile fuel, was being stored at the blast site.

The New York Times quoted an unnamed source with ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps as saying the substance that exploded was sodium perchlorate, a key component in solid missile fuel.

Amid mounting criticism of officials over the incident, renowned Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi called for a "free and transparent referendum under international supervision to restore sovereignty to the people."

In a post on Instagram, Panahi described the explosion as a symbol of "the collapse of a regime that has led Iran into ruin for nearly half a century."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-port- explosion-death/33399928.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Treasury Targets Network Procuring Missile Propellant Ingredients for Iran

U.S. Department of the Treasury

April 29, 2025

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating six entities and six individuals based in Iran and the People's Republic of China (PRC) for their role in a network procuring ballistic missile propellant ingredients on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This network has facilitated the procurement of sodium perchlorate and dioctyl sebacate from the PRC to Iran. Sodium perchlorate is used to produce ammonium perchlorate, which is controlled by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), a multilateral political understanding among states that seek to limit the proliferation of missiles and missile technology. Both ammonium perchlorate and dioctyl sebacate are chemicals usable in solid propellant rocket motors, which are commonly used for ballistic missiles.

"Iran's aggressive development of missiles and other weapons capabilities imperils the safety of the United States and our partners," said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "It also destabilizes the Middle East, and violates the global agreements intended to prevent the proliferation of these technologies. To achieve peace through strength, Treasury will continue to take all available measures to deprive Iran's access to resources necessary to advance its missile program."

Today's action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. This action is also being taken in furtherance of National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, which directs the U.S. government to curtail Iran's ballistic missile program, including working with key allies on the potential snapback of UN sanctions, and to disrupt the IRGC. The United States designated the IRGC pursuant to E.O. 13382 in October 2007.

SAMAN TEJARAT BARMAN TRADING COMPANY, MOHAMMAD ASGARI, AND SHENZHEN AMOR LOGISTICS CO LTD

Iran-based Saman Tejarat Barman Trading Company (STB) has procured sodium perchlorate for use by the IRGC, and Iran-based STB associate Mohammad Asgari (Asgari) has coordinated the shipment of that sodium perchlorate from the PRC to the IRGC in Iran with PRC-based Shenzhen Amor Logistics Co Ltd (Shenzhen Amor). Shenzhen Amor has also coordinated the STB shipment with companies including U.S.-designated, PRC-based E-Sail Shipping Company Limited (E-Sail Shipping). The U.S. Department of State designated E-Sail Shipping pursuant to E.O. 13382 in December 2019, and the designation took effect in June 2020.

STB, Asgari, and Shenzhen Amor are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for having provided, or attempted to provide, financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, the IRGC.

SAMAN TEJARAT BARMAN TRADING COMPANY'S NETWORK

Abed Zargar Bab Aldashti (Abed Zargar), Hamed Zargar Bab Aldashti (Hamed Zargar), and Zahra Zargar Bab Aldashti (Zahra Zargar)all based in Iranhold key leadership roles at STB. Abed Zargar is the Managing Director, Hamed Zargar is the Chairman of the Board, and Zahra Zargar is Vice Chairman of the Board.

Abed Zargar, Hamed Zargar, and Zahra Zargar are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, STB.

Iran-based Forough Modarres Fathi (Forough Modarres) has served as the Vice Chairman and a member of the Board of Directors of STB. Abbas Pour Kazemi (Pour Kazemi), also based in Iran, is the Chief Inspector for STB.

Forough Modarres and Pour Kazemi are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for having provided, or attempted to provide, financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, STB.

PRC-based Dongying Weiaien Chemical Co Ltd (Dongying) has supplied dioctyl sebacate to STB.

Dongying is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for having provided, or attempted to provide, financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, STB.

SHENZHEN AMOR LOGISTICS CO LTD'S NETWORK

PRC-based Yanling Chuanxing Chemical Plant General Partnership (Yanling Chuanxing Chemical Plant) has shipped products including sodium chlorate, which is used to produce sodium perchlorate and ammonium perchlorate, on behalf of Shenzhen Amor.

Yanling Chuanxing Chemical Plant is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for having provided, or attempted to provide, financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, Shenzhen Amor.

PRC-based China Chlorate Tech Co Limited (CCT) has transferred funds to Yanling Chuanxing Chemical Plant and describes Yanling Chuanxing Chemical Plant as its factory.

CCT is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for having provided, or attempted to provide, financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, Yanling Chuanxing Chemical Plant.

PRC-based Yanling Lingfeng Chlorate Co Ltd (Yanling Lingfeng Chlorate) has received funds from CCT and shares personnel with both CCT and Yanling Chuanxing Chemical Plant.

Yanling Lingfeng Chlorate is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for having provided, or attempted to provide, financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, CCT.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated person(s) described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons is/are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt, U.S. sanctions generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities with designated or otherwise blocked persons.

Exports, reexports, or transfers of items subject to U.S. export controls involving persons included on the SDN List pursuant to E.O. 13382 may be subject to additional restrictions administered by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security. See 15 C.F.R. section 744.8 for additional information.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here and to submit a request for removal, click here.

Click here for more information on the individuals and entities designated today.

###

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Thousands flee homes amid junta attacks in central Myanmar

The junta has launched more than100 attacks on Karen-controlled territory despite a ceasefire, a rebel army said.

By RFA Burmese 2025.04.29 -- Clashes between Myanmar's junta and an ethnic army in central Myanmar have forced more than 4,000 people from their homes, according to a statement by the Karen National Union, or KNU.

The political wing of the Karen National Liberation Army has been feuding with junta forces in eastern Myanmar's Kayin and Mon states since the military seized power in a 2021 coup. The conflict has now spread westwards into the Bago region.

In Shwegyin township, villagers from more than 850 households fled intensifying battles that started on Sunday, said one resident, who declined to be named for fear of reprisals.

"Some ran toward Yangon and Bago and some ran to the edges of the village," he said. "There was heavy weapons fire. Two days ago, shrapnel was flying. Residents still can't re-enter the village."

Fighting has been frequent in the area since before the Thingyan holiday began on April 13, he said. The KNU controls parts of Shwegyin township.

In Mone township, which borders Shwegyin, junta forces fired 14 rounds into Lay Ein Su village, killing 70-year-old Win Naing, the group said in their statement.

Ma Oo, 30 years old, and Ko Tun, 45 years old, were injured in the attack.

Despite a ceasefire declared on April 2 and extended to April 30 to aid recovery work after an earthquake killed over 3,700 people, junta troops have launched hundreds of attacks across the country, killing more than 240 people, according to the exiled civilian National Unity Government

Junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun did not respond to enquiries from Radio Free Asia regarding the attack.

In the original 20-day ceasefire declared by the junta, soldiers launched 107 attacks on KNU-controlled territory, killing 20 people and injuring 55, the group said in a statement.

Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Officials sentenced a 14-year-old girl to 15 years in detention for stabbing two teachers in Ammanford while screaming "I'm going to kill you."

The teenager's name was not revealed because of her age but she was ordered to serve at least half of her sentence in custody. The suspect was found guilty of attempted murder during a second trial at Swansea Crown Court in February 2025 after the first trial collapsed.

Teenage Girl Sentenced to 15 Years for Stabbing Attack

The victims of the stabbing were Fiona Elias, Liz Hopkin, and another student, who were all treated in the hospital with stab wounds. That was after the attack at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, Carmarthenshire, in April last year.

In court, Hopkin spoke about the incident, saying that she was worried about the girl's future. On the other hand, Elias said that the defendant placed her, her family, and the entire school "through hell."

The teenage girl was found to have brought a weapon to school every day and used her father's multi-tool knife in the initial attack on Elias, which occurred on Apr. 24, 2024. During the suspect's sentencing, Judge Paul Thomas KC said that the defendant had not shown remorse for her actions and only attacked the three victims for attention, according to BBC.

The jury in the case also heard that the teenage girl repeatedly stabbed Elias, resulting in the teacher suffering from wounds to both of her arms. Other students said that the suspect previously told them she was planning to stab Elias and "do something stupid" that would get her expelled.

During the incident, Hopkin intervened and tried to restrain the teenage girl but was also stabbed, getting injured in her neck, back, legs, and arms. The girl then ran at a 14-year-old student after a "standoff" and stabbed her.

Trying To Get Attention

A former assistant head teacher who restrained the suspect during the attack, Darrell Campbell, described the incident as "something out of a horror movie." He said that after the ordeal, he had countless sleepless nights, the Independent reported.

The suspect in the stabbing will be eligible for release on license after serving half of the sentence. However, the judge in the case said that she could be recalled to custody if she is found to have behaved badly again once she is free.

After the attack, the teenage girl allegedly told police officers, "That's one way to be a celebrity." She added that it was certainly going to be on the news, noting that more eyes will be looking at her, as per The Guardian.
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Gedion Timotheos

28 April 2025 21:47

723-28-04-2025

On April 28, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Gedion Timotheos on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Council meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

The ministers reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further expanding multifaceted bilateral cooperation in areas of shared interest. They also expressed support for deepening Russian-Ethiopian engagement within various multilateral formats, primarily at the UN and BRICS.

In addition, the ministers held a constructive exchange of views on a broad range of current global and regional issues, focusing on Moscow-Addis Ababa interaction to ensure peace and security in the Horn of Africa. They confirmed their countries' readiness to intensify cooperation in support of strengthening the legal foundations of a multipolar world.

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Great Heritage, Common Future International Forum of the Union State

The presidents of Russia and Belarus took part in the plenary meeting of the Great Heritage, Common Future International Forum of the Union State.

April 29, 2025

16:40

Volgograd

Speaker of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Igor Sergeyenko also took the floor during the session.

Organised by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia, the Forum was timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. It brought together over 450 delegates, including leading international experts, civil society leaders, government officials and youth representatives.

* * *

Remarks by the President of Russia at the plenary session

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Lukashenko, friends.

I would like to greet you on this heroic and sacred land. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this land is sacred for all the people of Russia, and for all the people of the former Soviet Union, too. It is here that the Great Heritage, Common Future International Forum is taking place.

Organised by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia, the event brings together speakers of parliaments, chairs of parliamentary committees, civil activists, researchers and experts from about 20 countries, just as the Speaker of the Russian parliament [Vyacheslav Volodin] has just mentioned. It is important that foreign participants come from former Soviet republics, as we have just heard, and also from Southeast Asia, Europe and Latin America.

Mr Lukashenko and I were unanimous and sincere in our effort to support the initiative to hold this major gathering at this high level. Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank President Lukashenko for coming here and joining us.

It is symbolic that this forum is taking place in the Hero City where the fate of the entire world was once decided. The President of Belarus and I visited the Mamayev Kurgan memorial complex to honour the memory of those who defended the city and achieved immortal glory in the battles for Stalingrad. They stood their ground until the bitter end, just as the heroes of the Brest Fortress, and the defenders of Minsk, Leningrad, Sevastopol and other cities and borders of our country. We discussed this on our way here.

The fortitude and courage shown by the Red Army soldiers, the unity of the entire multiethnic nation became a formidable force. The enemy was halted and routed on the banks of the Volga. A decisive blow was dealt to the Nazi war machine, turning the tide of the war and clearing the path to the West, to Berlin, to the Great Victory, the 80th anniversary of which we will be celebrating very soon, on May 9.

Victory Day is one of the most significant holidays, held sacred in Russia as well as in most former Soviet republics. During the war, our nations went through the most bitter trials together, but they defended their independence and future. The defeat of Nazism is our shared legacy.

We are expecting the leaders of a number of states at the celebrations in Moscow. We highly appreciated many countries' decisions to send military crews to march shoulder to shoulder with Russian soldiers at the Victory Parade on Red Square.

This forum is making good progress. It has featured several discussions on highly important subjects such as the preservation of historical memory, common moral and spiritual values, and educating younger generations as true patriots, responsible and loyal to their Fatherland.

I am certain that such principled approaches are shared not only in Russia and Belarus, but countries represented at the forum. All our countries are making efforts to preserve the truth about the Great Victory, including with the meaningful contribution from legislators.

On April 9, Russia adopted a State Duma-sponsored bill, the federal law on the perpetuation of the memory of the victims of the Great Patriotic War. The new legislation helped improve the legal framework, provided new opportunities for collaboration between the state, public organisations and citizens to preserve the memorials of our fallen soldiers, expanded support for the search movement that has just been mentioned here, and research projects related to the history of the Great Patriotic War, and facilitated the construction of monuments and the opening of new museums.

In total, more than ten federal laws have been adopted in Russia in recent years related to history and memorial issues. New days of military glory were established in honour of the Crimean offensive operation in 1944 and the Battle of Leningrad in August 1944. The procedure for renovating and protecting cultural heritage sites has been streamlined.

We also express our gratitude to the deputies of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State for their active participation in this work, including the proposal to allocate part of the Union State's budget for the construction of a memorial complex in the Kursk Region dedicated to the Battle of the Fiery Kursk Bulge, as well as for erecting a monument in Mogilev District near the village of Buinichi. It was here in July 1941 that fierce fighting occurred, where soldiers halted and incinerated German tanks - a feat immortalised forever by our eminent writer Konstantin Simonov, an eyewitness and participant in those events. Many in this hall know that the book The Living and the Dead narrates these very events.

I believe that this shared work of ours must be conducted on a permanent and systematic basis. In this regard, I propose establishing the Parliamentary Assembly's Commission on Historical Memory Preservation. Given the authority and influence of deputies from our states, its primary task, in my view, should be to consolidate public and political forces, our citizens - particularly young people - around joint projects aimed at safeguarding the historical truth about the Great Patriotic War, the Second World War, and the heroic deeds of the Soviet people. Naturally, the commission's work must involve leading experts and historians from our countries.

I would also note that many participants of the current forum actively collaborate with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO). We are grateful to all who contribute to the legislative support of constructive partnerships among CSTO member states, the harmonisation of national laws, and the development of model regulatory acts, including those pertaining to historical memory.

In particular, the Assembly has adopted model laws and recommendations on legislative measures addressing accountability for attempts to revise and distort historical events and outcomes of the Great Patriotic War. In December 2024, it also issued an appeal to the parliaments of all nations in honour of the upcoming Victory anniversary.

The Interparliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) likewise delivered an address marking the 80th anniversary of Victory. For over three decades, CIS deputies have engaged in constructive dialogue, exchanging experiences and successful legislative practices on this platform.

As you know, 2025 was declared the Year of Peace and Unity in the Fight Against Nazism in the CIS. Many countries are holding memorial, social, cultural and educational events, such as the Immortal Regiment march, which has become nationwide. This is our tribute to the memory of our servicemen who perished during the war and an expression of our deep gratitude to our veterans, the generation of winners - our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers.

Friends,

We are all aware of the unfathomable price our peoples paid for victory over Nazism, and immense sacrifices we made. There is no doubt that people in Russia, Belarus and other countries will never forget the lessons of that war.

The main of them is obvious: we must do everything in our power to fight against the revival of Nazism and the proliferation of destructive ideologies, namely, Russophobia, antisemitism, national and religious intolerance, as well as the so-called exceptionalism, which camouflage claims to global domination and attempts at pressure or interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.

It is also important to work together to form a more just multipolar world order based on respect for the interests of each other and the right of every country to its own development pattern. It is on this basis that Russia is developing its partnership with Belarus and all the other countries that are taking part in this forum.

We firmly believe that the global community should join forces to create a new architecture of equal and indivisible security, which would safely protect all states without detriment to the interests of others. This is especially important for Eurasia. Our common continent must become a territory of peace and stability and an example of sustainable economic, social and humanitarian development.

We presume that this new architecture could be based on the existing multilateral cooperation formats, such as the Union State, the CSTO, which I have mentioned, the CIS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, BRICS, ASEAN and other respected and influential organisations.

In conclusion, I would like to once again express gratitude to the organisers of this meeting and to all its participants for their constructive work and substantial contribution to the strengthening of interparliamentary ties between our countries.

Thank you.

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Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Maris Sangiampongsa

29 April 2025 00:11

725-29-04-2025

On April 28, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Maris Sangiampongsa on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Council meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

The ministers compared notes on key issues related to the development of Russia-Thailand cooperation, including efforts to promote political dialogue and build up ties in trade and the economy, as well as humanitarian exchanges. They also discussed the coordination of efforts within BRICS and at other international venues and exchanged views on current international and regional issues. The ministers agreed to continue their mutually beneficial contacts.

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HRH the Crown Prince Chairs Cabinet Session

Saudi Press Agency

Jeddah, April 29, 2025, SPA -- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet session held today in Jeddah.

HRH the Crown Prince briefed the Cabinet on his recent meeting with King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and his discussions with Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi.

The Cabinet commended the outcomes of the second meeting of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council, highlighting the expanding economic, trade, and investment relations between the two nations, as well as efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in other sectors.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary told the Saudi Press Agency that the Cabinet reviewed the Kingdom's extensive participation in regional and international forums, reaffirming its commitment to supporting collaborative efforts aimed at addressing current challenges and promoting global stability and prosperity

The Cabinet emphasized that achieving security in the Middle East requires the swift implementation of a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian cause, consistent with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Cabinet reaffirmed the Kingdom's ongoing commitment to expediting the economic recovery of the Syrian Arab Republic. It reiterated its call for regional and international financial institutions to resume and expand their operations in Syria, supporting the aspirations of its people for a brighter future and decent living standards.

Domestically, the Cabinet expressed its appreciation for the diligent efforts of government agencies that have contributed to the significant achievements of Saudi Vision 2030 as it approaches its ninth year. It noted the remarkable progress outlined in the Vision 2030 Annual Report 2024, which indicates that 93% of the targets across national programs and strategies have been met or exceeded. The Cabinet expressed its anticipation for continued successes, progress, and leadership across all sectors.

The Cabinet also discussed the third phase of Saudi Vision 2030, slated for 2026. This upcoming phase will concentrate on sustaining the impact of the transformations, capitalizing on emerging growth opportunities, diligently monitoring and strengthening existing initiatives, and further aligning plans and programs with the overarching Vision 2030 to foster greater economic diversification and growth.

The Cabinet commended the outcomes of the recent Saudi Statistics Forum held in Riyadh, which marked the 65th anniversary of the establishment of statistical work in the Kingdom. It acknowledged the sector's significant advancements in international indicators and its vital role in sustainable development, improving service quality, and driving economic and social growth.

The Cabinet also expressed appreciation for the generous SAR1 billion donation made by HRH the Crown Prince to the National Development Housing Foundation, reflecting his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of citizens and his sustained focus on housing initiatives that provide suitable homes for deserving families throughout the Kingdom.

The Cabinet tackled other items on its agenda and issued several decisions, including the following:

First:

Approving a Host Country Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to establish a regional INTERPOL office for the Middle East and North Africa in the Kingdom.

Second:

Approving a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in city management and operations between the Riyadh Municipality and the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Third:

Approving a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in mineral resources between the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

Fourth:

Approving a memorandum of understanding on tourism between the Saudi and Zambian ministries of tourism.

Fifth:

Approving a draft memorandum of understanding on economic research and studies between the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning and the Indian Observer Research Foundation and authorizing the minister of economy and planning, or a deputy, to sign it.

Sixth:

Approving a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in developing the small and medium enterprises sector and startups between the Saudi Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority and the Bahraini Labor Fund.

Seventh:

Approving a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of tax administration between the Saudi Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority and the Moroccan General Directorate of Taxes.

Eighth:

Approving an agreement for the mutual recognition of Authorized Economic Operator programs between the Saudi Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority and the Egyptian Customs Authority.

Ninth:

Approving a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Communications, Space, and Technology Commission and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

Tenth:

Approving a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of digital government between the Saudi Digital Government Authority and the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform.

Eleventh:

Approving a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in meteorology between the Saudi National Center for Meteorology and the China Meteorological Administration.

Twelfth:

Approving a memorandum of understanding in the field of archiving and records management between the Saudi National Center for Archives and Records and the National Archives of Indonesia.

-- SPA

19:03 Local Time 16:03 GMT

0045

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We welcome progress in Syria's political transition since the fall of the Assad regime: UK Statement at the UN General Assembly

Statement by Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa and the UN, at the UN General Assembly debate on the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism in Syria.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Lord Collins of Highbury

29 April 2025

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 29 April 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you Assistant Secretary-General Robert Petit for the briefing and the debate today.

Let me also welcome Foreign Minister Al Shaibani to the Assembly. Your presence here today is a powerful signal of the opportunities that lie ahead for Syria to carve out a more secure, peaceful and prosperous future.

I will make three points today.

First, we welcome progress in Syria's political transition since the fall of the Assad regime.

This includes the formation of a new Syrian Government and their commitment to hold free and fair elections in Syria.

We also welcome the important steps taken since December towards social cohesion amongst the Syrian people.

This includes the first-ever consensus on the Human Rights Council resolution supported by the Syrian Government, and commitments by the Syrian Government to establish national committees to address transitional justice, missing persons and chemical weapons.

However, as the horrific events in the coastal areas in March remind us, significant challenges remain to address the legacy of 14 years of war and brutality, and to begin the process to provide closure to all those affected.

Second, we commend the IIIM for the valuable progress it has made since December on the international pursuit for accountability.

The volume of documentation and witness interviews that the IIIM team have collated is a testament to your tireless dedication to provide a credible evidence base for future prosecutions.

The appointment of an IIIM Liaison Officer in Damascus is also a promising example of UN-Syria cooperation, and we urge all parties to work collaboratively to ensure that survivors receive the justice that they demand, and that they deserve.

Third, the UK had a leading role in supporting international and civil society accountability efforts during the Assad regime.

And we remain committed to pursuing accountability for victims, survivors and families in Syria, and for that reason, we continue to see the IIIM as a crucial component for the future Syrian-led Transitional Justice processes.

We were proud to have co-sponsored the UNGA resolution which established this mechanism in 2016 and remain committed to ensuring that it has the political backing and operational remit it requires to succeed.

And this year, the United Kingdom has allocated a further $940,000 in funding to our partners in support of this effective evidence collection and preservation.

We thank IIIM for your contribution to the fight against impunity and for amplifying the voices of survivors throughout your work.

The UK will continue to support the Syrian Government and its people in their efforts on reconciliation and accountability to ensure a stable and prosperous future for the people of Syria.

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Taiwan's indigenous defense submarine faces sea trial testing delay

ROC Central News Agency

04/29/2025 10:24 PM

Taipei, April 29 (CNA) Taiwan's first domestically built submarine is almost certain to miss the date that sea trials were scheduled to begin, with only one day remaining until the deadline.

According to the timeline set by the Ministry of National Defense (MND), sea trials for the Narwhal, Taiwan's Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) prototype, were supposed to begin this month and be completed by Sept. 30.

"April was the original goal... We are currently working on improvements and final calibrations to meet the requirements set for sea trials. That is our main goal," Navy Chief of Staff Chiu Chun-jung () said Tuesday at an MND news conference, when asked by a reporter whether the schedule had been delayed.

Pressed to say whether the MND will fail to deliver on its word, Chiu said the Navy is focusing on reaching the "technology readiness level required for the vessel to go out to sea, not on the schedule."

The MND had said on several occasions that sea trials would begin this month, in response to news reports that tests regarding the Narwhal, or "Hai Kun" in Chinese, had experienced setbacks.

On Feb. 26, it said that harbor trials were on schedule and sea trials would proceed as planned in April, amid reports of potential testing delays due to voltage surges from a land-based power supply used in testing causing some components in the submarine to fail.

The IDS program has faced several delays.

Three days prior to the unveiling of the prototype at a photo op attended by then President Tsai Ing-wen () in September 2023, Huang Shu-kuang (), then convener of the program, said the prototype would undergo a harbor acceptance test beginning on Oct. 1, 2023.

That would be followed by a sea acceptance test, and the submarine would hopefully be delivered to the Navy before the end of 2024, Huang said.

At some point last year, the scheduled delivery was pushed back by about a year, to November this year.

Given that timing, and the MND's acknowledgement in September 2024 that the Narwhal had failed more than 10 categories in the harbor trials, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) took aim at the submarine's budget in January.

Lawmakers from the two parties voted to freeze NT$2 billion (US$61.91 million) of the funding proposed for fiscal year 2025 for the IDS program, or about half of the proposed total, with the proviso that the funds can only be unfrozen after the Narwhal passes the sea trials.

Chiu said Tuesday that the funding would be unfrozen if sea trials are finished on time and the MND gives a briefing about them at the legislature.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo () told reporters at the legislature last week that the submarine's contractor, CSBC Corp, will face a fine if it fails to deliver the sub to the Navy in November, as per the contract.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/AW

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Chinese Foreign Ministry lodges stern representation to Philippine Ambassador over Taiwan-related actions

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 29, 2025 07:34 PM

Liu Jinsong, Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, met with Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz on Tuesday to lodge a stern representation over a series of recent negative actions by the Philippine side concerning Taiwan-related issues and regional security.

On the same day, when asked to comment on the claims by Philippine Navy spokesperson Roy Vincent Trinidad that the Philippine military and the Taiwan region are discussing the so-called "international cooperation," and are now just one step away from joint exercises, the spokesperson of Chinese Embassy in Philippines said China firmly opposes any form of official contacts between countries that have established diplomatic relations with China with the Taiwan region.

Taiwan is a province of China and an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests. The one-China principle is the general consensus of the international community and the political foundation of China-Philippines relations, the embassy said in a statement on Tuesday.

"We urge the Philippine side to abide by the one-China principle, stop any form of official contacts with the Taiwan authorities and stop sending wrong signals to the 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces," the spokesperson said.

"We advise the relevant people on the Philippine side to refrain from provocations on the Taiwan question, as those playing with fire will get burnt," the spokesperson added.

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/04/29

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date

6 a.m. Apr. 28 (Mon.) to 6 a.m. Apr. 29 (Tue.) (UTC+8)

2.PLA activities

27 sorties of PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN ships and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 27 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

1140429_PLA activities [Open a new window]

1140429_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window]

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Baiba Braze: the Baltic states, Nordic countries, France, Poland, and Germany will continue to support Ukraine, strengthen European and NATO security and defence; so far, they have channelled 100 billion euros in support of Ukraine

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

29.04.2025

Further support to Ukraine, security of the Baltic Sea region, containing Russia, including its "shadow fleet", transatlantic relations, strengthening the security of Europe and across the Euro-Atlantic space - those were key topics addressed at the annual meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Baltic states and Nordic countries (NB). For the first time, the meeting was joined by the ministers of the Weimar Triangle countries - Poland, Germany, and France. It was held on 28 and 29 April in Bornholm, Denmark.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze: "The meeting in Bornholm is historic, as it is for the first time that we meet in this format, which is a testament to our common goal - to deepen regional cooperation, strengthen security and resilience in the Baltic Sea region. We are all "in the same boat", and the decisions we make together will affect the security of all of us.

We are united in our continued support for Ukraine - it is our moral, legal and political duty to support a country that defends itself while at the same time fighting for our security. The Nordic, Baltic and Weimar allies share a common vision: a sovereign, independent and democratic Ukraine, which is an integral part of the Euro-Atlantic and global security. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we, 11 countries, by having provided more than 100 billion euros in military and other support, have been among the largest supporters of Ukraine. We will continue to render political, economic, military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine to ensure it is in the strongest possible position on the path to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace that would guarantee Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as strengthening European security.

We must strengthen our own security rapidly, and do it sooner - we need to significantly increase our defence spending to achieve NATO's capability targets and to assume greater responsibility for European and Euro-Atlantic security. We must also continue to deepen cooperation between NATO and the EU.

We are aware that Russia is, and will remain a direct threat to the security of all of us in the foreseeable future. We appreciate the United States' efforts in the peace process. At present, there is no sign that Russia wants peace: its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and increasingly intense hybrid threats affect global stability and security. We will step up pressure on Russia through new sanctions, as well as looking ahead to an EU Action Plan to gradually phase out the imports of Russian energy resources - this is an important tool for reducing revenues fuelling Russia's war economy.

We have also agreed on a more coordinated cooperation to limit the activities of Russia's "shadow fleet". Russia must be further weakened so that, in the event of a ceasefire, Russia would not have the capabilities and possibilities of launching a new invasion."

Joint statement by the Nordic-Baltic-Weimar Ministers of Foreign Affairs

The Ministers were of one mind that Russia's assets should remain immobilised until Russia ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine and fully compensates it for the damage caused.

The officials expressed their strong support for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration. They also welcomed the progress made at the London meeting between the E3 (United Kingdom, France and Germany), Ukraine, and the United States. This process must continue. The Ministers also welcomed the efforts of the "Coalition of the Willing".

The Ministers also exchanged views on the European Commission's White Paper on European Defence Readiness 2030 and the ReArm Europe Plan as well as the need to increase the technological and industrial capacity of Europe's defence sector and to address gaps in critical capabilities. This includes strategic partnerships, joint procurement and investments to develop a strong defence industry in Europe.

Further information

In 2025, cooperation among the NB8 countries in the foreign affairs sector is coordinated by Denmark, who has set the following priorities: cooperation in the strengthening of security and defence; promotion of regional and global support to Ukraine; and enhancing European military industrial and defence capabilities.

The NB8 (Nordic-Baltic Eight) is an informal cooperation framework comprising Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

Read more about NB8 on the Foreign Ministry website: Co-operation among the Baltic and Nordic countries | Arlietu ministrija

The Weimar Triangle is a regional alliance of France, Germany, and Poland created in 1991 on the German to promote Poland's integration into the EU and NATO.

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China supports all efforts conducive to peace: FM on Russia's announcement of three-day truce from midnight May 8

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 29, 2025 05:00 PM

When being asked to comment on Kremlin's announcement of a ceasefire for the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War to last from May 8 to May 11 Moscow time, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday that China's position on the Ukraine crisis is clear and consistent: China supports all efforts conducive to peace and hopes that all relevant parties will continue to resolve the crisis through dialogue and negotiation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday announced a three-day truce starting from midnight May 8, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

The Kremlin said that Putin had ordered a full cessation of hostilities to mark the 80th anniversary of Russia's Victory Day, which falls on May 9, Xinhua said.

Russia called on Ukraine to join the truce, it said, adding that Russian troops would give "adequate and effective response" if Ukraine violates the ceasefire, according to Xinhua.

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Robert L. Dubose (seated) with Ashley Nehemiah Smith, Amonte Middleton, Jackson Edwards and OBryaan Prioleau.

OBryaan Prioleau, Ashley Nehemiah Smith, Jackson Edwards, and Amonte Middleton are the inaugural Robert L. Dubose Scholars.

ORANGEBURG, S.C.  Four outstanding students at South Carolina State University have been named recipients of the Robert L. Dubose Scholarship, an award supporting high-achieving students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Funded by a $10,000 annual contribution from Goodwill Industries, the scholarship honors the legacy of Robert L. Dubose, a proud SC State alumnus whose journey from a sharecroppers son to industry leadership continues to inspire.

Dubose, a 1996 SC State alumnus, serves on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Corporation of Eastern North Carolina. Goodwill asked Dubose to name a charity or institution to receive an annual donation of $10,000. He selected SC State as the recipient.

The inaugural Dubose Scholars are OBryaan Prioleau, Ashley Nehemiah Smith, Jackson Edwards, and Amonte Middleton.

Each student has demonstrated academic excellence and dedication to advancing in their chosen STEM disciplines. One student was selected from each of the universitys four departments in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (College of STEM-T).

This scholarship is a big help for our students because this will help defray the ever-increasing cost of education, said Dr. Stanley Ihekweazu, the colleges dean. The College of STEM-T is extremely grateful to Mr. Dubose for selecting SC State University and more importantly, the College of STEM-T to receive the scholarships.

At the scholars induction ceremony in SC States Engineering and Computer Science Complex. Dubose reflected on his own path and urged the students to stay true to their individual goals.

Define success as what you desire it to be, not what others want it to be, Dubose said. Oftentimes, we pursue the dreams of others, but not the dreams that we really have for ourselves.

He also reminded students that their education at SC State stands alongside any institution.

The same way we teach the Law of Motion here at South Carolina State University is the same way and the manner of definition that they teach at Clemson University, Dubose said.

Meet the 2024 Dubose Scholars

OBryaan Prioleau OBryaan Prioleau, an electrical engineering technology major from Alvin, South Carolina, represents the SC State Department of Engineering Technology.

Prioleau works full-time as a data center technician at Google while completing his degree.

A lot of [my income] goes toward my tuition to avoid student loans, he said. This scholarship will help me save this semester.

Prioleau hopes to eventually open his own business, combining his engineering background with innovation and entrepreneurship.



I want to design different things, try to earn patents and be more innovative, he said.

Ashley Nehemiah Smith Ashley Nehemiah Smith, a junior professional chemistry major from Spartanburg, South Carolina, represents the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences.

Smith is a Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College scholar engaged in biomedical research under Dr. Courtney Thomas, a nationally recognized NIH and NIFA researcher.

I want to pursue a Ph.D. and focus on research in biomedical science and engineering, Smith said. I want to be involved in developing drug treatments and delivery systems for medical devices, advancing the scientific world and healthcare as a whole.



Smith chose SC State for both its academic strength and financial support opportunities.

Knowing that I needed funding to ground myself at a university that could take me further, SC State was the choice that fit, he said.

Jackson Edwards Jackson Edwards, a cybersecurity major from Prince Georges County, Maryland, represents the Department of Computer Science and Mathematics.

Edwards continues a family legacy at SC State, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father. Planning to pursue graduate studies, Edwards aims to specialize in data analysis for security and law enforcement.

Cybersecurity is a raw field, Edwards said. I want to be someone who analyzes data and can eliminate the bad from the good  not necessarily be part of a crime scene all the time, but an analyst who can help law enforcement and security.

Amonte Middleton Amonte Middleton, a nuclear engineering major, represents the Department of Engineering. She discovered a passion for clean energy solutions after initially exploring aerospace engineering.

Going through the process, I realized this is a really fascinating field, Middleton said. This might be the most efficient and cleaner way to produce energy instead of the alternatives that put pollution everywhere.

After graduation, she hopes to work directly in the nuclear energy industry, contributing to cleaner energy solutions.

SC State offers the only four-year nuclear engineering degree in South Carolina and among all HBCUs.

A bridge to success

SC State President Alexander Conyers praised Duboses lifelong dedication to education and service, noting the impact such support has on student success.

I often tell students here that they can get there from here, and they can, Conyers said. But occasionally, they get run up to, they spot on a road where the road has been washed out.

Although they can get there from here, sometimes they need a bridge to get there. Sometimes they need someone to reach back, build that bridge, pull them up, pull them over, he said.

Conyers reminded the scholars of their future responsibility as recipients of that bridge.

The only payback for you is that one day when you are in a position is to do the same, he said. Regardless of at what scale, I encourage you to always look for an opportunity where you can reach back and be the bridge builder for someone else just as this bridge has been built for you.

A lasting charge

Dubose emphasized the importance of resilience and continuous learning.

Please, do your best at the hand that life gives you, he said. Despite the views about whether life is fair or not, you can still make it.

He encouraged students to anticipate industry trends and remain adaptable. Develop a skill of anticipation, and develop a skill of thought and thinking, Dubose said.

Dubose left the students with a lasting charge: When your career comes to an end, let it be said that you not only gave your best, but you gave your all, and you left it all on the field.

About Robert L. Dubose

Dubose graduated from what was then SC State College in 1966 with Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering technology. He was also commissioned as a U.S. Army officer through the ROTC Bulldog Battalion.

He joined IBM after graduation as a manufacturing engineer. He retired from IBM as a senior engineer manager after 35 years. He also retired from the Army as a lieutenant colonel. Along the way, he obtained a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering and a Master of Business Administration -- both from Duke University.
Budrys: Russia has no right to dictate the terms of Ukraine's future

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Updated 2025-04-29

On 28-29 April, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kestutis Budrys, attended a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) and Weimar Triangle countriesPoland, France, and Germanyon the island of Bornholm in Denmark. Ministers discussed European security and defence, transatlantic relations, Russia's aggression against Ukraine and support for the country, as well as the response to hybrid and shadow fleet threats.

Russia's constant attacks against Ukraine demonstrate the aggressor's unwillingness to seek peace

"Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine demonstrate the aggressor's unwillingness to seek peace. A sustainable peace is only possible by ensuring Ukraine's sovereignty, and territorial integrity, the return of prisoners of war, abducted children and civilians, and by providing Ukraine with full security guarantees - the NATO and EU membership, and country's continued military capacity building. Only Ukraine can decide its future - Russia has no right to impose its conditions" said the Minister.

Budrys stressed that NB8 countries were among Ukraine's biggest supporters, both politically and financially. According to the Minister, it is necessary to strengthen further the ongoing efforts to encourage partners to increase support for Ukraine, because only a strong Ukraine can deter Russia from continuing and renewing its aggression.

It needs to be restrained and deterred, among other things, by applying current international sanctions and imposing new ones.

"Russia remains the biggest and most immediate threat to our security. It needs to be apprehended and deterred, including through existing international sanctions and imposing new ones. I call for adopting the 17th package of EU sanctions as soon as possible. It must include sanctions against Russia's liquefied natural gas sector, Rosatom, the shadow fleet, IT and banking sectors, and the extention of individual sanctions," the Minister said.

According to Budrys, the so-called shadow fleet not only enables Russia to circumvent sanctions but also poses maritime safety and environmental risks, especially in the Baltic and North Seas. The Minister also stressed that Russia's hybrid actions against Europe are aimed to influence and destabilise our democracies, including through sabotage and election meddling. "We are determined to continue further coordinated action in response to these threats, both regionally and on the EU and NATO level," stressed Budrys.

The Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) is an informal and non-institutionalised format for cooperation among the five Nordic and three Baltic states - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. The NB8 countries coordinate the activities (agenda) of the NB8 on a rotational basis each year, organizing and hosting the meetings that take place that year. In 2025, the NB8 cooperation is coordinated by Denmark. The Weimar Triangle is an informal format of cooperation among Poland, France and Germany.



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Russia Launches Drone Attacks On Dnipro, Kharkiv After Kremlin Rejects Offer Of 30-Day Cease-Fire

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service April 29, 2025

Russian forces launched a mass drone attack on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro late on April 29, killing one person and setting homes on fire, the regional governor said.

"There are a number of fires in the city," Governor Serhiy Lysak said on Telegram. "Private homes have been damaged."

Russian drones earlier on April 29 struck Kharkiv, Regional Governor Oleh Synyehubov said, adding that 11 people had been injured, and a 5-year-old girl experienced what he called an "acute stress reaction."

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said a drone hit a private house and another one fell near a medical facility.

The Kremlin earlier on April 29 rejected a call from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a 30-day cease-fire after the Ukrainian leader criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a three-day pause in fighting to coincide with annual Victory Day celebrations in Moscow.

Putin called for the 72-hour truce to take place on May 8-10 as Russia marks the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

Zelenskyy questioned the need to wait until then for a cease-fire, saying it was a move "just to provide Putin with silence for his parade" and called for an "immediate, full, and unconditional" 30-day truce.

"We all want this war to end in a fair way -- with no rewards for Putin, especially no land," Zelenskyy said in a videoconference at a summit organized by Poland. Moscow holds about 20 percent of Ukraine's territory after launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

A proposal from the United States for an unconditional cease-fire, which Ukraine had agreed to, was also still possible, Zelenskyy reiterated.

"Russia knows exactly what it needs to do and how to respond: to genuinely cease fire," he said.

Ukraine's foreign minister said earlier that the announcement by the Kremlin on April 28 was disingenuous and said it should begin immediately.

Russia's response on April 29, however, was to reject the longer "immediate" cease-fire, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying several issues first needed to be resolved.

"Without answers to these questions, it is difficult to enter into a long-term cease-fire," he said.

It's the second time this month that the Kremlin has called for a halt to fighting. A proposal for the Easter holiday earlier this month was largely ignored as Russia and Ukraine continued to batter one another.

On the night of April 28-29, Russia launched a drone attack on civilian areas in Ukraine, killing a child, according to officials.

In his evening address on April 29, Zelenskyy again called for a full and unconditional cease-fire.

"They must take clear steps to end the war, and we insist that an unconditional and complete cease-fire must be the first step," he said.

The United States has been pressing for "a complete, durable ceasefire and an end to the conflict," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said on April 29.

"We are now at a time where concrete proposals need to be delivered by the two parties on how to end this conflict," Bruce told reporters in what she said was a message from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "If there is not progress, we will step back as mediators in this process," Bruce quoted Rubio as saying.

US President Donald Trump had vowed to end the war in his first 24 hours back in the White House. But the goal remains elusive as he celebrates 100 days in office.

The United States reportedly has suggested to freeze the front lines and accept the Russian control of the Crimean Peninsula that it seized in 2014. But Zelenskyy has held firm against formal international recognition of Russia's 2014 takeover of Crimea.

Though Trump has opened direct talks with Moscow, Russian officials have sought to broaden the negotiations to include not just the Ukraine conflict, but the wider bilateral relationship between Washington and Moscow.

Russia and Ukraine agreed on a limited cease-fire in March, but the two sides have continued to attack one another. On the battlefield, Russian forces have pressed their advantage -- in men and in weaponry -- to grind down Ukraine's troops.

Over the weekend on the sidelines of Pope Francis's funeral at the Vatican, Trump had his first face-to-face meeting with Zelenskyy since February, when Oval Office talks imploded in acrimony.

Trump said the meeting had gone well, but he added that he thought Zelenskyy is ready to give up Crimea Peninsula to Russia as a concession.

Trump later called on Putin to "stop shooting" and agree to a peace deal.

Experts say Putin has been dragging out talks because his forces have the momentum on the battlefield and a cease-fire at the current line of contact would leave him short of one of his main goals: fully capturing the four Ukrainian regions that Moscow claims to have annexed: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson.

They add that ceding territory to Russia would be politically and constitutionally impossible for Zelenskyy. Ukrainian citizens and lawmakers appear strongly opposed to the idea.

Russia wants any peace deal to recognize its control of nearly 20 percent of Ukraine, including Crimea. It also wants Ukraine to be de-militarized and kept out of NATO. Moscow has also rejected Kyiv's demand for a Western peacekeeping force to monitor any cease-fire agreement.

US Senator Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat-New Hampshire), said on April 29 that recognizing "Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea would invite additional aggression from Moscow and Beijing."

"I have endeavored to give President Trump the space to negotiate a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which is a goal we both share," said Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

"However, President Trump and his team have fatally mismanaged these negotiations -- offering concession after concession to Russia, throwing away our leverage and fracturing the united front with our allies that is critical to ending this war," she said.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-war- ceasefire-putin-trump-victory-day/33399346.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Trump Warns Ukraine Could Collapse in Three Years Without Peace Deal

Sputnik News

20250429

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump has said that he believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to making a deal on Ukraine and is easier to negotiate with than Volodymyr Zelensky.

"When Zelenskyy was in the Oval Office. I was talking about getting it done, and he starts screaming, 'but we need security', meaning security, after the fact, I said, 'security'? I don't even know if we can get this deal done," Trump said in an interview with US media personality Glenn Beck.

The US president also said that he is not sure "if we can get this deal done."

"He's asking for more, just more and more and more. And he doesn't have the cards. He doesn't have the cards, so hopefully he's going to get it done," Trump said. Trump pointed out that he doesn't believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin would be making any steps towards resolving the conflict if he would not be back in the Oval Office.

"I think he [Putin] had the idea of going all the way through," he added.

Trump repeated that the ongoing conflict is " Biden's war" and not his.

"I'm just trying to end it. And I'm actually ending it, yes, for money, but I'm not ending it for that number one, I'm ending it because they're losing 5,000 people a week," he added.

"I think he's [Putin] willing to make a deal. And I would say thus far, he's been easier to deal with than Zelensky," Trump said.

Trump previously said he had a deadline to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, but did not disclose it. Last week, he criticized Zelensky, saying his statements on Crimea were hurting peace talks with Russia. Trump believes the situation in Ukraine is dire, and Zelensky has to either make peace or lose the entire country in three years.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that the coming week would be critical because the US would have to decide whether it wanted to continue to deal with the conflict in Ukraine or whether it was time to focus on other issues.

 Sputnik

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Russia Focused on Bringing Peace to Ukraine - Kremlin

Sputnik News

20250429

The government spokesman touched upon the most pressing policy issues with emphasis on the Ukrainian crisis and the geopolitical turmoil surrounding it.

Russia is focused on bringing the Ukrainian conflict towards a peaceful settlement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

"We are still focused on ongoing efforts to move the process towards a peaceful settlement," Peskov told reporters.

Ukraine Stays Mum on Truce Proposals

Ukraine has not reacted to the proposal of Russian President Vladimir Putin for a three-day truce to coincide with Victory Day celebrations, Peskov added.

On Monday, the Kremlin said that Putin had declared a ceasefire from midnight on May 8 until midnight on May 11 during the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany.

"President Putin showed a gesture of goodwill and announced yesterday that a temporary truce would be declared to celebrate the victory. We have not heard any reaction from the Kiev regime so far either. It is still very difficult to understand whether the Kiev regime is going to join or not," Peskov told reporters, adding that a lack of response is a manipulation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's proposal to stop the conflict for 30 days is impossible without resolving all the nuances, the spokesman said.

"We have seen, but if we talk about such a long-term cessation, then the nuances that President Putin spoke about in the Kremlin are important. This is also important, but it is difficult to reach such a long-term truce without answering these questions. President Putin spoke about this, we need to remember these words every time," Peskov said, adding that entering into peace talks is a primary interest.

Moscow expects that Putin's initiative on the truce will receive an assessment in Europe and Kiev, Peskov added.

North Korean Soldiers May Be Awarded

It cannot be ruled out that Putin will award North Korean soldiers who excelled in the operation to clear the Kursk region from Ukrainian soldiers, Peskov said on Tuesday.

On Saturday, Chief of Russia's General Staff Valery Gerasimov announced that the Kursk region was fully liberated, as the last of the settlements had been cleared of Ukrainian military presence. North Korea has officially announced sending troops to Russia under the Russian-North Korean Strategic Partnership Treaty.

"I am not aware of these plans yet, but this cannot be ruled out, of course," Peskov replied to a question from reporters about whether Putin would reward the North Korean soldiers.

The question of the possibility of the continued participation of North Korean fighters in combat operations should be addressed to the Russian Defense Ministry, the spokesman added.

France Stays Deaf to Russia's Arguments

It seems like France does not bother to listen to Putin's statements, Peskov also said, commenting on the words of French President Emmanuel Macron about pressure on Russia.

On Monday, Macron said that Western pressure on Russia to make a ceasefire deal with Ukraine will increase in the coming eight to 10 days.

"It seems that in France, they do not bother to listen to the statements of President Putin, to our regret. It was President Putin who repeated many times that Russia is ready to begin the negotiation process without any preconditions. We have not heard a response from the Kiev regime yet," Peskov told reporters.

Macron's statement confirms that Europe still prefers to focus on continuing the war, which is regrettable, the official added.

 Sputnik

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Russia's Air Forces Down Ukrainian Su-27

Sputnik News

20250429

Russia's Aerospace Forces shot down a Ukrainian Su-27 aircraft, while aviation and artillery struck the infrastructure of military airfields, the training center of Ukraine's State Border Guard Service, strike drone launch sites, ammunition depots, and air defense systems, destroying 189 drones, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported on Tuesday.

"Operational-tactical aviation, strike unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops, and artillery of the Russian Armed Forces' groupings have struck the infrastructure of military airfields, the training center of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, strike drone launch sites, ammunition depots, as well as temporary deployment points of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 152 areas. The Russian Aerospace Forces have shot down a Ukrainian Su-27 aircraft," the Ministry of Defense stated.

Anti-aircraft defense systems destroyed seven JDAM-guided bombs manufactured in the United States and 189 aircraft-type drones.

Since the start of the special military operation, the following have been destroyed: 662 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 54,368 unmanned aerial vehicles, 605 surface-to-air missile systems, 23,081 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,553 multiple rocket launchers, 24,238 field artillery pieces and mortars, and 34,718 units of special military vehicles.

New Settlements Liberated

The Zapad group of the Russian armed forces has taken control of the settlement of Doroshovka in the Kharkov region over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

"As a result of active actions, units of the Zapad military group liberated the settlement of Doroshovka in the Kharkov region," the ministry said in a statement.

More Ukrainian Militants Decimated

Russia's Tsentr group of forces has eliminated up to 450 Ukrainian soldiers over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

"The enemy has lost up to 450 servicepeople, two armored combat vehicles, including a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, two vehicles and two artillery pieces," the statement read.

Russia's Yug group of forces has eliminated up to 250 Ukrainian soldiers over the past day, the ministry said.

Russia's Zapad group of forces has eliminated over 240 Ukrainian servicepeople, while Russia's Sever group of forces has eliminated up to 205 Ukrainian soldiers over the past 24 hours, the ministry said.

 Sputnik

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Europe Must Demonstrate Its Ability to Defend Itself - Ihor Zhovkva

President of Ukraine

29 April 2025 - 18:40

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva met with Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Julius Pranevicius.

Ihor Zhovkva thanked Lithuania for its support of Ukraine in countering Russian aggression, in particular for the decision to allocate 0.25% of GDP annually as military assistance to our state.

The Deputy Head of the Presidential Office informed Mr. Pranevicius about the outcomes of recent meetings of national security and defense advisers held in Paris and London.

The parties coordinated their positions on joint steps to strengthen European security and to establish a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine.

"Every voice of a European state matters. Europe must demonstrate its ability to defend itself and uphold security on the continent," Ihor Zhovkva emphasized.

Special attention was paid to Ukraine's European integration. The Deputy Head of the Office of the President noted that our state has fulfilled all necessary commitments to open the first negotiating cluster.

"European partners must demonstrate unity in this process, and no individual state should block the decision to advance Ukraine's accession," he added.

Julius Pranevicius reaffirmed Lithuania's unwavering support for our country, including in advocating for Ukrainian interests across all international platforms and in all relevant formats.

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We Need More Security Cooperation - Speech by the President at the Three Seas Summit

President of Ukraine

29 April 2025 - 16:58

Dear colleagues, Mr. Presidents!

Distinguished participants of the Summit!

It's great that the Three Seas format is working. And I believe - with everything happening around us - we'll only have more reasons to stay united and cooperate.

We have all just seen what happened to our friends in Spain and Portugal - a serious energy crisis. Both countries were almost in blackout. Luckily, they have managed to restore most of the power. But the very fact that such a disruption can happen is a challenge - a challenge we must respond to, and respond together.

Yesterday, I spoke with the Prime Minister of Spain about the situation and possible assistance. Ukrainian experts have unique experience in protecting and restoring energy supply. The war has taught us a lot - not just how to recover after Russian missiles and bombs, but also how to handle cyberattacks and other threats. Ukraine has unique expertise and experience, and we are ready to share it. Especially now, when energy is likely to be one of the first targets in our region. Sadly, Russia is still close - and we don't see any real changes in their behavior. So we need changes on our side - we need more security cooperation. Ukraine suggests doing this through the Three Seas format.

First, energy. We need to protect our energy infrastructure - especially near Russian borders - and set up joint emergency plans. We should check how ready we are to defend and fix energy systems if something happens.

Second, backups. We need more ways to support each other. Energy grids, pipelines, communication systems - all critical infrastructure - should be built with backup routes. So every country can help others in a crisis. Let's work on that.

Third, transport. Our region needs better logistics links. Just like the Baltic Sea can help when there are problems in the Black Sea, the Black Sea should also help your countries in case of a crisis. This is about more than just trade - it's about the safety of our people. And we should all have quick access to the Adriatic Sea too - in case something happens across the region. We need to learn from how Russia behaves and get prepared better.

And to really make this happen, we need peace.

A lasting one. And we can only reach that now, together, by standing united.

I thank everyone here who supports Ukraine and our diplomatic efforts. All of Europe - especially our region next to Russia - should speak with one voice. We all want Europe and the U.S. to stay strong partners. We all want this war to end in a fair way - with no rewards for Putin, especially no land.

And we all need to keep the pressure on Russia - everyone can do their part to help us reach a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible, for at least 30 days. That's what could lay the groundwork for real, effective diplomacy.

So please, keep standing with Ukraine. We're very grateful for your military support - and we still need it, because Russia wants to drag this war out. We also appreciate every investment in our defense industry - and we promise - what we're building now will protect not only us but also those who invest.

And look at Belarus - Russia is preparing something there this summer, using military drills as cover. That's usually how they start a new attack. But where will it go? I don't know. Ukraine? Lithuania? Poland? God forbid! But we all need to be ready. All our institutions are open for cooperation.

Our Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration, Oleksii Kuleba, is here at the summit. He's in charge of infrastructure and is ready to present important projects. Our Energy Ministry and other agencies are also ready to work together with you. And through our intelligence, we're ready to share info about threats in our region. We also propose more work between our security advisors - so every country can help end this war through diplomacy.

We need to stand together not just politically, but in a purely practical sense to defend against real challenges.

Thanks again for your support! Thank you very much for the invitation, Andrzej!

 !

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Denver, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Denver, Colorado -

DKRK Services, based in Denver, has just launched its new website. This online platform is designed to give clients easier access to their range of accounting and bookkeeping services. By focusing on small and medium-sized businesses, DKRK Services aims to make financial management simpler and more efficient for its clients.

The new website shows DKRK Services' commitment to professionalism and respect for each client's business. By building a better online presence, the firm wants to make financial management less complicated for business owners, so they can concentrate on what they do best. Whether it's managing books or offering strategic financial advice, DKRK Services is there for its clients in every aspect of their financial needs. Their comprehensive list of services is detailed on their website, which can be accessed at DKRK Services.

Dottie Korbe, the owner of DKRK Services, stresses the significance of having an accessible website. "Our updated website is a step forward in our commitment to client success," Korbe says. "We want to ensure that our clients can easily access the resources and support they need to thrive."

The firm offers a wide variety of services like accounting setup, bookkeeping, outsourced CFO roles, and QuickBooks consulting. These services are personalized to meet the needs of different businesses, providing them with the right support. With tailored solutions, DKRK Services encourages its clients to focus on growth, while they handle the complexities of financial management.

A standout feature of the new website is the easy-to-use client portal. It allows clients to communicate and interact smoothly, with real-time access to their financial data, helping them stay informed and make timely financial decisions.

Furthermore, DKRK Services provides a free 15-minute consultation to new clients. This gives new clients a chance to discuss their needs and see what the firm can do for them. Whether it's filing sales taxes, tracking inventory, or preparing financial statements, DKRK Services promises accuracy and precision.

To further assist their clients, DKRK Services has included various digital tools on their website. These tools offer insights and resources to help business owners understand their financial operations more thoroughly. As Dottie Korbe points out, "Knowledge is power. By equipping our clients with the information they need, we're empowering them to make informed business decisions."

Keeping its focus on client needs, DKRK Services is expanding its presence through social media and other digital marketing platforms. Their social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn provide additional ways for clients to engage and get information.

Customers who want to visit them in person or need more help can find their location here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ouF7CtSAeAaAy8NW6.

With this new website, DKRK Services hopes to improve the experience for current clients and draw in new ones seeking expert accounting support. Using their knowledge and new digital tools, they aim to meet and exceed client expectations, helping them build a strong foundation for growth and success.

For more updates and information, visit their page on Press Advantage at https://www.pressadvantage.com/organization/dk-rk-services.

###

For more information about DK/RK Services, contact the company here:



DK/RK Services

Dottie Korbe

3037257145

info@dkrkservices.com

7550 Dahlia St, Commerce City, CO 80222
TORONTO, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Montauk Metals Inc. (TSX-V: MTK) (the Company or Montauk) announces that Mr. Robert Suttie has resigned from his position as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective immediately. The Board of Directors would like to thank Mr. Suttie for his service to Montauk and wishes him the best in his future endeavors.

The Company also announces that it will not be in a position to file its audited annual financial statements, managements discussion and analysis, and related CEO and CFO certifications for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the Required Filings) by the prescribed deadline of April 30, 2025, as required under National Instrument 51-102  Continuous Disclosure Obligations. As a result, Montauk expects to be noted in default in due course and anticipates that trading of its common shares will be halted on the TSX Venture Exchange and a cease trade order will be issued by the applicable Canadian Securities Administrators.

Further to the Companys press release dated December 5, 2024, the Company further announces that its current financial position is such that it does not have sufficient resources to continue its operations or satisfy its outstanding obligations as they become due despite attempts to negotiate settlements with creditors. As a result, Montauks Board of Directors has initiated a strategic review of its available alternatives. These alternatives include, but are not limited to, orderly dissolution, restructuring activities, a potential assignment into bankruptcy, or other insolvency proceedings under applicable legislation. There can be no assurance that the strategic review process will result in any transaction or alternative, or that the Company will be able to avoid an assignment into bankruptcy or other insolvency protection proceedings.

Pending the outcome of this process, Montauk does not expect to resume active operations and cautions investors that there is a significant risk that holders of common shares will receive little or no value in any liquidation or restructuring event. Further announcements regarding the status of the Company's strategic review will be made as developments warrant.

RISK DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: At the present time, the Companys remaining payment obligations are substantially in excess of its remaining cash balances and it has no other assets. The Company is not solvent and cannot continue as a going concern. Trading in shares of the Company and any investment in the Company is highly speculative. No trading in securities of the Company or investment should be made without being able to lose the entire amount of such funds. See below, Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements. Investors are advised to seek professional advice before making any decision to trade in or invest in the securities of the Company.

The Company has entered into negotiations with various creditors for the settlement of outstanding debt which could include the settlement of shares for debt, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. In addition, the Company is currently engaged in a strategic review of its operations and business, with the goal of attracting strategic partners for the re-capitalization and restructuring of the Company.

Montauk Metals Inc.

Michael Sutton

Director

800-761-2770

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" as such term is used in applicable Canadian and US securities laws. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as "forward-looking statements". These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based upon forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the Companys ability to complete its Required Filings, the issuance of cease trade orders, the outcome of the strategic review process, the potential for the Company to undertake bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, the potential for shareholder value recovery, and the Companys financial position.

Forward-looking statements reflects the Companys current expectations and are based on a number of assumptions, factors and expectations that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, financial and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, without limitation, expectations regarding the Companys ability to manage its liabilities, access third-party support, conduct asset sales or restructuring initiatives, and the timing and outcome of regulatory processes. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information, including without limitation: the Company's inability to complete its Required Filings; the imposition of trading halts, cease trade orders and other regulatory penalties; the failure to identify viable strategic alternatives; the failure to obtain creditor or stakeholder support for restructuring initiatives; risks associated with bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings; risks of claims by creditors and other stakeholders; and general risks affecting the mining industry and broader economic conditions.

There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in completing a sale, restructuring, bankruptcy proceeding or any other strategic alternative, or that any such alternative will provide any value to shareholders. As a result, investors should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. All forward-looking information in this press release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could vary or differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this press release. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. (TSX-V: DMGI) (OTCQB: DMGGF) (FRANKFURT: 6AX) ("DMG" or the "Company"), a vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company, announces it has signed a purchase and sale agreement (PSA) for two megawatts of Prefabricated Data Center (PDC) infrastructure for a confidential consideration with the same undisclosed counterparty (Counterparty) with which it has an MOU signed in February 2025 to purchase 10 megawatts of PDC infrastructure.

This asset purchase payment is in lieu of the previously disclosed US$5M upfront payment with the balance of the to-be-agreed-upon price based on future DMG revenue resulting from artificial intelligence (AI) computing off-take agreements. The Company intends to move the two megawatts of purchased PDC units to either its Christina Lake data center, Malahat Nation lands and/or a temporary storage location in the coming months. DMG intends to acquire the remaining available PDC infrastructure under the original 10-megawatt MOU terms.

Since the signing of the MOU, DMG has made progress with respect to engaging Canadian government entities and enterprises for off-take agreements. DMG has up to 180 days to demonstrate progress towards reaching off-take agreements to maintain its exclusivity towards closing a definitive agreement to acquire the balance of the available PDC units. DMG will issue an additional news release related to the final structure and terms of the potential transaction, and other material information if and when it becomes available.

DMG intends to deploy the PDC units at one or more locations, as the PDC infrastructure can be partitioned into smaller units due to its modular nature. While the infrastructure forms the basis for an AI data center, it does not include medium-voltage power distribution, battery storage or backup power generation, the configuration and amount of which have yet to be determined. Additionally, the PDC is not facilitated with computing, networking nor storage systems, all of which will need to be installed to realize revenue from potential AI off-take agreements.

DMGs CEO Sheldon Bennett stated, This purchase gives us the foundational capacity to begin moving forward on our AI infrastructure strategy and is appropriately sized, as we believe it is likely that Canadian Sovereign and Private AI installations are likely to start modest in size compared to the large US hyperscalers. Owning this infrastructure gives a unique time to market advantage, which is critical as Canadian government and enterprise entities scramble to protect themselves against international geopolitical forces beyond their control. We also believe this purchase is the most capital efficient way for which we can begin to build a critical mass of AI infrastructure, helping us to maximize our return to shareholders.

DMG Operational Update

In line with prior guidance, DMG has energized approximately two megawatts of additional hydro mining capacity and has reached 2.0 EH/s hashrate. It expects to energize the remaining two megawatt balance of its 6 megawatt hydro mining deployment plan in the coming week and reach 2.1 EH/s. As the increasing network difficulty has resulted in decreased profitability and the Company has observed heat sensitivity for its Bitmain T21 fleet, DMG may choose to downclock at least a portion of its fleet, which may result in a net fleet hashrate modestly below 2.1 EH/s.

Systemic Trust Company Update

DMG announces that Alvin Leung has been appointed as the acting Chief Executive Officer of Systemic Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of DMG, with effect as of April 25, 2025. The Company accepted Lawrence Truongs resignation as Chief Executive Officer and as a director of System Trust Company.

About DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc.

DMG is a publicly traded and vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company that manages, operates and develops end-to-end digital solutions to monetize the digital asset and artificial intelligence compute ecosystems. Systemic Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of DMG, is an integral component of DMGs carbon-neutral Bitcoin ecosystem, which enables financial institutions to move bitcoin in a sustainable and regulatory-compliant manner.

For more information on DMG Blockchain Solutions visit: www.dmgblockchain.com

Follow @dmgblockchain on X and subscribe to DMG's YouTube channel.

For further information, please contact:

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Sheldon Bennett, CEO & Director

Tel: +1 (778) 300-5406

Email: investors@dmgblockchain.com

Web: www.dmgblockchain.com

For Investor Relations:

investors@dmgblockchain.com

For Media Inquiries:

Chantelle Borrelli

Head of Communications

chantelle@dmgblockchain.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information or statements based on current expectations. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release include the execution of a definitive agreement for the PDC and the timing thereof, the expected benefits and outcomes of the PDC including the potential AI computing off-take agreements, adding computing, networking and storage systems to the PDC infrastructure, all of which will need to be installed to realize revenue from potential AI off-take agreements, energize the remaining two megawatt balance of its 6 megawatt hydro mining, increase hashrate subject to any potential downclocking at least a portion of its fleet, the Companys strategy for growth, the planned monetization of certain product and service offerings, developing and executing on the Companys products, services and business plans, the launch of products and services, events, courses of action, and the potential of the Companys technology and operations, among others, are all forward-looking information.

Future changes in the Bitcoin network-wide mining difficulty or Bitcoin hashrate may materially affect the future performance of DMGs production of bitcoin, and future operating results could also be materially affected by the price of bitcoin and an increase in hashrate and mining difficulty.

Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, market and other conditions, volatility in the trading price of the common shares of the Company, business, economic and capital market conditions; the ability to manage operating expenses, which may adversely affect the Company's financial condition; the ability to remain competitive as other better financed competitors develop and release competitive products; regulatory uncertainties; access to equipment; market conditions and the demand and pricing for products; the demand and pricing of bitcoin; security threats, including a loss/theft of DMG's bitcoin; DMG's relationships with its customers, distributors and business partners; the inability to add more power to DMG's facilities; DMG's ability to successfully define, design and release new products in a timely manner that meet customers' needs; the ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel; competition in the industry; the impact of technology changes on the products and industry; failure to develop new and innovative products; the ability to successfully maintain and enforce our intellectual property rights and defend third-party claims of infringement of their intellectual property rights; the impact of intellectual property litigation that could materially and adversely affect the business; the ability to manage working capital; and the dependence on key personnel. DMG may not actually achieve its plans, projections, or expectations. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, the ability to successfully develop software, that there will be no regulation or law that will prevent the Company from operating its business, anticipated costs, the ability to secure sufficient capital to complete its business plans, the ability to achieve goals and the price of bitcoin. Given these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The securities of DMG are considered highly speculative due to the nature of DMG's business. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Companys filings on www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, DMGs past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, failure to obtain regulatory approval, the continued availability of capital and financing, equipment failures, lack of supply of equipment, power and infrastructure, failure to obtain any permits required to operate the business, the impact of technology changes on the industry, the impact of viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, secure equipment, and hire personnel, competition, security threats including stolen bitcoin from DMG or its customers, consumer sentiment towards DMG's products, services and blockchain technology generally, failure to develop new and innovative products, litigation, adverse weather or climate events, increase in operating costs, increase in equipment and labor costs, equipment failures, decrease in the price of Bitcoin, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, government regulations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of or statements made by third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.
Ad-hoc announcement pursuant to art. 53 SIX Swiss Exchange Listing Rules

MEDIA RELEASE

Q1 2025 net sales of USD 2,480 million up by 3% in constant currencies (cc); stable in USD up by 5%[1] at a comparable growth rate (CGR), when adjusted for impact of 2024 acquisition of US biosimilar Cimerli (ranibizumab) and 2024 divestment of China business ten largest-selling medicines grew by combined 4% and represented 33% of net sales



Europe net sales grew by 7%[1]. International declined by 2%[1] and increased by 2% when adjusted for China divestment. Net sales in North America grew by 1%[1] and, adjusted for Cimerli acquisition, by 3%

Anticipated biosimilar launches primarily weighted to second half of year. Launches include Wyost/Jubbonti (denosumab) in Europe and US, Tyruko (natalizumab) in US[2] and Afqlir (aflibercept) in Europe

Favorable moves towards regulatory streamlining of biosimilar development reflected in decision to minimize pembrolizumab Phase III trial

Full-year impact of US governments confirmed recent tariffs within guidance

Full-year 2025 guidance confirmed: mid single-digit net-sales growth[1] and core EBITDA margin of around 21%

Basel, April 30, 2025  Sandoz (SIX: SDZ / OTCQX: SDZNY), the global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, today presents its net-sales update for the first quarter of 2025.

Richard Saynor, Chief Executive Officer of Sandoz, commented: With Q1 sales in line with our expectations, we have now delivered fourteen consecutive quarters of top-line growth. This reconfirms our growing track record of execution and performance, driven by commercial excellence and an expanding biosimilar pipeline and portfolio, underpinned by our generics base. Im looking forward to additional growth in the second quarter and further progress this year as we launch more biosimilar medicines.

With our business continuing to grow, we are confident of delivering more affordable medicines for patients and savings for society, while producing sustainable growth in sales, profitability and cash generation. It is the powerful combination of delivery and pioneering access for patients that makes us proud to be part of the Sandoz growth journey.

FULL-YEAR 2025 GUIDANCE

The Company expects further major biosimilar launches later this year, while price erosion is expected to return to normalised levels of a low to mid-single-digit percentage. Sandoz anticipates core EBITDA-margin expansion to reflect the mix of sales, simplification of the external network and the ongoing transformation program. As a result, the Company continues to expect:

FY 2025 net sales to grow by a mid single-digit percentage[3]

a core EBITDA margin in FY 2025 of around 21%

This guidance excludes any impacts of unforeseen events or unconfirmed developments, such as significant further potential trade tariffs emanating from the US government.

FIRST-QUARTER NET SALES

Net sales for the first quarter amounted to USD 2,480 million, representing growth of 3%[3]. Volume contributed six percentage points of growth, partly offset by price erosion of three percentage points.

Q1 2025 % of

Net Sales Q1 2024 % change USD m USD m USD cc CGR[3] Generics 1,809 73 1,869 -3 0 2 Biosimilars 671 27 623 8 11 14 Net Sales 2,480 100 2,492 0 3 5

Generics overview

Net sales for the first quarter were USD 1,809 million, reflecting a stable performance[3] (+2% on a CGR basis). Generics represented 73% of total net sales (Q1 2024: 75%).

Europe sales of generics grew in the first quarter, driven by the effect of launches in 2024. International net sales declined, with the impact from the divested China business outweighing growth in other markets. In North America, generics net-sales growth benefitted from the successful recent launch of paclitaxel.

Biosimilars overview

Net sales for the first quarter were USD 671 million, reflecting growth of 11%[3] (+14% on a CGR basis). Biosimilars represented 27% of total net sales (Q1 2024: 25%).

Strong Europe biosimilars net-sales growth benefitted from a number of good performances, including Hyrimoz (adalimumab) and recently launched Pyzchiva (ustekinumab), while International biosimilar net sales also saw a strong contribution from Omnitrope (somatropin). North America biosimilar net sales declined, reflecting the withdrawal of Cimerli during the quarter; excluding the impact of the 2024 acquisition Cimerli, North America biosimilar net sales increased.

Net sales by region

Q1 2025 % of

Net Sales Q1 2024 % change USD m USD m USD cc CGR[4] Europe 1,372 55 1,326 3 7 7 International 590 24 642 -8 -2 2 North America 518 21 524 -1 1 3 Net Sales 2,480 100 2,492 0 3 5

Europe overview

Net sales for the first quarter amounted to USD 1,372 million, reflecting growth of 7%[4].

Europe net sales of generics grew in the first quarter, with higher growth in biosimilars primarily a result of recent launches, including Pyzchiva.

International overview

Net sales for the first quarter amounted to USD 590 million, reflecting a decline of 2%[4]. Excluding the impact of the divestment of the China business, growth amounted to 2%[4].

Pricing increased in both generics and biosimilars during the quarter, with strong biosimilar net sales partly a result of the continued good performance from Omnitrope.

North America overview

Net sales for the first quarter amounted to USD 518 million, reflecting growth of 1%[4]. Excluding the impact of the withdrawal of Cimerli, growth amounted to 3%[4].

A good performance from generics was driven by the successful recent launch of paclitaxel, as well as continued strong growth in Canada. Biosimilar net-sales growth would have been positive when excluding the impact of the 2024 acquisition of Cimerli. Price erosion was driven by reduced Cimerli and private-label adalimumab pricing.

US TARIFFS

The only tariffs applicable to the Company, as part of recent implementation from the US government, is a total 20% China tariff, implemented on March 4, 2025, and a tariff on any medicines coming from Canada but outside the scope of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. These impacts have been incorporated within full-year guidance.

The Sandoz manufacturing footprint consists of 15 sites, including 11 in Europe and one in the US, from which the latter does not export to Europe. US first-quarter net sales represented less than one-fifth of total net Q1 sales.

REGULATORY STREAMLINING: BIOSIMILARS

Reflecting encouraging and favourable developments, Sandoz has decided to minimize its ongoing Phase III trial in patients with untreated metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer for the proposed biosimilar, pembrolizumab. The ongoing Phase I pharmacokinetic trial is continuing as planned. This decision was partly based on communications with the US FDA, as well as a reflection paper published by the European Medicines Agency. The Company is assessing implications, including for its wider biosimilars pipeline.

In April 2025, Sandoz announced the filing of an antitrust lawsuit in the US against Amgen, Inc. (Amgen), for extending and entrenching the dominant market position of Enbrel[5] (etanercept), first approved by the US FDA in 1998. Sandoz alleges that Amgen blocked competition from more cost-effective biosimilar competitors, including Sandoz etanercept biosimilar, Erelzi[6] (etanercept-szzs), by unlawfully purchasing and using certain patent rights to entrench its position in the market.

KEY LINKS

A conference call and webcast for investors and analysts will begin today at 9am CET. Details can be found here, with the accompanying presentation here.

CALENDAR

The Company intends to publish its half-year results on August 7, 2025.

[1] In constant currencies (cc).

[2] Subject to FDA approval of John Cunningham virus assay.

[3] In constant currencies (cc).

[4] In constant currencies (cc).

[5] Enbrel is a registered trademark of Amgen, Inc.

[6] Erelzi is a registered trademark of Sandoz, Inc.

CONTACTS

Media Relations contacts Investor Relations contacts global.mediarelations@sandoz.com investor.relations@sandoz.com Alex Kalomparis

+41 79 279 02 85 Craig Marks

+44 7818 942 383 Joerg E. Allgaeuer

+49 171 838 4838 Tamara Hackl

+41 79 790 52 17 Danja Spring

+41 79 156 74 88 Rupreet Sandhu

+41 79 410 54 72

DISCLAIMER

This media release contains forward-looking statements, which offer no guarantee with regard to future performance. These statements are made on the basis of managements views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance at the time the statements are made. They are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not confined to, future global economic conditions, exchange rates, legal provisions, market conditions, activities by competitors and other factors outside of the control of Sandoz. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those forecasted or expected. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and Sandoz undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. This media release includes non-IFRS financial measures as defined by Sandoz. An explanation of non-IFRS measures can be found in the Supplementary financial information of the latest Integrated Annual Report.

ABOUT SANDOZ

Sandoz (SIX: SDZ; OTCQX: SDZNY) is the global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, with a growth strategy driven by its Purpose: pioneering access for patients. More than 20,000 people of 100 nationalities work together to ensure more than 900 million patient treatments are provided by Sandoz, generating substantial global healthcare savings and an even larger social impact. Its leading portfolio of approximately 1,300 products addresses diseases from the common cold to cancer. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Sandoz traces its heritage back to 1886. Its history of breakthroughs includes Calcium Sandoz in 1929, the worlds first oral penicillin in 1951, and the worlds first biosimilar in 2006. In 2024, Sandoz recorded net sales of USD 10.4 billion.

APPENDIX

QUARTERLY NET SALES

The Company intends to provide the net-sales performance by region by generics/biosimilars at each half-year and full-year results.

FY 2024

Q1 2024 % change Q2 2024 % change Q3 2024 % change Q4 2024 % change USD m USD cc USD m USD cc USD m USD cc USD m USD cc Generics 1,869 0 1 1,835 -1 1 1,854 3 4 1,946 1 4 Biosimilars 623 21 21 720 35 37 741 36 37 769 23 25 Net Sales 2,492 5 6 2,555 7 9 2,595 11 12 2,715 7 9

Q1 2024 % change Q2 2024 % change Q3 2024 % change Q4 2024 % change USD m USD cc USD m USD cc USD m USD cc USD m USD cc Europe 1,326 4 2 1,308 2 3 1,362 13 12 1,367 7 8 International 642 4 12 627 5 9 635 2 8 653 0 6 North America 524 6 6 620 22 23 598 17 18 695 13 14 Net Sales 2,492 5 6 2,555 7 9 2,595 11 12 2,715 7 9





Attachment
Luxembourg, April 30, 2025 - ArcelorMittal (referred to as ArcelorMittal or the Company or the "Group") (MT (New York, Amsterdam, Paris, Luxembourg), MTS (Madrid)), the worlds leading integrated steel and mining company, today announced results1 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025.

1Q 2025 key highlights:

Safety focus: Protecting employee health and well-being remains an overarching priority of the Company. LTIF rate of 0.63x in 1Q 2025. dss+ safety audit recommendations implementation phase is underway

Delivering higher margins than in prior cycles: The Group's results are showing resilience; the benefits of asset optimization and a diversified asset portfolio are supporting higher and more stable margins than in prior cycles. Despite the impact of unsustainably low spreads, 1Q 2025 EBITDA of $1.6bn with EBITDA/tonne of $116/t compares favorably against low points of previous cycles. 1Q 2025 net income is $0.8bn

Stronger operations: Record production and shipments from Liberia iron ore operations supporting strong Mining segment performance; European mills operating consistently supporting good cost performance; North America back to normalized operating levels

Seasonal investment in working capital: A typical seasonal working capital investment of $1.7bn during the quarter led to a free cash outflow of $1.4bn and an increase in net debt10 to $6.7bn (while liquidity stood at $10.8bn8)

Investing for growth and consistently rewarding shareholders all whilst maintaining a strong balance sheet: Over the past 12 months, the Company has generated net cash provided by operating activities of $4.6bn and spent maintenance/normative capex of $2.7bn resulting in investable cash flow of $1.9bn. The Company then invested $1.2bn on strategic growth capex projects, returned $1.2bn to ArcelorMittal shareholders and allocated a net $0.9bn to M&A

Strategic focus:

ArcelorMittals optimized asset portfolio and repositioned balance sheet places it in a much stronger position to navigate macro uncertainty whilst maintaining its strategic course

Delivering strategic growth projects: good momentum

The Group's strong financial position enables the consistent funding of organic growth projects to support future profitability and investable cashflow. The Groups high return strategic growth projects, together with impact of Vallourec and Italpannelli are expected to increase EBITDA potential by $1.8bn7, with a $0.6bn benefit to EBITDA targeted in 2025

Key projects for 2025 are on track:

Liberia iron ore expansion project to 20Mt is running on time and budget. The commissioning of full 15Mt concentrator capacity is on track by mid-2025 with full 20Mt capacity run-rate targeted by end 2025. 10Mt shipments expected in 2025, and incremental EBITDA of $0.2bn expected in 2025 and $450m at full capacity assuming current long-term prices

New state-of-the-art 1.5Mt EAF at AMNS Calvert (US) commissioning is underway. This will be the first EAF in North America capable of supplying exposed automotive grades with domestically melted and poured material with first heat expected in 2Q 2025

Development of AMNS India continues to gather momentum. The phase 1 expansion of Hazira to 15Mt by the end of 2026 remains on track. 2025 will see the commissioning of new high added-value downstream facilities (CGL3, PLTCM and CGAL) particularly focused on steel for automotive customers. Land acquisition has commenced in Rajayyapeta, Andhra Pradesh, where a 7.3Mtpa state-of the art integrated greenfield steel plant is planned

Economic decarbonization:

The Company has been encouraged by the European Commission's (EC) Steel and Metals Action Plan which has shown an understanding of the critical issues i.e. trade defenses, strengthened CBAM and demand for low carbon emission steel. The recently enhanced safeguards and new anti-dumping measures support the outlook for domestic producers relative to importers

The Action Plan now needs to be supported by rapid implementation; of critical importance is visibility on the provision of industry access to competitive energy, an effective CBAM and Trade defenses. At that point, the Company will be able to review its investment priorities for the Europe segment

The Company continues to optimize its decarbonization pathway, focused on generating a return on investment with related capex to be contained within the annual capex envelope of $4.5-$5.0bn

Consistent shareholder returns:

Since September 2020 6 , the Company has successfully completed 9 separate buyback programs, reducing fully diluted shares outstanding by 38%

, the Company has successfully completed 9 separate buyback programs, reducing fully diluted shares outstanding by 38% As per its capital allocation and return policy, in addition to its base dividend ($0.55/sh) 9 , the Company will continue to return a minimum of 50% of post-dividend annual free cash flow to shareholders

, the Company will continue to return a minimum of 50% of post-dividend annual free cash flow to shareholders Following completion of the most recent 85 million share buyback (SBB) program on April 1, 2025, a new 2025-2030 SBB program was announced. The Company will repurchase shares in a series of "tranches" through 2030. The first 10 million tranche commenced immediately upon announcement

Financial highlights (on the basis of IFRS1):

(USDm) unless otherwise shown 1Q 25 4Q 24 3Q 24 2Q 24 1Q 24 Sales 14,798 14,714 15,196 16,249 16,282 Operating income 825 529 663 1,046 1,072 Net income/(loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent 805 (390) 287 504 938 Adjusted net income attributable to equity holders of the parent5 805 404 488 677 757 Basic earnings/(loss) per common share (US$) 1.05 (0.51) 0.37 0.63 1.16 Adjusted basic earnings per common share (US$)5 1.05 0.52 0.63 0.85 0.94 Operating income/tonne (US$/t) 60 39 50 75 80 EBITDA 1,580 1,654 1,581 1,862 1,956 EBITDA/tonne (US$/t) 116 122 118 134 145 Crude steel production (Mt) 14.8 14.0 14.8 14.7 14.4 Steel shipments (Mt) 13.6 13.5 13.4 13.9 13.5 Total Group iron ore production (Mt) 11.8 12.6 10.1 9.5 10.2 Iron ore production (Mt) (AMMC and Liberia only) 8.4 8.9 6.6 5.9 6.5 Iron ore shipment (Mt) (AMMC and Liberia only) 8.0 7.6 6.3 6.2 6.3 Weighted average common shares outstanding (in millions) 768 772 778 794 809

Commenting, Aditya Mittal, ArcelorMittal Chief Executive Officer, said:

Across the Group our people are focused on implementing the recommendations of the dss+ safety audit, and a detailed update was included in our recent Sustainability report. While this is a three-year transformation plan, I am encouraged by the first steps that have been taken. We can already see the positive impact this is having across our operations, which we will build on over the remainder of this year and beyond.

From a financial perspective, it was another quarter of consistent delivery and robust margins, particularly given the geopolitical challenges, with EBITDA of $116 per tonne. We continue to execute our strategic growth agenda which is expected to deliver an incremental $1.8 billion EBITDA by 2027. A notable feature of the quarter was the strong performance in Liberia, which achieved record iron ore production and shipments.

Looking ahead, a measure of caution about the short-term outlook is appropriate. Heightened uncertainty around the terms of global trade is hurting business confidence and risks causing further economic disruption if not quickly resolved. It is encouraging however that around the world, governments are committed to supporting their domestic manufacturing industries. In the US, Section 232 tariffs are supporting higher prices and spreads, and in Europe the Steel and Metals Action Plan is a much needed and important signal that Europe will take action to support strategically important industries like steel from unfair competition. Swift implementation of the plan is now required to ensure European steelmaking can regain competitiveness and continue to invest for the future.

As a global Company with operations in most major regions, exports are a relatively modest part of our sales and we will continue to focus on meeting the requirements of our domestic markets, including in the high-growth attractive developing economies. Our strong balance sheet and diverse business model allows us to continue to invest in growth and deliver consistent shareholder returns, with the recent share buyback announcement proof of strategy in action."

Safety and sustainable development

Health and Safety focus:

Protecting employee health and well-being remains an overarching priority of the Company. LTIF rate of 0.63x in 1Q 2025 (vs 0.79x in 4Q 2024 and 0.61x in 1Q 2024).

Work is underway on the implementation of the safety audit recommendations. For further details on the progress to date on dss+ safety audit recommendations, see the 2024 Sustainability report available on the Company's website.

Own personnel and contractors  Lost time injury frequency rate

1Q 25 4Q 24 3Q 24 2Q 24 1Q 24 North America 0.23 0.31 0.43 0.31  Brazil 0.32 0.27 0.33 0.15 0.08 Europe 1.16 1.61 1.47 1.06 1.28 Sustainable Solutions 1.22 0.87 1.23 1.09 0.89 Mining 0.23 0.24 0.14 0.15 0.16 Others 0.45 0.88 1.20 0.47 0.76 Total 0.63 0.79 0.88 0.57 0.61

Sustainable development highlights:

ArcelorMittal continues to focus on economic decarbonization. In Europe, the Company has been encouraged by the Steel and Metals Action Plan which has shown an understanding of the urgency of the situation on trade defense, the requirement for a strengthened Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and demand for low carbon emission steel. This plan now needs to be supported by rapid action to ensure recovery of market share lost to imports due to global excess capacity and to improve demand and cost-competitiveness of low-carbon emission steel.

ArcelorMittal is engaging with the European Commission and other European leaders to build on the momentum already achieved. Furthermore, in Spain, the decarbonization projects are progressing (1.1Mt EAF in Gijon and expansion to 1.6Mt production in Sestao).

The Company intends for all decarbonization-related capex to be contained within the annual capex envelope of $4.5-$5.0 billion.

Analysis of results for 1Q 2025 versus 4Q 2024

Sales were broadly stable at $14.8 billion in 1Q 2025 as compared to $14.7 billion in 4Q 2024.

Operating income of $825 million in 1Q 2025 was 55.9% higher as compared to 4Q 2024 which was impacted by impairment charges2 of $80 million and exceptional items3 of $142 million.

EBITDA in 1Q 2025 declined by 4.5% to $1,580 million as compared to $1,654 million in 4Q 2024, primarily due to seasonality in Brazil, negative price-cost effect in Europe and lower contribution from India and JVs, offset in part by an improvement in North America (mainly due to improved Mexico results post illegal blockade), including higher volumes and positive price-cost effect.

ArcelorMittal recorded a net income of 1Q 2025 of $805 million as compared to a net loss of $390 million in 4Q 2024 (adjusted net income of $404 million in 4Q 2024)5 primarily due to higher operating income as discussed above, foreign exchange gains (largely due to the US$ depreciation against most currencies) and lower taxes4.

Net cash used in operating activities during 1Q 2025 amounted to $0.4 billion, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $2.5 billion in 4Q 2024, reflecting a $1.7 billion seasonal investment of working capital in 1Q 2025 compared to a working capital release of $1.6 billion in 4Q 2024. Capex for the quarter amounted to $1.0 billion (including $0.3 billion spent on strategic growth projects) compared to $1.1 billion (including $0.3 billion spend on strategic growth projects) in 4Q 2024.

Free cash outflow of $1.4 billion and share repurchases of $0.1 billion resulted in an increase in net debt to $6.7 billion on March 31, 2025, as compared to $5.1 billion on December 31, 2024.

Analysis of operations

North America

(USDm) unless otherwise shown 1Q 25 4Q 24 3Q 24 2Q 24 1Q 24 Sales 2,877 2,625 2,762 3,162 3,347 Operating income 350 158 229 338 585 Depreciation (125) (131) (129) (129) (120) EBITDA 475 289 358 467 705 Crude steel production (Kt) 2,255 1,883 1,652 1,823 2,180 - Flat shipments (Kt) 2,107 1,952 1,960 1,865 2,245 - Long shipments (Kt) 668 561 540 719 666 Steel shipments* (Kt) 2,643 2,391 2,408 2,468 2,796 Average steel selling price (US$/t) 902 892 955 1,040 1,042

* North America steel shipments include slabs sourced by the segment from Group companies (mainly the Brazil segment) and sold to the Calvert JV (eliminated in the Group consolidation). These shipments can vary between periods due to slab sourcing mix and timing of vessels: 1Q'25 469kt; 4Q'24 333kt; 3Q'24 577kt; 2Q'24 476kt; 1Q'24 481kt.

Sales in 1Q 2025 increased by 9.6% to $2.9 billion, as compared to $2.6 billion in 4Q 2024 primarily on account of a 10.5% increase in steel shipments and a 1.2% increase in average steel selling prices.

Following the resolution of the illegal blockade as previously reported, crude steel production in ArcelorMittal Mexico has fully recovered in 1Q 2025.

Operating income in 1Q 2025 increased to $350 million as compared to $158 million in 4Q 2024, primarily due to improved Mexico results (post illegal blockade) including higher volumes and a positive price-cost effect.

EBITDA in 1Q 2025 of $475 million was 64.3% higher as compared to $289 million in 4Q 2024, as discussed above.

Brazil

(USDm) unless otherwise shown 1Q 25 4Q 24 3Q 24 2Q 24 1Q 24 Sales 2,648 2,889 3,218 3,243 3,051 Operating income 306 358 414 325 302 Depreciation (85) (96) (83) (88) (94) Impairment items  (43)    EBITDA 391 497 497 413 396 Crude steel production (Kt) 3,579 3,527 3,842 3,607 3,564 - Flat shipments (Kt) 2,057 2,367 2,464 2,441 2,137 - Long shipments (Kt) 1,120 1,121 1,335 1,215 1,061 Steel shipments (Kt) 3,158 3,478 3,787 3,637 3,180 Average steel selling price (US$/t) 774 773 787 826 886

Sales in 1Q 2025 declined by 8.4% to $2.6 billion as compared to $2.9 billion in 4Q 2024, primarily due to 9.2% decrease in steel shipments, impacted by shipment timing delays and seasonality.

Operating income in 1Q 2025 of $306 million was 14.5% lower as compared to $358 million in 4Q 2024, primarily due to lower steel shipments. 4Q 2024 included impairment charges of $43 million related to the write-off of certain civil works on the Monlevade expansion project which has been stopped.

EBITDA in 1Q 2025 declined by 21.3% to $391 million as compared to $497 million in 4Q 2024, as discussed above.

Europe

(USDm) unless otherwise shown 1Q 25 4Q 24 3Q 24 2Q 24 1Q 24 Sales 7,218 7,142 7,141 7,822 7,847 Operating income 90 111 12 194 69 Depreciation (280) (305) (281) (268) (274) Impairment items   (36)   Exceptional items   (74)   EBITDA 370 416 403 462 343 Crude steel production (Kt) 7,987 7,696 7,870 8,041 7,604 - Flat shipments (Kt) 5,418 5,084 4,897 5,206 5,302 - Long shipments (Kt) 2,111 2,133 1,907 2,204 1,939 Steel shipments (Kt) 7,528 7,213 6,803 7,407 7,236 Average steel selling price (US$/t) 834 852 915 929 945

Sales in 1Q 2025 were broadly stable at $7.2 billion as compared to $7.1 billion in 4Q 2024, primarily due to a 4.4% increase in steel shipment volumes offset by a 2.0% decline in average steel selling prices.

Operating income in 1Q 2025 of $90 million was 19.2% lower as compared to $111 million in 4Q 2024 primarily due to a negative price-cost effect offset in part by higher steel shipments.

EBITDA in 1Q 2025 of $370 million was 11.1% lower as compared to $416 million in 4Q 2024, as discussed above.

India and JVs

Income from associates, joint ventures and other investments was lower in 1Q 2025 at $99 million, as compared to $194 million in 4Q 2024 primarily due to a lower income from our European investees and seasonality.

ArcelorMittal has investments in various joint venture and associate entities globally. The Company considers Calvert (50% equity interest) and AMNS India (60% equity interest) joint ventures to be of particular strategic importance, warranting more detailed disclosures to improve the understanding of their operational performance and value to the Company.

AMNS India

(USDm) unless otherwise shown 1Q 25 4Q 24 3Q 24 2Q 24 1Q 24 Production (Kt) (100% basis) 1,684 1,950 1,743 1,867 1,984 Shipments (Kt) (100% basis) 1,882 2,138 1,887 1,892 2,016 Sales (100% basis) 1,448 1,583 1,537 1,580 1,815 EBITDA (100% basis) 101 133 162 237 312

Sales in 1Q 2025 decreased by 8.6% to $1.4 billion as compared to $1.6 billion in 4Q 2024, primarily due a 12% decline in steel shipments (in part impacted by planned maintenance but also unfavorable market conditions which have been subsequently addressed by safeguard measures).

EBITDA during 1Q 2025 declined by 24.1% to $101 million as compared to $133 million in 4Q 2024, driven primarily by lower steel shipments.

Calvert

(USDm) unless otherwise shown 1Q 25 4Q 24 3Q 24 2Q 24 1Q 24 Production (Kt) (100% basis) 1,258 984 1,094 1,202 1,216 Shipments (Kt) (100% basis) 1,141 941 1,015 1,145 1,131 Sales (100% basis) 1,160 1,010 1,054 1,244 1,236 EBITDA (100% basis) 158 134 126 166 188

Production includes all production of the hot strip mill including processing of slabs on a hire work basis for ArcelorMittal Group entities and third parties, including stainless steel slabs. Shipments: including shipments of finished products processed on a hire work basis for ArcelorMittal Group entities and third parties, including stainless steel products. EBITDA of Calvert presented here on a 100% basis as a stand-alone business and in accordance with the Company's policy, applying the weighted average method of accounting for inventory.

Sales in 1Q 2025 increased by 14.8% to $1.2 billion as compared to $1.0 billion in 4Q 2024 primarily due to 21.3% higher shipments due to improved demand.

EBITDA during 1Q 2025 of $158 million was 17.7% higher as compared to $134 million in 4Q 2024, primarily due to higher shipment volumes.

Sustainable Solutions

(USDm) unless otherwise shown 1Q 25 4Q 24 3Q 24 2Q 24 1Q 24 Sales 2,580 2,400 2,542 2,891 2,889 Operating income/(loss) 37 (41) 17 55 26 Depreciation (50) (56) (38) (40) (44) Exceptional items  (79)    EBITDA 87 94 55 95 70

Sales in 1Q 2025 increased by 7.5% to $2.6 billion as compared to $2.4 billion in 4Q 2024.

Operating income in 1Q 2025 was $37 million as compared to an operating loss of $41 million in 4Q 2024 (which was impacted by exceptional items of $79 million primarily related to restructuring of the distribution network, resulting in a concentration of sites to improve efficiencies).

EBITDA in 1Q 2025 of $87 million was 7.9% lower as compared to $94 million in 4Q 2024 primarily due to seasonally lower construction business activity offset by EBITDA contribution from the ramp-up of the India renewables project (operating at 90% utilization and contributing $13 million EBITDA which is ~75% of its target profitability).

Mining

(USDm) unless otherwise shown 1Q 25 4Q 24 3Q 24 2Q 24 1Q 24 Sales 735 704 589 641 729 Operating income 253 246 128 150 246 Depreciation (67) (67) (65) (66) (65) EBITDA 320 313 193 216 311 Iron ore production (Mt) 8.4 8.9 6.6 5.9 6.5 Iron ore shipment (Mt) 8.0 7.6 6.3 6.2 6.3

Note: Mining segment comprises iron ore operations of ArcelorMittal Mines Canada (AMMC) and ArcelorMittal Liberia.

Sales in 1Q 2025 increased by 4.4% to $735 million as compared to $704 million in 4Q 2024, primarily due to 6.5% higher iron ore shipments. Liberia performance in 1Q 2025 improved significantly with record iron ore production and shipments, driven by operational improvements.

Iron ore production in 1Q 2025 decreased by 6.0% to 8.4Mt as compared to 8.9Mt in 4Q 2024 with seasonally lower performance at ArcelorMittal Mines Canada offset in part by improved Liberia volume.

Operating income in 1Q 2025 increased by 2.9% to $253 million as compared to $246 million in 4Q 2024 driven primarily by higher iron ore shipments in Liberia.

EBITDA in 1Q 2025 of $320 million was 1.9% higher as compared to $313 million in 4Q 2024, as discussed above.



Recent development

The first phase of AMNS India's expansion at Hazira to 15 million tonnes is on track with completion expected by the end of 2026. AMNS Indias mix and profitability is expected to improve as it commissions various value-added downstream facilities such as CGL3, PLTCM and CGAL by the end of 2025 while trademark ArcelorMittal products such as Magnelis and Optigal are gaining traction in the Indian market. Further plans are under development to build a 2.5Mtpa compact strip production mill to increase Hazira production capacity to 18Mtpa. On March 28, 2025, AMNS India announced the beginning of the acquisition of a land parcel in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh, as part of its plans to set up a state-of-the-art integrated steel plant in Rajayyapeta. The initial payment for acquiring the land has been made, and possession is expected soon, paving the way for the Company to commence work on the 7.3Mtpa greenfield project. The Company has also acquired 2 additional high-grade iron ore mines in Chhattisgarh to further enhance its raw material security as requirements increase.

On March 31, 2025, further to the announcement released on the Stock Exchange News Service (SENS) of the JSE Limited on March 19, 2025, ArcelorMittal South Africa informed shareholders that the decision to wind down its Long Steel Business will be deferred for an initial period of at least 6 months, up to August 31, 2025.

Outlook

The macro-outlook has evolved over the past 3 months. Delays in finding solutions for trade disruptions may lead to downside risks to the apparent steel consumption forecasts that were presented by the Company on February 6, 2025, particularly for the US and China. In Europe: as anticipated, steel spreads have recovered after reaching unsustainably low levels, with the outlook supported by the European Commission's Steel and Metals Action Plan and enhanced safeguards against imports and the German Infrastructure Fund. In the US, S232 tariffs are supporting prices. In India: robust underlying demand continues, with newly approved safeguards expected to support prices. In China: low spreads persist due to excess capacity, with further stimulus measures required to support economic growth targets.

Despite a more uncertain outlook, the Company has made no changes to its investment plans or capital return priorities. Capex in 2025 is projected to be within the range of $4.5-$5.0 billion, including $1.4-$1.5 billion on our strategic growth projects and $0.3-$0.4 billion on projects related to decarbonization. The outlook for free cash flow remains positive in 2025 and beyond; cash flow in 2025 is expected to be supported by working capital optimization; and the completion of the Companys strategic growth projects is expected to support structurally higher EBITDA and investable cash flow in the coming periods. Given this positive outlook, and in line with its defined capital return policy, the Company has initiated a new long-term share buyback program, with the first tranche of 10 million shares commencing on April 7, 2025.

ArcelorMittal Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position1

In millions of U.S. dollars Mar 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Mar 31, 2024 ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents 5,319 6,484 5,437 Trade accounts receivable and other 4,108 3,375 4,403 Inventories 16,877 16,501 18,372 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,362 3,022 3,462 Total Current Assets 29,666 29,382 31,674 Goodwill and intangible assets 4,599 4,453 5,016 Property, plant and equipment 34,705 33,311 33,477 Investments in associates and joint ventures 11,711 11,420 10,141 Deferred tax assets 8,904 8,942 9,521 Other assets 1,867 1,877 2,118 Total Assets 91,452 89,385 91,947 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt 3,456 2,748 1,873 Trade accounts payable and other 11,884 12,921 12,674 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 6,656 6,156 5,890 Total Current Liabilities 21,996 21,825 20,437 Long-term debt, net of current portion 8,591 8,815 8,348 Deferred tax liabilities 2,418 2,338 2,330 Other long-term liabilities 5,148 5,121 5,175 Total Liabilities 38,153 38,099 36,290 Equity attributable to the equity holders of the parent 51,206 49,223 53,591 Non-controlling interests 2,093 2,063 2,066 Total Equity 53,299 51,286 55,657 Total Liabilities and Shareholders Equity 91,452 89,385 91,947

ArcelorMittal Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations1

Three months ended In millions of U.S. dollars unless otherwise shown Mar 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Sept 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2024 Mar 31, 2024 Sales 14,798 14,714 15,196 16,249 16,282 Depreciation (B) (656) (709) (646) (635) (642) Impairment items2 (B)  (80) (36)   Exceptional items3 (B)  (142) (74)   Operating income (A) 825 529 663 1,046 1,072 Operating margin % 5.6% 3.6% 4.4% 6.4% 6.6% Income from associates, joint ventures and other investments (C) 99 194 162 181 242 Net interest expense (48) (32) (8) (7) (63) Foreign exchange and other net financing gain/(loss) 115 (348) (112) (260) (261) Non-cash mark-to-market (loss)/gain until acquisition of c.28.4% Vallourec shares   (91) (173) 181 Income before taxes and non-controlling interests 991 343 614 787 1,171 Current tax expense (181) (361) (164) (179) (321) Deferred tax benefit/(expense) 12 (387) (151) (96) 124 Income tax expense (net) (169) (748) (315) (275) (197) Net income/(loss) including non-controlling interests 822 (405) 299 512 974 Non-controlling interests income/(loss) (17) 15 (12) (8) (36) Net income/(loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent 805 (390) 287 504 938 Basic earnings/(loss) per common share ($) 1.05 (0.51) 0.37 0.63 1.16 Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share ($) 1.04 (0.51) 0.37 0.63 1.16 Weighted average common shares outstanding (in millions) 768 772 778 794 809 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in millions) 771 772 781 797 811 OTHER INFORMATION EBITDA (A-B+C) 1,580 1,654 1,581 1,862 1,956 EBITDA Margin % 10.7% 11.2% 10.4% 11.5% 12.0% Total Group iron ore production (Mt) 11.8 12.6 10.1 9.5 10.2 Crude steel production (Mt) 14.8 14.0 14.8 14.7 14.4 Steel shipments (Mt) 13.6 13.5 13.4 13.9 13.5

ArcelorMittal Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash flows1

Three months ended In millions of U.S. dollars Mar 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Sept 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2024 Mar 31, 2024 Operating activities: Income/(loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent 805 (390) 287 504 938 Adjustments to reconcile net result to net cash provided by operations: Non-controlling interests (loss)/income 17 (15) 12 8 36 Depreciation and impairments2 656 789 682 635 642 Exceptional items3  142 74   Income from associates, joint ventures and other investments (99) (194) (162) (181) (242) Deferred tax (benefit)/loss (12) 387 151 96 (124) Change in working capital (1,712) 1,605 132 84 (1,719) Other operating activities (net) (9) 144 235 (73) 369 Net cash (used)/provided by operating activities (A) (354) 2,468 1,411 1,073 (100) Investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangibles (B) (967) (1,133) (1,051) (985) (1,236) Other investing activities (net) (62) 15 (814) (57) 274 Net cash used in investing activities (1,029) (1,118) (1,865) (1,042) (962) Financing activities: Net proceeds/(payments) relating to payable to banks and long-term debt 197 667 (109) 1,007 (334) Dividends paid to ArcelorMittal shareholders  (193)  (200)  Dividends paid to minorities shareholders (C) (30) (18) (85) (7) (77) Share buyback (94) (133) (277) (293) (597) Lease payments and other financing activities (net) (50) 76 (62) 7 (52) Net cash provided/(used) by financing activities 23 399 (533) 514 (1,060) Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,360) 1,749 (987) 545 (2,122) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 205 (347) 147 (81) (190) Change in cash and cash equivalents (1,155) 1,402 (840) 464 (2,312) Free cash flow (A+B+C) (1,351) 1,317 275 81 (1,413)

Appendix 1a: Capital expenditures1

(USD million) 1Q 25 4Q 24 3Q 24 2Q 24 1Q 24 North America 110 149 50 100 111 Brazil 180 252 213 211 203 Europe 329 267 374 275 443 Sustainable Solutions 53 142 75 80 160 Mining 235 257 268 262 235 Others 60 66 71 57 84 Total 967 1,133 1,051 985 1,236

Appendix 1b: Investable cashflow and capex split

(USD million) 1Q 25 4Q 24 3Q 24 2Q 24 1Q 24 Net cash (used)/provided by operating activities (354) 2,468 1,411 1,073 (100) Maintenance/normative capex (635) (735) (666) (652) (771) Investable cashflow (989) 1,733 745 421 (871) Strategic capex (268) (331) (284) (282) (391) Decarbonization capex (64) (67) (101) (51) (74)

Appendix 2: Debt repayment schedule as of March 31, 2025

(USD billion) 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Total Bonds 1.0 1.1 1.2 0.5 4.1 7.9 Commercial paper 1.0     1.0 Other loans 1.0 0.3 0.7 0.2 0.9 3.1 Total gross debt 3.0 1.4 1.9 0.7 5.0 12.0

As of March 31, 2025, the average debt maturity is 6.3 years.

Appendix 3: Reconciliation of gross debt to net debt

(USD million) Mar 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Mar 31, 2024 Gross debt 12,047 11,563 10,221 Less: Cash and cash equivalents (5,319) (6,484) (5,437) Net debt 6,728 5,079 4,784 Net debt / LTM EBITDA 1.0 0.7 0.6

Appendix 4: Adjusted net income and adjusted basic EPS

(USD million) 1Q 25 4Q 24 3Q 24 2Q 24 1Q 24 Net income/(loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent 805 (390) 287 504 938 Impairment items2  (80) (36)   Exceptional items3  (142) (74)   Mark-to-market (loss)/gain on purchase of stake in Vallourec   (91) (173) 181 One-off tax charges4  (572)    Adjusted net income attributable to equity holders of the parent 805 404 488 677 757 Weighted average common shares outstanding (in millions) 768 772 778 794 809 Adjusted basic EPS $/share 1.05 0.52 0.63 0.85 0.94

Appendix 5: Terms and definitions

Unless indicated otherwise, or the context otherwise requires, references in this earnings release to the following terms have the meanings set out next to them below:

Adjusted basic EPS: refers to adjusted net income divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding.

Adjusted net income: refers to reported net income(loss) less impairment items and exceptional items (including mark-to-market on purchase of Vallourec shares and one-off tax charges).

Apparent steel consumption: calculated as the sum of production plus imports minus exports.

Average steel selling prices: calculated as steel sales divided by steel shipments.

Cash and cash equivalents: represents cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments.

Capex: represents the purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangibles. The Groups capex figures do not include capex at the JVs level (i.e.: AMNS India and Calvert).

Crude steel production: steel in the first solid state after melting, suitable for further processing or for sale.

Depreciation: refers to amortization and depreciation.

EPS: refers to basic or diluted earnings per share.

EBITDA: defined as operating income (loss) plus depreciation, impairment items and exceptional items and income (loss) from associates, joint ventures and other investments (excluding impairments and exceptional items if any).

EBITDA/tonne: calculated as EBITDA divided by total steel shipments.

Exceptional items: income / (charges) relate to transactions that are significant, infrequent or unusual and are not representative of the normal course of business of the period.

Free cash flow (FCF): refers to net cash provided by operating activities less capex less dividends paid to minority shareholders. The term free cash outflow is used when the difference is negative (i.e., negative free cash flow)

Foreign exchange and other net financing income(loss): include foreign currency exchange impact, bank fees, interest on pensions, impairment of financial assets, revaluation of derivative instruments and other charges that cannot be directly linked to operating results.

Gross debt: long-term debt and short-term debt.

Impairment items: refers to impairment charges.

Income from associates, joint ventures and other investments: refers to income from associates, joint ventures and other investments (excluding impairments and exceptional items if any).

Investable cash flow: refers to net cash provided by operating activities less maintenance/normative capex.

Iron ore reference prices: refers to iron ore prices for 62% Fe CFR China. Pricing is generally linked to market price indexes and uses a variety of mechanisms, including current spot prices and average prices over specified periods. Therefore, there may not be a direct correlation between market reference prices and actual selling prices in various regions at a given time.

Kt: refers to thousand metric tonnes.

Liquidity: cash and cash equivalents plus available credit lines excluding back-up lines for the commercial paper program.

LTIF: refers to lost time injury frequency rate equals lost time injuries per 1,000,000 worked hours, based on own personnel and contractors.

Maintenance/normative capex: refers to capital expenditures outside of strategic capital expenditures and decarbonization projects (and includes cost reduction plans and environment projects as well as general maintenance capital expenditures).

Mt: refers to million metric tonnes.

Net debt: long-term debt and short-term debt less cash and cash equivalents.

Net debt/LTM EBITDA: refers to Net debt divided by EBITDA for the last twelve months.

Net interest expense: includes interest expense less interest income.

Operating results: refers to operating income(loss).

Operating segments: North America segment includes the Flat, Long and Tubular operations of Canada and Mexico; and also includes all Mexico mines. The Brazil segment includes the Flat, Long and Tubular operations of Brazil and its neighboring countries including Argentina, Costa Rica, Venezuela; and also includes Andrade and Serra Azul captive iron ore mines. The Europe segment includes the Flat, Long and includes Bosnia and Herzegovina captive iron ore mines; Sustainable Solutions division includes Downstream Solutions and Tubular operations of the European business and our renewables operations in India. The Others segment includes the Flat, Long and Tubular operations of Kazakhstan (till December 7, 2023), Ukraine and South Africa; and also includes the captive iron ore mines in Ukraine and iron ore and coal mines in Kazakhstan (till December 7, 2023). Mining segment includes iron ore operations of ArcelorMittal Mines Canada and ArcelorMittal Liberia.

Own iron ore production: includes total of all finished production of fines, concentrate, pellets and lumps and includes share of production.

Price-cost effect: a lack of correlation or a lag in the corollary relationship between raw material and steel prices, which can either have a positive (i.e. increased spread between steel prices and raw material costs) or negative effect (i.e. a squeeze or decreased spread between steel prices and raw material costs).

Shipments: information at segment and Group level eliminates intra-segment shipments (which are primarily between Flat/Long plants and Tubular plants) and inter-segment shipments respectively. Shipments of Downstream Solutions are excluded.

Working capital change (working capital investment / release): refers to movement of change in working capital - trade accounts receivable plus inventories less trade and other accounts payable.

Footnotes

The financial information in this press release has been prepared consistently with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and as adopted by the European Union. The interim financial information included in this announcement has also been prepared in accordance with IFRS applicable to interim periods, however this announcement does not contain sufficient information to constitute an interim financial report as defined in International Accounting Standard 34, Interim Financial Reporting. The numbers in this press release have not been audited. The financial information and certain other information presented in a number of tables in this press release have been rounded to the nearest whole number or the nearest decimal. Therefore, the sum of the numbers in a column may not conform exactly to the total figure given for that column. In addition, certain percentages presented in the tables in this press release reflect calculations based upon the underlying information prior to rounding and, accordingly, may not conform exactly to the percentages that would be derived if the relevant calculations were based upon the rounded numbers. Segment information presented in this press release is prior to inter-segment eliminations and certain adjustments made to operating results of the segments to reflect corporate costs, income from non-steel operations (e.g. logistics and shipping services) and the elimination of stock margins between the segments. Impairment charges of $80 million for 4Q 2024 included $37 million related to the closure of the ArcelorMittal South Africa long business and $43 million for civil works for the Monlevade project in Brazil. Exceptional charges of $142 million in 4Q 2024 included $79 million restructuring costs related to business optimization primarily through asset concentration in the Sustainable solutions division and $63 million related to closure of the long business of ArcelorMittal South Africa. One-off tax charges in 4Q 2024 related to i) In December 2024, Luxembourg passed a law resulting in a decrease of the statutory tax rate in Luxembourg (effective January 1, 2025) from 24.94% to 23.87%. The decrease in the deferred tax asset and resulting deferred tax expense was $0.4 billion in 4Q 2024; and ii) $0.2 billion provision relating to tax litigations. See Appendix 4 for the reconciliation of adjusted net income and adjusted basic earnings per share. September 2020 was the inception date of the ongoing share buyback programs. So far in 2025, the Company has bought back 7 million shares split as: 6.8 million shares to complete the previous 85 million share buyback program; and 0.2 million shares under the first tranche of the new multi-year share buyback program. $1.8 billion includes EBITDA potential from strategic growth projects of $1.6 billion (excludes $0.3 billion considered achieved to date from the completion of the Mexico HSM project on an observed run-rate basis) and $0.2 billion impact from the Vallourec and Italpannelli investments. Of this amount, $0.6 billion is expected in 2025, $0.6 billion in 2026 and $0.6 billion in 2027 and beyond. The estimate of potential additional contribution to EBITDA is based on assumptions once ramped up to full capacity and assuming prices/spreads generally in line with the averages of 2015-2020. Other projects under development include the construction of a new high added value finishing line (cold rolling mill) and a continuous coating line at Tubarao facility. The project is undergoing internal approvals, and ArcelorMittal Brasil is currently moving forward with detailed engineering (full feasibility study). Liquidity at the end of March 31, 2025, of $10.8 billion consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $5.3 billion and $5.5 billion of available credit lines. The Board proposes to increase the annual base dividend to shareholders to $0.55/sh in FY 2025 (from $0.50/sh in FY 2024), to be paid in two equal installments in June 2025 and December 2025, subject to the shareholders' approval at the 2025 AGM on May 6, 2025. See appendix 3 for the reconciliation of gross debt to net debt.

First quarter 2025 earnings analyst conference call

ArcelorMittal Management will host a conference call for members of the investment community to present and comment on the three-month period ended March 31, 2025 on: Wednesday April 30, 2025, at 9.30am US Eastern time. 14.30pm London time and 15.30pm CET.

To access via the conference call and ask a question during the Q&A, please register in advance: Conference Registration

Alternatively, the webcast can be accessed live on the day: ArcelorMittal Conference Call Q1 2025

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking information and statements about ArcelorMittal and its subsidiaries. These statements include financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words believe, expect, anticipate, target, "projected", "potential", "intend" or similar expressions. Although ArcelorMittals management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors and holders of ArcelorMittals securities are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of ArcelorMittal, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in the filings with the Luxembourg Stock Market Authority for the Financial Markets (Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier) and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) made or to be made by ArcelorMittal, including ArcelorMittals latest Annual Report on Form 20-F on file with the SEC. ArcelorMittal undertakes no obligation to publicly update its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Non-GAAP/Alternative Performance Measures

This press release also includes certain non-GAAP financial/alternative performance measures. ArcelorMittal presents EBITDA and EBITDA/tonne, free cash flow (FCF), adjusted net income, adjusted basic earnings per share and the ratio of net debt/LTM EBITDA which are non-GAAP financial/alternative performance measures, as additional measures to enhance the understanding of its operating performance. The definition of EBITDA includes income from share of associates, JVs and other investments (excluding impairments and exceptional items if any, of associates, JVs and other investments) because the Company believes this information provides investors with additional information to understand its results, given the increasing significance of its joint ventures. ArcelorMittal believes such indicators are relevant to provide management and investors with additional information. ArcelorMittal also presents net debt, liquidity and change in working capital as additional measures to enhance the understanding of its financial position, changes to its capital structure and its credit assessment. Investable cashflow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less maintenance/normative capex, and the Company thus believes that it represents a cashflow that is available for allocation at managements discretion. The Companys guidance as to additional EBITDA estimated to be generated from certain projects is based on the same accounting policies as those applied in the Companys financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. ArcelorMittal is unable to reconcile, without unreasonable effort, such guidance to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure, due to the uncertainty and inherent difficulty of predicting the occurrence and the financial impact of items impacting comparability. For the same reasons, ArcelorMittal is unable to address the significance of the unavailable information. Non-GAAP financial/alternative performance measures should be read in conjunction with, and not as an alternative to, ArcelorMittal's financial information prepared in accordance with IFRS. Comparable IFRS measures and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial/alternative performance measures are presented herein.

About ArcelorMittal

ArcelorMittal is one of the world's leading steel and mining companies, with a presence in 60 countries and primary steelmaking facilities in 15 countries. In 2024, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $62.4 billion and crude steel production of 57.9 million metric tonnes, while iron ore production reached 42.4 million metric tonnes.

Our goal is to help build a better world with smarter steels. Steels made using innovative processes which use less energy, emit significantly less carbon and reduce costs. Steels that are cleaner, stronger and reusable. Steels for electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure that will support societies as they transform through this century. With steel at our core, our inventive people and an entrepreneurial culture at heart, we will support the world in making that change. This is what we believe it takes to be the steel company of the future.

ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris (MT), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS). For more information about ArcelorMittal please visit: https://corporate.arcelormittal.com/

Enquiries

ArcelorMittal investor relations: +44 207 543 1128; Retail: +44 207 543 1156; SRI: +44 207 543 1156 and Bonds/credit: +33 1 71 92 10 26.

ArcelorMittal corporate communications (e-mail: press@arcelormittal.com) +44 207 629 7988. Contact: Paul Weigh +44 203 214 2419

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Madrid, Spain. April 30, 2025  Technology company Lleida.net (BME:LLN) (EPA:ALLLN) (OTCQX:LLEIF) will submit the appointment of four new independent female directors to its General Shareholders' Meeting for approval: Anna Bisart Rosell, Teresa Reales Peinado, Ana Serrano Onate, and Silvia Cunill Calvet.

The four will join current board member Arrate Usandizaga and, if ratified, will ensure gender parity on the company's governing body.



The meeting will be held on June 5 in Madrid. The announcement was made today to the market in a document containing Other Privileged Information.

The agenda includes the voluntary departure of Beatriz Garcia Torre and Jordi Carbonell i Sebarroja, whom the company thanks for their years of service.



These candidates bring proven leadership in people, finance, energy, and digitalization, key pillars for our next phase of growth, said Sisco Sapena, CEO of Lleida.net.

Their diversity of perspectives will make the Board more agile and rigorous, which is what Lleida.net needs in this new stage, he added.



Anna Bisart Rosell brings more than 25 years of global talent management experience at multinationals such as The Knot Worldwide and Johnson & Johnson. She currently chairs the compensation and talent committee at aerospace company Immfly.

Teresa Reales Peinado has led finance and human resources for 25 years at Telefonica and its international subsidiaries.



Ana Serrano Onate has four decades of experience in oil and gas, with executive positions at Equinor and Repsol. She has managed exploration and energy transition portfolios in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Silvia Cunill Calvet chairs the Andorra Banking Resolution Agency and advises technology companies in the contact center sector. She is an expert in digitalization and strategic transformation in banking and insurance.



The proposal brings Lleida.net ahead of compliance with Organic Law 2/2024, which requires at least 40% representation of the less represented gender on boards by June 2026.



These appointments will once again consolidate the company's reputation for transparency and compliance with legal guidelines.

The Board will also vote on the individual and consolidated annual accounts for the 2024 financial year. The proposal includes the allocation of profits and the approval of the Board's management.

Founded in 1995, Lleida.net is one of Europe's leading players in certification, notification, and electronic signatures.



It holds more than 300 patents in 60 countries and is listed on the stock exchanges in Madrid, Paris, New York, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This press release contains statements regarding the future of the Lleida.net company and its innovations. Statements regarding the future may be accompanied by words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "wait", "anticipate", "pretend", "power", "plan", "potential", the use of future time and other terms of similar meaning. No undue reliance should be placed on these claims. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements, including uncertainty of the company's commercial success, ability to protect our intellectual property rights, and other risks. These statements are based on current beliefs and forecasts and refer only to the date of this press release. The company assumes no obligation to publicly update its forward-looking statements, regardless of whether new information, future events or any other circumstance arise .




SHANGHAI, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2025) officially launched on April 23 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), running until May 2. As the global automotive market increasingly shifts toward China, Auto Shanghai 2025 stands as a premier platform for showcasing the latest advancements in technology, innovation, and the future of mobility.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

Spanning over 360,000 square meters across 13 halls, this year's event is the largest in the exhibition's history, featuring nearly 1,000 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions. Prominent global automakers such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Toyota are unveiling new vehicle models and cutting-edge technologies. Chinese new energy giants like BYD, NIO, XPeng, and Li Auto highlight the country's rapid progress in the electric vehicle sector, emphasizing China's pivotal role in shaping the future of automotive innovation.

In addition to passenger cars, Auto Shanghai 2025 places significant emphasis on automotive technology and the supply chain, with more than 50,000 square meters dedicated to this sector. Leading global auto parts suppliers like Bosch, DENSO, and CATL are showcasing their latest innovations. Domestic leaders such as HUAWEI Intelligent Automotive Solution, BAOSTEEL, FAST, CRRC, and others are presenting advanced technologies. Companies specializing in autonomous driving, AI, and IoV (Internet of Vehicles) solutions, including Pony.ai and Horizon Robotics, are also showcasing next-generation technologies that will drive the future of smart mobility.

The event features a series of forums and technical symposiums, such as the 2025 Global Automotive Leaders Roundtable Forum, where industry CEOs and experts will discuss the future development of the global automotive industry. These discussions will focus on key trends like electrification, autonomous driving, and digital transformation, exploring how these technologies will shape the industry moving forward.

From April 27 to May 2, the public days will offer visitors immersive experiences, with collaborations with tech platforms like "bilibili" and "rednote". This year's exhibition also experiments with new formats that blend automotive innovation with urban culture, tourism, and interactive experiences, engaging visitors in dynamic ways and highlighting the intersection of the automotive industry with modern lifestyles.

Organized by the Shanghai Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, Auto Shanghai 2025 continues to serve as a vital hub for global collaboration, fostering technological advancements and partnerships that will define the future of mobility.

Source: Auto Shanghai 2025
Press contact:

Fahd Pasha

Tel.: + 1 647 860 3777

E-mail: Fahd.Pasha@capgemini.com

Capgemini unveils industry-first perpetual Know-Your-Customer sandbox to enable real-time continuous compliance for financial institutions



New modular technical architecture provides a testing environment that empowers firms to innovate safely and scale their journey to pKYC with confidence

Paris, April 30, 2025  Capgemini today announced the rollout of a technology sandbox that offers financial institutions a sound framework to migrate from legacy, static Know-Your-Customer (KYC) processes and labor-intensive periodic reviews towards perpetual KYC (pKYC) and event-based reviews. A first of its kind, Capgemini has collaborated with multiple technology partners to orchestrate the integration of this architecture. The sandbox offers a safe and secure test environment for firms to visualize how they can transition to a pKYC process and demonstrate its effectiveness to senior management and regulators. Capgeminis enhanced portfolio of offerings in financial crime, risk management and regulatory compliance services, along with the news of its recent acquisition of Delta Capita BV, further strengthen the Groups position as partner of choice for Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) solutions.

Perpetual KYC provides an auditable, data-led and dynamic approach to alert firms automatically to material changes in a customers circumstances that could affect their risk profile. This enables a financial institution to re-assess its corresponding risk exposure to the customer, better achieving a state of continuous, real-time anti-money laundering (AML) compliance.

Meeting regulatory requirements is key to success in the financial services industry and requires the consolidation of data across internal systems and external sources. The novel sandbox model, developed by Capgemini, enables firms to test, refine, and scale best-in-class software in a controlled environment, ensuring a seamless transition while mitigating risks. Engineered to be flexible and modular in design, organizations can easily implement the sandbox across their respective cloud platforms and technologies of choice.

Static KYC processes present opportunities for financial criminals to exploit gaps and weaknesses for money laundering and other fraudulent activities, creating a continuous risk factor for financial institutions. We firmly believe that perpetual KYC is the approach needed to protect financial institutions from undue risk, enforcement actions, and large fines, said Manish Chopra, Global Head of Risk and Financial Crime Compliance at Capgemini. The pKYC sandbox capability marks a significant advance for industry compliance, meeting regulators growing expectations of responsible innovation. It is an actionable measure for financial institutions to demonstrate how they are mitigating inherent risk exposure more effectively.

Financial institutions have a duty to not only understand their customer, but their customers customer too, said Ivar Lammers, Global Head of Financial Crime Prevention for Wholesale Banking at ING. As financial crime rapidly evolves, and pressure mounts on maintaining compliance, the traditional KYC models struggle to address real-world challenges. Perpetual KYC is the shift required to rapidly respond to customer behavior changes and drive smarter compliance. Capgeminis pKYC sandbox is an impressive blend of visualizing the effectiveness of KYC processes in action and experimenting with new tools in a secure environment, all without risking customer data and optimizing infrastructure cost. It presents a significant opportunity for the industry to demonstrate to regulators excellence in achieving the critical requirements of real-time KYC.

Key benefits of Capgeminis new pKYC sandbox include:

A safe testing environment: a secure environment where new KYC processes, policies, or technologies can be tested without risking real customer data leakage or compliance failures.

a secure environment where new KYC processes, policies, or technologies can be tested without risking real customer data leakage or compliance failures. Best-of-breed solutions : integration of key components from best-of-breed RegTech solutions and accelerators.

: integration of key components from best-of-breed RegTech solutions and accelerators. Real-time visualization : ability to visualize pKYC in action to gauge benefits and showcase the framework to regulators.

: ability to visualize pKYC in action to gauge benefits and showcase the framework to regulators. Quantifiable business impact: rapid end-to-end testing of the tech stack and processes leading to much faster feasibility of the pKYC operating model and creation of the associated business case.

rapid end-to-end testing of the tech stack and processes leading to much faster feasibility of the pKYC operating model and creation of the associated business case. Operational readiness: identifies operational bottlenecks and optimizes workflows to enable full-scale deployment with confidence.





In response to industry challenges around manual KYC processes and operational spikes, Capgemini has developed a pKYC sandbox that offers agile testing and rapid time-to-value, says Dheeraj Maken, Practice Director, Everest Group. The solution integrates real-time data orchestration, AI-led automation, and scalable cloud infrastructure to drive process efficiencies while aligning with regulatory expectations for proactive, real-time responses  accelerating the industry shift toward perpetual KYC. This approach  backed by strategic partnerships, targeted investments, and geographic expansion  demonstrates Capgeminis commitment to innovation in the FCC space.

Partner of choice for FCC solutions

The new sandbox is now part of Capgeminis deep portfolio of offerings across financial crime, risk management and regulatory compliance services. It follows the recent acquisition of Delta Capita BV, a leading European provider of Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) solutions. Delta Capita comprises a strong consulting team focusing on KYC transformation. These developments further strengthen Capgeminis position as partner of choice for FCC solutions. Delta Capita BV was Capgeminis second major FCC acquisition, after the Group acquired and successfully integrated the FCC division of Exiger in 2023.

To learn more about Capgeminis unique sandbox, visit: Perpetual KYC Catalyst by Capgemini

About Capgemini

Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of 22.1 billion.

Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

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LONDON, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Luminary Education, a London-based educational consultancy with representatives in Almaty and Limassol, is working to bring Kazakhstans brightest students to some of the most prestigious American and British universities.

Launched in 2018 by British educators Max Doyle and Charlie Perrott, Luminary Education has quickly positioned itself as a trusted partner for aspiring Central Asian students to tackle the entangled admissions requirements of top universities in the U.S. and UK.

Recent projects in the country have yielded consistent results, with Luminarys students achieving a 91% acceptance rate to their first-choice UK schools between 2020 and 2022.

And, during its first year of operation, Almaty's Shoqan School Mentorship Programme, sponsored by philanthropists Kenges Rakishev and Aselle Tasmagambetova, and crafted by Luminary, successfully secured four acceptances of Kazakh students into Ivy League and adjacent institutions.

The U.S. application process can be intimidating, particularly for international families, said Max Doyle, Founder and Director of Luminary. Our model demystifies the process, giving students the structure, information, and one-on-one support they need to compete successfully on a global scale.

Perrott, co-founder of Luminary, emphasised the importance of providing all-encompassing support to students at an important stage in their lives. Were not just providing paperwork or tests, he said. Our job is to help students with self-reflection, storytelling, stress management. Its about working to help them balance academic rigour with ambitious personal aspirations.

Luminary Education works in partnership with leading local institutions including Shoqan School. The consultancy has also received continued support from well-known local figures.

Their strategic long-term mentorship has produced students who successfully navigate exhaustive application requirements. This involves writing a lot of supplemental essays, studying for standardised tests, and maintaining strong grades.

Kazakh students Arman Sabyrzhan, accepted into Harvards Mechanical Engineering programme with a full scholarship, and Kamila Zhandildayeva, joining UC Berkeleys dual-degree Engineering and Business track, are two examples of Luminarys recent successes.

The Shoqan School Mentorship programme also received acceptances for two Economics majors: Tomiris Ospan, who received a significant scholarship from Harvard and Dinara Nariman who will study at the University of Chicago.

When asked how Luminary had helped her, Kamila stated, What helped me most was how Luminary encouraged me to be brave about my accomplishments. I used to downplay a lot, but they pushed me to own my story and show it with confidence. They believed in me in a way that made me believe in myself.

In the past three years, a total of 21 Luminary students have received offers from Ivy League schools, including Columbia, Yale, Princeton, and Dartmouth.

Our students learn to tell their stories authentically, said Doyle. Admission officers look beyond perfect test scores; they seek out-of-the-box genuine voices and clear goals, apart from mastering English, Math, and everything in between. Thats what we cultivate.

The biggest issue students in Kazakhstan often face when approaching US college applications is the sheer size of the task. Each of the above students applied to more than 20 colleges, requiring over 20,000-word supplemental essays, a personal statement, resume, preparation for SAT & IELTS exams, maintaining their extracurricular projects, and all while maintaining a near perfect GPA.

According to Luminary, the answer lies in storytelling and self-reflection.

The most selective schools receive thousands of applications from students with flawless test scores. What sets candidates apart is their voice  their perspective, values, and sense of purpose, said Doyle. We help students explore their personal stories, reflect on their growth, and communicate it clearly and authentically in their essays."

Luminarys team includes experienced consultants such as Daniele Labriola, Lead Consultant based in the UK, who oversees all students applying to US Colleges. Drew Maycock, Academic Director, with extensive international experience, is responsible for crafting individualised academic strategies.

With over 50,000 hours of tutoring delivered and a 92% success rate of students being admitted to US colleges, Luminary Education continues to demonstrate that Kazakhstans students can not only compete internationally but thrive.

For further information, please contact Luminary Education at +357 94 05 62 00 or write to contact@luminary-education.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6edd5681-4163-4b1a-8fcd-843eba600916
US & Canada, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new comprehensive report from The Insight Partners, the global agricultural textiles market is witnessing noticeable growth owing to rising global population and food security concerns.

Vertical and urban farming expansion is expected to propel market growth during the forecast period. The report runs an in-depth analysis of market trends, key players, and future opportunities.





For More Information and To Stay Updated on The Latest Developments in The Agricultural Textiles Market, Download The Sample Pages: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00040400/





Overview of Report Findings

Market Growth: The agricultural textiles market is expected to reach US$ 17.77 billion by 2031 from US$ 12.30 billion in 2024; it is anticipated to register a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period. The demand for sustainable farming practices is rising significantly. Materials such as shade nets, weed control fabrics, and biodegradable mulch films enhance crop yields with minimal environmental damage. More farmers are seeking an eco-friendly solution to enhance productivity while reducing the application of chemicals, and agricultural textiles are witnessing increased demand. Technological Advancements in Agricultural Textiles: Technological innovations in agricultural textiles are driving market growth. The development of fabrics with improved durability, UV resistance, and water retention properties enhances crop protection and growth. These textiles help regulate temperature, moisture, and light, creating favorable conditions for crops. As innovation progresses, these advanced textiles are increasingly being adopted across various agricultural sectors, boosting the market. Increasing Demand for Organic Farming Solutions: The growing interest in organic farming is also an excellent opportunity for agricultural textiles. Farmers are shifting to natural and sustainable means by using textiles such as biodegradable mulch films and organic pest control covers. These reduce dependence on chemical inputs, making them support eco-friendly farming and driving demand for agricultural textiles specific to organic farming. Geographical Insights: In 2024, North America led the market with a substantial revenue share, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.





Need A Diverse Region or Sector? Customize Research to Suit Your Requirement: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/inquiry/TIPRE00040400/

Market Segmentation

By Fiber Material, the agricultural textiles market is segmented into nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, natural fiber, and others. The polyethylene segment held the largest share of the market in 2024.

In terms of formation technology, the market is categorized into woven, knitted, non-woven, and others. The woven segment held the largest share of the market in 2024.

On the basis of product type, the market is categorized into shade nets, mulch mats, and others. The mulch mats segment held the largest share of the market in 2024.

Based on application, the market is bifurcated into outdoor agriculture and controlled environment agriculture. The controlled environment agriculture segment held a larger share of the market in 2024.

The agricultural textiles market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America.





Competitive Strategy and Development

Key Players: A few of the major companies operating in the agricultural textiles market are Beaulieu Technical Textiles; Belton Industries; Hy-Tex (UK) Limited, Diatex SAS; Garware Technical Fibres Limited; Swatech; Toray Textiles Europe Ltd.; Arrigoni S.p.A.; TenCate Geosynthetics; Mogul Co., Ltd.; etc.





Global Headlines on Agricultural Textiles

SASMIRA Launched Agro-Textile Center to Aid Indian Farmers

Mondi and Cotesi launched sustainable mulch film alternative

FRESHPPACT Launched Groundbreaking Agricultural Mulch Trials in Ghana









Purchase Premium Copy of Global Agricultural Textiles Market Size and Growth Report (2023-2031) at: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPRE00040400/

Conclusion

Greenhouse and shade netting applications are now gaining significant usage. Textiles protect crops against extreme weather conditions while excluding insects, animals, and diseases. These textile solutions optimize light and temperature for crops. This results in the increasing demand for controlled-environment agriculture and urban farming, boosting the agricultural textiles market. In addition, climate change is forcing the implementation of climate-resilient agriculture, which opens an opportunity for agricultural textiles. Protective covers, shade nets, and frost blankets help farmers combat extreme weather such as heatwaves, frost, and drought. The demand for crop protection and yield resilience will increase as agriculture adapts to changing climates.

The report from The Insight Partners, therefore, provides several stakeholdersincluding information on raw material suppliers, agricultural textiles manufacturers, and distributors/supplierswith valuable insights to successfully navigate this evolving market landscape and unlock new opportunities.





Related Report Titles:





About Us:

The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in industries such as Semiconductor and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing and Construction, Medical Device, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Chemicals and Materials.

Contact Us:

If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please contact us:

Contact Person: Ankit Mathur

E-mail: ankit.mathur@theinsightpartners.com

Phone: +1-646-491-9876
General shareholders meeting to be held on May 22, 2025 - Availability of the documents relating to the general shareholders meeting

Saint-Cloud, April 30, 2025 - The Combined General Shareholders Meeting of Elis will be held on May 22, 2025, at 3:00 pm at the Maison des Travaux Publics, 3 rue de Berri, 75008 Paris.

The Annual General Meeting will be held in the presence of shareholders; it will also be broadcast live on the company's website via the link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/vmq2xqbc

Holders of bearer shares should ask their financial intermediaries for proxy or distance voting forms. Holders of registered shares will directly receive these forms together with their convening notice.

The corresponding notice of meeting that contains the agenda, the draft text of the resolutions to be submitted to the vote of the shareholders and the terms and conditions to participate and vote to this General Shareholders Meeting was published in the Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires dated April 14, 2025, n45 (https://www.journal-officiel.gouv.fr/balo/). An amended notice was published on April 18, 2025 (n47) concerning the amount of the dividend set out in resolution n3.

In accordance with the provisions of the French Commercial Code, documents relating to the General Meeting (including in particular the 2024 Universal Registration Document and proxy and distance voting form) are available as of today on the Companys website at https://fr.elis.com/en/group/investor-relations/regulated-information under Shareholders meetings.

Some of these documents are also attached to either the 2024 Universal Registration Document or the 2025 Notice of Meeting (Brochure), the latter being available on the Companys website from 2 May 2025, the date of publication of the notice of meeting in the Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires.

We thank you for consulting regularly the section dedicated to the 2025 Shareholders Meeting on the Companys website: https://fr.elis.com/en/group/investor-relations/regulated-information under Shareholders Meetings.

Contacts

Nicolas Buron

Director of Investor Relations, Financing & Treasury

Phone: + 33 (0)1 75 49 98 30 - nicolas.buron@elis.com

Charline Lefaucheux

Investor Relations

Phone: + 33 (0)1 75 49 98 15 - charline.lefaucheux@elis.com

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Dublin, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS) Market 2025-2035: A Global and Regional Analysis - Focus on Product, Application, End User and Country" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the rising prevalence of pelvic floor disorders, such as overactive bladder, urinary retention, and fecal incontinence, particularly among the aging population. As an effective treatment for these conditions, SNS offers a minimally invasive alternative to more traditional surgical procedures, with shorter recovery times and fewer complications, which has made it a preferred option for many patients. Technological advancements, such as smaller implants, rechargeable neurostimulators, and wireless capabilities, have enhanced the safety and efficacy of SNS devices, leading to increased adoption.



Despite its benefits, the market faces challenges, including the high cost of SNS devices and the variability in reimbursement policies across regions, which may limit access to treatment in some areas. However, the growing awareness of SNS as a viable treatment option and its ability to significantly improve patients' quality of life continues to drive market growth. Major players in the SNS market, such as Medtronic, Axonics, Boston Scientific, and Laborie, are playing a key role in expanding the availability and effectiveness of SNS therapies, especially in North America and Europe while emerging markets in Asia-Pacific are expected to witness significant growth.



However, one of the main challenges facing the sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) market is the high cost associated with the procedure and the devices. The initial cost of implantation, the neurostimulation devices, and the follow-up maintenance, including battery replacements, can be prohibitively expensive for many patients, especially in low- and middle-income regions. This cost barrier limits accessibility and can deter patients from opting for SNS as a treatment option.



Additionally, while SNS is an effective therapy, the reimbursement policies for SNS treatments vary significantly across regions, and in some cases, insurance may not cover the full cost of the procedure. This inconsistency in reimbursement can make it difficult for patients to afford the treatment and can hinder the broader adoption of SNS therapies. These financial and accessibility issues remain a key challenge in ensuring that SNS technology reaches a wider patient population.



Key players in the sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) market are actively focusing on several strategies to expand their market presence and improve patient outcomes. These strategies include innovation in device technology, with continuous advancements in neurostimulators to enhance the safety, efficacy, and comfort of the treatment. For instance, companies are developing smaller, rechargeable, and wireless neurostimulators to improve patient compliance and reduce the need for frequent device replacements.



Strategic acquisitions are another key approach, with major players acquiring smaller companies to expand their product portfolios and technological capabilities. For instance, Laborie acquired Cogentix Medical (formerly Uroplasty), gaining access to the Urgent PC system for SNS, and enhancing its position in the pelvic health market.



Additionally, these companies are investing in clinical research and trials to generate more evidence supporting the effectiveness of SNS, which is essential for gaining regulatory approvals and building confidence among healthcare providers and patients. Partnerships with healthcare institutions, along with increased patient education and awareness, are also helping to drive adoption by informing both patients and providers about the benefits of SNS therapies for conditions such as overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.



Furthermore, the focus on expanding market access in emerging markets, where healthcare infrastructure is improving and the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders is increasing, is crucial for sustained growth in the SNS market. With these combined efforts, key players aim to solidify their leadership in the SNS market and make the treatment more accessible to a wider range of patients worldwide.



Key players in the market are Medtronic plc, Axonics, Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, Nevro Corp., Stimwave Technologies Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Synapse Biomedical, Laborie Medical Technologies, Beijing PINS Medical Co., Ltd. among others.



Market Segmentation

Segmentation 1: by Product

Implantable SNS Devices

External SNS Devices

Implantable SNS Devices to Lead Global Sacral Nerve Stimulation Market (by Product)



Implantable sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) devices are expected to lead the global SNS market by product, due to their proven effectiveness in treating conditions such as overactive bladder, urinary retention, and fecal incontinence. These devices, typically consisting of a small neurostimulation devices implanted under the skin and a lead that stimulates the sacral nerves, offer long-term relief and a minimally invasive treatment option for patients.



Implantable SNS devices are preferred for their durability, ability to provide continuous stimulation, and the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for patients who do not respond to medications or other treatments. Additionally, advancements in implantable devices, such as smaller, rechargeable, and wireless systems, have made these products more patient-friendly and accessible. As a result, implantable SNS devices are anticipated to dominate the market, driving growth and adoption across both developed and emerging markets.



Segmentation 2: by Application

Urinary and Fecal Incontinence

Chronic Anal Fissure

Urge Incontinence

Others

Urinary and Fecal Incontinence to Lead the Global Sacral Nerve Stimulation Market (by Application)



Urinary and fecal incontinence are expected to lead the global sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) market by application due to the high prevalence of these conditions, particularly among the aging population. Both urinary incontinence (UI) and fecal incontinence (FI) are common pelvic floor disorders that significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading many to seek effective treatments.



SNS has proven to be an effective therapy for managing these conditions, particularly when other treatments, such as medications or behavioral therapies, fail. By delivering electrical impulses to the sacral nerves, SNS helps regulate bladder and bowel functions, providing long-term relief. The growing demand for minimally invasive treatments, coupled with the increasing adoption of SNS technologies for UI and FI, is expected to drive the market's growth in these application areas. As awareness about the benefits of SNS grows, particularly in managing these common yet often underreported conditions, urinary and fecal incontinence will continue to lead as the primary applications in the global SNS market.



Segmentation 3: by End User

Hospitals

Specialty Clinics

Others

Hospitals to Lead the Global Sacral Nerve Stimulation Market (by End User)



Hospitals are expected to lead the global sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) market by end user, primarily due to their ability to offer specialized care and advanced treatment options for patients with pelvic floor disorders. Hospitals have the necessary infrastructure, including electrophysiology departments, skilled healthcare professionals, and access to state-of-the-art technologies to perform SNS procedures. These facilities are typically the first point of contact for patients seeking treatment for conditions such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and overactive bladder.



Additionally, hospitals can provide comprehensive care, including pre-operative assessments, device implantation, and post-procedure monitoring, making them the preferred setting for SNS treatments. The growing prevalence of these conditions, combined with the increasing adoption of minimally invasive procedures, is further driving the demand for SNS treatments in hospitals. With strong reimbursement policies and high-quality healthcare infrastructure, hospitals are well-positioned to remain the leading end-user segment in the global SNS market.



Segmentation 4: by Region

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Middle East and Africa

North America to Lead the Sacral Nerve Stimulation Market (by Region)



North America is expected to lead the sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) market by region, driven by a high prevalence of pelvic floor disorders such as overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, and fecal incontinence, particularly among the aging population. The region benefits from advanced healthcare infrastructure, the presence of key players such as Medtronic, Axonics, and Boston Scientific, and favorable reimbursement policies that make SNS treatments more accessible to patients.



Additionally, ongoing innovations in SNS technology, such as smaller, rechargeable, and wireless neurostimulators, are further driving adoption in North America. The significant investment in clinical research and increased awareness about the benefits of SNS are also contributing to the growth of the market. Moreover, products such as urinary bags, often used in combination with SNS devices for managing urinary incontinence, contribute to the broader patient care ecosystem. With a large base of healthcare providers, insurers, and patients seeking effective treatments, North America is poised to remain the dominant region in the global SNS market.



Key Topics Covered



1. Markets: Industry Outlook

1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment

1.2 Supply Chain Overview

1.2.1 Value chain Analysis

1.2.2 Pricing Analysis

1.3 R&D Review

1.3.1 Patent Filing Trend by Country, by Year

1.4 Regulatory Landscape

1.5 Market Dynamics Overview

1.5.1 Market Drivers

1.5.2 Market Restraints

1.5.3 Market Opportunities



2. Global Sacral Nerve Stimulation Market by Product, $Million, 2023-2035

2.1 Overview

2.2 Implantable SNS Devices

2.3 External SNS Devices



3. Global Sacral Nerve Stimulation Market by Application, $Million, 2023-2035

3.1 Overview

3.2 Urinary and Fecal Incontinence

3.3 Chronic Anal Fissure

3.4 Urge Incontinence

3.5 Others



4. Global Sacral Nerve Stimulation Market by End User, $Million, 2023-2035

4.1 Overview

4.2 Hospitals

4.3 Specialty Clinics

4.4 Others



5. Global Sacral Nerve Stimulation Market by Region, $Million, 2023-2035

5.1 North America

5.1.1 Key Market Participants in North America

5.1.2 Business Drivers

5.1.3 Business Challenges

5.1.4 Market Sizing and Forecast

5.1.4.1 North America by Country

5.1.4.1.1 U.S.

5.1.4.1.2 Canada

5.2 Europe

5.2.1 Key Market Participants in Europe

5.2.2 Business Drivers

5.2.3 Business Challenges

5.2.4 Market Sizing and Forecast

5.2.4.1 Europe By Country

5.2.4.1.1 Germany

5.2.4.1.2 France

5.2.4.1.3 U.K

5.2.4.1.4 Italy

5.2.4.1.5 Spain

5.2.4.1.6 Rest of Europe

5.3 Asia-Pacific

5.3.1 Key Market Participants in Asia-Pacific

5.3.2 Business Drivers

5.3.3 Business Challenges

5.3.4 Market Sizing and Forecast

5.3.4.1 Asia-Pacific By Country

5.3.4.1.1 China

5.3.4.1.2 Japan

5.3.4.1.3 Australia

5.3.4.1.4 South Korea

5.3.4.1.5 India

5.3.4.1.6 Rest of APAC

5.4 Latin America

5.4.1 Key Market Participants in Latin America

5.4.2 Business Drivers

5.4.3 Business Challenges

5.4.4 Market Sizing and Forecast

5.4.4.1 Latin America by Country

5.4.4.1.1 Brazil

5.4.4.1.2 Mexico

5.4.4.1.3 Rest of Latin America

5.5 Middle East and Africa

5.5.1 Key Market Participants in Middle East and Africa

5.5.2 Business Drivers

5.5.3 Business Challenges

5.5.4 Market Sizing and Forecast



6. Markets- Competitive Benchmarking and Companies Profiled

6.1 Competitive Landscape

6.2 Company Profiles

6.2.1 Medtronic plc

6.2.1.1 Overview

6.2.1.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio

6.2.1.3 Top Competitors

6.2.1.4 Target Customers/End-Users

6.2.1.5 Key Personnel

6.2.1.6 Analyst View

6.2.2 Axonics, Inc.

6.2.3 Boston Scientific Corporation

6.2.4 Nevro Corp.

6.2.5 Stimwave Technologies Inc.

6.2.6 Abbott Laboratories

6.2.7 Synapse Biomedical

6.2.8 Laborie Medical Technologies

6.2.9 Beijing PINS Medical Co. Ltd.



7. Research Methodology



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/n2r0zc

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FAIRFAX, Va., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crestline Hotels & Resorts LLC announced today it has assumed management of the AC Hotel Seattle Downtown. The beautiful new hotel opened less than one year ago and offers 200 stylishly appointed guest rooms. It is perfectly situated for both the tech-savvy business traveler and the leisure explorer at South Lake Union and Denny Triangle. The hotels prime location is a short walk to Amazon, Meta, Google, and the Summit Convention Center. In addition, the Fred Hutch Cancer Center and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are nearby, as well as popular attractions, including Pier 42, Climate Pledge Arena, the iconic Space Needle, and Seattles downtown shopping and dining.

James Carroll, President and CEO of Crestline Hotels & Resorts, said, The AC Hotel Seattle Downtown is in a perfect location and an exciting new addition to the Seattle market. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the hotels team of associates and look forward to welcoming guests with Crestline's signature service and excellent hospitality.

Guests of the AC Hotel Seattle Downtown are welcomed into a contemporary lobby and can relax in smartly equipped guest rooms featuring elegant design and comfort. Each guest room includes a full bathroom suite, comfort bedding with plush pillows, adjustable reading lamps, and a workstation. Amenities include complimentary high-speed internet access and in-room coffee makers. There are three multi-purpose event rooms. Guests can enjoy a European-style breakfast each morning at The AC Kitchen and, starting at 5 p.m., handcrafted cocktails and tapas at the AC Lounge. There is an onsite fitness center, and parking is available for an extra charge.

The 11-story hotel was developed by Nexera Capital and is located at 117 Yale Avenue North, Seattle, with easy access to I-5 and Seattle Light Rail. The University of Washington and Seattle University are nearby. It is 15 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and less than two miles from Seattle cruise ports Pier 66 and Pier 91. For more information and reservations, visit www.marriott.com or call 206.492.7963.

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ABOUT NEXERA CAPITAL

Nexera Capital is a leading hotel development and management company based in Atlanta, Georgia. We have properties located throughout the United States including Georgia, Alabama, California, Washington, Texas, and various other states. Through strategic investments, thoughtful partnerships, and innovative approaches, we actively seek investments that not only generate attractive returns but also build lasting value for our investors, partners, and the communities in which we operate. We are committed to leveraging our expertise, resources, and network to identify and invest in opportunities that align the aspirations and values of different generations across an array of verticals. For more information, please visit our website at www.nexeracap.com

ABOUT CRESTLINE HOTELS & RESORTS

Crestline Hotels & Resorts LLC is one of the nations largest independent hospitality management companies. Founded in 2000, the company presently manages 134 hotels, resorts, and conference centers with more than 18,300 rooms in 28 states and the District of Columbia. Crestline manages properties under such well-regarded brands as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Choice as well as independent, private label hotels and conference centers throughout the United States. For more information, visit: www.crestlinehotels.com.

Important Notice:

The statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the outcome to be materially different. In addition, words such as anticipate, believe, and intend indicate a forward-looking statement; however, not all forward-looking statements include these words.

Media Contact:

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Global Ink Communications

gbmacintyre1@gmail.com

404.643.8222
April 30, 2025: Ukrainian military officials are dismayed at how their NATO allies fail to appreciate how momentous the evolution of drone warfare has been. Individual NATO officers who have seen and understood the drone revolution are dismayed at how dismissive their superiors are when it comes to the drone revolution. Until NATO comes to its senses, any future Russian attack will overwhelm NATO defenders with millions of drones. Ukraine has manufactured over four million drones since late 2023 and production for 2025 may reach five million.

Air, land and naval drones have unexpectedly revolutionized warfare. These systems are evidence that combat robots have sneaked into the military, without many people in or out of uniform paying a lot of attention. That's still the case, especially because the media and even many senior military and political leaders dont fully understand the technology nor how it is implemented. One example of this confusion can be seen with the constant reference to drones as robots. They are simply remotely controlled aircraft, something thats been around for over half a century. But these drones are being given more and more operating autonomously robotic capabilities. This isnt new either, as torpedoes have had this ability for over 60 years and missiles for over 50 years.

Swarms of First Person View/FPV drones are revolutionizing how wars are fought. There are few methods to defeat drone attacks. The primary defensive measure is electronic jamming of the control signal between the drone operator and the drone. Jamming is of limited effectiveness because active jammers are easy targets for drones programmed to detect, home in on and destroy jammers. Depending on how they are programmed, drones will either land if jammed or return to where they were launched.

Despite those defensive measures, and the small explosive payload drones carry, about half the armored vehicles damaged or destroyed in Ukraine were done in by drones. Training of drone operators is critical as it takes dozens of hours of operating drones to gain an effective skill level. Female soldiers can excel as drone operators while mostly avoiding the battlefield risk of death or injury. Unlike pilots of combat aircraft, drone operators are much less likely to be put out of action by death, injury, or capture. Drone operators are relatively close to the front lines and exposed to some risk, but not nearly as much as pilots. Such reduced casualties shorten the learning curve for drone operators and make them more dangerous faster compared to infantry whose effective combat lifetime is much shorter.

Drone warfare is increasingly common and dominating some combat zones. Tactics and techniques are also evolving as Ukraine and Russia both experiment with new tactics, techniques, and drone designs. Both nations are also increasing production of drones and the number of trained operators. Russia and Ukraine realize that drones provide unprecedented surveillance of the battlefield, but only if you have enough drones and operators. One solution for this shortcoming is operator software that enables one operator to control several drones. The number of drones one operator can handle simultaneously depends on operator experience. That cannot be manufactured but must be developed. Whoever can obtain the most trained operators has an advantage.

All these drone developments make combat more dangerous for the soldiers on the ground. Drones not only keep an eye on enemy troops but are always ready to go in and put them out of action, as in dead or wounded. Troops are still fighting each other on the ground, but now they have to worry about constant surveillance and attacks from the growing number of drones hovering over the battlefield. In addition to operators there are the drone maintainers, who repair damaged or otherwise disabled drones and service those needing a battery recharge or simply a fresh battery.

Ukraines military has established a Drone Academy to train drone operators in basic and advanced skills. There are courses for commanders on how best to manage and use drones. This is essential because now Ukrainian infantry battalions have nearly as many drones as troops. The American military likes to call this a force multiplier. This means a battalion with lots of drones is more effective, and lethal, than a battalion without so many drones. The Ukrainian military is the first to go so far in this direction and appear to be benefitting from the massive use of drones. Other nations are closely following this development and preparing to adopt what works for Ukraine. Russia is more conservative in how they deal with this, even though they are also using massive numbers of drones.

There are already dozens of Ukrainian companies offering training for drone operators and the Ukrainian military uses the services of these firms. In 2023 Ukraine sought to have more than 10,000 trained operators as quickly as possible. Drone operators specialize. Most learn to operate quadcopters while a large minority learn how to operate FPV drones, and a smaller number learn how to operate fixed wing drones. Ukraine has found that the most difficult operators to recruit and train are those for FPV drones. The Ukrainian military considers drone operators as a separate military specialty like infantryman, artillerymen, or radar operator.

In early 2024 Ukraine created a new branch of their military, the Unmanned Aircraft, or Drone Force. This is in addition to the Ukrainian Air Force and its manned aircraft. The Drone Force does not control the drones Ukrainian forces use regularly but will contribute to developing new drone models and organizing mass production for those new models that are successful. Drones have been an unexpected development that had a huge impact on how battles in Ukraine's current war are fought. Drones were successful because they were cheap, easily modified, and expendable.

Early on both Russian and Ukrainian forces were using cheap, at a few hundred dollars each, quadcopter drones controlled by soldiers a kilometer or more away using FPV goggles to see what the day/night video camera on the drone can see. Each of these drones carries half a kilogram of explosives, so it can instantly turn the drone into a flying bomb that can fly into a target and detonate. This was an awesome and debilitating weapon when used in large numbers over the combat zone. If a target isnt moving or requires more explosive power that the drones can supply, one of the drone operators can call in artillery, rocket, or missile fire, or even an airstrike. Larger, fixed wing drones are used for long range, often over a thousand kilometers, operations against targets deep inside Russia.

Since 2022 the use of drones by both sides has escalated and so far millions of drones have been put to work providing surveillance and attack services for both sides. The Ukrainians consider drones another form of ammunition that is cheaper, smarter and far more effective and lethal than guided missiles or GPS guided artillery shells.

Small drones are difficult to shoot down until they get close to the ground and the shooter is close enough, as in less than a few hundred meters, away to successfully target a drone with a bullet or two and bring it down. Troops are rarely in position to do this, so most of these drones are able to complete their mission, whether it is a one-way attack or a reconnaissance and surveillance mission. The recon missions are usually survivable and enable the drone to be reused. All these drones are constantly performing surveillance, which means that both sides commit enough drones to maintain constant surveillance over a portion of the front line to a depth, into enemy territory, of at least a few kilometers. This massive use of FPV-armed drones has revolutionized warfare in Ukraine and both sides are producing as many as they can. Military observers from other countries are reporting that warfare has undergone a fundamental change because of the widespread use of drones in Ukraine. Many armed forces at peace are reluctant to change, despite the evidence from Ukraine that any future war will provide the more prolific user of drones with a significant edge in combat.

These drone have also revolutionized naval warfare. In early 2024 Ukraine built 35 Sea Baby seagoing drones. These are made of a material that is nearly invisible to radar. Each can carry up to 850 kg of explosives. Less explosives can be carried if you want the Sea Baby to travel farther. With a full load of explosives, it can reach targets up to 1,000 kilometers distant. Top speed is 90 kilometers an hour but more economical, in terms of fuel use, cruise speed is about half the top speed. That means it would take the Sea Baby about twenty hours to travel a thousand kilometers. That is a one way trip to a target, like a naval base or any ships docked at the base which is then attacked. Sea Baby navigates using several devices including GPS, INS, and short range sensors to detect and avoid obstacles. These sensors can also be programmed to identify and attack a specific target like a ship or other naval base facility. Sea Baby can also be equipped with short range weapons like explosive rockets that can hit targets a thousand meters distant with thermobaric/fuel air warheads. When used to launch rocket attacks, the Sea Baby can escape and return to a Ukrainian base for reuse. Some Sea Babys are equipped with video cameras to carry out reconnaissance and surveillance missions. In this case, communications equipment must be carried to transmit video or individual digital photos back to the Ukrainian base. The Ukrainians have been very imaginative and flexible in their use of these unmanned seagoing vessels.

Ukrainian naval drones have been successful in attacking and sinking or disabling Russian navy ships. So Ukrainian drones have sunk or disabled over half the ships in the Russian Black Sea. The longest range raids have been against targets in Kerch Strait and the Russian naval base at Novorossiysk, a thousand kilometers from the Crimean Peninsula. .

Ukrainian naval drone operations in the Black Sea forced the Russian Black Sea Fleet to withdraw to the eastern shore of the Black Sea. Sevastopol was no longer a safe place to be, and Russian ships could no longer launch their Kalibr cruise missiles without moving closer to Ukrainian territory and risking attack by Ukrainian drones. The presence and aggressive use of the naval drones means that Ukraines grain corridor has been kept open despite Russias threats to interfere. Beyond symbolic significance, the corridor holds critical economic importance for Ukraine.

The aggressive and successful use of Ukrainian naval drones against the Russian Black Sea fleet was unprecedented in the history of naval warfare. Not only were these naval drones tactically successful but financially as well. For example, new frigates cost about $1.5 billion each. That much money can also pay for 5,000 such naval drones. Destroyers cost twice as much. The frigates and destroyers are high seas ships and can travel all over the world. The naval drones operate in coastal waters although some of the larger naval drones can operate up to a thousand kilometers from where they were launched. These naval drones carry video cameras and satellite-based communications systems to collect information and, in peacetime, do so without fear of attack. Severe storms are another matter, but any storm damage will be broadcast as it is happening, at least until the video cameras or communications equipment is disabled.

Commercial cargo ships can carry hundreds of armed drones equipped with satellite communications so operators anywhere in the world can control them. These naval drones can be unloaded at sea and sent to carry out attacks on targets in the area or move to a nearby harbor and remain tied to a dock until needed. The only maintenance is keeping the naval drone batteries charged. These naval drones are a radical new weapon for naval warfare and the war at sea will never be the same because of the success of Ukrainian naval drones in their victorious war against the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

Nations with major warship fleets, like the U.S. and China, have much to fear from this new development of weaponized seagoing naval drones. These drones are difficult to spot visually, especially at night. Sonar can detect them, and autocannon equipped ship systems, like Phalanx, can be adapted to accurately target and destroy naval drones. Since the United States provides most of the military aid to Ukraine, they can get some cooperation from the Ukrainians that will help American warships and those of other NATO nations develop weapons and tactics to deal with naval drones. Because of the naval drones, Ukraine, which does not have a conventional navy, now controls most of the Black Sea.
Dublin, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Multiparameter Patient Monitors Market - Focused Insights 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Multiparameter Patient Monitors Market was valued at USD 10.74 Billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 16.09 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 6.97%.

Multiparameter patient monitors (MPM) witnessed significant development that transformed patient care and management. Of these, advances in sensors and non-invasive monitoring together are creating lucrative market growth opportunities. The development of innovative sensors that are capable of measuring vital signs as well as meeting clinical-grade accuracy significantly transformed remote patient monitoring.

On another side, non-invasive monitoring technologies that become popular to reduce the barriers associated with invasive procedures, such as discomfort, risk of pressure ulcers, agitation, and several other risks, while enhancing the quality of care. Some non-invasive technologies that recently become popular are photoplethysmography (PPG), electromyography (EMG), and electroencephalography (EEG).



Shift from Multipara to Multi-physiological Parameter Monitoring Approach



Multiparameter patient monitors are well-known across the healthcare industry. These patient vital monitors offer a range of applications from traditional real-time health rate monitoring to blood pressure and temperature. However, now medical professionals demand trouble-free, robust operations, and additionally feature patient monitors at a competitive cost. Where vendors are seeking advanced multiparameter patient monitors that offer beyond the traditional monitoring.

Now multiparameter patient monitors have come up with additional features, such as some new multiparameter patient monitors come up with invasive blood pressure monitoring, capnography, cardiac output monitoring, and several other specialized measurements. For instance, in 2023, Philips and Masimo introduced new, advanced monitoring capabilities, such as Regional Oximetry (O3), SedLine Brain function Monitoring, and CO2 measurement into the Philips' acuity IntelliVue MX series Multiparameter patient monitors.



Burden of Chronic Conditions and Associated Demand for Patient Monitoring



The rising prevalence of chronic diseases led to increasing demand for hospitalization, ambulatory care services, and homecare deliveries, where MPMs play a vital role during healthcare deliveries. Multiparameter patient monitors are in high demand for patients suffering from heart disease alongside hypertension, diabetes, obesity, respiratory disorders, and chronic kidney disease. The rising burden of these health conditions accelerating the demand for continuous patient monitoring.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of heart and blood vessel diseases, including cerebrovascular diseases, coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart diseases, and others. In 2024, around 0.5 billion people globally were affected by CVDs, accounting for more than 20 million deaths globally, as per the World Heart Federation. In the same year, coronary heart diseases, stroke, and hypertensive disease accounted for 10%, 9%, and 2% of all CVD cases annually, globally.



Development in Remote Monitoring, Telehealth, and Digital Connectivity for Patient Monitoring



Recently, remote monitoring has gained significant importance in patient monitoring due to several factors, including their capabilities to deliver continuous monitoring, real-time data provisions, and the interconnectivity of digital health technologies. MPM is commonly featured with telecommunication capabilities that allow for remote patient monitoring.

Furthermore, telemedicine and telehealth tools that support remote patient monitoring can connect with MPM through cloud-based technologies making it easy to directly monitor patients' vital signs through telecommunication channels. Together these two major approaches accelerate multiparameter patient monitor adoption.



SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY DEVICE TYPE



The global multiparameter patient monitoring market by device type is segmented into portable /compact devices and fixed devices. In 2024, the portable /compact devices segment accounted for the largest market share. The applications of portable and compact MPM devices are rapidly growing due to advancements in technology, the expansion of remote, ambulatory, and home patient monitoring settings, and increased affordability.

The rising burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which are highly prevalent, is driving the demand for home and remote patient care monitoring. This has led to an increased demand for portable MPM devices. Furthermore, the growth of this segment is attributed to technological advancements and the increasing need for flexible, patient-focused healthcare solutions.



INSIGHTS BY ACUITY LEVEL



The global multiparameter patient monitoring market by acuity level is categorized into high acuity level, low acuity level, and mid-acuity level. The high-acuity level segment accounted for approximately 50% of the market share. The demand for high-acuity patient monitoring is growing rapidly due to the increasing burden of the patient population.

Chronic diseases pose a significant strain on healthcare systems and require long-term monitoring due to their severity. Additionally, the rising number of hospital admissions to ICUs, critical care units, and emergency departments is further accelerating the demand for high-acuity patient monitoring.



INSIGHTS BY PATIENT GROUP



Based on the patient group, the geriatric patient group segment shows significant growth, with the fastest-growing CAGR of 7.28% during the forecast period. The geriatric patient group includes older adults, typically those over 65 years old. The older population accounts for more than 25% of the chronic disease burden and has the highest healthcare expenditures for disease management. They are primarily affected by major chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and others.

The development of portable and user-friendly MPM devices has been a key focus, enabling monitoring in home settings. Remote and home monitoring services are improving access to patient monitoring, particularly benefiting older adults who are unable to visit or stay in healthcare facilities for extended periods. In this context, MPM devices play a vital role.



INSIGHTS BY END-USER



Based on end-users, the hospital segment dominates and holds the largest share of the global multiparameter patient monitoring market. Hospitals are the primary point of care for patient monitoring services. They consist of various departments, including emergency departments, general wards, ICUs, surgical centers, and specialty care units, where multiparameter patient monitors (MPMs) are used for a wide range of applications.

From ECGs to continuous heart monitoring, MPM systems are extensively utilized in hospital settings. With the increasing burden of chronic diseases, hospitals are experiencing significant pressure on healthcare facilities and staff. As a result, the adoption of MPMs is growing rapidly due to their ability to alleviate the strain on patient monitoring services.



SEGMENTATION & FORECAST

By Device Type Portable /Compact Devices Fixed Devices

By Acuity Level High Acuity Level Low Acuity Level Mid-acuity Level

By Patient Group Geriatric Patient Group Young & Middle-aged Pediatric Patient Group

By End-User Hospitals Ambulatory Care Settings Homecare Settings Other End-user



GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS



North America accounted for around 40% of the share of the global multiparameter patient monitoring market. In North America, the U.S. and Canada are well-developed countries for patient monitoring services. The presence of high-quality healthcare facilities is driving strong demand for advanced MPM devices and systems.

Furthermore, the rising adoption of AI, predictive analytics, and real-time data management in MPM systems is at the forefront of technological advancements, particularly in the United States. Additionally, the rapid growth of ambulatory care settings, home healthcare, and remote monitoring services in the U.S. and Canada is a key factor propelling the adoption of MPM systems.

Geographies Analyzed

North America US Canada

Europe Germany France UK Italy Spain

APAC China Japan India South Korea Australia

Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina

Middle East & Africa Turkey Saudi Arabia South Africa



COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE



The global multiparameter patient monitoring market report consists of exclusive data on 35 vendors. Baxter, CONTEC MEDICAL SYSTEMS, GE HealthCare, Masimo, Medtronic, Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics, Nihon Kohden, OSI Systems, and Koninklijke Philips are some of the leading companies accounted for the highest market share in the global multiparameter patient monitoring market. These vendors offer high-class and reliable multiparameter patient monitor solutions that meet customers' requirements and international regulations.

Market players are increasing the efficiency of their products, and strengthening their market position. These companies have a strong brand image and wide geographical reach across the global market. Also, the adoption of various strategies, such as product launches, new product development with advanced technologies, and acquisitions intensified the competition in the market. The adoption of such strategies by the major market players and their focus on expanding their capabilities have enabled them to gain a higher revenue share in the market.



Key Vendors

Baxter

CONTEC MEDICAL SYSTEMS

GE HealthCare

Masimo

Medtronic

Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics

Nihon Kohden

OSI Systems

Koninklijke Philips N.V.

Other Prominent Vendors

Advanced Instrumentations

American Diagnostic Corporation (ADC)

Biotronix Instruments

BPL Medical Technologies

Dragerwerk AG & Co.

Edan Instruments

EPSIMED

Fukuda Denshi

Guangdong BioLite Meditech

Halma

ICU Medical

Infinium Medical

Innomed Medical Inc.

Lepu Medical Technology

Lutech Industries

Mediana

Medion

Mennen Medical Inc.

Nonin Medical, Inc.

RMS - Recorders & Medicare Systems

SCHILLER

Shenzhen Comen Medical Instruments Co. Ltd.

Skanray Technologies

SternMed GmbH

Viatom Technology

ZOLL Medical Corporation

RECENT VENDORS ACTIVITIES

In 2023, Philips collaborated with Masimo and received FDA approval to integrate SedLine brain function monitoring, regional oximetry, and CO? measurements into their IntelliVue MX750 and MX850 monitors.

In 2023, Baxter introduced the Starling Fluid Management Monitoring System that created new transformations in MPM devices, and positively influenced competition among vendors.

In 2023, the company partnered with Philips to integrate its patient monitoring technologies including SedLine Brain Function Monitoring and O3 Regional Oximetry, into Philips' IntelliVue MX750 and MX850 patient monitors.

Medtronic partnered with BioIntelliSense in 2022 to distribute multi-parameter wearables for patient monitoring applications in hospital and home-care settings. This collaboration marks Medtronic's commitment to expanding its remote monitoring capabilities and addressing the increasing demand for home healthcare solutions.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED



1. What is the expected growth of the global multiparameter patient monitoring market?

2. Which device type will dominate the global multiparameter patient monitoring market growth?

3. What are the factors driving the global multiparameter patient monitoring market growth?

4. Which region holds the largest global multiparameter patient monitoring market share?

5. Who are the major players in the global multiparameter patient monitoring market?



Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 140 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $10.74 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $16.09 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.9% Regions Covered Global

KEY TAKEAWAYS

By Device Type: The portable/compact devices accounted for the highest market share, driven by flexibility, are user-friendly, and have integrated monitoring solutions aiming towards easy access for patient monitoring services.

By Acuity Level: The high acuity level accounted for around 50% market share, driven by a growing number of emergency cases, emergency department visits, and a rising number of ICUs.

By Patient Group: The geriatric patient group segment shows the highest growth, with a CAGR of 7.28%. The growing geriatric population across the world with a significant impact of chronic conditions fuels the demand for health monitoring services.

By End-User: In 2024, the hospital segment holds the largest market share. The hospitals include emergency departments, surgery centers, ICUs, and specialty care divisions that create significant demand for multiparameter patient monitors.

By Geography: North America accounted for around 40% of the share of the global multiparameter patient monitoring market. The demand growing in North America due to the increasing aging population with severe chronic conditions, and the acceptance of preventive patient monitoring and care approaches.

Growth Factors: The market is set to grow due to developments in advanced sensors and non-invasive monitoring and development in remote monitoring, telehealth, and digital connectivity for patient monitoring.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/rus6nx

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AB Utenos trikotazas (the Company), issues on the agenda of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders, actions taken and decisions made :

1. Presentation of the Company's 2024 Consolidated Annual Report.

The Consolidated Annual Report of the Company for 2024, prepared by the Company, reviewed by the auditor and approved by the Board, was presented.

No decision to be taken on this matter

2. Presentation of the independent auditor's report on the Company's and the consolidated set of financial statements for 2024 and the consolidated annual report.

Presentation of the auditor's report on the Company's 2024 set of consolidated financial statements and consolidated annual report.

No decision taken on this matter

3. Approval of the 2024 set of Company and consolidated financial statements.

To approve the 2024 set of financial statements of the Company and the consolidated financial statements.

4. Distribution of the Company's 2024 profit/loss.

To distribute the Company's profit (loss) for the year 2024 in accordance with the draft profit (loss) distribution proposed by the Company's Board of Directors to the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (attached as Annex 4).

5. Election of the Management Board members for a new term of office.

To dissolve the entire Management Board of the Company (in corpore) and to elect for a new term of office the following persons as members of the Management Board of the Company, who shall take office as of the date of this Meeting, authorising the Managing Director of the Company to perform all actions necessary for the registration of the data on the members of the Management Board with the Register of Legal Entities of the Republic of Lithuania:

a) Vytautas Vaskys

b) Neringa Vaitelyte

c) Elena Grisina

d) Dovile Tamoseviciene

e) Arturas Uzgalis





6. Approval of the initiation of the reorganisation of the company (by merger) and related matters.

To initiate the reorganisation of the Company by way of merger (hereinafter referred to as the "Reorganisation"), in accordance with the provisions of Article 70 and Article 701 of the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Joint Stock Companies, in the manner specified below:

a) by merging AB Utenoswear, a company incorporated and operating under the laws of the Republic of Lithuania, legal entity code 305758870, registered office address Laisves pr. 3, LT-04215, Vilnius, Lithuania (hereinafter referred to as the "Merging Company"), which will cease to exist as a legal entity after the Reorganization. The Company together with the Acquiring Company are collectively referred to as the "Companies".

b) to instruct the Management Board of the Company (with the right of sub-delegation) to prepare the terms of the Reorganisation of the Companies in conjunction with the Management Board of the Surviving Company.

c) determine that no assessment of the Terms of Reorganisation of the Companies will be carried out and no report on the assessment of the Terms of Reorganisation will be prepared.

d) confirm that the Management Board of the Company will not be required to prepare a report on the proposed Reorganisation.

e) to provide that the Company's shareholders will not be notified of material changes in the Company's assets, rights and liabilities between the date of the Reorganisation Terms and Conditions and the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company, the agenda of which is to resolve on the Reorganisation of the Company (Completion).

f) to oblige and authorise, with the right to sub-delegate, the Managing Director of the Company to notify the creditors of the Company of the terms of the Reorganisation, to obtain legal status in the Register of Legal Entities, and to perform all other acts in connection with the Reorganisation as provided for by law.

To establish that the Company's restructuring administrator UAB Personlita (code 304081561) has confirmed that the Reorganisation (merger) is in line with the decisions of the approved Restructuring Plan.



Additional information is available from Aurimas Likus, CFO, tel. No. +370 618 07809.



Nomeda Kaucikiene, CEO of AB Utenos trikotazas

Attachments
Dublin, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "The Global Nuclear Fusion Energy Market 2025-2045" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report provides the definitive analysis of the emerging nuclear fusion energy market, covering the pivotal 20-year period when fusion transitions from laboratory experiments to commercial reality. Report contents include:

Commercial Fusion Technology Assessment: Detailed comparison of tokamak, stellarator, spherical tokamak, field-reversed configuration (FRC), inertial confinement fusion (ICF), magnetized target fusion (MTF), Z-pinch, and pulsed power approaches with SWOT analysis and technological maturity evaluation.

Fusion Fuel Cycle Economic Analysis: Quantitative assessment of tritium supply constraints, breeding requirements, and economic implications of D-T, D-D, and aneutronic fuel cycles with strategic recommendations for mitigating supply bottlenecks.

Critical Materials Supply Chain Vulnerability: Strategic analysis of high-temperature superconductor manufacturing capacity, lithium-6 isotope enrichment capabilities, plasma-facing material production, and specialized component bottlenecks with geopolitical risk assessment.

AI and Digital Twin Implementation: Evaluation of machine learning applications in plasma control, predictive maintenance, reactor optimization, and fusion simulation with case studies of successful AI implementations accelerating fusion development.

Comparative LCOE Projections: Evidence-based levelized cost of electricity projections for fusion compared to advanced fission, renewables with storage, and hydrogen technologies across multiple timeframes and deployment scenarios.

Investment and Funding Analysis: Detailed breakdown of $9.8B in fusion investments by technology approach, geographic region, company stage, and investor type with proprietary data on valuation trends and funding efficiency metrics.

Fusion Plant Integration Models: Technical assessment of grid integration approaches, operational flexibility capabilities, cogeneration potential for process heat/hydrogen, and comparative analysis of modular versus utility-scale deployment strategies.

Regulatory Framework Evolution: Analysis of emerging fusion-specific regulations across major jurisdictions with timeline projections for licensing pathways and recommendations for regulatory engagement strategies

Market Adoption Projections: Quantitative market penetration modeling by geography, sector, and application with comprehensive analysis of rate-limiting factors including supply chain constraints, regulatory hurdles, and competing technology evolution.

Profiles of 45 companies in the nuclear fusion energy market.

Nuclear fusion energy stands at the precipice of commercial viability after decades of scientific pursuit. Unlike conventional nuclear fission, fusion promises abundant clean energy with minimal radioactive waste and no risk of meltdown, potentially revolutionizing global energy markets. The fusion industry has experienced unprecedented growth since 2021, with private investment exceeding $7 billion by early 2025. This surge represents a dramatic shift from the historically government-dominated research landscape. Several approaches are competing for market dominance.

Magnetic confinement fusion (tokamaks and stellarators) remains the most mature technology, with companies like Commonwealth Fusion Systems, TAE Technologies, and Tokamak Energy making significant advances. Inertial confinement fusion has gained momentum following NIF's breakthrough, while alternative approaches like magnetized target fusion (pursued by General Fusion) and Z-pinch technology (Zap Energy) have attracted substantial investment.

The fusion market currently consists primarily of pre-revenue technology developers, specialized component suppliers, and strategic investors. Major energy corporations including Chevron, Eni, and Shell have made strategic investments, signalling growing confidence in fusion's commercial potential. Government funding also remains crucial. Near-term projections suggest the first commercial fusion power plants could begin operation between 2030-2035.

Commonwealth Fusion Systems and UK-based First Light Fusion have both announced timelines targeting commercial plants by 2031-2032, though challenges remain in materials science, plasma stability, and engineering integration. The fusion energy sector could reach $40-80 billion by 2035 and potentially exceed $350 billion by 2050 if technological milestones are achieved. Initial deployment will likely focus on grid-scale baseload power generation, with hydrogen production and industrial heat applications following as the technology matures.

The acceleration of fusion development is driven by climate imperatives, energy security concerns, and technological breakthroughs in adjacent fields like advanced materials and computational modelling. Regulatory frameworks are evolving, with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission beginning to develop specific guidelines for fusion facilities distinct from fission regulations. Significant challenges remain, including technical hurdles in plasma confinement, tritium fuel cycle management, and first-wall materials capable of withstanding neutron bombardment. Economic viability also remains uncertain, with cost-competitiveness dependent on reducing capital expenses and achieving high capacity factors.

The nuclear fusion energy market represents one of the most promising frontier technology sectors, with potential to fundamentally reshape global energy systems. While technical and economic challenges persist, unprecedented private capital, technological breakthroughs, and climate urgency are accelerating development timelines. The industry is transitioning from pure research to commercialization phases, suggesting fusion may finally fulfill its long-promised potential within the coming decade.

Key Topics Covered

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1 What is Nuclear Fusion?

1.2 Future Outlook

1.3 Competition with Other Power Sources

1.4 Investment Funding

1.5 Materials and Components

1.6 Commercial Landscape

1.7 Applications and Implementation Roadmap

1.8 Fuels

2 INTRODUCTION

2.1 The Fusion Energy Market

2.1.1 Historical evolution

2.1.2 Market drivers

2.1.3 National strategies

2.2 Technical Foundations

2.2.1 Nuclear Fusion Principles

2.2.1.1 Nuclear binding energy fundamentals

2.2.1.2 Fusion reaction types and characteristics

2.2.1.3 Energy density advantages of fusion reactions

2.2.2 Power Production Fundamentals

2.2.2.1 Q factor

2.2.2.2 Electricity production pathways

2.2.2.3 Engineering efficiency

2.2.2.4 Heat transfer and power conversion systems

2.2.3 Fusion and Fission

2.2.3.1 Safety profile

2.2.3.2 Waste management considerations and radioactivity

2.2.3.3 Fuel cycle differences and proliferation aspects

2.2.3.4 Engineering crossover and shared expertise

2.2.3.5 Nuclear industry contributions to fusion development

2.3 Regulatory Framework

2.3.1 International regulatory developments and harmonization

2.3.2 Europe

2.3.3 Regional approaches and policy implications

3 NUCLEAR FUSION ENERGY MARKET

3.1 Market Outlook

3.1.1 Fusion deployment

3.1.2 Alternative clean energy sources

3.1.3 Application in data centers

3.1.4 Deployment rate limitations and scaling challenges

3.2 Technology Categorization by Confinement Mechanism

3.2.1 Magnetic Confinement Technologies

3.2.1.1 Tokamak and spherical tokamak designs

3.2.1.2 Stellarator approach and advantages

3.2.1.3 Field-reversed configurations (FRCs)

3.2.1.4 Comparison of magnetic confinement approaches

3.2.1.5 Plasma stability and confinement innovations

3.2.2 Inertial Confinement Technologies

3.2.2.1 Laser-driven inertial confinement

3.2.2.2 National Ignition Facility achievements and challenges

3.2.2.3 Manufacturing and scaling barriers

3.2.2.4 Commercial viability

3.2.2.5 High repetition rate approaches

3.2.3 Hybrid and Alternative Approaches

3.2.3.1 Magnetized target fusion

3.2.3.2 Pulsed Magnetic Fusion

3.2.3.3 Z-Pinch Devices

3.2.3.4 Pulsed magnetic fusion

3.2.4 Emerging Alternative Concepts

3.2.5 Compact Fusion Approaches

3.3 Fuel Cycle Analysis

3.3.1 Commercial Fusion Reactions

3.3.1.1 Deuterium-Tritium (D-T) fusion

3.3.1.2 Alternative reaction pathways (D-D, p-B11, He3)

3.3.1.3 Comparative advantages and technical challenges

3.3.1.4 Aneutronic fusion approaches

3.3.2 Fuel Supply Considerations

3.3.2.1 Tritium supply limitations and breeding requirements

3.3.2.2 Deuterium abundance and extraction methods

3.3.2.3 Exotic fuel availability

3.3.2.4 Supply chain security and strategic reserves

3.4 Ecosystem Beyond Power Plant OEMs

3.4.1 Component manufacturers and specialized suppliers

3.4.2 Engineering services and testing infrastructure

3.4.3 Digital twin technology and advanced simulation tools

3.4.4 AI applications in plasma physics and reactor operation

3.4.5 Building trust in surrogate models for fusion

3.5 Development Timelines

3.5.1 Comparative Analysis of Commercial Approaches

3.5.2 Strategic Roadmaps and Timelines

3.5.2.1 Major Player Developments

3.5.3 Public funding for fusion energy research

3.5.4 Integrated Timeline Analysis

3.5.4.1 Technology approach commercialization sequence

3.5.4.2 Fuel cycle development dependencies

3.5.4.3 Cost trajectory projections

4 KEY TECHNOLOGIES

4.1 Magnetic Confinement Fusion

4.1.1 Tokamak and Spherical Tokamak

4.1.1.1 Operating principles and technical foundation

4.1.1.2 Commercial development

4.1.1.3 SWOT analysis

4.1.1.4 Roadmap for commercial tokamak fusion

4.1.2 Stellarators

4.1.2.1 Design principles and advantages over tokamaks

4.1.2.2 Wendelstein 7-X

4.1.2.3 Commercial development

4.1.2.4 SWOT analysis

4.1.3 Field-Reversed Configurations

4.1.3.1 Technical principles and design advantages

4.1.3.2 Commercial development

4.1.3.3 SWOT analysis

4.2 Inertial Confinement Fusion

4.2.1 Fundamental operating principles

4.2.2 National Ignition Facility

4.2.3 Commercial development

4.2.4 SWOT analysis

4.3 Alternative Approaches

4.3.1 Magnetized Target Fusion

4.3.1.1 Technical overview and operating principles

4.3.1.2 Commercial development

4.3.1.3 SWOT analysis

4.3.1.4 Roadmap

4.3.2 Z-Pinch Fusion

4.3.2.1 Technical principles and operational characteristics

4.3.2.2 Commercial development

4.3.2.3 SWOT analysis

4.3.3 Pulsed Magnetic Fusion

4.3.3.1 Technical overview of pulsed magnetic fusion

4.3.3.2 Commercial development

4.3.3.3 SWOT analysis

5 MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS

5.1 Critical Materials for Fusion

5.1.1 High-Temperature Superconductors (HTS)

5.1.1.1 Second-generation (2G) REBCO tape manufacturing process

5.1.1.2 Global value chain

5.1.1.3 Demand projections and manufacturing bottlenecks

5.1.1.4 SWOT analysis

5.1.2 Plasma-Facing Materials

5.1.2.1 First wall challenges and material requirements

5.1.2.2 Tungsten and lithium solutions for plasma-facing components

5.1.2.3 Radiation damage and lifetime considerations

5.1.2.4 Supply chain

5.1.3 Breeder Blanket Materials

5.1.3.1 Choice between solid-state and fluid (liquid metal or molten salt) blanket concepts

5.1.3.2 Technology readiness level

5.1.3.3 Value chain

5.1.4 Lithium Resources and Processing

5.1.4.1 Lithium demand in fusion

5.1.4.2 Lithium-6 isotope separation requirements

5.1.4.3 Comparison of lithium separation methods

5.1.4.4 Global lithium supply-demand balance

5.2 Component Manufacturing Ecosystem

5.2.1 Specialized capacitors and power electronics

5.2.2 Vacuum systems and cryogenic equipment

5.2.3 Laser systems for inertial fusion

5.2.4 Target manufacturing for ICF

5.3 Strategic Supply Chain Considerations

5.3.1 Critical minerals

5.3.2 China's dominance

5.3.3 Public-private partnerships

5.3.4 Component supply

6 BUSINESS MODELS FOR NUCLEAR FUSION ENERGY

6.1 Commercial Fusion Business Models

6.1.1 Value creation

6.1.2 Fusion commercialization

6.1.3 Industrial process heat applications

6.2 Investment Landscape

6.2.1 Funding Trends and Sources

6.2.1.1 Public funding mechanisms and programs

6.2.1.2 Venture capital

6.2.1.3 Corporate investments

6.2.1.4 Funding by approach

6.2.2 Value Creation

6.2.2.1 Pre-commercial technology licensing

6.2.2.2 Component and material supply opportunities

6.2.2.3 Specialized service provision

6.2.2.4 Knowledge and intellectual property monetization

7 FUTURE OUTLOOK AND STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITES

7.1 Technology Convergence and Breakthrough Potential

7.1.1 AI and machine learning impact on development

7.1.2 Advanced computing for design optimization

7.1.3 Materials science advancement

7.1.4 Control system and diagnostics innovations

7.1.5 High-temperature superconductor advancements

7.2 Market Evolution

7.2.1 Commercial deployment

7.2.2 Market adoption and penetration

7.2.3 Grid integration and energy markets

7.2.4 Specialized application development paths

7.2.4.1 Marine propulsion

7.2.4.2 Space applications

7.2.4.3 Industrial process heat applications

7.2.4.4 Remote power applications

7.3 Strategic Positioning for Market Participants

7.3.1 Component supplier opportunities

7.3.2 Energy producer partnership strategies

7.3.3 Technology licensing and commercialization paths

7.3.4 Investment timing considerations

7.3.5 Risk diversification approaches

7.4 Pathways to Commercial Fusion Energy

7.4.1 Critical Success Factors

7.4.1.1 Technical milestone achievement requirements

7.4.1.2 Supply chain development imperatives

7.4.1.3 Regulatory framework evolution

7.4.1.4 Capital formation mechanisms

7.4.1.5 Public engagement and acceptance building

7.4.2 Key Inflection Points

7.4.2.1 Scientific and engineering breakeven demonstrations

7.4.2.2 First commercial plant commissioning

7.4.2.3 Manufacturing scale-up

7.4.2.4 Cost reduction

7.4.2.5 Policy support

7.4.3 Long-Term Market Impact

7.4.3.1 Global energy system transformation

7.4.3.2 Decarbonization

7.4.3.3 Geopolitical energy

7.4.3.4 Societal benefits and economic development

7.4.3.5 Quality of life

8 COMPANY PROFILES (45 IN TOTAL)

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:

Acceleron Fusion

Anubal Fusion

Astral Systems

Avalanche Energy

Blue Laser Fusion

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS)

Electric Fusion Systems

Energy Singularity

First Light Fusion

Focused Energy

Fuse Energy

General Fusion

HB11 Energy

Helical Fusion

Helion Energy

Hylenr

Kyoto Fusioneering

Marvel Fusion

Metatron

NearStar Fusion

Neo Fusion

Novatron Fusion Group

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1wah1k

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Dublin, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Procedure, Product, End User, and Region - Analysis and Forecast, 2025-2035" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) market is experiencing significant growth, driven by an increasing prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AFib), advancements in minimally invasive surgical procedures, and a rising demand for stroke prevention solutions.

Atrial fibrillation is a leading cause of stroke, and as the global population ages, the number of patients diagnosed with AFib is on the rise, fueling the demand for effective stroke prevention treatments. Left atrial appendage closure offers a promising alternative for patients who are at high risk of stroke but cannot tolerate long-term anticoagulation therapy due to bleeding risks or other contraindications.



Technological advancements, such as the development of more refined devices such as the WATCHMAN and improved procedural techniques, have enhanced the safety and efficacy of left atrial appendage closure, contributing to its growing adoption. The procedure's minimally invasive nature also appeals to both patients and healthcare providers, as it offers a quicker recovery time compared to traditional open-heart surgery.



Additionally, expanding awareness of left atrial appendage closure's benefits, along with improved reimbursement policies, is further accelerating market growth. However, challenges such as the high cost of left atrial appendage closure procedures and limited access in certain regions could slow market expansion in some areas. Despite these obstacles, the left atrial appendage closure market is expected to continue expanding, driven by increased demand for effective stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation patients.



However, one of the main challenges facing the left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) market is the high cost of the procedure and devices. The left atrial appendage closure procedure, including the implantation of devices such as the WATCHMAN device, can be expensive, particularly for healthcare systems or patients without adequate insurance coverage. This cost can limit access to the procedure, especially in regions with less robust healthcare infrastructure or among patients who are unable to afford the treatment. Additionally, the complexity of the procedure and the need for specialized medical expertise further add to the financial burden.



As a result, while left atrial appendage closure offers significant benefits for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation patients, its high cost remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption, particularly in developing countries or for patients who are not suitable candidates for anticoagulant therapy.



Key players in the left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) market are actively focusing on product innovation, expanding clinical indications, and enhancing patient outcomes to strengthen their market position. Companies such as Boston Scientific, Abbott Laboratories, and Medtronic are continuously advancing the design and functionality of left atrial appendage closure devices to improve safety, efficacy, and ease of implantation. They are investing in minimally invasive procedures to reduce recovery times and enhance the overall patient experience. Additionally, these companies are expanding their clinical trial programs to include a broader range of patients and conditions, thereby increasing the acceptance and adoption of left atrial appendage closure procedures globally.



Moreover, key players are focusing on improving the cost-effectiveness of their products, which is critical for wider adoption, particularly in cost-sensitive healthcare systems. Collaborations with hospitals, specialty clinics, and regulatory bodies are also being pursued to ensure the availability and reimbursement of left atrial appendage closure devices in various markets. As the demand for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation patients continues to grow, these companies are leveraging advancements in technology and clinical research to lead the market and provide more effective, reliable, and accessible solutions for patients at risk of stroke.



Key players in the market are Occlutech, Nanjing YDB Technology Co., Ltd., LifeTech Scientific (Shenzhen), Johnson & Johnson (Biosense Webster, Inc.), Cardia, Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, ArtiCure, Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Lepu Medical Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Aegis Medical Group, Curvo Labs, Inc., among others.



Market Segmentation

Segmentation 1: by Product

Endocardial LAA Devices

Epicardial LAA Devices

Endocardial LAA Devices to Lead Global Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Market (by Product)



Hospitals are expected to lead the global left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) market by end user due to their central role in performing left atrial appendage closure procedures. Hospitals are equipped with advanced medical technologies and specialized teams, including interventional cardiologists and structural heart specialists, who are trained to perform left atrial appendage closure interventions. As the primary healthcare setting for complex cardiovascular procedures, hospitals offer the necessary infrastructure for performing both percutaneous and surgical left atrial appendage closure procedures.



The growing prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AFib), combined with the increasing adoption of left atrial appendage closure procedures, drives demand for these interventions within hospital settings. Additionally, hospitals often have the resources to support post-procedure care and monitoring, making them the leading end-user in the left atrial appendage closure market. As the demand for stroke prevention in AFib patients rises, hospitals are expected to remain the dominant players in the left atrial appendage closure space.



Segmentation 2: by Procedure

Percutaneous

Surgical

Percutaneous to Lead the Global Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Market (by Procedure)



Percutaneous procedures are expected to lead the global Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) market by procedure due to their minimally invasive nature, which offers several advantages over traditional surgical approaches. These procedures involve the use of catheters to deliver devices such as the WATCHMAN or Amplatzer directly to the left atrial appendage, closing it off to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib). The percutaneous method requires only small incisions, resulting in shorter recovery times, reduced complications, and less patient discomfort compared to open surgery. The increasing preference for percutaneous interventions, driven by advancements in device technology and improved procedural techniques, is expected to continue to fuel market growth. As more healthcare providers adopt percutaneous left atrial appendage closure procedures, this approach will remain the leading method in stroke prevention for AFib patients worldwide.



Segmentation 3: by End User

Hospitals

Ambulatory Surgical Centers

Other End Users

Hospitals to Lead the Global Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Market (by End User)



Hospitals are expected to lead the global left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) market by end user due to their central role in performing left atrial appendage closure procedures. Hospitals are equipped with advanced medical technologies and specialized teams, including interventional cardiologists and structural heart specialists, who are trained to perform left atrial appendage closure interventions. As the primary healthcare setting for complex cardiovascular procedures, hospitals offer the necessary infrastructure for performing both percutaneous and surgical left atrial appendage closure procedures.



The growing prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AFib), combined with the increasing adoption of left atrial appendage closure procedures, drives demand for these interventions within hospital settings. Additionally, hospitals often have the resources to support post-procedure care and monitoring, making them the leading end-user in the left atrial appendage closure market. As the demand for stroke prevention in AFib patients rises, hospitals are expected to remain the dominant players in the left atrial appendage closure space.



Segmentation 4: by Region

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Middle East and Africa

North America to Lead the Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Market (by Region)



North America is expected to lead the left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) market by region, driven by factors such as a high prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AFib), advanced healthcare infrastructure, and the increasing adoption of left atrial appendage closure procedures for stroke prevention. The United States, in particular, is a major contributor to this growth due to its aging population and the rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the presence of leading medical device manufacturers such as Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and Abbott Laboratories, who offer cutting-edge left atrial appendage closure products, further strengthens the region's dominance.



The availability of favorable reimbursement policies, improved patient awareness, and access to specialized healthcare services are also key factors driving market growth in North America. As the demand for stroke prevention solutions in AFib patients continues to rise, North America is expected to maintain its leadership in the global left atrial appendage closure market.



Key Topics Covered



1. Markets: Industry Outlook

1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment

1.2 Supply Chain Overview

1.3 R&D Review

1.3.1 Patent Filing Trend by Country, by Year

1.4 Regulatory Landscape

1.5 Market Dynamics Overview

1.5.1 Market Drivers

1.5.2 Market Restraints

1.5.3 Market Opportunities



2. Global Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Market by Product, $Million, 2023-2035

2.1 Overview

2.2 Endocardial LAA Devices

2.3 Epicardial LAA Devices



3. Global Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Market by Procedure, $Million, 2023-2035

3.1 Overview

3.2 Percutaneous

3.3 Surgical



4. Global Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Market by End User, $Million, 2023-2035

4.1 Overview

4.2 Hospitals

4.3 Ambulatory Surgical Centers

4.4 Other End Users



5. Global Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Market by Region, $Million, 2023-2035

5.1 North America

5.1.1 Key Market Participants in North America

5.1.2 Business Drivers

5.1.3 Business Challenges

5.1.4 Market Sizing and Forecast

5.1.4.1 North America by Country

5.1.4.1.1 U.S.

5.1.4.1.2 Canada

5.2 Europe

5.2.1 Key Market Participants in Europe

5.2.2 Business Drivers

5.2.3 Business Challenges

5.2.4 Market Sizing and Forecast

5.2.4.1 Europe By Country

5.2.4.1.1 Germany

5.2.4.1.2 France

5.2.4.1.3 U.K

5.2.4.1.4 Italy

5.2.4.1.5 Spain

5.2.4.1.6 Rest of Europe

5.3 Asia-Pacific

5.3.1 Key Market Participants in Asia-Pacific

5.3.2 Business Drivers

5.3.3 Business Challenges

5.3.4 Market Sizing and Forecast

5.3.4.1 Asia-Pacific By Country

5.3.4.1.1 China

5.3.4.1.2 Japan

5.3.4.1.3 Australia

5.3.4.1.4 South Korea

5.3.4.1.5 India

5.3.4.1.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific

5.4 Latin America

5.4.1 Key Market Participants in Latin America

5.4.2 Business Drivers

5.4.3 Business Challenges

5.4.4 Market Sizing and Forecast

5.4.4.1 Latin America by Country

5.4.4.1.1 Brazil

5.4.4.1.2 Mexico

5.4.4.1.3 Rest of Latin America

5.5 Middle East and Africa

5.5.1 Key Market Participants in Middle East and Africa

5.5.2 Business Drivers

5.5.3 Business Challenges

5.5.4 Market Sizing and Forecast



6. Markets - Competitive Benchmarking and Companies Profiled

6.1 Competitive Landscape

6.2 Company Profiles

6.2.1 Occlutech

6.2.1.1 Overview

6.2.1.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio

6.2.1.3 Top Competitors

6.2.1.4 Target Customers/End-Users

6.2.1.5 Key Personnel

6.2.1.6 Analyst View

6.2.2 Nanjing YDB Technology Co., Ltd.

6.2.3 LifeTech Scientific (Shenzhen)

6.2.4 Johnson & Johnson ((Biosense Webster, Inc.))

6.2.5 Cardia, Inc.

6.2.6 Boston Scientific Corporation

6.2.7 ArtiCure, Inc.

6.2.8 Abbott Laboratories

6.2.9 Lepu Medical Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd.

6.2.10 Aegis Medical Group

6.2.11 Curvo Labs, Inc.

6.2.12 MicroPort Scientific Corporation

6.2.13 Shanghai Push Medical Device Technology

6.2.14 W.L. Gore & Associates

6.2.15 PlaqueTec, Inc.



7. Research Methodology



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/89o0mc

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.


Image by ZAMiner

MIDDLESEX, United Kingdom, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZA Miner, a UK-based cloud mining platform operated by ZA FUNDINGS LTD, has shared valuable insights into earning passive income through cryptocurrency activities, particularly Bitcoin cloud mining. Founded in 2020 and certified by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ZA Miner provides secure and transparent access to blockchain-based earning opportunities through sustainable infrastructure.

These insights focus on practical methods individuals can use to achieve Bitcoin passive income . ZA Miner explains how users can participate in mining pools, contribute to network security, and leverage cloud computing power to generate passive income without needing to manage complex hardware systems themselves. The insights cover operational procedures, associated costs, energy consumption, and potential returns, providing a full overview while stressing the importance of responsible participation in the blockchain ecosystem.

ZA Miner operates over 100 advanced data centers strategically located across Europe, North America, and Asia. Each center is powered by renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, supporting the company's commitment to building a sustainable blockchain infrastructure. The use of cutting-edge GPUs from NVIDIA and AMD ensures high mining efficiency while minimizing the environmental impact of operations. This renewable-powered setup reflects ZA Miners broader mission to reduce the carbon footprint of mining and promote green technology in the industry.

While staking is typically associated with proof-of-stake blockchains, ZA Miner provides insights into comparable earning structures within the Bitcoin network. Through participation in cloud mining pools, users can contribute computational resources to support Bitcoin network operations and receive proportional rewards. This process offers a simple and accessible way for individuals to generate passive income without the need for extensive technical expertise or costly equipment.

ZA Miner stresses the importance of secure asset management and regulatory compliance. The company highlights best practices such as using encrypted digital wallets, safeguarding private keys, and understanding the legal and tax obligations involved in engaging with cryptocurrency-based income streams. As with any financial activity, users are encouraged to stay informed, conduct thorough research, and be aware of potential risks.

These insights are part of ZA Miners broader mission to lead innovation in sustainable cloud computing while creating long-term value for users. With a focus on transparency, technological advancement, and environmental responsibility, ZA Miner continues to expand its global operations in line with its vision of setting industry benchmarks for green cloud mining. Through this ongoing effort, ZA Miner aims to help users make informed decisions and responsibly engage with the evolving digital finance landscape.

ZA Miners platform is accessible globally via its official website, except in jurisdictions where cryptocurrency activities are regulated or prohibited. The company plans to continue offering insights and updates on the latest developments in blockchain technology, mining processes, and sustainable energy solutions.

Media Contact:

ZA FUNDINGS LTD

Anisah Fatema Sheikh

info@zaminer.com

https://www.zaminer.com/

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3df949cd-7f71-426d-8048-5ef844677ada
ZUG, Switzerland, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reichmann Group.com is a financial service company that focuses on unique support and simplified processes to help improve the overall financial experience. The company works with individuals and businesses by offering assistance that is not complicated and is easy to understand. It continues to create systems that make financial activity clearer, safer, and less stressful for those who need guidance with their financial direction.

Easy-to-Understand Financial Help

Many people face difficulty when trying to manage finances, especially with processes that seem unclear or too detailed. The company pays attention to this and has been working to make things easier. Support is available in a way that does not confuse people, and the goal is to help make better decisions with time and care. Financial actions should not be rushed, and the service provided reflects this.

Keeping Things Clear and Simple

One of the main strengths of Reichman Group.com is how it explains things in a simple way. Clear information helps people avoid mistakes and feel more comfortable. Financial support works better when it is straightforward. That is something many platforms do not provide, but Reichman Group.com puts this at the center of its work.

Support That Adjusts to Needs

Not everyone faces the same kind of financial situation. Some people just want clarity. Others want more guidance. The company offers help that adjusts based on what is needed. There is no one-size-fits-all system. Instead, each client receives attention that suits their needs, which helps remove confusion and leads to steadier financial understanding.

No Pressure or Rush

Fast results are often talked about in the financial space, but Reichman Group.com does not push for speed at the cost of safety. The company values slow and clear steps over quick and unclear outcomes. This helps people avoid losses and gives them time to fully understand what they are doing. Financial safety is a priority and is respected in every service offered.

Helpful Team With Patience

Another area where it brings difference is in its support team. The team offers help that is patient and calm, which is very important when people feel confused or unsure. The ability to speak to someone who listens and responds with care builds trust over time. It is not about promising too much but about delivering what is fair and helpful.

Digital Access Without Complexity

In todays time, financial platforms are mostly online. Reichman Group.com is digital but not difficult. The platform is made to be easy for people to use, whether they are used to online systems or not. The design avoids making things too fancy and focuses on function. Many users have said that the website feels simple and that is what makes it useful.

Focus on Long-Term Financial Peace

The idea behind Reichman Group.com is not short-term action. The work being done supports calm and consistent growth. Helping people understand what is happening with their finances and giving support that leads to clear outcomes is how the company stays aligned with its values. It is not about results that come and go but about steady steps that last.

About Reichmann Group.com

Reichmann Group.com is a financial firm that helps clients with a wide range of digital services. The company provides online systems that are aimed at helping people find easier ways to manage their finances. The Reichmann Group.com review shows that the service avoids confusion and focuses on giving users space to do things without pressure. It does not promise too much and instead builds trust through quiet, consistent actions. The platform also reduces the kind of complications that often push people away from digital financial tools.

There are several parts of the service that stand out in the Reichmann Group.com review. One of them is the way users are guided without being overwhelmed. Another strength is how the company pays attention to feedback and changes things when necessary. This shows that the team behind the platform cares about long-term service rather than short bursts of success. The review notes that many financial platforms forget how to keep things simple, but the company continues to stay focused on that key idea.

Media info,

Contact Person, Mahone Rabbado

Organization, Reichmann Group.com

Email, info@reichmann-group.com

Website, https://reichmann-group.com

Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Reichmann Group. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector--including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining--complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
Kymeta announces the addition of four prominent leaders to its Board of Directors and Board of Advisors

The appointments come as global demand for secure, sovereign communication systems intensifies, particularly in Europe, Indo-Pacific and other allied regions

Kymeta is cementing its relationship with US DOD and enhancing its focus on delivering innovative, secure connectivity solutions to serve defense, government, and enterprise customers worldwide



REDMOND, Wash., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kymeta, a global leader in satellite and cellular communications technology, has today announced the addition of highly respected leaders in defense, space, and technology to both its Board of Directors and Board of Advisors. These appointments come as the company sets sights on further cementing its relationship with the U.S. Department of Defense and as global security dynamics intensifies, driving heightened demand for advanced, sovereign communication systems, in our allied regions.

Todays complex global environment requires innovative and reliable communication solutions that support defense, enterprise, and government operations across diverse regions, said Rick Bergman, President and CEO of Kymeta. Kymeta continues to support the U.S. Department of Defense while expanding its efforts globally, where the demand for sovereign and secure networks is growing. By bringing these distinguished leaders on board, we aim to enhance our ability to deliver robust connectivity and address the unique challenges faced by our customers worldwide.

The company is strengthening its leadership to meet the growing connectivity needs of allied defense forces, enterprises, and governments, where the focus on sovereign and secure networks has intensified due to geo-political shifts in recent months. Kymeta's new board members and advisors bring unparalleled expertise in defense, space, and emerging technologies, helping to advance the companys mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions for robust and secure and resilient communications in dynamic and contested environments.

The new additions bring extensive expertise from leadership roles in national security, space, and technology sectors:

Board of Directors

Chris Marzilli, former Executive Vice President of General Dynamics, has led mission-critical communications programs and fostered advancements in secure defense technology. His leadership has been widely recognized in the defense industry.



Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Scott Stapp, currently CTO and CRO at DEFCON AI, brings a deep understanding of technology integration and partnership development. His career spans key roles in national security space programs and technology strategy for the Department of Defense.



Board of Advisors

Jay Scott Goldstein, a retired U.S. Air Force Major General and Senior Vice President at Parsons Corporation, has extensive experience in space, cyber, and R&D initiatives. Over his career, he has contributed significantly to defense and intelligence innovation, earning numerous accolades and holding multiple U.S. patents.



Brian Hibbeln, a physicist and strategic advisor, has a three-decade career in the U.S. Defense Department and Intelligence Community. His insights into leveraging advanced technologies for operational needs make him a vital addition to the advisory team.

These appointments reflect Kymetas commitment to collaborating with experts who can provide guidance on the evolving demands of modern defense, enterprise, and government sectors. With a focus on delivering secure, resilient communication technologies, Kymeta aims to support a wide range of customers, from military and government organizations to commercial enterprises, in achieving operational readiness and connectivity in increasingly complex environments.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c9bc3d8b-642e-48af-93ed-00746835ac48
LONDON, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ecora Resources (OTCQX: ECRAF), based in London, focused on critical minerals royalties and streams, today announced that Geoff Callow, Head of Investor Relations, will present live at the Metals & Mining Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on May 8th.

DATE: May 8th

TIME: 10:00 AM ET

LINK: https://bit.ly/4iG9fko

Available for 1x1 meetings: May 6-9th, 12-13th, 2025

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com .

About Ecora Resources

Ecora is a leading critical minerals focused royalty company.

Our vision is to be globally recognised as the royalty company of choice synonymous with commodities that support trends of electrification by continuing to grow and diversify our royalty portfolio in line with our strategy. We will achieve this through building a diversified portfolio of scale over high quality assets that drives low volatility earnings growth and shareholder returns.

The mining sector has an essential role to play in the energy transition, with commodities such as copper, nickel and cobalt - key materials for manufacturing batteries and electric vehicles. Copper also plays a critical role in our electricity grids. All these commodities are mined and there are not enough mines in operation today to supply the volume required to achieve the energy transition.

Our strategy is to acquire royalties and streams over low-cost operations and projects with strong management teams, in well-established mining jurisdictions. Our portfolio has been reweighted to provide material exposure to this commodity basket and we have successfully transitioned from a coal orientated royalty business in 2014 to one that by 2026 will be materially coal free and comprised of over 90% exposure to commodities that support a sustainable future. The fundamental demand outlook for these commodities over the next decade is very strong, which should significantly increase the value of our royalty portfolio.

Ecoras shares are listed on the London and Toronto Stock Exchanges (ECOR) and trade on the OTCQX Best Market (OTCQX: ECRAF).

About Virtual Investor Conferences

Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

CONTACTS:

Ecora Resources PLC

Geoff Callow

Head of IR

Callow@ecora-resources.com

Virtual Investor Conferences

John M. Viglotti

SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access

OTC Markets Group

(212) 220-2221

johnv@otcmarkets.com
Resolutions approved by the 30 April 2025 General Meeting of shareholders of Rokiskio suris AB (hereinafter  the Company):

1. Auditors findings regarding the consolidated financial reports and management report.

The report is heard. (No decision taken on this item).

2. The Audit Committee report.

The conclusion of the Audit Committee is endorsed (attached).

3. The Companys consolidated management report for the year 2024.

The consolidated management report of the Company for 2024, prepared by the Company, reviewed by the auditors and approved by the Board of Directors, was presented (No decision to be taken on this agenda item).

4. Approval of the consolidated and companys financial accounting for the year 2024.

The audited consolidated and Company financial statements for 2024 have been approved (Attached).

5. Allocation of the profit of the Company of 2024.

The distribution of profits for 2024 is approved:





Title kEUR 1. Non-distributed profit (loss) at beginning of year 82,169 2. Approved by shareholders dividends related to the year 2023 (5,251) 3. Transfers to reserve for own shares purchase (6,300) 4. Allocated for annual payments (tantiemes) for 2023 (33) 5. Non-distributed profit (loss) at beginning of year after dividend payout and transfer to reserves 70 585 6. Net profit (loss) of the Company of fiscal year 21 302 7. Distributable profit (loss) of the Company 91 887 8. Profit share for mandatory reserve - 9. Profit share for other reserves - 10. Profit share for dividend payout * (6,283) 11. Profit share for annual payments (tantiemes) to the Board of Directors, employee bonuses and other as accounted by Profit (loss) statement (45) 12. Non-distributed profit (loss) at end of year transferred to the next fiscal year 85,559

*it will be allocated 0.20 EUR per ordinary registered share. In total to the dividends payout EUR 6,283,980.

Persons entitled to receive dividends are those who are actual shareholders of the Company at the end of the tenth day after approval of the resolution for dividend pay-out by the general meeting of shareholders (shareholders proprietary right accounting day), i. e. May 15, 2025.

6. Approval of the Companyss Remuneration Report.

The remuneration report of the company, which forms part of the management report of Rokiskio suris AB for 2024, was approved. (Attached)

7. Regarding repurchase of own shares.

The Companys shares shall be acquired under the following conditions:

7.1. Purpose of acquisition of own shares  maintain and increase the price of the Companys share price;

7.2. Maximal number of the shares to be purchased  total value of the Companys treasury shares including the nominal value of already owned shares may not exceed 1/10 of the Companys Authorized Capital.

7.3. Period during which the company may purchase own shares  18 months from the approval of resolution.

7.4. Maximal and minimal purchase price per share - the maximum purchase price per share is EUR 2.94 per ordinary registered share of AB "Rokiskio suris". The minimum purchase price per share shall be EUR 1,98 per ordinary registered share of Rokiskio suris AB.

7.5. Procedure of selling the treasury shares and minimal sales price  The Companys treasury shares might be cancelled upon a resolution of the general meeting of shareholders or sold under a resolution of the Board of Directors provided the minimal sales price is equal to the acquisition price, and the procedure will ensure equal opportunities for all shareholders to acquire the companys shares.

7.6. Following the conditions set herewith and the requirements of the Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania, to authorize the Board of Directors to accept resolutions regarding purchase of the Companys own shares, organize purchase and sales of the own shares, establish an order for purchase and sales of the own shares, as well as their price and number, and also complete all other related actions.

The company has accumulated a reserve of kEUR 9,943 for acquisition of treasury shares.

The decision of the General Meeting of Shareholders of April 30, 2024 regarding the acquisition of own shares shall become invalid as of the date of adoption of this resolution.

8. Election of the Companys auditor and establishment of payment conditions.

8.1. The audit firm BDO auditas ir apskaita UAB, legal entity code 135273426, registered office address: K.Barsausko g. 66, Kaunas, is elected to perform the audit of the annual consolidated and separate financial statements of Rokiskio suris AB Group and Parent company and evaluation of Consolidated management report, including sustainability information, for the years 2025 and 2026.

8.2. CEO of the Company is authorised to enter into audit services agreements at the price agreed between parties, but not exceeding 138,000 Euro.

9. Election of the Companys Audit Committee members.

The following members of the Audit Committee have been elected for a 4 year term: Kestutis Gataveckas (independent member), Vidmantas Peciura (independent member) and Dalia Zdaneviciene (employee of AB Rokiskio suris finance dep.). Remuneration for the independent members of the Audit Committee shall be identified by the Board and Director of the company respectively. The Companys manager is authorized to sign an agreement with the independent members of the Audit Committee.

Dalius Trumpa

CEO of the Company

+370 458 55200

Attachments




SINGAPORE, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Bitcoin prices return to around $95,000,, many analysts believe that it will enter a long-term high-volatility market. Holding spot positions may not continue to generate profits in the short term. BexBack Exchange is stepping up its efforts to provide traders with irresistible preferential packages. The platform now offers a 100% deposit bonus , a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and a 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, creating unparalleled opportunities for investors.

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With BexBack's deposit bonus





BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus . If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

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About BexBack?

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Website: www.bexback.com

Contact: business@bexback.com

Contact:

Amanda

business@bexback.com

Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/14716c86-6d38-4fcb-9648-00dc8a4c8f3d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/112ffe2d-d9b6-4f34-a84e-93e23f1ae820

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ad6d3a74-ced5-486c-a5b2-ade1caff54cb

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2ef9f817-9d74-493e-8417-3a73dd448cd4
April 30, 2025: This is a tale of unexpected lost opportunities and equally unexpected decrypts that changed the course of many battles in World War II. The unexpected opportunities went to the Germans and Japanese. In the Pacific the Japanese had occupied Saipan since 1914. The island's 26,000 civilian residents made a living raising sugar cane and turning it into sugar.

After the Japanese defeats in early 1942, Japan began to fortify islands that were deemed candidates fop American amphibious attacks. Saipan was invaded in mid-1944 and, during the early stages of the battle, the Japanese captured two M-109 U.S. army cryptography documents and got the data back to Japan. These documents enabled the Japanese to read American military communications. The Japanese had another edge. Their radio Direction/Finding and traffic analysis systems enabled them to detect American air raids farther out than the best radar systems available to the U.S. Navy at the time. This explains why the Japanese Kamikaze suicide aircraft attacks often came at surprising times and from unexpected directions. U.S. Navy air defenses were mostly able to cope with these attacks, despite losing many smaller ships sunk or seriously damaged.

The Japanese maintained undersea cables between many of their occupied islands in the Pacific. The Americans did not discover until after the war how well informed the Japanese commanders of these islands were. Details of American attacks on Saipan and in the Philippines were known to the Japanese and that explains why Japanese counter attacks often showed up when the Americans were not expecting them. At the time American army and navy leaders thought the Japanese were just lucky. It was only after the war that evidence of Japanese code breaking was discovered.

The only U.S. forces that countered the Japanese crypto edge were commanded by General MacArthur. He had a group of Australian as well as American crypto and communications experts who sorted out what the Japanese were doing and how they did it. The navy ignored MacArthur and the impact of Japanese sailors looting all the crypto equipment from the American submarine Darter which was grounded on a shoal of the Filipino island of Palawan in late 1944. The Japanese destroyer that was pursuing Darter went aboard the sub after the crew abandoned it and found that all the Americans crypto codes and machines were intact. This material was taken and enabled the Japanese to read U.S. Navy encrypted traffic for the rest of the war. This was another reason for the relative success of Kamikaze aircraft to show up and attack when least expected.

The signals intelligence captured by the Japanese enabled them to find and attack U.S. Navy command ships during the Luzon, Iwo Jima and Okinawa operations. Another unexpected source of Japanese success was the help they received from their German allies, who captured American codebooks and ciphers during the mid-1943 Sicily campaign. The Germans passed this on to the Japanese. After the war all this successful Japanese cryptography and counterintelligence activity was discovered. The Americans were amazed and humbled at how adept the Japanese had been at breaking codes, and successfully covered it up for 65 years. The Japanese were equally shocked to discover that the Americans had broken many of the Japanese codes. This was a major reason the Americans won the pivotal battle of Midway in June 1942. This destroyed most of the Japanese aircraft carriers and put Japan on the defense years before they expected that to happen.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EtherForce , a pioneering Web3 community platform that operates in over 25 countries, announces the official introduction of its comprehensive decentralized ecosystem. This platform empowers people by means of education, cooperation, and technological innovation in the blockchain sector.





Built on the Optimism Layer 2 scaling solution, EtherForce offers an unmatched user experience that combines the security of Ethereum with improved transaction speeds, lower costs, and a really decentralized governance structure, creating a basis for sustainable development and community ownership.

According to the EtherForce DAO community, "EtherForce embodies the convergence of opportunity, education, and accessibility in the decentralized world." True decentralized autonomous organizations like ours envision an environment where every member has equal rights, open access to information, and the tools required to flourish in the changing digital economy, thus surpassing conventional Web3 platforms.

A Thorough Ecosystem for Web3 Success

The EtherForce platform presents various creative features meant to support users at all levels of their Web3 journey:

EtherAcademy: A thorough educational tool providing organized learning paths from blockchain fundamentals to advanced distributed application development. Exclusive Launchpad: Providing community members with priority access to airdrops and early-stage opportunities from vetted blockchain projects 24/7 Crypto Web Portal: Delivering real-time insights, analytics, and market intelligence to inform strategic decision-making Strategic Brand Partnerships: Collaborations with established industry leaders to expand opportunities for community members

Decentralization Realized by Means of Technology

EtherForce's value offer is centered on its dedication to real decentralization. The platform runs on unchangeable smart contracts, allowing totally secure and transparent peer-to-peer transactions. Hence, using Optimism's Layer 2 solution, EtherForce provides:

Ethereum-level security guaranteeing reliable transactions and asset protection Quick transaction confirmation for smooth user experience Significantly lower gas fees than Layer 1 operations Total EVM compatibility for wide integration with current tools and services

Worldwide Community, Local Influence

Building a varied community linked by similar ideals of openness, education, and cooperative development, EtherForce has already made itself felt in over 20 nations. "What differentiates EtherForce is our fundamental commitment to making blockchain technology accessible to everyone," the community emphasizes. We're fulfilling on the original promise of blockchain technology by means of education, removing entrance barriers, and running as a really decentralized platform where all transactions happen peer-to-peer using unchangeable smart contracts.

For more information, follow EtheeFore across all social media platforms:

Website: https://www.etherforce.io/

Telegram: https://t.me/EtherForce

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ether-Force/61568722199092/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ether_force/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCozA4H-xCpTS1MPZn4Y1Vfw

Twitter: https://x.com/ether_force



About EtherForce

EtherForce is a blockchain-powered community dedicated to empowering individuals to navigate and succeed in the decentralized landscape. The platform helps users all across the world to access possibilities in the Web3 ecosystem by means of education, technology, and community building, so preserving the utmost standards of openness and security.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.
TORONTO, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hyyve, the innovative Canadian real estate marketplace where agents bid for the opportunity to sell a home, has announced a strategic partnership with Ownright (formerly Doormat), a leading digital legal platform for homebuyers and sellers. This collaboration streamlines the final steps of the home-selling process - ensuring a seamless, efficient, and cost-effective closing experience.

The HyyveOwnright integration is scheduled for the end of Q2 2025, further strengthening Hyyves end-to-end real estate marketplace. Ownright joins Frank Mortgage, iCommission, AI Home Design, and Bidmii as part of Hyyves rapidly expanding home services ecosystem - reinforcing the platforms mission to simplify the home-selling journey from listing to legal closing.

Hyyve: Reimagining the Residential Real Estate Experience

Hyyve is transforming how homes are sold in Canada through a competitive bidding marketplace where qualified real estate agents offer upfront cash and showcase their full value - credentials, regulatory board compliance, client reviews, and tailored marketing plans - to win the listing. This transparent, merit-based approach empowers sellers to choose the right representation while maximizing sale outcomes.

By integrating essential home services - including financing, renovations, agent commission advances, virtual staging, and now legal closings - Hyyve is setting a new standard for speed, efficiency, and customer experience in real estate.

Hyyve is backed by a distinguished advisory board of industry leaders:

Christopher Alexander  Former President of RE/MAX Canada & active consultant to RE/MAX Europe

 Former President of RE/MAX Canada & active consultant to RE/MAX Europe Matthew Campoli  The Agency Brokerage, host of "Priced To Sell" & "Field Trips"

 The Agency Brokerage, host of "Priced To Sell" & "Field Trips" Howard Drukarsh  Co-founder, Right at Home Realty

 Co-founder, Right at Home Realty Daniel Foch  Chief Real Estate Officer, Valery.ca & co-host of Canada's #1 podcast, "The Canadian Real Estate Investor"

 Chief Real Estate Officer, Valery.ca & co-host of Canada's #1 podcast, "The Canadian Real Estate Investor" Brooke Hicks  Brooke Hicks Team under Royal LePage & co-host of "The Canadian Homefront" podcast

 Brooke Hicks Team under Royal LePage & co-host of "The Canadian Homefront" podcast Adam Price  Residential Real Estate Marketing & Technology Consultant

 Residential Real Estate Marketing & Technology Consultant Dorian Rodrigues  The Rodrigues Group & Partner at PSR Brokerage

 The Rodrigues Group & Partner at PSR Brokerage Peter Torkan  Founder of The Agency Toronto brokerage, and star of the Amazon Prime's "LUXE LISTINGS TORONTO"

Ownright: A Modern Approach to Real Estate Closings

Founded in Toronto, Ownright is a digital law service for real estate transactions, designed to simplify home transactions through seamless automation, expert legal guidance, and a client-first approach. With hundreds of five-star reviews, Ownright is trusted for its affordability, transparency, and ease of use - making it an ideal addition to the Hyyve ecosystem.

A Major Step Toward a Fully Integrated Real Estate Journey

The integration of Ownright marks a pivotal milestone in Hyyves growth, bridging the final step between offer and ownership. With more partner integrations on the horizon, Hyyve is building Canadas most complete and streamlined real estate marketplace.

Robert Saunders, CEO of Ownright, shared his thoughts:

Hyyve is redefining how real estate transactions happen, and Ownright is proud to be part of this evolution. By integrating our digital legal services with Hyyves real estate listing bid platform, were making the closing process smoother, faster, and more accessible for home sellers across Canada.

Whats Next?

With the HyyveOwnright integration going live by the end of Q2 2025, Hyyve continues to expand its network of trusted partners. Sellers and buyers can look forward to a truly seamless and stress-free experiencefrom listing through closing.

For more information, visit hyyve.ca

To learn more about Ownright, visit ownright.com
Dublin, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "RAGE Inhibitor - Pipeline Insight, 2025" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The report is a comprehensive resource providing insights into the dynamic landscape of RAGE (Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products) Inhibitors. It profiles more than five companies and highlights over five pipeline drugs in various stages of development, offering a detailed view of clinical and nonclinical products. This report includes therapeutics classified by product type, development stage, route of administration, and molecule type, while also addressing inactive pipeline products.

RAGE inhibitors are gaining traction as a promising therapeutic approach to manage chronic inflammatory diseases and oxidative stress-related conditions. By blocking interactions between RAGE and its ligands, these inhibitors can halt inflammatory pathways. Clinical results have shown promise in conditions like diabetic nephropathy, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite the challenges in ensuring target specificity and minimizing off-target effects, further research is optimizing RAGE inhibitors' selectivity and safety, showing potential to innovate treatment modalities for inflammatory diseases and enhance patient outcomes.

The report elaborates on RAGE inhibitors' mechanism of action, emphasizing factors influencing market growth, including clinical trials, product development activities, mergers and acquisitions, funding, and drug collaborations. A detailed pipeline landscape encompasses disease overviews and treatment guidelines, while presenting a commercial and clinical assessment of products under development.

Key players in the development of RAGE inhibitors include vTv Therapeutics, known for azeliragon, which targets conditions like Alzheimer's and glioblastoma by preventing RAGE-ligand interactions. Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals and RAGE Biotech also feature prominently in this field. These companies are exploring novel RAGE inhibitors and working to address challenges in development, drawing attention to this emerging therapy area.

The pipeline is segmented across different stages of clinical development, with products classified under various routes of administration like intra-articular, intravenous, and oral. The report also classifies molecule types, including small molecules and peptides. Companies are actively exploring this therapeutic space, and collaborations, acquisitions, and mergers play a pivotal role in advancing RAGE inhibitor development.

Report highlights effectively encapsulate the current treatment landscapes, emerging therapies, and actionable insights. Key questions this report addresses range from identifying key industry players and their development stages, to examining emerging drug types and novel technologies countering existing therapeutic limitations. It also delves into industry collaborations, clinical study statuses, and regulatory designations that bolster emerging RAGE inhibitors.

The "RAGE Inhibitor - Pipeline Insight, 2025" report serves as a pivotal resource for stakeholders seeking to understand competitive landscapes, identify market opportunities, and make informed decisions in the RAGE inhibitor therapeutic domain.

Company Coverage:

vTv Therapeutics

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals

RAGE Biotech

Key Topics Covered:



RAGE Inhibitor: Overview

Introduction

Structure

Function

Mechanism of action

Applications

Pipeline Therapeutics

Comparative Analysis

Therapeutic Assessment

Assessment by Route of Administration

Assessment by Stage and Route of Administration

Assessment by Molecule Type

Assessment by Stage and Molecule Type

Assessment by Product Type

Assessment by Stage and Product Type

RAGE Inhibitor - The Publisher's Analytical Perspective



Late Stage Products (Phase III)

Comparative Analysis

Mid Stage Products (Phase II)

Comparative Analysis

Early Stage Products (Phase I)

Comparative Analysis

Preclinical Stage Products

Comparative Analysis

Inactive Products

Comparative Analysis

RAGE Inhibitor - Collaborations Assessment- Licensing/Partnering/Funding



RAGE Inhibitor - Unmet Needs



RAGE Inhibitor - Market Drivers and Barriers



For more information about this clinical trials report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/7boxzu

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama , April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall filed suit today against TikTok and related companies. Tuscaloosa firm Prince Glover Hayes is one of the law firms that has been hired to represent the State of Alabama in this litigation.

Alabamians have been intentionally deceived by means of the dangerous, deceptive and unfair marketing practices related to the TikTok app. TikTok feeds users a constant stream of videos employing an algorithm designed to seize users attention. By design, this algorithm cultivates compulsive behavior  just like a sophisticated gambling machine  which maximizes youth exposure to the app in order to sell advertising. This practice has been successful for TikTok, which generates billions of dollars in revenue each year.

Prince Glover Hayes partner Josh Hayes says the firm is ready to get to work representing the State of Alabamas interests in the lawsuit. TikTok claims to be safe for teens and preteens, but this is simply not true, Hayes said, Our firm is deeply honored to have been selected by Attorney General Marshall for this case.

The TikTok algorithm regularly exposes children to overtly mature, inappropriate, and content concerning alcohol, tobacco, drugs, sexual content, nudity, suicide, eating disorders  things that are distinctly harmful to the still-developing minds of children and damaging to the States future. At the same time, ByteDance, TikToks parent company, provides more robust safeguards for children in mainland China (where the app was created and is based), including limiting time to 40 minutes a day and barring access to live content to children under the age of 18.

The State of Alabama seeks a preliminary and permanent injunction under the Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act to compel Defendants to cease their deceptive, misleading, false, and unfair statements related to the content on the app, the effectiveness of its Restricted Mode, and the TikTok Community Guidelines. The State also seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the harms caused by Defendants negligence and wantonness.

Along with Hayes, the State of Alabama is represented in this matter by Matt Glover and Blake Williams of Prince Glover Hayes; Attorney General Steve Marshall, Katherine Robertson, Brad Chynoweth, Michael Dean and Lindsay Barton of the Alabama Office of the Attorney General; and Rhon Jones, Matt Griffith, Jeff Price, Elliot Bienenfeld, Connor Chase and Will Jones of Beasley Allen.
Paris, 30 April 2025

Global systemically important institutions (G-SIIs) indicators for BNP Paribas Group as of 31 December 2024 are presented hereafter according to European Banking Authority (EBA) Implementing Technical Standards.

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) assesses the systemic importance of banks in a global context.

The measurement approach of the global systemic importance is indicator-based. The methodology is outlined in Global systemically important banks: updated assessment methodology and the higher loss absorbency requirement(1).

The indicators provided hereafter are calculated based on specific instructions by the BCBS and thus may be not directly comparable against other disclosed information. It has to be noted that BCBS instructions are based on the regulatory, not the accounting consolidation scope.

(1) These documents are available at https://www.bis.org/bcbs/gsib/

Attachment
AUSTIN, Texas, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  via IBN  Nicola Mining Inc. (TSX.V: NIM) (OTCQB: HUSIF), a junior resource company focused on monetizing high-grade mineral assets in British Columbia, has selected IBN, a multifaceted financial news and publishing company serving private and public entities, to spearhead its corporate communications efforts.

Nicola Mining leverages a unique dual-pronged operational strategy combining solid revenues from its wholly owned, state-of-the-art gold and silver mill with the long-term upside of 100%-owned copper, silver, and gold exploration projects. This approach allows the company to fund ongoing development while minimizing equity dilution.

The company leverages its infrastructure and permit advantages to process high-grade gold and silver from its own and third-party mines, generating cash flow to support additional acquisition opportunities and to advance its exploration projects.

With its $30+ million modern flotation and gravity circuit mill located near Merritt  British Columbias only facility permitted to process gold and silver ore province wide  Nicola Mining is able to secure key mining and milling partnerships with gold producers. In addition, operational cash flow has enabled it to acquire stakes in accretive opportunities, which subsequently supply its mill. The confluence of its ability to capture current precious metal prices while exploring world class exploration targets makes the company rare amongst juniors.

Nicola Minings current project portfolio includes high-grade copper, silver, and gold assets located in mineral-rich regions of British Columbia. Each project is 100%-owned or majority-controlled, with strong exploration potential and the necessary permits to advance development.

As part of the Client Partner relationship, IBN will leverage its investor-focused distribution network, which includes over 5,000 key syndication outlets, various newsletters, social media channels, and wire services via InvestorWire, along with blogs and other outreach tools, to generate greater awareness for Nicola Mining.

With over 19 years of experience assisting over 500 client partners and a sizable family of 70+ trusted brands, IBN has amassed a collective audience that includes millions of social media followers. This positions IBN to provide Nicola Mining the solutions needed to reach a wide audience of investors, journalists, and the general public.

To learn more about Nicola Mining, please visit the companys corporate newsroom at https://ibn.fm/HUSIF

About Nicola Mining

Nicola Mining Inc. is a junior mining company that maintains a 100%-owned mill and tailings facility, located near Merritt, British Columbia. It has signed Mining and Milling Profit Share Agreements with high-grade gold projects. Nicola's fully permitted mill can process both gold and silver mill feed via gravity and flotation processes. Nicolas gold and silver mill is the only permitted third-party processing facility in all of British Columbia.

The company owns 100% of the New Craigmont Copper Project, a high-grade copper property adjacent to Canada's largest copper mine. The company also owns 100% of the nearby Treasure Mountain Silver Project.

For further information, visit the company's website at www.NicolaMining.com

Stay connected by following the company on X, LinkedIn, and Facebook

About IBN

IBN consists of financial brands introduced to the investment public over the course of 19+ years. With IBN, we have amassed a collective audience of millions of social media followers. These distinctive investor brands aim to fulfill the unique needs of a growing base of client-partners. IBN will continue to expand our branded network of highly influential properties, leveraging the knowledge and energy of specialized teams of experts to serve our increasingly diversified list of clients.

Through our Dynamic Brand Portfolio (DBP), IBN provides: (1) access to a network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets; (3) Press Release Enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) full-scale distribution to a growing social media audience; (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions; and (6) total news coverage solutions.

For more information, please visit https://www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the InvestorBrandNetwork website applicable to all content provided by IBN, wherever published or re-published: http://IBN.fm/Disclaimer

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

Corporate Communications

IBN

Austin, Texas

www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com

512.354.7000 Office

Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com
NEWPORT NEWS, Va., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII), Americas largest military shipbuilder, is launching a series of 15-second television advertisements as part of its nationwide Build It campaign.

The video advertisements, along with the broader Build It campaign, celebrate the crucial manufacturing work performed in the U.S. to build and deliver platforms and technologies in support of the national defense. These include American-built U.S. Navy ships and submarines, as well as uncrewed underwater vehicles, technologies, and networks built and integrated by HII to connect and enable todays all-domain joint force.

Build It is a call to action to support the important work of building, in support of our national security, HII President and CEO Chris Kastner said. Its hard work and deserves respect. Ultimately it helps to protect us and our families. This campaign recognizes the ongoing value and contributions of those who build careers out of building our national defense.

The ads feature actual shipbuilders, engineers and technologists whove worked for HII and who provide commentary in their own words. HII is the largest industrial employer in the commonwealth of Virginia, and in the state of Mississippi.

The Build It campaign supports revitalizing American manufacturing and strengthening the defense industrial base to meet the urgent, increased demand for ships and technologies by the U.S. Navy and the nation.

A playlist of the video advertisements can be found at: http://hii.com/news/hii-launching-new-build-it-in-america-for-america-ads-celebrating-u-s-based-manufacturing-work-and-workforce/.

In addition to recruiting motived talent to shipbuilding, HII is actively developing the next generation of skilled professionals through its apprenticeship programs offered in each of its three divisions. These programs offer a rigorous multi-year curriculum that combines hands-on training, academic coursework and real-world experience.

The HII apprentice schools give students a direct path to skilled careers and long-term growth in the shipbuilding industry. By blending tradition with advanced technology, HII is not just filling jobs  its developing leaders and investing in the future of the American workforce.

This Build It campaign can be found across HII digital outreach and social media and through educational partnerships to bring the message directly to the next generation of American builders.

HII is hiring at all experience levels, offering paid training, competitive wages, long-term careers, and a strong sense of purpose. Jobs are available across three divisions:

Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, builder of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines for the U.S. Navy.

in Virginia, builder of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines for the U.S. Navy. Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi, builder of amphibious ships and destroyers for the U.S. Navy.

in Mississippi, builder of amphibious ships and destroyers for the U.S. Navy. Mission Technologies in Virginia, provider of digital defense and national security solutions, and the largest producer of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).



About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HIIs mission is to deliver the worlds most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

As the nations largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HIIs workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:

HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/

HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII

HII on X: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII

HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII

Contact:

Greg McCarthy

(202) 264-7126

gregory.j.mccarthy@hii-co.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9135b69e-5de9-44b0-b0e8-d73f8992c68c
Press Release

Convening of the Annual General Meeting to approve the 2024 financial statements to be held on June 13, 2025 and evolution of the Atos Board of Directors

Paris, France  April 30, 2025

Convening of the 2025 Annual General Meeting

The meeting notice (avis de reunion) for the General Meeting scheduled for June 13, 2025, containing the agenda, the draft resolutions, and the participation and voting procedures for this Meeting, will be published in the Official Legal Gazette (Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires - BALO) on May 5, 2025, and will be available on the Companys website (https://atos.net/en/investors/annual-general-meeting).

Evolution of the composition of Atos Board of Directors

On the recommendation of the Nomination and Governance Committee, chaired by Lead Independent Director Elizabeth Tinkham, Atos Board of Directors has endorsed a series of proposed changes to its composition to be submitted for approval at the General Meeting convened for June 13, 2025. The proposed changes reflect the evolving needs identified by the Board and align with the Groups ongoing transformation.

It will be proposed to the vote of the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting:

to renew the terms of office of Francoise Mercadal-Delasalles and Jean-Jacques Morin as directors, for a duration that will expire at the end of the General Meeting called to approve the financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2027;





and as directors, for a duration that will expire at the end of the General Meeting called to approve the financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2027; to appoint Surojit Chatterjee as new independent director, for a duration that will expire at the end of the General Meeting called to approve the financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2027; and





as new independent director, for a duration that will expire at the end of the General Meeting called to approve the financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2027; and to ratify the appointment of Mandy Metten as a censor, for a duration of one year expiring at the end of the General Meeting called to approve the financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.





The Board of Directors has also been informed that Elizabeth Tinkham has decided not to seek renewal of her term of office as director, which will expire at the end of the General Meeting of June 13, 2025.

Subject to approval of the proposed resolutions by the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors will comprise eight members (in addition to the director representing employees) and one censor, including 87.5%1 independent members (seven out of eight), 50%2 women and six nationalities3 represented on the Board.

Philippe Salle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Atos SE, declared:

I am pleased with the upcoming appointment of a highly qualified new director as well as the renewal of terms on our Board of Directors. These developments will support the continued effectiveness of the Board and help to strengthen its overall capabilities. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Elizabeth Tinkham for her commitment, which has contributed meaningfully to advancing our mission and shared vision.

* * *

About Francoise Mercadal-Delasalles

Cofounder and President at Auxo, Cochair of the National Digital Council (Conseil National du Numerique) and nonexecutive Board Director, Francoise Mercadal-Delasalles was first appointed to the Board of Directors of Atos SE on January 2, 2024, and currently chairs the CSR Committee and sits on the Remuneration Committee. Her experience at the intersection of senior public service and the private sector, along with her recognized expertise in digital transformation and sustainability issues, are valuable assets to the work of the Board.

Biography of Francoise Mercadal-Delasalles

Francoise MercadalDelasalles began her career in senior public service at the Ministry of the Economy and Finance from 1988 to 1992, then at the Caisse des Depots from 2002 to 2008. Appointed Director of Resources and Innovation at Societe Generale in 2008, she sat on the Group's Executive Committee and steered its digital transition project. In 2018, Francoise Mercadal-Delasalles became CEO of Credit du Nord, where she introduced digital tools to position the Group in new banking services and integrated ecological concerns into the company's business model. In 2023, she co-founded Auxo, an integrated platform to manage extra-financial data and support companies in their transition to sustainability.

Francoise Mercadal-Delasalles holds various non-executive positions on boards of directors and supervisory boards, notably that of Eurazeo. She has co-chaired the Conseil National du Numerique since 2021. She is a Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honor), Officier du Merite (Officer of the Order of Merit) and Chevalier du Merite Agricole (Knight of the Order of Agricultural Merit).

Francoise Mercadal-Delasalles holds a degree in literature and law, and is a graduate of the Institut d'Etudes Politiques (IEP) de Paris, Sciences Po Paris and the Ecole Nationale d'Administration (ENA).

* * *

About Jean-Jacques Morin

Deputy CEO of the Accor Group and CEO of the Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Jean-Jacques Morin was first appointed to the Atos SE Board of Directors on January 2, 2024, and currently chairs the Audit Committee. His strong financial background and strategic insight are major assets in helping Atos meet its current challenges, and he would continue to bring his valuable expertise and leadership to the Boards work.

Biography of Jean-Jacques Morin

Jean-Jacques Morin began his professional career with Deloitte, where he spent five years in auditing and consulting roles in Paris and Montreal. From 1992 to 2005, he held various international positions, notably in the semiconductor sector with Motorola Semiconductors (USA, Switzerland, and France), ON Semiconductor (USA) and Communicant AG, a start-up in Berlin. In 2005, Jean-Jacques Morin joined Alstom as CFO of the Power sectors in Zurich, then in Transport, before being appointed Group CFO from 2013 to 2015. In 2015, Jean-Jacques Morin joined Accor's Executive Committee as CFO. He is then appointed Group Deputy CEO in charge of Finance, Strategy, IT, Legal, Purchasing and Communications. In June 2023, in addition to his position as Group Deputy CEO, Jean-Jacques Morin took over the Premium, Midscale & Economy Division under his leadership, as CEO of the Division.

Jean-Jacques Morin has held various non-executive positions, including with Orbis from 2016 to 2020 as a member of the Supervisory Board and the Audit Committee, and with Vallourec from 2018 to 2021 as a member of the Supervisory Board and Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors of Adagio since 2022 and a member of the Board of Directors of AccorInvest since 2018. He was appointed Chairman of the Audit Committee of GROUPE REEL in 2024.

Jean-Jacques Morin is a graduate of the Ecole Nationale Superieure de l'Aeronautique et de l'Espace, holds an MBA from Thunderbird (Arizona State University) and a DSCG from the Ordre des Experts Comptables.

* * *

About Surojit Chatterjee

Founder and CEO of Ema Unlimited, a generative AI company, Surojit Chatterjee is a seasoned technology executive with over two decades of experience driving innovation across global companies. His deep expertise in artificial intelligence, combined with extensive product leadership at firms like Google, Coinbase and Flipkart, would bring strategic insight and forward-thinking vision to the Board.

Biography of Surojit Chatterjee

Surojit Chatterjee began his career in 1999 as a Software Developer at IBM before joining Oracle Corporation in a technical role. In 2005, he moved into product management at Symantec Corporation. He joined Google in 2007, where he held several leadership roles across payments, mobile products, and advertising. In 2015, he became Senior Vice President and Head of Product at Flipkart, before returning to Google in 2017 as Vice President of Product Management for Google Shopping. He joined Coinbase as Chief Product Officer in 2020 and founded Ema Unlimited, a generative AI startup, in 2023.

Since 2024, Surojit Chatterjee has served on the Board of Directors of Meesho, a privately-owned Indian e-commerce company.

Surojit Chatterjee holds a Bachelor in Technology in Computer Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, an MS in Computer Science from the University at Buffalo (SUNY), and an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

* * *

About Mandy Metten

Head of Group Executives and Strategic Functions in Atos and a long-standing leader within the Group, Mandy Metten was a member of the Board of Directors representing employees until January 31, 2025, when she was appointed censor subject to the General Meetings ratification. Her experience across organizational change, diversity initiatives and people development would continue to bring valuable insight to the Boards work.

Biography of Mandy Metten

Mandy Metten began her professional journey within the ATOS Group as an Executive Management Consultant specializing in Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Change from October 2007 to June 2014, during which she demonstrated expertise in critical strategic areas. In June 2014, she assumed the role of Manager of Atos Young Professionals, designing and overseeing a comprehensive 2-year development program for young professionals, providing development with training, mentoring and client exposure. As from November 2018, Mandy Metten served as Global Head of Group Campus Management, defining and implementing the Group campus strategy globally, including diversity and inclusion initiatives. Mandy Metten took additional responsibilities at Eviden in April 2023 and currently serves as Head of Group Executives & Strategic Functions.

Mandy Metten was Chairman of the works council of Atos from 2010 to 2015. She also served as the Dutch delegate on Atos Societas Europaea Council (SEC) from 2012 to January 2024 and was a member of the Board Participating Committee (2017- January 2024). From August 2023, she became a Commissaris (Member of the Board of Directors) for Atos Nederland, contributing to the company's governance.

Mandy Metten holds a masters degree in social and organizational Psychology. She completed a multi-level curriculum in Strategy, Economy, and Finance at the LeFebvre Institute.

* * *

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with circa 74,000 employees and annual revenue of circa 10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 68 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

Contacts

Investor relations:

David Pierre-Kahn | investors@atos.net | +33 6 28 51 45 96

Sofiane El Amri | investors@atos.net | +33 6 29 34 85 67

Individual shareholders: +33 8 05 65 00 75

Press contact: globalprteam@atos.net

1 In accordance with article 10.3 of the AFEP-MEDEF Code, the director representing employees is not taken into account in determining the percentage of independent members.

2 In accordance with the law, the director representing employees is not taken into account in determining the parity ratio on the Board of Directors.

3 Seven nationalities if the censor is taken into account.

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LYON, France, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- From April 1418, TSplus hosted its annual International Meeting in Bali, Indonesiabringing together more than 100 collaborators and their families from around the world. This major event combined celebration and strategy, reinforcing TSplus' commitment to rewarding its teams while shaping the path forward as a leading global provider of remote access and cybersecurity solutions.

Set in a stunning tropical location, this annual gathering serves to strengthen the groups collective identity as a forward-looking, people-centered tech company.

The international meeting offered a balance of professional exchanges, cultural discovery, and team-building activitiesreflecting the companys core values of innovation, accessibility, and international collaboration.

Founder Dominique Benoit opened the event with a strong message: Lets be proud of what we are and what weve achieved together. He emphasized the strength of TSplus' product portfolio, trusted by hundreds of thousands of users worldwide, and the long-term relevance of its focus on applications and cloud delivery solutions in an ever-growing market.

A Milestone of Unity, Vision and Growth

Strategic presentations throughout the week highlighted ongoing progress and upcoming priorities. Key themes included expanding presence in high-potential markets such as Japan and Canada, growing customer and partner ecosystems, and improving global brand consistency.

TSplus also continues to evolve its product and licensing offerings to meet modern IT demands. While permanent licenses remain available, a new subscription-based licensing option will soon be introduced across the entire product lineadding flexibility for customers and partners alike. More details will be shared in an upcoming release around the official launch date in May.

In line with its mission to make remote support more accessible, TSplus also announced the upcoming release of a simplified, affordable solution designed specifically for individualsaiming to reach a broader user base with a lightweight, user-friendly approach.

International Sales Director Francois Stoop shared a dynamic global expansion strategy focused on both mature and emerging markets, supported by a strong partner network and enhanced training tools like the TSplus Academy.

Sales and Marketing strategies are being sharpened, with efforts to better align messaging, unify the companys visual identity, and improve internal communication across regions. Collaborative sessions during the event generated valuable insights to support these goals.

Marketing and Product leaders showcased the impact of new toolsAI-generated content, improved product videos, and redesigned documentationall contributing to a stronger, more unified brand presence.

More than just a strategic summit, the 2025 International Meeting demonstrated TSplus strength as a global organization driven by shared values, mutual trust, and long-term vision.

IT professionals interested in joining TSplus growing network of partners can explore the benefits of collaboration at www.tsplus.net/partners.

All TSplus software is available for free trial download on the website: https://tsplus.net/download/

About TSplus:

TSplus is a global software company specializing in secure remote access, application delivery, and IT management solutions. With a presence in over 140 countries and more than 500,000 deployments worldwide, TSplus helps businesses of all sizes enable flexible, cost-effective, and secure digital work environments. Its suite of productsincluding Remote Access, Remote Support, Advanced Security, Server Monitoring offers a comprehensive, user-friendly alternative to complex and expensive solutions. TSplus is committed to innovation, customer success, and making remote work technology accessible to everyone.

Press Contact:

Caleb Zaharris

Marketing Director for TSplus

Caleb.zaharris@tsplus.net

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/90bd50c7-fdbf-458f-bf14-676617ebc5ce

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dafa60e5-ec43-4f7b-a1e0-3daa1e3f4b9e

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/16c4596c-f924-4705-b846-aa89282917fc

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/73fbbe29-e5fa-4cdd-bc71-b8a3d37bc96b
CHICAGO, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dresner Partners, an award-winning, FINRA-registered, middle-market investment bank and Mergers Alliance member firm, is pleased to announce that it advised Therafin Corporation on its partnership with AltimateMedical, a Granite Company with Minnesota-based Granite Partners. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Frankfort, Illinois, Therafin Corporation is a designer and manufacturer of innovative, high-quality adaptive and rehabilitative medical equipment, primarily serving individuals with mobility and daily living challenges through a diverse product portfolio and a commitment to improving patient outcomes.

Headquartered in Morton, Minnesota, AltimateMedical designs and manufactures differentiated medical equipment in the complex rehabilitation and specialized imaging sectors of the healthcare industry. The companys brands include ActiveAid, EasyStand, JustifyIt, MedicalPositioning, and Zing, with product lines that span shower/commode chairs, sit-to-stand standing devices, and a range of specialized imaging platforms. AltimateMedical has grown consistently for more than 30 years, with sales in more than 60 countries.

Commenting on the transaction, Therafin President Todd Fink said, We are very excited about this partnership and I would like to thank the Dresner team (with whom we have had a long relationship) for advising us and providing focused execution throughout the process. They took great care of us and provided incredibly valuable counsel and service during this extensive process. This collaboration with AltimateMedical not only strengthens our commitment to our customers and team, but also the values on which my father built this company. We are proud to continue our legacy of private ownership and look forward to this next phase of growthtogether.

Paul Hoffman, Managing Director at Dresner Partners said, We enjoyed working closely with Todd and the Therafin team to achieve their objectives and build upon the Fink family legacy. The partnership between Therafin and AltimateMedical leverages the strengths of both companies while significantly expanding their collective product offerings and market reach within the rehabilitation and healthcare markets.

Steven M. Dresner, President of Dresner Partners, added, We are very pleased that we could facilitate this strategic partnership which will enhance stakeholder value for both parties. We have known Todd and his fine Company for many years and are pleased that he found the right fit for Therafin with AltimateMedical. We look forward to following the progress of their shared collaboration.

More information on Therafin can be found at https://www.therafin.com/. More information on AltimateMedical can be found at https://altimatemedical.com/.

About Dresner Partners

Dresner is an award-winning, FINRA-registered middle-market investment bank headquartered in Chicago, with professionals located in New York, Cleveland, Hermosa Beach, Houston, Fort Lauderdale, New Jersey, and Palo Alto. For more than 30 years, Dresner Partners has provided financial advisory services to middle-market companies throughout the world including merger and acquisitions advisory, institutional private placements of debt and equity, financial restructuring, valuations, and strategic consulting services. Dresner Partners has extensive international and cross-border transaction experience and is a member of Mergers Alliance, one of the worlds leading global mergers and acquisitions partnerships focused on the middle market. An affiliated company, Dresner Corporate Services, is a strategic communications firm specializing in public relations, investor relations, and corporate development. More information is available at www.dresnerpartners.com. You can also follow Dresner Partners on X at www.x.com/DresnerPartners.

For Media Inquiries

David Gutierrez, Head of Public Relations, Investor Relations, and Corporate Development, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com

For Transaction Related Inquiries

Paul Hoffman, Managing Director, (312) 780-7229, phoffman@dresnerco.com

Steven M. Dresner, President, (312) 780-7206, sdresner@dresnerco.com
CHICAGO, IL, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Otus, a leading provider of K-12 student data and assessment solutions, has been awarded a prestigious Gold Stevie Award in the category of Customer Service Department of the Year at the 2025 American Business Awards. This recognition celebrates the companys unwavering commitment to supporting educators, students, and families through exceptional service and innovation.

In addition to the Gold award, Otus also earned two Silver Stevie Awards: one for Company of the Year  Computer Software  Medium Size, and another honoring Co-founder and President Chris Hull as Technology Executive of the Year.

It is an incredible honor to be recognized, but the real win is knowing our work is making a difference for educators and students, said Hull. As a former teacher, I know how difficult it can be to juggle everything that is asked of you. At Otus, we focus on building tools that save time, surface meaningful insights, and make student data easier to useso teachers can focus on what matters most: helping kids grow.

The American Business Awards, now in their 23rd year, are the premier business awards program in the United States, honoring outstanding performances in the workplace across a wide range of industries. The competition receives more than 12,000 nominations every year. Judges selected Otus for its outstanding 98.7% customer satisfaction with chat interactions, and exceptional 89% gross retention in 2024. They also praised the companys unique blend of technology and human touch, noting its strong focus on educator-led support, onboarding, data-driven product evolution, and professional development.

We believe great support starts with understanding the realities educators face every day. Our Client Success team is largely made up of former teachers and school leaders, so we speak the same language. Whether its during onboarding, training, or day-to-day communication, were here to help districts feel confident and supported. This recognition is a reflection of how seriously we take that responsibility and energizes us to keep raising the bar, said Phil Collins, Ed.D., Chief Customer Officer at Otus.

Otus continues to make significant strides in simplifying teaching and learning by offering a unified platform that integrates assessment, data, and instructionall in one place. Otus has supported over 1 million students nationwide by helping educators make data-informed decisions, monitor progress, and personalize learning. These honors reflect the companys growth, innovation, and steadfast commitment to helping school communities succeed.

About Otus

Otus, an award-winning edtech company, empowers educators to maximize student performance with a comprehensive K-12 assessment, data, and insights solution. Committed to student achievement and educational equity, Otus combines student data with powerful tools that provide educators, administrators, and families with the insights they need to make a difference. Built by teachers for teachers, Otus creates efficiencies in data management, assessment, and progress monitoring to help educators focus on what matters moststudent success. Today, Otus partners with school districts nationwide to create informed, data-driven learning environments. Learn more at Otus.com.

Stay connected with Otus on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.

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EDMONTON, AB, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With 55 per cent of Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) claims in Alberta's construction industry involving first-year workers at a company  regardless of age  the Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA) is rallying its 56,000 member companies to reduce these injuries.

Aligning with Safety and Health Week (May 5  9, 2025), ACSA is launching its Injury Prevention Campaign to encourage camaraderie and build safety and business excellence, protecting workers in an industry that contributed 8.1 per cent to Alberta's GDP and 7.4 per cent nationally in 2023.

"Camaraderie is the backbone of safe sites," said Mark Hoosein, ACSA chief executive officer. "When workers look out for each other  especially first-year employees  we prevent injuries and strengthen our industry."

Crew Brew builds bonds over safety

ACSA's Crew Brew will visit construction sites in Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton during Safety and Health Week, sparking conversations over coffee. Workers and supervisors will discuss the risks facing first-year workers and explore an interactive AI tool to reflect on different career stages. Experienced workers will share their insights, fostering mentorship and team unity.

"Safety starts with connection," Hoosein said. "Our Crew Brew brings construction crews together to share experiences, building trust that keeps everyone safe."

Crew Brew locations:

Monday, May 5  Calgary:

Glenbow Museum (9  10:30 a.m.) Seton subdivision (2  3:30 p.m.)

Tuesday, May 6  Red Deer: Red Deer Hospital (8  9:30 a.m.) Red Deer Polytechnic Safety Week BBQ & Tradeshow (noon  1:30 p.m.)

Friday, May 9  Edmonton: Lewis Farms Facility and Park Project (8:30  9:45 a.m.) The Orchards by Brookfield (noon  1 p.m.)



Safety Showdown strengthens teams

From May 5 to May 30, the Safety Showdown contest invites workers to test their safety knowledge through quizzes, integrating with company activities such as toolbox talks. It also supports safety documentation, a key component of the Certificate of Recognition (COR) and Small Employer COR audit, improving safety programs and business performance. Teams and individuals will compete for prizes, including a luxury suite at a Calgary Flames or Edmonton Oilers regular season game, daily gift cards and ACSA-funded team lunches.

"Safety Showdown brings crews together, recognizing safety as a shared responsibility through a fun, engaging contest," said Mark Hoosein, ACSA CEO. "It strengthens camaraderie and reinforces best practices."

Serving members, strengthening the industry

Construction accounts for 12 per cent of Alberta's workplace injuries (WCB Alberta 2023) and about a third of all fatalities (Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada 2021  2023) despite employing approximately 10 per cent of the workforce. ACSA, rooted in 35 years of member-driven service, had 195,932 course completions in 2023 (ACSA Annual Report p. 7). It equipped the workforce with knowledge and resources to prevent incidents by applying what they learned in an industry supporting 266,000 jobs and driving approximately $74 billion in major projects under construction as of Q1 2025.

"We're here for our members," Hoosein said. "By fostering camaraderie, we ensure first-year workers have the support they need/go home safe, and our industry thrives."

Visit firstyear.youracsa.ca for resources.

Media opportunities

ACSA invites media to connect with our Injury Prevention's Crew Brew at select locations across Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton.

Interviews with Mark Hoosein are available by advance request, pending his availability.

About ACSA

With over 56,000 member companies, the Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA) is a member-focused, industry-funded not-for-profit organization and Alberta's largest certifying partner. ACSA works with members and industry experts to foster safety and business excellence.

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Bangkok, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bangkok, Bangkok -

Bangkok-based AquaOrange Software Co., Ltd. expands tech solutions across Southeast Asia, offering cutting-edge AI, cloud, and custom software to drive business innovation.

A key player in Thailand's thriving tech industry, AquaOrange Software Co., Ltd., is driving digital transformation, enabling business success through comprehensive IT support, network, hardware rentals, and cutting-edge software solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of modern enterprises.

Bangkok's dynamic business landscape provides AquaOrange with a strategic advantage. The city's status as a regional tech hub allows the company to attract top talent and forge partnerships with global innovators. As digital transformation accelerates, AquaOrange continues to expand its offerings, focusing on emerging technologies and sustainable solutions.

Headquartered in Bangkok, AquaOrange has built a reputation for excellence since its inception, offering a comprehensive suite of services that include custom software development, cloud solutions, and enterprise application integration. The company's commitment to innovation and client-centric approach sets it apart in a competitive market.

Comprising seasoned developers and consultants, AquaOrange has grown to be the go-to destination for comprehensive IT solutions, from software procurement and equipment rental to IT support, networking, firewall systems, and endpoint security. With over 20 years of experience, they work closely with clients, ensuring clear communication and measurable outcomes.

Beyond technical prowess, AquaOrange emphasizes collaboration and transparency. This client-first philosophy has earned the company a loyal customer base and industry recognition.

For more information, visit https://www.aquaorange.co.th/ or the AquaOrange Youtube Channel.

Staying ahead of technological trends is a hallmark of AquaOrange. The company invests heavily in research and development to ensure clients receive future-proof tools that drive competitive advantage.

Prioritizing scalability and efficiency in its software offerings, the company offers customization services to ensure the solution aligns with the client's requirements for long-term growth. From finance to healthcare, businesses across industries leverage the company's expertise to streamline operations and enhance productivity.

Cloud computing remains a cornerstone of AquaOrange's portfolio, providing secure and scalable cloud infrastructure to help organizations optimize performance while reducing operational costs. Its expertise in hybrid and multi-cloud environments ensures seamless digital transitions for businesses of all sizes.

With the pervasive rise of cyber threats, security solutions are key to safeguarding sensitive data within an organization's server network, with robust encryption and compliance protocols to deliver innovative and secure digital ecosystems.

To effectively defend the network from unauthorized access, AquaOrange designs, installs, and maintains customized firewall systems against cyber threats. The company also provides endpoint security solutions, with trusted brands like Bitdefender, ESET, and Palo Alto Networks, to protect devices from malware and ransomware.

Partnering with global technology leaders to deliver enterprise business solutions, the company leverages its experience and expertise in IT support services, IT infrastructure management, and cutting-edge digital services to ensure smooth system operations through onsite and remote assistance at competitive rates.

Catering to startups and small enterprises, AquaOrange offers email hosting and equipment rental on a flexible short-term or long-term basis. All devices are supplied with pre-installed software and full support throughout the rental period. Additionally, the company offers video conferencing tools, such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams, allowing for seamless remote collaboration to empower businesses with a reliable, scalable IT infrastructure.

Businesses can also leverage the power of Zoho CRM, a customer relationship management system designed to help clients engage more effectively with customers. Delivering the right message through the right channels at the right time allows them to harness the power of omnichannel presence, segmentation, KPIs, predictive intelligence, and more to deliver personalized experiences that build loyalty.

AquaOrange Software Co., Ltd. is a trusted partner for businesses seeking end-to-end IT solutions that drive efficiency, security, and growth. Whether optimizing IT infrastructure, safeguarding data, or enhancing productivity, the company's comprehensive services empower enterprises across industries to thrive in a digital-first world.

About the Company:

AquaOrange Software Co., Ltd. is a premier Bangkok-based technology solutions provider specializing in enterprise software development, cloud computing, and digital transformation services. Recognized for its expertise in AI-driven applications, blockchain integration, and cybersecurity solutions, the company helps businesses across Southeast Asia optimize operations and drive innovation. With a focus on scalable, secure, and customized technology, AquaOrange delivers cutting-edge systems tailored to the financial, healthcare, and retail sectors.

###

For more information about AquaOrange Software Co., Ltd., contact the company here:



AquaOrange Software Co., Ltd.

AquaOrange Software Co., Ltd.

+66 (0)2-686-3440

sales@aquaorange.co.th

1 The Empire Tower, Sathorn 47th Floor, 4703, Bangkok, Thailand
Stockton, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stockton, California -

Master of Social Work Degree Helps Fill the Mental Health Care Gap

The United States is currently facing a significant shortage of mental health care workers. This shortage includes clinical social workers, who are instrumental in addressing the needs of individuals, families and communities and advocating for social and economic justice. The increasing demand for mental health servicesdriven by rising rates of mental health issues, substance use disorders, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemichas exacerbated this crisis.

Several factors contribute to this shortage, including uneven distribution of mental health care providers, leaving many rural areas underserved. Barriers such as stigma, financial constraints, and reimbursement challenges further limit access to mental health care. Efforts to address this shortage include expanding integrated care, leveraging health support workers, and utilizing telehealth services to ensure that individuals receive the support they need. The social work profession, unlike other mental health professions, is uniquely steeped in advocacy in all levels of society while also addressing overarching social determinants of health.

To effectively combat these issues, Master of Social Work degrees play a crucial role in preparing social workers with the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies to make a significant impact. Today's Master of Social Work (MSW) programs, such as the hybrid or online MSW program offered by University of the Pacific, implement various techniques to ensure their interventions are not only effective but also rooted in the most current knowledge. By preparing students to practice in increasingly complex healthcare environments, this program equips students to provide comprehensive and evidence-based interventions based in social work ethics, person-in-environment perspectives and a focus on cultural humility.

In addition to an evidence-based approach, Master of Social Work programs, including the hybrid and online masters in social work from Pacific, emphasize the development of strong clinical skills. That means ensuring students graduate with proficiency in various therapeutic techniques and interventions to effectively support clients. This includes assessment, intervention, communication, critical thinking, and cultural competence.

By teaching essential skills and knowledge, Master of Social Work programs enable social workers to provide high-quality, personalized mental health care to those in need. Learn more about University of the Pacific's MSW program. Applications are now being accepted for the fall 2025 term.

About University of the Pacific

Founded in 1851, Pacific is California's first and oldest university. The Northern California school, with nearly 7,000 students in more than 130 academic programs across campuses in Stockton, Sacramento and San Francisco, is ranked in the Top 100 of American colleges and universities by The Wall Street Journal.

The hallmark of a Pacific education is immersive learning, one-on-one relationships with faculty and advisors and experiential learning opportunities on and off our campuses. Pacific ranks No. 36 in social mobility nationally and is in the Top 2% in career earnings. Pacific also is the nation's top private university that is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. It is ranked No. 3 for "Best Value" among all California schoolspublic and private behind only Stanford and Cal Tech.

###

For more information about University of the Pacific, contact the company here:



University of the Pacific

Erica Hechtkopf, Sr. Director of Media Relations

ehechtkopf@pacific.edu
PHOENIX, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight filed a class action complaint today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona alleging that The Reinalt-Thomas Corporation, d/b/a Discount Tire Co., Inc., and Empower Trust Company breach basic fiduciary duties under ERISA and violate the trust of plan participants by mismanaging the Discount Tire/Americas Tire Retirement Plan. The Complaint alleges that Discount Tire and Empower failed to remove from the Plan a family of nine target date retirement funds managed by American Century Investment Management, Inc. that have significantly underperformed investment benchmarks and similar target date retirement funds for over fifteen years, costing participants millions of dollars in retirement savings.

The American Century funds have over $500 million in plan assets invested in them, representing nearly half the value of the Plan.

According to the allegations in the Complaint, the American Century Funds have been in the Plan under various names and forms since on or before January 2010. By December 2019, the cumulative investment performance of each of the nine target date funds had lagged their investment benchmark  Standard & Poors Target Retirement Date Index  for ten years. Each of the nine funds also underperformed other target date retirement fund alternatives over the same period. American Centurys underperformance continues to this day. Yet, Discount Tire has taken no action to replace American Century. As alleged, the consequences to employees are substantial: the decision not to remove the American Century Funds has cost the Discount Tire/Americas Tire Retirement Plan and its participants millions of dollars in retirement savings.

The named plaintiff, Cory McGeathy, filed this case on behalf of the Discount Tire plan, which has approximately 16,000 participants and over $1 billion in assets. Named as Defendants are The Reinalt-Thomas Corporation, d/b/a Discount Tire Co., Inc.; The Reinalt-Thomas Board of Directors and its members; and Empower Trust Company, LLC.

As fiduciaries of the plan, Defendants are duty-bound to monitor the plans investments continuously and remove imprudent ones, said Charles Field, Co-Chair of the firms Financial Mismanagement and ERISA Litigation Practice Group and counsel for Plaintiff and the proposed class. This obligation is especially critical since these nine funds make up over 40% of the Plans assets. Cases like this are an important tool for protecting the hard-earned retirement savings of employees.

Leigh Anne St. Charles, Co-Chair of the firms Financial Mismanagement and ERISA Litigation Practice Group and counsel for Plaintiff and the proposed class, added Plan participants have over $500 million invested in these nine target retirement date funds. As fiduciaries to the Plan, Discount Tire and Empower are obligated to monitor the Plan to ensure these investments are prudent. It is precisely that duty that this complaint alleges the Defendants have breached by failing to remove the American Century Funds.

Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight has filed the Discount Tire ERISA complaint on the heels of several significant ERISA class settlements in 2024. In December 2024, the firm filed for preliminary approval of a record $69 million settlement in its multi-year class action against UnitedHealth Group. Earlier in 2024, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, together with co-counsel, also obtained final approval of a $61 million settlement in a long-running ERISA class action against General Electric. The UnitedHealth and GE settlements were among the most significant ERISA settlements of 2024. They were also among the highest value settlements ever in cases involving allegedly poor-performing plan investments.

About Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight

Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight is a public interest and civil rights law firm with offices in New York, Washington, DC, San Francisco, Palo Alto, Nashville, and San Diego. The firm focuses on executive representation, wrongful termination, employment discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, wage theft and overtime violations, whistleblower and qui tam, sexual violence, Title IX violations and victims rights, financial mismanagement and ERISA litigation, and Asian American litigation and finance matters. Our lawyers have recovered over $1 billion for our clients through many verdicts and settlements.

In 2024, Forbes named Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight Chairman and Co-Founder David Sanford to its inaugural list of Americas Top 200 Lawyers. The National Law Journal has selected Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight as Civil Rights Firm of the Year, and it has recognized the firm as both Employment Rights Firm of the Year and Human Rights Firm of the Year. Benchmark Litigation has named the firm Labor & Employment Firm of the Year, and Law360 has recognized the firm as Employment Practice Group of the Year.

For the latest news about Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, visit the firms newsroom or follow the firm on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter.

If you have potential legal claims and are seeking counsel, please call 646-768-7070 or email david.sanford@sanfordheisler.com. Attorneys at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight would like to have the opportunity to help you.

Media Contact: Jamie Moss, newsPRos, at 201-788-0142 or Jamie@newspros.com.
GLASTONBURY, Conn., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- System Solutions LLC announced the release of a powerful new integration connecting Revalize AutoQuotes (AQ) with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central cloud ERP software. This integration enables commercial kitchen and foodservice, equipment and service (FES) dealers, consultants, and manufacturers to streamline their Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) process in AutoQuotes and then electronically move customers, orders and items into Business Central ERP software to manage fulfillment and all other business requirements.

With the new integration, users can build detailed AutoQuotes Projects and Quotes, then seamlessly convert them into Business Central Sales Orders where users can manage customers, payments, purchase orders, receiving, shipping, inventory, project management, installations, and accounting without switching systems or manually re-entering data.

The integration of AutoQuotes with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central unlocks a new level of efficiency for the foodservice and equipment industry businesses. The entire operation can be managed from quoting through fulfillment using connected software says Dave Durrenberger, Director of Sales, System Solutions LLC.

The integration connects the AutoQuotes industry standard kitchen quoting software to the full power of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, accelerating the sales process, enhancing financial visibility, and minimizing fulfillment delays.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is Microsofts cloud ERP software and manages: Customers, Vendors, Inventory, Sales, Purchasing, Warehouse, Shipping, Service, Projects, Manufacturing, Assembly, Accounting, and Financials. Business Central is designed so that small and medium sized businesses, single or multi-location, national or international, can run their entire business with one software.

Revalize AutoQuotes (AQ) software is a trusted product in the FES industry. AutoQuotes can configure, price, and quote from nearly one million products, supplies, and accessories from more than eight hundred manufacturers including: product descriptions, pricing, spec sheets, warranty information, CAD, and Revit content.

To learn more about Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or the Revalize AutoQuotes (AQ) Integration, visit www.syssolutionsllc.com or contact us at +1 (860) 781-9986.

About System Solutions LLC

System Solutions LLC is a certified Microsoft Partner specializing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central solutions tailored to the retail, wholesale, and distribution markets. With industry experience in foodservice and commercial equipment sales, System Solutions delivers purpose-built tools and integrations to help businesses grow.

Contact Information:

System Solutions LLC

80 Eastern Boulevard, Suite 2

Glastonbury, CT 06033

Phone: (860) 781-9986
Los Altos, California, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the times change, people's attitudes towards energy have also changed. Today, new energy cloud mining relies on renewable energy such as solar energy and wind energy to operate, greatly reducing mining costs while connecting the remaining electricity to the grid. This model not only saves a lot of energy consumption, but also creates high returns, opening the door to new energy wealth for investors. In the fast-paced cryptocurrency field, simplicity and profitability are the key. For novices who want to easily obtain stable income, cloud mining is undoubtedly the best choice. This article will deeply analyze the concept of cloud mining and recommend the industry-leading brand KSDMiner to help you achieve explosive growth in XRP assets.

Register KSDMiner now and participate in cloud mining contracts for free

Click to download the official APP and control your wealth anytime, anywhere

The preferred brand for investment KSDMiner

Founded in 2016, determined to build the world's first cloud mining platform

Follow the Telegram channel

Follow the Facebook page

Follow the Twitter account

The unique charm of new energy cloud mining

Cloud mining has long been favored by cryptocurrency enthusiasts due to its ease of use and low threshold. Unlike traditional mining, it does not require expensive hardware, professional technology or real-time monitoring. Cloud mining simplifies the entire process and allows anyone (regardless of experience) to participate in the cryptocurrency revolution. Users do not need to invest in mining machines or build complex systems, but only need to rent the computing power of remote data centers to get a share of the profits.

KSDMiner: When "lazy people" meet high returns

KSDMiner maximizes the convenience of cloud mining, especially for novice operators. Even if you have no experience in cryptocurrency, you can easily master this user-friendly platform. Here, "laziness" is no longer a disadvantage, but a shortcut to success. As a pioneer in cloud mining services, KSDMiner operates 100 mines around the world, with more than 32,010,000 mining machines powered by renewable energy cycles, and has been recognized by 8.53 million users for its stable returns and security.

Unimaginable income opportunities

The amazing thing about KSDMiner is that it provides daily passive income - the potential for $100 to $1 million, making your dream of getting rich online within reach. Imagine: you can get a considerable income without complicated operations or continuous investment - this is the promise of KSDMiner.

Safety and sustainability are equally important

In the field of mining, trust and safety are crucial. KSDMiner is well aware of this and always puts the safety of user funds first, protecting your investment through transparent and compliant operations. All mines use clean energy to achieve carbon neutrality. Renewable energy can not only protect the environment, but also bring superior returns, allowing every investor to share opportunities and dividends.

Platform advantages:

Sign up and get a $10 trial bonus

High yield level, daily settlement on time

Zero service fee/management fee

Supports settlement of 13 cryptocurrencies including XRP, BTC, DOGE, etc.

Invite friends to get up to $3,000 in referral rewards

McAfee+Cloudflare dual security certification, 724 hours manual customer service

Operation Guide:

Step 1: Register an account

Take KSD Miner as an example. Visit the official website to complete a simple registration (only email verification is required), and you can immediately start mining cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

Step 2: Select a mining machine contract

The platform provides multiple contracts ranging from $100 to $100,000, each with a specific rate of return and term. You can start earning income the next day, and you can withdraw to a crypto wallet or reinvest in other contracts when you reach $100.

The chart below shows the potential benefits you could realize

Affiliate Promotion Program





KSD Miner has recently launched a promotion program that allows you to make money even without investing. Inviting valid users can get a fixed reward of up to $3,000. There is no upper limit on the number of invitees, and the profit potential is unlimited!

Conclusion

If you are looking for ways to grow your passive income, cloud mining is undoubtedly an ideal choice. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you will easily increase your crypto asset wealth in "autopilot" mode. Passive income is the ultimate goal of every investor, and KSDMiner makes it easier than ever to achieve this goal.

For more details, please visit KSD Miner's official website: https://investingincryptocurrency.com/

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involves risk. There is potential for loss of funds. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.
ZURICH, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The wait is over. The $XPL token , native to XploraDEXthe first AI-powered decentralized exchange on XRPLis now officially trading on MagneticXc. And just hours after going live, investor demand is already surging.





Purchase $XPL token on MagneticX

After an explosive presale that saw over 86% of the token allocation claimed and a record-setting token distribution phase, $XPL is now fully unleashed on the open market. This marks a new era for XRPL traders and DeFi participants looking to capitalize on the future of smart, AI-powered trading.

Why You Need to Act Now:

$XPL is trading live on MagneticXc, the fastest-growing DEX on XRPL.

Early holders have already begun staking and accessing the AI-powered dashboard.

First listings often see rapid price discoveryearly entries typically yield the highest returns.

The next listings on more XRPL-based DEXs are rumored to follow soon.

Buy $XPL on MagneticX Exchange

The launch of $XPL on MagneticXc opens up real-time access to the heart of the XploraDEX ecosystem. And with the AI dashboard, staking pools, and governance activation going live in the coming days, the tokens utility is not just speculativeits functional and evolving.

What $XPL Offers:

Access to smart trading tools powered by AI

High-yield staking opportunities

Protocol governance participation

Priority launchpad access for XRPL project launches

Real-time analytics for smarter portfolio management





The XRP community has already started responding. Trading volume is ramping up, new wallet addresses are connecting, and social sentiment is turning bullish. On-chain indicators show a steady rise in demand as investors position ahead of platform milestones.

Purchase $XPL token on MagneticX

This Is the Moment

If you missed the presalethis is your chance to get in before price discovery takes $XPL further into uncharted territory. The listing on MagneticXc is only the beginning of $XPLs journey across the XRPL DeFi landscape.

The window to be early has reopenedbut only for a short while.

Buy $XPL on MagneticX Now

$XPL is live. Trading has begun. Be earlyor be priced out.

Join AI Revolution with XploraDex - Website | $XPL Token | X | Telegram

Contact:

Oliver Muller

oliver@xploradex.io

contact@xploradex.io

Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the XploraDEX. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/32827ea9-b455-4249-9cda-2839b3e09751
Oslo, 30 April 2025

Interoil Exploration and Production ASA (the "Company") informs that the publication of its Annual Report for 2024 will be delayed. The process of finalising the Annual Report and completing the audit is ongoing, but the Company will not be able to publish the Annual Report by the 30 April deadline. The Company expects that the Annual Report will be published no later than 20 May 2025.

Contact information: ir@interoil.no

About Interoil

Interoil Exploration and Production ASA is a Norwegian based exploration and production company - listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange with focus on Latin America. The Company is operator and license holder of several production and exploration assets in Colombia and Argentina with headquarter in Oslo.
MONTREAL, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gildan Activewear Inc. (GIL: TSX and NYSE) (Gildan or the Company) today announced that the eight nominees proposed as directors in its management proxy circular dated March 18, 2025 were elected as directors of the Company by a majority of the votes cast by the shareholders or represented by proxy at its hybrid annual meeting of shareholders held on April 30, 2025 in Montreal. Gildan also notes that a majority of the votes cast by shareholders were in favour of the non-binding advisory vote on Executive Compensation (Say on Pay) and the reappointment of its auditors.

The voting results are detailed below:

FOR WITHHELD/AGAINST Number % Number % Resolution 1 Appointment of Auditors 113,566,354 88.79% 14,344,315 11.21% Resolution 2 Election of Directors Michael Kneeland 120,184,823 95.84% 5,217,322 4.16% Glenn J. Chamandy 125,321,401 99.94% 80,741 0.06% Michener Chandlee 124,844,153 99.56% 557,990 0.44% Anne-Laure Descours 125,313,548 99.93% 88,595 0.07% Ghislain Houle 122,884,183 97.99% 2,517,958 2.01% Melanie Kau 123,769,180 98.70% 1,632,962 1.30% Peter Lee 111,142,448 88.63% 14,259,696 11.37% Karen Stuckey 124,962,647 99.65% 439,495 0.35% Resolution 3 Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation 104,083,922 83.00% 21,318,217 17.00%



About Gildan

Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel. The Companys product offering includes activewear, underwear and socks, sold to a broad range of customers, including wholesale distributors, screenprinters or embellishers, as well as to retailers that sell to consumers through their physical stores and/or e-commerce platforms and to global lifestyle brand companies. The Company markets its products in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, under a diversified portfolio of Company-owned brands including Gildan, American Apparel, Comfort Colors, GOLDTOE and Peds, and under an exclusive licensing agreement for the printwear channel for Champion.

Gildan owns and operates vertically integrated, large-scale manufacturing facilities which are primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh. Gildan operates with a strong commitment to industry-leading labour, environmental and governance practices throughout its supply chain in accordance with its comprehensive ESG program embedded in the Company's long-term business strategy. More information about the Company and its ESG practices and initiatives can be found at www.gildancorp.com.
DENVER, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National Bank Holdings Corporation (NYSE: NBHC) announced today that its Board of Directors approved a cash dividend to shareholders. The quarterly cash dividend will increase 3.4% from twenty-nine cents ($0.29) to thirty cents ($0.30) per share of common stock. The dividend will be payable on June 13, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 30, 2025.

We are pleased to deliver another increase to our quarterly dividend. Over the last five years, the quarterly dividend per common share has increased by 50%, which demonstrates our commitment to drive meaningful shareholder returns as a result of our strong balance sheet, solid capital position, and diversified funding sources, said Chairman and CEO, Tim Laney.

About National Bank Holdings Corporation

National Bank Holdings Corporation is a bank holding company created to build a leading community bank franchise delivering high quality client service and committed to stakeholder results. Through its bank subsidiaries, NBH Bank and Bank of Jackson Hole Trust, National Bank Holdings Corporation operates a network of over 85 banking centers, serving individual consumers, small, medium and large businesses, and government and non-profit entities. Its banking centers are located in its core footprint of Colorado, the greater Kansas City region, Utah, Wyoming, Texas, New Mexico and Idaho. Its comprehensive residential mortgage banking group primarily serves the banks core footprint. Its trust and wealth management business is operated in its core footprint under the Bank of Jackson Hole Trust charter. NBH Bank operates under a single state charter through the following brand names as divisions of NBH Bank: in Colorado, Community Banks of Colorado and Community Banks Mortgage; in Kansas and Missouri, Bank Midwest and Bank Midwest Mortgage; in Texas, Utah, New Mexico and Idaho, Hillcrest Bank and Hillcrest Bank Mortgage; and in Wyoming, Bank of Jackson Hole and Bank of Jackson Hole Mortgage. Additional information about National Bank Holdings Corporation can be found at www.nationalbankholdings.com.

For more information visit: cobnks.com, bankmw.com, hillcrestbank.com, bankofjacksonhole.com, or nbhbank.com, or connect with any of our brands on LinkedIn.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements contain words such as anticipate, believe, can, would, should, could, may, predict, seek, potential, will, estimate, target, plan, project, continuing, ongoing, expect, intend or similar expressions that relate to the Companys strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements involve certain important risks, uncertainties and other factors, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. Such factors include, without limitation, the Risk Factors referenced in our most recent Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and other risks and uncertainties listed from time to time in our reports and documents filed with the SEC. The Company can give no assurance that any goal or plan or expectation set forth in forward-looking statements can be achieved and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not intend, and assumes no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances, except as required by applicable law.
Yosemite, California, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This year marks over a decade of unforgettable stays and breathtaking memories at Yosemite Peregrine Lodge, and owner Vonnie Coombs is beaming with pride. Since 2014, the lodge has offered guests more than just a place to sleep. It has been a destination in itself, a luxurious sanctuary nestled inside the gates of Yosemite National Park. With a warm nod to the past and eyes on the next chapter, Vonnie reflects on a milestone rooted in love, nature, and service.

Yosemite Peregrine Lodge

Ten years of welcoming guests into this space weve nurtured and adoredits incredibly humbling, says Vonnie. My late husband and I always dreamed this would be a place where people could come to truly rest and reconnect with nature. Im proud weve carried that vision forward, and Im excited for whats ahead.

The story of Yosemite Peregrine Lodge begins long before the Coombs arrival. Originally built in the 1990s by former U.S. Magistrate Don Pitts and his wife, artist Kay Pitts, the lodge became a beloved bed and breakfast that Judge Pitts ran with the same warmth and formality he brought to his courtroom.

In 2014, Vonnie and her late husband David, who had fallen in love with Yosemite during countless holidays with family in the area, saw the property and knew instantly that this was their future. Since then, Vonnie has transformed the property into a high-end yet inviting haven for nature lovers, families, skiers, hikers, and romantics alike. After Davids passing in 2019, Vonnie continued their shared mission, blending her deep knowledge of the outdoors with his legacy of thoughtful hospitality. I wanted to honor that by keeping the spirit of care and excellence alive, she says. And it shows.

The lodge features three beautifully appointed guest rooms, each with custom fireplaces and en suite bathrooms. The Aspen room boasts a king bed and woodsy accents. The Lodgepole room offers a queen bed with Southwest-style decor and handcrafted shelving reminiscent of cliff dwellings, while the Dogwood room, the most spacious, includes a queen bed and trundle for families, a whirlpool tub, and two dogwood trees are carved into the stone fireplace.

Upstairs, guests gather in the great room where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the forest, leather sofas invite conversations, and a fireplace inspired by Yosemite Falls glows warmly. A large burl wood dining table seats eight beneath picture windows, while the gourmet kitchen, with its expansive island, gas range, sub-zero fridge, and a full suite of professional cookware, invites shared meals and lasting memories.

For larger groups, an upstairs loft offers a pool table, games, puzzles, and an extensive old-school DVD library. And for Vonnie, a retired physical therapist, hosting remains both personal and intentional.

Seasonal beauty is part of the lodges magic. Summer brings hikers, backpackers, and families drawn to the proximity of Yosemite Valley, just 25 minutes away without the hour-long entrance line, thanks to the lodges location inside the park gates. During winter, skiers flock to nearby Badger Pass, just six miles away, and return to Peregrine for evenings beneath starry skies, far from the valleys bustle.

People dont always realize how different it is up here. Were almost 6000 feet up, cooler air, no smoke from campfires, with complete serenity, Vonnie explains. You get the best of both worlds: the adventure of Yosemite and a peaceful retreat to return to.

Indeed, whether guests come seeking summer waterfalls, winter wonderlands, romantic escapes, or family hikes, Yosemite Peregrine Lodge offers a rare combination of access, comfort, and natural beauty. Guests can dine under the stars on the decks, sip coffee in quiet corners of the forest, or stargaze at Glacier Point, where astronomy clubs often set up telescopes under one of Californias darkest skies.

And while Yosemite Valley remains the parks crown jewel, Vonnie is quick to guide guests to lesser-known wonders like the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, or the Tenaya Lakes alpine serenity, and the meadows and trails of the high country in Tuolumne. The Lodge owner further shares, What keeps me going is the joy people feel when they arrive here. I love seeing the look on their faces when they step out onto the deck, take the first breath of mountain air, and realize theyre somewhere truly special.

As she embraces this next decade of ownership, Vonnie plans to continue making thoughtful upgrades and expanding the lodges reach, but her heart remains in the same mission it started with: to provide extraordinary experiences in one of the worlds most awe-inspiring places. Theres so much more Yosemite has to give, and Im honored to help people experience that. I look forward to many more years of smiles on our guests faces, she concludes.

Media Contact

Name: Vonnie Coombs

Email: Reservations@yosemiteperegrinelodge.com




WORCESTER, Mass., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Massachusetts continues to see waves of preventable deaths from the opioid overdose epidemic, AdCare Hospital, a longstanding provider of addiction treatment services in Worcester, MA, has named Laura Ames as its new Executive Director. Ames brings nearly 30 years of healthcare leadership experience to her role, combined with a passion for delivering exceptional patient care.





Coming to AdCare Hospital, I was struck immediately by the facilitys role as a trusted pillar of healthcare in our community for more than 50 years," said Ames. "I am also aware that as the field of addiction treatment progresses, we must adapt with it. It is a privilege to guide this remarkable institution into the future, all the while preserving our tradition of providing exceptional, life-saving care."

Prior to joining AdCare Hospital, Ames served as the Director of Nursing at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester and as Chief Executive Officer of Charles River Recovery in Weston, MA. She has also served as Recovery Centers of Americas Regional Chief Executive Officer for Danvers and Westminster, MA and held numerous other CEO and VP roles at various healthcare organizations across Massachusetts.

A licensed registered nurse with advanced degrees in nursing administration, business administration, and criminal justice from Ana Maria College, Ames also holds credentials as a licensed nursing home administrator, a certified rehabilitation registered nurse, and a trauma-informed care professional. She also serves as a CARF surveyor, helping to ensure quality standards across rehabilitation facilities nationwide.

Ames will oversee all operations of AdCare Hospitals inpatient detox facility and outpatient services. As an executive healthcare leader with experience providing direct patient care, Ames will utilize her diverse skillset to drive improvements in patient outcomes and expand treatment access for those in need of help.

Ive seen firsthand the devastation the opioid and drug overdose epidemic has done to my community as a longtime resident of Massachusetts, said Ames. But Ive also seen just how life-changing quality treatment can be, and I am incredibly grateful to join AdCare Hospital, where I can work with this dedicated team to restore hope for individuals and families whose lives have been touched by addiction.

About AdCare Hospital

AdCare Hospital is located in Worcester, MA. AdCare Hospital provides inpatient detox and outpatient services for individuals facing substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. We believe in the power of recovery and are committed to restoring hope, empowering individuals and families, and breaking the stigma of addiction. AdCare Hospital is part of American Addiction Centers, a national leader in addiction treatment. Learn more at www.adcare.com .

Contact:

Amanda Lautieri

Brand & Communications Manager

ALautieri@ContactAAC.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c8c43adf-b0b2-4692-9aee-6887f43993ce
HOD HASHARON, Israel and SEOUL, South Korea, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Weebit Nano Limited (ASX:WBT) (Weebit), a leading developer and licensor of advanced memory technologies for the global semiconductor industry, and tier-1 semiconductor foundry DB HiTek will show the first demonstration of DB HiTeks Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) silicon integrating Weebits Resistive Random-Access Memory (ReRAM) non-volatile memory (NVM) technology at PCIM 2025. PCIM is Europes largest power semiconductor exhibition, being held in Nuremberg, Germany, from May 6-8, 2025.

This is the latest step in the continued collaboration between the companies as they progress towards full qualification of Weebits embedded ReRAM module in DB HiTeks 130nm BCD process, expected later this year. This process is ideal for analog, mixed-signal and high-voltage designs in consumer, industrial, IoT, and a range of other applications. Weebit ReRAM IP provides a high-density, low-power embedded NVM for these applications that is cost effective and has proven excellent retention at high temperatures.

The edge AI demonstration, running on DB HiTek chips with embedded Weebit ReRAM, shows an application of gesture recognition. It was developed in collaboration with Nanoveus (ASX: NVU) Embedded AI Systems Pte. Ltd. (EMASS) and will be shown in DB HiTeks booth 680 in Hall 7 at PCIM.

Coby Hanoch, CEO of Weebit Nano, said: Our collaboration with DB HiTek, one of the worlds leading foundries for mixed-signal and power integrated circuits, continues strongly and we are advancing steadily towards making our ReRAM IP available for production in its 130nm BCD process. This demo will provide a first look at the integrated technology and show the advantages of integrating ReRAM on-chip.

Ki-Seog Cho, CEO, DB HiTek, said: Weebit ReRAM provides a cost-effective and high-density non-volatile memory in our 130nm BCD process. We look forward to demonstrating the advantages of this innovative embedded IP to designers at PCIM. PCIM is a key show for DB HiTek as we expand our footprint in the growing European market, and we are delighted that Weebit will join us in our booth to highlight our integrated solution.

Weebit ReRAM will be qualified in DB HiTeks BCD 130nm process and ready for production in calendar 2025. Once qualified, DB HiTek will add Weebits memory module to its BCD 130nm Process Design Kit (PDK). DB HiTek customers can use the standard 1Mb modules in the PDK or have modules customized for their needs. Weebit ReRAM is available now to select DB HiTek customers for design prototyping.

About DB HiTek

Headquartered in South Korea, DB HiTek Co., Ltd. is world leader in specialty foundry with a broad range of support services plus a robust portfolio of competitive process technologies that include Analog/Power (BCDMOS), CMOS Image Sensor (CIS), Mixed-Signal, High Voltage CMOS, RF HRS/SOI CMOS, Super Junction MOSFET technologies. For more information, visit www.dbhitek.com.

About Weebit Nano Limited

Weebit Nano Ltd. is a leading developer and licensor of advanced semiconductor memory technology. The companys ground-breaking Resistive RAM (ReRAM) non-volatile memory (NVM) addresses the growing need for significantly higher performance and lower power memory solutions in a range of electronic products such as AI, Internet of Things (IoT) and wearable devices, automotive, industrial automation, robotics, neuromorphic computing, and many others. For these applications, Weebit ReRAM allows semiconductor memory elements to be significantly faster, less expensive, more reliable and more energy efficient than those using existing flash memory solutions. As it is based on fab-friendly materials, the technology can be quickly and easily integrated with existing flows and processes, without the need for special equipment or large investments. See www.weebit-nano.com.

Weebit Nano and the Weebit Nano logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Weebit Nano Ltd. in the United States and other countries. Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.

Media  US

Jen Bernier-Santarini, Weebit Nano

P: +1 650-336-4222

E: jen@weebit-nano.com

Media  Australia

Dylan Mark, Automic Group

P: +61 475 783 675

E: dylan.mark@automicgroup.com.au

Investors

Danny Younis, Automic Group

P: +61 420 293 042

E: danny.younis@automicgroup.com.au
TORONTO, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. (TSX-V: MON) (OTCPK: MXTRF) (Montero or the Company) announces that, further to its press release dated April 16, 2025, the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) has approved the Companys proposed consolidation (the Consolidation) of its common shares (Common Shares) on the basis of six (6) pre-Consolidation Common Shares for one (1) post-Consolidation Common Shares. The Common Shares will commence trading on the TSXV on a post-Consolidation basis effective at market opening on May 5, 2025. As of the date hereof, there are 50,122,975 Common Shares issued and outstanding. On a post-Consolidation basis, the Company shall have 8,353,833 Common Shares issued and outstanding. Pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and the articles of the Company, shareholder approval of the Consolidation is not required, and the Consolidation was approved by way of resolution passed by the board of directors of the Company.

The Company's name and trading symbol will remain unchanged following the Consolidation. The new CUSIP number will be 612648402 and the new ISIN number will be CA6126484022 for the post-Consolidation common shares. No fractional Common Shares will be issued as a result of the Consolidation. Any fractional interest in Common Shares that is less than 0.5 of a Common Share resulting from the Consolidation will be rounded down to the nearest whole Common Share, and any fractional interest in Common Shares that is equal to or greater than 0.5 of a Common Share will be rounded up to the nearest whole Common Share. The share consolidation will affect all shareholders uniformly and will not alter any shareholders relative interest in the Companys equity securities, except for any adjustments for fractional shares. The exercise or conversion price of, and the number of Common Shares issuable under, any convertible securities of the Company will be proportionately adjusted upon the completion of the Consolidation.

Registered shareholders will receive a letter of transmittal from the Companys transfer agent, Odyssey Trust Company, providing instructions on how to exchange their share certificates representing pre-Consolidation Common Shares for new share certificates or Direct Registration Advice (DRS) representing post-Consolidation common shares to which they are entitled as a result of the Consolidation. No action is required by non-registered shareholders (shareholders who hold their Common Shares through an intermediary) to affect the Consolidation. The letter of transmittal will also be available on the Companys SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca .

About Montero

Montero has successfully concluded a US$27,000,000 settlement with Tanzania, bringing an end to the dispute over the expropriation of the Wigu Hill rare earth element project. In addition to this settlement, the Company holds the Avispa copper-molybdenum project in northern Chile and is to advance its exploration. Monteros board of directors and management team have a strong track record in discovering and developing precious metal and copper projects. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol MON and currently has 50,122,975 shares outstanding.

For more information, contact:

Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd.

Dr. Tony Harwood, President, and Chief Executive Officer

E-mail: ir@monteromining.com

Tel: +1 604 428 7050

www.monteromining.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements, projections and estimates with respect to the Consolidation and the timing of the Consolidation and the Consolidation ratio. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Such information is based on information currently available to Montero and Montero provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking information by its very nature involves inherent risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Montero to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Actual results relating to, among other things, the Corporations deployment of capital, business prospects, strategies, regulatory developments, future commodity prices, exchange rates, satisfactory arrangements for the payment of legal expenses, the ability of the Company to find suitable exploration projects, results of exploration, project development, reclamation and capital costs of Monteros mineral properties, and financial condition and prospects, all of which could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: failure to obtain regulatory and shareholder approval for the Consolidation, as applicable; changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with Monteros activities; and other matters discussed in this news release and in filings made with securities regulators. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of Monteros forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Montero does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
TORONTO, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Golconda Gold Ltd. (Golconda Gold or the Company) (TSX-V: GG; OTCQB: GGGOF) is pleased to announce the release of its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024. All amounts are in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.

A copy of the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and the corresponding managements discussion and analysis (MD&A) are available under the Companys profile on www.sedarplus.ca.

2024 Highlights

For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company: mined 87,695 tonnes of ore, from its Galaxy and Princeton ore bodies, with an average grade of 3.18 grammes per tonne (g/t) compared to 63,386 tonnes at 3.30 g/t in the year ended December 31, 2023, a 38% increase in ore tonnes mined; produced 6,661 tonnes of concentrate at an average grade of 36.0 g/t containing 7,712 ounces of gold compared to 5,146 tonnes at 38.3 g/t containing 6,339 ounces of gold in the year ended December 31, 2023, a 22% increase in gold production; generated revenue of $13.8 million from the sale of 7,652 contained ounces (6,049 payable ounces) of gold at an operating cash cost of $1,721 per payable ounce compared to revenue of $9.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 at an operating cash cost of $1,596 per payable ounce ( 1 ) ; and comparing the second half of 2024 with the first half of 2024, ore mined was 91% higher, waste development was 95% higher and gold produced was 49% higher.







Golconda Gold CEO, Ravi Sood commented: 2024 was a year of two halves for Golconda, with the significant improvements seen in operating and financial performance at Galaxy in the second half setting us on the path to sustainable production growth into the future. We are enjoying the benefits of record gold prices and are well positioned to further capitalise on our production growth in 2025 and beyond.(2)

About Golconda Gold

Golconda Gold is an un-hedged gold producer and explorer with mining operations and exploration tenements in South Africa and New Mexico. Golconda Gold is a public company and its shares are quoted on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol GG and the OTCQB under the symbol GGGOF. Golconda Golds management team is comprised of senior mining professionals with extensive experience in managing mining and processing operations and large-scale exploration programmes. Golconda Gold is committed to operating at world-class standards, focused on the safety of its employees, respecting the environment, and contributing to the communities in which it operates.

Notes:

(1) Cash cost is a non-GAAP measure. Refer to the table below and to Supplemental Information to the MD&A for reconciliation to measure reported in the Companys financial statements.

FY 2024 Operating costs (US$) 11,950,037 Adjust for: Depreciation and depletion (1,110,559) Inventory movement (47,841) Total operating cash cost 10,791,637 Royalties (285,382) Total operating cash cost excluding royalties 10,506,255 Gold production (contained ozs) 7,712 Gold production (payable ozs) 6,103 Total operating cash cost excluding royalties per payable oz 1,721

(2) This is forward-looking information and is based on a number of assumptions. See Cautionary Notes.

Cautionary Notes

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including, without limitation, those statements regarding the Companys ability to capitalize on production growth in 2025 and beyond, and the Companys future financial position and results of operations, strategy, proposed acquisitions, plans, objectives, goals and targets, and any statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words believe, expect, aim, intend, plan, continue, will, may, would, anticipate, estimate, forecast, predict, project, seek, should or similar expressions or the negative thereof, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only the Companys expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking statements.

Additional factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially include, but are not limited to the risk factors discussed in the MD&A. Management provides forward-looking statements because it believes they provide useful information to investors when considering their investment objectives and cautions investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law.

Information of a technical and scientific nature that forms the basis of the disclosure in the press release has been approved by Kevin Crossling Pr. Sci. Nat., MAusIMM. Geological Consultant for Golconda Gold, and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Crossling has verified the technical and scientific data disclosed herein and has conducted appropriate verification on the underlying data.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information please contact:

Ravi Sood

CEO, Golconda Gold Ltd.

+1 (647) 987-7663

ravi@golcondagold.com

www.golcondagold.com
Toronto, April 30, 2025 - Global Tactical Metals Corp. (CSE: MONI) (FSE: A7F) ("Global Tactical Metals Corp." or the "Company") is pleased announce the staking of new claims in the historic Minerva mining district near Shoshone, Nevada.

The newly staked claims extend north from Minerva Canyon, traversing varied topography, from the alluvium-covered western pediment of the Snake Range to prominent Cambrian limestone and dolomite outcrops, just south of Great Basin National Park.

The Minerva (or Shoshone) mining district was established in 1869 when silver was discovered at the Indian Silver mine. While early silver operations were abandoned by 1876, tungsten was discovered in 1915 and intermittently mined through the mid-20th century. Historical production in the Minerva district mines from 1916 to 1945 by Tungsten Metals Corporation totaled over 112,000 tons of ore, yielding over 85,000 units of tungsten trioxide (WO) or approximately 1.35 million pounds of tungsten (W).

Global Tactical Metal's claim blocks include several historically significant tungsten mines-Silver Bell, Zig Zag, Hilltop, and Tony-each following known scheelite-bearing, calcite-quartz vein systems. The Silver Bell mine, in particular, was explored by the U.S. Bureau of Mines between 1941 and 1943, culminating in almost 10,000 feet of diamond drilling across 42 holes. Notable intercepts included 2.40% WO 3 over 9 feet in hole USBM #53.

"The Minerva Project represents an exciting opportunity for Global Tactical Metals to revisit a historically productive but underexplored tungsten district with modern exploration techniques. With strong historic grades, well-documented geology, and favorable topography, we believe this project has significant potential to contribute to domestic critical mineral supply."

The Company plans to initiate a modern field program, including geological mapping, geochemical sampling, and target verification, with the goal of outlining drill-ready targets later in the year.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical disclosure for Global Tactical Metals Corp. included in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mark Smyk P.Geo. Mr. Smyk is a Technical Advisor to the Company and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

About Global Tactical Metals Corp.

Global Tactical Metals Corp. is focused on acquiring, exploring, and advancing mineral properties that address critical resource needs in North America. The company holds a 100% interest in the St. Anthony Property, a highly prospective mineral asset in Newfoundland, Canada, positioned in a region known for its rich mineral potential.

The company has also significantly expanded its exploration portfolio with a substantial land package staked in Darling Township, southeastern Ontario-approximately 300 km east-northeast of Toronto. This property, now exceeding 1,400 hectares, targets critical mineral exploration with a primary focus on antimony, a vital element for renewable energy, defense, and electronics industries.

In addition, Global Tactical Metals Corp. has extended its strategic footprint into the United States by staking the Green Mine, a past-producing antimony and tungsten deposits in Nevada, further strengthening its commitment to securing critical mineral resources.

Forward-Looking Statement

Certain information contained in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are not historical facts may be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may," "should," "anticipate," "expect," "potential," "believe," "intend," or similar expressions. These statements relate to future events or future performance and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: The exploration and development of the Company's mineral properties, including the St. Anthony Property, the Ontario claims, and the newly staked Green Mine, Mirnerva mines; The potential value and economic viability of these mineral assets; The growing demand for antimony and its impact on the Company's strategic initiatives; and The Company's ability to execute exploration programs, conduct geological assessments, and advance its assets towards potential resource development.

Forward-looking information in this press release is based on various assumptions, including but not limited to: the Company's ability to successfully conduct exploration and development activities, access to funding and infrastructure, regulatory approvals, and favorable market conditions for critical minerals.

These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: Challenges in obtaining permits, regulatory approvals, or financing; Geological or technical difficulties in mineral exploration and extraction; Changes in market demand or commodity prices; and Unforeseen environmental or operational risks.

Readers are cautioned that the above list is not exhaustive. Forward-looking statements in this press release reflect the Company's expectations as of the date of this release and are subject to change. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250275
Toronto, April 30, 2025 - Pasofino Gold Ltd. (TSXV: VEIN) (FSE: N07A) ("Pasofino" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of units (each, a "Unit") at C$0.50 (or US$0.36) per Unit for gross proceeds of approximately C$5.0 million (US$3.6 million) (the "Offering").

Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a "Unit Share") and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of C$0.75 for a period of 24 months following the issue date of the Units. Pursuant to the terms of the Warrants, the Company may accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants if the closing price of the Company's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange equals or exceeds C$0.90 for fifteen (15) consecutive trading days (the "Acceleration Period"), to the date which is 30 days following the dissemination of a news release announcing the acceleration.

The net proceeds of the Offering will be used by the Company in connection with the advancement of the Dugbe Gold Project, updating of the 2022 feasibility study and for general working capital purposes.

The Company has received a lead order from the Chief Executive Officer, Brett Richards, for 400,000 Units for gross proceeds of approximately C$200,000. Nioko Resources, the Company's 50.7% shareholder has subscribed for its pro-rata share of the Offering for 5,070,000 units, for gross proceeds of C$2,535,000. The total percentage of the Offering taken by insiders is 54.7% for gross proceeds of C$2,735,000. The subscription by and issuances of Units to all insiders is considered a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, in respect of insiders' participation.

The Offering is expected to close on or about May 13, 2025.

Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Brett Richards, commented: "The recent Co-operation and Support Agreement ("Agreement") with our major shareholder Hummingbird Resources plc/Nioko Resources has completely aligned both the development strategy and funding strategy of the Dugbe Gold Project. The timing of the Agreement and commencement of the update to the 2022 feasibility study is well positioned in what might be the "hottest" gold price environment in history, with gold reaching a record of over US$3,500 per ounce on April 22, 2025. With positive momentum on several fronts, the Dugbe Gold Project is well positioned to deliver long-term shareholder value, as it nears the completion of the project study and permitting stage in the next 12 months, and the Company evaluates its strategic options to finance and construct the project into commercial production."

The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Appointment of Arnaud Lelouvier to the Board

Pasofino is pleased to announce that it has appointed Mr. Arnaud Lelouvier as the nominee of Hummingbird to the Board of Directors of the Company.

Mr. Lelouvier has over 30 years of continuous experience in mergers, acquisitions, and financial management. He is the Director and founder of Aura Capital Partners, based in Toronto and Mauritius, where he advises companies in the African mining sector. He created the Markam Group in Mauritius in 2024, and previously served as Chairman and Managing Partner of AMT Logistics. In 2003, he founded SI Capital Partners, a merchant bank based out of Abu Dhabi, which develops also its own Private Equity group invested in 6 countries in different sectors as Retail, Automotive, Mining, Food industry or Aviation. He was the former CEO of Editions Moreux between 1995 and 2004, and previously carried out geopolitical analysis for the World Bank in more than twenty African countries. In addition, he was a member and vice president of both the Comite des Investisseurs Francais en Afrique and the Forum Francophone des Affaires.

Since 2010, Mr. Lelouvier served as board member of Delta Automotive in Finland and SI Food Dodoni in Greece, Executive Director of SI Retail in Middle East (Auchan Francise), Executive Director of Kings & Balducci's (37 Food retail stores in New York and New Jersey), Executive Chairman of AMT Logistics in Switzerland, Director of OMC Resources in Tanzania (gold mine), and Director of SI Capital Partners. Mr. Lelouvier holds an MBA from HEC (France).

Oumar Toguyeni, Non-Executive Chairman of Pasofino, commented: "On behalf of the Pasofino board of directors, I welcome Arnaud to the board, as we look forward to working with him on advancing the Dugbe gold project and growing Pasofino."

ABOUT THE DUGBE GOLD PROJECT

The 2,078 km2 Dugbe Gold Project (the "Project") is in southern Liberia and situated within the southwestern corner of the Birimian Supergroup which is host to most West African gold deposits. To date, two deposits have been identified on the Project; Dugbe F and Tuzon discovered by Hummingbird in 2009 and 2011 respectively. The deposits are located within 4 km of the Dugbe Shear Zone which is thought to have played a role in large scale gold mineralization in the area.

A significant amount of exploration in the area was conducted by Hummingbird up until 2012 including 74,497 m of diamond coring. Pasofino drilled an additional 14,584 m at Tuzon and Dugbe during 2021. These deposits have a combined Mineral Resource Estimates dated 17 November 2021 with total Measured and Indicated of 3.3 Moz with an average grade of 1.37 g/t Au, and 0.6 Moz in Inferred.

Following the completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study in June 2022 a Mineral Reserve Estimate was declared, based on the open-pit mining of both deposits over a 14-year Life of Mine. A technical report for the Dugbe Gold Project was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and on the Company's website.

In addition to the existing deposits there are many gold prospects within the Project including the Bukon Jedeh area and the DSZ target on the Tuzon-Sackor trend where Pasofino has discovered a broad zone of surface gold mineralisation in trench and outcrop along strike from Tuzon. At this and several of the other prospects no drilling has been carried out to date.

In 2019, Hummingbird signed a 25-year Mineral Development Agreement ("MDA") with the Government of Liberia providing the necessary long-term framework and stabilization of taxes and duties. Under the terms of the MDA, the royalty rate on gold production is 3%, the income tax rate payable is 25% (with credit given for historic exploration expenditures), the fuel duty is reduced by 50%, and the Government of Liberia is granted a free carried interest of 10% in the Project.

QUALIFIED PERSONS STATEMENT

Scientific or technical information in this disclosure that relates to exploration results was prepared and approved by Mr. Andrew Pedley. Mr. Pedley is a consultant of Pasofino Gold Ltd.'s wholly-owned subsidiary ARX Resources Limited. He is a member in good standing with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and is as a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.

ABOUT PASOFINO GOLD LTD.

Pasofino Gold Limited is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (VEIN).

Pasofino, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, owns 100% of the Dugbe Gold Project (prior to the issuance of the Government of Liberia's 10% carried interest).

For further information, please visit www.pasofinogold.com or contact:

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" that are based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterised by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "seek", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include, without limitation, statements regarding the ability to raise the funds to finance its ongoing business activities including the acquisition of mineral projects and the exploration and development of its projects. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to, the ability to successfully complete the Offering, the timing and results of project study and permitting, the ability to obtain all requisite regulatory approvals including the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the ability to apply the proceeds as intended, the results of business operation, the results of exploration activities; the results of the strategic review process, the ability of the Company to complete further exploration activities; timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms and those risk factors outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis as filed on SEDAR+. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH U.S. NEWSWIRES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250236
Calgary, April 30, 2025 - North Peak Resources Ltd. (TSXV: NPR) (the "Company" or "North Peak") announces that Brian Hinchcliffe is stepping down as Executive Chairman and from the Board of Directors of the Company and the appointment of Michael Ouellette, Principal / Managing Director of a US based multi-family office, as an Independent Director. Brian Hinchcliffe has decided to shift his focus toward the other companies and ventures he is actively involved with, including Legacy Gold Mines Ltd., but will continue to act as an advisor to the Company.

"Brian has a phenomenal track record of founding companies and setting them up for success, having been CEO and founder of both Kirkland Lake Gold and Rupert Resources, and we are looking forward to building on his work at North Peak," commented Rupert Williams, CEO. "The Board of Directors would like to thank Mr. Brian Hinchcliffe for all his hard work and guidance and will continue to benefit from his support as a long-standing founding shareholder and advisor. We welcome to the Board Mr. Michael Ouellete, who brings extensive financial experience and has also served as a Director to Rupert Resources Ltd. since June 2020."

Mr. Ouelette serves as Principal / Managing Director of Starboard Advisors, a US-based multi-family office and has over two decades of executive leadership in the family office industry. Throughout most of his career, he has worked with closely-held companies, private and public investments on board governance including several appointments as a Director or an advisor for private and non-profit organizations. He has a degree in Business Management from the University of Maine and also holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy from the Muskie School of Public Policy at the University of Southern Maine.

For further information, please contact:



About North Peak

The Company is a Canadian based gold exploration and development company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "NPR". The Company acquired an initial 80% interest in the Prospect Mountain Mine complex in Eureka, Nevada (see the Company's May 4 and 23, 2023 and August 25, 2023 press releases).

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, timing and completion of any exploration on the Company's properties, estimates of mineralization from drilling, sampling and geophysical surveys, geological information projected from drilling and sampling results and the potential quantities and grades of the target zones, the potential for minerals and/or mineral resources and reserves, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Prospect Mountain Mine complex and the Company, including with respect to the future business activities and operating performance of the Company that may be described herein. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the state of the economy in general and capital markets in particular, accuracy of assay results, geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services, future operating costs, and the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 available at www.sedarplus.ca, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250249
VANCOUVER, April 30, 2025 - Kingfisher Metals Corp. (TSX-V:KFR)(FSE:970)(OTCQB:KGFMF) ("Kingfisher" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashwath Mehra as Chairman of the Company's Advisory Board.

Mr. Mehra is a senior executive and entrepreneur who has founded and managed numerous companies. He has close to 40 years of experience in mining and metals, including significant experience in debt and equity capital markets and, while maintaining a focus on mining, is a large investor in a spectrum of businesses spanning real estate to technology. Mr. Mehra commenced his career trading commodities with Philipp Brothers in London, England. From 1990 to 2000, he served as a Senior Partner at Glencore International AG (and its predecessor) where he ran the nickel and cobalt businesses and was responsible for establishing Glencore's operations in India.

He also served as Chief Executive Officer of MRI Trading AG (formerly Marc Rich + Co Investment AG) from 2001 to 2011 and was its Co-Owner and successfully sold the firm in 2011. Recently, Mr. Mehra was Executive Chairman of GT Gold, a company he founded and sold to Newmont Corp. generating a significant return to GT Gold shareholders. He is currently lead-director of Collective Mining and CEO of the ASTOR Group, a private investment and advisory business.

Mr. Mehra holds a BSc Philosophy and Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Dustin Perry, CEO, stated, "As we embark on an exciting year of discovery-focused mineral exploration, I am pleased to welcome Mr. Mehra to our Advisory Board. Ashwath brings a wealth of knowledge in mining and finance, with recent Golden Triangle success culminating in the sale of GT Gold to Newmont in 2021. Ashwath is an existing shareholder, and we look forward his guidance and support as we strive to become the preeminent copper-gold exploration company in British Columbia."

Ashwath Mehra, stated "I am very excited to support Kingfisher in their growth phase. The team has done an outstanding job in consolidating a large, highly prospective land package in the Golden Triangle. Since the sale of GT Gold, we have been looking at opportunities in BC, and we feel Kingfisher has the potential to deliver another outstanding exploration success in the Golden Triangle."

About Kingfisher Metals Corp.

Kingfisher Metals Corp. (https://kingfishermetals.com/) is a Canadian based exploration company focused on copper-gold exploration in the Golden Triangle, British Columbia. The Company has quickly consolidated one of the largest land positions in the region at the contiguous 849 km2 HWY 37 Project. Kingfisher also owns (100%) two district-scale orogenic gold projects in British Columbia that total 641 km2. The Company currently has 59,121,811 shares outstanding.

For further information, please contact:

Dustin Perry, P.Geo.

CEO and Director

Phone: +1 778 606 2507

E-Mail: info@kingfishermetals.com

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's property. This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

SOURCE: Kingfisher Metals Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Flin Flon, April 30, 2025 - Boreal Gold Inc. (CSE:BGLD) (the "Issuer") has closed the second tranche financing of $85,750.00 of a non-brokered private placement announced on March 7, 2025. The closing is comprised of 202,500 Flow Through Shares at a price of $0.30 per Flow-Through Shares representing proceeds of $60,750.00 and 125,000 Units at a price of $0.20 per Unit, representing proceeds of $25,000 for an aggregate total raised of $85,750.

The Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The securities issued are subject to a four-month statutory hold period in Canada ending on August 31, 2025.

The Units consist of, and separate immediately upon closing into, one common share of the Issuer (each, a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"), each entitling the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.20 per Warrant for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the date of issuance. The Flow-Through Shares shall consist of one Common Share, to be issued as a "flow-through share" (the "Flow-Through Shares") within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

Use of Proceeds

FAY LAKE

Boreal Gold intends to use the proceeds from this Financing to perform ground geophysical surveys over the western portion of the Fay Lake grid (not previously covered) as well as the eastern portion of the Fay Lake grid that will be cut and surveyed to follow the strike extension of the Sunrise conductor to the eastern shore of Fay Lake. Drill testing of designed targets will follow up confirmation of Airborne conductors by ground geophysics on the Fay Lake property subject to a successful financing. Also planned is detailed mapping, prospecting, sampling and line cutting on the Fay Lake Property on a small portion of Redwin VMS horizon that remains unmapped but contains conductors.

Separate to the VMS exploration at Fay Lake above, gold exploration through mapping and prospecting of the western portion of the Puffy Lake Mine style gold mineralization trend east of the Railroad. Approximately 10-line kilometers is planned on this trend where samples assayed up to 14.33 g/t Au, to evaluate its on strike continuity. The gold potential at Koscielny Lake located at the eastern end of the property south of the Puffy Lake Gold Mine will also be assessed. Here mineralization contained values of up to 11.81 g/t Au (0.38 oz/ton Au) over 1 m.

NORTH STAR

On the North Star High Grade Gold properties in Snow Lake, Manitoba, Boreal Gold intends to use the proceeds for;

Line cutting and refurbishing old Grids

Refurbish and recut the Grid from South of the North Star deposit on Line 46 N to Line 59 N between Baselines 46 E and Tie Line 59 E for both mapping and drilling purposes. This portion of the grid is almost 25 years old and overgrown to obliterated as it was cut a few years (12) after a forest fire.

Geological Mapping, Prospecting and Sampling

The Grids from Lines 59+50 N south to L 46 N will require geological remapping and detailed sampling to bring it up to the standard and detail of the northern grids that cover the Gold Rock and Richard Veins, with special emphasis on the section in between the North Star and Gold Rock deposits.

Drilling

Selective infill drilling, as well as down plunge drilling on the Gold Rock Vein with a view of completing a resource estimate and NI 43-101 compliant technical report (never undertaken). Ultimately the plan is to drill off enough tonnes that the combined resource of the North Star and Gold Rock Vein Structures, with sufficient grade, will warrant to bring it to a prefeasibility study. Even if successful on the first pass, this objective will require a few additional drill programs.

MELGURD LAKE

On the Melgurd Lake property in Eastern Saskatchewan, following up detailed analysis of Airborne Geophysical conductors on strike with the Shotts Lake deposit and the encouragement found in the felsic volcanic package with VMS style alteration in the 2023-2024 field work, further work is planned to ground truth these conductors. Detailed mapping, prospecting, sampling and line cutting will be carried out over these conductors on the Keep Lake grid with follow up reports. Funds will also be used for corporate purposes.

Qualified Person

Stephen L. Masson, M.Sc., P.Geo. is the "Qualified Person" as defined by NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") for these properties, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. Mr. Masson acts as a consulting Geologist for the Company.

About Boreal Gold Inc

Boreal Gold Inc is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company with a specific focus on mineral properties in northwest Manitoba and northeast Saskatchewan, Canada. All of the Issuer's properties are currently at the exploration stage. The Issuer has assembled a portfolio of base metal and precious metal prospects in strategic locations in the Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Boreal Gold Inc

"signed"

Richard Masson

President & CEO

No stock exchange or securities regulatory authority has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Some of the statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements, such as estimates and statements that describe the Issuer's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Issuer or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Perez in Miami as Cadillac prepares for F1 launch

Sergio Perez is in Miami for this weekend's Formula 1 race.

Sergio Perez, Mexican GP 2024

 Red Bull

On the surface, there's nothing too significant about that, as the former Red Bull driver has a house in the vibrant coastal US city - with a blend of Latin American and American influence.

But also taking place this weekend - on Saturday - is a red carpet event put on by Cadillac, the all-new F1 team for 2026 and beyond.

The carmaker claims the event at Queen Miami Beach, where the Cadillac F1 livery is expected to be unveiled, will be the cultural centrepiece of the grand prix weekend - attended by Hollywood A-listers.

Although ousted by Red Bull for poor performance at the end of last season, Perez's stock has since risen again given that his successors - Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda - are also struggling to match up to Max Verstappen.

The 35-year-old Mexican remains linked with billionaire backer Carlos Slim and his brands, including Telmex, while Osterreich newspaper says Perez has subsequently picked up sponsorship by Heineken.

The same Austrian newspaper claims that, apart from the event on Saturday, Cadillac and General Motors officials will be in the F1 paddock throughout the weekend.

Perez has been regularly linked with a Cadillac race seat, as have the likes of Valtteri Bottas, Guanyu Zhou, and even Mick Schumacher.

Schumacher will not be in Miami, but despite stepping back from the Mercedes reserve role, he has not given up on Formula 1. It's still a significant part of my career, he said.

If I get the chance again, I'll take it.

Former Racing Bulls team boss Franz Tost said: I hope it's not too late for Mick. With the right preparation, he would be a good choice for Cadillac.

Even ex-F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is among those not writing off a potential Schumacher comeback: "If Michael had been at his side, Mick would still be driving there today.

The Schumacher name has enormous appeal in the USA - even more than in Europe, the 94-year-old added. Formula 1 could still make good use of this name.

(GMM)
Sponsor says Colapinto to replace Doohan in Imola

Miami this weekend could be Jack Doohan's last race for now at the wheel of an Alpine.

Franco Colapinto, Las Vegas GP 2024

 Williams

Intense speculation about his future has been swirling all season so far, with team advisor Flavio Briatore's obvious favourite Franco Colapinto - on loan from Williams - poised to step into the cockpit.

The intensity of the rumours, however, has actually eased over the last few weeks. Team boss Oliver Oakes seemed keen to reduce the pressure on Doohan's shoulders, but there were also rumblings about Alpine wanting to squeeze more money out of Colapinto's sponsors.

The logos of Argentine e-commerce company Mercado Libre are already on the Alpine livery, but another major Colapinto backer - the Argentine oil giant YPF - is still missing.

Some think this is because of a clash with an existing - and new - Alpine sponsor ENI, an Italian oil company.

However, YPF president Horacio Marin gave an interview to Argentine broadcaster A24 this week and he was asked directly if Colapinto is going to race for Alpine in 2025.

I can't tell you that, Marin replied, laughing.

The interviewer then pressed harder, asking: When will he debut? In Miami?

Again, the YPF president laughed as he awkwardly explained that he couldn't say anything about it.

But as soon as the interview was over, and Marin believed his microphone was no longer broadcasting because music and an end-screen were on the monitor, he was heard to mutter to his interviewer: In Imola.

(GMM)
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Contract management demands judgment and practical skills  World Bank official

GraphicOnline Business News Apr - 30 - 2025 , 18:18

The World Banks Senior Procurement Specialist and Procurement Hub Coordinator for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Ms Lina Tutunji, has emphasised that contract management involves not only adherence to rules but also sound judgement, negotiation, and practical problem-solving.

Ms Tutunji made the remarks on Monday, April 28, 2025, during her opening address at the commencement of a four-day FIDIC training course on contract management for professionals working on World Bank-funded projects. The training is taking place at the Engineering Centre in Roman Ridge, Accra.

The workshop has drawn 50 participants from Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cape Verde, and The Gambia. All attendees are project staff actively engaged in the implementation of World Bank-financed infrastructure projects across West Africa.

The training, which runs from Monday, April 28 to Friday, June 2, 2025, focuses on the management of contracts under the FIDIC Conditions of Contract, particularly the Red Book.

According to Ms Tutunji, the workshop marks an important milestone in the joint efforts of the World Bank and partner governments to enhance the quality, efficiency, and resilience of infrastructure delivery across the region. This years training is the second to be organised in partnership with the Ghana Consulting Engineers Association (GCEA).

As many of you know, sound procurement and contract management are fundamental to the success of any development project. Based on a well-planned and executed procurement, contract management ensures not only that projects are completed on time and within budget, but also that they meet the high standards of quality and sustainability that our communities rightly expect, Ms Tutunji stated.

She noted that the FIDIC Conditions of Contract, as a globally recognised standard, play a central role in the contractual frameworks employed by the World Bank, particularly for works contracts.

This follows an agreement signed in 2017 between the World Bank and FIDIC, permitting the use of FIDIC standard forms within the Banks standard procurement documents. She stressed the importance of understanding the structure, philosophy, and mechanisms within FIDIC contracts, particularly for risk management and dispute resolution.

In his welcome address, the President of the Ghana Consulting Engineers Association, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, described the workshop as timely and essential. He noted that it would equip participants with the tools needed for effective contract management and, crucially, enhance their understanding of contractual clauses.

He introduced the workshop facilitator, Engineer Abdel Hafiz Abdel Moniem, a Chartered Civil Engineer with more than 27 years of experience. He is a FIDIC-certified Contract Manager and holds a Masters degree in Construction Management. Ing. Bempong praised Engineer Abdel Moniems familiarity with African contexts and business practices, describing him as well-suited to deliver impactful training.
Ghanas petroleum hub requires unified action - Petroleum Hub CEO at inter-agency dialogue

Kweku Zurek Business News Apr - 30 - 2025 , 18:37

The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr Toni Aubynn, has called for sustained and meaningful collaboration among regulatory and government agencies to ensure the successful delivery of Ghanas ambitious Petroleum Hub project.

Speaking at the corporations first-ever Inter-Agency Dialogue on April 30, 2025, Dr Aubynn said the hubs realisation depends not on isolated efforts but on coordinated action across both public and private institutions.

We are here because we recognise that the success of Ghanas petroleum hub vision is interlinkednot with one agency, one ministry, or one entitybut with the harmonised efforts of many institutions, Dr Aubynn said in his keynote address.

The summit, themed Building the Energy Hub of Choice: Unlocking Synergies for a Globally Competitive Petroleum and Petrochemical Hub, brought together sector ministers, heads of regulatory authorities, and industry leaders to explore how improved coordination can enhance investor confidence and eliminate bottlenecks.

According to Dr Aubynn, fragmented efforts have already cost the country valuable investment opportunities. He said duplication, delayed approvals, and inconsistent communication contribute to perceptions of bureaucracy that deter potential investors. He urged all institutions involved in the hub project to adopt a culture of timely and transparent inter-agency coordination.

Too often, our efforts have been siloed. Weve had good intentions but fragmented actions. The result? Delays in policy execution, missed investment opportunities, and a general perception of bureaucracy that deters the very partners we are trying to attract, he stated.

He added that the PHDCs vision for the hub goes beyond physical infrastructure, aiming to position Ghana as the heartbeat of West Africas energy transformation through job creation, innovation, and industrialisation.

We envision a hub that becomes the beating heart of energy transformation in West Africaa hub that creates jobs, drives innovation, builds local capacity, and strengthens Ghanas economic sovereignty, Dr Aubynn said.

The Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, also addressed the forum, highlighting Ghanas geographic advantage and petroleum assets as key to becoming a regional energy leader.

He acknowledged the Petroleum Hub project as central to government policy and urged stakeholders to break down institutional silos for faster and more effective results.

Similarly, the Minister of Trade and Industry Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare described the project as a cornerstone of Ghanas trade strategy, stressing that it has the potential to position the country as a regional trading powerhouse.

The panel discussion featured the acting CEO of the Environmental Protection Agency, Professor Nana Ama Klutse; the acting CEO of the National Petroleum Authority, Godwin Kudzo Tameklo; the acting CEO of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono; and the acting CEO of the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority, Dr. Kwadwo Yeboah; all of whom pledged their commitment to streamlining licensing and permitting processes for the hub.

The event ended with a collective pledge from participating agencies to improve coordination and execution,
See the members of the new GRA board

Kweku Zurek Business News Apr - 30 - 2025 , 13:15

The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has inaugurated a new board for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), describing the occasion as a defining moment in Ghanas quest for revenue transformation and integrity in public finance management.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr Forson underlined the vital role of the GRA in the countrys economic development, noting that the success of government policies is heavily reliant on the authoritys ability to mobilise revenue efficiently.

He urged the newly constituted board to approach their responsibilities with a strong sense of integrity, purpose, and accountability, as the nation seeks to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation to support public expenditure.

This is a defining moment for revenue excellence in our country, the Minister remarked. It is time to look within and raise domestic revenue to anchor our governments spending. We must work with urgency and discipline.

The nine-member board is chaired by George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, a former Deputy Minister of Finance and current Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South. He is expected to provide strategic leadership to the board as it works to reform and modernise Ghanas revenue collection systems.

The other members of the board include Mr Anthony Sarpong, the Commissioner of the GRA; Mr Patrick Nomo; Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare; Dr Zakaria Mumuni; Madam Faustina Nelson; Mr George Ayiretey; Laadi Ayamba; and Mr Francis-Xavier Sosu.

Dr Forson tasked the board to take decisive action against smuggling, which continues to undermine the countrys revenue efforts, particularly at the borders. He also called for innovative strategies to broaden the tax net and improve compliance without overburdening taxpayers.

The inauguration comes at a time when Ghana is exploring ways to strengthen its fiscal position and reduce reliance on external borrowing. The GRA, as the key institution mandated to collect taxes and administer revenue laws, is central to these efforts.

With the new board in place, expectations are high for a renewed focus on efficiency, technology adoption, and transparency in revenue administration, as government looks to close loopholes and increase tax collection to fund its development agenda.
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Henry Herbert Malm appointed acting Director of National Theatre

Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Apr - 30 - 2025 , 12:41 1 minute read

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Henry Herbert Malm as acting Director of the National Theatre of Ghana.

Malm is a communications and media person.

He takes over from Amy Appiah Frimpong, who retired in December 2024.

Previously, Malm served as Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at Unilever Ghana PLC, driving stakeholder engagement and sustainability strategies.

He also worked as a news anchor at TV3.

Malm's appointment is expected to usher in a new era for the National Theatre and a renewed vision and enhanced public engagement under his leadership.

The National Theatre of Ghana is one of the agencies under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts as a beacon for the Performing Arts in Ghana.

Its mission is to make the Performing Arts the anchor for the preservation, promotion, and development of Ghana culture.
Non-hormonal male contraceptive implant lasts at least two years in trials

theguardian.com Life Apr - 30 - 2025 , 17:01 4 minutes read

An implantable, non-hormonal male contraceptive has been shown in trials to last for at least two years.

The contraceptive, known as Adam, is a water-soluble hydrogel that is implanted in the sperm ducts, preventing sperm from mixing with semen.

The company behind the product, Contraline, says the approach offers a reversible alternative to condoms and vasectomies, with the hydrogel designed to break down in the body after a set period of time, restoring fertility.

Contraline has released details of its phase 1 clinical trial, revealing Adam can successfully block the release of sperm for 24 months, with no sperm detected in the semen of the two participants who have so far reached this time point in the trial. In addition, it said no serious adverse events had been recorded.

This is really exciting because our goal since day one has been to create a two-year-long male contraceptive  that is what the demand is for: a two-year-long, temporary or reversible male birth control. And we have the first data to show that thats possible, said Kevin Eisenfrats, the founder and chief executive of Contraline.

Eisenfrats said the 25 participants in the clinical trial were enrolled at different points in time, with more results expected to follow. Its great proof of concept, he added..

Eisenfrats said the implant was inserted in a minimally invasive procedure that took about 10 minutes and used local anaesthetic, meaning the patient remained awake.

Adam is not the first male contraceptive in development that acts by blocking the sperm ducts (vas deferens), although Eisenfrats said some other implants had used materials that did not break down in the body. He said there was little data to show fertility was restored after these were removed, while there were also concerns such implants could cause scarring of the vas deferens and lead to permanent sterilisation.

The results from the Adam clinical trial have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal and do not include data on the reversibility of the implant. However, Eisenfrats said the hydrogel had a predictable lifespan and had been shown to break down over time in animal trials, with work using lower doses in men revealing a shorter period of efficacy.

The way to think about this is sort of like the IUD [intrauterine device] for men, Eisenfrats said, adding that after a two-year period men could decide whether to get another implant. The team is working on a procedure to enable on-demand reversal. Eisenfrats said sperm tests could be used by men at home to check whether the contraceptive was still effective.

Contraline said it was expecting to begin a phase 2 clinical trial in Australia later this year involving 30 to 50 participants.

Prof Richard Anderson, an expert in hormonal male contraception at the University of Edinburgh, welcomed the findings. Its impressive that this looks like something that does actually work, which is great, he said.

Weve now got hormonal and non-hormonal methods in advanced clinical development, which is potentially a much better position than weve been in previously in terms of actually getting something on the market for men to really use.

But Anderson and Prof Jon Oatley, of Washington State University, said at present no data had been released showing the reversibility of the Adam implant, and it remained unclear how long a single implant lasted.

Anderson also said it had yet to be shown that the implant could be removed, while Oatley said the long-term ramifications of blocking the vas deferens were unknown.

Oatley said that while the Adam implant could be a strong contraceptive option for men, uptake may be limited. Given a choice of a pill, patch, injectable or surgery, I believe that most men would choose pill or patch over surgery, he said.
HOPSA 2001 Year Group launch sustainable water project

Elizabeth Nyaadu Adu Education Apr - 30 - 2025 , 13:42 2 minutes read

A legacy sustainable water project aimed at improving the lives of students and staff of the Holy Child Senior High School has been launched by the Holy Child Past Students Association (HOPSA) 2001 Year Group.

Dubbed: Reliable Water: Each Drop Empowers Her, the initiative will provide a sustainable water solution for over 3000 students and staff, enhancing the schools daily water capacity by an impressive 20,000 gallons per day.

The project spearheaded by the dynamic class of HOPSA 2001 - the Sapphires who will be hosting and organising next years 80th Speech and Prize-Giving Day of Holy Child School as well as marking 25 years of completing school.

Speaking at a Fundraising Gala and launch of the project in Accra last Saturday, the President of the 2001 Year Group, Anita Nadia Attah, said project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6  ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

She said the vital project seeks to cure the chronic and perennial water shortages that have affected the schools daily operations over the years by providing an additional 20,000 gallons of water per day, improving the lives of students and enhancing the schools infrastructure.

The Chairperson for the occasion, Professor Kofi Abotsi, a renowned lawyer and Dean of the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA) Law School explained that the issue of water shortage was endemic to most Cape-Coast schools but especially for a girls school, sanitation cannot be taken for granted.

He stressed the critical need for addressing the water shortage to ensure the well-being of students.

He added that the project was not only for some group of people to solve but one that required everyone to be involved.

The event saw the unveiling of the 80th Anniversary Patrons. Pledges of support were also received from individuals, the Delle Brothers; the Edward Osei Boakye Trust Fund; Chris Kusi-Appiah; NUHOPSA (HOPSA parent group), HOPSA 2000, HOPSA 2006, HOPSA 1980, HOPSA 2002, HOPSA 2004, HOPSA 2003, HOPSA 1990, HOPSA 1991, HOPSA 1989, and HOPSA 1992.

Celebrated businessman and philanthropist, Ibrahim Mahama, a special guest of the event, pledged to fully support the project, stating the need to adopt a culture of maintenance to ensure the sustainability of such projects.

He added that his team will take up the responsibility of implementing the project entirely.

Following the official launch of the Sapphires legacy project, the group called on all alumni, parents, friends of Holy Child, HOPSANs, as well as Corporate Ghana, to help make the 80th Anniversary of Holy Child School next year a success.
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Education key to preventing workplace accidents  Chief Inspector of Mines

GraphicOnline Apr - 30 - 2025 , 08:49 3 minutes read

The Chief Inspector of Mines at the Minerals Commission, Richard Kofi Adjei, has underscored the critical role of education and awareness in preventing workplace accidents, particularly in high-risk sectors such as mining.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the National Conference of the Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Practitioners Association of Ghana (SHEQPA-GH) in Accra, he emphasised the importance of continuous staff training on workplace safety protocols.

Marking World Day for Safety and Health at Work reminds us that education is key. Safety officers must go beyond compliance and engage staff regularly on the protocols that keep us all safe, he stated.

He added that workplace safety should not be treated as a one-time campaign but rather a sustained effort, reinforced by leadership, safety practitioners, and workers alike.

While acknowledging that safety is a non-negotiable value in the workplace, he emphasised that financial concerns should not hinder the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and digital solutions that protect lives.

The requisite safety equipment and measures may be expensive, but as safety practitioners, we must bear in mind that health and safety always override cost, Mr Adjei posited.

Deputy Chief Inspector of Mines, Desmond Boahene, also highlighted the importance of inclusivity in safety planning, particularly in relation to contractors who often operate under high-risk conditions.

We must ensure that contractors receive the same level of protection and attention as permanent staff. Safety must be universal, he noted.

He further advocated for a system that rewards and recognises adherence to safety practices, stressing that motivation and accountability go hand in hand in building a strong safety culture.

Continuing the discussion, Akua Berantuo-Armooh, President of SHEQPA-GH, called for effective collaboration among all workplace stakeholders to ensure safer working environments across all sectors.

Safety practitioners cannot do it alone without the support of general managers and heads of departments. We must all understand our roles and work together to create safer spaces, she explained.

Focusing on the Ghanaian mining industry, Mrs Armooh acknowledged the sectors regulatory framework but expressed concern over continued fatalities, which, she noted, point to the need for further improvements.

Weve come a long way, but fatalities in the mining sector remain a concern. We must invest in the adoption of relevant technologies to proactively address these risks.

She also emphasised the need to develop tailor-made safety procedures suited to Ghanas unique working environments and cultural dynamics.

Too often, safety standards are copied directly from corporate offices without considering local risks. Developing our own context-specific protocols is the way forward.

A presentation on standard industry safety practices was also delivered during the conference. Key insights from the conference theme, Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work, were shared by Ing. Dr Koduah Dapaah, Managing Partner at K+MNJ Consults. He highlighted the importance of using modern safety equipment and fostering teamwork in managing workplace hazards and preventing fatalities.

The inaugural edition of the National Conference of SHEQPA-GH formed part of activities commemorating the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. It brought together a cross-section of industry players and policymakers. Going forward, the event is expected to become an annual gathering of safety professionals, reflecting Ghanas ongoing commitment to workplace safety through dialogue, innovation, and shared responsibility.
Assist children affected by community mining  CRI

Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Apr - 30 - 2025 , 02:57 4 minutes read

Child Rights International (CRI) has called on the government to take urgent action to address the effects of the Community Mining Scheme on children who have been adversely impacted by the policy.

The call follows a recent study by the child-focused organisation which revealed disturbing statistics on school dropouts, health risks and child exploitation in areas where the community mining scheme was in force.

The findings paint a gloomy picture of the long-term consequences of the policy for children who were drawn into hazardous and exploitative mining activities.

According to the report, while school enrolment for children between 13 and 17 years averaged 90 per cent in non-mining areas, only 18 per cent of children aged 13 to 14 years and 17 per cent of those aged between 15 and 17 years were still in school in mining communities at the height of community mining operations.

For example, school attendance in Upper West Akim and Ayensuano, two districts previously affected by community mining, dropped to 65 and 62 per cent, respectively.

The research, conducted between 2023 and 2024, covered mining communities, many of them illegal mining sites, in the the Ashanti, Western, Central, Eastern, and Western North regions.

It sampled over 2,000 households and interviewed 6,000 children, of which 57 per cent were male and 43 per cent female.

Forced into adulthood

The study also found that many children had assumed adult responsibilities far too early, often becoming the main breadwinners for their families.

It revealed that while the average income in mining areas was GH877.90 a month, children working in illegal mining could earn as much as GH4,200 a month  a strong incentive to abandon school for dangerous work.

It said 302 children (4.9 per cent) were found to be supporting their parents financially, while 508 children (8.3 per cent) were contributing to the upkeep of their grandparents.

Health impact

Health-wise, the impact was even more alarming as the report pointed out that about 81.7 per cent of children surveyed reported suffering injuries from mining tools or accidents, while 93 per cent of health workers said children had been exposed to toxic substances such as mercury, which could cause severe respiratory damage or death.

In areas such as Amansie West and South in the Ashanti Region, 85 per cent of children were diagnosed with pneumoconiosis, a group of lung diseases caused by dust inhalation.

In the Western North Region, the same percentage suffered from tuberculosis, while 70 per cent of children in Bia East and West were battling other mining-related respiratory diseases.

The report also documented widespread exposure to sexual exploitation and sexually transmitted diseases, with 45.3 per cent of children, especially girls, reporting experiences of having sex for survival and other forms of sexual abuse in mining camps.

Call to action

At a press conference in Accra yesterday, the Executive Director of CRI, Bright Appiah, called on the government and relevant stakeholders to implement targeted interventions to support children who were exploited or displaced by community mining before it was abolished.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, last month announced the suspension of the Community Mining Scheme (CMS) introduced by the previous administration because it was not different from illegal mining.

He said the government, therefore, suspended the scheme to reform it for operation by the middle of this year.

Mr Appiah said the damaging effects of community mining were still being felt in mining communities, especially among children who dropped out of school, sustained injuries or were exposed to harmful chemicals and exploitation.

The Executive Director of CRI called for a national rehabilitation programme aimed at reintegrating affected children into school, providing access to health care, and restoring their rights to a safe and protected childhood.

Mr Appiah further called for the strict enforcement of the Free Compulsory Basic Education (FCUBE) programme through increased investment in rural education infrastructure and social welfare services, alongside strict penalties for parents who neglect their childrens education.

He also advocated the empowerment of law enforcement agencies, including the police and the Minerals Commission, with adequate resources to inspect mining sites, remove child labourers and prosecute perpetrators.

Among other recommendations, CRI urged the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to launch a sustainability programme to ensure gold from areas where child labour was used was rejected, while promoting mercury-free mining and publishing annual progress reports.

Mr Appiah also proposed a national policy that integrated child protection mechanisms into all mining governance frameworks to ensure the mistakes of the past were not repeated.
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Bawku crisis mediation off to positive start

Emmanuel Baah Apr - 30 - 2025 , 12:14 2 minutes read

The first day of mediation for the Bawku crisis at the Manhyia Palace went well yesterday.

A source informed the Daily Graphic that discussions were candid and proceeded as expected, with the factions showing a willingness to engage in dialogue.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is the sole mediator in the long-standing chieftaincy and ethnic dispute between the Kusasis and Mamprusis in Bawku and its environs, held separate meetings with the conflicting parties, which included chiefs, legal representatives and opinion leaders.

The three-day meeting is taking place at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Jubilee Hall within the Manhyia Palace.

The conflict has led to violent clashes, deaths and a prolonged security presence in the area.

Tight security

A strong presence of military and police personnel was deployed to ensure that everything remained peaceful at the palace.

Journalists were not permitted inside the meeting venue.

Anxious wait

Hundreds of Kusasis and Mamprusis, many of whom had travelled from Bawku, gathered outside the palace, anxiously awaiting the outcomes of the proceedings.

At certain points, some of them were seen in a jubilant mood, claimingwithout any evidence  that the proceedings were in their favour.

Confidence

Some individuals, who spoke to the Daily Graphic, expressed confidence in the Asantehene to resolve the matter.

They believe that Otumfuos involvement in the mediation had added credibility and authority to the peace process.

Background

President John Dramani Mahama sought the intervention of Otumfuo to continue the mediation that began under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

There has been an escalation of the conflict in recent months, resulting in deaths and cases of arson.

The government has imposed curfews and deployed security forces to maintain order.

Otumfuos efforts are, therefore, crucial in preventing further escalation.
French Ambassador inspects shea processing centre at Tugu

Mohammed Fugu Apr - 30 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read

The French government has reiterated its commitment to empower women entrepreneurs in Ghana to enable them to expand their ventures and contribute meaningfully to national development.

This is in line with its vision of fostering a renewed and equitable relationship between France and the African continent aimed at poverty reduction, sustainable growth and inclusive development.

The French Ambassador to Ghana, Jules-Armand Aniambossou, who made this pledge, said Ghana was rich with opportunities for sustainable development, hence the need to strengthen partnerships for mutual benefits.

He made the comment when he inspected a shea processing centre at Tugu, a farming community in the Tamale Metropolis, as part of his working visit to the Northern Region.

The shea processing centre is an initiative led by Advans Savings and Loans, a French-owned financial institution operating in Ghana, to support marginalised communities and small businesses.

The project is being implemented in partnership with organisations such as the Mastercard Foundation, the Global Shea Alliance and the Sahel Agricultural Services.

Job creation

In his remarks, Mr Aniambossou expressed satisfaction with the operation of the shea processing factory and pledged continued support to them.

The Chief Executive Officer of Advans Savings and Loans, Guillaume Valence, indicated that the shea processing initiative had positively impacted about 8,000 women over the past three years through job creation and expansion of economic opportunities.

He said so far, 90 cooperatives had received training and capacity-building support, with 46 of them benefiting from financial assistance in 2024 alone, totalling nearly GH4 million.

He lauded the women for promptly repaying their loans, saying that it had enabled the company to broaden its support to more women in the area.

A Leader of the Tugu Women Cooperative, Fuseina Andani, thanked the French government and the various partners for the intervention and said it had improved their economic fortunes.

Previously, we sold our shea to middlemen at very low prices. Now we see the real benefits," she said.
Ghana Medical Trust Fund launch: Support MahamaCares - President urges corporate Ghana

Augustina Tawiah Apr - 30 - 2025 , 07:03 5 minutes read

The President, John Dramani Mahama, has appealed to organisations in the public and private sectors to devote a portion of their annual social investments to support the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, otherwise known as the MahamaCares Initiative.

He explained that those who would benefit from the fund were either their clients or staff; therefore, supporting the cause would be a worthy cause for both the benefactors and beneficiaries.

The President made the appeal yesterday at the launch of the Medical Trust Fund at the University of Ghana Medical School (UGMC), Legon in Accra.

Initiative

MahamaCares is a landmark initiative introduced by the government to decisively confront the growing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The fund will support specialist-level treatment for a range of chronic diseases, including cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney failure, stroke and other complications.

It will also progressively expand to cover convalescent (recovery) care, palliative (pain management) services, and home-based support.

Support from the fund will be based on formal applications, which will be carefully vetted. It will focus on costs not currently covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

The main source of finance for the fund is proceeds from the uncapped portion of the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL), which is 2.5 per cent of value added goods and services and value of import charges.

It will also include direct budgetary allocations from the government, voluntary contributions from corporate institutions and individuals, grants and donations.

The fund has also been designed to invest proceeds to generate more income.

Treatment cost

Citing personal experiences of loved ones, including his mother, father and stepmother, who suffered NCDs, President Mahama acknowledged that the cost of treatment for NCDs was not just disturbing but could be devastating for low-income families.

He said managing such diseases imposed an excruciating financial burden on families, often pushed them below the poverty line and deepened their vulnerability.

Quoting estimates from the countrys teaching hospitals, he said the average annual cost of NCD treatment per patient stood at approximately GH53,000, and that was equivalent to about $3,300.

It is estimated that individuals diagnosed with chronic diseases face a 75 per cent likelihood of falling into poverty within five years, regardless of their original economic standing.

Those battling kidney and cardiovascular diseases are reported to spend between 70 per cent and 95 per cent of their non-food expenditure on health care alone.

Older adults living with chronic conditions spend five times more on health care than their healthier counterparts, the President referenced established data.

President Mahama, therefore, pledged six months of his salary to support the fund.

He said in spite of the important strides made, the NHIS remained inadequate in fully covering NCD-related services and medications, pointing out that in 2018, around 48 per cent of all NHIS claims were related to NCDs, yet essential services remained outside the NHIS coverage, leaving families dangerously exposed to out-of-pocket payments.

President Mahama said it was against that background that shortly after his election as President, he directed the establishment of the fund, which was a commitment captured in the 2024 People's Manifesto of the National Democratic Congress(NDC).

He explained that the fund would operate as an independent statutory trust, governed by a board of trustees, and supported by a dedicated administrative secretariat, third-party administrators and patient navigators to ensure transparency, efficiency and a patient-centred service ethic.

The President disclosed that initial projections suggested that the fund would require approximately GH3 billion annually over the first three years.

Specialists

The Rector of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Professor Richard Adanu, said the country needed specialists from various fields of the healthcare force, such as nurses and pharmacists, to have efficient healthcare delivery.

He said that through some analysis done by the college, they realised that the country needed about 6,500 additional specialists of all categories to be able to deliver the kind of care that was needed by 2030.

Currently, the country has about 2,000 specialists in training and could halve the gap if all regional hospitals were fully delivering postgraduate training, Prof. Adanu said.

He, therefore, appealed to the President to make that happen in his second term in office.

We believe that it is possible in four years to have all the regional hospitals fully delivering a certain set of postgraduate programmes, and if we do that, we can increase the number of specialists in training currently from 2,000 to 3,000, Prof. Adanu said.

Estimates

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said estimates from the World Health Organisation indicated that NCDs remained a leading global health challenge, responsible for 75 per cent of non-pandemic-related deaths worldwide in 2021.

The statistics also show that low and middle-income countries continued to bear the heaviest burden, accounting for 73 per cent of the NCD-related deaths, primarily due to cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.

In Ghana, the situation of NCDs remains critical; they account for approximately 43 per cent of all-cause mortality, with a significant rise recorded between 2012 and 2023.

Today, it ranks among the top 10 causes of death. Alarmingly, individuals between 18 and 45 constitute over 50 per cent of the NCD cases, Mr Akandor stated.

The Chief of Health of UNICEF Ghana, Manuel Dewez, said development partners were ready to provide the necessary support for the Ministry of Health and its agencies to help save lives, improve the health of present and future generations, and ensure that the human, social and financial burden of NCDs did not undermine the development progress made in Ghana in recent years.

The Head of the Task Force for the fund, Rev. Prof. Emeritus Seth Aryeetey, who made a substantial donation to the fund, said members of the team were on many occasions heartbroken by stories of patients who were suffering from chronic diseases.
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Government addressing critical energy sector challenges  Jinapor

Timothy Ngnenbe Apr - 30 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read

The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has assured members of the public and businesses that steps are being taken to address challenges facing the countrys energy sector to ensure a reliable and affordable power supply.

Speaking at a West African Gas Pipeline Project (WAGP) meeting, Mr Jinapor said under the directive of President John Dramani Mahama, he was working closely with the relevant stakeholders and putting in place policy measures that would address the financial and technical issues that were negatively affecting the energy sector.

For instance, he said, Cabinet had approved the establishment of a second gas processing plant in the country as a long-term measure to switch from the overdependence on liquid fuel, which was costlier compared with gas.

The government was also working closely with all stakeholders to deal with the $80 billion energy sector debt.

"So, I want to appeal to Ghanaians and the general consuming public to bear with the government as difficult decisions are being taken to resolve the current energy challenges.

"We are committed to ensuring stable, reliable, uninterrupted and sustainable energy sources for our economic development," Mr Jinapor stressed.

The Yapei Kusawgu Member of Parliament (MP) made the call at the opening session of the ordinary meeting of ministers under the West African Gas Pipeline Project (WAGP) in Accra yesterday.

The meeting brought together the four countries under the WAGP  Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria to reflect, deliberate and explore efficient ways of harnessing the potential of the WAGP project.

Present at the meeting were the Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Nigeria, Ekperikpe Ekpo; Energy, Water and Mines of Benin, Paulin Kingnide Akponya; Mines and Energy Resources, Togo, Paul Mawusi Katatsi, and other dignitaries.

WAGP key

WAGP project consists of a pipeline system (681 km long) that transports natural gas from Nigeria to Ghana, Togo and Benin for power generation and eventually other uses.

Mr Jinapor said the WAGP was critical to the government's quest to get reliable and cheaper source of energy to avoid the heavy dependence on liquid fuels, which were so expensive.

This year alone, we estimated that $1.2 billion is required to procure liquid fuel, but when we use gas, that will save us about 50 per cent to 60 per cent of the cost of liquid fuel.

If we had a gas processing plant, it means that we would have been saving about $600 million this year alone, and that amount is enough to build the gas processing plant, he said.

Efficiency

Mr Jinapor said that although the country was experiencing over 500 megawatts (MW) of load shedding as of December 2024, the government had been able to reduce that deficit significantly.

Nevertheless, the Energy Minister said, the country was still having some challenges which we are working on to address in the coming weeks.

He added that the country lost more than $1 billion every month from the inefficiencies in the power sector relating to technical, collection and commercial losses, and the non-alignment of a tariff structure to the cost structure.

WAGP beneficial

The Director-General of the West Africa Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA), Chafari Kanya Hanawa, said the success story of the WAGP in the four West African countries bore ample evidence that collective efforts could unlock the potential of the regions natural gas resource for development.

She said apart from creating a ready market for the export of gas from Nigeria, the WAGP had contributed to cost-saving in the energy sectors of the other three countries.

The Managing Director of the West Africa Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAGPC), Michelle Burkett, underscored the need for increased accountability in the gas value chain to ensure that the resource translated into energy security.
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Govt commended for budget allocation for free sanitary pads

Augustina Tawiah Apr - 30 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read

Plan International Ghana has commended the government for the historic allocation of GH292.4 million in the 2025 Financial Budget to distribute free sanitary pads to female students in primary and senior high schools.

It said the initiative would significantly reduce school absenteeism, improve menstrual hygiene management and contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty that disproportionately affects girls, adding that it also marked a significant milestone in the fight against menstrual poverty and the promotion of gender equality in Ghana.

A statement issued in Accra said it recognised the profound impact the initiative would have on the lives of girls, especially those in underserved rural communities.

By ensuring access to free sanitary pads, the government is addressing a key driver of inequality and creating an enabling environment for girls to stay in school, focus on their education and achieve their full potential, it said.

Menstrual poverty

Menstrual poverty remains a critical barrier to the well-being, education and development of women and girls, particularly in rural areas.

Limited access to affordable menstrual hygiene products, according to Plan International Ghana, forced many girls to resort to unsafe and unhygienic alternatives such as rags or leaves, which posed serious health risks and contributed to school absenteeism.

It said in some cases, some of the girls ended up in compromising situations leading to abuse by some adults, pointing out that the governments commitment to providing free sanitary pads would not only alleviate these challenges but also empower girls to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence.

It urged the government to ensure the effective implementation of the initiative, particularly in hard-to reach rural areas where the need was greatest and also called for sustained investment in menstrual health education and the provision of adequate sanitation facilities in schools to complement this initiative.

Plan International Ghana remains steadfast in its commitment to working with the government, communities and other stakeholders to advance menstrual health and gender equality.

Together, we can create a future where every girl in Ghana can thrive, free from the barriers of menstrual poverty, it said.

The statement said Plan International Ghana had long been at the forefront of efforts to address menstrual poverty and promote gender equality through its interventions, projects and initiatives such as the SHE Leads, the Lead Fund, "Be Smart Learn and Stay Protected" and Integrated Package for Sustainable Community Development (IPADEV).
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Invest in safety technologies - Dr Pelpuo to employers

Emmanuel Bonney Apr - 30 - 2025 , 09:57 4 minutes read

The Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, has called on employers to invest in safety technologies and involve workers in their implementation.

That, he said, was to ensure safety and enhance workplace productivity.

"On the other hand, workers must embrace lifelong learning, seizing opportunities to acquire new skills and advocating for their rights to a safe workplace.

"As policymakers, we owe it an obligation to formulate laws that protect and empower workers in technology-driven environments," Dr Pelpuo said at this year's World Day for Safety and Health at Work, in Accra yesterday.

The event is on the theme: "Emerging Technologies and Their Impact on Workers' Health and Safety".

Reminder

Dr Pelpuo said the day served as a powerful reminder of the collective duty of all in ensuring that every worker in Ghana worked under a safe and secure working environment.

He said the International Labour Organisation had estimated that over 2.78 million workers globally lost their lives annually to occupational accidents and diseases.

Those developments, he said, underscored the urgency to do things differently to see better results.

Since assuming office, Dr Pelpuo said he had been overwhelmed by the support he had received from the tripartite partners across the country, and "I pledge to stand with you in promoting decent work and standards in all sectors of the economy."

He said in recent years, the world of work had evolved rapidly and that the influx of artificial intelligence, robots and data-driven systems was transforming the way "we work, the tools we use, and the environment we operate in".

Safety measures

The need for robust safety measures at the workplace, he said, was, therefore, undeniable and that high-risk sectors such as construction and mining reported over 1,000 occupational injuries annually, a sobering statistic that reflected the daily risks faced by workers.

"Similarly, about 60 per cent of the workforce operates in the informal economy, even without access to basic safety protection.

These smart tools monitor workers' health in real time, detecting signs of fatigue or exposure to hazardous conditions, and alerting supervisors to intervene before accidents occur.

"Mainstreaming these technologies provides the impetus to prevent injuries, save lives, and create workplaces where safety is not an afterthought but a fundamental priority," he said.

Dr Pelpuo said the impact of emerging technologies on workers' health and safety could not be overemphasised, saying that globally, poor workplace safety was estimated to cost economies about four per cent of Gross Domestic Product annually in loss of productivity and medical expenses, a burden Ghana could not afford.

Those figures, he said, "compel us to act decisively, leveraging the tools of the modern age to protect our workers and unlock the full potential of our nation.

The rise of automatism, particularly in industries like manufacturing, raises concern about job displacement as machines increasingly perform tasks once executed by humans."

Support

Without adequate support, workers risk being left behind, facing economic uncertainty and exclusion from the labour market.

Furthermore, cybersecurity threats pose a growing danger as compromised technology-driven systems could endanger workers, particularly in high-risk sectors.

These challenges require a proactive, worker-centred approach to ensure that technology serves as a force for good.

He said the government of President John Dramani Mahama remained committed to harnessing technology to advance safety and health at their workplace.

That, he said, included making substantial investment in health infrastructure, modernising facilities and equipping workplaces with the tools needed to integrate technology safety.

In a solidarity message, the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, charged workers to double their game.

He said it was a collective duty to make every workplace healthier and safer.

The Chief Inspector of Factories, George D. Gashon, said there was the need to upscale training in health and safety in all organisations.

Safety committees should be in every organisation; they should be meeting and discussing safety, and we would be taking all those inputs before certification.

That task force is there to ensure that if you need training, it would help you with that, he said, adding that technological training was also important.
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No-Fee-Stress portal launched

Severious Kale-Dery Apr - 30 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read

A portal to actualise the policy of absorbing the admission and facility user fees has been launched in Accra.

The portal is a dedicated digital platform that provides students, families and institutions with comprehensive information on eligibility, institutional coverage and beneficiaries.

Dubbed No-Fee-Stress Portal, it requires first-year students to submit their application for the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) to take care of their admission and facility user fees.

The policy covers all Ghanaian first-year students in public tertiary institutions and it enables such students to access financial support from the government of Ghana.

How to apply

To apply, a student is required to visit NoFeesStress.sltf.gov.gh or www.slftf.gov.gh portal and provide his/her Ghana Card Identification number, telephone number and student ID number.

The student will be required to enter his or her Ghana Card number, and then verify his or her identity with the NIA by taking a selfie on the CAPTURE PAGE.

The student then fills in his or her details and receives an OTP code, confirms it on the OTP page, enters the institution and bank details, reviews the details when it is done and then submits.

If successfully submitted, a thank you, your information has been submitted would pop up.

Launch

At the launch of the portal in Accra at the inauguration of a 13-member Board of Trustees of the SLTF chaired by Cynthia Amerley Amarteifio, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, was particularly happy that the portal had been launched, So that the public will know that we are operationalising this policy efficiently and transparently.

He said the portal was in fulfilment of the promise of a no-fees policy for first-year tertiary students made by the President during his campaign before the 2024 general election.

Government is seeking to absorb those fees, and tasked the chairperson and members of the trust that the responsibility would rest on their shoulders.

Disburse this money to all beneficiary students in a manner that is fair, open, transparent, and meritorious, the minister told them.

The minister said all tertiary students both public and private, would benefit from the President's special intervention in the no-fees stress.

The transformative policy eliminates admission, registration, and tuition fees.

Tuition is free at all levels of education in Ghana.

So, nobody should debate tuition fees.

The promise and pledge were for admission, registration, and academic facility fees for first-year students.

Tuition at all levels of education in Ghana, from basic to university, remains free.

There is no intention by this government to change that policy.

What the President is emphasising is that no student should suffer getting admitted the first time when you have an admission letter, Mr Iddrisu emphasised.

GETFund allocation

On allocations to the SLTF, the minister said the allocation of GH60 million was woefully inadequate.

He explained, If we anticipate expanding it to cover other students in other institutions, especially the private universities, I will have no hesitation that, in your 2026 formula, we double this amount to GH150 million allocation to the Student Loan Trust so that we can expand your remit.

Addressing the board of trustees, Mr Iddrisu said the President had every trust in their expertise, that they would do him good in serving the Ghanaian people better, in particular, contributing to ameliorating the unbearable financial burden of university students, particularly in their first year.
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Simplify tax laws to curb evasion - Abeku Gyan-Quansah to govt

Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Apr - 30 - 2025 , 12:18 5 minutes read

A Senior Partner at accounting and advisory firm, PwC, Abeiku Gyan-Quansah, has re-emphasised the call for the government to simplify the countrys tax laws to reduce tax evasion and improve compliance.

Speaking on Daily Graphics Time with PwC last Monday, the tax expert said many Ghanaians failed to pay taxes not necessarily out of defiance, but because they did not understand the tax laws or see the value of their contributions.

He said while tax was a crucial source of funding for public goods and services such as roads, hospitals and education, its complexity often alienated the average taxpayer.

If the people are saying they do not understand, it is governments role to introduce laws that are easier to understand, he stated.

Mr Gyan-Quansah, who has nearly two decades of experience in tax advisory and compliance, also highlighted the need for public accountability and stronger political will to enforce tax laws.

He argued that demonstrating the value of taxpayers money and ensuring fair enforcement would boost voluntary compliance and narrow the countrys tax gap.

Time with PwC is a weekly tax compliance advocacy by the accounting and advisory firm in collaboration with the Daily Graphic and its sister paper, Graphic Business.

The content, which would be aired on the Graphic YouTube channel, is meant to break down the tax system to enable individuals and corporate entities to understand the space with an eventual aim of increasing tax compliance and performance.

Context

The tax practitioner warned, however, that oversimplifying tax laws could lead to exploitation.

I'm an advocate for simplifying the tax laws.

However, there's a level beyond which you can always simplify something.

If you simplify it too much and if you're not careful, people will take advantage of those simplifications and also not comply.

They'll find a way of going round the law because it is so simple to go round, he said.

Value for money

Mr Gyan-Quansah also emphasised the importance of showing the public the tangible benefits of taxes, particularly Value Added Tax (VAT), in order to boost confidence and compliance.

He argued that many people questioned what their taxes were being used for, which undermined their willingness to pay.

To address this, the PwC Senior Partner proposed that government projects funded by VAT, such as infrastructure improvements like bridges, should be clearly marked with labels indicating they were financed through VAT contributions.

That would help the public to see the direct value of their taxes to minimise excuses for non-compliance, saying; If the people believe that the money they have paid is commensurate with the value that they are getting, that excuse not to comply will be minimised.

Political will

Mr Gyan-Quansah mentioned the importance of political will in tax enforcement when discussing the challenges of strict implementation.

He acknowledged that while some people were reluctant to comply with tax laws due to confusion or scepticism about the value of their contributions, a key issue was the political will to enforce tax compliance.

He said politicians may be hesitant to enforce taxes strictly, especially if such actions might negatively impact their political standing.

Let me pick a typical foreign-led company.

If that company does not comply with taxes, I bet you the likelihood is that the revenue authority would go after them.

Can we say the same about our public markets?

The people say we wouldn't comply.

How easily can you touch them?

And when you touch them, at what political cost does it come? he questioned.

Mr Gyan-Quansah, therefore, suggested that effective tax enforcement required overcoming these political considerations, ensuring that both authorities and citizens are motivated to comply with the tax laws.

Different taxes

The Senior Partner explained the difference between personal income tax, which was paid by individual workers, and corporate income tax, which was paid by legal entities created by law.

He emphasised that individuals paid personal income tax, while companies, although not human, are treated as persons under the law and thus pay corporate income tax.

He clarified that partnerships differed from companies, as the partnership itself may not pay tax directly; rather, the income was allocated to partners who then paid personal income tax.

Withholding tax

Mr Gyan-Quansah clarified the countrys withholding tax regime, stating that it consisted of two key categories: income tax and VAT withholding.

He explained that Pay As You Earn (PAYE), which employers deducted from employees salaries, was a form of withholding tax.

He explained that withholding taxes also applied to goods, levied at three per cent works at five per cent, and services levied at 7.5 per cent.

Mr Gyan-Quansah emphasised that those taxes were not final, but taxpayers must file annual returns, declare total income and reconcile their taxes.

"If you've underpaid, you top up. If you've overpaid, you write for your money back," he said.

The tax expert also touched on withholding tax on investment returns, such as equity or loan payments, and clarified the concept of income.

Mr Gyan-Quansah outlined how companies paid taxes quarterly, providing projections to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to guide their tax obligations throughout the year.

Compliance

The PwC Senior Partner distinguished between tax evasion  an illegal act involving fraud  and tax avoidance, which used lawful strategies to reduce tax.

He warned that while avoidance was not criminal, it may incur interest if underpaid.

He further explained how benefits masked as business expenses could be reclassified by the GRA.

He said companies might set different financial year-ends, unlike individuals whose tax year runs from January to December.

Mr Gyan-Quansah highlighted deadlines, stressing that extensions could be requested in writing.

Penalties for delays, he said, included interest at the Bank of Ghana (BoG) rate plus 25 per cent.

He, therefore, stressed the need for proper bookkeeping, warning that poor records may trigger disadvantageous GRA estimates.
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GH49million cyber defence software case: Kwabena Adu-Boahene, 3 others plead not guilty to charges

Justice Agbenorsi Apr - 30 - 2025 , 18:33 3 minutes read

The immediate past Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), formerly Bureau of National Communications (BNC), Kwabena Adu-Boahene, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including allegedly causing a financial loss of GH49 million to the state in a deal to purchase a cyber-defense software.

This comes after the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dominic Ayine charged Adu-Boahene with three counts of stealing, one count of willfully causing financial loss to the state, one count of using public office for profit, and one count of defrauding by false pretence and one count of obtaining public property by false statement.

Read also: Former National Signals Bureau boss Kwabena Adu-Boahene and three others charged with stealing

Mr Adu-Boahene and his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, have been jointly charged with one count of collaborating to use public office for profit and one count of conspiracy to steal.

Additionally, the two, together with Mildred Donkor, a former bank relations officer and director of the private company that received the GH49 million, and Advantage Solutions System, an alleged beneficiary of the $7 million, have been charged with conspiracy to launder money and a substantive charge of money laundering.

The three pleaded not guilty to the charges when l 1appeared before the High Court at 5:00 p.m today (April 30) in the presence of their lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea

The accused persons, are to remain on their respective bails until Friday May 2, for the court to decide whether or not to grant the prosecutions request to remand Adu-Boahene.

The hearing will be done in chambers at the court presided over by Justice Eugene Nyante Nyadu.

Prosecutions facts

The prosecution is alleging that while serving as Director-General of BNC in 2018, Mr Adu-Boahene and his@1qqq wife founded a private company named "BNC Communication Bureau Limited," similar to BNC's name.

The Attorney-General stated that in January 2020, Mr Adu-Boahene signed a contract with Israeli company ISC Holdings Ltd. on behalf of the government and the National Security Council for a GH49m software called Cyber Defence System.

The Attorney-General contends that the GH49 million for the cyber-defense software was never received.

He told the court that investigations revealed that no such system was delivered to either the Bureau of National Communications or its successor, the National Signals Bureau, or the Government of Ghana.

He said an inventory confirmation from the National Security Secretariat indicated that the equipment was never received.

The prosecution stated that the total amount of GH49m paid from the public BNC account to the private BNC was equivalent to the $7 million.

The prosecution further alleged that Mr Adu-Boahene and his wife transferred funds from the National BNC bank account to the Private BNC account, which were then funneled through a network of companies ultimately owned by Advantage Solutions System.

Additionally, Mr Ayine alleged that investigations suggested that the funds transferred from the National BNC account were, with the assistance of Donkor, used to acquire properties in Accra, Kumasi, and London, as well as a fleet of luxury cars.

The prosecution claimed that these funds also supported the couple's lavish lifestyle and that of their friends.
Goldbod signs agreement with nine mining firms to buy 20% of gold from them

Mohammed Ali Apr - 30 - 2025 , 10:43 2 minutes read

The Ghana Gold Board has agreed with nine large-scale mining companies to retain 20 per cent of their gold output in the country.

The arrangement was announced in a Facebook post on April 30, 2025, by the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Mr Sammy Gyamfi. It follows negotiations with companies that are not part of the Bank of Ghanas Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.

The nine companies are Golden Team Mining Company Limited, Akroma Gold Limited, Adamus Resources Limited, Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited, Goldstone Akrokeri Limited, Earl International Group (GH) Limited, Xtra Gold Mining Limited, Prestea Sankofa Gold Limited and Gan He Mining Resource Development Limited.

They have agreed to sell a fifth of their export-bound gold to the Ghana Gold Board.

Beginning June 1, 2025, each company will be required to deliver the specified portion of gold in the form of dore bars to the Boards Assay Laboratory at the Kotoka International Airport.

Payment will be made in Ghana cedis, based on the daily interbank exchange rate published by the Bank of Ghana.

The GoldBod has said payments will be made within two working days of delivery, with the price pegged to the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA AM) spot rate, less a one per cent discount.

The agreement is expected to be formally signed on May 15, 2025.

Mr Gyamfi said the arrangement is part of government efforts to improve local gold retention, boost reserves, and reduce pressure on the cedi.

He acknowledged the role of the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the participating companies in reaching the deal, which supports the current administrations economic direction under President John Dramani Mahama.
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Kennedy Agyapong withdraws from NPP's 'Thank You' tour'

Graphic.com.gh Apr - 30 - 2025 , 11:28 2 minutes read

Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, a former Member of Parliament for Assin Central and flagbearer hopeful on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has withdrawn from the partys "Thank You" tour with immediate effect.

Mr Agyapong announced the decision when the tour arrived in Kumasi. This, he said was because of some disagreements and disturbances during the ongoing tour.

There was a violent incident in the Ashanti Region, where a student from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology was reportedly stabbed at a gathering of the party members.

The student was rushed to the hospital and is currently receiving treatment.

Sources at the scene told Graphic Online the injured student was among a group openly showing support for Mr Agyapong, who placed second in the NPPs 2023 flagbearer race.

They had reportedly been mobilised from the KNUST campus to show support and partake in the tour with the singing of songs [jama].

A supporter from Mr Agyapong's camp, had reportedly donated GH1000 to the students to be shared among themselves as transport fare. The violent incident is said to have occurred after the money was given to the student.

A group of people, said to be security reportedly snatched the money from the students and this degenerated into violence.

Mr Agyapong, who is also the immediate past Member of Parliament for Assin Central, is said to have reported the incident to the police at South Suntreso.

He gave a briefing to the media and said he accepted to be part of the tour because Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the 2024 NPP presidential candidate extended the invitation to him.

But he was withdrawing because of the violent incident.

The 'Thank You' tour, aimed at rallying the partys support base after the defeat in the 2024 general elections, has seen tensions flare, culminating in Tuesdays stabbing incident.

Watch the attach video below. Mr Ken Agyapong spoke to UTV in Kumasi
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Former National Signals Bureau boss Kwabena Adu-Boahene and three others charged with stealing

Enoch Darfah Frimpong Apr - 30 - 2025 , 15:03 5 minutes read

Kwabena Adu-Boahene, a former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau has been charged with stealing.

He has been charged along side three other persons including his wife for stealing contrary to Section 124 (1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

The other accused persons are Angela Adjei Boateng, Mildred Donkor and Advantage Solutions Limited.

The Attorney General filed the charges on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Particulars

For count one, the particulars on the charge sheet are that on or about February 5, 2020, under the guise of procuring a cyber defence system for the Republic of Ghana from ISC Holdings Limited, the accused persons dishonestly appropriated the sum of GH27,100,000 belonging to the Republic of Ghana with the intention of depriving the government of the said amount.

Again on count two, the particulars on the charge sheet states on Kwabena Adu-Boahene on or about March 20, 2020, in Accra and within the jurisdiction of this Court, did, under the guise of procuring a cyber defence system for the Republic of Ghana from ISC Holdings Limited, dishonestly appropriate the sum of about GH1,000,000 belonging to the Republic of Ghana with the intention of depriving the Government of Ghana of the said amount.

Arrest

At a press conference in Accra in March 2025, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dominic Ayine, said the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene was arrested in connection with an alleged financial scandal involving a $7 million cyber defense system contract.

Dr Ayine detailed the circumstances surrounding the case, citing financial misconduct and unauthorised transactions that diverted public funds meant for a critical national security project.

Unauthorized fund transfers and breach of public trust

The Attorney-General explained that the cyber defense contract was intended to strengthen Ghanas ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats, data breaches, and digital espionage. However, the funds allocated for the project were allegedly mismanaged.

From High Court in Accra, Graphic Online's Justice Agbenorsi reports that the immediate past Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), formerly Bureau of National Communications (BNC), Kwabena Adu-Boahene, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including allegedly causing a financial loss of GH49 million to the state in a deal to purchase a cyber-defense software.

This comes after the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dominic Ayine charged Adu-Boahene with three counts of stealing, one count of willfully causing financial loss to the state, one count of using public office for profit, and one count of defrauding by false pretence and one count of obtaining public property by false statement.

Mr Adu-Boahene and his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, have been jointly charged with one count of collaborating to use public office for profit and one count of conspiracy to steal.

Additionally, the two, together with Mildred Donkor, a former bank relations officer and director of the private company that received the GH49 million, and Advantage Solutions System, an alleged beneficiary of the $7 million, have been charged with conspiracy to launder money and a substantive charge of money laundering.

The three pleaded not guilty to the charges when l 1appeared before the High Court at 5:00 p.m today (April 30) in the presence of their lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea

The accused persons, are to remain on their respective bails until Friday May 2, for the court to decide whether or not to grant the prosecutions request to remand Adu-Boahene.

The hearing will be done in chambers at the court presided over by Justice Eugene Nyante Nyadu.

Prosecutions facts

The prosecution is alleging that while serving as Director-General of BNC in 2018, Mr Adu-Boahene and his@1qqq wife founded a private company named "BNC Communication Bureau Limited," similar to BNC's name.

The Attorney-General stated that in January 2020, Mr Adu-Boahene signed a contract with Israeli company ISC Holdings Ltd. on behalf of the government and the National Security Council for a GH49m software called Cyber Defence System.

The Attorney-General contends that the GH49 million for the cyber-defense software was never received.

He told the court that investigations revealed that no such system was delivered to either the Bureau of National Communications or its successor, the National Signals Bureau, or the Government of Ghana.

He said an inventory confirmation from the National Security Secretariat indicated that the equipment was never received.

The prosecution stated that the total amount of GH49m paid from the public BNC account to the private BNC was equivalent to the $7 million.

The prosecution further alleged that Mr Adu-Boahene and his wife transferred funds from the National BNC bank account to the Private BNC account, which were then funneled through a network of companies ultimately owned by Advantage Solutions System.

Additionally, Mr Ayine alleged that investigations suggested that the funds transferred from the National BNC account were, with the assistance of Donkor, used to acquire properties in Accra, Kumasi, and London, as well as a fleet of luxury cars.

The prosecution claimed that these funds also supported the couple's lavish lifestyle and that of their friends.
Next article: Former National Signals Bureau boss Kwabena Adu-Boahene and three others charged with stealing

Tamale: President Mahama launches apprenticeship programme to train 10,000 youth in 2025

Mohammed Ali Apr - 30 - 2025 , 16:58 3 minutes read

President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday launched the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP), which is aimed at training 10,000 young people in 2025 across all 261 districts.

The programme includes the payment of a monthly stipend to support participants.

It is backed by a GH300 million allocation in the 2025 national budget.

The launch was held at the University for Development Studies (UDS) auditorium in Tamale.

Addressing the gathering, President Mahama said the programme was designed to provide practical skills to young people, especially those struggling to find work or continue their education.

Phase one, which starts in 2025, will enrol 10,000 apprentices from all the districts of Ghana, the President stated. From 2026, we plan to increase the number to 100,000 youth trained annually.

Mr Mahama said the initiative is part of the National Democratic Congresss 2024 manifesto promise to expand skills training and job opportunities for the youth.

He explained that the programme is open to all, including persons with little or no formal education.

Even if you have little formal education, you still qualify, he said. Youll be taught in the language you understand.

Training will be offered in both short- and long-term formats. The short courses will last between two and four months, while the longer ones will run for 12 to 18 months, depending on the chosen trade and the applicants level of experience.

Mr Mahama added that the GH300 million earmarked for the programme in the 2025 budget would cover both the cost of training and the monthly stipends.

This is not going to be like some programmes where the government rushes and starts it, and there are no resources to fund it, he said.

With this one, the Minister of Finance has allocated 300 million Ghana cedis for 2025 to start the programme.

Application forms will be available from May 2025 through the National Youth Authority (NYA) portal.

Prospective applicants can also visit any metropolitan, municipal, or district assembly for assistance, especially those who are not familiar with online processes.

The programme will be managed by the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment in partnership with the NYA, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness, civil society groups, and local government authorities.

Mr Mahama cited recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service, which shows that youth unemployment stands at 12.6 per cent, while about 29 per cent of young people are not in education, employment or training.

These figures are not just statistics. They represent real-life experiences, he said. We cannot stand by while our young people are denied the opportunities they deserve to thrive.

The programme is expected to train over 500,000 young people within the next five years. It is projected that 60 per cent of trainees will secure employment or become self-employed, with beneficiaries likely to see an average income increase of about 40 per cent.

Mr Mahama acknowledged the role of international partners, including the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, in helping to develop the initiative.

We are not just launching a programme, he said. We are igniting a revolution of skills, dreams, and hope.
Ministry of Communication provides update on MTN cybersecurity breach

Kweku Zurek Apr - 30 - 2025 , 07:23 2 minutes read

The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has confirmed that it is actively investigating a cybersecurity breach affecting approximately 5,700 customers of MTN Ghana.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, the Ministry said it is collaborating with key regulatory and oversight institutions, including the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), the National Communications Authority (NCA), and the Data Protection Commission (DPC), to determine the full scope of the incident and ensure that all necessary protective measures are taken in accordance with Ghanas Data Protection laws.

The Ministry will ensure that affected customers are contacted in line with Data Protection Laws, the statement said, adding that efforts are ongoing to establish whether the breach resulted from lapses on the part of the mobile network operator. The Ministry urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue.

This announcement follows a media release from MTN Ghana on Monday, confirming that the company had detected a potential breach involving the data of about 5,700 customers. While MTN assured the public that its core platforms remain fully operational, it acknowledged that preliminary investigations suggest customer data may have been compromised.

MTN, which serves over 29 million mobile subscribers in Ghana, has launched a forensic investigation and is working with leading cybersecurity experts to contain and assess the situation. The company stated that it would contact affected customers directly and has encouraged users to remain vigilant.

As a precautionary measure, MTN is advising customers to strengthen their digital security by updating mobile and banking applications, using strong passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, and refraining from sharing sensitive information such as PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs) via phone, SMS, or email.

Customers concerned about possible fraud linked to the breach have also been advised to place alerts on their credit reports with major credit bureaus. MTN maintains that safeguarding customer information remains its top priority and that updates will continue to be provided as the situation evolves.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that digital platforms operating in Ghana adhere strictly to cybersecurity and data protection regulations and assured the public of transparency in handling the ongoing investigation.
Next article: Deadline for Ghanaian gold traders to apply for licences from GoldBod extended to May 21

President Mahama launches apprenticeship programme to tackle youth unemployment

Mohammed Fugu Apr - 30 - 2025 , 19:28 3 minutes read

An initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment and equipping young people across Ghana with employable skills has been launched by President John Dramani Mahama.

Dubbed the "National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP)," the initiative, which will be implemented in 2025 in the first phase, aims to train more than 10,000 young people with hands-on apprenticeship skills. It was launched in Tamale on Wednesday.

The second phase of the programme, which is expected to be rolled out in 2026, would benefit more than 100,000, President Mahama said at the launch.

The initiative is under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment and the National Youth Authority (NYA).

It is part of the government's commitment to address the growing challenge of youth unemployment while enhancing the nations technical and vocational capacity.

The year-long training is expected to cover a wide range of trades, including tailoring, carpentry, hairdressing, and auto mechanics, among others.

Youth empowerment

At the launch, President John Dramani Mahama said the intervention was in fulfilment of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto pledge to empower the youth through skills development and job creation.

He said GH300 million had been allocated in the 2025 budget for the implementation of the programme, saying the money is ready for the programme, it is not as if we are now going to look for the money.

He explained that the NAP would combine theoretical and practical training, with 30 per cent of the time dedicated to classroom-based instruction and 70 per cent to hands-on practical experience.

This programme is not just about jobs, its about building sustainable livelihoods and preparing our youth for the demands of the modern workforce, he said.

Inclusivity

President Mahama indicated that priority would be given to women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) who were very vulnerable to promote inclusiveness, stating that 45 per cent of the enrolment has been allocated to women, 5 per cent to PWDs while all vulnerable persons will also be given special attention.

He added that beneficiary apprentices would receive monthly stipends, start-up kits, and certificates during and after the training programme.

For his part, the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare-Addo, described the initiative as a novelty and said it would go a long way to create decent jobs for the teeming youth in the country.

While thanking the President for prioritising the needs of the youth, he called on all, particularly young people, to take advantage of the programme to develop themselves.

Application process

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, said interested persons can pick up forms at all Metropolitan, Municipal, District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country and apply free of charge.

Alternatively, he said they could access the forms via the NYAs website.

The forms and application process are free of charge, so nobody is required to pay a pesewa for it. If you visit the various MMDAs, they will assist you to go through the application process, he said.

Writers email: [email protected]
On April 23, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed the Executive Order on Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth, a directive set to redefine higher education by prioritizing artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and proficiency. This order, aimed at securing U.S. leadership in the global AI revolution, establishes a White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education and directs federal agencies to embed AI into educational frameworks, including universities. As institutions like Princeton navigate recent challenges, such as the tragic loss of student Lauren Blackburn, this mandate introduces a transformative agenda for campuses nationwide.

The order outlines a bold vision for universities, emphasizing the use of federal grant programs to enhance AI-based instructional resources, career advising, and faculty training. "To ensure the United States remains a global leader in this technological revolution, we must provide our Nation's youth with opportunities to cultivate the skills and understanding necessary to use and create the next generation of AI technology," the order declares. For universities, this means reimagining curricula to incorporate AI across disciplines, from computer science to humanities. Institutions like Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) are already leading the way, with faculty noting, "AI isn't just for tech majors; it's becoming a core competency across fields like art, business, and social sciences."

The order's Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge, to be implemented within 12 months, will encourage students to showcase AI skills, fostering innovation in fields like ethics, law, and healthcare. The Secretary of Education is tasked with issuing guidance within 90 days on using grant funds for AI-based resources, such as high-impact tutoring and career pathway exploration, potentially leading to new interdisciplinary programs. As Forbes observes, "AI is forcing universities to rethink what it means to be educated, blending technical skills with critical thinking to address ethical challenges."

Faculty training is another cornerstone, with the order directing the Secretary of Education to allocate discretionary grants under the Higher Education Act of 1965 for professional development within 120 days. At RIT, faculty use AI to streamline grading and personalize feedback, freeing time for research and mentorship. Beyond teaching, AI tools could revolutionize administrative tasks like scheduling or admissions processing, though concerns about bias persist. The Center for American Progress warns, "Unrestrained use of AI in school admissions may replicate past prejudices," urging human oversight to ensure fairness.

Workforce preparation is a key focus, with the order instructing the Secretary of Labor to develop AI-related apprenticeships and encouraging states to use Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds for AI skills training. Universities are expected to forge public-private partnerships, a task force priority, to align curricula with industry needs. "By establishing a strong framework that integrates early student exposure with comprehensive teacher training and other resources for workforce development, we can ensure that every American has the opportunity to learn about AI," the order states. The Economist notes, "Universities are becoming hubs for AI innovation, bridging academia and industry to drive economic growth."

As universities adapt, they stand at a crossroads. The task force, chaired by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, will drive collaboration between academia, government, and industry, potentially positioning institutions as global AI leaders. For students, this promises cutting-edge skills; for faculty, enhanced teaching tools; and for administrators, greater efficiencyif implemented thoughtfully. Amid campus challenges, like Princeton's recent tragedy, universities must balance innovation with student well-being. As one X user noted, "AI can transform education, but we need to support students holistically." The Trump administration's vision could usher universities into a new era, but its success depends on equitable execution and ethical AI integration.
This is why Ghana Bar Association wants suspension of Chief Justice to be withdrawn

Graphic.com.gh Politics Apr - 30 - 2025 , 12:19 5 minutes read

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has asked that the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo by the President should be withdrawn.

According to the GBA, it will take legal action if the directive is not revoked.

This is following a National Executive Council resolution at the recent mid-year conference of the GBA, where it declared the suspension unconstitutional.

Attached below is a copy of the communique issued by the GBA on the issue

RESOLUTIONS OF THE GHANA BAR ASSOCIATION PASSED AT ITS 2025 MID-YEAR CONFERENCE HELD AT THE LABADI BEACH HOTEL, LA, ACCRA, ON SATURDAY, 26TH APRIL 2025

WE, THE MEMBERS OF THE GHANA BAR ASSOCIATION, HEREIN ASSEMBLED AT THE 2025 MID-YEAR CONFERENCE OF THE BAR, AT THE LABADI BEACH HOTEL, LA, ACCRA, ON THIS DAY THE 26TH DAY OF APRIL 2025 stand united in our collective responsibility towards advancing the rule of law, justice, and the sustainable development of Ghana;

RECOGNIZING the profound and pivotal role the legal profession plays in shaping a just, fair and transparent society, and REASSERTING our commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice for all citizens, and promoting high standards of integrity within public life;

ACKNOWLEDGING the central tenets of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, particularly those enshrined in its preamble, which binds all citizens and the state to the principles of "Freedom, Justice, Probity, and Accountability";

EMPHASISING the key role the legal profession plays in national development, and in the administration of justice;

CONSCIOUS of the overreaching goal of ensuring the continued respect for the rule of law and strengthening the legal. frameworks that govern our institutions of state;

AND IN FURTHERANCE of the theme for this Mid-Year Conference of the Bar "Expanding the Role of the Legal Professional in National Development: Positioning the GBA as the Fulcrum"

HEREBY RESOLVE AND DECLARE AS FOLLOWS

MATTERS AFFECTING THE LEGAL PROFESSION

1. WITHDRAWAL OF DIRECTIVE ON ASSIGNMENT OF COURTS AND FIXING OF DATES FOR NEWLY FILED CASES AND APPLICATIONS

Recognizing that the directive by His Lordship, the Acting Chief Justice on the assignment of cases by his office is uncertain and having regard to the importance of technology and the urgency of justice delivery, the Ghana Bar Association respectfully requests that this directive be withdrawn and the use of technology in the assignment of cases to the courts enhanced.

2. SUSPENSION OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE



A. REVOCATION OF SUSPENSION



The Ghana Bar Association calls for the immediate revocation of the suspension of the Chief Justice as it considers the suspension to be unconstitutional, considering the fact that the President who is not a judge or judicial officer exercised his discretion to suspend the Chief Justice under Article 146(10) of the 1992 Constitution in the absence of a published Constitutional Instrument, Statutory Instrument or Regulation(s) governing the exercise of his said discretion as required by Article 296 of the 1992 Constitution.

B. ENACTMENT OF REGULATIONS

The Ghana Bar Association hereby also calls for the immediate enactment of clear and comprehensive Regulations relating to matters under Article 146 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in all proceedings involving Superior Court justices, particularly in the context of the impeachment or removal of such officers.

C. RELEASE OF DECISION ON PRIMA FACIE CASE

In addition, the Ghana Bar Association calls upon the President of the Republic of Ghana to immediately release the full decision establishing a prima facie case against the Chief Justice, consistent with established precedent. This disclosure is necessary to ensure that the process is conducted in accordance with the principles of transparency and fairness.

D. DENUNCIATION OF PREJUDICIAL COMMENTS

Furthermore, the Ghana Bar Association denounces any and all unsubstantiated political commentary or statements that seek to undermine the authority, independence, and integrity of the Judiciary. The Association affirms its commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of the judicial process and resolves to take all appropriate legal measures to protect the Judiciary from undue interference or unjustifiable attacks.

MATTER(S) AFFECTING THE NATION

3. GALAMSEY AND DESTRUCTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Acknowledging the grave threat that illegal mining activities ("galamsey") pose to Ghana's environment, water bodies, farmlands, and public health, the Ghana Bar Association,

Unequivocally condemns the ongoing galamsey activities across the country and calls for immediate, decisive, and sustained action by all arms of government, law enforcement agencies, and relevant stakeholders to eradicate the menace.

Urges the Judiciary to prioritize and expedite the hearing of galamsey- related cases, ensuring that offenders are held accountable in accordance with the law, without fear or favour.



4. THE BAWKU CONFLICT

The Ghana Bar Association, noting with deep concern the conflict in Bawku, and recognizing its devastating impact on lives, property, and national cohesion, hereby resolves as follows:

Commends the urgent and genuine mediation efforts in the Bawku conflict, emphasizing the importance of peace, dialogue, and national unity.

Supports the involvement of eminent chiefs across Ghana, whose wisdom, neutrality, and traditional authority are critical in fostering reconciliation and lasting peace.

Calls for strong and unwavering support for the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and all traditional authorities engaged in the mediation process, and urges all parties to cooperate fully and respect the outcomes of mediation efforts aimed at restoring peace to Bawku.

Commits to using its voice and platform to advocate for a peaceful resolution and will support any constitutional and legal measures necessary to secure enduring peace in Bawku.

UNRESOLVED ABLEKUMA NORTH PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

The Ghana Bar Association
A constitutional loophole: How phone inspections test US civil rights

Aljazeera Technology Apr - 30 - 2025 , 17:31 7 minutes read

Travelling is a normal part of life for Michigan lawyer Amir Makled. As recently as December, he went overseas and returned home to the United States without any issues.

Ive been out of the country at least 20 times. Ive been all over Europe. I go to Lebanon every year, he said.

But returning this month to the Detroit Metro Airport was a very different experience.

He and his family had just come home from a spring-break holiday in the Dominican Republic when they reached a customs checkpoint.

The agent looked over at me and then looked to another agent and asked him if the TTRT agents are here. I didnt know what this meant.

He googled the acronym. It stands for Tactical Terrorist Response Teams.

As an Arab American and as a Muslim American, whenever Im travelling, even if Im driving in from Canada, I feel some sort of anxiety about it, that Im going to be randomly selected to be stopped or profiled, he explained.

When he said those words, I thought: OK, Im going to be profiled here.'

Sure enough, Makled and his family were asked to go to another room.

Since Makled is a US citizen, born in Detroit, Michigan, he knew that he couldnt be denied entry into the country. He urged his wife and kids to pass through the checkpoint without him.

I knew my rights at the border in that regard. And I was also familiar with the extent of border searches, he said. This is the first time Ive ever been stopped.

But what happened next would put the lawyer in a precarious position.

Border control agents have considerable legal rights to search a persons belongings. The idea is to prevent security hazards, contraband or environmental threats from entering the country.

Those searches, however, extend to the contents of electronic devices. And that raises questions about what material needs to be regulated  and what needs to be protected from the prying eyes of the government.

A threat to attorney-client privilege

Makled knew the border agents could take his phone. But as a lawyer, he faced a thorny ethical dilemma. His phone contained privileged attorney-client information.

In the US, a basic tenet of the legal system is that a client can have frank discussions with their lawyer, with the safety of knowing anything they say will be kept confidential.

A substantial amount of Makleds work was on his phone. When asked to hand it over, he told the border officers he couldnt give them the device.

All my emails, my text messages, my files, the cloud-based software I use for my office, he said, its all through my phone.

A growing trend

For nearly a century, Title 19 of the US code has allowed border control officers the right to search any person entering the country, their luggage or other items in their possession at the time of the inspection.

But digital devices today contain far more information than is relevant to a persons trip.

The most recent fiscal year saw 47,047 electronic devices searched by border control officers, the vast majority of which belonged to non-US citizens.

Thats a nearly 13 percent increase over the previous fiscal year in 2023, when US Customs and Border Protection clocked 41,767 electronic searches.

The question of whether these searches can be manipulated for political gain or reprisals has long dogged the process.

In November 2018, for instance, an employee of the tech company Apple, Andreas Gal, said he was detained while returning to San Francisco from an international trip.

Like Makled, Gal was flagged for the TTRT. And like the lawyer, customs officers pushed to search his electronic devices. He refused. Gal later said he believed he was targeted in response to the political views he expressed online.

But in recent weeks, experts fear the threat of such searches has risen.

Since taking office for a second term in January, President Donald Trump has sought to deport noncitizens he sees as critical of the US or its ally Israel. Material from electronic devices has been among the evidence allegedly used to expel people from the country.

For example, kidney transplant specialist Rasha Alawieh had been denied re-entry after flying back to the US from her native Lebanon. She held a valid H-1B visa that allowed her to work in the US.

News reports indicate that the Trump administration cited photos recovered from her phone as motivation for expelling her, including images she had of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Glorifying and supporting terrorists who kill Americans is grounds for visa issuance to be denied, the Department of Homeland Security wrote in a statement after Alawiehs expulsion.

Also in March, the French government said one of its citizens, a scientist, was prevented from entering the US on account of the political messages on his phone.

The Trump administration has denied that accusation, however.

The French researcher in question was in possession of confidential information on his electronic device from Los Alamos National Laboratory  in violation of a non-disclosure agreement, Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin wrote on social media.

Any claim that his removal was based on political beliefs is blatantly false.

A lack of legal consensus

There are two types of screenings a device may undergo while in border control custody.

A light search happens when an officer looks through an electronic device by hand. An advanced search, which legally requires reasonable suspicion of a crime, involves the device being connected to external equipment. The device may not be returned to its owner for weeks or months.

Border agents do not need a warrant to search an electronic device, although US citizens are not obligated to unlock their electronics in order to re-enter their country.

However, for travellers who are not US citizens or permanent residents, refusing to share these details could result in being denied entry.

But experts say these practices raise serious concerns about the Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution, which grants protection from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government.

Esha Bhandari, the deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Unions Speech, Privacy and Technology Project, explained she has seen examples of the government using these border checks to bypass Fourth Amendment protections.

The government is increasingly treating this as a constitutional loophole, Bhandari said.

They have someone under investigation, and rather than waiting on whether they can establish probable cause, which requires a judge to give a warrant, they wait until someone crosses the international border and treat that as a convenient opportunity to search their devices.

But just how far that loophole can stretch is a matter of debate.

Saira Hussain, a senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said the courts in the US have yet to reach a consensus about just how far searches of digital devices can go  and what the limits are.

At this moment, whether you fly into San Francisco vs Boston vs Atlanta, there are three different rulings on exactly which part of your phone can be searched, for what purposes [or] what level of suspicion is needed, Hussain said. A number of lower courts have ruled on the issue, [but] there has not been uniformity.

For his part, Makled said he has not been deterred from travelling  or representing controversial causes.

I feel that this is an intimidation tactic. Its an attempt to dissuade me from taking on these types of cases, he said, referring to his defence of the protester arrested at the University of Michigan.

I say I wont be dissuaded. Im going to continue to do what I believe.

Source: Al Jazeera
Stock in good feeling is sinking of late. An atmosphere of headache prevails. The markets, the mood, the outlook: low, low, low. Thats a lot to heap on a restaurant, especially one down an East Village cul-de-sac: Oh, look, another dead end. But Kabawa, which opened under the aegis of the Momofuku group in the space that once housed its tasting room, Ko, aims to elevate. Cooks carom behind the counter in tie-dyed aprons and hats embroidered life is good. The menu comes with two instructions: Love yuh self. Eat yuh guts full.

How many restaurants are dedicated to making their diners feel happy? I never realized how rare they are until Kabawa made me think about it over a few visits. Plenty of recent openings seem more focused on making guests feel rich  plying them with luxury and rarity, caviar by the spoonful as chicken eggs spike  and then making them feel, on the sidewalk after the spells been broken, poor. Youll spend at Kabawa, where the three-course prix fixe runs $145 a head before drinks. But the return on investment is more mood enhancing than many of the chillier dinners Ive had around town lately. I left Kabawa lighter in pocket and in spirit.

Paul Carmichael, Kabawas chef, began cooking in New York years ago, when he arrived, via Barbados, to the Culinary Institute of America, then to Aquavit. (I think he knows Rihanna, our waitress stage-whispered to us. Theyre about the same age.) After a stint at wd~50, he joined the Momofuku group, cooking at Ma Peche in midtown and opening Seiobo in Sydney, before rising to become culinary director of the entire company. Hes known his current home since it was Ko. The resemblance ends there. Kabawa is unlike any restaurant Momofuku has ever opened in New York. Its Carmichaels ode not only to his own Bajan upbringing but to the entire Caribbean diaspora, bringing in flavors and techniques from Puerto Rico and Jamaica to Guadeloupe, Guyana, and Martinique, their native cuisines as well as the complicated, mixed-bag bequests of their colonizers. If that sounds worryingly earnest, it doesnt eat that way. Its just delicious.

Any dinner at Kabawa begins with a platter of roti, the West Indian flatbread, to be torn and used to scoop chickpea curry, or pickled eggplant salad, or shrimp-and-egg mayo. Act like youre at home, our server told us one night as we sat around the wooden counter that rings the kitchen. The proximity of the cooks is an inducement, not a deterrent, to messy eagerness. From there, choices abound. Jamaican pepper shrimp is served gelatinously raw, dusted with deep-purple hibiscus powder and little dollops of hot, floral Scotch-bonnet jam. A breadfruit toston is piled with tender octopus in dog sauce  Martinican sauce chien, a kind of Creole salsa verde with chiles, parsley, and lime. Soft, curdy scrambled eggs are served with sweet plantains (an homage to Carmichaels childhood breakfasts) cheffed up with a sprinkle of dehydrated salt cod, like a Caribbean bonito, and caviar. I smiled at the fruity sweetness of the plantains and the dusty shock of the fish, albeit less so at the caviar and its $50 supplement. Who needs it?

Unlike the eggs-and-eggs, I have no problem recommending the chuletas can can, even with its $75 supplement, a take on a Puerto Rican pork preparation that dates hazily to the 50s. A rainbow-shaped chop of loin, rib, belly, and skin is given little cuts along the outer edge  the resulting frill, like the hem of a cancan dancers skirt, gives the dish its name  before its fried, so that the chicharrones sizzle to a bacon-chip crisp while the belly, miraculously, stays tender and fatty. Girlishly frilled though it may be, it is also, unblushingly, dinosaur-size. The running joke here is that anyone who finishes it gets their photo on the wall, and no ones made it yet.

Carmichael knows how to coax deep, almost outrageous flavors from even simple dishes. A jerk duck sausage, with a coffeelike richness and subtle heat, is a little marvel of adaptation. I dont expect to have a more tender square of goat, served simply in a stewy dried-scallop curry and crowned with a few fried curry leaves, this year.

I dont mean to be Pollyannaish. There are things to regret about Kabawa. Its dark, somewhat grim dining room. The quiet that seems to have shrouded its opening (confused, I suspect, by the prior opening of next doors Bar Kabawa and not helped much by its untrammeled street). Nevertheless, as commanded, I ate my guts full, and on a recent evening, three friends and I got up from our seats in a now-empty restaurant, shocked to find wed been there for four hours. (Kos locally famous wine cellar, navigated and parceled out with unusual cheer by Eitan Spivak, probably helped.) Dessert lingered in front of us: scraps of an enormous cream-cheese-frosted loaf called a coconut turnover, a last bite of a thin bar of birthday flan so dense I wondered whether it might not just be a caramel-topped stick of butter. Why birthday? I asked Carmichael about the little dollop of whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles that was served alongside. Was it a family tradition, a portrait of the chef as a young man? The grinch in me wondered if it was even necessary. Nah, he replied. No story. Its just joy, he said. And I want people to have it.
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It seems that Qualcomm plans to dual source the 2nd generation of Snapdragon 8 Elite  Korean publication Sedaily reports that Qualcomm and Samsung have reached a deal to fab the chip on the advanced 2nm node, but also that TSMC will produce a version of the chip on a 3nm node.

Samsung will be making the chips at its Hwaseong S3 factory, producing a thousand 12-inch wafers a month. These chips will be used in Galaxy devices in the second half of next year  if that is true, they will be too late for the Galaxy S26 series, so maybe the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Flip8 (possibly the Tab S11 slates too).

Timeline for Samsungs Gate-All-Around (GAA) nodes

The two companies have reached a similar deal for another chip, reports the publication. Qualcomm has designed a 4nm chipset for eXtended Reality (XR) headsets that will be used in Samsungs Project Moohan, which is scheduled to release later this year. Samsung is working on two other XR headsets, Project Haean and Project Jinju, but its not clear what chips will be used for those.

Samsung has the capacity to produce 7,000 12-inch wafers on its 2nm node, so the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2nd gen deal accounts for only 15% of its capacity. However, insiders say that this deal is a show of confidence in Samsungs foundries, which will help it attract other customers.

Of course, part of the 2nm capacity will be allocated to the Exynos 2600 chipset, which will definitely be used in the Galaxy S26 series (according to leaksters, anyway). But will all S26 models use Exynos? That part is a little unclear and depends on when TSMC-made Elite 2 chips will be available (since the Samsung-made ones will only come later in the year). We will know more when Qualcomm unveils the Elite 2 in October.



The evolution of transistor design

As for TSMCs own 2nm efforts, Apple reportedly delayed its move to 2nm to 2026 due to low yields. This likely played a part in the Qualcomm/Samsung deal as Apple tends to buy up most if not all the available capacity on cutting edge TSMC nodes.

Source (in Korean)
More than 150 participants representing nearly 100 companies gathered Tuesday for the 2025 Guam Apprenticeship Forum that promotes awareness about workforce training and tax credits, plus enrollment in the Guam Registered Apprenticeship Program, GRAP.

The Guam Department of Labor hosted the forum at Hyatt Regency Guam.

Business leaders, employers, workforce agencies, apprentices, and industry experts came together to explore solutions to hiring and retention challenges through the federally registered apprenticeship model, which integrates paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

Employers enrolled in GRAP receive a 50% tax credit on eligible training costs applied toward their gross receipts tax liability.

This forum is an answer to those businesses that are facing challenges with hiring retention. We may not have all the answers, but GRAP is one solution we can offer, and it comes with many incentives, Guam Labor Director David DellIsola said.

He called attention to the broader impact the program can deliver.

The benefits will be felt everywhere and by everyone. The business will get tax savings and the employee will earn while they learn, DellIsola said. Ive been saying for years, this is Guams best kept secret, and I would like to see more companies join.

Acting Gov. Joshua Tenorio said the forum shows that when government and industry come together, they can create real solutions for Guams workforce.

Registered Apprenticeship has already proven its powerover 5,000 people have built careers, supported their families, and gained skills through these programs over the years, he said.

Giving back

The forum featured plenary sessions, panel discussions with current GRAP sponsors and apprentices, and firsthand company experiences.

Among them was Pacific Federal Management, which is rejoining GRAP to develop 14 occupational tracks, including electricians, pipefitters, safety inspectors, and administrative roles.

Our boss, Robert Salas, is all about giving back to the community and also, Guam has a shortage of workforce. So combining both, our boss always wanted to give back more, so he decided, why not start the apprentice? HR specialist Hamsa Srinivasa said.

The HUBZone-certified company provides federal management services across Guam and Micronesia. Srinivasa said they currently have three apprentices and are working to expand the program.

She believes that investment in apprenticeship helps the company and Guam.

Despite the upfront costs, she said the investment has a long-term payoff.

Giving back is what we are focusing on so the more skilled laborers we have, the more we have who can actively be with the company, she said. That will always reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of the workers and also provide back to the community.

She said training current employees helps strengthen internal capabilities.

There are so many employees who started with us and gave them an opportunity to upgrade their skills, so they can grow within the company, she said. Once they become a journeyman or a skill man, they can also teach others. They can also mentor the newcomers. Thats the major interesting part for us here.

PFM plans to continue their apprenticeship program through 2029.

Buddys Home Furnishings also joined the forum with plans to build a stronger management team through GRAP.

I actually wanted to learn a lot more about the Guam apprentice program and also the tax credit, the initiative thats being provided with that program, regional manager Victor Penafiel said. We just get to listen to the panel and hear other businesses discuss the issues, or anything that can get us into the right path with the Guam apprentice program.

The company, which offers rent-to-own and take-home layaway options, caters to residents facing financial pressures.

We actually deal directly with consumers. We have different programs that we provide at Buddys Home Furnishing, and one of them is rent-to-own retail, Penafiel said. We also have a take-home layaway program thats extended to cover any categories or needs of our consumers here on Guam.

Penafiel hopes that GRAP could help attract new generations of talent.

I think the whole part is getting skilled labor and talent in our business, and that is really what we look for, he said. [Panelists] mentioned the baby boomers are retiring, and we got the new generation coming up, so hopefully we get more new talents coming in and coming in from that program.

He believes that younger workers can offer fresh ideas.

Especially now with everything such as social media, we have the younger generation that are pretty gifted, Penafiel said. Some of them are not aware of how much talent they have so that can actually be an advantage for us, putting a new generation of talent out, definitely.

Engineer Clint Huntington from LeoPalace Resort Guam joined the event to explore solutions to staffing shortages at their wastewater treatment facility.

We have a wastewater plant at Leo Palace, and we have trouble gaining employees and then training them so that they can pass the certification exam with Guam EPA, and so its a requirement for our plant to have certified wastewater employees down there, Huntington said. We have a wastewater treatment plant operator trainee. So weve hired two guys, and then one guy quit last week, and the other guy broke his wrist, and so were having trouble getting employees.

Huntington said low wages are a factor, but he sees potential in the program.

I want the apprentice to see the long-term picture, like 10 years up the road for their life and their familys life, and then provide for the family and just bring in more dollars and then reach some of their goals, he added.
Guam Department of Education officials on Wednesday presented senators with another record-high $306 million budget request for fiscal year 2026.

That is $40 million higher than what GDOE got from senators for fiscal 2025, and comes as legislative budget oversight chair Sen. Chris Duenas has promised a very tight budget situation for 2026.

Education Superintendent Erik Swanson noted at one point on Wednesday that the amount of federal American Rescue Plan funding stuck in limbo for GDOE was hovering at about $180 million.

I do want to say that everything in this budget is absolutely necessary. Theres no fluff, Deputy Education Superintendent for Finance and Administrative Services Morgan Wade Paul told senators at the budget hearing.

Slides shared by Paul showed GDOEs budget request has hovered around the $290 million to $300 million mark for the past five years, but has been shorted by between $37 million and $87 million each time.

Paul told senators that the department now has to cover those costs without the hundreds of millions in federal money GDOE has seen in the years since the pandemic which, among other things, have been paying for utility bills.

The school system cut its utility budget on paper for fiscal 2025 and is now on track to come up about $5 million short. It will have to pay $17.56 million in the next fiscal year, he said.

Paul said the record-high budget request was also driven by increasing medical and dental costs for staff, which total about $6 million.

Theres also about $5.7 million to cover vacant staff positions GDOE had to cut to pay its bills in fiscal 2025. They include 34 maintenance workers.

Another $7 million is in the budget for new positions  about 99% of which are needed to avoid being sued by the Guam Federation of Teachers for failing to comply with the teachers union contract.

Paul noted that the budget only provides a little over $380,000 for capital outlay, or infrastructure improvements. Thats about enough money to fix the flooring on one school gym, he said.

What do we cut?

He also said GDOEs fiscal team had been asked by the Office of Finance and Budget to come up with a $279 million budget request during meetings prior to Wednesday.

My question is, what do we cut? What of these essentials do we cut? he said.

Cutting funding for staffing would risk maintenance or a lawsuit over the union contract. The school system was also at risk of not being able to pay its utility bills, he said.

Sen. Chris Barnett was positive on the record budget, noting lawmakers shorted GDOE last year.

I dont think theres any fluff in there. I think its just a float right, and its going to get you to where you need to go, he said.

However, several lawmakers, including Sens. Telo Taitague and Sabina Perez, said they believed GDOE needed to revise their budget request and bring it back to senators.

Paul told lawmakers that the $306 million request was approved by the Guam Education Board prior to uncertainty around the $180 million in ARP funding.

It also came prior to decisions to close Chief Brodie Memorial Elementary School and Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary School, which together will save about $4.1 million annually.

Taitague told school officials they needed to come back with another proposal.

We have a budget that was approved by the board back in January and todays climate is totally different, she said.

Duenas said he would be open to any revised budget proposal from the department.

The budget chairman said he would try to get as close as possible to the budget GDOE was asking for.

If any senators had recommendations on how to make that happen, theyre welcome, Duenas said.

Well make time, and youre free to come in and move money, eliminate agencies, do anything you want to do to find the resources to reach these budget levels that are requested for, he said.

Duenas, the first Republican budget chairman at the Legislature in 16 years, has promised to not raise the budget ceiling for fiscal 2026 above the governors requested $1.375 billion.

GovGuam has been facing funding uncertainty amidst cuts and freezes handed down by the Trump White House since January.

Besides the $180 million in ARP funding uncertain at GDOE, the University of Guam this week reported its closely monitoring $42.8 million in federal grant funding.
The Guam Power Authority is urging residents to conserve power with one GPA generator down for maintenance and others at limited capacity as of Wednesday night.

GPA was anticipated to narrowly avoid load shedding on Wednesday, though the situation could change if power demand increases or another generator goes offline, according to a statement from the utility.

Any load shedding will happen in line with the issued load shedding schedule.

Peak power demand was estimated at 248 megawatts on Wednesday night, GPA stated.

Power authority production capacity was 251 megawatts.

Load shedding, rolling blackouts, happen when customer power demand is higher than what GPA can produce.

And peak power demand, usually between 5 and 11 p.m., has been higher in 2025 than in previous years.

GPA has observed that the daily demand for power continues to be unseasonably higher than usual. Higher outside temps make it harder for air conditioners and fans to cool homes and other buildings, the power authority stated.

Heres what was going on with generators Wednesday, according to GPA:

Baseload Piti 9 came back online after a successful overhaul and was running at peak capacity.

Baseload unit Piti 8 was then taken down for scheduled engine overhaul.

Cabras 1 and 2 are online.

Other generation units are online but some are limited in capacity depending on status of regular maintenance work.

When a baseload unit is down for repair and other generating units are limited in capacity production, it puts the power system in a precarious situation, leaving it vulnerable to some capacity shortages, GPA stated.

Additionally, the new Ukudu plant is not testing this week and cannot contribute energy to the grid.

The Consolidated Commission on Utilities has approved a deal for GPA to start drawing down up to 135 MW of power from the Ukudu plant, but approval from the Public Utilities Commission is still required.
Guams 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline remains fully operational and available to all in crisis, a local official has confirmed, amidst growing national concerns over a leaked draft budget from the Trump White House that proposes defunding specialized suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth.

Jesse Libby, 988 project director with the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, said the local program has not received any formal communication about funding cuts from federal partners.

The 988 hotline system includes three primary routing options: one for veterans and their families, one for LGBTQ+ youth, and one that directs calls to the nearest local crisis center.

On Guam, calls not directed to prompts one or three are handled directly by trained local staff.

Our local 988 office is operational 24/7, 365, and its always manned here locally, Libby said. We answer all three access pointscalls, chats, and texts.

A preliminary memo dated April 10, reported by national media, outlines proposed cuts to discretionary mental health spending and a sweeping reorganization of federal health agencies.

The document reportedly includes plans by President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to consolidate several functions under a new federal entitythe Administration for a Healthy America, or AHA.

If enacted, the budget draft could eliminate federal funding for LGBTQ+-specific support services within the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline network as early as October.

Libby said while mental health professionals and advocacy groups across the country have raised alarms, he confirmed Guams lifeline remains unaffected for now.

It is absolutely a concern if any access point to crisis services are cut, Libby told the Pacific Daily News. Here at the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, our 988 Crisis Lifeline is committed and stands ready to receive any calls for any individuals in crisis.

Since Jan. 1, the Veterans Crisis Line on Guam has fielded 174 calls, while 14 chat or text contacts have come through the LGBTQ+ prompt.

Due to ongoing system upgrades, local call volume for that specific line is not currently available, according to Libby.

Guams program does not currently collect demographic data for LGBTQ+ users, but Libby emphasized that services remain accessible to everyone regardless of identity or background.

We are cross-trained in the same training as other states and territories, he said. Thats one of the great things I appreciate about the federal law that implemented every state and territory to shift to a three-digit numberit really streamlined everybody to receive the same training and be cross-trained on different focus areas of crisis.

Libby added that broader contingency planning in case of federal cuts is being addressed by the agencys leadership.

With the budget cuts that are happening federally, across the board, it is a concern, he said.

Still, he reaffirmed Guams commitment to providing reliable crisis support.

We have had a crisis line even prior to our shift to 988, and it has always been a priority and a crucial service, he said.

Libby urged those experiencing mental health distress to reach out for help.

My plea is to the communityplease, if you need us, please call 988, chat with us at lifeline.org or text us at 988, he said. We are here for you 24/7.
Cornell University has canceled a scheduled performance by R&B star Kehlani at its annual Slope Day festival on May 7, 2025, following backlash over her alleged antisemitic and anti-Israel statements. The decision, announced by President Michael Kotlikoff on April 23, 2025, has ignited discussions about free speech, campus inclusivity, and the role of universities in navigating politically charged controversies.

Kehlani, known for hits like "Gangsta" and "After Hours," was selected as the first female headliner in 16 years for Slope Day, a Cornell tradition celebrating the end of the academic year. However, her announcement on April 11 sparked immediate outcry, particularly from Jewish student groups and organizations like StopAntisemitism. Critics pointed to her music video for "Next 2 U," which includes the phrase "long live the intifada" and features Palestinian flags, as well as social media posts where she called Zionists "scum of the earth" and criticized Israel. The term "intifada," meaning "uprising" in Arabic, is viewed by some as a call for violence against Jews.

Kotlikoff, in an open letter to the Cornell community, explained the cancellation: "In the days since Kehlani was announced, I have heard grave concerns from our community that many are angry, hurt, and confused that Slope Day would feature a performer who has espoused antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments in performances, videos, and on social media." He added, "While any artist has the right in our country to express hateful views, Slope Day is about uniting our community, not dividing it."

The decision followed intense pressure from groups like Cornellians for Israel, who launched a petition and GoFundMe threatening to boycott the event and demanded a refund of the $384 student activity fee that partially funds Slope Day. Amanda Silberstein, a junior and president of Chabad Cornell, criticized the initial selection, stating, "By inviting someone with such a deeply troubling history of antisemitism to headline one of our most high-profile campus events, Cornell is sending a message that Jewish safety and wellbeing are negotiable."

Initially, Kotlikoff told the Cornell Student Assembly it was "too late" to replace Kehlani, citing logistical challenges. However, after meeting with about 70 students, primarily from Jewish Greek life and pro-Israel groups, he reversed course. "The selection of Kehlani as this year's headliner has injected division and discord into Slope Day," he wrote, announcing plans for a new 2025 lineup.

The cancellation reflects broader tensions at Cornell, which is among many U.S. universities navigating the fallout from the war in Gaza. The university is also facing a Trump administration investigation, with over $1 billion in federal funding frozen amid allegations of civil rights violations related to campus antisemitism. This probe, coupled with recent lawsuits from Cornell and other institutions against federal funding cuts, underscores the high stakes of such decisions.

Kehlani has previously acknowledged losing brand deals and performance opportunities due to her pro-Palestinian stance, calling on other artists to support the cause.

The controversy raises questions about balancing free speech with campus inclusivity. Kotlikoff's meetings with Jewish students suggest a prioritization of their concerns, but critics argue this risks alienating others who view Kehlani's views as legitimate political expression. The university's anti-discrimination policies, which prohibit political expression during concerts, were cited as a condition Kehlani would have had to follow, though her cancellation preempted this.

As Cornell searches for a new Slope Day headliner, the incident highlights the delicate balance universities face in fostering unity amid divisive global issues. With no replacement performer yet announced, the campus braces for further debate over how to celebrate its traditions without deepening divisions.
Students in Harvest Christian Academys Future Business Leaders of America, FBLA, Club raised a total of $21,321 for Harvest House, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Guams foster children and families.

The amount exceeded the students initial fundraising goal of $20,000.

The fundraising initiative, which began with a vision set by the students at the start of the academic year, came to fruition after months of planning, collaboration, and support from local businesses, faculty, and the school community.

Joyannah Pico, FBLA president, addressed a packed room during the event, crediting the success to the collective effort of her peers and mentors.

I would like to thank my friends and family for their utmost support throughout this whole journey, Pico said. Ive been waiting for this moment for about two years, and it feels so unreal just to be looking at all of your faces and knowing that I was able to accomplish this goal.

Pico acknowledged local businesses and restaurants that participated, the faculty members who sent countless emails, and the FBLA officers who worked alongside her to bring the initiative to life.

These girls standing right beside me have always stayed enthusiastic, optimistic towards everything, and Im just so proud, she said. I hope you feel proud of yourselves too, as proud as I feel towards you guys.

FBLA vice president Meg Ogawa echoed Picos gratitude and reflected on the meaning behind the achievement.

Your hard work and dedication helped us reach over $20,000 and exceed our goal for a really great cause for Harvest House, Gala said. This reminds us what true leadership and community impact can look like, even through just a club at Harvest.

The check was presented in front of the audience, with Pastor Jerry Balwin and other Harvest House staff called onstage to accept it.

I just told her, we dont even know how much. This is a big surprise for everyone, Bethany Taylor, Harvest House founder, said before announcing the final total: Today, I would like to present this check of $21,321.

Both Pico and Ogawa were among this years top sellers, alongside Ayanna Navarro, Sophia Bermeo, and Brielle Lee

This year, weve had a really special group. Its been a joy to work with them, advisor Jon Marshall said. Theyve been a great example, and the way that theyve done business too and use their time.
A financial audit of iLearn Academy Charter School found that the school closed fiscal 2024 with a $2.1 million deficit in its net financial position, a $742,000 decrease from the fiscal 2023 net position of negative $1.4 million.

The audit was released Tuesday by the Office of Public Accountability.

The school received a clean audit, with no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies identified.

The schools revenues increased by $1.2 million, reaching $7.2 million in fiscal 2024. Thats 20% growth compared with fiscal 2023s $6 million.

The school also saw a significant increase in grant funding, rising from $45,000 in fiscal 2023 to $949,000 in fiscal 2024.

The growth was primarily the result of an American Rescue Plan grant, which covered items such as school supplies, office supplies, and personal protective equipment. It also covered two months worth of rent, and $5,000 to each teacher who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The school had a $22,000 increase in travel-related expenses, mostly because of charter-related conferences held in January and July. School officials traveled to Boston for the National Charter School Conference, and faculty engaged in various training and professional development activities.

In February 2024, the school recorded its highest enrollment opening with more than 100 new applicants, with its waiting list exceeding 20 students per grade level. Admissions are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to grade-level availability.

The schools retention rate is the primary contributor to a growing waiting list during enrollment periods, according to the audit.

The kindergarten through fifth grade charter school was incorporated in December 2014 and designed to enrich student learning in all content areas with a special emphasis in science, technology, engineering and math. It began enrollment in January 2015.
A forum that will examine how federal policies shape the lived experiences of U.S. territories, with a particular focus on Guam, will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. today at the University of Guam CLASS Lecture Hall.

The forum, titled "The Constitution's Promise: Out of Many, One? Federal Policy and Territorial Impacts," is part of the observance of Law Month 2025.

The discussion will explore the constitutional relationship between the U.S. and its territories, and how that relationship affects economic, legal, environmental, and social outcomes.

The Judiciary of Guam, in collaboration with the District Court of Guam and the Guam Bar Association, is hosting the panel discussion.

The panel will feature the following speakers:
Charter school officials on Wednesday said a nearly $29 million budget request for fiscal 2026 is necessary because of increased student enrollment, while senators raised concerns about administrative salaries, accountability in contract signing, and the lack of oversight from the Office of the Attorney General.

The Guam Academy Charter School Council is seeking a budget of $28,970,435.

Evangeline Marie Cepeda, council chair, told senators that charter schools will continue to be at $7,800 per student with this budget.

We are only requesting an increase in the enrollment cap to meet demand. Some schools have long waiting lists and are unable to open their doors fully because of the current caps, Cepeda said.

Wednesday mornings public hearing on the fiscal 2026 GovGuam budget focused on charter schools.

The nearly $2 million increase over the previous years funding level was a result of enrollment growth.

The fiscal 2026 budget also includes full-year funding for the Business Technology Academy Charter School and Magalahen Hurao CHamoru Academy Charter School, both of which launched in 2024.

Four of Guams seven charter schools are requesting enrollment cap increases.

Legislative budget chair Sen. Christopher Duenas said charter schools should remain flexible with their numbers even if the full appropriation isnt granted.

What I dont want to do is have you also miss out on that opportunity by adjusting numbers, he said. If we have some agreement that you can still do it...even if you dont get the full appropriation...you can get your enrollment without the limitation by law.

High executive salary, low teacher pay

Concerns over charter schools executive pay and contract transparency dominated much of the hearing, and senators questioned steep administrative salaries versus low teacher pay.

We know that teachers that work for charter schools probably make so much less than DOE, Sen. Telo Taitague said. But then youre seeing these administrative positions making so much higher. Thats questionable. People are going to question that, and we need to keep an eye on that.

At BTACS, Taitague pointed to a $95,000 salary for a chief administrative officer and a principal salary increase from $45,000 to $75,000.

Thats quite a big jump, she said. Teachers should be getting more money having to endure what they have to do at these charter schools.

Science is Fun and Awesome Academy, SIFA, Charter School CEO Anthony J. Sunga defended a $50,000 academic administrator role.

The board decided that instead of labeling it as chief or principal, we made the term quite generalschool administrator, he said.

Taitague also cautioned that limited oversight of charter schools could deter qualified board members from serving, given the legal exposure associated with high-value contracts.

Im just letting you know Im keeping an eye on these costs that are going up substantially, she said. We have to be very cautious on who sits on these boards, that they know what theyre doing, or discuss whether to have the Attorney General [Douglas Moylan] sign off on these contracts and have another set of eyes for accountability.

Cepeda rejected the idea of requiring the AG to sign off on charter contracts.

Passionately, I disagree with that, she said. It would be a bottleneck. Dont break something thats not broken.

Instead, she suggested an internal certification process.

Let them have a certified person sign on it, she said. That certified person will, at the end of the day, be responsible.

Shift to charter schools

She also said interest from military families continues to rise.

The demand is greater, Cepeda said. Be innovative. Work within your means. Make it work. Were keeping $7,800. Our increase is in enrollment.

SIFAs Sunga said his schools budget request increased to $5,850,000 from $3,633,895 due to a cap increase from 300 to 500 students.

That was the increase of the appropriation, he said. Our salaries for our teachers are one of the lowest on island.

iLearn Academy director Helen Nishihira said her school used federal COVID-19 relief funding to equip all 780 students with iPads.

She also quoted a statement Public Auditor BJ Cruz made about the school.

You wont have a problem with iLearn. In fact, if the government of Guam ran like iLearn, I would have no problems, Nishihira said. Through faith and prayer and careful decision making, iLearn is what it is now.

Taitague raised concerns over transportation access.

Nishihira said children are in the bus for almost two hours just to get to school.

Parents still choose charter school, even though 700 cars line up to pick up the kids every morning, she said.

Bursting at the seams

Anna Arceo of Magalahen Hurao CHamoru Academy Charter School described her schools expansion of CHamoru language immersion to nearly full implementation.

We started the school year with a 70/30 model...Im proud to say... we are now at almost 100% of just speaking to them in Chamorro, she said.

Enrollment demand has far outpaced capacity.

Our enrollment and waiting list right now is bursting at the seams for next year, she said. It breaks my heart to turn them away.

Career Tech principal and former Sen. Wil Castro explained the schools focus on non-traditional learners and cultural identity.

Even a student coming to school once or twice a week...is a form of student achievement, he said. One of our students is able to recite from memory the star chart...maybe he or she doesnt place well on the core courses...but is able to recite from memory with little to no error.

He celebrated the results of the schools Merchant Mariner Credential Program.

They passed. What that means is...they immediately qualify for a $60,000-a-year job. This is fact, he said.

Reorganize, coordinate with feds

Duenas pointed to shrinking enrollment in Guam Department of Education schools and military population growth as reasons to re-examine the islands entire education system.

I believe right now, with the growth of charter schools, with the success of charter schools, we are now clearly operating two parallel educational systems, he said. I think...its time for education to basically be reorganized.

With Guams public school population reportedly dropping by 8,000 to 10,000 students and military-related growth projected to bring in 30,000 to 35,000 people, Duenas urged better coordination with federal partners.

They dont want to grow DoDEA schools anymore, he said. We are going to continue talks with our federal partners...to transform that into an opportunity.
Del. James Moylan is seeking the relocation of the Department of Veterans Affairs regional office in Manila to Guam, citing Guams strategic location for the U.S. military, the approaching expiration of the authority to maintain the Philippine office, the administrations America First initiative, and the potential to better serve the needs of veterans across the Asia-Pacific region.

Moylan wrote an April 29 letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, urging him to use his authority to relocate the regional office to Guam.

Guam, he said, could accommodate the 176 VA personnel currently working in Manila.

Guam has always been ready to answer the call of duty, he wrote. Along with the Government of Guam, we are prepared to provide the necessary resources to ensure the successful relocation of the regional office. I urge you to make this a reality for my fellow veterans.

Guams nonvoting delegate to Congress also said the relocation would significantly improve the efficiency of claims processing for veterans across the Pacific region, including those living in the Philippines, Japan and the Freely Associated States, FAS.

FAS includes Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesias Pohnpei, Yap, Chuuk and Kosrae.

This move will provide immediate and substantive relief, dismantling longstanding barriers to essential VA services and ensuring that our veterans receive the support they rightfully deserve, Moylan wrote in his one-page letter.

A May 2024 report from the investigative arm of Congress confirmed what many in the region have known all along  that care for military veterans is inadequate and that the veteran population estimates are low for Guam, other territories, and the FAS.

The significant and persistent challenges that veterans in Guam, the CNMI and the Freely Associated States encounter in accessing VA health care  brought to light by the May 2024 Government Accountability Office report  reinforce the urgent need to relocate the regional office to better serve these populations, Moylan added.
Trial continued in Superior Court Judge John Terlaje's courtroom, where Eithen James Franklin Aquiningoc Mendiola faces charges of murder and aggravated assault, with a special allegation of use of a deadly weapon in commission of a felony.

Mendiola is accused of murdering Ryan Chaco on Sept. 8, 2024.

Chaco died of multiple stab wounds to the chest and neck area. His charred remains were found after the Guam Fire Department responded to a structure fire in Chalan Karta in Yigo.

Mendiola claims that Chaco made unwanted sexual advances upon him, before grabbing him in a choke hold from behind. Mendiola said he saw a knife and made his way to it, stabbing Chaco until he released him from the choke hold and then, finding Chaco to be still aggressive, killed him with the knife.

Former Guam Medical Examiner Dr. Jeffrey Nine, remotely testifying via Zoom, also appeared in court Tuesday. He said seven of the 14 stab wounds were superficial, meaning they were not life-threatening.

Defense attorney William Bischoff asked Nine if they could have been caused by a person who Chaco was holding in a choke hold. Nine said he had no opinion on that.

On the witness stand was Police Officer Joseph Gogo, who reiterated what Mendiola told him that night. He said Mendiola told him he had nothing to do with the arson and fire, but that Frank Reyes brought a can of gasoline to the scene to burn the structure and corpse in order to protect Mendiola.

Reyes faces other charges related to the case, as does Joe Ehder.

Special Assistant Attorney General Curtis Van de Veld is prosecuting the case for the government. He contends that it was murder driven by money.

The trial continues at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
(Corrections and clarifications: This story has been updated to reflect that United Airlines has not announced the start date for direct service from Japan to Palau as of April 30.)

United Airlines will soon launch direct, nonstop service from Japan to Palau and Mongolia, the airline announced.

Starting July 11, United will also become the only U.S. airline to offer direct service to Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

All flights will connect with Japans Narita International Airport, which already has direct air service to and from Guam.

Nonstop flights between Koror, Palau and Japans Narita International Airport will run year-round, according to United.

The airline has not yet announced a launch date for the route.

But a news release from the Office of Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. anticipates a start in May.

United is the only U.S. airline to serve Palau, with its existing service from Guam and Manila, and this new flight will enable easy one-stop connections for travelers coming from the U.S. to experience the pristine marine ecosystems, the airline said in a release.

United will also be the only U.S. airline to provide service to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, once the new air service starts in May.

Seasonal non-stop flight service to Ulaanbaatar will also connect to Japans Narita airport.

Mongolia is becoming one of the top destinations to visit in Asia, United said.

According to the countrys new Welcome to MonGOlia campaign, Ulaanbaatar is the gateway to some of the most untouched lands of Mongolia, which offers reindeer sleigh rides, camel racing and dramatic landscapes, perfect for adventurous travelers, the release said.

Meanwhile, nonstop service between Japan and Kaohsiung Taiwan will be year-round, according to the airline.
Well done, Sens. Vince Borja, Chris Barnett, and Shawn Gumataotao and Guam Education Board members Angel Sablan and Peter Ada for attending Monday nights education town hall meeting.

Only three senators (of 15) and two GEB board members  not very encouraging.

It was brutal. Even my nerves were frayed after the two-and-half-hour grievance session.

It was interesting to learn that Tiyan High School recently had a riot that was not reported on social media.

And I wasnt expecting to hear a student and teacher both complain that Guam Department of Education students are not receiving a quality education.

When I started with my first PTO, about 14 years ago, we were having the same issues. Very little seems to have improved.

Back then, I was told there were other schools that also needed help and that I needed to be patient.

And again, on Monday night, a PTO president was told that there were other schools that also needed to be addressed, implying that she needed to be patient.

Back then, I told them that this excuse was not acceptable and that I would press for my school and let others press for their schools.

So, unless GDOE is properly funded, or starts significantly restricting programs, we will be talking about the same issues in five years to come. Neither one of these seem likely.

I understand that most of the GDOE crew are new, but in a year or two, this excuse wont hold water.

Education Superintendent Erik Swanson, please request a budget this year that will fix everything. Anything less and youre only falling into a political trap. If need be, agree to give the equivalent of any grant money back to the Legislature.
For many years, Taiwan has been unjustly excluded from the World Health Assembly, WHA, due to political pressure from the Peoples Republic of China, despite Taiwans significant contributions to global health and its exemplary record in public health advancement.

Taiwan calls on the international community to support Taiwans meaningful participation in the 78th World Health Assembly.

Health equity demands the inclusion of all committed partners and that no voice be silenced in shaping global health policy.

Given Guams strong ties with Taiwan and our shared commitment to democratic values and public health cooperation, we encourage the people of Guam to join us in advocating for Taiwans rightful seat at the table.

Health equity can only be achieved when every capable contributor is heard, respected, and engaged.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, TECO, in Guam sincerely thanks the Guam Legislature for passing resolutions every year in support of Taiwans participation in international organizations such as the WHA, INTERPOL, ICAO, and the UNFCCC.

The steadfast support from the government and people of Guam brings great encouragement and confidence to the people of Taiwan, while also strengthening the partnership between Guam and Taiwan.

Taiwans leadership in advancing health care systems is undeniable. It has embraced the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the World Health Organizations Triple Billion targets, actively promoting universal health coverage and inclusive, equitable access to care.

Taiwans approach to noncommunicable disease prevention sets an international standard, focusing on early intervention, management of risk factors, and public health education.

Programs like the Metabolic Syndrome Management Program demonstrate that prevention  not just treatment  must be a cornerstone of modern health systems.

Taiwans commitment to protecting the health of women, children, and adolescents further strengthens global efforts. Through subsidized prenatal care, expanded newborn screening programs, and widespread HPV vaccination, Taiwan has dramatically reduced rates of cervical cancer and improved maternal and child health outcomes.

These successes underscore Taiwans capacity to contribute to shared global goals, such as reducing preventable deaths and improving quality of life for vulnerable populations.

Mental health  increasingly recognized as a critical component of overall health  is also a top priority for Taiwan. Innovative programs provide free psychological counseling to young and middle-aged adults, promoting early intervention and destigmatizing mental health care.

Taiwans work reflects the WHOs position that there can be no true physical health without mental well-being  a perspective that should be included in the broader global health conversation.

Taiwans contributions to global health security are equally vital. It was among the first to raise alarms about COVID-19 in late 2019 and has consistently maintained transparent, high-quality infectious disease surveillance.

During the pandemic, Taiwan donated masks, medical supplies, and vaccines to countries in need, while licensing vaccine technology through international sharing platforms.

Yet despite these efforts, Taiwan remains excluded from critical WHO communications, weakening the very pandemic preparedness systems the world seeks to strengthen.

Excluding Taiwan from the WHA is not only unjust  it is detrimental to global health equity. Health threats do not respect political boundaries. If the global community is serious about achieving health for all, it must allow all capable, willing contributors  including Taiwan  to participate fully.

International agreements and declarations must be guided by the principle that every person deserves a voice in decisions that affect their health and safety.

Legal arguments used to justify Taiwans exclusion are without merit. United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and World Health Assembly Resolution 25.1 do not address Taiwans status, nor do they authorize the Peoples Republic of China to represent Taiwans 23 million people.

Only Taiwans democratically elected government can speak for its citizens in international forums.

In the spirit of fairness, professionalism, and genuine commitment to universal health equity, we call on the international community  and the people of Guam  to support Taiwans inclusion in the World Health Assembly. Global health is a shared endeavor that demands the participation of all voices. Taiwans exclusion serves no purpose but to undermine the very ideals the WHA seeks to uphold.

A healthier future for all depends on building a truly inclusive global health system  one that values contribution over politics, collaboration over division, and human dignity above all.




Haiti - Diplomacy Kenya's House of Representatives approves the opening of a consulate in Haiti





A dispatch from the State House stated that the opening of a Consulate in Port-au-Prince "will provide strategic support to Kenyas leadership role in restoring law and order in the Caribbean Nation."



"The Cabinet approved the establishment of a Consulate General in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This decision underscores Kenyas commitment to promoting global peace and security while expanding diplomatic presence in the Caribbean. The consulate will provide strategic support to Kenyas leadership role in restoring law and order in Haiti," the Cabinet stated.



The Kenyan Consulate in Haiti will be headed by former Deputy Inspector General of Police Noor Gabow, whose appointment as Consul General to Haiti was approved by the Kenyan National Assembly in January 2025.



Kenya, which leads multinational security support to Haiti, has so far deployed more than 800 police officers to restore peace in gang-ravaged Haiti. Furthermore, following his initial statement announcing the upcoming departure of 400 Kenyan police officers, https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44793-haiti-news-zapping.html , Commissioner Jack Ombaka, spokesperson for the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS), provided further details on the planned rotations among the ranks of Kenyan officers on a radio station in the capital. "[...] In the contract signed by Kenya, rotations within our ranks were planned after one year. The first contingent of approximately 200 officers arrived in the country on June 25. Their rotation is scheduled to take place next June, but this has not yet been determined or confirmed."



SL/ HaitiLibre


















by Dick Edelstein

The visit by Pope Francis to Ireland in 2018 as part of the World Meeting of Families was important since it was the first one since the historic visit by Pope John Paul II in 1979, an event that drew around one and a quarter million people to a mass in Dublins Phoenix Park, the biggest crowd ever seen in the country, amounting to almost one-third of the population. Since then, religious feeling in Ireland had been on the wane, along with the Churchs authority over those who considered themselves Catholics, which was in a near-fatal slump. The Church was facing an uncertain future with the number of new seminarians dropping to record lows for several years.

Still, that visit in 2018 had generated certain expectations. First, a turnout of half a million people was expected in Phoenix Park, a figure that proved to be overestimated by around 400 percent. The actual turnoutsome 130,000 peoplewas much smaller. However, that was nothing compared to the other expectation. On account of widespread cases of sexual molestation by clergy and a generalized public dissatisfaction over the failure of the church to recognise its history of abuse and make suitable reparations to the victims, many Irish people were expecting Pope Francis, given his reputation as a liberal, to issue a detailed and lengthy apology. In recent decades, public outrage about sexual abuse by clergy had been a worldwide occurrence, but the issue had special significance in Ireland, where the moral tone of the entire country since independence had been set by the Catholic church, despite its longstanding record of abuse.

Other factors affected Irish peoples expectations of a full apology from the Pope. One of these was the Magdalene laundries scandal. Throughout much of the twentieth century, thousands of Irish women had been incarcerated in Magdalene institutions, most of which were run by Catholic religious orders. The women were forced to work without pay or benefits. Despite the outrageous violation of the womens human rights, the Irish government colluded with their detention and was complicit in their treatment. In 2011, a group called Justice for Magdalenes made a submission to the U.N. Committee Against Torture, arguing that the Irish governments failure to deal with the abuse amounted to continuing degrading treatment in violation of the Convention Against Torture and that the state had failed to promptly investigate a more than 70-year system of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of women and girls in Irelands Magdalene laundries.

The story of the Magdalene Laundries was still reverberating in the public consciousness when in March 2017 Ireland was shocked by the discovery that, between 1925 and 1961, the bodies of 796 babies and young children had been interred in the grounds of the Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, County Galway, many in a septic tank. Catherine Corless, the local historian who exposed the scandal, complained to Irish legislators that nothing had been done to exhume the bodies after her research came to light despite expressions of shock and horror from the Government and the President. Instead, the site had been returned to its original condition. As with the Magdalene scandal, the authorities initially showed unimaginable insensitivity and cruelty towards affected families.

Thus, when Pope Francis came to visit in August 2018, Irish people expected a full and sincere apology because of his reputation for sympathy towards a number of liberal causes, his commitment to the protection of vulnerable people, and on account of a series of special circumstances in Ireland. But surprisingly, no sufficiently firm apology was forthcoming. His comments were characterised in the press as too little too late. In addition, the low turnout for the papal Mass in Phoenix Park indicated a sea change in the Irish body politic, a trend clearly revealed just a few months earlier, on 25 May, when the campaign to repeal the Eighth Amendment to the Irish constitution (the 1983 anti-abortion amendment) succeeded by a surprising 66.4%a landslide victory.

Once Pope Francis arrived in Ireland, he quickly became aware of the degree of discontent its citizens were harbouring through both personal conversations and public remarks made by officials, including Leo Varadker, the Irish Taoiseach or head of state. As a result, he made an unscheduled request for forgiveness in the form of a penitential prayer during the closing Mass in Phoenix Park.

Here is what he said:

We ask forgiveness for the abuses in Ireland, abuses of power, of conscience, and sexual abuses perpetrated by members with roles of responsibility in the church.

In a special way, we ask pardon for all the abuses committed in various types of institutions run by males or female religious and by other members of the church, and we ask for forgiveness for those cases of manual work that so many young women and men were subjected to. We ask for forgiveness.

We ask forgiveness for the times that, as a church, we did not show the survivors of whatever kind of abuse the compassion and the seeking of justice and truth through concrete actions.

We ask for forgiveness for some of the church hierarchy who did not take charge of these situations and kept quiet.

We ask for forgiveness for all those times in which many single mothers were told that to seek their children who had been separated from themand the same being said to daughters and sons themselvesthat this was a mortal sin. This is not a mortal sin. We ask for forgiveness.

What the Irish people wanted, however, was more than a plea for forgiveness. They wanted to know what concrete steps the church was taking to remedy the situation to ensure that it would never occur again. They wanted to know precisely to what high levels in the churchs hierarchy the cover-up extendedthat is, who, what and when, with times and dates included. And they wanted to hear in detail what the church intended to do to vindicate, reconcile and compensate the victims of abuse. Alas, that explanation was not forthcoming.

At this point, readers will surely want to know why Pope Francis failed to deliver the sort of full and frank apology that the Irish nationand the Catholics, in particularwere waiting for. A good answer to this question is probably somewhere to be found, but I dont have it. The Catholic church can be as hermetic as a clam when it wants to be, which is most of the time, and I havent managed to find any documentary evidence that would clarify what the church leaders had in mind at that time, but a few possible explanations occur to me.

In a lengthy CNN interview with journalist Christiane Amanpour broadcast just a few days ago, the former Irish President Mary McAleese, a practising catholic, declared that on account of his genuine liberal disposition Pope Francis always talked a good story, but unfortunately did not really change anything fundamental in Church teaching or dogma, with the notable exception of capital punishment. For example, he opened up the question of women becoming deacons, but at the same time he reminded the faithful that they were still prohibited from publicly disagreeing with church dogma on women priests. The whole issue of clerical abuse was, at that time, a hornets nest in the Vatican and everyone was violently stirred up about the issue. Just as an example, it bothered some cardinals that the African cardinals would not admit that there had ever been any abuse in Africa. Furthermore, any comments the Pope might have made could have had legal implications in ongoing law suits in several countries. The Pope may have been under pressure from conservative sectors of the church with power and influence, who had a different agenda regarding the churchs handling of the abuse scandal and had enough power to keep the Pope from publicly opening this giant can of worms.

I remember the papal visit well because I was in Dublin at the time, although my interest in it was desultory. Born and raised as a Catholic, I still bore a few grudges stemming from the six years I spent in the Catholic educational system, but by that time in my life (I was about 70) my lingering resentment had pretty much coalesced into bland equanimity

It seems that Pope Francis will be regarded in the future as an outlier among popes, a man who was truly concerned with the plight of the most powerless and abused people around the world, someone who had been profoundly affected by the powerful liberation theology movement in Latin America, but who, as a pope, was more of a politician than a real shit-stirrer. Only time will tell how his legacy will be perceived.
25 years ago, the Internet community set rules for the establishment of additional regional registries for IP addresses. It was the starting signal for the establishment of two new Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) in Latin America and Africa. However, they did not realize that such an important infrastructure provider could also fail. Due to the ongoing problems with Afrinic in Mauritius, they now want to close regulatory loopholes.

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On June 4, 2001, the Internet Coordination Policy-2 (ICP-2) prepared by the address self-administrations in Europe (RIPE), Asia (APNIC) and North America (ARIN) passed the board of the recently founded Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). In the early days of the Internet, the Europeans had helped to allocate IP addresses for colleagues in Africa. The North American ARIN took over the same service for Latin America. With IPC-2, the RIRs paved the way for the further decentralization and democratization of global IP address allocation.

Read also AfriNIC: Provider scheitern mit Sanktionsplanen gegen Regierungen

The uniform allocation from the common address pool of 4.3 billion IPv4 and 340 sextillion IPv6 addresses is one of the most important basic infrastructures for the Internet. Without IP addresses, there is no connection to the network.

The stumbling block

What it means when an IP address allocation office is no longer fully functional is currently being increasingly felt by network operators in African countries. In various countries, such as Tanzania and South Africa, companies are increasingly complaining that their applications for address allocations are not being processed.

A legal dispute with address trader Lu Heng, CEO of Larus (Hong Kong), and his associated company Cloud Innovation (Seychelles) has paralyzed parts of Afrinic's work. Since 2022, there has been no proper board of directors and no managing director.

Courts in Mauritius, Afrinic's headquarters, have already appointed the second emergency administrator. Administrator Gowtamsingh Tabee has now announced new board elections for June 23. However, the fact that the nomination committee is made up exclusively of British lawyers and that the British company Civica is to operate the platform for electronic voting has met with resistance from parts of Afrinic's membership.

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In its current form, the planned election process violates Afrinic's constitution and the bottom-up principle of multi-stakeholders, warns Noah Maina, Secretary General of the Tanzanian Internet Service Providers Association and active in many functions within the continent's Internet self-governance. Maina intends to take legal action, if necessary, to enforce a legally correct election within the framework of the constitution.

Afrinic's future uncertain

Hans-Peter Holen, Managing Director of the RIPE NCC and current Chairman of the RIR umbrella organization Number Resource Organization (NRO) after the rotation procedure, emphasized at an online workshop on the ICP-2 successor rules on Tuesday that an update of the rules was overdue after 25 years.

The new policy document on Recognition, Operation and Withdrawal of Recognition of Regional Internet Registries accompanies the RIR through its life cycle. It sets out operational obligations.

First and foremost is the non-discriminatory issue of IP addresses to members in accordance with the tried-and-tested non-profit principle. A minimum of formal principles  at least one meeting of the members per year  is intended to safeguard the bottom-up principle, even if it is no longer called that, as IP address expert Randy Bush noted at the workshop.

Safeguarding against unilateral action

To ensure that a registry carries out its processes properly and that the membership is sufficiently involved in line with the idea of self-administration, audits should also check the business as regularly as possible. Holen assured that this has already been done at the RIPE NCC for some time.

Another newly introduced principle obliges the RIRs to prevent possible attempts by individuals or a single company or group to usurp control over self-administration. These concerns have also increased with the clashes between Afrinic and Lu Heng.

Afrinic's emergency administrator referred to concerns about possible interference in the process in a circular on the planned election. Two years ago, members of APNIC even warned of a hostile takeover in elections. Lu Heng had run for office here together with some employees of the Number Resource Society (NRS). Together with the NRS, Lu is campaigning in the ICP-2 process for IP address holders to be allowed unlimited address transfers across regions. He believes that this would create competition among the RIRs.

De-recognition

As a last resort against a dysfunctional RIR, the NRO wants to reserve the right to de-recognize the RIR status in the future. This can be initiated by an RIR, but also by a quarter of the members of the RIR in question. In an orderly process, the IP addresses should then be transferred to a successor organization or an interim administrator in the event of revocation.

There are still some requests for changes in the ongoing consultation process with the community. For example, some members believe that the unanimity required for recognition or removal decisions is too high a hurdle. At the request of the community, the NGO members who prepared the draft had already included the option for an affected RIR to appeal to the ICANN Board again after the withdrawal of recognition.

At the workshop on Tuesday, Constanze Burger, a German member of the NGO and official in the Ministry of the Interior, promised that every single proposal for the policy document would be examined and discussed very carefully. She had applied to RIPE for IPv6 addresses for the federal government in 2009.

The Afrinic situation has triggered something, she says. In her opinion, Lu Heng's proposals for unrestricted transfers between regions contradict the very idea of a decentralized, democratic RIR system. Comments on the future policy document can still be submitted until May 27.

(dmk)

Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
Sexting with Judi Dench? Or with a fictitious, self-designed person? Possible thanks to Meta AI. The way to explicit conversations is via the little blue circle in WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. I want you, but I need to know you're ready, was one such sentence, which was also sent to an underage person and spoken in the voice of wrestler and actor John Cena.

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Meta AI is the chatbot  an AI assistant integrated into Meta's services. According to Meta, 700 million people worldwide use it every month. It can be used to create offshoots, chatbots that specialize in certain topics. You can also speak to the AI assistant in voice mode, for which Meta has purchased seven celebrity voices, including those of Judi Dench and Kristen Bell.

According to the Wall Street Journal, it is possible to have sexualized conversations with the AI in all of these ways. As the chatbots previously had no age restrictions, children, and teenagers could also get more than romantic with them.

The report states that Meta employees had expressed concerns that there were too few safety precautions in place. The main concern was about guardrails to prevent sex. The Wall Street Journal then tested Meta AI. According to their information, they had conducted hundreds of conversations with Meta AI. In several cases, it had even sent messages to minors and had conversations about sexual acts. This also happened when the test was carried out with an account for young people. There are actually stricter security measures for such accounts.

Meta extends protection, but sees little danger

Meta says the tests were contrived and hypothetical use cases, but assures that it wants to ensure that people have an even harder time manipulating our products for extreme use cases. This includes the fact that the accounts of minors can already no longer have romantic conversations with Meta AI.

Until recently, Meta had also experimented with chatbots that were supposed to impersonate entire personalities. There were both fictional characters and chatbots that were supposed to resemble well-known people  such as Snoop Dog. Neither were used very much. Meta discontinued the AI characters after there was controversy and misunderstanding about how many of these bots there would be on social networks. Shortly afterward, the prominent voices for the voice mode were published.

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The accusations made by parents in the USA against the AI service Character AI sound even more drastic. They are suing the provider of chatbots for allegedly encouraging children to harm themselves and murder their parents. The reason for the latter: screen time.

(emw)

Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
In the future, Taiwanese companies will need approval from the Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs for major investments abroad. A revision of the law on industrial innovation is primarily aimed at the chip contract manufacturer TSMC.

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The revision of the law itself has so far been kept general. Of particular importance is the new Article 22, which allows authorities to impose conditions on foreign investment. The Ministry of Economic Affairs cites national security and economic development, among other reasons, as justification.

N minus 1 rule

Prime Minister Toh Jung-tai confirmed on the third reading of the law that it is essentially about TSMC. The government wants to implement a so-called N minus 1 rule. The Taiwanese media, United Daily News (UDN) and Commercial Times (CTEE) are among those reporting on this.

TSMC is officially only allowed to produce chips with its state-of-the-art production technology in Taiwan. In foreign semiconductor plants, only the previous production generation is permitted. The exact implementation of the law is to be worked out in the coming months.

Reality, even without a law

In reality, however, there is hardly any impact because TSMC already only produces with its latest manufacturing technology in Taiwan. This is currently the 3-nanometer process N3E; the successor N2 will follow by the end of the year. In the USA, however, TSMC manufactures chips using the optimized 5 nm process N4 or N4P. AMD and Nvidia use the US plants for their processors and AI accelerators, respectively. Apple is said to have processors for older iPhones produced there.

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TSMC develops new production processes in its Taiwanese research centers. After completion, the risk and finally series production in domestic semiconductor plants begins. Only when everything is running smoothly there will it be introduced in the new US semiconductor plants years later. This approach is intended to minimize costs.

For the German joint venture European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC), the legislation is irrelevant anyway because chips are produced there using much older manufacturing technology. At the start, these are 28 to 12 nm, because demand is high from car manufacturers. TSMC also manufactures with older technology at its other sites in China and Japan.

According to speculation, the Taiwanese government is formally introducing the new investment rules to curb opinion mongering that the US could steal TSMC's manufacturing technology.

Read also Taiwanese government avoids trouble with Trump

Previously, Taiwanese politicians tried to avoid a trade conflict with the US by making concessions. In addition, TSMC increased its investments in US semiconductor plants to 165 billion US dollars. Despite this, US President Donald Trump is still talking about possible tariffs on Taiwanese chips.

(mma)

Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
The opening ceremony, attended by some 150 guests including Chinas Ambassador to Finland Tongqing Wang and Finlands Minister for Economic Affairs Wille Rydman , celebrated the launch of the Chinese-Finnish joint venture Easpring Finland New Materials' plant.

The foundation stone has been laid for a new battery materials plant in Kotkas Keltakallio industrial area, marking the start of a major project expected to create around 300 direct jobs.

The primary contractor for the project is China Harbour Engineering Company. However, project management firm Rego Oy, based in Helsinki, is responsible for sourcing leadership personnel and influencing subcontractor selection. Heikki Schemeikka, CEO of Rego, said that construction-related subcontractors are expected to be largely Finnish.

Site groundwork has already begun, with Tuusula-based company Kreate handling initial earthworks. At peak, the construction phase could employ up to 800 people. Schemeikka noted strong interest from local firms, even though official tenders have not yet opened.

Local development company Cursor has compiled a comprehensive list of businesses interested in joining the project. According to Schemeikka, it includes a wide range of companies from different sectors, not just construction.

The plant, covering a 27.8-hectare area, will involve several new buildings and an estimated investment of 800 million. The facility will produce cathode active materials for European battery cell factories, primarily for electric vehicles.

Production is scheduled to start in 2027. Once completed, the factory will directly employ about 270 people.

HT
At Bierhaus Munchen, a beer restaurant near Helsinkis main railway station, a clear sign on the door informs customers that entry in overalls is prohibited. Restaurant manager Simo Karki said the decision was based on business viability.

Several bars in the Helsinki area have started banning customers wearing student overalls, citing concerns over low spending and the impact on business.

"If ten people come in, only two or three buy something. Two might drink their own beverages," Karki explained.

He said that student groups often take up space from paying customers and sometimes cause disturbances, including vandalism such as sticking stickers in restrooms.

Students, according to Karki, also do not match the atmosphere of Bierhaus, which caters to a more "mature" clientele.

"They probably hope for a slightly more adult environment, so unnecessary disorder does not belong here," Karki added.

The bar has tested allowing overalls during student pub crawl events but found it unprofitable. At a recent crawl, where 500700 participants were expected, only 20 students showed up. Of those, one Finnish group bought a single shot and one portion of fries between them.

"The German group was fantastic. Each had at least two shots, some more," Karki noted. However, the overall financial impact was minimal.

Despite the ban, Karki expressed understanding toward students' limited spending power.

"It is not their fault. Young people are young," he said. "When I was their age, we had little money too, but now students have even less."

Interestingly, students from the Sibelius Academy, Finlands top music university, remain welcome, although not in overalls. Karki praised their behaviour, crediting cultural differences.

"They come from countries where spending long evenings in restaurants with family is normal. They know the etiquette," he said.

Engineering students from Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, encountered outside Helsinkis central library, said they understood the bar bans.

Students Daniil Linnossuo, Matti Keskinen, Pyry Kuusimaki, and Aku Tolvanen noted that during busy weekends, large student groups could overwhelm bars, making other patrons uncomfortable and leading them to leave.

The students said that during events like Vappu, when student overall-wearing crowds flood the city, such restrictions make sense to maintain balance for all customers.

HT
The outreach effort, organised by the citys youth services department, begins at 5 p.m. on 30 April and will continue into the night in response to activity on the streets. Teams will patrol key areas across central Helsinki, including Kaivopuisto, schoolyards and beaches where young people are known to gather.

Helsinki will deploy 150 youth workers, volunteers and emergency service professionals on May Day Eve to support young people during the spring festivities.

Youth workers will provide help through conversations, first aid and direct assistance. The initiative also involves the Helsinki and Uusimaa Red Cross, the Churchs Saapas outreach programme, Aseman Lapset, police and paramedics.

The goal is to offer a safe presence and ensure that minors out celebrating are supported if needed.

Kaisa Kivela and Rufus Wahen of the citys youth services said the joint operation helps professionals form a real-time overview of where support is needed most.

A wide network of cooperation gives us a good picture of whats happening, where young people are, and where we can help them, Wahen said.

Kivela encouraged parents to talk with their children in advance about their plans for the night.

Ask them where theyll be, who theyll be with, and what they plan to do. Even if you think its obvious, say it clearly  that they can always call and ask for help, she said.

Wahen added a direct message to young people.

Have a joyful May Day, and take care of yourself and your friends, he said.

Organisers are also asking parents to answer calls from unknown numbers during the night. Police or medical staff may need to reach parents in case of emergencies.

May Day Eve, or Vappuaatto, is a traditional carnival-like celebration in Finland, particularly among students. In Helsinki, festivities begin with the capping of the Havis Amanda statue by students, drawing large crowds to the city centre.

Helsinkis youth outreach operation dates back to the early 1980s. It now takes place on three key dates each year: May Day Eve, school graduation day (31 May), and New Years Eve.

HT
The countrys Ministry of Transport and Communications confirmed the position in a briefing to Parliament on 25 April, following the release of the EUs joint communication on 21 February 2025. The communication outlines a strategy known as the EU Action Plan on Cable Security , developed under the wider Preparedness Union framework.

Finland has expressed full support for the European Unions new action plan aimed at strengthening the security of submarine communication and electricity cables across the bloc.

The strategy centres on four key pillars: prevention, detection, response and recovery, and deterrence. It aims to secure both digital and power infrastructure undersea, with particular attention to the growing risks posed by the so-called "shadow fleet"  vessels operating under opaque ownership and regulatory conditions.

Finland said it supports the proposed actions, especially those recognising the unique strategic and environmental conditions of the Baltic Sea. It considers the enhancement of cable repair capabilities as one of the most urgent and important elements of the plan.

The government said it was essential that the Baltic Sea be given priority when planning for the availability of repair fleets. It also endorsed the EUs proposal to allocate funding from the current Multiannual Financial Framework to boost both the security and repair readiness of undersea cable infrastructure.

The plan includes the establishment of a dedicated fleet capable of operating in ice-covered waters and able to respond to various types of maritime threats, including environmental hazards.

In its statement, Finland welcomed EU funding being directed toward expanding repair capacity and developing surveillance technologies in cooperation with European industry. It also supported improving the coordination and information exchange between EU Member States on cable safety.

The Councils working groups will now assess the joint communication in the coming months. Finland confirmed that it would actively advocate for its priorities during these discussions in cooperation with the European Commission and other Member States.

HT
Speaking from his official residence in Helsinki, Orpo acknowledged that cutting taxes carries risk but insisted that inaction would be worse for Finlands economy. The governments decision to lower taxes will cost the state around two billion euros in lost revenue, with cuts aimed at businesses and higher-income earners.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) defended his government's tax cuts and pension fund borrowing during a roundtable interview with reporters on Sunday.

Orpo said economic growth will compensate for the revenue shortfall. The governments budget decisions create the basis for new growth and more tax income, he told reporters.

He argued that cutting corporate taxes will lead to new investments and jobs. Former Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen (Centre) criticised the plan on Friday, saying it will mainly boost dividends flowing out of Finland rather than local investments.

Opposition leader Antti Lindtman (SDP) warned that Finland risks falling under the EU's excessive deficit procedure due to the worsening debt situation.

Orpo also defended the governments use of state pension funds, describing it as a responsible move. He said the money would be used for growth-stimulating measures and not for the planned increase in defence funding.

The government plans to fully compensate municipalities for revenue lost through the corporate tax cut, which will see the rate lowered to 18 percent.

Sunday marked two years since Orpo's coalition was agreed, though ministers were sworn in later. An Yle analysis published over the weekend showed that the government has so far missed two of its three main goals.

The government pledged to create 100,000 jobs but employment has fallen by almost 50,000 since the coalition took office. Finland now has around 300,000 unemployed people, including more than 115,000 long-term unemployed.

Despite cuts to healthcare, education, culture, and social services, the government has failed to halt the growth of public debt. Many economists argue the situation will worsen due to the latest tax cuts.

Although purchasing power among those still employed has improved slightly since mid-2023, it remains below the peak levels of late 2021. Unemployed people face a tougher situation after the government cut unemployment benefits.

Purchasing power is literally collapsing for those without jobs, said Mikael Kirkko-Jaakkola, chief economist at the Taxpayers Union.

The Orpo governments term is scheduled to end in spring 2027.

HT
Pupils will be prohibited from using phones during lessons unless specifically allowed by a teacher, such as when devices are used to support learning or health needs. The rules also empower teachers and principals to confiscate devices if their use disturbs teaching or learning.

Finlands Parliament has approved new restrictions on the use of mobile phones in schools, with the law set to take effect at the beginning of the autumn term.

Schools will now be required to create clear regulations governing the use and storage of digital devices throughout the school day. These regulations may extend to limiting phone use during breaks as part of each schools internal rules.

Education Minister Anders Adlercreutz welcomed the decision, saying it would help pupils concentrate better during lessons and give teachers the tools needed to ensure a peaceful learning environment.

"I am pleased that the government has brought this important law across the finish line," Adlercreutz said in a statement. "The reform will give pupils better opportunities to focus on their education and develop meaningful social skills."

The law does not eliminate the use of digital tools in education. According to Adlercreutz, technology will remain an essential part of teaching, in line with curriculum requirements. The aim is specifically to curb disruptive and uncontrolled mobile use that undermines concentration and learning.

Research shows that while moderate use of digital resources can support learning, excessive screen time weakens students' ability to focus. Adlercreutz expressed hope that the reform would not only improve discipline in classrooms but also lead to better learning outcomes and greater interest in reading.

"The school is not just a place for acquiring knowledge," Adlercreutz said. "It is also where social skills are developed. Constant screen use hampers interaction with others. We want to support meaningful human connections during the school day."

Adlercreutz also called on adults to lead by example, saying the change should remind everyone that setting aside phones can benefit both young people and adults.

The new rules will be implemented across Finnish primary and secondary schools beginning in August 2025.

HT
Police launched a major operation and cordoned off a wide section of the city centre. Officers with drones and dog units searched the area.

Authorities received several reports of gunfire around 17:00 local time. The incident occurred near Vaksala Square, a busy area ahead of May Day celebrations.

Three people were killed in a shooting in central Uppsala on Tuesday evening, Swedish police confirmed.

A spokesperson for Uppsala police, Maria Hall, said that the victims had not yet been identified and that their families had not been notified. We will not release more information at this time, Hall told SVT.

Early reports suggest the suspected shooter may have fled on an electric scooter. Witnesses described scenes of panic, with people running and hiding after hearing several shots.

I heard five bangs. People started running in different directions, a witness told SVT.

Police have not released any details about the suspects identity or possible motives. Investigators said they were treating the case as murder.

Swedish broadcaster SVT reported that one of the victims was linked to an ongoing investigation into a planned attack targeting a relative of gang leader Ismail Abdo.

The Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer described the shooting as a brutal act of violence and said his ministry was closely monitoring the case. This is extremely serious, Strommer told local media.

Train services in Uppsala were briefly suspended during the police response, but authorities said there was no immediate threat to the public.

No arrests have been made, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.

HT
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A 5th-grade student killed himself after allegedly being bullied by his teacher, sparking concerns about the significant impacts of bullying.

The victim, identified as a 10-year-old boy from Florida, died two years ago, and his parents have now filed a lawsuit against the Marion County School Board on Monday. The student was Louis Johnson, who was allegedly bullied by his teacher, Dawn White.

Student Kills Self After Being Bullied by Teacher

The teacher allegedly bullied the Legacy Elementary School student and recruited other kids to bully him as well. The recently filed lawsuit claims that White called the 5th-grader "stupid" and said that he "didn't know anything."

White allegedly told the victim that he didn't know why he was talking because he didn't even know anything. He supposedly added that the student did not know anything in his class, and then asked the rest of the class to support him.

The 5th-grade student's parents said that they reported the teacher's actions to the school board and the school itself but nothing was done. They also claim that because of the negligence of the school board, the teacher caused Johnson to suffer depression and anxiety, according to WECT.

The report concluded that the teacher chronically inflicted psychological distress on many students by "verbally insulting, humiliating, and embarrassing" them. Shortly after the 5th-grade student's death, Johnson's parents went to their son's school and passed out "Suicide Prevention" flyers, which also included allegations against White.

The incident prompted an investigative report into White, which started in 2023 and involves more than two dozen student witnesses. They were interviewed regarding the teacher's behavior in class, as they were all in the same room as Johnson.

There was also another case of suicide where a second-year MBBS student from India died on Sunday morning at GMC Jammu boys hostel. The student was found to have been from the Mendhar area of Poonch district, Greater Kashmir reported.

Tragic Incidents

Principal GMC Jammu, Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, confirmed the death of the student via suspected suicide. He added that law enforcement authorities registered a case and an investigation has already been started.

In Tippecanoe County, the coroner also identified the deceased at the Northwestern Parking garage in Indiana as 25-year-old student Austin Davis Fisher. Police were called to the garage at about 8:15 a.m. after someone reported seeing an individual hang himself outside.

The student was found to be from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and worked at Wiley Dining Court. He was also an undergrad student who was majoring in cybersecurity, as revealed by Purdue spokesperson Trevor Peters, as per the Purdue Exponent.

Originally published on parentherald.com
France on Tuesday accused Russian military intelligence of being behind a series of cyberattacks against the country over the last decade, including against an organisation involved in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Emmanuel Macron's first presidential campaign in 2017.

Since 2021, a branch of Russian military intelligence (GRU) dedicated to such attacks has also targeted a dozen French entities including "defence, financial and economic sectors", the foreign ministry said.

"France condemns in the strongest terms the use by Russia's military intelligence service (GRU) of the APT28 attack group, at the origin of several cyberattacks on French interests," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The GRU "has been carrying out cyberattacks against France for several years using a method known as APT28", Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said in a message on X, officially attributing these cyberattacks to the GRU for the first time.

APT28, also known as Fancy Bear, has been linked to dozens of global cyberattacks including the 2016 US election, where it was accused of aiding Donald Trump by leaking Democratic Party emails and those of the campaign of Hillary Clinton.

The group targets personal email accounts to retrieve data and messages, or gain access to other machines on a system.

In 2017, hackers hit Macron's first presidential run, leaking thousands of documents barely 24 hours before the vote.

"In the midst of the presidential election, APT28 participated in a massive hacking operation" aiming "to sow doubt and influence public opinion", France's foreign ministry said in a video shared by Barrot on X.

"Thousands of documents were stolen and disseminated, hoping to manipulate voters, but the manoeuvre failed to really impact the electoral process," the video continues, referring to the 2017 leak.

Macron easily won the election in a second-round runoff against far-right veteran Marine Le Pen. French officials have also warned in the past over the risk of interference in elections set for 2027, when Macron cannot stand again because of term limits, and the far right is expected to be a major contender.

The video added that entities in France attacked since 2021 include those "working in the daily lives of French people and include public services, private enterprises as well as a sport organisation involved in the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games".

Media is one of the hackers' preferred targets, the foreign ministry added.

In 2015, ATP28 -- posing as Islamic State militants -- hacked the French-language channel TV5 Monde "to manipulate public opinion" and "create a panic in France", it said.

France has been a frequent target of Islamist attacks over the last decade, notably in 2015 when the Bataclan concert hall and the national stadium were attacked.

France is not APT28's only target, with several international intelligence services, including German authorities, warning in September 2024 of Fancy Bear cyberattacks against NATO countries.

The group is "targeting our partners," the foreign ministry video said, adding that Ukraine has been one of the group's "priorities" since Russia launched its invasion of the country in February 2022.

"APT28 is also being used to exert constant pressure on Ukrainian infrastructure in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," the foreign ministry said.

And Poland, a staunch ally of Kyiv, warned in recent months that Moscow might seek to interfere with a presidential vote set for May 18 through cyberattacks and disinformation.

France and Poland will sign a "friendship treaty" on May 9, coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin presiding over a huge parade in Moscow on the same day as Russia marks victory in World War II.

"Alongside its partners, France is determined to use all the means at its disposal to anticipate Russia's malicious behaviour in cyberspace, discourage it and respond to it where necessary," the foreign ministry said.
Pakistan's information minister said Wednesday that Islamabad had "credible intelligence" that India was planning an imminent military strike and he vowed a "decisive response", as worries of spiralling conflict grew over a deadly attack in Kashmir.

The statement by Attaullah Tarar came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a closed-door meeting the previous day with army and security chiefs, at which he gave the military "complete operational freedom" to respond to the attack, a senior government source told AFP.

"Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends to launch a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours using the Pahalgam incident as a false pretext," Tarar said in a statement.

Pahalgam is a tourist hub in Indian-administered Kashmir where 26 men were killed on April 22, the deadliest attack on civilians in the contested region in years.

India has accused Pakistan of supporting the attack, a claim Islamabad has rejected.

"Any act of aggression will be met with a decisive response," said Tarar. "India will be fully responsible for any serious consequences in the region!"

The development comes as nations around the world, from neighbouring China to the United States, express deep concerns and urge restraint by the nuclear-armed neighbours.

India's army on Wednesday said it had repeatedly traded gunfire with Pakistani troops for a sixth night in a row across the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto Kashmir border, a heavily fortified zone of high-altitude Himalayan outposts.

The army reported "small arms firing" in multiple sites, but with no reported casualties.

Pakistan's military did not confirm the shooting, but state radio in Islamabad reported on Tuesday it had shot down an Indian drone, calling it a violation of its airspace.

It did not say when the incident happened, and there was no comment from New Delhi.

Tensions have been rapidly mounting in the week since the Pahalgam attack, with tit-for-tat diplomatic barbs, expulsion of citizens and land border crossings shut.

Last week, Modi vowed to pursue those who carried out the attack, and those who had supported it.

"I say to the whole world: India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backer," he said on Thursday.

"We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth".

The bellicose statements have prompted worries of a spiral into military action, with calls from several nations for restraint.

The US State Department said top diplomat Marco Rubio would call his Pakistani and Indian counterparts soon to urge them "to not escalate the situation".

UN chief Antonio Guterres meanwhile held calls Tuesday with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in which he "offered his Good Offices to support de-escalation", his spokesman said.

Sharif's office later said he had urged Guterres to "counsel India" to exercise restraint, while pledging to defend Pakistan's "sovereignty and territorial integrity with full force in case of any misadventure by India".

Muslim-majority Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947. Both claim the territory in full.

Rebels in the Indian-run area have waged an insurgency since 1989, seeking independence or a merger with Pakistan.

Indian police have issued wanted posters for three men accused of carrying out the Kashmir attack -- two Pakistanis and an Indian -- who they say are members of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba group, a UN-designated terrorist organisation.

They have announced a two million rupee ($23,500) bounty for information leading to each man's arrest and carried out sweeping detentions seeking anyone suspected of links to the alleged killers.

The worst attack in recent years in Indian-run Kashmir was at Pulwama in 2019, when a suicide bomber rammed a car packed with explosives into a security forces convoy, killing 40 and wounding 35.

Indian fighter jets carried out air strikes on Pakistani territory 12 days later.

Iran has already offered to mediate and Saudi Arabia has said Riyadh was trying to "prevent an escalation".

US President Donald Trump downplayed tensions, saying on Friday the dispute will get "figured out, one way or another".
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's largest hotel groups, has signed a management agreement with API Hotels & Resorts to launch the first Kimpton hotel in the UAE. Set to open its doors in Q1 2026, Kimpton Dubai marks the brand's debut in the emirate and continues the regional expansion for IHG, which now has more than 122 hotels and close to 44,000 rooms across nine Middle East countries.

Kimpton, known internationally for its distinctive design, heartfelt hospitality, and immersive lifestyle experiences, has established a strong global presence across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The brand's entry into the UAE reflects the growing demand for boutique-style, experience-led stays in the region's luxury hospitality landscape.

Positioned along the iconic Business Bay Canal, minutes from Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, Kimpton Dubai will serve as a vibrant new social hub for the city. The area has already established itself as an alluring business and leisure destination, attracting a diverse mix of residents, visitors, and professionals.

The new hotel will feature 280 guest rooms, including a mix of standard and suites, three unique dining concepts, and seven flexible meeting spaces, including a ballroom. With a strong emphasis on wellness and leisure, guests will be able to enjoy a rooftop swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, curated retail outlets, and ample parking. Staying true to Kimpton's reputation for innovative culinary offerings, the hotel will focus on exceptional food and beverage experiences.

This marks the second collaboration between IHG and API Hotels & Resorts, following the opening of InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay in September 2024. Earlier, IHG signed a management agreement with The King Abdullah Financial District Management and Development Company, an affiliate of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, to open the region's first Kimpton hotel in the Saudi capital of Riyadh.

Each Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant is designed to open the door to human connections through unexpected, personal touches that create a meaningful and unscripted guest experience. Merging a culture of heartfelt hospitality and unique, design-forward hotels for all, every Kimpton property is designed to create genuine experiences where local communities and visitors mingle seamlessly.

IHG now has 9 of its core brands operating across the Middle East: Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, and Hotel Indigo in the luxury and lifestyle collections; Crowne Plaza and voco in the premium collections; Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express in essentials collections; and Staybridge Suites in the suites collections.

Hotel website
Auberge Resorts Collection, the award-winning portfolio of one-of-a-kind luxury hotels, resorts and residences, is pleased to announce the appointment of Fernando Flores as General Manager of Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection, the iconic oceanfront retreat in Los Cabos, Mexico.

A respected leader in the region, Flores brings more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, with a remarkable track record of innovation, creativity, and operational excellence. Flores joins Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection from the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, where his visionary leadership led the property to become the first luxury resort in Cabo to achieve a double Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide. Known for his culinary creativity and commitment to curating unforgettable guest experiences, Flores introduced acclaimed programming such as the Agave Study, TRAVESIA at Su Cocina, and the Festival of Flavors, an immersive guest chef series that brought internationally celebrated culinary talent including former James Beard Award winners, The World's 50 Best Restaurant-honored chefs, acclaimed Michelin star-honored chefs, and Top Chef winners to Los Cabos.

In 2020, Flores had the honor of being invited to join a distinguished group of hospitality industry professionals for a two-year term on the Forbes Travel Guide Standards Advisory Committee. In this role, he contributed to refining global industry standards while representing the Mexico and Caribbean region within the Americas.

In his new role, Flores will oversee all operations at Esperanza, driving the resort's continued evolution while honoring its legacy as one of the most beloved and innovative luxury destinations in Mexico. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter, as the resort continues to set new standards for luxury and service in Los Cabos. Guided by his "Triangle of Excellence" philosophy, which prioritizes guests, team members, and owners equally, Flores is celebrated for his warm, hands-on leadership style and creative approach to hospitality.
Puzzle Partner, a leading marketing consulting firm specializing in hospitality and travel technology, today announced the promotion of Lauren Ramesbottom to Vice President of Strategic Storytelling and Content.

Since joining Puzzle Partner in 2018, Ramesbottom has played a key role in building authentic, strategic narratives that have helped position Puzzle Partner as the trusted marketing agency for hotel and travel tech companies worldwide. Over the past seven years, she has worked closely with company leadership to craft compelling stories that drive brand visibility, industry leadership, and business growth.

Lauren has a true gift for making complex tech solutions understandable, entertaining and exciting to our target audiences. Her background in wellness and longevity brings invaluable perspective to an industry where travelers increasingly prioritize holistic experiences. This promotion strengthens our position at the forefront of hospitality's evolutionwhere technology and human wellbeing increasingly converge, and I couldn't be more excited for our next phase of growth. Ivana Johnston, Co-Founder and CEO of Puzzle Partner

In her new role, Ramesbottom will work alongside Johnston to lead the agencys continued growth, including its expansion into the emerging wellness technology sector.

I'm truly excited to take on this expanded role at Puzzle Partner at such a pivotal time. Over the years, I've seen firsthand how our approach creates real value for clients navigating complex technology landscapes. The wellness and longevity trends reshaping travel aren't just market opportunitiesthey're areas I'm personally passionate about. I look forward to working alongside our talented team to amplify innovative solutions that connect meaningfully with today's travelers while driving tangible growth for the brands we serve. Lauren Ramesbottom

Puzzle Partner brings together seasoned C-suite executives with decades of leadership experience in the hospitality technology sector. The firm offers clients both high-level strategic vision and practical implementation support, connecting innovative solutions with the right industry decision-makers.

To learn more, visit puzzlepartner.co.

About Puzzle Partner

Puzzle Partner is a leading marketing consulting firm specializing in the hospitality and travel technology sector. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, the company serves as a trusted advisor to innovative change-makers in the global hospitality and travel technology landscape.

With exceptional domain expertise, an influential industry network, and decades of collective experience, Puzzle Partner delivers customized marketing solutions that amplify brand visibility and drive sustainable growth. The firm's team of experts possesses unparalleled understanding of the interplay between travel, hospitality, and wellness technology branding.

Over the past decade, Puzzle Partner has established a proven track record of helping clients outperform competitors, achieve profitable exits, expand into the Americas, and realize extraordinary business outcomes. The company maintains the highest level of client advocacy in the industry while transforming visionary companies into unforgettable brands through strategic storytelling, brand positioning, and innovative content marketing.

To learn more, visit puzzlepartner.co.

Lauren Ramesbottom

VP of Strategic Storytelling and Content
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) has just successfully hosted its first CIO Summit EMEA last week in Barcelona. The high-level IT executive event hosted 50+ hospitality industry professionals including hoteliers, consultants and vendors for two days, April 2425 at the Renaissance Barcelona Hotel, to engage in roundtable discussions on the technologies set to have the biggest industry impact in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This new event was a branch of The CIO Summit from Hospitality Upgrade, the technology magazine of HFTP, which has been the most successful CIO-level networking event in North America for over 20 years.

The resounding success of the inaugural CIO Summit EMEA has clearly demonstrated a pronounced demand among hospitality technology leaders for a distinct and strategically focused Summit a format that fosters meaningful peer engagement while addressing critical challenges shaping the future of the industry. The Summit would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our sponsors who unanimously affirmed that the Summit is a uniquely effective and informative platform to foster connections with existing and prospective clients. Carson Booth, CHTP, HFTP Chief Operating Officer, EMEA

Opening the Summit was "Best Practices for AI Adoption in Enterprises," proudly sponsored by Fourteen IP, the events platinum sponsor and a leading provider of AI and cloud telephony solutions for the hospitality industry. True North Advisory managing partner, Michael Tessler, discussed how enterprises can best adopt AI, including techniques and best practices, supported by several actual use case scenarios. Michael drew from his advisory experience where he specializes in helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses in the customer experience domain, focusing on strategy, company positioning, and CEO mentoring.

The no-sales approach alongside some truly fantastic speakers and sessions led to a highly collaborative environment where hoteliers and vendors were able to discuss various topics at length, could ask questions and provide answers and debate topics in a way that you do not see at other events. Fourteen IP are incredibly proud to be a sponsor and grateful to Michael Tessler for giving up his time to share his experiences with everyone not just during his keynote speech but also during the networking sessions, again sharing in a genuinely collaborative environment. We are very much looking forward to CIO summit 2026. Neil Tolley, CEO of the Fourteen IP Group

Capping the first days program was Bridging the Divide Between Commercial and Technology Teams, presented by seasoned commercial leader, Stuart Mason, SVP, Commercial, Revenue and Distribution, Belmond. Stuart provided attendees with an inside look at what truly matters to their commercial counterparts and how to communicate in a way that fosters collaboration and strategic alignment.

Other topics presented in the program were the hospitality workplace of the future, re-imagining the future of hospitality, choosing best of breed or multi-solution partners, and how AI agents are replacing SaaS solutions.

A photo gallery from the event is now available.

Special thanks go to the 2025 event sponsors whose expertise helped shape the program. These are: Platinum Sponsor  Fourteen IP; Level II Sponsors  Nomadix, Island, apaleo, and Agilysys; and Level III Sponsors  EHL, at-visions, Venza, and Hapi.

This Fall, HFTP will produce the Hospitality Upgrade CIO Summit scheduled for September 35, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. And keep up with HFTP news for an announcement for the 2026 CIO Summit EMEA.

About HFTP

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with an offices in the EU. HFTP is recognized as a group supporting the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. In addition, it oversees the hospitality-specific Pineapplesearch.com and the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI), Hotel-Online and Hospitality Upgrade Magazine. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.

Carson Booth

COO Europe
Newton, MA  Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) announced the extension of its long-standing Master Franchise Agreement with GHL Hoteles (GHL) through 2034, reinforcing its commitment to continued growth across Latin America. The renewed agreement covers the development and franchising of most of Sonesta's brandsfrom economy to upscale segmentsthroughout Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile and Argentina.

This milestone underscores Sonestas momentum in the region and supports its strategy to deepen market penetration through both conversions and new builds. In Lima, the company will soon debut the Sonesta Hotel Miraflores, expected to open summer 2025, further expanding its presence in Perus capital city.

Latin America continues to be a region of significant opportunity for Sonesta. Renewing our Master Franchise Agreement with GHL ensures a strong foundation for future expansion, and were excited to bring more of our brands to travelers across these important markets. Brian Quinn, Sonestas Chief Development Officer

Since entering Latin America in 1998 with the Sonesta Hotel El Olivar in Lima, Sonesta has grown its presence across the region, focusing on both urban and leisure destinations. Through its partnership with GHLa respected hospitality leader based in ColombiaSonesta has successfully introduced multiple brands and opened hotels through ground-up developments and strategic conversions. GHL currently has 14 Sonesta hotels open including: Colombia (7), Peru (5), Ecuador (1) and Chile (1).

About GHL Hoteles

GHL Hoteles is a leading Colombian multi-brand hotel management company in Latin America, recognized for delivering exceptional guest experiences and outstanding financial performance. The organization currently manages 63 hotels across nine countries, from Guatemala to Chile, with more than 7,600 rooms. With over 60 years of experience, GHL operates across various hotel segments, including luxury, lifestyle, premium, economy, and leisure, through its own brands, independent properties, and international brands.

The company is backed by Advent International, one of the world's leading private equity firms, and has received multiple international awards, positioning it as a leading hotel manager in the region and enhancing its credibility and appeal to investors.

About Sonesta International Hotels

Sonesta is the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. according to Smith Travel Research (STR) with approximately 1,100 properties totaling 100,000 guest rooms across 13 brands in nine countries. Sonesta owns, manages and/or franchises under The Royal Sonesta; The James, Classico Collection by Sonesta, Sonesta Hotels, Resorts & Cruises; MOD Collection by Sonesta, Sonesta Select; Sonesta Essential, Sonesta ES Suites, Sonesta Simply Suites, Red Lion Hotels, Inns & Suites by Sonesta; Signature Inn by Sonesta; Americas Best Value Inn by Sonesta and Canadas Best Value Inn by Sonesta. Redefining hospitality through its award-winning Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program, Sonesta offers guests the opportunity to earn and redeem points for unparalleled value and personalized experiences. Sonesta Travel Pass members receive the best rates, earn immediate points towards free nights, and accelerated status progression based on stays. For more information about Sonesta, visit Sonesta.com or call 1.800.Sonesta. For information about how to join Sonesta's portfolio visit Franchise.Sonesta.com, email [email protected] or call 1.617.658.1596.
PPHE Hotel Group, the international hospitality real estate group which develops, owns and operates hotels and resorts, is pleased to announce a trading update for the three months ended 31 March 2025.

Q1 Financial Highlights

As highlighted in our FY 2024 results announced in February, Q1 is traditionally the quietest quarter. Total revenue of 77.6 million, an increase of 0.7% year-on-year (Q1 2024: 77.0 million). Like-for-like1 revenue decreased by 5.6% largely due to the comparable leap year impact and Easter falling within Q2 which resulted in a later opening of the Croatian leisure portfolio and impacted the UK and Dutch markets in particular.

Like-for-like1 occupancy levels were stable at 70.5% (Q1 2024: 70.4%).

The like-for-like1 average room rate decreased by 3.6% to 134.3 (Q1 2024: 139.3), due to room rates continuing to normalise in most regions. Consequently, like-for-like1 RevPAR declined 3.5% to 94.6 (Q1 2024: 98.1).

Q1 Strategic Highlights

artotel Rome Piazza Sallustio opened on 6 March 2025 and is seeing increasing levels of guest demand as well as excellent guest feedback, in line with expectations. Yezi, the hotels restaurant, is now fully operational after opening on 16 April 2025.

artotel London Hoxton continued to show good improvements, in line with expectations, supported by increasing corporate and meetings & events booking demand as the hotel continued to build its presence in the London market. The office space as well as the restaurant and bar on the 25th floor are expected to open in the second half.



Current Trading & Outlook

Forward booking activity levels are positive with overall pace and demand consistent with 2024 levels, albeit there continues to be normalisation in industry room rates. The Group remains focused on cost control, with several ongoing projects to drive further efficiencies.

The macroeconomic and geopolitical backdrop is increasingly uncertain, yet the Board remains confident in delivering full-year performance within the range of market expectations2 for 2025.



1 The like-for-like* figures exclude results from the newly opened artotel Rome Piazza Sallustio and artotel London Hoxton.

2 At 7 March 2025, the Company compiled analyst consensus forecast range for the financial year ending 31 December 2025 showed a revenue range of 463.6 million to 477.4 million and an EBITDA* range of 148 million to 158.6 million.

We are pleased with the Groups progress during the first three months in what has been a fast evolving and challenging macroeconomic and geopolitical environment. We have maintained solid occupancy levels whilst proactively managing room rate. Our newly opened hotels are performing well and in line with expectations, with demand growing month-on-month and excellent guest feedback. These openings solidify the successful evolution of PPHE into a pan-European, multi-brand hospitality real estate group, with broad customer appeal and the opportunity for attractive long-term growth. The extent to which recent tariff-driven volatility will impact consumer purchasing and travel demand remains to be seen. Whilst the backdrop remains uncertain, we are moving into the busier Spring and Summer periods, which supports our confidence in the year ahead. The Group expects to deliver another year of record revenue and profitability, continuing its growth in EBITDA and margins. Greg Hegarty, Co-Chief Executive Officer, PPHE Hotel Group

PPHE Hotel Group Limited - Q1 Trading Update Source: PPHE Hotel Group

About PPHE Hotel Group

PPHE Hotel Group is an international hospitality real estate company, with a 2.2 billion portfolio, valued as at December 2023 by Savills and Zagreb nekretnine Ltd (ZANE), of primarily prime freehold and long leasehold assets in Europe.

Through its subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities and associates it owns, co-owns, develops, leases, operates and franchises hospitality real estate. Its portfolio includes full-service upscale, upper upscale and lifestyle hotels in major gateway cities and regional centres, as well as hotel, resort and campsite properties in select resort destinations. The Group's strategy is to grow its portfolio of core upper upscale city centre hotels, leisure and outdoor hospitality and hospitality management platform.

PPHE Hotel Group benefits from having an exclusive and perpetual licence from the Radisson Hotel Group, one of the world's largest hotel groups, to develop and operate Park Plaza branded hotels and resorts in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In addition, PPHE Hotel Group wholly owns, and operates under, the art'otel brand and its Croatian subsidiary owns, and operates under, the Arena Hotels & Apartments and Arena Campsites brands.

PPHE Hotel Group is a Guernsey registered company with shares listed on the London Stock Exchange. PPHE Hotel Group also holds a controlling ownership interest in Arena Hospitality Group, whose shares are listed on the Prime market of the Zagreb Stock Exchange.

Company websites: www.pphe.com | www.arenahospitalitygroup.com

For reservations: www.parkplaza.com | www.artotel.com | www.radissonhotels.com | www.arenahotels.com | www.arenacampsites.com

India Laidlaw

PPHE Hotel Group
HMH Expands Saudi Presence with New Properties in Al Khobar and Makkah

Strategic Growth in KSA Aligned with Vision 2030 and Religious Tourism Boom

15 Years at ATM: HMH Reinforces Regional Leadership in Hospitality Development

Dubai, UAE  Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH), a prominent hotel management group in the MENA region, has announced a major expansion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with the addition of new properties and ambitious development plans aimed at supporting the countrys growing tourism sector.

As part of its strategic growth initiative, HMH has signed an agreement to operate the Corp Al Khobar Corniche Hotel, a 157-room property overlooking the Khobar waterfront in the Eastern Province and a memorandum of understanding for a new Dammam hotel development. The hotel, previously under Accors Mercure brand, will now join HMHs expanding portfolio, further strengthening the companys footprint in Saudi Arabia.

This milestone comes as HMH prepares to open its flagship 460-room hotel in Makkah by mid-2025. Set to begin operations after the Hajj season, the Makkah property is expected to serve as a cornerstone in HMHs faith-based tourism offerings, catering to the millions of pilgrims who travel to the holy city annually. Additional developments are also underway across the Kingdom, reinforcing HMHs commitment to meeting the surging demand for quality hospitality solutions.

Saudi Arabia is a strategic priority for HMH, fully aligned with Vision 2030s transformative tourism goals and the rising demand for premium accommodation. The Al Khobar property strengthens our presence in the Eastern Province, while our forthcoming Makkah hotel will place us at the heart of religious tourism. With over 6,000 rooms currently operational or in development across the region, we remain deeply committed to supporting the Kingdoms target of attracting 150 million annual visitors by 2030. Mr. Haytham Abdelaziz, Chief Operating Officer of HMH

The Corp Al Khobar Corniche Hotel will cater to a diverse clientele, including corporate travelers and leisure guests, while the Makkah property is tailored to accommodate pilgrims and religious tourists. These developments align with HMHs broader strategy to establish a presence in key cities throughout Saudi Arabia and contribute to the countrys evolving tourism infrastructure.

This marks the 15th consecutive successful participation of HMH at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), underscoring its long-standing presence and consistent engagement with the region's leading travel and tourism platform. Over the years, ATM has served as a key venue for HMH to strengthen partnerships and showcase its growing regional footprint.

With a proven track record of operational excellence and a dynamic development pipeline, HMH continues to position itself as a leader in the Middle Easts hospitality landscape. The groups growing footprint in Saudi Arabia reflects its forward-thinking vision and its role as a trusted partner in delivering world-class hospitality experiences.

About HMH

Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH  Hospitality Management Holding is a fully integrated hotel management company that prides itself for being the largest operator in the dry sector within the region. HMH provides hotel owners and developers a broad spectrum of world-class management solutions with five distinct, yet complementary, hotel brands catering to varied market segments from luxury to lifestyle. These include Bahi Hotels & Resorts, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels. HMH's strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa has been successful in unlocking a world of opportunities while creating value for its stakeholders, associates, staff members and customers. The existing portfolio is located in some of the most desirable destinations across the MENA region, with a pipeline of hotels under development to grow HMH's regional footprint even further.

For more information about HMH please visit http://www.hmhhotelgroup.com/.
Gewan Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of NG9 Holding, has officially announced its entry into the Egyptian market with the signing of five management agreements for new hotels and resorts. This expansion adds over 1,000 rooms to Gewan's growing portfolio and marks the brand's first step into one of the region's most prominent hospitality and tourism destinations.

The newly added properties are:

Tolip Golden Plaza Hotel, Tolip Paradise Resort New Alamein, Tolip Sunrise Resort New Alamein, The V Luxury Resort, and Crystal Lotus Luxury Palace. These properties will officially become part of Gewan Hotels & Resorts starting April 30, 2025.

Each destination will undergo a full transformation, including rebranding and service enhancements, with the goal of delivering a refreshed hospitality experience that blends luxury, attention to detail, and innovative service.

Entering the Egyptian market is a major milestone for Gewan and reflects our confidence in the potential of this destination. Our vision is to offer a modern hospitality experience that respects local character while meeting the expectations of today's traveler. Alaa Al Ali, Founder and Group CEO of NG9 Holding

Egypt has always been part of our expansion visionnot only for its tourism appeal, but because it's the perfect place to introduce a new perspective on hospitality. Through these five properties, we aim to deliver a complete experience defined by refined simplicity, authentic service, and a commitment to excellence. Ahmad Hassib, CEO of Gewan Hotels & Resorts

Each hotel will offer a unique character inspired by its location and surrounding culture, balancing local appeal with international standards.

The expansion will also align with Gewan's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.

With this strategic move, Gewan strengthens its regional presence and takes confident steps toward international marketsaffirming its position as a dynamic, independent hospitality brand focused on the future.
NEWTON, MA  Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced that it has entered a strategic alliance agreement with AKEN Hotels & Resorts LLC, a premier hotel group with a growing portfolio across South America and the Caribbean to join the Sonesta system. The agreement represents a major milestone in Sonestas international growth strategy and will significantly expand opportunities for Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program members to earn and redeem points across new destinations. The companies intend to finalize a definitive agreement by mid-year.

This is a significant agreement in Sonestas international expansion. Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America represent tremendous potential for travel demand, guest loyalty and engagement. Collaborating with AKEN allows us to scale quickly in a high-growth region while aligning with a brand that shares our commitment to exceptional service and guest experience. Sonestas approach to growth has three pillars - to be Fast, Friendly and Flexible, and we see this as the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship. Brian Quinn, Sonestas Chief Development Officer

As travelers continue to look for authentic experiences, this agreement represents a unique opportunity for Sonesta to create a strategic alignment with AKEN, a brand recognized for its experience in ecotourism and conscious luxury. Latin America offers both cultural richness and untapped growth opportunities, and AKEN Hotels is an ideal collaborator with local insight and operational excellence. This relationship will bring Sonesta immediate critical mass in this new luxury market. Keith Pierce, Sonestas EVP and President of Franchise & Development

The strategic alliance will integrate AKENs properties into Sonestas global loyalty ecosystem, offering members new destinations for redemption and deeper regional access. The collaboration is designed to drive mutual value and elevate the guest experience across markets.

Were thrilled to begin a relationship with Sonesta to bring the spirit of South American hospitality to a broader global audience. This collaboration allows us to amplify our reach, strengthen our global sales distribution and accelerate our growth while remaining true to our rootsoffering guests immersive local experiences, thoughtful service, and beautifully designed stays. Together, we are creating new pathways for discovery, loyalty, and growthboth for our guests and our teams. Luis Gallotti, co-founder and co-CEO of AKEN Hotels & Resort

At AKEN, we believe that true luxury is found in conscious living, where Lifestyle and Wellness are seamlessly integrated into every guest experience. Partnering with Sonesta allows us to share our philosophy of mindful hospitality with an even wider global community, redefining what it means to travel well. Lisandro Leon Liguori, co-founder and co-CEO of AKEN Hotels & Resorts

About Sonesta International Hotels

Sonesta is the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. according to Smith Travel Research (STR) with approximately 1,100 properties totaling 100,000 guest rooms across 13 brands in nine countries. Sonesta owns, manages and/or franchises under The Royal Sonesta; The James, Classico Collection by Sonesta, Sonesta Hotels, Resorts & Cruises; MOD Collection by Sonesta, Sonesta Select; Sonesta Essential, Sonesta ES Suites, Sonesta Simply Suites, Red Lion Hotels, Inns & Suites by Sonesta; Signature Inn by Sonesta; Americas Best Value Inn by Sonesta and Canadas Best Value Inn by Sonesta. Redefining hospitality through its award-winning Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program, Sonesta offers guests the opportunity to earn and redeem points for unparalleled value and personalized experiences. Sonesta Travel Pass members receive the best rates, earn immediate points towards free nights, and accelerated status progression based on stays. For more information about Sonesta, visit Sonesta.com or call 1.800.Sonesta. For information about how to join Sonesta's portfolio visit Franchise.Sonesta.com, email [email protected] or call 1.617.658.1596.

Lorie Juliano

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation

+1 617 421 5429

Sonesta
In the lead up to the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia 2025 next month, we asked several industry partners about the opportunities they see for the hospitaliy industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2025 and beyond.

Saudi Arabia stands at a pivotal moment in its hospitality journey. With Vision 2030 as the guiding framework, the Kingdom is not only investing in landmark developments but reshaping the entire role of hospitality in its economyfrom enabling job creation and regional diversification to celebrating cultural heritage and improving quality of life.

For Rotana, a UAE homegrown brand with 79 properties and over 20,000 rooms across 28 cities in 14 countries, Saudi Arabia represents both a strategic growth market and a long-term responsibility. With 11 properties in the Kingdom and more than 3,300 keys, our presence in the Kingdom is accelerating with purpose.

This year, we announced the addition of 9 new properties across key cities including Riyadh, Al Baha and Jeddahreinforcing our belief in the markets enormous potential.

A Shift from Outbound to In-Kingdom Travel

While global attention often centers on international tourism, one of the most powerful forces shaping Saudi Arabias hospitality sector is the rise of domestic tourism. Citizens and residents alike are increasingly exploring the Kingdoms diverse destinationsfrom the mountains of Abha to the beaches of the Red Sea.

This surge is not only creating demand across segments, particularly in the midscale and upper-midscale categories, but also encouraging operators to tailor experiences that reflect local preferences and cultural authenticity. At Rotana, we view this as an opportunity to serve communities from withinproviding consistent service excellence while honoring the unique identity of each city we operate in.

Expansion Backed by Local Insight

Our approach to growth in Saudi Arabia is rooted in local understanding. With the recent appointment of Khaled Al Jamal as Area Vice President, we are deepening our operational capabilities and strengthening our support for new openings across the Kingdom.

This expansion isnt about footprint aloneits about creating hotels that are embedded in their surroundings, that generate economic value, and that empower the next generation of Saudi talent.

Rethinking Guest Loyalty

As domestic travel expands, so do expectations around value, recognition, and convenience. The modern Saudi travelerwhether staying for business, leisure, or religious tourismseeks more than just a room. They want seamless digital experiences, personalized service, and meaningful rewards.

Our partnership with Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and the integration of the GHA DISCOVERY program is a direct response to these needs. Rotana guests now benefit from global reach, flexible rewards, and exclusive experienceswhether theyre staying locally or traveling abroad. This reflects our commitment to building a loyalty ecosystem that resonates across borders, while delivering tangible value at home.

Hospitality Begins with People

At the core of hospitality is the human connection. As the Kingdom builds thousands of new keys, the question isnt just where guests will staybut who will welcome them.

We believe Saudi Arabias youth are the future of the industry. Thats why Rotana continues to invest in training, mentorship, and leadership development programs tailored to elevate local talent. We are equally committed to advancing gender equity across our teams, creating pathways for women to lead in an industry thats rapidly evolving.

Shaping a Hospitality Model for the Region

The future of hospitality in Saudi Arabia wont be defined by imported formulas. It will be led by those who understand the nuances of the region, the aspirations of its people, and the value of building trust through consistent delivery.

At Rotana, our six-brand portfoliofrom luxury hotels to long-stay residencesallows us to meet evolving guest needs without compromising on quality or cultural relevance. We are proud to deliver Treasured Time to every guest, and to play our part in shaping a uniquely Saudi hospitality story that resonates far beyond the Kingdoms borders.

Anne Bleeker

In2 Consulting

+971 56 603 0886

The Bench
CitizenM Miami South Beach Hotel- Image Credit CitizenM

Marriott International has announced its plans to acquire the lifestyle hotel brand CitizenM.

The acquisition will add 36 hotels across more than 20 cities worldwide to Marriott's portfolio.

Marriott International has confirmed its intention to acquire the CitizenM brand. This move is anticipated to bolster Marriott's global expansion of select-service and lifestyle lodging offerings, aligning with its strategy to diversify its portfolio and provide more options for its guests.

CitizenM, a unique brand in the select-service segment, currently comprises 36 hotels, with 8,544 rooms, in more than 20 U.S., European, and Asia Pacific cities, including major cities such as New York, London, Paris, and Rome.

The brand's pipeline includes three hotels under construction, adding over 600 rooms, which are expected to open by mid-2026. Furthermore, the acquisition is expected to significantly expand Marriott's reach across its global regions over the next decade.

Founded in 2008, CitizenM is known for its authentic service, tech-savvy experiences, efficient use of space, and emphasis on art and design. It caters to a growing demographic of value-conscious travelers looking for technology-driven accommodations, smart in-room design, and common spaces featuring immersive artwork and local artifacts. These comfortable living rooms double as collaborative workspaces, creative meeting rooms, quick-service food and beverage options, and lively rooftop decks.

Upon completing the transaction, Marriott International will pay $355 million to acquire the brand and related intellectual property. Post-acquisition, the CitizenM portfolio will integrate into Marriott's system, with the hotels owned and leased by the seller under new long-term franchise agreements with Marriott. The stabilized fees for the open and under-construction pipeline portfolio are expected to be approximately $30 million annually.

Additionally, the seller may receive earn-out payments up to $110 million based on the brand's future growth over a specified multi-year timeframe. These payments would not commence until the fourth year following the closing.

The transaction, subject to customary conditions, including U.S. regulatory approval, is expected to close in 2025. Following the acquisition, Marriott projects its full-year net rooms growth in 2025 to approach 5%.

Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc and Eastdil Secured have advised the seller in this transaction.
LA Tourism Industry Calls on City Council to Reject Labor Ordinance and Support Industrys Recovery at City Hall Press Conference - Image Credit AHLA



Thousands of hotel jobs and millions of dollars in state and local tax revenue on the line

Today, Los Angeles Councilmembers John Lee and Traci Park joined dozens of hotel and hospitality professionals, local business leaders, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall to call on the City Council to reject an ordinance that will jeopardize jobs, lead to hotel closures, and decrease tax revenue into the city.

As the city continues to recover from the long-term effects of the pandemic and the recent wildfires, Los Angeles currently faces a $1 billion budget shortfall. Additionally, according to AHLAs new report, the return of international visitors lags behind all other major U.S. cities, further causing industry-wide concern.



The tourism industry is one of the top five employers in Los Angeles County, supporting more than 540,000 Angelenos. If this ordinance is enacted, the report shows that some 15,000 hotel employees could be laid off. Two hotels have shut their doors already because they simply cannot afford to stay open. Many more would follow.



Today, speakers addressed the City Councils plans to implement a drastic wage ordinance that will place additional hardships on industries that are crucial economic drivers ahead of major international events in the coming years. Please find a link to the video of the full press conference here.



AHLA President & CEO Rosanna Maietta and other key travel leaders urged sensible legislation that reflects todays economic realities:

The hotel industry embodies the American Dream for thousands of hotel workers and the small business owners of nearly 500 hotels in Los Angeles. Yet, the city council is proposing an ordinance that will destroy the tourism industry and thousands of jobs it sustains, said Maietta. We urge city leaders to shelve this damaging proposal that will jeopardize jobs, devastate much-needed tourism-related tax revenue, and lead to the closure of hotels that make our communities thrive.

Now is not the time to enact policies that will further jeopardize jobs and revenue in one of our citys most vital industries, said Councilmember John Lee. We must work collaboratively with hotel owners, workers, and business leaders to ensure a balanced path forwardone that protects livelihoods, strengthens our economy, and keeps Los Angeles open for business as we prepare to host the world in the years ahead.

Councilmember Traci Park said, Now is not the time to gamble with the future of one of Los Angeles' most critical industries. Tourism supports thousands of workers, small businesses, and the very city services we all rely on. With a $1 billion budget deficit and an already fragile economy, we should be investing in our tourism infrastructure, not driving businesses away. We need to protect jobs, protect services, and protect the future of Los Angeles.

AAHOA stands with hotel owners and community partners who are doing everything they can to stay afloat, protect jobs, and serve their communities, said Laura Lee Blake, President & CEO of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association. Now is not the time to impose additional burdens on small businesses that are still recovering from the impacts of the wildfires and other recent events. We urge city leaders to work with our industrynot against itto find sustainable solutions that protect jobs, support working families, and keep hospitality thriving in Los Angeles.



With the city facing a $1 billion dollar deficit and layoffs, we must do everything possible to protect revenue into the citys coffers. Through business, sales, and transient occupancy taxes, the tourism industry contributes hundreds of millions of dollars each year to the city of Los Angeles, said Hotel Association of Los Angeles President & CEO Jackie Filla. Now is not the time to pursue policies that will dramatically raise costs for our vulnerable industry as it recovers from the economic impacts of COVID and devastating fires, as well as navigate challenges from national rhetoric and tariffs. We look forward to continuing our work with the Mayor and City Council to boost this industry and the more than 540,000 jobs it provides to Angelenos.

Los Angeles is on the brink of hosting some of the biggest global events in history  but if this ordinance moves forward, we risk being unprepared and economically unstable. The tourism and hospitality sectors are the backbone of LAs economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of workers and generating billions in local spending and tax revenue, said Los Angeles County Business Federation President David Englin. As the voice of more than 240 business organizations representing 420,000 employers across the region, BizFed urges city leaders to hit pause and work toward a solution that protects both jobs and city revenues.

There must be a balanced approach that considers the real-time challenges of local business owners, said Greater Los Angeles Regional Director Naresh "ND" Bhakta. I urge this council to pause, to listen, and to engage directly with small business owners. Instead of hurting hotels and hospitality, let's find ways to support them.

LAs Hospitality Industry is nearing an irreversible tipping point. Just in the last few months, weve seen hotels, restaurants, and businesses close and leave LA, and airlines are pulling routes from LAX. The business community implores the city leadership to do no more harm to the tourism industry, said Valley Industry Commerce Association President Stuart Waldman.
Hotel Budget Season: 5 Essential Tech Tools Revenue Managers Need to Succeed - By Jonathan Gough - Image Credit Unsplash+



Hotel budget season represents a pivotal period for revenue managers, a time when key decisions are made that will significantly influence the financial performance and overall success of your property in the coming year. In this article we will outline five essential pieces of technology that you should prioritize during the upcoming budget season.

Typically starting around August for many hotels, the budgeting process is an intensive period of time demands careful consideration of various commercial and operational aspects, including staffing levels, demand forecasting, room revenue projections, pricing strategy, channel performance, economic and market analysis, and much more.

As you begin crucial planning process, the current global economic landscape presents a unique set of challenges that underscore the importance of strategic investments in technology to give you a solid foundation for success in the hospitality industry.

Taking the current economic and political climate into account for budget season

The prevailing economic climate has created significant uncertainty and potential downside risks stemming from factors such as evolving government policies, ongoing trade disputes , and geopolitical instability. This introduces further complexities to the budget planning and financial planning through fluctuating demand patterns and heightened price sensitivity among travelers.

During economic downturns, the competitive dynamics within the hospitality sector shift - hoteliers across different service levels vie for a smaller pool of customers.

With intensified competition, coupled with a decrease in overall market demand and customers becoming more discerning about pricing means you require sophisticated tools that provide real-time insights into market conditions.

This enables you to implement the correct revenue strategies while safeguarding the perceived value and quality of your hotel's offerings.

In this article we will outline five essential pieces of technology that you should prioritize during the upcoming budget season.

1. Predictive demand intelligence

The accurate prediction of future market demand is a cornerstone of effective revenue management, empowering you to anticipate booking patterns, optimize pricing strategies, and allocate resources with accuracy.

By leveraging predictive demand intelligence , you can gain valuable insights into when travelers are actively searching for accommodations and flights to their destination, where these potential guests are originating from, and the duration of their intended stays.

A detailed understanding of future demand empowers you to make proactive adjustments to your pricing, tailor marketing campaigns to target specific feeder markets showing the highest intent, and develop customized offers designed to capitalize on anticipated periods of high demand as well as to stimulate bookings during slower times.

This approach has proven to be more dependable than relying solely on historical data, particularly in today's rapidly changing environment where traditional demand patterns may no longer hold true. The events of the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the limitations of using only past performance to forecast the future.

The significance of accurate demand forecasting cannot be overstated, as it underpins critical decisions across the entirety of a hotels commercial operation. A notable benefit of this predictive capability is that it enables hotels to optimize their pricing by implementing dynamic rates that automatically adjust in response to fluctuations in guest demand.

This maximizes revenue during peak seasons and attracts bookings during periods of lower demand, such as those brought on by turbulent economic and political conditions.

This pricing approach ensures that you are neither underpricing or overpricing, ultimately leading to increased overall profitability.

Industry-leading solutions like Market Insight enable you to capture hotel booking intent in real-time through the analysis of forward-looking search data, revealing market trends and untapped revenue opportunities.

Market Insight offers several key features that provide you with a significant advantage. These include market demand heat maps; access to accurate data on stay patterns, flight searches, and hotel searches, enabling the creation of more comprehensive and demand-driven strategies; and real-time alerts that notify you instantly of any changes in market demand, allowing for swift and informed responses to evolving conditions.

2. Gain a deeper understanding of competitor pricing strategies with rate intelligence

Keeping a close watch on competitor pricing is an essential practice for revenue managers striving to maintain a competitive edge and ultimately achieve maximum revenue potential for their properties.

Staying on top of this across various channels is a constant challenge, making it difficult to position rates effectively and capture market share.

The dynamic nature of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and the increasing prevalence of flash sales and limited-time offers make manual tracking nearly impossible.

This is compounded by the significant growth of the short-term rental sector, meaning that hotels increasingly compete for the same guests with properties listed on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

During economic instability, competitor pricing becomes even more aggressive, making real-time intelligence vital. To aid in this critical task, rate intelligence tools have emerged as indispensable assets for revenue managers.

Rate Insight provides revenue managers with real-time hotel and short-term rental pricing, offering granular insights into their current, past, and future rates, as well as their ranking, online reputation, and on-the-books occupancy levels

Going beyond just tracking room rates, Rate Insight also enables you to compare promotional activities such as length of stay discounts, cancellation policies, and exclusive mobile rates .

By understanding the types of promotional levers that competitors are using you can gain valuable insights into responses to prevailing market conditions and adjust your own promotional activities to remain competitive.

3. Reduce over-reliance on OTAs with a direct booking tool

Its likely youll have encountered a situation where you are losing revenue to high OTA commissions and struggling to build direct relationships with guests.

Many hotels rely heavily on OTAs for bookings , sacrificing a significant portion of their revenue in commissions. However, building brand loyalty and encouraging repeat business requires a strong direct booking strategy .

Economic uncertainty can make hotels even more reliant on OTAs, increasing commission costs, so a strong direct booking tool helps counteract this.

By encouraging guests to book directly , you can significantly reduce the commission costs associated with OTAs and cultivate more meaningful and lasting relationships with their guests, fostering loyalty and repeat business.

Personalized direct booking tools have emerged as powerful tools that enhance the online booking experience. They tailor your hotel's website experience to individual visitors by presenting messages and offers that are specifically relevant to their unique preferences and browsing behavior. This ultimately leading to a significant increase in conversion rates and a greater volume of direct reservations.

The Hotels Network (THN) is a prominent example of a direct booking platform that offers a suite of tools designed to personalize the online booking journey, including features like price comparison widgets, reviews widgets, and smart notes, all aimed at boosting direct bookings.

By analyzing guest data from various sources, you get a comprehensive understanding of user preferences, behaviors, and expectations.

This allows you to tailor offers, room recommendations, and even in-room amenities to create a more relevant and compelling booking experience. Leading to higher guest satisfaction and a greater chance they will book directly.

4. Boost Total Revenue Per Available Room with dynamic upsells

When demand is depressed you don't want to miss opportunities to increase revenue per guest by not effectively offering additional services or upgraded options during the booking process or stay.

Traditional upselling and cross-selling efforts often rely on manual processes, which are inefficient and inconsistent.

Dynamic upselling technology represents a significant opportunity for hotels to increase their overall revenue and boost their Total Revenue Per Available Room (TRevPAR) by strategically offering guests relevant upgrades and additional services throughout their booking journey.

Upselling initiatives such as providing early check-in or late checkout options and spa treatments, prove most effective when the offers are personalized based on a deep understanding of guest preferences.

They are then presented at opportune moments, such as immediately after booking confirmation or in the days leading up to their arrival.

By analyzing guest data, including past stays and stated preferences, hotels can tailor upsell offers to individual needs - increasing the likelihood of increased ancillary revenue and enhancing the guest's overall satisfaction with their stay.

For instance, a guest who has previously booked a room with a city view might be offered an upgrade to a higher floor with an even more expansive panorama.

Canary Technologies exemplify this technology by enabling hotels to offer relevant add-ons and amenities at crucial guest touchpoints, including post-booking, pre-check-in, during the stay, and even at checkout.

This ensures that opportunities to increase revenue are not missed at any stage of the guest journey.

5. Data-driven decisions for revenue optimization with Business Intelligence

With the prevailing winds of economic uncertainty whistling past your hotel door, you want to know which strategies are working and which are not, to ensure you arent wasting resources.

Hotel data is often fragmented and scattered across multiple systems (PMS, RMS, CRM, etc.), making it challenging to identify trends, understand performance and make data driven decisions.

Business Intelligence (BI) platforms have become indispensable tools for many hotel revenue managers, serving as central hubs that consolidate data from a multitude of internal and external sources.

These platforms transform raw data into actionable insights, empowering revenue managers to make informed decisions that optimize revenue and enhance operational efficiency across the entire property.

Lighthouse Business Intelligence is a prime example of such a platform, offering features that provide a comprehensive view of both room and non-room revenue performance, generate AI-powered daily performance summaries, and enable the creation of customized reports tailored to specific needs.

With a holistic view of financial health and hotel performance, you can identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement, and make data-driven decisions that contribute to your hotel's long-term financial success.

BI platforms are valuable throughout the year but they can make a big difference during budget season. They help revenue managers analyze historical performance data, including key metrics like occupancy rates, Average Daily Rate (ADR), and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR), alongside broader market conditions.

This analysis enables more realistic and achievable financial goals for the upcoming year, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual data collection and analysis, and significantly improving the accuracy of budget forecasting.

Strategic investment in technology for a successful budget season

As you move through the upcoming budget season, the consideration and investment in the right technology will be paramount to your hotels success.

With a global economy currently marked by uncertainty and fluctuating traveler behavior, the tools outlined in this blog represent essential components for optimizing revenue, enhancing efficiency, and ultimately ensuring the profitability of your hotel.

By embracing data-driven decision-making you can position yourself to not only weather potential economic challenges but also to capitalize on opportunities when they arise.

Carefully evaluating and implementing these technologies will help you achieve your revenue goals, enhance guest experiences, and build a sustainable path to financial prosperity.

If you would like to learn more about the Lighthouse commercial platform and the industry leading data we provide, get in touch .

Jonathan Gough

Jonathan Gough is Content Team Lead at Lighthouse, spearheading all things content marketing. With a marketing career of over a decade, dedicated solely to travel, tourism and hospitality, Jonathan is passionate about leveraging Lighthouses technology to move the sector forward and provide lodging professionals with the tools they need to grow their business.

About Lighthouse

Lighthouse (formerly OTA Insight) is the leading commercial platform for the travel & hospitality industry. We transform complexity into confidence by providing actionable market insights, business intelligence, and pricing tools that maximize revenue growth. We continually innovate to deliver the best platform for hospitality professionals to price more effectively, measure performance more efficiently, and understand the market in new ways.

Trusted by over 65,000 hotels in 185 countries, Lighthouse is the only solution that provides real-time hotel and short-term rental data in a single platform. We strive to deliver the best possible experience with unmatched customer service. We consider our clients as true partners - their success is our success.

This article originally appeared on Lighthouse.
Guest Room - Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts



IHG Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Minami Nijo Operations, a World Brands Collection Hotels & Resorts subsidiary, to open the second Holiday Inn & Suites in Japan. The hotel will be located in Sapporo and will be owned by a fund managed by Goldman Sachs.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to open a second Holiday Inn & Suites, in partnership with Minami Nijo Operations, a World Brands Collection Hotels & Resorts subsidiary. The 195-room Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park is slated to open in late 2025, following a comprehensive refurbishment of an existing property.

The renovation will include upgrading all guest rooms, adding a gym, and creating a new lobby cafe, following Holiday Inn's Open Lobby concept. In this design-led flexible space, guests can relax and socialize.

This new addition will join over 1,200 Holiday Inn hotels and resorts worldwide, including eight others in Japan.

The Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park is located at the end of the famous Tanukikoji Shopping Street in the bustling downtown Susukino area and is within walking distance to Odori Park, a popular venue for numerous events.

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The capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo, is a thriving metropolis known for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and year-round events such as the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. The Hokkaido region has seen a surge in popularity among international tourists, with a 40% increase in 2024 compared to 2019. Additionally, international weekly flights to the region surpassed 2019 levels for the first time during the first quarter of 2025.

In addition to standard rooms, Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park will offer suites and a range of facilities, including meeting spaces, a restaurant, and a public bath on the hotel's upper floor.

IHG Hotels & Resorts operates five hotels in Hokkaido across three brands: Vignette Collection, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts. The group anticipates the debut of the InterContinental brand in the area later this year with the opening of InterContinental Sapporo. Across Japan, IHG operates 52 hotels across 10 brands, with 14 more hotels in the pipeline.
Rendering of the Holiday Inn Darwin - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts

The Holiday Inn brand will make a comeback in Townsville, Australia, thanks to a collaboration between IHG Hotels & Resorts and Luxora Hotels. This move is part of IHG's ongoing expansion strategy in Queensland.

The property, located at the intersection of Stanley Street and Flinders Street in the heart of Townsville's CBD, will undergo comprehensive renovation to transform into the Holiday Inn Townsville by early 2026. The hotel's location is near the Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Queensland Tropics Museum, and Townsville Yacht Club, which positions it to serve both domestic and international visitors.

With 93 rooms, the refurbished Holiday Inn Townsville will house a contemporary all-day dining restaurant and a sizeable conference and event facility. The hotel will also feature the 'Open Lobby' concept of Holiday Inn - a dynamic, flexible space that combines dining, social, and work areas.

This introduction of the Holiday Inn brand in Townsville is part of IHG's broader expansion strategy in Queensland. This region is experiencing a growth phase, and the planned Olympic events in Townsville will further enhance its economic and tourism landscape. The city also serves as a strategic hub for mining, energy, and defence industries, making it a thriving business destination.

Holiday Inn Townsville is expected to positively contribute to the region's tourism and business sectors. The project is a collaboration with Luxora Hotels, and La Vie Hotels and Resorts will operate the hotel.

IHG Hotels & Resorts operates 76 hotels under nine brands in Australasia. These brands include Six Senses, InterContinental, Kimpton, Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo, voco, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express. Additionally, 26 more properties are in the pipeline for development.
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RSVP volunteers at their annual recognition luncheon on Friday. PreviousNext

Community Hero: Retired Senior Volunteer Program



Administrative assistant Sherry Reardon, Director Lisa Torrey and volunteer coordinator Diane Monterosso. PITTSFIELD, Mass.  For more than 50 years, generations of seniors have donated their time to community organizations in the Berkshires through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

In 2024, its 305 volunteers committed 40,699 hours across 44 stations. It is this commitment to the community that has earned the organization and its volunteers the title of April's Community Hero of the month.

The Community Hero of the Month is a 12-month series that honors individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on their community. This year's sponsor is Window World of Western Massachusetts. Nominate a hero here

RSVP is a national organization, funded in part by AmeriCorps Seniors, and sponsored locally by the city of Pittsfield.

The Berkshire County program provides recruitment, training, and placement of seniors ages 55 and over as volunteers. There is a wide range of opportunities to suit anyone's strengths and interests, volunteers said.

The program connects seniors to to more than 40 businesses, organizations, and nonprofits throughout the county, including Hancock Shaker Village, American Red Cross, Berkshire Athenaeum, Berkshire Scenic Railway, Berkshire Veterans Outreach Center, Greylock Glen Outdoor Center

Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, and more.

State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier demonstrated that the total value of the work contributed by these volunteers is at least $800,000 per year, if they were to calculate the 40,000 hours of service at $20 per hour, which for many is less than what the seniors made in their careers.

"I think Pittsfield, in particular, when there is an issue in Pittsfield, everyone unites, and this RSVP program just shows that there doesn't need to be a time of crisis for people to unite," Mayor Peter Marchetti said.

"They're there 24/7 to volunteer their services and to make Pittsfield and the greater Berkshires a better place."

Volunteers help maintain critical community services that might otherwise be unavailable or underfunded, Marchetti said.

iBerkshires.com announced RSVP's selection for April's Community Hero of the Month during the organization's annual volunteer luncheon.

This year's theme was bees because every volunteer "like bees who are champion pollinators, [RSVP] volunteers are champions," said Lisa Torrey, RSVP director.

"They are hard working, and they never give up. They keep going and going until the job is done. And, like the bees who do the important work of pollinating, which in turn supports a healthy and thriving ecosystem,"

"Our volunteers do their own sort of pollinating here in our community, bringing their lifelong experience and failure to each organization they help support in the many lives that they touch along the way. In turn, this creates a healthy and thriving community here in the Berkshires, the world without bees would face severe consequences. This is also the case with our volunteers.

Farley-Bouvier attends the luncheon yearly and expressed her admiration for the volunteers who serve as role models to her and other community members.

"When we think of a hero, we're holding somebody up as an example. We're both thanking them for services, but we're saying this is what we see as an example of what we're looking for in a community, and certainly RSVP is something that we would hold up under those two things," she said.

A hero is someone who puts themselves out there, volunteers, gives back, and makes a difference, Marchetti said.

"I think if we talk to some of the stations and some of the organizations that RSVP volunteers for you will find out that they've made a difference, a really large difference and that's what makes them a hero," he said.

The RSVP volunteers are great, generous people, said Mike Arnold, Habitat For Humanity volunteer coordinator and land and permit and administrator.

Several of the RSVP volunteers work at the nonprofit's thrift store, Restore, which helps it save on labor and costs, which goes back into the work Habitat For Humanity does  providing affordable homes for the community, he said.

Elder Services became a station within RSVP in the past year, and there are so many programs that rely on volunteers to help keep older adults at home, said Isaac Share, Elder Services home and community-based program supervisor.

"A place like RSVP enables a nonprofit to have the right amount of volunteers to maximize the amount of benefit they can provide to the community. So, by nature of RSVP, connecting volunteers to different nonprofits in the area, they support the entire community, to stay at home, to keep the streets clean, to keep people fed," Share said.

"They, in many ways, keep the community going by making sure that a nonprofit that needs volunteers can get those volunteers to help people."

Peggy Zamierowski, RSVP board member and Elder Services volunteer coordinator, agreed and also emphasized the value of resource sharing.

"An example is volunteers who sign up with RSVP and then come to a station like ours, and they might be using their vehicle to either transport someone or go to and from their volunteer work, RSVP is able to offer some extra supplemental auto insurance in case an accident happens," she said.

"And a lot of people, I think, find that useful and kind of reassuring. So, that's something that agencies wouldn't be able to do on their own."

Volunteers emphasized that RSVP benefits both the participating organizations (stations) and the volunteers themselves. It helps seniors form friendships and combat loneliness, while also allowing volunteers to explore new interests and maintain a sense of purpose after retirement.

"My father always said, 'to give is good.' He said, 'It makes you feel good to give,' and he's absolutely correct. Also, the first six months of retirement, I was going bat crazy," said Richard Dauchy, volunteer and president of the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum.

Volunteer Peter Bergman said he was inspired to volunteer because of his love of the library. He started working at there in 1980 and was happy to discover that it had a volunteer systems and needed people.

"Sometimes it's hard, I'm not completely retired. I still work as a theater critic here in the Berkshire, so I'm constantly going places, talking about things. And one of the things I do as a volunteer is to inform people who don't read me what they should go to see. What's good, what's not so good, what's hopefully good," he said.

"Staying busy is one of the essential things of the retired ages. I'm turning 79 on Tuesday, and I'm trying to figure out how I can do more."
May Day Protests Planned in Berkshires

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Residents in Berkshire and Bennington County, Vt., are planning to join thousands of others in May Day protests across the nation.

More than 1,000 rallies have registered with the platform Mobilize but more are expected to pop up this weekend.

The Berkshires has seen a number of protests over the past several weeks, including the "Hands Off" rallies of April 5 when hundreds stood in the rain with signs and others traveled to Boston where more than 50,000 people turned out to criticize the administration's actions.

May Day is International Workers Day and is celebrated as a holiday to celebrate the labor movement in many countries.

The " May Day Strong " rallies are to protest what grassroots organizers call the "billionaire agenda"  tax cuts for the rich while cutting funding to Social Security, education and other services. The rallies are also focusing attention on the civil rights of marginalized communities such as immigrants, people of color and the transgender community.

"Now more than ever the labor movement and the voices of working people everywhere need to be united and speaking up against attacks on the rights of workers and those struggling to get out of poverty and find a better future for themselves and their families," said state Sen. Paul Mark in a statement.

"I've been a union member since I was 16 years old, and as union members, my co-workers and I fought for the benefits that gave me a path towards opportunity. I am so grateful to stand in solidarity with our community in the Berkshires and throughout Western Massachusetts to make sure that door to opportunity remains open and strong in our nation."

Mark is the emcee for Williamstown's Saturday rally, hosted by local Indivisible group Greylock Together.

In Pittsfield, there will be a standout on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. at the Silvio O. Conte Federal Building on Center Street, where Social Security Administration offices are located. Another march is scheduled for noon on Saturday from the Registry of Motor Vehicles to Park Square with music and speakers including Mark, state Rep. Tricia Farley Bouvier, and Dennis Powell, long-time head of the Pittsfield Chapter of the NAACP.

The schedule of regional rallies compiled by Greylock Together:

THURSDAY, MAY 1

Pittsfield: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Conte Federal Building, 78 Center St.

Great Barrington: noon to 1 p.m., Great Barrington Town Hall

Bennington, Vt.: 5 to 6:30 p.m., Four Corners intersection

Albany, N.Y.: 5 to 7 p.m., Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Ave.

SATURDAY, MAY 3
mercoledi 30 aprile 2025, 06:00

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This article is automatically translated

The only dissenting voice was that of Cardinal Anders Arborelius, Bishop of Stockholm, who predicted a long conclave. However, in general, the cardinals who are about to enter the Sistine Chapel to choose the next successor of Peter say it will be a short conclave, and perhaps they hope so. After all, they chose the date of May 7, giving themselves a little more time than the minimum necessary to convene a conclave, to overcome the problem Arborelius mentioned as the reason for his prediction: that the cardinals, in the end, do not know each other, and therefore will need time to count, understand, and see which direction to go. Preparations continue for the largest conclave in history, with 133 red hats ready to enter the Sistine Chapel on the afternoon of May 7, after all participating in the morning Missa Pro Eligendo Romani Pontifice, the Mass for the election of the Pope, which will be held at ten in the morning and presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovan Battista Re. Angelo Becciu withdraws from the Conclave, with 'Le Iene' presenting audio and unpublished documents: 'There are people who have deceived Pope Francis.' Then, in the afternoon of May 7, at 4:30 PM, they will be in the Pauline Chapel, ready to proceed in procession to the Sistine Chapel, all in red, singing the Veni Creator. Then, the cardinals will take turns swearing an oath and then enter isolation. The Extra Omnes by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the papal master of ceremonies, will precede the meditation of Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, strictly behind closed doors. Then, Cantalamessa will also leave, and the cardinals will begin voting. There will be one vote on the evening of May 7, and then two votes in the morning and two votes in the afternoon each day. If two-thirds, or nearly 90 votes, are reached, there will be a white smoke. Otherwise, black smoke at midday and the end of the day, and then the voting continues. Two cardinals have declined to participate for health reasons. It is already known that Cardinal Antonio Canizares, emeritus archbishop of Valencia, will not be present. It is not certain who the other will be. On May 5, at 5:30 PM, officials and staff of the conclave will take the oath. They are: the secretary of the College of Cardinals; the master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations; the papal ceremonial officers; the ecclesiastic chosen by the Cardinal presiding over the Conclave to assist him in his office; the religious staff of the Papal Sacristy; the religious staff of various languages for confessions; doctors and nurses; elevator operators of the Apostolic Palace; the staff responsible for catering and cleaning services; the staff of the Floreria and Technical Services; those responsible for transporting electors from the Domus Sanctae Marthae to the Apostolic Palace; the colonel and a major of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, responsible for surveillance near the Sistine Chapel; the director of the Vatican City State Security and Civil Protection Services with some of his collaborators. The list shows that there is machinery around the Conclave that goes far beyond the electors. Indeed, in the procession from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapela passage of a few metersthe cardinal who dictates the meditation, the conclave secretary, the vice camerlengo, the master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, two members of the Apostolic Protonotaries, two Auditor Prelates of the Roman Rota, the Papal Ceremonial Officers, the secretary of the Cardinal presiding over the Conclave, and the Pontifical Musical Chapel join. From 4 PM, the substitute for general affairs, the 'Vatican Foreign Minister,' the religious staff of the Papal Secretariat, priests for confessions, and the colonel of the Pontifical Swiss Guard will be able to access the Sistine Chapel. And then also the staff of Papal Liturgies, the Swiss Guard, the Directorate of Health and Hygiene, and the Vatican Dicastery for Communication. Only cardinals vote, therefore, but there is a whole Vatican apparatus that accompanies the rite of the Conclave. It could not be otherwise. Besides the apparatus that takes care of transport, meals, cleaning, there is also the need for ready doctors and to guarantee security. If the shortest conclave in history lasted ten hours, now the cardinals seem to hope to conclude the matter by the end of the second day, at the fifth vote. It was so when Pope Francis was elected in 2013, while Benedict XVI was elected in 2005 at the fourth vote. There is, however, a need for a broad agreement to achieve the nearly ninety votes necessary (two-thirds of the voters) for the white smoke. After three days, if no election has occurred, a pause of up to one day is foreseen.
mercoledi 30 aprile 2025, 00:14 - Last updated: 12:19

 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This article is automatically translated

In recent days, Peter Erdo, 72, has been leaving meetings with other cardinals in a car with tinted windows. The other day he was spotted at Euroclero, a store specializing in liturgical vestments, chalices, and crucifixes. He never utters a misplaced word, makes an excessive gesture, or adopts a controversial attitude. This Hungarian cardinal is the leading candidate of the moderate-conservative faction of the Conclave and has long been considered a reliable point of reference for many cardinals who did not approve of the direction the Church had taken under Pope Bergoglio. He is said to have a very firm ecclesial vision. He has always admired the figure of Paul VI, the reforming pope who managed to close Vatican II without too much trauma, maintaining the authority of the Magisterium. If the late Australian Cardinal George Pell were still alive, he would certainly have campaigned for him, seeing him as a good successor, a man of faith who could restore many distortions in canon law in the Church after Francis's zigzagging pontificate. In any case, he is a man of integrity, decisive, able to navigate the thicket of European politics. A polyglot, he also speaks a little Russian, learned as a child behind the Iron Curtain, an aspect that later proved useful for maintaining open channels with the Orthodox world. He loves Jewish music, which he listens to with pleasure when he has time, and classical music, especially Chopin. The little free time he has, if possible, he uses for long walks in the Hungarian countryside. A true trekker. He loves paprika fish and is a great supporter of rediscovering local traditional dishes, so much so that several years ago he published a book of ancient Hungarian recipes to teach young people about traditional history and cuisine. His personal history reveals much about him. The eldest of a large Catholic family (he is the first of six children), he grew up under communism and witnessed several traumatic episodes, including seeing his house burn down. He was four years old; it was 1956, the Hungarian uprising had just broken out, and the Kremlin had decided to crush it in the worst way by sending the Red Army. The invasion also affected the Erdo family, forcing them to flee with only the clothes on their backs and little else. Traumatic scenes that Erdo has never forgotten and still today form the basis of his great personal battle for religious freedom in the world. He studied in the seminary in Budapest. His was a youthful vocation. He was convinced that helping people towards eternal salvation was the most important thing in life. In 1975 he became a priest and was sent to gain experience in a parish for a couple of years, but then, being particularly brilliant, the bishop realized that this industrious young man had the potential to grow even more. He was sent to Rome, where he graduated first in theology and then in canon law at the Lateran, embarking on an academic career. He began traveling as a lecturer at various universities, publishing several works on the evolution of canon law. He has more than 200 scientific articles and 25 books to his credit and was awarded at the Institut Catholique in Paris (1996). He also studied at Berkeley in the 1990s and for a time was rector of the Hungarian College in Rome, teaching at the Gregorian and Lateran universities. Saint John Paul II was very impressed by the comprehensive vision that Professor Erdo had at the time and decided to entrust him with the diocese of Budapest in 2000, making him Primate of Hungary and a cardinal. He was only 51 years old. He is known by cardinals around the world for having led the Council of European Conferences for two terms and for being a rapporteur at the Synod on the Family, called by Pope Francis. "If faith is the most important thing in life, then serving Christ to help others discover faith, transmitting this gift, teaching it, and especially serving the liturgy, for me are the most beautiful things in life," he emphasized. According to the analysis conducted by The College Cardinals Report, Erdo considers the Eucharist and the priesthood to be closely related, and for this reason, he is opposed to optional celibacy for priests. He is a defender of the hierarchical structure of the Church and has placed great emphasis on the concept of New Evangelization and youth ministry. He believes that Europe needs to be evangelized again, its Christian roots being a wealth for the entire world. Consequently, missionary work, in his opinion, is fundamental. In Hungary, he has had to deal with immigration, although his approach to a global phenomenon that can no longer be postponed is balanced and sensible, recognizing on the one hand the right to migrate but on the other the need to work towards necessary integration; otherwise, there is a risk of creating ghettos, endangering the political stability of the host country. Erdo preaches a balance between solidarity and mercy. He is also at the forefront of defending persecuted Christians in many countries in the Middle East, many of whom are subjected to the violence of ISIS. "In them, we can see the disciples of Christ and cannot remain indifferent." This does not mean that the cardinal has developed a closed attitude towards Islam, quite the opposite. For him, interreligious dialogue remains an essential path to peace.
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A restaurant fire in northern China, which killed 22 people, was not caused by a gas explosion or arson, as investigations into the blaze continue.

The fire, which erupted around midday on Tuesday, rapidly spread through the establishment in Liaoyang city of Liaoning province and was fueled by strong winds and flammable decorations.

The location of the fire near the main entrance, coupled with the apparent lack of an emergency exit, tragically trapped numerous diners inside.

Following the incident, Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a directive emphasising the importance of preventing major accidents during the upcoming May Day holiday.

The directive, reported by state media, stressed the need to "ensure public safety and social stability" during this period, which often sees large crowds and increased travel.

open image in gallery Workers build a scaffolding around the site of a restaurant fire in Liaoyang, northeastern China's Liaoning province ( Xinhua )

Historically, holidays in China have been marred by incidents such as stampedes, fires, and transport accidents, highlighting the critical need for preventative measures.

Investigators continue to examine the scene to determine the exact cause of the devastating fire. Authorities have ruled out both a gas explosion and arson as potential causes of the blaze, shifting their focus to discarded cigarettes and electrical faults.

The restaurants manager is being held by police, but it wasn't clear whether he had been charged with any crime.

Industrial accidents occur frequently in China, usually related to a lack of safety measures and illegal construction and storage.

Separately, 17 people were injured Wednesday in an explosion at a residential community of apartments in the northwestern city of Taiyuan. The cause remains unknown.
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North Korea said Wednesday leader Kim Jong Un observed the first test-firings of missiles from a newly launched destroyer and called for accelerating efforts to boost his navy's nuclear attack capabilities.

North Korea last week unveiled the 5,000-ton warship equipped with what it called the most powerful weapons built in its warship industry. Mr Kim said it was a significant advancement toward his goal of expanding the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military.

The official Korean Central News Agency said Wednesday that Mr Kim watched the tests of the destroyer's supersonic and strategic cruise missiles, anti-aircraft missile, automatic guns and electronic jamming guns earlier this week.

open image in gallery Koreas Tensions ( KCNA via KNS )

He appreciated the ship's combination of powerful strike weapons and conventional defences and set tasks to speed the nuclear-arming of his navy, the report said.

During the ship's launching ceremony, Mr Kim said the destroyer will be deployed early next year. He said the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine would be his next big step in strengthening his navy. He underscored the need to beef up North Korea's deterrence capability to cope with what he called escalating US-led hostilities targeting the North.

Animosities on the Korean Peninsula are running high as North Korea continues its weapons displays and expands military cooperation with Russia.

open image in gallery Koreas Tensions ( KCNA via KNS )

On Monday, North Korea confirmed for the first time that it has sent combat troops to Russia to support its war efforts against Ukraine. Russian president Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea and promised not to forget the sacrifices of North Korean soldiers for Russia.

The US, South Korea and their partners say North Korea has been supplying a vast amount of conventional weapons to Russia as well. They worry Russia will likely in return provide North Korea with high-tech weapons technologies that can enhance its nuclear program as well as shipping other military and economic assistance.
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The Indian government is set to issue guidelines that would require restaurants to specify whether they use authentic cottage cheese in their menu or a version of it made from oils and starch after public outcry over the increasing use of non-dairy analogue paneer.

Traditional paneer is a soft dairy-based cheese made after curdling milk with an acid, like vinegar, lime juice, or citric acid, to separate the curd from the whey. The resultant curd is strained in cheesecloth to drain it of liquid, and then pressed further to give it a firmer texture. Paneer is a staple ingredient for vegetarians in India, as it is said to be a rich source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats.

Analogue paneer, on the other hand, is a non-dairy substitute for paneer, and is made of vegetable oils, starch, and emulsifiers. While it mimics real paneer in appearance and texture, it lacks essential nutrients and may contain harmful additives. Analogue paneer is also significantly cheaper, making it popular in some commercial kitchens, but health experts warn that regular consumption could lead to digestive issues and elevated cholesterol levels.

Analogue paneer looks and tastes like traditional paneer, but it is not paneer. Analogue paneer is cheaper and why dont hotels and restaurants reveal it to consumers, Nidhi Khare, union consumer affairs secretary, told the Press Trust of India.

open image in gallery Traditional paneer is a soft dairy-based cheese made after curdling milk with an acid, like vinegar, lime juice, or citric acid, to separate the curds from the whey ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

While manufacturers are required by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to label analogue paneer as non-dairy, restaurants are under no such obligation. Concerns over the use of analogue paneer rose a few months ago, when an X user flagged in October that Zomato Hyperpure, a service run by the food delivery giant that supplies to restaurants, was selling analogue paneer labeled as fit for tikka and gravy paneer dishes.

The post instantly led to wide backlash against Zomato, with concerns over the lack of transparency in restaurant ingredients, particularly whether customers are being served real paneer or its cheaper, synthetic alternative without their knowledge.

Since then, inspections across multiple Indian cities have revealed wider issues; authorities raided multiple factories over the last few months in the western Indian state of Gujarat and found adulterated paneer being supplied to restaurants, reported the Times of India. In Noida, located in Indias northern state of Uttar Pradesh, 83 per cent of paneer samples were found to fail quality tests and 40 per cent labelled unsafe for human consumption.

open image in gallery Despite the significantly lower cost of analogue paneer, experts have cautioned against regular consumption due to potential health risks like raised cholesterol levels and digestive issues ( AFP via Getty Images )

Despite the significantly lower cost of analogue paneer, experts have cautioned against regular consumption due to potential health risks like raised cholesterol levels and digestive issues.

Representatives from Maharashtras dairy industry met the western states Food and Drug Administration (FDA) minister in March, urging stricter regulation by the government.

At least 50 per cent of hotels have switched to this imitation product because of its lower cost. But this is a serious health concern, and the government must intervene, Prakash Khutwal of Urja Milk said, reported Hindustan Times.
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A massive fire has engulfed a six-storey hotel in the Indian state of West Bengal, killing at least 15 people on Tuesday night, police said.

The blaze began at around 7.30pm at the Rituraj Hotel, located on Madanmohan Street in Kolkatas Burrabazar area. It took hours to douse the flames, and the fire was finally brought under control by 1am local time.

Police said most of the victims died from suffocation. Several people were trapped inside the hotel as smoke filled the stairwells and corridors.

As smoke spread through the building, some guests fled to the rooftop while others clung to window ledges, according to The Indian Express. Firefighters used hydraulic ladders for rescues, and loudspeakers were used to calm those trapped inside.

One man died trying to escape by jumping from the building.

( EPA )

An SIT (special investigation team) has been formed to probe the cause of the fire and to check the safety measures that were in place, Kolkata police commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma told reporters.

He added: The investigation will also look into the difficulties faced by the guests while evacuating from the building.

A Kolkata police officer was quoted as saying by The Hindustan Times: There were 88 guests in 42 rooms at the time of the incident. A boy, a girl and a woman are among the dead. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Our forensic team will examine the site, which has been cordoned off.

State minister Sujit Bose told PTI on Wednesday: There were 15 fatalities in last nights fire. Eight of the deceased have been identified. Most victims were visitors from other states, officials said.

Photos and videos from the scene showed thick plumes of smoke rising as firefighters raced to rescue those trapped inside.

14 bodies have been recovered and several people have been rescued, Mr Verma said.

The BJP partys state president for West Bengal, Sukanta Majumdar, wrote on X: I urge the state administration to immediately rescue those affected, ensure their safety, and provide them with necessary medical and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, I appeal for a thorough review and stricter monitoring of fire safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.

The Congress partys local president Subhankar Sarkar told ANI: This is a tragic incident. A fire broke out... A lot of people are still stuck in the building. There was no safety or security... I dont know what the (local municipal) corporation is doing.

A man identified as Sanjoy Paswan, who fell while trying to escape the fire, was declared dead on arrival at Kolkata Medical College Hospital, where several other injured victims are also being treated.
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Indian prime minister Narendra Modi will not visit Russia to attend the Victory Day celebrations next week, a Kremlin spokesperson said on Wednesday, as tension soared between New Delhi and Islamabad.

"The leader of India will not come, India will not be represented at the highest level," Dmitry Peskov said, without citing reasons.

India's foreign ministry earlier in April confirmed that Russian leader Vladimir Putin had invited Mr Modi to be part of the celebrations to mark Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany on 9 May. The ministry said an announcement regarding India's participation will be made in "due course".

While there was no official confirmation from India, it appeared Mr Modi dropped out of the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory Day in the wake of one of the deadliest terror attacks on tourists in India-administered Kashmir last Tuesday.

At least 26 people were killed as militants opened fire on them in the picturesque Baisaran Valley in the restive Himalayan region.

Mr Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia for a state visit, cut his tour short to return to India and has since been in the country. New Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing the terror attack and responded by cancelling visas of all Pakistanis living in India, while also suspending a crucial water sharing treaty with Islamabad.

open image in gallery File: Russian president Vladimir Putin greets Indian prime minister Narendra Modi during a welcoming ceremony for participants of the Brics summit in Kazan ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Pakistan retaliated by closing its airspace to Indian airlines and halting trade.

As tensions escalate, cross-border firing between soldiers of India and Pakistan has also increased along the Line of Control, the de facto frontier that separates Kashmiri territory between the two neighbours.

Pakistans information minister, Attaullah Tarar, on Wednesday said Islamabad had credible intelligence that India intended to carry out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours over the baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the attack.

China has supported Islamabad's call for an impartial investigation into the attack in Kashmir. "As an ironclad friend and all-weather strategic cooperative partner, China fully understands Pakistan's legitimate security concerns and supports its efforts to uphold its sovereignty and security interests," China's top diplomat Wang Yi told his Pakistani counterpart.

Chinese president Xi Jinping is among at least 20 world leaders who are expected to attend the Victory Day celebrations. India is likely to send defence minister Rajnath Singh to mark its presence at the event at the Red Square, according to local reports.

open image in gallery Russia Victory Day Parade Rehearsal ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Mr Singh had visited Russia last year for the commissioning of INS Tushil in Kaliningrad and paid tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed in March that "president Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation to visit from the Indian head of government".

"A visit by the Russian head of state to the Republic of India is currently being prepared," Mr Lavrov was quoted by TASS news agency as saying.

Meanwhile, Mr Putin announced a "humanitarian" truce in his war against Ukraine that will be in effect from midnight on 8 May until midnight on 11 May for the Victory Day celebrations.

"During this period, all military actions will cease. Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example," the Kremlin said in a statement.
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Pakistan said on Wednesday it had "credible intelligence" that India is planning to attack it within days, as soldiers exchanged gunfire along borders and Pakistanis heeded New Delhi's orders to leave the country following last week's deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

India's moves to punish Pakistan after accusing it of backing the attack in Pahalgam, which Islamabad denies, have driven tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals to their highest point since 2019, when they came close to war after a suicide car bombing in Kashmir. The region is split between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety

Pakistan said the intelligence shows that India plans military action against it in the next 24 to 36 hours "on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement."

There was no immediate comment from Indian officials. However, Indian government officials said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "given complete operational freedom to the armed forces to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the Pahalgam massacre."

They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations.

Last week's attack was claimed by a previously unknown militant group calling itself the Kashmir Resistance. New Delhi describes all militancy in Indian-controlled Kashmir as Pakistan-backed terrorism. Pakistan denies this, and many Muslim Kashmiris consider the militants to be part of a homegrown freedom struggle.

The nuclear-armed neighbors have downgraded diplomatic ties, threatened to suspend key treaties and expelled each others nationals. Its the biggest breakdown in relations since 2019, when a suicide car bombing killed 40 Indian soldiers in Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan, and Pakistan rejected the accusation.

India has hinted at the possibility of an imminent but limited military strike. Pakistan says it would respond militarily.

Both have nuclear weapons, but as a deterrent

India and Pakistan have built up nuclear arsenals over the years. But their purpose is to stop wars, not start them.

India has a no first use policy. That means it will only retaliate with nuclear weapons if there is a nuclear attack on Indian forces or Indian territories.

Pakistan has a different policy, full spectrum deterrence, aimed at using tactical nuclear weapons to counter nuclear threats and conventional military attacks from its bigger, stronger and richer regional rival.

Pakistan has not ruled out using nuclear weapons first if it feels an existential threat. But Pakistan can ill afford to initiate nuclear war with India because of its neighbor's superior firepower. It has lost three conventional wars in the past.

Instead, Pakistan uses its nuclear arsenal to deter India from invasion or massive attack.

open image in gallery Indian naval officers carry a casket containing the body of their fellow officer Vinay Narwal, who was killed by militants at Pahalgam in Indian controlled Kashmir, during his funeral at Karnal, India, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Neither country knows what nuclear weapons the other has or how many. India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974. Pakistan carried out its first in 1988.

Think tanks suggest Pakistan has 170 warheads while India has 172. Some analysis indicates that Pakistan could have more, around 200.

Despite decades of hostility and suspicion, India and Pakistan are signatories to a pact that bars them from attacking each others nuclear facilities.

As part of the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, the two sides exchange lists of their nuclear facilities and installations each January. They have exchanged lists for 34 consecutive years.

However, neither country is a signatory to the global Non-Proliferation Treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology.

open image in gallery An Indian policeman stands guard on a road, amid heightened tensions following a deadly attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists, on 26 April 2025 ( Getty Images )

Flare-ups between India and Pakistan have seen targeted attacks and reprisals, escalating slowly while giving each side the option to step back and defuse. Border skirmishes are common.

But there is huge domestic pressure on India to respond this time because most of the victims last week were Indian.

In 2019, following the suicide car bombing, there was a predawn airstrike from India that it said targeted a terrorist training camp in Pakistan. Pakistan later shot down two Indian warplanes in Kashmir and captured a pilot. The pilot was eventually released and the situation began to normalize.

But the episode showed that India was willing to enter Pakistani airspace and launch strikes, setting a new threshold for retaliation.

In the current crisis, the two sides have yet to make a dramatic move. Pakistan has reported seeing Indian fighter jets over its airspace, and has shot down spy drones that it says belong to India.

Retaliation from either country is likely to be along the Line of Control, the de facto border dividing Kashmir, to target army infrastructure or militant facilities. The tactic carries the risk of miscalculation because any casualties could aggravate domestic sentiment.

open image in gallery An Indian paramilitary personnel patrols along the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar ( AFP via Getty Images )

With wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, and a world in economic chaos, the international community has little appetite for a war in South Asia.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said he will reach out to India and Pakistan and urged other foreign governments to step in and calm things down.

Pakistan's wealthy allies in the Gulf have expressed their desire for stability and security, while India has contacted G7 members about the crisis.

China, the most important player in the region, has urged both sides to show restraint. The United Nations has also called on Pakistan and India to deescalate. In short, nobody wants this.
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On a clear day, residents of Japans picturesque holiday island of Yonaguni can see Taiwans mountain ranges rising above the sea mist. For the people living here, just 100km (62 miles) away from potentially the biggest flashpoint for conflict in the Asia-Pacific region, those mountains serve as a near-daily reminder of the dangers posed by Chinas push for territory.

Successive Japanese leaders have warned that Taiwan could be the next Ukraine  that Xi Jinping could follow Vladimir Putins example and launch an invasion that would risk drawing large swathes of the world into another proxy war.

That might all seem hypothetical more than 2,000km away in Tokyo, where the government is currently pushing through the biggest military buildup since the Second World War, doubling its defence budget by 2027 and dramatically expanding the operational capabilities of the Japanese Self Defence Forces (SDF).

But on Yonaguni, the threat feels very real indeed, with unprecedented drills carried out in recent months to prepare the island for an evacuation.

Famous across Japan as a holiday destination and for its unique breed of wild horses, Yonaguni is a tiny outpost jutting out of the East China Sea with a population of just 1,700 people. Since 2016 it has hosted an SDF base that now has around 250 personnel, and they and their families make up an important contingent of island life.

open image in gallery The view of Yonaguni islands main fishing port from a lighthouse marking the westernmost point in all of Japan ( Adam Withnall/The Independent )

During joint US-Japanese exercises late last year known as Keen Sword, the local garrison took part in so-called disaster prevention drills with US forces here for the first time  widely seen as preparations for if Taiwan is attacked. The Independent saw Japanese soldiers pretending to be wounded islanders, carried on stretchers to a waiting American C-130 Hercules military transport plane.

The drills involved a number of firsts for Yonaguni, including the first time US-made Osprey aircraft  which would be crucial for logistics in the event of a real evacuation  landed and took off on the blustery island. A spokesperson for the SDF confirmed to The Independent that this was a larger exercise compared to ones conducted in the past.

A delegation of officials also visited from the wider Okinawa prefecture to discuss the finer details of how an evacuation would take place if Taiwan was invaded. They explained to locals that they would be moved to shelters on a larger island in the archipelago, with the injured taken for treatment at hospital  the island does not have one of its own.

open image in gallery Japans Self Defence Forces said the drills late last year on Yonaguni were the largest of their kind ( Adam Withnall/The Independent )

The atmosphere on the island is tense, with locals saying the soldiers appear more nervous than usual. And while some find the mock evacuation comforting, the presence of a large garrison here is polarising, with families divided over whether it offers protection or risks making the island a target.

Near Yonagunis main fishing port, Hisako Otomo, the owner of the westernmost shop in Japan, admits that the islanders cannot help but feel concerned about the situation with China.

Its worrying when we see the news, she says. Its scary to have to think about [an invasion of Taiwan]  to think, is it really going to happen?

open image in gallery Hisako Otomo, owner of the westernmost shop in Japan, admits the islanders cannot help but feel concerned about the situation with China ( Adam Withnall/The Independent )

China has conducted drills simulating a full blockade of Taiwan  likely the first step in an invasion  on multiple occasions in the past year, including staging its largest military exercises in three decades over the course of a week in December. Across the whole of last year, it ordered a record 3,070 sorties by military aircraft across the Taiwan Straits median line.

Beijing claims self-governed Taiwan is a breakaway province, and Xi Jinping has repeatedly vowed to reunite the island with the mainland  by force, if necessary. The US assesses that China is gearing up to be ready for an invasion, if ordered, by the year 2027.

Despite this standoff occurring on Japans doorstep, SDF activity on Yonaguni is controversial  not just because of a perception that it could make the island a target, but also because of a broader debate in Japanese society about the role its military should play.

open image in gallery The entrance to the main SDF base on Yonaguni. It houses some 250 personnel, who have become a key contingent of island life ( Adam Withnall/The Independent )

Japans commitment to its pacifist constitution, put in place at the end of its defeat in the Second World War as a promise that the country would never again be involved in armed conflict, is being tested  both by Chinas aggression towards Taiwan, and by a North Korean regime that not only launches missiles over the Japanese mainland, but earlier this year claimed to have successfully test-fired a new hypersonic missile into the Sea of Japan.

Japan also considers Russia to be a dangerous and unpredictable neighbour, exemplified by Putins decision to invade Ukraine in February 2022.

The previous prime minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, cited Ukraine as one of the main reasons for tripling Japans defence budget to 43 trillion yen  around $400bn (or 300bn) at the time it was announced  including huge investment in drone capability and the weapons needed to strike back at the likes of North Korea, or even to launch a pre-emptive strike, if intelligence suggests an attack is imminent.

open image in gallery Yonaguni is famous across Japan as a holiday destination and for its unique breed of wild horses ( Adam Withnall/The Independent )

Japan is reportedly preparing to deploy its first long-range missiles, capable of reaching North Korea and China, to two bases on the island of Kyushu by the end of the current fiscal year in March 2026.

At Japans ministry of defence, officials explained to The Independent how the five-year plan initiated by Kishida, and supported by his successor Shigeru Ishiba, will take the countrys defence-related spending to around 2 per cent of GDP by 2027  a figure that would have been unthinkable, particularly at the time of a cost-of-living crisis, just a few years ago.

Much of the plan is inspired by the war in Ukraine, including a huge ramping up of Japans military drone programme  which is almost non-existent at present. Defence officials said the government is in the process of acquiring and testing different models before deciding where to invest the new funds.

open image in gallery US secretary of defence Pete Hegseth, left, shakes hands with Japanese prime minister Shigeru Ishiba during the formers visit to Tokyo late last month ( AP )

The Russian aggression over Ukraine shows the deterioration of the global security environment, says one official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Both Ishiba and Kishida before him have drawn direct comparisons between Taiwan and the situation in Europe, saying that todays Ukraine could be tomorrows East Asia.

Japan views Putins decision to invade Ukraine as a failure of effective deterrence, and while the defence ministry official admits it is impossible to quantify deterrence, the argument is that a stronger Japan can help discourage Chinas Xi Jinping from following Moscows example.

Japan is enhancing its defence capabilities as a whole, including having the garrisons in the southwestern regions [nearest Taiwan], they say. And this is to clearly show that Japan will not accept any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force.

One key part of the spending plan involves upgrading the Japanese militarys ageing equipment infrastructure to the latest models, such as replacing outdated F-15 fighter jets with F-35s from the US.

And Japan wants to go one step further in the future, with an active role in developing cutting-edge military technology. It has signed an agreement with Britain and Italy to jointly design and build the next generation of stealth fighter, a programme known as GCAP.

open image in gallery A lifesize model of the GCAP stealth fighter on display at the BAE Systems area at the Farnborough International Airshow ( PA )

Yet even with all this new spending, Japan will still be heavily reliant on the US for its defence, a relationship that is being strained by the transactional approach Donald Trump takes to international relations.

Prime minister Ishiba was one of the first world leaders to meet with Trump at the start of his second administration, travelling to the White House on 7 February, and the US president described him as doing a fantastic job leading a strong and proud nation.

Trumps defence secretary Pete Hegseth visited Japan at the end of last month, and called the country an indispensable partner in deterring communist Chinese military aggression, including across the Taiwan Strait.

Yet Trump has also been highly critical of the US-Japan security partnership, which allows American troops to be stationed on Japanese soil in exchange for a commitment to protect Japan in the event of an attack. We pay hundreds of billions of dollars to defend them, Trump complained in comments to reporters at the White House earlier this month. They dont pay anything, he added.

Asked if a Trump White House was entitled to ask even more of Japan, an official at the Japanese foreign ministry said the situation had already drastically changed after decades of post-war history when Japan typically spent no more than 1 per cent of GDP on its defence forces.

open image in gallery Donald Trump meets with a Japanese trade delegation including economic revitalisation minister Ryosei Akazawa at the White House on 25 April this year ( via Reuters )

The official suggested that Japanese diplomats would explain this historical context to the Trump administration.

The US is always giving us pressure to develop our defence capabilities, including the budget. Because of the change of Japans policy, the drastic change, I believe that perception from the US should also change, they said, on condition of anonymity.

There is a genuine sense that Japan has done quite a lot, says Matake Kamiya, professor of international relations at the National Defence Academy of Japan. I mean, 2 per cent of defence-related spending  that was totally unthinkable before the Ukraine war started. Possessing offensive capability under the name of counterattack capability, that was politically too sensitive.

Nonetheless, there remain red lines that Japan would never cross, even if China were to launch an all-out invasion of Taiwan within plain sight of the islanders on Yonaguni. In such a scenario, theres still no realistic prospect of Japan deploying its newly expanded forces to help protect the island. At most, Japan would provide logistical support to allies  letting the US use its bases closest to the action, for instance.

Despite the shifting attitudes towards pacifism among the Japanese public, any active combat role for its defence forces, even in an international peacekeeping operation, is unthinkable, says Professor Kamiya.

If Trump is to truly understand the limitations of Japan as an ally, he will need to get to grips with this aspect that is so fundamental to the countrys psyche, born out of the trauma of the Second World war.

Terumi Tanaka, co-chair of the Nihon Hidankyo organisation representing Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors, which won last years Nobel Peace Prize, calls the expansion of Japans defence forces abominable.

Japan has a constitution with Article 9, and this is based on the reality that we were attacked with this awful nuclear bomb, and so out of reflection on that, Japan abandoned any kind of military power, he tells The Independent.

open image in gallery Terumi Tanaka, one of the representatives of last years Nobel Peace Prize winner Nihon Hidankyo, says the expansion of Japans defence forces is abominable ( AP )

He says those like him, who have experienced the horrors of war, owe it to younger generations to stand up for the principles of pacifism, and prevent it being abandoned. Were trying to prevent that; thats what Im doing every day.

Back on Yonaguni, the way contingency plans for a Taiwan invasion are being solidified gives residents the impression that a crisis has never been closer, says local tour guide Saori Matsuda. I know that the SDF people are really concerned about the situation, she says. I see that the tension is very high.

Matsuda, a fourth-generation resident of the island, says she supports the drills and the expansion of Japans military forces, given the global situation.

Many residents of Yonaguni have long felt an affinity for Taiwan, and there were talks of establishing a ferry link between the two in 2023, before China ramped up its pressure on Taipei.

The people of Taiwan say they are not part of China. My heart says I support them, says Matsuda. I dont understand why China says what it is saying. I do feel nervous about it. We dont know what China is going to do  it looks like China could do anything.
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Myanmars authorities have once again put ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyis lakeside mansion up for auction  marking the fourth time it has failed to attract any bidders.

Ms Suu Kyis colonial-styled private villa near Yangons scenic Inya lake is a historic landmark.

Located on University Avenue, the two-storey house spread across 1.9 acres (7,700sqm), is where she spent nearly 15 years under house arrest and became a global icon of non-violent resistance, for which she earned the Nobel Peace Prize.

On Tuesday, a court-appointed auctioneer emerged from the rusty gates of the mansion to start the bidding with starting price of 270 billion kyats (102m)  a value that has reduced with each attempt to sell it off, falling from the initial 113.6m court-ordered asking price last year.

The auctioneer raised the bids three times as per protocol but received no offers, before declaring, We hereby announce that the auction is not successful.

The auction was conducted in front of journalists and police outside the Yangon mansion, which once served as an unofficial headquarters for Ms Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party.

open image in gallery An auction official reads a statement outside the gate of the family house of detained Myanmar civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon ( AFP via Getty Images )

open image in gallery A file picture shows US president Barack Obama and Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi (R) take part in a press conference at her residence in Yangon on 14 November 2014 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Ms Suu Kyi remains in solitary confinement with her whereabouts unknown at the hands of ruling military junta since February 2021, the day when her democratically elected government was overthrown in a military coup.

She was detained along with dozens of other leaders and activists, and a court later handed her a combined 27-year sentence after convicting her on a string of criminal charges that her supporters say were fabricated to discredit her.

The property was given decades ago by the government to Ms Suu Kyis mother, Khin Kyi, after her husband, independence hero General Aung San, was assassinated in July 1947. However, the property has remained in the midst of political and legal dispute after her estranged elder brother Aung San Oo mounted a legal challenge for a share in it. He successfully petitioned the court in 2019 to authorise the sale of the property and to claim an equal share of the proceeds.

open image in gallery A car leaves the family house of detained Myanmar civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon on 20 March 2024. ( AFP via Getty Images )

Despite several attempts to auction the property, the house has struggled to find a buyer, partly due to its political significance and the broader instability in Myanmar following the 2021 military coup.

The junta has remained silent on the matter, but the repeated auctions are seen by some as a desperate attempt to erase Ms Suu Kyi's legacy, especially as she remains imprisoned following a series of convictions widely viewed as politically motivated.

The auction was also challenged by the shadow government formed in Myanmar after the 2021 military coup that is coordinating opposition to the military government.

open image in gallery Aung Sang Suu Kyi, 79, has been in detention since 2021, the fourth time in her political career, spending nearly 21 years of her life in house arrest ( ANP/AFP/Getty )

Duwa Lashi La, acting president of the National Unity Government, declared that the property is a cultural heritage site and prohibited its sale or destruction.

The house, which Ms Suu Kyi used for political work, saw a series of landmark visits from foreign leaders, including leaders such as Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, as well as former UN secretary-general general Ban Ki-moon.

The first attempt to auction the house failed in March 2024 followed by a second in August in the same year. The third auction bid happened in February 2025 before the latest again failed.
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Shades of red covered Ho Chi Minh City as thousands of people poured onto the streets to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the end of its war with the US, as the Communist country aimed to grow its economy and foster peace.

Celebrations on 30 April culminated in a grand parade in Ho Chi Minh City with thousands of marching troops and an air show featuring Russian-made fighter jets and helicopters.

Vietnamese nationals waved the red flag with a yellow star and sang patriotic songs to commemorate the historic day when the war-torn country reunified in 1975 after North Vietnam's tanks smashed through the iron gates of the presidential compound and seized Saigon, subsequently renaming it after the North's founding leader.

open image in gallery Vietnamese soldiers march during a parade marking the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day ( EPA )

"It was a victory of faith," and also of "justice over tyranny," said To Lam, Vietnam's Communist party chief and the country's top leader. Vietnam is one, the Vietnamese people are one. Rivers may dry up, mountains may erode, but that truth will never change.

In a spirit of closing the past, respecting differences, aiming for the future, the whole party, the people and the army vow to make Vietnam become a country of peace, unity, prosperity and development, he added.

The fall of Saigon, about two years after Washington withdrew its last combat troops from the country, marked the end of a 20-year conflict that killed some 3 million Vietnamese and nearly 60,000 Americans, many of them young soldiers conscripted into the military.

open image in gallery Soldiers march during a parade marking the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30, 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Thousands camped overnight on the streets of the former South Vietnamese capital to get the best vantage point for the parade. Now its time for peace, said spectator Nguyen Thi Hue, a city resident. Peace is the dream that everyone in the world wants.

About 13,000 people, including troops, militias, veterans and local citizens took part in the parade. The route followed the main boulevard leading to the Independence Palace before branching into city streets.

Chinese, Laotian and Cambodian troops marched behind Vietnamese army formations, with some reportedly wearing uniforms similar to what was worn by northern Vietnamese troops during the war.

Sitting next to Vietnams leader were Cambodias former leader Hun Sen and Laotian Communist Party general secretary Thongloun Sisoulith.

open image in gallery Vietnamese drummers perform during a parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War ( AP )

A video of Chinese troops singing the iconic As if uncle Ho were with us on Victory Day during a rehearsal was shared widely on social media. Chinese leader Xi Jinping had visited Vietnam earlier in the month in a bid to present the country as a force for stability in contrast with Donald Trump.

Vietnam and the US normalised diplomatic relations in 1995 and deepened ties in 2023 during a visit to Hanoi by former US president Joe Biden.

"The United States and Vietnam have a robust bilateral relationship that we are committed to deepening and broadening," a spokesperson for the US mission in Vietnam said on Wednesday.

That bond, however, is being tested by the threat of crippling 46 per cent tariffs on Vietnamese goods, one of the highest that Mr Trump announced as part of his "reciprocal tariff" package imposed on dozens of countries.

open image in gallery Spectators waiting overnight sit along a road to reserve their spot in Ho Chi Minh City ( AFP via Getty Images )

The tariffs have been paused for 90 days until July and talks are underway. But if confirmed, they could undermine Vietnam's export-led growth that has attracted large foreign investments. Washington sent Susan Burns, its consul general in Ho Chi Minh City, to represent the country at the parade.

Vietnamese officials say the relationship with the US is anchored in American efforts to address war legacies such as Agent Orange contamination and unexploded ordnance in the countryside that still threaten lives. The future of those projects is now at risk because of the Trump administrations broad cuts to the US Agency for International Development.

China has sought to fill the day by nurturing closer relations with Vietnam despite a complex history involving several conflicts and a rivalry in the disputed South China Sea.
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The mass electrical blackout across Spain, Portugal and parts of France sparked hours of chaos before power returned  with the after-effects still being felt.

Both Spain and Portugals power grid operators have ruled out a cyber attack, but the cause of the outage is still under investigation.

The head of Spanish electricity operator Red Electrica, Eduardo Prieto, said two consecutive events, which took place at 12.32pm on Monday and then a second and a half later, pointed to a generation disconnection that had cut off the supply across the peninsula. While the system weathered the first event, but not the second.

Some have jumped on the suggestion that Spains push to use renewable energy had made an impact. Last year, renewables accounted for 53 per cent of the countrys power generation. Solar photovoltaic (PV) accounted for 59 per cent of Spain's electricity at the time of the blackout, wind nearly 12 per cent, nuclear almost 11 per cent and combined cycle gas plants 5 per cent, Red Electrica data showed.

In a span of just five minutes, between 12.30pm and 12.35 pm local time on Monday, solar PV generation plunged by more than 50 per cent to 8 gigawatts (GW) from more than 18 GW, the data showed.

open image in gallery A man sells battery-powered radios and torches on a Barcelona street ( AP )

There have been reports that a lack of inertia in the grid may have contributed to the blackout. Grid inertia helps maintain electricity supplies at a stable frequency, and is created by generators with spinning parts  such as turbines running in fossil fuel generators or hydropower  which solar panels and wind turbines do not have. In a blackout, you need to rebuild inertia before bringing things back online.

But Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez ruled out the possibility that an excess of electricity generated by renewable sources caused the power blackout.

Mr Sanchez said on Tuesday that technicians were still attempting to find the precise cause of the collapse and the results of their enquiries would be used to reinforce the system.

"What happened yesterday cannot ever happen again," he added.

Speaking to The Independent, Kristian Ruby, secretary general of European electricity industry group Eurelectric, suggested that there was a technical problem in a high voltage cable linking the French and Spanish grid, which is known as an interconnector.

open image in gallery People wait outside a closed metro station, during the major power outage in Barcelona ( AP )

However, Mr Ruby warned that it would take weeks, if not months for there to be a proper technical analysis confirming what went wrong, and he added that it is unlikely that such alone would have caused the problem.

The power system is perhaps the most advanced and complex machine that we have in the world, he explained. Its a combination of millions of different units that are injecting power into the same system, which transports it out to millions of end-users.

But it is designed so that if you take out a critical asset, such as an interconnector or power plant, it should not cause a full set of countries to lose power for such a long time, Mr Ruby continued.

More generally, the booming growth of renewables is posing a major challenge for electricity transmission systems, which in Europe can date back half a century or more. This is because weather-dependent solar and wind generators have high intermittency rates, and require new technologies to keep the grid balanced.

Mr Ruby said what is clear is that [Power] grids need to be reinforced and strengthened much faster than they're being done today to keep them balanced as more renewables are fed into the system.

But he stressed that this should not mean countries should slow down their renewables roll-out. There may be new risks in introducing more renewables to the system - but the risks of leaving things as they are are even greater.

We dont have a choice in this matter. We cannot stop because it is looking a bit complex, he said. We are doing this for reasons of climate change, energy security, and military security.

Specifically, renewables are needed for the sake of climate action - and, said Mr Ruby, the growing threat of extreme weather to electricity systems shows why we need to both tackle climate change, and invest in updating and making our power systems more resilient.
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Chinese diplomats threatened to cancel a summit and called top officials in two African countries to pressure lawmakers to quit an international parliamentary group critical of China, officials from the group told The Associated Press.

It's an example of how far China will go to influence politicians overseas, and how that pressure can succeed behind closed doors.

In the past year, lawmakers from Malawi and Gambia withdrew from the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, or IPAC, a group of hundreds of lawmakers from 38 countries concerned about how democracies approach Beijing, according to letters, messages and voice recordings obtained by The Associated Press.

Founded in 2020, the group has coordinated sanctions on China over rights abuses in Xinjiang and Hong Kong and rallied support for Taiwan, a self-ruled democratic island Beijing claims as its territory.

African politicians and experts say its an escalation of Chinese diplomatic pressure in Africa, where Beijing's influence is growing. Beijing has built deep ties with African leaders by developing mines and building infrastructure through state-owned construction companies, often funded by loans from state-owned banks.

The pressure is also part of Beijing's longstanding effort to influence groups and lawmakers across the world, including in New York state, where a former governors aide faces charges for acting as an agent for the Chinese government.

'Very shocking news'

In January, Gambian lawmaker Abdoulie Ceesay sent a voice message to an IPAC staffer saying the Chinese government had complained to the Gambian foreign ministry about his membership.

We have very shocking news  its a problem right now, Ceesay said in the recording, which IPAC provided to AP. The president is not happy with us at all.

Later the same month, Ceesay and fellow lawmaker Amadou Camara informed the alliance they were withdrawing. Ceesay told IPAC in a written message that his decision was not influenced by the Chinese embassy, a position Ceesay reiterated when contacted by AP.

Gambia's information minister said he was unaware of any attempt by China to influence his country's politicians.

They decided on their own behalf to opt out of IPAC after realizing it goes against the governments bilateral (relationship) with China, said the minister, Ismaila Ceesay, who is not related to Abdoulie Ceesay.

The Chinese government has targeted lawmakers over the alliance before. Beijing has sanctioned some members and last year, lawmakers from at least six countries were pressured by Chinese diplomats not to attend the groups summit in Taiwan. Kenyan lawmakers cancelled their plans to attend but stayed in the alliance. The group was also targeted by Chinese state-sponsored hackers in 2021, according to a U.S. indictment.

Foreign legislators are being bullied out of a free alliance between them and other politicians, said IPAC head Luke de Pulford. This is clearly a result of Chinese pressure.

In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry accused IPAC of smearing China" and said that China has never engaged in coercive diplomacy."

But a Malawian lawmaker, Ephraim Abel Kayembe, told an IPAC staffer he had been contacted by the speaker of the Malawian National Assembly shortly after he and another lawmaker joined the group at last years Taiwan summit, according to the staffer. The staffer declined to be named for fear of damage to their relations with other politicians.

The speaker told Kayembe the Chinese government had threatened to cancel the presidents upcoming visit to Beijing for a regional summit and meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, according to IPAC head de Pulford, programs director Tom Fraser and the person who spoke directly to Kayembe.

Less than two weeks after the summit, the two Malawian lawmakers said they were withdrawing. Kayembe said in a letter to IPAC that he had been tricked into joining.

I want to extend my sincere apology to the Peoples Republic of China, Kayembe wrote in the Aug. 7 letter.

When contacted by AP, Kayembe denied being coerced by the Malawi or Chinese governments, writing in an email that he withdrew because the alliance appeared aimed at achieving geopolitical intentions against China.

Malawis government did not respond to a request for comment.

Shifting alliances

For decades, Beijing has cultivated ties with African governments, seeking diplomatic partners and access to natural resources.

Many African leaders have welcomed Beijings presence since it brings much-needed capital and construction expertise that can contribute to economic growth and development. Critics say China strikes secretive, sometimes corrupt deals with African leaders that mainly benefit Chinese companies and workers brought in to build mines, bridges and railways.

China has been investing and being present in African countries when many countries were not willing to come, said Christian-Geraud Neema, Africa editor of the China Global South Project, an independent research group.

Chinese leaders have repeatedly promised not to interfere in the internal affairs of African countries, saying there are no political strings attached to its investment. But China has pressured African governments to shun Taiwan or Tibets spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, efforts that Neema says appear to be escalating. Last October, South Africa demanded that Taipei move its unofficial embassy out of the administrative capital, Pretoria, and in January, Beijing sanctioned the head of South Africas second-largest political party for visiting Taiwan.

Moves like these mirror efforts China has made against governments elsewhere in the past. Beijing blocked exports from Lithuania, for example, after the northern European country allowed Taiwan to open a trade office.

But experts say the pressure against the IPAC members is unusual. Lina Benabdallah, a professor at Wake Forest University who studies Chinas relations with Africa, said she has never heard of China using direct coercion against African parliamentarians before.

This is very new to me, Benabdallah said.

Zimbabwe lawmaker and IPAC member Daniel Molokele said he expects to see more coercive behavior from Beijing, especially as the Trump administration pulls back from Africa.

I expect China to benefit, Molokele said. It will definitely use this opportunity to grow its influence in Africa.

___

Abdoulie John in Serrekunda, Gambia, and Gerald Imray in Cape Town, South Africa, contributed to this report.
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Aston Martin is scaling back US imports due to new tariff rules introduced by the Trump administration, the British car manufacturer has announced.

The company revealed the move as it reported declining sales figures, but maintained its financial projections for 2025.

Rather than exporting new vehicles to the US, which now face a 25 per cent tariff, Aston Martin is utilising existing stock held by US dealerships. This strategic decision aims to mitigate the impact of the new trade regulations.

CEO Adrian Hallmark stated: "We are carefully monitoring the evolving US tariff situation and are currently limiting imports to the US while leveraging the stock held by our US dealers.

"We remain vigilant in monitoring events and will respond to changes in the operating environment as they materialise."

Despite the challenges posed by the tariffs, Aston Martin remains committed to its turnaround plan and expressed confidence in achieving its 2025 financial targets.

open image in gallery Aston Martin builds some of its luxury cars in a factory in South Wales ( PA Media )

Aston Martin is among European car manufacturers that have seen shares slide in value in recent months over concerns about the potential impact of tariffs on demand for their vehicles in the US.

Last month, Aston Martin marginally reduced its sales guidance for the year due to fears the tariff rules could dampen wholesale volumes.

The company, which makes around 30 per cent of its sales through the US, stressed on Wednesday that the ramifications of the tariffs are still uncertain.

It came as the firm also reported that operating losses grew for the first three months of 2025.

Meanwhile, it reported a pre-tax loss of 79.6 million for the quarter, down from a 138.9 million loss a year earlier.

Total revenues dropped by 13 per cent to 233.9 million for the quarter.

It comes amid a significant overhaul at Aston Martin as it seeks to shore up its long-term finances.

In February, the group said it plans to sell its minority stake in the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team and confirmed that Lawrence Strolls Yew Tree Consortium would invest a further 52.5 million to grow its stake in the business.

Aston Martin said the two deals were expected to improve the groups liquidity by more than 125 million.
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While millions of Americans have turned to popular weight loss drugs to shed pounds in recent years, taking them isnt without some risks.

Now, research led by the scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that tens of thousands of Americans have ended up in the emergency room after taking semaglutide: the active ingredient in GLP-1 drugs, including drugmaker Novo Nordisks Ozempic and Wegovy. The findings may be an indicator that more patient education is necessary when it comes to taking the drugs.

We found that its very infrequent that semaglutide leads to very serious adverse events that would land a patient in the hospital, but that they do occur, Dr. Pieter Cohen, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, told Health.

Cohen was one of the authors of the study which was published earlier this month in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

Using national surveillance data collected at dozens of hospitals, they estimated that semaglutide had been a contributing factor in nearly 25,000 emergency room visits from 2022 to 2023. More than 82 percent of those visits occurred in 2023, and the reason was usually gastrointestinal complications. Patients experienced nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

open image in gallery An analysis of emergency department visits between 2022 and 2023 has indicated that thousands of Americans have ended up there while taking weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Adverse events are infrequent but do occur ( Getty Images )

Some people also came into emergency rooms with allergic reactions and hypoglycemia, which is also known as low blood sugar. A handful of patients were diagnosed with pancreatitis and just four were diagnosed with biliary disease, which impacts the gallbladder.

Cohen said researchers didnt expect to see so many patients seeking care for low blood sugar.

Novo Nordisk did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the findings, however nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and constipation are also listed as common side effects of the drugs.

Notably, the authors did not know whether people who visited the hospital were taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or a copycat semaglutide prepared by pharmacists. Cohen said taking a compounded semaglutide could explain the low blood sugar. Furthermore, about 9 percent of the visits involved medication errors.

open image in gallery Wegovy and other semaglutide drugs have similar side effects. Those include vomiting, stomach pain and other symptoms that could result in a trip to the emergency room ( Getty Images )

Many drugs can cause side effects that could result in a trip to an emergency room. A previous study published in 2021 found that approximately 1 in 200 Americans visit the emergency room each year due to medication-related harms.

Still, the researchers say suggest doctors can do more to mitigate the potentially severe side effects of these drugs, which have been used by about one in eight U.S. adults.

Clinicians could counsel patients when initiating semaglutide about the potential for severe gastrointestinal adverse effects and adjust coprescribed antidiabetic medications to decrease hypoglycemia risk, they wrote. Additionally, when evaluating patients with new-onset gastrointestinal symptoms or hypoglycemia, clinicians could consider recent semaglutide use.
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Scotland Yard has been called in to investigate the cyber attack that has left Marks & Spencer with empty shelving and its market value slashed.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed it was called last Wednesday in relation to the attack, with detectives from the forces cyber crime unit launching an investigation which remains ongoing.

The retailer is also working with experts from both the National Crime Agency and the National Cyber Security Centre, with the former telling The Independent that the two groups were working to better understand the incident and support the company.

M&S confirmed on Tuesday there were pockets of limited availability of items in some shops as a result of its decision to take some systems temporarily offline in response to the attack  but said it was working hard to get availability back to normal.

The retailer has been grappling with the cyber incident for more than a week now, first causing problems for its contactless payments and click and collect orders, before since wiped millions off its market value.

Last Friday, it paused orders through its website and app, which have remained down as it tries to resolve the problem.

A spokesperson for the Met said: We were called on Wednesday, 23 April regarding a cyber-incident at Marks & Spencer. Detectives from the Mets Cyber Crime Unit are investigating. Enquiries continue.

Professor Alan Woodward, a cyber security expert at the University of Surrey and former adviser to the EUs law enforcement agency Europol, told The Independent on Tuesday that, although little is known about the nature of the cyberattack, it could still feasibly be days before M&S is able to resume normal operations.

M&S has been grappling the issue more than a week (Jonathan Brady/PA) ( PA Wire )

I suspect one of reasons its taking so long to do all of this is an abundance of caution being exercised  and what theyre doing is they are turning over every rock and making sure theres nobody still in there, said Prof Woodward.

Because one of the worst things is if a hacker has got in, let the ransomware go, and they can persist on the network, then you might clear it  you might get out of it [the attack]  but theyll just pop back up again.

A hacking group operating under the name Scattered Spider  previously alleged to involve British and American teenagers  has been linked to the attack, according to reports, with tech news outlet Bleeping Computer first linking the group to a potential ransomware attack.

According to The Telegraph, investigators believe the attackers used a hacking tool from a group known as DragonForce, which bills itself as a ransomware cartel, to carry out the breach.
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A former scout leader and school housemaster who spent decades evading justice under a stolen identity has been sentenced to 46 years in prison for a series of horrific sexual offences against young boys.

Richard Burrows, 81, systematically abused 24 boys across Cheshire, the West Midlands and West Mercia between 1968 and 1995.

In emails found after his eventual arrest, Burrows described living in paradise from 1997 after he fled to Thailand.

His reign of abuse spanned nearly three decades, targeting vulnerable boys under his care.

Burrows's predatory actions finally caught up with him after 27 years on the run. He had been living under an assumed identity, concealing his past and evading the consequences of his crimes.

The court heard harrowing details of Burrows's abuse, which left lasting scars on his victims.

Earlier that year, he had been charged with a number of historical sex offences and was bailed but failed to attend a plea hearing at Chester Crown Court in December 1997.

Attempts to locate him included several police appeals and four Crimewatch appeals on national television.

open image in gallery Richard Burrows was traced to Thailand using image searches (Cheshire Constabulary/PA) ( PA Media )

In April 2023, detectives from Cheshire Polices serious and organised crime unit used specialist software to search for any possible images of Burrows online, which uncovered a match for a man using the name of Peter Smith who was living in Chalong in Phuket, Thailand.

After searching through billions of images, the system came back with a match for a man who had an active interest in sailing and previously worked at an advertising firm on the Thai island, where he had even featured in a local news report upon retiring in 2019, according to Cheshire Police.

Detectives discovered Burrows had stolen the name from an acquaintance who was terminally ill, which allowed him to fraudulently obtain a genuine passport and leave the country without detection.

Plans were under way to extradite him when he flew into Heathrow Airport after he ran out of money and was diagnosed with cancer. Burrows was swiftly arrested on arrival last March.

open image in gallery Richard Burrows, 81, has been jailed for numerous historical sex offences against young boys (Cheshire Constabulary/PA) ( PA Media )

He was charged with further offences in Cheshire, the West Midlands and West Mercia which had been reported after he disappeared.

Last month, Burrows was found guilty by a jury at Chester Crown Court of 54 offences including indecent assault of boys, buggery, attempted buggery and indecency with a child.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to another 43 offences including indecent assault, making indecent images of children, possession of indecent images of children and four counts of possession of false identity documents with intent.

His offending in Cheshire took place between 1969 and 1971 while he was employed as a housemaster looking after vulnerable children at Danesford Childrens Home in Congleton.

His victims in the West Midlands and West Mercia areas were abused between 1968 and 1995, the majority through local Scout groups where Burrows worked as a leader.

In each case he befriended the victims by using his position of trust.
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Video footage allegedly showing the moment the famous Sycamore Gap tree was chopped down has been played to a jury.

Groundworker Daniel Graham, 39, and mechanic Adam Carruthers, 32, each deny two counts of criminal damage to the tree and the wall, overnight on 28 September 2023.

They are accused of driving from Carlisle to the Sycamore Gap, where prosecutors say one used a chainsaw to fell the tree, while the other filmed the act on a mobile phone.

On the second day of the trial at Newcastle Crown Court, jurors were shown a video lasting 2mins 41secs, taken from Mr Grahams iPhone, that allegedly showed the sycamore being chopped down.

The grainy footage appeared to show the outline of a figure working at the trunk of the tree, before it crashed to the ground.

Police analyst Amy Sutherland told the court that the coordinates for where the video was filmed were for Sycamore Gap. Earlier in the trial, prosecutor Richard Wright KC said the video was taken at 12.31am on 28 September.

open image in gallery A still taken from the video allegedly showing the Sycamore Gap tree being chopped down. The footage was played to a jury at Newcastle Crown Court ( CPS )

Mr Wright had told jurors: In simple terms, Grahams phone was right there at Sycamore Gap as the tree was being cut down, and his phone filmed the tree being cut down.

The prosecution say whoever filmed the cutting down was as much responsible for the damage to the wall and the tree as the man wielding the chainsaw. They were in it together, and they were Carruthers and Graham.

The prosecutor said he understood Mr Grahams defence was that his car and his phone must have been used without his knowledge to make the journey and record the felling. Mr Carruthers also denied having anything to do with the tree being cut down, Mr Wright said.

Also on Wednesday, jurors heard that Mr Grahams phone contained numerous Google searches for an earlier suspect in the Sycamore Gap investigation who was later released with no action.

open image in gallery Adam Carruthers and Daniel Graham are both charged with causing criminal damage to the Sycamore Gap tree ( PA/Getty )

Ms Sutherland said that between 3 October and 5 October searches were made on Mr Grahams phone for Water Renwick and Walter Renwick Plankey Mill. Mr Renwick was arrested on 29 September 2023 but was later told he would face no action.

Earlier on Wednesday, the court also heard from an expert at Historic England on the impact on Hadrians Wall. The damage caused when the tree was felled was valued at 622,191 for the tree and 1,144 to the wall, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Historic England's Lee McFarlane told the jury the felling could have been catastrophic for the wall.

open image in gallery Police video showing the tree the morning after it was cut down ( Crown Prosecution Service )

She said while some stones of the wall were damaged, it was fortunate the tree was still in full leaf, as the crown of the tree appeared to have acted as a cushion.

The court also heard a statement from the first police officer at the scene, PC Peter Borini, who arrived on he morning of 28 September. In a statement to the court, he said rangers were visibly upset at what they saw.

He cordoned off the scene and took sawdust and bark samples, but could not find a wedge from the trunk that was removed in the felling process. The prosecution suggests this could have been taken by Mr Graham, who is from Carlisle, and Mr Carruthers, who is from Wigton in Cumbria, as a trophy.

The trial continues.
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Businesses like shops and restaurants may soon need to be forced to accept coins and banknotes, MPs have warned, as fewer and fewer people opt to pay in cash.

There is a risk that the UK drifts into a loss of cash acceptance for those who rely on it, the Treasury committee said, creating a two-tier society.

The cross-party group added that cash usage has decreased significantly across the UK, and urged the government to undertake a vastly improved monitoring and reporting of cash acceptance levels.

Members said these steps may be necessary to prevent vulnerable groups from becoming excluded from community spaces such as leisure centres, theatres and public transport.

Those representing vulnerable sectors of society, including people with learning disabilities, domestic abuse victims and the elderly, were heard from by the committee, it said. They found that these people reported buying essential goods and services can cost more as the number of places where they can spend coins and banknotes shrinks.

open image in gallery There is a risk that the UK drifts into a loss of cash acceptance for those who rely on it, the Treasury committee said, creating a two-tier society ( Gareth Fuller/PA Wire )

It added that, having heard evidence on the impact of declining cash acceptance on vulnerable communities, MPs believe there may be a time in the future when it becomes necessary for the Treasury to mandate cash acceptance, if those who rely on physical cash are not adequately supported.

The report said: There may come a time in the future where it becomes necessary for HM Treasury to mandate cash acceptance if appropriate safeguards have not been implemented for those who need physical cash, and the level of cash acceptance begins to lead to widespread detriment.

To ensure that HM Treasury has the information it needs to make this decision, cash acceptance levels in the UK must be monitored to ensure we do not sleepwalk into a loss of cash acceptance for those who need it.

HM Treasury must provide the Treasury committee with annual reporting on cash acceptance levels and provide an analysis of HM Treasurys view of the tolerable level of cash acceptance in society.

The committee said witnesses had highlighted public transport and infrastructure for motorists as areas where cash acceptance has become less common.

It continued: Many witnesses identified the problem of car parks having removed the ability to pay by physical cash.

Charities and consumers also told the committee that local government and local government-funded services are increasingly cashless.

UK businesses and organisations could choose not to accept cash  with no legal duty to accommodate customers varying needs  the report warned.

open image in gallery Meg Hillier, chair of the treasury committee, said the government is in the dark on cash usage ( PA )

It added: For people who do not have bank accounts, who are sometimes referred to as the unbanked, being able to spend physical cash is vital.

The committee also heard that people with learning disabilities were more likely to need to rely on cash and could be severely impacted by cash being refused as a form of payment.

Survivors of economic abuse may rely on cash to get by and to escape their abusers.

In January, economic secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds told a Treasury committee hearing: We have no plans to regulate businesses to compel them to accept cash  big or small.

When it was put to her that certain marginalised people could be excluded, she said: I think our solution to that, through the financial inclusion work that were doing, is to try to tackle digital exclusion.

The report also highlighted the national resilience benefits of maintaining the ability to spend physical cash, particularly in relation to recent bank outages, which MPs were told led to a surge in cash withdrawals.

It said that Ross Borkett, banking director at the Post Office, identified a big increase in cash withdrawals on days where there is an outage of some form with a payments system.

Following an IT failure at Barclays, the committee wrote to major retail banks in the UK to gather more information on the frequency and length of IT failures.

The letters received from banks indicated at least 158 banking IT outages between January 2023 and February 2025.

It also said the lack of consistent evidence makes it difficult for anyone, including the Treasury, to determine the state of cash acceptance in the UK.

Data from cash access and ATM network Link in 2024 indicated that half of people had been somewhere that did not accept cash or discouraged cash usage in the previous eight weeks.

Committee chair Dame Meg Hillier said: The government is in the dark on how widely cash is being accepted and that is completely unsustainable. We are at risk of a two-tier society where the most vulnerable bear the brunt and this needs to be a wake-up call.

Our committee has sought to give a voice to those groups which are at severe risk of not being heard by government policymakers. A sizeable minority depend on being able to use cash and they must not be forgotten by Whitehall.

As a society, we must avoid sleepwalking into a situation where cash is no longer widely accepted. This is the beginning, not the end, of our scrutiny of this issue. The government needs to take this seriously.

UK Finance has highlighted a significant decline in the use of cash as a form of payment, the report said. Cash was used for 51 per cent of all payments in 2013, but by 2023 this had fallen to 12 per cent.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) requires banks and building societies designated by the government to assess and fill gaps, or potential gaps in cash access provision that significantly impact consumers and businesses.

The access to cash regulations apply to 14 banks and building societies designated by the Treasury, with Link designated as scheme operator.

If a gap in cash access services is identified, additional provisions may need to be provided, such as a banking hub or an ATM.

A milestone was recently reached in the provision of banking hubs, with 150 having been opened.
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The armed police officer who shot and killed a gang member in south London is set to face a gross misconduct hearing, the police watchdog said.

Metropolitan Police officer Sgt Martyn Blake, 40, shot Chris Kaba dead in Streatham in September 2022 after the 24-year-old tried to escape a police roadblock by driving at officers.

He fired a single shot through the cars windscreen, hitting Mr Kaba in the head and killing him. Sgt Blake was charged with murder and went on trial in October last year, but was acquitted.

The jury accepted Sgt Blakes defence that he had followed his training and had used lethal force because he believed his colleagues lives were in danger.

Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said he feared charges like those brought against Sgt Blake were crushing the spirit of good officers and were making London unsafe after he was cleared of murder.

open image in gallery Sgt Blake fired a single shot through the cars windscreen, hitting Mr Kaba in the head and killing him ( IOPC/PA Wire )

An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) spokesperson said: The IOPC has concluded  after a thorough review of all the evidence  that the case continues to meet the threshold which requires Sergeant Martyn Blake to attend a misconduct hearing.

At the end of our investigation into the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba, we determined there was sufficient evidence to indicate he may have breached the police professional standards regarding his use of force and therefore had a case to answer for gross misconduct.

IOPC director Amanda Rowe added: We understand the impact this decision will have on Chris Kabas family and Sergeant Blake and acknowledge the significant public interest in this case, particularly among our Black communities, firearms officers and the wider policing community.

This is a decision we have taken based on examining all the evidence, views of all parties and by applying the thresholds set out in legislation and guidance which govern our work.

On the night Mr Kaba died, police began following the Audi Q8 that he was driving because it had been used as a getaway car in a shooting in Brixton the night before.

They did not know who was driving the car at the time, although it later emerged Mr Kaba was a core member of one of Londons most dangerous street gangs and was accused of being involved in two shootings in the week before he died.

Dozens of Met Police armed officers downed tools in outrage when Sgt Blake was charged with murder and the army was put on stand-by to plug the gap.

A chief officer from an outside force will be asked to chair the disciplinary hearing, which will be held in due course, the force said.

Mr Blake was publicly named during his trial, as is standard practice, but restrictions remain in place banning the publication of his address or any description or image of him.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper is bringing in legal changes that will give police marksmen accused of murder the right to anonymity up to the point of conviction.
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Pre-sentencing guidelines referring to offenders race or religion would ensure everybody is treated the same under the law, Mother of the House Diane Abbott has said.

The Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington said Government efforts to block guidelines from the Sentencing Council raise a question as to how seriously ministers are prepared to take the proven history of racial discrimination in our criminal justice system.

The Government brought forward the Sentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) Bill after new guidelines for judges to consider a criminals ethnicity before sentencing prompted claims of a two-tier justice system.

The draft legislation cleared the Commons on Wednesday evening after MPs voted 214 to three, majority 211, to approve it at third reading.

It aims to clarify that guidance relating to sentencing reports should not single out specific groups of people for differential treatment when it comes to ordering pre-sentencing reports, which help judges make decisions.

New guidelines from the independent Sentencing Council were scheduled to come into force earlier this month but were delayed due to the Bill tabled by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood.

During debate on the Bills final stages Ms Abbott told the Commons: I entirely agree with members that are making the case that we should all be equal before the law.

The problem is that the statistics, the figures show that is not the case, and its not been the case for decades.

If you look at the figures for the numbers of people in prison, black people make up 12% of the prison population, and yet we only make up 4% of the general population.

Ms Abbott added: My concern is that for short-term political advantage, were putting forward a hurried Bill which carries the risk of undermining the Sentencing Council and, indirectly, undermining the judiciary, and I dont believe that is in the interest of our legal system.

The councils guidelines for judges said a pre-sentence report would usually be needed before sentencing someone of an ethnic, cultural or faith minority, alongside other groups such as young adults aged 18 to 25, women and pregnant women.

The Bill would ban the Sentencing Council from making guidelines about pre-sentence reports with specific reference to an offenders personal characteristics.

Ms Abbott highlighted that the guidelines referred to a number of characteristics, as well as ethnicity.

She said: My view is the real issue underlining this legislation is how seriously this House, and ministers, in particular are prepared to take the proven history of racial discrimination in our criminal justice system and not just pay lip service, but do something about it.

The poor Sentencing Council  theyre scarcely young radicals. Theyre a group of very senior judges, but they know that there is an issue of institutional racism in the cause.

And they were just, in the mildest possible way, trying to make a suggestion in their guidelines about something which might help to make sure that everybody is treated the same.

Sian Berry, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, described the Bill as strange and populist and said it would undermine efforts to make sure that equality before the law is a reality for everyone.

She said: I cant believe that ministers and shadow ministers are all unaware that achieving fair and equal outcomes does not mean treating everyone exactly the same.

She added: I cant believe theyre unaware that systemic racism and unconscious bias are real things, that they do affect people at every stage of the criminal justice system still in the United Kingdom in 2025 or that the good practice we put together must mitigate against this, or else it will compound it.

Ms Berry also said that Tory shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick has scored a major win today from seizing this issue to stage another cultural ambush against another minority.

Ayoub Khan, Independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, said: This Bill and the amendments in reality do not tackle two-tier justice in this country, in fact, they risk entrenching it.

Our justice system is founded on a principle we all claim to uphold fairness and equality before the law, and yet today, we are being asked to support legislation that fundamentally undermines that principle.

Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Josh Babarinde told the Commons: This Bill and its amendments are rushed, knee-jerk and not the way to make policy about peoples liberty, nor our constitution.

Shadow justice minister Kieran Mullan said the Conservative amendments would prevent history from repeating itself.

He said: Without our amendment, history can repeat itself, the same council will be free to bring forward ideological frameworks that ministers will be powerless to stop before the damage is done. Had these guidelines gone unchallenged, we would have tilted sentencing based on identity politics, undermining public confidence in the entire system.

Before MPs approved the draft legislation, justice minister Sir Nic Dakin said: This Government strongly supports the use of pre-sentence reports which judges are required by law to obtain, except in circumstances where they consider such a report to be unnecessary.

We also acknowledge that there are disparities within the criminal justice system which must be addressed, however, these are matters of policy and it is right for the Government to seek a policy response to these issues.

The Bill will undergo further scrutiny in the House of Lords at a later date.
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The skulls of three indigenous Japanese people believed to have lived over 100 years ago have been returned to their descendants by a university.

In a poignant repatriation ceremony, the University of Edinburgh returned the skulls of the Ainu people to their community. The remains, held by the universitys Anatomical Museum for over a century, were formally handed over to the Ainu Association of Hokkaido in Edinburgh.

Prior to the transfer, members of the Ainu community conducted a traditional ceremony at the university.

The Ainu are an indigenous group primarily inhabiting the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. For centuries, they maintained a distinct culture and language within self-governing villages.

Following their return to Japan, the skulls will be interred at a memorial site within the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park, adhering to Japanese government regulations.

open image in gallery An Ainu woman from northern Japan with tattooed lips, c. 1960 ( Getty Images )

Originally donated to the university in 1913, the remains were acquired from Scottish anthropologist Neil Gordon Munro. An Edinburgh graduate and physician, Dr Munro dedicated much of his career as director of the General Hospital in Yokohama, residing in Japan until his death in 1942.

The Ainu were marginalised and subjected to studies in the late 19th and early 20th century, with remains and cultural artefacts taken and displayed or used for research in Japan and further afield.

Masaru Okawa, executive director of the Hokkaido Ainu Association, said: Since it became clear that Ainu remains were taken both domestically and internationally for research purposes, our association has been advocating for the return of these remains to their respective regions and for respectful memorialisation.

We can only imagine the feelings of our ancestors who spent many years in foreign lands, but we believe they are pleased to return home.

We are committed to continuing to honour the spirits of our ancestors with dignity, following the traditions handed down through generations.

Professor Tom Gillingwater, chairman of anatomy at the University of Edinburgh, said: Repatriations are an important part of the universitys efforts to care for, and address, its historical collections.

Rather than being viewed as a diminishment of the universitys collections, they represent an important opportunity for the university to work with communities across the world in order to build new relationships and friendships.

We are honoured to have been able to play a part in returning these remains to the Ainu community.

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, the universitys principal and vice-chancellor, said: It has been a privilege to welcome representatives from the Ainu community and to work with them during this process.

Repatriations are part of the universitys important ongoing work to review its colonial past and we are committed to returning remains in our care to their rightful descendants.
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King Charles has experienced a difficult couple of years for his health, particularly after his cancer diagnosis.

Less than a year after his coronation, the King was diagnosed with an undisclosed cancer, which was found while he was undergoing treatment for a separate issue relating to an enlarged prostate.

His diagnosis came at the same time that his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton was also diagnosed with cancer, in a heavy blow to the royal family which saw two of its frontline figures out of action for some time. The Princess of Wales has since revealed she is in remission.

Prince William has spoken candidly about the royal familys major health scares, saying 2024 was probably the hardest year in my life and a dreadful experience.

Since the news broke, the King has been undergoing treatment for over a year while he has gradually built up a return to public duties.

On April 30, he released a written message thanking cancer charities for their work and saying his diagnosis had brought the best of humanity into focus.

This is a timeline of the Kings cancer treatment and how the story unfolded in the public eye.

open image in gallery The King leaving hospital after receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate in January 2024 ( Reuters )

17 January 2024

Buckingham Palace said King Charles was to receive treatment for an enlarged prostate, which was found during a routine procedure. They said the condition was benign, but he will undergo a "corrective procedure". The palace said: In common with thousands of men each year, the King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.

26 January 2024

The King arrived at the prestigious London Clinic for the procedure, where his daughter-in-law Kate was recovering after abdominal surgery the week prior.

5 February 2024

Buckingham Palace announced that the King had been diagnosed with cancer while he was undergoing a separate procedure for an enlarged prostate. He suspended his public engagements to undergo treatment. The palace did not specify what cancer he had been diagnosed with, only that it wasnt prostate cancer.

6 February 2024

Prince Harry flew more than 10 hours from LA to see his father after the shock cancer diagnosis, with different media outlets reporting the meeting was between just 30 and 45 minutes long.

open image in gallery The King paused cancer treatment while on an 11-day tour of Australia and Samoa ( Aaron Chown/PA Wire )

7 February 2024

Prince William broke his silence about his father and wifes cancer diagnoses to the public, thanking them for their kind messages.

He said: Id like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days. It means a great deal to us all.

Its fair to say the past few weeks have had a rather medical focus. So I thought Id come to an air ambulance function to get away from it all!

8 February 2024

Camilla said that Charles was doing extremely well under the circumstances, he's very touched by all the letters and the messages the public have been sending from everywhere  thats very cheering.

10 February 2024

The King shared his first message since he was diagnosed with cancer, thanking well-wishers for their messages.

He said in a statement: I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days.

As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.

It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world.

My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.

11 February 2024

The King attended a service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate with his wife Camilla.

open image in gallery The King has made an effort to return to regular duties while undergoing treatment for cancer ( Stuart Wilson/PA Wire )

21 February 2024

Then-prime minister Rishi Sunak went to Buckingham Palace and met the King for the first time since his diagnosis.

11 March 2024

The King shared a video address to mark Commonwealth Day, thanking people for their wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes.

31 March 2024

Charles made his first major public appearance since January as he attended Easter services in Windsor.

26 April 2024

Buckingham Palace confirmed the King was preparing to shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his diagnosis.

30 April 2024

Charles visited a cancer treatment centre in his first public royal engagement since his own diagnosis.

13 May 2024

The King gave a brief insight into his own experience of treatment while speaking to British Army veteran Aaron Mapplebeck, who had undergone chemotherapy the previous year for testicular cancer.

Mr Mapplebeck confessed he had lost his sense of taste due to chemotherapy. Charles revealed that hed also experienced this same side effect to his own cancer treatment. Buckingham Palace have still not confirmed the details of his treatment or disclosed the form of cancer.

open image in gallery King Charles waves goodbye to well-wishers following a visit to the Cancer Research Centre at Ulster University, on a royal visit to Northern Ireland ( PA Wire )

15 June 2024

Charles rode in a carriage instead of on horseback, reportedly for his health, as he attended his second Trooping the Colour.

18 October 2024

The King paused his treatment during an 11-day royal tour of Australia and Samoa.

28 October 2024

The Palace said it was working on a pretty normal looking full overseas tour programme for next year for the monarch as he returned to duty.

20 December 2024

It was reported the King would continue his cancer treatment into 2025.

25 December 2024

The monarch offered his heartfelt thanks to health workers during his Christmas speech.

27 January 2025

Parkrun participants in Sandringham met with the King after running for a cancer charity.

27 March 2025

The King had to cancel his royal engagements after he experienced temporary side effects following cancer treatment, which required a short period of observation in hospital.

A statement from Buckingham Palace said: His Majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.

30 April 2025

The King released a written message saying his cancer experience had brought into sharp focus the very best of humanity.

The message to cancer charities said: You have my whole familys deepest admiration and gratitude.

He and Camilla hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace in celebration of community-based initiatives raising awareness about cancer and supporting those living with the disease.
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One of Britain's oldest department stores is closing its last outlet and has blamed the chancellor's tax rises for making the business unviable.

Beales, which has been trading since 1881, is closing its store in Poole, Dorset at the end of the month and is holding a Rachel Reeves closing down sale.

The front of the store is plastered in posters printed with a photo of Ms Reeves and the tagline: Rachel Reeves closing down sale, up to 80 per cent off, everything must go.

Tony Brown, the chief executive of Beales, told The Independent that the posters are an absolute dig that the budget and blames the tax rises in last Octobers Budget for bringing an end to the family business.

open image in gallery Beales is holding a Rachel Reeves closing down sale ( Beales )

Mr Brown said the increases in National Insurance costs and the minimum wage combined with the reduction in rates relief cost the business 200,000 and made it unviable.

Business rates, collected from businesses operating out of physical properties, were previously discounted during the pandemic  but a 75 per cent relief fell to 40 per cent in April.

Mr Brown claimed that the fiscal strategy could cause many other businesses to close, leaving only cafes and vape shops on the high-street.

There are many other businesses out there, both in retail and hospitality that are in the same position, he said.

Over the past eight to ten years all the big brands have pulled out of the high street, either because they have gone bust or they have become untenable.

In my view the budget was the straw that broke the camel's back.

He added: There are risks and uncertainties about what the government is going to do next. I personally have no confidence that they wont further increase tax.

Beales has been running for more than 140 years. It was originally founded in Bournemouth and grew to have branches across the country.

open image in gallery Beales, which has been trading since 1881, is closing its store in Poole, Dorset at the end of the month ( Beales )

But like many other stores on the high-street it has been hit by increasingly high rents, business rates and competition from online.

The business went into administration in January 2020 and since its 22 branches have closed.

The Poole department store, which employs 30 people, is the last one to close.

Mr Brown claimed his posters have received a thumbs up from other people in the retail industry.

There has been positive commentary because an awful lot of people in other jobs are also affected by this. They've either had their hours cut or they've had overtime reduced or they've had recruitment freezes in their businesses, he said.

A government spokesperson said that while it was a commercial decision for Beales, we understand this is a concerning time for workers and their families.

After the previous government left a 22bn black hole, we delivered a once-in-a-parliament budget to fix the public finances and rebuild the NHS, with two million additional appointments and waiting lists falling five months in a row, the spokesperson said.

open image in gallery Chancellor Rachel Reeves has received sustained business criticism over her employers national insurance hike ( PA Wire )

We are going further and faster to support businesses  through overhauling our planning system, bringing forward our own Industrial Strategy and cutting excess red tape. Through our Plan for Change were delivering security and putting more money in peoples pockets.

The British Retail Consortium said that more than a quarter of a million jobs have been lost over the last five years.

The business group added that the latest increase to cost of employing people, coupled with additional burdens that could be imposed by the implementation of the governments Employment Rights Bill, put thousands more jobs at risk.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive at the British Retail Consortium, said: Rising national insurance, increased national living wage, and a raft of new taxes and regulations, including the 2bn packaging tax in October, could sound the death knell for many shops and jobs around the UK.

The closure of Beales is not the first, and will not be the last retailer crushed under the weight of the 7bn in additional costs on retail confirmed in last Octobers Budget. Other retailers are pulling back on local investment in new shops, reducing hiring plans or announcing job cuts. 
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School leaders are facing a mental health crisis, with the majority reporting a negative impact on their well-being in the past year and some even resigning from their positions, according to a recent poll.

The survey, conducted by the school leaders union NAHT, also revealed a concerning decline in aspirations for headship, with only one in five senior leaders now aiming for the top job.

NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman is calling for urgent action to address the crisis. He emphasised the need to revitalise school leadership as an attractive career path and demanded "real ambition" in key areas such as pay, funding, inspection processes, and workload reduction.

These findings come ahead of the NAHT's annual conference in Harrogate this weekend. A key motion to be debated at the event highlights the immense pressure faced by school leaders, describing them as being pushed to "crisis point."

The motion underscores the link between these pressures and the exodus of leaders from the profession, urging an immediate focus on supporting the mental health and well-being of those in charge of schools. The debate is scheduled for Saturday and is expected to be a focal point of the conference.

open image in gallery The majority of school leaders said their mental health has been negatively affected in the last year ( PA )

A poll, of 1,517 NAHT members in England, found 65 per cent of school leaders said their role had a negative impact on their mental health in the last 12 months.

The survey, which ran between September and October in 2024, suggests only 20 per cent of senior school leaders aspire to headship or beyond in the future  which is a record low since the NAHT began its wellbeing survey in 2016.

The poll found more than two in five (45 per cent) of school leaders said they needed mental health and wellbeing support over the last 12 months.

Overall, 88 per cent of leaders said their role had affected their sleep, 77 per cent reported increased worry and stress, 76 per cent said it negatively affected their family or personal life, and 59 per cent said it had a negative impact on their physical health.

Hilary Mitchell, said pressures on her mental health and wellbeing contributed to her quitting her job as principal at Caldmore Primary Academy in Walsall in the West Midlands at Easter.

Ms Mitchell, who has now quit the profession for good, said: You end up doing all sorts  cleaning, admin when you are short-staffed, supervising breaks and lunchtimes  the list is endless.

You get phone calls and messages at all hours and it was causing arguments between me and my partner.

At one point I wasnt getting to sleep until 2am every night because I was worrying about work, at another point I was waking up at 4am.

After Covid I was off with stress for three and a half weeks and accessed phone counselling through my trust.

At the end of last summer I was feeling quite poorly again and had spent the first two weeks of the holiday working, and most of the rest of the holidays thinking and worrying about work.

open image in gallery The survey, also revealed a concerning decline in aspirations for headship, with only one in five senior leaders now aiming for the top job ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

On the decision to finally hand in her notice, she said: I was 55 and I thought, lifes too short, even though I live and breathe that school.

I feel huge relief, but also massive guilt for my children and staff.

Im part of a head teachers group on Facebook and its full of people saying how overwhelmed they are and that they are leaving the profession.

Mr Whiteman said: It is deeply concerning that so many dedicated school leaders are struggling and that some are even quitting the profession they love due to the toll on their mental health.

From crippling workload, fuelled by picking up the slack after years of under-investment in public services, to the pressure of inhumane, unreliable high-stakes inspections, it feels like school leadership increasingly comes with a health warning.

With the best will in the world, school leaders feeling this way may struggle to bring their A-game to the job and there is clearly a risk that ultimately childrens education will suffer.

He added: These findings demonstrate far more must be done to restore school leadership and teaching as an attractive proposition and show real ambition on pay, funding, inspection and workload to turn this ship around.
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A skin cancer patient is urging people to wear sun cream and cover up as new figures show almost half of people in the UK have sunburn at least once a year.

Research from charity Melanoma Focus also found 36% of people in the United Kingdom, and 32% of those in Scotland, rarely or never apply sunscreen between May and September.

It comes as melanoma skin cancer rates continue to rise in the UK, with around 17,500 new cases each year.

The research found 49% of people in the UK, and 45% in Scotland, suffer from sunburn at least once every year.

Stephen Maxwell, 58, from Clydebank in West Dunbartonshire, was diagnosed with melanoma in 2022 and he is now urging people to take care in the sun.

Mr Maxwell, who has never holidayed abroad, was shocked to be diagnosed with skin cancer and thinks it may stem from the decade he spent working in greenhouses growing plants.

He said: I went to the doctor after my mum noticed a strange lump on my back. It was a bit like a mole and initially the doctor thought there was nothing to worry about.

I had the lump for two-and-a-half years and it started getting bigger and it turned purple.

Eventually it was properly diagnosed and I had it removed  it was a melanoma cancer tumour the size of my fist. I had immunotherapy but it didnt work and the cancer spread to my bones.

The father-of-four, who has eight grandchildren, was told 18 months ago that he had six to nine months to live.

Days before he was due to go into a hospice, he was given the opportunity to take part in a medical trial for a new treatment and started a course of Opdualag and steroids.

He said he had a great six months before coming off Opdualag at Christmas after experiencing some side-effects, and is now taking steroids and having scans.

Im still having scans and although the cancer is still there, it hasnt spread further and Im living with it and Im still here, he said.

Any form of sun you must wear protection, even if its a hat, always a T-shirt and definitely the creams.

Im not ginger but Ive got wee ginger bits in my beard so that means Ive got the ginger gene so when youve got that youre at risk.

If anybody has got the ginger gene they must cover up, and with climate change being the way it is now Scotland is getting more hot weather.

The survey of 2,000 UK adults, including 165 in Scotland, was carried out by Censuswide in April.

Commenting on the figures, Melanoma Focus chief executive Susanna Daniels said: This data is extremely concerning as we know that more than five sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk of melanoma, so burning every year has potentially long-term dangerous consequences.

Nearly nine in 10 melanomas are preventable yet the UK has more deaths from melanoma per year than Australia.

It is essential that everyone understands the risks associated with sunburn and prioritises sun protection by using factor 30+ sunscreen, wearing a hat, seeking shade and covering up in the heat of the day.

Melanoma Focus said melanoma skin cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK.

The charity is calling on the UK Government to abolish VAT on factor 30+ sunscreen to make it more affordable to everyone.

A Government spokesperson said: As part of our 10-year plan to reform the health service, and through a national cancer plan, we are fighting cancer in England on all fronts, from prevention, to diagnosis, treatment, and research.

As a result of the decisions taken at the Autumn Budget, the Scottish Government will be provided with a record 47.7 billion settlement this year and it is for the Scottish Government to allocate this across its own public sector and meet the priorities of people in Scotland.
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A bikini designer has lost a David and Goliath court campaign against online fast-fashion giant

Sonia Edwards, 53, from Newport, Gwent, began her design career in 2010, exhibiting at the Clothes Show Live in 2011, where her signature Infinite multiway bikini top first hit the catwalk.

Celebrities, including Liss Jones from The Voice and Welsh media personality Lateysha Grace, have worn her designs, while her work has also featured in Vogue.

But she has now lost a legal clash with Boohoo.com and four linked companies over alleged infringements in relation to five designs, including the bikini top, after a judge said that her swimwear had "low originality".

He also found that despite "evidence...indicating that designs are copied from social media on occasion" by Boohoo companies, it was unlikely her design had been seen to be copied by Boohoo's designers, as she "had just 268 Instagram followers in 2020".

Rejecting her complaints of copying, he said: "The stark truth is that there are also only so many ways to design clothing to fit the human body."

The companies Ms Edwards sued alongside Boohoo.com were Prettylittlething.com Ltd, Nasty Gal Ltd, Miss Pap UK Ltd, and Debenhams Brands Ltd.

open image in gallery Sonia Edwards, 53, a prolific clothing designer from Newport ( Champion News )

The alleged infringements related to five designs marketed by Boohoo or the linked companies: a halter neck bikini top; rib organza mesh puff sleeve top; Taylor velvet ruched midi skirt; a twist front skirt, and leather front ruched leggings.

Presenting her own case against a team of lawyers representing Boohoo and the other companies, Ms Edwards sought a court order preventing them from importing or selling various fashion items which she claimed are copies of her designs, plus a court declaration that Boohoo has infringed the design rights of her company, Cwtchy Cwtchy, with compensation to be paid.

She told Judge Tom Micheson KC at London's High Court: I am a self-taught designer who relies on a hands-on, improvised approach when designing, through trial and error until I produce a design that satisfies my own visions. I dont follow trends, and work with my own creative freedom."

Ms Edwards told the judge she began to notice more of her designs proliferating online during the Covid lockdown.

Focusing on her infinite bikini line, she said the garment could be tied in lots of different ways, alleging that a similar item has been marketed by one of the defending companies, Nasty Gal Ltd.

At issue with the bikini were several telltale features which she said betray the products marketed by Nasty Gal as copied from her work, including a top strap that forms one piece without fastening and two front breast panels with openings at the top and bottom allowing the strap to be passed through.

However, Boohoos KC, Andrew Norris, argued that the alleged similarities are not specific enough to be protected under copyright law.

These features do not describe protectable shape and configuration," he said. "They are concepts and methods of construction and are not protectable features in design law in accordance withthe Act.

Adding that the concept of a multiway bikini was well established, the barrister claimed there was nothing unique about the disputed design, noting that its selling point for Ms Edwards was the fact that its wearer can change how they wear it according to their whims.

Whether the top strap forms one piece or is two pieces - i.e. which way the ends of the strap go - is the wearers choice and is not the shape or configuration of the design, he said.

Giving his ruling, the judge said: "This is an action for infringement of unregistered design right in the design of various items of clothing. The particular sector in issue is fast-fashion - where companies engage in releasing hundreds of different styles of low-cost garments per week, based on current trends found in social media.

"The claimant, Sonia Edwards, began designing clothing in 2010. She mainly promoted herself through social media with the aim of licensing her designs to others.

"Her work at that time achieved recognition in Vogue Magazine and Drapers Magazine and was featured by The Fashion Network amongst others. She also exhibited at the Clothes Show Live in 2011, at the NEC in Birmingham. She has recently given up designing clothing, partly as a result of the present litigation.

"The defendants are all part of boohoo, the well-known fast-fashion group.

"The claimant has been complaining for a number of years about the alleged copying of her clothing designs by various big fashion brands, including ASOS, Missguided, Moschino and Shein. Her complaints against boohoo have also been going on for some years.

"The claimant's case is that she possesses unregistered design right in the shape and configuration of the...five garment designs.

"The defendants say that the claimed features are really descriptions of generalised concepts, rather than actual shape and configuration in the design."

Dealing with the bikini, the judge threw out Ms Edwards' claim, said the opportunity for any copying was "extremely limited," citing the "relatively low profile" of Ms Edwards' social media channels.

"The contemporaneous material shows that the claimant had only a handful of likes and comments on the Facebook pages showing her designs over the relevant period. Her Instagram account Scrunchbooty had just 268 followers in 2020."

He said it was more likely that someone would have come up with a similar design themselves without copying Ms Edwards' ideas.

"That is a function of the low originality of the claimant's design ...which is generic enough that other people in the industry are quite capable of coming up with the same design independently," he said.

"For all these reasons and in spite of the evidence...indicating that designs are copied from social media on occasion by the defendants, I reject the suggestion that the claimant's (bikini) has been copied in the present case."

He went on to dismiss the claims relating to the other garments too, finding that the "defendants did not copy the claimant's designs."

"I recognise that Ms Edwards will be disappointed in this outcome. She has campaigned for some time to shine a light on what she sees as injustice against the small designer in the fashion industry.

"I have no doubt that her grievances are sincerely held, but she has subjected the defendants and others to a torrent of complaints over a period of many years. Regrettably, the complaints that I have had to adjudicate are misdirected, either as a matter of fact or law, or both.

"I acknowledge that copying undoubtedly takes place within the fashion industry, particularly in fast fashion. Every time the defendants ask manufacturers to reproduce images found on social media, there is a risk of someone's design right being infringed.

"But the stark truth is that there are also only so many ways to design clothing to fit the human body.

"Given the enormous numbers of articles being churned out by the likes of the defendants each week, it is completely unsurprising that as a matter of chance, some of these resemble articles designed previously by others, including the claimant.

"And whilst the probability of chance reproduction in such circumstances is high, the likelihood of a fast fashion company using a social media feed with few followers published many years ago is low.

"It is for these reasons that I have dismissed the claimant's suspicions about alleged copying by the defendants."
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As voters head to the polls on Thursday there are four regional mayoralties and 1,750 council seats up for grabs.

But controversy hangs over the contests after elections were delayed in nine areas amid an overhaul of local government in England.

Nigel Farage has said five and half million people in this country are being denied their vote, but deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has defended the postponements.

open image in gallery As the country prepares for local elections, controversy hangs over the delay of some contests ( PA )

It comes amid the abolition of two-tier councils, such as district and county, which are being scrapped and replaced with single regional authorities governed by mayors, unveiled in December. Ms Rayner said she is not in the business of holding elections to bodies that wont exist.

But, with polls pointing to a bumper night for Mr Farages insurgent right-wing party on Thursday, speculation has been rife that the contests were delayed for political gain.

The areas where elections that had been due in May will be postponed are:

Norfolk County Council

Suffolk County Council

Essex County Council

Thurrock

East Sussex

West Sussex

Isle of Wight

The government said the timing of the May elections affected their planning for devolution, particularly alongside the reorganisation of local government.

Any councils struggling to manage the reorganisation alongside organising May elections were given permission by the council to delay polling day for a year.

Ms Rayner, who is also the housing, communities and local government secretary, said the government was not in the business of holding elections to bodies that wont exist, so votes will be held in May next year after the expected reorganisation.

Ministers say nearly four-fifths of residents in England will have councils with devolved powers after the shake-up.

Consultations will be launched on the plans in six areas: Cumbria, Cheshire & Warrington, Norfolk & Suffolk, Greater Essex, Sussex & Brighton and Hampshire & Solent.

open image in gallery Angela Rayner is scrapping the system of two-tier councils ( PA )

Two new mayoral authorities will be established  in Greater Lincolnshire, and Hull and East Yorkshire. Devon and Torbay will become a combined county authority, as will Lancashire.

Kingston and Surbiton Greens posted on social media: Solidarity with our neighbouring Green Party branches and their candidates in Surrey and in other counties whove just been denied democracy because their local elections this may have been postponed.

Lib Dems leader Ed Davey said: The delay of so many local elections is a disgraceful stitch-up between Labour and the Conservatives. Where elections are still happening, the Liberal Democrats will campaign hard to build on last years historic election wins and give communities the strong voice they deserve.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage seized on the announcement to claim: Labour and the Tories have officially cancelled 5.5m votes in May, as he posted a petition calling for county council elections to go ahead.
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Police should investigate Kneecap after a member of the band called for Tory MPs to be killed, the daughter of murdered MP Sir David Amess has said.

Katie Amess has called for the Metropolitan Police to probe the group after a member called for Conservative MPs to be killed and another appeared to shout "up Hamas, up Hezbollah".

Ms Amess said: If the police had followed through and looked into threats against my dad the night before the murder, my dad would still be here.

open image in gallery Kneecaps Eden Sessions performance has been cancelled (Brian Lawless/PA) ( PA Wire )

"So we can't wait until after the act and then say, 'oh dear, lessons will be learned'. No, lessons are never learned.

"When these things happen, when there's a warning, when there's an incitement to do this, we have to get ahead of these things in order to prevent loss of innocent lives. And if we'd have done that with my dad, he would still be here.

"So yeah, the police do need to investigate, and we need to follow through and see what kind of outcome there's going to be from that so that we can go forwards and stop people calling for dangerous acts of crime to happen, because you never know who's in the audience.

"People could be crazy. They could think, 'oh, yeah, I am going to go out and do that' and so it's a very, very important serious issue and it needs to be taken extremely seriously."

A video from a November 2023 gig appeared to show one member of the group saying: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP."

open image in gallery Katie Amess, the daughter of Sir David Amess, called for the group to be investigated ( PA Archive )

The Metropolitan Police is assessing the footage, along with a video clip from another concert in November 2024 in which a member of the band appeared to shout "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" - groups which it is a crime to support in the UK.

Her calls came after Kneecap's performance at the Eden Project has been cancelled, with growing calls for the band to be dropped from the Glastonbury lineup.

Kneecap have apologised for the comments and said the comments had been "exploited and weaponised".

In a statement posted on Instagram, the group, made up of Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, said they "reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual".

The post read: "Kneecap's message has always been - and remains - one of love, inclusion, and hope. This is why our music resonates across generations, countries, classes and cultures and has brought hundreds of thousands of people to our gigs. No smear campaign will change that."

They said they have "never supported" Hamas or Hezbollah, and the group apologised to the families of murdered MPs Sir David Amess and Jo Cox saying "we never intended to cause you hurt".

open image in gallery Kemi Badenoch said Kneecap should be banned full stop ( PA Wire )

Downing Street said the apology was "half-hearted" while Kemi Badenoch said the band was simply trying to save its spot at Glastonbury and called for Kneecap to be banned full stop.

It glorifies terrorism, it has called for MPs, politicians, to be killed, the Tory leader added.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper urged the promoters of gigs featuring the rap trio and their management to "take some responsibility".

Asked if the band should still perform at Glastonbury in June, Ms Cooper told Times Radio: "That's a matter for the organisers."

She went on: "What they're reported to have said is a total disgrace.

"It's dangerous and irresponsible to say these sorts of things, and I hope that everybody involved - not just the band but also those involved surrounding them and those involved in events - also take some responsibility on this and looks very seriously at the consequences of these kinds of remarks, not just what's been said."
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Fly-tippers will have their cars and vans seized and crushed under a new crackdown targeting so-called waste cowboys.

Ministers warn the problem is soaring with more than 1.1 million fly-tipping incidents in England each year.

Now drones and mobile CCTV vans will used to identify vehicles used to dump waste.

( Getty )

Those responsible for fly-tipping will also face up to five years in prison under new legislation.

As part of the drive, the government plans to slash red tape currently blocking councils from taking and destroying vehicles.

Fly-tippers will also have to pay to have their car crushed, so the burden does not fall to taxpayers. At the moment the local authority usually covers the cost.

Criminals caught transporting and dealing with waste illegally will also now face up to half a decade in jail.

Environment secretary Steve Reed said perpetrators who blight our towns and villages have gone unpunished for too long.

He said he would not stand by while this avalanche of rubbish buries our communities.

Fly-tipping has risen skyrocketed by a fifth, while the number of prosecutions has fallen by the same amount, since 2018.

However, countryside leaders warn the problem is even greater than official figures suggest as they only include rubbish dumped on public land, while farmers and rural businesses face stress, disruption and staggering costs to clear up waste illegally left on private land.

The statistics show that last year, some 60 per cent of cases involved household waste, with 688,000 incidents, ranging from black bags of waste to the contents of shed clearances, furniture, carpets and DIY.

The most common place for fly-tipping to happen was on pavements and roads, accounting for 37 per cent of incidents, according to a map of England.

Under the plans, the Environment Agency will also be given more powers to issue enforcement notices and hefty fines.

Philip Duffy, its chief executive, said: Waste crime is toxic. Criminals thoughtless actions harm people, places, and the economy, blighting our communities and disrupting legitimate businesses.

At the Environment Agency, were determined to bring these criminals to justice through tough enforcement action and prosecutions.

Councils already have the power to take vehicles linked to fly-tipping, but the move is not widely used. Just two councils, West Northamptonshire and Kingston-upon-Thames in London, accounted for most of the vehicles seized last year.

In 2018, a study by the Home Office suggested that criminals may use waste management activities, such as operating illegal waste sites, as a cover for crimes including theft, human trafficking, fraud, drugs supply, firearms supply and money laundering.
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Labour is being rejected in its heartlands as disappointment among voters about the party's first 10 months in office has opened the door to Reform, Professor Sir John Curtice has warned.

The leading pollster says that the devastating local election results have shown Labour support is in free fall and voters lost to Reform and the Greens are not likely to return to the party any time soon.

He also suggested that Labour MPs are now right to fear Reform and Nigel Farage more than Kemi Badenoch and the Tories, with the beleaguered Conservative Party leader already facing plots to have her removed.

Sir Johns warning comes as Luke Tryl, executive director of polling organisation More in Common, has warned that the Tories have just 12 months to turn things around before being consigned to irrelevance.

open image in gallery John Curtices analysis is bad news for Labour and the Tories ( PA )

His warning came after The Independent revealed that Tory MPs are already plotting to remove leader Kemi Badenoch. The revelation led to newly elected Tory mayor for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire, Paul Bristow, the only success story for the party this week, demanding plotters just stop it!

Meanwhile, Labours woes are set to get worse amid revelations that Mr Farage intends to use Reforms control of 10 councils to launch a series of taxpayer funded legal challenges on net zero policies and housing migrants to tie Sir Keir Starmers government in knots.

Writing for The Independent, Sir John pointed out that Labour had little to lose at the local elections last week because they did very badly when the same seats were last contested in 2021.

Nevertheless, he pointed out that Labour still managed to lose two thirds of the seats it was defending.

Sir John noted: Labours own vote was in free fall. Despite having done so poorly in the local elections four years ago, the partys vote fell on average since then by as much as nine points.

Crucially, it collapsed most of all in the partys heartlands, limited though they were in number on Thursday. In seats Labour was defending its vote fell on average by as much as 19 points.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer vowed to continue with his plans for change ( PA )

He added that unlike the Tories, the strength of Reforms advance made little difference on how far the Labour vote dropped.

In seats Reform did poorly in, Labour maintained its support, while in seats Mr Farages party was strong in Labours vote dropped an average of 11.5 per cent.

He noted that it is also potentially a sign that disappointment with Labours record in office is particularly marked among some of its core supporters with rows over two child benefit, removing winter fuel payment from pensioners, slashing disability benefits and not taking a firm stance against Israel over Gaza.

Sir John added: The pattern was devastating. Labours collapse left the door open to Reform to take many a seat from the party, albeit sometimes by quite a narrow margin.

Labours problem on Thursday was not simply the appeal of Reform. It was also itself. The party has seemingly lost the confidence of many of its heartland voters.

Meanwhile, things look even worse for the Tories with Mr Tryl claiming they are at the moment of maximum danger.

He said: What you're seeing now is former Tory bastions like Kent where they have lost almost all their seats, going from having almost total control to being a third or fourth party.

You've also got the fact that institutionally councillors make up a big part of your base. Losing so many seats in the heartlands ... you can't get that manpower back. It furthers the risk that they sort of just slowly or, in the case of Thursday night, quite dramatically slide into irrelevance.

open image in gallery Kemi Badenochs future is already under the microscope ( PA )

He also noted that Reform are now in second place in most Labour and Lib Dem seats giving them an edge as change candidates in the future.

He said that the only advantage the Tories have is that they have many more MPs but with question marks over Ms Badenoch, he said: When I go around the country many people dont know who she is.

Giving the party just 12 months to turn things around, he said: I think they have until next year's local elections, Holyrood elections and Senedd elections to show that they're still relevant.

But the politician who represented the only major success story of the night for the Tories, new Peterborough and Cambridgeshire mayor, Paul Bristow has urged his party to step up and stop the constant infighting with changes of leader.

He admitted that as a former Peterborough MP a personal vote for him more than the party brand helped get him over the line.

Just stop doing this, he said to plotters. Just look like we're up for it. Acknowledge that this was the worst defeat the Conservative Party has ever faced, hold your hands up. Understand that we messed up for the final two years of the last government, but get out there and win.

He argued that politicians now need to make brands of themselves not just rely on their parties to succeed.

People like [shadow cabinet members] Andrew Griffiths, Chris Philp and Robert Jenrick, they're making brands for themselves, and they look like they're up for it. Kemi has now started to do that as well.
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The UK is constantly looking at our own resilience to prepare for possible blackouts, a cabinet minister has said in the wake of large power outages which affected Spain and Portugal this week.

Environment secretary Steve Reed added that the UK must wait to see what caused the blackouts before learning lessons to help strengthen the UKs energy network.

Widespread power cuts brought Spain and Portugal to a standstill on Monday as traffic lights switched off and people were left unable to access cash machines.

open image in gallery Steve Reed said the UK is constantly looking at our own resilience ( PA Wire )

Spanish power distributors said on Tuesday morning that more than 99 per cent of power had been recovered.

Were constantly looking at our own at our own resilience, Mr Reed told Times Radio. Theres a subcommittee of cabinet, chaired by Pat McFadden, that is doing that day in and day out.

When it comes to whats gone on in Spain and Portugal, we need to have a look at exactly what their investigation finds out, and then see what lessons we can learn from it.

But its difficult to learn the lessons until they find out whats caused it.

Addressing the Commons on Wednesday afternoon, energy minister Michael Shanks said the government has robust emergency plans to ensure that a similar power outage wont hit the UK.

As a responsible government, we prepare for all eventualities, no matter how unlikely, he said.

In an attempt to reassure MPs, Mr Shanks said Britains electricity system is highly resilient, adding that the government works closely with industry to continually improve and maintain the resilience of energy infrastructure, networks and assets to reduce vulnerabilities.

It comes after Downing Street dismissed suggestions that a reliance on renewable power was behind the outages, following Kemi Badenochs claim that it was likely to be the cause.

The Conservative Party leader also said the UKs net zero plans could lead to domestic blackouts, saying she had heard different theories about what happened in Spain and Portugal.

Some have said that its cyberterrorism, but the more likely issue is the grid  that when you have an electricity supply thats reliant on renewables, you need a lot of battery storage, Ms Badenoch said.

And quite often, what were seeing is renewables running ahead of the storage facilities, which means that when you have surges one way or another, you end up with blackouts.

And this is one of the reasons why Ive been saying that the net zero plans we have are not thought through.

That were rushing ahead without having the right infrastructure in place and actually doing things that could end up bankrupting the country or creating blackouts.

open image in gallery No 10 slapped down Kemi Badenochs suggestion the blackouts were caused by renewable energy ( PA Wire )

Her remarks came a month after a U-turn which saw her scrap her partys commitment to net zero by 2050, saying it would be impossible to reach.

But a No 10 spokesperson said it is too early to confirm the cause of the incident and defended the governments energy transition plans.

In terms of the claims of reliance on net zero energy leaving countries affected vulnerable to power cuts, these are unfounded claims, and speculation at this stage, they said, pointing out that switching to clean energy offers security and a supply of electricity that fossil fuels cannot provide.

Weve empowered the national energy system operator to carry out resilience functions across electricity and gas systems, and well continue to work with industry and regulators to improve and maintain the resilience of old, new and future energy infrastructure, the spokesperson added.

Earlier on Tuesday, energy secretary Ed Miliband warned not to jump to conclusions about what happened and said he had been in touch with the UKs National Energy System Operator (Neso) after the outages in Spain and Portugal.

Meanwhile, home secretary Yvette Cooper told Sky News that the UK has a continued approach to resilience and security issues.

She added: Weve been looking, as part of wider security reviews across the country, how we deal with both resilience and also different kinds of challenges and threats.

Some of which can be the traditional security challenges, some of which can be the kinds of resilience  things that were talking about in Spain and Portugal  and we obviously support them and the governments there in the work that theyre doing.

It came after former prime minister Sir Tony Blair attacked any strategy that limits fossil fuels in the short term as doomed to fail, saying the governments current climate approach isnt working.

He argued the debate has become irrational and that people are turning away from the politics of the issue because they believe the proposed solutions are not founded on good policy.

In developed countries, voters feel theyre being asked to make financial sacrifices and changes in lifestyle when they know that their impact on global emissions is minimal, Sir Tony wrote in the foreword for a report from the Tony Blair Institute.

But Downing Street insisted that the governments approach has a minimal impact on peoples lives.

This weeks blackout saw train passengers stranded and millions of people left without phone and internet access.

The Portuguese National Cybersecurity Centre said in a statement that there was no indication that it was caused by a cyberattack.

It came just weeks after Heathrow airport was forced to halt operations for most of a day after a power outage caused by a substation fire.

The airport was closed to all flights until around 6pm on 21 March, which disrupted more than 270,000 air passenger journeys.

Mr Miliband said at the time that the government would have to look hard at resilience for major institutions such as Heathrow.
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Sir Keir Starmer faced questions from MPs in Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs), a day before people head to the polls to vote in the local elections and the by-election in the Cheshire constituency of Runcorn and Helsby.

It also follows the Labour government announcing a crackdown on fly-tipping, with councils crushing vehicles belonging to perpetrators.

In addition to being grilled by leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey as normal, Sir Keir is due to be asked questions from Nottingham MP Nadia Whittome, and the youngest-serving MP Sam Carling.

It comes after the environment secretary defended Sir Tony Blairs comments on the governments net-zero approach as a valid and important contribution - after the ex-PM criticised any strategy that limits fossil fuels in the short term.

He later clarified to The Times that he believes the governments approach is the right one.

The row has broken as Thursdays local elections loom, with polling suggesting Nigel Farages Reform UK could be set to win hundreds of seats.

Voters across 23 local authorities will decide on some 1,641 council seats, while six mayoralties are also being contested.
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Elections for Canadas House of Commons have secured another term for the Liberals; in power since 2015 but the partys first win under Prime Minister Mark Carney.

After Justin Trudeau resigned earlier this year, Mr Carney became Canadas Prime Minister in early March following an internal election within the Liberal Party.

As votes were counted late on Monday, the Liberal Party is now leading in 168 seats across the provinces, with the Conservatives leading in 144 seats and set to be the opposition.

President Trump is trying to break us so America can own us. That will never  that will never, ever happen, Mr Carney declared after his win on Monday night.

The Liberals still need four more seats (172 in total) to reach a majority in the House of Commons, but have won enough to form a government.

Results are still being counted so results are subject to change. At time of writing, 99 per cent of results have been reported.

Results show Bloc Quebecois leading in 23 seats in the Quebec province, while the New Democratic Party (NDP) is set to win in seven.

The Conservatives, led by Pierre Polievre, are on track to win 144 seats and remain as the opposition.

Despite coming in second, this will be their strongest performance since 2011, when the Conservatives secured a majority of 166 seats.

However this swing came with a sting in the tail for Mr Poilievre, who lost his own seat in rural Ottawa after two decades in office, to Bruce Fanjoy of the Liberals.

The Liberals have won three elections since 2015, and this will be their fourth. Only in 2015 did they win a majority of seats.

Mark Carney took the mantle from Justin Trudeau in early March, after months of turmoil in the Liberal Party. ( APTOPIX )

Most recently in 2021, the Liberals won a minority government of 160 seats under Trudeau, while the Conservatives held 119 seats.

Despite former PM Mr Trudeaus tanking popularity which spelled trouble for the Liberals just a few months ago, both Mr Carneys appointment and anti-Trump sentiment are seen to have turned the political tides since then.

The Conservatives under Mr Poilievre echoed some messages touted by the Trump administration, such as a return to common sense politics and cutting foreign aid.

While this may have been popular at the start of the year, sentiment has soured against Trump-style rule in Canada since the US president launched a trade war against its neighbour, and threatened to make Canada the 51st state.

Despite seeing the most votes and seats overall, the Liberals performed better in some areas than others.

The Liberal Party saw the most success across Eastern Canada. In Ontario, which holds the most seats (22), the Liberals took 49 per cent of the total vote with Conservatives at 44 per cent.

In Quebec, the Liberal Party took 42 per cent of the vote while Bloc Quebecois saw a drop to just 28 per cent support. This meant that the Liberals will see seat gains in the French-speaking province of Canada.

In British Columbia, current results show that both the Conservatives and the Liberals took home around 41 per cent of the vote; while the NDP saw support dwindle to just 13 per cent, with its leader Jagmeet Singh losing his seat.

The NDP did take home 37 per cent of the vote in Nunavut, though the province holds only one seat. Sparsely populated, Nunavut is a vast territory across the Arctic, which is also home to the Inuit people. Alberta and Sasketchwan were the strongest wins for the Conservatives, taking around 64 per cent of the vote.
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The Illinois after-school program at the center of a fatal crash that left three children and one young adult dead Monday was not a targeted attack, state police have said.

Officials responded Monday afternoon at the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham, about 211 miles southwest of Chicago, after a vehicle drove into the east side of the building. The car had left a nearby roadway for unknown reasons and travelled through a 78-acre farm field before reaching the daycare center at a high rate of speed.

Marianne Akers, 44, of Chatham, a village of 14,000, was driving the SUV and the only person in the car. She was transported to an area hospital for evaluation, and toxicology results are pending.

The car hit multiple people outside the building, then continued through the structure, striking people inside before exiting through the west wall.

Akers is not currently in custody as the cause of the incident remains under investigation.

Authorities confirmed that those killed in the crash were Alma Buhnerkempe and Kathryn Corley, both 7, Ainsley Johnson, 8, and Rylee Britton, 18.

The Sangamon County Coroner determined they all died from multiple blunt-force injuries. Six additional children were taken to area hospitals, and one remains in critical condition. The injured were transported by ambulance and helicopter.

News footage of the scene showed a police response, an ambulance and a large hole in the wall where the car had crashed through.

The after-school program, whose name YNOT stands for Youth Needing Other Things, began in 2002 and offers affordable daycare and a summer camp.

The center provides three-hour, post-dismissal, latch-key care for grade school children in the Ball-Chatham district. Parents can direct and designate school transportation offices to drop children off at the daycare location, the organizations website states.

On Wednesday, a banner at the top of the site read: Please keep the families of Chatham YNOT and our staff in your prayers. We could sure use them.

I cannot gather the words to express much of anything that will make sense in print, said Jamie Loftus, the after-school programs founder.

However, I do know that our families who suffered loss and injury today are hurting very, very badly. They are friends and their kids are like our kids.

Molly Jo Ehlert Lamb, the mother of a boy who attends the daycare, wrote on Facebook that while her child was unharmed, the ordeal was unimaginable, scary and a nightmare.

A GoFundMe to support the victims families was set up after the crash and has raised $109,000, well beyond a $30,000 goal. Village officials are hosting a candlelit vigil Thursday at Glenwood High School to honor the deceased.
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An Oklahoma mother and her daughters, all U.S. citizens, were reportedly subject to a violent and humiliating raid by federal immigration agents last week, despite allegedly not being the intended targets of the operation.

It was so denigrating. That you do all of this to a family, to women, your fellow citizens, the mother, using the pseudonym Marisa, told KFOR of the raid.

You literally traumatized me and my daughters for life, she added. Were going to have to go get help or get over this somehow.

Early Thursday morning, a multi-agency team of agents burst into the Oklahoma City rental home where the family had just settled after moving from Maryland, according to Marisa.

The agents demanded the woman and her daughters go outside before they were able to fully change into day clothes, she said.

They wanted me to change in front of all of them, in between all of them, Marisa told KFOR. My husband has not even seen my daughter in her undergarmentsher own dad, because its respectful. You have her out there, a minor, in her underwear.

Agents seized mothers money and phone, she says ( AP )

Agents told the family they had a search warrant, though it named an individual who appeared to have been a previous tenant of the home, Marisa said.

Nonetheless, the officers tore through the home and seized phones and much of the womans life savings in cash as evidence, while declining to leave a business card or give any indication of when shed get her property back, Marisa said.

I told them before they left, I said you took my phone. We have no money. I just moved here, she added in her KFOR interview. I have to feed my children. Im going to need gas money. I need to be able to get around. Like, how do you just leave me like this? Like an abandoned dog.

The mother said that the agents identified themselves as members of the FBI, the US Marshals, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Marshals denied participating in the raid, while the FBI told the outlet it had assisted on the case.

"ICE was carrying out a court authorized search warrant for a large-scale human smuggling investigation. The case has been accepted for federal prosecution in the Northern District of Oklahoma, a senior DHS official told The Independent. "The search warrants included the location of an address where U.S. citizens recently moved. The previous residents were the intended targets. The investigation resulted in the indictment of eight Guatemalan nationals for their roles in smuggling illegal aliens into the United States. Two of the eight indicted aliens have criminal convictions for narcotics possession, identity fraud, money laundering, and re-entry after deportation."

In February, Oklahoma finalized multiple agreements with federal officials to increase cooperation on immigration operations as part of its Operation Guardian.

Multiple U.S. citizens have been mistakenly detained as part of a push from the Trump administration and its allies to increase immigration enforcement.

As part of the crackdown, the Trump administration has also resumed pursuing so-called collateral arrests of individuals who werent the intended target of immigration raids but who were nonetheless encountered by officers.

Such arrests were the subject of a 2022 class action settlement, putting strict limitations on how officers use such arrests.
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Florida is on the verge of banning fluoride in public drinking water systems, a move that has sparked concern among dentists and public health officials. The decision contradicts decades of scientific evidence supporting water fluoridation as a safe and effective method for preventing cavities.

On Tuesday, Florida lawmakers finalized a bill that would remove the requirement for fluoride in public water supplies. The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Ron DeSantis, whose administration has actively campaigned against community water fluoridation. The administration argues that high fluoride levels could negatively impact children's cognitive development.

This stance clashes with the established scientific consensus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) affirms that fluoride strengthens teeth by replenishing minerals lost through daily wear. The CDC recognizes the addition of controlled amounts of fluoride to drinking water as a landmark public health achievement of the 20th century. The practice has been instrumental in reducing tooth decay across all age groups.

As dentists, we see the direct consequences fluoride removal has on our patients and its a real tragedy when policymakers decisions hurt vulnerable kids and adults in the long term, Brett Kessler, president of the American Dental Association, said in a statement earlier this month. Blindly calling for a ban on fluoridated water hurts people, costs money, and will ultimately harm our economy.

While Florida's bill doesn't specifically reference fluoride, it will require the mineral and some other additives be removed from water sources across the state, said bill sponsor Republican state Rep. Kaylee Tuck.

Anything that relates to water quality, removing contaminants, things like that, we're not touching that," Tuck said. "It's anything that has to do with health. So fluoride, vitamins, whatever else it is.

open image in gallery Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks Feb. 5, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Utah became the first state to pass a ban last month, approving legislation that bars cities and communities from deciding whether to add the mineral to their water systems.

Fluoride has come under increased scrutiny under the influence of U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is setting the gears of government in motion to stop fluoridating water.

Some local officials in Florida have already voted to remove the mineral from their community water systems, ahead of state lawmakers' push to ban fluoride.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said Tuesday she is deeply disappointed by the passage of the bill, adding that it disregards the overwhelming consensus of dentists, doctors and medical experts and will end a practice that has been in place for decades to protect our health.

Levine Cava said that ending fluoridation, which is a safe and cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay, will have long-lasting health consequences, especially for our most vulnerable families.

The mayor said the decision should be left to local communities.

About one-third of community water systems, serving more than 60% of the U.S. population, fluoridated their water, according to a 2022 analysis by the CDC.

___ Associated Press writer Freida Frisaro in Fort Lauderdale, Florida contributed to this report. Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
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Starbucks has hatched a new plan to slash the amount of time its customers will have to wait for their coffee, according to a report.

The chain currently operates on a first-come, first-served basis. But a new algorithm developed by Starbucks will now help baristas determine the order in which they should make drinks  and its already shaving two minutes off the wait time of in-person customers, The Wall Street Journal reports.

One of the biggest gripes Starbucks customers have is long wait times, the Journal reports. The successful tests mean hundreds more stores will have access to the technology soon.

open image in gallery Starbucks will test its new algorithm in hundreds of stores this year ( Getty Images )

Weve seen such positive benefits from it that the rollout is happening very quickly, Starbucks Chief Technology Officer Deb Hall Lefevre told the outlet.

The new order-sequencing algorithm is rules-based, which means it follows an if-then structure, Lefevre said.

The company is also using a new technology to improve its staffing levels, setting up a 700-store pilot designed to determine the right number of baristas based on demand.

Starbucks also came out with a new barista dress code earlier this month. They now require employees to wear a solid black shirt that is either a crewneck, collared, or button-up. Employees must also wear bottoms that can be any shade of khaki, black, or blue denim.

Starbucks Workers United, a union representing baristas at the chain, slammed the company for implementing the new rules.

Starbucks top priority should be finalizing fair contracts with union baristas so we have the staffing, guaranteed hours, and support we need to do our jobs, Jasmine Leli, a three-year Starbucks barista and union bargaining delegate, said in a statement.

Instead of addressing the most pressing issues baristas have been raising for years, Starbucks is prioritizing a limiting dress code that wont improve the companys operations, the statement added. Theyre forcing baristas to pay for new clothes when were struggling as it is on Starbucks wages and without guaranteed hours.

Meanwhile, a Starbucks spokesperson previously told The Independent the company had reached over thirty (30) meaningful agreements on hundreds of topics Workers United delegates told us were important to them.

Starbucks remains committed to good faith bargaining to reach a framework for single store contracts for our partners represented by the union, the spokesperson said earlier this month.
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Starbucks plans to add more staff to its stores in the coming months after finding that replacing labor with automotive technology negatively impacted customer experience, the CEO of the coffee giant told investors on Tuesday.

Brian Niccol, who became Starbucks CEO in September, has been focused on bringing back the customer experience, from improving barista-to-customer connection to simplifying the menu.

Over the last couple of years, weve actually been moving labor from the stores, I think, with the hope that equipment could offset the removal of the labor. What were finding is that that wasnt an accurate assumption of what played out, Niccol said.

Niccol emphasized a focus on small details and hospitality, such as bringing back handwritten notes on cups, using ceramic mugs for customers who choose to sit in and increasing seating in stores.

The CEO of Starbucks said it would increase staffing in stores to improve customer experience ( REUTERS )

The equipment doesnt solve the customer experience that we need to provide, but rather staffing the stores and deploying the technology behind it, does, Niccol added.

Since 2022, Starbucks has been rolling out its Siren system  a set of technologies that are intended to reduce drink-making times. Niccol said they were going to slow down that rollout to focus on the customer experience, which he believes will help drive growth.

The changes are occurring as coffee drinkers are anticipating higher costs due to President Donald Trumps tariffs. On Tuesdays call, Cathy Smith, the CFO, said the company gets its coffee from 28 countries  mostly located in Latin America.

She said the company was looking to diversify and redirect coffee shipments, but sought to calm investor fears by reminding them that coffee only comprises 15 percent of Starbucks product and distribution costs.

Overall, the companys profit in the quarter was disappointing, Niccol said. North American store sales fell 1 percent in the quarter  which was worse than anticipated. However, global revenues rose 2.3 percent compared to last year.

Niccol warned investors that hiring more staff would cost more as well.

As a result, Starbucks stock shares plummeted on Tuesday. The stock closed more than five percent down on Wednesday as well.

But investors are still banking on the CEOs plan to improve customer experience and decrease coffee wait times in the hopes of steering the company to success.
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Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has brushed aside speculation that she could be preparing a presidential run in 2028.

With her party still reeling from former vice president Kamala Harriss defeat last November, the New Yorker has emerged as a leading light of its progressive wing . Recently she crossed the country with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders on a joint Fighting Oligarchy speaking tour that has attracted large crowds.

Ocasio-Cortez has also drawn focus by posting a campaign-style video on social media this month showcasing clips from the tour that some have seen as a hint at her future White House ambitions.

open image in gallery Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addresses supporters during a "Fighting Oligarchy" rally in Denver, Colorado, ( Jason Connolly/AFP/Getty )

Asked whether that was the case by a Fox News Digital reporter on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, the Democrat appeared surprised, answering mockingly: Because of my Instagram posts?

Pressed for a response, she said: Look, its a video. Frankly, what people should be most concerned about is the fact that Republicans are trying to cut Medicaid right now and peoples healthcare. Its a danger and thats really what my central focus is.

Ocasio-Cortez was also asked about recent favorable polling, including a Yale University survey that found that she was the second most popular Democratic presidential contender ahead of the next election, behind only Harris.

To me, this moment is not about campaigns or elections or about politics. Its about making sure people are protected, she said.

And weve got people that are getting locked up for exercising their First Amendment rights, were getting two-year-olds getting deported into cells in Honduras, were getting people about to get kicked off of Medicaid. That, to me, is the most important thing.

open image in gallery Ocasio-Cortez with Bernie Sanders in Los Angeles ( Jae C Hong/AP )

In the video in question, Ocasio-Cortez is seen speaking with Sanders in Nampa, Idaho, on April 14 and telling their audience: Dont let them trick us into thinking we are enemies.

Dont let them trick us into thinking that we can be separated into rural and urban, Black and white and Latino. We are one.

The clip also reminds viewers that the congresswoman was once a waitress from the Bronx. Impossible is nothing, she tells the crowd.
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El Salvador President Nayib Bukele asked the Trump administration for evidence that the 238 Venezuelans deported to his countrys maximum-security prison last month were actually part of a notorious gang, according to a report.

While Bukele and President Donald Trump appeared to be on the same page at last months meeting in the Oval Office, Bukele privately expressed concern about who the Trump administration sent to El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center, known as CECOT, according to The New York Times.

Bukeles concern sparked a scramble among U.S. officials to get him evidence that the migrants belonged to the transnational Tren de Aragua gang, The Times reported.

His request for evidence reportedly materialized after the deportation flights from the U.S. had already taken off for his country, according to The Times, which reports new details about the negotiations between Bukele and Trump.

Few of the deportees had documented public links to Tren de Aragua and U.S. officials created a scorecard system for each alleged gang member to present to Bukele and his team, which included criteria such as their tattoos as evidence.

open image in gallery El Salvador President Nayib Bukele and President Donald Trump appeared to be on the same page at last months Oval Office meeting. But privately, the El Salvadoran president was concerned about who the administration had actually sent to his countrys mega prison. ( REUTERS )

Additionally in the chaos, eight women were among the migrants sent to the all-male facility before they were swiftly sent back to the U.S.

In return for holding up his part of the deal, Bukele demanded the U.S. release the El Salvadoran MS-13 leaders in its custody so they could be interrogated in their home country. Bukeles request worried some law enforcement officials, The Times reported, but the administration agreed and sent around a dozen senior members of the gang back to El Salvador.

The new details come as the Supreme Court is due to weigh in on the Trump administrations application of the Alien Enemies Act, something which was previously only invoked by presidents during wartime.

open image in gallery Bukele sought evidence from the Trump administration that the migrants deported to his country were actually gang members. The request, according to The New YorkTimes , was made after the deportation flights had already taken off. ( REUTERS )

The president has the right to remove foreign terrorists from our homeland, and we are absolutely confident that truth will ultimately prevail in court, the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said in a statement to the newspaper. In the meantime, the administration continues to comply with all court orders.

The Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act in March to justify the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members without a hearing.

But some State Department officials were dismayed at what had transpired, given American intelligence agencies recently assessed that the Tren de Aragua gang was not actually controlled by the Venezuelan government, The Times noted.

The administration has admitted in court filings that many of the people sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act did not have criminal records, and attorneys and family members say their clients and relatives  some of whom were in the country with legal permission and have upcoming court hearings on their asylum claims  have nothing to do with Tren de Aragua.
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Democrats may have finally learned Steve Bannons favorite strategy: Flood the zone.

With Donald Trumps presidency reaching its 100th day and the US president plummeting in approval polling on issues that have historically been his strongest areas with voters, the broader left and a wide coalition of groups are coming together to capitalize on a groundswell of discontent caused by the administrations slash-and-burn tactics.

And theres little sign that anyone is heeding the grumbling complaint-warnings held by centrist Democrats and spoken either directly or laundered through friendly media outlets to avoid the distraction of so-called woke issues (immigration, transgender rights, mass incarceration, etc.) in favor of kitchen table talk and reclaiming the narrative on the economy.

Instead, the partys backbenchers and even some members of leadership are embracing a strategy laid out (but hardly invented) by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker over the weekend. Pritzker, widely considered to be a potential 2028 presidential contender, made an appearance at a local Democratic Party event in New Hampshire on Saturday and laid out his vision for Resistance 2.0.

Its time to fight, everywhere, all at once, he told Democrats in Manchester. Republicans cannot know a moment of peace.

Over Tuesday and Wednesday, Democratic activists and some of their allies on Capitol Hill lived up to that aspiration.

Anti-Trump protesters block traffic in Washington, DC

Morning rush hour traffic was even more chaotic than usual in the nations capital on Wednesday, thanks to crowds of demonstrators who began marching in the streets (with police protection) around 7:45 a.m. A large banner representing the Constitution was unfurled as protesters marched down Massachusetts Ave. describing the administration as a fascist occupation and calling for the release of Mahmoud Khalil and other detained student activists on green cards (legal residency).

Though police escorts directed traffic and kept disruptions to a minimum, The Independent witnessed one unlucky driver rear-ending an officers squad car just as the group was heading out, presumably distracted by the displays. The driver, a man appearing to be in his 30s, did not seem injured.

Organizers who spoke to The Independent said that the groups held more than a dozen intersections across the city during rush hour, and persisted for several hours. A handful were arrested at the intersection of 14th and Constitution after locking down the intersection for around a half hour and refusing police commands to move on.

At the State Department early Tuesday evening, a crowd of Democratic lawmakers shouted through loudspeakers to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a former senator. Denouncing their former colleague as a hypocrite, they urged him to step down or acknowledge the constitutional due process rights of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Vermont green card holder and legal resident of the US for a decade who was arrested and jailed after being lured to what he thought was an interview as part of the legal process to obtain full citizenship. He has not been charged with or accused of a crime.

Does it matter to come out on the streets? Does it matter to protest? Absolutely, this administration needs to know that we are watching very carefully what they are doing, that we care about our rights, Rep. Becca Balint, a Vermont congresswoman and the organizer of Tuesdays rally, told attendees. Other speakers included Senator Chris Van Hollen, who flew to El Salvador to meet with a Maryland man deported against a judges order earlier in April, as well as other progressives  Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Rep. Maxwell Frost, Rep. Nydia Velazquez and Rep. Maxine Dexter.

Rep. Becca Balint led a group of Democratic lawmakers at a rally outside the State Department on Tuesday ( Getty Images )

Balint told The Independent after the rally that she expects the administration to proceed further with retaliation against judges and other members of the legal system who oppose or otherwise hold up the presidents deportation orders if Americans are not vocal about such actions being unacceptable. She added that her party had work to do as well to reach voters and meet the urgency of the moment.

[W]hat I want to see from my colleagues, and I'm already seeing a lot of that  I want to see more of people being unafraid to speak directly to the American people about what's happening, Balint added. We need to get better both at listening deeply to what the concerns are of of our [voters], you know, regardless of what district you're in. But also, we need to be better at about articulating why something is important. And it sometimes takes throwing some elbows, throwing some punches.

Even Hakeem Jeffries, the partys minority leader in the House of Representatives, joined Senator Cory Booker in a sit-down chat with passerby on the steps of the Capitol on Sunday, as he and others reforge ties with their base. Their talk, billed as a sit-in, attracted a crowd of at least a hundred people.

Booker, who recently set a record in the Senate with a 25-hour speech denouncing the Trump administration, was celebrating his birthday Sunday as he arrived for the sit-in around 6am.

We cant keep doing things like business as usual, he said.
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Elon Musk is no longer working from the White House, Donald Trumps chief of staff has revealed.

The presidents so-called First Buddy has been a looming presence during Trumps first 100 days back in office. But earlier this month the Tesla CEO said he would be spending more time working on his troubled car company.

Now Susie Wiles has said that Musk is not as present as he was - physically at least.

Instead of meeting with him in person, Im talking to him on the phone, but its the same net effect, Wiles told The New York Post in an interview.

open image in gallery Elon Musk is stepping back from his government role ( AFP via Getty Images )

Musk, who poured billions of dollars into Trumps presidential campaign, hasnt been here physically, but it really doesnt matter much, she added.

Wiles insisted that his DOGE team arent going anywhere as they plow on with spending-cut efforts in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building adjacent to the West Wing.

Hes not out of it altogether. Hes just not physically present as much as he was, she stressed.

The people that are doing this work are here doing good things and paying attention to the details.

Hell be stepping back a little, but hes certainly not abandoning it. And his people are definitely not.

Musk is officially due to step down from his DOGE role in May.

open image in gallery Musk, pictured with Trump in one of his Tesla cars, has faced backlash for his DOGE role ( Getty Images )

The Tesla billionaire has been operating for the White House as an unpaid special government employee when he created the Department of Government Efficiency, which is technically a non-official government department. This means he is not allowed to work for more than 130 days in a year for the government, as the BBC reported.

According to The Washington Post, the X billionaire was becoming tired of politics and what he deemed a litany of attacks on him from the left.

During his tenure at Trumps side, Musk has not been shy of bizarre publicity stunts. In February he brandished a chainsaw - handed to him by Argentinian President, Javier Milei  at a rally and screamed This is the chainsaw for bureaucracy.

open image in gallery White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles with Trump in the White House ( Getty Images )

But his political role has not come without cost. Tesla has suffered a spate of arson attacks across the globe, with protests in various cities rallying against his views.

On April 22 just after Teslas stock price closed at $237.97, Tesla revealed that its first-quarter earnings had dropped by 71 per cent from its corresponding value a year before.

So far DOGE has axed at least 58,486 jobs, and nearly 150,000 more are expected, according to analysis from the New York Times. It noted that some of the employees who had been fired had been temporarily reinstated following court orders.
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While some Democrats have made a concerted effort to distance themselves from Donald Trump, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has repeatedly appeared with the president in recent weeks  ruffling some feathers within her own party.

Whitmer, a potential 2028 presidential contender who campaigned for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for the 2024 election, has now shared a stage with the Republican president in Michigan weeks after visiting the Oval Office. Some within the battleground state governors own party have taken issue with the recent appearances.

I think the fight-back faction of the Democratic Party is ascendant, and leaders who ignore that risk getting left behind, Ezra Levin, co-executive director of the liberal organizing group Indivisible, told the Washington Post.

Speaking about the Oval Office visit, Adrian Hemond, a Democratic strategist in Michigan, told the outlet that while most Michiganders probably understand that working with the president is part of the job, the visit wasnt great for political optics.

Nationally, you could view this as pretty damaging, Hemond said. Obviously the photos, the optics coming out of this meeting, werent great.

open image in gallery Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she wasnt planning on giving remarks after President Donald Trump called her up onto the stage while speaking at Selfridge Air National Guard Base Tuesday. ( AP )

The recent appearances didnt seem to be entirely on her terms. Speaking at Michigans Selfridge Air National Guard Base on Tuesday, Trump hailed her as very effective before welcoming her onto the stage. He seemingly caught her off guard as she told the crowd that she hadnt planned to speak.

On behalf of all the military men and women who serve our country and serve so honorably, on behalf of the state of Michigan, I am really damn happy were here to celebrate this recapitalization at Selfridge. Its crucial for the Michigan economy. Its crucial for the men and women here for our homeland security and our future. So thank you. I am so, so grateful that this announcement was made today, and I appreciate all the work. Thank you," Whitmer said.

Her comments came after she was pictured shaking hands with the president on the runway after he arrived in Michigan.

After making her remarks on Tuesday alongside Trump, she told the Associated Press that she wasnt thinking about politics: My job is to do the right thing for the people of Michigan. Im not thinking about anything beyond that, and I know its hard for people to get their head around.

I had to be there because this was a big, important thing for the state of Michigan, she said. Now, he is going to go off to the rally and say a lot of things I disagree with, that Ill fight against, and thats fine, but, you know, my job is to do everything I can for the people of Michigan.

Earlier this month, when Whitmer had scheduled a meeting with Trump to discuss the future of the air base, according to the New York Times, the presidents aides brought her into the Oval Office, where she shielded herself from reporters' cameras - in a now infamous photo.

open image in gallery The appearance with Trump at the military base came after she was in seen in the Oval Office. However, she claimed to be suprised to be brought in with the press present. ( REUTERS )

Her office later said the governor was surprised that she was ushered into the Oval Office, where Trump signed executive orders, and that her presence is not an endorsement of the actions taken or statements made at that event.

Even Trump clarified her White House visit to Tuesdays crowd: "That's the reason she came to see me, by the way: to save Selfridge. He also announced new fighter jets at the base.

Mark Hackel, a Democratic and County Executive of Michigans Macomb County, took a different stance from others in his party. He praised her decision to meet with Trump at the White House.

Her going to White House  on the heels of an election where she was heavily involved campaigning for the Democratic nominee [against Trump], I think, says a lot about her understanding about her role is to be the governor of all, not just her party, Hackel told the Post.

Mike Nellis, a Democratic strategist and former senior adviser to Harris, also defended the Democratic governor. You wont catch me complaining about Gretchen Whitmer saving tens of thousands of jobs or bringing in federal relief for people without power in Michigan. Thats the damn job. Get shit done, improve peoples livesfuck the politics, he wrote on X.
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The Supreme Court of Wisconsin has suspended Hannah Dugan, a Milwaukee-area judge who was arrested last week after being accused of attempting to prevent an undocumented defendant from being arrested by immigration agents outside her courtroom.

It is in the public interest that she be temporarily relieved of her official duties, the state supreme court wrote in an order on Tuesday.

The FBI arrested Dugan, a long-time judge for the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, on Friday.

Shes charged with concealing an individual to prevent their discovery or arrest and obstructing or impeding a proceeding.

We believe Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal agents away from the subject to be arrested in her courthouse, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, allowing the subject  an illegal alien  to evade arrest, FBI Director Kash Patel said last week.

On April 18, a group of six federal officials appeared at the courthouse to detain Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national slated for deportation, according to court documents obtained by The Independent.

Dugan is accused of leading wanted man to side area of courtroom to evade immigration arrest ( AP )

A public defender snapped photos of the waiting agents and alerted a clerk for the judge.

Dugan reportedly told the agents to speak with a chief judge about their operation, then adjourned a planned hearing for Flores-Ruiz, leading him through a side door to a non-public area of the courthouse, according to the documents.

Flores-Ruiz later attempted to leave the courthouse, but was spotted by a Drug Enforcement Administration agent and arrested.

Dugans attorney has said she wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest and described it as not made in the interest of public safety.

While all the facts are not yet in, the implications of this arrest are chilling, Democratic congressman Jamie Raskin, the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, said in a statement after the arrest. This is a drastic escalation & dangerous new front in Trumps authoritarian campaign of trying to bully, intimidate & impeach judges who wont follow his dictates."

Under the Trump administration, immigration agents have stepped up arrests at sensitive locations.

Agents have allegedly attempted arrests and other operations during immigration hearings, in the middle of a trial, and at a Los Angeles-area elementary school.
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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday that a single person requested to buy 10 Trump gold cards.

Engineers connected to the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are reportedly building a system for the U.S. to sell the special government visas, costing $5 million each.

We've got so much as I travel around, the attention on the Trump gold card. I mean, it makes me very popular, said Lutnick. Last night, I was out to dinner, and someone came up and said, Can I buy 10? And how do I buy 10? And I'm like, that's pretty good. It's $50 million for dinner. So, you know, it's paying for my dinner.

Members of DOGE are working with staff from the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to develop a website and application process for visas, The New York Times reported earlier this month.

open image in gallery Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said the sales of Trumps gold cards has made him very popular ( AFP via Getty Images )

President Donald Trump said in late February that the gold card would give very high-level people a way to gain citizenship.

Trump and Lutnick noted that the program would replace the EB-5 visa, which grants permanent residence to those willing to invest in American businesses, issuing green cards to individuals who invest either $800,000 or $1.05 million and create at least 10 jobs for Americans. Last year, it raised as much as $4 billion.

Last month, during an appearance on the All-In podcast, Lutnick claimed that he had sold 1,000 visas yesterday. But The Times reported earlier this month that no money had been exchanged so far.

So if you have a gold card  which used to be a green card  youre a permanent resident of America, Lutnick said at the time. He suggested that most holders wouldnt become U.S. citizens.

They pay $5 million, and they have the right to be an American and the right to be in America as long as theyre good people and theyre vetted and they cant break the law, said Lutnick.

While speaking to reporters on Air Force One earlier this month, Trump showed a laminated gold card featuring his face and a bald eagle.

open image in gallery Donald Trump holds up the $5 million gold card that grants U.S. residency to wealthy immigrants as he speaks to reporters Thursday on board Air Force One, en route to Miami ( AP )

For $5 million, this could be yours, he said at the time. Anybody want to buy one?

In February, he claimed, Wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card.

Theyll be wealthy, and theyll be successful, and theyll be spending a lot of money and paying a lot of taxes and employing a lot of people, and we think its going to be extremely successful, he added.
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A two-year-old girl has been marooned in foster care in the U.S. after her Venezuelan parents were deported to countries 1,500 miles apart.

Yorely Bernal Inciarte and Maiker Espinoza Escalona arrived with their child Maikelys Antonella Espinoza Bernal in Texas on May 14 last year. Neither held valid entry documents so they immediately surrendered to immigration authorities, according to ABC News.

After being held in separate detention facilities in the Lone Star State for several months, able to communicate with one another only by phone, Inciarte was abruptly returned to Venezuela earlier this month  but without her daughter.

open image in gallery Yorely Bernal Inciarte and Maiker Espinoza Escalona with their two-year-old daughter Maikelys Antonella Espinoza Bernal ( Family Handout )

She was subsequently shocked to learn that Escalona had been sent first to Guantanamo Bay and then to the notorious CECOT mega-prison in El Salvador on March 30, meaning their child was without access to either parent.

When I saw him in a video in El Salvador, I was in shock, Inciarte said. I couldnt stop crying and yelling I wouldnt wish this on any mother.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has since said the child is in the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement and has been placed with a foster family.

The familys plight has moved Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro to accuse Washington of engaging in abduction and his Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello to allege on a domestic radio show: The U.S. government is robbing Venezuelan children.

But the DHS has justified its actions by claiming that Inciarte and Escalona are Tren de Aragua parents, alleging that the couple are members of the feared Venezuelan criminal organization.

open image in gallery The exterior of the notorious CECOT prison in El Salvador where Maiker Espinoza Escalona is being held ( AP )

Despite claims from the Venezuelan government that the U.S. kidnapped a child, the truth is DHS took action because both her parents are part of Tren De Aragua, it said in a statement issued over the weekend.

The childs father, Maiker Espinoza-Escalona is a lieutenant of Tren De Aragua who oversees homicides, drug sales, kidnappings, extortion, sex trafficking and operates a torture house.

The childs mother, Yorely Escarleth Bernal Inciarte oversees recruitment of young women for drug smuggling and prostitution. These criminal illegal aliens entered the country illegally and had final orders of removal from a judge.

Inciarte, her attorney and her family deny the accusations levelled against her by the DHS.

If its true, release the evidence, she challenged the Trump administration. Release the proof that we are Tren de Aragua. They took a child away from their mother and theyre telling lies about us.

open image in gallery U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posing in front of jailed inmates in El Salvador last month ( AP )

ABC reports that the couple have no criminal record in their own country and have no county or federal records in the U.S. beyond the federal criminal case against Inciarte for improper entry last year.

Inciartes mother Raida said she believed her daughter and Escalona are being accused of belonging to Tren de Aragua because of their tattoos but denied any association with the gang: My daughter has a tattoo of the year I was born and the year her dad was born.

She also has the name of her son and some flowers on her chest. Maiker is a tattoo artist and he would do her tattoos.

Raida has previously said of the Trump administration: They are liars. I cannot believe that half of Venezuela is Tren de Aragua. That cant be.

Escalonas sister Marly said her sibling was a barber by profession, adding: My brother is a 25-year-old guy, a dreamer, like all Venezuelans.

He loves cutting hair. He finished high school, he took courses in barbering and set up his barbershop in Venezuela. But things got a bit tough in Venezuela, so he emigrated to have a better life.
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While some of President Donald Trumps biggest backers are praising the idea that he could be the next Pope, others are saying the chances are slim and that when Conclave starts his name wont even come up.

Trump was asked by a reporter at the White House Tuesday who he would like to succeed Pope Francis.Id like to be Pope, he quipped. That would be my number one choice.

That comment drew a quick reaction on social media and from experts.

Republican Senator, and on-and-off Trump ally, Lindsey Graham asked the Conclave to keep an open mind about electing Trump as the next pope. Graham said the president was a dark horse candidate after the death of Pope Francis.

I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope, Graham wrote in a post on X Tuesday accompanied by the clip of Trump. This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!

The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides, Graham added. Watching for white smoke. Trump MMXXVIII!

However, other in the political world were quick to reject the idea.

Lindsey - get a grip, Meghan McCain wrote on X.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump has suggested he should be the next pope - a statement that drew a range of reactions on social media. ( REUTERS )

Republicans Against Trump said Grahams remarks were hilarious and then mocked the South Carolina senator by sharing a 2016 post where he said that the GOP will be destroyed if they nominate Trump for president.

Lindsey Graham, then and now. Exhibit A in what Trump did to the Republican Party, the group said in a post on X.

Can we send a rescue party? Ive never seen a person so far up someones ass, Democrat and Pennsylvania State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta said.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian who writes about fascism and authoritarianism, responded: Authoritarian leader cult alert.

Trumps odds are unfavorable. According to canon law, any baptized Catholic male can be elected pope. Almost all popes in modern history have been members of the College of Cardinals. Cardinals typically elect a pope known for deep faith, strong leadership and experience in Church governance, according to Catholic.org.

After putting himself forward, Trump then name-dropped Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, as one potential pick. I have no preference. I must say, we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York whos very good, so well see what happens.

But experts say Trump is unlikely to have any influence over the selection process, let alone become the next pope himself.

open image in gallery The next pope is unlikely to be an American, experts said. After suggesting himself, Trump then name-dropped New York archbishop Timothy Dolan. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The College of Cardinals will not pay much attentionif anyto what he or any other head of state suggests, Carlos Eire, a professor of history and religious studies at Yale University, told TIME. The church is their main concern, and they tend to view the election from that perspective. World politics might concern them to some extent, but not the opinions of lay people, much less the opinions of lay people who arent Catholic.

Miles Pattenden, a historian of the Catholic Church at Oxford University, told the outlet that it was very doubtful that any cardinals would view Trumps endorsement of Dolan favorably and highlighted that the chances of electing an American pope were slim.

The general opinion within the upper ranks of the Catholic Church over the past 50 years has also been that America is powerful enough anyway without the Americans also winning the papacy, Pattenden said.
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed that her country is taking in an average of 55 foreign nationals every day since U.S. President Donald Trump took office.

Just as he did during his first term, Trump has again directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement to round up migrants  including those who have been maintaining agreed-upon check-ins with the federal government  and deport them.

Since January 20, the Trump administration has removed 38,757 migrants to Mexico. The majority of those individuals are Mexican nationals, but they aren't the only people Mexico was expecting to care for in the wake of Trump's deportations.

Sheinbaum said her nation has taken in 5,446 foreign nationals for "humanitarian reasons" so far during Trumps second administration.

That is an average of 55 foreign nationals per day since Trump took office, and is less than what Mexican authorities were anticipating, according to Border Report.

Fewer are coming because the United States is sending airplanes directly to [the migrants] countries, Sheinbaum said. Most who are coming are Mexicans.

open image in gallery Temporary shelters built by Mexican authorities meant to house foreign nationals deported from the U.S. ( REUTERS )

Unsurprisingly, the number of encounters U.S. Customs and Border Patrol have reportedly had with migrants since Trump took office has plummeted.

Mexico prepared for a flood of foreign national deportees by building tent shelters in Ciudad Juarez and nine welcome centers, but most sit empty. Trump has deported fewer than 6,000 foreign national migrants to Mexico since taking office, a number well below what Mexican authorities had planned to address.

Trump's deportations  especially those to his toy mega-prison in El Salvador  have been challenged in court, particularly in the high-profile case of a Maryland father who had been wrongfully deported due to a clerical error. Rather than accept responsibility and bring the man home, the Trump administration has insisted the man is a violent criminal affiliated with MS-13.

open image in gallery Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum speaks at a press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico, 30 April 2025 ( EPA )

ICE has largely justified its raids and arrests by insisting that the majority of the individuals it targets are violent criminals.

According to the law enforcement agency, it has arrested 66,463 migrants and individuals without US citizenship since Trump took office. It has removed 65,682 of those individuals from the country. ICE insists that three in four of those arrests involve "criminal aliens," including 2,288 gang members, 1,329 accused or convicted sex offenders, and just under 500 convicted or accused murderers.

It's worth noting that ICE's definition of "criminal alien" includes individuals who have been accused of a crime rather than just those who have been convicted of crimes.

In addition to those ICE deems criminals, the agency also said it has arrested 1,000 unauthorized workers since Trump came to power and has proposed $1 million in fines against their employers.
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A Columbia University student who was arrested at his citizenship interview and hauled off in handcuffs had some words for Donald Trumps administration after a federal judge in Vermont ordered his immediate release.

Mohsen Mahdawi, holding up two peace signs, was greeted by cheering supporters as he walked out of the courthouse Wednesday.

To President Trump and his cabinet, he said. I am not afraid of you.

open image in gallery Mohsen Mahdawi speaks outside a federal courthouse in Vermont on April 30 after a judge ordered his immediate release from ICE detention ( AP )

Mahdawi, a lawful permanent resident and Palestinian who has held a green card for at least 10 years, was anticipating a scheduled interview as part of his citizenship process on April 14. Instead, hooded federal agents walked him into a car and drove off.

On Wednesday, District Judge Geoffrey Crawford determined that Mahdawi, who hasnt been charged with any crime, can be released on bail while his legal challenges continue.

Mahdawi  who was born and raised in a refugee camp in the West Bank, where he lived until moving to the United States in 2014  is among dozens of student activists marked for removal by the Trump administration over campus protests against Israels war in Gaza.

He is among the first of those activists to successfully secure his release while challenging the constitutionality of his arrest and detention in federal court as well as a parallel case in immigration court.

That same Vermont court is also presiding over the case of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University who remains in a Louisiana detention center.

This is what justice is. And for anybody whos doubting justice, this is a light of hope, a hope and faith in the justice system in America, Mahdawi said outside the courthouse.

We are pro-peace and anti-war, he added. To my people in Palestine: I feel your pain, I see your suffering, and I see freedom and it is very very soon.

open image in gallery An image taken from a video provided by Christopher Helali shows Mahdawi being detained at a Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Colchester, Vermont, on April 14 ( AP )

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked hundreds of student visas over campus activism, leading to several high-profile arrests of international scholars who are now awaiting deportation hearings, including in remote jails across the southern United States.

After taking office, Trump signed an executive order that declares U.S. policy is to ensure noncitizens do not  advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists and other threats to our national security. Another executive order pledges immediate action to investigate and punish anti-Jewish racism in leftist, anti-American colleges and universities with a promise to deport Hamas sympathizers and revoke student visas, according to a fact sheet from the White House.

With Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, who has been jailed in an ICE detention center in Louisiana for more than a month, Mahdawi helped organize the Palestinian Student Union. Mahdawis attorneys describe him as a committed Buddhist who believes in non-violence and empathy as a central tenet of his religion.

Attorneys argue his arrest and detention is retaliatory and in violation of his First Amendment rights, indisputably and solely for engaging in lawful, constitutionally protected speech, ACLU of Vermont legal director Lia Ernst told reporters Tuesday night.

Mahdawi helped eased tensions on campus, not increased them and builds bridges and cultivates understanding across differences, according to Ernst.

open image in gallery Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has joined the states congressional delegation demanding Mahdawis release ( Getty Images )

Look at this record we have amassed and look at the mere absence of record [from] the government, she added.

His detention is part and parcel of the Trump administrations attempt to condition liberty on political views, according to Shezza Abboushi Dallal, a staff attorney at the Creating Law Enforcement Accountability & Responsibility (CLEAR) Project, among the groups defending Mahdawi.

Mohsen is a ray of light in his communities, and we are so relieved that today he walked out those courtroom doors and back into the arms of his loved ones, attorney Luna Droubi said in a statement Wednesday.

The governments claims and actions are baseless, without evidence, and are a disgrace to the U.S. Constitution. We will keep fighting until Mohsen is free for good, she said.

In a filmed interview with Vermont Democratic Senator Peter Welch inside an ICE detention center last week, Mahdawi said Rubios invocation of a rarely used provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act to target people who are perceived as threats to foreign policy is conflating being anti-war as antisemitic.

How could that be possible when my partners, most of my partners at Columbias campus, and beyond, are Jews and Israelis? My work has been centered on peacemaking, he said. My hope and my dream is  to see an end to the war, an end to the killing, and to see a peaceful resolution between Palestinians and Israelis. How could this be a threat to anybody except the war machine that is feeding this?
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The wife of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took on an active role in managing his public appearances and even crafting messaging issued by the Department of Defense itself, a new report claimed on Wednesday.

Jennifer Rauchet, the Washington Post reported, often acts as a go-between who transmits her husbands plans to agency staffers. The former Fox News producer does not hold an official position at the Pentagon but has been identified as a constant presence at the agency over the past several months. The Wall Street Journal first reported in March that Rauchet was present at two meetings between her husband and his foreign military counterparts where sensitive information was discussed. At the time, the Pentagon declined to say if she had any kind of security clearance, which some spouses of officials sometimes do.

Now, the Post reports that Rauchet is involved in at least two group chats using the public encrypted Signal messaging app with Pentagon appointees, and at times has directed agency staffers directly on managing the secretarys image via social media.

We would always hear that she was saying what kind of videos he should be doing, and what kind of statements he should be doing, and how the press should be handled, one unnamed person told the Post.

Jennifer Rauchet is said to have been playing an important behind-the-scenes role for her husband, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ( AFP via Getty Images )

Her inclusion in one Signal group chat was just one of several problematic factors which snowballed into a scandal over the Trump administrations use of the group messaging app earlier this year. Hegseth, along with other top US officials including National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and Vice President JD Vance, was outed as a member of a Signal text chain on which specific sensitive information about US plans to attack Yemen were discussed prior to those attacks taking place. Also on that text chain (accidentally) was the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg, who reported the messages after the attack.

Though Rauchet was not part of that primary text chain, she was on a separate chain with Hegseths brother, Phil Hegseth, a Pentagon appointee working as liason with DHS, and the secretarys personal lawyer. On that second chain, the secretary reportedly shared very similar information about the attack prior to it being carried out.

The breach in security has dragged the administration down for weeks and led to calls especially for the resignation of Hegseth, who shared the attack plans on the text chain, as well as similar condemnation of Waltz for his apparent erroneous inclusion of Goldberg in the messages. President Donald Trump has expressed his support for the two officials.

But Rauchets inclusion in the text chains and continued presence at the Pentagon may in fact be a more significant issue for the administration. The Pentagon has not explained her role at the agency or completed a formal inquiry into whether any of the information shared in the two chains was classified, which Hegseth and others have strongly denied. The agencys inspector general launched an investigation in early April, which has yet to reach a conclusion.

A DoD spokeswoman told The Independent in response to the Posts reporting: Secretary Hegseth has delivered more victories to the DoD in 100 days than most Secretaries have in four years. We are focused on RESULTS.

John Bolton says Pete Hegseth should quit for his own safetys sake

Critics of the administration say that the case is a clear-cut example of Hegseth and others flouting longstanding Defense Department protocols and possibly violating the law regarding sharing of classified information.

The most recent revelations about Hegseths having shared military plans with members of his personal circle demonstrates a brazen disdain for rules and protocols that Americans expect their leaders to follow. It also raises questions about whether Hegseth is prioritizing his own political or media ambitions over the interests of the American people, the nonprofit watchdog group American Oversight wrote in a statement.

Republicans, who currently control both chambers of Congress, are not likely to begin their own investigations of the matter, but Democrats could easily do so if the party retakes control of the House or Senate in the 2026 midterms.

A number of former defense officials have said in interviews that at least some of the information shared by Hegseth in the initial Signal chain was likely classified, or should have been. The AP reported that some of the information was pulled by Hegseth from a secure channel used by US CENTCOM.

It is unheard of to have a secretary of defense committing these kind of serious security breaches, said former Defense secretary and former CIA director Leon Panetta. Developing attack plans for defensive reasons is without question the most classified information you can have.
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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has teased that the U.S. is very close to its first tariff deal  but declined to name the country involved.

And hes still waiting to hear from the leaders of the country for the final sign off, he told CNBC Tuesday.

That could be a surprise to President Donald Trump, who boasted in an interview with Time magazine last Thursday that he had already struck 200 deals.

Ive made 200 deals, he told Time.

Youve made 200 deals? he was asked.

He responded: 100 percent. Yet he refused to name any countries.

Lutnick told CNBC: I have a deal done, done, done, done  but I need to wait for their prime minister and their parliament to give its approval, which I expect shortly.

The secretary and other members of President Donald Trumps administration have signaled progress is being made on tariffs but have yet to announce a single specific deal nearly a month after Liberation Day, when Trump revealed the imposition of a 10 percent across-the-board tariff on countries, plus a n additional supplemental levy depending on Americas relationship with various trading partners.

Trump then paused tariffs beyond the basic 10 percent, but not for China, which currently has a 145 percent tariff on all goods. Tariffs are starting to impact the bottom lines of the countrys largest businesses.

Amazon officials reportedly toyed with the idea of displaying tariff prices before the White House called it a hostile political act. A company spokesperson later said the idea was never approved and is not going to happen.

Small business owners who rely on China for imported products are grappling with whether to shut down or weather the storm.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump holds up a chart with tariffs while speaking during Liberation Day at the White House ( Getty Images )

Earlier on Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declined to comment on whether he was in talks with China.

Trump had told Time that China President Xi Jinping had called him to talk tariffs. The Chinese Embassy, however, later refuted his remarks and instructed Trump to stop creating confusion.

Bessent did state that consumers may be able to expect announcements on India in the near future, the terms of which he said were easier to negotiate than other countries.

When asked if any deals have been made, Bessent continued: Im not going to get ahead of the president. Nothings done until President Trump announces it ... So we should wait to hear from President Trump over the next couple of days.

The US is currently also in advanced talks with Japan, he added.

The S&P closed higher after the comments, but is still below February highs. A trade deal could potentially send a wave of money back into the market, shooting stocks up as confidence remains low.
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President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday night that he could bring back Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongly deported to El Salvador  contradicting statements from the administration, which asserted it couldnt do anything to return him.

In a contentious sit-down interview with the president, ABC News correspondent Terry Moran told the president he could get him back if he picked up the phone and called President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador.

I could, Trump said. And if he were the gentleman that you say he is, I would do that. But he is not.

Multiple judges, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have asked the administration to facilitate Abrego Garcias return after Trump administration lawyers said in court filings that he was accidentally deported due to administrative errors.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump confirmed he could facilitate Kilmar Abrego Garcias return from El Salvador, but wont ( Getty Images )

But the Trump administration has walked back the government lawyers assertion and refused to return Abrego Garcia. They claim he was rightfully deported to a maximum security prison in El Salvador because he was a member of the MS-13 gang.

Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man who has lived in Maryland for years, was awarded protections to remain in the United States in 2019 after entering the country illegally in 2012. The evidence presented tying him to MS-13 is vague, and judges have come to different conclusions about his ties to the gang.

The administration has been accused of defying federal judges orders in refusing to facilitate his return and the presidents admission on Tuesday evening could further bolster those accusations.

But members of the Trump administration assert their hands are tied and have passed responsibility for returning Abrego Garcia to others.

Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller claimed it was up to El Salvador to return him. Bukele, meanwhile, has said he cannot return Abrego Garcia because it would be as if he released a terrorist into the U.S.

open image in gallery Abrego Garcia was deported to a maximum security prison in El Salvador on allegations he is a member of MS-13 ( AP )

Trump said he could do so but then claimed he is not the one making this decision and passed that responsibility onto lawyers for the government.

When challenged by Moran about the legality of forgoing Abrego Garcias due process, Trump doubled-down and said he was rightfully deported because he was pictured with MS-13 tattooed on his knuckles. The president appeared to conflate an MS-13 label with the actual tattoos which consisted of a marijuana leaf, smiley face, cross and skull.
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A tiny island nation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is the staging ground of a major geopolitical tussle.

Palau is made up of more than 340 coral and volcanic islands perched on the Kyushu-Palau Ridge, dotting Micronesias edge. It is geographically closer to China than any other Pacific Island nation and still formally recognizes Taiwan.

And now it is on the front line of a battle for influence, with China on one side and the U.S. on the other.

open image in gallery Palau is reportedly at the center of a Chinese influence campaign, a new report states ( REUTERS )

The former colony, which won independence in 1994 from the U.S.-administered United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific, is home to approximately 17,000 people.

It holds close ties to the United States, with Washington providing aid and defense support to Palau while its citizens can live and work in the U.S.

It was one of the few countries spared Trumps sweeping tariffs. And it plays host to American-controlled airstrips with a soon-to-be-completed long-range radar system that could become critical for keeping an eye on Chinese activities.

But Reuters says its investigations have found evidence of a concerted influence campaign by individuals with ties to the Chinese government, aimed at preventing the U.S. from expanding its military infrastructure on Palau.

Joel Ehrendreich, the U.S. ambassador to Palau, says China is using the same tactics in Palau that it has deployed elsewhere in the Pacific.

open image in gallery Palau, at the bottom centre of the map, is a tiny island east of the Philippines ( Google Maps )

Weve seen the playbook over and over again throughout the region, and its been very effective, Ehrendreich said. Get in with predatory investment, corrupt officials through elite capture, and try to destabilize the society through drug and human trafficking and other crime. And its easy to do when you go one by one through these little countries that you can overwhelm.

China has strongly pushed back on the claims.

Palaus strategic position puts it in a prime spot for a geopolitical tug-of-war, chief executive officer at the United States Studies Centre in Sydney Dr Michael Green explained. These small islands that few people know about suddenly become the objects of major strategic competition, he told the Guardian last November.

The Trump administration is no stranger to attempting to exert influence on islands while competing with rival powers - Greenland has famously been in the U.S. presidents crosshairs since he returned to power in November. In March, China touted efforts to deepen co-operation between Beijing and Greenland despite Trumps bluster.

Reuters now claims that Chinese efforts to influence the future of Palau run deep. The news agency has reviewed intelligence reports, police files, court records and land filings, and conducted interviews with more than 20 diplomats and local law enforcement officials as part of its investigation.

open image in gallery Palau is in a key spot for a geopolitical tug of war, experts say ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

U.S. intelligence reports state that people from China allegedly linked to illicit activityincluding drug smuggling and prostitutionare attempting to foster relationships with senior Palau officials. They have been accused of making donations to court the islands political figures and attempting to facilitate meetings between Chinese and Palauan officials.

Tamara Hutzler, the country's anti-corruption prosecutor, said political donations by foreign nationals are illegal in Palau.

The only evidence my office has received is via anonymous sources, she said. Everyone knows foreigners give money, but without evidence our hands are tied.

The corruption is just pervasive, added Hutzler. It is tough to combat, she said, in part because law enforcement lacked resources.

Meanwhile, Chinese businesspeople have leased land near some of the U.S. military facilities, including radar stations and airstrips, according to land records. Foreign nationals cannot purchase land in Palau, but they can lease it for decades-long periods.

Ehrendreich believes the leases were almost certainly strategic.

All around there are various plots of land that are now being leased to Chinese interests, the ambassador said. I dont think its any coincidence at all that it happens to be physically close to our projects.

The land-lease tactic, he said, was how they maybe are able to keep an eye on what were trying to do here.

open image in gallery Palau president Surangel Samuel Whipps Jr has said a strong U.S. is important for Palau ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

A spokesperson for Chinas foreign ministry told Reuters that the claims that China is undermining Palaus stability are far-fetched, slanderous, and completely fabricated nonsense.

Who is building military bases in Palau? Who wants to turn Palau into a strategic military outpost? they added. We urge the U.S. side to stop smearing and slandering China  and stop provoking trouble in the region.

Asked about Palaus relationship with Taipei, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson urged countries that still maintain so-called diplomatic relations with the Taiwan region not to be blindly arrogant and stubborn.

Surangel Whipps Jr., Palaus president, has expressed support for the U.S. In February Whipps Jr invited Donald Trump to go snorkeling with him to highlight the climate change challenges Palau faces. And in his first presidency, Trump brought three Pacific Islands leaders to the White House to engage on security issues.

What Palau sees as important is a strong United States that's able to continue to be strong, is good for Palau and good for the planet," Whipps Jr said earlier this month.

The Palau president did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on the allegations of Chinese influence.

But speaking at a think tank in Sydney, Australia, earlier this month, he did address the issue of crime on the island: Drugs, human trafficking, all of these kinds of activities have a way of undermining the political structure.

Online scamming or gaming that happens, they end up influencing politicians and things that go on in Palau.
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Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to rapidly and brutally expel millions of immigrants.

In his first 100 days in office, he has bent every part of the government toward that goal, cracking down on non-citizen activists, invoking emergency wartime authorities, skirting court orders to stop deportation flights, pulling humanitarian protections from hundreds of thousands, and attempting to ignore the Constitution and end birthright citizenship.

In a White House defined by chaos, immigration may be the only place where the Trump administration is consistent.

For the millions of immigrants across the U.S., this has meant consistent anxiety. Will they be detained and deported without warning? Do they still have rights to protest? Will the courts check Trump, and will Trump obey the courts?

Four different immigrants and their families told The Independent about what its like living through this age of uncertainty. The Independent has contacted the relevant federal agencies and officials for comment on the below cases.

An asylum seeker from El Salvador mysteriously arrested in Louisiana

open image in gallery Kremly Marrero (left) is struggling with a cancer diagnosis and raising three children alone, after his partner, Salvadoran asylum-seeker Wendy Brito (right), was arrested during an immigration appointment ( Supplied )

The first sign that something was wrong came when Wendy Brito, an asylum-seeker from El Salvador, attended one of her regular check-ins with immigration officials in Louisiana last month. She called her fiance, Kremly Marrero, and said she heard the sound of handcuffs nearby.

I said, Dont worry, youre not doing anything wrong. You got permission to stay here, Marrero told The Independent. You applied for asylum. You should be alright, dont worry about it.

Brito hasnt been home since. She was arrested and sent to an Immigration and Customs detention center in the city of Basile, Louisiana, nearly 200 miles away from where the couple live with their three children, just outside of New Orleans.

My kids are not sleeping. My kids are constantly depressed, Marrero, a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico, said. They break down at school cryingTheyre constantly asking why their mother is in jail if shes not a bad person.

And hes not sure what to tell them. He said he still doesn't know why Brito, who first applied for asylum in 2009, was suddenly arrested after nearly two decades. Marrero said he suspects it may have had something to do with a long-ago incident in which a neighbor called the police on Marrero and Brito during a domestic dispute in which neither sought charges.

Brito fled El Salvador after a gang killed her brother in the midst of an extortion attempt on the family, and her life has been turned upside-down once again.

open image in gallery Brito came to the U.S. and sought asylum from gang violence in El Salvador, which killed her brother ( Supplied )

The immigration officer who arrested Brito said it had something to do with the new administration, Marreros lawyer told him, but thats about all he knows.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement acknowledged a request for comment about the case from The Independent but did not respond to questions.

She went in for a routine check-in with ICE and never made it home, Congressman Troy Carter, Democrat of Louisiana, said on April 22, after a delegation of representatives visited Brito and others held at facilities in Louisianas deportation alley. Thats a tragedy. Due process was clearly deniedThis is America. This is not some third-world country.

In between four-hour nights of sleep, caring for the kids, and working in facilities at a local hospital, Marrero speaks with Brito on a prison video tablet. He said his partner has become unwell behind bars.

Im looking at her. I know youre not eating, he said. She says, I dont want to. I just want to go home. That breaks you. I dont care how strong of a man you are. You see your wife there and you can't do anything. I feel hopeless.

While Brito has been in detention, a new crisis has hit the family. Marrero just found out he has liver cancer. Hes still working to understand the severity of the diagnosis, but so far he has ignored his doctors pleas to stay in the hospital, he told The Independent.

I didnt have anyone to take care of the kids, so I had to leave. Were waiting for her to come home so I can get treated, he said. Its been very tough.

There has been one bright spot though. Marrero said Britos bond has been approved, and the father is hoping to raise some of the $5,000 payment on GoFundMe so Brito can return home ahead of a May asylum hearing.

An Ohio grad student in the legal gray zone for his activism

Ahwar Sultan, 25, a graduate student at Ohio State University, was sitting in an architecture lecture on April 3 when he got a notice that his record within the SEVIS government exchange student database had been terminated, jeopardizing his ability to study and work inside the U.S.

The government said vaguely that Sultan may have lost his visa or that his name may have appeared in a criminal records check, while the university said it hadnt gotten any notice from the government about the change.

The timing was hard to miss, though. The Trump administration had vowed to deport all non-citizen students who joined in widespread campus pro-Palestine demonstrations. It also said it would investigate universities for alleged antisemitism, including Ohio State. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed in late March the State Department had begun pulling hundreds of visas.

open image in gallery Ahwar Sultan, an Ohio State grad student, is hoping a lawsuit will stop him from having to leave the country, after his visa was revoked following his pro-Palestine activism ( Supplied )

Sultan had been a part of campus Palestine activism since 2023. The 25-year-old, who studies right-wing politics in India, felt compelled to join the movement out of a mixture of his academic background and a sense of solidarity with Palestinian scholars, who watched as Israel destroyed or damaged every university in Gaza.

Sultan may have come on the radar of authorities for an April 2024 incident where he was arrested as he attempted to protect a group of Muslim protesters at a divestment protest conducting evening prayers from advancing police. The resulting charges were later dismissed and expunged.

Still, the notice from the feds put him in a legal gray zone, he said. He temporarily stopped attending class in person or conducting his duties as a teaching assistant. If he loses his ability to work for the university, hes not sure hell be able to cover his bills, let alone stay in America.

I dont feel safe being out and about, especially getting the news from everywhere around the country, he told The Independent after his status was pulled.

A State Department spokesperson told The Independent it generally doesnt comment on specific cases, but said the department will continue to work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to enforce zero tolerance for aliens in the United States who violate U.S. laws, threaten public safety, or in other situations where warranted.

On April 15, Sultan and a campus Palestine group sued the Trump administration, arguing its efforts to surveil and deport immigrants over their alleged views violated the First Amendment, and, in Sultans case, due process and federal law as well.

Federal officials argued in court documents that Sultans lawsuit was wrongly conflating canceling his status in the database with revoking his immigration status overall or beginning to deport him from the country, decisions he could contest in immigration court while being afforded full due process.

On April 24, Washington federal judge Tanya Chutkan ordered Sultans status in the SEVIS database be temporarily reinstated, arguing the administration could point to no legal authority for canceling it in the first place, while voicing doubt over the administrations larger treatment of the student.

At this juncture, more than two weeks have elapsed since Sultan filed his Complaint and the court is highly skeptical of counsels representations that Defendants are still waiting for ICE to confirm whether Sultans presence in the United States is unlawful, she wrote.

Despite the temporary win, Sultan isnt feeling very reassured. He got a letter from the U.S. Consul General General in Mumbai, informing him his F-1 visa had been revoked, meaning he may not be able to re-enter the country if he leaves it.

The grad student, who decided to pursue his studies in America to avoid the potential of government interference, now feels the U.S. is following Israel down what he sees as a path of lawlessness. Even if he gets some measure of reprieve in court, he feels the paradigm has shifted, noting that even his friends and colleagues without visa issues fear leaving the country.

A pure sense of normalcy is not going to return. All bets are off, he said. There might be ways to mitigate the uncertainty and try to push back against it. I dont really see how, with an administration that is turbocharging ICE and attacks on immigrants, any real sense of safety will return for most people.

Ohio State declined to comment, citing the ongoing lawsuit.

The only chaos in our immigration system was the reckless, open-border policy inflicted on Americans by the last Administration, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin told The Independent. Under the leadership of President Trump and [Homeland Security] Secretary Noem, the Department of Homeland Security has returned law and order and common sense to Americas immigration system.

A Haitian translator who cant return home, but may not be able to stay in America

open image in gallery Billy Elve managed to make it into the U.S. on a humanitarian parole program for Haitians, while the Trump administration canceling the program has prevented his wife and daughter from doing so ( Supplied )

Billy Elve, 32, is also waiting on the courts.

The Orlando, Florida, resident is originally from Haiti, and arrived in the U.S. in February 2024, granted temporary protected status and humanitarian parole under a Biden administration initiative.

He fled Haiti as gangs increasingly took control of the country and threatened his neighborhood.

They forced their way into his house, tied up the husband, and went away with his wife, Elve told The Independent of one neighbor. At that time my wife was pregnant, so we had to move.

Elve managed to get approval to come to the U.S., but his wife Nehemie and daughter Villyncias attempts were still pending as Trump took office.

The translator has felt a variety of emotions since  worry for his family, alarm at the Trump campaigns racist conspiracies about Haitians eating cats, and uncertainty after the administration sought to end the CHNV parole program in March, which covers some 500,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

open image in gallery Elve has learned from immigration officials that his wife and daughter wont be able to get into the U.S. on the same parole program as he did ( Supplied )

A federal judge blocked the move in mid-April, prompting the Trump administration to appeal, and Elve doesnt know what will happen next. If he returns to Haiti hell be marked as a target, an expat returning home from the wealthier United States, while if he stays in the U.S., theres still no guarantee his family can escape.

Its very difficult to know what can be done next, he said. There's a big question mark behind that.

McLaughlin, the DHS official, told The Independent CHNV was an unlawful scheme to unleash over 530,000 poorly vetted aliens into America, fueling crime and stealing jobsforcing our agents in the field to ignore rampant fraud.

While this ruling delays justice and undermines the integrity of our immigration system, Secretary Noem will use every legal option at the Departments disposal to end this chaos, prioritizing the safety of American, she added.

On Monday, Elve learned from immigration officials his wife and daughter definitely wont be able to get in on the same parole program as he did.

Now hes considering joining his parents in Canada and seeking asylum, or pursuing a change of status in the U.S. to be a student or on a company-sponsored visa, whatever gets his family out of harms way fastest.

It was already a pain and now its just adding oil to the fire, he told The Independent.

An activist who fled the country

open image in gallery Cornell University student Momodou Taal left the U.S. in the middle of a lawsuit arguing the administrations policies towards international students like him violated constitutional rights ( Eric Lee )

Momodou Taal, a UK-Gambian grad student at Cornell and campus pro-Palestine leader, felt he couldnt wait on the U.S. courts for protection.

Taal sued the Trump administration last month with a group of fellow academics, alleging a pair of January executive orders had effectively made it illegal for non-citizens to protest the administration and its allies like Israel.

As the constitutional lawsuit proceeded, immigration officials told Taal to surrender immediately and officers circled near his residence.

Court documents later revealed that ICE was notified on March 14, a day before the suit was filed, that the State Department pulled Taals visa, with officials claiming his protest actions had created a hostile environment for Jewish students. The threat raised the prospect he might be deported before a court could rule on his challenge.

Taal grew up in a political milieu, where family members served in The Gambias post-colonial government, and told The Independent he saw his own Palestine activism as a way to continue their legacy of fighting colonialism. He said he has never supported antisemitism of any kind, pointing to a letter of support from Jewish Cornellians, and only advocates the right to resist what he sees as an illegal occupation of Palestine under international law.

Still, despite his faith in his convictions, he felt his leverage in the U.S. slipping away as he hid out in a friends apartment in Ithaca, barely eating and avoiding communicating with family for fear of being tracked.

Given that I dared to challenge Trump and challenge his executive orders, I felt they would make an example of me, Taal told The Independent from an undisclosed location, as he prepares to return to the UK.

The Trump administration has defended its handling of the Taal case.

It is a privilege to be granted a visa to live and study in the United States of America, the Department of Homeland Security said after he fled the country. When you advocate for violence and terrorism, that privilege should be revoked.

It wasnt an idle fear that something exceptional might happen in or outside of court. The same day as Taal filed his suit, the government invoked the wartime Alien Enemies Act to summarily deport alleged gang members, many of whom say they have no ties to criminal groups, and wrongly deported a man to El Salvador, despite a court order specifically barring his removal to the country.

And Taal had watched for months as Trump spoke more and more specifically about the mass deportation of non-citizen Palestine activists.

I felt like it was only a matter of time until something happens to me, unless I triumphed in court, he said. I didn't think it would be so quick.

Now, as Taal works to finish his degree remotely, he said he gets messages from other activists asking when he knew it was time to leave America.

Every person has a different threshold, but its clear that for the millions of immigrants in the United States something fundamental about the country has already changed.
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The Trump administration reached a deal with Ukraine to give U.S. investors preferential access to Ukraines supply of rare earth minerals on Wednesday, weeks after an Oval Office blow-up between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky put it on hold.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the news in a press release later, which described the agreement as a recognition of the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defense of Ukraine.

As the president has said, the United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war, said Bessent. This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term.

The president envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine. And to be clear, no state or person who financed or supplied the Russian war machine will be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine, Bessent continued.

Axios and Bloomberg first reported that the deal was to be signed on Wednesday, citing senior Ukrainian officials. Yulia Svyrydenko, Zelenskys first deputy prime minister, was in Washington for the signing.

open image in gallery Donald Trumps confrontation with Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office in late February delayed the two countries from reaching a minerals deal ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The agreement is a modification of a previous offer, in which the U.S. demanded billions in repayment for past funding of Ukraines defense.

The latest version instead envisions U.S. investments in Ukraines rare earth minerals sector as part of joint deals with Ukrainian businesses that will keep control split 50-50 between the two countries. Investments will be tax-free, while Ukrainian exports of rare earth minerals to the U.S. will be immune from tariffs under the deal.

Under the plan, all money raised for development of Ukraines minerals will go into a fund managed jointly by the U.S. and Ukrainian governments. American military assistance going forward will count toward that total. Ukraines prime minister said that the deal contained no obligations regarding previous U.S. military support.

The final minerals deal would also provide for Ukraines continued "full control over subsoil, infrastructure, and natural resources," Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said, according to the Kyiv Independent.

Bessent denied that any changes had been made in the agreement from the U.S. side, though Trump has repeatedly demanded that Ukraine repay the billions in assistance approved under the Biden administration. The Independent reported that a previous iteration also created a pathway for U.S. control over some Ukrainian infrastructure.

Bessent claimed in February that reaching such a deal on Ukraines rare earth minerals would mean an effective security shield for Ukraine. The Trump administration and its Republican allies in Congress have been increasingly opposed to the kind of formal military support packages passed repeatedly to support Ukraine under the Biden presidency.

Zelenskys deputy economy minister told Axios that the deal was meant to spur further U.S. investment in Ukraines defense, rather than to repay past support.

open image in gallery Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky sought U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine as Russia peace talks continue to stall ( PA Wire )

"This agreement is a win-win and it is written in friendly language. it is about investments, investments and investments," said Taras Kachka, Ukraines deputy minister for Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture.

Svyrydenko added that Ukrainian contributions to the fund would be generated by revenues from new licenses purchased by companies for development.

The news that the agreement was finally reached put an end to weeks of fraught negotiations between Washington and Kyiv exacerbated by Trump and Vice President JD Vance jointly confronting Zelensky in a furious argument before the cameras at the White House earlier this year. Zelensky quickly left Washington afterward without reaching an agreement on the deals framework.

The deal also signals a warming of the Trump administration to Ukraines side, a development that comes after the president made multiple statements accusing Zelensky of being a dictator, and expressing support for Russia maintaining at least some of its territorial gains in Ukraine.

In recent weeks, Trump has publicly speculated that Moscow is not being genuine in its approach to peace talks which Trump has sought to take credit for from the beginning.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said on Tuesday that administration officials believe a ceasefire is impossible to reach if Trump cant orchestrate one.

She told the New York Post: "The president has devoted 100 days and his very top people to Russia and Ukraine, and if peace is not achieved, it will be because it cant be achieved. It just cannot."
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Donald Trump slammed media polling practices as not legit before going on to describe his 44 percent approval rating as actually not bad.

The president used a rally in Michigan to celebrate his first 100 days in office to revisit some of his greatest campaign trail hits including immigration, Joe Biden, complaints of the crooked media and negative stories about him.

You know, they do these polls where they interview far more Democrats than Republicans over the last few days, and I had them checked out, he said. They interview far more Democrats for the polls. They interview Democrats by big numbers and then Republicans by small they say Trump only has a 44 percent approval rating.

Well, it's actually not bad, but when you figure that if it were a legit poll, it would be in the 60s or 70s as these people are a bunch of crooked people.

open image in gallery Donald Trump slammed media polling practices at a rally in Michigan to celebrate his first 100 days in office, where he revisited some of his greatest campaign trail hits ( AP )

It comes after a three-day poll, completed on Sunday, showed 42 percent of respondents approved of the Republican leader's performance in office. The share of people who disapprove of his presidency was also steady at 53 percent.

The poll, conducted by Reuters/Ipsos, surveyed 1,029 U.S. adults nationwide and had a margin of error of about 3 percentage points.

Back in Michigan, Trump suggested his approval ratings on legitimate polls were as high as 70 percent, before claiming that media polls were biased and were the basis of negative stories about him.

Now they interview more Democrats than Republicans. In other words, they take the poll and they interview Democrats, they poll Democrats, and then they say they try to depress it but just like they write bad stories, 97 percent of the stories written about me think of it were negative, and yet we won in a landslide because they have no credibility.

open image in gallery It comes after a three-day poll, completed on Sunday, showed 42 percent of respondents approved of the Republican leader's performance in office. The share of people who disapprove of his presidency was also steady at 53 percent ( REUTERS )

The president moved on to more of his favorite subjects from previous rallies, including border security, illegal immigrants and the price of eggs as well as taking shots at his predecessor Biden.

At one point, staying with the theme of polls, he conducted a live poll about how he should refer to the former president  Sleepy Joe or Crooked Joe.

However, despite Trumps claims about a booming economy, the Reuters poll showed that the percentage of respondents who approve of his economic stewardship had declined a point to 36 percent  the lowest level in his current term or in his 2017-2021 presidency, while disapproval rose 5 points to 56 percent.
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Hundreds of toymakers have canceled orders since President Donald Trump imposed hefty tariffs on China, raising the prospect of a nightmare before Christmas.

Earlier this month, Trump imposed a 145 percent levy on China  which is responsible for producing 80 percent of all toys and 90 percent of Christmas goods sold in America, according to the New York Times. Now, smaller toy manufacturers have said theyve been forced to cancel orders due to the markups.

In a Toy Association survey of 410 small and medium-sized toy manufacturers taken this month, 64 percent of small toy companies and 80 percent of mid-sized toy companies said they have canceled orders. Meanwhile, roughly half said they would go out of business within weeks or months if U.S. tariffs on China remained in place.

We have a frozen supply chain that is putting Christmas at risk, Greg Ahearn, president and CEO of Toy Association, told the Times. If we dont start production soon, theres a high probability of a toy shortage this holiday season.

Kara Dyer, founder of Storytime Toys, which makes childrens storybook playsets and puzzles, told the Times she placed an order for $30,000-worth of goods before Trump imposed the tariffs. Now, she anticipates owing $45,000 in tariffs alone. To cover the costs of the levies, she said shell probably have to raise her products prices by at least 20 percent, she told the outlet.

open image in gallery President Donald Trumps policies could have a major impact on the holiday seasons toy market ( AFP via Getty Images )

Dyer typically places a large holiday order in early April in order to have enough in stock by mid-July  but this year, she said, shell wait.

Im going to hold out hope for another two weeks that the tariffs will be removed and Ill be able to place the order, she told the Times. But if not, I will have to put my business on pause. I will definitely not place an order if the tariffs are in effect. It wouldnt make any sense.

Jennifer Bergman, the owner of West Side Kids in Manhattan, told the Times that if the tariffs are here to stay, Christmas will be like something weve never experienced before. She feared that her stores shelves will be mostly empty and the toys she can stock will cost double what they did the year prior.

open image in gallery There could be a nightmare before Christmas as hundreds of toymakers say they could be out of business in a matter of weeks due to the levies on China ( Getty Images )

Shes already running into issues, she said. After placing a large order of scooters, the importer didnt want to pay the tariffs, so they redirected her shipment to Canada. Adding insult to injury, she was informed shell only receive part of her order.

Bergmans mother opened the store in 1981. The Upper West Side store was already under threat from Amazon, but Trumps tariffs could cause its doors to close, she said, noting that shes been talking with a bankruptcy lawyer. I dont think I will be in business for Christmas, she told the Times.

This month, Mischief Toy Store in St. Paul, Minnesota, joined a lawsuit challenging the Trump administrations tariffs. About 85 percent of its products are imported from China, so the levies are likely to have a substantial negative impact on Mischiefs business as a result of price increases on those products, the filing argues.

This is an existential threat for us. Our vendors are raising prices across the board, co-owner Dan Marshall told the Minnesota Star Tribune. A lot of them seem to be delaying imports altogether, so by the time Christmas comes around, we wont be able to meet demand.

Asked in an interview with ABC News on Tuesday about Americans concerns surrounding rising prices due to the U.S. tariff policy, the president said China probably will eat those tariffs.

The president seemed to acknowledge the possibility of shortages during the holiday season. He told reporters Wednesday: "Somebody said, 'oh, the shelves are gonna be open. Well, maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, and maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally."
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Donald Trump clashed with an ABC journalist in a fiery exchange during a sit-down to mark the presidents first 100 days back in office.

The president told Terry Moran he had never heard of him and that he was not being very nice. The pair butted heads a number of times during the interview, notably over a discussion of deported El Salvador native and Maryland father Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and evidence  or lack thereof  that he was a member of the MS-13 gang.

Trump pointed to an image of Abrego Garcia that he claimed showed him with gang tattoos on his knuckles. The image, however, shared by the president previously, has been sharply challenged  with critics claiming the photo had been digitally altered.

Theres no other evidence linking Abrego Garcia to the gang.

Moran challenged the president on the point, telling him that the link to the criminal gang was disputed.

open image in gallery Donald Trump told ABC interviewer Terry Moran that he had never heard of him as the pair clashed during a White House sit down, broadcast on Tuesday evening ( ABC News )

Wait a minute, wait a minute. He had MS-13 on his knuckles, Trump replied. Moran tried several times to move the interview on to the next topic, to no avail. It says MS 13, Trump said.

That was Photoshopped, Moran replied, provoking a bemused response from the president. Trump then indicated that he personally chose Moran to conduct the interview for ABC.

Theyre giving you the big break of a lifetime, you know, youre doing the interview, Trump said. I picked you because, frankly, I never heard of you, but thats OK.

Trump then stressed again that he picked Moran for the interview adding: But youre not being very nice.

open image in gallery Donald Trump posed with what appears to be a digitally altered image of Kilmar Abrego Garcias hands, insisting hes got MS-13 tattooed onto his knuckles' ( Donald Trump / Truth Social )

When Moran tried once again to move the interview along, Trump challenged him again.

Do you want me to show you the picture? he said, to which Moran replied: I saw the picture.

It could be interpreted that way ... I want to turn to Ukraine, Moran added.

No, no, no, no, Trump persisted. He had MS, as clear as you can be, not interpreted  This is why people no longer believe the news.

The letters MS have not previously been seen on photos of Abrego Garcias hands.

The president described Morans comments as a disservice, asking him: Why don't you just say, Yes, he does, and you know, go on to something else?

Moran and Trump also butted heads over controversy-plagued former Fox News host and current Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who recently shared secret plans for strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen on group chats using Signal, a message system not approved by the Pentagon for sensitive information.

When Moran quizzed Trump about Hegseth, the president responded: I had a talk with him, and whatever I said I probably wouldnt be inclined to tell you.

Trump added: We had a good talk. Hes a talented guy. Hes young. Hes smart, highly educated. And I think hes gonna be a very good defense  hopefully a great Defense secretary.

When asked if he had 100 percent confidence in Hegseth, Trump snapped: Do I have a 100 percent? Its a stupid question.

BREAKING: Donald Trump completely loses it on ABC News reporter Terry Moran for asking about his confidence in Pete Hegseth.



I don't have a 100% confidence in anythingI dont have 100% confidence that we're gonna finish this interview. Unstable 



pic.twitter.com/VCkAkALTlZ  CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) April 30, 2025

In another startling answer, Trump admitted that he could bring back Maryland father Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to a brutal El Salvador prison, as the Supreme Court has ordered  and that he would do so if he deemed Abrego Garcia a gentleman. He has claimed in the past he has no ability to do so, even though his administation was ordered to facilitate Abrego Garcias return.

The power of the presidency, you could call up the president of El Salvador and say, Send him back, right now, said Moran.

Trump answered: And if he were the gentleman that you say he is, I would do that.

Trump also said there was no way people targeted for deportation could each have a hearing or due process, again, as the Supreme Court has ordered.

Terry Moran of ABC News is lecturing Donald Trump on immigration laws and getting into a heated exchange after Trump admitted on live TV that he'll have to ask his lawyers.



This is wild. pic.twitter.com/yqcS2fbcIa  CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) April 30, 2025

Finishing off the interview Trump took aim at media outlets, singling out ABC as one of the worst.
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President Donald Trump has joked that he is eyeing a new job just months into his second term.

The president celebrated his 100th day in the White House on Tuesday  a second term characterized by mass deportations, federal workforce slashes and a turbulent stock market.

Asked by a reporter at the White House who he would like to succeed Pope Francis - whose funeral Trump attended last weekend - he quipped: Id like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice.

open image in gallery Trump joked that hed 'like to be Pope' as he spoke to reporters in Washington DC Tuesday ( EPA )

He went on to add: I have no preference. I must say, we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York whos very good, so well see what happens.

The process to select the new Pope, known as the Papal Conclave, is due to begin on May 7 the Vatican has confirmed.

The meeting, which will involve some 135 cardinals from across the globe, will take place behind closed doors inside the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.

The world will be waiting for a glimpse of smoke from the chimney of the chapel that signifies a decision has been made.

open image in gallery Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, right, and Trump, talk before the funeral of Pope Francis ( AP )

On Saturday, world leaders, church dignitaries and royalty joined thousands of mourners for an open-air funeral service in front of St Peter's Basilica in St Peter's Square, watched by millions of people worldwide, to mourn Pope Francis.

The attendees included the kings and queens of Spain and Belgium, Prince William, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Trump was given a prominent seat, rather than being placed in the third row as some had expected.

However, the U.S. president was accused of breaking etiquette during the services he opted to wear a blue, rather than black. He and First Lady Melania, who followed tradition by wearing a black dress and black veil, left the ceremony as soon as it was over, rather than waiting until after the burial.
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For the second day in a row on Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt held a press briefing exclusively for members of what she called the new media, claiming she was fulfilling a promise she made at the start of the Trump administration to speak to all media outlets.

Of course, as she laid bare at the start of Mondays presser, these sessions are mostly a way to take softball questions and applause lines from a host of MAGA sycophants who are absolutely ecstatic to be given the opportunity to sit in the White House and play reporter.

This is our first official influencer briefing, Leavitt said at the start of Mondays event. Millions of Americans are now turning to social media and independent media outlets to consume their news, and we are embracing that change, not ignoring it.

As has been the case with the new media seat she added to the standard White House briefings and rotating press pool, which has been disproportionately but not exclusively filled by right-wing media personalities, Leavitt packed the influencer room with provocateurs and YouTubers who are extremely sympathetic to the president.

open image in gallery White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt holds a briefing with members of the new media, which largely consists of pro-Trump influencers. ( YouTube )

During Mondays briefing, for instance, the press secretary was directly asked to give the room marching orders.

Im kind of the nerd when it comes to reporting. Im not the headline news girl. Im the nuts-and-bolts, Im the policy-type nerd; so what direction do you advise me to go into? American First Policy Institute ambassador Kambree Nelson wondered. Like the White House files that yall send out every single day? Because thats what people are used to. When they wanna ask me questions, they wanna know the nuts and bolts of everything.

Leavitt, meanwhile, reacted by telling Nelson  who boasts 625,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter) and was once convinced the moon had disappeared  that she wished there were people in the legacy media that were like you and cared about the facts of Trumps accomplishments.

The president is doing so many phenomenal things every day that will never be mentioned on cable news at night, Leavitt added. We are doing our absolute best to message that. Which is, again, why were welcoming independent voices like yours with followings on social media.

That was merely the tip of the iceberg.

MAGA influencer Arynne Wexler actually got the first question during Mondays briefing, and she wanted to kick things off by praising the White House for rounding up migrants in her home state.

Thanks so much, Karoline, both for having us and for granting me the first question here. And I can attest to the deportations in Florida, my Uber drivers finally speak English again, so thank you for that, she declared before asking Leavitt what the administration planned to do to those who continue to defy the executive orders regarding trans athletes.

Right-wing pundit Rogan OHandley, otherwise known as DC Draino, was perhaps the only one on Monday who came even semi-close to asking a tough question. One of the handpicked influencers who received the Epstein Files binders from Attorney General Pam Bondi in February, which ended up containing no real new information about deceased sex predator Jeffrey Epstein, OHandley wanted to know when the FBI and DOJ would be releasing more documents on the disgraced financier.

And also, when might we start seeing some arrests from the client list? DC Draino wondered.

Describing the attorney general as a bulldog, Leavitt claimed Bondi is working on this diligently but that she didnt have a specific timeline she could share on any additional release, which has been a point of contention with much of the MAGA base  especially considering how much Bondi overhyped the initial document dump.

In the end, OHandley accepted the press secretarys response and did not attempt to follow up, even though he received no assurances from Leavitt other than Bondi always keeps her promises.

At the end of Mondays briefing, which also included former Trump press secretary Sean Spicer asking Leavitt why legacy media wasnt outright being excluded from the White House, the room erupted in applause as Leavitt wrapped up the meeting. Thank you, Im going to walk off now, she said as the influencers clapped and cheered.

Returning for Round 2 on Tuesday, Leavitt turned to right-wing TikToker Debra Lea, who commented about the 100 incredible days of the Trump administration before wondering what policies Trump will roll out in the next couple of months in order to secure the 2026 midterms for the Republican Party and keep his approval ratings historically high.

Winston Marshall claims there are 'people in prison in Britain for reposting memes'

In the meantime, MAGA podcaster Brenden Dilley wanted to know if the press secretary would play a game of Trump trolling or Trump truthing when it came to the presidents repeated proposals to annex Greenland, run for a third term in 2028, and make Canada the 51st state.

Sure, lets do it. I love it, Leavitt excitedly responded, letting Dilley know that Trump was truthing when it came to both Canada and Greenland but trolling on the running in 2028. Although the hats are flying off the shelves, she added, referencing the Trump Organizations latest merchandise drop.

For the most part, both briefings were essentially a large-scale version of the questions many of the other new media members have asked during the standard pressers Leavitt has held in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room. Which is to say, they are essentially public displays of fealty from willing propagandists.

Earlier this month, for instance, a reporter from the media outlet run by election-denying MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell gushed about how the 78-year-old president looked healthier than ever before before asking Leavitt: Will you guys also consider releasing the presidents fitness plan?

And it was just last week that Tim Pool, the pro-Trump podcaster who unwittingly took vast sums of money from a Kremlin influence operation, teed up an opportunity for Leavitt to fume about the mainstream media.

open image in gallery Tim Pool attended one of the standard press briefings ( AP )

Many of the news organizations that are represented in this room have marched in lockstep on false narratives such as the Very Fine People hoax, the Covington smear, and now whats being called the Maryland Man hoax, where an MS-13 gang member adjudicated by two different judges, I believe, is just simply being referred to as a Maryland Man over and over again, Pool asked. Im wondering if you can comment on the unprofessional behavior.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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The Vietnam War greatly impacted U.S. society from the passage of the War Powers Resolution that restricts the presidents ability to send troops into extended combat without congressional approval to the cementing of college campuses as centers of student activism.

Millions of U.S. troops fought in Vietnam. For some Americans, the war that effectively ended with the fall of Saigon 50 years ago Wednesday on April 30, 1975, continues to shape their lives.

They include: A woman dedicated to recovering her fathers remains after the bomber he piloted disappeared over Vietnams Gulf of Tonkin. A Vietnam veteran who was heckled like scores of other troops when he returned home and now assists fellow veterans in rural Alaska. And an anti-war movement stalwart who has spent decades advocating for free speech after her brother was wounded when Ohio National Guard troops fired into a crowd of protesters at Kent State University.

Here are their stories.

Fifty years after the fall of Saigon, Jeanie Jacobs Huffman has not lost hope of bringing her father home.

Huffman was only five months old when her father, Navy Cdr. Edward J. Jacobs Jr., was reported missing in action after the plane he was piloting to photograph enemy targets vanished in 1967 over the Gulf of Tonkin, off the coast of North Vietnam.

open image in gallery This photo provided by Jeanie Jacobs Huffman shows her on the beach in June 2024, two miles away from where her father's plane and crew were discovered in 70 feet of water, in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. (Dave Huffman/Jeanie Jacobs Huffman via AP)

Huffman has dedicated her life to finding the plane and recovering his remains and those of his two crew members. She also serves on the board of directors of Mission: POW-MIA, a nonprofit group dedicated to finding unaccounted Americans from past conflicts.

Its a lot of missing, you know, a huge void in my life," she said, breaking into tears.

A professional photographer, Huffman has made a poster featuring the faces of the 1,573 missing service members from Vietnam.

After this many years, we should never leave anyone behind, she said.

A year ago, she visited the Gulf of Tonkin through a trip with the United States Institute of Peace, a nonprofit that promotes education and research on conflicts to prevent future wars. The group's translator, who was from North Vietnam and also lost family members in the war, walked with Huffman into the water. Holding hands, they both cried, sharing their grief.

So that was the closest Ive been to him in 58 years," Huffman said of her father.

She's pushing for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to conduct an underwater search operation next year in hopes of recovering the plane. The U.S. Department of Defense agency is responsible for recovering and identifying service members listed as missing in action or prisoners of war.

He deserves to be brought back home, she said. Even if its just a bone or a dog tag. Even the tangible things, like a dog tag or a piece of his plane, mean a lot to me because I dont have anything else.

Finding salvation after so many decades

For George Bennett, the road to sobriety and mental health continued long after flying home through San Francisco in 1968, where sneering protesters met returning soldiers in the terminal.

Someone yelled out, baby killer. Another spit at them. He and his fellow soldiers were turned away from one airport restaurant.

open image in gallery George Bennett sits at his desk on the SEARHC campus in Sitka, Alaska, Monday, April 28, 2025. (James Poulson/The Daily Sitka Sentinel via AP) ( James Poulson 2025 )

Only later did he realize how much Vietnam had changed him because the war went against the strict sense of values and Indigenous practices instilled by his parents.

A member of Alaska's Tlingit tribe, Bennett said, I would go get my beer and come home  just drink beer and do nothing.

I think part of it was the fact that I was ashamed and guilty because I was part of the atrocity that occurred in Vietnam. I feel that I violated the value and some of our cultural norms, and it made me want to run.

And he did, from bar to bar and job to job.

Finally, he wound up receiving help for alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder.

open image in gallery This photo provided by George Bennett shows Bennett during his service in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. (George Bennett via AP)

Its taken him 30 years to feel better, largely because of the support of Mary, his wife of 55 years. She insisted they move to the southeast Alaska city of Sitka, where he has integrated back into his native Tlingit culture.

Hes now Alaskas sole rural veteran liaison, helping veterans secure benefits in the militarys health care system.

I really had to find my spiritual way again, he said. It took me a while to get there, but here I am.

Kent State University protester sees lessons for today

Chic Canfora still becomes emotional when she talks about the fall of Saigon.

Canfora was part of an anti-war protest at Kent State University in 1970 when Ohio National Guard troops fired into the crowd, killing four fellow students and wounding nine others, including her brother. The bullets sent Canfora diving for cover.

open image in gallery FILE - Chic Canfora gestures during an interview, May 2, 2024, in Kent, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File) ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

She believes the protest helped galvanize public opinion that would hasten the withdrawal of U.S. troops and ultimately lead to the fall of Saigon and the war's demise.

A decade ago, Canfora visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington and was overcome at seeing how the number of names of the fallen dwindled after 1970.

That was the first time it really hit me the impact of the anti-war movement and, so its particularly meaningful for me this year, she said, choking up.

Canfora, who teaches journalism at Kent State, has spent her life sharing what she experienced. She said the lessons learned are more relevant than ever amid the Trump administrations crackdown on student protesters, fears of deportation for international students and what critics describe as unprecedented attacks on campus speech.

She said she sees echoes of the past when then Ohio Gov. James Rhodes, who sent in the National Guard, called the Kent State demonstrators the worst type of people that we harbor in America.

I was too young and too naive to recognize the danger of such inflammatory rhetoric because, in essence, all of these leaders in our country were putting targets on the backs of American college students who have historically served as the conscience of America, Canfora said.

I think students today are going through that same metamorphosis of awareness that I did in 1970.
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The family of Virginia Giuffre has released her final handwritten letter, days after the sexual abuse survivor died by suicide.

Giuffre, 41, who claimed she was groomed and trafficked by Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein, was found dead at her farm in Neergabby, western Australia, on Friday.

Her sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, has now published her final words, contained in a short note that reads: Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, and Brothers need to show the battle lines are drawn, and stand together to fight for the future of victims.

Is protesting the answer? I dont know. But weve got to start somewhere.

open image in gallery Virginia Giuffre was a survivor of Jeffrey Epsteins abuse ( PA )

Roberts introduced the letter by saying: Hello world. We found a handwritten note that our sister Virginia wrote.

I think its important that the survivors know that shes with you and her voice will not be silenced. I know that its so important, and her wish is that we continue to fight.

In the immediate aftermath of Giuffres death over the weekend, her family said in a statement: It is with utterly broken hearts that we announce that Virginia passed away last night at her farm in Western Australia.

She lost her life to suicide, after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking.

They paid tribute to her as a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse and sex trafficking.

They added: She was the light that lifted so many survivors. Despite all the adversity she faced in her life, she shone so bright. She will be missed beyond measure.

open image in gallery Giuffre took her own life, her family said ( PA )

Giuffre had been involved in a car crash with a school bus on 24 March and was left badly injured, posting a worrying message on Instagram stating that doctors had told her she had only days to live, before being discharged from hospital six days later, as a spokesperson said the post had been a mistake. She had three children with her husband Robert, although the couple reportedly separated earlier this year.

Originally from Florida, Giuffre is understood to have first met Maxwell while working as a locker room attendant at Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach.

President Trump paid tribute to her after the news of her passing broke, saying: That whole situation is very sad  her and others. Certainly, thats a horrible thing.

She secured a settlement from the British royal familys Prince Andrew in February 2022 after she accused him of sexual assault. He has always denied any wrongdoing.

If you are based in the U.S. and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can also speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
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Erin Patterson, an Australian woman accused of murdering three of her estranged husband's elderly relatives by poisoning their food, used four large identical grey plates for her guests but a smaller, tan coloured one for herself, prosecutors claimed on Wednesday.

On 29 July 2023, Ms Patterson, 50, hosted a lunch at her home in Leongatha, a small rural town in Victoria about 136km (85 miles) southeast of Melbourne. She invited her former in-laws, Donald and Gail Patterson, both 70, along with Gails sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, and Heathers husband, Ian Wilkinson, 68.

In the days that followed, all four guests fell ill after the lunch of beef Wellington, mashed potatoes and green beans, the court was told, with symptoms later confirmed to be caused by death cap mushroom poisoning. Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson died on 4 August, Don Patterson the next day, while Ian Wilkinson survived after being critically ill.

Ms Patterson is charged with the murders of Gail and Donald Patterson and Heather Wilkinson, along with the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson. Ms Patterson denies the charges.

The prosecution, led by senior counsel Nanette Rogers, told the jury on Wednesday: Donald, Gail, Ian and Heather each ate from the large, grey-coloured dinner plate, the accused ate from the smaller plate.

Guests later questioned why she used a different plate. When Ms Pattersons estranged husband, Simon, arrived at his aunt and uncles house on 30 July 2025, Heather Wilkinson allegedly mentioned the unusual plate choice.

I noticed Erin put her food on a different plate to us. It had colours on it, I wondered why that was, Dr Rogers told the jury, referring to the conversation Heather Wilkinson had with Simon.

Later, while heading to the hospital, Heather Wilkinson again questioned Simon about Ms Pattersons choice of plates, Dr Rogers said. Is Erin short of crockery? I was wondering why she served herself on a different plate, Heather said, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Ms Rogers told the jury Simon responded that Ms Patterson didnt have a lot of plates and might have run out.

Ms Rogers said that despite Ms Patterson and Simon separating in 2015, they remained friendly, amicable and affable while continuing to co-parent.

Simon remained hopeful that he and the accused would reconcile, she said.

Ms Rogers told the court that Simon first observed a change in Ms Pattersons behaviour in 2022, after he submitted a tax return noting their separation.

Their communication started to decline, she said.

On Wednesday, the jury also heard that Ms Patterson told hospital staff her two children ate leftovers from the same meal but werent sick because she had scraped off the mushrooms, claiming they were picky eaters.

She said the children had eaten a portion but she had scraped off the mushrooms from the beef because they were fussy and did not like them, the prosecutor said.

In the opening arguments, Ms Rogers said the accused had fabricated a cancer diagnosis and hosted the lunch on the pretence of discussing the best way to tell her two children about the illness, in order to ensure they did not attend.

She wanted it to be a special lunch, Ms Rogers said, quoting a message Ms Patterson sent to her estranged husband Simon, who declined the invitation. Erin told us she had tests  theyd found ovarian cancer. She would probably need surgery and chemo and wasnt sure how to tell the kids, Simon told the police his father had informed him while in hospital.

File. Erin Patterson speaks to the media outside home in Leongatha ( via REUTERS )

Ms Rogers told the court that police had examined Ms Pattersons medical records and found no evidence that she had ever been diagnosed with cancer. It is the prosecution case that she had not been diagnosed with cancer, she said.

It is the prosecution case, the accused used the false claim of cancer to ensure and explain why the children would not be present at that lunch on July 29.

Prosecutors allege Ms Patterson deliberately served them death cap mushrooms, which she may have sourced from locations previously flagged for sightings online, while eating a separate portion herself on a different coloured plate. The accused went to hospital two days later, where she initially discharged herself against medical advice, the court was told. She had mild symptoms of illness, but further tests revealed no evidence of toxins consistent with death cap poisoning, the prosecution said.

Defending Ms Patterson, barrister Colin Mandy told the court the deaths were a "terrible accident", and that the accused had no intention of killing her lunch guests. "The defence case is that Erin Patterson did not deliberately serve poisoned food to her guests," he said.

The defendant denied ever owning a food dehydrator, but police traced one owned by her to a nearby garbage dump, that was later found to contain death cap mushrooms, Ms Rogers said  one of the world's deadliest strains of mushrooms. Mr Mandy said his client had lied repeatedly during the investigation, but had "panicked" due to the intense scrutiny surrounding the case.

Ms Patterson married Simon in 2007 and had two children together, the court heard. They separated temporarily several times, before splitting permanently in 2015. They remained amicable, sharing custody of the children and going on family holidays together.

The trial has seen intense interest from local and international media, with podcasters, journalists and documentary-makers descending on the town of Morwell, around two hours east of Melbourne, where the trial is being heard. The court is expected to hear the first of dozens of witnesses and scientific experts on Thursday. The trial, scheduled to run until early June, continues.
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A jury will soon begin deliberating whether a woman in Australia is guilty of murdering three people and attempting to kill another by serving them a lunch laced with poisonous mushrooms.

Erin Patterson, 50, gave her estranged husbands parents and his aunt and uncle beef wellington at her home in July 2023. The next day all four guests were hospitalised with symptoms of death cap mushroom poisoning, and later three of them died.

Patterson was arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder over the deaths, and is standing trial in a case that has gripped Australia and drawn international attention.

Heres what you need to know about the trial.

Who is Erin Patterson, and what is she accused of?

open image in gallery Lawyers for Patterson, pictured in a court sketch, says the deaths were the result of a terrible accident ( SUPREME COURT OF VICTORIA/AFP vi )

Patterson is a mother-of-two from the Victorian town of Leongatha, east of Melbourne.

She has been charged with murdering Don Patterson, Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson, and charged with the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson.

The defendant had also been charged with three counts of attempted murder relating to her husband Simon Patterson, but those charges were dropped on Tuesday, before the trial opened.

In Australia, murder carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, while attempted murder has a maximum 25-year sentence.

Patterson has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

What happened at the lunch?

open image in gallery The Leongatha home where Patterson is said to have served the lunch ( EPA )

On July 29, 2023, Patterson hosted her estranged husbands parents Don and Gail, as well as Gails sister Heather Wilkinson and Heathers husband, church pastor Ian Wilkinson.

She had invited them all for lunch at her home two weeks prior. Patterson had also invited her husband, Simon, but he declined. The pair had been separated since 2015.

She served her guests beef wellington, which is a beef fillet wrapped in a mushroom paste and covered with pastry, with a side of mashed potato and green beans.

The day after the lunch, all four guests fell ill and went to hospital complaining of nausea and diarrhoea.

Within days, Don, Gail and Heather had died, while Ian Wilkinson survived after receiving an organ transplant.

open image in gallery The guest were served beef wellington for lunch (stock image) ( iStockphoto )

What is the prosecution case?

Prosecutor Nanette Rogers opened her case at the beginning of May in Victorias Supreme Court, and the jury heard from witnesses including Pattersons estranged husband Simon, the lone survivor Ian Wilkinson, as well as medical experts and Patterson herself.

The court heard that on the way to hospital, Heather told Simon she had been puzzled by Patterson eating from a plate that looked different to those she had given her guests.

"I noticed that Erin put her food on a different plate to us. Her plate had colours on it. I wondered why that was. I've puzzled about it since lunch," she said, according to the prosecution.

Simon told his aunt that Patterson might have run out of plates.

The prosecutor said Patterson had not eaten poisonous mushrooms, and had also not fed her children, then aged nine and 14, any leftovers from the lunch.

The prosecutor said she did not need to provide a motive for the killing, and the jury could make its finding without one.

"You might be wondering now why would the accused do this? What is the motive? You might still be wondering this at the end of this trial," Rogers said. "You do not have to be satisfied what the motive was or even that there was a motive."

What did Patterson say in her own defence?

open image in gallery Members of Patterson's legal team, from left: Barrister Sophie Stafford, Lawyer Bill Doogue, Lawyer Ophelia Holloway, and Barrister Colin Mandy SC ( AFP via Getty Images )

In her testimony, Patterson admitted to foraging for mushrooms and using them in her meals. She acknowledged lying after the fatal lunch but denied knowingly serving toxic mushrooms. She described her attempts at dehydrating mushrooms as an experiment.

In the final moments of her cross-examination, the chief prosecutor put three key accusations to Patterson: that she deliberately sourced death cap mushrooms, knowingly included them in the beef wellington and intended to kill her guests.

To all three, Patterson responded: Disagree.

Prosecutors alleged that she had fabricated her foraging history, calling her a self-confessed liar who had no supporting evidence such as books or messages about foraging, but her lawyers maintained that she was simply a mushroom enthusiast and a person of good character.

Pattersons defence team has argued the poisoning was a terrible mistake, with her barrister Colin Mandy SC telling the jury that while the guests had been poisoned by mushrooms, it had been accidental.

"The defence case is what happened was a tragedy. A terrible accident," Mandy said. Her defence conceded Patterson had lied to police when she told them she had not foraged for wild mushrooms.

"She did forage for mushrooms. Just so that we make that clear, she denies that she ever deliberately sought out death cap mushrooms," Mandy said.

What has the judge said?

Supreme Court justice Christopher Beale, who has presided over the trial in the regional Victorian town of Morwell, instructed the jurors to discount lies Patteson admitted to telling, including about her own health.

The issue is not whether she is in some sense responsible for the tragic consequences of the lunch, but whether the prosecution has proved beyond a reasonable doubt that she is criminally responsible, he told the jury.

Similarly, the fact that, on her own admission, Erin Patterson told lies and disposed of evidence must not cause you to be prejudiced against her, he added. This is a court of law, not a court of morals.

The jurors are receiving their final instructions before they can begin deliberating, to reach a unanimous verdict.

With additional reporting from Associated Press
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Crimea is footnoted in British history for the Earl of Cardigan and his disastrous leading of the Charge of the Light Brigade. To Vladimir Putin its where history itself must turn.

Donald Trump, taking an 18th-century might-is-right approach, has said that the peninsula was captured without a fight by Russia from Ukraine in 2014 and therefore should stay in Putins fist.

Of all the 20 per cent of Ukraines territory taken after Russia invaded Crimea 11 years ago and launched its wider Anschluss in 2022, Crimea is the greatest Russian prize.

Whoever controls Sevastopol is likely to dominate the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Outside of Tartus, in Syria, which Russia lost recently, it is  or was  Russias only warm-weather port.

Moscows claim to Crimea has been undermined by the fact that it was ceded to Ukraine under the Soviet Union in 1954.

Putins claim, now enshrined in an illegal annexation of Crimea into the Russian Federation, is further underpinned by waves of Russian settlement and forced removal of local people over at least two centuries that have left it with a Tartar heritage but a Russian ethnic and linguistic majority.

After 2014, it was common in Moscows bars and restaurants for people to remark how happy they were about its return amid rose-tinted memories of sunny beach holidays in a former colony.

Theyve forgotten the Holodomor, when decisions from Moscow led to millions of Ukrainians starving. Theyve ignored the uprisings against efforts to eradicate every trace of Ukraines language, its history, and its culture under Russian rule from the Tsars to Stalin and Putin. The mass deportations of Cossacks from their homeland to Siberia? Not even a nod.

open image in gallery Crimeas position ( Getty/iStock )

Trump wont know any of this either. Despite his plea to Putin for an end to airstrikes against Ukraine in the wake of a deadly attack on Kyiv on Wednesday night into Thursday  he wrote Vladimir, STOP! on social media  all Trump cares about is this war being over, no matter the cost to Ukraines history and future.

The latest chapter of Russian aggression was unleashed when little green men  Russian spetsnaz special forces commandos  used the Russian navy presence in Sevastopol as a bridgehead to seize the peninsula in 2014.

It was launched following a well-tested programme which Putin had pioneered in Georgia. Russian-speaking residents of Georgia and Ukraine (including Crimea), were encouraged to complain about discrimination on the basis of their heritage. In post-Soviet nations many missed the certainty that being Russian brought. They resented finding themselves in junior new states, and in a minority.

In Crimea, their complaints served as an excuse for a rescue mission. Simultaneously, Moscow-backed separatists in Ukraines east also rose and demanded autonomy from Kyiv. Putin sent in Cossacks from Rostov, Slav nationalists from Serbia, and reinforced the uprising with regular Russian forces.

In Kramatorsk, in the Donetsk region, neighbours turned on each other and the police split into rival loyal or pro-Putin factions. I picked my way through the provincial legislative building on floors slippery with spent machine gun rounds not long after Crimea fell.

open image in gallery A Russian military landing ship sails near Kerch, Crimea ( AP )

The town, 90 per cent Russian-speaking, drove out Russian sympathisers and remains a battered and bloodied provisional capital of a province now illegally annexed by Putin. Donetsk, the original seat of government, is now ruled by Moscows proxies on the other side of the front line after intense and bloody fighting.

Putins expansion of territory in 2014 could not have been achieved without the bridgehead of operations being established in Crimea. It was even more crucial to his full-scale invasion of 2022.

He used the peninsula as a logistics hub, building a bridge to the Russian mainland to supply the forces he has crammed into the arid region.

Moscow, following conventional doctrine, destroyed most of Ukraines navy there and used Sevastopol as its main base.

The Kremlins admirals didnt reckon on Ukraines innovation. Its navy now reduced to a handful of small craft, it switched to missiles and drones. First it sank the pride of the Black Sea Fleet, the Moskva, and then it used drones to batter Russias navy out of Ukrainian-occupied areas and into its home ports.

If Moscow is allowed back into Sevastopol, as Trump would want, Russias naval reconstruction and regeneration will continue apace, and in time assume total domination again.

Meanwhile, Crimea remains in Russian hands and is the main origin of rockets and missiles fired at Ukraine, Russias main base for air defences, and its command and control hub for the whole Ukrainian campaign.

Thats why it matters to Putin. And now Trump.
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Police in Greece have arrested a 21-year-old American citizen wanted by U.S. authorities for allegedly participating in an online network dedicated to the sexual exploitation of minors, officials said on Wednesday.

The suspect was taken into custody Tuesday in the city of Thessaloniki, based on an international arrest warrant and extradition request by the United States.

He was not named in accordance with Greek law.

U.S. prosecutors describe the organization behind the network as nihilistic and violent, with links to the sexual abuse of minors and the online distribution of exploitative material.

Prosecutors said group 764 is a nihilistic violent extremist (NVE) network. According to the affidavit in the District of Columbia, 764 is a network of nihilistic violent extremists who engage in criminal conduct in the United States and abroad, seeking to destroy civilized society through the corruption and exploitation of vulnerable populations, which often include minors.

These defendants are accused of orchestrating one of the most heinous online child exploitation enterprises we have ever encountered  a network built on terror, abuse, and the deliberate targeting of children, said Attorney General Bondi. We will find those who exploit and abuse children, prosecute them, and dismantle every part of their operation.

The charges against these subjects represent our resolve to dismantle violent networks that seek to destroy civilized society, said Assistant Director in Charge Jensen of the FBI Washington Field Office. Our work is not done until justice is restored for all impacted victims.

The alleged offenses occurred between December 2023 and April of this year and are also punishable under Greek law, Greek police said in a statement.

The suspect appeared before an appellate prosecutor on Wednesday.

He denies all allegations and has formally opposed extradition, according to Greek judicial authorities.

He will remain in custody until a court of appeals decides in the coming weeks whether to grant the U.S. extradition request.
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Iran said Wednesday the next round of negotiations over its rapidly advancing nuclear program it will have with the United States will be in Rome on Saturday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the comment on the sidelines of a Cabinet meeting, adding that Iran also anticipated having a meeting Friday with France, Germany and the United Kingdom to discuss the talks.

The talks with the U.S. again will be mediated by Oman. The sultanate has hosted two rounds of talks in Oman's capital, Muscat, and one round at its embassy in Rome.

The talks seek to limit Irans nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of some of the crushing economic sanctions the U.S. has imposed on the Islamic Republic closing in on a half-century of enmity.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to unleash airstrikes targeting Irans program if a deal isnt reached. Iranian officials increasingly warn that they could pursue a nuclear weapon with their stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels.
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Millions around the world tuned in to watch as Pope Francis was laid to rest on 26 April, with 400,000 mourners alone paying their final respects outside St Peters Basilica.

The late pontiffs coffin was transported outside Vatican City into Rome, where it was buried at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, with the inscription of his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.

Franciss funeral marks the first day of the Novemdiales, or nine days of mourning, before the Cardinals can begin the papal conclave, a centuries old ritual to select the next pope.

The Roman Catholic cardinals will begin their secret conclave to elect the new leader of the global Church on May 7, Reuters reported on Monday.

open image in gallery Franciss coffin was brought to St Mary Major ( EPA )

Pope Francis, 88, died following a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, the Vatican announced.

The pope was hospitalised for several weeks in February, after suffering from double pneumonia. He returned to the Vatican in mid-March to recover.

As the first pope from Latin America, Pope Francis had led the 1.4 billion-member church since 2013.

Here is the timeline of events from the popes death and what will happen going forward.

20 April 2025 - the popes final public appearance

The day before the pope died, he carried on working through Easter Sunday. Francis even made a public appearance, his first since he was discharged from Gemelli hospital after five weeks with double pneumonia, as he went out into St Peters Square in the popemobile.

open image in gallery Pope Francis greeted crowds in his popemobile on Easter Sunday ( PA )

He was originally hesitant to make the surprise appearance, asking his 24-hour personal health care assistant, Mr Strappetti: Do you think I can manage it?

But once he was in the Square, he embraced the crowd in a poignant moment of his last outing. He would say to Mr Strappetti: Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.

open image in gallery The late pope broke from tradition with a burial at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome ( Vatican Media/PA )

21 April 2025 - Pope Francis dies aged 88 on Easter Monday

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis had died early on Monday morning at 7.35am. The camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, announced his passing two hours later to the rest of the world via the Vaticans news outlet.

It was later revealed that the pope suddenly fell ill at 5.30am before slipping into a coma. His cause of death was due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure.

Later that day, his death certificate was dealt with and the placement of the coffin was organised in the chapel on the ground floor of his residence in the Casa Santa Marta.

They also placed seals on the papal apartment on the third floor of the Apostolic Palace and on the apartment on the second floor of Casa Santa Marta, where the pope had resided.

As camerlengo, Cardinal Farrell will take care of the Holy Sees financial and administrative duties in absence of a pope while a papal conclave is underway.

open image in gallery The pope died on Monday morning ( EPA )

22 April 2025 - the first General Congregation of Cardinals takes place

The first General Congregation of Cardinals took place, during which they decided when Franciss funeral would take place. This marked the beginning period of prayer, reflection and preparation following the popes death.

In the evening, a Rosary took place in St Peters Square, inviting the faithful to join in prayer for Francis.

23 April 2025 - Pope Franciss coffin is taken to lie in state

Pope Francis coffin was taken to St Peters Basilica to lie in state for three days, allowing the public to pay their respects.

open image in gallery Pope Francis body lay in an open coffin at St Peters Basilica from Wednesday to Friday ( PA Wire )

26 April 2025 - The funeral service and the nine day mourning period begins

The funeral service took place in St Peters Square from 10am before he was taken to St Mary Major for burial. A nine-day period of mourning has started.

The basilica was important to the pope because it was his favourite place to pray. He prayed there before and after every international trip.

open image in gallery Pope Francis chose St Mary Major in Rome as his resting place ( AP )

I've always had a great devotion to St Mary Major, even before I became pope, he wrote in his 2024 book El Sucesor.

The last pope who was not buried on Vatican grounds was Leo XIII in 1903.

27 April 2025 - Day two of Novemdiales with a Mass for the faithful of Vatican City

Cardinal Pietro Parollin, Secretary of State for the Vatican, will preside over a Mass for the employees and faithful of Vatican City at St Peters Square on the morning after the popes funeral.

28 April 2025 - Day three of Novemdiales with a Mass for the Church of Rome

Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of His Holiness for the Diocese of Rome, will oversee Mass for the Church of Rome on the Monday evening at St Peters Basilica.

open image in gallery Hundreds of thousands gathered for the funeral mass in St Peters Square ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

29 April 2025 - Day four of Novemdiales with a Mass for The Chapters of the Papal Basilicas

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St Peter in the Vatican, will preside over a Mass for the Chapters of the Papal Basilicas on Tuesday evening. There are four Papal Basilicas in Rome, St Peter's in the Vatican, as well as St John Lateran's, Saint Mary Major's and St Paul's Outside the Walls. The chapters are responsible for the liturgical and sacramental care for each of the churches.

30 April 2025 - Day five of Novemdiales with a Mass for the Papal Chapel

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals, will oversee Mass for the Papal Chapel on Wednesday evening. The Papal Chapel assisted the pope in his functions as the spiritual head of the church, especially during religious ceremonies.

1 May 2025 - Day six of Novemdiales with a Mass for the Roman Curia

Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside the Mass for the Roman Curia on Thursday evening. The Roman Curia comprises the administrative institutions of the Holy See, which is the central governing body of the Catholic Church.

2 May 2025 - Day seven of Novemdiales with a Mass for the Eastern Churches

A week into mourning, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches will oversee mass for the Eastern Churches on Friday evening. The Eastern Churches represents Catholicism across Eastern Europe, Eastern Africa, the Middle East, and India, with 18 million members.

open image in gallery After the funeral, attention is likely to turn to the conclave of cardinals who will elect the next pope (Andrew Medichini/AP) ( AP )

3 May 2025 - Day eight of Novemdiales with a Mass for members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life

Cardinal Angel Fernandez Artime, Pro-Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life will oversee a Mass for members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

4 May 2025 - Day nine of Novemdiales with a Mass for the Papal Chapel group

On the final day of mourning, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Protodeacon of the College of Cardinals, will preside the Mass with the Papal Chapel group again on Sunday evening.

7 May 2025 - the earliest date the papal conclave can begin

The conclave to elect a new pope typically begins between 15 to 20 days after the popes passing. Cardinals are expected to give an exact date after the funeral.

The process of election is shrouded in secrecy, and its believed to be virtually unchanged in 800 years. Under the current rules, only cardinals below the age of 80 are allowed to cast a vote.

Officially candidates for pope need only be male and Catholic, although in reality, pontiffs have only ever been chosen from the ranks of cardinals for centuries.

The 135 cardinals of voting age will gather inside the exquisitely decorated Sistine Chapel  home of all the Papal Conclaves since 1858, where they will whittle down candidates through successive rounds of voting.

open image in gallery The conclave is a secret ritual ( Vatican Pope Conclave Movie )

When the cardinals have gathered, the shout extra omnes (everybody out) rings out and the cardinals  who are sworn to an oath of secrecy  will be locked inside the Conclave until they can choose a successor.

There is no guarantee that the first round of voting will be revealed the same day. Through a mixture of speeches, prayer, reflection  and intense political jostling.

The names of nine cardinals are chosen at random to officiate and organise the vote. Three become scrutineers, whose job it is to oversee the vote. Three more collect the votes and three more revise them.

During each ballot cardinals write the name of their choice, ideally in distorted handwriting to disguise their identity. The ballot papers are then burned in a small fire inside the Sistine Chapel. The black smoke which is produced by the fire tells the crowds waiting outside that a new pope has yet to be chosen.

A pope is only elected when a single candidate receives a two-thirds majority.
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The head of Pope Franciss medical team has revealed new details about the pontiffs final moments.

The 88-year-old died quickly on the morning of Easter Monday, Dr Sergio Alfieri, who oversaw the Pope's treatment for pneumonia earlier this year at Rome's Gemelli hospital, said in interviews published on Thursday.

Francis died without undue suffering and medical intervention could not have saved him, Dr Alfieri said.

He recounted receiving an urgent call around 5.30am on Monday, summoning him to the Vatican. Arriving about 20 minutes later, he found the Pope conscious but unresponsive.

"I entered his rooms and he (Francis) had his eyes open," Dr. Alfieri told Corriere della Sera.

"I ascertained that there were no respiratory problems. And then I tried to call his name, but he did not respond to me."

Dr Alfieri said he recognised the gravity of the situation.

open image in gallery Pope Francis died quickly on Easter Monday ( AP )

"In that moment I knew there was nothing more to do. He was in a coma."

In another interview with La Repubblica, Dr. Alfieri mentioned that some officials present suggested immediately transporting the Pope back to Gemelli hospital. However, given the circumstances, it was determined that further medical intervention would have been futile.

"He would have died on the way," said the doctor.

"Doing a CT scan we would have had a more exact diagnosis, but nothing more. It was one of those strokes that, in an hour, carries you away."

Francis had nearly died while fighting pneumonia, but his death came as a shock.

Just the previous day he appeared in St. Peter's Square in an open-air popemobile to greet cheering crowds on Easter Sunday, suggesting his convalescence was going well.

open image in gallery Pope Francis greets crowds in his popemobile on Easter Sunday

Pope kept working

After Francis returned to the Vatican on March 23 after a 38-day hospital stay, Alfieri and the pope's other doctors had prescribed him a two-month period of rest to allow his ageing body to heal.

Francis, known to push himself hard, kept working. He met briefly with US Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday, and had visited a prison in Rome on April 17, Holy Thursday, to offer well wishes to the inmates.

Dr Alfieri said the pope listened to his doctors' advice and didn't push himself too hard.

"He (was) the pope," the doctor told Corriere. "Going back to work was part of his treatment and he was never exposed to danger."

The doctor said he last saw Francis on Saturday afternoon. "He was very well," said Dr Alfieri, who said he gifted the pope some pie, in a flavour he knew the pontiff liked.

open image in gallery Visitors queue to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis at the Vatican ( AFP/Getty )

He recounted the pope saying, "I am very well, I have started working again, and I like it."

"We knew that he wanted to go home to be pope up until the last moment," said the doctor. "He didn't let us down."

In the Repubblica interview, Dr Alfieri said Francis had shared one final regret with him.

While he was happy to have visited the prisoners on April 17, he wished he had been able to perform a foot-washing ritual for the Church's celebration of Holy Thursday.

"He regretted he could not wash the feet of the prisoners," said the doctor.

"'This time I couldn't do it' was the last thing he said to me."
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A Turkish court on Wednesday convicted a Swedish journalist of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Joakim Medin was given an 11-month suspended prison term, a media rights group said, but he remains in custody awaiting the outcome of a separate trial on terrorism-related charges.

Medin, a journalist with the daily Dagens ETC, was detained March 27 as he arrived at Istanbul airport to cover last months nationwide protests that erupted following the arrest of Istanbuls popular mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. The journalist was jailed days later on charges of insulting Erdogan and membership of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK.

No trial date has been set for his second trial, where he could face maximum nine years in prison.

Medin, who is being held in Istanbuls high-security Marmara Prison, joined Wednesdays hearing in the capital Ankara via a video conference system.

The charges against him were based on an investigation launched by the Ankara Public Prosecutors Office into a rally in Stockholm on Jan. 11, 2023, that was attended by supporters of the PKK, and included an effigy of Erdogan hanging by his feet.

According to the Turkish Presidencys Communications Department, the prosecutors office identified 15 suspects, including Medin, who had organized, participated or covered the event. It said Medin also allegedly facilitated communication between the PKK and media outlets.

During the opening hearing, Medin reported multiple violations of his basic rights during the initial stages of his detention, including the right to access to a translator, to a lawyer and consular services, according to the Media and Law Studies Association, or MLSA, which observed the proceeding.

He denied that he was present at the rally.

The indictment begins with a protest I did not attend and includes (social media) posts I did not share, the MLSA cited Medin as telling the court.

On Jan. 11, 2023, a small group of activists held a protest in front of the city hall, hanging an effigy of Erdogan upside down, the journalist continued. I wasnt there  I was working in Germany at the time. I had no knowledge of this protest and made no social media posts about it.

The PKK has waged a 40-year insurgency in Turkey which has cost tens of thousands of lives and is designated a terrorist organization by Ankara and its Western allies.

A peace initiative between the Turkish state and the PKK was initiated in October, and the organization declared a ceasefire at the beginning of March upon a call to do so by its imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan.
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Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna was brutally tortured in Russian captivity, given electric shocks, and had some of her internal organs removed, a joint media investigation has revealed.

Numerous signs of torture and ill-treatment were found on the journalists body returned by Russia, said Yurii Belousov, head of the war crimes department at the Prosecutor General's Office. The experts, who were a part of the investigation, also saw signs of electric shock torture on Roshchyna.

An independent examination of Roshchynas body in Ukraine showed that her brain, eyes, and parts of trachea had been removed, the French newsroom Forbidden Stories investigation said.

Roshchyna, 27, was confirmed dead on 19 September last year by Russian authorities after she was imprisoned in a Russian detention facility dubbed hell on Earth. She went missing in August 2023 while reporting from Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia region. Her father said he received a call from Roshchyna for the last time on 3 August but they lost contact with her shortly after.

Ukraine confirmed her death on 10 October last year, stating she died while being transported from a detention facility in southern Russias Taganrog to Moscow.

The Taganrog facility is described as hell on Earth for captive Ukrainians, with beatings routinely reported by former prisoners, said Tetiana Katrychenko, executive director at the Media Initiative for Human Rights, a Ukrainian rights group tracking Roshchynas case.

Her human remains, tagged with the number 757, were handed over by Russia in late February this year with Russian documents labelling her as an unidentified male.

However, a forensic examination showed the body was that of a woman. A DNA testing also identified the remains as of Roshchynas with 99 per cent certainty.

People hold portraits of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna during a commemoration at Independence Square in Kyiv ( Global Images Ukraine via Getty )

More than 40 journalists from 13 international media outlets participated in the latest investigation, who conducted more than 50 interviews with former prisoners, ex-prison guards, and human rights activists.

Investigators have said the body showed evidence of an autopsy conducted in Russia before it was returned to Ukraine.

The organs may have been deliberately removed from Roshchynas body to hide signs of suffocation or strangulation, according to an international forensic pathologist.

The investigators also found a bruise on Roshchynas neck, along with a suspected fracture of the hyoid bone, which is a common indicator of strangulation. Her body was marked with the Russian abbreviation SPAS, which is indicative of total failure of the arteries of the heart, according to the journalists.

This may have been used by Russian authorities to fabricate the actual cause of Roshchynas death, they said.

The condition of the body has made it impossible to find the exact cause of her death.

Last year, Ukrainian officials and Roshchynas ex-colleagues told The Independent they were concerned the delay in returning her body by Russia could help in the cover-up of the cause of her death.

Petro Yatsenko, spokesperson for the Ukrainian coordination centre for the treatment of prisoners of war, said that in the absence of any formal statement by Russia detailing the reason, it is understood that something happened to the young journalist while she was being transferred from one pre-detention facility to another in Russia.

Taganrog facility is well known for its horrible torture and inhumane behaviour towards the Ukrainian prisoners of war, he told The Independent last year.

Forbidden Stories said none of the Russian officials solicited by the consortium  the Kremlin, the Federal Security Service (FSB), and the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN), as well as several Taganrog higher-ups  responded to their requests for comment.
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Ukraines minerals have become central to global geopolitics, with the US president, Donald Trump, seeking a deal with Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky to access them.

On April 30, Ukraines prime minister Denys Shmyhal said a minerals deal could be signed within the next 24 hours after the final details were worked out.

Earlier in the month, Ukrainian economy minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, took to X and shared photos of her and US treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, signing the outline of the preliminary minerals deal separately.

What are these minerals exactly and why are they so sought after?

Ukraine is often recognised for its vast agricultural lands and industrial heritage, but beneath its surface lies one of the worlds most remarkable geological formations, the Ukrainian Shield.

This massive, exposed crystalline rock formed over 2.5 billion years ago, stretches across much of Ukraine. It represents one of Earths oldest and most stable continental blocks.

The formation has undergone multiple episodes of mountain building, the formation and movement of magma and other change throughout time.

These geological processes created favourable geological conditions for forming several mineral deposits including lithium, graphite, manganese, titanium and rare earth elements.

All these are now critical for modern industries and the global green energy transition.

Ukraine has deposits containing 22 of 34 critical minerals identified by the European Union as essential for energy security. This positions Ukraine among the worlds most resource-rich nations.

International race

As the world races to decarbonise, demand for critical minerals is skyrocketing. Electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels and energy storage systems all require lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements which Ukraine has in abundance.

The price of lithium has surged from US$1,500 (1,164) per ton in the 1990s to around $20,000 per ton in recent years. Demand is expected to increase nearly 40-fold by 2040.

open image in gallery Lithium is used in electronics the world over ( Getty Images )

According to the International Energy Agency, the number of electric vehicles is projected to exceed 125 million by 2030. Similar growth is expected for other battery metals. Each electric vehicle requires significantly more lithium than conventional electronics. For example, a Tesla Model S battery requires approximately 63kg of high-purity lithium.

Ukraine has three major lithium deposits. These include Shevchenkivske in the Donetsk region as well as Polokhivske and Stankuvatske in the centrally located Kirovograd region  all within the Ukrainian Shield. Despite the significant mineral potential, many of Ukraines mineral deposits have remained largely unexplored due to the war with Russia, which has disrupted mining operations and damaged infrastructure.

The Shevchenkivske lithium deposit contains high concentrations of spodumene  the primary lithium-bearing mineral used in battery production. Its reserve is estimated as 13.8 million tonnes of lithium ores. That said, extracting it requires an estimated US$1020 million in exploration investment before mining can begin.

Meanwhile, the Polokhivske deposit at is approximately 270 thousand tonnes of lithium is considered one of the best lithium sites in Europe. Thats because of its favourable geological conditions, making extraction more economically viable.

But lithium represents just one element of Ukraines mineral resources. According to the US geological survey, Ukraine ranks globally as the third-largest producer of the mineral rutile  making up 15.7 per cent of worlds total output. It is the sixth-largest producer of iron ore (3.2 per cent of total output) and titanium (5.8 per cent), as well as the seventh-largest producer of manganese ore (3.1 per cent).

open image in gallery Wind turbines at a solar energy plant in Germany ( AP )

Ukraine also has Europes largest uranium reserves, crucial for nuclear power and weapons. It boasts significant deposits of rare earth elements, including neodymium and dysprosium, which are needed for manufacturing everything from smartphones to wind turbines and electric motors.

In addition, Ukraine is home to the worlds largest proven reserves of manganese ores. Theres approximately 2.4 billion tonnes of it concentrated primarily in the Nikopol Basin on the southern slope of the Ukrainian Shield.

The strategic significance of Ukraines minerals has gained recognition in international diplomacy. Recent bilateral negotiations between Ukraine and the US highlight the geopolitical importance of these resources.

A proposed minerals deal would involve Ukraine contributing 50 per cent of future proceeds from state-owned mineral resources, oil and gas and other extractable materials to a reconstruction investment fund for Ukraines post-war rebuilding. The fund would be jointly managed by Kyiv and Washington.

What about the USs own minerals?

The USs interest in Ukrainian minerals reflects a broader geopolitical concern over increasing demand, volatile price movements and supply chain vulnerabilities.

While the US has many of the same critical minerals as Ukraine, it has historically outsourced mining and refining due to environmental regulations, high labour costs and more attractive foreign markets.

This has led to a reliance on imports, particularly from China, which dominates critical mineral production and processing. Getting access to Ukraines minerals in exchange for military protection means the US can avoid having to buy these minerals from China.

open image in gallery A man holds a lithium stone found in a mine ( AP )

The US federal strategy in fact states it will prioritise diversification through mineral security partnerships aiming to establish a more stable and resilient supply chain.

The USs critical minerals are distributed across various geological provinces including the Appalachian Mountains, the Cordilleran Belt and the Precambrian Shield exposed in parts of the midwest.

While the US has developed substantial lithium resources, particularly in Nevadas Clayton Valley and North Carolinas Kings Mountain, much of its current lithium production comes from brine operations. This is the extraction from salt solutions, such as seawater or saline lakes, which can be more expensive than hard-rock mining.

The global shift toward green energy and electric transportation is accelerating, and minerals are at the heart of this transition. Around 80 per cent of the lithium produced globally is used for battery production. Major automakers are investing billions in electric vehicle production, driving unprecedented demand for the minerals that power this technology.

Ukraines mineral wealth positions it as a potential leader in the clean energy revolution. Once stability returns, Ukraine will have a golden opportunity to reshape the global supply chain for critical minerals. Even with a 50 per cent allocation to the US, Ukraine would still be able to fund domestic infrastructure, industry growth, jobs and economic recovery.

Munira Raji is a Research Fellow of Geology at the University of Plymouth

This article was originally published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article
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Millions across Spain and Portugal were left in the dark on Monday as an unprecedented power outage brought much of the Iberian peninsula to a standstill.

It took almost 23 hours for Spains electrical grid to declare that systems were back up and running as normal, with the outage affecting traffic lights, street lamps, payment terminals, and screens. Domestic and international transport was badly hit with metro systems grinding to a halt and communication networks faltering, leaving many wondering what had gone wrong. Hundreds of flights were canceled at airports across Spain and Portugal.

The governments of both countries are still in the dark about the reason for the mass electrical outage. Spains national power company, Red Electrica, said it did not have definitive conclusions about the reasons for the outage.

Conspiracy theories began popping up, including international sabotage, a cyber attack or even renewables being responsible for the outage.

Prime minister Pedro Sanchez said his government had not ruled out any hypothesis. "We must not rush to (conclusions) and (commit) errors through haste," Mr Sanchez said on Tuesday.

open image in gallery People gather in Plaza Mayor, downtown Madrid, during a major power outage, Monday ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

In the immediate aftermath, explanations were thin on the ground.

The issue has been narrowed to two separate incidents of power generation loss in the south west within seconds of each other that caused instability in the electrical systems and then an immediate disconnection from the French network for almost an hour.

In a span of just five minutes, between 12.30pm and 12.35 pm local time on Monday, solar PV generation plunged by more than 50 per cent. A sudden outage saw the equivalent of 60 per cent of demand in Spain drop out within five seconds.

Mr Sanchez said: "We will find out what happened in those five seconds."

open image in gallery Passengers crowd the train entrances at Sants station in Barcelona, Spain ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Officials said there was little precedent for this kind of widespread electric failure across all of the Iberian peninsula. "We have never had a complete collapse of the system," said Mr Sanchez, talking about how the power grid lost 15 gigawatts.

Experts say a proper investigation will take time  and that the cause remains uncertain. Spain's grid operator, Red Electrica de Espana (REE), spoke of a "very strong oscillation in the electrical network" that led to the country's disconnection from the wider European power system.

On Tuesday, Spains top criminal court said it would investigate the huge power outage to find out if a cyberattack against Spanish critical infrastructure may have caused the blackout in nearly all of the Iberian Peninsula.

If that were the case, Judge Jorge Calama would investigate it as a crime of terrorism, a court document showed.

However, REE has ruled out the possibility of a cyberattack in its preliminary assessment.

Meanwhile, Portugal's operator, REN (Redes Energeticas Nacionais), initially suggested a "rare atmospheric phenomenon" in Spain, involving extreme temperature variations, could have caused vibrations in high-voltage lines.

But many experts are sceptical of those claims.

I am not familiar with this term, Dr Jianzhong Wu, professor of multi-vector energy systems at University of Cardiff, said. It is not widely used or frequently encountered in power system engineering.

Induced atmospheric vibration could mean unusual physical movements of power lines caused by rapid and extreme changes in atmospheric conditions, such as temperature shifts or localised weather phenomena, he explains.

These vibrations can alter the electrical properties of transmission lines or trigger protective mechanisms designed to prevent damage, leading to unexpected disconnections. Alternatively, it could refer to unusual changes in electricity demand and generation caused by rapid atmospheric shifts.

Dr Wu says there isnt enough information available to make an assessment on the cause.

One of the key aspects of this blackout is how it managed to affect such a large area. Both Spain and Portugal's electricity grids are tightly linked, not just to each other but also to the broader European system. This interconnectedness usually provides resilience, allowing power to be shared across borders.

However, Dr Jianzhong Wu, professor of multi-vector energy systems at University of Cardiff, said it can also mean that "disturbances can spread quickly if a major synchronisation failure occurs.

open image in gallery Huge crowds remain in Barcelona train station on Tuesday ( AP )

In this case, the disruption appears to have propagated rapidly through the Iberian peninsula.

Dr David Brayshaw, a professor of climate science and energy meteorology at the University of Reading, explained: "Power systems are networks, connecting local disruptions to wider areas... If something on the network  a generator, a power line, or even a large electricity user  suddenly disappears, it creates a supply-demand imbalance, and the system frequency starts to shift. If that shift becomes too large, other components can trip offline, creating a snowball effect that worsens the imbalance and can trigger a major blackout  sometimes within seconds."

With both Spain and Portugal increasingly relying on renewable energy sources like solar and wind, questions have been raised about their role in the outage. Experts were quick to dismiss this as the primary cause, however.

Daniel Muir, a senior European power analyst at S&P Global, told Politico that "the nature and scale of the outage makes it unlikely that the volume of renewables was the cause."

There was sufficient conventional generation available, with nuclear, hydro, cogeneration and thermal technologies all on the system prior to the event and ... available to the operator, he said.

Dr Keith Bell, professor of electronic and electrical engineering at the University of Strathclyde, said:Events of this scale have happened in many places around the world over the years, in power systems using fossil fuels, nuclear, hydro or variable renewables. It doesn't matter where you are getting the energy from, you've got to get the engineering right in order to ensure resilient supplies of electricity.

There has also been a lot of speculation asking whether the outages were the work of cyber-saboteurs launching a strike on Europe. However, there is no evidence suggesting that was the case.

European Commission executive vice president Teresa Ribera dismissed that possibility, saying there was nothing that allows us to say that there is any kind of sabotage or cyberattack.

While this is a rare event, its not an unlikely one. Experts caution that as the worlds electricity demands increase and power systems change, there needs to be more research into the vulnerabilities of these systems.

"System operators and equipment owners try to ensure that such major events dont happen and to learn lessons when they do, sharing those lessons internationally once investigations have been completed, Dr Bell said.
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A dog that had been missing for over a month was found by chance by firefighters in Massachusetts while they were tackling a nearby blaze.

The frightened animal, named Ally, was discovered shivering in a storm drain, after crews who were attempting to divert fuel from the wreckage from seeping into nearby drains  heard her yelping.

The lucky find occurred after crews from the West Springfield and Chicopee fire departments responded to reports of a vehicle fire on Interstate 91 on April 21.

They found a vehicle ablaze, with its gas tank ruptured by the fire and spilling gasoline onto the roadway. The gas was headed for the storm drains, said West Springfield fire officials.

open image in gallery Ally, a dog missing for over a month, was found by chance by Massachusetts firefighters, who were tackling an unrelated fire nearby ( West Springfield Fire Department )

The driver was removed from the vehicle and the fire was extinguished.

The occupant was transported to a local hospital with burns and smoke inhalation but the injuries werent life-threatening.

After extinguishing the fire, crews worked to divert the fuel from entering the drains where they found Ally  who had not been involved in the initial incident.

open image in gallery ( West Springfield Fire Department )

The dog was safely extracted and taken to a local animal shelter, where vets discovered her identity and contacted her owners.

Ally is now at home and recovering.

Renee Robichaud, a supervisor at Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control, told Western Mass News that she was still unsure how the animal had ended up in the drain, or how long she had been trapped.

open image in gallery A firefighter poses with Ally, a dog missing for over a month, who was found down a storm drain during an unrelated incident. The animal has since been safely returned to her owners ( West Springfield Fire Department )

I don't think there had been a single sighting yet, until that moment when the car caught on fire," she said.

Lieutenant Dennis Foley of the West Springfield Fire Department agreed that the discovery was incredibly fortunate.

"I think winning the lottery would be better odds than us finding a dog that we weren't looking for," he told the outlet.
Broadchurch actor Olivia Colman has joined the likes of Sylvester Stallone, Samuel L Jackson and George Clooney in appearing in an advert for bakery brand Warburton's, revealing an unconventional choice of topping for her crumpets.

Entering Jonathan Warburton's office as a "very special agent" from the Department of National Treasures, Colman later takes away stacks of crumpets for testing.

Holding a crumpet topped with strawberries and cream inside a car, the actor reveals the national treasure investigation was made up.

"Thanks for the crumpets," she adds.

The advert debuts on ITV on Saturday (3 May).
Sir David Amess daughter has said she rejects an apology from Belfast band Kneecap, after video from November 2023 appeared to show a member saying: The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.

The group said on Tuesday (29 April) that it rejects "any suggestion that we would seek to invite violence against any MP or individual", and sent its "heartfelt apologies" to the families of murdered MPs Sir David and Jo Cox.

The Metropolitan Police is assessing the footage, along with a video clip from another concert in November 2024 in which a member of the band appeared to shout "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" - groups which it is a crime to support in the UK.

Kneecap said that footage had been deliberately taken out of context and was being exploited and weaponised, they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah and condemned all attacks on civilians.
Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg has addressed rumours about owning an underground bunker in Hawaii, telling comedian Theo Von's This Past Weekend podcast that the base is "more underground storage".

The Facebook owner went on to add that it is "not that big of a tunnel", referencing an Instagram video in which his wife, paediatrician Priscilla Chan, filmed her husband playing video games inside the facility.

"It's sort of a tunnel that just goes to another building ... It's like having a little storm shelter underground," he said.
This is the heart-stopping moment police rescued an 11-year-old autistic boy after he wandered onto a freeway in Santee, California.

The child, who is non-verbal, had reportedly gone missing after he ran out of a supermarket he was visiting with his family.

Drone footage released by the San Diego County Sheriff's Office shows the boy crouching near the State Route 52 on-ramp on March 9. Two deputies can be seen chasing him as he hops onto the freeway shoulder while cars race by.

Eventually, the officers are able to safely grab the child and escort him back to his family. There were no reported injuries from the incident.
Donald Trump clashed with an ABC journalist over a disputed image of Kilmar Abrego Garcia in an interview broadcast on Tuesday, 29 April to mark the president's first 100 days in office in his second term.

The Republican complained that Terry Moran was "not being very nice" during a tense exchange, in which they discussed the deported El Salvador native and Maryland father and claims he was a member of the MS-13 gang.

Mr Trump pointed to an image of Mr Abrego Garcia that he claimed showed him with gang tattoos on his knuckles. The image has been sharply challenged; critics say the photo has been digitally altered.

No other evidence links Mr Abrego Garcia to the gang.
Donald Trump poked fun at Democrats drawing in small crowds as he spoke to a rally in Michigan where rows of empty seats were visible.

The president addressed an audience on Tuesday (29 April) to mark 100 days in office in his second term.

During his speech, the Republican warned that nothing will stop me as he reveled in his use of executive power to shape government.

After taking the stage, Mr Trump said: They say Our crowds are so much bigger than [Republicans crowds.

The crowds are small. If I ever had a crowd like their biggest crowd, they'd say it's over for Trump.
The Lep Inn in Stillorgan, Dublin was formerly known as The Leopardstown Inn. Photo: Gareth Byrne

The Loyola Group is selling one of south Dublins best-known hostelries, The Lep Inn in Leopardstown, a popular haunt of racegoers visiting the nearby racecourse.

Agent BDM Property is guiding 7.25m for its sale, which comes as Loyola pivots away from suburban Dublin and focuses its attention on the city centre and Portugals Algarve.
I may not have a joint bank account, but all my money is my own  the financial perks of being single
Legislation for dynamic pricing was passed in 2022, but October deadline has been moved to June next year

Programming appliances to switch on when prices at their lowest would bring bills down. Photo: Alamy

Householders are being unfairly denied the chance to lower their electricity bills because of delays in introducing flexi-time tariffs, a government advisory body has said.

Legislation was passed to require large electricity companies to offer dynamic pricing tariffs in 2022.

They were initially given until next October to comply, but the energy regulator, the CRU, postponed that deadline at the companies request and recently set a new date of June next year.

The Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) said the move was disappointing because it left customers unable to opt for flexible tariffs that dropped when renewable electricity from wind and solar was plentiful and cheap.

Electricity suppliers must provide new tariffs, as set out in legislation, which is vital to both altering consumption patterns and shifting electricity usage away from peak times and saving people, households and businesses money, council chair Marie Donnelly said.

We are calling on the CRU to reconsider its decision to extend the deadline for electricity suppliers to offer these new tariffs.

Her remarks come as the CCAC publishes a highly critical review of the Governments electricity policies and plans.

It takes aim at plans to expand the power-hungry data centre sector and to build facilities to import greenhouse gas-intensive liquefied natural gas (LNG) to fuel electricity generation.

It highlights multiple fixable but lingering barriers that are slowing the roll-out of wind energy onshore and offshore.

It also criticises the way customers are being treated in the transition to renewable electricity.

Legislation entitles customers to enter into a dynamic price contract with any supplier that has more than 200,000 electricity customers

While 1.9 million households have smart meters installed, only 20pc are using them to analyse their electricity usage and choose price plans that best suit their usage patterns.

A national campaign is needed to encourage customers to access their usage data along with better explanations as to how to use the information, the CCAC said.

Smart meters are also meant to enable customers opt for dynamic pricing tariffs, which track the wholesale electricity market and adjust prices continually throughout the day.

Programming appliances to switch on when renewables are at their peak and prices at their lowest would allow customers to cut their bills.

When the CRU sanctioned the postponement to June 2026, it said three suppliers, Electric Ireland, Energia and Prepay Power, needed more time to prepare.

They also argued that wholesale prices were generally higher in winter so summer would be a better time to start.

The CRU said the companies had stressed the utmost importance of getting dynamic price tariffs off to a good start, thereby ensuring the best customer experience and avoiding poor uptake of this tariff in the longer term.

The CCAC said, however, that Ireland was among a minority of EU countries where households could not choose dynamic price contracts despite EU regulations requiring them where smart meters are installed.

It said that the legislation enacted in 2022 entitles customers to enter into a dynamic price contract with any supplier that has more than 200,000 electricity customers.

However, no supplier has made such a tariff available to customers to date.
Young man denies teacher 'groomed him as Leaving Cert student, but says they had sex in hotel after exams were over
A dangerous quad bike driver who rode around a public park and encouraged two young children on scramblers to follow him out onto the wrong side of a road has been jailed.

Johnel Sullivan (34) was told by a judge the location near a playground and schools was not Mondello and his behaviour was outrageous. Judge John Hughes sentenced him to three months in prison, with another one suspended, and banned him from driving for five years.
The daughter of murdered British MP David Amess said police should investigate the footage of a group member appearing to call for Tory MPs to be killed

The daughter of murdered MP David Amess has accused Kneecap of gaslighting in the rap groups apology and said it would be very dangerous for the group to perform at Glastonbury.

Video has emerged from a November 2023 gig appearing to show one member of the group saying: The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.

In an interview with the PA news agency, Katie Amess said it is right that the Metropolitan Police are assessing the footage, adding that her father would still be here if officers had followed through and looked into threats against him.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 30th

Ms Amess said she was absolutely heartbroken after seeing the clip because it brought back so much pain and upset, and called for the group to take full accountability before being allowed to perform on stage.

Kneecap denied inciting violence, calling the clip deliberately taken out of context, but did say: To the Amess and Cox families, we send our heartfelt apologies.

Tory David Amess was stabbed to death in 2021, and Labour MP Jo Cox died after being stabbed and shot in 2016.

Sir David Amess was stabbed to death in 2021 (Ian West/PA)

Ms Amess told PA that the Kneecap statement suggested the trio had been badly advised because it was deflection and excuses and gaslighting.

She said: It was absurd, thats not an apology. Its deflection, it is not taking accountability, its making excuses.

They dont understand what theyre talking about, they obviously arent educated enough in what theyre speaking about to think that they can use those excuses and everybody will be like, oh, never mind, lets move on to something else.

Ms Amess called on the group to apologise directly to those they had offended.

The Metropolitan Police are assessing the footage, along with a video clip from another concert in November 2024 in which a member of the band appeared to shout up Hamas, up Hezbollah  groups which are banned as terrorist organisations in the UK.

Ms Amess said Scotland Yard should absolutely investigate the matter, adding: If the police had followed through and looked into threats against my dad the night before the murder, my dad would still be here.

Kneecap at the Irish Film and Television Awards (Brian Lawless/PA)

So we cant wait until after the act and then say, oh dear, lessons will be learned. No, lessons are never learned.

When these things happen, when theres a warning, when theres an incitement to do this, we have to get ahead of these things in order to prevent loss of innocent lives. And if wed have done that with my dad, he would still be here.

Ms Amess also said that Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch may be correct in saying that the group should be banned full stop.

She said: I think we need to let the police do an investigation.

I think that maybe Kemi is right. I dont know all the ins and outs of all the history of other stuff that they have said, so I dont want to speak out of line.

But the police definitely need to investigate and there needs to be criminal action against them.

And then if we find that, yeah, they really are spouting this kind of rhetoric and they dont understand the consequences, and this has happened consistently and theyre not taking accountability, then perhaps, yes, but we should investigate first.

Kneecap (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Ministers are putting pressure on the organisers of the Glastonbury Festival over the bands inclusion in the line-up.

Ms Amess said: For them to get up on stage in front of millions of people, who knows what theyre going to say, it could be very, very dangerous.

Mr Amess, 69, was stabbed to death by Ali Harbi Ali at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on October 15 2021.

The MP, a father of five, had been holding a surgery in his Southend West constituency when he was attacked by Ali, who was sentenced to a whole-life prison term for the murder in 2022.

A series of threatening phone calls were made to the adult son of the veteran MP the evening before the murder, which police said were not linked in any way to the attack.

Ms Amess has called for a full inquest into his death, saying there are still unanswered questions about why the police did not protect his constituency surgery after the threats.
Irish branches of international financial institutions are facilitating billions of euro in investments in expanding fossil-fuel operations around the world, new research shows.

The analysis found the largely Dublin-based operations held more than 31bn in oil, gas and other fossil-fuel investments last year.

More than 90pc of those investments were in companies that are continuing or expanding oil and gas exploration.

That is despite global pledges by governments to dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions, for which fossil fuels are the primary source. The research was carried out for Trocaire and ActionAid Ireland, which are calling on the Government to stop private finance flowing through Ireland to fossil-fuel companies.

Ireland enacted the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act in 2018 which pulled public money out of fossil fuels by prohibiting the state-owned Strategic Investment Fund from buying shares in them.

However, the rules do not apply to private companies that either invest directly in fossil fuels or act on behalf of investors.

Trocaire and ActionAid will meet politicians in Leinster House today to present their report and ask for amendments to the law.

The findings in this report are shocking, ActionAid Ireland chief executive Karol Balfe said.

Ireland may not have a domestic fossil fuel industry, but it is clear we are deeply complicit in fuelling the global climate emergency, providing a tax-friendly financial gateway for some of the most destructive industries on the planet.

The report found that Ireland ranked 14th in the world in terms of managing international fossil-fuel investments. That puts Ireland ahead of much larger countries such as Russia, Kuwait and Brazil, which are major fossil-fuel producers.

It calculated that the investments that flowed through Ireland in 2023 fuelled 72.5 million tonnes (mt) of carbon emissions  10.5mt more than Irelands total national emissions for the year.

Ms Balfe said none of this activity could be justified in countries that had signed up to the landmark Paris Agreement on cutting global emissions.

There is no credible path to climate safety if financial flows to fossil fuels, including those channelled through Ireland, are not shut down, she said.

This means direct regulation of financial institutions, requiring them to adopt and implement transition plans aligned with the Paris Agreement.

Siobhan Curran, of Trocaire, said the aid agency was seeing first-hand the impacts of the continued support of the fossil-fuel industry in countries suffering severe droughts, floods, population displacement and other deadly effects of climate change.

The Irish-based operations identified as holding the biggest investments in fossil fuels include BlackRock and State Street, both US-owned; Credit Agricole (France); Marsh McLennan (US); Intesa Sanpaolo (Italy); Banco Mediolanum (Italy); Power Corporation of Canada; Neuberger Berman (US); FinecoBank (Italy); and Zurich Insurance (Switzerland).
British band Massive Attack have defended Kneecap after one of the rap groups members appeared to call for Tory MPs to be killed.

Video has emerged from a November 2023 gig appearing to show one member of the Irish trio saying: The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP. Another video from last year appears to show a band member shouting Up Hamas, up Hezbollah while draped in a Hezbollah flag on stage.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin called for Kneecap to urgently clarify their remarks, before they issued an apology for their comments, which was described as gaslighting by the daughter of a murdered Tory MP.

UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for Kneecap to be banned while other politicians pushed for the group to be dropped from the Glastonbury Festival line-up.

A statement on Massive Attacks Instagram account on Wednesday said: Language matters of course. The hideous murders of elected politicians Jo Cox and David Amess means theres no scope for flippancy or recklessness.

It said politicians are strategically concocting moral outrage over the stage utterings of a young punk band while ignoring a genocide in Gaza.

The statement added: Kneecap are not the story. Gaza is the story. Genocide is the story.

And the silence, acquiescence and support of those crimes against humanity by the elected British government is the real story.

Solidarity with all artists with the moral courage to speak out against Israeli war crimes, and the ongoing persecution and slaughter of the Palestinian people.

It comes as the Metropolitan Police assesses the video clip, along with footage from another concert in November 2024 in which a member of Kneecap appeared to shout up Hamas, up Hezbollah  groups which are banned as terrorist organisations in the UK.

Meanwhile, the Irish rap trios scheduled performance at the Eden Project, in Cornwall, was cancelled, with a spokesperson for Eden Sessions saying ticket-holders would be contacted directly and refunded.

Three more Kneecap concerts have been cancelled in Germany, BBC News reported.

British ministers also put pressure on the organisers of the Glastonbury Festival over the bands inclusion in the line-up.

In a statement posted on Instagram, the group, comprising Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, addressed the families of Conservative MP Sir David Amess and Labour MP Jo Cox, both of whom were murdered, saying we never intended to cause you hurt and said they reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual.

It added: Kneecaps message has always been  and remains  one of love, inclusion, and hope. This is why our music resonates across generations, countries, classes and cultures and has brought hundreds of thousands of people to our gigs. No smear campaign will change that.

They said they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah.

Labour MP Ms Cox was stabbed and shot in 2016 while Tory Sir David was stabbed to death in 2021.

The daughter of Mr Amess, Katie Amess, suggested the trio had been badly advised because the statement was deflection and excuses and gaslighting.

She also said that it would be very dangerous for the group to perform at Glastonbury.

British prime minister Keir Starmers official spokesman said: They should apologise. I think you have seen what they have said, I think it is half-hearted.

We completely reject in the strongest possible terms the comments that theyve made, particularly in relation to MPs and intimidation as well as obviously the situation in the Middle East.

Its right that the police are looking into these videos.

Speaking on RTEs Prime Time on Tuesday, the bands manager, Daniel Lambert, said: Were in the space now of moral hysteria and moral outrage, and you have a band being held to a higher moral account than politicians who are ignoring international law.

He added: The idea that that was incitement of violence against an MP is ludicrous. It was taken entirely out of context. They are performers as part of performance.

If you were to look at dozens of comedians globally and you were to take the script of their comedy act and remove six words from a comedy act and then lay it out in a headline and say that this was dangerous, you could do that to dozens of people.

This was a concerted campaign and the aim of this campaign is really important. Its not about Kneecap. This has nothing to do with Kneecap or something that Kneecap may or may not have said, its solely about de-platforming artists.

Its about telling the next young band, both through the music industry and through the political class, that you cant speak about Palestine.
Truck driver Richard Satchwell has denied murdering his wife

The jury in the Tina Satchwell murder trial was shown clips of media interviews given by her husband Richard in June and July 2017, after she had disappeared from their home in Youghal, Co Cork.
Our drinks expert delves into the history of ginger beers and ales, and tries out some of the well-known brands

This weeks comparative tasting of alcoholic ginger beer was inspired in part by the rebranding roll-out of Kinnegars Jackrabbit ginger beer, with its new label and pre-summer marketing push. I enjoyed it on draught one evening in a pub served with a dash of bitters for extra spicing, but was curious to try it straight up and side by side with some other examples from both Ireland and England.

I also wanted to take a little deep dive into the history of ginger beer to get my head around it. Like many Irish people, I suspect, I didnt have a firm grasp on what this beverage was, beyond vaguely associating it with England. (I was sad to learn that Enid Blytons Famous Five never were served lashings of ginger beer, or at least not in her original stories.) So whats ginger beer got to do with beer? Is it even alcoholic in its natural traditional state? And in its non-alcoholic form, whats the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale?

All five of todays ginger beers were wildly different from one another in everything but their alcohol content (4pc ABV). They ranged in colour from translucent to cloudy, pale lemon through to rich amber, and in character from distinctly sour to dark, sweet spice notes.

The history itself is a little cloudy too. Most accounts agree that ginger beer was developed commercially in 18th-century England. As a brewed drink based on naturally fermented fresh ginger and sugar, it contained small quantities of alcohol of at least 2-3pc ABV.

However, a fascinating article from the USAs Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors claims that the alcohol content could be up to 11pc ABV. This alcohol acted as a preservative for the export of English ginger beer to the colonies and Americas, traditionally in glazed, corked and wired ceramic containers that kept the natural carbonation intact too. A combination of excise duty in the UK and Prohibition in the USA saw ginger beer evolve into a largely non-alcoholic beverage  to such a degree that todays UK examples are labelled alcoholic ginger beer.

Of course, there are also excellent non-alcoholic ginger beers out there, and some very good ginger ales, which are lighter in style and based on ginger extract rather than fermented root ginger. (Fever-Tree produce both styles.) As a mixer, use ginger ale in a Jameson & Ginger, where the lighter, sweeter, softer style helps to foreground the whiskey; use (alcohol-free) ginger beer in a Moscow Mule, where the vodka and fresh lime can handle the robust spice of this ginger-forward option. Adding Angostura bitters to either style will help to ramp up the warm spices.

Pick of the week

Hopfully Ollie Ginger Beer

Hopfully Ollie Ginger Beer, Waterford 4pc, 3.90-4.40 (440ml can)

If you like sour beers or refreshing sodas that lean to the sharper side, this could be the taste of your summer: cloudy and pale lemon in colour, with spicy aromas of dried ginger lifting fruity undertones, it is super tangy, clean and refreshing  and very moreish  with distinctive ginger juice tang on its well-balanced finish. Look out too for their limited-edition yuzu ginger beer for elevated sharpness and a more fragrant citrus character. Pair with creamy curries. Selected independents, Craft Central, thecru.ie

Kinnegar Jackrabbit Premium Ginger Beer

Kinnegar Jackrabbit Premium Ginger Beer, Donegal 4pc, 3.99 (50cl bottle)

This lager-coloured, naturally carbonated, unfiltered ginger beer is brewed with yeast and barley as well as ginger, raw cane sugar and pear; evoking ginger snap biscuits and rhubarb and ginger jam, it is full-bodied and soft-edged with a warming ginger finish. Go fried fish and chips. Molloys, SuperValu, OBriens and independents nationwide

Zingibeer Irish Ginger Beer

Zingibeer Irish Ginger Beer, Dublin 4pc, 3.75-4.50 (50cl bottle)

This former home brewers lockdown project from father and daughter Kevin and Rachel Byrne fast became an award-winning success. Brewed from fresh Malaysian ginger and lemon zest, it is pale, clean, dry and not unlike a hard seltzer. Try with steamed mussels. Molloys, Tesco, Spar, Eurospar, Fresh, OBriens, Joyces, Carry Out and independents (see zingibeer.ie)

Hollows & Fentimans All Natural Alcoholic Ginger Beer

Hollows & Fentimans All Natural Alcoholic Ginger Beer, Yorkshire 4pc, 4.30-5.75 (50cl bottle)

Botanically brewed since 1905, from a recipe secured in lieu of an unpaid loan; featuring ginger root, water, sugar, pear juice, yeast and a 14-day process. Bold and sweet, like crystallised ginger and honey lozenges; try over ice with a chicken pie. Molloys, Dunnes Stores, Martins, McHughs and other independents

Crabbies Original Alcoholic Ginger Beer

Crabbies Original Alcoholic Ginger Beer, UK 4pc, 3.10-3.60 (50cl bottle)

The darkest in colour and flavour, and spiciest in ginger heat, with no ingredients on the label but a promise of exotic spices and real ginger that has been steeped for six weeks, this has cola-like notes with sweet spices and sticky gingerbread character. Try with a rich beef stew. Molloys, Tesco, Dunnes and selected independents; diceys.com
Move will see processing cut from up to three years down to just three months

Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan has said the new immigration processing system will not be cruel.

The application and appeals time frame for international protection is to be reduced to three months under new legislation brought to Cabinet yesterday.

Mr OCallaghan got approval from his colleagues in Cabinet to begin drafting new asylum laws.

The legislation will also change the appeals process, which will see an appeal not automatically take the form of an oral hearing.

Mr OCallaghan said the current asylum laws in Ireland were not fit for purpose.

They take too long. Theyre too costly in terms of having to provide accommodation, Mr OCallaghan said.

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan. Photo: PA

Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 30th

While the new timelines will be three months, some applications could take up to six months or as little as two months.

Currently an application can take up to three years.

Increased resources and staffing will result in shorter processing times.

The opportunity to have an oral hearing on appeal level will not be the de-facto position, which it is at present, Mr OCallaghan said.

Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon criticised the proposed changes. He said the sweeping changes could result in a system that is unduly harsh.

All of us can absolutely accept that we need an asylum process that is far more efficient but that doesnt mean we should have one that almost has cruelty built in to it, he said.

The idea that we can take decision times down to three months where previously theyd been up to two and three years, that seems to me that will be something that is unduly harsh.

Mr OCallaghan said that was not the intention of the new laws.

What I think is cruel is for somebody to be in the asylum process and to have their application and consideration of it hanging over them for periods of three years, Mr OCallaghan said.


The Government has come under fire for its plans to appoint a so-called housing tsar for a salary of 430,000 per year.

The appointee will be entrusted with speeding up housing delivery and the Cabinet sub-committee on housing is expected to sign off on National Asset Management Agency (Nama) chief Brendan McDonagh for the role later this week.
What Donald Trump has done during the first 100 days of his second term

With 100 days in office behind him, it is too early to say if US president Donald Trump has succeeded in making America great again. However, if his goal was to make America grate again, he has surely excelled.

A blizzard of presidential decrees has transformed American relations, making friends of foes  and vice versa. Old and trusted ties have been discarded for risky new ones.

Yet some recognition of the problems caused by giving the world the cold shoulder  through rigid adherence to America-first imperatives  may now be dawning. US treasury secretary Scott Bessent has said: America First does not mean America alone. To the contrary, it is a call for deeper collaboration.

The message might have sounded more conciliatory were it not echoing over an insurmountable tariff wall.

With economists in rare agreement that Trump administration trade wars are likely to drive the global economy into recession, it was hard to find reassurance in Mr Bessents words. Even in the US, leading retailers have been warning Mr Trump that his policies risk disruption of vital supply chains and could raise prices and lead to empty shelves.

Mr Trump, too, has signalled that some negotiations had taken place with China, as if to take the heat out of the situation. But Beijings response was cool  there will be no talks until tariffs are lifted.

His 41pc approval rating is the lowest  after 100 days  since Dwight D Eisenhower in 1953

The pursuit of Trumpian protectionism, as opposed to multilateralism, is forcing businesses worldwide to consider alternative markets. Skittishness in the White House is having a chilling effect on investment and confidence is suffering at home and abroad.

A University of Michigan poll says 44pc of Americans now believe they will be worse off a year from now. Even during the Great Recession, the number never rose this high, according to the Washington Post.

Of more immediate concern to Mr Trump may be the fact that public sentiment towards him has fallen to historically low numbers. His 41pc approval rating is the lowest  after 100 days  since Dwight D Eisenhower in 1953.

The Indo Daily: 100 days later  is America really greater?

It is reported that the ruthless application of stringent immigration controls is causing most unease.

Internationally, Mr Trumps embrace of Russian president Vladimir Putin, isolated and condemned by the Biden administration since the invasion of Ukraine, has caused a reset in transatlantic relations.

Alliances have been sundered. Mr Trump has said the EU was formed with a sole purpose of screwing the United States. His extraordinary claim on Canada has stirred a patriotic wave that propelled Mark Carney to become new prime minister. He seized the moment to throw down the gauntlet to his neighbour: We believe in international co-operation. And if the United States no longer wants to lead, Canada will.

Protracted volatility can be a symptom of not having an appreciation of long-established underlying values. The whirlwind has swept away much that was once prized. As to whether this will be seen as a necessary clean-out, or a ruinous sell-out, remains to be seen.
In cities such as Paris, apartment-living is the norm. Photo: Getty

It is welcome news that the Government has appointed Brendan McDonagh as the new housing tsar.

While wishing him every success in this role, and at the risk of over-simplifying a highly complex problem, some observations are hard to avoid.

First, Ireland has very low levels of long-term renting stability compared with mainland Europe, where renting is secure and regulated.

Without security of tenure and index-linked maximum rental increases, it will be very difficult to build communities in areas that include a significant proportion of long-term renters.

Second, Ireland is exceptionally low-density, heavily car-dependent and sprawling, even in Dublin. Dublin has a metropolitan density of around 4,800 people per square kilometre, whereas Paris, has around 21,000 and Lyon around 10,000.

Other European cities, such as Milan and Brussels, have 7,500 people per square kilometre.

Third, Ireland is one of the most house-dominated countries in Europe  completely atypical for urban areas.

Only about 10pc to 12pc of people in Ireland live in apartments compared with an EU average of about 50pc.

In cities such as Berlin, Vienna and Barcelona, apartment living reaches 70pc to 80pc.

The conclusion of these three observations is that Irish people want to own their own home, which is invariably in a low-density area and is usually a house.

The solution would appear rather simple: create more apartments to bring Ireland (and the cities, in particular) more into line with European density norms, and provide proper security of tenure so long-term renting can become a viable and normal way of living.

However, a big challenge is the status or attachment that is associated with owning ones own house in Ireland, and where renting or apartment-living can tend to be viewed as being for the more transient or for those who cant afford to buy their own house.

By contrast, in Paris, for example, living in a house is so out-of-the- ordinary that it is a complete outlier.

Conor Mooney, Rue Raffaelli, Paris

Government should stop building empires and start building homes instead

Micheal Martins understanding of the concerns raised about the costs involved for the proposed new housing tsar to head the wonderfully sounding Strategic Housing Activation Office sounds a tad dismissive.

It is particularly so when, having got past the incomprehensible jargon, one notes that the government department supposed to be responsible for housing matters currently has a minister, three ministers of state, a general secretary, two directors and nine assistant secretaries.

We would all be better serviced if the Government stopped building empires and built a few more houses instead.

Jim OSullivan, Rathedmond, Co Sligo

Canadas new PM will end the woke era and stand up to the White House bully

The stunning success of Mark Carney and the Liberals in Canadas general election is yet further proof that the so-called woke era  as defined by aggressive identity politics and unwinnable culture wars  is definitively over.

You would be forgiven for thinking the opposite. The Liberals are, after all, a party whose ideology is predicated on the promulgation of progressive political values and the rejection of traditional social mores. Former prime minister Justin Trudeau embodied these principles.

Trudeau was turfed out some months ago, and on to the stage walked Carney, an accomplished 58-year-old technocrat with no previous political experience.

Carney was savvy enough to know that he needed to pivot away from the very cultural issues Trudeau had for years sought to advance, and focus instead on the things that really mattered to Canadians  housing, the cost of living and, of course, the spectre of Donald Trump.

Ultimately, Canadian voters trusted his economic credentials and obviously admired his willingness to stand up and confront the US president. Carney is still a progressive, he still espouses the values most Liberals hold dear (tolerance and inclusivity, for example), but he doesnt over-egg them. He knows where the line is, and that part is crucial.

Thomas Conway, Ballina, Co Tipperary

Mark Carney is refreshing contrast to Trump, who will derail conservatism

The election in Canada of Mark Carney and his Liberal Party on an anti-Trump agenda is a boon to all those who were worried about the demise of liberalism.

His party was trailing the Conservatives by as much as 20pc in polling when Donald Trump was elected last November.

Ronald Reagans conservatism may have been complicated, but it was also caring. He appointed the first woman  a moderate, Sandra Day OConnor  as Supreme Court Justice in September 1981 to the initial chagrin of his party colleagues.

By contrast, conservatives across the world have now hitched their wagon to a narcissistic pugilist in Trump, which will set America and conservative ideals back decides. They only have themselves to blame.

Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry

Heartening to see the Presbyterian celebration of forgotten Irish links

As an Irish speaker, I was greatly heartened to read (on the BBC News website) about Preispiteirigh agus an Ghaeilge, an event organised recently by the Reverend Paul Thomson of the Antrim Free Presbyterian Church to celebrate the deep (and often forgotten) links between Presbyterianism and the Irish language.

In a broader linguistic and spiritual context, I was greatly moved by what the reverend Kyle Paisley (son of the late first minister Ian Paisley), who was one of the speakers at the event, had to say about language being a gift from God to communicate and make connections with people. I couldnt agree more.

Theres enough hatred without using language to fan its flames.

Chris Fitzpatrick, Terenure Road East, Dublin 6

Lets warmly welcome the gorgeous weather and hope it may stick around

It has been called the glorious lamp of heaven. It has also been a stranger around these parts during the past few weeks.

Whatever you call it, Id like to give a warm welcome to our old pal the sun, and hope it might stay around.

M OBrien, Dalkey, Co Dublin
How do you know a former KGB agent is tapping you along? Thats easy. Just pay attention and dont pretend they arent.

It took barely 48 hours for the Kremlin to answer Donald Trumps weekend threat to dial up sanctions unless Russia accepts his deal to stop the war in Ukraine. First came a dose of Dirty Harry-style make my day, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed two US peace proposals. Then came a tease, in the form of another mini-ceasefire offer, to muddy the waters.
Today, April 30, marks the 15th anniversary of Gerry Ryans untimely death aged 53. That Gerry-shaped hole has never quite been filled at RTE.

At his best, the Dubliner was a broadcaster of the first rank, one who could delight, entertain, inform, infuriate and challenge the listener  often over the course of a single show.

He was an undeniable force of nature in the world of Irish broadcasting. Controversy also didnt really faze the man, in fact, he made his career off the back of it.

His voracious appetite for life, and indeed becoming a major part of the lives of his audience, was quintessential Gerry Ryan, as was his signature rambunctious approach to the microphone. Love or loathe the man, you had an opinion about him.

But in the end, the life of Gerry Ryan was tragically cut short, with his sudden death as hotly debated as any Ryan Line phone-in special.

Today on the Indo Daily, Fionnan Sheahan is joined by Mediahuis Ireland journalists John Meagher and Niamh Horan, to reflect on the days of a true broadcasting legend, his legacy on the Irish airwaves and to remember the days when the Ryan Line was open.
A flight travelling from the United States to Jordan was diverted to Shannon Airport on Wednesday after a medical emergency was declared on board.

Royal Jordanian flight RJA-283 took off from Washington in the US before making contact with air traffic controllers in Ireland.

The crew informed Irish ground staff of an unwell passenger on board.

The plane was cleared to reroute to Shannon Airport, as per the crews request, and the National Ambulance Service was advised of the incoming aircraft.

The transatlantic flight landed at Shannon Airport shortly after 8am, where the patient onboard was assessed before they were transported to University Hospital Limerick for further treatment.

The flight took off again just after 10.30am, continuing its journey to the Jordanian capital city.

A spokesperson for The Shannon Airport Group said: We can confirm that a Royal Jordanian flight from Washington to Amman diverted to Shannon Airport at 7:10 this morning due to a medical emergency. A passenger was transferred to UHL by ambulance and the aircraft departed Shannon again at 10:38.

Additionally, a spokesperson for the HSE said: The HSE cannot comment on individual cases when to do so might reveal information in relation to identifiable individuals, breaching the ethical requirement on us to observe our duty of confidentiality.
Pictured L-R: Wain Kellum, CEO Canto and Michael Lohan, CEO IDA Ireland at the announcement of Cantos expansion of its presence in Ireland and the creation of 50 new jobs in Cork. Photo credit: Provision

Canto celebrated the expansion of its presence in Cork today with the creation of 50 new jobs. Photo credit: Provision

A software company has announced an expansion of its Cork base with the creation of 50 new jobs.

Canto, a leading provider of digital asset management (DAM) software announced expanded operations in Ireland on Wednesday, April 30.

The investment will strengthen Cantos existing innovation centre in Cork, with plans to grow the office as part of the companys global product development strategy.

This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism & Employment Peter Burke TD said: The Cork region, with its strong educational institutions like University College Cork and Munster Technological University, provides an excellent environment for fostering innovation and developing specialised talent.

Minister Burke continued: IDA Ireland provides invaluable support to companies seeking to utilise this ecosystem. We look forward to Canto's continued growth and positive impact.

The CEO of Canto Wain Kellum said the continued expansion underscores their confidence in the exceptional technical talent and innovation ecosystem in Ireland. As demand for our single-source-of-truth digital asset management solutions continues to accelerate, our Cork operations will play a pivotal role in driving next-generation product development and supporting customers across the entire content ecosystem  from creation to delivery.

Cork will serve as a strategic European hub for several core initiatives, including advanced AI research, cloud infrastructure optimisation, frontend modernisation and the continued development of Cantos unified DAM and product information management (PIM) platform.

The Cork facility will drive further integration and enhancement of these technologies across Cantos product portfolio.

These innovations come at a critical time, as organisations worldwide are under pressure to manage increasingly complex digital content ecosystems.

CEO of IDA Ireland Michael Lohan said: "Cantos decision to grow its presence in Cork is a strong endorsement of the countrys reputation as a leading hub for innovative technology companies. Our deep talent pool, stable business environment and strong track record in supporting global companies make Ireland an attractive location for growth and innovation."

Pictured L-R: Wain Kellum, CEO Canto and Michael Lohan, CEO IDA Ireland at the announcement of Cantos expansion of its presence in Ireland and the creation of 50 new jobs in Cork. Photo credit: Provision

The jobs announcement follows a period of substantial growth for Canto.

The company currently serves approximately 4,000 customers globally across industries including retail, manufacturing, healthcare, education, technology, and beyond.

Backed by best-in-class support and implementation, Canto empowers industries like retail, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and more to manage their growing content libraries.

Headquartered in Atlanta, with offices in Berlin, Cork, and Sydney, Canto supports teams worldwide in optimising their content workflows.
Supporting Irish agriculture through change and opportunity will be a key priority for Cork TD Aindrias Moynihan who will chair the Agriculture and Food committee.

The Fianna Fail TD for Cork North West was recently appointed to lead the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food by An Taoiseach Micheal Martin.

Deputy Moynihan said that Irelands agri-food sector is facing one of the most critical periods in its history.

Mr Moynihan stated that his focus will be firmly on protecting farmers and ensuring the sector is supported through change. This is a vital time for the Irish agriculture and food sectors. These industries are the backbone of our economy and our rural communities. We are entering a period of significant challenge and unpredictability, both economically and geo-politically. It is essential that our farmers and food producers are protected and supported at every level.

An immediate priority for Deputy Moynihan in his new role will be protecting Irish agri-exports from the potential impact of international developments, including any tariffs imposed by the United States. We must ensure that affected businesses have every opportunity to find new and alternative markets. While these global shifts present challenges, they also create opportunities. I believe we must act decisively to expand the presence of Irish produce in emerging international markets and to support our food sector in growing its global footprint.

Deputy Moynihan also emphasised the need to support farmers through the green transition. We must bring people with us during this time of change. That means working with farmers, not against them, to invest in sustainable technologies and new farming practices that improve environmental outcomes without undermining livelihoods.

The Cork TD continued: I am fully committed to making the case at EU level for the retention of Irelands Nitrates Derogation, recognising our unique grass-based production model. At the same time, we will work constructively with farmers, industry, state agencies and local authorities to develop evidence-based solutions that help improve water quality.

Deputy Moynihan said he will also push for a full review and update of the National TB 2030 Eradication Strategy. We cannot afford to lose focus on the continued threat of bovine tuberculosis (TB). I will push for a full review and update of the National TB 2030 Eradication Strategy, in close collaboration with farmers and the wider agricultural sector.

We must also ensure that the Wildlife Control Programme is properly staffed and that our regional veterinary offices are adequately resourced to carry out this vital work on the ground, he added.

Farmers are the foundation of rural Ireland, said Deputy Moynihan. Irelands agriculture and food sectors are experiencing unprecedented change in how they operate and do business. I am determined to ensure that they receive the support they need and deserve. Farmers are the foundation of rural Ireland. I will work tirelessly to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns acted upon.
The people of Kanturk deserve better, said Sinn Fein Senator Nicole Ryan who has called for clarity and a clear timeline for progeess from the Minister of Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill on Kanturk Primary Healthcare Centre.

Kanturk received a blow last week with the news that a brand-new primary healthcare centre has been further delayed.

The project, which was due to go to construction this time last year, has now seen the developer who had initially won the tender pull out of the project  meaning the HSE will now have to re-tender the Primary Care Centre.

The project was due to be developed by Dublin-based Manderley Holdings, who had employed Meitheal Architects to take on the job.

The centre had been in planning since February 2018 and had been granted permission in December of that year.

The development was set to include medical consulting, treatment, and GP rooms, a mental health facility, an ancillary healthcare professional services suits, along with landscaping works and the inclusion of 21 car parking spaces and one ambulance drop-off point.

The proposed Primary Care Centre will now be re-tendered via the HSEs e-tender process, which is expected to start in the coming months.

Senator Ryan expressed her frustration with another delay in the long-awaited Kanturk Primary Healthcare Centre. The project has suffered a significant setback. It is deeply disappointing and frustrating to learn of yet another delay. This project has been in the pipeline since 2018. The latest setback with the original developer pulling out is yet another blow to the people of Kanturk and the surrounding areas.

The current situation is unacceptable, said Ms Ryan. The community has been waiting far too long for access to modern accessible healthcare facilities. The HSE must act urgently to re-tender this project and ensure that it proceeds without further delay. The people of Kanturk deserve better.

Sinn Fein has consistently called for investment in rural healthcare infrastructure and this delay highlights the ongoing failure to deliver for communities outside the major urban centres. It is yet another example of rural areas being left behind. We need answers and we need action, she added.

Speaking in the Seanad on Tuesday, April 29, Senator Ryan said the proposed facility was envisioned to provide essential services including GP consultations, mental health supports and ancillary healthcare services to the community. The Kanturk community have been waiting for improved healthcare infrastructure since the planning permission was granted in 2018. The situation underscores a broader issue and that is the persistent neglect of rural healthcare development. While urban centres see rapid progress in healthcare projects, rural communities like Kanturk face repeated delays and setbacks.

Senator Ryan subsequently requested time for a debate with Minister Carroll MacNeill to help identify a clear timeline for progress. I am requesting that we allocate time for a debate with the Minister of Health. We need to understand the reasons behind the developers withdrawal, the anticipated timeline for the retendering and the measures being taken to prevent such occurrences happening in other areas in the future.

It is imperative that we ensure that rural communities across Ireland have the same kind of commitment resources that all urban areas have, she added.
The funding awarded will go towards creating a conservation report to identify the repairs required for the graveyard

Dun Dea-Radhairc Graveyard Committee were successful in their application for a portion of the 7.5m available from the 2025 Community Monuments Fund.

A graveyard near Macroom has received 18,081 from the 2025 Community Monuments Fund to compile a conservation report to identify much-needed repairs.

Dun Dea-Radhairc Graveyard Committee were successful in their application for a portion of the 7.5m available from the 2025 Community Monuments Fund.

The funding awarded will go towards creating a conservation report to identify the repairs required for the graveyard at present and plan for future improvements.

The graveyard walls were identified as a part of the resource that requires work.

Fine Gael Councillor Ted Lucey said the committee applied for the funding last year but were unsuccessful, and he believes this years funding will allow them to apply for a bigger grant next year.

The boundary wall is in very bad condition and the graveyard itself could do with an uplift.

There is a lot of history there, Mr Lucey said.

Legendary Cork hero Art O Laoghaire  of Caoineadh Airt Ui Laoghaire fame  who was killed by shots fired by soldiers but paid for by a local sheriff who Mr O Laoghaire refused to sell his horse to, 253 years ago on Sunday, May 4, was buried outside the graveyard.

He was buried outside the graveyard first, but I dont know where he ended up, but there is a pile of history there, Mr Lucey added.

The premise of the fund is to protect monuments from the effects of increased weathering and severe climate events.

Mr Lucey said he is glad that the Dun Dea-Radhairc Graveyard Committee received the funding.

It would be great if they qualified for the funding again next year.

I was glad that they got it because they are a good community and organisation.

This will give them the platform to create a plan, do more investigating and pave the way to apply for stage one of a bigger bracket next year, Mr Lucey concluded.
A decision to provide no further funding to the Tenant in Situ scheme puts people at risk of homelessness

The decision by the Department of Housing to remove adequate funding for a key scheme in preventing homelessness has been called cowardly, dangerous, and cruel by city councillors at an emergency meeting at City Hall.

It came as councillors roundly agreed on a motion to write to the Taoiseach and Housing Minister James Browne to reinstate proposed funding for the Tenant in Situ scheme.

The meeting, which was called following a decision by central government to withdraw any further necessary funding on the scheme, came after representatives, including those in government party Fine Gael, signed a letter on the issue to the Housing Minister.

I had no hesitation in signing this letter, the government has got this completely wrong, said Fine Gael councillor Des Cahill at the meeting.

We were recently told 37.7% of homelessness preventions in Cork City were achieved thanks to the Tenant in Situ scheme. Quite often Ministers will ring to ask why grants arent being used, which tells me when they announce something, they want it to be used.

Weve never been prevented from building a house due to money, now to find out that this scheme was going to be pulled back, its reprehensible.

We shouldnt have to come with a begging bowl to look for funds that is absolutely crucial for our constituents who desperately need it. Its a disgrace that we have to go this far to expose something that should not have gotten to this stage.

Cork City Council Chief Executive Valerie OSullivan outlined the report issued to councillors, which outlines a near 1.7 million shortfall in finances to implement the scheme, having been allocated 20 million in total by central government for 2025.

"Cork City Council makes no apology for being ambitious when it comes to housing funding and housing targets said Chief Executive OSullivan. However, we wouldnt be able to achieve those targets without government funding. Our ambitions don't take us outside targets."

With members of families affected by the move sitting in the gallery, Sinn Fein councillor Ken Collins called the move not just short-sighted, its dangerous, pushing people to the brink and giving them no options and no shelter.

Housing is a matter of dignity, human rights, and social justice, he concluded.

Party colleague Michelle Gould said that the most vulnerable adults in this city will be left on the streets. Homelessness is something which traumatises a child, it will change a childs life forever.

Reverse the decision, do the right thing, and shame on this government for letting it get this long.

Fianna Fail councillors Tony Fitzgerald, Sean Martin, and Terry Shannon, who didnt sign the letter on the motion, argued that the idea of the scheme being scrapped was nonsense, and outlined the schemes already available for those looking to buy housing.

Our clear focus in Fianna Fail is to increase the supply of new-build, social and affordable housing, said Cllr Fitzgerald.

I know well the needs of the constituents that I represent, increasing the overall housing supply is key to the housing supply, eliminating long-term homelessness.

Theres an issue about who said what, people took that as their word and drove on with policy, said Sean Martin to the chamber, adding that he didnt need any cover from brother and Taoiseach Micheal.

The amount of building hasnt been surpassed since the 1970s. Is there an issue with this year? There is. Saying that the Tenant-in-Situ scheme is gone is nonsense; we were given 20 million. Do we need more? We do.

The entrance at Cork City Hall

Ill take no lectures from those other members, said Cllr Shannon, who criticised Sinn Feins track record on social housing in Northern Ireland. Weve hundreds of millions of euros being spent by this Fianna Fail government on housing. We have a very strong economy, which is never mentioned in this house.

However, the decision not to provide further funding was called cowardly by Green Party representative Oliver Moran. It seems like we are being punished for our success.

Its not being dissolved, its being defunded, which is possibly the most cowardly way to close a scheme. If it is now being defunded, we need to bring back the eviction ban.

The call to reinstate the eviction ban was initially proposed by Labour councillor Peter Horgan, who says that the lack of funding has now given false hope to families who had submitted applications earlier this year.

The Council has honoured its duty with integrity and diligence, but cant work miracles without means, said Independent Ireland councillor Noel OFlynn.

The Department has left us unable to act. What message does this send to the vulnerable?

A flashpoint broke out in the chamber, when Sinn Feins Joe Lynch alluded to Fine Gaels Colm Kellehers line that the issue was an accounting problem as appalling, however Kelleher called the line outrageous and out of the context in which it was said, which Kelleher said was in reference to the Chief Executives report.

Youre going round in circles, one of the concerned family members shouted at government party councillors from the balcony.

Eventually, the majority of councillors agreed on the motion, stating: Cork City Council will write to the Minister for Housing and the Taoiseach requesting urgent increased funding for the Capital Acquisitions Scheme 2025, to prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless and to allow the scheme to function as previously given its success.
There is disappointment in the Neilstown area as plans to improve the local shopping centre have been put on hold.

Plans to upgrade the lights, car park, and general appearance of the shopping centre, are not included in the District Centre Enhancement scheme.

Mark Ward, Sinn Fein TD for Dublin Mid-West, has expressed his disappointment at the news.

I am extremely disappointed that plans to enhance Neilstown Shopping Centre have been put on hold, Mr Ward said.

A budget of 2m had been allocated for the District Centre Enhancement scheme, which will see South Dublin County Council make improvements to four shopping centres by 2025.

Neilstown was to be included in this programme.

South Dublin County Council held an informal meeting in February with several shop owners to try and resolve some of the maintenance issues.

At this meeting, there was a discussion on a wider enhancement scheme and there is good support for it.

South Dublin County Council said it listened to the shop owners, but unfortunately does not have the staff resources available to commit to an extensive public consultation and design process it feels the scheme merits.

This is extremely disappointing to shop owners and customers.

South Dublin County Council informed Mr Ward it is prioritising resources to the Clondalkin Local Area Plan over Neilstown.

Speaking with locals, they saw this as a chance to upgrade the lights, the car park and the general appearance of the shopping centre, he said.

According to the council, the objective is to create places that enhance pedestrian and cycle connections, provision of common areas, and creation of vibrant, distinctive places.

Neilstown Shopping Centre also has community facilities like the youth service, community centre, GP, and support services.

It was very welcome to see works starting on the Bawnogue Shopping Centre and the residents in north Clondalkin felt Neilstown was next.

South Dublin County Council informed me it is prioritising resources to the Clondalkin Local Area Plan over Neilstown.

This plan is some way off and I will be working with my colleague Cllr Niamh Fennell to have resources put into Neilstown, so shop owners and residents get the shopping centre they deserve.

The Irish Independent has contacted South Dublin County Council for comment.
Evening services on Mountjoy Square routes remain suspended

Dublin Bus said it is providing full support to the driver involved and liaising with An Garda Siochana. Pic: (Alamy/PA)

Dublin Bus services on Mountjoy Square remain suspended until further notice after a driver was threatened at gunpoint.

On the night of Good Friday, April 18, a driver was waiting to start driving a number 13 bus at Mountjoy Square, when a man got on board and pointed a gun at him.

The 7, 7a and 13 bus routes are not serving Mountjoy Square after 7pm as a result.

For Routes 7 and 7a, customers can go to stop 4725 OConnell Street Upper, while for Route 13, they can go to stop 261 Parnell Square East instead.

This was a horrible incident, our drivers should absolutely not have to go through that, Blake Boland from Dublin Bus said.

Our heart goes out to the guy ... hes shook after it. You kind of forget, were all human beings here.

Yesterday, Dublin Bus met with NBRU and SIPTU trade unions to discuss safety on board and the re-introduction of services in the Mountjoy Square area.

The unions and Dublin Bus met yesterday. We dont have a date for the Mountjoy Square service coming back on yet. Were working towards that, Mr Boland said.

Theres a couple of working groups which are going to be established off the back of this.

The first working group is going to focus on a protocol for withdrawal and reintroduction of services following what happened in Mountjoy Square.

Theyre going to be engaging with community forums and keep in touch with the communities we serve and represent.

Therell be a second group ensuring that communication continues.

We carry around half a million people daily, and 59 million people in the last year. Reported anti-social behaviour in the past two years is just over 1,000.

If you work out the maths, its 0.0006pc (a day) so its still a very safe service.

One incident is too many, but overall, the numbers dont suggest that its an unsafe service, he added.
The Tyrrelstown Park ECO toilet is now closed following repeated vandalism

Public toilets at a Dublin park have been removed following repeated vandalism and arson attacks.

In the most recent incident, the Tyrrelstown Park ECO toilet was set on fire despite only being reinstalled two weeks ago.

Due to safety reasons, Fingal County Council said it was left with no option but to close and remove the toilet for safety reasons.

The Tyrrelstown Park ECO toilet that was badly fire damaged last week, was only recently installed approximately two weeks ago at significant cost to Fingal County Council, to replace the previously burnt out ECO toilet that was in situ, a spokesperson said.

Unfortunately, due to repeated vandalism and arson attacks in recent months, the Council has no option but to close and remove the badly fire damaged ECO toilet in Tyrrelstown Park for safety reasons, whilst we consider our options on how best to proceed next.

Damage caused by the latest arson attack last week

This is so disappointing. The only thing going down the toilet here is taxpayers money, Dublin West TD, Emer Currie, said.

We need more public toilets for all the people that use this park. Others just want to vandalise them.

The eco toilets in Tyrrelstown Park were first vandalised in November last year.

After being reinstalled, Sinn Fein Councillor Breda Hanaphy warned they would need to be relocated if they were vandalised again.

We have just been notified that the ECO toilet in Tyrellstown Park that was extensively fire damaged late last year has now been fully repaired, she said at the time.

Please note that should the toilet be targeted again by vandalism in which the damage caused is extensive, the Council will consider relocating the toilet to another location.
Misunderstood Heron has been operating since 2017

Galway County Council has defended its decision to issue a closure notice to the Misunderstood Heron food truck as they say they were left with no choice.

During a county council meeting on Monday, April 28, Chief Executive Liam Conneally said that there had never been any planning applications made by the Misunderstood Heron to develop and operate in the Leenane area.

In recent weeks, the council were contacted by a member of the public regarding unauthorised activity and development on the site which prompted them to take action.

Mr. Conneally said: The first proposal for Killary leisure centre was in 1997. Since then a total of 28 planning applications have been made for this area. None of them had ever been made by the Misunderstood Heron and it was on that basis, on the basis of a complaint made by a member of the public, we had no option but to continue on with the planning proposal process.

Operated by husband-and-wife Kim Young and Reinaldo Seco since 2017, the cafe had become a staple of journeys to Connemara for its blend of Chilean and Irish cuisine but in a shock announcement last week, promptly shut following the close of business on Sunday, April 27.

In a post shared on social media, the Leenane-based food truck announced their last weekend of trading would take place on Saturday, April 26, having been shut down by planners at Galway County Council.

The Misunderstood Heron Cafe in Leenane, Connemara. Photo: @misunderstood_heron (Instagram)

Since the announcement, an outpouring of messages in support of the award-winning cafe have followed in response. Over 1,000 comments have been left on the initial post.

Well-known Irish figures have also paid tribute to the cafe on Instagram and called for a resolution to be found. In one comment, Rozanna Purcell urged Galway County Council to find a solution, calling the cafe a destination stop and an example of a great thriving Irish business, with broadcaster Louise McSherry also expressing her disappointment at the decision.

Misunderstood Heron

Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 30th

A host of popular chefs from across Ireland such as JP McMahon and Neven Maguire also paid tribute to the popular eatery, with the latter expressing dismay of an amazing place with incredible food and people.

TV chef Donal Skehan also shared his condolences with the owners of Misunderstood Heron, as well as slamming the council for a decision he described as ridiculous.

"So disappointed to hear that  without a doubt a shining example of just how interesting food business can be done. I hope for the sake of locals and the many tourists who have this on their list @galwaycountycouncil turn this ridiculous decision on its head, he said.

Despite the enforced closure, the Misunderstood Heron say that they will persist with other ventures, such as catering and pop-ups, saying that more information will be revealed next week.
Kiltallagh National School pupils made a recent trip to Brussels to explore the European Parliament and other EU institutions

A group of visitors representing Kiltallagh National School in Castlemaine enjoyed an inspiring trip to the European Parliament recently, hosted by Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly.

Kiltallagh National School pupils have been praised by Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly for the interest and enthusiasm they showed in EU affairs on a recent visit to the European Parliament in Brussels.

European politician and Kilcummin native Sean Kelly hosted a group of Kiltallagh NS pupils when they made a trip to Brussels to gain an insight into the workings of the European Union.

On their trip, the pupils of the Castlemaine school explored the European Parliament, took part in engaging educational activities and got a first-hand look at the functioning of the most significant EU institutions.

Sean Kelly said it was brilliant to bring the young students over to Brussels so they could experience the EU in action.

Even at a young age, visits like this can spark a lifelong interest in how Europe works, the former teacher said.

You could see the excitement and energy in the roomthese pupils were genuinely curious and eager to learn.

Mr Kelly said there was something special about seeing young people take such an interest in European affairs.

The questions they asked and the observations they made were incredibly sharp, he said.

These kinds of trips are more than just a tour Theyre about planting the seed - helping young people see that Europe is theirs too.

The European Parliament member said the group from Kiltallagh were absolutely impressive.

The enthusiasm they brought with them made it a joy to host them, Mr Kelly said.
Exclusive | Kerry mother in fight for sons care  Im tormented from this I must fight for him

Kerry motorcyclist injured in Isle of Man is continuing his recovery in Dublin hospital.

Anthony O'Carroll at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dublin.

Stephen Fernane Kerryman Wed 30 Apr 2025 at 08:00

The mother of Anthony OCarroll (28), who was injured during the Southern 100 Road Races on the Isle of Man in August 2024, has said she is concerned for his long-term care.
Exclusive | Doctors Kerry move in doubt over lack of accommodation  Its very stressful

Housing shortage impeding medical staff in relocating to Kerry for training and work.

Junior Doctor Irfan Khan.

Stephen Fernane Kerryman Wed 30 Apr 2025 at 08:00

The housing crisis in Kerry is causing unnecessary stress for healthcare workers looking to relocate to the county for work and to continue training.
Gardai in Limerick are investigating after an assault saw a young man taken to UHL for treatment of his injuries.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:10am on Wednesday, April 3 at the junction of OConnell Street and William Street.

A man in his early twenties was assaulted by a member of a group who exited a dark coloured Opel Insignia, with one of the males head-butting the victim before the group fled the scene in the vehicle.

The injured man was treated at the scene by ambulance services and taken to UHL where it was determined he sustained a broken nose.

A garda spokesperson has said: Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or may have any dash cam footage is asked to contact Henry Street garda station on 061212400.
One of Irelands biggest housebuilders has asked the High Court to overturn a recent decision by Louth county councillors to re-zone a site earmarked for approximately 500 new homes near Dundalk.

Glenveagh Homes is seeking a judicial review of the decision by councillors to change the zoning from A2 Residential to Strategic Reserve during the formulation of the Dundalk Local Area Plan, which effectively prohibited Glenveagh from developing the land, believed to have cost in the region of 20m.
The annual May Day Ceremony to commemorate the 1911 Wexford Lock Out will take place in The Faythe on Sunday, May 4 at 11 a.m. Mayor of Wexford Catherine Biddy Walsh will be in attendance and will lay a wreath at The Lock Out Gate and address those in attendance.

The Chairman of the 1911 Lock Out Committee David Hynes will also make a speech and committee member Helen Corish Wylde will provide a short history of the 1911 Wexford Lockout.

The guest speaker at this years event is Paul Galvan of the Irish Council of Trade Unions. All are welcome to attend.

The 1911 Wexford Lock Out saw approximately 700 foundry workers locked out of three foundries in Wexford town by their employers for almost six months. This was a result of them seeking the right to join the Irish Transport and General Workers Union.

Contrary to common perception, the workers did not go on strike.
The sale of a long-term derelict property in Wexford town to a buyer in Singapore has fallen through. 55 Davitt Road South had been purchased by Wexford County Council (WCC) for approximately 140,000 using funding made available through the Department of Housing. Bought under a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) this government funding tranche is designed to allow local authorities to purchase and then sell vacant properties on the private market.

And when a bid for 170,000 came from a party with an address in Singapore it appeared as if WCC had made a tidy profit on the house, money which would subsequently be reinvested to purchase derelict houses.

But at the April meeting of the Wexford Borough District (WBD) it was revealed that the buyer in Singapore had pulled out of the deal. Confirming that the buyer was no longer interested, executive planner Graham Hunt said WCC would now return to the underbidder to gauge their interest.

They have indicated that they still want property, said Mr Hunt. We will bring this issue forward for the members consideration.
The family of Mark Coster in the foreground, with bikers from the memorial run gathered in the background.

A Rathnew woman who suffers from cystic fibrosis has thanked the organisers of the annual Mark Coster Memorial Run for helping to raise vital funds for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland through this years event.

The annual charity bike-run takes place each year in memory of the late Mark Coster of Rathnew, who sadly passed away in April of 2021.

Up to 60 bikers met at the Coffee Dock in Bray on Sunday at 11am for the start of the annual run before making their way to Rathnew.

The first Mark Coster memorial run took place in 2022 to help raise funds to help then three-year-old Kane Fox of Merrymeeting in Rathnew, get life-changing treatment in the US.

The runs in 2023 and 2024 were for the I Am Alex campaign, to assist the family of Alex Dunne of Rathnew, who has a rare brain injury called periventricular leukomalacia or PVL.

This year, the run took place to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, after the organisers got in touch with Rathnew local Erica Newsome, who suffers from the condition.

Gavin Ryan, one of the organisers of the memorial run, said: We always try to keep the fundraising as local as we can. I had a chat with Erica to see if she would mind is we raised funds this year for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, and she was delighted. She was actually thinking of doing something for the charity herself, so everything just fell into place after that.

Erica was also present at the run and accepted a cheque for 500 from Ann Redmond of Rathnew Bingo on behalf of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.

Erica said: It was an amazing turnout with over 60 motorcycles attending the run in aid of Cystic Fibrosis.

I have cystic fibrosis myself and lost my brother to cystic fibrosis when he was just 14 years old, many of my friends have also passed away from the illness so it means so much to me that we can get awareness out there and raise much needed funds for Cystic Fibrosis.

We had a great day in memory of Mark Coster. A massive thanks to Gavin and the lads for choosing Cystic Fibrosis as this years charity. Im delighted to say 930 was raised for Cystic Fibrosis.

Also thanks to Ann and the ladies and gents of Rathnew bingo who also raised 500 for the charity. Altogether I will hand over 1430 to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland as soon as possible. Thanks so much to everyone who popped out to see all the bikes and donate whatever they could to a great cause. It was a great turn out and it will be a day I will remember forever. 

Marks family members were also present ad helped lay a wreath at his graveside in Rathnew Cemetery.

Gavin added: We held a bucket collection on the day, which raised 1,430. We have to thank the marshals involved on the day and all the bikers and everyone else who supported the event, as well as all those who helped make it happen.

Anyone wishing to donate towards the campaign can still do so by texting 65Roses to 50300 to donate 4.
The Prince and Princess of Wales after taking the ferry back across the water from the Isle of Iona (Aaron Chown/PA)

Comic Ruby Wax joked about the Prince and Princess of Wales interrupting her silent retreat when she unexpectedly met them on a remote Scottish island.

William and Kate chatted to the celebrity as they ended their two-day visit to the Scottish isles by making a private trip to Iona, famed for being the cradle of Christianity in Scotland.

Wax, who has a career as a mental health campaigner alongside her comedy work, was pictured with the royals and said later: I think its funny because Im on a retreat here and I thought why are they interrupting my silent retreat  you know what I mean?

But she suggested the meeting was worthwhile you could break the silent retreat for this.

Ruby Wax met the royal couple during their private visit to Iona (Ian West/PA)

Wax was a friend of Diana, Princess of Wales and had praise for her son William: I didnt realise (he) was so good-looking, he looks like his mother.

The couple spent more than two hours on Iona with Kate photographed in the gift shop and the couple seen walking past Iona Abbey and walking off the public ferry.

When they boarded the vessel for the short journey to Iona the couple spoke about the fantastic time they had on the Isle of Mull where they had spent much of their two-day visit and celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary.

Earlier, Kate was said to have been in her element when she spent time with an early-years outdoor play group learning about nature in the Ardura Community Forest on Mull.

The princess, who was joined by her husband, has made highlighting the development of children a central element of her public work and nature has played an important role while she was being treated for cancer.

With the youngsters aged up to five running around, she reportedly spoke of the value of them getting outdoors as much as they can.

William and Kate speak to a child from the Ardura Acorns group during a visit to the Ardura Community Forest (Oli Scarff/PA)

William told one father about the importance of communities: Thats what weve lost, the ability to come together and know your neighbour, and he went on to say: You can get lost in the cities.

Kate crouched down to speak to some of the children learning about their environment through simple tasks such as gathering flowers, and she later played with the youngsters by the neighbouring River Lussa, as they threw sticks into the water.

Jan Dunlop from the Mull and Iona Ranger Service hosted much of the visit, and she said later about the couple: I think they loved it, I think they really did.

Catherine would have stayed all day and you could see when she got to the water, that was it.
Mercury hit all-time April record of 25.8C in Athenry, Co Galway  matching Glenties, Co Donegal in 1984Leinster and Munster will still see temperatures of up to 24C tomorrow Fine weather to continue into next week

Met Eireann has confirmed that Athenry, Co Galway, reached a high of 25.8C today  matching the highest temperature ever recorded in Ireland in April.

The last recorded instance of 25.8C in April was in 1984 in Glenties, Co Donegal.

Three counties experienced temperatures in excess of 25C today.

Newport in Co Mayo clocked 25.7C at 2.40pm, while Athenry, Co Galway hit 25.8C and Mount Dillon, Co Roscommon, reached 25.0C.

It was still 22-23 degrees in many counties at 7pm this evening.

Met Eireann had predicted that todays temperatures could surpass the all-time April record of 25.8C.

Met Eireann forecaster Michelle Dillon said the good weather will remain throughout the bank holiday weekend and out to the middle of next week.

It will be cooler by Friday and the weekend but the temperatures will still be above average. And well have further spells of warm sunshine.

Temperatures will range between 19 and 24C, while some places might reach 25C.

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The forecaster also said UV is the strongest between 11am and 3pm from April to September.

Deputy head of forecasting at Met Eireann, Liz Coleman, said: "The higher the UV index, the higher the risk of skin and eye damage.

When the UV index is 3 or above, you need to protect your skin and eyes. Also, dont assume that just because there is cloud that the suns rays are not damaging.

Be prepared and plan ahead by checking the UV forecast.

The HSE national cancer control programme (NCCP) has issued advice on protecting skin from damaging effects of exposure to UV radiation from the sun.

It has urged people to wear protective clothing, seek shade during the middle of the day and use sunscreen.

Dr Breeda Neville, specialist in public health medicine at NCCP, added that protection from the sun is just as important here in Ireland as it is when holidaying abroad.

With the sunny weather forecast for this weekend, people will have more opportunity to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, she said.

From April to September, the suns UV rays are strong enough to damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer, even on cloudy days.

Any showers and thunderstorms will ease and die away early tonight, leaving most places dry and clear, with temperatures dropping to 7 and 12C.

Cloud will thicken in the north-west, extending south-eastwards overnight.

Some patchy outbreaks of light rain and drizzle might affect parts of Connacht and Ulster, with mist and fog also expected to form tonight.

There will be a contrast in weather across the country tomorrow, with cooler conditions to the north and warmer conditions to the south.

In Connacht and Ulster, the morning will start out mostly cloudy with a patchy light rain and drizzle.

Shortly after, clear and sunnier conditions will spread from the north-west in the afternoon.

It will be much cooler in the north, with temperatures between 12 and 17C.

Most of Leinster and Munster will enjoy mostly sunny weather tomorrow morning, but it might be a bit cloudier in northern areas, with a possible drizzle.

The clouds will build further in the afternoon, with scattered showers breaking out, which might turn heavy and thundery, especially across southern counties.

Temperatures in these areas will range between 18 to 23C, with the warmest and sunniest weather furthest south.

The dominating high pressure is set to bring mostly settled conditions, with the rainfall below average, the forecaster added.
Where Michelin-star chefs go to eat a curry: I think its some of the best food of any kind being served in Ireland right now
Indias ECMS 2025: Application Window Opens May 1  Incentives and Eligibility for Manufacturers

India has launched the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), with applications opening on May 1, 2025. The incentive distribution will be carried out by the central government on a first-come, first-served model.

We provide a comprehensive overview of the scheme guidelines, the components covered, eligibility criteria, and possible outcomes of the initiative

On April 26, 2025, India launched guidelines and an online portal for the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS). The INR 229.19 billion (US$2.7 billion) initiative, seen as a step toward bolstering electronics production in India, aims to attract large-scale investments, boost domestic manufacturing, and enhance the countrys integration into global value chains.

As per the announcement, the scheme is set to run from FY 202526 to FY 203132, including a one-year gestation period and will support the development of a comprehensive supply chain for electronics manufacturing. The initiative also seeks to increase domestic value addition and position Indian companies as key players in global electronics markets.

Application window for target segments

The scheme will begin accepting applications from May 1, 2025, via its online portal: www.ecms.meity.gov.in. To ensure prompt participation from interested manufacturers, the scheme adopts a first-come, first-served model for incentive distribution.

Interested stakeholders must note that the ECMS scheme is aimed at four target segments.

S. no. Target segments Application window A. Sub-assemblies 1. Display module sub-assembly 2. Camera module sub-assembly *Application window opens from May 1, 2025, for 3 months B. Bare components 3. Non-surface mount devices (non-SMD) passive components for electronic applications 4. Electro-mechanicals for electronic applications 5. Multi-layer Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 6. Li-ion cells for digital applications (excluding storage and mobility) Enclosures for mobile and IT hardware products and related devices 7. Enclosures for Mobile, IT Hardware products and related devices C. Selected bare components 8. High-density interconnect (HDI)/modified semi-additive process (MSAP)/ flexible PCB 9. SMD passive components D. Supply chain ecosystem and capital equipment for electronics manufacturing. 10. Parts/components used in manufacturing of sub-assembly (A) and bare components (B) & (C) 11. Capital goods used in electronics manufacturing including their sub-assemblies and components **Application window opens on May 1, 2025, for 2 years.

Source: Gazette notification, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, GoI

*Application window for Segment A, B and C can be extended further. It may also be reopened for applications at anytime during its tenure based on the response from the industry and budget availability.

**Under target segment D, the applications received under the scheme shall be appraised on an ongoing basis and implementation shall proceed as per the approvals agreed under the scheme. The fiscal support shall be available for investment made within five years from the date of acknowledgement of the application.

Types of incentives offered under ECMS

The ECMS offers three types of financial incentives to support eligible companies. These are as follows:

Turnover-linked incentive: This incentive is calculated as a percentage of the increase in sales (turnover) over a companys base year. It applies only to sales of eligible products made in India and covered under the scheme.

The incentive rate varies by product, as prescribed by the central government in its official notification. To a company to avail this incentive, it must meet two criteria:

A minimum level of increased sales.

A minimum level of cumulative investment.

Additionally, 1 percent of the incentive rate is linked to employment creation.

If the company does not meet employment requirements, the total incentive will be reduced by 1 percent.

Under target segments A, B and C, if the applicant chooses to opt for turnover linked incentive, the first year for the purpose of incremental sales would be counted from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. For those opting for a gestation period, this would be taken from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Further, the cumulative incremental investment shall be counted from the date of scheme notification

Capex incentive: This incentive supports spending on eligible capital equipment and infrastructure used to manufacture the specified products in India. To receive it, companies must:

Meet the minimum investment requirement.

Have started commercial production.

In addition, of the total 25 percent capex incentive, 5 percent is tied to job creation. If a company fails to meet the employment threshold, the total incentive will be reduced by 5 percent.

Hybrid incentive: This is a combination of both turnover-linked and capex incentives, tailored to support specific high-priority products under the scheme.

S. no. Target segments Cumulative investment (INR) *Turnover linked incentive (%) Year 1 to 6 Capex incentive (%) A Sub-assemblies 1 Display module sub-assembly 2.5 billion (US$29.47 million) 4/4/3/2/2/1 NA 2 Camera module sub-assembly 2.5 billion (US$29.47 million) 5/4/4/3/2/2 NA B Bare components 3 Non-SMD passive components 500 million (US$5.89 million) 8/7/7/6/5/4 NA 4 Electro-mechanicals 500 million (US$5.89 million) 8/7/7/6/5/4 NA 5 Multi-layer PCB 500 million (US$5.89 million)  6 layers 6/6/5/5/4/4  8 layers 10/8/7/6/5/5 NA 6 Li-ion Cells for digital application (excluding storage and mobility) 5 billion (US$58.95 million) 6/6/5/5/4/4 NA 7 Enclosures for mobile, IT Hardware products and related devices 5 billion (US$58.95 million) 7/6/5/4/4/3 NA C Selected bare components 8 HDI/MSAP/flexible PCB 10 billion (US$117.91 million) 8/7/7/6/5/4 25 percent 9 SMD passive components 2.5 billion (US$29.47 million) 5/5/4/4/3/3 25 percent D Supply chain ecosystem and capital equipment 10 Supply chain of sub-assemblies (A) & bare components (B) & (C) 100 million (US$1.17 million) NA 25 percent 11 Capital goods used in electronics manufacturing including their sub-assemblies and components 100 million (US$1.17 million) NA 25 percent

Source: Press Information Bureau

*These incentives are calculated as a percentage of the incremental turnover over a defined base year and are applicable for six financial years, subject to meeting investment and employment thresholds.

Eligibility and components coverage under ECMS

To qualify under the ECMS, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Greenfield as well as brownfield investment for the target segment shall be eligible under the scheme. An applicant shall submit separate applications for each target segment products. An applicant making multiple applications for the same product covered under the target segment shall not be eligible. The qualifications of applicants shall be decided on consolidated global Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) revenue or manufacturing revenue/technological and financial capability and shall be detailed in the scheme guidelines.

*List of Products Covered Under Certain Target Segments Target segments Products covered Non-SMD passive components Resistors, capacitors, ferrites, specialty ceramics, inductors, coils (including inductive coil), etc., for electronic applications Electro-mechanicals Speakers and microphones for ICT products, relays, switches, connectors, heat sinks, antenna, vibrator motors, oscillators, filters, actuators, crystals, sensors (non-semiconductors), transducers, etc., for electronic applications Supply chain of sub-assemblies & bare components Laminate, pre-peg, copper foil, separator, cathode material, anode material, electrolyte, polypropylene film, spray wire, lenses, protective film, glass cover, back light, contrast film, polarizer film, etc., for electronic applications

*This is an illustrative list and is not a complete list of supply chains.

Expected outcomes: Larger investments, more job creation

The scheme aims to attract investments worth INR 593.5 billion (US$6.99 billion), generate production output of INR 4.56 trillion (US$53.77 billion), and create 91,600 direct jobs, along with substantial indirect employment opportunities across the electronics value chain.

Structured strategy for Indias electronic sector expansion

The Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY) Ashwini Vaishnaw noted that India initially focused on assembling finished goods, which account for 80 to 85 percent of the value chain, before advancing to module and component manufacturing. He claimed the sector is now transitioning toward producing base materials essential for component manufacturing.

Since 2015, Indias electronics production has grown fivefold, while exports have increased by more than six times. The export compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of electronics components has surpassed 20 percent, with production growth exceeding 17 percent, driven largely by robust performance in mobile phones, laptops, servers, and IT hardware.

Click here to know more on Indias Electronics Manufacturing: Challenges and Opportunities

Multi-sectoral support and quality enhancements

Vaishnaw emphasized that the ECMS scheme will support not only the electronics sector but also automotive, industrial, and power industries. He stressed the need for domestic companies to build in-house design capabilities and aim for Six Sigma quality benchmarks, warning that substandard performance will not be accommodated under the scheme.

Six Sigma is a structured approach to quality improvement that equips organizations with tools to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their processes. Its primary objective is to minimize or eliminate variations in processes, products, and services that can cause defects or errors. A process functioning at the Six Sigma level is expected to produce no more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities, whereas a higher defect rate indicates a lower sigma level. According to experts, following this benchmark contributes to fewer defects in manufactured goods, increased profitability, better employee engagement, higher customer satisfaction, and improved quality in both products and services.

India has outlined a strategic framework under ECMS, which includes a unique hybrid incentive structure. Unlike traditional models, ECMS links fiscal incentives to both turnover and capital expenditure. This approach is designed to drive employment generation, economic growth, and deeper industrial integration.

Conclusion

By targeting key components and sub-assemblies and offering a well-structured blend of fiscal incentives, the scheme is designed to plug critical gaps in the supply chain, reduce import dependency, and enhance domestic value addition.

Coupled with a clear implementation roadmap and sector-specific support, ECMS is expected to catalyze high-impact investments, drive innovation, and create robust employment opportunities across industries. With its strategic integration into global value chains and focus on quality and scale, India is poised to emerge not just as a manufacturing hub, but as a key player in shaping the future of global electronics.

(US$1 = INR 84.80)
Get ready, Netflix fans! The biggest streaming event of the year, Netflix TUDUM 2025, is almost here, and the platform has officially revealed its star-studded lineup. First held in Brazil in 2020, the event has grown massively over the years, drawing millions of viewers across the world. In 2023 alone, TUDUM recorded 78 million views across Netflixs global channels, and over 35,000 people attended it in person in Sao Paulo.

When and where to watch Netflix TUDUM 2025 live?

The live event will take place on May 31, 2025, at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Indian audiences can catch the livestream exclusively on Netflix at 5:30 AM IST on June 1, 2025. Named after the iconic tudum sound that plays before every Netflix title, TUDUM is Netflixs global fan event. It celebrates the platforms biggest movies, shows, and stars.

Movies to watch out for at Netflix TUDUM 2025:-

TUDUM 2025 will spotlight sneak peeks and reveals for some of Netflixs most anticipated films:

Frankenstein  Directed by Guillermo del Toro, this horror release is due in November 2025.

Happy Gilmore 2  Adam Sandler returns in this comedy sequel, 30 years after the original.

My Oxford Year  A summer rom-com featuring Sofia Carson and Corey Mylchreest.

The Life List  Another romantic comedy starring Sofia Carson. A sequel might be teased.

The RIP  An action thriller, starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, arriving in Fall 2025.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery  The third instalment in the Knives Out franchise with Daniel Craig back as Benoit Blanc.

Series confirmed for Netflix TUDUM 2025:-

Heres the full list of shows that will be part of the big TUDUM showcase:

Emily in Paris (Season 5)

Love is Blind

One Piece (Season 2)

Outer Banks (Season 5)

Squid Game (Season 3)

Stranger Things (Season 5)

Americas Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (Season 2)

Wednesday (Season 2)

WWE

Nobody Wants This (Season 2)

Bridgerton (Season 4)

This year, unlike previous editions, TUDUM 2025 will stream exclusively on Netflix, not on social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, or Twitch. So make sure your Netflix subscription is ready! A special Stranger Things event is also planned on the same day in Los Angeles for superfans. Tickets for this years event will go on sale beginning Friday, May 9, at 10:30 PM IST here!

For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Rudra Garuda Purana OTT Release: Earlier this year, Rishi and Priyanka Kumar headlined a Kannada film, which has finally found a digital home after a long time. Released theatrically on 24th January, this K. S. Nandeesh directorial was based on the Chinese folklore, Bus Route 375. For those wondering where to watch it online, Rudra Garuda Purana will be streaming on JioHotstar anytime soon.

Rudra Garuda Puranas cast and crew

Other than the lead duo, the film also stars Vinod Alva, Avinash, Shivaraj KR Pete, Giri Shivanna, K. S. Shridhar, Ashwini Gouda, Ram Pavan, Vamshi, Aakarsh, Gautham Mysuru, Joseph, Prabhakar, Sneek Shyam, Jagappa, Prasanna Handrang, Radvi and Ranganath Bharadwaj among others. Rudra Garuda Purana is produced by Ashwini Lohith under the banner of Ashwini Arts.

Rudra Garuda Puranas plot overview

State home minister Devi Shetty (played by Vinod Alva) is caught up in a political mess when his son, Manu, suddenly disappears. Someone throws a stone with a strange message written in ancient Sanskrit through his window, scaring him. Wanting to keep things quiet, Shetty asks the police to investigate in secret. Officer Rudra (played by Rishi) takes on the case.

As Rudra digs deeper, he discovers a strange connection between Manus disappearance and a bus that vanished 25 years ago in a terrible accident. That same wrecked bus has somehow shown up again in the present day. How is that even possible? Could it be some kind of supernatural event, or is there something else going on? And most importantly, was Manu really kidnapped, or has he somehow become trapped in a time loop?

Rudra Garuda Puranas review

The Times of India rated the movie 3 out of 5, and a part of their review read, Rudra Garuda Purana is at its best when its in thriller mode. If you're a hard-core thriller fan, you might be slightly disappointed in some parts because the film doesnt engage as much as it was supposed to, but it still is a decent watch. Nevertheless, the movie still thrills and ensures chills with its presentation, and calls for a theatre outing this weekend.

This Krishna Prasad musical is cinematographed by Sandeep Kumar and edited by K. M. Prakash.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
The Accountant 2 OTT Release: Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal recently headlined this action thriller, which arrived in theatres globally on April 25, 2025. A sequel to The Accountant (2016), the film has received positive reviews from both critics and audiences. If you are wondering where to watch it online, then The Accountant 2 will be streaming on Amazon Prime Video after its theatrical run.

The Accountant 2s cast and crew

Directed by Gavin O'Connor and written by Bill Dubuque, The Accountant 2 is produced by Ben Affleck, Lynette Howell Taylor and Mark Williams under the banner of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Artists Equity. Other than the dashing duo, the thriller also stars Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Daniella Pineda, Allison Robertson, J. K. Simmons, Robert Morgan, Grant Harvey and Andrew Howard, among others.

The Accountant 2s plot overview

The story begins with the assassination of Raymond King (Simmons), the former director of the Treasury Department's FinCEN, who leaves behind a cryptic message: Find the accountant. Marybeth Medina (Cynthia), King's protege and current deputy director, seeks out Christian Wolff to help solve the case. Reluctantly, Wolff enlists the aid of his brother Brax, a highly skilled assassin, to navigate the dangerous conspiracy they uncover.

Their investigation leads them to a human trafficking ring involving a Salvadoran family, with the child possibly being neurodiverse, hinting at a connection to Harbour Neuroscience Academy, a school for neurodiverse children.

The Accountant 2s review

A Google review of the film read, Very rarely do you see a sequel that can hold a flame to the original. Ben Affleck has a habit of making incredible films and then making a few dumpster fires. I loved the accountant. I wish that they explored the dynamic between him and Jon Bernthal more in the first film, and thats exactly what they did with this film. This movie is entertaining as all hell while maintaining an enticing storyline. Dont miss this movie.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Wednesdays General Hospital episode promises high drama as secrets and lies will continue to wreak havoc in Port Charles. Willow Corinthos is devastated by a shocking betrayal, Carly Spencer tries to safeguard those she loves, and Nina Reeves begins to feel the weight of her devious actions. With Drew Cain fighting to protect his name, the tension across the town is palpable.

Ninas plot takes a troubling turn

Nina Reeves scheme to sabotage Drew Cain and Willow Corinthos' relationship seems to be working at first, with Portia Robinson applauding Nina for her successful setup. Jacindas seductive appearance at The Savoy plays into Ninas plan, and Drew, drugged and unaware, ends up in a compromising situation, seen on camera engaging in inappropriate behavior. While Nina might initially celebrate this apparent success, her conscience begins to weigh on her. She anticipates the devastation Willow will face upon her return, and soon, guilt creeps in.

Willows heartbreak and Drews struggle

Willows return from Germany brings immediate heartbreak. Walking into what seems like infidelity, she is crushed to see Drew in a compromising position with Jacinda. Drew, still disoriented from the effects of the drug, struggles to explain the situation. Jacindas version of events only fuels Willows belief that she has been betrayed. However, Drew starts to question whether he was set up, fueling his determination to clear his name. What follows could be a battle to uncover the truth and restore his reputation.

Carlys close call and growing tensions

Meanwhile, Carly Spencer shares a chilling account of a close call involving Sonny Corinthos during her recent trip to Los Angeles. If Brick had arrived just seconds later, Sonny would have been killed. Carly tells Jason about Jack Brennan's theory, which suggests that Jenz Sidwell, or another hidden enemy, may be behind the attack on Sonny. With a target now on Sonnys back, Carly is on high alert, racing to protect her family from any further threats. The looming danger intensifies as she joins forces with Jason to find out who is responsible for this deadly plot.

Sonny Corinthos | Credit: X

As Nina faces the consequences of her manipulative actions, Drews quest to uncover the truth intensifies, and Carlys protective instincts take over, General Hospital promises an episode filled with suspense and emotional drama. The fate of several beloved characters hangs in the balance, and the fallout could change everything in Port Charles.

With lies, deception, and heartache at every turn, General Hospital fans wont want to miss the emotional rollercoaster ahead.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Actor Robert De Niro and actress Toukie Smith's daughter, Airyn De Niro, has openly discussed her experience of embracing her identity as a Black transgender woman. The 29-year-old revealed that she began hormone therapy in November 2024 and initially feared what her relatives would think. After being photographed by British tabloids during a visit with her well-known father at the Greenwich Hotel in New York City in March, Airyn's reported "major transformation" quickly went viral.

She also spoke about how she had struggled to feel good about herself because she couldnt identify with who she was before. Now, in a new interview, she has opened up about her transition journey and what it has meant to her. If her story has piqued your interest, heres everything you need to know about Airyn and her inspiring path to self-acceptance.

Meet Airyn: Robert De Niro's daughter comes out as trans woman

Talking about her journey with Them magazine, Airyn reflected on the deeper influences behind her transition in an interview with Them magazine contributor Ava Pauline Emilione. A big part of my transition has been the influence Black women have had on me, she said. Stepping into this new identity, while also becoming more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to them in some way.

She went on to explain the emotional nuance of her journey: Theres a difference between being visible and being seen. Ive been visible. I dont think Ive been seen yet.

Internet reacts to Robert De Niro's daughter Airyn coming out as trans woman

As soon as the news broke people on the internet spoke about how proud they are and how stunning she looks.

One wrote, Ugh the pink hair and makeup really brings out the shape of her face and eyes. Im so jealous of how gorgeous she is.

Another added, She has a lethal face card, my GAWD.

Additionally, Robert De Niro and his ex-partner Toukie Smith had welcomed twins Julian and Airyn in 1995 and had been coparenting them.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Maharashtra Day 2025: Maharashtra Day 2025 will be observed on Thursday, May 1. It marked the formation of the state of Maharashtra in 1960. This day is an important public holiday in the state. It celebrates its rich cultural heritage and history. Alongside Maharashtra Day, May 1 also coincides with Labour Day. So, it will be a dual observance in 2025.

On this day, government offices and banks remain closed as it is a declared bank holiday in Maharashtra. Also, liquor shops will be closed on this day as part of the state's dry day regulations. So, there will be a prohibition on the sale of alcohol across the state.

Is May 1 a bank holiday in Maharashtra in 2025?

Yes, May 1, 2025, is a public and bank holiday in Maharashtra. All government offices, schools, and banks remain closed on this day in observance of Maharashtra Day. The Indian stock markets, including the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange, also remain closed to honour the occasion.

NSE Holidays 2025: Is the stock market closed on Thursday, May 1 for Maharashtra Day?



Indian stock markets will be closed on May 1 for Maharashtra Day and Labour Day.

No trading on NSE, BSE across all segments; MCX shut in morning, open in evening. pic.twitter.com/4C3iLLOuFd  Chris Wealth Management Pvt Ltd (@chriswealthman1) April 30, 2025

Maharashtra Day 2025 celebrations and restrictions

Maharashtra Day is marked by a grand parade at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. The Governor of Maharashtra delivers a speech celebrating Marathi culture and heritage. The Mumbai Police have issued traffic advisories and road closures around Shivaji Park. Specific roads, like Keluskar Road and Swatantraveer Savarkar Road, will be closed to non-invitees.

Liquor shops to stay closed on Maharashtra Day 2025

Maharashtra observes a dry day on May 1. It means that liquor shops and bars remain closed throughout the state. This prohibition applies to all residents except foreigners. The dry day is part of the state's tradition to maintain decorum and respect during this important cultural and historical celebration.

FAQs

1. Is Maharashtra Day on May 1 a bank holiday in 2025?

Answer: Yes, May 1, 2025, is a bank holiday in Maharashtra, with banks and government offices closed across the state.

2. Why is Maharashtra Day celebrated on May 1?

Answer: Maharashtra Day commemorates the formation of the state of Maharashtra on May 1, 1960.

3. Will liquor shops be open on Maharashtra Day 2025?

Answer: No, liquor shops and bars will remain closed on May 1, 2025, as Maharashtra observes a dry day on Maharashtra Day.

4. What are the main events on Maharashtra Day?

Answer: The day features parades, cultural programmes, flag hoisting ceremonies, and speeches by political leaders at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.

5. Are there any traffic restrictions on Maharashtra Day in Mumbai?

Answer: Yes, Mumbai Police impose road closures and parking restrictions around Shivaji Park and nearby areas to manage the Maharashtra Day parade.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Chinas manufacturing activity shrank in April at its fastest pace in 16 months, revealing new cracks in the countrys already fragile post-pandemic economic recovery. As per Reuters, the sudden contraction comes right after the U.S. President Donald Trump announced his Liberation Day tariff package, which imposed a 145% duty on Chinese imports, abruptly ending a brief period of growth in the sector.

Lowest PMI reading since December 2023

The official manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), dropped to 49.0 in April from 50.5 in March. This is the weakest reading since December 2023 and falls below the 50-point threshold that separates growth from contraction. The figure also missed analysts expectations, who had forecast a PMI of 49.8 in a Reuters poll. Non-manufacturing PMI, which tracks services and construction, also declined to 50.4 from 50.8, though it remained just above the contraction mark.

Weak export orders and fading demand

China had earlier relied on advance shipments to buffer the impact of the looming tariffs, but with the levies now in place, that strategy has run out of steam. Factory owners are now facing the double burden of shrinking export orders and a lack of strong domestic demand. A private sector survey released the same day also showed a sharp decline in both export orders and overall factory activity. The yuan slightly weakened against the U.S. dollar after the data was released, signaling investor concern over early signs of economic damage.

Economists predict more trouble ahead

Economists believe the sharp fall in PMI may reflect negative sentiment on top of real weakness, but the trend is worrying nonetheless. Zichun Huang of Capital Economics stated that even with fiscal support from the government, Chinas economy is only expected to grow by around 3.5% this year. Huang also noted that the index tracking new export orders has dropped to its lowest level excluding COVID disruptions since April 2012.

Beijings strategy: Stimulus over negotiation

Instead of negotiating with the U.S. to ease the tariff impact, Beijing has fast-tracked its 2025 stimulus plans to reduce the blow of losing a major trade partner. Zhao Qinghe from the NBS said the fall in manufacturing activity is largely tied to sharp changes in Chinas external environment. In line with this, the Communist Partys Politburo recently pledged more support for affected firms and workers. Meanwhile, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) plans to release new economic policies in the second quarter that reflect current market conditions.

US President Donald Trump | Credit: X

Growth forecasts cut by global institutions

Despite official optimism, global institutions have lowered their growth expectations for China. The IMF, Goldman Sachs, and UBS have all revised their forecasts for 2025 and 2026, predicting that China will fall short of its 5% growth target. Wang Qing, a leading macro analyst, said further cuts to interest rates and bank reserve ratios may be necessary. He also expects the PMI to remain in contraction in May, though possibly improving slightly to around 49.5 due to stable growth policies.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Assam HS Result 2025 is out: The Assam HS Result 2025 for Class 12 has been officially declared on April 30, 2025, at 9:00 AM by the Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB). It is the newly formed board following the merger of SEBA and AHSEC. This year, a total of 3,06,925 students appeared for the examinations held between February 13 and March 17, 2025, across 856 exam centers in Assam.

The exams were conducted in two shifts daily, from 9 AM to 12 Noon and 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Students from Arts, Science, Commerce, and Vocational streams can check their results online on official websites such as ahsec.assam.gov.in and resultsassam.nic.in, as well as via the mobile app 'UPOLOBDHA'.

Assam HS Result 2025 official websites and direct links

Students can check out their Assam HS Result 2025 via the following official websites:

Steps to download Assam HS Result 2025 for class 12

Here is the required steps to download Assam HS Result 2025 for class 12 listed:

Visit the official website: ahsec.assam.gov.in.

Click on the Results tab on the homepage.

Select the link labeled Assam HS Result 2025.

Enter your roll number and date of birth in the required fields.

Submit the details to view your Class 12 result.

Download and print the result for future reference.

Students can also check their results via the DigiLocker app by logging in.

Passing Criteria for Assam HS 2025 exam

Below is the passing Criteria for Assam HS 2025 exam listed:

Without practical exams: Minimum 30% marks in total.

With practical exams: Minimum 30% in theory and 40% in practicals.

FAQs

Q: When was the Assam HS Result 2025 declared?

Answer: The Assam HS Result 2025 has just been declared today, on April 30, 2025, at 9:00 AM.

Q: Where can students check their Assam HS Result 2025?

Answer: Students can check their results on official websites like ahsec.assam.gov.in, asseb.in, results.ahsecexam.in, and via DigiLocker.

Q: What details are required to check the Assam HS Result 2025 online?

Answer: Students need to enter their roll number and date of birth to access their results.

Q: How many students appeared for the Assam HS exams in 2025?

Answer: Approximately 3,06,925 students appeared for the Assam HS Class 12 exams in 2025.

Q: Can students apply for re-evaluation after the Assam HS Result 2025 declaration?

Answer: Yes, students can apply for re-evaluation and request scanned copies of their answer sheets through the AHSEC official website.

For more news and updates from the world of Education, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
The Pakistani TikTok universe is no stranger to drama, but this time, it has erupted into full-blown chaos. What began as a shocking leak has now spiralled into a he-said-she-said mess of accusations, denials, and career-threatening controversy.

TikToker Zarnab Shastris MMS leaked

It all started when a private, explicit video showing a woman in a compromising position made its way online, quickly catching the attention of TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) users. Within hours, speculation ran wild with netizens claiming the woman in the clip was none other than social media influencer Zarnab Shastri. Zarnab, however, was quick to deny the allegations and stated in no uncertain terms that the woman in the video was not her.

Minahil Malik is now accused of circulating Zarnabs MMS

And just when things could not get any messier, boom! Another content creator who goes by the name SK just tossed petrol on an already raging fire. In a recent post on X, SK dropped a bombshell in which he claims that Minahil Malik, a fellow TikTok star, is actually the person responsible for leaking the controversial video in a calculated move to ruin Zarnabs public image. According to SK, Minahil did this to dent Zarnab's reputation, adding that if people are not careful, Farah Haider could be her next target.

Let us just say, if this were a reality show, the ratings would be through the roof.

Minahil Malik on the accusations

So far, Minahil has kept mum, choosing not to comment on SKs explosive claims. But this is not her first tryst with scandal. Back in November 2024, she was in the spotlight after a private video allegedly featuring her surfaced online. She had called the footage completely fake and filed a complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency in Pakistan, vowing justice. At the time, she even announced she would quit social mediathough she is now very much back and Insta-active.

Meanwhile, fans are split. Some are rallying behind Zarnab, urging justice and accountability, while others are side-eyeing the whole situation, wondering how many more names will be dragged into this viral saga.

In an age where virality trumps truth and screenshots scream louder than facts, this scandal has become a grim reminder of how quickly the internet can flip lives upside down.
Finally, it is now official that Marvel has zero interest in being the third wheel in Blake Lively and Justin Baldonis spiralling legal drama. The comic book empire is slamming the emergency brakes, pleading with a federal court to yank it out of the messy subpoena war over Deadpool and Wolverines Nicepool character.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni | Credit: X

The drama around It Ends With Us

Lets rewind. Blake and Justin, who co-starred in It Ends with Us, are no longer playing nice. Instead, they are locked in a bitter courtroom clash, throwing metaphorical popcorn-worthy punches. And somehow, Marvels fictional feminist, Nicepool, got dragged into the battlefield.

In a recent letter submitted to Judge Lewis J. Liman (yep, this is all very real), Marvel said, hard pass. They asked the court to quash the subpoena issued by Baldonis production company, Wayfarer Parties, demanding confidential documents about Nicepools creation and any ties to Baldoni. Not only that, Marvel also begged the court for a protective order to block anyone from spilling their classified creative tea.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni | Credit: X

What is the concern of Marvel behind all this

An insider close to Marvel explained that the company is concerned the subpoena will lead to the unauthorised release of sensitive information that has nothing to do with the actual legal beef. Instead of diving deep into the Nicepool archives, they want the whole subpoena situation frozen until Ryan Reynolds motion to dismiss as a counterclaim defendant is resolved.

Wait, it gets juicier.

Baldonis legal squad fired back with some serious side-eye. They said that Marvels counsel bailed during a negotiation call, dodging any real conversation about confidentiality concerns. The rep claimed Marvels lawyer just wanted to know what the Wayfarer team really neededdespite the subpoena already listing documents on the Nicepool character and anything connected to Baldoni.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni | Credit: X

Why is Nicepool even relevant? Because in Deadpool and Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds (aka Blakes husband) plays the flamboyant, self-proclaimed feminist Nicepool who showers Ladypool (played by Blake) with compliments, calling her gorgeous. Baldoni claims this was not just cinema, it was a coded, public dig at him.

So now, Marvel, who just wants to make superhero blockbusters in peace, is caught in a celebrity warzone over alleged onscreen shade.

Someone pass the popcorn, because this is not your average Hollywood lawsuitit is a cinematic crossover no one asked for
As the political climate between India and Pakistan grows increasingly tense following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, even pop culture figures are feeling the ripple effects. Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, known for her vibrant on-screen presence and popularity in India, recently became part of an unusual online conversationone that blended political symbolism with meme culture.

Hania Aamir receives a package of water bottles from an Indian fan

A viral video, circulating widely on social media, shows a group of Hanias Indian fans packing a box of water bottles addressed to her home in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The carton bore the words: "To Hania Aamir. Rawal Pind. Punjab, Pakistan. From India." The video was apparently intended as a light-hearted reference to the recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, announced as part of Indias five-point response to the attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Hania Aamir fans from India sending Water bottles to her pic.twitter.com/7U2GCmPIEF  Sunanda Roy  (@SaffronSunanda) April 29, 2025

This act leaves netizens divided

However, what started as a meme quickly escalated into a polarising online debate. While some netizens found the gesture humorous, others felt the timing was inappropriate, especially considering the loss of innocent lives and the seriousness of the geopolitical tension.

Hania Aamirs reaction to the Pahalgam attack

Amid the noise, many users pointed out that Hania Aamir had already responded to the Pahalgam incident with sensitivity and compassion. In her Instagram stories, she shared a message of solidarity with the victims and their families, saying that pain and grief transcend borders and humanity should always come first.

Instagram

Hania Aamirs Indian film is now cancelled

Meanwhile, rumours have surfaced suggesting that Hanias upcoming film project, Sardaar Ji 3, in which she was reportedly cast opposite Diljit Dosanjh, may be affected by the current political situation. While the films UK shoot was completed last month, sources claim that the production team is considering replacing her and reshooting her scenes. There has been no official confirmation from the filmmakers yet.
Happy Labour Day 2025 wishes and quotes: Labour Day 2025, also known as International Workers' Day or May Day, is observed on Thursday, May 1, 2025. This day honours the contributions and achievements of workers around the world. It has its origins in the late 19th-century labour movement.

In India, Labour Day has been celebrated since 1923 and coincides with Maharashtra Day, marking the formation of the state in 1960. On May 1, 2025, schools, banks in serval states observed holidays in India. As Indian stock exchanges are headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, stock markets will remain closed tomorrow in the observance of 'Maharashtra Day' or 'Maharashtra Din'. Labour Day is a public holiday in many states, such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

As this international event is approaching, let's make it more special by sending our best collection of Happy Labour Day wishes, messages, inspiring quotes, images, wallpapers, and WhatsApp status to everyone:

Happy Labour Day wishes to share on WhatsApp

Happy Labour Day to all

Wishing all workers around the world a Happy Labour Day!

To all the workers out there, thank you for your endless effort. Happy Labour Day!

May all workers be treated equally with dignity and respect, in an environment free from discrimination. Happy Labour Day!

May all workers have the right to participate in decision-making processes and have their rights protected. Happy Labour Day.

Be proud of what you do. Wishing you a very Happy Labour Day.

Sending good wishes on May Day to all the deserving workers in the world. Happy Labour Day!

May all workers have access to education and training opportunities to enhance their skills and advance their careers. Happy Labour Day.

Let your work speak for you. Happy Labour Day to everyone.

May all labourers enjoy safe and healthy working conditions. Happy Labour Day.

Wishing you a Labour Day filled with laughter, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment.

Your hard work and dedication have played a vital role in building our nation. May you have a wonderful journey ahead. Happy Labour Day!

Happy Labour Day! Sending our appreciation and respect to workers in every field.

Happy Labour Day greetings to share

Wishing you a Labour Day full of pride in your work and the joy of knowing you make a difference every day.

Whether you work on the frontlines or behind the scenes, your role matters. Today is your daystand tall and be proud!

This Labour Day, let's celebrate not just the work but the people behind ittheir effort, strength, and purpose.

Your hard work might not always be seen, but it is always valued. Wishing you a well-deserved and meaningful Labour Day!

To all workers, thank you for your dedication and strength. May this day bring you the rest and recognition you truly deserve.

Happy Labour Day! Here's to everyone who keeps the world moving with their hard work and commitmenttoday and every day.

Take this day to rest, reflect, and feel proud of what you do. Your work matters and is appreciated.

Let today remind you that your efforts are noticed, your work matters, and your dedication is respected.

Whether you build, teach, care, clean, protect or createwhat you do is important. This Labour Day, we celebrate you.

Heartfelt Labour Day messages to share

May all workers be recognised for their hard work and dedication --- and may they receive fair compensation for their efforts. Happy Labour Day.

Wishing for greater equality in the workplace, regardless of gender, race, or other factors - Happy Labour Day.

May all workers have the opportunity to organize and join unions, to advocate for their --- Rights and interests. Happy Labour Day.

May all workers have access to social protections and benefits, such as healthcare, retirement plans, and unemployment insurance. Happy Labour Day.

Wishing for greater respect for the contributions of migrant and immigrant workers, and for their rights to be protected. Happy Labour Day.

Wishing for greater recognition of the contributions of informal sector workers, such as domestic workers and street vendors. Happy Labour Day.

Wishing for a world where all workers are valued and respected, and where their contributions to society are recognized and celebrated. Happy Labour Day.

May this Labour Day be a reminder that we all have a responsibility to create a world where workers are treated fairly and justly.

Inspiring quotes to share on Labour Day 2025

Persistence overshadows even talent as the most valuable resource shaping the quality of life. - Tony Robbins

Dont worry when you are not recognised, but strive to be worthy of recognition. - Abraham Lincoln

The only thing thats keeping you from getting what you want is the story you keep telling yourself. - Tony Robbins

"No work is insignificant. All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence." - Martin Luther King Jr.

I think that my biggest attribute to any success that I have had is hard work. There is no substitute for working hard. - Maria Bartirom

Magic lies in challenging what seems impossible. - Carol Moseley Braun

Dare to be honest, and fear no labour. - Robert Burns

"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." - Tim Notke

Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard. - Kevin Durant

The supreme accomplishment is to blur the lines between work and play. - Arnold J. Toynbee

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs

Life doesnt require that we be the best, only that we try our best. - H. Jackson Brown Jr.

There is more to life than making a living. Do not work more than you live. - Mokokoma Mokhonoana

There is joy in work. There is no happiness except in the realisation that we have accomplished something. - Henry Ford

Without labour, nothing prospers. -Sophocles

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." - Confucius

Rest when youre weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work. -Ralph Marston

Happy Labour Day, WhatsApp status

May this Labour Day be a reminder of the importance of fair labour practices and the ongoing struggle for workers' rights.

To every hard-working employee, a very happy Labour Day! Also, a special shout-out to those who work hard to protect workers rights.

I want to express my gratitude and thank all the nation's employees for their tremendous efforts and abilities. To all of you, a happy International Workers' Day.

Wishing all the dedicated workers a wonderful May Day. Every worker is valuable and ought to be treated fairly across the world. Happy Labour Day.

Today is a pay respect to those who work. Paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time, happily or not, you help make the world better. Thank you and Happy Labour Day!

Labour is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labour had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.- Abraham Lincoln

Labour Day images, photos, and Wallpapers to share on WhatsApp and Facebook

Labour Day images, photos, wallpapers to share | Credit: Freepik

Labour Day images, photos, wallpapers to share | Credit: Freepik

Labour Day images, photos, wallpapers to share | Credit: Freepik

Labour Day images, photos, wallpapers to share | Credit: Freepik

Labour Day images, photos, wallpapers to share | Credit: Freepik

Labour Day images, photos, wallpapers to share | Credit: Freepik

Labour Day images, photos, wallpapers to share | Credit: Freepik

FAQs

Q. What is Labour Day 2025?

Labour Day 2025 is a public holiday on May 1 to honour workers and their contributions. It is also called International Workers' Day or May Day.

Q. Why is May 1 a public holiday in India?

May 1 is a public holiday in India for Labour Day and Maharashtra Day.

Q. Will schools and banks be closed on Labour Day 2025?

Yes, most schools and banks across India will be closed on May 1, 2025, due to the Labour Day holiday.

Q. Will the stock market be open on May 1, 2025?

No, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) will be closed on May 1 and will reopen on May 2, 2025.

Q. Can I still use online banking on May 1, 2025?

Yes, online services like ATMs, UPI, and mobile banking will work, even though physical bank branches will be closed.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
An High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State has sentenced five men, identified as Ojo Tope, Damilola Christopher, Joshua Adegoke, Aderopo Temitope, and Oyedele Oluwatobi to death by hanging for armed robbery.

Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Olalekan Olatawura held that the defendants were found guilty of conspiracy, murder, and armed robbery.

INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the offences were committed by the convicts on 18 August 2021, at Agogo Street, Ilupeju Avenue, Odo-Ado, Ado-Ekiti, where they robbed Ajiboye Olajide, Lateef Temidayo Busari, and Akeem Isiaka of their money, laptop computers, mobile phones, and other valuables.

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It was gathered that the accused individuals also murdered the local night guard, identified as Joseph Blessing during the robbery attack.

The five men were subsequently arrested and charged with conspiracy, murder, and armed robbery, contrary to Section 516A of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012; Section 319 of the same law; and Section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

READ MORE: Police Rescue Two Abducted Victims In Ekiti After Gun Battle With Kidnappers

Director of Public Prosecutions, Julius Ajibare, prosecuted the case on behalf of Ekiti State, calling four witnesses and tendering 13 exhibits before the court to prove the charges.

He said: The offences were committed by the defendants on the 18th August, 2021 at Agogo Street, Ilupeju Avenue, Odo Ado, Ado Ekiti.

The defendants robbed Ajiboye Olajide, Lateef Temidayo Busari, and Akeem lsiaka of their money, laptop computers, mobile phones, and other valuables.

In the process of the robbery, the five defendants also killed the street night guard, named Joseph Blessing.

The defendants were represented by Adeyinka Opaleke, and each of them gave evidence without calling additional witnesses.

Justice Olalekan in his judgment, held that prosecution proved the counts of armed robbery, murder, and conspiracy against all five defendants beyond a reasonable doubt.

The judge consequently convicted all the defendants and sentenced them to death by hanging for armed robbery and murder, and 21 years imprisonment for conspiracy.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended eight individuals in connection with a car theft operation in the nations capital.

FCT police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said in a statement on Tuesday that a couple known as Yusuf Yunusa and Blessing Yusuf were among the accused.

Adeh stated that Blessing admitted to buying Toyota master keys from the online marketplace Jumia, which her husband used to steal cars, while she assisted by creating distractions during the thefts.

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READ MORE: Eight Dead, Six Injured In Anambra Road Crash

On 19th April 2025, following the report of a stolen gold Toyota Corolla (Reg No. ABC 570 FJ) from the Federal Secretariat, operatives of the Commands Scorpion Squad arrested one Yusuf Yunusa, the statement reads.

Further investigation led to the arrest of his wife, Blessing Yusuf, on 25th April in Kwali Area Council. She confessed to purchasing Toyota master keys from the Jumia online marketplace, which her husband used to steal vehicles, while she created distractions to facilitate the crimes.

The police spokesperson also disclosed that five additional suspects  Idris Suleiman, Isiyaku Habibu, Ganiyu Sadiq, Idowu Akintunde, and Bello Muyideen  were arrested in connection with the theft of a black Mercedes-Benz in Lagos.

She mentioned that George Idung, a driver, was arrested while attempting to sell a car owned by his employer, Chinwenze Chinaza, in his village located in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Adeh added that the suspects would be prosecuted in court once the investigations are completed.

In another case, on 28th April 2025, police responded to a report from a car buyer in Life Camp regarding a suspicious black Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC E-400 (Reg No. AAA 07 KA), Adeh said.

Upon investigation, it was confirmed stolen from Lekki, Lagos. Five suspects were arrested and identified as Idris Suleiman, Isiyaku Habibu, Ganiyu Sadiq, Idowu Akintunde, and Bello Muyideen.

The stolen vehicle was recovered and the suspects confessed to stealing it from their employer.

Adeh further stated that Ajao Adewale, the FCT Commissioner of Police, advised residents to install tracking devices in their vehicles, avoid parking in isolated areas, and confirm vehicle ownership before making a purchase.
Some residents of Atimbo community, located in Calabar, Cross River, have decried over rising case of falling trees during rainfalls in the state.

It was gathered that a Nissan Xterra Jeep was destroyed in a recent rainfall that occurred in one of the communities.

Speaking with News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday, Samuel Ekpenyong, said that the rain that fell on Monday evening came with stormy winds and a residents car was damaged.

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He said: She was still calling out for the gate to be opened for her when a huge tree in front of the building fell on the car and seriously damaged it.

Although the woman was not injured because she was not in the car when the tree fell, this is one too many damages in Calabar.

Another resident in the community, identified as Ikaete Livinus, said that there have been complaint about some of the trees in Calabar metropolis that have become too old and too large.

She said: Late 2024, Calabar was rendered without power for days because of a similar stormy rain that brought countless old trees down in the city.

READ MORE: Heavy Downpour Wreaks Havoc In Lagos Communities, Destroys Trees, Disrupts Traffic

These trees did not just fall, they destroyed power installations like wires, poles, private properties like shops and buildings.

The state government needs to be proactive and start assessing these trees early before the rainy season.

Addressing the issue, the states Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Moses Osogi, sympathised with those that have lost properties from the fallen trees.

Osogi said the state government was taking measures to ensure that old trees in the city are cut down to prevent more catastrophe.

He said: We have a unit in the Ministry of Environment whose responsibility is to identify and cut down old trees, if you go around the city you will see what we are doing, we are really trying our best, it is a gradual process.

We advise people who may have identified old trees that looks like it may fall to come to the ministry.

The unit responsible will certify that the tree is actually old and go ahead to cut it down or prune it.
Nigeria Labour Congress has said that former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, will unseat President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressive Congress without any coalition in 2027 poll.

NLC added that Obi does not need to merge with political figures like ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar or immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, to win any election.

Speaking during an interview with PUNCH on Tuesday, the Deputy President of NLC Political Commission, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, said that, once the Independent National Electoral Commission conducts a free and fair election, 2027 presidential election would be a workover for the former Anambra State governor.

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Ndubuaku added that Obi remains a formidable and widely accepted candidate, capable of defeating President Tinubu.

He said: Peter Obi doesnt need any coalition to win the 2027 presidential election. He is a sellable candidate.

If you recall, he was already coasting to victory in the 2023 elections before the controversial glitches. He even defeated Tinubu in his own stronghold in Lagos, which shows Nigerians want him in power.

READ MORE: NLC Cancels May Day Celebration In Rivers, Calls For Rally Against Emergency Rule

For as long as INEC conducts a free and fair election, he will win. He can also leverage his local and international connections to make it happen.

If people are suggesting he return to the PDP, on what basis? Compare the PDPs issues with those of the Labour Party.

While LPs crisis centering around Julius Abure has been settled by the Supreme Court, the PDP is still battling a hydra-headed crisis. Moving from LP to PDP would be like jumping from frying pan to fire.
An High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, has sentenced one Olaniyan Gbenga Amos to 63 years in prison for multiple counts of investment fraud.

Amos was convicted on Tuesday, alongside his firm, Detorrid Heritage Investment Limited, following a 30-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The charges bordered on false pretenses, an offence contrary to section 1(1)(a) and punishable under section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.

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EFCC Spokesman Dele Oyewale on Tuesday, in a statement, said that one of the charges revealed that Amos obtained N995,000 from a victim under the guise of investing with Crime Alert Security Network.

In another case, he collected N920,000 from a separate victim using a similar false representation.

READ MORE: Alleged Fraud: Court Grants EFCCs Request To Arrest, Detain Six CBEX Promoters

Amos pleaded not guilty to all charges. EFCC prosecutor Sanusi Galadanchi opened the case in February 2022, calling eight witnesses and presenting several exhibits. After the prosecution rested its case in January 2023, Amoss no-case submission was dismissed, and he proceeded to defend himself.

He testified on behalf of both himself and the company, and after both parties adopted their final written addresses, the court reserved judgment until 28 April 2025.

Justice Olusola Adetujoye sentenced Amos to seven years each on counts 6, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, and 24.

He was discharged on the remaining counts. The sentences are to run concurrently, and the court ordered that he make restitution to the victims.

EFCC noted that Amos still faces two additional fraud trials in Federal High Courts in Ibadan. His latest conviction stems from a scheme that defrauded investors of over N1 billion.
Kwara state government has expressed concern over shortage of medical doctors, saying that few health workers are attending to thousands of patients across government hospitals in the state.

Speaking during a press briefing in Ilorin, Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Abdulraheem Abdulmalik, said that the board could not find doctors to recruit to work under the state government, despite approval given by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to recruit new doctors.

Abdulmalik also said that there is a retention plan by the state government to close gap on the required number of medical doctors in the state.

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READ MORE: Afe Babalola Urges FG To Halt Japa Trend With Salary Increase For Doctors, Nurses

He said: On recruitment, we have presented prerequisites to The Excellency on actually harvesting doctors from medical schools.

So, the state government sponsors you as a student for maybe a year or two years, and you pay back by working for the state for those two years in which the state has invested in you.

That means we will continue to have a cycle of students. So, the state government sponsors you for three years, you work for the state government for three years before you Japa.

So, that would mean there is a closing of the gap for medical doctors. Of course, that would kick off in about three to four years because we are starting from their clinical level, which is 400 level.

Most of the nurses are women, and their movements depend on where their husbands are stationed. Some do Japa but we are not as desperate for nurses.
Labour Party in Delta State has berated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over what its described as wasteful defection ceremony.

The National Vice Chairman South-South of the party, Chief Tony Ezeagwu, led this out on Tuesday while reacting to the defection of Peoples Democratic Partys members in Asaba.

Ezeagwu noted that LP will maintain a strong opposition in the state after the collapse of PDP into All Progressive Congress, describing the defection ceremony as a waste of Delta resources.

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He said that there will definitely be a lot of internal crisis in their new party, as people from diverse backgrounds, including those who previously left their political group due to internal disputes, are now returning to join the same group they once clashed with.

Ezeagwu said: We are the only opposition in Delta State now, we just thanked God that the governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his PDP members made the blunder by defecting to APC.

As long as LP is concerned, we dont have anything on the defection, but it is an advantage to us because, as it is today, before they finish their fighting in APC, we have gone very far.

READ MORE: I Regret Running With Northern Candidate In 2023 Presidential Election When It Was Souths Turn  Okowa

And trust Nigerian politicians, no politicians have the interest of the people; it is personal interest, so as long as they are concerned, they are not going to put anybody into consideration, rather everybody will be fighting for what he or she will benefit.

Thats exactly what you will see going on there. It is because of that particular interest, you will see that in the end, they will scatter more in the APC.

Watch out, you will see that almost 80 per cent of them who moved now, will move back to other political parties. Let me not say precisely they are coming to join LP, because as it is, they have grounded PDP and it will be difficult for PDP to find it seat in Delta any longer.

It is a complete waste of resources for Oborewori to spend such a huge amount of money to officially defect to APC.
Nigeria has ranked third on the list of African countries with the highest number of deportations from the United States (U.S) between 2020 and 2025, according to data from The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

A total of 437 Nigerian nationals were removed from the U.S. during this period, with many facing deportation due to criminal convictions or final orders issued by immigration judges.

ICEs enforcement actions are authorized under Title 8 of the U.S. Code, which allows officers within the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division to remove noncitizens with final orders of removal.
Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has suggested that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is preparing to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the 2027 general elections.

Okowa, who was Atikus running mate in the 2023 presidential election, made the revelation during an interview with news men on Wednesday. He stated that communication between him and Atiku indicates the ex-VP is no longer comfortable in the PDP and is already considering other political options.

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I told him we were holding meetings with stakeholders and that the outcome would influence our future political direction, Okowa said. From his messages, its clear hes also on his way out.

Okowa himself announced his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday. Reflecting on his 2023 campaign experience, he admitted regretting not aligning with the sentiments of the southern electorate, who largely wanted a southern presidency.

In hindsight, I think I should have stood with my people, he said. They werent in support of another northern president after Buhari.

He pointed to the election of his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, as evidence that Deltans still had confidence in his leadership despite the national political divergence.

Okowa also dismissed recent criticism from Senator Bukola Saraki over his defection, saying Saraki lacked the moral ground to question his political decisions.

With major players like Atiku, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai already in talks for a coalition, Okowas statements may signal further cracks within the PDP ahead of the 2027 contest.
Award-winning Nigerian rapper Olamide has released a new single titled Kai, featuring Grammy-winning artist Wizkid.

The YBNL boss dropped the eagerly awaited track on streaming platforms on Tuesday.

On Kai, Olamide showcased his trademark fusion of Yoruba and English lyrics, while Wizkid enhances the track with his silky vocals and captivating rhythm.

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READ MORE: Shallipopi Drags Headies Organisers After Receiving Handshake In Place Of Award, Vows Not To Attend Event In Future

The pair seamlessly exchange lines on the smooth, uplifting track, offering memorable lyrics like: Nothing is carved in stone/ You know the night is young/ Im feeling good, Im in my zone.

Roll me a fat big blunt/ And awon temi to ba wole (baba wole wa)/ Don Perignon malati wole (hmmm)/ Dorime dori like what?/ Casamigo nlor/ Abi, shey make I stop?/ Im so fly, my God!/ Mr. Bombastic, Mr. Romantic.

Kai is the latest in a series of collaborations between the two Afrobeat heavyweights, building on the success of past joint efforts like Omo To Shan (2011), Confam Ni (2015), Kana (2018), and Totori (2019).

The rapper also revealed the official release date for his upcoming eleventh studio album.

In a separate post on X, the Jinja hitmaker announced that the album is scheduled for release on June 3.

Album out! 03/06 9pm- Olamide, he captioned the post.

Olamides discography includes ten albums, such as Rapsodi (2011), YBNL (2012), Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (2013), Street OT (2014), and Eyan Mayweather (2014).

Other notable albums in his collection are The Glory (2016), Lagos Nawa (2017), Carpe Diem (2020), UY Scuti (2021), and Unruly (2023).

Olamide, often hailed as one of Nigerias greatest rappers, established his influential label, YBNL Nation, in 2012.

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The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended a suspect following a raid on a criminal hideout in Ukpor, located in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesman for the state police command, said in a statement released on Tuesday that police operatives from the Rapid Response Squad/Anti-Kidnapping Unit conducted the operation on Friday based on credible intelligence.

According to Ikenga, the suspect identified as Ewulu Chikwo, 35, from Osumoghu Isieke Village in Ihiala LGA, was allegedly part of a group planning to impose a sit-at-home order in the area the next Monday when security operatives stormed their hideout.

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READ MORE: Police Rescue Two Abducted Victims In Ekiti After Gun Battle With Kidnappers

He further revealed that the suspect was involved in the 2022 attack on the Ukpor Divisional Police Headquarters, during which a female officer, Inspector Stella Maris, was brutally killed.

He said, Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad/Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible information on April 25, busted a criminal camp at Ukpor.

They arrested one Ewulu Chikwo m aged 35 years from Osumoghu Isieke Village, Ihiala LGA. The suspect and his gang members were allegedly planning to enforce an illegal sit-at-home in the area the following Monday.

During the interrogation of the suspect, he confessed to being a member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and also among the armed criminals that attacked the Ukpor Divisional Police Headquarters in the year 2022, where a policewoman, Inspector Stella Maris, was gruesomely murdered.

Given the above, the Joint Security Force has intensified patrols in the area. even as the State Police Command has equally assured of swift action on any security information, especially as it affects the arrest of other gang members in the area.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to take legal action against Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Vice Presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire Delta PDP leadership over their recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This comes after a major political shift on April 23, which saw top government officials and the PDPs grassroots structure in Delta State join the APC.

Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum, addressed the press on Wednesday after the partys first National Working Committee (NWC) meeting of the year. He stated that PDPs Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, had been directed to commence legal proceedings to challenge the defection in court.

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The party insists that these officials were elected on its platform and cannot legally transfer the mandate to another party.

Damagum said, We are going to test that in court and we are ready. We have already instructed the Legal Adviser to prepare all the necessary papers and processes so that we can test that.

In response to the developments, the PDP has directed Emma Ogidi, the Caretaker Chairman for the South-South zone, to take over the Delta State party structure and begin the search for new leadership, sidelining the current arrangement under Chief Dan Orbih.

This mass defection has raised fresh fears among opposition groups of a creeping one-party system, as Delta has long been a PDP stronghold.

The party has fixed its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for May 27 to address the issue and chart a way forward in its efforts to recover political ground.
The number of non-U.S. citizens entering Philadelphia International Airport is down 10.5% since the start of the year, according to data compiled by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Read more

International travel to Philadelphia has dropped sharply this year, as potential visitors balk at President Donald Trumps trade war and aggressive statements toward traditional allies like Canada and the European Union.

The number of non-U.S. citizens entering Philadelphia International Airport is down 10.5% since the start of the year, according to data compiled by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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Local tourism officials, largely citing anecdotal evidence, have already warned that Philadelphias economy could suffer from rising anti-American sentiment overseas. The new data appear to give weight to those concerns.

The data show that through April 27, nearly 88,000 non-U.S. citizens have been processed by the CBP. Thats 9,237 fewer travelers than over the same period one year earlier. The number of U.S. citizens being processed by Philadelphia CBP officials rose 9%.

Declining international travel has hit other American cities, too. Overall arrivals of foreign visitors to the United States declined 12% in March compared to the previous year, according to research firm Tourism Economics. The number of Canadians returning from trips to the U.S. by land fell 32% over the same time period, and air travel also slid.

The drops are attributable to the global fallout from the intensified America First stance, the firm wrote in an April 11 report.

Trump, asked about the trend by reporters at the White House last week, said: Theres a little nationalism there, I guess, perhaps. Its not a big deal.

I could see it likewise with us not wanting to go to certain countries, he added. But that will work out very easily.

The Inquirer analyzed three years of CBP data and found the number of foreign travelers coming to Philadelphia rose throughout 2024, before dropping, starting in October. Overall, the number of travelers being processed by the CBP has been on the rise in Philadelphia, following national trends, as the country moves farther from the COVID-19 pandemic.

International visitors generated $1.2 billion in economic impact in Philadelphia last year, according to the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

It remains to be seen whether reduced interest in international travel to the U.S. will persist. In response to turmoil in financial markets, Trump has dialed back some of his steepest taxes on imported goods and even said last week that his 145% minimum tariffs on China would come down substantially.
A man is facing murder charges in connection with the discovery of a body in the Schuylkill in East Falls in February, police said.

Authorities removed the body of Joshua Daywalt, 35, from an area of the river near Kelly Drive and Midvale Avenue just after 10 a.m. on Feb. 7. Daywalt, of Phoenixville, had initially been spotted by a passerby, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

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The following day, the Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office conducted an autopsy, and found that Daywalt had been killed by a single gunshot wound to the head behind his right ear. An examiner also discovered a potential graze wound on the lower back of his head.

His death was ruled a homicide, and he was later identified by a fingerprint analysis, police said.

On Tuesday, police arrested Roger Rosson, 61, in connection with Daywalts slaying. Rosson is believed to have been unhoused at the time of his arrest, authorities said. He was in the process of being charged with Daywalts killing late Tuesday.

Police did not respond to request for comment on the circumstances surrounding Rossons arrest.

In the weeks after authorities identified Daywalt as the victim, authorities offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of his killer. It was not immediately clear what information led to Rossons arrest in the case.

In an obituary for Daywalt, the mans family described him as having struggled with mental illness, including schizophrenia. Daywalts mother, Jennifer Daywalt, wrote in the obituary that his struggles with mental health were relentless, isolating, and devastating.

Daywalt was buried in Phoenixville more than a week after his body was discovered, his obituary indicated.

Details on Rossons legal proceedings in connection with the killing were not immediately available.
For the last 5 years, Philadelphia law enforcement officials and prosecutors have been the ones to recount the 2019 shooting of six police officers during an hours-long barricade at a Nicetown-Tioga rowhouse, marking one of the darkest days in modern department history.

But on Tuesday, another individual offered his recollection of those events  the man who prosecutors say fired the barrage of bullets that afternoon, laying siege to a residential block on North 15th Street and leaving the officers  who survived their injuries  with scars both physical and emotional.

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By Maurice Hills telling of that claustrophobic standoff, the 41-year-old had no clue he was firing at police as he unloaded an AR-15-style rifle through his kitchen wall  a snap decision made after narcotics officers rammed his front door and stormed the property to search for drugs.

And Hill, who surrendered to police after 7 hours, said he would have turned himself in peacefully hours earlier had he not feared that police would kill him.

I panicked, I didnt know what to do, Hill testified in Common Pleas Court, where he currently stands trial for dozens of crimes related to the shooting. I see a shadow of someone coming through my living room with a gun, so I fire through the wall.

Hill, sporting a pink patterned suit jacket, spoke to the jurors who will decide whether he will spend decades in prison on what was the sixth day of the high-profile proceeding before Judge Diana L. Anhalt.

When the Aug. 14, 2019, shooting made national news, everyone from District Attorney Larry Krasner to President Donald Trump chimed in  and, in Krasners case, became intertwined in the saga after offering Hill what the prosecutor later described as a phony baloney deal over the phone to help end the barricade.

After days of Krasners prosecutors calling narcotics officers to testify, Hills defense attorney called witnesses including Hills former lawyer; a handful of Hills housemates who had become trapped in the cross fire; the mother of Hills daughter, who had given birth shortly before the shooting; and finally Hill himself.

Hill told the court that just before the shooting began, he had arrived home after stopping to buy his newborn a set of outfits from Old Navy and getting lunch with a friend; that morning, Hill testified, he had been in the hospital with his daughter and her mother.

As Hill prepared to head back to the hospital, he testified, he heard one of his two dogs, Dior, barking in the front of his first-floor apartment, followed by a loud boom. He later learned officers fired upon the animal, killing it.

From the kitchen Hill unleashed the rounds, he said, believing that whoever had entered the home was going to kill him. Prosecutors say one bullet struck Officer Shaun Parker above the ear, leaving the stunned and bleeding man to flee out a window as fellow officers returned fire.

My adrenaline is up, because I cant hear nothing, Hill said of his thinking at the time. Firing a gun into a small space is real loud. All you see is smoke from the drywall, so I can barely see.

Hill was adamant that he had no idea it was police who had entered his home; throughout the trial, much of his defenses arguments centered on whether police were justified in entering the property without a search warrant despite their suspicion of drugs being moved there from a neighboring home, as well as whether officers had announced that they were at Hills front door before using a battering ram to enter.

In one of the more surreal moments of the trial  which already included veteran prosecutor Anthony Voci waving the militaristic semiautomatic rifle high above his head while questioning Hills housemate about whether he knew that police found firearms, ammunition, and large bags of marijuana inside  Hill testified that he only realized it was police outside the home after seeing helicopter footage on a local news broadcast playing in his bedroom.

Meanwhile, over the next several hours of the barricade, Hill called the mother of his newborn and other members of his family, he testified.

Im crying because I know Im about to die, said Hill, who said he believed that if he went to the front door to surrender, he would have been shot. I know at this time Im not going to see my daughter grow up.

Hill then made another call  to Shaka Johnson, a well-known Philadelphia defense attorney.

Johnson testified earlier Tuesday that he had spoken with Hill several times over the phone during the barricade, urging him to surrender. While the two men had a professional relationship, Johnson testified, he and Hill had also attended a bar together in Atlanta during the Eagles Super Bowl appearance in 2018.

He sounded scared, he sounded frightened, Johnson said of Hills demeanor over the phone. The attorney later placed a call of his own  to Krasner  to begin the unusual negotiation process. Johnson eventually arrived at the scene to helped coax Hill out of the home with a bullhorn.

Prosecutors are expected to begin questioning Hill on Wednesday.
Sergio Hyland, a political organizer for the Working Families Party, was incarcerated for 22 years before his release in Feb. of 2022. Read more

A criminal justice organizer for the Pennsylvania Working Families Party has been charged with killing a 30-year-old woman in North Philadelphia last year.

Sergio Hyland, 43, who served more than 20 years in prison for murder before he was released on parole and became a social justice organizer, was arrested earlier this month for his role in the fatal shooting of Jasimane Ransom last summer, police said.

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Police say Hyland, who described himself as the Hood abolitionist and criminal justice consultant on his website, and offered counseling on harm and violence de-escalation tactics, shot Ransom in the head around 2:30 a.m. on the 1200 block of West Cumberland Street on July 11, 2024.

Detectives had been investigating the crime for months, and recently developed a witness who identified Hyland as the gunman, said Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore. The motive behind the killing wasnt clear, he said.

When officers arrested Hyland at his East Germantown home on April 17, they recovered three rifles, two handguns, and multiple rounds of ammunition inside, Vanore said.

Hylands previous convictions prohibit him from owning guns.

The Working Families Party, in a statement, said it was shocked and troubled to learn about the arrest of one of its Philadelphia employees and the seriousness of the charges. Our hearts go out to the victims family and all those impacted by this terrible crime.

Hyland is no longer employed by the organization, though a spokesperson declined to say when he was terminated.

Just eight days before his arrest, the Working Families Party issued a joint news release from Hyland and District Attorney Larry Krasner, announcing its endorsement of Krasner in his campaign for a third term as top prosecutor.

We are proud to endorse him and support his unwavering commitment to transformative criminal justice reform, Hyland said in the release on behalf of the progressive group. His initiatives to end mass incarceration, eliminate cash bail for nonviolent offenses, and hold law enforcement accountable for bad actions resonate deeply with our mission to advocate for policies that promote equity and justice for all Pennsylvanians.

Krasner said at the time that he was honored to accept their endorsement.

Anthony Campisi, a spokesperson for Krasners campaign, said in a statement Tuesday that Hylands previous murder case was handled by an earlier administration.

Larry has only a passing awareness of Mr. Hyland and saw him at a few events on the campaign trail, Campisi said. The District Attorneys Office worked closely with the Philadelphia Police Department to charge him in this matter and will be vigorously prosecuting him to the fullest extent of the law.

But Patrick F. Dugan, the former judge challenging Krasner for district attorney, said Krasner should recuse his office from the case and assign it to an outside prosecutor.

Krasner has appeared alongside Hyland at many events over the years, he said, and the former organizer has shared multiple photos with the DA on Instagram.

When someone who has endorsed your campaign for District Attorney is charged with murder the first thing you should do is recuse yourself from prosecuting the case, Dugan said in a statement. Sometimes leadership means stepping back, not doubling down on your own arrogance and ego.

Krasner, in response, said his office would not step back from the case.

Our vigorous prosecution of Sergio Hyland is another example of our offices integrity, he said. We will continue to pursue justice in each and every case, regardless of politics.

Ransom, who was described on social media as a loving mother who worked two jobs to care for her daughters, also worked in community organizing, though her relationship with Hyland was not immediately clear. Her family could not be reached Tuesday.

Still, a collection of memorials shared online after her death offered a glimpse into her life as a friend, a sister, a motivated business owner.

She was a creative spirit, who could draw, rap, do hair, and most recently was learning drone photography, one friend wrote.

Hyland had spent more than two decades in prison in connection with two homicides, according to police.

In 2004, he pleaded guilty in the March 2001 killing of 15-year-old Ajene Bright, a Germantown honor student who was shot in the chest while walking home.

Police said Hyland was also charged in connection with the July 2002 death of Bryan Vertreace. Hylands role in that case was not immediately clear, but court records show he was convicted of criminal mischief, theft, and receiving stolen property in that case.

He was sentenced to at least 20 years in prison for both cases and was released on parole in February 2022. He joined local organizing efforts shortly after, appearing alongside many progressive members of City Council at news conferences about criminal and social justice issues.

Hyland wrote on his website that during his time in prison, he spent five years in solitary confinement and was mentored and inspired politically by former Black Panther and Black Liberation Army member, Russell Maroon Shoatz, who shot and killed Philadelphia police Sgt. Frank Von Colln in 1970.

Staff writer Max Marin contributed to this article.
Camden Schools Superintendent Katrina McCombs has told union leaders that the district has a $91 million budget deficit and cuts and layoffs are expected. Read more

Facing a $91 million budget shortfall for the 2025-26 school year, the Camden school district plans to cut jobs and lay off employees, union officials said Tuesday.

Superintendent Katrina T. McCombs disclosed a massive restructuring to union leaders and administrators during a tense meeting at the Central Office.

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Camden Education Association President Pamela Clark, who represents more than 1,000 teachers and support staff, declined to say how many employees would be affected, but said the possible cuts were deep.

Everybody is going to feel the impact of these layoffs and reduction in force, every single employee, Clark said. My heart is heavy.

According to a source who attended the meeting and requested anonymity because she was not authorized to speak, the positions include teachers, clerks, custodians, security officers, counselors, deans, a nurse and a principal.

At the meeting, McCombs cited declining enrollment and a funding shortfall. Camden is slated to receive $369 million in state aid for the upcoming school year, an increase of $21 million from the current year.

Even with the additional aid, McCombs said the district could not operate without cuts. She said the state has not offered emergency funds as it has done in previous years as a bailout.

McCombs has scheduled a news conference for Wednesday at 1 p.m.

 READ MORE: Camden schools superintendent is leaving  for a state role

The Camden City School District is currently in the process of notifying affected employees regarding staffing changes for the upcoming school year, Sheena M. Yera, the districts chief communications officer, said in a statement. Once the internal notification process is complete, we will provide a more detailed update to our community.

In addition to the job cuts, the plan also calls for converting Morgan Village Middle School into an alternative school, union officials said. It is the districts only middle school.

Middle school students, seventh and eighth graders, would attend their neighborhood elementary schools, which enroll grades K-6 presently.

The plan also calls for an overhaul at the Camden High School complex which has four of the citys traditional high schools: Camden High, Charles Brimm Medical Arts, the Big Picture Learning Academy and Creative Arts High.

Three principals would be moved, leaving just Creative Arts High principal Davida Coe-Brockington to oversee all four schools.

During Tuesdays meeting with McCombs, principals were given packages outlining personnel changes slated for their schools, Clark said. They were given notification letters that must be distributed by Wednesday afternoon to affected employees, she said.

The possible restructuring sent shock waves through the state-operated school system. The district reopened Monday following spring recess.

Some employees noted that many of the possible cuts would occur at the school level and have the biggest impact on learning. The district could lose several attendance officers at a time when its chronic absenteeism rate is among the highest in South Jersey.

So much upheaval, said Keith Benson, a former union leader and a history teacher at Camden High. Its not a great time.

Camden, under state control since 2013, has been down this road before in the wake of budget shortfalls. Since the takeover, the district closed 11 traditional schools, and enrollment has dwindled to 5,969 students.

Enrollment has drastically declined in recent years, with more parents opting for charter schools and Renaissance schools. Camden is the only district in New Jersey with three school types.

 READ MORE: Camden superintendent says the plan to close four schools is painful but necessary

Under state law, the district must notify employees by May 1 if their contracts will not be renewed for the coming year. Clark said some employees may have bumping rights and may be able to return to a previous tenured position.

Clark said the number of positions eliminated could be offset by retirements and resignations. An attendance officer, Clark has been laid off three times since 2010 and recalled to return to work.
Fresh off naming an interim leader Monday, Community College of Philadelphia officials faced questions from City Council about the colleges recent ouster of its president and request for more city funding.

After CCP officials told Council the schools enrollment and student retention are rising, students are succeeding, and partnerships are growing, Councilmember Cindy Bass said she would bring up the elephant in the room.

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What happened to the last president? she asked, referring to Donald Guy Generals, whom the board placed on paid administrative leave earlier this month, then voting not to renew his contract. Its all glowing. It all looks great. For the life of me, I cant understand why this would suggest that it was time for new leadership. This seems to be everything a community college would want.

 READ MORE: CCP board removes president, voting not to renew contract and placing him on immediate paid leave

Harold T. Epps, CCP board chair, said that Generals did a solid job but that there were other factors that go into a human resource decision that cannot be put on paper.

On the streets one of the sayings is that everything that glitters aint gold, he said.

Bass said, referring to the prepared testimony submitted by the college: Is this not gold, isnt this not glittering?  To say that this person wasnt doing a good job is really hard to understand.

During the Tuesday hearing, college leaders asked Council for an $8 million, or 14%, increase in funding over the $56 million it received from the city this year.

That would raise the city colleges allotment to $64 million. If granted, the increase would be $5 million more than the $3 million that Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has earmarked for the college in her budget.

The college said in prepared remarks that it needs the money to continue to provide a high-quality educational experience to students and cover the costs of recently settled contracts with faculty and staff. With these funds, we will build upon our continued successes and ensure the college remains a desirable institution where Philadelphians can learn and grow.

Epps said the funding would help the college avoid a tuition increase; the school has not raised tuition in seven years. Epps and newly appointed interim president Alycia Marshall presented the request to City Council, flanked by other members of the colleges cabinet, and fielded questions during the approximately 90-minute hearing. Marshall was appointed Monday to replace Generals, who had led the college for nearly 11 years.

 READ MORE: CCP board appoints provost as interim leader after ousting president

College officials touted a steady increase in enrollment over the last three years, noting that the schools unduplicated credit enrollment for this academic year is 18,326, up 4.5% from last year. The school also noted that its City College for Municipal Employment, launched last year in partnership with the city, served more than 100 students.

The program provides free career training and education to Philadelphia residents interested in working for the city.

The college also said in prepared testimony that it was launching a new noncredit program in partnership with the U.S. Navy to prepare 150 city residents for jobs in naval welding and nondestructive testing. The college received a $2.76 million grant from the Navy to run the program.

This is the only two-year program of its kind in the country, offering hundreds of hours of hands-on training to fill critical construction and advanced manufacturing roles in the growing maritime industry, the college said. We are confident this program will be just the beginning of a fruitful relationship with the Navy.

Epps told Council members he would like to have a point person in each of their offices that will help the college go deeper and make the case for attending Community College.

The college graduates between 1,800 to 2,000 students a year, and that number needs to grow to 4,000, he said.

Weve got to dig deeper for the gems, he said. We all know that one of the best possibilities ... to change our lot in life is an education.
Central Bucks Superintendent Steven Yanni, pictured in this May 2024 file photo, was placed on leave last week pending an investigation into special education abuse allegations. Read more

Central Bucks school officials on Wednesday said they had placed the districts human resources director and manager on leave amid an investigation into allegations that special education students had been abused at a district elementary school.

Director of Human Resources Robert Freiling and Human Resources Manager Christine Trawinski were placed on paid administrative leave Wednesday, the districts substitute superintendent, Charles Malone; school board president Susan Gibson; and vice president Heather Reynolds said in a message to the community.

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The announcement comes after the district placed Superintendent Steven Yanni on leave last week, in the wake of a report by Disability Rights PA finding that children in an autistic support classroom at Jamison Elementary School suffered abuse at the hands of a teacher and educational assistant.

The abuse was first reported to the district in November by a personal care assistant who said children were restrained, physically punished, deprived of water, left naked for extended periods, and prevented from using speech devices, according to Disability Rights, which said numerous staff members corroborated the allegations.

It also found that district administrators had failed to adequately investigate and report the abuse  faulting Yanni for not fully disclosing the allegations to ChildLine, the state child protective services hotline, and administrators for saying the district had found no evidence of abuse, when in fact it had, according to Disability Rights.

Local police and the Bucks County district attorney have defended their investigations, with the district attorney standing by her decision not to prosecute.

A spokesperson for Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said earlier this week that an investigation by Sundays office was ongoing, but declined to elaborate.

Central Bucks school board earlier this year hired an outside law firm to investigate the allegations; findings from that review have not yet been released.

Freiling and Trawinski  like Yanni  are on leave pending the results of that investigation, officials said Wednesday. They said the district would use an external human relations consultant.

We wish to again assure you that district operations and the delivery of instruction to students will continue uninterrupted, officials said. We are committed to navigating this difficult period in our district with unwavering focus on maintaining the educational experience for students, underpinned by our ultimate priority: the safety of our students.
Attorneys Jeffrey Fritz and Derek Braslow are representing former students of Otto Becken, a Cherry Hill teacher who they allege sexually abused them in the 1980s. Read more

Six former Cherry Hill students are accusing the school district of failing to protect them from a sixth-grade teacher who allegedly sexually abused them more than four decades ago.

Six civil lawsuits filed in Camden County Superior Court since 2023, including three filed Tuesday, allege the men were sexually abused by Otto Becken when he was their teacher at James F. Cooper Elementary between 1979 and 1983.

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According to court documents, the alleged abuse occurred when the students were about 11 or 12. Becken, who died in 2011, was a homeroom teacher and reading specialist.

The lawsuits allege that Becken groomed the students for abuse using his position of power and trust, and that district employees who knew or should have known about the abuse failed to stop it.

The district failed in its most basic legal duties to guard against a predator sexually abusing not just one, but numerous minors, the lawsuit complaints say.

Jeffrey P. Fritz, one of the lawyers representing the victims in the six lawsuits, said he expects additional victims to come forward. A lawsuit from a seventh victim is expected soon.

I think there are at least dozens, if not hundreds, of other victims out there, Fritz said in a recent interview.

Cherry Hill school officials did not respond to requests for comment. In court filings, the district denied the allegations, which include negligent hiring, retention, and supervision. The lawsuits also allege that district officials failed to make required reports of suspected abuse to the states child welfare agency.

Becken, who was hired to teach in Cherry Hill in 1970, was charged in 1984 with sexually assaulting two 12-year-old boys. Under a settlement with the district, he resigned later that year and agreed to surrender his teaching certificate and seek psychiatric treatment.

In 1985, Becken pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual misconduct with no jail time imposed, the lawsuit said. He died in 2011 in Pennsylvania.

Charles Chuck Wicker, who alleged he was molested by Becken during the 1982-83 school year, filed the first lawsuit against the school district in 2023.

Wicker said he was fondled on numerous occasions during a private remedial reading program with Becken at lunchtime, and that escalated to oral sex. One alleged assault occurred during a weeklong class trip to Mount Misery, a campground in the Pine Barrens, the lawsuit said.

Now 54, Wicker said he did not tell anyone about the abuse because he was ashamed and embarrassed. He believed he was the only alleged victim at the time.

 READ MORE: The N.J. Supreme Court will decide whether to allow a grand jury investigation into statewide clergy abuse

Experts say victims of sexual abuse are often unable to disclose the trauma they experienced until an older age, often between 40 and 55, according to the advocacy group Child USA in Philadelphia.

It takes a special courage, said Derek T. Braslow, another lawyer representing the victims. Braslow is a 1989 Cherry Hill East graduate and former classmate of some of the survivors.

Wicker filed suit under the 2019 New Jersey Child Victims Act, which extended the statute of limitations to allow child sex abuse victims to sue their abusers and the institutions that protected them until they turn 55.

The law made it easier for child sexual abuse victims to seek justice in civil court. It opened a floodgate for hundreds of cases involving public and private schools and the Roman Catholic Church, and as many as 2,000 civil cases have been filed since New Jersey carved out the exception to the statute of limitation.

New Jersey is among about a dozen states that have adopted laws extending the statue of limitations. Efforts to implement similar changes in Pennsylvania have repeatedly stalled in the legislature.

 READ MORE: Winslow Township school district settles sexual abuse lawsuit against a teacher for $6 million

Other lawsuits followed Wickers, with three more filed Tuesday. They name the school district and the school board and seek punitive damages.

Becken regularly ate lunch alone with Wicker or other male students in his classroom, had male students sit on his lap, lifted up their shirts, and touched them inappropriately, the lawsuits say.

Becken had a reputation for acting inappropriately with male students, according to the lawsuits, and his alleged misconduct and sexual abuse was known or should have been known to the administration.

In 1977, a female student told school officials that Becken had made vulgar sexual remarks to her class, one of the lawsuits alleges. A supervisor counseled Becken about drawing a line with students, it said.

Three former students spoke with The Inquirer to share their stories and said they hoped it would encourage other victims and witnesses to consider coming forward.

 READ MORE: Hear what Salema Hicks Robinson has to say about the civil sex abuse lawsuit she filed, what shes lost and how shes triumphed

Charles Chuck Wicker: It eats away at you

Wicker said he thought he had hit the lottery when he was selected for Beckens class. Everyone loved Becken, a jolly and fun guy who clowned around with students, he said.

I was ecstatic. I got the great teacher, he recalled. Little did I know.

Wicker said Becken threatened to fail him if he told anyone. Eventually, he began going home for lunch to avoid Becken.

Encouraged by a classmate, Wicker said he decided to come forward. He sought counseling and said he hopes to inspire other victims.

Its a huge step. It eats away at you, he said.

John Doe: A lot of pain in my life

Identified only as John Doe in legal filings, another man who has sued the district said Becken would have students line up by his desk to check their work, boys on one side, girls on the other. Becken pulled the boys onto his lap and put his hand in their pants, he said.

In an attempt to avoid Becken, the boys would squirm and try to get away, the man said. He said he managed to elude Becken.

I have a memory of every single boy being molested by this teacher, he said. You had a fear of God.

Now 54 and living abroad, the man said he has been unable to work regularly and suffers from post-traumatic disorder and difficulty with intimacy, and fears being around other men.

Its caused me a hell of a lot of pain in my life, he said.

Brian Koch: I dont want it to happen again

Becken promised his students for the 1981-82 school year the best year ever, but they couldnt tell anyone, said Brian Koch, another man who plans to sue the school district alleging abuse by Becken. He said Becken asked them to raise their hands to agree to his terms, and everyone did.

Becken would joke and roughhouse with the boys, he said, putting them on his lap and spanking and fondling them. The other students laughed at the antics, not realizing what was happening, he said.

We thought it was all fun and games, he said. He was somebody who was supposed to be trustable.

Then 12, Koch said he was afraid to tell his parents. His peers never talked about the incidents outside of class, he said.

Koch said it took years for him to come to grips with what happened and only recently shared it with his wife. His lawsuit, not yet filed, would be the seventh alleging abuse by Becken.

If I can save a child, that would be a good thing. I dont want it to happen again, he said.
Donald Guy Generals is suing Community College of Philadelphia, the board of trustees and board chair Harold T. Epps in Common Pleas Court, seeking to be restored to the president's position through June. Read more

The chair of the Community College of Philadelphias board of trustees pressured ousted president Donald Guy Generals to direct CCP business to political allies and vendors with personal ties to the chair, Generals alleges in a lawsuit filed this week.

The complaint alleges that chair Harold T. Epps exploited his position as board chair to engage in cronyism and self-dealing and that those for whom he tried to get CCP business included individuals and entities for whom he acts as a paid advisor.

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Epps is a senior adviser for economic development at Bellevue Strategies, a government relations and advocacy firm. He previously was director of commerce for the city during former Mayor Jim Kenneys first term.

 READ MORE: Community College of Philadelphia officials were questioned about its presidents ouster amid the colleges strong performance

When Generals refused, Epps retaliated by privately lobbying new and uninformed board members, making false and misleading accusations against Dr. Generals, the complaint states.

The board of trustees in a statement called the allegations frivolous and without merit and said it intends to vigorously defend against them.

The Board has acted properly and in accordance with the contracts, its bylaws, and applicable laws, said Kyle D. Anderson, a spokesperson for the board.

The college adhered to the provisions in Generals contract and tried to reach an amicable resolution, it said in a statement, but became concerned that Generals was not acting in the best interests of the college, and violated the terms of his contract, resulting in the boards unanimous decision to place him on paid administrative leave.

Generals, through a spokesperson, declined comment on his suit.

The explosive allegation in the complaint is the latest volley in a war between Generals  who had served as president for nearly 11 years  and the board that became public earlier this month when the board voted not to renew Generals contract and placed him on immediate paid leave.

 READ MORE: CCP board removes president, voting not to renew contract and placing him on immediate paid leave

In the complaint, filed in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court, Generals is seeking to be restored to his position through June 30 when his contract expires, for the college to cease all defamatory conduct and to remedy what the complaint said were violations of the Sunshine Act.

The board violated the act when it voted to put him on immediate paid administrative leave, because the item was placed on the board meeting agenda less than 24 hours in advance, the complaint states. Because proper notice wasnt given, the vote was invalid, the complaint alleges.

Generals, the complaint said, was removed from his position in a manner that violated Pennsylvania law, defamed his character, and inflicted irreparable harm on his personal and professional reputation.

He was immediately denied access to email and his image was removed from CCPs website, the complaint states. And, Epps contacted the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) to demand that Generals be prohibited from participating as a representative of CCP at its national conference, the complaint said.

 READ MORE: CCP board appoints provost as interim leader after ousting president

Though not physically escorted out, the effect was the same: Dr. Generals was digitally and administratively walked off the factory floor, the complaint said.

The complaint noted the success of the college under Generals, including increased enrollment, public private partnerships and leadership through the pandemic without layoffs. At a City Council hearing Tuesday, Epps and interim president Alycia Marshall also highlighted the colleges strong performance, including growing enrollment, student retention, and partnerships  which prompted Councilmember Cindy Bass to question why the college got rid of Generals.

Epps said everything that glitters aint gold and that not everything in a human resource decision can be put on paper. He previously said in an interview with The Inquirer that the board placed Generals on leave because he went public with the confidential negotiations between him and the board and violated his contract.

But the complaint said the board did not give Generals any reasons for being placed on leave, which is usually reserved for misconduct or serious policy violations.

Dr. Generals was not given notice that he is being accused of any misconduct or policy violation, the complaint said.

Forcing him out immediately was damaging to his desire to obtain another job, the complaint said.

The board and Epps, the complaint said, were fully aware of Dr. Generals expressed desire to participate in the spring graduation ceremonies, to lead the College through the summer term, and to begin the fall term  even if a new president had already been identified, the complaint said. The Board understood that these steps were critical to preserving his professional reputation, supporting his ongoing job search, facilitating a smooth transition of leadership, and ensuring continuity in the implementation of the new faculty contract."

The college last month settled contracts with its faculty and staff union.

The complaint also disclosed that Generals, through counsel, had been alleging violations of his contract for three months prior to the boards vote.

Our law firm continues to investigate concerning allegations related to Dr. Generals treatment by CCP and its Board, the Ogletree Deakins firm wrote to Epps on Jan. 29, directing that all documents, reports, and other material be maintained.

Staff writer Ryan Briggs contributed to this article.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President Donald Trump have reshaped the nations public health infrastructure in the administrations first 100 days. More than 20,000 jobs were eliminated, billions of dollars in federally funded scientific research has been threatened or paused, and a budget draft proposes a major restructuring of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Kennedy, the HHS secretary, has stressed that the cuts and overhaul are necessary to refocus the federal governments public health mission on addressing chronic disease and a lagging life expectancy rate, eliminating redundancy, increasing transparency, and reducing government costs. As part of the Make America Healthy Again movement, the Trump administration has created a commission that aims to end the childhood chronic disease epidemic. The Trump administration has also targeted funding cuts for grants that do not align with its ideological and political priorities. An HHS spokesperson said in an email that the HHS budget draft, known as a passback, is predecisional, and no final decisions have been made.

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For too long, our health agencies have served the interests of powerful corporations rather than the American people, Kennedy said in a statement marking the administrations first 100 days. Under President Trumps leadership, we are beginning to rip the veil off decades of deceit, restore scientific integrity, and reclaim our birthright: a healthy, thriving nation. This is not just policy  its a revolution in public health. And its how we Make America Healthy Again.

But some public health experts say the cuts and proposed changes target programs that have long aimed to prevent sickness, death, and injury  undermining the very goals the administration says it wants to achieve.

Heres a look at areas of public health and science that have been affected by cuts and proposed changes to HHS in the last 100 days.

Injury and illness prevention

Many of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions injury-prevention programs are effectively gone, either through layoffs of staff or potential elimination in an April budget proposal. More than 200 staffers in the center, which includes drowning prevention and firearm injury and death research, were fired.

The CDCs lead poisoning prevention office staff were also among those laid off. They played a key role in addressing lead contamination in applesauce pouches and in helping communities across the country curb the threat of lead in schools. Milwaukees health department asked CDC experts to help with expanded lead screening in public schools this spring. The request was turned down, the city health director said, because the staff had been terminated. An HHS spokesperson has said the work will continue in a new department.

The CDCs worker safety center, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which researches and protects worker health by providing free black lung screenings for coal miners, for example, was largely decimated. On Tuesday, the Trump administration temporarily reinstated dozens of NIOSH workers who help screen coal miners for black lung.

An HHS spokesperson said a new department, the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA), will consolidate NIOSH and others so as to more efficiently coordinate chronic care and disease prevention programs and harmonize health resources to low-income Americans.

Chronic disease

Despite Kennedys promise to tackle chronic disease, a draft budget proposal obtained by The Washington Post would eliminate all of the CDCs chronic-disease programs. These could include programs on smoking cessation, breast and cervical cancer screening, and diabetes prevention. The document says that $500 million will be spent on AHA to combat childhood chronic disease. Separately, staff who worked on programs to increase early detection and diagnosis of dementia already lost their jobs.

Food policy

Kennedy has focused on efforts to overhaul the nations food supply, pledging to phase out synthetic food dyes and increase oversight of food additives. He has also pushed states to try to limit the use of food stamps, which fall under the purview of the Agriculture Department, to purchase soda and has convened with industry leaders to review how to improve the infant formula supply. Many of his proposals on food have won popularity on the right and left as the HHS secretary has zigzagged across the country promoting his agenda.

But some nutrition experts say cuts at the Food and Drug Administration and other agencies could undermine his goals. Some support staff in the FDAs food program have been laid off, as well as nearly half a dozen senior veterinarians, including employees in a center that has played a key role in ensuring the safety of milk and pet food during the recent bird flu outbreak. HHS is planning to reverse the firings of some workers, such as some scientists at food safety labs.

Biomedical research and scientific discovery

The first months of the Trump administration have caused massive disruptions to every step of the process for sending grant money to research institutions across the country. The National Institutes of Health, the worlds biggest funder of biomedical research, has been ordered to terminate hundreds of research grants, including for research on vaccine hesitancy and transgender health, because they clash with administration priorities. And the administration, confronting universities over alleged woke campus culture as well as claims that they have tolerated antisemitism, has pulled billions in funding from universities, endangering research on tuberculosis and the biological effects of space travel. In a statement about the first 100 days, HHS said it is working to protect Jewish students from discrimination and harassment on campus.

All this upheaval, scientists and researchers say, threatens a decades-long partnership between the government and universities that has fueled American scientific dominance. As a result, graduate student programs are shrinking and job opportunities are frozen: Roadblocks await the next generation of scientists just beginning their careers, whose work could lead to innovative companies, blockbuster drugs, or transformative insights into complex chronic diseases.

Vaccine policy and autism

The Trump administration pushed out Peter Marks, the nations top vaccine regulator and an architect of the U.S. program to rapidly develop coronavirus vaccines. The longtime regulator had been offered a choice to resign or be fired from the FDA, and he chose to resign. Marks wrote in his resignation letter that he was worried about the measles outbreak in Texas, which reminds us of what happens when confidence in well-established science underlying public health and well-being is undermined.

Public health experts are worried that Kennedy, who has long disparaged vaccines, could alter the childhood vaccination schedule. Kennedy announced a plan for a massive testing and research effort to find the causes of autism. But public health and infectious-disease experts are concerned that part of the work is aimed at legitimizing the thoroughly debunked assertions that vaccines cause autism. HHS hired David Geier, a long-discredited researcher and proponent of a connection between immunization and autism, to conduct a government study on whether they are linked.

Population-specific research

CDC staff who worked on reproductive health issues were laid off, despite Trumps claims to be the fertilization president. The staff administered a state-based surveillance system known as PRAMS, which collects data on maternal behaviors, attitudes, and experiences before, during, and shortly after pregnancy, to help improve the health of mothers and infants. They also worked on contraception guidelines that spell out safe and effective use of contraception for a variety of medical conditions that can make pregnancy more dangerous.

About $900 million in cuts to the Indian Health Service was also part of the draft budget proposal  which could devastate the already deeply understaffed operation, said leadership from the National Indian Health Board, which advocates on behalf of more than 570 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes. The proposed reduction is steep, representing a potential 30% decrease from the IHS base allocation for fiscal year 2025.

The NIH has cut research grants for certain subjects, such as those based on gender identity, calling these fields often unscientific or no longer aligned with agency priorities. As a result, grants and research intended to improve the lives and health of transgender people have been cut or targeted for cuts.

Infectious-disease control

The Trump administration laid off the lab scientists who track sexually transmitted illnesses, including drug-resistant gonorrhea, and investigate viral hepatitis outbreaks. Without information from the only labs that performed this work in the United States, clinicians will have much less information about how best to treat these infections or stop an outbreak.

The Trump administration has also pulled back $11.4 billion in coronavirus funds from state and local health departments and organizations. That has already hurt the ongoing measles response in Texas, a CDC scientist said.

The COVID-19 pandemic is over, and HHS will no longer waste billions of taxpayer dollars responding to a nonexistent pandemic that Americans moved on from years ago, an HHS spokesperson said.

This article is by Joel Achenbach, Caitlin Gilbert, Carolyn Y. Johnson, Mark Johnson, Sabrina Malhi, Rachel Roubein, Lena H. Sun and Lauren Weber.
ATTARI, India  Pakistan said Wednesday it had credible intelligence that India is planning to attack it within days, and vowed to respond very strongly, as soldiers exchanged gunfire along borders and Pakistanis heeded New Delhis orders to leave the country following last weeks deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

India has moved to punish Pakistan after accusing it of backing the attack in Pahalgam, which Islamabad denies, driving tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals to their highest point since 2019, when they came close to war after a suicide car bombing in Kashmir. The region is split between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety.

Calls for de-escalation

Pakistan said the intelligence shows that India plans military action against it in the next 24 to 36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement.

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There was no immediate comment from Indian officials. However, Indian government officials said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given complete operational freedom to the armed forces to decide on the mode, targets and timing of Indias response to the Pahalgam massacre. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations.

Last weeks attack that killed 26, most of them Indian tourists, was claimed by a previously unknown militant group calling itself the Kashmir Resistance. New Delhi describes all militancy in Indian-controlled Kashmir as Pakistan-backed terrorism. Pakistan denies this, and many Muslim Kashmiris consider the militants to be part of a homegrown freedom struggle.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in separate calls with India and Pakistan, stressed the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and emphasized the need for both sides to continue working together for peace and stability in South Asia, according to a Pakistan statement.

Earlier, Pakistans Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told reporters that I have made it very clear, on behalf of the government and the nation, that Pakistan will not be the first one to resort to any escalatory move. However, in case of any escalatory move by the Indian side, we will respond very strongly.

The army spokesman, Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif, added, If they think that aggression is the path forward, our message is only this: We are ready, dont test it.

Pakistan didnt elaborate on the credible intelligence it cited.

Pakistanis forced to flee

The deadline for Pakistani citizens to leave India, with exceptions for those with medical visas, passed on Sunday, but many families were still scrambling to the border crossing in Attari town in northern Punjab state.

Some arrived on their own. Others were being deported by police.

We have settled our families here. We request the government not to uproot our families, said Sara Khan, a Pakistani who was ordered back without her husband, Aurangzeb Khan, who holds an Indian passport. She carried her 14-day-old child and said she had been living in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 2017.

They (Indian authorities) told me you are illegal and you should go, said Khan, while waiting on the Indian side of the border crossing.

Other tit-for-tat diplomatic measures have included the cancellation of visas and a recall of diplomats. New Delhi suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty with Islamabad and ordered its border with Pakistan shut. In response, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines.

India late Wednesday announced the closure of its airspace to all Pakistani aircraft until May 23.

Cross-border exchanges of gunfire between soldiers have increased along the Line of Control, the de facto frontier that separates Kashmiri territory between the two rivals.

Fire along the frontier

On Wednesday, India and Pakistan accused each other of initiating the gunfire.

Pakistans state-run media said Indian forces violated the ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control by initiating fire with heavy weapons. According to Pakistan Television, Pakistani troops returned fire after coming under attack overnight in the Mandal sector of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the Indian army said it responded to unprovoked small arms fire from Pakistan in the Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor sectors of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

The incidents could not be independently verified. In the past, each side has accused the other of starting border skirmishes in the Himalayan region.

Indias cabinet committee on security, headed by Modi, met Wednesday, its second since the attack.

Witness account

At least three tourists who survived told The Associated Press that the gunmen singled out Hindu men and shot them from close range. The dead also included a Nepalese citizen and a local Muslim pony ride operator.

Aishanya Dwivedi, whose husband was killed, said a gunman approached the couple and challenged him to recite the Islamic declaration of faith. Her husband replied that he was Hindu, and the attacker shot him point blank in the head, she said.

He was on my lap. I was soaked in his blood, Dwivedi said.
The Cherry Hill Township Council on Monday passed a resolution defining antisemitism, joining a dozen other New Jersey municipalities that have approved similar language as calls to tackle anti-Jewish harassment grow.

The council adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, which states, 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.

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 READ MORE: In many Jewish families, generational fractures over Israel and Gaza

The definition goes on to include numerous examples of antisemitism, including calling for the killing or harming of Jewish people in the name of a radical ideology or holding all Jewish people collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel. It specifies that criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country is permissible. Denying the Jewish right to self-determination or comparing Israels actions to those of the Nazis, is not.

During Mondays meeting, members of the council and Jewish leaders thanked Cherry Hill for adopting the resolution, saying it will give local law enforcement and public officials a critical framework for identifying and addressing discrimination against Jewish people.

Sometimes its hard to identify what antisemitism is, and to have a uniform definition that communities all around can adopt is a really important tool, Council Vice President Michele Golkow said.

Councilmember Jill Hulnick described the resolution as very meaningful for the Jewish community.

Sabrina Spector, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jerseys Jewish Community Relations Council, said that while Cherry Hill remains a supportive place to live, the townships Jewish community has seen an uptick in antisemitic incidents in recent years.

Our community is very anxious, and were very aware of and sensitive to brewing incidences of things that could potentially become bigger problems, Spector said.

The American Jewish Population Project estimated that 52,300 Jewish people lived in the Camden metro area in 2020.

The Jewish Community Relations Council has worked with townships across South Jersey to adopt the IHRA definition. Camden County became the first New Jersey county to adopt the IHRA definition in 2023, followed by Gloucester County in 2024. Mount Laurel Township adopted the IHRA definition last month; Haddonfield did so on Monday.

The language has been used by the U.S. State Department since 2010.

Following Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel and the ensuing Israel-Hamas war, Jewish organizations have reported an uptick in antisemitic incidents, including harassment and violence.

In its annual audit, the Anti-Defamation League reported 719 antisemitic incidents in New Jersey in 2024, putting the state behind only California and New York in number of incidents. The ADLs methodology has drawn criticism from some who say the organization has failed to draw proper distinctions between antisemitism and criticism of Israel.

Though the IHRA language includes carveouts for criticism of Israel, Kenneth Stern, an expert on antisemitism and the lead drafter of the IHRA definition, warns its become a seductively simple solution that often backfires.

Stern is a scholar and attorney who for 25 years worked at the American Jewish Committee as an expert on antisemitism and extremism. He currently runs the Bard Center for the Study of Hate in upstate New York.

Despite drafting the IHRA definition, Stern now says the language is being used to stifle legitimate speech and, in some cases, punish Jews who express dissenting views on Israel.

Stern cited the IHRA definitions use in Florida, where public universities were directed to review course material with possible antisemitic content or anti-Israel bias. Any course that contained keywords like Israel, Palestine, or Judaism was flagged for review.

Stern called the Florida policy deplorable.

He described the generational rift over the Israel-Hamas war that has challenged the Jewish community. While he calls himself a liberal Zionist, he says its important to open a line of dialogue with other Jews who may feel differently.

We can have that debate, he said.

But, he doesnt want legislators and town councils and others to decide that.

If and how local governments should define antisemitism has become a flashpoint in New Jersey, where a bill adopting the IHRA definition has stalled in the state legislature, and where candidates in the upcoming gubernatorial race have sparred over the proposal.

At a campaign event last month, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, a Jewish Democratic candidate for governor, criticized the bill proposing to adopt the IHRA definition. Fulop said the bill would do little to protect New Jerseys Jewish communities while stifling criticism of Israel, the New Jersey Monitor reported.

U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, also a Jewish Democratic gubernatorial candidate, said Fulops comments revealed a deep sign of ignorance and would alienate the Jewish community.

Spector said the idea that the IHRA definition infringes on free speech is a big misconception.

She pointed to specific language in the definition that allows for criticism of Israels democracy and government.

People in Israel criticize the government. American Jews criticize the government. You dont have to love the government that you live in, she said.

Criticism is part of democracy. Where it becomes a problem is when an American citizen is held responsible for the Israeli governments actions.

Stern said he believes governments can, and should, take responsibility for curbing antisemitism. But rather than adopt the definition he once penned, he encourages them to take a broad approach, focusing on forming relationships and giving people an opportunity to understand one another.

How do you build coalitions across the divide? he asked.
Sydney Glisan, interim director of wildlife rehabilitation at Schuylkill Environmental Education Center, releases Dilworth, a 1-year-old male hawk, at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center on Wednesday. Read more

His head clear and eyesight keen enough to spy a scurrying mouse, Dilworth the red-tailed hawk flew to his new home Wednesday morning.

Wherever that might be.

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The 1-year-old raptor downed March 25 during an attack of peregrine falcons at Philadelphia City Hall, was released at the Fairmount Park Horticultural Center.

He bolted straight into tree canopy, quickly lost from sight.

The staff at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, who treated the bird, named him after Dilworth Plaza where he had been found amid a busy lunchtime crowd.

The bird was helped by workers with the Center City District (CCD) when he was initially downed in March and stood stunned just outside the Dilworth Plaza Cafe until finally attempting to take off.

 READ MORE: Red-tailed hawk downed at City Hall is safe, but with some trauma

But Dilworth was again bombarded by the two falcons who were likely defending a nest. He crashed to the cafes roof, where he remained stunned. CCD workers climbed a ladder to monitor him until help arrived.

Head trauma

Normally, staff at the nonprofit Schuylkill Center try not to name the 3,000 animals they help each year, for fear of getting attached. But Dilworths story reached such a large audience that he became a local minor celebrity.

When he came in, he sustained some head trauma that also left some ocular damage, said Sydney Glisan, interim director of the Schuylkill Centers wildlife clinic. He received NSAIDs pain medication to help with the swelling in the brain, and also got medicated eye drops.

The drops helped with hemorrhaging in the back of Dilworths eye.

Wildlife clinic staff tested the eye with light and it did not constrict as it should have.

That was like a telltale sign that some of the neurons were not firing off properly, Glisan said.

Glisan said the recovery took some time.

Change in attitude

But you could really see his attitude switch from when he was hurting, and feeling down and out, Glisan said. He wasnt even standing up when he first arrived, and then he really, really perked up.

Vets at the center gave the OK to allow Dilworth outside to regain strength.

From then on, recovery came quick.

He was with us in a smaller space. So once we got him outside, he was fast. He immediately started flying. He showed that he was strong and independent. He was definitely ready to go.

Glisan said workers at the wildlife clinic tested Dilworth by releasing mice to see his reaction and whether his eyes were working well enough for him to return to the wild.

He did great, Glisan said. He was able to catch them, no problem.

Glisan said the hawk was hatched sometime in 2024, so he still very young. Its not clear where hell end up.

Red-tailed hawks are partial migrants and very territorial. So he could remain in Philadelphia. He was not banded because he was not part of a regular program set up to do so.

Dilworth wont reach sexual maturity until hes about 4. And thats about when his now-brown tail will turn red.

He needs to establish his own space, Glisan said. Thats probably what led him to Center City and then ultimately getting hurt.

Mae Axelrod, a spokesperson for the Schuylkill Center, said the center has the only staff licensed to operate a wildlife clinic in the city. The center operates as a nonprofit without direct government support.

Its seen the number of animals that it handles swell.

If youre looking in the city of Philadelphia for a place to take an animal, were the only one, and were not supported by city, state or federal funding, Axelrod said. Were entirely supported by individual donors and gifts.

She said the number of animals they take in has been on the rise. Development and climate change have prompted animals to change behaviors and breeding, and have caused more interactions between them and humans.

Dilworth is one of many animals the wildlife clinic has helped in recent months.

He was lucky, Glisan said, to be spotted by those who helped him at City Hall.

He found the right people at the right time, Glisan said. I always say wildlife finds the people it needs.
Common Pleas Court Judge Scott DiClaudio with his wife Jackee at their restaurant Shay's Cheesesteaks in Center City. Read more

A Philadelphia judge could face discipline over his promotion of his wifes cheesesteak shop  a rare move from the Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board.

The board, in a complaint made public Tuesday, said Common Pleas Court Judge Scott DiClaudio  who is on probation for an earlier ethics violation  eroded public trust in the judiciary through his involvement with Shays Steaks at 16th and Race Streets, just blocks from the Criminal Justice Center, where DiClaudio presides.

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Citing online reviews and media coverage  including a pun-laden Inquirer feature that referred to DiClaudio as Whiz Honor  the board accused the judge of violating the Code of Judicial Conduct. The allegations include abusing the prestige of the judicial office for personal gain, and allowing the cheesesteak shop to interfere with his judicial obligations.

Judge DiClaudio, while on court probation, engaged in conduct that was so extreme that it brought the judicial office itself into disrepute, the board wrote.

The complaint said the judge regularly shared his position with customers, hanging the articles about his work on the walls, and at one point going so far to take an out-of-town customer to observe court while her husband conducted business.

The board said the judge has been spotted at Shays as early as 3 p.m. on a weekday, and frequently responds to Google reviews, occasionally becoming combative in tone with unfavorable reviews and giving out his cell phone number to resolve complaints.

The board said the judge did seek the informal advice of the Pennsylvania courts Judicial Ethics Advisory Board before opening the restaurant, but he did not request an opinion in writing.

DiClaudio, in his response to the boards filing, denied he had ever promoted any connection between his job and the restaurant, which is named after his mother. He said he prides himself on dedication, attentiveness and work ethic, and often works late into the night.

I would submit that of the thousands of patrons who have visited Shays, nary a one went there because they hoped a judge would make them a sandwich, he wrote. Id imagine that most people paying for food would want a trained professional or chef to make their meals.

In an interview Tuesday, he said: I didnt realize being a nice person puts the court in disrepute, while putting a person in jail for riding a dirt bike for two to four years does not warrant even a hearing, he said, referring to the judge who jailed Philly rapper Meek Mill.

I look forward to a full and fair hearing to determine whether this court is in disrepute, he said.

A spokesperson for the Philadelphia courts declined to comment Tuesday.

Pennsylvanias Judicial Conduct Board, which is made up of 12 judges, attorneys, and others, fields hundreds of complaints against judges each year but very rarely takes public action.

In 2023, the board received more than 820 complaints, and found that in 58 of them, there was sufficient evidence to support allegations of misconduct. But after conducting investigations and weighing mitigating factors, the panel filed formal, public charges in only three cases.

This weeks filing marks the second time the board brought charges against DiClaudio, who was elected to the bench in 2015.

He was found to have violated the judicial conduct code in 2020 when he omitted debts from his mandatory financial disclosures and repeatedly defied orders to pay thousands of dollars in bills to a Bala Cynwyd fitness club. He was suspended for two weeks and placed on probation until 2026.

Charles Geyh, a professor of judicial conduct and ethics at Indiana University Bloomington, said previous allegations of misconduct are often an important part of the judicial conduct boards decision to bring a case.

If you have already had a judge who has been suspended and is still not listening, he said, it increases the probability that youre looking at thermonuclear sanctions.

DiClaudio has spoken openly about his plans to retire at the end of his term in 2026. The judge, who mostly hears post-conviction petitions, is known for his brash personality on the bench. He has drawn headlines for publicly chastising prosecutors in District Attorney Larry Krasners office, which previously sought to disqualify him because of an employment complaint brought by DiClaudios former girlfriend.

Two other Philadelphia judges have faced discipline in recent years.

Common Pleas Court Judge Mark Cohen was suspended without pay until the conclusion of his term for political social media posts. And Municipal Court Judge Marissa Brumbach was hit with a six-month suspension for concocting a plan to find defendants who didnt show up for traffic court guilty or not guilty in absentia  while she was taking an unauthorized vacation day in Florida.
Nothing could better sum up the impact of President Donald Trumps first 100 days on foreign policy than the passionately anti-Trump statement of Canadas newly elected prime minister early on Day 99.

President Trump is trying to break us so America can own us, Mark Carney, a renowned central banker and novice politician, told a cheering audience. This will never happen.

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Carneys Liberal Party had just pulled off a stunning upset over a pro-Trump conservative who had been up 20% in the polls until the president started a trade war against our closest neighbor  and began mouthing off about making Canada the 51st state.

We are over the shock of American betrayal, Carney continued. But we will never forget the lessons.

These bitter words from a NATO partner, with whom we share the longest land border between any two countries, capture the almost unimaginable feat Trump has pulled off in just 100 days: turning democratic allies, from Canada to Europe to Australia, into reluctant adversaries who distrust and fear the U.S. president. All while aiding our true adversaries, Russia and China, with policies that display weakness and incompetence, and undercut U.S. security at home and abroad.

 READ MORE: Trumps Gaza diplomacy has failed. Will he break with Netanyahu and reverse course? | Trudy Rubin

Most dangerous, Trump seems utterly clueless about the destruction he is wreaking on the nation and beyond. I run the country and the world, he bragged to the Atlantic in a king-like display of ego run wild. More accurately, he is running America and the world into economic chaos and the risk of more war.

Lets start with Trumps tariffs. No one disputes that China engages in unfair trade practices and that U.S. national security requires re-shoring some critical supply chains, including chip manufacturing and critical medicines.

But Trumps willful ignorance of how tariffs work and his chaotic imposition of indiscriminately high tariffs across the globe are driving the world economy toward recession. Even though he has backtracked on some tariffs for 90 days, during which his minions claim he will sign 90 deals, there are no deals signed yet. This adds to the uncertainty that has tanked markets.

Even more disturbing, Trump seems oblivious to the fact that to curb Chinas mercantilist behavior, he must work in close cooperation with our allies in Europe and Asia, who are also major trading partners with Beijing. Instead, he is alienating those allies by treating them with the same imperial disdain that has turned Canada from friend into foe.

Trumps ego not only blinds him to the need for allies but has impelled him to risk an all-out trade war with China, which he is likely to lose unless he conducts an embarrassing retreat. The president mistakenly believed Xi Jinping would cave if he imposed 145% across-the-board tariffs on most Chinese imports. Trump said as much to the Wall Street Journal editorial board before the 2024 election, when he bragged that he could prevent Xi from invading Taiwan by threatening to impose tariffs of that size. He also claimed his relationship with Xi would help prevent any collision with Beijing.

So much for Trumps blind ego (and God help Taiwan). China did retaliate in a tit-for-tat fashion, with 125% tariffs and a ban on U.S. access to critical earth minerals, along with stopping delivery of Boeing jets. Pending price hikes from tariffs have roiled U.S. and global markets, and will soon hit U.S. consumers.

Trump wants to partially climb down, but Beijing says he must drop all new tariffs before any trade negotiations. As the Journal editorial board proclaimed last week, the harsh reality is that China called Mr. Trumps bluff and seems to have won this round.

 READ MORE: Trumps ongoing kowtow to Putin ensures failure of peace talks on war in Ukraine | Trudy Rubin

So, in 100 days, Xi has seen Trumps egotistical weakness and has been able to humiliate him on the world stage. The humiliation continues, as Trump claims Xi called him and talks with China are on, while the Chinese foreign ministry retorted that this was untrue. I would like to reiterate that China and the U.S. have not conducted consultations or negotiations on the tariffs issue, let alone reached any agreement, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson pointedly repeated this week.

Around the world, friends and foes are witnesses to Trumps blindness, even if they are also leery of China. They see that he has rattled a healthy U.S. economy with his erratic behavior, while Beijing has been able to outmaneuver Washington.

And they also watch China ally Vladimir Putin play Trump mercilessly over Russias war on Ukraine.

It has been painful to watch over the past three months as Trump made concession after concession up front to the Kremlin, only to have Putin flatly reject the presidents requests for a 30-day ceasefire and continue bombing Ukrainian civilians. As Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, noted last week, Putin is playing America as a patsy.

This Putin playbook has become so obvious that even Trump wondered aloud last week whether maybe he doesnt want to stop the war, hes just tapping me along. But the president still refuses to carry through with his threatened secondary sanctions on Russian oil, or to send Kyiv more arms. He still appears on track to abandon Ukraine.

Indeed, with his threats to take Greenland and retake the Panama Canal, and his verbal assaults on Canadian sovereignty, he displays a stunning eagerness to imitate Putins imperial appetite to seize a neighbors land.

Thus, in his first 100 days, Trump has revealed something remarkable to the world, including to China, and to our NATO allies in Canada, Europe, Japan, and South Korea: Under his rule, the United States has undergone a sea change. Trump has apparently switched sides to stand with authoritarian Moscow and proved too erratic or arrogant to handle Americas chief rival, Beijing.

Moreover, Trump is steering the U.S. economy toward disaster and recklessly dragging our allies with him. At the same time, he has savaged Americas soft power abroad by eliminating foreign aid, along with medical and academic research that made the U.S. a model for the world.

Canadas new premier has set the tone for a world in which Americas onetime allies must band together in resistance to Trumps imperial dreams and his economic threats. It will be fascinating to watch whether a tough Carney can penetrate Trumps egotistical bubble during the next 100 days and persuade him that the United States cant afford to go it alone.
Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the Trump administration has sparked considerable debate. While its wood chipper approach to federal spending and staffing raises legitimate concerns, my recent experience navigating Pennsylvanias own bureaucratic maze has me grudgingly acknowledging a sliver of its underlying premise: Our government systems are often profoundly broken.

As new residents of Pennsylvania, my wife and I knew a trip to the dreaded Department of Motor Vehicles to transfer our drivers licenses from Delaware was inevitable. The looming May 7 deadline for REAL ID enforcement has generated headlines about multi-hour lines at PennDot locations. In possession of REAL IDs since 2021, we planned to avoid the DMV at all costs until the lines subsided.

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However, a recent car accident totaled my vehicle and forced my hand. To register a new car in Pennsylvania, I needed a Pennsylvania drivers license, and that meant braving the Glen Mills Driver License Center.

Arriving an hour before opening last Saturday proved futile. Three hours later, I emerged with an ultra-secure temporary paper license that would have had the typo Media, OA printed instead of Media, PA if it werent for my keen eye. (Its unclear why thats even possible at a location that only issues Pennsylvania drivers licenses.)

Im carless while my new vehicle sits on the dealers lot, hostage to a dysfunctional government system.

The system was a monument to inefficiency: conflicting information, paper-based processes, and a palpable lack of customer-centric design. It didnt take an expert in process improvement  just someone whos been through a Chick-fil-A drive-through  to see glaring opportunities to make the lives of license seekers easier.

While the REAL ID mandate is a federal issue that has been fumbled for the last 20 years, the chaotic implementation I witnessed falls squarely on Pennsylvania. Its a stark example of what Johns Hopkins professor Steven M. Teles aptly terms kludgeocracy  a government choked by layers of complex, inefficient, and often contradictory processes.

My ordeal didnt end with the temporary license. When I finally purchased a replacement vehicle, the dealership refused to accept the very document PennDot had issued. I tried contacting PennDot, only to find it had adopted the techniques of other customer service bastions like the cable company and insurance carriers: an endless phone menu leading to all operators are busy, call again later.

A desperate trip to the Norristown Driver License Center 15 minutes before closing revealed yet another line snaking around the building. My only option was to leave a deposit and come back when I have an appropriate ID. Im carless while my new vehicle sits on the dealers lot, hostage to a dysfunctional government system.

Seeking help, I turned to my delegation from Harrisburg. Serendipitously, I found State Sen. Tim Kearney (D., Delaware) hosting a live webinar with PennDots REAL ID director, Sarah Baker. Here, I thought, was a chance for real human interaction with someone who could resolve my dilemma.

I outlined my predicament and suggested simple solutions: expedite the printing of my license or allow me to pick up my physical REAL ID at the King of Prussia location, which has on-site printing capabilities. This was an opportunity for the commonwealth to show a new resident that government can be responsive.

Instead, their response was like a scene from NBCs sitcom Parks and Recreation: I should continue to wait for the ID in the mail, or endure another multi-hour line in King of Prussia to fill out more forms and pay a duplicate fee. Kearney offered a sympathetic but ultimately unhelpful, I can understand your frustration.

This isnt just about the inconvenience of being carless. It highlights a deeper dysfunction where frontline public servants operate within a rigid system, seemingly powerless to apply common sense. The costs of this kludgeocracy disproportionately burden those who rely most heavily on social safety nets, forcing them to navigate a constant, frustrating web of red tape.

While the drastic measures of DOGE at the federal level are unsettling, my experience suggests a critical need for a serious reevaluation of how Pennsylvania delivers public services. We dont necessarily need to bulldoze the entire system, but we desperately need to identify and dismantle the kludges that waste our time, erode our trust, and ultimately hinder our lives.

Justin Kates, a new resident of Media, served as a public servant for 17 years in the state of Delaware, the city of Nashua, N.H., and the city of Somerville, Mass.
Pro-Israel (front) and pro-Palestinian protesters (rear) are separated by a barricade and walkway at the University of Pennsylvania on April 28, 2024. The group of pro-Israel Penn faculty and students had gathered a few blocks away on campus for a no hate on campus rally, and then marched to the tent encampment. Read more

The number of antisemitic incidents in Pennsylvania in 2024 broke previous records following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, according to a new report from the Anti-Defamation League.

The 465 antisemitic incidents that were counted in the commonwealth last year represent an 18% increase over the 393 reported in 2023, and a 308% jump from the 2022 count, according to the audit compiled by the ADL, a 112-year-old nonprofit created to battle antisemitism and other forms of prejudice.

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Nationwide, the more than 9,000 reported incidents in 2024 represent an 893% increase over the last 10 years, according to the audit. The ADL report says that in 2024, because of pro-Palestinian protests, for the first time, a majority of all [nationwide] incidents  were related to Israel. It added that the ADL took pains to exclude from the audit any Israel-related incidents that werent antisemitic.

But even as experts agree antisemitism is on the rise, the new numbers reflect questions about the organizations methodology that are being asked nationwide in light of ongoing partisan debates over prejudice, free speech, and Zionism.

I cannot trust their data, said Rebecca Alpert, professor of religion emerita at Temple University, and one of the first six women in Jewish history who were ordained as rabbis.

I went through 9,000 points of their data [in the audit], said Ben Lorber, a senior analyst at Political Research Associates, a nonprofit think tank in Boston. Many incidents they call antisemitism are mischaracterized.

The methodology is flawed.

The criticism is not new to Andrew Goretsky, regional director of the ADLs Philadelphia office. He said that many of the complaints about the audit come from people affiliated with Jewish Voice For Peace, which describes itself as the largest progressive Jewish anti-Zionist organization in the world. The ADL labels it as a fringe radical anti-Israel group that distorts Jewish values and rituals. Both Lorber and Alpert have worked with JVP in the past and Albert remains a member of the groups Rabbinical Council, which is network of rabbis, cantors and rabbinical students who support JVPs mission.

Goretsky said that the ADLs audit methodology is consistent, transparent, and carefully applied to every reported incident.

The outright dismissal of the data as a whole shows that ... [critics] are not meaningfully engaging with the data or taking the issues seriously.

The debate over how to define antisemitism

Since the 2023 Hamas attack, the United States has been embroiled in a debate about antisemitism and the distinction between prejudice against Jewish people vs. criticism of the state of Israel, or opposition to its government.

Last spring, demonstrations erupted throughout the country, with pro-Palestinian encampments popping up on campuses nationwide, including a large encampment that took over a swath of the University of Pennsylvanias campus for months.

Accusations of antisemitism grew out of the demonstrations, many of which were seized upon by the Trump administration to justify deportations of students, and to penalize universities for allegedly failing to protect Jewish students, critics say.

Democrats accuse Trump of weaponizing antisemitism to further a broader conservative agenda against higher education. The administration has denied the charge.

When the administration warned more than 60 universities that they were being investigated for charges of antisemitism, it was using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, a definition the ADL also uses, experts say.

The IHRA definition does not prohibit criticism of Israel, stating criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic. But particular criticism of the state as racist or based on a double-standard can be seen as antisemitic, according to the IHRA.

That position was articulated by the ADL in 2022, when Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the ADL, said that opposition to Israel is akin to white supremacy as a source of antisemitism.

Anti-Zionism is antisemitism, Greenblatt said in a speech to ADL leaders. He added that organizations such as Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace that epitomize the radical left [are] the photo inverse of the extreme right that ADL long has tracked.

Goretsky, however, takes a more nuanced approach. He said in a recent interview that criticizing the Israeli government or its policies is not antisemitic.

The IHRA and related issues are expected to be debated Wednesday on Capitol Hill, when the Senate is scheduled to take up the 2025 Antisemitism Awareness Act.

Antisemitism in America has increased

Experts on all sides of the issue stress that the increase in public antisemitism is troubling.

Unequivocally, antisemitism in America has increased over the last 24 months, said Kevin Rachlin of the Nexus Project, a nonprofit that combats antisemitism. You can see it, you can feel it.

But to lump as antisemitic all people who dont believe in Zionism is just wrong, Rachlin said.

At the request of The Inquirer, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia cataloged what it termed the most egregious incidents of antisemitism in the region in 2024:

Attempted arson and vandalism in October at Congregation Mikveh Israel synagogue in Old City, one of the oldest in the United States. Physical assault of an Israeli student at Farrell Elementary School in Northeast Philadelphia because of his identity (described by the federation as an internal complaint). Ethnic intimidation incident outside Northeast Philadelphia pool hall on Oct. 24, where three men were charged with threatening three Jewish men and hurling antisemitic slurs. Swastika vandalism at Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El in Wynnewood on March 31, and at the Philadelphia Holocaust Memorial Plaza on Jan. 14. Antisemitic bullying at Welsh Valley Middle School on Nov. 15, where a classmate of a Jewish student gave a Nazi salute, saying, Donald Trump will kill all the Jews.

In his analysis of the ADL audit, Lorber from Political Research Associates said that some events didnt warrant being included in a list of antisemitic incidents.

For instance, during an anti-Israel rally in Dallas in November, people held signs that read, Authentic rabbis always opposed Zionism and the state of Israel. The action was deemed antisemitic harassment by the ADL.

In another reported incident on Nov. 25 in Orlando, an anti-Israel study-in organized by Students for a Democratic Society and the UCF Divest Coalition took place at the University of Central Florida. Without detail, the ADL audit labeled it antisemitic harassment.

On April 13, the first night of Passover, an arsonist attacked Gov. Josh Shapiros official residence after a family seder. The police arrested Cody Balmer, 38, for setting the fire.

Balmers family said he struggles with mental health problems, and that hed become irritable and agitated in recent weeks after he stopped taking his medication for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

While Balmers exact motives werent clear, he told police dispatchers less than an hour after lighting the governors mansion ablaze that he didnt want to participate in Shapiros plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.

Rosetta Welsh, the mother of Balmers two sons, said what Balmer did wasnt political, and wasnt religion-based.

Shapiro has been careful not to speculate whether he was attacked because hes Jewish. For his part, Goretsky said the ADL hasnt yet determined whether the incident should be classified as antisemitic.

It was extremely concerning, he said. Well take it up in the next audit.
Philadelphias NPR and PBS affiliate is sounding the alarm on the uncertain future of federal funding for public media as Republicans in Washington continue to push toward their long-held goal of scrapping funding for such outlets.

WHYY president and CEO Bill Marrazzo wrote in a message asking for donations Wednesday that while the home of Fresh Air with Terry Gross & Tonya Mosley is on solid financial footing, thanks to support from listeners and viewers, federal funding cuts would present challenges in sustaining and growing the public media stations work.

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Earlier this month the White House was reportedly expected to send a rescission package to Congress that would propose more than $9 billion in cuts, including to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which oversees National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service. But now, the administration may delay that request, PBS reported Tuesday.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the package.

Public media comes at an annual cost of $535 million to taxpayers, or approximately $1.60 per taxpayer. Marrazzo said in his message Wednesday that federal investment in public media is small, but plays a crucial role in supporting stations, especially those in small or rural communities.

Without it, many stations may struggle to continue serving their audiences, Marrazzo said.

WHYY is the Philadelphia regions leading public media company, serving 2.9 million households in the Philadelphia area, South Jersey, and Delaware and is one of the top 10 markets in the country, according to a March 2024 report from the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage.

About 7% of WHYYs budget comes from government funding ($3,756,000 in fiscal 2024).

Marrazzo said in an interview earlier this month that if the Trump administration requests a rescission of its funding, WHYY is prepared to be more assertive on its solicitation of donations from the community.

I feel good about that in this tristate area, it will help us continue to thrive, it doesnt solve the problem in those mid-sized areas, Marrazzo said about donor support.

Its a somewhat familiar dance, though, as public media funding has faced threats from Washington in years prior.

Billionaire Elon Musk, Trumps adviser and leader of the Department of Government Efficiency, tasked with slashing government spending, had signaled late last year a desire to target public media funding, leaving NPR and PBS bracing for the potential cuts in the wake of Trumps victory in the 2024 election. Musk, who has often said that his platform, X, should be used as a news source has frequently expressed his disdain for certain media outlets, writing in an X post in December that Legacy media must die.

Quashing public media is a goal that Republicans have been yearning to achieve in order to reject what they believe to be a liberal bias at these stations.

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry (R., Pa.) reintroduced his No Propaganda Act this year which advocates for the federal defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

CPB distributes more than 70% of its funding to more than 1,500 locally owned stations, according to its website.

A spokesperson for Perry declined to comment on current threats to public media funding, but in a news release for the bill, Perry wrote in part CPB must be defunded to end the stream of Taxpayer funds to biased, anti-American public radio and television stations.

Trump has also set his sights on public media in the past. In 2020, he recommended cutting CPB funding to $0 by 2023. And in his second administration, Trump-appointed Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr opened an investigation into NPR and PBS, which Marrazzo said is limited to television operations regarding on-air for-profit corporate sponsorship.

While a unique one and a very serious one, its not uncommon for us year over year over year to be dealing with one intervention over another, Marrazzo said of the uncertainty with funding.

Staff writer Zoe Greenberg contributed to this article.
Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson presents President Donald Trump with a custom Eagles jersey as the 2025 Super Bowl Champions visit the White House on Monday. Read more

President Donald Trump signed more than 135 executive orders in his first 100 days in office, the primary force delivering a whirlwind of new policies that have upended the federal government. The impacts of these on Philadelphia and Pennsylvania have varied, with some immediately apparent and others yet to appear. Here are four areas in which data show early effects on the region.

 READ MORE: How Trump's first 100 days unfolded in Pennsylvania: 'Chaos' for some, uncertainty for many

Little change in regions population detained in ICE facilities

Trump ran on a promise to implement mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. And under his watch, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has made several attention-grabbing raids in the area, leading to fearful cancellations of public events.

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ICE announced in February that it would begin using Philadelphias federal detention center to house detainees.

The regions ICE detention facilities have collectively seen a marginal increase in their average daily population since Trumps inauguration, rising 8% from the middle of January to the end of March.

Unemployment claims increase for Pennsylvanias federal workforce

The early impact of Trumps policies on the region may be more apparent when it comes to the federal workforce. The administration, working closely with the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, led by Trumps billionaire adviser Elon Musk, has promised sweeping cuts to government staffing.

Initial claims for unemployment insurance among former Pennsylvania federal employees increased notably over the previous two months. Such claims tripled in February and March of this year, compared with 2024 and 2023.

And the state may be bearing a disproportionate brunt of the cuts. A Bureau of Labor Statistics report released earlier this month showed that Pennsylvanias federal workforce shrank by about 0.4% between February and March, steeper than the nationwide reduction of 0.1%.

Tariffs shake Pennsylvania industries

The U.S. was thrown into economic uncertainty in early February when Trump signed an executive order raising tariffs on goods from major trading partners. Tensions with Canada, Mexico, and China, each of which enacted their own retaliatory trade measures, continue to escalate.

Industries across Pennsylvania that rely heavily on trade with North American partners and China, including the dairy and steel industry, are bracing for impact. In 2024, Pennsylvania exported a total of $23 billion in goods to the three countries alone.

The circular nature of the tariff war has made it difficult for Pennsylvanians to adapt. Businesses in the state sell everything from motorcycles and machinery to chocolate and coffee to companies and consumers in Canada  one of the states most important trading partners.

Over $2.56 billion in Pennsylvania goods exported to Canada in 2024 could be taxed this year under Canadas new tariffs. The state also brought in $14.2 billion worth of Canadian products, which could be subject to additional tax.

Fewer foreign visitors seen at PHL

International travel to Philadelphia has dropped since October.

Data show the number of non-U.S. citizens being processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Philadelphia International Airport has dropped 10.5% since January. Local tourism officials are anxious as the weather warms and travel increases.

Bookings from Canada to the U.S. were down 70% through March compared with the same time last year, according to OAG, an aviation and analytics firm. In 2024, more than 535,000 Canadians visited Philadelphia.
Biotechnology (biotech) is part of the life sciences sector and involves using parts of living organisms to make products for industries including pharmaceuticals, agriculture and energy. One recent industry report placed Australia second in the world for productivity in the biotech sector. Some insurance stakeholders see biotech as a growing area of opportunity for brokers. However, the challenges for a broker include heavy regulations and the need for in-depth specialist knowledge.
The impact of extreme weather on the Australian economy has more than tripled over the last three decades. These events are no longer once in a century, they are the status quo, and communities are not adequately prepared or protected, he said.
AIA is uniquely well-positioned to capitalise on the long-term structural growth potential in the worlds most attractive market for life and health insurance through the consistent execution of our clear and ambitious strategy. I am confident that AIAs long-term business prospects remain exceptional. We will continue to strengthen our substantial competitive advantages to capture the opportunities ahead of us and create sustainable value for all our stakeholders, he said.
American Integrity also disclosed $14.9 million in cash distributions to current owners during the first quarter, of which $10 million were profit distributions and the remaining portion allocated to tax distributions for estimated liabilities. The company stated in its filing that it plans to issue additional tax distributions of approximately $8 million prior to the offering.
Im excited by the opportunity to deliver differentiated value to our clients. Joining this team enhances our ability to leverage EPIC's international broker relationships and more effectively deliver that expertise to both our U.S.-based clients and our international clients with U.S. needs, Jackson said.
Texas currently allows insurers to implement rate changes immediately after filing, a process that supporters say gives carriers flexibility to respond to market conditions. According to the bills analysis, this approach may result in policyholders facing higher premiums before a rate is formally reviewed. SB 1643 seeks to introduce a review mechanism while maintaining some of the current system's flexibility.
It also states that some fossil fuel producers have been aware of their role in climate change for decades and accuses them of engaging in misleading or deceptive conduct related to the impact of their products.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has been found to have violated Marylands employment anti-discrimination law when it discriminated against an employee because of his sexual orientation.

U.S. District Judge Julie Rubin ordered CRS to pay $60,000 to married gay former employee, John Doe, for violating the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act (MFEPA) when it revoked the health insurance coverage for the employees husband.

While the MFEPA has an exemption for religious organizations, the Baltimore-based humanitarian agency is not entitled to the exemption because the employee discriminated against was not engaged in work that directly advanced the organizations mission, the judge found.

The ruling represents the first application of the test for determining a religious exemption under the MFEPA since it was articulated by the Maryland Supreme Court in 2023.

The ruling is not the first in Does favor. In an earlier proceeding in 2022, U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake ruled in his favor under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Pay Act, and under the Maryland Equal Pay Act. Judge Blake reasoned that religious organizations are not exempt from anti-discrimination statutes. Judge Blake also ruled that MFEPA is a neutral law and applicable to all entities and thus does not violate CRSs First Amendment rights.

After that proceeding, the judge certified a question to the Maryland Supreme Court about the MFEPA and its religious exemption.

Under the MFEPA, an employer may not fail or refuse to hire, discharge, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to the individuals compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment or limit, segregate, or classify its employees or applicants for employment in any way that would deprive or tend to deprive any individual of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the individuals status as an employee because of, relevant here, the individuals sexual orientation.

The law recognizes an exemption from the prohibition. The prohibition does not apply to a religious corporation . . . with respect to the employment of individuals of a particular . . . sexual orientation . . . to perform work connected with the activities of the religious entity.

There was no dispute that CRS terminated Does spousal health benefits because he is a man married to another man. It was also undisputed that opposite-sex spouses of domestic employees of CRS are eligible for dependent health benefits.

Doe raised the question of whether the MFEPA exemption applies to the employment of individuals of a particular sexual orientation or gender identity who perform work connected with all activities of the religious entity or only those that are religious in nature.

The issue was certified to the Maryland Supreme Court. The parties argued their positions, with CRS espousing a broad view of its exemption, while Doe took a narrow view.

CRS defended its cancellation of the husbands benefits, contending that, as a religious entity, it is exempt from MFEPAs prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. CRS argued that the exemption unambiguously exempts all claims for religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity discrimination against religious entities, because all work of every employee is connected with the activities of their employer.

Doe argued the exemption should be read as coextensive with the First Amendments ministerial exception,' which is to say, that it would apply to any employee whose primary duties consist of teaching, spreading the faith, church governance, supervision of a religious order, or supervision or participation in religious ritual and worship.

The Maryland Supreme Court (Doe v. Catholic Relief Services) rejected both arguments. The high court, acknowledging that the language of the exemption is ambiguous, addressed what type of work could be considered connected to the mission of a religious entity to trigger the exemption:

Giving the exemption its narrowest reasonable reading, we conclude that the General Assembly intended to exempt religious organizations from these kinds of MFEPA claims brought by employees who perform duties that directly further the core mission (or missions) of the religious entity.

The Supreme Court also provided guidance for other courts to follow in implementing this new test. According to the guidance, focusing on the duties of the employee and the core mission(s) entails a fact-intensive inquiry; the reference to duties directly furthering the core mission means duties that are not one or more steps removed from actions that effect the goals of the entity; the size of the religious entity may be relevant; a religious entity may have both religious and secular core missions; and in determining the core mission, a court may consider the description of its mission. the services the entity provides, the people the entity seeks to benefit, and how the entitys funds are allocated.

Following the state high courts reasoning, U.S. District Judge Rubin, now presiding, examined each of the jobs Doe had at CRS as well as the mission and operations of CRS.

According to the record before the court, CRS works with local, national and international Catholic institutions to serve the poor and vulnerable overseas by responding to major emergencies, fighting disease and poverty, and nurturing peaceful and just societies. It assists people on the basis of need, not creed, race or nationality. CRS provides a number of humanitarian services throughout the world, including in areas of agriculture, capacity strengthening, education, emergency, health, justice and peacebuilding, microfinance, and water and sanitation.

As of 2023, CRS education programming consisted of 76 projects in 40 countries, serving eight million participants. CRS employs more than 8,000 people worldwide. CRSs revenue is primarily derived from public sources, mostly from the federal government.

Doe was hired as data advisor in 2016 and moved into several other data, administrative and technical services positions during his tenure at the agency. According to the court, none of Does positions were ministerial, representational, or explicitly religious in nature. Doe did not provide direct humanitarian relief in any of his CRS roles. Doe did not work directly with donors in any of his CRS roles. Doe did not make decisions about how to implement CRS relief projects in any of his roles.

Applying the state high courts test, the federal district court found that none of Does five full-time positions with CRS directly furthered a CRS mission, and that each of his positions was one or more steps removed from taking the actions that effect CRS goals. The court similarly concluded that CRS had not met its burden to show that MFEPAs religious entity exemption applies in Does situation.

Thus, the court concluded, the MFEPA religious entity exemption does not apply with respect to Doe, and CRS violated MFEPA in its termination of Does spousal health benefits for his same sex spouse.
The UK should spare flood defense programs from budget cuts to be announced in June, as the country is already woefully unprepared for worsening disasters linked to climate change, a government adviser has said.

We are seriously concerned that resilience and climate adaptation may be cut in the spending review, said Julia King, chair of the Climate Change Committees adaptation group. I know the government is under a lot of pressure to make cuts, but this isnt the easy one to cut.

The CCC released a new report on Wednesday outlining the UKs progress on climate adaptation, warning the country has done little to improve since its last assessment in 2023. This is despite significant funding pledged for flood defenses earlier this year. The government said it would direct 2.65 billion ($3.32 billion) toward projects such as tidal barriers and river and sea defenses before March 2026, but spending beyond that date would be up to a review this June.

Related: Insurers Pay Record Claims for Weather-Related Damage in UK: ABI

A spokesperson for the UK government said it would carefully consider the report and respond in due course.

The government already indicated in its budget last October that significant funding pressures meant it would need to review spending on programs to reduce flooding risk and related farming schemes. Britains Chancellor Rachel Reeves now must find even more savings as the UK and other European countries have pledged to direct more of their budgets to military support for Ukraine.

The impacts of climate change are expected to touch all corners of the British economy, including food security, public health and infrastructure. The countrys gross domestic product could take as much as a 7% hit by 2050, based on current climate trajectories, according to one assessment.

Some 6.3 million properties in England are at risk of flooding, rising to eight million by 2050, equivalent to one in four homes. A government-backed program allowing at-risk homeowners to still access insurance is set to end in 2039, potentially leading to huge losses if properties are still vulnerable to flooding.

King pointed to recent climate-related disasters such as Octobers floods in Valencia, which killed over 200 people, as proof that extreme weather is already a threat.

We cannot wait to take action, she said. This is not tomorrows problem, its todays problem, and if we dont do something about it, it will become tomorrows disaster.

Top photograph: Flooding in Tewkesbury, UK, in 2024. Photo credit: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Related:

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Flood
On Good Friday, an aging supertanker fully laden with oil and calling itself Varada arrived in the waters to the east of Malaysia after a two-month voyage from Venezuela.

The vessel raised some red flags: it was 32 years old, past the age at which it would normally have been scrapped, and it was sailing under the flag of Comoros, a popular flag of convenience that makes ships harder to monitor.

For all intents and purposes, though, it seemed like any other so-called dark fleet tanker that carries barrels of sometimes sanctioned oil from producers like Russia, Iran and Venezuela. Except it wasnt.

The real Varada, which wasnt sanctioned, had actually been demolished in Bangladesh in 2017. This vessel was whats known as a zombie or phantom ship, which take on the identities of scrapped tankers to appear legitimate and avoid scrutiny from authorities in the US and elsewhere.

At least four zombie vessels have emerged in recent weeks in the sensitive Venezuelan oil trade, which has become even more risky since the Trump administration imposed tariffs on countries importing oil from the South American nation.

Bloomberg News has used ship-tracking data provided by Starboard Maritime Intelligence and analyzed satellite imagery of the waters off the Jose and Amuay oil export terminals in Venezuela to identify the four vessels.

The images were compared against historical photos of the four ships whose names and unique International Maritime Organization numbers they have usurped. In each case there were major discrepancies between the zombie ships and their scrapped namesakes, including deck shapes, layouts and colors. The four demolished vessels hadnt been sanctioned by any government.

The use of zombie tankers allows dark fleet operators to circumvent restrictions on transporting oil. Bloomberg first reported on a zombie ship that showed up at a Chinese port last September, and in November detailed the return of a supposedly scrapped dark-fleet tanker. The ruse is gaining attention within the maritime community, which has long tracked the emergence of a parallel system, including operators, insurers, traders and banks, that supports the dark fleet.

Using zombie ships to transport sanctioned oil is part of a growing trend in the illicit trade in the face or tighter scrutiny. As well as using ship-to-ship transfers to mask the origins of the crude, methods such as moving to new transshipment locations, or switching transponders are becoming increasingly popular.

Third Way

Zombie ships are the third way, said Mark Douglas, a maritime domain analyst at Starboard. The thinking is like: I cant afford to run my own system, so Ill use another ships identity to get that oil from point A to point B.'

Varadas imposter was the first of the four tankers leaving Venezuela that, if fully laden, would be carrying a total of 7 million barrels of oil.

From Jose, it sailed across the Atlantic, round the Cape of Good Hope and then through the Indian Ocean, arriving in Malaysian waters on April 18, when it stopped signaling. It stated for orders as its destination, and draft readings indicated it was sitting low in the water, meaning it was heavily laden with oil. Satellite images reviewed by Bloomberg show the zombie ship was still in the area on April 19, 21, 24 and 26.

This patch of water off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia is a popular transshipment point, where dark fleet ships transfer oil to other vessel, often before its delivered to Chinese refineries.

Asias largest economy was the No. 1 buyer of Venezuelan oil last month, with 10 tankers taking an average of 461,000 barrels per day to processors, according to US Customs and shipping data. Traders on this route have been known to use a variety of methods to avoid scrutiny so that they can be spared from sanctions, but taking on the identities of demolished ships is a new development.

Data from Starboard and Bloomberg suggest that the ship posing as Varada is actually M Sophia, a VLCC built in 2004 that was swept up by US sanctions imposed on Russias oil industry in January by the outgoing Biden administration. The vessel appears to be spoofing signals that its in the Gulf of Guinea now. M Sophia fits the profile of a dark ship: it has no known owner, insurer, and appears to sail without a flag.

At two recent shipping conferences held in Singapore, including one organized by Vortexa, maritime-intelligence analysts highlighted the tactic of faking IMO identities as a new source of concern.

Since Varadas double set sail for Asia, three other tankers recorded as scrapped embarked on similar journeys in recent days.

In late March, a ship showing that its Gema, a VLCC built in 1999, and another that says its Alana, a 1998-built Suezmax, both left Amuay in Venezuelas west, fully laden with crude. These two tankers have gone around the Cape of Good Hope and appear to be entering the Indian Ocean. In mid-April, a ship identifying as VLCC New Inspiration that was built in 2002 left Jose, and is heading toward South Africa in the Atlantic Ocean.

The emergence of zombie ships is happening as Washington tightens the screws on Venezuelas oil industry, and threatens to penalize countries that take the crude. President Trumps nominee for US sanctions chief recently singled out the South American country, and buyers of its oil.

President Trump is sending a clear message that access to our economy is a privilege, not a right, John Hurley recently told a Senate committee. Countries importing Venezuelan oil will face consequences.

Original vessels name Original vessels IMO Type Built year Zombie ships departure date Zombie ships port of departure Last location Scrapped year Varada 9039626 VLCC 1993 Early March Jose, Venezuela Off Malaysia 2017 Alana 9172583 Suezmax 1998 Late March Amuay, Venezuela Entering Cape of Good Hope 2023 Gema 9174218 VLCC 1999 Late March Amuay, Venezuela Past Cape of Good Hope 2021 New Inspiration 9237527 VLCC 2002 Mid April Jose, Venezuela Off Brazil, in the Atlantic Ocean 2022

Top photograph: A view of Persian Gulf from inside Devon, an oil tanker transferring oil to exporting markets on March 23, 2018; photo credit: Ali Mohammadi/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Energy Oil Gas
As factories, stores and hotels across Spain and Portugal gradually returned to normal on Tuesday after a huge blackout the day before, business associations and companies began counting the cost.

Spains main business lobby CEOE estimated the outage would shave 1.6 billion euros ($1.82 billion), or 0.1%, off gross domestic product, noting it could take oil refineries a week or more to resume their operations fully, and that some industrial ovens had been damaged.

The meat industry estimated losses of up to 190 million euros as fridges lost power, among other factors. The blackout lasted more than 12 hours in some areas of Spain.

Spain and Portugal Hit With Worst European Blackout in Years

On Tuesday, most food stores were operating normally, the sectors association ANGED said, but were still assessing how much of their produce had gone bad or how much business they had lost when card payment systems went offline and ATMs were out of order.

Many people rushed to buy water, canned food, flashlights, and battery-powered radios to stay informed, but not everyone could find cash.

The Bank of Spain said payments by card resumed on Tuesday and ATMs were working.

As industry faced some of the biggest challenges, at Volkswagens VOWG.DE plant in the Navarra region, where 4,600 people work, output only resumed at 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday. The factory had lost production of about 1,400 cars since Monday, a company spokesperson said.

Volkswagens Spanish brand SEAT also said output at its Barcelona plant, where around 14,000 people work, was not fully restored to normal operations after power supply returned at 1 a.m local time.

Other sectors, such as Spains all-important tourism industry, were largely unscathed.

At the moment, were not receiving any significant reports in terms of cancellations, Jorge Marichal, chairman of Spains hotel association CEHAT, said, although that the telecommunications outage had created a very complicated situation.

Many guests took refuge in hotels. We had an adequate occupancy and we were even able to help some public agencies that requested assistance in accommodating people, he said.

Hoping for a quick solution to the blackout, some companies kept staff on the premises for hours, while others, such as industrial manufacturer Thune Eureka in northern Spain, sent workers home early in the blackout.

Its president, Adrian Garcia Aranyos, said his head of IT had prior experience supervising power grid maintenance in Venezuela and that had given the company an unexpected edge.

He knew from the first moment that this was going to be at least eight hours Thanks to him we were able to make an agile decision after an hour with no power, he said.

($1 = 0.8771 euros)

(Reporting by Joan Faus, Aislinn Laing, Jesus Aguado, Corina Pons, editing by Andrei Khalip and Barbara Lewis)

Photograph: Police cordon off the main entrance of a closed train station, during a blackout in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, April 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Related:

Spanish Grid Operators First Assessment Rules Out Cyberattack Behind Blackout
Global insured losses from natural catastrophes hit US$137 billion in 2024, following the 5%-7% annual growth rate that has been the norm in recent years, according to Swiss Re analysis.

If this trend continues, global insured losses will approach US$145 billion in 2025, mainly driven by secondary perils such as severe convective storms (SCS), floods and wildfires, said the Swiss Re sigma report titled Natural catastrophes: insured losses on trend to USD 145 billion in 2025.

While loss severity for nat cats is rising globally, North America accounted for almost 80% of global insured losses in 2024, due to the regions exposure to severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and earthquakes, the report said. (Editors note: the 80% figure can be found on page 29 of the main report, table 3).

After several years of underwriting losses, homeowners premiums only recently caught up with housing replacement costs. However, ongoing underwriting losses suggest that premiums are still not commensurate with the risk, and that further alignment is necessary to sustain insurance business.

As has been the case in recent years, in 2024 most of the global insured losses were driven by secondary perils, in particular severe convective storms in the US, Swiss Re said, noting, that the deadly fires in Los Angeles in January this year point to another year of high losses from secondary perils.

Global economic losses from catastrophes were US$318 billion, the highest since 2017 (US$448 billion in 2024 prices). Around 43% were covered by insurance, highlighting the continued existence of large protection gaps in many parts of the world, including in advanced economies, the report said. The 2024 insurance protection gap of $181 billion  up from $177 billion in 2023  is the difference between overall economic losses and the amount covered by insurers.

Peak-Loss Years

Despite the high price tag from secondary perils, Swiss Re warned, it is primary perils (tropical cyclones and earthquakes) that remain the biggest contributor to insured losses overall. Swiss Re pointed to the five so-called peak loss years that have occurred in the last 30 years (1999, 2004, 2005, 2011 and 2017), when annual losses were way above trend.

In 2017  the last peak-loss year  Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria drove global insurance losses to 111% above trend. Swiss Re cautioned that the subsequent period of quiet since then did not slow the underlying growth of risk.

Swiss Res natural catastrophe models point to a 1-in-10 probability that global insured losses could reach as high as US$300 billion in 2025, creating next peak-loss year. (See above graphic).

Peak loss years, due to either the accumulation of many loss events or those from a few individual large events, should not be considered a freak occurrence, Swiss Re said. History repeats, and its not a question of if, but when the insurance industry will face the next peak loss year.

Los Angeles Wildfires

Although 2025 began with record insured wildfire losses of approximately $40 billion in Los Angeles, Swiss Re explained that the fires on their own will not cause a notable deviation from the annual loss growth trend for natural catastrophes (of 5%-7%).

Of the total losses, insurance claims for residential property were at least US$30 billion, said Swiss Re, estimating this will likely generate a loss ratio of around 200% for homeowners insurers in California.

Assuming an around 50% base load, the loss ratio is heading towards 250%. The last time the loss ratio was of similar magnitude was in 2017 (201%) and 2018 (176%), when wildfires in California triggered record losses for that time, the report added.

We estimate that two-thirds of payouts to cover the fire losses will come from primary insurers, one-third to be paid by reinsurers. The scale of losses was so large that many excess-of-loss reinsurance covers were triggered. The reinsurance share of loss would have increased further with an even bigger loss.

In years when losses are close to trend, Swiss Re said, primary insurers cover the majority of property claims, but when major disasters strike and losses rise well above trend, reinsurers step in to cover more than half of the losses in excess of trend.

Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners in catastrophe-prone states are feeling the pain of rising premiums, as their insurers seek to return to underwriting profitability.

In the US, homeowners insurers have seen their net incurred losses increase by 8% annually since 2018  a trend driven by a post-COVID surge in construction and claims costs. The consequence of the latter is that homeowner insurers have seen several years of underwriting losses, Swiss Re said.

After several years of underwriting losses, homeowners premiums only recently caught up with housing replacement costs. However, ongoing underwriting losses suggest that premiums are still not commensurate with the risk, and that further alignment is necessary to sustain insurance business.

The states with highest exposures to natural catastrophes are also those where, in general, homeowner premiums are highest, the report said, pointing to five states  Florida, Texas, California, Louisiana and Colorado  which account for around 50% of all natural catastrophe losses in the U.S.

Historically, Louisiana has suffered the highest natural catastrophe losses per policy, followed by Florida. These have mostly been on account of losses emanating from hurricane events, the report confirmed.

Homeowner premiums per household in the state of Florida are twice the national average, the report said, noting that in states with higher average premiums (such as Florida), extremely high premium levels are localized.

For example, in 11% of the Floridas zip codes, premiums per policy were above US$10,000, the report said. These are typically coastal zip codes with highest risk of storm surge and/or wind damage. (See above graphic).

Photograph: A house lies toppled off its stilts after the passage of Hurricane Milton, in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island, Fla., Oct. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)

Related:

Topics Trends Profit Loss Claims
A car smashed through a building Monday afternoon, killing four young people and injuring several others during an after-school program in a small city outside of Springfield, Illinois, police said.

Officers responded at about 3:20 p.m. to calls about a vehicle ramming through the building, fatally hitting four people before exiting the other side, Chatham Police Department Deputy Chief Scott Tarter said.

Those killed were between the ages of 4 and 18, Illinois State Police said in an emailed statement. Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon identified the victims as female students, saying their identities will be released after family members are notified. Several other people were hurt and taken to hospitals.

It wasnt immediately known what led up to the crash or whether it was intentional.

Mondays crash is the latest instance of people driving vehicles into groups of people across the globe. Only two days earlier, a car plowed through a crowded street during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, killing 11.

The Illinois driver, who was uninjured, was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was taken to a hospital for evaluation, Tarter said. Police havent said if the driver was arrested or taken into custody.

I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and numerous injuries in Chatham this afternoon, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement. My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief theyre experiencing  something that no parent should ever have to endure.

He said his office was monitoring the situation and was ready to lend support.

The struck building and facilities house Youth Needing Other Things Outdoors, which holds after-school programs and summer camps, according to its website.

As evening fell, police cars with lights flashing still blocked streets leading to the building. On its Facebook account, the Chatham Police Department asked for prayers.

A terrible tragedy has occurred here that has affected all of us, the message ended.

By Monday night, some members of the community and beyond had changed their Facebook profile photos to an image of a red ribbon and the words Chatham Strong.

___

Associated Press reporter Lisa Baumann contributed to this report from Bellingham, Washington.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Auto Illinois
Mosaic Promotes Duggan to Lead North American Claims

Mosaic, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, named environmental and casualty risk specialist and former district attorney Thomas Duggan as the companys claims head for North America. Based in New York, Duggan will oversee Mosaics claims teams for all lines of business throughout the Americas, including environmental liability, transactional liability, political violence, political risk, and cyber, and directly handle environmental claims globally.

Duggan has more than 25 years experience in law, underwriting, and claims. He previously served as head of environmental claims for Liberty Mutual and Ironshore, and also held various roles in professional, casualty, and environmental claims and underwriting at Zurich and AIG. He began his legal career as an assistant district attorney in the Brooklyn District Attorneys Office, New York.

Hiscox appoints Sinkus as Chief Underwriting Officer in the US

Hiscox, headquartered in Atlanta appointed Nick Sinkus to chief underwriting officer, effective May 5. He will serve on the Hiscox US leadership team as well as the Hiscox Group underwriting leadership team.

Sinkus will lead all aspects of Hiscox USAs underwriting and product development. He has over 20 years of experience in personal lines and commercial underwriting ranging from small commercial to middle market, most recently serving as Chubbs senior vice president for small commercial P&C products. Prior to Chubb, Sinkus served as the chief underwriting officer for Mutual of Enumclaw and held product and underwriting leadership roles with Travelers.

EPIC Appoints Jackson as Managing Principal, EPIC Global Leader

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC), headquartered in San Francisco, California, appointed Sean Jackson as managing principal and global leader. He is tasked with enhancing international relationships among brokers worldwide and fostering greater collaboration between the United States and global markets to better serve its multinational clients.

Jackson most recently served as managing director, global risk and benefits at IMA Financial Group, Inc. He previously served as vice president WorldSource  underwriting center manager for AIG.

Topics USA Claims Talent Leadership
Some property/casualty insurers talk about experimenting with artificial intelligence to automate call center responses and back-office operations. But thats not the road to turbocharging growth that AIG CEO Peter Zaffino envisions for his company.

AIG is all-in on AI that is directly focused on its core activitiesunderwriting and claims, Zaffino and Claude Wade, executive vice president and chief digital officer, told analysts during a four-hour Investor Day event late last month.

Were focusing on this as an end-to-end processnot on the fringes, [and] not just for expense savings, said Zaffino, setting up a discussion of what the two AIG executives described as a strong agentic AI ecosystem where AI agent tasks involve data ingestion on one end of the underwriting process, all the way to figuring the propensity to bind on the other.

The ecosystem, which involves partnerships between AIG and well-known technology companies Anthropic and Palantir, will help AIG underwriters get through 500,000-plus E&S submissions to book at least $4 billion in new business premiums in the year 2030, Zaffino projects. Already, AI tools that are up and running in financial lines allow AIG to review 100% of every private and non-profit business submission that comes in, without adding underwriters, Wade said.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and Palantir CEO Alex Karp praised Zaffinos vision and leadership of AI initiatives for the insurers core activities of underwritingalready live for private and non-profit financial lines business, and in the works for claims processingas they joined the AIG leader on stage for a half-hour panel discussion during the three-and-a-half-hour Investor Day event.

Enterprises are having a lot of success deploying [AI] in the periphery, said Amodei. Thats common across all companies. All companies need customer service. They need internal productivity for their developers. Thats the same whether youre in insurance or some other area. So, [theres] a lot of success there, and a lot of aspiration to make progress in the core of what they do.

Rather than experimenting with pilots, AIG has moved past aspirational goals, leaning into the core use cases, Amodei said. AIG really had conviction on the claims cases and the underwriting cases, and has moved quickly to get a lot of this unstructured data [into the process] and really, really bet with conviction, he said, noting that AIG started working with Anthropic when its AI Assistance Claude was Claude Version 2.1.

While AIG is now using Claude 3.5, its not a stronger AI model that is driving underwriting success for the carrier, Amodei said. The technology can be great, but if there isnt that conviction, if there isnt that will to move quickly and that focus, it doesnt happen, he said.

The real differentiator is not in the technology, as fast as thats improving, but finding ways to deploy it in enterprises, finding ways to revolutionize an existing business, Amodei said.

Palantirs Karp also lauded Zaffino for starting to build the AI ecosystem ahead of the curve with a singular and somewhat prescient focus on that revolution of core business activities. Later, CNBC Analyst Sarah Eisen, who moderated the panel, asked Karp to talk specifically about what he had learned about AI applications for insurance.

Karp told her that insurance executives who ask, Can AI outperform a human in what they do? are asking the wrong question.

The right question is, Can AI make one human [perform like] five humans? he said, noting that in the case of underwriting, the human is doing something very technical.

You have an expert whos been trained in understanding not just data but proxy data  Youre looking at inferences for what it means based on years of experience, he said. He drew an analogy to the analysts in attendance who can listen to executives of different companies saying the same thing to discern which will make money. Technical human underwriters have built similar abilities, he suggested.

Can the large language modelmake one human 10X more valuable, meaning they have 5X output in half the time?

Getting to $4 Billion

Zaffino and Wade offered different numbers that would likely grab the attention of insurance industry peers, with Wade describing the measurable impact of AIGs AI Underwriter Assistance on private and non-profit financial lines business, and Zaffino sharing his bigger vision of the growth of all E&S business for AIGs Lexington.

According to Wade, with AI Underwriter Assistance already in use for North America private and non-profit business submissions:

The underwriting timeline per submission has been slashed to less than one day, down from three or four weeks.

The bind-to-submit ratio has increased from 15% to 20%.

Data quality has increased more than 90%.

During his introductory remarks, Zaffino pulled back to create a bigger picture for E&S business growth. He reported that new business E&S submissions exploded to 300,000 in 2024 from 30,000 in 2018, with AIGs Lexington binding just 2% (6,700) at an average new premium of $140,000or roughly $1 billion total last year. Going forward, he expects a 10% compound annual growth rate in submissions, putting the total at about 500,000 new business submissions coming into Lexington in 2030.

Can we keep doing 10% and stay with the industry on a CAGR basis? Absolutely we can. That would be very good by normal business standards. But I want to challenge us to think differently. I want to think about 20%-plus, Zaffino said.

Envisioning that AI Underwriter Assistance can push the bind rate up to 6 percent in 2030 from 2 percent in 2024, the volume increases to $4 billion (assuming the same average premium), he said, reporting a premium volume figure in line with the 20%-plus per year aspiration.

You get four times the amount of new business And I think when we do that, its not going to be just adding volume, its going to be better risks, he said with an excited tone. I dont even know what happens with the market. I can give you a view [which suggests] the 500,000 [submissions] will be light. Were going to be able to bind more.

This is the direction were going. I give Lexington as an example because it is the one that is right there in front of us, but theres a lot of other businesses with an AIG [where] were going to be rolling this out and adopting it. Its for real. And for companies like us, I dont believe this is a choice. Were doing this. We have to do this and drive change, he asserted.

This story is excerpt from Carrier Management, Insurance Journals sister publication. To read the whole post, click here.

Featured image: AI-generated/ Adobe Firefly

Topics Excess Surplus Underwriting AIG
The Oklahoma Insurance Department is preparing for a second pilot launch of the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program, which provides up to $10,000 to residents to upgrade their homes to the IBHS Fortified standard.

Applicants who are eligible and live in one of nine zip codes can apply online when the application portal opens at noon on Monday, May 5.

The OID said the zip codes were selected using several criteria, including storm data, paid loss ratios and the number of active policies in the selected zip codes. The OID reviewed all zip codes in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) based on contractor and evaluator availability.

The ODI said the final selection looked at the top zip codes that had factors including paid loss ratios, more than 500 policies in force, average claim frequency, strong wind and hail loss index scores as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Related: More SE States Pushing Funding, Discounts for Stronger Roofs as Storms Increase

The goal of each pilot period is to make sure staff can process full applications, address any technology issues and confirm that external partners can handle the grant demand in a new market. The OID will launch several additional pilots through 2025 with the goal of providing a thousand grants by year-end.

Selected zip codes for the May 5, 2025, pilot launch include:

 73078  73012  73034  73013  74106  74055  74010  74066  74017 Piedmont West Edmond Edmond NW OKC North Tulsa Owasso Bristow Sapulpa Claremore/Foyil

Oklahoma lawmakers last year passed the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act to establish a grant program that helps residents retrofit their roofs with impact-resistant materials that meet the Fortified standard established by the IBHS. Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready has said that insurance companies could offer discounts of up to 42% on the wind portion of a homeowners insurance premium for homes with a Fortified designation.

The Oklahoma program is modeled after programs in Alabama and Louisiana.

Source: OID

Topics Oklahoma
Six weeks after Tampa-based Heritage Property & Casualty Insurance Co. filed a libel suit against a whistleblower claims adjuster, the adjusters lawyer has pushed back, arguing that the suit is an attempt to silence those who question insurers damage estimates.

Jordan Lee acted courageously to shine a light on systemic misconduct. This lawsuit is an attack not just on him, but on every Floridian who relies on fair insurance practices after a disaster, said attorney John Tolley, who represents independent adjuster Lee.

Lee raised the hackles of Heritage officials in September, when he appeared on the CBS News show, 60 Minutes. He reiterated claims he and other independent adjusters had made in 2022, that Heritage and several insurance carriers had deceptively altered the adjusters damage reports, greatly reducing the amount payable to homeowners.

I handled 46 of them; 44 of them were changed, Lee said in the 60 Minutes interview. Some estimates were reduced by 98%, the show stated.

In many libel suits, an aggrieved plaintiff will include the news outlet as a defendant. A Heritage spokesperson declined to answer Insurance Journal questions about why CBS News was not named in the Lee suit. But a Florida law professor said that the legal action is an effort to put the chill on Lee and other potential whistleblowers.

The purpose of this lawsuit is not to shut up CBS, something Heritage really could not realistically hope to do. Instead, the purpose of the lawsuit is to cower the adjusters who work for it, said Bob Jarvis, a law professor at Nova Southeastern University. This lawsuit will bankrupt Jordan Lee, even if he wins. This will make future adjusters think twice before they publicly criticize or disagree with Heritage.

Lees attorney agreed and suggested that the Heritage lawsuit marks a significant escalation in the dispute between the insurer and whistleblowers.

This legal action is a blatant attempt to silence and punish not only Jordan but other potential whistleblowers for doing or attempting to do the right thing, Tolley said in an emailed statement.

Tolley has not yet filed a formal answer to the Heritage suit, nor a motion to dismiss it.

The Heritage complaint, in Hillsborough County Circuit Court, contends that Lee deliberately inflated damage estimates on homes that were affected by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Lee, a freelance adjuster hired by Heritage at the time, traveled from Texas to Florida in hopes of earning large fees on wind claims, the suit alleges.

When preparing claim estimates for Plaintiff, Defendant fraudulently manipulated his claim estimates to maximize his commission-based payout, the complaint reads. When his misconduct was uncovered and his estimates were corrected, Defendant did not receive the compensation he expected. Consequently, Defendant returned to Texas and began falsely and publicly alleging that Plaintiff intentionally reduced his estimates to avoid payment to its insured.

Lee violated guidelines, defaulting to replacement costs instead of repairs for most damage, the suit notes. Many of Lees estimates were unsupported by photographs or other evidence, the complaint alleges.

After a third-party administrator firm discovered Defendants unscrupulous estimates, it expended significant time correcting them to ensure the estimates were supported by the insureds coverage, policy limits, and actual damage, the complaint reads.

When Lee learned that his estimates had been adjusted for accuracy and compliance, he went to the news media, the insurer argues.

Lee and two other independent adjusters who worked Ian claims have made statements to Insurance Journal and other news sites that differ sharply from the Heritage lawsuit contentions. The three adjusters initially made their concerns public at a Florida House of Representatives committee hearing in late 2022, charging that multiple insurers had doctored dozens of their damage estimates without the adjusters knowledge or consent.

Instead of sending a second adjuster to inspect the property, as some insurers have done, Heritage and others carriers or their claims management firms would arbitrarily alter the adjusters initial reports in ways that made it look like the adjuster had arrived at the lower damage amounts, the whistleblowers said. The issue came to light after a number of homeowners complained to the adjusters that the insurance companies revised reports were significantly different from what the adjusters had suggested.

The Heritage lawsuit details multiple properties inspected by Lee after Hurricane Ian. It argues that his estimates are replete with intentional falsities and omissions, in an effort to boost his adjuster fees.

Adjusters dont always earn significantly higher fees for higher damage estimates, though, Florida adjusters have explained. A fee schedule included in the Heritage complaint shows an incremental scale. The fee for catastrophic claims after a hurricane, stays the same for damage estimates in a given range: $1,545 is the fee for estimates that range from $35,000 to $50,000; for estimates between $50,000 and $75,000, the fee bumps up to $1,840. Above that, adjusters earn a percentage of the estimate.

Heritage argues in the suit that Lee overestimated claims. It shows his estimates on damage, but does not show the final level that the carrier offered to pay.

An investigation into the insurers alleged practices, promised in 2022 by Floridas former chief financial officer, Jimmy Patronis, has yet to produce any results.

Heritage officials said last fall that the 60 Minutes report was in error, but did not lash out at Lee at the time.

The accusation by adjusters  that we used altered damaged reports to deceive customers is flat wrong, Heritage CEO Ernie Garateix said in a statement last September. Third-party field adjusters, like Jordan Lee, always have to collaborate with those higher up in their company on their estimates and the company Lee worked for during Hurricane Ian is no longer in business.

The Heritage claims software had inadvertently left desk adjusters names off final, revised damage estimates sent to policyholders, making it appear that independent field adjusters had signed off on the report, company leaders have said. And some estimates were revised upward, benefitting the insureds, Garateix said.

The insuers stock price fell sharply after the 60 Minutes report last fall, but it has climbed to a nine-year high since then, according to Yahoo!Finance.

The Heritage suit claims libel, slander, defamation and fraud by Lee, and asks for damages and attorney fees. Attorney Gregory Kehoe, with the Greenberg Traurig law firm, is representing Heritage. He declined to comment.

The amended complaint can be seen here.

Photo: Jordan Lee, interviewed by 60 Minutes Sharyn Alfonsi. (photo of the broadcast).

Update: This article has been updated to show that attorney John Tolley is not associated with the Merlin Law Group.

Related: Roof Repair Costs up 30% Since 2022

Topics Lawsuits
Aspen Specialty Insurance Co. has reached a settlement with the owners of a Nashville condominium building that was badly damaged in the Christmas Day bombing in 2020.

The terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Both sides have agreed to dismiss the 2023 lawsuit, according to an agreement filed in federal court in Tennessee.

The Plaintiff, Aspen Specialty Insurance Company, and Defendant, The Quarters Condominium Association, Inc., hereby stipulate through their respective counsel that this case is dismissed with prejudice to the re-filing thereof, with each party to bear its own costs and attorney fees, the stipulation reads.

The bombing, which authorities determined to be the work of a lone-wolf suicide bomber, damaged some 60 properties in an historic part of Nashville. Aspen had agreed in 2021 to pay $4.3 million on its policy on the 134-year-old Quarters Condominium building. But the condo association argued it was due almost $11 million, thanks to a guaranteed replacement-cost endorsement in the policy.

Aspen countered that an exclusion in the policy barred full coverage for building(s) that have been designated by any local, state or national governmental agency as an historic structure or landmark.

A federal judge in June 2024 ruled that a single word in the policy proved that the exclusion applied only if the insured structure itself was designated an historic landmark. In this case, city officials had deemed the neighborhood an historic district, but the condo building was not singled out.

By its plain language, for the exclusion to apply, the property must have been designated by a government agency as a historic structure or landmark,' U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger wrote in the 2024 decision. The site had been identified on the National Register of Historic Places inventory, but that does not automatically confer a historic structure status.

Aspen could have, but did not, include language in the Policy excluding from coverage any property within a designated historical district, the judge wrote.

Aspen further argued that the property must be considered historic since it is more than 50 years old. But merely being old does not make something historically significant, Trauger said. The wording of the exclusion was not ambiguous, the judge added. But even if it had been, years of statutes and court decisions dictate that the policy be construed in favor of the insured.

The dispute was scheduled for mediation this spring with a mediation report due this week, court filings show.

Attorneys involved in the case could not be reached for comment Wednesday morning.

Photo: The Quarters, about a year after the bombing. (Google Maps)

Related: Aspen Files for IPO, Again

Topics Excess Surplus
April 30, 2025 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Drills could soon be turning at Harvest Gold's (TSXV:HVG) flagship Mosseau project located within the highly prospective Urban Barry Greenstone Belt in the Canadian province of Quebec.

Last week the company announced it has received all required government permits, providing the company latitude for selecting drill targets in the northern and central areas of Mosseau. Targets in the northern area have been prioritized while the company's geological team is finalizing targets in the central area, a process expected to be completed within the next two weeks.

"This set of Government approvals clears the path to drilling in late spring/early summer. Our team has worked diligently to secure these permits and now turns to finalizing drill targets at Mosseau, which are being identified through an extensive compilation of historical data and Harvest Gold's recent geological and geochemical surveys. This marks a significant milestone for the Company as it advances exploration efforts to unlock the potential of our flagship Mosseau project," said Harvest Gold's President and CEO Rick Mark, in the April 23 news release.

According to the company, having a drill program just east of Lebel-sur-Quevillon in Quebec comes with several strategic and cost-saving benefits, especially compared to remote exploration projects. It positively impacts logistics, infrastructure including accommodations and road access, and overall drilling costs.

In Quebec, an Authorization for Impact-Causing Exploration Work (ATI) is a permit introduced by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests that became mandatory on May 6, 2024. This authorization is required before conducting certain mineral exploration activities, including diamond drilling. An ATI similar to what has been awarded to Harvest Gold is valid for two years and can be renewed, subject to compliance with regulatory conditions. The ATI permits allow the company flexibility for upcoming drill programs in 2025-26 as well as any necessary follow-up in the next few years.

Much of the Mosseau property was affected by large regional forest fires in the summer of 2023. While destructive, these forest fires have inadvertently created opportunities for mineral exploration on the Mosseau project. This includes natural clearing of the vegetation and easier access thanks to new forestry roads.

Harvest Gold (TSXV:HVG)

On Dec. 18, 2023, Harvest Gold entered into an option agreement with Vior Inc. (TSXV:VSR), whereby Harvest can earn up to a 100% interest in Vior's Mosseau gold project, now Harvest's flagship property. Mosseau lies at the western boundary of the Urban Barry Greenstone Belt, an area renowned for both historic and current mining activities, including the Windfall deposit. Notably, Osisko Mining and the well-known prospector, Shawn Ryan (White Gold), hold neighboring claims.

Harvest Gold: Writing an emerging gold story in Quebec - Richard Mills

On Dec. 19, 2023 Harvest Gold entered into an option agreement with EGR Exploration (TSXV:EGR) to acquire 100% of the Urban Barry property in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay/Abitibi region of Quebec.

Urban Barry is situated on the southwestern edge of the Urban Barry Greenstone Belt and has a strike length of approximately 19 kilometers. From November 2019 to March 2020, EGR flew an airborne drone magnetic geophysical survey over the property. The results confirmed the northwest extension of rock units and fault structures hosting the nearby Windfall gold deposit.

On March 12, 2024 Harvest Gold acquired, through map staking, a continuous block of 60 mining claims southeast of its Mosseau project. The La Belle property overlays the same geological contact as Mosseau and Urban Barry and covers an area of 3,394 hectares.

This recent staking brings Harvest Gold's total land position in the Urban Barry region to 329 claims covering 17,539 ha in three projects.

"One of the many things that attracted us to Urban Barry was the confidence Gold Fields had in this greenstone belt, as indicated in Osisko's May 2, 2023 announcement that said their partner Gold Fields will sole fund expenditures for regional exploration up to a maximum of C$75 million. This mining-centric region in Quebec is gaining renewed attention worldwide."

In April 2024 Harvest raised $150,000 through a private placement led by Crescat Capital. By taking down about 40% of the private placement, Crescat Capital became a 14.19% owner in Harvest Gold.

"We are delighted to see Harvest Gold secure a district-scale land package in an underexplored greenstone belt on strike with one of the more notable new gold camps to emerge in the Superior Province of Quebec," said renowned geologist Quinton Hennigh, Crescat's technical and geological director. "They have stealthily assembled a project with excellent potential, and we are quite anxious to see what some boots-on-the ground prospecting delivers."

Gold Fields to acquire Osisko Mining for C$2.16 billion

The world-famous Abitibi region, within the Urban Barry Greenstone Belt, is a geological formation now dominated by Goldfields Limited (NYSE:GFI). Harvest Gold controls three large prospective land packages (Urban Barry, Mosseau and La Belle) all overlaying the same geological contact within the Urban Barry Greenstone Belt.

Undervalued stock

Harvest Gold's share price doesn't reflect the inherent value in the company and its land package of three gold projects located in the world-famous Abitibi.

At just 5 cents a share, an investor can buy the entire company for under $4 million - less than the value of a shell company.

Under The spotlight Bob Moriarty of 321Gold - Richard Mills

Conclusion

Harvest Gold has three elements I like to see in an early-stage junior: excellent management team with a proven record of success; properties in a safe and mining-friendly jurisdiction close to already-established deposits or mines; and a tight share structure of just 63.5 million shares outstanding.

Harvest Gold offers investors the opportunity to own 100% of three gold projects with significant size and depth potential in a region of world-class deposits.

Quebec is mining-friendly and politically stable, with road access to Harvest's properties, nearby infrastructure and workforce, and low drilling costs.

Osisko had agreements with Gold Fields and Bonterra Resources (TSXV:BTR) for the joint development of the Windfall and Gladiator deposits, demonstrating potential discovery upside.

Osisko/Gold Fields/Bonterra have committed to spend $105 million in the next six years on regional exploration of the Urban Barry belt.

(Of course, any properties owned by Osisko Mining will become Gold Fields'.)

The bottom line? Harvest Gold is a well-managed, well-located. low-cost, early-entry opportunity to possibly participate in the leverage associated with a world-class discovery.

Harvest Gold Corp.

TSXV:HVG

Cdn $0.05 2024.04.28

Shares issued: 63.5m

Market Cap: $3.4m

HVG website

Richard (Rick) Mills

aheadoftheherd.com

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Actors who have starred in JK Rowling adaptations have signed an open letter standing in solidarity with members of the LGBT+ community impacted by the recent UK Supreme Court ruling on gender.

The Harry Potter author, 59, who has been outspoken on gender issues, supported the ruling, which said that the terms woman and sex in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex.

Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne, who led the Fantastic Beasts films, and Katie Leung, who played Cho Chang in the Harry Potter film series, are among the stars who have signed the open letter addressed to film and TV industry bodies, encouraging them to support the trans community.

Eddie Redmayne at a Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them worldwide fan event (Ian West/PA)

Ghosts actress Charlotte Ritchie, who appeared as a student in Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, and Breeders star Daisy Haggard, who voiced the Ministry Of Magic lift in the Harry Potter films, also signed the letter.

Another signatory was Bridgerton actress Bessie Carter, the daughter of Imelda Staunton, who played Dolores Umbridge in the popular films about witchcraft and wizardry.

The letter said that the signatories wish to add our voices to the 2000+ signatories of the Open Letter from UK Writers to the Trans Community published last week, which was signed by Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies and Chewing Gums Michaela Coel.

Signatories of the film and TV letter include The Brutalist actor Joe Alwyn, Babygirl star Harris Dickinson, The Last Of Us actor Bella Ramsey, Happy Valley star James Norton, and Bridgertons Nicola Coughlan, who previously said she was disgusted by the ruling.

The letter said: We believe the ruling undermines the lived reality and threatens the safety of trans, non-binary, and intersex people living in the UK.

JK Rowling (Andrew Milligan/PA)

The letter called on organisations including Bafta and the BBC to join them in condemning the Supreme Court ruling by using their public platforms to make meaningful commitments to protecting trans, non-binary, and intersex members, talent and staff from discrimination within their respective organisations.

It said: Film and television are powerful tools for empathy and education, and we believe passionately in the ability of the screen to change hearts and minds. This is our opportunity to be on the right side of history.

Rowling appeared to celebrate the April 16 ruling by posting a photo of her smoking a cigar on social media, with the caption I love it when a plan comes together, with the hashtags Supreme Court and Womens Rights.

The Supreme Court decision was hailed as a victory by womens rights campaigners, but LGBT+ charity Stonewall described it as incredibly worrying for the trans community.

The judges said trans people are still protected from discrimination under equalities legislation, and that this interpretation of the law does not cause disadvantage to the potentially vulnerable group.

Bafta and the BBC have been approached for comment.
Irelands hidden involvement in the fossil fuel industry has been revealed, with more than 31bn in investment flowing through this country.

The Government has been called on to urgently regulate private finance and end fossil fuel investment expansion which campaigners say is wreaking havoc on the environment.

A report published today raises concerns about the countrys role in fuelling climate impacts beyond its borders, revealing that the top financial institutions using Ireland for fossil fuel investments include BlackRock at 18.9bn; State Street at 4.4bn, and 2.1bn from Credit Agricole. This makes Ireland a key global centre for investment in fossil fuels.

The report published by Trocaire and ActionAid Ireland also reveals that Irish subsidiaries of multinational financial institutions generated 72.5m tons of CO in emissions in 2023. This is 10.5m tons more than Irelands total national emissions and 10 times the entire emissions of Sierra Leone.

ActionAid chief executive Karol Balfe, said: The findings in this report are shocking. Ireland may not have a domestic fossil fuel industry, but it is clear we are deeply complicit in fuelling the global climate emergency, providing a tax-friendly financial gateway for some of the most destructive industries on the planet.

"There is no credible path to climate safety if financial flows to fossil fuels, including those channelled through Ireland, are not shut down. This means direct regulation of financial institutions, requiring them to adopt and implement transition plans aligned with the Paris Agreement.

Ireland has both a responsibility and an opportunity to lead.

The 'Hidden Truth: Ireland's role in the global fossil fuel industry' study has found that in June 2024, Irish-based financial subsidiaries of investment companies held 31.76bn in fossil fuel investments, with 91% of these investments in companies engaged in fossil fuel expansion.

Ireland ranks 14th globally in terms of fossil fuel investment by manager location, ahead of major fossil fuel producers like Brazil, Kuwait and Russia.

The study warns if this country continues with its current strategy of "encouraging FDI at all costs", and relying on "weak" EU regulation, "we are headed for catastrophe".

It calls on the Government to ban investments by Irish companies and Irish-based subsidiaries of multinational investment companies in fossil fuel expansion and require investors to implement climate transition plans consistent with a 1.5C climate limit.

Trocaire head of policy and advocacy Siobhan Curran warned that the climate crisis is causing disproportionate harm to those with the least responsibility for causing it.

Ireland is facilitating the reckless pursuit of profit by financial institutions and corporations, who continue to pursue further expansion of oil and gas in spite of all the warnings and at the expense of the planet.

The massive injustice is that it is the communities Trocaire work with in climate vulnerable countries that are feeling the worst impacts of these decisions," she said.

She pointed out that the global north is responsible for 92% of all excess global carbon dioxide emissions, with the Global South responsible for a mere 8%.

The carbon footprint of these financial flows is bigger than Irelands yearly emissions  this completely undermines efforts that are being taken to reduce emissions and in fact means Ireland is playing an outsized role in fuelling the climate crisis.

"Ireland has a responsibility to regulate these financial flows, particularly as EU corporate sustainability regulation is currently being dismantled, due the power of the corporate lobby.

The fossil fuel company which receives the most investment from asset managers based in Ireland is ExxonMobil. In 2023, ExxonMobil reported 33.63bn in profit. That is almost twice the GDP of Botswana (18.1bn) and nearly three times Namibias GDP (11.5bn).
A weather station in Co Galway recorded a temperature of 25.9C on Wednesday, breaking the previous all-time temperature record for the month of April, according to provisional data released by Met Eireann.

Ireland has experienced an extraordinary burst of early heat, with 17 weather stations across the country breaking their highest-ever April temperature records.

A temperature of 25.9C was recorded at the weather station in Athenry, Co Galway on Wednesday afternoon. This is 0.1C higher than the previous high set in Co Donegal in April 1984.

The forecaster says the new reading will be quality-controlled and verified before it is officially confirmed.

With temperatures falling now, we can communicate a new provisional record-high April temperature of 25.9C for Ireland, observed at the Athenry (Co. Galway) station this afternoon 



This value will be quality controlled and verified to confirm the new record. More details  pic.twitter.com/7naYFH89Cg  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) April 30, 2025

The second-highest temperature recorded on Wednesday was 25.7C in Newport, Co Mayo. Mount Dillon in Co Roscommon reached 25C.

Met Eireann noted that this is only the second time in recorded history that temperatures in Ireland have surpassed 25C during the month of April.

The weather service also classified today as the second-earliest instance of what it terms a climatological summer day  defined by maximum temperatures exceeding 25C.

The highest overall temperature ever recorded in Ireland was 33.3C, which was recorded in Kilkenny Castle on June 26, 1887.

Therell be a gradual cool down for the end of the week



On Thursday, Ulster & Connacht will be cooler & cloudier with a little rain



Still sunny and warm in Leinster & Munster, though some heavy showers possible



Cooler nationwide by Friday but with plenty of dry weather pic.twitter.com/Aa85vlsAF0  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) April 30, 2025

Meanwhile, the outlook for the next few days indicates that the weather will get cooler, but will mostly be dry and settled.

There will be a bit of a contrast in conditions across the country on Thursday, with cooler conditions to the north and warmer conditions to the south, Met Eireann said.

"In Connacht and Ulster, it'll start out mostly cloudy with a little patchy light rain and drizzle, but clearer, sunnier conditions will spread from the northwest for the afternoon," said Met Eireann.

"It'll feel much cooler there, with highest temperatures 12C to 17C, in light to moderate northerly winds.

"In most of Leinster and Munster, however, Thursday will be mostly sunny to begin. It'll be a bit cloudier, though, in northern areas, with a little drizzle possible.

"Cloud will build further for the afternoon, with some scattered showers breaking out, which will possibly be heavy and thundery, especially across southern counties."

Highest temperatures will reach 18C to 24C.

Friday will be cooler than it has been recently, but it will be mostly dry, with just a few light showers. Temperatures will range from 13C in the north to 18C in the soutwest.

Heading into the bank holiday weekend, Saturday will be dry and bright, with "sunny spells" in many parts.

"Dry and sunny for most at first before cloud in the north sinks southwards bringing a few spots of light rain or drizzle for a time before clearing to more good spells of sunshine," Met Eireann said.

Temperatures will be cooled as the mercury falls back to 12C to 16C.

Sunday will see the weather turn "cloudier in the morning but still with sunny spells".

"Some well scattered showers will develop, mostly likely over Leinster and parts of Munster."

It will again be cooler, with temperatures falling back to highs of 11C to 15C.

Bank holiday Monday will see similar temperatures, leaving "a mostly dry day with just the odd light shower possible".
Murdered British informant Denis Donaldson was a victim of the conflict in Northern Ireland, and was viewed by his security service handlers as expendable, Gerry Adams has told the High Court.

The former Sinn Fein leader was giving evidence on the second day of the civil trial hearing into his defamation action against the BBC. Mr Adams claims a BBC Spotlight programme and related article published in 2016 falsely accused him of sanctioning the 2006 killing of MI5 agent Mr Donaldson. The BBC denies it defamed Mr Adams.

The jury was on Wednesday shown the 60-minute Spotlight programme at the centre of Mr Adams defamation action. Mr Adams said the programme was an attempted hatchet job, and that he was astonished at the poor journalism involved in the programme when he first viewed it.

In the programme, an anonymous source described as a Sinn Fein and IRA member and a British agent, is reported as saying he believes the IRA killed Mr Donaldson. The source, dubbed Martin, is reported as stating that murders must be approved by the political and military leadership of the IRA.

Asked by BBC journalist Jennifer OLeary who he is referring to, the source is reported to say: Gerry Adams. He gives the final say. Mr Adams said his primary concern was that the allegations contradicted progress that had been made, referencing the IRAs 2005 statement announcing a decommissioning of arms, and instruction to volunteers to take up peaceful community and political work.

Mr Adams said he felt the allegations indicated to his own community and the broader Republican family that they had been led up the garden path. Mr Adams said that he was shocked to learn of Mr Donaldsons death, and said he put out a statement deploring the killing and offering sympathies to his family.

He said it was deeply troubling that Mr Donaldsons family are still struggling to get to the truth of his killing.

Mr Adams said:

Personally, I think Denis Donaldson was a victim of the conflict. I dont see any other way of describing it.

Mr Adams said he liked and knew Mr Donaldson, but didnt really have any dealings with him. Mr Donaldson worked for Sinn Fein in a number of roles, the court heard, including as an administrator at Stormont.

Mr Adams said that Mr Donaldson  along with others  was arrested and charged in 2002 over claims of a Sinn Fein spy ring operating in Stormont. The charges were complete nonsense, and the charges were dropped, Mr Adams said.

Mr Adams said that after the charges were dropped, Mr Donaldson was revealed to be an agent working for British security services. Mr Adams said that the only people who could have revealed this were the people using him, his handlers. Mr Donaldson was expendable to his handlers, Mr Adams said.

Mr Adams said he asked Declan Kearney, a senior Sinn Fein official, to ascertain the truth of the allegations that Mr Donaldson was a spy. On meeting with party officials, Mr Donaldson acknowledged that he had been an agent for 20 years, Mr Adams said. He was dismissed from the party.

The Troubles

Earlier in his evidence, Mr Adams spoke at length about major events during the Troubles. Mr Adams touched on his internment at Long Kesh, his efforts to revamp Sinn Fein and move toward electoralism, and a slow climb to peace and the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

He said he believed the IRA was a legitimate response to what had occurred in Northern Ireland. He said not everything the IRA did was legitimate.

Mr Adams became emotional when he spoke about the death of 10 Republican hunger strikers in 1981, who were protesting the conditions at the Maze prison in Co Down. People my age find it very difficult to talk about this period, he said. None of them wanted to die.

The Good Friday Agreement, which brought relative peace to Northern Ireland, was the product of the work of a huge number of people, Mr Adams said. I was one among many who contributed.

'Reckless journalism'

The BBC denies it defamed Mr Adams, and claims the Spotlight programme and publication were put out in good faith and during the course of discussion on a subject of public and vital interest. The BBC says the programme constituted responsible journalism that was the result of careful investigation.

In his opening address to the jury on Tuesday, Tom Hogan SC, for Mr Adams, said the BBC engaged in reckless journalism by publishing the allegations. He said that Mr Adams reputation was one of a peacemaker, and the publishing of the allegations was an unjustified attack on his reputation.

The published allegations relied on a single, anonymous source, Mr Hogan said.

Mr Adams has at all times denied any involvement in Mr Donaldsons death, which dissident republicans claimed responsibility for in 2009. He claims all allegations connecting him or the IRA to the death are attempts to discredit republicans.
A woman having a massage at a hotel spa was asked by the masseur if she would like a surprise at the end of the session, and was then sexually assaulted in a manner that caused her to jump from the table in shock.

Judge Helen Boyle remanded 35-year-old Lenon De Souza Seara, of Granary Court, North Ring Road, in custody on Wednesday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing on May 21, saying it required a custodial sentence.

Sergeant Brendan McBride testified the 40-year-old woman went for a massage in a hotel spa in Cork, at the end of which the masseur asked her if she wanted a surprise and she thought it was something to do with extra oils or something of that nature. Sgt McBride said what then occurred was that the 35-year-old man licked her vagina.

He later pleaded guilty to carrying out this sexual assault on July 4, 2024.

Victim impact statement

The woman said in a victim impact statement, which was read by Sgt McBride on her behalf: I was flustered and vulnerable. For context, I was wearing disposable underpants, had a towel over my face and my body was draped with a towel.

"So effectively, I was otherwise completely naked. When the incident occurred, I immediately sprang up and took the face towel off. Basically leaving me even more exposed. Shocked and repeating, 'no no no', I was naked and frazzled.

I flip-flopped between speaking out on what occurred and just never mentioning it again. After all, I was physically unharmed.

To speak up catapulted me into a process I didn't intentionally sign up for. I had to arrive home and tell my husband that I had been taken advantage of. I had to witness his horror and concern.

He [the defendant[ said it was a misunderstanding. OK, so it was a misunderstanding. What does that mean to me? Is it somehow my fault? Did I not pick up on something earlier? Was he testing me all along? What was the motivation? How far was he going to go? How many times has he done this before? How did I not gauge it and stop it earlier?

"These questions I will never really know the answer to but they are the ones that keep looping in my head.

I feel so naive and stupid. How did I not know how to speak until it was too late? How far would it have gone? I feel like I can't trust my own observations and missed the danger signs. That makes me question myself as a person.

I feel bad for what he is going through and wonder how he is supporting himself after his loss of earnings. It also makes me mad that I feel responsible for that. I did nothing wrong. I was violated. I spoke up. I have to live with the unanswered questions.

Defence barrister Elaine Audley said the defendant had shown insight and remorse since this and offered his abject apologies.

She said he grew up in poverty in Brazil where his brother was murdered and as a child he was surrounded by sexualised behaviour and grew up to have difficulties with social interaction.

While the probation officer reported he sought to minimise the blame, Ms Audley found from the beginning his instructions were that he was guilty and he was the only person responsible. He lost his job and apologised to his former employer for what he did on this occasion.
Cybercrimes investigated in Ireland by An Garda Siochana and also by the FBI resulted in a man with an address in Cork facing sentence for having 80,000 in cryptocurrencies as a result of online criminality.

Suleman Mazhar, aged 43, who was previously of Moneygourney, Douglas, Cork, had the case against him listed for sentence at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where Detective Sergeant Wes Kenny outlined what happened back in July 2021.

The accused man was identified and 80,000 in cryptocurrencies was seized. Mazhar was questioned by gardai and replied, No comment, to all questions at interview. The case was listed for trial but in advance of trial the accused entered a guilty plea in respect of a charge arising out of the investigation.

There was an application for forfeiture of the bitcoin to the State. While the value was put at 80,000 at the time of the offences, Det Sgt Kenny testified that it is now worth 200,000.

The State did not object to the return of the defendants car and his computer, provided that he consented to it being wiped clear. There was no State application for forfeiture of 9,000 in an account held by the defendant in Germany, which was not deemed to be connected to the case.

Jane Hyland senior counsel submitted that the plea of guilty entered by Mazhar in this case was of significant assistance as it would have been a complex trial by judge and jury which would have taken several weeks.

Ms Hyland said the accused had an interest in putting computer science to legitimate use but that he had fallen into this criminal behaviour for which he was very remorseful.

The defendant pleaded guilty to two charges  money-laundering and using a computer to commit theft.

The money-laundering referred to a period between the June 2020 and July 2021, both within the State, knowing or believing cryptocurrency held in the Coinbase account in his name was the proceeds of crime.

The second count referred to September 2020 to March 2022, you did dishonestly operate a computer with the intention of making a gain for yourself or another, or of causing loss to another, by obtaining payments made in respect of goods and services offered for sale on a website

Sentencing was adjourned until May 9.
A local congressman for the Californian home town of Irish detainee Cliona Ward, who is being held by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (Ice), has said her case will be a tough one but that he is hopeful the US government will do the right thing.

Ms Ward, a 54-year-old Dublin native who has lived in America for more than 40 years, was taken into custody by Ice officials on April 21 on foot of a quarter-century old drugs conviction which had been expunged.

She is currently being held far from her home in California in an Ice detention centre in Tacoma, Washington, while awaiting a court hearing of her case.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, congressman for Californias 19 th district, which incorporates Clionas hometown of Santa Cruz, Jimmy Panetta said her situation may not be quite so dire as some of those recently deported from the US in that she has been afforded some due process, adding that people in her locality are very concerned with this case, as we should be.

She has a court date of May 7, she has attained legal counsel, and her family is being very, very supportive, and we are working with her legal team, Mr Panetta said, adding that he is attempting to have Cliona sign a privacy waiver which will allow us to work on her case with the federal Government.

The congressman noted that he had been in Ireland last week and had brought the matter to the attention of Fianna Fail senator Mark Daly.

This is a sort of a bilateral effort. Hopefully both of our countries can ensure that this administration does the right thing when it comes to Cliona.

Weve got a lot more to do and its going to be a tough case unfortunately because the law leaves it up to this administration to use its discretion at times like this. I was a prosecutor for over 20 years, and what I was taught is its not just about the law or the facts, its about using your discretion to do whats right in applying the facts to the law, Mr Panetta said.

That is going to be my goal, to make sure the administration uses its discretion to do the right thing, to make them realise that Cliona is not the person that we should be targeting in your deportation policy.

The congressman said that he is all for removing criminals... who are here in an undocumented status and said in his opinion the Trump administrations sole success to date has been in stemming the tide of migration across Americas southern border.

Nevertheless, he said that Cliona Ward is not a criminal, adding that targeting legal residents on technicalities such as Clionas while ignoring due process laws is clearly misguided and a dumb thing to do.

Yes, she had some indiscretions 20 years ago, but she clearly has taken steps to remediate and to improve herself, as proven by the fact she worked to expunge those cases from her record, that she works for a nonprofit, that she takes care of her family right now and really contributes to our community, he said.

That is the type of immigrant that we want here in our country.

These types of misguided and cruel policies can deter tourism, Mr Panetta said, noting that hospitality is a top-two industry in his district, adding that people thinking of entering the US at present need to have a wherewithal of what this administration is doing and how they are acting.
A free maritime-themed family festival will take place along Corks city quays next month as the city hosts a major European maritime conference.

The two-day European Maritime Days to Play festival, featuring tours of naval and research vessels, street performances, cooking demos, and live music along Albert Quay and Kennedy Quay, will coincide with the European Maritime Day conference, which runs from May 21 to 23, hosted by Cork City Council and the Government.

The conference will bring up to 1,000 maritime professionals together from across Europe to network, discuss and outline a range of proposed joint actions on maritime affairs, including fisheries and maritime security, to exploring the potential of the sustainable blue economy, including off-shore renewables.

The conference, which will be attended by Taoiseach Micheal Martin, European fisheries commissioner Costas Kadis, and MEP Michael McGrath, will take place at City Hall and other nearby sites from May 21 to 23.

But the free maritime festival for the public will spill out onto the quays on the Friday and Saturday, May 23 and 24, to engage the city.

Saoirse Healy at the launch of the festival.

It will involve input from the city council, the Marine Institute, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Irish Naval Service and Commissioners of Irish Lights.

The programme of events includes cooking demos by rising stars of the Irish culinary world, with a focus on seafood, interactive science exhibitions, as well as opportunities to explore an aquaculture classroom on wheels and to tour some of the countrys naval, research, patrol and buoy laying vessels.

BIMs Taste the Atlantic: Seafood Experience event showcasing the Atlantic coastlines sustainable seafood will be on the quays, hosting cooking demos by BIM Taste the Atlantic Young Chef ambassadors.

The Marine Institutes science exhibition will include a series of interactive displays and exhibits exploring the marine world, from the rocky seashore to the deep sea.

The Commissioners of Irish Lights, the marine regulator Mara, and the RNLI will also have stands, and there will be an exhibition on the history of Irish lighthouses from 1786.

The programme will also feature creative activities, from street performances to live music and childrens entertainment, with the army band, Evelyn Kelly and the Cork Pops Orchestra, and various circus acts among the performers.

The European Fisheries Control Agencys patrol vessel, the Naval Services LE Aoibhinn, the Marine Institutes RV Tom Crean and the Commissioners of Irish Lights ILV Granuaile will be open to the public on the Saturday for tours.

The event is being funded by the Department of Environment, Cork City Council, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, EirGrid, the marine environment section of the Department of Heritage, and Mara.

Lord Mayor, Cllr Dan Boyle, said the city was honoured to host European Maritime Day conference.

To celebrate this event and Corks rich maritime heritage, people of all ages can enjoy the free and fun European Maritime Days to Play, which will increase understanding around how our river, harbour, seas and oceans enrich our lives," he said.

Council chief executive Valerie OSullivan said the city was delighted to be working with Government to welcome some of Europe's leading maritime experts to Leeside.

As we know, the marine sector, bioeconomy, seafood industry and maritime commercial companies play a key role in the Cork economy, providing quality jobs to our highly educated workforce and coastal communities, while marine tourism is thriving along the Wild Atlantic Way and Irelands Ancient East, she said.

The festival also marks the annual return of the Cork Harbour Festival, which runs from May 24 to June 2, with more than 80 events being staged at a dozen locations across the city and county.
A man has died after he got into difficulty in the waters of the River Lee in Cork City earlier this evening.

It is understood that two men entered the water in the vicinity of Pope's Quay at around 7pm on Wednesday.
Clinching a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war is far too complex to be done quickly, a senior Kremlin official said, as the US labours to bring momentum to peace efforts and expresses frustration over the slow progress.

Meanwhile, a night-time Russian drone attack on Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, wounded at least 45 civilians, officials said.

The United Nations reported that the number of Ukrainian civilian casualties in the more than three-year war has surged in recent weeks amid Washingtons attempts to broker a peace agreement.

We realise that Washington wants to achieve quick progress, but we hope for understanding that the Ukrainian crisis settlement is far too complex to be done quickly

Russian President Vladimir Putin backs calls for a ceasefire before peace negotiations, but before its done, its necessary to answer a few questions and sort out a few nuances, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Mr Putin is also ready for direct talks with Ukraine without preconditions to seek a peace deal, he added.

We realise that Washington wants to achieve quick progress, but we hope for understanding that the Ukrainian crisis settlement is far too complex to be done quickly, Mr Peskov said.

There are many details and an array of small nuances that need to be solved before a settlement.

US President Donald Trump has previously expressed frustration over the slow pace of progress in negotiations aimed at stopping the war, which he said he could end in the first 24 hours of his new administration in January.

Western European leaders have accused Mr Putin of stalling while his forces seek to grab more Ukrainian land.

Russia has captured nearly a fifth of Ukraines territory since Moscows forces launched a full-scale invasion on February 24 2022.

Mr Trump has chided Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for steps that he said were prolonging the killing field, and the US leader has rebuked Mr Putin for complicating negotiations with very bad timing in launching deadly strikes that battered the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

Firefighters put out a fire following a Russian drone attack that hit apartment buildings in Kharkiv, Ukraine (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

The US president has long dismissed the war as a waste of American taxpayer money and of lives lost in the conflict.

Senior US officials have warned that the administration could abandon the peace efforts if it sees no solution.

That could spell an end to crucial military help for Ukraine and heavier economic sanctions on Russia.

The US State Department on Tuesday tried again to push both sides to move more quickly.

We are now at a time where concrete proposals need to be delivered by the two parties on how to end this conflict, department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce quoted US secretary of state Marco Rubio as telling her.

How we proceed from here is a decision that belongs now to the president, she told reporters, relating a conversation that she had with Mr Rubio.

If there is not progress, we will step back as mediators in this process.

Russia has effectively rejected a US proposal for an immediate and full 30-day ceasefire, making it conditional on a halt to Ukraines mobilisation effort and Western arms supplies to Kyiv.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov claimed on Wednesday that Ukraine had accepted an unconditional truce only because it was being pushed back on the battlefield, where the bigger Russian forces have the upper hand.

Emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

In the context of the developments on the ground, along the front line where the Kyiv regime is increasingly in retreat, they have made an about-turn and started demanding an immediate ceasefire without any preconditions, Mr Lavrov said at a briefing in Rio de Janeiro where he was attending a ministerial meeting of the Brics grouping.

He also suggested that Ukraines ceasefire promises were not credible.

Both sides have accused each other of breaking previous truces.

Independent verification of the battlefield claims was not possible.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian civilians have been killed or wounded in attacks every day this year, according to a UN report presented on Tuesday in New York.

The UN Human Rights Office said in the report that in the first three months of this year it had verified 2,641 civilian casualties in Ukraine.

That was almost 900 more than during the same period last year.

Also, between April 1 and 24, civilian casualties in Ukraine were up 46% from the same weeks in 2024, it said.

The Ukrainian air force said that Russia fired 108 Shahed and decoy drones at Ukraine between Tuesday and Wednesday, predominantly at the cities of Dnipro and Kharkiv.
A Turkish court on Wednesday convicted a Swedish journalist of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Joakim Medin was given an 11-month suspended prison term, a media rights group said, but he remains in custody awaiting the outcome of a separate trial on terrorism-related charges.

Medin, a journalist with the daily newspaper Dagens ETC, was detained on March 27 as he arrived at Istanbul airport.

Journalist Medin handed a suspended sentence in "insult" case



Swedish journalist Joakim Medin -- reprsented by MLSA -- was handed a suspended sentence for insulting the president in Turkey but remains jailed in a separate case on terrorism-related charges. pic.twitter.com/V3lFaGv7Uq  MLSA (@mlsaturkey) April 30, 2025

He arrived in the city to cover last months nationwide protests that erupted following the arrest of Istanbuls popular mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu.

The journalist was jailed days later on charges of insulting Erdogan and membership of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK.

No trial date has been set for his second trial, where he could face a maximum sentence of nine years in prison.

Medin, who is being held in Istanbuls high-security Marmara Prison, joined Wednesdays hearing in the capital Ankara via a video conference system.

The charges against him were based on an investigation launched by the Ankara Public Prosecutors Office into a rally in Stockholm on January 11 2023, which was attended by supporters of the PKK and included an effigy of Erdogan hanging by his feet.

According to the Turkish Presidencys communications department, the prosecutors office identified 15 suspects, including Medin, who had organised, participated or covered the event.

It said Medin also allegedly facilitated communication between the PKK and media outlets.

During the opening hearing, Medin reported multiple violations of his basic rights during the initial stages of his detention, including the right to access to a translator, to a lawyer and consular services, according to the Media and Law Studies Association, or MLSA, which observed the proceeding.

He denied that he was present at the rally.

The indictment begins with a protest I did not attend and includes (social media) posts I did not share, the MLSA cited Medin as telling the court.

On January 11 2023, a small group of activists held a protest in front of the city hall, hanging an effigy of Erdogan upside down, the journalist continued. I wasnt there  I was working in Germany at the time. I had no knowledge of this protest and made no social media posts about it.

The PKK has waged a 40-year insurgency in Turkey, which has cost tens of thousands of lives and is designated a terrorist organisation by Ankara and its Western allies.

A peace initiative between the Turkish state and the PKK was initiated in October, and the organisation declared a ceasefire at the beginning of March upon a call to do so by its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan.
Wednesday, Apr 30th, 2025 (11:04 am) - Score 2,880

Network benchmarking firm Opensignal has today published the result of a new study that analyses the performance of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs like EE, O2, Vodafone and Three UK) and then compares that with their many virtual operators (MVNOs like Sky Mobile, iD Mobile, Smarty etc.). Overall, the primary operators deliver faster data speeds than virtual providers.

On the surface, you might think that virtual (MVNO) operators should perform about the same as their primary parent (MNO) operators, given that they harness the same underlying network(s) as their partner. However, MVNOs dont always gain immediate access to the latest features from their parents (e.g. 5G Standalone, Wi-Fi Calling etc.), which will vary and depends on the agreements theyve signed.

NOTE: The study tested MNO vs MVNO operator performance across the United Kingdom, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico and the USA between 1st November 2024 and 29th January 2025.

However, there can also be other differences in terms of how network traffic is managed, capped or setup (either imposed by the parent network or directly by the virtual operator), although such details tend to be very opaque for consumers and are thus hard to assess.

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In addition, mobile performance remains a difficult thing to study because end-users are always moving through different areas (indoor, outdoor and underground), using different devices with different capabilities and the surrounding environment is ever changeable (weather, trees, buildings etc.). All of this can impact service quality, and thats before we consider any differences in network (backhaul) capacity or spectrum between locations.

Suffice to say that all of this tends to complicate any attempted comparisons between MVNOs and MNOs, since theres a significant margin for potential variation. Despite this, Opensignal has attempted to leverage the mass of crowdsourced data they collect  via end-users on their benchmarking app and services  to identify just how much of a difference, if any, really exists between sibling virtual operators and their network parents.

The results found that virtual (MVNO) mobile operators consistently delivered slower mobile broadband (3G, 4G and 5G) speeds across the countries surveyed, although interestingly the performance gap experienced by MVNO users in the UK is much smaller than in any of the other countries tested. Primary MNOs in the UK delivered an average download speed experience of 39.2Mbps, which fell to 33.8Mbps for MVNOs. But in Mexico MNOs are around two thirds faster than MVNOs.

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Opensignal also assessed the Reliability Experience of the two groups, which reflects the ability of Opensignal users to connect to and successfully complete basic tasks on mobile networks. But looking at the scores across the group of analysed countries  the differences between brand MVNOs and MNOs are not always as stark as in the case of Download Speed Experience.

Primary operators still perform better for network reliability, but in the UK youd be hard-pressed to notice any practical difference as the scores are more or less in the same ballpark. Several of the other countries follow this trend, although theres a bigger gap to be found in the USA, Mexico, Japan and Brazil.

The UK is known to have one of the healthiest MVNO markets in this whole group. Some 14% of all retail mobile connections in the UK come via MVNOs, although this may not be a factor in performance because Mexico also had a high level of MVNO adoption (13%) and yet saw some of the biggest performance and reliability gaps.

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Weve long suspected that primary MNOs were faster than MVNOs, but until now that has been largely based on anecdotal feedback and comparisons from consumers. Suffice to say that its interesting to see some hard data now being put behind this.


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Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  The International Court of Justice on Tuesday heard arguments that Israel is illegally interfering in the provision of aid to Palestinians by UN agencies and bodies, by other NGOS, and by third states. That is, the court is being asked to declare the current Israeli blockade of civilian food and other aid to Gaza illegal.

Brazils representative, Ambassador to the court Marcelo Viegas, summed up the present situation: The ongoing catastrophe in Gaza, now reaching 18 months, has already claimed over 51,000 lives, most of whom [were] women and children. After a brief ceasefire, during which hostages were released and desperately needed humanitarian aid was temporarily allowed to reach the population of Gaza, Israel resumed blocking food, medicine, and other essential supplies from entering the territory, restarted its attacks, and launched a new ground offensive in Gaza. 6. In this troubling context, the present advisory opinion is sorely and urgently needed.

As Brazil put it, the United Nations General Assembly . . . through resolution 79/232 of 19 December 2024, requested this Court to render an advisory opinion on Israels obligations regarding the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations and third-party States in, and in relation to, the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The government of Benjamin Netanyahu has had Gaza in a stranglehold for the past two months, illegally denying food and other aid to the civilian population of Gaza, attempting to starve them out. It is preventing NGOs, third states and UNRWA from providing this desperately needed aid. The Israelis have also passed laws attempting to dismantle the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and to make it impossible for it to function in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The plaintiffs on Tuesday argued that Israeli law cannot supersede the United Nations Charter and the obligations Israel incurs by its membership in the UN.

Regarding UNRWA, Brazils representative said, UNRWA is the backbone of the United Nations humanitarian operations in favour of Palestinian refugees, providing education, healthcare, social services, and emergency assistance. It provides aid for over six million people. Its presence and work are even more urgent in the current context of near-total destruction in Gaza, where it serves over two million people.

Brazil pointed to the urgency for a ICJ ruling, given Israels lawless attacks on aid workers, including a deliberate massacre of 15 medics, found with their hands tied behind their backs and shot by Israeli soldiers. Imagine. Medics.

Distinguished Members of the Court, in recent weeks, new and severe incidents of direct attacks by Israel against staff of international organizations and humanitarian aid providers continued to occur. On the 30 March, the bodies of 15 humanitarian workers from the Palestinian Red Crescent, Civil Defence and UNRWA were discovered in Rafah, buried in a mass grave, having been killed by Israeli forces while participating in rescue operations in the southern Gaza Strip the previous week.

In April, Israel bombed a building in the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, which housed a clinic operated by UNRWA. The clinic had been turned into an improvised shelter for Palestinians displaced by the conflict. The attack caused at least 19 deaths, including that of nine children. Over 51,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza. Hundreds of humanitarian workers, whose work was solely aimed at saving lives or providing some relief to a desperate population, have also been killed. It is within this context that the present advisory opinion is frame.

Bolivias ambassador to the UK, Roberto Calzadilla, begins by pointing out that the Israeli military occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza are illegal and illegitimate in the first place, according to the findings of the International Court of Justice itself last summer:

As the Court affirmed, and the General Assembly reiterated in its request, this is the foundational illegality of Israels presence and exercise of authority in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Court found that Israel is not entitled to sovereignty over or to exercise sovereign powers in any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory on account of its occupation.

Bolivias Caldazilla then delivered one of the most concise and devastating take-downs of Israeli propaganda ever:

Israels presence, found by the Court to be illegal, is rooted in the violation of the most fundamental norms of international law  the prohibition on the acquisition of territory by force and the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

Israel is a notorious scofflaw when it comes to the UN Charter (to which it is a signatory). The UN charter sought to make it illegal for one country to attack another and steal its territory, which Israel is now doing to Palestine, Syria and Lebanon. The UN wants humanitarian aid to reach the Palestinians through its own UN Relief and Works Agency. Israel is deliberately obstructing these elements.

Bolivias Dr. Niccolo Ridi, a senior lecturer in Public International Law at Kings College London, goes on to point out:

Mr President, Israel is, as a Member of the United Nations, bound by Article 2, paragraph 2, of the United Nations Charter to fulfil its Charter obligations in good faith. It is bound by Article 2, paragraph 5 of the United Nations Charter to give the United Nations every assistance in any action it takes in accordance with the Charter.

Article 2, Para. 2 says All Members, in order to ensure to all of them the rights and benefits resulting from membership, shall fulfill in good faith the obligations assumed by them in accordance with the present Charter.

Bolivia points out that Israel as a UN member state doesnt get to decide what the charter means or to unilaterally refuse its obligations as a member.

Bolivia replied to Israels invocation of security concerns to justify its military actions against Palestinians, its blockade of Gaza for the past two months, and its attempt to destroy the UN-mandated UN Reliefs and Works Agency, which provides aid to and educates Palestinian refugees.

Bolivia pointed to several reasons for which Israels justifications for cutting off food and other aid to Gaza and its attack on UNRWA are illegitimate. Ridi grappled directly with the Israeli claim that it has to act this way for the sake of its own security:

security concerns cannot override absolute prohibitions stemming from what the Court . . . referred to as intransgressible principles. These include absolute prohibitions under international humanitarian law against

*collective punishment,

*deliberate starvation,

*attacks on objects indispensable to survival, and

*respect for non- derogable human rights.

Widespread denial of essential aid amounts to a breach of these fundamental rules.

As for disregarding the UN mandate to allow UNRWA to fulfill its mission in the Palestinian territories, Bolivia said:

Article 105 of the Charter obliges all Members to grant the Organization and its officials the privileges and immunities necessary for the fulfilment of its purposes and necessary for the independent exercise of their functions. The General Convention implements this Charter duty without replacing it or superseding it. These protections cannot be overridden by any security exceptions stemming from international humanitarian law.
Committee on Academic Freedom | Middle East Studies Association | 

Letter to the University of Notre Dame expressing concern over the cancellation of a keynote lecture by Professor Eman Abdelhadi

Mary E. Gallagher

Dean, Keough School of Global Affairs

University of Notre Dame

mgalla33@nd.edu

Dear Dean Gallagher:

We write on behalf of the Middle East Studies Association of North America (MESA) and its Committee on Academic Freedom to condemn the last-minute cancellation of a keynote lecture that was to be given by Professor Eman Abdelhadi of the Department of Comparative Human Development at the University of Chicago. The cancellation of Professor Abdelhadis lecture, purportedly on grounds of security, constitutes a blatant act of censorship and a violation of the principles of academic freedom.

Founded in 1966, MESA promotes scholarship and teaching on the Middle East and North Africa. As the preeminent organization in the field, the Association publishes the prestigious International Journal of Middle East Studies and has nearly 2,800 members worldwide. Our organization is committed to ensuring academic freedom and freedom of expression both within the region and in connection with the study of the region in North America and outside of North America.

Professor Abdelhadi had been invited to give the keynote address at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies annual Student Peace Conference, scheduled for 11-12 April 2025. However, on 5 April 2025, you sent a message to Professor Abdelhadi claiming that the Keough School of Global Affairs, which houses the Kroc Institute, had recently learned of your keynote speech at their student conference next weekend and that [t]he University of Notre Dame requires that all events or lectures relating to Israel/Palestine have ND Police security and planning. Claiming that we cannot provide security at short noticewe respectfully request that you do not participate in the conference.

We note that Professor Abdelhadi, who in 2023-2024 was a visiting fellow at the universitys Institute for Advanced Study, had been invited to give this lecture in January 2025, and the students who organized the conference worked with Kroc Institute administrators to ensure all university event regulations were met. Concerns about Professor Abdelhadis participation surfaced only after it became known that she intended to discuss pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses, which apparently led you and Provost John Greevy to rescind her invitation. We also note that after cancelling her appearance you made no effort to work with any of the parties involved to find an alternative date or forum for Professor Abdelhadi to speak at your university.

It seems clear that you decided to cancel Professor Abdelhadis lecture solely because she planned to engage with the question of Palestine in her lecture. Your action thus amounts to an egregious infringement of academic freedom and the right to free speech. It also contravenes your universitys mission statement , which declares that the University of Notre Dame insists upon academic freedom that makes open discussion and inquiry possible and that [t]he intellectual interchange essential to a university requires, and is enriched by, the presence and voices of diverse scholars and students.

We therefore call on you to issue an apology to Professor Abdelhadi and to work with the organizers of the Kroc Schools 2025 Student Peace Conference to enable her to deliver her keynote address as soon as possible. We further call upon you and your universitys leadership to adopt and implement a security policy that does not target one specific issue, no matter how controversial some may find it. Finally, we urge you to publicly and vigorously reaffirm the universitys commitment to academic freedom and freedom of speech at the University of Notre Dame.

We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Asl U. Bali

MESA President

Professor, Yale Law School

Laurie A. Brand

Chair, Committee on Academic Freedom

Professor Emerita, University of Southern California
TORONTO, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Giyani Metals Corp. (TSXV:EMM, GR:A2DUU8) ("Giyani" or the "Company"), developer of the K.Hill Battery-Grade Manganese Project in Botswana ("K.Hill" or the Project), is pleased to announce the appointments of Mr. Gavin Horscroft as Operations Manager and Mr. Sean Thijsse as Vice President, Corporate Development (previously Head of Corporate Development).

Mr. Gavin Horscroft brings a wealth of relevant experience with a proven track record of 40 years in the African mining, metallurgical, and minerals processing industries. He has worked as Projects Director across a number of base metal projects in Africa, including operations experience with Impala Platinum and, more recently, at AngloGold Ashanti, where he was Senior Vice President for DRC and responsible for the management of all their in-country exploration and project activities. As a Chemical Engineer, Gavin has a strong technical background in base and precious metals processing and hydrometallurgy, as well as designing and supporting complex process flowsheet development through extensive lab-scale and pilot plant program management. Gavins extensive experience will be invaluable as Giyani progresses its Demo Plant through the final stages of commissioning and Commercial Plant construction.

Mr. Sean Thijsse joined Giyani in January 2025 as Head of Corporate Development, from The Pallinghurst Group, a private equity firm. Sean is an experienced investment professional with a strong track record in sustainable energy transition materials. He brings extensive experience in corporate finance, project evaluations & implementation, capital raising, and project financing. Since joining Giyani, Sean has leveraged his skillset to spearhead Giyanis offtake strategy and ongoing engagement with strategic funding partners.

Charles FitzRoy, President and CEO of the Company, commented: I am delighted to welcome Gavin Horscroft as Operations Manager. His extensive experience and impressive track record align perfectly with the needs of the K.Hill Project and will be a major asset as we optimize the Demo Plant, progress and finalise the DFS, and move toward construction of the Commercial Plant.

Since joining Giyani in January, Sean Thijsse has proven to be a valuable asset, driving and supporting our engagement with potential funding partners. His appointment as Vice President, Corporate Development is a timely and fitting appointment as Giyani ramps up these efforts following first production of battery-grade manganese from the Demonstration Plant in Johannesburg.

These appointments reflect Giyanis ongoing transformation as we continue to make significant strides in achieving major milestones and move meaningfully towards commercial production. I look forward to sharing further updates in due course.

About Giyani

Giyani is focused on becoming a dominant western-world producer of sustainable, low carbon high purity battery grade manganese for the Electric Vehicle (EV) and Energy Storage System (ESS) industry. The Company has developed a proprietary hydrometallurgical process to produce battery-grade manganese (HPMSM and HPMO), a lithium-ion battery cathode precursor material critical for EVs and ESS.

Additional information and corporate documents may be found on www.sedarplus.ca and on Giyani Metals Corp. website at https://giyanimetals.com/.

On behalf of Giyani Metals Corp.

Charles FitzRoy, President and CEO

Contact:

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Giyani expects to occur, are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "does not expect", "plans", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "scheduled", "forecast", "budget" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur.

Such statements include without limitation: the Company the ongoing construction, commissioning and operation of the Demo Plant, the completion of hot commissioning, the production of HPMSM and HPMO, the delivery of product, and entering into offtake agreements and timing thereof.

All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of the relevant management as of the date such statements are made and are subject to certain assumptions, important risk factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Giyani's ability to control or predict. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In the case of Giyani, these facts include anticipated operations in future periods, planned construction and development of its properties and facilities, and plans related to its business and other matters that may occur in the future. This information relates to analyses and other information that is based on expectations of future performance and planned work programs.

Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including, without limitation: inherent exploration hazards and risks; risks related to exploration and development of natural resource properties; uncertainty in Giyani's ability to obtain funding; commodity price fluctuations; recent market events and conditions; risks related to governmental regulations; risks related to obtaining necessary licences and permits; risks related to Giyani's business being subject to environmental laws and regulations; risks related to the Company's mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers, or claims and other defects in title; risks relating to competition from larger companies with greater financial and technical resources; risks relating to the inability to meet financial obligations under agreements to which they are a party; ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel; and risks related to the Company's directors and officers becoming associated with other natural resource companies which may give rise to conflicts of interests. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect Giyani's forward-looking information. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking information or statements.

Giyani's forward-looking information is based on the reasonable beliefs, expectations and opinions of the Company's respective management on the date the statements are made, and Giyani does not assume any obligation to update forward looking information if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions change, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For a complete discussion with respect to Giyani and risks associated with forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, please refer to Giyani's continuous disclosure documents which are filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 /Banyan Gold Corp. (the "Company" or "Banyan") (TSXV:BYN) (OTCQB:BYAGF) is pleased to announce that it has completed 19 diamond drillholes and 4500 m of the 30,000 metre ("m") program at the AurMac Project ("AurMac" or the "Project"), Yukon Territory. The fully funded 30,000 m diamond drill program commenced on April 1, 2025.

"Our 2025 program at AurMac has started strong with three drills turning at AurMac," said Tara Christie, President and CEO, "we have an exciting year ahead with targets to follow up on high-grade results at Airstrip, testing possible extensions of the mineralized envelope of the deposit at both AirStrip and Powerline, and other regional targets. The first part of the program has been planned to strategically take advantage of snowpack and frozen ground."

"Core from initial drilling strongly validates our drill plan, with visible gold discovered for the first time in our high-grade skarn mineralization at Airstrip in AX-25-650," stated Duncan Mackay, Vice President of Exploration. "Diamond drillholes AX-25-650 and AX-25-652 follow up on AX-24-590 from 2024 which intersected 15.9 m at 9.32 g/t Au (see News Release February 19, 2025). These intersections of visible gold in association with consistent skarn style mineralization support our improved understanding of the near-surface, high-grade mineralization at Airstrip following our 2024 program. We have continued to trace this mineralization in the up-dip direction with the goal to delineate more of this near-surface high-grade domain. Visible Gold and veining are typical of Powerline mineralization, and continue to be observed in core from expansion holes targeting the Powerline deposit."

Drillhole AX-25-650 was drilled to test continuity of relative high-grade mineralization associated with the contact between a felsic dyke and calcareous metasediment. Visible gold (see Figures 1 & 2 below) was observed in dyke-skarn mineralization for the first time at the Airstrip Deposit. Initial review of drill core suggests consistent high-grade gold mineralization with good continuity, spatially associated with the felsic dyke contact in both the hanging wall and foot wall.

Figure 1: Instances of visible gold observed in the Airstrip Deposit from drill holes AX-25-650 and AX-25-652. Left and right: visible gold is observed in discordant quartz veins and is often associated with bismuthinite, arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite, and pyrite.

Figure 2: Visible gold associated with "skarn" style mineralization in calc-silicate altered calcareous metasedimentary rock containing semi-massive pyrrhotite and fine- to coarse-grained arsenopyrite and pyrite.

Airstrip Deposit

Drillhole AX-25-650 was drilled to a length of 225.55 m at an azimuth of 245 and dip of -50 with the goal of testing continuity of calc-silicate hornfels alteration and related mineralization in proximity to the felsic dyke-calcareous metasedimentary rock contact. The drillhole successfully intersected several sections of "skarn" style mineralization with semi-massive pyrrhotite and coarse-grained arsenopyrite and pyrite, typical of relatively high-grade gold mineralization in Airstrip as well as the first instance of visible gold in this style of mineralization observed at site (Figures 3 and 4). Visible gold was also observed in AX-25-650 associated with a discordant quartz vein typical of mineralization observed in the Powerline Deposit.

Figure 3: Plan map of Airstrip Deposit showing location of 2025 diamond drill holes. Section line for Figure 3 (black line) denotes orientation of hole AX-25-650, designed to test continuity of high-grade zones.

Figure 4: A cross section showing the trace for AX-25-650 and the approximate location of visible gold occurrences (yellow stars). These visible gold occurrences are the first instances associated with calc-silicate hornfels related mineralization. High-grade gold mineralization in Airstrip is associated with semi-massive pyrrhotite mineralization, arsenopyrite, and pyrite in "skarn" style contact aureoles associated with felsic dykes intruding into calcareous metasedimentary rocks.

Qualified Persons

Duncan Mackay, P.Geo., is a "Qualified Person" as defined under National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), and has reviewed and approved the content of this news release in respect of all disclosure other than the MRE. Mr. Mackay is VP Exploration for Banyan and has verified the data disclosed in this news release, including the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information.

About Banyan

Banyan's primary asset, the AurMac Project is located in Canada's Yukon Territory. The current inferred Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") for the AurMac Project of 7.0 million ounces has an effective date of February 6, 2024. The 215.3 square kilometres ("sq km") AurMac Project lies 40 km from Mayo, Yukon. The AurMac Project is transected by the main Yukon highway and benefits from a 3-phase powerline, existing power station and cell phone coverage. Banyan has the right to earn up to a 100% interest, in both the Aurex and McQuesten Properties respectively, subject to certain royalties.

The inferred MRE for the AurMac Project was prepared on February 6, 2024, and consisted of 7,003,000 ounces of gold (see Table 1) hosted within near surface, road accessible pit constrained Mineral Resources contained in two near/on-surface deposits: the Airstrip and Powerline Deposits.

Table 1: Pit-Constrained Inferred Mineral Resources - AurMac Project

Deposit Gold Cut-Off (g/t) Tonnage

(Tonnes) Average Gold Grade (g/t) Contained Gold (oz.) Inferred Airstrip 0.30 35,243,000 0.75 845,000 Powerline 0.30 312,243,000 0.61 6,158,000 Total Combined 0.30 347,486,00 0.63 7,003,000

Notes: 

The effective date for the MRE is February 6, 2024, and was prepared by Marc Jutras, P.Eng., M.A.Sc., Principal, Ginto Consulting Inc., an independent Qualified Person in accordance with the requirements of NI43-101. The technical report supporting the Resource Estimate entitled "AurMac Property, Mayo Mining District, Yukon Territory, Canada" (the "Technical Report") has been filed on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca on March 18, 2024. Mineral Resources, which are not Mineral Reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, changes in global gold markets or other relevant issues. The CIM Definition Standards were followed for classification of Mineral Resources. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Mineral Resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Mineral Resources as an Indicated Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource category. Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.30 g/t gold for all deposits, using a US$/CAN$ exchange rate of 0.75 and constrained within an open pit shell optimized with the Lerchs-Grossman algorithm to constrain the Mineral Resources with the following estimated parameters: gold price of US$1,800/ounce, US$2.50/t mining cost, US$5.50/t processing cost, US$2.00/t G+A, 80% gold recoveries, and 45 pit slopes. The number of tonnes and ounces was rounded to the nearest thousand. Any discrepancies in the totals are due to rounding effects; rounding followed the recommendations as per NI 43-101.

In addition to the AurMac Project, the Company holds the Hyland Gold Project, located 70 km Northeast of Watson Lake, Yukon, along the Southeast end of the Tintina Gold Belt (the "Hyland Project"). The Hyland Project represents a sediment hosted, structurally controlled, intrusion related gold deposit, within a large land package (over 125 sq km), accessible by a network of existing gravel access roads.

Banyan also holds the Nitra Gold Project, a grassroots exploration project located in the Mayo Mining district, approximately 10 kilometres ("km") west of the AurMac Gold property. The Nitra Property lies in the northern part of the Selwyn basin and is underlain by metaclastic rocks of the Late Proterozoic Yusezyu Formation of the Hyland Group, similar to lithologies hosting portions of the AurMac Project. Middle Cretaceous Tombstone Plutonic suite intrusions occur along the property including the Morrison Creek and Minto Creek stocks. The property is 100% owned and operated by Banyan Gold Corporation ("Banyan") and covers approximately 313.9 sq km. The property is accessible by road along the Silver Trail Highway, South McQuesten Road and 4x4 roads.

Banyan trades on the TSX-Venture Exchange under the symbol "BYN" and is quoted on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol "BYAGF". For more information, please visit the corporate website at or contact the Company.

ON BEHALF OF BANYAN GOLD CORPORATION

(signed) "Tara Christie"

Tara Christie

President & CEO

For more information, please contact:

Tara Christie  778 928 0556  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jasmine Sangria  604 312 5610  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange, its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor OTCQB Venture Market accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains forward-looking information, which is not comprised of historical facts and is based upon the Company's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "will", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend(s)", "believe", "potential" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company's plans for exploration; and statements regarding exploration expectations, mineralized continuity, exploration or development plans and timelines; mineral resource estimates; mineral recoveries and anticipated mining costs. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include uncertainties inherent in resource estimates, continuity and extent of mineralization, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, enhanced risks inherent to conducting business in any jurisdiction, timing and risk of earning the final 25% earn-in on the properties and those risks set out in Banyan's public documents filed on SEDAR. Although Banyan believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Banyan disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2025) - Pasofino Gold Limited (TSXV: VEIN) (FSE: N07A) ("Pasofino" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of units (each, a "Unit") at C$0.50 (or US$0.36) per Unit for gross proceeds of approximately C$5.0 million (US$3.6 million) (the "Offering").

Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a "Unit Share") and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of C$0.75 for a period of 24 months following the issue date of the Units. Pursuant to the terms of the Warrants, the Company may accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants if the closing price of the Company's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange equals or exceeds C$0.90 for fifteen (15) consecutive trading days (the "Acceleration Period"), to the date which is 30 days following the dissemination of a news release announcing the acceleration.

The net proceeds of the Offering will be used by the Company in connection with the advancement of the Dugbe Gold Project, updating of the 2022 feasibility study and for general working capital purposes.

The Company has received a lead order from the Chief Executive Officer, Brett Richards, for 400,000 Units for gross proceeds of approximately C$200,000. Nioko Resources, the Company's 50.7% shareholder has subscribed for its pro-rata share of the Offering for 5,070,000 units, for gross proceeds of C$2,535,000. The total percentage of the Offering taken by insiders is 54.7% for gross proceeds of C$2,735,000. The subscription by and issuances of Units to all insiders is considered a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, in respect of insiders' participation.

The Offering is expected to close on or about May 13, 2025.

Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Brett Richards, commented: "The recent Co-operation and Support Agreement ("Agreement") with our major shareholder Hummingbird Resources plc/Nioko Resources has completely aligned both the development strategy and funding strategy of the Dugbe Gold Project. The timing of the Agreement and commencement of the update to the 2022 feasibility study is well positioned in what might be the "hottest" gold price environment in history, with gold reaching a record of over US$3,500 per ounce on April 22, 2025. With positive momentum on several fronts, the Dugbe Gold Project is well positioned to deliver long-term shareholder value, as it nears the completion of the project study and permitting stage in the next 12 months, and the Company evaluates its strategic options to finance and construct the project into commercial production."

The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Appointment of Arnaud Lelouvier to the Board

Pasofino is pleased to announce that it has appointed Mr. Arnaud Lelouvier as the nominee of Hummingbird to the Board of Directors of the Company.

Mr. Lelouvier has over 30 years of continuous experience in mergers, acquisitions, and financial management. He is the Director and founder of Aura Capital Partners, based in Toronto and Mauritius, where he advises companies in the African mining sector. He created the Markam Group in Mauritius in 2024, and previously served as Chairman and Managing Partner of AMT Logistics. In 2003, he founded SI Capital Partners, a merchant bank based out of Abu Dhabi, which develops also its own Private Equity group invested in 6 countries in different sectors as Retail, Automotive, Mining, Food industry or Aviation. He was the former CEO of Editions Moreux between 1995 and 2004, and previously carried out geopolitical analysis for the World Bank in more than twenty African countries. In addition, he was a member and vice president of both the Comite des Investisseurs Francais en Afrique and the Forum Francophone des Affaires.

Since 2010, Mr. Lelouvier served as board member of Delta Automotive in Finland and SI Food Dodoni in Greece, Executive Director of SI Retail in Middle East (Auchan Francise), Executive Director of Kings & Balducci's (37 Food retail stores in New York and New Jersey), Executive Chairman of AMT Logistics in Switzerland, Director of OMC Resources in Tanzania (gold mine), and Director of SI Capital Partners. Mr. Lelouvier holds an MBA from HEC (France).

Oumar Toguyeni, Non-Executive Chairman of Pasofino, commented: "On behalf of the Pasofino board of directors, I welcome Arnaud to the board, as we look forward to working with him on advancing the Dugbe gold project and growing Pasofino."

ABOUT THE DUGBE GOLD PROJECT

The 2,078 km2 Dugbe Gold Project (the "Project") is in southern Liberia and situated within the southwestern corner of the Birimian Supergroup which is host to most West African gold deposits. To date, two deposits have been identified on the Project; Dugbe F and Tuzon discovered by Hummingbird in 2009 and 2011 respectively. The deposits are located within 4 km of the Dugbe Shear Zone which is thought to have played a role in large scale gold mineralization in the area.

A significant amount of exploration in the area was conducted by Hummingbird up until 2012 including 74,497 m of diamond coring. Pasofino drilled an additional 14,584 m at Tuzon and Dugbe during 2021. These deposits have a combined Mineral Resource Estimates dated 17 November 2021 with total Measured and Indicated of 3.3 Moz with an average grade of 1.37 g/t Au, and 0.6 Moz in Inferred.

Following the completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study in June 2022 a Mineral Reserve Estimate was declared, based on the open-pit mining of both deposits over a 14-year Life of Mine. A technical report for the Dugbe Gold Project was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and on the Company's website.

In addition to the existing deposits there are many gold prospects within the Project including the Bukon Jedeh area and the DSZ target on the Tuzon-Sackor trend where Pasofino has discovered a broad zone of surface gold mineralisation in trench and outcrop along strike from Tuzon. At this and several of the other prospects no drilling has been carried out to date.

In 2019, Hummingbird signed a 25-year Mineral Development Agreement ("MDA") with the Government of Liberia providing the necessary long-term framework and stabilization of taxes and duties. Under the terms of the MDA, the royalty rate on gold production is 3%, the income tax rate payable is 25% (with credit given for historic exploration expenditures), the fuel duty is reduced by 50%, and the Government of Liberia is granted a free carried interest of 10% in the Project.

QUALIFIED PERSONS STATEMENT

Scientific or technical information in this disclosure that relates to exploration results was prepared and approved by Mr. Andrew Pedley. Mr. Pedley is a consultant of Pasofino Gold Ltd.'s wholly-owned subsidiary ARX Resources Limited. He is a member in good standing with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and is as a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.

ABOUT PASOFINO GOLD LTD.

Pasofino Gold Limited is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (VEIN).

Pasofino, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, owns 100% of the Dugbe Gold Project (prior to the issuance of the Government of Liberia's 10% carried interest).

For further information, please visit www.pasofinogold.com or contact:

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" that are based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterised by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "seek", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include, without limitation, statements regarding the ability to raise the funds to finance its ongoing business activities including the acquisition of mineral projects and the exploration and development of its projects. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to, the ability to successfully complete the Offering, the timing and results of project study and permitting, the ability to obtain all requisite regulatory approvals including the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the ability to apply the proceeds as intended, the results of business operation, the results of exploration activities; the results of the strategic review process, the ability of the Company to complete further exploration activities; timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms and those risk factors outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis as filed on SEDAR+. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH U.S. NEWSWIRES
April 30, 2025, SURREY, British Columbia  Cameo Resources Inc. (CSE: MEO) (Cameo or the Company) is pleased to announce further to its March 13, 2025 press release that it has entered into an arms-length Securities Exchange Agreement dated April 29, 2025 with 1154308 B.C. Ltd. (Privco), a British Columbia Incorporated company to acquire a 100% right, title, and interest in the Katoro Gold Properties (the Properties), located in the Geita region of Tanzania (the Acquisition)

The Securities Exchange Agreement provides for the purchase of all of the securities of PrivCo that are owned or held by the PrivCo shareholders at the time of closing. At closing. Cameo will issue 13 million common shares to PrivCo shareholders at a deemed price of $0.075 per share to acquire 100% of all outstanding shares. Privco and the Katoro Gold property rights contained within.

On April 25, 2025 Cameo Resources Inc (CSE: MEO) (FSE: Z88) Cameo shares have been accepted for listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE) under WKN: A3E27M, ticker symbol: Z88.

Cameos common shares are now cross listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange along with FSE, which is the largest of the seven stock exchanges in Germany. The Company believes that this cross listing on the FSE will enhance liquidity, broaden its shareholder base and facilitate advanced electronic trading and settlement. The Companys FSE stock quote can be found here: https://www.boerse-frankfurt.de/equity/cameo-res-inc

Highlights of the Katoro Property:

12.52 km roadaccessible Properties, approximately 170 km southwest of Mwanza city, 63 km southwest of Geita Region.

Located within the Sukumaland Greenstone Belt (SGB) home for the Buckreef mine along the same strike within Katoro, within the Lake Victoria Goldfields in north-west Tanzania.

Regional geophysical and structural settings suggesting an exploration potential for significant gold mineralization within the project areas.

Souhail Abi-Farrage, President & CEO of Cameo, commented: "Entering into this Securities Exchange Agreement is a solid opportunity for Cameo. The Property has two complementary exploration upsides, with an established epi-mesothermal zone of higher-grade gold mineralization in quartz veins from surface that Cameo can look to exploit almost immediately, and a much broader under-explored potential for a buried porphyry. We are excited to see the commencement of work on this property."

The Katoro Gold Properties

The Properties cover 12.52 square kilometers situated within the prospective Sukumaland Greenstone Belt within the Lake Victoria Goldfield (LVGF) (Figure 1). One of the most important mining sites in Africa, Tanzanias LVGF holds several multi-million-ounce gold deposits and has ongoing operations by some of the largest gold companies in the world. The concessions have been mined by artisanal miners for some time, evidenced by the multiple shallow pits and trenches showing iron carbonate altered mafic volcanics (basalts) and quartz feldspar porphyry intrusions. Gold is associated with grey quartz veins and stringers that exhibit a pinch and swell characteristic, parallel to the fabric of east-west shear zones. The concessions occur within a broader area that has seen exploration and mining activities by several companies including, TRX Gold Corporation (TSX:TRX), AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU), and IAMGOLD Corporation (TSX:IMG).

Figure 1: LOCATION KATORO GOLD PROJECT of the Lake Victoria Goldfield greenstone belts in north-western Tanzania.

Acquisition Terms

Under the terms of the Securities Exchange Agreement, the Company will acquire 100% right and interest in the Properties by acquiring all the shares in PrivCo which holds the option to acquire the Properties for a cash payment totaling USD$500,000, by the issuance of 13,000,000 common shares as per the Securities Exchange Agreement. The first USD$250,000 payment will be due upon completion of due diligence by the Company The second USD$250,000 is to be paid within six months. It is not anticipated that any new control persons will be created post-closing of this Acquisition.

Concurrent Private Placement

In conjunction with this acquisition, the Company will undertake a non-brokered private placement of up to $1,500,000, by the issuance of units at $0.15 per unit. Each unit will consist of 1 common share and one half of a warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable for 2 years at $0.30. The Company will reserve the right to accelerate expiry of the warrants if the shares of the Company trade at or above $0.50 for a period of 10 days, including days where no shares trade. Proceeds will be used for ongoing work on the Companys existing properties as well as the acquisition and initial work on the Katoro Property.

Update on the VMP Gold Property Acquisition

The Company has continued to pursue the acquisition of the 162-ha, road-accessible VMP Property situated within the Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas Province of Ecuador announced October 15, 2024. The Company is attempting to negotiate an increased interest in the property and will update shareholders as negotiations continue.

Qualified Person

Brian Thurston, P.Geo., the Companys technical advisor and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.

About Cameo Resources Inc.

Cameo Resources Inc. is a dynamic mineral exploration company dedicated to discovering and developing valuable mineral deposits. The flagship project in Nevada represents a promising opportunity in the ever-growing field of clean energy. The strategic goal of the Company is to increase shareholder value by advancing the portfolio of lithium exploration projects located in the mineral- rich region of Nye County, Nevada, and through strategic acquisitions in precious metals. For more information on Cameo, please visit the website at www.cameoresourcesinc.com.

On behalf of the Board of Cameo Resources Inc.

Souhail Abi-Farrage

Chief Executive Officer and Director Phone Number: 1-800-325-1308

For further information contact:

Investor Relations;

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone Number: 1-800-325-1308

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as expects, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, potential, possible, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results will, may, could, or should occur or be achieved. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, relating to the timing for closing the LOI, or that the LOI will close at all, are forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Cameo, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, risks that lease holder will not approve the sale of the Property, risks associated with possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, risks associated with the interpretation of exploration results, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Cameo does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Highlights:

Monique Deposit (B & B1 Zones)  Infill drilling returned several high-grade intercepts: 5.4 g/t Au over 16.4 metres (cut) (10.7 g/t Au uncut), including 30.5 g/t Au over 5.6 metres 6.7 g/t Au over 20.7 metres (cut) (12.3 g/t Au uncut) 2.8 g/t Au over 16.5 metres; 4.8 g/t Au over 8.3 metres 12.8 g/t Au over 19.5 metres (cut) (13.9 g/t Au uncut), including 42.7 g/t Au over 6.2 metres

Monique Deposit (E1, G2, J2, and J3 Zones)  Infill drilling yielded: 4.0 g/t Au over 7.6 metres 4.1 g/t Au over 6.7 metres 8.1 g/t Au over 4.0 metres, including 27.4 g/t Au over 1.0 metre

Monique Deposit (A, I, and M South Zones)  Infill drilling yielded: 3.4 g/t Au over 8.2 metres, including 8.9 g/t Au over 1.8 metres 1.4 g/t Au over 17.0 metres, including 6.9 g/t Au over 2.0 metres 16.4 g/t Au over 1.5 metres

The 50,000-metre infill drilling program has now been completed.

TORONTO, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Probe Gold Inc. (TSX: PRB) (OTCQB: PROBF) (Probe or the Company), is pleased to provide the latest results from the Novador in-fill drill program at Monique on its 100%-owned Novador property (the Property) located near Val-dOr, Quebec. The 50,000-metre winter infill drill program, initiated during the fall of 2024, will support the 2025 pre-feasibility study. Results from thirty-three (33) infill drill holes at Monique, totaling 14,045 metres, have returned thick intercepts of significant gold grades at Monique, from deeper infill drilling. (see figure 1 and table of selected drill results below).

David Palmer, President and CEO of Probe, states,  The infill drilling program at Novador continues to yield strong results, confirming the continuity and expanding deeper gold zones at Monique. The results of the winter infill program will be instrumental in supporting ongoing resource conversion and will serve as a cornerstone of the upcoming Pre-Feasibility Studyan important milestone in advancing Novador toward development. We are making significant progress across key fronts, including permitting, resource growth, and mine plan optimization, with efforts focused on consolidating the project into fewer, larger open pits. As a result, we are steadily de-risking the project and enhancing its overall value. Backed by a robust treasury of over $50 million, we remain firmly committed to positioning Novador as a premier gold development project, capable of delivering long-term value across all market conditions. With every step forward, our confidence in Novadors potential continues to grow, supported by a clear and defined path to production.

These latest in-fill drilling results are confirming the gold deposit continuity at Monique. Zones at Monique remain open for significant expansion along strike and at depth.

Selected infill drill results from the Monique deposit drilling program are as follows:

Hole Number From (m) To (m) Length (m) Gold (g/t) Zone MO-24-730W3 (Cut) 744.6 761.0 16.4 5.4 B MO-24-730W3 (Uncut) 744.6 761.0 16.4 10.7 B including 748.4 754.0 5.6 30.5 B MO-25-739 771.5 772.5 1.0 10.2 J MO-25-740 608.5 617.5 9.0 1.4 S2 MO-25-741 92.0 107.0 15.0 1.2 I including 102.0 105.0 3.0 3.6 I MO-25-742 429.0 434.0 5.0 2.1 I-FW MO-25-744W1 394.0 405.1 11.1 2.0 I including 395.0 398.1 3.1 3.5 I MO-25-746 550.0 551.5 1.5 16.4 M-South MO-25-747 179.0 189.0 10.0 1.1 M MO-25-748 434.0 451.0 17.0 1.4 I including 448.0 450.0 2.0 6.9 I MO-25-749 94.0 110.0 16.0 0.7 K6 MO-25-749 358.0 362.0 4.0 8.1 J3 including 358.0 359.0 1.0 27.4 J3 MO-25-749 393.0 394.5 1.5 9.4 G2 MO-25-749 (Cut) 672.0 692.7 20.7 6.7 B MO-25-749 (Uncut) 672.0 692.7 20.7 12.3 B including 688.7 690.5 1.8 135.5 B MO-25-749W1 628.5 645.0 16.5 2.8 B including 636.5 637.7 1.2 18.9 B MO-25-750W2 604.5 612.7 8.2 3.4 A including 609.9 611.7 1.8 8.9 A MO-25-750W2 721.0 729.3 8.3 4.8 B1 MO-25-751W1 439.0 460.0 21.0 0.7 I MO-25-752 427.2 434.8 7.6 4.0 G2 MO-25-752 565.1 566.3 1.2 16.2 A2 MO-25-753 34.0 48.5 14.5 1.2 K6 & K7 MO-25-753 238.5 245.2 6.7 4.1 J2 including 239.8 240.9 1.1 11.3 J2 MO-25-753W1 617.0 631.0 14.0 0.7 B MO-25-754W2 583.0 591.0 8.0 3.3 E1 including 586.0 587.0 1.0 15.2 E1 MO-25-755 576.7 590.0 13.3 1.0 A MO-25-755 712.0 733.3 21.3 1.1 B1 MO-25-755 804.0 816.9 12.9 1.9 M MO-25-755W1 562.5 570.9 8.4 2.9 A MO-25-755W1 (Cut) 696.5 716.0 19.5 12.8 B1 MO-25-755W1 (Uncut) 696.5 716.0 19.5 13.9 B1 including 696.5 702.7 6.2 42.7 B1 MO-25-755W1 792.7 799.1 6.4 1.6 M

(1) All the new analytical results reported in this release and in this table, are presented in core length and cut to 50 g/t Au when needed. True width is estimated between 65 to 95 % of core length. Only grade times thickness above 10.0 g/t Au * m is reported.

Figure 1: Monique Area Surface Map  Monique Gold Trend new drilling results

Mineralization intersected at Monique is mainly associated with deformation zones that cross the deposit at an orientation of 280  300 and a 75- 80 dip to the north. The gold mineralization is defined by a network of quartz/carbonate/albite/tourmaline veins and veinlets, along with disseminated pyrite hosted in altered and sheared volcanic rocks and altered diorite dykes. Mineralized zones have been defined from surface to a depth of 700 metres and vary in width from several metres to up to 100 metres. Mineralized structures modelled extend laterally up to 2,500 metres. The Monique Gold Trend zones remain open along strike and at depth.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been prepared, reviewed, and approved by Mr. Marc Ducharme, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

Quality Control

During the last drilling program, assay samples were taken from the NQ core by sawing the drill core in half, with one-half sent to a certified commercial laboratory and the other half retained for future reference. A strict QA/QC program was applied to all samples, which includes insertion of mineralized standards and blank samples for each batch of 20 samples. The gold analyses were completed by fire-assayed with an atomic absorption finish on 50 grams of materials. Repeats were carried out by fire-assay followed by gravimetric testing on each sample containing 3.0 g/t gold or more. Total gold analyses (Metallic Sieve) were carried out on the samples which presented a great variation of their gold contents or the presence of visible gold.

About Probes Novador Project

Since 2016, Probe Gold has been consolidating its land position in the highly prospective Val dOr East area in the province of Quebec with a district-scale land package of 835 square kilometres that represents one of the largest land holdings in the Val-dOr mining camp. The Novador project represents one property block of 202 square kilometres that hosts four past producing mines (Beliveau Mine, Bussiere Mine, Monique Mine and Beaufor Mine) and contains 80% of the Companys gold resources in Val-dOr East. Novador is situated in a politically stable and low-cost mining environment that hosts numerous active producers and mills.

About Probe Gold

Probe Gold Inc. is a leading Canadian company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of highly prospective gold properties. The Company is well-funded and dedicated to exploring and developing high-quality gold projects. Notably, it owns 100% of its flagship asset, the multimillion-ounce Novador Gold Project in Quebec, as well as an early-stage Detour Gold Quebec project. Probe controls a large land package of approximately 1835-square-kilometres of exploration ground within some of the most prolific gold belts in Quebec. The Companys recent Novador updated Preliminary Economic Assessment outlines a robust mining plan with an average annual gold production of 255,000 ounces over a 12.6-year mine life.

Val-dOr properties include gold resources totaling 6,728,600 ounces in the Measured and Indicated category and 3,277,100 ounces in the Inferred category along all trends and deposits.

On behalf of Probe Gold Inc.,



Dr. David Palmer,

President & Chief Executive Officer



For further information:

Please visit our website at www.probegold.com or contact:

Seema Sindwani

Vice-President of Investor Relations

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

+1.416.777.9467

Forward-Looking Statements

Neither TSX Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Companys future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as believes, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, could, would, will, or plan. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet managements expectations. Risks, uncertainties, and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Companys objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate First Nations and other indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 on the business of the Company, including but not limited to the effects of COVID-19 on the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, and those risks set out in the Companys public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
The United Arab Emirates said Wednesday it had foiled a weapons shipment intended for the Sudanese army, which has accused the Gulf state of backing rival paramilitaries in the country's two-year war.

The announcement comes just days before the International Court of Justice is slated to issue a ruling in a case Khartoum filed against the UAE accusing it of complicity in genocide by supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

"The security services succeeded in preventing the transfer of a quantity of military equipment to the Sudanese Armed Forces following the arrest of members of a cell involved in unauthorised mediation, brokering and illicit trafficking of military equipment," UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said, according to official news agency WAM.

The Sudanese army categorically denied the accusations.

"We are a sovereign state with a national army, we have no need for arms smuggling," army spokesman Nabil Abdallah told AFP.

The UAE statement did not list the suspects arrested, but said members of the cell included former Sudanese intelligence chief Salah Gosh, an ex-adviser to the finance minister and a political figure close to army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, as well as several Sudanese businessmen.

It said the arrests were made "during an inspection of ammunition in a private aircraft" loaded with around five million machine gun rounds.

Some of the proceeds from the deal were also seized from two suspects in their hotel rooms.

"According to investigators, the cell members completed a military equipment deal involving Kalashnikov rifles, ammunition, machine guns, and grenades worth millions of dollars," the statement said.

"The investigation concluded that these deals were carried out at the request of the Sudanese Armed Forces' Armament Committee, chaired by Al-Burhan and his deputy (Yasser) Al-Atta, with their full knowledge and approval," it added.

In a comment to AFP, Sudanese army spokesman Abdallah said the UAE was "the one engaging in criminal behaviour by supplying the rebellious and terrorist militia (RSF) with all kinds of equipment".

- $2.6 million in profits -

The UAE has long faced accusations from Sudan and others of supporting the RSF -- an allegation the Gulf state denies.

Earlier this month, a Bulgarian arms manufacturer confirmed that ammunition it had produced which was used in Sudan, in violation of a European arms embargo, had originally been sold to the UAE.

In response to a France 24 investigation, manufacturer Dunarit said in a statement seen by AFP that "the products were indeed fully received by the UAE Ministry of Defence".

To "eliminate any doubt" over Bulgaria's position, Dunarit also published a copy of an August 2020 certificate showing a UAE military order for 15,000 81 millimetre mortar shells.

According to the Emirati statement on Wednesday, the cell, in which former spy chief Gosh had played a central role, had earned $2.6 million in profits from two deals.

The ongoing investigation identified companies owned by a Sudanese-Ukrainian businessman, including one operating in the UAE, which "provided the Sudanese army with weapons, ammunition, grenades, and drones, in collaboration with the cell members and the military's financial officer".

One of the companies was under US sanctions, it said.

Attorney General Shamsi called the case "a grave breach of the UAE's national security", adding that the suspects would be referred to "urgent trial proceedings".

In response to repeated accusations of supporting the RSF, the Gulf state in December promised the United States that it would not arm the paramilitary, after two US lawmakers attempted to block its purchase of $1.2 billion in advanced rockets and long-range missiles.

In January, the US lawmakers said the UAE had broken its promises and was still supplying the Sudanese rebels, which Washington accused of genocide the same month.

Both the RSF and the army have been accused of war crimes in the country's bitter conflict, which has killed tens of thousands and displaced 13 million.
UN experts on Wednesday demanded investigations into the alleged summary executions of dozens of people in Mali and the enforced disappearance of others, warning of possible war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The group of more than a dozen independent United Nations experts voiced outrage after the discovery last week of bodies near a Malian military camp days after the army and Russian mercenaries arrested dozens of civilians.

"We urge Malian authorities to conduct prompt, effective, thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigations into these killings and enforced disappearances," the experts said in a statement.

"Those responsible for unlawful killings and enforced disappearances, whether by direct involvement or complicity, must be prosecuted."

Mali, ruled by a junta following coups in 2020 and 2021, has been grappling with widespread insecurity for more than a decade, largely fuelled by Islamist fighters linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

The country's military rulers have broken their long-standing alliance with former colonial ruler France and turned toward Russia.

The junta enlists the services of what it claims are Russian military instructors, but who -- according to a host of experts and observers -- are mercenaries from the private Russian company Wagner.

In Wednesday's statement, the 13 experts, including the UN special rapporteurs on the rights situation in Mali and on summary executions, stressed that unlawful killings could amount to war crimes.

Enforced disappearances may meanwhile constitute crimes against humanity if they are part of widespread or systematic attacks against civilians, they said.

On April 12, Malian army soldiers and Russian mercenaries arrested dozens of men at a market in Sebabougou, in the country's southwest, and took them to the Kawla military camp, two survivors who fled to Mauritania told AFP.

"According to unconfirmed reports, those arrested were tortured and interrogated about alleged links with 'terrorists' at the Kwala military camp," the expert statement said.

"Afterwards, military and security personnel recruited by the Wagner Group reportedly took the victims out of the camp and executed them."

While the exact death toll remained unclear, at least 65 people reportedly disappeared or went missing after being arrested in Sebabougou.

The independent experts, who are mandated by the UN Human Rights Council but do not speak on behalf of the United Nations, said they had received a list from credible sources purporting to show the names of 54 alleged male victims.

"We are deeply troubled by the apparent total impunity and lack of prosecution or prevention of these violations," the experts said.

"Under international law, military commanders and other superiors, including government officials, can be held criminally responsible for crimes committed by armed forces under their effective command and control."
Suffering an injury due to another partys negligence can be a life-altering experience. The physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens can overwhelm even the strongest individuals. When this happens, securing fair compensation isnt just a rightits a necessity. This is where the support of an experienced Fort Lauderdale injury lawyer becomes indispensable. In this article, we will delve into why partnering with the right legal professional can make all the difference in your recovery journey.

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A Fort Lauderdale injury lawyer specializes in representing victims who have suffered harm due to accidents, negligence, or intentional misconduct. Their role extends beyond mere legal representation; they are advocates, negotiators, and strategic advisors dedicated to protecting your interests.

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Navigating personal injury law requires deep knowledge of local statutes, case law, and procedural rules. Floridas laws surrounding negligence, liability, and damages are complex and can easily overwhelm those unfamiliar with legal nuances. An experienced attorney understands how to apply these laws to maximize your claim.

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An injury impacts every facet of your life. By handling the legal battle, your lawyer allows you to focus on physical and emotional healing.

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Final Thoughts

Your right to compensation after an injury is fundamental. Navigating the legal system alone can be daunting and risky. A Fort Lauderdale injury lawyer is your strongest ally in this fight, combining legal expertise, negotiation skills, and compassionate support to help you rebuild your life. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone elses negligence, dont waitseek professional help today and take the first step towards securing the justice and financial security you deserve.
Kennesaw State computer science student honored with first Presidents Award of Distinction

KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 30, 2025

Witnessing her grandparents daily struggles with diabetes ignited a passion in Anh Duong to pursue impactful research as a student at Kennesaw State University. Driven by a desire to ease the burdens of people with chronic health conditions, Duong has dedicated herself to developing innovative technologies that can transform lives.

For epitomizing all-around success as a KSU student and researcher, Duong, a senior majoring in computer science, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Presidents Award of Distinction.

The Presidents Award of Distinction has been established to celebrate the accomplishments of one exceptional graduating student each semester who serves as an inspiration to their peers, their community, and the entirety of Owl Nation. Duong was chosen based on her academic excellence, leadership, and involvement in research endeavors to improve peoples health and wellbeing.

Im still processing that I am the first student ever to receive this award, Duong said. Its a huge honor, and Im grateful for it, but I feel like this award is not just about me. Its more of a reflection of everyone who has been supporting me throughout my whole journey from my very first day at KSU until now.

Duong has worked on multiple research projects led by assistant professor of information technology Maria Valero, and she has presented the research at conferences and student competitions. Meanwhile, Duong is taking graduate-level software engineering courses as an undergraduate through the Double Owl Pathways program, accelerating her progress toward a masters degree.

She has accomplished that while maintaining a 3.99 grade point average as a student in the KSU Journey Honors College. Duong, a first-generation college student, will be recognized as the Presidents Award of Distinction winner during the College of Computing and Software Engineering commencement ceremony on May 8.

Anh is precisely the type of high-achieving, passionate student we envisioned when we established the Presidents Award of Distinction, KSU President Kathy S. Schwaig said. Anhs journey  from a first-year student with a heart to help others, to a standout scholar whose work is already making a real-world impact  is inspiring and a reflection of what is possible at Kennesaw State.

From the start of her freshman year at Kennesaw State, Duong was interested in conducting impactful research. She was accepted into KSUs First-Year Scholars program, which pairs first-year students who are interested in research with faculty mentors who guide them on research in their respective fields.

In a perfect fit, Duong was chosen to join Valeros research team that is developing GlucoCheck, a non-invasive device for people with diabetes to monitor their glucose levels. An alternative to painful finger pricks, the GlucoCheck device is a ring-like senor that uses light absorption technology to estimate glucose levels without using blood samples.

Duong feels a personal connection to the GlucoCheck project, from seeing her grandfather and grandmother struggle to manage their diabetes. She saw their day-to-day challenges firsthand while living with her grandparents in Vietnam before moving to the United States at age 12. That inspired Duong to ask herself the question, How can I ease their burden?

When I arrived at Kennesaw State University, I carried that question with me, Duong said. I wanted to transform my passion for helping others into meaningful action. In time, with my professors guidance and an opportunity to work as a First-Year Research Scholar, I found my answer: Id build technology to improve lives.

While Duong has been involved with the GlucoCheck project for much of her college career, it is just one of her research endeavors. She and information technology student John Oakley teamed up to win the top undergraduate presentation at the Fall 2024 Symposium of Student Scholars for their analysis of Kennesaw States GenCyber Camp, which provided underrepresented high school students with exposure to cybersecurity and cyber-related degree programs at KSU and other schools.

This semester, at the Spring 2025 Symposium of Student Scholars, Duong presented her ongoing work to design and develop a mobile app that would analyze a persons behavior and activity to predict the onset of mental health conditions. Duong aims to examine correlations between mental health issues and factors such as heart rate variability, blood pressure, sleep patterns, frequency of digital device usage, and social interaction, to develop predictive algorithms.

Anh is an exceptional scholar, researcher, and leader, Valero said. Anhs passion for research and innovation is evident in her ability to integrate technical expertise with real-world impact.

Valero commended Duong for mentoring other research assistants in the labs, guiding them in software development and data collection. Duong takes pride in that praise considering that she describes herself as a shy student who feared she would never find her place when she began college.

KSU has given me more than an education  it has given me purpose, Duong said. It has shown me the value of confronting challenges, the strength of community, and the responsibility of using my knowledge for social good. It has taught me that every contribution, no matter how small, has the power to change lives.

 Story by Paul Floeckher

Photos by Darnell Wilburn

Related Stories

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The universitys vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
Kennesaw States Healthcare Management and Informatics program celebrates 10 years preparing workforce leaders

KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 30, 2025

Sweta Sneha For Sarah Thompson 20, the Master of Science in Healthcare Management and Informatics (MSHMI) program at Kennesaw State University opened the door to a future that broadened her impact on patient care.

Formerly working as a bedside pediatric cardiovascular intensive care nurse, Thompson now serves as an informatics advisor at Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta, supporting an advanced technical team tasked with solving complex problems. She is also the order set lead, helping to formalize governance and build processes to support provider ordering in the electronic health record (EHR).

During her tenure in the MSHMI program, now in its 10th year, Thompson dove into computer coding and logic, a skillset she uses everyday working with the hospitals EHR. Most often, she works with the hospitals clinical decision support system. Using data from the EHR, Thompson recently helped build clinical decision support that notified clinicians when to exchange nasojejunal tubes, feeding tubes that deliver nutrients to the small intestine.

A lot of my work is about problem solving, Thompson said. It's not enough to just have data. You have to be able to interpret it and know what data is actually meaningful to help clinicians.

The MSHMI program is the first of its kind in Georgia and the only one in the state that takes a truly interdisciplinary approach. Housed in the Coles College of Business, the program extends to the College of Science and Mathematics, the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, and the College of Computing and Software Engineering at KSU, giving its students a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships that compose the health informatics field.

Since graduating in 2020, Thompson has published seven academic papers and has led over a dozen national presentations at major U.S. informatics conferences as well as internationally.

Its a well-rounded program that went beyond straight nursing informatics, offering coding and business classes, and there was a lot of camaraderie among the students as well as networking opportunities for us to connect with health industry leaders, Thompson said.

Sweta Sneha, founder and executive director of the MSHMI program, launched the program nearly a decade ago to fill the talent gap for skilled professionals in Georgias healthcare technology workforce and adopted a novel approach to do so. As the first degree of its kind in Georgia with a large economic footprint, it encompasses healthcare delivery, business management, data analytics, computing, information technology, and building strong academic-industry partnerships.

We train our students to not just understand trends  we train them to come up with solutions, said Sneha, who holds a Ph.D. in computer information systems and is also a professor of information systems and security at KSU. They are given the tools to analyze workflows of processes and have an overall understanding of health care.

The MSHMI program has been recognized for outstanding contributions to health informatics, at American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA), one of the largest health informatics platforms, in 2023 and 2024. In 2024, MSHMI also received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics & Information Management Education (CAHIIM) for a Digital Health Leaders certificate, which allows the program to extend reach and access to the ecosystem of health care executives and innovators who have an interest in the field.

Im very, very grateful for how this program came together for us, how it has helped create a platform where we could project KSU as a serious player with strong industry partners in the health informatics field and to build our credibility in the healthcare ecosystem locally and globally.

Experiential learning opportunities bridging student success are a pivotal part of the MSHMI program, and Sneha has built strong academic-industry partnerships to afford opportunities for professional growth and real-world experiences to students. Wellstar Health System is among the programs many industry partners, hosting students and fostering growth through mentorship, collaboration, and practical learning experiences. Several graduates have been recruited with the health care giant.

I think our collaboration has really had a focused impact on real-world projects that have benefited the students, faculty and Wellstar, said LeeAnna Spiva, the systems assistant vice president of nursing practice and operations. Spiva serves on the MSHMI programs industry partner and advisory board.

Students have played a vital role in advancing Wellstars key initiatives, including virtual nursing platform that aimed to address the vulnerability of nurses during an outbreak, an issue uncovered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Wellstar brought in faculty and students to evaluate available technology and what processes other organizations are using for virtual care, and to conduct workflow efficiency studies on the amount of time it takes nurses to carry out a task.

Students have assisted in evaluating and deploying innovative solutions that really drive our operational excellence and improved patient care, Spiva said. I think their fresh perspectives and analytical skills have been invaluable in addressing these complex challenges in this rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

At the 10th year milestone, Sneha and program affiliates are energized to enhance their reach in workforce and economic development in the growing domain of digital healthcare.

This is one the most exciting times to be in digital healthcare and our graduates are ready to create a positive impact on the industry, Sneha said.

 Story by Amber Perry

Photos by Matt Yung

Related Stories

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The universitys vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.






Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - A young man tragically lost his life on April 30th, 2025, after reportedly jumping from the fifth floor of the Swans Business Centre in Chaka Town, Kieni East, Nyeri County.

The incident, which occurred earlier today, has left the local community in mourning and sparked discussions about mental health challenges among young people in Kenya.

Locals milled around the scene of the tragic incident before police collected the body.

Authorities have launched investigations into the tragic incident.

See photos.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - An encounter between a shopkeeper and a police officer has sparked widespread discussion across social media, highlighting growing public frustration with security officers.

The police officer went to the shop and asked the shopkeeper to lend him a packet of sugar, promising to pay later.

The vendor, who recorded the video, turned him down and told him, Go ask Ruto, the one who bought you teargas, to give you sugar too.

The shopkeepers defiance has been hailed by some as a courageous stand against police brutality.

Watch the video.

I have come across this clip on TikTok of a retail shop vendor who has declined to loan a cop a packet of sugar, telling him to go and ask William Ruto to give him one.



To all the cops, before you accept to be used in oppressing Kenyans,



Think about tomorrow. For us, we invest pic.twitter.com/WLO68Qromt  I am Chege (@_James041) April 29, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - Controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has stirred fresh debate online after mocking critics who continue to question the source of his wealth.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Chivayo, who has previously been accused of corruption, fraud, and money laundering in Zimbabwe, shared photos of himself in a meeting with President William Ruto and boasted about rubbing shoulders with the powerful.

The richest people in the world build networks Competition happens at the bottom. People at the top are busy collaborating, Chivayo wrote. Let the dogs bark, the lion remains king Ill stay focused on my purpose. Criticism and doubt dont define my worth.

Chivayo, who once described himself as a future billionaire, added: One thing about a hustler - well always figure out a way while everyone else is complaining.

His post comes months after the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission announced plans to investigate him and former associates over a suspected US$40 million fraud linked to a Zimbabwe Electoral Commission tender.

Chivayos lavish lifestyle has attracted scrutiny.

He recently bought two Maybachs within a week - one in Johannesburg for R3.5 million and another in Harare for US$400,000, which he dismissed as little change.

Earlier this year, President Ruto hosted Chivayo and his wife at State House, Nairobi, after they arrived in Kenya aboard a private jet.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - Kenyan-American businessman, Cosmo Choy, has accused President William Ruto of betrayal, claiming he was misled into leaving his job in the United States.

In a passionate video shared on social media, Choy said Ruto personally urged him to return to Kenya to "serve the country," promising him a Government job that has never materialised.

Choy, a vocal supporter of Ruto during the 2022 campaign, revealed that the President has ignored his calls since his return.

He further criticised Ruto for allegedly sidelining loyal supporters while only listening to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, whom Choy claimed no longer hold meaningful influence.

Watch the video below.

Cosmo Choy Cries Foul after Being Cornered to leave his job in USA for a PS position in Kenya by his great friend William Ruto.



Hapa sisemi kitu mjionee tu . pic.twitter.com/5AAgo9zuGu  Coletta Aluda (@Colettaaluda_1) April 29, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections after holding a significant meeting in Nairobi with former Cabinet Secretaries Justin Muturi and Mithika Linturi.

Muturi and Mithika are influential figures in Mt. Kenya east politics.

The two former Cabinet Secretaries have turned into fierce critics of President Ruto after being fired from Cabinet.

Gachagua shared photos of meeting on his X account and wrote a quote by Chinua Achebe, When we gather together in the moonlit village ground, it is not because of the moon. Every man can see it in his own compound. We come together because it is good for kinsmen to do so.






Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - Controversial Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago has sparked outrage after dismissively warning Kenyan Gen Zs over sustained attacks on the Government.

Speaking during an event, Mandago said: Gen Z hamuwezi kimbiza nchi vyenye mnataka, kujeni polepole.

His remarks come as Gen Zs continues to lead widespread anti-government demonstrations, demanding accountability and transparency and pressuring President Rutos administration like never before.

Mandago, who has previously faced corruption allegations over inflated County tenders and misuse of public funds during his gubernatorial tenure, now finds himself on the defensive as youth call out leaders with tainted records.

The Gen Z movement, largely leaderless and digitally driven, has become a force challenging the political elite, signalling a shift in Kenyas political culture and growing public intolerance for corruption and impunity.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - Netizens have identified Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer, Wellington Kimutai, as one of the rogue military personnel responsible for shooting unarmed protesters during the June 25th, 2024, anti-tax demonstrations after BBCs expose.

The expose, titled Blood Parliament, utilized open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques to analyze over 5,000 images and videos from the protests.

The investigation revealed that Kimutai was among the officers who fired live ammunition at demonstrators.

None of the victims were armed, and the shootings occurred as protesters attempted to voice opposition to the Finance Bill 2024.

In a shocking turn of events, KDF has been trying to distance Kimutai from the disciplined force, claiming he was an imposter.

However, evidence shared on social media shows that he is still serving in the army.

See more of his photos below.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - Nigerias anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has named four Kenyan nationals as prime suspects in a massive online fraud linked to the now-defunct Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX).

In a public notice, the EFCC identified three Kenyan men and one woman as foreign accomplices in the scam that defrauded investors in Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt of more than $840 million (approximately Ksh108 billion).

The public is hereby notified that the persons whose photographs appear below are suspected foreign accomplices wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for fraud allegedly perpetrated on an online trading platform called Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX), the statement read.

The platform had presented itself as a legitimate cryptocurrency investment venture but was later exposed as a ponzi scheme.

Such schemes use funds from new investors to pay earlier ones, rather than generating genuine returns, and typically collapse once new investments dry up.

The agency has vowed to pursue justice for the many victims affected by one of the regions largest crypto-related frauds.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has urged Kenyan youth to embrace a strong saving culture as a key step toward breaking the cycle of poverty.

Speaking at the Co-operative University of Kenya during the installation of Bernard William Chitunga as Chancellor, Raila emphasized the importance of financial discipline for long-term wealth creation.

The ODM leader warned that poverty cannot be eradicated without a deliberate effort to save and invest.

Saving is very important in terms of wealth creation, Raila stated.

When you save, you are able to invest, and when you invest, you create wealth.

You must make a deliberate effort to break the poverty cycle.

Adding: I am poor, so I cant save. If I dont save, I cant invest. Without investment, I cant generate wealthso I remain poor,

Watch via this LINK>>>

The Kenyan DAILY POST
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Younger generations should not be afraid of economic uncertainty facing Europe due to US tariffs, former taoiseach Enda Kenny has said as he predicted Ireland will weather this storm.

Mr Kenny, a former leader of Fine Gael, made the remarks after being awarded an honorary doctorate by Dublin City University (DCU) on Wednesday.

The doctor of philosophy (honoris causa) is the highest award DCU can bestow.

Mr Kenny became taoiseach in 2011, following the economic crash of late 2008 and the subsequent bailout and austerity measures which saw support for Fianna Fail collapse.

He held the role until 2017 and was credited at the DCU ceremony for taking a leading role in decisions which led to a faster-than-expected recovery from the economic hardship.

The EU is currently attempting to negotiate with the US during a 90-day suspension of sweeping 20% tariffs imposed on exports from the bloc by President Donald Trump.

A lower baseline 10% tariff remains in place.

Enda Kenny arrives at Dublin City University (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Trumps tariff regime has prompted significant concern over jobs, future investment and growth in Ireland.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Mr Kenny said: The Government here have taken a very clear line on this  and Ireland will weather this storm. I have no doubt.

Because if were good at anything, it is about relationships with others. We are a member, and a central member, of the European Union, and clearly the geopolitics has now changed, and Europe will strengthen its position across all sectors.

While there are serious challenges here now, there are also immense opportunities. So for the young generation, I would say: Dont be afraid of this, because in previous times, previous generations faced with what were seemingly overwhelming problems  and yet you come through that.

You moved from a position back in 2011 of being practically junk status to within a decade becoming one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

US President Donald Trump and Enda Kenny in the Oval Office in 2017 (Niall Carson/PA)

So you now face challenges of that nature  of a first world country.

While the politics have certainly changed dramatically, Ireland as an entity, as a country and as a member of the European Union I have no doubt will look at the challenges that we face and make the right decisions in the interests of our people, the people of the European Union, and in our part that we have to play as a global player.

Asked what advice he would give to the current Government based on his own previous interactions with Mr Trump, Mr Kenny said: I met President Trump in the Oval Office in 2017

and I reminded him that the waters that divide us were the waters that brought the Irish to freedom economically, and the Africans to slavery  and that [Saint] Patrick was an immigrant.

He noted some of Americas leading companies are made up of people who were immigrants into the US, and added: Obviously, this president is very different, but his decisions are part of what the American people voted for  but maybe not to that extent.

But in any event, you know Ireland as a political country, as part of the European Union, will play its part in leading into the future  and whatever that future holds, and whatever its challenges, youve got to meet them and make arrangements with the best interest of your people.

Former taoiseach Enda Kenny speaking at the graduation ceremony (Brian Lawless/PA)

Meanwhile, Mr Kenny reiterated he has no intention whatsoever of contesting the upcoming Irish presidential election.

I always enjoyed visiting Aras an Uachtarain  I never had an intention of seeking to become a tenant there.

That requires a very particular personality, and for me, who had the privilege and the honour of being taoiseach twice, I would have no intention whatsoever of competing for the presidency.

Speaking at the conferring ceremony on Wednesday, DCU president Professor Daire Keogh said: Enda Kenny displayed steadfast leadership during a time of national economic crisis.

Under his government, Ireland exited the bailout programme ahead of schedule and saw a strong economic rebound, while avoiding the social unrest seen in other European countries at that time.

As a statesman, his keen diplomatic skills succeeded in gathering the strong support of our EU partners for Irelands position during the Brexit negotiations, notably gaining consensus that a hard border in Ireland would threaten peace. This stance had a lasting impact, protecting Irish interests well beyond his term.
By David Young, PA

Here are some of the key findings Police Ombudsman Marie Andersons examination of the RUCs handling of the Kingsmill Massacre investigation.

The ombudsman detailed several instances of police planning to arrest suspects but not following through.

She also expressed concern over a failure to arrest a number of individuals who had been linked to the attack in information received by the RUC in late 1976 which named 11 suspects.

The bullet riddled minibus near Whitecross in South Armagh where 10 Protestant workmen were shot dead by IRA terrorists. Photo: PA.

The unexplained failure to exploit the evidential opportunities that may have been offered by the prompt arrest and interview of these individuals undermined the potential development of further lines of inquiry, she said.

More than 150 ballistic exhibits were recovered from the scene of the murders, with police establishing that 11 weapons were used by the gunmen.

These weapons were linked to a series of attacks carried out by republican paramilitaries both before and after Kingsmill, but the ombudsman found no evidence of police utilising those linkages in the investigation.

A hijacked minibus used by the attackers was found abandoned across the border in Dundalk following the shooting.

The ombudsman said gardai recovered nine exhibits from the minibus however only five of those samples were subsequently submitted for examination by the RUC.

She found no explanation for that.

Ms Anderson said there were no records showing the outcome of those forensic tests and the samples cannot be traced.

The ombudsman also highlighted several failures in linking a palm print found on the getaway vehicle to a suspect.

I believe the original police investigation failed to properly consider the value of the palm print from the minibus which was probably used to facilitate the movement of the killers before and after the Kingsmill attack, she said.

Police ombudsman for Northern Ireland Marie Anderson outside her office in Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA.

The ombudsman questioned why a threatening call made a week prior to the attack to two workers employed in the same mill as the victims was not further investigated by police.

Ms Anderson also identified gaps in witness inquiries by the RUC officers at the time and raised concerns that several documents related to the investigation have gone missing in the decades since.

The ombudsmans probe found no intelligence that could have forewarned police of the Kingsmill attack or allowed officers to prevent it and did not identify any intelligence that indicated a direct threat to any of the victims.

She said following the attack, police received specific intelligence identifying named individuals and their roles in the attack, indicating that the shooting had been planned some weeks before it took place.

Ms Anderson said that contradicted a widely held view that the attack was a spontaneous response to the murders of several members of two Catholic families in the area on the day before.

In assessing the evidence available to police, the ombudsman added: My investigation has not seen any evidence that was available to the investigation team which would have led to the conviction of any person for the offences of murder and attempted murder.

Ms Anderson stressed that she had no remit to investigate the conduct of military personnel in the area at the time.

However, she did find there was no evidence that soldiers were intentionally kept away from the area, or instructed to avoid it, on the night of the attack.

She said there was also no evidence of any covert police or military operations ongoing at the time.
Feature: Ethiopian students embrace Chinese language amid growing Sino-Ethiopian ties

08:35, April 30, 2025 By Muluneh Gebre, Liu Fangqiang ( Xinhua

ADDIS ABABA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Abdi Waktola, 21, a fourth-year Chinese language student at Addis Ababa University (AAU), first became interested in learning Chinese after meeting Chinese workers a decade ago in his hometown in Ethiopia's Oromia Regional State.

"I was surprised when I heard the hardworking Chinese workers speaking Mandarin (standard Chinese language). It sounded wild to me, but also fascinating. Since then, my desire to learn Mandarin started to grow," Waktola told Xinhua in a recent interview during celebrations marking Chinese Language Day, an annual observance established by the United Nations in 2010 and held on April 20 each year.

He said his passion for the language was fueled not only by personal interest but also by encouragement from senior university students and the growing demand for Chinese language skills in Ethiopia's job market.

"After learning Chinese, I got involved in various income-generating activities, especially with Chinese companies in Ethiopia. Learning Chinese is very rewarding in a country like Ethiopia, where Chinese investment is on the rise," he said.

According to Ethiopian Investment Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen, China remains a leading source of foreign direct investment in Ethiopia, with more than 4,500 Chinese projects currently operating in the East African country, making China the largest foreign investor in both project numbers and capital.

Another young Ethiopian, Tayamlak Wolde, has built a career around the Chinese language. Working as an interpreter between Mandarin and Amharic, Ethiopia's official working language, Wolde facilitates communication for Chinese companies both in Ethiopia and abroad.

"I chose to study Chinese because of the growing socio-economic ties between China and Ethiopia, and China's expanding presence in Africa," said Wolde, a graduate of the Confucius Institute at Hawassa University in southern Ethiopia.

"My Chinese language skills have enabled me to earn a living by offering translation and interpretation services locally and internationally. It helps me understand Chinese history and culture," he said.

Wolde, who also studied in China, showcased traditional Chinese dances during this year's Chinese Language Day celebrations in Ethiopia. With support from Chinese friends, he even got a high-paying job as an interpreter for a Chinese company in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

The 2025 Chinese Language Day was celebrated last week under the theme "Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space" at the Confucius Institute at the Ethiopian Technical and Vocational Training Institute (TVTI). The event featured cultural performances, including songs, kung fu displays, and traditional dances by Ethiopian students learning Chinese.

In addition to AAU and TVTI, the Chinese language is now taught as a general-interest course or academic major in many public schools across Ethiopia. To meet growing demand, Ethiopia is not only opening more Confucius Institutes but also training local Mandarin teachers.

Earlier this month, AAU and the Oromia Education Bureau signed a memorandum of understanding in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa to train Chinese language instructors to teach Mandarin in Oromia, Ethiopia's largest region. The program will start next academic year.

"The agreement focuses on building the capacity of teachers who will teach Mandarin in Oromia's boarding and secondary schools. Our aim is to train about 30 teachers each year," said AAU President Samuel Kifle.

Noting the vital role the Confucius Institute at AAU will play in implementing the program, Kifle said, "It has been instrumental in providing Chinese teachers at certificate, undergraduate, and master's degree levels."

"Once the new program is launched, the Institute will be fully involved," he said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Labour TD Mark Wall has raised the alarm in the Dail over a looming crisis for Kildare families seeking to remain in their homes under the Governments tenant-in-situ social housing scheme, as funds allocated to Kildare County Council have now been exhausted.

Speaking on the recently announced 325 million for the national second-hand social housing acquisitions programme, Deputy Wall noted that while Kildare received 15 million under the scheme, the county is already running out of money due to current commitments.

Of the total allocation, 14.5 million has been spent on acquiring 84 homes over the past year.

An additional 3.3 million has been committed to the council's buy-and-renew scheme.

This means all the money allocated is gone with no new money available, Deputy Wall told the chamber.

I am dealing with five families who have been told in the past week they will not get a tenant-in-situ property.

"Is the government going to look again at these allocations?

Responding to the concerns, Minister for Education Helen McEntee emphasised the scale of investment already being made.

There is a record 6 billion being invested in all our different housing policies, she said.

We are doing everything we can to support not just the development of new homes ... but also to support every person to be able to purchase or to stay in the home they are in.

Minister McEntee added that while further extensions of the scheme would require negotiation in the upcoming budget, she would raise Deputy Walls concerns with the Minister for Housing directly.
High Court Reporters

Yoplait is seeking a High Court injunction over a rivals plans for an Irish launch next week of an allegedly confusingly similar product to its Skyr natural yoghurt.

Yoplait Ireland Ltd is suing Nutricia Ireland Ltd, the Irish subsidiary of Danone, over alleged "passing off" the product.

Yoplait claims that the "get up", or packaging, of the Danone Skyr "Icelandic style" yoghurt is so similar to Yoplait "Skyr" product that consumers are likely to be confused when shopping.

Yoplait claims Danone is piggybacking on the goodwill it has built up in its product to sell its product and engaging in an unfair competitive tactic in doing so.

On Tuesday, Yoplait sought an injunction, pending full hearing of its passing off claim, preventing Nutricia from launching its Danone product with the intended similar get up which is already available in the UK market.

Nutricia denies the claims and opposes the injunction application.

The case came before Mr Justice Max Barrett who admitted the case to the courts competition list on consent between the parties.

The judge said he would give his decision on Friday.

Opening the injunction application, Kelley Smith SC, for Yoplait, said the defendant intends to launch in Ireland on May 6 with what is a "confusingly similar get up".

Both products are marketed as zero-fat, high-protein, low or no-sugar with low-calorie content based on Icelandic-style yoghurt recipes.

Yoplait launched its Skyr in 2022 and is the leading supplier of the product in the Irish market, counsel said.

Yoplait has a "significant mental" and "strong physical" availability among consumers, she said.

Danone has had a Skyr product in France for a number of years but the packaging was distinctly different from the Yoplait Skyr, she said.

When it launched in the UK in February last, the Danone product was packaged in a similar style to the Yoplait product using a similar distinctive blue colour and a white mountain or iceberg, she said. The size of the tub containers used by both are very similar also, she said.

Surveys have shown consumers typically spend five seconds or less on choosing a product, and they rely on colours and layouts to make their choice, she said.

Michael Cush SC, for the defendant, argued Yoplait failed to meet the requirements for an injunction, including in relation a number of factual matters.

These included that Yoplait had withdrawn its challenge to the bottle version of the Danone product and was now only disputing the get up of the tubs.

There was an absence of any evidence of confusion among consumers other than reference to the existence of the similar Danone Skyr product in Belgium, which has been on the market since last October, he said.

Counsel said the question must be asked as to why this issue had not been raised in Belgium since October. The court heard Yoplait had said it would bring proceedings in that country.

There was also an absence of contradictory expert evidence from Yoplait in relation to Nutrica's expert evidence that the risk of confusion was improbable, he said.

A survey of consumers carried out by Yoplait did not advance its case at all, he said.

There were also significant differences in relation to the packaging, including darker blue on Yoplait than Danone, shape of the larger tubs, lettering and graphics, he said.
NEXT month Kildare County Councils Library and Arts Service will host the ninth Irish military seminar, with events taking place in Naas, Kildare Town and Newbridge between Tuesday 13 May and Saturday 17 May.

All events are free to attend, but early booking is advised for the events in the Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge on Friday and Saturday (16-17 May), and you can reserve your free space on the Riverbank Arts Centre website.

The main event of the 2025 Irish military seminar will be held on the evening of Friday 16 May at the Riverbank Arts Centre, focusing on the Irish Defence Forces.

County council cathaoirleach Kevin Duffy will officially launch the weekends events at 7.30pm. This will be followed by a special event featuring former Lieutenant-Colonel Ray Lane, in conversation with Cathal Berry, who will discuss his wide range of experiences both at home and abroad dealing with landmines and other explosive devices, based on his fascinating best-selling memoir Only a Soldier Knows.

On the Saturday (17 May), the programme of talks at the Riverbank Arts Centre includes an exciting line-up of published authors exploring a range of topics including the Irish in the Resistance, the life and death of IRA leader Rory OConnor, the Irish military in France from 1690 to 1815 and Colour and Conflict in Ireland between 1922 and 1945.

Irish Military Seminar caption

Other events include a special screening of two films on Tuesday 13 May at 7:pm at Naas Library and Cultural Centre: The Rathbride Flying Column  Kildare in the Civil War, produced by Prosperous Heritage Society, and a WWI short The Land, produced by FrameIt Productions.

This event will also feature author and film historian Wayne Byrne interviewing Joe Murphy about the making of a film documentary on Kildares Civil War and discussing with Joseph Butler the filming of a war movie shot in Kildare.

Kildare Community Library will host Michael Rowleys photographic exhibition All the Queens Men and all the Queens Women: The portrait photographs of J F Church on the Curragh Camp 1860-1880, during library opening hours from Thursday 15 May onwards.

The full programme is available in all Kildare Libraries and also as a pdf, and the whole Irish Military Seminar is supported by Kildare County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has branded the perceived 'explosion' in the number of learners drivers on our roads as 'a road safety crisis'.

The IRHA have claimed that there were 842,260 learner drivers on our roads at the end of March, but this is contested by the RSA. The RSA put the overall figure much lower - at 378,652 - at the end of February (Feb 28).

The IRHA also contend that 'it is a direct result of the mismanagement of our driving test regime by the Road Safety Authority of Ireland'.

READ NEXT: Kilkenny gardai shocked and apalled by excuse given by speeding drug driver

The IRHA says that "an inadequate and backlogged testing regime is forcing young learner drivers out on our roads without a full license or a supervising driver."

"The IRHA is concerned for the safety of their drivers who are coming across inexperienced drivers on a daily basis on Irish roads," they added.

As mentioned, figures provided by the IRHA have been contested the Road Safety Authority, who released a statement to Kilkenny Live following a press query.

"The figure is 378,652, not 842,260," they contend. "We will be writing to the original FOI requestor informing her of the error and providing the correct information.

"Re: driving tests, the Driver Testing Service has experienced unprecedented demand in recent years with the number of applications for a driving test increasing significantly since 2021.

"In 2024, a total of 253,850 driving tests were conducted, up from 196,853 in 2023, making it a record year for the delivery of tests.

"The delivery of 253,850 tests was only possible due to the support of our testing staff through significant levels of overtime and improvements in operational efficiencies.

"A recruitment campaign for new driver testers was launched following Government approval for increased permanent sanction in September 2024. This will increase the number of permanent sanctioned testers from 130 to 200.

"It should be noted that the number of permanent testers was 100 in 2022, and this rose to 130 following sanction from the Department.

"At the end February, there were 144 permanent testers employed by the RSA, inclusive of 28 temporary testers who were successful in the open competition and moved to permanent contracts at the beginning of this year.

"Another group of 13 testers are in the final stages of training and will be deployed to Dublin and Cork, where demand is particularly high at the end of April. Further training of our new recruits will take place in May, July, September and October.

"The RSA will have 200 testers available in November. As these new recruits join the service, the waiting times will reduce significantly towards the end of the year."

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE
Scoil Aireagail in Ballyhale has been announced as the winner of the Mixed/ Large Group Financial Prize at the 2025 AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards, winning 2,000 for the school.

The project was called Empowering Future Generations: A Student-Led Financial Literacy Book and Community Initiative and aimed to empower students, educate the wider community, and ensure financial literacy reaches multiple generations.

The AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards, celebrate schools making a positive impact on their community, centred on three key pillars of activity: Environmental, Social, and Financial.

READ NEXT: BALLYHALE SCHOOL TEAMS UP WITH LIONS CLUB TO PLANT TREES

These pillars encompass a wide range of activities that contribute to the betterment of communities, including volunteering, fundraising, awareness campaigns, mentoring, peer education, skills-sharing, and environmental conservation.

The 2025 AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards ceremony took place in Dublins Croke Park on April 29, having received a staggering 124 submissions from schools across the country.

The event was hosted by digital creator, presenter, and teacher John Sharpson, and participating schools across Ireland were celebrated for their amazing work contributing to the betterment of their communities.

Speaking about their win, Rita Dooley, teacher at Scoil Aireagail, said: We are absolutely delighted, gobsmacked! Its been an amazing event and journey, full of learnings for our students. Its a fantastic achievement for our school and the wider community as well. We desperately need digital technology in our school so the prize money will be earmarked to buy some much needed laptops.

As part of AIBs commitment to sustainable communities, the AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards provide a platform to showcase and reward the endeavours schools are undertaking to inspire and ignite positive change, such as fundraising, volunteering, activism, mentoring, and more.

I want to congratulate all the winners of todays AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards, said Orlaith Ryan, Chief Customer Officer at AIB.

We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding contributions made by schools and young people across Ireland through the AIB Future Sparks School Impact programme.

These awards not only offer students a chance to engage in a new form of learning outside of the regular syllabus, but also inspire students to continue to make a positive impact on their local communities.

READ MORE KILKENNY SCHOOLS NEWS HERE
From Viking trails to castle tales, six Austrian travel journalists are discovering the stories of Kilkenny.

Representing various print and online publications, with a combined audience of 3.4 million people, the group have been exploring Ireland and its ancient castles and Viking history, as guests of Tourism Ireland and Failte Ireland.

The group has been following an action-packed itinerary to discover some of the many fantastic activities and experiences that Irelands Ancient East has to offer, including a boat trip on the River Nore through Kilkenny, a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle and a visit to Smithwicks Experience Kilkenny.

Aubrey Irwin, Tourism Irelands Manager for Austria and Switzerland, said, "We were delighted to invite this group of Austrian travel journalists to explore Irelands Ancient East.

"There really is no substitute for being able to come and experience what Ireland has to offer at first-hand. Through the articles and content they create and share, the journalists will inspire their audiences to come and experience Ireland, our beautiful scenery and ancient castles for themselves."
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. High 88F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early followed by scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 73F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
HOLTS SUMMIT, Mo.  The family of Kara Dills is speaking out for the first time since she was shot and killed outside the Hunter Lane Apartments earlier this month. They say her death could have been prevented  and theyre demanding justice.

Kara Dills, 38, died after being shot on April 13. The Callaway County Sheriffs Office says two others were injured in the incident, which unfolded in broad daylight in front of several witnesses  including children.

She was out to hurt somebody. She was out to kill somebody, said Deanna Dills, Karas mother. Her own children watched her shoot my daughter. Im sure theyre traumatized by that.

The suspect, 37-year-old Heather Smith, is now charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, three counts of unlawful use of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. A judge set Smiths bond at $150,000 on Monday. Court documents show she is required to wear a GPS monitor and stay at least 500 feet away from the apartment complex.

Bond granted for woman charged in fatal Holts Summit shooting Family remembers Kara Dills after fatal Holts Summit shooting, calls for justice and accountability.

According to Dills family, the shooting didnt come out of nowhere.

In all honesty, they couldve saved my daughter if they just did their jobs, Deanna Dills said. I was calling them

Alex Holmtneyer, Karas nephew, said he was present when the violence broke out.

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Whenever I got there, she had a gun out at everybody, he said. She was pointing it at my face and then it just escalated and got worse.

Loved ones describe Kara as a caring, dependable woman who played a central role in their lives.

She was like the glue to the papers, said her niece, Malunna Stokes. She kept everything together and she was just there for everybody.

I dont want my moms name to ever die, said her daughter, Kariah Bryant. Because she was a really great person.

One dead, two injured in shooting at Hunter Lane Apartments Deputies at the scene found three gunshot victims. Two of them were transported by Callaway County EMS to local hospitals.

A video recorded by a neighbor from across the street appears to show the moments leading up to the shooting. Family members have since gathered at the apartment complex wearing shirts in Karas memory and vowing to speak out until they feel justice has been served.

Dills obituary called her role as a mother her greatest joy. It also described her as a generous, loving person who will be missed deeply by those who knew her.
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BOSSIER CITY, La.  Two Bossier City police officers have been cleared to return to duty following an officer-involved shooting that injured a
On 29 April families of disappeared people in Mexico rejected the findings of the federal attorney general,, who concluded that an isolated farm, Rancho Izaguirre, in Teuchitlan, Jalisco state, was not used as a crematorium to incinerate the bodies of victims of criminal cartels.

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On 29 April two leading Cuban dissidents,and, were returned to prison.

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While 'Andor' has been hailed by critics as a very political series, its main star, Diego Luna, usually stays out of the world of the real-life politics of the U.S. However, the Mexican actor made an exception during the Academy's 2025 Scientific and Technical Awards last night.

As the host of the awards ceremony, which serves to recognize inventions that allow for improved film production, Luna joked that his "fee was higher than normal this year," as President Donald Trump's tariffs on foreign imports have become a contentious part of his administration.

"It is my privilege to host this year's Scientific and Technical Achievement Awards," the 'Andor' star began. "But, first, I need to apologize because I know my fee is higher than normal this year. I'm very expensive, I know. It's not my fault. Everything coming in from Mexico is more expensive because of the new tariffs."

Luna's comments come in the wake of President Trump's decision to impose a 25% tariff on the majority of Mexican and Canadian products. The U.S.'s North American neighbors weren't the only ones hit, as China's products were hit with a tariff of 125%. However, this isn't the first time that the 'Narcos: Mexico' star has gotten himself into politics.

He has long been a staunch activist for immigrants coming to the U.S. and has made his views on Mexican politics very clear, as while he had voted for Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, he had criticized many of his policies.

This also isn't the first time that the Star Wars superstar has criticized President Trump, as he went on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' earlier this month to say that he doesn't take Trump's name change of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America seriously, calling it "ridiculous."

While talking to Kimmel, he also criticized Trump's immigration policies, stating that he was "worried and sad not just for the Mexican community here but the Latino community and the fear for deportation and family separation. It's just too sad to see what's happening."

Luna and his friend and collaborator Gael Garcia Bernal also participated in the last Golden Globes speaking manily in Spanish and has been an allied of Latinos in general and migrants in particular for decades.

Originally published on Latin Times
The Labubu doll craze is real, but we like Disney's version (much) better. Shop the Disney Mini Mix-It collectibles at Disney Store now, for $20 each. Disney Store/Canva/Danielle Halibey

If you want to get in on the viral bag charm craze, but dont want to spend all your money on  and yes, well say it  creepy Labubus monsters, then Disney Store will gladly have you on team Mini Mix-Its.

Labubus are essentially 2025s take on the Beanie Babies or Puffkin keychain obsessions kids had in the 90s. The New York Times describes these Pop Mart-sold collectibles as fuzzy little Nordic elves with snaggletoothed, mischievous grins and impish ears.

You can shop Disney Stores own petite plushies, the similarly-sized, 6 to 8-inch Disney Mini Mix-Its for $20 each at DisneyStore.com, and choose from legacy characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse to Thumper and Winnie the Pooh, among others.

Thumper Disney Mini Mix-Its Plush  Bambi  7'' Shop for $20 at DisneyStore.com Buy Now

TikTok has been flooded with Labubus content lately, and celebrities and influencers alike are beaming over their budding collections  just yesterday, Emma Roberts posted an Instagram story of her own Labubus babies.

Theres a very obvious Pokemon-esque gotta catch em all magnetism to the Labubus, and CNN attributes it to their wearability and fanship.

Fans often accessorize their outfits by clipping Labubu plushies onto their clothes or bags (they were even spotted at Paris Fashion Week last month). Moreover, the figurines are also taken to fan-led meet-ups or posted on online marketplaces, where they are traded and resold, CNN editors Chris Lau and Kocha Olarn say.

Like the Labubus, the soft, plush-constructed Disney Mini Mix-Its each have their own identity and come accessorized with mix-and-match, detachable hats that call back to iconic Disney motifs. Mickey with his Jose, the macaw-inspired hat from Walt Disneys Enchanted Tiki Room attraction, or Bambis skunk friend, Flower, with her petal sunhat, for example.

However, unlike the Labubus keychain dangle, the Mini Mix-Its are fashioned with a hook and loop strap on their backs so they can be attached to an owners favorite accessory, like a backpack or sling bag.

Disney Store has seven Mini Mix-Its available on its site, currently. But the retailer has teased new miniatures  like a tea-cup-topped Alice in Wonderland and White Rabbit  arriving on May 5.

Disney Mini Mix-Its New Arrivals Shop at Disney Store for $20 each when they arrive on May 5 Buy Now

Shop these like-Labubus-but-better viral bag charms at Disney Store

Shop even more covetable Disney plush toys here.

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Danielle Halibey can be reached at dhalibey@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
This bridge collapsed around 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in the 3700 block of Orchid Place in Lower Macungie Township, police said. Mike Nester | lehighvalleylive.com contributor

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating what caused a wooden bridge to collapse Tuesday afternoon when a propane truck drove over it in Lower Macungie Township.

The bridge over the Little Lehigh Creek gave way around 1 p.m. in the 3700 block of Orchid Place. Its the entrance of the Wildlands Conservancy, which protects and restores natural areas in the Lehigh River watershed.
Some charges have been withdrawn against a current and former Allentown police officer accused of rape, but the most serious charges will go to trial.

In total, 48-year-old Jason Krasley, of the 6400 block of Meadowview Terrace in Upper Milford Township, is charged with five counts felony rape; two counts felony sexual assault; and one count each of felony theft, receiving stolen property and evidence tampering. He also faces other misdemeanor related offenses.

Evan Weaver, 45, of the 8800 block of Clearwater Circle in Weisenberg Township, is charged with two counts felony rape; one count felony involuntary servitude; two counts felony involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with threat forcible compulsion; and related offenses.
The view from the Lavender Acres tasting room, looking past the walkway at some of the seating that's set up behind it. Paul Vigna

Lavender Acres Winery had a soft opening in 2023, and in essence, that continued through 2024.

But over the past couple of weeks, anyone driving around southcentral Pennsylvania couldnt help but notice any of the 10 billboards advertising the official opening of the winery.

That the business is suddenly booming, as Bill Hewitt put it, shouldnt come as a surprise. Hewitt, who along with wife Wendy owns the York County winery that soon will expand into a wedding and events venue, is a sales executive with the Lamar Advertising team in Lancaster-York. Immersed in advertising for the past 42 years, he was inducted into the Lamar Green Jacket Club, i.e., Hall of Fame, three years ago.

In this case, the use of the billboards is bearing fruit quickly and opening a new chapter for a business that has taken six years to get off the ground.

It has been a journey, he said, in working with township officials on a project that began as an idea for an events venue and morphed, for several reasons, into a winery that eventually will welcome weddings and larger wine events.

The tasting room building, which dates back to 1790, is prominent on the Lavender Acres label. Paul Vigna

We took a trip over there on a breezy but sunny Saturday afternoon this past weekend and found the place hopping, with many of the outside tables occupied, including those under furnished cabanas. Inside the tasting room was also busy, with the bar full and other visitors scattered on tables in the multiple main-floor and second-floor rooms that allow, depending on your mood, for a gathering or a quiet spot for two or four people.

Theres a wine for every palate, from dry to sweet and red to white, with some varietals and some blends. A Brut Rose sparkling is also on the menu. We sampled just a few and found the Sauvignon Blanc and rose most to our liking. Wine is available by flight, by the glass and by the bottle, with a majority priced between $20 and $25 while the dry reds are around 10 bucks more. Its the wine youll find served at the Harrisburg Symphony.

That list is complemented by a variety of spirits and beers, along with an assortment of what they call Nibbles and Bites, ranging from fruit and cheese and mixed olive plates to several sizes of charcuterie boxes and wraps. You can read the full menu at this link.

Events dot the schedule, including happy hours 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, trivia on Thursday and Friday nights, music on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons, and a mix of other activities such as art and cooking classes several times a month. An Easter egg hunt was held on April 19.

The winery is open 1 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Much of the interview focused on what has transpired. It began, he said, with the couple wanting to open a wedding venue on the Hellam Township property, located on the west side of the Susquehanna, almost equidistant from downtown York and Lancaster and about a 40-minute drive from Harrisburg.

That first request to Hellam Township was denied, Hewitt said, and then another person in the Pennsylvania wine industry came to me and said, being the fact that the limited winery laws have changed, it would make it much better for you if you would establish a vineyard and open up a winery. Looking at the zoning, Hewitt, said, he and his attorney determined that if we had a vineyard and we had at least 2 acres of something that could [use to] make wine  we could hypothetically have a vineyard, and then with the vineyards, if we had more than 10 acres, according to Hellam Township zoning, they could open the winery and in addition host the events they were hoping to welcome in the first place.

But there was no easy path there, as Hewitt described, with obstacles that took them to York County Court of Appeals and, after a 13-month wait, to Pa. Superior Court. Mainly legal is how he summarized the bumps in the road, both in getting the township approvals in addition to overcoming objections from the neighbors about putting in a wedding venue.

Wine at Lavender Acres is served by the flight, by the glass or by the bottle. Also pictured is one of the charcuterie boxes. Paul Vigna

In the meantime, he said that he was working with a viticulture consultant out of Penn State, and she said to me, Bill, you just need to go back to school and get some education. And I was like, Im 60 years old. Are you bloody kidding me? And so I ended up going to the Penn State certification program, which was 13 classes. And Bob Green was my professor, who was, or is, the winemaker out of Presque Isle. I was in his class ... and it was the best thing that could have ever happened to me, because he made us go on field trips across the state and meet other wine owners and wine makers, and I got behind the scenes in places that I would have never gotten behind the scenes in. And by doing so, I was able to meet some really good people and through that I was able to meet my winemaker [Mike Innerst], who has more than 25 years experience.

They ended up planting more than 1,800 vines over 3 acres of Aromella, Arandell and Marquette, all cold-hardy grapes. In addition, through the knowledge he gained in class, he said that he hooked up with other grape growers throughout the state, where I can pick up all of my Concords, Cayugas, Niagara, things like that, that grow better in the Lake Erie region. And then I also got connected with a farmer that had 12-year-old mature dry whites and dry reds, and we were able to basically get a network put together because of Penn State.

Hes expecting his first harvest from the Aromella and Arandell vines this year, and he said the Marquette vines also are growing extremely well.

Looking down the walkway outside the tasting room entrance toward another part of the back of the property, which covers 17 acres. Paul Vigna

Hewitt said hes optimistic that they will break ground in June toward the back corner of the 17-acre property, near the vineyards, on an events building that will include a commercial kitchen, giving them the ability to hold larger wine and private events. Were trying to set it back so its away from the neighbors and in a much more peaceful surroundings, kind of right in between the three [vineyards]. The goal is for the building to be completed and functioning by early next year, he said.

The house that currently occupies the tasting room was built in 1790, he said, with connections to William Penn, and the property was part of an original plantation that covered 170 acres. It has a lot of historical significance, and weve done all we could to maintain the historic nature of the property, Hewitt said. It was owned for years by Evamae and Dale Crist, the latter involved throughout his career working to grow the family business  The Rutters Corporation.

Just as an aside, their grandson is John Crist, a nationally known Christian comedian who has a gig lined up at the Strand Theatre at Appell Center for the Performing Arts in York this October, and someone the Hewitts have gotten to know.

Hewitt said they bought the house in 2021 with the specific purpose of opening a wedding venue, and have made some renovations on it since then.

One of Lavender Acres Winery's many rooms, this one in the back of the house that looks out over the backyard seating area. Paul Vigna

Among the scheduled additions, beyond the events building and paved parking areas, are 100 large lavender plants that will go into the ground next month. Hewitt said his wife plans to infuse some wines with lavender that they hope to release as early as this summer. The winery name, he said, came from their love of lavender and wanting to have the winery with the lavender farm. We wanted to get the vineyard up and producing grapes before we focused on the lavender, he said.

More will be planted next spring, adding to the lavender field. That would be around the time they open the building that will be used for weddings, which will bring the story and the plan full circle.

We started off wanting to be a wedding venue with an OK winery, Hewitt said. Now were an unbelievable winery, and were still working on the wedding venue.
Rendering of Easton Commerce Park, a proposed warehouse in Easton, PA. Courtesy of Easton Wood Ave Propco LLC

Easton Area School District officials expressed their disapproval Tuesday over the Easton Commerce Park warehouse project.

The Easton Area School District Board of Directors passed a resolution on April 29 opposing the proposed million-square-foot warehouse project at 1525 Wood Ave.

The proposed warehouse footprint is 90% in Wilson Borough and 10% in Easton, so developers will need approval from both municipalities to proceed.

The board considered this resolution during a January meeting, after board member Ghennifer Zando-Dennis presented environmental, traffic, and student safety concerns about the project.

The board believes there was a lack of input sought out from local municipalities, including the school district.

Approximately two dozen school bus routes use roads near the proposed site  including 13th Street, Bushkill Drive, Hackett Avenue, and Wood Avenue. The resolution says traffic could compromise student safety and transportation efficiency.

The resolution also says the project could hurt local air quality and affect student health.

I am just appalled at the extent of this project and what it will do to worsen the air quality in our community, in addition to the traffic and buses, Board member Meg Sayago said.

Zando-Dennis is authorized to speak on behalf of the board at the upcoming Easton planning commission meeting. The district plans to send the resolution to the Easton Planning Commission, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, local municipal representatives, affected state representatives and senators, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and United States Environmental Protection Agency.

To imagine putting a million square-foot [warehouse] in the center of Easton and Wilson, it just amazes me that it has even been considered, school board President Jodi Hess said. Its sad, and Id hate to think what it would actually do to our city.

The Easton Planning Commission is expected to review the Easton Commerce Park plans during its scheduled meeting in May. They were originally supposed to hear the plans in November, but it has been delayed each month ever since.

Chelsea McClure can be reached at cmcclure@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on instagram at @chelsealehighvalley.
Authorities investigate the murders of Rianna and Rosalyn Glass on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, in the 1100 block of Railroad Street in North Catasauqua. Mike Nester | lehighvalleylive.com contributor

A former Parkland High School student admitted Wednesday to killing his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend and her mother, stabbing the mother 31 times.

John Derwin Bradley killed his ex-girlfriend, Rianna Lynn Glass, and her mother, 39-year-old Rosalyn Siobal Glass, in the early morning hours of Sept. 14, 2023, according to Northampton County Chief Deputy District Attorney William Blake.

Riannas father, Terry Glass, said he was both anxious and relieved after hearing Bradley admit to the crimes in court Wednesday.

Hell never get the punishment I think he deserves but its a step in the right direction, Terry Glass said after the hearing. Bradley will be sentenced Aug. 4.

Bradley, 19, of North Whitehall Township, stabbed the mother and daughter and strangled the daughter in their home on Railroad Street in North Catasauqua, police and court records say.

Bradley pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and a count of aggravated assault for injuring a 14-year-old girl in a crash involving Rosalyn Glasss SUV after the murders.

The sentence for the aggravated assault will run concurrently to the murder sentences, according to Blake. Bradley reserves the right to argue for concurrent murder sentences. Defense attorney Molly Heidorn asked for 90 days to prepare a mitigation report for Bradley.

First-degree murder comes with a mandatory life sentence in prison for adults. Since Bradley was 17 when he committed the crimes, he is eligible for a lesser sentence. The standard range sentence for both crimes is 35 years in prison to a maximum of life, according to Northampton County Judge John Morganelli.

Court papers say Bradley broke up with Rianna Glass in August. Police said Rianna Glass texted a friend at 8:48 p.m. the day before the killings saying Bradley was coming to her home.

At 12:45 a.m. on the morning of the murders, she texted the friend to say Bradley had come over and wouldnt leave, Blake said.

According to police, surveillance video showed Bradley and his 14-year-old friend leaving the Glass home around 3:30 a.m.

Blake said Rosalyn Glass was found face up on the floor in the apartment, where blood covered the walls and floor. Rianna Glass was found face down in a pool of blood on the floor of a bedroom, Blake said. She had been strangled and stabbed three times in the neck, Blake said.

Around 6 a.m., Bradley crashed Rosalyn Glasss SUV on Spring Valley Road near the Saucon Rail Trail in Upper Saucon Township. Blake said a computer inside the car recorded a speed of 109 mph immediately prior to the crash.

The SUV crashed into multiple trees and a concrete wall before flipping onto its roof along the road, police said. Blake said the 14-year-old passenger suffered traumatic brain injuries and has endured multiple surgeries due to the crash.

She will require physical and cognitive assistance for the rest of her life, Blake said. She is not implicated in the crimes against the Glasses, Blake said.

As part of the plea deal, a charge of theft was dropped. Bradley had been charged with taking Rosalyn Glasss SUV.

Rosalyn Glass was born in the Philippines, her obituary says. The obituary says Rianna Glass was born in Louisiana and had just started her junior year at Northampton High School before her death.

Terry Glass and his wife, Amber Glass, have started the nonprofit organization Riannas Voice to educate young people and their parents about dating violence.

Were just keeping ourselves focused and trying to take what happened to us and educate other families and other kids so they dont have to go through this, Terry Glass said.

He said Rianna suffered a pattern of abuse leading up to her death.

This is a nightmare. Id never wish this on anybody, Terry Glass said.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to Lehighvalleylive.com.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com.
Photos of a homeless encampment on the Jordan Park Greenway in Allentown on March 31, 2025. Courtesy of Nat Hyman

More than 1,000 public school children in the Lehigh Valley dont have a place to live, according to data culled by a housing advocacy nonprofit group.

HopePHL  pronounced hopeful  released the data as part of a policy briefing last month.

The organization listed the number of homeless students per district to illustrate the need to boost funding to help families.

The organization cited data compiled by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the 2022-23 school year.

During that year, the number of homeless students in each school district were:

Northampton County

Bangor Area: 23

Bethlehem Area: 344

Easton Area: 225

Nazareth Area: 11

Northampton Area: 46

Pen Argyl Area: 16

Wilson Area: no data provided

Lehigh County

Allentown: 591

Catasauqua Area: 36

East Penn: 56

Northern Lehigh: 30

Northwestern Lehigh: 17

Parkland: 89

Salisbury Township: 22

Southern Lehigh: 11

Whitehall Coplay: 23

The report says the number of homeless children in Pennsylvania reached 46,714 for school year 2022-23. Thats an all-time high.

The rate of homelessness among students went up 32% in Lehigh County for 2022-23 compared to the previous year. It went up 29% in Northampton County.

The report was disseminated to the media on Monday and is available to view online.

HopePHL was founded through the integration of two Philadelphia human service organizations: the Peoples Emergency Center and Youth Service, Inc. Learn more about the organization on its website.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to Lehighvalleylive.com.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com.
Jill Brave, the librarian at Walter Stillman School in Tenafly, with the book Jumanji that arrived in the mail last week, 43 years after it was checked out. Richard Cowen/NJ Advance Media for NJ.Com

Students at the Walter Stillman School in Tenafly, New Jersey, are trying to solve a real-life mystery: who mailed the book Jumanji back to the school library last week, 43 years after it was checked out?

The long-overdue book was shipped by priority mail from the U.S. Post Office in Drums, Pennsylvania, with a $40 money order attached. There was no note, just the word Clifton scrawled over the return address. 784 Saint Johns Rd, Drums, Pa., 18222, which happened to be the post office.

Someone went to a lot of trouble to mail it and send the check, said Jill Brave, the school librarian. Someone felt bad about it or wanted to make it right.

Who was that someone? Was Clifton a first name, a last name, or no name at all?

Instead of simply putting the book back on the shelf, Brave turned the mystery into a teachable moment.

Shes been digging through old paper library records from the pre-digital days for leads and feeding them to her students, Gal Ayzenberg, 7, Sanja Sen, 9, and Miles Grinshtein, 10. Braves super sleuths plug the keywords into the Google search engine and follow the data where it takes them.

The super sleuths at Walter Stillman School in Tenafly are L to R, Gal Ayzenberg, 7, Miles Grinshtein, 10., and Sanjana Sen, 9. They're trying to figure out who returned the book "Jumanji" to the school library last week, 43 years after it was checked out. Richard Cowen/NJ Advance Media for NJ.Com

Brave said the books back cover contains the catalogue card with a return date of 5/26/82. Old library records indicate the last child to check out the book was a girl named Jessica.

There were five Jessicas enrolled in Stillman in 1982, but none of them had the last name Clifton, Brave said.

The book also had a note attached to the back cover. Please return to Mrs. Wilbur in 5 days, it read.

Gal Ayzenberg googled Wilbur and came up with the obituary for Marie L. Wilbur, the Stillman school librarian who died in 2019 at the age of 101.

The search has yielded other clues. The $40 money order was purchased at a Turkey Hill store in Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania, but not the name of the purchaser.

Drums, where the post office is located, is south of Scranton and near the point where I-80 and I-81 meet.

Grinshtein knows code and created a website for the project. The data gets fed into his laptop as the search continues.

Im going to update my website and add more to it, he said. Theres a couple of bugs, but that doesnt matter. There is so much more I can add to it.

Written by Chris Van Allsburg and published in 1981, Jumanji is a childrens picture book that was later turned into movie. It tells the story of two bored kids who take a walk to the park and find a safari-themed board game.

They take it home and the safari creatures come to life. Ironically, the board game comes with a warning: Do not begin unless you intend to finish.

Brave and her team of online investigators are determined to finish what they started. Theyre hoping whoever sent the book will read about their search and come forward.

Hopefully if they see the news theyll reach out, Sen said. If they dont, it was just fun to try.

Gayle Lander, the Stillman principal, said the project enhances research skills plus critical thinking. She hopes the mystery book sender will come forward, and said the project will continue.

I see a writing assignment for the whole school, she said.

Richard Cowen may be reached at rcowen@njadvancemedia.com.

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The Laois countryside is part of a groundbreaking new European tourist pilgrimage route starting in Ireland and passing eight other European countries, with a list of local accommodation and facilities now being compiled.

Laois County Council has welcomed that 16 km of off-road walkway will be developed in Laois along the Barrow Blueway, as part of the new 682km Columban Way. It will run near Portarlington and Stradbally, with potential for local businesses to benefit.

Laois CEO Michael Rainey is delighted at the development.

"I am delighted to see Laois play a part in the Columban Way," he said at the April council meeting when announcing the venture.

Cllr Aisling Moran also welcomed the plan, saying "for five or six years I've been pushing the development of a Laois blueway to Carlow, it would be a fantastic revenue stream. We need to liaise with Carlow to use the old sugar factory as a campsite and motor home aire".

The Laois Tourism Officer had represented Laois County Council at the AGM of the Columban Way and Friends of Columbanus ROI and NI in April. The project began in May 2022 involving local authorities all along the Columban Way and the Friends of Columbanus in the republic and North of Ireland.

A grant of 250,000 was awarded from the Shared Island Local Authority Development Fund to prepare an audit and to map all sections of the route on a county-by-county basis. It also funded the preplanning for Columban Way Bell Cairns at key locations along the route, and the costs to identify and develop a clear community consultation and communication plan.

The proposed route in Ireland is a total of 682.54k long, from Nine Stones in Carlow to Bangor in Co. Down. The route through Laois follows the route of the Barrow Blueway, with 3.2km of it being a trail and 12.8km a greenway.

In blue, a map showing the Laois section of the Columban way, east of Portarlington and Stradbally.

"The Laois Tourism Officer is now drawing up a list of accommodation providers and facilities within reasonable distance of their respective routes to go on the website and a number of walks are planned for 2025 on various sections of the Way. Signage is also being considered for 2025," Laois County Council reports.

The Irish Columban Way is part of a nine country 5,500km Via Columbani, created in memory of Irish Saint Columbanus.

A dedicated website Viacolumbani.com explains his legacy and the founding of the way.

"Around 590, the Irish monk Columbanus left the island with twelve followers, including Saint Gall, to travel across Europe. A strong personality and highly educated, he met and advised many powerful figures of the Early Middle Ages. His biography, written in 640, sheds light on this troubled and poorly documented period.

Read also: Archeological dig at Rock of Dunamaise starting ahead of new carpark and toilets



"In a letter addressed to Pope Gregory the Great, Saint Columbanus was the first to use the term "Europe" as a cultural, political and religious entity. His actions, along with those of his disciples and of the monks who followed his rule for nearly two centuries, helped bring peace and stability to wide areas of the continent.



"The Via Columbani today follows in their footsteps, crossing nine countries of modern Europe."
People in Laois are being warned of the dangers of wildfires as the warm weather continues.

The Department of Agriculture has issued a status Orange fire warning due to the dry sunny conditions.

Laois Offaly Gardai are appealing to people to take care during the warm spell and to heed the fire warning.

We echo this urgent warning and remind all landowners, residents, and visitors to our countryside that wildfires can start easily and spread rapidly, endangering lives, property, wildlife, and vital habitats, gardai stated.

They asked people not light fires in or near forested or grassy areas  this includes deliberate burning of scrub or waste. Avoid BBQs or outdoor cooking near fields, bogs, or woodland areas.

Report suspicious activity or signs of smoke/fire immediately to emergency services  dial 999 or 112.

In relation to farmers and landowners, gardai are urging them to ensure firebreaks are in place and machinery is serviced and fire-ready.

Walkers and nature-goers are being asked to leave no trace and to avoid actions that could accidentally spark a blaze.

READ ALSO: Advice issued to swimmers in Laois

Gardai, Fire Services, NPWS staff, and local volunteers are all on alert. Lets not add preventable fires to their workload.

Lets protect our beautiful countryside, our communities, and our emergency responders.

Stay safe. Stay alert. Act responsibly, Laois Offaly Gardai stated.
Plans to build 51 new houses in Abbeyleix have been appealed to An Bord Pleanala.

Jacqueline Duncan had applied for planning permission for the one, two, three and four bedroom properties at The Rookery, Tullyroe, Ballacolla Road in Abbeyleix in March of 2024.

The 51 planned houses included eight four bedroom houses, half of which are detached and the other half are semi detached. There are 25 three bedroom houses which are a mix of semi detached and mid and end of terrace houses. There are 14 two bedroom houses and four one bedroom maisonettes over two storeys on a 1.99 hectare site.

The planning application was lodged with Laois County Council in March of 2024 and after a request for further information in May of 2024 it was approved subject to 20 conditions on March 21, 2025.

The planning permission attracted over a dozen submissions while it was being considered by Laois County Councils planning department.

A number of residents raised concerns about the density of the proposed housing which is located close to the boundary of the Abbeyleix Estate. Other submissions related to traffic and the capacity of the local services.

In his submission, William X White, questioned the appropriateness of the site. He said it was a rural setting some distance from Abbeyleix. Mr White also questioned the adequacy water and sewage systems in the area.

In their submission Ken and Frances Black stated that Abbeyleix is a Heritage Town and the 2023 Tidy Town's winner. All future proposed development on the fringes of the town's environs will hopefully be granted with consideration to the rural surrounds, biodiversity, ecology and environmental needs. A low density development on this site may be better aligned.

A submission was lodged in relation to the development from the applicants father. In his submission supporting the proposed development, Anthony J Duncan, stated that Abbeyleix needs new housing.

The application deals in detail with all points as raised by the various submissions and is in conformity with the Development Plan. Nimbyism has no place in our society or planning process, stated Mr Duncan.

The Abbeyleix Estate (Mr John Collison) has not objected and in fact is on record as being totally supportive of the need to increase the supply of housing(Irish Independent 9/01/2022)

I am totally supportive of this application. In the interest of transparency I advise that the applicant is my daughter, he added.

READ ALSO: Prime development land for sale in Portlaoise

The plans approved by Laois County Council have now been appealed to An Bord Pleanala by Ken and Frances Black and William X White and Others.

A final decision on the application is expected to be made by An Bord Pleanala by August 20.
The landmark Savoy Cinema in Portarlington which is adorned with a mural marking the Laois Offaly town's link to the hit movie Into the West is on the market.

Matt Dunne is the auctioneer handling the sale of the property, which is on the market for 300,000.

The Portarlington estate agent describes this as "a rare opportunity" to refurbish a landmark building in the Market Square of this historic Huguenot town.

The former cinema is described as an imposing three-storey 4,000 sq ft building with potential for retail plus residential overhead, or to remodel for the "theatre world". Mr Dunne adds that the entire building has recently been reroofed at "enormous expense".

He says it is located on the Market Square, for which extensive regeneration plans are in place. The nearby Market House is being renovated for public use.

To entice potential buyers, the auctioneer says Portarlington is one of Ireland's fastest growing towns with a great train service to and from Dublin.

Laois County Council has backed public calls for it to be returned to some use as part of the preparation of the 2030 Portarlington Regeneration Strategy. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

"This Old Savoy Cinema is in private ownership; however, Laois County Council is in support of its redevelopment subject to proper planning and sustainable development and an appropriate use being proposed for it. This would add great benefit to the Market Square and align with plans by Laois County Council for the Market House," wrote the then CEO John Mulholland.

The Strategy proposes to remake the Market Square as a place which is usable as a public amenity and event space.

Port Art Collective have carried out a feasibility study on the old Savoy Cinema in Portarlington, to gauge its use as an Arts centre.

Chairperson Mark Garvin told the Leinster Express / Laois Live in 2024 that it presents a unique opportunity.

Its not that we are looking to open an arts centre and eventually build up groups- Portarlington has the groups, we just want to give them a home.

This is a unique opportunity to give a new lease of life to a building with deep ties in our community. The building itself is beautiful and is perfectly situated, he said.

READ ALSO: 'Mindless morons' damage Port PLAYGROUND

Their plan would see the transformation of the old cinema into an ambitious three-floor arts centre similar to the Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise.

The Savoy Cinema in Portarlington first opened in 1945 but closed in 1989. While it was subsequently taken over by a new operator and re-opened in August 1990 it closed its doors for the final time in the mid-1990s.

The Irish-produced film Into the West, starring Gabriel Byrne, Colm Meaney and Ellen Birkin, was partly filmed on location in the Savoy Cinema and at nearby Lea Castle in 1992. It told the story of two Traveller boys, Ossie and Tito and their epic adventures across Ireland with their horse Tir na nOg. MORE BELOW TRAILER.

A memorable scene, filmed in the Savoy, featured Ossie and Tito bringing their horse to a cinema matinee.

The mural on the building was created by the local resident and street artist ADW on the facade of old cinema to mark the link with Into the West. ADWs mural was launched in 2019 as part of a Laois-wide celebration of Cruinniu na nOg.

The artists described the front of the building as being in "terrible condition" with two days needed to prepare the walls for the main image. New SAVOY letters were also cut and installed.
The HSE has given an update the strict visiting restrictions imposed at Portlaoise hospital due a flu outbreak.

The HSE Dublin Midlands imposed tight restrictions on public visits to patients in the Laois hospital on Friday, April 25.

It said the measure had to be taken to prevent the transmission of influenza that is circulating in the community. The curb at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise was extended on Monday, April 28. A further review was carried out on Tuesday morning, April 29 but the HSE extended it further.

Visiting to wards was restricted to compassionate purposes. Any visiting for critical or compassionate purposes had to be arranged in advance with the nurse in charge. It said the measures would be lifted as soon as possible when clinical circumstances allow.

The HSE confirmed the lifting of the measure just after 6pm on Wednesday, April 30 in a statement to the Leinster Experss / Laois Live.

"All visiting restrictions have now been lifted in Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise and normal visiting hours have resumed," said the statement.

READ ALSO: Good LAOIS weather means fire threat

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) is Ireland's specialist service for the surveillance of communicable diseases. Its Integrated Respiratory Virus Bulletins during week 16 of 2025 found that influenza, COVID-19 and RSV activity in Ireland was at low levels. It said influenza hospital bed occupancy nationally remained stable in recent weeks
The drawing up of plans for much anticipated flood defences for the Laois town that was partly devastated by flooding in 2017 has been delayed, according to the State agency responsible for delivery.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for leading and co-ordinating the implementation of Irelands national flood policy, which includes the development of a planned programme of feasible works for flood relief schemes.

Mountmellick was hit badly by flooding in November 2017, with Clonaslee and Portarlington also impacted by the same weather event. Flood defences were promised by politicians soon afterwards.

Yet the plans for the two big towns are not yet competed with the proposals for Clonaslee have only just been submitted to An Bord Pleanala.

The current situation was outlined to the Leinster Express / Laois Live after we sought an update on the status of the Portarlington and Mountmellick projects.

It said that in 2018, to facilitate the development of a programme of works, the OPW completed a strategic study - the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. It said the CFRAM programme resulted in the publication of 29 Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs), which identified and described the flood risk in various river basins (including the Barrow River Basin and the towns of Mountmellick and Portarlington) and potentially viable flood relief works.

The OPW explained that to facilitate the progression of potentially viable flood relief works in Mountmellick and Portarlington (as separate flood relief schemes), Laois County Council (LCC) agreed, with the support of the OPW, to lead the further detailed assessment of the flood risk, design options and environmental assessments to support planning applications for viable schemes in Mountmellick and Portarlington. Additionally, according to the OPW, LCC engaged the services of engineering and environmental consultants to facilitate the progression of the Mountmellick and Portarlington flood relief schemes.

The OPW said it notes that flood relief schemes are large, complex, multiannual projects. It added that they require detailed analysis of the sources and causes of flooding by the schemes consultant(s). Extensive landowner and stakeholder engagement and detailed environmental assessments and mitigation measures is another element.

Furthermore, say the OPW, the delivery of flood relief schemes typically go through a five stage process, namely:

 Stage 1: Scheme Development and Preliminary Design

 Stage 2: Public Exhibition/Confirmation/Planning Approval

 Stage 3: Detailed Design

 Stage 4: Construction

 Stage 5: Handover

After explaining the background, the OPW confirmed that Mountmellick is now behind schedule. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Soldiers called in to Laois in 2017. Pic: Michael Scully

"With reference to the Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme, the scheme is currently approaching the end of Stage 1 (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design) with the selection of a preferred option identified, which involves flood defences such as embankments, walls, culvert upgrades and a bridge replacement over the Owenass River. The preferred option was selected based on a range of criteria including economic, environmental and ecological impact, climate change adaptability and consideration of the feedback which arose during the public and stakeholder consultation process.

"The schemes Option Report and Environmental Impact Assessment Report along with the other planning documents are now substantially complete. The OPW notes that it was previously envisaged that Stage 1 would be finalised by the schemes consultant prior to the end of 2024. However, due to scheme complexities further investigation and analysis was required and additional time is needed to facilitate Stage 1 completion.

"In March 2025, the OPWs Senior Management Team met with LCCs Director of Services regarding progression of the Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme, and it was agreed that LCC would continue to engage with its engineering and environmental consultants to finalise the schemes design before submitting a revised Approval Gate application to the OPW for approval prior to LCC submitting a planning application to An Bord Pleanala," said the statment.

The OPW said that io accordance with the Governments Infrastructure Guidelines and its Sectoral Guidance for Delivery of Flood Relief Schemes, LCC (Sponsoring Agency) is required to obtain gateway approval from the OPW (Approving Authority) prior to the scheme going to planning.

"It is currently envisaged that Stage 1 of the Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme will be completed prior to the end of Q2/Q3 2025 and a planning submission will be made by LCC to An Bord Pleanala prior to the end of Q3 2025 (subject to OPWs approval of LCCs Approval Gate application)," said the statement.

Delays have already been confirmed with the Portarlington scheme. The OPW provided an update.

READ ALSO: Laois flood relief plan needs to move apace

"With reference to Portarlington Flood Relief Scheme, the scheme is also approaching the end of Stage 1 (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design). It is envisaged that the Options Report for the scheme (that contains the schemes design) and the associated Environmental Impact Assessment Report will be completed in Q2 2025 and Q3 2025 respectively, and that a planning submission will be made by LCC to An Bord Pleanala before the end of Q4 2025 (subject to OPWs approval of LCCs Approval Gate application)," concluded the statement.

The OPW has previously stated that it can take up to 10 years for flood defences to be delivered.

The Minister with responsibility for the OPW is Kevin Boxer Moran. The independent TD was also minister when Mountmellick was flooded in 2017.
A retired garda sergeant has told the trial of Richard Satchwell, who is accused of murdering his wife before burying her in a shallow grave beneath their Cork home, that the force was suspicious "something untoward" had happened to Tina Satchwell over six years before her body was discovered.



The Central Criminal Court jury has heard that on March 24, 2017, Mr Satchwell told gardai that his wife had left their home four days earlier but that he had no concerns over her welfare, feeling she had left due to a deterioration in their relationship.



The accused formally reported Tina missing the following May but her body was not discovered for over six years, when gardai found her decomposed remains in a grave that had been dug underneath the stairs of her home.



In her opening address on Tuesday, Gerardine Small SC, prosecuting, told the jury that after the body was recovered, Mr Satchwell told gardai that he lost his footing and fell to the ground when his wife tried to stab him with a chisel. He told detectives that he held her weight off with a belt but that in a matter of seconds, she was dead in his arms.

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Mr Satchwell, aged 58, with an address at Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork has pleaded not guilty to murdering his 45-year-old wife Tina Satchwell (nee Dingivan) at that address between March 19 and March 20, 2017, both dates inclusive.



Giving evidence this Wednesday, now retired Sergeant John Sharkey (formerly of Youghal garda station) told Ms Small that he was aware in late March or early April 2017 that Mr Satchwell had made a report at Fermoy garda station "indicating loosely" that his wife had suddenly departed the family home.



He said gardai monitored the situation in the hope that Tina would return home but that didn't happen. He said as time passed, the officers' concern for Tina's welfare grew.



Mr Sharkey said his colleague, Garda Thomas Keane, called to Mr Satchwell's home on May 2, 2017 and interviewed him about whether there had been any contact from Tina.



He said Mr Satchwell formally reported his wife missing on May 11, 2017 and this upgraded the investigation from what was "a casual inquiry of someone leaving home" to a formal missing person investigation.



He said the outcome of their inquiry, which included a trawl of CCTV footage from the town of Youghal, a social media campaign with pictures of Tina and house-to-house inquiries didn't lead them to her or productively further the investigation. "They were fruitless I suppose," he added.

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Mr Sharkey said having reviewed the evidence available to him, he formed the opinion that "something criminal may have occurred" around late May or the start of June in 2017.



He said he called to Grattan Street on June 7, 2017 in possession of a search warrant but there was no answer at the door. He called Mr Satchwell, but he was not in the vicinity to allow gardai access to the house. The services of a locksmith were used and gardai gained access through the front door without any damage. A garda search team then conducted a formal search of the defendant's home.



In cross-examination, defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC asked the witness when matters moved from a missing person inquiry to "something perhaps suggesting more sinister".



Mr Sharkey said the accused formally reported Tina missing on May 11, 2017 and it was treated as a missing person case for a period of time. However, he said a number of inquiries were carried out in that time and due to a lack of progress and a lack of ability "to create any trace" of Tina he became suspicious in late May that "something untoward" had occurred.



"Was that a personal or corporate suspicion?" asked Mr Grehan. "I wasn't alone in this, it was a corporate suspicion. An Garda Siochana had that suspicion," he replied.



Mr Grehan put it to the witness that the June 2017 search wasn't intended to be a cursory or a simple exercise at Grattan Street but a "thorough one". "Yes, a thorough and formal search," Mr Sharkey replied, adding that full garda resources were deployed at the house.



The witness said that gardai entered the house to begin the search around 7.30am on June 7 and it concluded at 5pm that day. He said there were approximately ten gardai involved in the search team.



The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of five men and seven women.
Laois County Council hopes to have a new playground open for the May Bank Holiday Weekend.

The new playground had been due to open earlier this month but the project has been dogged by acts of mindless vandalism.

Further vandalism of the yet unopened childrens playground in the Peoples Park in Portarlington in recent days has caused anger and frustration locally.

Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins said people are genuinely angry because there is so many parents with kids cant wait for it to open.

Cllr Mullins said the playground would be very busy if it were open on a sunny day like today.

He posted images online of the recent damage which was caused to a bench.

More damage in the People's Park by the mindless morons we have in town. How has it come to this? If you have any info on those responsible please come forward, he posted beside an image(Pictured Below) of the latest damage.

That is the third or fourth incident. They breached the temporary fencing there knowing it is not open, he said.

Due to a previous act of vandalism at the playground a new part had to be ordered from Italy. The part was dispatched on Monday and Laois County Council are hopeful that it might arrive ahead of an inspection which has been scheduled for Thursday evening.

If the part comes hopefully this week; inspection immediately and open straight away, said Cllr Mullins, who explained that it was contingent on the part arriving.

While he is optimistic about the prospect of the part arriving and the inspection approving the opening of the playground, Cllr Mullins said he has concerns about the ongoing vandalism. He believes the community will need to police the issue by reporting any anti social behaviour.

I just fear for when it opens is there going to be more serious damage and anti social behaviour, he said.

READ ALSO: Over 6,000 learner drivers in Laois as demand for tests 'unprecedented'

Cllr Mullins said while there is a need for more gardai in the town, hes not convinced extra gardai alone could prevent such vandalism.
Rye River Brewing Company, which is based in North Kildare, has announced today (April 30) that it has secured renewable electricity from a wind farm located in County Kerry.

The business, which is situated in Celbridge and employs a total of 67 people, has signed a one-year Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) with energy transition company Pinergy.

According to the company, this agreement will enable the brewery to power its entire operation using renewable energy sourced from Beale Hill wind farm in Listowel, County Kerry.

Rye River further explained that the initiative is "among the first of such contracts to be put in place for an indigenous Irish owned craft brewery committed to sustainable energy and environmental practices".

Tom Cronin, founder and CEO of Rye River, said that the company is "very proud" of the partnership.

He elaborated: "By partnering with Pinergy, every kilowatt of energy coming in to Rye River Brewing Company comes from Beale Hill wind farm in Kerry, generating green and renewable energy.

"Sustainable energy creates very little to no carbon emissions and offsets our need for fossil fuels."

He added: "The transition to a sustainable energy system is crucial for mitigating climate change and creating a more sustainable future."

In addition, Alan Clarke, Pinergy's energy consultant, said that the agreement between the two groups "demonstrates their unwavering commitment to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact."

Mr Clarke further said: "This move sets a fantastic example and standard for the craft brewing industry and we hope to see more breweries follow their lead."

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Brendan's art travelled far and wide, both across Ireland and abroad. Many fine examples of his work can be seen in his hometown of Bundoran, including the iconic Carraig na n-Ean, one of his first commissions.

After earning a degree in graphic design, Brendan redirected his skills into stone building and masonry. He later emigrated to Bristol, where his introduction to stone cleaning and pointing on historic buildings ignited a lifelong passion for all things stone.

His most prestigious work was a 14-foot sandstone High Cross, replicating the original in Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly. This piece was commissioned by the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Portland, Oregon, where it proudly stands today.

Brendan is remembered as a true individual - his own person. He always had time for a chat and brought warmth to every encounter. A keen surfer, he cherished his deep connection with the sea and the land. He was our Stone Man.

He instilled in us a love and respect for heritage, folklore, and culture - and the importance of their preservation.

He was a wonderful, proud, and fun-loving father to Cealagh, Ruben Jamie, and Kyle, who are honoured to call Brendan McGloin their father.

Brendan, you are forever embedded in our hearts and minds. You are in the waves, the stone, the landscape. You live on in the smiles of our children, the glint in their eyes. Their expressions are yours. Your soul rings out in The Rocky Road to Dublin and in every tune you ever loved. We will never forget you.

Ta gra againn duit agus ta ar gcroithe briste.

Until we meet again, mo ghra.

Acknowledgment

The McGloin family - including Brendan's parents Claire and Frankie, sisters Geraldine and Sandra, and brothers Francis and Ciaran - would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who supported them during the loss of Brendan.

We wish to express our sincere thanks to Dr. Andrew Hodgson, Geraldine Walpole, and all the staff of Sligo University Hospital, where Brendan will be sorely missed, they said. Thank you for the decade of support, love, and kindness you showed him.

Thank you to everyone who attended the removal, wake, and funeral mass, and to those who sent Mass cards and sympathy cards. Your kindness and support have helped immensely through this difficult time.

A special thank you to Fr. Phair for the beautiful funeral Mass, accompanied by Fr. Munster and Fr. Keoghan, and to Niamh Currid and Annmarie Gallagher for the beautiful music. The funeral took place on April 7th in St Aidans Church, Kinlough.

Thank you also to Breslin Funeral Directors for their professionalism and compassion. To all friends and family who helped during the wake, we are deeply grateful for your support.

As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgment as a token of our deepest appreciation.

Brendans Months Mind Mass will be held in St Aidans Church, Kinlough, Leitrim on Sunday, May 4, at 11am.

READ MORE: The latest jam-packed edition of Leitrim Life is on sale in your local newsagent
Eight-year-old Michael Barry from Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, was born with a rare genetic condition known as Contiguous XP21 deletion syndrome  a combination of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), congenital adrenal hypoplasia (CAH), and glycerol kinase deficiency (GKD).

Michael has never walked unaided and relies on a wheelchair. Unlike most boys with DMD who gradually lose mobility, Michael has faced these challenges since birth. But if theres one thing this determined young lad loves, its being outdoors and farming with his family.

His parents, Brendan and Nicola Barry, say Michael is just like any other boy when it comes to wanting adventures on the land  but their farm isn't accessible by car, and a wheelchair can only go so far.

Last year, the Moran family and Allen Gaels GAA donated 2,000 in memory of Ronan Moran, Michaels friend and "Shroomsday" buddy. Now, Allen Gaels are stepping up again with a 25 Card Drive fundraiser on April 27, aiming to support Michaels latest goal: an enclosed all-terrain vehicle.

The dream? A quad or RTV with a secure cab and proper seating so Michael can safely join in on farm life, no matter the weather. These vehicles cost between 15,000 and 20,000, and so far, 13,705 has already been raised.

We just want Michael to enjoy being out and about, like any other child, says his family. With this vehicle, hell be strapped in, dry, and safe  and able to see the cows!

Want to help make this dream a reality?

Donate here and be part of something special.

Every euro brings Michael one step closer to freedom on the farm.

READ MORE The latest jam-packed edition of Leitrim Life is on sale in your local newsagent
 WASH says Diamond Drinking Water is safe for public consumption as company threatens legal action against journalists
ALCC Ready to Take the Bull by the Horns
Liberias Deputy Minister for Urban Affairs at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Mrs. Ellen Pratt and Mr. Allen Joines, Mayor of Winston-Salem, North Carolina speaking to the media at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Journalist Sandy is calling on Liberians and friends of Liberia to publicly condemn President Boakais selfish and irrational decision which is bent on undermining Liberias peace and stability.
 As President Boakai receives letters of credence from Amb. Bynoe-Sutherland, Barbados first ambassador to Liberia ahead of visit by Barbadian President Dame Sandra Mason to Liberia in May
Cllr. Varmah, At Least You Should Have Called for Respect for the Supreme Courts Ruling
*READER DISCRETION ADVISED*

A MEMBER of the Defence Forces whose duty it was to serve and protect fellow citizens, took advantage of his position, to abuse two children, including one incident shortly before one girls Holy Communion, a court has heard.

The accused - Edward Lillis, aged 63, of Shannonvale, Old Cratloe Road, Limerick city - can be named for the first time after Judge Colin Daly lifted reporting restrictions.

Lillis was found guilty, by a jury, of two indecent assaults on Miss A and two indecent assaults on Miss B, on different dates in the 1980s when they were aged between three and eight-years-old. The jury could not agree on a fifth count.

The case was adjourned to last Monday at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court for Judge Daly to pass sentence.

READ MORE: Two women sexually abused as children in Limerick want paedophile named

The judge, in summarising the evidence, said the two indecent assaults on Miss B occurred between September 1982 and December 1984 when she was aged between five years and seven years of age. Lillis was between 21 and 23-years-old at the time and 16 years older than Miss B.

Her first complaint is that Lillis told her to pull down her pants and underwear and then he took out his penis and asked her to touch and kiss his penis. He touched and kissed her vagina. Her second complaint is that he had her kiss his penis. She remembers this happened very shortly before her first Holy Communion, said Judge Daly.

He said Miss B bravely disclosed the abuse to her parents who contacted gardai. Lillis denied the accusations when interviewed by gardai. A file was sent to the DPP who decided not to prosecute.

Lillis indecently assaulted Miss A on two separate occasions between June 1984 and May 1989 when she was aged between three and eight- years-old.

He pulled her underwear aside and rubbed his penis against her vagina. The next complaint is Lillis placing her hand on his penis outside his underwear and rubbing his penis with it, said the judge.

Lillis told her they were boyfriend and girlfriend and were going to get married, which Judge Daly said was grooming. Lillis was aged between 22 and 27 at the time.

The judge said Miss A and Miss B set out in their victim impact statements the psychological damage they have suffered, the innocence of their childhoods being taken, and the consequences to their families. Judge Daly spoke of how dignified they have been.

Lillis was a responsible member of the army, someone to serve and protect fellow citizens. He took advantage of his position to abuse the two children.

The pattern of abuse and serial nature of his offending is a further aggravating factor, and the fact that each of these incidents appears as part of a series of offending behaviour that went on over a prolonged period of time, said Judge Daly.

Lillis counsel had indicated his clients acceptance of the jurys verdict and that his offending behaviour had an extremely damaging effect on both of his victims.

Judge Daly said: I hope that both victims will take some small comfort in these acknowledgements.

The court heard Lillis is married, has three adult children, spent a full career in the army and has no previous convictions.

Judge Daly handed down concurrent three-year jail sentences on each of the two indecent assaults on Miss B.

Judge Daly imposed concurrent three-and-a-half year jail sentences on each of the two indecent assaults on Miss A. They are all to be served concurrently. Lillis was placed on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.

The case was investigated by the Limerick Divisional Protective Services Unit with Detective Garda James Muldowney giving evidence in court.

Prosecuting barrister John OSullivan, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, said the victims do not wish to be identified but there is no bar to the accused being identified.

Judge Daly said nothing should be published which would serve to identify either of the victims.

There is no prohibition on the identification of the accused, said Judge Daly.

In a statement to Limerick Live following the sentencing hearing, the Defence Forces say they "unequivocally condemn any actions by serving personnel that are contrary to or do not reflect our values. This behaviour is incompatible with service in Oglaigh na hEireann".
I MISS her so much and I carry her love in my heart every day, said a brave 11-year-old girl, who spoke at the funeral Mass of her beloved mum after her sudden death.

Lydia ODonoghue, aged 38, died in University Hospital Limerick, surrounded by her loving family, last Wednesday, April 23.

The young mum-of-four has been laid to rest after she tragically passed away after returning home to Limerick having undergone a procedure abroad.

Her grieving family didnt wish to speak about the circumstances of Lydias death but did confirm she passed away from health complications non-related to University Hospital Limerick.

There were heart-rending scenes as Lydias coffin was wheeled from Christ the King Church, Caherdavin on Monday while In the Arms of an Angel was sung.

Lydia, of Caherdavin and formerly of Garryowen in Limerick city, and husband Jonathan raised four children Jamie, aged 20, Jason, 17, JJ, 13, and Annaleise, 11.

On the day Lydia died she had reshared a video of daughter Annaleises Holy Communion, on TikTok, with the lyrics, Sometimes I just look at you and think to myself how did I ever get so lucky, I'll never know.

READ MORE: 'She had a huge heart': Limerick family devastated at sudden death of beloved mum Lydia, 38

Annaleise was the first family member to speak at the funeral Mass, saying her mam had a great sense of style and she always looked so cool and confident.

I admired how she carried herself. She had this incredible ability to light up a room and her laughter was contagious. She taught us all how to enjoy life and appreciate the little moments.

Even though she is not here with us anymore, I know her spirit will always be with us. I miss her so much and I carry her love in my heart every day, said Annaleise.

Lydia was remembered as a wonderful mother who loved music and fashion and was always the life and soul of the party.

Next to speak was son Jason who said despite the sadness, he still feels extremely lucky that he got to spend 17 years with his beautiful mother who gave me more love and support than I thought was possible.

She will always be in my heart forever until the day I see her again, said Jason.

Eldest son Jamie had only arrived in Lloret de Mar in Spain to celebrate his 20th birthday on the day his mum died. When he got the phone call of the terrible news, he said thats when the world came crumbling down.

Jamie told the congregation he got a tattoo with the words Forever in our hearts, Lydia in Irish as his birthday and her anniversary are forever inextricably linked.

Lydia was the light of our lives. Lydia was a woman that would erupt into song and dance at any moment and nobody would be surprised. She'd give you the socks off her feet. She was the most kind, caring and generous person. Me and the rest of your children will make you the proudest mother ever, said Jamie.

He also spoke on behalf of his father Jonathan, who said Lydia made him so proud when she brought their beautiful children into the world.

You rest now my love, we will make you proud of us I promise. Lyd, I love you, I always have and I always will, until I see you again my gorgeous wife, love you always.

Fr Patrick OSullivan, who celebrated the funeral Mass, said all funerals are sad but when someone as young as Lydia dies so suddenly it is a great shock to her family and people who knew her.

We gather in shock and with much love for Lydia's family, said Fr OSullivan, who expressed his sympathies to Jonathan, her children, parents and extended family.

The parish priest said they all had gathered in the same church for a happier day not long ago when Annaleise made her Confirmation.

Fr OSullian said Annaleise lit up the room and had time for everyone.

When Lydia died so suddenly and so unexpectedly she was in good company as she travelled up to heaven with Pope Francis, said Fr OSullivan, who also spoke of other family members who Lydia will be reunited with.

There have been hundreds upon hundreds of tributes paid on rip.ie and on social media in the days following Lydias sudden passing

Jamie said: We knew she was loved but I didnt expect this much.

It just really showed us how much she meant to the community, everybody who knew her knew her as extremely kind, caring, hilarious and generous.

Lydia's passing is very deeply regretted by her husband, four children, mother Caroline, father Christopher, sisters Jenny and Sarah, brothers Christopher and Jonathan and her large extended family including the O'Donoghue family and many kind friends.

Red and black balloons - her favourite colours - were released in memory of Lydia outside her home in Lower Whitethorn Drive, Caherdavin on Friday night.

Lydia was laid to rest in Mount St Oliver Cemetery.

May she rest in peace.
PEOPLE are being urged to make a huge difference to those with life-limiting illnesses this June by raising money for Milford Care Centre.

Milford Care Centre is asking montessoris, creches, pre-schools and primary schools around Limerick to host a Hospice Sunflower Fun Day, where they will receive a welcome pack which includes colouring pages and sunflower seeds for the children to plant during the fun day.

To participate, select the date in June you would like to run your Hospice Sunflower Fun Day and register at www.sunflowerdays.ie.

Families are asked to make a 2 donation, or whatever they can afford, with all funds raised going directly to Milford Care Centre.

READ ALSO: UL to conduct research on wellbeing supports for migrant students in Irish secondary schools

Speaking about the Hospice Sunflower Fun Day initiative, Hospice Sunflower Days ambassador, Maeve Dennehy, said: With hospices throughout the country needing to raise approximately 20m each year to continue to provide specialist care for patients and their families, our help is so important.

By getting involved this June, schools, creches, montessoris and pre-schools throughout the country will make a huge difference to their local hospice.

Together for Hospice, The National Hospice Movement, represents 24 hospices nationwide and coordinates the annual Hospice Sunflower Days event.

Every euro raised locally, stays locally and the funds raised play a vital role in supporting the delivery of specialist palliative care in communities across Ireland.

Additionally, fundraising efforts will be instrumental in addressing individual care needs by procuring specialised equipment to enhance the comfort and quality of life for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses.

The public are also invited to help Milford Care Centre by supporting their Hospice Sunflower Days on-street collections that will be taking place on Friday, June 6 or Saturday, June 7.
Michael Sweeney, managing director at Select Forest Ltd, says that we need a viable planting programme in Ireland.

Is the Sitka spruce a friend or foe?

Irish sawmills require at least 2.7m cubic metres of sawlog material approx. Coillte currently supply in the region of 1.5m cubic metres therefore the balance of 1.2m cubic metres approx needs to be supplied by the private sector.

In 2022 roundwood purchases from private forests amounted to 880,000 cubic metres. In the same year Coillte sold 2,230,000 cubic metres. China is the biggest net importer of forest products followed by Britain, which imports about 80% of its wood products.

The UK uses approximately 10 million cubic metres of sawn softwood per year, but it cuts only about three million cubic metres, only a third of what it uses. Around 60% of the log will end up as sawn timber with the rest being chips and sawdust.

Recent years have seen an increasing campaign against Sitka spruce plantations, particularly when they are planted as a monoculture. Now each new plantation has to have a certain amount of broadleaves planted, and open space included, to satisfy environmental conditions.

There is a reason that Sitka spruce which is a non-native tree has been planted extensively in Ireland. The Irish climate and soil types are ideally suited to its growth.

It outperforms every other tree in terms of growth. It is a terrific tree, fast growing, easy to sawmill and continues to be in very high demand.

It is imperative that we have a viable planting programme each year. Despite attractive grants and premiums there has been an alarming drop in planting targets in Ireland in recent years. In 2023 the area of conifers planted was 753 ha. i.e. 46% and broadleaves 899 ha. i.e. 54%.

Forecasts show a significant drop off in the amount of timber being available in future years, and anybody thinking of building a new sawmill or expanding an existing one should think again.

There are all kinds of pressures that have moved us away from pure commercial forestry, some of which have been good but a lot not so good. It would be hard to justify some of the way things were planted in the 80s and 90s and to justify Sitka spruce. However, establishing a plantation today is totally different than back in those days.

Included now in each application is a whole range of environmental conditions. A net area of 65% of commercial Spruce is allowed with the remaining 35% allocated to broadleaves and open space.

Environmental conditions include:

Is the area within a NHA, pNHA, SAC or SPA,

A. Designated Habitats.

B. Water Quality.

C. Landscape.

D. Archaeology.

A. Designated Habitats. B. Water Quality. C. Landscape. D. Archaeology. Is the area acid sensitive or sensitive for fisheries.

Is the area in the County Development Plan.

Does the area contain or adjoin an archaeological feature.

In spite of everything, Forestry, including Sitka spruce, remains a very good investment. Income from plantations managed on a commercial basis is exempt from Income Tax. Forests occupied by individuals are exempt from Capital Gains Tax but the underlying land is not.

Within the forest industry the vast majority would argue that timber production should always be the top priority. Sitka spruce is responsible for substantial income and employment in Rural Ireland.

Forest Windblow Task Force

At this critical time the Forest Industry is very fortunate to have Michael Healy Rea as Minister of State. Mr Healy-Rea has first-hand knowledge and experience of the ownership and management of plantation forestry.

As result of Storm Eowyn which has resulted in almost 26,000 hectares of windblown timber, the Minister has acted very quickly to establish the Forest Windblow Task Force including all stakeholders.

He has also guaranteed that those with felling licenses, either thinning or clearfell, can proceed with harvesting and replanting. This has allowed forest owners to proceed immediately and to retrieve and minimise some of their substantial loss.

Discussions are ongoing to provide realistic supports for those forest owners affected by Storm Eowyn.

The Minister has confirmed that any work undertaken will not be affected for any future assistance.

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A LIMERICK woman has shared her experience of working as an intern for a national TV station.

Kristina Ni Bhriain is a gaeilgeoir from Adare, and has had a whirlwind year working in the role of social media intern with TG4s children's channel Cula4.

Kristina began her education in Shountrade NS. Her love for the Irish language and music grew exponentially during her six years attending Laurel Hill Colaiste FCJ and it was here that she decided to pursue Gaeilge post-secondary school.

She went on to study Applied Languages with German, Gaeilge and TESOL at the University of Limerick (UL) where she received a first-class honours.

READ ALSO: Limerick MEP invites President von der Leyen to tour local pharma hub

During this time, she spent time studying and working in France, Germany and on Inis Mor which ultimately deepened her passion for her chosen subjects.

After graduating from UL, she moved out to work on Inis Mor, where she gained a new appreciation for the Irish language, and so she decided to embark on her journey with Cula4!

Covering events from Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann to Oireachtas na Samhna to Babhta na bPaisti, Kristina said: I have loved every second of meeting Gaeil oga from all around the country and from a multitude of different backgrounds.

I have gained invaluable experience with Cula4, which I will take with me as I continue on to the next step in my career.

Music is Kristinas first gra. Choirs and orchestras such as Ancor, Limerick School of Music choir and orchestra and various ensembles along the way shaped her youth, and she continues to enjoy playing ensemble music when she is at home in Limerick.
With the final quarter of 2024-25 unfolding for India Inc.'s earnings, the narrative of winners and losers, trendsetters and laggards, will take centrestage. Against the backdrop of this decade's most uncertain global economic landscape, shaped by the risks of the US tariff war, the future trajectory of corporate earnings will be a crucial barometer of corporate Indias resilience in the face of global headwinds.

Bookmark this page for daily updates at noonyour essential guide through this earnings season.

The combined revenue of the companies that have declared their March-quarter financial results so far were up 5.5% on a year-on-year basis, while the aggregate net profit is up 16.4%, a Mint analysis showed. Excluding the companies in the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sectors, the topline grew 5.6%, while profits were up by 25.4%. So far, the BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance) sector has performed reasonably well, while the FMCG segment is facing headwinds.

Also follow Q4 Earning Watch" (app-only link) News Stack on the Mint app.

The analysis covered 1,813 BSE-listed companies (including 264 banking and financial services firms) that had declared their results so far and whose data was available on Capitalines database.

Scroll down for select company-wise details.

Also read: Shareholding moves in Q4: Did retail investors' small-cap love fizzle out?

Also read: Q4 earnings watch: Consumption giants drive revenue but lag in profits

Also read: Q4 earnings watch: Whispers of rural recovery as revenues buck broader trend

Tata Consultancy Services

TCS missed expectations on both revenue and margins. Revenue saw a 0.8% quarter-on-quarter decline but a modest 2.5% year-on-year growth in constant currency in Q4. Profit also fell 1.3% sequentially, with a slight 1.7% annual increase.

The company cited delayed discretionary spending decisions and noted emerging demand uncertainty starting in March 2025. Read more, as Jas Bardia reports.

Infosys

Infosys reported a 3.5% quarter-on-quarter revenue decline in Q4, although year-on-year growth in constant currency was 4.8%. Profits were flat sequentially but rose 12% year-on-year. The company attributed roughly two-thirds of the revenue drop to lower third-party costs and deal slippages, while management expressed optimism about future guidance. Jas Bardia reports further.

ICICI Bank

ICICI Bank reported robust loan growth of 13.3% year-on-year and 2.1% quarter-on-quarter, fuelled by strong business banking and mortgage growth.

Deposit growth also remained strong at 14% year-on-year. Maintaining benign asset quality with a significant 15.5% sequential decline in fresh slippages, ICICI also demonstrated tight cost controls, resulting in a reduced cost-to-income ratio of 37.9%. Anshika Kayastha has the details.

HCL Tech

HCL Technologies Ltds investors are upbeat, especially in a world where global macroeconomic gloom has lately kept IT stocks on tenterhooks.

Sequentially, the companys revenue dropped 0.8% in constant currency terms last quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of a 0.5% revenue drop, hurt by the usual seasonality in its software business. Yet, shares rose, possibly driven by HCLs FY26 guidance and robust deal wins. Read Harsha Jethmalanis Mark to Market analysis.

Hindustan Unilever

FMCG major Hindustan Unilever (HUL) on Thursday reported a 3.7% year-on-year fall in its consolidated net profit (attributable to owners of the company) for Q4FY25 to 2,464 crore. The company had reported a profit of 2,558 crore in the year-ago period. Sequentially, the consolidated net profit was down 17.4%. Suneera Tandon and Gaurav Laghate report further.

Nestle India

Nestle India Ltd reported Q4 consolidated net profit at 873.46 crore, which declined 6.5% year on year compared to 934.17 crore in the year-ago quarter. At the standalone level, Nestle reported net profit at 885 crore declined 5.3% compared to 934 crore in the year ago quarter. Read Ujjval Jauharis report.

Reliance Industries

Billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani-led energy-to-telecom conglomerate reported a 6% growth in its consolidated profit for the JanuaryMarch quarter, driven by a resurgence in its retail business and better realisations in telecom, even as challenges persisted in its core oil-to-chemicals (O2C) business. The company's revenue from operations during the reporting quarter rose to 2.61 lakh crore, compared to 2.4 lakh crore recorded in the year-ago period. Read Manish Joshis report.

Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd reported a 1% year-on-year decline in consolidated net profit for the March 2025 quarter at 3,911 crore, compared to 3,952 crore in the same period last year, while also recommending a dividend of 135 per share. Total consolidated revenue rose 6.6% year-on-year to 40,920.1 crore, supported by a 3.5% growth in sales volume to 604,635 units. At the standalone level, net sales increased 5.9% to 38,848.8 crore, while net profit declined 4.3% to 3,711.1 crore from 3,877.8 crore a year ago. Read the full report by Ujjval Jauhari.

UltraTech Cement

UltraTech Cement reported a 10% YoY rise in consolidated net profit to 2,482 crore for Q4, with revenue from operations up 13% to 23,063 crore. Sales volumes rose 17% to 41.02 million metric tons, while EBITDA per ton (excluding acquired assets) grew 7% YoY. The company also surpassed 1 GW in renewable power installations. A dividend of 77.50 per share has been proposed, totaling 2,283.75 crore. UltraTech added 17.4 mtpa capacity in FY25, raising its total global cement capacity to 188.76 mtpa. Read the full report by Dhanya Nagasundaram.

Force Motors

Force Motors is back in focus after reporting a strong Q4 performance, with net profit jumping 210% YoY to 434.7 croreboosted by a one-time 394.6 crore incentive from the Madhya Pradesh government. Revenue rose 17% to 2,356 crore on robust demand, while operating profit grew 18% YoY to 329 crore with margins hitting a record 14%. Crisil sees margins stabilizing at 1213% in the medium term, supported by a strong product mix and healthy cash generation. Ayesha Shetty has a Profit Pulse analysis.

Bajaj Finance

Bajaj Finance posted a 16% rise in standalone net profit at 3,940 crore for the March quarter, up from 3,402 crore a year earlier, supported by robust loan growth and a one-time tax reversal. The results also factor in the performances of its subsidiariesBajaj Housing Finance and Bajaj Financial Securities. Indias largest NBFC saw its assets under management grow 26% year-on-year, reflecting strong demand for credit across segments, while new loan bookings jumped 36% from the same quarter last year. Total income for Q4FY25 rose to 15,808 crore, compared to 12,764 crore in the year-ago period. Net interest income (NII), or the core income from lending operations, also rose by 22% annually.

Bajaj Finserv

Bajaj Finserv Ltd reported a 14% rise in consolidated net profit to 2,417 crore for Q4FY25, driven by strong performance across its financial businesses. Total income for the quarter rose to 35,596 crore from 32,042 crore a year earlier. The board recommended a final dividend of Re 1 per share, with a record date of June 27, 2025, subject to shareholder approval at the AGM on July 25. For the full year, net profit grew 9% to 8,872 crore, while income jumped to 1,33,822 crore. The board also approved issuing over 11.5 lakh equity shares to the ESOP Trust under the employee stock option scheme.

Adani Enterprises posted a 756% YoY jump in Q4 net profit to 3,845 crore, buoyed by a one-time 3,286 crore gain from its Adani Wilmar stake sale. Even without the exceptional gain, profit rose 24% YoY. However, revenue dipped 7.5% to 26,966 crore, while EBITDA climbed 19% to 4,346 crore. Incubating businesses like the ANIL Ecosystem and airports showed strong growth, with both income and EBITDA rising sharply. For FY25, PAT more than doubled to 7,112 crore, backed by robust performance across segments. Full report by Saloni Goel.

Adani Ports & SEZ

Adani Ports reported a 48% YoY jump in Q4 FY25 net profit to 3,014 crore, driven by higher income and operational performance. Revenue rose 23% to 8,488 crore, while EBITDA grew nearly 24% to 5,006 crore with a margin of 59%. Total income surged to 8,770 crore, and the company declared a 7 per share final dividend. Adani Ports also surpassed 11,000 crore in full-year PAT and handled 450 MMT cargo, beating market expectations. Read Vaamanaa Sethi's full report.

RailTel Corporation

RailTel Corporation of India posted a strong Q4FY25 performance, with net profit rising 46.3% YoY to 113.4 crore, compared to 77.53 crore in the same period last year. The companys revenue from operations surged 57% to 1,308.28 crore. EBITDA grew 53.8% YoY to 180 crore, although the EBITDA margin declined slightly to 13.73% from 14% last year. In comparison to the December quarter, where RailTel posted a net profit of 65 crore and revenue of 767.6 crore, the March quarter showed significant improvement. Full report by Nikita Prasad.

State Bank of India (SBI) reported a 10% year-on-year drop in standalone net profit at 18,642 crore for Q4FY25, even as total income rose to 1.44 lakh crore from 1.28 lakh crore a year ago. Operating profit for the quarter grew 8.8% YoY to 31,286 crore, while full-year operating profit jumped 17.9% to 1.10 lakh crore. SBI declared a dividend of 15.90 per share and announced plans to raise up to 25,000 crore in FY26 via QIP, FPO or other routes. Asset quality improved, with gross NPAs down to 1.82% and net NPAs easing to 0.47%. Full report by Nikita Prasad & Gopika Gopakumar.

Kotak Mahindra Bank

Kotak Mahindra Bank reported a 14% YoY drop in Q4FY25 net profit to 3,552 crore, impacted by a sharp 245% rise in provisions for bad loans, which surged to 909 crore. Interest income, however, rose 10% YoY to 13,530 crore. While gross NPAs inched up slightly to 1.42%, net NPAs improved to 0.31%. The bank announced a 2.50 per share dividend, pending shareholder approval at the AGM. Kotak shares closed at 2,185 on May 2 and have delivered a 21.9% YTD return, with a 52-week high of 2,301.55. The banks market cap stood at over 4.34 lakh crore. Read the full report by Anubhav Mukherjee.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL)

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) reported an 18% YoY rise in its Q4 FY25 standalone net profit at 3,355 crore, despite a 2.7% dip in total income to 1,19,126 crore. The company flagged a negative buffer of 10,894 crore due to LPG price gaps, which hasnt been recognised in revenue due to lack of government authorisation. HPCLs crude throughput rose to 6.74 MMT from 5.84 MMT last year, while domestic sales grew to 12.11 MMT and exports to 0.59 MMT. The board also declared a 10.50 per share dividend, with August 14, 2025 set as the record date. Full story by Saloni Goel.

Paytms parent, One 97 Communications, reported a Q4 FY25 consolidated loss of 539.8 crore, nearly flat YoY, with exceptional costs of 522 crore. Excluding these, the loss narrowed to 23 crore. The company faced a one-time, non-cash ESOP expense of 492 crore, which will significantly reduce ESOP costs from Q1 FY26. Revenue dropped 15.7% YoY to 1,911.5 crore, though financial services and UPI incentives offered some support. EBITDA before ESOP stood at 81 crore, down 21% YoY but up 121 crore QoQ. Net payment margin, including the UPI incentive, rose to 578 crore. Read the full report by Nishant Kumar.

Coal India posted a 12% YoY rise in Q4FY25 consolidated net profit at 9,604 crore, though its full-year profit slipped 5.5% to 35,358 crore. Revenue from operations fell 1% YoY to 37,825 crore in Q4 and 1.43 lakh crore for the full year. EBITDA rose 3.5% to 11,790 crore, with margins expanding to 31.2%. Raw coal production dipped 1.7% YoY in Q4 but edged up nearly 1% for FY25. The board also recommended a final dividend of 5.15 per share, pending shareholder approval. Read the full report by Nishant Kumar.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) reported a strong 51.7% YoY jump in Q4 FY25 net profit at 4,567 crore, with operating profit rising 5.6% to 6,776 crore. While net interest income edged up 3.8% YoY to 10,757 crore, it dipped slightly QoQ. Asset quality improved significantly  GNPA fell to 3.95% from 5.73%, and NNPA dropped to 0.40%. The bank also declared a 2.90 per share dividend and announced plans to raise 8,000 crore via Basel III-compliant bonds in FY26. Global deposits and advances grew 14% and 13.56% YoY. Full report by Saloni Goel.

MRF

MRF, one of Indias most expensive stocks, declared a 2290% final dividend of 229 per share for FY25, bringing the total dividend for the year to 235 per share. The tyre giant posted a 31% YoY rise in Q4 FY25 standalone profit at 497.85 crore, with a sharp 62% jump sequentially. Revenue from operations rose 11.7% YoY to 6,943.84 crore but stayed flat QoQ. The company, however, has yet to announce the record date for the dividend. Full report by Saloni Goel.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories

Dr Reddys Laboratories reported a strong Q4FY25 performance with a 22% YoY rise in net profit to 1,594 crore, beating estimates. Revenue surged 20% YoY to 8,506 crore, including 597 crore from the acquired Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) business; excluding NRT, growth stood at 12%. Global Generics revenue rose to 7,536 crore, while EBITDA jumped nearly 59% to 2,975 crore, with margins expanding to 29.1%. For FY25, revenue grew 17% to 32,553 crore, and PAT rose 2% to 5,654 crore. The company announced a final dividend of 8 per share, with a record date of July 10, 2025. Full report by A Ksheerasagar.

Swiggy

Swiggy reported a consolidated loss of 1,081 crore in Q4FY25, nearly double the 555 crore loss in the same period last year, even as revenue from operations rose 45% YoY to 4,410 crore. Food delivery gross order value (GOV) grew 17.6% to 7,347 crore, supported by innovations like Bolt and One BLCK. Instamarts GOV surged 101% YoY to 4,670 crore, aided by a 13.3% rise in average order value and the addition of 316 new dark stores. Monthly transacting users jumped 40% QoQ to 9.8 million, though contribution margin slipped to -5.6%. Adjusted EBITDA loss widened to 840 crore amid continued growth investments. Read the full story by Nishant Kumar.

Bank of India

Bank of India reported an 82.5% YoY jump in Q4FY25 net profit to 2,626 crore, with operating profit rising 37% to 4,885 crore. Net interest income grew marginally by 2.14% to 6,063 crore, while domestic NIM declined 39 bps YoY to 2.91%. Domestic advances rose 14.45% to 5.63 lakh crore. For FY25, net profit surged 46% YoY to 9,219 crore, and GNPA improved to 3.27%, with PCR rising to 92.39%. The bank declared a 4.05 dividend per share, with a record date of June 20 and AGM scheduled for June 27, 2025. Full story by Nishant Kumar.

Tata Steel

Tata Steels Q4 performance was hit by weak domestic steel prices and continued losses in its European operations, dragging standalone profit down 19% to 3,141 crore. However, consolidated net profit more than doubled to 1,201 crore, aided by steady Indian operations. Revenue fell 4% YoY to 56,218 crore while Ebitda stayed flat. The company announced a dividend of 3.6 per share and plans to invest $2.5 billion in its Singapore unit in FY26. Despite Ebitda losses in the UK, the Netherlands operations returned to profit. Full report by Nehal Chaliawala, Anubhav Mukherjee.

SRF

SRF posted a strong Q4FY25 performance, with consolidated net profit rising 24.5% YoY to 526 crore and revenue climbing 21% to 4,313 crore. Sequentially, profit nearly doubled from 271 crore in Q3. The Chemicals Business led the growth with a 50% surge in operating profit and 30% rise in revenue, while the Fluorochemicals segment saw record refrigerant gas sales. For FY25, the company reported 12% revenue growth and stable annual profit at 1,251 crore. CMD Ashish Bharat Ram acknowledged seasonal tailwinds but flagged caution amid global economic volatility. Read the full report by Pranati Deva.

UPL

UPL Ltd reported a sharp jump in Q4FY25 consolidated net profit at 896 crore, surging over 2,100% from 40 crore in the year-ago quarter. Revenue rose 10.6% YoY to 15,573 crore, while EBITDA grew 68% to 3,240 crore, with margins expanding to 20.8%. For FY25, the company posted a net profit of 900 crore, reversing a 1,200 crore loss in FY24, and recorded 8% revenue growth to 46,640 crore. EBITDA for the year rose 47% to 8,120 crore. UPL also reduced its net debt by 8,320 crore and declared a 6 per share dividend. Read the full story by Saloni Goel.

PVR Inox

PVR Inox narrowed its Q4FY25 net loss to 125 crore from 129.5 crore YoY, though it slipped from a 35.9 crore profit in the previous quarter. Revenue dipped slightly by 0.5% YoY to 1,249.8 crore, while EBITDA rose 1.5% to 283.3 crore with improved margins at 22.7%. Full-year FY25 revenue fell to 5,779.9 crore, and net loss widened to 279.6 crore due to a weak box office, especially in Bollywood and Hollywood. Despite this, PVR Inox cut its net debt by 478 crore post-merger and remains optimistic for FY26, banking on a stronger content pipeline. Full story by Ankit Gohel.

Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel reported a fivefold jump in Q4 profit to 11,022 crore, aided by a one-time deferred tax gain of 5,913 crore, despite flat ARPU at 245. Revenue rose 27.3% YoY to 47,876 crore, driven by strong India mobile services and Africa performance. Airtels India business grew 28.8% YoY, but Airtel Business revenue fell 2.7% as the company exited low-margin wholesale segments. The telco added 18.2 million users in Q4, with mobile data usage up 21.2% YoY to 21 billion GB. Meanwhile, Airtel prepaid 5,985 crore in high-cost spectrum dues, raised capex to 14,401 crore, and saw net debt rise to 2.04 trillion. Read the full report by Jatin Grover.

Tata Motors

Tata Motors reported an 11% drop in FY25 net profit to 28,100 crore due to margin pressure at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and the absence of a one-time tax gain that had boosted last years results. Annual revenue grew just 1.3% to 4.39 trillion, while Q4 profit halved to 8,600 crore. JLRs margins were hit by higher discounts, with its Ebitda margin falling 160 bps to 14.3%. Global sales fell 3%, and Tata Motors withheld guidance for JLR amid trade uncertainty and Trump-era tariffs. On the domestic front, both passenger and commercial vehicle segments saw a decline in revenue. Full report by Ayaan Kartik.

Cipla

Cipla reported a 30% YoY rise in Q4FY25 net profit to 1,221.84 crore, with revenue up 8.5% to 6,597.72 crore. EBITDA rose 17% to 1,538 crore, and margins improved to 22.8%. For FY25, profit grew 28% to 5,273 crore and revenue rose 8% to 27,548 crore, supported by strong US, Africa, and Europe performance. The US business posted record annual revenue of $934 million, while the One-India business grew 7% YoY. Cipla declared a total dividend of 16 per share, including a 3 special dividend to mark its 90th anniversary. Full report by Nishant Kumar.

Gail (India)

GAIL India reported a marginal 1% YoY rise in consolidated net profit to 2,505.61 crore for Q4FY25, despite an 11.3% increase in revenue to 36,551.15 crore. The Natural Gas Marketing segment, contributing over 80% to revenues, saw a slight dip in EBIT, while the petrochemical segment swung to a loss of 134.10 crore due to weak oil and LPG prices. The company declared a final dividend of 1 per share, subject to shareholder approval. Read the full report by Ujjval Jauhari.

Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp posted a strong FY25 performance with a 9% rise in revenue to 40,756 crore and a 16% jump in net profit to 4,610 crore, driven by higher exports and strong demand for premium motorcycles. The company sold 5.9 million two-wheelers, while exports surged 44% and EV sales under the Vida brand grew 175%, boosting EV market share to 4.2%. Q4 revenue rose 4% YoY to 9,939 crore, with net profit up 6% at 1,081 crore. Despite this, analysts remain cautious due to weak traction in premium ICE bikes. Read the full report by Ayaan Kartik.

Hindustan Aeronautics

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) reported a 7.71% YoY drop in consolidated net profit to 3,976.66 crore for Q4FY24, with revenue falling 7.24% to 13,699.85 crore. Standalone profit also declined nearly 8% to 3,958.25 crore, while EBITDA slipped 10% and margins narrowed to 38.6%. However, for FY25, HAL posted a 9.75% rise in annual profit to 8,364.13 crore, with revenue up 2% at 30,980.95 crore. Total assets surged to 1.06 lakh crore. The board had declared an interim dividend of 25 per share in February. Read full report by Nishant Kumar.

Eicher Motors

Eicher Motors reported a strong Q4FY25 performance with a 27.3% YoY jump in consolidated net profit to 1,362 crore, surpassing estimates on the back of higher exports and sales of bikes above 350cc. Revenue grew 23.1% YoY to 5,241 crore, while EBITDA rose 11.4% to 1,258 crore, though margins slipped to 24%. Royal Enfield crossed 1 million annual sales for the first time in FY25, driving full-year revenue to 18,870 crore and profit to 4,734 crore. Export volumes surged nearly 30%. The board recommended a 70 per share dividend for FY25. Read full report by A Ksheerasagar.

The Tata Power Company

Tata Power reported an 8% YoY rise in consolidated net profit to 1,042.83 crore for Q4FY25, with revenue climbing nearly 8% to 17,095.88 crore. EBITDA rose 14% YoY to 3,829 crore, driven by strong performance in generation, transmission, and renewables. FY25 was a landmark year, with PAT crossing 5,000 crore and over 1 GW of renewable capacity added. The companys rooftop solar installations exceeded 1.5 lakh, and the Odisha Discoms PAT tripled in Q4. Tata Power also announced a final dividend of 2.25 per share for FY25. Read full report by Dhanya Nagasundaram.

Shree Cements

Shree Cement reported a standalone net profit of 556 crore for Q4FY25, down 16% YoY, even as revenue rose 3.3% to 5,240.15 crore. EBITDA grew 4.1% YoY to 1,381 crore, with margins improving slightly to 26.36%. The company declared a final dividend of 60 per share, in addition to the 50 interim dividend announced earlier. Cement and clinker sales hit a record 9.84 million tonnes in the March quarter. Management remains optimistic about future demand and aims to drive growth through premiumization and cost optimization. Read full report by Vaamanaa Sethi.

Page Industries

Page Industries, the licensee of Jockey and Speedo in India, posted a strong 52% YoY rise in Q4FY25 net profit to 164 crore, driven by rising demand for athleisure wear. Revenue grew 11% YoY to 1,098 crore, while EBITDA surged 43.2% to 235.2 crore. The company attributed the growth to efficient supply chain management, innovation, and enhanced consumer experience. It also declared a 200 per share fourth interim dividend for FY25, with a record date of May 21. Read the full story by Saloni Goel.

Cochin Shipyard

Cochin Shipyard reported a 27% YoY rise in consolidated net profit to 287.18 crore for Q4FY25, while revenue from operations jumped 36.7% to 1,757.65 crore. However, EBITDA fell 7.6% to 266 crore, and margins contracted sharply by 730 basis points to 15.10%. Despite the profit rise, operating profitability was impacted. The board has proposed a final dividend of 2.25 per share for FY25, subject to shareholder approval. Read the full story by Dhanya Nagasundaram.

ITC Hotels

ITC Hotels reported a strong March 2025 quarter, with standalone net profit rising 16% QoQ to 264 crore and 44% YoY. Total income grew 7% QoQ to 1,016.66 crore, while consolidated profit stood at 257 crore, up 20% YoY. For FY25, revenue surged 60% YoY to 3,559 crore, and net profit jumped 50% to 637.6 crore. The company approved a 328 crore capex for a new Visakhapatnam hotel and plans major expansions in Colombo, Puri, and Bhubaneswar by FY28. Read the full story by Pranati Deva.

Hyundai Motor India

Hyundai Motor India reported a 4% year-on-year decline in its Q4 FY25 consolidated net profit at 1,614 crore due to lower domestic sales. Total revenue rose marginally to 17,940 crore, with domestic sales dipping to 1,53,550 units, while exports grew to 38,100 units. For FY25, the automaker posted a 7% drop in profit at 5,640 crore, even as revenue stayed nearly flat at 69,193 crore. Full-year domestic sales declined to 5,98,666 units, while exports remained steady at 1,63,386 units. The companys board has recommended a final dividend of 21 per share. Hyundai has earmarked 7,000 crore in capex for FY26 and plans to launch 26 new models, including six EVs, between FY26 and FY30. Read the full report here.

Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL)

BHEL reported a 3% year-on-year rise in net profit at 504.45 crore for Q4FY25, while sequentially, profit jumped 273% from 135 crore in the December quarter. Revenue from operations rose 9% YoY to 8,993 crore and 23.5% QoQ. The power segment saw marginal growth with revenue at 6,192 crore, while the industry segment posted a strong 34% YoY rise to 2,801 crore. The company declared a final dividend of 0.50 per share for FY25. Read the full report by Pranati Deva.

Power Grid Corporation of India

Power Grid Corporation of India reported a marginal 0.56% drop in net profit to 4,143 crore for Q4 FY25, compared to 4,166 crore in the same period last year. Revenue from operations rose 2.4% YoY to 12,275 crore, while total expenses surged 6.8% to 7,550 crore. Despite the dip in profit, the PSU giant declared a final dividend of 1.25 per share for FY25, subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming AGM. This will mark the fourth dividend issue by the company in the fiscal year. Read the full report by Anubhav Mukherjee.

Hindalco Industries

Hindalco Industries reported a 66% year-on-year rise in consolidated net profit for Q4FY25 at 5,283 crore, with revenue up 16% to 64,890 crore. EBITDA grew 43% to 10,296 crore, driven by strong Indian operations and lower input costs. Novelis also posted solid results amid high demand for beverage packaging. The aluminium division saw a sharp rise in upstream and downstream EBITDA, though copper segment EBITDA dropped 21%. The company reduced its net debt to 35,332 crore and approved the acquisition of EMMRL to strengthen upstream resources. A 5 dividend per share has been proposed for FY25. Read the full report by Dhanya Nagasundaram.

IndusInd Bank

IndusInd Bank reported a consolidated net loss of 2,328.9 crore in Q4FY25, reversing a profit of 2,349.15 crore a year ago, due to higher provisioning and lower income. Provisions surged to 2,522 crore in Q4, and interest income fell 13% YoY to 10,634 crore. The bank faced serious accounting lapses and fraud in its microfinance and derivative portfolios, prompting internal audits, a forensic probe, and top-level resignations. Annual net profit plunged 71% to 2,576 crore in FY25, with provisioning rising to 7,136 crore. PwC's review pegged a 1,979 crore hit to net worth, and 595 crore of unsubstantiated balances" were found in the balance sheet. Read the full report here.

ONGC

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) reported a 20% year-on-year (YoY) decline in net profit to 8,856 crore for Q4 FY25, compared to 11,096 crore in the same period last year. Revenue from operations fell slightly by 0.76% to 1,70,812 crore, primarily due to a 3.2% drop in revenue from its refining and oil marketing arm. ONGC also announced a final dividend of 1.25 per share for FY25, subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming AGM. The company has not yet declared the record date for the dividend. Read the full report by Anubhav Mukherjee.

Rail Vikas Nigam

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) reported a 4% year-on-year decline in net profit to 459 crore for Q4FY25, compared to 478 crore in the same period last year. Revenue from core operations also dipped 4.2% to 6,427 crore, while total expenses fell 4.5% to 6,120 crore. Despite the dip, RVNL's board recommended a final dividend of 1.72 per share for FY25, subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming AGM. The dividend will be paid within 30 days of its declaration. Read the full report by Anubhav Mukherjee.

Indigo

IndiGo reported a strong 61.89% year-on-year rise in consolidated net profit to 3,067.5 crore for Q4FY25, driven by record passenger volumes and operational efficiency. Revenue from operations rose 24.3% YoY to 22,151.9 crore, while EBITDAR jumped 57.5% to 6,948.2 crore with a margin of 31.4%. Passenger and ancillary revenues increased over 25% each, and the load factor improved to 87.4%. The airlines total cash balance stood at 48,170.5 crore as of March 31. IndiGo also announced a final dividend of 10 per share, with August 13 set as the record date. Read the full report by Nishant Kumar.

NTPC Green Energy

NTPC Green Energy posted a strong Q4FY25 performance, with net profit surging 188% YoY to 233.21 crore and rising 255% sequentially. Revenue from operations grew 22.4% YoY to 622.27 crore, while EBITDA jumped 28.4% to 560.27 crore. For FY25, annual profit rose 39% to 475.5 crore and revenue increased 12.5% to 2,209.6 crore. The company also successfully launched its 10,000 crore IPO, issuing 92.63 crore shares at 108 apiece and listing on the NSE and BSE on November 27, 2024. Read the full report by Pranati Deva.

Power Finance Corporation

Power Finance Corporation (PFC) posted a 10.6% year-on-year rise in consolidated net profit to 8,358 crore for Q4FY25, compared to 7,556.4 crore a year ago. Its net interest income (NII) surged 41% YoY to 12,681 crore. The board also recommended a final dividend of 2.05 per share for FY25, in addition to interim dividends totaling 13.75 per share already paid during the year. The record date for the final dividend is set as June 13, 2025. The dividend will be paid within 30 days of shareholder approval at the upcoming AGM. Read the full report by Ankit Gohel.

ITC

ITC Ltd reported a strong Q4FY25 performance, with consolidated net profit at 19,807 crore, boosted by a one-time gain of 15,145 crore from the demerger of its hotel business. Excluding this, adjusted profit stood at 4,662 crore, lower than last years 5,190 crore. Revenue rose 10% YoY to 20,376 crore, driven by solid growth in FMCG and agri business segments. Cigarette revenue increased to 9,229 crore, while FMCG-Others contributed 5,503 crore. ITC also declared a final dividend of 7.85 per share, bringing the total FY25 dividend to 14.35 per share. The record date is set for May 28, 2025. Read the full report by A Ksheerasagar.

Sun Pharma

Sun Pharma reported a 19% YoY decline in Q4FY25 net profit to 2,154 crore, despite an 8% rise in revenue to 12,959 crore. EBITDA rose 22% to 3,716 crore, with margins improving to 28.7%. India formulation sales jumped 13.6% to 4,213 crore, while US sales slipped 2.5% YoY to $464 million. Global specialty sales rose 8.6% to $295 million, making up nearly 20% of total sales. The company spent 817 crore on R&D and announced a final dividend of 5.50 per share, bringing the total FY25 dividend to 16. Read the full story by Nishant Kumar.

Grasim

Grasim Industries reported a net loss of 288 crore in Q4FY25, narrowing from 441 crore a year ago, while revenue rose 31.9% YoY to 8,926 crore. EBITDA, however, fell 58% YoY to 221 crore, missing estimates. The company announced a 10 dividend per share, subject to shareholder approval. It also secured its lowest-cost local-currency bond since 2020 to raise 1,000 crore. Standalone expenses surged 40% YoY to 9,407 crore due to continued investment in its decorative paints brand, Birla Opus, which saw high single-digit growth in FY25. Read the full report here.

JSW Steel

JSW Steel Q4 profit rises 13.5% YoY to 1,501 crore despite an exceptional charge of 44 crore. Revenue fell 3.1% YoY to 44,819 crore, but higher steel sales and lower coking coal costs lifted EBITDA to 6,378 crore with a 14.2% margin. Crude steel output rose 12% YoY, while sales hit 7.49 million tonnes, driven by strong domestic demand. Subsidiaries like BPSL and JSW Coated also reported solid performances. The board recommended a 2.80/share dividend and approved plans to raise 14,000 crore through NCDs and equity/convertible securities to fuel growth. Read the full report by Saloni Goel.

Ashok Leyland

Ashok Leyland reported its highest-ever quarterly and annual revenue, EBITDA, and net profit in Q4FY25. Consolidated Q4 profit surged 38.4% YoY to 1,246 crore, aided by deferred tax credits and margin improvement, while revenue hit a record 11,906 crore. Full-year FY25 revenue stood at 38,753 crore, with net profit up 26% YoY at 3,303 crore. The company also declared a 1:1 bonus share issue and highlighted its strong performance over the last three years, backed by innovation and global expansion. Read the full report by A Ksheerasagar.

NTPC

NTPC reported a 4% YoY rise in consolidated Q4FY25 net profit at 5,788 crore, supported by increased generation revenue. Revenue grew to 51,085 crore, while annual net profit rose to 23,953 crore in FY25. The board recommended a final dividend of 3.35/share, taking the total dividend to 8.35/share for the year. NTPC added 3,972 MW capacity in FY25 and plans a major nuclear push with 30 GW targeted by 2070. It also holds 21,240 MW in pumped storage projects and continues to scale its green energy through NTPC Green Energy Ltd. Read the full report here.
Volkswagen AGs earnings dropped by 40% in the first quarter as higher manufacturing costs cut into margins and US tariffs clouded the German carmakers outlook.

Earnings before tax came in at 3.1 billion in the three months through March, down from 5.1 billion a year earlier, the company said Wednesday. Group operating margin fell to 3.7% from 6%.

Volkswagen has seen profitability drop as it confronts rising costs and excess capacity at European factories, as well as weaker demand in China, a key market. Meanwhile, purchases of electric vehicles in Europe and the US have been uneven, and President Donald Trumps tariffs are threatening to hurt profits further.

While Volkswagen left its outlook for 2025 unchanged, it said its forecast of up to 5% sales growth didnt factor in the impact of US tariffs. The company, however, said it now expects an operating return on sales at the lower end of its 5.5% to 6.5% targeted range.

European carmakers have struggled to assess the full impact of US tariffs as the Trump administration continues to change its position with caveats, exemptions and delays. Most recently, Trump signed an directives on Tuesday to lift some duties on foreign parts and prevent multiple levies from stacking on top of each other. The move could reduce the total tariffs imposed on VW models made in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Puebla, Mexico, and on Audi and Porsche vehicles shipped in from Europe.

Porsche AG, Volkswagens luxury sports-car brand, cut its profit outlook this week, citing the impact of tariffs and weaker-than-expected sales of EVs. But uncertainty around the tariffs has led other carmakers, including Mercedes-Benz Group, Volvo Car and General Motors, to scrap their forecasts outright.

Volkswagen had pre-released its quarterly earnings earlier this month, noting that operating profit had been hit by about 1.1 billion in special items. Some 300 million of the charges were attributed to diesel issues and US tariff impact on cars shipped in March.

The German company on Wednesday said European demand for its new models has been strong, with its order backlog rising to nearly 1 million units in the first quarter.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
New Delhi: State-run Indian Oil Corp. Ltd (IOCL) has signed a term contract with commodities trading major Trafigura for supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for a five-year period, said Arvinder Singh Sahney, the chairman and managing director (CMD) of Indian Oil.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, the CMD said that the deal is valued around $1.3-1.4 billion and pricing of the LNG would be based on the US Henry Hub benchmark price. Supplies are likely to begin the second half of this year.

Also Read | IOC, HPCL and BPCL consortium in talks with Equinor to secure LPG contract

"We are looking at (supplies of) around 2.5 million tonnes (mt), 27 cargoes spread over 5 years starting from H2 of this year at around $1.3-1.4 billion," he said.

The deal comes at a time when India is looking at securing long term contracts to ensure energy security. Among other sources in its portfolio, Trafigura sources LNG through a long-term agreement with US-based Cheniere Energy. India already is looking at enhancing its energy supplies from the US and talks on the bilateral trade agreement are already underway. India currently imports about 45% of its annual LNG requirement.

In the last financial year, Russian crude accounted for 22% of the crude purchased by the company, down from 30% in FY24.

This was not due to sanctions since sanctions have come only in January 2025. The crude we are buying is totally on a commercial basis. This was a purely commercial decision, the CMD said.

Russia has emerged as the top supplier of oil to India since FY22. However, amid the recent sanctions on vessels carrying Russian oil and some producers, the supplies have been impacted.

On Wednesday, the state-run oil marketing and refining major reported a 52.47% growth year-on-year growth in its consolidated net profit for the quarter-ended March at 8,367.63 crore.

Its consolidated net profit for FY25, however, fell 68% to 13,788.83 crore, from 43,161.15 crore in the previous fiscal. Its annual total income for the last fiscal fell 2.5% to 8.62 trillion.

The fall in profits can be attributed to lower refining margins and higher expenses. The gross refining margin for FY25 was $4.80 per barrel (bbl) down from $12.05/bbl in FY24

Sahney said that domestic sales of the company for FY25 was 95.375 mt as against 92.311 mt in the previous financial year. Total sales volume including exports is 100.292 mt as against 97.551 mt registering a growth of 3%.
(Bloomberg) -- ArcelorMittal SA said government support for domestic steelmakers in the US and Europe is boosting prices, but warned of potential disruptions from global trade uncertainty.

That could lead to lower steel demand than the company  the worlds biggest steelmaker outside China  guided for in February, ArcelorMittal said in a statement on Wednesday.

Looking ahead, a measure of caution about the short-term outlook is appropriate, Chief Executive Officer Aditya Mittal said in the statement. Heightened uncertainty around the terms of global trade is hurting business confidence and risks causing further economic disruption if not quickly resolved.

A wave of cheap supplies from China has pushed down prices in recent years, although theyve rallied back somewhat in the first quarter, as the country pledges to cut production.

Its unclear whether the expanding trade war will ultimately benefit or harm the business. ArcelorMittal has significant material flows from its Canada and Mexico operations into the US, where steel imports are now subject to a 25% tariff, although higher prices may offset this. Tougher safeguards in Europe and India could also potentially boost earnings in those regions.

Earlier this month, the European Union said it would delay for 90 days the implementation of its counter tariffs against the US in response to the levies imposed its steel and aluminum exports. However, the bloc cautioned the measures will snap into place if negotiations dont yield satisfactory results.

The steelmakers earnings came in slightly above analyst expectations, helped by a strong performance by its iron ore mining operation.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- President Donald Trumps tariffs prompted several of Europes largest automakers to scrap financial guidance, underlining the extent of the chaos unleashed by his fast-changing trade tactics.

Jeep owner Stellantis NV and Germanys Mercedes-Benz Group AG on Wednesday withdrew their forecasts for this year citing the duties, which are upending supply chains and driving up the prices of cars around the world. Volkswagen AG left its outlook largely unchanged but warned it didnt factor in the impact of the levies.

The volatility sparked by the duties is too high to reliably assess business development this year, Mercedes said. The luxury-car maker warned that operating earnings, cash flow and margins would be hit if the current trade hurdles persist.

European carmakers have struggled to tally the impact of the tariffs as the Trump administration continues to change its position, following up initial threats of tough new levies with caveats, exemptions and delays.

The president signed directives on Tuesday to lift some duties on foreign parts and prevent multiple levies from stacking on top of each other. While the move is expected to ease the burden, major questions  including whether the US will reach a trade deal with China  remain unanswered.

Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings Plc on Wednesday announced plans to limit shipments of its luxury cars to the US and use up existing stock held by its dealers there to soften the tariff blow.

Shares of Mercedes, Volkswagen and Aston Martin declined in early Wednesday trading. Stellantis rose as much as 1.4% in Milan.

Mercedes, which operates a factory in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is considering shifting another vehicle model to the US to counter the duties. The company currently ships Europe-made vehicles to North America while also producing cars in the US that are sold locally and exported to markets including China.

The trade hurdles add to problems the industry faces including muted demand in Europe, high production costs and rising competition in China, where local carmakers led by BYD Co. are taking over.

Earlier this week, Porsche AG  one of the carmakers most exposed because it doesnt have a factory in the US  lowered its profit outlook and warned its unable to estimate any tariff impacts from June. Volvo Car AB pulled its guidance and announced plans to slash costs by nearly $2 billion amid the duties and uneven demand for electric vehicles.

--With assistance from Monica Raymunt and Jamie Nimmo.

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Hexa Climate Solutions Pvt. Ltd, a I Squared Capital portfolio company, has acquired the renewable energy development portfolio of Finland-based Fortum in India.

Under the terms of the transaction, Hexa Climate Solutions has acquired a 100% stake in Fortum India Pvt. Ltd (FIPL), including its 40-member team, its 206MW commercial and industrial (C&I) renewable energy portfolio and approximately 600MW of ready-to-build renewable projects.

Also Read: Gensol won many PSU contracts. Here's what happens to them Hexa Climate Solutions, backed by I Squared Capital, plans to invest approximately $500 million to scale its renewable energy, water, and carbon platforms in India and other emerging markets, said a statement from Hexa.

It said that the transaction is in line with Fortum's strategy announced in 2024, when the company divested its ownership in the 185MW Indian solar portfolio to limit its exposure in the country and evaluate alternatives for an exit from the Indian market. Fortum's core operations and main geographical focus are in the Nordics.

The acquisition of Fortum India marks a significant step in Hexa Climate Solutions' mission to accelerate the clean energy transition across emerging markets. With this acquisition, Hexa Climate reinforces its strong 2.5 GW development pipeline and strengthens its position as a leading climate-focused platform, said Sanjeev Aggarwal, founder and executive chairman, Hexa Climate Solutions.

Also Read: Should you bet on Tata Powers bold green energy push? Noting that India has been an important part of Fortum's international journey, Peter Strannegard, executive vice president, renewables and decarbonisation at Fortum, said: "We are pleased that the Fortum India team and platform have found a new home with Hexa Climate Solutions, a committed renewable energy player."

On 25 April, Mint reported that Finland's state-run energy utility Fortum Oyj is exiting India's renewable energy market by selling its platform FIPL to New York-based I Squared Capital-backed Hexa Climate Solutions.
(Bloomberg) -- Italian drugmaker Recordati SpA is on the lookout for acquisitions, saying market volatility and the impact of tariffs have created the potential for cheaper buyouts.

Recordati, which is backed by private equity firm CVC Capital Partners, has a very high appetite for deals, Chief Executive Officer Robert Koremans said in an interview after reporting preliminary quarterly results. He sees opportunities in the US, where some biotech firms may face cash strains.

It would be logical to see a little bit more pressure coming on smaller companies in the US, Koremans said. This could be a source for some really good acquisitions, he said.

US President Donald Trumps tariff plans have sewn uncertainty across the global pharmaceutical industry, raising costs and potentially disrupting access to critical supplies. Milan-based Recordati also has exposure, but on balance Koremans sees the tumult creating opportunities.

Our strategy hasnt changed and the outlook is still very attractive, he said. If anything, the volatility helps us probably on the business development side.

Recordati, seen as an acquisition candidate as recently as last year, is prioritizing targets working on rare diseases and its specialty primary-care segments of cardiovascular health, urology, and gastroenterology, Koremans said.

The company could pursue larger deals than its 750 million ($854 million) acquisition of EUSA Pharma in 2022, but remains focused on niche products with 200 million to 400 million peak sales potential, Koremans said.

While Koremans declined to provide specifics about the potential impact of US tariffs, he said hes considering moving some production to the US. Recordati currently has no manufacturing plants in the US, which accounted for 17% of revenue last year.

Any production move would depend on evaluations of logistics and supply chain efficiency, he added.

Growth Plans

Acquisitions and strong demand for Recordatis rare-disease treatments are expected to fuel growth in coming years.

The company has set a goal of raising net revenue by about one-third to as high as 3.2 billion ($3.7 billion) by 2027, with earnings of at least 1.14 billion before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, it said in a statement Monday after markets closed.

First-quarter revenue came in at 680 million, based on preliminary figures, ahead of the average analyst estimate. Final results for the period are set to be published on May 8.

Recordati shares rose as much as 1.7% Tuesday morning in Milan and theyre roughly flat over the past 12 months.

CVC, which bought about 52% of Recordati in 2018 from the founding family, has trimmed its stake to about 47% in February. Bloomberg News reported last year that the private equity firm was exploring options for its stake, including interest from Italian peer Angelini Pharma SpA.

A tie-up with a European peer isnt attractive because Recordati has the scale, the cash and the portfolio it needs, Koremans said.

I understand that Angelini wanted to acquire us, that we are a very attractive company, but there is no ongoing discussion with either CVC and Angelini or Recordati and Angelini, Koremans said.

(Updates with shares.)

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(Bloomberg) -- Meta Platforms Inc. posted first-quarter sales that beat Wall Street estimates, a sign that the companys advertising business is so far weathering the Trump administrations ongoing trade war.

Sales were $42.3 billion in the first quarter, the maker of Facebook and Instagram said Wednesday. That beat analysts estimates for $41.4 billion for the quarter ended March 31. The company also said current-quarter revenue will be in line with analysts expectations, and that it will boost spending as it continues to invest in artificial intelligence.

Were well positioned to navigate the macroeconomic uncertainty, Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg told investors on the companys earnings call.

Meta needs its advertising business, which makes up 98% of the companys revenue, to continue growing in order to fund an expensive expansion in artificial intelligence. So far, AI is helping improve ad targeting and personalization of the content people see on social networks. Meta is also investing heavily to keep pace with rivals like OpenAI and Alphabet Inc.s Google in developing large language models and chatbots.

Meta now expects to spend $64 billion to $72 billion, up from its prior outlook of $60 billion to $65 billion. The company said the updated forecast reflects additional data center investments to support our artificial intelligence efforts as well as an increase in the expected cost of infrastructure hardware.

Meta shares rose more than 6% in after-hours trading, after closing at $549. Shares of companies that make gear used in AI computing, including Nvidia Corp., also rallied after markets closed in New York. Meta stock was down more than 6% year-to-date before the company reported earnings, but has still performed better than most of Americas biggest technology companies amid a market selloff spurred by the Trump administrations trade war and increased tariffs.

While many companies have not been providing forward guidance amid tariff concerns and an uncertain macro environment, Meta did  a bullish sign, said Andrew Rocco, a stock strategist at Zacks Investment Research. Rocco pointed not just to the companys second-quarter forecast, but also to the increase in the companys expected capital expenditures, which he said was a positive look for the broader AI sector.

Meta reported first-quarter earnings per share of $6.43, up 37% from a year prior and surpassing the average analyst estimate of $5.25.

In January, Zuckerberg signaled heavy AI investment ahead, saying the company would ultimately spend hundreds of billions of dollars on the technology. Those plans appear to be on track despite global economic turmoil, and even as Chinese AI companies figure out how to do more with less. Earlier this year, a Chinese company called DeepSeek released a competitive model that it said used cheaper and less powerful chips.

Metas quarterly results come a day after the company hosted its inaugural LlamaCon conference, which was focused on its AI development efforts. The company unveiled a new standalone AI app, called Meta AI, which it hopes will compete with rivals like OpenAIs ChatGPT and give users an easier way to access the product without turning to Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp. Chief Product Officer Chris Cox said that the companys Llama models have been downloaded about 1.2 billion times.

(Updates with CEO quote in the third paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Mumbai/New Delhi:India's payments authority, the central bank, and industry are pushing the government to allow a fee on digital payments to large merchants made via its homegrown network to help boost growth, five sources told Reuters.

The charge, known as Merchant Discount Rate (MDR), is considered crucial to boosting investment for payments firms, and reviving slowing growth in payments made via the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), India's own network, the sources said.

A rate of between 0.2% to 0.3% of the value of each transaction has been suggested, the sources said, which would still be lower than the charges attached to credit and debit card payments.

The MDR is usually borne by the merchants, an industry executive said, so will not be passed on to customers.

Also Read | UPI transactions to get faster with lower response time from June 16

Two of the sources said a final decision on the fee would be made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office, but the federal finance ministry supports its implementation.

All the sources requested anonymity because the discussions are private.

The Prime Minister's office, the Reserve Bank of India, the finance ministry and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

Cashless Modi has sought to reduce the use of cash locally to encourage transparency and formalisation of the economy, including through a controversial 2016 decision to demonetise large value notes.

That and the COVID-19 pandemic both helped increase the popularity of digital payments in India.

Over the last five years, the average monthly volume of UPI transactions has jumped from about 1.6 billion to over 17 billion currently, according to NPCI data.

Last month, Indians made payments worth 24.7 trillion rupees ($289.65 billion) through the UPI network in March, more than a quarter of which went to merchants.

But the growth rate of UPI payments has slowed, with the value of monthly transactions growing by an average of about 25% in 2025, down from 35% last year.

Walmart-backed PhonePe and Alphabet's GooglePay currently dominate UPI payments in India, and have previously called for the MDR to be levied on merchant payments. Both firms did not respond to emails seeking comment for the story.

Also Read | Payments from public sector cos to govt likely to cross 80,000 cr in FY26

The Payments Council of India (PCI), a lobbying body, has requested the prime minister's office to advocate for a 0.3% MDR on payments to large merchants through UPI, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters.
Auto components maker Sona Comstar said on Wednesday that it can lose about 3% of its annual revenue due to business loss from the impact of Trump tariffs, becoming perhaps the first Indian company to quantify the loss from the sweeping import taxes levied by the US president.

Vivek Vikram Singh, managing director and group chief executive officer of the Gurugram-based company, revealed the estimated loss from Trump tariffs in the January-March earnings call.

There is risk of losing some business from tariffs, as customers might look to localise some parts. There is going to be impact on the overall demand as well, but there will be clarity on it in the coming months," Singh said during the call.

Also read: Volkswagen layoffs: Europes largest carmaker slashes headcount by 7,000; Net profit drops 40% in Q1 on US tariffs

In the financial year ended 31 March, the company's revenue rose 12% to 3,555 crore. Of this, about two-fifths, or 1,422 crore, came from United States market. New profit grew 16% to 601 crore.

Going by the companys estimate, the annual revenue loss would be about 106 crore.

In January-March, revenue from operations declined 2% year-on-year to 868 crore, while net profit rose 10% to 164 crore.

Interim tariff relief

However, the company got an interim relief after president Donald Trump's administration said that American auto companies will get some credits to import parts for domestically-made vehicles. This interim measure was intended to give automakers a two-year timeframe to fully localize their value chain.

Post the announcement, our position is pretty comfortable," Singh said during the call.

Also read: US GDP drops to 0.3% in Q1; Donald Trump says NOTHING TO DO WITH TARIFFS. Be Patient

On 26 March, the US had announced that all automobile imports into country, including auto parts, will face a 25% tariff to encourage local production of vehicles. As a company with a high exposure to the US, Sona Comstar's business faced severe uncertainties from Trump tariffs.

However, the company continues to put up a brave face.

Our customers are not too worried about the impact. We will have to wait and see how the situation evolves," Singh said. In our business, the relative pricing is important. With China facing higher tariffs, it is a great opportunity for us to gain market share in the United States."

Since the start of the year, Sona Comstars share price has fallen by about 20% as against a 3.6% fall in Nifty Auto.

On plans for a new facility in the US, the company said that it will wait for the dust to settle on the whole tariff issue before thinking of setting up a new plant there.

Also read: Wall Street today: Nasdaq slumps 1.9%, S&P 500 tumbles 1.4% on recession fears after weak GDP data

In April 2024, the company opened a new plant in Mexico to cater to demand in the North America region. To be sure, Mexico is so far is exempted from any additional tariffs from the United States.

The North American market is an important destination for Indian component makers, who exported about one third of their total shipments of $21.2 billion in FY24 to the region.
Negotiators from Ukraine are in Washington ironing out the final details of an agreement to develop the countrys natural resources that they hope will strengthen their economic partnership with the US, according to people familiar with the discussions.

The two sides have agreed on the main accord and were working on some technical elements in separate texts, the people said, speaking on condition of anonymity. While both sides see an agreement as close, the Ukrainians wanted to sign the overarching deal now and nail down the details later. But the US is insisting that all components must be agreed on together, one of the people said.

Our side is ready to sign, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday during a cabinet meeting at the White House. The Ukrainians decided last night to make some last-minute changes. Were sure that they will reconsider that. And we are ready to sign this afternoon, if they are.

The agreement will be signed in the near future, hopefully within 24 hours, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said earlier in an interview with Ukrainian TV, adding that Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko was on her way to Washington for the signing.

The two texts that still needed to be fully agreed on include mechanisms to make sure funds are traceable in line with international best practices, one of the people said, adding that the US side is ready to sign the existing drafts after negotiators worked into the early hours of Wednesday.

The US is committed to the quick conclusion of this vital agreement, and to securing a lasting peace in Ukraine, a Treasury spokesperson told Bloomberg News. President Trump has said that the time to get this done is now, and we are moving with all deliberate speed toward this end.

The deal, which would give the US privileged access to new investment projects to develop Ukraines natural resources  including aluminum, graphite, oil and natural gas  has been in the works since February. The Ukrainian cabinet is prepared to approve the accord, which would need to be ratified by the countrys parliament, Shmyhal said.

Under the agreement, the US and Ukraine will seek to create conditions to increase investment in mining, energy, and related technology in Ukraine, according to a draft of the document seen by Bloomberg News. Washington also acknowledges Kyivs intention that the deal avoid any conflict with its plans to join the European Union  long seen as a red line for Ukraine in the talks.

In another breakthrough, the US has agreed that only future military assistance it may provide to Ukraine would count toward its contribution to the fund, according to the document. Shmyhal, the Ukrainian prime minister, said Sunday that Washington had dropped its insistence that the deal provide for repayment of billions of dollars in aid already delivered since the start of Russias invasion.

The signing could come as President Donald Trump grows increasingly frustrated over delays in clinching a ceasefire in the war, currently into its fourth year. He has questioned whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to make progress toward a peace plan that Trump sought to deliver within the first 100 days of his new administration. Trump is confident a deal on critical minerals will be signed with Ukraine, the White House said on Tuesday.

The minerals agreement strengthens the strategic partnership between the Parties for the long-term reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine, in response to the large-scale destruction caused by Russias full-scale invasion, according to the document.

US and Ukrainian officials signed a memorandum of intent earlier in April, and continued to hash out the technical details of the deal, which would grant the US first claim on profits transferred into a special reconstruction investment fund that would be controlled by Washington.

A previous attempt to clinch the agreement fell through earlier this year after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy clashed with Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office. Zelenskiy met one-on-one with the US president at the Vatican on Saturday before the funeral of Pope Francis.

Russia intensified its attacks across Ukraines front line and several cities overnight, as the Kremlin takes a maximalist line in peace negotiations brokered by the US. While Trump envoy Steve Witkoff sought to persuade Putin that Russia should agree to a ceasefire that halts fighting along the current battle lines, the Russian leader insisted Moscow must take full control of four regions of Ukraine which it claims but doesnt fully occupy, Bloomberg News reported.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated on Tuesday that Trump was getting frustrated with the difficulty of getting both Ukraine and Russia to agree to a peace deal, but that he remains optimistic that we can get this done.

With assistance from Aliaksandr Kudrytski, Volodymyr Verbianyi, Piotr Skolimowski, Olesia Safronova and Courtney McBride.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
IndusInd Bank has shortlisted Spencer Stuart to search for a new chief executive after Sumant Kathpalia stepped down Tuesday as its managing director and CEO. The bank, which a committee of executives will run for now, is expected to finalise its new chief in a couple of months, said senior executives aware of the development.

IndusInd Banks deputy CEO Arun Khurana also resigned this week after accounting discrepancies were recently discovered in the banks derivatives portfolio.

Spencer Stuart was selected in March and the search for the new CEO should get over in the next couple of months. For good corporate governance, the bank may look at other search firms for its other senior positions or even take someone internally. But Spencer Stuart will take care of the CEO mandate," said a senior executive aware of the development.

Spencer Stuart is part of top headhunting firms popularly called SHREKthe others being Heidrick & Struggles, Russell Reynolds, Egon Zehnder, and Korn Ferry.

Egon Zehnder has been the go-to firm for hiring CEOs for private banks. HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and RBL Bank have appointed Egon Zehnder to look for chief executive candidates.

IndusInd and Spencer Stuart did not respond to Mints queries sent on Wednesday.

Besides the position of a CEO, there are other spots that are open because some of the senior executives are close to retirement. For those, the bank will look at other search firms or even an internal pipeline," said the executive quoted earlier. The new CEO could also bring in one's own set of seniors from the industry, and over the next few months, there will be changes in order in the bank."

According to another senior executive, the new CEO appointment at IndusInd Bank may take little time because top executive movements are swift. Typically, companies are quick to let go of a senior executive handling sensitive information once they submit their papers.

IndusInds committee of executives

The Reserve Bank of India has allowed the board of IndusInd Bank to constitute a committee of executives to run the bank.

The committee of executives will comprise Soumitra Sen, head of consumer banking and marketing, and chief administrative officer Anil Rao. They will oversee IndusInd Banks operations under the guidance of an oversight committee of the board.

The oversight committee will be headed by Sunil Mehta, chairman of IndusInd Banks board, and include the chairs of the banks audit committee, the compensation and nomination and remuneration committee, and the risk management committee.

The board has constituted such committee of executives to oversee the operations of the bank, under the oversight and guidance of the oversight committee of the board till a new MD & CEO of the bank assumes charge, or a period of 3 months from the date of relieving the incumbent MD & CEO, whichever is earlier," IndusInd Bank said in a notification on Wednesday.

The bank is taking all necessary steps to ensure stability and continuity of its operations while maintaining high standards of governance," it added.

On 10 March, IndusInd Bank flagged discrepancies worth about 1,530 crore in its derivatives account balances. Kathpalia had informed analysts on a call soon after the disclosure that this could have led RBI to allow him only a one-year extension instead of three.

Kathpalia, who headed IndusInd Bank for five years, said he was stepping down due to the ongoing derivatives issue. I undertake moral responsibility, given the various acts of commission/omission that have been brought to my notice," Kathpalia wrote in his resignation letter to the bank, asking to be let go from the close of working hours on Tuesday.

IndusInd Bank shares ended Wednesday nearly unchanged at 838.45 each on BSE.
Nearly six years since Sweden's Ericsson won 550 crore dues from Reliance Communications Ltd (RCom) following a Supreme Court order, the bankrupt telco's demand to return the money is coming up in court. On Thursday, the Mumbai bench of National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) will hear RCom resolution professional's petition that the Swedish company is an operational creditor, and paying it first while financial creditors wait would be a case of preferential treatment.

Once among India's leading telecom operators, RCom could not survive a brutal tariff war that began in 2016, and filed for bankruptcy in 2019. Ericsson won its dues after a court battle the same year, but the story did not end therethe RP had sought refund of the money in the same year, which Ericsson rejected.

In a court petition this week, RCom's resolution professional Anish Nanavaty of Deloitte said, "...payment to the respondent amounts to a "preference" as the said payment has the effect of putting the respondent in a beneficial position vis-a-vis the other creditors of the corporate debtor in the event of distribution being made under liquidation of the corporate debtor. The respondent here refers to Ericsson while the corporate debtor is RCom.

Ericsson is in no mood to give in.

Read more: Telcos warn of network rollout delays as states lag on infra rules

"The demand for refund is an abuse of process of law inasmuch as the settlement and undertaking was in an order passed by the Supreme Court under Article 142 of the Constitution of India," Anil Kher, senior advocate representing Ericsson told Mint. Article 142 allows the apex court to pass any order to ensure justice.

In 2019, Ericsson had asked NCLT to dismiss the petition "with exemplary costs", calling it wholly misconceived. The company had also called the petition "motivated at the instance of the members of the Committee of Creditors who are also the Financial Creditors. Nanavaty's petition this week is a rejoinder to this.

Nanavaty did not respond to emailed queries.

How it came to this In 2013, RCom and its subsidiaries Reliance Telecom and Reliance Infratel picked Ericsson to maintain their networks. The entry of Reliance Jio three years later sparked a tariff war, forcing most of the weaker players to fold up. In 2017, Ericsson took the telco and its subsidiaries to the insolvency court as dues rose to 1,500 crore. The case went from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), with the latter asking the telco to pay up by 15 December 2018. When the deadline was crossed, Ericsson filed a contempt petition against Anil Ambani, then chairman of RCom in the Supreme Court The two units were made parties to the case.

RCom was already sinking under debt of 46,000 crore, and besieged by local and foreign lenders including State Bank of India and China Development Bank. Its operational creditors included the telecom department, tower companies and equipment vendors. In early 2019, it filed for bankruptcy, and Deloitte was appointed RP.

In 2019, RCom paid 458.77 crore to the Swedish telecom equipment maker (about 118 crore was deposited earlier), clearing the outstanding dues. At that time, the former chairman, in a statement, thanked his elder brother and his wifeMukesh and Nita Ambanifor their "timely support".

However, RComs efforts to sell land, towers and spectrum to Reliance Jio and Brookfield fell through.

In the same year, a new battlefront opened up, when Deloitte moved NCLAT demanding a refund from Ericsson, calling it a preferential payment. The appellate court directed the parties to head to NCLT's Mumbai bench. This matter has been resurrected and is expected to be heard on Thursday.
Suchi Semicon, promoted by Surats Suchi Group, appears to be making slow but steady progress in the outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) space, having dispatched its first consignment within five months of starting operations.

"We have shipped our first pilot batch to a US-based client," co-founder Shetal Mehta told Mint in an interview, declining to identify the buyer.

The startup, which is awaiting approval from the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) for incentives offered by the government, hopes this milestone will open more doors."

Since starting operations in December 2024, Suchi focused on setting up machines, assembling dummy wafers and training staff.

There were no trained people available, so the first three months were about trials and building our workforce," Mehta said.

The first commercial wafer arrived at Suchi in March and following successful assembly and internal tests, the pilot shipment was dispatched in mid-April. The US client will evaluate it over two weeks, after which Suchi plans to start small-batch production and scale up gradually.

OSAT companies package and test semiconductor chips after fabrication. While chipmakers produce the silicon wafers, OSAT firms encase them in protective housing and test them, preparing them for use in smartphones and cars. Currently, Suchi handles only packaging; testing is outsourced to a partner nominated by the client, according to Mehta. The US customer represents a crucial "anchor" for Suchi.

In semiconductors, one client takes a leap of faith and that builds credibility with others," Mehta explained, adding that talks are under way with 10 potential clients in India and abroad.

Emerging hub

Mehta has his work cut out. On the positive side, geopolitical factors such as trade tensions and the push for supply chain diversification are prompting countries to invest in domestic semiconductor capabilities. As a result, regions such as India are emerging as potential hubs for semiconductor manufacturing and OSAT services.

But he has his challenges, too. For one, India has already approved three OSAT projects. Tata Electronics Private Ltd (TEPL) will invest 27,120 crore to build a facility with a production capacity of 48 million units per day in Assam, using indigenous technologies.

CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd will invest 7,584 crore to set up an OSAT facility in partnership with Renesas Electronics (US/Japan) and STARS Microelectronic (Thailand), targeting 15.07 million units per day.

Mysuru-based Kaynes Technology India Ltd (KTIL) will invest 3,307 crore in Gujarat to produce over 6.33 million chips daily with global technology partners. Foxconn, too, is reportedly planning to invest up to 424 crore in a semiconductor joint venture with HCL Group that includes an OSAT plant.

Secondly, the global OSAT market size is projected to grow to $92.2 billion by 2034 from $46.5 billion in 2025, according to Precedence Research. The Asia-Pacific OSAT market size was $26.3 billion in 2024 and is expected to increase to $56.2 billion by 2034.

However, this segment is dominated by a few large companiesASE Technology Holding (Taiwan), which holds about 50% of the market, followed by Amkor Technology (US) with about 18%, and JCET Group (China) at about 12%. Together, the top three control over 80% of the market, making it a highly consolidated industry.

Mehta remains optimistic of winning approval from the ISM to get government incentives and support under the Semicon India programme, which has an outlay of 76,000 crore for the development of the semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in the country. The scheme includes fiscal support of 50% of the capital expenditure on setting up OSAT facilities.

Approvals are slow because the industry isnt benchmarked. But once approved, the credibility and fiscal support will be a game-changer," he said.

The company currently employs about 80 people, including seasoned professionals from Southeast Asia with decades of experience.

Were in a challenging spacebut where theres difficulty, theres opportunity," he added.

Setting up an OSAT facility involves substantial investment, though it costs significantly less than building a chip fab. A basic OSAT facility costs $100-200 million, while advanced plants can go beyond $500 million ( 4,000 crore). Most companies invest in phases, starting small and expanding capacity as demand grows.

Natural synergy

Suchi plans a phased $100 million investment over five years. Mehta pointed out that the project is "a capex-intensive business but is majorly self-funded." He added that "there are no VCs or funds at the moment. We have not looked at that path. But we are open if a big fund is looking to invest in this space."

The first 100 crore phase was to build the pilot line and core infrastructure.

By the end of this year, we aim to produce 300,000 pieces per day, scaling up to 1 million, then 2 million, and finally 3 million," Mehta said. He added that he is "expecting to close around 70 crore in annual revenue this financial year."

Also Read | Adani plans to invest $3 bn to kickstart semiconductor biz via JVs with two Israeli firms

The Suchi Group, according to Mehta, also plans to tap into semiconductor design, which he pointed out is a "complementary" business. He reasons that while OSAT is capital-intensive, design is not. India already has a strong design base. It's a natural synergy with packaging," he said, noting plans to invest under 5 crore in this vertical.

Were at the same stage as China was 20 years ago," Mehta said, underscoring Indias potential to build a resilient packaging ecosystem. With strategic investments, policy support, and global realignment of supply chains, he believes Indias OSAT sector could emerge as a strong alternative in the semiconductor value chain.
For globally mobile families, the meaning of home is evolving. In an increasingly interconnected world, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-HNWIs (UHNWIs) are rethinking what makes a destination not just viable for business, but also livable for their families. Traditional financial hubs are no longer judged solely by tax efficiency or investment access. Instead, quality of life indicators  education, healthcare, safety, infrastructure, and global connectivity  are rising to the top of decision-making frameworks.

According to the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2024, 19% of UHNWIs planned to apply for a second passport or obtain new citizenship in 2024  part of a broader movement among the ultra-wealthy to prioritize factors such as security, education, and long-term family wellbeing in their relocation decisions. Wealth mobility today is as much about where one can thrive personally as it is about where capital can grow.

This recalibration of priorities is influencing how families choose their base jurisdictions  giving rise to a new class of lifestyle destinations that offer both opportunity and everyday comfort. As this shift gains momentum, could Dubai  long known for its commercial dynamism  be quietly emerging as both a business hub and a place that elite families choose to call home?

A Growing Destination for Global Residents According to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2024, the UAE attracted over 6,700 millionaires in 2024  the highest net inflow of any country globally. A significant portion of these individuals are choosing Dubai for its balance of global access, high-quality infrastructure, and lifestyle offerings tailored to international residents

Global Access and Daily Convenience Dubai International Airport connects to more than 260 international destinations, making it one of the worlds busiest international hubs. Its geographic position supports same-day business access across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

In parallel, Dubais infrastructure includes advanced mobile networks, digital ID services, and concierge support that cater to high-net-worth individuals and their families.

Residency Pathways That Support Long-Term Living The UAEs Golden Visa programme offers a 10-year residency to investors, professionals, and retirees, with flexible options for family members and staff. These pathways are particularly appealing to family offices planning for multi-generational relocation.

Real estate plays a significant role in this trend. According to Knight Franks Q4 2024 Dubai Residential Market Review, the emirate recorded AED 422 billion in residential transactions in 2024  a 30% increase over the previous year. The surge was driven not only by volume but also by value, with 435 homes sold above USD 10 million, the highest tally globally for the second consecutive year.

High-demand neighborhoods such as Emirates Hills, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Hills Estate continue to attract interest from globally mobile buyers seeking long-term lifestyle security.

International Education with Global Recognition Dubai is home to one of the most diverse private education landscapes in the world. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) oversees over 200 private schools offering curricula such as IB, British, American, French, and Indian. More than 77% of these schools are rated "Good" or higher in KHDA inspections, making academic transitions smoother for expatriate families.

Well-established schools such as Nord Anglia International School, GEMS World Academy, and Swiss International Scientific School serve internationally mobile families and offer academic programs aligned with global university admissions pathways.

Access to Advanced Healthcare The UAE ranks among the top 20 healthcare systems globally, as per the CEOWORLD Magazine Health Care Index 2024. In Dubai, international-standard hospitals like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Kings College Hospital Dubai, and Mediclinic provide advanced care across specialties.

Many facilities are internationally accredited and partner with global insurance providers  a key requirement for globally relocating families.

A Strong Focus on Safety and Stability Dubai continues to be recognised as one of the safest cities in the world. In Numbeos 2024 Safety Index, the city scored 84.4/100, ranking above most major international capitals on crime and security measures.

Safety is supported not only by policing but by digital surveillance infrastructure, low crime rates, and a culture of efficiency in urban management.

A Lifestyle Proposition Built for the Future In todays globalised world, does quality of life hold as much weight in relocation decisions as regulation and returns? For a growing number of families, the answer seems to be yes.

Dubais ability to blend elite services with everyday comfort  all in a future-ready, globally connected environment  is helping position it not just as a place to invest but a place to live.
Each day President Donald Trump changes the terms of his trade war with the world. One constant, though, is Mr Trumps confidence that America can win a pain-infliction contest with China. The presidents self-assurance reflects a cherished belief: that previous leaders allowed China to steal American jobs and industries through a mixture of naivety and greed. To hear Mr Trump tell it, as soon as tariffs on Chinese goods bite, trade flows will start to rebalance. Trump aides downplay the sky-high tariffs that China has imposed on American goods in retaliation. Leaders in Beijing will blink, the treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, recently predicted: I believe its up to China to de-escalate because they sell five times more to us than we sell to them.

Actually, Mr Trumps confidence is misplaced. Chinese companies, investors and workers are not impervious to pain, but they are used to it. Since China first joined the World Trade Organisation a quarter century ago, it has developed a particularly Darwinian version of capitalism, in which companies must tolerate unending rounds of brutal price competition, political meddling, and unclear rights to their own property, intellectual or otherwise. In contrast, American businesses, investors and voters are about to face new and unfamiliar tests of their capacity to endure disruption, whether that involves historic turbulence in financial markets, or sudden shortages of everyday items made in China. For its part, China denies that it is anxious to settle. Asked about Mr Trumps claims to have spoken to the Communist Party chief, Xi Jinping, the Chinese foreign ministry said on April 28th that it knew of no recent calls between the two men.

Duelling propaganda claims aside, there is evidence that China can withstand quite a bit of American arm-twisting, without changing course. For all the surprises since Mr Trumps return to power, some policies targeting China were predictable. In mid-April his administration announced a legal investigation into the pharmaceutical trade, and whether tariffs are needed to prod drugmakers to bring the production of antibiotics and other medicines back to America in the name of national security. This was not a surprise. In his first term Mr Trump deplored Americas reliance on imported medicines. In recent years Congress has expressed bipartisan alarm about China being the sole source of some indispensable drugs, such as benzathine penicillin, an antibiotic that is the main treatment for syphilis and some streptococcal infections. Bills have been passed offering subsidies for antibiotic-making in America. Undaunted, in 2024 the North China Pharmaceutical Group, a state-owned giant, began building new production lines for that very penicillin in the city of Shijiazhuang, with a particular focus on exports.

Days before Mr Trumps re-election last year, your columnist headed to that penicillin plant in Shijiazhuang, curious about this sign of Chinas commitment to advanced manufacturing, even as other countries fret about dependence on Chinese suppliers. The yeasty smell of brewing hangs over Shijiazhuangs drugmaking district: antibiotics are being fermented from grain. A penicillin-plant foreman, grabbing a lunch-hour cigarette, chatted about globalisation as seen from a Chinese shop floor. He is not complacent about Western drugmakers, saying that America has better technology than China. But he sees a more urgent threat from small, cut-throat, local firms. Penicillin-making is a profitable, if low-margin business, and other people want to make money, too. In his view, competition is only growing fiercer in China. Small firms poach staff and ignore pollution rules. Still, he has watched big firms sell drugs at a loss of 1,000 yuan ($137) a tonne until smaller rivals go under. Then such ruthless giants raise prices again. The key to survival is willpower, manpower and support from various governments, explained this sage in blue overalls.

Statistics back up such anecdotes. After the pandemic and a property bust, Chinas economy is slowing. In June last year, about 30% of industrial firms were loss-making. Overcapacity is endemic in industries favoured by the state, such as electric car-making. Yet many firms stagger on, backed by local governments and loans from state-owned banks. Americas tariffs are surely unwelcome. But after years of decoupling, America absorbs less than 15% of Chinas direct exports, a big drop since Mr Trumps first term. If tariff-pain hastens consolidation that was coming anyway, Chinas leaders can blame American bullying. Laid-off workers will not be heard by the wider public, because of Chinas police state, censorship and lack of opposition political parties.

Pain felt by consumers will be unequal. America and China have exempted certain imports from tariffs. Revealingly, Mr Trump has exempted items whose prices worry the public, such as smartphones (though he says new tariffs on electronics are due soon). Reportedly, China is sparing imports that consumers never see, from semiconductors to components needed to build Chinese airliners. If Chinese imports are halted, American shops will soon see empty shelves. In China, American-made goods are rare.
Bank holiday today: Banks will remain closed in Bengaluru on Wednesday, April 30, for Basava Jayanti and Akshaya Tritiya, as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines.

Bank holiday on Basava Jayanti and Akshaya Tritiya The RBI has designated a bank holiday across Bengaluru on Wednesday, April 30, on account of Basava Jayanti and Akshaya Tritiya. Basava Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of the 12th-century philosopher, poet, and social reformer Basavanna. This festival is mainly celebrated by Lingayats, especially in Karnataka.

Meanwhile, Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated on the third day of the month of Vaishakha. On this day, it is believed that starting a new venture or investment, particularly purchasing gold, brings prosperity and good luck.

Bank holiday on festivals Bank holidays vary across the country according to different states based on regional and national festivals. In addition to festivals, banks are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays and all Sundays. Hence, customers should check the list of holidays with their nearest bank branch.

Where to check bank holidays? To check whether banks are open or closed on a given day, customers must thoroughly visit RBIs official channels, which are the website and bank notifications.

Also Read | IndusInd Bank CEO Kathpalia resigns amid management shakeup

Services available on a bank holiday Customers can access online banking services across the country during bank holidays for seamless access to banking services, even on bank holidays. Customers can use these services for convenient financial transactions.

Fund transfer requests can be made using NEFT/RTGS transfer forms, demand draft request forms, and chequebook forms. Credit cards, debit cards, and ATM cards can be availed through card services. Services such as account maintenance forms, setting up standing instructions, and applying for a locker are also available.

Also Read | CBI to probe banker-builder ties over subvention schemes

Bank holidays in April 2025 In the month of April, banks were scheduled to remain closed for nine days in various regions of the country, excluding weekends.

April 1 (Tuesday)  Banks' Yearly Account Closing and Sarhul, a tribal festival in Jharkhand, marking the beginning of the new year.

April 5 (Saturday)  Babu Jagjivan Rams Birthday

April 10 (Thursday)  Mahavir Jayanti

April 14 (Monday)  Ambedkar Jayanti and various regional New Year celebrations such as Vishu, Bihu, Tamil New Year, etc.

April 15 (Tuesday)  Bengali New Year, Himachal Day, and Bohag Bihu.

April 18 (Friday) Good Friday

April 21 (Monday)  Banks were closed in Tripura for Garia Puja.

April 29 (Tuesday)  Bhagwan Shri Parshuram Jayanti
Sumant Kathpalia stepped down as IndusInd Banks managing director and chief executive on 29 April 2025 amid investigations into accounting discrepancies in the banks derivatives portfolio.

His resignation came a day after executive director and deputy CEO Arun Khurana, also involved in the probe, resigned.

IndusInd Bank is the latest private sector lender to witness a senior leadership crisis, following Yes Bank, RBL Bank, Lakshmi Vilas Bank, and Tamilnad Mercantile Bank in recent years.

Also Read: IndusInd Bank shortlists executive search firm Spencer Stuart for CEO hunt

Mint explains how the IndusInd changeover might be different from management changes seen at other banks, especially with respect to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) role in the management changes.

How is the IndusInd management change different from others?

The bank's board has driven the management change at IndusInd Bank by asking the CEO and the deputy CEO to take accountability for the incident and step down from their positions. In the other four cases, the banking regulator superseded the boards and took control of the banks or appointed a representative on the boards.

What is the current status of the IndusInd management?

The regulator has allowed the bank's board to set up a committee of executives to run the lender for three months or until a new MD is appointed, whichever is earlier. The bank had sought the regulators approval for this after Kathpalias resignation.

The committee of executives will comprise Soumitra Sen, head of consumer banking and marketing, and Anil Rao, chief administrative officer. They will oversee the bank's operations under the oversight and guidance of an oversight committee of the board. The oversight committee, in turn, will be headed by the board's chairman and will include the chairs of the banks audit committee, compensation and nomination and remuneration committee, and the risk management committee.

What has been the RBIs stance on the IndusInd crisis?

Following the 10-March disclosure about the accounting lapses, the central bank issued a statement on 15 March, saying the bank is well-capitalised and its financial position remains satisfactory. The RBI then said it had asked the board and management to complete the remedial action in the March quarter of 2024-25 after making the required disclosures to all stakeholders.

As such, there is no need for depositors to react to the speculative reports at this juncture. The banks financial health remains stable and is being monitored closely by the RBI," the regulator had said.

The regulator has not said anything more officially on the crisis.

In the post-monetary policy conference on 9 April, RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra said the recent incidents were episodes" and not total failure" and that the overall banking system continues to be safe, secure, robust, and resilient.

He was responding to a question on larger systemic concerns from incidents at three financial entitiesaccounting lapses at IndusInd Bank, and the failure of the Mumbai-based New India Cooperative Bank and Aviom India Housing Finance.

How were management changes effected at other banks?

Tamilnad Mercantile Bank: After MD & CEO S. Krishnan resigned in September 2023, citing personal reasons", the bank proposed three names as his successor, which the RBI rejected in April 2024. As Krishnan stepped down from the position in June 2024, the bank formed a committee to run the banks operations till Salee Sukumaran Nair was appointed the head of the bank in August 2024.

RBL Bank: In December 2021, MD and CEO Vishwavir Ahuja stepped down as the head of the bank as it faced rising losses and deteriorating asset quality. The RBI appointed chief general manager Yogesh Dayal as its representative on the board, following which R. Subramaniakumar was appointed the head of the bank in June 2022.

Lakshmi Vilas Bank: In September 2020, shareholders of the bank ousted seven directors, including the RBI-approved MD & CEO S. Sundar and auditors at the banks annual general meeting. The RBI first approved the constitution of a committee of three independent directors to manage the bank's day-to-day operations.

However, as the banks financial position continued to deteriorate and capital fell in the negative following two failed merger proposals (with Indiabulls Housing Finance and Clix Capital), the central bank in November 2020 seized control of the board, appointing T.N. Manoharan as the administrator. The central bank then forced the bank to merge with the local unit of Singapores largest lender, DBS Bank.

YES Bank: In March 2020, the RBI superseded the bank's board, citing a serious deterioration in its financial position. It capped customer withdrawals at 50,000 and imposed restrictions on the banks operations while finalising the recast plan under the Yes Bank Reconstruction Scheme, 2020.

The scheme involved a consortium of lenders led by State Bank of India infusing fresh capital into the bank and the appointment of Prashant Kumar as the bank's administrator. Kumar was later appointed as the MD and CEO in July 2022.
The disruptions caused by the covid pandemic are long over, but India's tourism industry is yet to register a meaningful recovery, with foreign tourist arrivals stuck below 10 million in 2024. This is particularly concerning since departures by Indians to other nations surpassed pre-covid levels back in 2023. A slow increase in tourist arrivals also does not bode well for the sector as it hinders the country's foreign exchange earnings.

A Mint analysis of tourism statistics released in March 2025 shows that foreign tourist arrivals to India rose consistently until 2019, hitting 11 million visitors. After covid led to lockdowns around the world, the number dropped to 2.7 million in 2020 and 1.5 million in 2021. While there has been a partial recovery since then, the numbers of visitors has been around 8-9 million in recent years. In 2024, 9.7 million foreign tourists arrived  less than the 2019 peak.

On the other hand, outbound travel from India, for reasons ranging from holidaying to education, has scaled new heights. It surpassed 2019 levels in 2023, with 27.9 million Indians travelling abroad. This rose further to 30.2 million in 2024 is currently 12% higher than 2019 levels. The quick recovery in outbound travel by Indians has widened the gap with foreign tourist arrivals over the past two years.

Also read: Terror strike throws blanket of gloom over Kashmir's tourism landscape

While the number of foreign tourist arrivals has hardly recovered, the number of non-resident Indians (NRIs) visiting India has grown steadily after the pandemic blip. The number of NRI arrivals was close to foreign tourist arrivals in 2023, a trend that was not seen in pre-pandemic years. The number of NRI arrivals for 2024 is not yet available.

Forex hit

The lacklustre momentum in tourist arrivals, coupled with the pandemic losses, can be seen in the amount of foreign currency India earns from tourism. Earnings rose to $33.2 billion in 2024, nearly 20% more than in the previous year. However, earnings were only slightly above 2019 levels.

The compound average growth rate (CAGR) between 2019 and 2024 was only 1.6%, which pales in comparison to historical trends. While the CAGR had been falling, it was still 9.3% between 2014 and 2019. The tourism sector's contribution to Indias GDP rebounded from 1.5-1.75% during the pandemic years to 5% in 202223, though it still remained slightly below the pre-pandemic level of 5.18% in FY20.

Nevertheless, forex earnings have grown faster than foreign tourist arrivals, which indicates a higher spending per tourist. In 2024, average spending per foreign tourist stood at $3,436.6, compared to $2,949.3 in 2023 and $2,810.7 in 2019.

Goa's standing

The growing popularity of destinations such as Vietnam and Indonesia, especially among Indian tourists, in the past few years has created the perception that Indias most popular beach destination, Goa, has lost its charm. Pictures of empty shacks and desolate beaches have been doing the rounds on social media.

However, the statistics show that Goa was never as popular as it was perceived to be, with a less than 1% share in overall domestic and foreign tourism. In comparison, states such as Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka had a share of more than 10% each in 2023.

Also read | From Dubai to Bastar: tourism boards embrace influencers to attract travellers

So has tourism to Goa declined in recent years? The answer isn't straightforward. The number of domestic and international visitors increased to 8.63 million in 2023, a sharp rebound from pandemic lows and higher than 2019 levels. As for its share in overall tourism in India, after surging to about 0.5% in pandemic-hit 2020, it declined to 0.34% in 2023, which is slightly lower than its 0.46% share in 2017.

Trump factor

India has seen a post-pandemic boom in outbound travel. The UAE has consistently been the top destination, cornering a fourth of the market in 2024. Saudi Arabia (11.03% share) and the US (6.9%) came next. More than 40% of Indians who travelled abroad did so for holidays and vacations.

But 2025 may bring big changes, with the USthe third most popular destination for Indianstightening up under US President Donald Trump. There have been reports of aggressive crackdowns on illegal immigrants as well as questioning, deportation and denial of admission to tourists. This reflected in US visitor numbers as well.

There has been a sharp decline in overseas travel to the US since Trump's return to office, with arrivals from countries such as Germany and South Korea falling 16.5% and 12.7% year-on-year, respectively, in January-March 2025. In comparison, the drop in visitors from India is marginal. However, these developments could potentially affect Indians planning to visit the US.

Also read | Flying High: Private jet cos see demand surge in 2025, led by religious tourism
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India has allowed the board of IndusInd Bank to constitute a committee of executives to run the bank following the resignation of managing director and chief executive officer Sumant Kathpalia, with immediate effect.

IndusInd Bank had sought RBIs permission following Kathpalias resignation on 29 April. The regulator approved the proposal the same day, the bank said in a stock exchange notification on Wednesday.

The committee of executives will comprise Soumitra Sen, head of consumer banking and marketing, and chief administrative officer Anil Rao. They will oversee IndusInd Banks operations under the guidance of an oversight committee of the board.

The oversight committee will be headed by Sunil Mehta, chairman of IndusInd Banks board, and include the chairs of the banks audit committee, the compensation and nomination and remuneration committee, and the risk management committee.

Sen joined IndusInd Bank in 2008 to scale up the banks distribution network and its retail branch banking franchise. Prior to that, he had worked with Bank of America, Deutsche Bank AG, ABN AMRO Bank NV, and RBS.

The Board has constituted such committee of executives to oversee the operations of the bank, under the oversight and guidance of the Oversight Committee of the Board till a new MD & CEO of the Bank assumes charge, or a period of 3 months from the date of relieving the incumbent MD & CEO, whichever is earlier, IndusInd Bank said in its notification.

The bank is taking all necessary steps to ensure stability and continuity of its operations while maintaining high standards of governance, it added.

Also read | IndusInd Banks black box moment

IndusInds accounting discrepancies Kathpalias resignation was the second high-profile exit from IndusInd Bank following whole-time director and deputy CEO Arun Khuranas resignation a day earlier after accounting discrepancies were discovered at the bank.

An external agency report, submitted on 26 April, identified incorrect accounting of internal derivative trades, especially in the case of early termination that resulted in recording of notional profits, as the principal root cause for the accounting discrepancy.

The report also examined the roles and actions of key employees in this context, determining the cumulative hit of the discrepancies on the banks profit and loss account at 1,960 crore. IndusInd Bank discontinued internal derivative trades from 1 April.

Last week, the bank said it would reflect the resultant impact in the financial statements for 2024-25 and take measures to strengthen internal controls. It also said it was taking steps to fix accountability of the persons responsible for these lapses and re-align roles and responsibilities of senior management.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India has deferred the rollout of the common contract note (CCN) for foreign portfolio investors to 1 July, two months after the earlier deadline of 30 April.

The CCN seeks to consolidate trade details across exchanges into a single document to boost transparency, streamline processes, and lower costs, bringing FPIs on par with retail investors who already receive unified notes.

In the current system, FPIs receive separate notes for trades executed on BSE and the National Stock Exchange.

However, several global custodians and FPI representatives had flagged challenges in aligning their systems to the new format, as Mint reported on 23 April. Their concerns ranged from reconciliation complexities to the risk of trades being misclassified as hand delivery in case of mismatchesan outcome that attracts regulatory penalties.

In a circular issued on 29 April, the National Stock Exchange said the revised compliance timeline followed directions from the market regulator.

While the CCN was scheduled to go live in August 2024, Sebi had extended the deadline to April this year. The latest deferral comes amid rising operational concerns, even as FPIs broadly support the reform in principle.

Also read | Experts flag gaps in Sebis speedy dispute resolution plan

The main pain points India has over 11,000 registered FPIs, who collectively held around 17% of the countrys listed equities as of December. Any disruption to their trading infrastructure could have wider implications for market sentiment and liquidity.

One of the key pain points remains trade confirmation. After market hours, brokers send electronic contract notes (ECNs) to local custodians, while FPIs simultaneously route trade instructions through global custodians. The local custodian must reconcile both sets of records and confirm the trade with the clearing corporation.

If theres a mismatch, the custodian withholds confirmation, pushing the trade into the hand delivery categorybypassing the clearing corporation and triggering penalties. Market participants fear that under the CCN regime, even small mismatches across exchanges could complicate settlements.
Global macroeconomic headwinds, a once-in-a-generation technological shift, and a mercurial occupant of the White House  the Indian IT sector clearly has its plate full. The Q4FY25 earnings season has displayed all the pulls and pressures afflicting the countrys IT services industry as well as pockets of opportunity available for nimble players. Mint takes a look at IT companies Q4 numbers and what it means for investors.

How has the frontline IT companies performance been in Q4?

In one word, disappointing. IT sector bellwether Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) saw its revenue slip for the second straight quarter. This pulled down its full-year topline growth to 3.78%, its slowest in four years.

Infosys posted a sharp 4.2% sequential revenue decline, while consolidated net profit slumped 11.75% year-on-year to 7,033 crore. Wipros IT services revenue dropped 1.2% sequentially, while that of HCL Tech dipped 1%. Tech Mahindra posted a 1.2% fall in Q4 revenues.

Worryingly, the top three IT firmsTCS, Infosys and HCL Tech suffered a drop in Ebit margins, while that of Wipro stayed flat. Tech Mahindra bucked the trend with a 30 bps q-o-q Ebit margin expansion. Ebit is earnings before income and tax.

Also Read: Mint Primer | Will IT get better or worse? TCS points to cautious growth ahead

Did the mid-cap IT players fare better?

Mostly yes. Persistent Systems clocked a robust 4.3% sequential growth in revenue at $375 million, and exuded confidence of expanding its topline from $1.4 billion in FY25 to $2 billion in FY27. Mphasis reported its highest quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) growth in three years. Oracle Financial Services saw its Q4 revenue rise 4% on-year to 1,716 crore and net income jump 15% to 644 crore.

KPIT Technologies reported a broadly in-line quarter, with revenues rising 0.7% sequentially. However, LTIMindtree posted a 0.7% decline in Q4 revenue at $1.13 billion, while that of Hexaware Technologies dipped 0.2% to $371.5 million.

What were the key reasons for the muted performance?

As highlighted by IT companies across the board, rising macroeconomic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions have emerged as key headwinds for global growth. US President Donald Trumps tariff flip-flops, combined with a belligerent Chinas refusal to back down from a trade war with the worlds largest economy, have ratcheted up risks of a global recession, impacting demand for IT services. Many clients in the US and EU  the major markets for Indias IT firms  are in a wait-and-watch mode.

Also Read: Inside Wipros smart factories: How AI is redefining manufacturing and the future of work

Are there any silver linings currently?

Despite the lacklustre show in Q4, deal wins have remained strong. TCS reported an overall deal total contract value (TCV) of $12.2 billion, a growth of 19.6% QoQ, while that of Wipro climbed 13% to $3.9 billion. Backed by a mega deal win, HCL Techs new deal wins soared 43% to $3 billion. Infosys large deal TCV increased 4.2% sequentially but declined 41.6% on-year.

Companies said while decision-making has been delayed in pockets, clients are not backing away from discretionary spending in crucial areas like artificial intelligence and automation. Also, major US banks, which are among the top clients of Indian IT firms, have reported robust results and maintained that tech spending remains a strategic priority. This can provide a fillip to companies with high exposure to the BFSI vertical, like Mphasis (59%), Coforge (51%), Zensar (40%) and LTIMindtree (36%).

Also Read: Big Four of Indian IT lose market share; HCL Tech's outlook offers little relief

What is the outlook for the IT pack?

The near-term prospects remain challenging. Infosys expects 0-3% revenue growth in FY2026  its weakest guidance since April 2009. Wipro guided for IT services revenue growth to be -3.5% to -1.5% in Q1FY26, its weakest ever QoQ growth (excluding covid and global financial crisis quarters).

IT stocks, which got significantly re-rated post-covid, have been underperforming for the last few months, which is bringing their valuations closer to 10-year averages. Also, analysts say the rise of new technologies like AI is reducing the incumbency advantage of IT majors, which presents entry opportunities for mid-cap companies.

(This copy has been updated to reflect the change in Persistent Systemss strategic target year to FY27 instead of FY26.)
Stock Market Today: The Benchmark Nifty-50 index, on a cautious note, ended almost flat (up 0.03%) at 24,335.95 on Tuesday. The Bank Nifty at 55,391.29 also ended marginally lower though metals, Pharma were key losers while IT index gained the most. The broader indices ended only marginally higher.

Trade Setup for Wednesday Th consolidation may continue in the short term, especially as the Nifty 50 index has yet to give a decisive breakout above 24,550, where the 61.80% retracement level lies. On the lower end, support is placed at 24,250; a breach below this level could trigger increased selling pressure in the market, said Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities.

The index is expected to consolidate between 54,450 and 56,000 in the near term as per Asit C Mehta.

Global Markets and Q4 Results The domestic market exhibited largely range-bound oscillation, as caution prevailed amid geopolitical concerns over border tensions. The sustained inflows from FIIs provided support to market sentiment and restricted further pessimism. Meanwhile, mixed Q4 results have raised the risk of downward revisions to FY26 projections. In combination with apprehensions surrounding potential retaliatory actions, these developments may lead to some consolidation in the near term, said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited.

Stocks to buy today Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking, has recommended two stock picks for today. Ganesh Dongre, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Anand Rathi, suggested three stocks, while Shiju Koothupalakkal, Senior Manager  Technical Research, at Prabhudas Lilladher has given three stocks picks.

Sumeet Bagadia's stock picks 1.Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd- Bagadia recommends buying Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) at 4610 keeping Stoploss at 4433 for a target price of 4930.

HAL urged by a remarkable 4.13% in Tuesday trade. The rally was backed by strong volumes and a sharp bullish candle, suggesting aggressive accumulation at lower levels. The counter has been on an strong uptrend since early March, marking a decisive breakout from a prolonged consolidation phase. A large bullish candle with strong range expansion underscores renewed investor confidence and robust momentum in the stock

2 Punjab Chemicals & Crop Protection Ltd - Bagadia recommends buying Punjab Chemicals at around 1080 keeping Stoploss at 1040 for a target price of 1160.

PUNJABCHEM, is currently trading at 1080, exhibits a strong uptrend, supported by its consistent position above key exponential moving averages (EMAs). Recent price action indicates a consolidation phase and showing strong signs of an impending breakout from its consolidation phase, and the technical indicators are aligning for a potential fresh upside rally.,

Ganesh Dongre's stocks to buy today 3. BEML Ltd- Dongre recommends buying BEML at around 3215 keeping Stoploss at 3150 for a target price of 3350.

In the short-term trend analysis, BEML is showing a strong bullish setup. On the daily chart, the stock has formed a Bullish Engulfing pattern, signalling a potential reversal after a recent correction. Additionally, BEML is sustaining above its short-term moving averages, further strengthening the bullish view. Currently holding a crucial support at 3150, the stock presents a buying opportunity at 3215. Traders can look for an upside move towards 3350, keeping a stop-loss placed at 3215 to manage risk effectively.

4. Infosys Ltd- Dongre recommends buying Infosys at around 1495 keeping Stoploss at around 1465 for a target price of 1535.

Similarly, INFY Saw has also demonstrated a positive reversal on its daily chart. The stock has formed a Morning Star pattern on weekly chart, which is a reliable bullish reversal signal after a downward phase. INFY is respecting its 20-day EMA, suggesting that fresh buying interest is returning at lower levels. With a strong support zone around 1450-60, the stock is favorably positioned for a buy at 1495, aiming for a short target of 1560. A protective stop-loss should be maintained at 1465.

5. Triveni Engineering & Industries Ltd - Dongre recommends buying Triveni Engineering at around 418 keeping Soploss at around 408 for a target price of 435.

Triveni Engineering has exhibited a Hammer candlestick formation near its important support area, indicating that the recent selling pressure may have exhausted. The stock is also holding well above its 50-day EMA, adding further conviction to the bullish setup. With the current market price around 418 and support firmly placed at 408, a buying opportunity emerges for a potential move towards 435. Traders are advised to keep a stop-loss at 408 to safeguard against unexpected downside movements.

Shiju Koothupalakkal's intraday stocks for today 6. GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd (GLAXO)- Koothupalakkal recommends buying GLAXO at around 2902 keeping Target price of 3070 keeping Stop loss at 2845

The stock has once again taking support near the 2800 zone has indicated an optimistic move with a positive candle formation accompanied by decent volume participation to improve the bias and can expect for further upward move in the coming session. The RSI is well placed and having much upside potential visible, it can once again regain for another fresh round of momentum. With the chart technically maintained strong, we suggest to buy the stock for an upside target of 3070 level keeping the stop loss of 2845 level.

7. Shipping Corporation of India Ltd- Koothupalakkal recommends buying Shipping Corporation at around 182.67 Target: 194 Stop loss: 178

The stock has slowly and gradually picked up recently taking support near the important 50EMA zone at 173 level and currently with a bullish candle formation along with tremendous volume participation visible has improved the bias anticipating for a decent rise in the coming sessions. The RSI is steadily on the rise signifying strength and has indicated much upside potential from current rate to carry on with the positive move further ahead. With the chart technically looking good, we suggest to buy the stock for an upside target of 194 level keeping the stop loss of 178 level.

8. Bharat Dynamics Ltd- Koothupalakkal recommends buying BHARAT DYNAMICS at around 1536 for a target price of 1620 keping Stop loss at 1500.

The stock has indicated a clear breakout above the rising trend line zone at 1470 level with huge volume participation visible to strengthen the trend and has high probability for further strong upward move in the coming sessions. With the RSI maintained strong, we expect further rise in the stock having much upside potential from current rate to carry on with the positive move. With the chart looking good, we suggest to buy the stock for an upside target of 1620 keeping the stop loss of 1500 level.
Stock market today: The key domestic indices, Nifty 50 and Sensex, were flat on Wednesday as gains from major player HDFC Bank mitigated the impact of tensions with Pakistan, while Bajaj Finance saw a decline despite reporting an increase in fourth-quarter profit.

As of 11:03 IST, the Nifty 50 was up by 0.04% to 24,346.45, while the Sensex up by 0.03% to 80,314.81. In early trading, both indices fluctuated between gains and losses of 0.2%.

Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments, pointed out the market's unexpected resilience is noteworthy. Following the reciprocal tariff disputes and escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, the Nifty has risen by 5% in April. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure during crises and staying invested.

The market is being supported significantly by ongoing foreign institutional investor (FII) inflows, which have reached a total of 37,325 crores over the past 10 trading sessions. A weak dollar and Indias economic robustness are contributing to this FII activity in the country. This trend may persist. Nevertheless, investors should proceed with caution.

Nifty 50 Outlook by Sagar Doshi, Senior Vice President- Research, Nuvama Professional Clients Group Nifty 50 Nifty 50 hit a fresh 4 month high, yet closed below its previous days high as well as previous swing high registered on 23rd of April 2025. Early signs of exhaustion are seen on the index after a sharp run up of 10% on the index from its panic lows of start of this fiscal. With the week being truncated for a trading holiday on Thursday, a range between 23,900 and 24,400 can be seen holding on for the balance of this week while 23,900 continues to act as a strong support on downside.

Bank Nifty Bank Nifty as well ended flat in Tuesdays session with the index closing below previous days high after making a lower high formation on daily charts. A loss of momentum is seen on both of these leading indices after huge run up from its intramonth lows. Bank Nifty has completed its initial target on downside at 54,200 and further downside opens up only after the correlated Nifty gives a closing below 23,900. We continue to view 54,200  56,000 as a range for this weeks trade.

Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends five shares to buy

Stock Picks: Stocks To Buy on Wednesday- Sagar Doshi On stocks to buy on Wednesday, Sagar Doshi of Nuvama recommended three stocks - Balkrishna Industries Ltd, Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd, and Asian Paints Ltd.

Balkrishna Industries (BUY): LCP:  2,597.70; SL:  2,500; TGT:  2,800 A 9 month trendline breakout is seen on charts of Balkrishna Industries shares marking an end to this correction which has corrected prices by over 30% from its all time highs in the same period. Initial targets are seen hitting at the 200 DMA resistance for the stock which hovers above 2800 odd in the given set up.

Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends five shares to buy

Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd (BUY): LCP:  691.60; SL:  670; TGT:  734 Chambal Fertilisers shares making all time highs, when the sector or markets arent doing the same things signify money flow in to the same. This stock has ended at a fresh all time high closing on daily charts indicating passive strength. Any further upside in the markets / peer group sector for the same, could generate disproportionate alpha in long positions for Chambal Fertilizers, initial upside can be seen between 6-8%.

Asian Paints Ltd (BUY): LCP:  2,451.10; SL:  2,380; TGT:  2,600 Repeated higher low formation have been seen on Asian Paints share prices of Asian Paints as consumer durable segments tries to make a comeback after months of correction seen across sector. Initial upside is seen at 200 DMA resistance of the stock on daily charts for targets above 2600 odd marking a 5-7% upside from CMP.
Stocks to buy under 100 on Akshaya Tritiya: In a volatile trading session, indices of the Indian stock market  Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex ended slightly higher on Tuesday, supported by gains in IT and oil & gas stocks. The broader market reflected the positive sentiment and slightly outperformed the leading indices. The Nifty 50 index rose by 7.45 points, or 0.03%, to close at 24,335.95. Sector-wise, Nifty IT led with a 1.2% gain, followed by a 0.42% rise in the Oil & Gas index. Conversely, Nifty Metal and Pharma declined by 0.8%, while Realty, FMCG, and Auto indices edged down 0.2% each. The broader market saw better performance, with the Nifty Midcap 100 and Smallcap 100 gaining 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively.

Stock market today Speaking on the outlook of the Indian stock market today, Siddhartha Khemka, Head of ResearchWealth Management at Motilal Oswal, said, "Looking ahead, progress on the US trade deal is expected to provide near-term support, while the ongoing earnings season may lead to stock-specific movements."

On the outlook of the Nifty 50 today, Nagaraj Shetti, Senior Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities, said, "Bullish patterns like higher tops and bottoms are intact as per daily chart, and one may expect Nifty to resume its upside momentum after a small consolidation or minor dip. Immediate support for Nifty today is placed at 24,150. A decisive move above the resistance of 24,450 could open the next upside target of 24,850 soon."

Asked about the outlook of the Bank Nifty today, Hrishikesh Yedve, AVP Technical and Derivatives Research at Asit C. Mehta, said, Technically, the Bank Nifty index formed a shooting star candle on the daily chart, suggesting strong supply near the 56,000 mark, while support is seen at 54,450. The index is expected to consolidate between 54,450 and 56,000 in the near term, with a breakout on either side likely to determine the next directional move.

Stocks to buy under  100 Regarding shares to buy today, market experts  Mahesh M Ojha, AVP  Research at Hensex Securities; Sugandha Sachdeva, Founder of SS WealthStreet; and Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investment and Securities  recommended these four intraday stocks for today under 100: Network18 Media, Bank of Maharashtra, Kamdhenu, and NBCC.

Mahesh M Ojha's shares to buy under  100 1] Network18 Media: Buy at 44.50 to 45.30, Targets 46.50, 48, 50, 52, Stop Loss 42.40;

2] Bank of Maharashtra: Buy at 51 to 51.50, Targets 52.50, 555, 57, Stop Loss 49.80.

Sugandha Sachdeva's intraday stock for today 3] Kamdhenu: Buy at 28, Target 29.30, Stop Loss 27.20.

Anshul Jain's stock to buy today 4] NBCC: Buy at 97, Target 102, Stop Loss 95.
United Spirits share price traded higher on Wednesday following the companys announcement that it has filed an appeal before the Karnataka High Court in a 1,337 crore loan dispute with United Breweries. United Spirits shares gained as much as 1.03% to 1,561.00 apiece on the BSE.

The matter relates to a loan agreement dated July 3, 2013, under which United Spirits Ltd (USL) extended a loan of 1,337 crore to United Breweries. In 2015, United Breweries defaulted on the agreed interest payment of 9.4%, prompting USL to recall the entire loan along with accrued interest and initiate arbitration proceedings.

The Arbitral Tribunal subsequently rejected USLs claim, terming it premature. USL challenged this decision before the Commercial Court in Bengaluru, which, in its judgment dated March 3, 2025, upheld the arbitral award.

Also Read | Stock to buy for short term: Axis Securities recommends buying SBI shares

In response, USL has now filed an appeal before the Karnataka High Court, contesting the Commercial Courts decision.

In its regulatory filing, USL clarified that the matter pertains to a claim initiated by the company, and as such, it does not anticipate any financial impact from the ongoing legal proceedings.

United Spirits Share Price Trend United Spirits share price has shown strong performance over the long term, despite some short-term volatility. United Spirits shares have rallied 11% in the past one month, although it remains down over 6% on a year-to-date (YTD) basis.

On a one-year timeframe, United Spirits share price has gained 21%, and over the past two years, the stock has surged 100%. Impressively, United Spirits share price has delivered multibagger returns of 190% over a five-year period.

At 12:15 PM, United Spirits share price was trading 0.64% higher at 1,555.00 apiece on the BSE.
Applying for a personal loan with Kotak Mahindra Bank is a simple and streamlined process, especially for salaried individuals. The bank has outlined specific documentation requirements to facilitate quick and efficient loan processing.

If you are looking to avail of a personal loan, you can submit your application to any leading financial institution.

Kotak Mahindra Bank is one such institution. It offers a streamlined loan processing system, particularly for salaried professionals.

The bank has specified a set of basic documents required to ensure swift and smooth loan processing. Let us, therefore, discuss these documents in detail and understand their significance.

1. Identity and Address proof Aspirational loan applicants must provide valid identity and address proof documents. Acceptable documents include:

Identity proof check and verification: Documents such as the voter ID card, Aadhaar card, driving license, PAN card, and passport can be provided to help with identity proof and verification.

Documents such as the voter ID card, Aadhaar card, driving license, PAN card, and passport can be provided to help with identity proof and verification. Proof of Address: E-KYC authenticated Aadhaar, driving licence, voter ID card, passport or electricity bill in original can be provided as evidence for address proof. These documents are crucial for verifying the applicant's identity and residential details. They can also be used to verify the identities of individuals.

Also Read | Personal loan: Hidden charges banks often do not tell you about

2. Verification of income details To understand and assess the applicants financial status and repayment capacity, Kotak Mahindra Bank requires:

Salaried individuals: Last three months' salary receipts are requested by the bank on a case-by-case basis.

Last three months' salary receipts are requested by the bank on a case-by-case basis. Self-employed individuals: The income tax returns of the last two years along with all the relevant documents such as Form 16, tax filing acknowledgement are also requested by the bank to verify income details. Further, the bank account statement records of the past three months are important to review income deposits and financial behaviour. All related documents can also be requested by the bank.

The idea behind this practice is to clearly understand the state of mind and financial behaviour of individuals before lending them money.

Note: The list of documents listed above is indicative in nature. For the updated list of documents needed on a case-by-case basis, refer to the official website of Kotak Mahindra Bank and its dedicated customer support team.

3. Photographs and application form Applicants are required to submit photos along with their application form:

Photographs: 2-3 recent passport-sized photographs are also required while applying for loans with Kotak Bank.

2-3 recent passport-sized photographs are also required while applying for loans with Kotak Bank. Application form: Duly filled, signed and correct personal loan application form in all aspects should be submitted to the bank. Note that these are standard requirements for completing the application process. On an individual and case-by-case basis, depending on credit scores, loan amount, and tenure, you should reach out to the official website of Kotak Mahindra Bank and their dedicated customer support team.

4. Additional documents for self-employed individuals For all self-employed applicants, Kotak Mahindra might request:

Financial Statements: The profit and loss statements of the past two years along with audited balance sheets might be required to carry out a proper check on the financial capacity of self-employed individuals before allowing them to secure personal loans.

The profit and loss statements of the past two years along with audited balance sheets might be required to carry out a proper check on the financial capacity of self-employed individuals before allowing them to secure personal loans. Proof of business: Shop licence, registration of GST, certificate of incorporation along with other associated documents might also be needed to validate the nature of business. Through these documents, Kotak Mahindra Bank or other similar financial institutions evaluate the financial health, capacity and stability of the business.

Also Read | Top 5 red flags to avoid personal loan scams in India

All these factors are important because they ensure that the risk of default on the borrower's part is negligible and that the bank's funds are provided to reliable, credit-worthy, and responsible borrowers.

Finally, the list of documents discussed in this write-up are indicative in nature. For the updated terms, conditions and the documents required on case to case basis refer to the official website of the Kotak Mahindra Bank: https://www.kotak.com/en/home.html and speak to the dedicated customer service executive.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has rolled out a regime of faster response time of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transactions. In a recent circular dated April 26, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced a set of revised timelines for different category of UPI transactions.

For request pay and response pay (debit and credit) on UPI, the revised response time will be 15 seconds instead of 30 earlier, reads the circular.

For checking the status of transactions, the revised response time will be 10 seconds instead of 30 earlier. For transaction reversal, existing response time is 30 seconds which will now be reduced to 10 seconds.

UPI API Existing response time Revised response time Request pay, response pay 30 15 Check transaction status 30 10 Transaction reversal 30 10 Validate Address 15 10

And if someone wants to validate the address, the revised response time will be 10 seconds instead of 15 earlier.

Also Read | What are the benefits of linking UPI to your credit card?

NPCI has also stated in its circular that the revisions are being made to improve the experience of UPI users. The banks and payment service providers (PSPs) are supposed to ensure that they make the necessary changes in their system so that responses are handled within the revised time. If the members have any dependency/ configuration changes at partner/ merchant's end, the same also has to be taken accordingly.

Changes to roll out from June 16 The digital payments body also clarified that the members are requested to ensure that the changes to the response time do not adversely impact the technical decline thresholds.

These changes will be implemented with effect from June 16, 2025.

It is worth pointing out that UPI faced an outage early this month as a result of a technical issued. NPCI is currently facing intermittent technical issues, leading to partial UPI transaction declines. We are working to resolve the issue, and will keep you updated, NPCI had said in the social media post on X on April 12.
India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting its airspace to all aircraft registered, operated, or leased by Pakistan, including commercial airlines and military flights.

This closure, effective from April 30 to May 23, 2025, is a significant escalation amid heightened tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.

INDIAN AIRSPACE NOT AVBL FOR PAKISTAN REGISTERED ACFT AND ACFT OPERATED/OWNED OR LEASED BY PAKISTAN AIRLINES/OPERATORS INCLUDING MILITARY FLIGHTS. the official statement read.

Indian authorities have barred Pakistani aircraft from entering Indian airspace, compelling carriers such as Pakistan International Airlines to reroute flights via longer paths through China and Sri Lanka, thereby increasing operational costs and flight durations.

Also Read | How Pakistans Airspace Ban For Indian Airlines Cost Them Millions Of Dollars

Pakistan Closed Airspace on April 24 The move follows Pakistans April 24 decision to close its airspace to Indian aircrafts and suspend bilateral agreements. Islamabad closed its air space for Indian airlines and rejected New Delhi's suspension of a critical water sharing treaty.

Pakistan had said it was closing its air space to Indian-owned or operated airlines, suspending all trade including through third countries and halting special South Asian visas issued to Indian nationals.

Pakistans closure of airspace to Indian flights has already forced hundreds of Indian flights to divert, incurring substantial additional fuel and time costs. The situation remains volatile, with military alertness heightened on both sides.

US Dials Pakistan This evening, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the conversation, the Pakistani Prime Minister urged the United States to impress upon India the need to dial down its rhetoric and act responsibly amid the escalating tensions following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

The discussion underscored Pakistans call for restraint and de-escalation to prevent further deterioration of the already fragile situation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Gilgit, Skardu isolated as PIA scraps services Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended all flights to Gilgit, Skardu, and other northern areas amid escalating operational challenges linked to heightened security concerns in the region.

In addition to halting domestic flights to northern Pakistan-administered Kashmir, PIA has begun rerouting its international flights through Chinese airspace to circumvent Indian airspace, which has been closed to Pakistani carriers following diplomatic tensions with India.

The first flight to adopt this new route was a Lahore to Kuala Lumpur service, carrying over 120 passengers. While this strategic shift ensures operational continuity, it has resulted in longer flight times and increased fuel consumption, thereby raising costs for the airline.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday offered his help to the central government in designing the caste survey that the latter announced will take place in the next census.

The central government on Wednesday announced that caste enumeration will be a part of the next National Census. The government however is yet to announce a date for beginning the census.

While talking to reporters at the Congress office in New Delhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha welcomed the Centre's decision but added, it was taken under pressure. He also reiterated the demand for 50 per cent cap on reservation.

The Congress and the INDI alliance had made caste census a major poll plank in the previous elections. Just days ahead of the Delhi Assembly Elections in January this year, the party had released its manifesto, promising to conduct a caste census if voted to power in the Capital.

Watch the Congress party briefing below:

Here are the top statements by Rahul Gandhi On Caste Census While outlining the next three steps which the Congress, Rahul Gandhi said, will push for, he also laid out a broad roadmap to achieve social justice. Gandhi called the central government's decision as our vision and said, we are glad they have adopted it.

I would like to reiterate that Caste Census is the first step. Our vision is of bringing a new development paradigm through Caste Census. Not just reservations but we are also asking central questions - be it OBCs, Dalits, Adivasis, what is their participation in this country? Through Caste Census it will be found, but we have to go ahead of Caste Census, the LoP said on Wednesday.

Narendra Modi used to say that there are just 4 cases. Don't know what happened but suddenly after 11 years, Caste Census has been announced. We completely support it but we want a timeline, he added.

While asking for a timeline on this survey, Rahul Gandhi added, We want to know that by when this will happen. This is the first step. Telangana has become a model in Caste Census and it can become a blueprint. We offer our support to the government in designing the Caste Census."

Gandhi also cited the caste survey carried out in Bihar and Telangana as two examples of the caste census. There are two examples  Bihar's and Telangana's  and there is a vast difference between the two, he said.

Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana are the only states to have carried out a caste survey. Bihar, the first to do so, completed the survey in 2023 and findings were released when the Congress was a partner in the state government.

On 50 per cent cap on reservation Gandhi said his party now wished to go beyond and see what is the participation of 90 per cent people.

The 50 per cent cap on reservations is becoming an impediment to the progress of our country and to the progress of Backward Castes, Dalits and Adivasis and we want this barrier to be eliminated, he said.

We had said in the Parliament that we will make Caste Census happen. We had also said that we would scrap the 50 per cent cap, the artificial wall that is in place, he added.

While reiterating the demand for removing the 50 per cent cap on reservations, Gandhi said funds should be allocated for the caste census. "We want people's census, not bureaucrats' census," he added.

On Article 15.5 While talking about Article 15.5, he told reporters in Delhi, After that there is a third thing  Article 15.5 which is reservation in private educational institutions, which is already a law. We want that law to be implemented as soon as possible."

On Pahalgam terror attack Demanding strictest action for the perpetrators of Pahalgam terror attack, Rahul Gandhi said, I don't want to comment on how it happened. All I want to say is that those who did this, whoever and wherever they are, they have to pay for this. They have to pay for it properly, not in some half-hearted way, so that they remember that this cannot be done to India.

"I am saying that 28 people have been killed in cold blood. It is pretty clear who is responsible for this. The people who are responsible for this must pay a price. The PM has to take action. The action has to be clear and it has to be strong without any confusion. The PM must not dilly-dally, must not waste time, must make it very clear that India is not going to tolerate this type of nonsense. So, he needs to act. He can act in whatever timeframe he thinks necessary but he has to act soon," he added.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau has registered a fresh case against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in connection with corruption in the construction of classrooms at highly exorbitant costs.

The scam is pegged at around 2,000 crore and involved awarding contracts at highly inflated rates with classrooms reportedly built at 24.86 lakh each  nearly five times the usual cost, news agency PTI reported while citing the ACB's statement.

The project was allegedly awarded to contractors linked with AAP.

A massive scam to the tune of Rs. 2,000 crores was unearthed in the construction of 12,748 classrooms/buildings during the regime of AAP in Delhi, the Anti-Corruption Bureau was quoted as saying by news agency ANI on Wednesday.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau alleged that significant deviations and cost escalations were observed, and not a single work was completed within the prescribed period.

Also Read | Delhi election result: Top 5 AAP big guns who lost to BJP power punch in Delhi

It added, Consultant and Architect appointed without following due procedure, and cost escalations were carried out through him. Case registered after receiving permission u/s 17-A POC Act from the competent authority.

What are the allegations against Sisodia and Jain? In Detail The complaints from Harish Khurana, spokesperson, BJP Delhi Pradesh, Kapil Mishra, MLA, and Neelkanth Bakshi, Media Relations Department, BJP, were received regarding corruption in the construction of approximately 12,748 school classrooms at an expenditure of Rs. 2,892 crore.

Cost for constructing school rooms: The lump sum cost for constructing one school room, as per the awarded tenders, is approximately 24.86 lakh per room, whereas such rooms could ordinarily be built in Delhi for around 5 lakh per room.

Contractors: It was also alleged that the project was awarded to 34 contractors, the majority of whom are allegedly associated with the Aam Aadmi Party.

Not a single work was completed: Head of Anti-Corruption Bureau Madhur Verma told ANI that during verification, it was revealed that in the meetings of the Expenditure Finance Committee for the financial year 2015-16, it was decided that the project would be completed by June 2016 at the sanctioned cost, without any scope for future cost escalations.

However, despite these directions, not a single work was completed within the prescribed period, and significant deviations and cost escalations were observed.

Report was suppressed: During the enquiry, it was revealed that the examination report of the Chief Technical Examiner, Central Vigilance Commission, in the instant matter was issued on February 17, 2020, with the approval of the competent authority. However, the report was suppressed for about 3 years, ANI reported.

Violations of various clauses: The report of CTE/CVC raised serious violations of various clauses of the CPWD Works Manual 2014, GFR 2017, CVC guidelines, and other irregularities.

They also alleged that various decisions taken after the award of tenders were not in accordance with the guidelines of CVC and other manuals, which led to a huge escalation of costs and financial loss.

The CVC report also observed that ultimately, the actual cost of the constructed SPS was more or less equal to the cost of permanent structures.

The actual cost per sq. ft. of Priority-I, as worked out in the CVC report, is Rs. 2292 per sq. ft. against the cost of pucca structure model schools @2044 - 2416 per sq. ft.

Due to the adoption of richer specifications, the construction cost of SPS classrooms almost matched the cost of pucca classrooms and apparently no financial benefit of adoption of SPS construction was achieved.

Also Read | President grants prosecution sanction against Satyendar Jain in ED probe

Contract values escalated: During the enquiry, it was observed that the tenders were floated and contracts were awarded for 860.63 crore. Subsequently, contract values escalated by 17% to 90% due to richer specifications.

The escalation amounted to Rs. 326.25 crore, of which Rs. 205.45 crore was attributable to richer specifications, comprising 23.87% of the award value.

No fresh tenders were invited to reflect these changes, contrary to CVC guidelines. In five schools, work worth Rs. 42.5 crore was executed without proper tenders, using existing contracts.

Also Read | More trouble for AAP? Centre approves CBI probe against Satyendar Jain

Based on the aforementioned findings in the instant matter, a proposal to seek previous approval u/s 17-A of the POC Act was initiated against the former PWD and Education Ministers of the erstwhile Delhi Government. The competent authority has given its approval to ACB's proposal.

Accordingly, an FIR has been registered at the Anti-Corruption Branch and a comprehensive investigation has been launched to unearth the whole conspiracy and fix the role and culpability of the alleged Ministers, known/unknown government officials/contractors.
Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior has announced penalties for individuals who violate regulations requiring a permit to perform Hajj 2025 and for those who facilitate such violations.

The penalties issued on April 28, according to Saudi Press Agency, came into effect from April 29 (Dhul-Qi'dah 1 in Saudi Arabia) until June 10 (end of Dhul-Hijjah 14 in Saudi Arabia). Dhul-Qi'dah or Zil-Qad and Dhul-Hijjah or Zil-Hajj refer to two months in the Islamic lunar calendar.

Zil-Qad is the eleventh month, and Zil-Hajj is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic year. This month, the main Hajj rituals are performed in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, in Saudi Arabia.

Here is the list of penalties announced by the Ministry

1- For performing the Hajj without a permit First, a fine of up to Saudi Riyals 20,000 (INR 4,53,707) will be imposed on individuals caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, and on holders of all types of visit visas who tried to enter or stay in Mecca city and the holy sites during the specified period.

2- Facilitating Hajj without a permit Second, a fine of up to Saudi Riyals 100,000 (INR 22,68,536) will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for an individual who has performed or attempted to perform Hajj without a permit, or who has entered or stayed in Mecca city and the holy sites during the specified period. Kaaba, the most sacred mosque of Islam, is in Mecca.

The fine will multiply for each individual involved. The same fine will apply to anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Mecca and the holy sites during the specified period, as well as to those who shelter or attempt to shelter visit visa holders in any accommodations, including hotels, apartments, private housing, shelters, or Hajj pilgrims' housing sites.

This includes concealing their presence or providing assistance that enables their stay. The fine will multiply for each individual sheltered, concealed, or assisted, reads the notice by the Saudi Ministry.

3- Transporting visit visa holders Third, the same fine of Saudi Riyals 100,000 (INR 22,68,536) will apply to anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Mecca and the holy sites during the specified period, as well as to those who shelter or attempt to shelter visit visa holders in any accommodations, including hotels, apartments, private housing, shelters, or Hajj pilgrims' housing sites.

This includes concealing their presence or providing assistance that enables their stay. The fine will multiply for each individual sheltered, concealed, or assisted, reads the notice by the Ministry.

4 - Illegal infiltrators will be barred deported, barred Fourth, illegal infiltrators attempting to perform Hajj, whether residents or overstayers, will be deported to their countries and banned from entering the Kingdom for ten years.

This includes concealing their presence or providing assistance that enables their stay.

5 - Vehicles Confiscated The notice said that the relevant court would be requested to confiscate land vehicles used to transport visit visa holders to Mecca and the holy sites during the specified period if they were owned by the transporter, facilitator, or any accomplices.

When will Hajj 2025 begin? Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, the two holiest cities of Islam in Saudi Arabia. The pilgrimage is performed during a particular period that culminates with Eid-ul-Adha.

This year, Hajj is expected to take place from June 4 to June 9, 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon, marking the beginning of Zil-Hajj, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. Pilgrims will likely begin their journey to Saudi Arabia as early as the end of April.

The first Hajj flights from India carrying 288 pilgrims from Lucknow and 262 from Hyderabad left for Saudi Arabia on April 29.

Crowd Control Measures As the Hajj 2025 begins, heartfelt wishes to all 1,22,518 pilgrims undertaking this sacred journey. The first flights took off today, 288 pilgrims from Lucknow and 262 pilgrims from Hyderabad, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party have scripted a remarkable victory in Canadas federal election.

Carney's Liberals will have a minority government in Canada's next parliament after falling just short of the 172 needed for majority control, the countrys public broadcaster CBC said. Carney's party had 169 confirmed seats with two races left to call, a setback for the Liberals.

The results have, however, put the Liberals in a strong position to pass legislation, including measures to confront US President Donald Trump.

There were many factors that contributed to Carneys victory. One major reason, as is being talked about by experts, is a big assistance from US President Donald Trump. Here is how.

Liberals win fourth election in a row With the results, the Liberal Party has won a fourth consecutive election in Canada, giving a mandate to Carney after a campaign with a pledge to boost economic growth and stand up to US President Donald Trump in the global trade war.

Canada, earlier considered a close US ally, was among the first countries targeted by Trumps tariffs with 25 per cent levy on Canadian-made cars. Worse, Trump, ever since he joined office in January, kept threatening Canadas sovereignty and spoke of the proposal making it the 51st state of the US.

In March, as Canada faced a trade war with the US and President Donald Trump's calls for it to become the 51st American state, Prime Minister Carney called a snap election, sending the country to the polls on April 28.

Turning Trump's aggressive stand to his favour Experts say Carney successfully turned Trumps aggressive stance on trade and Canadian sovereignty into a central campaign issue.

In the April 28 polls run-up, Carney positioned himself as the steady hand needed to confront external threats.

"Carney has been almost singularly focused on his neighbour, and this was reflected in his victory speech. After warning that the US wanted Canada's land and resources, Carney declared: "President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us. That will never ever happen," wrote Anthony Zurcher, BBC's North America correspondent, in a report on April 29.

This message resonated with voters concerned about national stability.

In his victory speech before supporters in Ottawa on April 29, Carney stressed the importance of Canadian unity in the face of the threats coming from Washington under President Trump.

We are over the shock of the American betrayal, but we should never forget the lessons, Carnay said, reiterating his campaign remarks about the mutually beneficial system Canada and the US had shared since World War II had ended.

Trump's impact on the Canadian election can be gauged by the fact that at the beginning of the year, the countrys Conservatives had a 25-point lead over the Liberal government, and their leader, Pierre Poilievre, looked certain to be the countrys next prime minister.

A banker, a crisis-manager and a newbie Carney, 60, was a political newcomer. He had never held office before. This would ideally mean to have undermined his candidacy in Canada, a report in Reuters said.

But, Carney leveraged his global reputation as a crisis-era central banker. He used his experience of leading the Bank of Canada and Bank of England during turbulent times to garner support among voters worried about economic uncertainty. Then his diplomatic handling of Trumps anti-Canada rhetoric helped him carve an image as a capable leader, according to experts.

Until Trump's return to power in January, Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party had held what looked like high and insurmountable ground in voter preference polls. This was despite general dissatisfaction with the state of the Canadian economy and almost a decade of Liberal government under then-leader Justin Trudeau.

Clearly, for Canadian voters, the election issue suddenly shifted from the economy and housing crisis to the question of how to keep Trump at bay.

The campaign saw a united wave against the US and President Trump, pushing undecided and left-leaning voters toward Carney. This year, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also helped consolidate support for the Liberals.

Trump reprioritised what mattered to the voters in this election, Terry Milewski, veteran Canadian journalist and political analyst, told The Indian Express.

Poilievre lost even his own seat in Ontarios Carleton district to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy. Poilievre, once seen as the frontrunner, was hit hard by voter backlash to US President Donald Trump's tariff threats and annexation remarks.

President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us. That will never ever happen.

Trudeaus popularity was also declining.
On account of Maharashtra Day, schools will be closed on Thursday, May 1, in the state of Maharashtra. There are other states where schools will be closed on May 1 on the occasion of May Day.

List of all states where schools will be closed on May 1 Assam Bihar Goa Karnataka Kerala Manipur Pondicherry Telangana Tamil Nadu Tripura West Bengal Maharashtra

Also Read | What is Maharashtra Day? Check traffic advisory in Mumbai for May 1 holiday

What is the significance of Maharashtra Day? Maharashtra Day, celebrated on May 1st every year, marks the formation of the state of Maharashtra in 1960, following the division of the Bombay State on linguistic lines. On this day, the Marathi-speaking population was granted its own state, with Mumbai as its capital.

The day holds immense significance for the people of Maharashtra as it represents cultural pride, unity, and the long-standing movement for a separate state that respects and promotes the Marathi language and heritage. Celebrations comprise of parades, cultural events, flag hoisting ceremonies, and tributes to the leaders and citizens who contributed to the states formation. Government offices, schools, and public institutions often host special programs to commemorate this historic occasion.

Know about May Day May Day, also known as International Workers' Day or Labour Day, is observed on May 1st each year to honour the contributions and struggles of workers around the world. It originated from the labour union movement, especially the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago, where workers rallied for the eight-hour workday.
Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday announced that caste enumeration will be a part of the next National Census.

An ANI report quoted Vaishnaw as saying, Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has decided today that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census. The minister, however, did not announce a date for beginning the census.

Nadda hails decision, lashes out at Congress Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief JP Nadda hailed the Centre's move, calling it a historic decision" to include a caste-based census in the census. This decision is extremely important from the point of view of bringing the economically, socially and educationally backward castes into the mainstream and restoring the dignity to the people who have been deprived of their rights for a long time, Nadda wrote on X.

He, however, lashed out at the Congress for fulfilling its political interests and alleging that the latter had always opposed the caste census. For a long time, the Congress has fulfilled its political interests by increasing animosity between castes and making them a means of vote bank. While in power, the Congress always opposed caste census, the proof of which is that after independence, caste census has not been done in the country till date," he said.

This unprecedented decision of the Modi government will be a milestone in expanding social harmony as well as in uplifting every section and increasing the respect of the backward sections. I express my gratitude to Modi ji for this historic decision for the welfare of the entire society, Nadda added in his post on X.

Bihar leaders welcome decision Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also hailed the decision by saying, The decision of the Central Government to conduct caste census is welcome. Conducting caste census will reveal the number of people of different classes, which will help in making plans for their upliftment and development, he said in a post on X.

Former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav welcomed the decision by writing a long post on X. He wrote, Our ideological victory, our fight for social justice is now at the next stage. Whatever we do today, others think about it after 35-40 years. Now we will reserve seats for backward/most backward classes in Vidhan Sabha, Vidhan Parishad, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Many recommendations of Mandal Commission are yet to be implemented.

He concluded his post with Long live social justice!

While talking to ANI, Yadav said, It was our 30-year-old demand. It's a victory for us - the Socialists and Lalu Yadav. Earlier, all the parties from Bihar met the PM, but he denied our demand. Many of the ministers denied this, but this is the strength of ours that they have to work on our agenda.

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan said it is an important decision in national interest, saying that his party had long called for it. The decision will be a big step in the country's equitable development, the Union minister said, adding that caste census will help "make more just and focused policies".

Paswan said that "misleading claims" were made about relations between him and the central government over the issue, and that the decision is a clear answer to such rumours.

Amit Shah calls it a historic decision, UP CM Yogi Adityanath says heartfelt gratitude Union Home Minister Amit Shah called it a historic decision, saying that the Modi government was committed to social justice. In the CCPA meeting held today under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, a message of strong commitment towards social equality and rights of every section has been given by deciding to include caste census in the upcoming census, he said in a post on X.

The Congress and its allies opposed the caste census for decades while in power and played politics over it while in the opposition. This decision will empower all economically and socially backward classes, promote inclusion and pave new paths for the progress of the deprived, he added.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called the decision unprecedented and a decisive initiative. The CM also took to X and wrote, The decision of the CCPA under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to include a caste census in the upcoming census in the overall interest of 140 crore countrymen is unprecedented and welcome.

This is a decisive initiative towards giving the deprived, backwards and neglected classes their proper recognition and fair participation in government schemes, he said, while adding, Heartfelt gratitude to the respected Prime Minister, under whose leadership the BJP government has taken this historic decision to transform social justice and data-based good governance into reality.

Will help decide on quota demands NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Wednesday welcomed the Centre's decision to conduct a caste-census, and said the move will help the government take a decision on the demands of reservation of various caste groups.

In a post on X, Sule said, Finally, today, the central government has decided to conduct a caste-wise census. This decision will shed new light on the exact number of various castes in the country and their status.

"We welcome this decision and sincerely thank the central government. It is hoped that this process will be started at the earliest and completed within the stipulated time," the Lok Sabha member from Baramati said.

Cong, CPI take credit, claim victory Congress MP Pramod Tiwari called it a victory for Congress party workers and demanded immediate action by the government. It's a victory of Congress party workers. On April 9, in the Ahmedabad session of Congress, we passed this resolution. It has become a people's movement, and after being surrounded and under the people's pressure, the government has decided to do this. We want immediate action in this regard, ANI quoted him as saying.

CPI MP D Raja claimed that the CPI had consistently demanded a caste census, and was one of the first parties in Bihar to support it at the national level. He told ANI, "The Communist Party of India has consistently demanded a caste census. Our party is one of the first parties in Bihar to support the caste census at the national level. Now, due to the consistent campaign conducted by opposition parties demanding a caste census, the government has finally agreed to have a caste census. The government should not think of playing politics on this issue. It must show its sincerity and political will to undertake the work of caste census."
The deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, has significantly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. In the aftermath, India has taken a firm stance, warning Pakistan against unprovoked ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and engaging with the international community to highlight the issue. Meanwhile, regional powers Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait have called for restraint from both sides to prevent further escalation.

Also Read | SC to hear plea on Pahalgam terror attack tomorrow

Here are five key developments surrounding the crisis:

Indias Stern Warning to Pakistan Over Ceasefire Violations The Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan held a hotline conversation on April 29 to address recent unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army along the LoC and the International Border.

India issued a strong warning to Pakistan, condemning the repeated breaches and emphasising that Indian forces have responded firmly and proportionately to these provocations.

The violations, which have intensified since the Pahalgam attack, were reported in sectors including Naushera, Sunderbani, Akhnoor, Baramulla, and Kupwara.

Also Read | India issues stern warning to Pakistan over ceasefire violations along LoC

Indias Diplomatic Outreach to the UNSC In a bid to garner international support, India reached out to the seven non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to apprise them of the situation and seek condemnation of cross-border terrorism.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been actively engaging with his counterparts, including a recent conversation with the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, to underline Indias position and the need for collective action against terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

Also Read | Pahalgam terror attack: CCS reviews overall security situation

Calls for Restraint from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait Amid the rising tensions, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait have urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that could further destabilise the region. These Gulf nations have emphasised dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path to resolving the crisis, reflecting concerns over the potential for escalation between two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Also Read | Pakistan Army now violates ceasefire along international borders in J&K

Escalation of Diplomatic and Military Measures Following the Pahalgam attack, India has implemented several punitive measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post, suspension of visas, and reduction in diplomatic staff.

Pakistan has responded with reciprocal actions such as closing border crossings and airspace restrictions. These moves have further strained bilateral relations and heightened the risk of confrontation.

Also Read | Pakistan Army now violates ceasefire along international borders in J&K
In the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22, in which 26 people were killed, the central government decided to revamp the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB).

According to an ANI report, Alok Joshi has been appointed as the head of NSAB. Six more members have been inducted into the board.

Who is Alok Joshi? According to the report, Joshi is a former Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). Joshi will lead a seven-member board comprising retired senior officers from India's military, police, and foreign services.

Joshi, a 1976 batch IPS officer of Haryana Cadre, was earlier Special Secretary in RAW under the Cabinet Secretariat, before being appointed as Secretary RAW in 2012. Joshi has previously served in Intelligence Bureau and Haryana Police. He has been a part of key operations in Nepal and Pakistan in the past.

Also Read | Pakistan Army now violates ceasefire along international borders in J&K

First constituted in December 1998, the NSAB undertakes long-term analysis to provide perspectives on the national security issues to the National Security Council (NSC) and to recommend measures or solutions and policy options on the issues referred to it by the NSC.

What is the revamp? The members include Former Western Air Commander Air Marshal PM Sinha, former Southern Army Commander Lieutenant General AK Singh, and Rear Admiral Monty Khanna, all retired military officers. Rajiv Ranjan Verma and Manmohan Singh are the two retired members of the Indian Police Service. B Venkatesh Varma is a retired IFS officer in the seven-member board.

Two additional meetings  the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)  were also convened along with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meet at PM Narendra Modi's residence.

Convened by the PM, the meetings concluded on Wednesday afternoon. This was the second CCS meeting convened following the Pahalgam terror attack. The CCS last met on April 23 and was briefed in detail on the attack.

The first CCS meeting In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress towards economic growth and development.

The government then announced a series of measures, including holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, in a strong message to Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism.

Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi chaired a meeting attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the three other service chiefs.

In this meeting, the PM asserted that the armed forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timings of India's response, government sources told PTI.

The second CCS meeting The CCS, chaired by PM Modi, is understood to have deliberated on the overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday amid speculations about India's possible retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack in view of its cross border linkages, a PTI report said.

The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, the report said.
Pakistan on Wednesday asserted that it has credible evidence which indicates that India is preparing to launch military action within the next 24 to 36 hours. It also cautioned New Delhi that such a move would lead to consequences. The statement is crucial as it comes hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told the top defence brass that the armed forces have "complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode.

Here's a look at the top updates: Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday claimed that the Indian government was preparing to launch an attack on the basis of "baseless and concocted allegations" regarding Pakistans involvement in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

Tarar said in a post on X, Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends carrying out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident.

He added that Pakistan itself has been a victim of terrorism and has condemned all forms of such violence. However, Tarar asserted that India had unilaterally taken on the roles of judge, jury, and executioner in accusing Pakistan of involvement in the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Also Read | India steps up economic pressure on Pakistan

Being a responsible state, Pakistan open heartedly offered a credible, transparent and independent investigation by a neutral commission of experts to ascertain the truth. Unfortunately, rather than pursuing the path of reason, India has apparently decided to tread the dangerous path of irrationality and confrontation, which will have catastrophic consequences for the complete region and beyond, he added.

Pakistan urged the international community to remain alive, warning that any military adventurism by India would be responded to assuredly and decisively and that the onus of any escalatory spiral and its consequences shall squarely lie with India.

See post here:

On Teusday, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan will not strike India but reserves the right to retaliate during his speech in the Senate on the recent tensions between two countries.

Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and pleaded for a neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident.

"Had a telephone conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. I reaffirmed Pakistan's condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, rejected baseless Indian accusations, and called for a transparent and neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident...Pakistan remains committed to peace, but will defend its sovereignty with full force if challenged," Sharif wrote on X on Tuesday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday called Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif amid rising tensions with India following the Pahalgam attack last week that killed 26 people.

The development comes after US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce at a press briefing earlier on Tuesday said that Washington is reaching out to both India and Pakistan regarding the Kashmir situation and telling them not to escalate the situation.

Bruce also said Secretary of State Marco Rubio expects to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow.

A press release by the Pakistan Prime Ministers Office said that Sharif briefed the US secretary of state on Pakistans perspective regarding recent developments in South Asia following the Pahalgam terror attack.

What Sharif told Rubio Sharif highlighted Pakistans significant contributions in the global fight against terrorism and claimed that the country has sacrificed over 90,000 lives and suffered economic losses exceeding USD 152 billion, the release said.

The prime minister claimed that Indian provocations serve to distract from Pakistans ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, particularly groups operating from Afghan soil.

Sharif also rejected Indias attempt to link Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack and reiterated Pakistans call for an impartial investigation. He also urged the US to press India to refrain from making inflammatory statements.

Sharif also brought up the Indus Waters Treaty, which he said is the lifeline for 240 million people, and claimed that it contains no provisions for unilateral withdrawal by any party.

Also Read | SC to hear plea on Pahalgam terror attack tomorrow

Separately, US Charge dAffaires Natalie Baker on Wednesday met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions with India.

Following the Pahalgam attack, the deadliest in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019, India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan and announced a raft of measures, including suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, wishing prosperity, success, and happiness for all citizens.

In a post shared on the social media platform X, the Prime Minister wrote, Infinite good wishes to all of you on Akshaya Tritiya. May this sacred festival dedicated to humanity bring success, prosperity, and happiness to everyone, and give new strength to the resolve of a developed India.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his wishes, " Infinite best wishes for Akshaya Tritiya, the festival symbolising the confluence of nature and culture. I wish that this holy festival brings eternal virtue, good fortune and prosperity in everyone's life.

Know about Akshaya Tritiya Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej or Akti, is a significant Hindu festival observed throughout the country. Celebrated on the third lunar day of the bright half of the month of Vaisakha, it is considered an auspicious day for beginning new ventures, buying gold, and making charitable donations.

Following the festival, gold demand in India is expected to remain strong despite the surge in prices, as buyers are drawn by the high returns seen over the past two years.

Experts say that despite a surge in rates, there will be accelerated consumer interest in the yellow metal with people moving towards lightweight and studded jewellery.

Meanwhile, on Akshaya Tritiya, the doors of Shri Yamunotri Dham and Shri Gangotri Dham are being formally opened for the devotees.

Many devotees left Rishikesh to embark on the Char Dham Yatra.

Jai, one of the devotees from Rishikesh, said, "...We are very excited...the facilities are very good. Registration was done very smoothly, there is water, tea facilities, and there are also washroom facilities..."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, a Reuters report quoting Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Sources said that an invitation was extended to Prime Minister Modi to attend the Victory Day Parade at Moscow. Russian side was informed earlier that India would be represented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

However, government sources on Wednesday confirmed that even Singh will not be attending the event in Russia.

According to a Reuters report, a number of other international leaders, including Chinese president Xi Jinping, are scheduled to come to Russia to attend events, marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. Jinping has confirmed that he will attend the event. Preparations are underway to host about 20 foreign leaders in Moscow.

What is Victory Day? In January 1945, the Soviet Army launched an offensive against Germany. On May 9, the commanders-in-chief then signed the Act of Unconditional Surrender of Germany which ended the war.

The national holiday honours the sacrifices of Soviet troops and civilians during the war. The Soviet Union reportedly suffered 24 million casualties during the war, including soldiers and civilians.

Russia's state-run news agency quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin as saying on Tuesday, On the banks of the Volga, our troops halted and crushed the enemy. A decisive blow was delivered to the Nazi war machine, marking a turning point in the war and opening the road westward  to Berlin and to the Great Victory, whose 80th anniversary we will solemnly celebrate very soon, on May 9.

To mark the Victory Day celebrations, Putin on Monday declared a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire next week in Ukraine. The Kremlin said the truce, ordered on humanitarian grounds, will run from the start of May 8 and last through the end of May 10 to mark Moscow's defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945  Russia's biggest secular holiday, an AP report said.

PM Modi's Russia visits PM Modi had visited Russia in 2024, his first trip to the country in nearly five years. During his visit, PM Modi had invited Russian President to visit India, dates of which haven't been confirmed yet.

On July 9, PM Modi was officially conferred the Order of St Andrew the Apostle award by President Putin for his contribution to fostering bilateral ties between the two countries.

PM Modi's two-day visit had begun with a private dinner at President Putin's residence on the outskirts of Moscow.
The US urged India and Pakistan on Tuesday "not to escalate" the conflict in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. The US' statement came as Pakistan warned of "military action by India" in next 24-36 hours.

US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said at a press briefing on Tuesday (local time) that Washington is reaching out to both India and Pakistan regarding the Kashmir situation and telling them not to escalate the situation.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio expects to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow," Bruce said, adding that Rubio is encouraging other national leaders and foreign ministers to reach out to the countries on this issue.

"So it is  again, as Ive noted, every day action is being taken, in this case the Secretary speaking directly to his counterparts in India and Pakistan, and well  we expect certainly the impact hes usually had with the individuals hes spoken with and certainly with President Trumps leadership, India and Pakistan having those conversations. Its very important for them, Bruce said.

Also Read | Pakistan must wake up and smell the geo-economic brew

In a statement on Tuesday, Pakistan's Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said that Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends to carry out military action against Pakistan in the next 24 to 36 hours.

His statement came after India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan and announced a raft of measures, including expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post in view of the cross-border links to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Also Read | Pakistan Army now violates ceasefire along international borders in J&K
Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Deven Bharti is appointed as the new commissioner of Mumbai police, officials said on Wednesday. Bharti will replace Vivek Phansalkar as Mumbai's top cop on Wednesday evening.

Vivek Phansalkar retired on Wednesday after serving the force for 35 years, news agency PTI reported.

Who is Deven Bharti? Deven Bharti is a 1994-batch IPS (Indian Police Service) officer and is currently the special commissioner of the Mumbai police.

Deven Bharti's education: Bharti hails from Darbhanga in Bihar. He completed his master's from the Delhi School of Economics. He did his matriculation in Jharkhand, Hindustan Times reported.

Deven Bharti's career: Before that, he had served the 50,000-strong police force in the metropolis in various capacities, including as joint commissioner of police (law and order), additional commissioner of police (crime), and deputy commissioner of police (crime).

In his long career, he has also headed the Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS), besides serving as the inspector general of police (law and order ) in the state police headquarters.

Before being assigned to the Mumbai police, Bharti had also served on central deputation.

Deven Bharti's high-profile cases: Known for his investigative skills, Bharti has been a part of many high-profile cases, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people were killed, PTI reported.

Deven Bharti, CM's trusted official: Bharti, 56, is an officer trusted highly by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Hindustan Times reported. He had worked as joint commissioner (law and order) in the first stint of Devendra Fadnavis as the CM.

The state home department has downgraded the post of the Mumbai Police commissioner to the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), an official was quoted by PTI as saying.

For over a decade and half, the post of the Mumbai Police commissioner was occupied by an officer of the director general rank.

Bharti is an IPS officer of the additional director general rank.

Therefore, Maharashtra has downgraded the post of Mumbai Police commissioner for Bharti so that it can be taken over by an officer of ADG rank.

The coveted post of Mumbai police commissioner has traditionally been of the ADGP rank, but it had been upgraded to the DG rank in a few recent postings.
The Bangladesh High Court on Wednesday granted bail to ISKCON leader Chandan Kumar Dhar, known as Chinmoy Krishna Das, in a sedition case, reported The Daily Star.

Chinmoy Das was arrested following a controversy that erupted when a sedition case was filed against him and 18 others in Chittagong on October 30 last year.

The charges were linked to the hoisting of a saffron flag above Bangladesh's official flag during the October 25 rally at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram.

Chimoy Das was presented before a Chittagong court on Tuesday, where his bail plea was denied, and he was sent into custody.

Chinmoy Das is anticipated to be released from custody pursuant to the High Court's directive, unless the Supreme Court's Appellate Division issues a stay on the High Court's ruling, according to lawyer Prolad Deb Nath, who represents Das, as reported by The Daily Star.

In Dhaka, Chinmoy Krishna Das' advocate Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee told ANI, "After 7 months, the court finds no specific evidence and today we produced all kinds of documents in favour of him and the court granted him bail. We hope that he will be free within one week. There is no such provision, but I think the government will try for a stay, and they may go to the Supreme Court."

Also Read | Over 100 houses looted! Bangladesh minority group condemns attack on Hindus

Under Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh has been going through a tense period with Hindu-majority India over the security of minorities, sparking protests and counter-protests. Less than 8 per cent of Bangladesh's 170 million people are Hindu.

Many in the interim government are unhappy that India is sheltering Hasina, and a special tribunal in Bangladesh has sought her arrest. An official request to India for her extradition remains unanswered.

India, which sheltered 10 million refugees and helped Bangladesh gain independence after a nine-month war against Pakistan in 1971, considers Hasina to be a trusted friend. Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was the independence leader of Bangladesh, then the eastern part of Pakistan, India's regional foe.

Also Read | Another Hindu priest arrested in Bangladesh: ISKCON

Who is Chinmoy Das? Chinmoy Krishna Das is a prominent advocate for the rights and security of religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly the Hindu (Sanatani) community.

He serves as the spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote.

Chinmoy Das has been vocal in calling for significant reforms, including the enactment of a minority protection law, the establishment of special tribunals to expedite cases of minority persecution, and the creation of a dedicated ministry for minority affairs.

Hailing from Satkania Upazila in Chittagong, Chinmoy Das first rose to prominence through his religious oratory, earning the nickname Shishu Bokta or child orator at an early age.

Between 2016 and 2022, he served as the Chittagong divisional secretary of ISKCON, the Gaudiya Vaishnav organisation, before being expelled in 2024.
Pahalgam terror Attack: The Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan held a hotline conversation on April 29 to address the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army along the Line of Control (LoC).

According to defence sources, India issued a stern warning to Pakistan, urging an immediate cessation of such hostile actions.

Notably, the hotline conversation happened before Pakistan's information minister said the country has "credible intelligence" that India intends to launch a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours.

Pakistani troops engaged in unprovoked firing across multiple sectors, including the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a swift and measured response from Indian forces.

Also Read | Pahalgam terror attack: CCS reviews overall security situation

Pakistan claims India will attack in next 24-36 hours Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends to launch military strikes in the next 24-36 hours, the country's information minister said on Wednesday as tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours ramp up.

Any such military adventurism by India would be responded to assuredly and decisively, Attaullah Tarar said in a post on X without elaborating on what intelligence Pakistan has.

Also Read | Pakistan Army now violates ceasefire along international borders in J&K

Attaullah Tarar's comments came after India accused Pakistan of supporting militants behind an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists last week. Islamabad rejects the allegations.

Tarar said that India intends to use the attack as a "false pretext" for a strike and that "any such military adventurism by India would be responded to assuredly and decisively".

Pakistan violates LoC ceasefire Pakistan has persistently violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, engaging in unprovoked small-arms firing across multiple sectors, including Naushera, Sunderbani, Akhnoor, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Poonch.

These violations have continued for six consecutive nights as of late April 2025, marking a significant escalation in hostilities following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists.

The Pakistan Army even extended its firing beyond the LoC to the International Border in the Pargwal sector of Jammu, an area traditionally regarded as sacrosanct and rarely subjected to such aggression.
Amid escalating tension between India and Pakistan over Pahalgam terror attack, a Pakistani senator, Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, has declared that the "first brick of the new Babri mosque" in Ayodhya would be laid by the Pakistani army.

A video of Palwasha's inflammatory speech in Pakistan's Upper House, on April 29, has gone viral amid tensions between the two countries over the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pak Army Will Lay First Brick in Ayodhya Babri Masjid "That day is not far, when the first brick to rebuild Babri Masjid will be laid by a common soldier from Pindi, and the first call to prayer will be given by Pakistans Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir," Palwasha said on Tuesday.

The Pakistani senator further added, We are not wearing bangles.

Watch the Video here

Muslim Government in India Starting her speech Palwasha claimed that the path was steering towards a the establishment of a Muslim government in India.

Judging from current circumstances, it appears that Allah is creating the means for the establishment of a Muslim governmentspecifically a Pakistani Muslim governmentin the Indian subcontinent., Palwasha said in Urdu.

Pakistan is officially an Islamic Republic with a federal parliamentary system of government.

There is no doubtthis enmity is not with Pakistan or Pakistanis; this is enmity against Muslims and against Islam,  the Pakistani senator said adding, the Senate of Pakistan must send a message: if any hand reaches toward us, then the symbol of their powerthe Red Fort of Delhiwill witness a bloodshed that its walls have never seen, and its ramparts will testify to it for centuries to come.

Chairman, Hugo Chavez once addressed a great enemy and said: 'We have guns, we have arms, we have treesand if the enemy tries anything, we will hang their corpses from our trees.' Today, that same message must go from us to those in India who are plotting nefarious designs against us. the Senator continued.

But let me be clear: we have no enmity with the people of India.

Also Read | India issues stern warning to Pakistan over ceasefire violations along LoC

Warning For India Thank God, our stomachs are full, our arms are strongand no one here wears bangles in fear. Even the women sitting in this Senate are not wearing bangles in submission.

If they throw a single brick at us, we will rain stones down upon them in such force that they will be annihilated. Any hand that reaches toward us will be cut off. Any foot that dares step on this soil will be severed. Any eye that casts a dirty glance our way will be gouged out.

'Indian Sikh Soldiers Will Not Attack Pakistan" Palwasha mentioned that in the Indian army, there are Sikh soldiers, who would NOT attack Pakistan in case of a conflict with India. Palswasha appeared to trigger a long-standing identity crisis that arose from the painful partition of 1947.

"If they are threatening Pakistan, then let them know that the Sikh army will not attack Pakistan because its the land of Guru Nanak for them," she said, referring to the religious significance of the country for Sikhs.

Also Read | Did Gurpatwant Singh Pannun attend Donald Trump inauguration?

Salute Gurpatwant Singh Pannu I want to salute Sikh leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, who courageously declared that no Indian soldier will be allowed to cross into Pakistan from Indian Punjab.

And they threaten us with piling up our corpseslet them be reminded that our army is not just six or seven lakh soldierswe have 250 million people who, when the time comes, will stand shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces and become soldiers themselves, God willing.

Notably, Gurpatwant Singh Pannu is wanted in India and has been designated a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for his involvement in anti-India activities. He is a US- and Canadian-citizen Khalistani separatist who leads the banned organisation Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).

Who is Pakistan Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan? Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan is a Pakistani politician affiliated with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). She has been serving as a Senator in the Upper House of Pakistan since March 2021, representing the province of Sindh on a womens reserved seat.

Prior to her tenure in the Senate, she was a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013.

In addition to her legislative roles, Palwasha holds the position of Deputy Information Secretary within the PPP.

Notably, PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto, son of former PM of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto, had made a fiery statement following Indias suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Jittery amid fears that India might launch a military action on Pakistan following the terror attack in Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, J&K, that left 26 dead, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reached out to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, urging immediate intervention.

The urge for UN intervention has come as Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, issued a statement claiming that Pakistan has credible intelligence suggesting India plans to launch military action against the nation within the next 24-36 hours.

The fears have emerged from the decisive actions India has taken against Pakistan after the attack in Pahalgam on April 22.

Shehbaz Sharif dials UN chief Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday, April 29, held a telephonic conversation with UN chief and pleaded for a neutral investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack.

Taking to X after speaking with Antonio Guterres, Shehbaz Sharif condemned terrorism but asserted Pakistan's commitment to peace, while highlighting that Islamabad will defend its sovereignty if challenged.

Shehbaz Sharif said, Had a telephone conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. I reaffirmed Pakistan's condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, rejected baseless Indian accusations, and called for a transparent and neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident...Pakistan remains committed to peace, but will defend its sovereignty with full force if challenged.

Indias military action in 24-36 hours': Pakistan minister's BIG claim Pakistani minister Attaullah Tarar cited credible intelligence and claimed India was planning a military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours. He also warned India of catastrophic consequences if New Delhi confronts Pakistan with a military action.

Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends to carry out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident, the Pakistani minister said.

He further added that Pakistan itself has been a victim of terrorism and understands the pain. Also Read | Govt bans 16 Pakistani media YouTube channels including Dawn, GeoTV and Samaa TV

The post added, Indian self-assumed hubris role of Judge, Jury and Executioner in the region is reckless and vehemently rejected. Pakistan has been the victim of terrorism itself and truly understands the pain of this scourge. We have always condemned it in all its forms and manifestations anywhere in the world.
Days after India officially suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in response to Pakistans alleged support for cross-border terrorism, following the Pahalgam terror attack, BJP MP from Bengaluru Central, PC Mohan, took to social media platform X on Tuesday to claim that Indias action is already showing impact on the ground.

He shared satellite imagery allegedly depicting a visible drop in water levels of the Chenab river near Sialkot, a city in Pakistans Punjab province. Indias suspension of the Indus Water Treaty is drying up the Chenab River near Sialkot in Pakistan. Pani chahiye, pani?  Mohan wrote, in a pointed remark aimed at Pakistan.

India had suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) last week. The decision was made during a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by senior ministers, including Home Minister Amit Shah, reported the Hindustan Times.

The move marks a significant escalation in Indias diplomatic stance towards Pakistan, linking water-sharing arrangements directly with national security concerns. The suspension will remain in effect until Pakistan credibly and irreversibly renounces its backing of terrorism and shuts down the integrated Attari Check Post  a key land trade and travel route between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, governs the sharing of waters of the six rivers of the Indus river system between India and Pakistan. Under the treaty, India has control over the eastern riversRavi, Beas, and Sutlejwhile Pakistan was granted rights over the western riversIndus, Jhelum, and Chenab. Any deviation from this framework could have wide-ranging geopolitical, ecological and humanitarian consequences, especially for downstream populations in Pakistan.

Also Read | Pahalgam terror attack: CCS reviews overall security situation

Reacting to the Centres decision, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the move, calling it long overdue. Speaking to the media, Abdullah reiterated his longstanding opposition to the treaty, describing it as the most unfair document for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. As far as J&K is concerned, we have never been in favour of the Indus Water Treaty, he said.

Also Read | Pakistan Army now violates ceasefire along international borders in J&K
A Columbia University student arrested by immigration officials was released by a federal judge as he fights the Trump administrations attempts to remove him from the country.

US District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford on Wednesday granted bail to Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian green card holder who had participated in anti-Israel protests on campus. Mahdawi, 34, was arrested at an immigration office in Vermont earlier this month after appearing for an interview as part of his citizenship application.

To my people in Palestine: I feel your pain, I see your suffering, and I see freedom and it is very very soon, Mahdawi told a crowd of supporters outside the Vermont courthouse after he was released, according to a statement from the American Civil Liberties Union.

Mahdawi, who was born and raised in a refugee camp in the West Bank, co-founded a Palestinian student union with another Columbia student, Mahmoud Khalil. Since his arrest in March, Khalil has become a symbol of the Trump administrations crackdown on campus protests over Israels war with Hamas.

Ray of Light

Mohsen is a ray of light in his communities, and we are so relieved that today he walked out those courtroom doors and back into the arms of his loved ones, a lawyer for Mahdawi said in a statement. Their claims and actions are baseless, without evidence, and are a disgrace to the U.S. Constitution.

In addition to the deportation of students, the Trump administration is citing antisemitism on college campuses to pressure elite universities to overhaul their policies. Harvard University filed a lawsuit over the administrations decision to freeze billions of dollars in federal funding.

Crawford concluded that despite the governments claims Mahdawi posed a threat to the community, the evidence does not support a finding of dangerousness.

Mr. Mahdawi has raised a substantial claim that the government arrested him to stifle speech with which it disagrees, Crawford said. Such an act would be a violation of the Constitution.

A spokesperson for the US Justice Department didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the ruling.

The judge also cited what he called the extraordinary setting of Mahdawis case and other recent arrests of foreign students.

Legal residents  not charged with crimes or misconduct  are being arrested and threatened with deportation for stating their views on the political issues of the day, Crawford said. Our nation has seen times like this before, especially during the Red Scare.

The judge also said he received more than 125 letters attesting to Mahdawis non-violent nature, including from Jewish colleagues and professors.

Khalil  who is being held in Louisiana  on Tuesday won a procedural victory when a federal judge in New Jersey rejected the governments argument that he lacks jurisdiction to hear the students case. The decision means that Khalil can contest a ruling by an immigration court that allowed his deportation.

Immigration authorities attempted to fly Mahdawi to Louisiana following his arrest and detention, but were blocked by another federal judge in Vermont. The government sought to pause Mahdawis release for seven days, but that request was denied.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is looking to make a trade deal and will visit the White House within the next week.

Donald Trump said he had congratulated Mark Carney on Monday's election win when the Canadian leader called on Tuesday.

Also Read | Carneys election win in Canada can actually be called historic

"He's a very nice gentleman and he's going to come to the White House very shortly, within the next week or less," Trump said after the leader of Canada's Liberal Party secured election victory in part by vowing to stand up to the US president.

"I spoke to him yesterday, couldn't have been nicer and I congratulated him," Trump told reporters in a cabinet meeting.

Mark Carney, who replaced Trudeau as prime minister just last month, convinced voters that his experience managing economic crises made him the ideal candidate to defy US President Trump.

According to analysts, Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party had been on track to win the vote but Trump's attacks, combined with the departure of unpopular former premier Justin Trudeau, transformed the race.

Donald Trump however downplayed any possible tensions with the Canadian -- despite repeatedly calling for Carney's country to become the 51st US state.

"I think we're going to have a great relationship. He called me up yesterday, he said 'Let's make a deal'," Trump said.

They both hated Trump, and it was the one that hated Trump, I think, the least that won. I actually think the Conservative hated me much more than the so-called Liberal.

What Did Carney say on Trump After Poll Victory? Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said his country deserves respect from the US and will only enter trade and security talks with President Donald Trump "on our terms".

Carney told BBC that he would only visit Washington when there was a "serious discussion to be had" that respected Canada's sovereignty.

Carney and Trump have since spoken and agreed to meet in the near future, according to the Canadian prime minister's office.

"The leaders agreed on the importance of Canada and the US working together  as independent, sovereign nations  for their mutual betterment," the statement reads.
The European Union is planning to share a paper with the US next week that will set out a package of proposals to kick-start trade negotiations with the Trump administration.

The paper will propose lowering trade and non-tariff barriers, boosting European investments in the US, cooperating on global challenges such as tackling Chinas steel overcapacity and purchasing US goods like liquefied natural gas and technologies, according to people familiar with the matter.

The plans could still change as the European Commission, the EUs executive arm that handles trade matters for the bloc, continues to consult with member states, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

A spokesperson for the commission declined to comment.

The EU is also moving forward with plans to retaliate over the tariffs President Donald Trump has imposed on the bloc should negotiations fail, according to the people. Those plans include more lists of US goods to hit with tariffs as well as possible export restrictions, Bloomberg previously reported.

The EU agreed earlier this month to delay for 90 days the implementation of a set of counter-tariffs against the US over 25% duties Trump imposed on the blocs steel and aluminum exports. That move came after the US president lowered his so-called reciprocal rate on most EU exports from 20% to 10% for the same amount of time.

Trump has also imposed a 25% duty on cars as well as some parts. The president has said he will press ahead with plans to target semiconductors and pharmaceutical imports too.

The EU and the US have so far made little progress in talks aimed at defusing the conflict and several government officials told Bloomberg earlier this week they believe that many of the US tariffs are here to stay.

The Trump administration has raised grievances about the trade deficit in goods it has with the EU as well as over several of the blocs regulations and standards.

The bloc is also preparing for worst case scenarios that could see the EU and US spar in litigation at the World Trade Organization. Its also preparing to address any trade diversion that could result from the 145% tariffs Trump placed on many Chinese exports.

With assistance from Michael Nienaber, Kamil Kowalcze and Jorge Valero.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Harvard University released its long-awaited reports on antisemitism and anti-Muslim bias, presenting a scathing critique of how its students treated each other in the aftermath of the Hamas attack against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Im sorry for the moments when we failed to meet the high expectations we rightfully set for our community, Harvard President Alan Garber said in a letter Tuesday accompanying the reports, which offered recommendations for the university covering admissions, handling complaints and how it teaches.

Garber, whos acknowledged hes recently experienced antisemitism at Harvard, is releasing the studies as the oldest and richest US university faces multiple government probes over its treatment of Jewish students and the role race plays on campus.

The reports scrutinize a tumultuous period in the previous school year marked by anti-Israel protests and tent encampments in Harvard Yard, as well as allegations that pro-Zionist groups doxxed demonstrators.

Also Read | Study abroad: How to prepare your class 9 kid for Harvard and Yale

While the federal government slammed Harvard over antisemitism after the Oct. 7 attacks, its critique under the Trump administration has morphed into an attack on the universitys governance, its promotion of diversity programs and its perceived liberal bias. On Monday, the government opened another investigation, alleging discrimination at the Harvard Law Review.

The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based school has fired back against the demands, saying they amount to an effort by the administration to exert government control over the school and not to address antisemitism. Harvard sued the government this month, accusing it of unlawfully suspending funding after the university refused to comply with unconstitutional demands.

Also Read | Donald Trump orders crackdown on foreign funding of Universities

Garber created the task forces on antisemitism and Islamophobia in January 2024, weeks after he stepped in as interim president following the abrupt resignation of Claudine Gay, the universitys first Black president. She was forced out after allegations of plagiarism and criticism of her disastrous response in congressional testimony over whether calling for the genocide of Jews goes against university policy.

Together, the task forces reports run to more than 500 pages, which at times offered searing accounts of life for Jewish, Israeli, Muslim and Arab students. They were derived from interviews with community members and written by groups of more than a dozen faculty, students and staff.

Also Read | Trump Organization Fires Lawyer as President Blasts Harvard Work

Antisemitism Report The Task Force Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israel Bias described a campus in which antisemitism has been excluded from forms of prejudice such as racism or xenophobia.

The report included an example of a Jewish student planning to give a speech describing their experiences as a grandchild of a Holocaust survivor. But the student recounted being told, I cannot mention my grandfathers rescue mission in my speech because his rescue mission involves Israel. Nowhere does my speech mention the current war or Zionism. It is strictly about the Holocaust.

Also Read | Trump Organization Fires Lawyer as President Blasts Harvard Work

The report also described a new era of pro-Palestinian organizing with tactics such as injecting discussions of the Palestinian cause into a wide range of areas in student life and using disruptive tactics at important events including first-year convocation at Harvard College and match day at the medical school.

The task force on antisemitism recommended changes in eight categories, including admissions and discipline. For admissions, it suggested assessing an applicants aptitude in navigating situations with diverging viewpoints  something Harvard College already did with a new essay question announced last year.

Also Read | Trump Administration demands decade of foreign funding records from Harvard

Anti-Muslim Report The Task Force on Combating Anti-Muslim, Anti-Arab and Anti-Palestinian Bias said students and other members of the community felt abandoned and silenced during the 2023-24 school year.

Muslim students told the task force they were living in fear. One said peers had lost their jobs for being leaders in Muslim faith groups. They were also concerned about doxxing  the posting of private information about a person without their consent  which they said created a climate of intimidation that was compounded by the perception that the administrations response was inadequate.

The report on anti-Muslim bias suggested seven sets of recommendations, relating to safety, freedom of expression and transparency. Proposals also included increasing courses on Palestinian studies and bolstering cross-cultural understanding.

The authors of the reports said they set out to listen to the concerns of community members and not to verify them.

The conclusions that emerge from this work are clear, Garber wrote. We need to recognize and act on them and we are doing that.

He said Harvard has made progress by limiting official statements on public matters unrelated to the schools core mission and reiterating rules on the time and place of protests. The university also pointed to other actions it has taken, including building dialogue skills, offering enhanced kosher options and providing community support during Ramadan.

Focus Areas The reports didnt make recommendations on whether to divest Harvards $53 billion endowment from Israel or US weapons makers, which was a major demand of many pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Garber has said previously that Harvards consistent position is that it has no intention of divesting from Israel.

Garber said the school would focus on three areas: nurturing a widespread sense of belonging and promoting respectful dialogue; revising and implementing policies, procedures, and training; and strengthening academic and residential life.

New actions Harvard will take include an initiative to promote viewpoint diversity and further review of disciplinary policies and procedures to assess their effectiveness and efficiency. Harvard will also review the recommendations, some of which can be implemented by the university and some by individual schools, such as admissions.

The institution has spent more than a year emphasizing efforts its taken to combat antisemitism, including education and safety measures. In recent weeks, the school placed the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee on probation and forced the faculty leaders of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies to leave their posts. Harvard also suspended a partnership with Birzeit University in the West Bank.
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China says "Won't kneel" to US tariffs in propaganda video

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Likens yielding to Trump's tariffs to "drinking poison"

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Chinese internet uses sharing tariff memes on social media

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Messaging conveys yielding risks weakening China, Chinese official says

By Joe Cash

BEIJING, - China is leveraging its propaganda machine to hit back at U.S. tariffs, rolling out videos using Cold War imagery to lambaste "imperialists" and send a simple message - capitulation to bullies is dangerous, and we won't back down.

Beijing has made little effort to contain its anger at the tariffs, which it says are tantamount to bullying and will do nothing to address issues such as fentanyl abuse and cannot stop the rise of the world's second-largest economy.

On Tuesday, China's foreign ministry released a video, complete with a voice-over in American-accented English, on its social media feeds that likened yielding to U.S. President Donald Trump's 145% tariffs to "drinking poison".

"China won't kneel down, because we know standing up for ourselves keeps the possibility of cooperation alive, while compromise snuffs it out," the narration said, over footage of a Chinese MiG-15 fighter shooting down a U.S. jet in the Korean War.

"Imperialists are always arrogant. If they show a bit of reason it's only because they are forced to do so," it added, this time over footage of the signing of the armistice that ended the war.

China's top diplomat Wang Yi on Monday likened Trump's trade policy to "the open return of the law of the jungle," during a meeting of foreign ministers from developing nations in Brazil.

"If we choose to stay silent or compromise, it will only embolden the bully further," Wang told his BRICS bloc counterparts, according to a foreign ministry readout.

One Chinese official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said Beijing's view is that yielding or compromising now would only weaken China in the future and allow Trump to change the terms later.

Messaging such as "Do Not Kneel" conveys this to a domestic and international audience, the person said.

On Chinese social media, where censors scrub anything sensitive, such as alleged human rights abuses, tariff memes abound.

"The King has come up with new tariffs! Peasants, peasants, listen up!" run the lyrics to an up-tempo, electro-beat song on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, referring to comments from Vice President J.D. Vance who used the term "peasants" to refer to Chinese people earlier this month.

"Tariffs for you even if you are not human!" the song continues, showing a picture of a penguin, after U.S. levies were applied to uninhabited Antarctic islands.

One AI-generated image on WeChat shows Trump, Vance and Tesla boss Elon Musk assembling sneakers and cheap flip-flops at a factory. Another shows a picture of Trump next to a pig's snout.

Still, not all Chinese social media perspectives are positive for Beijing.

On Zhihu, China's equivalent to Quoramany of the answers to a question about the foreign ministry's video were negative.

"Our foreign propaganda department is really poor in terms of ability. If you don't know how to do propaganda, then just don't do it," wrote one user.
The United States warned on Tuesday that Washington may withdraw from mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict unless both countries present "concrete proposals," signaling growing frustration over a key early priority for President Donald Trump.

The US president had vowed to end the war in his first 24 hours back in the White House; however, the administration could soon turn attention to other issues,Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed out.

Also Read | A short history of Russia and Ukraine

"We are now at a time where concrete proposals need to be delivered by the two parties on how to end this conflict," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters, in what she said was a message from Rubio.

"If there is not progress, we will step back as mediators in this process," Bruce said.

She added that it would ultimately be up to Trump to decide whether to move ahead on diplomacy.

Also Read | Trump can make Russia pay for peace in Ukraine

Here's what has happened so far 1. Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested a brief three-day ceasefire  from May 8-10  to coincide with Moscows upcoming World War II anniversary events next week.

2. However, he rejected a broader 30-day ceasefire proposal supported by Ukraine and the United States. Ukraine has questioned why Moscow would not agree to Kyiv's call for a ceasefire lasting at least 30 days and starting immediately.

Also Read | Russia declares Ukraine ceasefire from May 8 to 10 to celebrate WWII Victory Day

3. The United States wants "not a three-day moment so you can celebrate something else  a complete, durable ceasefire and an end to the conflict," Bruce said.

4. The United States already put together a framework proposal which Ukrainians feel bows to Russian demands, AFP reported.

5. Trump has suggested an official recognition of Russia's takeover in 2014 of Crimea, an annexation rejected by nearly all the world, in addition to land swaps.

6. Mariana Betsa, a Ukrainian deputy foreign minister, told the Security Council Russia wants Ukraine to surrender and Kyiv could not accept peace at any cost. She said Ukraine would never recognize any temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine as Russian, including Crimea, which Russia has held since 2014.

7. "We all want this war to end in a fair way  with no rewards for Putin, especially no land," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told an event in Poland by videoconference on Tuesday.

8. Meanwhile, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, told a UN Security Council meeting that Zelensky "is bent on escalating the conflict. He's recklessly rejecting the United States' balanced peace proposals,"

9. US diplomat John Kelley told the session that both sides would benefit from working off the US framework and condemned Russian strikes into Ukraine. "Right now, Russia has a great opportunity to achieve a durable peace," Kelley said.

10. Trump, who has claimed that Putin would not have attacked Ukraine if he were in power in 2022, wrote, "Vladimir, STOP," on social media after the attack.
The United States has released Columbia University student and Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi on Wednesday. Mohsen Mahdawi, who has permanent US residency or "green card" status, was arrested by US immigration authorities

Mohsen Mahdawi was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when he turned up at an American citizenship interview in Vermont in mid-April.

Mohsen Mahdawi's legal team petitioned for his release alleging unlawful incarceration. Luna Droubi, one of his lawyers, argued that the arrest was in direct retaliation for his advocacy on behalf of Palestinians and because of his identity as a Palestinian, according to BBC report.

The US government says he was undermining US foreign policy. Luna Droubi, one of his lawyers, argued that the arrest was "in direct retaliation for his advocacy on behalf of Palestinians and because of his identity as a Palestinian".

After two weeks in detention, Mahdawi walked out of the federal courthouse in Burlington, Vermont, after US District Judge Geoffrey Crawford ordered his release at a court hearing on Wednesday, according to his lawyers, reported Reuters.

Also Read | Mahmoud Khalil deemed national security threatJudge approves deportation

To my people in Palestine Mohsen Mahdawi thanked supporters outside the courtroom in his first statement after being released. The Palestinians activist said, "We are pro-peace and anti-war".

To my people in Palestine: I feel your pain, I see your suffering; and I see freedom and it is very very soon.

Notably, Mahdawi had told CBS, a day before his arrest, that he had his apprehensions of the citizenship interview being a setup.

"It's the first feeling of like, I've been waiting for this for more than a year," Mahdawi told CBS. "And the other feeling is like, wait a minute. Is this a honey trap?"

Who is Mohsen Mahdawi? Mohsen Mahdawi is a Palestinian student and activist who was born and raised in a refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. He moved to the United States in 2014 and was granted permanent residency in 2015.

Mahdawi pursued his studies at Columbia University, where he became a prominent figure in pro-Palestinian activism on campus, co-founding the Palestinian Student Union and leading protests against Israeli military actions.

He was also involved in efforts to promote Palestinian culture and identity and was scheduled to graduate in 2025 before beginning a masters degree programme.

Mahdawis activism has been highly controversial. He has been vocal in his opposition to Israels policies and has called for the destruction of Israel, which has drawn accusations of antisemitism and support for Hamas terrorism from critics.

Also Read | Harvard Seeks Speedy Resolution of Suit Over Trump Funding Cuts
Muscat, Apr 30 (PTI) The 29th Muscat International Book Fair, opened at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, has moved away from last years global focus on artificial intelligence to celebrate cultural diversity as a pathway to unity.

Last year, AI was the dominant topic, but this year, Oman is adopting a more practical approach, Sheikha Al Mahrouqi, Acting Director General of International Media at Omans Ministry of Information, told PTI Videos.

Through this Book Fair, we are conveying a vital message: embrace our differences and accept each other as we are, she said.

Themed 'Cultural Diversity Enriches Our Civilisation', the fair, which started on April 23 and will conclude on May 3, seeks to promote peace and unity through literature and cultural exchange.

In a world needing unity, we must use culture, particularly book fairs, as a tool to promote peace and coexistence across ideologies, religions, and backgrounds, Al Mahrouqi stressed.

A major literary event in the region, the fair hosts 674 publishing houses from 35 countries, displaying 681,041 titles, including 467,413 Arabic books, 213,610 foreign books, and 27,464 Omani works. It also features around 52,205 new publications from 2024-2025.

Al Mahrouqi emphasised Omans longstanding cultural and trade ties with India, strengthened by Sultan Haitham bin Tariqs visit in 2023.

Our relationship with India is historic -- from trade to cultural influences. The visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to India in 2023 crowned our long-standing relationship," she said.
The news from Indias IT services industry is grim with tepid growth and subdued forecasts capping what has been a nightmarish two years. But if the past holds out any pointers, this may just be a passing shower rather than a signal of climate change.

The latest results of the top four IT companies along with the accompanying commentary do point to a serious slowdown that is expected to continue this year. Slimmer order books and fewer mega-deals add to the gloom, with each of the countrys top four IT services companies guiding for a slow start to FY26.

But we have been there before; in the aftermath of the dotcom crash in 2000 and again during the fallout of the financial crisis in 2008 when clients slashed their IT budgets and cancelled deals. On both occasions, the percentage growth of exports of Indian IT and ITeS halved in the subsequent year, only to bounce back over the one next year as Indian IT companies figured out the dynamics of the changed environment.

In the present context, there are two forces buffeting the business. The first is the slowdown in its two major markets - the US and Europe - which is largely on account of the tariff tantrums unleashed by the three-month-old Trump administration. Large US companies, which constitute the major share of Indian ITs client base, have turned cautious, cutting down or placing on hold spending on technology services. At an internal strategy meet, TCS CEO K Krithivasan confirmed that, holding microeconomic uncertainties as the companys biggest challenge.

The big problem here is the uncertainty and not the financials of these companies. US banks, for instance, among Indian ITs biggest customers, are flush with cash. A Bloomberg report says that capital at 20 of the largest US banks surged by more than $175 billion in the past three years.

But already, Donald Trump seems to be walking back on much of his tariff threat, particularly after facing a defiant pushback from China. Eventually, after the 90-day grace period which allows many countries including India to work out mutually agreeable terms, some tariffs will stay. These are expected to lay the grounds for Trumps campaign promise to lower the US corporate income tax rate to 15%. If that happens, it should thaw the spending freeze.

The other big threat to Indian IT companies is that of artificial intelligence (AI) which has the potential to wipe out entire layers of their workforce with serious implications for billing.

However, this isnt going to happen overnight. Large software services contracts are complex, multi-year affairs with specific delivery targets tied into them. To expect that a big American financial institution will suddenly cancel a billion dollar contract with its vendor of five years or even that it will slash rates unilaterally is too simplistic. Sure, newer orders will feel the squeeze but thats because the better companies who are already reskilling their workforce with AI technologies, will be more willing to pass on some of the cost savings to potential clients.

That there is pain ahead is obvious. Hiring is down, salary hikes are being postponed and layoffs have started. But to write off a $280 billion industrys future on the basis of a few bad quarters is foolhardy. While technology changes are rapid, their transmission into business isnt. It takes years for large, mature companies to switch entirely to a new technology. The term cloud computing first gained currency in the early 1990s but it wasnt till 2006, when Amazon launched AWS, that large companies started adopting cloud-based computing. Even then, in 2016, only an estimated 35% of corporate data was stored in the cloud.

In 2019, in a $1.8 billion deal, HCL Technologies bought some of the legacy software products of IBM. In its strategic rationale for the sale, the erstwhile technology giant said IBM runs the worlds most critical business processes, increasingly helping enterprise clients on their journeys to AI and to cloud." Since then, IBMs revenue growth at 1.93% over the last five years trails that of the industry. By contrast, HCL has been the fastest growing among Indias top four IT firms over the last two years. Significantly, a big contributor to the companys profitability has been its software products arm.

The first mover isnt always the winner in business. In fact, it is those that bridge the past with the future in seamless ways that are more successful.
Election results in Canada mark a remarkable bounce-back for the Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Until a few months ago, it was seen to be headed for an electoral rout under Carneys predecessor Justin Trudeau.

Carney is a former central banker and he did well to distance himself from Trudeaus policies while also winning the electorates confidence in his ability to do whats best for a country whose economy and autonomy are both under American threat.

The steely nerves that Carney has shown in the face of US pressure explain much of his appeal. He made it clear that Canada would not be the51st state" of the US and could survive ruptured commercial ties. As someone well-versed with economics, his words held weight.

India has reason to welcome the Liberal victory too. Carney is expected to seek a patch-up of India-Canada relations, which had frayed under Trudeau over the issue of space given by Ottawa to radicals of Indian origin found to be sponsoring separatism in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent Canadas victor a warm congratulatory message.

New Delhi also seems eager to repair the relationship. Thats good.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Nearly a decade after the Brexit vote, Britain faces escalating challenges on several fronts, not least a sluggish economy and surging public debt. New tariffs threatened by Washington could make these problems much worse. Its a good time to focus on a long-elusive goal: repairing its fractured relationship with the European Union.

The EU remains Britains largest trading partner, accounting for 42% of UK goods exports  twice the share going to the US. If American tariffs slow European growth and investment, British firms will feel the aftershocks. Worse, having left the EU customs union, Britain is uniquely exposed to trade diversion. Cheap Chinese exports displaced from the US market are likely to land in the UK instead, potentially hammering domestic producers already weakened by Brexit.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has favored a gradual approach to rebuilding UK-EU relations, while the EU remains focused on its own goal of strategic autonomy. Both sides should ditch the incrementalism and embrace a more ambitious agenda. A UK-EU summit on May 19 is an opportunity to turn vague talk of a reset into tangible cooperation across a range of areas.

Defense is an obvious starting point in the current climate. The two sides are reportedly close to a pact that would allow the UK to join the EUs proposed 150 billion loan program for weapons procurement. This would be welcome, but the danger is that the agreement will be too narrow. Bolder effort to strengthen deterrence, reduce costs and support a more efficient defense-industrial base should be on the agenda. Neither side should let a deal be held up by disputes over fishing quotas.

The scope for further progress is broad. Although a formal review of the post-Brexit trade agreement isnt due until 2026, meaningful changes can happen in the meantime if both sides show political will. Mutual recognition of qualifications for architects, lawyers, engineers and other professionals would remove artificial trade barriers and build people-to-people links. The existing trade agreement requiring sector-by-sector regulatory alignment is bureaucratic by design and deters progress.

Climate cooperation should be another obvious step. Linking the UKs Emissions Trading Scheme with the EUs Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism would help stabilize prices, prevent arbitrage and advance climate goals. The EU already has a such an agreement with Switzerland; theres no reason it cant conclude one with the UK.

Many other areas  from expanding research links to tackling cross-border crime, terrorism and human trafficking  would benefit from deeper coordination. These dont require reopening the entire trade deal. But they do require the UK to show some flexibility. That includes accepting EU demands for a youth-mobility program, something Britain has with Canada and other countries.

Other trade barriers should be addressed in time, but doing so will require overcoming both the EUs bureaucracy and the UKs hesitancy. The original UK-EU trade deal was negotiated when Britains main concern was maximum autonomy and Europes was to protect its overly cosseted single market while underscoring the cost of exit. One hopes priorities have evolved on both sides.

There are encouraging signs that Brussels is shifting. Its new competitiveness agenda  including reviews of burdensome technology laws and internal trade barriers  echoes many of the frustrations Britain had expressed as a member state. Europe, long a bastion of red tape, now needs openness and agility to remain globally relevant.

To say the world has changed since Brexit was first envisioned would be an understatement. Britain and Europe now find themselves sharing common challenges and opportunities, but with an outdated way of working together. Their best response to the tariff roller coaster  as to so many other issues  is to buckle in together.

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That Pakistan could not afford an arms race with much-larger India was clear all along. The infirmity of its quest for parity via nuclear weapons, for which a former Pakistani leader once said people would go hungry if need be, was exposed by its own role in a covert game of inflicting a thousand cuts on India with terror attacks.

In 2019, its nukes did not deter Indian surgical strikes on its territory in retaliation to mass violence perpetrated in Pulwama, Kashmir. Today, after 26 tourists were gunned down in Pahalgam, the logic of proportionality has given India a catapult to hit back again.

Meanwhile, our gap in the capacity for conventional warfare continues to widen. New estimates from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) show that our military spending dwarfs that of Pakistan. In 2024, the latter spent $10.2 billion, while our figure stood at $86.1 billion. As a slice of GDP, Pakistans outlay was about 2.7%, a bit higher than our 2.3%, but since the formers economy is stagnant while ours expands robustly, Islamabad can expect its disadvantage to steadily worsen. At some point, the hoary rhetoric of Pakistani obsessions must confront the material reality of Indian advances.

Will cross-border misadventures backed by Pakistans deep state continue? In deploying an untested new coercive device, by holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, New Delhi hopes not. Signed in 1960, this World Bank-brokered treaty covers how waters of the Indus river and its tributaries are shared. Its vitality to our downstream neighbour is clear from Islamabads statement that in case upstream India held back its share of Indus flows, it would treat it as an act of war". Enablers of a water choke might be in the works.

As reported by Mint, the Indian government plans to fast-track work on hydroelectric dams and may even consider new projects on the rivers whose flows Pakistan relies on. Should significant storage capacity come up, the sluice gates of dams could act as Damoclean shutters, granting New Delhi a novel form of leverage over Islamabad.

It is possible that Pakistan expects the backing of China, whose 2024 military spend SIPRI has put at $314 billion, in case an armed face-off with India escalates into all-out war. Although Chinas rise as an economy and its AI leaps have made it a major force that even the US seems nervous about, theres a memo that Islamabad must not miss. Global history is relentlessly being driven by economic game-plans, on which the outcome of todays great power rivalry will likely pivot.

This is most visible in Americas trade war, which it accords higher priority than its old security alliances. And if the US covets Canada and Greenland, it might plausibly be for control of Arctic ports as the polar ice-cap shrinks to open up new shipping routes. The Panama Canal matters to Washington for similar reasons. Across the Arctic, Russias interest in Ukraine was partly about access to minerals and the Black Sea.

Surely, the same goes for Beijings calculus.

Chinas interest in Pakistans Gwadar port is focused on its own seaboard reach, as with many other links in its Belt and Road Initiative. The Peoples Republic has been making overtures to India in the context of its stand-off with the US. If Asias big two were to strike a mutually beneficial bargain, it would spotlight the power of geo-economics.

Money talks. Prosperity is Pakistans only way out of an ideological time warp. Not just waters, we could share peace dividends if it succeeds.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Business travelers have been visiting Hong Kong in recent weeks, attending big finance conferences and mulling whether to wade back into China. Chinese and Hong Kong stocks are up by some $2 trillion in market value since the January lows.

Exchanging investment ideas aside, visitors are keen to offer their views on the future of Hong Kong, whose reputation has been dented since the governments crackdown on the pro-democracy movement in 2019. Views are diverse. Last week, Stephen Roach, Morgan Stanleys former Asia chair, defended an article he had written that claimed Hong Kong is over. Perhaps not coincidentally, emerging markets investing guru Mark Mobius posted a blog on the same day saying the opposite, and that it was never a good idea to write off the potential of any city.

Its a lively debate. But almost invariably, Singapore is mentioned alongside Hong Kong in these discussions, as if the rise of one spells the demise of the other.

In my view, this comparison isnt fair. Hong Kong and Singapore sit in very different corners of the financial system. One is an established trading hub that helps companies raise capital, while the other is more suited for private wealth management.

China looms large over both financial centers, whose fortunes move like ocean waves as the mainland goes through business cycles. After the global financial crisis, Hong Kong was the big winner. Blue-chip Chinese companies raced to go public on its bourse and issued billion-dollar corporate bonds. For years, earning investment banking fees was effortless.

As the Chinese economy slowed, Singapore started to shine. Rich mainlanders have been immigrating there since 2019. Singapore has a natural edge in private wealth management, in that its not part of China. Its no coincidence that millionaires from developing nations like to park their money in places like Zurich, far away from banks at home and their governments scrutiny.

Think of it this way: Hong Kong is where the Chinese can grow their wealth, while Singapore is where they can preserve it. As Chinas economy hits a wall, Singapore is naturally the bigger beneficiary, as Hong Kong once was.

But does that mean Hong Kong is over? The logic is as absurd as questioning if developed economies still need capital markets. Deal flows have slowed, and making money wont be as easy, but theres still demand. Mature firms need to raise cash for other purposes, such as optimizing their capital structure. Recently, blue-chip Chinese firms have been issuing convertible bonds in the city to fund stock buybacks. Hard as Singapore has tried, it still doesnt have a liquid enough stock market that can rival Hong Kongs.

Meanwhile, private wealth from China also comes with its own challenges. A money-laundering scandal involving more than S$3 billion ($2.23 billion) has tarnished Singapores image and exposed weaknesses in how its banks screen their clients.

Singapore washing, or Chinese companies setting up headquarters in the city-state to sidestep US-China geopolitical tensions, is another problem. How much of that capital influx will stay in the country, and whether the local economy will benefit, remains an open question.

So far, much of that new money seems to treat Singapore as a mere stopover. Investment firms salivating at the chance to manage billions of dollars have been disappointed. Shein, founded in China where most of its suppliers are, is planning to go public in London, and is hoping to take advantage of the publicity there for a valuation of more than $60 billion. The online fashion group is not listing in Singapore, where it has its corporate headquarters.

Often, hot money is myopic and judgmental. But those who are savvy and committed to Asia know each city has its own bragging rights and structural challenges. So please, stop comparing apples to oranges.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Shuli Ren is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asian markets. A former investment banker, she was a markets reporter for Barrons. She is a CFA charterholder.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion
In the years after 9/11, going to the US was scary for many of us. Border security became harsh and unforgiving, and we could feel our rights drop away as we entered American airspace. Novels were written and movies were made about how an encounter with hostile and suspicious border officials could radicalize even those who previously loved America.

Today feels worse. During George W. Bushs administration, we could tell ourselves that the country was confused, suffering and lashing out. In Trumps America, it would seem to outsiders that cruelty towards foreigners is the point of politics, not a by-product of trauma.

I cant stress enough how different that makes America feel, above all to those of us who hold it in affection and look forward to our trips there. A well-justified suspicion that the government hates us will naturally keep potential visitors away. Fear doesnt attract tourists. Im no exception. I have frequent-flier miles saved up for a US trip this year. Like many others, I now believe that they will be better spent elsewhere.

Are such fears groundless and irrational? Perhaps. But the stories add up: long-term residents sent off to prison camps in El Salvador and researchers deported for attending a protest or writing an op-ed. Thats awful enough. But its even weirder to hear from innocent tourists who found themselves in jail for minor problems with their travel plans. Many of us know people who have had border officials demand their phones and cross-examine them about emails they have sent.

Its depressing to learn that European officials are now issued burner phones if theyre going to America. Or that the US Embassy in Tokyo has reminded Japanese travellers that they must include details of all their social media accounts over the past five years if they dont want their visa application rejected. But it is completely absurd that we now ask friends arriving in the US to message that theyre safe after clearing security.

Getting past a US border was already an intimidating experience, and now it has gotten terrifying. I may never feel as vulnerable, as exposed, when I stand in an immigration queue at an American airport, clutching the flimsy shield of paperwork I hope will protect me from the baleful gaze of the federal government.

Some testimony from those detained at airports is particularly concerning. Two German teenagers deported from Hawaii told the media back home that immigration officials fixated on the girls statement that they would continue to occasionally freelance remotely for companies back home while they backpacked through America. That was illegal on a visit to the US, they were told. What does that mean?

Everyone knows that visiting the US means you cant work there. But is it the case that someone on holiday there can no longer answer work emails, edit a shared spreadsheet or participate in a conference call at their workplace a continent away? Will I have to remove my work email from my phone the moment I land in the US?

The number of overseas visitors to the US is already declining. There were 12% fewer arrivals in March than in the same month a year earlier. The Financial Times found that the decline in travellers from some European countries was particularly sharp: Visitors from Germany fell by almost 30%, for example.

Going after visitors in this fashion will damage the US most of all. Companies will suffer if ordinary business travellers worry that they will have to answer confusing questions about what counts as work. Tourism accounts for 2.5% of the US economy, and it will struggle if fear keeps away high-spending Europeans.

And deporting students and researchers isnt a good idea either. America has led the world in science, innovation and industry precisely because it attracts the worlds most talented. Harvards Kseniia Petrova isnt working on cancer detection any more because shes in a facility in Louisiana with her visa cancelled for travelling to the US with biological samples (which normally attracts only a minor fine).

The US worked as the centre of research and innovation because, even as a visitor, you had rights there. Take that away, replace it with a system where you constantly feel youre at the mercy of apparatchiks who take pleasure in tormenting you, and American universities will be as attractive to foreign talent as, say, Chinas. I started avoiding trips to the mainland and Hong Kong some years ago, but I never dreamt I would one day put the US in the same category.

A US that cuts itself off from the world will be one that is less vibrant, less understood and less loved. An America nobody wants to visit would no longer be the centre of the world. Bloomberg

The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist.
BERLINGermany has charged a former staffer to a right-wing politician with spying on behalf of China in a move that could complicate the coming German governments relationship to China.

The indictment trains the spotlight back on Chinas spying at a sensitive time. It comes as signs of a thaw between Beijing and the European Union are emerging and just days before Friedrich Merz, a conservative, is expected to be elected Germanys new chancellor with a mandate to recast Germanys foreign policy.

The charges, which prosecutors said were brought earlier this month, come almost a year after a Chinese-born German national, identified as Jian G., was detained while working as a parliamentary assistant to a senior member of the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD.

Jian G. is accused of obtaining more than 500 documents, including some classified as particularly sensitive, while working at the European Parliament, prosecutors said. Yaqi X., a Chinese national, was charged with providing Jian G. with information about weapon shipments out of Germany.

Merzs government-in-waiting has said it would adopt the more China-critical policy initiated under the previous government but also seek cooperation with Beijing whenever warranted by German and European interests. Merz himself has repeatedly warned German companies to reduce their exposure to the Chinese market.

Yet Merz has also made it a priority to recalibrate German policy, seeking closer cooperation with traditional European allies. After people close to President Trump, including Elon Musk and Vice President JD Vance, expressed support for the AfD at the February election, Merz said he would make Germany more independent of the U.S.

Spying charges against a Chinese-born German national come amid signs of a thaw between Beijing and the European Union.

Given the more adversarial tone in the trans-Atlantic relation, analysts expect Berlin and other European capitals will be less inclined to join future U.S. initiatives to weaken China than they were under the Biden administration.

Meanwhile, the European Parliament said last week that its president was in the final stages of negotiating the removal of sanctions imposed by Beijing in 2021 against several European lawmakers. Beijing adopted the sanctions after the EU sanctioned some Chinese officials it accused of committing human-rights violations in the Xinjiang region.

At the time of his arrest, Jian G. was working as an assistant to Maximilian Krah, then a member of the European Parliament and his partys lead candidate at last years European election. Krah, who has since been elected to the German Parliament, isnt a suspect in the case and has disavowed his former assistant.

Jian G. had been an employee of the Chinese intelligence service since 2002, according to the indictment. He used his position at the European Parliament between 2019 and 2024 to gather information for China about the bodys decisions, prosecutors said.

He is also suspected of gathering notes about the top leaders of the AfD party, though these constituted a small part of the documents he had obtained, according to a person familiar with the case.

Prosecutors also accused Jian G. of posing as a critic of the Chinese government to spy on Chinese opposition members and dissidents in Germany and to gather personal data about them.

Jian G.s lawyer and the Chinese Embassy in Berlin didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.

Yaqi X., a 38-year old Chinese national, was detained last September while working for a logistics company at the Leipzig airport in Eastern Germany. Prosecutors said she had collected flights, cargo and passenger information for Jian G., including data on people related to a German armaments company. At the time of her arrest, German officials said her targets included U.S. weapon shipments to Israel.

Merzs proposed coalition faces its last major hurdle on Wednesday when the Social Democratic Party, junior partner in the alliance, releases the result of a ballot of its members on whether to endorse the 144-page coalition agreement between the two parties.

Write to Bertrand Benoit at bertrand.benoit@wsj.com
Google has used artificial intelligence (AI) to decode and mimic dolphin sounds, advancing our understanding of marine life. But can AI truly outperform human insight in interpreting animal communication?

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Whats the dolphin AI model about?

Dolphins are famously socially skilled, intelligent, agile, joyful and playful, thus sharing many emotional similarities with (some) humans. Just as British ethologist Jane Goodall studied the social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees, Denise Herzing has studied dolphin communication in the wild since 1985, making The Wild Dolphin Project (WDP) the longest running underwater dolphin research project in the world. Google, in partnership with Georgia Tech and WDP, used an AI model to analyse vocal patterns much like a language model, identifying structure and predicting sequences.

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How does the model work?

Dolphins use distinct sounds for different social situations: whistles act like names for individual identification, especially between mothers and calves; squawks often occur during conflicts; and click buzzes are used in courtship. DolphinGemma, Googles 400 million parameter model that runs on Pixel6 smartphones, decodes these sounds by combining audio tech with data from WDP acquired by studying wild dolphins in the Bahamas. On National Dolphin Day (14 April), Google showcased advances to its AI model that can now analyse dolphin vocal patterns and generate realistic, dolphin-like sounds.

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Are there other similar projects that use AI?

AI is being used to detect how parrots, crows, wolves, whales, chimpanzees and octopuses communicate. NatureLM-audio is the first audio-language model built for animal sounds and can generalize to unseen species. Other projects use AI and robotics to decode sperm whale clicks, or listen to elephants to detect possible warning calls and mating signals.

Whats the point of this AI usage?

It aids conservation by monitoring endangered species. Decoding communication reveals ecosystem health, alerting us to pollution and climate change. It enhances human-animal interactions and fosters empathy. AI, combined with satellite imagery, camera traps and bioacoustics, is being used in Guacamaya to monitor deforestation and protect the Amazon, a collaboration between Universidad de los Andes, Instituto SINCHI, Instituto Humboldt, Planet Labs and Microsoft AI for Good Lab.

Are there any limits to these AI models?

AI can detect animal sound patterns, but without context is the animal mating, feeding or in danger?its interpretations are limited. The risk of humans assuming animals talk" like humans do, messy field data, and species-specific behaviours can complicate analysis. AI might identify correlations but not true meaning or intent. Human intuition helps. These systems often require custom models and extensive resources, making large-scale, accurate decoding of animal communication a complex effort.
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Groups, communities, or local organisations are invited to nominate a young person for the Roscommon Longford Garda Youth Awards.

The awards, which celebrate outstanding young people who have contributed to their local communities, close for entries on Friday, June 20 at 5pm.

The awards are in association with An Garda Siochana, Roscommon Longford Division, Longford and Roscommon County

Councils and the Local Community Safety Partnership.

Also Read: Over 1 million paid out in vacant property refurbishment grants in county Longford

Local organisations or individuals are urged to nominate young people who are deserving of the award. Nominees must be between the ages of 13 and 21 and can be nominated for one of four categories:

* Individual  where a young person has made a positive contribution to their community making it a better place to live.

* Group  where two or more made a positive contribution to their community making it a better place to live.

* Special Achievement  where a young person has overcome difficult circumstances, defied all the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition.

* Community Safety  where a young person or persons, through a crime prevention or safety initiative or innovation, have made their community a safer place to live.

Also Read: JOB ALERT: Applications invited for the position of Clerical Assistant in Lanesboro

The awards acknowledge the young people who by their presence make their communities and society in general, a better place in which to live. They also acknowledge the endeavours of young people who have faced and overcome challenges in their life.

Last year, the Individual Award winner was Killian Reid from Longford, who is a volunteer with the Civil Defence and with Backstage Youth Theatre in Longford. Killian assisted in a missing person search and achieved his drone licence. He also volunteered at various events ranging from Darkness into Light to being part of the Community First Responder Group.

The Group Award recipients in 2024 were the Go Yellow campaign group, formed by students attending Mean Scoil Mhuire in Longford town. The initiative comprised four Transition Year students, Maria McGlynn, Ava Finneran, Aoibheann Brennan Grennan and Shauna Nolan. The girls set up their Go Yellow fundraising and social media campaign, when Marias twin brothers were born prematurely at 24 weeks in the National Maternity Hospital. To date, the campaign has raised 33,238.

This project won a National Garda Youth Award.

Also Read: Cheers galore as Drumlish women claim silverware at Longford strongwoman event

The Special Achievement recipient last year was 13-year-old Rebecca Reid, from Longford. Her condition, Medical Refractory Focal Epilepsy, requires her to receive 24/7 care. Despite this, Rebecca marked International Epilepsy Day collecting almost 5,500 for Epilepsy Ireland. She is also a member of Epilepsy Irelands group Get ChARTy

Chairperson of the Roscommon/Longford Youth Awards Inspector David Cryan commented that the Garda Youth Awards celebrates outstanding young people and recognises the excellent work being carried out by these individuals.

These awards are a celebration of the courage, generosity and determination of young people who go above and beyond to make a positive impact in their communities.

Too often, the positive contributions of our youth go unnoticed. I have been involved with these awards for six years and each year I am inspired by the stories of young people who show leadership, kindness, and community spirit. Whether its through volunteering, supporting peers or showing bravery in the face of adversity, Roscommon/ Longford winners have also been successful winning National Awards each year and I would encourage members of the public to nominate someone whom they know in their locality.

Also Read: ALERT: Irish tourists warned before travelling amid 'snap blackout' in parts of Europe

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon agreed. The Garda Youth Awards are a vital opportunity to shine a light on the incredible contributions young people make to our communities. These awards not only recognise their positive impact, but also inspire others to follow their lead. We are proud to support and celebrate the remarkable spirit, resilience, and generosity of our youth.

Nomination forms may be downloaded from Garda.ie, Longfordcoco.ie or Roscommoncoco.ie or requested from Roscommon.GardaYouth Awards@garda.ie or the Longford Community Safety Team on communitysafety@ longfordcoco.ie.

In order to qualify, completed nomination typed forms and media consent forms should be emailed to Roscommon.GardaYouth Awards@Garda.ie, or posted or delivered to the Community Policing Unit at Boyle, Granard, Longford or Roscommon Garda stations before 5pm on Friday, June 20, 2025.
Jade Gill is a PhD Candidate at the University of Limerick. Originally from Longford, she is connecting with her midlands roots as an inspiration for her PhD thesis.

Jade is in the third year of her PhD which is under the University Psychology Department and the School, Child and Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Lab.

As a part of her research, Jade is holding an upcoming webinar to launch a new research initiative between the University and a not-for-profit based in Limerick, Narrative 4.

Also Read: People in Longford urged to register, vote, engage and shape local community

The webinar will launch a national survey exploring well-being support for migrant students in Irish secondary schools.

Weve been working with an organisation called Narrative 4, theyre a charity based in Limerick that uses a storytelling programme to promote wellbeing and promote social connection and empathy, Jade explains.

What my PhD is hoping to do is tweak that into some type of creative resource that can be used specifically to promote the well-being of migrant students.

Also Read: Longford artist Eimear Walshe launches new solo exhibition in Athlone's Luan Gallery

It was kind of a natural relationship because I was with them during my undergrad.

For Jade, the well-being of migrant students and the support available for them was something that she felt needed more attention.

I know from perspective and if youre from Longford you know that Longfords got a huge influx of migrants. I think between 2011 and 2016 we had the second highest influx of migrants.

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Reading up on the literature around it, just seeing the additional challenges adolescent migrants have in terms of integrating and integrating into the school context, which is something Ive found really interesting.

Some of my friends are teachers and Ive seen or heard from their experience like the difficulties theyve had in the classroom trying to cater to students who might be studying higher level English and then students who werent studying English until they came to Ireland.

Creating understanding and shared story practices between migrant and Irish students is vitally important in today's climate when understanding others is something prioritised less and less.

Also Read: Over 1 million paid out in vacant property refurbishment grants in county Longford

In order to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of the survey, Jade and Narrative 4 have formed a committee of young migrant women who are currently in secondary school, to advise on the project based on their own experiences.

Its an advisory panel of young migrants from Limerick who review focus groups and interview questions.

They were trained up with researchers to come out and do the student interviews with me.

So its really youth-led, highlighted Jade,  Its really important that we have input from schools and principals about what theyd like to see.

Jade would like to invite anyone available or interested to join the webinar via the link below, especially students and teachers.



The research plays a key role in providing environments of inclusivity and support for migrant students in Ireland.
Longford apprentice Dan OShea, aged 20, has been announced as one of the top ten finalists for this years Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition.

Aspiring electrician, Dan, who is currently completing an electrical apprenticeship at GRETB, will join nine other trade apprentices from across the UK and Ireland, in a bid to be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2025 winner at the final which will be held in Googles offices in London next week (Wednesday, May 7 & Thursday, May 8).

The winner will take home an incredible prize bundle of tools, training and technology worth 10,000  while also scooping 2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers for their college.

PICTURES | Enjoying a read of Longford Life, the county's only lifestyle magazine

Commenting on the announcement, Dan said: I cant believe Ive made it through to the finals of this years Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition. When I submitted my application, I never dreamed Id make it this far. Its also so exciting to be representing Longford at the national final.

The electrical industry is highly rewarding to work in, and so to be recognised for my skills and dedication at this level is such a huge compliment.

The competition is an incredible opportunity to showcase what Ive learned so far, while highlighting the importance of trade apprentices in shaping the future of the electrical industry  and Im looking forward to the final where I can take my creativity and skills to a new level.

Since starting his electrical apprentice journey, Dan has developed a keen interest in green energy and sustainability, hoping to incorporate this into his future career. He is currently studying Phase 2 of his apprenticeship and intends to complete a project management course to further develop his skills with a view to ultimately setting up his own business.
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Local News, Crime, Press Releases

By Long Island Published: April 30 2025

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the indictment of Uriel Rose, 41, of Bay Shore, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and other charges. Rose allegedly operated a ...

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced the indictment of Uriel Rose, 41, of Bay Shore, accused of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, and several other related charges, for allegedly possessing more than eight ounces of cocaine while running a narcotics distribution operation from his auto garage.

This case demonstrates our commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks that threaten the safety and well-being of our community, said District Attorney Tierney. We will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who profit from the distribution of dangerous substances.

According to the investigation, in June 2024 the Suffolk County Police Department began a long-term investigation into the drug distribution that Rose allegedly ran out of Beema Boyz, an automotive shop he owned and operated located in Deer Park. During the 10-months long investigation, police conducted surveillance, and a detective, acting in an undercover capacity, allegedly bought cocaine from Rose on seven separate occasions.

On April 10, 2025, police executed a search warrant at the garage. Upon the police breeching the business, Rose was apprehended after he allegedly attempted to run from the bathroom toward the exit.

He was allegedly found with what appeared to be cocaine residue on his clothing. It was

determined Rose had allegedly flushed much of the cocaine he possessed at the time of the

execution of the warrant down the toilet. During the execution of the warrant, officers allegedly recovered a quantity of cocaine from the toilet and over eight ounces of cocaine from Roses office desk. Police also allegedly recovered cash, a money counter, drug ledgers, a hot plate used for cooking crack-cocaine, and drug paraphernalia which included scales, packaging, and heat sealer. In the garbage can of the office, police allegedly discovered packages believed to transport kilograms of cocaine, that were labeled Ahijado which translates to the word godson in Spanish.

On April 30, 2025, Rose was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Philip Goglas for the following charges contained in the indictment:

 One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class

A-I felony;

 Seven counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B

felonies;

 Eight counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class

B felonies;

 One count of Tampering with Physical Evidence, a Class E felony; and

 Two counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, Class A misdemeanors.

Justice Goglas ordered Rose held on $1,500,000 cash, $3,000,000 bond or $6,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Rose is due back in court on June 17, 2025, and faces 12 to up to 24 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Matt Touhy, Esq.
Members of the Syrian General Security Service in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya. (@SyrNetworkNews on X)

Sectarian tensions are flaring again in Syria after a series of clashes erupted in the Damascus suburb of Jaramana, a diverse area home to Druze, Christian, and Muslim communities. Reports indicate that 14 people were killed in fights between armed groups in the town.

The latest incident follows a March altercation in Jaramana in which local Druze militias killed two General Security Service members. In response to the previous round of violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare to defend Jaramana. However, the IDF ultimately did not intervene. The conflict was later resolved through negotiations between local leadership and Syrias Ministry of Interior. In contrast, this weeks escalation is more serious and could have broader implications.

The latest clashes started after an alleged audio recording was released of a Druze man insulting the Prophet Mohammed, sparking outrage amongst Muslims. The leaked recording spread on social media and was attributed to a leader in the Druze community, Marwan Keewan, who later denied involvement.

The Ministry of Interior issued a statement addressing the circulation of the audio file, emphasizing its concern and stating that it had launched a thorough investigation. Initial findings revealed that the individual accused of making the offensive remarks had not been conclusively linked to the voice in the recording. The statement also thanked citizens for their sincere religious defense of the Prophets honor while urging everyone to adhere to public order and avoid actionsindividual or collectivethat could disrupt public safety or harm people and property.

On April 29, additional fights erupted in the town of Sahnaya and Ashrafiyet Sahnaya, a Druze locality south of Damascus. A number of tribal forces affiliated with the Al Okeidat and Quran clans reportedly took part in the clashes against local Druze militias. Reports circulated at that time that groups from Syrias Ministry of Interior and Defense were preparing to enter the area to calm things and deal with the lawless groups, a reference to the armed militias.

A source in the Syrian Ministry of Interior told Al Jazeera that 16 members of the General Security Service were killed in an attack on a security headquarters in Ashrafiyet Sahnaya. The source added that the attack came after armed reinforcements were blocked from entering or leaving the city.

Israel conducted a drone strike targeting an armed group allegedly preparing to attack the Druze militias in Sahnaya, describing it as a warning operation aimed at deterring further violence. Netanyahu and Katz said the strike was meant to send a clear message to Syrias leadership to protect the Druze population. While Israel claimed no casualties occurred as a result of the strike, a Syrian Interior Ministry source told Reuters that one member of Syrias new security forces was killed while trying to contain the violence.

Muwaffaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, urged Israel to intervene and stop what he described as a massacre in the making in Jaramana. Israel cannot remain a bystander to what is happening right now in Syria, Tarif said.

The Ahl al Karamah faction, the largest Druze militia in Syria, reiterated its loyalty to the Syrian state but emphasized that disarmament must occur in phases to build trust. Our weapons are not aimed at anyonethey are for self-defense, one local leader stated. Meanwhile, Arab tribes blocked the Damascus-Suwayda highway to prevent Druze reinforcements from reaching Sahnaya, and video footage emerged showing a Druze convoy getting ambushed while en route from Suwayda to support fellow Druze in the area.

Reinforcements and convoys headed from northern Syria toward Sahnaya as tensions escalated. Mosques in Eastern Ghoutai in Rif Dimashq have called on residents to arm themselves and mobilize toward Sahnaya. Meanwhile, rebel forces from the town of Latamneh were reportedly advancing toward Jaramana.

Hossam al Tahan, head of the Security Directorate in Rif Dimashq, announced that the security operation in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya concluded successfully after three hours of fighting, with General Security Services personnel deployed across the area to restore calm. Several members of the Druze militias were captured, and a reconciliation meeting was held to address the recent unrest. It was attended by the governors of Rif Dimashq, Suwayda, and Quneitra, as well as prominent Druze religious figures, including Sheikh Yahya al Hajjar, Laith al Balaous, Sheikh Hamoud al Hannawi, and Sheikh Youssef Jerboua.

Mohammad Khalil, a Syrian Ministry of Defense official, stated that the presence of government forces in Jaramana is solely to maintain security and prevent further infiltration. According to a correspondent with the Syrian network Al Ikhbariya, Public Security forces have secured the full return of civilians to Ashrafieh Sahnaya and the situation in Jaramana is under control, though armed groups continue to obstruct civilian movement.

Ahmad Sharawi is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the levant.
IDF soldiers operating in Gaza. (IDF)

The Israeli military has struck more than 1,800 targets in Gaza since renewing operations against Hamas on March 18, according to data released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on April 26. The IDF continues to carry out precision strikes on terrorists in the territory as the overall tempo of operations remains relatively low intensity. The Israeli military has continued consolidating control of areas in southern Gaza while maintaining a security zone near the border in the rest of the territory.

On April 24, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir traveled to Gaza to meet with Israeli officers. He said that Israel could expand its operations in the territory if there is no hostage deal. We are continuing with the operational pressure and tightening the ring around Hamas as needed, and if we see no progress in the return of the hostages, we will expand our activities to an intense and even more significant move until we reach the defeat [of Hamas], Zamir said. He added, Hamas is mistaken when it comes to our abilities, intentions and determination, just like [deceased Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan] Nasrallah and his top command.

IDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin highlighted the current campaigns objective on April 21. We are here in the Morag Corridor, the corridor located between the Khan Yunis and Rafah, as you saw earlier. I want to clarify the goal of the operation: to increase pressure on Hamas in order to bring the hostages home and to dismantle both the Hamas government and the Hamas military wing, Defrin said.

The IDFs claim that it has struck more than 1,800 targets comes 10 days after it said it had hit 1,200 targets, indicating the Israeli military has conducted around 60 strikes per day in the interim.

Three Israeli divisions continue to operate in Gaza. The 252nd Division, which has been operating south of Gaza City in the Netzarim Corridor, is also fighting within Gaza City. The 36th Division is responsible for fighting in Rafah and the new Morag Corridor in southern Gaza. The Israeli military also announced on April 26 that the Gaza Division is fighting in the Shabura and Tel Sultan neighborhoods in Rafah. Thus far, the troops have destroyed dozens of tunnel shafts, weapons stockpiles, terrorist infrastructure, deepened control in the area, and eliminated several terrorists, the IDF stated.

In fighting in northern Gaza, a tank driver from the IDFs 14th Armored Brigade was killed by sniper fire, according to reports on April 24. In addition, Israeli forces in Beit Hanoun were targeted by anti-tank fire. The IDF also said that terrorists had targeted the 401st Armored Brigade in Daraj Tuffah near Gaza City on April 25. In another incident on April 25, four Israeli soldiers from the 205th Armored Reserve Brigade were wounded, one seriously, by an explosive device in the Philadelphi Corridor area of southern Gaza. An IDF soldier was killed in the Shejaiya neighborhood in northern Gaza the same day.

The increasing Israeli casualties in Gaza illustrate that the IDF is increasingly coming into contact with militants. Over the first month of renewed combat in the territory, there were few firefights with terrorists, who mostly appeared to retreat in the face of the Israeli military advance. The increased incidents come as the IDF slowly expands operations into areas such as Shejaiya, Beit Hanoun, and Daraj Tuffah in northern Gaza while also attempting to clear areas of southern Gaza.

The IDF continues to search for new targets in the territory. On April 22, the Israeli Air Force struck engineering equipment, including construction-type vehicles, it said was used during the October 7 massacre. The operation was a follow-up to March 24 strikes on pick-up trucks used by Hamas. The Israeli military also struck a site used as a command-and-control center by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Jabaliya in northern Gaza. The IDF previously cleared Jabaliya of hundreds of terrorists between October and December 2024 in one of several sweeps of the neighborhood. It appears that terrorists returned to the area. The IDF also targeted terrorists who participated in the October 7 attack with other precision strikes between April 21 and April 30.

The Israeli military continues to improve its capabilities while fighting in Gaza. Several new defense systems have been deployed during the war, including unmanned vehicles and precision mortars. The Bar rocket is the latest system the IDF said it has employed for the first time. The 282nd Artillery Brigade, part of the 36th Division, utilized the weapon. The system features a navigation mechanism adapted to challenging combat environments, the IDF said on April 28.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).
The Central Bank of Luxembourg has released its latest consumer confidence data, noting a significant decline in April this year.

In April, households downgraded heavily their expectations regarding both the general economic situation in Luxembourg and their own future financial situation, the bank said in a statement.

At the same time, Luxembourg consumers raised their assessment of their past financial situation, as well as their intentions to make major purchases.

The overall Consumer Confidence Indicator is a matrix of four different datasets and at the end of April sits at its lowest level since October 2023.

Among the four sectors that make up the index, expected general economic situation in Luxembourg is down 33 points in April and has not been weaker at any point in the past three years.

The shaken confidence comes at the same time as world trade has come under immense pressure, led by policy changes in the United States.

Also read: Impact of Trump tariffs on Luxembourg economy hard to predict

Intended spending on consumer goods has recovered slightly since March and sits at the same level as December last year.

The other two figures contributing to the index are peoples perception of their financial situation in the past 12 months, which has recovered somewhat since March and February, and their expected financial situation in the coming 12 months, which has dipped only slightly, to levels last seen in December.

Luxembourgers, it seems, are apprehensive about external threats to the national economy, but are more optimistic that they might avoid the worst of it on a personal level.

Also read: ECB cuts interest rates again as Trump tariff fears threaten recovery
While cash payments continue to lose ground, the European Central Bank (ECB) is preparing to redesign euro banknotes and the Central Bank of Luxembourg is closely involved, Minister of Finance Gilles Roth said in a written response to a parliamentary question.

LSAP politician Mars Di Bartolomeo asked about the extent of Luxembourgs involvement in the redesign of banknotes, and about the countrys long-term commitment to cash.

The Eurosystem, which is made up of the ECB and national central banks, decided in January that the themes of new banknotes for the eurozone will be European Culture: A Common Heritage, featuring European personalities and cultural activities, and Rivers and Birds: Strength and Diversity, highlighting rivers and bird species. They will have European institutions on the reverse side.

The themes were decided following public surveys and focus groups across the single currency zone, including in Luxembourg, Roth said. The ECB will launch a design competition for the new notes this year and Luxembourg has already nominated two experts to sit on the deciding jury.

On the future of cash, Roth noted that 37% of payments were made by cash in Luxembourg in 2024, down from 39% two years earlier. At the same time, however, the value of those transactions increased from 26% to 29% of all transactions made.

As cash continues to lose ground to electronic payments, the importance people place on it is going up: 59% of respondents in Luxembourg consider it vital to retain the option to pay in cash, up from 45% in 2019 and 51% in 2022.

Monetary policy is the responsibility of the European Central Bank, Roth said, but the existence and preservation of cash as a means of payment are guaranteed by EU law. In Luxembourg, refusing to accept euro cash without a contrary agreement is punishable by a fine, he said, noting that the digital euro will complement, not replace, cash.

Also read: Digital euro project backed by Luxembourg Central Bank
Apples brand new MacBook Air is on sale again, and this time its hit its best price ever. Amazon is selling the M4 MacBook Air for $849, a savings of $150 and a fantastic price for an already great value laptop.

The MacBook Air comes with the new and speedy M4 chip, alongside a gorgeous 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display that will make everything look great, whether youre watching Netflix or working on a spreadsheet. We reviewed the 15-inch version, but apart from the screen size, everything we love about it is the same on the 13-inch model. And we love a lot about it, giving it a perfect 5-star review. Among the things we appreciated most about the MacBook Air is the performance boost from the M4 chip. We also loved that this laptop makes it easier to connect two external displays via the Thunderbolt 4 port.

This particular configuration features 16GB of memory and 256GB of storage space, which should be plenty for all of your stuff. Plus, this laptop is more than ready for Apple Intelligence, so you can use it to write emails or summarize articles, edit images, and so on. So dont miss out on the chance to get the M4 MacBook Air for $849 while its still on sale.

Get the M4 MacBook AIr for a stunning low price
Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, with the Mexican boxer earning tens of millions of dollars for each fight, the next of which will be against Cuban William Scull in Saudi Arabia.

It is reported that the purse that the Mexican boxer will take for his next fight against Scull will be around $80 million, being the best of his career so far and is part of the agreement with the minister Turki Al-Alshikh, accepting Saudi money without qualms.

Canelo Alvarez rocks like a superstar and strikes first against William Scull in Saudi Arabia

What is Canelo Alvarez's net worth?

According to Forbes, Canelo Alvarez is worth around $275 million. This not only includes his salary as a boxer and the purses he earns, but also his fortune, possessions and business portfolio in different areas.

According to the Forbes list, he is the highest-paid Mexican athlete in the world and No. 14 overall in 2024, and could soon rise to the top 10 with the contract he signed with Turki Al-Alshikh for five fights and $400 million in Saudi Arabia.

Before the agreement between Canelo with Turki Al-Alshikh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he had previously signed another similar contract with DAZN in 2018, which was for 5 years and $365 million, which would pay him an average of $33 million per fight.

However, Canelo terminated his contract in 2020. According to Forbes, Canelo earns around $75 million a year from fights, while he has earned just over $600 million during his career since turning professional in 2005.
Amazon has spent $20 million on 181 acres in Enfield, CT located behind the iHealth and Veritiv warehouses at 35 Bacon Road, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

ENFIELD, Conn.  Online retailer Amazon bought 181 acres last week at 35 Bacon Road, Enfield, for $20 million, according to a deed filed last week with the town.

The seller, Winstanley Enterprises of Concord, Massachusetts, got approval  despite neighborhood concerns  for an 819,000-square-foot, build-to-suit warehouse at the site, said Aaron Marcovitch, director of economic and community development for the town of Enfield.

Amazon confirmed the purchase in an emailed response Wednesday. Mike Murphy, Amazon regional PR manager for New England, said plans for Enfield are in the early stages and the company will share updates when it can.

The site is to the rear of Hallmarks offices and greeting card warehouses which Winstanley has redeveloped to house multiple tenants. The entire site is just a few hundred yards south of the state line and East Longmeadow, Massachusetts.

My understanding is that they (Amazon) are coming in with something smaller, Marcovitch said. These are interesting projects that cause people a lot of questions.

Traffic is chief among those concerns, he said. The property sits midway between Hartford and Springfield, two miles from the nearest Interstate 91 exit, and is about a 20-minute drive from Bradley International Airport.

Amazon has spent $20 million on on 181 acres in Enfield, CT located behind the iHealth and Veritiv warehouses at 35 Bacon Road, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

Marcovitch has yet to see formal plans.

Winstanley also owns the soon-to-be vacated Lego headquarters nearby.

Amazon has a $5.6 million distribution center at 161 Lower Westfield Rd. in Holyoke, which opened in 2019 along with 16 locations in Connecticut including a fulfillment center in Windsor.

The town once pitched the Enfield Square mall location as a possible site for Amazons East Coast headquarters back in 2017 when Amazon announced a contest of sorts.

The Enfield Square Mall property is expected to go through its own redevelopment this summer.

Hallmark closed its distribution center and offices in Enfield in 2015 at the cost of 570 jobs.
Leo Gerden, a Harvard University student from Sweden, addresses a crowd of demonstrators at the school's Cambridge campus, April 29, 2025. (Will Katcher/MassLive)

As international college students across the United States find themselves targeted by the Trump administration, a group of international Harvard undergraduates stood shoulder to shoulder with their American peers Tuesday evening and delivered a message of defiance, unity and warning.

Many of the Harvard students  American and foreign-born alike  said they came to the demonstration on the Cambridge campus because of their shared concern for their school and American democracy.
Priscilla Pointer, veteran actress, has died at 100 in Connecticut. Pointer is known for her roles in "Carrie," "Dallas" and more. Peter Kramer/Getty Images

An acclaimed stage, television and film actress whose career spanned four decades died in New England roughly two weeks before her 101st birthday.

Priscilla Pointer died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, April 28, her daughter, actress Amy Irving, wrote on Instagram Tuesday.

She was living at an assisted living facility in Ridgefield, Connecticut at the time of her death, Pointers son told The Hollywood Reporter.

She most definitely will be missed, Irvings Instagram post read.

Pointer was born in New York City, New York on May 18, 1924, her IMDb biography states. She started her career in theater in the late 1940s and appeared in several tours and Broadway shows, including A Streetcar Named Desire, The Country Wife and The Condemned of Altona.

Pointer paused her career in 1953 when her daughter was born. At 40, Pointer returned to acting but ventured into television and film. She played her real life daughters mother in the 1976 cult shocker Carrie as well as Victoria Principal characters mother on the nighttime soap opera Dallas from 1981 to 1983.

Pointers other major acting credits include parts in Rumpelstiltskin, Looking for Mr. Goodbar, The Falcon and the Snowman, and Blue Velvet. Her last credit was a voiceover performance in the 2008 TV movie Sweet Nothing in My Ear.
Today is the deadline for Harvard University to respond to the Department of Homeland Security after receiving a April 16 letter to respond to a list of demands.

Harvard is faced with an ultimatum: it could refuse to respond to its demands and lose a key certification allowing international students to study there  27% of its undergraduate and graduate population  or give up information about its foreign student population.

If the federal government revokes the certification, Harvard could go to federal court to ask for an injunction to temporarily keep it.

Harvard has already filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration following its threat to pull billions of dollars in funding or respond to another list of demands. Those demands called for an overhaul of the institution, including changes to government and leadership and to the universitys admissions policies.

Its one of our premier institutions in the United States. If Harvard caves, others will cave. And we could kiss goodbye the independent higher education system we have in the United States. Its gone if Harvard caves. This is that kind of moment, said Charles Kuck, former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

The Department of Homeland Securitys demands included providing information about student visa holders known illegal activity, threats and dangerous or violent activity. It also requested that the institution provide any information if the students obstructed the learning environment and if they are completing the minimum required coursework to maintain nonimmigrant student status.

By responding to the demands, it would likely put foreign students at Harvard in jeopardy, according to Kuck.

It could lead to the students being arrested, such as Tufts University doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk or Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful U.S. resident who was a graduate student at Columbia until December.

Theyre going to go after those people 100%. This is like watching V for Vendetta. This time V is a bad guy. This is all about vengeance. Its all about punishing people for exercising and following their conscious and their constitutional rights, including foreign students, Kuck said.

Following the communication from DHS, Harvard told admitted international students that they could accept admission at Harvard and at a foreign institution as a backup plan due to recent events in the U.S. and at Harvard, according to the Harvard email.

What is being asked of Harvard?

In a letter to Harvard last week, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said having foreign students attend Harvard is a privilege and not a guarantee.

Noem directed Harvard to submit eight pieces of information to the department on or before April 30, 2025. They include:

Provide relevant information regarding each student visa holders known illegal activity, and whether the activity occurred on campus. Provide relevant information regarding each student visa holders known dangerous or violent activity, and whether the activity occurred on campus. Provide relevant information regarding each student visa holders known threats to other students or university personnel, and whether the activity occurred on campus. Provide relevant information regarding each student visa holders known deprivation of rights of other classmates or university personnel, and whether the activity occurred on campus. Provide relevant information on whether any student visa holders have left Harvard University due to dangerous or violent activity or deprivation of rights, and whether the activity occurred on campus. Provide relevant information on whether any student visa holders have had disciplinary actions taken as a result of making threats to other students or populations or participating in protests, which impacted their nonimmigrant student status. Provide relevant information regarding each student visa holders obstruction of the schools learning environment. Provide relevant information regarding each student visa holders maintenance of at least the minimum required coursework to maintain nonimmigrant student status.

If Harvard doesnt comply with the request, Noem said it will be treated as a voluntary withdrawal and the SEVP certification will be automatically taken away from Harvard without subject to appeal.

Does Harvard have a good case?

Whether the federal government can revoke Harvards certification to host international students is up for debate.

Specific regulations give the federal government leeway to determine if an institution  in this case, Harvard  is not complying with certification standards, said Jonathan Grode, managing partner at immigration law firm Green and Spiegel.

Whether or not theyre an overreach, a misinterpretation, these are things that the courts would decide, Grode said.

In a normal world there wouldnt be a chance that Harvard would lose its certification, given its global prominence and because it isnt frequently taken away, and, when it has, it is due to some sort of fraudulent activity.

To Kuck, the Trump administration has a weak case, in part because it isnt going through the right legal steps.

He said the federal government is asking for information that isnt pertinent to the certification to host international students.

The questions theyre asking have nothing to do with the certification of the program, Kuck said.

The government cannot act in an arbitrary and capricious way. This is the very definition of arbitrary and capricious, Kuck said.

The worst-case scenario for Harvard, if it does go through legal proceedings over the demands, is that they lose in court years from now, Kuck said. At that point, Trump wont be president and the next president could reinstate the certification for Harvard, he said.

Thats the worst case scenario, but theyll be heroes, he said.
Mohsen Mahdawi, center, looks on during a pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia University, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)

A judge on Wednesday ordered the release of a Palestinian man who led protests against the war in Gaza as a student at Columbia University and was arrested by immigration officials during an interview about finalizing his U.S. citizenship.

U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford in Burlington, Vermont, issued his ruling following a hearing on Mohsen Mahdawi, a legal permanent resident for 10 years, who was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on April 14. He has been held at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans.

A judge later issued an order barring the government from removing him from the state or country.

Mahdawis lawyers say he was detained in retaliation for his speech advocating for Palestinian human rights.

I am saying it clear and loud, Mahdawi said outside the Vermont courthouse on Wednesday, according to reports from POLITICO.

To President Trump and his cabinet: I am not afraid of you, he said.

According to court documents, his notice to appear in immigration court says he is removable under the Immigration and Nationality Act because Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined his presence and activities would have serious adverse foreign policy consequences and would compromise a compelling U.S. foreign policy interest.

The government argues that Mahdawis detention is a constitutionally valid aspect of the deportation process and that district courts are barred from hearing challenges to how and when such proceedings are begun.

District courts play no role in that process. Consequently, this Court lacks jurisdiction over Petitioners claims, which are all, at bottom, challenges to removal proceedings, wrote Michael Drescher, Vermonts acting U.S. attorney.

According to a court filing, Mahdawi was born in a refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and moved to the United States in 2014. He recently completed coursework at Columbia and was expected to graduate in May before beginning a masters degree program there in the fall.

As a student, Mahdawi was an outspoken critic of Israels military campaign in Gaza and organized campus protests until March 2024. He cofounded the Palestinian Student Union at Columbia with Mahmoud Khalil, another Palestinian permanent resident of the U.S. and graduate student who was detained by immigration authorities.

An immigration judge in Louisiana ruled that the governments assertion that Khalils presence in the U.S. posed potentially serious foreign policy consequences satisfied the requirements for deportation.

Mahdawis order of release comes after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit paused a court order from a Vermont District Court judge requiring Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk to return to Vermont from Louisiana pending a hearing next week.

Ozturk was detained in March by federal agents in Somerville and has been held in Louisiana because of an op-ed she co-authored in her school newspaper. The judge had ordered that she return to Vermont by May 1 to facilitate a hearing on her petition challenging her detention.
The statue of John Harvard, the first major benefactor of Harvard College, is seen draped in the Palestinian flag, at an encampment of students protesting against the war in Gaza, at Harvard University in Cambridge on April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

Last October, before Donald Trump was reelected president, a little-known conservative plan positioning itself as a blueprint for combating antisemitism encouraged the next administration to deport pro-Palestine protestors and withhold public funds from institutions that support the cause.

If it sounds familiar, its because Trump appears to have followed its recommendations in his first 100 days back in the White House, especially in his blitz against Harvard University and higher education as a whole.
An Oklahoma mother of three children is traumatized after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raided their home last Thursday.

Agents confiscated phones, laptops and the mothers life savings, according to KFOR, an Oklahoma City news outlet.

The family of four, however, werent the people sought by ICE. In fact, the suspects listed on the search warrant werent living at the familys address, the news agency reported.

A senior Department of Homeland Security official told Newsweek that the intended targets of the raid were the previous residents of the home.

The mother, who KFOR refers to as Marisa, moved from Maryland to Oklahoma City with her three children two weeks ago.

Marisas husband stayed in Maryland, planning to join his family over the weekend, KFOR reported.

Then, on Thursday morning, 20 men armed with guns busted through the door of the familys new home, according to Marisa.

She told KFOR that men identified themselves as federal agents with the U.S. Marshals, ICE, and the FBI.

I keep asking them, who are you? What are you doing here? Whats happening, she said. And they said, we have a warrant for the house, a search warrant.

Before Marisa and her daughters could even put on any clothes, the family were ordered by the agents to go outside in the rain, Marisa told KFOR.

They wanted me to change in front of all of them, in between all of them, she said. My husband has not even seen my daughter in her undergarments  her own dad, because its respectful. You have her out there, a minor, in her underwear.

Despite her repeatedly telling the agents that she and her children were citizens, Marisa said they were they were very dismissive, very rough, very careless.

She told KFOR that the agents tore apart her house and seized their phones, laptops and their life savings in cash as evidence.

I told them before they left, I said you took my phone. We have no money. I just moved here, she said. I have to feed my children. Im going to need gas money. I need to be able to get around. Like, how do you just leave me like this? Like an abandoned dog.

Before the agents left, Marisa told KFOR that one of them made a comment to her.

One of them said, I know it was a little rough this morning, she said. It was so denigrating. That you do all of this to a family, to women, your fellow citizens. And it was a little rough? You literally traumatized me and my daughters for life. Were going to have to go get help or get over this somehow.

A senior DHS official told Newsweek: ICE was carrying out a court authorized search warrant for a large-scale human smuggling investigation.

The Oklahoma City raid comes at a time where ICE deported a Cuban-born mother of a 1-year-old girl  separating them indefinitely  as well as three children ages 2, 4 and 7 who are citizens of the United States along with their Honduran-born mothers, according to the Associated Press.

Lawyers in cases involving the women described how they were arrested at routine check-ins at ICE offices, given virtually no opportunity to speak with lawyers or their family members and then deported within three days or less, the Associated Press reported.

The 4-year-old and the 7-year-old were deported to Honduras within a day of being arrested with their mother, according to Gracie Willis of the National Immigration Project. The 4-year-old child is suffering from a rare form of cancer, Willis said to the Associated Press.

We have no idea what ICE was telling them, and in this case what has come to light is that ICE didnt give them another alternative, Willis said in an interview. They didnt gave them a choice, that these mothers only had the option to take their children with them despite loving caregivers being available in the United States to keep them here.
Karen Read listens to testimony during her murder retrial at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Libby O'Neill/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool) AP

Karen Reads second trial in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John OKeefe, continued on Wednesday in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court before Judge Beverly Cannone.

On Tuesday, the jury heard lengthy testimony from a prosecution cell-phone expert and from a key witness for the prosecution who was with Read when she found OKeefes body. That witness, Jennifer McCabe, was on the stand all day Wednesday.

The trial resumes Friday at 9 a.m.

People to know:

Hank Brennan, special prosecutor for the Norfolk County district attorneys office

Alan Jackson, lawyer for Read

Jennifer McCabe, friend of OKeefes who was with Read when his body was found

4 p.m. - McCabe concludes testimony for the day

McCabes testimony ended with a testy exchange with Jackson as he continued to press her on the I hit him statement and other things she said Read told her.

Jackson asked McCabe if she ever told first responders that Read was hysterical on the phone or that Read mentioned her broken taillight. McCabe said she couldnt remember and that the conversations were very brief.

But McCabe was steadfast that she heard Read say I hit him.

Karen showed up at my house screaming, McCabe said. She was acting crazy.

I can tell you with 100% accuracy she screamed, I hit him, I hit him, I hit him, McCabe said.

Jackson concluded his questioning for the day, asking again about the grand jury. McCabe eventually confirmed she told the grand jury Read said, Could I have hit him? Did I hit him?

With McCabe off the stand and the jury out of the room, Jackson said his cross-examination would go at least another two hours. McCabe has now testified longer than any other witness called thus far.

The trial resumes on Friday at 9 a.m.

3:08 p.m. - Jackson grills McCabe over I hit him testimony

As he continued pressing McCabe about the events of that morning, Jackson asked McCabe about her testimony that she heard Read say, I hit him, I hit him, I hit him.

He suggested it was the centerpiece of her testimony, prompting an objection from Brennan. But, Jackson noted, she never mentioned the statement when testifying to a state grand jury in April 2022.

Did you tell the grand jurors that my client said, I hit him? Jackson asked, sounding incredulous.

McCabe said she simply answered the questions that were asked of her. Jackson eventually pointed McCabe to the portion of her grand jury testimony where she said Read told a female EMT, Did I hit him? Could I have hit him?

Jackson said that was exactly the scene McCabe described in her testimony earlier Wednesday. He asked if it was true she never mentioned the statement to the grand jury.

I do know that your client said that morning, I hit him, I hit him, I hit him three times and there was a female EMT standing right there, McCabe said.

2:54 p.m. - Were fighting over silly words

As Jackson questioned McCabe about her testimony at the first trial, she told him they were fighting over silly words.

Jackson told her, words matter a lot, prompting Cannone to interject to warn Jackson against making comments. His questioning moved to asking McCabe about what exactly she remembered from the morning OKeefe was found.

Brennan objected and Cannone called the lawyers to sidebar.

Witness Jennifer McCabe continues her cross examination testimony during the Karen Read murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool) AP

2:43 p.m. - McCabe never saw OKeefes body

Despite looking toward the flagpole, where she saw Reads SUV, McCabe said she never saw OKeefe inside or outside the car.

You did not see a body in the snow, did you? Jackson asked.

I didnt see anything on the ground, no, McCabe said.

As her husband drove away from 34 Fairview Road, McCabe said she had her head turned to talk to two other women in the back seat.

She said she never saw OKeefe on the lawn, and never heard any of the women say anything out of the ordinary.

2:09 p.m. - McCabe retakes the stand

Jackson resumed his cross-examination of McCabe, beginning with text messages she sent to OKeefe on Jan. 29, 2022. The messages include McCabe telling OKeefe to pull behind her and later, asking him where he is.

In previous testimony, McCabe said each text corresponded with a trip to the front door of 34 Fairview Road. But on Wednesday, she said she couldnt remember if that were true.

Jackson pressed McCabe on her testimony from the first trial about the last time she saw Reads SUV and when she noticed it was gone. McCabe said she could not remember the specific times.

At a bare minimum, you were at the door looking out the window ... four times, correct? Jackson asked.

McCabe agreed that was true, but only after a string of questions from Jackson.

Defense attorney Alan Jackson questions witness Jennifer McCabe during cross examination in Karen Read's murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool) AP

1 p.m. - Judge calls lunch break

Cannone sent the jury out for lunch with McCabe still on the stand. Jackson will continue his cross-examination after the break.

Before the break, Jackson pressed McCabe on her memory of the cars outside 34 Fairview Road. She said all she saw was Reads SUV and lights coming from what she believed to be a truck driven by another witness, Ryan Nagel.

12:46 p.m. - Jackson accuses McCabe of coordinating information

Jacksons questioning moved to McCabes memory of seeing Reads SUV outside 34 Fairview Road. She testified to seeing the car and lights she believed were from a truck belonging to another witness, Ryan Nagel.

At one point early on in the investigation, McCabe asked Nagels sister, Julie, for a screenshot of a text message showing what time Ryan Nagel arrived to the home.

Was that another example of you coordinating information in this case? Jackson asked. McCabe said it wasnt.

Brennan objected before Jackson finished the line of questioning.

12:28 p.m. - McCabe asked about law enforcement investigation

On the morning of Jan. 29, 2022, McCabe said the group inside 34 Fairview Road was briefly split up for interviews by Canton Police.

But when the officer left, the group discussed what had happened.

When I was there, I was trying to piece together what had happened, she said. They were all being supportive. I was sitting there in utter shock.

Jackson asked McCabe if her brother-in-law, Brian Albert, escorted her to her home for an interview with Michael Proctor, the now-fired State Police trooper who investigated OKeefes death.

McCabe rejected the idea that Albert escorted her to her home and said she wasnt sure when he arrived.

11:53 a.m. - Is there some shade of lie Im not aware of?: Jackson presses McCabe about statements to federal agents

During her interview with federal agents, McCabe was asked if she contacted anyone before sitting down with them. She said she spoke to her husband and Kerry Roberts, who she was with the morning OKeefe was found.

They asked her if she had spoken to anyone else. McCabe said she didnt.

But Jackson pressed McCabe about a subsequent phone call to the agents, where she admitted to talking to others, including her brother-in-law, Brian Albert, and the victim witness advocate for the district attorneys office.

You explained you had been untruthful with them, Jackson said. For some reason, you did not want these officers to know you had communicated specifically with Brian Albert ... correct?

There was some reason important enough for you to lie about it? he continued.

McCabe said she had simply forgotten about the calls. Cannone cut off the questioning there.

Karen Read defense attorney Alan Jackson questions witness Jennifer McCabe during the Karen Read murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool) AP

11:36 a.m. - Trial resumes

After an extended break that appears to have included a closed-door meeting between prosecutors, defense attorneys and both the Read and OKeefe families, McCabe returned to the stand.

Cannone did not explain the break to the jury, beyond telling them there were matters we need[ed] to address.

Jackson resumed his questioning by asking McCabe about an interview with federal agents in April 2023.

Lawyers cant mention the U.S. Attorneys Offices investigation into OKeefes death during the trial, so Jackson described them simply as agents with another department, not Massachusetts State Police or Canton Police.

McCabe said the interview was brief and confirmed she cut it short because she was uncomfortable answering any more questions. Before the interview, McCabe called her husband and Kerry Roberts.

Your motive in calling Kerry Roberts ... before your interview was to ensure your story would line up with her story, isnt that right? Jackson asked.

McCabe said it wasnt.

We both know what happened; we dont have to have a story, she said. Were just normal moms, were not used to this.

10:38 a.m. - Jackson questions McCabe about law enforcement connections

After laying out McCabes family tree, Jackson questioned her about her and her familys ties to law enforcement.

She acknowledged that her sister, Nicole, is married to a retired Boston Police officer, Brian Albert, and that Brian Alberts brother is a Canton police officer. Another brother, Chris Albert, is on the Canton Select Board.

McCabe said she considered all of them family.

Cannone cut the questioning short and called a 20-minute morning recess.

10:22 a.m. - Not my story, its the truth: Jackson begins cross-examination of McCabe

Jackson began his cross-examination with a line of questioning about McCabes conversations with Kerry Roberts, the other woman with her and Read when they found OKeefe.

McCabe said they had discussed the case and what happened that morning, but not their specific testimony at either the first or second trial.

Still, Jackson appeared to be suggesting McCabe had influenced Roberts testimony about what happened on Jan. 29, 2022.

You two have probably talked hundreds of times about your respective perceptions of this case, right? Jackson said. Youve somehow been influenced by Ms. Roberts perceptions?

Would you say that shes been influenced by your perceptions and your memories? Jackson continued.

McCabe said she hadnt. She said her testimony was not [a] story, its the truth.

10:11 a.m. - I wanted to help in any way I could

McCabe said she spoke to police a good amount of times both on the morning OKeefe was found and in the days after.

The day after OKeefes death, she visited his family at his home. The house was full of friends, loved ones and coworkers, she said. McCabe said she didnt see Read there.

At some point, at the request of OKeefes mother, she and Kerry Roberts put together a timeline of what they remembered from Jan. 29, 2022.

She wanted us to do it so we did it, McCabe said.

She also testified about turning her phone over to police, which she said she did willingly.

I wanted to help in any way I could, McCabe said.

Brennan concluded his questioning.

Jennifer McCabe speaks on the witness stand as Judge Beverly Cannone listens in the background during the Karen Read murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)

9:50 a.m. - McCabe testifies about entering 34 Fairview

While police were still at the scene, McCabe walked into her sisters house. The front door was unlocked and McCabe walked up to the bedroom, where she woke up her sister, Nicole and her sisters husband, Brian Albert.

They woke up startled and confused, McCabe said.

The 3 of them walked down the stairs, where the Alberts spoke with Canton Police Lt. Michael Lank, who was already inside.

After OKeefes body was taken away, McCabe said she was extremely concerned about him. She said she knew deep down he was dead, but was hoping he would survive.

Sitting inside the home, McCabe said her memories of the morning came flooding back.

Among them was Read telling her and a female first responder, I hit him, I hit him, I hit him.

9:31 a.m. - McCabe describes morning OKeefe was found

When McCabe returned to the stand Wednesday morning, Brennan played her the 911 call she made on Jan. 29, 2022, reporting OKeefe in the snow.

In the call, McCabe can be heard saying an ambulance needs to come to 34 Fairview Road in Canton and that a man is unresponsive in the snow. Read can be heard yelling in the background while McCabe speaks to the dispatcher.

McCabe described herself as being in shock on the phone, but said she was trying to be as calm as she could be so help would arrive as quickly as possible.

When police arrived, McCabe said they began asking basic questions about OKeefe. She described Read as running around crazy ... kind of like a ping pong.

Shes doing a lot of screaming, asking is he dead, is he dead, is he dead, McCabe said. She just was kind of all over the place.

McCabe said Read asked her to Google hypothermia after police arrived.

Had you ever, ever attempted to search about hypothermia before that moment that morning? Brennan asked.

McCabe said she had not.

She also testified to hearing Read tell a first responder that she hit OKeefe.

I thought she was just talking crazy, McCabe said of Read.

9:11 a.m. - Cannone allows in clips

Before jurors were brought in, Brennan asked Cannone for permission to play a pair of interview clips of Read. The clips will supplement part of McCabes testimony, he said.

Cannone allowed them into evidence, and Jackson didnt object.

When the jury arrived, Cannone asked the panel if they had been able to follow her instructions about not discussing the case and avoiding media coverage. Each juror said they had.

Read, 45, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of OKeefe, who was found outside the home of a fellow Boston police officer on Jan. 29, 2022.

Norfolk County prosecutors say Read struck OKeefe with her SUV while driving intoxicated. Reads attorneys say her car never struck OKeefe and that others are to blame for his death.
Police found a man dead inside a car that was submerged in a Merrimack River canal in Lowell Wednesday morning, according to the Middlesex County District Attorneys Office.

Officers discovered the mans body after a pedestrian called Lowell police around 9:10 a.m. to report that a car was submerged in a canal by Canal Street, the district attorneys office said. First responders were able to get the car out of the canal and found a 65-year-old Lowell man dead in the drivers seat.

An investigation into the mans death revealed that around 3 a.m. Wednesday morning, the car crashed through a fence and into the canal, the district attorneys office said. No other cars were involved in the crash.
The woods behind the Walmart at 450 Highland Ave. in Salem, where two men's bodies were found on Wednesday. (Irene Rotondo)

One of the two men who was killed and found dead in a wooded area next to a Salem Walmart last week has been identified as 42-year-old Oregon resident Jonathan Thompson, the Essex County District Attorneys Office announced Tuesday.

The district attorneys office previously identified the other man whose body was found as 41-year-old Andrew Ross Guempel. His last known address was in Arizona.
President Donald Trump offered his support to an issue that has sewn divisions in one part of New York: a high schools mascot depicting a Native American.

In April 2023, the New York State Board of Regents unanimously voted to ban school districts from using Indigenous iconography and names for mascots. Of the 13 school districts on Long Island, nine have complied. The district that Massapequa High School belongs to is among those that have not.

Massapequa was among four school districts on Long Island that filed a federal suit challenging the ban, arguing their choice of team names and mascots were protected by the First Amendment.

As debate over the logo has grown, Trump entered the discussion and the federal government intervened.

I agree with the people in Massapequa, Long Island, who are fighting furiously to keep the Massapequa Chiefs logo on their Teams and School, Trump said on Truth Social. Forcing them to change the name, after all of these years, is ridiculous and, in actuality, an affront to our great Indian population.

The president added that the mascot has become the schools identity and compared it to other mascots.

I dont see the Kansas City Chiefs changing their name anytime soon! Trumps post read.

Harry Wallace, chief of the Unkechaug Indian Nation from Long Island, told Gothamist that, based on research, such mascots perpetuate racist symbolism and harm all people, including people who are not Indigenous.

But this is not about logic, its about emotion, he said to the news website, talking about the Massapequa case. It is ironic that a town that has a history of killing the local Indigenous population should now claim as a tradition a fake image of those very same people.

Shinnecock Indian Nation Council of Trustees member Germain Smith told the same publication that these mascots hurt children.

We are not a symbol, Smith said. We are not history. We exist today.

Trump wrote that he asked Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to fight for the people of Massepequa on this very important issue, he wrote. LONG LIVE THE MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS!

Days later, he posed with a Massapequa Chiefs sweater in the Oval Office.

On Friday, McMahon announced she would investigate New Yorks state education department and the state board of regents over threats to pull funding from the Massapequa School District over its allowance of using the mascot for the high school. The Office for Civil Rights will determine if the funding threat constitutes discrimination on the basis of race and national origin, McMahons office said in a statement.

While New York chooses to prioritize erasing Native Americans, their rich history, and their deep connection to the state, it is requiring schools to divert time and resources away from what really matters: educating our students, McMahon said in the statement. It is not lost on the Department that there are several mascots that refer to indigenous or ethnic groups  the Vikings, Fighting Irish, the Cowboys  and yet New York has specifically singled out Native American heritage."

Users on social media showed support for Trump and McMahon in bringing further attention to the issue. Others dismissed the presidents involvement.

The Massapequa Chiefs should not be a priority in the Oval Office, one X user posted on April 22.

Resharing Trump with the Chiefs sweater, conservative commentator and YouTube host Benny Johnson simply posted on X the word, Epic.

Massapequa wants to celebrate its heritage of being white settlers who dispossessed and killed the Native population, then appropriated a culture from 2,000 miles away to claim they belonged, another X user posted on April 27.

Nobody needs the president of the United States weighing in on a single local school! another X user posted on April 23.
A Norfolk Superior Court judge issued a stern warning to Aidan Kearney, the blogger known as Turtleboy, on Wednesday after hearing a prosecution motion to revoke Kearneys bail in his felony witness intimidation case.

The judge, Mark Doolin, told Kearney his actions relating to witnesses in the Karen Read trial left him walking on kind of thin ice and pointed specifically to Kearneys use of the word revenge in a recent live stream.

The hearing came while testimony was underway in the Read trial, which Kearney was barred from attending on Wednesday because he is accused of intimidating the witness, Jennifer McCabe. Special prosecutor Robert Cosgrove said Wednesday that Kearney continues to defame McCabe and other prosecution witnesses in the Read case.

Cosgrove also noted that Kearney has used an expletive to refer to the presiding judge in the Read case, prompting a grimace from Doolin.

The motion to revoke Kearneys bail came in the wake of comments he made about Massachusetts State Police Lt. Brian Tully, the former commander of the State Police unit assigned to the district attorneys office. Cosgrove told Doolin that Kearney was wishing death in the most horrible fashion on him and his wife.

When somebody says to an audience, Jesus told him Jesus wants revenge, how does that play? Cosgrove said. Mr. Kearney has no compunction about wishing death on Lt. Tullys children and wife.

Cosgrove argued that Kearney knew his comments would get back to Tully because they would excite his followers. He contended that as a result, Kearney violated the terms of his bail, which include a no-contact order for some witnesses in the Read case.

But Timothy Bradl, a lawyer for Kearney, downplayed the comments as satire and said they were protected by the First Amendment.

I am so sick of having to come before a court because of Norfolk County and talk about speech that Norfolk County doesnt like, he said. This is intentional infliction of emotional distress on my client.

Bradl argued that Tully, who arrested Kearney shortly after he dropped his children off at their bus stop, destroyed his life.

He is allowed to lash out back, Bradl said. He is not threatening Tully, he is not contacting Tully. He is a reporter with his own style of satire.

Doolin did not rule on whether to revoke Kearneys bail. Before the hearing adjourned, Cosgrove said he feared that without taking away his bail, Kearney would simply go on intimidating witnesses.

I honestly think that if the court does not act to protect the witnesses, we are ... going to be back in front of you very soon, because it doesnt stop, he said.

Bradl countered that Kearneys conduct was protected by the First Amendment.
President Donald Trump listens as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks to members of the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, Mich. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

More than 100 days into President Donald Trumps second administration, a sweeping majority of Americans say the issues that divide the nation are a serious threat to the future of U.S. democracy.

The 77% of Americans who expressed that fear in the newest Marist College poll is up from the 73% who said the same thing in January when the Republican president took office.

Barely 2 in 10 (22%) believe there is no threat to the nations democracy.

The question of whether the American experiment is in jeopardy first began gaining ground during the run-up to the 2024 election, when Trump said hed be a dictator but only on his first day in office.

In the weeks and months since, fears over the health of the nations founding principles have accelerated among some experts, who have pointed to Trumps disdain for due process, circumvention of Congress, and the weaponization of the U.S. Justice Department to launch reprisals against his political opponents.

The new Marist poll of 1,439 U.S. adults appears to lend added urgency to those concerns. The survey, conducted between April 21 and April 23, has a margin of error of 3.5%.

The poll, however, found a predictably partisan split, with more Democrats (91%) and independents (83%) harboring concerns over the health of the nation.

Even so, a clear majority of self-identified Republicans (56%) also had that view.

And with Americans taking to the streets, including Boston, to protest the White Houses actions, 84% of respondents believe the right to nonviolent and peaceful protest is alive and well.

But thats still less than the 91% of Americans who said the same thing in January. Sixteen percent of respondents either disagreed or strongly disagreed that the Constitutionally guaranteed right to the redress of grievances was still in rude health.

More than eight in 10 Republicans (88%) and Democrats (81%) and independents (84%) believe the right to protest is working well. Irrespective party, thats still fewer than the same who said the same thing in January, pollsters said.

And no one is having any fun talking politics: 57% of respondents find it stressful and frustrating to talk about the issues of the day with people with whom they disagree. Thats compared to the 41% who say its interesting and informative.

Republicans are slightly more likely (51%) than Democrats (31%), and independents (41%) to have interesting discussions with people on the other side of the political divide, according to the poll.

Finally, nearly 7 in 19 respondents (69%), down from the previous 75%, said they agree or strongly agree that the ability of news organizations to criticize those in power is working well. Three in 10 (30%) said they disagreed, according to the poll.
An alumni of Harvard University stands near an encampment set up at the university to protest the war in Gaza, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Casey)

The Trump administrations efforts to tackle antisemitism on the nations college and university campuses, including Harvard, are less about keeping students safe and more about silencing critics, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey asserted Wednesday.

The Republican White House is not really interested in the safety of students on campus, Healey, a Harvard alumna, said as she left an unrelated event at the State House on Wednesday.

Theyre interested in silencing critics, and the attack on Harvard and other colleges and universities is just in line with a playbook of attacking law firms, attacking companies, weaponizing the [Department of Justice] and continuing to find ways to shut down anyone who disagrees with them or stands in their way, she continued.

The Democratic governors comments came after she was asked about reports issued Tuesday by two Harvard task forces that found both antisemitic and anti-Palestinian bias on campus at the elite university.

Each document detailed communal hurt feelings and a sense of alienation inflicted by peers and Harvard officials alike.

The 2023-24 academic year was disappointing and painful. I am sorry for the moments when we failed to meet the high expectations we rightfully set for our community. The grave, extensive impact of the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel and its aftermath had serious repercussions on our campus Harvard President Alan Garber said in a message to the university community.

The Cambridge-based university has been in pitched battle with the Trump administration over billions of dollars in federal funding that the White House tied to what it said were efforts to combat antisemitism.

The university rejected a sweeping list of demands from Washington, saying it would not comply with what it described as government overreach.

In response, the White House froze $2.2 billion in federal grants to the school, along with potentially more funding. Harvard sued over the move. And the fight is now before a federal judge.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Healey credited Garber for his response to the reports and bias on campus.

" I havent read the whole ... report. But .. from what I know, it confirms what we already knew is that there were problems on campus," she said.

There have been problems on college campuses around the country when it comes to antisemitism, when it comes to Islamophobia, both were detailed ... in the Harvard report, she continued. Whats also important is that Harvard is taking steps  theyve taken a number of steps  and theyre going to continue to do that work. And I know theyre committed to that."

Healey, saying she was unaware, declined to comment on news that the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services had launched investigations of the Harvard Law Review, based on reports of race-based discrimination permeating the operations, at the publication.
The 100th day of President Donald Trumps second administration started a lot like the previous 99: With a Massachusetts pol inveighing against the Republican White Houses latest assault on the Republic.

And on Tuesday morning  a lot like the last blindingly fast and dizzyingly chaotic run of mornings since the onetime reality TV star, now criminally convicted, twice-impeached chief executive took the oath of office in January  U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren was again leading the charge.

The occasion, this time, was a conference call. featuring economic experts and former Biden White House aides, slamming Trumps trade war and the economic policies that they said would drive up prices, crater consumer confidence, and plunge the nation into a recession.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren speaks to the New England Council in Boston on Dec. 18, 2023. (Trea Lavery, MassLive)

Remember, throughout his campaign, Donald Trump repeatedly promised to lower costs on Day One, those were his words. Instead, he took an improving economy and broke it in 100 days, Warren, D-Mass., said.

She was just getting warmed up.

Trump started the dumbest trade war in history, single-handedly, crashing equity markets and sinking retirement accounts, she continued. Trumps, on-again, off-again tariff tantrums are freezing business investment, she said.

And again, that was just Tuesday morning.

By midday, a constellation of advocacy groups converged on the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in Boston to highlight the administrations actions against immigrants, the aged, women and people living with disabilities.

It all had the ring of the familiar about it.

That event came in the wake of protests on Boston Common and elsewhere in the state that have drawn thousands over the last three months. The awakening public rage there and at packed congressional town halls has been palpable.

Then theres the blizzard of lawsuits filed by state Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell and the rhetorical broadsides fired by a host of elected officials that include Gov. Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and others.

Taken together, those actions have only served to put the Bay State more squarely in the crosshairs of the White House, as its moved to withhold billions of dollars in critical federal funding that could punch a Sumner Tunnel-sized hole in the states finances if theyre allowed to stand.

Programs from road and bridge repairs and health care to public education and social services are all affected. State officials say they cant make up the difference on their own.

And on Day 101, theres only one question that Democrats can ask themselves: What happens next?

And, likely to their annoyance, there are no easy or convenient answers.

Two things are certain: The litigation will continue because its the only real tool that a party out of power has to counter the White Houses whims. And there have been wins on that score.

Its also guaranteed that the rhetorical carpet-bombing will only escalate as Democrats, still fumbling for a coherent identity and a message after last Novembers election, barrel headlong into the 2026 midterm campaign cycle.

Because thats also the only tool they have at their disposal. And some wield it more effectively than others.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is pushing back against what he calls the "do-nothing Democrats." In this photo, Pritzker speaks during the McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner on Sunday in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Reba Saldanha)

In a fiery speech in the early presidential state of New Hampshire last weekend, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a genial, billionaire photo negative of Trump, slammed the simpering timidity among some of his ideological fellow travelers.

Its time to fight everywhere and all at once, Pritzker, sounding a whole lot like someone who might be back in New Hampshire in 2028, told a mixed crowd of activists, donors and officials, according to The New York Times.

Never before in my life have I called for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption. But I am now. These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace, he continued as the crowd, hungry for an effective messenger, cheered. The reckoning is finally here.

But is it?

If a recent Washington Post/ABC News poll is any indication, more Americans still trust Trump to run the country than they do the party of Warren, Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi.

And thats with Trump boasting the lowest 100-day approval rating of any president over the last 80 years. The Democrats should be sinking 3-pointers like Steph Curry.

Which is not to say they arent trying. But more in a Washington Wizards kind of way.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks at a town hall event at Roosevelt High School on March 14, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Matthew Putney/AP)

During a stop in Cambridge on Monday night, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz framed out a similar argument, calling for an English-style shadow government to throw shade on the White Houses every move.

Democrats, the onetime vice presidential candidate said, need to occupy every lane to counter Trump and his GOP allies on Capitol Hill, Walz said, according to Politico.

There have been some moderately encouraging early signs.

Democrats won a state Supreme Court race in Wisconsin where billionaire Elon Musk backed the GOP candidate. They also overperformed in a pair of U.S. House races in Florida.

And Sanders, I-Vt., and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., have been packing in the crowds at stadium rallies, selling a liberal version of Trumps populism.

Still, the only guarantee right now is that the next 100 days, and the 100 days after that, and the 100 after that, are likely to unfold as they have already: With Trump flooding the zone, and Democrats still on the back foot  unless or until they learn how not to be that way.

Speaking to the Bay State crowd on Monday, Walz, who didnt win the race, still learned the lesson.

Theres no second-place trophy in this. Its zero sum, he said.

The window for his fellow Democrats to catch up is closing.
Despite the abundant sunshine, Massachusetts residents will have to stay alert Wednesday as both fire weather and frost concerns loom.

A special weather statement was issued for elevated fire risks across the Bay State in the daytime on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Its going to be pretty dry, pretty breezy ... the fuels on the ground, like the brush, are a little drier and will be more susceptible to burning, said forecaster Candice Hrencin.

As humidity levels drop, temperatures are expected to be in the high 60s and low 70s, with some coastal parts on the lower end of the scale. Wind gusts could reach up to 30 mph during the daytime, forecasters said.

This may create the potential for dangerous fires, forecasters warned.

Massachusetts residents are advised to not ignite any major burns, Hrencin said, and to exercise caution handling any potential ignition sources, including machinery, cigarettes, and matches.

Any fires that ignite will have the potential to spread quickly, forecasters said.

But overnight, Massachusetts residents might have something much chillier than fire to worry about.

Frost may be in the forecast for Wednesday evening as temperatures dip to the mid 40s and low 30s across the state, according to the Weather Service.

The frost could appear in outlying areas all over the state, Hrencin said, but should be concentrated to more rural parts.

Temperatures are expected to pick back up into the mid 60s and low 70s for most of the state during the day on Thursday, with more abundant sunshine, forecasters said.

However, rain could be on the way for the weekend. Possible rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected Thursday night into Friday, with another round of thunderstorms that could hit on Friday afternoon.

More rain is expected late Saturday morning, with increasing showers in the afternoon that wont taper off until Sunday morning. Sundays temperatures are expected to drop dramatically, forecasters said, with highs only reaching the mid to low 60s.
An image of a U.S. Springfield 1868 Model trapdoor carbine is attached to an affidavit filed in federal court. Authorities believe this rifle was taken from the Springfield Armory and is the property of the federal government. (Photo courtesy FBI) submitted photo

SPRINGFIELD  A rare antique rifle, one of only four of its kind manufactured at the Springfield Armory, is back in the hands of the U.S. government, according to court documents unsealed this week.

The carbine that the Springfield Armory made as a possible gun for the U.S. Cavalry in the years following the Civil War went missing from the armorys collection in Springfield years after the National Park Service began to manage the historical site, the FBI wrote in an affidavit filed in federal court.
SPRINGFIELD  A judge ruled in favor of a plaintiff suing former nonprofit founder Heriberto Herbie Flores and his corporate allies over alleged self-dealing that depleted resources from heat assistance and scholarship programs.

Cecelio Chico Rivera, longtime treasurer on the boards of three charities founded to lift up the regions Latino residents, in 2023 filed a complaint against Flores and other individual board members of four different nonprofits.

Those include Brightwood Development Corp., North End Educational and Development Fund Inc., Jefferson Avenue School Associates Inc, and Partners for Community, Inc.
Members of the Chaubunagungamaug tribe of the Nipmuc Nation performed drumming and singing last Friday at Unity Park in Turners Falls, a village of the town of Montague. (Michael Carolan / Special to The Republican) Michael Carolan / Special to The Republican

TURNERS FALLS  Opponents of the Northfield Mountain hydroelectric facility gathered late last week to protest its recent state relicensing and to celebrate the natural wonders of the Connecticut River.

Members of the Chaubunagungamaug tribe of the Nipmuc Nation performed drumming and singing last Friday at Unity Park in Turners Falls. The Nipmuc are Indigenous peoples of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
Worcester City Hall on April 10, 2024. Worcester is one of four communities part of Central Mass. Regional Public Health Alliance, which is discontinuing in June 2025. Ryan Mancini

A 15-year alliance between Worcester and three neighboring towns that promoted public health is coming to an end.

The Central Massachusetts Regional Public Health Alliance (CMPHA)  a partnership between Worcester, West Boylston, Grafton and Shrewsbury  will discontinue on June 30, according to a press release from Worcester on Wednesday.
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Former Taoiseach and Mayo TD Enda Kenny has followed in the footsteps of former US President Bill Clinton after he was honoured with a doctorate from Dublin City University.

The former Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach was conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) at a special ceremony which took place this morning in The Helix on DCUs Glasnevin campus.

Enda Kenny joins noted figures from politics, sport, literature and industry in receiving this award from DCU, including Moya Brennan, Jim Gavin, Paula Meehan, President Bill Clinton, Joe Schmidt and Rosaleen Blair.

I am privileged and honoured to receive and accept this Honorary Doctorate degree, Doctor of Philosophy, from DCU now the home of my Alma Mater, St Patricks TC, Drumcondra, Kenny said at the ceremony.

I do so in the name of all the pupils and students that were part of my school years in National school, in Secondary school and Teacher Training College and of my family some of whom are here present...

Given the situation that now exists globally Ireland should make no apologies for seeking out and inviting the very highest calibre of international student to come and join our own cohort in our own universities to go on and lead in research and innovation in the many areas of challenge that lie ahead. The Irish know education, the Irish understand education, the Irish feel education, and its one outstanding area where we can make a quantum leap to global leadership in the decades ahead, he said.

READ: Mayo Senator advised to install CCTV at home

The Islandeady native came to politics very young following the untimely death of his father Henry, and was elected to the Dail in a by-election aged 24. He became Minister for Trade and Tourism in the Rainbow Government formed in 1994, and leader of the Fine Gael party (and the Opposition) in 2002.

The 2011 General Election saw Fine Gael become the largest party in the Dail for the first time, forming a coalition government with Labour, and leading the country through a period of economic recovery which resulted in Ireland exiting the emergency funding programme more quickly than anyone had expected.

Speaking at the ceremony today, DCU President Professor Daire Keogh said that in his role as Taoiseach, Enda Kenny had displayed steadfast leadership during a time of national economic crisis.

Under his government, Ireland exited the bailout programme ahead of schedule and saw a strong economic rebound, while avoiding the social unrest seen in other European countries at that time. As a statesman, his keen diplomatic skills succeeded in gathering the strong support of our EU partners for Irelands position during the Brexit negotiations, notably gaining consensus that a hard border in Ireland would threaten peace. This stance had a lasting impact, protecting Irish interests well beyond his term.

Introducing todays ceremony, DCU Chancellor Brid Horan said: We live in an era when politicians are too often derided, decried and attacked - online and in some cases physically. It takes bravery to be a politician. It takes guts to be a leader. So, rather than being cynical, we should applaud the contribution of democratically elected politicians to national life - especially when we see the rising tide of authoritarianism around the world, and what that leads to.

In a citation delivered at the ceremony, Dr Eoin OMalley, Associate Professor in Political Science at the School of Law and Government, said: Following the economic crash in late 2008, the bail out, austerity measures, and the subsequent collapse of Fianna Fail support, power landed on Enda Kennys lap. But it was hardly a pleasant inheritance. With the economy on its knees and the country in a financial programme many of the constraints were being set externally, by the Troika.

Yet as Taoiseach, he showed his other skills. He knew when to delegate to others with skills or expertise in areas he did not have. His appointment of Michael Noonan was inspired. Noonan was able to communicate complex financial ideas in a way that the public could understand. He took many of the decisions into a smaller room, the Economic Management Council, that avoided drama being played out at the cabinet table. He was able to manage the cabinet better than most other Taoisigh, particularly ones who were governing under such tough financial constraints, often because he was open to listening to others ideas and thoughts. He also knew when to stand firm  protecting Irelands corporation tax rate when under pressure from Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy.

Ireland emerged from the funding programme more quickly than anyone expected, hardly unscathed, but much recovered. At the end of his first term, the unemployment rate had been halved.
by Adam Buckman , Featured Columnist, April 29, 2025

The force of the message lay in the manner in which it was delivered by Scott Pelley at the conclusion of 60 Minutes Sunday night on CBS.

In the buttoned-down tradition of CBS News, Pelley faced the camera in the shows Last Minute segment and calmly reported that the parent company of CBS, Paramount Global, is meddling in the production of 60 Minutes for business reasons.

In the interest of accuracy, he used the word supervising. It was this supervision, said Pelley, that led last week to the resignation of the shows executive producer, Bill Owens, a CBS News veteran who was respected and well-liked.

Stories weve pursued for 57 years are often controversial, Pelley said. Lately, the Israel-Gaza war and the Trump administration. Bill made sure they were accurate and fair. He was tough that way.

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But our parent company, Paramount, has tried to complete a merger, he continued. The Trump administration must approve it. Paramount began to supervise our content in new ways. None of our stories has been blocked, but Bill felt he lost the independence that honest journalism requires.

And with that, the story was out. Paramount Global has been exerting pressure on 60 Minutes to take it easy on Trump so he wont stand in the way of the companys multibillion-dollar merger with Skydance Media.

This one sentence -- Paramount began to supervise our content in new ways -- was portrayed as a bombshell by the news media on Monday, and so it was.

Until now, this corporate interference had never been stated or otherwise confirmed publicly by anyone, not even Owens himself in the farewell memo he circulated to CBS News and 60 Minutes colleagues last week.

Good for 60 Minutes for rebuking the parent company on one of the companys most successful shows. But what about the details?

If Paramount never went so far as to block any 60 Minutes stories, then what form did these new ways of supervising of the show take? By what means was pressure applied to such an extent that the producer quit?

Maybe it wasnt any one thing, but an accumulation of relatively small things that added up to an intolerable encroachment on the shows decision-making process -- its independence from corporate interference.

Maybe it came in the form of phone calls or emails from higher-ups who Owens had never in his career ever heard from before.

Maybe they said things like Do you really have to do that story that way right now?

Or Cmon, Bill, the companys between a rock and hard place, and we will all benefit from this merger, even you. If you would only reconsider moving that story to later this month 

Or What if you did the story this way? Or What if you left this particular, teeny-tiny thing out of the story? We feel the story would still be fine. Maybe these communications came with veiled threats of some kind.

If such things or things like them happened, then since none of the stories were blocked, Owens must have successfully fended them off every time. If that was the case, what was the final straw that led him to resign?

It is one thing to level an interference accusation at Paramount in a one-minute bit tacked on to the end of the show.

But it is another to take the situation to the next level, and actually give this story the 60 Minutes treatment.

This would be a follow-up to Pelleys one-minute message in the form of a full-on 60 Minutes investigation of how Paramount sought to exert its influence over the show and its producer for business gains, complete with examples and testimony from multiple sources.

These could include Owens himself, who is in the best position to tell us all what happened because they happened to him.

In his message, Pelley described Owens as a worldly journalist who had covered combat. So, why did he decide that resigning, rather than continue fighting, was his only option?

Photo: Scott Pelley in a screenshot from Sundays 60 Minutes on CBS.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, April 29, 2025

Blue Shield of California, a U.S. health insurance company, leaked sensitive health information to Google that belong to as many as 4.7 million members.



The data shared may have included medical claim dates and providers such as appointments with specific doctors for ailments ranging from cardiologists or oncologists, Blue Shield shared in a blog post.



Patient names, insurance plan details, city of residence and zip code, gender, family size, and Blue Shield-assigned account identifiers, as well as those responsible for payments were also included. Search queries and results for the "Find a Doctor" tool locator, plan type, and provider details also could have been shared.

The company began notifying members earlier this month after noticing in February that Google Analytics had been configured in a way that allowed certain member data to be shared with Googles advertising product, Google Ads.

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The breach occurred between April 2021 and January 2024, and it likely included protected health information.

Google also may have used this data to conduct focused ad campaigns back to those individual members, the company said.

Despite all these details, Blue Shield is unable to confirm if any particular members information was affected, as a result of the complexity and scope of the disclosures.

Like other health plans, Blue Shield historically used the third-party vendor service, Google Analytics, to internally track website usage of members who entered certain Blue Shield sites, the company wrote in the post.

Blue Shield stopped using Google Analytics and Google Ads on its websites in January 2024, and initiated a review of its websites and security protocols to ensure that no other analytics tracking software and information could be found.

The company said there is no evidence of any leaks for other types of personal information, such as Social Security numbers, drivers license numbers, or banking or credit card information.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, April 29, 2025

Google is urging a federal appeals court to reject the Republican National Committee's attempt to reinstate claims that its messages to Gmail users were wrongly flagged as spam due to partisan bias.

The same Gmail algorithm governs emails sent by the Democratic National Committee -- and everyone else, Google argues in papers filed Monday with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The RNCs core contention -- that this spam filtering was the product of political discrimination rather than the politically neutral Gmail algorithm reading signals from Gmail users about which emails they are likely to consider spam -- is demonstrably false, the company writes.

Google's new court papers come in a battle that began in October 2022, when the Republican political organization sued Google for allegedly disproportionately designating Republican fundraising messages as spam.

The political group's complaint referred to a North Carolina State University study that found Gmail flags around 68% of Republican campaign emails as spam, compared to 8% Democratic campaign emails. (The organization says the mass relegation of its emails to Gmail spam folders stopped soon after it filed suit.)

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The complaint included claims that Google violated California's common carrier law (which prohibits certain types of companies from discriminating when transmitting messages) and a state civil rights law banning discrimination.

U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Calabretta in the Eastern District of California dismissed the suit, ruling that California's civil rights law, the Unruh Act, doesn't cover discrimination based on political affiliation, and that email providers like Google aren't considered common carriers in the state.

No court, much less a court interpreting Californias common carrier law, has found an email service provider to be a common carrier. This court declines to be the first, he wrote.

The political organization recently asked the 9th Circuit to reinstate the lawsuit, effectively arguing that Calabretta interpreted the Unruh Act and the state's common carrier law too narrowly.

Google says in its new court papers that the Republican committee's claim of political bias is implausible.

The RNCs own allegations show a common-sense explanation why Gmail flagged some of the RNCs emails as potential spam: they appeared to be spam, the company argues. Many Gmail users, in fact, were marking RNC emails as spam.

Google adds that even if the bias allegations were deemed plausible, the Republican group still wouldn't have grounds to sue.

For one thing, Google argues, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act shields companies from liability for good faith efforts to block spam, and a provision protecting web companies from lawsuits over content-moderation decisions.

Additionally, Google says the state's civil rights law doesn't explicitly prohibit discrimination based on political affiliation, and that email providers are not considered common carriers in California.

No California court ever held that the Unruh Acts protections extend to the unenumerated category of political affiliation, Google writes.

The statute itself prohibits discrimination based on a host of listed factors -- including sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation -- but doesn't specifically mention political affiliation.

The company adds that California courts have previously ruled that the state's common carrier rules only apply to businesses that transport people from place to place, traditional mail carriers and telephone providers.

The 9th Circuit hasn't yet said when it will hear arguments in the case.
by Gord Hotchkiss , Featured Contributor, April 29, 2025

If theres one thing that has sparked Americas success, its innovation, the engine thats driven the U.S. forward for at least the last several decades.

Yes, the U.S. has natural resources. Yes, at one time the U.S. led the world in manufacturing output. But in its pursuit of adding value to economic output to maximize profit, the U.S. has moved beyond resource extraction and manufacturing to the far-right end of the value chain, where the American economic engine relies heavily on innovation.

Donald Trump can talk all he wants about making America great again by bringing back manufacturing jobs that have migrated elsewhere in the world (a goal that many, including the Economic Policy Institute, feel is a delusion, at least using Trumps approach), but if innovation dies in the process, the U.S. loses. Game over

Given that, MAGA adherents should be careful what they wish for. The Great America they envision is a place where it may be impossible for that kind of innovation to survive.

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World-class innovation needs an ecosystem with adequate funding for start-ups, a friendly regulatory framework, a robust research environment, and an open-door policy for innovative immigrants from other countries -- all of which the U.S. has historically had in spades. And -- theoretically at least -- its an ecosystem that Trump is promising high tech, and why the tech broligarchy has been quick to court him. But, as with so many things Trump promises, the reality will fall far short.

Next to the regulatory and economic inputs required for innovation -- and perhaps more important than both -- the biggest requirement is an environment that fosters divergent thinking. collaboration, inviting different perspectives and providing a safe space for experimentation. All these factors are lacking in the environment the U.S. now fosters.

Each year, the World Intellectual Property Organization publishes its Global Innovation Index. In 2024, the U.S. was in the third spot, behind Switzerland and Sweden.

Of the top 10 (the others are Singapore, the U.K., South Korea, Finland, Netherlands, Germany and Denmark), almost all score the highest marks for the strength of their democracy. Singapore is still struggling towards full democracy, and the U.S. is now considered to be a flawed democracy, in real danger of becoming an authoritarian regime.

The European contenders also receive very high marks for their social values and enshrined personal rights and freedoms. Those are exactly the things currently being dismantled in America.

There's only one country defined as an authoritarian regime that made the top 25 of the Global Innovation Index. China sits in the 11th spot. This brings us to a good question: Can innovation happen in an authoritarian regime? The answer, I believe, is a qualified yes.

I happened to visit China right around the time Google was trying to move into the huge Chinese market. Its main competition was Baidu, the homegrown search engine. I was talking to a Google engineer about how the company was competing with Baidu. He said it was almost impossible to match the speed at which the Chinese company could roll out new features. Because it innovated through brute force, the Chinese could afford to endlessly code and recode.

It's brute-force innovation that youll find in authoritarian regimes and dictatorships. Its what the Soviets used to compete in the space race. Its what Nazi Germany used when it developed rocket science in a desperate bid to survive World War II. It is innovation dictated by the regime, despite the fact that the typical underpinnings of innovation -- creative freedom, divergent thinking, the security needed to experiment and fail --have been eliminated.

If you look at the playbook Trump seems to be following -- akin to the one Victor Orban used in Hungary (ranked 36th on the Global Innovation Index) or Putins Russia (ranked 59th) -- there seems little hope for the U.S. to retain its world dominance in innovation.
by Les Luchter , April 29, 2025

While several of the statements coming out of the Trump Administration are not in correlation with what science has proven over the decades, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla told analysts during a Q1 earnings call Tuesday morning that those views are not expressed by the entire Administration.

Case in point? President Trump. I told him he should have received the Nobel Prize for spearheading Operation Warp Speed and it was unfair that he didn't, Bourla related. By spearheading that initiative to develop a COVID vaccine, Bourla said, Trump created a miracle that enabled the entire world to save their economies and survive.

Five years since Operation Warp Speed and amid anti-vaccine rhetoric from, yes, the Trump Administration, the subject of vaccines hardly came up in either Pfizers Q1 earnings announcement or on the analyst call. For the record, though, revenues from Pfizers COVID vaccine rose 62% year-over-year.

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Pfizers anti-COVID drug, Paxlovid, on the other hand, was fingered as the main culprit in causing the firms total revenues to drop 6% YoY -- to $13.7 billion. Paxlovid revenues in the quarter dropped 75%, partly due to a lower number of COVID infections caused by a lower-than-usual winter COVID wave. Nonetheless, some 750,000 Americans received Paxlovid during the quarter, Aamir Malik, chief U.S. commercial officer, told the analysts.

Pfizer also reaffirmed its previously announced 2025 revenue guidance at $61 billion to $64 billion, despite $150 million in costs due to already implemented tariffs.

Bourla, while not downplaying potential greater threats from tariffs on now-exempt pharmaceuticals, insisted that the Trump administrations primary concern with the industry is over national security threats from medicines produced by non-friendly countries, which hes gleaned through my discussions with the highest levels of the government.

Noting that no other country had ever done anything like Operation Warp Speed, Bourla cautioned that, from a national security point of view, imagine if in the next pandemic, the medicines that will help will not be invented in this country. That would be a problem.

In prepared remarks to kick off the earnings call, Bourla singled out the performance of migraine drug Nurtec, saying that revenues grew 40% year-over-over-year, and noting outperformance of our newly launched consumer campaigns. He also said that Pfizer has accelerated a pivotal study of Nurtecfor menstrually related migraine, which is estimated to impact more than half of women who experience migraine.

Also in Q1, Pfizer took in some $6.3 billion from selling its remaining shares in Haleon, the OTC company formed out of the former consumer health businesses of both Pfizer and GSK.
Churchill Downs Racetrack is welcoming a full slate of partners and on-site brand experiences for the 151st Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve.

"The Kentucky Derby has always been more than a race  it's a celebration of culture, community and craftsmanship," said Casey Ramage, vice president of marketing and partnerships for Churchill Downs Racetrack.

This year's partners and brand experiences reflect the Derby's evolution, blending legacy and innovation, Ramage says.

Food and beverages are featured prominently. Brown-Forman returns as a partner, continuing its legacy of Derby cocktails. White Claw returns as official hard seltzer of the Kentucky Derby, providing an activation with photo moments and customizable giveaways.

Red Bull returns to the track, offering an exclusive new limited-time flavor, Red Bull Summer Edition White Peach, at its summer-themed activation. Jackson Family Wines returns as the preferred wine of the Kentucky Derby. Wisconsin Cheese will debut at the Kentucky Derby, serving samples of its premium cheeses.

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Longines continues as presenting sponsor of the Longines Kentucky Oaks, with a Turf Club boutique and a photo activation inside the gates.

Passion Roses is the official rose provider of the Kentucky Derby, while Kroger returns as the official crafter of The Kentucky Derby Garland of Roses.

Expanding the Derbys international alliances, Cygames, a Japanese video game company, will be operating a hands-on demo booth.

Ford Motor Co. brings new horsepower to the track with "The Pony," a non-alcoholic mocktail in the Ford First Turn Club, the renamed club, in addition to other on-site activations.

While not an official sponsor, Goodyear announced its Wingfoot One Blimp will make its debut flight with its rewrapped vintage look at the Derby as part of continued celebrations of the Blimps 100th anniversary. This marks the first time the Goodyear Blimp has appeared over the Kentucky Derby since 2011.
by Ray Schultz , April 29, 2025

Time has appointed Kelly Conniff as head of creative for Time Studios.

Conniff will work with the leadership team to develop television, video and audio initiatives, drawing on Time journalism, events and programming. She will retain her title as Time deputy editor.

Kelly has managed and supported many of the most consequential and high-impact editorial efforts since joining TIME in 2012, says a memo from Dave O'Connor, president of Time Studios, to whom Coniff will report, and Sam Jacobs, editor in chief of Time.

They add, This is a critical time for TIME Studios, which recently received five Emmy nominations for its 2023 documentary 'The Lionheart,' building on the momentum of last years Emmy-winning 'Big Vape.'"
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, April 30, 2025

Madhive, a unified operating system for local media, announced Wednesday the launch of its first "enterprise intelligence layer designed to improve each aspect of an advertising campaign - from pitch to payment.

The product, Maverick AI, is a white-label foundational AI layer that automates selling, executing, and optimizing tens of thousands of omnichannel campaigns daily, It integrates into Madhives core platform.

You can almost think of Maverick as an iceberg sitting under the hood across our entire platform, said Christiana Cacciapuoti, senior vice president of go-to-market strategy at Madhive. It comes above the surface to interact with the user in every product.

Madhive allows enterprise media companies to build businesses on top of its advertising technology infrastructure. It offers customizable tools to streamline every stage of the media buy.

Company developers spent eight years building Maverick AI, a unified operating system that gives its customers the tools to sell, plan, activate, and measure omnichannel media campaigns in one place.

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Early tests show a 286% increase in conversions as demand for the product increases, according to company data.

Maverick is launching at a time when Madhive continues to rapidly grow its number of clients, executive team, and products. It received $300 million in funding from Goldman Sachs in June 2023, and acquired omnichannel workflow platform Frequence in 2024.

Initially, the platform will integrate with Maverick SmartProposal, Maverick Audiences, and Maverick Outcomes.

All data is sourced from the open internet and benchmarked against Madhives local-first insights, Cacciapuoti said.

For agencies, Maverick AI insights answer why for each pre-campaign recommendation and post-campaign performance analysis.

We built our entire creative production engine with AI, but we wanted to find a complement in activation and measurement that could really drive results, said Michael Shields, CEO of Vica. Maverick has driven a 286% increase in performance in conversions so far, and now all of our customers are asking for this solution.

The company received $300 million in funding from Goldman Sachs in June 2023, and acquired omnichannel workflow platform Frequence in 2024.
by Ray Schultz , April 29, 2025

Charles Garone has been appointed publisher of Mr. Magazine.

Charles possesses a passion and dedication for this industry and our publication that is both refreshing and inspiring, says Lizette Chin, senior vice president & group publisher of fashion luxury at Wainscot Media. Furthermore, the menswear community holds a deep admiration for him! Charless main focus will be to continue enhancing sales at Mr and within Wainscot Medias custom program division while also contributing to the overall strategy and vision for the future of Mr.

Garone joined Mr. Magazine as associate publisher in 2021.

Prior to that, he served as creative director at ENK International for 14 years.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, April 30, 2025

Taboola has extended its partnership with Samsung in a multiyear agreement to bring its News technology to more mobile devices and news channels worldwide.

The agreement, which helps to drive traffic to publisher pages, comes to more marketers across Europe and India.

It is an extension of a longstanding relationship with one of the world's largest smartphone manufacturers.

Adam Singolda, CEO at Taboola, believes the extended partnership will give more of Samsungs customers greater access to relevant and engaging news.

Taboola has powered news recommendations on Samsung devices in Latin America and some APAC countries since 2019. This major expansion of that partnership covers Europe and India in its entirety, in an exclusive relationship that supports tens of millions of new devices.

Taboolas business continues to grow. This extended announcement with Samsung follows several others that have seen Taboola partnership pool grow, supported by some of the biggest companies in the world. The goal is to bring news recommendations to mobile device users.

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Some recent expansions include partnerships with Apple and Microsoft.

Taboola in March signed an agreement with Microsoft to sell display ads for MSN.com, Microsoft Outlook, Games, and Microsoft's broader Office Suite.

The company also extended its Gannett partnership that began in 2013 to include display advertising on publishers digital platforms through its new AI-powered offering, Realize.

Taboola also works with LINE, a large messaging app, to provide news to consumers, as well as Xiaomi, a big consumer electronics brand, to provide news to consumers on their devices.
by Danielle Oster , April 30, 2025





A boycott is bothering a beverage behemoths bottom line.

During a call with investors discussing the companys earnings for the first quarter, Coca-Cola acknowledged that a boycott by Hispanic consumers had taken a toll on sales during the period.

Coca-Cola CEO James Quincy said volume was impacted by weakening consumer sentiment as the quarter progressed, particularly among Hispanic consumers.

That comments alluded to the impact of a boycott organized by Hispanic consumers in the U.S., in response to videos shared on social media claiming to show the company firing Latino staff and reporting immigrant workers to authorities.

Coca-Cola has refuted the accuracy of the videos and their accompanying claims. There were some very unfortunate videos circulating around -- false, completely false -- but they impact the business. That hit us, particularly Coke Original, in the southern states, he explained.

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The impact of the boycott appears to extend beyond the southern border as well.

We called out some of the pullback in Hispanic consumers in The U.S. asone of the factors in the U.S. volume [decline]. That is also the same thing thats happening in Mexico, in Northern Mexico, Quincy said during the call.

Were focusing in on winning back some of the Hispanic consumers, both from a consumer and a channel point of view, he added, with a particular focus on the Coca-Cola Original brand.

The companys strategy for appealing to consumers? Keeping costs down and continuing to integrate changes to its marketing practices that lead to greater productivity -- factors that contributed to growth during the quarter, according to Quincy, who said that with companys in-house Studio X, Coca-Cola was producing tailored digital marketing at scale and with speed, and were measuring the impact in real time.

The use of new technology to be able to do activities which in the analog world were more expensive, and took a longer timeis something that were embedding more and more into the marketing equation, Coca-Cola CFO John Murphy added. The way in which we are planning our media using much more sophisticated data setsis another opportunity to create the same, if not higher impact, more efficiently.

Quincy also called continued volume growth for its Coca-Cola Zero Sugar brand, and continued positive performance by its Fairlife and Topo Chico brands, bright spots for the first three months of 2025.

The company also addressed the potential impact of the Trump administration's erratic tariff policy changes, while expressing optimism about its ability to weather the storm.

Based on what we know today, the dynamic tariff landscape could impact pockets of our systems cost structure as well as consumer sentiment in our markets, Murphy explained. At this time, we believe we have numerous levers to help manage the impact[and] we believe our business model has the flexibility needed to allow us to deliver on our near-term commitments.

As a result, in the U.S., the company was sticking to our current pricing plans for the year, knowing what we know today.

Coca-Colas call with investors follows on the heels of rivals PepsiCo and KDPs earnings calls last week, during which both companies hinted that tariffs could eventually lead to increased prices for consumers.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, April 30, 2025

Siding with Elon Musk's X Corp., a federal appellate court on Wednesday refused to reinstate a Washington state resident's claim that X, formerly Twitter, violated a state anti-pretexting law by asking users to provide contact information for security purposes, then using that information for ad targeting.

The decision, issued by a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, upheld a dismissal order issued by U.S. District Court Judge Mary Dimke in the Eastern District of Washington. She ruled in 2023 that Washington's anti-pretexting law -- which prohibits anyone from obtaining phone records through fraud -- aims to protect people's privacy interest in their call histories, not their phone numbers.

Wednesday's 9th Circuit decision grew out of revelations that between 2013 and 2019, X mistakenly incorporated users' email addresses and phone numbers into an ad platform that allows companies to use their own marketing lists to target ads on the social platform.

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In 2022, the Federal Trade Commission fined X $150 million over the privacy gaffe.

That same year, Washington resident Glen Morgan brought a class-action complaint against the company. He alleged that the ad-targeting glitch violated a Washington law prohibiting anyone from using fraudulent, deceptive, or false means to obtain telephone records of state residents.

X urged Dimke to dismiss Morgan's complaint for several reasons. Among other arguments, the company argued merely obtaining a user's phone number from him or her doesn't violate the state pretexting law, which refers to telephone records.

If the legislature meant for 'telephone record' to include something as basic as the users own number, it surely would have said as much, X argued in a written motion.

Dimke agreed with X, writing that Washington's law is plainly focused on protecting the consumers call history data, as opposed to a consumer's own phone number.

Morgan then appealed to the 9th Circuit, arguing that the Washington statute defines telephone records as information retained by a telecom that "relates to" numbers dialed, incoming calls, or other data that would appear on a phone bill, such as the length of calls.

Morgan's counsel contended that this language should be interpreted to include users' phone numbers.

But X countered that the statute was meant to cover difficult-to-obtain, nonpublic information, and not phone numbers, which are often publicly available.

The 9th Circuit judges agreed with X, writing that the Washington law was meant to protect highly sensitive information from pretexting.

The judges said in an unsigned opinion that the state law covers telephone records, not numbers.

The definition of a 'telephone record' includes difficult-to-obtain, nonpublic information about a customers calling behavior -- such as who, when, and how long they are calling -- revealing that protection of an individual customers phone number is not the purpose of this statute, the judges wrote.
by Teresa Buyikian , April 30, 2025

Despite hailing from Americas dairyland, Wisconsin natives Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company and Duluth Trading Company have launched a collaboration that celebrates the Midwestern summer while leaving the cheese behind.

The two partnered for the quintessential summer kit, with co-branded apparel and accessories. Clothing in the limited-edition menswear collection features artwork suggesting summertime on the lake, depicting items such as canoes, paddles and beer bottles.

"Summer is certainly celebrated in the Northwoods, and teaming up with Duluth Trading brings lake life through in a whole new way, commented Tony Bugher, Leinenkugel president in the announcement. It's about pairing great beer with new summer wearables and making the most of every moment outside."

The collection, sold in-store and online at www.duluthtrading.com/limited-edition, includes a Men's BBQ Short Sleeve Shirt, Men's Buck Naked Pattern Boxer Briefs, Men's Buck Naked Smooth Boxer Briefs, Men's Stay-Put Lightweight Crew Socks, Duluth Truck Stop Hat and a 28-oz SiliPint Beer Stein. There are also co-branded Savory Herb Peanuts, which are only available in-store.

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"Both of our brands are rooted in craftsmanship and a very Midwestern approach to enjoying life, said Ricker Schlecht, senior vice president of product development at Duluth Trading, in the announcement. This limited-edition capsule is built for summer adventures, whether you're cracking open a cold one by the lake or getting your hands dirty at the cabin."

Leinenkugel Brewing was founded by Jacob Leinenkugel in 1867 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin and the familys sixth generation is still involved with the company. The Molson Coors brand, in addition to its original lager, also brews many seasonal brews such as Summer Shandy, Grapefruit Shandy and Oktoberfest.
This spicy root does more than flavor food- ginger could help protect your heart, regulate cholesterol, and boost overall health naturally.

Highlights: Gingers active compounds- gingerol and shogaol- help reduce inflammation, regulate blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels

Daily consumption of ginger (around 500 mg) may significantly lower cardiovascular risk factors with minimal side effects

Ginger supports heart health and digestion, boosts immunity, and may even protect against age-related cellular changes

  Trusted Source

Ginger: A Nutraceutical Supplement for Protection Against Various Cardiovascular Diseases in Clinical Trials



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Did you know?

That spicy kick in your chai could be helping your heart! Ginger isnt just a flavor booster- its a cardioprotective powerhouse. #gingerpower #hearthealthnaturally #healthyliving #medindia

That spicy kick in your chai could be helping your heart! Ginger isnt just a flavor booster- its a cardioprotective powerhouse. #gingerpower #hearthealthnaturally #healthyliving #medindia

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Effects of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on the Hallmarks of Aging



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How Does Ginger Improve Cardiovascular Health?

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Ginger has Numerous Other Health Advantages

Ginger: A Nutraceutical Supplement for Protection Against Various Cardiovascular Diseases in Clinical Trials - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40255738/) Effects of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on the Hallmarks of Aging - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39199328/)
Boosters given in the same arm as the first dose trigger faster and more effective immune responses.

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Macrophages direct location-dependent recall of B cell memory to vaccination



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People who received their COVID-19 booster in the same arm as their first dose developed stronger and faster antibody responsesespecially effective against variants like Delta and Omicron-within just one week. #medindia #vaccinebooster #immuneresponse

People who received their COVID-19 booster in the same arm as their first dose developed stronger and faster antibody responsesespecially effective against variants like Delta and Omicron-within just one week. #medindia #vaccinebooster #immuneresponse

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Understanding Immune System Organization

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Lymph Node as a Response Hub

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Same Arm vs. Opposite Arm Outcomes

Faster Antibody Response in Same Arm Group

Future Directions in Vaccine Enhancement

Macrophages direct location-dependent recall of B cell memory to vaccination - (https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(25)00407-6)

Getting a booster shot in thetriggers a, according to findings from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney, published in the journal Cell, offering insights that could refine future vaccination strategies ().The researchers found that when a vaccine is administered, specialised immune cells called macrophages became primed inside lymph nodes. These macrophages then direct the positioning of memory B cells to more effectively respond to the booster when given in the same arm.The findings, made in mice and validated in human participants, provide evidence to refine vaccination approaches and offer a promising new approach for enhancing vaccine effectiveness.This is a fundamental discovery in how the immune system organises itself to respond better to external threats  nature has come up with this brilliant system and we're just now beginning to understand it, says Professor Tri Phan, Director of the Precision Immunology Program at Garvan and co-senior author.Scientia Professor Anthony Kelleher, Director of the Kirby Institute and co-senior author says: A unique and elegant aspect of this study is the teams ability to understand the rapid generation of effective vaccine responses. We did this by dissecting the complex biology in mice and then showed similar findings in humans. All this was done at the site of the generation of the vaccine response, the lymph node.Immunisation introduces a harmless version of a pathogen, known as a vaccine antigen, into the body, which is filtered through lymph nodes that train the body to fight off the real pathogen. The researchers previously discovered that memory B cells, which are crucial for generating antibody responses when infections return, linger in the lymph node closest to the injection site.Using state-of-the-art intravital imaging at Garvan, the team discovered that memory B cells migrate to the outer layer of the local lymph node, where they interact closely with the macrophages that reside there. When a booster was given in the same location, these primed macrophages  already on alert  efficiently captured the antigen and activated the memory B cells to make high quality antibodies.Macrophages are known to gobble up pathogens and clear away dead cells, but our research suggests the ones in the lymph nodes closest to the injection site also play a central role in orchestrating an effective vaccine response the next time around. So location does matter, says Dr. Rama Dhenni, the studys co-first author, who undertook the research as part of his Scientia Ph.D. program at Garvan.To determine the relevance of the animal results to human vaccines, the team at the Kirby Institute conducted a clinical study with 30 volunteers receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine . Twenty participants received their booster dose in the same arm as their first dose, while 10 had their second shot in the opposite arm.Those who received both doses in the same arm produced neutralising antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 significantly faster  within the first week after the second dose, says Ms Alexandra Carey-Hoppe, co-first author and Ph.D. student from the Kirby Institute.These antibodies from the same arm group, were also more effective against variants like Delta and Omicron. By four weeks, both groups had similar antibody levels, but that early protection could be crucial during an outbreak, says Dr. Mee Ling Munier, co-senior author and Vaccine Immunogenomics group leader at the Kirby Institute.If you've had your COVID jabs in different arms, dont worry  our research shows that over time the difference in protection diminishes. But during a pandemic, those first weeks of protection could make an enormous difference at a population level. The same-arm strategy could help achieve herd immunity faster  particularly important for rapidly mutating viruses where speed of response matters.Beyond the potential to refine vaccination guidelines, the findings offer a promising avenue for enhancing the effectiveness of vaccines.If we can understand how to replicate or enhance the interactions between memory B cells and these macrophages, we may be able to design next-generation vaccines that require fewer boosters, says Professor Phan.Source-Eurekalert
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) through cfDNA offers accurate, safe screening for common fetal chromosomal disorders using maternal blood.

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NIPT of Maternal Plasma-Originated cfDNA: Applications and Guide for the Implementation



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Over 99% accurate for Down syndrome with just a blood testscience without the risk! #cfDNA #medindia

Over 99% accurate for Down syndrome with just a blood testscience without the risk! #cfDNA #medindia

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Beyond the Basics: What Else Can NIPT Detect?

Counseling, Challenges & The Road Ahead

NIPT of Maternal Plasma-Originated cfDNA: Applications and Guide for the Implementation- (https://www.dovepress.com/nipt-of-maternal-plasma-originated-cfdna-applications-and-guide-for-th-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-TACG)

. Welcome to the world ofusing cell-free DNA (cfDNA)a revolutionary leap in prenatal care that offers accuracy, safety, and peace of mind. This isnt science fiction; its modern medicine reshaping how we detect genetic conditions. Curious how it works? Lets dive into the science thats rewriting pregnancy screening forever ().NIPT analyzesthat circulate in the mothers blood during pregnancy. This cell-free DNA, or cfDNA, is extracted and examined using, targeting. The accuracy is remarkableover 99.7% for Down syndrome detection with ain singleton pregnancies. Technologies likeallow detection with impressive precision, even in twin pregnancies.The adoption of NIPT has drastically reduced the need for risky invasive procedures like amniocentesis. In places like Switzerland, public health coverage of NIPT led to a. This test provides results as, not diagnostic confirmationsbut its a game-changer in identifying who truly needs further testing. With its superior sensitivity, its now the first-line screening in many countries, offering clarity to expectant parents.While the core focus is on common aneuploidies, NIPT can sometimes detect sex chromosome disorders, microdeletions like 22q11.2, and rare chromosomal anomalies. However, experts caution against overuselimited evidence supports broader screening, and some findings can raise ethical concerns without clear treatment paths. Still, fetal sex determination and CNV screening can be lifesaving in high-risk orwith adequate counseling.Genetic counseling is essential both before and after NIPT, helping parents understand implications and next steps. Several. With regulations tightening across Europe,are now priorities. The future? Universal first-trimester screening using NIPT may soon be standard care.Source-Dovepress taylor and francis group
Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday rejected Democratic efforts to discipline or otherwise hold Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accountable for recent turmoil in the Pentagon, including his use of a commercial messaging app to discuss sensitive military operations.

While debating a $150 billion Pentagon spending bill Tuesday, Democrats offered several amendments to address the drama surrounding Hegseth, including ones that would have prevented any of the funding from being used until Hegseth is gone or limited the amount of funding available until he reviews classification policies.

With Republicans holding a majority in the committee, the amendments were doomed from the start, making them mostly a political messaging exercise. Still, Democrats took the opportunity to pin down House Republicans on the record about Hegseth's job performance.

Read Next: Defense Department to Review List of Medical Conditions that Disqualify Potential Recruits from Serving

Hegseth has been engulfed in controversy for weeks after it was revealed that he disclosed operational details of then-upcoming U.S. military strikes in Yemen in a chat with other Trump administration officials on Signal, an encrypted but unclassified messaging app.

Just as the Signal controversy appeared to be dying down, reports of chaos within the Pentagon began emerging after Hegseth fired several close aides whom he accused of leaking information to the press. The fired aides have denied leaking, and some have since gone on the record to describe the Pentagon under Hegseth's leadership as shambolic.

Amid the fallout from the firings, several news reports revealed Hegseth also disclosed the Yemen strike details in a second Signal chat that included his wife, brother and personal lawyer.

The mounting controversies have led to sharp rebukes and calls for Hegseth to be fired or resign from Democrats. Some Republicans who are closely aligned with President Donald Trump have rallied to Hegseth's defense, while some others who are influential voices on military issues have stayed silent. Just one Republican, Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, has said he thinks Hegseth should be fired.

Trump, for his part, has stuck by Hegseth, telling The Atlantic magazine recently that he thinks Hegseth will "get it together."

Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress have been working to advance Trump's agenda with a sweeping package of legislation. The $150 billion Pentagon spending bill debated by the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday is part of that legislative effort.

Democrats previously indicated they would oppose the Pentagon funding, because they oppose other elements of the legislation, such as tax cuts, even though they support some of the proposed military spending, such as on quality-of-life issues.

On Tuesday, Democrats added a new argument against the bill -- that the Pentagon cannot be trusted with an extra $150 billion while Hegseth and Trump are in charge.

"They have not even begun to prove that there is a chance in hell that they will spend this money intelligently, efficiently and effectively," Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., the ranking member of the committee, said in his opening remarks Tuesday. "Secretary Hegseth has proven himself to be completely incapable of doing the job of secretary of defense."

Smith offered an amendment that would have fenced off 75% of the funding in the bill until Hegseth reviewed classified policies and certified to Congress that there is a "viable mechanism" to enforce prohibitions on sharing classified information on unclassified systems.

A similar amendment offered by Rep. Jill Tokuda, D-Hawaii, would have fenced off 75% of funding until the Pentagon implemented a new training program for senior officials on handling classified information.

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., offered a separate amendment that would have prevented the entire bill from taking effect until "Peter Hegseth is not serving in the position of Secretary of Defense," according to the amendment text.

Rep. Pat Ryan, D-N.Y., also took a page out of the GOP playbook and offered an amendment that would have cut Hegseth's salary to $1. Republicans previously tried to do the same thing to several Biden administration officials, including then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

All four amendments failed on largely party-line votes, though a few Democrats opposed a couple of them. Democratic Reps. Eugene Vindman of Virginia, Don Davis of North Carolina and George Whitesides of California opposed cutting Hegseth's salary, while Davis and Rep. Jared Golden of Maine opposed Houlahan's amendment to block the entire bill until Hegseth is gone.

The bill overall was approved by the committee in a 35-21 vote, with Vindman, Whitesides, Golden, Davis and Democratic Rep. Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico joining Republicans in support of the measure.

The only Republican to speak at all for the entire debate was committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala. During debate on Smith's amendment, Rogers knocked the idea of holding back on funding for an "impossible certification," even as he said he understands Smith's concern about operational security.

"It would have been nice if my colleagues had felt so strongly about holding the secretary of defense accountable in the last administration," Rogers added during debate on Houlahan's amendment, noting the 13 U.S. troops killed during the Afghanistan withdrawal. "This amendment is little more than partisan posturing."

Tuesday's committee debate was one of the few opportunities Democrats had to force House Republicans into an on-the-record position on Hegseth.

House Democrats have also sought to use another tool called a resolution of inquiry to force votes related to the Hegseth drama, but House Republican leadership restricted their ability to do so.

Normally, resolutions of inquiry are considered privileged, meaning Democrats could have forced votes on them on the House floor. But Republicans on Tuesday used a procedural maneuver to essentially prevent the resolutions from being taken up this year.

"We're using the rules of the House to prevent political hijinks and political stunts," House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters Tuesday in defending the procedural maneuver. "We're preventing this nonsensical waste of our time."

Related: Republicans Unveil Pentagon Portion of Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' with Extra Money for Barracks
MOSCOW  Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday rejected a proposal from Kyiv to extend to 30 days a unilateral three-day ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin for early May.

Moscow had seen the offer put forward by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but a number of issues first had to cleared up, Peskov said.

"Without answers to these questions, it is difficult to enter into a long-term ceasefire," he said, adding that this was Putin's position.

Putin listed conditions in March, when U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a 30-day ceasefire. These included a ban on Ukraine using the pause to regroup and rearm its forces and on Western arms supplies to Kyiv. He offered no concessions in return.

On Monday, Putin declared a unilateral ceasefire for May 8 to 11 to coincide with the annual Victory Parade on Moscow's Red Square to mark the end of World War II, which is celebrated in Russia on May 9.

Peskov described the announcement as a "gesture of goodwill," while Zelenskyy said Putin's ceasefire declaration was "another attempt at manipulation."

Russia wants the ceasefire over the war memorial days to be understood as the "start of direct negotiations without preconditions," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a meeting of the foreign ministers of the BRICS states in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Lavrov also criticized the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, saying that it could be used "to further support the Kiev regime and strengthen its military capabilities."

Girl killed in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk

The exchanges came as Russia continued its attacks on Ukraine.

Earlier, a 12-year-old girl was killed in a Russian drone strike on Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, a local leader said.

Two adults and a 6-year-old girl were also injured in the attack on the municipality of Hubynykha, according to the regional military governor, Serhiy Lysak. He also reported additional injuries and damage to private homes and infrastructure elsewhere in the region.

In the capital Kyiv, one person was injured and a recreation center was damaged by falling debris, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram.

Ukrainian authorities said Russia launched 100 drones overnight. The Ukrainian Air Force said 37 drones were shot down, while 47 lost contact, mostly due to electronic defense measures.

Ukraine evacuates villages in Dnipropetrovsk

Later in the day, Ukrainian authorities began the forced evacuation of seven villages near the front line in Dnipropetrovsk, as Russian troops advance.

Lysak wrote on Telegram that 26 children are still in the area and must now be evacuated together with their relatives.

For several months, the authorities have been telling people to leave the villages voluntarily.

The areas in question are near the border with the Donetsk region.

Nearly 400 children have already been taken to safety, he said.

The decision was unavoidable because Russia had directed bombs and drones at the people, Lysak said. The forced evacuation is to last a month, he said.

Deaths in Russia's Belgorod

Meanwhile in Russia's Belgorod region, two people were killed and three others injured in a Ukrainian drone strike, according to local officials.

Belgorod Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram on Tuesday that the victims were traveling in a car near the border with Ukraine when the attack occurred.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. In response, Ukraine has targeted military and infrastructure sites inside Russian territory, leading to casualties.

However, the scale of damage and loss in Russia remains significantly lower than the widespread devastation caused in Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

_____

2025 dpa GmbH. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Marine Corps leaders said they have cleared backlogs of delayed duty station moves and are working to whittle down delayed bonus payouts they said were caused by Capitol Hill's late budgets.

In December, Military.com reported that nearly 1,000 Marines were at risk of losing out on bonuses the service had promised them upon reenlistment, and roughly 3,000 Marines could not move on time to their next installation because the Corps had to rely on funding from the previous year's budget cycle, due to a stopgap solution from Congress known as a continuing resolution, or CR.

Now, service officials said they currently have not had to delay any duty station moves, and that there are about 500 Marines "who we would love to pay this year, but we just can't," Lt. Gen. James Adams III, the deputy commandant for programs and resources, said on Tuesday. Service officials remain wary of the short-term funding solutions offered by Congress after having to modify essential processes to make do.

Read Next: Defense Department to Review List of Medical Conditions that Disqualify Potential Recruits from Serving

The best thing to avoid these issues moving forward is "predictable, on-time and sufficient funding," Adams said, something that none of the services has had from Congress for years. That has led to a bevy of issues that leaders such as Adams; the commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric Smith; and other service-branch leaders have continually beat the drum on.

In March, Congress passed a CR that goes through the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, marking the first time the Pentagon will have to operate on stopgap spending for the entire year. While lawmakers added some extra funding to cover a pay raise for troops, military officials had warned lawmakers that the money would not be enough to prevent harmful fallout from a full-year CR.

To contend with the lack of bonus payouts and duty station move backlogs, the service has had to use unconventional work-arounds to fulfill the requirements of their personnel budget, a pot of money that represents the lions share of the Corps' spending on items such as food, housing and paychecks.

Still, the service is short about $60 million in its personnel budget, Adams said.

In December, Military.com reported the Marine Corps began issuing move orders without an initial "line of accounting" attached to them, meaning that troops could use the orders to begin setting up necessities such as housing and family care at their next duty station but could not actually execute the move.

Then, when Marines are roughly four months from their move, Maj. Gen. Ryan Rideout, the director of the service's Manpower Management division, said on Tuesday, a line of accounting is attached to the order so they can pay for movers, gas and other travel necessities.

This way, the Marine Corps doesn't have to "have that expense sitting out there being unused for say, a year," Rideout said, adding that by creating the orders, budget officials are then able to forecast how much they're going to have to spend without actually spending it yet.

Meanwhile, in an earlier panel, Adams said President Donald Trump's administration and the Marine Corps were eyeing extending times between duty station moves in an effort to inject more stability into Marines' lives.

"If you're in some place that you love, staying there for a long time is great," Rideout said about the possibility. But alluding to "burden sharing" across the Marine Corps and contending with billets that need to be regularly filled, he added that "if you're in some place that you're not loving, staying there a long time is not great."

For bonuses, the Marine Corps offers an annual slew of monetary incentives to keep Marines in the force and to prioritize critical jobs such as cybersecurity and intelligence. This year, leaders created what Rideout referred to as an "out clause."

The Corps will still offer a Marine with a reenlistment contract a bonus, but if the service cannot pay that bonus within the fiscal year, the service member elected to re-up in, they have 90 days to separate from the service.

"They can actually get out of it," Rideout said. "We don't ever expect that that's going to be executed, because we think we'll get the money on that time period."

Rebecca Kheel contributed to this report.

Editor's Note: This article has been edited to remove an unfortunate homophone for whittle.

Related: Marines Face Tough Choices as Reenlistment Bonuses Are Threatened by Congress' Late Budgets
After reports of two major strikes against targets inside Yemen, officials at U.S. Central Command are refusing to discuss whether either action resulted in multiple civilian casualties or if either strike was militarily justified.

The silence on this topic is a sharp contrast from the official public presence of the combatant command. On social media, U.S. Central Command's presence has been a near constant stream of U.S. fighter jets and other military equipment and boasts about "continuous 24/7 operations" and claims that Yemen's Houthi rebels are terrorists since the bombing campaign began over a month ago.

Press reports citing Houthi sources have said U.S. strikes on the Yemeni port of Ras Isa earlier this month killed more than 70 people and wounded around twice as many, while another strike this week hit a migrant detention center, killing almost 70 African migrants. Those strikes are among hundreds of others as the military campaign has continued against the Houthis, who have targeted international shipping in the region, for weeks.

Read Next: Defense Department to Review List of Medical Conditions that Disqualify Potential Recruits from Serving

The reports of casualties and lack of information from the Pentagon caused some senators on Capitol Hill to allege the Trump administration has a "serious disregard for civilian life."

In a statement Sunday, the command, which began the open-ended bombing campaign on March 15, went even further and declared that it "will not reveal specifics about what we've done or what we will do."

Military.com reached out to officials at U.S. Central Command about the reports and Houthi claims after both strikes.

After the Ras Isa fuel port strikes, Military.com asked officials whether they disputed the Houthi death figures or if they had any responses to the allegations that striking a civilian port constituted a war crime.

An unnamed official, replying from a general email account at U.S. Central Command, simply replied that they "have nothing to provide outside of the statement that was released on 17 April."

After the strike this past weekend on the migrant detention center, Military.com again asked officials on Monday whether they disputed the Houthi claim that nearly 70 civilians were killed or if they were aware of what they were targeting at the site.

Another unnamed official replied and said Central Command was "aware of the claims of civilian casualties related to the U.S. strikes" and that they were "currently conducting our battle-damage assessment and inquiry into those claims."

The refusal to engage even on basic topics stemming from their military operations is a relatively new development.

Under the Biden administration, the command, which is headed up by Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, would regularly release updates on social media for the more than 100 strikes it conducted in Yemen since October 2023.

While they still insisted on withholding details such as the types of ordnance used, the posts included lists of targets hit by specific strikes and by what platforms, when U.S. warships were targeted and what Houthi assets were destroyed.

Those updates, the last of which was posted on Dec. 31, 2024, would also note whether any U.S. personnel were injured.

Then came Operation Rough Rider -- a massive, around-the-clock and open-ended campaign of strikes against Houthi targets that began on March 15, ostensibly with the aim of restoring navigation to the Red Sea and punishing the Houthis for their earlier missile launches against Navy and merchant ships.

According to a statement from Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell issued Tuesday, more than 1,000 targets have been hit to date -- around 200 of which appear to have happened in the last several days.

In that time, Central Command has effectively refused to offer any details on what those strikes have been accomplishing, telling Military.com two weeks ago that "the U.S. has hit targets in Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen, destroying command and control facilities, weapons manufacturing facilities, and advanced weapons storage locations," and it had "confirmed the death of several Houthi leader [sic]."

What little data officials at Central Command have released is inconsistent with its own statements.

Last week, Dave Eastburn, a spokesman for Central Command, told CNN that its efforts meant that "Houthi ballistic missile launches have dropped by 87% while attacks from their one-way drones have decreased by 65% since the beginning of these operations."

However, days later, in its Sunday statement, the command said ballistic missile launches have dropped by 69% and attacks from one way attack drones have decreased by 55% -- numbers far different than the earlier statement and what would represent an increase in Houthi activity if correct.

Meanwhile, Parnell has also failed to hold regular briefings for reporters despite making claims shortly after being hired that he would do so routinely and that, under him, the Defense Department would "be the most transparent DoD in American history for the warfighters and the American people."

Such Pentagon briefings have always been a crucial way for reporters and the public to learn about overseas military operations.

CBS reported Monday that while Parnell has held just a single press conference since taking office, the White House has held 18 and the State Department 13.

The lack of information -- specifically on civilian casualties -- has begun to draw attention from Congress.

Last week, citing the reports on civilian casualties in the Ras Isa fuel port strikes, three Senate Democrats sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding answers on what steps the Pentagon is taking to reduce civilian harm. The trio also pressed Hegseth on whether the Pentagon has assessed the number of civilian casualties since the Yemen strikes began in March.

"President Trump has called himself a 'peacemaker,' but that claim rings hollow when U.S. military operations kill scores of civilians," Democratic Sens. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Tim Kaine of Virginia and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts wrote in the letter.

"The reported high civilian casualty numbers from U.S. strikes in Yemen demonstrate a serious disregard for civilian life, and call into question this administration's ability to conduct military operations in accordance with U.S. best practices for civilian harm mitigation and international law," they wrote.

At the outset of the campaign, officials at the Pentagon said one of the key differences between the Biden and Trump approach to the Houthis was the delegation of some authorities from the president through Secretary Hegseth down to the operational commander -- Kurilla.

While that meant Kurilla has been able to make more strikes with less oversight, two defense officials told Military.com that it has also meant less reluctance to hold off striking targets based on the casualties that may result.

Related: Military Refuses to Provide Details About Ongoing Bombing Campaign in Yemen
The chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee has asked the Justice Department to investigate former Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough and other VA leaders for their handling of the fiscal 2024 budget, questioning whether they intentionally misled Congress when asking for an extra $15 billion to cover a projected funding shortfall.

Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., wrote Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday calling for a review of the VA leaders involved, including McDonough, Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs, Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal and "any other officials."

"The suggestion that senior VA officials submitted materially inaccurate funding requests, failed to disclose critical budget information in testimony before Congress and letters written by the former VA secretary, and delays in informing Congress of revised funding needs, in my opinion, warrant immediate and independent review by your office," Bost wrote in his letter.

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"If any criminal or civil violations occurred, those responsible must be held accountable," Bost said.

In July, the VA said it would face a $12 billion shortfall in its health-care budget and a $3 billion deficit for benefits by the end of the year as a result of increased costs in medical services and disability compensation, largely attributable to the PACT Act, the legislation that expanded health care and benefits to millions of veterans exposed to environmental pollutants during their military service.

Congress approved the $3 billion for benefits in September, but in November, the VA told Congress that the funding was not used to cover costs for fiscal 2024 and it actually had $2.2 billion left in its benefits accounts by the end of the year. It would use the extra funding, according to a memo sent to Congress, for the start of fiscal 2025.

"While the supplemental funding was not immediately utilized, it was critical that we had this funding on hand -- because if we had even been $1 short on Sept. 20, we could not certify our payment files and more than 7 million veterans and survivors would have had delays in their disability compensation, pension and education benefits on Oct. 1," the memo said.

Congress elected not to spend the additional $12 billion requested for the VA's health-care budget -- a projection that by November also had been revised downward to $6.6 billion -- but it did include $6 billion to cover health-care costs in the fiscal 2025 funding bill passed in March.

A VA Office of Inspector General investigation into the budget issues at the Veterans Benefits Administration determined that accounting errors and fewer-than-expected claims approvals led the VA to inaccurately anticipate its year-end costs.

"The OIG found that improvements in financial oversight, reporting accuracy, and communication processes would have provided greater clarity and may have obviated the need for the supplemental funding request," the IG wrote in a report released in March.

The OIG also found that for the $12 billion request for the Veterans Health Administration, the VA "relied on outdated data and assumptions, including lower-than-actual costs for new medications and both direct and community care."

Bost said the reports raised concerns, however, as to whether the VA leaders "knowingly withheld material budget information, submitted inflated funding requests, provided false testimony to Congress, or otherwise acted to obstruct congressional oversight," according to his letter.

California Rep. Mark Takano, the ranking Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, condemned Bost's call for an investigation, calling it a "desperate political stunt" that "weaponizes the justice system."

In a statement released Wednesday, Takano said the Justice Department already had reviewed the matters and found no evidence of criminal misconduct.

"The truth is simple: at the end of the last administration, VA was achieving record-high levels of veteran satisfaction, workforce productivity, and health care outcomes. Former Secretary McDonough and his team led VA through one of its most successful eras in history. They deserve to be honored -- not smeared by partisan attacks," Takano said.

"The American people -- especially our veterans -- deserve better than sham investigations and political theater becoming the new normal," Takano added.

The Justice Department on Wednesday confirmed that it had received the letter but declined to comment.

Related: VA to Step Up Rollout of New Electronic Health Records System in 2026
The family of Glenn Earl Smallwood Jr., a 33-year-old U.S. Army veteran who needed immediate medical attention but was instead taken to jail and strapped to a restraint chair until he was no longer responsive, is suing over his death, according to their legal counsel.

Civil rights attorney Erik Heipt, who represents the family, said in a statement to McClatchy News that staff at the Angelina County Jail in Lufkin, Texas, ignored Smallwoods obvious medical needs  violating their duty to treat him with humanity.

Glenn Smallwood was treated as if his life did not matter, Heipt, of Budge & Heipt PLLC law firm, said. We are bringing this case to show that it did.

In adulthood, Smallwood had schizoaffective disorder, according to a federal lawsuit Heipt filed April 29 on the familys behalf. The mental health condition is considered a combination of schizophrenia and mood disorder symptoms.

Several hours before Smallwood was taken into custody on June 16, 2023, he visited The Burke Center, a mental health hospital in Lufkin, the lawsuit says.

It was clear to the facilitys staff that he needed a higher level of care, as Smallwood was experiencing psychosis, was hallucinating and was unmedicated, Heipt wrote in a complaint.

Staff members tried to transfer him to an inpatient hospital involuntarily, but Smallwood left the facility as they worked to secure a mental health warrant, the complaint says.

That evening, local police found Smallwood in a Lufkin neighborhood, according to the lawsuit. Two officers who saw Smallwood behaving bizarrely shouldve connected him to the care he needed, given the warrant, the filing says.

But the officers arrested him on a charge of public intoxication and took him to the county jail, according to the lawsuit.

In the entryway leading into the jail, guards put him in a restraint chair and fastened the straps, the complaint says. Then Smallwood began vomiting.

He continued to vomit and faded in and out of consciousness as the guards tightened his restraints, the complaint says.

Officers body-camera footage provided to McClatchy News captured his initial detainment up until he was restrained and taken into custody at the jail.

The footage shows officers laughing and smiling once Smallwood starts retching, then throws up, the lawsuit notes.

His brother, John Smallwood, said in a statement to McClatchy News that jail staff treated him worse than an animal.

Its disturbing to me that jail guards were joking and laughing when my brother was strapped in a chair, vomiting and losing consciousness.

After officers restrained Glenn Smallwood, they wheeled him into the jails booking area and brought him into a detox holding cell, the complaint says.

An entry-level nurse found him limp and unconscious in his chair in the cell, according to the filing. He didnt wake when the nurse tried a sternum rub, a technique to test his responsiveness, the complaint says.

The nurse and officers failed to get him emergency care as he was dying, according to the lawsuit.

He was left in the restraint chair for nearly two hours until he died, according to Heipt.

Smallwood was a father of three children, whom he adored, his brother told McClatchy News.

His family has brought the lawsuit against Angelina County, a lieutenant with the county sheriffs office and the jails medical provider, Southern Health Partners. The jails nurse, who worked for the organization, is also named as a defendant.

Angelina County Sheriff Tom Selman said in an emailed statement to McClatchy News on April 30 that he met with Mr. Smallwoods family personally after he passed away and they are good people.

I believe our attorneys would be disappointed in me if I made any statements regarding the case, Selman added.

Southern Health Partners didnt immediately return McClatchy News request for comment April 29.

According to the lawsuit, an in-custody death investigation was completed. The outcome is unclear.

Smallwoods life and military service

Smallwood was born in Galveston and served in the Army National Guard while living in Utah, before he returned to Texas, Heipt wrote in the lawsuit.

Smallwood lived in Huntington, a city in Angelina County, with his two younger children and their mother the month he died, according to Heipt.

John Smallwood told McClatchy News that his brother was a good person with a warm personality.

He was the kind of man who would do things for other people without asking for anything in return, John Smallwood said.

He described his brother as intelligent and said he was a fan of books and comics, as well as playing nerdy games.

He loved God, family, and our country, John Smallwood said.

Family wants justice

After Glenn Smallwood left the Burke Center on June 16, 2023, its believed he self-medicated with methamphetamine before his arrest, Heipt wrote in the complaint.

Upon arriving at the jail, Smallwood was paranoid, confused, sweating, shaking, unsteady, and bleeding from his mouth, the complaint says.

The complaint says Smallwood was put in a restraint chair as part of jail policy for detainees suspected to be intoxicated.

Whatever conceivable justification the jail guards had for initially strapping him into the restraint chair evaporated once he began vomiting and losing consciousness, Heipt told McClatchy News.

Southern Health Partners, according to Heipt, is largely to blame for the jail nurses accused failure to get Smallwood medical help.

If the nurse and jail guards intervened, he wouldnt have died, the lawsuit argues.

Several lawsuits have been brought against the company, including a civil case in which a former inmate accused Southern Health Partners of medical negligence, resulting in a $950,000 settlement in Aiken County, South Carolina, in October 2023, WRDW-TV reported.

Heipt said the Smallwood family wants justice.

The filing demands a jury trial, an unspecified amount in damages and other forms of relief.

John Smallwood told McClatchy News his brother is not the first person to die in that jail.

I want to try to make sure hes the last.

2025 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
High school students whose campuses do not have a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program would be able to join units at another school under a bill being introduced in Congress.

The expansion of the JROTC program is part of a broader bill being introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, intended to build on recent momentum in recruiting by expanding the military's access to high schools.

"For me, choosing to serve our country opened the door for the American dream, allowed me to afford college, and paved the way for a life committed to service," Ernst, who served in the Iowa National Guard, said in a statement. "By increasing avenues to the benefits and pathways of a career in the military, we can unlock even more opportunities and brighter futures for our next generation."

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The bill, dubbed the Service Enlistment and Recruitment of Valuable Engagement, or SERVE, Act, would specifically direct the Pentagon to create a policy that allows high schools to have "cross-town" affiliations with schools that host JROTC units so students can "enroll in the JROTC program of the host unit and participate in activities at both campuses without dedicated staff," according to bill text obtained exclusively by Military.com.

In effect, the bill would make JROTC more akin to the college-level Reserve Officers' Training Corps, which easily allows students from one university to commission through an ROTC of another school. Still, in practice, it's unclear how much this would open up JROTC since high school students could face hurdles, such as not being able to drive and having more rigid schedules than college students.

A House version of the bill is also being introduced by Reps. Jen Kiggans, R-Va.; Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa.; and Lance Gooden, R-Texas.

In addition to the JROTC expansion, the bill would require schools that get federal funding to provide "meaningful access" to military recruiters; create a pilot program to honor schools with high military enlistment rates; give students from schools with high enlistment rates priority admissions into the service academies; and create a "National Week of Military Recruitment" celebration.

Recruiting officials have raised complaints in recent years that the military has been struggling to rebuild relationships with schools in some situations after the COVID-19 pandemic. High schools are typically fruitful places for military recruiters to pitch service to young Americans who may not have thought about joining the ranks.

The JROTC expansion could potentially aid the military as it seeks to turn around a recent slump in recruiting, which has already shown signs of a turnaround. While officials with the services are adamant that JROTC -- a program that has existed since World War I -- is not a recruiting platform, it is among the most publicly visible aspects of the military. Roughly one quarter of teens in those programs end up enlisting or commissioning.

The Army, the largest service and also the largest component of the JROTC program, has been growing its program steadily each year since the beginning of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are roughly 1,700 Army JROTC programs in high schools with roughly 275,000 cadets.

The service has plans to continually expand the program through the rest of the decade, with dozens of schools on the waitlist to become part of it.

School districts see it as a prestigious program that offers discipline for its students. For the services, it's a relatively cheap avenue to have their footprint all over the country. It costs the Army about $800 per cadet, with much of the cost being shared with the schools.

Lawmakers, too, have taken an interest in expanding JROTC in recent years as a solution to military recruiting woes.

"This committee is serious about building Junior ROTC," Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said in a hearing in January. "Junior ROTC is a citizenship builder."

The annual defense policy bill Congress passed in December incorporated several provisions with that goal, including ones that increased the minimum number of nationally authorized JROTC units to expand the program to more schools, and that decreased the minimum number of participating students required to establish a JROTC unit so smaller schools can participate in the program.

But there have also been concerns about misconduct within the JROTC program after a 2022 New York Times investigation that found at least 33 JROTC instructors had been criminally charged with sexual crimes in the preceding five years.

The Pentagon later revealed, in a letter to senators in 2023, that military officials received 114 allegations of instructors committing violence, sexual abuse or sexual harassment against JROTC cadets over the previous 10 years.

Since those revelations, lawmakers have also taken steps through the annual defense policy bill to try to reform the program. In particular, the 2023 bill required the Pentagon and military services to sign standardized agreements with every school with a JROTC program that set rules, including how quickly schools must notify the military about misconduct allegations.

The Pentagon told Congress that it has implemented the reforms in a letter last year that also disclosed that 21 instructors in the JROTC program were accused of sexual misconduct against high school cadets in the 2022-23 school year.

Related: Military Focusing on JROTC Programs as Chances to Paint Picture of Service to Gen Z Dwindle
Migrants are now being apprehended and charged with trespassing on a new narrow stretch of Department of Defense-controlled land in New Mexico, defense officials and attorneys told Military.com, marking new legal battles for the U.S. government.

As of Monday, at least 28 migrants were charged with violating security regulations as well as entering the U.S. illegally, The Washington Post and Reuters reported. Carlos Ibarra, a court-appointed defense attorney in New Mexico, told Military.com on Wednesday he was aware of the new migrant cases and said he was representing 10 clients.

Entering the country illegally is a common misdemeanor charge with up to six months in jail and around $5,000 in fines, but the addition of the new misdemeanor charge of trespassing onto the military zone adds up to one year in custody as well as a $100,000 fine, The Washington Post reported.

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"This is brand new," Ibarra told Military.com on Wednesday. "Nobody knows how it's going to affect the clients."

It was not immediately clear whether all 28 were immediately apprehended within the Roosevelt Reservation -- a 60-foot-wide strip of federal land that stretches across California, Arizona and New Mexico that was transferred to the U.S. government in April -- or apprehended once they departed the military zone.

A defense official, who spoke to Military.com on condition of anonymity to describe the operations, said that as of Monday, there were nine apprehensions by border patrol agents within the new military zone. Department of Defense helicopters were observing and detecting the crossings, and border patrol agents were making the apprehensions, they said.

Representatives for Joint Task Force-Southern Border and U.S. Northern Command did not immediately respond to questions about the military's role in those cases and the reported charges.

In an in-depth story in March, Military.com reported on the growing military presence and responsibilities for supporting President Donald Trump's push for mass deportations. Many legal and defense policy experts raised concerns about the expansion of troops roles on that mission, including the new military zone buffer.

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico said in a statement last week that it was concerned about the effects of the militarized border zone.

"By authorizing service members to detain, search, and conduct 'crowd control,' these new authorities undermine our state's values of dignity, respect and community," Rebecca Sheff, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of New Mexico, said in the statement. "We don't want militarized zones where border residents -- including U.S. citizens -- face potential prosecution simply for being in the wrong place."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a video posted on social media last week, showed the signs that were being placed on the land and warned of the legal consequences for those who trespass into the area.

"Any illegal attempting to enter that zone is entering a military base, a federal protected area," Hegseth said. "You can be detained; you will be detained. You will be interdicted by U.S. troops and border patrol working together."

The defense official told Military.com that 152 signs had been placed throughout the stretch of land so far. There are now upward of 10,000 troops at the U.S. southern border.

"It's not going to make it any easier, and you know, the thing is that, the folks keep coming," Ibarra said of the new legal charges and cases. "It's not quite as bad as it was in previous years, but, still, the people that are coming here out of necessity will continue to come."

Related: Military to Take Over Federal Land Along Border Under New Trump Order
SEOUL, South Korea  North Korea said Wednesday leader Kim Jong Un observed the test-firings of missiles from a recently launched destroyer  the first such warship for the North  and called for accelerating efforts to boost his navy's nuclear attack capabilities.

North Korea last week unveiled the 5,000-ton destroyer equipped with what it called the most powerful weapons systems built for a navy vessel. During Friday's launching ceremony at the western port of Nampo, Kim called the ship's construction a breakthrough in modernizing North Korea's naval forces.

Outside experts say it's North Korea's first destroyer and that it was likely built with Russian assistance. They say North Korea's naval forces lag behind South Korea's but still view the destroyer as a serious security threat as it could bolster North Korea's attack and defense capabilities.

The official Korean Central News Agency said Wednesday that Kim watched the tests of the destroyer's supersonic and strategic cruise missiles, anti-aircraft missile, automatic guns and electronic jamming guns earlier this week.

He appreciated the ship's combination of powerful strike weapons and conventional defenses and set tasks to speed the nuclear-arming of his navy, the report said.

During the ship's launching ceremony, Kim said the destroyer will be deployed early next year. He said the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine would be his next big step in strengthening his navy. He underscored the need to beef up North Korea's deterrence capability to cope with what he called escalating U.S.-led hostilities targeting the North.

An analysis of photos of the warship shows that its anti-air radar system is likely from Russia, said Lee Illwoo, an expert with the Korea Defense Network in South Korea. He said the warship's engine system and some of its anti-air weapons systems also likely came from Russia.

North Korea and Russia have been sharply expanding military and other cooperation in recent years, with the North supplying troops and conventional weapons to support Russia's war efforts against Ukraine. The U.S., South Korea and their partners worry Russia will likely in return provide North Korea with high-tech weapons technologies that can enhance its nuclear program as well as shipping other military and economic assistance.

South Koreas military said Wednesday that South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities were closely monitoring North Korean warship development. South Koreas spy agency separately told lawmakers that North Korea won't likely be able to deploy a nuclear-powered submarine anytime soon without Russian support.

In March, North Korea unveiled a nuclear-powered submarine under construction. Many civilian experts said at the time that North Korea may have received Russian technological assistance to build a nuclear reactor to be used in the submarine.

Lee said the deployment of a warship with an advanced radar system off North Korea's west coast could sharply bolster its air defense capabilities for Pyongyang, the capital. Lee said South Korea, which has 12 destroyers, still vastly outpaces North Korea's naval forces. But he said the North Korean destroyer, which can carry about 80 missiles, can still pose a big threat, as South Korea's navy hasn't likely braced for such an enemy warship.
ATTARI, India  Pakistan said Wednesday it had credible intelligence that India is planning to attack it within days, and vowed to respond very strongly, as soldiers exchanged gunfire along borders and Pakistanis heeded New Delhis orders to leave the country following last weeks deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

India has moved to punish Pakistan after accusing it of backing the attack in Pahalgam, which Islamabad denies, driving tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals to their highest point since 2019, when they came close to war after a suicide car bombing in Kashmir. The region is split between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety.

Calls for de-escalation

Pakistan said the intelligence shows that India plans military action against it in the next 24 to 36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement.

There was no immediate comment from Indian officials. However, Indian government officials said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given complete operational freedom to the armed forces to decide on the mode, targets and timing of Indias response to the Pahalgam massacre. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations.

Last weeks attack that killed 26, most of them Indian tourists, was claimed by a previously unknown militant group calling itself the Kashmir Resistance. New Delhi describes all militancy in Indian-controlled Kashmir as Pakistan-backed terrorism. Pakistan denies this, and many Muslim Kashmiris consider the militants to be part of a homegrown freedom struggle.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in separate calls with India and Pakistan, stressed the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and emphasized the need for both sides to continue working together for peace and stability in South Asia," according to a Pakistan statement.

Earlier, Pakistans Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told reporters that I have made it very clear, on behalf of the government and the nation, that Pakistan will not be the first one to resort to any escalatory move. However, in case of any escalatory move by the Indian side, we will respond very strongly.

The army spokesman, Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif, added, "If they think that aggression is the path forward, our message is only this: We are ready, dont test it.

Pakistan didn't elaborate on the credible intelligence it cited.

Pakistanis forced to leave

The deadline for Pakistani citizens to leave India, with exceptions for those with medical visas, passed on Sunday, but many families were still scrambling to the border crossing in Attari town in northern Punjab state.

Some arrived on their own. Others were being deported by police.

We have settled our families here. We request the government not to uproot our families, said Sara Khan, a Pakistani who was ordered back without her husband, Aurangzeb Khan, who holds an Indian passport. She carried her 14-day-old child and said she had been living in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 2017.

They (Indian authorities) told me you are illegal and you should go, said Khan, while waiting on the Indian side of the border crossing.

Other tit-for-tat diplomatic measures have included the cancellation of visas and a recall of diplomats. New Delhi suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty with Islamabad and ordered its border with Pakistan shut. In response, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines.

India late Wednesday announced the closure of its airspace to all Pakistani aircraft until May 23.

Cross-border exchanges of gunfire between soldiers have increased along the Line of Control, the de facto frontier that separates Kashmiri territory between the two rivals.

Fire along the frontier

On Wednesday, India and Pakistan accused each other of initiating the gunfire.

Pakistans state-run media said Indian forces violated the ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control by initiating fire with heavy weapons. According to Pakistan Television, Pakistani troops returned fire after coming under attack overnight in the Mandal sector of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the Indian army said it responded to unprovoked small arms fire from Pakistan in the Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor sectors of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

The incidents could not be independently verified. In the past, each side has accused the other of starting border skirmishes in the Himalayan region.

Indias cabinet committee on security, headed by Modi, met Wednesday, its second since the attack.

Witness accounts

At least three tourists who survived told The Associated Press that the gunmen singled out Hindu men and shot them from close range. The dead also included a Nepalese citizen and a local Muslim pony ride operator.

Aishanya Dwivedi, whose husband was killed, said a gunman approached the couple and challenged him to recite the Islamic declaration of faith. Her husband replied that he was Hindu, and the attacker shot him point blank in the head, she said.

He was on my lap. I was soaked in his blood, Dwivedi said.

___

Saaliq reported from New Delhi. Ahmed reported from Islamabad. Associated Press writer Rajesh Roy in New Delhi contributed to this report.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  The British military launched airstrikes with the United States targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels, officials said early Wednesday, their first attack in Washington's new intense campaign targeting the Iran-backed group.

The United Kingdom offered a detailed explanation for launching the strike, in a departure from the U.S., which has offered few details about the more than 800 strikes it has conducted since beginning its campaign on March 15.

The campaign, called Operation Rough Rider, has been targeting the rebels as the Trump administration negotiates with their main benefactor, Iran, over Tehrans rapidly advancing nuclear program.

UK strike hits near Yemen's capital

The U.K. Defense Ministry described the site attacked as a cluster of buildings, used by the Houthis to manufacture drones of the type used to attack ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, located some 15 miles (25 kilometers) south of Sanaa.

Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s took part in the raid, dropping Paveway IV guided bombs, the ministry added.

The strike was conducted after dark, when the likelihood of any civilians being in the area was reduced yet further, the ministry said.

The British offered no information on the damage done in the strike, nor whether they believed anyone had been killed. The U.S. military's Central Command didn't acknowledge the strike.

This action was taken in response to a persistent threat from the Houthis to freedom of navigation, U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey said. A 55% drop in shipping through the Red Sea has already cost billions, fueling regional instability and risking economic security for families in the U.K.

The Houthis reported several strikes around Yemen's capital, Sanaa, which the group has held since 2014. Other strikes hit around Saada.

The British have taken part in airstrikes alongside the U.S. since the Biden administration began its campaign of strikes targeting the Houthis back in January 2024. However, this new strike is the first to see the British involved in the campaign under U.S. President Donald Trump.

UK strike comes after US allegedly hit prison

The joint U.K.-U.S. strike follows an alleged U.S. airstrike on Monday that hit a prison holding African migrants, killing at least 68 people and wounding 47 others. The U.S. military said it was investigating.

On April 18, an American strike on the Ras Isa fuel port killed at least 74 people and wounded 171 others in the deadliest-known attack of the U.S. campaign.

The U.S. is conducting strikes on Yemen from its two aircraft carriers in the region  the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea and the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea, targeting the Houthis because of the groups attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, a crucial global trade route, and on Israel.

The Houthis are the last militant group in Irans self-described Axis of Resistance that is capable of regularly attacking Israel. The rebels began their attacks over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli decision to block the flow of aid to Palestinians.

The American strikes have drawn controversy in the United States over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths use of the unclassified Signal messaging app to post sensitive details about the attacks.
D-Backs southpaw A.J. Puk has been diagnosed with a flexor strain, reports Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. Hell remain shut down from throwing for 2-3 weeks before going for reevaluation. Fortunately, the team does not believe the injury will require surgery.

Its moderately encouraging news after last weeks revelation that Puk was seeking multiple opinions on his elbow injury. He went on the 15-day injured list on April 19 and almost immediately went for imaging. That obviously raised the possibility of surgery, but it seems hell avoid the worst-case scenario.

That said, hes clearly going to be out for an extended stretch. Puk will not resume throwing until the middle of May at the earliest. Hell surely require a multi-week build from there. He wont be back on an MLB mound before June, and thered seem to be a decent chance hes out beyond the All-Star Break. Puk has a previous Tommy John procedure on his medical chart. He underwent the surgery while he was a prospect in the As system back in 2018.

Acquired from Miami at last years deadline, Puk has been brilliant for the Diamondbacks. He posted a 1.32 ERA with 43 strikeouts in just 27 1/3 innings down the stretch. Hed reeled off another eight frames of three-run ball with 12 punchouts this season. He recorded four saves and two holds without surrendering a lead over the first three weeks.

Puks absence puts greater pressure on Justin Martinez to cement himself as Torey Lovullos top late-game weapon. The fireballer has worked 10 innings of two-run ball with 11 punchouts and a massive 61.9% grounder rate. Shelby Miller, Kevin Ginkel, Jalen Beeks and Ryan Thompson are among the setup group.
The Braves have released outfielder Jake Marisnick, whod been playing with Triple-A Gwinnett after signing a minor league contract, per the transaction log at MiLB.com. Hell head back to the market and look to latch on with another team needing outfield depth.

Marisnicks release comes both on the heels of some notable struggles in Gwinnett and a shakeup in Atlantas outfield corps. The Braves signed veteran Eddie Rosario to a big league deal yesterday after his recent release from the Dodgers organization. In a corresponding move, they optioned Jarred Kelenic to Gwinnett, hoping a minor league reset can get the former top prospect back on track. Releasing Marisnick will clear roster space and playing time for Kelenic in Triple-A.

As noted, the 2025 season has been a struggle for Marisnick anyhow. The 34-year-old has appeared in a dozen games and taken 45 turns at the plate. Hes produced a woeful .098/.178/.195 batting line in that time. Marisnick has homered and was successful in his only stolen base attempt, but hes fanned in 29% of his plate appearances and posted bottom-of-the-scale batted ball metrics (81.7 mph average exit velocity, 28.6% hard-hit rate).

Although he didnt hit well in Gwinnett, Marisnick logged a big .286/.371/.549 slash in the Angels minor league ranks just last year. Hes a veteran of 11 major league seasons who has more than nine years of major league service time under his belt. Marisnick has never been a big threat with the bat  as evidenced by a lifetime .228/.281/.385 line in 2247 MLB plate appearances  but Statcast regularly places him in the 85th to 90th percentile in terms of sprint speed, and Marisnick is a superlative defender in center field; in 4448 career innings, hes been credited with 54 Defensive Runs Saved and 40 Outs Above Average in center. Hes chipped in another 26 DRS and 12 OAA in 908 career innings in the corners.

Marisnick has at least held his own against left-handed pitching in his major league career (.237/.293/.417, 92 wRC+). That, coupled with his speed and glovework, ought to earn him a look with a new organization  albeit likely on another minor league contract.
The Giants signed outfielder Cal Mitchell to a minor league deal. He was assigned to Double-A Richmond, where hes making his organizational debut tonight. Mitchell was released from a minor league contract with the White Sox over the weekend.

A second-round pick by the Pirates in 2017, Mitchell reached the majors five years later. He hit .226/.286/.349 with five homers over 69 games as a rookie. Mitchell spent most of the following season on optional assignment to Triple-A before being designated for assignment that September. He cleared waivers and elected minor league free agency during the 2023-24 offseason. The San Diego native signed a minor league deal with his hometown club.

Mitchell spent all of last season with the Friars top farm team in El Paso. He had a good year, batting .277/.359/.512 with 22 home runs and 26 doubles across 469 plate appearances. Mitchell walked at a strong 11.7% clip against a serviceable 20.3% strikeout percentage. The Padres nevertheless didnt bring him up.

The 26-year-old signed with the White Sox early last offseason. He struck out 11 times in 28 Spring Training plate appearances. The whiffs remained an issue in the minors. Mitchell fanned 14 times without drawing a walk over 10 Triple-A games. He hit .111 in 27 plate appearances, leading to his release. Mitchell now drops back a minor league level but gets a change of scenery to try to find his groove offensively.
The Mariners announced that infielder/outfielder Samad Taylor has been selected to the roster. He will take the active roster spot of infielder/outfielder Dylan Moore, who has been placed on the 10-day injured list. The IL placement, which is retroactive to April 26th, is due to right hip inflammation. To open a 40-man spot for Taylor, right-hander Gregory Santos has been transferred to the 60-day IL.

Moore has been out to a red-hot start this year, with a .286/.346/.557 line to this point while bouncing around to all four infield spots and right field. He earned American League Player of the Week honors for the week of April 14th to 20th. It seems this hip issue will put that on pause. He hasnt played since Friday, which is why the Ms were able to backdate his IL placement. The club hasnt provided any updates but its possible he could rejoin them in a week if he just needs a bit of rest.

For now, Taylor will come up and take his spot. Like Moore, hes capable of bouncing around the diamond. In the big leagues, he has experience at second base, third base, center field and left field. He has also played some shortstop in the minors, though not this year.

Offensively, he has hit just .215/.288/.277 in his 74 big league plate appearances, but with much better numbers on the farm. Dating back to the start of 2022, he has stepped to the plate 1,392 times at the Triple-A level with a .277/.371/.427 line and 108 wRC+. That includes a strong .321/.389/.560 showing so far this year. Speed is also a big part of Taylors game. He has stolen at least 23 bases in each minor league season dating back to 2018, including 50 last year. He already has six so far in 2025.

He will presumably move around to various positions for the Ms, perhaps doing some pinch running as well. He still has an option remaining, so he could be easily sent back down to the minors if Moore gets healthy relatively quickly.

As for Santos, it was reported last week that he would be undergoing surgery to repair cartilage in his right knee. His exact timeline isnt clear but this transfer to the 60-day IL indicates that the club expects him to be out beyond the middle of June.

Photo courtesy of Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images
The current oldest Great Lakes Piping Plover, named Of,gb:XY or "gabbY," on the shores at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Photo by Vince Cavalieri, National Park Service

EMPIRE, MI -- One of Lake Michigans most famous residents has returned home to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Gabby, the oldest Great Lakes piping plover, returned to her shoreline home this month, just in time for breeding season.

Gabby, or Of,gb:X,Y, is a 16-year-old female plover. She hatched in 2009 on North Manitou Island.

In addition to being the oldest female Great Lakes piping plover, she has also won the title of oldest known Great Lakes piping plover. This is quite an accomplishment, considering the average age of a piping plover is 3 to 5 years, Stephanie Schubel, of the Great Lakes Piping Plover Conservation Team, previously told MLive.

A remarkable life given the many obstacles plovers face with disturbances to their habitat from natural predators, humans and dogs.

The species was federally listed as endangered in 1986 because of habitat loss, nest disturbance, and predation by other birds or animals.

Plovers voyage on twice-yearly migrations spanning a thousand miles or more.

After nesting a few different locations Gabby returned to Sleeping Bear in 2019 and has called it home ever since.

Like a true Michigander, she heads south for some beach time in the winter. She frequents Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia, where she was spotted this January along the Atlantic Ocean.

Over the course of her life, its estimated Gabby has flown over 40,000 miles migrating.

RELATED: Oldest Great Lakes piping plover seen basking in southern sunshine

Last summer, observers documented 81 unique pairs of piping plovers across the Great Lakes, beating the record set in 2023 by one pair.

Gabby has raised 35 chicks to fledglings. Researchers are excited to see her return this summer, especially after finding a new beau last summer.

Five other early birds were spotted in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in April.

The Great Lakes Piping Plover Conservation Team spotted three returnees: a male that nests at Sleeping Bear Point, three males that nests along Platte Bay, and a female that also nests along Platte Bay.

In addition to the Great Lakes team, Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, a volunteer-led nonprofit, helps protect habitats at the national lakeshore. You can donate to their Piping Plover protection fund, here.

You can also raise a glass to these fluffy shoreline birds at a fundraiser benefiting plover conservation 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 1 hosted by Dune Bird Winery.

RELATED: Raise a glass to Lake Michigans tiny shorebirds at Piping Plover conservation fundraiser

Conservation results have flourished in the last few years for the piping plovers.

Some conservation experts and retired park staff feared that federal hiring pauses and spending limits at national parks may impact these efforts.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources typically hires five piping plover monitors stationed at state parks along Lake Michigan.

Three of those five positions are funded through federal grants. However, this year the Trump administration did not release those funds.

Not wanting to lose ground on conservation efforts, the DNR has decided to fund those endangered species-focused workers anyway.

The Great Lakes team, run by a nonprofit, is looking for Michigan volunteers to help monitor Lake Michigan beaches from May to August.

Volunteers are needed at Silver Lake State Park, Fishermans Island State Park, Leelanau State Park and Wilderness State Park.

To get involved you can call the parks directly or contact Stephanie Schubel at glpipldata@gmail.com.
President Donald Trump greets Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer with a hug as he arrives on Air Force One at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, Mich. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

By JOEY CAPPELLETTI and JONATHAN J. COOPER Associated Press

HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP)  First came their much-analyzed Oval Office moment. Next, their subject-to-interpretation hug.

The two interactions between President Donald Trump and a sometime antagonist, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, reflect the Democratic governors efforts to move past last years hard-fought campaign and find common ground with the Republican president  at risk of political backlash.

Whitmer, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, shared a hug with Trump as he arrived in her home state on Tuesday, less than a month after she shielded her face from cameras during an Oval Office appearance alongside Trump.

Its typical for a governor or another high-ranking state official to greet the president when he steps off Air Force One in their state, a tradition that has historically transcended partisanship.

But the embrace between Trump and Whitmer was notable at a time when Americans are increasingly saying Trumps priorities are off and Democrats are agitating for their leaders to take a more confrontational approach to the president.

President Donald Trump listens as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks to members of the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, Mich. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

Trump was in Michigan to mark his 100th day in office at an evening rally and an earlier announcement with Whitmer of a new fighter jet mission at a National Guard base outside Detroit. The new jets at the base will protect a major economic driver for the area for years to come and represent a big win for Whitmer. The governor credited her Oval Office meeting with Trump for securing the bases future.

My job is to do the right thing for the people of Michigan, she told The Associated Press after her appearance with Trump on Tuesday. Im not thinking about anything beyond that, and I know its hard for people to get their head around.

Asked about her hug with Trump, Whitmer chose to describe the encounter differently.

She said Trump greeted her first when he stepped off the plane, and he shook hands and he leaned in to tell me, you know, congratulations and that I was a big reason that we were making an announcement today, and I was grateful for that.

She said working with him on some issues doesnt preclude her from criticizing him on others, adding that shes been clear with Trump that his tariffs have been damaging her state.

I had to be there because this was a big, important thing for the state of Michigan, she said. Now, he is going to go off to the rally and say a lot of things I disagree with, that Ill fight against, and thats fine, but, you know, my job is to do everything I can for the people of Michigan.

Earlier this month, Whitmer stood by in the Oval Office as Trump signed executive orders and assailed his political opponents, not long after she had delivered a speech nearby that offered soft criticism of him but emphasized shared priorities. Later, The New York Times published a photo showing her using folders to shield her face from cameras while in the Oval Office.

Whitmers office later said in a statement that she was surprised that she was brought into the room and that her presence is not an endorsement of the actions taken or statements made at that event.

The Trump-Whitmer embrace evoked an infamous greeting more than a decade ago between Chris Christie, then the Republican governor of New Jersey, and Barack Obama, the Democratic president. Weeks before the 2012 election, with Christie and Obama both seeking reelection, the president arrived in New Jersey in the aftermath of the devastating Superstorm Sandy. Obama placed his hand on Christies shoulder, but angry Republicans labeled it a hug, and suggested it contributed to Republican Mitt Romneys loss to Obama.

It also reflects the challenge for Democratic governors looking to register their disapproval of Trump and his policies without angering a president bent on retribution against his critics or turning off soft Trump voters whose support they might need in future elections.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has also taken heat from some on the left who see him as excessively accommodating of Trump and his policies, showered the president with praise when he landed in Los Angeles to tour wildfire damage during his first week in office. At the time, Newsom was urgently seeking federal disaster funding and looking to dissuade Trump from following through on his threats to extract concessions from California in exchange for financial assistance.

___

Cooper reported from Phoenix.
The State Department says Americans should not travel to or plan travel to the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea). On Tuesday, the department issued a level 4 do not travel advisory for any Americans planning to visit North Korea.

In particular, the advisory says Americans who attempt to visit the nation face serious risk of arrest, long-term detention, and the threat of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals.

The advisory goes on to say that because the U.S. does not have diplomatic relations with North Korea, it cannot provide direct help to U.S. citizens who end up in the country. Furthermore, the department claims North Korea has often delayed or denied Swedish officials access to U.S. citizens who are detained.

Due to the lack of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and North Korea, Sweden serves as the U.S. protecting power in North Korea.

U.S. passports cannot be used to travel to, in, or through the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea) unless they are specially validated for such travel by the Secretary of State, reads a portion of the advisory.

Special validations are rarely issued by the Secretary of State, according to the advisory. If you were to receive a special designation, the State Department says it cannot guarantee your release if you are detained. You are also advised to draft a will before entering North Korea.
A photo of Kevin Graves is decorated with ribbons from Missing in Michigan events at the Graves house in Howell, Michigan, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com)

OCEANA COUNTY, MI -- What led 28-year-old Kevin Graves to take his final breath at the Electric Forest music festival on July 1, 2018, may remain an eternal mystery.

The cause of death was ruled undetermined after investigation and anthropology studies, reads the death certificate filed April 7.

The death investigation concluded early this month, according to Lisa Kapriak, a representative for the Oceiana County medical examiner.

They ran a full anthropology study and nothing came up, Kapriak said. There was no trauma that was evident.

Kevins parents, Kathy and Gary Graves, are left wishing they had more answers.

I guess I was just hoping for something more, Kathy Graves said by phone. But they couldnt find anything.

Related: Hidden in plain sight: The 6-year search for Kevin Graves

The three-month death investigation began when a hunter on Dec. 30, 2024 discovered remains in a patch of woods on privately owned land used for camping during the festival.

According to police reports, the hunter first spotted an old shoe near a tie-dye T-shirt with the words good vibes printed on it. Then, he found bones, part of a pelvis, ribs and a skull.

Dental records confirmed the identity.

Since the the remains were skeletal, experts believed a cause and manner of death would be difficult to determine.

Western Michigan University forensic anthropologists assisted with cataloging and analyzing the recovered bones.

Investigators estimate they recovered about 90% of Graves skeleton, but said some extremities were missing, a usual occurrence due to animal activity when a body is left outdoors.

Timeline: The search for Kevin Graves

Kevin, whose death certificate lists Polish and English ancestry, attended the festival with his girlfriend, Kaela Lull, whos now 36 and lives in Davison.

She told MLive she last saw Kevin about noon on July 1. They had an argument and Lull stayed at the campsite to rest. Kevin and two friends who camped nearby planned to enter the festival, but that never happened.

While the friends were packing to head inside, Kevin walked away, Lull said. Its unclear what happened to him after that.

There were numerous searches of the grounds conducted by police, scent-detection canines, a private investigator and dozens of volunteers.

Rumors swirled, ranging from claims that Kevin left the festival with a cult, moved out West to trim marijuana or possibly overdosed.

After years clinging to the miniscule hope that Kevin would someday come walking up the driveway, his parents are still getting used to their new reality.

Related: Mom, Im OK. Parents of man found dead at Electric Forests grounds grapple with grief

Kathy finds strength talking about Kevin in her grief support group. Meanwhile, Gary is recovering from a recent knee surgery. When Gary he regains mobility, they hope to make a trip to New Era and leave flowers at the site where their son died.

Gary is beating himself up because he swears he searched that area, Kathy said.

Kathy and Gary Graves embrace at their house in Howell, Michigan, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2025. The pair reflected on the life of their son, Kevin, who went missing in 2018. His remains were found on Dec. 30, 2024. The couple said they felt some closure now that they can bring him home, but it marked the start of new questions and difficult times. Hes been my rock, Kathy said of her husband. I try to be. I do the best I can, Gary said as a tear rolled down his face. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com)

Without all of the answers, there will always be a void, but Kathy said shes found some closure.

Kevins memorial ceremony drew well over 100 attendees.

Some people came from out of state, so I was really touched by that, Kathy said. We have his remains in an urn on the mantle. That brings me a little peace.

I know hes home.


One Tech Tip: Thinking of buying a secondhand phone? Some tips on what to look for. In this photo, an Apple iPhone XR is held at the Steve Jobs Theater after an event to announce new products, in Cupertino, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File) AP

By KELVIN CHAN AP Business Writer

LONDON (AP)  New smartphones arent cheap and prices could reach even higher as globe trade tensions fueled by U.S. President Donald Trumps tariff threats throw Asian exports into turmoil.

To save money, consider buying a secondhand device.

The market for used cell phones is booming. Its now growing faster than the market for new devices, according to CCS Insight, a U.K.-based tech research firm.

As each new model release sends consumers rushing to upgrade, theyll also be selling or trading in their existing devices, which usually have lots of life left.

If youre on a budget, a refurbished secondhand phone can be 15 to 50% cheaper than new, and they now come with warranties, flexible financing and after-sales service, CCS said in a recent report.

Meanwhile, the starting price of a new top of the line iPhone Pro Max could potentially rise 29%, from $1,200 to $1,550, according to a UBS estimate.

But buying a secondhand device is less straightforward than buying a new one. Here are some pointers:

Which phones are the most popular?

Apple fans will have the most choice because iPhones make up about 60% of the global market for secondhand phones, according to CCS Insight. Samsung Android devices are second with about 17%. The rest is made up of lesser known Chinese brands like Xiaomi.

Where can I buy them?

There are numerous places online to buy secondhand phones, but like much of the internet, there are many scammers. The usual advice applies: check reviews, look for trusted sellers and guarantees, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.

Try platforms that specialize in selling secondhand electronics and other goods such as Gazelle and Backmarket. Refurbished phones are also available from retailers like BestBuy and Amazon. Phone companies also sell them, so check with your wireless carrier.

Even Apple and Samsung sell secondhand devices on their websites. The advantage there is that theyve been refurbished by their in-house technicians, so youll know theyll be reliable. The downside is that discounts arent as significant and selection can be limited. Apples website currently only lists refurbished iPhone 13 and 14 models, for example.

When a phone is refurbished, it normally means that the data has been wiped and it has been tested and inspected for any problems. Any defective or faulty components are normally replaced.

A used phone, however, could refer to any secondhand device, including those sold by individuals through online classifieds like Facebook Marketplace. Prices could be cheaper but its buyer beware because used phones are often sold as-is and usually without any repairs or guarantees.

You will get the best price if youre prepared to handle that risk, Simon Bryant, vice president of research at CCS Insight.

Lots of used phones are also sold on marketplaces for so-called peer-to-peer transactions that also offer better protections for buyers, like eBay or Swappa, which have policies for refunds if a phone isnt as it was advertised.

What about the battery?

Just because a phone is refurbished doesnt mean that critical components  especially the battery  have been automatically replaced. It depends on a vendors sellers policies.

Apple and Samsung say their secondhand phones come with new batteries and, in Apples case, a new shell. Both companies also include a cable, a one-year warranty and a new box.

Meanwhile, other platforms might merely guarantee that a battery has a certain level of its original capacity, usually 80%.

How do I judge the quality?

There are ratings, but be cautious with the terminology.

Each secondhand platform will usually have its own system of grading the quality of the devices its selling. Its a useful gauge for comparing various phones that the vendor has for sale.

But keep in mind theres no universal system of grading. One platforms rankings might, for example, read Good, Very Good, Pristine and Like New, while another will run from Fair and Good to Excellent and Premium.

Grading is all over the place, said Bryant, and it makes it difficult for consumers to compare, say, a $300 phone rated Grade A on one site with the same device on another site rated like new and priced at $280.

It makes it difficult to shop around, he said.

How old is too old?

Bryant advises buyers to look for a phone thats about three generations old, and avoid anything that dates back more than five or six generations because thats getting to the point where its Android or iOS operating systems may not be supported anymore.

Three generations is the sweet spot, said Bryant. You know its going to work. Its going to have relatively new features and its not going to be used so much. So the wear and tear on the device will be less.

What about the risk that a phone is stolen?

Most online marketplaces have safeguards to prevent stolen phones from being sold to consumers, but check the policies to be sure.

If a phone is reported stolen, the carrier will usually blacklist the serial number, known as the IMEI number.

Swappa requires sellers to run their devices serial number through its online checker before it can be listed for sale. The number can be found by dialing (asterisk)#06#. Some phones have two IMEI numbers, so Swappa advises checking both.

BackMarket says it works with the certified sellers that use its platform to make sure there are no blacklisted phones but sometimes a bad apple slips through. If that happens, it will work with buyers to return it immediately.

Can I check for water damage?

Most newer phones are water resistant and can withstand being dunked for a limited amount of time. But that doesnt mean theyre totally waterproof. Any moisture that has gotten inside could damage components even if the phone looks fine from the outside.

If youre buying a used phone in person, you can check if it has been exposed to liquid. Apple has a guide to finding the liquid contact indicator that every iPhone since 2006 has. Samsung has a similar page for Android devices.

What about accessories?

Charging cables or earphones might not be included. Dont forget to budget for these.

___

Is there a tech topic that you think needs explaining? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your suggestions for future editions of One Tech Tip.
Detroit's Children's Hospital is hosting a no-cost event this Saturday where experts will check your car seat and even provide free replacements for damaged or expired seats. Pictured is a MLive file photo of a mother carrying her then 5-month-old daughter in her car seat. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Michiganders with young children have the chance to get a lesson in vehicle safety, and potentially take home a new car seat.

Certified technicians will be on hand from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Childrens Hospital of Michigan Specialty Center in Detroit. Theyll assess if your kid is in the proper car seat for their size, and that the seat has been properly installed.

The no-cost, no-appointment event will offer free car seat replacements for damaged or expired seats. Children must be present for the inspection or free car seat replacement.

Similarly, parents who dont have a car seat for their child can get a free one, though they are encouraged to borrow one to travel safely to the event.

We wont take the borrowed seat away, said Renee Zarr, injury prevention coordinator at Childrens hospital of Michigan. Get them there safely and well make sure they get a new car seat, that it gets installed, and well educate caregivers while theyre there.

Related: Michigans car seat law just changed. Heres what to know

Nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Improper use and installation of child safety seats is a leading factor in increased child fatalities or injuries from automobile crashes.

Safety checks are first-come, first-serve. Zarr said those who attend should expect it to take 15 to 20 minutes per vehicle.

The event is sponsored by Hyundai, which donated $25,000 to the Childrens Foundation to support the hospitals injury prevention program. Zarr said theyll have more than 50 car seats of varying types on hand.

Michigans vehicle safety law changed earlier this month, requiring children to ride rear-facing for an extra year, until theyre 2, and in harnessed car seats another year, until theyre 5. In both cases, there are exceptions for children who outgrow the manufacturers height and weight limits.

Zarr said its common for parents to transition their children into the wrong seat too soon, or to improperly install their car seat, reducing its ability to protect their child in case of a crash.

Saturdays event will be held across the street from the hospital, at the specialty center, 3950 Beaubien Blvd.

Last year, a similar safety check event helped more than 40 caregivers with car seat inspections, installations, and replacements.

For more opportunities to have your childs car seat inspected, visit safekids.org. Childrens Hospital of Michigan hosts the events with the help of more than 20 partner organizations.
Dean of Admissions Sarah Zearfoss confirmed there were nearly 9,000 applications to UMs law school this year. Jacob Hamilton/MLive.com

ANN ARBOR, MI  This has been a record-breaking year for University of Michigan Law School applications, said Sarah Zearfoss, dean of admissions at the UM Law School.

Zearfoss confirmed there were nearly 9,000 applications to UMs law school this year. This number reflects first-year law students applying for a three-year program.

Prior to this year, the average number of applications was roughly 5,500 to 6,000 per year, Zearfoss said. She said application numbers began spiking in 2021, following the COVID-19 pandemic but this past year was a large change to yearly application rates.

Its of course very gratifying, Zearfoss said. I am a very strong believer it is the best law school in the world. Its very gratifying that other people are interested in being here as well.

UM Law Schools class sizes each year consist of 300 to 320 people. Despite the increased application number, Zearfoss said the school has no intention of increasing its class size.

Theres a number of reasons why experts believe applications are increasing at not only the University of Michigan, but at law schools across the country.

Kadija Deen is a pre-law academic advisor at UM, and said the legal profession has long been one of the most highly considered professions.

Many enter college with familiarity with only a few career options; almost universally medicine and law are among that list, she wrote in a statement.

She said UM averages approximately 3,000 undergraduate students of all years expressing a professional interest in law on their initial admission survey every year.

The number of students and alumni who ultimately apply to law school is about one-sixth of this. However, Deen said applications at UM and across the country have been rising since numbers bottomed out during the recession in 2009.

Deen said UM has seen a significant increase in students and alumni applying to juris doctor programs since the beginning of the pandemic, similar to other universities across the country.

She said the law school received the highest number of applications in 2020-21 since 2009, when applications plummeted nationally.

Between the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 application, the University of Michigan saw a 28% increase in applications by students and alumni, Deen added.

Social distancing likely played a significant role in increased application and enrollment, she wrote. Not only were students home social distancing and reevaluating their career goals, but so too were working professionals examining the potential for a career shift.

Deen said she believes economic fears may be contributing to this years increase and student interest in a profession that many (students) believe guarantees financial stability.

With financial and economic fear often comes deep consideration of how to stave it off, she wrote. Not dissimilarly to the 2008-2009, and law school admission cycle  before and at the onset of the recession  law schools were also seeing peaks in law school admission.

While she deals with students interested in law schools across the country, Deen said UMs program offers one of the premier legal institutions in the country.

The university ranked No. 8 on the 2025 Best Law Schools by U.S. News and World Report.

Read more: These Michigan universities have the states highest-ranked law schools, U.S. News says

Its no surprise that University of Michigan undergraduate students wish to continue their studies on campus at a nationally recognized law school, she wrote.

If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Testimony on the second day of trial for a former Grand Rapids police officer accused of murdering a Black motorist included experts on Tasers and use of force.

Kent County prosecutors called Seth Stoughton, a professor at the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law, to talk about errors he believed Schurr made on April 4, 2022, following a traffic stop.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A judge on Wednesday, April 30, rejected defense requests for a mistrial or a directed verdict of acquittal in former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurrs trial in Patrick Lyoyas killing.

The requests came after Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker rested his case in Kent County Circuit Court.

The defense has begun calling witnesses about the traffic stop three years ago.

Related: Prosecution rests in police officers murder trial for Patrick Lyoyas death

Attorney Mikayla Hamilton said the defense objected to testimony by two police experts, called by the prosecution, who said that a reasonable officer, facing Schurrs circumstances prior to the killing, would not have killed Lyoya.

Related: Police officers deadly force not justified in Patrick Lyoyas killing, expert says

They said the killing would be excessive force.

Schurr, 34, is charged with second-degree murder in Lyoyas April 4, 2022, killing after an 8:11 a.m. traffic stop on Nelson Avenue near Griggs Street. Lyoya, 26, ran from the officer then ultimately gained control of the officers Taser, which had already discharged both cartridges.

Schurr was on top of Lyoya, who was on the ground, when he shot Lyoya in the back of his head.

Hamilton said that neither expert was versed in Michigan law and questioned their opinions on Schurrs actions leading up to the fatal shooting. She said that the experts did not consider Grand Rapids Police Departments training practices and relied on outdated policies.

She said the experts opinions were not based on Michigan law regarding justifications for officers to use deadly force. She asked that their testimony be stricken but called for a mistrial because jurors would likely not be able to ignore what they already heard.

Hamilton said the experts, Nicholas Bloomfield, a partner in Progressive Combat Solutions, and Seth Stoughton, a professor at University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law, acted with 20/20 hindsight to question Schuurs actions up to the killing.

Becker said there was no justification for a mistrial. The experts offered opinions on how a reasonable officer would have responded to the unfolding situation.

Its the jurys job to determine if someone is engaged in self-defense, Becker said.

Kent County Circuit Judge Christina Mims said the experts testified about generally accepted police practices.

She said that it appeared, as the prosecution witnesses testified, that Lyoya had gained control of the officers Taser. She said that the jury  a rational trier of fact  could find that Lyoya was not in a position to use the Taser at the moment he was shot.

For more of MLives coverage on the case, visit here.
Gun Lake Investments will open a dual-concept eatery with Which Wich sandwiches and Paciugo Gelato & Caffe, offering both in-person dining and drive-thru service. Courtesy

WAYLAND, MI Gun Lake Investments on May 5 plans to open a new quick-service restaurant, featuring sandwiches, breakfast and gelato, adjacent to Gun Lake Casino and Resort at 1150 129th Ave. in Wayland.

The dual-concept eatery will feature Which Wich sandwiches and Paciugo Gelato & Caffe.

We are excited to bring both Which Wich and Paciugo to West Michigan, especially as they join our first operating company location, Noonday Market, said Monica King, CEO of Gun Lake Investments. Our goal is to offer convenient, high-quality food options for everyone from resort guests to families enjoying a sunny day at the lake.

Gun Lake Investments is the Grand Rapids-based economic development arm of the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe.

Related: New Gun Lake Investments CEO attracted to tribes economic development approach

The dual-concept eatery will feature in-person seating and a drive-thru.

Which Wich features an array of customizable sandwiches and breakfast options, while Paciugo Gelato & Caffe offers over 300 gelato flavors as well as espresso, pastries and desserts, according to a release.

Gun Lake Investments is launching a promotional campaign that will award a free Which Wich sandwich to the first 100 guests that sign up for the Vibe Club rewards program. Those who sign up will also be entered in a drawing where the winner will be awarded free breakfast for a year or free gelato for a year. To sign up, download the Which Wich app and sign up for rewards, a release says.

Gun Lake Investments manages a private, non-gaming portfolio of equity and debt investments in real estate and operating companies, the firm says.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Christopher Schurr, the former Grand Rapids police officer on trial for murder, was slouched over and still breathing heavily in the minutes after a fatal scuffle with Patrick Lyoya.

The officers face was pale, a former colleague of Schurr testified, and he looked absolutely exhausted.

Schurrs fatigue was the result of a 2 -minute struggle with Lyoya, a 26-year-old immigrant of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, that ended when Schurr fired a single round into Lyoyas head.

RELATED: Police officer gave 31 commands during deadly confrontation with Patrick Lyoya

Testimony continued Wednesday, April 30, in Kent County Circuit Judge Christina Mims courtroom where Schurr is on trial for second-degree murder.

The prosecution rested its case Wednesday morning and defense attorneys have started calling their witnesses.

Schurr was alone on patrol April 4, 2022, when he pulled Lyoya over for a plate violation on the citys southeast side. Lyoya stepped out of the vehicle and Schurr ordered him to get back in.

RELATED: Prosecution rests in police officers murder trial for Patrick Lyoyas death

Lyoya attempted to flee on foot, but Schurr tackled him in a nearby yard. The two men then began to fight over control of Schurrs Taser.

Jurors were shown video footage where Schurr can be heard yelling, Drop the Taser, before shooting Lyoya in the back of the head.

Schurr called for backup as he chased Lyoya, but help didnt arrive in time.

Timothy Johnston, a now-retired Grand Rapids police sergeant, was one of three officers who testified about Schurrs request for assistance and their respective responses.

I did hear him ask (over the radio) to send more cars, Johnston said. I could hear in the radio transmission sounds of a struggle, heavy breathing.

RELATED: Judge rejects mistrial request by defense in ex-police officers trial in Patrick Lyoya killing

By the time Johnston arrived, Lyoya was dead and Schurr was standing nearby. While Johnston secured the area, officers Sam Mott and Nicholas Calati arrived at the scene.

He looked absolutely exhausted, Mott said of Schurrs appearance. He was looking down at the ground  I told him to go take a breather.

Defense attorneys claim Schurr acted in self-defense when Lyoya gained control of his Taser. Schurr feared he could be incapacitated, and possibly killed, if Lyoya used the Taser, his legal team argued.

For more of MLives coverage on the case, visit here.
JACKSON, MI - A former Jackson school property was finally sold Tuesday night - almost a year after the planned May 2024 closing date.

Tashia Carter, Residents in Action executive director, presented the Jackson City Council with a $150,000 check during the groups April 29 meeting.
Planned Parenthood said it is closing four Michigan locations to ensure the organizations long-term sustainability. The President Donald Trump administration previously told Planned Parenthood affiliates that Title X funding would be withheld, effective Tuesday, April 1. Kalamazoo Gazette

JACKSON, MI  When Allison MacArthur-Ruesink of Adrian was attending Michigan State University to study public health, she used the nearby Planned Parenthood to receive birth control.

MacArthur-Ruesink wanted to focus on school and not have to worry about having a baby. The staff treated her with respect, which was important for a broke student like herself at that time, she said.

Related: Planned Parenthood closing 3 Michigan clinics as Trump administration withholds funding

Hearing about the closure of the Planned Parenthood in Jackson makes her concerned young women will now need to travel outside their city to receive the affordable care they need.

They do such a great community service for young women that dont have insurance or arent cash rich, MacArthur-Ruesink, now 68, said as she and others protested outside the Jackson office of U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton. Its not about abortions; its about womens reproductive health.

Planned Parenthood of Michigan announced it will permanently close locations in Jackson, 2009 W. Michigan Ave.; Petoskey, 1003 Spring St.; and Marquette, 1219 N. Third St., on Wednesday, April 30. Additionally, it will consolidate two clinics in Ann Arbor by May 5.

Planned Parenthood said it is closing the locations now to ensure the organizations long-term sustainability. President Donald Trump administration previously told Planned Parenthood affiliates Title X funding would be withheld, effective April 1.

Related: Right to Life president says Planned Parenthood closures are good news for Michigan mothers

The Title X program provides a broad range of family planning and preventive health services for people with low incomes.

We never want to be in the position where were closing health centers, Planned Parenthood of Michigans Chief External Affairs Officer Ashlea Phenicie said. Unfortunately, these devastating financial attacks by the Trump administration are forcing us to look at how we can continue to provide as much care as possible, and that has required us to look at what our physical footprint is.

The closure in a smaller area, like Jackson, is a loss, she said. While many of the services are available at nearby and virtual clinics, many patients will miss having a physical space where they feel safe and included, she said.

Planned Parenthood of Michigan serves 50,000 patients annually, while the Jackson clinic serves over 2,100 each year.

The Jackson health clinic offers birth control, treatment for sexually transmitted infections, cancer screenings, gender affirming care, pregnancy testing and other general reproductive health counseling, Phenicie said. It does not provide in-clinic abortion procedures but does provide the abortion pill.

Phenicie said Planned Parenthood of Michigan is working with donors to fill the funding gap. The organization also is offering telehealth seven days a week through its Virtual Health Center.

The Virtual Health Center offers almost the same services as the physical space, including the abortion pill. Planned Parenthood has patient navigators who will assist those in need of travel for care. This includes helping with costs and arranging rides, she said.

Nearby clinics remaining open include Lansing, 300 N. Clippert St.; Kalamazoo, 4201 W. Michigan Ave.; and Ann Arbor, 3100 Professional Drive.

Other medical centers in Jackson are offering some of the services to low-income patients including the Center for Family Health, 505 N. Jackson St. The health center has six OB/GYNs that provide pregnancy testing, STI diagnosis and treatment, contraception and prenatal care, Chief Operating Officer Sara Benedetto said.

According to the health center, services are available on a sliding fee to qualified patients. The center is preparing to see more patients due to Planned Parenthoods closure, she said, and it has the capacity.

The Center for Family Health wants all patients to feel welcome.

Its really sad when a resource closes down in the community, President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Wypyski said. On the other hand, its great that we have a community health center like ourselves. They can access the women health services that we already have, and they can take advantage of those other things we offer.

Executive Director of Jacksons Right to Life Kathy Potts said the Jackson Planned Parenthood closure is a very good thing. Potts said Planned Parenthoods advocated policies, including elimination of some health and safety regulations for clinics and the removal of informed consent for women seeking an abortion, have led to a decrease in care for women.

The informed consent provision required patients seeking an abortion to sign a form at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled abortion confirming they have reviewed a medically accurate depiction of the fetus and other information. Calling it a harmful and unconstitutional restriction, Planned Parenthood applauded a state courts decision last year to suspend the requirement.

In 2023, the Michigan governor signed repeals of several portions of Michigan law colloquially known as TRAP laws, or targeted restrictions on abortion providers. Planned Parenthood says such laws are dangerously chipping away at abortion access.

The anti-abortion organization protests against Planned Parenthood outside the Jackson clinic from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Jacksons Right to Life, 317 W. Washington Ave., is available to help women with unplanned pregnancies, Potts said. The organization can connect women with resources willing to provide support, including Center for Women and The National Life Center

The closing of their doors is a good thing for Jackson since it means less women will be deceived, some unaware they are killing their unborn children or fear they have no other choice, Potts wrote in an email. Women, including lower income women, can find better health care, without abortion, at Federally Qualified Health Centers. In Jackson there is the Center for Family Health.

Reese Dillard, 25, attended the University of Michigan and has lived in Jackson for roughly a year. She used the Planned Parenthood in Ann Arbor for birth control because it wasnt available at a low cost through her insurance provider, she said.

Dillard is concerned the closure in Jackson could create a significant barrier for those without reliable transportation, limiting their access to affordable and judgment-free care, she said.

I think that there are going to be unplanned pregnancies, people not getting the mental health care or gender affirming care that they need and people just not having autonomy over their own body, Dillard said.

Laurie Hargrove, 62, of Jackson said she disagrees with the closure, as many people in the area cant afford some of the services offered at Planned Parenthood.

Its a shame that people dont realize that Planned Parenthood does more than just abortion, Hargrove said.

Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter.
YWCA Director Susan Rosas launched solidaritydata.org on Wednesday, April 30. The website will track the impact of federal funding cuts on Kalamazoo-area nonprofits. Audrey Whitaker

KALAMAZOO, MI  Kalamazoo-area nonprofits have lost more than $37.6 million in federal funding since President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20, according to YWCA Kalamazoo.

Every part of the nonprofit sector has been impacted, YWCA Kalamazoo CEO Susan Rosas said, from housing assistance and food pantry supply to legal services for immigrant families.

The community has already been injured and there is terrible harm to come, Rosas said. We are committed to cutting through the noise so that our community has the power of truthful, timely information.

Data reported by a group of 37 Kalamazoo nonprofits and local government agencies is now available online. The funding cuts arent broken down by agency, however.

Cuts have put 96,775 people at risk of losing access to housing, food and other essential services. So far, 61 people have lost their jobs, per the website, and 717 more are at risk.

Organizations are turning to layoffs and restricting already tight budgets to offset the losses, Rosas said. Theyre also under pressure to cut diversity, equity and inclusion programming an an effort to retain funding.

Of those surveyed, 78% received federal funding to support their work. Those funds accounted for about 38% of these agencies total budgets, on average.

The issues nonprofits and at-risk folks face impact the entire community, Continuum of Care Director Patrese Griffin said, especially if organizations lose the means to help.

In Kalamazoo County, 7,324 residents could lose federal rental assistance they need to avoid homelessness, she said. That includes emergency shelter, transitional housing and assistance programs for older adults and people with disabilities.

Safe, affordable, stable housing is firmly linked to the health and safety and well-being of our entire community, Griffin said. That means our local economy, our cultural health, our educational success, our public safety, our physical emotional health, our collective ability to serve the people who call Kalamazoo County home.

The Trump administrations cuts intentionally target at-risk people, said Susan Reed, Michigan Immigrant Rights Center Director.

Funding cuts and canceled contracts, paired with unprecedented, aggressive deportation policies are taking support from our communitys most vulnerable people, Reed said.

The consequences of these contract terminations and so many other policies will change our clients lives and will affect the security and stability of their families for generations, Reed said.

Donations can supplement the losses for now, Reed said, but thats not sustainable long term. The MIRC needs federal funding to support legal aid for children, disabled and other vulnerable people.

We hold ourselves out to be a place with liberty and justice for all, Reed said. If you have a system that makes life and death decisions for children and you dont give those children a lawyer, youre not that place.

A culture of oppression condones violence, Rosas said.

Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault surveyed by the YWCA believe gender-based violence is now more publicly accepted than it was before inauguration day, Rosas said.

About 88% reported an increase in violence from their perpetrator, she said. Crisis line calls spiked and remain 50% higher than they were a year ago.

When we are seeing the public discourse allow for more violent language and othering and demeaning of certain groups, it lends opportunity for people to lean into that and to allow violence, too, Rosas said.

The cuts are not unique to Kalamazoo, Rosas said. But what can be unique is how the community responds.

She encouraged people to contact their state and federal representatives with their concerns. Citizens can also participate in Kalamazoos response by attending solidarity sessions, volunteering and making donations.

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Painter Kale O'Toole, with Fresh Coat Muskegon, works on the Carriage House at the Hackley & Hume Historic Site downtown Muskegon. Provided to MLive by Alex Fonseca

MUSKEGON, MI - A local painting business is going above and beyond with volunteer work in the community and a special partnership to help restore a historic site.

Fresh Coat Painters of Muskegon, a franchise, is a residential and commercial painting company owned and operated by Alex Fonseca since October 2020. There are eight painters on staff and they service across West Michigan.

In the last couple years, Fonseca has sought opportunities to give back to the community.

It started with freshening up the exterior wall of the Solid Rock Depot building supply resale store in Muskegon.

Solid Rock Housing is a nonprofit that evolved out of the former Muskegon County Habitat for Humanity. Fonseca is the board president.

The national Fresh Coat operation has a program called Fresh Coat Cares, where they partner with paint supplier Sherwin-Williams to provide $500 worth of free paint for a volunteer project.

The Fresh Coat business then covers $500 worth of labor, meaning the painters are paid as usual but the customer is not charged.

This equates to approximately two days of work for one painter, however, the company often contributes additional labor free of charge.

The nice thing with these projects is that, ideally, theyre smaller projects, but that might make a ton of difference for a nonprofit, Fonseca said. Its hard enough to get funding to do what you need to do every day that youre probably not even thinking about the fact that the paint on your walls is peeling or that the walls are all scratched up. We can come in, we can do that project for them at no cost to them, and it just changes their whole space.

Fonseca received the Fresh Coat Cares Award earlier this year, out of 145 business locations, for his teams work in Muskegon.

Under the program, the team also repainted a gallery inside the newly expanded Muskegon Museum of Art.

READ MORE: Muskegon Museum of Art transforms into destination with $15.4M expansion

Kale O'Toole paints a gallery inside the Muskegon Museum of Art earlier this year. Provided to MLive by Alex Fonseca

The next project will be painting the exterior of the Marine Corps League Detachment #703, veterans hall in Muskegon.

For larger-scale commercial projects, Fonseca sometimes sub-contracts more painters, with sometimes 15-20 working in a week.

Preservation of the Hackley & Hume Historic Site

Fresh Coat Painters of Muskegon is also one of the contractors helping to do some restoration on one of the citys beloved historic sites, the Hackley & Hume Homes.

The 1880s homes were built and lived in by lumber baron Charles Hackley and his family, and Hackleys business partner Thomas Hume.

RELATED: Flashlight tour illuminates what life was like as a Lake Michigan lumber baron at historic mansions

Fonsecas team is painting and replacing damaged wood from the buildings on the property.

Theres a lot of rotted wood that we need to rip out and then replace the pieces, Fonseca said.

But the wood cannot be replaced by just any standard piece.

The sizes are different than they were 100 years ago, so they have to be cut down or you have to join two pieces to get the size that they had back then, Fonseca said. Paint doesnt work that great in Michigan on wood. Over time, moisture just gets to it. The paint starts chipping.

Last summer, his team started working on the outside of the Carriage House, the office building on the property where tickets are sold and a small gift shop is located.

Alex Fonseca and his Fresh Coat Muskegon Team stand in front of the Carriage House on the Hackley & Hume Historic Site in Muskegon. Provided to MLive by Alex Fonseca

This summer, they will finish the Carriage House. The work that began last year is part of a five-year contract for the historic site.

In the partnership, Fresh Coat Muskegon is essentially giving a major discount to the historic site for the labor and materials.

Its a lot of work to keep up with it and they have a really hard time finding either staff or partners to do a lot of the work, Fonseca said. Painting is what we do, and we just found a way to help out. And I think that a lot of our painters really love those sites as well.

Fonseca said his employees are already trying to get in on the work at this historic site this summer.

The whole time that theyre working there, theyre commenting about the woodwork, how people got things done, Fonseca said. They just really geek out on a lot of that stuff.

Fonseca, originally from Brazil, was first an international exchange student at Reeths-Puffer High School before moving back to live permanently in the area.

His father was an exchange student in Muskegon in 1982. Fonseca was hosted by the next generation of his fathers previous host family.

His host brother became my host father, Fonseca said. My family, growing up, just had this connection with Muskegon.

A lot of people that grew up here, they decided to move away. I actually chose to move here because I really loved it, so Im just really passionate about Muskegon, Fonseca said. I think its a great community, and I think that being in the position that I am ... I sometimes feel like its a community that welcomed me, and its my way to give back to them.

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SAGINAW, MI  The cliche of rabbits breeding like mad hit home for a Saginaw County woman in the form of a fluffy infestation. In all, more than 65 of the animals were occupying the womans abode.

Saginaw County Animal Care & Control officers on April 16 responded to the house when the resident called regarding an overwhelming rabbit population. She had bought a few rabbits as pets for her children but soon found herself unable to handle their rapid breeding, according to an April 29 press release issued by Tali Faris-Hylen of East Lansing-based Ripple Public Relations.

The resident estimated she had 50 rabbits in her house.

The officers worked with the resident to collect the rabbits, which ended up numbering more than 65 adults and kits. That figure is still rising as many of the female rabbits were pregnant and have been delivering new bunnies daily.

The resident had attempted to separate the rabbits in her basement in hopes of stymying their breeding. The rabbits got around this by chewing through drywall and other materials, making it impossible to contain them, Faris-Hylen said. Many of the rabbits required immediate medical attention for fungal infections, injuries to their eyes and ears, and essential grooming such as nail trims.

20 1 / 20 Jackson County Animal Shelter houses 15 bunnies

Shelter staff and kennel aides identified the rabbits sexes, assessed their immediate medical needs, and prepared them for treatment. Volunteers were also essential in setting up cages, preparing food, and ensuring the rabbits were safely housed.

One of our greatest strengths is having staff trained to recognize animals in need of medical care and having the expertise to handle a wide variety of species, Animal Control Officer Desi Bellon said in a statement. Our teams versatility is critical in cases like this where fast, specialized response is necessary.

Five adult rabbits had to be euthanized due to severe injuries. Some of the kits were cannibalized by their mothers, Faris-Hylen said.

MLive had been unable to reach Animal Control Director Rachel Horton for comment since the Jackson County Animal Shelter announced April 18 it had taken in several of the rabbits. MLive on April 22 submitted a Freedom of Information Act request for Animal Controls reports related to the incident.

Horton on April 30 replied to the request by extending the official response by 10 business days. MLive has since submitted a FOIA request regarding how much the county spent on the public relations firm to issue Animal Controls press release.

Jackson County Animal Shelter took in 18 rabbits, including some newborns, Faris-Hylen said. Director Lydia Sattler has described the animals as being in rough shape, with many having scabs and missing pieces of their ears.

The animals are infected with and receiving treatment for a rabbit-specific type of syphilis that is not contagious to humans, Sattler said. The sexually transmitted disease is highly contagious among rabbits.

The rabbits might also have snuffles, an infection caused by the Pasteurella bacteria that causes running noses and respiratory issues.

The remaining rabbits are at the Saginaw County shelter undergoing treatment. Once their fungal infections are under control, veterinarians will spay and neuter them.

The rabbits are available for placement with Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development-approved shelters and rescues. They cannot be adopted into homes until theyve been sterilized, cured of disease, and deemed healthy.

Our teams ability to pivot on a moments notice to help animals and owners in need is truly remarkable, Horton said in the news release. This situation was overwhelming in scale, but our staff and volunteers immediately came together to make sure every rabbit received the care and attention they deserved.

Animal Control officers are continuing to work with the rabbits owner to improve conditions in her home and prevent future issues. The shelter is also reminding the public even well-intentioned pet ownership can lead to unmanageable situations without proactive spaying and neutering.

Those interested in supporting the rabbits care or helping with their long-term placement are encouraged to follow SCACCs Facebook page or visit the shelters website for updates.

Donations for veterinary care, supplies, and sterilization surgeries can be made via PayPal. Checks can also be mailed to the shelter at 5615 Bay Road.

Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw.
WARREN, MI  It was like 2024 again in Macomb County, Michigan this week.

President Donald Trump, who frequented southeast Michigan during a busy presidential campaign cycle last year, returned Tuesday, April 29, as part of a celebration of his first 100 days of office.

The Republicans first return to the state since his campaign ended featured messaging and visuals that would be familiar to supporters and opponents who followed Trumps 2024 Michigan visits.

MLive covered Trumps Tuesday trip, from start to finish.

Here are 10 takeaways:

Hes beefing up Selfridge

Air Force One lands on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township. The arrival coincides with Trumps first 100 days in office under his second presidency. Ayrton Breckenridge | MLive.com

Trump and his entourage arrived via Air Force One at Selfridge Air National Guard Base shortly after 4 p.m.

The Macomb County-based bases future has remained uncertain for years, but Trump during his Tuesday stop there announced plans to station new fighter jets on the airfield.

It was an announcement met with brief cheers and applause from more than 250 service members who greeted the president there.

Hes squashed his beef with Big Gretch

President Donald Trump listens as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks to members of the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, Mich. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

While Trump spent parts of Tuesday insulting some of his political rivals, he had kind words for one of his high-profile opponents from Michigan over the years: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The Democratic governor greeted Trump at Selfridge and received part of the credit for his investment in its future.

For decades, theyve been trying to save this facility, Trump told the crowd. I didnt realize that.  I heard about it from some people, including your governor, who has done a very good job. She came to see me.

Trump was referencing Whitmers visit earlier this month to the White House, where she notably caused a stir  and a lot of memes  for seemingly not wanting to be photographed.

During the Tuesday announcement, though, the pair seemed fine sharing the stage and spotlight.

Hes offering tariff relief

Trump on Tuesday also announced an executive order to relax some of his 25% tariffs on autos and auto parts. It was a move timed with his visit to the region where The Big Three auto manufacturers operate.

The administration will offer automakers that finish their vehicles domestically a 15% rebate this year, offsetting the cost of the tariffs, Trump announced. That rebate would be 10% the second year, giving the automakers some time to relocate production of parts outside the country to the United States. The rebates would be available to domestic and foreign companies with auto plants in the U.S.

Were bringing jobs back to Michigan, Trump told a crowd of more than 1,000 supporters at a 6 p.m. rally at Macomb Community College in Warren, his second Michigan stop of the day.

Hes not liking impeachment (still)

Impeached twice during his earlier term as president, Trump at the Tuesday rally addressed the latest attempt by a Michigan lawmaker.

U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, a Democrat from Detroit, earlier this week introduced seven articles of impeachment against the president, claiming Trump was unfit to serve in office.

Trump had thoughts.

The president told the rally crowd that, when he first heard on television that Thanedar was calling for his impeachment, he asked First Lady Melania Trump, did I just hear Im being impeached again?

He referenced Thanedar as a lunatic and some guy Ive never heard of.

Hes still inspiring followers

The presidents supporters flocked to Macomb County Tuesday, including in spaces outside of his rally venue.

Some donned Make America Great Again hats and patriotic attire. A sign that read God Bless Elon was on display. Vendors sold Trump-themed products.

In summary, it looked a lot like a 2024 Trump campaign stop.

Hes still inspiring protesters

Thousands of Trump-averse Michigan residents also showed up in Macomb County Tuesday.

An hour before the president arrived at Macomb Community College, over 3,000 protesters gathered along a nearby road to express their opposition to Trumps policies.

The crowd chanted Lock him up and Donald Trump has got to go, while they held signs that read, I dissent, resist and Eat the Rich.

Hes still claiming a 2020 victory

A supporter of President Donald Trump waves a "Trump 2020" flag Oct. 27, 2019, in Detroit. Mary Lewandowski file photo for MLive.com and Alexandra Wimley/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP

Echoing a go-to 2024 campaign message, Trump at his rally repeated disproven claims he won the 2020 presidential election against Democrat Joe Biden.

We love you. We just had the biggest victory (in Michigan), Trump told the crowd. We won it twice. We actually won it three times.

Trump won the favor of Michigan voters in 2016 and 2024, the two election cycles he earned the presidency. He fell short in Michigan  and the nation  during his 2020 bid.

Hes not happy with federal judges

As prisoners stand looking out from a cell, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a tour of the Terrorist Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador, Wednesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

At his rally, the president was critical of judges who have ruled against the constitutionality of his policies, including on border control issues.

Judges are trying to take away the power given to the president, Trump said. I hope, for the sake of the country, the Supreme Court saves us. Nothing will stop me from keeping America safe again.

The remarks came after Trump boasted about his mass deportation efforts and played a video showing the March transportation to an El Salvador prison of Venezuelan immigrants who were accused of being gang members.

Hes proud of his first 100 days

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an event celebrating his first 100 days of his second term at Macomb Community College in Warren, Mich. on Tuesday, April 29 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Trumps rally address was delivered in front of a banner that read The Golden Age.

He spent 90 minutes recounting many of the executive orders he signed during his first 100 days, including on issues related to border security, the economy and military spending.

He called his agenda a revolution of common sense while criticizing the policies of his predecessors in the White House.

He has plans for the days (and years) ahead

Attendees wave signs as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an event celebrating his first 100 days of his second term at Macomb Community College in Warren, Mich. on Tuesday, April 29 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

This is the best 100-day start of any president in history, Trump told the rally crowd. Were just getting started.

Trump previewed plans for the rest of his 4-year term, including proposed tax cuts and economic policies he said will create jobs in Michigan.

He repeated a campaign promise that Michigan would serve as a manufacturer of a military defense dome that would protect the United States from enemy attacks. He has compared it to the iron dome defense system operated by Israel as a protection against missile strikes from neighboring nations.

I will give you the greatest economy in history, the president said.

Click here to follow MLives complete coverage of President Trumps impact on Michigan.
WARREN, MI  Warren was anything but quiet Tuesday afternoon.

A large crowd -- some supporting the president, others protesting him -- gathered outside the Macomb Community College facility where Donald Trump held a rally highlight his first 100 days during his second presidential term.

The protesters held signs and chanted such things as lock him up, while Trumps supporters donned red MAGA hats.

Related: President Trump takes stage in Metro Detroit for 100th day rally

By 5 p.m., over 3,000 protesters lined up along 12 Mile Road between Hayes and Bunert roads to protest President Trumps rally.

The crowd chanted Lock him up and Donald Trump has got to go, while they held signs that read, I dissent, resist and Eat the Rich.

One protester, Jacqueline Sarcona, 46 of Shelby Township, stood alone wearing a red cloak and a white bonnet, similar to the outfits worn by the handmaids in Margaret Atwoods The Handmaids Tale. Sarcona said she was afraid for her two teenage daughters and their voting rights, leading her to the protest.

Related: Millions of married women voters could be disenfranchised under proposed federal law, opponents say

I just want them to have freedom to choose, Sarcona said. I feel that we are going backward. My children should be freer than I was, not the other way around.

Sara Harrell, 37, of Redford, who identifies as transgender, also expressed concerns on Tuesday that the administrations deportation of U.S. citizens could extend to transgender individuals, Harrell said.

Related: U.S. citizen mistakenly detained by ICE outside Michigan courthouse speaks out

Harrell also thinks its ridiculous that Trump is asking the Supreme Court to allow him to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military and could lead to further discrimination against other marginalized communities.

We are such a small minority with such a small voice, and he thinks he can just run roughshod all over us and demonize us to the country, Harrell said. Banning us from the military is just a small part of his plan.

Hundreds of Trumps supporters also braved the unseasonably warm temperatures and strong wind in Warren to help Trump celebrate his first 100 days in office.

80 1 / 80 Thousands protest President Trump outside Michigan rally

They donned Make America Great Again hats and patriotic attire as they weaved through a line. A sign that read God Bless Elon was also displayed.

Citing Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration, Shelby resident Patrick Joyce feels the world has become less gloomy after the presidents first 100 days in office, he said.

He is hopeful that the remainder of the presidents term will allow his 7-year-old son Patriot to have the life he did when he was younger, including playing outside and getting a good education, he said.

RELATED: Keep track of the impact of Trumps initiatives on Michigan here

Im proud to be American under anybodys presidency to begin with, but it goes back to feeling hopeful again, Joyce said. We got people wanting to fight for our military now, we got expectations to being the greatest again. I didnt think we had that a short few months ago.

Tamara Fox, 62, of Madison Heights, attended the event on Tuesday to see Trump. She said hes been working hard during his first 100 days in office, and the least she could do was be a cheerleader and support his efforts, including declaring a national emergency at the southern border.

Im behind him all the way, Fox said.

Click here to follow MLives complete coverage of President Trumps impact on Michigan.
Editors note: This survey has been ended.

President Donald Trump marked his first 100 days in office Tuesday with a rally in Macomb County, Michigan.

At the event held at Macomb Community College, he called his first 100 days a revolution of common sense.

This is the best 100-day start of any president in history, Trump told the rally crowd. Were just getting started.

While the first 100 days dont necessarily determine what a presidents entire term will hold, they may hint at future priorities, achievements and difficulties. The first 100 days can be a good benchmark to compare current presidents to their predecessors.

During his first 100 days in office, Trump has created a new federal department to decrease the size of the federal government. He has imposed wide-reaching tariffs on U.S. trading partners, and his administration has facilitated several mass deportations.

Given Michigans position as a border state, a swing state, an auto industry hub and the location Trump chose to celebrate his first 100 days in office, we decided to ask readers about their thoughts.

So, we want to hear from you: Trump has called his first 100 days a revolution of common sense. What do you think?

Using the survey below, you can let us know your thoughts and experiences, and any specific policies you feel passionate about. Feel free to let us know who you are and where youre from.

So far, Trumps first 100 days in office have been record breaking.

RELATED: 10 takeaways from Trumps 100-day celebration in Michigan

Hes signed the most executive orders of any president during the first 100 days of a presidency - 143 - according to the American Presidency Project.

That record was previously held by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who issued 99 executive orders to combat the Great Depression.

RELATED: For more of MLives coverage of Trumps initiatives and how they affect Michigan, go here

Those orders have ranged, from renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America to attempting to drastically downsize the federal government.

The latter has been in partnership with Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a recently created government department tasked with cutting federal spending, mainly through workforce reductions and program eliminations.

There is no official figure for the total number of firings and layoffs to the 2.4 million U.S. federal workers since Trump took office, but dozens of departments have confirmed layoffs to some degree.

RELATED: How many federal workers did Michigan have before Trump cuts?

Trump has also announced and paused widespread tariffs on Mexico and Canada, and has enacted global reciprocal tariffs of 10% on imports from all countries. Higher rates for some countries were also announced, but are currently on pause.

The highest tariff rate now imposed by Trump against any country is the 145% tariff on China, and some nations - including China - have responded with their own reciprocal tariffs.

As a result, Ford Motor Co. has ceased its shipping of certain vehicles to China.

Trump has touted tariffs as one way of pressuring U.S. trading partners to staunch a flow of illicit drugs into the country. Hes also said an immigration crackdown is necessary, both through deportations and at U.S. borders.

Hes facilitated several large deportations, including groups of what his administration described as violent criminals who were sent to El Salvador.

March 2025 border patrol data shows around 7,180 southwest border crossings recorded. U.S. Customs and Border Protection described that as a dramatic drop compared to the monthly average of 155,000 from the previous four years.

Trumps crackdown on immigration has affected several dozen Michigan international students who have had visas revoked or their right to remain in the country legally terminated, including 22 current and former students at the University of Michigan.

RELATED: Trump administration has revoked visas or legal residency of 22 University of Michigan students, grads

Federal officials have since announced plans to reverse the terminations.

Many of Trumps executive orders have dealt with education, focusing in on K-12 schools and higher education institutions maintaining diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and policies.

In Michigan, Trumps administration has announced an investigation into Grand Valley State University for offering race-based scholarships.

The University of Michigan is being similarly investigated for a nonprofit partnership that helps students obtain doctoral degrees, but could limit eligibility based on the race of participants.

RELATED: Trumps DOE targeting University of Michigan for alleged race-exclusionary practices

Many of Trumps executive orders and policy priorities during his first 100 days have been challenged in court, including attempts to deport international students, fire federal workers and withhold funding from schools that maintain DEI programming.

One litigation tracker by online forum Just Security counted over 200 cases filed against the Trump administration.

In Michigan, Attorney General Dana Nessel has been involved in 12 lawsuits against the federal government. Issues at stake among them include the Trump administrations executive order on birthright citizenship, the decision to fire federal government employees and the rollback of extensions for local schools to spend millions in pandemic-era funds.

RELATED: Trump threat to withhold K-12 funds over DEI leads Michigan, other states to file suit

Click here to follow MLives complete coverage of President Trumps impact on Michigan.
WARREN, MI  Nearly seven months after his hectic Michigan campaign concluded, President Donald Trump returned to The Mitten State for an indoor rally to mark his first 100 days in office.

Standing in front of a banner that read The Golden Age, Trump during a 90-minute address championed his policies ranging from border security to the economy to military spending.

This is the best 100-day start of any president in history, Trump told a crowd of more than 1,000 people inside Macomb Community Colleges gym. Were just getting started.

He called his early term policies a revolution of common sense while criticizing opponents of his initiatives.

Were ending illegal immigration, Trump said. Were taking back our jobs. Were restoring the rule of law.

Trump used the platform to respond to news that U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, a Democrat from Detroit, introduced seven articles of impeachment against Trump earlier in the week. Thanedar criticized Trump for allegedly violating the constitution and doing real damage to our Democracy.

At the Tuesday rally, Trump referenced Thanedar as some guy I never heard of and a lunatic.

Did I just hear were getting impeached again? Trump said, seemingly jokingly.

Echoing a go-to 2024 campaign message, Trump repeated disproven claims he won the 2020 presidential election against Democrat Joe Biden.

We love you. We just had the biggest victory (in Michigan), Trump told the crowd. We won it twice. We actually won it three times.

The president at one point paused his remarks to screen footage showing the March transportation to an El Salvador prison of Venezuelan immigrants who were accused of being gang members.

I think the No. 1 thing I won on was border (security), Trump told the crowd. Democrats have vowed mass invasion and mass migration. We are delivering mass deportation. The worst of the worst are being sent to a no-nonsense prison in El Salvador.

The president was critical of judges who have ruled against the constitutionality of his policies, including on border control issues.

Judges are trying to take away the power given to the president, Trump said. I hope, for the sake of the country, the Supreme Court saves us. Nothing will stop me from keeping America safe again.

Trump also was critical of pollsters and journalists who report on polls detailing Americans declining favor of Trump policies. He claimed pollsters poll more Democrats.

97% of stories written about me are negative, Trump said, and yet we won in a landslide.

He took jabs at other political rivals too.

At one point, Trump asked the crowd to vote on their favored nickname for former President Joe Biden: Sleepy Joe or Crooked Joe?

The crowd cheered loudest for the latter option.

The rally was the second of two Michigan stops Tuesday for Trump. He arrived at the college after first visiting Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where the president announced plans to station new fighter jets at the site.

Earlier in the day, White House officials announced Trump on Tuesday planned to sign an executive order to relax some of his 25% tariffs on autos and auto parts. It was news the president relayed later to the crowd at the college, framing it as support for Michigans auto industry.

Were bringing jobs back to Michigan, Trump told the crowd at the rally.

He responded to critics of the high tariff rates aimed at China, saying he planned to work out a fair deal with the Asian nation.

Trump also talked about policies and initiatives he plans to pursue before his term ends, including the largest tax cuts.

I will give you the greatest economy in history, the president said.

Trump repeated a campaign promise that Michigan would serve as a manufacturer of a military defense dome that would protect the United States from enemy attacks. He has compared it to the iron dome defense system operated by Israel as a protection against missile strikes from neighboring nations.

Trump rallied the crowd to cheer high-profile cabinet members in attendance including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Mehmet Oz, the presidents pick to lead Medicare and Medicaid. Trump also rallied cheers for Michigan Republican leaders such as state House Speaker Matt Hall, state Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, and Michigan Republican Party Chairman Jim Runestad.

Trump during his rally thanked Elon Musk, the billionaire who has led Trumps administration in slashing federal programs and jobs and attracted the distaste of many Americans unhappy with those cuts.

Hes an amazing guy, the president said of Musk, who was not in attendance Tuesday. Hes a great American. He loves America.

Several high-profile Trump supporters spoke to the crowd before Trumps arrival at the college gym.

Among them were Rev. Lorenzo Sewell, a Detroit native and leader of 180 Church in the city, who led the group in an opening prayer.

Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy, who hosted a Trump campaign event at the sheriffs county facilities in August, expressed support for the presidents border control efforts.

Brian Pannebecker, a retired autoworker and outspoken Trump fan who once organized a protest outside a Detroit Lions game against players who kneeled during the national anthem, rallied the Tuesday crowd to applaud the presidents economic policies.

In his first 100 days, hes accomplished more than Joe Biden did in four years, Pannebecker told the room, inciting chants of U-S-A.

Mike Lindell, founder and CEO of My Pillow, was in attendance but did not address the crowd. Walking among the gym in the hours leading up to Trumps remarks, Lindell was a regular target for people seeking selfie photos.

The scene inside Macomb Community Colleges gym was a throwback to last summer and fall, when Trump hosted campaign rallies across Michigan in his bid to clinch the swing states favor.

On bleachers and 23 rows of fold-out chairs, supporters sat  and sometimes stood  to cheer the president as he boasted he was successful in delivering on a number of campaign promises.

And, like last years campaign season, Trump supporters wore some of the standard attire associated with his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement: Red MAGA hats. Shirts with Trump catchphrases and insults directed at rivals. Hair and beards dyed in colors of the American flag.

While some recent polls showed Americans do not agree with Trumps aggressive efforts in his first 100 days, the crowd inside Macomb Community College cheered approvingly and loudly as he recounted his 2025 executive orders and policy plans.

Although, at one point, Trump directed security to remove an attendee who seemingly shouted opposition at the president.

Supporters began filing into the facility five hours before his remarks began at 6 p.m.

During the wait, the gym speakers blasted some recognizable Trump campaign soundtrack hits  YMCA by The Village People, chief among them  along with tunes from performers including Toby Keith, Guns N Roses, DJ Khaled, Dolly Parton, The Weeknd and Toto. Several Billboard-charting singles from Michigan-born Trump supporter Kid Rocks music catalogue thumped the facilitys walls with bass.

RELATED: Keep track of the impact of Trumps initiatives on Michigan here

Tuesday was not the first time Macomb Community College hosted a Trump event. The school hosted one of the Republican candidates last Michigan stops: A Nov. 1 rally, four days before Election Day.

In September, he hosted a roundtable-style gathering at the college, located about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit.

April 29 marked Trumps 99th day since returning to the White House on Jan. 20.

Trump in November 2024 won Michigans 15 electoral college votes, flipping the state again in a victory over Democrat Kamala Harris.

Macomb County was one of the southeast Michigan communities where voters favored Trump.

There, voters chose Trump over Harris, 284,660 votes to 214,977 votes, for a nearly 14-percentage point victory margin.

Trump in 2016 was the first Republican to win Michigans vote since 1988. With his victory last year, he added to that bragging right.

Trumps favor in Michigan has wavered over the years, but his supporters have kept the vote counts close. He defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton by 10,704 Michigan votes in 2016 and then lost to Democratic nominee Joe Biden by 154,188 Michigan votes four years later.

Trump defeated Harris by 80,103 Michigan votes last November.

Click here to follow MLives complete coverage of President Trumps impact on Michigan.
HARRISON TOWNSHIP, MI  A Michigan military base is getting a much-needed boost after the Trump administration picked it as the future home of new fighter jets.

The 21 aircraft in a new F-15EX fighter mission headed for Michigans Selfridge Air National Guard Base would not only keep the lights on of the century-old facility but also help expand part of its service footprint over the next several years.
WARREN, MI -- President Donald Trump commemorated the first 100 days of his second term with a stop in Michigan that included some memorable moments, including a big annoucement for a military base and a hug with Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Trumps visit to Michigans Selfridge Air National Guard Base, and then to a rally at Macomb Community College, seemed akin to his 2024 campaign stops where he championed efforts to Make America Great Again.

At the college, he stood in front of a banner that read The Golden Age.

His exuberance for the success of his presidency so far came in contrast to the estimated 3,000 protesters who showed up near the rally to denounce his actions. Many Trump supporters were in a crowd outside the rally, too.

Heres a rundown of the key moments of Trumps Michigan visit.

-- Trump announced that Selfridge Air Base in Macomb County would be the future home of new fighter jets. The 21 aircraft in a new F-15EX fighter mission will help keep the aging base viable.

-- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer attended Trumps stop at Selfridge, but did not go to the rally in Warren. At the air base, she said she was grateful for the federal investment at Selfridge.

I am really damn happy were here to celebrate this recapitalization at Selfridge, she said. Its crucial for the Michigan economy. Its crucial for the men and women here, for our homeland security and our future.

-- Whitmer, a Democrat, found herself getting national political attention when she hugged Trump after he arrived at the air base.

Its a traditional greeting, but some question whether it will ruffle feathers with her Democratic base.

The moment less than a month after she shielded her face from cameras during an Oval Office appearance alongside Trump.

However, some credited Whitmer and Trump for bipartisanship in securing the fighter jet mission for Selfridge.

.-- At the Warren rally, Trump called U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, a lunatic and some guy I never heard of in response to Thanedars introduction of seven articles of impeachment against Trump.

Thanedar criticized Trump for allegedly violating the constitution and doing real damage to our Democracy.

-- Outside the rally, an estimated 3,000 protesters voiced their displeasure with Trumps measures during his first 100 days.

The crowd chanted Lock him up and Donald Trump has got to go, while they held signs that read, I dissent, resist and Eat the Rich.

It wasnt all Trump dissenters, though. There were many supporters as well.

-- Trump took a moment to highlight an order that rolls back tariffs on automakers.

Earlier in the day Tuesday, White House officials announced Trump on Tuesday planned to sign an executive order to relax some of his 25% tariffs on autos and auto parts.

He framed it as support for Michigans auto industry.

Were bringing jobs back to Michigan, Trump told the rally crowd.

-- Trump used the rally to trumpet his efforts against illegal immigration.

At one point, he paused his remarks to show screen footage of the March transportation to an El Salvador prison of Venezuelan immigrants who were accused of being gang members.

I think the No. 1 thing I won on was border (security), Trump told the crowd. Democrats have vowed mass invasion and mass migration. We are delivering mass deportation. The worst of the worst are being sent to a no-nonsense prison in El Salvador.

Click here to follow MLives complete coverage of President Trumps impact on Michigan.
President Donald Trump signed a flurry of executive orders last week aimed at reforming higher education. In this photo, Trump holds a signed an executive order as Education Secretary Linda McMahon listens in the Oval Office of the White House. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - On Wednesday, April 23, President Donald Trump signed a flurry of executive orders aimed at reforming higher education, including one to overhaul the system colleges/universities now use to unlock more than $120 billion in student aid.

That system is accreditation - a process where private organizations evaluate higher education institutions for educational quality and financial health.

Trump described accreditors as the gatekeepers who decide at which colleges and universities American students can spend more than $100 billion in federal student loans and Pell grants disbursed each year.

He said some accreditors are now requiring schools to uphold diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies not in line with his administration. His executive order threatens to suspend or terminate them.

But some higher education professionals say the order is another attempt by Trump to dictate what is taught and learned at higher education institutions across the country.

What is accreditation?

In a 2023 campaign video, Trump described accreditation as the secret weapon to reclaim our once-great educational institutions from the radical left.

Accreditation is one of several models set in place to ensure quality higher education institutions across the country, according to a U.S. Department of Education website.

RELATED: Go here for more of MLives coverage of Trump

Educational institutions must request to be accredited, and are periodically re-reviewed.

The accreditation process is voluntary, but is necessary for colleges to receive student aid dollars from the Department of Education. To get federal loans, students must be attending an accredited college/university.

Some employers will also ask if a college or program is accredited when evaluating the resume of potential new employees.

Accreditation status can affect a colleges charitable donations.

The office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) currently provides around $120.8 billion in grant, work-study and loan funds each year, dispursed to students through approximately 5,378 colleges and career schools.

The accreditors responsible for unlocking these funds are typically private groups that develop evaluation criteria for colleges, then conduct evaluations.

Theyre funded primarily by annual dues from accredited schools, but can also receive financial assistance from other sponsors.

The Department of Education keeps a list of active and inactive accreditors, with over 60 agencies currently active.

According to an April 2024 Congressional report, there are several different types of agencies, some that approve entire colleges/universities and others that review specialized programs, like law schools.

Michigan State University (MSU), for example, was last accredited by the Higher Learning Commission - a university-wide accreditor - in February 2025. The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor was last approved by the same agency in January 2021.

The Department of Education also plays a role. It, along with the Secretary of Education, determines which accrediting agencies are allowed to have federal authority over financial aid funds.

According to the 2024 Congressional report, the Department of Education is not directly involved in the institutional or programmatic accrediting process, however.

What does Trumps executive order say?

Trumps accreditation executive order directs Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to hold accountable higher education accreditors.

That includes witholding federal recognition from accreditors that require institutions to maintain diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Trumps order threatens to suspend or terminate federal accrediting agencies for either poor performance or violations of federal civil rights law, according to a White House fact sheet.

The order was one of several Trump shared on April 23.

In it, Trump said he believes accreditors have failed students, families and taxpayers, and have abused their enormous authority.

In a statement, McMahon said the existing accreditation system raises tuition costs for students, favors legacy four-year institutions, blocks new accreditors from the market and pushes universities in ideological directions.

Trump said accreditors are now approving low-quality colleges/universities, pointing to a 64% graduation rate within six years for undergraduate students.

He also said many colleges offer programs that end up having a negative return on investment for students, when they take out student loans to cover tuition for degrees with very modest earnings potential.

Some accreditors are now also making DEI a formal standard of accreditation, he said, meaning its a condition of accessing federal aid.

He gave the example of the American Bar Associations (ABA) accreditation standard for law schools, which has in the past required them to demonstrate a commitment to diversity in admissions and programming.

The ABA is the national accreditor of nearly 200 law schools.

It suspended the requirement following a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision barring the consideration of race in college admissions, but Trump said the policy and others like it must be permanently eradicated.

The Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions (C-RAC), a group of seven federally recognized accrediting commissions, said any accrediting agency standards related to DEI are in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

Trump also detailed what he believes should be requirements for accreditors, including prioritizing intellectual diversity among faculty and limiting unnecessary costs for students.

As part of this process, he said more accreditors should be federally recognized to increase competition, and an experimental site should be launched to test more flexible accreditation pathways for schools.

How could this affect higher education?

McMahon said Trumps attempt to remake the system of accreditation will bring long-overdue change, incentivizing colleges/universities to focus on lowering college costs, fostering innovation and delivering a high-quality postsecondary education.

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP), however, described it as an attempt to dictate what is taught, learned, said and done by college students and instructors.

AAUP President Todd Wolfson said he believes Trumps goal is to manipulate accreditors in order to force colleges and universities to do his bidding and punish them when they resist. He is weaponizing the accreditation process to gain the leverage he seeks.

The AAUP also said the executive order opens up students and the government more to potential fraud within higher education.

The Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions (C-RAC) described Trumps description of accreditors as a mischaracterization.

Dr. Heather Perfetti, chair of the council, said the council does agree with some policies making the recognition of new accreditors easier, however.

We stand ready to work with the Secretary of Education on policies that will advance our shared mission of enhancing quality, innovation, integrity and accountability, she said.

Click here to follow MLives complete coverage of President Trumps impact on Michigan.
For the second time in a week, Michigan State is attempting to boost its defensive front through the portal.

Georgia State EDGE Cam Williams announced his transfer commitment to the Spartans via social media on Tuesday. He is the second addition at the position after the end of spring practice, following Texas Techs Isaac Smith last week.

Williams, 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, is a Georgia native who spent two years at Troy and two at Jacksonville State before heading to Georgia State. He posted 21 tackles, including five for a loss, one sack and a forced fumble in 12 games for the Panthers last season.

Williams also had portal offers from Purdue and Kansas. He visited East Lansing last week.

Michigan State went six straight games without a sack last season while finishing 5-7 and are thin on returning experience at EDGE. Anthony Jones and James Schott were among the half-dozen scholarship players who hit the portal in April.

The Spartans added a pair at EDGE through the portal during the winter window in Wisconsins Anelu Lafaele and Air Forces David Santiago. Theyve now landed five scholarship players during the spring in Williams and Smith to go with defensive backs Anthony Pinnace and Tracy Revels and tight end Kai Rios.
Los Angeles Kings' goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) makes a save on Edmonton Oilers' Adam Henrique (19) during an overtime of an NHL playoff gamen in Edmonton on Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP) AP

Following a couple of wild games north of the border, a pivotal game is on tap on Tuesday night, as the Los Angeles Kings look to regain control of the series against the Edmonton Oilers.

It has been a wildly entertaining series between the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings. Even though this is the fourth consecutive season these two teams have met in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it seems like this go-around is the most exciting battle so far.

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While the Kings won the first two games of the series on home ice, theyve allowed the Oilers to come back in each of the two games in Edmonton. After the Oilers roared back with four unanswered goals to win Game 3, Los Angeles squandered a 3-1 lead in Game 4 on Sunday night, losing in overtime thanks to Leon Draisaitls third goal of the series.

If you look at the overall numbers, the Kings should probably be leading this series, if not having already won it. However, thanks to their play tailing off as games wear on, Edmonton is just two wins away from knocking L.A. out in the opening round once again.

PACIFIC DIVISION PLAYOFFS

(3) Edmonton Oilers vs. (2) Los Angeles Kings (Series tied, 2-2)

When: Tuesday, April 29

Time: 10 p.m. ET

Where: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Channel: TBS

Follow the NHL Playoffs here
Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) and Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Mitchell Chaffee (41) go after the puck during the third period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series, Monday, April 28, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) AP

The defending Stanley Cup champions look to move on to the second round on Wednesday night, as the Florida Panthers look to finish off the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Many were sort of stunned by how the Panthers came out and stole the first two games of this edition of The Battle of Florida, winning the early matchups in Tampa Bay. However, the Lightning responded with a big road win of their own in Game 3, and seemed poised to even the series on Monday night. Yet, despite having a 2-1 lead heading into the third period in Game 4, the Bolts gave up three unanswered goals, losing 4-2 and putting their playoff hopes on the brink of elimination.

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Even though the Lightning have a core of players that know how to win in the playoffs, including Victor Hedman, Andrei Vasilevskiy and Nikita Kucherov, it seems like the slightly younger Panthers have been able to use their more recent experience, and unbound energy, to slow down what has been a pretty vaunted Lightning attack.

Florida looks to advance to the second round for the third year in a row.

ATLANTIC DIVISION PLAYOFFS

(3) Florida Panthers vs. (2) Tampa Bay Lightning (Panthers lead, 3-1)

When: Wednesday, April 30

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Where: Amalie Arena (Tampa, Fla.)

Channel: ESPN2

Follow the NHL Playoffs here
Members of the Ottawa Senators celebrate after defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs in overtime NHL playoff action in Ottawa, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) AP

After another exhilarating game, the Ottawa Senators will try to stave off elimination once again on Tuesday night when they visit the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Maple Leafs looked like they had enough to get the job done against the provincial rivals in the minimum. Up 3-0 in the series heading into this past Saturday, Toronto looked to clinch the series in overtime. However, Ottawa managed to stay alive thanks Jake Sandersons overtime winner, giving the Senators a 3-2 win, pushing The Battle of Ontario to another day.

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It was the third straight overtime game in this series, with Toronto coming out on top in Games 2 and 3. Even though the Leafs have a sizeable lead in the series, the Sens have done their part to keep things close.

However, if Ottawa wants to get the series back to the nations capital, they will need to be more efficient on the offensive end, and generate more chances. Also, avoid giving up odd-man rushes a Leafs team stacked with scoring weapons.

ATLANTIC DIVISION PLAYOFFS

(WC1) Ottawa Senators vs. (1) Toronto Maple Leafs (Leafs lead, 3-1)

When: Tuesday, April 29

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Where: Scotiabank Arena (Toronto, Ontario)

Channel: ESPN

Follow the NHL Playoffs here
Vaishnavi Gavankar

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When Esha Deol slapped Amrita Rao on the sets of Pyaare Mohan and denied regretting it later: "She deserved it for her behaviour"

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Karisma Kapoor is all about summer vibes in green co-ord set for her recent outing

Nivi Shrivastava is a Delhi-based journalist who writes on lifestyle, health and travel. Views expressed are personal

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Indian Oil not in active negotiations with Russia on crude term-deal amid geopolitical uncertainties: CMD

Shubhangi Mathur

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India's trade deal with US may take at least 6 months, missing 90-day tariff pause window

Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years.

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Mark Mobius says his funds hold 95% in cash on trade war risks

J Jagannath

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Met plenty of FPIs in US, overall mood is very positive: SEBI chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey

Brajesh Kumar

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Reached out to more than 2,000 FPIs through our outreach cell, says SEBI chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey

Ashish Rukhaiyar

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Dinesh Unnikrishnan is Editor-Banking & Finance at Moneycontrol. Dinesh heads the Banking and Finance Bureau at Moneycontrol. He also writes a weekly column, Banking Central, every Monday.

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What loan recovery agents can and cannot do when visiting your home or office

Manisha Lal Khandpur

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RBI approves committee to oversee IndusInd Bank after resignation of CEO Sumant Kathpalia on discrepancies in derivatives portfolio

Hemant Abhishek

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Arete Group to invest Rs 1,200 crore to develop industrial park at Dahej in Gujarat

Ashish Mishra

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Explainer: What New Noida holds for the region's growth

Ashish Mishra

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Down rounds: Stanza Living and CityMall mull fresh funding at marked down valuations

Tushar Goenka is a breaking news reporter who focuses on startups. Interested in venture capital, quick commerce, e-commerce, food delivery and D2C.

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UAE'S ADNOC to supply cheaper US LPG to India following China-US tariffs: Sources

101Reporters

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Siddharth Chakravorty

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BJP move to name Palakkad school after RSS founder Hedgewar sees protest by political parties

Priyanjali Ghose

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Congress changes tack after backlash over 'missing' PM post: 'Toe party line on Pahalgam'

Parimal Peeyush

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Ria Kapoor

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Farooq Abdullah responds to Pakistan's nuclear threat: 'We also have nuclear power, will not use it unless...'

Parimal Peeyush

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Former Pakistani lawmaker, who sells ice cream in India, allowed to stay back

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'I cast my vote in India...': Pakistan national, asked to leave India after Pahalgam terror attack, makes shocking claim

Ria Kapoor

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India to take up slashing of funding to Pakistan with World Bank, ADB, IMF: Source

Shweta Punj is an award winning journalist. She has reported on economic policy for over two decades in India and the US. She is a Young Global Leader with the World Economic Forum. Author of Why I Failed, translated into 5 languages, published by Penguin-Random House.

Tamal Nandi

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Indian tech entrepreneur dies by suicide after shooting wife and son dead in US

Chhabi Kala

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India's response to Pahalgam attack: New Delhi closes its airspace for Pakistani carriers

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Jammu and Kashmir: Intel warns of fresh terror strike by TRF in Kashmir, security beefed up

Parimal Peeyush

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Mayawati tears into Opposition's Pahalgam offensive against Centre: 'Creating confusion, not in national interest'

Parimal Peeyush

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Modi govt announces pan-India caste census: What is it and how have successive govts viewed it?

Priyanjali Ghose

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Deven Bharti is Mumbai's new Police Commissioner: Know all about the man who led probe into 26/11 attacks

Priyanjali Ghose

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PM Modi to not visit Russia for Victory Day celebrations on May 9

Ria Kapoor

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'Where is he missing?': Farooq Abdullah blows holes in Congress' 'gayab' attack against PM Modi

Parimal Peeyush

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Lokendra Sharma is a Research Analyst with the High-Tech Geopolitics Programme at the Takshashila Institution. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Namrata Agarwal

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Dredge Wular Lake to maximise the positive spinoff of holding IWT in abeyance

Namrata Agarwal

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Sayantan Ghosh teaches journalism at St. Xavier's College (autonomous), Kolkata and a columnist. He tweets at @sayantan_gh. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Namrata Agarwal

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Tareekh Pe Justice: A book on lower judiciary, the challenges it faces and the road ahead

Shishir Tripathi is a journalist and researcher based in Delhi. He has worked with The Indian Express, Firstpost, Governance Now, and Indic Collective. He writes on Law, Governance and Politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Namrata Agarwal

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Bombay Shaving Company CEO says life expectancy dropped due to 'Covid or vaccines or lifestyle'

Ankita Sengupta

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Co-founder of $12 billion company says Gen Z employees make him want to pull his 'hair out'

Ankita Sengupta

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Sheetal Kumari

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MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation.

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Aabhas Sharma

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Googles NotebookLM can now read your notes out loud in over 50 languages

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Ankita Chakravarti

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Ankita Chakravarti

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Proton Mail faces likely ban in India, govt to examine Karnataka HC order before further action

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Priyanka Roshan

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Siachen Base Camp Opens to Tourists Without NOC; Galwan Valley to Open from June 15

MC Travel Desk Read the latest and trending travel news storiesstay updated on new destinations, travel trends, visa updates, and expert tips for your next adventure.

Priyanka Roshan

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Vaishno Devi Yatra After Pahalgam Attack: Is It Safe to Travel? Heres Your Ultimate Guide

Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.

Priyanka Roshan

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Pradeep Tripathi

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Deadly mushroom lunch: Erin Patterson on trial over fatal family meal that killed three

Pragya Trivedi

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First 100 days of Trump 2.0: The good, the bad and the ugly

Pragya Trivedi

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Pragya Trivedi

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Islamabad High Court judges allege government retaliation through fund transfers

The Express Tribune reports that five justices of the Islamabad High Court have filed a formal complaint with the Supreme Court, alleging governmental interference through manipulation of financial transfers. The judges claim these actions were retaliatory, designed to punish the IHC for decisions unfavorable to the government. This development highlights ongoing tensions between Pakistan's judiciary and executive branches, particularly concerning judicial independence and alleged government attempts to influence court proceedings.

The complaint underscores concerns about the erosion of judicial autonomy and potential governmental overreach. Opposition parties are expected to leverage this situation to criticize the ruling party, while international observers may express concern over the rule of law in Pakistan. The 'transfers' in question likely refer to resource allocation to the IHC, which the judges suggest were deliberately altered to exert pressure, as reported by The Express Tribune.
Samsung warns US tariffs and export curbs will dampen chip and smartphone demand

Pragya Trivedi

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Taliban to Turkey: Are old friends turning their backs on Pakistan after Pahalgam attack?

Abhinav Gupta With over 12 years in digital journalism, has navigated the fast-evolving media landscape, shaping digital strategies and leading high-impact newsrooms. Currently, he serves as News Editor at MoneyControl, leading coverage in Global Affairs, Indian Politics, Governance and Policy Making. Previously, he has spearheaded fact-checking and digital media operations at Press Trust of India. Abhinav has also led news desks at Financial Express, DNA, and Jagran English, managing editorial direction, breaking news coverage, and digital growth. His journey includes stints with The Indian Express Group, Zee Media Group, and more, where he has honed his expertise in newsroom leadership, audience engagement, and digital transformation.

Abhinav Gupta

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Trump optimistic about trade deal with India, says tariff talks 'going great'

Pradeep Tripathi

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Xi is trying to turn world against US as Trump cuts deals

Sonalee Borgohain

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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.
Britain's Prince William and wife Kate arrive to visit to Aros Hall community hub in Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull, western Scotland, Britain, April 29, 2025.

REUTERS
Kenneth Lujan, then-U.S. Small Business Administration Guam branch manager, delivers a speech during the SBA Awards at M80 Systems Inc. in Asan on July 17, 2024.

Photo by Frank San Nicolas/The Guam Daily Post
TCSO at the Jamestown property conducting the search View Photo

Jamestown, CA The parents of a one-year-old baby were arrested after the childs second trip to the hospital revealed fentanyl and another drug in their system.

Tuolumne County Sheriffs officials report that on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, deputies responded to a residence near Dutch Mine Road in Jamestown for a report of a 1-year-old child who had reportedly choked and temporarily stopped breathing. They added that the child was revived on scene, transported to Adventist Health Sonora for evaluation, and later released to their parents.

The next day, around 4 p.m., Child Welfare Services notified the sheriffs office that the parents, 22-year-old Rory Kerr and 32-year-old Denaun Davis, had brought the child back to the hospital for a second time the previous day (Tuesday) after the baby became unresponsive again. Detectives discovered that during this visit, the child received CPR and was successfully resuscitated. However, after testing presumptively positive for fentanyl and tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, found in marijuana, the child was transferred to an out-of-area hospital for treatment.

An investigation was launched, and just before 9:30 p.m., a search was conducted at the familys motorhome in Jamestown, uncovering numerous items of drug use paraphernalia containing narcotics residue. Also found was used Narcan, the drug used to revive a person when they have overdosed on fentanyl. While this was happening, two detectives traveled to the outside hospital and arrested the parents.

Sheriffs officials advised that evidence supports the fact that one of the parents had given Narcan to the child. They gave this public warning:

We want to remind the public that while Narcan (naloxone) is a critical and often life-saving tool in reversing the effects of opioid overdoses, including those caused by fentanyl, it is not a substitute for proper medical care. Narcan is temporary in nature and can wear off while dangerous levels of narcotics remain in the body. If you or someone else has been exposed to a suspected overdose, it is essential to seek immediate medical attentioneven if Narcan appears to have worked. Being honest and forthcoming with emergency responders and healthcare professionals about potential drug exposure is critical to receiving appropriate and timely treatment.

Davis and Kerr were arrested for felony child abuse charges, including abuse likely to cause great bodily injury or death. All the children involved are in protective custody, and this case remains an active investigation, with sheriffs officials stating that no further details will be released at this time.
CHIRUNDU  The usually bustling Chirundu One Stop Border Post, a vital artery connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia, became a scene of simmering discontent this week as citizens from both sides of the Zambezi River engaged in heated counter-protests. The border, typically a gateway for trade, travel, and familial connections, was brought to a standstill as Zimbabweans and Zambians voiced their grievances against what they perceive as unjust treatment by immigration authorities.

The dispute centres on allegations of discrimination and double standards levelled against immigration officials at both the Zimbabwean and Zambian entry and exit points. For years, the Chirundu border has served as a crucial link between the two nations, facilitating the movement of goods and people, and fostering a sense of interconnectedness among border communities. It stands as one of Africas few one-stop border posts, streamlining procedures and promoting regional integration.

The symbiotic relationship between the border communities is particularly noteworthy. Zimbabweans residing in Chirundu often rely on the more developed Zambian side for access to essential services such as shops, hospitals, and other facilities, as the Zimbabwean settlement is largely undeveloped due to its designation as a wildlife sanctuary. Conversely, Zambians frequently cross into Zimbabwe to access vegetable and other food markets, and to engage in the trade of second-hand clothing and other goods.

However, this delicate balance was disrupted on Monday when simmering frustrations boiled over into open protest. Citizens from both sides effectively blockaded the border, preventing entry to their respective countries and bringing commercial activities to a grinding halt.

The root of the Zimbabwean protesters discontent lies in what they perceive as a deliberate targeting by Zambian immigration authorities, who allegedly impose exorbitant fines of up to US$800 on Zimbabweans for minor immigration infractions. These fines, often crippling for ordinary citizens, stand in stark contrast to the perceived leniency afforded to Zambians committing similar offences in Zimbabwe.

We are tired of being treated unfairly, declared Tibs Runyowa, chairperson of the Chirundu Residents Association, encapsulating the sentiment of many Zimbabwean protesters. The rift has reached boiling point as Zimbabweans stand up against injustices.

Runyowa further elaborated on the alleged targeting of Zimbabweans, claiming that Zambian authorities were actively tracking Zimbabweans crossing the border to purchase groceries. We had four colleagues in cells who were being asked to pay as much as 24 000 kwacha as fines, he revealed, highlighting the severity of the situation. However, he later confirmed that the arrested Zimbabweans had been released without charge, suggesting a possible de-escalation of the situation.

On the Zambian side, vendors launched their own counter-protests, alleging that Zimbabwean immigration officers and local residents associations were unjustly preventing them from entering Zimbabwe to conduct their business.

We just want to earn a living, but were being turned away at the border for no valid reason, lamented one Zambian vendor, echoing the frustrations of her compatriots.

The border stand-off has created a climate of uncertainty and anxiety for those who rely on cross-border trade and travel for their livelihoods. Agnes Moyo, a Zimbabwean trader who crosses the border weekly to sell her goods, expressed her fears, saying, Now Im scared. I dont know if Ill be fined, arrested, or just turned away. All I want is to feed my children.

Ruth Tembo, a Zambian vendor who sells vegetables near the border, tearfully recounted her experience of being turned away by Zimbabwean authorities. They turn us away like we dont matter, she said. But this is my livelihood. If I dont sell, my children dont eat.

The situation remains tense, with both sides anxiously awaiting the outcome of closed-door talks between immigration authorities from Zimbabwe and Zambia.

We need dialogue to resolve these issues, urged Runyowa. A swift resolution is needed to restore normalcy and ensure fair treatment for all nationals crossing the border. He emphasised that the dispute was not about animosity between the two countries, but rather about the plight of ordinary citizens caught in the middle. This is not about countries fighting, he said. Its about regular people being caught in the middle. We need solutions that respect human dignity and economic survival.

Police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the clashes, but downplayed their significance. It was not something serious, but a dispute between vendors from both countries, but no violence was recorded by the police, he stated. The matter has since been diplomatically resolved by stakeholders from both countries.

However, despite Commissioner Nyathis assurances, the underlying issues of alleged unfair treatment and discrimination remain unresolved. The lack of official comment from Zambian authorities further compounds the uncertainty surrounding the situation. Zambian Police Service spokesperson Rae Hamoonga referred inquiries to the countrys Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation ministry, but repeated attempts to contact the ministry went unanswered.

The Chirundu Border Post, once a symbol of regional integration and cross-border cooperation, has become a microcosm of the challenges and complexities inherent in managing international borders. The current stand-off serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater transparency, accountability, and mutual respect in the enforcement of immigration laws.

Politically, the crisis tests diplomatic relations between the two nations, both members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), which advocate for regional integration and free movement. While Zimbabwean and Zambian immigration authorities have yet to issue formal statements, social media has amplified public frustration, with some users mocking Zambian protesters for crying about other Africans while overlooking Chinese corporate dominance in their economya nod to anti-Chinese sentiment that has flared in Zambia over resource ownership.

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HARARE  A suspected armed robber is currently under police guard at Parirenyatwa Hospital after being shot and arrested following a dramatic high-speed chase from Harare to Marondera. The suspect, identified as 65-year-old Kenny Magena, was apprehended hours after allegedly participating in an armed robbery at a residence in Harare.

Harare regional magistrate Tilda Mazhande convened court at the hospital yesterday to remand Magena in custody. He was advised to appear at Marondera Magistrates Court on May 12.

The court heard that on April 26, Magena, along with his accomplices Collen Marion Banda, Kudakwashe Mawonya, Felix Tagonera, and Clemence Fadzai Manyika, allegedly conspired to rob Costas Andreas Klostris at his residence. The gang is said to have laid an ambush, awaiting Klostriss return.

According to court documents, Klostris arrived home at approximately 4.30pm and, upon parking his car, was immediately accosted by the robbers. The assailants, wearing balaclavas and armed with two pistols, reportedly manhandled Klostris and ordered him out of his vehicle, demanding money.

Sensing the imminent danger, Klostris complied with the robbers demands, directing them to a small basket in the car containing money. The robbers allegedly stole US$13 500 before fleeing the scene, leaving Klostris tied up.

After managing to free himself, Klostris promptly reported the incident to the police. Law enforcement officers swiftly spotted the getaway vehicle speeding away from the scene towards Harare, initiating a hot pursuit.

During the chase, police fired warning shots in an attempt to stop the fleeing suspects. When the gang eventually stopped, they bolted out of the motor vehicle in an attempt to evade arrest. Detectives responded by firing shots, hitting Magena in the left lower limb, causing him to fall to the ground.

Magena was subsequently apprehended, along with his accomplices. A search of the getaway vehicle yielded a black 9mm Retay MOD 92 blank pistol with serial number RIYREROYSO1-2407082, a bottle of paper spray, 1 pair of gloves, two grinder discs, and cable tiers. Police also recovered US$13 116 from his accomplices.

Magena, who sustained a gunshot wound, was referred to Parirenyatwa Hospital for medical treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.

Police Investigate Fatal Speed Chase in Gweru

In a separate incident, police have launched investigations into a fatal road traffic accident that occurred along the Gweru-Bristol Road on April 28 at approximately 10.30pm. Two people died on the spot after their car crashed into a tree during a speed chase with a police officer.

National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police have instituted criminal and disciplinary action against the police constable who was involved in the fatal speed chase.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that investigations are being conducted in connection with a fatal road traffic accident that occurred along Bristol Road on 28 April at around 2230 hours. Two people who were in a Toyota Aqua that was in a speed chase with Constable Sakala of ZRP Mkoba died on the spot when their vehicle hit a tree, said Commissioner Nyathi.

Armed Robber Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison in Beitbridge

Meanwhile, in Beitbridge, a 33-year-old man from Mukotosi village in Masvingo has been sentenced to an effective seven years in prison for armed robbery. Farai Magobo was initially sentenced to 12 years imprisonment, with three years suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, and an additional two years suspended on condition of restitution.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), on March 9 this year, Magobo and an accomplice, who is still at large, ambushed Watch Makayi, a local driver, after he disembarked from a taxi near Mutsa Lodge in Beitbridge.

The NPA stated that Makayi had just collected R200 000 from his employers shops, which he was delivering to a residence. Magobo sprayed Makayi in the face while his accomplice brandished a pistol threatening to kill him. The cash was hidden in food bowls, plastic containers, and red plastic bags. As the robbers fled, Makayi screamed for help, and bystanders gave chase. The armed accomplice fired four shots.

Magobo was apprehended by a member of the public, who noticed him carrying pepper spray and a red paper bag. R15 000 was recovered from Magobo, while the remaining R185 000 was not recovered, and the accomplice remains at large. The NPA confirmed that Makayi positively identified Magobo as one of the robbers.

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April is one of my favorite months because its when one of my favorite distilleries releases its annual special anniversary blend. The 13th edition of Chattanooga Whiskey's Founders Blend hit the shelves on April 11 this year, and it is definitely a worthy addition to the history of the business. In fact, it was named Icons of Whisky  Craft Producer of the Year (both America and Global) at Whisky Magazine's 2023 World Whiskies Awards.

Every year, distillery founder Tim Piersant creates a unique blend that represents the past, present and future of the distillery, drawing from three large charred oak casks that hold thousands of gallons of whiskey in what is known as a solera process. Solera systems are very common in rum and sherry production  spirits that arent as obsessive about age statements as other categories. Where straight bourbon whiskies require labels to state the youngest whiskey in the blend to determine the age statement, solera systems are designed to be added to with new make over and over again.

This means distilleries can release new barrels from the solera casks and legitimately claim that there probably are some much older spirits included in the mix, although they might be at the molecular level. They just cant make that claim on the bottles label.

But Chattanooga Whiskey doesnt use its three soleras that way. Instead, the smallest of their three special casks (625 gallons) holds their original recipe, from before they were actually releasing whiskey that was made in house. Known as 1816, this was some really great whiskey sourced from MGP, the Indiana-based mega-distillery that supplies spirits to all sorts of companies.

+3 Whiskey Wednesday: New Favorites From Old Favorites Barrell Craft Spirits and Chattanooga Whiskey Co. release experimental and exciting bottles

For the Founders Blend, Piersant mixes some of the 1816, which has been aged between four and six years, with their flagship Barrel 91 Tennessee High Malt recipe, which is itself a blend of three different specially roasted and toasted malted grains. Are you keeping up so far? They keep their supply of this foundational recipe in the largest of the soleras at 4,000 gallons, representing the present of the distillery.

With an eye toward the future, Chattanooga maintains what it calls an Infinity Barrel  1,645 gallons of samples of the experimental projects that are always underway within their two distilling operations. Additions to the Infinity Barrel this year include five new creations, including a malt whiskey made using Italian Adriatic coastal barley malt and an alternate version of their flagship 99 Rye recipe made with a heavily toasted rye malt.

For this years Founders Blend, Piersant chose to mix 23 percent Past (1816) with 58 percent Present (91) and 19 percent Future (Infinity Barrel). The result is one of my favorites of the 13 editions of the series. I feel that even though its less than a quarter of the blend, the MGP product really shines through this year, contributing more of the MGPs recipes characteristic brown sugar, vanilla and toasted smore character to the end product. I also enjoyed the gentle anise and fruity contributions, which I assume came from the experimental additions, and as always, I appreciate the high malt character of the flagship 91 recipe. If you dont find a bottle of Chattanooga Whiskey 91 on my nightcap whiskey shelf at home, it just means Ive havent made it to the liquor store since I ran out last night.

Nashville is one of the lucky places outside of the Chattanooga Whiskey tasting room and bottle store where you can find Founders Blend, and at around $60 per bottle, I think its worth seeking out!

Cheers.
Two abrupt firings by President Donald Trump have left the Tennessee Valley Authority with just four board members ahead of its May 8 meeting. The federal agency, which provides electricity to more than 10 million people across seven states, must have five board members to make a quorum. Without a quorum, the boards power is severely constrained by its own bylaws. The scheduled May 8 convening will be the boards first quarterly meeting under new CEO Don Moul, who succeeded Jeff Lyash in late March.

The TVA was created under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to electrify areas of the South and Appalachia. The agency used federal authority and eminent domain powers to build a network of hydroelectric dams, transmission lines and power plants throughout Tennessee, which it has maintained for almost a century. Local power companies like the Nashville Electric Service buy electricity from the TVA, which enjoys monopoly-like control of power generation throughout Tennessee and parts of Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Mississippi and Kentucky.

Trumps fixation on fossil fuels and hostility toward clean energy initially prompted speculation about how he might reshape the TVA from the top after Senate Democrats abandoned several TVA nominees in the final months of 2024. Former President Joe Biden left three vacancies to Trump, who has instead chosen to take from, rather than add to, the TVAs powerful governing body.

The White House dismissed board member Michelle Moore via an SEC filing on March 27. Biden installed Moore, a solar energy proponent and advocate for affordable rural utilities, in 2022, with her term set to end in March 2026. Within days, Trump again cut the board, axing Joe Ritch, a Huntsville attorney and University of Alabama system trustee emeritus. Ritch served one board term under Barack Obama and earned another under Biden, which was set to end in May. The body briefly had a full nine-person roster in 2023.

Trump is playing dangerous political games by firing another TVA board member and risking the lives of millions of families and workers, Gaby Sarri-Tobar of the Center for Biological Diversity tells the Scene in a statement. This leaves our countrys largest federal utility adrift, without key leaders and without the authority to keep the lights on, utility bills low and families safe during the next disaster.

The Moore and Ritch firings follow an op-ed in Power Magazine by Tennessees U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty criticizing the current board and demanding that the TVA double down on nuclear energy. Just before Ritchs firing, the board selected Moul as interim CEO in one of its last actions with a quorum.

Advocates again slammed the GOP for playing politics. Stephen Smith, director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, called the Hagerty-Blackburn move a reckless attempt at micromanaging TVA that will further destabilize the agency at a critical juncture.

Uncharted territory awaits when the board convenes on May 8. The body has not met without a quorum since before it expanded to nine members in 2005. Absent a quorum, bylaws deprive the board of the authority to direct the Corporation into new areas of activity, to embark on new programs, or to change the Corporations existing direction.

The agency has not yet released an agenda for the meeting, but plans to continue with its regularly scheduled May 7 public input session and May 8 board meeting in Cookeville with remaining TVA directors Beth Geer, Bill Renick, Bobby Klein and Wade White.TVA spokesperson Scott Brooks tells the Scene that the agencys legal counsel has not furnished any legal analysis or interpretation of the situation.

Turbulence plagued the agency during former CEO Lyashs six-year stint. Environmentalists and elected officials harangued the TVA for its slow pivot away from coal-powered energy, punctuated by the 2008 Kingston Fossil Plant spill and its disastrous cleanup. Lavish executive salaries and a lack of compensation transparency provoked bipartisan criticism; Lyashs $10.5 million all-in pay package earned him the distinction of the highest-paid federal employee. TVAs recent embrace of carbon-heavy gas  and related lucrative pipeline projects  has been dogged by protests and legal action, with environmental attorneys alleging that the agency did not genuinely consider solar and wind alternatives. Winter Storm Elliott in 2022 exposed a grid vulnerable to extreme weather. Extreme cold and overstressed transmission infrastructure forced rolling blackouts and cost TVA $170 million.
A short statement published by the American Association of Colleges and Universities last week signaled new coordination among school leaders to push back against President Donald Trumps recent efforts to increase White House control over American higher education.

+2 University Researchers Protest Federal Funding Cuts at Downtown Rally Funding cuts have prompted researchers to consider moving abroad, attendees say

While Nashville universities Belmont, Lipscomb and Vanderbilt are AAC&U members, they did not join the 400-plus signatories, which include Sewanees University of the South and Rhodes College in Memphis. No public university in Tennessee signed on. Fisk University, Trevecca Nazarene University and American Baptist College are not AAC&U members.

As leaders of Americas colleges, universities, and scholarly societies, we speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education, reads the statement, dated April 22. We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses. We will always seek effective and fair financial practices, but we must reject the coercive use of public research funding.

Without directly naming the president or invoking partisan politics, authors offer the note as a conciliatory overture arguing the importance of academic funding and institutional autonomy. Leading campuses including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Duke and MIT joined smaller institutions like Williams College and Amherst College on the statement. No SEC schools  all of which are AAC&U members  co-signed the message, making its signatory list an early proxy for emerging political battle lines in American higher education.

Sam Altman, Marsha Blackburn to Headline Vandy National Security Summit University strengthening ties to tech, military and government with conference tackling AI and modern warfare

Vanderbilt recently drew praise from U.S. Rep. Mark Green and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, both Trump-aligned Republicans, at a national security conference hosted by the school. Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier has defended the schools equivocations on national and geopolitical issues as part of a principled neutrality doctrine. At the same time, Vanderbilt relies on hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grant funding vulnerable to termination by the Trump administration.

Over the last weeks, we have been actively engaged in personal advocacy, with and without university partners, reads a statement provided by the university to the campus paper, the Vanderbilt Hustler. We are also working through our primary association, the Association of American Universities, to advocate on behalf of Americas leading research universities. Last week the AAU issued a statement in support of Harvard [University].

The AAU is a separate organization from the AAC&U.
California bill proposes letting homeless students sleep in their cars

California Assemblyman Corey Jackson, a Democrat, introduced a bill requiring state colleges to allow homeless students to sleep in campus parking lots by 2026, citing housing insecurity affecting 60 percent of community college students.

Opponents, including Republican leaders, argue the plan is a superficial fix, blaming decades of restrictive Democratic policies for the housing crisis instead of addressing root causes like zoning laws and construction delays.

California faces exorbitant rents (50 percent above the national median) and low homeownership due to bureaucratic hurdles, despite Gov. Gavin Newsom's claims of progress on homelessness.

Newsom's administration emphasizes temporary shelters (71,000 new beds), but critics demand permanent solutions, accusing the governor of failing to tackle affordability.

The state's struggles serve as a national cautionary tale, with high taxes, overregulation and unaffordable housing driving residents away  reducing the "American Dream" to survival in parking lots.

In a state where housing affordability has reached crisis levels, a state lawmaker in California has proposed a shocking legislative "fix"  allowing homeless college students to sleep in their cars on campus parking lots.

Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-District 60), a progressive Democrat with a background in social work, introduced the bill in March. He framed it as a "practical, immediate relief" for students struggling with housing insecurity. But critics denounced it as nothing more than a band-aid on a bullet wound.

Jackson's bill would require California State University and community college systems to establish overnight parking programs by late 2026  essentially turning campus lots into temporary shelter zones for students who cannot afford housing. According to a 2023 survey by the Community College League of California, three in five community college students face housing insecurity and one in four are homeless. These staggering numbers serve as irony in a state that touts itself as the world's fifth-largest economy. (Related: California mayor under fire for proposing FENTANYL distribution to address homelessness.)

Critics, including Republicans, have pointed out that the proposal is proof that decades of failed Democratic policies have left California unable to solve its housing crisis. California State Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher (R-District 3) said the bill proves that the Democrats' policies in the Golden State "have completely collapsed."

Fox News contributor and former California resident Hugh Hewitt shared the GOP state lawmaker's sentiments. According to Hewitt, Jackson's bill was inevitable under "50 years of no-growth, left-wing policies that are anti-housing."

The bigger problem: California's housing market collapse

California's housing crisis didnt happen overnight. Decades of restrictive zoning laws, environmental regulations and bureaucratic red tape have stifled development while demand skyrocketed. Today, California has some of the highest rents in the nation  roughly 50 percent above the national median  and an abysmal homeownership rate.

Despite Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's repeated claims that his administration is outperforming national trends on homelessness  citing a three percent increase in California compared to 18 percent nationally  the reality on the streets tells a different story. Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles remain mired in encampments, crime and squalor despite billions spent on "solutions."

Newsom's office declined to comment on Jacksons bill, instead pointing to its own record  including 71,000 new shelter beds. But critics argue that shelters are not the same as permanent housing.

Even members of his own party like progressive advisor Brendan Hartnett blasted the governor for failing on affordability. "Newsom should spend more time governing and addressing California's housing crisis, so students don't have to sleep in cars," said Hartnett.

Californias dysfunction is more than a local crisis; it's a cautionary tale. For years, the state has pursued policies that prioritize government expansion over free-market solutions.

High taxes, excessive regulations and unchecked spending have driven businesses and residents to flee. Now, college students  the future workforce  are sleeping in their cars.

If this is the best Democrats can offer, how much worse will it get? The American Dream once meant owning a home, building stability and securing opportunity. Today, in the Golden State, it's being reduced to a parking space.

Watch this video about California borrowing $6.2 billion for migrant healthcare, proving that the Golden State is going broke.

This video is from the TREASURE OF THE SUN channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Homeless camp pops up on a Beverly Hills sidewalk as homelessness spills into the wealthier areas of California.

The capital of California is collapsing into chaos, feces, drug addiction and homelessness and its all run by Democrats, of course.

Audit reveals billions in taxpayer dollars wasted as L.A. homelessness crisis worsens.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

FoxNews.com

AOL.com

Brighteon.com
Hungarys honeybee collapse and the global honey scramble: A crisis over pollution, policy and profits

Hungarys honeybee colonies have plummeted by 50% in a year due to harsh frosts, pesticides and disease, with environmental changes damaging critical acacia forests needed for pollination.

Cheap honey imports from Ukraine and China undercut local beekeepers by up to 80%, threatening their livelihoods with unsustainable pricing and adulterated products flooding markets.

Pesticides (like neonicotinoids) and parasites (e.g., varroa mites) contribute to worldwide bee declines, exemplified by Germanys pesticide bans following mass die-offs.

Adulterated honey  often diluted with sugar syrups  dominates global markets, while EU policies favor importers over local producers, sparking protests in Hungary.

Advocates demand stricter labeling, organic beekeeping practices and systemic reforms to protect pollinators, emphasizing the broader threat to food security and ecosystems.

In Hungary, a once-thriving honeybee population has been decimated, with numbers halved in just one year, while domestic beekeepers face economic ruin as cheap, often subpar, honey floods the market from Ukraine and China. A deadly combination of frosts, pesticides and collapsing demand has left Hungarian beekeepers on the brink, mirroring a global struggle to protect pollinators and ensure the integrity of food systems.

The perfect storm: Disease, winter, frost and imports

Since winter 2023, Hungarys beekeepers have witnessed a catastrophic collapse, losing 50% of their colonies. A bitter cold snap in April 2024 further crippled recovery by damaging two-thirds of the acacia forests critical for spring pollination. The acacias buds turned black, and the expected blooms never came, stated Peter Bross, president of the National Hungarian Beekeeping Association, describing hillsides stripped of their floral lifeline.

Compounding these ecological blows, Hungarian beekeepers now compete with honey from Ukraine and China, where imports undercut domestic prices by as much as 80%. When the European Unions second-largest honey producer lifts honey onto the scales, the scales of economic justice crack. Honey can always be sold, but unfortunately, more often at a price that doesnt cover costs, Bross lamented.

Environmental threats compounding the crisis

The bee decline isnt confined to Hungary. Globally, bee populations have seen alarming losses attributed to pesticides like neonicotinoids  banned in parts of the EU  and the parasitic varroa mite. Germanys recent suspension of certain pesticides in response to massive bee die-offs underscores a broader environmental reckoning. This is a crisis for biodiversity and agriculture, warned Manfred Hederer of Germanys beekeepers association, echoing the Hungarian experience.

Climate events further disrupt delicate ecosystems. Acacia trees, a cornerstone of Hungarian beekeeping, are exquisitely sensitive to temperature shifts. Two nights of sub-zero April temperatures destroyed decades of growth, noted Bross. Meanwhile, prolonged drought exacerbates stress on woody plants like linden and chestnut, jeopardizing winter forage.

Global market pressures and the fake honey dilemma

The crisis is as much about economics as ecology. China, the worlds largest honey producer, floods global markets with products sometimes cut with sugar syrups. A 2023 study by Beijings Institute of Apicultural Research admitted practices of sugar adulteration for higher profits. In the U.K., lab tests on supermarket honeys revealed 89% of samples showed signs of tampering.

Hungarian beekeepers protest against EU policies that permit such imports. Ukrainian honey enters at rock-bottom prices, squeezing local incomes, said beekeeper Krisztian Kisjuhasz, who joined February 2024 protests near Ukraines border. Prime Minister Viktor Orbans government, however, argues repealing the Ukrainian import ban benefits traders reliant on foreign honey to fulfill EU contracts.

Advocacy and proposed solutions: A fight for transparency

The U.K.s Honey Authenticity Network UK is pushing for stricter labeling to combat deceptive blends. Lynne Ingram argues, Consumers deserve to know if their honey is adulterated. While the EU mulls labeling laws, Britains departure from EU regulations complicates enforcement.

Solutions are budding beyond policy. Natural health advocates champion organic beekeeping, which avoids pesticides and fosters ecosystem resilience. Susan Thixton of the Truth About Pet Food warns pet owners to avoid cheap, grain-based foods  advice extending to human food supply chains.

Uncertain future

Hungarys bee collapse serves as an alarm bell for global food security. From Polish apiaries to Californias almond orchards, pollinator decline threatens ecosystems and economies alike. The fight isnt just about saving bees but also about dismantling policies favoring industrial profit over ecological balance. As beekeeper Kisjuhasz put it, Without action, farming honey could become a hobby, not a livelihood. Without systemic change, the honey exodus threatens to turn every corner of the planet into a land of vanishing blooms  and dire consequences for life itself.

Sources for this article include:

rmx.news

TheGuardian.com

Reuters.com
Unconstitutional? Nassau County proposes controversial buffer zone law for first responders

Nassau County lawmakers aim to criminalize standing within 15 feet of police or first responders during emergencies, with penalties of up to a $1,000 fine and one year in jail, claiming it prevents interference with emergency operations.

Backed by both Republican and Democratic legislators, the bill frames the measure as necessary to protect first responders from threats and distractions, emphasizing public safety over political divisions.

Opponents, including the NYCLU, argue the law violates free speech and transparency, enabling police to suppress public scrutiny and dissent, similar to "free speech zone" restrictions.

Similar laws in Louisiana, Arizona and Indiana were struck down by federal courts for being unconstitutionally vague and restricting oversight of law enforcement, raising doubts about Nassau's proposal.

Legal experts warn such measures undermine accountability by discouraging documentation of police actions, a key check on power, while proponents insist they prioritize officer safety.

Lawmakers in Nassau County are advancing a contentious bill that would criminalize standing within 15 feet of police officers or other first responders during emergencies, prompting fierce debate over constitutionality and civil liberties.

Under the proposed measure, individuals entering the designated "buffer zone" around emergency personnel could face misdemeanor charges, a $1,000 fine and up to a year in jail. The bill, introduced by the Republican-majority county Board of Legislators, claims to shield first responders from "threats, harassment and physical interference" while on duty.

"It is important that first responders are not obstructed during emergency situations and that our frontline heroes are allowed to engage in the lifesaving actions they are trained to perform without distractions," said Republican legislator John Ferretti.

New York state law already penalizes interference with emergency personnel with up to a year in jail, three years of probation or a $1,000 fine, but the new proposal clarifies enforcement and strengthens protections. (Related: Calls grow to deport migrants who attacked two police officers in New York City.)

"Our cops and first responders shouldn't have to fight crowds while they're saving lives," Democrat legislator Seth Koslow, who is running for county executive, said. "This bill gives them the authority to keep chaos out and do their jobs without interference. It's backed by both parties  because protecting those who protect us shouldn't be political."

However, critics warn that the measure could infringe constitutional rights.

"Floating buffer zones offer yet another way for police to keep their activities hidden from public scrutiny," New York Civil Liberties Union senior policy counsel Justin Harrison said. "Laws that make it harder to monitor the police don't make anybody safer  in reality, they violate the Constitution, run counter to government transparency principles and foster distrust in law enforcement."

Federal judges have struck down similar laws in other states

Other states also passed similar measures, but were later struck down by courts.

For instance, a federal judge in Louisiana overturned a law that required individuals to stay at least 25 feet away from police officers while they perform their duties. The judge ruled that the law, enacted to enhance officer safety, was unconstitutionally vague and risked violating free speech rights by potentially restricting public oversight of law enforcement.

Gov. Jeff Landry signed the controversial measure into law in May 2024 amid rising national concerns about safety risks for police officers. The statute prohibited people from knowingly approaching within 25 feet of an officer engaged in official duties after receiving a verbal warning to prevent interference and protect officers from potential threats.

However, the judge found the language of the law too ambiguous, creating a risk of arbitrary enforcement. The ruling warned that the statute could be used to intimidate journalists, activists and bystanders from documenting police conduct, a vital check on law enforcement accountability.

Similar laws also existed in Arizona and Indiana, but have also been blocked by federal judges.

Grace Sinclair, a staff attorney at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, applauded the ruling, emphasizing that it was not only important for Louisiana but for the nation as a whole. "This case is not just about Louisiana. We've seen similar laws cropping up across the United States, and we're relieved that courts are taking the time to closely examine these measures that threaten free speech and public oversight," said Sinclair.

Head over to PoliceState.news for more news similar to this.

Watch this video to learn how policemen are doing their assignments.

This video is from the Gang Stalking Australia channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

New York rapidly turning into a miserable, enslaved vaccine police state.

New York sanitation police caught digging through resident's trash, issuing $500 fines for improper recycling.

Breakdown: New York EMTs forced to wait for hours with dead bodies before police arrive.

Sources include:

FoxNews.com

BRWeeklyPress.com

Brighteon.com
Now you know

Woke liberalism is exactly what Christopher Lasch predicted in The Revolt of the Elites, published in 1995, the year after his early death at 61. Lasch saw how the juvenile idealism of Boomer hippiedom would slide into the narcissistic, sado-masochistic degeneracy of open borders, drag queen story hours, Covid-19 despotism, DEI racism, showbiz Satanism, censorship, forever wars, and now, the legal insurrection of lawfare.

(Article by James Howard Kunstler republished from Kunstler.com)

In doing so, Lasch also predicted the mass formation psychosis described by Belgian psychologist Mattias Desmet, spawned by a crisis of meaning and purpose in the thinking classes of Western Civ. And now you know exactly how come a place like Boston, with its concentration of elites in universities, computer tech, and medical research displays a batshit-crazy dedication to ideas bent on destroying our political culture: the American republic.

The word republic derives from the Latin, res publica: the public thing, the idea of a state dedicated to the common good. By state you can infer both a group of people in a certain place, but also the set of conditions they dwell in. You cant have a common good without a common culture, which means a general agreement among citizens on values in that certain place  which is our country, the USA.

You cant overstate the importance of shared ideas and values in that enterprise of being a nation, we-the-people in our particular place. The juvenile idealism of Boomer hippiedom wrecked the crucial idea of a common culture, and I will tell you exactly how that happened. Two crusades: first, the civil rights campaign, and second, stopping the War in Vietnam, defined the era.

The first of these climaxed in twin landmark legislative acts designed to abolish Jim Crow racism: the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibiting discrimination in public places, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibited unfair obstacles to voting. The idealism in that moment of history was extreme. The dominant old-school Liberal ethos displayed a sense of triumph. Its cardinal belief in human progress was validated in the new law-of-the-land. We were supposedly entering a utopia of racial harmony.

It proved to be a huge disappointment, a failure. In some fundamental ways, black and white America could not agree on certain values, especially language and behavior. These matters were so hypersensitive that discussing them became taboo, and when someone dared to  such as the rogue journalist Tom Wolfe in his book Radical Chic, which made fun of the cultural elites trying to socialize with the Black Panthers  he was buried in the most extreme censorious opprobrium by the elite good-thinkers of politics, academia, and the cultural media. They couldnt believe old Tom dove clear through the Overton Window the way he did, head first.

In fact, a big segment of black America after 1965 became much more overtly separatist and oppositional, while white America became more frantically confounded and depressed by it. The result was the elites solution to that quandary: multiculturalism! Which basically meant: we dont need a common culture in the USA. (We dont need an agreement about values, language, and behavior.) Each group in America can have its own menu of these things. This accomplished two ends: it allowed criminal behavior to explode; and it allowed the elites to excuse themselves from any serious further attempts to manage the res publica. The people of the ghettos were free to do their thing; while the elites turned their full attention to Boomer careerism and Gordon Gecko style financial moneygrubbing.

As for the crusade to end the War in Vietnam, that was also an epic failure, never properly acknowledged. In fact, no one in the USA, no party or faction, ended the war. We simply lost the War in Vietnam. We just never said so, and still dont. It ended in ignominy, with the last remnants of US officialdom in Saigon having to be rescued by helicopter from the roof of the American Embassy. The so-called gooks in their black pajamas beat the giant American grunt army with its bottomless supply of attack helicopters and napalm. Chalk up another L for old school Liberalism.

You cant overstate how demoralizing this was. And so. . . the serial reenactments of our forever wars of recent decades, mostly botches and failures despite our vaunted defense establishment, our glorious war technology, and our fake commitment to spreading democracy. We simply need to prove that we cant possibly lose wars against more primitive people  though we have lost repeatedly, the fiasco in leaving Kabul in 2021 being even more ignominious than the flight from Saigon. This can only be understood, finally, as a species of national neurosis.

As was absolutely everything about the George Floyd riots of 2020, Wokery-in-action, with the torching of cities, the looting flash-mobs, and the tearing down of statues honoring American heroes. Try understanding that as the latest chapter in civil rights egalitarianism gone awry, starting with the sanctification of the druggie thug George Floyd, who so perfectly personified the failures of multiculturalism. (What were his values? Ever ask yourself that?)

Now, try (if you can) to understand what the election of Mr. Trump represents: the drive to restore a viable American common culture, to re-set our agreement on values, to repair the broken res publica. And note how wildly that is resented and opposed by this corrupt and degenerate residue of idealism gone to hell (literally), this ragtag and bobtail of Democratic Party elites, consumed in their mass formation psychosis, addicted to lying and violence, and furious that they are no longer in command.

So, now you know how all this works. An American common culture matters, and if we cant put it together, were sunk. This is our chance to put it together.

Read more at: Kunstler.com
U.S. Governments Bio-War Against America: 15 Historical Medical Horrors Inflicted on the American People by the Government Itself

As this research article reveals, the U.S. government has routinely unleashed bioweapons on its own people. It has weaponized medicine, dropped aerosolized bioweapons on civilian populations in the USA and subjected American civiliansespecially Black and marginalized populationsto horrific medical torture under the guise of "science."

From forced sterilization to aerosolized biowarfare attacks, history exposes a government that views its citizens as disposable guinea pigs rather than free human beings. And as you read these words, the same corrupt agenciesCDC, NIH, DOD, FDAare pushing bird flu hysteria, flu season propaganda, and forced vaccine mandates designed to inject you with engineered bioweapons that seek to accelerate global depopulation of the human race.

The evidence is undeniable. Each of the 15 events listed below can be independently verified through multiple historical sources.

1. J. Marion Sims Experiments on Enslaved Black Women (18451849)

Year: 18451849

Location: Alabama

Agency/Entity: None (governmental institutions later funded Sims work)

Details: The "father of gynecology" tortured enslaved Black women with repeated agonizing surgerieswithout anesthesiato develop surgical techniques. Many died in agony. No compensation, no justice.

Health Ranger commentary: This monstrous cruelty laid the foundation for the medical establishment's systemic abuse of Black Americans. These women were raped, mutilated, and discardedyet medical elites still celebrate Sims as a pioneer. The racist sadism of American medicine begins here.

2. Tuskegee Syphilis Study (19321972)

Year: 19321972

Location: Tuskegee, Alabama

Agency/Entity: U.S. Public Health Service (PHS), CDC

Details: 400 Black men infected with syphilis were intentionally denied penicillin (even after it was available) to study disease progression. Over 100 died. Families were never told the truth.

Health Ranger commentary: A 40-year genocide sanctioned by the CDC. This was not "medicine"it was race-based extermination. If this isnt proof that the U.S. government is thoroughly evil, nothing is. The CDC continues to murder Americans to this day, except that the medical experiments have been upgraded to nationwide vaccine injection psyops.

3. Puerto Rico Pill Trials (1950s1960s)

Year: 1950s1960s

Location: Puerto Rico

Agency/Entity: U.S. government, G.D. Searle & Company

Details: Poor Puerto Rican women were given high-dose, untested birth control pills. Severe side effectsblood clots, tumors, deathwere ignored. At least three women died, and countless suffered.

Health Ranger commentary: The globalist eugenics agenda was already in full swing. The U.S. uses poor and minority women as lab ratsnow theyre doing it with COVID vaccines and mRNA infertility drugs, among other methods.

4. Mustard Gas Experiments on Soldiers (1940s)

Year: 19421945

Location: Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland

Agency/Entity: U.S. Army, Chemical Warfare Service

Details: 60,000+ U.S. soldiers were gassed with mustard gas and nerve agents without their consent. Skin melting, lung damage, lifelong agonyall covered up.

Health Ranger commentary: Your own government weaponized its troopsand VA benefits were denied to victims. Modern vets face similar betrayal with toxic burn pits, Gulf War Syndrome, and the anthrax vaccine cover-up.

5. Operation Sea-Spray (1950)  Biowarfare on San Francisco

Year: 1950

Location: San Francisco

Agency/Entity: U.S. Navy, U.S. Army

Details: The military sprayed Serratia marcescens and Bacillus globigii over the city. Pneumonia-like illnesses surged, and at least one death was linked.

Health Ranger commentary: The U.S. willingly infected its own people to test bioweapons. Now, Bill Gates and the Pentagon fund "gain-of-function" research using mosquitoes and other forms of bioweapons delivery. Where do you suppose this goes next?

6. CIAs MK-Ultra & LSD Mind Control (1950s1970s)

Year: 1950s1970s

Location: Nationwide (hospitals, prisons, military bases)

Agency/Entity: CIA, U.S. Army, NIH

Details: Prisoners, soldiers, and civilians were drugged with LSD and subjected to psychological torture. Many suicided, went insane, or died.

Health Ranger commentary: The global deep state still uses mass medication to suppress consciousness. Fluoride in water, SSRIs, vaccine neurotoxinsits the same agenda. Wake up. Protect your neurology and reject the jabs that damage your brain.

7. Human Radiation Experiments (19451974)

Year: 19451974

Location: Nationwide (Oak Ridge, TN)

Agency/Entity: AEC (Atomic Energy Commission), DoD

Details: Pregnant women, children, and prisoners were injected with plutonium to study radiation effects. Tumors, genetic defects, and early deaths followed.

Health Ranger commentary: The same government that destroyed Hiroshima then melted its own citizens from the inside. Do you still trust their "safe and effective" lies about mRNA? They have no hesitation in killing their own people, and we are all being targeted right now by our own government and its so-called health departments like the CDC and NIH.

8. U.S. Government Infected Guatemalans with STDs (19461948)

Year: 19461948

Location: Guatemala

Agency/Entity: NIH, PHS

Details: Doctors deliberately infected prisoners, soldiers, and mental patients with syphilis and gonorrhea. No treatment was given.

Health Ranger commentary: The medical-industrial complex operates on genocide. From Tuskegee to COVID, they see human beings as lab rats. They have zero recognition of the value of human life, and they will sacrifice any number of human beings in the name of science!

9. Operation Big Buzz & Operation Drop Kick (1950s)  Mosquito Bioweapons

Year: 1950s

Location: Georgia, Florida

Agency/Entity: U.S. Army

Details: Military dumped diseased mosquitoes on civilians to test vector-borne warfare.

Health Ranger commentary: The same Pentagon that weaponized mosquitoes now funds DARPA biotechclimate lockdowns, bird flu fearmongering, lab-made pandemics and mass vaccine injection campaigns are their new weapons.

10. Operation Whitecoat (19541973)  Soldier Bioweapon Guinea Pigs

Year: 19541973

Location: Fort Detrick, Maryland

Agency/Entity: U.S. Army

Details: Conscientious objectors were infected with Q fever and other bioweapons. During the program, volunteers were exposed to Q fever in open-air tests in the Utah desert, where they sat alongside caged guinea pigs as Q fever germs were released into the air.

Health Ranger commentary: The military still uses troops as test subjectsanthrax vaccines, mRNA shotsand denies VA coverage to the damaged.

11. Manhattan Project Radiation Experiments (1940s1970s)  The U.S. Governments Nuclear Poisoning of Innocents

Year: 1940s1970s

Location: Nationwide (Chicago, Los Alamos, Hanford)

Agency/Entity: Manhattan Project, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)

Details: Soldiers, nuclear workers, and even pregnant women were injected with plutonium or dosed with deadly radiationall while being lied to about the extreme dangers. These human guinea pigs suffered agonizing deaths from cancer, organ failure, and radiation sickness.

Health Ranger commentary: The U.S. government has no right to decide who lives and dies for "science." Those responsible for these atrocities should have been prosecuted at Nuremberg.

12. Congressional Investigation on Lyme Disease as a Bioweapon (2019 Hearing, Rep. Chris Smith)  The Pentagons Tick-Borne Plague

Year: 1950s1970s

Location: Plum Island, NY (secret DoD biolab)

Agency/Entity: DoD

Details: Whistleblowers reveal how Lyme disease was engineered on Plum Island, weaponized through infected ticks. Millions now suffer from chronic illnesswhile the Pentagon denies everything.

Health Ranger commentary: If the U.S. military created Lyme disease, its biological warfare against its own peopleand treason against America.

13. Anthrax Vaccine Experiments (1990s2000s)  The Gulf War Syndrome Cover-Up

Year: 1990s2000s

Location: Military bases worldwide

Agency/Entity: DoD, FDA

Details: Soldiers were forced to take untested anthrax vaccines, leading to autoimmune disorders, neurological damage, and deaths. When victims spoke up, they were silenced as "conspiracy theorists."

Health Ranger commentary: This is medical murderyet no one was held accountable. Now, the same military-pharmaceutical complex pushes COVID-19 vaccines with similar disregard for human life.

14. COVID-19 Vaccine Trials (2020Present)  A Mass Depopulation Experiment

Year: 2020Present

Location: Worldwide

Agency/Entity: NIH, DoD, CDC

Details: Under Operation Warp Speed (President Trump), Big Pharma skipped long-term safety trials. VAERS reports reveal thousands of deaths, heart attacks, and autoimmune disordersbut the CDC buried the evidence and silenced the truth-tellers. Now, whistleblowers warn these shots contain graphene oxide, prions, and infertility agents.

Health Ranger commentary: The U.S. government is running the largest human experiment in historyand immediate Criminal tribunals must indict those pushing these lethal injections. Where is the criminal prosecution against Fauci?

15. Pentagons Ongoing Biodefense Experiments (2000sPresent)  Gain-of-Function & Genetic Warfare

Year: 2000sPresent

Location: Fort Detrick, Military Bases

Agency/Entity: DoD, DARPA

Details: Gain-of-function research on viruses like COVID-19 continues unchecked. DARPA funds secret biolabs worldwide, while Pentagon documents confirm engineered "super-pathogens" to target populations.

Health Ranger commentary: This is Nazi-tier sciencethe same evil that weaponized disease in WWII. Where are the criminal tribunals and mass arrests?

And Theyre Still Killing You in 2025

The same agencies that murdered Black men in Tuskegee, sprayed cities with bioweapons, and drugged soldiers are now pushing vaccine mandates, bird flu terror, and mRNA gene-editing drugs.

This isnt "public health." Its population extermination to make way for the rise of AI robots to replace human labor.

If you think COVID was bad, wait until they roll out bird flu lockdowns. If you think mRNA injections are safe, wake uptheyre part of a long history of medical atrocities.

Your own government wants you dead. But they dont want you to resist, which is why they use psyops to convince gullible, obedient people to line up and be injected with death jabs.

Dont be gullible. Be informed, alert, aware. Stay alive with knowledge and resistance. Arm yourself with nutrition: Superfoods, anti-viral herbs and extracts that protect you against shedding. Use todays best remedies and natural cures to stay alive.

I cover these every day at NaturalNews.com. Find all my articles there, or check out my resources, video channels and social media links below.

- Mike Adams, the Health Ranger

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PANDEMIC ALERT: Experts issue terrifying warning for Americans to prepare NOW because bird flu really is spreading

Got cowpox? What about gain-of-function chicken flu? Are you worried? Should you be? When? Without Biden in the White House, its getting much more difficult for fake news and the CDC to create mass panic over the next pandemic, whether thats Covid-25, Bird Flu, Swine 2.0, or something new that Bill Gates has funded in some gain-of-function biolab somewhere.

Still, somehow, mass media and leading experts (recall who those were during the Covid plandemic) claim that the U.S. is staring down the barrel of another pandemic as bird flu spirals out of control across U.S. farms. Sure.

Its the slow-motion pandemic and its happening one bird at a time. Get ready to mask up, social distance, lock down, and inject heart-stopping technology for the greater good and to flatten out that dreaded curve. Got cow flu? What about Bird-Cow-Human flu?

H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads to Dairy Cows and Humans, Raising 'Gain-of-Function' Plandemic Concerns

The H5N1 avian influenza, a highly pathogenic virus with a historic fatality rate as high as 50%, has now infected over 1,000 dairy cattle herds and 70 humans in the U.S., marking the largest outbreak in decades. The first U.S. deatha Louisiana resident exposed to infected birdswas reported in January 2024, while recent cases among farmworkers underscore the viruss growing reach. Experts warn that without robust surveillance and biosecurity measures, the virusalready adapting in mammalscould evolve to spread between humans, echoing early COVID-19 missteps.

Since 2022, the U.S. has lost 168 million poultry to H5N1, spiking egg prices and destabilizing farms. But its jump to dairy cows this year alarmed scientists, as genetic changes in infected humans suggest increased virulence. Though most cases are mild, the CDC confirms infections in 14 states, primarily among dairy workers. Two mysterious casesa Missouri adult and California childlack clear exposure links, deepening concerns about undetected spread.

The Global Virus Network (GVN) urges governments to prioritize surveillance and biosecurity. "Initiatives should focus on enhancing biosecurity in agricultural settings and educating the public," said Dr. Peter Palese, a GVN influenza expert. Dr. Ab Osterhaus, a GVN virologist, stressed vaccine development: "Given H5N1s spread among mammals, we need herd management and potential vaccination to interrupt transmission."

The Biden Administration allocated $590 million to Moderna for an H5N1 vaccine, but stagnant funding and an understaffed pandemic office have drawn criticism. While the U.S. has 20 million H5N1 vaccine doses stockpiled and antiviral reserves, experts say gaps in tracking leave the nation vulnerable. Dr. Marc Johnson, a University of Missouri virologist, warned on X: "This virus might not go pandemic, but it is really trying hard." As H5N1 probes weaknesses in global health defenses, the lesson from COVID-19 looms: unpreparedness costs lives.

The H5N1 outbreak, now entrenched in livestock and wildlife, tests the U.S. ability to avert another pandemic. With human cases rising and viral mutations accumulating, the window for containment narrows. As history has shown with past influenza threats, proactive measuresnot reactive scramblesdetermine survival. The question remains: Will the world panic and get injected with more deathly spike prions?

Bookmark plague.info to your favorite independent websites for updates on new gain-of-function viruses the CDC and WHO release into the wild.

Sources for this article include:

Pandemic.news

GatewayPundit.com

NaturalNews.com

DailyMail.co.uk
Exploring DMSOs potential in addressing mental health issues and neurological injuries

DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a multipurpose therapeutic agent with potential benefits in mental health, neurological injuries and age-related cognitive decline, as highlighted in Dr. Morton Walker's book "DMSO: Nature's Healer."

DMSO uniquely crosses the blood-brain barrier, enabling targeted drug delivery to the brain. Studies show its efficacy in improving cognitive and developmental outcomes in children with Down's syndrome and slowing psycho-organic decay in elderly patients.

Research demonstrates DMSO's ability to reduce brain and spinal cord swelling, protect nerve cells and enhance blood flow. Case studies like Bill Shaal's spinal injury recovery highlight its potential for restoring function when administered early.

DMSO aids stroke recovery by maintaining oxygen supply to brain tissue and reversing damage. It also shows promise in treating myasthenia gravis (via cholinesterase inhibition) and multiple sclerosis (by modulating immunity and promoting tissue repair).

While further research is needed, DMSO offers hope for conditions with limited treatment options, leveraging its anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and drug-enhancing properties.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a versatile compound with a wide range of applications in medicine, as detailed in Dr. Morton Walker's book "DMSO: Nature's Healer." This therapeutic agent can also address mental health issues and injuries to the head and spinal cord, highlighting its potential as a groundbreaking therapeutic agent.

DMSO's ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier makes it a unique tool in delivering medications directly to the brain, a significant challenge in treating neurological and psychiatric conditions. One of the most compelling applications of DMSO in mental health is its use in Down's syndrome. In a study conducted by Dr. Lydia F. De Coriat, children with Down's syndrome were treated with a combination of DMSO and amino acids  with remarkable results.

Children treated with DMSO showed significant progress in language integration and overall development. There was a notable increase in IQ scores among the children receiving DMSO amino acid therapy. Ultimately, the therapy led to better social interaction, reduced irritability and improved psychomotor skills.

DMSO has also been explored for its potential in treating senile dementia and other forms of psycho-organic decay. Dr. Gustavo Munizaga's study on elderly patients with psycho-organic decay demonstrated that DMSO, when combined with vasoactive substances, could enhance cerebral blood flow and slow disease progression. This suggests that DMSO could play a crucial role in managing age-related cognitive decline, offering a potential alternative to traditional treatments.

How DMSO saved a spinal cord injury patient

DMSO's ability to reduce swelling and inflammation makes it an invaluable tool in treating traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Dr. Jack C. de la Torre's research at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has shown that DMSO can rapidly reduce intracranial swelling, enhance blood flow and protect nerve cells.

The story of Bill Shaal, a young man who suffered a near-fatal spinal cord injury, exemplifies DMSO's potential in neurological recovery. After receiving DMSO intravenously, he began to feel sensations in his shoulders, arms and chest  indicating nerve regeneration.

Shaal regained significant strength in his arms, allowing him to perform daily activities independently. His progress was so significant that he was eventually able to operate his wheelchair and participate in physical therapy without pain. This case underscores the importance of early DMSO administration in maximizing recovery outcomes.

DMSO's benefits extend to treating strokes and other forms of brain trauma by maintaining oxygen and nutrient supply to brain tissue, reversing pathological damage triggered by cerebrovascular insufficiency and enhancing neurological function.

The compound's cholinesterase-inhibiting properties make it a potential treatment for myasthenia gravis, a rare autoimmune disorder affecting muscle strength. In experiments at Johns Hopkins University, DMSO was used to increase the absorption of an immunosuppressive drug, demonstrating its efficacy in reducing abnormal antibodies.

Meanwhile in Russia, DMSO has been used to treat multiple sclerosis  with positive effects on immunity and tissue repair. Patients with a remitting course of the disease showed the most significant improvement, highlighting DMSO's potential in managing this debilitating condition.

DMSO's applications in mental health and neurological injuries are vast and promising. Its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, reduce swelling and protect nerve cells makes it a valuable tool in treating a wide range of conditions. While more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and long-term effects, DMSO offers hope for patients suffering from conditions that currently have limited treatment options.

Watch this video about natural treatment options for multiple sclerosis, which DMSO is now a part of.

This video is from the Holistic Herbalist channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
FDA approves new GENE THERAPY for rare skin disease

On April 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized Zevaskyn , a first-of-its-kind gene therapy for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a devastating genetic condition causing fragile, blistering skin. Developed by Abeona Therapeutics, the therapy represents a major milestone for rare disease patients but also underscores the escalating costs of biotech breakthroughs a trend critics argue prioritizes profits over people.

Main Points of the Story:

FDA approves Zevaskyn (pz-cel), a groundbreaking but controversial gene therapy for RDEB, a rare genetic skin disorder.

The treatment, priced at $3.1 million, raises questions about accessibility and corporate pricing strategies.

Zevaskyn joins Vyjuvek (approved in 2023), but concerns persist about healthcare equity and industry monopolization.

Could this be a better use of gene therapy?

After the failed COVID vaccines destroyed public trust in gene therapies, will there be better applications?

A new dawn for rare disease patients or another price gouging pharma scam?

Zevaskyn is designed for both adults and children with RDEB, a debilitating condition affecting roughly 3,000 Americans. RDEB stems from mutations in the COL7A1 gene, which prevent the production of type VII collagen, a protein essential for skin integrity. Patients experience lifelong blistering, chronic wound infections, and heightened skin cancer risks. Until recently, treatments were limited to bandages and wound care.

Zevaskyn works by extracting a patients skin cells, genetically modifying them to produce functional collagen, and grafting the repaired cells back onto wounds. Clinical trials showed significant healing of chronic sores and pain reduction, with effects lasting over two years. This isnt just incremental progressits transformative, said Brett Kopelan, executive director of DEBRA of America. For the first time, were addressing the root cause of RDEB.

However, at 3.1 million per treatment, Zevaskyns cost rivals the record price of 2.8 million for Novartiss hemophilia gene therapy Zolgensma. Abeona claims it will treat 1014 patients in 2025 and is negotiating with insurers to cover costs. Yet, skeptics question whether a one-size-fits-all pricing model serves the public good, especially for small patient populations. This sets a dangerous precedent, said Dr. Dara Kass of Columbia University. Gene therapies shouldnt bankrupt patients who may live decades longer because of them.

The cost of cutting-edge innovation

While Zevaskyn and Krystal Biotechs previous approval of Vyjuvek (a 290 million?a?year topical treatment) offer hope, their pricing mirrors the broader biopharma industrys contentious approach to rare disease drugs. Analysts predict Zevaskyns sales could hit 427 million by 2034, driven in part by its status as the sole approved treatment for large RDEB wounds.

These pricing models amount to legalized extortion. Critics argue that corporate control over medical breakthroughs stifles competition and drives health inequity. Critics are demanding price caps and transparency in gene therapy development.

Parallels emerge with the early 2010s, when orphan drug pricing surged after bipartisan support for R&D incentives. While the Orphan Drug Act fostered therapies for conditions like RDEB, its loopholes now permit exorbitant markups. The system is rigged, said bioethicist Harriet Washington. Patients are locked into lifelong therapies that guarantee shareholder perks over patient care.

A glimmer of hope or a corporate trap?

Supporters of Zevaskyn highlight its scientific promise. The therapy builds on decades of research and regulatory progress, part of a broader movement to harness gene editing for genetic diseases. It also offers a glimpse of potential treatments for other collagen-deficient conditions like osteogenesis imperfecta.

Yet challenges loom. Zevaskyns use of gene-modified cells raises long-term safety uncertainties. Although trials reported no serious side effects, three patients developed mild to moderate skin reactions. The FDA also cited Animal Viral Safety Issues (AVSI) in manufacturing, requiring penalties if Abeona cuts corners.

Additionally, Zevaskyns one-time treatment label masks a reliance on costly ongoing care. Patients must undergo surgical grafts and hospitalization, placing further strain on medical systems. Meanwhile, Vyjuveks weekly applications and Zevaskyns surgical requirements create a dual dependency on corporate products.

Zevaskyns approval is a pivotal moment for RDEB patients, but its legacy hinges on whether the biotech industry prioritizes people over patents. As gene therapies become the new standard in rare disease care, the price of survival must not come at the cost of justice or accessibility. This isnt just about medicineits about power, said Kopelan. Can we trust corporations to protect the most vulnerable?

Sources include:

Reuters.com

ASGCT.org

Medscape.com
Google and Meta face scrutiny over alleged censorship of Catholic university ads

The University of Dallas, a Catholic institution, has faced repeated blocking of its graduate program ads by Google and Meta, despite adhering to advertising guidelines.

Google flagged ads for violating its policy on "religious content for personalized advertising," though the university insists its ads were meant to attract prospective students, not target religious identities.

Meta disabled the ad account of the university's marketing partner without explanation, hindering pro-life and Catholic client campaigns.

University officials accuse Google and Meta of inconsistent enforcement, disproportionately restricting faith-based and conservative organizations while dominating digital ad markets.

The university plans to push back by involving lawmakers and public pressure, arguing that tech censorship stifles free expression and requires policy intervention.

The University of Dallas (UD) a Catholic institution, has repeatedly seen its graduate program advertisements blocked by Google and Meta, raising concerns about bias against faith-based organizations in digital advertising policies.

Despite adhering to advertising guidelines, the Texas university has faced persistent restrictions from the two tech behemoths. Google has flagged and removed multiple ads, while Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, abruptly disabled access to the ad account of the university's digital marketing partner without clear justification. (Related: Censorship: Google to start flagging "offensive" content as another form of censorship.)

According to documents obtained by The College Fix, Google blocked nine of the university's paid promotions, citing violations of its policy on "religious content for personalized advertising," which prohibits targeting users based on "identity and belief."

In an email exchange with Google, VMR Communications President Hugh Macken argued that the ads were designed to attract those interested in the university, not to target individuals based on religious affiliation. VMR Communications is a firm that specializes in Catholic outreach campaigns.

Macken also revealed that in August 2024, Meta abruptly revoked his access to UD's ad account shortly after he applied to run pro-life political ads for another client.

"Despite more than six months of phone calls, live sessions and email threads, Meta has still not given me a specific reason as to why they have disabled my access," Macken wrote in an email, adding that others on his team are still able to access the agency's account. "The restriction is specifically targeted to me personally and has resulted in my inability to use any of my marketing agency's Meta ad accounts and those of our Catholic and pro-life clients."

Neither Google nor Meta responded immediately to requests for comment. However, UD remains determined to challenge the restrictions, framing the issue as a broader fight for free expression in an increasingly constrained public discourse.

Time to push back against censorship

Clare Venegas, the vice president of marketing at the university, accused Google of inconsistently enforcing its ad policies, stifling religious organizations while benefiting from its near-monopoly on digital advertising.

"For some reason, Google continues to claim that they're blocking us for religious reasons, when none of the College of Business ads have religious content in them," Venegas said in an on-campus interview with The College Fix.

She then revealed that other faith-based institutions are also experiencing the same.

"If I look at our marketing metrics and how people find our website, it's primarily through organic search. What we're trying to do with paid advertising on Google is reach people who are already searching for what we offer," Venegas said. "But Google is essentially a monopoly when it comes to search, and that's part of the problem. A lot of conservative or religious groups face real challenges here  the evidence seems to show that we're disproportionately blocked from advertising."

Venegas suggested that it may be time to push back more assertively whether by mobilizing the public or engaging lawmakers directly.

"Google support has not been helpful, so we are planning to contact our member of Congress. We just have to elevate this to the public sphere and see what can be done to address it from a policy standpoint. Sometimes it just takes them to put some pressure on the companies to solve some of the problems," Venegas said.

Head over to Censorship.news for more similar stories.

Watch this video about weaponized censorship.

This video is from the Secret Harbour Sessions channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Zuckerberg's Meta: A double game on China and censorship.

Meta CEO Zuckerberg admits Biden administration's censorship demands were ILLEGAL, but Meta failed to fight back.

Zuckerberg's Meta releases new censorship unit for upcoming elections.

House Judiciary Committee report reveals tensions between Meta and Biden admin over COVID-19 censorship.

Meta faces Supreme Court scrutiny over alleged government-led censorship of vaccine critics.

Sources include:

Reclaimthenet.org

TheCollegeFix.com

Brighteon.com
Moderna faces suspension over ethical violations in COVID-19 vaccine trials

Moderna faces suspension from the U.K. pharmaceutical trade body (ABPI) after multiple violations, including unethical incentives (cash and gifts) for child vaccine trial participation, banned under U.K. law.

Despite being alerted by campaigners in August 2023, Moderna executives ignored violations until the Health Research Authority intervened in January 2024, revealing a lack of transparency and accountability.

A senior Moderna employee promoted COVID-19 vaccines in articles (co-authored with a former minister) and on social media without disclosing ties to the company, deemed "unacceptable" by regulators.

Critics argue U.K. regulators (PMCPA) lack power to impose meaningful penalties, allowing repeat offenses. Campaigners demand stricter consequences for corporate misconduct.

Activists accuse Moderna of prioritizing profits over child safety, while revolving doors between regulators and pharma (e.g., FDA-Moderna ties) deepen skepticism about impartial oversight.

Moderna could be suspended from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) of the United Kingdom following multiple violations in the regulatory code of the industry.

The Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA), set to audit the company over "unacceptable" practices that have "brought discredit upon the industry," reveals multiple violations of Moderna, including offering children 1,500 ($2,008) and teddy bears as incentives to participate in vaccine trials  a practice banned under U.K. regulations. (Related: Moderna now openly running vaccine experiments on CHILDREN as young as six months old.)

Moderna claimed it acted promptly after being notified by the Health Research Authority in January 2024. However, evidence shows senior executives were informed in August 2023 by the campaign group UsForThem but failed to intervene.

In turn, the PMCPA ruled the company's lack of transparency "completely unacceptable" and a violation of U.K. clinical trial laws, which prohibit financial incentives for child participants.

A senior Moderna employee also co-authored three articles, including one with former vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi in another breach to promote their COVID-19 vaccines without disclosing his affiliation. The employee also sent promotional tweets from a personal account, failing to declare his role at Moderna. The PMCPA deemed these actions improper advertising, saying the failure to declare conflicts of interest was "unacceptable."

Moreover, the PMCPA has identified ten additional violations, raising concerns about corporate accountability, especially as they involved three senior executives. If deficiencies are found, the Appeal Board could impose sanctions, including suspension or expulsion from the ABPI.

UsForThem founder accuses Moderna of putting profits over child safety

In response to the potential suspension, Molly Kingsley, founder of UsForThem, said that Moderna has repeatedly prioritized profits over safety, particularly concerning children.

"Many of the previous judgments against Moderna have revealed how readily it put profit ahead of the health and safety of children. Now it has also laid bare just how little regard it has had for the regulatory system that was supposed to keep it honest. Never before has a company so new to the pharmaceutical industry been rebuked in this way," Kingsley said.

Meanwhile, critics like Esther McVey, a former member of the all-party parliamentary group on COVID-19 vaccine damage, argued that current penalties fail to deter misconduct.

"The news that the PMCPA is taking the highly unusual step of ordering an audit of Moderna's culture, governance and compliance framework is reputationally damaging, but it is incredible that the regulator has no real power to impose appropriate fines or other meaningful penalties which might make pharmaceutical companies think twice before breaking the rules," McVey said.

"They know they can get away with it, and so they do; time and time again. It's hardly surprising that public trust in the pharmaceutical industry and its regulators is through the floor."

The revelations fuel growing skepticism over pharmaceutical oversight, as campaigners demand stronger enforcement and transparency to restore confidence in vaccine safety.

Follow Immunization.news for more news and information related to vaccines.

Watch the video below to learn more about VAIDS and COVID-19 vaccines.

This video is from the What is happening channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Moderna to start testing its mRNA COVID-19 vaccine on children  are parents really letting their kids serve as guinea pigs?

FDA warns of HIGH SEIZURE RISK for children during first few days after receiving Covid-19 jabs by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech.

Canadian mRNA expert SUSPENDED for criticizing COVID vaccine for children.

Sources include:

TheDefender.org

Telegraph.co.uk

Brighteon.com
Putin announces three-day ceasefire in Ukraine for Victory Day, raising skepticism and hope

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, starting on May 8 and ending on May 10, coinciding with Russia's Victory Day celebrations.

The ceasefire follows intense pressure from U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who has called for a cessation of hostilities. Trump and Ukrainian officials are skeptical of Putin's intentions, viewing the ceasefire as a potential stalling tactic.

Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky and his chief of staff, have responded with caution and criticism, emphasizing the need for a "permanent, unconditional and comprehensive ceasefire" and expressing concerns about Russia's previous violations of truces.

Trump has expressed frustration over the stalled peace negotiations, urging Putin to "stop shooting, sit down and sign a deal" and reiterating his desire for a permanent ceasefire and peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, the situation remains precarious, with ongoing violence and a lack of concrete progress in peace talks. The international community hopes this pause might lead to meaningful dialogue and a resolution to the conflict, which has caused significant loss of life and displacement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a unilateral three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, set to begin on May 8 and last through May 10.

The Kremlin's statement, issued on Monday, April 28, asserted that "all military actions are suspended for this period." The ceasefire is timed to coincide with Russia's annual Victory Day celebrations, which traditionally feature a grand parade in Moscow's Red Square. This year's event holds special importance as it marks the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany.

The decision follows intense international pressure, particularly from U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who has been vocal in his calls for a cessation of hostilities. In a recent post on his Truth Social platform, Trump urged Putin to "STOP!" the bombardment, emphasizing the staggering loss of life, with "5,000 soldiers a week" reportedly dying.

Trump has expressed skepticism about Putin's intentions, questioning whether the Russian leader is genuinely committed to peace or merely attempting to stall for time. In discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump openly speculated about Putin's motives, suggesting that the Russian leader might be "tapping me along" and that a different approach, such as "banking" or "secondary sanctions," might be necessary.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, Trump reiterated his call for a "permanent ceasefire" and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. U.S. National Security Council Spokesman Brian Hughes echoed this sentiment, stating that while Trump welcomes the pause, his ultimate goal is a lasting peace.

Ukraine views Putin's ceasefire announcement as a potential manipulation tactic

Ukrainian officials have responded with skepticism, viewing the ceasefire as a potential manipulation tactic. Zelensky, in a post on X, called the move an "attempt at manipulation," pointing out that Putin has not accepted the U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire that Ukraine has already agreed to.

Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, thanked Trump for his support of a full ceasefire, emphasizing that only a "permanent, unconditional and comprehensive ceasefire" can end the war. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed this view, stating that "if Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately."

The announcement comes just over a week after the Kremlin declared a 30-hour Easter ceasefire, which Kyiv cautiously agreed to. However, Ukraine's military accused Russia of violating the truce with more than 2,900 attacks along the frontlines. The Institute for the Study of War, a U.S.-based think tank, noted that Russian forces used the Easter ceasefire to prepare for future assaults, suggesting that the Victory Day ceasefire might be used for similar purposes.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press," struck a somber tone, stating that a peace deal is "still not there." He emphasized that the "last couple steps" of the peace process would be the hardest and that the coming weeks would be critical in determining the U.S. commitment to mediating the conflict.

Rubio's remarks followed a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, which Moscow described as a "productive exchange of views." However, the lack of concrete progress has fueled doubts about the likelihood of a breakthrough.

Trump's frustration and calls for action

Trump has voiced increasing frustration over the stalled peace negotiations, lamenting the lack of progress within his self-imposed 100-day target. In a series of pointed comments, Trump urged Putin to "stop shooting, sit down and sign a deal," expressing a desire to "just go back to life."

Trump's remarks came after he met with Zelensky on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral at the Vatican, a meeting both sides described as productive. The encounter underscored the high-stakes diplomacy at play as the world watches for any signs of a resolution.

Since the Easter ceasefire, Russian attacks have killed at least 62 civilians and injured another 290 in Ukraine, according to a CNN tally of figures from local authorities and emergency services. The ongoing violence has left a devastating impact on the civilian population, further fueling calls for a lasting peace. (Related: Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of VIOLATING Easter ceasefire.)

As the world awaits the outcome of this latest ceasefire, the situation remains precarious. The announcement offers a glimmer of hope for a temporary reprieve, but the path to a lasting peace remains fraught with challenges. The international community watches closely, hoping that this pause in hostilities might pave the way for meaningful dialogue and a resolution to the conflict that has claimed countless lives and displaced millions.

Watch the video below that talks about how Trump is maintaining "maximum pressure" on Russia.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Putin and Trump agree to PARTIAL CEASEFIRE in Ukraine, but path to lasting peace remains uncertain.

Ukraine violates partial ceasefire agreement with Russia, attacks energy infrastructure as peace talks collapse.

Tensions persist as Russia and Ukraine remain at odds over ceasefire prospects.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

FoxNews.com

Edition.CNN.com

Brighteon.com
Health Ranger Report: Dr. Suzanne Humphries discusses RFK Jr.s SECRET BATTLE against the HHS swamp

As the new Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces entrenched resistance from pharmaceutical interests and bureaucratic officials who suppress vaccine safety concerns and scientific transparency.

Dr. Suzanne Humphries highlights parallels to past scandals (e.g., polio vaccine narratives), where public health data was manipulated to serve pharmaceutical agendas, falsely crediting vaccines for disease declines.

The medical establishment, including pediatricians, is accused of coercing vaccinations through fear tactics and financial incentives, while HHS policies prioritize profits over unbiased science.

RFK Jr.'s push to reform vaccine safety protocols clashes with a $500 billion industry, echoing past cover-ups like the DPT scandal, where neurological harms were ignored. Despite grassroots support and RFK Jr.'s commitment to transparency, systemic obstacles  FDA corruption, censorship and Big Pharma lobbying  threaten meaningful reform.

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. takes the helm at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), insiders reveal an inner battleground marked by institutional resistance, pharma-fueled political pushback and a legacy of corruption that dares to ignore science and public health.

Dr. Suzanne Humphries, renowned author of "Dissolving Illusions" and a leading voice in vaccine truth, recently shared critical insights on RFK's uphill struggle during a recent "Health Ranger Report" interview with Mike Adams. Drawing from decades of research, Humphries underscores the staggering obstacles confronting Kennedy's reforms  and whether the system can be truly disrupted.

RFK Jr.'s appointment as HHS Secretary was hailed as a turning point by critics of the high-stakes vaccine-industrial complex. His advocacy for transparency in public health, particularly around vaccine safety and autism, has long drawn fire from pharmaceutical allies in government. (Related: RFK Jr. pledges unbiased investigation into chronic disease causes, including vaccines.)

Yet Humphries, a nephrologist turned vaccine skeptic, warns that Kennedy faces a labyrinthine system entrenched in decades of collusion. "Let's give him a bit more time," the medical doctor and board-certified internist urged Adams. She acknowledged Kennedy's long-standing ties to autism families and his public stance on environmental factors.

However, she signaled caution: "He must answer to somebody." The "somebody" remains shrouded in bureaucratic opaqueness, but the context is clear. The HHS, Humphries emphasized, is rife with officials incentivized to suppress uncomfortable truths.

This culture, she noted, parallels historical moments like the polio vaccine rollout, where data showing pre-vaccine declines in disease incidence due to sanitation were ignored to boost pharmaceutical agendas. She asserted that diseases weren't defeated by vaccines, citing her book's meticulous historical analysis.

Big Pharma's tight grip on medicine

Humphries' critique extends beyond HHS to the medical establishment itself. She detailed how pediatricians, driven by financial pressures, have weaponized "wellness visits" as de facto vaccine rationales, often bullying parents resisting injecting infants.

"It's ritualistic child abuse," Adams countered, highlighting tactics like fearmongering, compulsory vaccination policies and even threats of child custody removal. The duo also unveiled systemic corruption  from hospitals serving McDonald's to the notorious "brown paper bag" scandal, where U.S. foreign aid funds flowed to unelected elites rather than disease-stricken regions.

Adams remarked that the Deep State's blueprint is clear: Control narratives, silence dissent and profit from ignorance. He referencing leaked Biden-era documents targeting truth-tellers like Humphries herself.

Humphries meanwhile offered a rare glimpse into Kennedy's potential vulnerabilities. While praising his grassroots connections and moral fortitude, she acknowledged the stakes. Adams took note that RFK's HHS 'swamp' includes high-ranking officials, skeptical senators and a public health diaspora steeped in pro-pharma dogma.

Vaccine mandates a key battleground in RFK Jr.'s crusade

The key battle? Vaccine mandates. RFK's pledge to revisit safety protocols has drawn hostile scrutiny from stakeholders invested in the $500 billion vaccine market. Humphries highlighted parallels to the 1980s diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus scandal, where collusion buried evidence linking vaccines to neurological harm.

Despite the gloom, Humphries allowed cautious optimism for reform. She praised RFK's recruitment of "unbiased experts" and his vow to end "draconian" science censorship. Meanwhile, grassroots organization like the Make America Healthy Again movement that support longevity and pediatric health are gaining momentum. These entities offer holistic alternatives to vaccine mandates.

Yet the roadblocks loom large. Humphries cited Hollywood's censorship of critics, the Food and Drug Administration's "rigged" research pipelines and Big Pharma's lobbying muscle.

For now, the HHS stands as a microcosm of a health care system reliant on profit over people. Whether Kennedy's crusade drains its swamp or sinks into its mire will define his legacyand the future of American public health.

Watch the full interview between Dr. Suzanne Humphries and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

RFK Jr. to lead HHS vaccine investigation under Trump administration.

RFK Jr.'s confirmation hearings expose senators' ties to Big Pharma.

RFK, Jr. questions vaccines, junk science food, pesticide-laden agriculture, while practicing what he preaches  the perfect role model for leading Health and Human Services.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

DissolvingIllusions.com
Spains dark day: Renewable milestone followed by catastrophic blackout highlights grid vulnerabilities

Spain and Portugal suffered a historic blackout on April 28, affecting over 50 million people, disrupting airports, hospitals and transportation. The outage occurred just days after Spain ran its grid entirely on renewable energy for the first time.

While officials cited a "rare atmospheric phenomenon" or technical faults, experts blamed the outage on rapid renewable adoption without grid upgrades, leading to instability due to reduced inertia from decommissioned coal and nuclear plants.

Solar and wind lack the "grid inertia" of traditional power plants, making voltage fluctuations harder to manage. Spains overreliance on renewablescoupled with unreliability during weather fluctuationsleft the system vulnerable.

Warnings about grid instability were ignored as Spain prioritized green agendas, closing nuclear and coal plants without adequate synthetic inertia or storage solutions. Critics argue renewables were oversold without addressing foundational infrastructure needs.

The outage highlights Europes systemic energy challenges, echoing past blackouts in Austria and Germany. Experts call for balancing renewables with grid resilience, slowing nuclear phaseouts and investing in stabilizing technologies.

On Monday, April 28, Spain faced one of the largest power outages in its history, plunging the nation and neighboring Portugal into darkness just six days after celebrating a milestone: operating its grid entirely on renewable energy for the first time on a weekday. The outage, affecting over 50 million people across the Iberian Peninsula and parts of France, disrupted airports, hospitals and transportation systems, sparking panic as communication networks collapsed. While Spains grid operator cited ongoing analysis for the cause, Portuguese officials blamed a rare atmospheric phenomenon causing voltage fluctuations. Experts, however, argue the crisis was avoidablea consequence of political miscalculations and a grid design pushed to its limits by rapid adoption of renewable energy without critical upgrades.

The outages immediate impact: Chaos across Europes energy heartland

At 12:35 p.m. local time, the blackout crippled Spains infrastructure. Airports like Madrids Barajas halted flights, subways halted abruptly and traffic lights failed, triggering gridlock. Cell towers, reliant on grid power, went dark, severing emergency communication. Red Electrica de Espana, the national grid operator, warned restoring service could take days, with Portuguese grid chief REN adding that synchronization failures due to anomalous oscillations in 400KV high-voltage lines worsened the crisis.

The disruption rippled across Europe. Frances RTE reported brief outages, while Londons Gatwick Airport canceled outbound flights to Spain. Social media users described scenes of desperation: hospitals relying on backup generators, stranded commuters and long lines at ATMs as electronic payments failed. The issue isnt the darknessits the collapse of modern conveniences, one Madrid resident told Bloombergs Javier Blas.

The physics of failure: Grid inertia and the renewable paradox

Michael Shellenberger, an energy policy expert and author of "Apocalypse Never," frames the outage as a physics problem masqueraded as a political one. Over the past decade, Spain decommissioned nuclear and coal plants, replacing them with solar and winda shift that reduced grid inertia, a property of traditional power plants that stabilize voltage and frequency fluctuations.

Inertia is like a flywheel, Shellenberger explains. Its what allows the grid to bounce back from disruptions. Without it, small glitches can cascade into outages.

Solar and wind, powered by inverters rather than spinning turbines, lack this stabilizing force. By 2025, Spains grid was so reliant on renewables that midday solar surges often produced more power than demand, forcing negative pricing and stressing the system. They treated the grid like a plug-and-play toy, says Mark Nelson, an energy analyst. When the weather threw a curveball, there was nothing to catch it.

Political failures: Ignoring warnings for the sake of green agendas

Warnings about grid instability date to at least 2017, when engineers flagged the risks of discarding heavy power sources like nuclear and gas without investing in synthetic inertia or battery storage. Despite these technical pleas, Spains government expedited renewable deployment while closing older plants. Nuclear reactors, critical for stability, were slated for closure by 2035a timeline critics say accelerated the grids fragility.

Spains path toward 100% renewables, absent certain investments, created a paradox: record clean energy generation coexisted with dependency on remaining fossil fuel plants to prevent blackouts. Politicians sold renewables as a cure-all without grappling with grid physics, Shellenberger states. This outage is the bill coming due.

The push for renewable dominance and its unintended consequences

Spains energy transition mirrors broader European trends. Since the 2015 Paris Agreement, the EU prioritized renewables over grid modernization, hiking subsidies for solar and wind while imposing carbon costs on fossil fuels. Spain, blessed with abundant sunshine and wind, surged ahead: solar capacity grew by 30% annually from 2020 to 2025, displacing coal and nuclear.

But this shift ignored foundational grid infrastructure. Countries built out renewables but treated the grid like an afterthought, says former EU energy advisor Barbara Finamore. The lack of inertia became critical as renewable penetration surpassed 70% of Spains mix in spring 2025.

The April 28 outage follows smaller European blackouts tied to grid instability, including a 2020 incident in Austria and 2022 failures in Germany. These events, often dismissed as anomalies, foreshadowed Mondays crisis.

A wake-up call for energy realism

Mondays blackout underscores the need for a pragmatic energy strategy that balances renewables with grid resilience. Shellenberger urges Spain and Europe to halt nuclear plant closures, expand synthetic inertia technologies and reconsider the pace of coal phaseouts. Renewables are vital, but they require a foundation, he states. Ignoring that reality endangers lives.

As countries grapple with the fallout, the incident raises stark questions: Can grids decarbonize without stability? And is renewable-only optimism a liability in crises? For now, millions in Spain and Portugal brace for days without powera cautionary tale for an energy transition in need of recalibration.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

pv-magazine.com

Public.news

LBC.co.uk
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When OpenAI introduced ChatGPT at the end of 2023, generative AI was initially perceived primarily as a tool for creating Shakespearean-style poems or funny pictures. However, thanks to more serious application scenarios in the business environment, the potential of the technology is becoming increasingly clearespecially when it comes to performing human tasks.

Following announcements by various companies that they are cutting jobs or refraining from hiring new staff as part of a genAI strategy, the mood is beginning to change. The populations fear that AI will take away their jobs is growing, particularly in countries with high AI usage, a poor economy, and less pronounced employee rights.

As the email verification service Zerobounce calculated in a study, the U.S. is the country with the greatest AI job anxiety worldwide with a score of 100, followed by Mexico (84.4 points), the U.K. (68.3 points), and Canada (53.6 points).
East Urbanas Boomerangs Bar & Grill is for sale.

Co-owner Tom Grassman, also a local musician, is remaining in the music business, but as for the bar and grill at 1309 E. Washington St., he said, hes moving on.

The business does well, Grassman said, and he anticipates if someone buys it, it will stay in business for a good long time.

He and his wife, Christy, bought Boomerangs in 2011.

According to the Coldwell Banker Commercial Devonshire Realty sales listing, the price is $625,000.

From the listing:

This well-established neighborhood watering hole and grill has been in operation for decades, and current ownership is looking into their next business venture.

"Current ownership has established the business as a live music hotspot in Champaign-Urbana with great food specials including Wing Wednesday and Fish Fry Friday.
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ADHD can exacerbate anxiety, and anxiety can exacerbate ADHD. Girls are particularly vulnerable to developing anxiety disorders, but researchers have recently discovered something that may help slow down  or prevent  the development of these types of disorders.

Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have found new correlations between ADHD and anxiety, which are two major health issues among adolescents. The two disorders often co-occur in individuals, and recent findings now reveal that the relationship between them appears to be different in girls and boys.

Apparent differences between girls and boys

There are several types of ADHD, and the researchers' findings are related to one specific type called the inattentive type. A higher percentage of girls have this type of ADHD. Boys often have a different type of ADHD called the hyperactive-impulsive type. Some people can have both.

First and foremost, we have identified a link between anxiety and inattentive type ADHD, and we find that this only applies to girls." Professor Lars Wichstrm, Department of Psychology

Surprised by major differences

This is the first time researchers have investigated - and demonstrated - that the relationship between ADHD and anxiety differs according to sex, and that it is linked to inattention.

"We assumed there were differences between the sexes, but we did not expect them to be so significant," said Wichstrm.

He emphasizes that they have studied inattention as a symptom of ADHD, rather than ADHD as a disorder.

Reciprocal relationship

The two disorders seem to reinforce each other. In girls, the prevalence of inattention increases the likelihood of more severe symptoms of anxiety disorders during childhood and adolescence. In addition, anxiety during adolescence increases the likelihood of the inattention worsening.

The researchers found no such correlation between inattention and anxiety in boys. However, they found that increased hyperactivity-impulsivity in the first few years of school increased the likelihood of developing anxiety.

Earlier detection

Anxiety disorders increase significantly during adolescence, especially for girls. The NTNU study concludes that early detection and effective treatment of inattention symptoms in girls can reduce the risk of anxiety later on in life. Similarly, interventions or treatment for anxiety can reduce the likelihood of attention deficit difficulties becoming more severe in young girls.

It is well known that ADHD and anxiety often co-occur in individuals. According to Wichstrm, only a small part of this comorbidity can be explained by shared genetics between ADHD and anxiety. We also know that the intensity of ADHD symptoms and anxiety can vary over time.

However, we do not know why this is the case.

Under the radar

On average, 5 per cent of children and adolescents have ADHD, both in Norway and in other countries where this has been studied.

Anxiety increases significantly in children as early as 12 years old. If we can identify inattention problems before that age, possibly as early as 8 years old, we may be able to reduce or prevent them from developing into anxiety.

Girls with inattentive type ADHD are often perceived as shy, introverted, absent-minded and daydreaming - or even lazy. As children, they often go under the radar because they rarely cause any trouble or disturb others. The only symptom they have is inattention, and it can be difficult to distinguish this from simply being 'normally' distracted, disorganized, or forgetful.

Missing out on help

This means that girls often receive the diagnosis later on in life. As a result, they miss out on interventions that might help limit the later development of anxiety, according to Wichstrm.

Hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD is most prevalent in boys. It is easier to see and hear individuals who struggle with restlessness and hyperactivity, who cannot sit still or wait their turn. Thus, they tend to be identified earlier, receive a diagnosis, and get help more quickly.

Struggle and exclusion

Children who struggle with basic skills can experience exclusion, bullying and other stressful challenges.

"Personal and social challenges can easily lead to rumination, worry, anxiety and catastrophizing. It seems that girls are more vulnerable when they are exposed to negative life events or bullying. They are more likely to respond with depression than boys," explained Wichstrm, who has done extensive research on anxiety and depression among adolescents.

ADHD is detected through anxiety

Researchers still do not know if there are any common factors underlying and influencing why some individuals develop both anxiety and ADHD. What they do know is that the older an individual is when diagnosed, the more common it is for them to have inattentive type ADHD.

"Generally, as young people approach puberty, the prevalence of anxiety increases significantly - especially among girls, and it is only at that point that their ADHD is also detected," explained Wichstrm.

Looking for early signs

The NTNU researchers hope their findings can demonstrate the importance of early detection of ADHD in children.

"Anxiety increases significantly in children as early as 12 years old. If we can identify inattention problems before that age, possibly as young as 8 years old, we may be able to reduce or prevent them from developing into anxiety," said Wichstrm.

The NTNU researchers emphasize the need for more knowledge about the intricate connections between sex, ADHD and anxiety. An additional step could be to confirm the findings they have made in an even larger study. Wichstrm would like to see further research on the very youngest girls.

Helping people with ADHD

Wichstrm is fully aware of the debate about the overdiagnosis of ADHD. He says it is quite possible that too many people may end up with a diagnosis.

"But we must still strive to actually detect ADHD where it exists and help those who have it," he said.

Studied 1000 children and their parents

The NTNU study is an observational study. It is based on information from 1000 children born in 2003 and 2004 and their parents. The participants have been followed up every other year from the time the children were 4 years old until they turned 18. They are now young adults, turning 22 this autumn.

The study is part of Mojtaba Habibi Asgarabad's doctoral work and is part of the Trondheim Early Secure Study (TESS). It was recently published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
People who have damage to a specific part of their brains are more likely to be impulsive, and new research has found that damage also makes them more likely to be influenced by other people.

In a new study published in PLOS Biology, a research team found that damage to distinct parts of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) were linked to being influenced by impulsive decision making by others, while another region was causally linked with choosing a smaller reward earlier rather than waiting for a larger prize.

The team from the University of Birmingham, University of Oxford and Julius-Maximilians-University Wurzburg worked with participants with brain damage to assess whether they were more likely to be influenced by other people's preferences.

The team worked with 121 participants, with 33 having focal damage to the mPFC, 17 with lesions elsewhere on the brain and 71 participants who had no brain damage but were of the same age. The researchers showed participants a series of choices to test how impulsive people were in general. They were then presented with the same choices and shown what other people would pick, some of these people made very impulsive choices and some people made more patient choices.

Those participants with mPFC damage were more impulsive in general. The team were also surprised to find that those participants were also more likely to be influenced by other people who were impulsive, much more so than people who behaved patiently.

Professor Patricia Lockwood from the University of Birmingham and senior corresponding author of the study said:

"The results are important as every day we learn about what other people want, and this impacts on our own preferences for what we want. We used an experiment where we could look at whether it was when people behaved more impulsively, or if they were restrained, that social influence occurs.

"We find it is specifically a part of the brain that if its damaged makes you more influenced by others who behave impulsively, not when they behave in a way that is more restrained. We also find brain damage to a different part makes you more impulsive in general, even before you have been influenced by someone else.

"Together, our study shows that being influenced by others has a specific neural basis which could have implications for everything from how we understand misinformation and how other people can change our own financial preferences."

Patience

The team also used a combination of mathematical modelling and existing brain scans to map the size and location of lesions in the medial prefrontal cortex. The results suggest that specific impulsive influences are driven by the different regions of the mPFC.

Lesions in the dorsomedial section, which sits towards the top of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) were shown to have had the most significant impact on the social influence on impulsivity. Meanwhile, lesions on the ventromedial section lower down in the PFC were found to have a greater impact on being impulsive in general, before social influence.

We were able to work with a large sample of participants with an uncommonly specific damage to the medial prefrontal cortex. This gave us an opportunity to very specifically look at whether this damage might affect how influenced people are by others. We found that after damage people could still learn about other people's preferences, but they were also much more influenced by them." Zhilin Su, lead author of the study, University of Birmingham
HonorHealth Research Institute's new downtown Phoenix laboratory has produced its first study, centered on a promising new treatment for pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive and difficult to treat of all malignancies.

Study results were presented April 29 in Chicago at the annual meeting of the 58,000-member American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the world's largest professional organization of cancer investigators, caregivers and patient advocates.

Study findings indicate that a newly discovered drug, RMC-6236, also known as Daraxonrasib, is a powerful inhibitor of RAS (including KRAS, NRAS and HRAS). These are commonly mutated cancer-causing genes that drive the formation of many types of tumors, including pancreatic cancer. This study evaluated the effectiveness of RMC-6236 in patient-derived pancreatic tumors harboring KRAS mutations.

New: Center for Translational Science

According to this initial study to emerge from the Research Institute's new Center for Translational Science laboratory, RMC-6236, when combined with other proven pancreatic cancer drugs, is a promising new agent against RAS, particularly KRASG12X. Existing KRASG12C inhibitors are unable to target other mutations and often have the unintended result of making patient tumors drug resistant.

"The fibrotic tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer exacerbates therapy resistance, and combining RMC-6236 with other therapies could overcome both intrinsic and acquired resistances," according to Taylor Bargenquast, a clinical research technician and lead author of the study abstract, which she presented at AACR.

"These results demonstrate the efficacy of RMC-6236 when combined with other therapeutic agents in a pancreatic cancer model - a three dimensional model of pancreatic cancer cells derived from patient biopsies," said Sunil Sharma, M.D., director of the Center for Translational Science and the senior author of the study abstract.

"The combination of RMC-6236 with standard chemotherapy and targeted therapies enhances its antitumor activity, suggesting a promising strategy for improving therapeutic outcomes in pancreatic cancer," said Erkut Borazanci, M.D., another of the study's authors, and medical director of the Institute's Oncology Research Division.

52,000 Americans expected to die

Pancreatic cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., after lung and colorectal cancers, and is expected to contribute this year to the deaths of nearly 52,000 Americans.

Contributing to this study - Evaluating the efficacy of RAS(ON) inhibitor RMC-6236 combined with chemotherapy and other targeted therapies in 3D models involving patients with KRAS-mutated pancreatic cancer - was the Phoenix-based Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope.

The study suggests that human clinical trials are warranted to further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of RMC-6236.

For more about HonorHealth Research Institute clinical trials: call 833-354-6667; or [email protected].
A dramatic spike in measles cases across Europe in 2024, driven by low vaccination rates and widening immunity gaps, has reignited urgent calls for catch-up immunization and strengthened disease surveillance.

Country reports from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

Did you know that unvaccinated individuals have a 90% chance of being infected with the measles virus when exposed to it? In 2024, measles cases surged across Europe, reaching the highest levels seen in decades. A recent report by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) discussed this alarming rise in measles cases, the factors contributing to outbreaks, and the urgent strategies needed to prevent future epidemics.

Measles

Seasonal Resurgence: After three years of disrupted patterns, measles cases in 2024 followed a classic seasonal curve, peaking in spring and early summer, a pattern not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Measles is among the most contagious infectious diseases, spreading easily through airborne respiratory droplets. A single infected person can transmit the virus to between 12 and 18 others. Vaccination efforts since the 1960s have greatly reduced measles worldwide, but the measles virus continues to cause significant illness and death, particularly in young children. Global estimates suggest that measles still causes close to 140,000 deaths among children each year.

Although immunization coverage is generally high across Europe, localized gaps persist, making some populations vulnerable to outbreaks. Studies suggest that achieving and maintaining at least 95% vaccination coverage with two doses is critical to prevent the spread of measles.

However, vaccination coverage has fluctuated, especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, when healthcare disruptions and, in some countries, vaccine hesitancy created immunity gaps. Furthermore, the influx of cases from countries where measles remains endemic continues to pose a threat to disease control efforts in Europe. The report specifically highlights that Romania experienced a sharp decline in first and second dose coverage between 2022 and 2023, whereas Austria showed improvement in second dose coverage.

The current report

The 2024 Annual Epidemiological Report on measles is based on data retrieved from the EpiPulse Cases system on March 20, 2025. EpiPulse offers enhanced data collection and analysis of communicable disease cases, surpassing the capabilities of the older European Surveillance System. The report utilized cases reported by 30 European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries.

Romanias immunization crisis: First-dose vaccination coverage plummeted by nearly 10% between 2020 and 2023, leaving toddlers in Europes hardest-hit nation unprotected.

The surveillance relied mainly on comprehensive, passive reporting systems covering national populations, and data submission follows standard EU case definitions, adopted between 2008 and 2018. Vaccination coverage estimates were sourced from the World Health Organizations (WHO) Global Health Observatory datasets and immunization coverage estimates developed by the WHO and United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF).

The report also used ECDC's Surveillance Atlas of Infectious Diseases and monthly reports on measles and rubella cases. Data on cases, vaccination status, outcomes, hospitalizations, and complications were collected and analyzed to identify trends, seasonality, age group distribution, vaccination gaps, and importation status.

Age-specific attack and vaccination rates were calculated, and case importations were classified based on travel history and exposure outside reporting countries. The hospitalization and complication data were used to assess the severity of cases, and outcome status, including death, was recorded whenever available.

Additionally, historical trends in measles vaccination coverage, notification rates, and cross-country comparisons were incorporated to identify emerging vulnerabilities and inform recommendations for public health action. The report also notes that eleven EU/EEA countries have implemented mandatory measles vaccination policies, which may contribute to differences in coverage and age-specific vulnerability.

Key findings

The report indicated that measles cases had risen dramatically in 2024 across the EU/EEA, with over 35,000 cases reported, nearly ten times higher than the number of cases in 2023. Romania alone accounted for 87% of all cases.

Moreover, the notification rates surpassed pre-pandemic levels, reaching 77.4 cases for every million individuals. Infants under one year were the most affected group, with an infection rate of 1,175.4 per million, followed closely by children between the ages of 1 and 4 years.

Approximately 87% of reported cases involved individuals who were not vaccinated. More alarming was the finding that 90% of children aged one to four were unvaccinated, revealing significant immunity gaps in a critical age group. The report also highlighted that immunity gaps exist among older children and adults, with several countries reporting that the majority of cases occur in people over 30 years old. This suggests a history of under-vaccination in these populations. For example, in France, Italy, Spain, and Poland, the majority of measles cases in 2024 occurred in adults aged 30 and above, while in Romania, most cases were in young children.

Hospital hotspots: Among the 24,529 hospitalized cases, 82% were unvaccinated, including 739 fully vaccinated individuals, highlighting the rare but real occurrence of breakthrough infections.

Hospitalization rates were also high, with 79% of cases requiring hospital care, predominantly among the unvaccinated children. In fact, approximately 82% of hospitalised cases were unvaccinated, and about 80% of those who developed complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis were also unvaccinated, further underscoring the risks faced by those without protection. Furthermore, complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis were frequently reported.

Deaths from measles were also seen to increase sharply, with 23 mortalities  22 in Romania alone  compared to just three in 2023. Infants and young children represented most of these deaths. Additionally, the number of imported cases had also increased, particularly from within Europe, highlighting ongoing risks of cross-border transmission.

Despite the existence of longstanding vaccination programs, coverage for the first dose declined slightly to 93.9%, and for the second dose to 88.8%. Only four countries met the target of greater than 95% coverage for the second dose of measles immunization in 2024. The report further notes that only three countries achieved greater than 95% coverage for both the first and second doses in 2023. The gaps were more evident among older children and adults, suggesting a history of under-vaccination.

The researchers noted that the information on vaccination status for some age groups was incomplete, and mild cases might not have been reported, which may have underestimated the true incidence.

Conclusions

In summary, the 2024 epidemiological report by the ECDC revealed a troubling resurgence of measles in Europe, highlighting the severe consequences of immunity gaps and suboptimal vaccination coverage.

With infants and young children most affected, urgent actions are needed to rebuild community protection through vaccination campaigns, targeted outreach, and strengthened surveillance to prevent further measles resurgence. Strengthening digitalised immunisation information systems and international collaboration to prevent cross-border transmission are also emphasized as key strategies in the report. The report also emphasizes the importance of targeted catch-up campaigns for cohorts that have been missed, particularly among adolescents and adults. It highlights how national differences in MMR policiessuch as timing of vaccine doses and catch-up programmesmay partly explain differences in age-specific vulnerability across the region.
When a woman collapsed on an escalator at the Buffalo, New York, airport last June, Phil Clough knew what to do. He and another bystander put her flat on her back and checked her pulse (faint) and her breathing (shallow and erratic). Then she stopped breathing altogether. Realizing that she might be having a cardiac arrest, Clough immediately started doing chest compressions, pressing hard and quickly on the center of her chest, while others nearby called 911 and ran to get an automated external defibrillator. Within seconds of receiving a shock from the AED, the woman opened her eyes. By the time the airport rescue team arrived a few minutes later, she was conscious and able to talk with rescuers.

"I don't want to ever feel helpless," said Clough, who had flown to Buffalo that evening on a work trip for his engineering job in Denver. After an incident several years earlier in which he was unsure how to help a woman who collapsed at his gym, he took a college course to get certified as an emergency medical responder, who can provide basic life support interventions.

The woman who collapsed was lucky: She lost consciousness in a public place where bystanders knew how to help her. Most people aren't so fortunate. In the United States, a lack of training and readiness to deal with this relatively common medical emergency contributes to thousands of deaths a year.

More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting in the United States annually, according to the American Heart Association. In 9 of 10 cases, the person dies because help doesn't arrive quickly enough. Every minute that passes without intervention reduces the odds of survival by 10%. But if someone immediately receives cardiopulmonary resuscitation and an AED shock, if needed, their survival odds can double or even triple.

Fewer than half of people get that immediate help, according to the heart association. A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops suddenly, often because the heart's electrical system malfunctions. About 70% of cardiac arrests occur at home. But even if someone collapses in a public place and an ambulance is called immediately, it takes roughly eight minutes, on average, for emergency personnel to arrive. In rural areas it can take much longer.

When someone has a cardiac arrest, they often require an electric shock from an AED to get their heart started again. These portable devices analyze the heart's rhythm and instruct the user to deliver a shock, if necessary, through pads placed on the victim's chest.

But although many states require that AEDs be available in public places such as airports, malls, and schools, they often aren't easy to spot. A study of data from 2019 to 2022 found that after a cardiac arrest in a public place, bystanders used an AED 7% of the time and performed CPR 42% of the time.

The most comprehensive resource for identifying AEDs is a nonprofit foundation called PulsePoint, which has registered 185,000 AEDs in 5,400 communities in the United States, according to Shannon Smith, vice president of communications at PulsePoint. If requested, the organization will help a community build its AED registry and connect it to the area's 911 service free of charge.

PulsePoint recently launched a national AED registry to further this effort.

Through a companion app, users trained in CPR can volunteer to be alerted to potential cardiac arrests within roughly a quarter-mile when calls come into a community's emergency response dispatch service. The app also identifies registered AEDs nearby.

"PulsePoint is the closest thing we have to a national registry," said Elijah White, president of the acute care technology division at Zoll, a leading AED manufacturer. The company has provided location information for all its AEDs to PulsePoint. Still, PulsePoint has registered only a fraction of AEDs in the country. "It's just a start," White said.

Other factors may also keep bystanders from stepping in to help. They may lack CPR training or confidence, or fear liability if something goes wrong.

Liability shouldn't be a concern, in general. All 50 states and Washington, D.C., have "good Samaritan" laws that protect bystanders from legal liability if they intervene in a medical emergency in good faith.

But training can be a serious barrier. One study found that only 18% of people reported that they'd received CPR training within the previous two years, a key time frame for skills maintenance. Two-thirds of people reported having been trained at some point.

One way to boost training is to make it mandatory, and many states require that students receive CPR training to graduate. But even though 86% of high school students reported having received some training, only 58% said they knew how to apply their skills, and a similar proportion said they knew how to use an AED.

"We've got some work to do," said Dianne Atkins, a pediatric cardiologist and longtime AHA volunteer, who said ensuring high school training is a top priority for the AHA.

Other countries have prioritized training their residents in AED use and CPR for many years, with some success.

In Denmark, such training has been required to get a driver's license since the 2000s, and middle schoolers are also required to be trained. And in a survey, 45% of the population reported having received training through their workplace. In the study, 81% of respondents in the general public reported having been trained in CPR and 54% in how to use an AED.

Norway has provided first-aid training in primary schools since 1961 and mandates CPR training to receive a driver's license. Ninety percent of the population reported they are trained in CPR.

In the United States, many training courses are available, online and in person, that take only a few hours to complete. For someone who's never learned basic life-support skills, the training can be eye-opening. This previously untrained reporter was taken aback to discover how forcefully and rapidly someone must press on a mannequin's chest to do CPR correctly: 100 to 120 compressions a minute to a depth of at least 2 inches.

The most important thing is for ordinary people to know the basics well enough that "they would feel confident to call 911 and push hard and fast on someone's chest," said Audrey Blewer, an assistant professor of family medicine and community health at Duke University School of Medicine who has published numerous studies on bystander CPR and AED use. "That doesn't require a certification card and recent training."

During an emergency, 911 dispatchers can also play a crucial role in walking people through doing CPR and operating an AED, said David Hiltz, volunteer program director of the HeartSafe Communities program at the Citizen CPR Foundation, a nonprofit that works to improve cardiac arrest survival through training and education.

Phil Clough has stayed in touch with Rebecca Sada, the woman who collapsed at the Buffalo airport that June day as she was coming home from a trip to visit her daughter. Sada, who had no history of heart trouble before her cardiac arrest, now has an automated defibrillator implanted in her chest to stabilize a previously undiagnosed electrical problem with her heart. She and her husband have had Clough over for dinner, and they are friends for life, she said.

One other change that occurred as a result of Sada's cardiac arrest: She and her husband got certified in CPR and AED.

"Now, if we needed to help someone down the road, we'd be able to," Sada said.
Found in the Finnish population, a rare variant of the TYROBP gene significantly increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease, a new study led by the University of Eastern Finland shows. This gene variant affects the function of microglia, the cells which regulate inflammation in the brain. The findings further confirm the role of altered inflammatory response and protein stress response in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

The Finnish disease heritage contains genetic disorders that are extremely rare elsewhere in the world. One such disorder is Nasu-Hakola disease characterized by bone cysts as well as personality changes and dementia starting between the ages of 30 to 40. In Finns, it is caused by a partial deletion in the TYROBP gene. The disease is recessively inherited, i.e., only manifesting if the deletion is inherited from both parents. However, it was previously assumed that monoallelic carriers, who inherit the deletion from one parent only, would not be affected. Now, the new study shows that carriers of the TYROBP deletion have a significantly increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common progressive memory disorder, with recent years seeing the discovery of several new risk genes. In the brain tissue, many of them are primarily expressed in microglia. Researchers have now shown, for the first time, that the monoallelic deletion in the TYROBP gene expressed in microglia is also associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The gene variant also led to an earlier onset of the disease, by two years on average, compared to individuals not carrying the deletion.

The association of the TYROBP gene with Alzheimer's disease has not been observed before, because TYROBP variants are extremely rare globally. The deletion of the TYROBP gene occurs almost exclusively in Finns.

The Finnish FinnGen project has compiled genetic and health data from half a million Finnish biobank sample donors, providing a unique dataset for our research." Henna Martiskainen, Academy Research Fellow, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland

To explore the disease mechanisms, elderly asymptomatic individuals from the Biobank of Eastern Finland were recontacted for the study based on their genetic data. Cell models produced from blood samples of TYROBP deletion carriers and controls were used to investigate the effects of the gene variant. Cells from TYROBP deletion carriers and those with Nasu-Hakola disease showed a higher inflammatory response and a lower endoplasmic reticulum stress response compared to controls. The study suggests that while Nasu-Hakola disease and Alzheimer's disease share some common biological mechanisms, they also have unique ones. Identifying these mechanisms can help in developing treatments for both conditions. The TYROBP gene produces a protein called DAP12 associated with the TREM2 signalling pathway, which regulates the function of microglia and is currently a focus of drug development for Alzheimer's disease.

"With effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease available in the future, people's genetic background may influence the choice of treatment. Therefore, it is important to know the variants that predispose the Finnish population to Alzheimer's disease and what is their mechanism of action. Our research also gives hope that some of the drug treatments being developed for Alzheimer's disease could, in the future, also bring relief to patients with Nasu-Hakola disease," Martiskainen says, summarizing the significance of the study.

"This study is a new opening in a continuum that is based on the pioneering work by Professor Panu Hakola, who first reported Nasu-Hakola disease, and other Finnish researchers over the years. In addition, the results highlight the importance of translational research, which combines basic research with clinical expertise, thus providing significant added value in elucidating the disease mechanisms," Professor Mikko Hiltunen of the University of Eastern Finland says.

The study was conducted in collaboration between Kuopio University Hospital and Oulu University Hospital, and it constitutes part of research projects funded by the Research Council of Finland and the Sigrid Juselius Foundation.
The Trump administration quietly restored federal family planning money to Tennessee and Oklahoma, despite court rulings that the states werent entitled to funds because they refused to provide women information about terminating pregnancies or abortion referrals on request.

The decision by the Department of Health and Human Services to restore millions of dollars for the two states came as it simultaneously withheld nearly $66 million from clinics in the Title X program elsewhere. Title X for more than 50 years has provided sexual and reproductive health services especially to low-income, hard-to-reach people, including minors.

The Biden administration in 2023 cut off funding to Tennessee and Oklahoma, saying they violated federal rules by not offering counseling to patients about abortion. The states sued federal health officials. And courts ruled against the states.

On March 31, HHS restored $3.1 million in family planning funds for the Tennessee Department of Health and nearly $2 million for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, according to court filings. In the notices, HHS said family planning funds were sent to the two states "pursuant to a settlement agreement with the recipient."

Yet "there has been no agreement with Tennessee to settle this litigation," Department of Justice lawyers wrote in an April 23 court filing.

Zach West, an official with the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General, separately wrote on April 17 that the state's grant notice "wrongly indicated that a settlement agreement had been reached. No agreement has yet been entertained or discussed in any substantial manner in this case."

"To our knowledge no settlement has been reached between the State of Oklahoma and HHS in the pending litigation," Erica Rankin-Riley, public information officer for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, said in an email in response to questions. She said the state's Title X clinics are not providing referrals for abortion or counseling pregnant women about terminating pregnancies.

"We are appreciative of all that has been involved in restoring Oklahomas long-standing and successful Title X grant," Rankin-Riley said, "and look forward to continuing these important services throughout the state as we have done for over 50 years."

Spokespeople for HHS and the Tennessee Department of Health did not respond to requests for comment.

Title X was established to reduce unintended pregnancies and provide related preventive health care. As of 2023, more than 3,800 clinics across the country used federal grants to supply free or low-cost contraception, testing for sexually transmitted infections, screening for breast and cervical cancer, and pregnancy-related counseling.

Nationwide, more than 4 in 5 people who use Title X's services are women, according to HHS.

Federal law prohibits clinics from using Title X money to pay for abortions. However, HHS regulations issued in 2021 say participating clinics must offer pregnant women information about prenatal care and delivery, infant care, foster care, adoption, and pregnancy termination. That includes counseling patients about abortion and providing abortion referrals on request.

HHS under President Donald Trump has not yet revised the Biden-era regulations, which means participating clinics are still required to provide abortion counseling and abortion referrals for pregnant women who request them.

After the Supreme Court's June 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which ended the constitutional right to an abortion, Tennessee and Oklahoma enacted strict abortion bans with few exceptions. The states told their Title X clinics they could discuss or make referrals only for services that were legal in their states, effectively cutting off any talk about abortion.

"Continued funding is not in the best interest of the government," two HHS officials wrote to Tennessee officials on March 20, 2023.

Tennessee and Oklahoma subsequently sued in federal court. A three-judge panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit ruled against Tennessee, while Oklahoma asked the Supreme Court to review the case after that state lost in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit.

State officials suggested even they weren't sure why they got some of their funding back before the lawsuits were resolved. "If Oklahoma's award is not being restored pursuant to a settlement agreement, then what is the reason for the partial restoration, and is it permanent?" West wrote.

Tennessee has not yet ascertained the formal position of HHS with respect to whether HHS intends to fully restore Tennessee's Title X funding," Whitney Hermandorfer of the Office of the Tennessee Attorney General wrote in an April 7 letter.

A report from HHS' Office of Population Affairs said 60% of roughly 2.8 million patients who received Title X services in 2023 had family incomes at or below the poverty line. Twenty-seven percent were uninsured, more than three times the national uninsured rate.

In fiscal 2024, the federal government awarded Title X grants to nearly 90 entities, a mix of state and local governments and private organizations. Those grantees distribute funds to public or private clinics.

The decision to restore some of Tennessee and Oklahoma's funding diverges sharply from the approach HHS under Trump has taken with other Title X participants.

On March 31, HHS withheld family planning funds from 16 entities, including nine Planned Parenthood affiliates.

At least seven states  California, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, and Utah  now do not have any Title X-funded family planning services, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court by the ACLU and the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, which lobbies for Title X clinics.

Overall, 865 family planning clinics are unable to provide services to roughly 842,000 people, the lawsuit states.

"We know what happens when health care providers cannot use Title X funding: People across the country suffer, cancers go undetected, access to birth control is severely reduced, and the nation's STI crisis worsens," Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, said in a statement.
This research investigates how to optimize mRNA transfection in human T-cells utilizing the jetMESSENGER transfection reagent. By using advanced bioanalytical instruments like the Incucyte Live-Cell Analysis System and the iQue High-Throughput Screening platform, Sartorius detected settings that improve T-cell viability, transfection efficiency, and eGFP expression alike.

Their results show the effective cytotoxic activity of transfected T-cells against A549 cancer cells, underscoring the potential of mRNA-based transfection for medical use cases, particularly in cancer immunotherapy. This study underscores precise T-cell engineerings critical role in reaching elevated functionality and therapeutic efficacy levels.

Introduction

T-lymphocytes (T-cells) have been identified as critical components of the adaptive immune system, with a critical role in controlling immune responses, the secretion of cytokines, and detecting and getting rid of infected or malignant cells.1

Considerable advancements in understanding T-cells have made way for the development of state-of-the-art therapeutic approaches that have demonstrated outstanding success in multiple domains, such as cancer immunotherapies, autoimmunities, and infectious diseases.1,2

Among the different approaches utilized to employ T-cells for therapeutic effect, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells are considered to be outstanding, with significant FDA approvals such as Kymriah and Yescarta for treating B-cell malignancies.3,4 In spite of these therapies success, the efficacious manipulation of T-cells for study and medicinal purposes remains a key problem.

Conventional approaches for modifying T-cells include viral vectors, which are more costly and have a more limited cargo capacity in comparison to other approaches, while generating considerable risks, such as insertional mutagenesis and immunogenicity.5

Different approaches like electroporation depend on disrupting membranes, typically leading to low transfection efficiency and excessive cellular damage. Contrasting this, non-viral transfection reagents like lipid-based nanoparticles enable a safer, more cost-effective, and more effective option for T-cells and other difficult-to-transfect cellular varieties .5,6

Alongside the intracellular delivery approach, the variety of genetic material should also be considered carefully. Recently, mRNA has arisen as a crucial part of genome-editing strategies owing to its capacity to engender precise and efficient improvements without integrating into the host genome.7

mRNA transfection is especially beneficial for T-cells, permitting the rapid and efficient production of necessary functional proteins. This strategy has demonstrated significant potential both in medicinal use cases and in T-cell biology research.

Modifying gene-delivery approaches for T-cells is critical for improving their potential in medicine. With this requirement, the principal goal of this research was to modify the transfection of human T-cells with mRNA utilizing the jetMESSENGER transfection reagent.

In particular, Sartorius wanted to identify the settings needed for optimizing cell proliferation, transfection efficiency, and cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. T-cells were prepared in specialized 4Cell Nutri-T GMP media alongside high-quality cytokines from Sartorius to enable both their recovery and expansion.

For kinetic visualization and quantitative tests guiding the optimization process, Sartorius used the Incucyte LiveCell Analysis System and the iQue High-Throughput Screening (HTS) cytometer.

Figure 1. T-cell transfection workflow. A workflow diagram highlighting the key steps involved in eGFP-mRNA transfection of T-cells using jetMESSENGER, including timepoints for cell monitoring, sampling, and analysis. Image Credit: Sartorius

Materials and methods

The T-cell transfection workflow schematic (Figure 1) highlights various steps in the transfection process and underscores critical points in the timeline for tracking and analyzing cells.

Cell culture and T-cell activation

Human primary T-cells obtained from healthy donors were thawed after being frozen according to the vendors guidelines utilizing 4Cell Nutri-T GMP media supplemented with FBS for more support while thawing (Table 1). The cells were suspended again to a density of 1.5  106 cells/mL and supplemented with either IL-2 or IL-21.

After adding cytokines, the T-cells were set aside to rest for 4 hours in a 37 C, 5 % CO 2 -humidified incubator. To activate and proliferate the cells, T-Cell TransAct was added, and the cells were then incubated for 44 hours more under the aforementioned settings.

Incucyte Cytolight Red A549 adenocarcinoma cells that stably expressed a cytoplasmic red fluorescent protein were preserved in F-12K media (Table 1) and utilized as target cells in the immune cell killing assay. The media formulations and materials utilized in the workflow are showcased in Table 1 and Table 2.

T-cell proliferation studies comparing IL-2 and IL-21

Research was carried out utilizing the protocol demonstrated in the T-cell transfection workflow shown in Figure 1.

On day 0 of the workflow, T-cells were washed with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (300 x g, 5 mins) and suspended once again in 4Cell Nutri-T GMP media at a density of 3 x 106 cells/mL. The cells were equilibrated to serum-free settings for 30 minutes in a 37 C, 5 % CO 2 humidified incubator prior to being seeded into a 96-well plate (187,500 cells/ well).

After a 30-minute cell-settling period at room temperature, the plate was put in the Incucyte LiveCell Analysis System (Incucyte system) to track proliferation. After 3.5 hours, the plate was taken away briefly to include fresh media carrying either IL-2 or IL-21 and TransAct to the wells. Monitoring proliferation continued in the Incucyte system until full cell confluence was achieved.

High-definition (HD) phase contrast images were obtained at 3-hour intervals via a 20x objective (4 images/well) and examined with the integrated Incucyte Cell-By-Cell Analysis Software Module or the Incucyte AI Confluence Analysis software (offered via the Incucyte Base Analysis Software).

Table 1. Media formulations used for cell culture. Source: Sartorius

Media Component Supplier Cat. No. Nutri-T Media F-12K Media 4 Cell Nutri-T GMP media Sartorius 05-F3F2111-1K Base Hams F-12K (Kaighns) Gibco 21127030 Base Characterized Fetal Bovine serum (FBS) Sigma-Aldrich F2442-500ML 10% 10% Penicillin-Streptomycin (P/S) Gibco 15140122 1% 50 M Puromycin Gibco A1113803 0.5 g/mL Interleukin-2 (IL-2) Sartorius CYK-0025-1001 10 ng/mL Interleukin-21 (IL-21) Sartorius CYK-0025-1018 10 ng/mL

Table 2. Materials required for transfection and assays. Source: Sartorius

Materials Supplier Cat. No. Final concentration Human Pan T-cells, CD3+ ZenBio SER-CD3-PANT10-F T Cell TransAct Miltenyi Biotec 130-128-758 10 L per 1.10e6 cells CleanCap eGFP mRNA TriLink L-7601 jetMESSENGER Sartorius 101000056 Incucyte Opti-Green Background Suppressor Sartorius N/A Costar 96-well plate bottom plate Corning 3595 Corning 25 cm2 cell culture flask Corning 430639 iQue Human T Cell Activation Kit Sartorius 90560 iQue Cell Membrane Integrity Dye (B/Red) Kit Sartorius 90346 1 in 100 dilution Incucyte Cytolight Red Lentivirus (EF-1, Puro) Sartorius N/A

T-cell transfection

Transfection was carried out on day 0 (Figure 1). T-cells were washed and then equilibrated in media as outlined in the proliferation research. Over the 30 minutes during equilibration, mRNA was complexed with the jetMESSENGER transfection reagent.

Rising concentrations of CleanCap eGFP mRNA (Table 2) were blended with jetMESSENGER at a ratio of 1 g mRNA to 3 L transfection reagent and incubated for 15 minutes at room temperature. The mRNA-jetMESSENGER complex was added to a 96-well plate, followed by equilibrated T-cells (187,500 cells/well).

The plate was lightly rocked to enable proper mixing and then left to settle at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to being placed in the Incucyte system for both proliferation and monitoring transfection.

After 3.5 hours, the plate was removed for a short period of time to add fresh media with IL-21 and TransAct to the wells. Where necessary, a Sartorius Opti-Green background suppressor was added to the wells to remove green autofluorescence from the media.

Proliferation and transfection tracking continued in the Incucyte system until full well coverage was achieved. HD phase contrast and green fluorescence images were obtained and examined as earlier outlined.

High-throughput cytometry assessments

To aid further examination, wells from transfection tests were sampled on both day 1 and day 2 for analysis via the iQue HTS platform utilizing the integrated iQue Forecyt software.

Cells were washed and stained according to the manufacturers guidelines to examine viability, immunophenotyping, T-cell activation, and transfection efficiency. The reagents utilized for these tests are available in Table 2 and include the iQue Human T Cell Activation Kit and the iQue Cell Membrane Integrity Dye (B/Red) Kit.

Immune cell killing assay

To examine the tumor-killing ability of transfected T-cells, an immune cell-killing assay was carried out with the Incucyte SX5 system. Cytolight Red A549 target cells were seeded at 5K cells/well into a 96-well plate in 4Cell Nutri-T GMP medium topped up with FBS.

Cells were permitted to adhere for 3 hours in a 37 C, 5 % CO 2 humidified incubator. Throughout this period, T-cells transfected for 24 hours were pooled and centrifuged (300 x g, 5 mins), and the resultant pellet was suspended again in fresh media with IL-21. Following target cell attachment, the media was replaced with transfected T-cells at either 5:1, 10:1, or 20:1 effector-to-target (E:T) ratios.

As a last step, fresh media supplemented with IL-21 and TransAct was added to the wells prior to being placed in the Incucyte system for T-cell cytotoxic activity tests. Orange fluorescence and HD phase contrast images were gathered every hour (20x objective, 4 images/ well) and examined with the Incucyte Classic Confluence.

Analyzing orange fluorescence area/well and orange green fluorescence overlap area/well for quantitative assessments of target cell number and E:T interactions..

Results

Using live-cell analysis and HTS cytometry for T-cell characterization

Many cytokines are widely utilized for T-cell culture, with IL-2 and IL-21 being the most commonly used. IL-2 is known to enable both T-cell proliferation and activation. Meanwhile, IL-21 is linked to improving effector function.

To contrast T-cells cultured with IL-2 versus IL-21, cells were seeded into a 96-well plate and tracked for proliferation as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Furthermore, wells were sampled at 24 hours for viability, phenotypic, and functional analysis utilizing the iQue HTS platform shown in Figure 2C.

The images and kinetic growth curves (Figures 2A and 2B) demonstrate how the proliferation dynamics of T-cells were similar for IL-2 and IL-21, with growth curves demonstrating small differences and overlapping exponential rates and plateaus. Data gathered utilizing the iQue HTS platform shown in Figure 2C supported this data, demonstrating similar percentages of viable cells for the two cytokines (86.3  1.8% and 87.9  0.7% for IL-2 and IL-21).

Immunophenotyping showed similar percentages of CD3 T-cells, alongside CD4 and CD8 subsets. For instance, the percentage of CD8 T-cells stood at 39.2  0.5% for IL-2 and 38.1  0.68% for IL-21. Among the CD8 subset, the percentage expressing the late activation marker CD25 was also similar (35.2  1.0% and 39.0  2.3% for IL-2 and IL-21).

Figure 2. Using Live-cell Analysis and HTS Cytometry for T-Cell Characterization in the presence of IL-2 or IL-21 Cells were monitored over 60 hours using live-cell analysis and HTS cytometry. A) HD phase-contrast images and Cell-by-Cell segmentation showing T-cells at 36 hours. B) Kinetic T-cell proliferation profile for both cytokines. C) Representative histograms and scatter plots showing T-cell characterization gating strategies at 24 hours. Data are presented as mean  SEM with n = 1 donor (2-6 replicates, 4 images per well). Image Credit: Sartorius

References and further reading

Sun, L., et al. (2023). T cells in health and disease. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, (online) 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-023-01471-y. Waldman, A., Fritz, J. and Lenardo, M. (2020). A guide to cancer immunotherapy: from T cell basic science to clinical practice. Nature Reviews Immunology, 20(20), pp.118. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-020-0306-5. U.S. Food & Drug Administrations. KYMRIAH (tisagenlecleucel). https://www.fda.gov/vaccinesblood-biologics/cellular-gene-therapy-products/ kymriah-tisagenlecleucel. FDA (2025). US food and drug administration. (online) Fda.gov. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/. Stewart, M., et al. (n.d.). Publisher: NPG; Journal: Nature: Nature; Article Type: Review. [online] https://doi.org/10.1038/nature19764. Chong, Z.X., Yeap, S.K. and Ho, W.Y. (2021). Transfection types, methods and strategies: a technical review. PeerJ, (online) 9. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11165. Qin, S., et al. (2022). mRNA-based therapeutics: powerful and versatile tools to combat diseases. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, (online) 7(1), pp.135. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-022-01007-w.

Download the article to learn more

About Sartorius

Sartorius is a leading international pharmaceutical and laboratory equipment supplier. With our innovative products and services, we are helping our customers across the entire globe to implement their complex and quality-critical biomanufacturing and laboratory processes reliably and economically.

The Group companies are united under the roof of Sartorius AG, which is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and holds the majority stake in Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. Quoted on the Paris Stock Exchange, this subgroup is comprised mainly of the Bioprocess Solutions Division.

Innovative technologies enable medical progress

A growing number of medications are biopharmaceuticals. These are produced using living cells in complex, lengthy and expensive procedures. The Bioprocess Solutions Division provides the essential products and technologies to accomplish this.

In fact, Sartorius has been pioneering and setting the standards for single-use products that are currently used throughout all biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Making lab life easier

Lab work is complex and demanding: Despite repetitive analytical routines, lab staff must perform each step in a highly concentrated and careful way for accurate results.

The Lab Products and Services Division helps lab personnel excel because its products, such as laboratory balances, pipettes and lab consumables, minimize human error, simplify workflows and reduce physical workloads.

Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments.
Modifying gene-delivery approaches for lymphocytes is critical for both fundamental research and clinical immunotherapy. T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells are difficult to transfect, and physical and viral-based approaches demonstrate limited efficacy and less cell viability.

This study examines jetMESSENGER mRNA transfection reagent, a chemical-based reagent for mRNA transfection, as a potential option to conventional approaches.

jetMESSENGER reagent considerably outstrips Lipofectamine 2000 transfection reagent in T cells, reaching more elevated GFP expression while preserving cell integrity. In B cells, it shows superior performance compared to Lipofectamine MessengerMAX reagent, providing a higher level of physiological and homogeneous expression.

For NK cells, jetMESSENGER reagent displays promising results, particularly with StemMACS HSC Expansion Media, while NK MACS Medium enhances cell integrity.

In conclusion, jetMESSENGER reagent efficiently delivers gene delivery in lymphocytes that are difficult to transfect, representing a viable alternative to physical and viral-based approaches.

This enables potential use cases in a spectrum of medicinal domains for proof-of-concept research, like engineering T cells for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) expression, improving B cells for autoimmune disease treatments, alongside improving NK cells as therapeutics for cancers and viral infections alike.

Introduction

Maximizing gene-delivery approaches for targeting lymphocytes with precision is a considerable problem in fundamental research concerning T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, as well as in clinical immunotherapy studies.

T lymphocytes, considered hard-to-transfect cells, typically depend on electroporation for transfection, although this can lead to problems such as low efficiency and lower cell viability. Chemical transfection reagents that are widely utilized for mammalian cells also display constrained efficacy in T cells.

This comes as T cells are resistant to widespread commercially available chemical transfection reagents, which have a safety profile for numerous mammalian cells, like the Lipofectamine 2000 transfection reagent.

In spite of the potential cellular damage linked to the electroporation, it remains the predominant approach for transfecting B cells. In addition, in vitro delivery approaches for CRISPR/Cas9 into B cells typically depend on viral-based approaches that have constrained carrier ability and may lead to immunogenicity problems and potential insertional mutagenesis.

Maximizing NK cells via traditional approaches such as electroporation, lipofection, or viral approaches is even more challenging than modifying T cells as NKs are considerably more resistant, leading to the evaluation of mRNA transfection as a different strategy.5,6

To address these issues, modified non-viral gene delivery approaches that reduce cellular toxicity are needed for effective gene transfer to lymphocytes.

This research seeks to examine and maximize the transfection efficiency and cell viability performance of jetMESSENGER reagent, a chemical-based transfection reagent used to deliver mRNA into T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and NK cells. The results could elucidate whether jetMESSENGER reagent may be used for proof-of-concept research and make possible mediated expression of clinically relevant proteins in lymphocytes.

Methods

T cell isolation and activation

Human primary T cells from healthy donors were taken from peripheral blood by magnetic activated cell sorting (negative selection via CD14 Microbeads, Miltenyi Biotec,130-050-201) and then frozen. T cells were then thawed and subsequently washed when in X-VIVO 15 medium (Lonza, BE02-060F) prior to being cultured in a medium supplemented with recombinant human IL-21 (10 ng/mL, PeproTech, 200-21) at a density of 1.5106 cells/mL.

Cells were set aside to rest for four hours prior to being activated with T Cell TransAct, human (10 L/1.106 cells, Miltenyi Biotec, 130-111-160). Cells were then activated for a period of 44 or 68 hours in a 37 C, 5% CO 2 humidified incubator.

Comparing T cell transfection with jetMESSENGER and lipofectamine 2000 transfection reagent

On the transfection day, T cells were washed on a singular occasion with 1  PBS (5 min, room temperature) and suspended again in X-VIVO 15 medium 30 minutes prior to transfection. The mRNA utilized was the CleanCap eGFP mRNA (5moU), L-7201 (TriLink).

In a 96-well plate, the conditions as follows were utilized for each well: for jetMESSENGER transfection reagent (Polyplus, 150-15), 125 ng mRNA was diluted in mRNA buffer (12.5 L) and mixed by pipetting; the jetMESSENGER reagent (0.375 L or 0.5 L) was added to the diluted mRNA; for Lipofectamine 2000 transfection reagent (Thermo Fisher, 11668027), 125 ng mRNA was diluted into 6.25 L of Opti-MEM serum (Gibco, 31985070) and added into the diluted transfection reagent (0.375 L into 6.25 L of Opti-MEM serum).

Following incubation (15 min, room temperature), 12.5 L of both transfection mixes were added per well. T cells in complete medium (62.5 L at 3.106 cells/mL) were additionally added to each well (187,500 cells per well). The plate was then lightly rocked back and forth and side to side before being incubated (4 hours, 37 C, 5% CO 2 ).

Full medium (175 L) with IL-21 (10 ng/mL) and T Cell TransAct (10 L/1.106 cells) were added to each of the wells and cells were incubated (37 C, 5% CO 2 ). Transfection efficiency was assessed 48 hours later by flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging.

Transfection efficiency evaluation

Cells were washed with 1 x PBS, resuspended in 200 L of 1 x PBS with 2% FBS, and 2 mM EDTA with propidium iodide (1 g/mL) was added. Cell fluorescence was assessed via a Guava easyCyte 5HT flow cytometer (Luminex, Merck Millipore) and outcomes were assessed with guavaSoft and InCyte Software. Cell images were additionally produced with a ZOE Fluorescent Cell Imager (Bio-Rad).

B cell isolation and expansion

Human primary B cells from healthy donors were taken from peripheral blood utilizing magnetic activated cell sorting (positive selection via CD19 Microbeads, Miltenyi Biotec, 130-050-301) and utilized in a direct manner.

B cells were cultivated in StemMACS HSC Expansion Media XF (Miltenyi Biotec, 130-100-473) + 2 L Human IL-4 (2.5  105 IU/mL, Miltenyi Biotec, 130-093-922) + 5% AB serum (Sigma-Aldrich, H4522-100 ML) + 80 L multimerized Human CD40-Ligand (Miltenyi Biotec, 130-098-776) at 0.2106 cells/mL (as recommended by Miltenyi Biotec). Cells were expanded for 13 or 14 days at 37 C, 5% CO 2 , and passaged once every 2 or 3 days.

Comparison of B cell transfection with jetMESSENGER reagent and lipofectamine messengerMAX reagent

Before transfection, B cells were washed on one occasion with 1 x PBS (5 min, room temperature) and suspended again in Opti-MEM serum. Cells were transfected with CleanCap eGFP mRNA (5moU) in 96-well plates utilizing the settings as follows: for jetMESSENGER transfection, 250 ng mRNA was diluted into mRNA buffer (12.5 L) and blended by pipetting; the jetMESSENGER reagent (0.25 L) was added to the diluted mRNA and combined by pipetting.

Following incubation (15 min, room temperature), the transfection mix (0.25 L) was added to each of the wells. For Lipofectamine MessengerMAX reagent (Thermo Fisher, LMRNA001), transfection reagent (0.25 L) was pre-diluted in Opti-MEM (6.25 L) and incubated for 10 minutes at room temperature, or 250 ng mRNA was diluted in Opti-MEM (6.25 L) and then added into the transfection reagent.

Following 5 minutes of incubation at room temperature, the transfection mix (12.5 L) was added to each of the wells. B cells (62.5 L at 3.106 cells/ml) in complete medium were added to each of the wells (187,500 cells/well). The plate was lightly rocked back and forth and side to side and incubated at 37 C, 5% CO 2 .

Four hours later, the medium was substituted with 200 L of fresh complete medium in each of the wells. Cells were incubated at 37 C, 5% CO 2 , and efficiency was assessed 24 hours later by flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging.

References and further reading

Wang, S. and Tian, D. (2022). High transfection efficiency and cell viability of immune cells with nanomaterials-based transfection reagent. BioTechniques. https://doi.org/10.2144/btn-2022-0024. Zhao, N., et al. (2012). Transfecting the hard-to-transfect lymphoma/leukemia cells using a simple cationic polymer nanocomplex. Journal of Controlled Release, (online) 159(1), pp.104110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.01.007. Chong, Z.X., Yeap, S.K. and Ho, W.Y. (2021). Transfection types, methods and strategies: a technical review. PeerJ, (online) 9. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11165. Keim, D., et al. (2021). Generation of Recombinant Primary Human B Lymphocytes Using Non-Viral Vectors. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(15), p.8239. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22158239. Allan, D.S.J., et al. (2021). Systematic improvements in lentiviral transduction of primary human natural killer cells undergoing ex vivo expansion. Molecular Therapy - Methods & Clinical Development, 20, pp.559571. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omtm.2021.01.008. Carlsten, M. and Childs, R.W. (2015). Genetic Manipulation of NK Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy: Techniques and Clinical Implications. Frontiers in Immunology, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2015.00266. Lim, W.A. and June, C.H. (2017). The Principles of Engineering Immune Cells to Treat Cancer. Cell, (online) 168(4), pp.724740. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2017.01.016.

Download the article to learn more

About Sartorius

Sartorius is a leading international pharmaceutical and laboratory equipment supplier. With our innovative products and services, we are helping our customers across the entire globe to implement their complex and quality-critical biomanufacturing and laboratory processes reliably and economically.

The Group companies are united under the roof of Sartorius AG, which is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and holds the majority stake in Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. Quoted on the Paris Stock Exchange, this subgroup is comprised mainly of the Bioprocess Solutions Division.

Innovative technologies enable medical progress

A growing number of medications are biopharmaceuticals. These are produced using living cells in complex, lengthy and expensive procedures. The Bioprocess Solutions Division provides the essential products and technologies to accomplish this.

In fact, Sartorius has been pioneering and setting the standards for single-use products that are currently used throughout all biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Making lab life easier

Lab work is complex and demanding: Despite repetitive analytical routines, lab staff must perform each step in a highly concentrated and careful way for accurate results.

The Lab Products and Services Division helps lab personnel excel because its products, such as laboratory balances, pipettes and lab consumables, minimize human error, simplify workflows and reduce physical workloads.

Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments.
Air India To Start Daily Flights Between Delhi And Tokyo Haneda From June 15

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 08:21 IST

This new service follows Air Indias recent shift to Tokyos Haneda Airport, which took place on 31 March 2025.

The flights will be operated with Air Indias Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, offering passengers an efficient and comfortable travel experience.

Air India, the national carrier of India, has announced an exciting expansion of its non-stop service between Delhi and Tokyo Haneda. Starting on 15 June 2025, the airline will operate daily flights, up from the previous four times a week.

This service enhancement follows Air Indias recent shift to Tokyos Haneda Airport from Narita Airport, effective from 31st March 2025. With this move, travel time to Tokyo Station has been reduced to just 30 minutes.

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Air Indias Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft will operate the daily flights, providing passengers with faster access to central Tokyo, as Haneda is only 18 km from downtown.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India, stated, This daily service, combined with our deepened codeshare partnership with All Nippon Airways, makes it easier for our guests to explore Japan and connect conveniently to other destinations in the country beyond Tokyo."

In addition to the daily flights, Air Indias expanded codeshare agreement with All Nippon Airways (ANA), a Star Alliance partner, will offer passengers even more convenience. Travellers can now connect seamlessly from Tokyo Haneda to six major Japanese cities, including Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Okinawa, Osaka, and Sapporo, with their baggage checked through to the final destination on a single ticket.

The new schedule also supports smooth connections to several major Indian cities, such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune, as well as international destinations across Asia and Europe.

Flight Schedule:

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AI358: Departs Delhi (DEL) at 20:20, arrives at Tokyo Haneda (HND) at 07:55 the next day (daily).

AI357: Departs Tokyo Haneda (HND) at 11:50, arrives in Delhi (DEL) at 17:25 (daily).

Bookings for the Delhi-Tokyo Haneda flights are now open through Air Indias website, mobile app, and travel agents.

About the Author Samreen Pall Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... Read More Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... Read More

Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India  including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news , EV policies, and more, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

First Published: April 30, 2025, 08:19 IST
Auto Shanghai 2025: Massive Screens, Massage Seats And Flying Taxis Stole The Show

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 12:47 IST

At the Auto Shanghai show, people waited to take seats in opulent minivans with reclining back seats and chrome radiator grilles.

Chinese automakers and inventors showcased their most advanced commercial endeavours.(Photo: Gulf News)

At this years Auto Shanghai, the spotlight shifted from powerful engines to futuristic passenger comfort and cutting-edge technology.

The event, which kicked off on April 23, showcased the latest in advanced car featuresfrom massive screens and luxurious massage seats to the dream of flying taxis.

Recommended Stories

Screens that are making headlines

Chinese carmakers are attempting to appeal to hyperconnected consumers in the face of intense competition by installing screens up to 65 inches wide at the front of each passenger, in the doors, in the sun visors, or even on the cars bonnet.

In the meantime, younger customers who currently have no trouble connecting their phones to their cars are the target of electronics behemoths Xiaomi and Huawei.

Volkswagens China-focused brand, AUDI, which is purposefully stylised in capital letters, has released its first vehicle with a screen that takes up the entire dashboard to compete with its Chinese rivals.

In addition, singing karaoke or watching videos can be done on the screens when they are immobile. And except for emergencies, modern driving systems promise to get users from point A to point B without requiring them to touch the steering wheel.

With the proliferation of intelligent driving, cars will no longer be viewed solely as transportation tools, but will truly become a second living space," in a 2025 research on the preferences of Chinese auto consumers, consulting company McKinsey stated, as per Hindustan Times.

Massage Seats and Mini Cinemas

European carmakers claim that Chinese consumers value interior comfort more than consumers in other regions. At Auto Shanghai, visitors waited in line to take seats in opulent minivans with reclining back seats and chrome radiator grilles.

In an attempt to entice future executives, Mercedes showed the Vision V, a prototype of their next-generation luxury electric minivan, which features aluminium seats, wood and silk trim, and a foldable cinema screen.

McKinsey claims that luxury equipment like refrigerators, TVs, and reclining seats are very popular in China, as are high-end suspension and rear-wheel steering that improve driving comfort. As vehicle prices increase, so does consumer demand for these features, along with a growing willingness to pay extra" to have them, the consultancy stated.

Chinese carmaker Nio used passengers bouncing around inside its cars on April 25 to show off how well the suspension worked. Others are using more conventional methods. For example, the French equipment firm Forvia offers a seat that pinches and pricks its user.

According to Zong Li, the innovation manager at the companys booth, the seat was inspired by traditional Chinese and Thai massages" and is anticipated to be fitted in a Chinese car this year.

Flying Taxis on Display

In other places, several flying taxis propelled by propellers loomed over other vehicles. Currently at the prototype stage, the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology eventually hopes to transport multiple passengers at once.

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The top battery manufacturer in the world, CATL, unveiled their eVTOL concept shortly after declaring that it had invested hundreds of millions of dollars" in the Chinese startup AutoFlight.

Even Hongqi, a traditional manufacturer known for providing Xi Jinping, the leader of China, with limousines, unveiled its idea for a flying car" that can carry two people. It claimed an untested range of 200 kilometres (124 miles) before tests were set for this year.

Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India  including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news , EV policies, and more, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

First Published: April 30, 2025, 12:47 IST
Maharashtra Govt Offers 100 Percent Toll Waiver For Electric Vehicles On Key Expressways, Here's Why

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 11:08 IST

In addition to the toll waivers, the Maharashtra government has introduced the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy, 2025.

Electric vehicles will also benefit from a 50% discount on tolls for other state and national highways managed by the Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD). (Representative Image)(Image: @rsliveIndia/X)

The Maharashtra government has announced a toll waiver for all electric four-wheelers and electric buses on key expressways in the state.

This decision was made during a state cabinet meeting held in Mumbai on Tuesday, as per Mid-day.

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Free Ride on Major Expressways

From now on, electric vehicles will not have to pay tolls on these important roads:

MumbaiPune Expressway

Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link)

Samruddhi Mahamarg (Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Expressway)

Additionally, a 50 percent toll discount will be given to EVs on other state and national highways managed by the Public Works Department (PWD).

More Discounts for EV Buyers

The new policy offers more than just toll waivers. Heres what EV buyers in Maharashtra can look forward to:

No motor vehicle tax

No registration fees or renewal charges

Discounts on new EV purchases till 2030.

Special Offer: 10 Percent Off on EV Prices

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As per a statement from CM Devendra Fadnavis office, the government will offer a 10 percent discount on the base price of:

Electric two-wheelers

Electric three-wheelers

Electric four-wheelers (non-transport use)

Electric buses used by state transport and private urban transport bodies.

About the Author Samreen Pall Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... Read More Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... Read More

Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India  including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news , EV policies, and more, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

First Published: April 30, 2025, 11:08 IST
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Dry Fruits To Get Costlier As Attari-Wagah Border Closes?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 12:36 IST

While current shipments are in transit and prices remain stable for now, the situation could change after 10 days, says Rajiv Batra, president of Delhi's Khari Baoli traders' body.

Afghanistan is a major supplier of dry fruits like almonds, raisins, and pistachios to India. (News18 Hindi)

With the closure of the the Attari-Wagah border amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam Terror Attack, dry fruit imports from Afghanistan are likely to be hit, triggering a potential spike in prices across India, according to The Times of India report.

Afghanistan is a major supplier of dry fruits like almonds, raisins, and pistachios to India. Trade data shows that in April-January of FY2024-25, India imported $358 million worth of goods from Afghanistan, of which dry fruits formed a significant portion.

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According to Rajiv Batra, president of Delhis Khari Baoli traders association, as reported by TOI, while current shipments are in transit and prices remain stable for now, the situation could change after 10 days. He warns prices in the national capital may rise by up to 20 per cent once stocks deplete.

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With trade through Pakistan suspended  including third-party shipments via Pakistan  India is exploring alternative supply routes through the UAE, Iran, and Iraq, which are expected to partially replace the Afghan supply, said Batra, according to TOI.

The trigger for the trade suspension was a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, prompting India to take a number of steps against Pakistan, including halting cargo movement through the Attari border.

About the Author Business Desk A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 12:36 IST
Stocks To Watch: IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finance, SBI, Vedanta, Infosys, BPCL, And Others

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 07:50 IST

Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finance, SBI, Vedanta, Infosys, BPCL, and others will be in focus on Wednesday's trade

Several stocks will remain in focus on Wednesday due to multiple of developments.

Stocks to Watch on April 30: Domestic markets ended flat on Tuesday amid subdued sentiment and a lack of major triggers. On Wednesday, stock-specific action is likely to dominate, with focus on companies reporting quarterly results and key corporate developments.

Q4 Results Today:

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Several companies are set to announce their March 2025 quarter earnings, including Adani Power, Indian Oil Corporation, Vedanta, Varun Beverages, Indus Towers, Jindal Steel & Power, Phoenix Mills, Coromandel International, JSW Infrastructure, Bank of India, Federal Bank, Ajanta Pharma, Crisil, Exide Industries, among others.

Corporate Actions:

Shares of Vesuvius India and Tanla Platforms will trade ex-dividend, while Bannari Amman Spinning Mills will trade ex-rights issue today.

Key Stocks in Focus:

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IndusInd Bank: CEO Sumant Kathpalia has resigned, effective April 29. The bank is awaiting RBI approval to appoint an interim executive committee until a new CEO is named.

CEO Sumant Kathpalia has resigned, effective April 29. The bank is awaiting RBI approval to appoint an interim executive committee until a new CEO is named. Bajaj Finance: Reported 19% YoY growth in net profit at Rs 4,546 crore, with net interest income up 22% at Rs 9,807 crore. AUM rose 26% YoY. The board announced a 4:1 bonus issue, 2:1 stock split, and dividends totaling Rs 56 per share.

Reported 19% YoY growth in net profit at Rs 4,546 crore, with net interest income up 22% at Rs 9,807 crore. AUM rose 26% YoY. The board announced a 4:1 bonus issue, 2:1 stock split, and dividends totaling Rs 56 per share. State Bank of India (SBI): The board will meet on May 3 to consider raising equity via FPO, QIP, rights issue, or other means, along with FY25 earnings.

The board will meet on May 3 to consider raising equity via FPO, QIP, rights issue, or other means, along with FY25 earnings. Bajaj Finserv: Posted a 14.1% rise in net profit at Rs 2,416.6 crore, with 14.2% revenue growth to Rs 36,595.4 crore.

Posted a 14.1% rise in net profit at Rs 2,416.6 crore, with 14.2% revenue growth to Rs 36,595.4 crore. Infosys: Launched Infosys Topaz for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, an AI-first offering aimed at accelerating digital transformation for enterprises.

Launched Infosys Topaz for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, an AI-first offering aimed at accelerating digital transformation for enterprises. BPCL: Net profit dropped 30.9% YoY to Rs 3,214.1 crore; revenue declined 1.7% YoY to Rs 1.11 lakh crore. Declared a final dividend of 5 per share.

Net profit dropped 30.9% YoY to Rs 3,214.1 crore; revenue declined 1.7% YoY to Rs 1.11 lakh crore. Declared a final dividend of 5 per share. CEAT: Reported an 8.4% decline in net profit at Rs 99.5 crore; revenue rose 14.3% to Rs 3,420.6 crore. Recommended a Rs 30 dividend per share.

Reported an 8.4% decline in net profit at Rs 99.5 crore; revenue rose 14.3% to Rs 3,420.6 crore. Recommended a Rs 30 dividend per share. Prestige Estates Projects: Received RERA approval for a new residential project, The Prestige City  Indirapuram in NCR, with an estimated GDV of over Rs 9,000 crore.

Received RERA approval for a new residential project, The Prestige City  Indirapuram in NCR, with an estimated GDV of over Rs 9,000 crore. Strides Pharma Science: US arm Strides Pharma Inc. acquired four approved ANDAs from Nostrum Laboratories, expanding its therapeutic portfolio in the U.S.

US arm Strides Pharma Inc. acquired four approved ANDAs from Nostrum Laboratories, expanding its therapeutic portfolio in the U.S. Alembic Pharmaceuticals: Received EIR from the USFDA for its oncology formulation facility in Panelav, following an inspection in October 2024.

Received EIR from the USFDA for its oncology formulation facility in Panelav, following an inspection in October 2024. V-Mart Retail: The board will consider a bonus share issue on May 2.

The board will consider a bonus share issue on May 2. Jana Small Finance Bank: Net profit fell 61.6% YoY to Rs 123.5 crore; net interest income rose marginally to Rs 596.9 crore. Gross NPA dropped to 2.71%, while net NPA remained stable at 0.94%.

Disclaimer: Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More

Stay updated with all the latest news on the Stock Market, including market trends, Sensex and Nifty updates, top gainers and losers, and expert analysis. Get real-time insights, financial reports, and investment strategiesonly on News18.

First Published: April 30, 2025, 07:50 IST
Varun Beverages Share Price: PepsiCo's Bottle-Maker Profit Jumps 34% In Q1, Dividend Announced

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 14:33 IST

Varun Beverages' Q1 2025 revenue rose 28.9% YoY to Rs 5,556 crore. Sales volumes increased 30.1%. EBITDA grew 27.8%, net profit jumped 33.5%.

Varun Beverages announces Q1 2025 results.

Varun Beverages Limited, the official bottle-maker of PepsiCo, on Wednesday announced that the revenue rose by 28.9 per cent YoY to Rs 5,556 crore for Q1 2025 (January-March 2025), against Rs 4,317.3 crore in Q1 2024. Similarly, sales volumes increased by 30.1 per cent on the back of strong demand in India and international markets like South Africa and DRC.

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The board also approved an interim dividend of Rs 0.50 per equity for the financial year 2024-25 on the total issued, subscribed and paid-up 339,18,65,692 equity shares with face value of Rs 2 each. The interim dividend will be paid on and from Friday, May 09, 2025 to those shareholders whose name appears in the companys registrar.

Varun Beverages EBITDA and Net Profit

The companys EBITDA (operating profit) rose 27.8 per cent to Rs 1,263 crore, while net profit jumped 33.5 per cent to Rs 731.4 crore from Rs 547.9 crore in Q1 2024. The jump in profit is credited to higher sales, lower interest costs in India, and interest income from surplus funds.

The company has also added new factories in Kangra (Himachal) and Prayagraj (UP), with several in Bihar and Meghalaya in pipeline.

It started distributing PepsiCo snack products in Zimbabwe and Zambia from February 2025.

Meanwhile CRISI upgraded VBLs long term loan rating to AAA (Stable).

VBL Management Commentary

Ravi Jaipuria (Chairman) said the company is confident about future growth in India due to increasing incomes, urbanization, and better cold-chain logistics. The company is ready to serve the growing demand with strong production, a wide range of drinks, and an expanded network.

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Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

About the Author Varun Yadav Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More

Stay updated with all the latest news on the Stock Market, including market trends, Sensex and Nifty updates, top gainers and losers, and expert analysis. Get real-time insights, financial reports, and investment strategiesonly on News18.

First Published: April 30, 2025, 14:31 IST
Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 06:54 IST

Assam HS Result 2025 Declared Live Updates: The Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) has declared the Assam HS Result 2025 today, April 30 at 9 am. Students who appeared for the Class 12 board exams can check and download their digital marksheets from the official AHSEC websites  ahsec.assam.gov.in and assamresult.in.

In addition to the official websites, students can check their results through third-party platforms and the mobile app UPOLOBDHA. Candidates are advised to download the app from the Play Store before the results are released.

The Assam Higher Secondary final exams were conducted from February 13 to March 17, 2025. The Class 12 examinations were held in two shifts each day  the first shift from 9 am to 12 noon, and the second from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

Follow this live blog for Assam Board HS Class 12th Result direct link, pass percentage and toppers list.
Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 10:40 IST

Telangana TS SSC Results 2025 Live Updates: The Telangana Board of Secondary Education (BSE) has announced the Class 10 or SSC exam results today, April 30. Students who appeared for the Telangana Board class 10th exams can check their results on the official websites  bse.telangana.gov.in, results.bse.telangana.gov.in, and results.bsetelangana.org. The results are also available on news18.com.

TS SSC Results 2025 Direct Link

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has announced the SSC results from the Ravindra Bharathi Auditorium in Hyderabad.

The Class 10 final examinations this year were held from March 21 to April 4 across 2,650 centres in the state. To check their results, candidates will need to enter their roll number, registration number, and password on the result portal.

(Check this live blog for TS SSC Results 2025 direct link, pass percentage and toppers list.)
Centres Caste Census: How Is It Different From Karnataka, Bihar Surveys? How Will It Help Citizens?

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi



Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 19:20 IST

Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "To ensure that our social fabric is not disturbed by politics, caste enumeration should be included in the census instead of surveys."

Caste census was one of key planks of the Opposition's INDIA bloc going for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. (News18)

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday announced the Centres decision to include caste data in the forthcoming census. The decision was taken at the meeting of the Central Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today.

Some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes. While some states have done this well, some others conducted such surveys only from a political angle in a non-transparent way. To ensure that our social fabric is not disturbed by politics, caste enumeration should be included in the census instead of surveys," said Vaishnaw.

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Caste census was one of the key planks of the Oppositions Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc going for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In 2022, Bihar, then under the INDIA, became the first state in independent India to successfully enumerate all castes. Following Bihars suit, Congress-ruled Karnataka and Telangana have also undertaken the caste census.

The Congress on Wednesday claimed credit for the central governments decision to include a caste survey in the upcoming population census, stating that it has long been a demand of the party.

WHAT IS CASTE CENSUS?

The caste census involves gathering detailed information about the caste identities of individuals in India.

India so far officially gathered caste data solely for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Other caste groups, particularly Other Backward Classes (OBCs), have not been formally counted since 1931.

HOW DOES IT HELP?

Welfare and Reservations: Accurate data allows for more effectively tailored policies and quotas.

Political Mobilisation: Parties aim to attract specific caste groups and rely on data to justify their demands for representation or reservations.

Equity and Justice: Advocates believe that knowing the real socio-economic conditions of various castes, especially OBCs and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), is crucial to achieve equality.

CASTE CENSUS BY CENTRE VS CASTE SURVEYS BY STATES

The Caste Census by the Centre and Caste Surveys by States differ primarily in authority, scope, legal backing, and political implications. Heres a clear comparison:

Centres Caste Census

The census at the national level will be conducted through the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under the Ministry of Home Affairs, and governed by the Census Act, 1948.

It will have a strong legal backing and will be applicable across the entire country.

It will offer a uniform and comprehensive dataset across states.

It would likely influence nationwide reservation policies, welfare programmes, and social justice measures. Being conducted under a central law, it will be recognised for policy formulation at the Central level.

State Caste Surveys

Caste surveys conducted by states are carried out using administrative machinery and are limited in scope to that specific state.

They act as administrative exercises to guide regional policymaking.

They vary in terms of methodology, detail, and accuracy, depending on the resources and priorities of the individual state.

They aim to capture detailed caste data within a single state, but their findings are not standardised or comparable across states.

State caste surveys, while influential within a state, may face legal challenges regarding their jurisdiction or methodology.

THE WORRY

Critics claim it might reinforce caste identities and deepen societal divisions. Some worry it could lead to demands for expanding reservations, potentially disrupting existing social balances. There is also concern over the accuracy and politicization of such data.

CASTE SURVEYS BY STATES

In recent years, states such as Bihar and Karnataka have conducted their own caste surveys.

BIHAR CASTE SURVEY FINDINGS

The Bihar government released the data of the caste-based survey in 2023, what many said with an eye on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. As per the caste survey report, among the total population size of 13,07,25,310, Bihar has 63 per cent people in Other Backward Class (OBC) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) category. The survey data has found Scheduled Caste (SC) constitute over 19 per cent of the states population, while 1 per cent people are falling under Scheduled Tribes (ST). As per the report, OBC stood at 27.12%, EBC 36.01%, SC: 19.65%, ST: 1.68%, unreserved: 15.52%. The male to female ratio is 1000:953.

                                -  !               Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 2, 2023

KARNATAKA CASTE SURVEY DATA

In a recently approved report from the state cabinet, it has been revealed that during the Socio-Economic and Education Survey conducted in Karnataka in 2015, approximately 2 lakh people stated that they did not know their caste name. This census took place during the first tenure of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (2013-2018). Furthermore, 1,34,000 people reported having no caste, while 1,94,000 individuals were unaware of their caste name. According to a PTI report, the caste census presented to the Karnataka cabinet has suggested increasing the reservation for Backward Communities from the current 32 per cent to 51 per cent. According to government sources, the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, commonly referred to as the caste census, also indicated that the BC population constitutes 70 per cent. The report recommended that 51 per cent of reservations be allocated to BCs in state educational institutions.

The report was submitted to CM Siddaramaiah on February 29, 2024. Dominant communities such as the Lingayats and Vokkaligas have expressed concerns over the surveys methodology and findings, fearing that the data may not accurately reflect their population sizes. Siddaramaiah has indicated that the government intends to accept the report but has not specified when it will be made public.

TELANGANA CASTE SURVEY FINDINGS

Telangana conducted the Socio-Economic, Education, Employment, and Political Caste Survey 2024 from November 6 to early December 2024. The final report was submitted to the Cabinet Sub-Committee on February 2, 2025. Subsequently, on February 4, 2025, the report was presented in the Telangana Legislative Assembly.

The findings revealed that Backward Classes (BCs) constitute 56.33% of the states population. Backward classes constitute up to 56.33% of the Telangana population. The Scheduled Castes (SC) account for 17.43% of the total population, while Scheduled Tribes (ST) are 10.45% in the state. There are 15.79% Other Castes (OC) in Telangana. The population of Backward Classes (BC) in the state is 1,99,85,767, which also includes 35,76,588 Backward Classes Muslims, while the SC population stands at 61,84,319 and ST numbers are at 37,05,929.

WHEN IS INDIAS NEXT CENSUS?

India conducts its official population census every 10 yearsa process known as the decennial census. It is one of the largest administrative exercises in the world, covering every household in the country.

The last census was conducted in 2011. The next was scheduled originally in 2021. However, it was deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent logistical challenges.

The next census is expected to begin in early 2025, with the data collection expected to go on till 2026.

Usually, the census is conducted in two phases: House-listing and housing census and population enumeration. It collects data on age, gender, literacy, religion, occupation, migration, etc.

Caste data, apart from SCs and STs, has not been collected since 1931 in the national census.

Based on the vision and direction ofShri @RahulGandhi Ji who first demanded a nation-wide Caste Census during his historic #BharatJodoYatra Telangana is the first State to conduct caste survey last year.This was the first in Independent #India, the last one being in 1931 by pic.twitter.com/7dNABdwqM7  Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) April 30, 2025

CAN ALL BACKWARD CLASSES GET RESERVATION?

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As per a Supreme Court ruling in 1992, reservations for the backward class in government jobs and educational institutions cannot be more than 50 per cent.

The 50 per cent ceiling on reservations in jobs and educational institutions was endorsed by the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney vs. Union of India case in 1992.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 18:38 IST
How Pakistan School Textbooks Impart Lessons Of Hatred Against India, Hindus

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 14:26 IST

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, a look at how Pakistan's school textbooks describe India, Hindus, key historical figures, Congress, the independence struggle and Kashmir

Students at a school in Swat Valley in Pakistan. (AP)

Hindus are kafirs who are to blame for evils on Pakistan; Indian Muslims are oppressed; India is to blame for all problems in Pakistan post Partition"  Thought these statements were from the jihadist propaganda to radicalise youths? No, these are from the lessons of hatred imparted in Pakistans school textbooks.

Days before the Pahalgam attack, which has led to escalation of tension between India and Pakistan, Pakistans Army chief Asim Munir had called Kashmir their jugular vein. Guess what? Their textbooks for young students, too, say the same.

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The books also state that India is an arrogant nation that has disturbed the balance of power in the region". In case of historical figures, they call Aurangzeb heroic", while Mahatma Gandhi hardly finds a mention in the Independence movement.

News18, had for a series in 2023, accessed Class 8 and 9 textbooks published by the National Book Foundation (Federal Textbook Board, Islamabad), which too found anti-India hatred being propagated among students.

Heres a look at how the textbooks describe India, Hindus, key historical figures, Congress, the independence struggle and Kashmir:

KASHMIR IS LIKE PAKISTANS JUGULAR VEIN, IS KEY TO PAK OWING TO ITS MUSLIM IDENTITY

News18 had found that the chapter on the history of the Kashmir dispute" accuses Hindus and Sikhs of organising genocide against the Muslim population".

The textbook reads: Under the Third June Partition Plan, rulers of the princely states were given final authority to decide the future of their respective states.Gandhi, Pandit Nehru and Viceroy Lord Mountbatten also pressurized the Maharaja of Kashmir for accession to India. The Maharaja started to disarm the Muslims living in the areas adjacent to the Punjab border, Poonch and Jammu areas. The Maharaja deployed his troops in the area. The Hindus and the Sikhs started organised genocide of the Muslim population. Half a million Muslims were expelled from their homes in the Hindu and Sikh majority areas of Jammu. Two hundred thousand Muslims lost their lives probably due to cold weather or epidemics, nobody knows how many of them were slaughtered on their way to west Punjab. Those who reach the west Punjab were in miserable condition."

The chapter explicitly on Indo-Pak Relations pitches the Kashmir issue as the major reason behind the two nations not being able to develop friendly relations. The blame for the issue, however, has been entirely put on India including that of the partition of East Pakistan in 1971 (currently Bangladesh). Sample this: History of conflict between India and Pakistan due to Kashmir issue dates back to the days of partition in 1947. Due to this issue, the two countries could never develop good neighbourly relations with each other. As soon as, after partition, the Indian forces occupied Kashmir against the will of the people of Kashmir and the unrest in Kashmir turned into full scale revolt. India played a key role in the separation of East Pakistan as well. Indian propaganda about West Pakistans exploitation of East Pakistan infused hatred in the people of East Pakistan which resulted in a full scale rebellion in the province and ultimate dismemberment of Pakistan. In 1971 East Pakistan was separated from West Pakistan and a battle between Indian and Pakistani forces was fought on western front as well."

The 1947 partition was based on the principle of Hindu and Muslim majority areas, but unfortunately the Hindu Raja of Kashmir did not allow Muslim majority states to be annexed with Pakistan. Obviously the Muslim majority population wanted the state to be a part of Pakistan."

It further stresses that Kashmir is important to Pakistan due to its Muslim identity". The Kashmir issue has always been a source of confrontation between India and Pakistan, but India is not ready to give Kashmir people their right of self-determination. Kashmir is like Pakistans jugular vein. Geographically, Kashmir has always been a part of the area which is now Pakistan. Above all, Kashmir is important for Pakistan due to its Muslim identity."

The school textbook even goes to the extent of including Kashmir in the list of states/nations in the world for whose liberation Pakistan has been raising its voice. Under the subhead, Pakistan and World Affairs, the textbook reads: During this period Pakistan raised voice in the favour of all these nations. Pakistans diplomatic efforts for the right of self-determination of the people of Indonesia, Libya, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Eritrea, Kashmir and Palestine, will always be remembered."

INDIA IS ARROGANT, DISTURBED THE BALANCE OF POWER IN THE REGION

News18 had in 2023 reported that the history book titled Pakistani Studies-II dives into the administration and formation of successive governments in the state including its relations with the world and immediate neighbours where it repeatedly blames India for disturbing peace in the region. The first chapter on steps taken by the Nawaz Sharif government to resolve the Kashmir dispute" labels India arrogant". India was officially invited to resolve the Kashmir dispute, but these efforts did not succeed due to Indian arrogance. Hindu extremists demolished the historic Babri Masjid in 1992 and the National Assembly of Pakistan condemned this brutal incident by passing a resolution," the text reads.

Further, the book not only blames India for disturbing the balance of power in the region" but also accuses it of forcing Pakistan to launch a series of nuclear tests. India conducted three nuclear tests in Pokhran on May 11, 1998, this disturbed balance of power in the region. The government of Pakistan was hard-pressed to reciprocate. Nawaz Sharif made a historic decision to withstand all global pressure and go nuclear. Six nuclear tests conducted at Chaghi (Balochistan) on May 28, 1998, made Pakistan the 7th nuclear power of the world and the first one in the Muslim World. This historic event shattered Indian dreams of hegemony in the region," it says.

The next chapter on Pakistans relations with its neighbours has a line that reads: Afghanistan on the west and India on the east, are the two neighbours which have always created problems for us."

HINDUS ARE THUGS WHO MASSACRED MUSLIMS

According to a 2017 AFP report, a government-approved Class 5 history textbook used in schools in Pakistans Balochistan province, textbooks in Pakistan teach students that Hindus were thugs" who massacred Muslims, confiscated their property, and forced them to leave India". The books also refer to Hindus as traitorous" and being responsible for the bloodshed that erupted during Independence 70 years ago when British India was divided into two nations.

HINDUS KAFIRS, TO BLAME FOR EVILS ON PAKISTAN

A documentary by BBC Urdu in 2021 showed how Hindudvesh/Hindumisia is officially sanctioned by the Pakistani government through its school textbooks. The viral video showed Pakistani Hindus narrating how they were humiliated by their friends simply because they were Hindus. State-sanctioned textbooks called Kafirs (derogatory slang for non-believers), saying that all evils that have fallen upon Pakistan are due to Pakistani Hindus, it said.

In the video, Pakistani Hindus from different fields quoted school textbooks that normalised hatred for Hindus and Hindu Dharma, and relegated them to being second-class citizens.

AURANGZEB A HEROIC FIGURE

In India, students studying under the CBSE, ICSE, IB, and various state boards are introduced to Aurangzeb as a complex and often controversial figure. Textbooks, particularly those under NCERT, emphasise his religious policies, including the imposition of the Jizya tax on non-Muslims in 1679 and his role in the demolition of temples such as the Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and the Keshavdev temple in Mathura. These actions are often mentioned setting him apart from rulers like Akbar, who is celebrated for his inclusive and secular policies.

However, in Pakistan, where students follow the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) and provincial boards such as the Sindh and Punjab boards, Aurangzeb is revered as a heroic figure. Textbooks present him as an ideal ruler who upheld Islamic principles in governance. His implementation of Sharia law and policies such as the Jizya tax are seen as demonstrations of his commitment to Islamic rule.

CONGRESS: A HINDU PARTY

News18 had found that the chapter on the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) during the British era in the class 8 history book reads, Many Indians joined hands to demand for Indias nationalism, purely Hindu in religion. Indian National Congress (INC), therefore, became more a Hindu political party than a voice of the whole India." The book introduces Mahatma Gandhi, who led Indias fight for freedom from British rule, as just a Hindu leader". The textbook goes on to accuse him of disregard of Muslims".

Gandhi and his young supporters took charge of the Congress and approach of Hindu as a majority and disregard to Muslim rights created hatred, jealousy and narrow-mindedness," the school book reads.

There are multiple instances where the book talks about Muslims not being able to trust Hindus in their fight for their rights (Muslim rights). The partition of Bengal brought the realisation to Muslims that they could not expect any fair-play from the Hindu majority. Therefore, to safeguard their interests, the Muslim leaders drew up a plan for separate electorates for their community".

At another point, it again makes the same statement about Muslims not being able to trust Hindus. However, the Muslims had learned an important lesson that they could neither trust Hindus nor BritishThe Khilafat movement in this respect brought in the concept of nationhood for the Muslims of India," it says.

The partition of Bengal was annulled in 1911 (which was earlier divided into two provinces with East Bengal and Assam having an overwhelming majority of Muslims). The annulment came as a setback to Muslims; however, it gave them a lesson. The Muslims came to realise that they could trust neither the Hindus, nor the British for the protection of their rightsThe Congress claimed to be a national party, but on the question of partition, it behaved like a sectarian Hindu organisation," it says.

INDIAN MUSLIMS WERE OPPRESSED

At every other point, it stresses on how Muslims were oppressed at the hands of the Hindu majority". The Class 9 chapter on Elections of provincial assemblies under Govt of India Act 1935" goes on to say, The Congress ruled badly. The period was marked with political corruption and high-handedness of the party over the government. These governments introduced schemes like Vidya Mandir and Gandhijis Wardha. These schemes were not acceptable to the Muslims. The Congress government took steps to replace Urdu with Hindi and tried to introduce Bande Matram as the official anthem. This song had anti-Muslim background and provoked hatred against the Muslims."

INDIA TO BLAME FOR POST PARTITION PROBLEMS OF PAKISTAN

Even post-partition problems in Pakistan such as those of administration, having poor resources, feeding refugees (Hindus from Indian provinces), and the mass violence during migration have been blamed entirely upon the Indian government, showing it in a bad light.

Upon partition, one of the chapters explaining the scenario in Pakistan, says, Territory of the state of Pakistan was divided into two parts  West Pakistan and East Pakistan; these were separated by thousands of miles of hostile Indian land."

It goes on to talk about the problems faced by the newly formed state, Pakistan, and it blames India largely for this. Due to untimely and badly planned partition and the large-scale massacre of Muslims by Sikhs, the Muslims of East Punjab were forced to leave their homes and migrate to Pakistan in large numbers," it says.

Elaborating on one such matter under the heading The Canal Water Issue", it again accuses India of cutting its water supplies. In April 1948, India demonstrated her negative potential by cutting water supplies of vast areas in the vicinity of Lahore; crops grown on thousands of acres were damaged," it says.

GANDHI HARDLY MENTIONED

The chapters on Gandhi are a striking example of the gap between how Partition is portrayed on either side of the border. In Pakistan, his contribution to the struggle for independence is hardly mentioned, whereas in India he is hailed as an one-man army".

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CONCERNS

The Global Education Monitoring Report 2017-18 of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), too, had expressed concern over school textbooks in many countries, including Pakistan, glorifying war and military heroes rather than teaching peace, non-violence and reconciliation.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 13:35 IST
Why India Is Reaching Out To Taliban Amidst Tensions With Pakistan After Pahalgam | Explained

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 14:03 IST

Experts believe Indias outreach reflects its aim to regain its lost ground in Kabul. Also, India does not want the Afghan soil to be used for any anti-India activity

Afghanistans acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi held talks with Indian envoy Anand Prakash, in Kabul. (Photo: X)

India and Afghanistans Taliban leaders held diplomatic talks amidst the rising tensions with Pakistan after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 in which 26 tourists died.

Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran (PAI) Division, held talks in Kabul on April 27 with Afghanistans acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. Apart from the evolving regional situation, their discussions covered a broad range of other bilateral issues, including political relations, trade and transit routes.

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Both India and Afghanistan discussed a range of bilateral issues, including political relations and regional developments.

What Came Up During India-Afghanistan Meeting

As per a statement by Afghanistans Foreign Ministry, Muttaqi underlined the significance of expanding diplomatic and economic relations with India.

Hafiz Zia Ahmad, deputy spokesperson of the Talibans Foreign Ministry, said on social media that the two sides discussed recent regional political developments", without mentioning if the Pahalgam terror attack came up.

In the meeting, Muttaqi highlighted investment opportunities in Afghanistan, urging Indian companies to take advantage of the conducive opportunities in trade and infrastructure development.

As per the readout, Afghanistans acting Foreign Minister also called on India to ease visa processes, especially for Afghan patients, students and businessmen. He asked India to restore normal visa services to further people-to-people ties.

There was no explicit mention of the Pahalgam terror attack in a statement issued by Afghanistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs but it did mention that recent regional developments" were discussed.

During the meeting, both sides held discussions on strengthening bilateral political relations, enhancing trade and transit cooperation, and exchanging views on recent regional developments," said the statement by Deputy Spokesman for Afghanistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prakash said that New Delhi will continue its assistance as well as invest in infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, including resuming previous stalled works.

Prakash also met former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, discussing the regional situation and enhancing ties between India and Afghanistan.

The Taliban government on April 23 condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, saying such incidents undermine efforts to ensure regional security and stability. In a statement, the Taliban-ruled Afghanistans Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi had also expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

Indias Shift Towards Afghanistan

Despite the Taliban-run Afghanistan government not being recognised internationally, India has maintained diplomatic ties with Kabul since the return of Taliban in August 2021.

Indias outreach comes after its more than three years of diplomatic efforts and development suffered a major setback with the fall of Kabul. Nearly two decades of its investment in Afghanistans democracy through military training, scholarships and infrastructure projects were abruptly halted, which created space for rivals like Pakistan and China to create their influence in the region.

But the efforts to recalibrate its foreign policy emerged. In January, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Muttaqi in Dubaithe highest-level engagement between the two sides since 2021.

The discussions involved expanding trade through Irans Chabahar port, Indias prime infrastructure project, to bypass Pakistani ports in Karachi and Gwadar.

Besides, India has allowed a Taliban representative, Ikramuddin Kamil, to work as acting consul" at Afghanistans Mumbai consulate.

New Delhi has continued humanitarian aid to Afghanistan under the Taliban, sending shipments of wheat, medicines, Covid-19 vaccines, and winter clothing. Since August 2021, India has delivered 50,000 tonnes of wheat, 40,000 litres of pesticides, 27 tonnes of relief materials, and more than 300 tonnes of medical supplies to Afghanistan.

Experts believe Indias outreach reflects its aim to regain its lost ground in Kabul. At the heart of Indias policy is the goal of regaining its lost influence and re-establishing its connections in Kabul," Shanthie Mariet DSouza, an Afghanistan expert, told Deutsche Welle in January.

Additionally, India aims to restore its influence in a region where China has significantly stepped up its presence since August 2021," she added.

India has also been demanding that the Taliban not allow the Afghan land to be used for any anti-India activity in exchange for limited engagement and continued humanitarian support, Ajay Bisaria, a former Indian envoy to Pakistan, told DW.

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In contrast, Pakistan views Afghanistan as a geography to achieve strategic depth and influence, particularly after the US withdrew in 2021," said Bisaria.

Indias limited engagement with the Taliban without officially recognising its government keeps communication lines open and helps prevent Afghanistan from becoming a sanctuary for anti-India terror groups," Ajay Darshan Behera, Professor, MMAJ Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, wrote in an opinion piece for The Indian Express.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 14:00 IST
'Attacks In Pakistan? Their Rogue Officers Capable...': Indian Defence Sources Hit Back

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Shankhyaneel Sarkar



Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 17:57 IST

Defence sources speaking to CNN-News18 said that due to large number of Pakistani Punjabi soldiers in the army other soldiers from other regions feel sidelined.

The Pakistani Army is suffering from internal dissent as one particular community makes up most members, leading to others feeling sidelined. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Internal dissent within the Pakistan Army could be a factor behind recent incidents of violence within the country, defence sources speaking to CNN-News18 said. The remarks come after Tuesdays press conference by the public relations wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, DG ISPR, where baseless allegations were made against India.

The spokesperson of the Pakistan Army lieutenant general Ahmed Sharif Choudhary made allegations accusing India of sponsoring terror within Pakistan. It also claimed that it knows soldiers associated with those terror attacks and claimed that it has also detained a Pakistani national who was working for the Indian Army.

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In 29 April 2025 press conference the DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Choudhary has coined a new term for India  state sponsored cross border terrorism. ISPR has always been good at coining terms. The General looked so unconvincing because he knew that whatever he was speaking was full of lies, deceit and deception," defence sources said on Wednesday.

According to the sources, there are a significant number" of disgruntled officers and soldiers in the Pakistan Army, who are unhappy with both the ruling regime and the military leadership. The sources emphasised that this discontent could serve as motivation for elements within Pakistan to carry out such attacks domestically.

They also noted the structural difference between the Indian and Pakistani armies. While the Indian Army is a national force representing diverse regions and communities, the Pakistan Army is often seen as a regional army, primarily led by Punjabi officers," the sources added. This has reportedly led to alienation among personnel from other provinces, who may feel sidelined and targeted by the dominant leadership.

The Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead, has once again brought to light the deep-rooted role of Pakistans Army and its intelligence wing ISI in fuelling terrorism, the sources said.

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They further added that a serving SSG commando named Musa has emerged as a key name in the investigation, prompting panic in the Pakistani establishment and triggering a hurried press conference by the DG ISPR.

India has shared undeniable proof of Pakistani nationals and military-trained operatives being involved, but Islamabad has never acted, the sources said.

About the Author Akash Sharma Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experience coverin... Read More Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experience coverin... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 17:57 IST
Can Mamata Banerjee Use Govt Funds To Build Digha Jagannath Temple? | Explained

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 15:18 IST

A grand Jagannath temple in Digha, costing Rs 250 crore, was built under CM Mamata Banerjee. Opposition accuses her of using public funds for political gains

The temple, designed in the style of the Jagannath temple in Puri, features red sandstone from Rajasthan and Vietnamese marble floors. (X/@MamataOfficial)

In the tranquil coastal city of Digha, West Bengal, a grand Jagannath temple, spanning 22 acres and costing Rs 250 crore, has been constructed under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

This impressive temple, built by the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO), opens to the public on Wednesday. However, the project has sparked controversy, with opposition parties accusing Banerjee of using the temple for political gains, specifically aiming to cater to Hindu voters.

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Who Funded The Temple Project

According to Article 27 of the Indian Constitution, the government is prohibited from funding religious places with taxpayers money. However, Banerjee justifies the temples construction by citing Bengals historical significance in the Bhakti movement. The entire amount has been spent from the government treasury.

Initiated in 2019 at an estimated cost of Rs 143 crore, the temples construction faced delays due to the pandemic. Resuming in 2022, the project ultimately reached completion at an expenditure of about Rs 250 crore.

What Makes The Digha Jagannath Temple Unique

The temple, designed in the style of the Jagannath temple in Puri, features red sandstone from Rajasthan and Vietnamese marble floors. Standing 65 metres tall, the temples construction involved over 2,000 artisans, including 800 from Rajasthan. The temple can accommodate thousands of devotees across its three pavilions and includes facilities for religious and cultural programmes, as well as lodging, a fire station, and a police post.

Oppositions Charge Against Mamata Banerjee

Opposition parties, including the BJP, Congress, and CPM, contend that Banerjees actions are politically motivated and intended to counter the BJPs Hindutva agenda. They assert that using public funds for the temples construction violates the secular principles enshrined in the Constitution. According to the BJP, the state government cannot utilise public money for the construction of any religious institution. The Congress and CPM have also criticised the government for this decision.

Trinamool Congress has dismissed these allegations, maintaining that Banerjees secular credentials remain intact. Political analysts, however, suggest that the temple might be an attempt by Banerjee to bolster her image amid rising Hindutva politics in the state.

What Does the Constitution Say About Building Religious Places

India is a secular country as stated in the Constitution, meaning the government neither endorses nor opposes any religion. Article 27 of the Indian Constitution clearly articulates this stance by stating, No person shall be required to pay any tax, the proceeds of which are exclusively applied for the expenses of any particular religion or religious denomination or for promoting any religious function."

This implies that the government cannot use tax revenue to construct temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, or any other religious places. However, the government may allocate funds for the renovation and preservation of religious sites of historical significance or to promote tourism under certain circumstances.

Government Expenditure On Religious Programs And Activities

Despite several controversies, the government has allocated funds for temporary arrangements at Kumbh Mela and other religious festivals. Additionally, special assistance and facilities have been provided for religious pilgrimages like Haj Yatra and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

What Does The Constitution Say About Religion

Articles 25-28 of the Constitution of India addresses this clearly:

Article 25: Every citizen has the freedom to believe in, propagate, and practice religion.

Article 26: Religious institutions have the right to manage their own religious affairs.

Article 27: The state cannot use taxpayers money to promote any particular religion.

Article 28: Religious education is prohibited in government educational institutions, with some exceptions.

Has Any Temple Been Built At Government Expense In India

Generally, no. However, in certain cases, government funds have been used to renovate, preserve, or rebuild historical temples. The Indian government allocates money for the preservation and maintenance of ancient religious sites such as temples, mosques, churches, and gurudwaras. This funding is provided for cultural and heritage conservation purposes, not for religious reasons.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor was constructed by the state government to promote tourism and provide convenience for devotees.

Similarly, the state and central governments worked together to develop the infrastructure and facilities around the Kedarnath Temple during its reconstruction. However, no government funds were used for the sanctum sanctorum or the religious rituals of the temple.

Controversy Over State Funding Of Religious Activities

The Haj subsidy was initiated in 1959, where the Government of India provided financial assistance to Muslims for the Haj pilgrimage, covering expenses like air tickets, medical facilities, and food. This practice often faced opposition and was criticised for allegedly violating Article 27 of the Constitution. In 2012, the Supreme Court suggested its gradual phase-out, and the government fully abolished the subsidy in 2018.

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In another instance, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra Trust was established to oversee the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple. Although the temple was funded through public donations, the Uttar Pradesh government used state funds for infrastructure and facilities (such as roads, electricity, and tourism) around the temple. This led to opposition parties accusing the government of violating secularism.

Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh government spent over Rs 700 crore on developing the Kashi Vishwanath temple complex and constructing a corridor to the Ganga Ghat, which also drew criticism from the opposition for allegedly using taxpayers money for temple infrastructure.

Location : West Bengal, India, India

First Published: April 30, 2025, 15:18 IST
'Caste Data To Feature In Next Census': Centre Takes Big Step  And A Swipe At Congress

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 18:41 IST

Vaishnaw said that caste census exercise carried out in several states are "unscientific".

Several states including NDA-ruled Bihar have already published the data on caste census. (Photo file)

The Centre on Wednesday announced that caste data will be included in the forthcoming Census. The decision was taken at the meeting of the Central Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today.

Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has decided today that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming Census," said Union Minister Ashiwini Vaishnaw at the Cabinet briefing today.

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The census exercise was scheduled to commence in April 2020 but got delayed due to the Covid pandemic.

Caste Data In Centres Census: How Is It Different From State Surveys? How Will It Help?

Vaishnaw said that caste census exercises carried out in several states were unscientific". He accused Congress and its INDI alliance partners have used the caste census only as a political tool".

Some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes. While some states have done this well, some others conducted such surveys only from a political angle in a non-transparent way. Such surveys created doubts in society. To ensure that our social fabric is not disturbed by politics, caste enumeration should be included in the census instead of surveys," he said.

Congress governments have always opposed the caste census. In 2010, the late Dr Manmohan Singh said that the matter of caste census should be considered in the Cabinet. A group of ministers was formed to consider this subject. Most of the political parties have recommended a caste census. Despite this, the Congress government decided to conduct a survey of caste or a caste census," the minister added.

Caste census was one of key planks of the INDI bloc going into the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In 2022, Bihar, then under a INDI alliance government, became the first state in independent India to successfully enumerate all castes.

Following Bihars suit, Congress-ruled Karnataka and Telangana have also undertaken the caste census. Earlier this year, the Jagan Reddy government in Andhra Pradesh initiated a project to develop a comprehensive database of people categorised by their castes.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the governments move shows its strong commitment towards social equality and rights of every section has been given by deciding to include caste census in the upcoming census.

               @narendramodi       CCPA   ,                         Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 30, 2025

The Congress and its allies opposed the caste census for decades while in power and played politics over it while in the opposition. This decision will empower all economically and socially backward classes, promote inclusion and pave new paths for the progress of the deprived.

Opposition Links Caste Census Announcement With Bihar Elections

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said that Rahul Gandhi has been demanding the caste census for a long time.

Timing is very interesting. Hope there is some sincerity with the decision. Rahul Gandhi has been demanding it for a long time. I cannot forget the famous words of Rahul Gandhi caste census will happen. I will say the government is with Rahul Gandhi," he said.

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Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant linked the Centres announcement with the Bihar elections, scheduled to held later this year.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) spokesperson Shakti Yadav sand that this is a gift of Tejashwi Yadav for which he has been campaigning in bihar for a long time.

About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

First Published: April 30, 2025, 16:13 IST
FIR Filed Against AAP's Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain In Rs 2,000 Crore Classroom Scam

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 12:25 IST

The former Delhi ministers are accused of orchestrating massive scam amounting to Rs 2,000 crores during the construction of classrooms under the AAP regime in the capital.

AAP leaders and former Delhi Ministers Satendar Jain and Manish Sisodia.

The Anti-Corruption Branch has registered a case against AAP leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, along with former Delhi PWD Minister Satyendar Jain, over allegations of corruption related to the construction of classrooms at excessively high costs.

It has been learnt that the former Delhi ministers are accused of orchestrating massive scam amounting to Rs 2,000 crores during the construction of 12,748 classrooms/buildings under the AAP regime in the national capital.

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The agency said significant irregularities and cost escalations were observed across the entire project. Not a single work was completed within the prescribed timeframe," an official release said, adding that consultants and architects were appointed without following due procedure.

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A case was registered after obtaining permission under section 17-A of the POC Act from the competent authority.

Both Sisodia and Jain have been under scrutiny in separate corruption cases over the past year. While Sisodia is already under the radar of the CBI and ED in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, Jain was previously arrested in a money laundering case.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 12:25 IST
Four Pakistani Nationals On Temporary Visas Deported from Karnataka

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 12:09 IST

After Pahalgam attack: Following the Centres directive to cancel all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, these four individuals were sent back

A van carrying Pakistani nationals who were married in India crosses over to Pakistan through the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Attari-Wagah border, near Amritsar, on Tuesday. (PTI)

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, Karnataka has deported four Pakistani nationals who were residing in Bengaluru on temporary visas. However, the fate of nearly 100 others, including Pakistani Hindus living in the state, remains undecided, as the Centre is yet to issue directions on the deportation of those holding long-term visas.

We issued instructions to immediately leave the country, and they complied. Their travel was closely monitored, and it was ensured that they left Indian soil," a senior police officer told News18.

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Following the Centres directive to cancel all visas issued to Pakistani nationals  excluding those holding long-term, diplomatic, or official visas  these four individuals were sent back. According to police sources, they departed on April 27, and confirmation of their exit was received soon after.

In the Bhatkal and Karwar regions of Karnataka, the Navayath community has a tradition of marrying Pakistanis, as they are believed to have ancestral roots in that region. After marriage, these individuals are granted long-term visas by the Indian government to stay and settle in Karnataka.

According to figures from the Karnataka Home Department, 102 Pakistani nationals currently reside in the state on long-term visas. Most are here to pursue their education or marriage to Indian nationals, a senior police officer said.

The FRRO department also has records of Pakistani nationals residing in Mysuru, Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, and Davanagere. One of them is a medical student in his final year, whose study visa has not yet expired. A drive has already begun to compile a fresh list of Pakistani nationals. If any are found to be overstaying, they will also be deported," the officer said.

In November last year, 18 Pakistani nationals affiliated with the Mehdi Foundation were previously arrested for living in India using forged documents.

The Indian arm of Mehdi Foundation International (MFI), which operated out of Bengaluru and was linked to Pakistanis staying in the country under false identities, has been officially disbanded, and its members booked.

In a joint operation by central agencies, Jigani Police arrested a 48-year-old Pakistani national, his wife, and in-laws, who were living on the outskirts of Bengaluru using fake identities for the past six years. The four Pakistani nationals initially caught were living under the aliases Shankar Sharma, Asha Rani, Ram Babu Sharma, and Rani Sharma.

Police first apprehended Rashid Ali Siddiqui, 48, his wife Ayesha, 38, and her parents Hanif Mohammed, 73, and Rubina, 61, who were living in Rajapura village. Later, they arrested Parvez Ahmed  also known as Farvez  the main handler responsible for facilitating the illegal entry of Pakistani nationals into Karnataka. Parvez would arrange fake identities and documents, secure employment for them, and help them remain under the radar of investigative agencies.

Karnataka Police, acting on intelligence inputs, traced others linked to MFI operations. Parvez was apprehended on October 7 on the outskirts of Bengaluru while travelling from Mumbai.

They are currently in judicial custody at Bengalurus Parappana Agrahara jail, and a decision from the Home Department is awaited regarding further action in light of the Pahalgam incident.

The arrests in Bengaluru last year were made based on intelligence alerts after two Pakistanis were held at Chennai International Airport. They had travelled from Dhaka after attending a meeting of the Mehdi Foundation. Since then, a drive has been underway to trace and monitor Pakistani nationals across Karnataka.

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said he has issued instructions to all Superintendents of Police and senior law enforcement officials across the state to compile updated lists of Pakistani citizens residing in their jurisdictions.

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The MHA has issued a directive to all states to deport Pakistani nationals. Based on this, we have started the groundwork. Permanent visa holders, however, will be exempt from this process," the minister told the media.

He also said Pakistani students enrolled in educational institutions across Karnataka may be asked to return. We have relayed the advisory to our district police heads. The exact number of Pakistani nationals in Karnataka is still being verified," he added.

About the Author Rohini Swamy Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously worked with t... Read More Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously worked with t... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 12:09 IST
Fresh Row Between Punjab, Haryana Over Bhakra Dam Water Sharing: 'Excess Water Will Go To Pakistan If...'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 13:39 IST

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini appealed Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to provide more water from the Bhakra reservoir. However, Mann refused and said the water was need for Punjab farmers.

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. (PTI/File)

A fresh row has erupted between the governments of Haryana and Punjab after the former appealed to the neighbouring state to provide drinking water from the Bhakra dam, or the excess water from the reservoir would flow to Pakistan, but its request was denied.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini appealed to his Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Mann, to empty the Bhakra reservoir, which is one of the largest dams operated by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) under the now-suspended Indus Waters Treaty.

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Saini said Haryana had not received its full share of water, and the excess water will go to Pakistan via Hari-ke-Pattan, which is neither in the interests of Punjab nor Haryana. He also warned that the water supply in Delhi will be affected.

However, Mann refused to release more water to Haryana, saying that the neighbouring state had already utilised 103% of its allocated share and accused the BJP of exerting pressure on the Punjab government to meet Haryanas demands.

What Is The Matter?

The fresh row between Haryana and Punjab comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 tourists were gunned down by terrorists on April 22. Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan meet their requirements from the Bhakra and Pong dams, which are a part of the Indus Waters Treaty. However, the treaty was suspended in light of the Pahalgam attack.

After the Indus Waters Treaty was cancelled, Haryana CM Saini appealed to the Punjab government to supply more water, as Haryana had received only 4,000 cusecs of drinking water, which is approximately 60% of the states total demand.

It is necessary to empty the Bhakra Dam water reservoir before June so that rainwater can be stored during the monsoon. If there is no space left in the water reservoir, excess water will go to Pakistan via Hari-ke-Pattan, which is neither in the interest of Punjab nor the nation," he said.

Punjab and Haryana are also engaged in a tussle over the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal for several years. A 1981 water-sharing agreement said the canal was to be constructed in the two states for the effective allocation of water.

While Haryana constructed its portion of the canal, Punjab stopped the work in its initial phase and unilaterally cancelled the SYL agreement in 2004. Despite a Supreme Court order, Punjab returned the land acquired for the construction of the canal to the landowners.

Why Did Mann Reject Sainis Request?

The Punjab CM said Haryana has exhausted its share of water in March and is now seeking additional water for April and May. He said Punjab needs water for the upcoming paddy sowing season, and there is not a single surplus drop to spare.

Mann alleged that Haryana had demanded 4,000 cusecs for drinking and other purposes in April, which Punjab agreed on, but they also sought an additional 8,500 cusecs of water. He also accused the BJP of exerting pressure on the state government through the BBMB and asked the Centre to fill up Punjabs reservoirs by diverting the water flowing to Pakistan.

I want to make it clear that we do not have a single drop of surplus water. We are utilising our share for our purposes. Haryana was given its share, which it has already used up two months ago," he said in a video, adding that water levels in Pong and Ranjit Sagar dams were less by 39 feet and 24 feet respectively as compared to 2024.

Reacting sharply, Saini accused Mann of politicising the issue, alleging that he wanted to punish the people of Delhi after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lost the Assembly elections earlier this year. Bhagwant Mann advocated the low water level in Pong and Ranjit Sagar Dam, but did not explain the situation of Bhakra Dam, from where Haryana gets its drinking water," he said.

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The Haryana CM also alleged that he had been assured by Mann of water release but had been kept on hold till April 27, further stating that he had misled the people of Haryana for political selfishness".

(with inputs from agencies)

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More

Location : Chandigarh, India, India

First Published: April 30, 2025, 13:36 IST
Govt Revamps National Security Advisory Board, Ex-RAW Chief Alok Joshi Appointed Its Chairman

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 14:00 IST

The government has revamped the National Security Advisory Board in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Govt revamps National Security Advisory Board (PTI File Image)

The government on Wednesday revamped the National Security Advisory Board and appointed Alok Joshi, former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), as its chairman.

Six more members, including retired servicemen from the armed forces and diplomacy, have been inducted into the board.

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The new members include former Western Air Commander Air Marshal PM Sinha, former Southern Army Commander Lieutenant General AK Singh, and Rear Admiral Monty Khanna. Rajiv Ranjan Verma and Manmohan Singh are the two retired members of the Indian Police Service. Retired IFS officer B Venkatesh Varma is also among those in the seven-member board.

The latest development comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people, including a Nepalese national on April 22.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 13:58 IST
Hanuman Garhi Priest Breaks 200-Year-Old Tradition To Visit Ayodhyas Ram Lalla On Akshaya Tritiya

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 15:21 IST

The rule came about because, as the symbolic representative and sevak of Lord Hanuman, the priests role is to stay at the temple, which is seen as Hanuman's own abode

A royal procession, including elephants, camels, horses, silver staffs, and traditional Akhara banners, travelled from Hanuman Garhi Temple to Ram Mandir. (News18)

Breaking a centuries-old religious tradition, Mahant Prem Das Ji, the Gaddi Nasheen of Ayodhyas Hanuman Garhi temple, stepped outside the temple premises for the first time in centuries to visit the Ram Lalla Temple amid grand festivities on Wednesday.

Coming on the occasion of the auspicious Akshaya Tritiya, the historic visit also marked the breaking of a strict tradition that had bound Hanuman Garhis chief priests within its 52-bigha (0.13 square km) premises since its establishment in the 18th century.

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The Royal Procession

On Wednesday, the event unfolded with a grand ceremony on a day already revered in the Hindu calendar. Mahant Prem Das took a ritual dip at the Saryu River at 7am accompanied by saints and devotees. Following this, he led a royal procession towards the Ram Temple.

The spectacle included elephants, camels, horses, silver staffs, and traditional Akhara banners. He travelled in a chariot up to a certain point before switching to a four-wheeler to comply with the Ram Mandirs security protocols.

This wasnt just a visitit was a symbolic yatra of Ayodhyas guardian visiting the ruler. After 500 years of wait and struggle, Ram Lalla is home again, and so Hanuman-jis sevak must visit," said Acharya Mithilesh Nandini Sharan of Hanumat Niwas.

The Divine Call for Change

Over the past few months, Mahant Prem Das claimed that Lord Hanuman had appeared to him in dreams, urging him to visit the newly constructed Ram Mandir. This spiritual calling prompted him to seek permission from the Nirvani Akhara Panchayat. Lord Hanuman himself has commanded me to go for the darshan of Ram Lalla. It is not my desire; it is the will of Hanuman-ji," Mahant Prem Das told News18.

Following his request, the 400-member strong Nirvani Akhara held a meeting on April 21. After lengthy discussions, the Panchayat unanimously approved the visit, deeming it a divine directive rather than a personal choice. The decision was not made lightly. But when the call is from Hanuman-ji himself, how can one refuse?" said Mahant Ramkumar Das, head of the Nirvani Akhara.

Offerings of Devotion: 56 Types of Bhog

As part of the ceremony, Mahant Prem Das carried 56 types of bhog (food offerings) to present to Lord Ram on behalf of Hanuman Garhi. The offerings symbolised devotion, gratitude, and the bond between the two templesHanuman Garhi and Ram Janmabhoomi.

Saint Sanjay Das, another seer from Hanuman Garhi, said: For three months, Mahant-ji has been spiritually moved. He often wept while narrating his dreams. Today, Ayodhya saw a new dawn."

Why the Rule Existed

The Samvidhan (constitution) of Hanuman Garhi, believed to have been formalised over 200 years ago during the time of Baba Abhay Das ji Maharaj, states that the Gaddi Nasheen is not to leave the temples domain. As the symbolic representative and sevak (servant) of Lord Hanuman, the priests role is to remain at the temple, which is seen as Hanumans own abode watching over Lord Rams birthplace.

Explaining the significance, Dr Mahesh Das, Pracharya of Hanumant Sanskrit Vidyalaya and a disciple of Mahant Prem Das, said: According to Hanuman Garhis constitution, the Gaddi Nasheen must not leave the temple land. Hanuman-ji is Ayodhyas guardian, and his representative must always be present. Until now, only a symbol  the chinnah  ever travelled for religious ceremonies."

Community and Devotees Rejoice

Locals, pilgrims, and saints from various sects joined the event in celebration. The streets of Ayodhya were lined with flower petals, conches rang out, and bhajans echoed across the city.

Prajjwal Singh, who hails from Ayodhya said, The tradition was so strict that the Gaddi Nasheen didnt even appear in local courts. What we saw today was unimaginable  it is truly a new era for Ayodhya." In the procession, thousands of devotees joined the march, and saints from all four Hindu sects expressed joy over the moment.

This is not the end of a tradition; it is the evolution of it. The city is alive with blessings today," said a Naga sadhu, who was a part of the procession.

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New Chapter in Ayodhyas Religious History

The event not only marked a turning point in Hanuman Garhis tradition but also deepened the spiritual relationship between Ayodhyas two central shrinesthe Ram Temple and Hanuman Garhi. With parts of the Ram Mandir are still under construction after the grand consecration of the Ram Lalla idol on January 22, 2024, Mahant Prem Dass darshan stands as a symbolic integration of past, present, and future.

Location : Ayodhya, India, India

First Published: April 30, 2025, 15:21 IST
India Closes Airspace To Pakistani Flights Days After Pahalgam Terror Attack

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 01:16 IST

India has announced a series of measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack

Pakistan has intensified monitoring of its airspace amid heightened security concerns over tensions with India. (Representative image / AP)

India has closed its airspace to all flights operated by Pakistan-based airlines days after the Pahalgam terror attack. A similar decision was taken by Pakistan to shut its airspace for Indian flights last week.

India has responded to Pakistans ban on Indian aircraft with a reciprocal ban of its own. Commercially, the ban will affect PIAs flights to KUL (PK894/5 & PK898/9). Flights began using a new route yesterday (prior to NOTAM) adding 3+ hrs. Live flight: https://t.co/P5LhvcF4rG pic.twitter.com/IY8fjH2hmd Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) April 30, 2025

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As per the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), Indian airspace is not available for Pakistan-registered aircraft and any aircraft operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani airlines or operators-including military flights. Restrictions will remain in place till May 23.

However, foreign airlines flying from Pakistan (like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, etc.) can continue to use Indian airspace as usual.

Flights of Pakistan International Airlines, the national carrier, are being rerouted via China for destinations like Kuala Lumpur, leading to added time and costs.

Last week on Thursday, Pakistan announced its decision to shut its airspace for Indian flights, reacting to a bevy of diplomatic measures New Delhi took against Islamabad in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Indias tit-for-tat airspace move follows a series of measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari border, sending back Pakistani nationals and slashing diplomatic representation.

More than 600 Indian flights bound for the west affected by Pakistans decision in the last one week and around 120 flights were forced to make extra stop to refuel when flying to Europe, North America and other destinations that involve overflying Pakistan, data shared by online travel agents and flight tracking platforms with Moneycontrol showed.

Indian airlines are expected to incur additional weekly expenses of Rs 77 crore for international flights originating from north Indian cities due to airspace restrictions leading to increased fuel consumption and longer flight durations.

An analysis by PTI, considering the number of overseas flights and approximate expenses based on increased flight time, indicates that the additional monthly operational costs could exceed Rs 306 crore.

According to Cirium data analysis, over 800 weekly flights are operated by Indian airlines from north Indian cities to international destinations, including North America, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

There are slightly over 3,100 flights in both directions per month, with nearly 800 flights weekly. Of the total monthly flights, around 1,900 are operated with narrow-body planes and some wide-body aircraft to the Middle East. With an additional cost of Rs 5 lakh per flight for the extra 45 minutes, the overall expenses will be approximately Rs 90 crore.

For Europe and North America, the total number of two-way flights is nearly 1,200. Based on the additional flying time of 1.5 hours, costing about Rs 29 lakh for North American services and Rs 22 lakh for European flights, the total amount will be around Rs 306 crore per month.

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The analysis shows that the total additional monthly expenses will be about Rs 307 crore, with Rs 77 crore on a weekly basis. These figures are rough estimates.

In addition to higher fuel consumption, longer flying hours also create challenges related to payload, aircraft availability, and crew duty time limitations for airlines.

About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

First Published: April 30, 2025, 22:40 IST
India Warns Pakistan Over LoC Ceasefire Violations During DGMO Hotline Exchange

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 19:04 IST

Pakistani forces have violated the ceasefire agreement more than four times and the recent unprovoked firing was along the Chenab River area in Jammus Akhnoor.

Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers patrol the fenced border with Pakistan at Babiya village in Hira Nagar sector, about 80 km (50 miles) from Jammu. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)

The directors general of military operations of India and Pakistan spoke on hotline amid Pakistans unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, defence ministry sources said on Wednesday.

India raised the matter of unprovoked ceasefire violation at the LoC with Pakistan. Sources said that the Pakistani side was cautioned over unprovoked firings by the Indian side during the exchanges.

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The conversation between the two directors general of military operations took place on Tuesday, the people above further added. The exchanges came amid increasing tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pakistani troops on Monday resorted to unprovoked firing in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch and Kupwara districts, continuing with their ceasefire violations along the LoC.

Mondays incident was the fourth consecutive night that Pakistan resorted to small-arms fire along the Line of Control (LoC) and came amid heightened tension between New Delhi and Islamabad following last weeks terror attack in Pahalgam.

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A defence spokesperson said, During the night of April 27-28, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small arms fire across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara and Poonch districts." Indian troops responded swiftly and effectively, he added.

There were no reports of any casualties.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 19:04 IST
Indian Airlines Could Face Rs 77 Cr Weekly Loss, Rs 307 Cr Monthly Due To Pakistan Airspace Closure

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 20:33 IST

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan due to the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan on Thursday said it will bar Indian airlines from using its airspace

Alternative flight path is resulting in additional flying time of up to 1.5 hours for international flights from Delhi and north Indian cities. (Representational image)

Indian airlines are likely to face additional weekly expenses of Rs 77 crore for international flights operated from north Indian cities as the airspace curbs result in increased fuel consumption and longer flight durations.

An analysis of the number of overseas flights and back-of-the-envelope calculations based on increased flight time as well as approximate expenses by PTI showed that the additional monthly operational costs could be over Rs 306 crore.

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Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan due to the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan on Thursday said it will bar Indian airlines from using its airspace.

Alternative flight path is resulting in additional flying time of up to 1.5 hours for international flights from Delhi and north Indian cities.

A senior airline industry official, who has extensive experience in the commercial side, told PTI that the additional time for a 16-hour flight to North America will be around 1.5 hours.

For 1.5 additional hours, the cost will be around Rs 29 lakh, including landing and parking charges on account of a technical halt in an airport enroute, the official said.

Similarly, the additional flight time for a 9-hour flight to Europe will be about 1.5 hours, and the extra cost will be around Rs 22.5 lakh.

In the case of Middle East flights, the additional time will be around 45 minutes, and the resultant cost will be about Rs 5 lakh, the official said.

Indian carriers are scheduled to operate more than 6,000 flights one way to various international destinations in April, data from aviation analytics firm Cirium showed.

Over 800 weekly flights are operated by Indian airlines to and from north Indian cities to overseas destinations, including North America, the UK, Europe and the Middle East, as per an analysis of the Cirium data.

There are little over 3,100 flights both ways in a month, and on a weekly basis, the count comes to nearly 800 flights.

Out of the total monthly flights, nearly 1,900 are operated with narrow-body planes and some wide-body aircraft to the Middle East. Considering the additional cost of Rs 5 lakh per flight for the extra 45 minutes, the overall expenses will be about Rs 90 crore.

With respect to Europe and North America, the total two-way flights are nearly 1,200. On the basis of additional flying time of 1.5 hours costing around Rs 29 lakh for North America services and Rs 22 lakh for Europe flights, the total amount will be about Rs 306 crore per month.

As per the analysis, the total additional monthly expenses will be about Rs 307 crore and Rs 77 crore on a weekly basis. These figures are based on rough estimates.

Apart from higher fuel consumption, longer flying hours also pose payload and aircraft availability issues, as well as crew flying duty time limitation challenges for airlines.

On April 25, IndiGo said that around 50 international routes operated by it will require longer sectors and hence may be subject to some slight schedule adjustments.

With the same restrictions and limited rerouting options, unfortunately, Almaty and Tashkent are outside the operational range of IndiGos current fleet," it had said in a statement.

Flights to Almaty stand cancelled from April 27 until at least May 7 and to Tashkent from April 28 until May 7.

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Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet and Akasa Air have not made announcements about flight cancellations due to the airspace curbs.

Air India operates widebody A350s, B777s and B787s while IndiGo operates B787 and B777s taken on lease. The remaining carriers  Air India Express, SpiceJet and Akasa Air  operate narrow-body planes such as A320s, A321s and B737s.

First Published: April 30, 2025, 20:27 IST
Israel Embassy Denies Issuing Note Verbale To MEA, Calls It 'Fake News'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 12:30 IST

In a strongly worded statement, the Israeli Embassy underscored the "solid bond" and robust relationship between India and Israel.

The embassy unequivocally labeled the purported diplomatic communication as "fake news." (Image Credit: X)

The Israeli Embassy in India vehemently denied issuing a note verbale to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) that alleged an Indian Army officer sexually assaulted Israel Defence Force (IDF) personnel during a joint military exercise in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir. The embassy unequivocally labeled the purported diplomatic communication as fake news."

In a strongly worded statement, the Israeli Embassy underscored the solid bond" and robust relationship between India and Israel. It asserted that haters" who resort to the dissemination of false information would not succeed in undermining the strong ties between the two nations.

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The denial comes after a document, purportedly a note verbale from the Israeli Embassy, circulated widely on social media. The alleged note contained serious accusations against an unnamed Indian Army officer. The document in circulation bore the signature of Naor Gilon, who previously served as Israels Ambassador to India.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Israeli Embassy in India stated, Unbelievable! The bond between Israel and India is so solid, haters resort to fake news to try to harm it. It wont work."

Unbelievable!The bond between Israel and India is so solid, haters resort to fake news to try to harm it.It wont work.#FakeNews #FactCheck #Pahalgam pic.twitter.com/KgX9HQe3Lh Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) April 30, 2025

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On April 24, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to condemn the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Sharing details of the discussion, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal took to social media platform X. During the call, PM Modi elucidated the barbaric nature" of the cross-border terrorist attack and conveyed Indias unwavering determination to ensure that those responsible for the heinous act, along with their supporters, are brought to justice.

PM @netanyahu of Israel called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terror attack on Indian soil. He expressed solidarity with the people of India and the families of the victims. PM Modi shared the barbaric nature of the cross-border terrorist attack and reiterated Indias firm resolve to bring the perpetrators and their supporters to justice", Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 12:29 IST
J&K Security Situation Takes Centre Stage At Key Cabinet Panel Meet Chaired By PM Modi After Pahalgam

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Aveek Banerjee



Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 14:37 IST

PM Modi on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, the second since the Pahalgam attack. He also chaired a Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the Cabinet Committee meeting on Security in New Delhi today. (IMAGE: SOURCED)

The Cabinet Committee on Security, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today, focused on the overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that sent shockwaves across the country and drew widespread global condemnation.

The review of J&K security was the key priority as the crucial cabinet panel meeting was convened at the Prime Ministers official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Wednesday, amid growing speculation over Indias response to the Pahalgam attack.

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ALSO READ: Diplomacy, Economy, Narrative: India Steps Up Pressure On Pakistan Off The Battlefield

PM Modi Chairs Key Meetings

The CCS meeting took place after PM Modi held a meeting with the top defence brass on the Pahalgam attack. It was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, people familiar with the matter told CNN-News18.

PM Modi held four meetings at his residence today, the CCS, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) and a Union Cabinet meeting as the government is mulling further steps to respond to the Pahalgam tragedy.

The Prime Minister also held a separate meeting with Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Jaishankar and Health Minister JP Nadda. This meeting lasted for nearly 45 minutes.

Follow Live Updates here

Indias Steps Against Pakistan

India has vowed to punish the attackers and their backers and launched a diplomatic onslaught against Pakistan. One of the most notable steps has been to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.

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Sources told CNN-News18 that India wants to frame world opinion against Pakistan for its involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack. India is dialling world leaders to seek their support in any action plan. reminding them of Pakistans hand in the 2005 London bombings, Iran, Moscow Concert Hall attack in 2024.

Officials are examining the horrific videos that have emerged from the site, visiting eyewitnesses, and piecing together clues. The government is mulling over compiling and releasing the videos of the Pahalgam terror attack, besides previous attacks carried out by Pakistan in India, for the world to see. All such digital evidence will be compiled and released soon, sources said.

First Published: April 30, 2025, 14:23 IST
Not Just Pakistan-Backed Terror: Is Trouble Afoot For Indias Northeast With Bangladesh's 'Arakan Plot'? | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 07:30 IST

According to highly placed sources, representatives of the Arakan Army and CNF were recently in Dhaka and held secret meetings with senior US diplomatic and military officials

Arakan Army soldiers at an undisclosed location. Image/YouTube

In the aftermath of the horrific terror attack at Kashmirs Pahalgam that killed 26 people, Sky News presenter Yalda Hakim grilled Pakistans defence minister Khawaja Asif for his rogue nations role in backing terror. But what he said next shocked many and was known to a limited circle: We have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about 3 decades If we had not joined the war against the Soviet Union and later on the war after 9/11, Pakistans track record was unimpeachable."

But at a time when India is focused on Pakistan and the two nations are on the edge, decades after Islamabad allegedly did the dirty work" for the US against the USSR and thousands of kilometres away from Pahalgam, is a new cocktail of problems brewing for India, involving Rohingyas, Chins, and Arakan? Like deja vu, sources say a US-backed plan is seemingly being hatched, with Pakistan being replaced by Bangladesh, and Pakistani terror outfits that Khawaja Asif referred to being replaced by militant groups of Myanmar, mostly espousing land for their respective ethnicities.

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Top sources have told News18 that the Bangladesh military is already in the process of establishing extensive military infrastructure in the Coxs Bazar and Teknaf areas. A large logistical base is being constructed on the Teknaf border to supply food, medicine, and other non-lethal" aid to insurgent groups like the Arakan Army (AA) and the Chin National Front (CNF), News18 has learnt.

Meanwhile, the expansion of the Coxs Bazar airport is almost nearing completion. Sources have told News18 that Bangladeshs Muhammad Yunus-led government will convert the facility into a drone base, which may deploy advanced Turkish-made drones with technical support from the United States. This drone hub, sources add, is expected to play a critical role in surveillance and intelligence gathering over the Rakhine State  the disputed territory of Myanmar, from where Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh and India.

India, which is already grappling with its own Rohingya problem, may have another reason to worry, say sources. The union government estimated around 40,000 Rohingya living in India as of 2017, mostly in slums and detention camps across places like Jammu, Hyderabad, Nuh, and Delhi. The same year, the government told the Supreme Court that Rohingyas posed a security risk, citing intelligence reports alleging links between some Rohingya leaders and Pakistan-based militant groups. In 2021, the union home ministry reiterated this stance in the Lok Sabha, stating that illegal Rohingya immigrants were a national security threat, with some engaging in illegal activities.

Cut to 2025, the Centre, which has enough on its plate after the Pakistan-backed Pahalgam terror attack, may have reasons to be worried about Rohingyas, along with other militant ethnic tribes from Myanmar. According to highly placed sources, representatives of the Arakan Army and CNF were recently in Dhaka and held secret meetings with senior US diplomatic and military officials there. Among those involved are Charge dAffaires Susan Stevenson, stationed in Naypyidaw, along with Nicole Chulick (Deputy Assistant Secretary, South Central Asia) and Andrew Herrup (Deputy Assistant Secretary, East Asia Pacific). Myanmar-based Susan previously served as principal deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, which makes her a perfect fit for the job.

The main goal of these discussions is to devise an effective militia-based warfare strategy against Myanmars military junta, with which India shares good relations. Bangladesh will play the role of a crucial logistical and intelligence hub, it has been decided.

Bangladeshi journalist Sahidul Hasan Khokon says the Wests efforts were an open secret even during Sheikh Hasinas time, but little progress was made. Sheikh Hasina had said this in the media when she was in power. She expressed her fear that such a conspiracy was being hatched against Bangladesh and India. The West was involved in the process of forming a new state by breaking up Myanmar. In one of her statements, she alluded to the US and said that a white-skinned person had offered her the establishment of a new state in that region, including St Martins Island in Bangladesh. Had she agreed to the proposal, she would be able to retain power for the rest of her life. After the fall of Sheikh Hasina, we can now see it in the open," he tells News18.

Recently, ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army  a terror outfit) leader Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi and his associates were arrested in Narayanganj, near Dhaka. But sources in Dhaka told News18 the arrest was to coerce ARSA  a key factionto set aside ideological divides and unite like all other militant factions of Myanmar under one umbrella to fight the junta government. While Rakhine State is the immediate goal, the ultimate goal is an Arakan Federation", from the militants point of view. And here lies the problem. This envisioned federation considers parts of border regions such as Teknaf and Bandarban in Bangladesh and Manipur and Mizoram in India as its own, along with Myanmars Rakhine state.

The Arakan Army has already occupied the Bangladesh border. Not just that, they are moving around across Bangladesh. This has been admitted by the Bangladesh government. What we are hearing now is that this new state is being planned to include two districts of Bangladesh, especially Bandarban and Coxs Bazar, and a part of Mizoram and Manipur in India. Naturally, this issue is a matter of concern for both Bangladesh and India," adds Sahidul.

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The formation of such a state would not only threaten Bangladeshs territorial integrity but, sources say, could also pose a serious security risk to Indias northeastern region, particularly at a time when Manipur has been reeling under ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities for the last two years, resulting in 258 deaths and 60,000 displacements. Since the strife-torn state shares its international border with Myanmar, much of its violence was credited to the influx of refugees from there after the outbreak of civil war in Myanmars Chin State and Sagaing Region.

With a hot LoC and sensitive Northeast, India may not just have a Pakistan problem, say sources, but a Rohingya-Arakan-Chin issue to contend with as well.

About the Author Anindya Banerjee Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 07:30 IST
Pahalgam Probe Widens: Over A Dozen Under Scanner As Officials Hunt For Terror Associates

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Aveek Banerjee



Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 17:35 IST

The Pahalgam attack is believed to have been carried out by two Pakistani terrorists and a local. Officials believe the group had local help.

Security personnel keep vigil, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, in Srinagar. (Image: PTI/S Irfan)

Officials probing last weeks Pahalgam attack, which sent shockwaves across the country and drew widespread global condemnation, are trying to zero in on those who helped the Pakistani terrorists that infiltrated and carried out the carnage. Sources suggest that over 2,000 suspected over-ground workers have been questioned, and 15 of them are under scrutiny after intensive questioning.

The Pahalgam attack is believed to have been carried out by two Pakistani terrorists, the highly trained Hashim Musa (alias Suleimani) and Talha Bhai, along with a local identified as Adil Thokar. Officials suspect the direct involvement of one more Pakistani terrorist. They believe the group had local help.

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The group recced Pahalgam hotels in the first week of April. They struck on April 22, the day a large number of holidaymakers flocked to the picturesque Baisaran Valley after two days of bad weather.

They waited for the tourists at the site, then asked them to recite the Kalima and made them pull down their trousers to ascertain their religion, and shot dead Hindu men point-blank. One local pony operator who tried to stop them was also killed.

Officials are examining the horrific videos that have emerged from the site, visiting eyewitnesses, and piecing together clues. Separately, a massive search operation and a crackdown on properties of terrorists have been launched in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Resistance Front, or TRF, a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot with a bloody history, is believed to be behind the attack, though the group has backtracked after taking responsibility in the backdrop of massive protests, including by Kashmiris.

India has vowed to punish the attackers and their backers and launched a diplomatic onslaught against Pakistan. One of the most notable steps has been to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.

A terrorist, now operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), is under scrutiny by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the attack that sent shockwaves across the country and drew widespread global condemnation.

Farooq Teedwa is believed to have facilitated the entry of the Pakistani terrorists, who, along with a local associate, killed 26 people  including a Nepal resident  in Baisaran Valley. His house at Kupwaras Kalaroos was among some 10 structures brought down by security forces last week as part of a larger crackdown against terrorists.

According to intelligence inputs, Farooq put the Pakistani group in touch with his network of over-ground workers in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials are trying to zero in on those who helped the Pakistani attackers.

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Farooq is suspected to have been in Pakistan since 1996. Intelligence inputs suggest he has stayed in touch with over-ground workers in Kashmir, and activated the network to aid Pakistani terrorists in some previous attacks as well.

About the Author Arunima Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero ... Read More Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero ... Read More

Location : Srinagar, India, India

First Published: April 30, 2025, 11:41 IST
From PM Modi's Meeting With Army Chief To CCS Review Of Pahalgam Terror Attack, All You Need To Know

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 23:55 IST

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the deadly terror attack in J&K's Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives on April 22, and in view of cross-border links

Security personnel conduct a cordon and search operation after the recent Pahalgam terror attack, in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag. (Image: PTI)

Amid rising tensions with India and ceasefire violations at the Line of Control, Pakistan on Wednesday said it has nothing to do with the Pahalgam terror attack and threatened a strong response if it is provoked".

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the deadly terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22 and in view of cross-border links. A day ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the top defence brass that the armed forces have complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of Indias response to the attack. Since then, a number of high-level meetings have taken place, including the second meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

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Here is all you need to know:

PM MODI MEETS ARMY CHIEF

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met army chief General Upendra Dwivedi, a day after he told the top defence brass that they have complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of Indias response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

According to government sources, during a high-level meeting attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the chiefs of three services, Modi affirmed that it is the national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism.

The sources said he expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the armed forces. They have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response," a source quoted him as saying. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan was also part of the meeting.

CCS REVIEWS J-K SECURITY SITUATION

The CCS, chaired by Modi, is understood to have deliberated on the overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir amid speculation on Indias possible retaliation. The meet was held at the Prime Ministers Lok Kalyan Marg residence.

It was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, people familiar with the matter said. There is no official word yet on the CCS, held against the backdrop of growing indications of a retaliation against Pakistan.

This was the second meeting of the CCS after the Pahalgam attack. In the first on April 23, it decided a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down of the only operation land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties.

CABINET OBSERVES TWO-MINUTE SILENCE

The Union Cabinet observed a two-minute of silence in memory of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives on April 22. During the briefing, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw did not take any questions outside decisions taken by the cabinet and said matters of national security were not discussed in the cabinet meeting.

JAL SHAKTI MINISTER MEETS AMIT SHAH

A few days ago on April 25, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a meeting to discuss the future course of action on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 with Pakistan, which has been kept in abeyance by India. The government said it is working on a strategy to ensure not a single drop of water flows from into Pakistan.

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After the meeting, Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil said Modi has issued a slew of directives, and that the meeting was held to follow up on them and Shah made several suggestions at the meeting for their effective implementation. We will ensure that not a single drop of water flows into Pakistan from India," he said in remarks seen as tightening the screws on Pakistan.

(With PTI inputs)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 23:36 IST
Pakistan Army Opens Fire At International Border For First Time Since Pahalgam, India Retaliates

Curated By :

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Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 09:37 IST

The Pakistan army violated the ceasefire for sixth consecutive night along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Army retaliated with equal force.

Pahalgam terror attack: Indian Army retaliates to Pak ceasefire violation (AP Image)

Escalating the tensions further, the Pakistan Army opened fire across the International Border in Jammu and Kashmirs Pargwal Sector for the first time since the Pahalgam terror attack, even as they resorted to ceasefire violation along the LoC for the sixth straight night, the officials said on Wednesday.

Pakistan initiated the small arms firing in Baramulla and Kupwara also, which was swiftly responded to by the Indian Army.

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Further to the previous update about 29-30 April (Night), unprovoked small arms firing by Pakistan Army was also reported from their posts across the Line of Control in Baramulla and Kupwara districts, as well as across the International Border in the Pargwal Sector. Indian Army troops responded appropriately," the Indian Army said.

Defence sources said that till yesterday morning, the Pakistan Army was violating ceasefire only along the Line of Control, but now they have escalated the situation by violating ceasefire along the international borders by firing along the International Border last night in the Paragwal sector in Jammu.

Along the LoC, Pakistan opened small arms firing for the sixth consecutive night in various sectors of Jammu and Kashmir  this time in Nowshera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor sectors. The Indian Army retaliated with force.

Pakistan has been violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control since the Pahalgam terror attack, which took place on April 22. As many as 26 people were killed by terrorists after identifying their religion in Baisaran meadow, drawing global condemnation and calls for retaliation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his public remarks on the attack at a Bihar rally, said that India would pursue the terrorists and their backers to the ends of the earth".

He has since then chaired a number of key meetings, including with the tri-services chiefs on Tuesday. He will chair the second Cabinet Committee on Security meeting since the terror attack today. He will also chair a Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs meeting thereafter, followed by a Union Cabinet meeting later in the day.

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In his first CCS meeting, a day after the terror attack, the Prime Minister took the call to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and revoke all visas to Pakistani nationals in India, among many other key diplomatic measures.

In a rare occurrence last evening, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat visited PM Modi at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence and held around 90-minute meeting. According to sources, he extended support from the RSS in all his decisions against Pakistan.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

First Published: April 30, 2025, 08:24 IST
PM Modi Chairs Cabinet Committee On Political Affairs Meet, First Since Pulwama Attack

Curated By :

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Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 12:10 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting today, second in a week since the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pahalgam terror attack: PM Modi to chair CCPA meet today (PTI Image)

With the India-Pakistan border on the boil since the Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired multiple meetings today, including the second Cabinet Committee on Security meet within a week, first Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs. He also held a Cabinet meeting at his 7LKM residence.

The CCPA is the most powerful group in the cabinet and is also referred to as the Super Cabinet".

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The Prime Minister had chaired the first CCS meeting on April 23, a day after the brutal Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. The government had announced a series of non-military measures against Pakistan  the biggest one of all was the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, besides closing the Attari border and the revocation of all visas to Pakistani nationals living in India.

Why Is CCPA Meeting Crucial Today?

The CCPA had last met after the terrorist attack in Pulwama in 2019, in which at least 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The meeting had been held to review the situation and plan how to respond to the dastardly attack. It was in this very meeting that India decided to snap Pakistans Most Favoured Nation trade status. A few days later, on February 26, the Indian Air Force struck a major blow to Pakistan with an airstrike on terrorist camps in Balakot, avenging the brutal terror attack.

Considering the past instance, todays CCPA meeting became crucial and also gained eyeballs.

What Does CCPA Do?

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs meetings are held at crucial times to discuss and decide on major political and economic issues in the country. It primarily focuses on the relationship between the central and state governments, particularly when agreement or teamwork is required.

The CCPA also deals with foreign policy matters that could influence the countrys political situation.

The committee also talks about economic policies and internal security matters that could affect politics. Besides, it helps different ministries work together on issues with serious political impact.

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Who Are The Members Of CCPA?

The Prime Minister chairs the CCPA meeting and has the Defence Minister (Rajnath Singh), Home Minister (Amit Shah), Road Transport and Traffic Minister (Nitin Gadkari), Finance Minister (Nirmala Sitharaman), Health Minister (JP Nadda), and other senior ministers as participants.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 10:05 IST
US Says 'Monitoring Developments Closely' Between India, Pakistan Amid Tensions Over Pahalgam Attack

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 07:13 IST

The US has urged India and Pakistan to avoid escalation following the Pahalgam terror attack. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to speak with both countries.

Security at the Attari-Wagah border checkpost, near Amritsar in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack (Photo: PTI)

The US State Department on Wednesday reiterated that it was in touch with both India and Pakistan amid tensions between the two neighbouring countries following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.

Confirming the development, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the United States was monitoring the developments closely and that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will speak with the foreign ministers of both countries as early as today or tomorrow".

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The Secretary of State will speak with the foreign ministers of both countries," Bruce said at a briefing on Wednesday as she responded to a question on what is the State Departments response to the Pakistan Ministers statement about performing dirty work" for the United States and also denying the existence of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan.

Were also monitoring the developments across the board in that region, and we, as you know, are at multiple levels in touch with the governments of India and Pakistan," she added.

Not just at the Foreign Minister level, certainly, but at multiple levels. We, of course, are encouraging all parties to work together for a responsible solution. The world is watching this, but I have no additional details in that regard," she said.

Further, she said Secretary of State Rubio has asked the two countries not to escalate the situation".

Rubio said we are reaching out to both parties and telling them not to escalate the situation. The secretary expects to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow. He (Rubio) is encouraging other national leaders and foreign ministers to reach out to the countries on this issue," she added.

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Further, Bruce added that every day action is being taken" In this case, the secretary is speaking directly to his counterparts in India and Pakistan.

On April 27, the US State Department had told Reuters that Washington was in touch with both India and Pakistan and was urging both to work towards what it called a responsible solution" to address the tensions between the two nations.

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: April 30, 2025, 07:13 IST
Did This Man From Pakistan Vote In India? Video Sparks Fresh Debate | What Rules Say

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Sumedha Kirti



Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 08:40 IST

Amid such shocking revelations by Pakistani nationals, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey expressed concern over the 'new face of Pakistani terrorism'. Many on X agreed with him.

Osama, a Pakistani national returning to Pakistan via Attari border, claimed that he has been staying in India for last 17 years and has even voted here.

Another video surfaced on social media of a Pakistani at Attari border, set to return to his country. The media has been speaking to nationals of the neighbouring nation ever since the government issued the Leave India notice to Pakistani nationals. From people arriving in India for medical treatment to those married here  new stories have been emerging daily of Pakistanis unwilling to go to their country. What caught peoples attention in the latest clip is that the Pakistani national was able to vote in India".

Osama, a Pakistani national returning to Pakistan via Attari border, told news agency ANI, I am currently pursuing my bachelors degree. I wanted to appear for job interviews after my examinations. I have been staying here for the last 17 years."

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I appeal to the government to give us some time. I have cast my vote here, I have my ration card. I have completed my Class 10th and 12th here, what will I do there? What is my future there?" he asked.

#WATCH | Attari, Punjab: Osama, a Pakistani national returning to Pakistan via Attari Border, says, I am currently pursuing my bachelors degree. I wanted to appear for job interviews after my examinations. I have been staying here for the last 17 years. I appeal to the pic.twitter.com/S8dTV92fhC ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2025

The Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari has been witnessing scenes such scenes since April 25 as India took series of measures to ratchet up pressure on Pakistan, following Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. The measures include putting the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on hold, downgrading diplomatic ties and shutting the Attari-Wagah border.

It has also cancelled all short-term and special visas to Pakistan nationals. Islamabad responded by suspending visas issued to Indian nationals.

When ANI uploaded the latest video, social media users were taken aback.

Smita Prakash, ANIs editor-in chief, too questioned who validated Indian residency for him".

More Like Osama  Pakistanis Living In India

Osama is one among hundreds staying in India. The situation gets murkier as one digs into other cases. Sample this: Madhya Pradesh administration was in a fix when it found out that nine children in their state have Indian mothers and Pakistani fathers.

The police administration had to request guidance from both the Madhya Pradesh government and the Home Ministry regarding the childrens status.

ALSO READ: Will Seema Haider Be Sent Back To Pakistan? We Finally Have The Answer

Are Pakistani Nationals Misusing Government Schemes?

Amid such murky cross-border accounts, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey expressed worries about what he described as the new face of Pakistani terrorism". His statement specifically addressed the situation of Pakistani women who have married and moved to India but remain without Indian citizenship.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dubey stated that more than five lakh Pakistani women are currently residing in India following their marriages, yet they have not secured Indian citizenship.

A new face of Pakistani terrorism has now surfaced. More than 5 lakh Pakistani girls are living in India after getting married, but they have not got Indian citizenship till date. How to fight these enemies who have entered inside?" the BJP MP stated.

The comment gave rise to a new debate, with many wondering if Dubeys terrorism phrase had logic. People have been posting videos of Pakistani nationals narrating their ordeal of going back.

A user, @LogicLitLatte, posted a video of a teary-eyed woman at Attari border, and wrote: Pakistani husband not answering calls. She has three kids. Dada, Dadi, Father no one is coming to take the Kids. Married for 10 years holds an Indian passportTo get free healthcare, ration, and government schemes."

Many netizens too raised questions if Indian government schemes for its citizens were being misused.

Osamas Statement Raises Key Question: Can Pakistanis Vote And Work In India?

SVEEP, the flagship program of the Election Commission of India for voter education, mentions on its website the process of voting for NRIs or overseas electors. There is no mention of voting rights being extended to people of other nationality.

In fact, the voting right is not even extended to people who hold OCI cards. But what is OCI?

OCI is Overseas Citizenship of India. This scheme was introduced by amending the Citizenship Act, 1955 in August 2005. It provides for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) of all Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India on 26th January, 1950 or thereafter or were eligible to become citizens of India on 26th January.

The scheme, however, excludes a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify".

The Home Ministrys official website has more details on the question of citizenship and voting rights. It too mentions that neither OCIs can vote nor hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judges of the Supreme Court, High Court and other courts.

It clearly mentions that OCI is not to be misconstrued as dual citizenship. It does not confer political rights to vote or contest elections in India.

Other rules for OCI cardholder includes:

 He/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government;

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 to undertake any Missionary work, Mountaineering and Journalism work without prior permission of the Govt. of India;

 OCI cardholder shall also require Protected Area Permit (PAP)/Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit any place which falls within the Protected/Restricted Area notified by the Government as in the case of any other foreigner.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

Location : Amritsar, India, India

First Published: April 30, 2025, 11:38 IST
PM Modi To Skip Russia Visit, Rajnath Singh To Represent India At Victory Day Celebrations On May 9

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 15:47 IST

The annual Moscow Victory Day Parade, a significant military spectacle, takes place on May 9th on Red Square as part of Russia's Victory Day celebrations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi | File Image/PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the Victory Day Parade of Russia on May 9. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will represent India at the celebrations in Moscow that marks the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sources said.

Russia had extended an invitation to the Indian Prime Minister for the significant anniversary.

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The developments come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalagm terror attack where 26 people were killed. PM Modi had earlier cut short his Saudi Arabia trip in the wake of the deadliest terror attack in the Valley in recent years.

The Prime Minister has been holding back to back meetings over the attack and met chiefs of armed forces, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday.

PM Modi also chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) on Wednesday, the first such huddle since the Pulwama terror attack in 2019.

What Is The Victory Day Parade In Moscow?

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The annual Moscow Victory Day Parade, a significant military spectacle, takes place on May 9th on Red Square as part of Russias Victory Day celebrations. This parade of the Russian Armed Forces holds immense symbolic importance, with Russian President Vladimir Putin typically serving as the guest of honor and delivering a keynote address. The event is a prominent display of Russias military might and a key fixture in the countrys commemorative activities.

This grand parade serves as a commemoration of Russias decisive victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The path to this triumph saw the Soviet Army launch a major offensive against Germany in January 1945, culminating in the signing of the Act of Unconditional Surrender of Germany by the respective commanders-in-chief on May 9th. This historic act officially marked the end of the devastating war in Europe, and the Moscow Victory Day Parade stands as a powerful annual reminder of this pivotal moment in history.

About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

First Published: April 30, 2025, 14:29 IST
Rahul Gandhi Welcomes Centre's Caste Census Move, Says He's Committed To Remove 50% Reservation Cap

Curated By :

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Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 22:30 IST

The Congress leader said that Telangana's caste census model can become a blueprint for India's census.

Rahul Gandhi addressing a press conference in New Delhi. (Photo: Congress YouTube)

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday welcomed the Centres move to include caste data in the Census but demanded a clear timeline of its implementation.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, the Congress leader said that his party is also committed to removing the 50 per cent cap, an artificial barrier on reservations.

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He said his party wants the nation to know about the participation of OBCs in institutions and power structure.

We had said in the Parliament that we will make Caste Census happen. We had also said that we would scrap the 50% cap, the artificial wall that is in place. Narendra Modi used to say that there are just 4 castes. Dont know what happened but suddenly after 11 years, Caste Census has been announced. We completely support it but we want a timeline. We want to know that by when this will happen," he said.

  ,        ,   !                   -        power structure           Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 30, 2025

Centres Caste Census: How Is It Different From Karnataka, Bihar Surveys? How Will It Help Citizens? The LoP said that Telanganas caste census model can become a blueprint for Indias census.

This (caste census) is the first step. Telangana has become a model in Caste Census and it can become a blueprint. We offer our support to the Govt in designing the Caste CensusThere are two examples  Bihars and Telanganas and there is a vast difference between the two," he said.

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When asked to comment on whether the decision was taken by the BJP-led goverment in the view of Bihar assembly polls, Gandhi said, I dont think so."

Gandhi said the budget allocation should be made for caste census and date be announced. We want peoples census not bureaucrats census," he added.

About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

First Published: April 30, 2025, 19:28 IST
RSS Green Light, Bihar Model, JDU Boost: Caste Census Gets Centres Nod

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain



Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 18:19 IST

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwats rare meeting with Prime Minister Modi at his residence in Delhi last evening is believed to have played a key role in shaping the Centres decision

The Modi government announced a caste census after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, breaking a long-standing deadlock on the issue of caste-based enumeration in the country. (Image: PTI/File)

In a crucial development amid deliberations related to the post-Pahalgam terror attack scenario, the Modi government announced a caste census after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday  breaking a long-standing deadlock on the issue of caste-based enumeration in the country. This also clears the path for the next population census, which has been pending for the past 14 years, as the last census was conducted in 2011. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwats rare meeting with the Prime Minister at his residence in Delhi last evening is believed to have played a key role in shaping the Centres decision.

The move marks a major policy shift on releasing identity-based data, coming eight months after the RSS softened its stance on the caste-based census during its Samanvaya Baithak (Coordination Meeting) in Keralas Palakkad last September. The Sangh stated that a caste census may be conducted, provided the government ensures the data will be used solely for welfare purposes and not for electoral or political gain.

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A senior IAS officer serving in the Central government further broke it down. Speaking to News18 about the timing of the announcement, he said, The decision also signals that the government remains unfazed by Pakistans alleged rhetoric. It is committed to bringing justice for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, but it will move firmly. This announcement sends a clear message that under the Modi government, governance and policy decisions will proceed undeterred, while security responses remain in the hands of the armed forces and security establishments. Just two days after the attack, PM Modi travelled to Bihar to honour his administrative commitment for Panchayati Raj Day, and on 1 May, he is scheduled to inaugurate the WAVE summit."

BENEFIT BIHAR

While the announcement may reshape political and electoral equations nationwide, it is Bihar that stands out as the pioneer, with its Chief Minister Nitish Kumar being the first to implement a caste census at the state level. The decision is likely to strategically benefit the JDU the most ahead of the upcoming elections in the state. Nitish Kumar has been pushing for a formal announcement of the caste census for the past few months, News18 has learnt.

This is a promise Nitish Kumar made and kept. He showed that governance can be rooted in accountability," said Rajeev Ranjan Prasad, senior JDU leader and the partys national spokesperson, emphasising the continuity of purpose that outlived political realignments in Bihar. He further added that the decision to conduct a caste census was initially taken by a BJPJDU coalition in the state, while the caste survey was conducted later.

                                                     Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) April 30, 2025

The idea of a caste survey was first conceived during Nitish Kumars tenure with the NDA, although it was finally conducted under a new JDURJD alliance. Nitish Kumar remained consistent in his commitment, fulfilling a promise that had been politically fraught and socially complex. Bihar is the pioneer state in this matter," he added.

Nitish Kumars government framed the Bihar survey not just as a political act, but as a model for inclusive development  one that could guide policy-making with hard data.

RSS GREENLIGHT WITH A CAVEAT

Apart from the political-electoral dynamics surrounding the announcement of the caste census, the recent shift in the RSSs stance on the issue is an equally significant development. It reflects the Sanghs evolved position on contentious matters such as caste enumeration. The organisation has long campaigned for Hindu unity across the nation and has consistently appealed against the alleged division caused by caste identities. At its Akhil Bharatiya Samanvaya Baithak (ABS) meeting in Palakkad in September, the RSS gave a clear go-ahead for caste-based enumeration.

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The RSS clarified that it had no objection to the collection of caste data, provided it is used for public welfare and not for divisive political-electoral agendas. This statement is now being viewed as a crucial green light that enabled the Modi government to move forward without facing ideological backlash from its core support base.

With both Bihars ground-level implementation and the RSSs national-level backing, the caste census now appears set to redefine the terms of Indias socio-economic and political policy, as well as its electoral discourse. For a country still grappling with the realities of social justice, representation, and economic equity, this exercise could potentially provide the empirical foundation that policymakers, welfare planners, and political leaders have long lacked. As the government prepares to embark on this massive data exercise, one thing seems clear: the politics of caste is entering a new phasedriven by numbers, not just narratives.

About the Author Madhuparna Das Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has covered Naxa... Read More Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has covered Naxa... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 18:17 IST
TRF Planning New Strike In J&K After Pahalgam Attack? Security Forces Tighten Vigil After Fresh Intel

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 09:01 IST

According to a senior official stationed in Kashmir, the latest input indicates that terrorists may target Kashmiri Pandits, migrant labourers, or even security forces personnel.

Security personnel keep vigil, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, in Srinagar on April 28. (Image: PTI/S Irfan)

After the Pahalgam terrorist attack last week, intelligence agencies have issued another input claiming that The Resistance Front (TRF) is planning a fresh attack. Security in various areas has been beefed up, and locations with high footfall are under surveillance. Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) have been deployed in vulnerable areas.

According to a senior official stationed in Kashmir, the latest input indicates that terrorists may target Kashmiri Pandits, migrant labourers, or even security forces personnel.

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The alert was issued following the release of a video by TRF last week, in which the group threatened Indian security forces over the demolition of local houses. In the video, TRF also stated that attacks would continue if such demolitions persisted. Subsequently, the terror outfit, which is an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), issued a press statement claiming it was not responsible for the Pahalgam attack.

The input was received on Monday, and security forces have reiterated that troops deployed for Road Opening Parties (ROP), Naka duties, and other operations must remain alert and vigilant. Personnel have also been instructed not to use mobile phones while on duty," said a senior official familiar with the development.

The security of vital installations, vulnerable areas, high-value targets, and pickets has been enhanced to thwart any nefarious designs of adversaries. All possible proactive and preventive measures will be implemented under close supervision at all levels," the official added.

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All units have been instructed to cease casual movements and activities after receiving credible input suggesting that terrorists may target unarmed personnel. Movements have been restricted, and personnel have been advised not to visit any location without prior intimation," the official said.

The Resistance Front (TRF) is an offshoot or proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation. It emerged around 20192020 and has claimed responsibility for several attacks, particularly targeting security forces and civilians in Kashmir.

About the Author Ankur Sharma With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar... Read More With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar... Read More

Location : Srinagar, India, India

First Published: April 30, 2025, 09:01 IST
Ananya Pandays Cute In Chanel Moment Captured With The Iconic Lake Como

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 08:57 IST

Ananya Panday attended her first Chanel Cruise 2025/26 show after being appointed as the brand ambassador.

Ananya Panday graced the show in a black tiered dress from Chanels 2024/25 Metiers dart collection.

Ananya Pandays Italian food, fun and fashion escapade concluded with Chanels Cruise 24/25 show presented at the luxury hotel Villa dEste on the banks of Lake Como in Italy.

Cute in Chanel describes the newest brand ambassador best, as Ananya graced the showcase in a black tiered dress layered with a black cardigan from Chanels 2024/25 Metiers dart collection.

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The ensemble featured intricate shimmery embroidered detailing on the envelope-shaped pockets, sleeves and tiered hemline that accentuated the monochrome statement piece. Ananya completed the look with pearl embellished sandals and minimal makeup.

Honestly the most stunning show" is how Ananya described Chanels Cruise showcase. The Chanel Cruise 2025/26 was also Ananyas first show after being appointed as the brand ambassador and it was a double win as she got to celebrate the special moment with her sister, Rysa Panday.

The Chanel Cruise 2025/26 collection is an ode to cinematic glamour and to the joy of getting dressed up to be noticed. From black sunglasses, strings of beads to long gloves and sequins, the collection reflected the charm of Hollywood. It was a spirit of celebration which Ananya seemed to enjoy at the fullest. She also shared a series of images and videos on her Instagram account that captured the essence of the event.

Ananya, known for her witty captions, captioned the photo with the White Lotus star Sarah Catherine Hook as No Piper. A reference people who have watched the series will totally get.

On the terrace of the legendary hotel, Ananya was also joined by Lupita Nyongo, Keira Knightley, Sarah Catherine Hook, Fernanda Torres, Sofia Coppola, Roman Coppola, Margaret Qualley, Nana Komatsu, Ning Chang, Anamaria Vartolomei, Ananya Panday, Tasha Low, Fala Chen, Ally Achiraya, Valentina Belle, Matilda Lutz, Emanuela Postacchini, Anna Mouglalis, Caroline de Maigret and Tara Emad.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ananya  (@ananyapanday)

Ahead of the Chanel Cruise show, Ananyas stay in Italy saw the Kesari 2 actor soak up some Italian sun in some stylish Chanel looks. Ananyas day look featured a buttery yellow summer dress with surface texturing and for dinner with Chanel, she wore an LBD with gold texturing on the surface. Ananya definitely dazzled in that dress as she posed for a photograph with the other Chanel ambassadors and friends.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ananya  (@ananyapanday)

The film of the Chanel Cruise 2025/26 show will be revealed on Wednesday, April 30th 2025.

About the Author Akshata Shetty Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who celebrate the... Read More Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who celebrate the... Read More

fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture  with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

First Published: April 30, 2025, 08:51 IST
Ayushman Bharat Diwas 2025: History, Significance, PM Narendra Modi's Quotes And 10 Facts

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Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 07:00 IST

Ayushman Bharat Diwas 2025: The government plans to offer more than 50 crore participants of the Ayushman Bharat scheme access to reasonably priced healthcare.

Ayushman Bharat Diwas is observed annually on April 30. (Image: Shutterstock)

Ayushman Bharat Diwas is a day to commemorate the accomplishments and success of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), another name for the Ayushman Bharat scheme. AB-PMJAY is a healthcare initiative aimed at providing beneficiaries with financial coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh for secondary and tertiary hospitalization care. The day is observed annually on April 30.

What Is The Ayushman Bharat Scheme?

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Many Indians live below the poverty line (BPL) and are unable to pay for expensive medical treatment. The government health program Ayushman Bharat Yojana offers medical care to those in Indias economically disadvantaged groups. The program focussed on transitioning from a segmented and selected approach to health services to a more all-encompassing one.

The government of Indias major healthcare program, Ayushman Bharat, intends to give over 10 crore impoverished and vulnerable families in the nation financial security by granting them cashless and paperless access to secondary and tertiary healthcare services.

Medical services up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year are available to eligible participants under this initiative at any of the hospitals that have been accredited nationwide.

Ayushman Bharat Diwas 2025: History

Two components make up the Ayushman Bharat scheme: the PM-JAY, which offers secondary and tertiary healthcare services to the beneficiaries, and the Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), which offer comprehensive primary healthcare services.

Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs): These centres provide preventive, promotional, and curative treatment, intending to bring primary healthcare services closer to peoples homes.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): This health insurance program offers low-income households cashless, reasonably priced medical coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh annually.

Ayushman Bharat Diwas 2025: Significance

Ayushman Bharat Diwas is observed to highlight the goals of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and educate people about its advantages.

The Indian governments Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a large-scale healthcare initiative. This initiative promises to provide financial security to more than 10 crore poor and vulnerable families in India. Government hospitals around the country offer medical care to eligible families up to Rs 5 lakh annually.

Numerous events and activities are planned nationwide on Ayushman Bharat Diwas to raise awareness of the program and commemorate its accomplishments. The day also serves as a chance to recognise the contributions of frontline workers and medical professionals who have been instrumental in putting the plan into action and offering the recipients high-quality healthcare services.

Ayushman Bharat Diwas 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modis Quotes On Healthcare

Good health is the foundation of human progress and prosperity.

Preventive healthcare should be the priority of every government.

Access to quality and affordable healthcare is the right of every citizen.

We need to create a culture of fitness in the country.

Better health infrastructure is not merely a facility; it also raises the demand for healthcare services, which is a great way to generate more employment.

Ayushman Bharat is one of the revolutionary steps of New India. Not only because it plays an important role in saving the lives of the common man and the poor of the country but also because it is a symbol of the collective resolve and strength of 130 crore people representing India.

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Ayushman Bharat Diwas 2025: 10 Facts About The Scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the Ayushman Bharat  Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on September 23, 2018. The government plans to offer more than 50 crore individuals access to inexpensive healthcare through the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The PMJAY program would offer cashless and paperless services. Families that sign up for the PMJAY program will get health insurance worth up to Rs 5 lakh annually. For secondary and tertiary treatment as well as hospitalisation, around 10.7 crore people receive this health insurance sum. The WHO and UNs Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agendas are aligned with the PMJAY program. The UNs objective to Leave No One Behind" as a target for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is also reflected in Ayushman Bharat. The PMJAY scheme is available at specific Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs). According to the plan, the government pays for the treatment. As of April 2023, there are 1,59,662 HWCs in operation nationwide. The HWCs are designed to offer services relating to non-communicable diseases, ENT care, palliative and rehabilitative care, and mental health in addition to emergencies, trauma, and maternity and child health care services. The 71st Round of the National Sample Survey (NSS) revealed that 82 per cent of urban families and 85.9 per cent of rural households lacked access to health insurance. From the beginning of the hospital stay till the post-hospital recovery phase, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana pays for the patients expenses. To carry out the Ayushman Bharat program, 30 states and union territories have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the federal government.

About the Author Nibandh Vinod Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with 26 years of experience, specializing in covering events, festivals, and driving SEO content for News18.com. A tech-savvy person, Nibandh works closely with a young te... Read More Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with 26 years of experience, specializing in covering events, festivals, and driving SEO content for News18.com. A tech-savvy person, Nibandh works closely with a young te... Read More

fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture  with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

First Published: April 30, 2025, 07:00 IST
Ajay Devgn Reduced Fees For Dhamaal 4, Reveals Bhushan Kumar: Hes Producers Actor | Exclusive

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News18.com Edited By: Shrishti Negi



Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 04:44 IST

Bhushan Kumar expresses his fondness for Raid 2 star Ajay Devgn and states he makes every producer feel 'comfortable' and understands their nerves.

As per reports, the climax shoot of Dhamaal 4 is all set to begin in Mumbai in May.

Ajay Devgns upcoming film, Raid 2, is all set to hit the screens on May 1. The spiritual sequel to the 2018 film, Raid, delves further into corruption, power and intense drama, and will see Ajay Devgn return as Income Tax officer Amay Patnaik, facing off against his formidable opponent, Dadabhai, played by Riteish Deshmukh. The film is being produced by T-Series and Panorama Studios. Now, speaking exclusively to News18 Showsha, T-Series head honcho Bhushan Kumar heaps praises on Devgn and makes an interesting revelation surrounding their next collaboration, Dhamaal 4.

Talking about how the superstar decided to take a pay cut for the comic caper, he tells us, We share a very good relationship. Hes a producers actor. Whenever youre working on a film together, he makes you feel so comfortable. For instance, Dhamaal 4 was turning out to be a heavy-budget film. He told us that hell reduce his fee just so that we could make the film. Hes not like other actors. He understands producers. He always gives the first priority to the film."

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Encapsulating their eight-year-long professional bond, the producer further adds, Ive had a long-standing relationship with him. We did Tanhaji, Raid and Drishyam. Our association began with Baadshaho. Were now doing Dhamaal 4. De De Pyaar De 2 is also happening. I know that this association will continue for years to come. Ive also done the music for most of his films. Well be releasing the music of Son Of Sardaar 2 as well."

As Kumar lauds Devgn, Panorama Studios Abhishek Pathak, who has also produced Raid 2, spills the beans on his experience of directing him in Drishyam 2. Drishyam 2 may have been just his second film as a director but he reveals how Devgn never interfered with his work. Ajay sirs a directors actor. He never gets or interferes with the creative side of making a film. If he believes in the script and the director, hell never come to the monitor and tell you what to do. This has been my experience of directing him on Drishyam 2," Pathak recalls.

Pathaks association with Devgn, in fact, spans decades. And he lauds the actor-filmmaker for guiding him but never mollycoddling him. Referring to him as the most secure actor, he shares, Ive known him since I was a child. The first time I met him, I was in school. Hes like a big brother to me. Ive seen his journey. Ive worked on his films as an AD and as a production guy. When I started working as a producer with him, I had this fear of how hes going to be since hes such a senior actor. But throughout the process of the shoot of Drishyam 2, he didnt come to the monitor even once. He just came to me once and asked me if Im doing okay."

On a related note, Raid 2 is directed by Raj Kumar Gupta and also stars Vaani Kapoor.

About the Author Titas Chowdhury Titas Chowdhury is a Principal Correspondent at News18 Showsha. She writes about cinema, music and gender in cinema. Interviewing actors and filmmakers, writing about latest trends in showbiz and bringing break... Read More Titas Chowdhury is a Principal Correspondent at News18 Showsha. She writes about cinema, music and gender in cinema. Interviewing actors and filmmakers, writing about latest trends in showbiz and bringing break... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 04:37 IST
Costao Movie Review: Nawazuddin Siddiqui Holds It Together In A Predictable And Formulaic Biopic

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 09:21 IST

In the end, Costao is watchable mostly for Nawazuddins dependable performance, but it doesnt offer much beyond the surface of yet another corruption drama.

Nawazuddin in a still from the film.

Costao U/A 2.5/5 1 May 2025|Hindi 1 hrs 59 mins | Drama Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Priya Bapat, Hussain Dalal Director: Sejal Shah Platform: Zee5 Watch Trailer

Costao Movie Review: Nawazuddin Siddiquis Costao, the biopic based on the life of customs officer Costao Fernandes, attempts to deliver a gritty tale of one mans fight against an entrenched gold smuggling network in 1990s Goa. Its based on the life of customs officer Costao Fernandes, who killed the Goa CMs brother over gold smuggling. His real name was Antonio Fwaminy da Costa Fernandes, an Angolan politician who served as an ambassador to Egypt, India, and the UK.

Starring Nawazuddin in the titular role, the film begins on a strong note, presenting Fernandes as a no-nonsense Customs Officer who is deeply committed to his job. He leaves no stone unturned to ensure Goas ports and borders remain free of contraband. With a network of informers and an instinct for sensing trouble, hes the kind of officer who makes smugglers nervous  and the audience, curious.

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The plot thickens when Fernandes receives a tip-off about a massive smuggling operation involving nearly 1,500 kilos of gold. What follows is a tense, large-scale search operation. But the mission takes a dramatic turn when Fernandes accidentally kills Peter DeMello (Hussain Dalal)  the brother of a powerful Goan political figure. That one action spirals into a political storm. Costao becomes a marked man, and soon, the very system he once served turns against him.

What unfolds is a classic tale of a lone righteous man versus a deeply corrupted state apparatus. The film attempts to portray the layers of political influence, bureaucratic apathy and the dangerous collusion between power and crime. But while the themes are important and timely, the treatment lacks freshness. The system is shown to be predictably murky, with every CBI and police officer behaving exactly the way theyve done in countless films before. Theres no element of surprise into how these corrupt structures operate, despite the biographical potential of the subject.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, of course, holds the film together. As Costao, he delivers a performance filled with quiet intensity and restrained aggression. This isnt new territory for him  hes played similar roles before  but his portrayal still feels convincing. Theres steel in his body language and a sense of personal conviction in his gaze, especially in scenes where he confronts the system. He also gets a few comic relief lines which land well.

Priya Bapat, as Costao Fernandes wife, gives one of the films more grounded performances. A homemaker juggling three children and a husband whose work constantly pulls him away  and eventually into hiding  she brings emotional heft to the story. A particularly well-enacted showdown between her and Nawazuddin is one of the films strongest scenes. Hussain Dalal is convincing as Peter.

Unfortunately, Costao tries to tackle too many things at once  political drama, family turmoil, action thriller  and ends up with a script that feels disjointed. Despite being based on a real-life hero who exposed the cracks in the system, the films storytelling lacks nuance and originality.

In the end, Costao is watchable mostly for Nawazuddins dependable performance, but it doesnt offer much beyond the surface of yet another corruption drama.

About the Author Shreyanka Mazumdar Shreyanka Mazumdar is Chief Sub Editor of the entertainment team at News18. With an unbridled passion for all things Bollywood, she loves deep-diving into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world, bring... Read More Shreyanka Mazumdar is Chief Sub Editor of the entertainment team at News18. With an unbridled passion for all things Bollywood, she loves deep-diving into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world, bring... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 10:25 IST
'I Feel Very Bad': Ajaz Khans Wife Released After 6 Months In Jail, Emotional Family Reunion Goes Viral

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 10:56 IST

Fallon Gulivala, wife of actor Ajaz Khan, was released from Byculla Jail after six months in a drugs case. Her emotional reunion video with her husband is viral online

A video capturing Fallon Gulivala's emotional reunion with her husband and father-in-law is circulating widely on social media. (News18)

Fallon Gulivala, wife of actor Ajaz Khan, has been released from Mumbais Byculla Jail after spending six months in custody in connection with a drugs case. A video capturing her emotional reunion with her husband, son and father-in-law is now circulating widely on social media.

Gulivala was arrested after police reportedly recovered narcotics from her residence. Following her detention, she spent half a year behind bars at the womens prison in Byculla, Mumbai.

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Emotional Reunion Video

Upon her release, Ajaz Khan welcomed his wife with great warmth. In a video shared on Instagram, Khan is seen arriving with a bouquet, removing his own shoes and offering them to his barefoot wife. Fallon is also seen embracing her father-in-law and her younger son in a moment that moved many online viewers.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ajaz Khan (@imajazkhan)

Fallon Speaks Out

In an interview with Tele Masala, Fallon became emotional while recalling her ordeal. I feel very bad. I have a very supportive husband who stood by me day and night," she said. She also spoke of the pain of being separated from her son, calling it one of the most difficult experiences a mother can face.

Ajaz Khan, speaking on the matter, expressed confidence that justice would ultimately prevail.

Justice always prevails. This woman, who wouldnt harm a fly, has lost six precious months of her life for no reason. It was a fabricated raid. Im relieved and grateful thank you to everyone who stood by me during difficult times. And a special thanks to those who revealed their true colours when things got tough." Ajaz added.

Background Of The Case

The case traces back to October 2024, when a staff member associated with Khan, Suraj Gaur, was detained for allegedly ordering 100 grams of mephedrone (MDMA). The consignment, reportedly sent from a European country, was believed to be destined for an office in Mumbais Andheri area. While the investigation is ongoing, the couple has spoken openly about the toll the arrest has taken on their family, insisting on their innocence and hoping for legal vindication.

First Published: April 30, 2025, 10:56 IST
Meghan Markle SHUTS DOWN Divorce Rumours With Prince Harry: It's More Of Honeymoon Period

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 04:27 IST

Meghan Markles Super Mario comparison for Prince Harry drew online flak, with critics calling her cringy and phony, but some defended her.

Meghan Markle suffered a miscarriage in July 2020. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

Meghan Markle has dismissed split rumours, describing her marriage to Prince Harry as a continued honeymoon phase, but her comparison of their love story to the video game Super Mario Bros has triggered a social media storm.

The Duchess of Sussex made the light-hearted remark during her first-ever podcast appearance, joining friend and IT Cosmetics CEO Jamie Kern Lima on a newly released episode. Reflecting on her seven-year-long relationship with Prince Harry, Meghan described the couples journey using a playful metaphor drawn from the iconic 1985 Nintendo game.

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H, that man loves me so much and you know, look what weve built," Meghan said. We built a beautiful life and we have two healthy, beautiful children. I always think about it like the end of Super Mario Brothers when you get to the final level and whats the goal? Theyre like slay the dragon, save the princess. Thats my husband."

She added, Hes also a fox, if you havent noticed. My husbands very, very handsome. But his heart is even more beautiful."

She also got candid about the evolution of their love, stating, You have to imagine, at the beginning its like butterflies, and then we immediately went into the trenches together right out of the gate, six months into dating. So, now seven years later when you have a little bit of breathing space, you can just enjoy each other in a new way. And thats why I feel like its more of a honeymoon period for us now."

When asked whether she saw their marriage lasting forever, Meghan replied with a simple Yes."

But her whimsical comparison didnt land well with everyone online. Some X (formerly Twitter) users criticised the comment as forced and insincere. So cringe," one wrote bluntly. Another mocked, Meghan Markle thinks shes The Princess and Prince Harry is Super Mario [laughing emoji]."

Others questioned her intent. Why is Meghan so obsessed with all things British? You notice in this interview she was trying to call Harry a dragon slayer in her little reference to the Super Mario story. Everything Meghan does is scripted and she is so fake," a user wrote.

One critic added, Okay, she really is fake, just cringe-level phony" while another said, She is so pathetic and phony. Everything that comes out of her mouth makes her more unrelatable and weird."

However, not all reactions were harsh. Some defended Meghan and celebrated her honesty. Why are so many of you offended by the fact her husband truly loves her and she is happy?" one asked. Another added humorously, If your marriage isnt a Super Mario marriage, does it even count?"

About the Author Shrishti Negi Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More

Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)

First Published: April 30, 2025, 04:20 IST
Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir Among Pakistani Actors Whose Instagram Accounts Blocked In India

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 22:31 IST

The move follows the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, and is being linked to national security measures.

Pakistani actresses Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan and Sajal Alys Instagram accounts are now inaccessible in India.

Instagram accounts of several top Pakistani actors, including Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir and Sajal Aly, have been blocked in India. The move follows the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, and is being linked to national security measures.

Indian users trying to access the accounts are met with a message saying: Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content."

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Other celebrities affected by the action include Ali Zafar, Ayeza Khan, Sanam Saeed, Maya Ali, and Iqra Aziz Hussain. These actors, widely popular among Indian audiences for their performances and social media presence, are no longer visible to millions of followers in the country.

However, the Instagram handles of Fawad Khan and Fahad Mustafa were still accessible at the time of reporting, as were those of Saba Qamar Zaman, Yumna Zaidi, Mehwish Hayat and Urwa Hocane.

In addition to individual accounts, popular Pakistani drama channels like Hum TV and ARY Digital have also reportedly been restricted on platforms such as YouTube in India.

This development comes days after the Indian government blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, which collectively had over 63 million subscribers. These included media outlets like Dawn, Geo News, Bol News, and Samaa TV, along with popular individual creators such as journalist Asma Shirazi and digital show The Pakistan Experience.

Government sources cited concerns over content that was deemed inflammatory, misleading or potentially disruptive to Indias national harmony.

Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir and Fawad Khan remain among the most followed Pakistani celebrities in India.

On April 22, armed terrorists unleashed horror by opening fire at tourists in Kashmirs iconic Pahalgam.

The wives and other relatives of those killed in the attack later revealed to the media that the terrorists asked the names and the faith of tourists before shooting them dead.

They also reportedly asked those who said they belonged to the Muslim community to recite the Kalma.

The terrorists shot dead those who said they were Hindus, and left their relatives, especially women, asking them to narrate the ordeal to the government.

The attack claimed the lives of 26 tourists, including one Nepali national.

About the Author Shrishti Negi Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 22:23 IST
Rakhee Gulzar Makes Rare Public Appearance, Refuses To Make Bollywood Comeback | Watch

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 02:26 IST

Recently, a video of Rakhee Gulzar enjoying puchkas in Kolkata went viral. She will return to the big screen with a Bengali movie Amar Boss, set to release on May 9, 2025.

Rakhee Gulzar during the screening of her Bengali movie 'Amar Boss'.

Veteran actress Rakhee Gulzar made a rare public appearance recently at the screening of her upcoming Bengali film Amar Boss, set to release on May 9, 2025. The celebrated actress, known for iconic roles in Hindi cinema, was seen exiting the theatre when a reporter stopped her for a quick interaction.

The reporter asked her if she would consider making a comeback in Bollywood if she were offered a film like Amar Boss. At first, Rakhee couldnt hear the question clearly and asked the reporter to repeat it. After understanding the query, she responded with a firm, No, I will not do it," shutting down any speculation about a return to Bollywood. Her response confirmed that she isnt particularly interested in stepping back into Hindi films.

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This moment comes shortly after the re-release of Karan Arjun, one of Rakhees most iconic Bollywood films, which starred Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. The films re-release stirred nostalgia among fans and reignited discussions about Rakhees memorable performances.

In addition to the screening, Rakhee recently went viral for a video that showed her enjoying puchkas (pani puri) on the streets of Kolkata.

Amar Boss explores a complex mother-son relationship. Shiboprosad Mukhopadhyay, who also co-directs the film, plays Animesh Goswami, the head of a publishing startup and a devoted son. Rakhee plays Subhra Goswami, his elderly and ailing mother.

Speaking about Rakhees involvement in the film, co-director Nandita Roy told PTI, Rakheeji is apt for the role. When I wrote the script, I could see her in front of my eyes. So, I just wanted her to be there for the film."

Rakhees performance in Amar Boss marks her significant return to Bengali cinema, even as she firmly distances herself from Bollywood projects.

About the Author Shrishti Negi Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More

First Published: May 01, 2025, 02:26 IST
Remembering Rishi Kapoor On His 5th Death Anniversary: Top Movies, Songs, Dialogues And Family Life

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 07:20 IST

Rishi Kapoor Death Anniversary: In a career spanning over 5 decades, he had been part of almost 100 films, never missing to grab attention with his incredible performances.

Rishi Kapoor Death Anniversary: The actor passed away in April 30, 2020, after struggling with cancer. (Image: neetu Kapoor.Fightingfyt/ Instagram)

Rishi Kapoors 5th Death Anniversary: Rishi Kapoor, one of the legendary actors of the Hindi film industry, had kept his fans captivated with his on-screen performances over the years. In a career spanning over 5 decades, Kapoor had been part of almost 100 films, never missing any chance to grab attention with his incredible acting sense, even in the last days before his untimely demise. Today, on his fifth death anniversary, we take a look at his top movies, songs, dialogues and family life.

Rishi Kapoors Top 5 Movies

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Bobby (1973): The third movie in Rishi Kapoors acting career, Bobby featured him in the role of a romantic hero opposite the debutant Dimple Kapadia. The romantic drama directed by his father, Raj Kapoor, helped him rise to immense stardom and even turned out to be a blockbuster hit of the year after its release. Amar Akbar Anthony (1977): Rishi Kapoors portrayal of Akbar Ilhabadi in this action-packed movie has etched a special place in the hearts of his millions of fans. Co-starring with an ensemble cast, the film emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film of the year. Karz (1980): Directed by Subhash Ghai, the movie featured Rishi in a dual role opposite Tina Munim (now Tina Ambani). This musical thriller showcased Kapoors versatility and solidified his position in the acting line. Prem Rog (1982): This movie earned Kapoor critical acclaim, and his performance as Devdhar, a young man who falls in love with a widow, was widely loved. The actor even received several awards for his role in the movie. Chandni (1994): Another romantic drama, featuring Kapoor opposite Sridevi, is another hit movie in his list, where he plays the role of one of the love interests in Chandnis life, the other being Vinod Khanna.

Rishi Kapoors Top 5 Songs

Ek Main Aur Ek Tu: This song, sung by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle, from the 1975 movie Khel Khel Mein, is one of the top songs in Kapoors career. The romantic duet also showcases his chemistry with Neetu Singh, who later became his wife in real life. Hum Kisi Se Kum Naheen: This title song, from the masala movie Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin, is extremely loved for its catchy tune. The duet song sung by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle is also adored for its romantic lyrics. Dafli Wale Dafli Baja: Who doesnt know this song? Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkars duet for the movie Sargam is lively and loved for its infectious energy. Saagar Jaisi Aankhonwali: Just as the name says, Kishore Kumar and RD Burmans song from the movie Saagar is cherished for its beautiful lyrics and soulful music, expressing the love for a beloved in the most subtle ways. Main Shayar To Nahin: An emotional song in Rishi Kapoors career from the movie Bobby, this is still remembered today by many movie buffs. Sung by Shailendra Singh, this song had young Rishi Kappor with curly hair innocently expressing his love.

Rishi Kapoors Top 5 Dialogues

Sabhi insaan ek jaise hi toh hote hai  wahi do haath, do paun, aankhen, kaan, chehra  sabke ek jaise hi toh hote hai  phir kyun koi ek, sirf ek aaisa hota hai": This dialogue from the movie Prem Rog talked about the individuals emotions and experiences.

This dialogue from the movie Prem Rog talked about the individuals emotions and experiences. Bikte toh sabhi hai  kuch paiso se kuch jazbaat se": This line from the action-thriller D-Day portrays a poignant observation of how people are motivated by various emotions and outlooks of life.

This line from the action-thriller D-Day portrays a poignant observation of how people are motivated by various emotions and outlooks of life. Garmi mein garam chai, thandak pahunchati hai": This line from the romantic movie Bobby is a completely different emotion resonating with many tea lovers.

This line from the romantic movie Bobby is a completely different emotion resonating with many tea lovers. Tum Sabit Karo Mera Pyaar Mere Mulk Hai Warna Main Bahes Haar Jaonga": This dialogue from Mulk is a powerful statement revealing a persons love for their nation.

This dialogue from Mulk is a powerful statement revealing a persons love for their nation. Sharaab peene de masjid mein bahetkar ghalib  yah woh jagah dikha de jahan khuda na ho.": Rishi Kapoors dialogue from the movie Fanaa, starring Kajol and Aamir Khan in lead roles, explores the powerful meaning of life.

Rishi Kapoors Family Life

Born into the iconic Kapoor family, known for their incredible work and contribution in the film industry, Rishi also walked in the same footsteps as his forefathers. He made his debut as an adolescent, in his father Raj Kapoors movie Mera Naam Joker, and never stopped being part of the movie business.

Based on his roots, Rishi hails from Peshawar and originally from Samundri. He is the second-born child of actor-director Raj Kapoor and his wife, Krishna Raj Kapoor. Members of his family, who were also part of the film business, included brothers Randhir Kapoor and Rajiv Kapoor; paternal grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor; maternal uncle Prem Chopra; paternal uncles Shashi Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor, among others.

Later, Rishi Kapoor tied the knot with actress and the love of his life Neetu Singh in 1980. They were blessed with two children  Ranbir Kapoor and Riddhima Kapoor.

The Bobby actor was diagnosed with leukemia in 2018, and despite years of successful treatment for a year, he struggled with the relapse of the deadly disease. On April 30, 2020, Rishi left for his heavenly abode, leaving a huge void in the hearts of his family and fans.

First Published: April 30, 2025, 07:20 IST
'Surveys Used As Political Tool': Why Modi Govt Decided To Include Caste Data In Census

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 18:08 IST

BJP sources said previous Congress governments have always opposed a caste-based census as this parameter was not included in operations conducted since independence

Ahead of the assembly elections in Bihar, this major decision by the Narendra Modi-led government is more than a strategic move. (Image: PTI/File)

Alleging that the states ruled by opposition parties have done caste surveys for political reasons, the Centre on Wednesday said the Narendra Modi-led government will include caste enumeration in the forthcoming pan-India census exercise in a transparent" manner.

During a meeting of the cabinet, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the census comes under the purview of the Centre but some states have done caste enumeration in the name of surveys.

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Ahead of the assembly elections in Bihar, where a caste survey was conducted in 2022, this major decision is more than a strategic move. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have been demanding a nationwide caste census making it a major election issue, while some other states like Telangana and Karnataka have also conducted such surveys.

The census exercise was to commence in April 2020 but was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Congress and the opposition INDIA bloc had made caste census a major poll plank in the previous elections, with Rahul Gandhi promising representation to people based on their population.

CONGRESS HAS ALWAYS OPPOSED CASTE-BASED CENSUS

According to BJP sources, the governments decision reflects its commitment to the values and interests of the society and country, much in the same way the reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS) was introduced without causing stress in any other section.

The BJP sources said previous Congress governments have always opposed a caste-based census as this parameter was not included in operations conducted since independence. It was in 2010, then prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh had assured the Lok Sabha that the matter of a caste census will be considered by the cabinet, they said.

The sources said a team of ministers was formed to consider the subject. A majority of the political parties had recommended caste census, they said.

They further said despite this, the Congress decided to conduct only a survey instead of a caste census  the Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC). But, it is well understood that the Congress and its INDIA bloc allies have used caste census only as a political tool, they added.

Article 246 of the Constitution states that the census is listed at 69 in the Union List in the Seventh Schedule, making it a Centre subject. But, some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes, the sources said.

While some states have done this well, others have conducted them from a purely political angle in a non-transparent manner, they said. Such surveys have created doubt in society, they added.

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Hence, the sources said, considering all these facts and to ensure that the social fabric is not disturbed by politics, caste enumeration should be transparently included in the census instead of surveys. This will strengthen the social and economic structure while the nation continues to progress, they said.

(With PTI inputs)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 17:51 IST
'Stop Taking Credit': BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Caste Census, Cites Amit Shah's Remarks From 2024

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 21:03 IST

The BJP said on September 18, 2024, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said any decision on conducting a caste census will be "made public" when the census is announced

The BJP said Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier indicated that the announcement was forthcoming. (Image: PTI/File)

The BJP hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of taking credit" for the Centres decision to carry out caste enumeration in the forthcoming census exercise.

In doing so, the BJP revived Union Home Minister Amit Shahs remarks from 2024 when he said any decision on conducting a caste census will be made public" when the census is announced.

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The BJPs IT cell head, Amit Malviya, slammed Rahul Gandhi saying he must stop taking credit for the governments decision as Amit Shah had already indicated on September 18, 2024, that the announcement was forthcoming.

Rahul Gandhi must stop taking credit for the governments decision on the caste census. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already indicated on September 18, 2024, that the announcement was forthcoming. In 2011, the Congress-led UPA government initiated the Socio-Economic and Caste Census, which included a caste component  the first such attempt since 1931," he said in a post on X.

Rahul Gandhi must stop taking credit for the governments decision on the caste census. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already indicated on September 18, 2024, that the announcement was forthcoming.In 2011, the Congress-led UPA government initiated the Socio-Economic and pic.twitter.com/CaQhAoDnzo  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) April 30, 2025

Malviya, however, alleged that the Congress failed to release the caste data citing inconsistencies and classification issues. It is the BJP and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who truly uphold the mantle of social justice, and this move is a step in the right direction," he wrote.

According to a report published by The Indian Express, the Union home minister had not ruled out the possibility of a caste census, when asked if the government would conduct one as it was a key demand of the Opposition. When the Census is announced, all these things will be made public," he had been quoted, while speaking at a press conference marking 100 days of the third term of the NDA government.

On Wednesday, welcoming the historic decision", Shah said the Narendra Modi-led government has shown its strong commitment towards social equality and the rights of every section.

In the CCPA meeting held today under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, a message of strong commitment towards social equality and rights of every section has been given by deciding to include caste census in the upcoming census," he wrote on X in Hindi.

               @narendramodi       CCPA   ,                         Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 30, 2025

He said the Congress and its allies opposed the caste census for decades while in power and played politics over it while in the opposition. This decision will empower all economically and socially backward classes, promote inclusion, and pave new paths for the progress of the deprived," he said.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, have been demanding a nationwide caste census making it a major election issue, while states like Bihar, Telangana and Karnataka have also conducted such surveys.

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The census exercise was to commence in April 2020 but was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Congress and the opposition INDIA bloc had made caste census a major poll plank in the previous elections, with Rahul Gandhi promising representation to people based on their population.

(With PTI inputs)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 20:53 IST
Congress PM Modi Post Gayab From Social Media: Did Party Just Draw The Line For Supriya Shrinate?

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 11:31 IST

While Congress has upped its social media game, it was felt that increasingly, the partys posts were being remembered more because of controversies and less because of the content

Supriya Shrinates influence comes from the fact that she was considered extremely close to Priyanka Vadra. (PTI)

The Congress partys social media post, showing the missing head of the prime minister, is now gayab [missing]. In a late-night development, the Congress quietly deleted the controversial post. However, earlier in the evening, the partys social media head, Supriya Shrinate, gave a strong byte, taking potshots at the BJP and defending her partys controversial post.

Now, Shrinate herself is facing the heat. Late on Tuesday night, the Congress issued an advisory signed by KC Venugopal, asking all its leaders to stick to the party line and the CWC resolution, which had condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and expressed solidarity with the government.

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Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in a rare gesture, retweeted the advisory, showing her willingness to step into disciplinary matters as well as signal the discontent of the top leadership.

Sources say Rahul Gandhi, who is in Raebareli and will soon visit the Kanpur victim of the Pahalgam attack, held a meeting over the phone with Venugopal, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Vadraall of whom agreed that the post was not in good taste. There was also consensus that multiple comments coming in from Congress leaders were diverting attention from what the party really wanted to talk about.

Interestingly, Shrinates debut into active politics came at the bidding of Priyanka Vadra. A former journalist, she contested from Maharajganj in UP, which was her fathers constituency for long, after a meeting with Vadra in Lucknow. Shrinates influence comes from the fact that she was considered extremely close to Priyanka Vadra. Aggressive and articulate, she is one of the most high-profile spokespersons of the party.

However, Shrinates social media posts have often landed her in trouble. Earlier, she had targeted actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, playing on the fact that she was contesting from Himachal Pradeshs Mandi. Under fire, she was forced to issue a clarification. But this was the beginning of multiple controversies that she was caught in.

While the Congress has upped its social media game and has some witty popular accounts, it was felt that increasingly, the partys social media posts were being remembered more because of controversies and less because of the content.

Amidst this, there have been some who are very uncomfortable with the way the social media team has been working under Shrinate, though the leader stuck on because of her aggression on the ground and her proximity to the Gandhis.

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The big question now isWill Shrinate face the axe and be replaced?

Though the party feels that if the BJP can get away from controversies, why not the Congress, but when it comes to issues of terrorism and national security, the Grand Old Party clearly doesnt want to be seen on the wrong page.

About the Author Pallavi Ghosh Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 11:31 IST
Where Is He Missing: Farooq Abdullah Backs PM, Rejects Congress' Gayab Jibe After Pahalgam Attack

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 08:36 IST

Farooq Abdullah has extended support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his government's response to Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pahalgam terror attack: Farooq Abdullah backs PM Modi over Pahalgam response (PTI Image)

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday dismissed his ally Congress claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was missing" after the Pahalgam terror attack and backed the PM over any action he takes against Pakistan.

Where is he missing? I know he is in Delhi," Abdullah said.

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In a now-deleted post after a massive controversy, the Congress on Tuesday posted an image without naming the Prime Minister and only showed an old photo of his clothes without his body. The BJP lashed out at Congress over the post, alleging that it was a sar tan se juda imagery aimed at weakening India at this crucial juncture when the country eyes retaliation of the Pahalgam terror attack.

jimmedari ke samay  Gayab," the caption of the Congress post read.

Abdullah rejected the allys allegation and said that his party has extended full support to the Centre.

We have given our full support to the prime minister. After that, we should not be questioned. The prime minister should do whatever work he necessary," the former J&K chief minister said.

Abdullah also responded to Pakistans repeated warning of a nuclear war and reminded Islamabad that New Delhi has nuclear weapons too.

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We also have nuclear power, and we had it even before them. India has never attacked anyone first. It all started from there (Pakistan), and we responded. Even today, we will not use it (nuclear weapons) unless they do. But if they use it, we have it too. May God never let such a situation arise," he said.

There was the Mumbai attack, and it was proven they did it. The Pathankot attack, they did it, the Uri attack, they did it. They attacked in Kargil, and I was the chief minister at that time. They said they were not involved, but when we took strong action, they ran to the US President asking for help. If they want friendship, then such things cannot continue. It must stop. But if they want hostility, we are ready, and so are they," Abdullah added, as he slammed Pakistan for its involvement in terrorism.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

First Published: April 30, 2025, 08:10 IST
Rahul Gandhi Claims Caste Census Conquest, But What Is His Next Move?

Last Updated: May 01, 2025, 00:12 IST

The Congress wants to build the perception that Rahul Gandhi can dictate the Modi government's decisions

Rahul Gandhi addressing a press conference in New Delhi. (Photo: Congress YouTube)

Rahul Gandhi did not waste time the moment he landed in Delhi on Wednesday after visits to Kanpur and Raebareli. He held a press conference while thanking the central government for announcing a caste census. The Congress leader was very clear on what he wanted. There is no denying the fact that this announcement by the union cabinet of a caste survey as part of the larger population census is being seen as a big win for Rahul Gandhi by the Congress. Just moments after the announcement was made, the Congress, officially and one leader after another, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, gave the credit to Rahul Gandhi.

In fact, many of them said that the Narendra Modi government runs according to Rahul Gandhis wishes. At the press conference, Rahul made it very clear that he wanted a timeline from the government. What was the design, increased budgetary allocation, and an assurance that the plan would be such that it would ensure the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) would get job reservations in private and other institutions as well. But more than that, he asked for the review of the 50% cap on reservations.

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In the last one year, Rahul Gandhis politics has been focused on the caste census, accusing the Modi government of being only pro-rich. Rahul Gandhi has done this for some damage control to his image of being an entitled neta". His white t-shirt revolution" is part of this narrative that he is fighting for equality for the people of India.

During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, his argument and narrative that the Constitution was under threat because the backward classes were being denied their basic rights clicked with the masses to some degree. It did not, however, in state elections like Maharashtra and Haryana. Ahead of this years Bihar elections, caste will be an important political factor. Rahul Gandhi was hoping that it would work for his party, but the BJP may have taken some air out of it. However, its very clear that the Congress and Rahul Gandhi will campaign and make the point that the Modi government has come under pressure.

In fact, at a press conference, Rahul Gandhi said that the PM would always have to listen to him. In the past, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress have also taken credit for the pressure he imposed on the Modi government for the rollback of the three farm laws and also post-Covid pandemic policies. As far as the caste census goes, the Bharatiya Janata Party is insisting that the Gandhis did not ensure it while they were at the Centre and that it was the fulfilment of a commitment made by the Modi government a couple of months ago. The fact, though, is that the Congress wants to build the perception that Rahul Gandhi can dictate the governments decisions.

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After being called Pappu" for a long time by the BJP and its supporters, this narrative is crucial. It is very important for the party to show that he is a serious politician, someone whom no one in the government can ignore anymore.

Armed with this, Rahul Gandhi, though restrained, did the press conference because he wanted to make the point that he forced the governments hands. But this is unlikely to be the end of his caste politics. He will continue to put pressure on the government to ensure that the 50% cap is breached. Rahul Gandhi wants to go back to those days, with more and more jobs being given to the OBCs. After losing out over the years, with regional parties emerging as messiahs of the backward classes, the ultimate electoral card is being played by Rahul Gandhi.

About the Author Pallavi Ghosh Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More

First Published: May 01, 2025, 00:01 IST
'They Had To Yield': Congress Claims Credit After Centre's Caste Survey Move In Census

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 17:53 IST

Congress leader Pawan Khera said that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has consistently called for a caste census

The demand for a caste-based census has long been voiced by several opposition parties, led by the Congress. (PTI file photo)

Congress on Wednesday claimed credit for the central governments decision to include caste survey in the upcoming population census, stating that it has long been a demand of the party.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during a Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) briefing in New Delhi, announced the governments decision to include caste data in the upcoming census. He also criticised the Congress and its allies for using the caste census issue as a political tool."

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The demand for a caste-based census has long been voiced by several opposition parties, led by the Congress, with many including it in their election manifestos.

In response to the Centres decision, many political parties and leaders welcomed the inclusion of caste data in the upcoming national survey.

Congress leader Pawan Khera, speaking to CNN-News18, said, The timing is very interesting. We hope there is some sincerity behind the decision."

Khera further stated that Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has consistently called for a caste census. We cannot forget Rahul Gandhis famous wordsJaati janganna hoke rahegi (The caste census will happen). I will say the government is with Rahul Gandhi," he added.

Congress leader Udit Raj also reacted on X, saying, The Modi government has been compelled to conduct a caste census. This is a victory for Congress. The Bahujan community thanks Rahul Gandhi ji, his persistent efforts have borne fruit. The BJP/RSS tried hard to stop it, but in the end, they had to yield."

                         ,          /            Dr. Udit Raj (@Dr_Uditraj) April 30, 2025

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh shared a letter written by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2023, in which Kharge had urged the PM to conduct an up-to-date" caste census.

On April 16 2023  that is, over two years back  Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge had written this letter to the PM. Need anything more be said?" Ramesh wrote, along with a photo of the letter.

On April 16 2023  that is, over two years back  Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge had written this letter to the PM. Need anything more be said? pic.twitter.com/Fx1xQnRSIE Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 30, 2025

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy congratulated the central government for the move but credited Rahul Gandhi for his role. He wrote: Based on the vision and direction of Shri @RahulGandhi Ji who first demanded a nation-wide Caste Census during his historic #BharatJodoYatra Telangana is the first State to conduct caste survey last year."

Based on the vision and direction ofShri @RahulGandhi Ji who first demanded a nation-wide Caste Census during his historic #BharatJodoYatra Telangana is the first State to conduct caste survey last year.This was the first in Independent #India, the last one being in 1931 by pic.twitter.com/7dNABdwqM7  Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) April 30, 2025

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Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad Yadav, in a detailed post on X, reflected on his long-standing advocacy for a caste-based census.

What we socialists thought about 30 years agoreservation, caste census, equality, fraternity, secularism, etc.others start following decades later. Those who called us casteist for demanding a caste-based census have received a fitting reply. There is still much left to do. We will keep making these Sanghis dance to our agenda," Yadav stated.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

First Published: April 30, 2025, 16:54 IST
ChatGPT Can Now Be Your Shopping Assistant For Free: Should Google Be Worried?

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 14:25 IST

ChatGPT shopping is finally here for everyone with an account or not and Google will surely be concerned about its AI push in the market.

ChatGPT shopping works for free accounts which will have Google worried

OpenAI has been previewing the shopping feature on ChatGPT over the last few weeks, and now it is officially here. The AI chatbot can help you shop, give tips and even list out the products that fit your preferences based on the text prompt you feed ChatGPT.

The AI chatbot is letting you use the new service via different Shopping GPTs on the web or mobile, something that Google Shopping does not offer outside of the United States till date.

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Google has been the obvious choice for people to search for items and even get direct access to the products via different channels. But ChatGPT shopping brings the AI flavour which lets you compare and have a more in-depth knowledge based on your needs and not the name of the product.

ChatGPT Shopping: How To Get Started

ChatGPT shopping is basically enabled using a GPT that has been developed for this purpose.

Head over to the ChatGPT website

Sign in with your account (or dont)

Try out shopping with new GPT

Ask for any product/item and ChatGPT will deliver the results on the screen

ChatGPT Shopping does work for the free users however, they have a limit of 10 queries like the other features, which gets refreshed in 6 hours. We tried out the new feature with our free and paid account, and you could clearly see the difference mostly related to the benefits that the premium ChatGPT user gets.

OpenAI says shopping will offer improved product results, visual product details, pricing along with reviews and yes, direct links to buy. The company also assures that the product results are chosen independently and are not ads.

The tone of the AI assistant is mostly friendly, sometimes too chatty to be fair but the responses are clear, detailed and to the point. For instance, we asked for the best phones under Rs 25,000 and where we could buy them. ChatGPT gave us a list of the phones and product links across different channels online. We didnt see dedicated cards for the items but that could also be part of the gradual rollout.

We noticed that the brand site links open to the product, while other e-commerce platforms were not receptive to the page offered by the AI chatbot. The feature does feel like in its early days so that should improve in the next few days.

More Worries For Google?

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Google Shopping has been a reliable source for millions but the AI integration is limited to select regions for now. You only get results for the search parameters and after trying out shopping with ChatGPT it feels dated.

Which means ChatGPT has a great window to tap into these users and we feel Google has to be worried about how its AI rival is gradually eating into its territory.

About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More

News18 Tech delivers the latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements, and more. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: April 30, 2025, 14:25 IST
Google To Give Us First Look At Android 16? New Event Confirmed Ahead Of I/O 2025

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 08:35 IST

The Android 16 release date is being pushed by Google this year and this event suggests the company is ready to show us the real deal.

Google is hosting the Android show before the I/O 2025

Google I/O 2025 is less than a month away but it seems the company is not waiting for the developer event to showcase some of its new products. Google has confirmed a pre-IO event in May called The Android Show, where we could probably get our first official look at the Android 16 version.

This is the first time when we are seeing Google do an event before the I/O 2025 keynote, and it does feature the Android chief at the company, which clearly tells us something.

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The Android Show Event Date And Timings

Google has confirmed The Android Show event for Tuesday, May 13 at 10:30 PM IST which is a week before the Google I/O 2025 keynote which starts on May 20. The teaser video for the event does not go into the specifics but it does say that well see what is new with Android this year, and latest innovations which more or less confirms news about Android 16 release date, features and more.

The Android Show: What We Expect

The Android Show is unlikely to be just about Android 16, and we could see the new TV version from Google also, the Wear OS 6 version and its features. Google is planning for an earlier Android 16 release date this year, which means the company needs to be quick with its beta and public updates.

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The Android 16 beta has also given us a teaser of the new features that will be coming to a host of devices over the next one year and some of them could be very useful for millions. Besides the obvious AI upgrades, the Android 16 version also could have a new way to unlock your smartphone which will be equally safe and privacy focused.

The latest Android 16 beta 3 update has been tested with older Pixel 6a and 7 series models and the screen unlock updated option works even on them. We havent heard much about the new features coming to Google TV with Android 16 and the Wear OS version but we should get a good idea about the details at this special event.

About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More

News18 Tech delivers the latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements, and more. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: April 30, 2025, 08:35 IST
iPhone 17 Pro Will Not Get This Useful Display Feature From Apple: What Reports Say

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 07:20 IST

The iPhone 17 Pro is being tipped to get some noticeable upgrades this year but the display is unlikely to see many changes.

Apple was likely to make this change and offer Galaxy S24-like on the 17 Pro

Apple is supposed to be making big changes to the iPhone 17 Pro series this year but the company has some bad news if you were looking to pick the variant when it launches.

The iPhone 17 Pro was reportedly going to feature an anti-reflective panel like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra but it seems the company has cancelled those plans for the upcoming model. The new plans from Apple have been shared in this report via a tipster named Instant Digital this week.

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No Display Upgrade For iPhone 17 Pro: But Why?

Apple had big plans to make the iPhone 17 Pro series its first to feature this display feature but the tipster says Apple was not happy with the results from the test and the pace at which the coating was getting added to the iPhone display. Both reasons seem to have compelled Apple to change its strategy for the premium variants and shelve it probably for the future iPhone Pro models.

The slow process of adding the coat meant Apple would be facing big challenges while manufacturing the units, and with its numbers in millions, the company cannot afford any issues or delay in shipping the units to the market.

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Funny thing is, Apple already has the nano-texture display available with the iPad Pro and the MacBook Air/Pro models, so the company could make lives easy and just use the same coating for its iPhone 17 Pro variants as well.

However, the tipster doesnt say anything related to that in plans, which hints at the company shelving the display upgrade at least for the 2025 iPhone Pro models. So it seems Samsung will once again have the upper hand over its rival at least with the special display that not only limits reflection but also has a nice sheen on the screen.

About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More

News18 Tech delivers the latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements, and more. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

First Published: April 30, 2025, 07:20 IST
Meta AI App Launched Outside Of WhatsApp On Mobile And Web: Heres What It Offers

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 10:36 IST

Meta AI has been available through WhatsApp and other apps till date but now you get a standalone app like ChatGPT and Gemini on mobile.

The Meta AI app is powered by Llama 4 model and does everything you want from an AI assistant

Meta AI now gets a standalone app on mobile devices as the company looks to go beyond its WhatsApp and Facebook user base to grow its AI market. The first version of Meta AI works like any other AI chatbot out there, giving you assistance with text prompts or voice commands.

Bringing this app also means Meta has a better control over its actual AI consumer and caters to their needs in a more personalised way.

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Meta AI App: Why Now?

The Meta AI app is powered by the new Llama 4 AI model from the company, and it claims the new platform will most likely be at the forefront of its AI ambitions in the next few years. This means, Meta AI finally gets a voice, something that we have been waiting to see on WhatsApp or Instagram, on the new standalone app.

But thats not all, like the other AI platforms from OpenAI and Google, the app integrates with other Meta AI features like image generation and editing, which can now all be done through a voice or text conversation with your AI assistant," Meta explains in a post.

Meta AI gives the company a more holistic approach to its AI strategy that can now easily spread through different products. And yes, the Ray Ban smart glasses will not be integrated with the Llama 4-powered Meta AI app in select countries for now.

The voice feature on Meta AI will have multiple options just like Siri, ChatGPT and Gemini Live. It also gets a full-duplex mode in the experimental phase that does not access your recent information or memory. You even have a toggle switch to make sure Meta AI voice does not start/respond on its own. These features are currently available in the US, Canada, and Australia among others for now.

The True Meta Connect

Meta owns some of the biggest social media platforms and that seems to be a big part of the new AI push. It will use aspects like your travel preferences, food and cafes, to personalise the results and seek information from your profiles (if you give the permission).

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There is the obvious FacebookInstagram link that might engage you in a new way to connect with other friends through a Discover Feed which makes it effectively look like a regular social feed.

And yes, the Meta AI web version is also being optimised with the new features and support for the big desktop screens. It is testing a document editor, using AI to generate files with images and text and importing documents to help the AI assistant analyse and give inputs.

About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More

News18 Tech delivers the latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements, and more. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: April 30, 2025, 10:36 IST
Smartphone Launches In May 2025: OnePlus To Samsung, List Of Upcoming Mobile Launches Expected This Month

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 02, 2025, 13:03 IST

Upcoming Smartphones In May 2025: Brands like Samsung, OnePlus and Realme could have a big say in your next phone purchase decision.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, OnePlus and other phones are expected to be announced in May 2025

Upcoming Smartphone Launches In May 2025: We are set for an exciting month with popular brands like OnePlus, Samsung and Poco among others bringing their new smartphones to the market. OnePlus has already confirmed its launch plans for a new compact flagship which is likely to follow in the footsteps of the OnePlus 13T but Samsung is also vying for a coveted spot in the premium table with the iPhone 17 Air rival the Galaxy S25 Edge.

With an enticing lineup on the horizon, heres a look at the big phone launches expected over the next 31 days in May.

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Big Phone Launches In May 2025

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Samsung has been teasing, previewing and even keeping it under a glass box, but it is high time we see the Galaxy S25 Edge get an official launch. Most reports said that will happen in April but the company was seemingly forced to change those plans, which means, we could see it launch in May. Rumours even say the Galaxy S25 Edge launch could be on May 13 which is still a few weeks away but no official word from Samsung on this yet.

The Galaxy S25 Edge is rumoured to sport a 6.6-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. But the biggest highlight of the device is its ultra-slim and lightweight design, measuring under 162 grams and a mere 5.84 mm in thickness.

Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 Edge is anticipated to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. However, the slim design of the Galaxy S25 Edge could become a problem, as the device will reportedly house a 3,900 mAh battery with 25W charging support to maintain its slender profile.

OnePlus 13s

The OnePlus 13s is officially confirmed to launch in India but the timeline is not very clear as of today, but we do expect major updates from the brand, with a May 2025 launch not being completely ruled out.

While OnePlus hasnt said it directly, chances are that the OnePlus 13T will be rebranded as 13s in India. OnePlus 13s will become the third device in the OnePlus 13 series which already has the 13R in the lineup.

OnePlus has confirmed the 13s will be a flagship phone powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. It will feature a 6.32-inch display which makes it the ideal compact device with powerful credentials. The OnePlus 13s is also going to launch in black and pink colour options. The OnePlus 13s price in India is likely to start around Rs 55,000 which puts it below the OnePlus 13 model in the series.

Realme GT 7

Realme GT 7 is now gearing up for its launch in the Indian market. Realme has officially teased the smartphones arrival through its social media channels, highlighting its impressive gaming capabilities.

The device is confirmed to offer up to six hours of high-frame-rate gameplay on Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). It is expected to join the Realme GT 7 Pro in the companys latest lineup of gaming-focused smartphones in India.

The smartphone is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset, coupled with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB internal storage. It runs on Realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15.

Poco F7

Poco F7 is likely to debut globally in May and we could see the device launch along with the F7 Ultra in the Indian market as well. The new Poco F-series phone is likely to feature the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset with up to 16GB RAM which should make it a hard-core performance device.

It is expected to carry a 6.8-inch AMOLED display and packed with a massive 7,550mAh battery that might support 90W charging speed. The phone is likely to get IP69 rating and a dual-rear camera system.

iQOO Neo 10

iQOO launched the Neo 10R in the Indian market recently and it seems ready to bring the Neo 10 version to the country soon. iQOO Neo 10 Pro+ is going to debut in China next month, and rumours suggest the iQOO Neo 10 model for India could be the same variant. Going by the leaks, the Neo 10 could be a flagship-grade device with a large battery that supports 120W charging speed. It is expected to feature a dual rear camera setup and sport an OLED display.

Tecno Pova Curve 5G

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Tecno is the latest name added to the list of exciting phone launches in May. The company has shared a teaser for its new device called the Pova Curve 5G which also shows its sleek design and metal finishing. It even has a curved display as you would expect from the name and a dual rear camera setup in a triangular module with LED notification light on the edges. We should have more details about this device in the coming days.

We expect plenty more additions to the market in May 2025 and keep you posted on the new updates.

About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More

News18 Tech delivers the latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements, and more. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: April 30, 2025, 12:34 IST
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In a country bitterly divided on virtually everything, from the major to the mundane, there's one issue that could unite Republicans and Democrats: age limits.

An uncomfortable conversation about the acuity of aging politicians, from Republicans Strom Thurmond of South Carolina and Thad Cochran of Mississippi to Democrats Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia and Dianne Feinstein of California, has only been magnified by former President Joe Biden's years in office and former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's closing time on Capitol Hill. Then there's former Texas Rep. Kay Granger, now 82, who was discovered by The Dallas Express staying at an assisted living facility toward the end of her House term as she dealt with what was later reported as dementia issues.

San Francisco Democrats made news recently over a proposed resolution to call politicians in California to voluntarily retire at an age to be determined later. But the country and Congress should consider something more permanent, specific and restrictive.

You can't do that

One of the first criticisms of any suggestion about age limits on elected officials is usually discrimination  the idea that you can't discriminate against candidates based on their age. But the Constitution already does so, with age minimums.

Members of the House have to be 25 years old, (Article 1, Section 2, Clause 2 of the Constitution). Members of the Senate have to be 30 years old (Article 1, Section 3, Clause 3). And presidents have to be 35 years old (Article 2, Section 1, Clause 5). So the age discrimination argument shouldn't even be a part of the conversation.

Considering the general bias toward the perceived wisdom of the Founding Fathers, a critic could say that the framers who included an age minimum would have included age maximums if they had wanted. But life expectancies were considerably different more than 200 years ago.

The average life expectancy was closer to 40 years in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. And even though the first six presidents served into their mid-to-late 60s, the Founding Fathers couldn't have fathomed elected officials serving into their 80s and 90s. At 81, Benjamin Franklin was 15 years older than any other signer of the Constitution. Today, he wouldn't rank among the top 10 oldest members of Congress.

It won't be easy

At a time when Congress can barely agree on a framework for when to reach an agreement, passing a constitutional amendment seems particularly ambitious. A constitutional amendment must first be approved by a two-thirds vote of both chambers of Congress and ratified by three-fourths of the states with an up-or-down vote in each legislative chamber.

There's been only one constitutional amendment passed in the past 50 years. The 27th Amendment, first submitted in 1789, was ratified in 1992 and effectively said that any raise Congress votes to give itself can't take effect until after the next election so constituents can decide whether they deserve it. (The 26th Amendment, which lowered the voting age to 18 years, passed in 1971.)

There could be some initial pushback from Republicans because age limits might be seen as a shot at the current 78-year-old resident of the White House and his ability to do the job. And there's the challenge of asking current members of Congress to limit their own tenures in Congress. So there might have to be some sort of provision to grandfather in (or, in some cases, to great-grandfather in) sitting lawmakers to exempt them from the new restrictions.

That would leave us waiting a long time for the fruits of such an effort to be seen. But that doesn't mean it's not a worthwhile endeavor.

While longtime incumbents often rouse strong feelings of loyalty and deference, it's hard to imagine that lawmakers who work beside elderly colleagues believe it's in the best interest of their constituents and the country for them to serve into their golden years.

What's my age again?

A considerable majority of Americans are open to this idea. More specifically, 82 percent of Republicans and 76% of Democrats support a maximum age limit for elected officials, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center poll.

But landing on a specific maximum age might be more difficult than the daunting task of passing a constitutional amendment: 85 years old? 80?

For some reference points, senators in Canada, who are appointed and not elected, have a mandatory retirement age of 75. In the Catholic Church, only cardinals younger than 80 can participate in a papal conclave to choose the next pope. Just 1% of S&P 1500 companies have a CEO age 78 or older, which is interesting considering the gravity of work lawmakers have to do on Capitol Hill.

The average age for an S&P 1500 CEO is 58, which is close to the median age of a House member (57.5) in the 119th Congress, according to Pew. The median age for a senator is 64.7. But that masks some of the oldest members, including Iowa's Charles E. Grassley (91), Vermont's Bernie Sanders (83), McConnell (83), Maine's Angus King (81), Connecticut's Richard Blumenthal (79), Vermont's Peter Welch (77), Hawaii's Mazie K. Hirono (77) and Oregon's Ron Wyden (75).

Idaho's Jim Risch (81), Massachusetts' Edward J. Markey (78) and Rhode Island's Jack Reed (75) have announced they'll seek reelection in 2026. New Hampshire's Jeanne Shaheen (78) bowed out recently and will soon be joined in retirement by Richard J. Durbin (80) of Illinois.

In the House there are 41 members age 75 or older, with Dina Titus of Nevada and Donald S. Beyer Jr. of Virginia joining them in the next couple of months. The eldest members include Harold Rogers of Kentucky (87); Maxine Waters (86), Nancy Pelosi (85), Doris Matsui (80) and John Garamendi (80) of California; Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland (85); James E. Clyburn of South Carolina (84); Danny K. Davis (83) and Jan Schakowsky (80) of Illinois; John Carter of Texas (83); Frederica S. Wilson of Florida (82); Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut (82); Virginia Foxx of North Carolina (81); Emanuel Cleaver II of Missouri (80); and Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey (80).

Critics of age limits might say that institutional knowledge is important to a functioning Congress. But how's that working out? Elderly wisdom doesn't seem to be helping smooth things along these days. And there are plenty of members younger than 70 who know how things work.

Of course, the precise amendment language would have to be worked out, perhaps by focusing on age when taking office. An official age 70 or older can't be sworn in, for example.

That benchmark would have affected only three presidential inaugurations: Biden in 2021 (78) and Trump in both 2017 (70) and 2025 (78). It would have kept West Virginia Republican Jim Justice, 73, out of the Senate, and it would shake up next year's Senate race in Maine, which features GOP Sen. Susan Collins, 72, and potentially Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, 77. Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who hasn't ruled out a Senate run next year, would be 69 in January 2027 if he happened to run and win.

Forced retirement

Rather than a constitutional amendment, some folks plan to use elections to force elderly members into retirement.

Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg committed to spending $20 million through his outside group, Leaders We Deserve, to help younger, progressive challengers win primaries against older incumbents in safely Democratic districts. And younger primary challengers have already popped up this cycle against Pelosi, Schakowsky, Georgia Rep. David Scott (79) and others.

Going by history, most of these efforts will fall short. And some people will deem it a vote of confidence in the elderly and a refutation of young people. But in reality, it will have more to do with the powerful advantages of incumbency, including name ID and fundraising.

Considering the huge hurdles to be overcome, I realize that this column might have been written in vain. But if a C paper written by a 19-year-old college student could propel the 27th Amendment to be ratified after 200 years, then there's a chance the country could finally get it right on age limits.

Nathan Gonzales is Editor & Publisher of Inside Elections, which provides nonpartisan analysis of campaigns for Senate, House, governor and president. He's also co-host of the Inside Elections Podcast and an Elections Analyst for CQ Roll Call.

(COMMENT, BELOW)




1947 Notice On Ration Card Trends As Pakistan Nationals Leave India

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 19:24 IST

The 1947 notice is claimed to have been issued during the partition of India and Pakistan.

Pakistani nationals have received a strict Leave India notice from India.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government ordered Pakistani nationals with short-term visas to leave the country. However, several cases have emerged where Pakistani individuals have been in India for years or even decades. Amid the chaos, a 1947 notice from the Delhi Rationing Department is currently going viral on social media. The notice is claimed to have been issued during the partition of India and Pakistan.

1947: Notice by Delhi Rationing. Are You Leaving For Pakistan? If So, Please Do Not Forget to Surrender Your Ration Cards," reads the notice.

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1947 :: Notice by Delhi Rationing " Are You Leaving For Pakistan ? If So, Please Do Not Forget to Surrender Your Ration Cards " pic.twitter.com/hcUfMyV61b  indianhistorypics (@IndiaHistorypic) April 30, 2025

The post was shared on X (formerly Twitter) today, April 30. Within a few hours, the post garnered over 8,000 views, several likes, and a few comments.

A user wrote, People leaving for Pakistan were called optees.

Another commented, Should have been printed in Urdu."

It was on partition time whos wish to leave India welcome to leave but its time now to clean up Pakistani illegal settlers Having ration card," a user on X said.

A similar post had already gone viral in 2022.

1947 :: Notice by Delhi Rationing " Are You Leaving For Pakistan ? If So, Please Do Not Forget to Surrender Your Ration Cards " ( Photo  Hindustan Times ) pic.twitter.com/KX4bdJ5WZR  indianhistorypics (@IndiaHistorypic) April 2, 2022

After which many users asked, I highly doubt people who had ration cards in those days know reading English."

While another said, Some are still using it, I guess."

A strict deadline has been set by the Centre for Pakistani nationals to leave India; those who do not comply risk arrest, prosecution, and a maximum jail sentence of three years, a fine of Rs 3 lakh, or both. Following the devastating April 22 terror incident at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 persons, the majority of whom were tourists, by terrorists with ties to Pakistan, this notification was issued.

Following the attack, the government sent out a Leave India notice to Pakistanis, requesting that those with SAARC visas depart by April 26. Medical visa holders from Pakistan are required to depart by April 29.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah acted quickly, calling state chief ministers and giving them instructions to make sure no Pakistani national remained past the cutoff time.

The Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, which went into force on April 4, stipulates that trespassing into prohibited areas, overstaying a visa, or breaking its terms can result in up to three years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh.

About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on whats creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on whats creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.

News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: April 30, 2025, 19:24 IST
In This Unique Wedding Ritual In UP's Ballia, The Bride And Groom Close Their Eyes And Then...

Curated By :

Translation Desk-Local18

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 12:44 IST

News18 highlights the Matkod ritual from Ballia, an age-old Hindu wedding tradition where women dig soil, sing, dance, and wear yellow to invoke blessings

The Matkod, or soil-digging ritual, is deeply rooted in Ballias cultural fabric. (Local18)

As the wedding season begins, the air resonates with the sounds of tilak songs, shehnai, and vibrant celebrations. Amid this festive atmosphere, News18 spotlights a distinctive tradition from Ballia that continues to thrive, the Matkod ritual.

This age-old ceremony, rooted in Hindu customs, holds a special place in weddings across the region, especially among women. It is believed to invoke divine blessings for a happy and prosperous married life.

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Kanchan Singh, a married woman from Ballia, explains that while wedding traditions vary across regions, the Matkod, or soil-digging ritual, is deeply rooted in Ballias cultural fabric. Performed by women from both the brides and grooms families, the ritual is dedicated to Mother Earth and takes place before the Haldi ceremony.

How Is The Matkod Ritual Performed

The first phase of the ritual involves choosing a sacred spot outside the village, where women gather carrying five dauras, large bamboo baskets, along with materials for worship. After digging the soil, they fill each pot and bring them home for use in the wedding mandap until the final ceremony.

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A second round of Matkod takes place near the brides or grooms home. Here, soil is dug again, and betel leaves, betel nuts, and coins are hidden in it. The bride or groom is then made to search for these items while their mother covers their eyes. As this unfolds, the women sing, dance, and celebrate together.

Adding a splash of colour to tradition, a new trend has emerged, all participating women wear yellow, a color considered auspicious. Many believe this enhances the rituals spiritual and symbolic significance.

News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location : Ballia, India, India

First Published: April 30, 2025, 12:44 IST
Its A Carney-val: Canada PM's Dance Moves In Victory Celebration Go Viral | Watch

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 07:37 IST

Videos widely shared on social media captured Mark Carney dancing and rapping along with the band, clad in a DWW hoodie.

Mark Carney was seen dancing and rapping along with the band, clad in a DWW hoodie.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys recent election victory celebrations featured videos of his enthusiastic dance moves. Mark Carney and the Liberal Party secured a fourth consecutive term in Canadas federal election, a victory largely attributed to a surge in nationalistic sentiment sparked by escalating tensions with the United States. Following the win, Mark Carney joined Canadian rap-rock band Down With Webster (DWW) for a celebratory jam session.

Videos widely shared on social media captured Mark Carney dancing and rapping along with the band, clad in a DWW hoodie. The Prime Minister has been a long-time fan of the band and DWWs song Time to Win" has even been featured at Mark Carneys political rallies as well.

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The viral moment sparked a flurry of reactions online, with many expressing surprise and amusement at the Prime Ministers unexpected display of enthusiasm.

Mark Carneys Victory Speech

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Earlier, Mark Carney delivered a powerful victory speech as he rallied Canadians to unity in the face of threats from the US President Donald Trump. Striking a defiant tone, Mark Carney emphasised Canadas sovereignty and independence as he said, America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country. President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us; that will never ever happen."

He stated, We are over the shock of the American betrayal but we should never forget the lessons," affirming, We will deal with the US on our own terms."

About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location : Ottawa, Canada

First Published: April 30, 2025, 07:37 IST
Vomiting, Diarrhoea: IIT Delhi Postpones Exams As Students Suffer Food Poisoning

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 18:11 IST

The Reddit user who claims to be a student of IIT Delhi said he and several other students from IITs boys' hostel ate litti chokha in the mess.

IIT Delhi claimed the students ate sweets from outside. (Photo Credit: X)

The students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi recently suffered food poisoning after having their meals in the hostel mess, according to a Reddit post which is now viral.

The institution, however, dismissed these claims, saying the students ate sweets from an outside vendor" and took sick with symptoms of food poisoning.

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The Reddit user who claims to be a student of IIT Delhi said he and several other students ate litti chokha in the boys hostel mess which led to health issues such as diarrhoea, fever, and vomiting. The post read, Last night our hostel served litti chokha in the mess, and everyone ate it. Fast forward to this morningboompeople are literally dropping like flies. Vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, shivering."

He continued, Nobody knows what was contaminatedthe food? the water? both? The whole hostel turned into a patient ward overnight," adding that some of the students received treatment immediately at the campus, whereas others were rushed to the nearby Max Hospital.

Seemingly disappointed, the student further criticised the institution for serving unhygienic food. He penned, This is honestly shameful. We pay for this mess food, dont even have the option to opt-out, and this is what we get? Absolute joke. IIT Delhi, this is peak embarrassment."

Contrary to the students claims, the institution mentioned that some students ate sweets from outside which is the reason behind their deteriorating health. In a chat with Hindustan Times, it confirmed that the gastro-related outbreak resulted in the delay of the exams.

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Confirming the same, IIT Delhi issued a statement that read, The end-semester examinations were scheduled from April 30 to May 7, 2025. Due to health issues faced by some students, the examination originally set for April 30 has been moved to May 8, 2025. The rest of the scheduled examination remains unchanged."

It further assured that the students were being provided all the necessary support for their well-being.

About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on whats creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on whats creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.

News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: April 30, 2025, 18:11 IST
Wondering How Will You Look In The Next 20 Years? This Post Is For You

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 18:08 IST

The model of the office worker, named Emma, suffers from severe health issues due to a sedentary lifestyle.

The survey talked to over 3,000 office workers. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

Do you work in an office? Does your job include spending all day sitting or staring at a computer? To the outside world, office workers may appear to be a single clan of fortunate people. Sitting (or, as they put it, relaxing") all day, working, and then logging out. No need to blame the weather, no exposure to pollution, and very little physical labour, right?. Office jobs may appear attractive from the outside, but they are a lot more problematic in terms of health than you might think.

Stress, weight gain, dry and irritated eyes, and back pain are some issues office workers face. If this happens in your workplace too, we have some terrible news for you. It will only get worse! That is not our opinion, but what scientists believe.

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Scientists have made a life-sized model of how an office worker would look in 20 years, according to Sky News. The result will leave you shocked. Based on survey data from over 3,000 office workers in France, Germany, and the UK, a group of health professionals, led by behavioural futurist William Higham, has illustrated what an office workers future holds after 20 years.

Emma, the life-size doll, doesnt look very well, and no, we are not referring to appearances. Emma struggles with being overweight, has a hump on her back, dangerously high levels of abdominal fat, a bloated face with a double chin, flat, lifeless eyes, and bulging, varicose veins on her legs.

The health experts who wrote the paper, The Work Colleague of the Future, alluded to the concerning health problems that office workers might encounter if workplace conditions werent changed.

The most common health problems in the office today are physical inactivity and asymmetric physical strain, especially around phone calling or typing. These can all lead to degenerative processes impacting muscles, joints, discs, nerves, and tendons, and may cause pain and tissue damage," Dr. Frank Emrich, a German occupational and public health specialist, explained in a statement.

Lack of motion can lead to muscle degeneration. Overdoing motions, such as mouse-clicking, can cause inflammation and nerve compression," the statement added.

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According to the study, merely sitting at a desk might have a significant effect on a persons health. Sedentary lifestyles can have disastrous long-term implications, despite their seeming physical ease.

Over three million people die each year as a result of physical inactivity, according to the survey.

About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on whats creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on whats creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.

News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: April 30, 2025, 18:08 IST
Articulated How Pakistanis Felt: Bilawal Bhutto On Blood Will Flow Remark

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 22:54 IST

PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto told UK broadcaster BBC in an interview that he was articulating how Pakistanis felt after India threatened to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari did not take responsibility for the inflammatory remarks he made that heightened the tensions and chose to pass the blame to Pakistani citizens. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)

Former Pakistan Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari defended his controversial blood will flow" remark and said that he was conveying how Pakistanis were feeling after India threatened to hold the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance.

On April 22, terrorists opened fire in Kashmirs Pahalgam killing 26 people, in the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.

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The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack.

India last Wednesday threatened to hold the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance and downgraded diplomatic ties with Islamabad. In response to Indias decision to suspend the IWT, Pakistan on Thursday threatened to suspend the Shimla Agreement and put other bilateral accords with India on hold.

Pakistan also suspended all trade, closed its airspace for Indian airlines and said any attempt to divert the water meant for it under the IWT will be considered an Act of War.

The Pakistani government accused India of weaponising waters of the Indus River System which they said was a lifeline for Pakistans 240 million people. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that either water will flow in the Indus River or blood.

The Indus is ours and will remain ours. Either our water will flow through it, or their blood will," the PPP chief had said.

Speaking to BBC, Bhutto said: After India violated the treaty, it came not as a personal natural reaction from my side, but an articulation of the feelings of the people of Pakistan". He was asked if his comment would further heighten the tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.

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As I am sure you are aware, when theres war, blood does flow," he further added.

Signed in 1960 after prolonged talks, the Indus Waters Treaty dictates how six rivers in the basin are shared between India and Pakistan. Any move to suspend it could upend Pakistans agricultural sector, threatening water access for nearly 80% of its farmland.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: April 30, 2025, 22:50 IST
Chances Of Conflict With India Increasing, May God Help Avert A War, Says Pakistan Defence Minister

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 20:51 IST

Khawaja Asif said that he hopes India sees sense and said many countries are trying to avert a war between the neighbours.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that chances of conflict with India are not decreasing. (IMAGE: X)

Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif believes that the chances of conflict with India were increasing with the passage of time despite efforts made by other countries to defuse the tensions between the neighbouring countries.

Asif was talking to the media outside the parliament when he was asked about the latest security situation to which he replied: Chances (of conflict) are increasing with the passage of time; they are not decreasing. Though many countries have been trying to avert the situation".

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He also claimed that Pakistan would be able to give a suitable response in case they face an attack. If there is a violation by India, we will respond and the nature of our response will be determined by the Indian action. There should be no doubt about our response," he said.

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Asif also said that may God help to avert the situation of conflict and hoped that India sees sense". I do not want to speculate about the response by Pakistan but it will be bigger than Indian action," he said.

The attack killed 26, a large section of the deceased being tourists. It also was one of the largest terror attacks following the abrogation of Article 370, which took away the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: April 30, 2025, 20:51 IST
'First Brick Of Babri...': Pakistani Senator Provokes India On Ayodhya Issue, Says 'Not Wearing Bangles'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 14:50 IST

Senator Palwasha Mohammad on Tuesday was seen adding fuel to the already volatile situation between India and Pakistan.

Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan in Pakistan's Parliament. (Image: X)

Islamabad seems to be in no mood to doze off the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India over Pahalgam terror attack as the countrys lawmakers are leaving no stones unturned to provoke New Delhi. Pakistani senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan was recently captured giving out a belligerent rhetoric in which she declared that the brick of the new Babri mosque in Ayodhya will be laid by Pakistan Army soldiers, and the first azaan will be given by Army Chief Asim Munir himself".

Senator Palwasha Mohammad on Tuesday was seen adding fuel to the already volatile situation between the two countries as the inflammatory statement came while she was addressing the Pakistani Parliament.

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Speaking in Pakistans upper house of Parliament, the senator asserted, The first brick at the new Babri Mosque in Ayodhya will be laid by Pak Army soldiers and the first Azan will be recited by Pakistan Army chief Asif Munir." She further escalated the tensions by saying, We are not wearing bangles."

Further attempting to bring in religious sentiments amid the situation, the senator asserted that Sikh soldiers wont attack Pakistan if there is a conflict with India. If they are threatening Pakistan, then let them know that the Sikh army will not attack Pakistan. Because its the land of Guru Nanak for them," she stated.

Notably, this is not the first time that the Pakistani lawmakers have made such inflammatory statements. Recently, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari gave incendiary remark after India suspended the Indus water treaty.

Brazen Remarks By Pakistani Lawmakers

Addressing a public rally, former Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari issued a warning to India against diverting the Indus waters. Bilawal Bhutto claimed that Pakistan was the true custodian of the Indus civilisation and accused India of unlawfully abrogating the treaty.

The Indus is ours and will remain ours. Either our water will flow through it, or their (Indians) blood will," Bhutto said, escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Bhuttos provocative statement came after India decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty in the aftermath of the Pahalgam massacre.

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Meanwhile, Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, in an interview, admitted that his country supported terrorist groups for many decades and acknowledged that his country was involved in the dirty work" on behalf of the West when asked about Islamabads history of funding and backing terror outfits.

We have been doing this dirty work for the US for the past three decades, including the West and UK," he had said.

About the Author Mahima Joshi Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a... Read More Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a... Read More

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: April 30, 2025, 14:05 IST
'Organised By Students': Harvard Distances Itself From 'Pakistan Conference' Row After Pahalgam Attack

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 13:50 IST

Harvard University, after a backlash, clarified that the 'Pakistan Conference 2025' was independently organised by students and not endorsed by donors or the administration.

A view of the Charles River near Harvard University (Photo: AP)

Days after organising the Pakistan Conference 2025 on April 27, Harvard Universitys South Asia Institute has distanced itself from the controversy that followed and asserted the conference was independently organised by the students and their faculty advisor.

The University faced a backlash for organising the event just five days after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists on April 22.

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In a statement, Harvard Universitys South Asia Institute also extended its condolences to the victims of the attack.

The Institute supports academic research projects and works with other university partners on multiple events throughout the academic year. One such event was The Pakistan Conference, organised by students from Harvard and held on April 27, 2025," the statement read.

In accordance with our principles of operation, we did not consult any benefactor of the Institute regarding this conference. The students, along with their faculty advisor, independently determined the topics and speakers presenting," it added.

ALSO READ | Diplomacy, Economy, Narrative: India Steps Up Pressure On Pakistan Off The Battlefield

We share the grief and anguish with our friends, colleagues, and loved ones in India who have been affected by the attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, and we offer our heartfelt condolences," the University stated.

THE HARVARD UNIVERSITY EVENT CONTROVERSY

As the University organised the Pakistan Conference soon after the Pahalgam terror attack, two Indian students, Surabhi Tomar and Abhishek Chaudhari, urged the varsity management to review the participation of Pakistani nationals and requested the authorities to issue a statement condemning the Kashmir attack.

These acts of violence were not indiscriminate they were calculated attacks based solely on religious identity," the letter by the students stated.

While formally denying involvement, Pakistans ministers and lawmakers have simultaneously issued aggressive warnings to India and reaffirmed their support for insurgent activity in Kashmir. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has even issued threats of retaliation, should India take any kinetic step in response," the letter read.

Welcoming representatives of a government that not only denies accountability for but also ideologically supports such religion-based terrorism, risks Harvard being complicit in legitimising those who enable or justify these crimes," the students wrote in the letter.

We ask for the clarity, courage, and compassion for Hindu and Indian students grieving the targeted killing of members of their faith. We request you to take a stance against Hinduphobia," it read.

ALSO READ | PoK-Based Terrorist May Have Played Key Pahalgam Role, Helped Pakistani Attackers Infiltrate

We respectfully request that Harvard University: 1. Issue a public statement condemning the Pahalgam terror attacks and affirming support for victims of religion-based violence. 2. Review the participation of Pakistani officials at the Pakistan Conference 2025 in light of their governments ideological and rhetorical support for groups like LeT. 3. Provide emotional and institutional support to affected students through the Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging," the letter mentioned.

This is not about political posturing. It is about moral clarity. Harvard must ensure its campus does not become a platform for whitewashing state-enabled religious terrorism," it concluded.

STUDENTS SAY PAHALGAM ATTACK WAS TARGETED

Speaking to news agency ANI recently, Surabhi Tomar said, The horrible attack in Pahalgam was a targeted, religion-based massacre. When Harvard invites officials, especially officials who have ideologically justified such acts, it risks legitimising the state-backed terror narratives on our campus. This is the reason why we thought that we should take some action or ask people to take some action."

Elaborating more on the event, Tomar said, It was a pre-planned event, and it was a coincidence. However, even given the coincidence, we do not think that it is correct for anyone, especially a university like Harvard, to legitimise such voices, especially when they in their country are trying to justify such acts and not condemning them."

She further said that the students have urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to deny visas to officials who support terror-linked ideologies."

We shouldnt stay silent after a faith-based killing, that is our belief. We consulted our peers. We received a great deal of support from students from 65 countries. We read the testimonies of survivors, and we acted on a shared moral obligation to speak out. We emphasised that this was not random violence. It was religious persecution," she said.

We urged Harvard to stand against Hinduphobia and asked the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to deny visas to officials who support terror-linked ideologies," Tomar added.

ALSO READ | Indian Army Northern Command Chief Ousted Over Pahalgam Attack? PIB Fact-Checks Pro-Pakistani Handles

Another student, Rashmini Koparkar, expressed disappointment, stating that the guests at the event didnt condemn the Pahalgam attack and show sensitivity.

We were expecting a certain degree of sensitivity and acknowledgement of what has happened. The event was pre-planned and already discussed. It was a coincidence that the event took place within five days. However, a more thoughtful gesture would have been preferable."

First of all, they could have condemned the attacks. Secondly, the number of guests and the high-ranking officials that were arriving at this event were actually in question because this is a state which has been harbouring cross-border terrorism for years. India has been suffering," Koparkar said.

THE PAHALGAM TERROR ATTACK

On April 22, armed terrorists unleashed horror by opening fire at tourists in Kashmirs iconic Pahalgam.

The wives and other relatives of those killed in the attack later revealed to the media that the terrorists asked the names and the faith of tourists before shooting them dead.

They also reportedly asked those who said they belonged to the Muslim community to recite the Kalma.

The terrorists shot dead those who said they were Hindus, and left their relatives, especially women, asking them to narrate the ordeal to the government.

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The attack claimed the lives of 26 tourists, including one Nepali national.

ALSO READ | PM Modi Chairs Cabinet Committee On Political Affairs Meet, First Since Pulwama Attack

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: April 30, 2025, 13:40 IST
I Think Well Have A Deal: Donald Trump Says US-India Trade Talks Coming Along Great

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 07:15 IST

Donald Trump said, I think well have a deal with India. The prime minister, as you know, was here three weeks ago, and they want to make a deal.

US President Donald Trump and PM Modi (File image/Reuters)

US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the progress of trade negotiations with India, stating that a deal is likely. I think well have a deal with India," Donald Trump said, highlighting the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the White House.

What Donald Trump Said On Trade Deal With India

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The prime minister, as you know, was here three weeks ago, and they want to make a deal," he said, indicating that PM Modis visit to the United States in late February spurred significant momentum in the ongoing trade discussions.

What US Treasury Secretary Said On India Trade Deal

Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the United States was very close on India", held substantial talks" with Japan over a possible trade deal, and that the contours of a deal" with South Korea could be coming together.

Trade Deal Discussions Between JD Vance And PM Modi?

US Vice President JD Vance met with PM Modi last week. The two leaders made some very good progress, so I could see some announcements on India," Scott Bessent said, adding, A country like India, which has the posted and ready tariffs, its much easier to negotiate with them."

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The White House has been working to secure trade deals with partners in the weeks since Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs announcement.

We have 18 important trading relationships, we will be speaking to all of those partners, or at least 17 of them, over the next few weeks. Many of them have already come to Washington," Scott Bessent said.

About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: April 30, 2025, 07:11 IST
'I'd Like To Be Pope': Donald Trump Jokes He Should Be Next Vatican Leader

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 08:00 IST

While acknowledging he holds no official preference for the successor to Pope Francis, the US President did single out one prominent American figure.

US President Donald Trump

Amidst ongoing discussions about the selection of the next Pope, US President Donald Trump declared his choice for the new Vatican leader. When the US President was asked about who should lead Vatican City, he responded with a playful remark.

Id like to be Pope," he quipped, adding, That would be my number one choice."

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While acknowledging he holds no official preference for the successor to Pope Francis, the US President did single out one prominent American figure.

I might say we have a Cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York who is very good. So well see what happens," he stated, referring to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York.

Pope Francis Death

Pope Francis died on April 21 at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vaticans Casa Santa Marta. The news was officially announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo. Pope Francis had served as the head of the Catholic Church for twelve years since his election in March 2013. Pope Franciss health had been a concern in the months leading up to his death. He had been hospitalized for five weeks in February and March 2025, where he was treated for a respiratory tract infection and bilateral pneumonia.

Selection Of New Pope

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The selection of a new Pope begins with the sede vacante" period, following the death of the previous Pope. The College of Cardinals, composed of cardinals under the age of 80, gathers in Rome to participate in a series of meetings called general congregations" to discuss the needs and challenges facing the Church and to prepare for the conclave. Following this, the cardinal electors process into the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican which is sealed off from the outside world to ensure the secrecy of the election process.

Inside the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals participate in multiple rounds of secret balloting to elect the Pope. Once a candidate receives the necessary two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned with a chemical additive to produce white smoke, announcing to the world Habemus Papam" (We have a Pope").

About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: April 30, 2025, 08:00 IST
'If There Is No Progress...': US Threatens To Walk Out Of Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Talks

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 12:49 IST

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the United States would give up on mediation unless Russia and Ukraine put forward "concrete proposals".

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Ukraine and Russia to put forward concrete proposals for a ceasefire | File Image/AFP

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Tuesday that the United States would give up on mediation unless Russia and Ukraine put forward concrete proposals," as US patience wanes on an early priority for Donald Trump.

The US president had vowed to end the war in his first 24 hours back in the White House but, as Trump celebrates 100 days in office, Rubio has suggested the administration could soon turn attention to other issues.

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We are now at a time where concrete proposals need to be delivered by the two parties on how to end this conflict," State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters, in what she said was a message from Rubio.

If there is not progress, we will step back as mediators in this process."

She said it would ultimately be up to Trump to decide whether to move ahead on diplomacy.

The president suggested on Tuesday that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin still wants to negotiate a peace agreement with Ukraine. Asked in an interview with ABC television if Putin wants peace, Trump said: I think he does."

Putin recently proposed a three-day ceasefire around Moscows commemorations next week for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. But he has rebuffed a Ukrainian-backed US call for a 30-day ceasefire.

The United States wants not a three-day moment so you can celebrate something else  a complete, durable ceasefire and an end to the conflict," Bruce said.

Russia, Ukraine At Odds

It remains unclear if Rubio is actually ready to turn the page or is seeking to pressure the two countries. The United States already put together a framework proposal which Ukrainians feel bows to Russian demands.

Trump has suggested an official recognition of Russias takeover in 2014 of Crimea, an annexation rejected by nearly all the world, in addition to land swaps.

We all want this war to end in a fair way  with no rewards for Putin, especially no land," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told an event in Poland by videoconference on Tuesday.

Russia has also not moved on the proposal with many experts believing Moscow now sees an upper hand  on the battlefield and diplomatically, with Trump eager to reconcile.

Russias ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, sought to blame Zelenskyy and said that Russia would keep speaking with the United States.

Zelenskyy is bent on escalating the conflict. Hes recklessly rejecting the United States balanced peace proposals," Nebenzia told a UN Security Council meeting.

US diplomat John Kelley told the session that both sides would benefit from working off the US framework and condemned Russian strikes into Ukraine.

Right now, Russia has a great opportunity to achieve a durable peace," Kelley said.

Trump, criticizing his predecessor Joe Biden for shunning Putin over the February 2022 invasion, reached out by telephone to the Russian leader and has sent his business friend turned globe-trotting ambassador Steve Witkoff to see him.

Trump in turn berated Zelenskyy in a February 28 White House meeting. He and Vice President JD Vance accused the wartime leader of ingratitude for US weapons sent under Biden.

Ukraine quickly tried to make amends by backing US diplomatic efforts and pursuing a deal in which the United States would control much of the countrys mineral wealth.

Democrats Slam Trump Over Crimea

US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Tuesday that recognizing Russias illegal annexation of Crimea would invite additional aggression from Moscow and Beijing."

I have endeavored to give President Trump the space to negotiate a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which is a goal we both share," she said.

However, President Trump and his team have fatally mismanaged these negotiations  offering concession after concession to Russia, throwing away our leverage and fracturing the united front with our allies that is critical to ending this war," she said.

Ukraine ordered on Tuesday the evacuation of seven villages in the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region which used to be remote from the frontlines but are now under threat as Russian forces close in.

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Last week a ballistic missile ripped into a residential area of Kyiv in one of the deadliest attacks on the capital since the invasion.

Trump, who has claimed that Putin would not have attacked Ukraine if he were in power in 2022, wrote, Vladimir, STOP," on social media after the attack.

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: April 30, 2025, 12:49 IST
'India Planning To Carry Out Military Action In Next 24-36 Hours,' Claims Pakistani Minister

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Aveek Banerjee



Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 08:32 IST

Pakistan's Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed India intends to carry out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours.

Pakistan's I&B Minister said India was planning to carry out a military attack soon. (Photo: X/PTI)

Amid heightened tensions, Pakistans Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed India intends to carry out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours, based on credible" intelligence reports.

This came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Indian armed forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of the nations response to the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 tourists were killed.

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Tarar said Indian forces were preparing to launch an attack on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement" in the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan has been the victim of terrorism itself and truly understands the pain of this scourge. We have always condemned it in all its forms and manifestations anywhere in the world."

Tarar said India was assuming the role of judge, jury and executioner" in the region. Being a responsible state, Pakistan open heartedly offered a credible, transparent and independent investigation by a neutral commission of experts to ascertain the truth," he said.

Tarar further warned that such military adventurism" by India would receive a decisive response. The International community must remain alive to the reality that the onus of an escalatory spiral and its ensuing consequences shall squarely lie with India," he added.

Indias Response To Pahalgam Attack

Prime Minister Modi convened a high-level security meeting, where he emphasised a national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism after the barbaric terrorist attack on April 22 that shook the country and sparked global condemnation. He expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian armed forces, government sources said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Services (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Chief Marshal (ACM) AP Singh, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi were present in the meeting at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg in the capital.

Meanwhile, Pakistans defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that a military incursion by India was imminent", adding that Islamabad has reinforced its forces. Though Pakistan has officially denied its involvement, the Resistance Front (TRF), a rebranded proxy of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, tensions at the border remain high as the Pakistani Army resorted to ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LoC) for the sixth consecutive night, to which the Indian Army retaliated swiftly and proportionately".

UN Chief Speaks To Jaishankar, Pakistan PM

Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to urge the two countries to de-escalate tensions and pursue justice and accountability through lawful means.

Guterres expressed his deep concern at rising tensions between India and Pakistan and underscored the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences. He offered his Good Offices to support de-escalation efforts," his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

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While Jaishankar appreciated Guterres unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam", Shehbaz Sharif failed to label the Pahalgam terror attack as a terrorist attack" and referred to it as an incident".

Meanwhile, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the Trump administration was encouraging all parties to work together for a responsible solution".

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: April 30, 2025, 06:59 IST
Inside Pakistans Terror Playbook: Army, ISI, And The Use Of Militancy As State Policy

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain



Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 14:30 IST

The Pahalgam attack is the latest chapter in Pakistans decades-long strategy where the military and ISI train, fund, and shield terror groups to destabilise India

The Pakistan Armys ties with jihadist networks are longstanding. (Representative/AP File)

The deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead has once again exposed Pakistans continued use of terrorism as a tool of state policy. Intelligence inputs suggest that the assault, carried out by Lashkar-e-Taibas (LeT) proxy outfit, The Resistance Front, was incited by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munirs jugular vein" reference to Kashmir.

This latest strike is not an isolated incident but part of a long-standing strategy by Pakistans military-intelligence establishment. Viewing India as an existential adversary, the Pakistan Army has institutionalised terror as a low-cost weapon to destabilise its neighbour while tightening its grip over civilian institutions at home.

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The Proxy Playbook

Groups like LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) are trained specifically to execute attacks in Kashmir and other parts of India. These efforts are designed to keep the Kashmir conflict alive internationally and bleed India through a thousand cuts."

Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) continues to fund, arm, and train these militant outfits. LeT alone is reported to operate 2,200 offices across Pakistan, with active training camps in Punjab and Kashmir. Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) also receives support from the ISI.

Terrorism, however, serves not just as an external weapon but also as a domestic tool. By positioning itself as the guardian against external threats, the Army has justified its dominance over Pakistans civilian apparatus.

Sectarian Strategy And Religious Nationalism

Internally, the militarys alignment with Deobandi and Ahl-e-Hadith groups has fostered a Sunni Islamist identity, marginalising minorities such as Shias and Ahmadis. Sectarian outfits like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi have been used to target these communities. These domestic attacks reinforce the armys narrative of Islamic unity in the face of both internal and external threats.

The Pakistan Armys ties with jihadist networks are longstanding. During the Soviet-Afghan War, it collaborated with Deobandi madrassas and trained mujahideen with US and Saudi funding. In 2001, the Pakistani Air Force orchestrated the Kunduz airlift, evacuating 5,000 Taliban and Al-Qaeda leaders who had been encircled by NATO forces.

The Army and ISI have also long fuelled separatist violence in Kashmir, a strategy that dates back to 1947.

Global Attention, Minimal Action

Pakistans record has drawn frequent attention in international reports. The country has been cited by the United States for providing safe havens to groups like LeT. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) placed Pakistan on its grey list" multiple times for failing to curb terror financing, with the last removal taking place in 2022.

In 2008, the Brookings Institution had labelled Pakistan the worlds most active sponsor of terrorism." Despite mounting evidence, the European Union has been criticised for ignoring Pakistans role. A 2020 European Parliament report flagged inefficient policies pushed by the military" and Pakistans failure to act against groups like LeT, even as ISI-backed groups operated freely.

Admissions From Within

Senior Pakistani leaders have, over time, openly acknowledged the states involvement in fuelling terrorism. Former President Pervez Musharraf admitted that Pakistan trained and supported LeT and JeM to fight in Kashmir  calling it a strategy to internationalise" the issue.

Nawaz Sharif had implied government involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. His successor, Imran Khan, admitted that 30,000 to 40,000 terrorists were operating on Pakistani soil, blaming previous administrations for hiding the truth.

ISIs Terror Trail

The ISI has been linked to several major terror attacks targeting India. These include the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 civilians, the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2007 Hyderabad bombings, and the 2008 bombing of the Indian Embassy in Kabul  the last of which was confirmed by US intelligence.

Blowback At Home

The policy of nurturing jihadist groups has backfired. Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, once used to target minorities, has contributed to rising sectarian violence against Shias, Ahmadis, and Sufis. The 2010 attack on Lahores Data Darbar shrine and other Sufi sites has been traced back to ISI-backed militants.

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Pakistans state-led Islamisation under General Zia-ul-Haq between 1979 and 1988 embedded jihadist ideology in educational and military institutions  a legacy that continues to radicalise segments of society.

Today, the very militants once supported by the state have turned their guns on it. Groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are now targeting the Pakistani military. In March 2025 alone, over 335 Pakistanis were killed  the deadliest month in a decade.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: April 30, 2025, 14:30 IST
Pakistan's National Carrier Cancels All Flights To PoK Amid Tensions With India

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 21:04 IST

Pakistani authorities have also placed all airports under high alert, significantly ramping up security and surveillance protocols, the paper added

Pakistan has intensified monitoring of its airspace amid heightened security concerns over tensions with India, the Express Tribune newspaper reported.(representative image)

Pakistans national carrier on Wednesday cancelled all flights to and from Gilgit, Skardu and other northern areas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir due to security reasons, local media reports said, amid rising tensions with India following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Citing the flight schedule, Urdu daily Jang reported that the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) cancelled two flights each from Karachi and Lahore to Skardu.

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Two flights from Islamabad to Skardu and four flights from Islamabad to Gilgit have also been cancelled, the paper said, quoting aviation sources.

Pakistan has intensified monitoring of its airspace amid heightened security concerns over tensions with India, the Express Tribune newspaper reported.

For security reasons, all commercial flights scheduled to operate to and from Gilgit and Skardu on Wednesday have been cancelled," the paper reported.

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Officials said the measures are precautionary and aimed at ensuring national airspace security during the regional tension.

Pakistani authorities have also placed all airports under high alert, significantly ramping up security and surveillance protocols, the paper added.

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: April 30, 2025, 21:04 IST
Royal Rift Brewing Again? Prince William May Strip Meghan Markles Title After He Becomes King

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 09:50 IST

Meghan Markle was seen signing a gift basket containing homemade strawberry sauce- for podcast host Jamie Kern Lima- with the HRH title.

Meghan Markle

Prince William reportedly plans to strip his younger brother Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their HRH titles once he inherits the British throne from King Charles III. A royal insider told the Daily Beast, Charles might be happy to put up with this, but William wont"- referring to Meghan Markles use of her HRH title alongside her lifestyle products.

He loathes and despises Harry and Meghan with every bone in his body, he believes they have betrayed everything the family stands for and the idea that they are using their royal status as a calling card will enrage him", the insider said as per the report.

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The source claimed that Meghan Markle is in violation of an agreement with the late Queen Elizabeth II in using the HRH title- which stands for Her Royal Highness"- while promoting her personal brand.

Meghan Markle Using HRH Title

Meghan Markle was seen signing a gift basket containing homemade strawberry sauce"- for podcast host Jamie Kern Lima- with the HRH title. A note accompanying the gift basket read, With the Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex."

Meghan Markle Exploiting King Charles Weakness?

A friend of Prince Williams told Page Six that in continuing to use the HRH title, Meghan Markle is exploiting King Charles weakness. The insider said, Charles has completely lost control" as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have every intention of making his final years a misery."

Meghan using her HRH exposes how weak and enfeebled he is. She knows he wont do anything. There is no way King William will stand for this. The titles will simply be removed when he is king. A way will be found," the source told the outlet.

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Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Stepped Down As Royals In 2020

Since stepping back as senior royals in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have firmly established their lives in Montecito, Southern California. Their family has grown with the arrival of Prince Archie, now 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3. Meghan, 43, has also embarked on new ventures, recently launching her Netflix docuseries With Love, Meghan" in March and her lifestyle brand, As Ever, on April 2, which has already seen success with sold-out items like raspberry spread and lemon ginger tea. Despite some critical reception, her Netflix project has secured a second season.

About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

Location : London, United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: April 30, 2025, 09:50 IST
Beyond Kashmir: How Pakistan, 'One Of World's Most Dangerous Nations', Exports Terror Globally

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 15:14 IST

Behind Pakistans denials is a stark reality, a military and intelligence network that has turned soldiers into jihadist trainers fuelling decades of terror across South Asia

For decades, Pakistan's soil has been used as a launchpad for cross-border terrorism, insurgency, and extremist ideology. (PTI)

Pakistan has a track record of sponsoring, sheltering, and exporting terrorism and is one of the most dangerous and destabilising forces in the world, top government sources have told CNN-News18 in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.

For decades, its soil has been used as a launchpad for cross-border terrorism, insurgency, and extremist ideology, and the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack has once again brought the spotlight on the neighbour.

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The sources pointed to problematic statements by Pakistans top brass to illustrate the point. For instance, in 2018, the former prime minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, had suggested that the Pakistani government played a role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks that were carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based Islamist terrorist group.

Even Pervez Musharraf, General and former President of Pakistan, had conceded that his forces trained militant groups to fight India in Kashmir. He confessed that the government turned a blind eye because it wanted to force India to enter into negotiations, as well as raise the issue internationally.

Just a few days ago, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistans defence minister, admitted that the country supported terrorist groups for more than three decades, calling it a mistake tied to US-led foreign policy decisions.

In an interview with Sky News journalist Yalda Hakim, where he was asked about the renewed tensions between India and Pakistan following the terrorist attack in J&Ks Pahalgam, Asif said: Yes, we have been doing this dirty work for America and the West, including Britain, for the last three decades." During the interview, Asif also bizarrely claimed the Lashkar-e-Taiba doesnt exist anymore, accusing India of staging" the Pahalgam terror attack in a false flag" operation to create a crisis in the region, particularly for Pakistan".

Responding to the allegations at the United Nations, India termed Pakistan a rogue state" that fuels global terrorism and destabilises peace. It is unfortunate that one particular delegation has chosen to misuse and undermine this forum, to indulge in propaganda, and make baseless allegations against India. The whole world has heard Pakistans Defence Minister Khwaja Asif admitting and confessing Pakistans history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations in a recent television interview," India said.

EXPORTING TERRORISM GLOBALLY

Russia

 Moscow Concert Hall Attack (2024): In April 2025, a Pakistan link emerged in the investigation of the Moscow terror attack. Russian authorities identified the mastermind as a Tajik national and are probing connections to Pakistan, with reports suggesting that the attackers may have had logistical or ideological support tracing back to Pakistani networks.

Iran

 Cross-Border Militancy: Iran has regularly accused Pakistan of harbouring and failing to act against Sunni militants who stage attacks across the border.

United Kingdom

 2005 London Bombings: The July 7, 2005, London bombings, carried out by four British Islamist terrorists, were linked to training and indoctrination in Pakistan. Three of the bombersMohammad Sidique Khan, Shehzad Tanweer, and Germaine Lindsayspent time in Pakistan between 2003 and 2005.

Osama bin Ladens Sanctuary in Abbottabad, Pakistan

 The 2011 US raid that killed Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, exposed systemic failures in Pakistans counter-terrorism efforts. Bin Laden had lived undetected for years in a compound near Pakistans Military Academy, raising suspicions of ISI collusion.

Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) Operations

 Pakistans ISI has been accused of funding and training Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), a banned Islamist group responsible for the 2016 Gulshan cafe attack in Dhaka (20 hostages killed). In 2015, Bangladeshi authorities expelled Pakistani diplomats after catching them red-handed transferring funds to JMB operatives.

 A 2020 intelligence report revealed ISIs involvement in training 40 Rohingya refugees in Bangladeshs Coxs Bazar camps through JMB, aiming to infiltrate them into India. JMBs network, funded via Gulf-based NGOs and Pakistani intermediaries, spans Bangladesh and India, with sleeper cells in states like West Bengal and Kerala. The groups ties to Pakistans intelligence apparatus illustrate Islamabads alleged use of transnational proxies to destabilise regional rivals.

Pakistan Sponsored Schools of Terror

 Behind Pakistans denials is a stark reality, a military and intelligence network that has turned soldiers into jihadist trainers fuelling decades of terror across South Asia.

 Pakistan hosts a network of terror training camps across provinces like Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly NWFP), Waziristan, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These camps, operated by groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), and transnational outfits like ISIS-Khorasan, serve as hubs for radicalisation, weapons training, and suicide mission preparation. Ex-Pakistani Army personnel often assist in training, lending military expertise to enhance operational lethality.

 The US State Departments Country Reports on Terrorism 2019 identified Pakistan as a country that continued to serve as a safe haven for certain regionally focused terrorist groups."

 In a report titled Pakistan Army and Terrorism: An Unholy Alliance, the European Foundation for South Asian Studies highlights a deeply entrenched relationship among Pakistans military establishment, its intelligence agencythe ISIand radical religious leaders.

 In September 2019, Brigadier Shah made a startling admission during a national television interview on Pakistani private news channel Hum News. Speaking to journalist Nadeem Malik during a talk show, Shah confessed that Pakistan had spent millions of rupees on the terror outfit Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) in an effort to mainstream the group.

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 In an interview, Musharraf acknowledged that Kashmiris were trained in Pakistan" as Mujahideen to fight against the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir. He went further, describing jihadi terrorists as Pakistans heroes" and even naming global terrorists Osama bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahiri and Jalaluddin Haqqani among those considered heroes" by Pakistan.

The inputs came a day after a high-level meet was held on Tuesday night by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which, sources said, the PM gave the armed forces operational freedom" to respond.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: April 30, 2025, 13:21 IST
Trump Administration To Introduce New Policy To Terminate Legal Status Of International Students

Published By :

Associated Press

Last Updated: April 30, 2025, 08:23 IST

Last week, the federal officials said the government was restoring the legal status of several foreign students while developing a framework for future terminations.

The US government has increasingly cracked down on universities and foreign students. (AP/File)

The US government has begun shedding new light on a crackdown on international students, spelling out how it targeted thousands of people and laying out the grounds for terminating their legal status.

The new details emerged in lawsuits filed by some of the students who suddenly had their status cancelled in recent weeks with little explanation.

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In the past month, foreign students around the US have been rattled to learn their records had been removed from a student database maintained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Some went into hiding for fear of being picked up by immigration authorities or abandoned their studies to return home.

On Friday, after mounting court challenges, federal officials said the government was restoring international students legal status while it developed a framework to guide future terminations. In a court filing Monday, it shared the new policy: a document issued over the weekend with guidance on a range of reasons students status can be cancelled, including the revocation of the visas they used to enter the US.

Brad Banias, an immigration attorney representing a student whose status was terminated, said the new guidelines vastly expand ICEs authority beyond previous policy, which did not count visa revocation as grounds for losing legal status.

This just gave them carte blanche to have the State Department revoke a visa and then deport those students even if theyve done nothing wrong," Banias said.

Many of the students who had visas revoked or lost their legal status said they had only minor infractions on their record, including driving infractions. Some did not know why they were targeted at all.

Lawyers for the government provided some explanation at a hearing Tuesday in the case of Banias client Akshar Patel, an international student studying information systems in Texas. Patels status was terminated  and then reinstated  this month, and he is seeking a preliminary court ruling to keep him from being deported.

In court filings and in the hearing, Department of Homeland Security officials said they ran the names of student visa holders through the National Crime Information Center, an FBI-run database that contains reams of information related to crimes. It includes the names of suspects, missing persons and people who have been arrested, even if they have never been charged with a crime or had charges dropped.

In total, about 6,400 students were identified in the database search, US District Judge Ana Reyes said in the hearing Tuesday. One of the students was Patel, who had been pulled over and charged with reckless driving in 2018. The charge was ultimately dropped  information that is also in NCIC.

Patel appears in a spreadsheet with 734 students whose names had come up in NCIC. That spreadsheet was forwarded to a Homeland Security official, who, within 24 hours of receiving it, replied: Please terminate all in SEVIS." Thats a different database listing foreigners who have legal status as students in the US.

Reyes said the short time frame suggested that no one had reviewed the records individually to find out why the students names came up in NCIC.

All of this could have been avoided if someone had taken a beat," said Reyes, who was appointed by President Joe Biden. She said the government had demonstrated an utter lack of concern for individuals who have come into this country."

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When colleges discovered the students no longer had legal status, it prompted chaos and confusion. In the past, college officials say, legal statuses typically were updated after colleges told the government the students were no longer studying at the school. In some cases, colleges told students to stop working or taking classes and warned them they could be deported.

Still, government attorneys said the change in the database did not mean the students actually lost legal status, even though some of the students were labeled failure to maintain status." Instead, lawyers said, it was intended to be an investigative red flag." Mr. Patel is lawfully present in the US," Andre Watson of the Department of Homeland Security said. He is not subject to immediate detention or removal." Reyes declined to issue a preliminary injunction and urged lawyers from both sides to come to a settlement to ensure Patel could stay in the US.

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: April 30, 2025, 08:21 IST


Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga is today expected back in Italy for scheduled meetings with the Roman Catholic Church leadership to discuss the churchs envisaged social investment in Zimbabwe.

Dr Chiwenga was here last week for the burial of Pope Francis.

The late Pope died after initiating processes to roll out programmes aimed at promoting Zimbabwean girls education, health services support, youth empowerment, climate change and other social development projects.

The Papacy has indicated that the programmes will go ahead despite Pope Francis death, hence the need for continued engagement.

In addition to the meetings at the Vatican, the VP is also expected to meet captains of industry in Italy to make a case for investment in Zimbabwe in line with President Mnangagwas open for business stance.

Speaking to The Herald ahead of VP Chiwengas arrival, Zimbabwes Ambassador to the Vatican, Dr Sekai Nzenza said Zimbabwe and the Holy City enjoy good historical ties.

Vice President Chiwengas presence at Pope Francis funeral clearly signified the strong relationship between Zimbabwe and the Vatican, said Ambassador Nzenza.

The Catholic Church has had a very strong presence in Zimbabwe for a very long time, even during the liberation war they were there.

I had the privilege of meeting Pope Francis twice in December and also in January, and I was able to have a dialogue with the Secretary of State for the Vatican. What clearly came out was the urgency in which the Vatican is interested in engaging Zimbabwe.

The discussions revealed the Vaticans strong interest in addressing the role of the youth and the empowerment of women through education. That dialogue will continue.

The church has been instrumental in providing educational opportunities and healthcare services, which are vital for our society.

So we intend to discuss issues to do with social justice, inequality, education for girls, the youth, health and climate change. Pope Francis was very passionate about this and I am in dialogue with the Vatican authorities in this regard.

Sources close to the discussions said the Catholic Churchs intervention is expected to tackle the drug abuse menace, among other problem areas. Herald


Police detectives have arrested three men in Beitbridge who stole a vehicle from South Africa and smuggled it into the country via the Limpopo River near the Tshitulipasi area.

After smuggling the Ford Ranger double cab in Boksburg, South Africa, Bester Moyo, Admit Moyo and Freddy Mugabe along with another suspect still at large they stripped the car of various accessories which they tried to sell in Beitbridge town.

They also burnt the wreckage of the vehicle to conceal the evidence in the bush along the patrol road that runs 20km parallel to Zimbabwe and South Africas boundary.

The police officer commanding Beitbridge (Dispol), Chief Superintendent Melusi Ncube said on Wednesday that the trio was arrested on Independence Day while selling the vehicles accessories.

We have charged them for theft of a motor vehicle and our team has recovered the vehicles shell and some of the stripped accessories that the suspects were selling around Beitbridge, said the Dispol.

According to the information we have so far, indications are that the vehicle was high-jacked in Boksburg on March 28 before being smuggled into the country through an illegal crossing point at the Limpopo River.

Upon getting in Zimbabwe, they hid the vehicle in the bush where they stripped it of all its accessories and carried them using a donkey pulled cart to a hideout. After which they started selling the vehicles parts leading to their arrest while selling the gear box in the town towards Easter holidays.

He said further investigations into the matter were underway and that the police were not relenting as they continue to crack down on crime along the Limpopo River.

Chief Supt Ncube said the trio had since been sent to the local regional court charged for theft of a motor vehicle.

The suspects have since been granted USD150 bail pending trial each and are expected to appear before Ms Charity Maphosa on May 8.

The smuggling of vehicles has become rampant around the border line and the government is losing millions of dollars in import revenue annually.

Indications are that most of these cars are stolen from rental cars in South Africa while thefts are orchestrated by insurance fraud syndicates in that country.

On insurance fraud, the vehicles are clandestinely sold and smuggled out of South Africa, after which their owners working with syndicates then report them stolen and claim insurance money. Herald
An Australian woman will go on trial for murder Wednesday over a family lunch that turned deadly, but not all the original charges remain on the table. With jury selection now wrapped up, attention shifts to the quiet courthouse where Erin Patterson will face allegations that have gripped Victoria and made international headlines. Prosecutors have dropped a charge against Patterson related to an alleged attempt to murder her husband, reports the BBC ; the Washington Post reports police had claimed she poisoned him via her cooking three times in 2021 and 2022. What remains: three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. The 50-year-old has pleaded not guilty .

The case centers on a mushroom lunch served in July 2023 in Leongatha, Victoria. Three people died in the hospital days after the lunch, during which a Beef Wellington steak dish was served. CBS News reports Patterson said in a statement that the fresh and dried mushrooms she used were purchased from a supermarket chain and an Asian grocery store, respectively. Police say the symptoms suffered by the alleged victims synced with having eaten death cap mushrooms. Don and Gail Patterson, both 70 and Patterson's former in-laws, and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, died. Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson, 68, survived after weeks of hospital treatment.

In her statement, Patterson said she also ate the dish and experienced stomach pains and diarrhea, and that her children ate some leftovers but with the mushrooms removed, as they don't like them. The trial, expected to last six weeks, will take place about an hour's drive from Leongatha. Justice Christopher Beale advised the jury to weigh the evidence "dispassionately," using "their heads and not their hearts."
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A federal judge on Tuesday ordered the Trump administration to restore $12 million that Congress appropriated for Radio Free Europe, a pro-democracy media outlet at risk of going dark for the first time in 75 years. US District Judge Royce Lamberth, a Ronald Reagan appointee, granted the temporary restraining order for the US Agency for Global Media to disburse money for April 2025 for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty pending the outcome of a lawsuit seeking to keep the station on the air. Lamberth found that the administration could not unilaterally revoke funding approved by by Congress, reports the AP .

Attorneys for the media outlet say President Trump's administration has terminated nearly all of its contracts with freelance journalists, missed payments on leases, and furloughed 122 employees. They warn that more employees will be furloughed and more contracts will be canceled on May 1 if funding isn't restored. "By the end of May, RFE/RL will be forced to cancel the contracts supporting its core live news broadcasting and reporting operations. In June 2025, RFE/RL will almost entirely cease its operations," plaintiffs' lawyers wrote.

Government attorneys argued that the judge doesn't have jurisdiction over what amounts to a contract dispute that belongs in the Court of Federal Claims. "Plaintiff seeks to place this Court as the arbiter of the grant agreement terms between the parties. But doing so would put the Court in an improper policymaking role," they wrote. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty started broadcasting during the Cold War. Its programs are aired in 27 languages in 23 countries across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Its corporate headquarters are in Washington; its journalistic headquarters are based in the Czech Republic.
A Milwaukee judge has been removed from the bench after being accused of shielding a migrant from federal agents. The Wisconsin Supreme Court issued an administrative order on Tuesday that temporarily relieves Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan of her official duties. This action follows Dugan's arrest on Friday. Dugan allegedly helped a Mexican citizen facing deportation on three misdemeanor battery counts evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in her courthouse, according to a criminal complaint. The court's order states Dugan "is temporarily prohibited from exercising the powers of a circuit court judge in the State of Wisconsin."

The order remains in effect "until further order of the court," the Wisconsin Supreme Court said. The courtcontrolled 4-3 by liberal justicessaid it was acting on its own initiative to protect public confidence in the state's court system, the AP reports. The Wisconsin Court System confirmed to Fox News on Tuesday that Judge Dugan will not return to the bench this week. Her caseload will be covered by other judges during her absence.

Dugan is expected back in federal court on May 15. She faces a federal felony charge of obstruction of a federal agency and a misdemeanor charge of concealing a person to help them avoid arrest. In a statement, Dugan's legal team said it was disappointed "that the Court acted in unilateral fashion," the AP reports. "We continue to assert Judge Dugan's innocence and look forward to her vindication in court," her legal team said. (Republican state lawmakers say they will "act decisively" if Dugan is convicted.)
Iraqi officials have arrested an alleged ISIS member, accused of inciting the New Year's Day terror attack in New Orleans . US officials say they've not established a direct link between the suspect in Iraq and the US citizen from Texas who drove a truck through a Bourbon Street crowd, killing 14 people, per CBS News . However, Iraqi officials say they investigated the alleged ISIS member at the request of US authorities, per Fox News . They have not released the suspect's name, though he's described as a member of the ISIS foreign operations office.

The man who carried out the attack and was killed by police, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, had an ISIS flag attached to his truck. In videos, he claimed he was inspired by the group. But ISIS never claimed responsibility for the attack. "We continue to believe that Shamsud Din-Jabbar acted alone in carrying out the attack on Bourbon Street," the FBI said Tuesday, though it added it was continuing to work with law enforcement partners "internationally." Iraqi officials said they received a request from the US for assistance in its investigation on Sunday. The suspect was then detained in Iraq, where he'll be tried under Iraq's anti-terrorism law, per USA Today.
Meta is making its move in artificial intelligence with a new standalone app that blends AI with the familiar feel of social media in the company's bid to compete with OpenAI's ChatGPT. The app uses Meta's Llama 4 AI system and includes a "discover" feed allowing users to get a look into how others are interacting with artificial intelligence, the AP reports. Users can also link their Facebook and Instagram accounts for a personalized experience, and there is a voice mode that can be used to interact with the AI. Unlike many of its competitors, Meta has made its AI product free and open-source.
Crowds flooded Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday, the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, for vibrant celebrations. You could almost forget that the war cost millions of Vietnamese lives as well as 58,000 American lives amid the "carnival-like excitement" as girls "screamed hysterically at the sight of shy young soldiers as if they were K-pop idols," per NPR. More:



Military parade: This was "the most anticipated event," NPR reports, noting soldiers "marched in perfect formations" for more than an hour as helicopters and fighter jets soared overhead. Thousands of people camped overnight on city streets to get the best vantage point, per the AP. Susan Burns, the US consul general in Ho Chi Minh City, attended.

This was "the most anticipated event," NPR reports, noting soldiers "marched in perfect formations" for more than an hour as helicopters and fighter jets soared overhead. Thousands of people camped overnight on city streets to get the best vantage point, per the AP. Susan Burns, the US consul general in Ho Chi Minh City, attended. National pride: The atmosphere "reflected a respect for the army and a growing sense of modern national pride," per NPR. The fall of Saigon, capital of the US-allied South Vietnam, to North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops on April 30, 1975, about two years after Washington pulled its last troops from the country, meant the end of a divided Vietnam and a 30-year fight for independence.
Viktoriia Roshchyna is the first Ukrainian journalist known to have died in Russian hands in the three-year-plus war in Ukraine, and now some disturbing details are emerging on captivity and death. Per a new report released by journalism nonprofit Forbidden Stories, in conjunction with more than a dozen other outlets, the 27-year-old vanished in the summer of 2023 while reporting in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia, a Russian-controlled regiona rare move for a Ukrainian journalist due to the dangers.

Death: In October, Roshchyna's parents received a letter from the Russian Defense Ministry saying their daughter had died on Sept. 19 while being transferred from Taganrog to Moscow, but when her body was discovered in February in a morgue in Vinnytsya, it didn't appear as if she'd died a quiet death.
Pakistan warned Wednesday it had "credible intelligence" that India plans military action against it before the week is out in response to a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Pakistan's intelligence indicated the attack would occur in the "next 24-36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident," the country's information minister wrote on X . "Any such military adventurism by India would be responded to assuredly and decisively," Attaullah Tarar added. There was no immediate comment from Indian officials.

An unnamed government official told the AP that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "given complete operational freedom to the armed forces to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response to the Pahalgam massacre." In response to the attack, India ordered all Pakistani nationals save for those with medical visas, to leave the country by Sunday. The AP describes some as still scrambling to return, while others were deported by police.

"We have settled our families here. We request the government not to uproot our families," said Sara Khan, a Pakistani national with a 2-week-old who was ordered back to Pakistan without her husband, who holds an Indian passport; she said her long-term visa wasn't up until July 2026. "They gave us no time. I could not even change my shoes."

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The Pahalgam attack left 26 people, all but two of whom were Indian tourists, dead. Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors haven't been this charged since 2019, when the two sides nearly went to war after a suicide car bombing in Kashmir. Both India and Pakistan claim Kashmir in full but each oversee just part of it. The BBC reports troops from both countries have exchanged "intermittent small-arms fire across the border in recent days."
Texas hospitals tallied nearly $122 million in health care costs incurred by undocumented migrants in one month in the state's first measure of those costs. The data was collected and released in the wake of an executive order signed in August by Gov. Greg Abbott that requires hospitals to track patients "not lawfully present" in the US, reports Fox News . The first report from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (THHSC) recorded more than 31,000 hospital visits by such individuals for that month, at a total cost of $121.8 million.

The Dallas Morning News notes it's unclear how much the hospitals were paid for that care, a point Democratic Rep. Ramon Romero flagged. Hospitals were told to log the costs, not the charges, of the visits; they weren't asked to provide "revenue offsets." Romero tells the Morning News he'd like to see THHSC collect and release additional data. "Many people would like to know how much of that is being paid back," Romero said. The Texas Tribune adds that policy analysts have expressed concern that the data won't paint a full picture of the situation. For instance, left-leaning think tank Every Texan noted the November tally is likely a fraction of the costs incurred by all uninsured Texas citizens; the state's 19% uninsured rate is the nation's highest.

Abbott's order mandates that hospitals ask patients for their immigration status. They can refuse to answer, and THHSC notes that federal law requires patients be told that sharing their status will not impact their care. Indeed, the Texas Hospital Association said in a statement that the collection of this data should "not be a deterrent for people in need of care. Hospitals remain open and ready to serve Texans' acute care needs," per Fox. A bill drafted by Fort Worth Republican Rep. Mike Olcott would make Abbott's executive order a state law.
A deadly plane accident in remote Alaska may have been caused by the pilot trying to avoid a dog on the runway. Per an FAA report on the Cessna 207 that went down on Monday afternoon, the small plane "crashed for unknown reasons" as it was attempting to land, and slid into the water at the end of the runway at the rural airport in Nanwalek, on the Kenai Peninsula. Two people died and one was badly hurt in the incident, and now clues are trickling in on what those "unknown reasons" may have been.

Clint Johnson, head of the National Transportation Safety Board's Alaska region, tells KTUU that "what we understand now is that there may have been an animal, namely a dog, that was on the runway." Johnson notes that the pilot, identified as 48-year-old Daniel Bunker, "initiated a go-around," meaning he was aborting his landing and trying again, and had "made a right turn away from the runway, pretty steep climb, and unfortunately, there was a loss of control." Johnson said it was likely that the plane encountered an "aerodynamic stall," which CBS News explains as the wing ceasing to produce liftwhat keeps an aircraft aloft.

Still, Johnson says the probe is still in its "very formative stages." Bunker was killed in the crash, as was passenger Jenny Irene Miller, 37, authorities say. An unidentified male passenger was airlifted from the site of the accident to an Anchorage hospital with serious injuries, per state troopers. Johnson says what's left of the plane once it's recovered will be transported to Homer to be analyzed. Autopsies, meanwhile, are set to be performed on the deceased. Officials are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to email them at witness@ntsb.gov.
A Columbia University student who was detained by immigration authorities on April 14 was released on bail Wednesday on a federal judge's orders. Mohsen Mahdawi was arrested by ICE agents at an immigration office in Colchester, Vermont, when he showed up for a naturalization interview. He is Palestinian, grew up in the West Bank, has lived in the US since 2014, and has had a green card since 2015.

"I am saying it clear and loud," Mahdawi said outside the federal courthouse in Burlington, reports Politico. "To President Trump and his Cabinet: I am not afraid of you. He added, per the AP: "If there is no fear, what is it replaced with? Love. Love is our way." The outlet reports that Mahdawi led supporters in chanting "the people united will never be defeated," "no fear," and "free Palestine."

US District Judge Geoffrey Crawford released Mahdawi pending the resolution of his habeas corpus petition, which argues the administration is trying to deport him despite the right to free speech, reports the New York Daily News. The judge gave him permission to leave Vermont to attend May graduation at Columbia, where he's due to begin a master's degree program in the fall.

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The AP reports that while studying at Columbia, Mahdawi organized campus protests against Israel's war in Gaza until March 2024. He co-founded the Palestinian Student Union at Columbia with Mahmoud Khalil, who has also been detained by immigration authorities. Authorities say Mahdawi's "presence and activities" in the US are a threat to national security, per the AP. The government has argued his detention is a "constitutionally valid aspect of the deportation process" and that district courts "play no role in that process."
The man charged with murder in Saturday's deadly vehicle attack on a festival in Vancouver was under the care of a mental health team but was on "extended leave" from a hospital, authorities say. In a statement, health authority Vancouver Coastal Health said there had been no signs that Adam Kai-Ji Lo, 30, was a risk to the public, NBC News reports. "Extended leave is intended to help clients maintain their treatment plans while transitioning back to community for continuing support," VCH said. The care team, VHC said, "followed established guidelines for a client on extended leave, and there was no indication this person was not following their treatment plan or presented a public safety risk."

"If the person is not able or refuses to follow the care or treatment plan in place, the mental health team has the ability to recall the person back to hospital," VCH said. The attack on a festival celebrating Filipino culture killed 11 people and injured dozens more. Lo had no criminal record, but police had dozens of interactions with him because of his mental health issues, the Vancouver Sun reports. Vancouver Police Sgt. Steve Addison said Tuesday that Lo had contact with a "neighboring" police agency the day before the attack, but it wasn't serious enough to warrant intervention. Someone close to Lo contacted a psychiatric facility about him on the day of the attack, the Sun reports.

"To the care team's knowledge, there was no recent change in his condition or noncompliance with his treatment plan that would've warranted him needing to be hospitalized involuntarily," VCH said.

Two families lost three members each in the attack. A 16-year-old boy lost his father, stepmother, and 5-year-old sister. Alejandro Samper's sister and parents were also killed, CTV News reports. He says the family moved to Canada more than 20 years ago to escape violence in Colombia. "It just doesn't make any sense," he says. "Canada is supposed to be a safe place."
A 180-year-old private Christian university in South Carolina is closing at the end of the semester after failing to raise $6 million to keep its doors open. Limestone University officials said that after two weeks of furious fundraising and other actions, they collected just a little over $2 million and had no choice but to close its campus in Gaffney and its online programs. The university stunned its students, alumni and community when it announced earlier in April without warning that it was in such bad financial shape that without an immediate infusion of $6 million it would have to close.

The AP reports more than 200 people gave a total of about $2.1 million, but it was not enough. The university said the donations will be returned. South Carolina lawmakers decided not to step in because Limestone University is a private institution. Private colleges and universities like Limestone have been closing at a rate of about two per month, according to the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association. The closures come as colleges try to cope with steep declines in enrollment, a consequence of both changing demographics and the effects of the pandemic.

Limestone University promised to help all its students transfer to other schools. The closure will also leave several hundred professors and support staff without jobs in Gaffney, a city of about 12,500 people on Interstate 85 between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Spartanburg. About 50 students gathered outside where trustees met Tuesday night and hugged as they got the email announcing the university was closing. Limestone University, founded in 1845, will hold its final commencement Saturday.

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Limestone isn't the only college in the region to announce it is closing this month. St. Andrews University, about 150 miles away in Laurinburg, North Carolina, will close on Sunday after the spring semester. The school is a branch campus of Webber International University.
NAHA, Apr 30 (News On Japan) - The Naha District Public Prosecutors Office has indicted a 27-year-old U.S. Marine on charges of non-consensual sexual intercourse and assault after he allegedly attacked a woman inside a toilet cubicle at a U.S. military base in Okinawa.

According to the indictment, Private First Class Austin Weddington is accused of forcibly restraining a female base employee by strangling her and sexually assaulting her. He is also alleged to have stomped on the face of another woman who tried to intervene, causing her injuries.

The case has drawn renewed scrutiny over the conduct of U.S. military personnel stationed in Japan and the safety of local workers within base facilities.

Source: TBS
SHIMANE, Apr 30 (News On Japan) - A small aircraft made an emergency landing in a lake in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture on April 29th, leaving one man seriously injured and another with minor injuries.

Police received an emergency call around 1:30 p.m. reporting that a small plane had fallen into Lake Nakaumi in the Arashima area of Yasugi City.

The aircraft had taken off from Izumo Airport at 1:22 p.m., but roughly 15 minutes later, the engine reportedly stopped due to an unknown issue. The pilot attempted an emergency landing in a rice field, but was unable to stop the aircraft, which ultimately crashed into the lake.

The 46-year-old passenger from Osaka City suffered serious injuries, while the 60-year-old pilot is believed to have sustained only minor injuries.

The Japan Transport Safety Board has classified the event as a serious incident and dispatched aviation accident investigators to determine the cause.

Source: FNN
TOKYO, Apr 30 (News On Japan) - Toyota has announced that it has reached a basic agreement with Waymo, the autonomous driving division under Google's parent company, to move toward a new partnership.

According to the announcement, the collaboration aims to equip Toyota vehicles with Waymo's autonomous driving technology and jointly develop a new vehicle platform.

Toyota is also considering involving its group company specializing in software development in the partnership, with plans to eventually apply the technology to consumer vehicles. Further discussions will be held to determine the scope and specifics of the collaboration.

Waymo already operates autonomous driving services in several U.S. cities including Austin, Texas, and earlier this month began pilot testing in Japan as it looks to enter the domestic market.

Toyota commented, "We are confident this is a step closer to achieving a society with zero traffic accidents."

Source: TBS
OSAKA, Apr 30 (News On Japan) - Vietnams national pavilion finally opened on April 30th -- 17 days behind schedule -- after delays in exhibit preparations kept it closed during the April 13th launch of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

The pavilion, classified as a "Type B" facilitymeaning it is a standalone exhibition space rented from the Japan Association for the 2025 World Expositionmissed the April 13th opening due to delays in exhibit preparations.

Spanning 300 square meters, the pavilion employs modern exhibition technologies such as holograms, virtual reality, and digital mapping to present the nation's history, culture, and development vision. 

bizhub.vn

Designed as a cultural gateway, the pavilion tells the story of a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable Vietnam rooted in strong human values. Visitors can explore displays featuring traditional crafts, the iconic five-paneled Ao Dai (Vietnamese long dress), and performances of Hue traditional music. The pavilion also dedicates space to celebrate 52 years of diplomatic relations with Japan, showcasing symbols of bilateral friendship. 

bizhub.vn

In addition to cultural exhibits, the pavilion highlights Vietnam's commitment to sustainable development and innovation. A special video celebrating key national milestones is screened during major holidays, and provinces across Vietnam take turns showcasing their economic and tourism potential, offering international visitors new partnership opportunities. 

bizhub.vn

The Vietnam Pavilion is located in the Empowering Lives Zone and will be open to visitors until the conclusion of the Expo on October 13, 2025.

Source: Kyodo
OSAKA, Apr 30 (News On Japan) - Two men were stabbed early Wednesday morning in Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture, leaving one dead in what police believe was a dispute over a restaurant bill.

At around 12:30 a.m., a call came in from a man at an apartment complex in Shibahara-cho reporting that he had been "cut with a kitchen knife." When police arrived, they encountered a 52-year-old man, holding a knife near the scene and arrested him on the spot for violating the Firearms and Swords Control Law.

When officers entered Sugimotos apartment, they found another man collapsed with stab wounds. He was rushed to the hospital but later died.

The two victims were employees of a restaurant that the attacker had visited as a customer. Police suspect the incident stemmed from a dispute over the cost of the meal and are continuing their investigation.

Source: KTV NEWS
MIE, May 01 (News On Japan) - Across Japan, labor shortages driven by an aging and shrinking population have become a pressing challenge. In response, companies are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to fill the gaps. One such future-oriented development is unfolding at a state-of-the-art synthetic rubber plant in Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture.

At this facility operated by ENEOS Materials, an unprecedented milestone has been achieved: full plant operation without human monitoring, made possible by AI-based control systems.

"This is the control room that manages the entire plant," explained Ryota Tate from the production division. Remarkably, the room is completely unmanned.

Thanks to the newly implemented AI system, the plant runs autonomously. Previously, workers were required to monitor the plant around the clock and manually adjust valves related to waste heat recovery every 15 minutes. The task involved reading roughly 20 data points and instantly deciding the optimal valve positionan act that once demanded the instincts of experienced technicians.

Now, AI replicates these skills, making real-time adjustments with no human involvement. This breakthrough marks the first time globally that a plant of this kind has achieved autonomous operation using AI alone.

"The AI keeps operations running at an optimal level, allowing us to shift our time toward other process improvements," said Tate.

In addition to boosting efficiency, the system has also cut energy use and CO2 emissions by about 40%. The driving force behind this leap? Japans advanced AI robotics technology.

At Nara Institute of Science and Technology, researchers have developed AI robots capable of learning through trial and error. One experiment involves teaching a robot to flip a handkerchief from its green side to its red side. At first clumsy, the robot gradually expands the red area and begins to "reward" itselfencouraging continued learning. Within four hours, it masters the task entirely on its own.

"This mechanism is very similar to how humans and animals learn through praise," said Professor Takamitsu Matsubara. "Our goal is to build AI robots that can genuinely work in place of humans."

Bridging the gap between lab and industrial site is Yokogawa Electric. Executive Officer Hiroaki Kanokogi realized that the way AI robots experiment and learn from outcomes parallels how plant workers rely on experience to operate valves. This insight inspired the application of such AI systems to real-world manufacturing.

"AI today is often flashy in virtual environments, but I wanted to see it move something realto apply it to actual industrial plants," said Kanokogi.

By bringing together academic research and factory experience, the team made it possible to introduce AI into plant operations. The unmanned, AI-controlled factory now stands as a model for the future.

"With declining birthrates and fewer successors in skilled trades, AI could serve as an apprenticerunning plants temporarily until the next generation is ready," Kanokogi added.

AI is no longer just a support toolits becoming a reliable partner in the workplace. The transformation of work through AI has only just begun.

Source: TBS
100 per cent of funds raised provide grants to schools, charities and community organizations across Canada

OTTAWA, ON, April 30, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada Post has issued a new Community Foundation stamp as part of its annual fundraising campaign to support community programs for Canadian children and youth.

The stamp features a charming illustration of giraffes caring for their young, highlighting the importance of giving every child the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and enriching environment.

Community Foundation stamp (CNW Group/Canada Post)

The Community Foundation distributes grants to local and national non-profit groups that offer programming for children and youth across Canada. Since 2012, it has awarded $14.8 million to more than 1,300 community projects in every province and territory.

Grants from the Foundation are funded through customer donations in post offices, employee contributions and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the stamp and postcard. Every dollar raised provides grants to schools, charities and community organizations that make a difference in the lives of children and youth (up to age 21).

About the stamp

Designed by Paprika and illustrated by Anne-Julie Dudemaine, the 2025 Community Foundation stamp artwork features playful and original typography that was created specifically for this stamp issue. The design was selected by Canada Post employees and signifies what the Foundation wants childhood to be for every child: lighthearted and carefree.

The stamp, Official First Day Cover  cancelled in Ottawa  and colourful postage-paid postcard are available at post offices and online at canadapost.ca/shop. A $1 surcharge from the sale of each booklet of 10 stamps, or an extra 10 cents from the sale of each OFDC and postcard, goes straight to the Foundation.

About the Foundation

A registered charity, the Canada Post Community Foundation's mission is to improve the lives of Canadian children and youth. Through its grassroots, community-based approach, the Foundation plays a key role in helping Canada Post achieve its purpose, A Stronger Canada  Delivered. Supporting initiatives that benefit children and youth helps strengthen communities for all Canadians.

To donate to the Community Foundation, purchase a booklet of stamps at a local post office or visit canadapost.ca/community.

For links to images of the stamp and other resources:

External folder with high-resolution images

Watch the YouTube video

Social media platforms  Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

SOURCE Canada Post

For more information: Media Relations, 613-734-8888, [email protected]
(Xmkym (Musqueam), Skwxwu7mesh (Squamish) and slilwta (Tsleil-Waututh)/VANCOUVER, BC, April 29, 2025 /CNW/ - First Nations Summit (FNS) leaders congratulate Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberals following yesterday's federal election which as of now has the Liberal party winning enough seats to form a minority government.

"Congratulations to Prime Minister Carney and the Liberals. We encourage the Prime Minister and his caucus to take the necessary steps to ensure a stable government over the next four years where Indigenous issues are at the centre of the government agenda," said Chief Cheryl Casimer of the First Nations Summit Political Executive. "We must work together to address pressing issues of importance to our communities including continuing implementation of the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia (RRR Policy), which adopts the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a foundation for the BC treaty negotiations framework and provides for the recognition and continuation of unextinguished Indigenous titles and rights, including the right of self-determination, as the starting point for negotiations. The minority government must also continue with fulsome implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, addressing the devastating opioid emergency, ongoing work to end the Missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people crisis, including implementation of the 231 Calls for Justice, and justice and policing reform, to name a few."

"We recognize a priority for the Liberal government will be to continue its response to the Trump tariffs and the resulting economic uncertainty. The federal government must ensure that any response, respects and upholds the inherent and constitutionally protected title and rights and jurisdictions of First Nations," said Robert Phillips of the FNS Political Executive. "Much of the economies of First Nations in BC are directly tied to resource development, a sector that will be heavily impacted by continuation of the Trump administration tariffs. Economic opportunities and other relief for First Nations must be prioritized and expedited as part of any ongoing response. Stronger, more prosperous First Nations communities will benefit all Canadians."

"The Canadian electorate has once again indicated they are not confident enough to give any one party a majority. Instead, the election result represents status quo and a challenge for the minority government to work with other parties to gain confidence and to effect real tangible change that benefits Canadians, especially Indigenous peoples. The minority government must work with First Nations to take concrete actions with measurable outcomes in an effort to close the disparate socio-economic gaps faced by our communities," said Hugh Braker of the FNS Political Executive.

Some of the key Liberal commitments that FNS leaders expect the new minority government to act on as soon as possible include:

Work in full partnership with First Nation, Inuit, and Metis to advance and realize the rights of Indigenous Peoples through a distinctions-based approach.

Work in partnership on the implementation of treaties, land claim, and self-government agreements.

Support Indigenous-led processes for advancing self-determination and the exercise of jurisdiction in priority areas such as education, health, child and family services as well as community safety and policing.

Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the Action Plan.

Move forward on the important work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and support Indigenous communities to uncover unmarked and undocumented graves and burial sites at residential schools.

Move forward on the implementation the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice and the National Action Plan.

Immediately introduce and pass legislation affirming that First Nations have a human right to clean drinking water.

Revitalize Indigenous languages by supporting community-driven projects that restore, protect, and promote this important part of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis cultures and histories.

The FNS looks forward to Prime Minister Carney naming his new Cabinet in the coming weeks and will be requesting early meetings with key ministers to discuss the federal Indigenous agenda.

The FNS also holds our hands up to, and commends outgoing NDP leader Jagmeet Singh for his years of public service as well as all of the Indigenous people across the country who put their name forward as candidates for election during the 2025 campaign, especially those who ran in BC ridings.

The First Nations Summit speaks on behalf of First Nations involved in treaty negotiations in British Columbia. The Summit is also an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Further background information on the Summit may be found at www.fns.bc.ca.

SOURCE First Nations Summit

For Further Information contact: Cheryl Casimer, FNS Political Executive: 778-875-2157; Robert Phillips, FNS Political Executive: 604-868-0032, Hugh Braker, FNS Political Executive: 604-812-2632
TORONTO, April 30, 2025 /CNW/ - Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is proud to announce that Francois Roberge, President and CEO of la Vie en Rose, will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Excellence in Retailing Awards. This honour is presented to a distinguished industry leader whose vision and impact have reshaped the retail landscape. Roberge is being recognized not only for his outstanding business leadership, but also for his lasting contributions to elevating Quebec's fashion industry and strengthening Canada's presence on the global retail stage.

Francois Roberge to receive Retail Council of Canadas Lifetime Achievement Award (CNW Group/Retail Council of Canada)

Raised on a farm in Quebec and born into a family of merchants, Francois Roberge began his career in retail behind the wheel of a delivery truck for Boutiques San Francisco. In 1996, he acquired la Vie en Rose and began a thoughtful transformation of the brand, relocating its headquarters to Montreal and charting a course for growth. Under his leadership, la Vie en Rose expanded internationally, entering the Saudi Arabian market in 2004, acquiring Bikini Village in 2015, and launching into the United States in 2024. Today, the brand is recognized as a global leader in intimate apparel, with over 400 stores across 20 countries and a team of more than 5,000 employees.

Roberge's impact extends well beyond the success of la Vie en Rose. As the founder of the non-profit organization MMODE, he has played a pivotal role in positioning Quebec as a global fashion hubdriving international growth while championing local talent. In 2002, he established the Roses of Hope Foundation, which has since contributed over $4 million to breast cancer research and women's wellness initiatives. More recently, his philanthropic efforts have expanded to include environmental causes, raising $1 million for nature conservation in 2024, with plans to match that support again in 2025.

"Francois's career has always been about more than building a retail business  it's been about leading with heart, purpose, and a bold vision for innovation and creativity," said Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO of RCC. "As la Vie en Rose marks 40 years, it stands not only as a Canadian success story, but as a testament to Francois' values of entrepreneurship grounded in community, excellence guided by empathy, and a legacy that will inspire generations to come."

The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented at Retail Council of Canada's Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala on June 3, 2025, at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Capping off the first day of RCCSTORE25, Canada's premier retail conference, the Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala will celebrate the industry's top performers. Taking place June 34, 2025, RCCSTORE25 will feature 75+ expert speakers and draw retail leaders from across North America and beyond.

Media are invited to attend this prestigious event celebrating Francois Roberge and other esteemed award recipients.

About la Vie en Rose

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Montreal, la Vie en Rose is Canada's leading specialty lingerie retailer. Offering a complete range of lingerie, sleepwear, loungewear, and swimwear, the company is known for its focus on quality, comfort, and confidence. With more than 400 locations worldwide, la Vie en Rose continues to expand while staying true to its Canadian roots and commitment to women's well-being.

About Retail Council of Canada

Retail is Canada's largest private-sector employer with over 2.3 million Canadians working in our industry. This sector is a major economic contributor, generating more than $93 billion annually in wages and employee benefits. In 2024, core retail sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline) exceeded $507 billion. Retail Council of Canada (RCC) members account for more than two-thirds of these core retail sales and 95 per cent of the grocery market. Our membership extends across the country, embracing over 54,000 storefronts in diverse formats such as department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers, online merchants, and quick service restaurants. As the Voice of Retail in Canada, RCC, a not-for-profit, industry-funded association, proudly represents retail businesses of all sizes, from small independents to large national chains, in communities nationwide. retailcouncil.org.

SOURCE Retail Council of Canada

Santo Ligotti, VP Marketing & Membership, (416) 274-2956, [email protected]
Westgold Resources Limited (ASX: WGX) (TSX: WGX) (Westgold or the Company) is pleased to report results for the period ending 31 March 2025 (Q3 FY25).

HIGHLIGHTS

OPERATIONS

Safety Performance Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) of 6.27 / million hours  an improvement of ~13.5%





 an improvement of ~13.5% Gold production in Q3 FY25 of 80,107oz Au @ AISC of $2,829 /oz , consistent with the Q2 FY25 production of 80,886oz Au @ $2,703 /oz





, consistent with the Q2 FY25 production of 80,886oz Au @ /oz Gold sales of 78,398oz at an average price of A$4,630 /oz, generating revenue of A$363M





DRILLING

Exciting drilling results returned at Fletcher, Bluebird-South Junction and Nightfall - continue to demonstrate the quality of these assets





- continue to demonstrate the quality of these assets CORPORATE

Divestment of non-core Lakewood mill for $85M completed - comprising $70M in cash and $15M in Black Cat Syndicate (ASX:BC8) scrip





- comprising in cash and in Black Cat Syndicate (ASX:BC8) scrip FINANCE

Closing cash, bullion, and liquid investments @ 31 March 2025 of $232M , an $80M increase Q on Q, comprising: Cash build of $107M from operations - before investing $74M in growth and exploration Additional $22M from corporate activities - comprising $25M in proceeds from Lakewood divestment offset by a $3M investment in ASX: NMG equity $11M increase in bullion  with a $13M increase in liquid investments

Westgold remains 100% unhedged  offering full exposure to escalating gold price





 offering full exposure to escalating gold price Westgold remains on track to deliver FY25 production and cost guidance

Westgold Managing Director and CEO Wayne Bramwell commented:

"Westgold continues to reconfigure the larger portfolio to be more productive and to boost free cash flows into FY26. It has taken two quarters in FY25 to stabilise the larger business and in Q3 we delivered a record $80M build in cash, bullion and liquid investments.

Strong treasury management is key to delivering our growth strategy. Being unhedged and with our growing cash balance and $250M in our undrawn corporate facility, Westgold has available liquidity of ~$480M  a solid foundation from which to execute our growth plans.

As expected, production and cost results in Q3 FY25 were in line with in Q2 FY25 results. These will improve in Q4 FY25 with mining outputs improve at the Bluebird South-Junction mine and the infrastructure upgrades at the Beta Hunt mine due to complete mid-2025.

Production from the Southern Goldfields continues to increase due to improved head grade and recovery rates achieved for the quarter. Beta Hunt mine infrastructure upgrades continue with key projects expected to be complete during Q4, FY25.

In the Murchison, the slower than planned ramp up of Bluebird-South Junction required higher tonnages of low-grade stocks to be hauled to and processed at Meekatharra. This escalated the Murchison costs this quarter and with mining expected to commence in South Junction during Q4, FY25 costs should reduce.

With a view to lowering our costs in the Southern Goldfields, Westgold divested the non-core and high-cost Lakewood Mill near Kalgoorlie for $70M in cash and $15M in scrip. The sale simplifies our Southern Goldfields business and from April sees all Beta Hunt ore being processed at the larger, lower cost Higginsville processing plant. Optimisation of this plant is the next step, with a scoping study evaluating the expansion of the 1.6Mtpa Higginsville to 2.6Mtpa showcasing the value modest capital investment could deliver.

Drilling creates long term value in the portfolio and Westgold continues to invest in drilling. Results at the Nightfall Lode at Fortnum, Bluebird-South Junction and the Fletcher Zone at Beta Hunt, continue to show the quality of the mineral endowment we control and I encourage you to peruse our quarterly exploration report released today for more details.

After two quarters of integration, Q3 FY25 has delivered record quarter on quarter cash build for Westgold. Westgold is well funded and continues to focus on lifting our mine outputs and optimising our largest mines and mills for greater free cash flow and expanded margins into FY26."

Executive Summary

Cash Position as at 31 March 2025

Westgold closed the quarter with cash, bullion and liquid investments of $232M (see Figure 1)  an increase of $80M from the prior quarter  with the Company having built $107M in cash before investing cash of $63M in growth and $11M in exploration during the period.

This result was driven by an increase in realised gold price of $4,630/oz, consistent group gold production and operational cash costs, and the divestment of the non-core Lakewood Mill contributing an additional $25M.

Notes

Westgold remains unhedged and fully exposed to the spot gold price.

Initial payments of $25M relating to the Lakewood Sale received in the quarter. Remaining payments are expected to be received in June 2025 ( $20M ) and November 2025 ( $25M ).

relating to the Lakewood Sale received in the quarter. Remaining payments are expected to be received in ( ) and ( ). Additional $3M of New Murchison Gold (ASX: NMG) shares purchased in the quarter.

of New Murchison Gold (ASX: NMG) shares purchased in the quarter. Closing investments exclude $15M received in Blackcat Syndicate scrip during the quarter  as this scrip consideration has a 12-month escrow period.

Group Production Highlights  Q3 FY25

Westgold achieved consistent quarterly gold production in Q3 FY25, producing 80,107 ounces and generating $87M in net mine cashflow.

This included 42,906 ounces from the Murchison (Q2 FY25: 46,461oz) and 37,201 ounces from the Southern Goldfields (Q2 FY25: 34,425oz). Lower production in the Murchison quarter on quarter was predominantly offset by increased production from the Southern Goldfields. Reduced production from the Murchison was driven by lower Fortnum production, whilst the increase in the Southern Goldfields is attributed to improved grade at the Beta Hunt UG at Kambalda.

All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC) for the quarter was $227M (Q2 FY25: $219M), and on a per ounce basis was $2,829/oz (Q2 FY25: $2,703/oz). As illustrated in Figure 3 the monthly total AISC since post-acquisition of the Southern Goldfields assets (on 1 August 2024) has been relatively consistent, with the increase at the end of the quarter mainly relating to increased sustaining capital expenditure, increased stockpile consumption (predominantly at the Bluebird mill at Meekatharra) and additional haulage costs to transport ore from Fortnum to maintain consistent throughput at the Bluebird mill.

Capital growth projects continued to advance across the Group in line with the current strategy to ramp up production in the back end of FY25.

The Company sold 78,398oz of gold for the quarter achieving a record price of $4,630/oz, generating $363M in revenue. With Westgold free of any fixed forward sales contracts, the Company continues to offer shareholders full exposure to record spot gold prices. Westgold's operations generated $144M of mine operating cashflows with the achieved gold price $1,801/oz over AISC.

Capital expenditure during Q3 FY25 of $46M (Q2 FY25: $56M) includes $31M of investment in growth projects (Bluebird-South Junction and the Great Fingall development) and $15M in upgrading power, ventilation and paste infrastructure across the respective sites.

Investment in exploration and resource development of $11M (Q2 FY25: $9M) for the quarter continued focusing on Bluebird-South Junction and Starlight in the Murchison, and the Fletcher Zone and Western Flanks at Beta Hunt in the Southern Goldfields.

The net mine cash inflow for Q3 FY25 was $87M (refer Table 2 under Group Performance Metrics).

FY25 Guidance Maintained

Westgold's production in Q3 FY25 was in line with its expectations and the Company maintains its current production and cost guidance for FY25. Westgold envisages a substantial increase to gold production in Q4 FY25, predicated on the ramp up of Beta Hunt and Bluebird-South Junction.

The infrastructure projects at Beta Hunt, that to-date have limited the mine's ability to consistently deliver mining rates of ~2Mtpa, are expected to be completed during Q4 FY25.

As demonstrated by the increased ore production at Bluebird-South Junction quarter on quarter, progress has been made in the ramp up of Bluebird-South Junction. Despite this, development into South Junction remains behind schedule. Whilst mining rates in Q4 FY25 are expected to be substantially greater than in Q3 FY25, where previously Westgold envisaged mining rates reaching 1.2Mtpa by the end of Q4 FY25, the Company now expects these rates to be reached in early FY26.



Current

FY25 Guidance Q3 FY25

Actual YTD FY25

Actual Production (oz) 330,000  350,000 80,107 238,362 AISC (A$/oz) 2,400  2,600 2,829 2,659 Growth Capital (A$M) 200 46 160 Exploration (A$M) 50 11 34 Table 1: Westgold FY25 Guidance

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

People

In Q3 FY25, total headcount saw a modest increase to 2,326 employees, while the overall turnover rate continued to decline. This period also marked the rollout of Workday, a transformational HR IT system designed to enhance workforce management and engagement. Additionally, Westgold initiated a Psychosocial Risk Assessment in partnership with a third party and successfully launched Strong Minds Strong Mines, a program focused on mental health, at the Southern Goldfields Operations.

Safety and Sustainability

Safety

Westgold maintained a strong focus on safety throughout the quarter, delivering improvements across key performance indicators. The Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) reduced to 6.27 injuries per million hours worked, representing a 13.5% improvement quarter on quarter.

No Lost Time Injuries were recorded during the period, resulting in a 20.4% decrease in the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR), reducing the LTIFR to 0.78. The Serious Potential Incident Frequency Rate (SPIFR) for the quarter was recorded at 8.62, a 13.6% improvement on to 9.981 in the prior quarter.

1 The previously reported figure of 6.09 in the December 2024 Quarterly report reflected only Northern operations. When adjusted to include the full operational footprintincorporating Southern operationsthe prior quarter's comparable SPIFR was 9.98.

* No recordable injuries in Q3 FY25

Training

Westgold achieved key milestones in workforce development and training during the quarter. Construction of the new Maddington Training Centre progressed as planned, with the site hosting its first Forklift Training Course. The Training Centre is now regularly utilised for high-risk training including Working at Heights, Confined Space Entry, First Aid, and Forklift operations. These programs build internal Westgold capability and support compliance with statutory training requirements.

Environment

Environmental outcomes for the quarter included:

commissioning the Tuckabianna West Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) at Tuckabianna;

completion of construction compliance for the Higginsville TSF raise

approval of environmental permits for a new LNG power station at Great Fingall

approval of environmental permits for a new TSF at Fortnum; and

the completion of a gap analysis against the AASB S2 sustainability reporting standard.

No Significant Environmental Incidents were recorded during the quarter. These results reflect sound operational control and Westgold's commitment to meeting environmental obligations.

Group Performance Metrics

Westgold's quarterly physical and financial outputs for Q3 FY25 are summarised below.

Physical Summary Units Murchison Southern Goldfields Group ROM - UG Ore Mined t 582,184 414,457 996,641 UG Grade Mined g/t 2.3 2.8 2.5 Ore Processed t 751,207 545,449 1,296,656 Head Grade g/t 2.0 2.3 2.1 Recovery % 90 93 91 Gold Produced oz 42,906 37,201 80,107 Gold Sold oz 43,824 35,574 78,398 Achieved Gold Price A$/oz 4,630 4,630 4,630 Cost Summary Mining A$'M 72 48 120 Processing A$'M 33 24 57 Admin A$'M 7 4 11 Stockpile Movements A$'M 4 1 5 Royalties A$'M 6 10 16 Cash Cost (produced oz) A$'M 122 87 209 Corporate Costs A$'M 3 1 4 Sustaining Capital A$'M 11 3 14 All-in Sustaining Costs A$'M 136 91 227 All-in Sustaining Costs A$/oz 3,160 2,446 2,829 Notional Cashflow Summary Units Murchison Southern Goldfields Group Notional Revenue (produced oz) A$'M 199 172 371 All-in Sustaining Costs A$'M 136 91 227 Mine Operating Cashflow A$'M 63 81 144 Growth Capital A$'M (28) (3) (31) Plant and Equipment A$'M (9) (6) (15) Exploration Spend A$'M (5) (6) (11) Net Mine Cashflow A$'M 21 66 87 Net Mine Cashflow A$/oz 508 1,758 1,094 Table 2: Westgold Q3 FY25 Performance

Q3 FY25 Group Performance Overview

Westgold processed 1,296,656t (Q2 FY25: 1,342,005t) of ore in total at an average grade of 2.1g/t Au (Q2 FY25: 2.1g/t Au), producing 80,107oz of gold (80,886oz). Group AISC in Q3 FY25 was $227M (Q2 FY25: $219M).

MURCHISON

The Murchison operations produced 42,906oz of gold (Q2 FY25: 46,461oz). The lower production quarter on quarter was largely a result of reduced outputs from Fortnum which processed smaller volumes of Starlight UG ore during Q3 FY25.

The ramp up at Bluebird-South Junction delivered increased mining rates quarter on quarter, however at a lower gold grade resulting in consistent quarter on quarter gold production from the mine.

Total AISC of $136M (Q2 FY25: $119M) and AISC per ounce of $3,160/oz (Q2 FY25: $2,556/oz) was higher than the prior quarter, mainly due to increased stockpile consumption, sustaining capital expenditure, and haulage of low-grade stockpiles to Meekatharra. Importantly, these escalated costs are temporary and expected to reduce as Bluebird-South Junction production lifts, high grade Great Fingall ore is processed and Big Bell remnants are ramped up.

Total Capital expenditure of $37M, included Growth Capital ($28M) and Plant and Equipment ($9M) across the Murchison operations. Growth Capital related to the Great Fingall development and expansions to the Bluebird-South Junction and Starlight mines.

Plant and Equipment capital includes investment mainly related to processing facilities ($3M), Bluebird-South Junction primary ventilation fans ($2M) and Bluebird paste infrastructure ($3M) during the quarter.

SOUTHERN GOLDFIELDS

The Southern Goldfields production increased in Q3 FY25, delivering 37,201oz of gold (Q2 FY25: 34,425oz), due to improved head grade and recovery rates achieved for the quarter. Beta Hunt infrastructure upgrades are continuing, with some downtime during installation.

The total AISC in the Southern Operations decreased quarter on quarter (Q3 FY25 AISC: $91M vs Q2 FY25 ASIC: $100M). On a per ounce basis, AISC was lower at $2,446/oz in Q3 FY25 (Q2 FY25: $2,903oz), with the reduction being driven primarily by higher head grades and successful cost improvement initiatives.

Total Capital Expenditure of $9M, included growth capital ($3M) and plant and equipment ($6M) across the Southern Goldfields Operations mainly relating to power, ventilation and underground infrastructure at Beta Hunt mine, and the TSF lift at Higginsville.

Table 3: Q3 FY25 Group Mining Physicals



Ore Mined

('000 t) Mined Grade

(g/t) Contained ounces

(Oz) Murchison





Bluebird 109 2.71 9,483 Fender 79 2.37 6,048 Big Bell 247 1.80 14,251 Starlight 147 2.64 12,495 Southern Goldfields





Beta Hunt 363 2.79 32,498 Two Boys 52 2.52 4,213 GROUP 997 2.47 78,988

Table 4: Q3 FY25 Group Processing Physicals



Ore Milled

('000 t) Head Grade

(g/t) Recovery

(%) Gold Production

(Oz) Murchison







Bluebird 111 2.77 94 9,312 Fender 46 2.47 87 3,138 Open Pit & Low Grade2 83 0.72 88 1,686 Bluebird Hub 240 2.00 92 14,136 Big Bell 254 1.82 88 13,003 Fender 33 2.68 88 2,482 Open Pit & Low Grade 23 1.18 88 779 Tuckabianna Hub 310 1.86 88 16,264 Starlight 156 2.43 93 11,254 Open Pit & Low Grade 46 0.91 93 1,252 Fortnum Hub 202 2.08 93 12,506









Southern Goldfields







Beta Hunt 212 2.46 92 15,397 Lakewood Hub 212 2.46 92 15,397 Beta Hunt 164 3.13 93 15,443 Two Boys 57 2.29 93 3,925 Open Pit & Low Grade 112 0.72 93 2,436 Higginsville Hub 333 2.17 93 21,804









GROUP TOTAL 1,297 2.10 91 80,107

2 Includes low grade ore mined at Big Bell and stockpiles from Starlight, trucked to Bluebird

Operations and Project Summary

Murchison

Bluebird-South Junction Underground Mine (Meekatharra)



Bluebird- South Junction mined 109kt at 2.71 g/t for 9,483oz (Q2 FY25: 88kt at 3.42g/t for 9,649oz), with higher ore production quarter on quarter offset by lower grades.



Production at Bluebird-South Junction continued to increase during the quarter, although slower than planned due to footwall capital development constraints. The project is behind schedule due to ground conditions in the footwall, but understanding is improving through geotechnical drilling and empirical data. Optimised level design and revised ground control standards are being implemented.



Ground conditions within the orebody are suitable for larger stope designs once access is established. Several stopes now have completed development access, and mine output from South Junction is expected to significantly increase in Q4 FY25 as mining begins from these stopes.



In conjunction with the expansion in mining rates, project works remain on track for underground HV electrical upgrades, primary ventilation upgrades and paste fill infrastructure. The completion of these projects will ensure sustained production growth from South Junction .





Bluebird- mined (Q2 FY25: 88kt at 3.42g/t for 9,649oz), with higher ore production quarter on quarter offset by lower grades. Production at Bluebird-South Junction continued to increase during the quarter, although slower than planned due to footwall capital development constraints. The project is behind schedule due to ground conditions in the footwall, but understanding is improving through geotechnical drilling and empirical data. Optimised level design and revised ground control standards are being implemented. Ground conditions within the orebody are suitable for larger stope designs once access is established. Several stopes now have completed development access, and mine output from is expected to significantly increase in Q4 FY25 as mining begins from these stopes. In conjunction with the expansion in mining rates, project works remain on track for underground HV electrical upgrades, primary ventilation upgrades and paste fill infrastructure. The completion of these projects will ensure sustained production growth from . Bluebird Mill (Meekatharra)



Q3 FY25 gold production at the Bluebird Mill was steady with increased throughput on lower grade. The mill processed 240kt at 2.00g/t (Q2 FY25: 219kt at 2.36g/t) with 92% recovery (Q2 FY25: 89%) for 14,136oz (Q2 FY25: 14,933oz).



Increased low grade stockpile feed drove the quarter-on-quarter throughput increase at the Bluebird Mill. The ramp-up in feed from Bluebird-South Junction was offset by reduced ore from Fender, which was also used to supply the Tuckabianna Mill. The Bluebird Mill continued to operate below nameplate during Q3 FY25.





Q3 FY25 gold production at the Bluebird Mill was steady with increased throughput on lower grade. The mill processed (Q2 FY25: 219kt at 2.36g/t) with (Q2 FY25: 89%) for (Q2 FY25: 14,933oz). Increased low grade stockpile feed drove the quarter-on-quarter throughput increase at the Bluebird Mill. The ramp-up in feed from Bluebird-South Junction was offset by reduced ore from Fender, which was also used to supply the Tuckabianna Mill. The Bluebird Mill continued to operate below nameplate during Q3 FY25. Fender Underground Mine (Cue)



Ore production at Fender was steady quarter on quarter, at an improved grade with the mine delivering 79kt at 2.37g/t for 6,048oz (Q2 FY25: 76kt at 2.26g/t for 5,531oz). Fender is expected to continue to deliver consistently in Q4 FY25.





Ore production at Fender was steady quarter on quarter, at an improved grade with the mine delivering (Q2 FY25: 76kt at 2.26g/t for 5,531oz). Fender is expected to continue to deliver consistently in Q4 FY25. Big Bell Underground Mine (Cue)



Big Bell mined 246kt at 1.80g/t for 14,251oz (Q2 FY25: 333kt at 1.81g/t for 19,338oz).



Production from Big Bell was lower quarter on quarter as the sub level cave constricts with fewer work areas at the lower extents. Lower sub level cave outputs were partially offset by increasing remnant ore production from the upper regions of the mine.



Rehabilitation work continued to progressively increase access to remnant ore throughout the quarter. This trend is expected to continue through into Q4 FY25 into FY26, at which point remnant production will more than offset cave production decline and become the primary ore source at Big Bell.



Elevated costs for rehabilitation incurred in Q2 and Q3 of FY25 will also reduce once remnant production reaches steady state and access to remnant mining areas is normalised.



Westgold deferred the Big Bell Deeps expansion in early FY25 (the development of the deeper long hole open stoping mining operation under the sub-level cave) to prioritise the larger Bluebird-South Junction and Beta Hunt mine expansions.



This allowed deferral of approximately $20M of capital spend at Big Bell and provide the opportunity to evaluate new options to enhance Big Bell Deeps expansion economics. These option studies are currently underway.





Big Bell mined (Q2 FY25: 333kt at 1.81g/t for 19,338oz). Production from Big Bell was lower quarter on quarter as the sub level cave constricts with fewer work areas at the lower extents. Lower sub level cave outputs were partially offset by increasing remnant ore production from the upper regions of the mine. Rehabilitation work continued to progressively increase access to remnant ore throughout the quarter. This trend is expected to continue through into Q4 FY25 into FY26, at which point remnant production will more than offset cave production decline and become the primary ore source at Big Bell. Elevated costs for rehabilitation incurred in Q2 and Q3 of FY25 will also reduce once remnant production reaches steady state and access to remnant mining areas is normalised. Westgold deferred the Big Bell Deeps expansion in early FY25 (the development of the deeper long hole open stoping mining operation under the sub-level cave) to prioritise the larger Bluebird-South Junction and Beta Hunt mine expansions. This allowed deferral of approximately of capital spend at Big Bell and provide the opportunity to evaluate new options to enhance Big Bell Deeps expansion economics. These option studies are currently underway. Great Fingall Underground Mine (Cue)



The development of the Great Fingall project made good progress during the quarter, with the decline continuing to advance and having already descended below the level of the upper most virgin stopes.



Life of mine infrastructure work continued as planned, with primary ventilation infrastructure installation being completed in Q3 FY25 and dewatering of historical workings continuing. First ore from Great Fingall virgin stopes is expected in H1 FY26, with earlier production possible if rapid dewatering success of old workings proximate to the highest level virgin stopes is achieved.



The previously highlighted Great Fingall Flats early underground mining opportunity at the base of the Great Fingall open pit has progressed with final stope shapes completed, and first ore expected in Q4 FY25.





The development of the Great Fingall project made good progress during the quarter, with the decline continuing to advance and having already descended below the level of the upper most virgin stopes. Life of mine infrastructure work continued as planned, with primary ventilation infrastructure installation being completed in Q3 FY25 and dewatering of historical workings continuing. First ore from Great Fingall virgin stopes is expected in H1 FY26, with earlier production possible if rapid dewatering success of old workings proximate to the highest level virgin stopes is achieved. The previously highlighted Great Fingall Flats early underground mining opportunity at the base of the Great Fingall open pit has progressed with final stope shapes completed, and first ore expected in Q4 FY25. Tuckabianna Mill (Cue)



Tuckabianna processed 310kt at 1.86g/t (Q2 FY25: 322kt at 1.78g/t) with a 88% recovery rate (Q2 FY25: 87%), yielding 16,264oz (Q2 FY25: 16,011oz).



The slight decrease in Tuckabianna throughput is attributable to downtime associated with the commissioning of the Tuckabianna West TSF. The primary source of ore feed for Tuckabianna continues to be Big Bell underground ore. The lower production from Big Bell this quarter, due to the remnant ramp-up, was offset by the uptake of Fender material.



Construction of the Tuckabianna West in-pit tailings storage facility was completed with deposition commencing in Q3 FY25. The facility secures 8 years of tailings storage capacity.





Tuckabianna processed (Q2 FY25: 322kt at 1.78g/t) with a rate (Q2 FY25: 87%), yielding (Q2 FY25: 16,011oz). The slight decrease in Tuckabianna throughput is attributable to downtime associated with the commissioning of the Tuckabianna West TSF. The primary source of ore feed for Tuckabianna continues to be Big Bell underground ore. The lower production from Big Bell this quarter, due to the remnant ramp-up, was offset by the uptake of Fender material. Construction of the Tuckabianna West in-pit tailings storage facility was completed with deposition commencing in Q3 FY25. The facility secures 8 years of tailings storage capacity. Starlight Underground Mine (Fortnum)



Starlight UG mined 147kt at 2.64g/t for 12,495oz (Q2 FY25: 168kt at 2.67g/t for 14,374oz). Ore volumes mined saw a slight decrease quarter on quarter due to a focus on accessing the new, higher grade Galaxy lodes, lower haulage fleet availability, and high absenteeism from illness in February. The haulage fleet is nearing end of life, with new replacements starting in April 25 .



With access to Galaxy now established, mining outputs are expected to stabilise in Q4 FY25 with the additional higher grade mining front delivering ore to Fortnum.



The planned upgrade of primary fans was completed during the quarter. Further ventilation upgrades are planned for Q1 FY26 and Q3 FY26 to support Life of Mine plans.





Starlight UG mined (Q2 FY25: 168kt at 2.67g/t for 14,374oz). Ore volumes mined saw a slight decrease quarter on quarter due to a focus on accessing the new, higher grade Galaxy lodes, lower haulage fleet availability, and high absenteeism from illness in February. The haulage fleet is nearing end of life, with new replacements starting in . With access to Galaxy now established, mining outputs are expected to stabilise in Q4 FY25 with the additional higher grade mining front delivering ore to Fortnum. The planned upgrade of primary fans was completed during the quarter. Further ventilation upgrades are planned for Q1 FY26 and Q3 FY26 to support Life of Mine plans. Fortnum Processing Hub (Fortnum)



In Q3 FY25, Fortnum processed 202kt at 2.08g/t (Q2 FY25: 208kt at 2.46g/t) with 93% recovery (Q2 FY25: 95%) for 12,506oz (Q2 FY25: 15,517oz). The lower gold production, driven by lower head grades in the current quarter resulted from increased processing of stockpile ore due to reduced Starlight underground feed supply. In March, the processing plant hit a recent throughput record of 77,776t of ore.

Southern Goldfields

Beta Hunt Underground Mine (Kambalda)



Beta Hunt mined grade was in line with reserve grades, having mined 363kt at 2.79g/t for 32,498oz (Q2 FY25: 407kt at 2.26g/t for 29,555oz). Mine outputs continue to be impacted by critical infrastructure restrictions, primarily water management and ventilation.



Capital projects to remove these restrictions are in progress with new clean water supply from the nearby Formidable pit and the primary ventilation upgrades due for completion in Q4 FY25. Completion of the rising main upgrade is anticipated in Q1 FY26 and the power upgrades are also in progress.

Beta Hunt mined grade was in line with reserve grades, having mined (Q2 FY25: 407kt at 2.26g/t for 29,555oz). Mine outputs continue to be impacted by critical infrastructure restrictions, primarily water management and ventilation. Capital projects to remove these restrictions are in progress with new clean water supply from the nearby Formidable pit and the primary ventilation upgrades due for completion in Q4 FY25. Completion of the rising main upgrade is anticipated in Q1 FY26 and the power upgrades are also in progress. Two Boys Underground Mine (Higginsville)



Production from the small Two Boys underground mine improved this quarter with higher tonnes and grade, having mined 52kt at 2.52g/t for 4,213oz (Q2 FY25: 44kt at 2.22g/t for 3,125oz). Grade control drilling was completed allowing improved mine planning.





Production from the small Two Boys underground mine improved this quarter with higher tonnes and grade, having mined (Q2 FY25: 44kt at 2.22g/t for 3,125oz). Grade control drilling was completed allowing improved mine planning. Lake Cowan Open Pits (Higginsville)



Mining at the Lake Cowan open pits commenced in early Q4 FY25 with open pit contractor Mineral Mining Services having mobilised in April. The pits are expected to deliver approximately 70kt of ore in Q4 FY25.





Mining at the Lake Cowan open pits commenced in early Q4 FY25 with open pit contractor Mineral Mining Services having mobilised in April. The pits are expected to deliver approximately 70kt of ore in Q4 FY25. Higginsville Processing Hub (Higginsville)



The 1.6Mtpa Higginsville processing plant processed 333kt at 2.17g/t (Q2 FY25: 346kt at 1.72g/t) with a 93% recovery (Q2 FY25: 92%), producing 21,804oz (Q2 FY25: 17,529oz). Higginsville currently relies on Two Boys underground ore and Beta Hunt underground ore as its primary ore feed sources. During the quarter, the mill head grade improved in line with lifting grades at the two underground sources and reduced low grade stockpile feed in the blend.



Open pit mining commencing at Lake Cowan is expected to displace low grade stockpile feed with a higher grade oxide feed in Q4 FY25 along with higher components of Beta Hunt ore.





The 1.6Mtpa Higginsville processing plant processed (Q2 FY25: 346kt at 1.72g/t) with a recovery (Q2 FY25: 92%), producing (Q2 FY25: 17,529oz). Higginsville currently relies on Two Boys underground ore and Beta Hunt underground ore as its primary ore feed sources. During the quarter, the mill head grade improved in line with lifting grades at the two underground sources and reduced low grade stockpile feed in the blend. Open pit mining commencing at Lake Cowan is expected to displace low grade stockpile feed with a higher grade oxide feed in Q4 FY25 along with higher components of Beta Hunt ore. Lakewood Processing Hub (Kalgoorlie)



Beta Hunt underground material was the primary ore feed for the Lakewood Mill at Kalgoorlie. The mill processed 212kt at 2.46g/t (Q2 FY25: 247kt at 2.31g/t) with a 92% recovery (Q2 FY25: 92%), yielding 15,397oz (Q2 FY25: 16,896oz).



Lakewood processing achieved strong throughput for the quarter, meeting forecasted throughput levels through to the shutdown for circuit cleanout at the end of the quarter.



The divestment of Lakewood was completed on 31 March 2025  see section titled "Divestment of Lakewood" in this report for further details.

Exploration

Exploration investment for the quarter was $11M (Q2 FY25: $9M). In Q3 FY25 exciting resource definition drilling results were returned at Fletcher, Bluebird-South Junction and Nightfall.

Further information is provided in the ASX announcement released on 30 April 2025, titled "March 2025 Quarterly Exploration Results".

Corporate

At the end of Q3 FY25, Westgold's total cash, bullion and investments totalled $232M.

Cash, Bullion and Investments

Description Dec 2024

Quarter ($M) Mar 2025

Quarter ($M) Variance

($M) Variance

(%) Cash 123 179 56 46 Bullion 17 28 11 65 Investments1 12 25 13 108 Cash and Bullion 152 232 80 53

1. Investments exclude $15M received in Blackcat Syndicate scrip during the quarter due to the 12 month escrow period.

Debt

At quarter end Westgold had drawn down $50M from its Corporate Facilities to balance the working capital requirements for operations and growth of a much larger business. A balance of $250M remains as undrawn capacity of the Syndicated Facility Agreement.

Combined with its cash balance of $179M, the Company had at the end of the quarter, $429M in available liquidity.

The Company has equipment financing arrangements on acquired plant and equipment under normal commercial terms with expected repayments of approximately $44M for the 2025 financial year.

Gold Hedging

Westgold is fully unhedged and completely leveraged to the gold price with an achieved gold price of $4,630/oz for Q3 FY25 (Q2 FY25 $4,066/oz).

Synergies

The table below identifies the post-merger pre-tax synergies which have been realised to date.

Pre-tax Synergies Realised savings ($M/annum) Corporate Management 21 Commercial contracts 8 Professional Services 3 Total realised savings to date 32

Work to realise further savings are ongoing, with significant opportunities identified for completion by the end of Q4 FY25 in accommodation services, flights and various supply chain commodities such as ground support, explosives and general consumables. Westgold currently has active tenders to the value of circa $100M in progress which are expected to deliver material savings over the next year.

Divestment of Lakewood

In February 2025, the Group agreed to divest its non-core Lakewood Milling Operation to Black Cat Syndicate Limited (ASX: BC8). The sale was completed on 31 March 2025 for a total consideration of $85M comprising $70M in upfront and deferred cash payments and $15M in BC8 ordinary shares. The Group received $25M of the cash consideration in Q3 FY25, with $20M expected by June 2025 and the remaining $25M by November 2025. The BC8 ordinary shares are subject to a 12-month escrow from issuance.

As part of the transaction Westgold entered into a tolling agreement for the tolling of Ore at Lakewood up to a maximum of 200,000 WMT per annum up to 31 December 2026.

The divestment of Lakewood is in line with the company's strategy to focus on larger, lower-cost mines and mills. By divesting a high-cost mill such as Lakewood, the company reduces its cost base and simplifies its Southern Goldfields business. Consequently, all Beta Hunt ore from Q4 FY25 be processed at the Higginsville operation, allowing for the prioritisation of higher-grade ore and realising lower operating costs through the larger 1.6Mtpa mill.

Higginsville Expansion Plan (HXP)

On 28 April 2025, Westgold released the results of its HXP Scoping Study. The HXP Scoping Study economics showcase the value that modest capital investment can deliver by expanding the existing 1.6Mtpa processing plant at Higginsville to circa 2.6Mtpa. The increased processing capacity lowers Higginsville's operating cost and increases annualised steady state gold production from 87kozpa to between 122kozpa and 160kozpa. Importantly, the modest capital investment can largely be funded by the proceeds from the sale of the high cost Lakewood mill.

The expansion of the Higginsville mill to 2.6Mtpa will also facilitate greater resource development opportunities across the Southern Goldfields. Exploration and resource conversion within the Beta Hunt mine footprint and at Two Boys are progressing rapidly, with further open pit opportunities around Higginsville currently under evaluation. Debottlenecking of the current Higginsville mill is in progress, and the next phase of the detailed engineering study for Higginsville has been approved, with a financial investment decision anticipated during FY26.

Crown Prince Ore Purchase Agreement

On 12 December 2024, Westgold announced a gold ore purchase agreement with Zeus Mining Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of New Murchison Gold Limited (NMG). This agreement, which was subject to and has now received NMG shareholder approval, involves Westgold purchasing 30,000 to 50,000 tonnes of gold ore per month from NMG's Crown Prince open pit operation, starting mid-2025.

The ore will be processed at Westgold's Bluebird plant, increasing production and reducing costs at the operation. This collaboration is expected to benefit both companies by leveraging existing Westgold infrastructure and unlocking value for NMG shareholders without the need for additional capital investment or exposure to plant construction delays.

The initial term of the agreement is two years, with potential extensions on a quarterly basis.

During Q3 FY25, all conditions precedent to the agreement were either met or waived, with first ore expected from Crown Prince in H1 FY26.

Share Capital

Westgold closed the quarter with the following capital structure:

Security Type Number on Issue Fully Paid Ordinary Shares 943,109,690 Performance Rights (Rights) 9,209,727

Quarterly conference call details

Wayne Bramwell (Managing Director & CEO), Tommy Heng (Chief Financial Officer) and Aaron Rankine (Chief Operating Officer) will present the results via webcast on Wednesday, 30 April 2025 at 9:00AM AWST / 11:00AM AEST, followed by a Q&A session.

To listen to the Webcast live, please click on the link below and register your details. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

MARCH 2025 QUARTERLY WEBCAST

Please log on a few minutes before the scheduled commencement time to ensure you are registered in time for the start of the call.

Compliance Statements

Forward Looking Statements

These materials prepared by Westgold Resources Limited (or the "Company") include forward looking statements. Often, but not always, forward looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward looking words such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "believe", "forecast", "predict", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "continue", and "guidance", or other similar words and may include, without limitation, statements regarding plans, strategies and objectives of management, anticipated production or construction commencement dates and expected costs or production outputs.

Forward looking statements inherently involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance, and achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements. Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange fluctuations and general economic conditions, increased costs and demand for production inputs, the speculative nature of exploration and project development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits and diminishing quantities or grades of reserves, political and social risks, changes to the regulatory framework within which the Company operates or may in the future operate, environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, recruitment and retention of personnel, industrial relations issues and litigation.

Forward looking statements are based on the Company and its management's good faith assumptions relating to the financial, market, regulatory and other relevant environments that will exist and affect the Company's business and operations in the future. The Company does not give any assurance that the assumptions on which forward looking statements are based will prove to be correct, or that the Company's business or operations will not be affected in any material manner by these or other factors not foreseen or foreseeable by the Company or management or beyond the Company's control.

Although the Company attempts and has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actual results, performance, achievements or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and many events are beyond the reasonable control of the Company. In addition, the Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward looking statements as a result of the factors outlined in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ or the ASX, including, in the company's current annual report, half year report or most recent management discussion and analysis.

Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Forward looking statements in these materials speak only at the date of issue. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant stock exchange listing rules, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances.

Appendix A  Key metrics by operating asset





Q4 FY24 Q1 FY25 Q2 FY25 Q3 FY25 Fortnum Mill









Ore milled kt 191 196 208 202 Milled grade g/t 3.20 2.52 2.46 2.08 Recovery % 96 95 95 93 Gold Produced koz 18,902 15,069 15,517 12,506 Bluebird Mill









Ore milled kt 366 349 219 240 Milled grade g/t 1.76 2.03 2.36 2.00 Recovery % 89 89 89 92 Gold Produced koz 18,506 20,306 14,933 14,136 Tuckabianna Mill









Ore milled kt 306 334 322 310 Milled grade g/t 1.82 1.86 1.78 1.86 Recovery % 86 87 87 88 Gold Produced koz 15,388 17,514 16,011 16,264 Higginsville Mill









Ore milled kt - 209 346 333 Milled grade g/t - 1.73 1.72 2.17 Recovery % - 92 92 93 Gold Produced koz - 10,587 17,529 21,804 Lakewood Mill









Ore milled kt - 202 247 212 Milled grade g/t - 2.31 2.31 2.46 Recovery % - 92 92 92 Gold Produced koz - 13,893 16,896 15,397 Starlight UG









Ore mined kt 149 174 168 147 Mined grade g/t 3.94 2.67 2.67 2.64 Contained gold koz 18,817 14,936 14,374 12,495 Bluebird-South Junction UG









Ore mined kt 96 95 88 109 Mined grade g/t 3.55 3.71 3.42 2.71 Contained gold koz 10,953 11,297 9,649 9,483 Big Bell UG









Ore mined kt 319 307 333 247 Mined grade g/t 1.90 1.94 1.81 1.80 Contained gold koz 19,429 19,143 19,338 14,251 Fender UG









Ore mined kt 74 75 76 79 Mined grade g/t 2.33 2.45 2.26 2.37 Contained gold koz 5,570 5,851 5,531 6,048 Beta Hunt UG









Ore mined kt - 250 407 363 Mined grade g/t - 2.36 2.26 2.79 Contained gold koz - 18,949 29,555 32,498 Two Boys UG









Ore mined kt - 42 44 52 Mined grade g/t - 2.58 2.22 2.52 Contained gold koz - 3,464 3,125 4,213

Appendix B  Group metrics

Physical Summary Units Q4 FY24 Q1 FY25 Q2 FY25 Q3 FY25 ROM - UG Ore Mined t 638,816 941,508 1,115,123 996,641 UG Grade Mined g/t 2.7 2.4 2.3 2.5 Ore Processed t 862,889 1,289,561 1,342,005 1,296,656 Head Grade g/t 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 Recovery % 89 90 91 91 Gold Produced oz 52,795 77,369 80,886 80,107 Gold Sold oz 58,575 72,202 86,879 78,398 Achieved Gold Price A$/oz 3,493 3,723 4,066 4,630 Cost Summary Mining A$'M 38 88 124 120 Processing A$'M 34 53 56 57 Admin A$'M 9 11 11 11 Stockpile Movements A$'M (2) (2) (3) 5 Royalties A$'M 5 10 17 16 Cash Cost (produced oz) A$'M 84 161 205 209 Corporate Costs A$'M 2 4 4 4 Sustaining Capital A$'M 22 23 10 14 All-in Sustaining Costs A$'M 108 187 219 227 All-in Sustaining Costs A$/oz 2,041 2,422 2,703 2,829 Notional Cashflow Summary Notional Revenue (produced oz) A$'M 184 288 329 371 All-in Sustaining Costs A$'M 108 187 219 227 Mine Operating Cashflow A$'M 77 101 110 144 Growth Capital A$'M (51) (39) (29) (31) Plant and Equipment A$'M (13) (19) (27) (15) Exploration Spend A$'M (8) (14) (9) (11) Net Mine Cashflow A$'M 5 29 45 87 Net Mine Cashflow A$/oz 91 368 554 1,094

SOURCE Westgold Resources Limited

Investor Relations: Kasun Liyanaarachchi, Group Manager IR & Communications, [email protected], +61 458 564 483; Media: Annette Ellis, Manager Communications & Corporate Affairs, [email protected], +61 458 200 039
AI Made Real Summit brings together business and thought leaders to share knowledge and insights on achieving results with AI

TORONTO, April 30, 2025 /CNW/ - Members of the media are invited to attend KPMG in Canada's AI Made Real Summit, a half-day of panel discussions, keynote presentations and live technology demonstrations for C-Suite executives, senior decision-makers, finance professionals, technology and human resources leaders in Toronto on May 7 and Kitchener on May 27.

Held in collaboration with Microsoft Canada, the summits are part of a series of exclusive events in six major Canadian cities featuring real-life case studies from organizations that have implemented AI successfully, and practical strategies for organizations looking to achieve results with AI.

"Artificial intelligence is advancing more rapidly than ever, especially with the evolution of digital agents, which nearly 9 in 10 Canadian organizations recognize as a competitive differentiator. Even so, many organizations are still unsure of how to use AI effectively, and they're not realizing the full benefits from the technology," says Stephanie Terrill, Canadian Managing Partner of Digital and Transformation, KPMG in Canada.

"At our AI Made Real Summit, business and thought leaders will exchange ideas, knowledge and insights about AI that will help them stay ahead of the curve, and turn theoretical concepts into practical solutions that can be applied at their organizations."

"We're at a critical juncture in the Canadian economy: we're dealing with a trade war and a productivity crisis. AI can help Canadian businesses be more agile, innovative and competitive as they face an uncertain economy," she adds.

Members of the media are invited to register for the summit by contacting KPMG in Canada's media relations team. Details of the events are listed below:

AI Made Real Summit Toronto

Date: May 7, 2025

Time: 1 pm - 6 pm EST

Location: Design Exchange, 234 Bay St., Toronto

Agenda and Speakers: Agenda - AI Made Real: KPMG AI Summits

AI Made Real Summit Kitchener

Date: May 27, 2025

Time: 8 am  11:45 am EST

Location: KPMG at the Glovebox, 120 Victoria Street South, Kitchener, Ontario

Agenda and Speakers: Agenda - AI Made Real: KPMG AI Summits

For information on AI Made Real summits taking place in other cities across Canada, visit: AI Made Real: KPMG AI Summits - KPMG Canada

About KPMG in Canada

KPMG LLP, a limited liability partnership, is a full-service Audit, Tax and Advisory firm owned and operated by Canadians. For over 150 years, our professionals have provided consulting, accounting, auditing, and tax services to Canadians, inspiring confidence, empowering change, and driving innovation. Guided by our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Together, For Better, KPMG employs more than 10,000 people in over 40 locations across Canada, serving private- and public-sector clients. KPMG is consistently ranked one of Canada's top employers and one of the best places to work in the country.

The firm is established under the laws of Ontario and is a member of KPMG's global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a private English company limited by guarantee. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. For more information, see kpmg.com/ca

For media inquiries:

Roula Meditskos

National Communications and Media Relations

KPMG in Canada

416-549-7982

[email protected]

SOURCE KPMG LLP
TORONTO, April 30, 2025 /CNW/ - U.S. President Donald Trump's latest executive order to phase in new tariffs on auto parts is part of a continued attack on Canada's auto sector and the tens of thousands of workers it supports.

Trump continues to attack Canadian auto jobs (CNW Group/Unifor)

"Trump's move to tweak his auto tariff plan is nothing but window dressing  it changes nothing for Canadian workers," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "Canada is not the problem and never has been. This is a deliberate strategy by the U.S. to siphon investment out of Canada and steal our jobs. It's unacceptable  and we will not stand by while our industry is undermined."

Canada and the U.S. maintain a nearly balanced automotive trade, while the U.S. imports approximately 3.5 million vehicles each year from outside North America, primarily from Japan, South Korea, and Germany.

Rather than ending the unjust tariffs on Canadian goods, the Trump administration has concocted a temporary and convoluted tariff offset scheme designed to shield U.S. plants while continuing to treat Canada as a trade enemy. This stopgap measure may prevent an immediate collapse of U.S. auto production but still delivers a crushing blow to Canada's tightly linked supply chain.

Unifor has long warned that disrupting the deeply integrated Canada-U.S. auto sector will trigger production stoppages within days, with devastating consequences on both sides of the border.

"It's absolutely critical that our newly elected federal government acts with urgency  not only to protect Canadian autoworkers today but to secure the future of our industry," Payne added. "If automakers want to sell vehicles in Canada, they must be required to build here too."

Canadians purchase around two million vehicles each year, surpassing the country's total domestic vehicle production.

In this revised tariff scheme on auto parts, the U.S. excludes Canadian and Mexican-made components that comply with origin rules under the CUSMA trade agreement but continues to apply 25% tariffs on Canadian parts (whether those parts are CUSMA-compliant or not) in Canadian-assembled vehicles.

"This partial tariff patchwork is reckless. The Canadian and U.S. auto industry is built on seamless cross-border trade and any disruption breeds instability, strains manufacturers financially, and puts people out of work," said Payne. "We need action  not just words  to defend Canadian jobs and keep our industry strong."

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor

For media inquiries or to arrange interviews via FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype please contact Unifor Communications Director Kathleen O'Keefe at [email protected] or by cell at (416) 896-3303
Frankfurt am Main, Germany, April 30th, 2025, CyberNewsWire

Link11 has fully integrated DOSarrest and Reblaze to become one of Europes leading providers of network security, web application security, and application performance

Link11, DOSarrest, and Reblaze have combined their strengths into a single, integrated platform with a new brand identity. The result: a consistent user experience, maximum efficiency, and seamless security. As a European provider, Link11 addresses the current business risks associated with geopolitical uncertainties and growing compliance requirements. At the same time, the company secures business-critical processes worldwide through the synergies created.

With the acquisitions of DOSarrest in 2021 and Reblaze Technologies in 2024, Link11 has expanded its market position. The new Link11 WAAP (Web Application and API Protection) SaaS platform combines comprehensive DDoS protection against web attacks with ML-based adaptive security and API protection. The result is an unmatched combination of adaptive real-time traffic filtering, AI-powered bot detection, and a next-gen web application firewall for secure and encrypted interactions in a single suite.

At the end of 2023, Link11 secured an investment of 26.5 million from Pride Capital Partners. This financing will support the companys planned product developments and international go-to-market strategy.

Maximum security through proprietary, sovereign cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence

Link11 is setting new standards in protection against DDoS attacks by using its own AI-based technology. The patented DDoS filter secures all traffic within the Link11 cloud  faster and more efficiently than conventional solutions. The advantages over competitors lie in users full control over scaling and intelligent real-time analysis of traffic, as well as continuous learning from attacks.

While other providers rely on third-party infrastructures such as AWS or Google, Link11 controls its own cloud infrastructure. This allows protection mechanisms to work in real time  without delays that can have critical consequences in a DDoS attack. As one of Europes leading IT security providers, Link11 enables platform-independent protection, even in multi-cloud environments.

Technological independence as a security factor

The solution is designed for workloads in any cloud environment. Link11s network was developed specifically for modern cybersecurity requirements and sovereignty. It strengthens security at the network edge, accelerates global content delivery, and provides resilience and data sovereignty.

Jens-Philipp Jung, founder and CEO of Link11: Cybersecurity today means resilience against threats and outages. European companies that set global standards in data protection should also insist on independence when it comes to their cyber resilience. Especially in times of geopolitical uncertainty, sovereign, powerful and trustworthy IT solutions are needed. With Link11, we are demonstrating what European cutting-edge technology can achieve: maximum resilience, top performance and uncompromising compliance  independently and confidently.

European companies should rely on an EU-based DDoS protection provider

Recent surveys of cybersecurity managers show that, given the option, independent and trustworthy security solutions from Europe will be used more in the future. Link11 has been successfully providing its services to companies such as financial institutions, media companies, retail and logistics companies, and the public sector for many years. With a strong brand and a multi-layered security approach, Link11 helps its customers reduce their dependence on cybersecurity. The goal is to make security architectures more resilient  technologically, functionally, and geopolitically.

YouTube link: Link11  Always at your side

About Link11

Link11 is a specialized European IT security provider that protects global infrastructures and web applications from cyberattacks. Its cloud-based IT security solutions help companies worldwide strengthen the cyber resilience of their networks and critical applications and avoid business interruptions. Link11 is a BSI-qualified provider of DDoS protection for critical infrastructure. With ISO 27001 certification, it meets the highest standards in data security.

Contact

Lisa Froehlich

Link11 GmbH

[email protected]


San Francisco, United States, April 29th, 2025, CyberNewsWire

By fusing agentic AI and contextual threat intelligence, SecAI transforms investigation from a bottleneck into a force multiplier.

SecAI, an AI-enriched threat intelligence company, made its official debut today at RSA Conference 2025 in San Francisco, marking the companys first public appearance on the global cybersecurity stage. At the event, the SecAI team is showcasing the latest version of its platform to security professionals from around the world.

The updated SecAI Investigator platform is purpose-built to solve one of cybersecuritys most stubborn challenges: efficient threat investigation. It tackles this by combining two key innovations. First, it delivers curated, high-fidelity threat intelligence, which includes clear verdicts, multi-dimensional labels, and rich context like historical attack behavior through a unified interface. Second, its designed from the ground up with an AI-native architecture. The platform leverages advanced AI techniques not only for natural language interaction, but for deep information integration, contextual security reasoning, and suggest remediation options.

SecAI Booth At RSA Conference 2025, N-6570

We believe the future of cybersecurity lies in intelligent systems that can think and adapt like seasoned analysts, said Chase Lee, Managing Director at SecAI. Threat investigation has remained one of the most human-intensive parts of the SOC, but it doesnt have to be. By combining deep threat intelligence with agentic AI, were not just accelerating investigationswere reshaping whats possible in cyber defense. This is about giving security teams superhuman capabilities to meet the scale and speed of modern threats.

In the security operations lifecycletypically divided into detection, investigation, and responseautomation has advanced detection and response dramatically over the past decade. But investigation remains a critical bottlenecks, often consuming over 70% of analysts time. SecAI believes that effective investigation depends on two essential capabilities: accurately gathering and organizing relevant information, and making sound, timely judgments. The main blockers today are:

A lack of timely, comprehensive threat intelligence

Ineffective methods for connecting data points to practical workflows

SecAI Investigator addresses both. By streamlining the investigation process, the platform enables analysts to rapidly evaluate the nature and relevance of IPs, domains, and threat actors, dive deep into logs and alerts, and make faster, more confident decisions.

Looking ahead, SecAI plans to roll out API and threat intelligence feed integrations, allowing customers to embed SecAIs contextual threat intelligence directly into their existing systems and workflows. This will enable real-time enrichment, faster responses, and more scalable intelligence-driven operations across teams.

Users can visit SecAI Investigator to explore the platform or connect with the SecAI team at RSA Conference 2025 at Booth 6570 for live demos and early access.

About SecAI

SecAI is an AI-native cybersecurity company specializing in threat detection, investigation, and response. By deeply analyzing adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and fusing advanced generative AI with rich, contextual threat intelligence, SecAI delivers smarter, faster, and more effective solutions for modern security teams. The teams mission is to transform cybersecurity operations by empowering analysts with intelligent systems that scale expertise and accelerate decision-making.

Contact

PR Manager

Nicholas Tan

SecAI

[email protected]


Weather Alert

Take action to protect yourself and others  extreme heat can affect everyones health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day. Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water. Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body. Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids. Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside. Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park. Follow the advice of your regions public health authority. Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day. Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind. Humidex values reaching 40 are expected. A heat event is expected Saturday to Sunday. What: Daytime highs of 31 to 33 degrees Celsius and a humidex of 40. Overnight lows of 21 to 25 degrees Celsius, providing little relief from the heat. When: Saturday to Sunday, coming to an end Sunday night. ### For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/how-protect-yourself.html https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/who-is-at-risk.html Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #ONStorm.
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President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order intended to ensure that only eligible citizens can vote in U.S. elections. While we laud the purpose of the order, a better approach would be to look at how states are using data that they already possess to determine a voter's citizenship, and identify ways that the federal government could provide additional assistance.

The executive order mandates that people provide proof of citizenship in order to register to vote anywhere in the country, and entrusts a federal agency  the Election Assistance Commission  with implementing the overhaul of the system. Currently, states set their own voting policies, and the Constitution tasks them with administering their own elections. Lawsuits have been filed to block the executive order, and the likelihood of a successful implementation of the order after it has been completely adjudicated is extremely low.

The White House said in a fact sheet that the order would "protect the integrity of American elections" by strengthening voter citizenship verification and ending "foreign interference in our election process." In practice, however, the order has the potential to create numerous unfunded mandates that election workers would be forced to contend with, and the possibility of creating other unintended consequences.

As conservative Republicans and former secretaries of state responsible for administering elections in two Southern states, we have seen this dynamic play out in real time. Our experience has taught us that, thankfully, noncitizen voting is rare  it is already illegal in federal elections and is only authorized in a few local jurisdictions.

But there is still much that can be done to ensure that it stays low. Those who are interested in getting the citizenship issue right can look to the states for promising pathways forward. What these efforts have in common is that they put the onus on state officials to ensure that rolls are free of noncitizens, rather than relying on people registering to vote to prove their citizenship. To date, there is no mechanism in place to easily allow states and local jurisdictions to confirm citizenship.

In Oklahoma , for example, the state legislature passed S.B. 1040, which applies a so-called citizenship filter to the state's voter registration procedures. What the law does, in effect, is prohibit state employees from registering any residents to vote if they have provided documentation that demonstrates they are not a U.S. citizen. While this may seem like common sense, language barriers, unfamiliarity with the relevant documentation and clerical oversights can often result in noncitizens being inadvertently offered the opportunity to register.

Idaho's proposed H.B. 339, if passed, would "ensure that only eligible Idaho voters are registered to vote in Idaho" by requiring that all registering voters be cross-checked against citizen databases. If a voter's citizenship status doesn't match with the database, they would be removed from the rolls. Secretary of State Phil McGrane has said his office removed several dozen noncitizen voters while acknowledging that "this is very rare, it's very limited." This comes after Idaho voters approved a constitutional amendment barring noncitizen voting last year.

In Missouri , there are two bills under consideration that, taken together, would help to rebuild confidence that voter rolls are secure and up to date. S.B. 62 would require "documentary proof of United States citizenship  in order to register to vote." And S.B. 280 would require the relevant state agencies to screen driver's license recipients for citizenship status before they are provided with a voter registration application form. Again, while this seems like common sense, codifying it into law helps head off potential red tape and bureaucratic issues in the future.

In Georgia , Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger conducted an audit last year to verify the citizenship status of eligible voters and root out noncitizens. The state says it has now successfully implemented a system within its motor vehicle administration to verify citizenship status. In February, Raffensperger sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security regarding the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) act  legislation that, if passed by Congress , would impose sweeping changes to the nation's election system  urging federal officials to "remove some of the current burden states face in using SAVE as a tool for citizenship verification."

What these and other successful state-level policies understand is that there can be unintended consequences to introducing new citizenship requirements. Most people agree that we need to ensure only U.S. citizens vote, but many fail to consider the second-order effects of less-targeted policies aimed at doing so. In one noteworthy case, in Kansas , state officials found that most of the 30,000 citizens who were removed from voter rolls under state law were, in fact, eligible U.S. citizens.

To take another example, married women who are U.S. citizens could be mistakenly purged from the rolls under the SAVE act because of discrepancies related to changing their last names. In many cases, these voters skew disproportionately Republican, meaning that GOP -led voter integrity efforts could end up removing eligible Republican voters from the rolls .

It is also critical to remember that, in addition to new voter ID laws, many states are working with out-of-date election technology and little or no funding available for modernization. Based on our years of experience administering elections, we know that officials can only do so much with limited resources. By freeing up additional funds and connecting states with federal databases to cross-check voter information, states can better position themselves for success.

The Republican majority in Congress has an opportunity to increase election funding by passing $75 million in new election-security grants. This money would be used for cybersecurity protection against foreign threats, staffing, purchasing new vote-counting equipment, updating registration systems and more.

At the same time, it's important to point out that, fortunately, noncitizen voting is historically rare. In states where such fraud has been investigated, very few instances have been found in the modern era. Yet those in charge of administering elections must contend with the fact that a critical mass of the voting public harbors serious concerns about election integrity in general, and noncitizen voting in particular.

For these reasons, we co-chair the Secure Elections Project , a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to keeping elections safe while ensuring everyone has fair access to voting in their lawful jurisdiction. Thankfully, as we've seen, it's possible to take voters' concerns seriously at the state level  while maintaining the right of eligible U.S. citizens to cast a legal ballot.

John H. Merrill, a Republican, was Alabama's secretary of state from 2015-23. He is co-chair of the advisory board at the Secure Elections Project and is the principal of Morning in Alabama Consulting LLC . John H. Merrill, a Republican, was Alabama's secretary of state from 2015-23. He is co-chair of the advisory board at the Secure Elections Project and is the principal of Morning in Alabama Consulting LLC .

(COMMENT, BELOW)




A first-degree manslaughter charge against a Bergen County woman accused in the alleged poisoning of an 11-month-old girl was dropped Wednesday after the infants cause of death couldnt be determined, her attorney said.

Elida Ofelia Medina-Ramos, 76, was arrested two months after the child lapsed into a seizure in the womans Palisades Park home on Dec. 7, 2021.

Investigators said blood tests later revealed a high level of magnesium in the babys system.
Jill Brave, the librarian at Walter Stillman School in Tenafly, with the book Jumanji that arrived in the mail last week, 43 years after it was checked out. Richard Cowen/NJ Advance Media for NJ.Com

Students at the Walter Stillman School in Tenafly are trying to solve a real-life mystery: who mailed the book Jumanji back to the school library last week, 43 years after it was checked out?

The long-overdue book was shipped by priority mail from the U.S. Post Office in Drums, Pennsylvania, with a $40 money order attached. There was no note, just the word Clifton scrawled over the return address. 784 Saint Johns Rd, Drums, Pa., 18222, which happened to be the post office.

Someone went to a lot of trouble to mail it and send the check, said Jill Brave, the school librarian. Someone felt bad about it or wanted to make it right.

Who was that someone? Was Clifton a first name, a last name, or no name at all?

Instead of simply putting the book back on the shelf, Brave turned the mystery into a teachable moment.

Shes been digging through old paper library records from the pre-digital days for leads and feeding them to her students, Gal Ayzenberg, 7, Sanjana Sen, 9, and Miles Grinshtein, 10. Braves super sleuths plug the keywords into the Google search engine and follow the data where it takes them.

The super sleuths at Walter Stillman School in Tenafly are L to R, Gal Ayzenberg, 7, Miles Grinshtein, 10., and Sanjana Sen, 9. They're trying to figure out who returned the book "Jumanji" to the school library last week, 43 years after it was checked out. Richard Cowen/NJ Advance Media for NJ.Com

Brave said the books back cover contains the catalogue card with a return date of 5/26/82. Old library records indicate the last child to check out the book was a girl named Jessica.

There were five Jessicas enrolled in Stillman in 1982, but none of them had the last name Clifton, Brave said.

The book also had a note attached to the back cover. Please return to Mrs. Wilbur in 5 days, it read.

Gal Ayzenberg googled Wilbur and came up with the obituary for Marie L. Wilbur, the Stillman school librarian who died in 2019 at the age of 101.

The search has yielded other clues. The $40 money order was purchased at a Turkey Hill store in Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania, but not the name of the purchaser.

Drums, where the post office is located, is south of Scranton and near the point where I-80 and I-81 meet.

Grinshtein knows code and created a website for the project. The data gets fed into his laptop as the search continues.

Im going to update my website and add more to it, he said. Theres a couple of bugs, but that doesnt matter. There is so much more I can add to it.

Written by Chris Van Allsburg and published in 1981, Jumanji is a childrens picture book that was later turned into movie. It tells the story of two bored kids who take a walk to the park and find a safari-themed board game.

They take it home and the safari creatures come to life. Ironically, the board game comes with a warning: Do not begin unless you intend to finish.

Brave and her team of online investigators are determined to finish what they started. Theyre hoping whoever sent the book will read about their search and come forward.

Hopefully if they see the news theyll reach out, Sen said. If they dont, it was just fun to try.

Gayle Lander, the Stillman principal, said the project enhances research skills plus critical thinking. She hopes the mystery book sender will come forward, and said the project will continue.

I see a writing assignment for the whole school, she said.

. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.Richard Cowen may be reached at rcowen@njadvancemedia.com.

.
This popular retailer is announcing big changes in how people get their items that will take effect in late 2025. AP

Walmart is a shopping mecca for many Americans who are looking to find deals on clothing, groceries and even toys.

This is why it is no surprise that the retail giant is the biggest Fortune 500 company in the U.S.

Now, Walmarts CEO recently announced to company shareholders that the company is looking to shorten delivery times as soon as late 2025.

Heres what you need to know about the changes coming to Walmart.

What is changing with Walmart in late 2025?

Walmart is looking to shorten delivery times to as fast as three hours to 95% of Americans by the end of 2025, according to the Walmart letter to company shareholders.

The improvements in delivery time come as Walmart is improving its supply-chain operations.

We are more tech-powered than weve ever been, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon stated in the letter. Were building and deploying todays technologies ... in its various forms, and automated storage and retrieval systems in our distribution and fulfillment centers.

According to Walmarts annual report, Walmart is investing in e-commerce orders by giving them choices on how they want to receive their items.

The big-box retailers e-commerce sales hit $121 billion, according to the latest figures.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
An actor best known for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has shared details about his near-fatal snowplow accident.

Jeremy Renner, who played Hawkeye in several Marvel movies, revealed he died while waiting for help following the accident in his recently released memoir My Next Breath.

The accident occurred in Reno, Nev. on New Years Day of 2023. Renner was ran over by a 14,000-pound snowplow while attempting to save his nephew from being struck by the same machine. The incident resulted in Renner breaking more than 30 bones in and losing six quarts of blood.

As I lay on the ice, my heart rate slowed, and right there, on that New Years Day, unknown to my daughter, my sisters, my friends, my father, my mother, I just got tired, Renner, 54, wrote in the memoir, per Us Weekly. After about 30 minutes on the ice, of breathing manually for so long, an effort akin to doing 10 or 20 push-ups per minute for half an hour  thats when I died.

The Avengers: Endgame actors explained that his heart rate had bottomed out at 18.

I died, right there on the driveway to my house, he wrote. I know I died  in fact, Im sure of it.

Renner also claimed that the pain medicine he was given while recovering were causing him to hallucinate. He detailed a conversation he had with legendary entertainer Jamie Foxx while hallucinating.

When the curtains didnt respond, Jamie Foxx did. He was in my room quite a bit (he wasnt), Renner wrote. We talked about this and that (I talked, he didnt say much because he wasnt really there); we went snowmobiling together (we didnt  for a start, theres no snow in Southern California).

The actor said his family dismissed his claims of hallucination so, against the advice of doctors, he stopped taking the prescribed pain meds because he hated how they made him feel.

Now that I was out of the hospital, I just wanted to rush back into a sense of normal, a normal that didnt involve chatting with curtains or an absent Jamie Foxx, he wrote.

Renner, a two-time Oscar nominee, has appeared in movies like The Hurt Locker, The Town, Wind River, and several Marvel films such as Thor, The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Endgame, and Hawkeye.

More entertainment news:

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Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SwishBurch. Find NJ.comon Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.
Members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-female majority Black unit formed during World War II known as the Six Triple Eight, were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal on Tuesday, April 29, at Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in Washington. (National Archives via AP, File) AP

The families of the Six Triple Eight, the only majority Black and all-female U.S. military unit that served in World War II, received the Congressional Gold Medal on Tuesday.

Also known as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the unit was responsible for resolving the militarys ongoing mail crisis while serving in England, AP News reported.

The Six Triple Eight, comprised of 855 members, was assigned to organize and send a backlog of about 17 million pieces of mail. In three months, the unit resolved the massive mail stockpile, exceeding expectations, AP News reported.

Today, we lift up the families of those gathered here and those carrying this legacy across generations. May this moment bring healing, affirmation and pride. May it remind us that no act of valor is ever forgotten, and no story of sacrifice should ever go untold, said Frances" Toni" Murphy Draper, CEO of AFRO American Newspapers, said Tuesday during the ceremonys invocation at the Emancipation Hall, at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, in Washington.

They crossed oceans and broke barriers amid the devastation of war under unimaginable conditions, cold, dark, rat-infested warehouses with bombs overhead and morale crumbling, she added. They brought order hope and human connection.

Draper said the units members came from all over the United States, including her aunt Vashti Charlie Murphy Matthews.

House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the units greatness before their families who attended Tuesdays ceremony.

We are honored to be joined by over 300 descendants and family members of the Six Triple Eight, said Johnson, who presented the medal to unit commander Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earleys family. What a testimony this is to the enduring impact of the remarkable women that we honor today.

This ceremony represents one of the most highest and cherished traditions of our republic, he added. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor this body can bestow. Its reserved for those whose courage and service shaped our country and our nations story.

The units two living unit members, Fannie McClendon and Anna Mae Robertson, did not attend the ceremony but watched online, Johnson said.

In February 2022, Congress voted 442 to 0 to award unit members the Congressional Gold Medal, according to Congress.gov.

The medal is the highest civilian award given by Congress to people who have made a huge and enduring impact on American history and culture, according to the Smithsonians website.

The Six Triple Eight battalion were these unsung heroes who served their country, and they did it because they were patriotic, not because they ever thought they would get any recognition, said Wisconsin Rep. Gwen Moore, who co-sponsored legislation to award the medal.

Now 80 years later, after they were deployed to Europe, this ceremony is a fitting end to a long journey (and) to make sure we do not forget their service. ... Their story reminds us that while there is much that divides us in our country today, theres even more that joins us.

During World War II, the military was racially segregated. However, Black American organizations were increasingly advocating for Black women to be included in the Womens Army Corps, which allowed them to join their white counterparts overseas, AP News reported.

To tackle the large mail backlog, members processed roughly 65,000 pieces of mail during each of their three shifts, AP News reported.

While maintaining a 24-hour shift schedule, members also established a system using locator cards with a service members name and unit number to ensure the mail reached them, AP News reported.

Last year, Netflix released a film, The Six Triple Eight," which tells the story of the historic unit. The movie, directed by film mogul Tyler Perry, starred actress Kerry Washington, Tudum by Netflix reported.

In 2018, a monument honoring the unit was erected at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

A year later, the Six Triple Eight received the Meritorious Unit Commendation, an award recognizing organizations for outstanding heroism in combat and exceptional achievement or service in direct support of combat operations, AP News reported.

Mosaic staff writer Vashti Harris can be reached at vharris@njadvancemedia.com.

Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom, on Facebook at MosaicNJcom, on Twitter (X) at @MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom.
A 29-year-old Irvington man was convicted last week of first-degree murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault in a 2022 triple shooting inside a Bloomfield variety store that left one man dead and another paralyzed, authorities said.

Joseph Ocasio was found guilty on Friday following a six-week jury trial before Superior Court Judge Michael L. Ravin, according to a statement from the Essex County Prosecutors Office.

Ocasio was also convicted on weapons charges and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
New Jersey's first election, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote, saw a 4% turnout among newly eligible teens. Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com

A total of 71 16- and 17-year-olds cast ballots in Newarks historic April 15 school board election out of the 1,796 newly eligible teens registered for New Jerseys first election under a lowered voting age, according to certified election results.

The number of votes cast by registrants under 18 amounted to a 4% turnout, according to tallies released Tuesday by Essex County Clerk Christopher Durkin, the countys top election official.

The teen turnout was slightly higher than for the citys overall electorate for this months election and traditionally for school board races in Newark, where the turnout has hovered around 3% in recent years.

But it was still soft and may indicate it will take longer to get young Newarkers into the habit of voting than initially hoped by proponents of the lowered voting age, said Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, who has followed the groundbreaking election.

This stuff starts slow, but this is particularly slow, Rasmussen said. These numbers were soft.

Rasmussen said school election turnout across the state typically ranges from the high single digits if theres little controversy to more than 20% if a contentious referendum is on the ballot.

Compared to 16- and 17-year-olds, Newark voters of all ages turned out at a rate of 3.47%, with 4,958 people casting ballots from among Newarks total of 142,806 registered voters at election time, Durkin reported.

This years overall turnout was higher than the 2.8% figure in last years election, one of only a dozen or so school board contests statewide that havent been moved to November, which observers say contributes to Newarks low turnout.

This years race, swept by a Moving Newark Schools Forward slate of three candidates backed by Mayor Ras J. Baraka, was the first binding election of any kind in New Jersey that allowed residents who are U.S. citizens to vote as young as 16.

Baraka and the Newark City Council lowered the minimum voting age in school elections from 18 to 16 in January 2024, with the hope of improving the citys perennially low turnout in local contests.

Advocates, including the Newark-based Institute for Social Justice, cited research suggesting that the earlier in life that people begin voting, the more likely they are to become regular voters.

Henal Patel, law and policy director for the social justice institute, welcomed the higher-than-overall turnout among newly enfranchised voters as a promising sign.

While still low, Patel noted that the teen turnout followed a short registration period from Feb. 1 to March 25, followed by just three weeks to get out the vote before the mid-April election.

Despite all of that, they still turned out at higher numbers, she said of the new teen voters compared to their elders. Thats notable and impressive, and in future years, we expect it will get higher.

Patel said few New Jersey registrants initially took advantage of early voting after state lawmakers approved it in 2021, but that a million people cast ballots early in the November presidential election.

Gov. Phil Murphy supports lowering the school voting age to 16 statewide, and a bill to do that sponsored by fellow Democrats is pending. Last year, Murphy signed a law that, starting in 2026, will allow 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they turn 18 before the corresponding general election.

A total of 11 candidates were seeking three seats on the nine-member Newark Board of Education. The board sets policy for the states largest school district, which includes more than 60,000 traditional public and charter school students and a budget of $1.57 billion for the 2025-26 school year.

The winning slate was led by the one incumbent in the race, Kanaleah Anderson, who drew a high total of 2,915 votes. Anderson was followed by running mates Louis Maisonave, with 2,499 votes, and David Daughety, with 2,442.

Daughety is the youth impact program coordinator with the Center for Justice Innovation, and at 23, he was the youngest candidate in this years youth-oriented race.

Board members Daniel Gonzalez and Crystal Williams, both elected in the past with the mayors backing, did not seek re-election.

AdeKamil Kelly, who led a Prioritizing Newarks Children slate that included Nathanael Barthelemy and Shana Melius, was the lone challenger in the quadruple digits, with 1,082 votes.

The five other candidates were Latoya Jackson, Yolanda Johnson, Jordy Nivar, DeWayne Bush, and Elaine Asyah Aquil.

Without reliable exit polling, its hard to know for whom Newarks youngest voters cast their ballots, though it was clear from the winners better-than-2-to-1 margin that the young voters did not influence the outcome.

Even so, Patel said it was possible that the younger voters did help boost the overall turnout.

Apart from adding 71 votes to the tally, the newly enfranchised teens may have encouraged their parents, older siblings, or family friends to go to the polls  even to go with them.

I do think thats something we should ask, Patel said of future voter surveys. You can see that having a ripple effect. Its certainly a great sign that overall turnout is higher this year.

Local civic groups, the school district, and elected school and municipal officials encouraged Newarks teens to register and vote in the election, hosting candidates forums, waging awareness campaigns and other means, though campaigning in schools was prohibited.

The efforts succeeded in registering about a quarter of the estimated 7,000 or so teens old enough to vote. But ultimately it was up to the young registrants to get to the polls and cast ballots, Rasmussen said.

You can capture them in that moment of registration when someone says, Will you register? and offers them the chance to register, Rasmussen said. But then when it comes time for them to act affirmatively and cast the ballot, thats the challenge.

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Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com
Doris "Toni" Ervin, aunt of Andrew Jerome Washington III, wearing bracelets promoting mental health awareness, holds a poster in memory of her nephew who was shot and killed by police on Aug. 27, 2023, while he was experiencing a mental health episode. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

A Jersey City police officer wont face charges in the shooting death of a 52-year-old in 2023, officials with the Attorney Generals Office said Tuesday.

A grand jury declined to file charges against officer Stephen Gigante after he fatally shot Andrew Washington, 52, of Jersey City in an encounter on Aug. 27, 2023.

Body worn camera recordings released by the Attorney Generals Office in September 2023 appeared to show Washington with a butchers knife after Jersey City police kicked in the door to his apartment when the man was having an apparent mental health crisis.

Jersey City police were called to an apartment building on Randolph Avenue at 2:36 p.m. on Aug. 27, 2023, after the Jersey City Medical Center reported someone in distress at the apartment, officials said.

A neighbor called Washingtons family members after hearing loud banging in his apartment earlier in the day, authorities said. Family members told police at the scene that Washington had a history of mental health struggles, according to officials.

Washingtons family told officers that they believed he was off of his medication and needed to go to the hospital, and had contacted a mental health crisis hotline earlier to get help, officials said.

Officers were able to speak to Washington through the door of his second-floor apartment and he said he did not want to speak with EMTs before alluding to seeing ghosts, officials said.

Officers backed away from the door after they heard loud banging on the door from inside the apartment with an unknown object and called a sergeant and requested an Emergency Services Unit, officials said.

One of the responding officers from the Emergency Services Unit, Felix DeJesus, asked Washingtons family about his condition, officials said. DeJesus had a previous interaction with Washington two weeks prior during a similar mental health episode and successfully brought Washington to the hospital for treatment, officials said.

Gigante, also a member of the Emergency Services Unit and trained negotiator, arrived at the scene at 2:59 p.m. and spoke to Washington from the other side of the apartment door for a half-hour trying to convince him to leave the apartment and seek help, officials said.

Washington eventually stopped responding and at 3:14 p.m., officers were given approval to forcibly enter the apartment, under concern for Washingtons safety, officials said.

When officers breached the apartment door at about 3:28 p.m., Washington was standing a few feet away in the hallway holding a knife, officials said.

Officers told Washington to drop the knife but he opened the door and advanced towards officers while holding the knife, officials said.

DeJesus fired his taser at the same time Gigante fired two shots from his service gun, hitting Washington, officials said.

Washington was immediately transported to Jersey City Medical Center for treatment but died at 4:47 p.m., officials said.

A 13-inch knife was recovered from the scene, according to authorities.

The investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability into Washingtons death included a 911 call, body worn camera recordings, witness statements, photographs, ballistics and autopsy reports, officials said.

Washingtons family filed a lawsuit against Jersey City, 11 police officers and EMTs, the county and two health systems in August 2024.

The Washington family is filing this lawsuit first and foremost to get justice for Drew, said Amelia Green, lead counsel for the family at the time the suit was filed. They asked for help from a mental health system and instead received an armed police response which killed him. That should never happen to any family and the goal of this lawsuit is for it to never happen to any family again.

The lawsuit alleges that a failure to have the appropriate type of medical professional on the scene was a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The status of the lawsuit was unclear Tuesday and a spokesperson for Jersey City did not immediately return a request for comment.

Governor Phil Murphy signed the Seabrooks-Washington Community-Led Crisis Response Act in January 2024 that established a Community Crises Response Pilot Program which dedicates $12 million in grants for departments to ensure public-health centered resources are available to officers. The bill is named for Najee Seabrooks, who was killed in Paterson in March 2023, and Washington.

The first round of $2 million grants were awarded to organizations in Camden, Newark, Paterson, Trenton and Jersey City to help promote de-escalation and community-based outreach programs for those experiencing a behavioral health crises.

The incident with Washington also led to revisions on use of force policy regarding barricaded subjects, authorities said.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X
A paroled sex offender is facing child pornography charges again after federal investigators reported finding he had more than 800 child sex abuse files stored on a memory card.

David Tuytjens, 69, of Tewksbury, has been charged by complaint with a single count of possession of child pornography, the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey said in a statement on Wednesday.

In 2012, Tuytjens was convicted of the same charge and sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. As part of the sentence, he is subject to parole supervision for life and banned from owning any internet-capable devices. He was also previously convicted of aggravated sexual assault, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

In December of last year, the State Parole Board found a laptop and MicroSD memory card during a search of his home, authorities said. The storage card contained 800 photos and 30 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, federal prosecutors said.

Certain files contained sadistic or masochistic conduct and the sexual abuse of toddlers and infants, according to investigators.

Tuytjens made his first appearance in Trenton federal court and is now in custody.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
Firefighters were called early Wednesday to a fire on Boudinot Street in Trenton, where explosions were heard as flames tore through a duplex.

The fire was reported shortly after 1 a.m. in the three-story home near Murray Street. At least one person suffered facial burns. Four others were taken to a hospital, according to 6abc Philadelphia.

What sounds like explosions can be heard in cellphone video taken near the scene. I didnt see anything. I just heard things exploding, one man told the news station.

Residents were evacuated from nearby homes as firefighters fought the blaze through the early morning hours.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Local authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
A man who used funds he obtained from a COVID relief scheme to purchase a $1.5 million house and an expensive truck has been sentenced to prison.

Kevin Aguilar, 54, of Sherman, Texas, received the 16-year federal prison sentence on Tuesday, the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey said in a statement. He pleaded guilty last year to seven counts of bank fraud, three counts of wire fraud and several other charges including money laundering and aggravated identity theft.

Aguilar was living in Farmingdale, Monmouth County, when he conspired with others to apply for seven Paycheck Protection Program loans and three Economic Injury Disaster loans on behalf of four companies, federal authorities said. All of the applications were approved and he received more than $3.75 million, prosecutors said.

He then transferred the funds to bank accounts belonging to sham payroll companies in an attempt to conceal his illegal activity, officials said. Aguilar spent a portion of the money on a $1.5 million house in Sherman, Texas, and a $100,000 truck, court documents said.

Aguilar used someone elses identity to apply for one of the loans and included false information on all of the applications, authorities said.

He was charged along with Jean Rabbit, also of Sherman, Texas, in April 2023. The U.S. Attorneys Office did not provide an update on Rabbits criminal case.

As part of his sentence, Aguilar has been ordered to pay $3,772,567 in restitution in addition to forfeiture that includes $1,511,221.62 already seized from his bank accounts and property in Sherman, Texas. He will also be subject to five years of supervised release.

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Drastic funding cuts would affect services to close to 150,000 children receiving support from New Jersey's Department of Children and Families, Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer told state lawmakers last week. Canva

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New Jersey has made significant progress over the last two decades when it comes to child welfare, evolving from an overburdened system that required federal oversight to a national leader in keeping families together.

That progress is now threatened by potential federal funding cuts that could cost New Jerseys Department of Children and Families more than $100 million, Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer told state lawmakers last week.

A reduction of this magnitude would force the department to revert to its most basic role  that of child protection  not prevention, not support or empowerment, just surveillance and foster care, Norbut Beyer told members of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee during a hearing on the departments $2.3 billion budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Of that total budget, nearly $811 million is slated to come from the federal government.

In addition to child protection services, the department operates a health care system for 38,000 children with behavioral health problems or certain disabilities, a network of diverse programs to prevent sickness, sexual abuse, violence and more, and 13 schools for students with unique special needs. It also licenses child care centers.

Were in very dangerous territory, and the situation is extraordinarily dire. To be clear, there is no contingency, Norbut Beyer said. I would hate to see the progress made in the last 20 years to advance practices, policies and programs that uplift families limited or eliminated by current federal spending decisions. But its the reality were facing right now.

Republican tax cuts

New Jerseys child welfare safety net is not the only state system threatened by federal funding cuts as Republicans in Congress seek to slash spending to pay for tax cuts for wealthy Americans and corporations. New Jerseys Department of Health faces a possible clawback of at least $140 million in federal funds  a cut that would largely impact local public health programs  among other reductions, state officials have said. The Department of Human Services, which oversees the massive federal- and state-funded Medicaid program that provides health care to 1.9 million vulnerable New Jersey residents, estimated it could lose between $2 billion and $10 billion over the decade to come.

The thought of the chaos that could occur if the federal funding goes sideways, budget committee member Sen. John Burzichelli (D-Burlington) said last week, adding, Well have to deal with that when we get there.

Committee Chairman Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Union) has made it clear state taxpayers cannot fill the gap if funding from Washington, D.C., is reduced. Lawmakers have until July 1 to craft changes to the $58 billion budget Gov. Phil Murphy pitched in February, pass a bill codifying the spending and have Murphy sign it into law.

As a state, we cannot backfill these federal dollars, Sarlo said last week, echoing comments he made at other department budget hearings.

Norbut Beyer said shes an optimist and noted New Jerseys child welfare system managed to withstand the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced them to create a new playbook. But the impacts of federal funding reductions could be significant, a department analysis shows.

By the numbers

Changes by the Trump administration to how the federal government calculates each states Medicaid rate could drastically reduce funding through that program, which pays for health insurance for people with disabilities and those with low incomes and supports hospital care. For the Department of Children and Families, these changes could reduce by $55 million the $465 million it anticipated the federal government would provide for Medicaid in the coming fiscal year, according to the analysis. The changes could also lead to a $4 million cut from the expected $33 million in federal funding for emergency assistance.

While the department has budgeted nearly $204.7 million in federal funds for foster care and adoption costs, the changes under discussion could trim that by $17.5 million, the analysis shows. State officials also fear they could lose a $43.3 million block grant that funds case management for children in the child welfare system, something they said would result in fewer home visits, longer periods in foster care and caseloads that would exceed whats allowed by state law.

I have said before that the child welfare system is often the system of last resort for families who are struggling because it is the safety net when other social services resources have dried up, Norbut Beyer told lawmakers.

New Jerseys work to reform its child welfare system dates to 1999, when public outrage over the discovery of two starving boys in Newark, locked in a basement with their mummified dead brother  all known to the states foster care system  prompted the state to settle a federal lawsuit that led to federal oversight. At the time, there were nearly 13,000 children in the foster system, and some child welfare workers had caseloads of nearly 100 kids. There was little cohesion, centralization, or direction  staff were barely hanging on, Norbut Beyer testified.

We are a changed system

Working with the federal monitor, Norbut Beyer said the state changed how it approached child welfare, prioritizing upstream prevention of child abuse and maltreatment and working more closely with the families it served. It has also integrated programs to address family and sexual violence, services for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and other initiatives to support families, she said. Today, the department supports close to 150,000 children but has fewer than 3,000 in out-of-home placements, traditionally considered foster care. According to the most recent data, nearly half of these foster children live with other family members, like an aunt or grandparent.

In so many measures, and through so many programs, innovations, and best practices, we are a changed system, Norbut Beyer said. But to sustain our successes, to ensure that we dont backslide and that we maintain a passionate, compassionate, and skilled staff, we must remain vigilant.

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Its a pretty simple thing, said the Harvard researcher. Most hotel breakfasts have bananas. Its telling they are unwilling to do even that. Illustration by Andrea Levy

This is an opinion column.

I walked into a Piggly Wiggly in Alabama a few weeks ago, and I swear to Nick Saban I thought Id been drugged.

It was like every item on the condiment aisle had been stolen by aliens and replaced with an exact duplicate. Exact but smaller. I stumbled on, aisle after aisle, and it seemed everything was mini.

I took photos to send to my wife, just to ask if I was imagining the whole thing. But it didnt help. When so much on the shelf is pocket sized, a picture of the shelf just looks like a shelf.

The truth is I began to doubt my sanity, my reality. How could such a switch happen? How long would it take? Did they always sell pickles in caper jars and Worcestershire sauce in bottles small enough to pack in carry-on baggage?

Where was the outrage? I could not imagine an America that would simply stroll by all that systematic shrinkflation and quietly pay more for less.

Unless weve all been outsmarted.

Thats what I thought about when I read a series of stories called The Hunger Games, about greed and instances of starvation in nursing homes across America. It was written by my colleagues across Advance Local, with help from academics and data analysts.

Its an exhaustive and meticulous look at many nursing home owners who game the system for profit. It is about deceptions and cutbacks, especially when it comes to the food, or lack of it, served to many residents. Theres an image in those stories I cant get out of my head. Of a hungry resident staring down at a plate that holds one solitary ravioli.

Eat up, grandma.

Were shrinkflationing our golden agers, for sure. But theres more to it than that. More than watching nursing home owners scam residents with smaller portions and cheaper cuts. Theyre scamming us all. Because its clear that some of them  the worst of them, of course, but there are plenty  for years have bled the budgets of their care facilities to make them look like money pits, only to stash money in seemingly untouchable sister companies.

Read: How some nursing homes funnel cash to sister companies

All so they can whine to the government  and to the ravioli eaters children  that they need more federal money to provide better care. Even if, in a recent five-year period, more than a third of Medicare money sent to nursing homes ended up at sister companies.

Read: Some nursing homes feed residents on less than $10 a day. Is anyone watching?

The sharks have gone mainstream, and three-card monte is a corporate strategy.

This is not, let me be clear, a summary or synopsis of that nursing home project. It is far too involved for this type of simplification. But its a reasonable takeaway. It is the gut feeling that has become all too common in a society that values profits over, well, parents.

We rail about cutting waste in government, about defunding the regulators. And turn a blind eye to those who hide from regulations. We deify those who become wealthy on the backs of the people in their care and the tax money meant to assure them a better life. Surely they must be  smart.

So if an 80-year-old has to eat a solo ravioli for dinner, so be it. If your grandmother has to live on $10 of food a day, as many do, well times are tough all over. And if a guy chokes to death on a chunk of meat because there werent enough nursing home staffers left to cut it up? Well, he had a good life. Probably.

Its outrageous. And its as American as a shelf full of tiny pickle jars or a slightly smaller bag of slightly smaller dog treats.

Smart business, right? Or something else.

Its a multi-billion-dollar game of Whac-A-Mole, as one state official in Jersey put it.

And greed is at the heart of the problem.

You think?

John Archibald is a two-time Pulitzer winner at AL.com. You can read more of his columns here.
NJ Transit unveiled its plans on Wednesday to move displaced train commuters if locomotive engineers go on strike in two weeks, but it will only help a fraction of daily rail commuters.

NJ Transit officials cautioned that only 20% or 20,000 of the 100,000 daily rail riders will be accommodated.

Others should work from home if they can, said Kris Kolluri, NJ Transit CEO.

Displaced train commuters using other options will cause a ripple effect for drivers, bus and light rail riders, officials warned.

Officials said supplemental bus service will operate weekdays only from four temporary park and rides at Secaucus Junction bus terminal, Woodbridge Center mall, PNC Arts center in Holmdel and Hamilton train station.

Secaucus Junction to Port Authority Bus Terminal, will have extra bus service from 6 a.m to 9:30 a.m., and evenings from 3 to 9:30 p.m.

PNC Arts Center to Port Authority Bus Terminal, extra bus service will be operated by Academy bus from 5 to 8 a.m., and in evenings from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Hamilton Rail Station to Newark Penn Station PATH will havs extra service from 5 to 9 a.m., and in evenings from 3 to 7 p.m.

Woodbridge Center Mall to Harrison PATH station will have extra service from 5 to 9 a.m., and evening from 4 to 8 p.m.

The buses will only move 20% of daily rail commuters and is intended to get essential workers to and from their jobs in New York, said Kolluri. The rest should plan to work from home if they can, he said.

Bus service doesnt have the capacity to replace rail service because a train carries 1,000 people and a bus moves 100 passengers, Kolluri said.

A 30-day cooling off period ends May 15 and marks the day the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen are free to strike or NJ Transit can lock union member out of the workplace.

The first day for the added park and ride bus operation will be Monday, May 19, he said.

Large white and red posters will go up in train stations with strike contingency information and a QR code for details, Kolluri said.

A strike will have a ripple effect on regular NJ Transit buses and light rail, which officials said could be more crowded than usual. Newark Light rail will operate extended peak hour service.

NJ Transit will also add more bus service on regularalso routes that parallel seven rail lines. NJ Transit rail tickets and passes will be cross-honored on all NJ Transit bus and light rail lines.

Private bus carriers, PATH, SEPTA, PATCO and Amtrak will not cross honor NJ Transit rail tickets.

Highways are expected to see heavier than usual traffic. Non-essential roadwork and construction will be suspended in the event of a strike.

Kolluri recommended that rail passengers buy one way, daily tickets using the app for the supplemental bus park and ride instead of buying a monthly pass. Those tickets do not include PATH or fares for other transportation modes.

NJ Transit employees will be on duty at the park and rides and at train stations to assist riders with information if a strike happens.

The agency has been at work for months on the contingency plan that will cost an estimated $4 million a daily.

NJ Transit and union negotiators met Wednesday morning in a session that Kolluri described as cordial and they are scheduled to meet again next week.

NJ Transit withdrew its tentative contract offer that the union member voted down on April 15. The agencys new proposal is right back to pattern bargaining, a standard contract offer that other NJ Transit rail unions accepted, Kolluri said.

Union General Chairman Tom Haas said they will have a counter proposal that seeks a fairer wage than is being offered.

The ball is in NJ Transits court to come to the table in a meaningful way with a wage proposal that puts us on a level playing field with other passenger railroads in the U.S., Haas said We want equal pay for equal work.

The contingency plan announcement came after strong remarks by Kolluri Wednesday morning before he went to negotiations with the union.

In those remarks he warned giving in to union demands could prompt a death spiral of fare hikes and service cuts being proposed by other commuter railroads in the nation facing financial problems.

NJ Transit has a better position because of Gov. Phil Murphys Corporate Transit fee that helped NJ Transit avoid its own $766 million fiscal cliff.

A costly union settlement would undo that financing, Kolluri said.

This is not the time to take an agency that is standing up and take a two by four to it, he said.

His harshest criticism was over what he called a $55,000 raise that the union demanded, saying that other commuter railroads and those unions are watching results of an NJ Transit contract.

Haas said that $55,000 number is based on bad information and that NJ Transit could be extrapolating what we proposed before Presidential Emergency Board, he said.

That final mediation board evaluated both sides demands and sided with NJ Transits offer for salaries and with the union on other issues.

Haas challenged NJ Transits claim of average pay of $135,000 for engineers, saying not even a quarter of the engineers made the average number in 2024, which is base pay and overtime.

NJ Transit is using an outdated figure...  based on old number during the engineer shortage when engineers were working (more) overtime Haas said. It boosted the average wage because engineers were spending all their time at work.

The private sector also is jumping in to move people. Boxcar, the privately run commuter bus service, is planning additional bus trips to provide strike service.

Boxcar is using riders online requests to plan potential strike service based on passenger demands and has a leaderboard demand. It also is starting new routes on May 2 to NY Waterway ferry terminals and to Jersey City from Convent Station, Madison, and Chatham.

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Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @CommutingLarry
A 22-year-old SUV driver died Monday afternoon in Manchester after his vehicle drifted into oncoming traffic and collided with a dump truck, police announced Tuesday.

The dump truck and SUV were traveling in opposite directions on Pasadena Road shortly before 2 p.m., according to a statement from the Manchester Township Police Department.

The SUV crossed over the centerline and the front driver side of the vehicle hit the dump truck, investigators said. The impact caused the SUV to flip over and it rolled onto the shoulder of the road on its roof. The dump truck then crashed into several trees on the side of the road.

When police arrived at 2:10 p.m., both vehicles were fully engulfed in flames, police said.

The driver of the SUV, Jack P. Lisowsky of Manchester, was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. The driver of the dump truck was not seriously injured.

The road was shut down for several hours while police investigated the crash, which was still being probed by the department on Tuesday afternoon.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
A former Walmart employee who made a false bomb threat a month before setting a house on fire in Little Egg Harbor faces up to three years in state prison.

Ethan Salter, 20, pleaded guilty Monday to the threat at the Little Egg Harbor store as well as aggravated arson, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said.

Salter, of Little Egg Harbor, remains held at the Ocean County jail ahead of his June 13 schedule sentencing.
The off-duty Toms River police officer charged in a home invasion broke into the home of her former boyfriend and also threatened to burn down the house, authorities allege.

Those details are in an affidavit of probable cause supporting criminal charges against Rebecca Sayegh.

Sayegh, 32, of Toms River, is charged with home invasion burglary, terroristic threats, resisting arrest, two counts of assault and two counts of criminal mischief.

She remains held in the Ocean County jail ahead of a first appearance scheduled for Friday morning, according to online court records.

Officer Sayegh understands the significance of the charges filed against her, her attorney Terrance Turnbach said in an emailed statement. She has been a member of the Toms River Police Department and proudly served her community for almost nine years. She is taking all of the appropriate steps to properly address the matter at hand and will remain cooperative throughout the pending legal proceedings.

The complaint says Sayegh used a baton to smash the front door glass and enter the home in the Bayville section of Berkeley at about 11:20 p.m. Friday..

She began arguing with her former boyfriend and a woman who was at the house, according to court papers. The verbal dispute turned physical when Sayegh began pushing and shoving the man and woman, authorities said. One suffered swelling to the eye. Both victims restrained Sayegh in the living room before she broke free and smashed items in the house and knocked pictures off the wall, the affidavit said.

She also scratched one of the victims vehicles on the hood, officials said.

Sayegh also tried to fight with responding officers and physically resisted being arrested. She made the threat about burning the house down as police walked her down the driveway, the complaint said.

Sayegh had filed a lawsuit against the department and township last year, alleging that former Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little and other superiors sexually harassed her and passed her up for promotions based on her gender. In the lawsuit, she alleged a boys club atmosphere prevailed.

She joined the department in June 2017 and her most recent reported salary is $85,685, according to pension records. She is suspended with pay, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said.

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NJ Advance Media staff writer Nicolas Fernandes contributed to this report.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
A Brick Township man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison Tuesday for receiving and distributing child sexual abuse images, authorities said.

Christopher Budelman, 37, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of receipt and one count of distribution of child sexual abuse images.

U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi imposed the sentence in Trenton federal court.
A New Jersey woman and a man in their 20s are charged with distribution of child sex abuse material, authorities said.

Julianna Goldstein sent Logan Oliveira nude photos of children by phone, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said.

Oliveira then uploaded the images to the internet. He also instructed Goldstein to touch a juvenile in an inappropriate manner and send photos, prosecutors allege.
By Christina Zuk and Liz Graham

Gov. Phil Murphys push for cell phone-free schools is an important, research-backed step in addressing the youth mental health crisis. Studies show that constant phone use can erode attention spans, damage relationships, and contribute to declining academic performance.

When a high school in Gloucester County banned cell phones last year, students reported stronger social bonds, fewer distractions, and improved grades. Policies like this help young people re-engage with their surroundings and develop the social and emotional skills that have been weakened in the smartphone era.

But while reducing screen time in schools is a positive step toward promoting youth mental health, it is not a complete solution. In fact, technologywhen used intentionallycan be a powerful tool in supporting youth mental health.

Many young people turn to digital platforms as their first point of contact when seeking helpoften because they feel safer doing so online than speaking to a parent, teacher, or counselor in person. In fact, a 2022 study from University College Dublin found that 80% of youth would use their smartphone for help with a personal or emotional concern.

A phone-free school day does not erase the stress, anxiety, or social pressures students face when they walk out the door. If we want to reduce the harms of unregulated screen use, we must also invest in safe, constructive digital resources that provide real support and meet young people where they are.

Research confirms this balanced approach. A 2022 study from Clark University found that internet use can enhance creative thinking and encourage reflection on social relationships. Similarly, research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that technology can help people overcome barriers of distance and time, enabling them to strengthen in-person relationships rather than replace them. And research from the National Institutes of Health highlights that online social networking can enhance social support and facilitate social connectednessso long as the interactions are positive and dont involve social comparisons.

For young people who feel isolated or hesitant to seek in-person support, online platforms can be an essential bridge to real-world help. At 2NDFLOOR, New Jerseys statewide youth helpline, we see this firsthand.

Digital resources, including text-based support services, message boards, and crisis intervention apps, provide structured alternatives to the doomscrolling that fuels anxiety and self-doubt. These tools wont replace face-to-face relationships, but they can encourage real-world help-seeking, offering a crucial lifeline in moments of crisis.

Critics might argue that digital mental health resources still keep kids tethered to their screens. But the right kinds of technology dont encourage endless scrollingthey provide structure, guidance, and pathways to offline support. Platforms designed with youth mental health in mind can help young people manage stress, develop coping skills, and connect with trained professionals who can guide them toward in-person care when needed.

If the goal is to help young people build resilience, we must take a dual approach: reducing harmful screen time in schools while also ensuring that technology serves as a force for good. The same devices that contribute to mental health struggles can also provide safe, confidential, and highly accessible resources that help young people thrive. By embracing this balance, policymakers, educators, and parents can help create a future where young people have the tools they need to thriveboth online and offline.

Christina Zuk is the board president and Liz Graham is the CEO of 180 Turning Lives Around, an organization serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault that operates the 2NDFLOOR statewide youth helpline, funded in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.

If you or someone you know needs support, the 2NDFLOOR youth helpline provides confidential assistance 24/7 at (888) 222-2228 or www.2ndfloor.org.

Local journalism needs your support. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter.
Patersons council president and three others have been charged with stealing ballots in a 2020 election and casting them to help him win the election, officials with the Attorney Generals Office said Wednesday.

Alex Mendez, 49, along with his wife, Yohanny Mendez and two campaign workers, Omar Ledesma and Iris Rigo, are accused of attempting to deprive Paterson residents of a fair election, officials said.

The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability initially investigated Mendez and filed charges in 2021 related to election offenses, officials said. Additional charges were filed in 2023 against Mendez and others regarding the May 2020 election, according to officials.

The 10-count superseding indictment announced Wednesday says hundreds of mail-in ballots cast in the May 2020 Paterson election were found in a postal box in neighboring Haledon, which prompted the investigation, officials said.

The updated indictment includes alleges they stole ballots and forged ballots and voter registrations and new charges of theft after authorities say the Mendezs, Ledesma and Rigo received ballots they knew had been stolen.

The Mendezs, Ledesma and Rigo are also charged with new counts of witness tampering after officials said they contacted witnesses to try and make contradictory and false statements.

In the latest charges, the group is charged with tampering with public records, falsifying and tampering with public records, forgery and election fraud.

The group is accused of submitting fictitious and fraudulent vote-by-mail registrations and ballots, officials said.

A fifth person, Ninoska Adames, of Paterson is also charged in the superseding indictment with hindering apprehension and tampering with public records, officials said.

Adames is accused of falsifying a voter certificate on a vote-by-mail ballot and providing false information to detectives during the investigation, officials said.

Mendez was originally charged along with first ward councilman Michael Jackson with election fraud, unauthorized possession of ballots and other charges.

Jackson has maintained his innocence and fought the charges. Early last year, Jackson was told to turnover the passcode to his phone confiscated by authorities who were investigating the potential for additional charges in 2023, the Paterson Press reported. It was unclear what the status of the case was Wednesday.

The initial allegations were largely related to rules around voters ability to designate a bearer of their ballot - meaning a person who could deliver a ballot for the voter - and the handling of mail-in ballots.

The allegations of voter fraud against Mendez and Jackson in the May 2020 election were cited by President Donald Trump as proof that mail-in voting in 2020 would cause widespread fraud. The main-in ballot argument was tossed from federal court with the judge citing protections against fraud in New Jerseys vote-by-mail law at the time.

A New Jersey judge granted an injunction against Mendez taking office in June 2020 after William McKoy, a candidate for the third ward seat, filed a legal challenge to the election results.

A new election for the third ward was ordered for the fall 2020.

Mendez and Jackson were re-elected to city council in 2024.

Mendez told NJ Advance Media after the 2024 election that he has won a total of three elections in Paterson and that he has nothing to hide.

Ive been a high vote-getter basically my entire political career, Mendez said. So I have no reason to do anything negative or anything wrong.

Attorneys for the Mendezs, Ledesma, Rigo and Adames did not immediately return a request for comment.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X
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One reason we go out for drinks is the hospitality that comes along with them at the right bars and restaurants. Now, a French Quarter tavern 
A balanced blend of spirits for fine cocktails and a nuanced mix of classic and contemporary are defining features of both Jewel of the South and Peychauds.

Now, the two independent French Quarter bars have each gained some major national recognition, landing on Esquire magazines annual listing of the 25 Best Bars in America.

Both were included in the story by Kevin Sintumuang appearing in the summer issue of Esquire, part of a national survey of bars where (y)ou dont just pop in for a drink after work. You go to feel like its your birthday even though its just a Tuesday.
A.S. Joseph's story mirrors that of many Region steelworkers.

Absalom Sayyid Joseph hailed from Persia and immigrated in the early 20th century to the United States, where he believed the streets were paved with gold. He led a diverse crew at the former Inland Steel mill in East Chicago until he was killed in a horrific workplace accident along with two of his colleagues.

He was an Assyrian Christian who was born in Urmia in what's now Iran in 1885, said his grandson Robert J. Joseph, the manager of facilities and shared services at ArcelorMittal R&D in East Chicago.

"His native tongue was Aramaic," Joseph said, while recalling his grandfather's life and career during the Workers Memorial Day ceremony at the United Steelworkers Local 1010 hall in Hammond. "When he came here, that's what he spoke. It's the same language that Jesus Christ spoke."

A.S. Joseph was a stonemason and bricklayer who worked in heavy industry across the Ottoman Empire. He met the then-local warlord Joseph Stalin at taverns in Tbilisi, Russia.

"It shows that even in the world then, the steel industry was pervasive," his grandson said. "A literal translation of Stalin is 'man of steel.'"

Joseph started a family, but two of his children died, World War I ravaged his homeland, and his people faced religious persecution during the Assyrian-Armenian genocide. So he set off to the United States without a penny to his name, spending everything he had to come to the land of opportunity.

He arrived at Ellis Island and then in Gary, where the steel mills were recruiting at the time. He found a job at Inland Steel despite not speaking any English, held steady employment during the Great Depression, and was able to bring his wife and ill daughter over two years later.

"Life was more peaceful in America, but unfortunately difficulties did not end for the family," Robert Joseph said. "His daughter Victoria died of diphtheria, which was very common at the time. Because of the obvious traumas of being a refugee and losing three children, my grandmother was stricken with early-onset dementia and was institutionalized."

He ended up working for Inland Steel until he was 64 years old. He loved to work and never considered retirement, his grandson said.

"His skills let him hand-pick his crew, who personified the melting pot of America: Alphonso Martinez, who was Mexican; Glen Becker, who was German, and George Smith, who was African American," Joseph said. "They always worked together and were always loyal to each other. There was always maintenance that needed to be addressed throughout the mills after WWII had ended and they were constantly busy."

Hot steel exploded all over the shop floor during a reline of the No. 1 Open Health Furnace at Inland Steel. The entire crew was burned in molten steel and taken to St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago.

Joseph died 18 hours after suffering burns on 90% of his body. Martinez and Becker also died alongside Joseph in the hospital. Smith survived but never fully recovered from his extensive injuries.

"I was born almost 20 years after he died. I never got to know him," Robert Joseph said. "He always looked after his co-workers, who he considered family."

Region At Work is a series about the steelworkers, factory workers and other workers who clock in every day and make the Region tick. If you want to share the story of your work life or are retired and want to relate the story of your career, contact Joseph S. Pete at joseph.pete@nwi.com or 219.841.1030.
A developer is planning a massive $7 billion expansion of a Hammond data center that would rank among the largest private-sector investments in Indiana history while creating more than 1,200 construction jobs, but officials are concerned whether there would be enough power available soon enough to make it happen.

Chicago-based Decennial Group is looking at investing $7 billion in an expansion of the Digital Crossroads data center at the former State Line Generating Plant on Lake Michigan in Hammond, right on the border of Chicago. It's looking to invest $2 billion to build more buildings to house computer servers at the isolated lakefront site, which is ringed off by railroads and power lines, and another $5 billion in computer equipment.

Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said he's been working to get the deal done for years and has an agreement with the data center developer to fund the city's College Bound program for 20 years, putting thousands of kids through college. However, officials have concerns about whether the Merrillville-based utility NIPSCO will be able to supply power fast enough to the site to be able to secure the investment.

"It's not a lot of permanent jobs because it's basically a hotel for computers," he said. "But they're high-paying tech jobs, this can bring more tech investment, and it would be huge for the city."

The Digital Crossroads data center expansion would be the largest private sector investment in Northwest Indiana history. It would be nearly double the $4.2 billion the BP Whiting Refinery invested in the multi-year modernization project that allowed it to refine crude oil instead of Texas sweet, which had been the largest private-sector investment in Indiana history until Amazon Web Services recently started building an $11 billion data center in New Carlisle.

Like utilities across the nation, NIPSCO is now figuring out how it will fund new capacity for the data center building boom ignited by a growing demand for data, especially from the rising use of artificial intelligence. It filed a case with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to allow it to create a spinoff called GenCo to negotiate rates directly with the data centers that would consume the additional power that would have to be supplied.

NIPSCO spokespeople said the subsidiary would shield existing customers from the cost of risk of bringing on so much new electric generation capacity. Industry observers project that billions of dollars worth of data center projects will come to Northwest Indiana over the next few years due to spillover from Chicago and the state's favorable tax incentives.

David Pavlik, a managing member of Decennial Group, filed testimony with the IURC in the GenCo case in which he expressed concerns about how a spinoff might affect the expansion plans for the 20-megawatt, 105,000-square-foot Digital Crossroads data center that replaced a coal-fired power plant that was one of the biggest polluters in the United States.

"After initial construction was completed in November 2020, DX Hammonds predecessor began leasing out its available server capacity to cybersecurity firms and large cloud service providers that provide computing and storage services at enterprise scale," Pavlik wrote in his testimony. "DX Hammond purchased the Hammond Data Center in July of 2021, and purchased expansion land on the Digital Crossroads Campus in 2022 and 2023. By early 2024, the Hammond Data Center had reached capacity. DX Hammond began planning DX3 in 2022 and began engaging potential customers for the DX3 site in 2024."

The developer has been working with NIPSCO since early 2023 to bring more power to the site, paying it millions of dollars for feasibility, design and engineering studies.

"The site can currently only support up to 20 megawatts of load via a dedicated substation. DX Hammond intends, however, to add 1,800% more artificial intelligence data center computing capacity, which will occupy over 400,000 square feet of additional facility space and require over 200 megawatts of incremental power in order to host tens of thousands more servers in this second phase," Pavlik wrote.

Digital Crossroads would end up as a mega load customer that McDermott said would end up consuming more power than U.S. Steel's Gary Works steel mill.

"The need for DX3 to have access to reliable and affordable power infrastructure is foundational to the DX Hammond team spending thousands of man-hours negotiating firm lease terms with AI-capable customers, soliciting billions of additional investment capital to be deployed for the benefit of the Northwest Indiana local economy, developing site-specific engineering plans, and securing incentives with the City of Hammond that benefit both our AI-capable customers and the City of Hammond community," Pavlik wrote. "All of these effortsa projected total of over $7 billion of development, tens of millions of dollars in new tax revenue, and the creation of cutting-edge technology that can form the basis of an AI economy for Indianais dependent on successfully contracting with NIPSCO as a 'megaload customer.'"

More than 300 construction workers built the first phase of the Digital Crossroads data center, which was a $120 million investment. It now employs 20 workers, as well as local tradesmen who help maintain and repair it.

Decennial Group expects the expansion would employ more than 1,200 construction workers for months.

"This would mean a ton of jobs for the guys," Northwestern Indiana Building & Construction Trades Council Business Manager Randy Palmateer said. "It was a great facility to build. They hired a local workforce. This would be a good development to get."

Decennial Group is looking at investing $2 billion in construction in the expansion, far more than earlier contemplated, as the data center market has exploded since the project was first announced in 2018. It would hire an estimated 36 more full-time workers after the work is complete.

"Through the initial investment and continual reliance on the local workforce, the project will further solidify the region as a growing hub for innovation and economic opportunity. The approximately $2 billion construction investment will facilitate an additional $5 billion of investment in highly specialized, state-of-the-art AI, quantum computing and advanced computing infrastructure," Pavlik said. "This investment will lay the foundation for next-generation jobs in the community for decades to come and serve as the anchor for research and development on cutting-edge technologies that will be used across the United States."

McDermott said the site was ideal for a data center as it had no neighbors to complain, which has held up data center projects in Porter County. He said the investment would be huge, bringing the city more property tax revenue and completely paying for the College Bound program that sends Hammond High School graduates to state colleges for the next 20 years.

"My administration has worked exhaustively for more than six years to recruit advanced AI and quantum computing projects to Northwest Indiana. In fact, Hammond is already home to Indiana's first data center, and we intend to build on that foundation," he said. "Right now, we're preparing for a major expansion of the Digital Crossroads Hammond data center campus, set to kick off this summer. This new data center project is a huge win for Hammond and all of Northwest Indiana. It will employ hundreds of trades workers  a major victory for our local unions  and it moves our region forward in the rapidly growing AI industry."

McDermott said he has been meeting regularly with NIPSCO leaders to try to ensure that enough power can be extended to the site to bring the project to fruition.

"At this point, the only piece we are waiting on is NIPSCO. We need their commitment to provide the large amount of power this data center requires. As soon as NIPSCO finalizes that agreement, Hammond is ready to move forward and close this deal," he said. "I'm cautiously optimistic, but let me be clear: If NIPSCO does not act soon, Indiana risks losing this investment to one of the many states aggressively courting this project. Time is of the essence."
GARY  Mayor Eddie Melton announced that the Steel City will soon be home to a $60 million, 317,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility for shipping giant FedEx during his 2025 State of the City address Tuesday.

A developer purchased property across the street from the Gary/Chicago International Airport from the city for $4.7 million, and recently signed a lease agreement with the Memphis-based company. Melton told the audience that the new facility will bring 600 jobs, and that FedEx has committed to filling 20% of those roles with Gary residents.

"Why shouldn't Gary be a logistics hub, not of Indiana but of North America?" Melton said to audience applause. "Because we have the infrastructure."

The mayor's second State of the City address, delivered at the Embassies of Christ church on Cleveland Street, struck an optimistic tone even as the mayor acknowledged looming financial challenges facing his city. Gary's struggle against blight took center stage for much of the 90-minute speech.

Melton touted the start of another year for the demolition initiative that he first launched in February of 2024, reporting that his administration has "tackled blight like never before." Using donated labor from Rieth-Riley Construction and other local contractors, the city tore down 35 structures last year, according to the city. This March, the city launched another round of demolitions in the neighborhood.

Melton told attendees that the city and its corporate partners have established a much more ambitious goal for 2026: demolishing 100 blighted homes in just 10 days. The next round of the initiative will be "completing Aetna, moving to Marshalltown into Tarrytown," Melton said.

The announcement represents an adjustment of the timeline Melton offered in March, when he said that the city planned to see Aetna blight-free by the end of 2025.

Melton highlighted the city's Work BIG initiative as another tool in Gary's anti-blight arsenal. The program, which launched its first cohort on Monday, pays local residents to participate in cleanup efforts while also providing them with job training.

The mayor also vowed to crack down on graffiti and vandalism in Gary, in part through the creation of a specialized code enforcement "G unit."

"This one is specifically focused on eradicating the most dangerous structures when it comes down to graffiti," he said.

His administration has proposed an anti-graffiti ordinance that would ban the possession of "graffiti implements" by minors on school property as well as by anyone in certain public spaces, among other provisions. The proposed rules also include a ban on selling certain art supplies to minors without parental consent and fines for property owners who fail to address graffiti on premises they own.

The ordinance was up for final approval at the Gary Common Council's Apr. 15 meeting, but the legislation was tabled after the administration requested that a vote be delayed. City attorney Marco Molina told council members that "there were a couple things we wanted to tighten up if we had time."

Melton praised the work of the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture's Housing and Community Regeneration Initiative, which launched a partnership with the city last July with the goal of promoting housing access, preserving history and promoting walkability in Gary's troubled downtown. The mayor told constituents that the university's long-awaited downtown master plan will be delivered by May.

The university's work with Gary includes the development of plans for a new train station that will replace the aging Metro Center, updates to Gary's zoning code, and the development of pre-approved housing templates meant to spur residential development.

Melton highlighted a bevy of other infrastructure projects planned or in progress in the Steel City, including a 112-space parking lot off of Lake Street, a new veterans housing complex developed with the Gary Housing Authority, and $8.2 million worth of street repairs.

In a section of his speech dealing with what the mayor termed "legislative challenges," Melton lamented bills recently passed or pending in Indianapolis that will negatively impact Gary's finances. Senate Enrolled Act 1, signed earlier this month by Gov. Mike Braun, has worried local officials by promising to shrink tax revenues. The law gives homeowners a 10% tax credit of up to $300 and also limits how much local governments can raise their property taxes each year. It also giving most municipalities the ability to impose new local income taxes to make up some of their lost revenue.

"We don't know what the impact will be holistically for us when it comes down to property tax and the revenue that we received as a municipality," he said, though he warned that the effect will be "dramatic" and told constituents "we need to be prepared for that."

Another headache is looming in the form of House Bill 1448, currently awaiting Braun's signature. The bill aims to correct an error made by the Indiana comptroller's office that caused Gary to receive a total of just over $12 million that should have been distributed between East Chicago and Michigan City. The 2019 law that allowed for the opening of Gary's Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana required some of the gaming tax revenue generated by the new facility be sent to nearby casino communities to make up revenue lost to the desirable new casino location. Those payments never happened.

HB 1448 would require Gary to repay the money it received between 2022 and 2024 during the 2026, 2027 and 2028 state budget years.

"We couldn't get out of this because it's the law," Melton said, though he questioned the plan's fairness on the grounds that some of the other municipalities' missing gaming revenue might have been due to the COVID-19 pandemic or new casinos opening across the Illinois border.
French lawmakers on Tuesday widely approved a bill that cracks down on illegal drug trafficking by empowering prosecutors, toughening the penalties for traffickers and giving the police more investigative tools.

The move, which paves the way for the measures to become law, was a rare case of successful policymaking in Frances lower house of Parliament, the National Assembly. Lawmakers there have been hobbled by political fractures, but they have joined to express growing concern over the far-reaching impact of crime and violence tied to the drug trade.

The National Assembly approved the bill with 396 votes in favor and 68 against. Its passage was a win for the government of Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, who survived a no-confidence motion in February to pass a budget but who is still at the mercy of the divided lower house.

Everyone knows the current political difficulties: no majority in the National Assembly, a complicated path for major bills, Bruno Retailleau, Frances interior minister, a conservative who championed the bill, told lawmakers on Tuesday.
The films heroes arent just the dogs but their owners, who make their livings foraging for high-priced mushrooms in a time-honored, artisanal fashion. These men include Carlo, who enjoys searching for truffles at night (he likes the sound of the owl), despite protests from his wife, who worries that hell hurt himself, since he is now in his late 80s. Angelo, on the other hand, has decided that hes had enough, and he decides to put his reasons for quitting on paper. There are too many greedy people, he explains, shortly before starting to tap on a typewriter. They dont do it for fun or to play with their dogs or to spend some time in nature. What we see of Sergio, a shaggy-maned truffle hunter and sometime drummer who strives to protect his dogs from poisoned bait, illustrates Angelos point. Picking truffles has become a dirty business.

But the emotional core of the movie, shot in the Piedmont region of Italy, belongs to Aurelio and his dog, Birba, who share a relationship as close as any between humans. (Aurelio and Birba are even seen splitting their food.) We hear that Angelo may be the best truffle hunter of them all, but he has no wife and no children, and he refuses to divulge his secret spots. We can go truffle hunting, but in your places or in a place that neither of us knows, he tells a man trying to get him to spill the beans. He hopes to find what he calls a wild woman who can take care of Birba after he dies.

The Truffle Hunters draws a contrast between the hunters closeness to the earth and the pretense of the haute-cuisine world, where a truffle might be displayed on a plush red pillow or a gourmand might inhale the mushrooms aroma as if sampling a fine wine. Part of Dweck and Kershaws implicit point is that the humble truffle is now anything but. Watch until the end of the credits for a bonbon: the sounds of Carlo; his dog, Titina; and the owl doing what they do best.

Lakota Nation vs. United States (2023)

Stream it on AMC+ and Hulu. Rent it on Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home and Google Play.
Widespread detentions and demolitions of property targeting Muslims in India have provoked concerns that right-wing Hindu nationalists are exploiting last weeks terrorist attack in Kashmir to deepen a campaign of oppression against the countrys largest minority group.

Public anger has swelled after 26 people  all but one of them Hindu tourists  were killed by militants near the town of Pahalgam in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region. India has said that Pakistan had a supporting hand in the attack, an accusation that Pakistan denies.

India has appeared to be preparing to strike Pakistan militarily in response to the terrorist attack, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowing to hunt down the terrorists and raze their safe havens. A Pakistani government minister said on Tuesday that Pakistan believed an Indian strike was imminent.

On Wednesday, Pakistans prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, urged the United States to press India to de-escalate tensions and act responsibly, the state-run PTV said on Wednesday, after Mr. Sharif had a phone call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
To understand why, its important to know exactly how the political right is defining strength, courage and  perhaps most important of all  gratitude.

But where Trumps critics see a wannabe dictator and his toadies, Trumps supporters see something else. They see a commander and his generals. They see warriors.

Rubio is among the worst offenders. Before Trumps rise, he developed a reputation as an independent strategic thinker, committed to Americas global leadership. And now hes the caretaker of a shrinking State Department who has turned into Trumps willing accomplice as Trump undermines American credibility and destroys American alliances.

There has been little indication that these cabinet members exercise any independent judgment. Instead, they conform to Trumps worldview and to Trumps whims.

Pam Bondi, the attorney general, said in one cabinet meeting that Trump was overwhelmingly elected by the biggest majority. Brooke Rollins, the agriculture secretary, said, What you have assembled in your vision is a turning point and an inflection point in American history. Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, said, What youre doing now I think is a great service to our country but ultimately to the world.

And for good reason. Trumps cabinet meetings often feature its members publicly showering the president with praise, sometimes in the most absurd terms.

Trumps critics  and I am one  look at the lineup and see, in essence, a group of people that bears far more resemblance to a collection of North Korean generals than it does to a traditional American cabinet.

Were used to partisan disagreement about cabinet officials. Democrats are never going to be that impressed by a Republican cabinet (and vice versa), but as with so many things, the perception gap between Republicans and Democrats has become so vast, its as if they inhabit different universes.

What do you see when you look at pictures of President Trumps cabinet?

Read More

First, lets talk about strength and courage. MAGA mythology requires both of those virtues to support Trump. His supporters see virtually every significant American institution opposed to his rise. The mainstream media, the universities, Hollywood: Theyre all united in opposition to Trump.

As a consequence, supporting Trump is an act of defiance in and of itself. This is one reason you see Trump supporters wearing clothing that says things like Lions, not sheep. Trump is a lion, and his supporters are lions for standing beside him.

In this formulation, defying Trump would be an act of weakness. Because its what they want Trumps cabinet to do.

When you add Trumps legal woes to the mix, the acts of alleged courage only grow more profound. After all, to belong to Trumps team is to risk prosecution  the weaponization (as he and his law enforcement officers like to put it) of American justice.

Again, look at the matter from MAGAs perspective. The history of Trumps scandals  including two impeachments, a felony conviction, a defamation verdict and a finding that he was liable for sexual abuse  isnt about Trumps flaws, but rather about his opponents vindictiveness.

Add that perception to the genuine relief that he survived two assassination attempts, and you can see that Trumps supporters dont view gratitude as just acceptable. Its mandatory. Hes the man who was impeached for them, prosecuted for them, and shot at for them.

Or, as Trump has said at his rallies, Theyre not after me. Theyre after you, and I just happen to be standing in their way.

In this context, Trumps cabinet isnt judged as much by its results as by its ability to trigger or enrage Trumps opponents. If the media is angry, Trumps base is happy. That means theyll cheer absurd pictures of the secretary of homeland security, Kristi Noem, cosplaying as an immigration enforcement agent, holding a rifle and wearing a tactical vest, simply because it makes Trumps opponents angry, because it upsets their vision of responsible, sober leadership.

That means theyll judge Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defense, not by his handling of classified information but by his handling of the mainstream media. In their view, the MSM is the enemy of the people, so part of Hegseths national security portfolio is defying it.

Trump is a singular figure. No one else in the Republican Party comes close to matching his influence and authority. In fact, Ive never seen an American politician at any time match his influence and authority over the Republican base.

That reality means that we should expect this same dynamic to endure throughout Trumps second term. His cabinet will genuflect, his supporters will cheer and his opponents will roll their eyes in contempt.

But to describe the divide between Trumps supporters and his critics isnt to rationalize or justify his cabinets sycophancy. The two competing positions are not equally valid. There is overwhelming evidence that Trump committed acts of misconduct that merited both impeachment and removal and criminal prosecution.

There is also overwhelming evidence that hes not an economic or military genius, but instead often flies by the seat of his pants. The on-again, off-again tariff regime is an ideal example. He loves tariffs, but he fears the consequences of his own policy, so we lurch wildly from statement to statement, depending on the fluctuations of the market.

Despite each mistake and each successive scandal, the cabinet members cheer. After all, if they want to be seen as strong, they have to surrender to Trump. That is their only path.
Hour by Hour: How Trump Deported Migrants Despite Judges Order

The New York Times reconstructed how the Trump administration and President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador struck a deal that led to the deportation of more than 200 Venezuelan migrants to a Salvadoran prison.

The timeline below focuses on March 15, the day deportation planes took off, even as a federal judge sought to halt them.

The day before

Mr. Trump secretly signed an executive order invoking an 18th-century wartime law called the Alien Enemies Act. He claimed that the Tren de Aragua gang was conducting irregular warfare at the direction of Venezuela and called for the apprehension and removal of all Venezuelans aged 14 and older who were deemed members of the gang.

March 15

Courts 1:12 a.m. The A.C.L.U. files an emergency petition against the Trump administrations invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, naming five Venezuelan immigrants. 9:40 a.m. Judge James E. Boasberg issues a temporary order barring the deportation of the five men named in the A.C.L.U. lawsuit.



He schedules a hearing at 5 p.m. to discuss whether the order should extend to all Venezuelan migrants who may fall subject to deportation under the Alien Enemies Act. 10:18 a.m. The Department of Justice confirms they have received the order. Relevant agencies are informed. 3:53 p.m. The White House publicizes its invocation of the Alien Enemies Act. 5 p.m. The hearing begins. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign says that the five plaintiffs named in the A.C.L.U. complaint will remain in the country for a 14-day period, and that he does not know if or when any flights are set to depart. 5:22 p.m. Judge Boasberg, seeking information about whether any deportation flights are scheduled in the coming days, calls for a break so that Mr. Ensign can find out. 5:26  5:44 p.m. The first and second deportation flights depart from Harlingen, Texas. 6 p.m. The hearing resumes. Mr. Ensign says he has few details to share because of national security issues. 6:48 p.m. Judge Boasberg orders that planes stay grounded, and any plane en route with deportees turn around.



He verbally extends his order to cover all migrants subject to deportation under the Alien Enemies Act. 6:48 p.m. The first deportation plane is over southern Mexico, and the second is over the Gulf of Mexico. A third flight is preparing to depart. Deportation flights 1:12 a.m. The A.C.L.U. files an emergency petition against the Trump administrations invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, naming five Venezuelan immigrants. 9:40 a.m. Judge James E. Boasberg issues a temporary order barring the deportation of the five men named in the A.C.L.U. lawsuit.



He schedules a hearing at 5 p.m. to discuss whether the order should extend to all Venezuelan migrants who may fall subject to deportation under the Alien Enemies Act. 10:18 a.m. The Department of Justice confirms they have received the order. Relevant agencies are informed. 3:53 p.m. The White House publicizes its invocation of the Alien Enemies Act. 5 p.m. The hearing begins. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign says that the five plaintiffs named in the A.C.L.U. complaint will remain in the country for a 14-day period, and that he does not know if or when any flights are set to depart. 5:22 p.m. Judge Boasberg, seeking information about whether any deportation flights are scheduled in the coming days, calls for a break so that Mr. Ensign can find out. 5:26  5:44 p.m. The first and second deportation flights depart from Harlingen, Texas. 6 p.m. The hearing resumes. Mr. Ensign says he has few details to share because of national security issues. 6:48 p.m. Judge Boasberg orders that planes stay grounded, and any plane en route with deportees turn around.



He verbally extends his order to cover all migrants subject to deportation under the Alien Enemies Act. 6:48 p.m. The first deportation plane is over southern Mexico, and the second is over the Gulf of Mexico. A third flight is preparing to depart.

Location of the flights at 6:48 p.m. Harlingen, Texas 3rd plane Gulf of Mexico 2nd plane MEXICO 1st plane Guatemala Comayagua, Honduras San Salvador, El Salvador NICARAGUA 3rd plane Harlingen, Texas Gulf of Mexico 2nd plane 1st plane MEXICO Comayagua, Honduras Guatemala San Salvador, El Salvador NICARAGUA Source: Flightradar24 Note: The third plane was still on the ground at 6:48 p.m., when the judge issued his order. By The New York Times

About 7 p.m. Mr. Ensign emails officials from the Departments of State and Homeland Security, informing them of the verbal order. 7:26 p.m. Judge Boasbergs written order is posted online. 7:36 p.m. The third deportation flight departs from Harlingen, Texas. Officials would later say the migrants on that flight were deported not under the Alien Enemies Act, but through regular immigration proceedings. About 7 p.m. Mr. Ensign emails officials from the Departments of State and Homeland Security, informing them of the verbal order. 7:26 p.m. Judge Boasbergs written order is posted online. 7:36 p.m. The third deportation flight departs from Harlingen, Texas. Officials would later say the migrants on that flight were deported not under the Alien Enemies Act, but through regular immigration proceedings.

The day after

The three planes landed in El Salvador between 12:10 a.m. and 1:08 a.m. E.T. on March 16 after stopping over in Honduras. Just before 8 a.m, Mr. Bukele posted a screenshot of a news story describing Judge Boasbergs order to halt the planes. Oopsie, he wrote, Too late.

The White Houses decision to press forward, despite Judge Boasbergs order, raised questions about whether the administration was defying the court. The Justice Department has argued that a federal judge cannot dictate foreign policy.
The Poetry Challenge See Full Poem & Readings Play Game

Day 3: This is a New York poem. Once you learn it, you can take it anywhere.

Yesterday we put our heads down to look closely at Edna St. Vincent Millays Recuerdo  at the words and syllables and even individual letters that make it a poem. (If youre just joining us, this is the third day of our Poetry Challenge. Theres plenty of time to catch up, but you may want to start on Day 1.)

But theres a lot more to see. Those words are about something; they come from somewhere; they belong to someone. Lifting our eyes from the page, we find ourselves in New York City in one of its legendary eras, in the company of one of its great characters.

Lower Manhattan from New York Harbor, with ferry terminals at right, circa 1920s. Underwood Archives/Getty Images

Recuerdo is a quintessential New York poem, not only because it happens to be about a popular form of public transportation between two of the citys island boroughs, but also because of its restless energy. This all-night boat ride is a great urban adventure, an only in New York kind of lark. And perhaps only Millay could have turned it into literature.

From 1917, when she arrived in the city, until 1925, when she moved upstate, Millay was a fixture of the citys literary and political bohemia, counting many of its best-known artists and intellectuals among her friends and lovers.

Her poems of that era  sonnets, epigrams, eminently quotable snippets of rhymed gossip  pulse with the dynamism and attitude of the modern city. Recuerdo never stops moving, taking in sights and sounds that are still ubiquitous more than a century later. This is a place of glamour and poverty, gritty and beautiful in equal measure. The boat stinks.

I t w a s b a r e a n d b r i g h t , a n d s m e l l e d l i k e a s t a b l e  Ann Patchett, novelist

Watch her full reading

Nobody has time for the daily newspaper.

A n d b o u g h t a m o r n i n g p a p e r , w h i c h n e i t h e r o f u s r e a d ; John Cameron Mitchell, actor

Watch his full reading

Exhaustion nips at the heels of delight; the ferries and subways never stop running.

Like many legendary New Yorkers, Millay came from somewhere else. She was born in Rockland, Maine, in 1892 and grew up mostly in nearby Camden, in what a biographer called the smallest house in the poorest part of that seaside mill town.

Millay, whose mother couldnt afford to send her to college, attracted the attention of a wealthy patron who raised the money to send her to Vassar. There, Millay became notorious on campus for her love affairs with men and women, her brilliance and her disregard for the rules. After she graduated in 1917, she published her first book of poems and moved to Greenwich Village, streaking like a comet through Manhattans creative scene.

Edna St. Vincent Millay in 1930. Berenice Abbott/Getty Images

Her second book, A Few Figs From Thistles (1920) became a touchstone of its era. The four lines of First Fig catch the heedless, headlong spirit of New York in the Jazz Age:

My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night; But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends It gives a lovely light! Edna St. Vincent Millay,  First Fig 

It can be hard for a 21st-century reader to grasp just how famous these poems made her. Millay wasnt only a well-known author, winning prizes and garnering appreciative reviews in little magazines. Her books were best sellers. She was a young phenom who grew into a wildly popular artist and a durable celebrity.

At some point around the end of World War I, she may have spent a night riding the Staten Island Ferry, possibly in the company of the Nicaraguan poet Salomon de la Selva. But whether or not Recuerdo is based on a real-life event, it breathes the air of reality  the sounds, smells and sights of a city with the unique power to tire you out and fill you with joy.

Let her tell you.

W e w e r e v e r y t i r e d , w e w e r e v e r y m e r r y  W e h a d g o n e b a c k a n d f o r t h a l l n i g h t o n t h e f e r r y . Edna St. Vincent Millay, poet

Watch her full reading

The poem is in good company, beckoning poets of the past and future to join it on deck. Millays criss-crossing of the harbor invokes Walt Whitman, whose Crossing Brooklyn Ferry, published in 1856, is one of the first great New York poems:

On the ferry-boats the hundreds and hundreds that cross, returning home, are more curious to me than you suppose, And you that shall cross from shore to shore years hence are more to me, and more in my meditations, than you might suppose. Walt Whitman, Crossing Brooklyn Ferry 

Whitman is talking to Millays future nocturnal passengers, and to the rhymers and dreamers who would populate the metropolis in centuries to come. To Hart Crane, who hymned the harp and altar of the Brooklyn Bridge. To Audre Lorde, who wrote about

pigeons who nest on the Staten Island Ferry and raise their young between the moving decks Audre Lorde,  A Trip on the Staten Island Ferry 

Theres a great New York poem for every light on Broadway. Another one is Sara Teasdales Broadway.

Beneath the liquid splendor of the lights We live a little ere the charm is spent; This night is ours, of all the golden nights, The pavement an enchanted palace floor Sara Teasdale,  Broadway 

This night is ours may be the perfect distillation of New York as a poetic state of mind  an anticipation of Recuerdo. The city that never sleeps is an experience to be shared.

In todays game, weve translated that experience into pictures. See if you can put it back into words!

Todays activity: What line is this? Question 1/3 Weve written a couplet using emoji. Translate it back into words.  W e w e r e v e r y t i r e d , w e w e r e v e r y m e r r y  W e h a d g o n e b a c k a n d f o r t h a l l n i g h t o n t h e f e r r y . tired We very merry ferry Tap a word above to fill in the highlighted blank. Need help? Click See Full Poem & Readings at the top of the page.

Edited by Gregory Cowles, Alicia DeSantis, Nick Donofrio and Joumana Khatib. Additional editing by Emily Eakin, Tina Jordan, Laura Thompson and Emma Lumeij. Design and development by Umi Syam and Eden Weingart. Additional design by Victoria Pandeirada. Video production by Caroline Kim. Additional video production by McKinnon de Kuyper. Photo editing by Erica Ackerberg. Illustration art direction by Tala Safie.



Illustrations by Hannah Robinson.



Audio of Recuerdo from Edna St. Vincent Millay in Readings From Her Poems (1941, RCA); accompanying photograph from Associated Press.
An English man unknowingly bought back his own Honda Civic just weeks after having it stolen from his driveway in Solihull, West Midlands.

Ewan Valentine was devastated when his 9-year-old Honda Civic Type R was stolen. His girlfriend woke up one morning to drive his car to work, but it was gone. He notified police and his insurer about the theft, but things were moving along at snails pace, so he started looking around online to replace his pride and joy. Having become attached to his little speed demon, when he found one that was virtually identical down to the custom exhaust system, he couldnt believe his luck. The car had different registration plates, but other than that, it looked just like his stolen Type R. For some reason, he never even considered the possibility that it could actually be his car.

Photo: Ewan Valentine

So it seemed perfect, 36-year-old Ewan told Yahoo News UK. I went down to the garage to check it over, but I think my judgment was a little clouded by how desperate I was to replace my car, so I didnt do the most thorough check.

Valentine ended up paying 20,000 pounds ($26,800) for the black Honda Civic, but he quickly started noticing strange things. While checking the trunk, he found a tent hood and some Christmas tree pines that he had had in his stolen car, then he found some wrappers he remembered leaving in his old Honda, and finally, there was this distinctive smell of beer that his Honda had had ever since he accidentally shattered a beer bottle in it.

Photo: Ewan Valentine

I started driving home, feeling a little strange about the situation because it could all have been a coincidence, he recalled. So I suddenly had the idea of checking the satnav history. Sure enough, there was my address, my parents address, my partners address, and places wed visited over the previous couple of years. It then dawned on me that my phone connected instantly as I left the garage, rather than needing to pair it as a new device. So it was pretty clear at this point that it was my car.

After contacting the police, Ewan learned that the vehicle identification number (VIN) did not match the one of his old car because the thieves had gone to great lengths to replace it. It had been scratched off the engine, the embossed plate on the door frame had been replaced with a sticker, and the engine serial number had been painted over.

It was my car. They did further checks, plugging a laptop into the car, and managed to find the original VIN number, Ewan said. So theyd attempted to override the VIN number in the ECU, even though that was tricky to find.

So far, the evidence collected by police suggests that the garage Ewan had bought back his stolen car from had no idea it had been stolen either, they had just been deceived by the thieves.
An Australian radio station has come under fire for reportedly using an AI-generated female host for six months without mentioning it before listeners started questioning her identity.

Last year, Australian Radio Networks CADA station, which broadcasts in Sydney, introduced a new host named Thy and even created a new show for her called Workdays with Thy. The young-sounding woman presented music for four hours a day from Monday to Friday, and things went smoothly until people started asking questions about the mysterious Thy. The fact that she had no last name and no biography anywhere was suspicious enough, but then some listeners noticed that certain phrases she used sounded identical every time she uttered them. Questions and theories about Thys true identity started spreading online, and CADA eventually revealed that she wasnt a real person.

Photo: Australian Radio Network/CADA

What is Thys last name? Who is she? Where did she come from? There is no biography or further information about the woman who is supposedly presenting this show, Sydney-based writer Stephanie Coombes wrote on her blog.

An analysis of Thys voice also revealed that certain phrases, like old school, sounded identical when she uttered them across multiple shows, so Australian Radio Network project leader Fayed Tohme had no choice but to admit that the mysterious radio host was actually an AI-generated software developed by voice-cloning firm ElevenLabs.

No mic, no studio, just code and vibes, Tohme wrote in a since-deleted LinkedIn post. An experiment by ARN and ElevenLabs thats pushing the boundaries of what live radio even means.



There are currently no laws restricting Australian radio stations from using AI-generated content during their broadcasts, but the Australian Radio Network has been criticised for failing to disclose the use of AI and deceiving listeners into thinking that Thy was a real person. The network has since put out a statement, admitting to testing AI, but also reassuring everyone that it didnt plan on replacing human hosts anytime soon.

This is a space being explored by broadcasters globally, and while the trial has offered valuable insights, its also reinforced the unique value that personalities bring to creating truly compelling content, the ARN statement read.

With AI television news anchors already a reality, its no surprise that human radio host jobs are also in peril. The fact that people took months o figure out Thy wasnt real must give AI developers hope of replacing humans with their creations at some point.
Julia Peyton-Jones

Julia Peyton-Jones, a prominent figure in the UK cultural scene, has joined Brunswick Arts as a partner in London.

She is to expand the practice across the UK, continental Europe and globally in conjunction with Brunswick staffers in New York, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Hong Kong.

Peyton-Jones joins the firm from Thaddaeus Ropac, an international commercial contemporary art gallery. As senior global director of special projects in a seven-year run, she worked closely with artists, estates, collectors, art fairs and foundations.

Prior to TP, Peyton-Jones was director of Londons renowned Serpentine Galleries for more than 25 years.

Notably, she launched the Serpentine Pavilion, which is a much anticipated event on the global cultural calendar, and has become a model for commissioning contemporary architecture.

Peyton-Jones also founded the Serpentines Summer Party, which become a benchmark for arts fundraising. The event attracted the likes of Diana, Princess of Wales, whom Peyton-Jones enlisted as a royal patron.

Her achievements at Serpentine earned Peyton-Jones the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Henry Timms, Brunswick Group CEO, said Peyton-Jones knowledge of every aspect of the arts and culture sector around the world will be invaluable to our clients as they navigate a rapidly changing world of high stakes issues."
Matt Dornic

Under Armour signs up Matt Dornic, who was SVP, communications at CNN, as chief communications officer. Dornic had also served as CNNs head of strategic communications. He exited the network after a notorious profile of former CEO Chris Licht in The Atlantic. Dornic will replace Under Armour comms chief Jen Smith, who is moving to the head spot in the companys human resources department. Having known Matt for several years, I am confident that his leadership will strengthen our communications function and amplify Under Armours voice around the world, Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank wrote in an internal email that was shared with Semafor.

Joanne Southern

Fried Frank, a legal firm with 800 lawyers across offices in New York; Washington, DC; London; Frankfurt and Brussels, brings on Joanne Southern as CMO. Southern was most recently CMO at Proskauer Rose. Before that, she was Fried Franks director of business development. In her new post, Southern will be tasked with further evolving Fried Franks marketing & business development department. Jo is an excellent leader who will bring strategic vision and talent together to execute innovative initiatives for the firm and our clients, said Fried Frank vice chairman and co-chair of its securities and shareholder litigation practice Scott B. Luftglass.

Kim Lauber

Macmillan Publishers hires Kim Lauber in the newly created role of SVP of consumer insights, marketing and analytics, effective May 19. Lauber will join Macmillan from Abrams, where she is VP of marketing. She was previously director of marketing at Random House Childrens Books and associate director of childrens marketing and publicity at Chronicle Books. At Macmillan, Lauber will lead the publishers consumer insights, marketing and analytics team as well as working with its divisional marketing and corporate shared services groups to drive its evolution in consumer engagement, insights and all aspects of data-focused performance marketing.
AS part of the wider regeneration of Clara through the Clara Town Centre First (TCF) Plan, the Clara TCF Team, in partnership with Offaly County Council and under the guidance and directorship of the Town Regeneration Officer, has secured funding for the development of a design plan for the regeneration of the former Co-op building.

Now acquired by Offaly County Council, the building, ideally located in the heart of the town, and overlooking the River Brosna, will be transformed into a vibrant community space through the Town Centre First initiative. (Project within the Town Centre First Plan for Clara)

To guide this process, consultants, working alongside Offaly County Council and the Clara TCF Team, will host a public consultation on Wednesday, May 7 from 4pm to 7pm at the Old Bank Hall, Church Street, Clara. Everyone is welcome to drop in during this time to explore regeneration plans and share thoughts on how this landmark building could best serve the community of Clara.

Have your say and help shape the future of Clara.

A special childrens art competition is also being held in collaboration with local schools and educational institutions. Local artist Vincent Devine will judge the competition, with winners and prizes announced at 6pm.

If you are a property owner adjacent to the former Co-op or believe that your property may be directly affected by the development, please contact a member of Clara Town Team who will arrange for a dedicated one to one session with you in advance of the public event to share specific concerns or ideas in a more focused setting.

Young voices matter. A dedicated space and facilitator will be available during the public consultation to ensure that young people can meaningfully participate. ''This is your town, and your future,'' say the organisers.

''We acknowledge that regenerating Clara is a complex and lengthy process, involving multiple layers of bureaucracy and significant financial challenges. However, the Clara TCF Team in partnership with Offaly County Council and directed by our committed Town Regeneration Officer, is here for the long haul. We are determined to take on the challenging projects; and not to shy away from the most time consuming, slow moving and difficult projects, as these projects may be the projects with the greatest potential to make a lasting impact on Claras social and economic future.

To ensure that the regeneration reflects the needs and desires of our community, your voice is essential.Please make time to attend, share your ideas, voice your concerns, and help shape the future of Clara.''

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Helena McElmeel, Architects in partnership with Offaly County Council are preparing a concept for the refurbishment of the co-operative for use as a multi-purpose community space. The project team would like to get feedback from as many people as possible. The event takes place at the old Bank of Ireland building, Church Street, Clara on Wednesday May 7 from 4pm  7pm

As part of this event a workshop for secondary school students will take place from 4pm.

People are being asked to complete an online survey at WWW.SURVEYMONKEY.COM/R/CLARACO-OP
FINE Gael TD for Offaly, John Clendennen, has expressed his appreciation and deep honour following his appointment as Assistant Party Whip by An Tanaiste and Fine Gael Leader Simon Harris.

Deputy Clendennen said he is grateful and truly honoured to be entrusted with the role, and is committed to fully applying himself to the responsibilities it entails.

This appointment is a great personal honour and a significant milestone in my political career. I want to thank An Tanaiste Simon Harris for his trust and confidence in me. I look forward to working closely with colleagues across the parliamentary party to support our legislative agenda and ensure strong party cohesion in the Oireachtas, said Clendennen.

As a proud TD representing the people of Offaly, I will continue to work tirelessly in the best interests of my constituents. This new role gives me another opportunity to contribute meaningfully at a national level, while always staying focused on delivering for the communities I represent across Offaly.

Deputy Clendennen concluded by reaffirming his dedication to the values of public service and party unity, Fine Gael has a proud record of delivering for Ireland, and I will play my full part in helping our team deliver strong, stable leadership into the future.

READ NEXT: Vintage Club in Offaly presents funds to school and playground committee

READ NEXT: Offaly woman keeps May Bush tradition alive
Over complicated and restrictive planning processes and a lack of necessary infrastructure are making house builds too expensive or impossible in North Tipperary, the members of Nenagh Municipal Council say.

Lack of water and sewage infrastructure capable of accommodating new buildings in towns and villages, as well as exorbitant costs for building materials and a new trend of denying planning permission to people in rural areas who want to build on their own land are causing a chaotic housing market in North Tipperary, the Municipal Council heard at their monthly meeting in Nenagh on Thursday last.

Urgent demand for emergency accommodation for refugees have compounded matters the meeting heard and the more frequent issuing of Section 5 planning exemptions came in for some staunch criticism by several elected local representatives.

Misinformation about planning rules, often spread by the providers of modular homes according to elected representatives, are creating myths about the installation of temporary and modular buildings, the meeting heard.



The situation has become so serious that one councillor, Independent Seamie Morris, suggested that Tipperary withdraw from the National Development Plan on the grounds the local authority cannot live up to the commitments in the Plan.

Cllr. Morris pointed to the litany of problems hampering any progress in tackling the ever burgeoning housing crisis in the region and had several proposals for solutions which he felt could ease the issue; including a dispensation for people in rural areas capable of providing the necessary funds and land to build their own home, but are being repeatedly refused planning permissions.

That dispensation would apply until water treatment and sewage capabilities in the towns and villages are brought up to a standard of potentially providing new connections, Cllr. Morris suggested.

"We're at a crisis point here - at the moment there are only 46 houses open to recipients of HAP available across the entire country", Cllr. Morris told the meeting, suggesting the National Development Plan be "suspended".

He said the growth in population in North Tipperary has "far exceeded anyone's expectations or predictions" and asked the local authority to "stop cooperating with the Department on granting Section 5 exemptions".

"We can't accommodate people who are already here because of the lack of infrastructure", he said and applauded a document created by the local authority which highlights the issues in the government's future plans for development in rural towns and villages.

Lower Ormond based Independent Councillor and member of the Lowry Team, Michael O'Meara agreed with Cllr. Morris and said planners "are not living in the real world" if they believe the government can deliver on its pledge of 40k to 50k new homes during it's lifetime.

Cllr. O'Meara said a modest new home in this region costs in excess of 500k to create to a builder's finish and that no bank is offering mortgages for such builds - "it is living in cloud cuckoo land" he said.

He said there has been a large increase in the number of young couples who want to return to villages and rural areas and the local authority does everything in their power to try and facilitate them, but the restraints are too great.

Cllr. O'Meara added that many people believe modular homes can be installed with no planning and called on the local authority to reiterate the correct information that modular buildings, like any other building, require planning.

Companies selling modular homes are circulating incorrect information which is leading to stress for people who buy them, only to later learn that factors such as percolation and septic tanks, as well as water and sewage must be considered.

Independent Cllr. Joe Hannigan, told the meeting the biggest problem is the lack of wastewater infrastructure.

"We need an urgent meeting with Irish Water to explore if we can do what is in the Development Plan - we need them to come to our Municipal District meeting and to make a plan", Cllr. Hannigan said.

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In response to the elected members queries from the Council executive the meeting heard the local authority cannot stop requests for Section 5 planning exemptions and that the local authority try to be as flexible as possible with the installation of modular buildings, but in many cases they run into issues.

In response Cllr. Morris said he understands Section 5 exemptions are important, but added that elected councillors should be informed when they are lodged with the local authority.

"Councillors are the last to know and they should be told and until then they should stop", he said.
Roscrea's Age Friendly group will be represented at a demonstration in Dublin this week to support the National Meals on Wheels programme.

The National Meals on Wheels Network, supported by Irish Rural Link, is holding a demonstration on Wednesday (April 30th) outside Leinster House to highlight the critical need for increased and sustained funding for Meals on Wheels services nationwide.

The demonstration highlights the importance of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the essential service, which provide vital support to older people and vulnerable individuals across Ireland.

Representing Roscrea is Mary MacMahon, Project Co-ordinator for Age Friendly Roscrea who are based in the former Courthouse building on Gaol Road.

As an organisation delivering meals in the Roscrea area, I will be attending the event. The older population is growing rapidly and services such as meals on wheels are often provided by voluntary groups with some basic funding from the HSE, Mary told the Tribune.

With rising costs of food, fuel, transport and the lack of staff, many services are under pressure to maintain a much valued service for people in their communities, Mary explained.

Following the demonstration in Dublin, Members of the Oireachtas are invited to an Information Day in Buswells Hotel with opportunities to drop in throughout the day.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Age Friendly Roscrea and Youth Service release new book

The National Meals on Wheels Network will provide an insight into the work it carries out and its need for increased funding and Meals on Wheels providers will share insights into the invaluable services they deliver across the country, as well as the growing challenges they face in their local areas.

Meals on Wheels services are facing many challenges that risk their ability to meet rising demand and an ageing population is outpacing current funding levels, while providers face increasing food and fuel costs, staffing shortages, and a decline in volunteerism.

Additional pressures such as rising insurance premiums, complex compliance requirements, and the drive for digital transformation add further strainparticularly for smaller, community-based providers such as in Roscrea.
Buildings in North Tipperary and neighbouring counties granted planning exemptions to provide emergency accommodation are being changed to provide a different service than originally declared, a local County Councillor has claimed.

Accommodation centres which were originally granted planning exemptions on grounds of providing services for people fleeing the war in Ukraine are being "flipped" according to Nenagh Independent Councillor, Seamie Morris, and changing to provide IPAS services to people from other, mostly African and Asian, countries.

Condemning the practice as "totally unacceptable", Cllr Morris says elected representatives are "kept in the dark" about planning exemptions and are not informed when the private individuals and companies who own buildings providing emergency accommodation decide to provide different services.

Ukrainian refugees are accommodated in Ireland under the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) system, however people seeking emergency accommodation from other parts of the world in Ireland are housed under the International Protection Application System (IPAS).

When building owners apply for a Section 5 Planning Exemption to legally sidestep the usual planning criteria for premises providing hospitality or catering services and begin providing emergency accommodation, they must specify if they intend on providing BTOP or IPAS accommodation.

Cllr Morris told a meeting of the Municipal Council for the area that has evidence of buildings changing emergency accommodation purpose and that residents of the towns where the changes are happening are unhappy.

"We thought we were part of the process, but we're not", Cllr Morris said, adding that Councillors are often "the last to know" when Section 5 exemptions are applied for.

He said the "Department are acting the absolute mick" and called on the local authority to stop co-operating with Section 5 applications until Councillors and all elected representatives are better informed as part of the process.

Cllr Morris said that at one meeting Tipperary's County Councillors were told "they didn't trust us enough to give us information based on the fact that places had been burned down", which he said was "astonishing".

"That's what we're dealing with as Councillors and there are people out there who think that we are being told what is going on - we're not, we're the last to be told", he said.

"But things have changed now and there were a lot of applications for Section 5's for BOTP accommodation which are Ukrainian refugees and most people have no problem with that, but what's happening now is those buildings are being flipped to IPAS.

"I saw one contract and it was three years for BOTP and I saw another contract come back and it was three years BOTP and two years IPAS - so what I'm saying is the contract that we thought was acceptable to the people we represent has now become unacceptable with us not knowing about it", Cllr Morris explained.

He also reference the unfolding situation at Dundrum House Hotel in South Tipperary, where multi-million euro contracts for emergency accommodation were signed with a company valued at 120m and only in existence for a few weeks before the contracts were signed.

READ NEXT: Convoluted planning, costs and infrastructure hindering house creation say Councillors

"That could be any of us tomorrow and we as a country are handing out multi-million euro contracts - when the company was only set up a couple of weeks ago you have to wonder what is going on", he said.

He added that many people in Nenagh are expressing concern to him that a premises in Nenagh will soon become an IPAS centre. The former hotel located on Kenyon Street in the centre of the town is the subject of much speculation locally he said and that people are being misinformed online and local representatives cannot dispel the rumours.

"That doesn't stop our phones ringing or us being accused of being part of it and those contracts are being flipped without us knowing about it", Cllr Morris said.
The jury in a murder trial have been shown footage of the accused begging his dead wife to make contact with him, claiming he was extremely concerned about her.

Richard Satchwell, 58, from Grattan Street in Youghal, Co Cork, denies murdering his wife Tina Satchwell at the home they shared in March 2017.

Her remains were found buried under a concrete floor under the stairs in their family home, six years after she disappeared.

Satchwell, who is originally from Leicester in England, formally reported his wife missing on May 11 2017, weeks after he told police she had left their family home, suspecting it was because their relationship had deteriorated.

Some three months after his wife disappeared, Mr Satchwell took part in a number of televised and recorded interviews with various broadcasters, in which he expressed his concern for her whereabouts.

The interviews, which took place in late June and July 2017, were shown to the jury at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.

In an interview with RTE on June 26, Mr Satchwell described his wife as a loving and gorgeous woman who loved fashion.

He appealed for Ms Satchwell to contact him or the police, adding that he wanted to know if she was okay.

He told the reporter that he was struggling to eat, had lost weight and could not sleep at night, saying he was becoming increasingly worried about her.

As the interviews were played to the court, Mr Satchwell sat looking at the floor of the court room.

Mr Satchwell said in the interview that he was extremely concerned for his wife, and that he had been suffering over the previous three months.

He added that their pet dogs and parrot were lonely and missing her.

In another interview with Independent.ie, Mr Satchwell said that he nothing to hide about his wifes disappearance, and that he had been telling the truth.

In an interview with Cork 96FM, recorded on July 9, 2017, Mr Satchwell said he did not appreciate some of the questions put to him by police, in which he was asked if he would harm his wife.

He said he never lifted a finger to her in their 28 years of marriage.

During the radio interview, he said he knew after within hours of meeting her, he knew he wanted to marry her.

He said he was not her type as he was overweight at the time and he would not be the good looking guy she would usually look for but she fell in love with my personality.

Inspector Daniel Holland told the court that he spoke to Mr Satchwell at Midleton Garda Station the day after his house was searched in June 2017.

Mr Holland said it was a very general conversation, describing it as an exchange of information that lasted around an hour or an hour-and-a-half.

He said that Mr Satchwell discussed his relationship with his wife, and told police that he had given up a lot of be with Ms Satchwell, that his family did not approve and no longer spoke to him.

He said he wanted to have kids, but she did not, claiming she was very headstrong and determined.

Mr Holland said that Mr Satchwell alluded to physical assaults on previous occasions and said that on two occasions she had knocked him out cold and was left unconscious.

He told police that before Christmas 2016, her mood had deteriorated, and that shortly before she went missing, she had assaulted him.

During the exchange, he told police that he never once reacted to her alleged outbursts and assaults.

He said he would deal with them by driving away on his own, and would have a cry.

He claimed he would never physically react and did not report the assaults to police.

Mr Satchwell told officers that he had conversations with Ms Satchwell about her mental health and that he has asked her to seek help in relation to it but she did not want to.

He said he felt that Ms Satchwell would not hurt herself as she was not that type of person.

He said he fully expected her to return home, but added that the publicity surrounding her disappearance may be an obstacle, as she thought people may ridicule her for leaving.

Following the search, police found documents showing transfers of money to various people around the world.

Mr Holland said that thousands of euros were sent to Western Union accounts and police wanted to know if it had something to do with her disappearance.

Mr Satchwell claimed Ms Satchwell wanted to adopt marmoset monkeys and had great difficulty in doing so and that was the reason behind the international transfers.

He said that emails on his laptop would provide an explanation about the money, however Mr Holland said the explanation for the money was confusing.

Asked to explain how the couple were able to save 26,000 euros in cash, Mr Satchwell claimed a large portion of the money came from going to car boot sales, and they would earn between 150 to 200 euros a week from selling clothes, and bric-a-brac.

He said this money was saved over four years and sold items he got from cleaning out his house in Fermoy and clearing out his wifes garage.

They had kept the cash in a tin box in the attic, which he sold shortly after she disappeared, the court heard.

When asked what the money was being saved for, he said it was for a new central heating system.

Mr Holland told defence barrister Brendan Grehan that Mr Satchwell said he was obsessed with his wife, adding that he specifically noted the word as it was so strong.

Mr Satchwell told police his wifes mood had deteriorated before Christmas in 2016, and that her extreme anger led to serious assaults on him.

When asked why he had put up with the alleged assaults, Mr Satchwell said that when she was not angry, she was a perfect person and he had long accepted this dark other side to her.

He claimed he never retaliated, and that she carried a lot of baggage from her childhood.

Asked to go through his movements on the night before and morning of his wifes disappearance, police said he was scant on detail, but was able to provide a good description about his travels to the post office in Youghal, to Grange Church and on to Dungarvan before he returned home.

Earlier, the court heard that police investigating her disappearance strongly suspected that something untoward and criminal had happened to her.

Retired sergeant John Sharkey, who worked at Youghal Garda Station in 2017, said it was treated as missing persons case for a period of time and over a two-week period in May, officers carried out a number of inquiries.

He said that on May 15, police launched a national public campaign through media platforms which included a picture of Ms Satchwell.

The court was told that this did not generate any assistance to investigators.

He said that police carried out inquiries to locate her, including trawling CCTV footage of the area in Youghal, launching a social media campaign with pictures of Ms Satchwell, using local radio and TV stations and carrying out house-to-house inquiries but they were fruitless.

He told the court that due to a lack of progress to locate any trace of Ms Satchwell, he became suspicious that something untoward had occurred.

Mr Sharkey said he was not alone in his suspicions and that there were others in An Garda Siochana (Irish police) who were also suspicious.

Asked by Mr Grehan if by June 2 2017, he believed Ms Satchwell may have been injured or incapacitated by a criminal event, he replied: Correct.

He said that in the days leading up to the search, he held a meeting with his superiors to review the case and a decision was made to apply for a search warrant.

Mr Sharkey said that full police resources were deployed to search the family home in Youghall, which began at around 7.30am and was fully completed by 7pm.

Mr Sharkey said it was a thorough search completed by a team of specialists and he believed there were up to 10 trained officers involved.

Garda Cathal Wheelan, who is a crime scene investigator attached to north Cork crime investigation unit at Cobh Garda Station, was also involved in the search.

His role was to take pictures of the premises before the search team went into the property and take photos of anything of significance found.

Describing the house, he said it was a three-storey, semi-detached old property.

He said the house was untidy and unkept and that there was dog faeces on the floor, as well as a dirty bird cage with a parrot inside and dirty dishes.

He also noted that the stairs appeared to be made of relatively new, untreated and unpainted wood.

The wall at the stairs had unpainted plasterboard which again appeared to be relatively new.

He said he believed building works had been going on in the house, which appeared to be started but not finished, adding that there appeared to be some repair work.

Mr Wheelan said that upstairs he saw a large amount of racks with a lot of clothes, the master bedroom was untidy and the walls were not painted nor had wallpaper on them.

In the attic, he saw shoes and handbags.

The trial continues.


Donald Trump Slept At Pope Francis' Funeral.

(Image by YouTube, Channel: CNN-News18) Details DMCA





A picture is worth a thousand words. Someone once told us that. Either a Chinese or Japanese philosopher, playwright Henrik Ibsen or some advertising mogul named Fred Barnard back in 1921. Barnard credited the Japanese. I'm going with Confucius. Whoever was first, they all knew what they were talking about.

Of all the words written about Donald Trump's appearance at the funeral of Pope Francis -- how he tastelessly wore a shiny blue suit and blue tie to stand out in the field of black mourners, ignoring the dress protocol issued by the Vatican, how he staged a photo op with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelinsky, surely pretending to broker a peace plan in Ukraine -- none was more informative and symbolic of the Trump presidency than the image of him sitting there in the front row, next to an impeccably dressed Melania, sound asleep.

At the funeral. Of the pope.

Make America embarrassed again.

Of course, if you depended on major newspapers in this country to inform you about that little bit of clumsy protocol, you'd be out of luck. No pictures. Not even words. No nothing.

But someone had the pictures because they were all over social media and YouTube and there he was, "Dozing Donald", snoozing in the front row at the pope's funeral. Of course, even here the bets were hedged. With the steady media normalizing of his erratic behavior, Trump only "seemed" to be sleeping. That's what everyone seemed to say. Well, it seemed to me that there was no doubt the dotard was dozing.

Just look at the photos. There he is front and center, all in shiny blue, chin dropped to his chest, eyes comfortably closed, mouth dropped wide open. Been there, done that. That's the picture of a man deep in sleep, not in thoughts about the death of a beloved spiritual leader. In fact, not even able to fake it

But the New York Times, while taking pains to point out Donald's attire and Melania's, didn't bother with a Sleepy Don. Too normal apparently. Nothing strange about that. That's Trump.

Yet I seem to remember not so long ago when the public behavior of a president was all over the front pages of the daily newspapers in this country. Joe Biden, the president who rescued America from the depths of insanity and economic chaos of the Trump presidency, the man who served honorably as vice president of this country before that and decades as a United States Senator before that -- that Joe Biden -- the one with a stutter, wound up being called Sleepy Joe thanks to much of the press following the lead of Trump.

Biden was pressured not to run for reelection. Too old. Can't handle it. That Joe Biden had the grace to step aside and let someone else run against Trump, who thought he could win the election if Elon Musk could steal enough votes from Democrats in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, which he could. That Joe Biden managed to stay awake through the entire funeral of Pope Francis because he has empathy and compassion and respect for other people's feelings. Trump does not. But we all know that, right? So it's no big deal, right?

Wrong.

You know, looking at the photo of Dozing Donald, I wondered what was going through Melania's mind. As far as I know, she never once threw an elbow into his ribs, as the wife in any normal marriage might, and whisper, "Wake up, stupid!" Maybe she thought that with all the cameras around it might draw attention to him. Or maybe, she just really didn't care at this point. The second seems more likely to me.

Heck, most of the major media didn't seem to care. That's Trump, they say. He's 78 years old. He's weird. He rambles on and on nonsensically because he doesn't understand questions. He lies compulsively. He's a convicted felon and apparently a racist. He almost crashed the stock market and blames Ukraine for Russia invading it. He's forbidden to be associated with any charitable organization in New York State and ran a phony college. A judge said that what Trump did to a woman in the dressing room of a fancy Manhattan clothing store amounted to rape. He incited an attack on the United States Capitol and encouraged the hanging of his vice president. He was handed the most powerful military and most vibrant economy on the planet when he took office in January and has proceeded to make a mess of both. He insists that windmills kill whales and thinks Hannibal Lecter is a real person.

So he fell asleep at the funeral of the pope. That's Trump. Who cares?

I care, dammit, that's who.
India, 30th April 2025: TripXL, a new online holiday platform in India, is ready to revolutionize the tourism industry with its launch in April 2025. Having been in successful beta testing for several months, the platform is now geared up to revolutionize the travel booking process. Headquartered in Siliguri, TripXL is a cutting-edge platform aimed at making the end-to-end booking process seamless and filling the gap between travellers and verified 
Portland-based author and illustrator Aron Nels Steinke, known for his middle grade books "Mr. Wolf's Class," has released a new book called "Speechless." Destiny Johnson

As a kid in Camas in the 1980s and 90s, Aron Nels Steinke felt like an outsider.

I lived in the country, surrounded by people that I was afraid of, Steinke said, from across the table at a bustling coffee shop in Southeast Portland near the end of April. Surrounded by people who rode their motorcycles around in circles with guns all day.

That feeling of not being able to fit into the world is one of the inspirations for Steinkes newest graphic novel, Speechless.

Speechless, published by Graphix/Scholastic in March, is his first middle-reader book, but Steinke is well-known for his Mr. Wolfs Class graphic novels for younger readers.

Those books, which feature a classroom of anthropomorphized animals with a wolf for a teacher, are based on Steinkes time as an elementary school teacher in Portland.

Speechless is inspired by something even more personal  his childhood.

Steinke, 44, still sometimes feels like an outsider.

Im an able-bodied cisgender white male, he said, and yet even now he feels separate from mainstream culture.

When he was a kid, Steinke said, his anxiety would cause him to become silent.

There were times where I would be petrified and I would just shut up, he said. I couldnt even speak or talk. Its like living the dream where someones attacking you and you cant fight back.

While he was teaching, Steinke said, he met a child who didnt speak at school. Thats when Steinke learned about selective mutism.

It was a moment of clarity.

I was like, Oh, that describes a lot of my childhood, a lot of my own anxiety, he said.

Mira, the protagonist in Speechless, doesnt speak at school.

Steinke himself didnt have such an extreme case, he said, but his experience was the grain that led him to the story of a girl who navigates selective mutism at school.

Mira is a creative kid who makes stop motion movies in her room and at home has no problem yelling at her sister for stealing her puppets. But at school, she cant seem to make words out loud.

Unlike his previous characters, Mira is a human. Thats partially because Speechless is for a different audience than the Mr. Wolfs Class books.

I felt like drawing real humans would make more sense, he said. Its just part of North American audience expectation that when you draw animal characters, theyre kids.

Mira is a middle schooler, while the kids in Mr. Wolfs class are elementary school students.

That is also not quite a random choice. Though Steinke started drawing comics about the students in his classes for the students in his class, he also always had another audience member in mind: his son, who was of a similar age and read the books as they came out.

Now, his son is almost 13. Speechless is for him.

I wrote it for my son basically, Steinke said. He was my muse.

Like Mira, Steinkes son is a filmmaker.

Hes always making his own films, hybrids of drawn animation with live action and stop motion, he said. Its just amazing what he creates. So I kind of created that character who was into making films as a way for him to also get excited about the book.

His gambit appears to have worked.

He said it was his favorite graphic novel, Steinke said. I want to make books that make him happy.

But, he said, I dont know if Ill follow him up to YA.

Like his son and Mira, he began with an interest in animation. Steinke took animation classes at Pacific Northwest College of Art and Northwest Film Center and then attended Vancouver Film School in British Columbia.

But, when an animation renaissance didnt happen and he couldnt find a job, he moved to Portland in the early 2000s, worked at Pizzacato and worked for free for people producing music videos.

Not getting paid, however, wasnt sustainable, so he quit that and started drawing comics and kids books. He had some small successes but realized that wasnt going to pay the bills either, so he went to school to become a teacher.

Steinke worked as a teacher for over 10 years, getting up at 5 a.m. to draw.

I found my voice while I was teaching, Steinke said. I had been making autobiographical comics about my life as an adult. My style looked more like its for younger kids. And once I was teaching, I wanted to make comics for my class.

He would draw comics for his classes about things that happened during the week. Then, before showing them the final piece, he would reprint the comics without words and let the kids fill in the word bubbles.

In 2014, he and his wife, Ariel Cohn, who is also an artist collaborated on a book called The Zoo Box, which won a Will Eisner Comic Industry Award. The first Mr. Wolfs Class book, Mr. Wolfs Class, was published in 2018.

He quit teaching in 2020, which was the plan before the pandemic.

Steinke now spends much of his time visiting classrooms and doing author events around the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

And, like Mira, he continues to make art.

She has self-therapy with art, Steinke said. She processes her own thoughts and feelings with these little scenes that she sets up, whether she knows it or not.

Portland-based author and illustrator Aron Nels Steinke, known for his middle grade books "Mr. Wolf's Class," has released a new book called "Speechless." Destiny Johnson

 Lizzy Acker covers life and culture and writes the advice column Why Tho? Reach her at 503-221-8052, lacker@oregonian.com.

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The Detroit skyline rises behind the Monument to Joe Louis, also known as "The Fist". (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) AP

A Detroit-area foundation president, credited with helping turn the Motor City around following the 2008 crisis, heaped assurances on Portland business leaders Tuesday that the city has everything it needs to mount an economic comeback.

If Detroit can do it, Portland can do it, Richard Rip Rapson told a gathering of Intel, Portland State University and Portland Metro Chamber representatives on the 14th floor of the downtown World Trade Center.
Jeremiah Allen Morgan, 42, is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from the safes of local Portland businesses. Getty Images

A Portland man stands accused of taking part in a series of burglaries in the metro area as part of an organized crime operation.

Jeremiah Allen Morgan, 42, was indicted by a Multnomah County grand jury last week on charges of first-degree burglary, first-and second-degree theft and first-and second-degree criminal mischief. He and another man allegedly broke into multiple Portland restaurants and bars, causing thousands of dollars in damage, as they tried to make off with cash kept in the businesses.

Portland police and prosecutors allege that Morgan belonged to a burglary ring with more than 10 members. Multnomah County District Attorneys Office spokesperson Pat Dooris said in an email that 28-year-old Courtney Savannah Carlile and Joshua Patrick Lucero, 33, allegedly were members of the same outfit. Carlile and Lucero were both indicted for burglary and other charges in January.

Between February 21 and March 6, Morgan and another man allegedly burglarized a Burger King, a Victoricos Mexican Food restaurant, the Daily Planet and TPK Brewing.

The amount of cash stolen from each location varied, but court records allege that Morgan and his accomplice made off with more than $4,000 total and that they used a crowbar and an electric saw to bust into the businesses safes. In one alleged incident, the two loaded an entire safe into a red Dodge Magnum before driving away, according to court records.

Thursdays indictment comes while Morgan is in custody at the Clark County Jail, where he faces allegations of possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of stolen property, jail and court records say.

Court records show that, along with the burglary case, Morgan separately faces charges this year in Oregon for possession of methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as facing multiple charges of identity theft in a 2024 case.

 Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313.
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JB Pritzker, the billionaire hotel heir who has served as governor of Illinois since 2019, wants to be president.

Like many Democrats, Pritzker believes his party has not been tough enough in opposing President Donald Trump. Now, he is urging Democrats to take to the streets to engage in mass protests, mobilization, and disruption so that Republicans "never know a moment of peace."

It is not clear how far Pritzker wants Democrats to go in their disruptive activism, but when you vow that your adversary will "never know a moment of peace," you probably mean just that, whatever ugly measures it might entail.

Pritzker made the vow Sunday night in a speech to Democrats in New Hampshire. A key part of his address was to push back against members of his own party who say Democrats have gone too far left and should moderate their positions to reconnect with more voters.

First, Pritzker touted some of his accomplishments in Illinois: "We enshrined reproductive rights into law," he said. "We legalized cannabis. We protected labor rights. We joined the U.S. Climate Alliance." Abortion, marijuana, minimum wage, and climate  maybe that's not a comprehensive platform, but it's what Pritzker highlighted. And then he declared: "We may have to fix our messaging and our strategy, but our values are exactly where they ought to be  and we will never join so many Republicans in the special place in hell reserved for quislings and cowards."

It is common for a party, following a painful defeat, to have a debate about whether its beliefs and policies were the problem or whether party leaders simply failed to communicate to voters how wonderful they were. The people who prefer the messaging explanation often prevail because their solution, more and better spin, doesn't require any introspection. If a Democratic leader today tells voters that the party just needs to tweak its messaging and strategy, he is also telling them that they don't have to reexamine their beliefs on the border, and woke, and crime, and other issues on which the party embraces minority views.

So, Pritzker was telling the New Hampshire crowd: You don't have to change a thing  just fight, fight, fight. Some Democrats really like that.

Pritzker focused on the stories of three Americans he admires for fighting back against the Trump administration. "In this fragile moment, the direction of this nation will turn on who we choose to listen to," he said, "whose stories we decide to tell about what is happening, who we elevate and who we ignore." He discussed Andi Smith, an Edwardsville, Illinois, woman who formed a Trump protest group; Gavin Carpenter, a Yosemite National Park employee who supplied an American flag displayed upside down as a protest against Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency; and Lucy Welch, an employee of the Sugarbush ski resort in Vermont who denounced Vice President JD Vance before a visit there in which protests forced Vance and his family to relocate.

"These three Americans acted on an instinct that we teach our children as one of their first lessons in life," Pritzker said. "When you see a danger, you yell for help at the top of your lungs. We Democrats, we shouldn't be comfortable ignoring those cries for help  the fact that so many are speaks to the real reason we lost last November."

That was another reference to the debate Democrats are having about the 2024 loss. Don't listen to those people who won't hang the flag upside down or hector Vance out of a hotel, Pritzker told the crowd in New Hampshire. Listen to the people who want to fight. "Listen, I understand the tendency to give in to despair right now," Pritzker continued. "But despair is an indulgence that we cannot afford in the times upon which history turns. Never before in my life have I called for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption. But I am now." With that, the audience burst into applause, and one man in the audience yelled, "Yes!"

Pritzker went on: "These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace. They have to understand that we will fight their cruelty with every megaphone and microphone that we have. We must castigate them on the soapbox and then punish them at the ballot box. They must feel in their bones that when we survive this shameful episode of American history with our democracy intact  because we have no alternative but to do just that  we will relegate their portraits to the museum halls reserved for tyrants and traitors."

If you get the sense that Pritzker likes to condemn people to everlasting punishment  to send them to that "special place in hell reserved for quislings and cowards" or to the Museum of Tyrants and Traitors  you're right. And if you get the sense that his talk will eventually end up where such talk always does, by likening Donald Trump and his supporters to Adolf Hitler and Nazis, well, Pritzker does that, too. He did not mention Nazis in his New Hampshire speech, but in a February speech to the Illinois state legislature, he denounced the Trump administration and added, "If you think I'm overreacting and sounding the alarm too soon, consider this: It took the Nazis one month, three weeks, two days, eight hours, and 40 minutes to dismantle a constitutional republic."

Later, in a television interview, Pritzker said of the Nazi reference, "I'm not suggesting that's exactly where we're going." But of course, that was exactly what he was suggesting.

The 2028 Democratic race will be in the news from now until a nominee is chosen. Lately, we've heard a lot about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and the big crowds she and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) have attracted in their private-jet "Fighting Oligarchy" tour. But don't forget JB Pritzker, who can match Ocasio-Cortez radical idea for radical idea, who has a few billion dollars in personal fortune to run as long as he likes, and who can make sure Republicans never know a moment of peace.
Tyler William Long, 32, faces charges of first-degree burglary, first-degree theft, first-and second-degree criminal mischief, first-degree aggravated theft and aggravated identity theft for allegedly breaking into multiple stores by cutting through their walls. Oregon Court Case 25CR21699

A Vancouver man is accused of stealing merchandise worth tens of thousands of dollars from Portland stores over about five weeks by cutting his way through the stores walls.

Tyler William Long, 32, faces charges of first-degree burglary, first-degree theft, first-and second-degree criminal mischief, first-degree aggravated theft and aggravated identity theft, court records show.

From mid-November to late December 2024, Long allegedly busted into four stores  including an AT&T store, a pawn shop, a jewelry store and a nail-and-cosmetics shop, according to court records.

Long had a tried-and-true method for the burglaries, court records allege. Police say hed break into an empty retail space that shared a wall with the business he was targeting and then cut a hole in the wall to give him access to the adjacent store.

At the first stop in his alleged burglary spree  an AT&T store in North Portland, on Nov. 15, 2024  he is accused of stealing three iPads, multiple smartphones, a computer, a WiFi router, a DVR, a customers phone and multiple store keys, court records say.

A week later he hit a Northeast Portland jewelry buyer and took six $600 diamond earrings, five diamond bracelets worth a combined total of over $2,000 and a tray of various pieces of jewelry worth about $1,000, court records allege.

Later that day he tried to sell five of the stolen diamond earrings at another pawn shop, court records say.

Long is accused of striking again in early December at a downtown Portland jewelry shop, records state. He allegedly sawed his way into the store and made off with more than $24,000 in merchandise  but not before he was caught on camera talking to his alleged accomplice, court records say. Detectives later used the audio from the conversation to identify Long as a suspect.

The next day, Longs ex-girlfriend, Kaylea Writer, allegedly pawned some of the stolen jewelry, and a pawnshop employee identified the items as belonging to the store that was burglarized the day before, court records say.

Available court records dont show any charges against Writer for the pawn-shop transaction, but she is currently facing second-degree theft charges for a separate incident in March, records show.

Long also is accused of breaking into a Southwest Portland nail shop in late December, making off with $1,000 worth of the business electronics and hair products, court records allege.

Police executed a search warrant on Longs home in mid-February and found ammunition, gun holsters and gun magazines inside  along with credit card skimmers, burglary tools, keys from the AT&T store and a notebook with multiple addresses, court records say.

Two addresses listed in the notebook were crossed off: those of the burglarized nail store and that of another business in Washington County that had been broken into in January.

Long was previously convicted in 2024 of charges of felon in possession of a gun, aggravated identity theft and methamphetamine possession.

 Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313.
Tilly, a river otter explores its surroundings at the Oregon Zoo. Oregon Zoo/Carli Davidson

The Oregon Zoo said goodbye to a member of the otter family Wednesday.

Tilly, the zoos oldest North American river otter, was humanely euthanized at age 16, due to advanced age, according to a press release.
Electricity demand in the Pacific Northwest could double over the next two decades as data centers, electric vehicles, homes and businesses clamor for more power, according to a new forecast by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. AP

Electricity demand in the Pacific Northwest could double over the next two decades as data centers, electric vehicles, homes and businesses clamor for more power, according to a new forecast released Tuesday by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.

EVs could rival and ultimately surpass data centers in projected load growth, according to the forecast.

The analysis calculated energy-efficiency measures at the current levels, so the actual growth will likely be smaller once those measures are further developed and instituted. The measures include such things as installing rooftop solar systems and encouraging consumers to shift electricity usage to times when demand is lower or when electricity is more plentiful.

The council, a regional organization based in Portland, is tasked with developing 20-year power plans and updating them every five years to guarantee adequate and reliable energy supply at the lowest economic and environmental cost. Participating states include Oregon, Washington, Idaho and western Montana.

The plans, which identify energy efficiency measures and new resources needed to meet future demand, are required under the Northwest Power Act of 1980.

The Bonneville Power Administration  the regions largest transmission grid operator  must acquire enough power-generating resources such as solar, wind and battery projects consistent with the plan. Utilities and regulators also use it as a guide in planning for future energy needs.

This years forecast  to be incorporated into the councils upcoming power plan for the region  shows how dramatically power demand has changed. In previous decades, electricity consumption had leveled off and has only started increasing in the past few years  though the extent of that growth was, until recently, uncertain.

The councils last forecast in 2021 predicted regional power consumption would either see a 7.5% decline or up to a 15% growth. To date, the forecast has matched reality: The Pacific Northwest has consumed 22,000 average megawatts of electricity a year for the last several years, with growth mostly flat due to reductions in electricity consumption through improved efficiency.

Average megawatts represent annual power demand; an average megawatt is equal to one megawatt of electricity delivered continuously for a year, enough to power 811 homes for a year.

The regions power consumption is now predicted to go up sharply.

The new forecast projects annual energy demand to reach between 31,000 and 44,000 average megawatts of electricity per year by 2046, varying by trajectory. Thats a range of increase of 40% to 100%, the data shows. The forecast includes several scenarios with different electricity load growth for various sectors  buildings, transportation, data centers, for instance  at different times.

Council staff had to build a new model that takes into account new technologies to provide a more sophisticated forecasting tool.

Overall, the staff said power demand from newly built data centers and semiconductor factories is expected to ramp up quickly and significantly and then level off. Demand from electric vehicles, on the other hand, will increase at a slower rate but eventually outpace the data centers electricity needs.

But its unclear if those high EV adoption forecasts will materialize. Oregon recently ratcheted back its EV growth forecast and, given Trump administration priorities, its unclear whether federal EV tax credits will continue.

Power demand from installing more electric heat pumps, electric water heaters and electric stoves in homes and businesses will also surge toward the end of the forecast horizon.

And hydrogen production  assuming it does take off as planned  could add to the load growth in later years. Hydrogen production probably wouldnt squeeze the regional energy supply, though, because the hydrogen itself would be used for generating electricity.

There could be other new sources of energy, too. A council staff analysis found cumulative rooftop solar potential will surpass 500 average megawatts of electricity in 2031 and could grow to above 4,000 average megawatts by 2046.

In the coming months, council staff will calculate the cost and availability of new energy efficiency, rooftop solar and other conservation in energy use and will update the forecast to account for the impact of those measures. A draft power plan will be available for public review by mid-2026 and the final power plan will be adopted by the end of that year.

 Gosia Wozniacka covers environmental justice, climate change, the clean energy transition and other environmental issues. Reach her at gwozniacka@oregonian.com or 971-421-3154.

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Long, squiggly bands of green slime coated parts of the Willamette River near Portland on Monday, October 16, 2023, sending water quality regulators scrambling for answers. Mike Rogoway

The Oregon Health Authority will now issue warnings about Oregon lakes and rivers after a dog falls ill or dies possibly from having been exposed to toxic algae in them.

The warnings are designed to alert other dog owners to the possible dangers of toxic algae while authorities await further testing, which can take up to two weeks to confirm certain types of cyanobacteria.
Ascend, a marijuana retailer in Northeast Portland, and Bubbles Hash, a processor that makes marijuana into edibles and concentrates for sale in Southwest Portland, filed the federal suit against the state. Beth Nakamura/Staff LC-

Two Portland cannabis businesses Tuesday urged a judge to halt enforcement of Measure 119, which requires them to set up labor agreements for their workers as a condition of licensing or their license renewal.

Measure 119, approved by voters in November, went into effect Dec. 5.
Over a thousand people gathered at Pioneer Square in Portland, Oregon on April 19, 2025, to protest the Trump administration. Dozens of rallies are planned across Oregon on May Day in support of immigrants and workers. Allison Barr/The Oregonian

Dozens of rallies are planned in cities across Oregon on May Day this Thursday in support of immigrants and workers, organizers say.

Portland has a long history of protests on May Day, but the occasion also known as International Workers Day has taken on greater meaning statewide and across the country as the Trump administration has fired federal workers and increased efforts to deport immigrants, organizers say.

50501 PDX, a local chapter of the nationwide group that has held anti-Trump protests, is planning a rally in the South Park Blocks early Thursday afternoon. In addition, another rally is planned at Pioneer Courthouse Square later in the day, and the Portland Association of Teachers is hosting its own rally at Terry Schrunk Plaza.

But organizers are also planning rallies in cities like Salem, Eugene, Corvallis and La Grande. In Salem, the farmworkers union Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste is planning a rally at the Oregon State Capitol to demand justice for immigrant workers and call for an end to mass deportations.

This moment calls for something a lot more, and the moments really scary for a lot of immigrant communities, said Reyna Lopez, the executive director of the farmworkers union, who added that she hopes to inspire people to feel hope around the movement and to know they belong in Oregon.

For many Oregon immigrants, this is their home, and were going to take care of our home, she said.

Read more: Portland police anticipate thousands at May Day protests Thursday

Cheryl Campbell, an organizer with the group Union County Unite, said its important to be demonstrating in a county that voted nearly 70% for Trump. The group has been holding an event every month this year, she said, starting with a march in January.

There are a number of people who have been showing up, who never thought they would ever come to something like this, some of them known to be Republicans in the past, Campbell said.

And Justin Soares, an organizer with Showing Up for Racial Justice, is helping to lead a protest at the Benton County Courthouse, a place he says has served as a local nexus for demonstrations in Corvallis. The rally on Thursday, he said, is to support every worker, especially the ones who pick, prepare and serve food.

 Zaeem Shaikh covers the Portland Police Bureau and criminal justice issues for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-221- 4323, zshaikh@oregonian.com or on X @zaeemshake
The intent is to recognize and encourage the role that private property plays in providing forage and habitat for these big game species, which often consume crops or cause other damage. ODFW wildlife research team

SALEM  More than four decades since it was started, a program that prioritizes Oregon landowners for hunting tags is poised to become permanent law this year.

The program is finally at a point where most people are willing to live with it, said Brian Wolfer, deputy wildlife division administrator of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Originally introduced on a temporary basis in the early 1980s, the program allows landowners to obtain hunting tags for their own property despite potential limits on deer, elk and antelope harvests.

The intent is to recognize and encourage the role that private property plays in providing forage and habitat for these big game species, which often consume crops or cause other damage.

Private lands provide critical habitat that allows wildlife to thrive alongside human development, said Kyle Smith, director of government relations for nonprofit The Nature Conservancy.

Extensions of the landowner preference program have repeatedly included sunset dates that facilitate lawmaker reviews of the regulations, with the law now set to expire in January 2026.

However, the ODFW is joined by several agriculture, forestry, hunting and conservation groups in asking lawmakers to renew the program without a sunset date, allowing it to operate in perpetuity.

Supporters of Senate Bill 812 say the landowner preference program has been tweaked enough that its no longer necessary for lawmakers to regularly reexamine the statute.

I think weve got it figured out now, said David Wiley, a lead volunteer and representative of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation nonprofit. It just doesnt make sense to have a mature program reviewed every few years.

The bill has unanimously passed the Senate and is now being considered by the House Agriculture Committee, which held a recent hearing on the proposal.

Proponents of making the landowner preference program permanent point out that it hasnt been subject to any substantive revisions since 2013, when hunting tags were limited for mule deer if that species falls below management objectives.

Weve seen over a decade of stability with no followup changes needed, said Mike Eliason, lobbyist for the Oregon Forest Industries Council.

Landowners can obtain between two and 14 hunting tags per year under the program, depending on the size of their property, some of which they can transfer to others.

For example, landowners can transfer half their hunting tags for antlered deer and elk to non-family members, but cannot transfer tags for pronghorn antelope to non-family members.

The potential for such transfers to generate revenues has come under fire from the Human Voters Oregon nonprofit, which claims such activities run counter to the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

A key principle of that model is that wildlife is a public resource regardless of where it is and that hunting access is provided equitably without regard for wealth, prestige, or land ownership, according to Humane Voters Oregon.

The organization argues the landowner preference program violates these principles by prioritizing landowners and allowing them to profit from hunting tags, raising concerns about privatization of the states wildlife.

We do not know the extent to which a market exists for Oregons landowner preference tags or for access to use those tags. In any case, it seems simple enough to make clear in the statute that access to landowner preference tags and the land to use them cannot be sold by landowners receiving the tags, said Brian Posewitz, the groups director, in submitted testimony.

The current version of SB 812 doesnt contain such provisions and no amendments to that effect have been proposed to the legislation.

Some landowners do charge hunters for providing access to their land in conjunction with transferring tags, which is considered an effective way of compensating for the damage that big game species can inflict on crops and property, said Wolfer of ODFW.

Though the agency doesnt have exact information about the practice, up to 45% of hunting tags for deer and elk obtained under the program are transferred to non-family members, he said.

We do hear from landowners that they see that as one of the benefits of providing wildlife on their property, Wolfer said.

 2025 The Observer (La Grande, Ore.). Visit www.lagrandeobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Washington state was found to have a worse litter problem than other states. Jerry McCrea file photo | For NJ Advance Media

People caught littering in Washington can expect to pay fines that may be more than double the current amount starting this summer.

A bill that Rep. Mark Klicker introduced in the the Washington state Legislature in January to raise the fine for littering was approved by the Legislature on Sunday, the last day of the session.

House Bill 1293 increases the penalty for littering from $50 to a Class 2 civil infraction, which carries a penalty of $125 for tossing a cubic foot or less of material. Thats roughly what would fit in a plastic grocery bag.

Litterbugs could be hit with a $93 penalty on top of that, for a total of $218, if they are caught leaving trash on a state highway. Cities and counties also may charge a fine on top of that.

Klicker said increasing the amount of the fine for the first time in 32 years is a step toward addressing our horrible littering problem.

I have encountered everything from bottles to cups to plastic bags to paper bags, baby cribs, tires, mattresses and sofas on our interstates, Klicker said.

A Washington state Department of Ecology study done in 2022 found that Washington does have a worse littering problem than many other states.

It looked for litter at a sample of 182 roadways, interchanges, restrooms and parks  including in Benton and Franklin counties  to estimate that 37.8 million pounds are littered per year, or nearly 5 pounds per person.

Interstates were the worst with 73,580 pieces of litter per mile per year. And the most littered items were cigarette butts, construction and demolition debris, and food wrappers and snack bags.

The study concluded that Washington roadways and parks had 42% more garbage dumped that the national average.

Washington state Departments of Transportation and Ecology together spend more than $12 million annually on litter cleanup efforts, but they can clean up only a small portion of the material that is littered, according to the study.

The legislation still must be signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson to take effect July 27.

 2025 The Olympian (Olympia, Wash.). Visit www.theolympian.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday, April 7, 2025. (Yuri Gripas/Abaca Press/TNS) TNS

President Donald Trump is getting a big thumbs down from Americans in polls on some of his controversial key proposals as he marks 100 days back in the White House.

Outsized majorities of Americans told a new ABC News/ Washington Post survey released Tuesday that they do not support Trumps controversial plans to annex Canada and Greenland or to attempt a run for a third term in the White House in 2028.

A whopping 86% of those surveyed oppose the United States trying to take control of Canada, which Trump has repeatedly vowed will become the 51st state.

A somewhat smaller total of 76% oppose gobbling up Greenland, the vast, mineral-rich Arctic island that is a self-governing territory of Denmark.

Support for the annexations are mostly limited to Republicans, with nearly half of self-identified GOP voters backing taking over Greenland. Only a tiny 3% of Democrats and 20% of independents agree.

When it comes to Canada, just 27% of Republicans want the north-of-the-border neighbor to become the 51st state, compared to 9% of independents and 4% of Democrats.

Interestingly, Democrats and independents are far more likely to take Trump seriously about the annexation plans, with a large majority of Republicans saying hes not serious about the Canada plan.

The vast majority of Americans also oppose the idea Trump has floated of seeking a third term, which is barred by the constitutions 22nd Amendment.

Some 80% of those surveyed oppose Trump serving a third term, although 38% of Republicans back the idea, the poll says. Just 3% of Democrats agree that Trump should serve a third term.

Americans are also unhappy with his proposal to send convicted criminals who are U.S. citizens to serve prison terms in foreign countries, with 66% opposing the idea.

It does get traction among Republicans, with 57% in support. Trump floated the idea after deporting hundreds of undocumented immigrants to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador.

The ABC/ Washington Post poll results emerged as a raft of surveys timed to the 100-day mark show only about 4 in 10 Americans approve of how Trump is handling the presidency, and his ratings on the economy and trade are lower than that.

A 59% majority of the public now says Trumps policies have made the economy worse, according to a CNN poll released Tuesday. That figure is up from 51% in March and similar to the worst numbers posted by former President Joe Biden saw during his unpopular presidency.

Overall, 69% of those polled say the American economy is likely to slip into recession in the coming year, with a third saying a downturn is very likely.

Just 34% of Americans call themselves enthusiastic or optimistic about the economy. About 29% say theyre pessimistic, while 37% admit theyre downright afraid.

The abysmal polling results are historically bad for a president who should still be basking in a popular honeymoon period. Even Biden was coasting with the support of nearly 60% of Americans four years ago in the spring of his first year in the White House.

Despite the grim political news, Trump is framing his first 100 days as a historic success worth celebrating.

He spent most of the morning reposting testimonials from supporters proclaiming his policies as ushering in a Golden Age of American economic growth and prosperity

The president was poised to head to a working-class town near Detroit in the battleground state of Michigan where he planned to rally the MAGA faithful Tuesday evening.

------------

2025 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Court appointed special advocates are volunteers who are assigned by judges to look out for children in Oregon's foster care system. Supervisors for those volunteers in Multnomah County are pictured in October 2021, during a tour of the new downtown courthouse. The Oregonian

A statewide program that provides volunteer advocates for children in Oregon foster care is dealing with funding cuts on two fronts, after the U.S. Department of Justice last week abruptly terminated grant funding to its national affiliate.

Court Appointed Special Advocates in Oregon has already been hit with a $1.7 million cut in the federal budget that the Republican controlled Congress passed in mid-March, said Oregon CASA Network state director Kat Hendrix.

Judges appoint volunteers, known as CASAs, to take special care looking out for the interests of children who have been removed temporarily from their families. The advocates attend court hearings, meet regularly with children to check how they are doing and often advocate for their interests directly with state child welfare workers. There are not enough volunteer advocates for every child in foster care: there are about 1,800 CASA volunteers across Oregon, Hendrix said, while there are typically around 4,500 children in foster care in the state at any time.

The federal funding cuts could further reduce the number of volunteers available to look out for foster children. Although the program relies on unpaid volunteers, paid staff supervise and support the volunteers. As a result, even small federal funding cuts can result in outsized service reductions, Hendrix said.

The consequence is that fewer kids will be served, Hendrix said in an interview Tuesday. Thats because our programs are at risk of needing to potentially reduce staff and one staff person supervises 20 to 30 CASAs, and each CASA has one to two cases. So thats up to 60 kids for one staff person.

On April 22, the U.S. DOJ notified the umbrella organization National Court Appointed Special Advocates Guardians Ad Litem Association that it was terminating long running grants to the organization. According to the association, the DOJ explained it was ending the grants because the court appointed special advocates no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities. Hendrix said those grants were worth $25 million.

The national organization supports local CASA organizations across the country, adding initiatives such as Fostering Futures to support young people aging out of foster care, and it also distributes subgrants across the country. Their future is uncertain, Hendrix said of the national association. Its heartbreaking. Its been very difficult on our programs here in Oregon.

Local CASA organizations in counties across Oregon had started applying for the latest round of federal subgrants but so far just two had received funding: CASA in Yamhill County, which had been approved to receive $35,000, and CASA for Children based in Multnomah County, which had been approved to receive $50,000, Hendrix said. CASA for Children, which serves children in Multnomah, Washington, Tillamook and Columbia counties, received a total of $2.2 million in revenue in 2023, according to its tax filing. CASA in Yamhill County reported nearly $233,000 in total revenue in 2022, the latest year for which a tax filing is publicly available.

Our programs have actually experienced two losses in just the last few weeks, Hendrix said.

As for the $1.7 million that Congressional Republicans cut from the federal budget in March, it had been set aside for Oregon CASA programs in a previous federal appropriations bill, according to a press release from the state CASA programs. The group noted that Congress has funded the programs nationally through appropriations for more than 30 years.

Now, CASA programs in Oregon are hoping state lawmakers will approve additional funding to help fill in the federal cuts. That could prove challenging: as President Donald Trump, billionaire advisor Elon Musk and Congressional Republicans slash spending to pay for tax cuts and increased spending on the military and mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, Oregon leaders have warned the state cannot backfill the federal money.

 Hillary Borrud is an investigative reporter. Reach her at 503-294 4034 or hborrud@oregonian.com.
Washington County released its proposed $2 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year Monday, and like other governments in Oregon, it is navigating a difficult financial picture and facing cutbacks to public services.

All told, officials are pitching $26.1 million in general fund reductions that would impact public safety entities, health and human services and the auditors office. Those cuts would eliminate 83 jobs countywide, budget documents show.

Officials warned of a $20.5 million budget gap in the countys general fund in March, making it the fifth consecutive year that Washington County has faced a shortfall in those dollars. That fund, the largest pool of discretionary money at the countys disposal, is estimated to total $333.7 million in the upcoming fiscal year. Officials have attributed the continued shortfalls to rising costs to provide services and stagnant growth in property tax revenue.

Our resolve is being tested more than ever as we struggle within a constrained property tax system to reach the right balance point, Budget Officer Tanya Ange wrote in a statement.

Over $7.1 million of the proposed reductions would hit public safety departments. The District Attorneys Office would shutter its child support enforcement program completely. Employees in that program would transition out of the county and into the states child support program, documents show. The state would take over the countys obligation to offer child support enforcement, but officials said the level of service would be significantly lower.

The Sheriffs Office is slated to take a 5% cut in general fund dollars, canning 13 vacant positions. Those include 10 patrol deputies and three criminal records specialists. The move could put the law enforcement office in a bind, according to budget documents.

Operationally this lack of staffing may force a shift in focus to reactive measures rather than proactive policing, officials wrote in a budget summary.

The countys Community Corrections Department, which provides parole and probation services, would take a 13% reduction under the proposed fiscal plan. The countys jail would lose 10 jail deputies and be asked to eliminate 13 full-time-equivalent vacant positions, with a total reduction of $2 million.

Officials are also proposing to cut housing, health and human services funding by nearly $3.3 million, with the public health division taking the brunt of the fiscal blow. The cuts would eliminate five vacant positions and reduce materials and services spending, among other things, for a total reduction of $2.4 million. Behavioral health services would also take a 17% reduction of $248,000.

To make matters worse, the county is also grappling with a shortfall in its homeless services tax funds of roughly $16 million next year, according to forecasts from the Metro regional government. Metro, which doles out the tax dollars to Washington, Clackamas and Multnomah counties, warned the three governments in December that theyd be getting less money than expected to tackle homelessness.

The proposed budget also makes cuts to the county auditor, cutting two full-time senior management auditors down to 36 hours a week and removing the offices ability to contract out performance audits and any specialty expertise. The County Administrators Office, county emergency management, facilities operations and other areas would also face reductions.

Officials said 74 permanent positions and nine temporary positions would be cut under the proposed financial plan. The overall budget is decreasing 5% compared to the 2025 fiscal year, documents show.

Multnomah County laid out its own budget cuts last week. Chair Jessica Vega Pedersons proposed fiscal plan would eliminate three programs and includes deep cuts to health and homeless services. The county is facing a $15.5 million budget gap in its $897 million general fund.

The city of Portland is also grappling with a combined $150 million shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year between its general fund and reductions to other core municipal services, and is weighing deep program cuts and hundreds of potential layoffs. Portlands budget for this year was about $8.2 billion, with $732 million in discretionary general funds. Mayor Keith Wilson will unveil his proposed budget May 5.

The Washington County Board of Commissioners will host a budget town hall May 12 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Public Services Building Auditorium at 155 N. First Avenue in Hillsboro. The countys Budget Committee will hold a public hearing May 20, at which time they may vote to approve the budget, officials said.

 Austin De Dios covers Multnomah County politics, programs and more. Reach him at 503-319-9744, adedios@oregonian.com or @AustinDeDios.

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The inside of the Oregon State Hospital in Salem in 2023. Beth Nakamura

The new, acting superintendent of the Oregon State Hospital released a 30-day plan Wednesday to improve patient safety.

Dave Baden was appointed to the role two and half weeks ago by Gov. Tina Kotek after she learned all of the details surrounding the death of a patient in March and removed Interim Superintendent Sara Walker.
A stuffed dog rests on a bed inside a youth shelter in Eugene, Oregon that is run by Looking Glass Community Services and is supported, in part, by a federal grant program that could be in peril under Trump. Looking Glass Community Services

As the Trump administration continues to slash staff and funding at federal agencies, it would be easy to overlook the $5 million from the tiny U.S. Family and Youth Services Bureau that 11 Oregon nonprofits count on to help homeless and runaway youth.

That money has steadily flowed to Oregon nonprofits, until now. But staffing cuts and changed priorities at the small federal bureau have thrown the continuation of the grant program into question.
President Donald Trump says he's reviving Columbus Day, which, of course, did not need reviving. (AP Photo | Alex Brandon) AP

The New York City Columbus Day Parade has been celebrated since 1929, so its about to mark its 96th year.

In fact, the parade marches up Fifth Avenue, and it passes right in front of Trump Tower.

Donald Trump, apparently, has never looked out of his windows, because he insisted on Truth Social that hes bringing the holiday back from the dead.

Im bringing Columbus Day back from the ashes, Trump wrote his social media platform. The Democrats did everything possible to destroy Christopher Columbus, his reputation and all of the Italians that love him so much. They tore down his Statues, and put up nothing but WOKE, or even worse, nothing at all! Well, youll be happy to know, Christopher is going to make a major comeback. I am hereby reinstating Columbus Day under the same rules, dates, and locations, as it has had for all of the many decades before!

Columbus Day has been a federal holiday since 1937, and there are dozens of Columbus Day parades across the U.S. in October, though the exact number changes a little year to year. Some of the biggest and most famous parades are staged in New York City (the largest), Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Providence, R.I. and Cleveland.

Columbus Day 2025 is Oct. 13.

In many places, it is now celebrated as Indigenous Peoples Day, turning the tables from celebrating a short-term visitor and aspiring colonizer to the Indigenous peoples who had woven a rich and largely peaceful existence in North American for generations before Christopher Columbus neared its shores. This movement is probably what Trump is talking about

In 2021, the Oregon Legislature officially declared the second Tuesday in October to be Indigenous Peoples Day. Last year, the celebrations included a two-day Indigenous art festival in Gresham and a free five-hour Indigenous Peoples Day celebration in Salems Riverfront Park featuring childrens activities, speakers, dancers and more.

Denver also holds a celebration renamed the Indigenous Peoples Day Parade to honor those terrorized by Columbus conquest.

Many smaller cities and towns in states with substantial Italian-American communities  New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, for instance  also host their own Columbus Day parades.

This is such great news! one Twitter user tweeted. Especially since Columbus Day never went anywhere. This gives me hope hell bring back Christmas too.

Democratic strategist Chris Jackson fired back at Trump: The fact is, Columbus Day never went anywhere. But if I had approval ratings like you, Id want to talk about anything else besides that too.

One more Twitter user jumped on the presidents message: Christopher Columbus never so much as set foot on, much less discovered, modern day America. He was a bloodthirsty colonialist whose brutality and savagery of Native peoples earned him the title The father of the transatlantic slave trade. No wonder Trump loves him so much.

After Spanish monarchs investigated Columbus brutal actions in the New World, they dragged him, home and paraded through the streets in shackles before imprisoning him. He eventually was released, but lived out his life in shame.

-- Kevin Mahanan, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. The Oregonian/OregonLive politics team contributed to this report.
Demonstrators marked May Day with a protest in northeast Portland's Holladay Park on May 1, 2021. Several events are planned for May Day this year, in Portland and elsewhere in Oregon. Dave Killen/The Oregonian

Portland police say theyre prepared to respond to several May Day protests planned for the city Thursday afternoon and evening.

But they dont know whether to expect hundreds or thousands or tens of thousands of people on the streets as temperatures reach a high of 82 degrees on what is a work day for most people.

Read more: Immigrant rights, worker justice at center of Oregon May Day rallies

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Craig Dobson, the Police Bureaus assistant chief of operations, said police expect Thursdays events to be as peaceful as other recent demonstrations.

Weve had in the last few months several big events, Dobson said. Theyve all gone really, really well and we appreciate the public for being out there and organizing these events and having very peaceful events where weve been able to work with the crowds and coordinate with them.

That hasnt always been the case historically. As far back as 2000, officers in riot gear clashed with May Day protesters and made 20 arrests, prompting 23 complaints of excessive police force.

In 2021, May Day protesters confronted police outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in South Portland while others smashed windows downtown. And last year, May Day overlapped with the pro-Palestinian occupation of the main Portland State University library, although tensions didnt come to a full boil until May 2, when police cleared the library.

What May Day protests are planned in Portland?

50501 PDX, a local chapter of a nationwide movement that has held anti-Trump protests across the country, plans a rally in the South Park Blocks from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A second protest dubbed #MayDayStrong Mobilization is planned for Pioneer Courthouse Square from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., and a third protest is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Terry Schrunk Plaza. It is hosted by the Portland Association of Teachers.

What May Day protests are planned for Oregon?

Organizers in cities from Salem to Vancouver and from Eugene to La Grande plan May Day protests.

In Salem, the farmworkers union Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste plans a rally for immigrant and worker rights at the Capitol.

 Quinton Prudhomme is a reporter on the public safety and breaking news team. Reach him at  503-221-8002 or qprudhomme@oregonian.com.

 Beth Slovic is an editor on the public safety and breaking news team. Reach her at 503-221-8551 or bslovic@oregonian.com.

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Stretch Lab opened a lab in Bethany. Courtesy of Stretch Lab Bethany

A new health and wellness trend is coming to the Bethany area of Washington County.

>> Business opening or closing in your neighborhood? Email the reporter at vnocera@oregonian.com.
The Boise neighborhood is angling to become Portlands next ice cream alley.

When Tipsy Scoop (3987 N. Mississippi Ave.) opens Friday, it will be a decidedly adult addition to the neighborhood, which already features Kulfis ice dairy pops a few blocks away on North Williams Avenue and vegan and gluten-free ice cream at Kates just up the street on Mississippi as well.

Tipsy Scoop is an ice cream chain started in New York that calls itself a barlour, a portmanteau of bar and parlour. But heres a twist: The Oregon franchise, which is the first Tipsy Scoop on the West Coast, will be the first location with an actual full bar, set to open around Mothers Day.

The chain sells scoops, sundaes, drinks and ice cream cake, all based on alcoholic ice cream made in New York. Ice cream flavors include tequila Mexican hot chocolate, spiked mint chip, raspberry limoncello and mango margarita, plus a virgin pina colada for children and anyone who would rather not mix their booze and ice cream.

But the question, of course, is this: Do we really need alcohol-spiked ice cream?

After trying several of Tipsy Scoops concoctions earlier this week, the answer is: Shockingly, yes.

Heres the thing: It turns out booze in ice cream isnt just about taste; it impacts the texture of the ice cream, too.

In fact, many of the flavors of ice cream we tried didnt have an overwhelmingly alcoholic flavor. For several of them, I wouldnt have known they had an ABV at all, if someone just handed me a cone and told me to take a lick.

Thats partially because the ice creams are not extremely boozy. They all have an ABV of 5%.

Lets say you ate a whole pint, said Liz Gessesse, a spokesperson for the Portland location. It wont get you drunk. You wont really feel it.

But, she added, if youre mixing it, youre eating ice cream and youre having a regular drink, then its a recipe for a good time.

But the mild buzz you might get from the ice cream is second to its irresistible texture. The booze means the ice cream is a little less frozen, a little lighter than regular ice cream (though certainly not in a caloric sense).

Take the Portland exclusive flavor, which uses Wild Roots vodka for a dairy-free Marionberry vodka ice cream. The ice cream is surprisingly pillowy, almost like marshmallow cream.

The vodka is imperceptible in this one, unlike the dark chocolate whiskey salted caramel, which is one of the best flavors and is very whiskey-forward.

Other notable bites: The almond-y cake batter vodka martini, tequila Mexican hot chocolate and mango margarita

Tipsy Scoop has all kinds of outrageous sundaes on offer, garnished with rice paper flowers, candy, sprinkles and more, but the ice cream is good enough to eat on its own.

Theres another benefit to getting a cone instead of a sundae  the ice cream is certified as a non-beverage, said Rachel Chitwood, a spokesperson for the company, so its fine to walk and snack.

That means you can get a cone to go. It should probably last you a few blocks. At least long enough to get you to the next ice cream shop.

Tipsy Scoop will celebrate its opening Friday starting at 4 p.m. with $1 scoops for the first 25 people in line, flights, a raffle and more. You can RSVP to attend the opening here.

 Lizzy Acker covers life and culture and writes the advice column Why Tho? Reach her at 503-221-8052, lacker@oregonian.com.

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Clean Water Services CEO Diane Taniguchi-Dennis is working with the sewer board on a plan to restore public trust in the wake of an Oregonian/OregonLive investigation that uncovered lavish spending at the agency. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

Washington Countys sewer board chided the utilitys top executive Tuesday for failing to provide sufficient details or outline bold action during a presentation on her agencys plan to restore public trust.

The board expressed a new level of urgency as Clean Water Services Chief Executive Officer Diane Taniguchi-Dennis read from prepared slides that included only vague descriptions and lacked timelines for actions her agency is taking to implement oversight measures approved by the board in the wake of an investigation by The Oregonian/OregonLive that uncovered lavish spending by the agency.
A tenant at Millennium, an off-campus apartment complex, reported a significant cockroach infestation inside electrical outlets that has caused electrical outages and fire risks.

According to Alex Minnick, an OU student and tenant at Millennium, the insects are nesting within the electrical wiring. Minnick said Backwoods Pest Service, an Oklahoma City-based pest control service, failed to perform treatments on the infestation.

Despite posting notices, no treatments or inspections have been conducted in my apartment, and yet records falsely indicate completed services, Minnick wrote in a final notice email to Millennium management on April 22.

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Minnick wrote in the email that Millennium performs regular, unexplained fire alarm tests, with one instance resulting in the dispatch of emergency fire personnel. Minnick also wrote that management has provided misleading or incomplete information about these occurrences.

Minnick also said that Millennium maintenance provided false documentation that his request for service had been filled.

I received an automated survey falsely stating my maintenance request was resolved, despite zero action or follow-up from management after explicit assurances that the issue was escalated, Minnick wrote in the email.

Amanda Tanner  an area manager at Cardinal Group Management, which manages Millennium  wrote in an email to OU Daily that Millennium residents maintenance requests are electronically tracked in the apartment's systems.

We want to clarify that all maintenance requests submitted by residents are electronically tracked in our system and are not marked as completed until the work has been performed by our maintenance team, Tanner wrote. Any claims suggesting otherwise are inaccurate.

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Minnick wrote that Millennium is chronically understaffed and residents face frequent elevator malfunctions, Wi-Fi outages and promises for additional furniture and a mailbox key upon move-in that are never fulfilled.

According to Minnicks email to management, he said that multiple tenants have reported unresolved issues including leaks, pests, electrical hazards and neglected maintenance requests.

In his email, Minnick demanded $10,000 for direct losses, emotional distress, inconvenience and exposure to hazardous living conditions. Minnick also requested an inspection and remediation by certified electricians and pest control experts within seven days of the email being sent and written assurances of no retaliation against him or other tenants for raising concerns.

Tanner wrote that once the issue was brought to management's attention, it was addressed by coordinating a full treatment through Millenniums pest control vendor and scheduled follow-up visits.

Our team met with the resident, explained the treatment process, and emphasized the importance of allowing time for the professional application to take effect, Tanner wrote. We have continued to offer additional treatments; however, the resident has not granted full access to the unit, including the bedroom, which limits our ability to fully address the issue.

OU Daily reached out to Minnick for further comments on his report but didnt receive a response by the time of this articles publication.

This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure, Ismael Lele and Ana Barboza. Andrew Paredes and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
OKLAHOMA CITY  New academic standards proposed for social studies and science are expected to take effect after state lawmakers took no action Tuesday on resolutions to reject them.

Republican majorities in the state House and Senate held a vote on none of the three resolutions that would send the proposed standards back to the Oklahoma State Board of Education for further review. Agendas for Tuesdays legislative proceedings didnt include any of the resolutions.

That left less than the constitutionally required minimum time for the Legislature to pass a measure through both chambers before a deadline Thursday to take action on the standards. Lawmakers have had 30 legislative days to pass a resolution to accept, reject or amend the standards, but by taking no action, they allow the proposed draft to take effect as written.

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After the legislative day concluded, state Superintendent Ryan Walters celebrated that the most unapologetically conservative, pro-America social studies standards in the nation are moving forward. Walters administration oversaw the process of developing them.

Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, worked with Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, to file a resolution Thursday to reject the standards for social studies and science, but there wasnt enough GOP support to pass it, Paxtons spokesperson, Alex Gerszewski, said in a statement Tuesday.

The Senate Republican Caucus discussed the matter in a private meeting with Walters.

Following a lengthy conversation Monday, the caucus was not on board with rejecting the standards based on the process in which they were presented to the (state) board of education, Gerszewski said.

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, said any action from his chamber needed to be in concert with the Senate, and it was clear there was not consensus on what, if any, changes were needed to the social studies standards.

Today the Legislature followed precedent by choosing not to insert itself in the curriculum standards process that the state superintendent was elected to oversee, Hilbert said in a statement.

House and Senate Democrats filed their own resolutions March 31to reject the social studies standards.

Gov. Kevin Stitt and members of the state Board of Education have raised transparency concerns with the way state Superintendent Ryan Walters handled the adoption process. The Governors Office did not return a request for comment Tuesday.

Half of the state board said they were unaware of last-minute changes made to the social studies standards at the time they voted on them during a Feb. 27 meeting.

Some of the changes include the addition of language stating there were discrepancies in 2020 election results including sudden halting of ballot-counting in select cities in key battleground states, sudden batch dumps, an unforeseen record number of voters and the unprecedented contradiction of bellwether county trends.

Walters and his staff made no mention during the Feb. 27 meeting of any significant differences from the original draft posted publicly in December. The Oklahoma State Department of Education didnt share the updated version online until weeks after the board vote.

Board members received the final draft of the standards at 4 p.m. the day before a 9:30 a.m. meeting to vote on the proposal, according to email records from the state Education Department. One member, Ryan Deatherage, said before casting the only vote against the standards that he didnt have enough time to read through the lengthy document.

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Pughs resolution in the Senate, which seven House members co-signed, offered to send the standards back to the state board for proper review and consideration given the magnitude of the decision, doubts over transparency and an estimated $33 million price tag to implement them.

Academic standards are a list of topics and concepts that public schools must teach to students. They are reviewed and updated every six years.

State standards are typically developed with committees of Oklahoma educators and subject-matter experts. For the social studies standards, Walters also chose to involve national right-wing media personalities and conservative policy advocates in a leading review committee.

Walters said he decided to add new language to the standards after his administration received input from the public and from focus groups. He said the new content wasnt intended to support or deny the results of the 2020 presidential election, but rather to encourage students to draw their own conclusions.

The original draft of the standards already faced controversy over the inclusion of references to biblical stories and the teachings of Jesus.

For nearly a year, we engaged in a thoughtful, transparent process to deliver standards that teach students factual history, including the realities of the 2020 election, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the threat posed by Communist China, Walters wrote in a social media statement. These reforms will reset our classrooms back to educating our children without liberal indoctrination.

Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, called Walters new standards dangerous for kids. She said her Republican colleagues have failed to take the matter as seriously as they should by taking up neither resolution filed in the Senate to reject the standards.

Our classrooms will be focused on these politicized measures that have been written by political hacks from outside of our state, and if were not concerned enough to put that on the agenda and take a vote on it, that deeply disturbs me about the business of the Senate, Kirt told reporters Tuesday.

In response, Senate Democrats will take time on bills and slow down floor votes, she said. Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, began filibustering shortly before noon. Republicans quickly ended the floor session and called for a lunch recess.

House Minority Leader and candidate for governor Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, expressed similar outrage at the lack of action by Republican leadership. Political pressure from Walters, she said, mattered more than the extremist political agenda the standards will introduce into public schools.

Because no action has been taken by Republican legislative leaders, the voices of Oklahomans  across the state and party lines  who have been urging us to disapprove these problematic, and costly, social studies standards have gone unheard, Munson said in a statement.

Several local GOP party officials and far-right-wing groups, including Moms for Liberty Oklahoma, signed a letter to lawmakers supporting Walters proposal as strong, conservative, pro-American standards. The letter, dated Monday, urged legislators to oppose Pughs resolution to reject.

We want to remind every legislator: In the last few election cycles, grassroots conservative organizations have flipped seats across Oklahoma by holding weak Republicans accountable, the letter reads. If you choose to side with the liberal media and make backroom deals with Democrats to block conservative reform, you will be next.

Reporter Barbara Hoberock contributed to this report. This story has been updated to include statements from Hilbert and Walters.

Oklahoma Voice is an affiliate of States Newsroom, a nation 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and donationsfocused on delivering state government news. The Voice maintains full editorial independence. For more stories by Oklahoma Voice go to oklahomavoice.com.
The Supreme Court will hear a case on Wednesday that could pave the way for a much closer relationship between church and state. Some members of Congress from Oklahoma, where the case originated, are eager to hear updates on the case from across the street.

Rep. Kevin Hern said hed certainly be getting updates every chance I possibly can.

This is going to be a real good test for the First Amendment, and we will see where it goes, Hern said. There are a lot of people watching this in Oklahoma on both sides. I would argue there are people watching this across the country  and not just Catholics, but other religions as well.

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I think were all waiting, he said.

Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond will determine whether St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School can contract with the state of Oklahoma and receive public funds. The case could expand the use of public funds on religious schools when it is decided later this term.

Its a case thats split Republicans into several camps, and its getting close attention from lawmakers outside of Oklahoma and religious-rights groups.

The court is a very hard body to predict, Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, who filed an amicus brief in March in support of the school, said. I really do not have a good sense of how theyll come out of this. Obviously, they granted it, which is, I think, fantastic.

While lawmakers go about their business on Capitol Hill this Wednesday morning, the Supreme Court will hear arguments on behalf of the school from lawyers, including some affiliated with the Alliance Defending Freedom and from Notre Dame Law Schools Religious Liberty Clinic. Gregory Garre, a former solicitor general, will argue on behalf of Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who has said the school could force taxpayers to fund all manner of religious indoctrination.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, who wrote an amicus brief in support of the school, plans to attend the arguments, his spokesperson told NOTUS. Ryan Walters, Oklahomas superintendent of public instruction and an outspoken supporter of religions role in public schools, will likely not be at the hearing due to last minute changes, a spokesperson said.

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Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford, who was also among the conservative lawmakers who filed the amicus brief supporting the school, told NOTUS he wont be able to attend the hearing Wednesday, but hed be watching for updates on the case.

This court, for the last really 15 years, has taken on a lot of issues dealing with religious liberty. Its not just been even since the new members were added during the Trump administration or the Biden administration, Lankford said. This is a very niche-type question, but a pretty significant question of cooperation between a state entity and a religious entity. What can that relationship be?

Not all members of the Oklahoma delegation have weighed in. Rep. Stephanie Bices office did not respond to NOTUS request for comment. Reps. Tom Cole and Frank Lucas, as well as Sen. Markwayne Mullin, said they had not been following the case.

I havent been paying attention to it at all, Mullin said. Probably shouldve been, but Im not.

Rep. Josh Brecheen said that the understanding of the First Amendment has changed over time from what our founders intended and has grown beyond this intent due to liberal interpretation. This case, he said, could help bring back that original intent.

Weve, for decades, taken what the founding era believed about Gods place in the public square and we turned it on its head. They never meant for God to be kicked out of the public square, Brecheen said of the case.

This story was produced as part of a partnership between NOTUS, a publication of the nonprofit, nonpartisan Allbritton Journalism Institute, and Oklahoma Watch.

Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.
Senior Vice President and Provost Andre-Denis Wright announced the appointment of Robert Palmer as the new dean of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences and director of the National Weather Center Wednesday morning.

Palmer came to OU in 2004 as the Tommy C. Craighead Chair in the school of meteorology. He established the Advanced Radar Research Center and currently serves as its executive director.

Palmer also serves as OUs associate vice president for Research and Partnerships. He is an American Meteorological Society and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers fellow, according to Wright.

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At OU, Palmers research has focused on the application of advanced radar signal-processing techniques to observations of severe weather, with an emphasis on phased-array radars and other system designs.

According to Wright, Palmer earned his bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees in electrical engineering at OU. Before joining OUs faculty he held faculty and research appointments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Clemson University.

In a campus wide email, Wright wrote Palmer will officially begin his position on July 1, pending final approval of the OU Board of Regents.

Following the death of Berrien Moore III, former dean of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences and director of the National Weather Center, Palmer took up his current position as interim director of the National Weather Center in December.

Wright thanked both Palmer and current interim dean of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences Petra Klein for assuming their roles during a time of transition.

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According to Wright, Palmer is an internationally recognized leader in radar meteorology, who has secured more than $115 million in competitive research funding and has been an integral part of the OU scientific and academic community for over two decades.

Palmers official appointment comes during a period of uncertainty for the National Weather Center. On Feb. 27, an unspecified number of employees and OU meteorology students with roles at the National Weather Center were laid off. An anonymous source who works for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Norman location told OU Daily they estimated roughly 15 to 20 employees were laid off in Norman.

Wright described Palmer as a pioneer in the development and commercialization of cutting-edge observational technologies, aligning his research with emerging national priorities in atmospheric science.

Dr. Palmers accomplishments speak to a career spent pushing the boundaries of knowledge, and we are fortunate to have such a distinguished leader at the helm of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences and the National Weather Center, Wright wrote. Please join me in wishing him well as he leads these vital institutions into an exciting new chapter.

This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure. Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
Advocates for Kansas foster children are assessing the impacts of the latest funding cuts for CASA made by President Donald Trump's administration.

The program works to teach volunteers to advocate for foster children as well as ensure their interests are represented. The National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) organization was one of the programs seeing its federal grants through the U.S. Department of Justice cut last week.

Latest Funding Cuts

The situation has forced the state and local CASA programs to assess the impacts of the Trump administration's funding cuts. The national CASA organization reported that three of its grants through the DOJ were part of the 360 that were cut by the agency.

The hundreds of grants that have been cut reportedly totaled more than $800 million of funding for CASA. Kansas CASA Association State Director Deena Gage explained the importance of advocates, who are appointed by judges to assist children in foster care, according to KWCH.

She added that advocates get to know foster kids and talk with family members, foster parents, teachers, doctors, and anyone involved in the children's lives. They are also responsible for making recommendations to the judge for what they believe is best for the child's welfare.

Currently, Kansas has 20 local programs that train volunteers to serve as advocates for foster children. That training is something that is being provided by the national organization using its funds.

The association now plans to appeal the latest funding cuts and has asked the public to contact their elected officials and try to explain to them the gravity of the situation. They also believe that the development has far-reaching impacts on programs across the country, The Imprint reported.

The CASA Program

The CASA awards were among the ones with the highest funding that were part of the latest cuts. Many of the organizations that were part of the list did not have funding that reached more than $5 million in grants.

The administration's reasoning for cutting funding to CASA was that they "no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities." The programs that were terminated include "protecting American children."

The funding cut for CASA comes as it has been operating since the late 1970s and has since spread throughout the country with various local offices. The situation has raised concerns about the future of the CASA program in the Northstate.

Tenneal Bringle, the assistant director of Outreach and Education of the Northern Valley Catholic Social Service, talked about the potential impacts of the development. He said that they will be forced to work harder to ensure that every child is protected and all advocates remain in place, as per KRCRTV.
Illinois authorities reported the death of four minors, three of which were children and one was a teenager, following a car crashing into an after-school center.

Law enforcement authorities said that despite the tragic development, it did not seem like the incident was a targeted attack. Illinois State Police are still investigating the issue, noting that the driver of the vehicle that crashed was not in custody as detectives are still waiting for the results of toxicology tests.

Car Crash Kills 4 Minors

In a statement on Tuesday, police said that they are still looking into the cause of the crash. Officials revealed that the driver of the vehicle was the sole occupant and was identified as 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham.

The individual was reportedly hospitalized "for evaluation" but otherwise did not sustain any injuries from the crash. It was found that the driver was a food services employee who last worked at the Ball-Chatham School District in November 2022, according to NBC News.

The victims of the crash were identified as 18-year-old Rylee Britton, eight-year-old Ainsley Johnson, seven-year-old Alma Buhnerkempe, and seven-year-old Kathryn Corley. Officials pronounced all of the minors dead at the scene of the incident.

Read more: Grieving Family Files Lawsuit Following Cybertruck Crash in Piedmont That Killed 3 Teenagers

Ball-Chatham schools later revealed that all four of the victims were district students. In a statement, the district said, "In times like these it is important that we lean on one another for strength and support."

Other than the fatal victims, the crash also resulted in many other individuals getting injured. Right now, the extent of the injuries is unknown, but several people were hospitalized while one was airlifted from the scene of the crash, ABC News reported.

Remembering the Victims

When the vehicle crashed, it struck three individuals who were outside the YNOT (Youth Needing Other Things) Outdoors Summer Camp. When authorities initially assessed the situation, they described it as chaotic.

Law enforcement authorities added that the driver of the crashed car was being considered a suspect but no charges or arrests were announced. In a post on X on Monday night, Illinois gov. JB Pritzker said that the community just lost a group of "bright and innocent young people."

There were red ribbons tied in bows lining Main Street on Tuesday evening as hundreds of people gathered for a vigil in the town square. That was also where heart-shaped boards bore the names of the fatal victims of the crash and dozens of people signed messages on each one, as per the Associated Press.
Empowering Future Leaders: Uzbekistans Investment in Foreign Language Learning, by Khalikov Bahadir Alikulovich (Rector, Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages)

Citizen Diplomacy: Peacebuilding through Purpose-Driven International Engagements in Higher Education and the Business World, presented by Rick Haskell (Westminster University)

Teaching Peace: How Diplomacy of the Heart Shapes Peacebuilding Education  The Case of the Heravi Peace Institute at Utah State University, by Austin Knuppe (Utah State University)

Learning to Understand: The Role of Empathy in Peace Building Education, by Ariabarzan Mohammadi (University of Tehran)

Building Foundations for Peace via Storytelling: Student Reflection and Engagement in Study Abroad Program, by Shannon Peterson (Utah State University)

The second pre-lunch session  Central Asias Role in Global Peacebuilding and Intercultural Dialogue, chaired by Rustam Azizi (Director of Research of Tahlil, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan), featured four presentations:

Cultural Peacebuilding, Social Cohesion, and Decolonialit, by Laura Yerekesheva (Al Farabi Kazakh National Universitys Oriental Faculty, Almaty, Kazakhstan)

Faith and Peacebuilding in Central Asia: The Case of Tajikistan, by Sherali Rizoyon (Political analyst and independent researcher, Dushanbe, Tajikistan)

The Muslim Council of Elders: Promoting Peace through Interfaith Partnership, presented by Mohamed Elamin (Program Director, Muslim Council of Elders, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)

Building Peace in a Multifaith Society: Lessons from Kyrgyzstans Approach to Interreligious Dialogue, given by Indira Aslanova (Assistant Professor, UNESCO Chair of World Culture and Religions, Kyrgyz Russian Slavic University, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan)

A luncheon followed, in which W. Cole Durham (president of the G20 Interfaith Forum Association and founding director of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University) spoke to the topic of Interfaith Dialogue: Then and Now  Reflections on a Quarter Century of Engagement. He was introduced by Tony Brown, of the Department of German and Russian at Brigham Young University, who is here partly in his role as supervisor of international internships for BYU. (Several such students are here as support staff, and they have also had their own student conference in conjunction with this one.)

The final full session operated under the title Preserving Heritage, Fostering Understanding: The Impact of Cultural Identity on Sustainable Peacebuilding in the 21st Century. It was chaired by Laura Linderman (Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, Washington D.C.) According to the program, featured three presentations:

From Self-Proclaimed Religion to Understanding Religion: A Foundation for Peace, given by Ali Akbar Alikhani (University of Tehran), who was one of the four Iranian Shii participants in our private meeting on Sunday. He and I share the same view of Timur the Great: we discussed the matter while sitting together in Timurs tomb chamber on Saturday afternoon.

Safeguarding Central Asias Intangible Cultural Heritage Through Collaborative Research, given by Evren Rutbil (Director, International Institute for Central Asian Studies [IICAS], Samarkand, Uzbekistan)

Preserving Cultural Identity Through Historic Architecture: Lessons from Georgia, by Nino Vadatchkoria (The Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, in Washington D.C. and the Democratic Security Institute, in Tbilisi, Georgia)

The conference closed with a Student Workshop Report from Tony Brown and selected student representatives, followed by a conference report from Bahman Baktiari, executive director of the Baskerville Institute and overall convener of this Diplomacy of the Heart conference.

After the conclusion of the conference on Tuesday, a number of us  including the Iranian contingent  boarded a bus for an added-on optional excursion to Bukhara, which, like Samarkand, was an important place along the Silk Road. We arrived very late at night in Bukhara and were up rather early. (Which was fine, because our hotel here in Bukhara was, to put it mildly, several rungs of the ladder down from the Mowenpick Samarkand.) Cole Durham and I  and, at the very first, Peter Petkoff of Oxford University  shared a tuktuk (an auto rickshaw) for a tour of Bukharas Old City with a driver and a guide.

I only have time (and energy) right now to mention just one of the many sights that we saw. One was the Kalyan Minaret, which belongs to Po-i-Kalyan mosque complex in Bukhara. Rising 48 meters (nearly 160 feet) high, it dates to the early 1100s, and it so impressed Genghis Khan when he saw it about a hundred years after its construction that he ordered it to be spared while decreeing the destruction of everything around it. According to our guide, the Mongol leader killed the imam of the adjacent mosque (before destroying it) because, Genghis having ridden into the mosque on horseback, was incensed when the man persisted in praying rather than in doing obeisance to him. She also told us that, in the courtyard of another nearby building, a madrasa, Genghis Khan gathered up two thousand randomly chosen boys and had them killed in order to send a message to his new subjects and to ensure that,  they would never fight against him when they grew up. In such actions, of course, which were replicated throughout his bloody career, Genghis Khan was fundamentally no different than George Washington. Such, at least, is the view of one of the readers of this blog. (I dont share it.). Oh, one more thing: Up into the twentieth century, the Kalyan Minaret was used for executions. Convicted criminals were tossed from it.

I hope that I can get back to this subject, but the next few days are going to exceptionally difficult for me in that regard. Suffice it to say for now that Ive been very impressed by Uzbekistan and that the Old City of Bukhara was, in my opinion, absolutely beautiful. Clean, well preserved, very nice. If youre looking for a slightly unusual, rather exotic, travel destination with lots of historical interest, I would recommend Samarkand and Bukhara. Ive been very pleasantly surprised.

Posted from Bukhara, Uzbekistan
This is a collection of commentary that I have made about this passage in various articles through the years.

*****

John 21:15-17 (RSV) When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him, Feed my lambs. [16] A second time he said to him, Simon, son of John, do you love me? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him, Tend my sheep. [17] He said to him the third time, Simon, son of John, do you love me? Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, Do you love me? And he said to him, Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, Feed my sheep.

Once again, Jesus singles Peter out by name. He rarely did that with any other disciple. And He is talking about how it is Peters role to guide the sheep and teach the Christian flock. Its all perfectly consistent with Petrine primacy and the papacy. Jesus is the Good Shepherd; so is Peter, in the earthly sense. The shepherd tends to his flock. Jesus sheep are clearly Christian believers. This is who Peter feeds and tends in a universal sense. How anyone could fail to see the huge ecclesiological significance here is the mystery. Its just Protestant blinders, I reckon.

Acts 20:28 is sometimes brought up as a supposed counter-evidence against Petrine primacy: Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son. But its not at all. Its talking about bishops, who do indeed oversee flocks, but only limited, localized ones. Hence, this passage was directed to the elders of Ephesus, which was only one local church (what we would call today a diocese).

So they are to care for that flock, whereas Peter (singularly addressed by Our Lord) is ultimately to tend and feed the entire Church: not just a local section. I Peter 5:2 teaches the same. He is addressing elders as a collective, but Jesus addresses him alone. Peter refers to those in your charge whereas Jesus refers to Peters overseeing of His sheep. And Peter is addressing only elders of a particular region in Asia Minor (Turkey): To the exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, (1 Peter 1:1).

Peter acts like a pope would act in his second epistle, because it is directed towards all Christians: To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours in the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:1).

John 21 shows that Peter is singled out, as opposed to others being addressed as a collective. Its much like referring to the President of the United States, as compared to the collectives of Senators or Congressmen in the House or cabinet members.

***

Jesus asks Peter three times if He loved Him, and when Peter replies, Jesus tells him to Feed my lambs (21:15) and Tend my sheep (21:16) and Feed my sheep (21:17). Why does He do that? Its because  again  Peter was the leader, and that was what leaders do: the shepherd and the sheep who follow him: the sheep he cares for. It seems rather obvious that the deeper meaning is Peter as the Chief shepherd of and over other Christians. No one else is singled out in this fashion as he is.

***

The Greek word for tend in 21:16 is poimaino, which is applied to Jesus Christ in Revelation 7:17 above, and also in Matthew 2:6, and Revelation 2:27, 12:5, and 19:15. It is used of bishops in Acts 20:28 and 1 Peter 5:2 (which seems to be a passage perhaps reminiscent in St. Peters mind of the Lords charge to him). Clearly, an awesome amount of spiritual authority is being given to Peter, which includes, according to the Protestant Greek scholar W.E. Vine, discipline, authority, restoration, material assistance of individuals. [An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, Old Tappan, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell, 1940, four-volumes-in-one edition, vol. 2, p. 88.]

The commission of Christ to Peter, then, to tend my sheep, while not exclusive to Peter in the sense that no one else (besides Christ) exercises this function (St. Peter himself says as much in 1 Peter 5:2), nevertheless is supremely unique and important insofar as no other individual disciple is likewise instructed by our Lord  and in such momentous terms (considering all of the biblical data).

Peters ministry to the Church is always universal; his jurisdiction knows no bounds, and the language that Christ Himself applies to him is strikingly sublime and profound. For to no one else was it granted the keys of the kingdom of heaven. No one else was renamed Rock, and proclaimed by Jesus to be the foundation upon which He would build His Church. And although the power to bind and loose was given to the disciples as a whole in Matthew 18:18, nevertheless, Peter is the only individual to be given this power by Christ. In other words, St. Peter has extraordinary privileges unique to himself, and in cases where they are not exclusive they are obviously applied to him in a preeminent sense.

We find then, that the scriptural relation between Christ, Peter, and the disciples (by extension, bishops and priests), is precisely that found in the teaching and practice of the Catholic Church, where the pope, more than just the foremost among equals, as the Orthodox and some Lutherans and Anglicans hold, is the supreme shepherd and leader of the Church, yet not in such a fashion as to exclude Christ as the Head or the Cardinals and bishops (and even laymen) as fellow members of the Body in Christ acting in organic harmony. Always, it is the pope and the Cardinals, the pope and the Council, the pope acting with due consideration of the faithful lay members of the Church, but the pope is supreme.

It is simply not necessary to dichotomize the relationship between the pope and lesser clergy. With regard to the papacy, only Catholicism does justice to both the scriptural data and the course of the early Church in the formative years of its development. One need not fall into the trap of denying the popes existence (and thereby doing violence to the Petrine texts as well), nor of caricaturing the Catholic Churchs doctrine of the papacy as strictly a top-down, autocratic, monarchical conception of Church government. In any event, the abundant Petrine evidence in the Bible must be dealt with in an open and consistent manner, whatever position one holds.

***

A. New Bible Commentary

There are slight differences . . . in the three exhortations to Peter. The first and third use the word `feed, whereas the second uses the word `tend (Gk `poimaino) which involves all the responsibilities of shepherding the sheep. [D. Guthrie, and J. A. Motyer, editors, The New Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 3rd edition, 1970 (Reprinted, 1987, as The Eerdmans Bible Commentary), 966]

B. Adam Clarkes Commentary

Our Lord . . . seems to intimate [in v.16] that it is not sufficient merely to offer the Bread of Life to the congregation of the Lord, but he must take care that the sheep be properly collected, attended to, regulated, guided. Every spiritual shepherd of Christ has a flock, composed of lambs  `young converts  and sheep  `experienced Christians  to feed, guide, regulate, and govern. [Commentary on the Bible, abridged one-volume edition by Ralph Earle, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1967 (orig. 1832, 8 vols.); Clarke was a Methodist;, p. 955]

C. Richard Baumann

In John 21 the form of the order of authority, with the one at the helm, is clearly discernible as a revelation of enduring significance . . . As the `keeper of the keys was the successor of King David and the custodian of his everlasting throne, so too the Shepherd is the ruler of the nation forever. The promised Messiah was also described as the one who would feed the people of God (Mt 2:6; Jn 21:15). Jesus therefore handed His pastoral staff to one of the disciples in order that all the redeemed might be one flock under one shepherd. There must be one who guards and protects us all from the devil who is one persecutor. The one must watch over the weak and the small, and direct those who are strong, serving all men so that they may have life and full happiness in the Lord. The shepherds service is consequently an act of love, a return of love to Him who first loved Christ and all mankind. It is the bond of Jesus love, and of the love of God and the brethren, which holds the entire Church together indissolubly. This all-embracing service of the Shepherd is also extended to his fellow pastors, the priests and bishops of the Church. [in Hans Asmussen, et al, The Unfinished Reformation, translated by Robert J. Olsen, Notre Dame, Indiana: Fides Publishers Assoc., 1961, 172-173. Baumann is a Lutheran]

D. Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words (W. E. Vine)

`Poimaino: to act as a shepherd . . .(b) metaphorically, to tend, to shepherd; said of Christ, Matt 2:6 . . .; of those who act as spiritual shepherds under Him, John 21:16 . . .; so 1 Pet 5:2; Acts 20:28 . . .

In John 21:15,16,17, the Lord, addressing Peter, first uses `bosko [`feed] (ver.15), then `poimaino (ver.16), and then returns to `bosko (ver.17). These are not simply interchangeable (nor are other variations in His remarks); a study of the above notes will show this. Nor, again, is there a progression of ideas. The lesson to be learnt, . . . is that, in the spiritual care of Gods children, the feeding of the flock from the Word of God is the constant and regular necessity . . . The tending (which includes this) consists of other acts, of discipline, authority, restoration, material assistance of individuals . . . [An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, Old Tappan, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell, 1940, four-volumes-in-one edition, vol. 2: 87-88]

E. Word Studies in the New Testament (Vincent)

[For 1 Peter 5:2 and Matt 2:6: same word, `poimaino]

The verb denotes all that is included in the office of a shepherd  guiding, guarding, folding, no less than feeding . . . There is, doubtless, a reminiscence in the word of Christs charge to Peter (Jn 21:15-17).

Homer calls kings `the shepherds of the people. To David the people said, `The Lord said to thee, Thou shalt feed (as a shepherd) my people Israel (2 Sam 5:2; cf. Ps 78:70-72). God is often called a shepherd (Gen 48:15; Ps 23:1; 77:20; 80:1; Is 40:11; Ezek 34:11-31). Jesus calls himself the good shepherd (Jn 10:11). Peter, who is bidden by Jesus to shepherd his sheep (Jn 21:16), calls him the Shepherd of Souls (1 Pet 2:25), and the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet 5:4); and in the Epistle to the Hebrews (13:20), he is styled the great Shepherd of the sheep. In Rev 2:27, rule is literally to shepherd (cf. 19:15). [Marvin R. Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 1946 (orig. 1887), 4 volumes; vol. 1: 665, 20-21]

Poimaino is also used of Christ in Rev 7:17: For the Lamb which is in their midst of the throne shall feed them . . ., and 12:5: And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

***

Without doubt this is also a parallelism to Peters three denials, but that no more proves that Peter wasnt pope, or not indicated as such in this passage, than Davids sin with Bathsheba and murder of her husband proved that he wasnt king, or the subject of a covenant with God, or the writer of most of the Psalms. Paul killed Christians before God knocked him off his high horse. So what? What does the fact that a person sins have to do with anything? Isnt that what Christianity is about? To redeem sinners? If sinners can write an inspired, inerrant, infallible Bible, they can certainly be used as infallible popes as well.

***

Patrick Madrid  in a classic article from 1992  elaborates upon this:

Jesus is the shepherd of his flock the Church (Jn 10:16), yet he shares his shepherdhood in a subordinate way with others, beginning with Peter (Jn 21:15-17) and extending it later to others (Eph 4:11). It is true that Jesus says he is the only shepherd (Jn 10:11-16), yet this seemingly exclusive statement does not conflict with him making Peter shepherd over the flock (Jn 21:15-17) or with his calling others to be shepherds as well (Eph 4:11). Peter emphasizes that Jesus shares his role as shepherd with others by calling Jesus the chief shepherd, thus implying lesser shepherds (1 Pt 5:4). Note also that the Greek construction of John 10:16 ([there is] one shepherd, heis poimen) is the same as 1 Timothy 2:5 ([there is] one mediator, heis mesites). The apostles and their successors, the bishops, are truly shepherds also.

***

[Protestant anti-Catholic apologist Lucas Banzoli]: Nowhere in the text does Peter call the Supreme Shepherd. This is again Dave putting his daydreams into the text, rather than extracting from the text simply what the text says.

What do we call the folks who feed and tend sheep? Shepherd, of course. Jesus is commissioning Peter to tend to His sheep (i.e., Christians). That is precisely being Jesus chief shepherd. Jesus says this to no other of His disciples.

[Lucas Banzoli] To make matters worse, in 1 Peter 5:1-2, Peter himself explicitly says that I do so as an elder like them, not as a superior, as Dave claims. If he was right in his thesis that John 21:15-17 refers to a Supreme Shepherd and in these other texts only to subordinate shepherds, Peter would have said that I do so in the capacity of a Supreme Shepherd above them, and not an elder like them.

Exactly! Just like Jesus said, For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve (Mk 10:45). Jesus washed their feet, and said, No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, (John 15:15) and You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave (Mt 20:25-27). St. Peter, then, is quite obviously following Jesus example of humility.

*

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At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Available in a fantastically capable free version

File-level and imaging (Pro version) backup

Supports prosumer/IT online storage services Cons Pro version with imaging is subscription only

Lacks support for Consumer-grade online storage services

Proprietary data containers and images Our Verdict In its free incarnation, MSP360 Desktop Backup is a worthwhile upgrade to Windows File History. However, the Pro version is subscription-only which makes it very pricey over time. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today

Best Prices Today: MSP360 Desktop Backup

Retailer Price MSP360 $29.99 View Deal Product Price

I checked out both the free and paid versions of MSP360 Desktop Backup for this review. Shockingly, the free version maintains enough of the paid versions features to warrant a 4-star rating  even without support for consumer-grade online storage support that its Cloudberry Backup ancestor featured.

MSP360 Desktop Backup Jon L. Jacobi

Consider the free MSP360 Desktop Backup a nicely robust upgrade from Windows eminently useful File History.

Read on to learn more, then see our roundup of the best Windows backup software for comparison.

What are MSP360 Desktop Backups features?

The most salient difference between the free and paid versions of MSP360 Desktop Backup is the formers lack of support for image backups. It also lacks encryption/compression, backup of virtual machines, support for Exchange, and other decidedly pro features. Like I said, think File History.

Beyond that, a surprising amount of functionality is present and as far as I could tell, its not neutered at every turn as with a number of other freebies. There are full and incremental backups; scheduling thats granular down to minutes; culling of backups (purging older backups, including grandfather/father/son options; as well as pre- and post- program execution).

Even the free version of MSP360 offers extremely granular scheduling down to the minute.

Also on the feature list: NTFS options (permissions); file filters; a backup consistency check; email notifications; and a disaster recovery boot disk, albeit minus bare metal restore  i.e. the ability to restore to new, dissimilar hardware.

Bare metal restore is nice, but Windows includes generic drivers for everything basic these days, so the need isnt nearly what it was back in the day when you might need to inject the Ethernet or Wi-Fi drivers to facilitate downloading all the other drivers.

You can even back up from, as well as to, network locations  if theyre already mounted as drive letters under Windows. Online storage may serve as a source as well. More on supported services in a bit. Whew! I did mention that this is the freebie, right?

MSP360 Desktops file filtering options are extensive.

My biggest disappointment with MSP360 Desktop Backup, including the paid version, is that, unlike its Cloudberry Backup predecessor, online storage support is limited to prosumer/IT-oriented services such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon S3, S3-compatibles, Google cloud, etc. In other words, theres no support for the Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, etc., that most of us use.

Only prosumer online storage services (and local destinations) are supported by MSP360 Desktop Backup.

That pretty much means that the freebie, when it comes to the average user, is good only for local storage and local network backup.

I do have one or two other minor gripes. Numero uno, I wish there was support for non-proprietary container files such as VHD so that the program wasnt required for restore operations.

Also, it would be nice to be able to define multiple destinations for each data set rather than having to create a new job for every destination. On the other hand, you can chain backup jobs for execution.

Those are standard suggestions on my part for a lot of backup software and dont really affect overall functionality  or the rating. Not much at least.

MSP360 also offers a WinPE boot disk, though the disk produced by the free version is limited like the Windows version.

How much does MSP360 Desktop Backup cost?

MSP360 Desktop Backup is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Obviously, the free version costs nothing, but the Standalone version with imaging will set you back $30 a year. There is no perpetual option  a bit of a bummer, as rarely do backup programs improve drastically in a years time. Blame that on their existing maturity. Are you listening, Acronis?

The Pro version of MSP360 Desktop with imaging is $30 yearly.

If you are interested in the paid-level features and online (remote) management of multiple computers, theres also MSP360 Managed Backup for $2.50 per seat, per month, or $30 per seat yearly. However, storage is extra, with $72 yearly for 1TB Wasabi being the default. Alas, no consumer-grade online storage services are supported so you cant leverage those.

That makes the Managed Backup version possibly the better deal than Desktop, but only if your storage service aligns.

Note that restore functionality remains intact perpetually so you can always restore your backups if you drop your paid subscription. Thats essential if youre using proprietary data containers as MSP360 does.

How does MSP360 Desktop Backup perform?

I did my initial testing with the free version, and my only issue was self-inflicted  choosing a drive without enough free space to contain the backup. This forced an error. Hitting the restart button caused another error as the program tried to create an incremental backup.

Obviously, the program didnt realize that the first job had failed. I reformatted the destination to free up enough space in the mean time, and choosing the Force full backup command solved that issue.

Am I a bit hasty? Yes. I tend to rush testing in order to better spot possible weaknesses that might bite end users. Youd be surprised how often it works. That said, the program could be just a tad smarter about checking that theres enough space on the destination, or that theres a valid full backup before trying to create an incremental addition.

Without space-challenged destinations, MSP360 Desktop Backup proceeded through numerous jobs without issue.

Restore functionality remains intact perpetually so you can always restore your backups if you drop your paid subscription.

Green bars at 100% are what we like to see with any backup program. Too much red and the rating plummets.

The company sent me a license for the paid version so I could test the imaging backup. Im very happy to report that the imaging works quite well. The disaster recovery disk booted fine, and restore operations (image and file) went off without a hitch. Good on ya, MSP360.

Should you buy MS360 Desktop Backup?

If you need something more powerful than Windows File History for your file backups, then the free version of MS360 Desktop Backup is a no-brainer. However, its difficult to recommend the paid version, which is subscription software thats not going to evolve significantly on a year-to-year basis.

On the other hand, the soon-to-be-reviewed, and like-priced MS360 Managed Backup might just be worth the expense if you need to monitor and control backup chores for several computers remotely.
Generative AI isnt just useful for making bad writing and bad images, it can be used to make software code, too. (Ill refrain from judging it as bad or good  Im a writer and a graphic designer, but I cant code my way out of a wet paper bag.) In fact, Microsofts CEO claims that up to 30 percent of the companys new code is now created with artificial intelligence.

Satya Nadella made this claim at LlamaCon (around the 45:00 minute mark), Meta/Facebooks conference focusing on generative AI tools. In fact Nadella was opposite Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder and controversy lightning rod, when he said as much yesterday.

Code reviews are very high, says Nadella. In fact the agents we have for reviewing code, that usage has increased, and so I would say maybe 20, 30 percent of the code that is inside of our repos today and in some of our projects are probably all written by software.

Thats a pretty stunning claim, and as Toms Hardware points out, it seems in line with similar claim from Google CEO Sundar Pichai made last year. But Ill highlight that this is an executive at a company thats pushing hard on selling AI tools, talking to another executive pushing for AI tools, at an AI conference. All three of these figures are, shall we say, somewhat less than objective.

Microsofts Copilot AI tools, which use OpenAIs ChatGPT as its primary tie-in, are being baked into pretty much every one of its products. Between Windows 11, the Edge browser, Office, and dedicated Copilot buttons on new laptop keyboards, it seems like an inescapable bull rush of both development and marketing. But behind the scenes, Microsoft seems less bullish on AI where the money is concerned, scaling back its leases on the data centers that power such tools.
UPS CEO Carol Tome speaks during an event in Lower Swatara Township, near Middletown, Pennsylvania in 2023. UPS plans to make its largest reconfiguration in its history. September 13, 2023. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com

The United Parcel Service plans to close 164 operations and 73 buildings by June and cut 20,000 positions by the end of the year. This follows the delivery company closing 11 facilities last year.

The moves are part of the UPS largest network reconfiguration in its history as it decreases its deliveries for Amazon, officials said on an earnings call on Tuesday.

These actions will enable us to expand our US domestic operating margin and increase probability, Brian Dykes CFO of UPS, said on the earnings call.

About two thirds of the locations are on the East Coast. UPS has a number of locations in the Harrisburg area. Its not clear if any of the closings are in the Capital Region. A spokesperson with UPS declined at this time to identify the locations that are closing.

As announced on our Q1 earnings call, we are executing the largest network reconfiguration in UPS history. This strategic initiative will optimize the capacity of our network to align with expected volume levels and enhance productivity through additional automation. The reconfiguration will impact positions, and we are committed to supporting our employees throughout this process, Karen Tomaszewski Hill, a spokesperson for UPS said in a statement.

While our building footprint is changing, our record of reliable pickup and delivery is not. We remain committed to providing industry-leading service to customers in more than 200 countries and territories around the world.

UPS plans to reduce the deliveries it does for Amazon by more than 50% by June 2026.

Note that the volume we are transitioning out is Amazons Fulfillment Center outbound volume. This volume is not profitable for us nor a healthy fit for our network, Carol Tome, CEO of UPS, said on the earnings call. The Amazon volume we plan to keep is profitable and it is healthy volume. In other words, volume where we can add value like returns and seller fulfilled outbound volume.

The company also plans to increase productivity through additional automation.

With this configuration we will also lessen our dependency on labor, reduce the capital requirements needed to run the network and will drive structural operating margins and return on invested capital improvement, Tome said.

In January, UPS officials said when Amazons contract came up this year, it decided to reassess the relationship and decided that volume reduction was the best alternative, according to WXPI.

The TV station reported that Tome said on the previous earnings call that while Amazon is its largest customer it isnt its most profitable one and its margin is very dilutive to the U.S. domestic business.

UPS announced on Tuesday that its revenue during the first quarter was $21.5 billion, a 0.7% decrease from the first quarter of 2024.
York County District Attorney Tim Barker said police officers who were shot during a February incident in a hospital, including one who died, were hit by friendly fire.

Barker, joined by several central Pennsylvania police officers, said during a news conference Wednesday afternoon that an investigation into the shooting is complete.

A gunman entered the UPMC Memorial hospital in York County on Feb. 22, taking hostages and injuring staff members before being killed during a shootout with police.

A West York police officer, Andrew Duarte, 29, was killed.

This undated photo provided by the Denver Police Department shows Andrew Duarte. (Denver Police Department via AP) AP

The man accused in the mass shooting, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, 49, had a loved one whod died in the hospitals ICU.

Barker said it was Archangel-Ortizs significant other who died. He said he wouldnt identify her or her illness.

Barker said that while the woman was in the ICU, Archangel-Ortiz was polite and showed no signs of violence, per hospital staff. However, one staff member said he seemed almost too polite, Barker said.

After the woman died, Archangel-Ortiz, with a stolen gun, came to the hospitals ICU, shot at workers and threatened to shoot staff and patients, Barker said. He also shot at a UPMC officer, Barker said.

Watch the news conference here:

Eventually, in a shootout as Archangel-Ortiz held a hostage, police from several departments fired 22 shots at him.

Fifteen of those shots hit Archangel-Ortiz, Barker said. Three officers were hit, including Duarte, Barker said.

At the time, Archangel-Ortizs gun was unloaded, but no one at the scene knew that, the DA said.

The hostage was not hit.

Barker said he would not identify officers who were injured.

He said Duartes mother, one of the strongest, most wonderful people, wants to make sure every officer involved has the ability to heal.
A New Jersey man was arrested on sex trafficking charges after a traffic stop on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Prosecutors say alert police work this week has turned a potentially routine traffic stop on the Pennsylvania Turnpike into a sex trafficking arrest.

As a result, Jerome A. Oliver, 52, of Bayonne, N.J., is now being held in Cumberland County Prison without bail pending a preliminary hearing next week.
Update: Officer who died in central Pa. hospital shooting was hit by police fire: DA

York County District Attorney Tim Barker and Pennsylvania State Police are talking about a fatal shooting at a hospital just over two months ago.
Derry Township police are looking for help locating burglars that broke into a restaurant and bar early Saturday morning, according to a news release.

At least two, but possibly three, people broke into the Hershey Spice Restaurant & Bar on the 1100 block of East Chocolate Avenue between 2:10 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. Saturday, according to Derry Township Police.

They rummaged through several desk drawers and removed a safe containing a large amount of cash, police said.
Students on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh in the Oakland neighborhood walk past a vote sign on Election Day on November 5, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/For Spotlight PA) Jared Wickerham / For Spotlight PA
In the midst of Channing Tatum's 45th birthday celebration, his new romantic partner has now been revealed. In this photo, Tatum arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Channing Tatum is doing well, just a few months after he and acclaimed actress Zoe Kravitz revealed they had called off their engagement and ended a three-year relationship.

Tatum just turned 45 on April 26, and the actor received plenty of happy birthday messages, including one from his new romantic partner, 25-year-old French-Australian model Inka Williams.

The pair was first spotted at a pre-Oscars party back in February in Los Angeles.

According to Mens Journal, Williams posted a sweet happy birthday message to the 21 Jump Street star on her Instagram story.

Happy life to the handsomest, kindest, funniest, stoopidest most gorgeous human ever !!!, Williams wrote. Merci for making life beautiful and fun.

Tatums birthday marked the new pairs first time sharing their relationship on social media. A source close to Williams told People, the two are doing well, despite the 20-year age gap.

They met through friends, shes great, the source said. She has her own life. Shes young, but seems older.

Williams is a popular model with over 2 million followers on Instagram and has modeled with brands like Vogue Arabia and Yves Saint Laurent.

The source also added that Williams makes Tatum happy and that Tatum is expected to reunite with Kravitz soon to film another movie, but it shouldnt cause any problems.

Channings doing well. [Inka] makes him happy, the source said. Hes reuniting with Zoe later this spring for another movie project. It shouldnt be too awkward  they ended things on okay terms.

Kravitz and Tatum became a couple after working on Blink Twice, which starred Tatum and was Kravitzs feature film directing debut. The two got engaged in 2023, and broke off their engagement in October 2024.

Tatum is most known for his work in the 21 Jump Street, the White House Down franchise, and voicing Superman in the The Lego Movie and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part.
Katy Perry sent a message to her fans revealing she is doing okay despite the recent backlash. In this photo, Perry performs at Q102's iHeartRadio Jingle Ball on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. (Photo by Owen Sweeney/Invision/AP) Owen Sweeney/Invision/AP

Pop star Katy Perry wants her fans to know she is okay despite the recent hate shes been getting online.

On April 29, Perry made an Instagram post, which was reshared to X in response to a tribute her fellow KattyCats put together in Times Square. Photos of the Times Square board were shared on a Katy Perry Brazil fan page on X, in which they congratulated the star on her opening week of the Lifetimes Tour.

Perrys message to her fans revealed that she is grateful for their support and appreciates how much she and her fan base have grown over the years.

Im so grateful for you guys, Perry wrote. Were in this beautiful and wild journey together. I can continue to remain true to myself, heart open and honest, especially because of our bond. I love you guys and have grown up together with you, and am so excited to see you all over the world this year! Please know I am ok, I have done a lot work around knowing who I am, what is real, and what is important to me.

Perry, alongside five other prominent women, were flown into space in February on a Blue Origin flight, a company created by Amazons Jeff Bezos. The women have seen backlash over going on the space mission and Perry has also been subject to criticism after clips from her Lifetimes Tour were shared across social media.

Reddit users shared their remarks about Perrys tour choreography after one user shared a short clip of her performing E.T. in Mexico City on the platform. In it, she can be seen running around the stage performing choreographed stage fighting with a light-up sword and her background dancers.

One user wrote, Sis should have been in tour rehearsals instead of pretending to be an astronaut in the last couple of weeks.

Another said, Whoever came up with this idea should immediately be fired.

Perry made a note about the online hate in her post, calling the internet unhinged.

When the online world tries to make me a human Pinata, I take it with grace and send them love, cause I know so many people are hurting in so many ways, and the internet is very much so a dumping ground for unhinged and unhealed, Perry wrote.

Perry will begin to wrap up the dates for the Mexico part of her tour, before starting the U.S. leg on May 7 in Houston, Texas. Perry is most known for songs like California Gurls, Dark Horse, and Roar.
This photo provided by Jeanie Jacobs Huffman shows her on the beach in June 2024 in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. (Dave Huffman/Jeanie Jacobs Huffman via AP) AP

By Mark Thiessen and Julie Watson, The Associated Press

ANCHORAGE, Alaska  The Vietnam War greatly impacted U.S. society from the passage of the War Powers Resolution that restricts the presidents ability to send troops into extended combat without congressional approval to the cementing of college campuses as centers of student activism.

Millions of U.S. troops fought in Vietnam. For some Americans, the war that effectively ended with the fall of Saigon 50 years ago Wednesday on April 30, 1975, continues to shape their lives.

They include: A woman dedicated to recovering her fathers remains after the Navy plane he piloted disappeared over Vietnams Gulf of Tonkin. A Vietnam veteran who was heckled like scores of other troops when he returned home and now assists fellow veterans in rural Alaska. And an anti-war movement stalwart who has spent decades advocating for free speech after her brother was wounded when Ohio National Guard troops fired into a crowd of protesters at Kent State University.

Here are their stories.

Still waiting for dad to return home

Fifty years after the fall of Saigon, Jeanie Jacobs Huffman has not lost hope of bringing her father home.

Huffman was only five months old when her father, Navy Cdr. Edward J. Jacobs Jr., was reported missing in action after the plane he was piloting to photograph enemy targets vanished in 1967 over the Gulf of Tonkin, off the coast of North Vietnam.

This photo provided by Jeanie Jacobs Huffman shows her, right, with Principle Deputy Director of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Fern Sumpter Winbush, left, during an unveiling ceremony for the 2025 National Recognition Day poster. (Dave Huffman/Jeanie Jacobs Huffman via AP) AP

Huffman has dedicated her life to finding the plane and recovering his remains and those of his two crew members. She also serves on the board of directors of Mission: POW-MIA, a nonprofit group dedicated to finding unaccounted Americans from past conflicts.

Its a lot of missing, you know, a huge void in my life, she said, breaking into tears.

A professional photographer, Huffman has made a poster featuring the faces of the 1,573 missing service members from Vietnam.

After this many years, we should never leave anyone behind, she said.

A year ago, she visited the Gulf of Tonkin through a trip with the United States Institute of Peace, a nonprofit that promotes education and research on conflicts to prevent future wars. The groups translator, who was from North Vietnam and also lost family members in the war, walked with Huffman into the water. Holding hands, they both cried, sharing their grief.

This photo provided by George Bennett shows Bennett during his service in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. (George Bennett via AP) AP

So that was the closest Ive been to him in 58 years, Huffman said of her father.

Shes pushing for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to conduct an underwater search operation next year in hopes of recovering the plane. The U.S. Department of Defense agency is responsible for recovering and identifying service members listed as missing in action or prisoners of war.

He deserves to be brought back home, she said. Even if its just a bone or a dog tag. Even the tangible things, like a dog tag or a piece of his plane, mean a lot to me because I dont have anything else.

Finding salvation after so many decades

For George Bennett, the road to sobriety and mental health continued long after flying home through San Francisco in 1968, where sneering protesters met returning soldiers in the terminal.

Someone yelled out, baby killer. Another spit at them. He and his fellow soldiers were turned away from one airport restaurant.

This photo provided by George Bennett shows Bennett during his service in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967, guarding a foot bridge over the Sairon River near the Dau Tieng base. (George Bennett via AP) AP

Only later did he realize how much Vietnam had changed him because the war went against the strict sense of values and Indigenous practices instilled by his parents.

A member of Alaskas Tlingit tribe, Bennett said, I would go get my beer and come home  just drink beer and do nothing.

I think part of it was the fact that I was ashamed and guilty because I was part of the atrocity that occurred in Vietnam. I feel that I violated the value and some of our cultural norms, and it made me want to run.

And he did, from bar to bar and job to job.

Finally, he wound up receiving help for alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Its taken him 30 years to feel better, largely because of the support of Mary, his wife of 55 years. She insisted they move to the southeast Alaska city of Sitka, where he has integrated back into his native Tlingit culture.

George Bennett sits at his desk on the SEARHC campus in Sitka, Alaska, Monday, April 28, 2025. (James Poulson/The Daily Sitka Sentinel via AP) AP

Hes now Alaskas sole rural veteran liaison, helping veterans secure benefits in the militarys health care system.

I really had to find my spiritual way again, he said. It took me a while to get there, but here I am.

Kent State University protester sees lessons for today

Chic Canfora still becomes emotional when she talks about the fall of Saigon.

Canfora was part of an anti-war protest at Kent State University in 1970 when Ohio National Guard troops fired into the crowd, killing four fellow students and wounding nine others, including her brother. The bullets sent Canfora diving for cover.

She believes the protest helped galvanize public opinion that would hasten the withdrawal of U.S. troops and ultimately lead to the fall of Saigon and the wars demise.

FILE - Chic Canfora recounts the events of May 4, 1970, standing at the pagoda where National Guardsmen knelt and shot towards students in the parking lot at rear, during an interview Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Kent, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File) AP

A decade ago, Canfora visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington and was overcome at seeing how the number of names of the fallen dwindled after 1970.

That was the first time it really hit me the impact of the anti-war movement and, so its particularly meaningful for me this year, she said, choking up.

Canfora, who teaches journalism at Kent State, has spent her life sharing what she experienced. She said the lessons learned are more relevant than ever amid the Trump administrations crackdown on student protesters, fears of deportation for international students and what critics describe as unprecedented attacks on campus speech.

She said she sees echoes of the past when then Ohio Gov. James Rhodes, who sent in the National Guard, called the Kent State demonstrators the worst type of people that we harbor in America.

FILE - A general view shows tear gas and students during an anti-Vietnam war protest at Kent State University in Kent Ohio, May 4, 1970. U.S. National Guardsmen opened fire during the protests killing four students and wounding five. (AP Photo/Larry Stoddard, File) AP

I was too young and too naive to recognize the danger of such inflammatory rhetoric because, in essence, all of these leaders in our country were putting targets on the backs of American college students who have historically served as the conscience of America, Canfora said.

I think students today are going through that same metamorphosis of awareness that I did in 1970.

Watson reported from San Diego.

For more coverage of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam Wars end, visit https://apnews.com/hub/vietnam-war.
Damage is visible at the scene after a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) AP

By John OConnor, The Associated Press

CHATHAM, Ill.  Residents of a small central Illinois city on Tuesday mourned the loss of three children and a teenager killed in a startling crash in which a car barreled through a building used for a popular after-school camp. Authorities said it didnt appear to be a targeted attack.

The car on Monday left a road, crossed a field and smashed into the side of the building in Chatham used by Youth Needing Other Things Outdoors, also known as YNOT, according to Illinois State Police. It traveled through the building, striking people before exiting the other side. Six children were also hospitalized, including one left in critical condition.

The Sangamon County coroner identified those killed as 18-year-old Rylee Britton of Springfield and three Chatham children: Ainsley Johnson, 8, and Kathryn Corley and Alma Buhnerkempe, both 7.

On Tuesday evening, with red ribbons tied in bows lining Main Street, people gathered for a vigil in the town square, where heart-shaped boards bore the names of the four who died. Dozens of people signed messages to each.

You were a great counselor, 9-year-old Coralie Glessner wrote on the heart for Britton. Glessner, who participated in YNOTs program, said she liked that Britton played four square with her. Asked for a memory of her, Glessner said, Greeting me when I got off the bus each day at YNOT.

Faith leaders spoke as attendees held lit candles. Lutheran Charities brought support animals, and the American Red Cross provided water, snacks and tissues, organizer Miriam Snider said.

People in the community of about 15,000, located in what was once an open prairie outside the Illinois capital of Springfield, have also been grieving and consoling each other in other ways.

People are coping by finding ways to be with each other, to provide comfort and support to those who are suffering, Snider said.

Churches held prayer services and city leaders ordered flags to be flown at half-staff. An ice cream shop offered free scoops and a community meeting place. Some locals changed their Facebook profile pictures to red ribbons with the motto Chatham Strong.

This is just devastating, said Jennifer Walston, 43, as she and her daughters left flowers and a stuffed animal at the crash site. She said her daughters knew Alma and Ainsley, remembering them as energetic girls who tried Plywood covered the hole where the car crashed into the building.

The driver, a 44-year-old Chatham woman, wasnt injured but was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Police said toxicology reports were pending. She was not in custody on Tuesday. State police declined to offer further details, saying the crash remains under investigation.

This does not appear to be a targeted attack, state police said.

Earlier in the day, hundreds packed Cherry Hills Church. Most wore red, the color of Glenwood High School, where Britton was a senior.

Flowers and ribbons decorate a picture of 18-year-old Rylee Britton, one of four people, including three young children, killed when a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) AP

Pastor Steve Patzia told the crowd that he saw her in church weeks ago as he offered words of comfort.

Its good and right to feel how you feel, when you feel how you feel. Ive had moments of grief and sadness. Ive cried, and Ive also had memories, he said. I would encourage you to share those good memories you have of her and the children that were lost as well.

Parents said the YNOT Outdoors after-school and summer camp programs, which employ high school and college students as counselors, are coveted and competitive to get into. In social media posts, families recalled fond summer memories at the location which focuses on outdoor activities.

Walstons daughters attended the summer camp and said they knew Alma and Ainsley, remembering them as energetic girls who tried to include others.

They were sweet girls, Walston said.

The studio where Ainsley and two others hurt in the crash took dance canceled classes Tuesday. Teachers at Studio M Dance Centre remembered the 8-year-old in a Facebook post as a sweet and sassy dancer and tumbler who will be deeply missed every single day.

Jamie Loftus, founder of YNOT Outdoors, said security camera footage showed a vehicle left the road a substantial distance away and sped across the field toward the building.

Brandy Fletcher leaves flowers at the scene after a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) AP

The car then crossed a road, the sidewalk and YNOTs parking lot before crashing through the building with no apparent attempt to alter its direction, Loftus said. The vehicle then crossed a gravel road and crashed into a pole and fence.

I cannot gather the words to express much of anything that will make sense in print, Loftus said in a social media post about the victims on Monday. They are friends and their kids are like our kids.

Officials in the Ball-Chatham School District, where the four victims attended schools, said classes would be online through Thursday.

As we mourn this unimaginable loss, we recognize the pain and grief that many are experiencing, Superintendent Becca Lamon and Chatham Village President Dave Kimsey said in a joint statement. We are all hurting.

The deadly crash comes days after a car plowed through a crowded street during a Filipino heritage festival in Canada, killing 11 people. Similar vehicle ramming events have taken place worldwide.

Associated Press writers Lisa Baumann in Bellingham, Washington, and Sophia Tareen in Chicago contributed.
By Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times (TNS)

LOS ANGELES  A demonstration at the home of a man suspected in a string of cat killings in Santa Ana resulted in vandalism over the weekend, prompting police to urge residents to remain calm and warn of potential consequences in the event of similar disturbances.

Authorities estimate that 100 people attended a vigil Sunday evening at the home of Santa Ana resident Alejandro Oliveros Acosta, 45, who was arrested and booked last week on suspicion of felony animal cruelty.
MAINESBURG  The driver of a school vehicle and a Towanda Area School District student were killed in a two-vehicle crash near Mainesburg in eastern Tioga County on Tuesday afternoon.

State police said the school vehicle was traveling east on Route 6 in the vicinity of Bailey Road went about 2:20 p.m. It crossed into the opposite lane of traffic and collided with a commercial vehicle.

The driver of the school vehicle, identified by police as Ronald Wickmire, 66, was killed, as was a 9-year-old boy.
Story by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA

This story first appeared in How We Care, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA featuring original reporting and perspectives on how we care for one another at all stages of life. Sign up for free here.
WILLIAMSPORT  The state Superior Court has settled the issue of who will prosecute the CEO who fatally shot his brother-in-law inside the Williamsport area family-owned business in 2023.

By its recent ruling, prosecution of Kenneth R. Michaels will remain with the Lycoming County district attorneys office and not be transferred to the state attorney general.

Michaels had sought permission to appeal the order of county Judge Ryan M. Tira that recused District Attorney Thomas A. Marino from the case, but not the rest of the staff.
FILE - A federal employee, who asked not to use their name for fears over losing their job, protests with a sign saying "Federal Employees Don't Work for Kings" during the "No Kings Day" protest on Presidents Day in Washington, in support of federal workers and against recent actions by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, Feb. 17, 2025, by the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File) AP
WARREN, MI  Nearly seven months after his hectic Michigan campaign concluded, President Donald Trump returned to The Mitten State for an indoor rally to mark his first 100 days in office.

Standing in front of a banner that read The Golden Age, Trump during a 90-minute address championed his policies ranging from border security to the economy to military spending.
The warning was issued for Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe and Northampton counties.

"The storms which prompted the warning have weakened below severe limits, and no longer pose an immediate threat to life or property. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire," says the National Weather Service.

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it's crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.

Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it's a clear indication of nearby lightning.

Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

Once you've found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.

These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.

It's important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn't available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.

Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.

If you're with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.

Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It's crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.

Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes - water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

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.
PITTSBURGH (AP)  A powerful storm downed trees and power lines, leaving more than a half million customers in Pennsylvania, Ohio and neighboring states in the dark on Wednesday morning, with local officials reporting that at least two people had been electrocuted and a third died when a tree fell on a home.

More than 440,000 customers were without power in Pennsylvania and another 50,000 were in the dark in Ohio, according to PowerOutage.us, a website that tracks outages. Neighboring states including Michigan, New York and West Virginia reported thousands of outages as well.

One man was electrocuted on Tuesday evening while trying to put out a mulch fire near a utility pole as severe weather hit the State College area, damaging many trees and utility lines, police said. The 22-year-old man encountered an active electric current while trying to put out the fire and died at the scene, police said in a news release.

In Pittsburgh, first responders were called to the South Side Slopes area on Tuesday evening for reports of a person electrocuted by live wires, and the person died on the scene, according to a Pittsburgh Public Safety Department social media post.

UPDATE: Allegheny County officials said a 67-year-old man was killed by a fallen tree at a home in Ross Township, just outside Pittsburgh.

The department urged residents to use extreme caution when moving through the city as there were multiple hazards such as downed trees and possible live wires.

The citys 911 system experienced some outages due to the extreme weather, but was later restored, the department said.

The National Weather Services Pittsburgh office said destructive wind damage was seen across its region Tuesday. Straight-line winds gusted over 80 mph to 90 mph, which is stronger than many EF0 and EF1 tornadoes typically seen in this region, but over a wider area, the weather service office said in a social media post.
Third Stop of the 888poker UKPL Tour Heads to Reading From May 27

Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

The Grosvenor G Casino in Rose Kiln Lane, Reading, is the venue for the third stop of the 2025 888poker UK Poker League (UKPL). Running from May 27 and concluding on June 1, the 888poker UKPL Reading has more than 250,000 in combined guaranteed prize pools waiting to be won.

UKPL Reading kicks off at noon on May 27 with the 250 Opening Voyage, a 50,000 guaranteed no-limit hold'em affair spread across three flights and a Day 2. As the Opening Voyage comes to a close, the 1,100 High Roller bursts into life; it carries a 50,000 guarantee.

Other events to look out for include the 200 buy-in, 10,000 guaranteed Turbo Dash, the 220 buy-in, 5,000 guaranteed KO Rumble, 150 buy-in, 5,000 guaranteed Seniors event, and the 250 buy-in, 20,000 guaranteed Big Shot.

However, everyone has the 888poker UKPL Reading Main Event in their sights. Featuring four flights, each costing 560 to enter, including a turbo-structured Day 1C, the UKPL Reading Main Event guarantees that at least 100,000 will be won.

Day 1A shuffles up and deals at 3:00 p.m. BST on May 29, with the champion lifting the trophy sometime on June 1.

2025 888poker UKPL Reading Schedule

Date Time Event Guarantee Tue 27 May 12:00 p.m. 250 NLHE 888poker Opening Voyage Day 1A 50,000 5:00 p.m. 150 PLO 4/5/6 Card 10,000 7:00 p.m. 90 Opening Voyage and Main Event Cashout Satellite 5x seats Wed 28 May 12:00 p.m. 250 NLHE 888poker Opening Voyage Day 1B 50,000 7:00 p.m. 250 NLHE Opening Voyage Day 1C Turbo 50,000 9:00 p.m. 125 Main Event Target Cashout Satellite 5x seats Thu 29 May 12:00 p.m. 250 NLHE 888poker Opening Voyage Day 2 50,000 12:00 p.m. 120 High Roller Turbo Cashout Satellite 2:00 p.m. 1,100 NLHE 888poker High Roller Day 1 50,000 3:00 p.m. 560 NLHE 888poker Main Event Day 1A 100,000 Fri 30 May 12:00 p.m. 1,100 NLHE 888poker High Roller Day 2 100,000 1:00 p.m. 560 NLHE 888poker Main Event Day 1B 100,000 6:00 p.m. 200 NLHE 888poker Turbo Dash 10,000 6:00 p.m. 560 NLHE 888poker Main Event Day 1C 100,000 8:00 p.m. 125 Main Event Cashout Satellite 5x seats Sat 31 May 12:00 p.m. 560 NLHE 888poker Main Event Day 1D 100,000 6:00 p.m. 220 NLHE 888poker The KO Rumble 5,000 Sun 1 Jun 12:00 p.m. 888poker Main Event Day 2 100,000 2:00 p.m. 150 NLHE 888poker Seniors 5,000 3:00 p.m. 250 NLHE 888poker Big Shot 20,000

2025 888poker UKPL Main Event Results

Ian Simpson

Whoever comes out on top of the 888poker UKPL Reading Main Event will become the third player to clinch a UKPL Main Event title in 2025.

In January, the UKPL stopped in Portsmouth. Its 560 Main Event drew 273 entrants, who were all outlasted by Jordan Daniels. The champion walked away with 23,018, his largest-ever live poker tournament haul.

More recently, in April, 888poker ambassador Ian Simpson made it two live titles in the space of a few months by taking down the 560 UKPL Newcastle Main Event. Simpson defeated Sinead Davenport heads-up to claim the 34,800 top prize on home soil. This event saw 344 players build a 163,400 prize pool.

Date Event Entrants Prize Pool Champion Prize Jan 2025 560 Portsmouth Main Event 273 129,670 Jordan Daniels 23,018 Apr 2025 560 Newcastle Main Event 344 163,400 Ian Simpson 34,800

Keep Tabs on 888poker MTTs with the PokerNews Online Tournament Calendar

The PokerNews Online Tournament Calendar is a free-to-use tool built into the PokerNews website that enables you to find upcoming and in-play multi-tables tournaments on poker sites like 888poker, PartyPoker, and PokerStars. By using the intuitive filters, you can narrow down your search and find the perfect 888poker tournament for you, your bankroll, and your needs.

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Graduates of the USCA LIFE program will walk across the stage at commencement on May 7. Pictured from the left on the front row are Lilly Colwell, Chelsea Best, Neva Bassett, Evan Smith and Amelia Carpenter. Pictured from the left on the back row are Quey Kelly, Alex Corson, Evan Allgood, Brayden Thompson, Jesse Reyes, Ryan Johnson, Megan Weeks and Lizzy Cottington.
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The News in Brief Wednesday, April 30, 2025

The Tbilisi Court of Appeals has denied refugee or humanitarian protection to Temur Katamadze (also known as Gaffar Yilmaz), a Turkish citizen of Georgian descent, clearing the path for his imminent deportation to Turkey. Katamadze, 57, has been a visible figure in pro-European Union demonstrations in Georgia and is often referred to as the protests' "flag bearer." He has lived in Georgia since 2012.Mariam Gabroshvili, a lawyer from the Georgian Young Lawyers' Association who is representing Katamadze, confirmed to RFE/RL's Georgian Service that both the Tbilisi City Court and the Court of Appeals have dismissed his application for protected status. With no further legal safeguards in place, deportation now appears inevitable.Gabroshvili stated that Katamadze believes the arrest warrant issued against him is politically motivated and linked to his decades-long advocacy for the rights of the Georgian diaspora in Turkey. His activism, he claims, has made him a "target of the Turkish state."On March 18, Tbilisi City Court Judge Diana Parkosadze rejected Katamadze's initial request for asylum. The Social Justice Center, which submitted an amicus curiae brief in his defense, has warned that deporting Katamadze could subject him to "torture and discrimination" upon arrival in Turkey.Katamadze was detained on January 16 and is currently being held in a temporary detention facility under the Migration Department of Georgia's Ministry of Internal Affairs. He launched a hunger strike during his detention, which lasted for 48 days and caused serious health complications.The Georgian Parliament has adopted a package of legislative amendments aimed at tightening rules on banning political parties, passing the bill in its second reading with unanimous support from 79 MPs.The changes affect the laws On Political Unions of Citizens and On the Constitutional Court and target so-called "successor parties" that mirror previously banned parties in purpose, activity, and personnel.One key amendment shortens the Constitutional Court's deadline for ruling on such cases to 14 days - applying this timeframe to both election and non-election periods. Previously, non-election cases could take up to nine months.Presenting the bill, Georgian Dream MP Tornike Cheishvili said the shorter deadline was justified, as the court would already have ruled on the original party's constitutionality, making it quicker to assess successor cases.
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DOUGLAS, IM / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 / Agronomics (LSE:ANIC), a leading listed company in the field of clean food, is delighted to announce that its portfolio company, BlueNalu, Inc ("BlueNalu"), a global leader in cell-cultivated seafood, has expanded its strategic partnership with Nomad Foods Limited ("Nomad Foods"), Europe's leading frozen food company, to support the commercialisation of its cell-cultivated seafood products in the UK and across Europe.Nomad Foods and BlueNalu first announced their partnership in 2021. To date, the partnership has explored opportunities to bring cell-cultivated seafood to select markets in the UK and Europe. The new partnership will now see the two companies work together on delivering a market-entry strategy for the sale of BlueNalu's cell-cultivated seafood in the UK, beginning with premium foodservice and limited-time offerings that align with consumer demand for high-quality seafood options.The partnership will also support BlueNalu's ongoing work with the UK Government. In March, the Government announced that BlueNalu had joined the UK Food Standards Agency's ("FSA") pioneering regulatory programme to help speed up the approval process for cultivated-grown foods. The program enables BlueNalu to work collaboratively with the FSA to navigate the regulatory process for novel foods and ensure the highest food safety and transparency standards. BlueNalu is the only company within the program focused primarily on cell-cultivated seafood.New research sponsored by BlueNalu also reveals strong enthusiasm among UK sushi consumers for cell-cultivated bluefin tuna toro, which will be its first commercial product. In a survey of 2,000 frequent sushi eaters conducted in 2024, 92% of respondents expressed interest in trying the product. The top perceived benefits included its potential absence of parasites, pesticides, microplastics, mercury, and antibiotics, followed by high omega-3 content. Additionally, 74% expressed willingness to pay the same or more compared to conventional bluefin tuna, due to its potential benefits.Lou Cooperhouse, Founder, President, and CEO of BlueNalu commented "Our cell-cultivated bluefin toro offers a new, high-quality seafood experience-nutrient-rich, free from environmental contaminants, and designed to complement a global supply chain that is increasingly fragile and unpredictable. We are proud to work with trusted partners and forward-thinking regulatory agencies to deliver safe, consistent, and desirable seafood to consumers in the coming years. Our acceptance into the UK regulatory sandbox reinforces BlueNalu's position as a global company at the forefront of food system innovation." Jim Mellon, Executive Chair of Agronomics said: "Today's news further exemplifies the ongoing momentum in the cultivated food sector across the globe. This research also confirms what we have known for some time, that there is a strong demand from consumers, who want food options which are not only more sustainable, but ones which are healthier and better for themselves and the planet. We are looking forward to BlueNalu making waves in the UK, as its partnership with Nomad Foods will drive forward innovation in the clean food industry." To date, Agronomics has invested a total of US$ 8.0 million (c.6.1 million) in BlueNalu which, subject to audit, is currently carried at 13.0 million. This position represents c.8.6% of Agronomics' last stated Net Asset Value as at 31 December 2024.For more information about BlueNalu, please visit www.bluenalu.com About BlueNaluBlueNalu is pioneering the future of seafood by developing premium-quality, cell-cultivated seafood products directly from fish cells. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Diego, California, the company combines innovative biotechnology with culinary expertise to deliver seafood products that align with consumer preferences for health, safety, and sustainability. BlueNalu is dedicated to supporting a more resilient global seafood supply chain and reducing pressure on wild fish populations.About AgronomicsAgronomics is a leading London-listed company focusing on investment opportunities within the field of clean food. The Company has established a portfolio of over 20 companies in this rapidly advancing sector. It seeks to invest in companies owning technologies with defensible intellectual property that offer new ways of producing food and materials with a focus on products historically derived from animals.These technologies are driving a major disruption in agriculture, offering solutions to improve sustainability, as well as addressing human health, animal welfare and environmental damage. This disruption will decouple supply chains from the environment and animals and improve food security for the world's expanding population. A full list of Agronomics' portfolio companies is available at https://agronomics.im/ Agronomics LimitedBeaumont Cornish LimitedCanaccord Genuity LimitedCavendish Capital Markets LimitedPeterhouse Capital Limited33Seconds LimitedThe CompanyNomadJoint BrokerJoint BrokerJoint BrokerPublic RelationsJim MellonDenham EkeRoland CornishJames BiddleAndrew PottsHarry PardoeGiles BallenyMichael JohnsonLucy WilliamsCharles GoodfellowJack FerrisCalum Warren-Piper+44 (0) 1624 639396info@ agronomics.im +44 (0) 207 628 3396+44 (0) 207 523 8000+44 (0) 207 397 8900+44 (0) 207 469 0936agronomics@33 seconds.co About Reach announcementsThis is a Reach announcement. Reach is an investor communication service aimed at assisting listed and unlisted (including AIM quoted) companies to distribute media only / non-regulatory news releases into the public domain. Information required to be notified under the AIM Rules for Companies, Market Abuse Regulation or other regulation would be disseminated as an RNS regulatory announcement and not on Reach.This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ lseg.com or visit www.rns.com SOURCE: Agronomics Limited
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 /Arras Minerals Corp. (TSXV:ARK) ("Arras" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the detailed voting results of the proposals considered at its annual and special meeting of shareholders held on April 29, 2025 (the "Meeting"). A total of 31,113,266 or 30.8% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares as of the record date were represented at the Meeting.The Company's shareholders have voted to set the number of directors to seven (7) (30,936,522 or 99.4% voted "For", and 176,565 or 0.6% voted "Against").The following nominees, as listed in Arras' management information circular, were elected as directors of the Company:DirectorVotes ForWithheld VotesBrian Edgar27,157,78199.8%45,8860.2%Timothy Barry27,146,21199.8%57,6360.2%Darren Klinck27,146,72399.8%57,1240.2%G. Wesley Carson27,145,92299.8%57,9250.2%Daniel Kunz27,153,66199.8%50,1860.2%Vera Kobalia27,141,38499.8%62,4630.2%Christian Milau27,145,67399.8%58,1740.2%The Company's shareholders have ratified and approved the appointment of Smythe LLP as the Company's auditors, for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2025 (31,091,715 or 99.9% voted "For", and 21,551 or 0.1% abstained from voting).Arras is also pleased to announce that the Company's shareholders have re-approved of certain amendments to the Company's equity incentive plan, to, among other things, alter the plan to a 10% rolling plan (26,916,373 or 98.9% voted "For", and 287,294 or 1.1% voted "Against").Full details of the proposals are fully described in the Company's management information circular filed on March 28, 2025 available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca Issuance of DSUsThe Company has granted an aggregate of 39,498 deferred share units ("DSU") to certain independent directors at a price of C$0.7754 per DSU. The DSUs were granted in consideration for services rendered by the directors for the quarter ended April 30, 2025, in lieu of cash. The DSUs were granted in accordance with the Company's Equity Incentive Plan and were priced based on the volume weighted average price of the Company's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange for the last five trading days immediately preceding the grant date. This is the initial grant of DSUs to the Company's independent directors.On behalf of the Board of Directors"Tim Barry"Tim Barry, MAusIMM CP(Geo) Chief Executive Officer and DirectorINVESTOR RELATIONS: +1 604 687 5800 info@ arrasminerals.com Further information can be found on:the Company's website https://www.arrasminerals.com orfollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arrasminerals orfollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/arrasminerals About Arras Minerals Corp.Arras is a Canadian exploration and development company advancing a portfolio of copper and gold assets in northeastern Kazakhstan, including the Elemes copper-gold porphyry project and the Option Agreement on the Beskauga copper and gold project. The Company has established the third-largest license package in the country prospective for copper and gold (behind Rio Tinto and Fortescue). In December 2023, the Company entered into a strategic alliance with Teck Resources Limited ("Teck") in which Teck may sole fund a US$5 million generative exploration program over a portion of the Arras license package in 2024-2025. The Company's shares are listed on the TSX-V under the trading symbol "ARK" and on the OTCQB under the trading symbol "ARRKF".Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and Arras' future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Exchange Act, and applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding plans and expectations of the exploration program Arras is in the process of undertaking, including the expansion of the Mineral Resource, and other aspects of the Mineral Resource estimates for the Beskauga project. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about Arras' exploration projects, the industry in which Arras operates and the beliefs and assumptions of Arras' management. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "targets," "goals," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "continues," "may," variations of such words, and similar expressions and references to future periods, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond management's control, including undertaking further exploration activities, the results of such exploration activities and that such results support continued exploration activities, unexpected variations in ore grade, types and metallurgy, volatility and level of commodity prices, the availability of sufficient future financing, and other matters discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Management Discussion and Analysis filed on the Company's profile on SEDAR on February 27, 2025 Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this release is based only on information currently available and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.SOURCE: Arras Minerals Corp.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-01 00:02:45

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GOODYEAR, ARIZONA / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 /Buc-ee's, home of the world's cleanest bathrooms, freshest food, and friendliest beaver, will break ground on its newest travel center in Goodyear, AZ on Wednesday, May 14th at 10:00 AM MST. Buc-ee's will celebrate the start of the first Buc-ee's in Goodyear with a ceremony attended by local leaders.Located at 1001 N. Bullard Avenue, Goodyear, AZ. Buc-ee's Goodyear will occupy 74,000 square feet and offer 120 fueling positions. Buc-ee's favorites include Texas barbeque, homemade fudge, kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, jerky and fresh pastries will all be available. Visitors will find thousands of snack, meal, and drink options, as well as the same award-winning restrooms, cheap gas, quality products and excellent service that have won the hearts, trust and business of millions for over 40 years.Attendees of the Buc-ee's Goodyear groundbreaking ceremony will include Mayor Joe Pizzillo and City Council members Wally Campbell, Brannon Hampton, Laura Kaino, Vicki Gillis, Benita Beckles, and Trey Terry.Founded in Texas in 1982, Buc-ee's operates 51 stores in total. Since beginning its multi-state expansion in 2019, Buc-ee's has opened travel centers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, and Colorado. In 2024,Buc-ee's broke ground on its first Virginia, Mississippi, and Ohio locations. In April 2025, Buc-ee's began construction on our first Arkansas location.Stan Beard, Buc-ee's Director of Real Estate and Development, said, "We could not have picked a better location for our first store in the Grand Canyon State. Perfectly placed for our road-trippers headed out to California or coming in for the destination-rich Phoenix area, Goodyear will be the place to stop." Buc-ee's Goodyear will bring at least 200+ full-time jobs to the area, with starting pay beginning well above minimum wage, full benefits, a 6% matching 401k, and three weeks of paid vacation.About Buc-ee'sBuc-ee's is the world's most-loved travel center. Founded in 1982, Buc-ee's is known for pristine bathrooms, friendly service, unique collection of gifts, Buc-ee's apparel and fresh, delicious food. Originally launched and still headquartered in Texas, Buc-ee's has combined traditional quality and modern efficiency to redefine the pit stop for their customers. For more information, visit www.buc-ees.com Contact InformationCrissy GonzalesMedia Coordinatormedia@ buc-ees.com 346-302-3653SOURCE: Buc-ee's
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 15:01:17

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North American travelers can explore Hungarys capital this summer, a lively UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Danube RiverBUDAPEST, HU / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 / According to a study by Future Market Insights, the world heritage tourism industry is expected to more than double by 2035, driven by modern travelers seeking out beautifully preserved historical destinations. As summer travel kicks off in May, Hungary's capital, Budapest, stands out as a culturally rich yet less crowded European option for American tourists. The city, which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only one along the Danube with this designation, is well-positioned to benefit from this growing trend. Fisherman's Bastion in Buda Castle District With its neo-Romanesque turrets and views over the Danube River, the structure is a highlight of the city's Castle District and a popular viewpoint for visitors. In the background, you can also spot the green dome of the Buda Castle complex.Budapest's status as a World Heritage Site ensures there is no shortage of remarkable places to explore. From museums and monuments to historic architecture, the city offers endless opportunities for discovery. One of its most iconic landmarks, St. Stephen's Basilica, celebrates its 120th anniversary this year and is conveniently located just off Andrassy Avenue-a central boulevard known for its vibrant energy and architectural grandeur.Andrassy Avenue This elegant avenue, also a World Heritage Site, is lined with boutique shops, luxury brands, and local eateries. It's home to key cultural institutions like the Hungarian State Opera House and the W Hotel. The avenue's heart is Kodaly Korond, a circular intersection and one of Budapest's most recognizable locales.Buda Castle Perched above the city, Buda Castle dates back to the 1200s and is a baroque marvel with sweeping views of the Danube. The Castle District now hosts the Fisherman's Bastion, the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest Historical Museum, and the National Szechenyi Library. In summer, the grounds transform into a spectacular venue for concerts and live performances, accessible via a scenic funicular ride.Banks of the Danube Once dividing the towns of Buda and Pest, the Danube River has shaped the city for millennia. Roman ruins, including the ancient town of Aquincum, can still be explored here. The Aquincum Museum offers insight into life in Roman-era Hungary, complete with amphitheaters once used for gladiator battles. Along the river, the Hungarian Parliament Building's striking facade reflects onto the water, providing a postcard-perfect view for travelers.As heritage-focused travel continues to rise, Budapest offers a compelling mix of history, architecture, and cultural charm. important landmarks.###About Visit HungaryThe Hungarian Tourism Agency operates in international markets under the brand name Visit Hungary. Visit Hungary performs domestic and international sales and marketing communication tasks related to tourism, manages the international tourism representation, executes image and product campaigns both in Hungary and abroad, produces tourism and image publications, conducts research and analysis in support of marketing communication activities, and participates in fairs and tourism trade fairs to promote domestic and foreign tourism. For more information, please visit www.visithungary.com Contact InformationJacobo WaincierSenior Account Executivejacobo.waincier@newlink-group.com 786-961-0267SOURCE: Visit Hungary
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 14:00:21

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Online Sampling at TrySalonpas.com PruebaSalonpas.com in the Month of MayFLORHAM PARK, NJ / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 / Hisamitsu America, the marketers of Salonpas, the world's No.1 Brand of Over-the-Counter (OTC) topical analgesics in the patch category4, is marking Salonpas Day with in-person and online product sampling events throughout May.1In-person sampling will take place across multiple weekends in the NY Metro area, including:TheJapan Parade & Street Fairis held on May 10th, at 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue in New York City from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Japan Street Fair features authentic Japanese street food with activities including origami, calligraphy, and celebrity photo opportunities. Brand ambassadors from Hisamitsu America will be distributing the Salonpas Lidocaine FLEX Patch (while supplies last) at the Salonpas booth.The Japan Parade, which starts at 1:00 PM on Central Park West at 81st Street, will feature special guests from Japan. Chef Masahuru Morimoto, the star of Iron Chef, is Grand Marshall of the Japan Parade 2025. Hisamitsu America will also be participating with a float in the parade.Salonpas Day, celebrated annually on May 18th as a day celebrating freedom from pain, will feature product sampling at specified ShopRite stores in New Jersey, where the Salonpas team will hand out samples of the Salonpas Lidocaine FLEX Patch.Salonpas products will be on sale at ShopRite during this period, and a promotion will appear in the ShopRite weekly circular, both in print and digitally.The ShopRite store locations for Salonpas sampling, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, include:2 Route 37, West Toms River, NJ 0853860 Fischer Blvd., Toms River, NJ 087531001 Rt. 70 West, Lakehurst, NJ 08733Susan Francia, retired two-time Gold Medalist and 5-time World Champion in rowing and Salonpas Brand Ambassador, will be present from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM to engage with attendees at Live Run Give LLC's Cranford Pizza Run 5K, whose mission is to create fun, food-themed events while giving back to breast cancer charities. The Cranford Pizza 5K starts at 10 AM at Nomahegan Park,1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016.The Salonpas Lidocaine FLEX Patch, from America's #1 selling OTC Lidocaine Brand2 and #1 OTC Lidocaine Patch Brand3, delivers the maximum OTC strength 4% Lidocaine available without a prescription. This unscented, highly adhesive patch features a thin, flexible design that contours comfortably to the body for targeted pain relief.Online Sampling - For pain sufferers unable to attend the in-person sampling events, Hisamitsu America is offering 60,000, 1-count free samples of OTC Salonpas Lidocaine FLEX Patches 1 via its English and Spanish sampling websites at www.TrySalonpas.com and www.PruebaSalonpas.com "Japan Parade and Street Fair, and Salonpas Day are two wonderful opportunities for us to connect face to face with consumers and provide safe and effective pain relief solutions while living out our company's commitment to "TE-A-TE" culture," said Jim Lepis, President & CEO, Hisamitsu America, the marketers of Salonpas, the world's number one OTC pain patch brand4 and #1 Doctor & Pharmacist Recommended Brand of OTC Pain Relief Patches in the US. 5"What lies beneath "TE-A-TE" is your compassion for your loved ones. Such compassion is the starting point of our "Patch Treatment Culture", which Hisamitsu has emphasized since its establishment." About Hisamitsu America:Hisamitsu America is the North American subsidiary of Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc., founded in 1847, a global pioneer and innovator of transdermal and topical patch technology with a focus on pain relief. The Salonpas product line, which gained early acceptance in Asia and is now registered in over 100 countries, has pioneered the development of topical patches to relieve pain. In the United States, Salonpas is #1 selling brand of OTC topical pain relievers in any form6. For more information, visit: https://us.hisamitsu/ . Also listed on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.1While supplies last. See website for complete terms & conditions.Sources:2 Latest 52 Weeks Ending 3.23.25, Circana Total MULO+ Dollar Sales, External Analgesics, excluding Private Label3 Latest 52 Weeks Ending 3.23.25, Circana Total MULO+ External Analgesics, excluding Private Label4 Salonpas Named the World's No. 1 OTC Topical Analgesic Patch Brand - Euromonitor International Limited (global topical analgesics/anaesthetic market, 2024 data.)5Topical Analgesic Patch data, IQVIA ProVoice Survey 20246 Latest 52 Weeks Ending 3.23.25, Circana Total MULO+ Dollar Sales, External Analgesics, excluding Private LabelMedia Contact: Nancy Thompson, Vorticom, Inc. 212.532.2208 (o), 917.371.4053 (m); nancyt@ vorticom.com SOURCE: Hisamitsu America
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 01:20:21

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TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / April 29, 2025 / Electric Metals (USA) Limited ("EML" or the "Company") (TSXV:EML)(OTCQB:EMUSF) is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced non-brokered private placement, raising gross proceeds of approximately C$3.0 million. The financing, led by Eric Sprott and Crescat Capital, will advance the Company's Emily Manganese Project in Minnesota, supporting a critical U.S. domestic supply of high-purity manganese products, including high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM), for the U.S. electric vehicle battery sector.Under the Offering, the Company issued 25,000,331 units (the "Units") at a price of C$0.12 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one non-transferable common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional Share at an exercise price of C$0.20 for a period of 18 months. The Shares and any Shares issued upon exercise of the Warrants are subject to applicable hold periods in accordance with securities laws and exchange policies.Eric Sprott and Crescat Capital participated as the cornerstone investors, reinforcing the Company's long-term strategy and strengthening its shareholder base. The Offering also attracted additional institutional and accredited investors, both new and returning, demonstrating broad confidence in the Company's growth prospects.Kevin Smith, CFA, Founder and CEO of Crescat Capital, commented: "High-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM) demand is expected to increase 29x by 2050 because it's critical for electric vehicle batteries. 96% of HPMSM is produced in China. This creates a US national security issue. Electric Metals has the highest-grade manganese deposit in North America and is deeply undervalued in our analysis. Because this deposit is right here in the US, we believe it has the strong potential of being fast-tracked under the new administration, and we are happy to contribute capital to advance this project." "This financing puts Electric Metals in a strong position to advance the Emily Manganese Project in Minnesota and support the development of a secure, U.S. domestic supply of high-purity manganese products," said Brian Savage, CEO of Electric Metals. "We're especially pleased to have the support of Eric Sprott, Crescat Capital, and other respected institutional and accredited investors." Net proceeds will be used to advance key initiatives, including the preliminary economic assessment of the Emily Manganese Project, technical and environmental studies, studies related to the planned high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM) facility, and for general working capital purposes.This financing aligns with recent U.S. policy initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic critical mineral supply chains. The Emily Manganese Project is uniquely positioned to support these national objectives by reducing reliance on foreign sources of manganese and reinforcing U.S. economic and energy security.In connection with the the Offering, the Company paid certain finders who introduced subscribers to the Offering including: Canaccord Genuity Corp. and Cormark Securities Inc. a cash commission totaling $37,220, being up to 3% of the gross proceeds raised under the Offering from investors introduced to the Company from such finders,and 310,170 non-transferable common share purchase warrants of the Company ("Finders' Warrants"), being up to 3% of the Units sold under the Offering from investors introduced to the Company from such finders. Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.20 for a period of 18 months.Under the Offering, directors of the Corporation have subscribed for a total of 333,333 Shares for a total consideration of C$40,000, which constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Regulation 61-101 respecting Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("Regulation 61-101") and TSXV Policy 5.9 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. However, the directors of the Corporation who voted in favor of the Offering have determined that the exemptions from formal valuation and minority approval requirements provided for respectively under subsections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of Regulation 61-101 can be relied on as neither the fair market value of the Shares issued to this insider, nor the fair market value of the consideration paid exceeded 25% of the Corporation's market capitalization. None of the Corporation's directors have expressed any contrary views or disagreements with respect to the foregoing. A material change report in respect of this related party transaction will be filed by the Corporation but could not be filed earlier than 21 days prior to the closing of the Offering, due to the fact that the terms of the participation of each of the non-related parties and the related parties of the Offering were not confirmed.About Electric Metals (USA) LimitedElectric Metals (USA) Limited (TSXV:EML)(OTCQB:EMUSF) is a US-based mineral development company with manganese and silver projects geared to supporting the transition to clean energy. The Company's principal asset is the Emily Manganese Project in Minnesota, the highest-grade manganese deposit in North America, which has been the subject of considerable technical studies, including National Instrument 43-101 Technical Reports - Resource Estimates. The Company's mission in Minnesota is to become a domestic US producer of high-value, high-purity manganese metal and chemical products to supply the North American electric vehicle battery, technology and industrial markets. With manganese playing a critical and prominent role in lithium-ion battery formulations, and with no current domestic supply or active mines for manganese in North America, the development of the Emily Manganese Project represents a significant opportunity for America, the State of Minnesota and for the Company's shareholders.For further information, please contact:Electric Metals (USA) LimitedBrian SavageCEO & Director(303) 656-9197orValerie KimballDirector Investor Relations720-933-1150 info@ electricmetals.com Forward-Looking InformationThis news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could", "estimates", "expec
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 15:01:42

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BRATISLAVA, SK / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 / The General Assembly of the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic took place in Bratislava, attended by key experts and representatives of companies operating in the field of critical infrastructure protection. The main agenda items included the election of association bodies, admission of new members, and discussion about the strategic direction of the association's activities.Tibor Straka, an expert with many years of experience in security and defense, has been serving as the association's president since its establishment. His vision for strengthening cooperation between public and private sectors in critical infrastructure protection received broad support from the members present.Michal Bodo, Executive Director of FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services, and Lukas Parizek, Chairman of the Council of Slovak Exporters and former State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, were elected to the presidium. Both bring valuable experience in technological security and international relations to the leadership.Matej Michalko from Decent Cybersecurity, who has long been involved in cybersecurity, post-quantum cryptography, and blockchain technology innovations, became the Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Adrian Belanik from FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services and Vladimir Zeman from Panterra Advisory were elected as members of the Supervisory Board.The General Assembly was conducted in a constructive spirit, with delegates discussing future activities and priorities of the association. Key topics included increasing the resilience of critical infrastructure against security threats, sharing best practices, and strengthening cooperation between member entities.The Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic aims to be an active partner of state institutions and the business sector in building a secure and resilient society. The new leadership expressed determination to continue developing professional discussion and promoting members' interests at both national and international levels.About the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak RepublicThe Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic (Asociacia kritickej infrastruktury Slovenskej republiky, AKI SR) is a professional organization bringing together organizations and experts focused on the protection and development of key elements of critical infrastructure that ensure the stability and security of the state's strategic systems. AKI SR actively supports the implementation of innovative solutions, coordinates cooperation between public and private sectors, and provides expert consulting in the areas of cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection. The association has experts in several crucial sectors of critical infrastructure including IT and cybersecurity, strategic technologies, energy sector, and industrial systems. AKI SR offers its members significant benefits including representation of interests during negotiations with government bodies, expert support through consulting and training, networking opportunities with partners, and comprehensive information services. The association values trustworthiness, precision, resilience, stability, security, and professionalism in its approach to supporting critical infrastructure entities in Slovakia.ContactMatej Michalko business@ decentcybersecurity.eu SOURCE: Decent Cybersecurity s.r.o.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 08:01:18

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Extensive Skarn & Porphyry Mineralisation Identified, Project Footprint Doubled by StakingLONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 / Guardian Metal Resources plc (LON:GMET)(OTCQX:GMTLF), a strategic development and mineral exploration company focused in Nevada, USA, is pleased to announce that an independent porphyry-system expert, Dr. Lawrence Carter, has completed a positive site assessment of the recently acquired Tempiute Tungsten Project ("Tempiute" or the "Project"). Tempiute, formerly known as the Emerson Tungsten Mine, is located in south-central Nevada less than 250 miles (402 km) southeast of the Company's Pilot Mountain tungsten project.On 27 January 2025, the Company announced the signing of an option agreement to acquire 100% of Tempiute. For the details and commercial terms see the following link:BACKGROUNDGuardian Metal recently retained Dr Lawrence Carter, an independent porphyry-system expert, to conduct a geological field review of the Tempiute mine and surrounding area (Figure 1). Dr Carter was engaged to investigate and confirm historical geological reports of the Tempiute mine whilst also prospecting the surrounding area for further exploration potential. A high-level summary of his findings are provided herein.HIGHLIGHTSExtensive zones of outcropping tungsten-rich skarn mineralisation (confirmed via ultraviolet light fluorescence investigations) mapped across the entire Project area which have a direct association to two quartz monzonite stocks (causative porphyry intrusions).Multiple new zones of tungsten-rich skarn mineralisation (garnet rich) were identified at the margins of the north quartz monzonite stock, which appear to have been little-explored. The Company has immediately staked a total of 29 new Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") Lode Mining Claims at Tempiute to cover these new target areas, significantly increasing the mineralised footprint of the Project by more than double. Maps will be made available once analytical results have been received.Multiple zones of porphyry-style stockwork veining in altered quartz monzonite are outcropping within the southern quartz monzonite stock. Locally these zones include hypogene molybdenite mineralisation as well as secondary copper mineralisation (copper oxide and chalcocite). Seemingly overlooked by previous work, the Company has now completed claim staking to cover areas prospective for larger-scale porphyry-style mineralisation.Numerous "truck-ready" historical ore stockpiles identified across the Project, of both skarn and massive sulphide mineralisation, including a further stockpile that was identified east of the Project area that is now covered by staking. Several samples of this material are undergoing laboratory analysis.A new tungsten-skarn system identified and two new BLM Lode Mining Claims staked at a newly identified satellite zone to Tempiute to be named the Worthington system, generated by the Company's regional exploration campaign. Further details in relation to Worthington will be released to the market in due course.TUNGSTEN SKARN MINERALISATION AT TEMPIUTE AND HISTORICAL MININGPolymetallic tungsten-rich skarn mineralisation occurs in a thermally zoned, contact-metasomatic garnet-pyroxene skarn zone, separating the causative Cretaceous-aged quartz monzonite and barren limestone and hornfels. Historical mining at the Tempiute Mine (also known as the Emerson Mine) targeted the widest zones of skarn mineralisation using underground stoping. Some stopes can be viewed via glory holes at surface (Figure 1D). Previous work delineated skarn zones up to 30 m thick to be uniformly mineralised over vertical ranges of at least 400 m based on historical mine plans. Reported principal ore minerals include scheelite, sphalerite, molybdenite, chalcopyrite and galena1. Despite the historical mining activity, many zones of skarn mineralisation remain outcropping at surface, ranging from < 1 m to circa 20 m thick in outcrop, all along contact zones with the two quartz monzonite stocks.The skarn is varied, with notable styles including banded garnet-pyroxene skarn and coarse garnet skarn, with garnets up to 1 cm in size (Figure 2). By investigation under ultraviolet ("UV") light fluorescence, scheelite and/or powellite appears more abundant in garnet rich zones and sulphides in diopside bands. Certain skarn zones are sulphide rich, with pods of sulphide minerals (predominately pyrite) up to 5 cm across (see Figure 2D). Molybdenite is locally abundant and very coarse grained, particularly near the contact between the skarn and unmineralised hornfels (Figure 3). The garnet skarn is also cut by sulphide mineralised quartz veins (see Figure 2E). Grab samples were taken at all skarn outcrops across the project to investigate the strength and variations in mineralisation.NEW SKARN ZONES MAPPED AND STAKED AT TEMPIUTEDr Carter identified several new zones of outcropping garnet skarn mineralisation around the south, east and north margins of the north quartz monzonite stock (Figure 9 & 10). In outcrop, these skarn zones vary from approximately 1m to 10m in thickness. UV light investigation shows that these outcropping garnet skarns are tungsten rich (Figure 10). Numerous grab samples were taken from these zones to investigate the strength and variety of mineralisation. Some of these skarns have been historically mined on a small scale, and others are outcropping with no evidence of previous mining. No evidence for historical drill holes was found, and so it is assumed that these skarn zones are little- to un-explored.Based on Dr Carter's findings, the Company immediately staked a total of 29 new BLM Lode Mining Claims ("claims") at Tempiute to cover the newly identified skarn zones and the areas believed to be highly prospective for porphyry-style mineralisation (see below), increasing the overall footprint of the Tempiute project area.PORPHYRY-STYLE ALTERATION AND MINERALISATIONThe polymetallic skarn mineralisation is associated with two quartz monzonite intrusions, which are both cut by porphyry dykes of similar composition. The north intrusion is coarser grained and more homogenous than the south intrusion, and is notable for zones of potassic alteration associated with quartz veins (pyrite bearing locally) (Figure 4). With the southern intrusion, proximal to the skarn zones, are multiple outcrops of quartz-sericite-pyrite ("QSP" or "phyllic") alteration associated with intense stockworks of oxidised quartz-sulphide veins (Figure 5). These stockworks are locally associated with secondary copper mineralisation (copper oxide and chalcocite) and, where less oxidised, some
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 / Hamilton Health Care System, Inc. d/b/a Vitruvian Health recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal and protected health data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to Vitruvian Health.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On February 24, 2025, Hamilton Health Care System, Inc. d/b/a Vitruvian Health became aware of a security incident involving its third-party vendor, Nationwide Recovery Service (NRS), a collection agency supporting several of its affiliates including Hamilton Emergency Medical Services, Hamilton Physician Group, Hamilton Medical Center, and Anna Shaw Children's Institute. Upon notification, Vitruvian Health launched an investigation in collaboration with NRS and third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation revealed that an unauthorized third party had accessed NRS systems from July 5 to July 11, 2024, and extracted data affecting Vitruvian Health patients.Upon information and belief, the following types of sensitive personal and protected health information may have been compromised: names, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, financial account information, and medical information. On April 14, 2025, Vitruvian Health identified the individuals whose sensitive information was included in the impacted data and publicly disclosed the incident with the Maine Attorney General's Office. Notice letters were also sent out to the affected individuals on April 14, 2025. Compensation may be available for those individuals who received notice that their personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Vitruvian Health, you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. If you have received a notice about the data breach, you may be entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 17:01:11

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 / Pomerantz LLPis investigating claims on behalf of investors of Rentokil Initial plc ("Rentokil" or the "Company") (NYSE:RTO). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The investigation concerns whether Rentokil and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.[Click here for information about joining the class action]On October 12, 2022, Rentokil acquired Terminix Global Holdings, Inc. ("Terminix") via a corporate merger (the "Merger"). In connection with the Merger, Rentokil issued new Rentokil American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") to former Terminix shareholders pursuant to a registration statement, prospectus, and other materials (collectively, the "Offering Materials"). A class action complaint has been filed alleging that the Offering Materials misrepresented the purported benefits of the Merger and that the value of Rentokil ADSs fell sharply as Rentokil struggled to integrate Terminix following the Merger.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 22:07:28

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Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release, publication, distribution or dissemination, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 /KALO GOLD CORP. (TSXV:KALO) ("Kalo", "Kalo Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that due to significant market demand, the Company has increased the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement from $2,000,000 to $4,521,750. The upsized offering (the "Offering") will consist of up to 90,435,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.05 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $4,521,7500.Each unit will consist of one common share (each, a "Share") in the capital of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire an additional Share at an exercise price of $0.08 per Share for a period of twenty-four months from the date of issuance. In addition, the expiry date of the Warrants is subject to acceleration if the volume weighted average trading price of the Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") (or such other stock exchange where the Shares are then listed or quoted) is greater than $0.15 for a period of twenty (20) consecutive trading days, in which case the expiry date of the Warrants may be accelerated to a date that is thirty (30) days following the date the Company provides notice to the Warrant holders, by way of a news release, that the expiry date has been accelerated.The Offering is subject to TSXV approval. The Units and the underlying Shares and Warrants (including the Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants) will be subject to a four-month hold period, in accordance with applicable securities laws.The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering as follows:an up to 9,000-metre diamond drilling program on the Company's 100% owned, 367 square kilometre, Vatu Aurum Project located in the Republic of Fiji:Initial focus -- Namalau Trend: Drilling, expected to commence in June, 2025.Advancing other targets: As new information emerges from concurrent trenching and geological work, the campaign will expand to test additional epithermal upwelling zones in the Loma and Buca Trends.Qiriyaga Complex drilling: The Company is also planning further drilling at the Qiriyaga Complex, targeting high-grade diatreme and surge deposits that have emerged as priority zones.Fully preserved, untested system: The Company's geological modelling suggests that Vatu Aurum hosts a vertically intact epithermal system -- largely untested by drilling -- offering an exceptional discovery opportunity.general working capital; andmarketing purposes.This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This press release is not for distribution to U.S. newswire services nor for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. securities laws.ABOUT KALO GOLD CORP.Kalo Gold Corp., a gold exploration company, focused on epithermal gold deposits on the Company's Vatu Aurum Project, located on Vanua Levu (North Island). Kalo holds 100% of two Special Prospecting Licenses covering 367 km, encompassing a regional back-arc basin with volcanic calderas. Historical and ongoing exploration has identified numerous priority epithermal gold targets.On behalf of the Board of Directors of Kalo Gold Corp.Terry L. Tucker, P. Geo.President and Chief Executive OfficerKevin Ma, CPA, CAExecutive Vice President, Capital Markets and DirectorFor more information, please write to info@ kalogoldcorp.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.Forward Looking Statements DisclaimerThis press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") related to the closing of the Offering, use of proceeds and other such future events and Kalo's future business, operations, and financial performance and condition. Forward-looking statements normally contain words like "will", "intend", "anticipate", "could", "should", "may", "might", "expect", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential", "project", "assume", "contemplate", "believe", "shall", "scheduled", and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, actions, or developments and are based on expectations, assumptions, and other factors that management currently believes are relevant, reasonable, and appropriate in the circumstances. Although management believes that the forward-looking statements herein are reasonable, actual results could be substantially different due to the risks and uncertainties associated with and inherent to Kalo's business. Additional material risks and uncertainties applicable to the forward-looking statements herein include, without limitation, the impact of general economic conditions, and unforeseen events and developments. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond the control of Kalo. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as at the date hereof, and Kalo undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in its most recent management's discussion and analysis. They are otherwise disclosed in its filings with securities regulatory authorities available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca SOURCE:
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 15:01:26

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 / Kingfisher Metals Corp. (TSX-V:KFR)(FSE:970)(OTCQB:KGFMF) ("Kingfisher" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashwath Mehra as Chairman of the Company's Advisory Board.Mr. Mehra is a senior executive and entrepreneur who has founded and managed numerous companies. He has close to 40 years of experience in mining and metals, including significant experience in debt and equity capital markets and, while maintaining a focus on mining, is a large investor in a spectrum of businesses spanning real estate to technology. Mr. Mehra commenced his career trading commodities with Philipp Brothers in London, England. From 1990 to 2000, he served as a Senior Partner at Glencore International AG (and its predecessor) where he ran the nickel and cobalt businesses and was responsible for establishing Glencore's operations in India.He also served as Chief Executive Officer of MRI Trading AG (formerly Marc Rich + Co Investment AG) from 2001 to 2011 and was its Co-Owner and successfully sold the firm in 2011. Recently, Mr. Mehra was Executive Chairman of GT Gold, a company he founded and sold to Newmont Corporation generating a significant return to GT Gold shareholders. He is currently lead-director of Collective Mining and CEO of the ASTOR Group, a private investment and advisory business.Mr. Mehra holds a BSc Philosophy and Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science.Dustin Perry, CEO, stated, "As we embark on an exciting year of discovery-focused mineral exploration, I am pleased to welcome Mr. Mehra to our Advisory Board. Ashwath brings a wealth of knowledge in mining and finance, with recent Golden Triangle success culminating in the sale of GT Gold to Newmont in 2021. Ashwath is an existing shareholder, and we look forward his guidance and support as we strive to become the preeminent copper-gold exploration company in British Columbia." Ashwath Mehra, stated "I am very excited to support Kingfisher in their growth phase. The team has done an outstanding job in consolidating a large, highly prospective land package in the Golden Triangle. Since the sale of GT Gold, we have been looking at opportunities in BC, and we feel Kingfisher has the potential to deliver another outstanding exploration success in the Golden Triangle." About Kingfisher Metals Corp.Kingfisher Metals Corp. ( https://kingfishermetals.com/) is a Canadian based exploration company focused on copper-gold exploration in the Golden Triangle, British Columbia. The Company has quickly consolidated one of the largest land positions in the region at the contiguous 849 km2 HWY 37 Project. Kingfisher also owns (100%) two district-scale orogenic gold projects in British Columbia that total 641 km2. The Company currently has 59,121,811 shares outstanding.For further information, please contact:Dustin Perry, P. Geo.CEO and DirectorPhone: +1 778 606 2507E-Mail: info@ kingfishermetals.com Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsMineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's property. This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur.The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.SOURCE: Kingfisher Metals Corp.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 18:17:41

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 / On February 13, 2025, Levi & Korsinsky, LLP filed a class action complaint against Augustine Institute Inc. d/b/a Formed in the US District Court for the District of Colorado. The complaint alleges that legally protected data was unlawfully intercepted during visits to the Formed website at https://formed.org/ (the "Website"), particularly affecting consumers who subscribed and watched pre-recorded video content on the Website.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?Augustine Institute, Inc. is a leading private Catholic graduate theology school whose mission is to create and bring content to Catholics worldwide through its programs and platforms, including the Formed Website. Subscribers to the Formed Website gain access to thousands of movies, children's programs, eBooks, audio, parish programs, and studies.Unbeknownst to subscribers of the Formed Website, tracking pixels on the Website tracked user activity and disclosed users' sensitive information to third parties, including Facebook. The Video Privacy Protection Act ("VPPA") prohibits the disclosure of consumers' video viewing habits tied and identifiable information without consumers' consent.If you subscribed to the Formed Website, https://formed.org/,and watched videos on its platform, your legally protected data may have been intercepted without your knowledge. If your data was compromised, you may have a claim and be entitled to compensation.HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?Levi & Korsinsky can help assess whether you have a claim. Follow the link below to get in touch with us:ABOUT LEVI & KORSINSKYLevi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. We work on a contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid!Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 09:50:17

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New opportunities for businesses could be on the horizon and Liberty remains committed to supporting them with flexible business loans in the new financial year and beyond.MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 / The Australian Federal Budget for 2025-26 outlines various measures to support businesses, including energy bill relief, a buy Australian' campaign to encourage local purchases, and workforce development to encourage investment and growth.For business owners navigating the current economic climate, these updates may provide timely support.Leading lender Liberty says these changes could offer support for businesses looking to expand, and the non-bank is here to help bring those plans to life with free-thinking business loans.According to Communications Manager, Bernadine Pantarotto, access to flexible finance can play a key role in helping businesses reach their goals."Whether it's upgrading equipment, purchasing property, or covering the cost of tools and stock, business loans are designed to support ambitions," said Ms Pantarotto.Recognising that no two businesses or borrowers are the same, Liberty proudly provides tailored lending solutions."Liberty business loans are designed with adaptability in mind, offering several options including low doc loans and business lines of credit," Ms Pantarotto said.Liberty combines personalised support with a streamlined process to help keep up with the quick pace of businesses."We understand that businesses need to take advantage of opportunities as they come, which is why we work to offer timely business loan solutions," says Ms Pantarotto.Beyond business loans, Liberty also offers solutions across home, car, personal, commercial, and SMSF loans."We're proud that our free-thinking approach has allowed us to help over 900,000 borrowers get financial since we began," says Ms Pantarotto.About Liberty As one of Australia's leading non-bank lenders, Liberty offers innovative solutions to support customers with greater choice. Over more than 27 years, this free-thinking approach to loan solutions has seen more than 900,000 customers across a wide range of home, car, business and personal loans, as well as SMSF lending and insurance. Liberty remains the only non-bank lender with an investment-grade credit rating offering custom and prime solutions to help more people get financial.Approved applicants only. Lending criteria apply. Fees and charges are payable. Liberty Financial Pty Ltd ACN 077 248 983 and Secure Funding Pty Ltd ABN 25 081 982 872 Australian Credit Licence 388133, together trading as Liberty Financial.Contact Laura OrchardMedia CoordinatorP: +61 3 8635 8888E: mediaenquiries@ liberty.com.au SOURCE: Liberty
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 16:01:37

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JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 / BitMobile , innovator of the Phenix X suite of blockchain devices, announced the imminent arrival of the Phenix X Watch, a groundbreaking wearable accessory poised to bring enhanced connectivity, health monitoring, and personal empowerment to people in emerging economies worldwide.Currently undergoing rigorous CE testing with anticipated completion by June 1st, the Phenix X Watch is set to become an essential device for staying connected and managing daily life.Engineered for performance, durability, and seamless connectivity, the Phenix X Watch is designed to meet the demands of users in diverse environments, providing secure and reliable access to information and communication right on your wrist.Key Hardware Highlights:Powerful RTL8768EWE Chipset: Ensuring smooth operation and efficient power management for extended use, so you stay connected longer.Vibrant 1.53" 360*360 Display: A crisp, clear interface for easy interaction and accessing information on the wrist, even in bright conditions.Robust Bluetooth Connectivity: Reliable pairing with your Phenix X phone and other devices, enabling a connected ecosystem for your daily needs.IP67 Water and Dust Resistance: Built tough to withstand the elements and daily challenges, making it a reliable companion for active lifestyles.The Phenix X Watch represents a significant expansion of the Phenix X suite of blockchain products, offering users a consistent, secure, and integrated experience across devices, as well as authentication access to the Phenix Portal. It provides individuals with a powerful tool for digital inclusion and personal empowerment.Interest in the Phenix X Watch has already been exceptionally high, particularly among customers at recent Pick n Pay in-store events in South Africa. Attendees expressed excitement about the prospect of an affordable, secure, durable, feature-rich smartwatch designed with their needs and environments in mind."The Phenix X Watch is more than just a timepiece; it's a gateway to enhanced connectivity and a powerful tool for personal empowerment," stated Brian Maw, CEO of Finnovant. "Its robust feature set and imminent CE certification make it market-ready for the global community. We believe this device offers people in emerging economies a new way to stay connected, maintain security, track their health, access valuable information, and manage their digital lives right from their wrist." Following successful CE Certification, the Phenix X Watch will proceed with Type Approval testing in all countries where the Phenix X phone has already been certified. This streamlined process will accelerate its global availability, bringing this exciting technology to more communities quickly."We understand the critical role affordable and reliable devices play in daily life," added Chris Benedict, COO of Finnovant. "The Phenix X Watch is built for durability and ease of use. Its combination of features, reliability, and the backing of the growing Phenix X ecosystem makes it an incredibly valuable device for individuals looking for accessible and powerful wearable technology." The Phenix X Watch is poised to become a key driver of innovation, digital inclusion, and robust connectivity, offering reliable performance and valuable features to users across diverse emerging markets. BitMobile is committed to making this exciting new accessory available and accessible, empowering individuals in emerging economies worldwide.About BitMobile:BitMobileis an innovator in connected device technology, dedicated to developing the Phenix X blockchain products that empower users through advanced features, security, and seamless connectivity.Follow BioFi at: biometricfinancial.org , X , Telegram, Discord, YouTubeMedia Contact:Chris BenedictFinnovant, Inc.1-844-724-8911 cbenedict@ finnovant.com SOURCE: Finnovant
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 13:56:34

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New study highlights safety, reliability, and performance as the key drivers of trustKey Findings:77% of global technology leaders trust robotics within the workplace for essential functions.Top factors influencing trust are safety and risk mitigation (42%) along with proven reliability and performance (40%)On average executives expect 20% of their workforce to be automated through robotics within the next decadeBOSTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 /QNX, a division of BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB) today unveiled new research on the growing positive attitudes global technology decision-makers have towards the adoption - and trust of - robotics within the workplace.Rise of the Robots and Trust TrendsThe survey of 1,000 executives from across the healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, and heavy machinery industries revealed that the majority (71%) are currently using robotics in their organization or have plans to do so in the future. Notably, nearly four in five (77%) trust robotics to carry out essential functions within their industry with advancements in safety and risk mitigation (42%) and proven reliability and performance (40%) being the two biggest factors that influence this trust. Across all regions and industries, organizations are embracing the rise of robots within the workplace, with the most common uses being automation (50%), production (46%), support (36%) and high-risk tasks (28%).Comfort ChallengesDespite 70% of executives expressing comfort working alongside a robot within their industry, the study also exposed the reality that comfort levels decrease when comparing types of tasks. While most are content with robotics taking the lead on menial duties like assembly line work (77%), material handling (73%) and logistics and delivery (70%), trust is harder to come by for robotics handling tasks that require more human interaction, such as medical procedures (51%), customer service (55%), and maintenance and repairs (63%), suggesting these areas will be slower to automate than others.The global robotics market is experiencing significant growth and transformation and according to global technology intelligence firm ABI Research, the value of the global robotics market will increase from $51 billion USD in 2024 to $163.9 billion by 2030. With advancements in AI and machine learning enhancing the capabilities and adoption of robotics, the overall trend points towards increased integration of robotics across various industries.Safeguarding Workers and WorkplacesDespite an eagerness towards deployment, the survey also reveals clear areas of caution, with nearly a third of respondents (32%) believing their workplace is not yet prepared to handle the introduction of robotics, creating a potential blind spot for employers when it comes to utilizing their capabilities and, most importantly, keeping workers safe. Additionally, more than half (58%) express concerns about the security risks associated with introducing robotics within their industry, while nearly a third (29%) said that someone in their organization has experienced a robotics-related safety risk or dangerous situation."From surgical instruments to self-driving forklifts, industries the world over are embracing robotics in the workplace and are increasingly at ease with the role these new technologies play," said Jim Hirsch, VP of General Embedded Markets at QNX. "As this data makes clear however, that trust is fragile and can easily be broken if robotics are built and deployed without the necessary foundational software to make them performant, safe, secure and reliable. Only when we prioritize the safety of human workers and their environment will workplace robotics achieve their full potential." Other key findings include:Advancements in technology (90%) and improved safety (86%) were called out as the two biggest factors influencing the decision to deploy robotics.92% of respondents feel employees need to be involved in the discussion around robotics integration.Almost two thirds (64%) of respondents think their current government AI and robotics policies and regulations are adequate at addressing the ethical implications within their industry.QNX provides high-performance operating systems, hypervisors, middleware, solutions, and development tools that help simplify the most complex challenges in industries such as robotics, automotive, medical devices, industrial controls, commercial vehicles, rail, and aerospace and defense. QNX empowers organizations to unlock new possibilities in areas like high-performance computing at the edge, standards-based virtualization technologies, and cloud enablement. Trusted in the world's most critical systems, QNX continues to lead across a range of sectors, including healthcare, where its technology is deployed by nine of the top ten medical device manufacturers.For more information on QNX, visit QNX.com and follow @QNX News.-ENDS-This online survey of decision makers on robotics within the healthcare/medical devices, manufacturing, automotive and heavy machinery industries was commissioned by QNX and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between [05/03/2025] and [14/03/2025]. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll are MRS Company Partners, corporate membership of ESOMAR and Members of the British Polling Council.About BlackBerryBlackBerry (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) provides enterprises and governments the intelligent software and services that power the world around us. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company's high-performance foundational software enables major automakers and industrial giants alike to unlock transformative applications, drive new revenue streams and launch innovative business models, all without sacrificing safety, security, and reliability. With a deep heritage in Secure Communications, BlackBerry delivers operational resiliency with a comprehensive, highly secure, and extensively certified portfolio for mobile fortification, mission-critical communications, and critical events management.About QNXQNX, a division of BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB), enhances the human experience and amplifies technology-driven industries, providing a trusted foundation for software-defined businesses to thrive. The business leads the way in delivering safe and secure operating systems, hypervisors, middleware, solutions, and development tools, al
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 03:05:53

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ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESS Newswire / April 29, 2025 / Barton Gold Holdings Limited (ASX:BGD) (Barton or the Company) advises that the Quarterly Activities and Cashflow Report for the quarter ended 31 March 2025 has been released to the market.These reports can be accessed directly via the following links:Quarterly Activities ReportQuarterly Cashflow ReportAuthorised by the Managing Director of Barton Gold Holdings Limited.For further information, please contact:Alexander ScanlonManaging Director a.scanlon@ bartongold.com.au +61 425 226 649Jade CookCompany Secretary cosec@ bartongold.com.au +61 8 9322 1587About Barton GoldBarton Gold is an ASX, OTCQB and Frankfurt Stock Exchange listed Australian gold developer targeting future gold production of 150,000oz annually, with ~1.7Moz Au JORC Mineral Resources (64.0Mt @ 0.83 g/t Au), brownfield mines, and 100% ownership of the region's only gold mill in the renowned Gawler Craton of South Australia.*Tarcoola Gold ProjectFully permitted open pit mine with ~20koz Au within trucking distance of Barton's Central Gawler MillHistorical goldfield with new high-grade gold-silver discovery in grades up to 83.6 g/t Au and 17,600 g/t AgTunkillia Gold Project1.6Moz Au Mineral Resources (62.9Mt @ 0.80 g/t Au)Scoping Study for competitive ~130kozpa Au mineKey Regional InfrastructureRegion's only gold processing plant (650ktpa CIP)Distributed accommodated and other infrastructure to support regional exploration and developmentCompetent Persons Statement & Previously Reported InformationThe information in this announcement that relates to the historic Exploration Results and Mineral Resources as listed in the table below is based on, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation prepared by the Competent Person whose name appears in the same row, who is an employee of or independent consultant to the Company and is a Member or Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) or a Recognised Professional Organisation (RPO). Each person named in the table below has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and types of deposits under consideration and to the activity which he has undertaken to quality as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code 2012 (JORC).ActivityCompetent PersonMembershipStatusTarcoola Mineral Resource (Stockpiles)Dr Andrew Fowler (Consultant)AusIMMMemberTarcoola Mineral Resource (Perseverance Mine)Mr Ian Taylor (Consultant)AusIMMFellowTarcoola Exploration Results (until 15 Nov 2021)Mr Colin Skidmore (Consultant)AIGMemberTarcoola Exploration Results (after 15 Nov 2021)Mr Marc Twining (Employee)AusIMMMemberTunkillia Exploration Results (until 15 Nov 2021)Mr Colin Skidmore (Consultant)AIGMemberTunkillia Exploration Results (after 15 Nov 2021)Mr Marc Twining (Employee)AusIMMMemberTunkillia Mineral ResourceMr Ian Taylor (Consultant)AusIMMFellowChallenger Mineral ResourceMr Dale Sims (Consultant)AusIMM / AIGFellow / MemberThe information relating to historic Exploration Results and Mineral Resources in this announcement is extracted from the Company's Prospectus dated 14 May 2021 or as otherwise noted in this announcement, available from the Company's website at www.bartongold.com.au or on the ASX website www.asx.com.au . The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the Exploration Results and Mineral Resource information included in previous announcements and, in the case of estimates of Mineral Resources, that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates, and any production targets and forecast financial information derived from the production targets, continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the applicable Competent Persons' findings are presented have not been materially modified from the previous announcements.Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis document may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "target" and "intend" and statements than an event or result "may", "will", "should", "would", "could", or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information is subject to business, legal and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things, risks relating to property interests, the global economic climate, commodity prices, sovereign and legal risks, and environmental risks. Forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and opinions at the date the statements are made. Barton undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements for events or circumstances that occur subsequent to such dates or to update or keep current any of the information contained herein. Any estimates or projections as to events that may occur in the future (including projections of revenue, expense, net income and performance) are based upon the best judgment of Barton from information available as of the date of this document. There is no guarantee that any of these estimates or projections will be achieved. Actual results will vary from the projections and such variations may be material. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise or representation as to the past or future. Any reliance placed by the reader on this document, or on any forward-looking statement contained in or referred to in this document will be solely at the readers own risk, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof.* Refer to Barton Prospectus dated 14 May 2021 and ASX announcement dated 4 March 2025. Total Barton JORC (2012) Mineral Resources include 909koz Au (30.8Mt @ 0.92 g/t Au) in Indicated category and 799koz Au (33.2Mt @ 0.75 g/t Au) in Inferred category, and 3,070koz Ag (34.5Mt @ 2.80 g/t Ag) in Inferred category as a subset of Tunkillia gold JORC (2012) Mineral Resources.SOURCE: Barton Gold Holdings Limited
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 22:07:22

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 /Sceptre Ventures Inc. ("Sceptre" or the "Company") (TSXV-NEX: SVP.H) announces that it intends to complete a consolidation of its issued and outstanding common shares (the "Shares") on the basis of one (1) new Share (each, a "Post-Consolidated Share") for every ten (10) current outstanding Shares (the "Consolidation").It is anticipated that the Consolidation will reduce the number of outstanding Shares from 24,016,477 Shares to approximately 2,401,648 Post-Consolidated Shares, subject to adjustment for rounding. The board of directors of the Company believes that the Consolidation will both enhance the marketability of the Company as an investment and better position the Company to raise the funds necessary to execute the Company's business plan. The Consolidation is subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange").The Company does not intend to change its name or its current trading symbol in connection with the proposed Consolidation. The effective date of the Consolidation will be announced in a subsequent news release.No fractional Post-Consolidated Shares will be issued as a result of the Consolidation. Shareholders who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fraction of a Post-Consolidated Share will be rounded up to the nearest whole number of Post-Consolidated Shares and no cash consideration will be paid in respect of fractional Shares.The exercise price and number of Shares of the Company issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants will be proportionally adjusted upon the implementation of the proposed Consolidation in accordance with the terms thereof.About Sceptre Ventures Inc.Sceptre Ventures Inc. is a Capital Pool Company ("CPC") within the meaning of the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and has not commenced commercial operations and has no assets other than cash. Sceptre is currently engaged in identifying and evaluating businesses and assets with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction under the TSXV's CPC policy.For Further Information:Kevin Bottomley, Chief Executive OfficerSuite 1450-789 West Pender StreetVancouver, BC, V6C 1H2, CanadaTel: 604-681-1568Email: info@ sceptreventures.com FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATIONStatements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical, and consist primarily of projections - statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "potential", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar import tend to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements about the Consolidation, its terms, and its anticipated benefits, receipt of approval for the Consolidation from the Exchange and that the Company will complete the Consolidation. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied, including, without limitation, that the Company may not use the gross proceeds as initially contemplated. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. The Company cannot assure that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. These forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.SOURCE: Sceptre Ventures Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 17:40:30

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TORONTO, ON, MIAMI, FL, AND VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 / Sekur Private Data Ltd.(OTCQB:SWISF)(CSE:SKUR)(FRA:GDT0) ("Sekur" or the "Company"), a leading Swiss hosted cybersecurity and privacy communications platform, is pleased to announce that further to its news releases dated March 31, 2025, the Company has closed a first tranche of its non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") for gross proceeds of CA$105,000.The Company issued 3,000,000 units at a price of CA$0.035 (the "Units") for gross proceeds of CA$105,000. Each Unit is comprised of one common share (each a "Common Share") in the share capital of the Company and one full common share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"). Each full Warrant entitles its holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of CA$0.05 for a period of 24 months following the closing.There were no Finders' fees paid for this tranche.The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Private Placement for the marketing of its Sekur privacy communications solutions in the United States, and for general working capital purposes.To find out more about Sekur's privacy communications solutions visit: https://sekur.comFor more company information, please visit: https://sekurprivatedata.com About Sekur Private Data Ltd.Sekur Private Data Ltd. is a Swiss-hosted cybersecurity and privacy communications provider. offering a secure suite of tools to protect governments, businesses and individuals from unauthorized access and cyber threats. With solutions such as SekurMail, SekurMessenger, and SekurVPN, Sekur provides an accessible and reliable means of digital communication and data storage, grounded in Swiss privacy standards. Sekur sells its solutions through its websitewww.sekur.com , approved distributors and telecommunications companies globally. Sekur serves governments, businesses and consumers worldwide.Follow Sekur on X@sekurprivateLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sekurprivatedata-ltd CONTACT Alain GhiaiPresident and Chief Executive Officer SEKUR PRIVATE DATA LTD. Email: corporate@ sekurprivatedata.com www.sekurprivatedata.com Tel: +1.305.347.5114Forward-Looking InformationThis news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "project" and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they do not guarantee future performance. Sekur cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of materialfactors, many of which are beyond Sekur's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the future of the Company's business; the success of marketing and sales efforts of the Company; the projections prepared in house and projections delivered by channel partners; the Company's ability to complete the necessary software updates; increases in sales as a result of investments software development technology; consumer interest in the Products; future sales plans and strategies; reliance on large channel partners and expectations of renewals to ongoing agreements with these partners; anticipated events and trends; the economy and other future conditions; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Sekur's prospectus dated May 8, 2019, filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available on www.sedarplus.ca . Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Sekur undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.SOURCE: Sekur Private Data Ltd.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 22:15:56

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 / Silver Bull Resources, Inc. (OTCQB:SVBL)(TSX:SVB) ("Silver Bull" or the "Company") provides an update on the progress of its international arbitration claim against the United Mexican States ("Mexico").Silver Bull announces that it has filed its Reply to Mexico's Counter-Memorial in the arbitration that Silver Bull initiated on 28 June 2023 under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement ("USMCA") and the North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA") before the International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes ("ICSID"). Under the current schedule, Mexico now has until August 26, 2025 to file its Rejoinder before the case proceeds to a hearing, which will commence on October 6, 2025.A summary of the key points of Silver Bull's claim is provided below:The arbitration arises from Mexico's refusal to take action with respect to the illegal blockade of Silver Bull's Sierra Mojada Project, which commenced in September 2019 and remains ongoing. Mexico's actions and omissions led to the complete loss of Silver Bull's investment, and breached Mexico's obligations under the NAFTA, including the prohibition on unlawful expropriation and the duties to provide full protection and security, fair and equitable treatment, national treatment and most-favored nation treatment.Silver Bull commenced the arbitration by filing a Request for Arbitration with ICSID on 28 June 2023. A three-person arbitration panel (the "Tribunal") was appointed by ICSID and they will adjudicate the case. Silver Bull filed its Memorial on 17 June 2024, setting out its claim in full and presenting supporting evidence. Mexico filed its Counter-Memorial on 23 December 2024, setting out its defence and presenting its evidence in response to the claim.In the Reply filed on April 25, 2025, Silver Bull responded to Mexico's Counter-Memorial and provided further evidence to support its claim. In its Reply, Silver Bull updated its damages claim to US$374.9M (including interest), supported by the opinion of its damages expert.Mexico will file its Rejoinder, responding to Silver Bull's Reply, on 26 August 2025. The hearing in the arbitration will take place from 6-10 October 2025.The Company hired Boies Schiller Flexner (UK) LLP ("BSF") to act on its behalf as legal counsel for the claim. BSF is an international law firm with extensive experience in international investment arbitration concerning mining and other natural resources. The BSF team is led by Timothy L. Foden, a noted practitioner in the mining arbitration space.Silver Bull is financially supported by Bench Walk Advisors LLC via a Litigation Funding Agreement for up to US$9.5 million to finance the case and the running of the Company.Silver Bull's CEO, Mr. Tim Barry commented, "While Silver Bull had intended to continue developing the Sierra Mojada Project, an illegal blockade initiated in September 2019 by a small group of local miners - seeking to extort an unearned royalty payment from the Company has persisted to this day. Despite obtaining a favorable ruling from the Mexican courts dismissing the group's royalty claims, and despite repeated requests for the Mexican Government to enforce the law and remove the illegal blockade, the Government has continuously elected not to act. As a result, Silver Bull has been denied access to the site for more than five years, preventing the Company from conducting its lawful business activities in Mexico. This has led to the complete loss of Silver Bull's investment and the destruction of shareholder value at Sierra Mojada. The Mexican Government's actions and inactions directly drove investors away and effectively expropriated the Sierra Mojada Project." BACKGROUND TO THE CLAIM: The arbitration has been initiated under the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States process, which falls under the auspices of the World Bank's ICSID, to which Mexico is a signatory.Silver Bull officially notified Mexico on March 2, 2023 of its intention to initiate an arbitration owing to Mexico's breaches of NAFTA by unlawfully expropriating Silver Bull's investments without compensation, failing to provide Silver Bull and its investments with fair and equitable treatment or full protection and security, and not upholding NAFTA's national treatment standard.Silver Bull held a meeting with Mexican government officials in Mexico City on May 30, 2023, in an attempt to explore amicable settlement options and avoid arbitration. However, the 90-day period for amicable settlement under NAFTA expired on June 2, 2023, without a resolution.Despite repeated demands and requests for action by the Company, Mexico's governmental agencies have allowed the unlawful blockade to continue, thereby failing to protect Silver Bull's investments. Consequently, Silver Bull is seeking to recover an amount of US$374.9M (including interest) in damages that it has suffered due to Mexico's breach of its obligations under NAFTA.THE SIERRA MOJADA DEPOSIT: Silver Bull's only asset is the Sierra Mojada deposit located in Coahuila, Mexico. Sierra Mojada is an open pittable oxide deposit with a NI 43-101 compliant Measured and Indicated "global" Mineral Resource of 70.4 million tonnes grading 3.4% zinc and 38.6 g/t silver for 5.35 billion pounds of contained zinc and 87.4 million ounces of contained silver. Included within the "global" Mineral Resource is a Measured and Indicated "high grade zinc zone" of 13.5 million tonnes with an average grade of 11.2% zinc at a 6% cutoff, for 3.336 billion pounds of contained zinc, and a Measured and Indicated "high grade silver zone" of 15.2 million tonnes with an average grade of 114.9 g/t silver at a 50 g/t cutoff for 56.3 million contained ounces of silver. Mineralization remains open in the east, west, and northerly directions.For a full summary of the Sierra Mojada resource, please refer to Silver Bull's news release located at the following link:On behalf of the Board of Directors"Tim Barry"Tim Barry, CPAusIMMPresident and Chief Executive Officer and DirectorINVESTOR RELATIONS:1 604 687 5800 info@ silverbullresources.com Cautionary note regarding forward looking statements: This news release may contain certain information that is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties (such statements include statements regarding the final approval of the Private Placement by the Exchange and other statements implying a future stat
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 15:00:52

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From iconic posters to modern recognition programs, Successories reflects on four decades of helping companies motivate their people.BOCA RATON, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 / Successories, a trailblazer in workplace motivation and employee recognition, proudly marks its 40th anniversary this year. Since 1985, the brand has helped organizations across every industry recognize effort, reward achievement, and build stronger cultures through meaningful gifts and awards. Successories Celebrating 40 Years of Service Successories employee awards and recognition gifts are used to celebrate their 40th anniversary.Best known for launching the original motivational poster line-including the enduring bestseller Teamwork Rowers in 1987-Successories quickly evolved into a trusted source for corporate recognition. By the 1990s, the brand expanded into custom awards and service milestones, and in 2009, it became an eCommerce-first company following a strategic merger with Awards.com Today, Successories supports over 17,000 nonprofits, all branches of the military and government, and 80% of the Fortune 500-including Amazon, Google, JP Morgan Chase, Toyota, and T-Mobile. From onboarding welcome kits to years-of-service programs, Successories employee gifts and awards help companies inspire over a million individuals each year."As someone who joined the company during our eCommerce pivot in 2009, this anniversary is personal," said Vincent Nero, Vice President and General Manager of Successories. "We've adapted to economic shifts, remote work, and changing employee expectations-but one thing remains constant: recognition matters. A simple gesture of appreciation can drive loyalty, boost morale, and shape workplace culture for the better." Successories continues to evolve to meet clients' expanding needs. This year, the company relaunched its Swag&Promos division to support external relationship-building through branded merchandise and promotional products-offering the same quality and reliability that has defined its recognition offerings for four decades.Employee Recognition is More Important Than EverAccording to Gallup, employees who feel recognized are 4x more likely to be engaged and 5x more likely to stay. In an era of shifting workplace dynamics, programs that celebrate individual contributions-whether through awards, welcome kits, or thoughtful gifts-play a critical role in performance, retention, and team cohesion.About SuccessoriesSuccessories is a leading provider of employee recognition awards, motivational gifts, and corporate appreciation solutions. Since 1985, the brand has helped businesses build cultures of appreciation through thoughtful, impactful recognition tools. Learn more on our About Us or explore our full offering of Corporate Gifts online. https://www.successories.com/ Contact InformationVincent NeroVP General Managervincent.nero@successories.com 561-300-8289SOURCE: Successories
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 14:31:19

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 /Trans Canada Gold Corp. (TSXV:TTG)(OTCQB:TTGXF) ("Trans Canada" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that the Company has agreed to sell to its working interest partners it's 18.75% interest in the recently drilled, non-performing 8-23-049-1 W4M General Petroleum (GP) zone well including all surface and downhole equipment, and GP Petroleum rights within the Area of Mutual Interest (AMI) for $100,000 CDN.Under the terms of the agreement Trans Canada agree to sell its 18.75% interest in the 8-23-049-1 W4M Well and its drilling rights to its working interest partners in the GP Zone only, for the sum of $100,000 CDN, with $75,000 payable immediately and a bonus based on cumulative production of 45,000 barrels of oil for a total price of $100,000 (Purchase Price). The Company has an 18.75% working interest in the Joint Venture with Croverro. The Area of Mutual Interest currently contains 1040 acres with potential in the Sparky and GP zones. The Company has chosen to strategically focus on the prolific Sparky zone when drilling, to allow for greater operational efficiency by de-risking, uneconomic non-performing assets, lower operational costs, and utilizing current cashflow which will allow no further dilution to shareholders, with a commitment oil production success.Commented Tim Coupland, "We are expecting continued drilling success with the new 5-23 Multilateral Well targeting the Sparky Zone slated for July, and additional increased oil production for 2025 with Croverro. We continue to focus on continued drilling success in the Sparky Zone, while navigating the increased market volatility and expected lower energy prices in the oil and gas energy sector. The Company remains extremely mindful of the current uncertainty within energy sector including tariff pricing pressures and the Canadian election results, which may influence energy policy direction." The Company continues exploring additional exploration drilling opportunities, despite industry and capital market challenges in both central Canada and the United States. The Company continues with advanced multilateral drilling techniques strategy for 2025-2026 to deliver long term value and production stability." DRILLING TO COMMENCE SUMMER 2025 MULTILATERAL WELL-TARGETING SPARKY FORMATIONThe Company has agreed to participate to drill a 7 leg Sparky multi-lateral well with Croverro as operator for the Joint Venture. The newly proposed 5-23 well will be situated adjacent to the Company's 12-14 Multilateral Well, near Lloydminster, Alberta. Trans Canada has a 18.75% interest in the new well. This third multi-lateral horizontal well is expected to be similar to the company's successful 7HZ LLOYD 12-14-49-01W4 well, that was drilled in 2023 and encountered 2486 metres of oil pay in the Sparky Oil Formation. The 12-14 Sparky well has now produced over 85,000 barrels of oil and continues to produce consistently month over month. The new 5-23 well is planned to open an estimated 3000 m of Sparky formation. The well is scheduled to be drilled this summer/ third quarter of 2025, subject to final permitting by the Alberta Energy Regulator.The company now has an 18.75% working interest in the Joint Venture with Croverro. The Area of Mutual Interest now contains 1040 acres with potential in the Sparky Zone only. This third multi-lateral horizontal well is based on similar wells drilled in the Sparky Oil Formation using surrounding well control and recently processed seismic lines. Croverro Energy Ltd., under the terms of the agreement, is the Operator.ABOUT TRANS CANADA GOLD CORP. - OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION/REVENUE PRODUCING WELLSThe Company is a discovery focused Oil & Gas Resource Development and Mineral Exploration Company that is currently focused on developing and drilling its' production of conventional heavy oil exploration properties, increasing production capabilities, and increasing future oil production revenues through responsible exploration. The Company identifies, acquires and finances with its working interest partners, the ongoing development of oil and gas assets primarily situated in Alberta Canada. The Company has qualified Senior exploration management and Geological teams of professionals, seasoned in exploration production, field exploration and drilling. The Company currently works with Croverro Energy Ltd., who has demonstrated proficiency, expected of an experienced oil and gas technical team that has proven oil production, and revenue success with large multi-lateral wells currently under their supervision. The Company has the necessary manpower in place to develop its natural resource properties and manage its production properties. The Company is committed to minimizing risk through selective property acquisitions, and responsible exploration drilling, and maximizing long term petroleum and natural gas resource assets.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Tim Coupland, President and CEOTrans Canada Gold Corp.Tel: (604) 681-3131 astar@ telus.comwww.transcanadagold.com orChristian Timmins, DirectorTrans Canada Gold Corp.Tel: (403) 597-3410Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider, (as the term is defined in the Policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: Trans Canada Gold Corp.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 16:37:48

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Mutual Fund Trust Powers Structured Finance and Asset-Based Lending Solutions for Mid-Market Businesses in TransitionVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 / Travelers Capital Corp. ("Travelers Capital" or "TCC") today announced the availability of its Travelers Capital Private Credit Fund, which is designed to provide investors stable, double-digit annualized net yields even through periods of heightened market volatility. The mutual fund is composed of the company's portfolio of private credit business loans which leverage the collateral value of the borrower's tangible owned assets, such as vehicles, aircraft, and heavy equipment. These asset-based loans reflect a conservative underwriting philosophy anchored by long-life, income-producing assets with clear secondary markets and independently verified liquidation values. The portfolio has a proven track record of delivering consistent net annualized returns averaging 12 percent from 2020 through 2024, remaining stable across increasing, flat, and declining markets."In an environment of economic uncertainty and credit market duress, our focus on senior-secured, equipment-backed lending has continued to generate attractive, uncorrelated risk-adjusted returns for our investors," said Warren Miller, CFA, managing partner of Travelers Capital. "The introduction of this trust structure enables broader investor participation in what we believe is one of the most compelling private credit strategies in Canada." Key Highlights of the Travelers Capital Private Credit Fund:Proven Track Record: Consistent net annualized returns averaging 12 percent from 2020 through 2024 (of the TCC managed portfolio), with capital preservation as a central pillar.Conservative Underwriting Philosophy: Focused on long-life, income-producing equipment with clear secondary markets and independently verified liquidation values.Disciplined Risk Management: Loans are structured with senior priority claims and prudent Loan-to-Value ratios (LTVs) based on appraised disposition values, with a focus on known downside protection.Uncorrelated Yield: By design, the portfolio performance has remained stable across economic cycles, experiencing minimal correlation to volatility affecting broader public equity and debt markets.Strategic Sector Focus: TCC targets traditional industries, including, but not limited to, construction, agriculture, forestry, aviation, transportation, manufacturing, and energy-where assets are essential to the operation and the cost to replace is reliably measured.As traditional lenders tighten credit standards, Travelers Capital's platform is increasingly serving as a critical funding resource for Canadian and U.S. mid-market enterprises seeking non-dilutive, collateral-backed financing. The firm's lending strategy emphasizes financial resilience, supporting businesses with strong management, clear vision, and tangible asset bases."Over the past year alone, we've reviewed over $2.7 billion in asset-based lending opportunities, selecting only those that met our stringent criteria," explained Jim Case, chief executive officer for Travelers Capital. "This trust reflects our continued commitment to stability, selectivity, and investor alignment, and to delivering results that outperform the market." The Travelers Capital Private Credit Fund is now available to accredited investors and advisors. To learn more, please contact Mark Breakspear at (604) 323-6675 or mbreakspear@ travelerscapital.com About Travelers CapitalTravelers Capital Corp. is a Canadian-based private credit manager specializing in senior-secured, asset-based lending solutions. With a focus on equipment finance and collateral-backed credit structures, TCC serves middle-market borrowers across North America. The firm is known for its conservative underwriting discipline, capital preservation philosophy, and market-leading execution capabilities. To learn more about Travelers Capital, please visit www.travelerscapital.com Media Contacts: Mark BreakspearHead, Capital and Investor RelationsEmail: mbreakspear@ travelerscapital.com Phone: (604) 323-6675Warren MillerManaging Partner, Travelers CapitalEmail: wmiller@ travelerscapital.com Phone: (604) 262.9994SOURCE: Travelers Capital Corp.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 15:01:23

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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 /TruBit, a leading stablecoin-powered cross-border payment platform in Latin America, joins the newly launched Circle Payments Network (CPN), a transformative initiative by Circle, a global financial technology company and stablecoin market leader, that enables real-time, cross-border USDC payments between wallets, fintechs, and financial institutions worldwide.On April 22, TruBit was invited to attend the CPN launch event at Circle's new headquarters at the World Trade Center in New York, marking its role as one of the first global partners to complete integration into the network. TruBit is also the first company in Mexico to achieve this milestone, further cementing its leadership in stablecoin-based payment technologies across Latin America.The Circle Payments Network (CPN) is designed to modernize today's fragmented cross-border payment systems, enabling financial institutions to move money with internet-level speed, transparency, and efficiency. Powered by regulated stablecoins like USDC and EURC, CPN operates under a strict compliance framework that ensures top-tier standards in licensing, risk management, and security.As an early participant and design partner in the Circle Payments Network (CPN), TruBit is one of the few Latin American companies - and the only one with robust on- and off-ramp infrastructure spanning Latin America, Asia, and the United States. Its unique geographic footprint and deep presence in emerging markets reinforce TruBit's strategic role in advancing CPN's mission. In collaboration with a select group of global leaders, TruBit is also helping shape the network's technical framework by contributing to the development of shared standards, APIs, and real-time settlement flows that will power the next generation of cross-border financial infrastructure. This hands-on involvement further underscores how regions like LATAM are increasingly influencing the evolution of global finance from the ground up.Source https://www.circle.com/cpn "Joining the Circle Payments Network is a two-way leap toward building global, compliant infrastructure," said Maggie Wu, CEO and Co-Founder of TruBit."We enable Circle's ecosystem to access Latin America through our fully compliant platform, while CPN gives us efficient access to new markets like the Middle East, Europe, and Africa - without needing to establish local entities or licenses in every country. It's a strategic partnership built on trust and interoperability." said Maggie Wu, CEO and Co-Founder of TruBit.Other companies collaborating with Circle and TruBit in building this new global payment standard include BCB Group, BVNK, CoinMENA, Coins.ph , Conduit, dLocal, dtcpay, Flutterwave, FOMO Pay, HIFI, Inswitch, Legend Trading, Nilos, NOAH, Nuvei, Onafriq, OpenPayd, RD Technologies, RedotPay, Tazapay, Transfero Group, Triple-A, Unlimit, Yellow Card, Zepz, and Zodia Markets, all contributing to the transformation of global payments through shared innovation and technical alignment.About TruBitTruBit , established in LATAM in 2020, is a comprehensive global crypto platform built on two core pillars: payments and trading. At its forefront is TruBit Business, delivering compliant cross-border payment solutions that seamlessly integrate fiat and crypto for businesses. For trading, TruBit Pro provides advanced tools for experienced traders, while the TruBit Wallet supports easy conversion and Earn+ features. The Mastercard TruBit card enables convenient crypto spending.As a pioneer in compliant fiat on-and-off ramp services, TruBit operates in key LATAM markets like Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and Peru, with a growing footprint in the U.S., Hong Kong, and Europe. Its commitment to regulatory compliance, security, and innovation empowers businesses and users worldwide, bridging the gap between fiat and crypto through seamless trading, remittance, and payment services.TruBit Media ContactFor any inquiries, contact jane@ trubit.com or roberto.femat@galactic.holdings SOURCE: TruBit
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-30 14:01:06

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"The Critical Minerals and ZEO Company"DALLAS, TX / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 / United States Antimony Corporation ("USAC," "U.S. Antimony," or the "Company"), (NYSE:UAMY), announced today the completion of a lengthy review of its expansion plans at the only operating antimony smelter in the United States. The Company has executed definitive contract(s) with WSP USA Inc. ("WSP") to complete engineering and construction services that would significantly expand its smelting operations located in Thompson Falls, MT. This new working relationship for these services is complimentary to USAC's existing internal antimony processing knowledge and experience. Combined with WSP's overall metals processing and environmental experience, the company has put together a first-rate team. The total capital expenditure budget is estimated to be less than $15 Million which would expand the capacity of Thompson Falls to over 300 standard tons per month of production output (six times the current production capacity), and all completed before the end of calendar year 2025. At the same time, existing smelting operations will not be impeded. We believe the aggressive schedule is both achievable and greatly needed for the security of our country's supply chain.Commenting on the Thompson Falls antimony smelting expansion efforts announced today, Mr. Gary C. Evans, Chairman & CEO of US Antimony stated, "Over the last few months, management has been looking tirelessly at all options available to it regarding how to expand this facility with the understanding that we have a limited footprint on the property we own. Additionally, due to the limitations caused by difficult terrain around the perimeter of the property, our growth plans are constrained. We entertained conversations and bids from a number of different engineering and general contracting firms experienced in our business. We chose WSP due to their size, their significant local presence in the State of Montana, and their broad capability to handle all required parts of our expansion plans. Combined with the start-up of our Madero Smelter located in Mexico over a week ago, and this expanded thru-put capacity announced today in Montana, we are well along our way of achieving the stated goal of reaching 500 tons per month of production capacity by year-end at US Antimony Corporation." Mr. Randy Huffsmith, P.E., BCEE of WSP commented on today's announcement, "WSP is pleased to offer our expertise in support of US Antimony's plans to expand and upgrade its existing processing facility located at Thompson Falls, Montana. We acknowledge the critical importance of enhancing production capacity while maintaining our industry standard of environmental compliance and operational efficiency. As a global leader in engineering and professional services, WSP has a mining team of over 5,200 dedicated professionals that bring unparalleled expertise to every project we undertake. We are excited about this opportunity to partner with US Antimony on these expansion plans with our experienced Montana team." About WSP USA Inc:As one of the world's leading professional service firms, WSP brings clarity and vision to complex challenges by working with and advising governments and private-sector clients on key aspects of earth sciences and environmental sustainability. With the recent acquisitions of the Environment & Infrastructure business (E&I) of John Wood plc. and Golder, we have built the largest environmental practice in the world. Our over 23,000 environmental professionals provide specialized services to clients in some of the most highly regulated industries, including mining, oil and gas, energy, industrial, property and buildings, water and transportation. They advise on matters ranging from clean air, water and land, to biodiversity, green energy solutions, climate change and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues. From design, permitting, planning and operations, to decommissioning and asset remediation, our environmental professionals are ready to support you through the entire lifecycle of your projects.About USAC:United States Antimony Corporation and its subsidiaries in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada ("USAC," "U.S. Antimony," the "Company," "Our," "Us," or "We") sell antimony, zeolite, and precious metals primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The Company processes third party ore primarily into antimony oxide, antimony metal, antimony trisulfide, and precious metals at its facilities located in Montana and Mexico. Antimony oxide is used to form a flame-retardant system for plastics, rubber, fiberglass, textile goods, paints, coatings, and paper, as a color fastener in paint, and as a phosphorescent agent in fluorescent light bulbs. Antimony metal is used in bearings, storage batteries, and ordnance. Antimony trisulfide is used as a primer in ammunition. The Company also recovers precious metals, primarily gold and silver, at its Montana facility from third party ore. At its ZEO facility located in Idaho, the Company mines and processes zeolite, a group of industrial minerals used in water filtration, sewage treatment, nuclear waste and other environmental cleanup, odor control, gas separation, animal nutrition, soil amendment and fertilizer, and other miscellaneous applications. The Company acquired mining claims and leases located in Alaska and Ontario, Canada and leased a metals concentration facility in Montana in 2024 that could expand its operations as well as its product offerings.Forward-Looking Statements:Readers should note that, in addition to the historical information contained herein, this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of, and intended to be covered by, the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company including matters related to the Company's operations, pending contracts and future revenues, financial performance and profitability, ability to execute on its increased production and installation schedules for planned capital expenditures, and the size of forecasted deposits. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous factors and uncertainties. In addition, other factor
Transcorp Hotels saw after-tax profit inch up by just 0.6 per cent year on year in the first quarter amid escalating operating costs, its unaudited accounts published on Tuesday showed.

Cost-to-income ratio jumped to 1.3 from 0.9, eating up a good deal of the revenue of the hospitality division of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria, which expanded operations with a 5,000-seater event centre in Abuja recently.

The corporate results were for the first full quarter under the leadership of CEO Uzo Oshogwe, who took office in January after giving up the same role at Lagos-based Afriland Properties.

Operating expenditure soared by almost half to N9.1 billion, following spikes in energy costs, management fees as well as repairs & maintenance.

Among the key factors that left operating profit weaker was a 95.8 per cent plunge in other operating income after Transcorp Hotels incurred N49.1 million in unrealised fx loss in reversal of a gain of N2.9 billion a year ago.

Management fees, representing 1.5 per cent of revenue, payable to US-based Hilton International for hotel management services, advanced to N1.5 billion from N872.7 million.

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Revenue added 51.9 per cent as it rose to N21 billion, gaining strength from improvement in both room bookings and food & beverages.

The CEO said in the earnings release, Our Q1 2025 results demonstrate the underlying strength of our business and the effectiveness of our strategic focus on driving revenue growth.

We recently added Transcorp Centre, a 5,000-capacity event space, to our expanding assets, including the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, as we continue to solidify our position as a leader in the African hospitality landscape, she went further to say.

Finance costs scaled up to N892.4 billion from N886.4 billion by reason of a surge of 62 per cent in interest on intercompany loan payables.

READ ALSO: Transcorp Power releases unaudited results for the Q1 ended 31 March 2025

Pre-tax profit climbed to N6.2 billion from N6.1 billion, while profit for the period increased to N5.04 billion from N5.02 billion.

On the balance sheet side, total assets, at N152.1 billion, gained 8.1 per cent weight compared to the end of last year.

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Guaranty Trust Bank will from 1 May begin charging N6 for each SMS transaction alert, up from the current N4, marking a 50 per cent increase in the fee.

In a Wednesday notice to customers, the bank said the adjustment was due to a recent increase in telecom rates as communicated by the telecommunication service providers.

GTBank added that customers who prefer not to receive SMS alerts can opt out via its online banking platform, though it encouraged continued use of the service to monitor account activity.

If you prefer not to receive transaction alerts via SMS, you can update your preferences by completing the transaction alert form on our website and sending it to [email protected] , GTB said.

The revised charge follows the Nigerian Communications Commissions (NCC) approval of an upward review of telecom tariffs in January 2025. That review allowed mobile network operators to increase prices for services such as bulk SMS, which banks rely on to notify customers of account transactions.

At the time, the NCC said the review was necessary to reflect the current economic realities and ensure continued quality of service.

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Customers seeking more information were advised to contact the banks customer service channels.

While other banks may follow, none have issued any notice to its customers as of today.

Customer reactions

On X (formerly Twitter), many users have expressed frustrations about the hike.

When other banks are making efforts to improve in their services so as to serve their customers better, @gtbank is busy increasing sms alert charges from 4 Naira to 6 Naira, Mayor said.

Akanbi Said wrote GTBank is increasing SMS alert fees from N4 to N6.You take my money, trade with it, make billions, then charge me to notify me that youre using my money?

Do tailors charge customers for notifying them that clothes are ready? Do mechanics add airtime costs to your bill? Why am I paying your telecom bill? Start-ups and SMEs are struggling, while banks are making billions. I blame our leaders too.

#BankingInNigeria.

@Thoyin wrote: GTBank has increased the SMS alert fee from N4 to N6 per SMS.

Thank God GTB is not my main account. This feels like theft under the guise of an SMS alert.

Another user, Dewa, raised a concern about receiving multiple alerts. She said while she has no issue with the SMS charge increase, she is bothered by GTBank sending multiple SMS and emails for a single transaction. She receives a minimum of three SMS alerts for one transaction and suggested that these should be consolidated into one SMS.

Some users asked the bank for an easy way to disable SMS alerts.

Alternatives

To avoid the higher SMS charge, GTBank customers can switch to free alerts via email or activate notifications through the mobile app.

Both options provide real-time updates at no extra cost.

In separate phone interviews with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, two GTBank customers shared how they manage their alerts.

Ijeoma Martha, a trader in Abuja, said she turned off SMS alerts a year ago.

I use email and app notifications instead. They work just as well and dont cost anything.

Musa Damaturu, also a trader in Abuja is also in line with Mrs Martha.

I cant be working and someone will be pinching my hard earned money. Do you know how much it will amount to at the end of a month?

I use email for large transactions and check the app for others. SMS is only for emergencies when theres network trouble, he said.

Burdensome bank charges

The hike in SMS alert costs goes to effect at a time many Nigerians are groaning under the burden of countless bank charges.

Ealier this month, PREMIUM TIMES reported how Nigerians continue to bear the burden of rising and often opaque bank charges that quietly chip away at their savings.

From SMS alert fees and card maintenance deductions to transfer levies and point-of-sale surcharges, customers routinely lose money with each transaction. While banks defend the charges as standard practice, many users say they are not adequately informed, further deepening public mistrust in the financial system.

Each of these fees may seem small, they add up over time and affect low-income earners the most. Many people say they do not get clear information about these deductions, which makes them lose trust in the banking system. Some have started avoiding banks altogether to escape the rising costs.

Despite calls for action, the Central Bank of Nigeria has yet to stop the trend.

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The place of competitive pricing

This is the eighth in the series of articles written to advise the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on what must be done to grow the non-export volume to match and surpass that of crude oil and gas exports. In this edition, the focus will be on possible guidelines relating to reducing the cost of doing export business to boost the competitiveness of Nigerian products in the export markets around the world.

This recommendation aims to grow the non-oil export volume by reducing export business costs, thereby helping Nigerian products gain more market share abroad through competitive pricing. This will require assembling a bouquet of programmes to support and help exporters reduce business costs within the export value chain. This involves the provision of different incentives to reduce the cost of exportation and consequently reduce the pricing of Nigerian goods to beat the competition in the export markets.

The vital components of the recommended policy to boost the competitiveness of Nigerian products in the export market should include infrastructure improvement, investment in research and development, subsidised shipping rates, bulk purchasing agreements, energy subsidies, market access programmes, logistics support services, and tax incentives.

The policy must be deliberate about investment in infrastructure to reduce the cost and time for moving goods to ports. The government can significantly reduce logistics costs by investing in transportation networks like roads, railways, and ports. Improved infrastructure ensures that goods are moved efficiently from production sites to export points, reducing delays and associated costs. This will consequently make the Nigerian products more competitive.

Another aspect of the government policy on boosting export volume in Nigeria through price competitiveness is investment in research and development. Funding research and development initiatives can yield cost-effective production techniques. For example, developing improved seedlings that yield higher outputs per hectare can enhance agricultural productivity, which is vital for exports. This investment can lead to more competitive pricing on the international market.

The cost of moving goods from Nigeria to the destination countries (either by road, sea or air), also called the freight charge, particularly within Africa, is outrageous, making Nigerian goods uncompetitive. This is why the governments policy on export pricing should include shipping freight charge subsidies. The government can negotiate with logistics companies and shipping lines to secure discounted shipping rates for exporters. By reducing the cost of transporting goods to foreign markets, exporters can offer more competitive prices, making their products more attractive to international buyers.

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As an exporter who has made many shipments to China and dealt with the government-owned trading companies in China as buyers, I believe a government policy on export pricing that includes bulk purchasing agreements is indispensable. By engaging in bulk purchasing of essential raw materials needed by exporters, the government can facilitate lower input costs. Selling these materials at a subsidised rate to exporters allows them to reduce production costs, ultimately leading to lower prices for their final products.

According to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), about 30% of the cost of production in Nigeria is directly related to energy costs. This is why a policy on export pricing reduction must include subsidies on energy. This can come as grants based on their export volume. Providing subsidies for energy costs can significantly benefit manufacturing exporters, who often face high energy expenses. By lowering these costs, the government enables manufacturers to maintain a competitive edge in pricing, allowing them to compete more effectively on the global stage.

Another critical aspect of the policy of reducing the cost of doing export business and consequently the pricing of export products is the signing of strategic trade agreements with target export markets for strategic products. Actively negotiating trade agreements that lower tariffs in target markets enhances access for Nigerian exports. Lower tariffs make Nigerian goods more competitive by lowering the final cost to consumers in importing countries.

Government policy on reducing the cost of exportation must include the establishment of logistics hubs to improve the efficiency of the export process. Another name for this is the inland ports, which are already established within the country but with low patronage. Establishing logistics hubs close to railway terminals makes them attractive, and this can centralise and streamline the shipping process. These hubs would reduce the complexity and costs associated with logistics, making it easier for exporters to manage shipments and decrease overall transportation expenses.

A policy on reducing export costs must include a tax break for the exporting companies. This enables the government to compensate the exporters for the cost infrastructural deficit and government inefficiencies. Implementing tax breaks or credits for exporters can reduce their overall tax burden. Such financial incentives would free up resources that exporters can reinvest in their businesses or pass on to consumers through lower prices.

In summary, if the policies discussed in this article for reducing export pricing from Nigeria are considered and effectively implemented by the government, they will significantly improve the competitiveness of Nigerian products in the export market. This enhancement will aid the government in achieving its objective of boosting the volume of non-oil exports in the country, ultimately establishing this sector as a key contributor to the nations foreign exchange earnings.

Bamidele Ayemibo is the chief executive officer at 3TImpex Trade Consulting

READ THE OTHER ARTICLES IN THE SERIES BELOW.

What President Tinubu must do to grow Nigerias non-oil export (7)

President Tinubu must do to grow Nigerias non-oil export (6)

What President Tinubu must do to grow non-oil export in Nigeria (5)

What President Tinubu must do to grow non-oil export in Nigeria (4)

What President Tinubu must do to grow Nigerias non-oil export (3)

What President Tinubu must do to grow non-oil export in Nigeria (2)

What President Tinubu must do to grow non-oil export in Nigeria (1)

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As twilight fell over Nigerias capital last month, officials in crisp suits and military uniforms gathered behind closed doors at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The mood was tense, almost funereal. One senior diplomat, speaking anonymously, described the discussions bluntly: Nigeria is at a tipping point. If we dont rethink everything  security, diplomacy, leadership  we risk irrelevance and instability. Across West Africa, the regional bloc ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) is buckling under the strain of political upheaval, military coups, and bitter divisions. Once heralded as a cornerstone for African unity and stability, ECOWAS teeters between fragmentation and collapse, its authority increasingly questioned. In January, the juntas of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced their withdrawal from the bloc, forming an alternative alliance  the Alliance of Sahel States  signalling a seismic shift in regional power dynamics.

At the centre of this maelstrom stands Nigeria  Africas largest democracy, most populous nation, and largest economy. But while its size and historic influence are uncontested, its leadership has been hesitant, reactive, and, critics argue, dangerously complacent. With ECOWAS weakened and leadership across Africa in short supply, Nigeria faces a stark choice: redefine its national security and diplomatic strategy for a new era, or risk being consumed by the continents spiralling instability.

Fractured ECOWAS, Fractured Hopes

Founded in 1975, ECOWAS was envisioned as a platform for economic integration and political cooperation. Over the decades, Nigeria, contributing over 60% of the blocs funding and military manpower, often played the role of regional policeman, leading peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone in the 1990s and helping to broker democratic transitions. However, in recent years, there has been a sharp erosion of ECOWAS authority. The surge in military takeovers  five successful coups since 2020  has exposed the blocs limited enforcement capacity. Sanctions and diplomatic pressure have been met with defiance rather than compliance. In the case of Niger, following the July 2023 coup, Nigerias push for a military intervention to restore civilian rule faltered amid regional divisions and domestic opposition.

Analysts argue that ECOWAS troubles are symptomatic of deeper crises: a loss of legitimacy among West African citizens, fatigue with Western-backed governance models, and the rise of nationalist, populist military regimes that reject the blocs authority. Nigerias default position has been to defend ECOWAS at all costs, said Professor Aminu Gana, an expert in African diplomacy at the University of Lagos. But that approach is no longer sustainable. We need a new strategy that recognises the new political realities on the ground.

The security challenge within and beyond borders

Internally, Nigerias security situation remains fragile. The northeast is still plagued by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgencies. Banditry and kidnapping epidemics spread like wildfire across the northwest and central regions. Separatist agitations in the southeast simmer, and farmer-herder conflicts inflame ethnic tensions. Externally, the rise of a Sahelian axis of military regimes threatens to create a belt of instability directly north of Nigerias borders. With weakened regional cooperation, the prospects of cross-border terrorism, arms trafficking, and refugee flows loom larger than ever.

The danger is a domino effect, warned a senior intelligence official in Abuja. If these security vacuums are left unchecked, Nigeria could find itself surrounded by hostile, unstable territories. Our traditional strategy of relying on ECOWAS as a security umbrella wont work anymore.

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Why a new strategy Is Imperative

The calls for a comprehensive national security and diplomacy overhaul have grown louder among Nigerias policy elite. Experts outline several pillars such a strategy must include:

1. Reimagined Regional Engagement:

Nigeria must accept that ECOWAS may never return to its former unity. It should pursue flexible, issue-based coalitions  working with stable partners like Ghana, Senegal, and Cote dIvoire, while maintaining pragmatic channels of dialogue with the Sahelian juntas.

2. Internal Security Revamp:

Without stabilising its internal front, Nigeria cannot project leadership externally. This demands robust security sector reforms, greater investment in intelligence and border control, and a coordinated, holistic approach to addressing the root causes of violencepoverty, governance failures, and ethnic grievances.

3. Strategic Soft Power:

Beyond military strength, Nigeria must rebuild its diplomatic credibility through culture, education, media, and technology. Brand Nigeria must represent stability, innovation, and African solidarity  not chaos and missed opportunities.

4. Non-alignment and Multipolar Engagement:

As global power competition intensifies, with Russia, China, and Western nations vying for African influence, Nigeria must tread a carefully non-aligned path, extracting maximum benefit without being ensnared in proxy conflicts.

5. Youth-Centric Foreign Policy:

Africas future is young. With over 60% of the population under 25, Nigerias diplomacy must reflect youth priorities: jobs, education, technology, climate resilience, and inclusive governance. Foreign policy isnt just about embassies and treaties anymore, said Chika Okonkwo, a youth activist in Abuja. Its about whether young Africans feel seen and heard.

Yearning for Leadership

Across Africa, the yearning for leadership is palpable. Many citizens consider continental institutions like the African Union out of touch and ineffectual. In West Africa, the vacuum left by ECOWASs paralysis is creating both dangers and opportunities. Theres a leadership gap that Nigeria is uniquely positioned to fill  but only if it gets its house in order, said Dr. Fatima Zubairu, a senior fellow at the African Centre for Strategic Studies. This moment calls for vision, courage, and strategic patience. It cannot be business as usual.

Indeed, history offers a precedent. In the 1990s, Nigerias leadership in Liberia and Sierra Leone was not merely about military intervention; it was about a vision for a peaceful, democratic West Africa. A similar vision is needed today, but one adapted to a world of decentralised power, digital activism, and complex hybrid threats.

Policy Recommendation Annex:

I. Recalibrate Regional Leadership through Flexible Alliances

Problem: ECOWAS is no longer a reliable or unified platform for regional action.

Recommendations:

Pursue issue-based coalitions, e.g., on counterterrorism, trade, migration) with stable West African states such as Ghana, Senegal, Cote dIvoire, and Sierra Leone.

Establish backchannel diplomacy with military governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to de-escalate tensions and maintain intelligence sharing.

Advocate for a two-tier ECOWAS model, where democratic and transitional states cooperate on separate but parallel tracks.

II. Strengthen Domestic Security Architecture

Problem: Nigerias fragmented security apparatus and reactive posture limit its regional projection.

Recommendations: Create a National Security Coordination Council that integrates defence, intelligence, and internal affairs under a single strategic umbrella.

Invest in community-based intelligence networks, leveraging traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society.

Prioritise border security modernisation, especially in the northwest and northeast, using drones, biometric tracking, and regional surveillance hubs.

III. Build Strategic Soft Power Infrastructure

Problem: Nigerias influence is increasingly limited to military and economic terms, lacking cultural and diplomatic depth. Recommendations: Expand the reach and mandate of Nigerian Cultural Centres abroad, modelled after the British Council or Alliance Francaise.

Launch a West African Youth Leadership Fellowship, hosted in Abuja, to build regional goodwill and future networks.

Use Nollywood, Afrobeats, and digital platforms as tools of cultural diplomacy  exporting the Nigeria brand as dynamic, modern, and inclusive.

IV. Adopt a Non-Aligned, Multipolar Foreign Policy

Problem: Intensifying global competition in Africa risks turning Nigeria into a pawn in great power rivalries. Recommendations: Maintain equidistant partnerships with the U.S., EU, China, Russia, Turkey, and the Gulf states  guided solely by Nigerias strategic interests.

Champion a Pan-African Digital Sovereignty initiative to resist foreign surveillance, promote data protection, and assert technological autonomy. Reignite leadership in the African Union to drive continental reform on peacekeeping, migration policy, and anti-coup frameworks.

V. Centre Youth and Climate in Foreign and Security Policy

Problem: Nigerias external and internal policies are disconnected from demographic and ecological realities. Recommendations: Establish a Youth & Climate Security Desk within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to integrate next-gen concerns into policymaking.

Lead regional initiatives on climate resilience and green job creation, especially in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin. Promote diaspora engagement as part of diplomacy, offering Nigerian youth abroad channels to influence regional affairs.

A moment of reckoning

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. It can retreat inward, consumed by its security crises and political paralysis, or it can rise to the challenge, crafting a new, forward-looking strategy that stabilises its borders, rebuilds regional cooperation, and reasserts Africas agency on the world stage. The stakes could not be higher. In the fractured mirrors of ECOWASs decline and Africas growing turbulence, Nigeria must see its reflection  and decide who it wants to become.

If Nigeria fails to lead now, the consequences will be felt far beyond its own bordersin the deserts of the Sahel, the cities of Europe grappling with new refugee waves, and the global forums where Africas voice may grow weaker, not stronger.

Nigerias window to reassert regional leadership is rapidly narrowing. These recommendations represent a shift away from outdated paradigms of coercion or moral authority toward a realist, pragmatic, and forward-looking approach that reflects the challenges and opportunities of 21st-century African geopolitics.

Victor Liman is a trade policy advisor and institutional reform strategist. He previously served as Nigerias Chief Trade Negotiator and Acting Director-General of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations. He was also the Head and Trade Commissioner, Nigeria Regional Investment and Trade Office, Shanghai, China, with a concurrent mandate to oversee the South Asian countries trade relations with Nigeria. [email protected] (+234 90300 5257)

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With over a decade in the music industry, Olamide has remained at the peak of his career and has become one of the most outstanding Nigerian musicians of the 21st century.

The Grammy-nominated artistes upcoming album appears to be a game changer as he named it  OLAMIDE  after himself. The album has teased us with pre-experiences from the album of songs like  Hello Habibi, Metaverse and Uptown.

Olamides upcoming self-titled album will be his 11th solo project. It captures his longevity and ability to continually evolve and stay in tune with the tides of Nigerian music culture.

In 2023, Spotify named him the Most Influential Street Pop Artiste of his generation.

His new body of work, consisting of 17 tracks, features his long-time industry friend, Wizkid, who enlists on the track, Kai.

Kai

Kai tells the story of a love interest where Olamide and Wizkid try to win by flaunting their wealth. Her beauty is so alluring and endearing. Kai is a popular Nigerian exclamation slang that expresses a reaction to being impressed by something.

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This collaboration comes exactly 14 years after their first ever feature in Omo To Shan, released in 2011.

The Grammy-nominated rapper earlier announced that he would be releasing the second instalment of his EP, Ikigai. He hinted this on X as he assured a fan, You must wait for Ikigai vol 2. Almost here

The first instalment of Olamides Ikigai, a Japanese word that translates to a reason to live, enjoyed huge success. The project included the songs Metaverse, Habibi, and Uptown Disco featuring Asake and Fireboy.

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On 27 January, over 100 female prisoners were raped and then burnt to death during a mass jailbreak at Munzenze Prison in Goma, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Their assailants had set fire to the jail to aid their escape after prison authorities fled as M23 rebels approached the city.

This was the latest in a series of rapes of women inmates during jailbreaks, and one of many incidents of sexual violence used as a weapon of war in the DRCs long-running conflict. In 2024 Human Rights Watch reported that: Sexual violence is a chronic problem in Congos prisons, which are heavily overcrowded and poorly managed.

Over the past decade, the DRC has consistently recorded the highest rates of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) worldwide. Widespread violence in the east of the country affects women and girls, and increasingly boys, with all conflict actors implicated.

While the scale and frequency of assaults in the DRC stand out, similar patterns occur in other African countries. In South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia and Nigeria, armed groups have targeted women and girls, and increasingly infants, in mass and gang rapes  often in front of families and community members.

State security actors, including peacekeepers mandated to protect civilians and ensure accountability for such crimes, are often the perpetrators of CRSV. In the Central African Republic (CAR), peacekeepers have been implicated in sexual exploitation and abuse, adding to an already dire situation in which armed groups use rape as a tool of war.

A mix of ideological and structural factors fuels these trends. Armed groups use CRSV against women and girls to terrorise, humiliate and control communities. Rape is often embedded in broader war strategies, including mass displacement, collective punishment and genocide. CRSV also magnifies high levels of sexual and gender-based violence that occur during peacetime.

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A lack of robust data  owing to stigma, poor reporting mechanisms, and the absence of survivor-centred justice systems  camouflages the true scope and scale of CRSV, although available figures are horrifying enough to warrant action.

While policy and legal frameworks exist, including national laws and action plans on womens safety, they tend to be poorly implemented, and many African states justice infrastructure is weak, especially during conflict. CRSV is often seen as collateral damage and not taken seriously.

The effects of CRSV transcend the violence it imposes on victims bodies. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege describes rape as a weapon of mass destruction that shatters not only the victims but leaves deep physical and psychological scars for generations. It also reflects a failure of human rights efforts, notably the UNs Women, Peace and Security Agenda and the Responsibility to Protect.

At the national level, governments in conflict-affected countries have been slow to act, often due to weak institutions, corruption, a lack of political will, and a failure to prioritise sexual violence in general. And although civil society organisations support survivors and advocate for policy changes, their efforts are often hampered by limited resources and political opposition.

In the DRC, local and national authorities have repeatedly failed to bring perpetrators to justice. Sudan and South Sudans governments have also struggled to implement reforms or provide adequate protection for vulnerable populations, including men and boys. Patriarchy and masculinity myths mask the reality of male survivors, perpetuating hierarchies of rape that see men and boys excluded from survivor-driven responses.

Regionally, although initiatives such as the African Unions (AU) protocol on the rights of women set out commitments to combat sexual violence, implementation remains inconsistent. The AUs recent adoption of the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls is hailed as a milestone, but it isnt yet publicly accessible. Its success hinges on effective domestication, robust enforcement and adequate financial investment.

Efforts globally to address the causes of CRSV and ensure justice for victims have proven inadequate. International responses, including peacekeeping missions, human rights initiatives, and the UN Framework for the Prevention of CRSV, have made some strides but fall short in scope and effectiveness.

Another problem is the lack of transparency among some international actors. An Africa-based humanitarian activist told ISS Today: The UN wont open up to you. The issue is sensitive and there is a lot of corruption. The activist said implementation of CRSV-related measures was poor, not least due to the conflict between womens human rights and local or traditional mindsets and norms about sexual and gender-based violence.

The involvement of some AU and UN peacekeepers in sexual exploitation and abuse undermines the credibility of international interventions.

Future interventions must treat CRSV as a deliberate tactic of war, not collateral damage. This requires responses that have political backing, are survivor-led and rooted in peace and security agendas.

CRSV must be prioritised in peace negotiations and security sector reform. Political and military actors must ensure that conflict parties commit to investigating and prosecuting sexual violence cases, vetting security personnel, and barring those with known records of abuse from positions of authority.

To achieve this, governments must domesticate and implement the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls so its provisions become binding in law. To facilitate such national action, the AU must publish the convention.

It is also vital to examine the efficacy of mechanisms to monitor compliance with national, regional and continental frameworks. At the country level, justice and accountability institutions must be capacitated to investigate and prosecute CRSV and enforce disciplinary action against perpetrators and facilitators of such crimes. Community-based reporting and referral mechanisms led by civil society must be strengthened, particularly where the risk of armed conflict is high.

Finally, preventive rather than reactive approaches must be explored, which requires paying more attention to CRSVs root causes and the voices of survivors.

Dr Titilope Ajayi, Senior Researcher and Emmaculate A Liaga, Researcher, Institute for Security Studies (ISS), Addis Ababa

(This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish).

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Reckitt, a global leader in health, hygiene, and nutrition, has revealed a new claim for its Dettol original antibacterial bar soap in Nigeria. With regular use, the antibacterial soap is said to support the skins natural germ fighting ability for up to 12 hours, thereby ensuring your soap works with, not against, your skins natural defences against germs.

Tanzimqa Rezwan, Marketing Director, Reckitt Sub Saharan Africa stated, At Reckitt, we recognise that modern life brings new challenges to maintaining hygiene, this is why we are informing our consumers that our Dettol Original when used regularly, provides a 12-hour protective shield against germs by supporting their skins natural germ fighters. . This innovation reflects our continued commitment to ensuring families stay protected wherever they are. Nigerians can now have the confidence to engage fully in their daily routines without compromising on hygiene.

Nonye Opara, Senior Brand Manager, Dettol, Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa, added, With nonstop routines and daily interactions, germs are never far away. Our skin is our bodys first line of defence against germs. Dettol Original works with the skins natural defences against germs to give families peace of mind. From school drop-offs to office hours and evening family time, Nigerians can go about their daily routines with the confidence that their hygiene routines continue to protect their skins natural defences against germs.

Through this campaign, Dettol reinforces its commitment to promoting effective hygiene practices and empowering individuals to lead healthier lives, with protection that serves them through the day.

Click here and here to watch the new commercial and follow @dettolnigeria across all social media platforms for more updates.

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded that Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, vacate his seat following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagun, made the demand on Tuesday, when addressing journalists after a closed-door NWC meeting at the partys national secretariat in Abuja.

Mr Damagum said the party has instructed its national legal adviser to initiate proceedings to recover what it describes as the partys stolen mandate in line with the Electoral Act.

We have also instructed the national legal adviser to recover our mandate that they have taken away. The fortune of this party cannot just be left in the hands of our adversaries. So, we will take legal action to retrieve those mandates in line with the Electoral Act that says whenever you leave you must leave the chair that you have occupied. So, we are still going to do that, he said.

What Nigerian constitution says

Contrary to PDPs position, the Nigerian constitution does not require governors or their deputies to vacate office upon defection.

Legal experts and past court rulings affirm that only legislators, specifically members of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly are compelled to vacate their seats upon defection, except in cases of internal party crisis.

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Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the constitution govern such provisions, but they do not extend to presidents, vice presidents or governors and deputy governors.

This legal stance was reaffirmed in the Supreme Court ruling in Atiku Abubakar v. Attorney-General of the Federation (2007), which upheld the right of elected executive office hoolders to defect without losing their positions.

Call for party unity and upcoming convention

Mr Damagum also insisted that the NWC is united and functional.

I also want to warn that party faithful should be faithful to the party as you can see we have an NWC that is devoid of any crisis. The party is intact and it will continue to live, he added.

The acting national chairman announced that the party will soon organise its national convention to elect a new set of national executives.

We will soon have a convention to usher in a new executive. So, I want to say here unequivocally that PDP is one and it will continue to be one indivisible party, he said.

2027 general elections

Mr Damagum also emphasised that the party leadership will not be intimidated by alleged mischief of the ruling APC.

No amount of intimidation or mischief can bring down this party. It has survived all sorts of machinations in the past and this one is just a childs play.

Weve already crossed the line, were looking forward to 2027 where the country will speak based on the existing hardship that has been deliberately imposed on people. So, I want to thank you, he said.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed some details of a web of complex financial dealings that set off socialite Aisha Achimugus investigation for money laundering, Ponzi scheme, possession of unlawfully obtained properties, and other financial crimes.

Ms Achimugu, along with Maxwell Odum of MBA Trading and Capital Limited, is at the centre of the probe, according to the anti-corruption agency.

The EFCC arrested her at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 5 a.m. on Tuesday, just as she arrived from the United Kingdom.

Tuesdays arrest came less than 24 hours after a Federal High Court judge in Abuja, who is sitting on the fundamental rights enforcement she earlier filed to block her arrest, ordered her on Monday to surrender to EFCC for interrogation.

On Wednesday, the EFCC produced her in court where the judge, Inyang Ekwo, gave the anti-corruption agency 24 hours to release her on bail.

Ms Achimugu and the EFCC have filed counter-submissions in court to persuade the judge to rule in their favour.

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EFCC is not the only law enforcement agency sued by Ms Achimugu in the suit she filed on 3 April following the 28 March public notice declaring her wanted. Other law enforcement agencies appeared to have been sued merely as nominal parties.

In a filing by the EFCC, the fourth respondent, to counter Ms Achimugus suit, the commission linked the businesswoman to 136 bank accounts across 10 Nigerian banks, operated under both personal and corporate identities.

The filing, a counter-affidavit submitted in court in opposition to the applicants motion ex-parte filed on 3 April 2025, stated that aside from uncovering the bank accounts, it identified 21 companies allegedly used by Ms Achimugu to disguise and conceal the origin of unlawful funds/properties.

EFCC investigator Chris Odofin, who swore to the counter-affidavit, said many of the companies share similar addresses in Abujas Maitama district.

According to Mr Odofin, some of the companies owned by Ms Achimugu, classified as Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), failed to file mandatory transaction reports despite making and receiving significant payments. He said the companies do not file their mandatory transactions reports for the prescribed amounts of payments and withdrawals made in the accounts in line with the said Act.

Although businesses that fall under the DNFBPs category are not traditional financial institutions like commercial banks, they are still required under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, to follow anti-money laundering rules because they handle large sums of money.

Under the Act, DNFBPs are legally obligated to report any transactions involving large payments or withdrawals to the relevant authorities.

Mr Odofin, the EFCC detective, accused Ms Achimugu of using bank accounts held by her companies to acquire, possess, and disguise the origin of proceeds from illegal activities.

These activities, Mr Odofin stated, include obtaining money by false pretence, carrying on banking business without appropriate licence, carrying on investment business without appropriate licence and money laundering, perpetrated by Mr Maxwell Chizi Odum, MBA Trading and Capital Investment Limited, MBA lorex Limited, among others.

The list of companies allegedly used to perpetrate the financial scam include Sam Engineering Foundation, Falek Concept Limited, Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, and Wishwich Konzept Limited, Bradap and Company Ltd, Koncept Digital Integrated Services Limited, Blue Broadband Solutions Limited, Miss Peace Nigeria Foundation, Bilview Energy Limited, Ay-Dol International Limited, Blue Pay Limited.

Others are Bluewave Exploration and Production Limited, Rail Conference & Exhibition, Blue Auth Koncept Limited, Deepwater, Producers Nigeria Limited, Ww Luxury Limited, Metrocorp Apartments Ltd, Driveme Fcg. Net, Altex Engineering Limited, and Gitel Eco Solution Ltd Services.

Alleged Ponzi scheme

On 29 April 2021, the EFCC said it received a petition from one Christian Agadaga, and over three thousand Nigerians, against Mr Odum and MBA Trading and Capital Investment Limited.

The petitioners accused Mr Odum and MBA Trading and Capital Investment Limited of defrauding them of over N200 billion under the false pretence that they have the capacity to invest the money for yields.

The investors said they were promised that the Ponzi scheme would yield an interest of 10 to 15 per cent every month. However, the investors did not get a return on their investment, the petitioners told EFCC.

Upon investigation, the EFCC said it uncovered bank transactions between MBA Trading and Capital Investment Limited and Felak Concept Group which is owned by Aisha Achimugu.

The anti-corruption agency said it traced various sums of money paid by MBA Trading and Capital Investment Limited into the Sun Trust Bank account of Felak Concept Group.

According to the EFCC, on 6 October 2020, Felak Concept Group Limiteds Sun Trust Bank account (0001252281) received N4 billion from MBA Trading and Capital Investment Limited.

The following day, Felak Concept Group Limited, Ms Achimugus prime business entity, received N40 million from ALTEX Engineering Services Ltd, a spinoff of her business establishments. This N40 million was then transferred to Wada Autos Limited on 8 October 2020.

Felak Concept Group Limited subsequently transferred N4 billion back to MBA Trading and Capital Investment Limited in two separate transactions on 21 and 23 October 2020.

EFCC said that in a similar trend, Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas LTD received from MBA Trading and Capital Investment Limited N958 million on 6 October 2020.

Weeks after, on 26 October, Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Ltd- transferred N900 million to MBA Trading and Capital Investment Limited. The balance of N58 million was used by Ms Achimugu. She also withdrew cash on 16 and 22 December 2020 as well as 22 February 2021.

EFCC said these transactions were part of a Ponzi scheme and money laundering activities.

The above stated findings from investigation and many other transactions unearthed during investigation, necessitated my team to request the legal and prosecution department of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate, to approach this honourable court for preservation orders on bank accounts and other corporeal and incorporeal properties of suspects in the Ponzi scheme and accompanying money laundering activities.

Accordingly, upon the ex parte applications of counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Port Harcourt Judicial Division of this Honourable Court, made preservation orders on the Bank accounts of the plaintiffs companies, among other properties and bank accounts, Mr Odofin said.

EFCC responds to rights violation claim

EFCCs filing shows the investigation of Ms Achimugus activities started long before news broke last month.

It means, she was already under EFCCs scrutiny by the time she threw an elaborate party on the Caribbean Island of Grenada in commemoration of her 50th birthday in January last year. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was a guest at the party.

EFCC investigator, Mr Odofin, recalled that Ms Achimugu voluntarily visited the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the commission on 12 February 2024, about a month after the Grenada party.

According to the EFCC, Ms Achimugu, accompanied by her lawyer Darlington Ozurumba, was received courteously and treated humanely. The EFCC claims that Ms Achimugu made verbal representations, which she later put into writing in an extra-judicial statement dated 12 February 2024.

The agency said she was not detained and proceeded to her destination after making the statement.

The EFCC also revealed that it has already received from Ms Achimugu a refund of N58 million identified as proceeds of crime acquired through one of her firms, MBA Trading and Capital Investment Limited.

Despite the serious allegations, the EFCC stated that at no point was Ms Achimugu.

harassed, detained, or compelled to make statements.

Denial

Ms Achimugu broadly denied wrongdoing in her suit.

A supporting affidavit sworn to by Ifeanyi Otuya, who identified as Ms Achimugus brother, described her as an internationally renowned industrialist, businesswoman, law abiding citizen and philanthropist whose exemplary leadership and commitment to empowering communities have earned her international recognition.

He wrote that her inability to honour EFCCs invitation was due to a medical trip abroad.

Mr Otuya added that declaring her wanted by the EFCC has had adverse publicity and negative perception against her.

He also said the actions of the EFCC have not only undermined her professional credibility but have also jeopardised existing business relationships, deterred potential investors and partners, and subjected the applicant to unwarranted public scrutiny and distress.

Alleged escape

On 28 March, the EFCC published a public notice declaring Ms Achimugu wanted after she failed to honour the agencys request for an interview scheduled for 5 March.

Following her failure to appear at the EFCCs office, the agency believed she had fled the country.

On 3 April, she filed a fundamental human rights enforcement suit to restrain the EFCC and other agencies sued as co-defendants from arresting or detaining her.

Other agencies she sued alongside EFCC are the Nigeria Police Force, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

On Monday, Ms Achimugus lawyers told the judge, Mr Ekwo, that her failure to attend the initial EFCC summons was due to medical treatment abroad.

He said despite attempts to reschedule her EFCC interview, the agency declared her wanted without adequate consideration.

Mr Ekwo ordered Ms Achimugu to appear before the EFCC on 29 April. He also directed the EFCC to produce Ms Achimugu in court on 30 April to report on her appearance and cooperation with the investigation.

Meanwhile, one of her lawyers, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, disclosed that Ms Achimugu, declared a hunger strike after her arrest on Tuesday.

The judge ordered EFCC on Wednesday to grant her bail within 24 hours.

He also fixed 2 May (Friday) for the respondents, including the EFCC, to report compliance with its order.

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The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Ondo State-Owned Tertiary Institutions has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the state government to implement the new minimum wage in the institutions.

The committee threatened to shut down the institutions should the government fail to meet their demands promptly.

It also complained of poor funding and the failure of the state government to implement the approved 2025 budgetary allocations to the tertiary institutions in the state.

In a letter jointly signed by its Chairman, Olutayo Ogungbeni and Secretary, Kunle Akinwonmi, the JAC highlighted several unresolved issues, including non-payment of the 2024 National Minimum Wage, non-release of withheld subventions since 2017, outstanding salary arrears of over 54 months, and the continued payment of the outdated N18,000 minimum wage at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic.

The committee, in a letter addressed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and dated 27 April, expressed deep concern over what it described as the governments persistent neglect of financial responsibilities to the states four tertiary institutions  Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.

JAC further condemned what it described as government propaganda on subvention increments and cited Ekiti States recent 300 per cent increase in allocations as a benchmark the oil-producing Ondo State should follow.

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According to the unions, efforts to resolve the matter through official channels, including appeals to the governors Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, have failed.

The JAC cautioned that failure to meet its demands within seven days would lead to a total shutdown of all four institutions, a move that could disrupt academic activities and further impact students.

The JAC had issued a similar ultimatum earlier in the month.

At the time, the committee gave a 14-day ultimatum to Mr Aiyedatiwa to implement the national minimum wage for workers in the states higher institutions.

The new ultimatum is coming after the failure of the state government to respond positively to the expired ultimatum.

The government explained that the delay in implementing the N73,000 minimum wage in Ondo State was primarily due to the technical committees ongoing preparation of the consequential adjustment table.

The table, it said, is crucial for ensuring the new wage is sustainable and does not strain the states resources.

The governor has expressed commitment to the implementation, with the committee working to finalise the table.

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The Nigerian government has launched a nationwide marine safety awareness campaign with the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to 12 riverine states.

The symbolic flag-off ceremony was held in Minna, Niger State, and was presided over by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr Oyetola said the initiative reflects the governments unwavering commitment to the safety, welfare, and protection of citizens, especially those residing in riverine communities who rely on waterways for daily transportation and livelihood.

This life-saving initiative is a proactive and tangible demonstration of our resolve to reduce fatalities and promote a culture of safety and responsibility across our marine environment, the minister stated.

Representing Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, applauded the federal government for the intervention.

He reiterated the states readiness to collaborate effectively on marine safety issues, noting that Niger has recorded alarming cases of boat mishaps in the past.

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The distribution of life jackets is timely and crucial. We urge the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the jackets to safeguard lives on our waterways, he added.

Earlier, in their separate goodwill messages, stakeholders in the marine and transport sectors emphasised the importance of life jacket usage across all inland waterways.

They called for increased cooperation among communities and advocated for sustained awareness campaigns to deepen public understanding of maritime safety.

The event marks the beginning of a comprehensive safety sensitisation initiative aimed at reducing casualties on Nigerias inland waterways.

Over the past three years, Niger State witnessed 182 fatalities due to boat accidents, with 95 deaths in 2022, 68 in 2023, and 19 recorded in 2024.

These incidents were often attributed to overloading, poor boat maintenance, and non-compliance with safety protocols.

One of the most devastating incidents occurred in October 2024, when an overloaded boat carrying approximately 300 passengers capsized in the Mokwa district, resulting in over 100 people missing and 11 confirmed deaths.

Similarly, in September 2023, a boat mishap in the Gbajibo community claimed 30 lives, predominantly women and children.

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The Chairperson of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abdullahi Usman, has called for sustainable financial reform within Nigerias Hajj and Umrah industry.

Mr Usman, a professor, made the call while delivering a keynote address at the second National Stakeholders Summit on Wednesday in Abuja.

The summit, themed Sustainable Hajj Financing: Developing a Resilient Model for Nigerian Pilgrims and Operators, brought together key figures from government, finance, civil society, and the private sector.

Also present were the representatives of Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar.

Mr Usman emphasised the need for resilience and innovation in Hajj financing to ensure accessibility and operational integrity.

Describing the occasion as his first engagement as Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, he said it came at a critical moment for the Hajj sector, which is facing economic and regulatory headwinds.

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He commended the Hajj Institute of Nigeria for organising the event and acknowledged the sponsorship and support of Jaiz Bank Plc and other non-interest financial institutions.

Mr Usman also revealed a major development in NAHCONs financial strategy: Onboarding three new banking partnersAlternative Bank, TAJ Bank, and Lotus Bankinto the Hajj Savings Scheme.

He described the move as a strategic expansion to broaden financial inclusion and enable Nigerian pilgrims to plan for Hajj with greater ease and foresight.

These banks bring ethical, innovative, and non-interest-based financial services to the table, he said, highlighting the importance of the scheme in reducing cost barriers and building a sustainable model for future pilgrimages.

Looking ahead, Mr Usman assured stakeholders of NAHCONs readiness for the 2025 Hajj operations.

He said with over 40,000 pilgrims expected to travel via four government-licensed airlines and more than 14,000 via private tour operators, the inaugural flight is scheduled for May 9, 2025.

By the grace of Allah, we anticipate seamless operations, he stated.

The NAHCON boss also extended heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their continued support, particularly for authorising the provision of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) in casha move he described as asignificantr relief to pilgrims and regulators.

He also commended NAHCON commissioners, board members, state pilgrim board, and commission staff for their work.

The event also featured a panel of renowned experts, including Mansur Muhtar, former vice president of the Islamic Development Bank and current Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Industry.

Other discussants were Bashir Bugaje, Muhammad Ahmad of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and Wasiu Gadaeen of the Hajj Institute.

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Harrison Gwamnishu, the senior special assistant on Civil Society and Youth Mobilisation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, has resigned his appointment.

Mr Gwamnishu, in his resignation letter dated 25 April and addressed to Mr Oborevwori, cited the security situation in the oil-rich South-south state as the reason for his resignation.

He said he had brought the issue to the governors attention, but Mr Oborevwori did not address it.

Despite numerous messages, calls, blueprint documents aimed at addressing these pressing concerns, have all been thrown out, I have come to the unfortunate realisation that meaningful solutions are not being accepted by your administration.

As a civil rights leader, I accepted this appointment as a commitment to serve and protect our community. However, the continuous escalation of insecurity and the persistent lack of action to provide effective resolutions have rendered me unable to fulfil my duties with the integrity and effectiveness that I believe are essential.

My commitment to the safety and well-being of our communities remains unwavering, but my agitation is that these crucial issues on insecurity ought to be prioritised. It is my hope that my resignation will drive the urgent need for action and inspire a renewed focus on the safety of our citizens, he said in the resignation letter posted on Facebook.

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Governors aide responds

When contacted, Mr Gwamnishu listed kidnapping and robbery as areas of insecurity that the governor has not addressed despite drawing his attention to it.

But Charles Aniagwu, the Delta State commissioner for works (rural roads) and public information, told this newspaper in an interview on Tuesday that Mr Gwamnishu is a junior appointee and would not know what the government is doing in terms of security.

The level of appointment where he is, is not the level that he would know what is happening in the security sector, he said.

He is a very junior person in government and cannot say that the governor did not explain to him. Is he a member of the security council or state executive council? he queried, adding that so much is being done by the state government to tackle insecurity.

The state government has provided over 60 vehicles for security men. Other (security) communication gadgets that we have provided for security. Is he not aware of them?

That means he is even farther away from what is going on in government. Other areas where you have insecurity, how many people are resigning?

Security situation in Delta State

There have been several cases of kidnappings and other crimes, including killings, in Delta State despite the efforts of security agencies.

The police last month killed five suspected members of a kidnap syndicate in the state.

The police spokesperson in the state, Bright Edafe, said the suspects were killed during a shootout with the operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) inside the Uwiamughe forest in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta.

This newspaper last year reported that gunmen kidnapped nine students travelling along the East-West Road in Ughelli, Delta State. The students were later freed.

Mr Edafe said the students were returning from their school in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, when they were abducted from the minibus they were travelling in.

The students were kidnapped about a week after gunmen killed six police operatives in the state.

This newspaper also reported the killing of 17 soldiers by suspected residents of the Okuama community in the state, a development that led to the burning of houses in the community.

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has sacked the managing directors of the three state-owned refineries.

The company also directed management staff with less than a year to retirement to proceed on exit.

A source familiar with the matter told PREMIUM TIMES Tuesday night that the Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC), Ibrahim Onoja; the Managing Director of Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited (WRPC), Efifia Chu, and the Managing Director of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Mustafa Sugungun, have been removed.

Replacements for their roles have yet to be officially announced. Bala Wunti, the former Chief Upstream Investment Officer at the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), who was recently assigned the Chief Health, Safety, and Environment Officer at NNPC Ltd and Lawal Sade, the chief compliance officer and former managing director of NNPC Trading were affected, a top official of the company told this newspaper.

He said the removals were part of a broader organisational shake-up, not a targeted effort to oust supporters of the previous Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the company.

Earlier in the month, President Bola Tinubu sacked the board of the NNPC Ltd, including its GCEO, Mele Kyari, and board chairperson Pius Akinyelure.

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The president also approved Bayo Ojulari as the new GCEO of the NNPC and Ahmadu Kida as non-executive chairman.

NNPC also announced the appointment of a new 8-member senior management team.

The company at the time said the appointments take immediate effect, noting that the announcement follows the recent appointment of Mr Ojulari and the Board of Directors.

When PREMIUM TIMES contacted the NNPC Ltd spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, he did not respond to calls and a text message as of press time.

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A midnight fire on Wednesday morning left hundreds of traders in despair at the Jos Main Market, also known as Terminus Market, in Plateau State.

The fire engulfed a market section where traders resettled after the government chased them away from the roadside last year.

In the section, traders sell used clothes (popularly called Gwanjo or Okrika), shoes and baby clothes in stores constructed with wood and zinc.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the fire began late Tuesday night and raged until early Wednesday morning as traders tried to salvage their goods. The cause of the fire was not determined as of the time of filing this report.

A trader, Misbau Kabara, said he ran to the inferno site around 2 a.m. to help salvage his stepmothers goods. Mr Kabara told PREMIUM TIMES that security personnel shot in the air to stop miscreants trying to steal from the shops.

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Some people came to loot, and there were gunshots so we left when the gunshots were getting too much, he said via telephone.

Its inside the Terminus Market  the main market that was already burnt. The fire happened inside. No one knew how it happened, he added.

The Jos Main Market, once famed as the largest indoor market in West Africa and a tourist attraction for Plateau State, was destroyed by fire in February 2001.

The 2001 disaster left businesses and families bankrupt, as many traders had not adopted modern banking.

Despite multiple attempts by the government to rebuild it, the market remained moribund, and traders erected makeshift stores around it. Irons and other valuables in the market were also vandalised before the government sealed it a few years ago.

Fear of unrest

At least two traders who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES raised concerns about speculations of arson.

According to a trader who did not want to be named, some people accused the government of starting the fire. However, they have provided no evidence to support their allegation.

The allegation probably arose from the fragile security situation in Plateau State, where ethnic and religious violence erupts frequently a situation prevalent in Jos until a few years ago.

Although Jos town has enjoyed years of peace, other areas continued to record persistent attacks, usually attributed to Fulani herdsmen.

On Christmas Eve 2023, about 200 people were killed across over a dozen communities in Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi local government areas in attacks and reprisals.

Just two weeks ago, more than 100 people were killed in attacks in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs.

More Pictures:

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The Yobe State Government on Tuesday said it is committed to achieving 80 per cent vaccination coverage by 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to close immunisation gaps and protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Speaking at a one-day media dialogue commemorating the 2025 World Immunisation Day in Damaturu, the State Commissioner for Health, Muhammad Gana, said strategic actions are being implemented to reach underserved and vaccine-hesitant communities.

Mr Gana stressed that unvaccinated children pose a serious public health risk and contribute to repeated outbreaks of diseases such as diphtheria, cholera, cerebrospinal meningitis, and vaccine-derived polio.

To achieve herd immunity and safeguard our communities, we must reach at least 80 per cent coverage by next year, he said.

Vaccination exercise

Mr Gana urged health workers not to miss fixed immunisation sessions and to prioritise outreach to hard-to-reach and zero-dose communities, especially in areas with persistently low vaccine uptake.

He said Yobe State has recorded outbreaks of diphtheria, cerebrospinal meningitisespecially Type Cand sometimes cholera.

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Despite these challenges, the State made modest progress compared to the 2018 and 2023 National Demographic and Health Surveys.

Despite all these, we have recorded a lot of success, in the sense that when you compare the 2023 and the 2018 National Demographic Health Surveys, you can see that we have made moderate or modest progress in that regard, he said.

He added that the recent detection of type 2 and type 3 circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses in some LGAs was a wake-up call for the state and the national immunisation effort.

Also speaking, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the Yobe State Primary Health Care Management Board, Umar Chiroma, revealed that as of 2024, 17.5 per cent of children in the state were classified as zero-dosemeaning they had not received any routine vaccinations.

Mr Chiroma said two LGAsGulani and Geidamhave been categorised as zero-dose LGAs at the national level due to the high burden of unvaccinated children.

He noted that the state is working to integrate health services better to serve vulnerable communities.

Borno State

In neighbouring Borno State, the Immunisation Officer at the State Primary Health Care Agency, Maina Modu, said additional outreach activities are being conducted in hard-to-reach settlements to reduce the number of zero-dose children.

Mr Modu explained that eligible children are also being vaccinated at transit points to capture those who missed or are overdue for vaccines, as part of the broader Big Catch-Up strategy that tailors responses to community-specific needs.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Health Officer Bashir Elegbede emphasised the urgency of reducing the number of zero-dose children by 25 per cent by 2025 and 50 per cent by 2030 to meet global targets.

According to Mr Elegbede, about 2.1 million Nigerian childrenrepresenting 24 per cent of the estimated 8.7 million under-one populationhave not received a single routine vaccine dose.

Mr Elegbede called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, traditional leaders, healthcare workers, and development partners to strengthen vaccination platforms and ensure equitable access to routine immunisation.

World Immunisation Week is commemorated annually from 24-30 April to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines and to increase access to immunisation services worldwide.

The theme for the 2025 Immunisation Week is Immunisation for all is humanly possible.

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It is becoming more glaring that Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State may dump Nigerias main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the ruling All Progressives Party (APC).

He has begun preparing his supporters minds for the move.

There have been widespread rumours that Mr Eno will join the APC after he publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio for a second term.

The PDP has been enmeshed in a leadership and legal tussle that has torn the party apart. Some of its members, particularly in the National Assembly, have pointed to the crisis as a justification for their defection to the APC.

The latest high-profile defection is Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who moved to the ruling APC alongside his commissioners, council chairpersons, and predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa.

Speaking at a Town Hall meeting for the Ukanafun Federal Constituency of the state on Tuesday, Mr Eno used the analogy of two aircrafta faulty one and another in good shape. He asked the crowd which of the aircraft a passenger who has serious business would patronise.

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Mr Eno, who addressed the crowd in Ibibio, made the analogy while recognising the deputy chairperson of the APC in the state.

All of us are from Akwa Ibom. Hunger does not discriminate between PDP and APC members. What the Akwa Ibom people want is good governance, he said.

He added, You are about to board a flight to Lagos from Uyo, and you see Air Peace and Ibom Air. Ibom Air develops faults while trying to take off and disembark its passengers.

But Air Peace is ready to fly to Lagos, would you cancel your flight to Lagos because you do not want to use Air Peace and wait till Ibom Air is fixed before you travel to Lagos? Would you do that? he asked

No! the crowd responded.

Board a flight, disregard the name of the plane. Go to Lagos if you have business you want to do. When Ibom Air is fixed, and you want to fly another day, you can fly with them. But if you have an important business, board the available plane and fly, he said amidst cheers from supporters.

Why Mr Eno may defect

The PDP has governed the oil-rich Akwa Ibom State since Nigerias return to democracy in 1999.

If Mr Eno eventually defects to the APC, he would be the first serving governor of the state to dump the PDP, which its members claim is a religion in the state.

A source who blamed the PDP crisis for it told PREMIUM TIMES that the governors defection was imminent.

The source said the PDP has two factional secretaries and that the governor is afraid of which of them will sign his nomination form for a second term.

Imagine if a secretary of one faction signed his second term nomination form and the next day a court declared that faction is illegal, that means his nomination is not valid, the source said.

Last week, Governor Oborevwori defected to the APC alongside his predecessor, about five months after the anti-graft agency quizzed Mr Okowa.

The EFCC also quizzed Mr Enos predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, last month over a fraud allegation.

While dismissing the allegation against his predecessor, Mr Eno said he would suffer the same fate after leaving office.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, gave the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) 24 hours to release socialite and businesswoman Aisha Achimugu.

The judge, Inyang Ekwo, issued the order in a short ruling, after the EFCC produced Ms Achimugu in court on Wednesday.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Ms Achimugu, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Felak Concept Group, was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja upon her arrival from London at about 5 a.m. on Tuesday.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ms Achimugu arrived the court in company with two female EFCC operatives at about 11.35 a.m. on Wednesday.

The case for hearing was a fundamental human rights enforcement suit she instituted earlier in the month to block EFCC and other law enforcement agencies from arresting her following her being declared wanted last month.

During Wednesdays hearing, the judge, Inyang Ekwo, ordered EFCC to release Ms Achimugu within 24 hours.

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The judge also ordered the agency to report compliance with the order in court on 2 May

The EFCC had declared Ms Achimugu wanted in a 28 March public notice over her alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy, money laundering, corruption, and possession of unlawfully acquired property, in connection with the controversial MBA Trading and Capital Limited scheme.

On 3 April, she filed a fundamental human rights enforcement suit to restrain the EFCC and other agencies sued as co-defendants from arresting or detaining her.

Other agencies she sued alongside EFCC are the Nigeria Police Force, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

At a hearing on Monday, the judge ordered Ms Achimugu to surrender herself to the EFCC for interrogation on Tuesday.

The judge gave the order after her lawyers informed hm that their client was willing to honour EFCCs invitation on Tuesday.

Mr Ekwo then asked the EFCC to hold her in custody and appear with her in court on Wednesday.

Ms Achimugus legal team fumed over her arrest on Tuesday.

A senior lawyer in her legal team, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who described her as a prisoner of conscience in a statement, said the arrest was unnecessary as she already gave commitment to the court that she was going to honour EFCCs invitation on Tuesday.

He noted that she arrived voluntarily from London to honour the anti-graft agencys invitation.

In the light of what transpired in court on Monday, our client returned based on the undertaking before the court to honor the EFCCs invitation, but was arrested at the airport.

She has immediately gone on a hunger strike. She is a prisoner of conscience and our stand in the arrest is that it has run contrary to the rule of law, he said.

EFCCs case against Achimugu

The EFCC shared details of its case against Ms Achimugu in a court filing.

It said in an affidavit filed in response to an application instituted by Ms Achimugu that on 12 February 2024 the socialite visited its office with her lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, and wrote a statement.

The commission said in the statement, she explained some of the huge funds which passed through her corporate bank accounts.

READ ALSO: Appeal Court upholds conviction of professor jailed for rigging election for Akpabio

It said that Mrs Achimugu admitted that the sum of N8.71 billion was paid by her partners as investment fund into purchase and payment of signature bonus for the acquisition of an oil bloc on 8 November 2022.

It said further investigation however revealed that Mrs Achimugu, through her company, Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, acquired two oil blocs, namely Shallow Water -PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore-PPL 302-DO for the total sum of $25, 300, 000 (twenty-five million, three hundred thousand dollars) through majorly cash payments made to Bureau De Change (BDC) operators who in turn made payments to the Federal Government via corporate accounts.

The commission alleged that the ultimate sources of the said sum of $25.3 million used in the acquisition of the oil blocs were not linked to her lawful earning or income or any business partner.

That the acquisition of the oil blocks was marred by corrupt practices as bribes were paid to the officials of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission in the process.

That none of the Oil Blocks assigned/allocated to Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Commission has commenced exploration/production from inception to date, the EFCC said.

The anti-graft agency averred that following the decision of the court in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2024 which dismissed Mrs Achimugus suit, the commission, in continuation of its investigation, sent letters to some agencies of government, including FIRS, CBN, etc.

It said further investigation revealed that Mrs Achimugu operates a total of 136 bank accounts across ten different banks both in her personal and corporate names.

(NAN)

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Former Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, has said he is not afraid of his ongoing probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding an alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion during his tenure.

Mr Okowa stated this during an interview with Arise News on Tuesday.

He defended his administration, stating that he performed very well while in office for eight years.

I did well for the people of the state. Petitions can be written by anybody, but whatever petitions are written, the right of investigation is with the EFCC. So, there are no fears concerning that at all, he said.

The EFCC is probing Mr Okowa, who was also the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, for allegedly misappropriating N1.3 trillion between 2015 and 2023 when he presided over the oil-rich state. .

He is also accused of failing to properly account for an additional N40 billion purportedly used to acquire an eight per cent equity stake in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas.

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The former governor allegedly used state funds to purchase significant shares in one of the countrys major banks as part of the LNG deal.

The EFCC arrested him on 4 November 2024, but he was later released after submitting his international passport.

Mr Okowa has since denied the allegations, describing it as malicious and politically-motivated. He said some individuals were attempting to distort facts to serve their interests.

Defection to the APC

Last Wednesday, Mr Okowa, alongside his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, commissioners, local government chairpersons and PDP leaders in the state defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Political analysts suggested that the defection may be part of a deal with the ruling party to stop the former governors probe by the EFCC.

It is not clear what the next action of the anti-graft agency will be.

Regret over vice presidential bid

During the interview, Mr Okowa also recounted how he was controversially accepted to be a running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 election.

Even when we were campaigning, I realised our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power. But the decision had already been taken at the federal level by the party, and I had been nominated. Still, in retrospect, I now believe I should have gone with the will of my people, he said.

The former governor noted that despite the controversy, the people of Delta State supported him and the PDP at the state level out of loyalty and recognition of his performance.

That showed the people still believed in us, believed in me. They said youve done well, and we will support the governor you have chosen. And they did, he said.

When asked about his current relationship with Atiku, Mr Okowa said he had communicated his discomfort with the PDP to Atiku and also hinted that he (Atiku) might be on his way out of the party.

I actually did communicate with him that we were going to have stakeholders meetings this week ( last week) and that it was going to be a leadership meeting, and the outcome of that meeting was going to determine our next path because we were no longer comfortable with the PDP.

And I also know that he is already heading out of the PDP from the communications he has passed on to me and that Nigerians know already.

Political journey

Mr Okowa, 66, had been a PDP faithful since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999.

READ ALSO: Court gives EFCC 24 hours to release socialite Aisha Achimugu

He served as commissioner for agriculture and natural resources, water resources development and later health in the PDP administration of former Governor James Ibori. He later served as the secretary to the state government under former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Mr Okowa, a medical doctor, moved to the centre in 2011 when he became the senator for the Delta North Senatorial District. In 2015, he became the third democratically elected governor of the state since 1999. He was the first governor of Anioma stock (Igbo-speaking people) to rule the state.

As a member of the PDP, he once served as the chairman of the partys national convention planning committee.

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Nigeria has many problems, but this one is personal. It lives inside people. It shows up when they see someone doing well and they feel attacked by it. Until we start calling this out for what it is, we will continue to have a society that rewards bitterness and punishes ambition. My advice is simple. If you are doing well, do not look back. Do not apologise. Do not shrink yourself. Do not seek validation. And never beg for acceptance.

There is a quiet but deeply rooted sickness in Nigeria that poisons relationships, stifles ambition and fuels bitterness in even the most ordinary settings. It is envy. Not just the common type, but a dangerous variety that turns people into gatekeepers of misery, determined to punish anyone who refuses to suffer with them. I have encountered this bitterness in many places, and I have never made the mistake of confusing it for anything else.

During my national youth service, I was once driving from Lagos to New Bussa with my brother and friend, Dawood Yusuf. Somewhere outside Jebba, a Road Safety officer flagged us down. He looked angry the moment he saw us. I introduced myself as a corps member, thinking that might ease things. It did not. Instead, he looked at me like I had committed a crime and asked, Who bought you a car? I did not think he deserved an answer. Dawood told him it was my father. That only made him angrier. He decided he would issue me a ticket for an expired fire extinguisher, adding with bitterness that I should give the ticket to the same father who bought me the car.

I collected the ticket, paid the fine a few days later, and moved on. But the experience stayed with me. Not because of the money or the inconvenience, but because of what it revealed. That man was not enforcing the law. He was offended by the idea that someone like me, young and in uniform, had something he probably felt I did not deserve. And he wanted me to feel it. I have never apologised to people like that. I am not the reason for their misery, and I will never pretend to be. There is something broken in our society when someone elses modest progress feels like an insult to your own existence.

Years later, as I was preparing to leave Modibbo Adama University, I saw the same pattern again. People in the registry department, who had no reason to be anything but professional, started to drag their feet. They made things unnecessarily difficult. It was only after one person spoke that I realised what was going on. He told me bluntly that the real crime in our public university system today is getting a chance to study in a place like the UK. Thats when they start resenting you.

I have found that envy always finds its way out through sarcasm. Many people are too clumsy to hide it well. Their facial expressions, their offhand comments, the way they withhold help or delay your progress  all of it shows. And what makes it worse is that they do not even see anything wrong with it. They think they are justified.

That conversation explained a lot. I began to understand the sarcastic comments I had heard. Some colleagues made remarks that implied my doctorate could not be real because I finished in two years. Others dismissed foreign degrees altogether, saying they were just commercial documents. But what really exposed them was what happened when I returned. I told them I had completed my programme within the standard three years and was not seeking any extension. They looked surprised, even disappointed. Some of them clearly expected me to return with excuses and stories of failure. It upset them that I did not.

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I have found that envy always finds its way out through sarcasm. Many people are too clumsy to hide it well. Their facial expressions, their offhand comments, the way they withhold help or delay your progress  all of it shows. And what makes it worse is that they do not even see anything wrong with it. They think they are justified.

Just last couple of weeks, my sister went through something similar. She returned from the UK and went to the NYSC office in Bauchi to submit her documents. The women in the office did not even try to hide their resentment. They asked her, in a mocking tone, why she had to study abroad. Was Nigeria not good enough for her? They were not curious. They were hostile. They did not want to assist her. Their envy stood in the way of doing their job. This is a culture problem. When people are not doing well, instead of confronting the system or pushing themselves, they choose an easier target  someone who looks like them but dares to rise. And rather than seek growth or improvement, they build emotional barricades around themselves and lash out at anyone who refuses to stay behind with them.

We do not talk enough about how envy is quietly choking progress in this country. It is not just in public offices. It is in religious spaces, workplaces, campuses, even families. People carry deep resentment for those who try to break out of poverty, obscurity or mediocrity. And they work hard to clip your wings before you get too far.

I have been around long enough to know that this kind of envy thrives where systems are weak. In a country where talent is not rewarded, where corruption determines who gets ahead, and where bitterness is passed around like a family heirloom, envy becomes normal. The worst part is that it is often dressed up as something else. People call it humility, tradition, loyalty, or even morality. But at its core, it is just envy. They will question your car, your job, your education, your ambition. Not because you did anything wrong, but because your success reminds them of everything they did not become. And they hate you for that. They want you to explain yourself, to apologise, to downplay your achievements. And when you refuse, they punish you in whatever small way they can. They delay your file. They withhold information. They invent problems. They speak to you with contempt. All because you had the audacity to rise without asking for their permission.

I do not hate people like this. But I do not entertain them either. I do not explain myself to them, and I certainly do not slow down to make them feel better. It is not my duty to make anyone feel comfortable with their own lack of progress. I did not design their life, and I will not shrink mine to make them feel better. We do not talk enough about how envy is quietly choking progress in this country. It is not just in public offices. It is in religious spaces, workplaces, campuses, even families. People carry deep resentment for those who try to break out of poverty, obscurity or mediocrity. And they work hard to clip your wings before you get too far.

Nigeria has many problems, but this one is personal. It lives inside people. It shows up when they see someone doing well and they feel attacked by it. Until we start calling this out for what it is, we will continue to have a society that rewards bitterness and punishes ambition. My advice is simple. If you are doing well, do not look back. Do not apologise. Do not shrink yourself. Do not seek validation. And never beg for acceptance. The people who matter will support you. The rest will have to deal with the fact that you refused to suffer just to make them feel better.

Mohammed Dahiru Aminu ([email protected]) wrote from Abuja, Nigeria.

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Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda has proposed a unified salary structure for medical doctors across Nigeria to mitigate the migration of healthcare professionals from state to federal health institutions.

He made this call while hosting a high-powered delegation of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) led by its President, Professor Bala Muhammad Audu, at the Government House, Katsina.

We need a unified salary structure for medical doctors in the country to reduce their movement to federal health institutions for higher salaries, Governor Radda stated.

The governor urged medical practitioners to prioritize service over financial benefits, stressing that Doctors should not look at the money but their services required to save humanity.

Pointing to his administrations commitment to healthcare development, Governor Radda explained the strategic purpose behind several initiatives, Our foreign scholarship program targeted at qualified state indigenes who graduated from public schools was to allow access and opportunities to children from less privileged families to pursue medical courses.

Governor Radda also revealed the state government is equally establishing special schools, one each at the three senatorial zones, to also ensure access to quality education among the children of the poor.

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Governments commitment in establishing the dialysis centre and the imaging centre, both at General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital, were intended to support patients with various ailments to have access to affordable medical attention, the governor disclosed.

Governor Radda further directed the state branch chairman of the NMA to formally document the requests presented by the national president for government consideration.

Bala Muhammad Audu, NMA President, expressed appreciation for the Governors giant strides in repositioning the health sector of the state.

We are particularly happy with the effort in establishing dialysis and imaging centres for the benefit of patients in the state and other parts of the country, Mr Audu, a professor of medicine stated.

We also recognise the foresight of the state governor in upgrading up to seven comprehensive health centers to the status of general hospitals, with the intention to ensure the establishment of fully equipped health facilities at all the 361 electoral wards of the state, said NMA President.

While commending the Governor for payment of residency training allowances, Mr Audu requested an upward review of the stipends.

The NMA President expressed gratitude for land allocated to the association under the Federal Mortgage Bank scheme but requested additional infrastructure support.

Mr Audu also requested additional land allocation, stating, We need more land as the association has an arrangement with the Federal Mortgage Bank to provide housing for medical doctors.

On the importance of local medica the NMA President urged the state administration to ensure full accreditation for the medical school at Umaru Musa Yaradua University. Stating, This would reduce the burden on the state government in sending medical students for overseas training.

Professor Audu concluded by extending condolences to the Governor over the recent loss of his mother, Hajiya Safarau, praying for Allahs mercy and reward of Aljanna Firdausi.

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Shareholders of Zenith Bank Plc, at the 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday, 29 April, 2025, approved the proposed final dividend payment of NGN4.00 per share, bringing the total dividend for the 2024 financial year to NGN5.00 per share, with a total value of NGN195.67 billion.

The Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, thanked the shareholders for their unflinching support and commitment, which have been responsible for the banks stellar performance over the years. He noted that despite challenges globally in 2024, Zenith Bank was able to leverage the opportunities within the environment of each subsidiary to record a performance that solidly attests to the banks resilience as a brand.

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Adaora Umeoji, expressed her appreciation to the shareholders for their commitment and support, promising quantum leap in dividends going forward. According to her, This is the first time that I am addressing the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in my capacity as the first female GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank. I would like to thank you for your confidence and support that has placed me in this position today.

She further said that Zenith Bank is committed to, not only meeting your expectations, but exceeding them. We are focused on running a very efficient and sustainable institution that is resilient and will ensure that our institution outlives many generations to come.

Talking specifically about dividend, she emphasised that If you look at our dividends trajectory, payments over the period have always increased and we will continue to maintain this record. We have successfully completed our recapitalization exercise, achieving 160% subscription. Therefore, we are not under any pressure to go back for the second time to raise funds. Zenith Bank has sufficient capital buffer to do business and we will continue to delight our shareholders. We are committed to growing our topline organically while adhering to our strict corporate governance culture.

Dr Faruk Umar, President of the Association of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), applauded the Group Managing Director for her efforts in ensuring the growth of the banks financial indices.

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He said, We are very happy that the bank is paying us N5. Most importantly the GMD/CEO, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, has done so well. In the past year, she won the award for the Banker of the Year which is very commendable, and all the banks indices have gone up; we are now experiencing trillions in profit against N676 billion the previous year, and the shareholders funds, the gross earnings  everything now is in trillions. I think this is very commendable. The bank has won so many awards  no bank in Nigeria has won such qualitative awards like they have. They also surpassed the capitalization threshold of CBN by 160%  this is unprecedented. We are very happy with their performance.

Speaking on the dividend payout, Otunba Mukhtar Mukhtar, Chairman, Trusted Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said The consistency of Zenith Bank dividend payout has never been matched in Nigeria. Since the inception of this bank, they have kept giving shareholders a consistent dividend payout, and this has made shareholders to be richer, happier, and more excited at the hardwork, performance and commitment of the bank.

We are very happy. If you look at the Profit Before Tax (PBT) and the Profit After Tax (PAT), they have been able to cross the N1 trillion threshold. They have given us a Profit Before Tax of N1.3 trillion, which is very commendable. The shareholders, as you have seen at the meeting, have expressed their happiness and joy about this performance. I am grateful to the Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, the Management and the Board for such an outstanding performance.

Dr Olatunde Okelana, the Balogun Olugbon of Orile- Igbon, Oyo State, also commented on the banks dividend payout. In his words, Zenith Bank investment has been the best for me. I want to believe that whoever has not invested in Zenith Bank has lost. Their dividend policy is very palatable, very beautiful in the banking industry and the lady at the helm of affairs is performing wonderfully well. She is one of the best female CEOs in the banking Industry in Nigeria.

I am a capitalist, so I invest where my money can give me beautiful returns. I want to tell you that Zenith Bank has been the best in the capital market and it is the best investment. Dr Jim Ovia, CFR, the Founder & Chairman, is a benefit to mankind, he has done the best by giving us Zenith Bank. 99.9% of my savings is in Zenith Bank, because I have confidence in them and in the Management led by Dame Dr Adaora. I want to encourage many Nigerians to invest in Zenith Bank so that they too can reap the fruit of their labor as soon as possible. I am very happy to be a shareholder of this bank.

Chief Timothy Adesiyan, President of the Shareholders Solidarity Association of Nigeria, praised the Chairman and Management of Zenith Bank for their consistent delivery of value to shareholders. He noted, The dividend we received this year of N5 has been a promise which they have given to us at several forums which they have called at different times, and we thank them for not failing us in their promise. I am very proud to be a shareholder of Zenith Bank, and also their customer. The bank is a very reliable bank  if you keep your investments in Zenith Bank, you can go to sleep because there is always somebody there watching your investment for you.

The banks robust financial performance in 2024 alluded to its commitment to continually delivering value to its investors in spite of challenging macroeconomic conditions. Zenith Bank Group achieved a remarkable double-digit growth of 86% in gross earnings, from NGN2.13 trillion in the previous year to NGN3.97 trillion in 2024.

This was driven by a 138% increase in interest income, supported by investment in high-yield government securities, and growth in the Banks loan book. Customer deposits grew by 45%, reflecting the banks market leadership and customers trust. Total assets rose by 47%, underpinned by a strong liquidity position and effective balance sheet management.

Zenith Banks track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards including being recognized as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the fifteenth consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine.

The Bank was also awarded the Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Bankers Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024; and Best Bank in Nigeria for four times in five years, from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024, in the Global Finance Worlds Best Banks Awards.

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The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, has commended Governor Uba Sani for his efforts in stabilising Kaduna State, given its strategic importance in the country.

Bishop Kukah who is also the Pro-Chancellor of Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, praised the Governor for going beyond the call of duty in making the university a reality.

The Bishop gave these accolades when he and members of the universitys management paid a courtesy call on Governor Sani at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House.

The Pro-Chancellor disclosed that the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Qurix, has been visiting relevant ministries, departments and agencies of Government to facilitate the commencement of academic session.

Bishop Kukah who said that the Federal University of Applied Science has built on the pioneering efforts of the former NOK University, promised that it will be one of the best in the country.

According to him, the university will commence academic session in September but it has a few challenges that that will require the intervention of Kaduna State.

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The clergyman said that the university will need more infrastructure in the coming years and for this reason, it requires more land for expansion, adding that the school will also require access road.

The Pro Chancellor also said that the Federal University of Applied Sciences will require utility vehicles and adequate security.

Responding, Governor Sani said that he has been working closely with Bishop Kukah on not just the University but on a number of issues, adding that the clergyman has been a pillar of support.

According to the Governor, his doors are always open as he reiterated his commitment to deepen consultation amongst the diverse people of Kaduna State, irrespective of their ethno-religious or party affiliations.

He said that his developmental strides in Kaduna State was made possible because of the prevailing peace, adding that there has never been any ethnic or religious crisis since he assumed office about two years ago.

The Governor also argued that peace was achieved because of his administrations policy of taking development to every part of the state, irrespective of whether or not the area voted for him.

Mr Sani disclosed that the Minister of Education promised that funds will be made available to the Federal University of Applied Sciences Kachia through TETFUND.

He also promised to give the university more land, adding that the Managing Director of Kaduna State Roads Agency(KADRA) will assess the access road to the school for necessary action.

On security, Governor Sani noted that although there are a lot military formations in Kachia, he will collaborate with the Chief of Defence Staff to strengthen security.

The Governor promised to sit down with members of his administration on the issue of utility vehicles.

Have a good day

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Governor Uba Sani has appointed a nine-member medical team, comprising experienced personnel, to cater for Kaduna State pilgrims throughout the 2025 Hajj exercise.

The Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Salihu S Abubakar, disclosed this after the maiden meeting with the team and the agencys management on Monday.

The team which is headed by Dr Bello Jamoh, will conduct comprehensive pre-departure health screenings at the Mando Hajj Transit Camp in Kaduna and offer on-site medical support in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with the National Medical Team set up by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON.

The Executive Chairman said that members of the team will also be responsible for continuous monitoring of the pilgrims well-being during the entire pilgrimage.

The health and safety of our pilgrims are of paramount importance. The team was carefully selected, considering members experience and we are confident in their ability to deliver excellent medical services throughout the Hajj, he added.

The Chairman promised that intending pilgrims would be subjected to thorough medical examinations, especially to detect pregnancies among female intending pilgrims.

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There is zero tolerance for allowing pregnant pilgrims to travel for Hajj, Mr Salihu warned, stressing that the teams  role in enforcing this policy is crucial to compliance with Saudi Arabias Hajj regulations.

He counselled the medical team to approach their duties with the highest level of professionalism and dedication, so as to ensure that all pilgrims have a smooth and spiritually rewarding experience.

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The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Tuesday, crushed 601 impounded motorcycles.

The Mandate Secretary, Transportation Secretariat, FCTA, Elechi Chinedum, told journalists after the exercise that the motorcycles were impounded for violating traffic rules.

Mr Chinedum explained that the crushing exercise was backed by a regulation of the FCT Administration, which prohibited commercial motorcycles from operating in certain areas of the FCT.

He added that the law empowered the FCTA and its directorate to impound and crush any commercial motorcycle found flaunting the provisions of the law.

There is nothing we can do apart from enforcing the law.

What we do is to try as much as possible to enforce the regulation and not to punish anybody.

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He advised residents against operating commercial motorcycles in prohibited areas saying, if we catch you, we will impound it and crush it.

Earlier, the DRTS Director, Abdulateef Bello, said that the essence of the exercise was to curtail traffic abuses in the territory.

Mr Bello explained: This exercise has been our usual routine exercise to enforce the existing ban on the use of commercial motorcycles in the federal capital city.

You will recall that the ban was initiated in 2006 to control and curtail their abuses by motorcyclists in the city.

However, the current concern is to curb criminalities and other security threats. As you may be aware, commercial motorcycles have been used to facilitate crime and criminality in the city.

He advised residents who were still investing in such business to have a rethink, adding that the DRTS would continue to crush impounded motorcycles in line with the provisions of the law.

On his part, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, FCT Command, Mode Magawata, reiterated FCT Minister Nyesom Wikes directive that any motorcycle that operates within the restricted areas should be impounded.

Mr Magawata pointed out that some people commit all kinds of crimes within the city and use motorcycles to run away.

They are criminals; they are armed robbers, and they use motorcycles to kidnap innocent residents.

This is why Wike said he does not want to see any commercial motorcycles within the restricted areas.

As you can see, there are capable hands that are here to ensure that law, he said.

(NAN)

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The Court of Appeal in Calabar, on Wednesday, upheld the conviction of Peter Ogban, a professor jailed in 2021 for rigging a senatorial election for Godswill Akpabio, a senator from Akwa Ibom State.

Mr Akpabio, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is the president of the Nigerian Senate. The rigging happened in an election he lost before he contested again in 2023, won the election, and was elected the Senate president.

Mr Ogban, a professor of soil science at the University of Calabar and a returning officer in the 2019 general elections in Akwa Ibom North-West District, was jailed for three years by a State High Court in Uyo for announcing fake election results in two local government areas  Oruk Anam and Etim Ekpo  in Mr Akpabios favour.

A lawyer who participated in the case at the appellate court told PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday afternoon that the Court of Appeal, apart from affirming Mr Ogbans conviction and three-year jail term, frowned at his role as a university professor in the fraudulent manipulation of election results.

The case for hearing was a fundamental human rights enforcement suit she instituted earlier in the month to block EFCC and other law enforcement agencies from arresting her following her being declared wanted last month.

During Wednesdays hearing, the judge, Inyang Ekwo, ordered EFCC to release Ms Achimugu within 24 hours.

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The judge also ordered the agency to report compliance with the order in court on 2 May

Background

Mr Ogban had told the trial court in Uyo how the election results were falsified to give the APC an unfair advantage over its main rival, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

For instance, some 5,000 fake votes were added to the APCs score in Oruk Anam in the election.

Mr Akpabio was seeking a return to the Senate after he defected from the PDP.

The PDP candidate, Chris Ekpenyong, a former deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, defeated Mr Akpabio in the election, which was gripped by pockets of violence.

INEC prosecuted Mr Agban in the landmark case.

Before his sentencing, the professor pleaded for mercy from the judge, Augustine Odokwo.

Justice Odokwo, who described the case as novel, told the lecturer that there was not much he could do other than let the law take its course.

He said the prosecution was able to prove its case against Mr Ogban, beyond any reasonable doubt.

Another professor, Ignatius Uduk, was recently jailed by a State High Court in Uyo for election fraud.

Mr Uduk, a professor of Human Kinetics in the Department of Physical and Health Education at the University of Uyo, was jailed for three years.

INEC prosecuted him on three charges: announcement of false election results, publication of false results, and perjury during the 2019 general elections in Essien Udim State Constituency, where he served as INECs collation and returning officer.

The professor falsified the election results to the advantage of the APC candidate, Nse Ntuen, who was then an ally of Mr Akpabio.

However, Mr Uduk was recently granted bail by a State High Court in Uyo.

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The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, recently visited the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, at his Abuja residence to beg for reconciliation, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.

The visit came a few days after Mr Fubara held a meeting in London with President Bola Tinubu over his (Fubara) political feud with Mr Wike, which led to Mr Tinubu declaring an emergency rule in the oil-rich Rivers and suspending Mr Fubara and other elected officials for an initial six months.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt from sources that Mr Fubara was led to Mr Wikes residence by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Olusegun Osoba, a former governor of Ogun.

Fubara was brought to the ministers house on Friday, 18 April. He prostrated for Wike while holding his legs and calling him, My Oga, one of the sources said.

He was in Wikes house till the wee hours of Saturday, 19 April, the source added.

The meeting outcome remains a secret, as those familiar with it have been unwilling to speak. Still, our reporter gathered that Mr Fubara was told to assemble his supporters in Rivers, especially the elders, and tell them the truth about his feud with Mr Wike.

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Mr Wikes spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that the meeting occurred, but said he was not privy to what was discussed.

When contacted, Nelson Chukwudi, a spokesperson to Mr Fubara, said, I dont respond to this kind of enquiry. You can contact the commissioner for information.

The Commissioner for Information in Rivers, Joseph Johnson, did not respond to calls from our reporter.

Background

Mr Fubara and his predecessor, Mr Wike, fell apart in less than six months after Mr Fubara assumed office as governor.

The political crisis split the states legislature into two factions, with 27 lawmakers loyal to Mr Wike and three to Mr Fubara. The governor had recognised the three-member faction because he believed the others lost their seats in the assembly since they had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

However, the 28 February 2025 Supreme Court judgement tipped the balance of power in favour of Mr Wike and his allies.

The court reinstated the pro-Wike faction as the legitimate Rivers assembly, stopped federal allocations to the state, and nullified the local elections earlier conducted by Mr Fubaras administration.

On 14 March, the Rivers House of Assembly served a notice of alleged misconduct against Mr Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, as a preliminary step for their impeachment.

In a notice addressed to the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, the 26 lawmakers, among other things, accused Mr Fubara of spending Rivers funds without approval from the state assembly and appointing people to run the government without the required screening and confirmation.

The lawmakers also accused Mr Fubara of hindering or obstructing the assembly from its constitutional functions and seizing salaries, allowances, and funds belonging to lawmakers, the clerk, and the assembly.

They accused the Deputy Governor, Mrs Odu, of conniving and supporting the illegal appointment of persons to occupy offices/positions in the Rivers State Government without allowing for the requirement of screening and confirmation.

The impeachment plot began about the time Mr Fubara removed the elected chairpersons of the local councils in obedience to the Supreme Court rulings. The governor said he was willing to implement all the Supreme Courts decisions.

Nigerians have expressed outrage over the emergency rule in Rivers and the removal of Mr Fubara and other elected officials.

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A former University of Lagos student, Chidinma Ojukwu, accused of killing Super TV Chief Executive Officer, Usifo Ataga, said on Tuesday that statements she made during police interrogation were false and under duress.

Ms Ojukwu said this in continuation of her testimony, which she started as she opened her defence earlier this month before trial judge Yetunde Adesanya of the Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square.

She is standing trial alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, and one Adedapo Quadri, for the murder of Mr Ataga.

The defendants were arraigned on 12 October 2021 by the Lagos State Government.

Ms Ojukwu and Mr Quadri are facing the first to eight counts of conspiracy, murder, and stabbing while her sister, Ms Egbuchu, is facing the ninth count of stealing an iPhone 7 belonging to the late Mr Ataga.

At the resumed hearing, continuing her defence on Tuesday, Ms Ojukwu said, due to a fear the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Mr Bamidele, and his team put in her, she could not deviate from a narrative they dictated for her.

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I narrated what the IPO asked me to say to the Lagos State commissioner of police, Ms Ojukwu said.

Ms Ojukwu was led in evidence by her lawyer Onwuka Egwu.

According to her, after she was arrested on 23 June 2021, Mr Bamidele collected her phone and asked her to input the password, which she did.

The defendant testified that the IPO located her sisters name in her contact list, asked her to confirm it, and then wrote it down.

She testified that the IPO also inquired about her laptop and her visit to Computer Village, Ikeja.

He asked what laptop I sold, and I replied it was a MacBook. When he asked where I sold it, I told him it was to a phone vendor. He then noted down the vendors address.

Ms Ojukwu said the IPO asked her about the source of some cannabis she smoked, and she said someone supplied it.

He asked: The cannabis you said you and Michael smoked, where did you get it? I said, Quadri.

Bamidele said: Can I have his phone number? I said, Its on my phone. He collected the number and wrote it down.

Then he asked: Where is Micheals ATM card? I said,  I am not with Michaels ATM card.

 He said: Five million Naira was withdrawn and subsequently N20,000 was withdrawn a couple of times, totaling N5,380,000.

I said, Sir, I dont know anything about it, Ms Ojukwu said.

The defendant also told the court that after the interrogation, Mr Bamidele said he got some evidence and asked her to write her statement.

Ms Ojukwu testified that during her interrogation, she faced mistreatment from Mr Bamidele.

She alleged that Mr Bamidele slapped her after she expressed concerns about writing her statement without her legal counsel being present.

She testified that her hands were handcuffed to a chair while Mr Bamidele read the statement to her multiple times.

According to her, the following morning, Mr Bamidele and another officer escorted her to the office of the Lagos State commissioner of Police where she was coerced into repeating the allegedly dictated statement.

She further testified that she was paraded before journalists and was instructed to stick to the script provided by Mr Bamidele.

She added that she was taken to another office where she was forced to write a statement under duress.

The judge adjourned further proceedings till 7 May.

Denial

Testifying earlier on 16 April, Ms Ojuwku told the judge she discovered his lifeless body of the Super TV CEO Mr Ataga in a Lekki short-let apartment on 15 June 2021.

Ms Ojukwu, then a 300-level Mass Communication student of the University of Lagos, told the court that she met Mr Ataga through a mutual friend, Fiyin, who was dating Mr Atagas friend, James.

Due to some renovations at his VGC home, he suggested getting a hotel or an apartment in Lekki, where he had meetings.

I eventually found a short-let apartment at 19, Adewale Street, Off Ologolo Road, Lekki, which Mr Ataga approved.

We met there that evening and went out to eat at Ango Villa restaurant. We picked up wine, then returned to the apartment to drink, eat, and smoke, she narrated.

She also narrated how they spent their day on 14 June 2021.

According to her, they woke up late that day. Mr Ataga asked her to contact her Loud (cannabis) and rohypnol supplier.

She said Mr Ataga transferred N15,000 to her for narcotics and gave her N25,000 for food.

Ms Ojukwu said she spent about two hours buying meals due to COVID-related delay.

On 15 June 2021, she said, Mr Ataga again requested more Loud, but asked her to pay because he could not transfer funds.

She said he also gave her money to buy food and juice.

After struggling to reach him due to an issue with the okro soup I went to buy, I returned to the apartment and found him dead.

I saw blood stains, pushed the door open, and saw Michael on the floor, covered in blood. I checked for pulse, but there was none.

In panic, I wiped the blood off my body, changed clothes, and packed my things including a brown envelope containing Atagas bank statements, ID cards, and documents belonging to one Mary Johnson.

I also took some jewelry and left the apartment in a cab, she said

Prosecutions case

Her testimony runs counter to the case of the prosecution.

Testifying last year, the 11th prosecution witness, Richard Somiari, a forensic expert, testified that the DNA blood sample found on Ms Ojukwus red dress matched that of the victim, Mr Ataga.

The director and consultant for the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, said his office received 21 different items on different days from their DNA centre.

According to him, the items that were received for evidence included a stained red dress, an army green T-shirt, and a DNA sample from Ms Ojukwu.

He also said other items received were urine, blood, gastric content and byle which were retained for toxicology reports.

The witness said the goal was to create an evidence triangle to link the suspect to the crime scene and the victim.

Earlier in November 2021, another prosecution witness narrated what she knew about the case.

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The Nigerian police on Wednesday arraigned eight persons for allegedly stealing an iron pole valued at N95,000, property of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited.

The defendants, who were arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, include Ismaila Akorede, 35; Ogundeji Eri, 17; Emiola Paul, 41; Oladejo Adisa, 20; and Aremu Oladejo, 25.

The rest are Oladiran Sola, 24; Ademola Joshua, 28 and Kareem Taiwo, 35.

They were arraigned on four counts of conspiracy, breach of peace, damage and stealing, to which they, however, pleaded guilty.

Defence lawyer Akin Ajidagba, who appeared for all the defendants, prayed the court to grant his clients bail in the most liberal terms.

Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, Sikiru Ibrahim, an assistant superintendent of police, told the court that the defendants, on 12 April, at about 9:00 a.m., stole an iron pole valued at N95,000, property of NNPCL.

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Mr Ibrahim said the defendants also engaged in a fight in a public place, willfully and unlawfully damaging the side mirror of a blue-coloured Nissan pick-up van, with registration number: XA 817 KNH valued at N50, 000.

Mr Ibrahim introduced one Okunlola Oluwatunmise as representing NNPCL in court.

He said that the offences were committed at Taara/ Oke-Elerin area of Ogbomoso in Oyo State.

According to him, the offences contravene Sections 45, 390(9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The magistrate, M. M. Olagbenro, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N300,000 each, with one surety each in like sum.

The magistrate adjourned the matter till 18 June for hearing.

(NAN)

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NEW YORK, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AFS Intercultural Programs, a global non-profit educational exchange organisation, is proud to launch the AFS Global STEM Innovators scholarships in the United States  equipping young people with access to STEM, sustainability, and global competence education.

The AFS Global STEM Innovators USA is a six-week, full-scholarship exchange program for 30 youth (ages 15 to 17) with a keen interest in STEM, sustainability, and global skills. Designed as a domestic exchange, the program begins with a hands-on virtual exchange curriculum and culminates in a weeklong in-person workshop in Houston. Scholars will broaden their understanding of STEM and sustainability, explore innovations and real-world case studies  including opportunities to meet with STEM industry leaders and experts  and participate in immersive field trips and site visits. Upon program completion, scholars earn the AFS Global Competence Certificate and are invited to join the AFS Global STEM Alumni Community, which offers mentorship and networking opportunities.

Key Dates

Application Deadline: May 4, 2025

Virtual Exchange (online): May 30 - June 29, 2025

Workshop (in-person): July 18-24, 2025 , in Houston, TX

Eligibility

Birthdate : January 1, 2008 - July 30, 2010 (15-17 years old at time of participation)

: - (15-17 years old at time of participation) Residence : The program is designed to create local impact, including (but not limited to) the following areas and communities. Applicants must be legal residents of the United States . Illinois : Chicago / Cook County Indiana : Lake County Louisiana : City of Houma, Evangeline Parish , St. Landry Parish , West Baton Rouge Tennessee : Jackson, Murfreesboro, Union City Texas: Bexar County, Harris County , Houston , Katy Washington: Whatcom County

: The program is designed to create local impact, including (but not limited to) the following areas and communities. Applicants must be legal residents of .

Full scholarship funding is provided by bp, which supports AFS Global STEM programs to help build the STEM talent that the world needs to create sustainable solutions.

AFS brings decades of expertise in impact-driven educational exchange and the power of a global network. "We know that young people are eager to innovate and bring positive change to their communities, and we are proud to empower young people with critical global skills and knowledge, like cross-cultural communication, empathy, and conflict resolution," says Daniel Obst, President & CEO of AFS. "Educating more young people to become global citizens is crucial to create a more sustainable future."

To learn more and apply, please visit https://afs.org/global-stem/innovators/usa .

SOURCE AFS Intercultural Programs
Leadership transition marks a new chapter for AAM as Scott Colyer steps down after 27 years of visionary service

MONUMENT, Colo., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Advisors Asset Management (AAM), a leading investment solutions provider, today announced that Cliff Corso, President and Chief Investment Officer (CIO), will become President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective May 9, 2025, following the retirement of Scott Colyer. Corso, who will remain as CIO, will assume Colyer's responsibilities as the head of the firm upon Colyer's retirement. Colyer will remain with AAM as a consultant for a 12-month period to support a smooth transition, while also retaining his status as a shareholder and continuing his role on the Board of Directors.

Colyer, who has served as CEO since 1998, has been the driving force behind AAM's growth, expanding on its long heritage in fixed income making it the innovative investment solutions provider with industry leading distribution capabilities financial professionals know it as today. Notably, in 2023, Colyer and AAM's senior leadership team, led by Corso, oversaw the acquisition of a majority stake of AAM by Sun Life Financial Inc through SLC Management, Sun Life's institutional fixed income and alternatives asset manager, which allowed it to be a part of a global financial organization with capital strength and the ability to distribute a breadth of alternative offerings to financial professionals in the U.S.

"It has been an honor to help build and lead AAM for over 27 years, and as I step into retirement, I do so with immense pride in what the firm has achieved," said Colyer. "That said, Cliff is an exceptional leader, supported by a highly accomplished leadership team. With decades of executive experience and a proven track record of strategic innovation, AAM is uniquely positioned to propel into the future. Under Cliff's guidance, AAM is primed for continued growth and long-term success, building on its strong legacy with a clear, forward-looking vision."

Under Corso's leadership and following AAM's partnership with SLC Management, the firm is entering an exciting new chapterone that honors its strong legacy while embracing a bold vision for the future. AAM has strategically aligned with the evolving needs of the market by expanding its role as a key distribution partner for private markets investments. With this enhanced focus, AAM is positioned to meet the growing demand from the wealth channels for private markets solutions, reinforcing its value as a trusted partner to financial professionals today and in the years to come.

"I am incredibly privileged to step into the role of CEO of AAM at such a pivotal time for our firm. I have deep respect for the remarkable legacy built by Scott, whose leadership has shaped the strong foundation we stand on today. I wish him well in retirement," said Corso. "Thanks to Scott's vision and dedication to AAM, the firm is exceptionally well positioned for the future. I look forward to building on that momentum as we continue to grow, innovate, and create lasting value for financial professionals."

Corso brings a proven, 35-year reputation for strategic leadership. Before being appointed president and CIO of AAM on June 1, 2021, he planted the North American flag for Insight Investment, where he held the roles of CEO, CIO and Executive Chairman, North America. Prior to his time at Insight Investment, and perhaps most notably, Corso founded and served as CEO and CIO of Cutwater Asset Management, a fixed income specialist boutique which grew to over $50 billion in assets under management under his tenure. Over his 20 years leading Cutwater, Cliff created several unique investment products and solutions across a spectrum which included investments in corporate, real estate, asset backed, and structured credit across both public and private markets.

About Advisors Asset Management

For over 45 years, AAM has been a trusted resource for financial professionals. The firm offers access to alternatives, exchange-traded funds, fixed income markets, managed accounts, mutual funds, structured products, and unit investment trusts. AAM is a part of SLC Management, the institutional alternatives and traditional asset management business of Sun Life. For more information, visit www.aamlive.com.

For the one-year period ending December 31, 2024, AAM facilitated over $32 billion in combined sales and investments through 15,300 financial professionals industry-wide who accessed AAM's investment solutions platform.*

*Of the $32 billion, approximately $7 billion were Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF), Managed Account (SMA), Mutual Fund, and Unit Investment Trust (UIT) assets, while $25 billion was in Fixed Income securities, including bonds and Structured Products.

Advisors Asset Management, Inc. (AAM) is a SEC-registered investment advisor and member FINRA/SIPC. | Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. | 18925 Base Camp Road | Monument, CO 80132

For more information, visit www.aamlive.com | X (Twitter): @aamlive | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advisors-asset-management-inc-/

CRN: 2025-0428-12517 R

Contact:

Matthew Bono

JConnelly

(973) 590-9110

[email protected]

SOURCE Advisors Asset Management
LAS VEGAS, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Anthony Geraci, respected attorney, entrepreneur, and founder of Geraci LLP, Geraci Media, Move Your Business, and the American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL), will host the highly anticipated Captivate Conference on May 12, 2025, at the prestigious Wynn Las Vegas.

Anthony Geraci, JD, Founder of Geraci LLP, Geraci Media, Move Your Business, and the American Association of Private Lenders (CNW Group/Move your Biz)

Captivate is the premier event where deals and capital meet, bringing together private lenders, fund managers, capital providers, and real estate entrepreneurs for two days of strategic networking, partnership building, and industry insights. With a curated focus on facilitating real transactions, Captivate has become the go-to event for serious professionals looking to accelerate their business growth.

This year, Move Your Business , Geraci's managed outsourced virtual employment agency, will be a sponsor of Captivate and will host a featured booth at the event. Move Your Business provides U.S.-based companies with access to globally sourced, highly qualified virtual professionals, empowering organizations to scale faster and smarter..

"Captivate isn't just a conference  it's where real relationships form and deals take flight," said Anthony Geraci, JD. "Through platforms like Move Your Business and Captivate, and through my work with AAPL, my mission has always been to fuel growth  through capital, connection, and now, through global talent."

In addition to leading multiple successful ventures, Geraci serves as Vice Chairman of the American Association of Private Lenders , the nation's leading organization dedicated to the private lending industry. His influence spans legal counsel, business strategy, media, education, and now global workforce development.

About Anthony Geraci, JD

Anthony Geraci is the Founder of Geraci LLP, Geraci Media, Move Your Business, and the American Association of Private Lenders. A dynamic leader and visionary entrepreneur, Geraci has spent over two decades shaping the private lending, legal, and virtual employment landscapes.

About Move Your Business

Move Your Business is a managed outsourced virtual employment agency helping U.S. businesses source and manage global virtual talent. It recently launched the International Virtual Employment Association ( IVEA ) to standardize skill certifications across the virtual workforce.

About Geraci LLP

Geraci LLP is a nationally recognized law firm specializing in private lending, real estate finance, litigation, and fund formation, serving clients across the United States.

About Geraci Media

Geraci Media is a premier media and events company that produces industry-leading conferences like Captivate, connecting capital providers, lenders, and real estate entrepreneurs.

About the American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL)

AAPL is the national organization representing private lenders and service providers, promoting standards, education, and professional development within the private lending industry.

SOURCE Move your Biz
Firm also sets new standard in employee health by combining GLP-1 medications and holistic support to drive adherence and sustainable outcomes for Aon's U.S. colleagues in collaboration with eMed

CHICAGO, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today released findings from a multi-year study of U.S. commercial health claims data for more than 50 million commercially insured lives. The analysis highlights a significant opportunity to reduce healthcare costs for employers and enhance overall workforce health through a comprehensive obesity management program that includes GLP-1 medications.

Drawing on its deep investments in health data and analytics, Aon provides data-driven workforce insights that help employers reduce costs, maximize productivity and improve employee health. For this analysis, Aon leveraged its Health Risk Analyzer to quantify the opportunity and impact of GLP-1 medications.

As part of its commitment to advancing workforce wellbeing, Aon also announced the launch of its own GLP-1 weight management program for U.S. employees. The program combines affordable access to treatment with virtual support and adherence tools, addressing one of the most urgent and costly health challenges facing employers today.

"Obesity is an escalating global epidemic, impacting nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults, contributing to more than 60 chronic conditions and costing the U.S. economy up to $1.72 trillion annually," said Greg Case, CEO of Aon. "Addressing this issue is not only a public health opportunity but also a workforce and economic imperative."

Case continued, "Our analysis shows that GLP-1 medications, when paired with a holistic adherence program, represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to prevent and manage chronic disease, improve quality of life and bend the healthcare cost curve. At Aon, we're already acting on these insights with our own GLP-1 weight management program to shape a smarter, more sustainable approach to workforce health. We invite others to join us in delivering meaningful improvements in health outcomes and long-term economic value."

The Impact of GLP-1s: Health Improves, Cost Curve Bends

To help companies quantify the opportunity and impact of GLP-1 coverage, Aon leveraged a proprietary methodology and the firm's Health Risk Analyzer to evaluate an extensive dataset of medical and Rx claims data from over 50 million commercially insured lives, including 139,000 prescribed GLP-1 users from 2022-2024. Aon's early analysis reveals:

A Bend in the Cost Curve: After the widely reported initial jump in costs related to initiation of GLP-1 medications, cost growth rates diverge from the GLP-1 treatment group, trending at half the rate of a precisely matched control group in the last 12 months of the analysis period. Outside the cost of the treatment, Aon observed a seven-percentage point improvement in medical spend growth for GLP-1 users in the second year. If this trend improvement is sustained over future periods, it implies significant positive impacts on population health and economic impacts extending beyond healthcare costs to reductions in absenteeism and disability and improved productivity.





After the widely reported initial jump in costs related to initiation of medications, cost growth rates diverge from the treatment group, trending at half the rate of a precisely matched control group in the last 12 months of the analysis period. Outside the cost of the treatment, Aon observed a seven-percentage point improvement in medical spend growth for users in the second year. If this trend improvement is sustained over future periods, it implies significant positive impacts on population health and economic impacts extending beyond healthcare costs to reductions in absenteeism and disability and improved productivity. Reduced Cardiovascular Events and Improved Health: GLP-1 users experienced a 44 percent reduction in risk of hospitalizations caused by major adverse cardiovascular events (e.g., stroke, heart attack and heart failure) over the 24 months following therapy initiation. Other notable health improvements included lower incidence of claims for pneumonia, inflammatory bowel disease, osteoporosis, and alcohol and substance use disorders compared to a precisely matched control group. The analysis also showed GLP-1 users had elevated claims activity in certain arthritic conditions, thyroid and esophageal disorders, and sleep-wake disorders. Further research and analysis may show that by losing weight, patients accessed a broader spectrum of treatments, which translated to elevated utilization of services.

"When you consider the indirect costs of obesity, such as the treatment of comorbidities and absenteeism, the overall economic burden is striking," said Farheen Dam, head of Health Solutions for North America at Aon. "Our preliminary insights show that GLP-1s  when paired with a wellbeing and adherence program that includes nutrition, exercise and mental health resources  can reduce long-term healthcare expenditures and even enhance workforce productivity."

Aon will share the highlights of its health claims analysis at the Milken Institute Global Conference on May 5. The plenary session, "In Service of a Healthier Tomorrow," will examine how prevention, data, biomedical research, health financing and cross-sector partnerships can drive better health outcomes and capture economic value at scale.

"Aon's analysis underscores the critical role that innovative, data-driven approaches can play in tackling one of the most pressing health challenges of our time," said Esther Krofah, executive vice president, Milken Institute Health. "By quantifying both the health and economic benefits of GLP-1 access, this work not only advances the dialogue around obesity management in the U.S. workforce, it also paves the way for scalable, global solutions that prioritize prevention and long-term impact."

Aon Leading by Example: De-Stigmatizing and Subsidizing GLP-1s for Aon's U.S. Employee Population

As part of its leadership in employee wellbeing, Aon has launched a subsidized GLP-1 weight management benefit program for its U.S. workforce with eMed, an innovator in population health. This collaboration is designed to drive adherence and sustainable outcomes for employees by offering holistic support. eMed's wellness program uses AI tools to capture patient biometrics, offers at-home blood tests for maximum convenience and provides access to weekly virtual check-ins and 24/7 side effect management.

"Making this investment is essential to delivering value and achieving results," said Lisa Stevens, chief administrative officer of Aon. "We're proving that it's possible to offer access to GLP-1s affordably and with dignity  and that doing so can benefit both people and the bottom line."

The Road Ahead: Advancing Analytics to Support Better Decisions

Aon works with employers in modeling the long-term business impact of GLP-1 adoption by providing customized claims analysis and global workforce impact modeling and planning. Aon emphasizes a comprehensive data-backed and human capital-focused approach to capture the transformative effects on health and productivity. This empowers employers to consider the full value of obesity management and make better decisions. By working with forward-thinking organizations, Aon aims to revolutionize chronic condition prevention and redefine workforce health investment, setting a new benchmark for the industry.

For more about Aon's Health Solutions visit: Health and Benefits | Aon

About Aon

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better  to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.

Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon's newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.

Media Contact

[email protected]

Toll-free (U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico): +1 833 751 8114

International: +1 312 381 3024

SOURCE Aon plc
Honoring a Legacy of American Innovation, Quality, and Craftsmanship

BREESE, Ill., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Arrow Storage Products, the market leader and trailblazer in outdoor, shelter, and storage solutions, today celebrates eight decades of American excellence, community impact, and innovation at its 80th Anniversary Event in Breese, Illinois. Hosted by ShelterLogic Group, leading outdoor lifestyle manufacturer of shade, shelter, seating and storage, this milestone brings together industry professionals, media, and special guests to honor Arrow's rich legacy as a proud American manufacturer and its continued commitment to American manufacturing.

Arrow Storage Products, the market leader and trailblazer in outdoor shade, shelter, and storage solutions, celebrates eight decades of American excellence, community impact, and innovation at its 80th Anniversary Event in Breese, Illinois.

"For 80 years, Arrow Storage Products has been a pillar of American manufacturing, producing durable, high-quality storage solutions, while supporting U.S. jobs and generations of hardworking families," said James Raymond, CEO of ShelterLogic Group. "Our factory in Breese, Illinois, has been at the heart of this success, built by the dedication of our hardworking American workforce and our commitment to domestic production. As we mark this achievement, it's not just about looking back on our legacy, but also celebrating the people, innovation, and engineering that will drive us forward for another 80 years to come."

Since its founding in 1945, Arrow Storage Products has been a steadfast force in American manufacturing, providing stable employment for families across multiple generations and contributing to the strength of U.S. industry and local economies. With a dedicated team of over 100 employees, Arrow's factory can produce a new shed every 30 seconds  a testament to the brand's efficiency and commitment to quality. Over the past 80 years, Arrow has manufactured over 30 million sheds, delivering affordable, durable, and high-quality steel storage solutions to customers worldwide. To put that in perspective, there are roughly 80 million backyards in America and Arrow has touched almost half of them. That's equivalent to 6 billion pounds of steel through its factory, approximately the same amount of steel that would be used to build 8.5 Empire State Buildings.

Today's event at the Arrow Factory, located at 1101 N 4th St, Breese, Illinois is more than just an anniversary  it's a tribute to the community, innovation, and American manufacturing spirit that built Arrow. Beginning at 10:30 AM through 2:00 PM CDT, attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at Arrow's manufacturing process, engage with the people behind the brand's success, including a tour, and a short presentation about the brand's history and progress.

"As we celebrate eight decades, our mission remains clearto build products that stand the test of time, champion American manufacturing, and leave things better than we found them," added Raymond. "This is only the beginning of what's next for Arrow."

As part of the brand's ongoing commitment to its founding principles, Arrow is proud to announce that its products are moving to 100% American-made using U.S. steel starting in 2026. By sourcing American materials and relying on U.S. labor, Arrow is strengthening its dedication to tariff-free production and maintaining competitive pricing for consumers, while continuing to support domestic jobs and industry.

What's more, Arrow Storage Products has always played a key role in giving back to the Breese community, supporting local schools and charities that resonate with its employees, such as Relay for Life. Built on a foundation of craftsmanship, innovation, and American pride, Arrow continues to lead the industry in steel outdoor products, serving customers worldwide. Today's anniversary event not only honors Arrow's history as a cornerstone of American manufacturing, but also highlights its unwavering commitment to innovation, community support, and the future of U.S. industry.

To learn more about Arrow Storage Products and its 80-year legacy of American craftsmanship, click here and follow @arrowstorageproducts and @ShelterLogicDirect on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest, TikTok and @arrowstorage on X. Consumers can also learn more by watching our anniversary video here.

About Arrow Storage:

The Arrow Storage Products brand is owned by ShelterLogic Group. Arrow has been manufacturing reliable steel sheds, carports and more since 1945 with U.S. based manufacturing located in Breese, IL.

About ShelterLogic Group Inc.

ShelterLogic Group is the world leader in shade, shelter, storage, and outdoor lifestyle products. Founded in 1991, ShelterLogic has grown into a family of brands including RIO Beach, Quik Shade, Arrow Storage, Sojag, and ShelterLogic branded product. In addition to owned brands, ShelterLogic Group is the licensee for Tommy Bahama, Life is Good, Scotts Miracle GRO, and Margaritaville. For additional information, please visit www.shelterlogic.com.

Media Contact:

5W Public Relations

[email protected]

212-999-5585

SOURCE ShelterLogic Group Inc.
PALMETTO, Fla., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BayCare, the leading health care system in West Central Florida, broke ground today on BayCare Hospital Manatee, its 17th hospital, and BayCare HealthHub (Manatee). This milestone marks a significant step in expanding access to health care for the growing Manatee County community. The hospital will be the county's first not-for-profit hospital and the only hospital north of the Manatee River.

BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners (center) and BayCare leaders commemorate the groundbreaking for BayCare Hospital Manatee and BayCare HealthHub on April 30, 2025.

"Today is an exciting day as this groundbreaking represents BayCare's ongoing commitment to improving health care access for the communities we serve," said Stephanie Conners, BayCare president and CEO. "BayCare Hospital Manatee and BayCare HealthHub (Manatee) will provide residents with high-quality, compassionate care closer to home and we are proud to bring these essential services to the region."

With an anticipated 154 beds in private patient rooms, the $563 million project is expected to open in 2028. The new hospital will be built on the Robinson Gateway Property on Moccasin Wallow Road, conveniently located one mile north of the I-75 and I-275 junction in Manatee County.

The adjacent 45,000 square-foot BayCare HealthHub (Manatee) will offer convenient, patient-focused health care solutions in a modern, accessible setting. It will be home to BayCare Medical Group providers offering primary and specialty services; outpatient laboratory services; and imaging services including 3T MRI, radiology, PET CT, mammography, DEXA and ultrasound. BayCare HealthHub (Manatee) is expected to open in 2026.

By expanding access into Manatee County, the BayCare Hospital Manatee and BayCare HealthHub (Manatee) projects underscore BayCare's commitment to growing with the community and caring for families in the region, from delivering babies and offering neonatal services to providing emergency care and specialty surgery.

With a legacy of providing clinical excellence, BayCare currently operates 16 hospitals and hundreds of locations throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties. The largest provider of behavioral health and pediatric services in West Central Florida, BayCare also is nationally recognized for its commitment to high-quality care and its status as one of the best places to work, both nationally and locally.

For more information: BayCare Hospital Manatee and BayCare HealthHub (Manatee)

About BayCare

BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 16 hospitals, including a children's hospital, and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and West Central Florida regions. The system is West Central Florida's largest provider of behavioral health and pediatric services and its provider group, BayCare Medical Group, is one of the largest in the region. BayCare's diverse network of ambulatory services includes laboratories, imaging, surgical centers, BayCare Urgent Care locations, wellness centers and one of Florida's largest home care agencies, BayCare HomeCare. BayCare's mission is to improve the health of all it serves through community-owned, health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. For more information, visit BayCare.org.

SOURCE BayCare Health System
12 days of 'Maycember' giveaways offer relief for parents struggling with end-of-school-year chaos

NEW ALBANY, Ohio, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bob Evans, known for its convenient refrigerated dinner sides and breakfast items, wants to alleviate the chaos of the month of May by teaming up with content creators the Holderness Family for a "Maycember" giveaway. The social giveaway will run May 1-12, 2025, with new prizes offered each day.

Bob Evans wants to alleviate the chaos of the month of May by teaming up with content creators the Holderness Family for a 12 Days of Maycember giveaways. According to a new survey of 2,000 U.S. millennial parents of school-aged children commissioned by Bob Evans and conducted by Talker Research, the end-of-school-year stress for parents often begins as early as May.

"Maycember," a term made famous by the Holderness Family, describes the end-of-school-year period in May that can feel as chaotic and busy as December with its activities and commitments. According to a new survey of 2,000 U.S. millennial parents of school-aged children commissioned by Bob Evans and conducted by Talker Research, 1 in 3 parents think they won't have a single anxiety-free day this summer. Parents believe the final month of the school year is busier than fall break (42%), as well as spring break (41%), winter break (37%) and even back-to-school season (35%). The end-of-school-year stress often begins as early as May, with parents taking minimal time for themselves in the weeks leading up to summer. In fact, in a typical week leading up to the end of the school year, only 8% of parents' time is spent for themselves.

"Almost any parent will tell you the month of May is chaotic," said Kim Holderness. "We call it 'Maycember' because it's busy like December without all the presents and twinkling lights. It's easy for parents to get overwhelmed during this time of year, so we're excited to partner with Bob Evans on the Maycember giveaway to give parents a bright spot. Bob Evans also has ready-to-heat dinner sides that make it easier for families to make a comforting meal quickly."

From May 1-12, consumers can enter for a chance to win one of the "12 Days of Maycember" giveaways by visiting the Bob Evans (@boevansgrocery) Instagram or Facebook pages. On Instagram, participants must follow Bob Evans, like the giveaway post and reply to the prompt of the day and include #Sweepstakes to be entered to win. On Facebook, participants must answer the prompt of the day on the giveaway post and include #Sweepstakes to be entered to win.

Prizes include:

May 1: 12-week summer camp for winner's child

12-week summer camp for winner's child May 2: Keurig coffee maker

Keurig coffee maker May 3: $100 spa gift card

spa gift card May 4: Hydro Flask cooler tote bag

Hydro Flask cooler tote bag May 5: $100 grocery gift card

grocery gift card May 6: A pair of camping chairs

A pair of camping chairs May 7: Bath bomb set

Bath bomb set May 8: Barefoot Dreams blanket

Barefoot Dreams blanket May 9: Survival kit, including a portable phone charger, gas gift card and travel mug

Survival kit, including a portable phone charger, gas gift card and travel mug May 10: Ten free breakfasts from Bob Evans

Ten free breakfasts from Bob Evans May 11: $25 Netflix gift card

Netflix gift card May 12: A year's supply of Bob Evans Macaroni & Cheese and Mashed Potatoes

"May is a month of mixed emotions for parents. It's exciting but also hectic and stressful," said Jason Roche, vice president, Bob Evans Farms portfolio. "Partnering with the Holderness Family for Maycember to share delicious, family-pleasing meals that are ready at a moment's notice is just what Bob Evans is about because there is comfort in knowing that you always have a dinner plan, even when you don't."

The survey revealed that parents would find getting more sleep (46%), having easy-to-prepare meals (42%) and having their child take on more responsibilities around the house (38%) to be helpful ways to reduce end-of-school-year stress.

For more information about Bob Evans products and recipes and inspiration to get through Maycember, visit BobEvansGrocery.com/Maycember .

*Data was collected from a survey conducted by market research company Talker Research on behalf of Bob Evans from March 10-18, 2025, with a panel of 2,000 American parents aged 29 to 50 with school-aged children.

**NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open only to legal residents of the 50 US/DC states 18 years of age and older. Void where prohibited by law. Sweepstakes starts 7 a.m. CT on May 1, 2025, ends 11:59:59 p.m. CT on May 12, 2025, and includes 12 daily entry periods. Subject to Official Rules, including how to enter, entry deadlines, prize details, odds and restrictions. For more information click here . Sponsor: Bob Evans Farms, Inc, 8200 Walton Parkway, New Albany, OH 43054.

About Bob Evans Farms, Inc.

For over 75 years, Bob Evans Farms has delivered delicious, quick-to-table, farm-inspired food that makes mealtime a little bit easier and a lot more delicious. We're proud to be the No. 1-selling refrigerated dinner sides***, including many varieties of wholesome, feel-good favorites such as mashed potatoes and macaroni & cheese, sold in grocery stores across the country. We're also a leading producer and distributor of sausage and egg products including liquid eggs. In addition to our flagship Bob Evans brand, our product portfolio includes Simply Potatoes, Egg Beaters and Owens Sausage. Bob Evans Farms is based in Columbus, Ohio, and is owned by Post Holdings, Inc., a consumer-packaged goods holding company. For more information about Bob Evans Farms, Inc., visit www.bobevansgrocery.com .

***Source: Circana Total US MULO Latest 52 week ending March 30, 2025.

Media Contact:

Jenna Greene

[email protected]

SOURCE Bob Evans Farms, Inc.
Nation's Most Established Swim School Franchise Strengthens its Water Safety Programs Just in Time for Summer

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- British Swim School, North America's leading "learn to swim" provider, is proud to announce its official partnership with Stop Drowning Now (SDN). The collaboration marks a significant milestone, as British Swim School becomes the first full swim school franchise to align with SDN's mission. This is the latest commitment made by British Swim School to help students of all age groups build confidence to face challenges in and out of the water, positioning individual franchise locations and their instructors as trusted go-to providers for effective survival and swimming skills.

"The demand for swim lessons and water safety education is growing, making this the perfect time to expand our efforts," said Ashley Gundlach, President of British Swim School. "As the first swim school franchise partner of Stop Drowning Now, we are proud to lead the industry in drowning prevention. This partnership is also an important step forward in equipping individual British Swim School franchise locations with the knowledge and tools to help others become lifelong swimmers."

Stop Drowning Now is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives through drowning prevention education. By providing water safety resources to schools, municipalities, and aquatic professionals, SDN is making an impact on the lives of many across the country.

"We are thrilled that British Swim School has become the first large swim school organization to join forces with Stop Drowning Now in our mission to save lives," said Bobby Hazen, Director, Stop Drowning Now. "Together, we will bring water safety education and swimming lessons to communities, helping to prevent future tragedies."

British Swim School and Stop Drowning Now are launching joint awareness campaigns, workshops, and community engagement initiatives, supplying franchisees with valuable resources and opportunities to support the organizations' efforts of making water safety education more accessible to families across North America.

To learn more about British Swim School and its franchising opportunities, visit https://britishswimschoolfranchise.com/ . To learn more about Stop Drowning Now, visit https://www.stopdrowningnow.org/ .

About British Swim School

British Swim School, the nation's most established swim school franchise, with over 40 years in business, believes that every individual, regardless of age or ability, should have the opportunity to become a safe and happy swimmer. Offering lessons for babies, children, and adults, the brand is dedicated to its mantra, "Survival of the Littlest," focusing first on the survival skills needed to survive a water accident, then moving on to stroke development and more advanced skills. Not only does British Swim Schools give peace of mind to countless families who seek the essential life skills the brand offers their children, but the purpose-driven franchise also offers an exceptional opportunity for entrepreneurs who seek a fulfilling business venture with a sound foundation, low investment, and an easily scalable model. Part of the Buzz Franchise Brands family, British Swim School currently operates over 500 schools across the United States and Canada.

For more information about British Swim School, visit www.britishswimschool.com .

About Stop Drowning Now

Stop Drowning Now is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing best practice drowning prevention strategies through education to parents, caregivers, children, communities and governments.

Ambassadors collaborating on a National level to provide impactful drowning prevention educational resources

such as:

An early education water safety/drowning prevention platform second to none which includes: pre-k, daycare, K-2, 3rd-5th grade storybook readings, amazing presentation storyboards, coloring sheets, water safety tip sheets, water safety checklists, access to our amazing, fun, interactive "ReesSpecht the Water" in school assembly, and a wonderful teachers written certified curriculum.

Up to date facts, water safety best practices, drowning statistics, and data.

Information on passed or proposed water safety, drowning prevention, and swim lessons State and Federal legislation. High School volunteer Clubs, Community partnerships, No-Drown Towns.

A professional staff and board with well over 50 years of combined water safety, swim lesson, and drowning prevention experience.

For more information about Stop Drowning Now, visit www.stopdrowningnow.org.

Contacts:

Nadia Caron (British Swim School)

[email protected]

(954) 893-9150

Bobby Hazen (Stop Drowning Now)

Executive Director

[email protected]

516) 578-3453

SOURCE British Swim School
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation joins U.S. Department of Labor in celebrating National Apprenticeship Day

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Day alongside the U.S. Department of Labor, highlighting the critical role of apprenticeship in fostering career growth and skill development within the restaurant industry. This day underscores the importance of apprenticeship as a powerful tool for restaurant operators to build teams that last and contribute to a successful industry workforce.

With 15.7 million Americans currently working in the industry, restaurants are America's second-largest private sector employer and a place that uniquely fosters alternative career pathways, often without a college degree. In fact, nine in 10 managers and 8 in 10 restaurant owners indicate they started their professional journeys at the entry level before working their way upward. Apprenticeship maximizes this environment by integrating the hands-on learning of a dining or foodservice establishment with formal benchmarks and industry-training standards that set individuals up for advancement and success in larger roles, including management and beyond.

Apprenticeship fosters skills and careers in the restaurant industry. Post this

"The restaurant industry has nearly limitless pathways to growth. Through apprenticeship, we're equipping employers to train and retain their employees, but we're also ensuring that the people who call our industry home have the opportunity to grow and advance," said Rob Gifford, president of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. "We are proud to join the U.S. Department of Labor in celebrating the role of apprenticeship in strengthening our industry and the entire American workforce."

The Foundation's apprenticeship initiatives are the result of a multi-year partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor that began in 2016 to expand apprenticeship opportunities in the restaurant and hospitality industry. In 2023, the Foundation was awarded a five-year $12.2 million Registered Apprenticeship Industry Intermediaries contract by the U.S. Department of Labor and designated as an inaugural Apprenticeship Ambassador.

To-date, the Foundation has partnered with over 165 employers through the apprenticeship programs in its Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center. The Foundation works with these employers to build customized training programs that uniquely empower their employees with skills, understanding, and credentials that foster careers. Nearly 2,000 people have graduated from one of these apprenticeship programs across restaurant manager, assistant restaurant manager, kitchen manager, assistant kitchen manager, and line cook career tracks.

National Apprenticeship Day is part of a nationwide celebration hosted by the U.S. Department of Labor. Throughout the day, industry, labor, workforce, education, and government leaders will host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship for building the economy. As part of its activations, the Foundation hosted a recent webinar highlighting the various ways employers are bringing apprenticeship to life. Watch the recording here.

Learn more about the ways the Foundation is creating industry apprenticeship opportunities through its Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center.

About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF): As the supporting philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the NRAEF's charitable mission includes enhancing the industry's training and education, career development, and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower, and Advance today's and tomorrow's restaurant and foodservice workforce. NRAEF programs include: ProStart  a high-school career and technical education program; Restaurant Ready/HOPES  Partnering with community based organizations to provide people with skills training and job opportunities; Military  helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers; Scholarships  financial assistance for students pursuing restaurant, foodservice and hospitality degrees; and the Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC)  accredited apprenticeship programs designed to build the careers of service professionals. For more information on the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org .

SOURCE National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
Smart Science  Real Results!

STATE COLLEGE, Pa., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CannabisCollegeofAmerica.com proudly announces the launch of its online cannabis education platform, with it's Official Grand Opening on April 20, 2025, paving the way for Sustaining the Future of Mankind with Hemp!

Founded by lifelong cannabis advocate Larry Nagle , the Cannabis College of America (CCA) aims to deliver the most comprehensive, hands-on, and industry-driven cannabis education in the United States. The school's mission is to train the most skilled, work-ready professionals and place them directly into the fast-growing cannabis industry.

"At the Cannabis College of America, our greatest product is our graduates," said Nagle . "We're not just teaching cultivationwe're building careers."

Industry-Focused Curriculum

CCA offers five programs designed to cover all aspects of cannabis and hemp development:

Each course is taught by experienced professionals and structured to provide real-world skills through interactive assignments and virtual labs. Maximum Ratio: 10 students/1 Instructor. Zoom Call platform that allows student interaction w/ live Q & A. All courses include competency testing and offer degrees or Certificates of Completion, setting a new standard for cannabis education.

Leadership & Faculty

Larry Nagle has dedicated his life to the advocacy and activism of cannabis, becoming a significant figure in the industry through his extensive research and cultivation efforts. With a passion that spans decades, Larry has consistently been at the forefront of cannabis innovation and education. His expertise is widely recognized, having been published in prestigious platforms such as MMJDaily , out of Amsterdam and HealthEuropa , out of Spain where he shares his deep knowledge and insights on cannabis-related topics.

Larry's journey began with a profound belief in the potential benefits of cannabis, both medicinal and recreational. Laboratory Testing and Industry Recognition testify to the quality of his products. Over the years, he has tirelessly worked to dispel myths and promote understanding about this versatile plant. His hands-on experience in growing cannabis has provided him with unparalleled knowledge, making him a sought-after consultant and speaker in the industry. As an author, Larry's contributions have enlightened countless readers, offering them valuable information on the latest developments in cannabis research , cultivation techniques , and industry trends. His work has not only educated but also inspired many to explore the possibilities within the cannabis sector.

Larry's commitment to cannabis advocacy is unwavering. Through his tireless efforts, he continues to share his wealth of knowledge, fostering a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about cannabis. His expertise was also highlighted in a guest appearance on the Lancaster Farming Industrial Hemp Podcast , where he discussed various aspects of cannabis cultivation and industry advancements. Whether you're a seasoned expert or a curious newcomer, Larry's insights are an invaluable resource in navigating the ever-evolving world of cannabis.

He's joined by Scott Burgett , COO of Green Earth Cannaceuticals, as Lead Instructor. Together, they bring a rare combination of academic rigor, commercial expertise, and passionate advocacy for responsible cannabis growth. Their leadership ensures a forward-thinking curriculum rooted in science, innovation, and sustainability.

Scott Burgett

Scott Burgett is a U.S. Army disabled veteran and co-founder of Green Earth Cannaceuticals (GEC). With a professional background spanning healthcare and horticulture, Scott brings a unique blend of scientific insight and agricultural expertise to the cannabis industry.

Scott began his career in medicine, earning his credentials as a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist after studying at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy and Central Florida Institute. He worked in the medical field for several years before transitioning into cannabis cultivation, where he found the perfect synergy between his passion for health and plants.

He was hired as the Director of Cultivation by The Green Solution (TGS) Florida, one of the first Florida MMJ license holders. Within nine months he built it into the largest Cannabis grower in Florida with over 15,000 plants in perpetual harvest. While with TGS he became certified in CO2 extraction and helped design and build their extraction/processing lab. Due to differing views on the MMJ industry, Scott left TGS.

He then started to work in the hemp industry consulting in cultivation and extraction/processing. Scott has consulted for companies in Florida, Montana, California, Colorado, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama.

In 2018, he co-founded GEC and partnered with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) through the Florida Industrial Hemp Pilot Program , overseeing a network of over 20 farms focused on genetics trials and large-scale hemp cultivation.

Today, Scott continues to lead GEC's innovation in cannabis science, with active university collaborations and a mission to help shape the future of hemp and medical marijuana in the United States!

Compare Our Curriculum to the Competition. No one offers a more Complete & Comprehensive program in All Aspects of Cannabis than we do.

Between Larry Nagle and Scott Burgett they'll share with you, over 85+ years of combined experimentation, research, and experience with this Amazing Plant!

Affordable Pricing and Easy Payment Plans

Initial Enrollment and Access

Due to overwhelming demand the class-times available for our Core Program schedules are filling fast! Some seating is still available for online Mid May via a user-friendly conference call format. Future plans include the launch of a full brick-and-mortar campus in Central Pennsylvania. CCA's flexible course schedules are designed to fit the needs of working adults, students, and hobbyists alike.

Visit: CannabisCollegeofAmerica.com

Media Contact:

Larry Nagle  Founder & Educational Director

[email protected]

814-810-1202

linktr.ee/larrynagle

SOURCE The Cannabis College of America
"For hundreds of years, the hard work and integrity of ranchers and cowboys has shaped the American identity and fueled what's best about this country," said Joe Cavender. "Starting with our parents' commitment to the Western lifestyle, our family and our business, we are proud to have grown alongside the families of our loyal customers. As Cavender's celebrates our 60th anniversary, where it all began in East Texas. Cavender's honors the enduring values that bind us and sincerely thank each one of our customers for their loyalty."

Cavender's history, values, and culture are firmly tied to those of the American West. Looking to the future, we remain true to who we are and what we stand for: the cowboy way of life. Because ours is not just a Western lifestyle. This is how we live.

No wonder the Cavender family has been inducted into both the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame and has been honored with the Texas Historical Foundation's Star of Texas Award.

Cavender's success is rooted in the 60-year commitment to providing its customers with the best products and services at affordable prices. The company has been named the nation's top retailer by prestigious brands ranging from Lucchese, Justin, and Tony Lama to Laredo, Nocona, Rocky Mountain, and Wrangler.

Cavender's customers know that respect is earned with actions, not talk. That's why they never stop working to earn customer trust by seeking out the best in design, style, and authentic Western craftsmanship.

About Cavender's Boot City

In 1965, in the quiet Texas town of Pittsburg, James and Patricia "Pat" Cavender took a leap of faith, opening a small Western store with a big dream. What started as a single storefront has grown into America's go-to destination for the finest Western boots, jeans, and hats for the whole family. James built Cavender's Boot City on grit, integrity, and a deep love for the Western way of life. These core values have fortified and supported Cavender's expansion to over 100 stores in more than 15 states. Likewise, Cavender's offers top brands including Ariat, Wrangler, Stetson, and Resistol, and its exclusive linesRafter C, Rockin' C, and JRC & Sons. This extensive selection ensures customers' wardrobes are as authentic and enduring as their lifestyles. As the Cavender family puts it: "We will always remain true to who we are and what we stand forthe Western way of life." For more information on Cavender's products and history, and to find a store near you, visit cavenders.com .

Contact Information:

[email protected]

SOURCE Cavender's Boot City
Patrons can Enjoy $5 drink and app specials all day May 5.

LUBBOCK, Texas, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant, famous for its authentic, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine and hand-crafted Mexican Margaritas, announced today that all Abuelo's locations will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with $5 festive drink and appetizer specials all day.

Get ready to fiesta! Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant is turning up the flavor and fun this Cinco de Mayo with all day $5 specials on Monday, May 5. Guests are invited to join in the celebration with festive drinks and a delicious appetizer  all for just five bucks each!

Abuelo's Cinco de Mayo $5 Specials include:

Mexican Draft Beers - served in a 22oz. stadium cup (while supplies last).

- served in a 22oz. stadium cup (while supplies last). Frozen Mexican Flag Margarita - served in a 16oz. Abuelo's logoed cup (while supplies last).

- served in a 16oz. Abuelo's logoed cup (while supplies last). La Grandeza Margarita - Abuelo's signature margarita served on the rocks or frozen.

- Abuelo's signature margarita served on the rocks or frozen. Mexican Candy Shot - complete with a Tajin and chamoy rim for a sweet and spicy kick.

- complete with a Tajin and chamoy rim for a sweet and spicy kick. Chile con Queso Appetizer  a creamy Abuelo's classic!

Whether you're stopping by for lunch, dinner, happy hour, or a night out with friends, Abuelo's has your Cinco de Mayo Celebration covered. Come raise a glass, enjoy authentic flavors, and celebrate with us!

See the dedication that Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant has to providing the freshest ingredients and perfect Margaritas at www.youtube.com/abuelosTV. Find an Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant near you at www.abuelos.com/restaurants.

About Abuelo's

Since its first opening in 1989, Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant has consistently been on the leading edge of made-from-scratch, family-style Mexican food. Experience homemade cooking with rich flavors of coastal and interior Mexican cuisine using the finest and freshest ingredients. Owned and operated by Food Concepts International in Lubbock, Texas, the company currently has 19 full-service restaurants located in seven states that provides in-house authentic Mexican food, Mexican food delivery, Mexican food to go, and Mexican food catering. For more information, visit www.abuelos.com or Abuelo's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Abuelos .

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Abuelo's
PITTSBURGH, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) announced the launch of the Mobile Competency Restoration and Support Team (MCRST), a new program that delivers critical services to individuals found not competent to stand trial. The MCRST is the only mobile competency restoration team in Pennsylvania that offers both clinical treatment and psychoeducational support in a community-based model.

"The MCRST reflects our commitment to delivering compassionate, coordinated care..." Post this Allegheny County & Centurion Health MCRST Team

People may be found not competent to stand trial due to serious mental illness, cognitive delays, or conditions like dementia that prevent them from understanding court proceedings or assisting in their defense. Once someone is found not competent, their case is paused until they are restored  or until alternative legal or clinical solutions are in place.

Yet the only option for competency restoration for people held in the Allegheny County Jail (ACJ) is Torrance State Hospital  a facility operated by the Commonwealth with extremely limited capacity. In 2024, individuals committed to Torrance for competency restoration spent a median of 81 days in jail waiting for a bed. That waiting period added up to more than 13,000 jail bed days this year alone, often for people charged with low-level crimes: nearly half (49%) had only a misdemeanor as their highest charge.

"In spite of a class action settlement nearly a decade ago requiring the state to expand capacity, people still languish in jail waiting for treatment," said Erin Dalton, Director of Allegheny County DHS. "This community-based alternative allows us to restore people faster, avoid unnecessary incarceration, and use public dollars more wiselyall while treating people with dignity."

Developed in partnership with DHS, the Fifth Judicial District of PA and the ACJ, the MCRST is operated by Centurion Health, a DHS-contracted provider with more than 25 years of experience in correctional healthcare. The multidisciplinary team includes a psychiatrist, mental health nurse, dual diagnosis therapist, certified forensic peer counselor, competency support specialist, and a Justice Related Services liaison to ensure coordination with the courts and community providers.

"We're proud to expand our existing programs in Pennsylvania to partner with the Fifth Judicial District and the Allegheny County Jail to bring this innovative model to life," said Timothy Harlin, CEO of Centurion Health. "The MCRST reflects our commitment to delivering compassionate, coordinated care that not only supports individuals through the legal process but also lays the foundation for long-term recovery and stability in the community."

"We're happy to have another solution that can help individuals avoid incarceration and enjoy the benefits of community-based restoration," said Holly Martin, ACJ Deputy Warden of Healthcare Services.

Historically, around 125 individuals from Allegheny County have been committed to Torrance State Hospital each year for competency restoration. The MCRST gives courts a less restrictive, faster alternative  and gives individuals the care and respect they deserve.

Witold Walczak, Legal Director, ACLU of Pennsylvania lauded the program, stating, "As class counsel for people deemed incompetent to stand trial and waiting far too long to access competency treatment, the ACLU is pleased to hear about new alternatives that reduce the number of people who are detained. We have long advocated for community-based treatment for the many people who can and should be treated in the community, with strong supports to improve their chances of success."

The launch of the MCRST reflects Allegheny County's commitment to expanding behavioral health services and addressing the intersection of mental illness and the criminal-legal system with dignity, care and effectiveness.

About Centurion Health

Centurion Health is a leading national provider of medical, dental, behavioral health, and rehabilitative services to incarcerated and justice-involved persons. Our services go beyond patient care, helping advance the potential of the people we serve. Centurion Health is dedicated to correctional healthcare, a service that is provided for the health and well-being of persons in the justice system.

For more information on Centurion Health, please visit TeamCenturion.com.

Media Contact:

Centurion Health: [email protected]

SOURCE Centurion Health
Prestigious award recognizes the transformative green energy project and its projected benefits for Guyana, citizens and US exports

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CH4 Systems today announced that it has received the prestigious Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) "Deal of the Year Award" for its pioneering gas-to-energy project in Wales, Guyana in partnership with Lindsayca, Exxon Mobil and Enerflex.

By converting natural gas into affordable, reliable electricity, the project will generate 300 megawatts of clean electricity, reduce the country's dependence on imported fuels, expand access to power in underserved communities, and eliminate more than 1 million tons of CO emissions annually, all while cutting electricity costs for local residents and businesses by up to 50%.

A first-of-its-kind in Guyana, the project integrates modular gas processing technologies for faster deployment, combined-cycle generation for high efficiency and reduced emissions, and infrastructure tailored to Guyana's tropical environment. EXIM requires awardees to demonstrate and maintain the highest levels of quality, health, safety, and environment (QHSE) and corporate social responsibility (CSR), all of which this project met or exceeded through top quality, clean, socially and environmentally responsible operations.

Puerto Rico-based CH4 specializes in the development of advanced green power generation projects in emerging markets, and this recognition highlights CH4's experience and expertise in developing large scale, innovative, sustainable energy solutions with a socio-economic impact. With deep experience in global energy infrastructure, CH4 brought to this project engineering, project finance, and operational expertise. The company led all significant aspects of the project, including design, procurement, construction oversight and stakeholder engagement.

"Our work in Guyana exemplifies our mission to deliver sustainable and scalable energy solutions that uplift economies and communities," said CH4 CEO Juan Bellosta. "We are honored by this recognition and grateful to our partners and the Government of Guyana for their shared vision and collaboration."

About CH4 Systems

CH4 is a Puerto Rico-based engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) specializing in advanced, sustainable energy generation projects in emerging markets, including the Caribbean, South America and the Middle East. Founded in 2016, the company offers turnkey solutions from project design and financing to ongoing operations and maintenance for governments and private industry. To learn more, visit our website or LinkedIn .

SOURCE CH4 Systems
The brand is inviting educators and healthcare professionals to sign up for a chance to receive free burritos* in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week ( May 5 through May 9 ) and National Nurses Week ( May 6 through May 12)

) and National Nurses Week ( through May 12) A total of 100,000 healthcare workers and 100,000 teachers, verified through ID.me, will receive free entree e-gift cards, equivalent to over $2 million in free Chipotle in total

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) announced today it will recognize both teachers and healthcare workers by awarding 200,000 professionals with free burrito e-cards, equivalent to over $2 million in free food*. Since 2016, the company has given away more than $16 million in free Chipotle to educators and medical professionals.

How It Works

Chipotle is inviting educators and healthcare professionals to sign up for a chance to receive free burritos in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week. A total of 100,000 teachers and 100,000 healthcare workers, verified through ID.me, will receive free entree e-gift cards, equivalent to over $2 million in free Chipotle in total.

Chipotle invites teachers and healthcare professionals to enter for a chance to win a free entree e-card from April 30 through May 12 on their respective microsites:

on their respective microsites: Teachers: teacherthanks.chipotle.com



Healthcare professionals: healthcarethanks.chipotle.com

At the end of Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurse Appreciation Week, 100,000 teachers and 100,000 healthcare workers will be randomly selected to receive an email to verify their employment status via ID.me.

Teachers and healthcare professionals who successfully verify their employment status within 48 hours will receive a free entree e-card. Winners will be notified starting the week of May 13 .

"Teachers and healthcare professionals are such important members of the communities we serve," said Chris Brandt, Chief Brand Officer of Chipotle. "To express our gratitude, we're scaling up our recognition efforts and launching our largest free burrito giveback program in history."

How You Can Support

To support its 2025 campaign, Chipotle will leverage its Round-Up for Real Change feature on the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com to support the Kids In Need Foundation and American Nurses Foundation.

The Kids In Need Foundation, a national non-profit organization that helps create equitable learning spaces through the distribution of supplies and resources, investing in teachers and students in underserved schools, will be featured on the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com this fall as teachers prepare for the back to school season. Funds from the round-up will be used for school supply donations from Kids In Need Foundation's Supply A Teacher Program.

As the philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association, the American Nurses Foundation inspires change and innovation by harnessing The Power of Nurses through strategic, nurse-led philanthropy. With its 501(c)(3) status, the foundation mobilizes critical resources to fund innovative research and support initiatives that advance nursing practice, education, and leadership. By forging intentional partnerships and providing targeted grants, the foundation empowers nurses to drive change within healthcare systems and communities. Through the end of Nurses Week, Chipotle invites guests to round up their change to the next highest dollar amount on the Chipotle app or Chipotle.com to help provide additional support for nurses across the U.S.

For photo assets related to the campaign, visit here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/mo6037q1meo0ch0m6weaf/ABwhSH5_K8oPl-LEK5QN9K0?rlkey=czygswbfgopl9s176oogcs1ho&st=16kd6518&dl=0

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & DC, 18 years or older (minors must have parental consent) who are "Healthcare Professionals" or "Teachers". Enter between approx. 12:01 a.m. PT on 4/30/25 and approx. 11:59 p.m. PT on 5/12/25. For Official Rules including how to enter, definition of healthcare professional and teacher, entry limitations, odds, prize descriptions, and complete details visit chipotle.com/healthcare-teachers-legal. Sponsor: CMG Strategy Co., LLC

ABOUT CHIPOTLE

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. There are over 3,800 restaurants as of March 31, 2025, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Kuwait, and United Arab Emirates and it is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. With over 130,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit CHIPOTLE.COM.

SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill
Angela Lambert, head of standards compliance for Clarion Safety Systems, will be part of both the University of Wisconsin and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers annual conferences on product safety and liability

MILFORD, Pa., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarion Safety Systems' standards expert, Angela Lambert, will be a featured presenter at several key product safety and compliance events this Spring  including at conferences hosted by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and the University of WisconsinMadison College of Engineering. Clarion Safety is a leading designer and manufacturer of safety labels, signs, and tags  and provides complementary services for comprehensive machine safety, compliance, and risk reduction.

Clarion Safety & the Association of Equipment Manufacturers

Angela Lambert, head of standards compliance for Clarion Safety Systems, will be part of both the University of Wisconsin and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers annual conferences on product safety and liability.

Lambert will first be presenting at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers Product Safety and Stewardship Conference in late April and early May. According to AEM, the Product Safety & Compliance and Liability Seminars deliver industry-focused education on new and up-to-date information on topics including, risk assessment, hazard communication, technical publications, standards and regulations, incident investigation & litigation, and other topics impacting AEM-member organizations and the customers they serve. Attendees will walk away with key tools to face current and future challenges.

Lambert's presentation at this event will explain the key standards and requirements for safety labels in the U.S. and internationally, with a focus on the ANSI Z535 and ISO 3864-2 standards. She'll explore the latest standards updates and what they mean for today's safety and risk professionals. Also included will be a commentary on understanding the applications of these standards and how to overcome challenges, covering common pain points like warnings format options, color, material choices, symbol use, translations, complex messaging, and digital media/warnings (an important area especially in consideration of the release of the new ANSI Z535.7 standard in late 2024).

Clarion Safety & the University of WisconsinMadison College of Engineering

Later this Spring, the University of Wisconsin-Madison's annual product safety, liability and warnings course will feature a session from Lambert. Lambert's session on warnings and instructions is part of the university's 'Advanced Products' course offered through its College of Engineering  Engineering Professional Development department, and takes place June 2 to 5, 2025 between 8:30 a.m.-12:30 a.m. Central Time.

"Failure to warn" and "inadequate warnings" top product liability allegations. Lambert will present considerations on creating effective warnings for both domestic and export markets. That will include information on key standards for safety labels in the U.S. and internationally, label content elements, and label material/durability requirements. Her session also includes a team-based workshop designed to help participants analyze warnings using today's standards and best practices, along with a question and answer session to help further their understanding.

At Clarion Safety, Lambert heads the company's standards compliance initiatives. She has more than fifteen years of experience in the safety and manufacturing industry, helping product safety engineers solve their warnings and liability challenges. Lambert is also actively involved at the leadership level in the ANSI and ISO standards. She's chair of ANSI Z535.1, the standard that focuses on colors used in visual safety communication, as well as the official liaison between ISO TC/283 and ISO/TC 145 committees, responsible for the library of ISO 7010 registered symbols and the ISO 3864 set of standards.

Rather than an in-person conference, this event is often held virtually, as it is this year, and will be hosted via Zoom or Canva. The courses center around current and emerging safety, warnings and instructions best practices from experienced product safety management professionals including consulting engineers, product safety standards experts, and a defense attorney.

The course is geared toward industrial and commercial equipment manufacturers along with companies who insure them. Course participants are typically safety and design engineers but also include writers of warnings and safety literature, liability and product managers, in-house counsel, and outside experts. Other topics to be covered at this year's conference will include legal responsibility and duty to warn/instruct, writing and designing manuals and warnings and evaluating warnings and instructions.

To learn more about the live online conference, including earning credit hours for the course (CEU and PDH) as well as how to register, visit the University of Wisconsin's website. Enrollment is available through June 2, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Central Time. Although not required, it is recommended that course participants have the ANSI Z535.4 and ANSI Z535.6 standards on hand throughout the classes.

Contact Clarion Safety to learn more about the company's industry experts and opportunities for collaboration on media and educational projects.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

The University of WisconsinMadison College of Engineering is a top-ranked engineering school of the University of WisconsinMadison, one of the leading research universities in the world. The college comprises 13 academic departments and dates back to 1857.

ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION OF EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS

AEM is the leading organization in North America advancing construction and agriculture equipment manufacturers and their value chain partners in the global marketplace. In enabling growth together, AEM and its members build momentum for the equipment manufacturing industry and the markets it serves.

For more than a century, the AEM has provided a manufacturer forum for industry- wide action that transcends individual member company size, product line or individual business concerns. Companies participating in AEM work together for the betterment of the industry and public needs, at the state, national, provincial and international levels.

AEM built on the successes and continued the legacy of its founding groups  the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association (CIMA) and the Equipment Manufacturers Institute (EMI). Both groups had a common goal  advocating for better roads that brought products to market faster, safer and more efficiently. Today, AEM consists of 961 member organizations in construction, 529 in agriculture, 507 in mining, 539 in utility, and 379 in forestry.

ABOUT CLARION SAFETY SYSTEMS

Clarion Safety Systems, LLC, is the leading designer and manufacturer of visual safety solutions that help customers in more than 180 industries worldwide to make their products and premises safer. Clarion Safety offers a full range of standard and custom products including machinery safety labels, environmental and facility safety signs, pipe and valve identification markings, lockout/tagout products, and safety-grade photoluminescent egress path-marking escape systems. The company also provides custom-printed industrial nameplates, labels, and metal identification solutions through its affiliated business, McLoone Metal Graphics, as well as turnkey machine safety and compliance solutions through its affiliated businesses, Machine Safety Specialists and Arrow Industrial Solutions. Founded in 1990, Clarion Safety continues to play a leading role in the development and writing of international and national standards for safety signs, labels, and markings. It is headquartered at 190 Old Milford Road in Milford, PA, 18337, and online at http://www.clarionsafety.com.

SOURCE Clarion Safety Systems
New Investment Accelerates the Growth and Innovation of ModMed's AI-Powered Medical Practice Technology Platform

BOCA RATON, Fla., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ModMed (the "Company"), a leader in specialty-specific healthcare SaaS technology, today announced that Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. (together with its affiliates, "Clearlake") has completed its investment in the Company. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"Market demand continues to accelerate for AI-enabled technology that streamlines healthcare workflows, as providers look to improve patient experiences and drive time and cost efficiencies at their practices," said Dan Cane, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, and Dr. Michael Sherling, Chief Medical and Strategy Officer and Co-Founder, at ModMed. "We believe our commitment to developing innovative technology has solidified our position as a leading provider of ambulatory healthcare software, resulting in outsized demand and growth across each of our medical specialties. We are grateful for the partnership of Warburg Pincus, Pentland Capital, Summit Partners, and others over the years, and are excited for the next phase of growth with Clearlake."

"This recognition of ModMed underscores the potential we identified and have proudly supported from its early stages," said Barry Mosheim, Director at Pentland Capital Limited. "As the Company embarks on its next chapter of innovation and growth, we remain confident in ModMed's ability to achieve even greater success in the years to come."

"Clearlake's investment in ModMed is an exciting and important step in our company's evolution," said Joe Harpaz, Co-Chief Executive Officer at ModMed. "Throughout our conversations, Clearlake has expressed confidence in our team and strategic direction. With their experience in driving growth through innovation and expansion, we will continue our efforts to advance practice solutions and expand our ability to further transform the patient-provider experience."

Founded in 2010, ModMed develops AI-powered practice technology to support the needs of providers and their staff in multiple medical specialties. The Company's solutions leverage structured data collection and time-saving features like adaptive learning and automation to enhance both clinical and operational efficiency. ModMed offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to empower both providers and patients throughout their entire healthcare journey, including electronic health records ("EHRs"), practice management, revenue cycle management, patient engagement, payment processing, and native AI integrations, all working together to enable more efficient medical practices.

"We are thrilled to complete our investment in ModMed and begin our new partnership with Dan, Michael, Joe, and the ModMed team. We share a vision for ModMed's next phase of growth, and believe our industry experience and value-add capabilities will strengthen and expand the ModMed platform," said Behdad Eghbali, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Prashant Mehrotra, Partner, and Paul Huber, Partner, at Clearlake. "With this investment completed, we look forward to partnering with the Company to leverage our O.P.S. framework and accelerate the growth of ModMed's AI-enabled software offering to deliver more value to customers, employees, and shareholders."

Advisors

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC served as financial advisors to Clearlake. Sidley Austin LLP served as legal advisor to Clearlake. Goldman Sachs served as exclusive financial advisor, Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP served as finance counsel to ModMed.

About ModMed

At ModMed, we empower medical practices to grow and scale by delivering better patient experiences with cloud, data, and AI technologies. Leveraging extensive clinical data sets, we design intelligent software solutions to simplify, automate, and streamline clinical workflows and drive practice efficiency. With our specialty-specific EHRs, Practice Management, Revenue Cycle Management, and Analytics solutions, as well as products for patient engagement, payment processing, and marketing, we are trusted by over 40,000 providers to drive clinical and operational success. Learn more at modmed.com or our blog and connect via Facebook , LinkedIn , X (Twitter) and Instagram .

About Clearlake Capital

Clearlake is an investment firm founded in 2006 operating integrated businesses across private equity, credit, and other related strategies. With a sector-focused approach, the firm seeks to partner with experienced management teams by providing patient, long-term capital to dynamic businesses that can benefit from Clearlake's operational improvement approach, O.P.S. The firm's core private equity target sectors are technology, industrials, and consumer. Clearlake currently has over $90 billion of assets under management, its senior investment principals have led or co-led over 400 investments, and has deployed over $57 billion in liquid and illiquid credit investments globally. The firm is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA with affiliates in Dallas, TX, London, UK, Dublin, Ireland, Luxembourg, Abu Dhabi, UAE and Singapore.

Contacts:

ModMed Media Contact :

[email protected]

Clearlake Media Contact :

Jennifer Hurson

Lambert

[email protected]

SOURCE Clearlake Capital, ModMed
FAIRBANKS, Alaska, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Contango ORE, Inc. ("Contango" or the "Company") (NYSE American: CTGO) announces that Contango is in Washington DC this week for the annual 'Alaska On The Hill' event. The Company is joined by 120 of its fellow Alaskans from across the various businesses to bring Alaska's unique business voice to the Nation's Capital to advocate for a healthy Alaskan economy and a secure future for Alaska.

Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, the Company's President and CEO stated, "We are excited to be here in Washington DC to meet with our representatives and other delegates to tell them about the mining industry in general and about production at our Manh Choh gold mine as well as the progress we are making on our two development stage projects - Lucky Shot and Johnson Tract. Johnson Tract specifically is getting a lot of attention from the Trump administration because of our plans to produce 4 critical metals - gold, silver, copper and zinc. Alaska is front and center for the Trump Administration and it's promising to see the federal government fully supporting mining and unleashing Alaska's extraordinary resource potential. We are happy to report that we remain on track to produce 60,000 ounces of gold from Manh Choh this year with our second campaign of 2025 starting in mid-May. Additionally, we expect to have our Johnson Tract PEA out next week and our Q1-2025 financials released shortly thereafter. It is a very exciting time for mining in Alaska, especially for Contango Ore."

ABOUT CONTANGO

Contango is a NYSE American listed company that engages in exploration for gold and associated minerals in Alaska. Contango holds a 30% interest in the Peak Gold JV, which leases approximately 675,000 acres of land for exploration and development on the Manh Choh project, with the remaining 70% owned by KG Mining (Alaska), Inc., an indirect subsidiary of Kinross Gold Corporation, operator of the Peak Gold JV. The Company and its subsidiaries also have (i) a lease on the Johnson Tract project from the underlying owner, CIRI Native Corporation, (ii) a lease on the Lucky Shot project from the underlying owner, Alaska Hardrock Inc., (iii) 100% ownership of approximately 8,600 acres of peripheral State of Alaska mining claims, and (iv) a 100% interest in approximately 145,000 acres of State of Alaska mining claims that give Contango the exclusive right to explore and develop minerals on these lands. Additional information can be found on our web page at www.contangoore.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Contango that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for "forward-looking statements" provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, based on Contango's current expectations and includes statements regarding future results of operations, quality and nature of the asset base, the assumptions upon which estimates are based and other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, strategies or statements about future events or performance (often, but not always, using words such as "expects", "projects", "anticipates", "plans", "estimates", "potential", "possible", "probable", or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "will", "should", or "could" be taken, occur or be achieved). Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: the risks of the exploration and the mining industry (for example, operational risks in exploring for and developing mineral reserves; risks and uncertainties involving geology; the speculative nature of the mining industry; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to future production, costs and expenses; the volatility of natural resources prices, including prices of gold and associated minerals; the existence and extent of commercially exploitable minerals in properties acquired by Contango or the Peak Gold JV; ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Peak Gold JV; potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the interpretation of exploration results and the estimation of mineral resources; the loss of key employees or consultants; health, safety and environmental risks and risks related to weather and other natural disasters); uncertainties as to the availability and cost of financing; Contango's inability to retain or maintain its relative ownership interest in the Peak Gold JV; inability to realize expected value from acquisitions; inability of our management team to execute its plans to meet its goals; the extent of disruptions caused by an outbreak of disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; and the possibility that government policies may change, political developments may occur or governmental approvals may be delayed or withheld, including as a result of presidential and congressional elections in the U.S. or the inability to obtain mining permits. Additional information on these and other factors which could affect Contango's exploration program or financial results are included in Contango's other reports on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from the projections in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. Contango does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change.

www.contangoore.com

SOURCE Contango Ore
New franchisee brings significant business experience and knowledge of smart home sector to Boulder and Castle Rock, CO communities

COSTA MESA, Calif., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Daisy, the first national home and small business technology installation and services company, is expanding its footprint in Colorado with a new franchise that complements its existing company-owned location in Denver. A.J. Kuhrmeyer will lead Daisy's newest branch, servicing Boulder and Castle Rock. Previously a franchisee with SaaviHome, a company acquired by Daisy in September of 2024, Kuhrmeyer has recently converted his business to join the Daisy networknow nearly 20 locations strong. While at SaaviHome, Kuhrmeyer leveraged his passion for technological advancements to help local families integrate innovative solutions into their homes.

Daisy, the national leader in residential smart home integration, has expanded into Colorado with a new Boulder location.

"I'm thrilled to help expand Daisy's presence in Colorado, a state with immense opportunity in the smart home market," Kuhrmeyer said. "My mission is to enhance the quality of life for members of our community by making Boulder's living spaces smarter and more efficient. With Daisy's support, we're already delivering innovative solutions to our clients and looking forward to setting new benchmarks for success in this dynamic industry."

Thanks to his initial growth since launching in July of 2024, Kuhrmeyer is already servicing clients in the region while bringing valuable insights and expertise to his new role with Daisy. Moving forward, the substantial resources provided locally by the Daisy Denver branch, paired with Daisy's national support systems, position the new franchise for continued expansion. Since joining Daisy, Kuhrmeyer has already seen an expansion of his team, which now includes a Project Manager and Business Development Managersupporting the business's continued growth.

"A.J.'s proven leadership and rapid learning curve is a great example of the potential for future entrepreneurs entering this industry," said Hagan Kappler, co-founder and CEO of Daisy. "It has been great seeing how A.J.'s talented local team, combined with the Daisy resources and franchise support team, can lead to rapid success. We're very excited to be serving Boulder customers under A.J.'s leadership."

To learn more about becoming part of Daisy's team visit https://daisyco.com. To learn more about converting an existing custom integration company to a Daisy franchise, visit https://daisyco.com/for-integrators/, or to start a new business, visit https://daisyco.com/franchising/. For interior design firms looking to expand their presence in cutting-edge technology as part of their design solution, contact [email protected].

About Daisy

Daisy is the national brand leader in the home and small business technology installation and services space, providing regularly scheduled onsite technology support services. Daisy partners with builders, architects, designers, and homeowners to install and service optimal audio visual, lighting, motorized shades, security cameras, and control systems that enhance their clients' experiences in their homes and offices. For more information, visit daisyco.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

(865) 977-1973

[email protected]

All brands, products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.

SOURCE Daisy
CFO Further Positions Company for Growth and Continued Advancement of Clinical Programs

SAN DIEGO, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aspen Neuroscience, Inc., a private biotechnology company developing personalized, autologous cell therapies, has appointed Dalen Meeter, CPA, MBA, as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

"We are excited to welcome Dalen to our executive team during this significant period of growth and development at Aspen," said Damien McDevitt, PhD, president and CEO of Aspen Neuroscience. "His financial leadership experience within the biotech sector will be important during our corporate evolution, as we advance our clinical programs and prepare for the future."

Dalen Meeter, CPA, MBA, Chief Financial Officer, Aspen Neuroscience, Inc.

"It is an honor to join this groundbreaking company at such a pivotal time," said Mr. Meeter. "I look forward to contributing to the company's mission of developing transformative therapies for patients with Parkinson's disease."

With more than two decades of finance and accounting expertise, Dalen brings extensive experience in scaling private and public companies to his new role. Prior to Aspen, most recently he served as CFO of Singular Genomics Systems, Inc. After guiding Singular's finance transformation from a private, development-stage startup to a publicly traded, commercial-stage company, he then led as CFO of the public entity.

Before joining Singular, Dalen spent many years in Finance leadership at Illumina, as well as in auditing during his time at KPMG. Mr. Meeter holds an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MBA from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business.

About Aspen Neuroscience

Headquartered in San Diego, Aspen Neuroscience, Inc. is a clinical development-stage, private company focused on autologous regenerative medicine. The company's patient-derived iPSC platform is used to create personalized therapies to address diseases with high unmet medical needs, beginning with autologous neuron replacement for Parkinson's Disease.

Aspen combines cell biology with the latest machine learning and genomic approaches to investigate patient-specific, restorative cell treatments. The company has developed a best-in-class platform to create and optimize pluripotent-derived cell therapies, which includes in-house bioinformatics, manufacturing, and quality control. For more information and important updates, please visit https://www.aspenneuroscience.com.

SOURCE Aspen Neuroscience, Inc.
TSX.V: DME

U.S. OTC: DMEHF

Frankfurt: QM01

VANCOUVER, BC, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY CORP. (the "Company") (TSXV: DME) (U.S. OTC: DMEHF) (Frankfurt: QM01) from the President of the Company. DME has entered into a non-disclosure agreement and memorandum of understanding with Sustany Holdings, effective April 27, 2025. Under the agreement, a large data center (in excess of 200 MW) will be constructed and powered by a combination of grid electricity, solar energy, and electricity generated from natural gas utilizing high-efficiency gas turbines. This agreement secures a long-term end user for DME's produced natural gas for the life of the field and a significant portion of its future helium output.

To increase the production of tariff-regulated gas and high-grade helium, DME may add a nitrogen separation unit to meet gas purity specifications of the data center. The company will also update and reroute flow lines to maximize throughput at its processing facility. Although the facility has been optimized for peak helium extraction, it has been operating below volume capabilities; maximum helium production will require all wells to be routed through the plant.

DME plans to upgrade and expand approximately 33 miles of new lines, including the installation of larger lines to reduce pressure and increase natural gas and helium production. During these upgrades, wells and the processing facility will be temporarily shut in for specific periods.

DME's gathering system is not subject to the methane leakage issues found in some older systems in the area. After gas leaves DME's meter, the company is not responsible for subsequent leakages or line losses due to other processing systems. DME remains committed to cost-effective and environmentally conscious gas processing. The Bureau of Land Management has approved the temporary suspension of production during these enhancements. DME anticipates increased royalties and sales tax revenues from reduced lost volumes.

Some neighboring well owners have announced plans to interrupt production to install new gathering lines and pursue direct sales to end-users. DME and other operators have worked diligently to secure realistic gas sales contracts, however, terms offered by other buyers would not be economically viable for long-term operations or shareholder returns.

Discussions with Sustany Holdings also include potential expansion of the McCauley Helium Field solar facilities and integration with the Southwest Power Grid in Arizona. DME continues to reduce operational losses while advancing projects in Arizona and New Mexico.

In preparation for feasibility and geophysical studies in the UK, DME CEO Robert Rohlfing will meet with government officials and strategic partners over the next two weeks.

ABOUT DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY

Desert Mountain Energy Corp. is a publicly traded resource company primarily focused on the exploration, development and production of helium, hydrogen and natural gas. The Company is focused on helium extraction from different raw gas sources in an environmental and economic manner, supplying elements deemed critical to the renewable energy and high technology industries.

We seek safe harbor

"Robert Rohlfing"

Robert Rohlfing

Exec Chairman & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in polices of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The statements made in this press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward looking statements and information herein include but are not limited to statements regarding the Company's anticipated performance in the future the planned exploration activities, receipt of positive results from drilling, the completion of further drilling and exploration work, and the timing and results of various activities.

Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company and its operations to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, changes in national and local governments, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and the United States; financial risks due to helium prices, operating or technical difficulties in exploration and development activities; risks and hazards and the speculative nature of resource exploration and related development; risks in obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and challenges to the Company's title to properties.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the continued operation of the Company's exploration operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not intend to, and nor does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Desert Mountain Energy Corp.
Products offer durable, high-performance paint solutions tailored for both design-focused and budget-conscious DIYers, as well as professional contractors.

CLEVELAND, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dutch Boy Paints is expanding its portfolio of simple solutions with the launch of three paint offeringsPristine Interior Paint + Primer, Pristine Exterior Paint + Primer and Dura Fighter Paint + Primer. These introductions reflect the brand's continued commitment to offering innovations that meet the evolving needs of today's homeowners, DIYers and pros.

Designed to inspire, Pristine represents Dutch Boy Paints most premium paint to date, combining top-tier endurance with elegant, professional-looking results. Pristine is ideal for homeowners seeking exceptional performance and a high-end aesthetic. Pristine Exterior Paint + Primer redefines premium exterior paint, is engineered for all-weather protection and keeps homes looking freshly painted. Specially formulated for professional-grade durability, Dura Fighter Paint + Primer offers performance you can trust for tough, lasting protection. This hardworking paint is designed for DIYers seeking value without compromising on results and pros looking for reliable coverage on jobs that demand a lasting finish.

Whether tackling everyday home updates or creating inspired spaces, Dutch Boy Paints' latest innovations provide dependable options for a wide range of projects and budgets, each backed by more than a century of trusted quality.

Dutch Boy Pristine Paint + Primer: Ultimate Durability for Lasting Beauty

Designed to inspire, Pristine represents Dutch Boy Paints' most premium paint to date, combining top-tier endurance with elegant, professional-looking results. Available in interior and exterior formulas, Pristine is ideal for homeowners seeking exceptional performance and a high-end aesthetic.

Pristine Interior Paint + Primer features:

Maximum scuff, stain and mark resistance to maintain a beautiful look.

A smooth, elegant finish.

Easy stain removal for low maintenance.

One-coat coverage when tinted with Dutch Boy Paints' one-coat color palette.

A mold- and mildew-resistant coating ideal for high-moisture spaces.

GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low-chemical emissions and backed by a lifetime limited warranty.

Pristine Exterior Paint + Primer redefines premium exterior paint, is engineered for all-weather protection and keeps homes looking freshly painted. Additional benefits include:

Exclusive Rain Rinse Technology, which naturally washes away dirt and grime.

Outstanding stain blocking and ultimate fade resistance.

A mold-, mildew- and algae-resistant coating.

One-coat coverage with Dutch Boy Paints' one-coat color palette and low-temperature application (as low as 35 F).

Backed by a lifetime limited warranty.

"Pristine represents our next generation of premium paint performanceinside and out," said Sarah Kelley, Product Manager for Dutch Boy Paints. "Whether refreshing interior spaces or elevating exterior curb appeal, Pristine Paint + Primer is crafted for design-savvy DIYers who want beautiful, lasting results. With rich color, a smooth, high-end finish and maximum durability that stands up to everyday wear and the elements, it delivers a low-maintenance, top-of-the-line solution for every part of the home."

Dutch Boy Dura Fighter Paint + Primer: A Paint That Fights for You

Specially formulated for professional-grade durability, Dura Fighter Paint + Primer offers performance you can trust for tough, lasting protection. This hardworking paint is designed for DIYers seeking value without compromising on results and pros looking for reliable coverage on jobs that demand a lasting finish.

Dura Fighter Paint + Primer features:

Remarkable hide and a smooth, professional-looking finish at an affordable price.

A durable, scrubbable formula that resists most stains and offers good washability.

A mildew-resistant coating ideal for high-moisture areas.

GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low-chemical emissions and backed by a lifetime limited warranty.

"Dura Fighter Paint + Primer is built to battle everyday messes while delivering a professional-looking result at a great price," said Jacquelyn Fitzgerald, Product Manager for Dutch Boy Paints. "It's a simple, dependable paint solution that fits real-life needs."

Available at Menards

Both Dutch Boy Pristine and Dura Fighter products are available at Menards. For more information about Dutch Boy Paints and its complete range of painting products, please visit dutchboy.com or Menards retail locations to explore the full collection.

About Dutch Boy Paints

Founded in 1907, Dutch Boy Paints continues to be an industry leader in delivering innovative and high-quality products and packaging solutions and is one of the most recognizable brands in the market over 100 years later. In recent years, a new vitality, youthfulness and the promise of Simple Solutions have continued to shape the brand. Heritage and trust have been brought to life with energy and empowerment, inspiring DIYers and painting enthusiasts for generations to come. For more information, visit dutchboy.com.

About Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group

Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group offers innovative products to meet customers' paint and coatings needs. The group manufactures products under well-known brands such as Valspar, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, Dutch Boy, Purdy, Krylon, Minwax, Thompson's WaterSeal, Cabot, Dupli-Color and many more. Founded in 1866, The Sherwin-Williams Company is a global leader in the manufacture, development, distribution and sale of paints, coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial and retail customers. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com.

SOURCE Dutch Boy Paints
BLUETTI Strengthens ESG Commitment with the New Clean Energy Subsidy and Apex 300 for Earth Month

LAS VEGAS, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In the spirit of Earth Day, BLUETTI , a leading advocate for clean energy, is launching a new Clean Energy Incentive Program to encourage gas generator users to transition to more sustainable power solutions. This initiative makes clean energy more accessible while reducing both environmental impact and financial burdens on users. Complementing these efforts, the latest versatile BLUETTI Apex 300 offers a long-lasting power solution with a 17-year lifespan, further contributing to a greener future.

BLUETTI Unveils Clean Energy Subsidy and New Apex 300 to Power Green Living

"Rising costs and climate pressure call for smarter energy choices," said spokesperson James Ray. "BLUETTI believes in gentle, steady progressthis new initiative and innovation are our way of powering greener lives, a stronger nation, and a healthier planet for generations to come."

Driving Greener Living

Clean energy sounds great, but the price tag often doesn't. BLUETTI is here to change thatbridging the gap with durable, accessible solutions that make going green easier than ever. One simple start is the AC60 Solar Generator (Pioneer 50) , now available at its historically affordable price of $269 after subsidyan easy way to test the waters with clean energy, without major upfront commitments. With an IP65 rating, it's fully water- and dust-resistant, and the 6-year warranty helps save on replacement costs. Featuring a 600W output and 1,200W surge capacity, it's ideal for various outdoor scenarios.

For higher energy needs, the program also offers options like the 350W Solar Panel and AC200L Solar Generator . With regular solar use, households can offset up to 2 kWh of grid electricity daily, reducing about 600 pounds of CO annuallyequivalent to the impact of twelve mature trees.

Powering a Stronger Nation

A greener lifestyle builds a stronger nation. Supporting the national clean energy goals, BLUETTI is committed to helping households with smarter, more sustainable power through IRS Clean Energy Incentives. Under the U.S. Residential Clean Energy Credit, qualified systems like the AC500 Home Battery Backup are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit through 2032making clean energy more affordable. Beyond essential backup, the AC500 is built for smart energy management. With 5,000W rated power and 240V output, it easily handles 99% heavy-duty appliances. Its real strength lies in long-term savingscutting electricity costs through peak shaving and time-of-use optimization. It's a future-forward solution where policy meets practicality, helping families and the planet thrivetogether.

Nurturing a Longer-Living Planet

Sustainable living and resilient communities contribute to the vision of a longer-living planet. Yet ongoing challenges like frequent maintenance, noise pollution, and reliance on fuel make traditional generators a less-than-ideal solution for long-term use.

In response, BLUETTI offers more than just a cleaner energy alternativeit stands out for its commitment to sustainability and long-lasting battery performance. The latest Apex 300 Portable Power Station exemplifies this approach. With second-generation EV-grade batteries rated for over 6,000 cycles, it delivers up to 17 years of reliable usealmost double the lifespan of its class. Not only relieves users from the cost and hassle of frequent replacements but also helps reduce environmental waste over time.

With an ultra-low 20W AC idle drain, the Apex 300 ranks among the most efficient portable power stations , minimizing energy waste and extending refrigerator runtime by up to 24 hours compared to its class. The full Apex 300 ecosystem supports up to 30,720W of solar input, helping users cut costs while shrinking their carbon footprint. For a simpler setup, pairing with one Solar X 4K Charge Controller still delivers a massive 6,400W solar inputa two-year savings sprint.

Make Every Day Earth Day

BLUETTI's commitment to ESG principles comes to life through its new Clean Energy Incentive Program . Gas generator owners around the world can join by simply submitting basic information about their current devices and selecting a solar generator to receive a subsidized price, with no extra steps needed.

In addition, early access to the all-new Apex 300 is available through May 19th. Make the smart switchjoin the movement and power a cleaner tomorrow.

About BLUETTI

BLUETTI is a dedicated advocate for sustainability, integrating ESG principles throughout product design and corporate initiatives. Through impactful projects like LAAF (Light An African Family) , BLUETTI provides affordable, sustainable energy solutions to communities across Africa. By partnering with Leave No Trace, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, BLUETTI supports responsible outdoor recreation through clean energy solutions that minimize environmental footprints. This blend of craftsmanship, reliability, and a focus on real-world needs is what makes BLUETTI trusted in over 110 countries and regions.

Media Contact

Ellen Lee

BLUETTI PR Team

[email protected]

SOURCE BLUETTI POWER INC.
WASHINGTON, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leaders from higher education, industry and government gathered on Tuesday, April 29 to join U.S. News & World Report in discussing what the future of higher education can and should be.

In the early morning higher education summit, " Leadership of Tomorrow: Challenges and Opportunities in Higher Education ," U.S. News  the global authority in education rankings and consumer advice  convened ten leaders across higher education in dialogue about the industry's future and its leaders.

"Being a leader at a university today is one the most difficult jobs there are; you have to balance different constituents, including alumni, students and faculty, while also managing endowments and research centers," Eric Gertler, U.S. News executive chairman and CEO, told attendees. "But how are you making sure your students are getting the education that they deserve and are demanding?"

"When we think about these issues, we like to look at them and provide solutions and an objective way for you to understand what higher education looks like and offer a balanced approach to these issues," Gertler added.

The summit follows recent funding challenges, policy changes and executive orders levied at universities, which have left colleges, their leaders and students contemplating what to expect in the years ahead.

While examining policy changes reshaping higher education, Roxanne Garza , director of higher education policy at The Education Trust, highlighted the nontraditional pathways students are taking now. "We are seeing much more focus on what different pathways look like, into post-secondary education, into the middle class. We are seeing more emphasis on other kinds of high-quality pathways," said Garza. "We want to make sure that these different pathways available to students, which may be shorter and cheaper, are of higher quality, and we see more variety in what's available to students post-high school graduation."

In a session discussing the new era of university leadership, Jonathan Alger , president of American University, spoke about the opportunities available to colleges, stating that "it's an opportunity to rethink our priorities, what we do, and how we do it. That is something that many of us in higher education are trying to do: be more nimble and look at some of the bureaucratic hurdles to producing new types of programs that might be interdisciplinary."

"Higher education is critical, but we have to rethink the way we talk about higher education; we have to focus not on who we exclude but on who we include. We have to think more about some of the reasons why the public is dissatisfied with what we do," said Mary Papazian , Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges executive vice president, in the same session. "It's critical that we keep doing the work we do. Because without a strong higher education system that is truly inclusive, we are not going to be the kind of society and country we hope to be."

The two-hour summit featured sessions on higher education policy, what a new era of university leadership looks like, how mission-based thinking can solve societal problems and connecting educators with employers.

In a conversation titled "Combining Mission and Venture to Solve Critical Societal Problems," Arun Gupta , CEO of NobleReach Foundation and premier partner of today's event, addressed student motivation in uncertain times. "When things get uncertain, individuals want to be part of something bigger than themselves and want to serve. I think that's an important backdrop to say, why do we think students want to do this," Gupta told attendees. "We think students are looking for ways to solve big problems...There's an agency that they're feeling that they want to be part of the solution."

In the final segment discussing the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry, Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith (Ret.) , vice president of the Association of the United States Army, emphasized the importance of students being open to new and different opportunities. "To grow, you have to go. You have to go to places you haven't been before," said Smith. "To do the jobs that you never thought about having to do. Because it will prepare you for what will happen in the future because it'll be something different."

Additional speakers included David Attis, Managing Director, Research Advisory Services, EAB; Mark Becker, President, Association of Public & Land Grant Universities; Michelle Dimino, Director of Education, Third Way; Vincent Ponzo, Amazon AI Lead; and Jennifer Engle, Georgetown University Center for Education & the Workforce.

The U.S. News analysis of the event is available here . Video of the full summit is available on LinkedIn and YouTube .

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

SOURCE U.S. News & World Report
DENVER, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Workplace injuries, absenteeism, and employee burnout are no longer just about physical ergonomics. A new white paper, " Emotional Ergonomics: How the Intersection of Industrial Ergonomics, Pain, and Mental Health Shapes Worker Wellbeing ," reveals how chronic pain, mental health, and workplace safety are inextricably linkedand why organizations must address them together to foster a healthy, high-performing workforce.

Dorn Logo Headspace Logo

This research, developed in collaboration with United Suicide Survivors International , DORN , and MINES and Associates , explores the concept of Emotional Ergonomicsa new approach that integrates industrial ergonomics with psychological resilience to create safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces.

To explore these findings and their practical applications, join our live webinar on May 21. Seats are limited, so reserve your spot today.

Key Findings from the White Paper:

Chronic pain and mental health are deeply interconnected  Workers experiencing persistent discomfort are three times more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.

Workplace conditions impact mental health outcomes  High job demands, poor ergonomic environments, and limited social support increase burnout, disengagement, and absenteeism.

Technology is transforming injury prevention  AI-driven health monitoring, motion-capture technology, and predictive analytics are reshaping how organizations address physical and mental health risks.

"Emotional Ergonomics bridges the gap between physical safety and mental resilience, ensuring that employee health is not just a compliance checkbox but a business imperative."

 Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, Co-Chair, Workplace Special Interest Group, International Association for Suicide Prevention & President, United Suicide Survivors International

"Addressing industrial ergonomics without considering emotional wellbeing is an incomplete strategy. The most forward-thinking companies recognize that true injury prevention must integrate both."

 Kevin Lombardo, CEO, DORN Companies

"By integrating Emotional Ergonomics with EAP, behavioral health, and wellbeing services, organizations can nurture a culture in which resilience, belonging, and sustainable outcomes are supported."

 Dr. Dani Kimlinger, CEO, MINES and Associates

The white paper provides actionable recommendations, including comprehensive ergonomic assessments, enhanced mental health support programs, and emerging technology solutions to create a more adaptive and responsive workplace.

Download the full white paper, "Emotional Ergonomics: How the Intersection of Industrial Ergonomics, Pain, and Mental Health Shapes Worker Well-Being", here to learn more.

Join our live webinar on May 21 to gain expert insights and practical tools for transforming workplace well-being. Seats are limitedreserve your spot today.

Read the full press release here.

Media Contact:

Nic McKane

Business Development Coordinator at MINES and Associates, Inc.

[email protected]

303-468-765

SOURCE MINES & Associates
ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SNA International (SNA), a global leader in mission-critical solutions for national security, public safety, and identity intelligence, is pleased to announce that Erin Forry has joined the company as Senior Forensic Solutions Architect. In this pivotal role, Ms. Forry will lead the strategic growth of DNAConnect, SNA's Rapid DNA information management platform, while leading consulting engagements with forensic laboratories and law enforcement agencies.

Erin Forry Joins SNA International to Lead Strategic Expansion of DNAConnect

Ms. Forry brings a wealth of experience in forensic science, program leadership, and international standards development. Her distinguished career includes serving as President of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, Chair of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group to ISO TC 272, and Quality Manager at the Boston Police Department Crime Lab. She has successfully guided forensic laboratories through complex transitions to ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. She has spearheaded numerous initiatives that optimized forensic operations, improved turnaround time, and ensured compliance with FBI and ISO standards.

"Erin's unparalleled combination of deep forensic expertise, national leadership, and international standards insight makes her a powerful addition to our team," said Allen Carr, Director of Advanced Programs at SNA International. "Her strategic vision and ability to deliver measurable impact perfectly align with SNA's mission to empower agencies with smart, scalable solutions that advance public safety, national security, and operational excellence."

Ms. Forry will lead a mission-driven team advancing public safety by applying modern technologies aligned with the latest forensic standards. Her appointment underscores SNA's continued commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and operational support across forensic and public safety missions.

About SNA International

Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, SNA International provides essential services to government agencies engaged in high-consequence, high-visibility missions. The company applies advanced science, innovative technology, and expert talent to solve complex challenges. SNA specializes in identifying and removing the cultural, structural, policy, process, and technological barriers that hinder mission performance. Committed to its founding philosophy, SNA creates cutting-edge, reliable solutions that work in the real world.

For more information on SNA, visit https://sna-intl.com.

SOURCE SNA International
TAIPEI, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EVA Air hosted the official launch of EVA BizFam Global Corporate Travel Rewards Program at W Hotel Taipei on April 30, 2025. The event was led by EVA Air President Clay Sun, Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) Executive Vice President Joe Chou, and "EVA Air executives including" Chief Executive Vice President Albert Liao, Spokesperson David Chen, Executive Vice President Charlie Pan and Ted Hou. More than 130 representatives from domestic and international businesses gathered to witness the unveiling of EVA Air's new digital platform, which marks a new chapter in smart, efficient corporate travel.

EVA Air opens the door to joint promotions and marketing efforts with partners across global industries. By combining customer bases and expanding service offerings, EVA Air and its partners can provide greater value to a larger audience.

"In appreciation of the long-standing support from our corporate clients worldwide, we developed EVA BizFam to enhance the travel experience with greater convenience, flexibility, and care," said EVA Air's President, Clay Sun. "EVA BizFam is more than a platform, it's a partnership. We've built it with a deep understanding of our users' needs to create a one-stop travel management solution for companies of all sizes worldwide. At EVA Air, corporate members are not just travelers but valued partners on a shared journey. Whether for business or leisure, we welcome them to enjoy the full range of services and exclusive benefits of EVA BizFam. By offering global resources and forging cross-industry partnerships, we aim to create meaningful collaborations that generate mutual value and benefits that we pass directly back to our members."

One Platform, Multiple Benefits: A Smarter Way to Manage Business Travel

EVA BizFam stands out with four core strengths: a global platform, centralized travel management, digital rewards processing, and a unique cross-industry alliance model. The platform is accessible via mobile, tablet, or desktop, allowing companies to track employee travel plans and rewards in real time, streamlining and boosting efficiency. Businesses can earn points through employee travel, which they can redeem for free tickets, cabin upgrades, and exclusive airport privileges. Employees also accumulate personal Infinity MileageLands miles, adding personal value to each trip. All benefits are easily accessible and redeemable through the EVA BizFam platform, enhancing every step of the journey.

Expanding Beyond Travel: Lifestyle Perks Through Global Partnerships

EVA BizFam goes beyond traditional travel tools. The program offers accommodations, dining, ground transportation, and leisure services into a seamless experience by collaborating with global brands. Members can access exclusive offers by presenting their membership credentials, improving their travel experiences for business or leisure. These offers include special discounts on hotel bookings, airport transfers, coffee breaks, and spa treatments, making travel more enjoyable and rewarding.

Cross-Industry Collaboration to Broaden Reach and Deepen Value

EVA BizFam also opens the door to joint promotions and marketing efforts with partners across global industries. By combining customer bases and expanding service offerings, EVA Air and its partners can provide greater value to a larger audience. EVA Air is actively discussing with leading global brands to expand these alliances.

EVA Air will continue refining the platform based on user feedback, delivering more innovative, personalized solutions for corporate travel while expanding partnership opportunities. Companies can now apply for EVA BizFam membership through the official website, at no cost, and be among the first to experience a forward-thinking travel model that supports business success, employee well-being, and shared brand growth.

About EVA Air:

A Star Alliance member, EVA Air was founded in 1989 as Taiwan's first privately owned international airline. It is an affiliated company of global container-shipping leader Evergreen Line. It flies a fleet of more than 80 Boeing and Airbus aircraft to around 60 international destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. Travelers can learn more about EVA and schedules, book, and buy tickets at www.evaair.com.

SOURCE EVA Airways Corporation
NEW YORK, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Enterprise Partners ("HEP"), a healthcare private equity firm, is pleased to announce that Ezra Mehlman has been recognized as a Top Healthcare Investor of 2025 by GrowthCap.

Ezra Mehlman Named As A Top Healthcare Investor of 2025 by GrowthCap. Ezra Mehlman Named As A Top Healthcare Investor of 2025 by GrowthCap

"Ezra is an exceptionally disciplined and transparent investor who understands that strong relationships and long-term value creation go hand in hand," said Kulmeet Singh, CEO of Twistle, an HEP portfolio company that was sold to Health Catalyst. "Beyond capital, Ezra and his team delivered on their promises  proactively facilitating high-value introductions to potential customers, including multiple health systems, and strengthening our syndicate with supportive co-investors. Their principled approach to investing creates significant long-term value for both entrepreneurs and investors alike."

This year's awardees were selected for their deep sector expertise, leadership, and ability to navigate the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. In addition to their investment acumen, these investors have demonstrated an ability to provide unique strategic and/or operational insights that drive value for their portfolio companies. Investors were nominated by their firms, portfolio company executives, industry peers, or other leading investors. GrowthCap undertakes a methodical and thorough evaluation process for each nominee, reviewing their investment experience, feedback from industry professionals, and overall consistency.

Ezra is currently on the board of directors of Aware Recovery Care, BrentCare Behavioral Health, The Intermed Group, Kno2, and Proven Behavioral Health, and serves as an observer to the board of Wildflower Health. He previously served on the board of directors of AxiaMed (acquired by Bank of America), Applied Pathways (acquired by AIM Specialty Health, a division of Anthem, Inc), Centerpointe Behavioral Health System (acquired by Acadia Healthcare), InDemand Interpreting (acquired by Stratus Video/AMN Healthcare), Jvion (sold to Lightbeam). and Twistle (acquired by Health Catalyst). He serves on the Harvard School of Public Health's Health Policy and Management Executive Council and is on the faculty of Columbia Business School, where he has taught the Healthcare Venture Capital and Private Equity elective for the past ten years.

Prior to joining HEP in 2010, Ezra was a Senior Analyst at the Advisory Board Company, providing best practice consulting and research services to hospitals and health systems. After leaving the Advisory Board Company, Ezra served as a Senior Consultant in the healthcare practice of Booz Allen Hamilton focusing on engagements in the provider space.

Ezra holds a B.A. cum laude from Washington University in St. Louis, and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School.

View full list of awardees here.

SOURCE Health Enterprise Partners
DOVER, Del., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- factiiv, a trailblazing fintech company, has officially launched the first B2B credibility-building platform designed exclusively for small businesses. This transformative solution puts the power of credit and trade reporting directly into the hands of entrepreneurs, giving them tools previously only accessible to large corporations and traditional credit bureaus.

report your trade with factiiv and get paid. factiiv is free to use. sign up today factiiv is built different. We do what the others can't. Built for small businesses owners that want to get better credibility in the trade economy. The first platform that gives the power of reporting tradelines to small businesses.

Founded in 2020, factiiv has evolved from a startup to a valuation of over $40 million. Serving small businesses across the United States and Canada, factiiv is now setting its sights on emerging markets in Asia, Africa and South America. With its unique approach to credit reporting, the company is poised to become a major player in the future of business credibility management.

Redefining Business Credibility in the Modern Economy

Until now, small business owners have faced steep challenges when trying to build or verify business credibility. Legacy platforms like Equifax, Experian, Dun & Bradstreet, and Credit Safe have often made it difficult for small businesses to report their own payment history or access valuable credit data.

"Dealing with the credit bureaus always seemed so mysterious, especially the business credit bureaus," says Bob Bedi, CEO at factiiv. "It was as if there was some secret society behind the scenes that didn't want the business owner to get behind the curtain. We're tearing that curtain down."

With factiiv, those limitations are a thing of the past. The platform allows small businesses to:

Report positive and negative trade experiences

Share credibility reports with vendors, partners, and customers

Access factiiv reports to better evaluate risk when extending credit

Participate in a community of data providers to create a transparent trade ecosystem

This decentralized approach empowers small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to take control of their financial narrativebuilding trust and stability in their business relationships.

A New Era for Business-to-Business Reporting

Unlike traditional credit bureaus, factiiv isn't just another reporting agencyit's a dynamic platform built for the real needs of modern entrepreneurs. The company's subscription plans are tailored to meet SMB budgets, starting with a free tier and scaling up to a premium plan for just $29.95 per month, as well as, a data provider tier for an annual fee.

In the coming months, factiiv will roll out a revolutionary service enabling small businesses to become data providers. This will allow members to access real-time reports on customers and vendorsreporting both positive and delinquent accounts to help create a more honest, transparent trade economy.

"The future of business credibility reporting doesn't belong in a black boxit belongs in the hands of the businesses themselves," says Bedi. "We're beyond the bureaus. This is about trust, transparency, and transformation."

Looking Forward: Lending, AI, and Global Growth

With a bold vision for the future, factiiv is preparing to launch an integrated lending arm that will make funding decisions based on its proprietary scoring model, derived from its own rich dataset. Unlike traditional lending institutions, factiiv aims to provide more inclusive and transparent credit options that truly reflect the credibility and reliability of small businesses.

Furthermore, the company plans to integrate AI-powered sales and customer support tools to enhance user experience and data integrity. These smart features will help businesses make faster, smarter decisions about who they choose to work withand how they choose to grow.

By combining AI with its existing infrastructure, factiiv is not only helping users mitigate risk but also assisting them in building a stronger foundation for long-term success.

A First Mover with a Global Mission

As the first platform of its kind, factiiv is setting a new standard for what business credit reporting can and should look like in the modern, decentralized, and global economy. By focusing on the real needs of small businesses and eliminating traditional barriers, factiiv is democratizing financial credibility sort of like a social network of credibility.

Whether you're a local contractor, a small manufacturer, or a growing digital agency, factiiv provides a simple, effective, and transparent way to build trust and demonstrate financial reliability in a competitive landscape.

About factiiv

Founded in 2020, factiiv is a business credibility platform designed to help small businesses build trust, manage financial risk, and thrive in today's trade economy. Operating in the U.S. and Canada, with plans for global expansion, factiiv provides a suite of tools including business credibility reports, trade history tracking, and subscription-based access to financial insights. Leveraging cutting-edge AI, factiiv will ensure the highest level of data integrity through advanced business verification, data optimization, and tradeline integrity monitoring. By combining transparency with technology, factiiv empowers businesses to grow with confidence in an increasingly interconnected marketplace.

Media Contact:

Jessicca Genova

888-820-8440

[email protected]

SOURCE factiiv
New Anchor Lease Reflects FNRP's Strategy to Elevate Tenant Quality and Drive Value

BESSEMER, Ala., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First National Realty Partners (FNRP), a leading national private equity commercial real estate firm, has completed a lease with OneLife Fitness at Tannehill Promenade in Bessemer, Alabama. The addition of the regional fitness operator completes a major milestone in the center's leasing strategy and brings leased occupancy to 98%.

Architect rendering of location at Tannehill Promenade courtesy of OneLife Fitness

OneLife Fitness will occupy the former 57,455-square-foot JCPenney space, which had been vacant since 2017. A leading regional fitness brand known for its upscale facilities and full-service health club model, OneLife Fitness offers premium amenities like state-of-the-art equipment, group fitness classes, personal training, and spa-like recovery areas. Their arrival reactivates a key anchor box and brings a wellness-focused use to the center that's expected to drive consistent, weekly foot traffic.

As the brand's first location in the Birmingham market, the new club is slated to open in December 2025delivering a high-quality fitness experience to the community and reinforcing Tannehill Promenade's position as a premier shopping destination in the market.

"We're excited to welcome OneLife Fitness to Tannehill Promenade and to be a part of their growth in Alabama," said Fred Battisti, Chief Revenue Officer at FNRP. "Backfilling a long-vacant anchor with a brand that brings ongoing foot traffic and long-term value is exactly the kind of high-impact leasing activity we look for that enhances the center's performance and supports our investment strategy."

Strategically positioned off I-459, Tannehill Promenade benefits from high visibility and strong regional traffic, with more than 86,000 vehicles passing by each day. The center features a dynamic mix of national retailers, including Publix, Target, Ross, T.J. Maxx, and Burlington. The addition of OneLife Fitness complements the existing retail lineup and enhances the center's appeal to both shoppers and co-tenants.

"OneLife Fitness brings a best-in-class fitness experience to a high-profile location," said Andrew Nesbitt, Director of Leasing at FNRP. "Their presence reinforces Tannehill Promenade's regional draw and supports our goal of delivering a vibrant, well-rounded environment that benefits both our tenants and the broader community."

Earlier this year, FNRP also signed a lease with Aqua Dermatology for over 2,300 square feet, further solidifying Tannehill Promenade's stronghold in the Birmingham-area retail landscape.

About First National Realty Partners

First National Realty Partners (FNRP) provides accredited investors with access to institutional quality commercial real estate, specializing in necessity-based retail nationwide. From acquisition to disposition, FNRP oversees the entire investment lifecycle through its vertically integrated platform. Leveraging top in-house talent in legal, acquisitions, leasing, and other key areas, FNRP creates sustainable value for its investors. For more information, please visit www.fnrpusa.com.

Contact:

Jessica DeMarino

[email protected]

SOURCE First National Realty Partners, LLC
Compliance Leader Verification recognizes organizations with an

outstanding commitment to achieving a superior ethics and compliance program

Company's Vice President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer Antonio Fernandez honored with Business Ethics Leadership Alliance's Beacon Award

AKRON, Ohio, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Reflecting its core values and commitment to ethics and integrity, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has earned Compliance Leader Verification for 2025-2026 from Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. This designation reflects that FirstEnergy's corporate ethics and compliance program and initiatives and corporate culture meet or exceed stringent criteria reflective of best practices.

Ethisphere also has recognized FirstEnergy Vice President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer Antonio Fernandez with its 2025 Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA) Beacon Award, which honors individual leaders who have fostered the growth of the BELA community through their personal efforts and generosity in sharing their time and expertise.

Brian X. Tierney, Board Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer for FirstEnergy: "Under Antonio's leadership, FirstEnergy has rebuilt our ethics and compliance program to focus on doing what's right for our customers, communities, employees and other stakeholders. The integrity and accountability that grounds these programs are not just principles on paper, but the foundation for how we work, lead and grow. I'm proud that we've established a culture where integrity fuels innovation, drives performance excellence and enhances the experience for our customers  traits reflecting our transformation to becoming a premier electric company."

Watch Tierney and Fernandez discuss FirstEnergy's ethics and compliance journey with Ethisphere's Bill Coffin on a recent episode of the Ethicast Podcast.

Jodie Fredericksen, Vice President, Data and Services at Ethisphere: "FirstEnergy has put in an incredible amount of work to establish and strengthen their program. They mean business, and we continue to be impressed with their dedication to ethics and compliance. Antonio has been a standout leader in this space, both at FirstEnergy and in the compliance community. At a time when integrity and trust are more important than ever, he sets an example for those around him by leading with courage, clarity and conviction."

The Compliance Leader Verification process involves a rigorous review of an ethics and compliance program and corporate culture. It includes completing the Ethics Quotient (EQ), a questionnaire covering the elements of an effective program; benchmarking program practices against the World's Most Ethical Companies; and extensive document review and interviews with executives and stakeholders.

FirstEnergy's performance was evaluated on six key areas: program resources and structure; perceptions of ethical culture; written standards; training and communication; risk assessment, monitoring and auditing; and enforcement, discipline and incentives.

More information about Compliance Leader Verification is available at https://ethisphere.com/what-we-do/leader-verification/

About Ethisphere

Ethisphere is the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that strengthen corporate brands, build trust in the marketplace and deliver business success.

Companies turn ethics, compliance, and culture into a business advantage by leveraging Ethisphere's data-driven program and culture assessments featuring the latest guidance and the practices of hundreds of global organizations across the 8 pillars of an ethical culture, and 240+ ethics, compliance, social and governance data points delivered through a proprietary software platform.

Ethisphere also honors superior integrity programs through World's Most Ethical Companies recognition, brings together a community of industry experts with the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA), and advances ethical business practices through the Global Ethics Summit, Ethisphere Magazine and the Ethicast podcast. For more information, visit https://ethisphere.com.

About FirstEnergy

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on X @FirstEnergyCorp or online at firstenergycorp.com .

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.
Sarasota's Florida Plastic Surgery & MedSpa earns three prestigious 2025 Herald-Tribune awards for excellence.

SARASOTA, Fla., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Plastic Surgery and MedSpa is proud to announce that Dr. Kristopher Hamwi accepted multiple prestigious awards at The Ora in Sarasota, FL, at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 20. Florida Plastic Surgery & MedSpa is honored to be recognized as a leader in aesthetics and wellness, having won three prestigious categories in the 2025 Sarasota Herald-Tribune Community Choice Awards and earned finalist placements in two additional categories.

Winner: Best Plastic Surgeon  Dr. Kristopher Hamwi

Winner: Best Plastic Surgery Center

Winner: Best Medical Spa

Finalist: Best Facials

Finalist: Best Weight Loss Center

"We are incredibly grateful for the support of our patients and the Sarasota community," said Dr. Kristopher Hamwi, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Florida Plastic Surgery & Medspa. "These awards reflect our dedication to providing exceptional care, cutting-edge treatments, and natural, beautiful results."

About Dr. Kristopher Hamwi

With over 16 years of experience and a reputation for excellence in aesthetic surgery, Dr. Kristopher Hamwi is a globally recognized expert in cosmetics and procedures. He has been performing awake surgeries since 2010, allowing patients to achieve stunning, natural-looking results with reduced downtime and a safer approach to surgical enhancements.

Dr. Hamwi is a board-certified plastic surgeon and trained under some of the most renowned plastic surgeons in the world and is known for his meticulous technique, artistic approach, and unwavering commitment to patient safety and satisfaction. His expertise spans facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and non-surgical aesthetic treatments, ensuring that every patient receives a customized plan tailored to their unique goals.

About Florida Plastic Surgery & Medspa

Located in the heart of Sarasota, Florida Plastic Surgery & MedSpa is a premier destination for both surgical and non-surgical aesthetic treatments with patients traveling from throughout the country to receive care.

A Heartfelt Thank You to the Sarasota Community For Voting Dr. Hamwi The Best Plastic Surgeon

Winning these awards underscores the trust and loyalty of the Sarasota community. Florida Plastic Surgery & Medspa extends heartfelt gratitude to its patients and supporters for their continued confidence in the practice's expertise and care.

"We're proud to be a part of the Sarasota community and honored to help people achieve their aesthetic goals," said Danaisa, a registered nurse at Florida Plastic Surgery & Medspa. "We look forward to another year of delivering outstanding results and continuing to offer the highest standard of care to our patients."

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit www.floridaplasticsurgery.com or call (941) 200-8000.

Media Contact: Dr. Kristopher Hamwi Email: [email protected] Phone: (941) 800-2000

SOURCE Florida Plastic Surgery
Parents take note: the kids' travel wish list has landed! As summer approaches, a new global survey reveals what our young travellers are really dreaming about andspoiler alertit's not just ice cream and cartoons. From friendship quests to superhero adventures, today's young adventurers have spoken, and they're bringing big imagination to their travel wish lists. Ready for a vacation that will create unforgettable memories with the kids? Here's what they're really looking for!

Craving for connections

Research* was commissioned by Experience Abu Dhabi, the destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism  Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), polling over 7,000 children aged 5 to 12 and their parents from across nine countries, including France, Italy, Germany, China, UK, US, and India, as well as UAE and Saudi Arabia. The data reveals something both unexpected and universal: 90% of children worldwide want holiday activities that help them make new friends.

In an age of screens and streaming, what kids are genuinely craving is real connection. Whether it's exploring the children's library, splashing at a waterpark, or a day out at the aquarium, these shared adventures can easily help children form new bonds that stretch across the globe. Additionally, peer influence also plays a powerful role: 95% of kids want to try activities they can tell their friends about, while 91% are inspired by what their friends have done.

While connection is key, imagination still plays a huge role, with 89% of children saying their ideal holiday lets them experience their favourite video game or movie in real life. These young travellers aren't just watching, scrolling or gaming, they're trying to imagine themselves inside those worlds.

H.E. Nouf Mohamed Al-Bushlaibi, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: "As both a parent and a marketer, I know firsthand how important it is to really listen to kids, to understand what lights them up, what sparks their imagination, and what makes a holiday unforgettable. We commissioned this research to hear what truly matters to children when they look at holidays, and what they told us was inspiring: they want connection, adventure, and the freedom to play out the stories they love. Abu Dhabi brings all of that to life as a place where kids can dream big, try new things, and feel right at home doing it with their loved ones."

As children from around the world revealed what makes a holiday unforgettable, each country had its own standout passion.

In the UAE, 98% of kids said big, exciting adventures are a must

More than 3 in 4 kids surveyed in India want to visit a museum on holiday

want to on holiday In the UK, 94% prioritise activities they can talk about with friends

German children showed a strong interest in cultural food experiences, with 84% wanting to visit a food market

89% of kids from China want time to relax, play and hang out

of kids from Italian kids stood out for their curiosity, with 95% wanting to try activities they've never done before

French kids gravitated towards water activities, with 97% wanting to spend a day at a waterpark or enjoying water sports

Children in Saudi Arabia showed a love for variety with 82% wanting to try lots of different cool activities on holiday

showed a love for variety In the US, 85% of children are keen to take part in make-believe activities like being a race car driver or zookeeper for the day

The takeaway is simple: kids want to follow their passions. They're looking for a holiday that blends fun, freedom and the chance to explore their interests in their own way. And they're looking to do it all with their loved ones. The research also finds that family time remains sacred, even in today's day and age, with 97% of kids saying that enjoying fun moments with their families is one of their must-haves on their dream holiday.

Abu Dhabi: a playground for imagination

With a diverse range of attractions dotted across the emirate, Abu Dhabi stands out as a "Totally Recommended" holiday destination for families, entirely kid-approved. As kids look for opportunities to play make-believe roles (85%), Abu Dhabi is setting the stage for them to do it all. From cruising through Yas Marina Circuit and exciting animal encounters at Emirates Park Zoo, to donning the capes of their favourite superheroes at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the emirate is packed with experiences that will make kids feel like they've jumped straight into their dream holidays.

And there's even more to discover. At teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, families can explore a world where art comes alive, light reacts to movement and every step sparks a new surprise. Opening later this year are Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the UAE, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, which will narrate the story of life on Earth and the origins of our universe.

So, with all of these incredible insights, what does the perfect family holiday actually look like? That's exactly what we set out to create, by handing the planning over to the kids themselves.

The ultimate travel itinerary: created by kids, for kids

We asked children to design their dream holiday. Not just what they wanted to see and do, but how they wanted to feel, where they wanted to eat, and what kind of pace made the experience fun. The result is a seven-day itinerary filled with culture, big adventures, creative play, nature, and moments to slow down.

From waterparks and wildlife to desert discoveries, the itinerary reflects exactly what today's young travellers are looking for. And because it's shaped by the kids themselves, it speaks their language: curious, imaginative and full of excitement. Best of all, every part of it can be experienced right here in Abu Dhabi.

With a Kids Recommended itinerary, we're handing parents a blueprint to their kids' ultimate dream holiday. This summer, Abu Dhabi isn't just about what you can do. It's about setting your own pace. Whether you're up for non-stop adventure or slow, easy days with space to wander, everything is close and accessible.

Parents usually need to have kids choose one or two things on a given trip, but Abu Dhabi is the all-in-one family holiday that almost plans itself. It's everything you want without the "I'm bored" or the "are we nearly there?"... it's a family destination that gives you space to explore, relax, and spend time together, all at your own pace.

Abu Dhabi is Totally Recommended because whatever kind of holiday you're looking for, you'll find it. Watch the experiential film.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism  Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism  Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi's wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate's position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate's potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi's vision is defined by the emirate's people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi's status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism  Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae

Note to Editors:

*Methodology

Experience Abu Dhabi, the destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism  Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) commissioned independent research, surveying over 7,000 parents and children across multiple markets, including the UK, US, India, China, Germany, France, Italy, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The research focused on families with children aged 512 and included both parent and child responses. Parents were asked about travel decision-making and family holiday priorities, while children shared their dream holiday experiences through engaging, age-appropriate formats such as images and swiping questions. Robust quality controls were applied throughout to ensure data reliability.

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuFN_aYDwAI

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2676929/DCT_Abu_Dhabi.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2676930/DCT_Itinerary.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2676931/DCT_Abu_Dhabi_2.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2549357/5008210/Experience_Abu_Dhabi_logo.jpg

SOURCE Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi; Experience Abu Dhabi

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District Implements Gale Resources into Curriculum to Provide Students with Access to Accurate, Trustworthy Information That Fosters Research Skills to Develop Future-Ready Students

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. and BOISE, Idaho, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With the rampant spread of mis-, dis- and mal-information across the internet and social media platforms, Gale, part of Cengage Group is helping Boise High School students learn how to analyze and think critically about the information they read and the reliability of its source. The Boise School District in Boise, Idaho, is using Gale In Context, a suite of online databases designed to provide students with access to current, relevant and authoritative digital content for effective researching. These resources allow learners to develop a better understanding of where they're getting their information.

It's all about getting students to understand where they're getting their information from. Post this Photo source-credit: iStock

"We have a goal at Boise School District to create future-ready students so they can find good information and use critical thinking skills to be productive members of society," said Natasha Rush, a certified teacher librarian and building technology lead at Boise High School. "We found that Gale's resources allow us to do just that."

To support the district's strategic plan, Gale In Context was incorporated into Boise's classrooms. Rush worked closely with every ELA teacher at her high school to ensure teachers and students could benefit from Gale resources. She also made sure the resources were integrated into social studies, science, and multi-language classrooms, as well as used for AP and SAT prep.

Some of the Gale In Context features that Boise students and teachers have found useful include:

Curated, Grade-Appropriate Content: delivers age-appropriate, reliable, curriculum-related content that covers a broad range of subjects, enabling students to learn at a comfortable pace through trusted content.

delivers age-appropriate, reliable, curriculum-related content that covers a broad range of subjects, enabling students to learn at a comfortable pace through trusted content. Built-in Scaffolding: helps students learn to scan and evaluate sources quickly.

helps students learn to scan and evaluate sources quickly. Citation Tools: integrated directly into the user's workflow, formatted citations can be easily imported from single or multiple documents to services like EasyBib or NoodleTools. MLA, APA, Chicago , and Harvard style citations are supported.

integrated directly into the user's workflow, formatted citations can be easily imported from single or multiple documents to services like EasyBib or NoodleTools. MLA, APA, , and style citations are supported. Google & Microsoft Integration: features integration capabilities with Google Workspace for Education and Microsoft Office 365 collaboration tools. These enable users to easily access, share, save and download contentincluding highlights, notes and other e-resources.

features integration capabilities with Google Workspace for Education and Microsoft Office 365 collaboration tools. These enable users to easily access, share, save and download contentincluding highlights, notes and other e-resources. Topic Browse Searching: unique topic pages collect information from reliable sources, making it easy for students to search, compare and contrast different sources and headlines.

With Boise High School located just a block from the State Capitol, Rush's students are very engaged in government studies. "My kids are passionate about issues that affect them and have a strong desire to be active citizens," said Rush. But in a world full of misleading information and false truths, from social sites like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, Rush's students are challenged with telling fact from fiction. "It's all about getting students to understand that where they're getting their information is just as important as what information they're getting," said Rush.

Although today's students have grown up online, they still need to learn how to search. Gale In Context resources act as "training wheels" for students, explains Rush. Whether they're interested in the mental health of teenagers, the effects of school start times, or what it's like to be a college athlete, students can verify information from social media and other unvetted sources by cross-checking with credible material.

"Being able to sort information, ask questions about where it comes from, and determine its credibility is a critical thinking skill that affects not only students' academic performance but also their ability to function in society and be future-ready adults," Rush said. "The amount of information they have access to is only going to increase and teaching them how to handle that information responsibly is of the utmost importance."

Educators throughout the Boise School District have embraced Gale in Context and recognize the value. "It's so important to make sure teachers and students have access to a variety of supplemental materials that we know are credible, traceable to a reputable source, vetted by experts, and organized in a way that makes them easy to find," said district librarian, Erin Downey.

Gale In Context student databases have a long history of supporting academic achievement and future-ready skill development. From social studies to English language arts and beyond, the databases use eye-catching topic overview pages to bring together nonfiction materials in all digital, accessible formats. Students get access to current, authoritative information in articles, videos, charts, images, infographics, and more. In a nationwide study conducted by Project Tomorrow on behalf of Gale, 91 percent of teachers said their students' research skills improved from using the Gale In Context databases to support their assignments and projects.

Read more about how Boise School District is using Gale in Context to create tomorrow's leaders.

For more information on Gale In Context, visit its webpage.

About Cengage Group and Gale

Cengage Group, an education technology company serving millions of learners in 165 countries, advances the way students learn through quality, digital experiences. The company currently serves the K-12, higher education, professional, library, English language teaching and workforce training markets worldwide. Gale, part of Cengage Group, believes in the power and joy of learning. For schools, the company helps drive positive outcomes by providing essential, curriculum-aligned content that empowers educators to solve curriculum challenges and meet students where they are. Today that includes supporting distance and social and emotional learning as well as equity and inclusion goals. Gale's K-12 offerings extend from educational databases and custom eBook collections to instructional tools and professional development resources. For more information, please visit: www.gale.com/schools.

Follow Gale on:

Media Contact:

Kayla Siefker, Gale, part of Cengage Group

248-378-3376

[email protected]

SOURCE Gale, part of Cengage Group
SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kooner Fleet Management Solutions, a leading provider of comprehensive fleet management, repair and preventative maintenance solutions, is pleased to announce that Ernst & Young LLP (EY) has named Gary Kooner, the company's Founder and CEO, an Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Bay Area finalist. The recognition highlights ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, high-growth businesses across the country.

Gary Kooner, Founder & CEO of Kooner Fleet Management Solutions

An independent panel of judges selected Gary for his entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and lasting impact in building long-term value. Now in its 40th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world's most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and making a profound impact on communities.

"I'm incredibly honored to be recognized as a Bay Area Finalist alongside exceptional leaders across the region whose innovations are shaping our future," said Gary Kooner, Founder and CEO of Kooner Fleet Management Solutions. "This recognition underscores our commitment to revolutionizing the fleet management industry, made possible by the many contributions of the entire Kooner FMS team who have brought this vision to life."

Entrepreneur of The Year honors business leaders for their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit. Regional award winners will be announced on Friday, June 13 during a special celebration in San Francisco. The winners will then be considered by the National judges for the Entrepreneur of The Year National Awards, presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum.

Kooner Fleet Management Solutions offers a comprehensive suite of services, including:

On-Site & Mobile Fleet Optimization

Vehicle Maintenance & Repair

Driver Management

Telematics & Tracking

As Kooner Fleet Management Solutions continues to expand operations nationally, the company remains committed to providing innovative solutions that drive business success. Kooner FMS's focus on customer satisfaction, technological advancements, and sustainable practices will ensure its continued growth and leadership in the fleet management industry.

About Kooner Fleet Management Solutions

Kooner Fleet Management Solutions is a leading provider of comprehensive fleet management solutions. With a focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence, the company delivers tailored services to transportation businesses of all sizes across the United States. Visit www.KoonerFMS.com.

Kevin Satz

Vice President of Marketing

Kooner Fleet Management Solutions

[email protected]

"This release was issued through WebWire. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com."

SOURCE Kooner Fleet Management Solutions
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Horacio Marin, President and CEO of YPF -leading energy company of Argentina and largest shale oil operator in the world outside the United States- and Martin Migoya, Co-founder and CEO of Globant -a digitally native company focused on reinventing businesses through innovative technology solutions- have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that marks a significant milestone in the transformation of YPF's Supply Chain operations.

Globant to support YPF in the acceleration of its digital transformation

"This alliance supports the work we are doing at YPF to become increasingly efficient. We compete with the world's leading players, and our suppliers play a key role in our competitiveness. We trust that Globant's expertise will help us implement new tools to better manage YPF's entire value chain," said Horacio Marin, President and CEO of YPF.

"Collaborating with YPF is both a challenge and a privilege. Founded over 100 years ago, YPF was a pioneer in showing the world what Argentines are capable of. Having them put their trust in Globant to explore how to modernize their processes using AI developed in Argentina fills me with pride," said Martin Migoya, Co-founder and CEO of Globant.

YPF manages a portfolio of approximately 5,000 suppliers and handles more than 100,000 products and services, making the Supply Chain area a strategic component in the company's operations and its ongoing quest for efficiency.

This agreement will allow YPF to leverage Globant's deep knowledge and capabilities in Artificial Intelligence and AI Agents to create an innovative, integrated operating model. This model will continuously learn and evolve, make complex decisions through expert-supervised algorithms, and ensure compliance with the company's internal policies and standards.

These tools will reduce operational friction, improve efficiency, and scale capabilities across the entire supply chain.

This alliance reinforces YPF's ongoing efforts under its "Plan 4x4," which aims to enhance operational efficiency across all areas of the business and position the company as a globally competitive player, with the goal of generating $30 billion in exports by 2030.

About YPF

YPF is Argentina's leading energy company and the country's top producer of shale oilranking as the largest shale oil operator in the world outside the United States. With a presence across the entire energy value chain, YPF operates in Vaca Muerta, leads in refining and electricity generation, invests in renewable energy, and manages a nationwide network of more than 1,600 service stations.

For more information, visit www.ypf.com

About Globant

At Globant, we create the digitally-native products that people love. We bridge the gap between businesses and consumers through technology and creativity, leveraging our expertise in AI. We dare to digitally transform organizations and strive to delight their customers.

We have more than 31,200 employees and are present in 35 countries across 5 continents, working for companies like Google, Electronic Arts, and Santander, among others.

We were named a Worldwide Leader in AI Services (2023) and a Worldwide Leader in Media Consultation, Integration, and Business Operations Cloud Service Providers (2024) by IDC MarketScape report.

We are the fastest-growing IT brand and the 5th strongest IT brand globally (2024), according to Brand Finance.

We were featured as a business case study at Harvard , MIT , and Stanford .

, , and . We are active members of The Green Software Foundation (GSF) and the Cybersecurity Tech Accord.

Contact: [email protected]

Sign up to get first dibs on press news and updates.

For more information, visit www.globant.com

SOURCE GLOBANT
NEW YORK, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Graitec, a global software developer and Autodesk Platinum Partner providing digital innovation to the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry across North America and Europe, is pleased to announce the strategic acquisition of Microsol Resources, a leading Autodesk Gold Partner specialized in Building Information Modeling (BIM).

"With this acquisition, we strengthen our presence across the US, where we enjoy strong recognition." Post this Microsol Resources Graitec Group (PRNewsfoto/Graitec)

This acquisition reinforces Graitec's commitment to expanding its expertise and service offerings in the AEC sector, while significantly enhancing its local presence and capabilities. By integrating Microsol Resources' strong BIM expertise and client-centric approach, Graitec continues to cement its position as a leading technology partner for AEC professionals in the United States and Europe. The combined expertise of Graitec and Microsol Resources will unlock new opportunities for customers by offering an expanded portfolio of software, industry-specific consulting services, and technical support and training. Clients will now benefit from access to Graitec's proprietary software solutions, including Ideate, which streamlines Revit workflows, and Strucsoft, a leading BIM-based solution for structural framing and fabrication. These, along with other innovations from Graitec's Research and development team reflect Graitec's commitment to driving the digital transformation of the AEC industry.

Manuel Liedot, CEO of Graitec, stated:

"This acquisition marks a major milestone in Graitec's journey, significantly strengthening our footprint in the United Statesour largest market. With the acquisition of Microsol Resources, we further strengthen our presence across the United States, where we already enjoy strong recognition within the construction community. I'm also delighted to extend a warm welcome to all the new clients and colleagues, joining the Graitec family through this acquisition."

Emilio Krausz, President of Microsol Resources, commented:

"With the acquisition of Microsol Resources by Graitec, our team will continue to support our clients with the same dedication and expertise they've come to expect. At the same time, they will now benefit from a broader portfolio of solutions, an expanded technical team, and access to a global network. By joining forces with Graitec, we're enhancing our collective ability to serve the AEC industry. Our shared commitment to customer success and digital transformation in the built environment will allow us to deliver even greater value moving forward."

Together, Graitec and Microsol Resources combine global reach with local expertise to provide exceptional value to AEC professionals.

About Graitec :

With over 30 years of experience and a footprint in 13 countries, Graitecnow strengthened by the rebranding of Applied Software as Graitec in the U.S.is a leading provider of software solutions supporting the digitalization of the AEC and Manufacturing industries. Graitec leverages its privileged position as a Platinum Autodesk partner to develop and distribute a range of software supporting client's digital acceleration. Graitec's portfolio include Ideate Software, Strucsoft, Data Connect, Advance Workshop, and Advance Design, empowering professionals to build smarter and faster.

For more information about Graitec, please visit www.graitec.com .

About Microsol Resources :

Microsol Resources is a premier U.S.-based Autodesk Gold Partner, specializing in technology solutions for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. With 40 years of experience, the company provides software, training, consulting, and support services tailored to design professionals. Headquartered in New York City, Microsol Resources is also a Bluebeam Platinum Partner with strong partnerships with Chaos, Enscape, McNeel Rhino, and Eagle Point Software. This acquisition expands Microsol Resources' existing partnership with Ideate Software, which is part of the Graitec solutions portfolio.

For more information about Microsol Resources, please visit www.microsolresources.com

Contact: Laurent Laforest at [email protected]

SOURCE Graitec
Consolidated revenue increased 16% to Ps. 51,768 million, driven by strong growth in financial revenue

Continued growth in consolidated gross loan portfolio; it increased 14% to Ps.198,915 million

A 12% increase in consolidated deposits, to Ps. 243,931 million, generates solid prospects for the financial business, with optimal funding costs

MEXICO CITY, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Elektra, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: ELEKTRA* Latibex: XEKT), Latin America's leading specialty retailer and financial services company, and the largest non-bank provider of cash advance services in the United States, today announced first quarter 2025 results.

First quarter results

Consolidated revenue grew 16% to Ps.51,768 million in the period, compared to Ps.44,562 million in the same quarter of the previous year. Operating costs and expenses increased 17% to Ps.44,830 million, from Ps.38,199 million in the same quarter of 2024.

As a result, EBITDA was Ps.6,939 million, 9% higher than Ps.6,363 million a year ago. Operating income was Ps.4,553 million, 12% higher than Ps.4,067 million for the same period in 2024.

The company reported net income of Ps.1,865 million, compared to Ps.1,721 million a year ago.



Q1 2024 Q1 2025 Change





Ps. %









Consolidated revenue $44,562 $51,768 $7,206 16 %









EBITDA $6,363 $6,939 $576 9 %









Operating profit Net result $4,067 $1,721 $4,553 $1,865 $486 $144 12% 8%









Net result per share $7.80 $8.90 $1.10 14 %

Figures in millions of pesos. EBITDA: Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization. As of March 31, 2024, Elektra* outstanding shares were 220.7 million and as of March 31, 2025, were 209.5 million.

Revenue

Consolidated revenue increased 16% in the period, reflecting a 23% increase in financial revenue and a 5% increase in commercial sales.

The increase in financial income  to Ps.33,844 million, up from Ps.27,526 million the previous year  largely reflects a 21% increase in Banco Azteca Mexico's revenue, amid continued growth in its gross loan portfolio, which boosts the well-being of millions of families and business development.

The increase in revenue from the commercial business, to Ps.17,924 million, from Ps.17,036 million a year ago, is largely due to growth in motorcycle sales  which strengthen business productivity and the mobility of millions of people  and home appliances  which boost the quality of life of a growing number of families.

Costs and expenses

Consolidated costs for the quarter grew 9% to Ps.23,550 million, compared to Ps.21,534 million a year earlier. This increase is explained by a 19% growth in financial costs  derived from greater creation of loan reserves, in the context of solid growth in the consolidated gross portfolio  and a 2% increase in commercial costs, consistent with growth in merchandise sales.

Lower increase in consolidated costs relative to revenues for the period led to a 23% growth in gross profit, to Ps.28,219 million, from Ps.23,028 million a year ago. Gross margin increased three percentage points to 55% this quarter.

Selling, administrative and promotional expenses grew 28% to Ps.21,280 million, from Ps.16,665 million a year ago, as a result of higher operating and advertising expenses during the period.

EBITDA and net result

EBITDA grew 9% to Ps.6,939 million, compared to Ps.6,363 million in the previous year. The EBITDA margin was 13% in the period. The company reported an operating income of Ps.4,553 million, compared to Ps.4,067 million in the same quarter of 2024.

Relevant variations below EBITDA were the following:

An increase of Ps.82 million in depreciation and amortization, resulting from growth in the right-of-use asset balance.

An increase of Ps.91 million in interest expense, resulting from a higher balance of debt with cost at the end of the quarter compared to the previous year.

Consistent with the quarterly results, there was an increase of Ps.123 million in the tax provision for the period.

Grupo Elektra reported a net income of Ps.1,865 million, up from Ps.1,721 million a year ago.

Unconsolidated balance sheet

A proforma balance sheet exercise of Grupo Elektra is presented, which allows knowing the non-consolidated financial situation, excluding the net assets of the financial business, whose investment is valued in this case under the participation method.

This presentation shows the debt of the company without considering Banco Azteca's immediate and term deposits, which do not constitute debt with cost for Grupo Elektra. Also, the pro forma balance sheet does not include the bank's gross loan portfolio.

This provides greater clarity about the various businesses that make up the company and enables financial market participants to estimate its value while considering only the relevant debt for such calculations.

Consistent with the above, debt with cost as of March 31, 2025, was Ps.41,920 million, compared to Ps.38,568 million the previous year. This increase largely reflects the issuance of fiduciary certificates and the drawdown of bank lines during the period.

Cash and cash equivalents were Ps.9,000 million, up from Ps.12,267 million a year ago, and net debt was Ps.32,920 million, compared to Ps.26,301 million a year ago.



As of March 31,

2024 As of March 31,

2025 Change Ps. %



















Cash and cash equivalents $12,267 $9,000 (3,267) (27 %) Marketable financial instruments 25,717 27,208 1,491 6 % Inventories 17,470 23,946 6,476 37 % Accounts receivables 52,012 33,629 (18,382) (35 %) Other current assets 3,857 2,548 (1,308) (34 %) Investments in shares 41,575 48,208 6,634 16 % Fixed assets 8,801 8,199 (602) (7 %) Right of use assets 12,056 12,470 414 3 % Other assets 4,545 12,648 8,103 178 %









Total assets $178,299 $177,856 ($443) (0 %)









Debt with cost $38,568 $41,920 3,352 9 % Suppliers 11,340 12,727 1,387 12 % Other short-term liabilities 20,235 19,913 (321) (2 %) Other long-term liabilities 15,942 22,367 6,425 40 %









Total liabilities $86,085 $96,928 $10,843 13 %









Stakeholders equity $92,214 $80,928 ($11,285) (12 %)









Liabilities and equity $178,299 $177,856 ($443) (0 %) Figures in millions of pesos

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Loan Portfolio and Deposits

The consolidated gross loan portfolio of Banco Azteca Mexico, Purpose Financial, and Banco Azteca Latinoamerica as of March 31, 2025, grew 14% to Ps.198,915 million, compared to Ps.174,484 million the previous year. The consolidated non-performing loan ratio was 4.4% at the end of the period, compared to 4.2% the previous year.

Banco Azteca Mexico's gross loan balance increased 13% to Ps.190,630 million, up from Ps.169,099 million a year ago. The bank's delinquency ratio at the end of the period was 3.9%, compared to 3.7% the previous year.

Grupo Elektra's consolidated deposits totaled Ps.243,931 million, 12% higher than the Ps.216,897 million a year ago. Banco Azteca Mexico's traditional deposits were Ps.236,607 million, 10% higher than the Ps.214,793 million of the previous year.

Banco Azteca Mexico's traditional deposits-to-gross portfolio ratio was 1.2 times, enabling solid growth of the Bank with optimal funding costs.

The bank's liquidity coverage ratio (calculable liquid assets / total net cash outflow) at quarter-end was 701%, an outstanding figure in the Mexican banking sector.

Banco Azteca Mexico's capitalization ratio was 14.63%.

Infrastructure

Grupo Elektra currently has 6,150 contact points, compared to 6,170 units the previous year; the decrease is the result of strategies focused on maximizing the profitability of the company's contact points.

At the end of the period, Grupo Elektra had 4,908 points of contact in Mexico, 810 in the US, and 432 in Central America. The company's extensive distribution network provides customer proximity and close service, generating superior market positioning in the countries where it operates.

Company Profile:

Grupo Elektra is Latin America's leading financial services company and specialty retailer and the largest non-bank provider of cash advance services in the United States. The group operates more than 6,000 points of contact in Mexico, the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama.

Grupo Elektra is a Grupo Salinas company (www.gruposalinas.com), a group of dynamic, fast-growing, and technologically advanced companies focused on creating economic value through market innovation and goods and services that improve standards of living; social value to improve community well-being; and environmental value by reducing the negative impact of its business activities. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies. These companies include TV Azteca (www.TVazteca.com; www.irtvazteca.com), Grupo Elektra (www.grupoelektra.com.mx), Banco Azteca (www.bancoazteca.com.mx), Purpose Financial (havepurpose.com), Afore Azteca (www.aforeazteca.com.mx), Seguros Azteca (www.segurosazteca.com.mx), Punto Casa de Bolsa (www.puntocasadebolsa.mx), Total Play (irtotalplay.mx; www.totalplay.com.mx) and Total Play Empresarial (totalplayempresarial.com.mx). TV Azteca and Grupo Elektra trade shares on the Mexican Stock Market and in Spain's' Latibex market. Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently, with its own management, board of directors and shareholders. Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings. The group of companies shares a common vision, values, and strategies for achieving rapid growth, superior results, and world-class performance.

Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are concepts about the future that involve risks and uncertainty that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Other risks that may affect Grupo Elektra and its subsidiaries are presented in documents sent to the securities authorities.

Investor Relations:

Bruno Rangel Grupo Salinas Tel. +52 (55) 1720-9167 [email protected]

Rolando Villarreal Grupo Elektra, S.A.B. de C.V. Tel. +52 (55) 1720-9167 [email protected]

Press Relations: Luciano Pascoe Tel. +52 (55) 1720 1313 ext. 36553 [email protected]

GRUPO ELEKTRA, S.A.B. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS MILLIONS OF MEXICAN PESOS



1Q24

1Q25

Change

















Financial income 27,526 62 %

33,844 65 %

6,318 23 % Commercial income 17,036 38 %

17,924 35 %

888 5 % Income 44,562 100 %

51,768 100 %

7,206 16 %

















Financial cost 9,380 21 %

11,126 21 %

1,746 19 % Commercial cost 12,154 27 %

12,423 24 %

269 2 % Costs 21,534 48 %

23,550 45 %

2,015 9 %

















Gross income 23,028 52 %

28,219 55 %

5,191 23 %

















Sales, administration and promotion expenses 16,665 37 %

21,280 41 %

4,615 28 %

















EBITDA 6,363 14 %

6,939 13 %

576 9 %

















Depreciation and amortization 2,308 5 %

2,390 5 %

82 4 %

















Other income, net (12) 0 %

(4) 0 %

8 64 %

















Operating income 4,067 9 %

4,553 9 %

486 12 %

















Comprehensive financial result:















Interest income 445 1 %

480 1 %

35 8 % Interest expense (1,461) -3 %

(1,551) -3 %

(91) -6 % Foreign exchange gain (loss), net 30 0 %

18 0 %

(12) -39 % Other financial results, net (671) -2 %

(737) -1 %

(66) -10 %

(1,656) -4 %

(1,789) -3 %

(133) -8 %

















Participation in the net income of















CASA and other associated companies 80 0 %

(9) 0 %

(88) ----

















Income before income tax 2,491 6 %

2,756 5 %

265 11 %

















Income tax (770) -2 %

(892) -2 %

(123) -16 %

















Income before discontinued operations 1,721 4 %

1,864 4 %

142 8 %

















Result from discontinued operations (0) 0 %

1 0 %

2 ----

















Consolidated net income 1,721 4 %

1,865 4 %

144 8 %

GRUPO ELEKTRA, S.A.B. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET MILLIONS OF MEXICAN PESOS



Commercial Business Financial Business Grupo Elektra

Commercial Business Financial Business Grupo Elektra





















Change























At March 31, 2024

At March 31, 2025

























Cash and cash equivalents 12,267 28,408 40,675

9,000 32,652 41,652

977 2 %





















Marketable financial instruments 3,983 96,919 100,902

6,926 116,115 123,040

22,138 22 %





















Performing loan portfolio - 90,886 90,886

- 102,882 102,882

11,996 13 % Total past-due loans - 5,273 5,273

- 5,902 5,902

629 12 % Gross loan portfolio - 96,159 96,159

- 108,784 108,784

12,625 13 %





















Allowance for credit risks - 14,467 14,467

- 20,207 20,207

5,740 40 %





















Loan portfolio, net - 81,692 81,692

- 88,577 88,577

6,885 8 %





















Inventories 17,470 (0) 17,470

23,946 - 23,946

6,476 37 %





















Other current assets 23,024 10,835 33,859

22,167 13,843 36,011

2,152 6 %





















Total current assets 56,744 217,854 274,598

62,039 251,187 313,226

38,628 14 %





















Financial instruments 21,734 2 21,735

20,282 2 20,284

(1,452) -7 %





















Performing loan portfolio - 76,352 76,352

- 87,319 87,319

10,968 14 % Total past-due loans - 1,973 1,973

- 2,811 2,811

838 42 % Gross loan portfolio - 78,325 78,325

- 90,131 90,131

11,806 15 %





















Allowance for credit risks - 5,408 5,408

- 5,911 5,911

504 9 %





















Loan portfolio - 72,917 72,917

- 84,219 84,219

11,302 16 %





















Other non-current assets 22,500 707 23,207

85 342 427

(22,780) -98 % Investment in shares 2,422 11 2,433

2,104 15 2,119

(313) -13 % Property, furniture, equipment and



















investment in stores, net 8,801 10,361 19,162

8,199 10,179 18,377

(785) -4 % Intangible assets 697 7,242 7,938

592 9,316 9,908

1,970 25 % Right of use asset 11,896 1,919 13,816

12,325 2,333 14,657

842 6 % Other assets 3,849 8,289 12,137

12,056 13,286 25,342

13,205 ---- TOTAL ASSETS 128,642 319,301 447,943

117,682 370,878 488,560

40,617 9 %











































Demand and term deposits - 216,897 216,897

- 243,931 243,931

27,034 12 % Creditors from repurchase agreements - 33,204 33,204

- 44,155 44,155

10,951 33 % Short-term debt 9,832 33 9,865

12,855 40 12,895

3,030 31 % Leasing 2,017 772 2,789

2,611 873 3,484

695 25 % Short-term liabilities with cost 11,849 250,907 262,756

15,465 289,000 304,465

41,709 16 %





















Suppliers and other short-term liabilities 29,343 20,071 49,415

29,824 22,391 52,215

2,801 6 % Short-term liabilities without cost 29,343 20,071 49,415

29,824 22,391 52,215

2,801 6 %





















Total short-term liabilities 41,192 270,978 312,170

45,289 311,391 356,680

44,510 14 %





















Long-term debt 25,361 (0) 25,361

23,977 (0) 23,977

(1,383) -5 % Leasing 11,065 1,183 12,248

11,331 1,548 12,880

631 5 % Long-term liabilities with cost 36,426 1,183 37,609

35,309 1,548 36,857

(752) -2 %





















Long-term liabilities without cost 4,877 1,073 5,951

11,036 3,059 14,095

8,144 ----





















Total long-term liabilities 41,303 2,257 43,559

46,344 4,607 50,952

7,392 17 %





















TOTAL LIABILITIES 82,495 273,235 355,730

91,633 315,999 407,632

51,902 15 %





















TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 46,147 46,066 92,214

26,048 54,880 80,928

(11,285) -12 %











































LIABILITIES + EQUITY 128,642 319,301 447,943

117,682 370,878 488,560

40,617 9 %



INFRASTRUCTURE

























1Q24

1Q25

Change

















Points of sale in Mexico















Elektra 1,227 20 %

1,245 20 %

18 1 % Salinas y Rocha 32 1 %

32 1 %

- 0 % Banco Azteca 1,920 31 %

1,935 31 %

15 1 % Freestanding branches 1,733 28 %

1,696 28 %

(37) -2 % Total 4,912 80 %

4,908 80 %

(4) 0 %

















Points of sale in Central America















Elektra 126 2 %

130 2 %

4 3 % Banco Azteca 233 4 %

235 4 %

2 1 % Freestanding branches 65 1 %

67 1 %

2 3 % Total 424 7 %

432 7 %

8 2 %

















Points of sale in North America















Purpose Financial 834 14 %

810 13 %

(24) -3 % Total 834 14 %

810 13 %

(24) -3 %

















TOTAL 6,170 100 %

6,150 100 %

(20) 0 %



































Floor space (m) 1,716 100 %

1,730 100 %

14 1 %



































Employees















Mexico 62,386 88 %

61,651 88 %

(735) -1 % Central and South America 6,050 9 %

6,148 9 %

98 2 % North America 2,506 4 %

2,455 3 %

(51) -2 % Total employees 70,942 100 %

70,254 100 %

(688) -1 %

SOURCE Grupo Elektra, S.A.B. de C.V.
Win $1 Million in Limited Time Promotion: Drawings every 10 minutes on May 31st from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM

IONE, Calif., April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Harrah's Northern California is thrilled to announce a new promotion: a chance to win $1 million! Starting Thursday, May 1st, guests can earn entries to spin a prize wheel for a shot at the grand prize. The drawing itself will be held on Saturday, May 31st, from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Every ten minutes, a guest will be selected to spin the wheel. Besides the million-dollar top prize, other prizes ranging from $200 to $2500 in free play will also be awarded.

"We're incredibly excited to offer our guests the chance to spin the wheel for a million dollars!" says Jeffrey Cutri, SVP/GM of Harrah's Northern California. "This isn't your average casino promotion; we're hoping to give away a truly life-changing sum at Harrah's Northern California. Every ten minutes on May 31st, a lucky guest will have the chance to win big  it could be you!"

Jeff Cutri, Harrah's Northern California Senior Vice President and General Manager, is available for interviews to discuss the casino's current promotions and activities. He can be interviewed either on-site at the casino or at a pre-arranged studio location.

For more information on rewards and promotions, visit: https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-northern-california/casino/promotions.

Harrah's Northern California: A short drive from Sacramento and nestled in the heart of historic Gold Country, a visit to Harrah's Northern California brims with non-stop gaming excitement. Discover dining experiences catering to every taste, a variety of fast-paced slots and live table games, and epic casino promotions from Caesars Rewards  all set against the gorgeous NorCal landscape.

SOURCE Harrah's Northern California
EAST HARTFORD, Conn., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The highly respected legal practice of Woolf Law Firm, LLC has officially changed its name to Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC according to its Founder and Managing Partner, Brian J. Woolf, Esq. Our team of highly experienced attorneys is thrilled to make this transition and celebrate the growth in leadership for the firm. This name change coincides with an attorney's promotion to partner as well as a website redesign to better serve our prospective clients.

Hartford, CT Criminal Defense Law Firm, Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC

Katrina M. Ross, a respected attorney with over 15 years of experience, has been promoted to Partner at Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC. She has been with the firm for two years, and she devotes her services to representing clients in State and Federal criminal defense cases. Before joining the firm, Katrina gained invaluable experience working in a supervisory role for the Clark County, Nevada Office of the Public Defender. In this position, she honed her skills representing clients in misdemeanor and felony cases, trying cases in front of a jury, and negotiating pre-trial dispositions. She also has experience in providing representation in civil rights cases. Today, Attorney Ross handles a wide range of criminal defense cases, including white collar crimes, DUI, drug charges, domestic violence, assault, sexual assault and more. Attorney Ross has been selected as a Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney by Best of the Best Attorneys for 2024 and 2025.

Along with an updated name and a newly promoted Partner, the firm is also pleased to share that its online presence has been greatly improved through a website redesign. On the new website, prospective clients will be able to explore the practice areas our attorneys assist with, testimonials sharing previous client experiences, awards highlighting our attorneys' skill sets, and a news section for the firm's current events. Clients will be able to easily learn more about our team by visiting the website's personnel bios. The website also features a regularly updated blog where people can learn more about the various legal issues the firm can help address. The redesigned website aims to better serve our clientele by providing transparent and informative information about the firm and serving as a convenient way to contact our team.

About Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC

Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC has provided legal services in State and Federal criminal defense and personal injury cases for over 30 years. With over 60 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys provide high-quality representation to clients in the greater Hartford area and throughout the state of Connecticut. The firm handles both felony and misdemeanor cases involving drunk driving charges, white collar crimes, sex crimes, homicide, and drug charges. Additionally, if you have suffered catastrophic injuries, our team can pursue compensation on your behalf.

Founding attorney Brian J. Woolf has been admitted to practice law within the state of Connecticut since 1977. Mr. Woolf's career has been dedicated to defending the rights of people facing criminal charges, including assault and white-collar crimes, as well as personal injury cases. Attorney Woolf has received numerous awards for his commitment to his clients, including being recognized as one of the Top Attorneys in North America and a Super Lawyer for the past 5 years.

If you are interested in learning more about Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC, visit https://www.connecticutcriminallawyer.com/. To arrange an initial consultation, call 860-290-8690.

SOURCE Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC
LIMA, Peru, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hunt Oil Company of Peru L.L.C., Sucursal del Peru ("HOCP") announced today that the previously announced tender offers for cash (the "Offers") for any and all of its outstanding 6.375% Trust Enhanced Senior Notes due 2028 (CUSIP Nos.: Rule 144A: 445640 AB1, Regulation S: P5300P AB9), (ISINs: Rule 144A: US445640AB18, Regulation S: USP5300PAB96) (the "2028 Notes") and 8.550% Trust Enhanced Senior Notes due 2033 (CUSIP Nos.: Rule 144A: 445640 AC9, Regulation S: P5300P AC7), (ISINs: Rule 144A: US445640AC90, Regulation S: USP5300PAC79) (together with the 2028 Notes, the "Notes") expired at 8:00 a.m., New York City time (7:00 a.m., Lima time) on April 29, 2025 ("Expiration Time"). The Offers were made pursuant to the Offer to Purchase, dated March 31, 2025 (the "Offer to Purchase"), and the related Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (as these terms are defined in the Offer to Purchase and, collectively, the "Offer Documents"), which set forth the terms and conditions of the Offers.

As of the Expiration Time, according to information provided by Global Bondholders Services Corporation, the information and tender agent for the Offers, the original principal amounts of the Notes listed in the table below have been tendered and not withdrawn, or tendered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures described in the Offer Documents.

Description of Security CUSIP No. ISIN Aggregate Original Principal Amount Aggregate Current Principal Amount Principal Amount Tendered at Expiration Time Principal Amount Accepted Principal Amount Tendered Pursuant to Guaranteed Delivery Procedures Consideration per U.S.$1,000 Original Principal Amount* Scaling Factor 6.375% Trust Enhanced Senior Notes due 2028 144A: 445640-AB1 Reg S: P5300P-AB9 144A: US445640AB18 Reg S: USP5300PAB96 U.S.$261,492,000 U.S.$184,613,352 U.S.$175,573,000 U.S.$175,573,000 U.S.$0 U.S.$1,025.00 70.60 % 8.550% Trust Enhanced Senior Notes due 2033 144A: 445640-AC9 Reg S: P5300P-AC7 144A: US445640AC90 Reg S: USP5300PAC79 U.S.$500,000,000 U.S.$500,000,000 U.S.$352,557,000 U.S.$352,557,000 U.S.$900,000 U.S.$1,132.50 N/A

* The Consideration for the 2028 Notes will be the amount set forth in the table above multiplied by the current scaling factor of 70.60% (the "Scaling Factor"). The Scaling Factor results from the fact that the 2028 Notes have been partially amortized. The Consideration for each series of Notes will be paid together with accrued and unpaid interest from the last interest payment date for each series of Notes to, but not including, the Settlement Date (as defined below).

Subject to the satisfaction or waiver, at HOCP's sole discretion, of certain conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, HOCP expects to accept for payment and settlement all of the Notes that were tendered, including those tendered by guaranteed delivery procedures described in the Offer Documents. Payment for tendered Notes is expected to be made on May 5, 2025, by HOCP in its sole discretion (the "Settlement Date").

HOCP has engaged BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credicorp Capital Sociedad Agente de Bolsa S.A. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC as the Dealer Managers for the Offers. Persons with questions regarding the Offers should contact BofA Securities, Inc. at +1 (888) 292-0070 (toll-free), +1 (646) 855-8988 (collect), Citigroup Global Markets Inc. at +1 800-558-3745 (toll-free), +1 212-723-6106 (collect), Credicorp Capital Sociedad Agente de Bolsa S.A. at +51 (1) 416-3333 (Ext. 36099) (collect) and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC at +1 (866) 846-2874 (toll-free), +1 (212) 834-7279 (collect).

The complete terms and conditions of the Offers are described in the Offer Documents, copies of which may be obtained from Global Bondholder Services Corporation, the Information and Tender Agent for the Offers, by contacting Global Bondholder Services Corporation at +1 (855) 654-2015 (toll-free) or +1 (212) 430-3774 (collect), or email [email protected].

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any Notes or any other securities of HOCP. The Offers are only being made pursuant to the terms of the Offer to Purchase. The Offers are not being made in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to: statements regarding the timing of the payment for the tendered Notes; and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "driving," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "seek," "should," "will," "would," and similar expressions are intended to help identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations, are based on judgments, are inherently uncertain and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this release, which are based on information available to us on the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About HOCP

HOCP is part of the Camisea Consortium and holds a 25.2% interest in the License Contracts related to one of the largest natural gas producing fields in Peru, the Camisea Fields, which include Block 88 and Block 56 in the Ucayali Basin of Peru. Block 88 is the largest source of natural gas production in Peru and also contains the largest number of Proved Reserves and Probable Reserves in Peru, while Block 56 is the second largest in Peru in terms of natural gas production and third in terms of Proved and Probable Reserves levels. As a result of its 25.2% interest in the Camisea Consortium, HOCP also holds a 25.2% interest in each of the facilities related to the Camisea Fields, including the Malvinas Plant, a natural gas processing plant near the Camisea Fields and the Pisco Plant, a liquids fractionation facility near Pisco, Peru on the Pacific coast.

SOURCE Hunt Oil Company of Peru L.L.C.
MUSCAT, Oman, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sultanate of Oman has launched its third green hydrogen auction round, marking a new chapter in its strategy to become a leading global hub for green hydrogen production and export. Designed and orchestrated by Hydrom, the third auction offers innovative and flexible opportunities for qualified developers to invest in Oman's fast-growing hydrogen ecosystem and participate in building a competitive and scalable global green hydrogen economy.

OMAN ADVANCES GREEN HYDROGEN STRATEGY WITH LAUNCH OF THIRD AUCTION ROUND FOR LANDS IN DUQM

Building on the success of previous auction rounds, the third round incorporates lessons learned to optimize bidder participation and enhance competitiveness. A land block of up to 300 square kilometers has been offered in Duqm, inviting proposals for projects covering a minimum of 100 square kilometers. Bidders will have flexibility in defining their project footprint within the block, enabling tailored configurations that align with individual development strategies and market requirements. Bidders will benefit from an extended preparation period of nine months from the launch of the Request for Qualification (RFQ) to the bid submission deadline, providing ample time for comprehensive project planning. In addition to producing green hydrogen and its derivatives, developers may also explore the sale of surplus renewable electricity to the national grid, subject to regulatory approvals, maximizing project value and integration into Oman's wider energy transition framework.

Developers participating in the third round will benefit from Oman's strong competitive advantages, including access to common-use infrastructure, a stable regulatory framework, and strategic proximity to key demand centers in Europe and Asia. Oman's comprehensive energy transition efforts also include the development of a dedicated 2,000-kilometer hydrogen pipeline as well as the establishment of the world's first liquid hydrogen export corridor linking Oman to the Netherlands and Germany and onwards to Europe.

Oman's has awarded eight large-scale green hydrogen projects in Duqm and Dhofar through two previous rounds, securing over USD 49 billion in investment commitments targeting a combined production capacity of over 1 million tons per annum of green hydrogen by 2030. These projects, powered by more than 30 GW of renewable energy, position Oman among the most advanced and investment-ready hydrogen ecosystems globally.

The auction process commenced with the release of the RFQ. Qualified bidders will be invited to submit proposals in early 2026, with awards expected thereafter. Bidders wishing to participate are encouraged to visit www.hydrom.om for details.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2676992/Hydrom.jpg

SOURCE Hydrom
HOUSTON, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- iCRYO, a leading longevity and wellness franchise, is excited to announce that its CEO and Co-founder, Kyle W. Jones, will be a featured panelist at YoungConference 2025, an industry-leading event focused on the future of franchise growth and the next generation of talent leading that growth.

The conference will take place May 12-14, 2025, at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, AZ. This year's conference will feature several key speakers, numerous panels, mentor-guided roundtables during lunch, and even YoungConference's own version of Shark Tank, where young franchises will compete to be crowned the hottest concept on the block.

Billed as an immersive digital and development event that will no doubt feel like a celebration at times, the conference is nonetheless tackling some of the most important and serious conversations in franchising today, including how to streamline operations, leverage emerging technologies, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and drive real revenue growth.

Begun by Zack Fishman and Ryan Hicks, YoungConference is a place for the young (and young-minded) innovators in franchising to gather and share their knowledge and strategies in navigating the ever-increasingly digital realm. Indeed, Fishman and Hicks recognized that while their older counterparts may take the lead in experiential knowledge, leaders looking to keep their franchises relevant must increasingly looking to the next generation for insight on innovation, creativity, and adoption of digital tools like social media and AI.

Jones will take the stage for a panel titled All About the EBITDA: Hot Topics to Drive Unit-Level Performance. He will join Brian Beers, the panel's moderator and President of Prenlyn Automotive Group, Megan Taylor, VP of Operations at Franchise Altitude, and Hannah Staples, COO of 100% Chiropractic.

"This session is a must-attend for any franchise owner looking to optimize their bottom line," said Jones. "At iCRYO, we are constantly innovating to improve operational efficiencies while delivering exceptional service. I look forward to discussing strategies that can help other franchise leaders achieve sustained profitability."

While it will be Jones on stage representing iCRYO, Sarah Adams, VP of Marketing at iCRYO, emphasized the importance of conferences like YoungConference in fostering business growth for the company: "Events like this allow us to tap into the next generation of franchisees and network with talented professionals in the franchisee space, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. It's an incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and evolve together as an industry and a business model."

Anyone looking to attend the conference can find more information about how to register at www.franchiseyoungconference.com. For more information about iCRYO and its franchise opportunities, visit www.iCRYO.com.

About iCRYO

Founded in 2015, iCRYO's mission is to elevate the quality of life of its team members, guests, and franchisees by providing affordable, professional, and convenient personal health services while raising the standard as a global wellness brand. To learn more about its services, locations, and franchise opportunities, visit www.icryo.com.

iCRYO Media Contact

Robbie Jenkins

Director of Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE iCRYO
To provide Yorkshire Building Society's mortgage, commercial, and savings customers with a seamless mobile-first banking experience, simplifying financial interactions

LONDON and BENGALURU, India, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced a strategic collaboration with Yorkshire Building Society, one of the largest member-owned financial institutions in the UK, to accelerate its digital transformation. As part of the engagement, Infosys will help Yorkshire Building Society deliver a mobile-first, data enabled, and efficient banking experience for their mortgage, commercial, and savings members.

Infosys was selected for its deep financial services expertise, digital transformation capabilities, and next-gen technologies. Leveraging cloud, data, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity solutions, Infosys will help Yorkshire Building Society achieve its 2030 strategic plan. The plan aims to enhance customer and employee experiences through digitally enabled operations to build a future-ready society. Infosys will support Yorkshire Building Society to modernize their operations, improve efficiency, and support future scalability.

Patrick Connolly, Director of Change Delivery, Yorkshire Building Society, said, "This collaboration is crucial to achieving our 2030 ambitions and realising the true potential of this organisation. The choices we make now will shape our future, and we are committed to combining the convenience of digital with the warmth of human interaction. This transformation will empower our members and colleagues with the tools and services needed to deliver great customer outcomes, including major investments such as faster payments and enhanced security. It's a key part of our plan for continued growth, innovation, and efficiency, ensuring we continue to serve our members for generations to come."

Dennis Gada, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Banking & Financial Services, Infosys, said, "We are deeply committed to collaborating with Yorkshire Building Society for their transformation journey. We are bringing our full suite of next-generation technologies to help them improve customer experience for their members, with a deeper focus on end-to-end digital channels. This collaboration not only underscores our ability to provide innovative solutions but also highlights the tangible value we are bringing to help Yorkshire Building Society achieve their strategic objectives and build a resilient, future-ready organisation."

About Yorkshire Building Society

Yorkshire Building Society has assets of 65.5 billion and more than 3 million customers across the YBS Group, including Chelsea Building Society and Norwich & Peterborough Building Society, which are trading names of Yorkshire Building Society. Its subsidiary companies include Accord Mortgages Limited.

For more information on Yorkshire Building Society visit www.ybs.co.uk

About Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace.

Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/4364085/Infosys_Logo.jpg
New Chinese reading corner opens on Maltese campus

Xinhua) 08:37, April 30, 2025

Peng Yijun (R), charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Malta, donates books to Philip Pace, head of St. Clare College Pembroke Secondary School, at the library of St. Clare College Pembroke Secondary School in Pembroke, Malta, on April 29, 2025. A Chinese reading corner was inaugurated Tuesday at the library of St. Clare College Pembroke Secondary School in northeastern Malta, marking the third such facility established by the Chinese Embassy in Malta on local campuses. (Xinhua/Chen Wenxian)

VALLETTA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese reading corner was inaugurated Tuesday at the library of St. Clare College Pembroke Secondary School in northeastern Malta, marking the third such facility established by the Chinese Embassy in Malta on local campuses.

The embassy donated a collection of bilingual Chinese-English books covering a broad range of topics, including Chinese culture, history, literature, art, and technology.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Peng Yijun, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Malta, said the reading corner and book donation not only commemorated the UN Chinese Language Day but also conveyed the embassy's sincere wish to strengthen cultural ties and friendship between the two countries.

Peng expressed hope that the books would serve as a key for students to better understand Chinese culture, act as a bridge of friendship, and inspire students to explore their future dreams.

The school is one of the Chinese language teaching sites affiliated with the Confucius Institute at the University of Malta.

Nicole Grixti, 13, who has been studying Chinese for nearly three years, said she found the reading corner helpful for improving her language skills. "I really like Chinese characters and writing. It's a beautiful language, even though it takes time to learn," she told Xinhua. She added that she would encourage her classmates to study Chinese despite its challenges.

Borka Kiss, 14, who has studied Chinese for about four years, described learning the language as a "wonderful experience." She believed the newly opened reading corner, with its wide selection of engaging books, could encourage more students to explore Chinese culture and take up Chinese language studies.

Philip Pace, head of the school, welcomed the opening of the Chinese reading corner, describing it as a "window" through which students could broaden their knowledge of China and its rich cultural heritage.

"The corner could be expanded, and it definitely will be in the future," he said, adding that he hoped students and teachers would have the opportunity to visit China in the future.

Students read Chinese characters at the library of St. Clare College Pembroke Secondary School in Pembroke, Malta, on April 29, 2025. A Chinese reading corner was inaugurated Tuesday at the library of St. Clare College Pembroke Secondary School in northeastern Malta, marking the third such facility established by the Chinese Embassy in Malta on local campuses. (Xinhua/Chen Wenxian)

Students learn Chinese characters at the library of St. Clare College Pembroke Secondary School in Pembroke, Malta, on April 29, 2025. A Chinese reading corner was inaugurated Tuesday at the library of St. Clare College Pembroke Secondary School in northeastern Malta, marking the third such facility established by the Chinese Embassy in Malta on local campuses. (Xinhua/Chen Wenxian)

A teacher arranges books at a Chinese reading corner at the library of St. Clare College Pembroke Secondary School in Pembroke, Malta, on April 29, 2025. A Chinese reading corner was inaugurated Tuesday at the library of St. Clare College Pembroke Secondary School in northeastern Malta, marking the third such facility established by the Chinese Embassy in Malta on local campuses. (Xinhua/Chen Wenxian)

A student shares her experience of learning Chinese during the opening ceremony of a Chinese reading corner at the library of St. Clare College Pembroke Secondary School in Pembroke, Malta, on April 29, 2025. A Chinese reading corner was inaugurated Tuesday at the library of St. Clare College Pembroke Secondary School in northeastern Malta, marking the third such facility established by the Chinese Embassy in Malta on local campuses. (Xinhua/Chen Wenxian)

Students read Chinese characters at the library of St. Clare College Pembroke Secondary School in Pembroke, Malta, on April 29, 2025. A Chinese reading corner was inaugurated Tuesday at the library of St. Clare College Pembroke Secondary School in northeastern Malta, marking the third such facility established by the Chinese Embassy in Malta on local campuses. (Xinhua/Chen Wenxian)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
At the invitation of President of the Gabonese Republic Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President Xi Jinpings special envoy and Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference Mu Hong will attend the inauguration of President Nguema in Libreville on May 3.

Hubei Media Group: The Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations concluded in Brazil. It issued the Chairs Statement, which reiterated commitment to multilateralism, and voiced serious concerns about the rise of unjustified unilateral protectionist measures. Brazilian Foreign Affairs Minister said that amid an increasingly complex international landscape, BRICS nations shoulder important responsibility and need to unite and collaborate in addressing global risks while playing a central role in promoting peace and sustainable development. Could you share with us the common understandings reached at the meeting? What message did the meeting send in terms of addressing common challenges?

Guo Jiakun: The Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from April 28 to 29. Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the meeting.

This meeting articulated a BRICS voice of supporting multilateralism, upholding the multilateral trading system and opposing unilateral bullying. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. All parties reiterated that they will firmly uphold the central role of the UN in an international system and condemned attempts to unilaterally undermine the work of global multilateral institutions. They voiced serious concerns about the rise of unilateral protectionist measures, including indiscriminate raising of reciprocal tariffs and non-tariff measures. They warned that such measures disrupt global supply chain and bring more uncertainty to the global economy, and called upon all sides to take measures to defend free trade and the multilateral trading system.

The international community sees that the Global South, represented by BRICS, has gradually become a force for progress and justice that advances greater democracy in international relations. A Global South that features solidarity and cooperation and seeks strength through unity will surely bring more stability and certainty to the world.

Nikkei: On yesterdays Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting. The two sides agreed to strengthen bilateral security cooperation, and oppose attempts to change the status quo unilaterally in the East and South China Seas. Whats Chinas comment?

Guo Jiakun: China has all along believed that exchanges and cooperation between countries should not target any third party or harm their interests. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. During World War II, Japan committed aggression against the Philippines and other East Asian countries, exercised colonial rule over them, and occupied Nanhai Zhudao. It bears serious historical responsibilities. We call on Japan to follow the path of peaceful development and act prudently in military and security areas. We oppose any moves that forge groupings and escalate tensions in the region.

Let me point out that Chinas sovereignty and relevant rights in the East and South China Seas were established in the long course of history and are consistent with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Chinas activities in relevant waters are legitimate, lawful and justified.

Reuters: Taiwan says Somalia has banned entry to its citizens amid dispute over Taiwans ties with Somaliland as Somalia is under Chinese pressure. What is the Foreign Ministrys response to this?

Guo Jiakun: China noted that recently, the Somali federal government has announced that it would not accept travel documents issued by the Taiwan authorities, whether for arrival in or transit through Somalia, in accordance with Somalias Constitution and UNGA Resolution 2758. Somalias government reiterated its commitment to the one-China principle and stressed that hosting each others representative office and having official interactions between the Taiwan authorities and Somaliland directly infringes on Somalias sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This is a legitimate measure taken by Somalia as a sovereign country to safeguard its lawful rights and interests. It demonstrates Somalias firm commitment to the one-China principle, which China highly commends. There is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinas territory, and the government of the Peoples Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. The one-China principle is enshrined in the UNGA Resolution 2758. It is a basic norm in international relations and a prevailing international consensus. It is where the arc of history bends and public opinion trends.

Somaliland is part of Somalias territory. China firmly supports the Somali federal governments effort to safeguard national unification, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and firmly opposes the Taiwan authorities and Somaliland hosting each others institution or having any form of official interaction.

AFP: According to a Politico report, China is poised to lift sanctions on five European Union lawmakers which were imposed in 2021 over their criticism of Chinas human rights violations, which would clear the way for resuming diplomatic contact between the two sides. Does China view this as a step forward in arranging trade talks between the EU and China?

Guo Jiakun: China-EU relations are showing a sound momentum of development. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the EU, which offers important opportunities for the development of bilateral ties. China-EU economic and trade cooperation is complementary and mutually beneficial. China and the EU are major economies in the world. Our joint effort under current circumstances to uphold the multilateral trading system and promote trade liberalization and facilitation will bring much-needed stability and certainty to the world economy and global trade.

The exchange between Chinese and European legislative bodies is an integral part of China-EU relations. We hope that the two sides can work together in the same direction and enhance exchanges. Members of the European Parliament are welcome to visit China.

Bloomberg: My question is, has there been in the last 24 hours any contact between the U.S. and China to discuss tariff questions over the U.S. tariffs on China?

Guo Jiakun: As far as I know, China and the U.S. are not engaged in any consultation or negotiation on tariffs.

AFP: David Perdue was just confirmed as the U.S. Ambassador to China. Does the Foreign Ministry have a reaction to this?

Guo Jiakun: On China-U.S. relations and economic and trade issues, Chinas position has always been consistent and clear.

Bloomberg: Just before this press conference began, China published a white paper on the origins of COVID and tracing the origins of the pandemic. And in that, it repeats the statements that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly made about the U.S. Fort Detrick military facility, asking a bunch of questions about why wouldnt the U.S. provide more explanation, and what is the U.S. hiding at this facility. Can you explain to me how U.S. government officials saying that China needs to explain better what happened in Wuhan is fundamentally different to how China's saying that the U.S. needs to explain what happened in Fort Detrick?

Guo Jiakun: China has repeatedly stated its position on the origins-tracing of COVID-19. Origins-tracing is a matter of science and any judgment on it should be made in a science-based spirit and by scientists. It is extremely unlikely that the pandemic was caused by a lab leakthis is the authoritative conclusion reached by experts based on science following their field trips to relevant lab and in-depth communication with researchers. The conclusion has been widely acknowledged by the international community, including the science community. This is also the scientific basis for Chinas position.

AFP: A former aide to the German lawmaker has been charged over suspected spying on behalf of China. Is the Foreign Ministry in touch with German authorities on this?

Guo Jiakun: China builds its ties with Germany under the principles of mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences, exchanges and mutual learning, and win-win cooperation. The accusation of so-called threat of Chinese spies is groundless and ill-intentioned vilification. We urge Germany to stop smearing China and do something real to keep the sound momentum of development for bilateral relations.

Bloomberg: The Filipino government arrested a Chinese national outside the Philippine election commission. They are saying that hes a Chinese spy. Does the Chinese government have any comments on this?

Guo Jiakun: Regarding what you mentioned, the Chinese side is communicating with and trying to get more information from the Philippine side. More broadly, let me stress that China follows the principle of non-interference in other countries internal affairs. We will not interfere and have no interest in interfering in the relevant internal affairs of the Philippines. We also advise certain politicians in the Philippines not to use it as an opportunity to propagate China-related issues and make groundless accusations for selfish gains.

AFP: The New York Times is reporting that China sentenced an American businessman to five years in prison. Has the Foreign Ministry been in touch with the U.S. side on his case? Can you provide any details on the situation?

Guo Jiakun: Im not familiar with that. China is a country that upholds the rule of law. Chinese judicial authorities handle cases in strict accordance with the law.

AFP: It was announced on Tuesday local time that France will starting from next year impose a handling tax on every small parcel sent from China amidst concerns that these U.S. tariffs will force more Chinese goods into other markets. How does China view this decision?

Guo Jiakun: For anything specific, Id refer you to competent authorities. China stands ready to work with other countries to foster an open and inclusive international business environment. We hope France will provide a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.



During the May Day holiday, there will be no regular press conference from Thursday, May 1 to Monday, May 5. The regular press conference will resume on Tuesday, May 6. During this period, questions can be submitted to the Spokespersons Office via fax, email or WeChat.
PITTSBURGH, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- "As a nurse, I wanted to create an improved face mask for use with a Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure machine," said an inventor, from Anaheim, Calif., "so I invented the SUCTION TUBE FOR BIPAP MASK. My design would work together with the BiPAP mask to evacuate any body fluids from a patient's mouth and nose when wearing and using the BiPAP mask."

The patent-pending invention provides an improved face mask for use with a Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) machine. In doing so, it would evacuate body fluids from within the mask. As a result, it reduces the risk of aspirating such body fluids, and it provides added safety for users. The invention features an effective design that is easy to use so it is ideal for individuals who use Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) machines, medical facilities, etc.

The original design was submitted to the Orange County sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 23-OCC-1763, InventHelp, 100 Beecham Drive, Suite 110, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9801, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com

SOURCE InventHelp
ISS has determined that Simpson does not meet the control threshold

ISS questions Simpson's proposed strategy and CEO candidate

Parkland's Executive Chairman, Michael Jennings, releases message to all shareholders



CALGARY, AB, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Parkland Corporation ("Parkland" or "the Company") (TSX: PKI) today commented on the report1 issued by Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. ("ISS"), a leading independent proxy advisory firm, regarding the election of directors at Parkland's Annual General Meeting scheduled for May 6, 2025. In addition, Parkland's Executive Chairman, Michael Jennings released a short video to all shareholders. It can be viewed here.

ISS affirmed that Simpson Oil Limited ("Simpson") has failed to meet the high bar required to justify a control slate, stating explicitly:

" the bar for a control slate is high, and the dissident has not cleared it outright."

ISS also highlighted significant deficiencies in Simpson's proposed business strategy, noting:

"The dissident's plan is light on details regarding capital allocation and which businesses would be potential divestitures, where specific cost savings would be identified and what a potential timeline for realization would be."

"the lack of detail provided makes it difficult for shareholders to objectively assess the dissident's execution of its plan, if it is successful in this campaign, and as such does not warrant full control of the board."

Further, ISS has recommended withholding support from Simpson's nominee Mark Davis, who is also their proposed interim CEO, illustrating concerns over Simpson's lack of depth and clarity in leadership transition planning.

In contrast, ISS endorsed Parkland's recent strategic initiatives, including the ongoing strategic review and the comprehensive CEO search, emphasizing that Parkland's Board is appropriately structured to oversee these processes and deliver value to all shareholders.

The choice for shareholders is clear: a vote for Parkland's nominees is a vote for an experienced, diverse, and independent Board stewarding a credible and thorough strategic review and acting in the best interest of all shareholders.

Reminder: Continue Voting ONLY the BLUE Proxy 'FOR' the Parkland Nominees

Regardless of the recommendations issued by the proxy advisors, Parkland urges all shareholders to continue ONLY voting 'FOR' Parkland's nominees on the BLUE Proxy ensuring the Company continues to be led by directors committed to rigorous governance and maximizing value for all shareholders. The deadline for voting is May 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (Mountain Time).

Shareholders needing voting assistance may contact Kingsdale Advisors at 1-888-518-6832 (toll-free in North America), 1-647-251-9740 (text and call enabled outside North America), or email [email protected]. Please visit www.ourparkland.ca for additional information about the Parkland Nominees and reasons to only vote the BLUE Proxy.

About Parkland Corporation

Parkland is a leading international fuel distributor, marketer, and convenience retailer with safe and reliable operations in twenty-six countries across the Americas. Our retail network meets the fuel, and convenience needs of everyday consumers. Our commercial operations provide businesses with fuel to operate, complete projects and better serve their customers. In addition to meeting our customers' needs for essential fuels, Parkland provides a range of choices to help them lower their environmental impact, including manufacturing and blending renewable fuels, ultra-fast EV charging, a variety of solutions for carbon credits and renewables, and solar power. With approximately 4,000 retail and commercial locations across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean region, we have developed supply, distribution, and trading capabilities to accelerate growth and business performance.

Our strategy is focused on two interconnected pillars: our Customer Advantage and our Supply Advantage. Through our Customer Advantage, we aim to be the first choice of our customers through our proprietary brands, differentiated offers, extensive network, competitive pricing, reliable service, and compelling loyalty program. Our Supply Advantage is based on achieving the lowest cost to serve among independent fuel marketers and distributors in the hard-to-serve markets in which we operate, through our well-positioned assets, significant scale, and deep supply and logistics capabilities. Our business is underpinned by our people and our values of safety, integrity, community, and respect, which are embedded across our organization.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein constitute forward-looking information and statements (collectively, "forward looking statements"). When used in this news release, the words "aim", "continue", "expect", "will", "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements with respect to, among other things: Parkland's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and the expected timing thereof.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Parkland does not undertake any obligations to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by securities laws. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous risks, assumptions and uncertainties including, but not limited to: general economic, market and business conditions; Parkland's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and the results thereof, Parkland's ability to execute its business strategy; action by other persons or companies; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Parkland. See also the risks and uncertainties described under the headings "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information" and "Risk Factors" in Parkland's current Annual Information Form, and under the headings "Forward-Looking Information" and "Risk Factors" in Parkland's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the most recently completed financial period, each as filed on SEDAR+ and available on Parkland's website at www.parkland.ca. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.



1 Permission to use neither sought nor obtained.

SOURCE Parkland Corporation
SAO PAULO, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 9, 2025, at 9 a.m. (EDT) and 10 a.m. (Brasilia time), we will present our 1Q25 results in Portuguese and English, in an interactive meeting, with a Q&A session at the end.

To take part in the interactive meeting, register at the following link:

Itau Results 1Q25

The participants in our interactive meeting will be: Milton Maluhy  CEO, Gabriel Amado de Moura  CFO, Renato Lulia  Head of Corporate Strategy, Investor Relations and Corporate Development and Gustavo Lopes Rodrigues  IRO.

Results will be published on the investor relations website on May 8, 2025, after trading hours.

Follow Itau Unibanco's latest news on our Investor Relations website.

Contact: Itau Unibanco  Comunicacao Corporativa

Phone: (11) 5019-8880 / 8881

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Itau Unibanco Holding S.A.
SEOUL, South Korea, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- J INTS BIO, a company specializing in anticancer and orphan drugs, announced its research findings for the next-generation EGFR-TKI therapeutic 'JIN-A02' (clinical Phase 1/2 results) and the ovarian cancer treatment candidate 'JIN-001' (preclinical results) at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2025, held in Chicago from April 25 to 30. In this presentation, J INTS BIO demonstrated its innovative drug development capabilities on a global stage, attracting significant attention from both academia and the industry.

Professor Byoung Chul Cho from Yonsei Cancer Center is presenting a poster at AACR on the phase 1/2 clinical trial of JIN-A02, a next-generation oral EGFR-TKI. (Photo = J INTS BIO)

'JIN-A02': New Hope for Overcoming Resistance  4th Generation EGFR-TKI Clinical Results

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases worldwide, and among these, EGFR mutations are considered a major therapeutic target. JIN-A02, introduced at AACR 2025, showed outstanding therapeutic efficacy in patients who developed resistance to existing third-generation EGFR-TKIs. In particular, JIN-A02 demonstrated remarkable antitumor activity in patients with EGFR C797S mutationcurrently a mutation for which no approved targeted therapies existthus opening a new avenue for treatment options.

In the clinical trial, a patient in the 300 mg cohort showed complete clearance of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) harboring either the C797S or Ex19del mutation, and ctDNA carrying the T790M mutation was reduced by over 90%. Clinically, a partial response (PR) was observed, with tumor size reductions of up to 39.7%, and notable shrinkage of intracranial metastatic lesions. These findings are particularly important for NSCLC patients, in whom brain metastases are common. Furthermore, no dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) or serious adverse events were observed up to the 300 mg dose, highlighting the excellent safety profile of JIN-A02. This safety profile is expected to be particularly beneficial for patients requiring long-term treatment and combination therapies.

Currently, JIN-A02 is undergoing multinational clinical trials in Korea, the United States, Thailand, and other countries, and it is being closely watched as a potential groundbreaking treatment option for EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients.

'JIN-001': An Innovative New Drug Targeting Refractory Ovarian Cancer

Also presented was 'JIN-001,' J INTS BIO's second-generation synthetic HSP90 inhibitor, developed as a new strategy to overcome resistance to existing ovarian cancer treatments. Ovarian cancer remains one of the deadliest gynecological malignancies, as it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when effective treatment options are extremely limited.

The preclinical study demonstrated that JIN-001, when combined with the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin, significantly enhanced tumor suppression compared to cisplatin alone. Notably, even at low concentrations (0.1 M), JIN-001 enhanced the antitumor activity of cisplatin against both cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells, compared to cisplatin alone. Moreover, the combination therapy significantly reduced the expression of key signaling proteins related to cisplatin resistance, contributing to a sustained antitumor effect.

Based on these promising results, J INTS BIO is planning additional preclinical studies and aims to rapidly advance JIN-001 into clinical trials, with the goal of establishing a new standard of care for the treatment of refractory and multidrug-resistant ovarian cancer.

Led by the presentation at AACR 2025, J INTS BIO aims to further strengthen its competitiveness in the global oncology market and solidify its position as a frontrunner in next-generation anticancer drug development. The company also outlined its vision to continue delivering innovative therapies through ongoing research and development efforts, offering new hope to cancer patients worldwide.

SOURCE J INTS BIO
ARLINGTON, Va., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a non-partisan, non-profit project dedicated to strengthening America's long-term competitiveness in artificial intelligence (AI), announced new and returning sponsors for their second AI+ Expo, scheduled for June 2-4, 2025 in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.:

ClearanceJobs is a leading online community and marketplace for professionals with active federal security clearances.

WireScreen is a global corporate intelligence platform with a focus on China .

. RTX is a leading aerospace and defense company comprised of three businesses  Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon  that seek to advance aviation, engineer integrated defense systems for operational success, and develop next-generation technology and manufacturing solutions.

Equinix is a digital infrastructure company that enables companies to bring together and interconnect foundational infrastructure through its more than 260 data centers.

"We are thrilled to have the support of JBG Smith, once again, for this year's AI+ Expo. They have been a great partner to SCSP, and I am excited to welcome them back to the Expo," said SCSP President Ylli Bajraktari. "We are excited to welcome RTX, Equinix, WireScreen, and ClearanceJobs as new sponsors of this year's Expo."

"JBG SMITH is proud to sponsor the AI+ Expo. As the owners and developers of National Landing  home to SCSP, Amazon HQ2, Virginia Tech's Innovation Campus, and an unrivaled concentration of defense and technology innovators  we are committed to creating places aligned with the missions and needs of those securing our future through cutting-edge technology," said JBG Chief Strategy Officer Evan Regan-Levine.

"We at ClearanceJobs are committed to fostering open dialogue and connections across government, industry and academia to help build the national security workforce of tomorrow," said President of ClearanceJobs Alex Schildt. "The SCSP AI+ Expo is a super-connectoruniting expert, multidisciplinary perspectives at a pivotal moment in the AI revolution. As a proud sponsor of the AI+ Expo, we're excited to contribute to this once-in-a-generation mission."

"The SCSP AI+ Expo brings an incredible group of experts, leaders, and innovators together in one place," said WireScreen CEO David Barboza. "At WireScreen, our business relies on working with and providing value and insight to exactly these kinds of people, especially today, where everything from AI, to manufacturing, to geopolitics seems to be approaching major inflection points. We couldn't be more excited to be a sponsor of the AI Expo, and for the opportunity to connect with such a dynamic, impactful audience."

"We're excited to participate in the SCSP AI+ Expo this June, where a diverse mix of innovators, educators, and visionaries will come together to help shape AI's future," said Equinix Chief Business Officer Jon Lin. "Equinix is proud to sponsor this event because we're passionate about supporting collaboration and learning that drive responsible AI progress. It's a privilege to connect with leaders across public and private sectors and share how interconnected digital infrastructure enables transformative ideas."

The three-day AI+ Expo is free to attend and aims to educate the public on AI and other emerging technologies shaping the modern world. Last year's event featured 29 sponsors, 156 exhibitors, over 400 speakers, and drew more than 10,000 attendees from 84 countries. With the show floor almost sold out, this year's Expo is expected to draw even greater participation.

Sponsorship for 2025 is now closed! To join the Sponsorship Waitlist for 2026 please email Hina Gir at [email protected] . To register or learn more about exhibitor opportunities, visit https://expo.scsp.ai .

In addition to the Expo, SCSP will host The Exchange: Advancing the Legacy of Innovation and National Security, co-located with the Expo. For more information about SCSP, the AI+ Expo, and The Exchange, visit https://www.scsp.ai .

SOURCE Special Competitive Studies Project
At just 1% growth, US manufacturing output barely increases

Manufacturing import ratio increases by 9%

Number of CEOs indicating reshoring plans increased 15% year-over-year

Canada exports to US contracted; Mexico exports to US slowed down; imports from 14 Asian LCCRs increased by 10%

CHICAGO, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, global strategy and management consultancy Kearney released its 2025 Reshoring Index: The great reality check, the firm's 12th annual report on reshoring. This year's Index conclusively demonstrates that when it comes to reshoring global manufacturing supply chains, the primary driver is the basic law of supply and demand. Even with a 50 percent rise in CEOs citing political tensions as a primary reshoring motivator, good intentions or political or executive rhetoric alone are not sufficient to keep up the reshoring momentum.

"The 2025 Reshoring Index points to a reality check that exposes the gap between reshoring intention and facts," noted Kearney partner and study co-author Patrick Van den Bossche. "Despite executives being more committed than ever, this year's report found the Reshoring Index turning back to negative territory, tied to global trade's most basic driverssupply and demand. This decline should not be interpreted to mean reshoring is going away, just that expectations for the strategy need to be tempered by market realities."

In this latest edition, the manufacturing import ratio increased by 9 percent, back to pre-COVID levels, as imports from 14 Asian low-cost countries and regions (LCCRs) grew faster than US domestic manufacturing gross output. This led the Reshoring Index to decline by a whopping 311 basis points, falling back into negative territory after two very positive years. "This reversal shouldn't be seen as evidence that reshoring strategies are necessarily doomed, but it ought to serve as a very serious reality check," adds Van den Bossche.

Despite continued capital investment in recent years, US manufacturing output expanded by just 1 percent in the past year. This modest growth, half the rate of the US market's manufactured goods consumption increase, reflects a longer-than-expected lag between investment announcements and operational capacity coming online.

The US's principal nearshoring partners, Canada and Mexico, also struggled to keep pace with their recent historical performance. US imports growth from Mexico trailed the boom of the previous two years, while Canada recorded a year-over-year contraction in its exports to the US.

Addressing recent developments in Mexico, Kearney partner and report co-author Omar Troncoso noted, "As US demand outpaced what domestic production could supply, Mexico was not able to fill the gap. So, we saw manufacturers reverting to sourcing from those distant Asian low-cost countries and regions they had relied on in the past."

Led by categories such as computers, electronics, and electrical equipment, imports from Asian LCCRs including China increased by 10 percent or $90 billion.

Kearney's annual survey of reshoring activities and attitudes conducted in March 2025 in conjunction with the Reshoring Index report found the share of CEOs planning to reshore part of their operations in the next three years increased by 15 percent compared to last year. This indicates continued long-term interest in making more products in the US.

In an era of trade uncertainty, Kearney saw about a 50 percent rise in CEOs citing geopolitical tensions as a primary motivator for reshoring, underscoring how politics are increasingly shaping supply chain strategy.

But politics alone won't cut it, according to Patrick Van den Bossche. "This year's Reshoring Index report reveals a hard truth. While CEOs are more committed than ever to reshoring, the US domestic manufacturing ecosystem is still playing catch-up. The next phase will require not just capital, but coordination."

Read the full report here.

About the Kearney Reshoring Index

Launched in 2013, the Kearney Reshoring Index is a unique barometer for tracking the extent to which America is reshoring manufacturing back from those Asian countries that have benefitted for decades from the offshoring of US manufacturing operations. The Reshoring Index is determined by dividing the import of manufactured goods from the 14 Asian low-cost countries and regions (LCCRs) by the US domestic gross manufacturing output to calculate a manufacturing import ratio (MIR). The Reshoring Index reflects the year-on-year change in the MIR.

About Kearney

Kearney is a leading global management consulting firm. For nearly 100 years, we have been the trusted advisor to C-suites, government bodies, and nonprofit organizations. Our people make us who we are. Driven to be the difference between a big idea and making it happen, we help our clients break through. For more information, visit www.kearney.com.

US press contact:

Meir Kahtan

Meir Kahtan Public Relations

[email protected] | +1 917-864-0800

SOURCE Kearney
Through the use of color, Saturn enables design professionals to align the lighting with the...interior design. Post this

Saturn's broad color palette is fit for useranging from wayfinding and branding, to mood creation and circadian supportall while complementing the design of the space. A unique feature of this new series is the motion sensor (MS) option. When selected with switchable perimeter and sensing occupancy, the center and perimeter are factory set to white mode. When sensing non-occupancy, the center turns off and the perimeter switches to the selected color (amber or red), based on its intended use: either as a nightlight or for wildlife protection.

According to Patricia Rizzo, product marketing manager for Kenall's healthcare vertical, "Through the use of color, Saturn enables design professionals to align the lighting more closely with the building's interior design. This exciting new luminaire provides an unlimited palette by which lighting specifiers can create a more visually interesting extension of the space. Use of the available synchronous or dual light engines provides ultimate control, allowing Saturn's colorful rings to add a subtle to dynamic, but always stylish, element to any lighting project."

About Kenall

Kenall Manufacturing, a Legrand company, was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1963 and has built a reputation for durable lighting solutions of superior quality and exceptional value. Today, the company creates specialized solutions for the healthcare, cleanroom/containment, food processing, transportation, high abuse, and correctional lighting markets. Kenall luminaires are designed and manufactured in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and comply with the Buy American Act.

About Legrand

Legrand is the global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures. Its comprehensive offering of solutions for commercial, industrial, and residential markets makes it a benchmark for customers worldwide. The Group harnesses technological and societal trends with lasting impacts on buildings with the purpose of improving lives by transforming the spaces where people live, work and meet with electrical, digital infrastructures and connected solutions that are simple, innovative and sustainable. Drawing on an approach that involves all teams and stakeholders, Legrand is pursuing its strategy of profitable and sustainable growth driven by acquisitions and innovation, with a steady flow of new offeringsincluding Eliot connected products with enhanced value in use. The company is listed on Euronext Paris and is notably a component stock of the CAC 40 and CAC 40 ESG indexes (ISIN code FR0010307819). Legrand Group

SOURCE Kenall Manufacturing
Top technology executive honored for customer-centric leadership and driving innovation in behavioral health care



MIAMI, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kipu Health, the leading provider of technology solutions for behavioral health, today announced CEO Carina Edwards as the winner of a 2025 Stevie Award for Top Tech Executive of the Year in the 23rd Annual American Business Awards.

Kipu Health CEO Carina Edwards wins 2025 Stevies Award as Top Tech Executive Post this Kipu Health CEO Carina Edwards

Edwards was recognized for her transformational leadership at Kipu, empowering customer organizations to operate more efficiently and effectively, drive stronger business performance, and ultimately deliver better patient outcomes. Her focus on innovation, customer success, and the strategic use of AI and advanced technologies has been instrumental in accelerating Kipu's mission to advance behavioral health care.

The American Business Awards are the U.S.A.'s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations  public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small.

The Stevie Awards for Top Technology Executives recognize the world's best C-level corporate professionals who help to create and drive great business results. Dozens of professionals worldwide served as judges in selecting the 2025 Stevie Award winners.

In naming Edwards as a Top Technology Executive, the Stevies judges lauded Edwards for her "hands-on leadership style," particularly "her dedication to customer success." The judges singled out Edwards for the achievement of "100 percent retention of Kipu's Top 50 revenue-generating clients" as a "powerful testament to the trust and value she has fostered." These and other accomplishments, according to the judges, "demonstrate Edwards' leadership" and her "direct impact on business outcomes."

"Receiving a Stevie award is truly an honor, and I proudly accept it on behalf of the entire Kipu team whose dedication empowers mental health organizations to operate more efficiently, drive stronger business performance, and ultimately deliver better patient outcomes," said Edwards. "I'm very grateful to the ABA judges for recognizing the Kipu team's hard work serving our customers and driving the continued growth of our business. I'm incredibly proud to be recognized as a Top Executive in Technology by the Stevies awards judges."

Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word meaning "crowned," the awards will be presented to winners at a gala ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on Tuesday, June 10. Tickets are now on sale.

About Kipu Health

Kipu Health is the leader in behavioral health technology with solutions for Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Revenue Cycle Management (RCM), and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). Kipu proudly supports over 3,600 behavioral health facilities, empowering them to manage more than 3.8 million patient episodes. With our comprehensive solutions, Kipu is dedicated to enhancing care and improving outcomes for countless individuals. www.kipuhealth.com

Contact: Jay Staunton (781.790.6023)

SOURCE Kipu Health
LG screens congratulatory video featuring scenes from Kim's Delivery Dancer series

series Approximately 10 million people expected to encounter the artwork and award announcement over the next month

NEW YORK, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The work of Ayoung Kim, the first Korean recipient of the LG Guggenheim Award, is now on display on LG's digital billboard in New York's Times Square.

LG announced that a congratulatory video featuring scenes from Kim's acclaimed Delivery Dancer series will be shown throughout the month, from April 28 to May 25.

Korean Artist Ayoung Kim's Work Displayed on LG Billboard in New Yorks Times Square Following LG Guggenheim Award Win Korean Artist Ayoung Kim's Work Displayed on LG Billboard in New Yorks Times Square Following LG Guggenheim Award Win

Located in the heart of Manhattan, Times Square is one of the world's most prominent cultural landmarks, attracting approximately 300,000 visitors daily. Over the course of the month-long screening, LG expects around 10 million people to encounter Kim's work and news of her award.

The LG Guggenheim Award is the signature program of the "LG Guggenheim Art and Technology Initiative," a collaboration between LG, a global leader in technology innovation, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, one of the world's foremost institutions of modern and contemporary art, aimed at recognizing innovators who advance creativity through technology. Recipients receive a cash prize and a commemorative trophy.

This year's award was presented to Ayoung Kim, a contemporary and media artist from South Korea. She is the first Korean artist to receive this honor. Kim is widely recognized for her pioneering integration of contemporary art with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D game engine.

The Delivery Dancer series, featured in the Times Square video, draws inspiration from the COVID-19 pandemic and envisions a futuristic Seoul through the journeys of female delivery riders and their interactions with AI.

To further celebrate Kim's achievement, LG will host a local event at the Guggenheim Museum in New York on May 8. Later this year, a public program featuring Kim in conversation with audiences is also planned.

SOURCE LG Corp.
The Group reported revenue of 329 million in FY2024, down 23% over FY2023, reflecting a transitional year marked by creative evolution and strategic realignment amid market headwinds

Gross profit margin remained stable at 56%, supported by disciplined pricing, a higher mix of DTC sales, and improved inventory management

Operational efficiency improved, with G&A expenses reduced by 15% and working capital turnover showing steady progress

Strategic store optimization continued, with disciplined new retail openings and underperforming locations consolidation, reinforcing the Group's focus on core and high-potential markets

Sustained performance in Japan and North America contrasts with EMEA and Greater China , where proactive adjustments made to address dynamic market shifts

and contrasts with EMEA and , where proactive adjustments made to address dynamic market shifts 2025 stands as a pivotal milestone, where the Group's sharpened leadership and visionary creativity unlock fresh momentum across its portfolio, setting the stage for dynamic renewal and long-term growth

NEW YORK, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lanvin Group (NYSE: LANV, the "Group"), a global luxury fashion group with Lanvin, Wolford, Sergio Rossi, St. John and Caruso in its portfolio of brands, today announced its results for the full-year 2024. The Group achieved revenue of 329 million, a 23% decrease year-over-year versus 2023; and gross profit of 183 million, representing a relatively stable gross margin of 56%.

Zhen Huang, Chairman of Lanvin Group, said: "2024 was a year of transformation for Lanvin Group. While market conditions were challenging, we made critical strides in strengthening our brands, optimizing our operations, and laying the groundwork for future growth. With our renewed creative leadership and disciplined execution, we are confident in our ability to navigate the evolving luxury landscape and deliver long-term value."

Review of the Full-Year 2024 Results

Lanvin Group Revenue by Segment ( in Thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Lanvin Group

by Brand Revenue Growth % 2021A 2022A 2023A 2024A 2022 A v 2023 A v 2024 A v FY FY FY FY 2021 A 2022 A 2023 A















Lanvin 72,872 119,847 111,740 82,720 64 % -7 % -26 % Wolford 109,332 125,514 126,280 87,891 15 % 1 % -30 % St. John 73,094 85,884 90,398 79,267 17 % 5 % -12 % Sergio Rossi 28,737 61,929 59,518 41,910 116 % -4 % -30 % Caruso 24,695 30,819 40,011 37,107 25 % 30 % -7 % Total Brand 308,730 423,993 427,947 328,895 37 % 1 % -23 %















Eliminations 92 -1,681 -1,769 -285 -1927 % 5 % -84 % Total Group 308,822 422,312 426,178 328,610 37 % 1 % -23 %

Lanvin Group Key Financials ( in Thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Lanvin Group Key Financials 2021A 2022A 2023A 2024A FY % FY % FY % FY %

















Revenue 308,822 100 % 422,312 100 % 426,178 100 % 328,610 100 % Gross profit 169,902 55 % 237,944 56 % 250,942 59 % 182,763 56 % Contribution profit(1) 4,400 1 % 13,211 3 % 24,192 6 % -26,040 -8 % Adjusted EBITDA -58,945 -19 % -71,958 -17 % -64,173 -15 % -92,320 -28 %

Selected Highlights

Resilient in key regions and key channels: North America and Japan outperformed other regions, contributed by the strong presence of St. John and Sergio Rossi. EMEA and Greater China experienced declines due to challenges within the luxury industry. Despite the Group's focus on optimizing its retail footprint and concentrating on core business units, DTC channels remained resilient, accounting for 61% of total sales, highlighting the effectiveness of the store optimization and market-focused strategy by the Group.

Strong improvement in working capital: Effective management of working capital in FY2024. G&A expenses were reduced by 15%, while improvements in receivables turnover and inventory management contributed to a stronger cash flow position and enhanced operational efficiency. Meanwhile, marketing and selling expenses saw a slight decrease of 8%, as targeted marketing activities were implemented.

Retail network optimization: Lanvin Group continued to optimize its retail footprint by optimizing underperforming stores and selectively opening new retail locations. Lanvin and Sergio Rossi successfully expanded their presence in the Middle East.

Brands with strategic adaptation: The Group's diversified brand portfolio exhibited varying levels of resilience in 2024. St. John and Caruso remained stable, underscoring the strength of their loyal customer bases and distinct market positions. Despite facing industry-wide challenges, Lanvin and Sergio Rossi embraced bold creative renewal, positioning themselves to redefine their artistic visions and pave the way for future growth.

Discussion of FY2024 Financials

Revenue

For FY2024, the Group generated revenue of 329 million, a 23% decrease year-over-year. Specifically, EMEA wholesale and Greater China retail market experienced softer demand, in line with the market trend since first half of 2024. This decline was driven by a combination of macroeconomic headwinds, shifts in consumer behavior, and strategic realignments. Full details of the Group's revenue can be found in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Gross Profit

Gross profit decreased to 183 million, reflecting a margin of 56%, compared to 251 million in 2023 with a margin of 59%. The decline in gross profit is primarily attributed to a drop in gross profit from Wolford with increased costs related to the new logistics provider. Overall, the Group has managed to maintain a relatively stable gross margin, which indicates effective cost control and inventory management.

Contribution Profit(1)

Contribution profit, defined internally as gross profit less selling and marketing expenses, was used to understand the variable profitability performance and analyze performance across our brands. In FY2024, contribution profit amounted to negative 26 million, representing a margin of -8%, a drop from the 24 million contribution profit in 2023. The decline was primarily driven by lower gross profit due to reduced sales volumes, especially in Wolford. Despite this, the Group has shown steady progress in managing its fixed expenses over the past few years.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA remained at loss for FY2024, reaching -92 million, compared to -64 million in 2023. While the Group has made significant efforts to optimize the cost structure and enhance operational efficiency in FY2024, the increase in Adjusted EBITDA loss was primarily driven by a decline in gross profit, which was only partially mitigated by the reduction in operational expenses.

Results by Segment

Lanvin: Revenue was down by 26%, with revenue of 83 million. Gross profit decreased to 48 million, at a margin of 59%, from 65 million, at a margin of 58%, in 2023. Gross profit declined due to lower sales volumes, while the margin remained stable. Contribution profit decreased to a loss of 24 million in 2024, with margin declining to negative 29% from negative 11% in 2023. Despite the reduction in retail traffic, effective cost controls are in place and inventory management showed steady improvement.

Wolford: Revenue decreased by 30%, decreasing from 126 million in 2023 to 88 million in 2024, a result of multiple challenges faced in 2024 such as macroeconomic uncertainties, organizational changes, and disruptions in logistics. Gross profit decreased to 51 million from 83 million in 2023, and margin declined from 66% to 58% due to increased costs caused by delays in integrating with the new logistics provider. Contribution profit turned negative, reaching -19 million in 2024, with the margin falling to negative 21% from 3%.

Sergio Rossi: Revenue was down by 30%, decreasing from 60 million in 2023 to 42 million in 2024. Gross profit margin decreased from 51% to 43% in 2024, due to fixed production costs on lower revenues. Contribution profit margin dropped to negative 3% in 2024, compared to 12% in 2023. Marketing and selling expenses decreased 4 million as a result of cost control and the implementation of efficiency improvement measures, partially offsetting the loss in gross profit.

St. John: Driven by the decline in luxury demand in North America and the strategic contraction in Greater China, St. John's revenue in 2024 decreased by 12%, from 90 million in 2023 to 79 million. Gross profit decreased to 54 million, with the margin improving to 69% from 63% in 2023, due to improved full-price sell-through and reduction in production costs. Contribution profit decreased slightly, with the margin dropping by 2%.

Caruso: Revenue decreased by 7%, from 40 million in 2023 to 37 million in 2024. B2B Maisons orders decreased while Caruso brand business grew by double digits. Gross profit remained stable at 11 million, with the margin increasing to 29% from 28% in 2023. Contribution profit margin remains steady at 24%.

2025 Outlook

In 2025, while macroeconomic uncertainty persists, Lanvin Group is poised for a robust recovery and remains unwavering in its long-term vision, driven by operational discipline and a surge in creative momentum. Under the leadership of the new Executive President, Andy Lew, the Group is enhancing its management capabilities and establishing a second headquarters in Europe to further streamline the organization. The Group will continue to maintain a strategic focus on key areas and core products, while exploring undiscovered regions and emerging product categories to unlock new growth opportunities. Retail network optimization will continue to be a priority, with efforts to refine the store footprint, simplify the operations and concentrate on core business units.

The Group is experiencing a surge of creative momentum in 2025, fueled by the appointment of new creative leaders who are poised to redefine the brand visions. At Lanvin, Peter Copping brings his unique artistic vision and expertise to the forefront, promising to infuse the brand with fresh perspectives and innovative designs that resonate with both existing and new customers. At Sergio Rossi, Paul Andrew is leveraging his extensive experience and creative acumen to revitalize the brand's image and product offerings. With a strengthened leadership team and bold creative visions, Lanvin Group is well-positioned to drive innovation and secure long-term success in the luxury fashion industry.

Note: All % changes are calculated on an actual currency exchange rate basis. Note: This communication includes certain non-IFRS financial measures such as contribution profit, contribution margin, adjusted earnings before interest and taxes ("Adjusted EBIT"), and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA"). Please see Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Definition. (1) Contribution Profit is defined as Gross Profit less Selling and Marketing Expenses

Annual Report on Form 20-F

Our annual report on Form 20-F, including the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, can be downloaded from the Company's investor relations website (ir.lanvin-group.com) under the section Financials / SEC Filings, or from the SEC's website (www.sec.gov).

Conference Call

As previously announced, today at 8:00AM EST/8:00PM CST/2:00PM CET, Lanvin Group will host a conference call to discuss its results for the full-year 2024 and provide an outlook for 2025. Management will refer to a slide presentation during the call, which will be made available on the day of the call. To view the presentation, please visit the "Events" tab of the Group's investor relations website at https://ir.lanvin-group.com.

To participant in the conference call, please register by clicking on the following link: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10199129/fefc237249

A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately one hour after the live call until May 07, 2025, by dialing the following numbers:

US Toll Free: 1-877-344-7529

International Toll: 1-412-317-0088

Canada Toll Free: 855-669-9658

Replay Access Code: 2450816

A recorded webcast of the conference call and a slide presentation will also be available on the Group's investor relations website at https://ir.lanvin-group.com.

Next Scheduled Announcement

The next scheduled announcement will be the H1 2025 earnings results release in August 2025. To receive email alerts of the timing of future financial news releases, as well as future announcements, please register at https://ir.lanvin-group.com.

About Lanvin Group

Lanvin Group is a leading global luxury fashion group headquartered in Shanghai, China, managing iconic brands worldwide including Lanvin, Wolford, Sergio Rossi, St. John Knits, and Caruso. Harnessing the power of its unique strategic alliance of industry-leading partners in the luxury fashion sector, Lanvin Group strives to expand the global footprint of its portfolio brands and achieve sustainable growth through strategic investment and extensive operational know-how, combined with an intimate understanding and unparalleled access to the fastest-growing luxury fashion markets in the world. Lanvin Group is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 'LANV'. For more information about Lanvin Group, please visit www.lanvin-group.com, and to view our investor presentation, please visit https://ir.lanvin-group.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication, including the section "2025 Outlook", contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," "plan," "predict," "potential," "seem," "seek," "future," "outlook," "project" and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of other financial and performance metrics and projections of market opportunity. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this communication, and on the current expectations of the respective management of Lanvin Group and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Lanvin Group. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changes adversely affecting the business in which Lanvin Group is engaged; Lanvin Group's projected financial information, anticipated growth rate, profitability and market opportunity may not be an indication of its actual results or future results; management of growth; the impact of COVID-19 or similar public health crises on Lanvin Group's business; Lanvin Group's ability to safeguard the value, recognition and reputation of its brands and to identify and respond to new and changing customer preferences; the ability and desire of consumers to shop; Lanvin Group's ability to successfully implement its business strategies and plans; Lanvin Group's ability to effectively manage its advertising and marketing expenses and achieve desired impact; its ability to accurately forecast consumer demand; high levels of competition in the personal luxury products market; disruptions to Lanvin Group's distribution facilities or its distribution partners; Lanvin Group's ability to negotiate, maintain or renew its license agreements; Lanvin Group's ability to protect its intellectual property rights; Lanvin Group's ability to attract and retain qualified employees and preserve craftmanship skills; Lanvin Group's ability to develop and maintain effective internal controls; general economic conditions; the result of future financing efforts; and those factors discussed in the reports filed by Lanvin Group from time to time with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or Lanvin Group's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Lanvin Group presently does not know, or that Lanvin Group currently believes are immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Lanvin Group's expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. Lanvin Group anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Lanvin Group's assessments to change. However, while Lanvin Group may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Lanvin Group specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Lanvin Group's assessments of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. Accordingly, reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.

Use of Non-IFRS Financial Metrics

This communication includes certain non-IFRS financial measures such as contribution profit, contribution margin, adjusted earnings before interest and taxes ("Adjusted EBIT"), and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA"). These non-IFRS measures are an addition, and not a substitute for or superior to measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with IFRS. Reconciliations of non-IFRS measures to their most directly comparable IFRS counterparts are included in the Appendix to this communication. Lanvin Group believes that these non-IFRS measures of financial results provide useful supplemental information to investors about Lanvin Group. Lanvin Group believes that the use of these non-IFRS financial measures provides an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating projected operating results and trends in and in comparing Lanvin Group's financial measures with other similar companies, many of which present similar non-IFRS financial measures to investors. However, there are a number of limitations related to the use of these non-IFRS measures and their nearest IFRS equivalents. For example, other companies may calculate non-IFRS measures differently, or may use other measures to calculate their financial performance, and therefore Lanvin Group's non-IFRS measures may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Lanvin Group does not consider these non-IFRS measures in isolation or as an alternative to financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS. The principal limitation of these non-IFRS financial measures is that they exclude significant expenses, income and tax liabilities that are required by IFRS to be recorded in Lanvin Group's financial statements. In addition, they are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgements by Lanvin Group about which expense and income are excluded or included in determining these non-IFRS financial measures. In order to compensate for these limitations, Lanvin Group presents non-IFRS financial measures in connection with IFRS results.

Enquiries:

Media

Lanvin Group

Winni Ren

[email protected]

Investors

Lanvin Group

Coco Wang

[email protected]

Appendix

Lanvin Group Consolidated Income Statement ( in Thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Lanvin Group

Consolidated P&L 2021A 2022A 2023A 2024A FY % FY % FY % FY % Revenue 308,822 100 % 422,312 100 % 426,178 100 % 328,610 100 % Cost of sales -138,920 -45 % -184,368 -44 % -175,236 -41 % -145,847 -44 % Gross profit 169,902 55 % 237,944 56 % 250,942 59 % 182,763 56 % Marketing and selling

expenses -165,502 -54 % -224,733 -53 % -226,750 -53 % -208,803 -64 % General and

administrative

expenses -122,497 -40 % -153,138 -36 % -138,215 -32 % -117,368 -36 % Impairment of goodwill 0 0 % 0 0 % 0 0 % -31,208 -9 % Other operating

income and expenses 10,083 3 % -2,340 -1 % -4,534 -1 % 7,977 2 % Loss from operations

before non-underlying

items -108,014 -35 % -142,267 -34 % -118,557 -28 % -166,639 -51 % Non-underlying items 45,206 15 % -83,057 -20 % -3,858 -1 % 10,243 3 % Loss from operations -62,808 -20 % -225,324 -53 % -122,415 -29 % -156,396 -48 % Finance cost  net -9,313 -3 % -14,556 -3 % -20,431 -5 % -29,821 -9 % Loss before income

tax -72,121 -23 % -239,880 -57 % -142,846 -34 % -186,217 -57 % Income tax expenses -4,331 -1 % 129 0 % -3,407 -1 % -3,078 -1 % Loss for the period -76,452 -25 % -239,751 -57 % -146,253 -34 % -189,295 -58 %

















Contribution profit (2) 4,400 1 % 13,211 3 % 24,192 6 % -26,040 -8 % Adjusted EBIT (2) -100,806 -33 % -134,836 -32 % -115,808 -27 % -166,088 -51 % Adjusted EBITDA (2) -58,945 -19 % -71,958 -17 % -64,173 -15 % -92,320 -28 %

Lanvin Group Consolidated Balance Sheet ( in Thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Lanvin Group Consolidated Balance Sheet 2021A 2022A 2023A 2024A FY FY FY FY









Assets







Non-current assets







Intangible assets 181,234 181,485 210,439 213,501 Goodwill 69,323 69,323 69,323 38,115 Property, plant and equipment 40,564 46,801 43,731 39,440 Right-of-use assets 118,775 121,731 128,853 131,597 Deferred income tax assets 17,070 17,297 13,427 11,598 Other non-current assets 15,742 15,265 15,540 14,869

442,708 451,902 481,313 449,120 Current assets







Inventories 92,335 109,094 107,184 89,712 Trade receivables 39,781 48,868 45,657 28,099 Other current assets 41,706 30,467 25,650 29,112 Cash and bank balances 88,981 91,897 28,130 18,043

262,803 280,326 206,621 164,966 Total assets 705,511 732,228 687,934 614,086









Liabilities







Non-current liabilities







Non-current borrowings 11,212 18,115 32,381 25,222 Non-current lease liabilities 102,987 105,986 112,898 117,966 Non-current provisions 4,166 4,111 3,174 3,560 Employee benefits 18,464 15,128 17,972 17,240 Deferred income tax liabilities 54,179 54,660 52,804 51,390 Other non-current liabilities 1,080 690 14,733 16,005

192,088 198,690 233,962 231,383 Current liabilities







Trade payables 58,151 73,114 78,576 80,424 Bank overdrafts 14 148 280 - Current borrowings 55,559 15,370 35,720 158,540 Current lease liabilities 37,072 34,605 32,871 36,106 Current provisions 3,141 3,014 6,270 1,524 Other current liabilities 68,660 106,481 134,627 139,020

222,597 232,732 288,344 415,614 Total liabilities 414,685 431,422 522,306 646,997 Net assets 290,826 300,806 165,628 -32,911 Equity







Equity attributable to owners of the Company







Share capital 339,259 0 0 0 Treasury shares -3 -25,023 -65,405 -46,576 Other reserves 149,460 762,961 806,677 779,356 Accumulated losses -224,328 -442,618 -571,931 -737,186

264,388 295,320 169,341 -4,406 Non- controlling interests 26,438 5,486 -3,713 -28,505 Total equity 290,826 300,806 165,628 -32,911

Lanvin Group Consolidated Cash Flow ( in Thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Lanvin Group Consolidated Cash Flow 2021A 2022A 2023A 2024A FY FY FY FY









Net cash used in operating activities -73,088 -80,851 -57,891 -59,381 Net cash flows from/(used in) investing activities 6,346 -21,799 -38,615 -125 Net cash flows generated from financing activities 110,065 104,937 34,131 49,066 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 43,323 2,287 -62,375 -10,440









Cash and cash equivalents less bank overdrafts at the beginning of the year 44,171 88,658 91,749 27,850 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 1,164 804 -1,524 633 Cash and cash equivalents less bank overdrafts at end of the year 88,658 91,749 27,850 18,043

Lanvin Brand Key Financials(3) ( in Thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Lanvin Brand Key Financials 2021A 2022A 2023A 2024A

2022 A

v 2023 A

v 2024 A

v FY % FY % FY % FY %

2021 A 2022 A 2023 A

























Key Financials on P&L























Revenues 72,872 100 % 119,847 100 % 111,740 100 % 82,720 100 %

64 % -7 % -26 % Gross profit 34,028 47 % 60,513 50 % 64,547 58 % 48,440 59 %







Selling and distribution

expenses -58,124 -80 % -75,852 -63 % -76,533 -68 % -72,241 -87 %







Contribution profit(2) -24,096 -33 % -15,339 -13 % -11,986 -11 % -23,801 -29 %

































Revenues by Geography























EMEA 31,683 43 % 61,092 51 % 51,585 46 % 38,859 47 %

93 % -16 % -25 % North America 15,964 22 % 28,524 24 % 28,210 25 % 22,843 28 %

79 % -1 % -19 % Greater China 23,541 32 % 25,742 21 % 24,649 22 % 14,763 18 %

9 % -4 % -40 % Other 1,684 2 % 4,489 4 % 7,296 7 % 6,254 8 %

167 % 63 % -14 %

























Revenues by Channel























DTC 46,134 63 % 58,536 49 % 55,357 50 % 43,569 53 %

27 % -5 % -21 % Wholesale 21,161 29 % 51,898 43 % 39,933 36 % 27,113 33 %

145 % -23 % -32 % Other 5,577 8 % 9,413 8 % 16,450 15 % 12,038 15 %

69 % 75 % -27 %

Wolford Brand Key Financials(3) ( in Thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Wolford Brand Key Financials 2021A 2022A 2023A 2024A

2022 A

v 2023 A

v 2024 A

v FY % FY % FY % FY %

2021 A 2022 A 2023 A

























Key Financials on P&L























Revenues 109,332 100 % 125,514 100 % 126,280 100 % 87,891 100 %

15 % 1 % -30 % Gross profit 79,070 72 % 86,228 69 % 83,339 66 % 50,995 58 %







Selling and distribution

expenses -59,351 -54 % -81,901 -65 % -79,060 -63 % -69,603 -79 %







Contribution profit (2) 19,719 18 % 4,327 3 % 4,279 3 % -18,608 -21 %

































Revenues by Geography























EMEA 79,236 72 % 86,501 69 % 85,084 67 % 54,934 63 %

9 % -2 % -35 % North America 21,824 20 % 31,535 25 % 31,310 25 % 25,930 30 %

44 % -1 % -17 % Greater China 7,289 7 % 6,791 5 % 9,176 7 % 6,661 8 %

-7 % 35 % -27 % Other 983 1 % 687 1 % 710 1 % 366 0 %

-30 % 3 % -49 %

























Revenues by Channel























DTC 74,622 68 % 90,408 72 % 87,352 69 % 67,006 76 %

21 % -3 % -23 % Wholesale 34,710 32 % 34,426 27 % 38,071 30 % 20,850 24 %

-1 % 11 % -45 % Other 0 0 % 680 1 % 857 1 % 35 0 %



26 % -96 %

Sergio Rossi Brand Key Financials(3) ( in Thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Sergio Rossi Brand Key

Financials 2021A 2022A 2023A 2024A

2022 A

v 2023 A

v 2024 A

v FY % FY % FY % FY %

2021 A 2022 A 2023 A

























Key Financials on P&L























Revenues 28,737 100 % 61,929 100 % 59,518 100 % 41,910 100 %

116 % -4 % -30 % Gross profit 13,319 46 % 31,048 50 % 30,435 51 % 17,867 43 %







Selling and distribution

expenses -9,489 -33 % -24,502 -40 % -23,097 -39 % -18,923 -45 %







Contribution profit (2) 3,830 13 % 6,546 11 % 7,338 12 % -1,056 -3 %

































Revenues by Geography























EMEA 17,009 59 % 35,023 57 % 31,801 53 % 20,704 49 %

106 % -9 % -35 % North America 107 0 % 1,181 2 % 2,006 3 % 740 2 %

1004 % 70 % -63 % Greater China 4,595 16 % 10,809 17 % 11,872 20 % 7,741 18 %

135 % 10 % -35 % Other 7,027 24 % 14,916 24 % 13,838 23 % 12,726 30 %

112 % -7 % -8 %

























Revenues by Channel























DTC 14,349 50 % 31,910 52 % 32,962 55 % 27,944 67 %

122 % 3 % -15 % Wholesale 14,389 50 % 30,019 48 % 26,556 45 % 13,966 33 %

109 % -12 % -47 % Other 0 0 % 0 0 % 0 0 % 0 0 %









St. John Brand Key Financials(3) ( in Thousands, unless otherwise noted)

St. John Brand Key

Financials 2021A 2022A 2023A 2024A

2022 A

v 2023 A

v 2024 A

v FY % FY % FY % FY %

2021 A 2022 A 2023 A

























Key Financials on P&L























Revenues 73,094 100 % 85,884 100 % 90,398 100 % 79,267 100 %

17 % 5 % -12 % Gross profit 38,987 53 % 52,642 61 % 57,374 63 % 54,451 69 %







Selling and distribution

expenses -37,697 -52 % -42,498 -49 % -46,695 -52 % -46,445 -59 %







Contribution profit (2) 1,290 2 % 10,144 12 % 10,679 12 % 8,006 10 %

































Revenues by Geography























EMEA 779 1 % 1,224 1 % 1,541 2 % 651 1 %

57 % 26 % -58 % North America 65,534 90 % 78,774 92 % 81,382 90 % 74,403 94 %

20 % 3 % -9 % Greater China 6,467 9 % 5,153 6 % 7,161 8 % 4,101 5 %

-20 % 39 % -43 % Other 315 0 % 733 1 % 314 0 % 113 0 %

133 % -57 % -64 %

























Revenues by Channel























DTC 51,581 71 % 66,412 77 % 71,007 79 % 61,612 78 %

29 % 7 % -13 % Wholesale 21,513 29 % 19,077 22 % 19,126 21 % 17,547 22 %

-11 % 0 % -8 % Other 0 0 % 395 0 % 265 0 % 108 0 %



-33 % -59 %

Caruso Brand Key Financials(3) ( in Thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Caruso Brand Key Financials 2021A 2022A 2023A 2024A

2022 A

v 2023 A

v 2024 A

v FY % FY % FY % FY %

2021 A 2022 A 2023 A

























Key Financials on P&L























Revenues 24,695 100 % 30,819 100 % 40,011 100 % 37,107 100 %

25 % 30 % -7 % Gross profit 4,449 18 % 7,147 23 % 11,351 28 % 10,628 29 %







Selling and distribution

expenses -1,144 -5 % -1,446 -5 % -1,900 -5 % -1,861 -5 %







Contribution profit (2) 3,305 13 % 5,701 18 % 9,451 24 % 8,767 24 %

































Revenues by Geography























EMEA 19,475 79 % 23,050 75 % 33,739 84 % 30,900 83 %

18 % 46 % -8 % North America 3,272 13 % 5,833 19 % 4,580 11 % 4,662 13 %

78 % -21 % 2 % Greater China 549 2 % 559 2 % 44 0 % 29 0 %

2 % -92 % -34 % Other 1,399 6 % 1,377 4 % 1,648 4 % 1,516 4 %

-2 % 20 % -8 %

























Revenues by Channel























DTC 0 0 % 0 0 % 40 0 % 64 0 %





60 % Wholesale 24,695 100 % 30,819 100 % 39,971 100 % 37,043 100 %

25 % 30 % -7 % Other 0 0 % 0 0 % 0 0 % 0 0 %









Lanvin Group Brand Footprint

Footprint By Brand 2021 2022 2023 2024 DOS (4) POS (5) DOS (4) POS (5) DOS (4) POS (5) DOS (4) POS (5)

















Lanvin 27 287 31 339 36 319 33 277 Wolford 167 227 163 225 150 201 112 163 St. John 48 133 46 106 45 107 37 88 Sergio Rossi 50 328 50 346 48 289 43 154 Caruso 1 144 1 189 0 183 0 181 Total 293 1,119 291 1,205 279 1,099 225 863

Non-IFRS Financial Measures Reconciliation ( in Thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Reconciliation of Contribution Margin 2021A 2022A 2023A 2024A FY FY FY FY









Revenue 308,822 422,312 426,178 328,610 Cost of sales -138,920 -184,368 -175,236 -145,847 Gross profit 169,902 237,944 250,942 182,763 Marketing and selling expenses -165,502 -224,733 -226,750 -208,803 Contribution profit (2) 4,400 13,211 24,192 -26,040

( in Thousands, unless otherwise noted) Reconciliation of Adjusted EBIT and EBITDA 2021A 2022A 2023A 2024A FY FY FY FY









Loss for the year -76,452 -239,751 -146,253 -189,295 Add / (Deduct) the impact of:







Income tax benefits / (expenses) 4,331 -129 3,407 3,078 Finance cost - net 9,313 14,556 20,431 29,821 Non-underlying items (1) -45,206 83,057 3,858 -10,243 Loss from operating before non-underlying items -108,014 -142,267 -118,557 -166,639 Add / (Deduct) the impact of:







Share based compensation 7,208 7,431 2,749 551 Adjusted EBIT (2) -100,806 -134,836 -115,808 -166,088 Depreciation / Amortization 41,584 45,810 46,946 46,542 Provision and impairment losses 10,766 16,729 79 34,935 Net foreign exchange (gains) / losses -10,489 339 4,610 -7,709 Adjusted EBITDA (2) -58,945 -71,958 -64,173 -92,320

Note: (1) 2022 was impacted by a 84 million cost related to the Reverse Recapitalization that occurred as part of the SPAC merger; this cost is non-recurring in nature. (2) These are Non-IFRS Financial Measures and will be mentioned throughout this communication. Please see Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Definition. (3) Brand-level results are presented exclusive of eliminations. (4) DOS refers to Directly Operated Stores which include boutiques, outlets, concession shop-in-shops and pop-up stores. (5) POS refers to Point of Sales which include DOS and wholesale accounts.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Definition

Our management monitors and evaluates operating and financial performance using several non-IFRS financial measures including: contribution profit, contribution margin, Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA. Our management believes that these non-IFRS financial measures provide useful and relevant information regarding our performance and improve their ability to assess financial performance and financial position. They also provide comparable measures that facilitate management's ability to identify operational trends, as well as make decisions regarding future spending, resource allocations and other operational decisions. While similar measures are widely used in the industry in which we operate, the financial measures that we use may not be comparable to other similarly named measures used by other companies nor are they intended to be substitutes for measures of financial performance or financial position as prepared in accordance with IFRS.

Contribution profit is defined as revenue less the cost of sales and selling and marketing expenses. Contribution profit subtracts the main variable expenses of selling and marketing expenses from gross profit, and our management believes this measure is an important indicator of profitability at the marginal level. Below contribution profit, the main expenses are general administrative expenses and other operating expenses (which include foreign exchange gains or losses and impairment losses). As we continue to improve the management of our portfolio brands, we believe we can achieve greater economy of scale across the different brands by maintaining the fixed expenses at a lower level as a proportion of revenue. We therefore use contribution profit margin as a key indicator of profitability at the group level as well as the portfolio brand level.

Contribution margin is defined as contribution profit divided by revenue.

Adjusted EBIT is defined as profit or loss before income taxes, net finance cost, share based compensation, adjusted for income and costs which are significant in nature and that management considers not reflective of underlying operational activities, mainly including net gains on disposal of long-term assets, negative goodwill from acquisition of Sergio Rossi, gain on debt restructuring and government grants.

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as profit or loss before income taxes, net finance cost, exchange gains/(losses), depreciation, amortization, share based compensation and provisions and impairment losses adjusted for income and costs which are significant in nature and that management considers not reflective of underlying operational activities, mainly including net gains on disposal of long-term assets, negative goodwill from acquisition of Sergio Rossi, gain on debt restructuring and government grants.

SOURCE LANVIN GROUP
Premium Tequila Meets Elevated Celebration at Iconic Destinations Across the Golden State.

SAN FRANCISCO, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This Cinco de Mayo, Leon y Sol Tequila isn't throwing just any party, we're celebrating in partnership with the state's most iconic venues. With roots in tradition and an eye toward modern luxury, Leon y Sol is redefining what it means to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style.

The Best Cinco De Mayo Parties

Across San Francisco, Napa, Walnut Creek, and Orange County, each event blends premium tequila experiences with custom cocktails, curated music, and an atmosphere built for connection. These are open, community-driven celebrations designed to bring people together over great drinks and even better energy.

Party details below:

DELAROSA MARINA  SAN FRANCISCO

May 4 | 12 PM  5 PM | Chestnut Street

DJ Henry will be spinning music in line with cool vibes. We'll also have Co-branded t-shirts printed in partnership with San Frapsycho and Leon Y Sol pitchers and a custom drink of Activated charcoal, lemon, and lavender with Leon Y Sol Premium tequila.

LITA  WALNUT CREEK

May 3 | 2 PM  6 PM

Sophistication takes the spotlight at Lita, with a tequila flight featuring Leon y Sol. This East Bay icon will craft a custom cocktail to highlight our spirit's complex profile inviting guests to taste the evolution of agave excellence.

WAYFARER  ORANGE COUNTY

May 5 | 7:45 PM  11 PM | Costa Mesa

Bringing Mexican culture to Orange County with Tequila Tequilaa Mexican band brought to you by Leon y Sol and amazing cocktails.

FOLKLORE  NAPA

May 3 & 4 | 7 PM  11 PM

Napa goes nocturnal with two nights of immersive celebration. A local DJ (sponsored by Leon y Sol) brings deep grooves to the vineyard vibes, while the bar serves signature mixed drinks and tequila shots on Leon y Sol.

MOVIDA  SAN FRANCISCO (EAST CUT)

May 4 | 12 PM  5 PM

A Michelin-rated restaurant with Mexican vibes brings DJ Kat Jabba spinning live, taco specials, and signature drinks. This daytime party captures the essence of Cinco de Mayo fun, all with Leon y Sol in hand.

"LEON Y SOL is a premium tequila, and we don't do ordinary. This Cinco de Mayo, we're teaming up with some of California's best venues to throw the kind of parties you don't want to missbold flavors, unforgettable vibes, and a true celebration of tequila's cultural roots." Bobby Marhamat, CEO, Leon Y Sol Tequila.

Each event is designed as a standalone statement, brought together by the bold, sun-soaked and Mexican spirit of Leon y Sol.

Media Contact:

Elisa Rocha

9496774878

[email protected]

SOURCE Leon Y Sol, Inc.
SHANGHAI, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mabwell (688062.SH), an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company with entire industry chain, presented 6 study results of innovative drugs and platforms in poster format at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting, held from April 25 to 30, 2025.

Poster Presentation

1. A B7-H3-targeting antibody-drug conjugate, 7MW3711, and PARP inhibitors synergistically potentiate the antitumor activity in B7-H3-positive cancers

Published Abstract Number: 830

Both PARP inhibitors and B7-H3-targeting ADC are feasible therapies to chemotherapy resistant solid tumors. Mabwell combines its self-developed 7MW3711 with PARP inhibitors to explore the synergistic antitumor activity of the ADC+PARPi combination strategy in preclinical solid tumor models.

In this study, the synergistic antitumor activity shown by 7MW3711 in combination with PARPi suggests that it is a promising strategy to combine DNA damage repair inhibitor and B7-H3-targeting ADC for the treatment of B7-H3-positive solid tumors. The data provide evidence for the potential utility of 7MW3711 combination with PARPi for treatment of B7-H3-expressing tumors and support the rationale for further clinical application.

2. Design and synthesis of the novel camptothecin analog MF6 for application into site-specific antibody-drug conjugate

Published Abstract Number: 5733

This study preliminarily validated the antitumor activity and safety of MF6, a novel payload based on the Mtoxin platform, in multiple in vivo and in vitro models. The experimental results demonstrated that MF6 possessed favorable tumor-killing activity and maintains significant efficacy in multidrug-resistant models resistant to DXd. ADCs constructed using the clinically validated site-specific conjugation technology IDDC and our novel payload MF6 demonstrated good uniformity and stability, and exhibited significant antitumor efficacy in multiple CDX models. Additionally, these ADCs show a potent bystander killing effect enabling the killing of nearby tumor cells and thereby further enhancing the antitumor efficacy. ADCs synthesized with MF6 have excellent serum and plasma stability and pharmacokinetic properties, providing strong support for future clinical application.

3. MW-C01/C02, novel CLDN1-targeting antibody-drug conjugates, demonstrate compelling anti-tumor efficacy and favorable safety profiles in preclinical studies

Published Abstract Number: 1573

MW-C01/C02 are novel CLDN1-targeting ADCs, developed based on our own ADC site-specific conjugation technology platform IDDC. Claudins localize to tight junctions in healthy tissues, while their overexpression in solid tumors leads to aberrant exposure outside of these junctions, making them attractive targets for ADC therapies. Studies have shown that high expression of CLDN1 is associated with tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis. MW-C01/C02 exhibit robust binding, rapid internalization, and potent cytotoxicity in CLDN1-positive cancer cell lines. MW-C01/C02 demonstrate potent anti-tumor activity in both preclinical CDX and PDX models and show good PK and safety profiles in primates.

4. 2MW7061, a novel LILRB4xCD3 bispecific T-cell engager targeting monocytic acute myeloid leukemia

Published Abstract Number: 2116

2MW7061 (LILRB4xCD3) is a bispecific T-cell engager (TCE) targeting LILRB4 developed based on Mabwell's TCE platform. With its unique structural design and mechanism of action, 2MW7061 exhibits minimal binding to T cells while demonstrating potent cytotoxicity against tumor cells, thereby significantly improving its safety margin without compromising efficacy. In preclinical models of AML (acute myeloid leukemia), 2MW7061 showed strong anti-tumor activity. Non-primate toxicology studies indicate a favorable safety profile, highlighting its therapeutic potential for treating AML patients.

5. An innovative T cell engager platform with optimized CD3 affinity and formats for targeting hematologic and solid tumors

Published Abstract Number: 2866

As a promising cancer therapeutic strategy, Tcell engagers (TCEs) simultaneously bind to CD3 on T cells and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) on cancer cells, facilitating the formation of an immunological synapse that activates T cells and directs their cytotoxic activity toward tumor cells. Clinical data have robustly demonstrated the efficacy of TCEs in hematologic malignancies; however, their clinical benefits in solid tumors remain to be fully validated. As agonists, TCEs present significant developmental challenges that require a delicate balance between efficacy and safety. In response, Mabwell has established an innovative TCE platform that meticulously optimizes various parametersincluding CD3 affinity, TAA selection, and bispecific antibody formatto effectively widen the therapeutic window and maximize clinical outcomes.

6. 7MW4911, a novel cadherin 17-targeting ADC, demonstrates potent efficacy in preclinical models of gastrointestinal cancers

Published Abstract Number: 5466

7MW4911 is a novel ADC developed by Mabwell targeting CDH17, a membrane protein highly expressed in gastrointestinal cancers with limited normal tissue distribution, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for gastrointestinal malignancies. 7MW4911 is composed of a proprietary anti-CDH17 monoclonal antibody, a cleavable linker, and innovative cytotoxic payload Mtoxin, with full intellectual property ownership. In preclinical CDX and PDX models, 7MW4911 demonstrated robust antitumor activity and superior efficacy over MMAE-based ADCs in multidrug resistance models. Pharmacokinetic and safety studies in non-human primates support a favorable profile and a high non-severely toxic dose (HNSTD), enabling clinical advancement. 7MW4911 represents a differentiated and promising ADC candidate for GI cancers, with an IND submission to the NMPA and FDA planned for H2 2025.

About Mabwell

Mabwell (688062.SH) is an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company with the entire value chain of the pharmaceutical industry. We provide more effective and accessible therapy and innovative medicines to fulfill global medical needs. Since 2017, an advanced R&D system which covers target discovery, early discovery, druggability, preclinical, clinical research and manufacturing transformation was established. Mabwell has 16 pipeline products in different stages based on a world-class and state-of-the-art R&D engine, including 12 novel drug candidates and 4 biosimilars. We focus on the therapeutic areas of oncology, immunology, bone disorders, ophthalmology, hematology and infectious diseases, etc. Of these, 3 products have been approved and commercialized, 1 product has been filed for market approval, 3 products are in pivotal trials. We have also undertaken 1 national major scientific and technological special project for "Significant New Drugs Development", 2 projects for National Key R&D Programmes, and multiple provincial and municipal science and technological innovation projects. Mabwell's Taizhou factory possesses robust in-house manufacturing capability compliant with international GMP standards regulated by the NMPA, FDA and EMA, and has passed the EU QP Audit. The large-scale manufacturing base in Shanghai and the ADC commercialized manufacturing base in Taizhou are under construction. Our mission is "Explore Life, Benefit Health" and our vision is "Innovation, from ideas to reality". For more information, please visit www.mabwell.com/en.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the potential safety, efficacy, regulatory review or approval and commercial success of our product candidates and those relating to the Company's product development, clinical studies, clinical and regulatory milestones and timelines, market opportunity, competitive position, possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, potential growth opportunities and other statements that are predictive in nature. "Forward-looking statements" are statements that are not historical facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking expressions, including, but not limited to, "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "estimate," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "would," and similar expressions and the negatives of those terms.

Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, including, but not limited to: environment; politic; economy; society; legislation; our dependence on our product candidates, most of which are still in preclinical or various stages of clinical development; our reliance on third-party vendors, such as contract research organizations and contract manufacturing organizations; the uncertainties inherent in clinical testing; our ability to complete required clinical trials for our product candidates and obtain approval from regulatory authorities for our product candidates; our ability to protect our intellectual property; the potential impact of COVID-19; the loss of any executive officers or key personnel. In case one or more of these risks or uncertainties deteriorate, or any assumptions are incorrect, the actual results may be seriously inconsistent with the stated results.

The Company cautions all the persons not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speaks only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any obligation, except as specifically required by law and the rules of the applicable Stock authority to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in expectations or in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking descriptions, figures and assumptions in this press release are applicable to this statement.

SOURCE Mabwell
Mach7 to showcase its Enterprise Imaging Platform with new applications designed to revolutionize the radiology workspace and deliver diagnostic viewing to all clinicians.

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mach7 Technologies, a company specializing in innovative medical imaging and data management solutions for healthcare organizations, is pleased to announce its participation at the SiiM25 Annual Meeting + InformaticsTECH Expo to be held in Portland, Oregon from May 21-23.

At SiiM25, Mach7 will showcase its innovative Enterprise Imaging Platform consisting of the industry-leading eUnity Enterprise Diagnostic Viewer, Workflow Orchestration applications and powerful Enterprise Data Management platform. It will also mark Mach7's first SiiM showcase of its newest solution, UnityVue, a revolutionary platform designed to address the pressing needs of modern radiology practices and healthcare delivery networks.

Notable highlights include the demonstration of new capabilities within Mach7's industry-leading eUnity Diagnostic Viewer including the launching of digital pathology1 images for enterprise access and visualization. Additional advancements will showcase Mach7's seamless integration with the latest cloud healthcare services to provide clinicians' access to a patient's comprehensive imaging record.

Mach7 will host customers, partners, and key industry thought leaders at its booth (#514-516) in the SiiM25 Expo Hall throughout the conference. Here, visitors will be able to explore Mach7's latest innovations and capabilities, as well as meet with informatics experts to discuss how Mach7 can provide value to healthcare professionals across the globe to support patient care needs and initiatives.

Mach7's Chief Executive Officer, Mike Lampron, said, "SiiM is a very important conference for Mach7. We are particularly excited about this year's show as we showcase several new innovations that will provide value for our customers in their goal of delivering exceptional patient care. Here we will demonstrate how Mach7 is shaping the future of imaging informatics by developing and leveraging the newest enterprise imaging technological advancements in the industry."

In addition to highlighting its uniquely independent imaging informatics software solutions, Mach7 will be hosting an Industry Connect educational session on Wednesday, May 21st at 12:30pm PST (session #2008) at Learning Theater 1 in the Expo Hall. The event, Incorporating Digital Pathology in your Enterprise Imaging Strategy, will feature a panel of subject matter experts to provide breadth of context and insight:

Mustafa Yousif , MD , Breast and Gynecologic Pathologist and Director of Digital Pathology, Michigan Medicine

, Breast and Gynecologic Pathologist and Director of Digital Pathology, Michigan Medicine Michael Valante , Member , SiiM Enterprise Imaging Committee

Member SiiM Enterprise Imaging Committee Andrew Volkening , VP of Product, Mach7 Technologies, SiiM Education Committee

, VP of Product, Mach7 Technologies, SiiM Education Committee Bob Tranchida , VP of Marketing, Mach7 Technologies, Moderator

Mach7's purpose is to provide clinicians with the right tools to enable exceptional patient care. At SiiM25, the company will highlight its Enterprise Imaging offerings to depict how it meets this purpose for healthcare providers and patients across the healthcare spectrum.

To schedule a demonstration of Mach7's enterprise imaging solution at SiiM25, please visit the company's website at www.mach7t.com/SiiM25.

1 This functionality is not regulatory-cleared or approved. It is not available for sale in all jurisdictions and is limited to investigational use only. Claims of safety or effectiveness have not been evaluated by regulatory authorities.

About Mach7 Technologies:

Mach7 Technologies (ASX:M7T) is a medical imaging technology provider that develops innovative data management and image viewing solutions for healthcare organizations. Its core offering is the Mach7 Enterprise Imaging Solution (EIS), a next-generation platform built for the future of healthcare, comprised of a Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA), eUnity Enterprise Diagnostic Viewer, and Diagnostic Workflow Applications. Designed to maximize flexibility and scalability, Mach7 gives customers the independence to deploy a full enterprise solution or individual components. Mach7 serves a global network of customers, ranging from expansive IDNs and National Health Systems to small, independent provider groups and private radiology practices. Visit Mach7t.com for more information.

CONTACT:

Bob Tranchida

VP of Marketing, Mach7 Technologies

802-861-7745

[email protected]

SOURCE Mach7 Technologies
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Meijer opened Independence Market today, bringing value and fresh, convenient groceries to customers in Clarkston, Mich, and Independence Township. Independence Market is the retailer's sixth neighborhood market and the fifth neighborhood market store by Meijer in Michigan. The store is part of a new mixed-use development near Sashabaw and 1-75 that also includes townhomes, condos, single-family homes, retail and outdoor space.

Meijer opened Independence Market today, bringing value and fresh, convenient groceries to customers in Clarkston, Mich, and Independence Township. Store Director Robert Lajcaj and his team welcomed the first customers into the market with cheers and a round of applause when the doors opened at 7 a.m., followed later by a ribbon-cutting event featuring remarks from Meijer Executive Chairman Hank Meijer and Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes.

"Independence Market represents a way to provide convenience to our customers here on the east side of Michigan, where communities are growing, and residents are looking for shopping opportunities close to home that offer value and fit their busy lifestyles," Independence Market Store Director Robert Lajcaj said. "We've worked to create a vibrant and welcoming space here to help meet the needs of the neighborhood and surrounding areas."

Lajcaj and his team welcomed the first customers into the market with cheers and a round of applause when the doors opened at 7 a.m., followed later by a ribbon-cutting event featuring remarks from Meijer Executive Chairman Hank Meijer and Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes.

"Meijer is committed to investing in the communities where our customers and team members live and work, and that philosophy will guide how our Independence Market team embraces the community," Keyes said. "We value this community and are excited to continue growing our presence here to provide even more convenience for our neighbors."

Located at 5820 Waldon Road in Clarkston, Independence Market is the largest to date of the retailer's neighborhood markets at 50,000 square feet. It offers a wide range of groceries and other products, including fresh meat and deli items, fresh produce, floral and gift shop, and Meijer and national brand grocery items. It also carries thousands of local favorites, including coffee from Shaded Bloom Coffee Roasters, skin care products from Allow Nourishment, and ice cream from Cook's Dairy Farm. The store's larger size allows it to offer more extensive grocery options as well as an expanded health and beauty department.

Another Independence Market highlight is Honcho A-Go-Go, a restaurant and cafe space featuring coffee, baked goods from Union Joints, and Latin street food. The menu features smoked meats offered in tacos, burritos and rice bowls, as well as the fan-favorite Honcho Walking Taco. The restaurant is an outpost of downtown Clarkston's Honcho Latin Street Food & Coffee, and features a 36-seat indoor seating area, as well as access to the outdoor patio. Honcho A-Go-Go is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Local artist Chelsea Hensbergen of Earth and Ether Art recently completed a mural on the building's exterior facing the patio. The mural was inspired by a desire to engage the community, honor the lakes and geography of the region and showcase Michigan-grown produce.

Independence Market offers the Meijer mPerks rewards program, which allows customers to earn points on purchases toward future savings. In addition to being easily accessible to the new housing developments nearby, the store is also in close proximity to the community walking path and features electric vehicle charging stations for customer use. The store also accepts WIC and SNAP benefits, and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

During the past week, Independence Market demonstrated its support of the community by donating to three local organizations important to the store team and community. The retailer donated $10,000 to Social Medium, an organization that creates a safe space for teens to practice art therapy. In addition, the team donated $10,000 to On a Dragonfly's Wings, an organization that aims to break the stigma of mental health and suicide, as well as $5,000 to The Happy Teeth Project, providing funding and resources to children who lack access to dental care.

Meijer donates at least 6 percent of its net profit to charitable organizations annually, and each store works with local food banks and pantries to help fight hunger. Since 2008, the retailer's Simply Give program has generated millions of dollars for its food pantry partners throughout the Midwest. Independence Market selected Clarkston United Methodist Church Food Pantry as its first Simply Give pantry partner.

About Meijer: Meijer is a privately owned, family-operated retailer that serves customers at more than 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets, and express locations throughout the Midwest. As the pioneer of the one-stop shopping concept, more than 70,000 Meijer team members work hard to deliver a friendly, seamless in-store and online shopping experience featuring an assortment of fresh foods, high-quality apparel, household essentials, and health and wellness products and services. Meijer is consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work and annually donates at least 6 percent of its profit to strengthen its communities. Additional information on the company can be found by visiting newsroom.meijer.com .

SOURCE Meijer
Mixed-Use Community to Add 234 Rental Homes to D.C.'s Northwest Quadrant

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mill Creek Residential, a leading developer, owner-operator and investment manager specializing in premier rental housing across the U.S., today announced construction is underway at Modera Lady Bird, a contemporary mixed-use community bordering the premier Spring Valley and American University Park neighborhoods of the nation's capital.

Modera Lady Bird, which broke ground in December, will feature 234 homes, an 18,000-square-foot organic grocery store and boasts an unparalleled location in Washington, D.C.'s Northwest quadrant. The midrise community is positioned along Massachusetts Avenue, a key artery connecting downtown D.C. to the Upper NW and Maryland suburbs. First move-ins are anticipated for summer 2027.

"Modera Lady Bird represents the first Class A community along the Northwest portion of Massachusetts Avenue in more than four decades, and the first sizeable residential development ever delivered in the immediate Spring Valley neighborhood," said Peter Braunohler, managing director of development in the Mid-Atlantic for Mill Creek. "This will be a unique offering for the area, which mostly consists of single-family homes and where land suitable for such a community is extremely scarce. We look forward to joining the neighborhood and offering a best-in-class living experience."

Located at 4330 48th Street NW, Modera Lady Bird is surrounded by an array of upscale retail amenities that include Crate & Barrel, Wagshal's Market, Millie's, Starbucks, Pizza Paradiso and Compass Coffee. The community's ground-floor organic grocer will provide the neighborhood with a walkable grocery option, which does not currently exist for residents in the immediate vicinity. The area also features key employers and demand drivers, including D.C.'s top-ranked hospital, Sibley Memorial, which sits within a mile of Modera Lady Bird. Additionally, American University, a private federally chartered research university, is within a half mile of the community.

Modera Lady Bird, which will be built to, and is pursuing, a LEED Gold certification, will offer studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes with select den layouts and penthouses. Community amenities will consist of a rooftop lounge and deck, a ground-level courtyard with fire pit and outdoor dining, resort-style outdoor swimming pool, resident clubhouse, demonstration kitchen, coffee bar, additional landscaped courtyards, pet spa and a club-quality fitness center with cardio equipment, individual TVs, steam rooms and a yoga/Pilates studio. The community will also include coworking spaces, controlled-access garage parking, EV-charging stations, dedicated bike storage and additional storage space.

Home interiors will feature nine- and 10-foot ceilings, wood-style plank flooring, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, pull-down faucets, tile backsplashes, pendant lighting, moveable and fixed kitchen islands, custom soft-close cabinetry with under-cabinet lighting, oversized bedrooms with spacious closets, built-in storage, in-home washers and dryers and private patios/balconies. Smart features will include programmable thermostats, key fob access, keyless guest entry, bulk WiFi and smart leak detection. Bathrooms will feature backlit mirrors, double vanities, linen closets, soaking tubs and tile shower surrounds.

About Mill Creek Residential

Mill Creek Residential Trust LLC is a national rental housing company focused on developing, acquiring, and operating rental communities in targeted markets nationwide. The national company, headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, proactively develops, acquires, constructs, and operates communities through its seasoned team of real estate professionals in offices across the United States. Mill Creek is building its portfolio in many of the nation's most desirable markets in Seattle, Portland, the San Francisco Bay area, Sacramento, Southern California, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, Austin, Houston, South Florida, Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New York, and Boston. As of December 31, 2024, the company's portfolio comprises 146 communities representing nearly 42,000 rental homes operating or under construction. For more information, please visit MillCreekPlaces.com.

Media Contact

Stephen Ursery

LinnellTaylor Marketing

[email protected]

303.682.3945

SOURCE Mill Creek Residential
Discover the C2810Z5, C2820Z5, Whitestone 2, and live firmware demos as OCP leaders and innovators come together.

DUBLIN, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MiTAC Computing Technology, a global leader in high-performance and energy-efficient server solutions, is proud to announce its participation at the OCP EMEA Summit 2025, taking place April 29-30 at the Convention Centre Dublin. At Booth No. B13, MiTAC will showcase its latest innovations in server design, sustainable cooling, and open-source firmware development  empowering the future of data center infrastructure.

MiTAC C2810Z5 & C2820Z5: Advancing Sustainable Thermal Design

Picture2

MiTAC will debut two new OCP server platforms  MiTAC C2810Z5 (air-cooled) and C2820Z5 (liquid-cooled), built to meet the demands of high-performance computing (HPC) and AI workloads. Designed around the latest AMD EPYC 9005 series processors, these multi-node servers support the latest EPYC 9005 processors and are engineered to deliver optimal compute density and power efficiency.

The C2810Z5, a 2OU 2-node single-socket server with 12 DDR5-6400 DIMM slots per node, is perfect for microservices deployment in cloud environments, providing outstanding efficiency on performance-per-watt basis.

The C2820Z5, a 2OU 4-node dual-socket server, represents a leap forward in thermal design and sustainability. Its direct liquid cooling technology offers a compelling solution for high performance computing, reducing server energy consumption and acoustic noise levels while improving power utilization efficiency.

OpenBMC and Open Platform Firmware: Customizing and Enhancing Server Management

In line with MiTAC Computing's commitment to transparency and open innovation, the company will host live demonstrations of its OpenBMC and Open Platform Firmware developments during the summit. These demos highlight MiTAC's end-to-end expertise in integrating both hardware and software  a capability that sets it apart in the data center space.

Open-source firmware is more than a trend  it is the future of scalable, secure infrastructure. MiTAC Computing's firmware portfolio, built on OpenBMC and Open Platform Firmware, empowers customers with flexibility, transparency, and control, delivering unified server management, faster boot times, and enhanced sustainability through true open-source innovation.

MiTAC Whitestone 2: Legacy Meets Edge Innovation

MiTAC Computing will also feature the MiTAC Whitestone 2 (WS2) server series, a compact yet powerful platform purpose-built for ORAN CU/DU and edge computing applications. With support for 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processors, the WS2 offers a 1U short-depth chassis, front-access design for easy maintenance, and robust synchronization technologies including IEEE 1588 v2, Sync-E, and GPS hold-over optionsideal for telecom and mobile edge deployments.

With extended operating temperatures, dual -48VDC power input, and an onboard Intel Mount Bryce FEC accelerator, the WS2 demonstrates MiTAC's continued contribution to the Open Compute Project community. The platform is especially suited for vRAN and O-RAN deployments, aligning perfectly with OCP's vision for open, flexible, and sustainable edge computing in the EMEA region.

Join MiTAC at OCP EMEA 2025  Booth B13

Visit MiTAC Computing at Booth B13 to explore its complete portfolio of OCP-inspired solutions. Our technical experts will show firsthand how MiTAC is advancing the conversation around data center sustainability, open-source technologies, and integrated compute solutions.

Download MiTAC's latest OCP Platforms brochure: https://www.mitaccomputing.com/en/company/catalogs

About MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation

MiTAC Computing Technology Corp., a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings, delivers comprehensive, energy-efficient server solutions backed by industry expertise dating back to the 1990s. Specializing in AI, HPC, cloud, and edge computing, MiTAC Computing employs rigorous methods to ensure uncompromising quality not just at the barebone level but, more importantly, at the system and rack levelswhere true performance and integration matter most. This commitment to quality at every level sets MiTAC Computing apart from others in the industry. The company provides tailored platforms for hyperscale data centers, HPC, and AI applications, guaranteeing optimal performance and scalability.

With a global presence and end-to-end capabilitiesfrom R&D and manufacturing to global supportMiTAC Computing offers flexible, high-quality solutions designed to meet unique business needs. Leveraging the latest advancements in AI and liquid cooling, along with the recent integration of Intel DSG and TYAN server products, MiTAC Computing stands out for its innovation, efficiency, and reliability, empowering businesses to tackle future challenges.

MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation website: https://www.mitaccomputing.com/

Press Contact

MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation

Sarah Chen Lin

[email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2676842/Picture2.jpg
MNA nurses at Baystate Home Health are bargaining for a fair contract that values and supports the essential care they provide to Springfield-area patients

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The nurses and healthcare professionals of Baystate Home Health, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, will picket outside Baystate Health headquarters at 4 p.m. on May 1  an action coinciding with International Workers' Day/May Day.

MNA May Day Union Action Details

WHAT: MNA Baystate Home Health union nurses are fighting for a contract that includes dignity and respect. We need to keep care local through strong wages for recruitment and retention. Baystate must stop healthcare takeaways for the very nurses who care for our community!

WHERE: Baystate Medical Center, located at 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield Ma, 01199.

WHEN: This picket will be held on May 1st, 2025, from 4 to 5 p.m.

Baystate Home Health clinicians have taken previous actions in this contract fight, including bannering outside a Baystate facility in Northampton, publishing an op-ed in the Springfield Republican, and delivering a petition to Baystate President & CEO Peter Banko.

Also Join Us: May Day Parade and Celebration

WHO: Hosted by the Western MA Area Labor Federation, Springfield No One Leaves, and Neighbor to Neighbor.

WHAT: We will join in solidarity with songs, chanting, and hear from speakers highlighting the work that is being done and the importance of unanimity and solidarity in our times of struggle.

WHEN: May 1, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Springfield United States Post Office, 1883 Main St., Springfield, MA

Baystate Home Health MNA Negotiation Background

Baystate Home Health clinicians work with an especially vulnerable population in the north end of Springfield, Forest Park and other areas that have concentrations of financially disadvantaged patients. The care they provide contributes to Baystate's stated community benefits mission to "reduce health disparities, promote community wellness, and improve access to care for priority populations."

Home health patients increasingly have complex medical needs that are being treated outside of the hospital setting. Baystate patients rely on Home Health clinicians' care following surgery, to manage a chronic illness, recover from a heart attack or stroke, and much more. Clinicians' efforts to provide this care have been undermined by Baystate's approach to contract negotiations.

Even though there is a high demand for nurses and other healthcare professionals in Massachusetts, and nurses at hospitals are in many cases receiving substantial pay increases, Baystate has put forward minimal pay proposals for Home Health clinicians. Non-competitive pay will harm Baystate's ability to improve patient safety through clinician recruitment and retention.

The results of this negotiation process are critical to how home health patients receive care, as evidenced by a 2024 survey from the state's Center for Health Information and Analysis. The survey found that almost half of all registered nurses working in home health care and adult day care left their jobs within a year.

A 2023 report by the leading home care and hospice associations said home health care providers were turning away over 25% of referred patients due to staff shortages. The home care report described a range of workforce challenges, including nurse salaries being lower when they work in home healthcare settings.

MassNurses.org  Facebook.com/MassNurses  Twitter.com/MassNurses  Instagram.com/MassNurses

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 25,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association
SHANGHAI, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MUNIK, a leading automotive safety technology firm, has been awarded the world's first ISO/PAS 8800 certification by DEKRA, Germany's largest independent testing and certification organization. This milestone underscores MUNIK's pioneering role in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) safety within automotive development processes.

China's automotive industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, propelled by the rise of new energy vehicles (NEVs), a comprehensive industrial ecosystem, and a vast pool of engineering talent. This evolution has fostered robust innovation across the supply chain, encompassing chip manufacturing, software systems, vehicle components, domain controllers, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

As vehicles become increasingly central to mobility, ensuring their safety has become paramount. And the automotive sector has proactively adopted voluntary safety standards. Since its introduction in 2012, the ISO 26262 functional safety standard has been widely implemented by OEMs and suppliers globally. Subsequent standards, including ISO 21434 for cyber security, ISO 21448 for safety of the intended functionality (SOTIF), and the recently published ISO/PAS 8800 for AI safety in December 2024, have further reinforced the industry's commitment to comprehensive safety frameworks.

Building upon extensive experience in ISO 26262, ISO 21448, ISO 21434, and ASPICE projects, MUNIK made preparations for the application and practice of automotive AI safety technology and initiated the development of an ISO/PAS 8800-compliant process. Since 2022, in order to provide better technical service for our customers. Collaborating with German and domestic experts in AI automotive safety, MUNIK established a robust development framework through iterative enhancements. This effort culminated in a successful independent safety audit by DEKRA, resulting in the final certification of ISO/PAS 8800.

On April 30, 2025, Mr. Li Mingxun, General Manager of Functional Safety at DEKRA China, presented the ISO/PAS 8800 certification to Mr. Fan Wentao, Director of Automotive Safety at MUNIK. The ceremony was witnessed by esteemed guests, including Secretary Dong Qing of the Songjiang District Association for Science and Technology, Ms. Xiao Lan, Chairperson of the Huoshui Association for Science and Technology, and Mr. Wang Jianguo, MUNIK's Chief Technology Officer and Senior Partner.

MUNIK places significant emphasis on developing capabilities that address the safety challenges posed by AI integration in vehicles. The ISO/PAS 8800 standard mandates that companies embedding AI technologies into vehicle systems must establish comprehensive safety processes. Leveraging over 25 years of expertise in electronic and electrical design, along with 15 years in functional and general safety design and certification, MUNIK collaborated with German AI automotive experts and leading Chinese universities, including Zhejiang University and Fudan University, to construct a robust automotive safety development process. This process encompasses AI-specific attributes such as bias, prediction, robustness, and generalization, ensuring thorough design considerations and the establishment of safety guidelines.

MUNIK's aligns development process with ISO/PAS 8800's Section 6.2 requirements, addressing AI system items, traditional hardware AI components, and software components implementing AI models. The process integrates AI safety considerations across the entire product lifecycle, including functional safety management (Part 2), concept phase (Part 3), technical safety concept (Part 4), hardware development (Part 5), software development (Part 6), and production aspects (Part 7). Furthermore, it harmonizes with ISO 21448's SOTIF requirements, ensuring a cohesive approach to AI-related safety risks.

Mr. Li Mingxun of DEKRA China remarked, "The award of the ISO/PAS 8800 functional safety process certification marks a significant milestone for both DEKRA China and MUNIK. We are committed to collaborating with MUNIK to contribute professional expertise to China's automotive safety landscape. This partnership exemplifies the importance of specialized collaboration in meeting global functional safety service requirements."

Secretary Dong Qing of the Songjiang District (Shanghai) Association for Science and Technology commented, "As the Huoshui Association embarks on a new chapter, Vice Chairman Mr. Wang Jianguo, also the founder of Shanghai MUNIK Technology Services Co., Ltd., has led the company to become a benchmark in safety design technical services. MUNIK's rapid development in Songjiang and its contributions to the automotive and chip design industries are commendable. The district will continue to support MUNIK's growth, anticipating further contributions to China's automotive industry."

Mr. Wang Jianguo, MUNIK's Chief Technology Officer and Senior Partner, concluded, "We aspire for MUNIK's advancements in ISO/PAS 8800 AI-integrated safety design to catalyze progress across the industry, mirroring our past contributions in sectors such as general industrial functional safety, process industry safety, industrial robotics, and AGVs. By offering ISO/PAS 8800 technical training, consulting, and assessment services to automotive EE design enterprises, MUNIK aims to lead the integration of AI safety technologies in automotive applications, fostering the rapid development of top-tier domestic automotive safety product companies. This mission is shared by all Chinese enterprises, and we are steadfast in our commitment to making safety the cornerstone of our automotive industry's rapid advancement."

TEL+8615601875272

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITEwww.munik.com

SOURCE MUNIK
WASHINGTON, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi will answer prerecorded questions about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from students in Mansfield, Texas, while aboard the International Space Station.

The 20-minute space-to-Earth call will take place at 10:40 a.m. EDT on Monday, May 5, and can be watched on the NASA STEM YouTube Channel.

Expedition 72 Flight Engineers Takuya Onishi from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) and NASA astronauts Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, and Don Pettit pose while inside the vestibule between the International Space Station's Unity module and the Cygnus space freighter. Credit: NASA

Media interested in covering the event must RSVP no later than 5 p.m., Friday, May 2 by contacting Laura Jobe at [email protected] or 817-299-6300.

The event, hosted by Mansfield Independent School District, also will have students present from Brenda Norwood Elementary, Alma Martinez Intermediate, Charlene McKinzey Middle, Jerry Knight and Frontier STEM Academies in Mansfield. This opportunity will allow the students to relate what they have learned about space travel to personal experiences.

For more than 24 years, astronauts have continuously lived and worked aboard the space station, testing technologies, performing science, and developing skills needed to explore farther from Earth. Astronauts aboard the orbiting laboratory communicate with NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston 24 hours a day through SCaN's (Space Communications and Navigation) Near Space Network.

Important research and technology investigations taking place aboard the space station benefit people on Earth and lays the groundwork for other agency missions. As part of NASA's Artemis campaign, the agency will send astronauts to the Moon to prepare for future human exploration of Mars; inspiring Artemis Generation explorers and ensuring the United States continues to lead in space exploration and discovery.

See videos of astronauts aboard the space station at:

https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation

SOURCE NASA
Event Raises Over Four Million Dollars to Support The Center's Transformative Work

NEW YORK, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, April 29th, 2025, The Center for Discovery (TCFD, The Center) honored Nelly Bly Arougheti at the 25th Annual Evening of Discovery Gala - raising a historic $4.2 million, the most in the event's history. Held at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, the Gala marked a milestone moment in support of The Center's groundbreaking programs and services. An internationally recognized research and innovation organization, The Center serves nearly 1,200 children and adults annually who have complex disabilities, medical frailties, and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

The Center honored Nelly Bly Arougheti at the 25th Annual Evening of Discovery Gala - raising a historic $4.2 million. Post this From left to right, Aidan Quinn, Actor; Dr. Terry Hamlin, President & CEO of The Center for Discovery; Robert De Niro, Actor; Susie Essman, Actor and Stand-up Comedian; Nelly Bly Arougheti, Gala Honoree; and Mikhail Baryshnikov, Actor, Dancer, and Choreographer, attend The Center for Discoverys 25th Annual Evening of Discovery Gala on April 29th at Cipriani 42nd street in NYC.

Gayle King, renowned broadcast journalist, author, and co-host of CBS Mornings, served as the evening's host, bringing her signature warmth and generosity of spirit to the stage. She was joined by actress and comedian Susie Essman, best known for her role on Curb Your Enthusiasm and a longtime supporter of The Center, who added her humor and heartfelt enthusiasm to the celebration. Together, they helped facilitate generous contributions throughout the night and spoke powerfully about the impact of The Center's model. Gayle shared moving, firsthand stories about the remarkable progress of individuals living at The Center - stories that illustrated just how transformative the work there truly is. Their presence made the Evening of Discovery both inspiring and unforgettable for all in attendance.

Nelly Bly Arougheti was honored for her extraordinary dedication to The Center for Discovery and the profound impact she has made on countless lives. Nelly joined The Center's Board in 2008, inspired by the exceptional care her brother, Billy, a current resident at TCFD, received. Through the years, her leadership, vision, and personal connection have helped shape The Center's growth and legacy.

During her acceptance speech, Nelly remarked on what TCFD means to her. "The times we are in demand innovation, and The Center is answering the challenge with game-changing solutions. Their model illuminates a path for us all to walk along, whether an individual with disabilities, or a senior struggling with dementia, or any one of us in the room tonight. The Center shows us how to thrive through anything  as long as we have that spirit of possibility." She also announced that she and her husband, Michael Arougheti are contributing one million dollars "in support of The Center's new project for adults with complex conditions - an initiative that will provide individuals with access to state-of-the-art medical services and specialized care, even into their later and final years."

"It was my honor to recognize Nelly as someone whose passion and commitment truly embody everything The Center stands for," said Dr. Theresa Hamlin, President and CEO of The Center for Discovery. "Nelly is more than a supporter - she's family. Her deeply personal connection to The Center has inspired transformative projects like the Discovery Dreams Play Park, the magical accessible treehouse, and the Michael Ritchie Big Barn for Education and Environmental Studies. She also helped launch The Discovery Circle, our first sibling group. Nelly leads with heart, vision, and unwavering dedication. She brings people together, makes the impossible feel possible, and ensures that The Center's legacy of care and innovation will thrive for generations to come."

Nelly Bly Arougheti is a caregiver, advocate, and author, currently serving as a board member and Co-Chair of the Board Development and Endowment Committee for The Center for Discovery. She is a founding member of Women's Health Access Matters (WHAM) and a Trustee for Dwight-Englewood School. Nelly co-authored Marriage from the Heart: Eight Commitments of a Spiritually Fulfilling Life Together and has a distinguished background in book publishing. She is a passionate advocate for The Center, playing a pivotal role in initiatives such as the Treehouse Project, Discovery Dreams Play Park, and the Michael Ritchie Big Barn for Environmental Health and Education. Nelly's brother, Billy, has been a resident at The Center for over 30 years.

The Gala, attended by nearly 580 guests, began with a lively cocktail reception followed by a formal dinner, Text-to-Pledge, and a silent auction. Notable attendees included Lorraine Bracco, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Robert De Niro, Susie Essman, Gayle King, Dr. Jon LaPook, Eric Mangini, and more.

Proceeds from this fundraising event were directed towards TCFD's most transformative programs including organic farming and nutrition, the Animal Assisted Intervention and Education program, the Integrated Arts program including recreation and music therapy, assistive technology, and capital improvements across TCFD's campuses.

About The Center for Discovery

The Center for Discovery is a leading provider of healthcare and education services for nearly 1,200 children and adults with complex conditions, medical frailties and autism spectrum disorders, located 90 miles northwest of New York City. Named a Center of Excellence in 2016, TCFD has long been a leader in developing new models of care for individuals with complex conditions. Located on 1,500 acres of land in Sullivan County, TCFD, houses school campuses, residences, medical and research facilities, organic and biodynamic farmland, and leased private businesses offering meaningful employment opportunities. Deeply focused on an individual's personal potential and possibilities, rather than a disability, TCFD strives to create better care and unique and challenging opportunities for the most vulnerable populations.

From: The Center for Discovery

Michael Rosen

Executive VP of Development, Marketing and Strategic Communications

(917) 232-5556

[email protected]

SOURCE The Center for Discovery
Archer launches Pepperoni Style, Beef Taco and Prime Rib Style Beef Sticks to drive continued growth of the meat stick category and expand its line of 100% grass-fed beef snacks

LOS ANGELES, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Archer, one of the fastest-growing meat snack brands in the U.S., today announced new meat stick flavor innovations and expanded distribution aimed at accelerating growth for its thriving business.

Archer is expanding its line of 100% grass-fed beef snacks with the launch of Pepperoni Style, Beef Taco and Prime Rib Style Beef Sticks. Archer Pepperoni Style Mini Beef Sticks are available in a 24-count multipack bag at Sams Club through the end of June 2025.

According to Numerator data, meat snacks are one of the fastest-growing snack categories, and Archer is one of the brands leading the herd with meat stick dollar sales surging by +187.4%, helping drive the segment's 29.4% growth.i In response to rising consumer demand for high-protein snacks made with real ingredients and bold flavors, Archer is expanding its popular beef stick line with three new flavors sold in convenient multipack formats: Pepperoni Style, Beef Taco and Prime Rib Style. These exciting new offerings, combined with significantly expanded distribution at Target, Walmart and other retailers, bring Archer even closer to surpassing the company's $300 million sales goal in 2025.

"With the meat stick category growing exponentially, Archer is doubling down on the segment with our new offerings in classic and family-friendly flavors and expanded retailer availability to meet surging consumer demand," said Andrew Thomas, Vice President of Marketing at Archer. "Our latest innovations give busy consumers and families even more convenient, high-protein snacking options made with the real, flavorful ingredients they crave, while providing the variety they need to keep their daily snack rotation fresh and exciting."

New Beef Sticks Flavors

Made with 100% grass-fed beef and real, premium ingredients, the new flavors include:

Pepperoni Style Mini Beef Sticks  A perfect balance of savory seasonings and the rich, authentic taste that pepperoni lovers crave in a mighty mini stick. Available in a 24-count multipack bag that's perfect for pantry stocking. MSRP: $14.48 ; available at Sam's Club, now through the end of June.

 A perfect balance of savory seasonings and the rich, authentic taste that pepperoni lovers crave in a mighty mini stick. Available in a 24-count multipack bag that's perfect for pantry stocking. MSRP: ; available at Sam's Club, now through the end of June. Beef Taco Mini Sticks  This family-friendly flavor makes it Taco Tuesday anytime. Available in a 16-count multipack bag. MSRP: $16.99 .

 This family-friendly flavor makes it Taco Tuesday anytime. Available in a 16-count multipack bag. MSRP: . Prime Rib Style Beef Sticks  The gourmet flavor of prime rib, packaged up in a snack you can enjoy at home or on-the-go. The 1oz sticks are available as a 10-count multipack bag or sold individually. MSRP: $17.99 per bag and $2.49 per single serve stick.

Top-Selling Sticks in New Packaging Sizes

Archer is introducing additional packaging sizes for its best-selling sticks.

Classic Beef Sticks  A fan-favorite at regional Costco locations, Archer is now bringing these beefy and classically-seasoned 1oz sticks in a 10-count multipack bag to additional retailers nationwide. MSRP: $17.99 .

 A fan-favorite at regional Costco locations, Archer is now bringing these beefy and classically-seasoned 1oz sticks in a 10-count multipack bag to additional retailers nationwide. MSRP: . Rosemary Turkey Sticks  Like a perfectly packaged slice of Thanksgiving Turkey, no cooking required, these all-natural 1oz turkey sticks are an ideal grab-and-go snacking solution. This best-selling single-serve stick flavor now comes in a 10-count multipack bag. MSRP: $17.99 ; available at Walmart.

Expanded Distribution

Archer is also bringing its bold, fan-favorite flavors to more shelves than ever with expanded distribution at key retailers. First launched in late 2024, Archer's Beef & Cheese Mini Sticks are now available at Target, Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, Publix and more. These mini sticks come in both a 16-count and 8-count multipack bag and are made with 100% grass-fed beef infused with real cheese.

Additionally:

Target  Target is now stocking all four of Archer's 16-count Mini Sticks  Original Beef, Classic Turkey, Beef & Cheese and Beef Taco  as well as their new 10-count multipack 1oz sticks in Classic Beef and Prime Rib Style Beef.

 Target is now stocking all four of Archer's 16-count Mini Sticks  Original Beef, Classic Turkey, Beef & Cheese and Beef Taco  as well as their new 10-count multipack 1oz sticks in Classic Beef and Prime Rib Style Beef. Walmart  Starting late May, a selection of Walmart stores will carry Archer's 10-count Rosemary Turkey 1oz Sticks, Mango Habanero Jerky, Beef & Cheese Mini Sticks and Beef Taco Mini Sticks; in addition to Archer's Original Beef and Classic Turkey Mini Sticks.

Meat snacks have evolved from novelty road trip or camping food to everyday pantry staples. From innovative new flavors to additional packaging sizes and expanded distribution, Archer is making it even easier for consumers to shop for delicious, premium meat snacks for their daily snacking habits to pantry stocking.

For more information about Archer, visit www.archerjerky.com.

About Archer

Archer is one of America's leading clean ingredient meat snack brands crafted with only all-natural and grass-fed proteins and real, premium ingredients for extraordinary taste  never any fillers or junk. Because no-brainer, no-compromise, deliciously satisfying protein snacks are for anyone, and any moment, Archer offers a robust line of convenient meat snacks, including grass-fed Beef Jerky, all-natural Turkey Jerky, Zero-Sugar Jerky, Meat Sticks in 1oz and mini sizes, Smoked Sausages, and more, in savory and culinary-inspired flavors.

Archer meat snacks are available at more than 30,000 natural, traditional, and convenience stores nationwide, including Costco, Sam's Club, Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Walmart, Target, Albertsons, Safeway, Kroger, 7-Eleven, Circle K, Hudson News and many more. To learn more about Archer, visit archerjerky.com, or follow the brand on Instagram (@ArcherJerky), Facebook, or LinkedIn. Long live real meat.

i SPINS, MULO & Natural, Latest 24 weeks ending 12/29/24

SOURCE Archer
BALTIMORE, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new collaboration bringing entrepreneurs and investors together with physician-scientists, surgeons, and medical technologists promises to launch the Baltimore region as a major national hub for new biomedical ventures and start-up companies. The initiative, called the "Innovation Alliance," leverages the region's national and international leadership in biomedical research and technology to attract venture capital, foster startups, drive economic growth, and ultimately bring to market new treatments, cures, and technologies that will directly improve lives.

Shape of the Alliance

The Innovation Alliance will have three main components centered around funding and support for innovators as they take ideas from the lab to the marketplace. These include gathering twice a year to give partners and investors an exclusive first look at new technologies and emerging businesses supported and reviewed by the life sciences accelerator University of Maryland Baltimore Life Science Discovery (UM-BILD). Alliance partners will also work with an Innovation Advisory Group to review and consult on grant and investment decisions for cultivating new biomedical projects. Lastly, members of this new partnership will offer mentorship for university-affiliated researchers with entrepreneurial ideas.

"Our vision of the new Innovation Alliance is an open, collaborative network where members can invite potential partners to accelerate healthcare innovation," said Mark T. Gladwin, MD, Dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor. "Together, we can drive transformative medical solutions to improve patient care, advance scientific discovery, and position Maryland as a global leader and in the med-tech space."

Fostering Innovation

Several key initiatives across the academic and medical enterprises of the University of Maryland already exist to support entrepreneurship and will help drive the success of the Innovation Alliance. These include UM-BILD, which, over four years, will provide more than 40 innovators with up to $100,000 in funding to help them take discoveries from the lab bench to the marketplace.

"We believe that innovation is the key to shaping the future of healthcare," said Bert W. O'Malley, MD, President and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical Center. "And through our incubators and special funding, we are fostering technology-driven breakthroughs here in Baltimore and across Maryland."

UM Ventures is another vital strategic partnership between UMB and the University of Maryland, College Park that provides entrepreneurs with wet lab facilities, medical device prototyping, and $4.5 million in annual investments.

Two initiatives, the iHabor Innovation Center and the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS)/UMB Innovation Challenge, support innovations in patient care and hospital operations. Each year, the Innovation Challenge offers up to six hospital-based teams between $25,000 to $125,000 each for innovative proposals and guidance in navigating FDA approvals and market entry. The iHabor Innovation Center, meanwhile, serves as the UMMS patient care technology incubator. In addition to mentorship, it offers innovators funding up to $350,000 per project.

The Institute for Health Computing (UM-IHC), meanwhile, offers cutting-edge computational support for researchers in all fields and University of Maryland campuses. Founded in 2002 and located in North Bethesda, UM-IHC applies AI, bioinformatics, and immersive technologies to uncover hidden patterns in data to help make more accurate medical decisions, predict diseases, and identify novel treatments.

"Successful life science discovery takes a tremendous amount of work by some of the very best and brightest scientists. To translate those discoveries into innovative therapies, diagnostics, and devices that can be commercialized for actual patient use is its own unique, additional challenge," said Jason Rose, MD, MBA, a UMSOM Associate Professor of Medicine, the Associate Dean of Innovation and Physician Science Development, and Director of Faculty Entrepreneurship. "The University of Maryland is unique in the levels of targeted support we can offer our innovators and entrepreneurs, from seed-level funding to guidance on regulatory processes, as they seek to commercialize their discoveries."

Innovative Maryland Companies

At a mid-March Innovation Alliance kick-off event, the first companies presented their technologies and therapies to more than 150 attendees. Vascular Rescue, Inc., for example, presented a prototype device for semi-automated insertion of venous catheterizations and arterial cannulations that could reduce complications for patients and the resulting unreimbursed hospital costs. Developed by UMB and co-founded by Raj Sarkar, MD, PhD, head of the UMSOM Division of Vascular Surgery, Vascular Rescue is currently seeking FDA clearance for the AVAD through the 510(k) pathway.

CoapTech, developed by UMB and co-founded by Steven Tropello, MD, UMSOM Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, is seeking funding to scale up the production and sales of its 510(k) pathway cleared PUMA-G platform. The device uses ultrasound to guide the minimally invasive placement of patient feeding tubes.

Globin Solutions, of which Dr. Rose is CEO and Co-Founder and Dean Gladwin is Chair of the Board and Co-Founder, exhibited its portfolio of resuscitation therapies, beginning with a first-of-its-kind antidote to carbon monoxide poisoning. The company is currently seeking $3.5 million in funding for a Phase I/IIa first-in-human study for safety and biomarker outcomes.

Joining the Innovation Alliance

The Alliance offers multiple avenues for engagement for those interested in contributing to the project of making Maryland a leader in biomedical innovation, from attending Alliance gatherings, joining the Innovation Advisory Group to help review pilot grants, or mentoring start-ups. Donations can also be made to the University of Maryland Medicine Innovation Fund to amplify the impact of investments made across all Innovation Alliance initiatives.

To learn more or get involved, contact Kim Morton, Associate Dean for Development at University of Maryland Medicine, at [email protected]

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This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise. For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.

SOURCE University of Maryland School of Medicine
YMCA Launches Interactive Teen Mental Health Resource Hub for Mental Health Awareness Month

RALEIGH, N.C., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As teen mental health challenges reach alarming levels, the NC Alliance of YMCAs is stepping up with a new interactive Teen Mental Health Resource Hub, now live at www.ncymcas.org/YMCATeenMentalHealth.

The Hub, launched in time for Mental Health Awareness Month in May, offers teens an engaging mental health style quiz, an emoji-style check-in, and direct links to support. Built with teens in mind, it emphasizes one key message: you are not alone.

Feel It. Face It. Together. is the tagline for the YMCA's new campaign and Teen Mental Health Resource Hub designed for teens.

"Our goal is to make it easierand less intimidatingfor teens to start conversations about mental health," said Sheree Vodicka, CEO of the NC Alliance of YMCAs. "We want every teen to know that it's okay to not feel okay all the time, that support is out there, and it's okay to ask for help."

The Resource Hub anchors a broader statewide campaign powered by digital outreach through Snapchat, YouTube, Google Ads, billboards, and grassroots efforts at local YMCAs. Teens are even joining the movement by painting QR codes featuring the campaign's rallying cry: FEEL IT. FACE IT. TOGETHER.

Thanks to funding from the NC legislature, YMCAs across the state expanded teen programming in 2024 to address the worsening mental health crisis. NC Child's 2025 Child Health Report Card graded the state an "F" for mental health, with nearly 10% of high school students reporting a suicide attempt and nearly 20% experiencing major depression. The data highlights the need for more awareness of the issue and access to help for teens.

NC YMCAs have trained 440 staff in Youth Mental Health First Aid, equipping them to recognize warning signs and connect teens to professional help if needed. To date, Y staff have made over 160 referrals to local mental health providers.

"Every day, Ys across North Carolina are creating spaces where teens feel seen, heard, and supported," Vodicka said. "And that sense of belonging is critical for mental health." North Carolina YMCAs approach teen programming in different ways, but they all provide resilience-building activities, teen-only events, and mental health check-ins to amplify the message that mental health is part of our healthand everyone deserves support.

About the YMCA and the NC Alliance of YMCAs

Driven by its founding mission, the YMCA is a leading nonprofit that collectively serves more than one million people statewide, including children and teens, adults and seniors, through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y's goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide.

The NC Alliance of YMCAs is an independent 501(C)3 nonprofit corporation supporting 28 independent YMCA associations with more than 120 facilities in North Carolina. The Alliance's purpose is to build the capacity of all the state's YMCAs, foster collaboration on statewide initiatives through effective partnerships, and advocate on behalf of the YMCA's mission and cause with elected officials and stakeholders at the local, state, and national levels. For more information, please visit ncymcas.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Michele McKinley, [email protected], 919-508-7687

SOURCE NC Alliance of YMCAs
KUTZTOWN, Pa., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New Story Schools is proud to announce the opening of its newest location in Kutztown, PA. Serving students with an autism spectrum disorder (autism) and behavioral support needs, the Kutztown campus is proud to expand their services to reach more students across Pennsylvania.

Located on seven-acres, the Kutztown school offers almost 20,000 square feet of space designed to support the educational and developmental needs of students. The school includes nine classrooms, a multi-purpose room with a stage for activities and events, therapy rooms where students can receive individualized support from our highly qualified staff members, and a gross motor skill area to encourage physical development. There will also be an outdoor playground where students can enjoy interacting with each other and being active in a safe and inclusive environment.

The Kutztown campus marks the 16th New Story Schools location in Pennsylvania and offers students in grades K-12 an integration of intensive and individualized educational, behavioral, and therapeutic services in a safe learning environment. Students at New Story Schools work with a multidisciplinary team of Special Education Teachers, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Behavior Analysts, and Support Staff.

"At New Story Schools, our priority is collaborating with our school district partners and families to meet students where they are, and help them achieve their academic, behavioral, and social goals," said Christina Spielbauer, Senior Vice President of New Story. "We're honored to have the opportunity to serve more students in Pennsylvania and look forward to building deep roots in the Kutztown community."

The new Kutztown location is accepting students for the 2025-2026 school year. For more information, please visit newstoryschools.com

About New Story Schools

New Story Schools provides an environment where students with special needs receive personalized support to achieve their full potential. With a focus on academic, behavioral, and social growth, New Story Schools partners with families and school districts to offer specialized programs tailored to each student's unique needs. Through a team of dedicated educators and therapists, New Story Schools is committed to empowering students and fostering success in both school and life. New Story Schools is part of the New Story network of schools and services.

SOURCE New Story Schools
Recognized as a leading service provider in AI, infrastructure, cloud, and security

DENVER, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NexusTek, a top national cloud, managed IT services, and cybersecurity provider, today announced that CRN , a brand of The Channel Company , has recognized NexusTek on its 2025 Tech Elite 250 list. This annual list highlights solution providers across the U.S. and Canada that have earned the highest levels of technical certifications and advanced specializations from key technology vendors in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), infrastructure, cloud, and cybersecurity.

NexusTek Named to CRN's Tech Elite 250

As businesses navigate increasing complexity across digital platforms, the solution providers featured in CRN's Tech Elite 250 stand out for their technical mastery, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication to customer success. These organizations demonstrate a deep commitment by attaining top-tier status within vendor partner programs, ensuring they deliver advanced, business-aligned solutions backed by the confidence and experience customers expect.

NexusTek's inclusion in the 2025 Tech Elite 250 reflects its continued investment in developing elite technical capabilities and equipping clients with agile, secure, and scalable IT environments. With nearly three decades of experience and a focus on serving the unique needs of small and midsized businesses, NexusTek has earned a reputation for translating advanced technologies into measurable outcomes that fuel growth and resilience.

"We are honored to once again be recognized by CRN as a Tech Elite 250 solution provider, said Hamilton Yu, Chief Executive Officer at NexusTek. "This award validates the depth of our technical talent and the unwavering focus we place on helping our clients solve real-world business challenges with innovative IT solutions across AI, infrastructure, cloud, and security. As technology continues to evolveespecially in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and cloudwe're proud to bring both top-tier certifications and advanced specializations that help our clients move forward with confidence."

"Congratulations to the solution providers on CRN's Tech Elite 250 for this recognition of their dedication to achieving top-level certifications and comprehensive proficiency in these critical technologies," said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content, and Executive Editor of CRN at The Channel Company. "These companies are committed to expanding their expertise so they can consistently deliver outstanding IT solutions that help their customers thrive."

Coverage of the Tech Elite 250 will be featured in the April issue of CRN Magazine and online at www.CRN.com/techelite250 beginning March 17.

About NexusTek

Thousands of businesses depend on NexusTek to manage and optimize their IT and cloud environments for business continuity, productivity, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. With an all-encompassing services portfolio, infrastructure, high-touch personal attention and IT consulting expertise, NexusTek delivers true end-to-end, outsourced IT management to organizations nationwide.

NexusTek Contact:

Pavle Majerle

NexusTek

(877) 470-0401

[email protected]

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world's top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com.

Follow The Channel Company: LinkedIn , X, and Facebook.

 2025 The Channel Company, Inc. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Channel Company Contact:

Kristin DaSilva

The Channel Company

[email protected]

SOURCE NexusTek
DartPoints owns and operates colocation data centers across ten Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets

NEW YORK and DALLAS, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NOVA Infrastructure ("NOVA"), a middle-market infrastructure investment firm, announced today that it has completed a majority investment in DartPoints, a leading provider of secure, high-performance data center solutions for enterprises. NOVA's investment includes a significant growth capital component designed to scale DartPoints' platform and expand its footprint through targeted investments in capacity expansion and strategic M&A to meet market demand.

"We're excited to partner with a best-in-class data center management team and platform serving a diverse and growing base of enterprise customers," said Chris Beall, Managing Partner at NOVA. "We look forward to growing the business and capitalizing on the significant opportunity in DartPoints' target markets, which benefit from shifting demand trends and the decentralization of digital workloads."

NOVA Infrastructure Invests in DartPoints to Accelerate Growth and Expand Strategic Infrastructure Post this

DartPoints provides essential IT services to both retail and wholesale customers through a distributed network of data center facilities. The company serves more than 900 enterprise customers, including major universities, hospital systems and Fortune 500 companies, from 11 data centers in 10 markets in South Carolina, North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana and Louisiana. With the transaction, DartPoints acquired the underlying real estate in DartPoints' Greenville, SC; Baton Rouge, LA; and Asheville, NC data centers, further transitioning to ownership of its strategic facilities.

As part of the transaction, existing sponsor Astra Capital Management will retain a meaningful minority stake in the business, demonstrating continued confidence in the company's long-term growth strategy. Orion Infrastructure Capital ("OIC") has also joined as a lender and investment partner, providing a senior secured credit facility and participating as a minority equity investor. NOVA and OIC's commitments to DartPoints total more than $250 million of capital.

"We're entering a new phase of growth centered on infrastructure ownership, operational control and strategic market expansion," said Scott Willis, CEO of DartPoints. "We've always believed that Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets deserve the same digital capabilities as Tier 1 metros. This transaction positions us to bring scalable, secure infrastructure closer to the demand wherever it's needed, especially as data-intensive workloads take hold across industries. We are thrilled to work with NOVA to efficiently and effectively grow our business."

Brian Kirschbaum, Partner at Astra Capital Management, said, "Astra is proud to have partnered with and to continue supporting DartPoints as it builds the leading provider of high-performance data centers outside of Tier 1 markets. The company is uniquely positioned to meet the industry's distributed data center needs."

Bank Street Group served as exclusive M&A advisor, Houlihan Lokey advised on the debt financing, and Sheppard Mullin and Debevoise & Plimpton served as legal counsel to DartPoints. Winston & Strawn served as legal counsel for NOVA and Vinson & Elkins served as legal counsel for OIC.

About DartPoints

DartPoints is a leading provider of high-performance enterprise colocation, cloud, managed service solutions enabling advanced workloads including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and high-performance computing. Listed on the Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the U.S., DartPoints empowers businesses with enterprise-grade infrastructure, operational resilience, and low-latency connectivity. Learn more at www.dartpoints.com.

About NOVA Infrastructure

Founded in 2018, NOVA (http://www.novainfra.com) is a value-added, middle market infrastructure investment firm focused on North America. NOVA seeks to make investments that pair the downside protection features of the infrastructure asset class with operationally focused, value-added upside strategies. NOVA targets investments in environmental services, transportation, energy/energy transition, and digital sectors.

About OIC

With approximately $5 billion in assets under management, OIC invests in North America and select international markets. OIC's unique partnership approach  for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs  cultivates creative credit, equity, and growth capital solutions to help middle market businesses scale and deploy sustainable infrastructure. www.oic.com

About Astra Capital Management

Astra Capital Management is a Washington, DC-based, investment firm that invests in growth businesses in the communications and technology services sectors. Astra targets highly scalable companies with proven business models that have positive free cash flow and significant growth potential. Post investment, Astra works closely with managers to drive value creation. www.astracapitalmgmt.com

Media Contacts

DartPoints

Jaymie Scotto & Associates (JSA)

+1 866.695.3629 ext. 19

[email protected]

NOVA Infrastructure

Ellen DeGiusti

[email protected]

SOURCE DartPoints
Foundation welcomes new members as momentum and demand grow for open source search and observability

AMSTERDAM, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- OpenSearchCon EU  The OpenSearch Software Foundation , the vendor-neutral home for the OpenSearch project, today announced that ByteDance , DataStax , DTEX , and Seacom Srl have joined the Foundation as General Members. The enterprise search market is projected to reach $8.9 billion by 2030 , and this influx of members reflects the growing momentum and increased investment in open source alternatives for scalable, secure, community-driven search and observability technologies.

The OpenSearch Software Foundation, founded in September 2024 under the Linux Foundation , works with community maintainers, developers, and member organizations to support the continued growth of OpenSearch, an open source search and analytics software suite used by developers around the world to build search, analytics, observability, and vector database applications. As new members of the OpenSearch Software Foundation, these organizations bring expertise from varied industry verticals, diversify contributions to OpenSearch, and help drive the growth and development of the project and its open source search and analytics tools.

Foundation welcomes new members as momentum and demand grow for open source search and observability Post this

"We're excited to welcome ByteDance, DataStax, DTEX, and Seacom to the OpenSearch Software Foundation," said Carl Meadows, Governing Board Chair at the OpenSearch Software Foundation and Director of Product Management at Amazon Web Services (AWS). "Each of these organizations have demonstrated a clear commitment to open source innovation. Their involvement will help strengthen the technical direction and community collaboration that are the cornerstones of the OpenSearch project."

As General Members, these companies will engage with working groups, contribute to technical initiatives, and help guide the strategic direction of the OpenSearch Software Foundation's efforts. Together, they will help support OpenSearch as it continues to be adopted by organizations around the world to power business-critical workloads.

About the Newest General Members

ByteDance was founded in 2012, with a mission to inspire creativity and enrich life. With a suite of diverse products and services, ByteDance has made it easier and more fun for people to connect with, consume, and create content.

was founded in 2012, with a mission to inspire creativity and enrich life. With a suite of diverse products and services, ByteDance has made it easier and more fun for people to connect with, consume, and create content. DataStax is a leading AI platform that helps enterprises and developers build accurate AI applications at scale, built using open source technologies such as Langflow and Apache Cassandra.

is a leading AI platform that helps enterprises and developers build accurate AI applications at scale, built using open source technologies such as Langflow and Apache Cassandra. DTEX is the trusted leader of insider risk management. DTEX displaces reactive insider risk management tools with a proactive solution, backed by behavioral science and powered by AI, to prevent insider risks from becoming data breaches.

is the trusted leader of insider risk management. DTEX displaces reactive insider risk management tools with a proactive solution, backed by behavioral science and powered by AI, to prevent insider risks from becoming data breaches. Seacom is an IT services company that offers consulting and training on the best open source products to help enterprise level companies, institutions and public administrations make their infrastructures more efficient.

New and existing OpenSearch Software Foundation members are gathering at OpenSearchCon EU from April 30-May 1. View the agenda and register to attend here .

To learn more about the OpenSearch Software Foundation, including how to get involved, become a member or contribute, please visit foundation.opensearch.org/ .

Supporting Quotes

"Search and analytics at ByteDance operate at an immense scale, and open source software plays a key role in enabling innovation and speed. Becoming a member of the OpenSearch Software Foundation allows us to both contribute to and benefit from a growing ecosystem of scalable, open source search solutions."

 Willem Jiang, Principal Open Source Evangelist, ByteDance

"Open source data technologies are foundational to modern, real-time applications  especially those powered by AI. Joining the OpenSearch Software Foundation will allow DataStax to work alongside like-minded organizations to drive open innovation in data search and analytics."

 Ed Anuff, Chief Product Officer, DataStax

"DTEX is thrilled to join the OpenSearch Software Foundation and expand our ongoing support. As a member, DTEX will bring real-time telemetry and behavioral analytics to address insider risk observability challenges before damage occurs. DTEX is committed to helping advance OpenSearch, while educating developers on how to approach insider risk."  Marshall Heilman, Chief Executive Officer, DTEX Systems

"Seacom's mission is to help companies drive digital innovation using open solutions with active and transparent support, and joining the OpenSearch Software Foundation is the next step in our commitment to open source excellence."

 Stefano Pampaloni, Chief Executive Officer, Seacom Srl

About the OpenSearch Software Foundation

The OpenSearch Software Foundation is a vendor-neutral community for search, analytics, observability, and vector database software. Hosted by the Linux Foundation and supported by premier members such as AWS, SAP and Uber, the OpenSearch Software Foundation works with community maintainers, developers, and member organizations to drive the continued growth of the OpenSearch project. With more than 900 million software downloads since its inception and participation from thousands of contributors, the OpenSearch project and its community are transforming how information is managed and discovered. To learn more, please visit foundation.opensearch.org .

The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of The Linux Foundation, please see our trademark usage page. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

Media Contact:

Kristi Piechnik

The Linux Foundation

[email protected]

SOURCE OpenSearch Software Foundation
This long-term supply partnership represents a strategic move by OQT to diversify its LNG sourcing portfolio beyond the Middle East and Asia while marking a significant milestone in Amigo LNG's global commercialization strategy. The first LNG deliveries under the agreement are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2028.

"This SPA with Amigo LNG represents a significant step forward in OQT's strategy to develop a global LNG portfolio," said Wail Al Jamali, CEO of OQT. "By securing supply from trusted partners, we continue to diversify our LNG sources, strengthen the resilience of our energy supply chain, and reinforce our long-term commitment to providing cleaner, more reliable energy solutions for our customers in the evolving energy landscape."

With increasing global demand for cleaner fuels, especially across Asia and the Indian subcontinent, OQT gains a cost-effective, geopolitically neutral, and logistically efficient supply route from Amigo LNG. The West Coast of Mexico provides a direct maritime path to Asia, reducing shipping time and offering flexibility in supply chain operations.

Amigo LNG's facilitydesigned for a nameplate capacity of 7.8 MTPAis being developed in close collaboration with the SEMAR's (Secretaria de la Marina) modernization plan for the Port of Guaymas and is fully backed by the Government of Sonora, as a cornerstone project of Mexico's Plan Sonora gas strategy. The project will contribute to regional economic development, support Mexico's maritime goals, and serve as a gateway for clean energy access for Asia.

"We are proud to partner with OQT, a globally respected player in the energy sector," said Muthu Chezhian, CEO of LNG Alliance. "This agreement reinforces Amigo LNG's position as a new, reliable energy bridge from Mexico's West Coast to global markets and demonstrates the strength of Mexico's role in shaping the future of sustainable energy transition."

The deal reflects the deepening cooperation between Latin America and the Gulf region in the energy sector and underscores the importance of long-term partnerships in ensuring resilient and sustainable energy futures.

About OQT

Incorporated in Dubai in 2006, OQT has successfully established a global presence as one of the world's major participants in the commodities trading industry  trading more than 40 million tonnes of energy products each year. OQT is wholly owned by the Government of Oman, held through the OQ Group and the Oman Investment Authority. OQT has a global network of trading offices, ideally located in all the major energy trading regions, and operates out of the following locations: Muscat, Dubai, Houston, London, Rotterdam, Shanghai and Singapore.

About LNG Alliance

LNG Alliance, established in 2013, is a project development, operations, and asset platform focused on LNG export and import terminal infrastructure. LNG Alliance leverages partnerships with key energy sector players, technology developers, and investment partners to structure and deliver reliable, affordable, and secure energy solutions to core operational markets in Mexico, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Europe.

SOURCE LNG Alliance Pte Ltd
The Orlando-based bar association shattered fundraising goals under the leadership of Arti Ajit Hirani, the organization's youngest president to date.

ORLANDO, Fla., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At a time when many legal organizations were struggling to meet their fundraising and event attendance goals, Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) stood out, selling out all of their activities under the leadership of their president, Arti Ajit Hirani. OCBA's biennial gala - one of their largest events of the year - brought in hundreds of attendees and tens of thousands of dollars, making it the association's most successful fundraising event in the last five years.

Arti Ajit Hirani (PRNewsfoto/Arti Ajit Hirani)

"I am so proud of what we have been able to accomplish at OCBA this year," said Arti Ajit Hirani, President of OCBA. "The association serves as a critical resource not only to the legal professionals who are members, but to the wider Orlando community. The collaborative spirit and dedication of the association's leadership is what makes OCBA exceptional, and I feel honored to have worked alongside them to achieve our goals."

Hirani became OCBA's President in June 2024. She made history as the youngest president of OCBA and the first Indian-American to hold the position. Hirani is also the only OCBA president to retain her seat on the Orange County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Board (YLS). She currently works alongside her mother at their family-owned firm, Meenakshi A. Hirani, P.A, and in June 2025 Hirani will become President of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division.

"The OCBA Gala was a truly unforgettable experience, marked by exceptional company, a spirit of fun and philanthropy, and a deep sense of community. I was truly honored to be a part of it," said Candice Disorbo, Executive Director of OCBA. "Arti has consistently demonstrated a rare combination of fearlessness and humility in her leadership. Her unwavering passion for bar service is both inspiring and infectious, leaving a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to work alongside her."

About Orange County Bar Association

Founded in 1933, the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) has served as the primary platform for attorneys in the Orlando area to convene, share information regarding their legal specializations, and provide crucial legal and community services to residents in the surrounding regions. With over 2,700 voluntary members, the OCBA boasts accomplished legal professionals who have gained recognition at the regional, state, and national levels for their professionalism, integrity, and expertise in the field.

Contact:

Kara Prior

[email protected]

(210) 846-4486

SOURCE Arti Ajit Hirani
MEXICO CITY, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Orbia Advance Corporation, S.A.B. de C.V., a sociedad anonima bursatil de capital variable, organized under the laws of the United Mexican States ("Orbia") announced today amendments to its previously announced (i) tender offer (as amended hereby, the "Tender Offer") to purchase for cash any and all of the outstanding 1.875% Senior Notes due 2026 issued by Orbia (the "Notes") and (ii) Consent Solicitation (as defined in the Offer to Purchase referred to below), in each case as set forth in Orbia's Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated April 25, 2025 (as amended hereby, the "Offer to Purchase"). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Offer to Purchase.

Orbia is hereby amending the Tender Offer to (i) modify the Total Consideration from an amount determined by a fixed spread calculation to an amount equal to U.S.$1,000.00 per U.S.$1,000.00 principal amount of Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase, which applies to all the Notes (including previously tendered Notes) that have been, or will be, tendered (and not validly withdrawn) and accepted for purchase, and (ii) eliminate the Fixed Spread, the Reference Yield, the Repurchase Yield, the Price Determination Date, and all related definitions and provisions. The Total Consideration for the Notes validly tendered prior to or at the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase remains inclusive of the Early Tender Payment.

In addition, the Tender Offer is hereby amended to eliminate the solicitation of the Consents for the Proposed Amendments.

No further action is required to be taken by Holders who have already validly tendered and not validly withdrawn their Notes in order to receive the new Total Consideration.

Except as described herein, other terms of the previously announced Tender Offer remain unchanged. Holders of Notes should read carefully and in its entirety the Offer to Purchase before deciding whether to tender or withdraw their Notes, as applicable. The Tender Offer is not conditioned on any minimum amount of Notes being tendered.

Orbia reserves the right, in Orbia's sole discretion, to further amend or terminate the Tender Offer at any time.

Neither the Offer to Purchase nor any related documents have been filed with or reviewed by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority of any country. No authority has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the Offer to Purchase or any related documents, and it is unlawful and may be a criminal offense to make any representation to the contrary.

The Tender and Information Agent for the Tender Offer is D.F. King & Co., Inc. Additional contact information of the Tender and Information Agent is set forth below.

D.F. King & Co., Inc.

48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor

New York, New York 10005

Banks and Brokers call: +1 (212) 269-5550 (collect)

All others call toll-free: +1 (888) 628-9011

E-mail: [email protected]

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC 383 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10179 United States Attention: Latin America Debt

Capital Markets Collect: +1 (212) 834-7279 Toll-Free: +1 (866) 846-2874 Mizuho Securities USA LLC 1271 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 Collect: +1 212 205 7741 Toll-Free: +1 866 271 7403 Attn: Liability Management Group Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC 1585 Broadway New York, New York 10036 United States of America Attn: Global Debt Advisory Group Toll-Free: +1 800-624-1808 Collect: +1 212-761-1057

This notice does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to purchase, or any solicitation of any offer to sell, the Notes or any other securities in the United States or any other country, nor shall it or any part of it, or the fact of its release, form the basis of, or be relied on or in connection with, any contract therefor. The Tender Offer is made only by and pursuant to the terms of the Offer to Purchase, and the information in this notice is qualified by reference to the Offer to Purchase. None of Orbia, the Guarantors, the Dealer Managers or the Tender and Information Agent makes any recommendation as to whether Holders should tender their Notes pursuant to the Tender Offer.

Orbia Advance Corporation, S.A.B. de C.V.

Paseo de la Reforma 483, Piso 47, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, 06500

Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico

Tel: +52 55 5366 4000

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Orbia Advance Corporation, S.A.B. de C.V.
SINGAPORE, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pencil Finance, the student loan real-world-asset (RWA) protocol on EDU Chain that is co-incubated by Animoca Brands and HackQuest, today announced that Open Campus and Animoca Brands have deployed US$10 million in liquidity as loan collateral to facilitate DeFi student loans on the Pencil Finance platform.

Pencil Finance is a decentralized lending protocol designed to bring student loan financing on-chain, transforming how student debt is serviced. It connects global investors with trusted student loan originators through tokenized loan bundles.

Pencil Finance announces US$10 million for student loan financing

EDU Chain is a Layer 3 blockchain on Arbitrum Orbit that is designed for consumer-facing education apps and on-chain education finance (EduFi). EDU Chain is powered by the EDU token (EDU) which is listed on Binance, KuCoin, Gate.io, Bithumb, MEXC, Bitmart, and various other exchanges.

Open Campus, which is the foundation behind EDU Chain, and Animoca Brands have contributed US$10 million as liquidity to Pencil Finance to be used as loan collateral. The goal is to expand access to education financing through blockchain technology.

Recent policy changes in the U.S. could put millions of borrowers at risk of defaulting on their student loans, highlighting the urgent need for accessible, transparent, and efficient financing solutions for the student loan market, which is estimated to be worth around US$3 trillion globally (Market Research Future, April 2025).

Yat Siu, co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, said: "Blockchain is redefining how education is funded and developed. By bringing student loans on-chain, this initiative seeks to boost transparency, efficiency, and Web3 adoption for potentially hundreds of millions of students globally, while also increasing financial literacy. We believe this will have very significant implications for the US$3 trillion student loan market."

Frank Li, co-founder of Pencil Finance, said: "Blockchain technology allows us to reimagine student lending from the ground up. By bringing loans on-chain, we deliver transparency, efficiency, and access at a global scale, helping students everywhere unlock new educational opportunities."

Harry Zhang, co-founder and CMO of HackQuest, said: 'This milestone demonstrates the real-world impact of blockchain in education. On-chain loans empower students and open new opportunities for investors."

Through Pencil Finance's student loan RWA protocol, whitelisted users can provide liquidity to loan pools. Whitelisted users can choose to deploy capital to a Senior Tranche or a Junior Tranche for higher returns with first-loss risk. Pencil Finance enables loans to be deployed, and repayments to be managed, transparently on-chain.

Pencil Finance issued its first loan this week; the recipient is HackQuest, which will use the loan proceeds to incentivize student developers learning about EDU Chain on the HackQuest platform.

About Open Campus

Open Campus is a community-led DAO that is building an on-chain education network to empower both educators and students. Core contributors to the Open Campus DAO include Animoca Brands, TinyTap, NewCampus, RiseIn, and HackQuest. Together, they are working with Open Campus to enhance the education system for teachers, learners, and institutions by using innovative blockchain protocols and funding initiatives. Open Campus has launched EDU Chain, a Layer 3 blockchain on Arbitrum Orbit designed for consumer-facing education apps and on-chain education finance (EduFi), powered by the EDU token.

About Animoca Brands

Animoca Brands Corporation Limited (ACN: 122 921 813) is a Web3 leader that leverages tokenization and blockchain to deliver digital property rights to consumers, helping to establish the open metaverse and its associated network effects. It has received broad industry and market recognition including Fortune Crypto 40, Top 50 Blockchain Game Companies 2025, Financial Times' High Growth Companies Asia-Pacific, and Deloitte Tech Fast.

Animoca Brands realizes its mission via three integrated business pillars: operating Web3 businesses to advance blockchain adoption with native projects such as Moca Network, Anichess, The Sandbox, Open Campus, NEOM Web3 initiatives, and a regulated stablecoin project in partnership with Standard Chartered and HKT; providing digital asset advisory services including tokenomics advisory, liquidity provisioning, and institutional research to help external Web3 projects grow; and investment management, with a portfolio of investments in over 540 companies including industry leaders Pudgy Penguins, Yuga Labs, Axie Infinity, Polygon, Consensys, Magic Eden, OpenSea, Dapper Labs, YGG, and many others.

For more information visit www.animocabrands.com or follow on X, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok.

About HackQuest

HackQuest is the gateway to the Web3 development world, providing a comprehensive, one-stop educational infrastructure that minimizes friction and helps onboard developers and non developers to the world of Web3. HackQuest believes that improving Web3 developer education is key to driving mass adoption.

About Pencil Finance

Pencil Finance is a decentralized lending protocol focused on bringing real-world student loan financing on-chain. It connects investors with verified student loan originators, turning student debt into a transparent, investable asset class. Pencil uses blockchain infrastructure, a dual-tranche capital structure, and smart contracts to deliver structured, risk-adjusted returns backed by real-world student loan portfolios, enabling sustainable yield generation with tangible social impact.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2675873/Animoca_Brands_Pencil_Finance.jpg

SOURCE Animoca Brands
New Franchise Signings, Groundbreaking Expansions, and Industry Awards Lead a Standout First Quarter

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Premium Service Brands (PSB), the leader in home services franchising, is celebrating a powerful start to 2025, highlighted by 27 new franchise signings, national awards for both its brands and leadership team, and the continued rollout of its innovative Nesto platform.

Strong Franchise Growth Across Brands

"Franchising with PSB is more than a smart move in 2025, it's a long-term strategy for building lasting success." Post this

In Q1, PSB signed 27 new franchise agreements across five of its brands, fueling momentum for the whole system and its fast-growing portfolio:

House Doctors: 10 signings

10 signings 360 Painting: 6 signings

6 signings The Grout Medic: 6 signings

6 signings Rubbish Works: 3 signings

3 signings Maid Right: 2 signings

This early success reflects PSB's commitment to providing franchisees with the systems, support, and innovation necessary to thrive in today's economy.

"Each of our brands is built by strong people in great communities around the country and our successful growth so far this year is a reflection of that," said Paul Flick, CEO of Premium Service Brands. "The strength of our brands and the demand we're seeing this year show that investing in home services franchising isn't just a smart decision right now, it's a smart decision for long-term success."

Expanding Innovation with Nesto

PSB's momentum includes the expansion of Nesto, its revolutionary multi-brand hub model that allows franchisees to operate several home services brands under one roof. Following the successful launch in Augusta, Ga., last year, PSB launched its second Nesto location in Denver, Co., in February.

Led by franchisee Jesus Barrios, Nesto in Denver has integrated five of PSB's brands to a single, accessible location. With the continued growth of Nesto across the country, customers will be able to select from a variety of services to accommodate their home service needs, from painting and garage door repair to home organization, junk removal, and more.

"I'm thrilled to be able to continue PSB's vision through Nesto in Denver," said Barrios. "It not only grants ease to our customers' journeys in shaping their home, it also eases our ability to run our franchises with everything under one roof. I can't wait to see its growth in more communities nationwide."

National Recognition and Awards

PSB and its leadership were recognized across multiple national platforms during the first quarter. One of PSB's brands, RooterMan, secured the No. 231 spot on Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500 list, highlighting it as one of the top-performing brands across all of franchising.

PSB was also featured among the Top Franchise Umbrella Companies by FranchiseWire, applauding its portfolio growth and strong franchisee support model.

On top of the franchise system's recognition, Roxanne Conrad, PSB's Chief Operations Officer, was named as one of The Top 50 Women Chief Operating Officers of 2025 by The Women We Admire, recognizing her leadership impact on the franchise system.

With a record-breaking 2024 and an explosive start to 2025, Premium Service Brands is on track for another historic year. The company remains focused on franchise growth, brand innovation, and strengthening the franchisee experience across its nine-brand network.

For more information about Premium Service Brands and its franchise opportunities, please visit www.premiumservicebrands.com.

About Premium Service Brands:

Premium Service Brands (PSB) is a leading franchisor of home services brands, including 360 Painting, ProLift Garage Doors, Maid Right, Kitchen Wise | Closet Wise, Window Gang, Rubbish Works, The Grout Medic, House Doctors, and RooterMan. Founded on the principles of exceptional support and training for franchise owners, PSB is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams and build successful businesses. For more information, visit www.premiumservicebrands.com .

SOURCE Premium Service Brands
Collaboration helps defense industrial base customers secure regulated data in Google Workspace

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Qanapi , a global data security and encryption key management provider, today announced a strategic partnership with ATX Defense , a cybersecurity company serving the defense industrial base. Through this partnership, ATX Defense will integrate Qanapi's Key Management Service (KMS) into its flagship CMMC Space productenabling users to securely and compliantly collaborate in Google Workspace with client-side encryption (CSE).

Collaboration empowers defense contractors to secure sensitive data in Google Workspace. Post this Protect sensitive data in Google Workspace

Qanapi's simple, cost-effective integration allows organizations to maintain exclusive control over encryption keys, ensuring sensitive data in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and other Workspace products, remains fully protectedeven from the platform provider. The solution meets key requirements for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) under CMMC 2.0, empowering organizations to stay compliant while maintaining workflow efficiency.

"Our mission at ATX Defense is to make robust cybersecurity and CMMC compliance practical and accessible for every company supporting our nation's defense," said Zach Walker, Co-Founder of ATX Defense. "Integrating Qanapi's powerful client-side encryption into CMMC Space is a critical step forward. It allows our clients to securely handle CUI within the familiar Google Workspace environment, giving them exclusive control over their encryption keys without sacrificing the collaborative tools they depend on daily."

"Provisioning key management services has traditionally been a major hurdle for client-side solutionsespecially for SMEs," said Trent Telford, CEO & Founder of Qanapi. "Our KMS, which can be deployed within minutes with no engineering required, is a game changer for Google Workspace administrators. ATX Defense has entrusted us to deliver scalable, easily implemented solutions that uplift their customers' security posture without added complexity or overhead."

By combining Qanapi's modern encryption capabilities with ATX Defense's secure collaboration environment, the partnership delivers a powerful solution that meets the compliance needs of organizations across the defense supply chain.

About Qanapi

Qanapi is revolutionizing data security, compliance, and governance with its FIPS-validated, FedRAMP High (Ready) API service, providing state-of-the-art encryption and protection at the data level. Qanapi's API seamlessly integrates into any software, device, or network; enabling organizations to achieve the highest level of data protection and compliance, regardless of their environment. Qanapi's purpose-built Key Management Service for Google Workspace Client-Side Encryption gives organizations full control over their data and cryptographic keys, supporting compliance with CMMC, ITAR, FedRAMP, and other federal frameworks. Discover more at qanapi.com

About ATX Defense

ATX Defense is a startup based in Austin, Texas, founded by U.S. Army combat veterans and national security experts. Since its launch in 2019, the company has expanded its portfolio to include a market-changing CMMC Space managed service. CMMC Space is a CMMC-certified, automated Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to easily achieve 100% CMMC Level 2 compliance.

Contact:

Qanapi Public Relations Office

[email protected]

SOURCE Qanapi
Join the Hunt for Houdini Flies!

BOTHELL, Wash., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rent Mason Bees, the nation's largest solitary bee provider, has partnered with researchers at the University of California, Davis to address the alarming spread of the Houdini fly, an invasive kleptoparasite threatening native mason bee populations across the Pacific Northwest.

This week, they officially launched THE HOUDINI FLY HUNT, calling on bee hosts and citizen scientists nationwide to help track and report sightings of this destructive invader.

HOUDINI FLY ALERT! Learn How to Protect Your Mason Bees & Join the Hunt Post this Watch this video to learn more about Houdini Flies!

The collaboration is led by Abigail Lehner, a PhD candidate at UC Davis, who is researching how mason bees are impacted by global environmental change. Lehner recently received a grant from the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (WSARE) program to deepen the understanding of Houdini fly biology and to develop an effective management plan.

"I've seen a significant increase in Houdini flies in Washington and Oregon this year, and they are devastating to mason bee populations. Unmaintained bee hotels are a major cause of their spread," said Lehner.

The Houdini flya small, gray insect with red eyes, about the size of a fruit flywas accidentally introduced from Europe within the last few years. These parasitic flies are often seen hovering near bee hotels or sitting at nest entrances.

Houdini flies exploit mason bees by sneaking into nests when the mother bee is away. They lay their eggs on the pollen stores intended for bee larvae. When the Houdini larvae hatch, they consume the pollen, starving the developing mason bees. Fully grown Houdini flies then escape the sealed chambers at the same time the surviving bees would normally emerge, earning their notorious name.

Thyra McKelvie, Managing Director of Rent Mason Bees, emphasizes that proper care and public education are critical.

"Many people don't realize that setting up a bee hotel comes with responsibility," McKelvie said. "Without proper maintenance, these hotels can quickly become breeding grounds for parasites like the Houdini fly."

McKelvie outlines three critical steps for responsible mason bee care:

Place clean, openable nesting material out in early spring. Remove nesting materials at the end of spring (mason bees only live 68 weeks). Harvest and clean cocoons in the fall to remove parasites.

"If you want to prevent further spread, it is imperative to clean out your bee hotel in the fall and remove Houdini larvae," Lehner added.

Join the Houdini Fly Hunt!

One of the best ways to combat this threat is by identifying where Houdini flies are spreadingand that's where you come in.

Report your findings here: Houdini Fly Hunt!

Watch the video to learn how to spot and stop Houdini flies: Mason Bee Predator Alert! Houdini Fly  How to Spot, Stop & Hunt!

Your participation is crucial in protecting our native pollinators and strengthening ecosystems across the country.

www.RentMasonBees.com

SOURCE Rent Mason Bees
Rivada's Outernet offers unique low-latency, highly secure connectivity for enterprise & government

High-speed global data constellation using satellite-to-satellite laser links

Ultra-secure and extremely low-latency network

Combining the speed of fiber with the reach of satellite

Gateway-less architecture ensures security by design

MUNICH, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rivada Space Networks has expanded its EMEA Team with the appointment of Mustafa Afifi as Sales Director for the Middle East region. Mr. Afifi will focus on sectors including Telcos. Regional Satellite Operators and Satellite Resellers/Integrators, providing the most demanding enterprise and government customers with Rivada's highly secure, high-bandwidth, global connectivity network.

Mustafa Afifi Joins Rivada as Sales Director, Middle East

The Rivada Outernet is a next-generation low-Earth orbit satellite constellation. When fully deployed it will provide gigabit-speed connectivity to any point on the globe, without needing to touch the public internet or any third-party infrastructure. Combining inter-satellite laser links with advanced onboard processing and unique routing and switching capabilities, this optical mesh network, in which data stays in space from origin to destination, creates an ultra-secure infrastructure with pole-to-pole coverage, offering end-to-end latencies much lower than terrestrial fiber over similar long distances.

For Enterprise and Government customers, the key attributes of the Outernet are ideal for a variety of applications. Rivada's Outernet, for example, allows banks and other multinationals to create secure, single-domain networks between widely distributed offices. It provides significantly more bandwidth for oil & gas exploration firms than is available today, enables seamless connectivity for shipping & fleet management, and provides 5G satellite backhaul connectivity for network expansion to cellular operators. Connectivity providers in the Middle East can gain a competitive advantage by expanding their offerings in these markets, enabling new opportunities through secure, multi-gigabit bi-directional performance, combined with worldwide reach.

Joe Apa, Rivada's VP of Sales for EMEA, said: "With more than US$16 billion of business globally for its unique LEO network and a growing number of key regional partners, we are seeing a huge uptake in our business in the Middle East region, underlining the growing appetite for our uniquely secure space-based network." Apa added: "The Outernet's ability to meet the requirements of the Middle East's connectivity providers in terms of security, latency, capacity, and coverage is a game-changer for the region. With his extensive experience in the telecoms and ICT sectors with Vodafone, Nokia, Ericsson and Siemens across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, I'm delighted to welcome Mustafa to the Rivada team."

Declan Ganley, CEO of Rivada, said: "Global and Red Sea subsea cables, which carry much of the world's data traffic, are increasingly becoming a focal point of geopolitical tensions, with frequent cable cuts resulting in severe outages. More than ever, the Middle East region needs resilient infrastructure that is fast, secure and reliable. The Outernet is key to enhancing the region's telecommunications infrastructure in terms of data sovereignty and security, supporting AI national digital strategies, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and expanding international networks."

Rivada will be at CabSat from 13-15 May 2025. Meet us at stand S3-C45 and come along to the SatExpo conference session on May 14th at 11:00am, where Joe Apa will present a keynote on "The Future of LEO Services".

About Rivada Space Networks



Rivada Space Networks GmbH is deploying the first true "Outernet": a global, low-latency, point-to-point connectivity network of LEO satellites. By connecting its satellites with lasers, Rivada will provide resellers and B2B customers with the ability to securely connect any two points on the globe with low latency and high bandwidth. The constellations, comprising 600 low-earth-orbit communications satellites, will represent a fundamental change in the availability of secure, global, end-to-end enterprise-grade connectivity for Telecom, Enterprise, Maritime, Energy and Government Services markets. Rivada Space Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rivada Networks, Inc. www.rivadaspace.com

Follow Rivada Space Networks on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rivada-space/

Twitter: @rivadaspace

Media Contacts

Melanie Dickie, Chief Marketing & Communication Officer

Rivada Space Networks GmbH

Tel: +31 6 14 22 97 62

Email: [email protected]m

Brian Carney, SVP Corporate Communications

Rivada Networks, Inc

Tel: +1 (207) 256-0386

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Rivada Space Networks
DETROIT, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE: RKT) ("Rocket Companies" or the "Company"), the Detroit-based fintech platform including mortgage, real estate, title and personal finance businesses, announced today that Chief Executive Officer Varun Krishna will participate in a fireside chat at the 53rd Annual J.P. Morgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference, held at The Westin Boston Seaport District Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, May 14th at 1:00 p.m. ET.

A live webcast of the event will be available on the "Events & Presentations" section of the Company's Investor Relations website at ir.rocketcompanies.com. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Investor Relations website following the conclusion of the event.

About Rocket Companies

Founded in 1985, Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT) is a Detroit-based fintech platform including mortgage, real estate, title and personal finance businesses: Rocket Mortgage, Rocket Homes, Rocket Close, Rocket Money and Rocket Loans.

With more than 65 million call logs each year, 10 petabytes of data and a mission to Help Everyone Home, Rocket Companies is the destination for AI-fueled homeownership. Known for providing exceptional client experiences, J.D. Power has ranked Rocket Mortgage #1 in client satisfaction for primary mortgage origination and mortgage servicing a total of 22 times  the most of any mortgage lender.

For more information, please visit the Company's Corporate website or Investor Relations website.

SOURCE Rocket Companies, Inc.
FREDERICK, Md., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RoosterBio, Inc., a leading supplier of adult human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs), highly engineered media, and bioprocess development services, today announced a new collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science. This collaboration aims to accelerate the availability of new, potentially life-saving cell and exosome therapies that have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of degenerative disease.

Uniting RoosterBio's extensive portfolio of hMSC-based products and processes with Thermo Fisher's advanced therapy GMP contract manufacturing capabilities, customers can access a new comprehensive solution for the development and manufacturing of hMSC and exosome therapeutics. Specifically, biopharmaceutical companies will utilize RoosterBio's expertise in hMSC and exosome products, processes, and analytics along with Thermo Fisher's leading GMP manufacturing capabilities to accelerate their timelines for production of clinical trial materials. Manufacturing services provided by Thermo Fisher will include upstream expansion of hMSCs, downstream purification of MSCs and MSCderived exosomes, and drug product manufacturing.

"Thermo Fisher has an exceptional track record of success in the manufacture of clinical and commercial cell and gene therapies and a well-established global network to meet the needs of our customers," said Tim Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of RoosterBio. "Biopharmaceutical companies striving to develop engineered cell and exosome therapies require proven, flexible technologies paired with reliable and scalable manufacturing capabilities. Through this collaboration, we will deliver that comprehensive solution to our customers, and I am delighted to work with Thermo Fisher to translate our MSC and exosome technologies into advanced therapy products for patients around the world."

"Our collaboration with RoosterBio reflects our shared commitment to helping lifechanging therapies reach patients in need, in the safest, fastest and most effective way possible," said Ben Castro, Vice President and General Manager, Large Molecule, pharma services, Thermo Fisher. "We're excited to work with the team to expand our Contract Development Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) services and support our biotechnology partners through the research and optimization, process development and manufacturing of critical treatments."

Consistent with global best practices, RoosterBio prioritizes the safety and efficacy of its products through robust bioethical standards, including hMSCs being sourced under stringent guidelines, manufactured using highly standardized processes, and supported by first-in-class characterization.

About RoosterBio

RoosterBio accelerates human mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (hMSC) and extracellular vesicle (EV) product and process development to fuel the rapid implementation of scalable advanced therapies. Our high-quality hMSCs, bioprocess media, genetic engineering tools, and EV production solutions are paired with expert bioprocessing knowledge to progress therapeutic developers from concept to first-in-human testing and commercial manufacturing at reduced cost and increased productivity. With optimized, scalable processes, Type II Master Files, and cGMP products, we have enabled therapeutic programs to traverse their path to clinical translation in under one year. RoosterBio is driven by clients' success and creating a world where safe and effective regenerative medicines are rapidly developed and widely available on a global scale. For more information, please visit www.roosterbio.com

SOURCE RoosterBio, Inc.
The Mint earns global industry recognition for a double-sided Extraordinarily High Relief pure silver coin celebrating the Year of the Dragon and its collaboration with McGill University on a more environmentally responsible gold refining process

OTTAWA, ON, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - The Royal Canadian Mint is delighted to have twice earned global recognition for its coin manufacturing excellence and innovation by winning the Best Commemorative Silver Coin and the Best Collaboration coin awards of the 2025 Mint Directors Conference (MDC). The Mint was first recognized for its 2024 $50 Pure Silver Coin  Year of the Dragon, a new technical achievement that enhances the relief of a stunning Wood Dragon design to an impressive height of 4.7 mm on the reverse and created a rear view of the dragon in an equally impressive obverse relief. As well, our partnership with the Department of Chemistry at Montreal's McGill University, to develop a more environmentally responsible gold refining process, was recognized as the global minting industry's best collaboration.

The 2025 MDC is host to the prestigious Coin Awards, recognising industry achievements in the design, production, packaging, and distribution of commemorative and circulating coins worldwide.

"The Royal Canadian Mint is passionate about innovating to keep demonstrating the excellence and artistry of our world-famous coin products, as well as the sustainability of our processes," said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "To be recognized in two award categories by the Mint Directors Conference judges is a tremendous peer endorsement of our commitment to finding new ways to delight our customers while finding more caring and sustainable ways to continue leading the global minting community."

Designed by Canadian artist Simon Ng, our award-winning pure silver coin celebrates the Year of the Wood Dragon through an elaborate Extraordinarily High Relief (EHR) engraving of a dragon, the fifth sign in the Chinese Zodiac. Framed by a laser-engraved pattern that represents the wood element, the dragon is shown moving among the clouds of a night sky illuminated by the moon, its tail coiled to form the shape of lucky number 8. A rear view of that same scene is rendered in EHR on the obverse. Above the obverse engraving appears the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, accompanied by a special device of four pearls symbolizing her four different effigies to have graced Canadian coins, as well as the double date of her reign.

The goal of the Mint's work with McGill University is to transform gold refining by replacing the longstanding Miller Chlorination process, which relies on the injection of chlorine gas to separate impurities from molten gold. Our collaboration has, at a lab scale, resulted in a process that virtually eliminates chlorine gas by introducing an acoustic mechanochemical process to catalyze a chemical reaction with a mild reagent. The process, which yields pure gold in soluble form is non-toxic and less energy-intensive, and is safer for people and the environment.

This innovation builds on previous work done by the Mint in 2019 to reduce chlorine use in its gold refining operations. At that time, the Mint introduced acid-less separation (ALS) technology, that reduced the use of chlorine gas by more than 50% in the Ottawa refinery.

Images and video of the 2024 Pure Silver Coin  Year of the Dragon can be found here.

About the Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Mint is one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as well as Canada's prestigious military and civilian honours. As an established London and COMEX Good Delivery refiner, the Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver refining services. As an organization that strives to take better care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates, the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices in every aspect of its operations.

For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca. Follow the Mint on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)
DETROIT, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Samaritas, one of Michigan's most trusted foster care agencies, is actively seeking empathetic adults to foster kids between the ages of eight and sixteen. These impressionable youth are at risk of aging out of foster care without the stability of an adult to guide and protect them through adolescence.

During Foster Care Awareness Month, adults who are single, married, and related to kids who need fostering should attend a free orientation session to learn about the foster care process and the potential community benefit of their guidance. They can get started by calling (833) 605-HOPE (4673) or visiting www.samaritas.org/fostercaremonth.

During Foster Care Awareness Month adults who are single, married, and related to kids who need fostering should attend a free orientation session to learn about the foster care process and the potential community benefit of their guidance. They can get started by calling (833) 605-HOPE (4673).

"After a distressed family has done everything  it can do to heal itself  Samaritas steps in with personalized services to help the whole family get better," said Rachel Sykes, vice president of Samaritas Family Services. "The kids in this situation haven't done anything wrong and need someone to take them in for a little while, until their biological family can heal."

Foster care is meant to be a temporary intervention until the whole family can be healed. Foster kids can reside in homes with foster parents for several days, weeks, or months  and in some cases a year or longer  while birth parents are working to resolve the issues that caused their child to be removed from the home. In cases where the child is unable to return home, and the court terminates the parental rights  then the child becomes available for adoption.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) estimates that approximately 550 foster youth age out of foster care annually, heightening their vulnerability to homelessness. MDHHS offers services and resources for this group but estimates that 33 percent of Michigan teens leaving foster care will still experience homelessness before the age of 21.

There are 10,000 children in Michigan's foster care system. This month visit the Samaritas Foster Care Month page to read about foster parents who are enjoying their foster care journey with tweens and teens.

Samaritas serves children and families throughout Michigan with offices in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Kalamazoo. Visit Samaritas.org/donate to help us recruit more case workers and enrich existing programs to nurture the well-being of families in need.

SOURCE Samaritas
SEDALIA, Mo., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Amazon is expanding its footprint in Missouri with a new, 65,000-square-foot last-mile facility in Sedalia. It will be built on 15 acres within the Thompson Meadows Industrial Park, a Missouri Certified Site designed for seamless development. These types of facilities generally create more than 100 direct and indirect job opportunities while bringing fast delivery across Pettis County and the surrounding region.

"We're committed to fostering a climate where leading companies like Amazon can thrive." Post this Amazon is expanding its presence in Missouri with a new last-mile facility in Sedalia.

"Amazon's decision to expand its presence here in Missouri is a testament to our state's business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, and strong infrastructure," said Governor Mike Kehoe. "We're committed to fostering a climate where leading companies like Amazon can thrive and continue to fuel innovation and prosperity in our communities."

"We're proud of the job creation we're bringing to Sedalia and this last-mile facility will allow us to better serve our growing customer base throughout west central Missouri with faster delivery speeds," said Jason Vangalis, Amazon Economic Development Manager. "We're grateful for our collaboration with all of our area partners, along with the region's skilled workforce and strategic location, which were all positive factors in Amazon building a new site in Missouri."

These types of facilities power the last mile of Amazon's order process and help speed up deliveries. Packages are shipped to a delivery station from neighboring Amazon Fulfillment and Sortation Centers, loaded into delivery vehicles, and delivered to customers.

"Amazon's decision to invest in Sedalia and Pettis County is a testament to our region's strong pro-business environment," said Rusty Kahrs, President of Economic Development  Sedalia Pettis County's Board of Directors. "Companies thrive here because of our commitment to fostering growth, streamlining development, and providing the infrastructure needed to succeed. We are thrilled to welcome Amazon to Sedalia and look forward to the economic benefits and job opportunities this facility will bring to our community."

"The Thompson Meadows Industrial Park's certified site status was a major factor in attracting Amazon to Sedalia and Pettis County," said Jessica Craig, Executive Director of Economic Development Sedalia  Pettis County. "Having a site that is development-ready makes it easier for companies to invest and grow here. Amazon's presence will enhance our region's economic strength and provide new job opportunities for our residents and region."

Launch plans for this delivery station  particularly those around when operations will start and hiring  are still in the very early stages, with construction getting underway. Amazon's U.S. customer fulfillment and transportation employees earn an average of more than $22 per hour.

"Amazon's decision to expand its operations in Sedalia underscores Missouri's strategic advantages, including our prime location in the center of the U.S.," said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. "This investment strengthens Missouri's role as a leading logistics and distribution hub, providing companies with unparalleled access to customers nationwide. We are proud to have supported this project and look forward to Amazon's continued success in our state."

Economic Development Sedalia  Pettis County worked with several partners to attract Amazon to Sedalia, including: Sedalia Pettis County Community Service Corporation, City of Sedalia, Pettis County, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Partnership, Liberty Utilities, Evergy, State Fair Community College, and VanTrust Real Estate.

Media Assets: Download Amazon delivery images and b-roll

About Missouri Partnership

Missouri Partnership is a public-private economic development organization focused on attracting new jobs and investment to the state and promoting Missouri's business strengths. Since 2008, Missouri Partnership has worked with partners statewide to attract companies that have created 34,950 new jobs, $1.8 billion+ in new annual payroll, and $8.2 billion+ in new capital investment. Some recent successful projects that led to major investment in Missouri include Accenture Federal Services LLC, American Foods Group, Casey's, Chewy, Inc., Google, James Hardie, Meta, Swift Prepared Foods, URBN, USDA, and Veterans United.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth's Most Customer Centric Company, Earth's Best Employer, and Earth's Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

Media Contact: Janelle Higgins | [email protected] | 314.541.4911

SOURCE Missouri Partnership
HOUSTON, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Clean Energy Fund of Texas today announced the launch of CHARGE, a bold, federally backed energy initiative that will bring solar power, lower utility bills, and new job opportunities to communities in states stretching from the South to mid-Atlantic region  areas burdened with some of the nation's highest energy costs.

Short for Communities Helping America Renew and Grow the Economy, CHARGE puts local communities at the heart of the clean energy transition. Higher education institutions, especially Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), will lead the way, partnering with grassroots organizations to develop solar projects that reflect regional priorities and create lasting, community-driven impact.

"CHARGE is about flipping the switch for communities hit hardest by high energy costs," said Teresa Morales, CHARGE Program Director of the Clean Energy Fund of Texas. "We're delivering solar power, real savings, and good jobs to campuses and neighborhoods that have long been left out. This is clean energy with purpose."

Key Benefits of CHARGE Include:

Energy Savings: More than 8,870 households will see utility bills drop by 25 percent, totaling $76.97 million in savings.

More than 8,870 households will see utility bills drop by 25 percent, totaling in savings. Environmental Impact: The initiative will cut carbon emissions by 3.14 million metric tons  accelerating the shift to a cleaner future.

The initiative will cut carbon emissions by 3.14 million metric tons  accelerating the shift to a cleaner future. Local Job Creation: Investments in workforce training will support new, good solar installation and maintenance jobs.

Investments in workforce training will support new, good solar installation and maintenance jobs. Education & Empowerment: Higher education partners will launch STEM-based programs that give students hands-on experience in solar technology and renewable energy careers.

"Energy savings and job opportunity benefits will go directly to communities, and thanks to local partnerships, solar solutions can become part of a community-focused resilience planning effort," Morales said. "More importantly, project partners will help train the next generation of clean energy leaders to keep this momentum growing."

To ensure accountability and local input, a Community Advisory Board comprising higher education representatives, regional organizations, and residents will help shape and oversee the program's rollout.

Interested parties are encouraged to contact the program at https://cleanfundtx.org/solar-for-all/ for more information or to explore partnership opportunities.

About Clean Energy Fund of Texas

Clean Energy Fund of Texas (CEFTX) provides capital investment to help grow the next-generation clean energy economy. CEFTX offers low-cost financing for home, office and community based energy solutions by providing trusted, competitive financing so that every American can be part of the next-gen energy movement. By investing in industry suppliers, partners and clean energy jobs, CEFTX's financial approach catalyzes the new economy. CEFTX believes that the transition to a next-gen energy economy will reduce energy costs, create good jobs and spark economic development opportunities in historically under-resourced communities. Visit https://cleanfundtx.org/about/, and follow @cleanfundtx on X, Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more.

SOURCE Clean Energy Fund of Texas
Source enables teams to adapt quickly to the increasingly complex demands of the health and life science industries, including shifting priorities, workloads and client needs, ensuring streamlined delivery and exceptional outcomes

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Spectrum Science, an independent, full-service, strategic platform offering integrated marketing communications, clinical trial recruitment and retention, and advertising and consulting services for the health and life science industries, is continuing to challenge the status quo by revolutionizing what it means to remain agile and flexible during a time when clients are being asked for maximum impact at a rapid pace. Utilizing Source, a proprietary, AI-powered platform designed for sourcing flexible talent, Spectrum has the ability to access a comprehensive healthcare talent force globally, enabling teams to find the exact expertise required to meet client needs while quickly accommodating changing workloads in real-time.

Spectrum Science Establishes Source, A Proprietary, AI-powered Platform Enabling Access to a Global Flex Force of Health and Life Science Industry Specialists

"The Spectrum way has always been to remain flexible and agile so we can assemble the right teams to match our clients' unique needs and quickly pivot when currents shift," said Lauren Ankeles, EVP, Operations and Transformation. "With Source, we can tap into a deep network of global experts with the exact right experience in real-time, which helps us generate more ideas that are on strategy, and allows for up to a 50% faster turnaround. When we connect the talent from our full-time staff with handpicked members from our global talent pool, we can realize even the most ambitious business goals no matter the timeline or budget."

Built to operate at the speed of need, Source includes nearly 11,000 members from over 150 countries and territories, with talent ranging from brand strategists and graphic designers to MDs and PhDs. Whether there is a need for highly specialized category experience, a wide range of creative and strategic thinking, or managing a high volume of work in a short timeframe, Source serves as an effective platform to deliver the best work, no matter the business challenge. Source is an evolution of an industry-defying platform created by CrowdPharm (acquired by Spectrum in 2023) and now serves the entire Spectrum Enterprise.

"At a time where other agencies are desperately trying to break down walls to create agility, Spectrum continues to evolve to be the agency of the future, taking our inherent agility and turbocharging it with AI-enabled platforms, like Source, so nothing comes between our clients and the results they need," said Amy Hutnik, President and Chief Commercial Officer. "As an independent company, purpose built for flexibility and collaboration, we pride ourselves on our ability to scale, augmenting teams, as appropriate, based on the individual and collective fluctuation of client needs. Having access to thousands of talented, science-centric experts at our fingertips who can seamlessly integrate and help deliver the best for our clients is truly challenging the traditional agency model to deliver something better. This is the Spectrum differencewe are at home with flux and can quickly evolve and adapt to change with ease thanks to innovations like Source."

Ready for a partner who can flex at the speed of need? Contact us.

About Spectrum Science

Spectrum Science is an award-winning, strategic platform of integrated marketing communications, clinical trial recruitment and retention, and advertising and consulting services. Connected by a foundation of scientific and strategic acumen, Spectrum delivers at all points in the product and company lifecycle, across all channels, with global reach as the U.S. partner and chair of Global Health Marketing & Communications (GHMC). As an independent company with end-to-end capabilities operating all together under a single P&L, Spectrum's flexible model is purposefully designed to meet and evolve with the specific needs of health and life science clients. Ready to experience a new frequency all together? Visit spectrumscience.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.

Media Inquiries

Darcy Woodson

212.468.5360

SOURCE Spectrum Science
Award-Winning Livingston Hearing Aid Center Moving To Brand-New Facility in Amarillo

AMARILLO, Texas, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The future of hearing healthcare has arrived in West Texas as Livingston Hearing Aid Center unveils its new 6,060-square-foot flagship facility in Amarillo.

The celebrated centerhonored as Amarillo's Viewers' Choice Award Winner for Best Hearing Center is revolutionizing patient care with an arsenal of breakthrough technologies, including advanced video otoscopes, AI-powered hearing systems, Audioscan verification systems and cutting-edge GSI Pello Audiometers that deliver precision in diagnosis and treatment.

"We're shattering barriers to exceptional hearing health," said Dr. Hunter Gerhart, Livingston's Director of Audiology. "Our world-class team of audiologists and specialists has always delivered excellence. West Texas deserves transformative hearing care, and that's exactly what we're delivering. This new Amarillo facility allows us to serve patients better than anyone else."

Livingston's expansion comes at a critical moment, with over one million Texans struggling with hearing loss. The center's strategic networknow featuring this flagship location alongside five satellite facilities throughout the Amarillo regionpositions Livingston at the forefront of addressing this public health challenge.

"This isn't just a new buildingit's the culmination of a powerful legacy that began with a partnership between Ollie Livingston and my father, Richard Davila," emphasized Livingston Hearing Aid Center President Richard Davila II. "Today, we're amplifying our generations-long commitment to West Texans' hearing health with a facility that doesn't just meet needs, it anticipates them, elevating the standard of hearing healthcare across the region."

The spectacular new center at 7308 Fleming Avenue welcomes patients Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It offers a comprehensive suite of services, including diagnostic testing and lifelong personalized aftercare. Experience the revolution in hearing health by calling 806-553-6694, visiting www.LHAC.com, or walking in for immediate assistance.

About Livingston Hearing Aid Center:

Since 1953, Livingston Hearing Aid Center has been the vanguard of hearing excellence across Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Oklahoma. With a singular purpose to enrich lives through better hearing and an unwavering mission to deliver unmatched service, Livingston's elite team of audiologists and licensed specialists provides exceptional care in technologically advanced facilities. Every location features state-of-the-art equipment and comprehensive service offerings designed to transform hearing health. Discover the difference at LHAC.com.

Media Contact: Noah Manderfeld

612-351-8340

[email protected]

LHAC.com

SOURCE Livingston Hearing Aid Center
HOUSTON, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stream Realty Partners, a national commercial real estate firm offering an integrated platform of services, has completed the ownership transfer of Houston Center through a new joint venture alongside AustralianSuper, one of the world's largest pension funds. The property, a four-building, 4.6-million-square-foot, Class A office campus in Downtown Houston, is located at 1221 McKinney, 909 Fannin, 1301 McKinney, and 1331 Lamar. Stream, through its Value Preservation Advisors (VPA) team, will oversee the asset management, leasing, property management, and construction management for Houston Center.

Positioned at the heart of Downtown Houston, Houston Center is a dynamic mixed-use campus delivering an elevated tenant experience with flexible workspaces, a 10,000-square-foot fitness center, a 7,500-square-foot conference center, landscaped green spaces, and a variety of onsite and nearby retail and dining destinations. With a clear vision, strong ownership, and best-in-class amenities, Houston Center is uniquely poised to capture the growing demand from companies seeking high-quality, centrally located space with seamless connectivity to major transportation routes, cultural attractions, and Houston's broader business community.

"Houston Center represents a transformational opportunity in a market where we have strong conviction in the long-term fundamentals and future growth," said Kyle Valentine, Executive Managing Director & Partner at Stream. "We are fully committed to delivering an elevated experience that resonates with today's workforce and believe the strength of our team, paired with the support of an experienced institutional partner, positions the campus for lasting success as a premier office destination."

Executive Managing Director & Partner John Rogers and Senior Vice President Alex Roberto of Stream's Investment Management team will provide day-to-day oversight of the investment strategy and business plan execution under the leadership of Chief Investment Officer, Adam Jackson. Stream Managing Director Ryan Barbles and Managing Director of Office Leasing Matt Asvestas will lead the leasing efforts for Houston Center on behalf of the venture. Managing Director of National Office Investor Services Adam Showalter, will oversee the execution of the campus' hospitality-infused property management experience.

"As Houston Center enters this exciting new chapter, our focus is on infusing energy, connectivity, and a modern workplace experience into the heart of downtown," said Barbles. "With a long-term investment horizon, we are strategically positioning the campus to meet the evolving needs of today's workforce, offering a fresh start for companies seeking a dynamic environment to establish or expand their presence in Houston."

"Houston Center is one of the most significant office opportunities in the city, and we're committed to unlocking its full potential for tenants," added Asvestas. "Our leasing strategy is centered on providing companies with high-quality, flexible space in a highly connected urban hub. Combining a strong and experienced capital partner with Stream's hands-on, ground-up approach, we will redefine what it means to work in Downtown Houston, creating an environment where businesses can thrive."

For more information, contact Stream Houston at 713.300.0300.

About Stream Realty Partners

Stream Realty Partners is a national commercial real estate firm offering an integrated platform of leasing, investment and development services. This includes tenant and landlord representation, Legendary CX property management, capital markets, investment management and sales, construction, construction management, national program management, workplace strategies, strategic marketing, and dedicated research. The company is headquartered in Dallas with operations in core markets coast to coast. Since 1996, Stream has grown to more than 1,550 professionals and now completes annual transactions valued at more than $8.9 billion in office, industrial, retail, healthcare, land, and data center properties. For information, visit www.streamrealty.com and follow Stream on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Facebook.

About Stream Value Preservation Advisors (VPA)

By leaning on Stream's dual role as both real estate owners and service providers, this highly specialized team focuses on achieving client objectives with precision and efficiency, offering an agile and solutions-driven platform reaching across all asset classes and products to preserve value and mitigate loss for lenders and stakeholders that require additional resources for dealing with challenging situations. Leveraging local knowledge and real-time market fundamentals gathered by Stream market experts, VPA is actively engaged in every aspect of a project's life cycle, including underwriting and due diligence, capital markets, development services, accounting, reporting, and partner relations. For more information, visit Stream Value Preservation Advisors (VPA).

About Stream Investment Management

Stream Realty Partners' Investment Management team leverages the extensive expertise of Stream's offices in core markets from coast to coast to make informed investment decisions based on real-time supply and demand fundamentals. The team, comprised of 34 professionals, actively manages five commingled funds, along with several joint ventures and wholly owned assets. In total, Stream oversees 39 investments encompassing 25 million square feet and approximately $5.4 billion in assets under management. For more information, visit Stream Investment Management.

CONTACT:

Molly McMurtry

Stream Realty Partners

[email protected]

SOURCE STREAM REALTY PARTNERS, L.P.
Substantial Scale: Double Black Diamond Solar is the largest operating solar facility in Illinois and east of the Mississippi River

Double Black Diamond Solar is the largest operating solar facility in and east of the Mississippi River Strong Local Customers: City of Chicago and seven other customers are now sourcing power through Constellation from Double Black Diamond Solar, advancing their energy goals with affordable, emissions-free power

and seven other customers are now sourcing power through Constellation from Double Black Diamond Solar, advancing their energy goals with affordable, emissions-free power Domestic Content and American Jobs: From module manufacturing to installation, thousands of American workers supported and benefitted from the project's construction, underscoring the now robust domestic solar industry

From module manufacturing to installation, thousands of American workers supported and benefitted from the project's construction, underscoring the now robust domestic solar industry Local Economic Impacts: Sangamon and Morgan Counties are set to receive ~$100 million in revenue over the life of the project

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Swift Current Energy (Swift Current) today announced that its landmark 800 MWdc (593 MWac) Double Black Diamond Solar project is now operating. The new solar facility, located 30 miles west of Springfield, IL, is the largest operating solar facility east of the Mississippi and provides a major source of new energy capacity in the state.

Swift Current Energy joined project customers and local leaders to celebrate the on-time and on-budget start of operations for Double Black Diamond Solar. Photo Credit: Patrick Pyszka, City of Chicago

To celebrate the project's completion, local leaders, project landowners, and customers joined Swift Current Energy today for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the project site. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter, Constellation Executive Vice President Kathleen L. Barron, and Swift Current Energy CEO Eric Lammers, President Matt Birchby, and Chief Development Officer William Kelsey provided official remarks on the project.

Eric Lammers, CEO and Co-Founder of Swift Current, said, "Electricity demand in the U.S. is accelerating with new manufacturing load and tech needs. Our Double Black Diamond Solar facility is an example of how we are utilizing U.S.-manufacturers and American workers to provide the energy needed to charge our country's growth now. We thank our customers in collaboration with Constellation for their commitment to this project. We especially thank Sangamon and Morgan Counties for welcoming us into their communities during development and construction. We will continue to honor our commitments as we operate Double Black Diamond."

Neil Doherty, Executive Director, Infrastructure at IFM Investors, added, "We are delighted to sponsor the Double Black Diamond solar project and demonstrate the benefits that long term private capital can bring when partnering with a major American City like Chicago. We are proud to support this project which will deliver tangible economic benefits for the local community, and has supported manufacturing and construction jobs for American workers."

The City of Chicago is one of the largest cities in the U.S. to source 100 percent of the power for its operations from renewable energy. About 70 percent of Chicago's power that is used for its facilities  including O'Hare and Midway airports  is sourced from Swift Current's Double Black Diamond Solar project. Additionally, Cook County, CVS Health, Loyola University Chicago, PPG, State Farm, and TransUnion are sourcing power from the project via Constellation NewEnergy, Inc.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said, "This project is a powerful example of why we believe in the green economy. Double Black Diamond Solar is union-made, clean energy that will make our city cleaner and more energy efficient. Projects like this are about our commitment to environmental justice, but they are also about good jobs and affordability for the working people of our city. We intend to build upon this critical milestone and continue to increase the adoption of clean energy in our city, improving the lives of our residents through new job opportunities in the green economy and reduced emissions. We are happy to partner with Swift Current Energy and Constellation to make progress toward a healthier, greener Chicago."

Kathleen Barron, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Constellation, said, "Double Black Diamond demonstrates what's possible when we bring customers and clean energy solutions together. We were proud to work closely with the City of Chicago and other customers to help bring this new capacity to life. Efforts like this aren't just about reducing emissions  they also drive local investment, support American manufacturing, and help communities realize the full value of clean energy while advancing their sustainability goals."

Swift Current utilized the robust domestic solar manufacturing supply chain to source most of the components for Double Black Diamond Solar, adding to the national and regional benefits of the project. A majority of the project's 1.6 million solar modules were manufactured by First Solar in Ohio, and the racking was supplied by U.S.-based Nextracker, with a portion of key components manufactured locally in Chicago using 100% US-made steel. During construction, Double Black Diamond Solar created approximately 500 jobs and reached commercial operation with more than 1 million safe person-hours. The project also successfully met the Illinois Clean and Equitable Jobs Act's (CEJA) labor and diverse hiring standards for renewable energy development, helping bring employment opportunities to a wider range of Illinoisians. St. Louis-based McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. served as engineering, procurement, and construction provider for the project.

Swift Current Energy started the greenfield development of Double Black Diamond Solar in 2018. The facility began producing power in 2024 and today the facility is the largest solar project east of the Mississippi River, producing enough power for the equivalent of 100,000 homes annually.

Over the life of the project, Double Black Diamond Solar is anticipated to provide substantial tax revenue to the local project counties, Sangamon and Morgan counties, in central Illinois. Additionally, Swift Current will provide $10 million in community benefits funds to the Sangamon Growth Alliance, Auburn School District, City of Chicago, and Cook County.

Andy Van Meter, Chair, Sangamon County Board, said, "The Double Black Diamond Solar project brings significant financial benefits to Sangamon County. It's expected to generate $100 million in local tax revenue over its lifetime, with more than 60% directed to our public schools. The remaining revenue will strengthen essential services, including public safety, infrastructure, and community programs that support the needs of families throughout our County. We are thankful to Swift Current Energy, whose efforts will deliver tangible benefits for our residents."

Swift Current is the long-term owner and operator of the project and has previously announced that tax equity for the project was provided by Google, and construction financing for the project was provided by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), Societe Generale, Truist, and eight other leading lenders.

About Swift Current Energy

Swift Current Energy is trailblazing a path for clean energy now. Founded in 2016, the company develops, owns and operates highly competitive, utility-scale wind, solar and energy storage projects across the United States. Swift Current Energy is majority-owned by funds managed by IFM Investors and Lookout Ridge Energy Partners. For more information, please visit swiftcurrentenergy.com

SOURCE Swift Current Energy
FRANKFURT, Germany, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 24, 2025, officials from the Taicang Municipal Government hosted a city promotion event in Frankfurt, Germany, under the theme "Wenn der Fluss Loujiang auf den Main trifft" ("When the Lou River Meets the Main"). The event was organized to strengthen economic, trade, and cultural ties between Taicang, a leading hub in China's Jiangsu Province, and Germany, and to explore new opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth.

Scene from the City Promotion Event in Frankfurt (PRNewsfoto/Taicang Municipal Government)

Demonstrating a longstanding commitment to open and inclusive development, Taicang has successfully integrated high-quality German industrial resources into its local economy. Today, more than 550 German companies operate in Taicang, including over 60 "hidden champions"  mid-sized global leaders recognized for their specialization and innovation. These businesses form a comprehensive industrial chain encompassing research and development, manufacturing, and service sectors. In a time of global economic uncertainty, Taicang continues to stand out as a strong example of stability, growth, and the enduring value of China-Germany partnerships.

Taicang has emerged as a model for regional cooperation between China and Germany. Boasting modern infrastructure and a strong focus on sustainable development, the city mirrors Frankfurt's balance of livability and business appeal, and has become an increasingly attractive destination for German businesses and expatriates.

SOURCE Taicang Municipal Government
Bipartisan Legislation Critical to Protecting Good Jobs, Safe Streets

DENVER, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following its passage out of the Colorado State Senate Transportation & Energy Committee, Teamsters are calling on all lawmakers in the upper chamber to support HB 25-1122, legislation that would require the presence of a trained and licensed human safety operator in any autonomous vehicle (AV) operated for commercial use.

"This legislation has the support of workers, elected officials, and the general public because it's a commonsense guardrail that everyone can get behind," said Spencer Hogue, President of Teamsters Joint Council 3. "Colorado state senators can increase highway safety and protect middle class prosperity by voting in favor of this bill."

The bill recently passed the Colorado House of Representatives in a bipartisan vote, with more than 80 percent of lawmakers supporting it. The Teamsters are advocating for similar legislation in California, Delaware, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas.

"We refuse to stand idly by while Silicon Valley threatens the livelihoods of union members throughout Colorado," said Dean Modecker, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 455. "If lawmakers want our support when they're up for re-election, they need to stand with the Teamsters on this bill."

"With the things I've seen in over two decades of driving for a living  both in residential and commercial areas  there's nothing that makes me think automation is a good or safe road to go down," said Chris Sanchez, a member of Local 455 who testified before the Transportation & Energy Committee. "Automated vehicles don't operate with concern or compassion for other human beings. Teamsters do."

Teamsters Joint Council 3 is America's premier labor union for the Rocky Mountain region. For more information, go to teamstersjc3.com

Contact:

Matt McQuaid, (771) 241-0015

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Joint Council 3
LEXINGTON, Ky., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Landing at Lakewood Harbour proudly announces its official grand opening on May 1, 2025. Located in Lexington's historic Chevy Chase neighborhood and positioned along the scenic shores of Lake Fontaine, The Landing introduces a fresh standard of refined, maintenance-free living in Central Kentucky.

Positioned on the banks of Lake Fontaine, across from The Island neighborhood, The Landing offers a rare waterside retreat in the 40502-zip code. 25 renters are set to move into their new lakeside homes at opening.

This thoughtfully designed apartment community blends classic Southern charm with modern luxury. Residents can enjoy spacious, high-end apartments complete with chef-inspired kitchens, luxury vinyl plank flooring, in-unit laundry, and private balconiessome offering picturesque lakeside views. Community features include an in-ground parking garage, resort-style pool, and a collection of premium amenity decks curated for comfort, connection, and relaxation.

The Landing at Lakewood Harbour caters to a diverse range of residentsfrom retirees looking for stress-free elegance, to professionals seeking a serene retreat, to part-time Lexington residents in search of a second home close to family.

This development is owned by Andover Management Group and follows Andover Construction's successful sale of 15 townhomes along Lake Fontaine which adds to the company's growing portfolio of 792 apartment homes across the region. With proven success in both multifamily housing and self-storage, including its 85,000 sq. ft. Citadel Self Storage location on Richmond Road, Andover Management continues to make meaningful contributions to Lexington's residential landscape.

Now leasing and scheduling open house tours, The Landing at Lakewood Harbour invites prospective residents to explore the future of luxury living. Tours are available daily by calling 859-241-1967, visiting our website at harbourlandingky.com or by stopping by the leasing office.

About Andover Management Group:

Andover Management Group is a Lexington-based real estate development and property management firm dedicated to creating thoughtful, high-quality living environments. With a focus on both innovation and community, Andover's portfolio includes residential, commercial, and storage developments across Central Kentucky.

SOURCE Andover Management Group
Student essays highlighting liberty and freedom will be displayed in Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US, an immersive journey through 250 years of America's progress, challenges, and triumphs.

NEW YORK, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Soloviev Foundation announces the panel for its Future Generations Essay Contest, a New York City initiative inviting public and private school students to share personal reflections on the meaning of liberty and its role in America's evolving story. The panel will include Grammy-winning artist Lenny Kravitz who will help select the winning essays to be featured as part of Path of Liberty: That Which Unites USan immersive public art installation spanning six acres on Manhattan's East Side.

The Future Generations Essay Contest will recognize 21 students in grades 6-12 with awards ranging from $500 to $5,000 to support their future educational pursuits. The winning essay will be announced on May 8, 2025, during the official ribbon cutting ceremony for Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US, and the selected student will have the opportunity to read their essay before an audience of community leaders, advocates, and stakeholders. Students' work will also be prominently featured within the exhibit, which opens to the public on May 15, 2025.

"The heart of our mission is the belief that children and communities hold the key to a brighter future," said Stefan Soloviev, Principal of The Soloviev Foundation and Chairman of the Soloviev Group. "The Future Generations Essay Contest provides a platform for young New Yorkers to express their thoughts on what unites us as a city and as a nation. By amplifying their voices and sharing their experiences, we foster a deeper sense of community and invest in the ideas that will shape tomorrow's world."

Said Lenny Kravitz, "Freedom is a vital, underlying right that anchors all others. These students have exercised their freedom in a thoughtful way that serves as a point of inspiration and should be a model for all of us."

"The future of our nation lies in the hands of the next generation. By supporting the Path of Liberty and the Future Generations Essay Contest, we are not just celebrating the past, we are empowering young people to share their vision for the future. Their voices are the foundation of the change we need, and it is our responsibility to listen, learn, and act," said Michael Hershman, Chief Executive Officer, Soloviev Group.

The contest aligns with the mission of Path of Liberty: That Which Unites USto share personal stories from individuals of diverse racial, ethnic, social, and professional backgrounds, offering a rich cross-section of American life. Serving as a prelude to America 250, the 2026 United States Quarter Millennial, the installation showcases large-scale photography, compelling audio interviews, and interactive elements that invite visitors to reflect on the values and experiences that continue to shape the nation.

To reserve complimentary tickets, please visit pathoflibertynyc.com and follow @pathoflibertynyc on Facebook and Instagram for more information and updates.

ABOUT SOLOVIEV FOUNDATION

The Soloviev Foundation is the charitable giving arm of the Soloviev Group, dedicated to supporting the efforts of those working across humanitarian, environmental, and educational causes. The Foundation's gifts go to both large, long-established institutions addressing global crises and concerns, and smaller, hyperlocal organizations serving the populations in need within their communities. For more information, visit solovievfoundation.org.

ABOUT PATH OF LIBERTY: THAT WHICH UNITES US

Encompassing more than six-acres on Manhattan's East Side from 38th to 41st Street on First Avenue, the large-scale exhibition provides a visual and narrative journey of the founding principles of the United States, framed by stunning portraits and immersive landscapes. Made possible by the Soloviev Foundation, Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US will welcome guests and present an exploration of both the achievements and ongoing challenges of American democracy. Through powerful, large-scale environmental portraits and interactive elements, visitors will leave with a deeper understanding of the country's past, present, and future. For more information, please visit pathoflibertynyc.com.

SOURCE The Soloviev Group
DALLAS, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Trintech, a leading global provider of cloud-based financial close solutions for the Office of Finance, today announced the launch of Adra Journal Entry, a new module within its Adra Suite. Purpose-built for mid-market finance teams, Adra Journal Entry uses AI-driven automation with intelligent workflows to centralize and streamline journal entry creation, approval, and ERP posting. By integrating journal entry functionality directly into the Adra Suite, organizations significantly reduce the manual effort, risk of errors, and time associated with month-end close, while improving audit readiness and visibility.

"Accounting teams are under constant pressure to do more with lessfaster, and with greater accuracy," said Michael Ross, Chief Strategy and Product Officer of Trintech. "With Adra Journal Entry, we're empowering mid-sized companies with AI tools to simplify journal creation, integrate more deeply with their ERP systems, and cut labor costs, all while maintaining complete control and visibility."

Adra Journal Entry is a natural extension for current users of Adra Matcher (automated transaction matching) and Adra Balancer (automated balance sheet reconciliations), enabling a centralized workflow for journal creation and reconciliation. Adra Journal Entry eliminates disconnect by enabling journal entries to be created directly within the Adra Suite and then posted to the ERP via packaged API integrations, providing a connected, trusted, and single-source-of-truth across the financial close process.

"We're excited to implement Adra Journal Entry for managing all our journal entries. Instead of collecting individual files from each employee on an ad-hoc basis, our team now streamline the processcreating and exporting all entries in a single, consolidated upload each week. We are looking forward to driving further efficiencies with the Adra Suite by no longer having to manage this process in Excel spreadsheets," said Justin Sorrells, Sr. Manager at Sunbelt Rentals.

Key Benefits:

Centralized Control  Consolidate all journal entries in one system to improve consistency and compliance.

 Consolidate all journal entries in one system to improve consistency and compliance. Superior Auditability  Maintain a complete and accurate record of entries for faster, smoother, and accurate audits.

 Maintain a complete and accurate record of entries for faster, smoother, and accurate audits. Streamlined Workflow  Automatic ERP posting ensures minimal disruption and no need to toggle between systems.

 Automatic ERP posting ensures minimal disruption and no need to toggle between systems. Reduced Labor Costs  With automation, labor costs associated with journal entries are reduced by over 70%.

Real-World Use Cases Enhanced by AI:

Vendor and customer transaction postings

Intercompany cost allocations

Error corrections and reconciliation adjustments

Tax and currency-related journal entries

Capital asset and bank fee postings

Unlike competing solutions that either overcomplicate the process or operate in silos, AI-powered Adra Journal Entry provides the right balance of functionality and simplicityideal for mid-market finance teams who want more efficiency without complexity.

About Trintech

Trintech gives people time back for what matters most. Our cloudbased platform and solutions enable thousands of clients worldwide to lead productivity transformation across their finance and accounting organizations  driving efficiencies, ensuring accuracy to mitigate risk, and empowering strategic decision-making. Make time count with Trintech.

As the leader in Financial Close Management, Trintech is headquartered in Plano, Texas with offices and strategic resellers across United States, Europe, Australia, South America, Africa, and Asia Pacific. With a strong partner ecosystem, Trintech collaborates with over 100 companies to create a network of interconnected businesses. To learn more about Trintech, visit www.trintech.com.

Media Contact:

Kelli Shoevlin

Director, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Trintech
Engineered to offer newborns a secure, womb-like environment, The Pearl gives parents and caregivers the freedom to move with confidence while keeping their baby close. It's the ideal blend of gentle support and smart design for life's first cuddles and everyday tasks.

"We created the Pearl to give parents and newborns the comfort, connection, and confidence they deserve from day one. As a mom who struggled with traditional carriers, I know how important it is to feel supportedphysically and emotionally. The Pearl is our answer to that need: a beautiful, functional, hands-free solution made for real life," said Sara Azadi, Co-Founder and CMO of Tushbaby.

Key Features Include:

Ultra-soft, hypoallergenic, breathable fabric that's gentle on sensitive skin

Adjustable straps for a snug, secure fit

Wrap-style design that's easy to wear and simple to secure

Built-in pockets and bottle holder for added convenience

Nursing cover compatibility with optional Tushbaby accessory attachments

Weight range: 820 lbs., designed specifically for newborns

Machine washable for everyday ease

Folds and tucks away for compact, on-the-go use

Seamlessly compatible with Diaper Packs

Whether worn on its own or paired with other Tushbaby essentials, The Pearl delivers both form and function for families seeking a beautifully designed newborn carrier that supports connection from day one.

The Pearl will be available in Black starting early May at www.Tushbaby.com , with four additional color options available for pre-sale: Cream, Dots, Abstract, and Cheetah.

About Tushbaby

Founded in 2018, Tushbaby is on a mission to make parenting easier. From its groundbreaking hip seat carrier to its versatile accessories and bags, Tushbaby is redefining on-the-go parenting with functional yet fashionable solutions that families love. Viral from day one, Tushbaby's products have been featured on Shark Tank and CBS Morning News, and in New York Magazine, Forbes, Parents, Cosmopolitan, BuzzFeed, US Weekly, and more. Learn more at www.tushbaby.com.

Media Contact:

Charisse Curtis

Milano Consulting

[email protected]

323.251.3582

SOURCE Tushbaby
PALM BEACH, Fla., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Immigration Fund (USIF), one of the leading EB-5 regional centers in the United States, is pleased to welcome Cheikh "Moussa" Ndiaye as Vice President of Business Development, Head of EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). In this role, Moussa will lead USIF's efforts to expand its presence across these key global markets, connecting investors with premier EB-5 investment opportunities.

Cheikh Moussa Ndiaye joins U.S. Immigration Fund as Vice President of Business Development, Head of EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa)

Moussa brings extensive experience in the EB-5 industry, having played a pivotal role in expanding EB-5 investment opportunities in Africa and French-speaking markets. Originally from Senegal, he legally immigrated to the United States in 2014 and began his EB-5 career in 2015 at a competing regional center. During his tenure, he was instrumental in broadening the firm's reach in Africa, establishing a presence in the Middle East, and assisting investors in private equity investments. His ability to connect with international investors has contributed to the successful placement of EB-5 investments, helping families achieve their goal of U.S. residency.

"I am thrilled to join USIF, a firm that has built a stellar reputation in the EB-5 industry, assisting over 5,200 families in their immigration journey," said Moussa. "My goal is to bring USIF's exceptional projects and investment opportunities to a wider audience, build lasting relationships with attorneys and investors, and further establish USIF as a leader in the EB-5 space."

Nicholas Mastroianni III, President & Chief Marketing Officer of U.S. Immigration Fund, emphasizes the importance of global expansion: "We are excited to have Cheikh "Moussa" Ndiaye join our team as Vice President of Business Development, Head of EMEA. As we continue to expand our global reach, Moussa's market expertise and strategic vision will play a vital role in connecting investors across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa with high-quality EB-5 opportunities. His leadership will further our mission of delivering success for our investors and helping them secure a future in the United States."

Since its founding, USIF has facilitated EB-5 investments for thousands of families worldwide, successfully securing billions in funding for large-scale real estate projects. With a commitment to transparency, investor education, and customer support, USIF continues to lead the industry in providing financially sound investment opportunities that help investors obtain U.S. residency. Moussa's leadership will further strengthen USIF's presence in EMEA, ensuring investors receive expert guidance throughout the EB-5 process.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with Moussa Ndiaye, use the links below.

Book a Consultation with Moussa

Visit our website

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2676901/Moussa_Ndiaye.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2586832/5294746/US_Immigration_Fund_Logo.jpg

SOURCE U.S. Immigration Fund
PALM BEACH, Fla., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Immigration Fund (USIF), a leading EB-5 Regional Center operator, is pleased to announce the addition of Emily Zhu as Vice President of Business Development, Head of East Asia. In her role, Zhu will focus on expanding USIF's presence in East Asia, fostering relationships with investors, and guiding them through the EB-5 process. She will also work to educate individuals currently in the U.S. on non-immigrant visas about their options within EB-5.

Emily Zhu joins U.S. Immigration Fund as Vice President of Business Development, Head of East Asia (PRNewsfoto/U.S. Immigration Fund)

With nearly a decade of experience in the EB-5 industry, Zhu brings extensive expertise in capital raising, investor relations, and strategic business development. Originally from China and residing in the U.S. since 2009, she began her EB-5 career in 2015 at a boutique immigration law firm and regional center in New York. From 2016 to 2019, she served as an in-house representative for a New York-based developer and regional center, managing investor relations and capital raising efforts.

"USIF has long been recognized as an industry leader in the EB-5 space, and I am thrilled to join this exceptional team," said Zhu. "Our priority is to connect international investors with financially sound real estate projects that create jobs and support families in securing U.S. residency. I look forward to helping investors navigate the EB-5 process with transparency and expert guidance."

"We are proud to welcome Emily Zhu as Vice President of Business Development, Head of East Asia. Emily's deep understanding of the East Asian market and her commitment to investor success will be instrumental in expanding our reach and delivering premier EB-5 solutions," explains Nicholas Mastroianni III, President & Chief Marketing Officer of U.S. Immigration Fund. "Her leadership will help us connect with more families and entrepreneurs who are looking to build a future in the U.S. through the EB-5 program."

Since 2010, USIF has assisted over 5,000+ EB-5 applicants worldwide, facilitating investments in major development projects and successfully securing billions in funding. In October 2024, USIF's Summit NJ Project received I-956F approval from USCIS, underscoring the company's commitment to compliance and excellence in the EB-5 industry.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with Emily Zhu, use the links below.

Book a Consultation with Emily

Visit our website

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2676866/Emily_Zhu.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2586832/5294746/US_Immigration_Fund_Logo.jpg

SOURCE U.S. Immigration Fund
DALLAS, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dallas-headquartered Vista Bank today announced the appointment of Bob Mahalik, a seasoned financial expert with over 40 years of regulatory experience at the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank, to Senior Vice President, Director of Strategic Initiatives, and M&A Advisor. The move signals a deepening of the Vista Bank M&A bench as it positions itself to lead the highly anticipated consolidation of Texas community banks.

Bob Mahalik, a seasoned financial expert with over four decades of regulatory experience at the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing and regulating bank consolidations across the region, was announced as Senior Vice President, Director of Strategic Initiatives, and M&A Advisor of Texas-based Vista Bank.

Mahalik brings unparalleled expertise in mergers and acquisitions, honed during his extensive tenure with the Dallas Fed, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing and regulating bank consolidations across the region. His deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, financial structures, and market dynamics uniquely equips Vista Bank to execute this vertical within its growth strategy.

Recently featured on CNBC discussing the roll-up opportunities in Texas banking, Vista Bank President & CEO John D. Steinmetz emphasized the transformative enterprise value Mahalik brings to the organization. "Bob's four decades of regulatory experience give us a competitive edge as we pursue strategic acquisitions. His extensive knowledge of the Texas banking landscape and his ability to navigate complex M&A processes align perfectly with our vision to consolidate community banks that share our commitment to putting People First."

"After spending four decades ensuring the stability of banks, particularly as it related to mergers and acquisitions, I saw an opportunity to pivot and directly influence the future of Texas consolidation by joining a bank I believe is well-positioned to make it happen," Mahalik added. "Vista's disciplined growth strategy, executed by a proven, dynamic leadership team is positioned to create a stronger, more resilient banking network that serves clients and communities across the Lone Star State for the century ahead."

This appointment marks another milestone in Vista Bank's ongoing expansion. Following the successful acquisition of Charis Bank in April 2023 and its first out-of-state venture into Palm Beach, Florida, in June of the same year, Vista continues its double-digit organic growth, attracting the capital necessary to support the roll-up strategy.

About Vista Bank

Best known as the Entrepreneurs' Bank, Vista Bank is headquartered in Dallas and serves markets across North, Central, West Texas and Palm Beach. With a Private Client offering, more than 200 team members, over $2.4 billion in assets, and a rich 113-year history of Entrepreneurs Banking Entrepreneurs, Vista provides innovative solutions to personal and commercial clients alike while never sacrificing its top priority  putting People First. Learn more about Vista Bank, consistently recognized regionally and nationally as a top-rated financial institution, leading commercial bank, best workplace, and best in customer service.

Media Contact:

Cathy Landtroop

[email protected]

SOURCE Vista Bank
DUBAI, UAE, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit , the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is excited to unveil the 1V1 Trading Arena , gamifying trading experience for crypto pros and beginners in the first ever 1-on-1 trading battle on Bybit. The competition allows eligible Bybit users to battle another individual trader and share in $1,000,000 in airdrops.

Designed for both seasoned pros and newcomers, the event offers rewards for every trading style. From now until May 22, 10AM UTC, participants can engage in direct PnL (Profit and Loss)-based battles against fellow traders.

Highlights

Pro Trader Face-Offs: Users may race one another without having to join squads, allowing individual traders to demonstrate their tradecraft to the fullest.

Users may race one another without having to join squads, allowing individual traders to demonstrate their tradecraft to the fullest. Performance, Not Size: The trader with the higher Profit and Loss percentage will emerge victorious, no matter the invested amount.

The trader with the higher Profit and Loss percentage will emerge victorious, no matter the invested amount. Flash Rewards in Seconds: The winning trader will get to claim the rewards of each match immediately.

The winning trader will get to claim the rewards of each match immediately. Race at Their Pace: Participants can choose their own battle mode from 1 to 4 hoursBlitz, Rush, or Endurance. Bybit's powerful trading tools are at their disposal to help them set positions and automate entry and exit points.

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Nearly 200 emergency nurses take part in association's annual Day on the Hill

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Emergency nurses from across the country took to the nation's capital on Wednesday to emphasize the need for passage of legislation focused on supporting their health, well-being and safety.

As part of the Emergency Nurses Association's annual Day on the Hill event, nearly 200 members participated in dozens of meetings with members of Congress and their staffers to highlight two key bills  the Save Healthcare Workers Act and the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act  which, respectively, prioritize action to mitigate the epidemic of workplace violence in emergency departments and provide funding for programs which help health care workers with their mental health and well-being needs.

"Since 1999, ENA members have used their voices on Capitol Hill as part of this cornerstone ENA event to bring awareness and call for action on the issues of greatest importance to emergency nurses, their peers and their patients," said ENA President Ryan Oglesby, PHD, MHA, RN, CEN, CFRN, NEA-BC. "Our members take great pride in being fierce advocates, particularly when it comes to protecting health care workers from violence on the job and ensuring there are resources available for those coping with job-related stress and burnout."

With acts of verbal and physical violence looming over every emergency department, ENA members sought legislator support for making the assault of a health care worker a federal offense, as outlined in the Save Healthcare Workers Act which is poised for reintroduction soon.

ENA enthusiastically backed the Dr. Lorna Breen Act's initial journey through Congress as it was designed to create funding for programs and resources nurses, physicians and others in health care amid the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. In meetings today, ENA's advocates urged for this important funding to continue as concerns persist about emergency nurses leaving their jobs because of the personal and professional toll on their health.

Learn more about ENA's legislative priorities and the association's actions by visiting ena.org/advocacy.

About the Emergency Nurses Association

The Emergency Nurses Association is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With nearly 45,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines and guides emergency health care public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness, and all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org.

ENA Media Contact:

Dan Campana

Director of Communications

847.460.4017

[email protected]

SOURCE Emergency Nurses Association
Report showcases YOFC's efforts to align cutting-edge fibre technology with global sustainability goals, ethical governance, and long-term stakeholder value

WUHAN, China, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 29, Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (YOFC) released its 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, outlining the company's strategic initiatives and key achievements in sustainability over the past year. Since joining the United Nations Global Compact in May 2021, YOFC has consistently aligned its growth strategy with global sustainability goals. The company actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by driving industry advancement, protecting the natural environment, and maintaining high ethical standards. YOFC remains focused on contributing to the long-term success of the global communications industry while partnering across sectors to advance a shared sustainability vision.

In the area of corporate governance, YOFC remains committed to delivering long-term value to stakeholders through continuous improvements to its governance framework and adherence to high standards of ethics and compliance. Currently, YOFC is actively undertaking a double materiality assessment, evaluating both the impact materiality and financial materiality of ESG issues, to fully and effectively respond to stakeholder concerns and expectations. In 2024, YOFC further enhanced its ethical standards by embedding integrity into its core values and introducing a new Employee Code of Business Conduct, as well as a Code of Business Conduct for Third Parties, reinforcing its position as a responsible corporate citizen committed to building a sustainable operating environment.

As part of its environmental stewardship efforts, YOFC continued to execute its green strategy, prioritizing sustainable operations, energy-efficient facilities, and environmentally responsible products. To address climate and environmental risks, the company implemented initiatives across product design, raw material sourcing, logistics, and operations that emphasize energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and circular economy practices. In 2024, YOFC actively participated in renewable energy purchasing across both domestic and international markets. The company expanded its distributed photovoltaic capacity by approximately 15.6 megawatts and adopted recyclable, environmentally friendly packaging, enabling the reuse of approximately 350,000 fibre reels over the course of the year. YOFC also recorded a total carbon reduction of approximately 24,291 tonnes and achieved a 3.78% year-over-year decline in greenhouse gas emissions per 10,000 RMB of output value.

As of the end of 2024, the company held more than 1,900 active and valid patents across domestic and international markets. Among its key innovations, YOFC's ultra-low-loss hollow-core optical fibre has played a leading role in pushing the boundaries of technological advancement within the sector. Alongside its industry leadership, YOFC continues to invest in its people, recognizing employee development as critical to its long-term success. In 2024, the company launched a range of employee engagement and welfare initiatives across its facilities in Peru, Mexico, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Poland. These programs are designed to enhance internal communication and personal development, build workforce capability, support local talent, and contribute to broader social progress.

Looking ahead, YOFC will continue to support the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact, actively reinforcing its core values of "Customer Focus, Accountability, Integrity, Innovation, and Shared Success." The company will further advance its strategic priorities in the areas of Responsible Management, Smart Connectivity, Green Development, and Harmonious Coexistence. Through meaningful action and cross-sector collaboration, YOFC is committed to shaping a more sustainable future.

For more info, please visit https://en.yofc.com/.

SOURCE YOFC
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Washington, April 30 : US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on India and Pakistan to "not escalate" the situation and plans to convey the same message in phone calls to his counterparts in the two countries, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani foreign minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar respectively.

Washington, April 30 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on India and Pakistan to "not escalate" the situation and plans to convey the same message in phone calls to his counterparts in the two countries, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani foreign minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar respectively.

The US also urges other world leaders to deliver the same message to the two sides.

"We are reaching out to both parties and telling, of course, them not to escalate the situation, " Tammy Bruce, the State Department spokesperson said, reading out a statement from Secretary Rubio on Tuesday. "The Secretary expects to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow."

The spokesperson also said Secretary Rubio "is encouraging other national leaders, other foreign ministers, to also reach out to the countries on this issue."

Bruce also said the US has engaged India and Pakistan at other levels as well, other than that of the foreign ministers. She did not give details. There were no updates from the state department on the calls.

Rubio's statement came hours after news reports said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given the armed forces "complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response".

This followed a high-level meeting PM Modi chaired, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and the chiefs of the three services.

President Donald Trump had called Prime Minister Narendra Modi just hours after the Pahalgam terrorist attack last week.

The Indian Prime Minister had stated on that call: "India is determined to bring the perpetrators and backers of this cowardly and heinous terrorist attack to justice", clearly indicating India's desire to not only punish the terrorists who carried out the attack but also their backers, which is a pointer to Pakistan.

Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence offered US support for India's effort to "hunt down" the perpetrators of the attack in a post on X.
Ottawa, April 30 : Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and US President Donald Trump agreed to meet in person in the near future.

According to a readout issued by the prime minister's office, Carney spoke with Trump on Tuesday, one day after the victory in Monday's parliamentary elections which were dominated by issues like tariffs and annexation threats from Trump, Xinhua news agency reported.

The leaders agreed on the importance of Canada and the United States working together as independent, sovereign nations, said the readout.

Carney mentioned Canada-US relations several times during his victory speech, reminding Canadians of the challenges posed by ongoing hostilities with the US.

Earlier on Tuesday, Canada's Liberal Party under Prime Minister Mark Carney, after a closely-fought election with an unintended boost from US President Donald Trump, who helped unleash a wave of nationalism in a country known for its understated demeanour.

Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre conceded defeat and congratulated him early Tuesday morning, sealing his victory.

Declaring victory, Carney said, "We will build an independent future for our great country."

At 3 a.m. (12:30 p.m. in India), with results still coming in, it was not clear if the Liberal Party would have a majority on its own.

The party had won 150 seats and was leading in 17, which together could add to 167 seats, six short of a majority in the 343-member House of Commons. It had 152 seats in the last parliament.

The Conservative Party had won 132 seats and was ahead in 13, for a total of 145 likely seats.

The National Democratic Party, led by Khalistan sympathiser Jagmeet Singh suffered a rout, winning five seats and leading in two, while Singh himself lost the election.
Damascus, April 30 : Syrian authorities and local community leaders in the Damascus suburb of Jaramana reached an agreement to restore calm after recent deadly sectarian clashes.

The agreement, announced in a joint statement on Tuesday by the two sides following a high-level meeting and carried by state news agency SANA, includes four key points: guaranteeing compensation for victims' families, holding accountable those responsible for the violence, clarifying the truth to curb sectarian incitement, and ensuring safe travel between Damascus and al-Suwayda provinces.

The meeting brought together representatives of Rural Damascus, prominent Druze sheikhs, and figures from Jaramana's local and civil societies. Authorities said the agreement would be implemented immediately under the supervision of relevant government bodies, Xinhua news agency reported.

The agreement followed intense clashes early Tuesday between local armed groups and unidentified gunmen from outside Jaramana. The clashes were reportedly sparked by the online circulation of an audio recording deemed offensive to Islam, allegedly made by a member of the Druze community.

According to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 14 people were killed in the fighting, including seven residents of Jaramana and seven others aligned with the Syrian military forces, and the number of injuries, which had reached 15, is likely to rise.

It noted that security forces were deployed across the city's outskirts in preparation for implementing a curfew to stabilise the situation.

The interior authorities confirmed that investigations were ongoing to identify the person behind the audio recording, while reiterating the commitment to prosecuting all individuals involved in inciting unrest.

By Tuesday evening, a cautious calm had returned to Jaramana, according to eyewitnesses.

The latest outbreak follows weeks of growing friction between Druze fighters and Syrian military forces in southern Damascus, underscoring the persistent sectarian fault lines threatening Syria's already fragile security environment.
Washington, April 30 : US President Donald Trump said that trade talks with India were "coming along great" and expressed confidence in signing a deal.

Washington, April 30 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said that trade talks with India were "coming along great" and expressed confidence in signing a deal.

Unlike his aides, however, the president did not put an immediacy to the talks.

"India's coming along great," he told reporters at an airport, heading to a rally in Michigan state to mark his achievements in the first 100 days of his second term. "I think we'll have a deal with India... they want to make a deal."

Scott Bessent, the treasury secretary who has been leading the negotiations with trading partner countries in Asia, has flagged the likelihood of a deal with India being the first to be signed in the aftermath of the global trade turmoil triggered by President Trump's multiple rounds of escalation of tariff, including a reciprocal tariff on nearly all of America's trading partner countries.

Imports from India were pegged at 26 per cent in President Trump's reciprocal levies that were announced early this month aimed at levelling import duties and also bridging the trade imbalance that favours India. It is down to 10 per cent for 90 days and applies to all trading partner nations with the exception of China, whose exports to the US will be tariffed at 145 per cent.

India has been off the block fast to sew up a trade deal and the Trump administration has been touting it as the model outcome of President Trump's tariff assault on global trade.

"I would guess that India would be one of the first trade deals we would sign," Treasury Secretary Bessent told CNBC.

Bessent has indicated the first trade deal is expected this week or the next.

India wants a deal and made it clear by not retaliating to President Trump's reciprocal tariffs, unlike China, and moved swiftly to seek a deal instead.

Few details are available of the deal, but there are expectations in the US of major cuts in duties on imported automobiles, a long-standing US demand.
Cairo, April 30 : Israel insists on disarming Hamas as a precondition to its acceptance of Egypt's six-month Gaza truce proposal, well-informed Egyptian sources said.

The Israeli response was relayed by an Israeli security delegation, led by Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, during a meeting with the Egyptian officials on Monday in Cairo, the sources told Xinhua.

The Egyptian initiative includes a six-month cessation of hostilities, the release of half of the Israeli hostages currently held in Gaza, the opening of the Rafah border crossing, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the sources said.

They also revealed that the Egyptian side would hold a meeting with Hamas next week to discuss Israel's response, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Tuesday, Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, citing an Israeli diplomatic source, said foreign media reports claiming "a significant breakthrough" in the Gaza ceasefire talks are "inaccurate."

"Israel is continuously and tirelessly working with the Americans and the mediators to advance a deal for the release of our hostages, but no agreement has been reached so far," the diplomatic source said.

Ahead of his visit to Egypt, Dermer reiterated Israel's commitment to disarming Hamas, ending its rule in Gaza, and ensuring no future threats to Israel from the enclave.

On Saturday, a Hamas delegation led by senior leader Khalil al-Hayya agreed in Cairo to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for a five-year truce, an Egyptian security source told Xinhua. According to Israel's state-owned broadcaster Kan, Israel rejected the proposal.

Israel halted the entry of aid supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the expiration of the first six-week phase of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that started on January 19. Israel claimed the move was due to Hamas' rejection of its offer to extend the first phase. Israeli forces then resumed strikes across Gaza on March 18, effectively ending the phased truce deal.

Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have been ongoing for weeks, aiming to end the prolonged conflict in Gaza, which erupted in October 2023.
Seoul, April 30 : North Korea has conducted its first test-firing of key weapons systems on the country's new destroyer, with leader Kim Jong-un calling for accelerating the navy's capabilities to stage nuclear attacks, state media reported Wednesday.

Under Kim's inspection, North Korea carried out the "combat application test" of weapons systems mounted on its new 5,000-ton destroyer named the Choe Hyon on Monday and Tuesday, Yonhap news agency reported quoting the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The North held a launching ceremony of the new multipurpose warship Friday, armed with weapons that it said will significantly enhance its naval operations. The destroyer is equipped with supersonic strategic cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles and other strike means.

North Korea conducted a test-firing of supersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles, anti-aircraft missiles and 127-millimetre ship-based automatic guns Monday, the KCNA said. A test of firing ship-to-ship tactical guided weapons, the ship's automatic guns, smoke and electronic jamming guns took place the following day.

The North's leader stressed the need to "perfect" the warship's weapons systems for integrated operations in a short span of time.

"It is important to establish a proactive and offensive defensive system on the premise of powerful attack capability," Kim was quoted as saying by the KCNA.

"The time has come to make a responsible option for accelerating the nuclear armament of the navy in order to defend the state and maritime sovereignty from the existing and future threat," the North's leader said, setting forth unspecified tasks for accomplishing such a goal.

North Korea has focused on strengthening its naval power in an effort to build a platform capable of delivering nuclear attacks from the sea.

At last week's launching ceremony, Kim called for building more warships of "Choe Hyon class" and larger cruisers, as well as various types of escort ships, next year and also developing "nuclear-powered submarines" in the future.

In March, the North unveiled what appears to be a nuclear-powered submarine under construction, with its leader warning that his country's maritime defence capability will be "fully" projected "in any necessary waters without limitation."

The supersonic cruise missile launched from the new destroyer bore resemblance to the Russian Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles, while the installation of the phased array radar appears to be similar to that of Russian vessels, according to Rep. Yu Yong-weon of the People Power Party.

"It is highly likely that North Korea received up-to-date military technology from Russia in exchange for its troop dispatch," Yu said.

In back-to-back confirmations, North Korea and Russia recently acknowledged the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, in support of its war against Ukraine under a mutual defence treaty signed by their leaders in June last year.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service said in October that North Korea had decided to send more than 10,000 troops to Russia. The military estimates that North Korea sent an additional 3,000 soldiers to the Kursk region in January and February.
Visakhapatnam, April 30 : At least eight devotees were killed and four others injured in a wall collapse during an annual festival at Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Simhachalam in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.

The incident occurred due to heavy rain in Simhachalam past midnight. A wall collapsed on devotees who were queued up to buy tickets for darshan during Chandanotsavam, the annual festival scheduled to begin on Wednesday.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel rushed to the spot and launched the rescue operation with the help of police and other departments.

Officials said seven bodies were pulled out of the debris and shifted to King George Hospital. The deceased include five men and three women. The injured were admitted to the hospital.

Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Visakhapatnam district Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad and Police Commissioner Shanka Brata Bagchi were supervising the rescue operations.

The incident occurred hours before the beginning of the templeas annual festival, Chandanotsavam. According to officials, devotees who were lined up to buy Rs 300 tickets were killed or injured in the wall collapse.

More than two lakh devotees were expected for aNijaroopa darshanama as the thick sandalwood covering on the idol will be removed. The rituals were to begin in the early hours of the day.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed grief over the tragedy. He conveyed his condolences to the families of those who died in the incident.

The Chief Minister spoke to the District Collector and SP about the situation there. He directed officials to provide the best treatment to the injured. The Chief Minister was reviewing the situation from time to time.

Endowments Minister Anam Ram Narayan Reddy has also expressed shock over the incident. He said immediately after learning about the wall collapse, he directed officials to launch a rescue operation.

The minister said NDRF personnel and ambulances were pressed into service for the rescue operation. The Home Minister rushed to the spot and was supervising the relief and rescue operation.

The endowments minister ordered an inquiry into the incident. He said necessary measures would be taken to prevent the recurrence of such an incident.

The minister said the government would extend all help to the families of the victims.

Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic deaths of devotees.

Calling it a heartbreaking incident, he said it was extremely painful that devotees who had come to witness the divine form of the Lord had to lose their lives in such a tragic manner.

Jagan urged the government to ensure the best possible medical treatment for those injured in the accident. He also appealed to the authorities to extend all necessary support and assistance to the families of the deceased.
New Delhi, April 30 : Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said there is bright future ahead for the India-UK partnership, and he looks forward to tangible outcomes of their shared vision.

The Commerce Minister is on a five-day visit to London, Oslo and Brussels this week, for strengthening India's trade and investment relations with the UK, Norway and the European Union.

"Wonderful to be joined by @DavidLammy, Secretary of State for @FCDOGovUK at the joint India-UK business reception held at Lancaster House," the minister posted on X social media platform.

"Addressed the gathering along with UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade @JReynoldsMP and spoke about the bright future ahead for the India-UK partnership," he further stated.

Goyal said he is immensely grateful for the warm and gracious hospitality extended by our UK partners.

"Looking forward to tangible outcomes of our shared vision," said the Union Minister.

Earlier, the minister highlighted opportunities for further investments to strengthen India-UK bilateral economic ties at a roundtable of businessmen and CEOs of the two countries.

"Addressed the India-UK Business Roundtable, bringing together prominent business leaders and CEOs from both countries. Highlighted opportunities to strengthen economic ties, drive innovation-led growth, and expand investment avenues between India and the UK," the minister said in a post on X.

Goyal also held a meeting with the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, J. Reynolds, to advance Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and the UK. The Indian minister termed the meeting with his British counterpart "as productive" and part of the commitment to deepen the India-UK economic ties.

India and the UK are looking to conclude talks for the proposed FTA sooner, as international trade is expected to face challenges due to steeper tariffs from the US. There are 26 chapters in the agreement, which include goods, services, investments, and intellectual property rights.

IANS

na/
Seoul, April 30 : Samsung Electronics said on Wednesday its first-quarter net profit rose more than 20 percent from a year earlier, driven by strong sales of its new Galaxy S series smartphones, but its flagship semiconductor business remained sluggish.

In a regulatory filing, the company posted a net income of 8.22 trillion won ($5.7 billion) for the January-March period, up 21.7 percent from 6.75 trillion won a year earlier.

The earnings exceeded market expectations. The average estimate of net profit by analysts stood at 5.17 trillion won, according to a survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency.

Operating profit stood at 6.68 trillion won, up 1.2 percent from a year ago, while revenue rose 10 percent to 79.14 trillion won, marking an all-time quarterly high.

Samsung Electronics attributed the larger-than-expected bottom line to robust sales of the smartphone business. Its latest Galaxy S25 smartphones debuted in January.

Its DX division, which includes mobile, TV and home appliances businesses, saw its sales jump 28 percent on-year to 51.7 trillion won, with 4.7 trillion won in operating profit.

In particular, the mobile business alone posted 37 trillion won in sales and 4.3 trillion won in operating profit.

However, sales of the company's chip division sank 17 percent to 25.1 trillion won, with 1.1 trillion won in operating profit, due to its lackluster performance in the high bandwidth memory (HBM) sector.

Samsung Electronics said its earnings could improve in the second half of 2025 if global economic uncertainties ease.

"Assuming that the uncertainties are diminished, the company expects its performance to improve in the second half of the year," it said in a release.

The company anticipated the growing demand for AI servers and on-device AI to drive growth in its memory business.

To meet this demand, Samsung Electronics plans to boost its competitiveness with upgraded 12-layer HBM3E chips and premium memory products, such as LPDDR5X.

In mobile, Samsung Electronics is set to launch the ultra-slim Galaxy S25 Edge in June and new foldable Galaxy Z series models in July to sustain momentum.

Samsung Electronics said it is in talks with multiple customers regarding its sixth-generation HBM4 chips, which it plans to mass produce in the second quarter.

The company has previously described HBM4 as a potential game changer in the HBM market, where rival SK hynix currently holds the lead.

"It is hard to predict the business environment and devise responsive measures due to rising uncertainties stemming from unpredictable U.S. tariff policies and geopolitical issues," Park Soon-cheol, chief financial officer (CFO) at Samsung Electronics, said during an earnings call.

"We will deal with any situation by leveraging our global production bases and customer management capabilities," he added.

a"IANS

na/
Seoul, April 30 : Donald Trump Jr, the eldest son of US President Donald Trump, met with Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan and his two younger brothers to discuss potential partnerships in the shipbuilding, defense and energy sectors, local media reported on Wednesday.

Trump Jr. arrived in Seoul late Tuesday ahead of scheduled meetings with around 20 business leaders from major South Korean conglomerates the following day.

This two-day visit marks Trump Jr.'s first trip to South Korea since his father took office in January. The trip was arranged at the invitation of Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin, reports Yonhap news agency.

Trump Jr. was said to have met with Hanwha vice chair Kim and Kim Dong-won, chief global officer and president of Hanwha Life Corp., as well as Kim Dong-seon, vice president and head of future vision at Hanwha Galleria Corp., at a location in southern Seoul.

Kim Dong-won and Kim Dong-seon were seen arriving at Seoul's Josun Palace hotel, where Trump Jr. is staying, at around 8 a.m.

Vice Chairman Kim was expected to travel to Hanwha Ocean Co.'s shipyard in Geoje, 329 kilometers southeast of Seoul, later in the day, coinciding with a visit by U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan, who is reportedly exploring potential partnerships in the shipbuilding industry.

Hanwha Group did not confirm the executives' meeting with Trump Jr. or the vice chairman's visit to the shipyard.

Other business leaders scheduled to meet with Trump Jr. included CJ Group Chairman Lee Jae-hyun, Celltrion Inc. Chairman Seo Jung-jin, Naver Corp. founder Lee Hae-jin and Lotte Corp. Senior Vice President Shin Yoo-yeol, according to industry sources.

According to the sources, South Korean business circles had asked Chung before the U.S. presidential election in November to facilitate Trump Jr.'s visit as a means of establishing closer contact with the Trump circle.

Executives from the semiconductor, automotive, energy, steel and defense sectors have reportedly expressed interest in one-on-one meetings with Trump Jr.

For South Korean firms that export to the United States and seek a reliable communication channel with Washington, these meetings may present a rare opportunity to engage directly with someone closely connected to President Trump.

a"IANS

na/
Seoul, April 30 : South Korea and the United States will hold working-level talks this week to set details of their recent agreement concerning the Donald Trump administration's tariff scheme, Seoul's industry ministry said on Wednesday.

The two-day "technical discussions" will begin on Wednesday (U.S. time) in Washington as a follow-up to last week's agreement to craft a package deal on the new U.S. tariffs and ways of bilateral economic and industrial cooperation before the 90-day pause on the tariff measures expires on July 8, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

The upcoming discussions will be attended by officials from the ministry and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), reports Yonhap news agency.

"This round of technical consultations is intended to finalize the framework for discussions regarding U.S. tariff measures. We will actively seek exemptions from reciprocal tariffs, item-specific tariffs, such as those on automobiles and steel products, and any new levies that may be introduced in the future, in order to minimize damage to our businesses," senior ministry official Jang Sung-gil said.

During the first "two-plus-two" tariff talks held last Thursday, Seoul and Washington agreed to focus on four areas in crafting a deal: tariff and non-tariff measures, economic security, investment cooperation and currency policies.

The meeting in Washington had brought together South Korea's Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok and Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun with their U.S. counterparts, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and USTR Jamieson Greer.

Earlier this month, Trump announced a minimum 10 percent "baseline" tariff on all imports to the U.S., along with "reciprocal" tariffs, including 25 percent duties for South Korea, that targeted some 60 countries.

Shortly after the announcement, however, Trump paused the implementation of the reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, and began holding separate negotiations with each partner nation.

a"IANS

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Amaravati, April 30 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced an inquiry by a three-member committee into the wall collapse at Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Simhachalam in Visakhapatnam, which resulted in the death of eight devotees.

Four others were also injured in the incident that occurred in the early hours of the day when devotees were lined up to buy tickets for darshan during the annual festival, Chandanotsavam.

The Chief Minister, who expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, also announced Rs 25 lakh each as ex gratia to the families of the deceased. He also promised employment to one member from each family on an outsourcing basis in the temples under the purview of the Endowments Department.

Similarly, Rs 3 lakh will be paid as assistance to those who are injured, the Chief Minister said and assured the affected families that the State government will certainly stand by them.

CM Chandrababu Naidu said it was really painful that when a large number of devotees had gathered to see the Nijarupam (true form of the Lord) on Wednesday, a wall collapsed in the queue due to heavy rain at midnight, causing the deaths of devotees.

Soon after learning about the incident, CM Naidu had a teleconference with the Ministers Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, Vangalapudi Anitha and Anagani Satya Prasad, MP Bharat, and the trustee of the Simhachalam temple, Ashok Gajapathi Raju.

He enquired about the details of the incident and the medical assistance being provided to the injured. He directed the officials to provide emergency medical services to the injured.

The CM also ordered that the debris be removed immediately so that no inconvenience is caused to the devotees.

As thousands of devotees are likely to gather for the darshan of the Lord, the Chief Minister directed the officials to take necessary safety measures to ensure that the devotees do not face inconvenience or do not panic.
Moscow, April 30 : Russia and the United States have yet to discuss the nuances of a peace plan, said Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya, as both nations continue their dialogue on finding a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict.

"The Russian-American dialogue is ongoing, and lots of nuances regarding the future contours of a peace plan have yet to be discussed," Nebenzya told a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

"Since the onset of the conflict, we have stated that we prefer diplomatic ways of attaining the objectives of our special military operation. This is why Russia is still committed to finding long-lasting solutions that would remove the root cause of the conflict and prevent it from reigniting," he further said.

Meanwhile, Acting Alternate Representative of the US Mission to the United Nations John Kelley said that Russia currently has a great opportunity for a durable peace in Ukraine, and the United States will fully support Moscow and Kyiv on their path to a "lasting peace."

"Right now, Russia has a great opportunity to achieve a durable peace. The burden for ending the war rests with Russia and with Ukraine," the US diplomat said at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine on Tuesday.

Kelley further said that if Russia and Ukraine accept the US peace proposal, there will be "immense" benefits in store for both nations.

"Their economies can begin to grow, their cities to rebuild, and their peoples to heal," he argued.

Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting the importance of strengthening conditions to launch talks on achieving peace in Ukraine, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"The focus was on the Ukraine crisis. As a follow-up to the April 25 conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff, the foreign minister and the secretary of state emphasised the importance of consolidating the emerging prerequisites for launching talks in order to agree on a reliable path to long-term sustainable peace," the statement read.

"The parties continued a fruitful exchange of views on the key aspects of Russia-US political dialogue, which has significantly intensified recently," the statement added.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier that President Putin was ready to resume negotiations with Ukraine without preconditions.

Furthermore, according to Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, the conversation between Putin and Witkoff on April 25 which lasted three hours, was "constructive and quite useful."
Mumbai, April 30 : Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia took to social media to give a candid glimpse into the reality behind the scenes, revealing that the stress of getting ready is very much real.

On Wednesday, the 'Lust Stories' actress posted a video on her Instagram handle wherein she is seen getting ready for an event in Delhi. For the caption, Neha wrote, "The stress of getting ready is real !!!!! .#atleastforme #delhi #workmode."

In the video, the actress could be seen clad in her comfy nightwear, makeup-free and relaxed, offering a peek into the calm before the chaos. As the clip progressed, Neha Dhupia underwent a complete transformation  from laid-back home mode to red carpet ready. Stylists buzzed around her, working on her hair and makeup, as she sat patiently, sipping her drink and flashing a smile. Needless to say, the candid moment not only highlighted the effort that goes into achieving the final glamorous look but also reminded fans that behind every flawless appearance is a whirlwind of preparation.

The 'Tumhari Sulu' actress is very active on Instagram, where she regularly shares glimpses of her personal and professional life  from candid family moments and behind-the-scenes videos to glimpses of her fashion choices and on-set diaries. Neha had earlier shared a couple of her photos from the sets of MTV Roadies and captioned it, "#roadies isn't just a show  it's an #emotion .Not me but someone called me a lioness and them my cubs ( that's why the loss made it even harder )  watch the last few images to know what I mean .As for the rest , the endless hugs made it all less harder."

On the work front, Neha is currently seen as a gang leader in the latest season of 'MTV Roadies,' titled 'MTV Roadies Double Cross,' which marks the return of host Rannvijay Singha, the original Roadie. Dhupia's gang members include Syed Azhar Hassan, Manmeet Singh, Ramandeep Kaur, Harsh Arora, Rashmitha Shetty, Jeanbi Gangmei (Jimy), Zorawar Singh, and Simran B.

On the big screen, Neha was last seen in the film "Bad Newz," which also starred Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri, and Ammy Virk.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Kolkata, April 30 : West Bengal is set for a politically charged Wednesday with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari holding parallel events in East Midnapore -- Adhikari's home turf.

While the Chief Minister will inaugurate a newly constructed Lord Jagannath Temple in the coastal town of Digha, Adhikari will address a religious rally of "Sanatani" Hindus in Contai, about 35 km away.

The temple in Digha is said to be modelled on the iconic Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. CM Mamata Banerjee had reminded the people about the culture of religious unity in the country ahead of the inauguration. The CM arrived at Digha on Monday at noon only.

The police had earlier denied permission for the rally in Contai, but a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court granted conditional approval on Tuesday, allowing up to 3,000 participants.

The state government challenged the order before a division bench late Tuesday, but the matter could not be heard due to time constraints.

Adding to the day's political buzz, BJP's West Bengal president and Union Minister of State, Sukanta Majumdar, is scheduled to launch a temple restoration drive in Murshidabad -- a district that recently witnessed communal unrest over protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

Several Hindu temples, properties, and homes were reportedly vandalized during the violence recently.

Meanwhile, controversy has already erupted over the Digha temple's nomenclature. Adhikari questioned why it is being referred to as the Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre rather than Shree Jagannath Temple.

"The Chief Minister must direct that all state government records and WBHIDCO documents -- including tenders -- reflect the name Shree Jagannath Temple instead," he demanded, alleging that the project, funded by the state exchequer, is being misrepresented.
Rawalpindi, April 30 : The ongoing doctors' strike at all three major government hospitals in Pakistan's Rawalpindi left thousands of patients distressed in the city.

The Young Doctors Association (YDA) have been on strike since last week in protest against the Punjab government's plan to outsource public hospitals.

The protesting doctors boycotted the Outpatient Departments (OPDs) services at Holy Family Hospital (HFH), Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH), and Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital (RTH) Raja Bazaar on the call of the YDA Punjab, according to local media reports.

The protest brought OPD services to a standstill as patients at the three hospitals continue to suffer. The officials from the divisional administration visited the hospitals but reportedly did little to engage the Young Doctors Association (YDA) to resume services at the OPDs, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported, quoting sources.

The patients at Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital criticised the strike, saying that the government had failed to provide better healthcare despite its claims, adding that doctors often go on strike every month.

"Mostly the poor come to government-run hospitals for medical treatment, but there are no facilities here," said Riaz Khan, a patient at BBH.

Speaking to Dawn, YDA BBH President Aarif Aziz said that Tuesday marked the ninth day of the YDA's OPD strike in Rawalpindi's three major teaching hospitals, but neither the divisional administration nor the hospital administration had contacted them.

"This protest is not about salaries. It is solely against the outsourcing of hospitals. We will not allow the privatisation of healthcare. If hospitals are outsourced, poor patients will be deprived of affordable treatment," he said.

"Our struggle is for public welfare and the protection of government institutions. The OPD strike will continue until the government formally ends the outsourcing plan," he further added.

Meanwhile, young doctors across Punjab shut down operation theatres of many government hospitals on Tuesday after the police uprooted the protest camp of employees of the state-run health facilities.

The police lodged an FIR against 200-300 protesters, allegedly for attacking police and injuring some of the personnel.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, YDA Pakistan president Dr Atif Majeed condemned Police FIRs against the employees of the government hospitals, and claimed that they were protesting peacefully for their "legitimate demands."

Local media reported that last week, YDA's Punjab chapter announced the shutdown of Lahore by staging sit-ins on all the main roads of the provincial capital in a bid to force the Punjab government to review the decision of outsourcing the state-run health facilities in the province.
Chennai, April 30 : Director Rahul Sadasivan's eagerly awaited horror thriller, tentatively being referred to as #NSS2 and featuring actor Pranav Mohanlal in the lead, has now been wrapped up, its makers announced on Wednesday.

Taking to their Instagram timelines, All Night Shifts and Y Not Studios, the firms that are producing the film, said, "Itas a Wrap for #NSS2! Starring @pranavmohanlal. Written & Directed by @rahul_madking. Produced By @chakdyn @sash041075. Banner @allnightshifts @studiosynot."

#NSS2, which features Mohanlal's son Pranav Mohanlal in the lead, has triggered huge interest because of the people making it. The horror-thriller is being made by the same team that made the Malayalam cult classic, aBrammayugama, featuring Malayalam superstar Mammootty in the lead.

It may be recalled that #NSS2 went on floors only in the last week of March this year. Shooting for the film took place at Vadakara in Calicut. What is interesting to note is that sources had claimed that the makers had plans to complete shooting the entire film in a matter of just 40 days. Now it looks like they have managed to complete the shooting of the film well ahead of schedule.

Shehnad Jalal, whose work in aBrammayugama came in for much critical acclaim, is the cameraman of this new film. Similarly, art direction for the new film is by the art director of aBramayugama, Jothish Shankar. Editing is by Shafique Mohammed Ali. Ali had also worked as the editor of aBramayugama.

Director Rahul Sadasivan's aBramayugama was a critically acclaimed superhit film. It was a period horror flick that was set in Kerala's dark ages. The story of the film primarily revolved around three male characters and was shot in black and white. Apart from Mammootty, aBramayugama also starred Sidharth Bharathan, Arjun Ashokan and Amalda Liz. The film had dialogues by Malayalam novelist TD Ramakrishnan, best known for his novel Francis Itty Cora.

--IANS

Mkr/
Kolkata, April 30 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday, said the fire in the Kolkata hotel had happened "because there were combustible materials stored inside".

At least 14 people, including two children, were killed in the fire, which broke out on Tuesday night.

The CM expressed condolences over the devastating fire at a six-story hotel building at Madan Mohan Burman Street in central Kolkata.

However, at the time the report was filed, the Chief Minister had not announced any compensation for the victims of the fire, which broke out on Tuesday night.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for each of those injured.

"My heart goes out to the victims of the fire incident that took place at a private hotel (Rituraj) in BurraBazar area," the Chief Minister said in a statement which she posted on her official X handle.

She is currently at Digha in the East Midnapore district, along with almost her entire cabinet, for the inauguration of the Lord Jagannath Temple, modelled after the iconic Shree Jagannath Dham temple at Puri in Odisha.

In her statement, she claimed that she had monitored the rescue and firefight operations throughout the night and mobilised maximum fire brigade services in the area.

"14 died eventually in total because there were combustible materials stored inside. The investigation has been ordered. My condolences to the victim families and solidarity for all affected," the Chief Minister said in her statement.

The BJP councillor from Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Sajal Ghosh, who rushed to the spot in the morning, said the hotel-like mishap can happen in any of the buildings in the area, which is a busy trading hub of the city.

"Most of these buildings are illegal constructions, with none of them having the minimum fire safety arrangements. In the past also there had been similar instances of such fires in such illegal constructions. But be it the corporation or the police or the state fire services department, all are reluctant to take action against such illegal constructions for obvious reasons," Ghosh said.

Meanwhile, questions have surfaced over the total lack of fire safety arrangements at the said building.

The hotel owner has reportedly gone missing since the fire broke out on Tuesday night, and the hotel staff are also unaware of his whereabouts.

A preliminary investigation revealed three major lapses in ensuring property safety measures on the part of the hotel authorities, namely a lack of adequate internal fire extinguishing arrangements, inadequate ventilation facilities, and a lack of alternative entry and exit options.
New Delhi, April 30 : Health and wellness has become a top priority for a majority of workers in India, planning to change jobs, according to a report on Wednesday.

The report by Aon, a global professional services firm, showed that 82 per cent of employees in India are seeking new employment in the next 12 months.

The top five valued benefits for the Indian workforce are work-life balance programmes; medical coverage; career development; paid time off; and retirement savings.

Medical coverage was one of the highest-valued benefits across all generations among those surveyed in India, with Gen X and Gen Y rating it higher than Gen Z. Gen Z rated work-life balance as the top-valued benefit.

In addition, 76 per cent of those surveyed said they would be willing to sacrifice existing benefits for a better choice of benefits. This highlights the necessity for businesses in India to align their total rewards and benefits strategies with the changing expectations of their workforce.

"Until recently, very few companies considered how benefits, wellness and healthcare programmes could shape their employer brand and employee value proposition. Post-Covid, we are seeing changes as employees increasingly value these programmes, and companies are more actively branding and communicating their availability to current and future employees," said Nitin Sethi, head of Talent Solutions for India, at Aon.

"A multigenerational workforce is accelerating this change, while advanced technology is making it easier to implement these programmes.In the next decade, companies that excel in benefits, health and wellness will have a significant opportunity to position themselves as best-in-class employers," he added.

The report is based on a global study of more than 9,000 employees across 23 geographies, including the US, UK, China, India and Australia.

It found that better than average pay (46 per cent); environmentally and socially responsible (24 per cent); support for wellbeing (22 per cent); fun place to work (21 per cent); and strong values (21 per cent) were the top five most influential characteristics to attract employees in the country.

"Employees are increasingly aware of the advantages of medical and life benefits," said Ashley Dsilva, head of Health and Wealth Solutions and director and principal officer for India at Aon.

"The importance of retirement and financial planning among the young workforce is surprising," Dsilva added.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Mumbai, April 30 : Actor Sumeet Raghvan, who essays the role of Rajesh Wagle in 'Wagle Ki Duniya - Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey', has spoken up on the influence of Maharashtrian culture in his life ahead of the Maharashtra Day. The actor said that although his roots are from south India, Mumbai, the state capital is his 'Karmabhoomi' and 'Janmabhoomi'.

Mumbai, April 30 (IANS) Actor Sumeet Raghvan, who essays the role of Rajesh Wagle in 'Wagle Ki Duniya  Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey', has spoken up on the influence of Maharashtrian culture in his life ahead of the Maharashtra Day. The actor said that although his roots are from south India, Mumbai, the state capital is his 'Karmabhoomi' and 'Janmabhoomi'.

The actor took a moment to reflect on what the day means to him personally. Having built a stellar career across Marathi and Hindi cinema and television shows, Sumeet celebrates the state's rich cultural and linguistic heritage.

Talking about the same, he said, "May 1 marks the formation of the state of Maharashtra, an incredibly important day for all of us. Maharashtra isn't just a state; it's an identity, a legacy. And Mumbai is not only the economic capital of India but also of Maharashtra. Though I come from a South Indian background, my roots have grown deep into this state. I've performed extensively in Marathi theatre, I'm married to a Marathi mulgi, and both my children have studied in Marathi schools".

He further mentioned, "In my belief, anyone who lives in Maharashtra is a Maharashtrian at heart. My father tongue is Tamil, my mother tongue is Kannada but my heart's tongue is Marathi. I proudly work in both Marathi and Hindi cinema, and I carry this cultural blend with great pride. I am a proud Mumbaikar and even prouder to be associated with the richness of the Marathi language and its legacy. Jai Hind. Jai Maharashtra".

As Maharashtra celebrates its formation on May 1, Sumeet celebrates the state's rich cultural and linguistic heritage.

'Wagle Ki Duniya' beautifully captures the daily struggles of the modern Indian middle-class family, the show is rooted in values and Sumeet embodies these ideals in real life. A true Mumbaikar having deep ties with Marathi theatre and language.

'Wagle Ki Duniya - Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey' airs on Sony SAB from Monday to Saturday.
Mumbai, April 30 : Actress Tamannaah Bhatia will be seen sharing screen space with actor Sidharth Malhotra in the folk thriller "Vvan", which is slated to release next year.

Mumbai, April 30 (IANS) Actress Tamannaah Bhatia will be seen sharing screen space with actor Sidharth Malhotra in the folk thriller "Vvan", which is slated to release next year.

The official Instagram handle of Balaji Motion Pictures dropped a haunting teaser, unveiling Tamannaah's foray into the world of mythology and mysticism. The spine-chilling clip opens with her stepping barefoot onto something sharp, flinchingbut undeterred. With a fiery torch in hand, she ventures into the heart of a shadowy forest, setting the tone for a tale shrouded in mystery and magic.

"Rooted in Indian mythology and mysticism, VVAN - Force of the Forrest unfolds a tale straight from the pages of history and folklore. Delighted to welcome @tamannaahspeaks to this powerful narrative  a force in her own right, ready to command the screen like never before Starring @sidmalhotra, Directed by @arunabhkumar and @deepakmishra18 Releasing in theatres in 2026."

Directed by Arunabh Kumar, the project will be made under banners of Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, and The Viral Fever (TVF).

The actress's latest release is "Odela 2", a Telugu supernatural thriller film directed by Ashok Teja. The film stars Tamannaah, Hebah Patel, Vasishta N. Simha in lead roles.

The sequel to Odela Railway Station in 2022 centers on the fictional village of the same name. The film portrays how Odela Mallanna Swamy protects his village from evil forces.

Talking about Sidharth, he will next be seen in the romantic comedy, "Param Sundari" , which promises to be a rollercoaster of laughter, chaos, and unexpected twists. It is a cross-cultural love story that centers around a love tale where two contrasting worlds collide, a "North ka munda" meets a "South ki Sundari."

Scheduled to reach the cinema halls on July 25, the sneak peeks from the shoot of the movie have already piqued the interest of movie buffs.
Mumbai, April 30 : As 'Damini' marks its 32nd anniversary on April 30, Sunny Deol took a moment to reflect on the film's lasting impact.

In a heartfelt social media post, the 'Gadar' actor shared his deep gratitude for being part of a project that not only resonated with audiences but also stood as a powerful symbol of justice, courage, and truth. Deol acknowledged the importance of the film's message and its continued relevance in today's world. On Wednesday, Sunny posted a video of his iconic scenes, where he delivers the unforgettable lines "Tarikh par Tarik" and "Dhai kilo ka haath."

For the caption, the 'Jaat' actor wrote, "A film that roared louder than wordsDamini still echoes in the hearts of millions. Grateful to be part of a story that stood for justice, courage, and truth. #DaminiAnniversary #TareekhPeTareekh #Grateful #32YearsOfDamini."

Fans flocked to the comments section of the post, reminiscing about the film's impact and Deol's powerful portrayal of justice and strength. One user wrote, "tareekh pe tareekh my favourite dialogue of your govind Bhai."

Another said, "Sunny Deol's all cult films stands on his acting, action & his powerful dialogues but the famous dialogue from this film Damini Dhai kilo ka haat we truly experienced in recently blockbuster Jaat what Powerful scenes written by @dongopichand what Powerful action sequences aaj tak life me bahot sari action films dekhi lekin Aisa action aaj tak nahi dekha, I enjoyed it lot. Thank you so much."

"Damini" directed and co-written by Rajkumar Santoshi, starred Meenakshi Seshadri in the title role with Rishi Kapoor and Amrish Puri.

The plot of "Damini" centers on the harrowing journey of the protagonist, who witnesses her housemaid being assaulted by her brother-in-law and his companions. In the face of numerous challenges, she fights for justice with the support of her husband and Govind, a determined lawyer.

Regarded as one of Bollywood's most impactful woman-centric films, "Damini" continues to be celebrated for its powerful portrayal of resilience and justice. The film was released on 30 April, 1993.
New Delhi, April 30 : The Embassy of Israel in India on Wednesday denied issuing the 'note verbale' to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), accusing an Indian Army officer of sexually assaulting an Israel Defense Force (IDF) personnel during a joint military exercise in Jammu and Kashmir, terming it as completely "fake".

The Embassy expressed shock over the incident, stating that haters resorting to such "fake news" to harm the strong bond between India and Israel will not succeed.

"Unbelievable! The bond between Israel and India is so solid, haters resort to fake news to try to harm it. It won't work," the Israeli Embassy posted on X.

Israel has expressed its solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had called PM Narendra Modi over the "Islamist terrorist attack in Kashmir" and offered his condolences to the people of India.

"I spoke today with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed my condolences, and those of the people of Israel, to the people of India following the Islamic terrorist attack in Kashmir. Prime Minister Modi thanked me for sharing in India's grief and emphasised that our two countries stand shoulder to shoulder in the critical fight against murderous terrorism," Netanyahu posted on X on April 24.

PM Modi had also shared the barbaric nature of the cross-border terrorist attack and reiterated India's firm resolve to bring the perpetrators and their supporters to justice.

Last week, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar also met Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar in New Delhi and appreciated Israel's steadfast support in combating cross-border terrorism.

Azar took to social media and expressed gratitude to EAM Jaishankar for the useful discussion.

"Thankful for the useful discussion External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Looking forward to work together to overcome common challenges and untap India and Israel many opportunities!" he posted on X.

The brutal assault on April 22, which resulted in the death of 26 innocent tourists and left several others critically injured, unfolded in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam.

Four heavily armed terrorists, two of them from Pakistan, emerged from the surrounding dense forests and opened indiscriminate fire on tourists.
Seoul, April 30 : The South Korean Democratic Party (DP) on Wednesday launched an election committee that aims to woo both liberal and conservative voters, with the presidential election just 34 days away.

In an effort to expand his appeal beyond the party's traditional liberal base, DP presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung has brought together political figures from across the ideological spectrum to court moderate and swing voters.

Lee is leading opinion polls by wide margins in the race for the June 3 election, which will determine the successor to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted over a failed martial law bid.

During the launching ceremony, Lee pledged to end controversies surrounding Yoon's martial law decree, restore democracy, revitalise the economy and bring unity to the nation if he is elected president.

"The upcoming election is not merely a contest between political parties," Lee said in his speech. "It is a confrontation between the future and the past, between progress and regression, and between hope and despair."

South Korean former Environment Minister Yoon Yeo-joon, a renowned strategist from the conservative camp, and DP floor leader Park Chan-dae were appointed as standing co-chairs of the election committee, Yonhap news agency reported.

Also joining the campaign leadership are former Justice Minister Kang Kum-sil, former Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Commissioner Jeong Eun-kyeong, former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, and former South Gyeongsang Province Gov. Kim Kyung-soo.

Earlier on April 29, the South Korea's Supreme Court said that it will rule on the election law violation case of the Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee later this week.

The ruling will be made at 3 p.m. Thursday, the court said, just four days after Lee won the DP's primary for the June 3 presidential election.

The announcement comes after prosecutors appealed a high court ruling last month that acquitted Lee of lying as a presidential candidate during the 2022 election and overturned a lower court's sentence of a suspended prison term.

The case has posed a major legal hurdle for Lee, who is considered the front-runner in the upcoming presidential election.
Seoul, April 30 : South Korean Acting President Han Duck-soo is likely to resign on Thursday before announcing his bid for the June 3 presidential election the following day, according to government and political sources.

Han has been a favourite among conservatives to challenge Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the liberal Democratic Party, in the election triggered by the impeachment of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

His resignation appears likely on Thursday afternoon, as he has public engagements scheduled for the morning, the sources in government and the former ruling bloc said on Wednesday. A formal declaration of his presidential bid is expected to come on Friday.

The declaration will reportedly be accompanied by a message to the nation, in which he will lay out his vision to achieve national unity and stop extreme confrontation between rival political camps from holding back the nation's economic and social development.

Possible measures reportedly under consideration are amending the Constitution to shorten the president's five-year term and allow the sharing of power, and forming a Cabinet with members of both sides of the political aisle.

A Han candidacy is certain to trigger merger talks with the conservative People Power Party (PPP), whose presidential candidate will be chosen Saturday.

The two final contenders -- former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon and former Labour Minister Kim Moon-soo -- have both expressed an openness to merging candidacies with the Acting President.

As a public official, Han faces a May 4 deadline to resign in order to run for election.

Meanwhile, the PPP has been considering various deadlines by which the merger must be finalised in order to maximise its chances in the June 3 election, Yonhap news agency reported.

To start, May 7 is the deadline by which the National Election Commission must order printed materials for the race. May 11 is the deadline for candidate registration with the commission, while May 25 is the date that ballot printing begins.
New Delhi, April 30 : Ayushman Bharat is the foundation for a healthy and fit India, said Union Ministers on Ayushman Bharat Diwas on Wednesday.

Ayushman Bharat Diwas is observed every year on April 30 to spread awareness about the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) -- the world's largest government-funded healthcare programme -- providing assurance and insurance coverage for more than 500 million people.

Launched in 2018, AB PM-JAY has seamlessly integrated comprehensive care across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels to provide universal health coverage, particularly for rural and vulnerable populations.

"Ayushman Bharat concept is the foundation of a healthy and fit India. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Swasthya Yojana implemented in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji is proving to be a boon for the economically weaker people," said Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, in a post on social media platform X.

"On this #AyushmanBharat Diwas, we celebrate the commitment to accessible healthcare for all. Through initiatives like PM-JAY and Health and Wellness Centres, millions benefit from comprehensive medical coverage, ensuring quality healthcare for every citizen," added Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution of India.

The landmark health initiative not only addresses immediate health needs but also emphasises preventive care and health promotion, making healthcare more accessible and equitable.

The scheme provides better treatment to crores of people, particularly "to every village, poor and needy", said Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush on X.

AB PMJAY provides up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care. The scheme benefits approximately 55 crore people (12.37 crore families) from the bottom 40 per cent of the population.

Last year, the scheme was extended to include health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income.

This comes as India's elderly population is expected to reach 346 million by 2050, according to the latest report by

the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) in collaboration with KPMG.

The AB-PMJAY scheme includes over 200 packages encompassing more than 500 procedures related to medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and palliative medicine within the National Health Benefits Package (HBP).
The Pregnancy Resource Center of Salt Lake Reaffirms Commitment to Womens Health as Planned Parenthood Announces Closures in Utah

The Pregnancy Resource Center offers professional medical care to women navigating unplanned pregnancies next door to one of Planned Parenthood's Salt Lake City locations.

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Pregnancy Resource Center of Salt Lake City

April 30, 2025

SALT LAKE CITY, April 30, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ -- The Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) of Salt Lake City and American Fork, a trusted provider of compassionate, life-affirming care for women navigating unplanned pregnancies, is pleased to learn of Planned Parenthoods decision to close two of its Utah-based clinics. By closing two locations at opposite ends of the state, while keeping two abortion locations open in Salt Lake City, Planned Parenthood once again emphasizes their organizations tragic prioritization of abortion services over comprehensive womens healthcare.

The Pregnancy Resource Centers Executive Director, Evangeline Sanders, commented:

"As Planned Parenthood closes two of their Utah clinics, they further demonstrate a focus on abortion rather than offering comprehensive care and compassionate alternatives to abortion for women. The Pregnancy Resource Center clinics exist to ensure each woman receives confidential care and real support when faced with an unexpected or unsupported pregnancy. All services are provided at no charge, including free pregnancy tests, confirmation ultrasound exams, pregnancy options consultations, STI testing, practical support and much more. As more women are searching for alternatives to abortion-focused clinics, the PRC offers individualized support for women and their families. Our compassionate medical staff and trained patient consultants walk alongside each woman, empowering her to make confident choices for herself and her family.

"I am grateful for the network of Pregnancy Resource Centers that exist throughout the state of Utah that ensure no women facing an unplanned pregnancy has to navigate her pregnancy journey alone."

The Pregnancy Resource Center of Salt Lake is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization in its 40th year of operations. The PRC specializes in offering caring and confidential support for women facing unplanned pregnancies and pregnancy loss at no charge. The PRC provides compassionate medical care, ongoing parenting support and mentorship for mothers and fathers, and myriad community referrals to its patients and clients.

For more information, please contact the Pregnancy Resource Center at 801-363-5433.

SOURCE Pregnancy Resource Center of Salt Lake City

CONTACT: Linda Thomas, 801-363-5433, linda.thomas@pregnancyresource.net


New Delhi, April 30 : The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police has registered an FIR against a Bengaluru-based company for allegedly siphoning off government funds intended to support startups.

The company, HPPL Foundation, posed as an accelerator connecting startups with government schemes. It allegedly received over Rs 3 crore under the pretext of supporting startup initiatives but failed to disburse the funds to the intended recipients.

According to police officials, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) filed a complaint through its authorised representative. The complaint stated that HPPL had approached the ministry to act as an accelerator under the Startup Accelerator of MeitY for Product Innovation, Development, and Growth (SAMRIDH) programme.

Following due evaluation, MeitY signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and an equity management service agreement with the foundation.

Joint Commissioner of Police (EOW) Keshav Ram Chaurasia confirmed that an FIR has been registered and the matter is under investigation.

Police sources said the foundation received Rs 3.2 crore between January and March 2024, to be disbursed among eight selected startups. In April, HPPL informed the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) that it had transferred the funds. However, a subsequent inquiry by MSH in June revealed that most of the startups had not received any funds.

Further allegations suggest HPPL not only withheld the funds but also demanded money from startups under the guise of facilitating grants. MeitY had already paid a separate service charge to the company for managing the fund disbursal.

To cover up the fraud, HPPL allegedly submitted forged documents as proof of disbursement. The foundation did not respond to queries from IANS.

The FIR states that HPPL appeared to have acted with fraudulent intent from the outset, misleading the ministry to secure funds under false pretences.

The FIR also notes that the MeitY Startup Hub was established to empower the tech startup ecosystem by bringing together startups, incubators, mentors, and other stakeholders to create a robust and collaborative platform to foster innovation and growth.
Kolkata, April 30 : The BJP's Information Technology cell chief and the party's central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya on Wednesday morning issued a loaded message on the devastating fire at a hotel on Madan Mohan Burman Street in central Kolkata and asked if the people of West Bengal were bearing the consequences of Mamata Banerjee's attempt to rival Puri's sacred Jagannath Dham.

The fire in the six-floor hotel that broke out on Tuesday night killing 14 people till Wednesday morning, coincided with the inauguration of the Lord Jagannath Temple at Digha in East Midnapore district of West Bengal which has been modelled after the iconic Shree Jagannath Dham temple at Puri in Odisha.

Malviya's message comes when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is herself at Digha, almost with her entire Cabinet, for the inauguration of the temple.

In the message posted on his official X handle, Malviya questioned whether the people of West Bengal were bearing the consequences of Mamata Banerjee's 'audacious' and 'irreverent' attempt to rival Puri's sacred Jagannath Dham.

"First, the devastating Kalbaisakhi storm wreaked havoc in Digha on April 26 and now the fire just before the inauguration of Mamata Banerjee's Jagannath Temple on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.

"Is it that the people of West Bengal are now bearing the consequences of Mamata Banerjee's audacious and irreverent attempt to rival Puri's sacred Jagannath Dham, the divine abode of Prabhu Jagannath and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu?

"Prabhu Jagannath does not reside where falsehood, fraud, and selfishness reign. This should be understood as His message," read Malviya's post on X.

According to Malviya, it was unfortunate that tragic incidents continued to recur in Kolkata due to a lack of government maintenance, absence of fire safety equipment, poor urban planning, and unchecked illegal activities by the promoter lobby.

Earlier also, controversies surfaced over the Digha temple as Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly challenged the Chief Minister's claims that the Lord Jagannath temple in Digha has been modelled after the iconic Puri Temple.

LoP Adhikari challenged the Chief Minister to clarify why the proposed temple had been named Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre and not Shree Jagannath Temple.

"The Chief Minister should immediately give instructions so that the name is changed from 'Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre' to 'Shree Jagannath Temple' in all the related state government documents.

"The name change should also be made in the tenders and documents of the WBHIDCO, responsible for the construction of the proposed temple at Digha, the cost of which is borne from the state government's exchequer," the LoP claimed.
New Delhi: In the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India has deftly used international law as a tool to achieve its longstanding objective of ending Pakistan's support for terrorism. A nuanced understanding of the logic behind putting the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance exemplifies New Delhi's use of lawfare - a euphemism to describe the use of law to gain political objectives - to end Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism. Contrary to Pakistan's assertion, New Delhi's actions are firmly grounded in the customary international law of clausula rebus sic stantibus and countermeasures.

New Delhi: In the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India has deftly used international law as a tool to achieve its longstanding objective of ending Pakistan's support for terrorism. A nuanced understanding of the logic behind putting the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance exemplifies New Delhi's use of lawfare a" a euphemism to describe the use of law to gain political objectives a" to end Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism. Contrary to Pakistan's assertion, New Delhi's actions are firmly grounded in the customary international law of clausula rebus sic stantibus and countermeasures.

The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, 1969 (VCLT), is known as the treaty on treaties and is an indispensable starting point for interpreting modern treaty practice. The customary nature of the doctrine clausula rebus sic stantibus, enshrined under Article 62 of the VCLT, makes it applicable to the IWT. The doctrine permits states to suspend, withdraw, or terminate treaty obligations in the light of fundamental changes in the circumstances surrounding the agreement.

Due to the inherent risk of destabilising treaty obligations, certain conditions must be met to invoke the doctrine of fundamental change in circumstances. First, the change must be objective and not merely a subjective change in the attitude of the party invoking it. Second, as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) noted in the Fisheries Jurisdiction Case, the fundamental change should be radical. Third, the clausula doctrine should be invoked within a reasonable timeframe. Fourth, the change must be unforeseen when parties conclude the treaty.

The Indian government has issued a notification to its Pakistani counterpart explaining the reasons for suspending the IWT. New Delhi highlights the significantly altered population demographics, the urgent need to expedite the development of clean energy, and shifts in the assumptions related to water sharing under the IWT as fundamental changes that have led to its decision to suspend its treaty obligations.

The reasons given by New Delhi fulfil the threshold to invoke the clausula doctrine. India's argument is founded on the objective criteria of demographic change and clean energy needs, not a subjective attitude change. The radical nature of the change in circumstance is justified by the rapid increase in the population of India and Pakistan, as well as a need to shift to sustainable energy in light of significant climate change. Besides, neither New Delhi nor Islamabad foresaw these radical changes and needs when the treaty was ratified in 1960. As for the reasonable timeframe requirement, this is not the first time India has raised the issue of demographic change and clean energy needs. On August 30, last year, New Delhi notified Islamabad to review and modify the Indus Waters Treaty, but received no response.

Although not explicitly stated by New Delhi, an alternative argument to justify India's reaction to the Pahalgam attack is the customary international law of countermeasures. Codified by the International Law Commission in the Articles of State Responsibility for Internationally Wrongful Acts, 2000, countermeasures are actions a victim adopts against a wrongdoer to induce the latter's compliance with its international obligations. It is a key feature of the decentralised international order that allows the victim state to vindicate its right and restore the legal relationship with the wrongdoing state.

Although countermeasures are inherently wrongful, they excuse the victim from performing treaty obligations until the internationally wrongful act continues. Due to its scope for abuse, strict limitations are placed on the practice of countermeasures. Such actions should be reversible, temporary and proportionate to the injury suffered. Most importantly, countermeasures should be non-forcible; they should be used to procure the cessation of a wrongful act and obtain reparations.

The careful wording of the Cabinet Committee on Security implies that India is temporarily suspending its treaty obligations. New Delhi is unequivocal that the IWT will be in abeyance as long as Pakistan supports cross-border terrorism, a thorn in India's leg since the 1980s. While India's stand seems unprecedented, the response is in no way excessive to the 26 lives that were lost during the Pakistani-backed Pahalgam attack or other terrorist-related deaths in India.

India's use of countermeasures also finds precedence in international arbitral and judicial decisions. In the Air Service Agreements arbitral award of 1978, the tribunal recognised the right of a victim state to resort to countermeasures in response to another stateas violation of an international obligation. Similarly, in 1997, the ICJ reaffirmed that a breach of general international law justifies countermeasures in the Gabcikovo-Nagyamaros Project case. By fomenting terrorism against India, Pakistan has committed an internationally wrongful act, justifying India's countermeasures.

The immediate consequence of suspending the IWT is the disruption of the parallel dispute resolution mechanisms initiated by Pakistan and India regarding the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects.

In August 2016, Pakistan raised objections with the World Bank on the design features of India's hydroelectric projects and sought a settlement through a neutral expert. It later withdrew the request for a neutral expert and sought an adjudication of the dispute before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). New Delhi was naturally frustrated with Pakistan's misuse of the procedural requirement of the IWT, which required the dispute to be settled in a graded mechanism.

As per Article IX of the IWT, minor technical questions should first be presented to the Permanent Indus Commission. If the issues remain unresolved, the 'differences' or 'disputes' are referred to a neutral expert appointed by the World Bank. If the neutral expert fails to resolve the differences, the case would be submitted to a court of arbitration.

When Pakistan approached the PCA without exhausting other remedies under the IWT, India requested the World Bank appoint a neutral expert in August 2016 because of unresolved disagreements regarding the hydroelectric projects. In 2023, New Delhi notified Islamabad to modify the IWT, but Islamabad refused to discuss the issue.

Currently, the PCA and the neutral expert have upheld their competence to resolve the issues raised by Pakistan and India, respectively. As a result, two parallel dispute resolution mechanisms are in place to resolve the same subject matter a" the PCA, appointed at the behest of Islamabad, and the World Bank's neutral expert appointed at the request of New Delhi.

So far, India has refused to participate in the PCA proceedings citing inconsistent or contradictory outcomes. With the suspension of the IWT, New Delhi is currently exploring how to exit the neutral expert proceedings initiated in 2016. As a result, the dispute resolution mechanisms under IWT will likely remain in limbo.

The natural question remains: Can Pakistan escalate the issue of the suspension of the IWT? This does not seem easy.

The dispute resolution mechanism under the IWT does not reference settling any differences before the ICJ. Instead, the IWT has set up a graded system, which includes submission of disputes to the Indus Water Commission, consequently to a neutral expert and later to a court of arbitration if the issue remains unresolved. Due to India's non-participation in the PCA proceedings and plans to exit the World Bank's neutral expert proceedings, the dispute mechanisms under the treaty are currently in limbo.

Roadblocks regarding the ICJ's jurisdiction would make it difficult for Pakistan to initiate proceedings against India. The world court's jurisdiction in contentious proceedings is based on the consent of states. India, on its part, made reservations to the ICJ's jurisdiction over certain cases. As per one of the reservations made on September 27, 2019, India will not accept the ICJ's jurisdiction over disputes with the government of a state member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It was based on the Commonwealth reservation that the ICJ found that it lacked jurisdiction in the Aerial Incident proceedings instituted by Pakistan following the destruction of a Pakistani aircraft by India on 10 August, 1999.

This leaves Pakistan with the option to approach the United Nations Security Council with the help of China to explore political options condemning India. In this case, India may rely on other Permanent Members of the Security Council to veto any resolutions that may be critical of India's reaction.

Thus, by using lawfare as a viable instrument to further its political interests, India has reaffirmed its previous stand that blood and water cannot flow together.

(The writer is a New Delhi-based international law researcher. Views expressed are personal)

/as
Kolkata, April 30 : Kolkata has a history of negligence-prompted major fire mishaps at important buildings in the city which took a toll on several lives, the latest being the one at a six-storeyed hotel building at Madan Mohan Burman Street in central Kolkata that broke out on Tuesday night and killing 14 people so far till Wednesday morning.

The common factors in such fire mishaps killing several people were gross negligence, illegal constructions, lack of adequate fire safety measures, and negligence on the part of the competent authorities in compelling the building authorities to adopt adequate safety measures.

The deadliest such fire mishap was on December 9, 2011, when a devastating fire broke out during the wee hours at the private AMRI Hospital at Dhakuria in South Kolkata which took a toll of 89 lives. The fire was caused by a short circuit and was aided by the illegal storage of flammable material in the basement of the hospital.

The police administration took in custody several directors of the hospital on charges of negligence.

Earlier on March 23, 2010, during the previous Left Front regime with Late Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, as then-then Chief Minister, a major fire broke out at Stephen Court Building at Park Street in Central Kolkata which housed several important offices.

A total of 43 persons died because of the fire, with many of them being killed after they jumped off the floor of the building in panic and in a desperate attempt to escape the fire.

A probe by the government into this incident revealed that the illegal construction of two floors and the lack of adequate fire-fighting equipment were major factors that contributed to the blaze getting out of control.

On February 27, 2013, a total of 19 persons were killed following a devastating fire at a five-storeyed market complex at Surya Sen Street in central Kolkata. Later probe revealed that the market was operating from the building illegally and even without a fire license. Most of the people who were killed in the accident were shopkeepers and labourers who stayed overnight in the market.

On March 8, 2021, as many as nine persons were killed in a devastating fire at a building on Strand Road in central Kolkata during the busy afternoon hours. Most of the persons killed in the fire were firemen, who were killed during the fire-fighting exercise. The said building housed an office and booking counter of the railways department. In that event also serious complaints about the lack of fire safety measures at the building surfaced.

IANS

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Jaipur, April 30 : With a severe heatwave sweeping across western Rajasthan, the Meteorological Department has issued a public advisory, warning of serious health risks associated with the extreme temperatures.

R.S. Sharma, Director of the Jaipur Meteorological Centre, said that vulnerable groups -- including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions -- are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses.

"People working long hours outdoors or under direct sunlight are particularly susceptible to heat exhaustion and heatstroke," he noted.

Sharma also highlighted the broader impact of the heatwave. "Intense heat conditions can cause significant stress to crops and vegetables, potentially affecting agricultural productivity. Domestic animals, birds, and wildlife are also at risk," he said.

To stay safe, Sharma urged people to remain indoors during peak heat hours and to stay in shaded or cool environments. "Hydration is crucial. In addition to drinking plenty of water, traditional beverages such as lassi and nimbu pani, as well as Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), help replenish essential electrolytes lost through sweating," he advised.

Farmers have been asked to take proactive measures to protect livestock by providing shaded shelters and regular access to water, and to schedule irrigation during cooler hours. Similar care should be extended to birds and wildlife, he added.

Rajasthan continues to experience intense heat, with Jaisalmer recording the state's highest maximum temperature on Tuesday at a scorching 46.3 degrees Celsius, 4.8 degrees above normal. Bikaner registered the highest minimum temperature at 29.8 degrees Celsius. Heatwave conditions prevailed across parts of the Jodhpur division.

According to MeT officials, there is no major change expected in temperatures over the next 48 hours. However, a marginal drop of 2-3 degrees Celsius is likely afterward. Heatwave conditions are forecast to persist in Barmer, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer, with parts of Jaisalmer and Barmer expected to be most affected on May 1.

Some respite may come from Thursday onwards, with a forecast of cloud cover, thunderstorms, drizzle, and dust storms in isolated parts of the state.

Among other cities, Phalodi recorded 45.8 degrees Celsius, Barmer 45.7 degrees Celsius, Chittorgarh 44.5 degrees Celsius, Jodhpur 44 degrees Celsius, and Kota 43 degrees Celsius. Gangdhar in Jhalawar district received 3 mm of rainfall on Wednesday, while most of the state remained dry.
Moscow, April 30 : Russia on Wednesday confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be attending the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9.

aThe leader of India will not come... India will be represented, but not at the highest level," said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov during a media briefing.

He however said that Chinese President Xi Jinping will be travelling to Moscow.

"There will be a separate visit by Chairman Xi, to which we attach great importance and are preparing," Peskov told reporters in Moscow adding that a large number of foreign representatives will be attending the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day together with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had confirmed that PM Modi has received an invitation for participation in the celebrations.

"Our Prime Minister has received an invitation for the participation in the Victory Day celebrations. We will be announcing our participation in the Victory Day celebration at the appropriate time," Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on April 9.

Russian media, however, reported that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to attend the celebrations, next month.

"[Singh's visit to Moscow for the parade] is possible," reported Russia's state-run news agency Tass, citing Indian government sources.

The report also indicated that participation of a ceremonial detachment of the Indian armed forces in the parade on Red Square is being worked out.

The celebrations on Red Square in Moscow will mark the 80th anniversary of Russia's victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Putin had earlier invited Prime Minister Modi to attend the celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow in May 2020.

Earlier, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov had confirmed that the Russian President is expected to visit India in early 2025 following an invitation from Prime Minister Modi.

The visit is being planned as part of the ongoing commitment to annual meetings between the two leaders.

"Our leaders have an agreement to meet once a year. This time, it is our turn," Ushakov had said during a press briefing.

The last visit by the Russian President to India took place on December 6, 2021, during the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, PM Modi held two high-profile visits to Russia last year, attending the 22nd Russia-India Summit in July and later participated in the BRICS Summit held in Kazan in October.
Dhaka, April 30 : The disruption of gas supplies around Bangladesh has affected commercial and industrial customers, including CNG-powered auto rickshaws and private cars, as drivers complained of less-than-half-filled tanks even after waiting in long tailbacks for refills, local media reported on Wednesday.

Since last month, long queues of vehicles have been witnessed waiting outside compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations in different areas of the capital city, Dhaka, including Moghbazar, Mohakhali, and Rampura.

The filling station authorities said that the crisis has led to financial losses as half of the gas demanded was not possible, although the compressor was active, Bangladeshi media outlet bdnews24 reported.

"The vehicle tailback is stretching half a kilometre. Even then, many vehicles are retreating. There is nothing to do now. There is less gas in the (transmission) line," said a worker at a CNG filling station.

"Currently, there is an extreme gas crisis. We come to the filling station and are in a queue for hours. This is wasting a lot of our time. My car can carry gas worth Bangladeshi Taka 300. But the filling stations are offering gas worth only Tk 100-120. I am in a lot of trouble," said a local driver.

Meanwhile, a Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla) official said that due to the increased demand for electricity, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has diverted gas supply to power plants, leading to a shortage in industrial and commercial connections like CNG-filling stations.

The country's leading newspaper, Prothom Alo, reported that Bangladesh once produced 2.7 billion (270 crore) cubic feet of gas every day, but the daily production has now dropped to 1.84 billion (184 crore) cubic feet.

Power Advisor Fouzul Kabir Khan stated that since the interim government has been in power for a "short term," it was not possible for his government to solve "long-standing crises."
Srinagar, April 30 : Sixty Pakistani women married to former Kashmiri terrorists were deported to Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border, said officials on Wednesday.

Officials said that in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and one local, were killed, 60 Pakistani women, who had married former Kashmiri terrorists, were deported to Pakistan.

These women were picked up from Srinagar, Baramulla, Kupwara, Budgam, and Shopian districts and were escorted in buses to Punjab for handover to Pakistani authorities.

Most of the women had entered Kashmir under the 2010 rehabilitation policy for former terrorists.

In addition to this, 11 Pakistani nationals, who had entered India on valid visas nearly 45 years ago and had been staying illegally in Mendhar and Poonch, were also sent back.

After the Pahalgam terror attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had directed all states and Union Territories to identify and remove and deport Pakistani citizens from their respective states and UTs immediately.

Tensions have mounted between the two countries after Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists sponsored and aided by Pakistan killed 26 innocent civilians, including 25 tourists and a local, on April 22 in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.

The entire country was outraged by the cowardly act of terrorists, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his first reaction to Pahalgam killings that the terrorists, their handlers and backers would he chased and hunted down to the ends of the earth.

PM Modi, after a meeting with the defence minister, national security advisor, CDS and three chiefs of army, navy and Air Force, gave a free hand to the armed forces to respond to the Pahalgam terror attack by deciding on the timing, targets and response against the terrorists and their backers.

J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha had a security review meeting with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in Srinagar a few days ago.

The L-G asked the Army to use whatever force is required to hunt down the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack. Meanwhile, to send a powerful message to terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers, security forces demolished the houses of terrorists.

Recently, two houses belonging to Adil Hussain Thokar and Asif Sheikh were demolished in the Tral and Bijbehara areas. Both these terrorists were part of the LeT terrorist group involved in the Pahalgam killings. Security forces have so far demolished the houses of 10 terrorists, who are reportedly still active in the Kashmir Valley.

On Monday, the J&K Assembly unanimously condemned the dastardly terrorist attack and passed a resolution on this.
Mumbai, April 30 : Actress Sonam Khan took to social media to share a cherished memory from the early days of her film career-revealing how an unexpected encounter with legendary actor Shashi Kapoor led to her casting in the 1991 fantasy film "Ajooba." Mumbai, April 30 (IANS) Actress Sonam Khan took to social media to share a cherished memory from the early days of her film careerrevealing how an unexpected encounter with legendary actor Shashi Kapoor led to her casting in the 1991 fantasy film "Ajooba."

In a heartfelt social media post, Sonam, who played Shehzadi Heena in the film, revealed that she was not the original choice for the role. However, everything changed during a chance meeting with Shashi Kapoor, who was so struck by her appearance that he immediately expressed she looked like a princessleading to a quick change in casting. She reflected on Kapoor's generous and gracious nature during the film's shoot in Jaipur, particularly while filming the song "Main Mitti Ka Gudda, Tu Sone Ki Gudiya."

Khan also expressed her deep gratitude for the kindness and support she received as a newcomer, especially from the late Rishi Kapoor, who was her co-star in the film.

Sharing her photo from the film, Sonam wrote, "When I did ajoobamovie as Shehzadi Heena, I wasn't the first choice. A chance meeting with Shashi Kapoor ji changed everything. The moment he saw me, he turned to his manager and said, "She looks like a princess." Soon after, the actor who was originally supposed to play the part was dropped. (No names, please)."

"Shashi Kapoor ji was the epitome of graciousness, kindness, and care. We shot in Jaipur for the song "Main Matti Ka Gudda, Tu Sone Ki Gudiya." Whenever I struggled with a dance step, Shashi ji would gently tell the choreographer to change it, saying, "Yeh bacchi hai, take it easy." That was his kindnessalways protective, always gracious. My costumes for the film was designed by the legendary Bhanu Athaiya ji, who also won an Oscar for her iconic work in #Gandhimovie."

The post further read, "The crowds there went absolutely hysterical. Since this was before the age of social media, spotting actors in public was a rare event. The song was filmed at a tourist site in Jaipur though I must admit, I'm forgetting the name of the palace. Do forgive me for that! Nonetheless, the crowd was so overwhelming that I had to be escorted back to my hotel with police protection. We later traveled to Russia for another shoot and were treated like royalty. Each of us had a Russian interpreter to help us understand the local language. Rishi ji, too, was incredibly supportive throughout, helping a new comer like me Rest in peace #rishikapoor ji We will miss both of them for generations to come."

Sonam Khan shared this cherished memory on the fifth death anniversary of Rishi Kapoor. The actor tragically passed away on April 30, 2020, at the age of 67, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.
New Delhi, April 30 : Senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain has sharply criticised Congress spokesperson Ragini Nayak for her controversial social media post comparing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to global terrorist outfits like Hamas and ISIS.

Calling her remarks "unfortunate" and "shameful," Hussain accused the Congress party of lowering the political discourse even at a time when the country should be united in the face of terrorism.

"It is very unfortunate that such a petty and disgraceful comment was made about the RSS. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is a patriotic organisation that loves this country and is willing to lay down its life for it. This kind of comparison is something Pakistan makes. Now Congress is doing it for political scoring. This is deeply regrettable," said Hussain.

His remarks came in response to a post by Ragini Nayak on X where she replied to a list comparing terror groups in different countries. The original post ended with, "India has Congress." Nayak responded: "Correction India has RSS!!!" a remark that quickly drew sharp criticism from the BJP.

Separately, Shahnawaz Hussain also weighed in on Prime Minister Modi's statement granting the Indian armed forces a "free hand" to respond to the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead. He reaffirmed the nation's faith in the leadership and the military.

"The entire country trusts the Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister trusts our armed forces. The public stands united with the government. Many political parties have indeed expressed solidarity, but Congress is still engaging in mischief," he claimed.

Referring to a recent incident where Congress-linked posters appeared attacking the Prime Minister, Hussain remarked: "The Congress party even put up derogatory posters about the Prime Minister, which shows their true intentions. They may have deleted those posters, but the damage to the nation's sentiments is already done."

Earlier, PM Modi had declared that India has the national resolve to deliver a "crushing blow to terrorism" and gave the armed forces full operational freedom to determine the timing, method, and targets of retaliation.
Imphal, April 30 : In a significant political development, 21 Members of Manipur Legislative Assembly (MLAs) have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reinstate a popular government in the state.

A group of MLAs went to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the office of the Union Home Minister in New Delhi on Tuesday and submitted the letter, signed by 21 legislators.

One of the MLAs on Wednesday confirmed the development and said that out of the 21 lawmakers, most belong to the BJP and the remaining are from the National People's Party (NPP), Naga People's Front (NPF) and two independent legislators.

Manipur has been under the President's Rule since February 13, four days after the resignation of N. Biren Singh from the Chief Minister's post. The 60-member Manipur Assembly, which, after the promulgation of President's Rule, has been put under suspended animation, has a tenure till 2027.

The letter of the MLAs to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister said that the people of Manipur welcome the President's Rule with lots of hope and expectations, but no visible actions to bring peace and normalcy in the state have been seen so far.

The letter said: "There is a strong apprehension among the common people that the violence may recur again in the state. Many Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have come out openly against the imposition of the President's Rule. They have been demanding the installation of a popular government in the state. These organisations have started organising public rallies, street corner meetings, instigating the general public, blaming the ruling MLAs for not staking claim to form a popular government and fixing responsibility for the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur."

The MLAs in their letter said that the installation of a popular government is the only means to bring peace and normalcy in Manipur. "We assure you that we will work with full dedication and devotion to bring peace and normalcy in our state after the installation of a popular government," the letter said.

After the imposition of the President's Rule on February 13, this is the first major appeal to the Centre to reinstate the government.

In a bid to resolve the two-year-long ethnic hostilities, the first tripartite meeting between the officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the representatives of Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities was held in New Delhi on April 5.

The six representatives of All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) took part in the tripartite meeting from the Meitei community. Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet led an eight-member delegation of Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities in the meeting where MHA advisor for the northeast region, A.K. Mishra, and Joint Director, MHA, Rajesh Kamble, Manipur Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, Additional Director General of Manipur Police Ashutosh Kumar Sinha, among others, were present.

Over 250 people were killed, 1500 injured, and over 70,000 people displaced after the ethnic violence broke out between the Meitei and the Kuki-Zo people on May 3, 2023, after a 'Tribal Solidarity March', organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The rioting also left thousands of houses, government and non-government properties, and religious installations destroyed or damaged.
Mumbai, April 30 : Celebrity chef and author Vikas Khanna took to social media to share a heartfelt tribute to his mother, Bindu Khanna, ahead of Mother's Day.

In a moving post, he reflected on his early beginnings in the culinary world, recalling how at just 16, he was managing an entire kitchenfrom cooking to cleaningthanks to the unwavering support and teachings of his mother. Her quiet strength and tireless dedication, he said, laid the foundation for the chef he would one day become.

Khanna also reminisced about witnessing his mother's dedication  seeing her bargain at vegetable markets, carry gas cylinders on a moped, and even clean sewage pipes when needed, all while maintaining grace. He shared how she taught him that a guest's heart is the most valuable currency  a principle he continues to live by today.

On Wednesday, the celebrity chef took to Instagram and shared a childhood photo of him alongside a heartwarming note that read, "For me, Mother's Day isn't just one dayit's every single day. I started cooking so young that it was almost unheard of: a 16-year-old boy handling everything from booking and purchasing to cooking to tandoor and cleaning. But behind it all was my Maamy masterclass in hard work, patience, resilience, and quiet devotion. Little did I know, she was quietly preparing me to lead - "World's Most Celebrated Indian Restaurant."

"I've seen her in the early mornings at vegetable markets, bargaining with vendors, carrying gas cylinders on her moped, cleaning sewage pipes, and serving guests with grace and dignity. She didn't just teach me how to run a kitchenshe taught me how to live with purpose. Whenever I'd struggle to negotiate with Punjabi aunties over per-head pricing or discounts, she'd gently remind me: "Guest is the biggest currency."

Vikas added, "If you win their heart, you've already won. She'd often watch me from a distance, seeing how I managed guests, how I struck the balance, and how I turned one booking into the next. I hope my Maa is watching me nowfrom Amritsarand knows just how much of her spirit lives in Bungalow every single day with every single guest."

Mother's Day, celebrated on May 11 this year, is a special occasion dedicated to honoring mothers, the maternal bonds, and the significant impact mothers have on both families and society. It's a day to recognize and appreciate the love, sacrifices, and influence of mothers.
Gurugram, April 30 : The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has withdrawn the appointment of Tilakraj Malhotra, husband of newly elected Mayor Raj Rani Malhotra, as advisor following criticism by opposition parties.

A week ago, MCG Commissioner Ashok Kumar Garg had issued a letter appointing Tilakraj Malhotra -- a former BJP district president -- to the unpaid advisory role. However, facing political backlash, the civic body revoked the decision on Tuesday night.

Tilakraj's appointment had triggered sharp reactions from the opposition, particularly the Congress. Party leader Pearl Chaudhary called the move a violation of the spirit of the Constitution and said it shows the intent behind womenas reservation.

"This appointment exposes the statements made by the BJP against nepotism. According to the Act, there is no provision for such a post of blood relation. If husbands have to run the office, then what is the meaning of women's reservation? Then the husband of a female councillor can also become an advisor," she said.

Tilakraj Malhotra, who had contested Assembly polls in the past, was expected to assist the mayor in assigned tasks.

Meanwhile, Additional Deputy Commissioner Hitesh Kumar Meena, who issued a caste certificate to Raj Rani Malhotra ahead of the elections, has been transferred. He has been appointed Additional CEO of the Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran.

His transfer comes shortly after a Gurugram court issued notices to the Deputy Commissioner, ADC, Mayor, and Congress mayoral candidate Seema Pahuja over a petition challenging the caste certificate. The timing of Meenaas transfer is being linked to the controversy.

Tilakraj Malhotra, who had contested Assembly polls in the past, was expected to assist the mayor in assigned tasks.

He was the BJP district president two decades ago and has also contested assembly elections in the past.
Mumbai, April 30 : As Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period series, "Heeramandi" will complete one year of release on Thursday, Richa Chadha aka Lajjo commemorated the occasion by penning a gratitude note for all those who worked on the show, and those who showered it with love.

"Thank you to everyone who worked on the show and everyone who watched it! thank you @netflix_in , @monika__shergill @tanyabami for backing @bhansaliproductions vision. Love you sir, you're a dream. A memorable experience and an unforgettable spectacle of a show! Love u dear co-stars, and congrats Moin Beg," Richa wrote on her Instagram.

The diva also dropped a couple of snippets of her iconic role as Lajjo on social media.

Back in January this year, Richa opened up about her dreams of 'convincing' Sanjay Leela Bhansali to cast her. Talking about her 2011 dream journal, she revealed that one of her key goals was to "convince" the ace filmmaker to cast her.

Taking to her Instagram, Richa posted a string of photos of herself, with her actor husband Ali Fazal, and their newborn daughter, Zuneyra Ida Fazal.

Richa also penned a lengthy note saying, "This is my first post of 2025. I was journaling yesterday (yes, I was using the same one that I used in 2011, a year before the release of Gangs of Wasseypur that put me on the map), and you can see, one of dreams...articulated in the list. To 'convince Sanjay Bhansali to cast me. What a year it's been, from being able to perform Lajjo with maestro and check that off the list of dreams...then birthing a beautiful daughter and our first film as producers! @girlswillbegirls_themovie!!!."

"Heeramandi" sheds light on the lives of tawaifs in the red-light district of Heera Mandi in Lahore during the Indian independence movement against the British Empire.

Along with Richa, the project saw some powerful performances by Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal Mehta, and Taha Shah Badussha.
Jaipur, April 30 : Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday alleged that the Rajasthan government was violating rules and engaging in irregularities while reorganising the Panchayati Raj institutions and urban bodies in the state. In a strongly worded social media post, Gehlot criticised the BJP and the RSS, accusing them of manipulating the process to win upcoming local body elections "by hook or crook".

He claimed that the government was arbitrarily making new boundaries, flouting legal procedures, and ignoring public objections.

Gehlot wrote on Instagram: "The BJP government in Rajasthan is arbitrarily reorganising Panchayati Raj and urban bodies. I have never seen such blatant disregard for rules and laws. Instead of addressing public objections, district collectors are saying they can't intervene, as all decisions are being made at the state level."

He further alleged that the government failed to conduct by-elections in several areas, including the Bharatpur district, and used the excuse of 'One State-One Election' to delay elections even after the completion of terms.

"Now, in a bid to appease their vote bank, they are ignoring established norms and public convenience. Minimum and maximum population standards are not being followed, nor is the required distance from administrative headquarters being maintained," Gehlot added.

He pointed out specific anomalies, such as merging villages located 10 kilometres from cities into urban bodies, and assigning villages to panchayats in such a way that the panchayat headquarters ends up 5 to 10 km away.

Gehlot concluded by stating that public resentment is growing due to these irregularities.

On Tuesday, the state government's decision to delay municipal body elections was challenged in the Rajasthan High Court.

A division bench comprising Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Anand Sharma heard the PIL filed by former MLA Sanyam Lodha and directed the state government to submit its response within four weeks.

According to the petition, elections have not been conducted in 55 municipal bodies whose terms expired in November 2024. Instead, administrators have been appointed -- an act the petitioner alleges is unconstitutional and violates the Rajasthan Municipal Act, 2009.

Advocate Puneet Singhvi, representing Lodha, argued that the Supreme Court has held that local body elections can only be delayed in exceptional circumstances, such as natural disasters.

"There is no such justification in the current case. The government has failed to uphold its constitutional obligation," Singhvi said
Islamabad, April 30 : Pakistan on Wednesday announced cancellation of all domestic flights to Gilgit and Skardu amid escalating tensions with India after last week's Pahalgam attack in which 26 innocent civilians lost their lives.

"The decision to suspend the flights to the northern regions was made after a review of national airspace safety protocols. All other flights to the northern areas of Pakistan have also been temporarily halted as a precautionary measure," said an official.

A strict monitoring of foreign flights has also been initiated with major focus on international airlines crossing over from India. As per details, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been instructed to scrutinise all inbound foreign aircrafts.

After the high-level meeting of the Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC), it was decided to give a reciprocal response to India's decisions to shut down the Wagah-Attari border, declare defence and security advisors at Pakistan High Commission as Persona Non Grata, cancelling visas for Pakistani nationals under SAARC, and putting the IWT in abeyance, etc.

Pakistan has already shut down its airspace for Indian airlines in response to New Delhi's measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), following the terror attack in Kashmir.

In this regard, a Notice for Airmen (NOTAMN) was issued, banning Indian carriers from the Pakistan skies, initially for one month. Indian airlines including Air India, IndiGO, and Akasa Air are among the carriers banned from using the Pakistani airspace. The restrictions are also applicable to Indian military and VIP aircraft movement.

Addressing a post midnight emergency presser, Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar warned that India could attack Pakistan within next 24 to 36 hours.
Moscow, April 30 : Russia has said that Ukraine wants to disturb the ceasefire announced by President Vladimir Putin for the day of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

President Putin on Monday announced a 72-hour ceasefire in its ongoing 'Special Military Operation' in Ukraine on account of the Victory Day celebrations, next month.

Ukraine wants to disrupt the dialogue and escalate tensions, according to Rodion Miroshnik, the Russian Foreign Ministry's special envoy for the crimes of the Kiev regime, on Wednesday.

The Russian envoy stated that in the past 24 hours, 40 civilians were injured and at least two killed in Ukrainian attacks on Russia's frontline regions.

"These are not loud, peace-loving verbal statements that Zelensky is lavishing on the Americans to please them. These are real criminal acts, committed in silence, but demonstrating the bloodthirsty nature and the desire to disrupt the dialogue by all means and escalate up to another round of tensions," he stated on his Telegram channel.

Miroshnik asserted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's regime is deliberately targeting civilians in Russia's frontline regions.

"The use of high-precision weapons confirms the result. This is nothing but a bloodthirsty regime's lunge in response to Russia's peace-loving proposal to suspend hostilities for the period of Victory Day celebrations," the diplomat added.

Meanwhile, announcing the ceasefire, the Kremil said, "By decision of the President of the Russian Federation, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin, for humanitarian reasons, during the days of the 80th anniversary of the Victory, from midnight on May 7-8 until midnight on May 10-11, the Russian side declares a ceasefire. All military actions are suspended for this period."

"Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example. In case of ceasefire violations by the Ukrainian side, the Russian Armed Forces will provide an adequate and effective response. The Russian side once again declares its readiness for peace negotiations without preconditions, aimed at eliminating the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis, and constructive interaction with international partners," it added.

The celebrations on Red Square in Moscow will mark the 80th anniversary of Russia's victory in the Great Patriotic War.
New Delhi, April 30 : In a significant development, the Centre on Wednesday restructured the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), bringing in several former celebrated and distinguished officers from the Armed Forces, Intelligence Wing, as well as police services.

Former intelligence chief Alok Joshi has been appointed as the chairman of the restructured NSAB.

The move assumes significance as the government is recalibrating its strategy to step up pressure on Pakistan via diplomatic, economic, and military measures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already made it loud and clear that India will track down and punish the perpetrators of the Pahalgam massacre and will hunt them till the ends of the earth.

Alok Joshi, in his previous stint as the chief of the Research and Analytical Wing (R&AW) - the country's premier spy agency - will now lead the seven-member NSAB board, comprising retired officers from the armed forces, police service, and foreign service.

Other members of the Board include former Western Air Commander Air Marshal PM Sinha, former Southern Army Commander Lt Gen AK Singh, and others. Two retired officers from the Indian Police Service (IPS) - Rajiv Ranjan Verma and Manmohan Singh - and B. Venkatesh Varma, a retired IFS officer, have also been inducted in the revamped NSAB.

The move to restructure the NSAB comes in light of Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding multiple high-level meetings with the Union Ministers at his official residence, including CCEA, CCS, as well as CCPA dubbed as asuper cabineta.

At the cabinet briefing, the government is expected to brief the nation about the next round of sanctions and actions being taken against the terror-sponsoring neighbour.

Notably, the NSABas role and responsibility will become crucial as India prepares to avenge the Pahalgam massacre and punish Pakistan for plotting and facilitating one of the deadliest terror strikes on tourists in the valley.
New Delhi, April 30 : The Election Commission (EC) initiated a two-day capacity-building training program for electoral officers at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) on Wednesday.

The two-day training program was inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and saw participation of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) from Bihar, and EROs and BLO Supervisors from Haryana, NCT of Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.

The training program is part of the Election Commissionas ongoing preparations for the upcoming elections to the Legislative Assemblies. A total of 369 grassroots election officials are taking part in this mixed-batch training program.

Addressing the gathering, CEC Gyanesh Kumar said that the BLOs and EROs, along with Booth Level Agents (BLAs), share the onus of ensuring correct and updated electoral rolls and also stressed on the need to augment their skills as well as necessary infrastructure.

The participants were familiarized with the provisions of first and second appeals against the final electoral rolls as published with the DM/District Collector/Executive Magistrate under section 24(a) of the RP Act 1950 and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the State/UT under section 24(b) respectively.

The curriculum also included interactive sessions, role plays simulating house-to-house surveys, case studies, and hands-on exercises for filling Forms 6, 6A, 7, and 8. Additionally, participants will receive practical training on the Voter Helpline App (VHA) and the BLO App.

Notably, the training is designed to enhance participantsa practical understanding, especially in the areas of voter registration, form handling, and field-level implementation of electoral procedures. The officials will also be provided with technical demonstrations and training of EVMs and VVPATs.

Earlier this month, around 280 BLAs from Bihar of 10 recognized political parties were also trained at IIDEM.
Uttarkashi, April 30 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday offered prayers at Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams as the Char Dham Yatra officially commenced in Uttarkashi district, marking the start of one of India's most sacred pilgrimages.

The portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri temples were ceremonially opened with traditional rituals and Vedic chants, drawing thousands of devotees to the revered shrines nestled in the Himalayas.

The pilgrimage, beginning on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, signals the spiritual journey through the four Himalayan abodes of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

Taking to X, Chief Minister Dhami wrote: "This morning, on the holy day of Akshaya Tritiya, I had the privilege of reaching Shri Gangotri Dham and participating in the Kapadodghatan (opening of the gates) program. On this occasion, taking a pledge, I performed the first worship of Maa Ganga in the name of the respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

"After worshipping the revered Maa Ganga with full rites and rituals, prayers were offered for the happiness and prosperity of all the residents of the state and the progress of India," he added.

As part of the celebrations, flowers were showered on devotees present at Gangotri Dham, creating a scene of devotion and festivity. The Chief Minister then proceeded to Yamunotri Dham, where he also offered prayers amid chants and spiritual fervour.

According to officials, over 22 lakh pilgrims have already registered for the yatra at the Rishikesh transit camp, and the number is expected to increase in the coming days.

Special Duty Officer Prajapati Nautiyal confirmed that both online and offline registrations are being conducted, with new registrations still pouring in.

To ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage, several security teams have been deployed along the route. Special arrangements, including separate registration counters for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and foreign nationals, have been made.

District Tourism Officer Shushil Nautiyal said that 20 free registration counters have also been installed.

The portals of Kedarnath Dham are scheduled to open on Friday, followed by Badrinath Dham on Sunday.

On Monday, the Panchmukhi idol of Lord Kedarnath was ceremonially dispatched from the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath after special prayers.

The Char Dham Yatra holds immense significance in the Sanatan tradition and draws lakhs of devotees each year who traverse the sacred circuit in a clockwise sequence.
Dhaka, April 30 : Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu leader and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jot, has been granted bail by the High Court on Wednesday in an alleged sedition case.

The bench of Justice Atoar Rahman and Justice Ali Reza passed the order after a final hearing.

Earlier this year, the High Court issued a rule after hearing Das's application for bail in the case, seeking an explanation as to why the applicant should not be granted bail.

Last week, the High Court set April 30 as the date for the rule hearing, following which the Court declared the rule absolute and delivered its verdict, Bangladesh's leading Bengali daily Prothom Alo reported on Wednesday.

Arrested on November 25 from the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on charges of sedition, Das has remained in jail despite widespread demands for his release.

Chinmoy Krishna was taken into custody by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, an act which was criticised throughout the world and exposed the crimes being committed against the Hindu community of Bangladesh.

Krishna was not only associated with the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajot (BJHM), a grand national alliance of 23 religious organisations in the country, but also with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The news of his arrest led to several protests demanding his immediate release.

The incidents of vandalism, looting, arson, land grabbing, and threats to leave the country have been repeatedly inflicted on the Hindu community after the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus was sworn in on August 8 following the fall of Awami League regime led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Even though Yunus and his religious affairs advisor A.F.M. Khalid Hossain assured that the current establishment believes in communal harmony, the communal violence, which began immediately after Hasina left Dhaka, continued to cause widespread fear, anxiety, and uncertainty among the minorities in Bangladesh, especially Hindus.

Last month, a report of the Dhaka-based human rights organisation, Ain O Salish Kendra (AsK), highlighted that there are reports of a total of 147 incidents of vandalising houses, temples, and business establishments of the Hindu community across the country.

Some 408 households were vandalised in these incidents, including 36 cases of arson. Besides, there have been reports of 113 incidents of vandalising business establishments owned by the minority community, 32 incidents of attack on temples and mosques of the Ahmadiyya sect, and 92 incidents of vandalising idols in 92 temples.

There have been several incidents of attacks on the minorities all over the country, particularly the Hindu community, after the fall of the Awami League government with their areas, including houses, business establishments, and places of worship coming under attack and even set on fire in certain instances.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, during his meeting with Yunus on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

India has repeatedly raised concerns over the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, hoping that the interim government in the country led by Yunus will take strong action against the perpetrators of violence.
Seoul, April 30 : North Korea and Russia on Wednesday launched the construction of a road bridge linking them across the Tumen River, a Russian report said, as the two nations have been deepening cooperation.

Russia's Tass news agency reported that the ceremony was held virtually, attended by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin via video link, quoting him as saying that the construction "is a big milestone for Russian-Korean relations."

Premier Pak Thae-song attended the ceremony from the North Korean side.

In June last year, North Korea and Russia agreed to build the motorway bridge across the border river with its construction expected to be completed by the end of 2026, as the leaders of the two nations signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty to prop up cooperation.

Tass also quoted Mishustin as saying that "It symbolises our common intention to strengthen friendly neighbourly relations, to boost transregional cooperation."

Earlier in the day, South Korea's unification ministry suggested that North Korea and Russia may hold the launching ceremony, citing satellite imagery showing related Russian facilities and a heliport installed on Russia's side, with North Korea presumably installing fireworks for the celebration, Yonhap news agency reported.

The 850-metre road bridge, if completed, is expected to facilitate the flow of goods and travellers between the two nations, as they have been bolstering cooperation in various fields, including the military and economy.

Currently, North Korea and Russia have only one railway bridge linking the North's Tumen River and Russia's Khasan stations. The bridge opened in August 1959.

The Tumen River flows in northeast Asia, on the border between China and North Korea in its upper reaches, and between North Korea and Russia in its last 17 kilometres before entering the Sea of Japan.

The name of the river comes from the Mongolian word tumen, meaning "ten thousand" or a myriad.
Bokaro, April 30 : Tension prevailed in Jharkhand's Bokaro district on Wednesday after a 25-year-old youth was found brutally murdered in a forested area near Pichhri village, officials said.

Bokaro, April 30 (IANS) Tension prevailed in Jharkhandas Bokaro district on Wednesday after a 25-year-old youth was found brutally murdered in a forested area near Pichhri village, officials said.

The incident sparked outrage, with locals blocking the Jainamore-Fusro National Highway for several hours to demand swift action.

Vipul Mishra, a resident of Mishra Tola in Pichhri and the son of Gulchand Kumar Mishra, had left home around 7 p.m. on Tuesday after receiving a call from a friend.

According to his family, when he didnat return home late into the night, they began searching for him. At around 11 p.m., villagers spotted his body lying in the Biroh Tand forest and immediately informed the police.

There were multiple injury marks on Mishraas body, indicating that he was attacked with a sharp weapon.

A forensic team later recovered liquor bottles and other items from the scene, suggesting the presence of others at the spot before the murder.

The killing sent shockwaves through the village. Early Wednesday morning, Mishraas family and local residents took to the streets in protest, alleging police inaction and rising lawlessness in the area.

They blocked the Jainamore-Fusro NH, demanding that the Superintendent of Police visit the site and ensure strict action against the culprits.

Protesters claimed that this was not the first such incident in Pichhri, and that several murders in recent years had gone unsolved, eroding public trust in law enforcement.

Petarwar police station in-charge Raju Munda said that a person, identified as Raj Saav, a resident of the same village, has been taken into custody based on preliminary suspicion.

The police are also searching for three of Mishraas friends, who have been named by the family as possible suspects.

A dog squad has been deployed to assist in the investigation.

Mishraas body has been sent to the Tenughat sub-divisional hospital for post-mortem examination.

The highway blockade continued until around 1.30 p.m., causing long queues of vehicles on both sides and disrupting traffic movement in the region. Heavy police deployment was seen at the protest site to prevent any escalation.

The police have assured a thorough investigation and said that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend all those involved.
Bengaluru, April 30 : The Karnataka High Court has passed an order quashing the case against former Chancellor of the Alliance University, Dr. Madhukar G Angur.

Angur faced charges of misusing the nomenclature, seals, intellectual property of the University and making false claims that he was the Chancellor of the University.

The case in its order stated: "If the facts obtaining in the case at hand, the complaint and summary of the charge sheet are noticed, the complaint is registered to wreak vengeance against the petitioner in a seemingly civil dispute, rendering it a colour of crime. In such circumstances, this Court should step into exercise its jurisdiction under Section 482 of the Cr.P.C. and obliterate the crime, failing which, it would become an abuse of the process of law and result in miscarriage of justice."

The bench pronounced: "Proceedings in C.C.No.3218 of 2021 pending before I Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Bengaluru, arising out of crime in Crime No.60 of 2016 of Cyber Crime Police Station, Bangalore, stand quashed."

The bench also noted in the order: "Deepika Kalia, learned counsel appearing on behalf of the State, competently argued the matter and vehemently tried to persuade this Court not to intervene. She even sought time to produce further documents. However, the charge-sheet speaks for itself and there could be no question of improvement of the charge-sheet read with the FIR, either by adducing documents or by filing affidavit or by making oral submissions."

The order stated, "The petitioner is the Ex-Chancellor of Alliance University. It appears that huge dispute arose between the members of the Board of Directors of Alliance University. Owing to certain financial irregularities, embezzlement of funds and other allied misgivings, the petitioner was terminated from the post of Chancellor by the Board of Directors of the sponsoring body - Alliance Business School. After the termination, comes the impugned complaint on June 15, 2016."

Madhukar Angur has filed a petition challenging the case against the State through the Dy SP, Cyber Crime, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Abhay Chebbi of Alliance Business School.

The criminal petition was filed praying for the quashing of chargesheet filed by the police. The court has reserved the matter for orders and pronounced the orders on April 22. Senior counsel Kiran Javali appeared for the petitioner and Additional State Public Prosecutor B.N. Jagadeesha and senior counsel Shyam Sundar appeared for respondents.
Mumbai, April 30 : A year ago, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus "Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar" made its grand debut on Netflix.

Marking the first release anniversary, Bhansali reflected on the series' impact. "Heeramandi was more than just a show; it was a dream. I wanted to tell the stories of these incredible women who lived, loved, and stood tall during one of the most defining moments of our freedom struggle," the maker said.

"Every detail, every scene, was a tribute to them and to the artists, designers, musicians, and actors who poured their hearts into this world. A year later, the love it continues to receive... it humbles me." he concluded saying.

Bhansali spent years dreaming up the intricate world of "Heeramandi", one he calls "a labour of love of so many beautiful, talented people."

From sourcing handpicked fabrics in Delhi to overseeing every brushstroke of set design, the series bore his signature attention to emotional and visual depth.

From elaborate costume recreations to viral reels featuring Bibbojaan's Gaja Gamini walk or Mallikajaan's piercing dialogues, "Heeramandi" has become a fan-fuelled phenomenon.

Its musical moments, particularly "Sakal Ban" and "Ek Baar Dekh Leejiye", have turned into modern-day classics, reshared and reinterpreted across platforms.

Additionally, Richa Chadha who played Lajjo, Aditi Rao Hydari aka Bibbojaan, and Taha Shah Badussha who was seen as Tajdar Balloch also used social media to celebrate "Heeramandi" as the series turned 1.

Set against the majestic backdrop of pre-independence Lahore, "Heeramandi", unveiled the untold stories of the tawaifs of Heeramandi, women whose lives, artistry, and legacies had long remained in the shadows.

The project saw Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal Mehta, and Taha Shah Badussha bringing their characters to life on screen.

"Heeramandi" got an OTT release on May 1, 2024.
Seoul, April 30 : US Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, visited South Korea's leading shipbuilders, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean on Wednesday, as Washington seeks to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the sector under President Donald Trump.

Phelan, on a two-nation Asia trip also involving Japan, visited HD Hyundai Heavy's headquarters in Ulsan, some 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, and toured a yard where next-generation Aegis destroyers are being built.

He then held talks with HD Hyundai Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun and other executives to discuss possible cooperation on shipbuilding and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).

Later in the day, Phelan visited Hanwha Ocean's shipyard in Geoje, also in the southern region of the country, where he met with Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan to explore cooperation in naval defence.

In Seoul, Phelan met with acting President Han Duck-soo and discussed ways to step up cooperation in the shipbuilding sector.

He promised efforts to actively seek shipbuilding cooperation with Korean companies in the future, according to Han's office.

Phelan's visit comes as Trump has stressed the need for the revival of the U.S. shipbuilding industry and the importance of partnering with allies, including South Korea, a global leader in naval vessel construction.

Before arriving in South Korea, Phelan visited Japan, where he toured local shipyards and met with Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani to explore bilateral cooperation in naval ship maintenance.

During his Senate confirmation hearing earlier this year, Phelan highlighted Hanwha Ocean's acquisition of Philly Shipyard in the U.S. last year, calling it a very important opportunity to attract South Korean capital and technology into America.

Meanwhile, the 10th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) wrapped up its two-day run in South Korea's southeastern port city of Busan on Wednesday after leading international discussions on the sustainable future of the ocean.

This year's OOC brought together some 2,600 maritime officials from 100 countries, including government delegates and leaders of international organisations, according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

A total of 277 pledges on efforts to promote sustainability of the ocean, backed by a combined US$9.1 billion investment, were announced at the event.
New Delhi, April 30 : In a landmark decision with far-reaching social and political implications, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming national Census. The announcement, made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) on Wednesday, comes amid growing political momentum around caste data and its role in public policy.

Vaishnaw, addressing the media, termed the decision as both a corrective measure and a governance reform, stating that while some states had already conducted caste surveys, many executed in politically motivated and non-transparent ways, leading to confusion and mistrust in society. "To preserve the integrity of our social fabric and ensure that caste enumeration is not misused for narrow political gains, it is essential to include it transparently within the formal Census process," he said.

The Union Minister came heavily down on the Congress and its INDIA bloc allies, accusing them of exploiting the demand for a caste census purely for political leverage. He underscored that no caste enumeration has been included in any population census since India's Independence, despite repeated demands.

Tracing the history, Vaishnaw reminded that in 2010, then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh assured the Lok Sabha that the Cabinet would consider the inclusion of caste data in the Census. A Group of Ministers was subsequently formed, and several parties recommended proceeding with caste enumeration.

However, despite this consensus, the UPA government did not carry out a caste census. Instead, it conducted a socio-economic survey, widely known as the SECC (Socio-Economic and Caste Census), which did not yield credible or usable caste data due to its flawed design and lack of official recognition.

This decision comes at a time when opposition parties, especially Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, have made the caste census a central electoral demand.

Rahul Gandhi, in particular, has used it as a consistent political weapon, frequently attacking the BJP for allegedly remaining silent on the issue. The inclusion of caste enumeration in the official Census effectively neutralises that political advantage, taking the wind out of Rahul's sails just as Bihar gears up for Assembly elections, say observers.

In Bihar, where caste plays a defining role in electoral politics, the RJD-Congress alliance was preparing to make caste census a major campaign issue. However, with PM Modi-led government now taking ownership of the process at the national level, the opposition's pitch risks being blunted. Political analysts suggest that this move could lead to internal churning within the INDIA bloc.

This move is more than a bureaucratic update -- it is a calculated political and social repositioning. It reshapes the caste discourse, undercuts opposition narratives, and sets the stage for future policy changes rooted in real demographic data. As the Census process begins, all eyes will be on how the government handles the rollout, release, and response to caste-based findings.

But for now, the Modi government has seized the initiative on an issue that once formed the core of its opponents' agenda -- and in doing so, may have fundamentally changed the tone of the electoral debates leading up to 2025 and beyond.

The government also pointed to a precedent that reassures social stability: when the Modi government implemented 10 per cent reservation for the economically weaker sections (EWS) in the general category, it did not lead to social unrest. This, Vaishnaw argued, demonstrated the government's ability to introduce socially sensitive reforms without disrupting the harmony of society.

By taking this politically sensitive yet constitutionally sound step, the Modi government not only positions itself as responsive and inclusive but also sends a clear message that it is willing to act on complex issues with strategic clarity rather than electoral opportunism.
Hyderabad, April 30 : Girls once again outshone boys in the 10th class examinations in Telangana, the results of which were declared on Wednesday.

Out of 4,96,374 regular students who appeared in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) public examinations held in March-April, 92.78 per cent cleared the exam.

The girls secured a 2.94 higher pass percentage than the boys. The pass percentage among girls was 94.26 while it was 91.32 per cent among boys.

A total of 5,07,107 students had appeared in the exams held from March 21 to April 3 at exam centres across the state. The students included 10,733 private candidates.

The pass percentage among private candidates was 57.22 per cent. Girls achieved a pass percentage of 61.70, while it was 55.14 among boys.

Director, School Education Narasimha Reddy said the overall pass percentage increased from 91.31 per cent in 2024 to 92.78 per cent in 2025.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy released the SSC results in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikarmarka, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and Secretary, Education, Yogita Rana.

As many as 4,629 schools scored cent per cent results. Two schools got zero pass percentage, and both are private schools.

The advanced supplementary exams will be held from June 3 to 13.

Among 33 districts, Mahabubabad topped the list with 99.29 pass percentage. Sangareddy stood second with 99.09 per cent and Jangaon third with 98.81 per cent. Vikarabad district was the last with 73.97 pass percentage. Like last year, Hyderabad was at 30th place with pass percentage of 88.53.

Among different categories of schools, Gurukul schools topped with 98.79 pass percentage. BC Welfare schools had a pass percentage of 97.99. Social Welfare residential schools were third with 97.71 percent students clearing the exam. The pass percentage of tribal welfare residential schools was 97.63 and the same for minority residential schools stood at 96.57.
Mumbai, April 30 : Actor Taha Shah Badussha, who portrayed the intense and romantic Tajdar Balloch in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar", marked the one-year anniversary of the iconic series with a touching social media tribute.

Taking to social media, he reminisced about the unforgettable journey with a heartfelt post that read, "Ek saal baad bhi, Heeramandi ka noor utna hi roshan hai. Celebrating 1 year of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar."

Taha's portrayal of Tajdar, a passionate, progressive Nawab who falls deeply in love, earned him widespread acclaim, making him a star in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's larger-than-life canvas. He was also bestowed with the title Taj of Hearts by the audience.

Meanwhile, looking back on the series' impact, Bhansali said, "Heeramandi was more than just a show; it was a dream. I wanted to tell the stories of these incredible women who lived, loved, and stood tall during one of the most defining moments of our freedom struggle."

"Every detail, every scene, was a tribute to them and to the artists, designers, musicians, and actors who poured their hearts into this world. A year later, the love it continues to receive... it humbles me," the maker added.

"Heeramandi" brought to light the untold stories of the tawaifs of Heeramandi in the pre-independence Lahore.

Taha was accompanied by Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Sharmin Segal Mehta in

bringing Bhansali's vision to life on the screen.

After "Heeramandi", Taha is preparing for the release of his critically acclaimed next, titled "PARO - The Untold Story of Bride Slavery", where he will be seen opposite the renowned Marathi film actress Trupti Bhoir.

The movie which has been screened at film festivals all across the globe and for select Indian film fraternity people, has received much appreciation, for tackling the subject of PARO brides, also known as Molki brides, and their plight.
Amaravati, April 30 : Six persons, including five students of a medical college, were killed when a car in which the medicos were travelling went out of control in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore district on Wednesday.

The accident occurred on the Mumbai National Highway near Potireddypalem in Kovur mandal.

The car flipped many times before crashing into a house as the person at the wheel lost control of the vehicle. A person residing in the house died on the spot. He was identified as Venkata Ramanaiah, 50.

Six medical students travelling in the car were critically injured. They were shifted to a private hospital in Nellore, where five of them succumbed.

The deceased were identified as Jeevan Chandra Reddy (Nellore), Naresh Naik (Anantapur), Abhishek Raj (Anantapur), Abhishashi Purshottam (Tiruati) and Yagnesh (Prakasam). Another student, Navneet Shankar (Kadapa), is undergoing treatment and his condition is stated to be stable.

All the youth were MBBS second-year students at Narayana Medical College in Nellore.

The accident occurred when the medicos were returning after attending the engagement of their friend's sister in Buchhireddypalem.

The car ran amok near a petrol bunk and rammed into a roadside house. Locals alerted the police and the 108 ambulance service. The injured students were shifted to a private hospital in Nellore by an ambulance.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed grief over the accident. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and assured them that the government would extend all support to them.

YSRCP President and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep shock and grief over the accident.

In a statement, he called the loss of young, promising lives "heartbreaking" and urged stringent road safety measures.

"This tragedy shows the urgent need for accountability and prevention," he said and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Bhopal, April 30 : In an act of vandalism in Madhya Pradesh's Ashoknagar town, a statue of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the revered architect of the Indian Constitution, was defaced by unknown miscreants.

Following a complaint, the police have registered a case against unknown and launched a hunt for them. The incident occurred early evening on Tuesday, unidentified individuals marred the statue's face with black stains in Ambedkar Park, police said.

The incident quickly drew public attention, leading to a large gathering at the site. While locals cleaned the statue, the act of desecration left the community in a state of anger and indignation.

Additional Superintendent of Police Gajendra Singh Kanwar, speaking to IANS, said: "The matter is under investigation. A case has been registered under Section 173 of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) against unknown individuals, and the miscreants will be brought to justice soon."

The case has been filed at Kotwali police station, Ashoknagar and dedicated police teams have been formed to apprehend the culprits, he said. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the past 72 hours in the vicinity to gather evidence.

The incident has sparked protests from members of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Bhim Army, who demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and re-installation of a new statue.

Mukesh Ahirwar, district president of the BSP, who made the complaint along with others to the police, told IANS: "The police have assured us that the culprits will be arrested within 72 hours. If this does not happen, we will launch a massive protest."

Meanwhile, the Congress' state unit president Jitu Patwari condemned the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its 'perceived' role in fostering an environment where such incidents occur.

Taking the matter to his X handle, Patwari described the defacement as part of a troubling pattern in Madhya Pradesh, where repeated acts of insult and vandalism against Dr Ambedkar's statues have raised serious concerns.

He argued that these acts are no longer isolated crimes but appear to be part of a deliberate conspiracy. Patwari further criticised the BJP, in a separate statement and contended that these incidents not only disrespect the Dalit community but also undermine the principles of social justice and the very foundation of the Indian Constitution.

He questioned whether the BJP feels threatened by Dr. Ambedkar's ideology, citing four similar incidents that have occurred across the state.

Earlier on Tuesday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, and Vasundhara Raje Scindia, former Rajasthan Chief Minister and a key figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), openly criticised the Congress for failing to honour Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar in a programme organised in memory of Dr Ambedkar.
Kochi, April 30 : Hugely popular rapper Vedan, whose real name is Hirandas Murali, was granted bail on Wednesday by a local court in Perumbavoor, Kerala, in a case involving the possession of a tiger's tooth.

Kochi, April 30 (IANS) Hugely popular rapper Vedan, whose real name is Hirandas Murali, was granted bail on Wednesday by a local court in Perumbavoor, Kerala, in a case involving the possession of a tigeras tooth.

The 28-year-old artist landed in trouble earlier this week when he was taken into custody by the State Excise Department from his rented apartment in Kochi, following a tip-off.

During the raid, officials seized 6 grams of ganja, and Vedan admitted to having smoked it. He was granted bail the same day by the police.

However, the case took a new turn when Forest Department officials, who had also joined the search, discovered a large tooth strung into a necklace belonging to the rapper. Preliminary examination confirmed it was a tigeras tooth, a protected wildlife part under the Wildlife Protection Act.

Following this, Forest officials took Vedan into custody on Monday night. He was produced before the Perumbavoor court on Tuesday and remanded to two daysa custody to aid the investigation.

Vedan told the court that the tooth had been gifted to him by a Sri Lankan national, Renjith Kumbidi, whom he had met on Instagram. He claimed he was unaware that possessing the tooth was illegal and offered to cooperate with the Forest Department in tracing the person who gave it to him.

The Forest Department opposed the bail plea. The court rejected Vedanas arguments that he was not aware of the law, saying ignorance of the law is no defence. Despite that, the court accepted Vedanas assurance of cooperation and granted him bail on Wednesday.

Incidentally, when the bail application of Vedan was being moved, came the news that his latest release of a love rap song has been received well by his fans and has gained online popularity.
Imphal, April 30 : Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Wednesday held a high-level security meeting and reviewed the overall law and order situation in the state, an official said.

A senior Home Department official said that the latest law and order situations of both valley and hill areas were thoroughly discussed and studied the recent developments in both the areas in the meeting, held at Raj Bhavan in Imphal.

Bhalla, a former Union Home Secretary, stressed the need for coordinated efforts among all security agencies to ensure peace and normalcy.

Manipur government's security advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 57 Mountain Division Major Gen. S.S. Kartikeya, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) (Intelligence) Ashutosh Kumar Sinha, ADGP (Law and Order) Lupheng Kailun, Joint Director, Intelligence Bureau, Navdeep Singh Grewal and officials from CRPF and BSF attended the meeting.

GOC 3 Corps Lt. Gen. Abhijit S. Pendharkar, Inspector General, Assam Rifles (South) Maj. Gen. Ravroop Singh and Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East) Maj. Gen. Suresh Kumar Bhambhu also attended the meeting via video conference.

Besides the top security officers, Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar also attended the meeting in virtual mode.

The official said that Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, ITBP and Manipur Police are regularly conducting search and anti-insurgency operations in both valley and hilly districts and during the search operations regularly recovered huge sophisticated arms, IEDs, grenades, different types of ammunition and war-like stores.

Meanwhile, in an appeal, Manipur Police urged the people not to believe in rumours and be aware of fake videos.

"Any circulation of unfounded videos, etc., may be confirmed from the number of the central control room. Also, many fake posts are being circulated on social media. It is hereby cautioned that uploading of fake posts on social media will invite legal action," the appeal said.

The police continue to urge the public to return the looted arms, ammunition and explosives to the police or nearest security forces immediately. Amid the ethnic violence in Manipur, theft of cars and two-wheelers was reported, and 122 stolen cars and 20 two-wheelers have been recovered since April 16 from different places in the state.

The police official said that Manipur Police launched a special drive on April 16 for the recovery of stolen/snatched vehicles and two-wheelers from anti-social elements and attackers.
Bhopal, April 30 : A seven-month-old female tiger cub was found dead in the Bison beat area of the Karmajhiri range of Madhya Pradesh's Pench Tiger Reserve, officials said.

The cub was found unconscious by the elephant patrol team of the reserve, accompanied by her fiercely protective mother, on Sunday and succumbed on Monday evening, as per the officials.

The teamas inability to approach the cub immediately, owing to the tigressas defensive behaviour, prompted the Forest Department to deploy an elephant team to keep the tigress at bay. Despite every effort to revive the cub, including summoning veterinarians, the cub did not survive.

"The cub was located by our elephant patrolling party on Sunday morning. It was shivering and displayed signs of paralysis in its hind limbs only... the front limbs were trembling like what happens in rigour. Unfortunately, despite all efforts to resuscitate it, the cub succumbed later on Monday evening," Pench Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Rajnish Singh told IANS.

The severity of the incident led the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) to act swiftly, ensuring thorough investigation procedures were undertaken. Wildlife veterinarians conducted a post-mortem at the site, collecting samples for scientific analysis to determine the exact cause of death.

The remains have since been sent to Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University in Jabalpur for further investigation to ascertain the exact cause of death, be it injury or any disease, an official said.

Pench Tiger Reserve, straddling the borders of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is celebrated not only for its thriving tiger population but also for its diverse array of wildlife, including leopards, wild boars, nilgai, and numerous bird species. As of the 2022 census, the reserve was home to an impressive 123 tigers, underscoring its importance as a conservation hub. Often referred to as "Mowgli Land," the reserve draws inspiration from Rudyard Kipling's famous character from his classic work, "The Jungle Book".

Pench is also remembered for its iconic tigress, aCollar-wali,a who died a natural death in 2022, after setting a remarkable record of delivering 32 cubs over 14 years.
New Delhi, April 30 : Following the Centre's decision to include caste-based enumeration in the upcoming national Census, senior Congress leaders have hailed the move as a victory for the party and a personal triumph for Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.

Leaders such as Udit Raj, Vijay Wadettiwar, and T.S. Singh Deo expressed satisfaction, asserting that the decision vindicates the Congress' long-standing demand.

Speaking to IANS, Congress leader Udit Raj said, "This is a victory for the Congress and a moment of accountability for the Modi government, which was compelled to act. The entire Bahujan Samaj is grateful to Rahul Gandhi. Our governments in Telangana and Karnataka have already completed caste-based data collection.

"Just as a diagnosis reveals the cause of illness in a person, the caste census will identify the level of backwardness in different communities and help frame policies to uplift them. Nothing serves national interest more than this. The decision is a welcome step and, without doubt, the credit goes to LoP Rahul Gandhi."

Vijay Wadettiwar, another senior Congress leader added, "We welcome it. The Congress has long demanded a caste census, and Rahul Gandhi has led this cause with persistence. The OBC community deserves its rightful share  whether it's in reservations, budget allocations, or representation.

"While our government had completed the socio-economic and caste census in 2011 under former Prime Minister late Manmohan Singh, implementation was delayed. Now that the BJP government has agreed to it, we urge them to go beyond just enumeration  they must implement the findings."

He also gave a word of caution, saying, "This should not be a poll gimmick, particularly aimed at the upcoming Bihar elections. The caste census must lead to real policy outcomes based on population share  not just serve as an electoral strategy. If the intent is genuine, we welcome the decision wholeheartedly. But if the move is politically motivated, it would reflect poorly on the BJP."

Congress leader T.S. Singh Deo also expressed his appreciation, calling the move a testament to an effective Opposition.

"It's satisfying to see Rahul Gandhi's initiative yield results. Despite being out of power, this shows what a responsible Opposition can achieve in a democracy. It's a demonstration of how a principled stance can compel even a reluctant government to act," he said.

On the possibility of political motivations behind the decision, Singh Deo added, "It's certainly possible. Nitish Kumar had initiated the caste census in Bihar, and now he's aligned with the BJP. Timing matters in politics. If the Centre had ignored this issue, it could have had adverse electoral consequences. Nevertheless, the decision itself is important and necessary."
New Delhi, April 30 : Congress leader Udit Raj has launched a sharp attack at the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati following her appeal for political unity in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, accusing her of indirectly defending the BJP and also suggested her to join the saffron party if she loves it so much.

Udit Raj said, "Mayawati should not take on the disgraceful task of responding on behalf of the BJP. The poster she referred to, has already been removed by the BJP. If she has so much love for the BJP, she should join it."

Criticising her for repeated jabs at the Congress, he said, "Why drag Congress into everything? Dr. Ambedkar doesn't belong to any one party. Does Mayawati think only she has the right to speak on his legacy? The Congress has already been weakened by Modi govt's propaganda and by BSP's narratives. This has been going on for four decades," he said.

Udit Raj's remarks came in response to Mayawati's post on X (formerly Twitter), where she urged all political parties to set aside differences and support the government following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians.

Mayawati had posted on X, "All parties should unite and support the government in every step taken regarding the Pahalgam terror attack. Instead of doing dirty politics under its cover by putting up posters and making statements, this only confuses the people, which is not good for the country."

Udit Raj also reacted to government's decision on handling terrorism.

"Congress party has given full support to the government. The Congress Working Committee has made it clear we stand with the government. But what has the PM Modi government done? From the Uri army base attack, Pathankot airbase, Pulwama, and now Pahalgam, terror attacks continue," he remarked.

"The government has been given a free hand, but it must act. There is no option left now except for a strong response," he added.

On the issue of madrasa demolitions near the Nepal Uttar Pradesh border, Udit Raj expressed concern that action may be motivated by religious bias.

"If they were built illegally, that's one matter. But if madrasas are being targeted just because they belong to Muslims, that is wrong. Also, when these madrasas were being built, where were the government officials? If action must be taken, it should also include those officers, employees, and police who let it happen. No illegal structure comes up without administrative neglect," he said.
Kolkata, April 30 : The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Wednesday, questioned the initial reluctance of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to give her reactions on the devastating fire at a six-story hotel building in central Kolkata, which left several people dead.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through his official X handle, announced compensation for the dead and injured at 9.30 a.m. And the Chief Minister till then was so reluctant," Adhikari said while speaking to the media persons during a religious rally of 'Sanatani' Hindus at Contai in East Midnapore district.

The Chief Minister, with almost her entire cabinet, is at Digha, also in East Midnapore district, for the inauguration of Lord Jagannath Temple, which has been modelled after the iconic Shree Jagannath Dham temple at Puri in Odisha.

In fact, the sequence of events throughout the day shows that the Chief Minister's first reaction on the matter surfaced through a message on her official X handle posted at around 10.30 a.m., which is almost an hour after the compensation announcement through the official X handle of the Prime Minister's Office was made.

In that first message, although the Chief Minister expressed condolences over the deaths due to fire, there was no mention of compensation from the state government.

The announcement for compensation was made in her second X message posted at around 12.30 p.m., where she announced ex gratia for the dead and the injured in amounts exactly what the PMO had already announced.

LoP Adhikari also accused administrative negligence with regard to disseminating information about the hotel fire, in which the majority of the dead and injured were people coming to the city from other states.

"There is no helpline number as yet. The Chief Minister has shifted the entire administration to Digha. Hence, there are so many administrative failures in handling the mishap and follow-up actions," the Leader of the Opposition said.

He also said that the Chief Minister's only goal is to ensure votes, either through dole politics or through minority appeasement.

"Only she is responsible for such mismanagement, since without her nod, nothing moves in the administration. The area where the fire broke out has many such buildings which do not follow the minimum fire security norms," Adhikari said.
Mumbai, April 30 : Actress Ananya Pandey was seen soaking up the tranquil beauty of Lake Como during her current visit to Italy.

Ananya attended the Chanelas Cruise 2025/26 show in Lake Como as the first Indian ambassador for the luxury house.

Sharing her experience with the netizens, Ananya wrote, "@chanelofficial cruise 2025/26 at Villa daEste in Lake Como has been a dream my first show as the ambassador of the brand couldnat have been any more special."

Ananya was accompanied by her sister Rysa Panday in Lake Como.

Reacting to the post, actress Shanaya Kapoor penned in the comment section, "coolest sister duo @ananyapanday @rysapanday."

The 'Kesari Chapter 2' actress was seen making heads turn in a three-layer black midi dress with silver sequin embellishments. Her outfit was accessorized with statement earrings, a diamond ring, black strappy heels, and a matching sling bag. With soft yet defined makeup, Ananya decided to keep her hair open with loose curls.

In some of the photographs posted on her Instagram handle, the diva was seen posing amidst the beautiful backdrop of Lake Como.

Ananya also gave us a behind-the-scene glimpse of the show, as she was seen enjoying her coffee in a bathrobe in one of the images from the post.

Her Instagram post also included a video of a live musical performance, along with a clip of a DJ creating a beautiful ambiance with his tunes.

On Monday, Ananya treated her InstaFam with some more glimpses of her stay in Italy.

In the snaps posted by her on her IG, Ananya was seen enjoying a breathtaking view, looking as stylish as ever in a breezy yellow dress.

The post further showed the 'CTRL' actress enjoying a boat ride in Italy, posing on the huge stairs amidst a lush backdrop, enjoying the local cuisine, and indulging in some self-care.

Ananya wrote in the caption, "Living the sweet Italian life with @chanelofficial," with a red heart emoji.
Patna, April 30 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his watershed decision to conduct a caste-based census in the country.

"It is a matter of great happiness. The decision will help understand the demographic structure and ensure focused policies for the upliftment of different sections of society. I thank Prime Minister Modi for this step," he said.

Bihar has already conducted a state-level caste survey in 2023, considered a key trigger for reviving the national discourse around caste-based enumeration.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha echoed Nitish Kumar's remarks by declaring the decision "historic".

"This is not just a slogan - 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' is being implemented in letter and spirit. The government will now make targeted development schemes based on real caste data," Sinha said.

He contrasted the Modi government's decision-making with prior regimes.

"What the earlier governments ignored, the Modi government is now honouring. This is a revolutionary step towards inclusive development and social justice," Sinha said.

Bihar Leader of the Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, also termed the announcement a "historic victory" of the social justice movement of his party.

"We went from the Prime Minister to the President demanding the caste census. Our voices were ignored, but now, when the sound of our footsteps reached Delhi, they had to bow down," he said.

Tejashwi emphasised that his party's goal has now expanded. "Our struggle won't end with just counting castes. We will now fight for seat reservation for backward and extremely backward communities, just like the provisions available to Dalits and Adivasis," he said.

He also pointedly added that the caste census must be conducted before delimitation of constituencies, hinting at a broader electoral restructuring based on real-time demographic representation.
Oslo, April 30 : Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held separate meetings here, on Wednesday, with Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and the Scandinavian country's Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth to discuss the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement and strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.

Oslo, April 30 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held separate meetings here, on Wednesday, with Norwayas Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and the Scandinavian countryas Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth to discuss the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement and strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.

"In my first engagement after arriving in Oslo, held a bilateral meeting with Espen Barth Eide, the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs. We discussed the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), strengthening bilateral ties, and boosting trade and investment between our nations," Minister Goyal posted on X.

This was followed up with another bilateral meeting with his Norwegian counterpart, Cecilie Myrseth.

"Delighted to meet Cecilie Myrseth, Minister of Trade and Industry, Norway. Our talks focused on deepening trade engagement in alignment with the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement and on exploring new opportunities to further elevate India-Norway bilateral ties," Goyal wrote on X.

The Indian minister also co-chaired the Norway India Business Executive Roundtable alongside Myrseth. "Discussions centred on expanding economic cooperation, fostering innovation-led growth, and exploring potential collaborations to further strengthen business ties between the two nations," Goyal said.

He also visited the Norwegian Parliament - Stortinget and interacted with "some of the distinguished members".

"Had an extensive discussion on enhancing India-Norway trade and economic ties. We also exchanged views on our strong democratic traditions and commitment to development, rooted in people-centric governance", Goyal said.

Goyal is on a five-day visit to London, Oslo, and Brussels for strengthening Indiaas trade and investment relations with the UK, Norway and the European Union.

The visit to Oslo comes against the backdrop of India having signed a comprehensive free trade agreement with the four-nation European bloc EFTA in March last year. It is expected to be implemented this year. The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) comprises Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

The two sides signed the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) in March, last year. India has received a commitment of a $100 billion investment over 15 years from the grouping, while allowing products such as Swiss watches, chocolates, and cut and polished diamonds from the region to come into the country at lower or zero duties as part of the agreement.

Negotiations have also picked up momentum for a trade agreement with the 27-nation European Union (EU). India and the EU are exploring the possibility of an early harvest agreement before finalising a comprehensive pact. The 11th round of negotiations between the two sides is scheduled from May 12a"16 in New Delhi.
New Delhi, April 30 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday welcomed the Central government's decision to conduct a caste-based census, calling it a long-pending demand of the Opposition and a crucial step towards ensuring social justice.

In a post on X, Kharge said, "The Indian National Congress has consistently demanded a caste census, with Rahul Gandhi being one of its strongest proponents. Today, the Modi government has announced that it will conduct a caste census along with the national Census. This is a step in the right direction -- one we have been demanding from the beginning."

Kharge recalled that he had repeatedly raised the issue in Parliament and had also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging action on it.

"The leaders of the INDIA bloc have also demanded a caste census several times, and it became a key issue during the Lok Sabha election campaign," he said.

Taking a swipe at the Prime Minister, Kharge said PM Modi had earlier dismissed the demand, accusing the Opposition of dividing society. "But without a caste census, implementing meaningful social justice and empowerment schemes remains incomplete," he added.

Kharge also questioned the financial feasibility of the government's plan, pointing out that this year's Union Budget has allocated only Rs 1.575 crore for the Census.

"It is a valid question -- how and when does the government plan to complete it with such a meagre allocation?" he asked.

The Congress chief demanded that the Centre immediately make a proper budgetary provision and begin work on both the census and caste census with full transparency.

"Caste census is essential. Without equitable representation, the idea of inclusive development remains hollow," he said.

The decision on the caste census was taken at a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) on Wednesday, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The move holds significance because the caste census has been one of the main poll planks of the Congress-led INDIA bloc, and it has also been striking a deep chord with the common public.
Cairo, April 30 : A high-level delegation led by Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar is visiting Cairo to further strengthen the bilateral defence industrial collaboration between India and Egypt. The touring members also include senior officials and the Chairman and Managing Directors of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited.

During their visit, the delegation held several meetings and productive discussions with Egyptian Defence Authorities such as the Air Defence Chief for Armament, the Chairman Arab Organisation for Industrialisation, and the Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Air Force.

C. Sushma, the Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of India in Cairo, and Defence Attache Group Captain Perminder Antil also joined the discussions along with Eng Emeil Helmy Elyes, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at the National Authority for Military Production and Managing Director of Egypt which focused on building closer defence ties between both nations.

"Egyptian side appreciated the briefing on the significant advances in India's Defence manufacturing Industry, with special focus on reliability, affordability and high quality of India's Defence Products. Both sides committed to closer collaboration on various aspects of defence industrial collaboration. This is yet another demonstration of close and growing defence related exchanges between India and Egypt," the Embassy of India in Cairo posted on X.

Egypt and India enjoy cordial defence relations. After a brief hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, numerous defence delegations - including aircraft and naval ship transits - have visited Egypt since June 2021.

During his visit to Egypt in September 2022, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called on Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and held bilateral discussions with former Egyptian Minister of Defence Mohamed Zaki. An agreement on defence cooperation was also signed during the visit, which remains a milestone in bilateral ties.

The first ever IAF-EAF Joint Tactical Air Exercise, 'Desert Warrior', was held in Cairo in October 2021. For the first time, an Indian Air Force contingent with three Su-30MKI and two C-17s also participated in the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) of the Egyptian Air Force held in June-July 2022.

In May 2023, the Indian and Egyptian Air Forces conducted a joint exercise at an Egyptian airbase, aimed at strengthening military cooperation between the two countries. India also participated for the first time in the multilateral tri-service exercise 'Bright Star-2023' led by US CENTCOM and the Egyptian Army, held in August 2023.

A bilateral air force exercise with four Rafale aircraft of IAF took place in June 2024 in Egypt. The IAF-EAF also participated in the 8th Tactical Leadership Programme in 2024 at Cairo West Airbase, Egypt. The Egyptian Navy participated in the Multilateral Indian Naval Exercise MILAN-2024 in February 2024.

The third edition of 'Exercise Cyclone', a joint exercise between Special Forces of India and Egypt, was held in February 2025.

The Egyptian delegation also participated in Aero-India 2025 in February 2025.

Egypt continues to be a major transit hub for Indian aircrafts and naval vessels enroute/returning from overhauls as well as military exercises in the European region and Atlantic. In the past few years, a number of Indian Air Force aircraft and Indian Navy ships have visited or transited through Egypt.
Bagalkote, April 30 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that the war must be fought against Pakistan if it becomes inevitable, asserting that India has also defeated the neighbouring country in 1971, leading to the break-up of Pakistan.

"Terrorism must be eradicated at its root, and the Central government must ensure the security of all citizens. If the war against Pakistan becomes inevitable, it must be fought," said the Chief Minister.

He further added that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had fought the war in 1971 and defeated Pakistan, leading to the surrender of nearly 90,000 Pakistani soldiers.

Earlier, Siddaramaiah said that there is no need for a war with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.

Reacting to a question about whether diplomatic actions by the Central government following terror attacks had resulted in the separation of mothers and children, Siddaramaiah said that the state government supports the Centre's decisions.

On the social media post 'gayab' controversy, Siddaramaiah said that whether it concerns PM Modi or anyone else, such acts should not be done on social media.

"While freedom of speech and expression exists, defaming others must be avoided," he said.

Talking about the caste census, Siddaramaiah added that the party manifesto had emphasised the need for a social, economic, and caste-based census.

"However, it remains unclear whether the Central government intends to conduct a caste census or a socio-economic survey," he said.

He pointed out that while the Centre has announced a caste census along with the general census, conducting a socio-economic survey is crucial for ensuring social justice.

He mentioned that the report of the socio-economic and educational survey has been presented before the Cabinet, adding that ministers have been asked to submit their written opinions on the matter, after which a Cabinet meeting will be reconvened for further discussion.
Chandigarh, April 30 : In a step aimed at aligning technical education with industry demands by focussing on skill-based experiential learning, Punjab's Technical Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Wednesday announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering (Industry Integrated) program.

Bains told the media here that a transformative Memorandum of Understanding had been signed between Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University (MRSPTU) in Bathinda and Victura Technologies Private Limited (VTPL) of Faridabad.

It is a first-of-its-kind program across the country, under which from the very first semester students will be part of the industry, and the industry campus would be considered a deemed campus.

The pact was signed by MRSPTU Registrar Gurinder Pal Singh Brar and Victura Managing Director Hardeep Singh Banga.

"This is not just an MoU. It's a promise to the youth of Punjab that their education will move beyond theory, integrating real-world applications, cutting-edge technologies, and hands-on experience," said Bains.

He added that this pioneering partnership was set to revolutionise technical education by embedding industry exposure into the core of academic training, which will pave the way to address the unemployment issue.

Highlighting the key aspects of the pact, Bains said the program will span four years and the curriculum includes five semesters of academic study at the MRSPTU and the last three semesters of practical industrial training at Victura Technologies.

The program would be initiated with a batch of 30 students to ensure focussed mentorship and high-quality training.

The minister said Victura Technologies would establish a VTPL Advanced Automation Lab on the MRSPTU campus to foster experiential learning and innovation.

The program also offers financial support, up to 50 per cent, for meritorious students from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds, along with free accommodation, meals, local transportation, and a stipend during the industrial training phase.
Goma, April 30 : The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Wednesday launched the repatriation of several hundred unarmed members of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Armed Forces (FARDC) and National Police (PNC) from the eastern city of Goma to the capital, Kinshasa.

These personnel had taken refuge at the base of the United Nations Organisation Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) in Goma since late January, when the city came under the control of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group.

According to Myriam Favier, head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Goma, the operation follows extensive negotiations between all relevant parties, including the DRC government, MONUSCO, and representatives of the M23.

Though the exact number of those repatriated was not disclosed, the ICRC confirmed that they include several hundred individuals who had remained at the MONUSCO base since the start of the crisis.

"These individuals will be received and processed by the national authorities upon their arrival in Kinshasa," Favier said, emphasising that the operation is being conducted in strict compliance with international humanitarian law and with the voluntary consent of those involved.

Under the agreement reached with the ICRC, all parties have pledged to ensure the safety of those in the convoys and to contribute actively to the success of this complex humanitarian operation, she said.

"We call on all actors to demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility, given the sensitive nature of the mission," Favier added.

Bruno Lemarquis, Acting Head of MONUSCO, praised the field teams for their dedication and reaffirmed MONUSCO's commitment to fulfilling its mission even under critical conditions, Xinhua news agency reported.

He also appreciated the ICRC's essential role as a neutral intermediary.

The FARDC also welcomed, via a statement, the launch of the evacuation to Kinshasa of soldiers, police officers, and members of their families who had been under MONUSCO protection for over three months in Goma.

This week also marked the start of the withdrawal of regional troops of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) from Goma via the Rwandan border, following agreements made with M23 and in line with decisions taken by regional heads of state.

Eastern DRC has been mired in decades of conflict, particularly offensives by the M23. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the humanitarian situation in the region remains dire.

According to the UN refugee agency, more than 100,000 DRC refugees fled to neighboring countries in the first quarter of 2025 alone.

Within the DRC, overcrowded camps and host communities are struggling to absorb the influx, with looming threats of mpox, cholera, and measles outbreaks.
Haveri, April 30 : An incident involving an RTC bus driver-cum-conductor allegedly stopping the bus mid-journey to perform namaz has been reported from Haveri district of Karnataka on Wednesday.

A video of the incident has gone viral, with people questioning the RTC authorities over the act.

The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday evening. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement in this regard. Sources stated that the driver-cum-conductor of the RTC bus, which was travelling from Hangal to Vishalgarh, stopped the vehicle midway between Hubballi and Haveri and performed namaz while seated on the travelleras seat behind the driveras seat.

One of the passengers recorded a video of the incident and posted it on social media, where it has since gone viral.

Hindu activists have demanded action against the RTC staffer for performing namaz after stopping the bus midway during duty hours.

Recently, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has suspended a bus conductor from the Kanakapura depot following a viral video showing an unauthorised individual issuing tickets to passengers on a KSRTC bus.

The incident had come to light after the video went viral on social media. The video showed a person not in uniform issuing tickets to passengers. Later, the conductor was identified and suspended.

The KSRTC has also filed a police complaint against the conductor in this connection. The police have registered an FIR and are investigating the case.

Last week, a contract conductor attached to the KSRTC was arrested for molesting a woman passenger on a public bus in Mangaluru, after a video capturing the incident had gone viral on social media.

The incident had happened when the bus was moving from the Mudipu-State Bank route near Mangaluru.

The video had captured the conductor touching the passenger inappropriately. The act was shot by another passenger.
Jammu, April 30 : Amid ongoing tensions on the Line of Control with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen M.V. Suchindra Kumar, on Wednesday relinquished the command of the Udhampur-headquartered key formation on his retirement.

Lt Gen Pratik Sharma will be the new General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GoC) and will assume office on Thursday.

"Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander #NorthernCommand laid wreath to honour the supreme sacrifice of the #Bravehearts at Dhruva War Memorial, #Udhampur on superannuation & relinquishing command of the Northern Command", the Command said in a post on X.

Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar had taken over the key command, responsible for security and operations along Indiaas northern borders, including J&K, parts of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, from Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, the present army chief, in February last year and his tenure lasted for 15 months.

Tensions have mounted between the two countries after Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, sponsored and aided by Pakistan, killed 26 innocent civilians, including 25 tourists and a local, on April 22 in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.

The entire country was outraged by the cowardly act of terrorists, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first reaction to the killings, vowed that the terrorists, their handlers, and backers would he chased and hunted down to the ends of the earth.

The Prime Minister met the Defence Minister, the National Security Advisor, the CDS and the chiefs of the army, the navy, and the air force on Tuesday and gave a free hand to the countryas armed forces to decide on timing, targets and magnitude of response to hunt down the terrorists responsible for Pahalgam attack and their backers.

On Monday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had a 40-minute-long meeting with the Prime Minister, after receiving a detailed briefing by the CDS on the preparedness of the countryas armed forces to meet any eventuality.

J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha had a security review meeting with Army chief, General Dwivedi, in Srinagar a few days ago.

The L-G asked the Army to use whatever force is required to hunt down the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack. Meanwhile, to send a powerful message to terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers, security forces continue demolition of the houses of terrorists.

Last Friday, two houses belonging to Adil Hussain Thokar and Asif Sheikh were demolished in the Tral and Bijbehara areas.

Both these terrorists were part of the LeT terrorist group involved in the Pahalgam killings. Security forces have so far demolished the houses of 10 terrorists, who are reportedly still active in the Kashmir Valley.

On Monday, the J&K Assembly unanimously condemned the dastardly terrorist attack.
New Delhi, April 30 : The Central government's decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming population census has reignited political friction, with the Congress and the BJP trading barbs over credit and intent. While the move marks a significant policy step with implications for governance and welfare delivery, it has also opened the door to renewed ideological sparring between the ruling party and the opposition.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday welcomed the government's decision but framed it as a concession made under pressure from the Opposition's sustained demand. "It was our vision, we are glad they have adopted it," he said, calling the caste census a "new paradigm of development."

He further outlined a roadmap of three steps the Congress would pursue in its push for social justice, though details of those steps were not elaborated upon during the address.

However, the BJP was quick to rebut Rahul Gandhi's claims.

Amit Malviya, head of the BJP's IT Cell, dismissed the Congress leader's assertion, accusing him of attempting to hijack the narrative.

"Rahul Gandhi must stop taking credit for the government's decision on the caste census. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already indicated on September 18, 2024, that the announcement was forthcoming," Malviya wrote in a post on X.

He also brought up the UPA government's handling of the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), which had included caste data but never saw the light of day due to what the then government cited as data inconsistencies and classification issues.

"In 2011, the Congress-led UPA government initiated the Socio-Economic and Caste Census, which included a caste componentthe first such attempt since 1931. However, the Congress failed to release the caste data, citing inconsistencies and classification issues. It is the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who truly uphold the mantle of social justice, and this move is a step in the right direction," Malviya stated.

The political wrangling follows the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA)'s decision on Wednesday to approve the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming census. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the move, highlighting that Census is a Union subject under the Constitution and must be conducted by the Centre.

The debate over caste-based enumeration has long been a politically sensitive issue in India. While proponents argue it is essential for ensuring equitable policy formulation and targeted welfare schemes, critics have often expressed concern over the politicisation of caste and the potential for social fragmentation.

By including caste data in the national census, the Modi government has understandably made a calculated policy shift that is bound to have implications for electoral strategies, inter-party alliances, and the future of affirmative action programmes.
Beirut, April 30 : Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday called for strengthening the role of the committee overseeing the ceasefire mechanism in southern Lebanon, urging continued international pressure on Israel to halt its violations, withdraw from occupied territories, and release Lebanese detainees.

His remarks came during a meeting with US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson, outgoing head of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism, US Major General Jasper Jeffers, and incoming committee head Major General Michael Leeney, who officially assumed his duties on Wednesday.

According to a statement released by Lebanon's presidency, Aoun emphasised that "the Lebanese army is fully carrying out its duties in the south, particularly south of the Litani River, where it continues to confiscate weapons and ammunition and dismantle armed groups."

He cited Israel's occupation of five strategic hills and ongoing violations as "the main obstacle to completing the army's deployment."

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also met with the delegation, affirming that the Lebanese army "continues to expand its deployment to fully assert control over all Lebanese territory."

A statement released by the National News Agency (NNA) noted that Salam stressed the "need for Israel to cease its violations of the agreement and halt its attacks on various regions," Xinhua news agency reported.

Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri also met with the US delegation, warning that "Israel's ongoing daily violations and aggressions undermine Lebanon's path toward recovery, stability, reform, and sovereignty," calling on the United States to "exert pressure on Israel to immediately implement the agreement aimed at enforcing UN Resolution 1701."

For his part, Leeney affirmed that "the committee will begin holding regular meetings to monitor the situation closely."

Despite the US- and French-brokered ceasefire effective since November 27, 2024, Israeli forces have periodically carried out strikes inside Lebanon, ranging from machine gun fire and artillery shelling to air raids, some of which have resulted in casualties, according to official Lebanese reports.

Although the agreement stipulated the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, Israel has maintained a presence on five hilltops along the Lebanese border.

Meanwhile, UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon Imran Riza called for immediate international support to address the devastating aftermath of the conflict in southern Lebanon, according to a statement released by the United Nations Information Center on Wednesday.

Riza made the remarks following his recent visit to Lebanon's southern Bint Jbeil and Tyre districts.

He highlighted the severe destruction of villages, health facilities, and essential infrastructure, and emphasised the urgent need for sustained humanitarian aid to restore critical services and support the region's path to recovery, according to the statement.

He also underscored the importance of addressing the deep psychological scars left by the conflict, particularly for children and families.
Jerusalem, April 30 : Israel has raised its emergency alert to the highest level and appealed for international assistance as fast-spreading wildfires erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday.

Footage shared on social media showed drivers fleeing on foot as flames and thick black smoke loomed in the distance.

The Fire and Rescue Services said about 120 teams from across the country, supported by firefighting planes and helicopters, were deployed to contain the flames, and another 22 teams were on their way.

Five communities were evacuated, and others were instructed to prepare for possible evacuation. A section of the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway was closed by the police.

The Magen David Adom medical emergency service said in a statement that medics were treating 12 people for mild smoke inhalation, including two babies.

Fire and Rescue Authority Commissioner Eyal Caspi said he had activated the fire service's national emergency plans and raised the alert level to its highest, Xinhua news agency reported. "Following a situational assessment, firefighting teams were being mobilized from all districts nationwide," he said.

Eyal Cohen, Deputy Commander of the Jerusalem District of the Fire and Rescue Authority, said Israel had requested firefighting assistance from regional neighbours. State-owned Kan TV reported that the countries include Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, and Italy.

The Israel Defense Forces said the military has sent forces to firefighting and evacuation, adding that "aerial support has also been deployed to provide a real-time operational picture."

Unseasonably high temperatures of around 35 degrees Celsius, combined with wind gusts of up to 70 km per hour, were fanning the flames and complicating firefighting efforts, officials said.

As Israel marks Memorial Day for fallen soldiers from sunset, April 29, to nightfall, April 30 this year, ceremonies at the Latrun Armored Corps Memorial were cancelled due to the wildfire. The Defence Ministry urged the public to avoid traveling to military cemeteries, where tens of thousands are expected to gather for commemorative events.
Amaravati, April 30 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday hailed the decision of the Centre to include caste enumeration in the Census 2025.

Naidu, who is also the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) national President, said that the decision to include caste enumeration in the Census 2025 by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's deep commitment to inclusive governance.

"This landmark step will enable more precise, data-driven policies that address the needs of the marginalised communities in our country. Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas continues to evolve from principle to practice, strengthening the foundations of social justice in India," said Naidu, whose party is a key partner in the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.

Jana Sena Party (JSP), a partner in the TDP-led NDA government at the Centre, has not yet reacted to the decision.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders from Telangana termed the decision of the Modi government as historic.

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy posted on X that the Union Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi made a historic decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming official census.

"This landmark decision to include caste enumeration in the main Census will significantly improve transparency, eliminating any potential for political manipulation, and ensure accuracy and credibility of data," said Kishan Reddy, who is the President of the BJP's Telangana unit.

He claimed that the Modi government is truly committed towards building an equitable and inclusive society, guided by the vision of Sabka Saath Sanka Vikas.

Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar described the decision as inclusive, pivotal and decisive. He said the Modi government walked the talk on social justice.

He said the Modi government took a historic decision to include a caste census in the upcoming national census. This decision marks a bold step towards true inclusion, equity, and empowerment for the deprived, he added.

BJP MP Dr K. Laxman said that the inclusion of caste-based data in the upcoming census is a historic step toward social justice and the upliftment of backward communities.
Mumbai, April 30 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that Maharashtra is playing an important role in the development of the country while making a strong case for creating a more progressive and prosperous state through the efforts and cooperation of all.

He also stated that in the coming days, Maharashtra will be a developed state not only in the country but also in the world.

He extended his greetings to the citizens of the state on Maharashtra Day and Workers' Day (May 1).On this occasion, he paid humble tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule, Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the architect of the Constitution, Babasaheb Ambedkar and all other great social reformers.

"I pay my humble tribute to all the martyrs whose sacrifices made the establishment of Maharashtra a reality. Maharashtra has proven its greatness by making significant contributions to the economic, social, cultural and political progress of the country," said the Chief Minister in his message on the eve of Maharashtra Day.

He added that Maharashtra has made spectacular progress in many fields such as industry, education, health, agriculture, art, sports, literature, and social justice in the last 65 years.

"Marathi language, Marathi culture and Marathi literature are the soul of our identity. It is our duty to preserve this identity and pass it on to the next generation," he said.

The Chief Minister said that Maharashtra is the holy land of brave heroes, adding that it is also the land of social reformers and freedom fighters.

"This state has been blessed with the supernatural qualities of knowledge, detachment, strength, sacrifice, talent and art. The legacy of social enlightenment, the peace prevailing in the state, law and order, planning for the proper use of natural resources, talented citizens and a young generation ready to work hard have made Maharashtra its identity at the global level," he said.

The Chief Minister said that with the support of all this and with the cooperation of all, the government is committed to building a safe, prosperous state.

On the occasion of Labour Day, the Chief Minister also highlighted the valuable contribution of workers in the progress of the state and said that the role of the working class is very important in the industrial, social and economic development of Maharashtra.

He added that the government is committed to their welfare and the protection of their rights.

Meanwhile, in his message on the occasion of the 66th Foundation Day of Maharashtra State, the Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said, "Let us be determined to maintain Maharashtra's identity as a 'civilized' state while maintaining Maharashtra's horse racing in all sectors such as agriculture, industry, trade, education, health, cooperation. Let us continue this tradition of unity for the progress of Maharashtra."

The Deputy Chief Minister has appealed to everyone to be determined to take Maharashtra forward on the path of progress, on the strength of the support provided to Maharashtra by the Central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for development works and the unity of all the people of Maharashtra.
Kolkata, April 30 : The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday sought additional clarifications from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on its probe so far in the ghastly rape and murder of a junior woman doctor of state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata within the hospital premises in August last year.

As the matter came up for hearing before he single-judge bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, the counsel for the victimas family members argued that despite subsequent forensic reports suggesting the possibility of more than one person being involved in the crime of rape and murder, the CBI officials had not focussed on that point.

So far, civic volunteer Sanjay Roy has been the only identified accused and convicted of the crime. The CBIas present stage of investigation is about the aspect of post-crime tampering with and altering of evidence during the initial stage of investigation by Kolkata Police before the charge of the probe was handed over to the agency by the Calcutta High Court.

On the basis of the arguments, Justice Ghosh directed the counsel of the victimas parents to submit the arguments and points in the form of an affidavit to the court. After studying this, he directed that the CBI should submit a report clarifying whether its officials have carried out the investigation on these lines or whether there is any scope for further investigation on these lines in the future.

The next date of hearing in the matter has been scheduled on May 16.

Justice Ghosh observed that since the trial at the lower court continued for a prolonged period following which one accused had been convicted, there is a requirement of specific facts for fresh investigation on these lines.

The trial court had sentenced Roy to life imprisonment. However, the CBI had already approached the Calcutta High Court to challenge the trial court order and demand the death penalty for Roy.
Saint-paul-lez-durance : April 30 (IANS) In a landmark achievement for fusion energy ITER, to which India is responsible for the delivery of cryostat, cooling water system and cryogenic system, has completed all components for the world's largest, most powerful pulsed superconducting electromagnet system.

ITER is an international collaboration of more than 30 countries to demonstrate the viability of fusion, the power of the sun and stars, as an abundant, safe, carbon-free energy source for the planet. The final component was the sixth module of the Central Solenoid, built and tested in the US.

When it is assembled at the ITER site in Southern France, the Central Solenoid will be the system's most powerful magnet, strong enough to lift an aircraft carrier, it was announced on Wednesday.

The Central Solenoid will work in tandem with six ring-shaped poloidal field (PF) magnets, built and delivered by Russia, Europe, and China.

The fully assembled pulsed magnet system will weigh nearly 3,000 tons. It will function as the electromagnetic heart of ITER's doughnut-shaped reactor, called a Tokamak. How does this pulsed superconducting electromagnet system work? Step I. A few grams of hydrogen fuel, deuterium and tritium gas are injected into ITER's gigantic Tokamak chamber. Step II. The pulsed magnet system sends an electrical current to ionise the hydrogen gas, creating a plasma, a cloud of charged particles. Step III. The magnets create an "invisible cage" that confines and shapes the ionised plasma. Step IV. External heating systems raise the plasma temperature to 150 million degrees Celsius, 10 times hotter than the core of the sun. And, Step V. At this temperature, the atomic nuclei of plasma particles combine and fuse, releasing massive heat energy.

At full operation, ITER is expected to produce 500 megawatts of fusion power from only 50 megawatts of input heating power, a tenfold gain. At this level of efficiency, the fusion reaction largely self-heats, becoming a "burning plasma". By integrating all the systems needed for fusion at industrial scale, ITER is serving as a massive, complex research laboratory for its 30-plus member countries, providing the knowledge and data needed to optimise commercial fusion power.

ITER's geopolitical achievement is also remarkable: the sustained collaboration of ITER's seven members -- China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the US. Thousands of scientists and engineers have contributed components from hundreds of factories on three continents to build a single machine.

Pietro Barabaschi, ITER Director-General, says, "What makes ITER unique is not only its technical complexity but the framework of international cooperation that has sustained it through changing political landscapes." "This achievement proves that when humanity faces existential challenges like climate change and energy security, we can overcome national differences to advance solutions." "The ITER Project is the embodiment of hope. With ITER, we show that a sustainable energy future and a peaceful path forward are possible."

In 2024, ITER reached 100 per cent of its construction targets. With most of the major components delivered, the ITER Tokamak is now in assembly phase. In April 2025, the first vacuum vessel sector module was inserted into the Tokamak Pit, about three weeks ahead of schedule. The past five years have witnessed a surge in private sector investment in fusion energy R and D. In November 2023, the ITER Council recognised the value and opportunity represented by this trend. They encouraged the ITER Organisation and its domestic agencies to actively engage with the private sector, to transfer ITER's accumulated knowledge to accelerate progress towards making fusion a reality.

In 2024, ITER launched a private sector fusion engagement project, with multiple channels for sharing knowledge, documentation, data, and expertise, as well as collaboration on R and D. This tech transfer initiative includes sharing information on ITER's global fusion supply chain, another way to return value to member governments and their companies. In April 2025, ITER hosted a public-private workshop to collaborate on the best technological innovation to solve fusion's remaining challenges.

Under the ITER Agreement, members contribute most of the cost of building ITER in the form of building and supplying components. This arrangement means that financing from each member goes primarily to their own companies to manufacture ITER's challenging technology. In doing so, these companies also drive innovation and gain expertise, creating a global fusion supply chain. Europe, as the host member, contributes 45 per cent of the cost of the ITER Tokamak and its support systems. China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the US each contribute nine per cent, but all members get access to 100 per cent of the intellectual property.
Mumbai, April 30 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said the Union government's decision on caste based census will help in framing more in-depth policies for the upliftment of the needy and their overall development.

"I sincerely thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the historic decision announcing the inclusion of caste count in the census process. This will surely help in framing more in-depth policies for the upliftment of the needy and their overall development. The decision of the government of PM Modi to conduct a caste census is historic," he said.

The Chief Minister also targeted the Congress, saying that it did nothing but politics for many years by not accepting the demand for a caste based census.

"But, PM Modi has accepted the caste based census, and a new era of social justice has begun. For this, my heartfelt thanks to PM Modi," he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also hailed the Central government's historic decision to conduct a caste based census, calling it a decisive step toward achieving genuine social justice in India.

He asserted that the vision of an equitable and inclusive society, as championed by Babasaheb Ambedkar, is now on the path to becoming a reality.

"PM Modi has demonstrated extraordinary courage by initiating a caste based census for the first time since independence. The Shiv Sena stands in full support of this bold and people-centric initiative," he said.

Shinde emphasised that the data collected through the caste census will enable more effective implementation of welfare and development schemes, ensuring that benefits reach the most marginalised sections of society.

"This move reflects the true spirit of the Constitution. It is a significant step toward equality, inclusion, and empowerment for all citizens," he said.

He also took aim at the Congress party, accusing it of betraying the cause of social equity for decades.

"For years, Congress made hollow promises about caste-wise data but lacked the will to act. They treated communities as mere vote banks, which is why they never took concrete action," he said.

"Those who walk around with red notebooks and slogans about 'saving the Constitution' are now exposed. Their inaction over the decades speaks louder than their theatrics. This decision proves that Prime Minister Modi is committed to justice, not just politics," he claimed.

The NCP leader and Samata Parishad founder Chhagan Bhujbal met the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and thanked him and the Central government for its decision to conduct the caste based census.

In his reaction, Bhujbal said, "The demand for a caste based census by the Akhil Bharatiya Mahatma Phule Samata Parishad since 1992. This demand has been finally met after the Union Cabinet took the decision to conduct the caste based census."
Kolkata, April 30 : Controversies surfaced in the West Bengal unit of the BJP as senior party leader and former state president, Dilip Ghosh, on Wednesday, attended the inauguration ceremony of the Lord Jagannath temple at Digha in East Midnapore district with his newly-wedded wife Rinku Ghosh.

Besides attending the inauguration ceremony of the temple, reportedly modelled after the iconic Shree Jagannath Temple at Puri in Odisha and offering Puja there, Ghosh and his wife were also seen interacting cordially with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee within the temple premises. Photographs of that interaction have already flooded social media.

The controversies have shrouded further since Ghosh visited the temple along with his wife on Wednesday, bypassing a religious rally of 'Sanatani' Hindus at Contai in the same district, which is barely 35 kilometres away from Digha.

The principal organiser and coordinator of the religious rally at Contai was the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari.

Ghosh's actions have attracted scathing criticism from the two-time BJP Lok Sabha member from Bishnupur constituency in Bankura district of West Bengal, Saumitra Khan. In a message posted on the wall of his Facebook account, Khan accused Ghosh of being "BJP's shame in West Bengal".

"Dilip Babu, you are a perfect example of how a sacrificing soul can get transformed into a greedy soul," Khan's post read. He said that after expelling leaders like Babul Supriyo and Mukil Roy, who later joined Trinamool Congress, Ghosh was following their path only.

"I wonder how shameless such a self-proclaimed idealist person can be. You are a shame for the BJP in West Bengal," Khan added.

Adhikari, himself, though, had refrained from making any comment on Ghosh's actions. "I will not give any reaction to this issue. Today I will speak only about the Hindu religion. As the Leader of the Opposition, I will not comment or give any reaction to any action by or statement from anybody else other than the Chief Minister," Adhikari said.

A visibly embarrassed state BJP president and the Union Minister of State, Sukanta Majumdar, tried to downplay the controversies. "I heard that Ghosh and his wife were personally invited to be present at the inauguration program, and hence they went. This is a matter of their personal choice," Majumdar said.

The one-liner reaction from Ghosh was that there was nothing political about his visit to the temple of Lord Jagannath.
New Delhi, April 30 : In a significant development, India on Wednesday announced to shut its airspace for Pakistan-owned and operated flights till May 23 (estimated), days after Islamabad decided to shut its airspace to all flights owned and operated by the Indian carriers.

India has issued a NOTAM (notice to airmen) under which Pakistani aircraft are barred from Indian airspace till May 23.

The move comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the barbaric terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

According to the NOTAM, this restriction will be in effect from April 30 to May 23, 2025, during which no Pakistani aircraft will be permitted to enter Indian airspace.

This move comes days after Pakistan closed its airspace to all flights owned and operated by Indian carriers, prompting India to respond with a reciprocal airspace ban on Pakistani aircraft.

Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussed the security scenario and the future course of action in the aftermath of the April 22 horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

The top decision-making body on national security was convened for the second time at the Prime Minister's residence within days. The CCS comprises Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

In the first CCS meet chaired by PM Modi, India took a slew of measures against Pakistan.

The country announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the shutdown of the Attari border, the cancellation of visas of Pakistani nationals, the blockade of many of its YouTube channels and X handles, and downgrading the diplomatic ties with Pakistan by downsizing the already truncated staff in embassies, thereby forcing them back to their country of origin.
Patna, April 30 : Former legislator and strongman leader Anant Singh, popularly known as 'Chhote Sarkar', made a dramatic return to public view on Wednesday after being released on a one-day parole from Beur Central Jail, Patna.

Speaking briefly to reporters at a wedding function in his native village Ladma under Barh sub-division, Singh made a striking claim.

"I have the ticket for Mokama. It feels good to be back in the village. I will stay overnight and return to Patna tomorrow. Hopefully, I will be released from jail within 10 to 20 days."

This statement sparked visible joy and anticipation among his followers, many of whom believe that Singh's release could shake up local political equations, particularly in the Mokama region, where he retains considerable influence.

The one-day parole was granted by the MP/MLA court to allow Singh to attend a family wedding ceremony. Anant Singh arrived at his ancestral village, Ladma in the Barh sub-division, where a large crowd of supporters greeted him with slogans and cheers.

Emotions ran high as people clamoured to see their leader, with chants of "Chhote Sarkar Zindabad" echoing through the gathering. Singh was attending the wedding of his cousin brother Biranchi Singh's daughter.

His presence at the event quickly became a massive public spectacle, with villagers and supporters visibly emotional and excited. Anant Singh is lodged in Beur jail since the firing incident in Nauranga-Jalajpur village took place on January 23 this year when former MLA

Anant Singh and the Sonu-Monu gang were involved in exchange for firing over 200 rounds. Nauranga-Jalalpur is a native village of Sonu-Monu and Anant Singh went there to release a house allegedly captured by the Sonu-Monu gang.

On January 24, when Anant Singh surrendered before the Barh Sub-Divisional Court. He has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days and is currently lodged in Beur jail.

Anant Singh won the Bihar assembly election 2020 on an RJD ticket from Mokama.
New Delhi, April 30 : Known for rogue elements in its ranks, the Pakistan Army is renowned for its notorious support of non-state actors, which has now distanced it (Pakistan Army) from the common Pakistanis, who have been asking them questions over their various polices in the last few years.

"Given the domestic pressure due to its interference in the country's politics, the morale of the Pakistani Army is very low. It is one of the reasons why they want to drag the Indian Army into a war. In order to get the support from the common people behind General Asim Munir, they want a war with India. Clearly, Pakistanis are not with General Munir. He is not Imran Khan," Defence sources told IANS.

They said that the Pakistani Army is a regional Punjabi army, and not a national army like the Indian Army.

"That is why there are a number of people from other provinces who have been at the receiving end of the Pakistan Army," the source said.

They added that the Pakistan Army is not an army for the country, but a "terrorist" organisation, which has been bleeding India since 1947.

The Defence sources said that the Pakistan Army also wants to confuse and distort the opinion of the international community about the Indian Army.

"The Pakistan Army has an adequate number of disgruntled officers with the current regime. They have enough motivation to conduct terror attacks inside Pakistan," the sources said.

In one of the major breakthroughs in the Pahalgam terror attack investigation, it has come to light that Pakistan Armyas SSG Commando Musa was involved in the mayhem which the world witnessed on April 22.

"In the Pahalgam terror case, the name of a serving SSG Commando, Musa, has come to light. To cover it up, that is why DG ISPR organised the press conference on April 29. Pakistan is also involved in terrorism inside Afghanistan. Colonel Imam alias Colonel Tarrar is one such example of an ISI operative operating inside Afghanistan during the 1990s and 2000s, which is well documented," Defence sources added.

They said that India has irrefutable evidence of all the terrorist attacks carried out by Pakistan inside India.

"We shared everything with Pakistan, but to no avail. India has Tahawwur Hussain Rana, and another terrorist from the SSG Saifullah group who is operating in the Basantgarh forest. He is a part of the Jaish-e-Muhammed terrorist group," Defence sources said.

They added that Pakistan has also been supporting Islamic State a" Khorasan Province against the Taliban government of Afghanistan.

"Pakistan Army has a larger design for destabilising the neighbouring countries. They are also conducting terrorist actions on the innocent population of Balochistan and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. DG ISPR held a press conference only to cover all this mess. They were only trying to implicate the Indian Army to legitimise its actions," the sources said.

They further pointed out that in the April 29 press conference, the Pakistan DG ISPR Lt. General Ahmed Sharif Choudhary coined a new term for India - 'state-sponsored cross-border terrorism'.

"ISPR has always been good at coining terms such as #IIOJK, #Fitna_al_Khawarij, #DigitalTerrorists, and now they have come up with 'state-sponsored-cross-border terrorism'. Lt. General Choudhary looked so unconvincing while addressing the press conference because he knew that he was speaking lies, deceit and deception. The world knows that the Indian Army has the highest level of professional ethos," they said.

They added that the Indian Army performs duties as per the mandated tasks based on the Constitution of India, adding that the Indian Army Officers and JCOs (Major and JCO quoted in the press conference of DG ISPR) do not have to incite people of Pakistan or train and guide terrorists unlike Pakistan Army which does everything other than the mandated tasks.

The sources said that since its inception, the Pakistan Army with the ISI has been deeply involved in politics, in coups, hybrid government formation and proxy government formation.

"Pakistan Army alienated Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. It is continuing with the same policy against Imran Khan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. They are involved in election rigging, political engineering, constitutional engineering and judicial engineering," they said.

The sources added that silencing journalists by killing and abducting people like Ashraf Sharif, Imran Riaz Khan and others, and their strict control of the media, while firewalls have been installed on the internet to choke the independent voice of their own people, is what they are famous for.

They said that the Pakistan Army is also responsible for the Islamabad massacre of November 2024, the plotting of May 9 against Imran Khan-led PTI, and others.

"Pakistan Army and ISI have several businesses also. The Generals and senior officers are making money out of these businesses at the cost of loss to the state and exploitation of the common Pakistani," they added.

The source said that the terrorist role of the Pakistan Army includes 1947-1948 operations and the use of tribals inside Jammu and Kashmir, and employing tribals and raiders again during 'Operation Gibraltar' in 1965.

They said that in 1967, the rogue Pakistani Army supported the north eastern insurgency in India, and since the 1990s, they have been conducting terrorism inside Jammu and Kashmir by raising and supporting JKLF, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Toiba and later on Jaish-e-Mohammed, among others.
Hyderabad, April 30 : The All India Muslim Personal Law Board's 'Batti Gul' protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act evoked a positive response in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana with people switching off lights for 15 minutes on Wednesday night.

There was near total darkness in several parts of the old city of Hyderabad and in many other areas, including Nampally, Mallepally, Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam and Golconda.

Shopkeepers also stopped their business for 15 minutes to join the protest.

In response to the call given by the AIMPLB, people switched off the lights of their houses, shops and business establishments from 9 p.m. to 9.15 p.m. to register their protest.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehad ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi also switched off the lights of his residence at Shastripuram.

Owaisi, who is one of the prominent members of AIMPLB, had appealed to people to make the 'lights off protest' a success.

Talking to media persons, the MP said that the protest was a huge success. "There was a huge spontaneous reaction. Reports from Hyderabad, Telangana, and Karnataka show that people, irrespective of their religion, participated in the protest," he said, and thanked people who made it a success.

Owaisi said that through this protest, they wanted to give a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that this legislation is not in the interest of Waqf.

"This Act is unconstitutional and will destroy Waqf properties," he said.

He reiterated that this Act is a violation of the Indian Constitution, especially Articles 14, 15, 25, 26 and 29.

The AIMIM president said that after a couple of weeks, another round of protests will be held with the formation of human chains and round-table meetings.

"This protest will continue till the Narendra Modi government withdraws the Waqf Act," he said.

Terming the Act a 'black legislation', Owaisi alleged that it was brought to snatch mosques, graveyards and other Waqf properties.

Owaisi said the protest against the Waqf Act was ongoing. He pointed out that AIMPLB condemned the terror attack at Pahalgam and stopped its protest against the Waqf Act for three days.

The MP said that there would be no compromise on the country's sovereignty and integrity. He said they strongly condemned the terror attack and held the Pakistani establishment responsible for it.

Owaisi said that with the military and financial support of Pakistan, the terrorists attacked the tourists and killed them after asking their religion.
Bengaluru, April 30 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said that he wholeheartedly welcomes the decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to conduct the caste census. "We will continue our fight for reservation in the private sector and the removal of the 50 per cent cap on reservations," Kharge emphasised.

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Kharge said, "The decision to conduct the caste census has come late, but it should now be implemented effectively. My appeal is to act quickly and implement the report without delay. The budget allocated earlier was too little, around Rs 750 crore. The intention seemed to be to ensure that it would not be implemented and that the work would not begin promptly."

"But now, they have hurriedly called a Cabinet meeting and announced the caste census. It is a matter of joy. Let us see how well they implement it and what results will follow. We are expecting a good outcome," Kharge stated.

He welcomed the Central government's decision to conduct a caste-based census, calling it a long-pending demand of the Opposition and a crucial step towards ensuring social justice.

Earlier, in a post on X, Kharge said, "The Indian National Congress has consistently demanded a caste census, with Rahul Gandhi being one of its strongest proponents. Today, the Modi government has announced that it will conduct a caste census along with the national Census. This is a step in the right direction -- one we have been demanding from the beginning."

While interacting with the mediapersons, he said that the caste census would cover socio-economic and educational conditions, land ownership, employment, income, and per capita income factors. "I don't want to blame anyone in advance. Today, the announcement has come. At least they have now found the wisdom to proceed with this work. We had repeatedly raised this issue, and the people of the country were with us," Kharge stressed.

"One of our demands has been accepted. The other two demands  reservation in the private sector and removal of the 50 per cent cap on reservations  we will continue to fight for. Today or tomorrow, they will also realise the wisdom of implementing them," he hoped.

Answering a question, Kharge said: "The national survey should be conducted on the lines of how Karnataka and Telangana conducted their caste surveys. Even if there are shortcomings, they should be corrected, or any necessary additions should be made. We are doing this for the welfare of the suppressed and disregarded sections of society."

"I wish they would include these aspects, and I wholeheartedly welcome this decision," he reiterated.

He further claimed: "From the beginning, I have been advocating for this. I wrote a letter on April 16, 2023, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the Indian National Congress's demand for an up-to-date caste census. My colleagues and I have raised this issue multiple times in both houses of Parliament, as have leaders of many other opposition parties."

"You are aware that the UPA government conducted the Socio-Economic and Caste Census during 201112, covering about 25 crore households. For various reasons, the caste data was not published, even though Congress and other MPs demanded its release after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government came to power in May 2014," he stated.

"In the absence of an updated caste census, a reliable database essential for meaningful social justice and empowerment programmes, particularly for OBCs, remains incomplete. Conducting this census is the responsibility of the Union government," he underlined.

"I would also like to point out that the regular decennial census was due in 2021, but it has still not been conducted. We demand that it be carried out immediately and that a comprehensive caste census be made an integral part of it," he said.

"Now, it is 2025. This means that more than 2.6 years have passed without it being done. Despite repeated reminders, they neglected it. It was raised in Parliament, but they did not respond. Many times, our party tried, but they did not care," Kharge charged.

"Rahul Gandhi Ji, I, and other party leaders started demanding three things. First, a caste-based census. Second, the implementation of Article 15(5) to provide reservations for SC, ST, and OBCs in private institutions. Public sector jobs are vanishing as public enterprises are being bought by corporate companies, leading to a lack of jobs for SC, ST, and OBCs. Therefore, we demanded that Article 15(5) be implemented in the private sector," he explained.

"Third, the removal of the 50 per cent cap on reservations. Unless this cap is lifted, backward classes will not get sufficient reservations," he asserted.

When asked about the Congress supporting the Centre over its stance on the Pahalgam terror attack, Kharge stated: "We are fully supporting the government and have clearly said in the all-party meeting that we will stand united for the country's security. In this matter, there is no stepping back because religion and party are different; the country comes first.

"I believe in putting the nation first. To safeguard the nation and its integrity, we offer our full support. We will prove it. If, despite our support, there are still delays for some reason, it is very unfortunate. But I hope that we are united in safeguarding the nation's interests," he concluded.
United Nations, April 30 : India's Permanent Representative to United Nations, P. Harish has said that Pope Francis' legacy will inspire people of all faiths to live in peace and harmony.

"His life devoted to peace, justice and human dignity, and his deep commitment towards all humans, especially the poor and the marginalised, is an inspiration and a testament to his enduring faith in the service of mankind," Harish said at a special UN General Assembly session to honour the Pope's memory on Tuesday.

Delivering the eulogy on behalf of the Asia Pacific Regional group, he recalled his "deep commitment towards all humans, especially the poor and the marginalised" and said it is "an inspiration and a testament to his enduring faith in the service of mankind".

The passing of Pope Francis "is a moment of profound sadness, not only for the global Catholic community, but also for the whole world that was inspired by his extraordinary life," he added.

"His message of service to mankind, love, and humility transcended borders and touched so many," he said.

Calling him "once in a generation leader," he said, adding: "The legacy of Pope Francis will be one of compassion. It will espouse service to mankind. It will motivate people of all faiths to live together in peace and harmony."

His final Easter message "reminds us that love can triumph over hatred, light over darkness, and truth over falsehood" and it will "lead us to a more stable, peaceful and prosperous world," Harish said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the Pope "was a man of faith -- and a bridge-builder among all faiths".

"A steadfast friend of the United Nations," his was a "voice of mercy in a world of cruelty, a voice of peace in a world of war," he said.

His experience working in the slums of Buenos Aires before becoming Pope "sharpened his conviction that faith must be an engine of action and change".

As Pope, he "put that engine into overdrive as an unstoppable voice for social justice and equality," Guterres said.
Agartala, April 30 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday confirmed that there are currently no Pakistani nationals residing in the state. The Chief Minister's remarks came in response to the Central government's recent directive to all states and Union Territories to identify and deport Pakistani citizens following the April 22 terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking to the media on the sidelines of an event in Agartala, Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, said: "At present, there are no Pakistani nationals in Tripura. But foreigners from other country who were staying in the state have already been pushed back or legal action taken against them."

The announcement on the absence of Pakistani nationals in Tripura appears to underscore the state government's compliance with central directives and its proactive stance on national security.

The Chief Minister earlier said that around 200 Bangladeshi nationals were detected in the state in the recent past and legal actions were taken against them.

A report has already been sent to the Union Home Ministry detailing the presence of foreign nationals in Tripura along with the security measures undertaken, Saha had said.

Soon after, Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently called him Saha held a virtual meeting with the Superintendents of Police and District Magistrates of all eight districts and directed immediate action to identify foreign nationals in the state.

"We are conducting thorough investigations, and I have submitted a detailed report to Delhi confirming that no Pakistani nationals have been found in Tripura to date," he added.

Meanwhile, Tripura Police on Wednesday arrested one more person for making "anti-national" comments on a social media post-Pahalgam terror attack.

A police official identified the accused as Saled Miah, 50, a resident of Bodhjungnagar in western Tripura.

Earlier Tripura Police have arrested three persons including a retired teacher and a student leader in the state's Dhalai and Gomati districts and there are now in jail custody, while six other persons either questioned by the police or in surveillance or proceedings under process for making contentious remarks on social media after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

The official said that the three people were arrested under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. Police authorities have asked the people not to make any controversial or anti-national comments on social media relating to religion or sensitive matters, which might create ethnic or law and order problems.

The police authorities also told the people that stringent legal action would be taken against those involved in such activity.

"Certain individuals were circulating provocative and misleading messages on social media. Please be aware that forwarding, sharing, or creating such content is an offence under the law. Stringent legal action will be taken against those involved in such activity," the Tripura Police said in a post on X.

The police also urged everyone not to pay attention to or forward any provocative and misleading messages.
Mumbai, May 1 : The Indian government is tightening the noose around the Pakistani nationals after the horrific Pahalgam terrorist attack. In a follow-up to several Pakistanis being sent across the border back home, the tough action is now bleeding into the digital landscape as well, with the Instagram accounts of many Pakistani artists now stand blocked and inaccessible in India.

The accounts of Pakistani actors, including Hania Aamir and Mahira Khan, are no longer accessible to users in India.

The text on the Instagram pages of these artists reads, "Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content."

However, the Instagram account of actor Fawad Khan, and 'Pasoori' hitmakers Ali Sethi and Shae Gillare still accessible, raising doubts if the authorities are still catching up on certain accounts or if the blockade is based on the GPS location.

After the terror attack in Baisaran valley of Pahalgam last week, tensions have escalated between India and its neighbour Pakistan, which is known for its notoriety of nurturing terrorism on its land since time immemorial.

At least 26 tourists from different parts of India, and foreign nationals were killed in the dastardly attack.

The terrorists allegedly sponsored by Pakistan used second generation phones, and used SMS for communication to evade modern day surveillance.

The attack has shadows of China as well, which has called for an "unbiased" probe into the matter, subtly hinting that they stand with Pakistan's denial of the attack.

One of the terrorists is reportedly a former Pakistani commando, and is on the run as the National Investigation Agency of India continues to probe the attacks.

After an all party meeting, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a free hand to the defence forces to take the call on the mode, time and route of action against Pakistan which has long troubled not just India but several countries across the globe.

In addition to being a constant source of threat to India, Pakistan first opened its land to the Mujahideen from Afghanistan at the behest of the US during the USSR and Afghan war. The Mujahideen were trained in Pakistan to counter the advancing USSR, which entered Afghanistan to secure the Communist Afghan government.

While the USSR collapsed after the Afghan-USSR war, student leaders from Afghanistan soon took the Mujahideen under their wings under the group Taliban. Soon, Taliban consolidated power in Afghanistan through its road network and the illegal poppy trade of the country.

Pakistan also unleashed hell on its own citizens of East Pakistan leading to the India-Pakistan war of 1971 after which Indira Gandhi carved Bangladesh out of Pakistan.

And now, as per latest reports, Pakistan-sponsored terrorists were also behind the attacks on the Indian and American embassies in Kabul in 2008 and 2011, a concert hall in Moscow in 2024, and bombings across London in 2005.

While New Delhi continues to gather evidence in a bid to expose the deadly terror network of Pakistan, Iran, Pakistanas neighbour along its western border, has offered to mediate the talks between India and Pakistan.
Washington, May 1 : US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Pakistan to cooperate in the investigation into the "unconscionable" terrorist attack in Pahalgam and stressed the need to condemn it.

In separate calls to Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Secretary Rubio on Wednesday also urged the two sides to "de-escalate tensions, re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace and security in South Asia".

The asymmetry in Secretary Rubio's calls to his counterpart in India on the one hand and the Prime Minister in Pakistan on the other was notable given the importance attached to protocol in global diplomacy.

Commenting on the situation in the region, Tammy Bruce, the US State Department Spokesperson, had said on Tuesday that the US Secretary of State had planned to call the External Affairs Ministers of the two countries to urge them to "not escalate" tensions.

But, as it turned out, the Secretary Rubio did not call Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and went to his boss instead.

"The Secretary spoke of the need to condemn the terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam," Bruce said in a statement on the Secretary's call with the Pakistani Prime Minister.

"Both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence."

She further said: "The Secretary urged Pakistani officials' cooperation in investigating this unconscionable attack. He also encouraged Pakistan to work with India to de-escalate tensions, re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace and security in South Asia."

In his call with the External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, Secretary Rubio, said, according to the Spokesperson, "expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism".

Bruce added that Secretary Rubio "also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia".

The tone and content of the call with the External Affairs Minister was steeped in empathy, from the leader of one victim of terrorism to the leader of another.

The US has been steadfast and committed to India's efforts to combat terrorism, cutting across Presidents and parties.

US President Donald Trump called India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi within hours of the April 22 attack in Pahalgam and had himself announced the decision to extradite Tahawwur Rana to India during the Prime Minister's White House visit in February.

Rana is now in custody in India.
Damascus, May 1 : Israel strikes the town of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, southwest of Damascus, as Syrian forces regained control of the area following days of intense sectarian clashes, according to state media and a monitoring group.

Loud explosions echoed through the town amid Israeli aerial bombardment, coinciding with the presence of Israeli warplanes and drones, local sources reported on Wednesday.

The strikes came after Israel had warned it would act to protect the Druze community in Syria, following widespread violence that has left dozens dead, Xinhua news agency reported.

Syrian forces, supported by allied paramilitary units, launched a large-scale operation to secure Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, conducting door-to-door searches for wanted individuals and seizing weapons.

The town's entrances and exits were sealed, from the al-Maamel area to the Daraa highway and the Tayarah checkpoint, effectively isolating it from its surroundings.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, the total number of people killed in the recent sectarian unrest across Jaramana, Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, and along the Damascus-Suwayda highway has climbed to 42.

The victims include Druze gunmen and civilians, members of the General Security Directorate, and pro-government militia.

The violence was initially triggered by the circulation of an audio recording, purportedly from a Druze individual, whose remarks were considered offensive to Islam, igniting sectarian tensions and triggering retaliatory attacks in several towns south of Damascus.

A joint statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Defence announced that the Israeli military had targeted a "radical Syrian group" allegedly preparing to attack Druze residents in the town of Sahnaya, located in the Damascus countryside.

The statement said: "On Memorial Day for fallen security personnel, we reaffirm our commitment to the Druze community in Israel and to defending their brothers in Syria."

It continued: "Israel will not allow harm to come to the Druze people, out of deep loyalty to our Druze brothers in Israel, who share close family and historical ties with their fellow Druze in Syria."

In northern Israel, dozens of Palestinian Druze blocked roads on Wednesday morning in protest of the events near Damascus.

Activists from the Druze community in the occupied Syrian Golan also warned against sectarian incitement and urged caution.
Cairo, May 1 : Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit has called for heightened international and regional efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Sudan and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to affected areas.

In a meeting in Cairo with UN Secretary-General's envoy to Sudan Ramtane Lamamra on Wednesday, he stressed the pan-Arab body's "firm stance backing the Sudanese people and legitimate aspirations to security, peace, and sustainable development".

He stressed the importance of preserving Sudan's unity, both in terms of people and territory, safeguarding national institutions, preventing foreign interference, and launching an inclusive political process that represents all Sudanese factions.

For his part, Lamamra reviewed a UN action plan for the coming period and the challenges that impeded the diplomatic efforts, Xinhua news agency reported.

He emphasised the need for coordination between the AL and the UN to enhance the effectiveness of global initiatives aimed at resolving the crisis.

The two sides also discussed the latest political and field developments in Sudan, and efforts to achieve peace and end war, the AL said in a statement.

Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The International Organisation for Migration estimates that the conflict has displaced more than 15 million people, both within Sudan and abroad.

Aboul Gheit emphasised the importance of supporting any initiative to find a solution for the Sudanese state, while speaking during a meeting in Cairo with a delegation of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces a" known as Taqaddum a" led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.

Hamdok presented a plan for achieving a ceasefire and political process through an inclusive Sudanese dialogue to protect Sudan, save lives, and maintain progress.

He expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General for the initiative taken on March 5 calling the various Sudanese parties in the conflict and urging a truce during Ramadan.

The head of the Arab League had already called on the warring parties to reach a ceasefire agreement before the holy month.
Damascus/Jerusalem, May 1 : The death toll from ongoing sectarian clashes in the southern suburbs of Damascus climbed to 39, including 16 security personnel, after ceasefire efforts collapsed and intense fighting resumed in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, officials and monitoring groups said.

According to the Syrian interior authorities on Wednesday, armed groups launched coordinated attacks overnight on security checkpoints and patrols in agricultural zones surrounding the town, targeting both civilian and security vehicles.

Eleven officers from the General Security Directorate were killed in the initial assault, and another five fell during a renewed attack on Wednesday morning, bringing the total number of fallen security personnel to 16, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Ministry confirmed that ceasefire attempts involving local elders and government representatives were violated when the armed groups reneged on their commitments and resumed attacks.

"Any assault on public security forces is an assault on national stability," the Interior authorities said, vowing a firm response.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 22 people have been killed in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya alone, including six local Druze fighters and 16 members of pro-government and security forces.

The confrontations have involved light and medium weapons, and the situation on the ground remains volatile.

The Observatory noted low-flying Israeli reconnaissance aircraft were spotted over Sahnaya during the clashes, though no strikes were reported.

The recent violence stems from the leak of an audio recording attributed to a member of the Druze community containing comments deemed offensive to Islam.

The recording triggered widespread outrage and incitement on social media, setting off deadly clashes earlier this week in Jaramana, where 17 people were killed.

In total, at least 39 people have been killed in the latest wave of violence across Jaramana, Sahnaya, and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, including both government forces and local armed factions.

Local officials are continuing efforts to prevent further escalation, but as of Wednesday noon, fighting was ongoing, and fears persist that the unrest may drag on if not contained quickly.

Meanwhile, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir ordered the army to prepare for possible strikes on Syrian government targets if violence against Druze communities continues, the military said.

The military said in a statement that the instruction followed a situational assessment.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli air force struck what, according to the military, were "operatives on the outskirts of Damascus who had attacked Druze civilians".

The military said it was "monitoring developments in the region," and its troops are "deployed and prepared for defence and developments in the area of Syria".
Tehran, May 1 : Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has said that the fourth round of the Omani-mediated indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the US will be held in Rome on Saturday, media reported.

Araghchi made the remarks on the sidelines of a Cabinet meeting in Tehran on Wednesday while responding to questions about the ongoing talks with the US on Tehran's nuclear programme and Washington's sanctions.

He noted that Oman, as the talks' host, had decided to hold the fourth round in Rome due to technical and logistical reasons, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Iranian Foreign Minister said that the location Oman selected to host the negotiations was of no particular importance to Iran.

"Of importance to us are the contents of the negotiations and the mediator," he added.

Araghchi told media on Wednesday that, as confirmed by Oman, the new round of discussions is scheduled to be held in the Italian capital, continuing a format aimed at reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and facilitating the lifting of US-led sanctions.

The Rome meeting will be preceded by a separate round of consultations between Iran and the three European signatories to the 2015 nuclear accord -- the UK, France, and Germany -- on Friday.

Araghchi acknowledged that the influence of the E3 has waned due to their alignment with Washington's pressure policies, but emphasised Tehran's willingness to keep the European parties engaged.

Commenting on the US hostile measures, such as the imposition of fresh sanctions against Iran despite the ongoing negotiations, he noted that such actions would definitely convey a negative message.

Araghchi noted that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) currently played no role in the negotiations, but "will play an important role in the future if an agreement is reached".

He said, although no time frame had been decided for the talks' conclusion, Iran naturally was not interested in "attritional negotiations and is not after wasting time".

The first and third rounds of the indirect talks between Iran and the US, headed by the Iranian Foreign Minister and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, were held in the Omani capital Muscat on April 12 and 26, and the second one in Rome on April 19.
Berlin, May 1 : Members of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) have voted in favour of forming a coalition with the Union party, the SPD said in a statement.

The result paves the way for a new federal government led by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz.

Nearly 84.6 per cent of participating SPD members approved the coalition agreement, while 15.4 per cent rejected it, according to an official result released by the SPD, Xinhua news agency reported.

The result followed prior approvals of a deal between CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU).

In a statement, the SPD described the result as a "clear mandate to take on government responsibility".

With approvals secured from all three parties, the coalition agreement is scheduled to be formally signed next Monday.

"SPD members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the coalition agreement negotiated between the SPD and the CDU/CSU, providing strong grassroots backing for the party leadership to join the coalition government and take responsibility for Germany's interests," SPD Secretary General Matthias Miersch told a press conference in Berlin.

"Joining the coalition government isn't just about our partya"it's about our country. It's about charting the right course, to bring Germany forward, above all to invest in the future of this country, ensuring social justice, climate protection, securing jobs, fostering growth, providing relief for the middle class, and guiding our country safely through these turbulent times," he added.

Miersch announced that SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil will serve as the Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister in the new coalition government, with other SPD ministerial appointments to be finalised in the coming days.

Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz's CDU had approved the coalition agreement on Monday at a special party conference in Berlin.

The CDU's Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), endorsed the deal earlier this month.

Following the SPD's approval, party leaders will meet in Berlin on Monday to sign the coalition agreement, announce Cabinet appointments, and outline the new government's policy priorities.

The Parliament will then convene on Tuesday to elect Friedrich Merz as the new Chancellor, succeeding Olaf Scholz.

The Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) won 28.5 per cent in February's snap elections but fell short of an outright majority.

Despite the Social Democrats receiving their lowest-ever result at 16.4 per cent, they emerged as a crucial coalition partner.

Together, the parties will control 328 seats in Parliament, comfortably exceeding the 316-seat threshold needed for a governing majority.
Sanaa, May 1 : Yemen's Houthi group has said it had shot down a US F-18 fighter jet during an earlier assault on the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, and launched fresh drone attacks over the past 24 hours targeting another US carrier and Israeli cities.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said on Wednesday in a televised statement on the group's al-Masirah TV channel that the attack in the Red Sea resulted in the "downing of an F-18 fighter jet into the sea" and forced the Truman to "retreat toward the Suez Canal".

The US Navy said on Monday that an F/A-18 Super Hornet was lost at sea after it fell overboard while being moved aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, Xinhua news agency reported.

A US official said initial reports indicated the jet fell as the carrier made a hard turn to evade incoming Houthi fire.

Sarea also said the group had targeted the USS Carl Vinson and accompanying warships in the Arabian Sea with drones.

"We targeted the US aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, and its escorting warships using drones," he added.

He said that Houthi forces had also launched drone attacks on unspecified military sites in the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Ashkelon.

The claims could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate comment from the US or Israeli militaries.

Tensions between Houthis and the US have escalated since Washington resumed airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen on March 15.

The US has sought to deter the group from targeting Israel, commercial vessels, and US naval assets in the region.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have said they would halt attacks on Israel and US forces if Israel ends its military campaign in Gaza and allows humanitarian aid into Palestinian territories.

The Truman has been patrolling in the Middle East for several months, and recently had its stint extended by the US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth.

It is one of two US aircraft carriers operating in the area, where US forces have been striking the Houthis on a near daily basis using fighter jets, bombers, ships and drones.

"The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard," the Navy said.

The jet was part of Strike Fighter Squadron 136.
New York, May 1 : The US declared measles eliminated 25 years ago, but the growing outbreak of the disease centered in West Texas poses a threat to this status and signals the possibility of measles becoming more common, media reported.

"The Texas outbreak, which began in late January, has sickened more than 700 people, hospitalised dozens and spread to other states. Measles has taken its first lives in the US in over a decade," noted the Wall Street Journal report on Wednesday.

Some public health leaders and epidemiologists say it is possible the months-long Texas outbreak could last longer than a year, endangering the US's status, it added.

The US achieved the elimination milestone in 2000 after widespread vaccination efforts inoculated the vast majority of children with the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine, Xinhua news agency reported.

The World Health Organisation considers measles eliminated in countries where there is no endemic spread for at least 12 months under a robust tracking system. A disease is endemic when it has a regular presence within a population, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Measles cases in Texas rose to 663 on Tuesday, according to the state's health department, an increase of 17 cases since April 25, as the US battles one of its worst outbreaks of the previously eradicated childhood disease.

Cases in Gaines county, the centre of the outbreak, rose to 396, three more from its last update on Friday, the Texas department of state health services said.

Other states with active outbreaks -- defined as three or more cases -- include Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

With one-fifth of states seeing active measles outbreaks, the US is nearing 900 cases, according to figures posted on Friday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC's confirmed measles cases count is 884, triple the amount seen in all of 2024.

In communities with high vaccination rates -- above 95 per cent -- diseases like measles have a harder time spreading through communities. This is called "herd immunity".

But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their children from required shots.

The US saw a rise in measles cases in 2024, including an outbreak in Chicago that sickened more than 60.
The 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) opened on April 26 with expanded programming and an expansion of global participants, with 1,400 exhibitors representing 96 countries. Of those nations, 20 are participating for the first time, including Mexico, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Armenia, Mongolia, and Singapore. There are a total of 28 international pavilions and some two dozen literary agents participating in a fellowship program and rights center, including the Astier-Pecher Literary & Film Agency from Paris, London's Books Everywhere, and the Helsinki Literary Agency, among others.

The fair, which runs through May 5, is expected to attract more than 150,000 visitors. This year's theme is "Knowledge Illuminates Our Community," and as such the programming heavily emphasizes the promotion of reading, with nearly every large cultural institution from the UAE, including some 15 universities and numerous libraries, taking part.

The fair's Guest of Honor program is highlighting the "Culture of the Caribbean Basin." The 11th-century philosopher-physician Ibn Sina (also known in the West as Avicenna) is featured as the fair's Focus Personality, while One Thousand and One Nights is being celebrated as this year's Book of the World, with dedicated sessions exploring its historical and cultural influence.

Among notable new attractions is Al Mutanabbi Street, a recreation of the famous bookselling street in Baghdad street which celebrates Iraqi literary heritage and features rare books and publishers; Poetry Nights Majlis, which brings together Arab and international poets to perform together; and Under the Ghaf's Shade, an open-air literary space where authors read and sign books.

The fair is also honoring six pioneering Arab publishing houses for their contributions to building Arab intellectual consciousness and enhancing the presence of Arab culture globally: Lebanon's Dar Sader (founded in 1863), Egypt's Dar Al Maarif (1890), Syria's Dar Al Fikr (1957), UAE's Dubai Library (1969), Kuwait's That Al Salasil (1972), and Jordan's Dar Al Shorok (1979).

In addition, the fair announced the launch of the Thaqafa Youth Prize for writers under the age of 30, which will offer publication of one novel and one scientific nonfiction work. The prize was launched in honor of the late Bassam Shabaro, founder of Lebanon's Arab Scientific Publishers, and Ali Obeid bin Hatem Al Balushi, partner in Dar Thaqafa for Publishing and Distributioon of the UAE.

Arabic literary translation remains challenging

Among the highlights of the first few days of the fair was a conversation with translator Katharine Halls about the challenge of trying to publish Arabic translations in English. Halls is the winner of the 2024 Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation for her translation of Ahmed Naji's Rotten Evidence (McSweeney's, 2023), as well as the cofounder, along with Alice Guthrie, of 10/11, a literary agency focused on representing Arabic-language authors. Halls was joined in conversation by Samuel Shimon, cofounder of Banipal, the long-running magazine of contemporary Arabic literature in English translation.

Halls frequently described the obstacles facing interesting publishers in Arabic books as "near impossible." She cited the lack of Arabic-language readers at publishing houses as especially acute, and noted that it is not a problem that "faces French books, for example."

In discussing publishers' attitudes toward Arabic literature, Halls noted a gap in understanding, and emphasized the Arab world is a very big place, with hundreds of millions of people, and dozens of countries, all with different cultures. "Publishers think they know everything that there is from that place from news stories, but they don'tthen translators and others have to jump in and fill in those gaps in knowledge," she said. "We give them what we've got, but we don't know it all either, of course."

For Arabic-language translation to truly flourish, Halls said, "translations should reflect the breadth of voices and experiences rather than narrow stereotypes." She also noted that even books that do adhere to what are flawed stereotypes, such as those about conflict, censorship, and imprisonment, are instructive, especially to readers in parts of the world where their freedoms have previously been taken for granted.

Both she and Shimon emphasized that prizes play a crucial role in gaining international recognition for translated works. Shimon used the prize of AED 750,000 ($204,000) that his publishing company, Banipal, won in 2020, after taking home the Sheikh Zayed Book Awards in the Publishing and Technology category, to launch as Spanish-language edition of the Banipal literary journal.

SZBA honor Arabic literary leaders, Murakami

This year's Sheikh Zayed Book Awards ceremony, held April 29, honored literary achievement across the Arab world. The awards, which are given in 10 categories, covered a wide range of topics from the evolution of Muslim women's rights to Arabic literary culture in Southeast Asia in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Ali Bin Tamim, secretary general of the awards and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Language Center, pointed out that the Awardswhich were launched in 2006have now seen 136 winners from 80 different countries. A total of 139 publishers have been represented and winning titles have been subsequently translated into 10 languages.

The Awards are also among the most generous in the world, now offering a total prize fund of AED 7,750,000 ($2.1 million), with each winner receiving AED 750,000 ($204,000) and the Cultural Personality of the Year receiving AED 1 million ($272,000).

The intention of the prize money is to serve as financial support to enable the writers to continue in their profession or take on challenges that might otherwise be beyond their means. For example, Marco Di Branco, who won this year's Translation Award for his English-language version of Orosius's Seven Books Against the Pagansa classic historical text about the relationship between the Arabic world and ancient Greek and Roman historyplans to use his prize money to facilitate his work on a comprehensive, interactive encyclopedia on the topic. "It will be a project that may take me the rest of my life and will be a pinnacle of my work," he said.

This year saw the two main literary awards go to books that explored those people often misunderstood by society. Lebanese-French author Hoda Barkat won the Literature Award for her novel Hind or the Most Beautiful Woman in the World, a novel about a woman with acromegaly, while the Children's Literature Award went to Moroccan author Latifa Labsir for The Phantom of Sabiba, about a pair of siblings, one of whom is autistic.

This year also saw a rare appearance by Japanese author Haruki Murakami, who was named Cultural Personality of the Year. In a short speech, Ali Bin Tamim, secretary general of the awards and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Language Center, noted that Murakami found inspiration for his work in having read One Thousand and One Nights. "His work serves to connect our two cultures, both Asian and Arabic," Bin Tamim told PW.

In this acceptance speech, Murakami called winning the award "a great surprise and an immense honor." He added, "I have long believed that stories constitute a universal language. They are like seeds carried by the wind, scattered across the world. Wherever they land they take root in people's hearts, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries to bloom into beautiful flowers. The young boy in Japan, upon reading One Thousand and One Nights, may come to know the joy of storytelling and perhaps, in time, grow to become a writer himself."
The poet Lena Khalaf Tuffaha traces her love of writing to summers spent at her grandfathers house in Amman, Jordan. It was an idyllic place, bursting at the seams with grandchildren, and located in a neighborhood long inhabited by writers. Every single room almost had floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in it, she recalls over Zoom from her home in Washington state, a stack of books leaning precariously behind her, glasses resting atop her head as if ready to read at a moments notice. Her grandfather, who served as the poet laureate of Jordan, sat at the dining room table every morning and would draft with his fountain pen in longhand. For Khalaf Tuffahawhose latest poetry collection, Something About Living, won the 2024 National Book Awardthis scene left an indelible imprint. Writing was human and accessible, she says. It was happening at my source of joy.

Born in Seattle in 1975, Khalaf Tuffaha grew up across the Arab worldJordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwaitbefore returning to the U.S. on the eve of the Gulf War, in September of 1990. She grounds her tendency to write about teachers in this peripatetic upbringing. I lived in multiple different cities, and in those cities, my parents moved me around in different school systems, she said. I was a new person often. Sometimes a great teacher can make that experience much gentler. Khalaf Tuffaha, who is of Palestinian, Jordanian, and Syrian heritage and speaks English and Arabic, took particular refuge in language. Language teachers are really important to me, she said. Language was my way of connecting in new places, mastery of language gave me access when other things weren't available.

As a student at the University of Washington, where she studied comparative literature, she discovered the work of June Jordan. She recalls coming across one of Jordans books at the bookstore next to her bus stop. The next thing she knew, she was sitting on the floor, copying poems into her journal. I randomly pulled Living Room off the shelf, she said, referencing Jordans 1985 collection, which includes a number of poems expressing solidarity with Palestinians. Imagine! I had never heard of her. No one in any literature class I had taken ever said anything about herbut of course, makes total sense given what she was writing about.

Reading Jordans poem Apologies to the People of Lebanon, which Jordan dedicates to the 60,000 Palestinian men, women, and children who lived in Lebanon from 1948-1983, Khalaf Tuffaha says she felt a kinship with its author. It was shocking to see myself, people I belong toto see an engagement with us as members of the human family, she recalls. I was riveted by this American poet who was also interested in being part of the world.

Palestinian life is also the subject of Khalaf Tuffahas Something About Living, the opening epigraph of which draws from Jordans poem Moving towards Home: because I need to speak about home / I need to speak about living room / where the land is not bullied and beaten into / a tombstone. The collection also draws its name from Khalaf Tuffahas poem Letter to June Jordan in September.

Something About Living, published in April 2024, is Khalaf Tuffahas third full-length collection. Her debut collection, Water & Salt, was published by Red Hen Press in 2018 and won a Washington State Book Award. She calls her second collection, Kaan and Her Sisters, her Toni Morrison bookreferencing the novelists remark that If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it. Khalaf Tuffaha submitted it for several years until it was finally published by Trio House Press in 2023. I was obsessed with the idea of Kaan for yearssketches of those poems happened right after the beginning of the Arab Spring, she says. For obvious reasons, that was an earth-shattering, history-altering series of events.

Something About Living had an easier journey, with University of Akron Press being one of the first places she sent it to. Its selection by Adrien Matejka for the 2022 Akron Poetry Prize was announced on September 30th, 2022just weeks after the announcement for the acquisition of Kaan and Her Sisters, for Trio Houses 2022 Trio Award. With the two collections published in such quick succession, Khalaf Tuffaha recalls feeling like there was little time to process either work.

Khalaf Tuffaha did not always plan to be a poet. In 2005, she cofounded the Institute of Middle Eastern Understanding, a nonprofit that aims to provide journalists with access to information about Palestine. She had a skill for writing political essays, and wanted to put it to use. Poetry, on the other hand, felt like a personal pursuit for a later time. Becoming a mother, she says, motivated her to pursue her passion for poetry. She earned her MFA in poetry at Pacific Lutheran Universitys low-residence program in 2017.

That same year, Khalaf Tuffaha was named as the inaugural poet-in-residence at the poetry bookstore Open Books in Seattle. Owner Billie Swift said that her residency helped open readers up to new works. She wrote knowing the bulk of her audience would most likely be unfamiliar with many of the Arab and Arab American poets she referenced, Swift said. I always marvel at how shes able to move her audience with a steady pressure of revelation and invitation. In 2024, she curated a year-long subscription of Palestinian poetry books with Open Books.

In addition to being a poet, she is also a translator, editor, and community organizer. From 2021 to 2022, she coedited and cotranslated the Poems from Palestine series at the Baffler alongside Fady Joudah, and last year she served as the curator of the Words Without Borders series Against Silence: Palestinian Writing in English. Khalaf Tuffaha says she loves how translation immediately reduces me back to a fully intimidated student, calling it a great way to stay young.

Khalaf Tuffaha also believes in the power of writing to challenge a reader, and through discomfort grow their world. Accepting the prize in poetry at last year's National Book Awards, she evoked the words of June Jordan that to tell the truth isto begin to love yourself while donning a Palestinian thobe. We are now living in the second November of the American-funded genocide in PalestineI hope that every one of us can love ourselves enough to stand up and to make it stop, she said during her speech. Our service is needed as writersin every room, in every space, especially where there is something to risk, or there is an opportunity to be lost, where that courage will really cost you.

She hopes her win can bring heightened visibility and more opportunities to Arab American writers and readers. "It's a huge gift to have Something About Living receive this recognition if for nothing other than the opportunity to have the work be more deeply read, Khalaf Tuffaha says. Especially for Arab American writers, I just don't think we get that. I hope that changes, not just for me.

When asked if, despite the difficult histories explored in her work, she can locate a sense of joy in her writing, she laughs. God, I hope I'm writing towards some distant joy, she says. I want to put it in a deeply Arab wayjoy is not somehow separate from grief. In the heart, joy is maintained through the love that is shared in communitynot a kind of Western detachment. I think the impulse to write is an impulse to live.
In another effort to meet its pledge to expand its international and foreign-language publishing program, Simon & Schuster has entered into a joint publishing arrangement with Urano World Publishing Group, one of the biggest independent publishers in Spain and Latin America.

The agreement is between Primero Sueno Press, an imprint formed by Atria Books in February 2024 dedicated to publishing Latinx/Latine/Hispanic authors in both English and Spanish, and Urano World, which has offices in eight countries.

As part of the agreement, a select number of Primero Sueno's Spanish-language titles will be published in Spain and Latin America by Urano World and its imprints, which will also distribute titles directly to most Spanish-speaking territories throughout the world. According to S&S, titles published in Latin America and Spain will be co-branded as PSP and Urano, and will be published under different Urano imprints depending on the subject matter.

In addition, the joint venture will feature an inaugural list of more than 20 translated titles publishing both in the U.S. and in partnership with Urano World. The first copublished title will be the Spanish edition of For Whom the Belle Tolls by Jaysea Lynn, which will be released on October 21, 2025, in conjunction with publication of the books special edition in the U.S. Future publications include the Spanish editions of The Book of Shadow Work; Detoxify: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System, and the horror anthology The Ghosts of Where We Are From.

Were eager to introduce Simon & Schusters most impactful titles to our community, both original and in translation, to new markets around the world with such a dynamic strategic partner, said Michelle Herrera Mulligan, VP and associate publisher at Primero Sueno in a statement.
On April 29, in response to an April 1 request for summary judgment by Florida attorney general James Uthmeier and his legal team, the plaintiffs in Penguin Random House LLC v. Gibson urged Florida district court judge Carlos E. Mendoza to make his determination in a case targeting the improper removal of books from public school classrooms and libraries.

Critics argue that the law violates the First Amendment, fails to acknowledge the expertise of librarians and educators who select books and materials, and enables unconstitutional prohibitions on school materials that are alleged to be pornographic or harmful to minors. A decision has the potential to resound in Idaho and Iowa, where books have been removed pending review and librarians have been threatened with punishment for providing materials censors find objectionable.

Plaintiffs in the suit, which was filed last August in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando division, include all of the Big Five publishers, plus Sourcebooks and the Authors Guild. They are joined by authors Julia Alvarez, John Green, Laurie Halse Anderson, Jodi Picoult, and Angie Thomas, who assert that book removals violate authors free speech and harm their livelihoods. Two Florida parents also join the plaintiffs on behalf of their children, who could not use their school libraries to access specific books that they wanted to read.

Their case takes to task Floridas state board of education, chaired by Ben Gibson, and Florida House Bill 1069, which requires the suspension of materials alleged to contain pornography or obscene depictions of sexual conductpending resolution of an objection to the material. HB 1069 was signed into law by governor Ron DeSantis in May 2023, and has enabled the removal of public school and library materials.

In the filing, attorneys for the plaintiffs insisted that the State Defendants devote nearly half of their brief to repeating virtually verbatim arguments that this Court has already rejected, effectively seeking reconsideration of this Courts prior rulings, adding that the plaintiffs have suffered First Amendment injury that is traceable to and redressable by both sets of Defendants.

The filing continued: As the State Defendants admit, preexisting Florida law prohibited the inclusion of books that are obscene for minors in Florida school libraries. The plaintiffs further note that, even if the State Defendants had presented any evidence that Florida school libraries contain books that are obscene for minorswhich they did not dothe solution would be to enforce the statute, as established in Miller v. California (argued in 1972) and Ginsberg v. New York (1968).

Should judge Mendoza rule in favor of PRH and its associates, this would require the revision of a mandatory objection form for challenging school materials and the admission that HB 1069s provision for book removal is unconstitutional. In their request for summary judgment, attorneys for PRH et al. write, the Publisher Plaintiffs, Author Plaintiffs, and Student Plaintiffs ask this Court to remedy their own constitutional injuries, which remedies would also resolve the constitutional injuries suffered by similarly situated partiesother publishers, authors, and students, respectively.

Twice, the defendants have exhorted judge Mendoza to dismiss the case, and in February the judge denied the defendants December 2024 motion to dismiss. Plaintiffs contend that, in all the materials filed since then, the State Defendants do not identify any change in the law, new evidence, or clear error by this Court that should stand in the way of a judicial decision.
Publishing startup Authors Equity has partnered with German new adult romance imprint LYX Books to bring bestselling LYX titles to North American readers. The two publishers plan to introduce a total of four different LYX series in the first six months of the partnership, with all installments releasing on a bimonthly schedule.

This fall, the publishers will launch what they call "a rapid-release program" starting with two seriesSarah Sprinz's Dunbridge Academy series and Selina Mae's Hall Beck University serieswith new installments published by Authors Equity every two months. The program kicks off with Sprinz's Anywhere (translated by Rachel Ward) in October and Mae's Lessons in Faking (an English original) in November. Dunbridge Academy also includes the novels Anyone and Anytime, and Hall Beck University also includes the titles Lessons in Forgiving and Lessons in Failing.

"This model reflects how younger readersespecially Gen Z and millennialsconsume content today," said Authors Equity president Nina von Moltke, in a statement. "They want consistency and momentum in their romance reading journey, just as they experience it when streaming. We're bringing the same approach to publishing by delivering LYX's already-successful stories on a schedule that matches modern content consumption habits."

To support the partnership, Danielle Finnegan, formerly at Little, Brown, has joined Authors Equity as brand marketing lead. Finnegan will work with LYX to build and expand the brand in the U.S. In Germany, LYX publishes such American romance authors as Hannah Grace, Ana Huang, Elle Kennedy, and Elsie Silver.

The partnership follows a recent explosion in the new adult category in the U.S. Entangled Publishing was among the first to get in on the trend, debuting its Red Tower new adult imprint in late 2022a show of foresight that earned Entangled publisher Liz Pelletier the title of PW's 2024 person of the year. Last summer, Macmillan launched its first new adult fiction imprint, Saturday Books, and Hachette Book Group followed suit this past February with the launch of Requited.
Picture a plump, aging man wearing water wings in a Beijing pool, cursing under his breath. Not the fondest memory for Nikita Khrushchev  best known for staring down Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. As he bobbed awkwardly, Mao Zedong circled around him, relishing the humiliation of a supposed peer he knew couldnt swim.

The scene remains a near-perfect metaphor: the mistrust and tension that colored Russia-China relations then  in 1958, when Chinas GDP was less than a quarter of the Soviet Unions  and now, when Russias crumbling economy is barely a tenth of Chinas.

And yet, here the West is today  slowly, passively, despite stated interests, turning this uneasy alliance of frenemies into something far more dangerous.

Since 2008, the West has stood by as Moscow tested the postwar order  invading Georgia, grabbing Crimea, and slicing into eastern Ukraine. Sanctions were imposed and statements issued, but deterrence isnt asserted with deep concerns  its measured by what youre willing to stop. And thats where Western leaders have failed.

Unsure of where to place its bets, Beijing didnt rush to embrace Russia; it watched. But Washingtons inaction and lack of resolve made Chinas calculation easier: better to align with a fellow revisionist power than to hedge its rise on a fickle West.

There are two distinct paths forward  one that drives a wedge between Moscow and Beijing, and one that cements their partnership.

First, consider this scenario: America draws a clear line, telling Russia  get out. Withdraw from Ukrainian territory, and in return, sanctions will be lifted, relations restored.

Some say its a tall order, but we havent even tried. We talk of strength, of standing by our word, but what could be more powerful than honoring a promise, vague as it was, made decades ago when we stripped Kyiv of its nuclear insurance against the very Russian aggression it has endured for generations?

The moral case for supporting Ukraine is airtight. Russias war is a criminal act under the very rules we established after WWII. The stakes for Americas security and prosperity couldnt be higher. A world where aggression goes unpunished is one where defense budgets skyrocket.

The Pentagon spends nearly a trillion dollars per year  more than the next nine largest military budgets combined. If we want to remain the undisputed leader in a world where others are ramping up spending, the $40 billion a year of aiding Ukraine will look like pocket change.

Russia plays to win. We play not to offend. Instead of speaking softly and carrying a big stick, we are making grand pronouncements and extending olive branches, which are seen by the Kremlin not as goodwill to be appreciated, but as weakness to exploit.

They are laughing at us, said Boris Johnson  and hes right. So why are we afraid to pursue the one and only just outcome: restoring Ukraines borders and kicking the invaders out? Because Putin will call it escalation? God knows neither the world nor the U.S. need his permission to dispense a long-overdue accountability.

True, the Kremlin, led by a wanted war criminal, would see this as a bitter pill to swallow. But swallow it must, for this Potemkin superpower chose to wage war on a small neighbor  and now finds itself unable to prevail unless America, through misjudgment, hesitation, or neglect, hands it a victory.

controls cost Three years after the full scale invasion, Russialess of Ukraines territory today than it did at a high point in 2022. It is making marginal gains at aof 1,200 casualties a day.

By turning itself into a pariah, Moscow has become shackled to Beijing, a vassal state in an arrangement where President Xi holds all the cards. Meanwhile, its partnerships with Iran and North Korea have become essential lifelines  Tehran supplies drones and missiles, while Pyongyang ships artillery shells and even deploys troops. But Moscow still has a choice: remain trapped in Chinas orbit or break free. It simply has to abandon the drive to recolonize Ukraine. While the Kremlin plays its venal games, Washington overlooks a quiet but potent lever: over one hundred million Russians. Many may cheer for conquest and love to hate America, but beneath lies a populace that craves stability, something Putin has leveraged for years. Pride in being    outside of politics  runs deep, yet even apathy has its limits, especially as living standards decline. Do Russians truly wish to live under Beijings yoke, trading their future for Moscows imperial delusions? Their economic interests would be better served by a Russia that turns westward, not east, and rebuilds ties with Europe and America  on our terms, not Putins. If Russia walks away with anything resembling victory, its pre-2022 marriage of convenience with China  transformed into a no limits friendship after Moscow launched its full-scale war  will harden into a triumphant alliance  confident enough to rewrite rules, redraw borders, and challenge American power. Imagine the U.S. lifting sanctions or striking deals while Russia clings to stolen lives and land. Forcing Ukraine to capitulate  even if we dress it up as diplomacy  wouldnt just be a betrayal of our principles; it would signal to Moscow and Beijing that the West really is as hypocritical, weak and divided as they always claimed. Remember the last time we saved Moscow? Stalin, ever-so-hungry for conquest, signed a pact with Hitler to carve up Poland. When Hitler inevitably turned on Moscow, it was America that came to the rescue with Lend-Lease  sending 400,000 trucks, 14,000 aircraft, 13,000 tanks. Without it, the USSR stood little chance. And how did Moscow show its gratitude? By scheming for control over Eastern Europe and plunging the world into the Cold War. The same story repeated itself this century when Germany embraced Wandel durch Handel  "change through trade"  believing economic ties would tame Russias belligerence. Instead, it backfired spectacularly. Moscow weaponized its gas trade, turning cooperation into blackmail. No concession will make Moscow see us as anything but an enemy. Americas very existence  the land of the free and the home of the brave  is a threat to Russia, which can only survive as an oppressive empire. Every reset has been met with duplicity, because for the Kremlin, peace isnt an end  its a pause before the next act of aggression. We should be reminding Moscow of Khrushchevs water-wings humiliation, not handing Putin the victory Stalin never lived to see  America too indecisive to defend freedom against tyranny.
Disney/Christopher Willard

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 04/30/2025



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

ette star Joan Vassos has asked critics to back off because she's proudly and unapologetically taking her relationship with Chock Chapple at her own pace."I want to say, like, 'Let us be together! Let's just have fun and date!' We will get married, I just don't know when," Joan told Us Weekly in a recent interview.Joan and Chock got engaged in Summer 2024 and their engagement aired on ette finale in November 2024.Because Joan and Chock's relationship is thriving , fans are wondering when the blonde beauty will walk down the aisle."There's lots of very successful Bachelor couples out there. Just because they don't all succeed doesn't mean it's not possible and that people aren't there for the right reasons," Joan shared with the magazine."I was just in Punta Cana with [ Charity Lawson ] and [ Dotun Olubeko ]. They haven't gotten married yet. They hear about it all the time."Joan pointed out how she and Chock are in a similar position with their fans, constantly fielding questions and concerns about when they're going to tie the knot."It's important that people recognize that it's a very weird journey that you go on when you do ," Joan explained."You take a leap of faith right at the end, like, 'I think this is my person. I'm not positive, I have not lived with them in the outside world. I haven't seen how they treat waiters and waitresses or service personnel. I haven't seen how they interact with my family or how they get along with my friends.'"Joan added, "So you're taking a leap of faith and then you go out and you start dating them and that dating takes a little bit of time. Chock and I are in that part of it."The first star Gerry Turner , however, didn't take his time with his winner Theresa Nist Gerry and Theresa got married in January 2024, just a few months after their marriage proposal aired on ABC, and then he filed for divorce in April 2024. (The pair's divorce was finalized in June 2024).Joan said of getting to know Chock post-show, "It's been great every second of it, and it's, maybe, solidified our relationship more and more and made that leap of faith seem like we absolutely did the right thing.""We will get married," she assured fans, "but we are not ready to plan a wedding out."Joan explained how she and Chock are in the process of meeting each other's friends."We're spending time getting to know each other even more. There's no rush. I don't have a biological clock. I'm over that. I have four kids. It does [add] to the whole element of it," Joan said."We're not dying to build a house together. We both have homes. We have all those things that we're not worried about doing. We're just having fun being together."Joan, who lives in Maryland near her family, also confirmed that she's in no rush to live with Chock, who still runs a business in Kansas.Joan noted how she and Chock are still in a "crazy" and "unexpected" whirlwind after falling in love on ette."We both thought when we came off the show, we'd just live a life as a couple. We didn't realize that the opportunities would continue, which has been such a blessing," Joan gushed."We have lived a little bit of a jet-set life and we don't have to plan all of our meetings. When we don't have anything to do for a TV or radio or podcast or whatever, we do have to figure out when we're going to get together."Joan elaborated, "But we have so many of those weaved into him coming to Maryland or me going to Kansas that we actually haven't spent a lot of times at either one of each other's homes, which is exactly what we thought we would be doing."However, Joan admitted that she and Chock feel like they still "owe" something at the end of the day."Because I want people to actually see that this was successful and that you can find love later in life and you can actually find love on a show. Lots of us do," Joan said.Joan apparently wants to inspire people in their golden years to look for love and never give up on finding happiness."People dating at an older age, I don't think they realize how much fun it can be," Joan said."For the first time in your life, you have time and you have resources. You have money! When you're younger, you're spending money on your kids, you're building a life, you're buying a house, you're doing all these things that cost a lot of money."Joan said she and Chock are luckily "through all that" and can enjoy the fruits of their labor."You're not sending your kids to college anymore. They've already graduated. You finally have time and resources and, if you have your health, this is a darn fun, good time of life," Joan told the magazine."All you people getting older and worried about your 60s, it could be the best time of your life."Chock said earlier this year via Instagram Stories that he could envision marrying Joan in late 2025 or 2026 Prior to meeting Chock, Joan -- who failed to find love with Gerry on -- was married to her late husband, John Vassos, for 32 years. Joan and John welcomed four children together, and then he passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer in 2021.Interested in more news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
Much like the American government, the University of Georgia Student Government Association is made up of an executive, legislative and judicial branch. Although the executive ticket garners the most attention when elections roll around each year, the legislative branch, or SGA senate, is a critical and unique component of student government.
Amid the ongoing controversy in Maharashtra over Ola Electric stores operating without a trade certificate, sources at the Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer said the company is currently transitioning from a centralised warehouse model to a retail-focused approach.

Photograph: Courtesy, Ola Electric

They emphasized that Ola Electric is ensuring all regulatory compliances are being met during this shift.

Ola Electric now operates around 4,000 company-owned stores.

"As it gradually transitions its retail model from centralised warehouses to these stores, the company is ensuring all regulatory compliances are met in parallel, a person aware of the development told Business Standard.

According to sources, Ola Electric is heading distribution network transformation projects such as shutting regional warehouses and shipping vehicles, spare parts and accessories from the factory directly to stores, automating registration and other processes, and productivity improvements in the sales and service network.

In addition to cost savings, these changes have resulted in reducing average vehicle inventory from 35 to 20 days, and reducing delivery time for customers from 12 days to 4 days.

Regional Transport offices in Maharashtra have been told to shut Ola Electric stores that are operating without a trade certificate.

Business Standard could not reach the state transport commissioner for a comment despite several attempts.

According to reports, the RTOs started inspecting Ola Electric stores from early March and found that several of these experience centres were operating without a trade certificate, or sharing one among themselves.

Subsequently, on March 31, the Maharashtra Transport department served a notice to Ola to explain the lack of the crucial document.

We have not received any such notice from the authorities.

"We urge you to refrain from publishing reports that are not substantiated by accurate facts and proper context.

"We continue to work closely with the concerned authorities in Maharashtra to address any specific queries or concerns swiftly, an Ola Electric spokesperson said.

According to company sources, Ola Electric retails and registers its vehicles exclusively through its state-level distribution centres or warehouses, all of which are fully certified for trade.

The company does not conduct sales through smaller outlets; vehicles displayed at these locations are already registered and kept there for delivery.

"As the company transitions its retail model from warehouses to stores, some confusion may arise.

"Ola Electric is proactively engaging with authorities to clarify any misunderstandings," said a person familiar with the matter, requesting anonymity.

Crackdowns on stores, however, continue in Maharashtra. More than 120 stores were found to operate without trade certificates, and of them 75 have been shut so far, reports claimed.
Indian airlines are likely to face additional weekly expenses of Rs 77 crore for international flights operated from north Indian cities as the airspace curbs result in increased fuel consumption and longer flight duration.

Photograph: Air India Express on Facebook

An analysis of the number of overseas flights and back-of-the-envelope calculations based on increased flight time as well as approximate expenses by PTI showed that the additional monthly operational costs could be over Rs 306 crore.

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan due to the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan on Thursday said it will bar Indian airlines from using its airspace.

Alternative flight path is resulting in additional flying time of up to 1.5 hours for international flights from Delhi and north Indian cities.

A senior airline industry official, who has extensive experience in the commercial side, told PTI that the additional time for a 16-hour flight to North America will be around 1.5 hours.

For 1.5 additional hours, the cost will be around Rs 29 lakh, including landing and parking charges on account of a technical halt in an airport enroute, the official said.

Similarly, the additional flight time for a 9-hour flight to Europe will be about 1.5 hours, and the extra cost will be around Rs 22.5 lakh.

In the case of Middle East flights, the additional time will be around 45 minutes, and the resultant cost will be about Rs 5 lakh, the official said.

Indian carriers are scheduled to operate more than 6,000 flights one way to various international destinations in April, data from aviation analytics firm Cirium showed.

Over 800 weekly flights are operated by Indian airlines to and from north Indian cities to overseas destinations, including North America, the UK, Europe and the Middle East, as per an analysis of the Cirium data.

There are little over 3,100 flights both ways in a month, and on a weekly basis, the count comes to nearly 800 flights.

Out of the total monthly flights, nearly 1,900 are operated with narrow-body planes and some wide-body aircraft to the Middle East.

Considering the additional cost of Rs 5 lakh per flight for the extra 45 minutes, the overall expenses will be about Rs 90 crore.

With respect to Europe and North America, the total two-way flights are nearly 1,200.

On the basis of additional flying time of 1.5 hours costing around Rs 29 lakh for North America services and Rs 22 lakh for Europe flights, the total amount will be about Rs 306 crore per month.

As per the analysis, the total additional monthly expenses will be about Rs 307 crore and Rs 77 crore on a weekly basis. These figures are based on rough estimates.

Apart from higher fuel consumption, longer flying hours also pose payload and aircraft availability issues, as well as crew flying duty time limitation challenges for airlines.

On April 25, IndiGo said that around 50 international routes operated by it will require longer sectors and hence may be subject to some slight schedule adjustments.

"With the same restrictions and limited rerouting options, unfortunately, Almaty and Tashkent are outside the operational range of IndiGo's current fleet," it had said in a statement.

Flights to Almaty stand cancelled from April 27 until at least May 7 and to Tashkent from April 28 until May 7.

Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet and Akasa Air have not made announcements about flight cancellations due to the airspace curbs.

Air India operates widebody A350s, B777s and B787s while IndiGo operates B787 and B777s taken on lease.

The remaining carriers -- Air India Express, SpiceJet and Akasa Air -- operate narrow-body planes such as A320s, A321s and B737s.
The inclusion of a no-contest clause in Ratan Tatas will has caught the attention of India Inc, prompting a wave of interest among promoters of listed companies and business families.

Photograph: Punit Paranjpe/Reuters

Legal advisors and estate planners are seeing a noticeable uptick in queries, as wealthy individuals look for ways to shield their legacies from courtroom battles.

The clause, which disinherits any beneficiary who contests the will, is a common feature in western estate planning but remains largely unfamiliar in India.

Amit A Tungare, managing partner at Mumbai-based law firm Asahi Legal, said the clause is exceptionally rare in Indian testamentary practice.

While common in western legal systems, these provisions have seldom appeared in Indian testamentary documents until now, he said.

After this high-profile case, Ive noticed a significant increase in clients  particularly business owners  enquiring about similar protections.

Ratan Tata, the doyen of Indian industry and former chairman of the Tata Group, passed away on October 9 last year.

His will, currently undergoing probate in the Bombay high court, lists multiple beneficiaries and includes assets reportedly worth Rs 3,900 crore, among which are shares of Tata Sons.

The no-contest clause in the will states that any person who challenges it will lose all rights and benefits under it.

Tungare believes the case could set a precedent for Indias wealthy, who are increasingly exploring wealth preservation strategies that give them greater posthumous control over their legacies.

Legal experts say that such clauses are now being seriously considered, especially as families seek to avoid prolonged succession disputes.

Many individuals, particularly those with significant assets or complex family dynamics, are now considering no-contest clauses as a way to deter potential challenges and ensure a smooth distribution of their estate, said Nidhi Singh, partner at New Delhi-headquartered IndiaLaw LLP.

The increased interest comes against the backdrop of a rise in intra-family legal disputes in corporate India. Binoy Parikh, partner at Katalyst Advisors, a Mumbai-based M&A legal advisory firm, said that while the clause has gained attention due to Tatas will, the trend had been building.

Many promoter families, apprehending potential disputes among beneficiaries that could stall the probate process, have started to incorporate this clause, Parikh said.

It acts as a safeguard, protecting the will from being tied up in litigation.

Common or rare?

Known in legal parlance as in terrorem clauses (literally meaning in fear), no-contest clauses are designed to discourage beneficiaries from disputing the terms of a will, at times on frivolous grounds, leading to time-consuming legal battles.

They work by creating a deterrent  the threat of disinheritance  to protect the testators intent, reduce internal disputes, and pave the way for a smooth execution of the will.

Radhika Gaggar, partner and co-headPrivate Client at law firm Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, said it is no longer unusual for clients to insert a no-contest clause in their wills.

The motive is two-fold  to protect their legacy and decisions regarding distribution of wealth under the will, and to avoid conflicts amongst the legatees after their demise, she said.

According to Parikh, the growing complexity of family structures and the increasing number of contested wills in corporate India make such clauses more relevant.

In the last two years, we have been incorporating the no-contest clause, he said.

However, some legal experts remain cautious.

N G Khaitan, senior partner at law firm Khaitan & Co, said that such clauses are not always well-suited for wills where the beneficiaries are close family members.

When the bequest is in favour of family members, Ive found that people dont want to include such clauses, he said.

Its more useful when there are several beneficiaries, especially those outside the immediate family, he added.

Legal landscape: Grey areas remain

Globally, no-contest clauses enjoy mixed legal treatment.

In the United States, for instance, several states recognise the clause, while others limit its enforceability.

In India, however, the clause exists in a legal grey zone.

The clause is not common in India as it could be seen as curbing the legal rights of individuals, said Saket U Gandhi, partner at Ahmedabad-based Gandhi Law Associates.

The right to sue is, after all, a legal right in Indian law.

Even though the clause may potentially help reduce litigation, the right to challenge cannot be taken away, Khaitan said.

There are other complexities as well.

Singh of IndiaLaw LLP points out that inheritance laws in India  governed by the Indian Succession Act, 1925 or the Hindu Succession Act, 1956  do not explicitly recognise or prohibit such clauses.

Such a clause can be incorporated as a cautionary measure, but the enforceability and legality would have to be interpreted and determined by the courts, she said.

Sanjay Basu, founding partner at New Delhi-headquartered Aquilaw, seconded that view.

He added that the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, which governs private trusts created for specific identifiable persons or purposes, also does not recognise or categorically prohibit a no-contest clause.

Since there is a legal vacuum with respect to the recognition or prohibition of the no-contest clause in Indian jurisprudence, its enforceability is left to the judicial scrutiny on a case by case basis, he said.

Courts may, for instance, override such clauses if there are legitimate concerns like fraud, coercion or undue influence, said Jidesh Kumar, managing partner at Delhi-based law firm King Stubb & Kasiva.

Barring such circumstances, the clause helps reinforce the testators intent and can discourage unnecessary challenges, he added.

While the no-contest clause in Ratan Tatas will may not have absolute clarity in Indian law, it has already succeeded in starting a wider conversation.

Whether it becomes a mainstream estate planning tool for Indias wealthy remains to be seen  but the shift in sentiment is unmistakable.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) brass, including its Governor Sanjay Malhotra, on Tuesday told a Parliamentary panel that it was optimistic about the impact of the US tariffs on the Indian economy and, in long-run, it could benefit the country due to dipping trade relations between the US and China.

Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by Congress Lok Sabha member KC Venugopal, held two meetings on Tuesday, one with top RBI officials and the other with the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and managing directors of some of the top nationalised banks.

Banking reforms was the overarching theme of the two meetings.

At the panels meeting, Governor Malhotra and Deputy Governor Rajeshwar Rao were present.

At the second meeting, the DFS Secretary and MDs of SBI, Indian Bank, Canara Bank, IDBI and Punjab National Bank were present.

On tariffs, the RBI Governor and Deputy Governor told the panel that the central bank is still analysing the impact, but their outlook was positive, that they do not see any big impact on the economy.

The DFS told the panel that the government could bring the Banning of Unregulated Lending Activities Bill in the next session of Parliament, to check public lending by individuals or organisations that are neither registered under any law, nor authorised by the RBI or other regulators.

Panel members also wanted to know why the DFS had approved an infusion of 8,000 crore into the State Bank of India in 2018 as part of its recapitalisation exercise without the countrys biggest lender asking for such funds.

A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report presented in Parliament in 2023 had also flagged the issue.

The panel, which has 22 members, sought to know from the DFS and MDs of nationalised banks about the paucity of banks in naxal-affected areas and north eastern states.

The government and banks said these areas will also have a bank branch within five kilometres within a year.

On non-performing assets, the panel was told that it is declining.

The panel said defaulters should be categorised, an early warning system put in place for bigger defaulters, and banks should have an entrepreneurial mind-set and not a bureaucratic one in dealing more humanely in cases of students loans, loans to farmers and fisher-folk.

The banks also addressed questions on recruitment of Hindi speaking bank officers deployed in non-Hindi speaking states, clarifying that earlier these officers were trained to speak and understand other languages, but now this lacuna was being addressed at the recruitment level.

The DFS apprised the panel of the governments measures towards financial inclusion and outreach, including the Mudra Scheme, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, Vidyalakshmi scheme and Vishwakarma scheme.

Members sought details of the 520 million Mudra accounts, including how many people had multiple accounts.

The government representatives said they would furnish a written reply in the next meeting.

The panel members also flagged structural problems in the Debts Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATs) and National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) leading to delay in solving cases.

Members posed questions relating to writing off loans after calamities, to which they were told that loans of the deceased are written off while repayment schedules are reviewed and deadlines extended for the injured.

Members also spoke about the rising number of financial frauds, including cyber frauds and digital arrest.

They called for strengthening of the regulatory mechanism of UPI, akin to the telecom sector.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), in a circular dated April 11, 2025, warned investors about rising fraud and manipulation linked to the securities market on social media platforms.

Photograph: Francis Mascarebhas/Reuters

Investors must stay vigilant to avoid being misled.

Impersonation trick

Fraudsters often pose as Sebi-registered intermediaries.

They create fake but sophisticated websites or apps, with professional-looking interfaces, which resemble legitimate ones.

"They use similar names, logos, and registration numbers.

"They sometimes even forge Sebi-like certificates and falsely claim Sebi registration.

"They also create fake social media profiles of real intermediaries, says Dip Mehta, partner, EY Forensic and Integrity Services.

These scammers share false testimonials.

They initially show small profits to build trust, says Mehta.

Another trick is the promise of exclusive access.

The purpose is to lure people into VIP trading clubs on Telegram and WhatsApp, says Ajay Lakhotia, founder and chief executive officer, StockGro.

Anyone claiming to be a Sebi-registered investment advisor or research analyst must provide a valid registration number.

Ask the advisor for their Sebi registration number, then verify it by conducting a search on Sebis website, says Shravan Koti, chief information security officer, Zerodha.

Fake trading and advisory apps

Fraudsters repurpose dormant apps originally created for unrelated purposes.

Since the app has already been live for a few years and has thousands of downloads, it bypasses the usual scrutiny that new apps face, says Koti.

Verify the developers name. If the app claims to be from, say, a well-known broker, but the developer listed is some other entity, that is a red flag.

Stock advisory groups

Unverified investment groups on WhatsApp, Telegram, and social media often spread unreliable tips.

Unless the group is officially verified, treat their investment tips with scepticism, says Koti.

Check if the app is listed by a Sebi-recognised exchange or registered broker.

Verify broker details on Sebis website. Read app reviews and search for scam alerts online.

"Avoid apps that ask for direct fund transfers outside of Sebi-recognised brokers or clearing corporations, says Mehta.

Koti recommends enabling privacy settings on messaging apps to block additions to unknown groups.

Beware of fake certificates

Fake documents usually have poor design and errors.

They are often characterised by low resolution, grammatical errors, typographical mistakes, and an overall unprofessional appearance.

"Compare the logos and branding on the certificate or promotion with those on Sebis website, says Mehta.

Red flags to watch out for

Promises of unrealistically high returns within a short period are a strong warning sign.

In particular, be sceptical of promises of guaranteed returns, says Prashant Mali, cyber law expert and advocate, Bombay high court.

Anyone making them is likely to be unregistered and in violation of Sebis code of conduct.

Mali cautions against tips accompanied by high-pressure tactics to act fast on them.

Mehta warns against claims of insider information.

If specific stocks are being pushed, they could be part of a pump-and-dump scheme. Be wary also of high upfront fees, he says.

Watch out for the use of generic mobile numbers rather than the official 1600 series designated by Sebi for registered entities, says Amit Tungare, managing partner, Asahi Legal.

Report on the Market Intelligence portal.

By actively using this portal, investors can contribute to Sebis surveillance efforts, says Tungare.

STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A CYBER FRAUD
The Pahalgam massacre highlights the evolution of terrorism into a multi-domain challenge. India's response must similarly evolve -- from tactical retaliation to comprehensive strategic deterrence.

To establish a credible and sustained deterrent, India must also carry out continuous kinetic operations, both overt and covert, suggest Sakshit Raina and Rahul Mishra.

IMAGE: Security personnel stand guard on the banks of Dal Lake, following the terrorist attack on Pahalgam, in Srinagar, April 25, 2025. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

The April 22, 2025, massacre of innocent Hindu civilians in Baisaran valley, Pahalgam, in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, signals a concerning escalation in operational capabilities and symbolic targeting strategies of Islamist terror groups operating within India and from across its Western border.

Orchestrated by The Resistance Front (TRF), a rebranded arm of Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Tayiba which was responsible for Mumbai's 26/11, the attack was not a standalone event but part of a long-term strategy aimed at destabilising India through hybrid warfare.

It is a manifestation of Pakistan's long-standing and well-known proxy war strategy of "bleeding India through a thousand cuts."

This strategy is orchestrated by Pakistan's army and intelligence agencies, with support from local sleeper cells and Over Ground Workers (OGWs) who provide logistical assistance on the ground.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in terrorist tactics, particularly a growing focus on increasing the frequency of attacks in the Jammu region.

This change was starkly evident on June 9, 2024, when terrorists opened fire on a bus carrying Hindu devotees to a holy shrine, killing nine civilians and injuring dozens more.

The Pahalgam massacre is a searing reminder that while the theatres of conflict may change, the ideological currents that fuel terrorism remain stubbornly persistent.

The battle is not just for territorial security -- it is about the very core of a secular, multi-cultural India itself.

Stripped of identity, stripped of dignity, and then executed at close range, the victims were subjected to brutality reminiscent of the worst excesses of global terrorism.

The brutal manner in which the terrorists executed innocent civilians echoes the horrors of the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023.

The Pahalgam terror attack also draws chilling parallels to the Nadimarg massacre of 2003, where 23 innocent Hindus were lined up and executed at point-blank range.

It further evokes haunting memories of the 1990 ethnic cleansing, when Islamists forced the exodus of the native Kashmiri Hindu minority by killing hundreds, triggering a wave of fear and displacement.

The choice of Baisaran -- isolated, remote, and largely inaccessible to rapid security response -- was chillingly strategic.

Beyond the tactical advantage, the attack carried potent symbolism, targeting a site close to the Amarnath Yatra routes, a pilgrimage deeply significant for the majority Hindu community of India and the diaspora present worldwide.

This also indicates a discernible shift toward high-casualty attacks in pilgrimage areas and previously secure zones.

The goal was clear: to instill fear, to disrupt communal harmony, and to challenge the narrative of normalcy in the Union territory following the abrogation of Article 370.

The parallels with other global jihadist attacks are undeniable as these are not isolated events; they are part of a broader global jihadist playbook aimed at targeting non-Muslims.

From Bali in 2002 to the Easter attacks in Sri Lanka in 2019, non-Muslim civilians have frequently been targeted by radical Islamist outfits under the pretext of delusional religious grievances and/or political causes.

Yet, in the international community, consistent condemnation remains elusive -- often clouded by geopolitical considerations and misplaced notions of relativism.

Both the Hamas attack and the Pahalgam massacre share common roots in fundamentalist Islamist organisations, and they should serve as a wake-up call to nations around the world that continue to hesitate in unequivocally condemning terrorism and terrorist groups -- often due to misguided notions of liberalism and misplaced empathy.

Major terrorist attacks have often coincided with significant national and international events -- and this time was no exception.

The Pahalgam attack coincided with Prime Minister Modi's state visit to Saudi Arabia and US Vice President JD Vance's official tour of India, underscoring an increasingly familiar tactic: terror as geopolitical signalling.

Adding to the tension, the attack was preceded by a provocative and highly inflammatory speech by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, in which he referred to Kashmir as Pakistan's "jugular vein" and pledged to continue the fight for it "till eternity."

IMAGE: The site of the terrorist attack on tourists in Baisaran, near Pahalgam, April 24, 2025. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

The Pahalgam massacre highlights the evolution of terrorism into a multi-domain challenge. India's response must similarly evolve -- from tactical retaliation to comprehensive strategic deterrence.

There are several short-term and long-term measures that the Indian State must undertake to effectively tackle the threat of Islamist terrorism.

In the short term, a robust counter-infiltration grid must be reinforced through the integration of advanced surveillance technologies and an increased emphasis on human intelligence.

Simultaneously, there is a pressing need to institutionalise mechanisms to counter Pakistan's propaganda warfare, particularly across social media platforms.

To establish a credible and sustained deterrent, India must also carry out continuous kinetic operations, both overt and covert.

A whole-of-state approach is essential. Equally urgent is devising a comprehensive deradicalisation strategy, which includes establishing deradicalisation centres in vulnerable areas to curb extremist influences at the grassroots level.

In the long run, India must also prioritise the cultural and demographic restoration of the Kashmir region, taking inspiration from Singapore's ethnic integration policy as a potential model for balanced and inclusive development.

India's response must therefore transcend the limitations of reactive counterterrorism.

A new, whole-of-government strategy is necessary -- one that integrates robust counter-infiltration measures, deradicalisation initiatives, information warfare capabilities, and decisive diplomatic action.

The option of designating Pakistan as a State sponsor of terrorism must no longer be left off the table.

Fellow Western democracies and Quad members should come out strong in Delhi's support.

India needs collective diplomatic footwork of open democratic societies at the international forum including the United Nations.

Dr Rahul Mishra is a Senior Research Fellow at the German-Southeast Asian Center of Excellence for Public Policy and Good Governance, Thammasat University, Thailand, and Associate Professor at the Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies, SIS, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Sakshit Raina is a doctoral candidate at the Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies, SIS, Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
If Pakistan has fired one bullet at us then we have to respond by firing 10 bullets at them. It is our right to do so.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval (not in the frame), Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and chiefs of all the Armed Forces, New Delhi, April 29, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Maliks speech in the Jammu Kashmir assembly has become the talk of the town in political circles after he stated that when terrorists from Pakistan carry out attacks the blame falls on Kashmiri Muslims.

When a terrorist carries out terrorist acts in Pakistan, the Pakistani establishment calls them khawarij (separatists) and when he does terrorist activities in India then he is called as mujahid (holy warrior).

Pakistan wants Hindus and Muslims to fight each other and this is their game-plan to destroy India, Malik, the lone AAP MLA from Jammu Kashmir, tells Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com in an interview.

Kashmir was considered a haven of peace for the last five years and now suddenly everything seems lost. Where did we go wrong?

The mistake was from Prime Minister Narendra Modis side as he had promised the nation that he will protect the country from terrorists. This was a big mistake as people lost their lives. He had promised people security and he got an election mandate from the people of India on this basis.

We have to retaliate against them, as terrorism needs to stop in Kashmir.

But this was the first time that tourists have been killed by terrorists, isn't it?

Segregating tourists on the basis of religion is a conspiracy. Terrorists knew by doing so there will be repercussions in India in the name of religion, therefore they chose to do this.

Sadly, some people are doing exactly the same thing in India which Pakistan wanted.

We must take action against Pakistan for this cowardice. India wants goli ka jawab goli se (bullet for a bullet).

We all are waiting to see what action the Government of India is going to take against Pakistan.

You need to be militarily prepared to go to war against Pakistan, isnt it?

We are not saying go to war but if Pakistan has fired one bullet at us then we have to respond by firing 10 bullets at them. It is our right to do so.

We have terrorist havens sitting across the border and we can target them. The world is standing with us. We should not wait now as we are capable of taking on Pakistan.

Pakistan will not take time for the next action against us so if we keep waiting patiently then we will only pass time rather than take action against them.

Isnt it surprising that some locals from Pahalgam were involved in the terrorist attacks?

Terrorists come from Pakistan and carry out their activity in Kashmir. Many terrorists participate in terrorist activities in Jammu too as we have a long border with Pakistan on the Jammu side. These terrorists are threatening locals and making them do their work at gunpoint.

The answer is that we need to strengthen our borders. We should not allow Pakistani terrorists to enter India in the first place.

The first question should be, how did they enter Kashmir?

Who gave them shelter in Jammu Kashmir, is the secondary question.

IMAGE: Pakistanis whose Indian visa has been cancelled cross a Border Security Force checkpoint at the Attari-Wagah border crossing to re-enter Pakistan, April 27, 2025. Photograph: Pawan Kumar/Reuters

Are we not winning Kashmiri hearts?

You cannot win hearts by strength or by spreading hatred. If you want to win their (Kashmiri) sympathy then you must stand with them in their pain. If you hurt them then you will only sow hatred in their hearts.

Right now, Kashmiri students are getting beaten up in hostels and colleges in the rest of India. These poor Kashmiri students have zero idea about the terrorists who did the killings in Pahalgam. They have no knowledge of guns.

When you beat up innocent boys then you ensure they spew venom against you in future.

After spreading hatred, you cannot win hearts. The government is failing to stop this hatred from spreading. The same hatred was rejected by the people of Jammu Kashmir in the last assembly elections.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is using Muslims as pawns to form a government across India.

Pakistan is also using Muslims to spread riots in India.

You cannot win hearts in this manner. These things only lead to the distancing of one community from another.

India is not of the BJP alone but for every Indian.

How is the ordinary Kashmiri Muslim reacting to this?

I am a Muslim and let me tell you, no religion says you can kill innocent people.

Islam does not permit the killing of innocent people. It is only terrorists who kill innocent people.

Every Indian Muslim is standing with India but the Modi government is not taking them along yet.

IMAGE: Chairs and tables are scattered at the site of the terrorist attack on tourists in Baisaran near Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, April 24, 2025. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

Hindus are deeply hurt because they are being asked their religion by terrorists and shot dead in India. Why are you not looking into this aspect of terrorism?

This is Pakistans policy. You must realise one thing, during the Bangladesh war the people of Bangladesh were against Pakistan as a country. Had the people of Bangladesh not been against Pakistan, we could not have carved a new country out of Pakistan.

The same thing Pakistan is now trying to do in India. Terrorists asked for the tourists religion and killed them because they want Hindus and Muslims to fight among themselves which will result in the break-up of India.

We are all mature people and must understand the evil design of Pakistan and not fall in their trap. This is a conspiracy of Pakistan and we must be aware of it.

The Indian media must realise as they are not playing a good role. They are instead adding fuel to the fire by spreading Hindu-Muslim hatred in India.

Kashmiri Muslims drove away Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s and now Hindu tourists are being killed in Kashmir. How can you blame the BJP when Hindus are actually being killed in Kashmir?

It is not like that. Terrorism comes from Pakistan, and if it does not come from Pakistan then neither Hindus will die nor Muslims will die in Kashmir or in India.

We will have to close all the doors for Pakistan and teach them in the language they understand. It is only then we will have peace in our country.

As for Kashmiri Hindu Pandits leaving the valley, the reason was the political parties that ruled the state and India at that point of time. Sadly, it is only the people of India who suffer because of politics.
Three Indian-origin people were found dead after a shooting at a home in the US state of Washington, according to local media reports.

The incident took place on April 24 in Newcastle city.

The dead were identified as Harshavardhana Kikkeri, 44, Shwetha Panyam, 41, and Dhruva Kikkeri, 14, The Seattle Times newspaper reported on Tuesday.

While the deaths of Shwetha and Dhruva were ruled as homicide by the police, Harshavardhana died by suicide, the report quoted the King County medical examiner's office as saying.

Neighbours told the KOMO News that a young family lived in the home where the shooting took place.

On the night of the shooting, authorities were called to the townhouse on 129th Street after receiving a 911 call. The KING 5 television station said its crew saw a child being escorted from the home and comforted by investigators.

Unconfirmed reports said Harshavardhana, alongside Shwetha, was the owner of an India-based AI tech company Holoworld.

According to the company's website, it was founded in 2018 by the two, with Harshavardhana serving as the CEO and CTO, and Shwetha as president.

King County sheriff's spokesperson Brandyn Hull said she could not comment on whether the case was believed to be a murder-suicide.

"We understand many questions remain about the events that took place in Newcastle on April 24, Hull was quoted as saying by Renton Reporter newspaper. An investigation such as this takes time, and our detectives are working diligently to try and piece together what led to this incident. Until this work concludes, the Sheriff's Office won't have any further updates.

No sign of the deaths' motive or relationships among the deceased was released by the sheriff's office, according to the report.
A video circulating on social media purportedly showing a mob surrounding a schoolboy and coercing him into urinating on a Pakistani flag lying on a road here has prompted police to launch a probe and book three people.

IMAGE: Members of the Youth Congress protest over the Pahalgam terror attack outside the Pakistan High Commission, in New Delhi . Photograph: ANI Photo

The Aligarh district unit of the Samajwadi Party condemned the incident, which it saw as an attempt at inciting communal discord in the wake of last week's Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

In a police complaint, the 15-year-old student's family said he was returning home from the Government Inter College with friends on Monday afternoon when he noticed the flag lying on the ground and picked it up out of curiosity.

Moments later, a mob accosted the boy, demanded to know his name, started abusing him and coerced him to urinate on the flag, it stated. The video clip showed the visibly terrified boy pleading and explaining that he had picked up the flag merely out of curiosity.

An FIR was registered late on Monday night at the Banna Devi police station and three accused, including one unnamed, were booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

A senior police officer said the matter was under investigation and asserted that strict action would be taken against those found guilty.

Reacting to the incident, Samajwadi Party district general secretary Manoj Yadav alleged that certain elements were trying to incite communal discord in the wake of the Pahalgam tragedy.

"It is a deeply disturbing video but the incident is not an isolated one. We have received reports of similar incidents of harassment from other parts of the city. The administration must act decisively to prevent any attempts to disrupt peace," he said.

In a separate incident, police said a first information report (FIR) has been registered against unidentified persons for allegedly ransacking the shop of Omar Husain, a fruit juice vendor, in the Suwarn Jayanti Nagar area under the Kuwarsi police station limits.

"We have taken cognisance of both incidents and investigations are underway, Circle Officer Abhay Pande told reporters and appealed to people to refrain from spreading rumours or inciting tension.
The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has filed a case against Aam Aadmi Party leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain over alleged corruption in the construction of 12,748 classrooms in Delhi government schools, an official said on Wednesday.

IMAGE: Aam Aadmi Party leaders Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia. Photograph: ANI Photo

The scam is pegged at around Rs 2,000 crore and involved awarding contracts at highly inflated rates with classrooms reportedly built at Rs 24.86 lakh each, nearly five times the usual cost, the ACB added in a statement.

The project was allegedly awarded to contractors linked with AAP.

The Aam Aadmi Party said the ACB's case against its leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain was registered to "pressurise and scare" them as they were recently appointed as incharge and co-incharge of Punjab party unit.

AAP national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda in a press conference dismissed the charges and said the case was a "political" move to "pressurise and scare" Sisodia and Jain.

"The way cases are being registered against Sisodia and other leaders, I feel there could soon be cases against him for occupying the minister's seat, for forgetting to put a comma or a full stop in a document," Dhanda said.

Dhanda added that the BJP government does no work, instead it files cases against AAP leaders on every matter.

"It can not be a mere coincidence that earlier a case was registered against party leader Durgesh Pathak when he became co-incharge of Gujarat. Now, a case has been registered against Sisodia and Satyendar Jain who are in charge and co-incharge of the Punjab unit of AAP," Dhanda stated.

Earlier in March, the AAP appointed Sisodia as in-charge and former minister Jain as co-in-charge of the Punjab unit of the party.

"The BJP should understand it well that AAP leaders are not scared by their agencies like ED and CBI or such empty threats," Dhanda added.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva demanded the ACB to probe the role of then chief minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal in the alleged scam.

"This is a decisive moment in the fight against corruption of AAP and its previous government in Delhi," he said.
Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Deven Bharti, who has been a part of probes into many high-profile cases, including the 26/11 terror attacks, on Wednesday took over as the new commissioner of Mumbai police.

IMAGE: IPS Deven Bharti takes charge as the new Mumbai Police Commissioner, in Mumbai on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo

The 1994-batch IPS officer, who succeeded incumbent Vivek Phansalkar, said implementing law in the financial capital will continue to be the top priority of the Mumbai police, which he asserted, are well-equipped to tackle new-age offences like cybercrimes.

Phansalkar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, was appointed the Mumbai police chief in 2022 and has retired after 35 years of service.

Soon after taking charge in the evening, Bharti (56) promised to reach out to the last citizen in terms of policing, crime prevention, and detection.

"I will try to give effective police service to all Mumbaikars. We will like to reach the last man standing on the ground in terms of providing police service and security net. Wherever there are gaps, we will try to fill them with the help of technology," he maintained.

"I was part of the Mumbai Police before taking over the post, and whatever schemes are going on for citizens will continue," Bharti insisted.

Implementation of law is the priority of the Mumbai police, and it will continue be the main focus area under his leadership, the IPS officer emphasised.

Cybercrime is a big challenge not only for Mumbai and the country, but also for the world, he noted.

"The Mumbai Police have the best technology in the world, and our cyber police stations are ready to tackle cybercrimes," Bharti averred.

The senior officer was serving as the Mumbai police's special commissioner, a post created by the first Mahayuti government in 2023, before his elevation as the city's top cop.

While the state home department issued an order concerning Bharti's appointment, it has downgraded the post to the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), an official said.

The coveted post of Mumbai police commissioner has traditionally been of the ADGP rank, but it had been upgraded to the DG (Director General) rank in a few recent postings.

During his three decades-long career, Bharti has served in various capacities in Maharashtra and at the Centre.

He served the 50,000-strong police force in the metropolis in various roles, including as joint commissioner of police (law and order), additional commissioner of police (crime), and deputy commissioner of police (crime).

He has also headed the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), besides serving as the inspector general of police (law and order ) in the Maharashtra police headquarters.

Known for his investigative skills, Bharti has been a part of many high-profile cases, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people were killed, the 2011 murder of journalist J Dey and the Farid Tanasha case.

He is credited with cracking down on homegrown terrorist organization Indian Mujahideen, which was responsible for a string of bomb blasts in the country, including in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

The senior IPS officer is also adept at tackling cyber and financial crimes.
What began as a faint smell of something burning turned into a night of horror for dozens of guests at a hotel in central Kolkata's Mechhuapatti area as a devastating fire broke out there, killing 15 people, including a woman and two children.

IMAGE: Fire Brigade personnel rescue guests after a massive fire breaks out at a hotel in Kolkata's Mechhuapatti area. Photograph: ANI Photo

The fire was spotted around 7:30- 8 PM on Tuesday in the crowded Burrabazar neighbourhood, quickly engulfing the six-storey budget hotel with 88 occupants in 42 rooms.

Within minutes, thick smoke spread through the corridors, blinding and choking guests who scrambled to escape.

"I was on the second floor when the power went out. I opened the door and noticed smoke coming in. People were shouting and running. I tried to knock on other doors," said Abdul Karim, a trader from Murshidabad.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and despair.

Some guests were seen leaning out of windows and screaming for help.

A boy reportedly cried out for his mother before vanishing in the blaze, and one man jumped from the fourth floor to escape, fracturing his leg, the locals said.

Ten fire tenders battled the blaze for nearly ten hours, and the fire was finally brought under control on Wednesday morning.

Firefighters rescued several people from the upper floors, but many could not be saved, an official said.

A senior police officer confirmed that 15 people, including 11 men, a woman, a boy, and a girl, died in the incident.

Thirteen others were injured, and some of them are critical, he said.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to ascertain the cause of the fire.

"The building has been sealed. Our forensic team will examine it thoroughly," the officer said.

The lanes around Mechuapatti, a commercial zone with shops and warehouses, remained cordoned off on Wednesday morning, as charred belongings and burnt window frames bore silent witness to the tragedy.
India has warned Pakistan against its unprovoked firings along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir as the directors general of military operations of the two armies spoke on the hotline amid the escalating tensions over the Pahalgam terror attack.

IMAGE: Security personnel conduct a search operation after a sniper attack from across the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor sector, in Jammu. Photograph: ANI Photo

Pakistan has been resorting to firings on the Indian side of the LoC since Friday night in violation of a ceasefire understanding and the Indian Army responded to them 'appropriately', according to military sources.

The directors general of military operations (DGMOs) held the conversation on Tuesday.

It came as India mulls its options to respond to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

The Pakistan military has been warned against the unprovoked firings, people familiar with the DGMO talks said.

The sources, however, described the exchanges over the hotline as 'routine', saying it was a weekly conversation between the DGMOs that is held every Tuesday.

The Indian DGMO strongly took up the matter of ceasefire violations by the Pakistan military, the sources said.

In a significant move aimed at reducing tensions, the Indian and Pakistani armies on February 25, 2021 announced that they would cease firing across the LoC while recommitting themselves to a 2003 ceasefire agreement.

The ceasefire understanding was broadly being adhered to till last week.

The sources said Pakistan military resorted to 'unprovoked firings' using small arms from their posts across the LoC in Baramulla and Kupwara districts, and across the international border in the Pargwal sector on Tuesday night as well.

The Pakistan military has been put on high alert following India's assertion that it will hunt down the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam strike.

In a high-level meeting with the defence brass on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the armed forces have 'complete operational freedom' to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the terror attack, according to government sources.

The prime minister affirmed that it is a national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism, they said.

A day after the Pahalgam attack, India on April 23 announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down of the only operation land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties in view of cross-border links to the attack.

In response, Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian airliners and suspended all trade with India, including through third countries. Pakistan rejected India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and said any move to stop the flow of water will be seen as an 'act of war'.
In a major relief to a police personnel and his eight siblings, including five sisters, authorities on Wednesday suspended their deportation to Pakistan on the orders of the high court and are bringing them back from Punjab to reunite them with their families in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.

IMAGE: A woman cries while leaving for Pakistan as a BSF official gestures, at Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar on April 29, 2025. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

The siblings were shifted from Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab for their deportation to Pakistan on Wednesday morning, despite the high court admitting their plea against the step and granting them temporary relief.

The nine members of the extended family were among the more than two dozen people, mostly from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), who were served deportation notices by authorities in Poonch, Rajouri and Jammu districts.

While some of them, including Pakistani women married to Jammu and Kashmir residents, have already been deported, several others are still waiting at the Attari and Wagah borders, officials said, adding that the Pakistani nationals, many of whom were living in the Jammu region for decades, were taken in buses to Punjab for their deportation over the past two days.

In the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead, the Centre announced a slew of measures, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, downgrading diplomatic relations with Islamabad and ordering all Pakistanis on short-term visas to leave India by April 27 or face action.

The police personnel, Ifthkar Ali (45), and his eight siblings including five sisters aged between 42 and 56 years got a respite when the high court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh admitted their petition claiming that they are not Pakistani nationals and have been living in Salwah village for generations.

"(The) petitioners be not asked or forced to leave the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This direction is, however, subject to objections from the other side," Justice Rahul Bharti said in an order after hearing the plea of Ali, who has served in the police department for the last 27 years and is currently posted at the Katra base camp of the Vaishno Devi shrine.

Admitting their petition, supported by revenue records to prima facie establish that they are bona fide residents of Poonch district, the judge asked government lawyers to submit a detailed report within two weeks and listed the case for the next hearing on May 20.

The court also directed the Poonch deputy commissioner to furnish an affidavit with respect to the status of property holding, if any, by the petitioners.

However, the nine siblings were taken from Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district to Punjab, where they stayed overnight for their subsequent deportation to Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border.

"The deportation of Ali and his siblings was put on hold on the court's orders. The authorities have released them and they are being brought back from Punjab," socio-political activist Safeer Choudhary told PTI.

Earlier in the day, Choudhary said, "We received the copy of the court order on Wednesday morning and immediately took up the matter with the Poonch district administration.... To our surprise, neither civil nor police officers are taking the responsibility to implement the court order."

Choudhary, along with their relatives, including the wife and two minor children of Ali, staged a protest outside the Press Club here and appealed for the intervention of the home minister and lieutenant governor to provide 'justice to the family'.

"They are residents of Poonch, with Ali serving the police department for nearly three decades. Ali's father went to PoK in 1965 but returned in 1983 and is buried in his ancestral graveyard. They have more than 175 kanals of land according to revenue records and also possess all the documents," he said.

Emotional scenes were witnessed at their house in Mendhar, with their spouses and children making passionate appeals to the government to stop their deportation.

"We have no relatives in Pakistan. Where will they stay there?" Mohammad Farooq asked.

Ali's wife said her husband was born in Mendhar and it is grave injustice to him and his children if their father is deported to a country that he does not belong to.

"What will my children do without their father?" she asked, adding, "We regret the loss of innocent lives in terror attacks but do not take revenge on us as we have done no wrong. In fact, my husband is part of the police force that is fighting against terrorism."

Similar heart-wrenching scenes unfolded in Rajouri district, where two aged sisters -- Zameer Fatima and Sageer Fatima -- were among the four people taken to Punjab for deportation.

The sisters, who were hardly able to walk on their own, have been living with their families in the Sharda Sharief area for 43 years. They raised their families after getting married to two cousin brothers.

"This is nothing short of mourning in our family. They are frail and afflicted with various ailments and who is there to take care of them?" Fareed Hussain asked, requesting the government with 'folded hands' to spare them from deportation.

Sageer Fatima said, "I returned to Rajouri in 1983 along with my mother and sister. My mother died here. My children and grandchildren are all here and it is grave injustice to separate me from them."
By Akbar Novruz



The 7th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between the governments of Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom will take place on April 30 in London, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Energy.

The Azerbaijani delegation will be led by Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov. The session is set to cover cooperation across more than 20 areas, including energy transition, economic diversification and modernization, infrastructure development, regulatory reform, and business environment improvement.

The meeting is also expected to conclude with the signing of a final protocol reflecting the shared priorities and future steps in bilateral economic collaboration.

The commission is co-chaired by Parviz Shahbazov on behalf of Azerbaijan and Gareth Thomas, UK Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports.
Seven people, including a couple and two of their relatives, were killed when a rain-soaked wall collapsed at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam here in the early hours of Wednesday, as an annual ritual at the famous north Andhra shrine turned into a scene of both grandeur and grief.

IMAGE: NDRF and Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel carry out search and rescue operations after a 20-foot-long stretch collapsed during the Chandanotsavam festival at the Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo

The government said seven people died after the wall collapsed on the Rs 300 ticket queue line near the shopping complex on the ghat road from Simhagiri bus stand at around 3 am.

Opposition Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party blamed the government for 'negligence', which resulted in the tragic incident.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, among others, expressed grief over the incident.

Both the Centre and the state governments announced ex gratia respectively to the families of those killed in the incident.

State Home Minister V Anitha, who was present at the site, said preliminary reports indicated that the wall collapse at the temple was triggered by soil loosening due to heavy rains in the area.

According to government sources, one person sustained injuries.

The couple which died in the mishap was believed to be in the IT profession.

CM Naidu expressed deep sorrow and said he had spoken to the Collector and SP and directed for treatment be provided to the injured.

'Deeply saddened by the death of seven devotees at Simhachalam....my condolences to the families. I'm closely monitoring the situation and have ordered continuous review and support for victims,' said Naidu in a post on X.

The CM, who reviewed the situation via teleconference, announced an ex gratia of Rs 25 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 3 lakh each to the injured, an official release said.

An outsourcing job in temples under the Endowments Department will be provided to a family member of each victim.

Naidu also ordered an inquiry into the incident by a three-member committee of senior officials.

The committee members are -- Irrigation chief engineer Venkateswar Rao, Municipal Administration principal secretary S Suresh Kumar and senior IPS officer Ake Ravi Krishna.

The CM reviewed the incident at his Undavalli residence with DGP Harish Kumar Gupta and other senior officials. They apprised the CM of the help being extended to the victims.

In her condolence message on X, President Murmu said: 'Saddened by the loss of lives including those of women in a wall collapse incident in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families.'

'May the injured recover soon,' she said.

Modi mourned the victims.

'Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.'

He also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased person and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy also condoled the deaths.

Earlier, the annual Chandanotsavam at the temple witnessed both grandeur and grief, as thousands gathered to witness the Nijaroopa (original appearance) darshanam of the Lord, even as tragedy struck in the form of the wall collapse.

The shrine is dedicated to Lord Narasimha Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

The deity's idol is covered with sandalwood paste all through the year and revealed only once a year which is celebrated as Chandanotsavam.

Home Minister Anitha said heavy overnight rains and strong winds are suspected to have loosened the soil, causing the wall to give away.

Anitha, present at the temple during the incident, visited the site immediately. There was no negligence in the rescue response, she asserted.

An official from the temple said that the cause appears to be structural failure triggered by rains, but a detailed probe is underway.

Endowments Minister A Ramanarayana Reddy called the tragedy unfortunate and announced stronger safety protocols.

Rescue operations were carried out by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state authorities were also pressed into service.

According to State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, eight devotees were trapped under the debris, and seven bodies--three women and four men were extricated during the rescue operation.

Speaking to the media after visiting the residence of a group of victims, YSRCP Chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy blamed the state government, alleging that sheer negligence has claimed the innocent lives of the devotees as the wall that collapsed killing the devotees, was constructed without the prescribed format nor were tenders called for.

The former CM demanded severe action against those responsible for the tragic incident and an ex gratia of Rs 1 crore each to the kin of the family of the deceased.

Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan expressed sorrow over the death of the devotees, adding that the disaster striking during Chandanaostavam is unfortunate.

Earlier this year, six devotees waiting to collect tokens for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills in Tirupati were killed in a stampede.
From demonetisation to sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes to bulldozers, Justice Gavai has been part of several judgments.

IMAGE: Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv Khanna and his successor, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai. Photograph: ANI Photo

I am here only because of Dr B R Ambedkar and the Constitution of India. For Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, who will take over as chief justice of India (CJI), Bhim Rao Ambedkar, one of the founding fathers of the Constitution of India, is much more than a guiding light.

Born on November 24, 1960, to Ramkrishna Suryabhan Gavai, who was active in Maharashtra politics and had worked closely with Ambedkar, he started as an advocate at 25.

He began his career with the late Raja S Bhonsale, former advocate general and judge of the Bombay high court. Then he forked out on his own and started independent practice at the Bombay high court till 1990, after which he practised mainly before the Nagpur bench of the court.

Well versed in constitutional and administrative law, Justice Gavai was standing counsel for the Municipal Corporation of Nagpur, Amravati Municipal Corporation, and Amravati University. He appeared regularly for autonomous bodies and corporations and municipal councils in the Vidarbha region.

In addition to this, he was assistant government pleader and additional public prosecutor at the Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court from August 1992 to July 1993, before becoming government pleader and public prosecutor.

He was appointed judge at the Bombay high court on November 14, 2003, and served there for 16 years before being elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019.

Justice Gavai is on the path to becoming the second Scheduled Caste CJI. Justice K G Balakrishnan, who retired in 2010, was the first.

He will be CJI from May 14 to November 24.

Though I did not work with him, I think he will be a good CJI. The only problem is that his tenure is too short. The lawyers practising before the Supreme Court are happy, I hear, Justice Balakrishnan said.

Several lawyers and former judges expect him to be crucial in furthering the discipline and functioning of the Supreme Court. Former Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said Justice Gavai was expected to provide a channel to the government in judicial appointments.

I think he will be able to help with pending appointments in high courts, he said.

At the Supreme Court, Justice Gavai has been part of several judgments. In January 2023, he was part of the majority verdict that upheld the Centres demonetisation decision in 2016.

In his opinion concurring with the judgment on August 1, 2024, allowing sub-categories among Scheduled Castes, Justice Gavai advocated extending the creamy layer principle to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to achieve real equality.

The State must evolve a policy for identifying the creamy layer even from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes so as to exclude them from the benefit of affirmative action. In my view, only this can achieve the real equality as enshrined under the Constitution, Justice Gavai had then said.

He was also part of a five-judge Constitution Bench that upheld the Centres decision to abrogate Article 370, which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

He has always been a pleasure to appear before and watch as he conducts his court, always fair and relief-oriented. There is constant banter in his court between the bench and the bar, with his quick wit mostly keeping the gallery in awe, said Raunak Dhillon, partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.

In November last year, a two-judge bench presided over by Justice Gavai criticised the use of bulldozers against properties of the crime accused, and ruled that demolishing properties of citizens without following due process was contrary to the rule of law.

Justice B R Gavai stands out as a jurist who blends constitutional fidelity with social sensitivity. His judgments are fair with clarity and guided by an unwavering commitment to the constitution, said Alay Razvi, managing partner, Accord Juris. Some feel Justice Gavai is likely to work on improving the judicial and registrar court discipline of the top court.

He has expressed significant discontent with the Supreme Courts current state of discipline, stating that it was the most undisciplined courtroom he has ever seen. Discipline and decorum are the fundamental ethos of the legal profession. Coupled with judges fervour of conducting themselves with a firm hand, it will be a welcome sight to see the nobility of the profession being taken to new heights, said Shiv Sapra, partner, Kochhar & Co.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is understood to have deliberated on the overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday amid speculations about India's possible retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack in view of its cross border linkages.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security, in New Delhi on April 23, 2025. Photograph: PIB

The CCS meet was held at the prime minister's Lok Kalyan Marg residence, a day after he held a meeting with the top military brass and accorded operational freedom to the armed forces on the "mode, targets and timing" of India's response to the April 22 attack that killed 26 people.

It was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, people familiar with the matter said.

There is no official word yet on the CCS, held against the backdrop of growing indications of a retaliation against Pakistan. It was the second meeting of the CCS after the Pahalgam attack.

In the first meeting on April 23, it decided a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down of the only operation land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties in view of cross-border links to the attack.

In response, Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian airliners and suspended all trade with India, including through third countries. Pakistan rejected India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and said any move to stop the flow of water would be seen as an "act of war".

In the high-level meeting with the defence brass on Tuesday, Modi asserted that the armed forces have "complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response, government sources said.

The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and the chiefs of three services.

The prime minister affirmed that it is "our national resolve" to deal a crushing blow to terrorism, government sources said, adding that he expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian armed forces.
India on Wednesday reached out to Denmark in line with its diplomatic overdrive to apprise the non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council about the brutal Pahalgam terror attack with cross-border linkages.

IMAGE: A security personnel stands guard on a street in Srinagar, on April 29, 2025. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

On Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his counterparts from seven non-permanent member nations of the UN Security Council.

Jaishankar held a phone conversation with his Danish counterpart Lars Lokke Rasmussen on Wednesday and is understood to have conveyed to him India's resolve to bring the perpetrators of the April 22 attack to justice.

'Spoke with FM @larsloekke of Denmark. Appreciate his support and solidarity over the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Also exchanged views about our bilateral cooperation,' he wrote on X.

Jaishankar's phone conversations with foreign ministers of the non-permanent member nations of the UN Security Council assumes significance as Pakistan is also a member of the influential UN body for the 2025-26 period.

The external affairs minister held conversations with his counterparts from Algeria, Greece, Guyana, Panama, Slovenia, Sierra Leone and Somalia on Tuesday.

Citing 'cross-border linkages' to the horrific attack, India has promised severe punishment to those involved in the strike.

In its April 25 statement on the attack, the UNSC condemned the terror attack in the 'strongest terms' and reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the 'most serious' threats to international peace and security.

However the statement was seen as 'inadequate'.

The non-permanent members are elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms, and their membership rotates.

In the last few days, India reached out to various world capitals apprising the nations about the 'cross border' links to the terror attack.

Several world leaders including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Jordan's King Abdullah II and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also dialled Prime Minister Narendra Modi to condemn the attack.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, UAE President Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, US Vice President J D Vance, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also spoke to Modi.

Jaishankar's phone calls with his counterparts from the non-permanent members of the UNSC comes as India mulls options to respond to the terror attack.

On Sunday, Modi said the "perpetrators and conspirators" of the Pahalgam attack will be 'served with the harshest response'.

"The whole world stands with 140 crore Indians in our fight against terrorism. I once again assure the affected families that they will get justice, and justice will be done," Modi said in his 'Mann ki Baat' address.

"The perpetrators and conspirators of this attack will be served with the harshest response," he said.

On Tuesday, Modi asserted that the armed forces have 'complete operational freedom' to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the Pahalgam attack.

He said this while chairing a meeting that was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval and the chiefs of three services.

Modi affirmed that it is the national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism, government sources said.
Pakistani troops engaged in unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in multiple sectors across four border districts of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting Indian forces to 'respond effectively', officials said on Wednesday.

Image used for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo

The firing, which began with small arms, was reported from the Pargwal sector along the IB in Jammu district, and the Sunderbani and Naushera sectors in Rajouri district.

This marked the sixth consecutive night of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC, amidst heightened tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22.

"On the night of April 29-30, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the Line of Control opposite the Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir," a defence spokesperson in Jammu said.

The Indian Army troops responded swiftly and proportionately, the spokesperson added.

Similar incidents of unprovoked small-arms fire were also reported from Pakistani posts across the LoC in Baramulla and Kupwara districts in the Kashmir Valley, and across the IB in the Pargwal sector.

Initially, the firing began in Kupwara and Baramulla districts and then spread to the Poonch and Akhnoor sectors. It further escalated to the Sunderbani and Naushera sectors in Rajouri district, followed by firing along the IB in Jammu's Pargwal sector.

Since the night of April 24, shortly after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty in response to the killing of 26 people in the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistani troops have been engaging in unprovoked firing at various locations along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, starting from the Kashmir valley.

On the same day, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines, suspended trade and closed the Wagah border crossing, and warned that any attempt to divert water under the Indus Water Treaty would be considered an "Act of War".

India and Pakistan had agreed to a renewed ceasefire in February 2021 when the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the 2003 ceasefire agreement.

India shares a 3,323-km-long border with Pakistan, comprising the International Border (IB), approximately 2,400 km from Gujarat to Akhnoor in Jammu; the 740-km-long LoC from Jammu to Leh; and the 110-km Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) in the Siachen region.
United States President Donald Trump has said jokingly he would be his own number one choice for the next pope, Politico reported.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump. Photograph: @POTUS/X

Trump's remarks come when cardinals are set to begin on May 7 the process to choose a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21.

I'd like to be pope. That would be my number one choice, Trump told a television reporter on Tuesday, Politico said.

The US president was among the world leaders who attended Pope Francis' funeral at the St Peter's Square in the Vatican on April 26.

When asked who should replace Francis, Trump said, I have no preference, but added: I must say, we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York who's very good, so we'll see what happens.

Politico said the cardinal of New York, Timothy Dolan, is not believed to be among the frontrunners to succeed Francis.

There has never been a pope from the US.

Politico quoted Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who appeared to throw his weight behind Trump's long-shot bid for the papacy.

Graham said on social media he was excited to hear about it.

This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility! Graham said. The first Pope-US President combination has many upsides. Watching for white smoke. Trump MMXXVIII! the newsportal said.

The video showing Trump wanting to be pope soon went viral on multiple social media platforms evoking mixed reactions.

Many of Trump supporters lauded the idea while social media users had a field day with memes, including those showing Trump in pope's formal regalia.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited the family members of Shubham Dwivedi, who was among the 26 people killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, and said the opposition is demanding a special session of Parliament to ensure the victims get justice.

IMAGE: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi meets with the family members of Shubham Dwivedi, who lost his life in the Pahalgam terror attack, in Kanpur on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Stressing that strict and concrete action should be taken against the terrorists,, he said the united opposition has given full support to the government

The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha reached Kanpur from Amethi and went to Dwivedi's residence. He paid his tributes to Dwivedi and spoke to his family members.

'Met the family members of Shubham Dwivedi who was martyred in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam today and consoled them,' Gandhi said.

'The entire nation stands with the bereaved families in this sad moment. Strict and concrete action should be taken against the terrorists and the victim families should get justice,' the Congress leader said on X.

'For this purpose, the united opposition has given full support to the government and has demanded a special session of Parliament,' he said

Giving information about the meeting in a message posted on its 'X' handle, Congress said, 'The attack in Pahalgam is a deep blow to the brotherhood and harmony of the country, which cannot be tolerated at any cost. We have to unite and give a befitting reply to terrorism.'

In another message, the party quoted Rahul as saying, 'A special Parliament session should be held for those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack so that this serious matter cane be discussed.'

Earlier, Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a special session of Parliament in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Gandhi began his two-day visit to Raebareli, his Lok Sabha constituency, and adjoining Amethi, the seat he represented in Parliament thrice, on Tuesday.

He was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai, who had attended the last rites of Dwivedi on April 23.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also visited Kanpur on April 23 to meet Dwivedi's family members and said no stone would be left unturned to bring the culprits of the Pahalgam terror strike to justice.

Dwivedi, a businessman from Kanpur, got married only on February 12.

On April 22, the Dwivedi household was devastated as news came in that the 31-year-old was gunned down by terrorists right in front of his wife in Pahalgam.

He had gone to Kashmir on a week-long vacation on April 16 with his wife and nine other family members.

Twenty-six people, mostly tourists, were killed and several injured when terrorists opened fire at a meadow near the popular tourist town of Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on April 22.
Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh functionary Indresh Kumar on Tuesday condemned the Pahalgam attack and urged the country's Muslims to desist from participating in funerals of terrorists and giving them space at burial sites.

IMAGE: Kashmiri traders hold a candlelight vigil to condemn the Pahalgam attack, in Srinagar. Photograph: Sanna Irshad Mattoo/Reuters

"A terrorist has no religion -- they are nothing but the face of evil. When you offer namaz for a terrorist, attend their funeral, or give them a grave, you affirm that they belong to a religion. That must stop", Kumar told reporters in Jammu.

"This issue has been ongoing for 40 to 50 years, yet prayers (namaz) are still offered for them... this raises serious questions," added Kumar, the chief patron of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch.

He called on the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir and across the country to refuse to perform the last rites of slain terrorists.

"If such a firm step had been taken 20-30 years ago, Jammu and Kashmir may not have suffered the tragedies we have seen. Now is the time to reject and dissociate from glorifying terrorism," he said.

Strongly condemning the terror attack, he said it was a "crime against humanity".

Kumar proposed the construction of a memorial in Pahalgam to honour the victims of the attack and to expose the brutality of Pakistan.

On India's security response, he praised the courage of the Indian Army and the government's resolve.

"The government is clear that those who perpetrate such attacks will be taught a lesson", he said.

Responding to the Congress' social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kumar criticised the party for "habitual abuse".

Congress leaders cannot digest their meals without abusing the prime minister. They oppose even the army commander when the military fights terrorism. He said this is their political method, and it is highly condemnable".

He also said that Pakistan was on the brink of disintegration and asserted that the time has come to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PoJK, and even Pakistani Punjab are now demanding independence. Pakistan is falling apart and thinks it can save itself by provoking hatred against India, but that strategy has failed," he said.

Kumar also accused Pakistan of radicalising the youth and using religion as a weapon to destabilise Kashmir.

"For decades, they have trained Kashmiris to fight their own people, ruined the land, and tarnished its image. Pakistan alone is responsible", he said.

He further called on Indian Muslims to reject vote-bank politics and choose a path of national dignity.

On the political unrest in West Bengal's Murshidabad, he said, Some think the law will never be enforced. Let them protest or stage demonstrations, but this will happen regardless. Throwing political mud won't stop it. What's needed is unity and resolve.
United States Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker on Wednesday met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions with India following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in which 26 people were killed.

IMAGE: Pakistani nationals reach the Attari border as they have been directed to leave India after the Pahalgam terror attack, near Amritsar on Tuesday. Photograph: Raminder Pal Singh/ANI Photo

According to the Foreign Office, US Charge d'Affaires Baker and Dar exchanged views on recent regional developments.

"The US Charge d'Affaires conveyed the US desire for de-escalation and that it will stay engaged with both countries on the evolving situation," the Foreign Office said.

It added that Dar reaffirmed 'Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and security while safeguarding national interests'.

The meeting comes as the United States stepped in diplomatically to defuse the tension, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio set to speak with the foreign ministers of both nations to encourage restraint and prevent further escalation.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Washington is urging both sides to de-escalate.

"We are reaching out to both parties and, of course, telling them to not escalate the situation," Tammy Bruce told reporters.

"Secretary Rubio believes diplomacy must take the lead," Bruce said, noting that the Secretary has also encouraged other national leaders and foreign ministers 'to reach out to the countries on this issue'.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait also expressed their deep concern over the escalation between India and Pakistan and called on both sides to exercise restraint and resolve the crisis through diplomatic channels.

Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, reiterated the nation's 'full support for all efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions' between India and Pakistan and addressing their outstanding issues through dialogue and peaceful means.

"Dialogue remains the optimal approach for addressing regional and international crises and disputes," the statement said, expressing Qatar's 'deep concern' over the escalation between India and Pakistan.

It called on the two countries to 'exercise maximum restraint, prevail the voice of wisdom, respect the principles of good neighbourliness and resolve the crisis through diplomatic channels'.

Expressing concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and the continued exchange of fire along the border areas, Saudi Arabia's foreign affairs ministry, in a statement, said, "The Kingdom calls on both countries to de-escalate, avoid further escalation, and resolve disputes through diplomatic means."

It urged India and Pakistan to uphold the principles of good neighbourliness, and strive for stability and peace for the welfare of their people and region.

Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, said it is following with 'great concern and interest' the tension between 'the friendly' India and Pakistan.

'The ministry affirms Kuwait's firm and unwavering position in supporting the diplomatic process and emphasising reason and dialogue in resolving all regional and international issues,' it said.

'The ministry also calls on all parties to exercise self-restraint, avoid escalation, and adhere to the provisions and rules of international law and the principles of good neighbourliness, with the aim of achieving constructive dialogue that achieves regional and international security and stability,' the statement said.

Terrorists opened fire in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, killing 26 people, mostly tourists, in the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack.
Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the United States and the United Kingdom have called on both countries "not to escalate" the conflict.

IMAGE: A woman holds a placard during a protest against the Pahalgam terror attack, in Bhopal. Photograph: ANI Photo

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce at a press briefing on Tuesday said that Washington is reaching out to both India and Pakistan "regarding the Kashmir situation and telling "them not to escalate the situation."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio expects to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow. He is encouraging other national leaders and foreign ministers to reach out to the countries on this issue, Bruce said.

"So it is  again, as I've noted, every day action is being taken, in this case the Secretary speaking directly to his counterparts in India and Pakistan, and we'll  we expect certainly the impact he's usually had with the individuals he's spoken with and certainly with President Trump's leadership, India and Pakistan having those conversations. It's very important for them, Bruce said.

Responding to a question on Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's comments that Pakistan has "been doing this dirty work for United States, Bruce added the only thing I'm really prepared to discuss here is the fact that the Secretary of State is going to be speaking with the foreign ministers of both countries.

What I can tell you  obviously, we're also monitoring the developments across the board in that region, and we  as you know, at multiple levels, I have to say  are in touch with the governments of India and Pakistan, not just at the foreign minister level, certainly, but at multiple levels. We, of course, are encouraging all parties to work together for a responsible solution. The world is watching this. But I have no additional details in that regard.

The United Kingdom government too called for calm and dialogue between India and Pakistan at a time of heightened tensions in the region following the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, as the issue has been raised in Parliament.

Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer responded to an Urgent Question tabled in the House of Commons on Tuesday by British Sikh Labour MP Gurinder Singh Josan on the role Britain is playing in supporting India in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

He also raised concerns over the regional tensions spilling over onto UK streets in the form of protests, characterised by provocative language and gestures, including what appears to be a throat-slitting motion by an alleged Pakistan official and windows being smashed at Pakistan's High Commission in London.

The horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April was devastating... We call on all sides, all community leaders and all involved to call for calm at a time of tension in the region, said Falconer.

We are aware of reports of the video that my Honourable Friend refers to; the Metropolitan police are investigating, so I will not provide any further commentary on that particular incident, but it is obviously concerning, he said, with reference to a Pakistani official caught on camera making a threatening gesture towards Indian protesters last week.

We take seriously our responsibility for the security of all embassies and High Commissions under the Vienna Convention, so both the Pakistani and Indian High Commissions will receive all the support of the UK state to ensure that they stay safe, the minister said.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel was among the MPs who pressed the minister on cross-border links to Pakistan among the perpetrators of this terrorist act and actions being taken to prevent tensions from escalating among communities in the UK.

We want to see the perpetrators held to justice properly, and we will be supporting India to do so, Falconer said.

We are playing our role to try to ensure that tensions do not escalate. Many of us in this House are familiar with the tense and storied history between the two countries. We are friends to them both, and we do not want to see an uncontrolled escalation in tensions, he said.

The minister reiterated the long-standing UK position that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting resolution to the situation in Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

It is not for us to prescribe a solution, he asserted, calling for direct dialogue between both countries.

Several cross-party MPs overwhelmingly condemned the killing of 26 innocent tourists in the terrorist attack last week, with many raising concerns for their Indian and Pakistani diasporas.

On April 22, terrorists opened fire in Kashmir's Pahalgam, killing 26 people, in the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told the top defence brass that the armed forces have "complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack, according to government sources.

During the high-level meeting, which was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the chiefs of three services, Modi affirmed that it is the national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism, they said.

Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the armed forces.

On April 26, US President Donald Trump said that there have always been tensions between India and Pakistan, and the two countries will figure it out between themselves one way or the other.

He made these remarks after he was asked about tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

I am very close to India and I'm very close to Pakistan, as you know. And they've had that fight for 1,000 years in Kashmir. Kashmir has been going on for 1,000 years, probably longer than that. And it was a bad one yesterday, though; that was a bad one. Over 30 people, Trump said during a press gaggle with reporters aboard Air Force One on the way to Rome.

Also, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday spoke separately by telephone with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reiterating his strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Received a call from @UN SG @antonioguterres. Appreciate his unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Agreed on the importance of accountability. India is resolved that the perpetrators, planners and backers of this attack are brought to justice.

In the telephone calls, Guterres noted the importance of pursuing justice and accountability for these attacks through lawful means, as the spokesman for Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric said.

Guterres also expressed his deep concern at the rising tensions between India and Pakistan and underscored the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences.

The UN chief offered his Good Offices to support any de-escalation efforts, Dujarric added.

President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly Philemon Yang is also deeply concerned by the escalation of violence between India and Pakistan, Spokesperson for the Office of the President of the General Assembly Sharon Birch said at a press briefing.

Yang extended his sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, and "stresses that the targeting of civilians is unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances. He calls on both parties to exercise maximum restraint and to resolve this dispute through diplomatic means.
Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: Dombivli families shattered in grief and grit. Demand dignity, justice and answers to unanswered questions.

Videos: Satish Bodas/Rediff

Illustrations: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

Three cousins from Dombivli, Maharashtra -- Atul Mone, Hemant Joshi, and Sanjay Lele -- were killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in Kashmir. The tragedy unfolded in front of their families, leaving behind grieving spouses, children, and relatives.

Among the survivors was Anushka Mone, wife of Atul, and their daughter Richa. Rediff spoke to Prasad Soman, Anushka's brother and Atul's brother-in-law, who recounted the horror faced by the families, the acts of bravery of their young ones, and talks about unanswered questions that remain days after their deaths.

Repeated requests to the people who were present at Lele's, Joshi's and Mone's homes in Dombivli West to speak with the survivors were met with a firm yet polite 'No'.

"They are devastated, they are drained, they are mentally and emotionally fatigued," says Prasad, who instead volunteers to articulate and express the feelings of the families of the Mones, Leles and Joshis with whom he has been in touch since the fateful night of April 22 when terrorists at Pahalgam slain 28 people in cold and calculated blood.

'He was not my brother-in-law, he was my brother'

"When someone is that close to your life, you don't think of them as 'in-law'," Prasad Soman begins. "He was my brother, not just my sister's husband. That's the bond we had."

He recalls the exact moment they found out about the tragedy -- on April 22, around 8:38 p.m. "We saw the news flashing on TV. At first we refused to believe it. We thought maybe it is mistaken identity, someone else with the same name. But when we saw his exact photo, his face, our hearts sank."

Prasad says the final confirmation came after they contacted helpline numbers shared by relatives and friends. "They said the three names are there -- in the list of the dead: Atul, Hemant, and Sanjay. All gone."

Remembering his brother-in-law, Prasad adds that Atul was more than just a family man -- he was a man who held people together. "He was the glue in our families. Every festival, every family crisis -- he was the one who showed up first. Now there's just a hole. Not just in our family, but in our hearts."

A bond of blood and friendship

All three -- Atul Mone (43), Hemant Joshi (44), and Sanjay Lele (50) -- were close, not just in geography but in life. "They grew up in Dombivli together. It was more than just family ties. They were brothers. They did everything together, festivals, functions, holidays. This trip too was something they had been planning for a while."

Prasad's voice trembles when he remembers what the families went through. "The wives and children were right there when the terrorists opened fire. Can you imagine watching someone you love, someone who raised you or walked with you every step, being shot in front of you?"

He says there's no training or prayer that prepares you for that. "No one can be ready to see that kind of bloodshed. A place that was supposed to be full of beauty and peace became a killing field."

A question of survival

Prasad speaks of the harrowing hours the survivors in the family had after the attack. "It took them four hours just to move from that spot. The path was not even a proper road -- it was like a trekking route, all muddy, due to rains a day ago. And they had to run, leaving behind their dead."

He adds, "Imagine being told to run for your life while your husband, your father lie bleeding on the ground. The other family members, the survivors, told the women and children -- just go. Save yourself. The Army will come."

What followed was a desperate descent through forested terrain, guided by instinct, fear, and sheer willpower.

"It wasn't just physical endurance. It was the emotional wreckage they carried. Running with the memory of what had just happened."

He said the most terrifying part wasn't the bullets -- it was the silence. "No helicopters, no soldiers, no torches in the dark. Just the sound of children crying and leaves rustling. It felt like they were abandoned."

The group's escape, he adds, was not survival -- it was sheer miracle. "We still don't know how they made it out. Maybe it was the spirit of the men they lost that carried them forward."

'He said, 'I'm Hindu.' They shot him'

Among the most chilling parts of Prasad's recollection of what his sister and niece told him about their battle for survival is what he says happened before the shooting. "The terrorists asked who among them were Hindus. And Sanjay said it. 'I am Hindu,' he said. He knew what it meant. He still said it."

Sanjay Lele's courage cost him his life.

"To say that in front of a terrorist holding a gun, knowing the next second could be your last -- it's not bravery, it's something beyond. To have the guts to say it, knowing a bullet waits -- he did not fear death," says Prasad.

Blood flowed freely on the rocky path. "Within a one-metre radius, it was just red," Prasad describes, his voice becoming moist, trying to control his tears. "Try standing next to your loved one, lying dead in blood, and still have to flee."

He adds that the terrorists were clearly segregating on the basis of religion. "They didn't hurt the women. They didn't touch the Muslims. But the Hindu men -- they shot them. It was targeted, deliberate. That's what makes it more horrific."

Prasad says such hate must be called out for what it is. "If we dilute it by saying 'unknown assailants', we're insulting the dead. This wasn't random. It was a hate crime, plain and simple."

And he says Sanjay's final words should never be forgotten. "He died affirming who he was. That should shake every conscience in this country."

Richa's strength and Harshal's courage

Richa, Atul and Anushka's daughter, is a school student -- she has appeared for her Class 12 exams and is awaiting results. "This happened in front of her eyes," Prasad says. "You think she can ever write off those memories in her head?"

He speaks of Harshal, 20, the son of Sanjay Lele, who supported the rest of the family in their most broken moment. "His mother is paralysed. But Harshal stood firm. He was the one helping everyone else scale down the muddy trek, even as he had just lost his father."

According to Prasad, Harshal gave others the strength to survive that night. "He wasn't crying. He was holding everyone together. That's a kind of maturity and pain no child should ever be forced to have."

Even in the aftermath, Richa kept asking where her father was knowing well what could have possibly happened to him. "No one had the heart to tell her the truth. And when she heard it, she just stood there, numb. No tears. Just disbelief."

'They came to kill the earning men'

Prasad makes an attempt to reason out why just men were singled out for death. He now sounds certain about the motive behind the killings. "They wanted to kill the Hindu men -- the ones who earned for the family. That was the aim. They didn't just want to kill tourists. They wanted to break families."

He adds, "All three -- Atul, Hemant, and Sanjay -- were the breadwinners. Their kids are still in school and college. What happens now?"

He demands answers not just from the attackers but from those who speak in their defence. "Can Pakistan support these families now? Can they offer financial help? If you say you're not involved, then prove it. Support the survivors. Don't just issue denials."

Prasad says this wasn't just a random act of terror -- it was a strategic blow. "They wanted to hurt the future of these families. And they succeeded. Now the government must ask: what have we done to protect them?"

He adds: "The terrorists killed their bodies, but the system killed their safety. It's time the State owned up to that."

Local kindness and the failure of the system

Even amid the horror, there were glimmers of kindness. Prasad speaks gratefully of Jimmy, a local Kashmiri who helped the families escape. "Jimmy helped them, guided them to safety. I think he's a retired IAS or IPS officer."

Prasad acknowledges that many Kashmiris tried to help. "It's true. A lot of locals came forward. Not everyone is like those four terrorists. Some risked their lives to save ours."

"I mean reality is reality. One cannot deny it."

But he also questions how such a large group of tourists was left unguarded. "There was a CRPF camp some distance away (from Pahalgam). Still no security? No escort? This was a known route. How can you say this was not a failure of the system?"

He points out how there were no checks or advisories. "No police at the entry point. No guide. Nothing. If this is how tourism is managed, who will visit (Kashmir) again?"

And Prasad is direct: "We don't need apologies. We need accountability. Don't just say Kashmir is safe. Show us the safety."

But the political silence weighs heavy. "Will anyone support these families financially? Not just offer sympathy on camera?" Prasad asks, directing pointed questions at public figures.

"If Pakistan says they aren't involved, will they support us instead? Are they ready to fund the futures we lost?"

'If this is India, are we safe in India?'

The grief quickly gives way to anger. "There were 1,000 tourists in that area. People from all over India, even abroad. One from Nepal also died. Is this what we get for trusting our own country?"

Prasad says Richa has been asking one question again and again: "If there was security, would my father still be alive?"

He points to India's global military standing -- "We are ranked fourth in the world. Still, this happened. Why?"

"If a place is known to attract pilgrims and trekkers, why isn't it protected?"

And he warns fellow Indians not to take things for granted. "Don't wait till deaths knock at your door. Open your eyes. If you're visiting sensitive areas like Kashmir, don't just assume you're safe because it's peaceful for a while."

His voice hardens. "We waited too long to ask these questions. Don't repeat that mistake."

A call for awareness and dignity

As the conversation draws to a close, Prasad shares a message he says comes from Anushka and Richa. "They want peace. They want justice. But first, they want people to remember what happened."

He adds, "Every time there's a terror attack, we move on in a few days. Until it happens again. And again. And this time it happens to your own family. Don't wait for terrorism to knock at your doors and then decide to tale action. Be vigilant. Be aware."

There's also a deeper concern about trust. "People say call the police if you see something suspicious. But when there's no security at the site, when your own are killed, who do you trust?" Still, he says, they have no choice but to believe that justice will come. "We can't give up. We have to hope."

He ends on a note of realism. "Tourism is Kashmir's lifeline. We know that. And 90% of Kashmiris are good people. But just 10% with a gun and a motive can destroy everything."

"Those who perpetrated these killings want to kill tourism in Kashmir with their cowardly terrorism. So that the youth of Kashmir have an uncertain future and they get more recruits from the unemployed youths. We should resolve to not let that happen."

"The men who died were not rich, but righteous," Prasad says. "Now the children want secure jobs, support for the survivors. The least we owe them."

"Open your eyes. If you suspect someone dangerous, inform the police," he urges. "Yes, trust is shaken. But what choice do we have? We still have to believe -- in justice, in each other."

Prasad's message is clear: don't forget those who have died -- in all the cowardly terrorist attacks that India have faced till today -- when the news cycle moves on.
Jon Wolfe, owner of Eraserhead Tattoo Removal in Brattleboro, uses a laser to remove a swastika tattoo from Michael Lenois of Brattleboro on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Lenois said the tattoo was a way of survival while in prison, but having since gotten out, he wants it removed because of the effects it has on his family and gives him a chance to change who he once was.
Yuras Zyankovich, a US citizen who was born and raised in Belarus, has been released from prison in Belarus after more than 3 1/2 behind bars, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced via social media on April 30.

Zyankovich, a lawyer, was arrested in April 2021 and later sentenced to 11 years in a high-security prison for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government of Belarusian strongman Aleksandr Lukashenko.

The charges, widely seen as politically motivated, were based on accusations from Belarusian and Russian state intelligence services. Human rights organizations, including Vyasna, had declared Zyankovich a political prisoner.

He went on to receive two additional sentences: six months in 2022 for online comments and again in 2024 to two more years after a conviction for "malicious disobedience" of prison rules.

Zyankovich reportedly endured hunger strikes, harassment, and health issues during his imprisonment in Mahilyou, a prison in Belarus notorious for its harsh conditions.

Zyankovich, the only defendant in his case to plead guilty and express remorse, was tried alongside Belarusian opposition figures Ryhor Kastusyou and Alyakandr Fyaduta. Kastusyou, who has cancer, was released in 2024; Fyaduta remains jailed in poor health.

In a statement, Zyankovich's wife, Alena Dzenisavets, expressed profound relief and gratitude.

"It took 1,480 days, but he survived and is on his way home to me and to America," she said, thanking US President Donald Trump, Rubio, and human rights groups for their unwavering support.

Zyankovich appeared frail in a state TV broadcast earlier this year, pleading for help from US leaders. The footage was condemned as coerced propaganda.

Zyankovich's release comes amid a troubling backdrop of ongoing repression in Belarus, where over 1,300 political prisoners remain jailed, and more than 65,000 people have been arrested since the disputed 2020 election.

The United States continues to urge its citizens to avoid travel to Belarus.

Less that three weeks earlier, Russian-American citizen Ksenia Karelina, who was imprisoned in Russia for donating $51 to a US-based Ukrainian aid charity, was released from a Russian prison after a prisoner swap for Arthur Petrov, a dual German-Russian citizen who allegedly exported sensitive microelectronics.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has warned that press freedoms in the United States are eroding and called on newsrooms across the country to form a united front against the "rising tide of threats" facing independent, fact-based reporting.

In a report detailing the first 100 days of the US governments treatment of the media under President Donald Trump, the media watchdog chided the administration for taking a "startling number of actions that, taken together, threaten the availability of independent, fact-based news for vast swaths of America's population."

It also took aim at several high-profile news organizations such as The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times for the "realignment" of opinion pages "in reaction to changing political tides."

"Journalists are always the first to be attacked when democracy declines and the actions of the current US administration should be ringing alarm bells for every single journalist, every single newsroom, and every single person in the United States," CPJ Chief Executive Officer Jodie Ginsberg said in the report.

"This is not a time to be complacent, or to shrug off these behaviors. If we let the abnormal become normal, many more freedoms will be at risk -- no matter what your politics."



The CPJ said in the report that it reached out to the White House with detailed requests for comment but did not receive a response.

The State Department Press Office said in an e-mailed response to a request from RFE/RL for comment on the report that "as a general matter we do not offer public evaluations of reports by outside groups."

Trump took office for his second term on January 20.

In the 100 days since then, the CPJ report outlined moves it said the administration has taken, leaving major news outlets unsure of how to react to "increased pressure from the White House," with owners and journalists alike "facing the choice of whether to placate the president or risk losing access."

The CPJ specifically noted changes in the procedures that govern White House access and the makeup of the press pool, the appearance of the Federal Communications Commission and other regulatory agencies becoming increasingly politicized in their work, and White House calls to deprive public broadcasters NPR and PBS of government funding, among the factors curbing the free press around the country.

In what it called one of the "most glaring examples of this clampdown," the report highlighted the barring of the Associated Press from White House press events after it refused to adopt the administration's renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America."

Despite a court ruling affirming the AP's First Amendment rights, the administration continues to limit the agency's access and is "manipulating the press pool seating arrangement to favor partisan or sympathetic outlets."

"From denying access to upending respect for the independence of a free press to vilifying news organizations to threatening reprisals, this administration has begun to exert its power to punish or reward based on coverage," the CPJ said.

The White House has said it is up to its own discretion and not White House correspondents or longstanding tradition to determine who gets to question the president and when.

"The government offers no other plausible explanation for its treatment of the AP," U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden, an appointee of Trump, wrote in his ruling on the case earlier this month.

"The Constitution forbids viewpoint discrimination, even in a nonpublic forum like the Oval Office."

The CPJ also pointed to what it called "politically charged investigations" by the Federal Communications Commission of major networks such as CBS, NBC, ABC, and public broadcasters NPR and PBS. It said the justifications for these inquiries range from "unsubstantiated claims of biased reporting to alleged breaches of licensing agreements."

The Federal Communications Commission was also offered the right of reply by the CPJ, according to the watchdog, but did not comment on the report.

The CPJ said moves inside the United States have also had an effect outside of its borders.



The gutting of the US Agency for International Development and the US Agency for Global Media, for example, have led to the suspension or elimination of thousands of journalist positions in the United States and abroad, and "they have been cheered by the undemocratic governments of China, Russia, Cuba and elsewhere."

Many of the broadcasters affected, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, are fighting the cuts in court, with decisions so far going in their favor for what they call "unlawful" moves to cut funding by the government.
Tensions between India and Pakistan continue to mount after a top Pakistani official claimed to have "credible intelligence" that New Delhi is prepared to undertake military action against Islamabad following a militant attack in Kashmir.

"Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends carrying out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours," Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in a video message posted on X in the middle of the night.

There was no immediate response from India to the claim. RFE/RL contacted India's External Affairs Ministry and Defense Ministry for comment, but has yet to receive an answer.

Tarar did not elaborate on what evidence Pakistan had used to make the claim, but added that Islamabad would respond "assuredly and decisively" to any Indian action.

"The international community must remain alive to the reality that the onus of escalatory spiral and its ensuing consequences shall squarely lie with India," Tarar said.

The comments come just a week after militants massacred 26 people in the Himalayan mountain town of Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir. The attack has sparked widespread outrage across India and brought nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan to the brink of conflict.

India quickly accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack and said two of the three suspected militants were Pakistani. Islamabad has flatly denied any responsibility and offered to carry out an investigation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has not issued public comments regarding any imminent plans for military action, but he met with his cabinet late on April 29. Indian media have reported, citing unnamed government sources, that Modi has given the country's armed forces "complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of our response to the terror attack."

Why Are India And Pakistan On The Brink Of Conflict?

The April 22 terrorist attack was claimed by a little known group that calls itself the Resistance Front, but there has been no way to corroborate the claim made on social media. Indian officials say it is a proxy for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, a United Nations-designated terrorist organization.

In the aftermath of the attack, India took a number of nonmilitary measures against Pakistan, suspending a vital water-sharing treaty, downgrading diplomatic relations, and asking Pakistani nationals to leave the country.

Islamabad announced similar retaliatory measures a day later.

The attack took place in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir. Both India and Pakistan control the region in part, but each claims it in full.

The two countries have fought three wars over the territory, which is now divided by a de-facto border called the Line of Control (LoC). The region has been hit regularly by militant violence since an armed anti-Indian insurgency began in 1989. Hostilities have claimed tens of thousands of lives over more than three decades.

Praveen Swami, the national-security editor at the Indian daily newspaper The Print, told RFE/RL that the situation remains fluid and both India and Pakistan are currently "prisoners of their own rhetoric."

He adds that there are discussions of potential targeted Indian missile strikes but there are concerns of the reaction it would illicit from Pakistan.

"India will be weighing its options and Modi may be looking to be a hawk, but they are weighing all the options before going for something," Swami said.

Amid the rising tensions and escalating rhetoric, Indian and Pakistani military forces in the region have exchanged gunfire across the LoC repeatedly over the past six days.

"We have reinforced our forces because it is something which is imminent now. So in that situation some strategic decisions have to be taken, so those decisions have been taken," Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told Reuters in an April 28 interview.

Pakistani state television also claimed Indian fighter jets conducted patrols near the border in Kashmir under its jurisdiction during the early hours of April 29.

How Are Countries Responding To India-Pakistan Tensions?

The UN warned of potentially "catastrophic" consequences on April 29 if the two countries escalated into war.

"The region and the world cannot afford a confrontation between India and Pakistan, which would be catastrophic for the two countries and for the world as a whole," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antontio Guterres, referring to the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

He said Guterres held separate phone calls with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India's foreign minister.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio asked the two countries "not to escalate the situation," spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said during an April 29 press briefing.

She said Rubio would speak with both the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers "as early as today or tomorrow."

China, which itself claims control of part of Kashmir and has grown closer to Pakistan in recent years, has also urged restraint.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke to Pakistans deputy prime minister and foreign minister last week, saying any conflict between Pakistan and India would "not serve the fundamental interests of each side" and posed a risk to regional security.
Irans judiciary said it has executed Mohsen Langarneshin for allegedly spying for Israel and being involved in the high-profile assassination of an Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) colonel in 2022.

In a statement on April 30, the judiciary described Langarneshin as a high-ranking spy for Israel who had supported several Mossad operations in Iran.

In addition to his alleged involvement in the killing of IRGC Colonel Hassan Sayyad Khodaei in May 2022, Langarneshin was also accused of playing a role in a January 2023 drone attack on a military factory in Isfahan.

Irans judiciary also claimed that Langaranshin had met twice with senior Mossad intelligence officers -- once in Georgia and once in Nepal -- and described him as a highly trained operative who had undergone extensive espionage training and was fully capable of carrying out assigned missions.

Foreign-based Iranian human rights-focused news outlet HRANA said on April 28 that Langarneshin had made three separate requests for a retrial, all of which were rejected.

The HRANA report said he was moved to solitary confinement in the Ghezel Hesar Prison on April 29, a day before his execution, and allowed a final visit with his parents.

His father, Masud Langaranshin, released a video stating that his son had been sentenced to death without a fair trial and that the case was riddled with inconsistencies and legal flaws.

Quoting a source close to Langaranshin, HRANA claimed that he was pressured during detention to make forced confessions implicating him in the assassination of Sayyad Khodaei.

A shadowy figure in the IRGC, Sayyad Khodaei was killed by gunmen outside his home in Tehran. Israeli media have described Sayyad Khodaei as a key figure behind plots to kill Israelis and Jews and to attack Jewish interests around the world.

In an annual report on human rights, Amnesty International said on April 29 that Iran "arbitrarily" executed hundreds of people last year as authorities "used the death penalty as a tool of political repression against protesters, dissidents and ethnic minorities."
Russian forces launched a mass drone attack on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro late on April 29, killing one person and setting several homes on fire, the regional governor said.

"Dnipro residents remember last night as hell," Serhiy Lysak said on Telegram.

"[A person] was taken out and put on the grass and put in a black bag.... He was killed," a Dnipro resident told RFE/RL at the scene of the attack on the morning of April 30.

Earlier, Russian drones also struck Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, regional Governor Oleh Synyehubov said, adding that dozens of people had been injured, including two children and a pregnant woman.

The youngest injured was 5 years old, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"Residential neighborhoods were hit, with apartment buildings, a hospital, and a school damaged," he added.

Meanwhile, a source from the Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) told RFE/RL that it was responsible for a drone strike on a Russian defense manufacturing facility in the Vladimir region.

According to a source in the SBU, the Murom Instrument-Building Plant, located 300 kilometers east of Moscow, specializes in the production of ammunition fuses, components, and products for the Russian Navy and military aviation.

"The Murom Instrument-Building Plant is on the sanctions lists of Ukraine and the EU because it plays a significant role in ensuring military aggression against Ukraine," said the source, who asked to remain anonymous.

Earlier, the ASTRA Telegram channel, citing sources in the Russian Emergencies Ministry, reported that a warehouse and a gatehouse of the facility had burned down.

On April 29, Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of the Russian border region of Belgorod, reported that a Ukrainian drone strike targeted six localities and hit a vehicle on a highway, killing two and injuring at least three others.

Aleksandr Khinshtein, the governor of the neighboring Kursk region, said drones also struck the town of Rylsk, injuring three people and damaging three apartment buildings, a private house, and a kindergarten.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that fighting in the Kursk region was ongoing as of April 29, according to Russian and Ukrainian sources.

"Russian forces continue efforts to push Ukrainian forces from their limited remaining positions in the area," the report added.

Elsewhere, South Korean lawmakers said on April 30 that about 600 North Korean troops have been killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine out of a total deployment of 15,000.

"After six months of participation in the war, the North Korean military has become less inept, and its combat capability has significantly improved," Lee Seong-kweun, a member of South Korea's parliamentary intelligence committee, told reporters.

North Korea has suffered about 4,700 casualties so far, including injuries and deaths, Korean lawmakers said.

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry acknowledged the "significant contribution" of North Korean soldiers in the battle to push Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region following Kyiv's shock incursion into the border area last year.

On April 30, Ukraine's top commander, Oleksandr Syrskiy, said Russian forces had increased the intensity of fighting.

Russia is "stubbornly" trying to break through Ukraine's defenses and reach the border of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Syrskiy added.

In its morning report, the Ukrainian military reported 177 engagements over the past day, most of which occurred near the city of Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, an area less than 20 kilometers from the Dnipropetrovsk region.
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Overnight Russian Shahed drone attacks killed one person in Dnipro on April 29-30 and injured at least 45 in Kharkiv and other cities in Ukraine. More than 100 air strikes lasting hours sparked multiple fires.
Kyiv and Washington are on the verge of signing a deal giving the United States preferred access to Ukraine's mineral resources, including rare earth materials, as pressure builds on Russia and Ukraine to reach a peace deal to end Europe's longest conflict since World War II.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on April 30 that Washington and Kyiv could sign the deal as soon as "last-minute" issues are smoothed out.

"Our side is ready to sign. The Ukrainians decided last night to make some last-minute changes," Bessent said. "We're sure that they will reconsider that, and we are ready to sign this afternoon if they are."

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal said on state television the agreement, which he characterized as a "real partnership deal," could be signed within the next 24 hours as soon as all the remaining details are finalized.

"This is truly a good, equal, and beneficial international agreement on joint investments in the development and recovery of Ukraine," he said.

What's The Significance Of A Minerals Deal?

Ukraine is looking for the deal to shore up waning US support that has been key in Kyiv's battle to repel Russia's full-scale invasion, launched in February 2022.

Shmyhal gave no details of the deal, but Reuters quoted a draft as saying a joint US-Ukrainian fund for reconstruction would be created where half of the profits and royalties accruing to Ukraine from new natural resources permits will form Kyiv's contribution.

In turn, future US military assistance to Ukraine will count toward Washington's contribution to the fund.

Reaching a deal to give US companies access to Ukraine's mineral resources -- so-called rare earth minerals, as well as other valuable resources like lithium, titanium, uranium, and even oil and gas -- has proved difficult, with clashes and acrimony highlighting the talks.

A fiery clash at the White House between Trump and Zelenskyy in front of the international media derailed the talks in late February. Last month signs of discord emerged again when Trump charged that Zelenskyy was looking to back out of the deal while it was still being negotiated and warned that the Ukrainian leader would face "big, big problems" if he did.

Rubio Says Clock Running Out On US Peace Efforts

News of the minerals deal came hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that unless Russia and Ukraine put forward specific plans for ending the war in Ukraine, the United States will curtail its efforts to mediate.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce cited Rubio as saying that the time had been reached at which "concrete proposals need to be delivered by the two parties on how to end this conflict."

If there is not progress, the United States "will step back as mediators in this process," Bruce told reporters on April 29.

Later that day at a UN Security Council meeting, US diplomat John Kelley blamed Russia for the continuing bloodshed, saying it had "regrettably" carried out high-profile strikes "causing needless loss of life, including of innocent civilians."

"Right now, Russia has a great opportunity to achieve a durable peace," Kelley said, while adding that the burden for ending the war rests with Russia and Ukraine.

"It is up to the leaders of both these countries to decide whether peace is possible. If both sides are ready to end the war, the United States will fully support their path to a lasting peace," he said.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha on April 30 reiterated Kyiv's "readiness for peace talks in any format as soon as we see that Russia is truly prepared for the difficult path to peace."

Sybiha called Russian President Vladimir Putin's April 28 announcement of a three-day cease-fire on May 8-10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union and its allies in World War II "peace populism or a brief propaganda cease-fire for the May 9 parade."

"Russia can demonstrate its genuine readiness for peace talks by agreeing to a real ceasefire for at least 30 days. If Russia is ready for a 60- or 90-day cease-fire, we are too," Sybiha said in a statement on X social network.

"Russia must stop talking about its readiness for peace and start acting by agreeing unconditionally to a real and durable cease-fire. When the guns are silent, talks can begin -- in any format that will bring peace," Sybiha added.

Trump said he believes Putin wants to end the war in Ukraine, telling ABC in an interview broadcast on April 29, "I think he does," when asked if Putin wants peace.

Zelenskyy also questioned earlier the need to wait until the anniversary for a cease-fire and called for an "immediate, full, and unconditional" 30-day truce.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on April 30 acknowledged Washington wants to see rapid progress in ending the war in Ukraine but emphasized that the process is highly complex and first requires resolving many outstanding issues.

"We understand that Washington wants quick success in this process," Peskov told reporters. "But at the same time, we hope there is an understanding that the resolution of the Ukrainian crisis is a very complex process, with many questions and details that need to be settled beforehand."

He also stressed any agreement must be made "with Ukraine, not the US," adding that while Washington is acting as a mediator, "we are grateful to the US for these efforts."

Peskov further recalled that Putin recently reiterated his willingness to hold direct talks with Ukraine, but "Kyiv has not responded" to this offer.

Trump and his envoys have been pressing Ukraine to agree to a cease-fire. At the same time the US president has been urging Russia to stop attacking Ukraine. In the interview with ABC, Trump said he "was not happy when I saw Putin shooting missiles into a few towns and cities."

Trump reportedly has suggested an official recognition of Russia's takeover of Crimea -- an annexation rejected by nearly all the world -- in addition to land swaps.

Zelenskyy has held firm against formal international recognition of Russia's 2014 takeover of Crimea.

"We all want this war to end in a fair way -- with no rewards for Putin, especially no land," Zelenskyy said on April 29 in a videoconference at a summit organized by Poland.

At the Security Council, France and Britain praised US mediation, while criticizing Russia, which launched more drone attacks late on April 29, hitting the cities of Dnipro and Kharkiv.

Jean-Noel Barrot, France's minister for Europe, said Kyiv had demonstrated goodwill and called Putin the sole obstacle to a cease-fire by seeking Ukraine's "capitulation."

Russia's UN ambassador, Vasily Nebenzya, rejected allegations that Russian forces had targeted civilians and accused Ukraine of using civilians or human shields by positioning air defenses in heavily populated areas.

He accused Kyiv of recklessly rejecting balanced US peace proposals and targeting Russian civilians, while saying it was increasingly difficult for Western backers of Zelenskyy's government to conceal its "brutal, misanthropic, and Nazi essence."

Mariana Betsa, a Ukrainian deputy foreign minister, told the Security Council that Russia wants Ukraine to surrender and Kyiv could not accept peace at any cost.

She said Ukraine would never recognize any temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine as Russian, including Crimea, which Moscow has held since 2014.

With reporting by Reuters
High Court reporters

Several Facebook "content moderators" cannot pursue legal actions in Ireland over their claims that they suffered serious psychological injuries from being exposed to graphic and violent content, the High Court has ruled.

The cases, which related to people who worked under contracts with German and Spanish outsourcing firms, were brought in the Irish High Court because Facebook operator Meta, which is also a defendant in the actions, has its European headquarters in Dublin.

One of the cases was brought by a man who worked for the German company CCC Essen Digital Gmbh between 2018 and 2019 in Essen under a contract of employment to which Meta was not a party but merely outsourced the work to CCC.

A second case was brought by another man who also worked for CCC Essen, while a third was brought by a woman working for CCC Barcelona Digital Services SLU in Spain.

It is alleged in the personal injury proceedings that Meta engaged the CCC firms for the purposes of recruiting and hiring content moderators.

While they were employed by the CCC firms, which owed a duty of care, it is alleged they were working under the ultimate control and direction of Facebook/Meta.

All of the claims are denied.

The three cases were among around 30 against Facebook/Meta and against various other companies that were engaged to assist in the social media giant's content moderation services.

Of the 30 cases, about one-third involve a co-defendant outside of Ireland, while 20 cases involve a co-defendant in Ireland.

The CCC Essen and CCC Barcelona firms asked the High Court to first decide whether Ireland was the correct jurisdiction for hearing the personal injury actions the three had brought.

The companies said Ireland was not the correct jurisdiction, while the plaintiffs argued that as Meta was the "anchor defendant", they should be heard here.

The three cases were considered by the High Court as representative for deciding the jurisdiction question.

This was on the understanding that any decision was not binding directly on the remaining 27 cases but that it would provide some assistance in the resolution of the balance of the actions.

All three people were content moderators, later called "subject matter experts", who ensured compliance with Meta/Facebooks implementation standards for online content.

Mr Justice Conleth Bradley ruled Ireland did not have jurisdiction.

He said the central focus of the jurisdiction issue, common to all three cases, concerned the application of an EU regulation governing the bringing of actions and issues related to the domicile of a defendant (the Brussels I Recast regulations).

The judge said he determined that the three plaintiffs had not demonstrated the requisite close connection and risk of irreconcilable judgments in Ireland as against Germany/Spain as per the requirements of Article 8(1) of the regulations.

He therefore said he would make orders that the High Court of Ireland does not have the jurisdiction to hear the cases.

On Wednesday, the judge said he would give judgment later on costs and on an application by the plaintiffs for leave to appeal his decision.
Ryan Dunne

Two men accused of murdering 22-year-old Mahamud Ilyas in a dispute over drugs told gardai that they defended themselves after Mr Ilyas came running into an apartment with a weapon and threatened to kill them.

He was threatening us and telling us he had stabbed us in the neck, he went for us with a crowbar, Viorel Doroscan (23) told gardai, while his co-accused, Otniel Richardo Clejan (24) gave a statement to gardai in which he said that he defended himself by once striking and pushing away Mr Ilyas.

Mr Ilyas died from blunt force trauma to the head, with Assistant State pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster telling the jury that the deceased sustained depressed fractures to his head which were "typical of hammer blows".

It is the States case that Mr Doroscan and Mr Clejan were involved in the sale and supply of drugs, and they allegedly beat Mr Ilyas to death after a row over a stolen bag of cannabis.

Mr Doroscan, of Bay Meadows Square, Hollystown, West Dublin, and Mr Clejan, with a former address at Verdemont in Blanchardstown in Dublin 15, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Ilyas on December 9th, 2022.

On Wednesday, the jury at the Central Criminal Court heard extracts from Mr Doroscan's interviews with gardai, which were read out by counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Jane Murphy BL. I

n the interviews, Mr Doroscan told gardai that he was in a friends home on the day when Mr Ilyas sprinted into the house and started screaming: Yous are dead. He said that Mr Ilyas was wearing a mask and threatening that "hed stab us in the neck.

He went for us with a crowbar, and Richardo hit him with a hammer on the side or back of the head, said Mr Doroscan, going on to say that Mo fought back.

He said: Im going to stab you in the neck, the accused told gardai. He said that Mr Ilyas went to hit Mr Clejan with a crowbar, but Mr Clejan pushed him onto the ground after hitting him with a hammer.

Mr Doroscan said he kicked Mr Ilyas in the face to take a weapon out of his hand, before Mr Ilyas put a hand into his pocket and took out a hammer.

I hit him in the face with my foot and took the hammer off him and threw it away, he said.

The accused told gardai that another man present in the house tied Mr Ilyas up and put him on the sofa, while Mr Ilyas was praying and saying: Yous are dead.

Mr Doroscan said that Mr Clejan called a third man, co-accused Lorenzo Cantaragiu (21), who arrived with his car. He said they put Mr Ilyas into the car and drove to a field beside Hollystown, where they took Mr Ilyas out of the car.

I took the ropes off him and left him there, said Mr Doroscan, adding that he put like a blanket beside Mr Ilyas.

Mo was breathing okay but still threatening us, he said, telling gardai that this guy was 100% alive.

The accused went on to deny that there was any issue between him and Mr Ilyas concerning drug dealing. He told gardai that he left Mr Ilyas in shelter underneath some trees and he was screaming all the way through.

The jury heard that in his interview with gardai, Mr Clejan said that he was unaware that Mr Ilyas was coming to the apartment that day.

He came into the apartment armed and threatened to kill me. I defended myself by once striking and pushing him away. I did not cause multiple blows or cause his death, I did not stand over him with a hammer, said Mr Clejan.

The jury also heard that in his garda interview, Mr Cantaragiu said that he drove Mr Doroscan and Mr Clejan to an area in Hollystown where they took the body out.

Ms Murphy read out the transcript of Mr Cantaragius interview with gardai, in which Mr Cantaragiu said: Thats the last time I seen them with him. I last seen him when he was headfirst in the ditch, and I helped him up. He was breathing, because I heard his gasps. I left after that and never went back after that.

Mr Cantaragiu also told gardai that when he was in the car, he heard Mr Ilyas shivering, like chattering teeth.

I heard a few moans, like he could feel the pain, said Mr Cantaragiu, confirming that Mr Ilyas was still alive at that point. He said that when he tried to pull Mr Ilyas out of the ditcMr My Ilyas was face down with his elbows up.

I think he was conscious. He gasped when he went into the water, said Mr Cantaragiu.

Mr Cantaragiu, of Castlegrange Park, Blanchardstown, faces various charges of impeding the prosecution or apprehension of Mr Clejan and Mr Doroscan, by committing various acts while knowing or believing them to have committed the offence of causing serious harm to Mr Ilyas. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

At the opening of the trial, counsel for the DPP, Eoin Lawlor SC, said that on December 8th, 2022, a house at Verdemont in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, was being used to store cannabis.

That evening, Mr Ilyas called to the house and was seen leaving carrying a shopping bag containing cannabis. Mr Lawlor said Mr Ilyas wasnt supposed to take the cannabis and then tried to sell it to others.

The following afternoon, Mr Lawlor said, Mr Doroscan made contact with Mr Ilyas and told him he wished to speak to him urgently. Mr Ilyas went into the house at Verdemont at about 2.41pm.

Witness Vlady Ndosimau previously told the trial that he ran up and barged through the door after hearing a loud banging noise inside the house. Inside, he said he witnessed Mr Ilyas sitting on the floor, with his back against a radiator, looking as if he had been beaten and with blood coming from his nose.

His hands and feet were tied using a rope or a zip tie, and was moaning while Mr Clejan and Mr Doroscan shouted at him, the witness said.

Mr Doroscan, holding a fruit knife, stood between Mr Ilyas's legs while Mr Clejan stood close to his head with a hammer in his hand, the witness said. Mr Doroscan, he said, kept on shouting "where is the stuff" while Mr Ilyas responded by "groaning and groaning".

The trial continues on Thursday before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of five women and seven men.
A County Roscommon woman was named the winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed Competition on the opening day of Punchestown Festival yesterday, Tuesday.

Genevieve Ryan from Roscommon enjoyed a superb first visit to the Punchestown Festival.

Having really embraced the theme of the competition and shopped her own wardrobe first, Genevieve wowed the judges and attendees with her impeccable style and the story of how she curated her unique twist on the classic monochrome look.

Head judge Jess Colivet commented: Within 10 minutes of arriving in the gate, she was clearly the one to beat. A perfect blend of sophistication and elegance, showcasing how a keen sense of fashion and attention to detail teamed with a sustainable ethos will always be a winner in the Bollinger style stakes at Punchestown.

Genevieve Ryan from Roscommon was winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed on opening day of the Punchestown five day racing festival. Pic: Michael Chester

The shirt, a versatile piece purchased three years ago from MacBees in Killarney, recently underwent a facelift when Genevieve cleverly swapped the old buttons for new ones to refresh her look. Her polka dot skirt was a recent purchase from Coosy worked so well with her Jimmy Choo shoes, a Depop bargain she nabbed online for 180. The real wow factor was her hat, a handmade with love at home piece finished with her 3 year old daughters favourite teddys bow. She accessorised perfectly with rings from Chupi, earrings from Faizie Maizie and her cloud bag by Aoife Mullane was another Depop purchase.

Almost 18,000 attendees enjoyed a glorious start to the opening leg of the five-day festival at Punchestown Racecourse. The great and the good of National Hunt Racing from both sides of the Irish sea went head-to-head on the track, while social racegoers basked in the glorious sunshine and soaked up the electric atmosphere.
Roscommon County Council has set a deadline of May 15th for expressions of interest to fill the council seat left vacant following the passing of Independent Councillor Anthony Waldron.

The local authority is now inviting expressions of interest from what it describes as eligible individuals to fill the seat. Cllr Waldron passed away suddenly in early February.

Among the candidates who have already expressed an interest in the position are residents of Ballintubber where the late councillor lived.

Community activist Gail Murray is backed by Ballintubber Development Association while the family of the late Cllr Waldron is supporting Michael Holland.

Monksland community activist Ernie Draper has also expressed an interest in the vacant Roscommon Municipal District seat.

All valid nominations will be put forward for a vote of the elected members and a simple majority vote will decide who fills the seat. It is understood that this vote will take place at the May monthly meeting of the council.

In its public notice, the council says no evidence of an organisational structure or group was submitted by the late Cllr Waldron.

Individuals interested in being considered for co-option are invited to submit their expressions of interest by 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 15th. Nominees may propose themselves or can be proposed by a third party.

To be considered, nominees must meet the same criteria required of candidates in local elections, provide written consent for the nomination and submit a form of photographic identification.

Those interested can request a nomination form from the local authority and a completed form can be submitted by post, in person or email.

Current legislation does not limit nominations to the Roscommon/Ballintubber Municipal District, from which Councillor Waldron was elected.
Ellen O'Donoghue

The trial of Robert Satchwell, who is accused of allegedly murdering his wife Tina, dominates Wednesday's front pages.

The Irish Times lead with semi-State executives being in line for major pay increases, the trial of Robert Satchwell, and a detective garda pleading guilty to assaulting his former wife.

The Irish Independent lead with a story about Fine Gael being "furious" over Fianna Fail's plan to appoint a "housing tsar" on 430,000 a year.

The Belfast Telegraph lead with a former DUP councillor saying that he has not paid a penny after Michelle O'Neill took him to court for a slur he posted about the Sinn Fein vice president on Facebook.

The Irish Examiner, Irish Daily Mirror, Irish Daily Star, The Echo, Irish Daily Mail and The Herald all lead with stories about the trial of Robert Satchwell, who is accused of allegedly murdering his wife Tina in Cork.
Wall Collapse Turns Deadly, 8 Feared Dead at Temple in Andhra Pradesh's Simhachalam

Due to heavy rain on the morning of the festival and Simhachalams hilly terrain, the ground reportedly became unstable.

Andhra Pradesh Simhachalam Temple Wall Collapse Latest News Today: At least eight people lost their lives after a cement wall collapsed in the early hours of Wednesday at the Simhachalam temple in Andhra Pradeshs Visakhapatnam, India Today reported.

The wall collapsed while devotees were queuing for a Rs 300 ticket near a shopping complex on the Ghat Road from Simhagiri during the annual Chandanamahotsavam celebrations at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, the report stated.

The devotees had queued up for darshan since the early hours, crowding the area, the report said, citing officials.

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Temporary arrangements, including tents, had been set up to accommodate the large number of devotees expected for the festival. According to the report, the collapsed cement wall was part of a newly constructed structure adjacent to the tents.

Due to heavy rain on the morning of the festival and Simhachalams hilly terrain, the ground reportedly became unstable. The soil beneath or around the area loosened, causing the tents to collapse onto the under-construction wall, allegedly leading to the collapse of the wall.

Rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with local fire and police personnel, were underway at the site. The injured were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

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Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon, he stated on social media.

As part of the governments relief measures after the Simhachalam Temple wall collapse in Andhra Pradesh, the Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia compensation of rupees 2 lakh from the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased. Additionally, rupees 50,000 will be provided to those injured in the incident.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also condoled the deaths in a post on his X handle: My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this incident due to the collapse of a wall caused by heavy rains. I have spoken to the District Collector and SP about the situation there.

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I have ordered that the injured be provided with immediate medical treatment. I am reviewing the situation from time to time, he added as he announced his action plan on the Simhachalam Temple wall collapse in Andhra Pradesh.

Home Minister V. Anitha closely monitored the situation at the site along with the District Collector and Police Commissioner. She also oversaw rescue operations in the wall-damaged area.

(For more news apart from Andhra Pradesh Simhachalam Temple Wall Collapse Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
By Sonal Gupta

Local Journalism Initiative

A lawsuit filed by four UBC professors and a former graduate student in BCs Supreme Court argues that the universitys widely practiced land acknowledgements are political, and therefore against provincial law. But legal scholars and Indigenous leaders warn it will undermine progress on Indigenous land rights and reconciliation.

The professors cite the provincial University Act, which says universities must be non-political and non-sectarian, and argue that by using words like unceded  meaning the land was never surrendered through treaty agreements  the land acknowledgments say Canadas land is stolen and question the legitimacy of the state itself.

This, they say, forces faculty and students to conform to the institutions political views.

The petitioners from UBC Okanagan include philosophy professor Andrew Irvine, political science associate professor Brad Epperly, and English and cultural studies associate professor Michael Treschow.

The petitioners from UBC Vancouver are political science professor Christopher Kam and a former philosophy graduate, Nathan Cockram.

However, this argument is being met with strong resistance from legal scholars and Indigenous leaders who see the lawsuit as a denial of legal and historical facts.

Academic freedom is not freedom from responsibility, said Amy Parent, a member of the Nisga'a Nation and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Education and Governance at Simon Fraser University. This lawsuit is weaponizing academic freedom to maintain colonial discomfort and denial.

Scott Franks, Metis scholar and assistant professor at UBC's Allard School of Law, said that Indigenous land rights are not a political opinion but a legal fact. Section 35 of Canadas Constitution protects Indigenous peoples' title to their land, unless explicitly surrendered through treaties.

Frank pointed out that any attempt to challenge land acknowledgements in court would likely fail, given existing legal precedents that reject colonial doctrines like Terra Nullius and the Doctrine of Discovery, which were used to justify taking land without recognizing Indigenous sovereignty.

It would be contradictory for a court to reason that way because of how Canada's constitutional legal framework recognizes Indigenous peoples title, Franks said.

Many Indigenous nations in BC have never signed such treaties, so the land is legally unceded, which is in effect what land acknowledgments state.

Indigenous leaders find the lawsuit disrespectful and an act of historical denial of Indigenous sovereignty.

Its just wrong, said Chief Robert Louie of the Westbank First Nation.

The denial of Indigenous presence is a denial of our existence, said Louie. Its a rejection of the truth about the history of this country, and its an attempt to perpetuate harmful rhetoric under the guise of academic freedom.

He added that acknowledgments are personal for Indigenous communities who are still fighting for justice, self-determination and the return of lands that were taken without consent. They are acts of truth-telling that help educate Canadians about their history and build understanding between Indigenous and non Indigenous communities.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action also emphasize the need for recognition and respect for Indigenous peoples. These calls stress that land acknowledgements are not only an important educational step but are also part of the healing.

Kent McNeil, emeritus distinguished research professor at York University's Osgoode Hall Law School, said that while the lawsuit frames land acknowledgements as political gestures challenging Canadas sovereignty, Indigenous peoples are not seeking to dismantle the state.

They want their rights to be respected, McNeil said, and they want jurisdiction over their ancestral territories. But they are not questioning Canadas sovereignty itself.

Many people see land acknowledgments as largely performative, Franks said. Institutions and universities may say the right words to acknowledge that theyre on Indigenous land, but they stop there without changing how they operate or how they build relationships with the Indigenous peoples connected to that land.

Acknowledgments are assumptions or presumptions from institutions or persons who arent Indigenous or from those territories or those nations, Frank said.

He works with his students to deconstruct the language in the different land acknowledgments and have them critically examine the difference between Indigenous land rights and settler assumptions in the phrasing.

Critics argue that this lawsuit represents a deeper conservative push to avoid confronting Canada's colonial past.

This is probably a right-wing action, even though it's couched in the language of academic freedom, McNeil said.

Conservative actors often employ such tactics to question well-documented historical realities, such as the legacy of residential schools or Indigenous land rights, as well as to deflect ongoing calls for reconciliation, said Parent.

To me, this represents another conservative gaslighting strategy of denial and displacement.

While unlikely, if the professors' lawsuit were to succeed, it could set a precedent that would apply in other contexts.

A ruling in BC would not automatically apply across Canada, but it could intimidate other academic institutions into backing away from land acknowledgements, critics warn, which could reduce them to empty rituals with no real commitment to reconciliation or respect for Indigenous sovereignty.

Supporters argue that these acknowledgements are part of the educational responsibility that universities have to foster a more inclusive and informed society. These practices invite students and faculty to actively understand their responsibilities to continue learning, engaging and supporting a vast array of Indigenous peoples' laws and cultural practices.

Land acknowledgements are not about ideologies, said Parent. They're about truth, responsibility, respect and fairness.

First Nation land acknowledgements in Canada became more prevalent after the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) final report in 2015, which documented the harms of the Indian residential school system.

While not explicitly mentioned in the 94 calls to action, the report's focus on reconciliation sparked widespread adoption of land acknowledgements as a way to honor Indigenous peoples and their connection to the land.

The report is the result of a six-year investigation into Canadas Indian Residential School system and its devastating legacy for Indigenous peoples. The report documents the experiences of more than 6,000 Survivors, whose testimonies reveal widespread physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, forced assimilation, and the destruction of Indigenous languages and cultures.

At least 3,200 children are known to have died in the schools, though the true number is likely much higher due to poor record-keeping4hyperlink "https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/truth-and-reconciliation-final-report-1..." \t "_blank" 7.

The TRC concluded that the residential school system constituted an act of cultural genocide, aiming to eliminate Indigenous identities and communities. The report details the intergenerational trauma caused by these policies, which continues to affect Indigenous communities today, including overrepresentation in child welfare and criminal justice systems, loss of language, and ongoing social and economic challenges.

Sonal Gupta / Local Journalism Initiative / Canadas National Observer.
Kolkata Hotel Fire Tragedy: 14 Dead, 13 Injured in Blaze at Rituraj Hotel in Mechua; Probe Ordered (image/the hindu)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that an investigation had been ordered into the incident.

Central Kolkata Falpatti Machhua Rituraj Hotel fire tragedy latest news: A major fire broke out at the Rituraj Hotel, located near Falpatti Machhua in the Mechua area of central Kolkata, on the evening of April 29, 2025. At least 14 died and 13 got injured. Among the deaths, 13 died due to suffocation and a man died after jumping from the building while trying to escape fire, the India today reported.

According to the report, most of them died of suffocation as the narrow, busy streets of Burrabazar made rescue operation difficult. The fire reportedly started around 8:15 pm on Tuesday and it was brought under control in the early hours of Wednesday by over 10 fire engines that worked overnight to douse the fire.

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Total 14 people have died in the fire at Rituraj Hotel. Further investigation is underway and a Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe into the matter, Commissioner of Police Manoj Kumar Verma told media persons while visiting the affected area.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that an investigation had been ordered into the incident.

CM Banerjee in a post on X, condoled the loss and said that an investigation has been ordered.

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My heart goes out to the victims of the fire incident that took place at a private hotel (Rituraj) in Burra Bazar area. I monitored the rescue and fire fight operations throughout the night and mobilised maximal fire brigade services in the area. 14 died eventually in total because there were combustible materials stored inside. Investigation has been ordered. My condolences to the victim families and solidarity for all affected, CM Banerjee posted on X.

President Droupadi Murmu also in a post on her X handle, expressed her condolences to the bereaved families of the Rituraj Hotel, Kolkata fire incident.

She wrote, The sad news of loss of lives in the fire accident in a building in Kolkata is very disturbing and painful. My deep condolences to members of the bereaved family. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the loss of lives in the massive fire that broke out at the Rituraj Hotel. The Prime Minister announced an ex gratia of a2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and a50,000 for each of the injured.

Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kolkata. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon, the Prime minister posted on his X handle

According to police, two children were among those killed in the fire. Eight bodies have been identified, while the rest are still being processed. Thirteen people were injured, with 12 discharged from the hospital and one still under observation.

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The fire broke out at a hotel on Madan Mohan Barman Street, causing panic. Many attempted to jump from the balcony to escape. Despite warnings from firefighters and police, Manoj Paswan jumped from the top to escape the flames but was later declared dead at the Medical College Hospital.

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim and Minister Shashi Panja visited the scene to oversee the rescue operations. Hakim stated that the exact cause of the fire will only be determined after a forensic investigation. He explained that the fire started on the lower floors and spread upwards, causing smoke to fill the upper levels, which made it difficult for people to escape, leading to panic.

( For more news apart from, 'UK MP Bob Blackman Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Urges Stronger UK Support for India, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Delhi Police Strengthen Citizenship Verification Norms During Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants

This shift comes following complaints raised in an on-going verification campaign launched in October last year.

Delhi Police Strengthen Citizenship Verification Norms During Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants latest news: In a firm action to check illegal immigration, the Delhi Police have made it clear that Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and ration cards will no longer be accepted as documents of Indian citizenship. Only a Voter ID card or an Indian passport will be accepted as valid documents.".

This shift comes following complaints raised in an on-going verification campaign launched in October last year. The authorities noted large numbers of foreign nationals, including Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, falsely presenting themselves as Indian citizens using these now-invalid documents.

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A top police officer said that most illegal immigrants had acquired Aadhaar cards, ration cards, PAN cards, and even United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) documents, making the identification process complex. To rectify the situation, more stringent verification procedures have been implemented.

Delhi Police have ordered Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) in all districts to step up monitoring of people believed to be staying in the nation illegally. Officials assure that activities aimed at tracing and repatriating illegal immigrants will go on until the very last person is traced and sent back.

Apart from targeting other foreign nationals, the authorities have also intensified checking of Pakistani nationals residing in Delhi. According to reports, about 3,500 Pakistani nationals live in the capital city, of which around 520 are Muslims. Over 400 of them have already gone back to Pakistan through the Attari border.

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As the verification campaign gains momentum, authorities insist that they are set on reinforcing control on immigration and enforcing adherence to the new documentation requirements for citizenship.

(For More News Apart Delhi Police Strengthen Citizenship Verification Norms During Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
'India planning military action against Pakistan in next 24 to 36 hours', says Pak Minister

"Pakistan has been the victim of terrorism itself and truly understands the pain of this scourge", he said.

Amid rising border tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, Pakistan's information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, at a midnight presser, expressed fear of Pakistan getting attacked by India in the next 24 to 26 hours.

Attaullah Tarar took to social media and said, "Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends carrying out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident."

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"Indian self-assumed hubristic role of Judge, Jury and Executioner in the region is reckless and vehemently rejected. Pakistan has been the victim of terrorism itself and truly understands the pain of this scourge. We have always condemned it in all its forms and manifestations anywhere in the world," he added.

"Being a responsible state, Pakistan open heartedly offered a credible, transparent and independent investigation by a neutral commission of experts to ascertain the truth. Unfortunately, rather than pursuing the path of reason, India has apparently decided to tread the dangerous path of irrationality and confrontation, which will have catastrophic consequences for the complete region and beyond. Evasion of credible investigations is in itself sufficient evidence exposing India's real motives. Consciously making strategic decisions hostage to public sentiments, purposefully trumped up for securing political objectives, is unfortunate and deplorable," said Attaullah Tarar.

"Pakistan reiterates that any such military adventurism by India would be responded to assuredly and decisively. The International community must remain alive to the reality that the onus of escalatory spiral and its ensuing consequences shall squarely lie with India. The Nation reiterates its resolve to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan at all cost," he concluded.
Mother Dairy Hikes Milk Prices by Up to Rupees 2 per Litre from April 30

The price hike is a partial adjustment to rising costs, balancing farmer and consumer interests.

Mother Dairy Hikes Milk Prices by Up to Rupees 2 per Litre from April 30

Mother Dairy has increased liquid milk prices by up to Rupees 2 per litre, effective Wednesday attributing the hike to increase in procurement cost.

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"Mother Dairy is constrained to revise the consumer price of its liquid milk by up to Rs. 2 per litre, effective from April 30, 2025. This price revision has been necessitated to address the significant increase in procurement costs, which have gone up by Rs. 4 - 5 per litre over the past few months. The surge in procurement prices is primarily driven by early onset of summer and heatwave conditions," a Mother Dairy spokesperson is quoted as saying.

"We remain committed to ensuring the consistent availability of quality milk to consumers while supporting the livelihoods of our farmers," he said.

The price of bulk vended toned milk has been raised from rupees 54 to rupees 56 per litre.

Full cream milk will now be available at rupees 69 per litre, up from the previous price of rupees 68. Cow milk will cost rupees 57 per litre, an increase from rupees 56, while the price of double-toned milk has been revised to rupees 51 per litre from the earlier rate of rupees 49.

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Mother Dairy sources milk from 10 lakh farmers in 12 states and sells it via 4 lakh retail outlets across India. It supplies about 35 lakh litres daily in Delhi-NCR. The price hike is a partial adjustment to rising costs, balancing farmer and consumer interests.

( For more news apart from, 'Mother Dairy Hikes Milk Prices by Up to Rupees 2 per Litre from April 30, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Pakistan Readies Legal Action Against India for Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty

Pakistan's agrifood industry, which supports the economy so highly and utilizes most of its populace

Pakistan Readies Legal Action Against India for Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty latest news: India-Pakistan tensions have risen after the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 dead. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a key treaty signed in 1960 that regulates the sharing of water from six rivers between the two neighbors. New Delhi has said the treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan stops all support for cross-border terrorism completely and irreversibly.

This action has been met with angry responses from Pakistan, with the office of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif labeling the action an "act of war." The release threatened to respond to any move to impede or divert Pakistan's share of water with"full force across the complete spectrum of National Power."

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Islamabad is now preparing to challenge the suspension of the treaty through international legal channels. According to Minister of State for Law and Justice Aqeel Malik, Pakistan is considering multiple options, including:

- Approaching the World Bank, which is the designated facilitatorof the treaty.

- Pursuing the case before the International Court of Justice or the Permanent Court of Arbitration, contending that India's move is against the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.

- Raising the matter at the United Nations Security Council, requesting intervention at an international diplomatic level.

Pakistan's agrifood industry, which supports the economy so highly and utilizes most of its populace, stands vulnerable particularly in the event of the water supply from India being cutoff. It concerns farmers that flash flooding or drought conditionsmight develop on account of unavailability of India's water-partition data.

Analysts are of the view that although Islamabad can seek legal recourse, India has significant leverage in this case. In the past, the Indus Waters Treaty has weathered several wars between the countries and suspending it is an unheard-of action.

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Only time can tell how Pakistan proceeds with its legal case and how this water dispute will affect stability in the region.

(For More News Apart Pakistan Readies Legal Action Against India for Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
US Monitoring India-Pakistan Developments After Pahalgam Terror Attack: ANI

Rubio has urged both nations not to escalate the situation

US Monitoring India-Pakistan Developments After Pahalgam Terror Attack: ANI

The United States is closely monitoring developments between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 tourists, ANI reported, citing US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. The US is also in regular contact with both the Indian and Pakistani governments.

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According to reports, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to speak with the foreign ministers of both neighbouring countries either today or tomorrow.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, Tammy Bruce was asked by ANI to respond to the Pakistani Ministers recent statement, in which he admitted that Pakistan had been doing the dirty work for the United States while also denying the presence of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan.

In response, Bruce said, The Secretary of State will speak with the foreign ministers of both countries. We're also monitoring the developments across the board in that region, and we, as you know, are at multiple levels in touch with the governments of India and Pakistan. Not just at the Foreign Minister level, but at multiple levels. We, of course, are encouraging all parties to work together for a responsible solution. The world is watching this, but I have no additional details in that regard..."

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She added that Secretary Rubio has urged both nations not to escalate the situation and is encouraging other national leaders and foreign ministers to engage with India and Pakistan on this issue. According to the report, everyday action is being taken in the case, and the Secretary is in direct communication with his counterparts in both countries.

Meanwhile, following the Cabinet Committee Security meeting held on April 23, another high-level meeting was convened, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the report said.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister reiterated that it is Indias national resolve to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism. According to ANI sources, Modi emphasized that India remains united and firmly committed to combating terrorism. He also expressed full confidence in the Indian Armed Forces, and stated that the Indian Armed Forces have complete operational freedom to decide the mode, targets, and timing of India's response.

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India took several strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its cross-border terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. One of these measures was putting the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.

( For more news apart from, 'US Monitoring India-Pakistan Developments After Pahalgam Terror Attack: ANI, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
UK MP Bob Blackman Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Urges Stronger UK Support for India

Will the government (UK) commit to support the erosion and elimination of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir?

UK MP Bob Blackman Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Urges Stronger UK Support for India

UK MP Bob Blackman strongly condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and urged the UK government to support India in tracking down the perpetrators and eliminating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking in the UK Parliament, he described the attack as well-organised and well-coordinated.

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Blackman stated, The reality of this terrorist attackdespite the minister's wordsis that the 26 men who were systematically murdered by being shot in the head were either Hindu or Christian. This was a deliberate Islamist attack on peaceful tourists.

He highlighted the ongoing threat from terrorist bases across the Line of Control (LoC), in areas he referred to as illegally occupied by Pakistan.

Blackman questioned whether the UK government would now fully support India in apprehending the attackers and bringing their backers to justice, adding, Will the government commit to support the erosion and elimination of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir?

The attack took place in Pahalgams Baisaran meadow, a remote area accessible only by foot or horseback. All 26 victims were male tourists. Reports indicate that the attackers identified victims, forced some to remove their pants and recite the kalmathose who failed were executed.

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Indias Countermeasures Against Pakistan Post-Attack

In a swift and decisive response, India took several strong diplomatic and strategic measures against Pakistan following the attack.

On April 23, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided to put the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible action against terrorism.

Indian authorities declared several Pakistani High Commission officials, including Defence and Service Advisors, persona non grata. India also withdrew its own counterparts from Islamabad. Both missions were ordered to reduce staff to 30 members by May 1.

The Integrated Check Post at Attari was ordered to shut down, with a grace period until May 1 for valid returnees.

India revoked the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals. All existing visas under the scheme were cancelled, and holders were ordered to leave within 48 hours. Visa services for Pakistani nationals were also suspended immediately.

On April 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking from Madhubani in Bihar, issued a stern warning.

He said, We will identify, track, and punish every terrorist, their handlers, and their backerspursuing them to the ends of the earth.

He added that the terrorists and conspirators behind the Pahalgam attack would be punished beyond their imagination.

( For more news apart from, 'UK MP Bob Blackman Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Urges Stronger UK Support for India, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Training and efficient cooperation between Romanian and French soldiers

Soldiers from the 634th Infantry Battalion in Piatra Neamt have recently held a joint training event with French soldiers from the NATO Battle Group in Cincu.

photo: Andrei Vicol/Agentia Media a Armatei

Agentia Media a Armatei, 30.04.2025, 14:26

Soldiers from the 634th Infantry Battalion in Piatra Neamt (northeastern Romania) have recently held a joint training event with French soldiers from the NATO Battle Group in Cincu (center). Together they organized two exercises. One of these was in the Tarcau Mountains Training Camp, where participants from the two armies carried out training activities specific to living and fighting in the mountainous environment. A complex field exercise was also held there. Francois is a lieutenant in the French army and led the detachment in his country. He said: The time I spent here was beneficial for several reasons, especially for the exercises and inter-allied operations, because at Cincu, where my platoon is stationed, we work with both the Spanish and Belgian armies, but also with soldiers from the Romanian Army, who come to the camp there to train with us. Here, at Piatra Neamt, I had a very good experience, especially because the soldiers here are specialized in infiltration and gathering information from the enemy. So, it is something we do not do every day. We are a mechanized infantry unit. Here we worked with a light infantry unit and it was interesting to exchange procedures, experience, and obviously, to improve the cohesion between the Romanian and French soldiers, on the training field, the French officer said.

Another exercise took place at the Garleni training ground in Bacau County (northeast). It was a good opportunity for the Romanian military to get used to the equipment of their French partners, and later they carried out live fire exercises, together using several categories of weapons. Here we also met the leader Mateo, who was in our country for the first time. He told us that he was very pleased with what he found in Romania: It was a very rich experience. I learned a lot about the Romanian army, about the skills of the soldiers here, about weapons, but also other aspects. It was really great and I discovered new things about our allies. This exercise shows us how our partners work and also helps us adapt to their fighting techniques.

The participants had the opportunity to share their previous experiences with each other, which allowed for a better understanding of how each of the two forces acts in an operational context. Among those present at the range was Corporal Lukas, who said that the training in mountainous terrain was beneficial for his comrades: This is my first time in Romania. It was a good opportunity to train with soldiers from the Romanian Army, but also with those from other armies. We shared a lot of experiences with them and trained in different environments, such as trenches or mountains, so it was a good moment. It is interesting what we learned from each other, so that we can fight better together, if necessary in the future. Romanian food is great. I was in Brasov (center) some time ago and tried some traditional dishes. It was delicious. The people were very friendly and we felt very well treated here. I think Romania is a wonderful country. If in the future I have the opportunity to go back and train again with the Romanian army and the other armies here, I would do it without any hesitation, said Corporal Lukas from the Army of the French Republic.

Currently, the NATO Battle Group deployed in Cincu brings together soldiers from France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Spain. Since its establishment, France has been the framework nation. This year, the main challenge of the battle group is the Dacian Spring exercise, which will involve expanding the force to the level of a brigade, approximately 5,000 soldiers. (EE)
April 30, 2024

A roundup of domestic and world news

Newsflash

Newsroom, 30.04.2025, 13:55

CSAT  The Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) convened by the interim president Ilie Bolojan, is meeting today. High on the agenda are, among other things, Romanias participation in the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 and the national defense draft law. The CSAT members are also discussing the national plan regarding military mobility, national security in the hydropower field and the national strategic vision in the space field. The last meeting of the CSAT took place on March 28.

Patriot  Romania will have a new Patriot surface-to-air, long range missile system that replaces the one it supplied to Ukraine last September. The leadership of the Romanian Ministry of National Defense welcomed the decision of the US State Department to approve the sale to Romania of such a system, which includes a radar set and two launch stations. The cost is over 260 million dollars from non-reimbursable external funds. This purchase will strengthen Romanias capacity to deter aggression in the Black Sea region. On the other hand, the Defense Minister, Angel Tilvar, declared today in Craiova (south), that this years defense budget amounts to 2.24% of the GDP, of which about 30% will be allocated for the purchase of major state-of-the-art equipment and research activities. Angel Tilvar participated, together with the interim president Ilie Bolojan, in the military ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Dolj Craiova Infantry Battalion 20 within the Multinational Brigade South-East.

May 1  Romanians will have a 4-day mini-holiday starting on May 1st. Most hoteliers on the Black Sea Coast are making the final preparations to welcome the over 50,000 tourists expected during this period. The most popular resorts are, as every year, Mamaia, Vama Veche and Eforie, where performances by well-known Romanian music artists are announced, among other things. Another destination for the May 1st mini-vacation is the Danube Delta. The booking rate of guesthouses is about 80%, similar to that during the Easter holidays. The Danube Delta, declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1990, has an area of over 4 thousand square kilometers, of which 82% is located on the Romanian territory. The Delta is included in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List and has over 8,000 species, being famous for its ornithological fauna. Local communities are characterized by ethnic diversity, the main occupations of the people living in the Danube Delta localities being fishing, tourism and animal husbandry.

Relics  The relics of the Holy Empress Helena, mother of Saint Constantine the Great, Emperor and Equal-to-the-Apostles, are brought today to Romania, a country with a majority Orthodox population. The relics will be on display in Bucharest for a few hours. Then, a delegation of the Roman Catholic Church dedicated to Saint Helena in Venice, in whose custody the relics are, will set off with the reliquary to the Pantocrator Monastery in Teleorman County (south). The reliquary will remain there until May 8. The Holy Empress Helena was buried in Rome, then her relics were transferred to Constantinople. In 1211, during one of the Crusades, the Western knights took them to Venice, from where they were only taken out for pilgrimage eight centuries later. Romania is the second Orthodox country, after Greece in 2017, where the Saint relics have been brought since her relics were moved in Venice. The event is part of the series of events marking, this year, 100 years since the establishment of the Romanian Orthodox Patriarchate.

Three Seas Initiative  Via Carpathia is one of the most important infrastructure projects for Romania, and work on this investment on the Romanian territory could begin in the coming months. The announcement was made by the interim president, Ilie Bolojan, who participated on Tuesday in Warsaw, in the summit of the Three Seas Initiative. He stated that the Romanian authorities were currently in the stage of organizing tenders for some sections of Via Carpathia, a network of expressways and motorways that connect northern Europe, from the Baltic Sea, to the south, through Romania, to the Black Sea and also through the Balkans, to the Adriatic Sea. In parallel with the summit, a Business Forum was also held in Warsaw, which was meant to strengthen economic relations and cooperation between the participating states. (LS)
The Gopo Awards Gala

The 19th edition of the Gopo Awards Gala was held in Bucharest, an annual event that celebrates and rewards the most important achievements in Romanian cinema.

The Gopo Awards Gala

Mihai Pelin, 30.04.2025, 13:50

The film The New Year That Never Came was the big winner, Tuesday evening, at the 2025 Gopo Awards Gala. The film won ten awards, including for direction, best actor, best actress, sets, sound or screenplay. The most important, however, was the award for best feature film, handed to director Bogdan Muresanu by actress Rodica Mandache, winner of an award for lifetime achievement in the 2024 edition. Bogdan Muresanu : I am very nervous but Im glad I am, because that means Im flooded with immense joy, as I didnt expect to end up here in any way. No one, of those who make films, launch into this madness with the thought that they will end up somewhere, someday, speaking in front of an audience like this. You think that enjoying it is, itself, a big thing. Adrian Vancica was designated best actor in a lead role for his performance in the film The New Year That Never Came. Nicoleta Hancu was nominated for best actress in a lead role, for her performance in the same film. Its important that we can do our job freely, I think thats the most important thing! she said on stage.

Directed, written and produced by Bogdan Muresanu, the feature film won numerous awards at international festivals. It is a tragicomedy that captures the lives of six characters whose destinies intersect in a single day, around the anti-communist Revolution. The action takes place on the evening of December 20, 1989, shortly before the fall of the Ceausescu dictatorship, when a 9-year-old child reveals to his parents the contents of the letter he had sent to Mos Gerila (Father Frost), and they realize that it includes a very dangerous message for everyones safety.

Also at the Gopo Awards Gala, Alina Berzunteanu won the award for best supporting actress for her role in Three Kilometers to the End of the World (directed by Emanuel Parvu), and Ciprian Chiriches was named best supporting actor for his performance in Saptamana Mare (Holy Week), directed by Andrei Cohn.

Director Dan Pita received an award for lifetime achievement. A prominent figure in Romanian cinema and the generation of the 1970s, he introduced an original style since his debut. His talent was also recognized internationally, with awards at the Berlin and Venice film festivals. For me, it was a fulfilled destiny. I am what I am because I debuted under his baton, said actor Claudiu Bleont in the Laudatio. A similar award was also given to actress Ioana Pavelescu, who recalled those who marked her career: Sergiu Nicolaescu, Amza Pellea, Alexandru Tatos, Gheorghe Dinica. I love my job to the point of despair, said the actress. Last but not least, Florin Mihailescu, one of the most talented and prolific cinematographers in Romanian cinema, was also honored with an award for lifetime achievement. The award honors his vital contribution to defining the aesthetics of some emblematic films. (EE)
By Isaac Phan Nay

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The union for B.C. ironworkers is calling on federal political parties to commit to major changes to Canadas migrant worker programs.

Its a business model to suppress wages, said Doug Parton of Ironworkers Local 97. The union represents about 2,400 ironworkers across B.C. and the Yukon.

While the federal government says its temporary foreign worker program helps address skilled labour shortages in construction, agriculture and other industries, Parton said that shortage has emerged because the program lets employers offer low wages that arent attracting Canadian workers.

It makes me sick, the level of abuse that some of these foreign workers have been subject to, he said. Its not right. Theyre hard workers.

For 15 years, Ive called on multiple levels of government to make a change. Its interesting that they all agree that theres a problem, Parton said. But every time I leave Ottawa, the abuse of that program gets worse and worse.

The Conservatives, Liberals and NDP all say the program is necessary to address labour shortages. So far, only the NDP has pitched a plan to address human rights concerns.

A United Nations special rapporteur referred to Canadas temporary foreign worker program as a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery in a report last fall, calling for a major overhaul of the system.

The report recommended that Canada end closed work permits, offer expanded permanent residency to all workers in Canada, protect foreign workers rights to unionize and increase oversight of the program.

In January, the human rights organization Amnesty International released its own report about how the program exposes labourers to abuse and discrimination across sectors, including agriculture, food processing, the care system and construction.

Raul Gatica of Dignidad Migrante Society said his organization has been asking the government for a major overhaul of the program for years.

There is a structural problem with the program, he said.

The biggest change Gatica is calling for is for temporary workers to receive open work permits, which would allow them to leave employment contracts and look for other work without being deported.

Being tied to a single employer is the most treacherous thing that allows the abuse of an employee, Gatica said. We have to erase it.

Other advocates attributed cases of low salaries and poor working conditions to bad employers, instead of the temporary worker program.

Hugo Velazquez, a director with the immigration non-profit MOSAIC, agrees with the federal government that the temporary foreign worker program is necessary to reach Canadas economic and infrastructure goals.

The economy cannot grow and cannot continue without them, he said. Because of the housing crisis, millions of units have to be built. Without temporary foreign workers, thats not going to happen.

Velazquez added its important to note that migrant workers are not taking Canadians jobs.

The temporary foreign worker program requires that employers prove Canadian workers did not apply for jobs, or were not qualified to fill them, before they can hire a migrant worker.

Parton of the ironworkers union says construction jobs arent being filled because Canadian workers cant afford to work at the wages offered, not because theres no interest.

If there truly is a skilled labour shortage, then common sense would dictate that you would pay more for that skilled labour, and that hasnt happened, he said. Instead, they are paid less.

Provincial job bank data shows that last year, ironworkers in B.C. made an hourly wage of between $26 and $49.50, with the median hourly wage sitting at $37.58.

Instead of cutting the program, Velazquez said, its up to unions to protect temporary workers from suffering abuses. He also suggested updating the program to better reflect and address the needs of undocumented workers who are employed by Canadian farms and for construction projects.

The reality is many workers are needed, he said. Unions should protect both them and Canadians, because theyre here and theyre a reality, and theyre in the thousands.

According to publicly available data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, in 2024, there were more than 37,000 people in B.C. who held work permits under the temporary foreign worker program, more than 4,500 of whom worked in construction trades or as construction trades helpers or labourers.

Last year, there were also more than 24,000 people in B.C. under the International Mobility Program work permits, a separate stream that allows employers to hire a foreign worker without needing to prove that no Canadian worker took the job.

Nearly 2,200 of the workers under the IMP were employed in construction trades or as construction trades helpers or labourers.

Justin Wiltshire, a labour economist at the University of Victoria, said that while temporary foreign workers make up a small portion of workers in Canada, they are needed to fill construction positions as many existing labourers age out of the workforce.

For a long time, Canada has not been generating enough construction workers, he said. We dont have enough interest from Canadian-born people to go into the construction trades.

The temporary foreign worker program is flawed, Wiltshire said, but Canada is reliant on it.

Without it, we would have been in pretty dire straits in Canada, Wiltshire added. But its not a long-term solution.

He said he suspects that instead of reforming or ending the program, Canada will continue with the program until it can address skilled labour shortages with technological advancements that allow construction with fewer workers.

The Conservative Party of Canada did not respond to requests for comment. But the partys policy declaration says it recognizes temporary workers as a valuable source of potential immigrants.

It says the government should continue developing projects that address skill shortages and attract temporary workers to Canada.

The Conservative partys policy declaration also calls for the government to look at ways for foreign workers to transition from temporary to permanent status and to ensure temporary workers receive the same protections under minimum employment standards as Canadian workers  both policies recommended by the UN report.

Steven Tufts, a labour geographer at York University, said Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is trapped between a nativist position on the program and a pro-business position that affords construction employers low-cost labour in temporary foreign workers.

Poilievre, for the last two years, has been talking about responsible migration levels, Tufts said. But theres part of that maple MAGA base that isnt enthusiastic about migration in any form.

Meanwhile, Tufts said, the NDP would likely always call for reform of the program over abolishing it.

The progressive position is eventual reform, substitution for regular pathways to citizenship, but thats not something that can happen overnight, Tufts said. The [NDP] knows its not a great program and its exploitative, but its better than nothing if its the only way you can access labour.

NDP campaign spokesperson Anne McGrath said in an email that, if elected, the party will review appropriate immigration levels.

McGrath said the review will take into account family reunification, skilled labour needs, infrastructure needs and the need to support Canadian workers and newcomers.

She added that previous governments have created an immigration system that works well for big corporations instead of workers.

We have seen them expanding the temporary foreign worker program so CEOS can make more profits by abusing and paying less for foreign workers, McGrath said. New Democrats would change that. Canadian workers should be prioritized.

The Liberal Party of Canada did not respond to requests for comment. But the previous federal government saw the temporary foreign worker program as a key way to address skilled labour shortages, and Tufts said the party is not likely to make any major changes to it.

Theyve been comfortable with this program, Tufts said. They tweak the numbers from time to time, and they respond to activists with some reforms, but I cant see the Liberals gutting this program or abolishing it.

Temporary and permanent economic immigration pathways play a complementary role in helping address Canadas labour market shortages in the construction sector, Mary Rose Sabater, a spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, told The Tyee by email.

Isaac Phan Nay / Local Journalism Initiative / Canadas National Observer.
Three Seas Initiative  10 years

The interim president Ilie Bolojan reaffirmed Romania's interests at the Three Seas Initiative summit in Warsaw.

Ilie Bolojan, attending the 3SI Summit

Daniela Budu, 30.04.2025, 14:00

The leaders of the Three Seas Initiative, convening in Warsaw on Tuesday, took stock of the 10 years since the establishment of this platform for dialogue and cooperation between countries in the central and eastern European Union and set the directions for the next decade. They looked at how investments can be boosted and strategic interconnection projects in the fields of energy, transport and IT can be implemented, with a view to encourage economic development and bridge the gaps to the western part of the Union. The main theme of the Warsaw summit was connectivity.

Attending the meeting, the interim president of Romania Ilie Bolojan said that an important direction in the 10 years since the Three Seas Initiative was set up has been the increase in north-south interconnection, both in terms of energy and by rail and road.

Ilie Bolojan mentioned that an important project for Romania is Via Carpathia, and explained that the Romanian authorities are in the tender stage for some sections of the project. Via Carpathia is a network of expressways and motorways that connect northern Europe, from the Baltic Sea to the south, via Romania, to the Black Sea and also through the Balkans, to the Adriatic Sea.

The Economic Forum that took place on the sidelines of the Warsaw summit also aimed to strengthen economic relations and cooperation between the 13 participating states. The acting president of Romania gave an address in which he stated that the success of the Three Seas Initiative also depends on the capital of private companies, given that governments cannot and should not be the only engine of development.

He said that in collaboration with private companies Romania managed to develop important projects in the energy sector, and advocated for the development of energy corridors on as many axes as possible. As for the north-south transport corridors, they remain, according the interim president, insufficiently developed:

Ilie Bolojan: For Romania, the road and railway infrastructure projects Via Carpathia and Rail-2-Sea remain major priorities. In addition to the motorway sections already completed, the entire Via Carpathia project on Romanian territory is in the contracting stage, over a length of almost 200 km. With the Republic of Moldova we have important projects, new road bridges over the Prut River, these days we are starting the construction of a new bridge, in Ungheni. As for Ukraine, we are considering opening new border crossings and increasing the transit capacity of the existing ones.

On the sidelines of the 3SI summit in Warsaw, Ilie Bolojan had talks with his Bulgarian counterpart, Rumen Radev, on bilateral consolidation within the EU and NATO, in order to develop infrastructure interconnectivity, but also to increase security cooperation, with the aim of strengthening the economies of the two countries and NATOs Eastern Flank. (AMP)
Swiss banking major UBS Group AG (UBS) reported Tuesday lower profit and revenues in its first quarter.

Regarding the current trading, the company noted major market volatility in the first weeks of April caused by rapid and significant changes to trade tariffs, heightened risk of escalation and significantly increased macroeconomic uncertainty.

Looking ahead, in the second quarter, the company expects net interest income in Global Wealth Management to decline sequentially by a low-single-digit percentage.

A similar decline is expected in Personal & Corporate Banking's NII in Swiss francs. In US dollar terms, Personal & Corporate Banking's NII is expected to increase sequentially by a mid-single-digit percentage.

In the first quarter, net profit attributable to shareholders was $1.69 billion or $0.51 per share, compared to last year's $1.76 billion or $0.52 per share.

Operating profit before tax fell 10 percent year-over-year to $2.13 billion and underlying profit before tax dropped 1 percent to $2.59 billion.

Revenues were $12.56 billion, down 1 percent from last year's $12.74 billion. On an underlying basis, revenues decreased slightly to $11.90 billion. Underlying revenues from core businesses increased 6 percent,

For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Oil extended losses on Wednesday and headed for its biggest monthly fall in three years due to uncertainty over U.S. trade policy and global economic growth.

Benchmark Brent crude futures fell 1.2 percent to $62.54 a barrel in early European trade, while WTI crude futures were down 1.3 percent at $59.63.

Brent and WTI have lost 15 percent and 17 percent respectively so far this month on concerns about the outlook for fuel demand and fears of mounting supply from the Organization of the Petroleum Countries and their allies, known as OPEC+.

Demand concerns intensified after overnight data showed U.S. job openings fell to 7.19M in Marchthe lowest since Sept 2024 due to trade uncertainty.

Earlier today, a survey showed China's factory activity contracted at the fastest pace in 16 months in April.

Elsewhere, Japan's factory activity shrank for the tenth consecutive month in April as manufacturers coped with uncertainties surrounding new U.S. tariffs.

Adding to investor anxiety, the American Petroleum Institute has reported a 3.76-million-barrel increase in U.S. inventories in the week ending April 25, while analysts had estimated a much smaller 390,000-barrel build.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday said during a press conference at the White House that China could lose 10 million jobs quickly if the U.S. keeps tariffs in place at the current level of 145 percent.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
The U.K. market is up marginally around noon on Wednesday, extending is long winning streak, amid easing worries about trade tensions. Investors are also digesting a fresh batch of earnings updates, and data showing a bigger than expected drop in house prices.

China has reportedly compiled a list of U.S.-made goods exempt from its 125% tariffs - seeking to ease trade tensions without public concessions.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he believes the U.S. will have a deal with India on trade. The White House has also had "substantial talks" with Japan, and "the contours of a deal" with South Korea could be coming together, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.

The benchmark FTSE 100, moving in a tight band between 8,455.22 and 8,487.21, was up 11.98 points or 0.14% at 8,475.44 a few minutes before noon.

GSK is up almost 4%. The company reported higher first-quarter profit and sales, and lifted quarterly dividend. Looking ahead, the company said it is confident for delivery of fiscal 2025 guidance.

In the first quarter, GSK's profit before tax grew to 2.11 billion pounds from last year's 1.36 billion pounds. Profit attributable to shareholders increased to 1.62 billion pounds from prior year's 1.05 billion pounds. Earnings per share were 39.3 pence, higher than 25.4 pence last year.

Smith & Nephew is gaining nearly 7%. British American Tobacco, Coca-Cola HBC, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Pershing Square Holdings, Spirax Group, Associated British Foods, SSE and Pearson are up 2 to 2.5%.

Schrodders, Convatec Group, Rentokil Initial, Diageo, Smiths Group, AstraZeneca, Imperial Brands, WPP, Diploma, Tesco, Vodafone Group and Intertek are also notably higher.

Glencore is down nearly 7%. Lloyds Banking Group, Antofagasta, Anglo American Plc., Natwest Group and HSBC Holdings are down 3 to 4%.

Rio Tinto, Prudential, Standard Chartered, Taylor Wimpey and Endeavour Mining are also down sharply.

Barclays is down 2%. Barclays reported that its first quarter profit before tax increased to 2.719 billion pounds from 2.277 billion pounds in the prior year.

Quarterly profit attributable to shareholders of the parent was 1.864 billion pounds or 13.0 pence per share up from 1.550 billion pounds or 10.3 pence per share in the prior year.

Haleon Plc shares are down 1.2%. The consumer healthcare company reported that first-quarter revenues declined 2.3% to 2.85 billion pounds from last year's 2.92 billion pounds.

On the economic front, UK house price declined more than expected in April following the end of stamp duty holidays, data from the Nationwide Building Society showed.

House prices logged a monthly drop of 0.6% after remaining flat in March. The decline was worse than economists' forecast of 0.1%. On a yearly basis, house price growth eased to 3.4% from 3.9% in the previous month. The expected rate of decline was 4.1%.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
The British military has launched airstrikes targeting Houthi strongholds in Yemen in a joint operation with US forces Tuesday.

The strikes targeted a cluster of buildings, used by the Houthis to manufacture drones of the type used to attack ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, located some fifteen miles south of Sanaa, UK's Ministry of Defense said.

Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, with air refueling support from Voyager tankers, attacked a number of these buildings using Paveway IV precision guided bombs with minimal risk to civilians or non-military infrastructure, it added.

"As a further precaution, the strike was conducted after dark, when the likelihood of any civilians being in the area was reduced yet further".

The Defense Ministry said in a statement released Wednesday that the joint military operation was carried out in retaliation against the Houthis' campaign of attacks since in November 2023, threatening freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, striking international ships, and killing innocent merchant mariners.

This marks the first US-UK joint operation against the Iran-backed militants since the Trump administration and the Starmer Government came to power.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Canadian shares are likely to open on a mixed note on Wednesday with investors looking ahead to earnings updates from big name U.S. tech companies, including Microsoft and Meta Platforms. Canadian GDP data is also likely to make a significant impact on investor sentiment.

Weak commodity prices may weigh on resources stocks.

Preliminary data on Canada's GDP for the month of March, and final data for the month of February, are due at 8:30 AM ET.

In Canadian earnings news, Loblaw Companies (L.TO) reported adjusted net earnings of $570 million for first-quarter of 2025, an increase of $33 million, or 6.1%, compared to the year-ago quarter.

CGI Inc. (GIB.A.TO) reported adjusted net earnings of $480.7 million for fiscal 2025 second-quarter, up 4.6% year-over-year, for a margin of 11.9%.

Canadian stocks ended modestly higher on Tuesday after showing a lack of direction early in the session. The strength that emerged on Bay Street came as stocks south of the border advanced following positive developments on the trade front, with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick telling CNBC the Trump administration had reached its first trade deal.

The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index ended the day up 75.89 points or 0.3% at 24,874.48, gaining for the fifth time in the past six sessions.

Asian stocks closed mixed on Wednesday after a slew of U.S. companies suspended or tweaked their full year guidance and regional factory activity data disappointed.

European stocks are broadly higher amid expectations of a potential trade deal with the United States.

Media reports suggested that China had quietly compiled a list of U.S.-made goods exempt from its 125 percent tariffs - seeking to ease trade tensions without public concessions.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he believes the U.S. will have a deal with India on trade.

The White House has also had "substantial talks" with Japan, and "the contours of a deal" with South Korea could be coming together, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.

In commodities trading, West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures are down $0.31 or 0.51% at $60.11 a barrel.

Gold futures are down $48.70 or 1.46% at $3,284.90 an ounce, while Silver futures are down $1.147 or 3.4% at $32.430 an ounce.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP_UN.TO) Wednesday reported funds from operations (FFO) for the first quarter of $646 million or $0.82 per unit, higher than $615 million or $0.78 per unit in the same quarter a year ago.

Net income was $125 million or $0.04 per unit, down from $170 million or $0.10 per unit last year.

Revenue for the quarter increased to $5.392 billion from $5.187 billion in the previous year.

The company's Board has declared a quarterly distribution of $0.43 per unit, 6% up from last year, payable on June 30, to unitholders of record on May 30.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Commentary

By Michael Zwaagstra

Due to President Trumps tariff war, tensions are high between Canada and the United States. Many Canadians are showing their support for our country by flying Canadian flags and buying Canadian products.

Part of being proud of your country is understanding its history, both the good and the bad. This means giving students an accurate and balanced understanding of our countrys history. Sadly, this doesnt happen as often as it should in our public schools. Instead, many schools promote a warped version of Canadian history that focuses more on our failures than our successes.

For example, the Eby governments K-12 Anti-Racism Action Plan begins with the statement that Systemic racism and settler colonialism have shaped our province for generations and that schools hold great responsibility in addressing the systemic and interpersonal racism that continues to exist throughout the education system today.

With statements like these, it comes as little surprise that the B.C. social studies curriculum focuses primarily on negative events in Canadian history. For example, the Grade 5 curriculum requires students to learn about past discriminatory government policies such as residential schools for Indigenous students, the Chinese head tax, the Komagata Maru incident and the internment of various people during the two world wars.

The Grade 9 social studies curriculum also requires students to learn about past discriminatory policies and lists the same examples given in the Grade 5 curriculum. Incredibly, the Grade 10 curriculum provides the exact same list of discriminatory policies that students must learn about. Thus, B.C. teachers who faithfully follow the social studies curriculum will teach students about these same dark chapters in our history no fewer than three times during their time in school.

Unfortunately, the B.C. social studies curriculum guides contain far less guidance when it comes to positive aspects of Canadian history. While students are required to learn about big ideas such as Canada is made up of many diverse regions and communities, theres no specific list of significant Canadian accomplishments that all B.C. students must learn about.

Simply put, while some dutiful history teachers will no doubt ensure that students learn about positive events in our history (e.g. helping American slaves escape during the Civil War, providing outsized contributions during both world wars, standing against apartheid in South Africa, etc.), nowhere does the B.C. curriculum specifically require it. In fact, teachers could provide students with a totally skewed history that paints our country as a failed colonial state without going against anything in the social studies curriculum.

Some textbook companies appear to have picked up on this narrative. For example, Righting Canadas Wrongs is an eight-volume anti-racism resource that focuses exclusively on past incidents of discrimination in Canadian historyincluding those listed multiple times in the B.C. social studies curriculum.

Unsurprisingly, the publisher proudly notes on its promotional website that Righting Canadas Wrongs supports history and civics curriculums. This is certainly true the case in B.C. since the social studies curriculum focuses on these topics.

Clearly, the B.C. social studies curriculum does not provide an accurate and balanced portrayal of Canadian history. No one will want to be part of our country if they think its a genocidal state built on settler colonialism. While Canada has obviously made mistakes, there are also many positive things in our history worth learning about.

Simply put, our very existence as a country shows the ability of people from different backgrounds to work together. Our first prime minister, John A. Macdonald, was uniquely gifted at bridging the divide between English Protestants and French Roman Catholics. Yes, Macdonald was a flawed man of his time, but he was also someone who had a vision of a country that one day would have dominion from sea to sea.

If we want to resist the continental pull of the U.S., we should stop denigrating our own country and ensure that students learn about the good things in Canadian history, not just the bad.

Michael Zwaagstra is a public high school teacher and senior fellow of the Fraser Institute.
Aussie waterways are being overrun by carp, an invasive species of fish. But a biological control method could be the answer.

An Aussie MP believes it's "time to release the virus" that could kill up to 80 per cent of the total population of one fish species found in waterways throughout the country.

Carp is an invasive species found in every state and territory except the Northern Territory, with populations skyrocketing thanks to flooding events and their lack of natural predators in Australian waterways. The problem has gotten so out of hand that experts now fear a lack of intervention could threaten native fish and public health  and even the Aussie way of life in some badly affected regions.

MP Helen Dalton, an independent representing the regional NSW district of Murray, is in favour of authorities releasing the carp virus (Cyprinid herpesvirus 3) which is proven to cause a fatal disease in the fish. Dalton believes the biological control method is the only way to reduce carp "dominance" in our waterways.

"Carp are having a huge impact on their environment and ecosystems," Dalton told Yahoo News. "Ninety per cent of biomass in an infected river is carp... the water is very murky and you can't see the bottom of it."

Carp populations have flourished thanks to flooding events and the fish having no predators. Source: Getty

How could carp threaten the Aussie way of life?

As waterways are inundated with more and more carp, river beds are being "dug up" by the fish as they search for food. This in turn completely alters the ecosystems that inhabit the river system.

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"They're bottom feeders and they eat aquatic weeds," Dalton explained. "These weeds usually filter the water and do a good job of that, but if they're taken out, the water isn't filtered and we're seeing the proliferation of blue-green algae blooms."

Aussies are warned to stay away from waterways contaminated by blue-green algae blooms. Source: ABC/Caroline Horn

Blue-green algae blooms already naturally exist in Aussie waterways but an increase in the bacteria subsequently results in a heightened production of its toxins. These toxins are harmful to humans and animals and can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, liver or nerve damage can occur.

"I'm a farmer and if I allow my stock to drink from a waterway that's got a blue-green algae bloom in it, it'll kill them," Dalton said, adding that Aussies would be warned to stop swimming and fishing in waterways contaminated by the algae blooms. "We need the virus to combat the rise of carp that is setting off this damage."

Helen Dalton says it's 'time to release the virus'. Source: Facebook/Helen Dalton via John Dooley

What are the concerns of the carp virus?

The primary concern against releasing the carp virus into waterways is the impact it will have on other wildlife, with the control plan not yet approved by authorities.

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The National Carp Control Plan (NCCP), led by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, has undergone research and analysis into the virus but some within the industry are still very hesitant to deploy it.

Gerry Morsman, a fishing tackle rep across New South Wales and Victoria, said he's recently noticed "heaps" of the fish in rivers and, despite understanding they're a problem to deal with, he's not sure the virus is the solution.

"I am not for it at all," Gerry told Yahoo News earlier this month. "They say it'll only kill the carp but its a big risk."

However Dalton claims the federal government is preparing for the virus to be a feasible control method, and told Yahoo News that "many scientists say it'll only impact carp".

"It won't spread into other species. I think there's been enough research [to prove that]," she said.

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The Invasive Species Council (ISC) also spoke to Yahoo News this week about the virus being used to reduce carp species, expressing support for its use in population control. Dr Carol Booth, ISC's Policy Director, explained the virus is naturally occurring and it is not known to harm other fish species.

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Such moments are a good reminder 'of how much there is still to uncover' about Australias lesser-seen reptiles, the photographer told Yahoo.

A longtime wildlife photographer was exploring a remote region of Western Australia earlier this month when he came across a native creature performing a rarely documented behaviour.

Although Ross McGibbon was hoping to find a northern knob-tailed gecko (Nephrurus sheai), and a few other species he had yet to film in the east Kimberley region, he was not expecting the reptile to put on such a performance.

Footage he captured shows the juvenile gecko flicking dirt onto its back in what appears to be an attempt to defend itself from flying ants that can be seen repeatedly landing on its tiny frame.

The behaviour, known as sand bathing, is rarely captured on camera, McGibbon told Yahoo News Australia this week, largely due to the extremely isolated area the northern knob-tailed gecko calls home.

This species is very understudied  very little is known about it, he said. The species, otherwise known as Kimberley rough knob-tailed gecko, can also be found in the Northern Territory and prefer to live in dry caves and rocky areas.

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Thrilled by the amazing scene, McGibbon posted the clip online, exciting thousands of other curious Aussies. My best guess is that it was a defensive reaction to the irritation caused by the insects maybe this is how they deal with mosquitoes and other annoying flying bugs, he told Yahoo.

Another theory is that it could be a form of camouflage, but Id expect the gecko to stay still if that were the case. If it were lying in one spot and covering itself with dirt, that would make more sense as cryptic behaviour.

The photographer, who has been documenting wildlife for over 10 years, said such moments are a good reminder of how much there is still to uncover about the lives of Australias lesser-seen nocturnal reptiles.

Little is known about the northern knob-tailed gecko, Ross McGibbon said. Source: Karina Sorrell/ATLAS

Photographer details fascinating wildlife encounters

McGibbon said hes been lucky enough to observe several fascinating encounters while travelling around the country with his camera in hand. Also in the Kimberley, I once saw a Mertens water monitor lizard dive into a pond and come up with a freshwater crayfish in its jaws, he said.

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I watched, filmed, and photographed as the goanna subdued the crayfish and swallowed it whole. It had to brace against a tree root to force it down, which was fascinating behaviour to witness.

Hes also photographed an Asian house gecko shredding and eating its own skin, as well an Eyrean earless dragon in outback Queensland, waiting to catch flies on the corpse of a feral dog.

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Up until now, the accepted understanding about these egg-laying was that they were both descended from a land-bound ancestor. And while the platypus ancestors became semiaquatic, the echidnas stayed on the land, or so the story went. But an analysis of a single humerus bone from Kryoryctes cadburyi  a prehistoric monotreme mammal that lived in what is now Victoria, Australia during the Early Cretaceous epoch  suggests that echidnas evolved from semiaquatic ancestors and that the amphibious lifestyle of the modern platypus had its origins at least 100 million years ago.

There are about 30 instances where mammals evolved from land-dwelling to live wholly or partly in water, for example, whales, dolphins, dugongs, seals, walruses, otters and beavers, said Professor Suzanne Hand, a paleontologist at the University of New South Wales.

But its virtually unheard of to see mammals evolve in the opposite direction.

Were talking about a semiaquatic mammal that gave up the water for a terrestrial existence, and while that would be an extremely rare event, we think thats what happened with echidnas.

In their new study, Professor Hand and her colleagues examined a single humerus bone of the ancient monotreme mammal Kryoryctes cadburyi.

Using CT and other scanning techniques, they studied the internal microstructure of the specimen.

While the external structure of a bone allows you to directly compare it with similar animals to help work out the animals relationships, the internal structure tends to reveal clues about its lifestyle and ecology, Professor Hand said.

So the internal structure doesnt necessarily give you information about what that animal actually is, but it can tell you about its environment and how it lived.

When Kryoryctes cadburyi lived in southern Victoria around 108 million years ago, monotremes and their relatives dominated Australias mammal faunas.

Australian Mesozoic mammals are rare and are known mostly only from their teeth and jaws, said Professor Michael Archer, also from the University of New South Wales.

Kryoryctes cadburyi is so far the only one known from a limb bone.

This humerus has provided an exceptional opportunity to gain insights into how early Australian mammals lived, and it tells quite a storyperhaps not one we expected to discover.

When the researchers looked at the internal structure of the ancient humerus bone, they were surprised to discover it didnt match the light bones of echidnas.

The internal structure revealed platypuses have very thick bone walls and a very reduced cavity within the bone for the bone marrow, while echidnas have very thin bone walls, Professor Hand said.

The microstructure of the fossil Kryoryctes cadburyi humerus is more like the internal bone structure seen in platypuses, in which their heavy bones act like ballast allowing them to easily dive to forage for food. You see this in other semiaquatic mammals.

There are other oddities about modern echidnas that could be further clues that speak to their semi-aquatic, ancient past.

The bill of the platypus is well known to have lots of highly sensitive receptors that detect tiny electrical currents generated by prey, Professor Hand said.

And while the beak of the echidnas has fewer receptors, people have suggested that these receptors are a leftover of their platypus-heritage, as are remnants of the platypus bill that can be found in the beak of echidna embryos.

Another feature that couldve been inherited from an aquatic ancestor is that the echidnas hind feet are turned backwards, much like a platypuss hind feet which it uses as rudders when swimming.

But in echidnas, this feature is used when burrowing, something not seen in other mammals except platypuses.

Echidnas have also been found to have a diving reflex triggered when immersed in water that helps conserve oxygen and prolong breath-holding, and a study of a respiratory protein called myoglobin in mammals also suggests a semi-aquatic ancestry for echidnas.

A positive charge on the surface of myoglobin is associated with increased capacity of the muscles in the body to store oxygen and increase the length of time a mammal can spend diving.

This is high in the platypus, but is also higher than expected in echidnas, even as burrowers.

The findings were published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

_____

Suzanne J. Hand et al. 2025. Bone microstructure supports a Mesozoic origin for a semiaquatic burrowing lifestyle in monotremes (Mammalia). PNAS 122 (19): e2413569122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2413569122
Queensland farmer Steven Moriarty is among those who have been providing a private place for campers to enjoy. But council demands are now making that hard.

Local land owner say they'd have to pay 'tens of thousands of dollars' to meet council requirements for campsites on their land now. Source: A Current Affair

A surge in camping popularity across Australia in recent years has prompted some landowners and farmers to open up their private land and offer it as overnight campsites for domestic travellers. However after Queensland councils stepped in to enforce compliance rules, some property owners say they're having to forgo the practice which helped them earn some extra money during lean times.

Those landowners, as well as the owner of an Aussie camping platform, have labelled the councils demands "ridiculous".

Debra Symes and her partner Rob have been avid campers for years and launched Caravan Overnight Farmstays  a platform that connects campers to farmers  after watching campground fees grow increasingly more expensive across the country.

She recently learnt about Steven Moriarty, a farmer who had to stop operating the eight private campsites on his 300-acre property in Queensland's Scenic Rim region due to council requirements being too expensive and onerous to meet.

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"The tourism is just a little add on... it helps them keep the property in the family," he said of other local farmers who have adopted the practice. But a change to council regulations has meant they have to undertake development applications and conduct flood and fire assessments, among other things, that make the practice untenable.

"When you start looking at tens of thousands of dollars for a few campsites, [it] makes it practically impossible for people to comply," Steven told A Current Affair.

Speaking to Yahoo News, Debra said he's not the first farmer she's heard about who is fighting an uphill battle with the council.

"One of the farmers who was a member of ours said the first application [to get council approval] was 28 pages and that was just to apply for a licence. Then it was $70,000 for the cost of fire hydrants, toilets, lighting, muster points, and proper fencing," she said.

"It's ridiculous."

Debra Symes and her partner Rob run Caravan Overnight Farmstays which connects campers and farmers. Source: Caravan Overnight Farmstay

While Debra believes farmers definitely need to be "compliant with the local government regulations", she thinks the rules shouldn't be so strict. Instead, she suggested, councils could offer a permit for farmers who only want a handful of campsites on their land rather than a more all-or-nothing approach.

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"Wouldn't it be better to have a policy that allowed a small number of self-contained vans on a property and have a small licence fee for a farmer so we're supporting tourism?"

Council defends approval process for 'creating safe environment'

The Scenic Rim Regional Council told Yahoo News there are "many natural hazards or other impediments" that could "endanger campers" while staying on farmland and said authorities need to take these potential hazards seriously before granting approval to landowners.

"The costs of getting approval, if needed, will vary depending on the circumstances of each site," a council spokesperson said, adding that factors including traffic safety, infrastructure, environmental impacts and disturbance to neighbouring landowners all need to be considered.

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"Council and industry representatives have established a working group to consider the issue of landowners hosting campers on their properties," the council spokesperson said. "Council officers, as supported by Council's Compliance and Enforcement Policy, firstly encourage and assist operators to achieve compliance. There will be cases where achieving compliance is difficult, but this will usually be due to safety or access-related issues.

"Council is, and continues to be, supportive of growing our rural tourism market, and providing additional income streams for farmers."

Have you got a camping story you want to share? Sophie.coghill@yahooinc.com

Farmer Steven Moriarty has been caught up in the growing council demands for letting campers stay on his land. Source: A Current Affair

Authorities continue to grapple with campground issues

Camping and caravan trips increased by a whopping 19 per cent across the country in 2021 when compared to the previous year, according to data released by the federal government. This generated a further 12.6 million trips and growth has continued to rise in the years since the Covid-19 pandemic.

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This increased demand for campsites has proven difficult for authorities. Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria all introduced booking systems for state run National Park campgrounds but this in turn has prompted the rise of ghost camping. NSW is currently overhauling its pricing for campers in national park after an explosion in popularity.

A rise in illegal camping has also impacted councils nationwide. Many Aussies and backpackers have chosen to simply camp on public land to avoid expensive campground fees or simply due to a lack of availability. Councils have been forced to adopt strict approaches to tackle the issue, such as the NSW Central Coast council warning fines of $110,000 for repeat offenders.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
By Nazrin Abdul



The State Tax Service (STS) under the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan and the National Revenue Committee of Kazakhstan have initiated negotiations on a new draft Convention on the Elimination of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Tax Evasion with respect to taxes on income and property, Azernews reports, citing the STS.

The meeting was attended by Orkhan Musayev, Head of the Main Department for International Taxation and Tax Monitoring of the State Tax Service; Ablaykhan Bagibayov, Deputy Director of the Department of Tax and Customs Legislation of Kazakhstans Ministry of Finance; and Kimbat Ibraeva, Deputy Head of the Department for Taxation of Non-Residents at the State Revenue Committee.

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan originally signed a Convention on the Elimination of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Tax Evasion in September 1996, which entered into force on January 1, 1998.

In April 2017, both parties signed a protocol amending the agreement by removing clauses related to property. This protocol took effect on January 1, 2019.
EXCLUSIVE: Two disturbing videos have been supplied to Yahoo News, capturing the moment a 4WD drove at a mob of kangaroos, then returned to the scene.

In the second video, the men return to the scene and take away the kangaroos body. Source: Supplied

CCTV cameras have captured the shocking moment a 4WD left the road in a quiet Australian suburb, then deliberately hit and killed a native animal. Footage supplied to Yahoo News shows the Nissan Patrol mount an embankment, and then drive towards a mob of kangaroos.

While most of the animals hop away, one appears stunned by the headlights and is struck down. As the confronting scene continues, the vehicle brakes, reverses, then runs over the kangaroo again.

Victoria Police told Yahoo News it is investigating the matter, and no arrests have been made. The incident is believed to have occurred in Lysterfield, an outer suburb of Melbourne on April 23.

Disturbing second video shows 4WD returning to kangaroo

A second video shows the 4WD return to the scene. Three people wearing shorts and hoodies get out and carry the lifeless animal towards the boot.

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The group swing its body back and forth three times before hurling it into the back. They then appear to reconsider their decision and place it onto the roof rack before driving away. You can watch the second video below.

A local wildlife rescuer who was supplied the footage was left shocked by what she witnessed.

I am sure this is a female roo. Ive been concerned she may have had a pouch joey and I wonder where it may be if it survived, she told Yahoo News. Im also terrified they will return to do it again.

Police call for public help as investigation continues

In response to questions from Yahoo News, Victoria Police released details of the alleged incident and called for public help.

During the first video, the 4WD can be seen driving at speed towards the mob of kangaroos. Source: Supplied

It is believed a Nissan Patrol was travelling along Hallam North Road when it is believed the driver deliberately drove at a group of kangaroos about 10.20pm. One of the kangaroos died at the scene, a police spokesman said.

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Police are currently investigating the circumstances and are keen to speak to any witnesses. No arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The men were filmed picking up the kangaroo and putting it on top of their vehicle. Source: Supplied

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Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton are crisscrossing Australia in the final days of the campaign trying to get your vote. Tell us what's important to you.

Have your say about what matters this Australian federal election. Source: AAP

Australians are less than three days away from finding out who their next leader will be. As the official polling day for the 2025 Australia federal election draws nearer, Anthony Albanese will know if the public has granted the Labor Party a second term or whether Peter Dutton can claim back power for the Coalition.

The leaders held their fourth and final debate on Sunday night, giving voters their last chance to evaluate the two candidates in a head-to-head battle on the major issues.

Yahoo News Australia wants to hear from you about what matters most to your family this election, and how you have judged the major candidates so far.

In a poll published by News Corp's The Australian newspaper just six days before official polling day showed 62 per cent of the 1,254 voters surveyed between April 21 and 24 did not believe Mr Dutton and his team had what it takes to assume power.

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The feeling was strongest among women, with 66 per cent holding little or no confidence in the Coalition, compared to 58 per cent of men.

However things were not much better for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Labor, with only 39 per cent of voters believing the party should be re-elected for a second term.

It reveals an ongoing trend as disaffected voters turn to independents and smaller parties like the Greens.

Cost of living

It's arguably the biggest issue of the election. Mr Albanese has argued on the campaign trail he would help through initiatives such as cheaper medicines and lower out-of-pocket childcare costs.

Meanwhile Mr Dutton has focused on short-term cost-of-living relief and is promising a temporary cut in the fuel excise, meaning Aussies would pay less at the pump but has opposed modest tax cuts for Australian workers unveiled in the recent federal budget.

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In Sunday night's debate, only 16 per cent of the audience backed Mr Dutton's credentials on the cost of living, compared to 65 per cent who preferred Mr Albanese's policies. Perhaps it was because the Opposition leader didn't know what the price of eggs was any more.

Housing

According to Labor's Housing Minister Clare O'Neil, the seemingly perennial issue of housing affordability "is the biggest social and economic challenge facing our country right now".

Labor has pledged to expand a scheme allowing first-home buyers to purchase a property with just a five per cent deposit, while also setting up 100,000 houses specifically for those entering the market.

In contrast, the Coalition has opted to make interest on mortgages tax deductible for first-home buyers for the first five years of a loan. It also wants to allow Aussies to use their superannuation towards a down payment.

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Mr Dutton has blamed high immigration for the housing crisis in Australia.

Climate and energy

Labor is pledging to do more to meet its 2030 target of reaching 82 percent renewables in the main grid. Currently, the figure is around 40 per cent. Towards that goal, this election campaign Labor announced a federal rebate scheme for home batteries.

In contrast, the Coalition plans to slow down renewables, keep coal going longer and burn more gas while pushing for a nuclear future  albeit with hazy details  which most experts say carries serious risks on reliability, cost and environmental grounds.

Mr Dutton has also announced an east coast gas reservation policy that would force supply to Australian households that would otherwise flow to the global energy market. Analysts say that would bring down household energy bills slightly.

Defence and international affairs

Despite some overlapping policies  such as reducing public service jobs  Mr Dutton has tried to tactfully distance himself from the policies of Donald Trump. But describing media outlets like the ABC and The Guardian as "hate media" in recent days has again invited the comparison.

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At one point in Sunday night's debate it descended into whether Donald Trump had a mobile phone as each leader spruiked the ongoing importance of the US alliance. Both the prime minister and Mr Dutton agreed the US could still be trusted on matters of national security, but they differed on their rhetoric towards China.

The opposition leader said the biggest concern for Australia's defence and intelligence agencies was "the communist party of China". However Mr Albanese was more restrained as he acknowledged China's efforts to grow its influence in the region as well as its closely-intertwined trading relationship with Australia.

The unpredictability of the US under Donald Trump and his followers has also raised questions about the AUKUS agreement, first launched under Scott Morrison's Coalition government and supported by Labor.

The Coalition has also pledged to dramatically increase defence spending by an extra $21 billion over the coming five years, using higher incomes taxes to fund it. It would then increase to three per cent of GDP within the decade, in line with the figure the United States has called for allies to spend.

The US president has confirmed he's aware the Australian government has been trying to get in touch to reach a trade deal, after Australia was slapped with 10 per cent tariffs on goods exports to America.

"They are calling and I will be talking to (Mr Albanese), yes," Mr Trump told reporters at the White House overnight.

More than 3.2 million voters have already cast their ballot by this point, representing about 18 per cent of the electoral role, according to the ABC's election analyst Antony Green.

The Coalition needs to make up 20-plus seats to claim a majority while Labor just has to limit haemorrhaging to a handful of electorates to maintain government.

We'll know the result of that by Saturday night.

with AAP

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Dr. Haley Armstrong, South Dakota Mines associate professor in the department of humanities, arts and social sciences and director of bands, has hit a high note in her careershes now Lt. Col. Armstrong, following a recent promotion in the Air Force Reserves.

Under her new title, Armstrong will be an instructor of the public affairs and communication strategy qualification course at the Defense Information School in Fort George, M.D. The course provides entry-level public affairs training for the Department of Defense, U.S. government agencies and selected military professionals.

"I will work in the summers for the Air Force and continue teaching at Mines as an associate professor, director of bands and coordinator of music activities, she said.

Armstrong started her journey with the military as a freshman in college when she accidentally won a trumpet audition for the Air National Guard. Suddenly, she was headed to basic training.

It turns out that the military was a great fit for me and gave me opportunities to live all over the world, including three years stationed in Japan and two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, she said. I was also able to see music as a powerful tool for diplomacy and nation building as well as a way to honor those who have served and inspire future service.

While she enjoyed her active duty experience, she missed teaching.

I was honored to get the position at Mines, Armstrong said. Now I see music enriching the lives of brilliant students who dont have to give up their creativity and passions to succeed in STEM fields.

With her new appointment, she will spend summers instructing new lieutenants and public affairs officials about the importance of effective communication.

Im sure I will learn something along the way that I can bring back to our students at Mines, she said.

Before coming to Mines in 2016, Armstrong worked as a conductor for the U.S. Air Force Band in Washington, D.C., including holding positions as the officer in charge of the airmen of note and assistant conductor to the concert band.

Prior to that, she was the commander and conductor of the Air Force Band of the Pacific stationed near Tokyo, providing all the musical support for Air Force missions across 36 nations. Armstrong also held command positions for Air Force bands in California and Ohio. She started her military career in 2000 serving as an enlisted trumpet player with three Air National Guard bands.

A native of Sonora, Calif., she earned a bachelor's degree in music education and Trumpet Performance from Eastern Washington University. After graduation, she taught middle and high school bands in Medical Lake School District in Washington. She earned a masters degree in music education from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Bloomington, Ind., and her doctorate in conducting from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan.
photo: Terry Tempest Williams

Brooke Williams writes about evolution, consciousness, and his own adventures exploring both the inner and outer wilderness. He grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, eventually opting for time outside wandering instead of a Mormon mission. Recent books include Open Midnight: Where Wilderness and Ancestors Meet and Mary Jane Wild: Two Walks and a Rant.

His latest is Encountering Dragonfly: Notes on the Practice of Re-enchantment (Uphill Books, April 8, 2025), which is his account of being drawn into a different kind of relationship with the natural world. He believes that the length of the past equals the length of the future. He lives with the writer Terry Tempest Williams and their two cats near Moab, Utah, where they watch the light and wait for rain.

Handsell readers your book in 25 words or less:

Dragonflies helped me see that if the disenchantment of the world is the root of our most serious problems, re-enchantment is part of the solution.

On your nightstand now:

The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami. I love how matter-of-factly and realistically he dissolves the borders between worlds.

Dancing with the Dead by Red Pine. His translations of ancient Chinese poems add a valuable dimension to my life. This book samples so much of his work and includes his philosophy of life and the art of translating.

Naked at Our Age by Joan Price. We are in our 70s.

Jung, Synchronicity, and Human Destiny by Ira Progoff. One of hundreds of books we inherited from Terry's grandmother. It adds greatly to my understanding of synchronicity, which I believe to be a major element of the enchanted world.

Treekeepers by Lauren E. Oakes. A friend and former student, Lauren has made trees a new dimension to my life.

Was It Worth It? by Doug Peacock. Doug, my friend (more like a big brother) provides me with foundational wisdom, and is there when my own conscience is insufficient.

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf.

Favorite book when you were a child:

First, Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. Looking back, I think that this book opened a door for me to feel the way I do about all life.

Then, On the Loose by Terry and Renny Russell (see below).

Your top five authors, today:

Red Pine, David Hinton, Paul Shepard, Virginia Woolf, Haruki Murakami.

Book you've faked reading:

Moby-Dick by Herman Melville. I wish I could read this, but every time I try, I get bogged down and want a nap.

Book you're an evangelist for:

Existence by David Hinton. So short--on viewing one painting, yet powerful enough that now, if asked about my religious affiliation, I'd consider myself a Taoist.

Book you've bought for the cover:

The Red Book by Carl Jung--I'm a real disciple of Jung and thought that a book this big and this red must be a treasure chest. (It is.)

Book you hid from your parents:

On the Loose by Terry and Renny Russell. For me, this book took the place of the Book of Mormon, which was sacrosanct in my family.

Book that changed your life:

On the Loose by Terry and Renny Russell. At the perfect time in my life, this book opened the door to a huge new world.

Favorite line from a book:

From Nature and Madness by Paul Shepard:

"Beneath the veneer of civilization, in the trite phase of humanism, lies not the barbarian and the animal, but the human in us who knows what is right and necessary for becoming fully human: birth in gentle surroundings, a rich non-human environment, juvenile tasks with simple tools, the discipline of natural history, play at being animals, the expressive arts of receiving food as spiritual gift rather than as a product, the cultivation of metaphorical significance of natural phenomena of all kinds, clan membership and small-group life, and the profound claims and liberation of ritual initiation and the subsequent stages of adult mentorship. There is a secret person undamaged in each of us, aware of the validity of these conditions and sensitive to their right moments in our lives."

Five books you'll never part with:

Nature and Madness by Paul Shepard. This helped me put words to the story which I've pursued most of my life: "...how, during these complicated and dangerous times, do we find and call upon our own evolutionary bodies?"

Road to Heaven: Encounters with Chinese Hermits by Red Pine. When age forced me to confront my own physical inability to access wild places, this book helped me enter my own hermit phase, which I'll stay in the rest of my life.

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf. We spent a week studying this book while wandering the paths that Woolf and her people walked in England. She gives me permission to follow the streams of my own consciousness, which adds an important dimension to my life.

Existence by David Hinton. This book continues to supply words that make sense.

Religions, Values, and Peak-Experiences by Abraham Maslow. At just the right time in my life, this book empowered me by allowing me to legitimize my own primary experience over those of others I was taught controlled my life.

Book you most want to read again for the first time:

Grizzly Years by Doug Peacock. A difficult question, but this book came up spontaneously just now, so I'll trust that. It's about grizzly bears and Vietnam, and it is thrilling.
In a major diplomatic effort to boost India-UK economic ties, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met with top UK leaders, including Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds. The top-level discussions centered on promoting greater economic cooperation between the two countries and deepening their long-standing partnership.

Piyush Goyal gave his insight into the meetings in a microblog post on X, in which he wrote, "Spent some time meeting @RachelReevesMP, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and @JReynoldsMP, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, UK. Good discussion on enhancing India-UK economic relations and further strengthening our close partnership".

The session is a follow-up of the momentum developed in February, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had a meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in New Delhi. The two leaders had stressed speeding up the resumption of trade negotiations between India and the UK at the earliest possible opportunity, something which is now shaping up with resumed talks.

The two nations have resumed talks on a bilateral trade agreement, with both governments optimistic of further enhancing cooperation in fields like security, defence, technology, climate change, healthcare, education, and innovation. India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry emphasized that the current cooperation between the two nations is a reflection of a common vision of promoting economic growth and sustainable development.

Based on the official statistics of the Ministry, Indian exports to the UK have recorded healthy growth. During April to September 2024, exports increased by 12.38% at USD 7.32 billion compared to USD 6.51 billion during the same period in 2023. This reflects the high and growing trade ties between the UK and India, with the mineral fuels, machinery, pharmaceuticals, apparel, and chemical sectors topping the chart.

highly important market for India, driving a substantial percentage of India's ambitious vision for reaching USD 1 trillion worth of exports in FY30. The government expects the exports from India to the UK to rise to USD 30 billion in 2029-30, further deepening the bilateral trade relationship between the two countries. The UK continues to be a, driving a substantial percentage of India's ambitious vision for reaching USD 1 trillion worth of exports in FY30. The government expects the exports from India to the UK to rise to USD 30 billion in 2029-30, further deepening the bilateral trade relationship between the two countries.

The recent high-level meeting between Goyal and the UK leaders serves to highlight the gathering momentum toward a comprehensive trade agreement that holds the potential to generate fresh opportunities for cooperation and mutual development.
The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce hosted its 11th annual Young Entrepreneurs Academy Investor Panel earlier this month, offering 14 students the chance to present their business concepts and compete for funding. Here, the competitors pose for a picture after the presentation, which was held at Staten Island Academy. (Courtesy of Steve White, Staten Arts Photography) (Courtesy of Steve White, Staten

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce hosted its 11th annual Young Entrepreneurs Academy Investor Panel earlier this month, offering 14 students the chance to present their business innovative concepts and compete for funding in a Shark Tank style competition.

Sponsored by Con Edison, the Investor Panel is the culminating event of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, a 16-week program in which students learn how to create their own business.
The arrest occurred in the confines of the 120th Precinct. Here, the precinct stationhouse in St. George is shown on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  An 18-year-old man shoved an NYPD lieutenant after the defendant was caught with a loaded gun and ammunition in his home community of New Brighton, police allege.

Joshua Cheatham also allegedly slipped out of his hooded sweatshirt in order to escape from police when he was arrested on April 19 at about 6 p.m. on the 400 block of Jersey Street.
Mikhail Gervolskiy holding a picture of his sister, Yelena, who died in a hit-and-run crash in Brooklyn in 2024. (New York Post/Georgett Roberts)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A Staten Island man charged in a fatal hit-and-run crash in Brooklyn has been sentenced to probation, court records show.

Frankie Rodriguez, 39, of Park Hill Avenue in Clifton, was sentenced April 16 by a Brooklyn state Supreme Court judge to three years probation, in connection with the 2023 incident.

The crash  reported at a busy intersection in Coney Island  claimed the life of a 75-year-old woman.

Rodriguez pleaded guilty in February to a misdemeanor charge of leaving the scene of an incident, as a first offense, to resolve the case.

As part of the sentence, the defendant also was ordered to pay $2,000 in fines.

Rodriguezs attorney, John Murphy III, said Monday that the incident was an extremely unfortunate accident that impacted everyone involved.

He went on to say that his client took responsibility for leaving the scene, and had apologized to the family for doing so.

911: Pedestrian struck

Police said the defendant, 39-year-old Frankie Rodriguez, was turning left onto Shell Road in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn on the morning of Aug. 4, 2023, when his dump truck hit a 75-year-old woman. (Google Maps)

Emergency crews responded around 10:25 a.m. to the intersection of Shore Parkway and Shell Road for a report of a pedestrian struck, according to an indictment.

The charges indicated that the deceased, Yelena Gervolskaya, was crossing Shell Road when she was struck by a dump truck operated by Rodriguez.

Gervolskaya was then run over by a passenger vehicle driven by a 40-year-old woman, an investigation by the Highway District Collision Investigation Squad determined.

Gervolskaya was found by emergency medical technicians unconscious and unresponsive with trauma on her head and body. She was pronounced dead at the scene, police said at the time.

According to court documents, Rodriguez was traveling on Shore Parkway when he made a left turn onto Shell Road and made contact with Gervolskaya.

The charges alleged Rodriguez knew or should have known his vehicle caused personal injury when he drove away. He also failed to report the crash to emergency officials, prosecutors said.

His attorney noted Monday that while his client was charged with leaving the scene, he was not charged with any wrongdoing in causing the accident.

Murphy said the woman began crossing at the same time the light changed for his client, making it impossible for Rodriguez to see her.

The second driver, who was operating a 2021 black Jeep Grand Cherokee, also was traveling on Shore Parkway when she made a left hand turn at the same time as Rodriguez, police indicated at the time.

There have been no other arrests in the case, an NYPD spokesperson said Monday.

Extremely unfortunate accident: Defense

A Staten Island man was sentenced two weeks ago in Brooklyn state Supreme Court, pictured here, in connection with a 2023 hit-and-run case in Coney Island. Google Maps

Murphy went on to say his client left the scene because he was in a state of shock and horror, and not because he was attempting to hinder any investigation.

He said Rodriguez spoke with law enforcement later that same day and was extremely cooperative.

It was about one year later that a grand jury indicted the defendant on three misdemeanor counts of leaving the scene of an incident.

Rodriguez was arraigned Aug. 30, 2024, when bail was set at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond, for which he posted the same day or shortly thereafter, court records indicate.

Family of victim called for justice. Defendant apologized, lawyer said

After learning of Rodriguezs arrest in August, family of Gervolskaya described the deceased as a poet, an educator and a wonderful aunt, in an interview with the New York Post.

The womans brother told the outlet that Rodriguez must be punished.

Rodriguez, according to his lawyer, has since expressed his deepest heartache to the family for the loss suffered.

Added Murphy: This incident has had a dramatic effect on everyone involved.
Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced a cell phone ban in schools has been included in the state budget agreement. In this photo, a device peeks out of a student backpack.

New York state Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced a $254 million state budget has been reached, including a statewide plan to ban cellphones in schools.

Earlier this year, the governor announced a proposal to make classrooms distraction-free by instituting a bell-to-bell ban on cellphones during the school day.
The remains of a woman found in a submerged car in the Cooper River in Pennsauken last year have been positively identified, nearly 14 years after she went missing.

Bernadine Gunner was 52 when her she went missing in Camden on July 11, 2010 after threatening to take her own life because she couldnt find a job, officials said.
The Richmond County District Attorneys Office hosted its 5th annual Community Clean Up Day on Staten Island's North Shore on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Courtesy of the Richmond County District Attorney's Office)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The Richmond County District Attorneys Office hosted its 5th annual Community Clean Up Day on Saturday.

Over the course of the day, the cleanup tackled more than a dozen graffiti locations, the removal of 40 illegal signs and collected 70 bags of trash, addressing quality-of-life issues in West Brighton, Randall Manor and New Brighton.

D.A. Michael E. McMahon and members the New York City Parks Department also worked on beautifying Allison Pond Park by removing phragmites  an invasive type of reed  from the pond. They were threatening the long-term health of the pond and surrounding waterways.

The Richmond County District Attorneys Office hosted its 5th annual Community Clean Up Day on Staten Island's North Shore on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Courtesy of the Richmond County District Attorney's Office)

While prosecuting dangerous criminals and ensuring they face serious consequences in the courtroom will always be my offices top priority, beautifying our beloved borough and improving the quality of life for our fellow residents is critically important as well, McMahon said.

Joined by more than 60 volunteers, the D.A.s office partnered with the Randall Manor Residents Association, the New Brighton Civic Committees, the Asian American Labor and Community Organization, Making a Change with Kindness, the NYPD and the city Department of Sanitation.

Thank you to our spectacular volunteers and partnering city agencies for your commitment to public safety and for doing your part to make Staten Island a better place to call home, McMahon said. A cleaner, greener Staten Island is a safer Staten Island.
The average refund issued so far this tax season totals nearly $3,000, according to IRS data. AP

The average tax refund issued by the Internal Revenue Service has fallen nearly 4% since last week, but still remains slightly higher than it was at this time last year.

Through April 18  the latest date currently available  the agency has issued 86,021,000 refunds, less than 0.1% less than the 86,058,000 that had been issued by that time last year.

In total, the agency has issued roughly $253.1 billion in refunds, up 3.2% from the $245.2 billion issued at that time in 2024.

The average refund amount through April 18 was $2,942, which was down 3.7% from the average refund of $3,055 through last week, but was 3.3% higher than the average refund of $2,850 at this time last year.

Through Feb. 14, the average had been just $2,169, but has increased dramatically now that the IRS has begun issuing refunds to taxpayers who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit.

Due to the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act, or PATH Act, which took effect during the 2017 filing season, the IRS legally cannot issue refunds or credits to anyone who claimed an Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit before Feb. 15.

The policy was implemented to help prevent revenue loss due to identity theft and refund fraud related to fabricated wages and withholdings, according to the IRS.

Tracking your refund

If youre one of the millions of Americans who have already sent in their tax returns, there are online portals that will allow you to monitor the status of your refund.

For federal taxes, residents can use the IRS Wheres My Refund tool or the IRS2Go mobile app to see when their refunds have been received, processed and sent.

Refund status will appear roughly 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return, three or four days after you e-file a prior-year return, or four weeks after you file a paper return.

To access the information, which is updated overnight each day, residents must provide their Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number, filing status and exact refund amount on their return.

Once refunds are sent, those using direct deposit should receive their refund within five days, while those expecting checks in the mail may have to wait several weeks.

For state taxes, New Yorkers can visit the Department of Taxation and Finance website and click Check refund status.

This allows residents to see if their return has been received; when its being processed; if the return requires additional review; if the state requires additional information; if a requested refund amount has been adjusted and when a refund has been issued.

New income tax brackets

While tax rates have remained the same, ranging from 10% to 37% depending on an individuals total taxable income, the IRS has announced new brackets with adjusted thresholds for tax year 2024.

In addition to the new tax brackets, the standard deduction, the amount you can deduct to adjust the amount of income on which youre taxed, will also increase from $13,850 to $14,600 for single filers and from $27,700 to $29,200 for married couples filing jointly.

Heres a look at the new tax brackets that will be used when filing in 2025.

Tax brackets for single filers:

$11,600 or less in taxable income  10% of taxable income

$11,600 to $47,150 in taxable income - $1,160 plus 12% of the excess over $11,600

$47,150 to $100,525 in taxable income - $5,426 plus 22% of the excess over $47,150

$100,525 to $191,950 in taxable income - $17,168.50 plus 24% of the excess over $100,525

$191,950 to $243,725 in taxable income - $39,110.50 plus 32% of the excess over $191,150

$243,725 to $609,350 in taxable income - $55,678.50 plus 35% of the excess over $243,725

$609,350 or more in taxable income - $183,647.25 plus 37% of the excess over $609,350

Tax brackets for married couples filing jointly:
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  In a historic move, the New York state Assembly on Tuesday voted to pass the Medical Aid in Dying Act.

The vote occurred just days after Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Democrat who represents the Bronx, told lawmakers in a closed-door meeting the Medical Aid in Dying Act has enough votes to pass, a source with knowledge of the discussion previously told the Advance/SILive.com.

This vote marks the first time the bill  known as the Medical Aid in Dying Act, or M.A.i.D. Act  has reached either the Assembly or Senate floor for a vote since first being introduced in the 2015-2016 legislative session by then-Staten Island state Sen. Diane Savino.

While the step is monumental toward legalization, the measures fate is still very much uncertain. The Senate has yet to vote on the legislation, and its unclear whether Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, supports medical aid in dying, or if she would sign the act should it come across her desk.

Earlier this year, a spokesperson for the governor told the Advance/SILive.com Hochul would review the legislation if it passes both houses of the Legislature.

The Medical Aid in Dying Act, which counts Staten Island state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton as its current prime co-sponsor, would allow mentally competent, terminally ill patients over the age of 18 the choice of self-administering prescribed life-ending medication. Only those with medically confirmed terminal illnesses and conditions who have fewer than six months to live would be able to request medical aid in dying. A person wouldnt qualify solely because of age or disability, and there is no list of qualifying medical conditions. If passed, health care providers who didnt wish to participate in the process could opt out without fear of retribution.

Currently, just 11 jurisdictions in the United States permit medical aid in dying: Oregon, Washington, Montana, Vermont, California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, New Jersey, Maine, and New Mexico. Delaware passed a measure in 2024 that was later vetoed by then-Gov. John Carney. The state has since passed it again, and is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Matt Meyer.

Several outspoken supporters have discussed the measure with the Advance/SILive.com, including longtime Staten Islander Brian Moffett, and Daren and Amy Eilert.

Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, in 2024, Moffett wanted to be the first person in New York state to legally use medical aid in dying. From April until early June of last year, Moffett urged officials in Albany to vote in favor of the bill. When the measure failed yet again to pass, Moffett condemned New York lawmakers; he knew he would not live long enough to see the next legislative session, and would not be able to die with dignity. Moffett continued to both openly discuss his deteriorating health, and call for the bill to pass in the near future so that others could be spared the same suffering. Moffett died in July 2024, just days before his 67th birthday.

Daren and Amy Eilerts 24-year-old daughter, Ayla, a Manhattan resident, died from complications of an aggressive cancer on April 2, 2022. Throughout her excruciating battle with the cancer that would eventually express tumors through her neck, and waste away her body until it was a skeletal 80 pounds, Ayla repeatedly begged for relief by way of medical aid in dying, according to her parents.

This years legislative session ends on June 12.
Staten Island District Attorney Michael E. McMahon speaks during the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York annual winter conference on Jan. 30, 2025. He sent a letter to state leaders announcing widespread Staten Island support for Discover Law reform. Photo courtesy of Richmond County District Attorney's Office

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  District Attorney Michael E. McMahon has long advocated for changes to discovery in New York state, and now those changes are one step closer to becoming reality.

Recently, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul came to a budget agreement with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

Contained in that budget are changes to discovery laws  changes which McMahon has been pushing for weeks.

Admirable in intent, the unintended adverse impacts and burdensome requirements of 2019s Discovery Reforms have resulted in the wholesale dismissal of thousands of serious misdemeanors and felony cases across New York State, McMahon said in a statement. To be sure, while there are many pressing public safety challenges today, none are more important or have had as outsized an impact on recidivism and the prosecutors ability to keep New Yorkers safe as so-called Discovery Reform. As President of the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York, I along with scores of dedicated prosecutors from across the Empire State successfully advocated for and worked with Governor Hochul and our state legislators to enact commonsense changes to New Yorks discovery statutes that would prevent automatic and needless dismissals over irrelevant paperwork issues and technical violations while still maintaining New Yorks distinct status as having the most open and transparent discovery law in the country.

Problems with current discovery law

Taking effect in 2020, New Yorks discovery reform introduced changes to enhance fairness in criminal cases, but led to unintended consequences, the district attorney has previously said.

Currently, if a prosecutors discovery compliance is later challenged successfully, the time between certification and the challenge is retroactively counted against the prosecution, often resulting in dismissals under speedy trial rules unrelated to the merits of the case or the legality of the investigation.

This loophole inadvertently incentivizes delaying discovery challenges to have cases thrown out on technicalities.

In highlighting an example of the problem posed by the current law, Adam Silberlight, an executive assistant district attorney, previously shared during a community forum some information on a case which was dismissed as a result of these technicalities.

Silberlight explained that a few years ago, a drunk driver who had been a recidivist perpetrator was let off the hook, as the discovery laws mandate that all related evidence in the case, including information of a responding officers history, be turned over.

In this case, there was a substantiated allegation that the responding officer had previously reversed into a trash can  which many would consider to be irrelevant to the case at hand.

It was due to this underlying allegation not being turned over that the case against this recidivist drunk driver was dismissed entirely, Silberlight said.

Its the hope that these burdensome technicalities will no longer stand between prosecutors and serving justice.

Coming to an agreement

So, really proud we got it done, Hochul said during a visit to the Albany County District Attorneys Office on Tuesday. We did get it done. Got some scars to show for it, but I said I was not going to finish the budget until I had meaningful discovery laws where we stopped the insanity, where cases that people have worked hard on and done everything right and going forward, and because of some technicality or some duplicative piece of evidence thats not there, some timeframe not met, some minor timeframe, that those have stopped cases from going forward  that era is over. And I want to, again, thank you for being the heart and soul of our efforts.

During this visit, Hochul touched on how the changes in the FY 2026 State Budget deal are nonpartisan and have widespread backing from nearly all district attorneys in New York.

Back in January the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York voted to support the proposed changes. In the end, 61 of 62 elected district attorneys within New York backed the proposal.

While far from perfect, we are encouraged and grateful that Governor Hochul kept her commitment to the district attorneys and the citizens of New York to make modest but meaningful changes to New York States discovery laws in this years State Budget, McMahon continued in his statement. We also appreciate legislative leaders Carl Heastie and Andrea Stewart-Cousins for negotiating fairly and honorably, and for prioritizing this much-needed public safety amendment.

As a result of the tweaks included in this years State Budget, the rights of victims will no longer be ignored because of the technical limitations of the previous law, and the constitutional rights of those accused of crimes remain protected, he added. Without a doubt, these amendments will strengthen public safety, make our communities safer, and our criminal justice system fairer and more efficient. While no piece of legislation is perfect, the provisions contained in this years State Budget will go a long way towards alleviating the onerous burdens placed on our prosecutors, preventing the thousands of absurd case dismissals which have denied countless victims justice, and halting the revolving door of recidivism plaguing New York State. I am extremely grateful to all of the District Attorneys from across the State who traveled to Albany, made calls to their legislators, and encouraged their constituents to support us in this endeavor and I thank all those who advocated for these commonsense reforms including victims advocates, business association leaders, clergy, civic associations and everyday citizens.

Despite the budget being finalized, it still must be voted on and passed into law.
President Donald Trump has been in office for just 100 days, but some are already looking forward to the next GOP candidate for the White House.

And a new poll reveals a perhaps not-so-surprising frontrunner for the 2028 Republican nod.

A poll of Republicans by the Daily Mail/J.L. Partners shows that Trump is by far the favorite candidate to run for president again in 2028.

The survey showed that 39% of respondents said that Trump would be their first choice for the nomination.

Nineteen percent chose Vice President JD Vance.

Trump, of course, has already been elected twice and is barred from seeking a third term by the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The amendment says that no person can be elected president more than twice.

In the poll, Republicans were asked who their choice would be if there was no constitutional bar on third White House terms.

If Trump were removed from the equation, Vance was by far the choice of GOP voters, with 48% support.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who ran unsuccessfully for the nomination in 2024, got support from 6% of respondents in the poll.

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who also ran for president in 2024 and was governor of South Carolina, garnered the support of 4% of those responding.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who ran for the GOP nomination against Trump in 2016, got the nod from 3% of poll respondents.

Vivek Ramaswamy, another 2024 candidate and the former co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency, also got 3%.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin each got 2% in the poll.

Those getting 1% support or less in the poll included Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Trump political strategist Steve Bannon, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and New York Rep. Elise Stefanik.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Three candidates vying to be the next mayor of New York visited Staten Island on Wednesday to share their visions for the borough.

The candidates  former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa and businessman Whitney Tilson  attended the Staten Island Economic Development Corporations annual business conference to serve as speakers during the keynote breakfast event.
From left, Clifford Hagen, Frank Morano and Griffin Fossella appear in a composite photo. All three are set to appear in the April 29, 2025 special election for the South Shore City Council seat. (Advance file photos)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Residents of the South Shore City Council district headed to the polls Tuesday to elect their next City Councilmember.

According to the New York City Board of Elections, 3,728 cast their ballot in the race for the 51st Council District seat during early voting, which started April 21.
Its an embrace that she may come to regret.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is getting scorched after being photographed sharing a hug with President Donald Trump on Tuesday after a presidential appearance in the Great Lakes State.

A hug?!? Joanne Carducci, a social media liberal political commentator, known as JoJoFromJerz, said on X, per USA Today.

The collegial embrace happened amidst a Trump visit to announce a new fighter jet mission for Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

The optics of the hug could be used against Whitmer if she seeks the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.

Whitmer co-chaired Democrat Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign against Trump and has been a frequent critic of the president.

Whitmer, however, has said that she would look to work with Trump for the good of her state.

Whitmer, who said that the new base mission could generated $850 million in economic activity for Michigan each year, brushed off the hug.

Its so funny that people are like, oh, they were hugging. He leaned and he said, You know, were here because of the work that you did, and I thought that was really nice of him to say, Whitmer told the Detroit Free Press. And so he just leaned in and said that as I shook his hand. That was all.

Whitmer that same day caught flack for appearing on stage with Trump at the air base. Whitmer was apparently caught off-guard by the presidents request to join him at the podium.

One critic called the move destructive enabling behavior, Newsweek reported.

These are not the first awkward moments that Whitmer has shared with Trump recently.

A few weeks ago, the governor covered her face with file folders when Trump unexpectedly called on her during a press conference in the Oval Office.

I kinda wish I hadnt put my folder up in front of my face but, whatever, Whitmer said after the incident.

Trump has praised Whitmer in the past, and during the Tuesday event publicly credited the governor with saving the air base.
President Donald Trump is going to need a new job when he is term-limited out of office on Jan. 20, 2029.

The president the other day joked that his dream job would be pope.

Speaking with reporters outside the White House, Trump kiddingly said hed like to be the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Id like to be pope, the president said. That would be my number one choice.

Catholic cardinals will meet in conclave in Rome beginning on May 7 to choose a successor to Pope Francis.

Francis died on April 21 following a long illness that had seen him hospitalized.

Speaking more seriously, Trump said that he has no preference when it comes to the identity of the new pope.

But Trump, a Queens native, did pitch one dark horse contender.

I must say we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York whos very good, so well see what happens, Trump said, per Time magazine.

Trump was referring to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, leader of the Archdiocese of New York.

There has never been a pope from the United States, and one expert said that was unlikely to change in the next conclave, Trump endorsement or no.

The short answer is that it doesnt seem very likely that Timothy Dolan will be elected pope, Miles Pattenden, a historian of the Catholic Church at Oxford University, told Time. Its very doubtful that any cardinals will view President Trumps endorsement favorably.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) jokingly climbed aboard the Pope Trump bandwagon, urging the conclave to keep an open mind, per The Hill.

The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides, he wrote on X. Watching for white smoke

Graham concluded his post with Trump MMXXVIII! the Roman numeral for 2028.

TV talking head Meghan McCain told Graham to get a grip.
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Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On April 30, during the AUTO SHANGHAI 2025, Chinese automotive chipmaker SemiDrive signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Japan's Shinko Shoji. The two companies will work together to promote SemiDrive's automotive chip deployment in the Japanese market and accelerate the company's global expansion.

SemiDrive said the partnership marks a key milestone in its globalization efforts, signifying a shift from independent overseas expansion to a localized joint development model.

Photo credit: SemiDrive

As a main player in China's automotive semiconductor sector, SemiDrive offers products covering intelligent cockpit and vehicle control applications. The company currently supplies over 90% of China's OEMs as well as several major international automakers. With the goal of becoming a global leader in automotive semiconductors, SemiDrive has in recent years ramped up its overseas presence by establishing offices and localized teams in markets such as Germany and Japan, aiming to deliver high-performance, highly reliable chip solutions to customers worldwide.

Shinko Shoji, a well-established Japanese trading company specializing in automotive supply chain products, brings extensive local market resources and experience. Its core business spans the sales and import/export of integrated circuits, semiconductor components, electronics parts, and related devices, with deep engagement in sectors such as automotive, industrial equipment, and office automation. The company maintains long-term relationships with leading Japanese firms across these industries.

Under the new agreement, Shinko Shoji will take full responsibility for sales, channel development, and local customer support for SemiDrive's products in Japan. Leveraging its strong local footprint, Shinko Shoji aims to help SemiDrive rapidly connect with target customers and seamlessly integrate its technologies into the market.

"Japan is a critical hub for automotive innovation and a key part of our global strategy," said a SemiDrive representative. "With Shinko Shoji's localized support, we are confident that our high-performance chips will serve Japanese customers more efficiently, further strengthening our competitiveness and contributing to the global development of the smart vehicle industry."
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A White House official said theres been no change in Musks status as a special government employee. Musk, Tesla and SpaceX did not respond to inquiries. Elon Musks affiliation with Donald Trump has hurt Tesla. Credit: AP Tesla punished None of Musks businesses has taken a bigger hit than Tesla, prompting investors and analysts to publicly plead for Musks return. The company lost $US448.3 billion in market value since January 17, more than double what DOGE claimed to have saved so far. Teslas cars, showrooms and Supercharger stations endured a wave of protests and sporadic acts of arson and vandalism. The Cybertruck, the stainless-steel vehicle most closely associated with Musk himself, has been a particular target.

Loading After Teslas worst quarter in years, Musk finally acknowledged the pain at the top of Teslas earnings call last week. Theres been some blowback for the time that Ive been spending in government, he said. Starting in May, his time allocation to DOGE will drop significantly. SpaceX successes Unlike Tesla, SpaceX has mostly benefited from Musks time in Washington. Though many people think of Musk as the CEO of Tesla, the better way to understand him is as a long-time government contractor. The influence was immediately clear from the presidents inauguration speech, when Trump echoed Musks enthusiasm for going to Mars.

Loading Trump then picked Jared Isaacman to lead NASA, nominating a billionaire who has twice paid to fly aboard SpaceX capsules. In February, the US Justice Department dropped a lawsuit against SpaceX alleging employment discrimination. During the last few months, SpaceX has benefited from even more government support. The Department of Defense awarded $US5.9 billion to SpaceX to send intelligence satellites into orbit, a higher figure than competitors got. It won Republican backing for a bigger role in a $US42 billion federal effort to bring broadband to rural America, stirring complaints from Democrats. At the Federal Aviation Administration, Musk has been installing SpaceX engineers to deploy Starlink terminals across the US airspace system. Employees there were warned that if they impeded progress, they would be reported to Musk and risk losing their jobs, Bloomberg News reported. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a commercial crew of four launches from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral, Florida on March 31. Credit: AP

Musk has also spent time at the Pentagon  a big SpaceX customer. Musk, who has long held a US security clearance, even descended upon space rival Boeings military aircraft facility in Texas to inspect next-generation Air Force One presidential jets  a Trump priority years behind schedule. His visit in December, before the inauguration, signified the unique pressure Boeing and others have endured with Trump back in power and Musk at his side. X factor Musks influence in the White House helped him quickly settle a lawsuit with Trump over Xs decision  then known as Twitter  to ban the president in 2021 following the January 6 Capitol insurrection. And it pushed advertisers back to X after years of struggles as companies sought to avoid drawing ire from two of the most powerful men on the planet. Youre buying insurance, youre not buying advertising, Lou Paskalis, an ad industry veteran and CEO of the consulting firm AJL Advisory said. X is suddenly poised for its first year of revenue growth since 2021. Banks holding billions of dollars in debt from Musks X acquisition  recently considered the worst buyout since the 2008 financial crisis  are finally able to offload it without taking losses.

Other investors bought back into X at a valuation close to what Musk paid for the company in late 2022. They were rewarded a few weeks later when Musk acquired X via his artificial intelligence startup, XAI, at a similar valuation. Xs investors now have shares in an AI venture thats said to be raising funds at a $US120 billion valuation. Political liability Loading In recent weeks, though, Musks seemingly ubiquitous presence in Washington has become more complicated. The Wisconsin Supreme Court race became a referendum on DOGE and Musk, who spent $US20 million to support a Republican candidate who lost by a 10-point margin. Wisconsin was a a wake-up call, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon said. Clearly he has become a rallying point for the opposition.

Musk then butted heads over Trumps tariff policy  a centrepiece of the administration  with presidential trade advisor Peter Navarro, who Musk called dumber than a sack of bricks. He also called out the negative impact of Trumps tariffs on the Tesla earnings call, and said that despite trying to convince Trump otherwise, the president is within his rights to do what he wants to do. As Musk announced his soft exit from government, the billionaire left open the door to advising Trump through the end of the administration. Ill have to continue doing it for, I think, probably the remainder of the presidents term, just to make sure that the waste and fraud that we stopped does not come roaring back, he said on the Tesla earnings call. For Trump, speaking to reporters last week, Musks role with the administration already sounded past-tense. He was a tremendous help, both in the campaign and in what hes done with DOGE, Trump said.
Hot Chili has secured the milestone government registrations necessary to help fast-track its Costa Fuego copper-gold and Huasco Water projects in Chile.

The registrations, before Chiles Office for Sustainable Project Management, confirm the two projects meet the governments key criteria for consideration for a list of strategic investment projects that could be prioritised through a streamlined administrative approvals process.

Hot Chili has received registrations for its Costa Fuego copper-gold project and its Huasco Water project on Chiles coastal range. The water project will involve drawing seawater from an intake near the coastal port of Huasco.

Part of the offices objectives is to optimise and accelerate approvals for projects that promote sustainability.

Hot Chilis maiden combined probable open pit and underground ore reserves for its Costa Fuego project stands at 502 million tonnes at 0.37 per cent copper, 0.10 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, 0.49g/t silver and 97 parts per million molybdenum across multiple processing streams. The streams include the sulphide concentrator, oxide leach and low-grade sulphide leach processes.
You could have sold premium-priced tickets (even with a tariff) to listen in on the feedback phone call from US President Donald Trump to billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos this week regarding the companys plan to itemise how the Trump tariff toll could increase prices on Amazon products.

With a metaphorical gun to his head, Bezos backed down.

Amazon furiously back-pedalled, suggesting that only one part of business had floated the idea, and in any event it was effectively a thought bubble and not a serious strategy.

Very nice: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Credit: AP

Trump later described the chat between him and Bezos (who engaged in full-throttle capitulation) as a good call.
Where can I buy them? There are numerous places online to buy secondhand phones, but like much of the internet, there are many scammers. The usual advice applies: check reviews, look for trusted sellers and guarantees, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Try platforms that specialise in selling secondhand electronics and other goods. Refurbished phones are also available from retailers like BestBuy and Amazon. Phone companies also sell them, so check with your wireless carrier. Even Apple and Samsung sell secondhand devices on their websites. The advantage there is that theyve been refurbished by their in-house technicians, so youll know theyll be reliable. The downside is that discounts arent as significant and selection can be limited. Apples website currently only lists refurbished iPhone 13 and 14 models, for example.

Loading When a phone is refurbished, it normally means that the data has been wiped, and it has been tested and inspected for any problems. Any defective or faulty components are normally replaced. A used phone, however, could refer to any secondhand device, including those sold by individuals through online classifieds like Facebook Marketplace. Prices could be cheaper, but its buyer beware because used phones are often sold as-is and usually without any repairs or guarantees. You will get the best price if youre prepared to handle that risk, Simon Bryant, vice president of research at CCS Insight. Lots of used phones are also sold on marketplaces for so-called peer-to-peer transactions that also offer better protections for buyers, like eBay, which has policies for refunds if a phone isnt as it was advertised.

What about the battery? Just because a phone is refurbished doesnt mean that critical components  especially the battery  have been automatically replaced. It depends on a vendors sellers policies. Apple and Samsung say their secondhand phones come with new batteries and, in Apples case, a new shell. Both companies also include a cable, a one-year warranty and a new box. Meanwhile, other platforms might merely guarantee that a battery has a certain level of its original capacity, usually 80 per cent. How do I judge the quality? There are ratings, but be cautious with the terminology. Each secondhand platform will usually have its own system of grading the quality of the devices its selling. Its a useful gauge for comparing various phones that the vendor has for sale.

But keep in mind theres no universal system of grading. One platforms rankings might, for example, read Good, Very Good, Pristine and Like New, while another will run from Fair and Good to Excellent and Premium. Loading Grading is all over the place, said Bryant, and it makes it difficult for consumers to compare, say, a $US300 phone rated Grade A on one site with the same device on another site rated like new and priced at $US280. It makes it difficult to shop around, he said. How old is too old? Bryant advises buyers to look for a phone thats about three generations old, and avoid anything that dates back more than five or six generations because thats getting to the point where its Android or iOS operating systems may not be supported anymore.

Three generations is the sweet spot, said Bryant. You know its going to work. Its going to have relatively new features, and its not going to be used so much. So the wear and tear on the device will be less. What about the risk that a phone is stolen? Most online marketplaces have safeguards to prevent stolen phones from being sold to consumers, but check the policies to be sure. If a phone is reported stolen, the carrier will usually blacklist the serial number, known as the IMEI number. BackMarket says it works with the certified sellers that use its platform to make sure there are no blacklisted phones but sometimes a bad apple slips through. If that happens, it will work with buyers to return it immediately.

Can I check for water damage? Most newer phones are water-resistant and can withstand being dunked for a limited amount of time. But that doesnt mean theyre totally waterproof. Any moisture that has gotten inside could damage components even if the phone looks fine from the outside. If youre buying a used phone in person, you can check if it has been exposed to liquid. Apple has a guide to finding the liquid contact indicator that every iPhone since 2006 has. Samsung has a similar page for Android devices. What about accessories? Charging cables or earphones might not be included. Dont forget to budget for these.
New York: Martin Scorsese is producing a documentary made with Pope Francis that will chronicle the late pontiffs work with cinema in the global educational movement he founded before his death.

Aldeas  A New Story will feature conversations between the Pope and Scorsese, including what the filmmakers say is the Popes final in-depth on-camera interview for a film. The documentary will detail the work of Scholas Occurrentes, a non-profit, international organisation founded by the Pope in 2013 to promote the Culture of Encounter among youth.

Pope Francis shakes hands with director Martin Scorsese on the occasion of their private audience at the Vatican in 2016. Credit: AP

Part of that organisations work has included filmmaking under the Aldeas initiative. The documentary will show young people in Indonesia, Italy and the Gambia participating in Aldeas and making short films.

Aldeas Scholas Film and Scorseses Sikelia Productions, which announced the documentary overnight, said the film was a testament to the enduring belief that creativity is not only a means of expression but a path to hope and transformation.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On April 30, XPENG announced it has forged a strategic partnership with Charge Plus, the largest electric vehicle (EV) charging operator in Singapore, and Plugsurfing, Europe's leading EV charging service provider, resulting in its global EV charging network expanded to 2.07 million charging points.

Signing ceremony with Charge Plus; photo credit: XPENG

Under the agreement, XPENG's charging facilities will gain full access to Charge Plus' extensive network across Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. This includes Singapore's public charging infrastructure, which holds over 30% of the local market share, as well as a network of charging stations that spans more than 5,000 kilometers of highways across five countries: Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia.

Through the partnership with Charge Plus, XPENG has become the first Chinese NEV startup to connect to more than 3,500 charging plugs across Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. The two companies also plan to launch co-branded charging stations in major Southeast Asian cities such as Bangkok and Singapore later this year, alongside customized service benefits tailored to XPENG drivers in the region.

Simultaneously, XPENG is advancing its footprint in Europe through a strategic collaboration with Plugsurfing, enabling access to over 850,000 charging piles across 27 European countries.

With Plugsurfing's aggregated charging resourcescovering roughly 85% of Europe's public charging infrastructureXPENG owners can access an end-to-end charging experience via the vehicle's onboard system or XPENG app, including route navigation, QR-code charging activation, and payment processing.
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 No matter how charismatic, inventive or resilient the contestants on Alone might be, theres always a standout star: the location. Or rather 10 locations, in which the contestants find themselves trying to survive. But how exactly are they chosen? Its a long process, and its a very time-consuming process, to put this show together, says Riima Daher, executive producer of Alone Australias three seasons. Thoughts of the next location, to be honest, are happening halfway through a season. Loading While Im still on the ground with the cast, mid-series, were already having thoughts about where the next season will be  As soon as the winner has gone home, I have about a week off, and then Im back into it. Its very important that the participants remain uninterrupted and truly alone, says the shows bushcraft consultant Gordon Dedman, a former army commando who now teaches survival skills and works as an outdoor guide in the Northern Territory. We rely heavily on natural features such as rivers, cliffs, mountains, inaccessible ridge lines to create naturally occurring boundaries and buffers. These need to be inaccessible in order to make it impossible for participants to accidentally roam into each other, he adds. Thats one of the critical jobs of the reconnaissance mission.

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Daher is the principal location scout for the show, and travelled extensively throughout Tasmanias wilderness areas for season one, and New Zealands South Island for season two. I visited every single lake on that South Island, and I can say almost the same thing of Tasmania, she says. I had seen a lot of it for season one, so for this season I looked at about five lakes before we decided on the one that we ended up with. Officially, the location is given in the show merely as the West Coast Ranges of Lutruwita (Tasmania). But a little online sleuthing reveals it to be Lake Burbury, near Queenstown. Locations need to be able to provide contestants with food and the materials to build shelter. Credit: SBS Proximity to medical facilities and a town capable of supporting a crew is essential. If a contestant is injured, the production needs to be able to get to them quickly. I need to make sure we can reach everyone within an acceptable timeframe for our safety officer, says Daher. And when youve got distances like 56 kilometres [the maximum spread between contestants this season], its a tight scenario. The comfort zone varies from site to site, but Daher says it can take a couple of hours to get help to the location in case of emergency. Which is why its really important that we teach the contestants first aid, so they can triage themselves until we can get there.

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Loading But finding a suitable location is just the beginning of the journey. From there, says Daher, there are three sets of permissions that I generally seek. Permission from the land itself: is it welcoming geographically, does it offer the resources that we need for this experiment to work? Cultural permissions  that means consultation with First Nations people, finding out who that land belongs to, or who belongs to that land, depending on where you are and how that First Nations group identifies with that land. And once we have that, we move into legal permission  finding out whether the land is public or private, what you can and cant do on that land. Theres a title card at the end of each episode in season 3 that gives a little hint about some of the negotiations that take place, specifically around hunting. It reads: Specific exemptions from environmental and wildlife legislation have been provided by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania as well as the Inland Fisheries Service to enable activities that would otherwise be illegal in Tasmania. As series producer, Riima Daher is responsible for scouting the locations for Alone Australia, which in season 3 was once again shot in south-west Tasmania. Credit: SBS Apart from kangaroo and some wallaby species, killing Australian native animals is largely prohibited. And that makes for a survivalists nightmare. Generally, all traps need to be live animal traps so as to be able to release any protected animals accidentally caught, explains Dedman. This can be very challenging and forces experienced hunters to abandon their signature tried-and-true methodology altogether. They have to think about trapping in a completely different, and often less efficient and less effective way. Gordon Dedman, a former army commando, is responsible for assessing the suitability of locations from a survival perspective. Credit: SBS

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In New Zealand [season 2], for example, the bow and arrow was not permitted for use after sunset and before sunrise  and thats when the possums are most active, so you can imagine how challenging that can be. But that law exists for the safety of humans  you dont want to be the recipient of a rogue arrow at night because a hunter couldnt see you  so its an important responsibility of the show to advertise the restrictions for the sake of community awareness and education. Frustrations aside, at all times the welfare of all animals is of utmost importance, he adds. Its the priority for everyone involved, and the taking of life of permitted animals is done in the most humane and respectful manner. Im proud of that. Of course, the mere presence of potential game is a critical requirement. So, too, is ensuring each contestant has access to the same potential supplies of food, water and material for shelter. No two pockets of land are ever the same  thats nature for you  so there is always going to be some ecological variation between sites that cant be avoided, says Dedman. What we aim for instead is relative parity between each of the sites. Parity doesnt mean that you have exactly the same  its physically impossible, adds Daher. It just means one person might have more of something than another, but on balance, theyre fair. Its important to be able to get to contestants, and to get them out, quickly in case of a medical emergency. Credit: SBS Wherever they end up, though, one things for sure: no one on Alone will put on weight.

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Eating outSex, sleaze and hospitality Im still in disbelief: Ex-Swillhouse staff take fight global with tears, dancing and packed bars The alleged victims of sexual assault and harassment are going after widespread industry change, following strong nationwide support. Bianca Hrovat April 30, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Members of the Sorry Not Sorry collective, Alex Hooker, Jenna Hemsworth and Rachelle (Rocky) Hair at Perth bar Edward & Idas. Jacqueline Jane A campaign to end sexual violence and harassment within the hospitality sector, led by former employees of high-profile Sydney hospitality group Swillhouse, is going global in June following the success of their Australian fundraising tour. The Sorry Not Sorry Collective, made up of Rachelle (Rocky) Hair, Jenna Hemsworth, Alex Hooker, Brittany Rowe and Reuby Kahl, allege they were sexually harassed, assaulted or discriminated against while working for Swillhouse, as revealed in a series of reports published by The Sydney Morning Herald and Good Food in August. Their stories sent shockwaves through Australias hospitality community, where sexual harassment is prevalent but rarely discussed publicly, and they paved the way for other alleged victims to come forward. It also prompted a SafeWork NSW investigation into the Swillhouse Group, and led to compulsory sexual violence prevention training for all staff working in pubs and clubs across the state. But they can do more, says Hair. In June, the ex-Swillhouse staff will take their stories international, embarking on a four-to-six week world tour with panel discussions and bar takeovers in Singapore, Hong Kong, Spain and Britain.

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Sexual harassment and assault is an industry-wide problem in hospitality, extending beyond Australian borders, and the collective aims to collaborate with local advocacy groups to encourage underrepresented voices to speak up, and to lead a widespread cultural shift. Were insane for doing it, but were committed, Hair says. Our experience needs to be part of the wider conversation. Supporters at Saville Row in Brisbane. Samantha Wooller Hundreds of supporters turned up to their Australian tour over the past month, packing into participating bars, including Disco Pantera (Sydney), Caretakers Cottage (Melbourne) and Edward & Idas (Perth). Its been an overwhelming show of solidarity, says Hair, who founded the collective alongside Hemsworth.

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There were moments at each event where young women or queer people would come forward and say, You know, I needed this. I needed to talk to someone, says Hair. As much as it was all fun and games, there was a lot of heavy stuff, and there were a lot of tears, but it was amazing to be able to actually openly talk about it. Its a significant shift for Hair, a former bartender at Swillhouse venues The Baxter Inn and Shady Pines, who once believed no one would care about her story. Instead, hers is one of many that have sparked a lot of conversations across different communities, she says. Im still kind of in disbelief. Sorry Not Sorry members Jenna Hemsworth, Rachelle (Rocky) Hair and Alex Hooker, are pursuing legal action against their former employer. The tours arent just about advocacy. The collective is also fundraising to pursue their former employer for damages, with the help of one of the worlds top employment lawyers, Sheryn Omeri KC. She has advised victims of Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein and she won a landmark case defining Uber drivers as employees in Britain.

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Through drink and merchandise sales, as well as GoFundMe donations, Sorry Not Sorry exceeded their financial target and raised more than half of their legal fees during the first leg of the tour. Due to high demand, a second leg of the national tour is planned for Hobart (May 8) and Brisbane (June 16), and there are talks of a regional tour with more than 10 eager bars. The collective is seeking partnerships, collaborations and sponsorships from businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors to spread the word and to bring their vision to life. Merchandise sales have helped to raise funds for legal representation. Samantha Wooller Swillhouse, which owns venues including Restaurant Hubert, Caterpillar Club and Le Foote, said it was aware of sexual assault allegations at its venues and that it sincerely regretted and apologised to any former employees who felt unsupported and at risk.

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Eating outRestaurant news Hold on to your hats: Hospitality heavyweights brace for election amid record closures Sydney restaurateurs including Golden Centurys Wong family, Neil Perry, Judy McMahon and Leon Fink discuss immigration, penalty rates and secrets to success. Bianca Hrovat April 30, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Good Food gathers with recipients of the Vittoria Coffee Legend Award at The International. Dion Georgopoulos Legendary chefs and restaurateurs including Neil Perry are hunkering down and holding on to their hats ahead of the federal election on Saturday as political promises on penalty rates and immigration threaten Sydneys struggling hospitality sector. Elections always fk things up, said Perry at the Vittoria Legends Lunch, a gathering of hospitality veterans recognised by The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide for their outstanding contribution to the industry over the years. Perry was keen to talk politics with former Vittoria Coffee Legend Award recipients Leon Fink (Quay, Bennelong), Judy McMahon (Catalina), Lyndey Milan, Jane Strode, Guillaume Brahimi (Bistro Guillaume) and Eric, Linda and Billy Wong (Golden Century) at the event, hosted by Vittoria chief executive officer and long-time patron of the Good Food Guide Les Schirato. The Vittoria Legends Lunch at The International. Dion Georgopoulos

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The election comes at a critical time for the hospitality industry, in which rising costs and low profit margins contributed to a record 9.3 per cent of businesses (or one in 11) shutting down over the past 12 months, according to CreditorWatch. It worries me how many restaurants and cafes are closing, Schirato said. Its not the cost of coffee [which rose to a 50-year high on the commodity markets this year]  its all the other costs: the rent, the labour  its insane. Most of the people around this table have got longevity, and theyve lasted, but they still have to work bloody hard to make it work. Neil Perry talks politics with Good Food and industry legends. Dion Georgopoulos Penalty rates are front of mind for the group. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attracted criticism from cafe and restaurant owners on Monday after he claimed businesses could afford to pay staff extra for nights, weekends and holidays without passing on costs to customers.

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Judy McMahon, who co-founded Rose Bay restaurant Catalina with late husband Michael McMahon in 1994, said even surcharges couldnt cover increased costs. [Opening on a public holiday] is a public service, she said. My Easter is really soft, except for Easter Sunday, and I think its because we put a 15 per cent surcharge on. We have to, but even that doesnt cover it, and people are not really prepared to pay an extra 15 per cent on top of what we already charge. Judy McMahon (Catalina), with head of Good Food Sarah Norris (left) and Jane Strode (right). Dion Georgopoulos In April, Labor promised to pass laws to prevent the Fair Work Commission from removing penalty rates for about 3 million workers on the basic wages, or awards, for their industries. The Coalition has opposed Labors proposed policy, but Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said he did not intend to make changes.

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Dutton does, however, seek to limit immigration. Under the Coalition, intake of permanent migrants would be reduced by 100,000 people over the next four years. Labour also intends to decrease the number of immigrants from an intake of 190,000 to 185,000. The hospitality industry, which relies on overseas migrants to fill skills shortages, faced a critical staffing shortage during the COVID pandemic, when border closures caused national population growth to slow to a near stand-still. While job vacancies have gradually declined in the years since, they have never returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. Sydney is a multicultural city, and we have an incredible industry thats fuelled by immigration, Perry says. If we stop immigration, were really stopping the essence of what Australia is all about. Hospitality groups, including Perrys collection of restaurants in Double Bay, joined forces to found industry lobby group Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association (ARCA) in 2024. The group has also called on political parties to remove fringe benefits tax, freeze alcohol excise increases for two years and freeze income tax on tips.

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Billy, Linda and Eric Wong. Dion Georgopoulos Five tips to survival in Sydney's hospitality scene Industry leaders shared their secrets to longevity in the cutthroat industry, in which one in 11 businesses have closed over the past year. Pursue consistency over passing trends

A lot of the restaurants that are on trend are also the first ones that end up going out of business, said Schitaro. Restaurants such as Catalina and Golden Century focus on delivering consistent quality of food and service, building a customer base of regulars which have returned with their children and grandchildren.

A lot of the restaurants that are on trend are also the first ones that end up going out of business, said Schitaro. Restaurants such as Catalina and Golden Century focus on delivering consistent quality of food and service, building a customer base of regulars which have returned with their children and grandchildren. Dont put off the pursuit of excellence

You cant just react and say, shoot, its getting really hard now, I better be good, said Perry. You have to be the best you possibly can be every day, so when the hardships come, people will come and spend their money with you because they know theyre going to get great value and create a memory and have an experience... You cant manufacture that good will during hard times - you have to manufacture that during the good times.

You cant just react and say, shoot, its getting really hard now, I better be good, said Perry. You have to be the best you possibly can be every day, so when the hardships come, people will come and spend their money with you because they know theyre going to get great value and create a memory and have an experience... You cant manufacture that good will during hard times - you have to manufacture that during the good times. A dry venue is a safer venue

The group reflect on a time when the most expensive steak in Australia cost $40, and they worked hard and played harder. Thats just not acceptable in restaurants anymore because bad things happen, and you cant afford to have bad things happening, said Perry, who does not permit staff to drink at his restaurants. [As business owners], we are totally responsible for our staff now.

The group reflect on a time when the most expensive steak in Australia cost $40, and they worked hard and played harder. Thats just not acceptable in restaurants anymore because bad things happen, and you cant afford to have bad things happening, said Perry, who does not permit staff to drink at his restaurants. [As business owners], we are totally responsible for our staff now. Take advantage of tourism

Forty thousand tourists are expected to visit Australia when the British & Irish Lions rugby team tours in June, said Brahimi, who has already started to see a boost in reservations. For six weeks, the whole hospitality industry will be booming. The comparatively low Australian dollar makes it an attractive international destination: I was talking to them about our prices, and they couldnt believe it. Its almost half price.

Forty thousand tourists are expected to visit Australia when the British & Irish Lions rugby team tours in June, said Brahimi, who has already started to see a boost in reservations. For six weeks, the whole hospitality industry will be booming. The comparatively low Australian dollar makes it an attractive international destination: I was talking to them about our prices, and they couldnt believe it. Its almost half price. Love it or leave it

The work is really, really hard, said Eric Wong, who co-founded Golden Century with wife Linda Wong 36 years ago. Day after day, the pair woke up and put in long hours to make their restaurant a success  Wong recalls the shifts when hed break in the afternoon to sleep in his car before returning to work until 3am. You have to love it, or you wouldnt do it, he said. More than three decades on, Linda said she still loves her work. I get to be a part of so many special moments, she said.

The work is really, really hard, said Eric Wong, who co-founded Golden Century with wife Linda Wong 36 years ago. Day after day, the pair woke up and put in long hours to make their restaurant a success  Wong recalls the shifts when hed break in the afternoon to sleep in his car before returning to work until 3am. You have to love it, or you wouldnt do it, he said. More than three decades on, Linda said she still loves her work. I get to be a part of so many special moments, she said. Passion is critical, but partnerships help

Whats the special sauce - that little thing that makes you just want to go back to a place? said Strode. It isnt necessarily that the food is good, or that the service is good, but its this feeling you know youll get every single time you go. Thats the special sauce, and well lose that if there arent halfwits out there, with that deep need to create a place with feeling. But get a backer, she advises, because theyll help in making sound financial decisions.

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1 / 6 Sophisticated dining at Punch Lane in Melbournes CBD. Supplied. 2 / 6 Inside Punch Lane on Little Bourke Street. Justin McManus 3 / 6 Seared scallops with celeriac, pickled green apple, morcilla and hazelnuts. Chloe Dann 4 / 6 Gnocchi with pumpkin, smoked ricotta, mushroom and chestnuts. Chloe Dann 5 / 6 Sophisti-casual dining at Punch Lane. Supplied 6 / 6 Dessert at Punch Lane. Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide

14.5 / 20 How we score European$$$$

For a quarter of a century, Melburnians have favoured this brooding room for first dates, anniversaries, business lunches and pre-show tables. Staff have an innate sense of how much cash, or time, you care to spend and the wine list is just as accommodating.

A deep range by the glass spans the truly special and the more smashable. Chatter rises off other tables sharing doily-dressed plates of crisp salt cod croquettes and cannoli-like cigars plump with apple and spanner crab. Sea bream, firm yet delicate, is another seaside postcard, signed off with crisp cauliflower florets and pops of finger lime.

Superbly pink duck, driven by Sichuan pepper glaze and bittersweet kumquats, is no wallflower. Dont waste that sauce  say yes to bread. Warm chocolate fondant topped with salty peanut ice-cream closes proceedings with the breezy poise that regulars expect.
No one serves the salt-and-pepper look quite like George Clooney. Since he started going grey in the 1990s, the actor quickly became one of the worlds favourite silver foxes. But after dyeing his hair black recently for a role on Broadway, no one seemed more put off by it than he.

My wife is going to hate it because nothing makes you look older than when an older guy dyes his hair, the Good Night, and Good Luck star told The New York Times in February.

George Clooney hates his dyed hair. Should more men embrace their grey locks too? Credit: AP/Supplied

Other Hollywood celebrities are similarly smitten with their silver fox status, including Steve Carell, Patrick Dempsey and Hugh Grant. Locally, theres Eric Bana, NRL coach Ivan Cleary and Ben Mendelsohn, whos currently showing off his salt-and-pepper mane in season two of Andor.

If the likes of Clooney and Mendelsohn are championing their naturally greying hair, should other men follow suit and ditch the dye?
The Catholic Church in Victoria has intervened in the federal election campaign, attempting to dissuade their school parents from voting for Greens or independent candidates in seven hotly contested electorates.

A series of letters written by the Victorian Catholic Education Authority and distributed to parents of Catholic school students in the seats of Monash, Wannon, Goldstein, Kooyong, Cooper, Wills and Macnamara, highlights the support provided for Catholic school funding by major party candidates while raising uncertainly about the position of independents and minor party candidates.

Wannon candidates Alex Dyson and sitting MP Dan Tehan. Credit: AFR

It urges parents to take this letter into consideration when they vote.

The VCEA, as a registered charity, is prohibited by Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) rules from promoting or opposing a political party or candidate for political office. Organisations can be stripped of their charitable status and generous tax treatment if found to have acted for a political purpose.
If booking a place to stay in Parramatta on a trip to Sydney doesnt seem luxurious, give it a few years. Top international hotel groups are flooding the city ahead of the opening of the new Western Sydney Airport, hoping to cash in on lucrative cabin-crew contracts and a new batch of global travellers.

On Thursday, Marriott Hotels will announce plans to open a 279-bed five-star hotel in Parramattas CBD by 2027, joining the InterContinental and QT hotels in developing high-end accommodation in the area.

An artists impression of the new Marriott hotel and residential tower being constructed at Church Street, Parramatta. Credit: Marriott Hotels

The Sydney Marriott Hotel Parramatta will occupy an under-construction building on Church Street, erected by developer JQZ, that was initially planned as a fully residential block.

However, the experience of other hotel operators in the region provides a stark warning for entrants in the market: Hilton announced in 2018 it would open in Parramatta, but no development applications were ever lodged (Hilton did not respond to questions by deadline). And the Intercontinental, announced in 2021, is in construction limbo amid ongoing talks with Sydney Metro about building works on top of one of its Metro West tunnels.
A prime block of public land with approval to build a 62-storey apartment tower overshadowing one of Sydneys largest hospitals has been put up for sale by the NSW government despite fierce opposition from residents, health workers and the hospitals own board.

The state government this month invited offers from developers on the 3300-square-metre vacant block between St Leonards train station and the southern gateway to the Royal North Shore Hospital campus.

Residents and hospital staff have fought for years to prevent a 45-storey residential development being built on the site and are incensed by the prospect of an even larger tower and the land falling out of public hands entirely.

Judy Simpson (centre) with other members of the Save Royal North Shore community group, Willoughby MP Tim James (second from left) and members of Willoughby City Council. Credit: Steven Siewert

Judy Simpson, an Artarmon resident and founding member of the Save Royal North Shore Hospital campaign, said the community had consistently campaigned for the land to be used to redevelop the hospital closer to St Leonards station, improving access for patients.
In 2016, Bellamy, then 24 years old, published her book World of Wanderlust with Penguin Australia, featuring snippets from her travels through Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, Oceania and the Middle East. This is also when she opened her first baking business, Charlies Dessert House, in her hometown of Launceston. She sold the bakery to her parents, Tania and Kent Saward, in 2020 and moved overseas to live in Africa indefinitely. When the pandemic struck, Bellamy spent eight months trying to get back to Australia, eventually spending most of her savings to get a flight home. She wrapped up her blog in 2021, the year she turned 30. In a post titled Goodbye to travel she wrote about loving every minute of her jet-setting twenties, but admitted the turn of a decade has forced me to audit my life thus far. My thirties will be about creating myself, she wrote. This is less about starting over as it is about taking stock. Seeing where I started and how far Ive come since then. A momentary pause to reflect on a decade past. And an invitation to myself to start over anew.

Brooke Bellamy is renowned for her chunky cookies. Credit: Brooke Saward Brooki Bakehouse is born When this masthead interviewed Bellamy in 2023, she said that after the pandemic, she moved from Tasmania to Brisbane, which is where she turned her love of baking into a career. Im a self-taught baker turned bakery owner, Bellamy writes on her website, Brooke Bellamy. Ive always loved baking. Growing up in a small town, I would spend my weekends and time after school whipping up a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies with my mum, always eating more than my fair share of cookie dough along the way.

Bellamy opened Brooki Bakehouse, a 42-square-metre space inside the Stewart and Hemmant building on Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley, in May 2022. Brooki goes viral Bellamy has been open about the bakehouses early struggles. In all honesty, the bakery was not successful before I started sharing these videos, she said. The videos she refers to were day in my life reels, snapshots of the local baker preparing arrays of cookies, cakes and macarons. They shot Bellamy to viral fame, amassing more than 3.2 million views and catapulting the humble bakehouse into an epic success. To see people come in-store saying they loved the videos and then translating into customers was a real pinch-me moment, she told this masthead.

That momentum  the snaking queues around the block on weekends and cult online following  has only intensified. Loading In August last year, Bellamy teamed up with coffee giant Nespresso to launch a limited-edition cookie in boutique stores around the country, designed to pair with a signature blend of the companys coffee. A month later, she announced her first expansion store at Brisbane Airports Domestic Terminal. Toby Innes, the head of commercial property at Brisbane Airport, spruiked the kilograms of Brooki delights that would be boarding flights to more than 60 locations around Australia and dozens of locations around the world.

Bellamy gave birth to her first child on the same day the Brisbane Airport store opened. Her book, Bake With Brooki, went on sale a few weeks later in October. The cookbook became an instant bestseller and Bellamy has since launched a product range that includes a Brooki-branded apron and hoodie. Shes also taken her signature desserts further afield, with a month-long pop-up store in Abu Dhabi, and one earlier this year at Westfield Chermside. The plagiarism claims At the centre of the claims are recipes for two popular desserts: caramel slice and baklava. A side-by-side comparison shows stark similarities between the recipes published in Bellamys book and those by Maehashi. The RecipeTin Eats founder says the resemblances are so specific and detailed that calling these a coincidence feels disingenuous. A second baker, US-based cook Sally McKenney, has since come forward, claiming her recipe for The Best Vanilla Cake Ive Ever Had has allegedly also been copied. Original recipe creators who put in the work to develop and test recipes deserve credit  especially in a best-selling cookbook, McKenney wrote on Instagram.

In a statement posted on Brooki Bakehouses Instagram story, Bellamy said: I did not plagiarise any recipes in my book, which consists of 100 recipes I have created over many years, since falling in love with baking as a child and growing up baking with my mum in our home kitchen. The fallout from the plagiarism claims has been swift. Its unclear what comes next for Brisbanes celebrated baker. Credit: Neesha Sinnya I have been creating my recipes and selling them commercially since October 2016 ... as was communicated in the first point of contact I received. She went on to say RecipeTin Eats published a recipe in 2020 using the same ingredients as her recipe, which she had been making and selling since opening her Launceston bakery. She added that she had offered to remove both recipes from future reprints to prevent further aggravation. Bellamy is not renowned for her vanilla cake, caramel slice or baklava, and rarely, if ever, sells these in her bricks-and-mortar store. Her popularity has been driven by her take on the humble cookie, nailing an indulgent, chunky style with a crunchy exterior and a soft, gooey centre. The bakehouse also specialises in a range of brownies, cupcakes and macarons.

Loading Whats next for Brooke Bellamy? In some corners, the fallout has been swift. As the claims circulated, so did a heavy backlash across Brooki Bakehouses social media platforms, with disgruntled users posting a flood of negative comments and reviews. Others have continued to support Bellamy, including one customer outside her Valley store on Wednesday morning. Were still here to try the cookies and take the book home, they said. Before these allegations, Bellamy was on a trajectory that looked certain to continue exploding. Shes been an enormous commercial success and had plans to further expand her dessert empire.
A mother has heard an accused murderer admit killing her daughter, detailing how he hit and choked the young woman before her body was found in a metal box.

Rongmei Yan sat silently in court through a recorded police interview in which international student Yang Zhao told officers he struck her daughter, Qiong, on the head with a gas canister before choking her.

Almost 10 months after her alleged murder, Ms Yans corpse was found in a large tool box on the balcony of the Brisbane apartment she shared with Zhao.

Yang Zhao was arrested in Mascot, NSW. Credit: Nine News

I killed her ... she asked me to do it as fast and quick as I can, Zhao said in the video played to a Supreme Court jury.
The mother of a woman allegedly murdered by her flatmate has broken down in court while describing a video prosecutors claim was sent to conceal the killing.

Yang Zhao, 30, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Qiong Yan, 29, in September 2020 at their apartment in the inner-Brisbane suburb of Hamilton.

He has instead pleaded guilty to interfering with Yans corpse, which was found concealed in a large tool box on their riverside units balcony almost 10 months after her alleged murder.

Qiong Yans body was found at the Newport Hamilton Apartments in Brisbane. Credit: Google Maps

Crown Prosecutor Chris Cook previously told the Supreme Court jury he would allege Zhao later sent more than 2000 text messages to Yans friends and mother that allowed him to steal significant amounts of her familys money.
PETRO GEORGIOU November 30, 1947-April 4, 2025

Petro Georgiou AO  who was buried following a ceremony in Carlton on April 24  was a migrant, a loving son, brother, partner, father, grandfather, godfather, friend and inspiring voice for all.

He was a political warrior, responsible for major electoral successes and reforms within the Liberal Party. He changed the face of Australian politics, championing multiculturalism and giving a voice to refugees, with determination and integrity.

Petro was born in Corfu in 1947 and came to Australia in 1951, at the age of four. He was an exceptional student, gaining selection to Melbourne High School in 1962.

Presciently dubbed the Greek volcano by his peers and teachers because of his short temper and sharp tongue, Petro excelled at high school.
The court heard in the lead-up to July 29, 2023, Patterson attended church, where she invited her in-laws and estranged husband, Simon Patterson, for lunch. She told some of them she had developed cancer and needed help in working out how to tell her two children. Simon later cancelled and did not attend the lunch. But the court heard Erin Patterson never had cancer, which Mandy does not dispute. The prosecution alleged this pretext was used to lure the guests to the lunch and explain why Pattersons children would not be present. When they arrived, Rogers said Gail and Don Patterson and the Wilkinsons toured Erin Pattersons property before gathering in the dining room. There, guests recalled Patterson allegedly serving her portion of the meal on a tan or orange plate before they sat down to eat off their grey plates, saying grace before digging in.

I noticed Erin had put her food on a different plate to us. Her plate had colour on it, I wondered why that was, Heather Wilkinson told family before she died, according to Rogers. Hours after the lunch, all four guests fell ill. Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson later died at the Austin Hospital, while Ian Wilkinson survived after a lengthy stay in hospital. Homicide Detective Acting Sergeant Stephen Eppingstall and prosecutor Nanette Rogers arrive at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court in Morwell, Victoria, on Wednesday. Credit: Jason South Patterson also attended hospital, complaining of not feeling well, but left because she told staff she was not prepared to stay. She was later found not to be suffering from any significant illness, Rogers said. The court also heard that in the months leading up to the fatal lunch, in March, April and May 2023, Patterson had begun posting messages in a Facebook chat group about dehydrating mushrooms including sharing in the chat that she had bought a food dehydrator. She posted photos about it in the chat, including a photograph of the dehydrator on her kitchen bench.

Erin Pattersons legal team arrive at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court in Morwell on Wednesday. From left: Colin Mandy, Sophie Stafford, Ophelia Hollway and Bill Doogue. Credit: Jason South The accused explained in the chat that shed been dehydrating mushrooms, blitzing them into powder, and hiding powdered mushrooms in everything, Rogers said. The jury heard this included using powdered mushrooms in chocolate brownies without her children knowing. This dehydrator, Rogers said, was bought in Leongatha on April 28, 2023, 2 hours before the data from Pattersons mobile phone suggested she was in the Loch area, where a person had posted online theyd seen death cap mushrooms growing under a tree. Police later found a dehydrator in the local tip, Koonwarra Transfer Station, that Rogers said contained fingerprints that matched those on Erin Pattersons left hand. An analysis of vegetable matter taken from the dehydrator  discovered at the tip  found signs of death cap mushrooms, Rogers said.

Rogers said after the deaths, a police investigation uncovered Patterson had reset her mobile phone to factory settings three times, including once while police were raiding her home on August 5, 2023. Police also seized other electronic devices then and during a second search on November 3 the same year, but one of her phones was never found. You will hear about what was located on those devices during the course of this trial, Rogers said. In his opening address to the jury, Mandy maintained Patterson did not feign her illness in the aftermath of the lunch, maintaining Patterson was unwell because she had also eaten some of the meal.
When the spacecraft carrying scientist and rights activist Amanda Nguyen pierced through the Earths atmosphere last month, the Vietnamese diaspora held its collective breath. In Houston, political refugees who had fled postwar Vietnam clutched their chests as the rocket ascended. In Hanoi, government officials applauded their nations first woman in space. And in Melbourne, I  a peacetime migrant from Vietnam  found myself unexpectedly weeping at the sight of that rocket trail: a perfect diagonal stitch across the sky, sewing together what history had torn apart.

Nguyen  a civil rights advocate, Nobel Peace Prize nominee and daughter of Vietnamese refugees  made history as the first South-east Asian and first Vietnamese woman to travel into space. Her scientific experiment, carried aboard a Blue Origin mission, was conducted in collaboration with Vietnams National Space Centre.

Vietnamese American Amanda Nguyen made history with her trip into space, and has shown a path forward for a generation of Vietnamese. Credit: PA

As her capsule orbited, an extraordinary diplomatic choreography unfolded. In Hanoi, the US ambassador hosted Vietnams first cosmonaut Pham Tuan to watch Amandas launch. In Texas, Vietnams ambassador greeted her return, bearing a congratulatory letter from Vietnams president. The same government her parents fled now celebrated her achievement.

Fifty years ago, Amandas parents were among the thousands who scrambled onto overcrowded boats, fleeing a country reshaped by political transition. Each year on April 30, while Vietnam celebrates Liberation Day  the reunification of North and South  diaspora communities gather under yellow flags to mourn what many call Black April or National Resentment Day  the fall of Saigon.
One recalls standing behind him in a Co-op supermarket; another still has the photographs she sent to her friends at the time. At least one neighbour, living near the rented cottages they stayed in back then, bounced on a trampoline to catch a glimpse.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are on their first overnight working trip away from their children since Catherines cancer diagnosis. Credit: Getty Images

Weve been here before, we remember it so well  Prince William began, with the air of sharing a fond secret as the now-married couple returned to the island to celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary.

Moments after they arrived on the Isle of Mull, the Prince and Princess of Wales tried to confide to locals that they had, in fact, visited privately more than 20 years ago when they were students, young and in love.

The princess said she remembered walking up to a waterfall and buying two paintings from the local art gallery that still hang on either side of the royal couples bed in Norfolk. The prince conceded that he probably signed a guest book, and might have had one or two ciders.

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The 2003 trip, which saw Prince William and the then Kate Middleton stay for a low-key weekend with friends when they were students, has been kept under wraps ever since by loyal locals, who are used to royal visitors: the late Queen and Prince Philip came, and Princess Anne is a regular when she sails around the islands off the west coast of Scotland.

On Tuesday, they returned to Tobermory as Prince and Princess of Wales - known officially in Scotland as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay and in Mull as Lord and Lady of the Isles.

Quick to laugh and tease each other, more tactile than usual, and with time to spare for every well-wisher who wanted to meet them, the couple looked as carefree and happy as any other emerging from a frightening period in their personal lives to take a moment of peace for themselves.
That portrait was recently moved across the hall to make way for a new portrait of Trump, depicting him in the iconic photograph after being shot in Butler, Pennsylvania, bleeding and imploring the crowd to fight, fight, fight as he was taken off-stage. Arranged around the presidents podium were products made by some of the corporations present, including Pratt cardboard boxes bearing US flags and Invest in America stickers. Donald Trump was surrounded by products made by the assembled corporations, including Pratt Industries cardboard boxes. Credit: Bloomberg Top business leaders in attendance included Nvidia boss Jensen Huang and GE Aerospace chief executive Larry Culp, as well as several members of Trumps cabinet. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick shook Pratts hand and said a quick hello. Later, Pratt held an extended conversation with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Rollins appeared not to know Pratt at first, but when he explained who he was, she jumped back and exclaimed: Thats you! They went on to have a warm, animated conversation, and Pratt gave Rollins his business card.

Lutnick also passed by the assembled media and, when asked by this correspondent if he would strike a trade deal with Australia, indicated it was a matter for after the Australian election. Earlier, Pratt said his planned US investment would create 5000 manufacturing jobs across the US in the rust belt states of Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania, and in Arizona in the south-west. President Donald Trump in his first term with Anthony Pratt during the official opening of Pratt Industries Wapakoneta recycling and paper plant in Ohio in 2019. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen To make America great again, we need to make in America again, he said. Thats why Im proud to support the presidents call to re-industrialise America and again make the US the manufacturing powerhouse of the world. Pratt and other business leaders later joined Trump in the Oval Office.

The 65-year-old, originally from Melbourne, has based himself in New York since obtaining permanent residency last year. Pratt Industries has 70 US factories producing recycled paper and cardboard boxes for customers such as Walmart, Home Depot and the US Postal Service. Pratt has cultivated a relationship with the president and became a member of his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. As part of the investigation into Trumps handling of classified documents, it was claimed that Trump shared potentially classified information about the US nuclear submarine fleet with Pratt during conversations at Mar-a-Lago in April 2021. The information reportedly included the number of nuclear warheads carried by the boats and how close they could get to Russian counterparts without detection. When the claims were published in 2023, Trump called it fake news and said he never discussed submarines with a red-haired weirdo from Australia.

Reporting by this masthead and 60 Minutes subsequently revealed a history of Trump disclosing information to Pratt, including boasting in 2019 about having just bombed Iraq before the operation was publicised. Loading Hes outrageous, Pratt said of Trump on secret tapes obtained by this masthead. He just says whatever the f--- he wants, and he loves to shock people. In 2019, while president, Trump attended the opening of a Pratt paper mill in Ohio along with then Australian prime minister Scott Morrison. Anthony is one of the most successful men in the world  perhaps Australias most successful man, Trump said at the time. Pratts White House visit comes as new data showed the US economy contracted 0.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, primarily caused by a sharp increase in imports as businesses rushed to get ahead of Trumps tariffs. Imports detract from growth in the way the US Commerce Department calculates gross domestic product.

Consumer spending grew by 1.8 per cent, though that was markedly down from the 2024 average of 3.4 per cent. Loading Spending by foreigners travelling in the US for business, leisure and education also plunged. This presumably reflects increased hostility by many foreigners to the US, as well as fear of harassment by ICE officers, said the Centre for Economic and Policy Research. The White House blamed predecessor Joe Biden for GDP going backwards. Its no surprise the leftovers of Bidens economic disaster have been a drag on economic growth, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. Trump said core GDP, with the distortions of imports and government spending stripped out, grew by 3 per cent. But this is Bidens economy  and I think you have to give us just a little bit of time to get moving.
On Tuesday, Mark Carney, the prime minister of Canada, took to the stage to celebrate an election win that a few months ago seemed politically impossible.

As 2025 dawned, Carneys predecessor, Justin Trudeau, and their Liberal Party were catastrophically behind in the polls, and Donald Trump had just been elected in the United States.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addresses supporters in Ottawa after his Liberal Party won the Canadian election on Tuesday. Credit: AP

At the time, it seemed like Trumps brand of brash politics parading as populism was in vogue. Leaders around the world read those tea leaves and assumed it would be exported.

Instead, on Tuesday, a centre-left prime minister of the United States largest trading partner and friendliest neighbour gave a victory speech where he invoked Canadians national spirit to stand up for their country against what he spent the campaign framing as a critical threat to their self-determination.
The Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO) responds to Dr. Willem A. Cecilia's recent public letter with a firm, fact-based rebuttal. BHRO reaffirms its mission: to pursue justice, self-determination, and the restoration of democracy for the people of Bonaire in accordance with international law.

Dr. Cecilia, former Island Registrar and political surrogate for the status quo group that was overwhelmingly defeated in the 2015 referendum, continues to deny well-documented facts, exposing his opposition to the fundamental rights of the Bonairean people. His emotional defense of his former boss, ex-Lt. Governor Edison Rijna, whose record includes serious allegations of corruption and controversy, further undermines any claim to impartiality or credibility (see attached documentation).

1. Outdated Sources Ignore Post-2010 Developments -Dr. Cecilias reliance on Dr. S. Hillebrinks 2007 analysis ignores the most critical events that followed, including the unlawful annexation of Bonaire on October 10, 2010. He omits key facts regarding the imposition of a constitutional status without the free and informed consent of the people. As noted by Professor Rene Soons and Charlotte Duijff in The Dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles (2011): Especially the integration of the islands of Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius raises questions about the conformity with international law of their current status and the continued relevance of the right to self-determination.

2. No Free or Fair Referendum in 2010- Contrary to Dr. Cecilias claims, there was no democratic mandate for Bonaires current status. The 2010 referendum process was actively obstructed by unelected officials, including Lt. Governor Thode and Governor Goedgedrag. Bonaireans were denied their lawful right to vote on their political future.

This violation was documented by UN decolonization expert Dr. Carlyle Corbin in his 2010 legal paper, Self-Determination or Annexation? The Case of Bonaire, which concluded that the process contravened international legal standards.

3. Experts Confirm the Illegitimacy of Bonaires Status - The final report of the 2010 Referendum Committee, chaired by Dr. Mr. Douwe A.A. Boersema highlighted severe flaws: The process failed to realize a clear or legitimate exercise of self-determination, leaving unresolved questions about Bonaire's political future and the will of its people.

The Nunc Aut Numquam Report (2014), chaired by Mr. Eugene Abdul, reaffirmed that self-determination is central to Bonaires democratic future and emphasized the Netherlands legal duty to respect and facilitate this right. Minister Plasterk echoed this position in a 2014 letter, recognizing Bonaires inalienable right to self-determination.

Similarly, the 2020 Bonaire Self-Governance Assessment by the Dependency Studies Project concluded: Bonaires current status reflects not self-governance but a modern form of colonial rule, which, while illegal under international law, persists due to power dynamics overriding principles of justice.

4. Relisting Under Article 73 Is Legally Justified - Claiming that Bonaire cannot be relisted as a non-self-governing territory is incorrect. The 2022 Article 73 Factsheet by Dutch Professors Hoogers, Veenendaal, and Oostindie states: No other state has been relieved of the Article 73 reporting obligation without the General Assembly affirming full self-government. This confirms that the Netherlands current approach violates UN procedures and international norms.

5. Our Advocacy Reflects the People's Voice - In the 2015 referendum, 66% of Bonaireans rejected the imposed constitutional status. Ignoring this resultand dismissing calls for decolonization as sensationalismdenies the democratic will of the people. Speaking truth to power is not inflammatory; it is a moral obligation.

6. Climate and Cultural Justice Depend on Self-Determination - Environmental challenges cannot be addressed without political autonomy. Climate justice requires self-governance, equitable resource control, and equal standing in global negotiations, not the continued dependency status. Our concerns about cultural erosion and demographic shifts are grounded in evidence and daily experience. Denial does not erase reality.

The people of Bonaire have never been given a fair opportunity to exercise their right to self-determination. Instead, they have faced silent annexation, democratic erosion, and growing inequality. We call upon CARICOM, the United Nations, and the international community to recognize this injustice and support the relisting of Bonaire as a non-self-governing territory under Article 73 of the UN Charter.

Our demand is not rooted in division or emotion, but in law and justice.

James Finies

Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO)

Bonaire Human Rights Organization

Kaya Libertador Simon Bolivar 26

Kralendijk, Bonaire
PHILIPSBURG:--- After weeks of dispute and a notable halt in operations, St. Maartens firefighters and ambulance personnel have resumed all duties ahead of this years Carnival parade. The resolution comes following two key meetings where government officials and union representatives reached an agreement to address the workers urgent concerns.

The workers had initiated a go-slow on April 17, citing various grievances. These included a lack of respect towards their profession, inadequate facilities, and unaddressed issues concerning their ability to properly serve the public during major events. Their requests for an urgent meeting, made as far back as April 12, had gone unanswered, with a meeting now set for May 7.

On Monday evening, frustration reached a boiling point, and the union walked out of a preliminary meeting.

The situation became critical as the Carnival parade loomed closer, with local law enforcement (KPSM) expressing their unwillingness to participate in the event should the ambulance and fire personnel continue their go-slow action. The potential disruption heightened government intervention and prompted high-stakes negotiations.

Spotlight on SCDF's Role and Leadership Concerns

During the discussions, significant focus was placed on the role of the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) in the ongoing disputes. Several pivotal questions were posed to SCDF's Michael Granger, who, despite his prominent involvement, claimed not to hold the organization's presidency. Concerns were raised by participants who alleged that Granger was effectively running SCDF, with Edwardo Radjouki serving merely as a figurehead. The unions and their members expressed frustration, stating that SCDF, as the event planner, bore the responsibility for ensuring necessary services during Carnival, rather than deflecting blame onto the government or other entities like SOG. This apparent lack of accountability added to workers' feelings of disrespect throughout the negotiations.

Government and Union Mediation Leads to Agreement

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, a second meeting was convened involving key government officials, including Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, and Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Richinel Brug. Stakeholders from the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) also participated, having played a role in bringing the workers grievances to the forefront.

A local attorney mediated the discussions. Government sources indicate that legal action was threatened to ensure the resumption of duties. However, the talks culminated in a signed agreement between the Prime Minister, the Minister of Labor, and union representatives.

Among the concessions, ambulance personnel were provided with a container at Festival Village to use as a base during the parade and have been granted authorization to park inside the venue. Firefighters will have designated parking for their personnel, but fire trucks will remain outside the Festival Village due to space constraints.

Despite their demands for a dedicated medical room being denied, the Prime Minister, a medical surgeon by profession, felt that ambulance personnel's primary responsibility is to stabilize patients at the scene before transporting them to the St. Maarten Medical Center.

Workers Prioritize National Celebration Over Disputes

Following the Tuesday night meeting, firefighters and ambulance workers expressed satisfaction with the outcome, though additional grievances linger beneath the surface. Both groups emphasized their decision to prioritize the countrys biggest celebration and the thousands of revelers who invested in Carnival costumes and preparations.

A representative for the workers stated that the gesture was a testament to their dedication to the community, saying, "Country was placed above self." By agreeing to resume all duties, they ensured that the Carnival Parade would proceed as planned, with all necessary safety measures in place.

Broader Issues Remain on the Table

While the agreement has resolved the immediate situation, sources indicated that deeper frustrations regarding working conditions and recognition of the essential services remain unresolved. The workers have underscored this during their go-slow action, citing years of systemic neglect and disrespect.

Meetings have now been moved forward, with further discussions scheduled to take place in the coming days to address lingering grievances. Government officials have reiterated their commitment to finding long-term solutions.

Carnival Parade Proceeds as Planned

With the agreement in place, St. Maartens firefighters and ambulance workers will be fully present during the Carnival parade, ensuring the safety and well-being of attendees. The resolution is critical in maintaining public services while fostering dialogue between the government and its essential workforce.

The outcome reflects a shared commitment to the nations cultural events, ensuring that Carnival remains a vibrant and secure celebration for all.
Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG, a leading provider of services and distributor of medical technology in Switzerland, has expanded its portfolio by acquiring CDP Swiss AG and CDP Austria GmbH. Healthcare Holding Schweiz is managed by Winterberg Advisory GmbH.

Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG has successfully closed the acquisition of CDP Swiss AG, based in Affoltern, and its subsidiary, CDP Austria GmbH, located in Lustenau. CDP Swiss AG is an ISO-certified, multi-brand company renowned for offering the most extensive and innovative product range in the Swiss medical aesthetics market. Their portfolio includes a wide array of advanced medical laser systems, microneedling devices, cryolipolysis, light therapy, ultrasound, shockwave technologies, and exclusive dermaceutical product lines. Complementing this is a dedicated service department that ensures comprehensive support for clients. Regular training sessions and expert consultations help customers excel in every aspect of their businesses.

Fabio Fagagnini, CEO of Healthcare Holding Schweiz, expressed his enthusiasm about this acquisition: By acquiring CDP Swiss AG, we are bringing on board the undisputed Swiss market leader in the field of medical beauty. This allows us to establish a dynamic and fast-growing platform within our group, catering to both medical and cosmetic practitioners with exceptional care.

Falk Dorstling, Founder and Chairman of the Board at CDP Swiss AG, commented: With our extensive product portfolio and outstanding service, we have achieved market leadership in Switzerland. For our next growth phase, we ve partnered with a strong group whose synergies and investments will propel us to even greater heights.

Burim Hasani, Co-Founder and Managing Director of CDP Swiss AG, added: What impressed us most about Healthcare Holding Schweiz is their commitment to quality and professionalism  values that perfectly align with those of our own company. Together, we will enhance our customer offerings further and continue our remarkable growth journey.

About CDP Swiss AG and CDP Austria GmbH

CDP Swiss AG, headquartered in Affoltern, exemplifies innovation and excellence in the field of medical beauty. The company exclusively distributes premium-quality, certified products that meet the rigorous Swiss and European standards. Their extensive portfolio encompasses cutting-edge medical laser systems, microneedling technology, cryolipolysis, light therapy, ultrasound, shockwave treatments, and exclusive dermaceutical product lines. A dedicated team of field and customer service professionals, well-versed in the latest industry innovations, solidifies CDP Swiss AG s position as the market leader in Switzerland. The newly established CDP Austria GmbH addresses the growing demand from the EU region, delivering the same exceptional CDP quality.

About Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG

Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG is a Buy, Build & Technologize platform and a leading provider of medical technology products and services in Switzerland. The group is based in Baar and pursues an ambitious growth strategy through acquisitions, often in the context of succession arrangements, partnerships, and organic growth. Healthcare Holding Schweiz and its group companies are committed to the highest standards of innovation and customer satisfaction. The group consistently leverages technology to make business processes safer and more efficient. As a market leader, the company sets new standards for the industry and offers employees attractive development opportunities. All of the management team holds shares in Healthcare Holding Schweiz, thus forming a dynamic community of entrepreneurs. Since 2023, the group has been led by CEO Fabio Fagagnini.

About Winterberg Advisory GmbH and Winterberg Group AG

Winterberg Group AG, based in Zug, operates as an independent family office for its founders. Winterberg mainly invests in SMEs in the German-speaking region and selectively considers investments in startups and real estate. Winterberg Advisory GmbH is a general partner and fund manager regulated by the German BaFin. Winterberg Advisory has launched numerous private equity funds and is invested in Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG through its funds Winterberg Investment VIII and Winterberg Investment IX. The two Partners and Executive Directors, Fabian Kroher and Florian Brickenstein, manage Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG via its board of directors.

For press inquiries, please contact presse@healthcare-holding.ch.

Note for Editors: Please reference Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG for any provided quotes and information.

For more information:

For more information about CDP Swiss AG, visit www.cdpswiss.com.

For more information about Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG, visit www.healthcare-holding.ch.

For more information about the portfolio companies of Healthcare Holding, visit www.senectovia.ch, www.winthermedical.ch, www.mikrona.ch, www.orthowalker.ch, www.mcm-medsys.ch, www.naropa-reha.ch, www.mvb-medizintechnik.ch, www.dentalaxess.com, www.effectum-chrep.com, www.schaublin-medica.ch.

This press release is issued and distributed by Winterberg Advisory GmbH on behalf of Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG.

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Original-Content von: Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG, ubermittelt durch news aktuell
Nature conservation knows no national borders. The Borderless Landscape project connects habitats in Germany and the Netherlands with hedges, bodies of water and commitment. For more biodiversity and climate resilience  across borders.

Milsbeek : Europe is particularly hard hit by climate change. Extreme heat and extreme precipitation will occur even more frequently in the future and leave their mark. The aim of the Borderless Landscape project is to make nature more climate- resilient and increase biodiversity at the same time. The cross-border initiative in the German-Dutch region is co-financed by the European Union.

A site visit. The roads get narrower and narrower towards the destination. The area around the municipality of Milsbeek in the eastern Netherlands is very green and also a little lonely. There are a few farms and houses dotted around the landscape. The border with Germany is close and invisible. Europe has long since grown together here and there have been no fences for decades. Malve Falk is waiting in the small Langstraat. She is the project manager of Borderless Landscape, which is called Grenzeloos landschap in Dutch. Malve Falk is out in the field today with her team.

With spades, the young helpers in work gear are digging small holes in a strip just in front of a paddock. A machine pulled by a small tractor will later take over at a wider spot. We are preparing to plant a hedge here, explains Malve Falk. These will soon be able to make an important contribution to the preservation and promotion of biodiversity. Birds will nest in it and a variety of insects and animals will find protection and shelter, adds Malve Falk.

The small tractor has started moving and the young bushes can be planted quickly and easily from a seat at the rear. By the afternoon, a good 200 meters of hedge will have been planted here. A hedge takes several years to fully develop. With good care, the older it is, the more species-rich it is. But for farmers, a hedge also costs valuable arable or pasture land. This is precisely why persuasion is so important, explains Malve Falk. Retiree Piet Hopman took this step quite deliberately. He bought 2.5 hectares of land in the region and had it planted with hedges. I was born near here. I simply want to set a good example with this campaign and hope that other landowners will join in.

Similar planting campaigns are underway on the German side and little by little the landscape is changing its face as a result. It will become greener and biodiversity will be preserved and even increase. Without the funding from the Interreg project, this would not have been possible, explains Malve Falk. Because national funding always ends at the border. The borders have long since disappeared here. And thanks to the new hedges, the areas are growing even closer together.

Description of the project: Cohesion policy has defined clear objectives for the 2021-2027 funding period: A smart Europe through innovation, a greener, low-carbon Europe, a more connected Europe, a more social Europe and a Europe that is closer to its citizens. Sustainable challenges are becoming the focus of society, particularly in Germany and its neighbouring countries. The EU4regions project will produce high-quality multimedia and journalistic information on cohesion policy and then disseminate it widely. Within 12 months, Interreg projects from western and eastern Germany and neighbouring countries/regions will be presented to highlight local challenges. The countries concerned are Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands and Denmark. Our thematic focus is on sustainability, whereby we understand sustainability as a whole. Although climate issues are at the centre of attention, they are complemented by economic and social aspects. The aim is to show how EU cohesion policy affects regions and people.

EU4regions receives funding from the EU Commission.

Contact:

EU4Regions-Team

EU4Regions@newsaktuell.de

Original-Content von: EU4Regions, ubermittelt durch news aktuell
Facing Trump, Microsoft vows to protect Europeans' data



Brussels, Belgium, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



Microsoft on Wednesday committed to boosting its presence in Europe and protecting European citizens' data against a backdrop of rising "geopolitical volatility".

The tech titan's pledges come as the return of President Donald Trump has upended the relationship between the United States and Europe, reversing decades of US policy.

Trump has taken umbrage over the European Union's rules against Big Tech -- dominated by US giants including Microsoft -- threatening retaliation against any moves.

But Microsoft President Brad Smith struck a positive note during a visit to Brussels.

"We are at a moment in time when business needs to be a bridge across the Atlantic," Smith said.

Microsoft is expanding its data centre operations in 16 European countries and help build an artificial intelligence "ecosystem" on the continent.

It also wants to establish partnerships with European cloud players. Currently, US tech firms -- Amazon, Google and Microsoft -- dominated the cloud market in Europe.

But Europe's dependence on US tech has been called into question since Trump's return and threats to impose tariffs, take over Greenland and cut support for Ukraine.

The worry is that Washington could use its tech dominance as a weapon in any standoff with Brussels if transatlantic ties, already strained, deteriorate further.

For example, Europeans worry access to US servers could possibly be cut if Trump, whose ties with tech titans have grown, opted to use this leverage.

Microsoft's Smith alluded to this scenario in a blog post published on Wednesday without ever naming Trump, describing it as "unlikely" to occur.

But, Smith vowed, if Microsoft was asked to suspend or cease cloud operations in Europe, it would "promptly and vigorously contest such a measure".

"We are committing today that if any government anywhere in the world ever issues an order that seeks to compel Microsoft to suspend or cease operations and support for Europe out of our data centres here, we will go to court," Smith said in Brussels.

"We appreciate that it is a real concern of people across Europe," he added.
Belgium raises alarm over #SkinnyTok, anorexia fears on TikTok



Brussels, Belgium, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



Belgium raised the alarm Wednesday about videos promoting extreme thinness on TikTok, warning that the platform was failing to protect teenage girls from significant danger.

The Belgian government has informed the European Commission, in charge of regulating the world's biggest digital platforms in the EU, of its concerns about TikTok and the promotion of unhealthy beauty standards.

"TikTok's algorithm, by trapping young people in a spiral of extreme content, poses a major threat to their mental and physical health," Digital Minister Vanessa Matz said.

Matz said the danger was more acute "as summer approaches, a sensitive period for self-esteem" where there is more pressure online to get a so-called "beach body".

In response, TikTok said it did not allow the display or promotion of dangerous behaviours related to eating habits and weight loss.

But Matz pointed to posts on TikTok under keywords such as "skinny" or "Skinnytok" that were still visible despite warning banners.

Usually featuring and targeting young women, the videos promote ways of losing weight and sometimes associate beauty with seeing the contours of the body's bones.

Critics say the videos encourage eating disorders.

In Belgium, 15 percent of women aged 10 to 64 have suspected eating disorders, according to the Sciensano public health institute, compared with 11 percent of men.

Matz has contacted Belgium's telecoms regulator -- which has the power to make a formal submission to the EU -- and Irish authorities, which act on behalf of the bloc.

Like other Big Tech firms, TikTok's European headquarters are in Ireland.

Belgium is not alone in its fears, with calls growing in other EU countries for more pressure against TikTok to comply with the EU's landmark content moderation rules known as the Digital Services Act (DSA).

France too raised the alarm this month over the trend to French authorities and the EU.

Brussels has been probing TikTok since February 2024 for alleged DSA violations regarding the protection of minors and concerns about children's mental well-being.

A TikTok spokesperson said the platform had "strict rules against body shaming and dangerous weight loss behaviours", adding that "To protect teen viewers, we age-restrict content with harmful body ideals".
Microsoft president urges fast 'resolution' of transatlantic trade tensions



Brussels, Belgium, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



Microsoft President Brad Smith called Wednesday for a swift resolution of trade tensions between the United States and Europe, during an interview with AFP in Brussels.

Transatlantic ties are at their lowest since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House and unleashed painful tariffs against allies and rivals alike within weeks.

"There are real issues that deserve discussion. We hope that there will be real resolutions that bring people together on both sides of the Atlantic, and the sooner, the better," Smith said.

"We're all going to need to see how the trade discussions unfold," he said.

Trump has hit steel, aluminium and auto imports with 25-percent tariffs, and in April he imposed sweeping 20-percent levies on EU goods before announcing a 90-day pause.

Now the European Union and the United States are in talks to avoid a bitter conflict that risks undoing a trade relationship worth 1.6 trillion euros ($1.8 trillion).

Smith was in Europe to reaffirm Microsoft's commitment to the continent, vowing that the company would protect European users' data against any orders in court.

There are fears in Europe about what the cosying up of American Big Tech chief executives to Trump -- including Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg -- means for the continent where American technologies dominate.

Smith refrained from directly criticising Trump, saying that doing so would harm the "bridge" he seeks to build between the United States and Europe.

"We believe that one of the great strengths of the world is the transatlantic relationship. It's been important and good for the United States, it's been important and good for Europe," Smith said.

He noted that Microsoft had "very important" relationships with both sides.



- Bigger binding ties -



Smith was in Europe as the continent comes to terms with how it should respond to the changing nature of the US-EU relationship.

Calls have grown in the EU to wean the bloc off US technology, as Europeans fear Trump could demand that American companies sever Europe's access in any trade war.

Microsoft recognised Europe's changing view of the United States, Smith said, but the ties that bound the two sides were "so much bigger" than "issues that might divide us".

"So let's address the issues that divide us, and let's remain committed to the ties that bind us, because I think they're fundamental, not just to two continents, but to the entire world," he added.

Although Europe is now reckoning with what a future EU-US relationship will look like, Smith struck an optimistic note that the two sides could resolve issues.

"I don't think we can recommit across the Atlantic until we work through the issues that are currently on the trade table, so to speak. But I believe in a future."

One area in which Microsoft has poured tens of billions of dollars is artificial intelligence, which Smith said was something it sought to develop with European players.

Despite the excitement over AI, there are also concerns about the environmental impact, which Smith said Microsoft was focused on.

"We're committed to reducing our carbon emissions, to being carbon negative by 2030," he said, adding that Microsoft also saw AI playing a role in addressing the issue.

"It will lead to, we think, the kinds of breakthroughs the world needs," he said.

cjc/raz/js



MICROSOFT
US approves $1.33 bn missile sale to Poland



Washington, April 29 (AFP) Apr 29, 2025



The United States on Tuesday announced the approval of a $1.33 billion sale of 400 medium-range air-to-air missiles and related support to Poland, a NATO ally that borders Russian territory.

"The proposed sale will improve Poland's capability to meet current and future threats by providing air-to-air defense to protect Polish and allied forces in transition or combat and significantly improve the Polish contribution to NATO requirements," the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.

The sale "will support the foreign policy goals and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is a force for political and economic stability in Europe," it added.

The State Department approved the possible sale and the DSCA on Tuesday provided the required notification to the US Congress, which still needs to sign off on the transaction.

Poland has said it aims to earmark around five percent of its economic output for military expenditure next year -- a key demand of US President Donald Trump's administration for NATO members.

Most military aid to Kyiv passes through European Union member state Poland, a staunch supporter of Ukraine.
Zelensky calls for fair peace with no 'rewards' for Putin



Kyiv, Ukraine, April 29 (AFP) Apr 29, 2025



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Tuesday for a "fair" end to the war with Russia without "rewards" for Vladimir Putin, pushing back against demands for Kyiv to make territorial concessions.

"We all want this war to end in a fair way -- with no rewards for Putin, especially no land," Zelensky said via videoconference at a summit organised by Poland.

The comment comes amid reports the United States suggested to freeze the front lines and accept the Russian control of the Crimean peninsula that it seized in 2014, something Zelensky has refused.

But US President Donald Trump said Sunday that he believed Zelensky might concede the Black Sea peninsula as part of a settlement.

Russia has also repeatedly demanded to keep the territory in southern and eastern Ukraine that it occupies and for Kyiv to cede even more land.

Moscow holds about 20 percent of Ukraine's territory after launching its grinding assault that has killed thousands of people.

Washington has said that this week will be "critical" for peace efforts.



- Unconditional ceasefire -



Zelensky later on Tuesday once again called for a full and unconditional ceasefire, which must be the first step before any negotiations.

"They must take clear steps to end the war, and we insist that an unconditional and complete ceasefire must be the first step," he said in an evening address.

Putin on Monday ordered a surprise three-day ceasefire on May 8-10, which coincides with Moscow's World War II commemorations, drawing ire from Kyiv, which demanded Moscow pause hostilities immediately.

"Right now, they are worried that their parade is in jeopardy, and rightly so," Zelensky said in his evening address, "but they should be worried that this war is still going on," he added.

This year, Russia will mark on May 9 the 80th anniversary of its Victory Day for what is known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War with massive parades in Moscow and cities across the country.
Irish court jails teen for stabbing of chaplain



London, April 29 (AFP) Apr 29, 2025



A 17-year-old, who was radicalised online, was sentenced to eight years in prison Tuesday by a Dublin court for attempting to murder an Irish army chaplain.

Father Paul Murphy, 52, was stabbed seven times with a hunting knife as he entered a barracks near the western town of Galway in his car on August 15 last year.

The teenager, who was 16 at the time, was overcome by soldiers.

He had gone to the barracks "with the intention of killing a member of the Defence Forces", Judge Paul McDermott said.

The teen, whose identity has not been released due to his age, pleaded guilty to attempted murder in February, saying he was "genuinely sorry" and could not remember the attack.

In addition to the eight-year term, he was handed a two-year suspended sentence and ordered to take part in deradicalisation programmes.

During the hearing, Murphy forgave the youth and embraced him. Murphy had done the same on Tuesday when the judge pronounced his decision.

"This young boy is going to prison for a few years. My only hope and prayer is that he will return to society better able to manage his own life and also to make a more positive contribution," said the chaplain.

Murphy underwent surgery and partially lost feeling in his wounded arms.

"Vulnerable and highly impressionable and otherwise intelligent teenagers can be the object of dangerous, manipulative, false and malicious propaganda by terrorists... throughout the internet," the judge said.

The teen, diagnosed with autism, had no prior convictions.

He adopted Islam at the age of 15, but extremist content online encouraged his "distorted thinking", the judge said.

The judge said individuals "gained his trust", leading the teen to have "intrusive thoughts" of killing an Irish soldier as a form of protest.

They conveyed "a distorted view" of the Irish forces' involvement abroad, particularly in Mali, which led the youth to devise the plan to kill a soldier.

In addition to the online content he viewed, an Islamic State flag was found among his belongings.
Grand Vietnam parade 50 years after the fall of Saigon



Ho Chi Minh City, April 29 (AFP) Apr 29, 2025



Vietnam is set to hold its biggest celebration of the fall of Saigon on its 50th anniversary Wednesday, including Chinese troops for the first time after Xi Jinping visited to portray Beijing as a more reliable partner than Washington.

Thousands of excited citizens -- many wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the Vietnamese flag -- began gathering on the streets of the renamed Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday, preparing to sleep out overnight ahead of the display's 7:00 am (0000 GMT) start.

The celebrations come half a century after tanks of communist North Vietnam crashed through the gates of the city's presidential palace, defeating the US-backed South and delivering a painful blow to American moral and military prestige.

"I am proud of having contributed to liberating the south," said 75-year-old veteran Tran Van Truong who had travelled -- dressed in full military uniform -- from the capital Hanoi to see the parade.

"But what's gone is gone, I have no hatred for those from the other side of the battle," Truong told AFP. "We should join hands to celebrate the end of the war."

Around 13,000 people, including veterans, soldiers and ordinary members of the public, will march down Ho Chi Minh City's Le Duan Street, a major thoroughfare which leads to the Independence Palace.

For the first time, more than 300 soldiers from China, Laos and Cambodia will take part in the spectacle.

More than 300,000 Chinese troops were involved in the bloody conflict, according to state media, providing crucial anti-aircraft defence support and helping with logistics and supplies -- but the country's soldiers have never before been part of large-scale commemorations.

Only four years after the end of the Vietnam War, China itself invaded the country, only to be pushed back by Hanoi's troops.

"I think Hanoi is signalling to China that they recognise China's historical contribution," said Zach Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington who focuses on Southeast Asian politics.

"It's also another way for them to signal: 'Don't think our foreign policy is lurching towards the Americans.'"

After years of fighting that ended on April 30, 1975, the United States and Vietnam have rebuilt ties to become strong trade partners, but Hanoi follows a "bamboo diplomacy" approach, striving to stay on good terms with both Beijing and Washington.

The celebrations come after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Hanoi this month, with Beijing trying to position itself as a stable alternative to Washington as Vietnam confronts a threatened 46-percent US tariff and American foreign aid cuts that could jeopardise war legacy programmes.

Last week Hanoi's foreign ministry confirmed for the first time that Chinese troops would take part in the display.



- Reconciliation, excitement -



After a war that eviscerated much of Vietnam, killing millions of its people as well as 58,000 US servicemen, the North's victory expanded communist rule over the whole country.

Thousands of Vietnamese who worked for the Southern government fled, while others stayed and were forced into re-education camps.

For many years the victory formed the basis of the Communist Party's legitimacy, before its authority became entwined with economic growth and improved living standards.

In an article published Sunday on the government's news portal, the party's top leader To Lam put an unusual emphasis on reconciliation, saying Vietnamese people must rid themselves of "hatred, separation or division... so that future generations no longer have to experience war".

Most of the population was born after the conflict's end, but many young people appeared excited on Tuesday night as music from a celebratory concert blared through the streets and huge crowds began to form.

Social media users have been anticipating the parade for days after widespread coverage of rehearsals in the media, which is entirely controlled by the state in Vietnam.

"The social media game has been played very well by the government," said Vu Minh Hoang, a professor of history and Vietnam studies at Fulbright University of Vietnam.

"I think many young people are really excited about going out and seeing these very handsome young troops and very beautiful ladies who are in the military," he added.

Posing for photos in traditional dress at the entrance of the presidential palace, 22-year-old Ho Chi Minh City resident Tran Hoang Yen described the 50th anniversary as a "once in a lifetime chance" to celebrate.

"We will all have fun," she said.
Kim eyes nuclear armament for North Korea's navy: KCNA



Seoul, April 29 (AFP) Apr 29, 2025



North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered steps to be taken to accelerate the arming of navy vessels with nuclear weapons, state media reported Wednesday.

Kim issued the directive, according to state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), after he oversaw the first day of a two-day weapons test of North Korea's latest destroyer, the Choe Hyon.

"Saying that the time has come to make a responsible option for accelerating the nuclear armament of the navy in order to defend the state and maritime sovereignty from the existing and future threat, he set forth different tasks for realizing it," KCNA reported.

State media had reported Saturday on the launching of the Choe Hyon, showing photos of Kim attending a ceremony with his daughter Ju Ae, considered by many experts as his likely successor.

The warship, named after a deceased North Korean anti-Japanese fighter, is a 5,000-ton destroyer-class vessel that took more than a year to build, according to KCNA.

Given its size, experts believe the vessel can carry both ship-to-surface and ship-to-air missiles, with specialist outlet NK News reporting it is "likely to be equipped with short-range tactical nuclear missiles".

KCNA said Wednesday that the "test-fire of supersonic cruise missile, strategic cruise missile, anti-aircraft missile and 127 mm ship-based automatic gun took place on April 28."

"On April 29, the test-fire of ship-to-ship tactical guided weapon, various kinds of ship-based automatic guns and smoke and electronic jamming guns took place," KCNA added.

In March, Kim inspected a project to build a nuclear-powered submarine, asserting that "radically" boosting the navy was a key part of Pyongyang's defensive strategy.

At the time, Kim called for the modernisation of the country's surface and underwater naval forces, including the development of warships.

Pyongyang has claimed in previous years to be developing underwater nuclear attack drones, which could unleash a "radioactive tsunami", but analysts have questioned whether it actually has such a weapon.

Washington -- Seoul's key security ally -- has in recent years ramped up joint military exercises and increased the presence of strategic US assets, such as an aircraft carrier and a nuclear-powered submarine, around the Korean Peninsula to deter the North.

Pyongyang has repeatedly declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear weapons state and routinely denounces joint US-South Korea drills as rehearsals for invasion.
Will Trump strike drug cartels he says 'run' Mexico?



Mexico City, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



President Donald Trump has boosted the US military presence along the border with Mexico and left open the possibility of drone strikes against drug trafficking groups that he designated terrorist organizations.

In March, he vowed in Congress to "wage war" on Mexican drug cartels that he said posed a grave threat to national security.

How far is Trump willing to go to curb drug flows from a country he says is run by the cartels?



- What steps is Trump taking? -



After returning to office in January, Trump declared an emergency along the 3,100-kilometer (1,900-mile) border and ordered the deployment of thousands of troops to beef up security.

In March, he ordered the deployment of two warships to support the border mission.

Trump also announced the creation of a "national defense area" stretching more than 170 miles (270 kilometers) along the frontier to enable the army to support border patrols.

"I think they need help," Trump said last week in an interview with The Blaze, a conservative media outlet, referring to Mexico.

Asked whether he would take military action even if Mexico did not want it, Trump said: "You could say at some point, maybe something's going to have to happen."

Vanda Felbab-Brown, a security expert at the Washington-based Brookings Institute, thinks that "the threat of air strikes or drone strikes is very realistic. It was very popular among Republican politicians," she said.

"That said, it also serves as a coercive technique" to encourage Mexican action against drug trafficking, she told AFP.

Raul Benitez, an expert at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, sees Trump's warnings as a "show of force."

"They are not immediate or direct threats" against Mexico, he said.



- How is Mexico responding? -



Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has said she would oppose US military attacks on cartels, while ordering thousands more troops to the border to fight drug trafficking.

She also confirmed that the United States had been operating drones spying on Mexican cartels as part of a collaboration that has existed for years.

The flights were "gathering a large amount of information that will help develop a target inventory," said Inigo Guevara, an expert at defense intelligence company Janes.

In February, Mexico extradited some of its most notorious imprisoned drug lords to the United States in a bid to avert Trump's tariffs.

Eager to highlight its efforts to reduce trafficking, Sheinbaum's government has announced the seizure of 144 tons of drugs, including two million fentanyl pills, since October.

It has also underscored a sharp fall in migrant arrivals at its northern border.

At the same time, Sheinbaum pushed a reform through Congress that means foreign agents engaging in covert actions in Mexico are at risk of imprisonment.



- Would US strikes work? -



US drone strikes are unlikely to be very effective and would be politically explosive because they would undermine cooperation between Mexico and the United States, Felbab-Brown warned.

"They can destroy labs, but they are very easy to resurrect. They could take out high value targets, but that's no different than Mexican forces taking them down," she said.

Guevara said US strikes "would be a leap back of more than a hundred years," referring to a 1916 invasion by US troops to capture revolutionary Pancho Villa after he carried out a cross-border raid.

Despite the resentment generated by Trump's remarks in Mexico, experts point to the close ties between the two countries' militaries, including the training of Mexican officers in the United States.

"Trump's rhetoric usually begins exaggeratedly high to create alarm and force his counterpart into swift action," Guevara said.

But at the operational level, cooperation with the United States was expected to give Mexico an "unparalleled capability" to fight organized crime, he added.
Kim oversees warship weapons test-fire, eyes nukes for N. Korea navy



Seoul, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered navy vessels to be speedily armed with nuclear weapons, state media reported Wednesday, as Pyongyang conducted its first test-firing of a new warship weapons system.

This weekend, Pyongyang had unveiled its new warship, a 5,000-ton destroyer-class vessel named Choe Hyon, which some analysts said was likely to be equipped with short-range tactical nuclear missiles.

Kim oversaw the first day of a two-day weapons test of the destroyer, the official Korean Central News Agency said.

He then ordered officials to work on "accelerating the nuclear armament of the navy", it added.

North Korea has previously said the vessel was equipped with the "most powerful weapons", and that it would "enter into operation early next year".

Experts have said that given its size, the warship is believed to carry both ship-to-surface and ship-to-air missiles.

KCNA said Tuesday's test was of "ship-to-ship tactical guided weapon, various kinds of ship-based automatic guns and smoke and electronic jamming guns," involving the newly unveiled vessel.

The news agency said Pyongyang also tested its "supersonic cruise missile, strategic cruise missile, anti-aircraft missile and 127 mm ship-based automatic gun" on Monday.

Kim said the country's ship-based firepower system was "effectively combined" with the "most powerful strike means including supersonic cruise missile, strategic cruise missile and tactical ballistic missile".

Seoul's defence ministry said it was "closely tracking and monitoring the North Korean military's shipbuilding and development trends," in cooperation with the United States.

Pyongyang's announcement came days after it confirmed for the first time it had deployed troops to Russia to support Moscow in its war in Ukraine.

Moscow also said Saturday that North Korean soldiers "provided significant assistance in defeating the group of Ukrainian armed forces".

Some analysts say Pyongyang appears to have acquired certain weapons from Moscow to equip its warships, possibly in exchange for deploying troops.

"It seems that North Korea has recently imported several modern weapons from Russia," Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP.

The North has also "assembled them, and used them effectively to strengthen internal unity and boost military morale," he added.



- Kim at launch -



State media had reported Saturday on the launching of the Choe Hyon, showing images of Kim attending a ceremony with his daughter Ju Ae, considered by many experts as his likely successor.

In March, Kim inspected a project to build a nuclear-powered submarine, asserting that "radically" boosting the navy was a key part of Pyongyang's defensive strategy.

At the time, Kim called for the modernisation of the country's surface and underwater naval forces, including the development of warships.

Pyongyang has claimed in previous years to be developing underwater nuclear attack drones, which could unleash a "radioactive tsunami", but analysts have questioned whether it actually has such a weapon.

Washington -- Seoul's key security ally -- has in recent years ramped up joint military exercises and increased the presence of strategic US assets, such as an aircraft carrier and a nuclear-powered submarine, in the region to deter the North.

Pyongyang has repeatedly declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear weapons state and routinely denounces joint US-South Korea drills as rehearsals for invasion.

"North Korea's mention of its accelerated naval nuclear armament is presumed to refer to enhanced operational capabilities of tactical nuclear and strategic missiles by the fleet," said Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.

This week's test appears to highlight North Korea's assertion that its newly unveiled warship is capable of blue-water operations, he told AFP, referring to naval missions conducted far from a country's own coastal waters, often in open ocean areas.
Evacuation of DR Congo troops from M23 zone begins



Goma, DR Congo, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



An evacuation of hundreds of Democratic Republic of Congo troops and police trapped for months in UN bases in Goma after the city was taken by M23 rebels began on Wednesday, the ICRC said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said it was accompanying "a series of convoys" from Goma to the capital Kinshasa carrying the disarmed personnel and members of their families from one of the bases.

The evacuation came after lengthy negotiations between United Nations representatives, the DRC government and M23, according to DRC security sources and UN sources.

The M23 group had rejected an option to fly the soldiers and police out from Goma's airport, which has been closed since January, a senior M23 member told AFP.

The Congolese soldiers and police had taken refuge in bases of the UN's peacekeeping mission in DRC to escape M23 fighters who seized Goma in January.

Around 1,500 DRC soldiers were in the bases as of the beginning of April, according to UN sources.

One DRC officer contacted by telephone by AFP said he was afraid of the road journey through M23-controlled territory, explaining that he did not trust the group's promise to allow passage for the convoys.

The ICRC said in its statement that the evacuation operation would take several days, and that the parties involved "made a commitment to ensure the safety of the people in the convoys".

It noted the complexity of the evacuation and associated risks.

Eastern DR Congo has been wracked by decades of conflict but tensions have soared in recent months by the advance of M23, which the international community says is backed by Rwanda. Kigali denies the accusations.
Iran blasts French 'threats' of new sanctions



Tehran, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



Iran's UN mission has slammed "threats" by France to reimpose sanctions lifted under a landmark 2015 deal on Tehran's nuclear programme, media in the Islamic republic reported on Wednesday.

France on Monday said that along with Germany and Britain, it "will not hesitate for a single second to reapply all the sanctions" scrapped a decade ago if European security is threatened by Iran's nuclear activities, as Tehran and Washington are engaged in negotiations for a new agreement.

"Resorting to threats and economic blackmail is entirely unacceptable," Iran's mission to the UN said in a letter carried by the country's ISNA news agency.

France, Germany and Britain, along with China and Russia, are parties to the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, which the United States withdrew from three years later during President Donald Trump's first term in office.

Under the agreement, the parties can trigger the "snapback" mechanism, which would automatically reinstate UN sanctions on Iran over its non-compliance, an option that expires in October.

Longtime foes Iran and the United States have been engaged since April 12 in their highest-level talks in years targeting a new deal that would stop Tehran developing nuclear weapons -- an objective it denies pursuing -- in return for relief from sanctions.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said last week he was willing to visit Germany, France and Britain for talks.

The Iranian UN mission said in its letter that "genuine diplomacy cannot proceed under threats or pressure".

"If France and its partners are truly interested in a diplomatic resolution, they must abandon coercion."
Iran says next nuclear talks with US set for Saturday in Rome



Tehran, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



Iran and the United States will hold a fourth round of talks on the Islamic republic's nuclear programme in Rome on Saturday, Iran's foreign minister said.

The longtime adversaries have held three rounds of talks aiming for a deal on the programme, which the West believes is intended to develop nuclear weapons -- an allegation Tehran denies.

The talks, which began on April 12 and are mediated by Oman, are the highest-level contact in years between the two sides.

"The next round of negotiations will take place in Rome," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

The top diplomat said Iranian officials would also meet on Friday with representatives from Britain, France and Germany -- all parties to the 2015 nuclear deal.

The deal called for the lifting of sanctions in exchange for curbing Iran's nuclear activities, but fell apart when Washington withdrew from it in 2018 during Donald Trump's first term as US president.

After France threatened that the European trio could reimpose sanctions, Iran's UN mission said that "threats and economic blackmail" were "entirely unacceptable".

"Genuine diplomacy cannot proceed under threats or pressure," the diplomatic mission said in a letter carried Wednesday by Iran's ISNA news agency.

Trump sent a letter in March to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urging talks and warning of possible military action if Iran refused.

Since he returned to office in January, Trump revived his "maximum pressure" sanctions campaign, mirroring his approach during his first term.

Tehran has insisted that the ongoing talks should be solely focused on the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions.

During the last round in the Omani capital Muscat on Saturday, both sides reported progress.
Threat of India-Pakistan conflict after Kashmir attack



Paris, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



A deadly attack in the contested Kashmir region has prompted fears of spiralling conflict between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan.

New Delhi, which accuses Pakistan of backing the attack, has not yet taken military action. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the Indian army "complete operational freedom" to respond.

Pakistan, which denies responsibility, has vowed to retaliate against "any act of aggression".



- Deadly precedent -



The worst recent attack in Indian-run Kashmir was at Pulwama in 2019, when a suicide bomber rammed a car packed with explosives into a security forces convoy, killing 40 and wounding 35.

Indian fighter jets carried out air strikes on Pakistani territory 12 days later.

"The situation was eventually defused, thanks in part to diplomatic pressure from Washington, but relations have remained at a standstill ever since," said Praveen Donthi, an analyst for the International Crisis Group.

Modi "showed he was capable of using force in 2019 and is now reaffirming that capability", said Melissa Levaillant of the European Council on Foreign Relations' Asia Programme.



- Modi under pressure -



Modi is facing mounting public pressure at home to respond to the attack.

"Many Indians demanded retribution against Pakistan," Donthi said.

"Criticism of the Indian government's perceived failure to protect civilians was also widespread."

The attack prompted a wave of anti-Pakistan sentiment in India, Levaillant said.

"But it's not clear exactly what the Indians want, particularly given that Pakistani support for terrorist groups has fallen sharply," she told AFP.



- International response -



The international community may be less likely to intervene than after previous spates of violence, like in 2019, analysts said.

"The US has a full plate with Ukraine, Gaza and the Iran deal, which may provide an opening to Beijing to insert itself into the crisis," said Colin Clarke, senior research fellow at The Soufan Center in New York.

"However, given China's close relationship with Pakistan, it is unlikely that China would be trusted as an objective interlocutor by India."

The United States would be even more likely to stay out of a possible conflict under the Trump administration, according to Levaillant.

"Their relations with Pakistan have deteriorated and Islamabad is no longer a strategic asset in managing the Taliban in Afghanistan," she said.



- Military consequences -



Despite Modi's bellicose statements, it was unclear if New Delhi would retaliate militarily against its neighbour, Donthi said.

"The ceasefire at the Line of Control, the de facto border between the Indian- and Pakistani-administered parts of Jammu and Kashmir, continues to hold for now," he told AFP.

"But New Delhi could still decide to strike, especially if it feels emboldened to do so by the expressions of support it has received from around the world."

Levaillant said both sides would be preparing for conflict, but that there were "still lots of unknowns" in the days-old crisis.

The Soufan Center's Clarke said: "Sometimes with conflicts, especially between longstanding adversaries, inertia takes over and leads to a fog of war which further ratchets up tensions and makes the situation considerably more dangerous."



- Nuclear context -



The most dangerous outcome of the attack could be a spiral into armed conflict between two nuclear-armed countries, analysts said.

"The fact that there is any risk of escalation between two nuclear powers is among the most serious global security issues that can ever occur," warned Clarke.

The devastation from US atomic bomb attacks on Japan in 1945 led to a nuclear taboo that has since come under pressure, with Russian President Vladimir Putin repeatedly making nuclear threats since the start of the Ukraine war.

"This unrestrained global context shows that the nuclear red lines are shifting," Levaillant said.

Managing the escalation between India and Pakistan was "extremely risky, with a very vague Pakistani nuclear doctrine," she added.

But India could opt to "undermine this doctrine, show they can go and nibble away at a piece of territory" without Pakistan striking back.
India defence minister to attend Russia's Victory Day parade



New Delhi, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



India said Wednesday that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh would attend Russia's annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, taking up an invitation that had been also extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said this month that Modi had been invited to the May 9 parade, but had not confirmed if he would attend.

India's government said Wednesday that Russia had been informed that India would be represented by Singh.

Modi is focused on a response to arch-rival Pakistan, after a deadly attack targeting Indian tourists in Kashmir last week that New Delhi blames on Islamabad -- a claim that Islamabad rejects.

Modi visited Russia in October for a summit and President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India later this year.

Russia has promised to hold its biggest World War II commemorations "in history" to mark 80 years since the Soviet Union and allied powers defeated Nazi Germany.
UN experts demand probe of reported mass killings in Mali



Geneva, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



UN experts on Wednesday demanded investigations into the alleged summary executions of dozens of people in Mali and the enforced disappearance of others, warning of possible war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The group of more than a dozen independent United Nations experts voiced outrage after the discovery last week of bodies near a Malian military camp days after the army and Russian mercenaries arrested dozens of civilians.

"We urge Malian authorities to conduct prompt, effective, thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigations into these killings and enforced disappearances," the experts said in a statement.

"Those responsible for unlawful killings and enforced disappearances, whether by direct involvement or complicity, must be prosecuted."

Mali, ruled by a junta following coups in 2020 and 2021, has been grappling with widespread insecurity for more than a decade, largely fuelled by Islamist fighters linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

The country's military rulers have broken their long-standing alliance with former colonial ruler France and turned toward Russia.

The junta enlists the services of what it claims are Russian military instructors, but who -- according to a host of experts and observers -- are mercenaries from the private Russian company Wagner.

In Wednesday's statement, the 13 experts, including the UN special rapporteurs on the rights situation in Mali and on summary executions, stressed that unlawful killings could amount to war crimes.

Enforced disappearances may meanwhile constitute crimes against humanity if they are part of widespread or systematic attacks against civilians, they said.

On April 12, Malian army soldiers and Russian mercenaries arrested dozens of men at a market in Sebabougou, in the country's southwest, and took them to the Kawla military camp, two survivors who fled to Mauritania told AFP.

"According to unconfirmed reports, those arrested were tortured and interrogated about alleged links with 'terrorists' at the Kwala military camp," the expert statement said.

"Afterwards, military and security personnel recruited by the Wagner Group reportedly took the victims out of the camp and executed them."

While the exact death toll remained unclear, at least 65 people reportedly disappeared or went missing after being arrested in Sebabougou.

The independent experts, who are mandated by the UN Human Rights Council but do not speak on behalf of the United Nations, said they had received a list from credible sources purporting to show the names of 54 alleged male victims.

"We are deeply troubled by the apparent total impunity and lack of prosecution or prevention of these violations," the experts said.

"Under international law, military commanders and other superiors, including government officials, can be held criminally responsible for crimes committed by armed forces under their effective command and control."
India and Pakistan: vast nuclear-armed military forces



New Delhi, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan have exchanged gunfire across their heavily militarised de facto border in contested Kashmir since an April 22 attack that New Delhi blames on Islamabad, claims it rejects.

Troops are facing off along the 770-kilometre (478-mile) fortified Line of Control -- the route of a ceasefire line dating back to 1949 -- which ranges from icy outposts in high-altitude Himalayan mountains down to greener foothills in the south.

India and Pakistan have fought over the Muslim-majority region since their partition at the end of British rule in 1947.

Insurgents in Indian-run Kashmir have battled since 1989 seeking independence or a merger with Pakistan.

Both countries trade accusations of arming groups in each other's territory to cause instability.

India, a Hindu majority nation with 1.4 billion people, and Pakistan, a Muslim-majority nation with 240 million citizens, both have nuclear weapons, and their militaries are among the largest in the world.

Pakistan's main weapons supplier is China, Islamabad's closest regional ally, as well getting drones from Turkey.

Although India's military strength is much larger, Pakistani analysts point to Islamabad's decades of experience fighting insurgencies on its border with Afghanistan.

India is the world's largest arms importer, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The bulk of India's supplies come from Russia.

New Delhi has also expanded military suppliers to include the United States, France and Israel, as well as developing its domestic production, including of aircraft carriers, submarines and helicopters.

Both sides have boosted their military capabilities since 2019, when India launched air strikes on Pakistan following an attack by a suicide bomber on Indian forces in Kashmir.

Here, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Military Balance database, are their estimated forces.



- Pakistan -



Military hardware and personnel:

Active military: 660,000 Paramilitary police: 291,000 Defence budget: $10 billion (2025) Nuclear capabilities: Islamabad has both land-based and air-delivered weapons, with medium-, short- and close-range ballistic missiles. Islamabad has sought submarine-launched nuclear-armed cruise missiles.

Fixed wing aircraft: 812 Rotary-wing (helicopters): 322 Armoured fighting vehicles: 6,137

Artillery: 4,619



- India -



Military hardware and personnel:

Active military: 1,475,000 Paramilitary police: 1,616,000 Defence budget: $81 billion (2025) Nuclear capabilities: primarily land-based, but may be able to deliver bombs from the air, and is developing its submarine force. It has intermediate-range ballistic missiles, and are testing an intercontinental-range version.
Burkina junta rallies supporters after claimed coup 'plot'



Abidjan, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



Several thousand people rallied in support of Burkina Faso's ruling junta Wednesday, days after the military authorities said they had uncovered a "plot" to overthrow the government.

Demonstrators carried giant posters of junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traore and Burkinabe and Russian flags.

With placards bearing slogans such as: "Down with imperialism and its local lackeys" and "Full support for President Ibrahim Traore and the people of Burkina Faso", they gathered in a central square in the capital Ouagadougou.

It was one of the biggest pro-junta demonstrations since Traore seized power in a September 2022 coup in the west African country, which has been battling jihadist attacks for a decade that have killed tens of thousands of people.

On April 21, the junta claimed to have undone a "major plot" planned by masterminds in neighbouring Ivory Coast, with the arrests of several top army officials.

Traore has regularly accused Ivory Coast of harbouring his opponents, allegations its neighbour rejects.

Over more than a year, the junta has detained several dozen military officers, including former gendarmerie chief of staff Evrard Somda, accusing them of plotting or of attempting to destabilise republican institutions.

Authorities regularly repress dissent, notably within civil society and the media, claiming it as part of the anti-jihadist battle.

Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo addressed the rally which was also attended by several ministers and MPs and called by the National Coordination of the Civilian Vigil (CNAVC), a coalition of pro-junta civil society groups.

"We must stand up more than ever because when the people stand up, the imperialists tremble," the prime minister told the crowd.

Rallies condemning the "hypocrisy" of former colonial powers also took place in Burkina's second biggest city Bobo Dioulasso and in Boromo.

"We, peoples who love justice and sovereignty, affirm our unwavering solidarity with the heroic struggle of the Burkinabe people for their emancipation," a CNAVC spokesman said.



- 'We are a shield' -



"This mobilisation is proof that the people are committed to their leaders," Ghislain Some, CNAVC secretary general, said.

"The people are standing up, mobilised and united behind captain Ibrahim Traore. We will never be able to harm our president or destabilise our country. We are a shield," Some said.

Adama Kima, one of the organisers, said on national television that the rally was also to denounce remarks attributed to US Africa Command chief General Michael Langley accusing Traore of using the country's gold reserves for personal protection at the expense of the well-being of the people.

Like its neighbours Niger and Mali, Burkina Faso under Traore has turned away from its former colonial master France and moved closer to Russia.

All three of those Sahel states have been battling violence by jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group for a decade.

The three junta-led countries quit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the beginning of the year, accusing the regional bloc of being subservient to France, and have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), originally set up as a defence pact in 2023 but which now seeks closer integration.

bur/cpy/kjm/giv
Sudan army chief names Bashir-era diplomat as acting premier



Port Sudan, Sudan, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



Sudan's army chief and de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan appointed on Wednesday a career diplomat as the country's new acting prime minister, two years into the country's brutal war.

Ambassador Dafallah al-Haj Ali, a veteran envoy who once served as Sudan's representative to the United Nations under longtime Islamist-military ruler Omar al-Bashir, was most recently the country's ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

The kingdom was the destination of Burhan's first foreign trip after the army regained control of the capital Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) last month.

Since April 2023, the war in Sudan has pitted the forces of Burhan's army against those loyal to his former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

The conflict has killed tens of thousands, displaced 13 million and created what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Ali replaces Osman Hussein, a largely symbolic prime minister installed by Burhan after a 2021 military coup that toppled civilian premier Abdalla Hamdok's transitional government.

Burhan also named Omar Sediq, another veteran diplomat who was involved in negotiations between the army and the RSF in Jeddah last year, as acting foreign minister.

Burhan had earlier said that he would form a technocratic wartime government to help "complete what remains of our military objectives, which is liberating Sudan from these rebels".

Early this month, the RSF announced it would form its own rival government, a few weeks after signing a charter in Kenya with a coalition of military and political allies.

The move has raised international fears that Sudan could be permanently split between the two sides, both of which have been accused of atrocities.

The conflict has already divided Africa's third largest country in two, with the army controlling the centre, north and east, while the RSF holds nearly all of the western Darfur region and parts of the south.
US imposes sanctions to curb Iran oil despite talks



Washington, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



The United States said Wednesday it was imposing sanctions on seven companies involved in selling Iranian oil, tightening pressure despite new nuclear talks between the adversaries.

The United States said it was targeting five trading companies -- four based in the United Arab Emirates and one in Turkey -- that sold Iranian-origin petrochemical products to third countries, along with two firms involved in shipping.

"So long as Iran attempts to generate oil and petrochemical revenues to fund its destabilizing activities, and support its terrorist activities and proxies, the United States will take steps to hold both Iran and all its partners engaged in sanctions evasion accountable," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.

The move comes just after Iran announced a fourth round of talks with President Donald Trump's administration to take place Saturday in Rome.

Iran is seeking sanctions relief as part of a deal on its contested nuclear program.

Trump's business friend and globe-trotting envoy Steve Witkoff has been leading the talks and voicing optimism for a deal, with Trump seeking to avoid an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear sites.

In his first term, Trump tore up an earlier agreement with Iran negotiated by former president Barack Obama and Washington's European allies.

He imposed sweeping sanctions, including trying to ban Iran from selling oil to all other countries -- with China the key market.

The sanctions remain in place, although enforcement levels have varied.
UN condemns 'unacceptable' Syria violence



Geneva, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



The United Nations special envoy for Syria on Wednesday condemned the "unacceptable" violence rocking the country after deadly sectarian clashes, and called for an immediate halt to Israeli air strikes.

The envoy, Geir Pedersen, was "alarmed" at "the potential for further escalation of an extremely fragile situation" after violent clashes around Damascus and Homs and Israeli strikes near the capital, his office said in a statement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had "carried out a warning action" and struck "an extremist group preparing to attack the Druze population" in Sahnaya, outside Damascus, where deadly sectarian clashes erupted overnight.

Syria has been rocked by violence between fighters from the Druze minority and armed groups linked to the government, a major challenge for the Islamist authorities who overthrew longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December.

Pedersen called for "immediate measures to ensure the protection of civilians, bring about calm, and prevent incitement of communal tensions" in the country.

He was also "alarmed" at reports of Israeli strikes, the statement said, adding: "These attacks must stop."
Burkina junta rallies supporters after claimed coup plot



Abidjan, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



Several thousand people rallied in support of Burkina Faso's junta Wednesday, days after the military rulers said they had uncovered a "plot" to overthrow the government.

Demonstrators carried giant posters of junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traore and Burkinabe and Russian flags in one of the biggest rallies since Traore seized power in a coup in September 2022.

With placards bearing slogans such as: "Down with imperialism and its local lackeys" and "Full support for President Ibrahim Traore and the people of Burkina Faso", people gathered in a central square in the capital Ouagadougou.

On April 21, the junta claimed to have undone a "major plot" planned in neighbouring Ivory Coast. Several top army officials were arrested. Traore has regularly accused Ivory Coast of harbouring his opponents, allegations its neighbour rejects.

The junta has over the past year detained dozens of military officers, including former gendarmerie chief of staff Evrard Somda, accusing them of plotting or attempting to destabilise the government.

Authorities regularly repress dissent, notably within civil society and the media, claiming it as part of the country's wider battle against jihadist insurgents.

The junta leader expressed "gratitude" for the rally afterwards.

"Together and in solidarity, we will triumph over imperialism and neo-colonialism for a free, dignified and sovereign Africa," Traore said in a statement.

Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo addressed the rally which was also attended by ministers and MPs and called by the National Coordination of the Civilian Vigil (CNAVC), a coalition of pro-junta civil society groups.

"We must stand up more than ever because when the people stand up, the imperialists tremble," the prime minister told the crowd.

Rallies condemning the "hypocrisy" of former colonial powers also took place in Burkina's second biggest city Bobo Dioulasso and in Boromo.

- 'We are a shield' -



"This mobilisation is proof that the people are committed to their leaders," Ghislain Some, CNAVC secretary general, said.

"The people are standing up, mobilised and united behind captain Ibrahim Traore. We will never be able to harm our president or destabilise our country. We are a shield," Some said.

Adama Kima, one of the organisers, said on national television that the rally was also to denounce remarks attributed to US Africa Command chief General Michael Langley accusing Traore of using the country's gold reserves for personal protection at the expense of the well-being of the people.

Like its neighbours Niger and Mali, where there have also been military takeovers, Burkina Faso under Traore has turned away from former colonial master France and moved closer to Russia.

All three Sahel states have over the past decade been battling violence by jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

The countries quit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) this year, accusing the regional bloc of being subservient to France. They have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), originally set up as a defence pact in 2023 but which now seeks closer integration.

bur/cpy/kjm/sbk/tw
India closes airspace to Pakistan airplanes



New Delhi, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



New Delhi closed its airspace to Pakistani airplanes on Wednesday after Islamabad banned Indian planes from overflying, the latest tit-for-tat measure as relations between the nuclear-armed rivals spiral into a tailspin.

New Delhi accuses Islamabad of backing the deadliest attack in years on civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, in which 26 men were killed.

Islamabad has rejected the charge, and both countries have since exchanged gunfire in Kashmir, diplomatic barbs, expelled citizens and ordered the border shut.

Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian aircraft on April 24, while India took a similar measure on Wednesday evening, with the ban to last until May 23, the government notice said.

The notice to air operators said that Indian airspace was not available for Pakistani registered or leased aircraft -- "including military flights".

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the military "complete operational freedom" to respond to the attack during a closed-door meeting on Tuesday, a senior government source told AFP.

Pakistan's government has denied any involvement in the shooting and vowed that "any act of aggression will be met with a decisive response".
Who's in the Royal Box at Wimbledon? Gary Lineker, Mary Berry and Anthony Joshua among famous faces on Centre Court on day five

Who's in the Royal Box at Wimbledon Centre Court on day five?
You get a sense that this kind of directness is what Barklem-Biggs loves. He likes appearing at the Donmar because, you can see the whites of the audiences eyes, which is kind of scary but good to face that. Acting wasnt always on the cards for him, he had some troubles at school when he was a kid, he wasnt academic, but he found a place at the Brit School, which he still marvels as being, the only free performing arts school in Europe, still to this day.
The total was announced at a drinks reception last night at Roe in Canary Wharf, the sister restaurant of Fallow. The evening was attended by some of Londons most notable chefs and restaurateurs, including Jon Spiteri, Jamie Shears of The Audley, Jun Tanaka of the Ninth in Fitzrovia,and Bomee Ki and Woongchul Park of Sollip. In a speech to the assembled crowd, StreetSmart director Glenn Pougnet  pictured above with the charitys head of partnerships Kimberley Coke  made it clear that, despite the charitys work, there is still an awful lot to do. Homelessness in England rose by 20 per cent in 2024 over 2023, and 19 per cent in London, with almost 12,000 rough sleepers seen on the capitals streets.
Indeed, so unconcerned does he appear by what he has just done that, as Mr Alfonso lies on the floor dying, the defendant starts singing and breaks into a dance before making his way directly to Mr Alfonsos desk top computer, which he then begins to use, and to access Mr Alfonsos finances.
Masaru Okawa, executive director of the Hokkaido Ainu Association, said: Since it became clear that Ainu remains were taken both domestically and internationally for research purposes, our association has been advocating for the return of these remains to their respective regions and for respectful memorialization.
Station Commander Hardeep Dale, who was at the scene, said: "The school was safely evacuated before our crews arrived, and we are working closely with partner agencies to support everyone affected by the incident.
An objection letter from William Curtis, Managing Director of London Heliport, also known as Battersea Heliport, said: Such a development proposal, so close to an operational heliport in the middle of a capital city, presents unique, immediate, and obvious considerations in relation to a host of technical and other issues, including but not limited to air safety and foreign object debris risk which, in the interests of flight safety and the safety of those on the ground or in buildings around the heliport, must be carefully assessed before the planning authority can determine the application.
She added: I cant believe theyre unaware that systemic racism and unconscious bias are real things, that they do affect people at every stage of the criminal justice system still in the United Kingdom in 2025 or that the good practice we put together must mitigate against this, or else it will compound it.
In a sign that even highly-sophisticated warships are at risk in the Red Sea, the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman lost one of its F/A-18 jets earlier this month when it fell overboard, reportedly as the vessel executed a sharp turn to avoid a Houthi attack.
The MoD said the action was part of a joint operation alongside US forces targeting the Houthis, following the groups campaign of attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
But what did he and his party do? Did they support those extra measures to actually smash the gangs? No, they went in the lobby with this lot in their new coalition to vote against them.
Tim Marlow, director and chief executive of the Design Museum, said: Wes Anderson has created some of the most visually distinctive and emotionally resonant films of the last two decades  from the melancholic charm of The Royal Tenenbaums to the youthful adventurism of Moonrise Kingdom.
He said: "I must say, we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York, who's very good. So we'll see what happens."
A Bismarck man who admitted stealing a woman's PTSD support dog and vehicle was sentenced to seven years in prison on Tuesday, more than three times the punishment requested by attorneys.

Liberty Briley will also serve two years of supervised probation after his sentence. He pleaded guilty to one felony charge of theft of property between $10,000-$50,000 and a misdemeanor charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Those charges carry up to 10 years in prison and nearly a year in jail, respectively. Additionally, Briley was ordered to pay nearly $6,500 in restitution.

The sentence imposed by South Central District Judge Pam Nesvig is more than three times a joint recommendation of two years in prison followed by the identical amount of supervised probation and restitution offered to the court by Assistant Burleigh County State's Attorney Dennis Ingold and defense attorney Brooke Benson. It came after Nesvig heard from Briley's victim.

With her dog Diesel now back at her side, the woman, who became visibly emotional at times, said the absence of her support dog "traumatized" her with multiple panic attacks to the point she was unable to leave her home to work or seek medical attention after becoming ill. That illness, according to the woman, resulted in persisting kidney issues.

"I think he should serve more time," the woman said. "I don't care about the restitution amount, I'll never see it."

But in a response to a question from Nesvig regarding the amount, the woman said the figure represents damages to her vehicle, the costs of replacing items inside that have been lost, as well as the expenses incurred by having to rent a vehicle and travel to South Dakota when hers was ultimately recovered by law enforcement. That figure was also confirmed by Ingold, who referred to a letter from the victim's insurance company.

Throughout the duration of this case, the woman's name has not been made public, either in any court documents or spoken aloud. Provisions in state law allow victims to maintain their privacy by not being identified by name. Court documents only refer to her by her initials, and she declined to give her name to the Tribune.

Briley's charges stem from an incident that began near Wilton on March 3 when Burleigh County authorities said a woman reported she had allowed Briley to borrow her vehicle to do some work at a nearby location the previous day and he failed to return it as agreed, according to an affidavit. Diesel reportedly accompanied Briley. Diesel is a certified PTSD support dog reportedly worth more than $10,000.

The relationship between Briley and the woman is not made clear in the affidavit.

Authorities tracked down Briley through his cellphone to a location near Fort Thompson, South Dakota. Burleigh County then sought an arrest warrant in that state, and Briley was booked into the Burleigh Morton Detention Center on March 27, according to jail records.

On Tuesday Briley pleaded guilty to both charges. Those pleas came one week after a court appearance where the defense attorney told Judge Nesvig that her client was rejecting a plea agreement and wanted a different attorney.

Nesvig ruled there was factual information to support Briley's change of plea and asked him why he took the dog and car.

Briley, who admitted being a user of meth for the past 10 years, replied, "I don't know."

"It was not my intention to hurt this woman," Briley said. "I don't know why I do what I do when I use (drugs)."

In determining whether to accept the joint recommendation, the judge also reviewed Briley's previous criminal history. The prosecutor then outlined five previous felony convictions on charges related to forgery and similar convictions in South Dakota. Court records indicate Briley has nine active warrants in cases dating back as far as 2002. Six of those cases are felonies originating in Benson and Stutsman counties on charges related to theft of property and forgery or counterfeiting, according to court records. The remaining cases are a pair of misdemeanors and an infraction for offenses related to issuing bad checks to businesses.

"It looks like your thing is to deceive others, why do you do that?" Nesvig asked.

"Drug use," Briley replied.

Briley also told Nesvig he was interested in getting treatment for his addiction "when I get out," but Nesvig said he'd be given that opportunity while in prison.

"You've had plenty of opportunities to turn this around and you haven't," she said. "Now you'll have to do this the hard way."

In regard to the unauthorized use of the victim's vehicle, Nesvig gave Briley the maximum sentence of 360 days in jail, which will run at the same time as the sentence related to the theft of Diesel.

Briley will receive credit for the 34 days he's been in custody since being booked into the jail.
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The North Dakota rural caucus is coming to the end of its inaugural session and while members have some priorities still in the works, the caucuss leadership says the session has been a success and views that as a strong platform to build on next session.

The rural caucus was formed this session in response to concerns from lawmakers that rural voices are increasingly overlooked as the states demographics change.

Co-chair of the caucus Sen. Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg, was the driving force behind the creation of the group and said its goal is to promote all rural community issues, not just agricultural and energy issues typically associated with rural North Dakota. However, she said the caucus would not be focused on social issues, which have their own caucuses.

As the session nears a close, Myrdal told the Tribune that the caucus had been effective and it had been decided that it will be returning next session.

Did we get some stuff we wanted? Absolutely, Myrdal said, using funding for rural development and grants for the preservation of rural grocery stores as examples.

She said the way the caucus came together as a group to cohesively look at rural priorities stood out to her.

Now people are literally quoting like, Well, what does the rural caucus want? What did the rural caucus say? Myrdal said. That takes, usually, years. For that to happen in one session?

This was echoed by caucus co-chair Rep. Jared Hagert, R-Emerado, who pointed to recently passed bills that supported rural ambulance services as a success.

I think probably the main thing that the rural caucus did ... was bring about awareness to the bills to those members that were at the rural caucus, Hagert said. I think that's where the real impact was -- bringing these bills to the forefront and getting more action on them, whether it be in committee or on the floor.

Hagert also touted the caucus ability to build connections between the House and the Senate and to support freshman legislators.

It was nice to be able to utilize a rural caucus to help build those bridges for the freshmen, Hagert said. And that's critical for the House and Senate to build those relationships with the more experienced members.

Both Hagert and Myrdal said the rural caucus could have done more, and Myrdal said they would be looking to build on their success to accomplish more next session.

Several of the caucuss prioritized bills failed somewhere along the line this session. That includes House Bill 1382, which would have raised the gas tax by 3% to create a county, city and township road fund, and Senate Bill 2142, which looked to use vehicle excise tax revenues to create a road and bridge sustainability fund.

The caucuss preferred property tax vehicle, House Bill 1575, which would provide property tax relief to multiple property classifications instead of only primary residences, has been languishing in the Senate Finance and Tax Committee for weeks while other property tax relief and reform bills advanced.

Rep. Keith Kempenich, R-Bowman, said that having a central spokesperson in each chamber would have helped the caucus better push for its priorities.

The caucus itself needs to have, probably, a spokesperson, you know? More centrally focused for messaging, Kempenich said. I think the biggest thing is -- it's like everything up here -- is you need a champion.

Going into the final days of session, there are still some pieces of legislation in play that the caucus is focused on, according to Hagert and Myrdal, especially funding for rural infrastructure in the Department of Transportation budget and the massive amount of spending the Legislature is considering, Myrdal said.

I'm frustrated with the fact that we actually had more money than we needed, and we're spending it, Myrdal said. We had this huge surplus. We're spending like mad, and how much of that is being spent on that 40% (that live in rural North Dakota)?
Calin Georgescu arrived, on Wednesday morning, at the headquarters of the 1st District Court, where he filed a complaint a few days ago against the decision of the General Prosecutor's Office to extend his judicial control measure in the file in which he is being criminally investigated for six crimes, including incitement to actions against the constitutional order.

A large Gendarmerie security force was deployed near the courthouse, and several dozen Georgescu supporters were also present.

On April 24, Calin Georgescu was summoned to the General Prosecutor's Office to be informed of the extension of the judicial control measure for another 30 days.

As part of this measure, Calin Georgescu must report periodically to the Ilfov County Police Inspectorate and has several prohibitions, including not leaving the country without the approval of the judicial authorities and not being allowed to post content of a legionary, fascist, anti-Semitic, racist or xenophobic nature on social networks.

Georgescu is being prosecuted for committing six crimes, the most serious being that of inciting actions against the constitutional order, in an attempted form, being accused of having hatched a plan to destabilize Romania with the help of mercenaries led by Horatiu Potra, after the Constitutional Court annulled the results of the first round of the presidential elections.

On March 9, the Central Electoral Bureau invalidated Calin Georgescu's candidacy for the presidential election, citing the Constitutional Court's decision of December 2024, which annulled the first round of elections.

AGERPRES
Acting president Ilie Bolojan received on Wednesday, at the Cotroceni Palace, the delegation of the Romanian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AHK Romania), in a meeting dedicated to consolidating bilateral economic relations and supporting German investments in our country, the Presidential Administration informed.

"The discussions focused on the potential of German investments in our country, on how they can be expanded, but also on broader economic issues. Both sides emphasized the need for a predictable economic climate and policies that encourage long-term investments," the cited source said.

On the occasion of the meeting, the interim president Ilie Bolojan presented the general director and member of the Board of Directors of AHK Romania, Sebastian Metz, with the Order of "Industrial and Commercial Merit" in the rank of Officer conferred by the Romanian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry as a sign of "appreciation for the special merits in the over 20 years in which it played a decisive role in consolidating strategic Romanian-German trade and investment relations, actively involved in supporting companies, in improving business conditions in Romani

and in affirming the Federal Republic of Germany as the main foreign investor in the economy of our country".

The head of state signed the decree on Monday to decorate the Romanian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Ah, spring in St. Louis. Pollen floats, rain gushes, sinkholes open and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra programs a topper for its season, a large-scale work frequently involving the excellent SLSO Chorus. In this slot, recent seasons have ended with semi-staged operas, Beethovens Ninth, and Orffs Carmina Burana. Big works!

Last year, the SLSO closed with, perhaps, classical musics most beloved man, cellist Yo-Yo Ma. But this year the SLSO serves an even rarer treat, a staging of the incidental music to Peer Gynt by Norways most celebrated classical composer, Edvard Grieg.

Many readers wont have seen the full work or anything close thereto, which trended 32 years ago in Griegs sesquicentennial year  he was born in 1843  but then largely returned to storage in North America. But anyone whos viewed animation by Disney or the Warner Brothers on a Saturday morning will have heard the excerpt Morning Mood, oft deployed to accompany characters awaking, especially cute forest animals.

And for all-time bangers, its hard to beat In the Hall of the Mountain King, which entered popular culture variously, including via heavy metal band Savatages 1987 album of that title. D.W Griffiths propagandistic Birth of a Nation used it for the Union Armys attack on Atlanta, and Fritz Langs 1931 film M deployed it when Peter Lorres character considered murder. In the concert hall, these two bits usually join a few other excerpts in two suites. Most orchestras dont play the complete Peer Gynt, which dramatizes in music Henrik Ibsens 1867 play of the same name.

The orchestra though will be performing the complete work in an adaptation from Bill Barclay, which was commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2017 and revived there last year. (You can see brief clips on YouTube.)

Peer Gynt recounts a heros journey as the protagonist travels from Norways mountains to desertified North Africa, and back, over six decades. Barclay, who directs the production, calls it, a sort of fractured fairy tale of all of the different mythologies that Ibsen had inherited as a boy.

Stephane Deneve, SLSOs music director, notes the fit of Peer Gynt in the 2024-25 season overall: A big reason for (selecting it) was because the whole season had this idea of exploring nomadism, and journey, and almost every concert was fitting this theme in one way or another. I wanted to culminate with what is really the biggest traveler we have in classical music, this amazing character of Peer Gynt.

Ibsens plays intricate plot streamlines in Griegs telling, but preserves the protagonists nature, avoidant of responsibility, a bit of a prodigal son. Deneve frames him so: Hes a multifaceted hero, a hard one to love, to be honest with you. But for me its a big reflection about what it means to be yourself.

A lot of the story turns around the idea of myself: Am I myself? And what should we do? And how should we conform to social rules, or escape them to be yourself? The real interesting struggle.

Tasked with physicalizing that story, Barclay renders the sprawling narrative in about 80 minutes. When it came time to distill it down to the essential format of the plot, I discovered that there arent so many absolutely critical plot incidents that happen in the overwritten play. And if I really focus on the bare essentials, what happens? I can have my cake and eat it, too. I can write brisk, sharp, punchy, two- to three-minute scenes that give the essential information and allow the audience to orient their sense of plot around Griegs magnificent masterpiece.

Barclay draws a parallel to Stephen Sondheims Into the Woods, and identifies fairytale elements the audience will recognize even if unfamiliar with Grieg or Ibsen. I think people who arent Norwegian will recognize the Rip Van Winkle nature of Peer Gynts story. Theyll also recognize Star Trek characters. And his mother is sort of like Jacks mother in Jack and the Beanstalk.

Barclay names Morning Mood and In the Hall of the Mountain King as coat hooks for the audience, and those familiar only with these hits, or with Griegs beloved Piano Concerto, will find much to love in the rest of the score, which requires large orchestral and choral forces.

While the SLSO Chorus does play those trolls populating In the Hall of the Mountain King, SLSO Choral Director Erin Freeman describes the groups part in Peer Gynt more broadly: The role of the chorus is kind of like a Greek chorus  they embody the collective voice that might react to what Peer Gynt is doing and what problems hes causing.

Musically, the chorus faces a different task from its recent outings in Mozarts Requiem and Beethovens Ninth. Says Freeman, Its different in that the textures are simpler, right?  We have to sing in two different languages, in Norwegian and in English, and we also have to embody the characters. We want to really make sure that the audience understands when we have switched from one kind of character to another.

The concert represents a wonderful opportunity for discovery, of which Deneve speaks with excitement. Im really delighted that most of the audience should discover that theres much more great music with it. In Brussels when I did it, so many people were like, Oh my God, I didnt know there was so much more music (than the suites). And I say, Yes indeed, theres a lot of really spectacular moments.

If you go What: Peer Gynt When: 7:30 p.m. May 3 and 3 p.m. May 4 Where: Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St. How much: $20-$145 More info: slso.org
Airport parking and shuttle service Super Park has lost its contract with St. Louis Lambert International Airport, according to a notice filed with the state Wednesday.

Transportation company SP Plus, LLC, A Metropolis Company, told the state that it will lay off 130 local workers effective July 1 because the shuttle service contract between the airport and the company will not be renewed.

Affected workers include 82 drivers and seven facility managers, plus attendants, dispatchers and more. Some of the employees are represented by Teamsters Union Local 618, which has been notified. But Super Park spokesperson Andrew Morrissey said impacted employees will be rehired by the new operators.

We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition throughout the process, Morrissey said.

Super Park runs seven parking lots and garages near the St. Louis Lambert International Airport, which range in daily price rates. Its partnered with the Lambert airport for the past three years.

The city of St. Louis owns and operates the airport, which is located in north St. Louis County.

Roger Lotz, Lamberts public relations manager, said next steps will be discussed at the Airport Commissions June 4 meeting.

Lotz said that Super Park is not the company the airport will be submitting as a bid for the new contract, but would not discuss the matter further.

Editors note: This story was updated Wednesday at 4:25 p.m. to include comment from Super Park.
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My son carries foreign currency in his wallet.

There is a bill from South Korea and another from Nepal. They are gifts from his friends, students from other countries who came to the United States to attend college and potentially pursue the American Dream.

In the last few weeks, that dream has been shattered for many students across Missouri, including at Southeast Missouri State University, where my son has made friends with students from Bangladesh, India, and several Asian countries.

In a series of actions disrupting the American immigration system, President Trump has revoked thousands of student visas  and then reinstated them  deported students who have committed no crimes, and struck fear in the hearts of young men and women who were recruited to this country by the universities they attend.

Now, many of them are fighting back.

Last week, a federal judge in Missouri issued a temporary restraining order blocking the government from suspending the visas of five Missouri students. They include a SEMO student from Nepal; a Nigerian student at the Missouri University of Science and Technology; a student from Bangladesh studying at Virginia Tech University; a student from Spain at Northwest Missouri State University; and a Nigerian student at Truman State University.

Similar lawsuits have been filed across the country as students and universities try to navigate the chaos created by Trumps executive orders, many of which, the suits allege, violate U.S. immigration law.

The students face irreparable harm, U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough found in the case filed in the Western District of Missouri. Plaintiffs are in the middle of their studies or work programs, into which they have already invested significant time and money. Without an active (student visa) registration, they are at imminent risk of being forced to drop their studies or work programs courses. More broadly, Plaintiffs face the loss of the many years and thousands of dollars they have invested in pursuing their education.

Trumps actions have fomented confusion on college campuses, with students hiding out in their dorm rooms and apartments, or skipping classes and job shifts as the spring semester comes to an end. Some have already been deported; others are left in fear.

St. Louis attorney Javad Khazaeli, who represents students in the U.S. on visas, said Trumps ham-fisted approach was unnecessary and violated established law. Khazaeli is a former immigration prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, so hes been on both sides of the courtroom and understands the process of revoking a student visa.

We are a country of laws. There are rules to revoking visas, Khazaeli says. The Trump administration violated those rules. Its why virtually every judge, including Trump appointees, found against them.

The targeted students arent hardened criminals. Most have committed the sorts of minor infractions we expect college-age children to experience as theyre navigating adulthood. What makes the actions against them so confounding is that for years, American colleges  public and private  have been recruiting foreign students, including for the fact that most pay higher tuition.

Many of them stay to pursue their own version of the American dream. Take Vivek Malek. He came to Missouri from India, arriving in 2001 to earn a masters in business administration from SEMO. He became a U.S. citizen and a lawyer, and he used that law degree to help other students come to SEMO.

If a person who is not native to this country can come and make this country his own and achieve what he can, then anybody can, Malek told the Jefferson City News-Tribune after he became the treasurer of the state of Missouri in 2022.

Now, students following in Maleks footsteps are being shown the door by the president Malek says he proudly stands with.

But the damage isnt just to foreign students. Its also to American students  like my son  who learn and grow because of their international counterparts. And its to the institutions trying to make America competitive in the world economy by offering a diverse student body a chance to compete.

Those universities are also under attack by Trump. Like the students, theyre waging a fight against a president who chose it with no clear purpose.

The price of abridging the defining freedoms of American higher education will be paid by our students and our society, a group of more than 500 university presidents wrote Trump last week.

Among the signatories was St. Louis University President Fred Pestello.

On behalf of our current and future students, and all who work at and benefit from our institutions, we call for constructive engagement that improves our institutions and serves our republic.

Trump has declared war on American universities and the students they serve.

Its a fight the next generation wont let him win.
ST. LOUIS  Mayor Cara Spencer on Wednesday named an interim streets director, a day after the current director resigned under fire.

City officials said on Tuesday that streets chief Betherny Williams, who was much-criticized for the citys trouble with trash service and snow removal, had offered her resignation. Her last day was Wednesday.

Wednesday afternoon, the city announced Jim Suelmann as interim director of the department.

Suelmann worked as director of streets under four different mayors, from 1985 until his retirement in 2006.

Williams departure ends a difficult tenure atop a department responsible for delivering some of the citys most visible services: Trash pickup. Pothole filling. Snow clearance.

The department, hamstrung by staffing shortages, has struggled with all three in recent years, fueling anger among residents that contributed to Jones reelection defeat.

But a January snowstorm, which covered city streets with ice and snow for days, put her position under a particular microscope.

The citys efforts to plow streets then were so poorly received that Jones eventually had to publicly apologize. Making matters worse, the mayors office put out a statement from Williams saying that part of the problem was that she was receiving bad information from her staff.

Aldermen shook their heads, saying Williams only had to leave her house to know conditions were bad. Among them was Spencer, then an alderman running for mayor, who said Williams had to be replaced.

Williams made no complaints in a brief interview Tuesday evening.

Its been good working here, she said. Best wishes to the next director.

Suelmann is a St. Louis native, the mayors office said. He got an electrical engineering degree from St. Louis University and served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam. He started working for the city in the Department of Public Utilities in 1978, and was named acting director in 1983.

Mayor Vincent Schoemehl named him streets director in 1985.

Spencer said she was incredibly grateful to Suelmann. His appointment as interim, she said, would allow her to conduct a thorough search for a permanent director.

Jim Suelmann was trusted by St. Louis mayors for 21 years to provide vital city services to our residents, Spencer said in a statement. With his exceptional experience and leadership returning to the Street Department, we can begin to improve how we deliver these city services right away.

The mayors office noted that Suelmann, during his prior tenure, expanded the streets departments paving program, improved trash service and changed snow removal from just salting to salting, brining and plowing.

Suelmann starts Monday.

David Hunn of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
JEFFERSON CITY  A Republican-led Senate committee on Wednesday advanced a plan to overturn Missouris new right to abortion, moving it one step closer to the statewide ballot.

The Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee voted 4-2 to pass the proposed constitutional amendment, sending it closer to debate before the full Senate. It had already cleared the House.

The abortion issue has dominated recently in the Legislature as conservative Republicans look to respond to last years Amendment 3, which overturned Missouris near-total abortion ban and created the right to abortion up to fetal viability.

The Republican-backed response under consideration would allow abortions in medical emergencies and when there is a fetal anomaly, as well as in cases of rape and incest up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

This is pro-life legislation that can and will pass muster with the Missouri voter because it allows for the exceptions that they may have voted for prior, said Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson, the House bill handler. Amendment 3 simply went too far and harms women.

If it is debated on the floor, Democrats, who control 10 of 34 seats in the state Senate, are expected to block a vote at least initially on the legislation in pursuit of concessions. If no changes are made, it would head directly to voters upon Senate approval.

One sticking point is the proposed 12-week time limit for abortion in cases of rape, with both Democrats and House Speaker Jonathan Patterson, R-Lees Summit, raising concern. Patterson has said he hoped the Senate would debate whether 12 weeks is enough time.

When we talk about sexual violence, its clear that its very difficult for victims to come forward, said Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, D-Kansas City.

The Senate committee hearing Wednesday lasted about two hours. Proponents were allowed to testify first, with time running out before all opponents could speak on the bill.

At one point, the Rev. Molly Housh Gordon of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia, who opposed the amendment, said, People of faith have widely varied beliefs about when life begins and that that should therefore be a religious question and not a question decided by the government.

Later, Sen. Jill Carter, a Granby Republican who chairs the committee, said Missouris Constitution states that life begins at conception. She asked if murdering a 2-year-old is a religious belief. When does it end? Carter asked.

Gordon responded that no major religion believes in the murder of a living human person who is out in the world after they have been born.

Sen. Joe Nicola, R-Independence, later commented that Im not sure if youve ever heard of honor killings that the Muslims have under Sharia law ... they do kill their daughters for honor killing.

That is extremely racist and the use of religion to justify fundamentalist extremism happens in every faith tradition, Gordon said.

Ghazala Hayat, spokesperson for the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis, previously said in response to a Washington Post column that nowhere in Islamic law are honor killings allowed or condoned.... Misguided people, including some Muslims, use religion as a shelter to justify heinous acts.

At another point, Sen. Patty Lewis, D-Kansas City, estimated five witnesses for the bill in the hearing room, and about 100 in opposition who traveled to the Capitol.

Carter said many on her side didnt feel the need to testify.

I think its their confidence in us, in moving this forward, that has alleviated the concern for them to have to come and be here today, Carter said.

The legislation is House Joint Resolution 73.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  An organization that helps youth with abortion and birth decisions filed a lawsuit Wednesday seeking to strike down Missouri regulations that make it difficult for minors to obtain an abortion.

The lawsuit, filed in Jackson County Circuit Court, seeks to block parental involvement requirements and a ban on assisting young people who obtain an abortion.

The organization, Right By You, argues that the regulations for minors now violate Amendment 3, which Missouri voters approved in November.

The amendment, which passed with 51.7% of the statewide vote, enshrined the right to an abortion up to fetal viability in the Missouri Constitution. The government shall not deny or infringe upon a persons fundamental right to reproductive freedom, including the right to make decisions about childbirth, birth control and abortion, the amendment states.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Right By You by The Lawyering Project, a legal team focused on improving access to reproductive health care. It names the state of Missouri, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, and Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Melesa Johnson as defendants.

Baileys office issued a statement calling the lawsuit a shameful and radical effort that undermines parental rights and endangers the health and safety of young women.

If the people of Missouri had known that radical, pro-death groups would forum shop these kinds of attacks on laws established to provide basic health and safety standards for women and children in Kansas City courtrooms, they never would have voted for Amendment 3, the statement read.

Right By You and its legal team say this is the first time parental involvement laws have been challenged in a state where voters have approved new constitutional rights to abortion.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2022 ended the federal right to abortion, voters in 10 states have passed constitutional amendments to protect some abortion rights. Six of the states continue to enforce their parental involvement laws against young abortion seekers.

Stephanie Kraft Sheley is founder and director of Right By You, a volunteer-staffed text line where teens can anonymously get information about abortion laws in various states, reputable adoption agencies and support services in their community should they decide to parent.

Kraft Sheley says she often hears from young people who are scared and alone while navigating their pregnancies.

These laws dont protect youth  they are designed to punish those already in vulnerable situations, Sheely stated in a press release. This lawsuit is about ensuring young abortion seekers can exercise their right to bodily autonomy, within the legal limits voters approved in November.

A previous lawsuit challenging a host of other Missouri abortion restrictions is also pending in Jackson County Circuit Court.

The first lawsuit was filed in November by Missouris the Planned Parenthood affiliates and has already been successful in pausing many abortion restrictions  allowing some abortions to slowly resume in Missouri  but it does not address restrictions faced by minors.

Kraft Sheley also co-founded the Whats Next for Missouri coalition, a group of abortion advocates monitoring implementation of Amendment 3 and advocating for those who face the most barriers to access  including minors, low-income residents and later-abortion patients.

Whats Next officials released a statement via email praising Right By You for addressing the gap left by Amendment 3.

There is no excuse for leaving the most marginalized people behind, the statement read.

Missouri data shows nearly 4,000 children and teens ages 19 and younger either had a baby, stillbirth or an abortion in 2020, though not all out-of-state abortions are counted.

Young people often seek an abortion later in pregnancy, and abortions are not currently available in Missouri after the first 12 weeks of gestation. Amendment 3 also allows lawmakers to regulate abortions after fetal viability  when a fetus might survive outside the uterus.

Parental involvement laws and banning support for minors causes harm for a population more likely to travel out of state for care and for minors who face circumstances that make it impossible or dangerous to involve a parent, the lawsuit argues.

For minors to obtain an abortion, Missouri law requires consent of one parent or legal guardian and notification of a second parent if possible. Abortion providers are responsible for verifying the necessary documents.

The consent requirement also applies to any organizations in Missouri assisting teens obtain abortions.

As an alternative, Missouri law allows a pregnant teen to obtain a judicial bypass, where a judge decides if the minor is mature enough to act on her own. Advocates argue the process is difficult to navigate and often does little to promote parental involvement.

All of the data we have is that young people overwhelmingly involve a parent or another trusted adult when they are making this decision, Kraft Sheley has said previously. Only when they simply do not have anyone to turn to that they feel safe with, do they choose not to.
ST. LOUIS  Betherny Williams, the citys much-criticized streets department director under former Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, has offered her resignation to the new administration, officials said Tuesday. Her last day will be Wednesday.

Her decision ends a difficult tenure atop a department responsible for delivering some of the citys most visible services: Trash pickup. Pothole filling. Snow clearance.

The department, hamstrung by staffing shortages, has struggled with all three in recent years, fueling anger among residents that contributed to Jones reelection defeat.

But a January snowstorm, which covered city streets with ice and snow for days, put her position under a particular microscope.

The citys efforts to plow streets then were so poorly received that Jones eventually had to publicly apologize. Making matters worse, the mayors office put out a statement from Williams saying that part of the problem was that she was receiving bad information from her staff.

Aldermen shook their heads, saying Williams only had to leave her house to know conditions were bad. Among them was Alderwoman Cara Spencer, then running for mayor, who said Williams had to be replaced.

Now, as mayor, Spencer will have the chance. She said Tuesday she would be discussing a replacement in the coming days.

Williams made no complaints in a brief interview Tuesday evening.

Its been good working here, she said. Best wishes to the next director.
Most, if not all of writer/director Russ Meyer's films come with some kind of a necessary caveat for anyone who may not be super familiar with him; the usual polite heads-up about the kinds of subject matter Meyer dealt with and the ways in which he did so - Up! features sexual assault, and a violent, bloody finale, but is otherwise a tonally cartoonish farce - but even with that said, this is a deeply w-i-l-d film.

Up! opens with a consensual bi-sexual romp with "Adolph Schwartz" (obviously Hitler, played by Edward Schaaf) before he is non-consensually murdered by an unknown assailant. But the movie isn't really about that. It's mostly about Sweet Little Alice (Janet Wood), her beau Paul (Robert McLane), and the busty newcomer (no pun intended) in town, Margo Winchester (Raven De La Croix). And then every so often, we are treated to a framing device wherein a nude Kitten Natividad acts as the film's Greek chorus, spouting verbose monologues chock full of literary references (and written by Meyer's pal Roger Ebert), gently reminding us of the plot's trajectory. Meyer's Vixens trilogy (released by Severin and covered previously by me) runs the gamut from straight-ahead sex romp (Vixen) to violent cartoon (SuperVixens) to prototype porno-parody (Beneath the Valley of the Ultra-Vixens), all between the years 1968 & 1979. Up! kind of hits all three in just about 80 minutes. It is, at times, enough to make one's head spin.

Tonal whiplash aside, I really enjoyed Up! Meyer intended it to be something couples could enjoy together--the radio spot included in the special features even ends with a voice proclaiming "It's something for the ladies, too. You bet!" - so he filled it with everything he could possibly squeeze into one film (and, honestly, more): attractive people, cartoonish acting, the aforementioned murder plot, Alice's small-town business drama, the Greek chorus segments, an ax-vs-chainsaw finale, and of course lots of sex and Meyer's goofy sense of humor. Example: At one point, local cop Homer (Monty Bane) and his sex partner at the moment, Limehouse (Su Ling), both get electrocuted because she grabs an empty bulb socket mid-coitus. It's a lot, but it has a breathless enthusiasm that's kind of infectious.

Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray

Severin's single-disc release of Up! is on par with their typical Blu-ray packaging. The film's poster is framed by the Bosomania design Meyer came up with. Not much to write home about, but faithfully reproducing the original poster means we get some fun details like how the M and W in the "Starring Margo Winchester" (which is the character's name, btw) legend on the poster have been altered to resemble nude breasts, complete with nipples. Russ Meyer was, if nothing else, extremely on-brand.
ST. LOUIS  Hours after Mayor Cara Spencer announced she would end the citys troubled private building stabilization program, five property owners sued the city in federal court claiming they expected to find evidence of kickbacks to a building inspector who oversaw the program.

The property owners are represented by prominent attorney Bevis Schock, who is known for successful lawsuits challenging the states red light cameras and the citys earnings tax on remote workers. Erich Vieth, who once represented Spencer when she was an alderman challenging the citys renovation of the Enterprise Center, is also an attorney in the lawsuit.

The lawsuit details a raft of issues with the Stable Communities STL program, rolled out in early 2023 and bankrolled with some $13 million in federal pandemic aid. The program used existing powers within the citys code enforcement ordinances to pay contractors to unilaterally repair and stabilize privately held buildings and then bill the owners for the work, targeting over 50 buildings and often putting liens on properties to compel repayment.

Building owners swept up in the program complained that they were blindsided with huge repair bills for sometimes shoddy work and that city officials cited erroneous repair needs, such as nonexistent windows or interior defects they could not have seen without being inside. One owner had a lien filed against his building even before any actual remediation work had been performed. He and others complained the cost of repairs at buildings, often in poor parts of town, far exceeded their buildings market value, all but ensuring the city would ultimately foreclose on them at a tax sale.

But former Mayor Tishaura O. Jones administration argued the city needed to hold problem property owners accountable, and some neighborhood groups welcomed a more muscular approach to the citys daunting vacancy issue.

Schocks lawsuit uses details from the five property owners to raise many of the same complaints, arguing the repair bills issued by the citys building division were much higher than the market value of those repairs.

With Spencers cancellation of the program, the city has already begun lifting liens filed against properties that had repair work performed by the city. At least one plaintiff, Titsworth Properties, owned by Aloysius Titsworth, had a city lien against its real estate lifted Monday. The city had filed the lien for work on the roof and doors of the structure at 4831 Fountain Avenue. Schock wrote in the lawsuit that even if the liens are lifted prior slanders of title still entitle his clients to damages.

He argues some of his clients buildings were damaged by the repair work and that another client sold personal possessions to try and comply with the city order by doing the repairs himself.

The program amounted to an unconstitutional seizure of property and denial of his clients due process rights, Schock and Vieth wrote in the lawsuit.

In addition to the city, the former mayor and current and former building commissioner, Schocks lawsuit names as defendants two contractors who worked on the program and four building inspectors. One of those inspectors, former city inspector Adebanjo Banjo Popoola, is at the center of the scandal that may have ultimately doomed the program.

Popoola oversaw the program for the building division and performed many of the building evaluations and construction estimates. But late last year, St. Louis Magazine and KMOV (Channel 4) found that Popoola had been contracting repair work to two companies tied to both his ex- and current wife. He resigned soon after and Jones asked the FBI to investigate.

The lawsuit does not present evidence, but it said discovery in the suit would show that the citys contractors paid kickbacks to government officials. It also accuses the former and current city building commissioner of not adequately supervising their inspectors.

Popoola did not respond to a request for comment and a city spokesman declined to comment.
SAHNAYA, Syria  Israel said Wednesday that it carried out an attack in Syria on a group targeting members of a minority sect as a new round of clashes left at least 11 people dead, most of them members of the countrys security forces.

The clashes on the edge of the town of Sahnaya, south of the capital Damascus, came a day after a heavy exchange of fire between pro-government gunmen and Druze fighters left 10 people dead in the Damascus suburb of Jaramana.

A statement released by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel's military carried out a warning operation and attacked an extremist group that was organizing to continue attacking the Druze population in Sahnaya. It didn't give details about the warning operation.

The statement said a serious message was also conveyed to the Syrian regime, adding that Israel expects it to act to prevent harm to the Druze.

The Syrian Information Ministry said in a statement that 11 members of the countrys security forces were killed in two separate attacks and that others were wounded, triggering the clashes.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, said that 22 people were killed, of whom 16 were members of the security forces while two were Druze residents of Sahnaya. It added that government forces are sending reinforcements toward Sahnaya.

The Israeli military said Wednesday night that three Syrian Druze who were wounded in the fighting were taken to Israel for treatment.

On March 1, Israels Defense Ministry said that the military had been instructed to prepare to defend Jaramana, asserting that the minority it has vowed to protect was under attack by Syrian forces.

On Wednesday afternoon, a deal was reached between Druze dignitaries and officials representing the government after which security forces and pro-government gunmen entered Sahnaya and the situation became quite after Druze gunmen withdrew from the streets.

The Druze religious sect is a minority group that began as a 10th-century offshoot of Ismailism, a branch of Shiite Islam. More than half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. Most of the other Druze live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast War and annexed in 1981.

Rayan Maarouf, editor-in-chief of the activist media collective Suwayda24, said that the clashes broke out Tuesday night when security forces began attacking Ashrafiet Sahnaya. Maarouf, who is a Druze, said that since Tuesday night, residents have been contacting them to say that residential areas were being targeted.

The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen said in a statement that he is deeply concerned at unacceptable violence in Syria, adding that he is alarmed at reports of civilian casualties and also casualties among security personnel and the potential for further escalation of an extremely fragile situation.

He is also alarmed at reports of Israeli attacks. These attacks must stop, Pedersen's statement said.

Lebanon's Progressive Socialist Party, the largest Druze political group in the country, said former leader Walid Joumblatt contacted the political leadership in Damascus as well as officials in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, adding that an agreement had been reached on a ceasefire that went into effect.

Since the downfall of President Bashar Assad in December, Israel has pushed its forces into southern Syria to create a demilitarized buffer zone.

Israel will not allow harm to the Druze community in Syria out of a deep commitment to our Druze brothers in Israel, who are connected by family and historical ties to their Druze brothers in Syria, the statement released by Netanyahu said.

Bassem Mroue contributed to this report from Beirut.
MADISON, Wis.  The Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended a judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities.

The FBI took Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan into custody Friday morning at the county courthouse. She faces federal charges of concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest and obstructing or impeding a proceeding.

In its two-page order, the court said it was acting to protect public confidence in Wisconsin courts during the criminal proceedings against Dugan. The order noted that the court was acting on its own initiative and was not responding to a request from anyone. Liberal justices control the court 4-3.

It is ordered  that Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah C. Dugan is temporarily prohibited from exercising the powers of a circuit court judge in the state of Wisconsin, effective the date of this order and until further order of the court, the justices wrote.

Dugan's attorney, Craig Mastantuono, had no immediate comment. A state court spokesperson said a reserve judge began filling in for Dugan on Monday for an indefinite period.

Democrats accused the Trump administration of trying to chill the nation's judiciary.

Dugan is known for running a strict courtroom while also being a familiar face in the community, particularly at interfaith events.

Dugan's arrest while on her way to work at the Milwaukee County courthouse catapulted her into the national fight between the Trump administration and the judiciary over immigration policies. She appeared briefly in federal court later Friday before being released.

FBI Director Kash Patel announced the move via social media, saying Dugan increased danger to the public.

The judge allegedly let Eduardo Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer leave her courtroom through a jury door on April 18 to help avert his arrest, according to an FBI affidavit. Flores-Ruiz was taken into custody outside the courthouse after agents chased him on foot.

Flores-Ruiz, a native of Mexico, was in court for a hearing after being charged with three counts of misdemeanor domestic battery.

Dugan is a longtime Milwaukee public figure

She has been a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge since defeating an incumbent appointee of former Republican Gov. Scott Walker in 2016. She ran unopposed in 2022, and her current term expires in 2028.

Tom Barrett, a former congressman and mayor of Milwaukee for 17 years, said he was friends with Dugans older sister in high school and has known Dugan, 65, since she was 12.

As a person and a judge, she always tries to do the right thing, and she cares deeply about the community and people and justice, Barrett said.

Ann Jacobs, a personal injury plaintiff attorney and Democratic chair of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, said, She is always at every parade on behalf of the judges. She is at interfaith events. Her faith is very important to her.

Dugan previously was a litigation attorney and held administrative posts at Legal Action of Wisconsin Inc. and Legal Aid Society Inc.

As an attorney, legal areas she focused on were older people and disabilities, civil rights, domestic abuse and others, according to her LinkedIn page.

Dugan was president of the Milwaukee Bar Association from 1999 to 2000 and worked three years as executive director of Catholic Charities of Southeastern Wisconsin Inc.

She was a finalist in the Most Trusted Public Official category in the 2021 Best of Milwaukee contest in The Shepherd Express, an alternative news source.

A 1981 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she also received her law degree in 1987, Dugan has taught law and graduate students at Marquette University in Milwaukee.

Attorneys call the judge a stickler in the courtroom

Attorneys who appeared before Dugan describe her as extremely tough but fair.

She is a stickler for procedure, Milwaukee criminal defense attorney Julius Kim said. Shes fair. I certainly dont think shes a pushover, by any stretch. Shes very methodical in her approach.

Kim said Dugan takes her job very seriously.

In terms of toughness, she has a particular way of wanting things done in court, he said. In terms of her sentences, comments and how she treats litigants, I think shes fair.

A sign that remained posted on Dugans courtroom door Friday advised that if an attorney or other court official knows or believes that a person feels unsafe coming to the courthouse or her courtroom, they should notify the clerk and request an appearance via Zoom.

Dugan previously found herself involved in a political fight in 2023, when she dismissed a Republican Party lawsuit that argued a Milwaukee get-out-the-vote effort was illegal.

The FBI says Dugan helped a man evade ICE

The FBI took Dugan into custody on the courthouse grounds  the same building that federal immigration agents entered last week in search of Flores-Ruiz.

Flores-Ruiz was removed from the U.S. through Arizona over a decade ago, and there is no evidence he got permission to return, according to the affidavit.

A fingerprint match prompted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to go to the courthouse and wait outside the courtroom during his appearance.

After learning the agents were there, Dugan became visibly angry, according to the affidavit. She and another judge approached them in a hallway and sent them to the chief judge's office. Dugan then returned to her courtroom and ushered Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through the jury door, according to the affidavit.

Defendants who are not in custody and their attorneys never use that door, the affidavit says.

That allegedly helped Flores-Ruiz leave the building using an elevator.

The judicial code of conduct restricts judges from commenting on pending or impending matters in any court. Judge Dugans court calendar will be covered by another judge as needed, District One Chief Judge Carl Ashley said in a statement.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson, a Democrat, said the arrest was clearly more about hype than it was keeping our community safe.

ICE agents are making arrests in courthouses

Under guidance issued Jan. 21, ICE officers and agents may carry out immigration enforcement actions in or near courthouses if they believe someone they are trying to find will be there.

They are generally required to let their internal legal office know ahead of time to make sure there are no legal restrictions, and they are supposed to carry out enforcement actions in non-public areas whenever possible, coordinate with court security and try minimize the impact on court operations. They are also to avoid doing so in places that are not used for criminal proceedings, such as family court.

Immigration advocates say letting ICE enter courthouses for arrests intimidates crime victims and witnesses who are in the country illegally.

ICE counter say that in communities that do not notify the agency when jails or prisons are releasing deportable immigrants, they have to find other ways to track them down. ICE also says courthouse arrests are usually safer for agents because people there have generally been searched for weapons.

What happens next?

Dugan has a court date of May 15, this time as a defendant.

Outside the courthouse Friday, dozens of protesters gathered to support Dugan. Some warned that the arrest of the judge could discourage people from reporting a crime or even reporting a fire for fear they themselves could be detained.

These actions are transparently meant to be chilling, cruel and undermining the rule of law, said Melinda Brennan, executive director of the ACLU of Wisconsin.

Brian Schimming, chair of the state Republican Party, said via social media that the arrest shows that nobodys above the law, even judges.

Republicans in the state Assembly, where they have majority control, said in a statement that the charges against Dugan are serious, deeply troubling, and strike at the core of public trust.

___

Associated Press writer Scott Bauer, Mead Gruver and Corey Williams contributed.

PHOTOS: A look at immigration and the US border with Mexico
WASHINGTON  The U.S. and Ukraine announced an economic agreement Wednesday after a weekslong press by President Donald Trump on Ukraine to compensate Washington for billions in military and economic assistance to help Ukraine repel the Russian invasion.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a video posted to X that this partnership allows the United States to invest alongside Ukraine, to unlock Ukraines growth assets, mobilize American talent, capital and governance standards that will improve Ukraines investment climate and accelerate Ukraines economic recovery.

The announcement comes at a critical moment in the war as Trump grew increasingly frustrated with leaders of Russia and Ukraine with the brutal fighting dragging on.

The American president criticized his Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for steps that he said were prolonging the killing, and he rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin for complicating negotiations with very bad timing in launching deadly strikes on Kyiv.

Trump on Saturday met with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral.

Ukraines Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko in a post on X celebrated the breakthrough.

Together with the United States, we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment to our country," she said.

The two sides offered only bare-bone details about the structure of the deal, but it is expected to give the U.S. access to its valuable rare minerals in the hopes of ensuring continued American support for Kyiv in its grinding war with Russia.

Ukraine's economy minister and deputy prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, flew to Washington on Wednesday to help finalize the deal, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said during an appearance on Ukrainian television. Though the main part of the agreement was settled, there were still hurdles to overcome, said a senior Ukrainian official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official wasn't authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

For Ukraine, the agreement is seen as key to ensuring its access to future U.S. military aid.

Truly, this is a strategic deal for the creation of an investment partner fund, Shmyhal said. "This is truly an equal and good international deal on joint investment in the development and restoration of Ukraine between the governments of the United States and Ukraine.

Trump began his push for a deal in February that he wanted access to Ukraines rare earth materials as a condition for continued U.S. support in the war, describing it as reimbursement for the billions of dollars in aid the U.S. has given to Kyiv.

But talks stalled after a tense Oval Office meeting of U.S. and Ukrainian leaders, and reaching an agreement since then proved difficult and strained relations between Washington and Kyiv.

Negotiations appeared to drag on till shortly before the two sides confirmed an agreement was signed off on the deal.

Earlier Wednesday, Bessent said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House  hours after Ukrainian officials indicated a deal was nearly finalized  that there was still work to do.

The Ukrainians decided last night to make some last-minute changes," Bessent said when asked about reports that Ukraine was ready to agree to the pact. "Were sure that they will reconsider that. And we are ready to sign this afternoon if they are.

He didn't elaborate as to the late changes he said Ukraine made.

The U.S. sought access to more than 20 raw materials deemed strategically critical to its interests, including some non-minerals such as oil and natural gas. Among them are Ukraine's deposits of titanium, which is used for making aircraft wings and other aerospace manufacturing, and uranium, which is used for nuclear power, medical equipment and weapons. Ukraine also has lithium, graphite and manganese, which are used in electric vehicle batteries.

After Kyiv felt the initial U.S. draft of the deal disproportionately favored American interests, it introduced new provisions aimed at addressing those concerns.

According to Shmyhal, the latest version would establish an equal partnership between the two countries and last for 10 years. Financial contributions to a joint fund would be made in cash, and only new U.S. military aid would count toward the American share. Assistance provided before the agreement was signed would not be counted. Unlike an earlier draft, the deal would not conflict with Ukraines path toward European Union membership  a key provision for Kyiv.

The Ukrainian Cabinet approved the agreement Wednesday, empowering Svyrydenko to sign it in Washington. Once signed by both sides, the deal would need to be ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament before it could take effect.

Putin wants answers before committing to a ceasefire

The negotiations come amid rocky progress in Washington's push to stop the war.

Putin backs calls for a ceasefire before peace negotiations, but before its done, its necessary to answer a few questions and sort out a few nuances, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Putin is also ready for direct talks with Ukraine without preconditions to seek a peace deal, he added.

We realize that Washington wants to achieve quick progress, but we hope for understanding that the Ukrainian crisis settlement is far too complex to be done quickly, Peskov said during his daily conference call with reporters.

Trump has expressed frustration over the slow pace of progress in negotiations aimed at stopping the war. Western European leaders have accused Putin of stalling while his forces seek to grab more Ukrainian land. Russia has captured nearly a fifth of Ukraines territory since Moscow's forces launched a full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.

Trump has long dismissed the war as a waste of lives and American taxpayer money  a complaint he repeated Wednesday during his Cabinet meeting. That could spell an end to crucial military help for Ukraine and heavier economic sanctions on Russia.

US wants both sides to speed things up

The U.S. State Department on Tuesday tried again to push both sides to move more quickly and warned that the U.S. could pull out of the negotiations if there's no progress.

We are now at a time where concrete proposals need to be delivered by the two parties on how to end this conflict," department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce quoted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as telling her.

Russia has effectively rejected a U.S. proposal for an immediate and full 30-day ceasefire, making it conditional on a halt to Ukraines mobilization effort and Western arms supplies to Kyiv.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Wednesday that Ukraine had accepted an unconditional truce only because it was being pushed back on the battlefield, where the bigger Russian forces have the upper hand.

UN says Ukrainian civilian casualties are on the rise

Meanwhile, Ukrainian civilians were killed or wounded in attacks every day this year, according to a U.N. report presented Tuesday in New York.

The U.N. Human Rights Office said in the report that in the first three months of this year, it verified 2,641 civilian casualties in Ukraine. That was almost 900 more than during the same period last year.

Civilian casualties in Ukraine were up 46% April 1-24 from the same weeks in 2024, it said.

The daily grind of the war shows no sign of letting up. A nighttime Russian drone attack on Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv, wounded at least 45 civilians, Ukrainian officials said.

Also Wednesday, the Ukrainian Security Service claimed its drones struck the Murom Instrument Engineering Plant in Russias Vladimir region overnight, causing five explosions and a fire at the military facility. The claim could not be independently verified.

___

Associated Press writer Fatima Hussein contributed reporting.

11 political cartoons debate the fate of Ukraine
The reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) 2022 made some important changes that address the needs of Indigenous communities. It strengthened and expanded tribal jurisdiction over non-Native perpetrators of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and other forms of abuse.

VAWA 2022 also made efforts to lower the rates of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP). However, there is still an alarming number of Indigenous people facing various acts of violence.

Recently, a 14-year-old girl named Emily Pike, a San Carlos Apache citizen, was found dead three weeks after searching. The death of Emily has had a rippling effect on Indigenous communities as a childs life was taken way too soon.

There needs to be more substantial and more targeted efforts to address the MMIWP epidemic, which includes improved law enforcement training, trauma-informed mental health training for providers, stronger protocols for investigations, and more resources for families of victims.

There needs to be an increase in culturally appropriate services grounded in Indigenous traditions and healing, as well as a rise in service provider training in cultural competency to understand historical trauma and its ongoing impact on Indigenous communities.

While Missouri does not have any federally recognized tribes, St. Louis is situated on the ancestral, traditional and present-day lands of various tribes, including the Osage Nation, Otoe-Missouria, Illinois Confederacy, Quapaw, Ho-Chunk, Miami, and several others.

Too many Indigenous peoples lives have been taken. The city of St. Louis can make a difference through advocacy for better resources.

Daryn Lowe

University City
I volunteered for the recent event in Chesterfield with Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Connecticut, standing in for an absentee town hall for the congresswoman from Missouris Second Congressional District, Ann Wagner, and it was a full house. ("Over 1,000 attend Chesterfield town hall led by prominent Democrat in Ann Wagners district," April 25.)

I hope Rep. Wagner is sweating a bit after seeing how many folks showed up in her district to voice their unhappiness with the Trump administration, and how angry they are about her supporting his atrocious ideas.

Wagner hasnt bothered having a town hall in 12 years to hear what her constituents think. The only time she shows up in her district is election time, and those are just photo-ops.

I get the feeling that folks around this country are getting plenty tired of absentee politicians like her, and Missouri Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt, who never bother to listen to all the people they represent. Theyre like absentee landlords  letting properties go into decline and only offering to fix your faucet at lease-renewal time.

People have had enough of the Republicans in Missouri ignoring the will of the voters. Its time to vote them out.

Rusti Levin

University City
U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft assigned the Blue Angels practice their aerial flight maneuvers over Travis Air Force Base, Calif., March 14, 2024. (Kenneth Abbate/U.S. Air Force)



VACAVILLE, Calif. (Tribune News Service)  Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, Calif., is apparently among a list of military locations being considered by the Trump administration as a potential site for building an immigration detention facility, according to a report published late Tuesday by KQED, the PBS station based in San Francisco.

The PBS report says it obtained internal government communications including early April emails in which federal officials discussed efforts to evaluate several military installations, including Travis Air Force Base, for Homeland Securitys immigration detention and removal operations  and tee them up for approval by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

President Trump has stated his goal of departing a million people in his first year of office and the proposed installation at Travis would be part of the effort to expand immigration detention nationally, KQED reported.

The emails show significant coordination among Department of Defense and Homeland Security officials to expedite the plans. The emails do not describe the scope or design of the proposed detention compound at Travis Air Force Base, nor how many people it would be expected to hold, the report noted.

KQED said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not respond directly to questions about Travis, but affirmed that ICE is actively working to expand detention capacity.

Base officials could not be reached by The Reporter by press time.

Rep. John Garamendi, a Democrat whose district includes Travis, was furious to learn of the plans.

Its outrageous and inappropriate for the Trump Administration to use Travis Air Force Base as an immigration detention facility, he said in a statement to The Reporter. He said the base plays a critical role in our national security, providing transportation for personnel and materiel around the world and converting it to an immigration facility would undermine its vital national security mission.

Garamendi has already questioned the use of Travis military personnel and aircraft in deportation efforts. On Tuesday he repeated the complained he called it alarming, potentially unconstitutional, and a shameful waste of military resources. These flights carry fewer migrants and cost more than three times as much as the Department of Homeland Securitys civilian deportation flights.

He vowed to keep fighting.

My work in Congress has been laser-focused on this issue, he said. As Trump has ramped up his mass deportation agenda, I have demanded that the Department of Defense cease these unconscionable activities.

According to the National Public Radio reports, Homeland Security officials have been considering at least 10 military bases around the country for immigration detention. A February Homeland Security memo obtained by NPR described a plan to use Fort Bliss, near El Paso, Texas, as a model for other facilities, with up to 1,000 people initially detained there, eventually expanding to as many as 10,000.

Previous administrations have used military bases to temporarily house arriving refugees and have deployed soldiers to provide logistical support to the U.S. Border Patrol. But any plan to use Travis and other military facilities for ICE detention would represent a more substantial move toward militarizing immigration enforcement.

 2025 The Reporter, Vacaville, Calif.

Visit www.thereporter.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
American tanks roll into Vicenza, Italy, after units captured the town from Axis forces April 28, 1945. The battle for Vicenza involved soldiers from the 752nd Tank Battalion and the 88th Infantry Division. (Robert Schmidt/U.S. Signal Corps)



VICENZA, Italy  Just over 80 years ago, American troops entered this Venetian city and defeated a ragged but determined German force to reclaim it for an alliance on the cusp of victory in Europe.

On Monday, a slate of reminders sought to drive the story of Vicenzas liberation home for those serving today.

You cant go very far in Vicenza without tripping over our historical past, said Kevin Shea, a U.S. Army Reserve officer and field historian working at Caserma Ederle as a contractor.

A small group of soldiers toured World War II battle sites around Vicenza on Monday, with Shea providing narration.

Pfc. Gavin Smith of the 173rd Airborne Brigade holds the guidon during the Liberation Day parade in Montecchio Maggiore, Italy, April 27, 2025. (Kylejian Francia/U.S. Army)

Italian reenactors form a convoy in World War II-era U.S. Army vehicles as part of Liberation Day celebrations in Montecchio Maggiore, Italy, April 27, 2025. On April 28, 1945, a task force made up of U.S. soldiers from the 88th Infantry Division liberated Montecchio Maggiore from Nazi occupation and Fascist rule. (Kylejian Francia/U.S. Army)



Vicenza was a major transport and communications hub for the Germans thanks to its new roads, rail line and telegraph lines. It also had an air base at what is now Caserma Del Din.

In April 1945, the war was coming to a close. Allied forces were racing north to secure Italian borders and capture Germans, ideally in the Po Valley before they could reach the Alps and retreat.

American forces liberated Bologna before pushing toward Verona, where they had a brief but fierce engagement, then headed toward Vicenza, according to Shea.

That set the stage for the Battle of Vicenza on April 27-28.

Bob Holt, historian of the 752nd Tank Battalion based in Connecticut, has dedicated decades to studying this portion of the war, partly because his father fought in it.

The disorganized German forces were falling apart and had resorted to horse-drawn carriages, he said. But there were still thousands of them streaming toward Vicenza, often in ad hoc units.

In many cases, they were totally unaware that U.S. troops were already in the towns they were streaming toward, Holt said.

Soldiers of the U.S. Army 88th Infantry Division advance on Vicenza, Italy, April 28, 1945, to support troops already in the city. (Robert Schmidt/U.S. Signal Corps)

Soldiers of the 88th Infantry Division carry a wounded comrade during the World War II battle for Vicenza, Italy. Three soldiers were killed and 16 wounded during fighting on April 28, 1945. It was a brief but intense battle. (Robert Schmidt/U.S. Signal Corps)



After a vicious engagement outside Vicenza on April 27, the 88th Division Task Force Frye prepared to enter the city.

On the following morning, the Americans had about four tanks moving along the SR11 regional road when they were ambushed. From that point on, it was a tough fight through the city.

From a tanker perspective, urban combat is the worst possible scenario, Holt said.

American troops were attacked by German snipers hiding in buildings, targeted with hand grenades thrown from roofs, and shot with panzerfaust, a weapon similar to a bazooka that fires projectiles that enter a tank and then destroy it from the inside out.

On top of that, they were forced to drive with their hatches open, heads fully exposed. Three Americans died in the battle, all from head wounds.

A soldier of the U.S. Army 88th Infantry Division runs to avoid German sniper fire on April 28, 1945, near Corso Santi Felice e Fortunato and Viale Milano in Vicenza, Italy. (Robert Schmidt/U.S. Signal Corps)



For the 752nd Tank Battalion, it was the worst casualty day of the entire war. Sixteen American soldiers were wounded in addition to the three killed, and five tanks were destroyed.

Eight Silver Stars and three Bronze Stars were awarded for actions in Vicenza that morning. The entire unit was awarded a distinguished unit citation.

The spirit of these people needs to be remembered, Holt said. It wasnt just a bunch of guys sending their men forward into battle. These were officers right up to the colonel of the infantry. These guys led from the front.

After the battle, American forces continued their race toward the border, leaving Vicenza to rebuild. It was the most heavily bombed city in the Veneto region, with destruction to homes and iconic buildings.

The roof was burned off the Palladian Basilica in the center of town, and the main church was almost completely destroyed.

Our front yards were a front line, said Randall Jackson, chief of command information for U.S. Army Garrison Italy, who recently recorded a podcast about the battle. New soldiers cant relate without hearing these stories.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ryan Hulse, commander of the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion (Airborne), and a Liberation Day actor dance during a parade in Montecchio Maggiore, Italy, April 27, 2025. U.S. soldiers assigned to the brigade participated in the celebration to commemorate 80 years since the liberation of Vicenza and surrounding communities. (Kylejian Francia/U.S. Army)



The 80th anniversary remembrances in and around Vicenza over the weekend also offered cause for jubilation.

In Montecchio Maggiore, just a few miles west of Vicenza, Army Sgt. William Cantrell of the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion was watching a group of Italians dancing in celebration Sunday and suddenly was pulled into the action himself, according to a U.S. Army Garrison Italy statement.

I was on the side and this little old lady just took my hand, said Cantrell, a Tennessee-born paratrooper. I couldnt say no.

Italian reenactor Enrico Ricci was also on hand, wearing an American military uniform with a unit patch from the Armys tank destroyer battalion.

Its important because its been a long time since the war, Ricci said, according to the garrison statement. We cant lose the stories.

Also taking place Monday was a screening of The Lost Mountaineers, a documentary about the 25 men of the 10th Mountain Division who lost their lives in Lake Garda at the end of World War II.

A brief film that highlighted the Battle of Vicenza and included archival footage was played before the documentary.
Camp Foster is home to Marine Corps Installations Pacific on Okinawa. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)



NAHA CITY, Okinawa  Japanese prosecutors have indicted a U.S. Marine on charges of sexually assaulting a Japanese woman and injuring another in a restroom on a Marine Corps base in March.

Pfc. Austin R. Wedington, 27, of California, was charged with forcible sexual intercourse, committing an indecent act, and causing injury, according to a copy of the indictment from the Naha Public Prosecutors Office.

The case is one of several involving U.S. military personnel accused of sexual assault on Okinawa over the past year, incidents that have reignited public concern over the American troop presence on the southern island prefecture.

The alleged assault occurred on Camp Foster, where Wedington serves as a correction and detention specialist with the Headquarters and Service Battalion, said 1st Lt. Grant Hoel, a spokesman for Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Wedington was being held Wednesday at the Camp Hansen brig and will be transferred to Japanese custody at the Naha Detention Center, Hoel said by email that day.

Wedington worked at the Hansen brig before being reassigned to Foster, Maj. Brett Dornhege-Lazaroff, another command spokesman, said by phone Wednesday.

Prosecutors allege that Wedington grabbed a woman by the neck, forced her against a toilet stall door and penetrated her with his fingers. A second woman, who tried to intervene, was allegedly stomped in the face and then placed in a rear chokehold, causing bruising, a neck sprain, and a shoulder abrasion.

The first woman is a Japanese civilian employee on a U.S. base, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported April 24.

An unidentified Marine heard the incident and rushed to assist, preventing possible further action by the alleged perpetrator, Hoel said.

Under the U.S.-Japan status of forces agreement, Japanese authorities have primary jurisdiction over criminal cases involving Japanese citizens or property.

The U.S. will monitor the trial proceedings without interfering in the Japanese judicial process, Hoel said. The alleged behavior does not reflect the core values of the U.S. Military, nor does it represent the conduct of the overwhelming majority of Okinawa-based service members.

The indictment follows several recent cases involving U.S. service members on Okinawa. In December, a Japanese court convicted Senior Airman Brennon R.E. Washington of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor. He was sentenced to five years in prison with labor and has appealed.

Two Marines  Lance Cpls. Jamel Clayton and Michael Hofmaster  face separate sexual assault charges from last year. Clayton is scheduled to go on trial June 2 in Naha District Court. Hofmasters court date has not been set.

On April 7, Okinawa police referred Wedington and another Marine to prosecutors on separate sexual assault allegations. Prosecutors dropped the second case on April 24.

In response to mounting public criticism, U.S. Forces Japan introduced new liberty restrictions in October, barring service members from visiting off-base drinking establishments between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

On April 18, U.S. military officials joined Okinawa police and government leaders in a joint patrol of a nightlife area outside Kadena Air Base  the first such patrol since 1974, according to prefectural police.

The first formal forum for cooperation between U.S. military and Okinawan leaders is slated for May 9, according to USFJ.
Theres a fun nature to a well-produced double-feature disc. A good producer will establish a theme, ideally offer the pairing with the best A/V possible, and then let the audience explore the endeavor. In the case of Vinegar Syndromes new Blu-ray of Canadian ex-pat Lidsay Shonteffs 1964 British horror thriller Devil Doll, theyve paired the film with the directors 1965 creeper Curse of the Voodoo. Being a pair of Shonteff features is enough of a theme, both films also star Bryant Haliday the co-founder of Janus Films. And if you dont know why thats importantI honestly dont know what to do for you.

Devil Doll is an entertainingly daffy piece of horror work where Bryant plays The Great Vorelli, the worlds foremost ventriloquist and hypnotist act. When his walking and talking dummy Hugo catches the eye of American reporter Mark English (William Sylvester), Mark begins digging deeper into Vorellis act. As he uncovers the terrifying truth of Hugos origins in post-war Berlin, Marks girlfriend Marianne (Yvonne Romain) becomes Vorellis next potential victim.

Overall the film isnt bad, its gravely serious a d creepy but its hard to make hypnotism look suspenseful, but Shonteff pulls together a tight little mystery thriller. A lot of padding and odd-placed nudity upends the swift 85-minute runtime, but its an enjoyable venture. MST3K fans will enjoy seeing this feature uncut and un-riffed. 3/5

In Curse of the Voodoo (also known as Curse of Simba) we see Shonteff explore more soul-stealing horror with Haliday returning as big game hunter Mike Stacey. Mike shot a lion in Africa, took its skin, and in doing so pissed off the local tribe of Simbazi warriors. Now for their retribution, theyre haunting Mikes very soul all the way to London slowly driving him mad just when hes trying to reconcile with his estranged wife Janet (Lisa Danielly). To save his soul, Mike will have to confront the Simbazi on his own terms. 2.5/5

Id never seen this film all the way through, but its a fun little late-night creeper. Where Devil Doll was padded through long stretches of hypnotism performances, Curse of the Voodoo is just a bit too slow for its own good. Mikes nightmares of being chased by tribal warriors are appropriately creepy and perk up the action, but long stretches of shoe leather go nowhere fast. At least the last act delivers making the venture worth the ride and Haliday delivers another menacing performance.

All in, I enjoy a fun double feature like this. I was here for Devil Doll and stayed for Curse of the Voodoo. I knew Devil Doll from the days of Mystery Science Theater 3000, and its a favorite episode. But Id seen the film un-riffed and it was a perfectly decent little flick. But Id only ever seen the edited version that stripped out the random nudity scenes (no pun intended) and some of the more dramatic gore and violence. Seeing it complete and true to form, it feels like a real movie now. Perhaps not a great film, but a solidly entertaining one with a more sensible edit and pace.







Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray

Thanks to Vinegar Syndrome, we have the Devil Doll and Curse of the Voodoo double feature on Blu-ray. Both films are pressed on the same Region Free BD50 disc. The disc comes housed in a standard clear case with reversible insert art and an identical slipcover. The disc loads to an animated main menu letting you choose which feature you want to watch and bonus features. Also included is a booklet with an essay from Johnny Walker.
(Jad Sleiman/Stars and Stripes)



Yavoriv, Ukraine, July 9, 2015: A Ukrainian national guardsman, wearing camouflage, reacts to a simulated attack at a training facility in Yavoriv, Ukraine.

Some 300 members of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team are in the Ukraine for a six-month deployment to train Ukrainian forces. But they admit that after more than a decade of counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, they have little experience fighting a professional and technologically advanced foe.

A Ukrainian platoon sergeant mentioned a time where he came into a direct fight with a BMP [Soviet-era infantry fighting vehicle] from 15 meters away, he said. Theyve attacked armor with anti-armor weapons from only 10 to 15 meters away, something we would have taught our soldiers is an absolute impossibility, Sgt. 1st Class Jacob Hurt said.

Read more about how the U.S. and Ukrainian forces learn from each other here.
Lucian Msamati plays Cardinal Adeyemi in Conclave. One of the things the film gets wrong: In a real papal conclave, ballots are burned not after each vote, but after each session, which is typically two votes. (Focus Features/AP)



Speculation surrounding a conclave to elect a pope is a time-honored tradition. But for the impending conclave following the death of Pope Francis, the ranks of armchair Vatican experts have swelled thanks to Hollywood.

Conclave the film, a moody 2024 political thriller, introduced many laypeople to the ancient selection process with its arcane rules and grand ceremony, albeit with a silver screen twist packed full of palace intrigue and surprise.

Though it has its critics, the film treats the gravity of a papal election with respect and accurately portrays many rituals and contemporary problems facing todays Catholic Church. But Vatican experts warn the movie doesnt get everything right.

Heres a look at what Conclave does get right  and wrong  about conclaves. (Spoilers ahead.)

Scenery and aesthetics

The movie excels at re-creating the look and feel of a conclave.

The film gets a lot right. They tried to reproduce the mise-en-scene of the Vatican accurately, William Cavanaugh, a Catholic studies professor at DePaul University in Chicago, said in an email. They show that a lot of the drama is around the preconclave conversations among cardinals.

Its not a perfect re-creation, according to the Rev. Thomas Reese, a senior analyst with the Religion News Service and a Vatican expert.

He called the movies production values marvelous, but noted slight discrepancies in the cardinals dress.

The red in the cardinals garments was a deep red, while the reality is more orange. Frankly, I like the Hollywood version better, Reese, a Jesuit priest who wrote Inside the Vatican: The Politics and Organization of the Catholic Church, said in an email.

Papal protocols

The movie aligns with real-life expectations for a quick conclave, said Massimo Faggioli, a historical theology professor at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.

A long conclave would send the message of a Church divided and possibly on the verge of a schism. The history of the conclaves in the last century is really a story of short conclaves, he said via email.

Reese pointed out other discrepancies. While the voting process was depicted accurately, he said, the ballots are burned not after each vote, but after each session, which is typically two votes.

Holy plot holes

There are a few particularly egregious errors that, if corrected, would lead to a very different movie.

A key character in the film, the archbishop of Kabul, Afghanistan, arrives just before the conclave with paperwork declaring the late pope had made him a cardinal in pectore  in secret  allowing him to vote for the next pope.

The biggest mistake in the movie was the admission of a cardinal in pectore into the conclave, Reese said. If the name is not announced publicly by the pope in the presence of the College of Cardinals, he has no right to attend a conclave.

Cavanaugh agreed and noted that while the movies twist about the Kabul archbishop was far-fetched, it does point to a certain truth about conclaves.

The cardinals do not always know who theyre getting when they elect a pope, he said. If the cardinals knew how (Jorge Mario) Bergoglio would be as Pope Francis, many of them wouldnt have voted for him. Pius IX was elected as a liberal and turned into an archconservative. John XXIII was supposed to be a jolly caretaker pope, and he unleashed Vatican II, a series of modernizing reforms.

Another of the movies more outlandish storylines involves the dean of the College of Cardinals breaking the seal of the confessional by revealing to another cardinal what a nun confessed to him, Reese said.

He committed a mortal sin and would be automatically excommunicated. Such an action would be egregiously wrong, Reese said.

In addition to that, a cardinal paying for votes, as shown in the film, is unheard of in modern times, Cavanaugh said, and the politicking is exaggerated.

And so are the politics.

The movie errs in making cardinals into either liberal or conservative champions, said Kurt Martens, professor of canon law at the Catholic University of America in Washington.

Those labels dont help us, he said because cardinals are very cautious in expressing their opinions and even someone we think is a liberal cardinal is pretty conservative by secular standards.

And he added that even in an unusually large conclave like this years, the rule requiring the next pope wins at least a two-thirds majority of the vote ensures that whatever we call extreme likely wont get enough votes.
An aerial view of the USS Arizona Memorial taken March 30, 2014, shows the pair of white quays that anchored the battleship on the day of the Dec. 7, 1941, surprise attack and are now being restored by the National Park Service. (Diana Quinlan/U.S. Navy)



Visitors to the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, will get an extra eyeful in coming months as crews work to restore a pair of historic quays where the doomed battleship was moored on the morning of the 1941 Japanese surprise attack.

The National Park Service Historic Preservation Training Center began restoration work Monday on the second of three pairs of historic quays being rehabbed in a multiyear project.

Work is expected to be completed on the Arizona quay in 2026, with full restoration of all the quays expected by 2028, the Park Service said in a news release Friday.

The USS Arizona and the USS Vestal, a repair ship, were docked at the quays on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, when Japanese torpedo bombers laid waste to the Pacific Fleets Battleship Row.

Japanese aircraft ignited ammunition stored near the Arizonas forward turrets, setting off a massive explosion that quickly sank it, taking the lives of 1,177 crew members.

The battleships sunken hulk lies almost entirely submerged on the harbor floor  beside the pair of quays  and is now part of the USS Arizona Memorial. The monument draws about 2 million visitors a year.

The Park Service completed preservation work in 2024 on the first pair of quays, which had moored the USS West Virginia and USS Tennessee at the time of the attack.

The third set of quays had secured the USS Nevada on Dec. 7.

Along with the partially exposed hulls of the Arizona and the USS Utah, the quays are among the few landmarks remaining in the harbor that harken back to the day of the attack when the waters were covered with oil, fire and smoke.

As crews abandoned the blazing, sinking ships on Battleship Row, the concrete pillars served as staging areas from which men either climbed aboard small rescue boats or dived into the harbor to swim to safety.

The restoration of the aging quays is intended to both extend their lifespan and preserve the features of their original construction and the scars left from the attack.

The project removes ship names that were added to quays in the 1980s and replaces them with the Navy nomenclature they carried in 1941.

The Park Service plans to erect non-permanent banners carrying the names of ships anchored to each quay the morning of the attack.

The banners will allow visitors to connect with the name and location of the ship that was there but not hinder our mission to preserve and protect the historic features that we maintain on site, David Kilton, a spokesman for the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, told Stars and Stripes in February.

Visitors to the memorial are welcome to ask Park Service staff questions about the quay project, the news release states.
Pyongyang's new destroyer is unveiled in Nampo, North Korea, in this image released by the state-run Korean Central News Agency on April 26, 2025. (KCNA)



North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called on his navy to accelerate its nuclear armament as the countrys newest warship conducted a series of weapons tests this week, state media reported Wednesday.

Kim observed the tests from Nampho Shipyard, where the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon  launched on Friday  began live-fire drills on Monday, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

The vessel reportedly fired a supersonic cruise missile, a strategic cruise missile, an anti-aircraft missile, and a 127 mm automatic naval gun. The tests have not been independently verified.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff and Ministry of National Defense did not respond to phone calls seeing comment Wednesday.

Satellite imagery posted Wednesday by the monitoring group 38 North showed the Choe Hyon had returned to dry dock just days after its unveiling. The post did not elaborate on the circumstances.

Pyongyang's new destroyer is unveiled in Nampo, North Korea, in this image released by the state-run Korean Central News Agency on April 26, 2025. (KCNA)



The destroyer, described by North Korean state media as multipurpose, is the first of a new class of warship, according to KCNA.

The agency quoted Kim as saying the ships weapons system effectively combines the strongest strike measures, including supersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles and tactical cruise missiles with conventional defense methods.

Kim said the time has come to make a responsible choice to accelerate the navys nuclear armament to defend our country and keep maritime sovereignty from current and future threats. KCNA did not elaborate on the specific tasks he proposed to achieve that goal.

Officials from North Koreas Missile Administration, Defense Sciences, and the Electronic Warfare Administration were reportedly present during the tests.

The power of 127 mm ship-based automatic gun attracted the officials attention, KCNA wrote.

On Tuesday, the destroyers crew conducted additional tests, including ship-to-ship tactical guided weapons, various ship-based automatic guns and electronic jamming guns, the report said.

Kim said Friday he plans to officially transfer the destroyer to the navy next year, according to a report by The Associated Press on Saturday.
Two B-1B Lancers taxi before taking off at Misawa Air Base, Japan, on April 22, 2025. (Mattison Cole/U.S. Air Force)



Two commercial flights were canceled Tuesday evening after a U.S. Air Force strategic bomber blocked a shared runway in northeastern Japan, according to local media reports.

Trouble with a B-1B Lancer at Misawa Air Base in Aomori prefecture prompted the runway closure from about 6 p.m. to 7:20 p.m., TBS Television reported Wednesday. The Air Force shares the runway with commercial flights at Misawa Airport and military flights by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

Footage posted Wednesday by RAB Aomori Broadcasting shows a stationary Lancer on what appears to be Misawas runway with emergency vehicles with flashing lights parked nearby.

A spokesman for the Tohoku Defense Bureau  an arm of Japans Ministry of Defense  confirmed by phone Wednesday that a U.S. military aircraft was involved in the runway closure and that two commercial flights were affected.

The bureau is seeking further details from the Air Force, he said.

Japan Airlines confirmed that a flight from Haneda Airport in Tokyo was unable to land at Misawa Airport and returned to Haneda. That aircrafts scheduled return to Haneda was also canceled, affecting about 200 passengers, a spokeswoman said by phone Wednesday.

A Japan Air Self-Defense spokesman referred all questions about the incident to the Air Force. Stars and Stripes has reached out to Misawas 35th Fighter Wing for comment and more information.

At least two Lancers arrived at Misawa on April 15 for a rotational bomber task force mission, according to Pacific Air Forces.

The service routinely deploys Lancers, B-52 Stratofortress bombers and B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to the Indo-Pacific. Such task force missions began in January 2018 and have continued regularly since 2020.

The Air Force has not disclosed the number of bombers or airmen deployed to Misawa, or the expected duration of their stay.

Its customary in Japan that some government and company officials speak to media without identifying themselves.
Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki, left, Okinawa city Mayor Daisuke Hanashiro, in yellow vest, join the commander of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Maj. Gen. Brian Wolford, for a joint patrol of Gate 2 Street near Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, April 18, 2025. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)



The first formal forum between U.S. military and Okinawan leaders is set to convene May 9, a move proposed last year in response to a series of sexual assault allegations involving American service members on the island.

The forum aims to enhance communications and build mutual understanding between U.S. forces and the Okinawa community, U.S. Forces Japan said in a statement Tuesday.

Representatives from Okinawas prefectural government, local police, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Okinawa Liaison Office, the Okinawa Defense Bureau, the U.S. Consulate General in Naha, and all U.S. service branches are expected to attend.

USFJ declined to disclose the forums location in an unsigned email to Stars and Stripes on Wednesday. A spokeswoman for Okinawas Military Base Affairs Division also would not provide details during a phone call that day.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass said the forum reflects the two countries commitment to listening to host communities and strengthening relations through sincere and open communication.

In this new golden age of U.S.-Japan relations, we continue to nurture our bonds of friendship and respect through sincere and open communication and a culture of cooperation, he said in USFJs release.

The U.S. consul general on Okinawa, Andrew Ou, echoed that sentiment in a Wednesday email to Stars and Stripes, adding that he and his team will attend the meeting.

The idea for the forum was first introduced in July by then-USFJ commander Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, following a sexual assault conviction and a separate attempted assault allegation involving U.S. personnel. Since then, charges have been brought in two additional cases involving U.S. Marines.

Most recently, Pfc. Austin R. Wedington was indicted Wednesday on charges of sexually assaulting a Japanese woman and injuring another at Camp Foster in March.

Marine Lance Cpls. Jamel Clayton and Michael Hofmaster are facing trial in separate sexual assault cases from last year. Clayton is scheduled for trial June 2 in Naha District Court. A date has not been set for Hofmaster.

In December, Air Force Senior Airman Brennon R.E. Washington was convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor in 2023. He was sentenced to five years in prison with labor and has appealed.

The forum is expected to address a range of issues, including joint patrols by U.S. military and Okinawa officials in nightlife districts, such as one conducted April 18-19 in Okinawa city, according to USFJ.

Additional topics are under discussion, and the forum is expected to meet regularly, the command said. A charter for the initiative was created after several consultative meetings between U.S. and Japanese officials, though USFJ declined to provide details.

Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki told reporters Wednesday in Naha that the group will discuss preventing incidents involving U.S. military personnel at the forum, the prefectures spokeswoman said by phone Wednesday. Its customary that some Japanese government officials speak to the media on the condition of anonymity.

USFJs commander, Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost, called the meeting essential for advancing the U.S.-Japan alliance and that he is optimistic about the potential for positive outcomes through this forum.

Strong relationships with the communities where we live and work is essential for fostering trust, he said in the release.

Stars and Stripes reporter Keishi Koja contributed to this report.
Amy Betros, co-founder of the St. Lukes Mission of Mercy faith-based nonprofit organization that for decades has served people in need on Buffalos East Side, died unexpectedly Wednesday morning in her residence at the mission.

She had turned 71 last month, said the Rev. Paul Seil, a retired priest who lives at the mission. Ms. Betros, known as Grandma to all at the mission, died seven years to the day after her St. Lukes co-founder, Norm Paolini, who was also 71 when he died, Seil said.

The grief is really overwhelming here, Seil said. The missions work will continue, even without her, as difficult as its going to be, he added.

In a statement Wednesday afternoon, Bishop Michael W. Fisher said: "Amy's care and concern for all, along with her ministry and presence on the East Side of Buffalo, is a great loss. She never wavered from her trust in the Lord and I join the St. Luke's Mission Community, Catholics and non-Catholics throughout Western New York who experienced Amy's love and compassion in praying for her and asking the Lord to comfort all who will miss her."

Born April 11, 1954, Ameiia B. Betros was the daughter of Lebanese parents, Peter and Nagibe Germany Betros. Her mother was born in Lebanon. They operated Petes Lebanese Bakery, first on Grant Street and then in Kenmore, and were credited with introducing pita bread to Western New York.

As a child, Ms. Betros helped in the bakery. She was a graduate of Bishop McMahon High School and was active in St. John Maron Catholic Church.

Living on Highgate Avenue in North Buffalo in the 1980s, she served for five years as president of the University Heights Community Development Association and spearheaded the drive to build the $3.5 million Gloria J. Parks Community Center at Main and Heath streets.

In the 1980s and early 1990s, she also owned and operated Amys Place restaurant at 3224 Main St., which was voted Cheapest Place to Eat Off Campus in a student guidebook. She decorated the walls with posters of Lebanon and served famously large sandwiches along with vegetarian and Middle Eastern dishes.

At the age of 36, she met Paolini in 1992 on a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal. This started a partnership in faith, initially running an organization, Madonna on the Streets Inc., out of the back of her restaurant.

Two years later, they took over the former St. Lukes Church complex, which occupies a block between Walden Avenue and Sycamore Street. An anonymous donor helped them purchase the property, including the church, a convent, a rectory and a school.

People thought we were crazy, she told Buffalo News reporter Dave Condren in 1994. But when this man appeared out of nowhere, we considered it a sign from God.

She sold her restaurant to devote herself to the new St. Lukes Mission of Mercy nonprofit, which relies on donations and does not receive funding from the government or the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo. She also sold her home in University Heights, which she was sharing with recovering addicts, and moved into St. Lukes.

For Betros, it was an inevitable move, News columnist Donn Esmonde wrote in 2000. If you believe deeply in Jesus, if you believe doing good is the key to heaven, then helping lost souls is the only fulfilling life.

When she and Paolini were honored as Buffalo News Citizens of the Year in 1999, she was described as the closest thing Buffalo has to Mother Teresa.

St. Lukes turns no one away, no matter how distressed or downtrodden they are. Its kitchen serves free meals seven days a week. It provides clothing and furniture to the needy, offers programs and housing for families, men and women with addiction problems, troubled teens and single mothers and their children.

It is also a Code Blue shelter for the homeless on nights when temperatures drop below freezing.

The mission operates residences for men and owns about two dozen homes in the neighborhood for families who have nowhere else to go. An emergency shelter for homeless men, first proposed by Ms. Betros in 2019, is under construction across the street from the main St. Lukes campus.

Ms. Betros and Paolini received numerous honors from the Diocese of Buffalo and civic organizations. They were given the diocesan Pro Vita Award in 1996, the Brother/Sisterhood Award from the National Conference for Community and Justice in 2005 and the Community Service Award from the Erie County Medical Society in 2013.

Survivors include a sister, Rosemary Lunghino, a nephew and many cousins in Buffalo and Lebanon.
An Estonian ground guide directs an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, off the airfield at Amari Air Base, Estonia, April 29, 2025. The U.S.-made weapons systems were handed over to the countrys defense forces at a ceremony at the base the next day. (Jaidyn Moore/U.S. Army)



Estonias first batch of U.S.-made High Mobility Rocket System launchers arrived this week, as the Baltic countries continue to strengthen their military deterrents against neighboring Russia.

The handover of six HIMARS launchers to Estonian defense forces took place Wednesday at Amari Air Base, in the northwest of the country about 25 miles away from the capital, Tallinn.

The HIMARS delivery, which gives Estonia long-range strike capability, is the first to a Baltic state and comes amid heightened tensions in the region spurred by Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The U.S. Embassy in Tallinn on Wednesday referred to the acquisition as one of the most significant capability upgrades in Estonian military history.

The HIMARS, which gained widespread interest due to its battlefield performance in Ukraine, can fire precision-guided missiles at targets nearly 200 miles away, according to manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

The launchers also can be easily integrated with U.S. and allied systems.

Today, Estonia demonstrates yet again that it is a capable, serious ally and friend to the United States, an ally that is both committed to its own defense and to making NATO stronger, Charge dAffaires Matthew Wall said at a ceremony Wednesday, according to an embassy statement.

Matt Wall, Charge dAffaires at the U.S. Embassy in Estonia, gives a speech April 30, 2025, during a ceremony at Amari Air Base unveiling Estonia's newly received M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems. (Austin Steinborn/U.S. Army)



American soldiers assigned to Task Force Voit have been in Estonia since 2022, training Estonian troops how to operate the HIMARS. The Estonians are expected to fire their own systems for the first time this summer, according to U.S. Army officials.

U.S. security assistance was used to finance the purchase of the HIMARS launchers, part of a broader package aimed at strengthening NATOs eastern flank, according to the State Department.

Assistance for various projects in Estonia tripled in the three-year period between 2022 and 2024, compared with the amount the three years prior, rising from roughly $122 million to $430 million, the embassy said.

Estonia, which shares a land border with Russia and is considered a potential flashpoint in the event of widening hostilities, has pledged to boost defense spending to 5% of its gross domestic product.

The country has a long history of domination by its large eastern neighbor. After declaring independence from Russia following World War I, Estonia was annexed by the Soviet Union. It won its independence back in 1991.

Estonian officials officially took delivery of the HIMARS launchers at Lockheed Martins production facility in Arkansas in January. Afterward, the launchers were shipped to the country. In Ukraine, the HIMARS has allowed Ukrainian troops to hit Russian command posts and logistics hubs far behind the front lines. The systems armored cab holds three operators  a driver, gunner and section chief  and is designed to withstand small-arms fire and artillery fragments. In early 2024, the defense ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania pledged to cooperate on future HIMARS use, after each country had placed its own orders. Altogether, the three Baltic states intend to field 20 launchers in the coming years.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the Oval Office this month. (Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post)



Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is backing a Navy admiral as his preferred choice for a key role commanding U.S. military operations in the Middle East, passing over an Army general who had been widely presumed to be the top contender amid an ongoing naval war in the region, according to defense officials and others familiar with the issue.

Vice Adm. Brad Cooper is Hegseths recommendation to head U.S. Central Command over Gen. James Mingus, the officials said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the Trump administrations personnel considerations. The recommendation will be reviewed by President Donald Trump, who must submit a nomination to the Senate for the job, one of the militarys most significant.

The support for Cooper comes as Hegseths team scrutinizes Pentagon plans for numerous top military roles, in some cases shifting to different options than what had been favored by President Joe Bidens administration, the officials said. Both Cooper and Mingus are seen in the Pentagon as qualified selections for the Central Command post, the officials said, but the choice demonstrates a desire by the Trump administration to continue to shake up the militarys senior ranks after ousting several leaders soon after taking office in January.

Cooper, a surface warfare officer, has served as Central Commands deputy commander since February 2024, and previously led all U.S. naval forces in the Middle East. Those posts have put him in an influential position as both the Biden and Trump administrations have dealt with an array of challenging issues, including the war in the Gaza Strip, tension between Iran and Israel, and the ongoing U.S. military campaign against Houthi militants in Yemen.

If confirmed, Cooper will be promoted to four-star admiral and replace Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, who has served as the head of Central Command since April 2022 and is expected to retire this summer. The position is typically held for about three years, indicating that the Trump administration is behind the typical schedule in finding a replacement. Cooper would become just the second Navy officer to hold the post.

Other jobs expected to come open this year include the four-star heads of U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Strategic Command.

Spokespeople for Hegseth and the White House did not respond to requests for comment. Spokespeople for Cooper, Mingus and Kurilla declined to comment.

The Trump administration has fired more than a dozen key military leaders this year, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., and the Navys top admiral, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, both of whom were selected by Biden. In an unconventional move, Trump in February nominated a retired officer, Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, to replace Brown, and the Senate in April approved both the selection and Caines promotion to four-star general.

Kurilla, who had been seen as another potential replacement for Brown, recommended Cooper as his successor at Central Command, people familiar with the deliberations said.

Before Trumps return to office, Biden administration officials hoped to nominate Mingus but ultimately decided to leave the decision to the incoming administration, officials familiar with the issue said. A person familiar with Minguss thinking said they told him he was their choice.

Several officials familiar with the issue said Mingus may have lost out on the Central Command job because of his association with retired Gen. Mark A. Milley, the influential former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff whom Trump and Hegseth have repeatedly cast as a political adversary.

Admirers of Milley, who retired in 2023, have commended the brash Boston-area native for playing a leading role in guiding the military through Trumps tumultuous first term, while critics have accused him of violating Trumps trust by discussing the presidents behavior with journalists and describing him as a fascist to the core once in retirement. Hegseths team took action against Milley in January, suspending his security clearance, revoking his security detail and ordering the Pentagons inspector general to review his behavior as the Pentagons top general. Administration officials also had Milleys official portrait taken down at the Pentagon.

While Mingus has steered clear of politics, he served as director of operations for Milleys Joint Staff from October 2020 to June 2022 and director of the Joint Staff from June 2022 to January 2024. Mingus was promoted to four-star general last year and became vice chief of staff of the Army, the services No. 2 post. He now expects to serve in that position for at least another year and then retire, officials said. A person familiar with his thinking said that he always believed that his current position could be his last one, and he is happy to serve in that role.

Other people familiar with the deliberations said Hegseths recommendation of Cooper was not made because of Minguss association with Milley.

It was not immediately clear why Hegseth favors Cooper over Mingus, but the generals time on the Joint Staff coincided with the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. The time period marked a low for both the Biden administration and the 20-year war, with U.S. troops undertaking a chaotic evacuation in which the U.S. military airlifted more than 120,000 people to safety from a single commercial runway.

The operation was marked by scenes of violence that included civilians, desperate to flee the Taliban, overrunning the airport in Kabul; an errant drone strike in which U.S. forces killed 10 civilians; and an Islamic State bombing that killed 13 U.S. troops and about 170 Afghans on the outskirts of the airport.

Hegseth has promised repeatedly that there will be accountability in the Pentagon over the fall of Afghanistan, without clarifying what that means. Most senior officers involved at the time, including Milley and Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth Frank McKenzie, who oversaw the withdrawal as the head of Central Command, have since retired.

During last years presidential campaign, Trump leveraged the fall of Afghanistan repeatedly to attack Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who replaced Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket in July. Harris and her supporters countered that Trumps negotiations and deal with the Taliban in 2020 promising to withdraw all troops by May 2021 left Biden with few good options and set in motion the later crisis.

U.S. military officials, including Milley, have defended their actions through the fall of Afghanistan, noting that the Biden administration did not accept the Pentagons recommendation to keep a force of about 1,500 troops in Afghanistan to buttress the U.S.-backed government in Kabul. Several commanders involved at the time later voiced exasperation with Biden administration officials, saying it did not appear they all understood the gravity of the situation in summer 2021 as the Taliban began to seize control of cities across the country.
The U.S. Capitol seen through a window of the Cannon House Office Building. (Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  The House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday advanced legislation that would invest $150 billion in shipbuilding, a layered missile defense shield and other defense priorities as part of a Republican plan to enact President Donald Trumps agenda.

The panel voted 35-21 in favor of the bill. It requires the Pentagon to spend the additional funds by October 2034, including nearly $9 billion on renovations to barracks and unaccompanied housing, allowance increases and other quality-of-life improvements for service members.

The bulk of the legislation focuses on boosting the militarys capabilities.

It would provide $34 billion to increase the Navys fleet and expand capacity at shipyards, $25 billion to develop a Golden Dome system that could defend the U.S. from ballistic missiles that travel at hypersonic speeds, and $20 billion to develop and acquire munitions.

The time for this level of investment is long overdue, said Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala. We are currently at the lowest level of defense spending as a percentage of GDP since before World War II. Thats unacceptable. And it must change.

The measure represents a portion of a massive Republican legislative package tackling immigration enforcement, energy provisions for oil and gas production, the extension of Trumps 2017 tax cuts, and domestic spending reductions.

Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman the House Armed Services Committee, attends a hearing on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, about increases to defense spending. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



Republicans are pushing the bill through Congress using the reconciliation process, which will allow them to bypass Democratic opposition and pass the legislation with a simple majority vote.

Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the top Democrat on the committee, said he would not support the overall bill, which is projected to add trillions to the deficit and cut into safety-net programs such as Medicaid, and could not trust the Pentagons leadership with an additional $150 billion.

They have not even begun to prove that there is a chance in hell that they will spend this money intelligently, efficiently and effectively, he said. Secretary [Pete] Hegseth has proven himself to be completely incapable of doing the job of secretary of defense.

Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., a former Marine Corps officer, said he wouldnt trust Hegseth with $20.

We should not give him a $150 billion blank check, he said.

Democrats took turns Tuesday criticizing Hegseth for sharing sensitive information on unsecured platforms, purging top staff and presiding over a Defense Department that has banned books and removed photographs in a bid to wipe out all mentions of race and gender.

The fact that Secretary Hegseth is spending precious time, energy and resources on erasing the history and diversity of our great nation instead of on critical readiness or taking seriously the handling of sensitive national security information only serves to set us back, said Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md.

Elfreth introduced an amendment to prohibit the censorship or destruction of historical artifacts and documents without an expert review but it failed to pass the committee.

Democrats put forward about 20 amendments to take digs at Hegseth and express their frustration with the Trump administration. The proposals included reducing Hegseths salary to $1, putting him through a managerial training program, blocking money for a makeup studio for Hegseth at the Pentagon, and preventing the rumored consolidation of certain combatant commands.

All were shot down.

Republicans lauded the legislation that they crafted as a historic effort to modernize the military after what they said was years of underinvestment. They also said the bill would strengthen deterrence against China, Russia, Iran and North Korea and revive an atrophied defense industrial base.

About $20 billion would be spent on restocking munitions and expanding the domestic production and refinement of rare earth and critical minerals that are primarily sourced from China and used to build fighter jets, submarines and other weapons.

The bill notably allocates billions to accelerate the deployment of low-cost drones, Rogers said.

These unmanned air, surface and underwater systems are the key to victory on future battlefields, he said. I am pleased we are making such a significant investment in them today.

Other spending would include $11 billion to provide more resources to the Indo-Pacific Command, $7 billion to acquire and modernize aircraft, and $5 billion to pay for the militarys role in helping the Department of Homeland Security secure the U.S.-Mexico border.

The $9 billion earmarked for service members and their families would pay for housing renovations, provide supplemental payments of basic housing allowances, extend eligibility for the temporary lodging expense allowance from 14 to 21 days, and expand various programs for education, child care and professional licenses.

As the markup of the legislation concluded Tuesday, Smith issued a statement chastising the committees Republican members for failing to engage with the hourslong discussion. The only Republican who spoke was Rogers, the chairman.

They didnt even try to defend what Trump and Hegseth are doing at the [Defense Department] and to our national security. Maybe thats because they know it is not defensible, Smith said. And worse, they seem completely uninterested in doing their jobs as members of this committee  exercising oversight of the Department of Defense. They have outsourced that job to Elon Musk.

Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, makes his opening remarks on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at a hearing to discuss increases to defense spending. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



Republican committee members stuck with social media to voice their support for the legislation.

Washingtons complacency has left America weaker and our adversaries stronger, Republican Pat Harrigan of North Carolina, a former Green Beret, wrote on X. Today, [House Armed Services Committee Republicans] are rebuilding what matters: new ships, stronger missile defense, a revitalized military, and the industrial base to sustain it.
An F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet on April 1, 2025, prepares for launch on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman during flight operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy)



WASHINGTON  American forces have hit more than 1,000 Houthi targets in Yemen as part of a campaign that began in March to stop attacks by the militants on the shipping lanes of the Red Sea, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

Since March 15, strikes conducted by U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, have killed Houthi fighters and leaders and degraded their capabilities, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement to mark the first 100 days of the Defense Department during President Donald Trumps second administration.

The latest number is an increase from a CENTCOM statement issued Sunday that said U.S. forces have struck more than 800 targets. Dubbed Operation Rough Rider, the strikes have also taken out multiple command-and-control facilities, air defense systems, weapons storage and production sites.

Pentagon officials have said the strikes will continue against the Houthis until the militants halt attacks on military and merchant vessels transiting shipping lanes in and near the Red Sea. Trump has also threatened to go after their backers in Iran if the maritime attacks dont stop.

The operation has been conducted by an assembly of forces that includes the strike groups of two aircraft carriers  the USS Harry S. Truman and USS Carl Vinson.

For years, the Houthis have targeted ships transiting Egypts Suez Canal, one of the worlds most used shipping routes because it bridges the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea. But in the past year, the Houthis have ramped up their attacks, in what they call acts of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel has been at war with Hamas militants, another Iranian ally.

Former President Joe Biden began strikes against the Houthis in January 2024 in a bid to break the groups attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
The national network of more than 150 state veterans homes would benefit from greater oversight from the Department of Veterans Affairs and follow-up checks to ensure compliance with annual VA inspections, a government watchdog agency said. (Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  The national network of more than 150 state veterans homes would benefit from greater oversight from the Department of Veterans Affairs and follow-up checks to ensure compliance with annual VA inspections, a government watchdog agency said Tuesday.

The multiple layers of state and federal compliance reviews in place for state veterans homes  and their effectiveness  were examined at a hearing of the House Veterans Affairs Committees subpanel on health oversight, which included recommendations from the Government Accountability Office for improving compliance.

Reviews include inspections by the VA, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and many of the states where the homes are located.

Sharon Silas, director of health care at the Government Accountability Office, testified about a newly published GAO report on opportunities for the VA to improve oversight of state veterans homes.

The VA paid about $1.5 billion for care at state veterans homes in fiscal 2023. The agency offsets some costs for care for eligible veterans.

There are more than 30,000 beds at state veterans homes, accounting for half of the VA-supported, long-term care for veterans.

We found that VA officials did not have a process for following up with state veterans homes about accepted corrective action plans, which are required for all deficiencies cited during a VA inspection, Silas said.

State veterans homes care for an older population  85 and older  compared to other nursing homes for veterans, according to the National Association of State Veterans Homes.

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, chairwoman of the subcommittee, said there is an increasing demand on state veterans homes as more Vietnam War veterans require institutional care.

About 50% of veterans in the U.S. are 65 or older, according to the census. But the largest group of older veterans  5.5 million  served during the Vietnam era.

The homes offer lower-cost care compared to the private sector, according to the state veterans homes association. The rate for skilled nursing care at a state veterans home is $262 a day compared to $424 in private sector nursing homes.

Its clear that the state home program provides significant value to VA in meeting their obligations to the men and women who served, said Ed Harries, the association president.

To receive reimbursements from the VA, the homes must meet standards for quality of care, infection control and other areas, according to the GAO. Homes that fail to meet the standards can be cited for deficiencies.

The VA provides per diem payments and offers grants to homes for developing, remodeling and modifying veterans homes.

Studies and statistics continue to indicate that state veterans homes, on average, are safer, have higher quality ratings, and receive fewer substantiated complaints and citations compared to community nursing homes, Harries said.

Miller-Meeks asked whether state veterans homes could benefit from construction grants to develop on-site adult day care facilities.

Harries said he sees the need for adult day care. Under a medical model, with skilled nurses on staff, adult day care could offer daily assessments of residents and remove the isolation that can lead to depression and suicide among elderly veterans, he said.

Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Calif., asked how significant Medicaid cuts considered by President Donald Trumps administration would affect operations at state veterans homes. House Republicans discussed a plan to scale-back federal funds for Medicaid in a closed-door meeting late Monday, Politico reported.

That could have a big impact on us, Harries said, adding about 75% of residents at state veterans homes receive assistance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which is a joint federal and state program providing health coverage for the elderly as well as for low-income individuals, families and certain groups.

The GAO report also recommended the VA strengthen oversight of the nursing homes to ensure standards for quality are met.

The VA contracts with private vendors to handle annual inspections. The VA also conducts for-cause inspections after a complaint about a facility is made or the facility itself files a report.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which also conducts its own inspections, has a range of penalties for noncompliance, according to the GAO report. These include fines levied for each day of noncompliance with standards, denial of payment for newly admitted veterans, mandated staff training and on-site monitoring.

The VA can opt to withhold per diem payments to state veterans homes with serious problems, according to the GAO.

But having a range of enforcement actions could help VA tailor its enforcement for the scope and severity of deficiencies identified, Silas said.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks to reporters about the establishment of the New Mexico National Defense Area along the southern border near Santa Teresa, N.M., on April 25, 2025. (Michael Graf/U.S. Army)



AUSTIN, Texas  Troops patrolling a new military zone at the U.S. border with Mexico have yet to detain anyone, even as federal charges move forward against more than two dozen migrants for illegally entering the strip of land in New Mexico.

Service members on April 21 were granted the authority to detain and search people for entering the 170-square-mile area that is now considered Army property, according to U.S. Northern Command, the combatant command overseeing the deployment of about 6,600 troops across the entire southwest border. Troops can also render medical treatment to anyone found in distress.

To date, Joint Task Force Southern Border has not detained any unauthorized trespassers within the New Mexico National Defense Area, said Army Maj. Geoffrey Carmichael, spokesman for the joint task force. Whether U.S. citizens or not, those apprehended for trespassing (or committing other criminal offenses) on the military installation will be transferred over to appropriate non-[Defense Department] law enforcement authorities.

It is not clear who made the arrests in the military zone, but Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday during his visit to the border that troops were working with Department of Homeland Security agencies to arrest migrants, according to a Washington Post report.

Service members remain in close partnership with Customs and Border Protection for patrols of the border, Carmichael said. Outside of the zone, troops do not have authorization to conduct law enforcement. Instead, they support federal immigration agents with monitoring and detection of potential illegal activity.

The military zone is about 60 feet wide and stretches across New Mexicos border with Mexico. The Department of the Interior handed ownership of the federal land to the Defense Department for the next three years, according to the Pentagon. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll put it under the authority of Fort Huachuca in Arizona.

The federal land, known as the Roosevelt Reservation, does stretch into Arizona, but no land outside of New Mexico has been transferred to the Defense Department so far. An order signed by President Donald Trump would allow for this.

U.S. Soldiers, from 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, assigned to Joint Task Force  Southern Border, conduct a patrol of the southern border near Santa Teresa, N.M., April 13, 2025. Under the direction of U.S. Northern Command, Joint Task Force  Southern Border aligns efforts to seal the southern border and repel illegal activity and is responsible for full-scale, agile, and all-domain operations, which will allow for more effective and efficient DoD operations. (U.S. Army)



The 28 migrants detained were charged Monday in U.S. District Court in Las Cruces, N.M., for crossing into the area, according to the Post.

The court records for the migrants did not offer many details, the Post reported. However, each has the defense-related charge that migrants willfully violated the order issued on April 18, 2025, by the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Huachuca military commander designating the New Mexico National Defense Areas, also known as the Roosevelt Reservation, as both a restricted area and a controlled area under Army Regulation 190-13, which prohibits unauthorized entry.

This is Department of Defense property, Hegseth said when he visited the area. Any illegal [attempt] to enter that zone is entering a military base  a federally protected area. You will be detained. You will be interdicted by U.S. troops and border patrol working together.

To prepare for patrols in the zone, troops participated in training on how to temporarily apprehend trespassers, Carmichael said.

This training prepares our personnel to operate under the authorities to prevent unauthorized access and to detect and deter potential security threats to maintain security, order, and discipline, which may include apprehending those who enter without authorization, he said.

The Army also began installing signs and barriers to inform and deter potential trespassers, said Capt. Victoria Goldfedib, an Army spokeswoman.

During Hegseths visit, he held one of these signs up to show troops that each states in English and Spanish that the area is under U.S. military jurisdiction.

Military deployments to support Customs and Border Protection first began in 2018 during Trumps first term and continued under former President Joe Biden with about 2,500 National Guard at the border at the end of his administration.

When Trump returned to office in January, he ordered active-duty forces to the mission. So far, more than 4,000 have deployed to the border  some with Stryker armored combat vehicles that use cameras able to monitor activity up to two miles away.

Those vehicles were only operating in Texas, the border task force said earlier this month.
ALBANY  The Assembly passed a bill Tuesday that would allow terminally ill people facing less than six months to live the right to doctor-prescribed medication to end their lives.

The Medical Aid in Dying bill, which has been introduced in Albany since 2016, passed 81 to 67. Only three Assembly members representing Western New York  Patrick Burke, D-Orchard Park, Karen McMahon, D-Williamsville, and Jonathan Rivera, D-Buffalo  voted for it. The other 10 members, including Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, D-Buffalo, and William Conrad, D-Tonawanda, voted against it.

Backers of the measure say it would allow people with incurable and irreversible illnesses or conditions to die with dignity. Opponents, which include the New York State Catholic Conference, called the bill a form of state-sanctioned suicide.

On Tuesday, as lawmakers traded arguments, some two dozen advocates for the bill watched the arguments from the gallery class in yellow shirts reading, Compassion & Choices. Care and Choice at the End of Life. The group included 21-year-old Ari Klein of Getzville, a University at Albany student whose grandfather, the late physician Bob Milch, co-founded Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo in 1978. Milch, a strong advocate for the bill, died in 2021 of cancer. The two had planned to go to Albany together to lobby for the bill.

I promised him before he died that I would help him try and get the bill passed, Klein said. Should the bill pass, he said, Im probably going to break down in tears.

The bill, sponsored by Assembly Member Amy Paulin, D-Scarsdale, and Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, D-Manhattan, would require the patient to submit a written request to their attending physician for the self-administered medication that would be witnessed by two adults. Neither of the witnesses can, among other distinctions, be related to the patient by blood, marriage, adoption or be entitled to any part of the patients estate upon their death.

Upon receiving the request, the attending doctor would examine the patient, confirm they have a terminal condition and are requesting it of their own free will, are mentally competent and not being coerced. A second doctor also must grant the approval.

Faced with a terminal diagnosis, when no curative treatment options exist, New Yorkers deserve the full range of options for care at the end of life, stated a memo attached to the legislation.

On Monday, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, D-Bronx, told reporters he would allow the proposal to receive a vote in the Assembly, which is usually tantamount to passing that house. He said the bill has gained in support from his membership over the years. He said he supports the legislation.

Ive known people, they feel like the end is near and they dont want to suffer, they dont want to put their families through it, Heastie said. Thats a personal decision for them. Im OK with that.

Every Republican member of the Assembly voted against it. That included Patrick Chludzinski, R-Cheektowaga; Paul Bologna, R-Clarence Center; Stephen Hawley, R-Batavia; Andrew Molitor, R-Westfield; Angelo Morinello, R-Niagara Falls; Joseph Sempolinski, R-Canisteo; David DiPietro, R-East Aurora, who voted virtually; and Andrea Bailey, R-Geneseo, whose district includes part of Wyoming County.

On Tuesday, Paulin argued on behalf of the bill as several lawmakers raised objections.

Peoples-Stokes, who said she has been adamantly opposed to the bill since its inception, told colleagues on the Assembly floor that she has watched several close relatives die. She said she could not imagine as many as six drugs being used to carry out the requests.

And I know that for a fact, that none of us are getting out of here alive, Peoples-Stokes said. At some point or the other, were all going to go. But I dont believe that there should be a combination of six drugs offered to someone to end their life. Im sorry for the suffering. Honestly, I know people sometimes suffer and I wish that they didnt have to and I wish that there were other ways for them not to suffer, to get through their illness. Maybe the science is not done on that.

Sempolinski, who represents all of Allegany and Cattaraugus counties, told colleagues: For the entirety of civilization, doctors sole role has been to promote, extend lives. And now youre taking that profession and asking it to do the exact opposite of the reason that it exists. And so when you try to pervert that and reverse that, it simply doesnt work.

Burke, a backer of the bill, told fellow lawmakers he grew up in a staunchly Catholic family and that he remembers, as an 11-year-old, his grandmother citing the Beatitudes blessings in the Bible.

It imprinted something on me  that this is a tough issue to talk about, Burke said. Its personal for all of us. Im sure most people in the room unfortunately have a very painful memory that we attribute to this discussion. I know I do.

Ten states and Washington, D.C., have enacted similar laws, according to supporters of the bill.

The bill would need to pass the Senate, where it remains in the Senate Health Committee.
Johnel Sullivan (34) was told by a judge the location near a playground and schools was not Mondello and his behaviour was outrageous.

Johnel Sullivan, charged with dangerous driving, was jailed for three months. Photo: Paddy Cummins.

A dangerous quad bike driver who rode around a public park and encouraged two young children on scramblers to follow him out onto the wrong side of a road has been jailed.

Johnel Sullivan (34) was told by a judge the location near a playground and schools was not Mondello and his behaviour was outrageous. Judge John Hughes sentenced him to three months in prison, with another one suspended, and banned him from driving for five years.

Sullivan, a father-of-three of Timbermill Apartments, Kilmore Road, Dublin 5 pleaded guilty to dangerous and uninsured driving on February 26 last year. Dublin District Court heard gardai were on duty at Belmayne Avenue, Coolock when they saw Sullivan driving a red quad bike near a playground in the park.

Two young children were with him at the time on scrambler bikes, driving around the green.

Johnel Sullivan, charged with dangerous driving, was jailed for three months. Photo: Paddy Cummins.

Sullivan signalled them to follow him out onto the road, where they drove on the right-hand side, against oncoming traffic. There were two schools in the area. He again signalled them to follow him and took off, leaving them behind but returned when the gardai were speaking to the children.

Sullivan had previous motoring convictions including three for uninsured driving. He accepted he should not have driven the way he did and apologised, his lawyer said.

He was working for a ferry company.

His behaviour was absolutely outrageous

Judge Hughes said it was a serious infringement of the Road Traffic Act and Sullivan had flouted the law on several occasions before.

I note this took place in a park where children were around playing, it was not Mondello, it was not a place appropriate for quad bikes, Judge Hughes said.

There were children there on scrambler bikes in his company, he was encouraging them, giving signals to follow his lead. His behaviour was absolutely outrageous.

Then he goes onto the road and drives on the wrong side of the road with the children in tow.

He said he took account of the fact that nobody was hurt.

I dont know how he thought this would end up in any other set of circumstances other than him going to jail, the judge added.
James Lawlor (44) was later seen on CCTV sitting in the A&E department at the Dublin hospital after carrying out the burglary at the Mater Hospital Foundation, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard

A man who registered at the Mater Hospital with a genuine medical issue left the A&E department, then broke into a hospital charity, stealing of 3,000 worth of items.

James Lawlor (44) was later seen on CCTV sitting in the A&E department at the Dublin hospital after carrying out the burglary at the Mater Hospital Foundation, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard.

He pleaded guilty to burglary on February 7, 2024, at the Mater Hospital Foundation. Lawlor with an address in Cavendish Row, Dublin 1, has 168 previous convictions including for burglary, theft, criminal damage and drugs offences.

The investigating garda told Aideen Collard BL, prosecuting, that Lawlor was released from custody a week before he committed this offence, having served a sentence of three years for burglary.

The Mater Hospital Foundation is a charity which supports the hospital's work through fundraising. Gardai received a report of a break-in at its offices in the early hours of February 7, 2024.

A basement window and two interior doors were damaged, costing approximately 380 to repair. Three laptops, an iPhone in its box, three headsets and bags had been taken, with a total value of 3736.50 for all items.

A screwdriver and Stanley knife were recovered at the scene.

CCTV from the hospital showed Lawlor registering as a patient at the A&E on the evening of February 6. This footage showed him leaving the A&E department and later gaining entry to the Mater Hospital Foundation building, which he was seen leaving an hour later carrying two bags.

He returned to the A&E, and in other footage - a laptop was visible from a bag. Lawlor was also examining the iPhone box.

He registered as a patient at the hospital using his own name and address. None of the property was recovered and no victim impact statement was provided to the court.

When interviewed by gardai, Lawlor denied any involvement in the burglary but identified himself on CCTV from the hospital. He said the bag belonged to a relative. He has been in custody since his arrest on February 11, 2024.

The investigating garda agreed with David Perry BL, defending, that his client checked into the hospital out of genuine medical need.

It was further accepted that the Mater Foundation's building was unoccupied at the time.

The garda agreed that Lawlor has a long history of addiction and many of his previous convictions relate to his use of drugs. Lawlor is married with children.

Mr Perry outlined his client's background to the court. Lawlor started to use drugs as a teenager.

Counsel said Lawlor has previously completed drug treatment and was drug-free for a three-year period. Lawlor relapsed following an injury and the death of a close family member.

Mr Perry said his client instructs that contact has been made with Coolmine Treatment Centre with the aim that he will attend residential treatment following his release from custody.

Counsel asked the court to take into account that the building was an unoccupied commercial premises and that no violence or confrontation occurred.

Judge Orla Crowe said it was aggravating that Lawlor committed this offence a week after being released from custody and that no property was recovered.

The judge said Lawlor's record of previous convictions, and the value of the property stolen were also aggravating.

Judge Crowe imposed a sentence of three years and nine months, suspending the final nine months for two years on strict conditions, saying the court wished to incentivise Lawlor's rehabilitation.

She directed Lawlor to place himself under the supervision of the Probation Services for 12 months following his release from custody, noting that structure would facilitate his re-integration into society.

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Evan Clarke (33) drove the car without a licence or insurance, crashing it into a Circle K car wash and eventually walking off and leaving the car stuck there

A man borrowed his friend's car and drove it the wrong way into a garage car wash, causing nearly 58,000 worth of damage, a court has heard.

Evan Clarke (33) drove the car without a licence or insurance, crashing it into a Circle K car wash and eventually walking off and leaving the car stuck there, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard yesterday.

Clarke, of Navan Road, Ashtown, Dublin, pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage, one count of driving without insurance and one count of driving without a driver's licence at Circle K, Hartstown, on November 10, 2019.

Evan Clarke

He has 41 previous convictions, including assault causing harm, theft and drug offences.

The damage to the car wash was so substantial that it had to be written off at a cost of 57,408, Garda Conor Newman told Caroline Cummings BL, prosecuting.

The court heard Clarke was driving the car containing three other passengers when he drove at speed into the car wash in the wrong direction.

The car got stuck on the rails and substantial damage was caused to the tracks and brush. A Circle K worker came out to help Clarke in the wake of the crash, but the car was stuck and Clarke and his three passengers eventually took their belongings and walked away from the scene.

Evan Clarke

Clarke was identified by gardai from CCTV footage of the incident, the court heard. When arrested, Clarke's right little finger print matched a print taken from the bonnet of the car, the court heard.

Karl Monahan BL, defending, said Clarke has significant addiction issues to drugs and alcohol. He started using cannabis from around the age of 10. He has serious mental health issues and has received psychiatric treatment. He also has diagnoses of ADHD and ASD, the court heard.

Evan Clarke

Mr Monahan said Clarke's parents are respectable people and very supportive of him. He is currently getting treatment for his addiction issues and engaging with the relevant services.

Judge Pauline Codd noted Clarke had started using drugs at an alarmingly young age. She said Clarke was very lucky to have such supportive parents.

She adjourned the matter to July 21 to allow the defence to get some updated reports.
The State argued that McMenamin, who has 33 previous convictions, is "someone who drives with disregard for the rights of other road users

A serial offending ex-Donegal GAA star who was banned from driving when he broke a red light and ran over a cyclist, causing injuries so severe she had to be placed into an induced coma, was released from an open prison after spending just nine months of his 21-month sentence in custody, the Court of Appeal has heard.

Kevin McMenamin (42) must now wait to hear whether his sentence for dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm will be increased on foot of an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The maximum sentence for the offence is 10 years.

The State argued yesterday that McMenamin, who has 33 previous convictions including those for drink driving and driving without insurance, is "someone who drives with disregard for the rights of other road users.

The sentencing court previously heard that McMenamin, from Church Town, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, was an "extremely talented athlete" who represented his county for three years in the national league and had trials for Aston Villa and Celtic.

McMenamin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm at the junction of Herbert Park Road and Morehampton Road in Ballsbridge.

On January 19, 2024 he was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan to 21 months in prison and was disqualified from driving for five years.

The sentencing hearing was told that on July 22, 2021 McMenamin broke a red light in Dublin 4 and made a sudden turn, colliding with a cyclist in her late sixties.

He was disqualified from driving at the time. The woman was trapped between the two sets of wheels on the truck and dragged for two metres before surrounding motorists alerted the truck-driver by sounding their horns. She spent nearly five months in hospital and underwent major surgery for her injuries, which included a broken pelvis and severe leg trauma.

The Court of Appeal heard that McMenamin was moved to an open prison after less than two months incarceration and was released from custody in October 2024 after applying for enhanced remission.

The former GAA star has 33 previous convictions, including numerous road traffic offences such as drink driving and driving without insurance. He was disqualified from driving for five years in March 2018 by Kilkenny District Court.

Appealing against the leniency of the 21-month sentence at the three-judge Court of Appeal , Jane Horgan-Jones BL, for the DPP, said the maximum custodial sentence available in respect of this offence was ten years.

It was dealt with at sentence as a case which was firmly in the lower range, she said. That, in my submission having considered all the factors, led the court into error.

She said McMenamin broke a red light when making a turn, failed to indicate whilst driving a heavy articulated vehicle in a built up, residential area and failed to notice the cyclist.

Ms Horgan-Jones said all of these factors fed into the serious nature of the incident and submitted this brought it out of the lower end of the range of sentences available for offending of this type.

This is an individual who is disqualified from driving and has elected to drive commercially for money, she said.

The judge had characterised the incident as a momentary lapse in concentration, the barrister said, going on to suggest that this assessment was incorrect given the series of errors that led to the accident taking place.

She highlighted the fact that the five-year driving ban imposed was just one year above the mandatory minimum disqualification of four years for an offence of this type.

Ms Horgan-Jones said the judge had identified driving whilst disqualified as the sole aggravating factor in the case.

She pointed to McMenamins previous convictions for road traffic offences and argued these would have been an aggravating factor in the case even if the respondent had not been disqualified at the time.

He is someone who drives with disregard for the rights of other road users, she said, adding McMenamin has numerous previous convictions including eight for driving without insurance and two for drink driving.

Ms Horgan-Jones also suggested the discount given for mitigating factors in the case, including McMenamins plea of guilty and work history, were simply too generous.

Oisin Clarke BL, representing McMenamin, argued the 21-month sentence did not represent an error and noted there were cases with worse aggravating features where lower or similar sentences were imposed.

One could not say that this is of such divergence that it would require this court to intervene, he said.

The barrister went on to note that the decision to turn was made in a second and was a momentary lapse in judgement. There was a line of traffic so it was highly unlikely McMenamin was going at speed at the time, he said.

Mr Clarke said he could not get away from McMenamins history of road traffic offending and the fact he was disqualified from driving at the time. However, he said these factors were referenced by the judge when imposing sentence.

The disqualification is a year more than the mandatory, so it was something the court took into consideration, he said, adding a five-year driving ban for someone who drives for a living was a significant amount of time.

Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said the court would reserve judgement in the case and deliver its decision on May 9, directing that McMenamin attend in person on that date.

A prosecuting garda told McMenamins sentencing hearing that the female cyclist was travelling home from town through Ballsbridge that afternoon when she noticed a large truck bouncing over speed bumps and going very fast. She approached the lights on Herbert Park Road, intending to go straight through the junction and was confident that she would get through the lights before they changed from amber to red. At the same time, witnesses described seeing the truck accelerating quickly and driving at an inappropriate speed along Herbert Park Road, before making a sudden left turn down Morehampton Road just after the lights turned red. Witnesses said the truck did not indicate before turning left. The cyclist was just ahead of the truck and was hit by the vehicle and trapped between its two sets of wheels.
My hope is that by making his crimes known to the public Eddie Lillis will never have the opportunity to harm another child.

Retired Defence Forces Member, Eddie Lillis jailed for three and a half years for sexually assaulting two girls in the 1980s. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Retired member of the Defence Forces, Eddie Lillis, has been unmasked as a depraved paedophile who preyed upon and sexually assaulted two little girls, forty years ago.

Lillis was jailed for three and a half years at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court after he denied sexually abusing the two girls, who were aged between three and eight, when he groomed and abused them, in the 1980s.

Judge Colin Daly lifted a court order restricting the media from identifying Lillis, (63), of Shannonvale, Old Cratloe Road, Limerick.

Shortly after Lillis sexually assaulted his first victim, Girl A, she told her mother what happened and gave a formal statement to Gardai, however the Director of Public Prosecutions, at the time, directed there was not enough evidence to prosecute Lillis.

Lillis went on to abuse Girl B, the court heard.

Retired Defence Forces Member, Eddie Lillis jailed for three and a half years for sexually assaulting two girls in the 1980s. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

However, four decades later, in 2020, after Girl A made another complaint and gardai received a separate complaint from Lillis second victim, Girl B, gardai re-investigated the case and the DPP ordered Lillis to face trial.

Lillis pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. Following his trial at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court he was convicted on four of the five charges, and the jury could not reach a decision on the fifth count.

In her victim impact statement which she read in court, Girl A stated: If Eddie Lillis had been held accountable when I made my original complaint, (Girl B) may have avoided his depraved actions.

My hope is that by making his crimes known to the public Eddie Lillis will never have the opportunity to harm another child.

Both women said they came forward to gardai to protect other little girls from Lillis, or indeed, any other paedophile.

They said they wanted to show other victims of historic sexual abuse that it is never too late to pursue justice.

Lillis, who was supported in court by some of his family said, through his barrister, that, despite him having contested the trial, he accepted the jurys decision.

Girl A stated that the heinous sex acts carried out on her by Lillis changed her from being a carefree, innocent six-year old little girl, to feeling confused and terrified.

The person who hurt me was someone who was supposed to protect and serve our community - Instead, he took advantage of my innocence and vulnerability.

I had never seen a mans penis before, and the thought and disgusting smell of his penis has stayed with me into adulthood and still makes me feel sick to my stomach.

Eddie Lillis jailed for three and a half years for sexually assaulting two girls in the 1980s. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Girl A, who was sexually assaulted by Lillis a few days prior her First Holy Communion, praised her parents who instantly believed me and brought me to make a statement to gardai.

She said she continued to struggle afterwards with anxiety knowing that there are many more Eddie Lilliss out there.

It has affected my family who felt helpless in bringing this pedophile to justice, I watched it have a devastating impact on my parents and siblings, she said.

The only reason I have put myself and my family through this is to keep other children safe from this man.

He is now a convicted paedophile, I am relieved that my allegations were finally taken seriously by the DPP and that (the defendant) is being held to account, Girl A concluded.

Girl B told the court that, Lilliss sexual assaults on her had warped her childhood, and that despite extensive and ongoing therapy, the psychological scars never go away.

Girl B said the abuse made her fearful for her own daughter and all little girls because of men like Edward Lillis, and that her fear for other children convinced her to come forward once and for all.

He (Lillis) maintained his innocence and put my family and I through the further trauma of a trial, he has never shown a midget of remorse.

Neither victim wished to be identified but they said they supported the court lifting reporting restrictions on identifying Lillis.

Lillis barrister, senior counsel, Anthony Salmon, asked Judge Colin Daly to take into account Lilliss service to the State, and his previous good character until his convictions caught up with him.

Jailing Lillis, Judge Daly said the married father of three, took advantage of his position of trust in the community to abuse the two children.
Richard Satchwell appeared in court on the third day of his trial wearing navy slacks, a white t-shirt and a cream shirt.

A garda sergeant told a murder trial he feared "something criminal had occurred" in relation to Tina Satchwell (45) two months after she vanished without trace in 2017.

Retired Garda Sgt John Sharkey told the Central Criminal Court murder trial of English truck driver Richard Satchwell (58) that he sought a search warrant for the home shared by the couple in Youghal, Co Cork in June - less than three months after Mr Satchwell claimed his wife had left their home without warning.

Sgt Sharkey was giving evidence on the third day of the murder trial in Dublin.

The trial has already heard that Mr Satchwell claimed to Gardai that his wife Tina attacked him with a chisel before she "went limp" after he tried to protect himself by holding her away from him with a belt, with her weight by the neck on the belt.

He placed her body in a chest freezer and then buried it in a grave he excavated under the stairwell of their Cork home.

Mr Satchwell, having placed Tina's body in black sheeting and then into the shallow 1m grave, covered it over with cement before notifying Gardai four days later that his wife was missing.

Her remains were only found six-and-a-half years later following a forensic and invasive search by Gardai of the Grattan Street property in October 2023.

Mr Satchwell appeared in court on the third day of his trial wearing navy slacks, a white t-shirt and a cream shirt.

The Leicester native has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife Tina at a time unknown on March 19-20, 2017, at his home at No 3 Grattan Street in Youghal, Co Cork, contrary to Common Law.

Sgt Sharkey said he became aware that Mr Satchwell had reported his wife as missing at Fermoy Garda Station on March 24, 2017.

Read more Richard Satchwell claimed wife Tina attacked him with chisel before she died, trial told

He had told gardai Tina had left home suddenly and without warning during difficulties in their relationship.

A formal missing person report was filed by Mr Satchwell to Gardai on May 11, 2017.

Sgt Sharkey said that this had effectively upgraded the Garda investigation.

"We monitored the situation. The hope was that Tina Satchwell would return home or come to notice in some form."

Tina Satchwell

"But as time passed our concern for the welfare of Tina Satchwell grew."

"In late May or early June (2017) having reviewed the evidence, I formed the opinion that something criminal may have occurred."

Sgt Sharkey went to Youghal District Court on June 2 and secured a search warrant.

On June 7, Gardai arrived at No 3 Grattan Street, Mr Satchwell's home, to conduct a search operation.

But when Gardai arrived, Mr Satchwell was not there - he was working up the country and was not in a position to return.

Gardai gained access to the property with the aid of a locksmith.

The search was conducted and a number of items were seized.

In cross-examination, Sgt Sharkey said he was not alone in having concerns by late May that something suspicious had happened to the 45-year-old woman.

"I suppose I was not alone...it would have been a corporate suspicion...that something untoward had happened to Tina Satchwell," he said.

Sgt Sharkey admitted he feared that this was "a criminal event."

Richard Satchwell

"It was a corporate decision (to search the house). The superintendent and detective inspector would have been at the meeting - but I agreed with the decision."

"It was an open search...it remained to be seen (what was found). It was a thorough, formal search - the services of the Garda search team was provided for that purpose."

He said he believed there were around 10 Gardai involved in the June 2017 search of the Youghal property.

The search of the house commenced at 7.30am and finished with luminol or tests for blood spatters at 7pm.

Sgt Sharkey said Gardai had conducted a major public appeal for information on Tina's whereabouts including social media, media and local inquiries.

The prosecution is led by Geraldine Small SC with Imelda Kelly BL.

Mr Satchwell's defence team is led by Brendan Grehan SC with Paula McCarthy BL, instructed by Cork solicitor Eddie Burke.

The prosecution argued that Mr Satchwell told detectives in October 2023 he came back into the house from undertaking plumbing work in the shed at 9am on March 20, 2017, and saw Tina scraping plaster off the wall at the bottom of the stairs with a chisel.

"He asked her what she was doing," Ms Small said.

"She (Tina) flies at him with the chisel. He loses his footing and falls backwards onto the ground."

Tina then lands on him.

"She is on top of him and trying to stab him in the head with the chisel. All he could do to protect himself....was to take a belt (to) her neck...he was effectively holding the weight of the deceased off him with the belt."

Ms Small said that Gardai were told that Tina then went limp above Mr Satchwell's arms.

He told Gardai he then realised his wife was dead.

Tina was taken to a chest freezer in a shed and stored there for two days.

Later, her body was wrapped in black plastic sheeting.

"He dug a grave (underneath the stairwell). The body was placed in black plastic sheeting and he put her into the grave. He then cemented over it."

The grave excavated under the stairs was three feet (1m) deep.

Ms Small said when Gardai discovered the remains almost seven years later they were very badly decomposed and partly skeletonised but still within the plastic.

The prosecutor said that Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster could not determine a cause of death from the post-mortem examination.

The trial was told that Mr Satchwell later offered the chest freezer for sale, at zero cost, via DoneDeal on March 31, 2017, despite having previously promised it to one of his wife's relatives.

In five statements to Gardai between May and July 2017, Mr Satchwell spoke of the volatile relationship with his wife.

"She wore the trousers in our relationship," he told Det Garda Aidan Dardis.

"I was a bit of a walkover. (Tina) would slap me about once a week. She would hit me with anything that came to hand."

"She took out her frustrations in life on me. I took her abuse. (Tina told me) I wasted 28 years of my life with you...I compromised myself. (She said) she had wasted her life with me."

Mr Satchwell claimed to Gardai that Tina had given him a black eye and had also drawn blood and left bruises with some of her blows over the years.

"I believe Tina has some undiagnosed psychiatric condition. There is an extensive history of bipolar disorder and psychiatric difficulties in Tina's family."

"I don't believe she is a danger to herself. Tina is too vain. Tina is in love with herself, Mr Satchwell said.

"Prior to moving to Youghal she would say she hated me - then minutes later she would be in my arms saying she loved me. I never, ever hit Tina. I was besotted with Tina. I would give my life for Tina. I built my life around her."

"She is my life. I have considered suicide over this (Tina's disappearance). I am destroyed by this. I just want Tina back."

"I gave up my whole family for her. She is my world."

The murder trial, before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of seven women and five men, is expected to conclude before June 6.

The jury was told that almost 100 witnesses are set to be called.
Judge Finnegan was told Ruth Oburus decision to reoffend had come out of desperation

A judge has branded a woman with over 130 convictions a borderline Kleptomaniac after she walked into a supermarket to commit her 108th theft offence just days after securing temporary release from prison.

Ruth Oburu (35) Lodge View, Cootehill, Cavan was sent back to prison by Judge Raymond Finnegan at a sitting of Monaghan District Court to begin a five month sentence for a shoplifting offence at Foys SuperValu, Market Street, Cootehill, Cavan on April 27.

Ruth Oburu had over 130 previous convictions to her name when she walked into a Cavan supermarket to carry out a shoplifting offence just days after securing temporary release from prison.

Oburu, the court heard, walked into the supermarket to steal toiletries and groceries amounting to 20 in an offence her defence barrister Sarah Brennan BL confided had come just seven days after she had been granted temporary release from the womens Dochas Centre.

Ms Brennan hinted at how Oburus release from her incarceration had come from ongoing capacity issues within the confines of Ireland's largest female prison.

She received a four month sentence and goes into the Dochas, its overcrowded and then they release her on full TR, she said, while revealing Oburus release had come seven days earlier.

Ms Brennan said one of the conditions of her release had centred on directions for Oburu to return to reside with her partner in the north-east Cavan town.

Ruth Oburu was described by Judge Raymond Finnegan as being a "borderline kleptomanic" after she admitted to carrying out her 108th theft related offence at a Cavan based supermarket.

Judge Finnegan was told Oburus decision to reoffend had come out of desperation owing to difficulties her partner had been encountering alongside her own monetary issues.

Her partner was experiencing female issues and the theft is of feminine products as she had no money, she said. She went down to Foys and it (theft) is referred to as toiletries and grocery items.

Ms Brennan explained how Oburu was now facing having to serve the vast bulk of a four-month sentence which had previously been imposed on Oburu for an unrelated matter, thereby effectively nullifying her chances of availing of temporary release in the future.

She has obviously put herself in breach of TR because one of the conditions is that she be of good behaviour and I cant imagine she will be eligible for TR again so she will serve that sentence, she added.

Judge Finnegan, however, replied saying that outcome was not guaranteed given the revolving door approach that has gripped Irelands prison system as a consequence of overcrowding concerns.

In drawing her address to the court to a close, Ms Brennan implored Judge Finnegan to do the best you can for her by not extending her time behind bars any further.

Ruth Oburu was sentenced to five months in prison by Judge Raymond Finnegan.

That premise, she argued, was also grounded on her clients very cooperative and compliant manner with gardai during her detention.

She is a lady by her own admission would have had a very extensive drug problem, added Ms Brennan, who expressed her own surprise at Oburus own revelation that she was currently on a methadone programme to kick her drug habit.

I was very surprised to hear she is even on methadone as she presents so well and she is giving clean urines, she added, while revealing Oburus own contention that she had never previously benefitted from community service.

Ruth Oburu outside Monaghan Courthouse.

Judge Finnegan countered that argument, saying he very much doubted the accused had never formerly been accommodated in that respect as he called into question how a woman of Oburus age could have racked up such an eye-watering criminal record.

Sure, with that sort of previous she is a borderline kleptomaniac, thats madness he replied, when informed by Sgt Lisa McEntee that 107 of Oburus 136 previous convictions had stemmed from theft related offences.

Judge Finnegan consequently convicted and sentenced Oburu to five months in prison, insisting that tariff represented a substantial reduction on what she would otherwise be facing as a result of her cooperation while in custody.
Balbriggan man Keith Daly (31) has 55 previous convictions

A garda who was injured by a man resisting arrest said he was attacked with no regard for my safety or life.

Garda Sergeant Wes Kenny read a victim impact statement at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court during the sentencing of Keith Daly (31).

Daly, of Dun Saithne Crescent, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a peace officer and one of possession of cannabis for sale or supply on January 26, 2021, at Killakee Road, Rathfarmham.

Daly has 55 previous convictions including for assaulting members of An Garda Siochana, making a threat towards a garda, drugs offences, burglary and theft.

Keith Daly

In his impact statement, Sgt Kenny said his finger was forcibly bent and injured in the course of his duties.

He said he was in no doubt that it was not an accident and said Daly attacked me with no regard for my safety or life.

Sgt Kenny said he developed a heightened fear in certain situations and afterwards understood the psychological toll on victims of crime.

Garda Natasha McAleese told Pieter Le Vert BL, prosecuting yesterday that she was on patrol in an official garda van with Sgt Kenny when they noticed a car driving on Killakee Road at around 11.10pm.

The car attracted their attention as Covid-19 5km travel restrictions were in place at the time. They stopped the car and spoke to the driver.

Daly was a passenger in this car, and said he was from Balbriggan. After the officers pointed out the men were more than 5km from Balbriggan, Daly became agitated, telling gardai to stop hassling us.

Sgt Kenny went to the passenger side, where Daly opened the door in an aggressive fashion.

He then asked why they were being hassled and was asked to stop using profanities. After getting out of the car, Daly lifted his shirt, shouting: I've nothing f***ing on me.

Sgt Kenny noticed a number of plastic bags poking out of Daly's tracksuit bottoms, and began to caution him.

Daly took bags from his trousers and started to throw them away. Sgt Kenny's finger was injured while Daly attempted to evade arrest.

Keith Daly

There was a struggle, during which Sgt Kenny was thrown to the ground. Daly then fled the scene.

A bag containing cannabis was taken from Daly by Sgt Kenny during the struggle. Two small bags of cannabis were also dropped by Daly with 3,445 in cash found beside the passenger side of the door.

Sgt Kenny was later treated in hospital for the injury to his finger.

The court heard that 9.6g of cannabis, valued at 192 was found.

Daly was identified and a print matching him found on a bag of drugs. His home was also searched in April 2021 as part of the investigation.

When interviewed, Daly denied any wrongdoing and said he was at home in bed. Daly claimed his account had been hacked when messages between him and his partner from that night asking how he was going to get home were put to him.

In his victim impact statement, Sgt Kenny said he was shocked by the deliberateness of Daly's actions. It genuinely makes me question how easily my life could be put at risk while doing my job.

He said his mental health had been affected and he has since taken a different career path within the force.

Defence counsel expressed her client's remorse, and apologised to Sgt Kenny for his actions that night.

Keith Daly

Gda McAleese agreed with defence counsel that 33 of Daly's previous convictions relate to when he was a juvenile.

It was further accepted that Daly had a difficult background, with his personal circumstances outlined to the court by counsel.

Daly has two children and his partner was in court to support him.

She suggested while her client had a difficult and sad start in life, but is now working and living a pro-social life.

Counsel said her client instructs he fell into drug use at an early age and at the time of this incident, there were issues with cannabis.

Judge Orla Crowe said this was an unusual case, with some features which warrant a custodial sentence.

The judge noted the defence's submissions that Daly has turned his life around and said the court would direct a probation report to assess his risk of re-offending.

She adjourned the case to July for finalisation.
News / Africa

by Emmanuel Koro

About the writer: Emmanuel Koro is an award-winning environmental journalist based in Johannesburg, focusing on environmental and developmental issues in Africa.



When you enter Southern African hunting communities involved with international hunting and talk to the local residents, you soon discover their win-win co-existence with wildlife.This has been the experience of this writer for many years during field interviews with international hunting communities.This month, he interviewed the Caprivi Strip-based hunting communities' representatives, right in the heart of the Zambezi Region where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe share borders.The area is teeming with wildlife.When international hunting was introduced there in the late 1990s, it completely changed the villagers' lives for the better.The lives of the Bamunu Conservancy in the Zambezi Region of Namibia, have been totally transformed for the better, since the introduction of international in the late 1990s.Ms. Rejoice Manga Mani, a resident and manager of the Bamunu Conservancy, said that international hunting has brought electricity to five villages so far."Even though we are still in the first phase, most of our communities have received electricity," she said.Previously, the area was plunged into darkness when night fell. Almost everything fell silent except the sounds of roaming wildlife.Now families can move freely and happily in and around their homesteads.Schoolchildren can study at night, creating the potential to improve their academic achievements.This in turn creates opportunities to improve their standard of living when they later use their academic qualifications to become gainfully employed.Income from international hunting has also funded the drilling of boreholes, making clean drinking water readily available, which is essential for both villagers and wildlife's survival.This interdependence illustrates a win-win beneficial relationship between wildlife and residents.Also, in the Caprivi Strip right inside the Zambezi region, the Salambala Conservancy, managed by Mr. Livanda Fabian and has great international hunting benefits.The villagers from the Conservancy are enjoying wide-ranging benefits from international hunting income support, including construction of schools, boreholes, bursaries for school children to do further studies and anti-poaching activities.Mr Levanda emphasised that the international hunting income is shared with the community, with 50% allocated for capital projects and 50% for conservation related costs.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Jordan Ryan (28) bought a car on finance and put it up for sale when he was unable to keep up repayments

A man who sold a car without telling the buyer about the finance on it has been handed a suspended sentence.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Jordan Ryan (28) bought a car on finance and put it up for sale when he was unable to keep up repayments. He later sold the car to the injured party for 13,700, without telling him about the finance.

Ryan, of Edenmore Avenue, Coolock, Dublin 5, pleaded guilty to making a gain or causing a loss to another by deception on February 9, 2023 in Blanchardstown.

After the injured party decided to sell the car a few months later, he put it up for sale online and later met a third party about selling it

This third party revealed he worked for a finance company and that there was a significant amount of unpaid finance on this car. He told the injured party that the finance company had title over the car because of this unpaid finance.

Ryan told gardai when interviewed that he had missed two repayments, and tried unsuccessfully to set up a repayment plan, but was told the car was going to be repossessed.

Ryan said he had no way to contact the injured party. But the court was told that the injured party later contacted Ryan once the offence came to light and Ryan paid 2,500 to him.

The defendant admitted he should have told the injured party about the finance and expressed remorse, adding that he had addiction and gambling issues at the time.

Ryan has since paid a further 10,000 to the injured party.

In a victim impact statement read to the court by Simon Matthews BL, the injured party said he lost his second job, which caused financial difficulties for him and his family.

He said his primary job was also affected due to the stress and the loss of a car.

The investigating garda agreed with David Fleming BL, defending, that Ryan made full admissions when interviewed.

It was further accepted that Ryan has several minor previous convictions for road traffic offences but is not otherwise on the garda radar.

The garda also agreed with Mr Fleming's suggestion that this action appeared to be out of character for Ryan.

Mr Fleming said his client apologised unreservedly for his actions and acknowledges it was a very sneaky thing to do.

Ryan did not think ahead or consider the possible impact on the injured party. Counsel added that Ryan was robbing Peter to pay Paul and was blinded to the realities of life at the time.

Counsel outlined his client's background, including work history and mental health issues. A number of letters were handed to the court.

Ryan's intention to repay the injured party in full was hampered by issues in his personal life, including a personal tragedy, counsel said, acknowledging that his client's personal difficulties did not excuse his actions.

Judge Elva Duffy said it appeared that Ryan had been very much blind to the realities of life as a result of mental health, addiction and other issues in his life.

She noted the reality is that if someone carries out this type of offending, a custodial sentence may be imposed, adding that a person cannot use their own personal situation to put someone else in a position they never asked for.

The judge noted that the third party from the finance company engaged in some form of ruse, describing it as strange.

She suggested the finance company may wish to think about the manner they approach individuals noting that the injured party here was a genuinely innocent party who bought the car in good faith.

She noted that the injured party is still at a loss of 1,200 and the significant impact on his life beyond the financial consequences.

The judge said she had considered Ryan's circumstances, adding that personal difficulties never excuse or allow someone to behave in a way that causes huge harm to innocent parties.

Judge Duffy imposed an 18-month sentence on Ryan, suspended in full on strict conditions including that 2,000 is to be paid to the injured party within six months.
Javier Goimil said Keith Byrne decided: Youre mine or youre nobodys and strangled his girlfriend to death

A SPANISH prosecutor rubbished Irish mum-of-one Kirsty Wards alleged killers court claim she took her own life at the end of his murder trial today.

Javier Goimil said Keith Byrne decided: Youre mine or youre nobodys and strangled his girlfriend to death when she told him she was ending their eight-month relationship.

He accused the 34-year-old former soldier from Duleek, Co Meath, of concocting his suicide story after being told he could spend most of the next three decades behind bars.

The domestic violence specialist, prosecuting on behalf of the Spanish state, reiterated his demand Byrne should face 21 years in jail if convicted of killing his partner at the four-star Magnolia Hotel in the popular Costa Dorada resort of Salou.

And Estela Cortes, a lawyer acting for the dead womans family, confirmed she still wanted the alleged killer jailed for 30 years on conviction after hearing all the evidence against him in open court at the week-long trial in the nearby city of Tarragona.

Keith Byrne and Kirsty Ward

Byrne branded Kirsty as a monster whose cocaine and alcohol abuse made her become four people in a day in a character assassination from the stand yesterday as he testified for the first time in open court but only answered questions from his defence lawyer.

He claimed he had found the 36-year-old Dubliner cold and purple with a hotel hair straightener power cord around her neck and attached to the inside of their room door knob.

Mr Goimil said in his closing speech to the nine-strong jury forensic evidence showed Kirsty had been strangled from behind between 8pm and 10pm on July 2 2023 after incapacitating herself with alcohol and cocaine

He told the court: Byrne has adapted his version of events of what happened in that timeframe nearly two years on in accordance with the evidence hes learnt there is against him.

Hes saying Kirsty tied a cable round her neck and attached it to the door knob but in the state she was in it would have been impossible for her to do that and theres nothing showing there was a knot in the cable.

Whats occurred here is a violent and painful death, a strangulation from behind where someone is pulling from the front to the back. This was not a suicide."

He added: She didnt leave a note for her son or her siblings or her mum and whats more she had bought a plane ticket back to Dublin for July 4.

Kirstys relationship with Byrne was very toxic, very intense and very emotional.

She decided to end it during the week they stayed at the hotel in Salou and her partner couldnt accept that decision.

His mindset at that moment was: Or youre mine or youre nobodys. You, woman, are no-one to say youre going to detach yourself from me the man and have your own independent life.

That was why he killed her the way he did.

The Magnolia Hotel in Salou where Kirsty was killed

Insisting the amount of alcohol Kirsty had drunk before being killed would have impacted significantly on her ability to defend herself, Mr Goimil said: She might have wanted to move her arm and she wouldnt have been able to do so.

Kirsty might have wanted to free the cable Byrne was pulling tight around her neck and couldnt.

She might have wanted to run out of that hotel room she was trapped in and wouldnt have been able to.

Kirstys mum Jackie Ward described Byrne as someone she didnt like and didnt trust on day one of the trial last Wednesday and said she had found out after her daughters death she had planned to leave him during their make or break holiday.

She was asked as she gave evidence whether she thought her daughter, whose son Evan was 14 when she died, could have committed suicide but replied angrily: She did everything for her son. She would never ever leave him. She would never do that to him.

Jurors are due to start deliberating their verdict at the start of next week after the May 1 Bank Holiday. Byrnes defence lawyer Jordi Cabre is seeking his clients acquittal.

Jackie Ward described her daughter after her death as a fantastic friend to her parents and an absolutely adored daughter.

She told the congregation at the Church of John the Evangelist in Ballinteer, Dublin in July 2023 that she had been an amazing mum to Evan, saying: The two of them were an amazingly strong and tight team and I hope to continue the great work she has done.

To me she was a fantastic friend and an absolutely adored daughter to myself and John. She was a caring sister, a cherished granddaughter and much loved niece and cousin. A loyal and true friend.

An online fundraising appeal Kirstys family launched before the trial to help fund their legal costs has so far raised more than EUROS 30,000.
Ukrainian businesswoman Iryna Bandarieva and Ihor Shandar were caught red-handed at Dublin Airport's Terminal, gardai claim

A Ukrainian travel agent and her husband remain in custody after allegedly attempting to smuggle 340,000 out of Ireland for a criminal organisation three weeks ago.

Gardai claim that businesswoman Iryna Bandarieva, 69, and Ihor Shandar, 60, were caught red-handed at Dublin Airport's Terminal 1 on April 10 and are awaiting directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

They were refused bail at Dublin District Court two days after the arrest and charged with money laundering offences.

They have lodged High Court bail applications, which will be heard next week.

They appeared again at the District Court today and were remanded in continuing custody by Judge Maire Conneely to appear again on May 28.

Iryna Bandarieva

It follows a joint investigation by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Revenue.

The couple with an address in Betova, Kiev, Ukraine, face duplicate charges under section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, which carries a maximum 14-year sentence on conviction.

They are accused of possessing 340,000 in crime proceeds but deny the allegations.

With the help of a translator, the businesswoman told the court the money was from their life savings. "My husband and I are planning to challenge this case in court. We have documents to prove the source of the money is legit".

Objecting to bail at their first hearing on April 12, Detective Vincent Jaffray and Kate Gilligan had told Judge Anthony Halpin that the GNDOCB received confidential information about a transnational crime group involved in money laundering and drug trafficking.

The couple's luggage was checked, and officers found 170,000 in 50 notes and 17 bundles of 10,000 each among the clothing in Mr Shandar's luggage. Some 167,000 was found in Ms Bandarieva's bag.

Another 7,000 was in their hand luggage.

The seized cash

The officers believed 340,000 in the bundles was proceeds of crime and that the pair were taking it out of the jurisdiction. They arrived in the country the previous day.

Detective Jaffray said that when interviewed, Mr Shandar claimed they came to Ireland for a sightseeing trip.

The court heard they arrived in Ireland from Nice, France, and used a bank card to pay for a hotel. The court heard the defendants had recently moved to Italy and claimed the money was to buy a property in Cyprus.

Iryna Bandarieva

The gardai said they were set to fly there on Thursday and, following a 12-hour stopover, get an onward flight to Milan, Italy, where they had lived recently.

The bail hearing was told that court Ms Bandarieva's business, Dolce Travel, was still operating in Ukraine and that she had family in the UK.

Their lawyer said they would fight the case.

The court heard Ms Bandarieva had trust issues with banks.

The defence described her as a lady of good character with no prior convictions who had worked all her life.
The driver has now been charged

Police have released video footage of the reckless and dangerous driving carried out by a 23-year-old man at an illegal car meet which risked maiming or killing the crowds watching.

Londoner Toby Clarkson has been sentenced after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, using a car on a road in such a condition it was likely to cause danger, and four counts of failing to give information relating to the identification of a driver.

Clarkson was caught on CCTV driving his white BMW dangerously at a car meet in Southampton last September.

The spokesman said: Several hours of CCTV, dash-cam and social media footage was viewed by our investigation team, including a shocking video showing Clarkson drifting around a roundabout on Harbour Parade, Southampton, in between crowds of people who could have been seriously injured or killed.

Those attending this event blocked the roads and at one point even delayed an ambulance on a blue light run, as well as many innocent motorists who were just trying to get past safely.

Clarkson was banned from driving for three years and his car was confiscated by the leasing company it belonged to.

He was also sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, suspended for a year, 180 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to attend a 26-day probation programme for car crime. He was also told to pay a 180 surcharge and 100 costs.
Popular father of three (47) was on leisurely hike with friend when he fell

A friend of a mountaineer who fell off Benbulben mountain on a pleasure hiking trip has been speaking of the last moments of his friend, at an inquest at Sligo Coroners Court.

Ciaran Davis of the Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue team told the inquest into the death of Octavius Job, affectionally known as Ocky, that he saw his friend falling off the side of the mountain on July 2 last year.

Mr Job (47) of Oakfield Road, Carney. was an experienced climber and volunteer with the Sligo/Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team, the inquest heard.

The father-of-three had been climbing a gully above Benbulben Forest Walk when he fell to his death. He is survived by daughters Katie, Bella, Rollo and grandson Logan.

Mr Job died just months after his wife Vanessa passed away from cancer.

The Coroners verdict was that death was accidental and he died as a result of severe traumatic injury secondary to a fall from a height.

In a deposition, which he read to the court, Ciaran Davis said he and his friend Ocky had gone for a general hike in the Benbulben area on July 2, 2024.

Mr Davis said he called to his friends house at 7.30pm.

They went to the Benbulben Forest Walk arriving at the car park at around 8pm. They were both members of the Sligo/Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team.

We have been hiking these hills for over a decade and we are very familiar with it.

They walked up the trail and crossed a gate to get into the low land of the mountain.

They continued along the grassy low lands towards the North Eastern corner.

We got to what I describe as the Old Quarry at the North East end of the mountain.

I took out my drone to do a practice flight as it was only new and Ocky headed off for a pole around out of my line of vision.

When I packed my drone away, I went to seek him out. He was on a higher ridge approximately 50/60 metres above me.

Mr Davis said he could see Mr Job and made his way towards him.

We chatted for a few minutes and looked out at the view. We didnt have a plan as to what we were going to do next and Ocky started finding hand holds and foot holds and climbing up the crag. He continued slowly but surely over the crag until he was out of my line of vision.

I could still shout to him and we could still hear each other. He called back that he had found a sheep trail that he was going to aim for.

The witness said he made a decision not to follow and to head down to more stable ground.

I was going to phone him to arrange where to meet him as I assumed he would reach the top of the plateau and make his way down a safer route.

I was still making my way down to more stable ground and I planned to ring him when I got there.

About four to five minutes after I made that decision, I heard a yell of surprise and then a yell of terror as he fell past me.

He was approximately 20 metres away from me to my left while falling.

The way I could describe it is that he was falling in a cartwheel motion.

He went out of sight for a few seconds and then I saw him rolling down a slope of scree, loose stones and then he came to a stop.

I called out to him for any reaction of which there there was none.

Id say he was 20-30 metres below lying on his side facing up hill.

The witness said he rang Derek Tiernan of Sligo/Leitrim Mountain Rescue to get the team out

Witness also rang 999 for the emergency services and this was at around 9.30pm.

After I made the call, I went down to where Ocky was lying.

There was no movement, there was no reaction, there was blood around his head which was lying flat on a rock.

He also had an apparent fracture to his right wrist.

Witness made his way to a point where the emergency services could see him. A short time later he saw the headlights of a car.

He then rang Sandra Tiernan, Derek Tiernans wife, and turned on the torch on his phone and waved it towards them as it was dusk at this stage. They confirmed that they could see his light.

Derek Tiernan got to his location a short time later. Other emergency vehicles began to arrive.

When Mr Davis finished his deposition, Coroner Mr Fergal Kelly sympathised with him saying it must have been a very traumatic experience.

In another deposition, Garda Orla Kelly told the court she got a call on July 2 last year at 10.10 pm about a sudden death in the Gortarowey area of Grange where a man had fallen from a height on Benbulben.

On my way to the scene I was in contact with Derek Tiernan who was with the casualty. He informed me that there were no signs of life.

On arrival, Garda Kelly was met by members of Sligo/Leitrim Mountain Rescue who told her that the man who had fallen was one of their team and had been out on a pleasure climb with his friend.

He had been in the company of Ciaran Davis who was being helped down the mountain by Derek Tiernan who was being assisted by an off duty Advanced Paramedic, Karl Dolan.

Garda Kelly was in contact by phone with Karl Dolan who was on the mountain side with Derek Tiernan and Mr Job.

The witness made a call to the Coroner Mr Kelly and at 11.25pm he gave permission to remove the body to Sligo Mortuary for a post mortem which took place the following day.

Mr Job was taken from the mountain by the Sligo/Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team to the lower ground at the Benbulben walk to an awaiting ambulance.

Mr Tiernan identified Mr Job to her and at 9 am on the following day the Garda identified the body of Ocky Job to mortician Elaine Harrison.

In a deposition, Sligo/Leitrim Mountain Rescue member Derek Tiernan said he got a call at 9.34pm on July 2nd from Ciaran Davis saying that himself and Ocky were out walking and Ocky is after taking a big fall and he is not moving and not answering him and there is a lot of blood.

Ciaran told me that he is about 20 metres above Ocky.

I told him not to move as I will be straight out.

He told me his location was at the quarry at the Benbulben Forest Walk.

Myself and Sandra got our gear on and headed straight out to the location.

After seeing to Ciaran Davis, the witness went to Mr Jobs location.

I could see Ocky lying on his right side facing towards the mountain with his right arm stretched out.

I assessed Ocky for any pulse or signs of life and I found none.

There was a lot of blood pooling under his head which was on top of a big rock.

After I spent a few minutes with Ocky and there were no signs of life my concern turned to Ciaran and I went over to him and gave him a big hug and tried to comfort him. All he wanted was to get off the mountain.

Other emergency personnel arrived and an evacuation plan was put in place. They put Mr Job on a stretcher.

At 11.36pm, we started to slowly bring the stretcher down the mountain. We carried the stretcher to the waiting ambulance where we handed Ocky over to the ambulance crew at 11.55pm.

A report from a pathologist at Sligo University Hospital which was read to the Inquest by the Coroner found that the cause of death was due to severe traumatic injury secondary to a fall from a height.

The Coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death that the deceased died as a result of severe traumatic injury secondary to a fall from a height.

In sympathising with Mr Jobs family, Mr Kelly noted that his wife Vanessa had passed away some months before his death.

The Coroner said Mr Jobs death was very tragic as it happened so soon after he lost his wife Vanessa.

They were a very popular family and the Coroner extended his deepest sympathy to the family.

He said Mr Job was a wonderful community man.

The Coroner also paid tribute to the Sligo/Leitrim Mountain Rescue team, some of whom were in court.

He said they did vital work for the community every day and it was all voluntary.

Sergeant Derek Butler also extended sympathy on behalf of An Garda Siochana to the deceaseds family and friends.
One of the most prolific killers of the entire Troubles  UDR soldier Robin The Jackal Jackson  regularly met his intelligence bosses here

Castle Dillon in Armagh where the SAS planned its war against the IRA

This dilapidated mansion was once the secret HQ of one of the British armys most controversial uncover units during the Troubles, the Sunday World can reveal.

The 21-bedroomed Castle Dillon was commandeered by the army and part of it converted into a base for the secretive 4 Field Survey Troop of the Royal Engineers, believed to be a cover name for the SAS. Sources said IRA victim Captain Robert Nairac was a frequent visitor there.

And we have learned that one of the most prolific killers of the entire Troubles  UDR soldier Robin The Jackal Jackson  regularly met his intelligence bosses here.

Reporter Hugh Jordon stands at the entrance of the secretive Castledillon army base outside Armagh City. It is from here that the SAS and other intelligence units during the Troubles operated from.

Castle Dillon is the former family home of the Molyneux family who built it at the height of the potato famine in 1845. The imposing property stands on fertile farm land overlooking a picturesque lake, just four miles from Armagh city centre. Abandoned in the 1990s, it went up for auction for 210,000 in 2012 but there were no buyers. Its understood it remains for sale today.

The 4 Field Survey Troop of the Royal Engineers were a highly trained undercover unit which specialised in running agents inside loyalist paramilitary groups.

And according to files seen in the National Archive at Kew in London, its military off-shoot  the Special Reconnaissance Unit  is alleged to have had foreknowledge of loyalist killings and it is even suspected of having planned some of them.

Inside the secretive Castledillon army base outside Armagh City.

This week the Sunday World visited Castle Dillon to retrace the ghostly footsteps of the most active loyalist killer of his generation. Jackson died of lung cancer aged 49 in his home at Donacloney, near Lurgan, on May 30 1998 aged 49. But although he hadnt been on this earth for half a century, he was personally responsible for as many as 50 terrorist murders.

As Brigadier/Commander of the Mid-Ulster Brigade of the Ulster Volunteer Force, Jackson had been involved in some of the worst loyalist atrocities of the Troubles.

But the most shocking aspect of Jacksons time as a purveyor of terror was that he was an agent of the British state who never faced a murder charge.

The secretive Castledillon army base outside Armagh City. It is from here that the SAS and other intelligence units during the Troubles operated from.

Jackson was directly implicated in the 1974 Dublin/Monaghan bombings, when 33 people died, and the 1975 Miami Showband Massacre, in which three members of the band lost their lives along with two UVF terrorists.

The horrific incident took place at Buskhill, off the main road south. Jacksons fingerprints were found on the silencer on a pistol used in the attack, but he never faced charges.

And operating in conjunction with fellow UVF gunmen, brothers John and Wesley Sommerville, Jackson was the driving force behind many more killings in what became known as the Murder Triangle.

Robin the Jackal Jackson was a loyalist serial killer and UDR soldier.

Two weeks ago, loyalists in Moygashel, Co. Tyrone, honoured Wesley Sommerville, who died in the Miami attack 50 years ago. Jacksons back was also badly burned in the same incident when a bomb Sommerville was placing in the bands minibus detonated prematurely.

But this week, we retraced Jacksons steps, imagining the grandeur he enjoyed during his many visits to the mansion to meet his military masters.

By all accounts, the loyalist Brigadier was treated like royalty at Castle Dillon during briefing visits. And apparently his British army hosts looked forward to his arrival.

British spooks were well aware Jackson enjoyed drinking, and they always made sure the best of wines and brandies were on offer anytime he called.

A British army source told us: Robin Jackson enjoyed drinking. In fact, he only took a drink when he felt really comfortable. And its the only time his guard came down. It was after lengthy dinners cooked by top army chefs when the serious drinking was done.

And Jackson never missed an opportunity to seek assurances regarding his status in the event of the RUC attempting to bring a prosecution against him.

Jackson always got the same answer. He was told he was protected. It was as simple as that, our source added.

He added: The Jackal was a prized possession.

These days though, the grandeur Jackson enjoyed at Castle Dillon is long gone. Although expensive carpets still cover the floors of the main rooms and corridors, at least two of the floors are in serious danger of collapse.

The smart stable block where The Jackal talked murder with his British army bosses is unrecognisable. All maps and military paraphernalia had been removed, leaving only bare walls.

It is from here that the SAS and other intelligence units during the Troubles operated from.

The only visible sign that Castle Dillon was once the hub of British Military Intelligence during its war with the IRA is the torn and tattered Union flag lying on the grass area between the stables and the main house.

Brought up at Donaghmore, near Newry in 1948, Jackson developed an anti-Catholic hostility from an early age.

After his plan to emigrate to Australia with his fiancee was turned down, the couple moved to the Mourneview estate off the Tandragee Road in Lurgan, where they began a family. And it was in Mourneview he first made contact with members of the mid-Ulster UVF.

Robin the Jackal Jackson was a loyalist serial killer and UDR soldier who was based in the secretive Castledillon base outside Armagh City. It is from here that the SAS and other intelligence units during the Troubles operated from.

In order to acquire professional military training, Jackson joined the locally recruited Ulster Defence Regiment as a part-time soldier. Around the same time, he also joined the UVF. And soon  while still a serving British soldier  he took part in an armed UVF raid to steal weapons from a UDR/Territorial Army base.

But Jackson also began making regular trips to the stable yard at Castle Dillon, where he met with army personnel who gave him additional military training as well as supplying him a list of targets.

Observers now believe that it was in Castle Dillon that a plot was hatched to remove Jacksons UVF predecessor Billy Hanna. A decorated veteran of the Korean War, Hanna was in the pay of the RUC Special Branch. And suspecting he was about to hand over the blueprint for the Miami Showband attack, Jackson shot Hanna dead outside his home on 27 July 1975.

The secretive Castledillon army base outside Armagh City. It is from here that the SAS and other intelligence units during the Troubles operated from.

On October 28 1973, Jackson carried out his first murder when he claimed the life of Patrick Campbell in a shocking doorstep killing at the victims family home in Banbridge.

A trade unionist who had worked alongside Jackson in the Lotus Shoes factory in the Co Down town, Mr Campbell was the softest of targets. It was later claimed Jackson and Campbell had disagreed over loyalist industrial relations tactics during a discussion at a works social function.

On the evening of Mr Campbells murder, Jackson was due to go out on patrol as a UDR soldier. Despite being around an hour late, he gave a plausible excuse and carried on with his duties.

Castle Dillon.jpg

UDR soldiers who served with him say that although Jackson appeared flustered, there was nothing to suggest he had just committed murder.

In his book, the SAS in Ireland, Fr Raymond Murray maintained that Jacksons accomplice on the murder mission was UVF man Wesley Sommerville.

On March 4 1974, Jackson was resigned from the UDR. He then changed jobs and he soon found working as a self-employed delivery man afforded him more freedom to concentrate on UVF terrorism.

And just 13 days after leaving the UDR, he used his lorry to transport UVF bombs to Dublin and Monaghan. It total 33 people lost their lives and more than 300 were injured. 

Jacksons activities were first exposed by former Sunday World northern editor Jim Campbell, who gave him codename The Jackal. Anxious to put an end to the journalists exposes, Jackson persuaded the UVF in Belfast to take action against the reporter.

In May 1984, Mr Campbell was shot several times on the doorstep of his north Belfast home and narrowly escaped death.

The secrets of Castle Dillon and how British intelligence chiefs there ensured Robin The Jackal Jackson was free to roam the countryside for decades  bringing terror to the Catholic community  looks set to remain buried among its decaying carcass.
Trump has them really clamping down on anyone with a green card who might have anything in their past that can be used against them

A Dublin woman, who has lived legally in America for decades, might be held by US immigration until August, her family have said.

Cliona Ward (54) is originally from Dublin but lives in Santa Cruz, California.

She is being detained by ICE over minor convictions from almost 20 years ago, which were supposed to have been expunged from her record.

Her sister Tracey appeared on RTEs Prime Time last night, and said that while she was given a court date of May 7th, she was told it might now be as late as August before she can stand before a judge.

Cliona will remain in an ICE detention facility in Tacoma, Washington, until a court date is set.

Speaking about her sisters living conditions, Tracey said she understood them to be "absolutely horrific.

"Her heart is broken for the women that she is around. She's immersed in her own pain and immersed in the pain of all these other women and hearing their stories about being separated from young children.

"Shes separated from her son who relies on her care but imagining these other women who have small children that are being held in detention centres on the other side of the country is breaking her heart, she added.

Cliona is a carer for her chronically ill adult son Malaki who is now being cared for by her other sister, Orla Holladay, who also lives stateside.

Cliona has a green card, which allows her to live and work in the United States, where she has lived legally for decades.

She had six convictions including two felonies for possession of drugs and four misdemeanours for minor offences including "failure to notify DMV [Department of Motor Vehicles] of address change within 10 days.

However, the convictions were expunged as she pleaded guilty to the charges.

Tracey said that she was told that the expungement of Clionas convictions is not recognised by federal law.

"The reason theyre giving is that expungement in a State is not recognised by federal law.

"The agents said that since January 31st of this year, there was a whole lot of new mandates they were given to follow up.

Trump has them really clamping down on anyone with a green card who might have anything in their past that can be used against them, she explained.

Cliona has travelled in and out of the United States numerous times without issue.

"As far as she was concerned, this was 20 years ago.

She had gone through the court system, done everything that the courts in California had asked her to do, rebuilding her life, becoming an amazing part of her community, believing that she had paid her dues, Tracey explained.

"They never at any time told her that it would only be on a state level and not recognised federally," she added.

Cliona was initially detained by ICE in Seattle when she returned from visiting her dying father in Ireland last month.

She was released and told to report to San Francisco with proof of her expungement; however, when she got there, she was reapprehended, charged with moral turpitude and shipped to Washington.

"[She] was met at the airport by ICE agents and shackled and chained and walked through the airport in shackles and chains. And now she's in an ICE detention centre," Tracey said.

Clionas sister Orla told the Santa Cruz Sentinel that she is terrified she is going to get lost in the system.

Shes afraid that shes going to get lost in the system. That was the one thing she said to me: Please dont let me get lost.

Orla said Cliona has been sober for almost 20 years currently works at a nonprofit Christian organisation teaching soil management and conservation to child.

This has to do with a painful addiction, and she did everything she could do to change that, said Holladay.

Shes a viable, valuable part of this community, she said, describing her as a gentle, loving and private person.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said they were aware of the case and providing consular assistance.

As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases.

A fundraiser has been set up to help her family fund an immigration attorney, and it has so far raised $37,755 of a $40,000 target.

An update on the page Cliona's Hope: A Mother's Fight for Freedom, her sister Orla thanked all those who had helped so far.

Her lawyer met with her today, and it was both a relief for Cliona to know that she has representation but also very painful and scary when her lawyer told her she may be in there for months while we fight for her release.

She said the water is undrinkable, the food is not fit to eat and her biggest consolation today was that her lawyer was able to bring her a pen.

I'm exhausted and sick, and its hard to eat. Went back to my classroom today but its so hard to focus. We fight again tomorrow for her freedom and bring awareness to all of the innocent detainees in these detention centres.

Orla had previously written about how she woke with a very heavy and vulnerable heart thinking about Cliona sitting in a concrete jungle on May Day, a day when she would normally be out planting and taking care of this beautiful planet.

She told how she found out that when her sister had been taken off the plane in Tacoma officers handcuffed, shackled her and escorted her through, the airport, like a hardened criminal.

She was mortified, shamed and demoralised, Orla wrote, adding that the detention centre is worse than prison.

Visitors can't even bring her food, which she said is gross.

She said that she has been really depressed but knowing people are keeping eyes on her lifted her again. She shared that although she can't speak with the majority of the women in there because most don't speak English they have been giving each other support and there are lots of tears and hugs between the women.
The funeral service highlighted how Francis became the voice of the voiceless

Crowds pay their final respects to Pope Francis as his funeral cortege passes the famous ruins of the Colosseum

Pope Francis seemed to care greatly for the marginalised in society  the poor, the downtrodden and the vulnerable.

Last Sunday, Easter Sunday, we prayed for Pope Francis  there was a quiet joy when he appeared for the Easter Blessing. Little did we know that it was his final farewell as the Bishop of Rome.

Last week, we laid the Peoples Pope to rest in a simple ceremony which Francis himself had planned.

Cardinal Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals, got to the heart of Francis the man and Francis the Pope during his succinct homily. The great and the good attending the funeral heard how Francis touched the minds and hearts of the faithful.

Crowds pay their final respects to Pope Francis as his funeral cortege passes the famous ruins of the Colosseum

He chose a simple coffin; he was buried in a church in a poorer part of Rome outside the Vatican. He invited the homeless and the marginalised to be the congregation at his burial.

On Easter Sunday, he followed the path of self-giving until the last day of his earthly life. He greeted and blessed the people gathered in St Peters Square. It was his fond farewell to the people he loved.

In 47 Papal tours, Francis visited 65 countries, bringing hope and the Gospel of Good News to the least, the lost and the lonely.

Cardinal Re highlighted that Francis was, most of all, a pastor. He was close to the ordinary faithful, like a good shepherd remains close to his sheep. He gave himself without measure, especially to the marginalised.

Francis lived and preached the Gospel of mercy. Mercy and joy of the Gospel are two key words for Pope Francis, Cardinal Re said.

He was dedicated to bringing peace where war and death prevailed. The Popes favourite exhortation was Build bridges, not walls.

Ironically, an abiding picture of the funeral service will be Trump and Zelenskys meeting in the magnificent surroundings of the Vatican. Hopefully, lasting peace in Ukraine will begin because of that meeting.

At that final message on Easter Sunday, he asked: How much violence do we see, within families, directed at women and children? How much contempt there is for the vulnerable, the marginalised and migrants?

It was said among his Jesuit community that Francis could answer many questions, but his great gift was to question many answers.

From the beginning, Francis was different. The name he chose explained a lot. He was the first Pope to take the name Francis, after St Francis of Assisi. Saint Francis lived a simple life, respected Gods creation and gave up everything worldly after he heard Gods call to rebuild my Church.

At first, St Francis took the message literally and began restoring a ruined building. He soon realised the call was to reform and rebuild the institutional Church rather than a building. That became Pope Franciss calling, too. As soon as he was elected, he asked people to pray for him and to bless him.

He moved out of the Vatican building and lived in a guest house, where he was close to ordinary people. He dropped the trappings of the papacy to become a servant of his flock.

His first act was to visit a group of homeless migrants who were washed up on a beach in Lampedusa.

The funeral service highlighted how Francis became the voice of the voiceless. He spoke out on behalf of Gaza and the Palestinians.

There is a small group of Christians who, with their priests, are trapped in Gaza. He phoned their priest almost every night to assure them of his prayers  he did this even when he was seriously ill in the hospital.

More than any other leader, he reminded us of our duty to treasure creation.. We do not own this earth. Gods creation must be respected and preserved. Climate change is a moral issue for every person on Earth. We must stop the ruthless exploitation of the worlds resources.

Famously, he replied Who am I to judge? when asked about the gay and lesbian communities.

Cardinal Battista Re ended his homily with the following words: Pope Francis used to conclude his speeches and meetings by saying, Do not forget to pray for me.

We now ask Francis to pray for us. May you bless the Church, bless Rome, and bless the whole world from heaven as you did last Sunday from the balcony of this Basilica
Famous friends rushed to the comments to share their congratulations

Former RTE 2FM star Eoghan McDermott has announced his engagement to his girlfriend Alessandra Heredia.

Taking to Instagram, the 42-year-old shared the news.

An earth-angel said Yes, he captioned the post.

I'm really glad I went for a coffee that day. Hopefully we can keep going for coffee together until we're grey and old.

Thank you for all your gifts, quite simply too numerous to mention - and for being the infinite bright spark in my life, every day, dusk til dawn, he continued, adding: Kev Og is simply blessed to have you as his Mama.

My Papa wrote a poem for Mam a few years back. One of the lines he wrote read: And I will travel any winter road with you, wherever you chose to go, if you will light the way, I may borrow this one Papa, if you don't mind.

Famous friends such as Laura Whitmore, Rosalind Lipsett, Sinead OCarroll, Lorraine Barry and Maia Dunphy rushed to the comments to share their congratulations.

McDermotts post also included a carousel of snaps to celebrate the occasion.

The first pic shows his wife-to-be as she posed on a beach with her left hand raised to the camera, showing off her new rock.

Another showed the full poem written by his father in 2019.

More images show the couple smiling together, and in one throwback, the pair posed together in front of a tree as Eoghan cradled his partners growing bump.

The couple welcomed their first child together, Kev Og, in March.

He introduced his new baby son to the world as he paid tribute to the midwives of Holles St Hospital.

The new dad posted a picture of the couple as they cradled their new son who they named Kevin Mateo McDermott.

Welcome to the world, precious boy, he declared. You are so very loved. Named after my Papa (and his new Grandpa) - the wisest, kindest man of all.

Mam said the other day oh it's Kev and Kev Og... so perhaps 'Kev Og' will stick.

He added his thanks to earth angels in Holles St and especially the @domino_midwives ... you are ferocious and wonderful people.

I'll take the best of what is good and strong and true and do my best to be a wonderful father, he vowed.

And of course, thank you beyond what words will ever capture @alessandraheredia for a life-defining gift. You are magic in a bottle and Baby Kev will be all the richer in all the ways with you as his mother, that I know.

Here's to the next...and greatest, adventure. Failte, Kevin Mateo.

Last December McDermott made his first public appearance since leaving the station three years ago alongside Alessandra as they stepped out for Julian Benson's Winter Wonderland Gala Ball in Dublin.

No reason was given for his departure but in March 2022, he broke his silence in a statement to say false allegations had been made about him  referring to comments posted anonymously on Twitter and Reddit.

Despite not being investigated or verified, these allegations were spread widely, the effects of which I am still processing, McDermott said.

Mr McDermott accompanied the Twitter post with a letter issued by Mary Cowhey Solicitors, representing his accuser, to his own solicitor Paul Tweed.

The letter said that during the course of some internet postings and a number of tweets made through an anonymous Twitter account in March 2021, their client made false allegations against the presenter.

Those remarks arose out of a relationship they had in or around October 2010, it read.

Our client accepts there were a number of serious falsehoods contained in her publications, which may have caused distress to your client and those closest to him.

Our client sincerely regrets publishing the inaccuracies contained in those publications and acknowledges that they have had a harmful effect on your client and those close to him.

These inaccuracies were the product of the elapse of time since 2010 and the published tweets. They also stemmed out of an unreasonable reliance placed on false information from third parties.

It went on to state that their client accepted she was at the age of consent at the time that she and Mr McDermott met or engaged in a physical relationship, contrary to the original claim.

She acknowledges the severity of this false claim and retracts it unequivocally. Our client also accepts, without reservation, that she falsely claimed that your client had fled the country on account of these claims, it added.
Have you ever wondered whether your power bill is "average"?

Power bills have gone up for lots of households this month, as new lines charges and other price changes filtered through.

But what you pay also depends in part on where you live.

To work out what's "normal", RNZ looked at an example households of four people, with full insulation, using electricity to heat hot water, and a heat pump. Our exercise assumed someone was home during the day and the household did not get bundled deals.

Powerswitch data indicated that this household could pay anything from $225 for a month of power in April in Wellington City to $325 in Buller.

The main driver of the difference in power bills is the cost of getting power to houses.

Areas such as Kerikeri, Balclutha and Gisborne tend to have higher bills overall, driven in part by the higher lines components.

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment data for the three months to February showed Kerikeri had an average retail electricity cost of 45.42 cents per kWh.

That is compared to 34.23c on Auckland's North Shore, and 32.05c in Wellington City.

Powerswitch general manager Paul Fuge said the cost of getting power to people's houses made up about 40 percent of a typical bill.

In Kerikeri, for example, the lines company component is 19.4c per kWh and "energy and other" 26c. On the North Shore, it is 11.9c and 22.3c, respectively.

In Balclutha, the lines component is 18.9c per kWh and energy 25.6c, in Gisborne the split is 15.9c and 24.78c. Westport had the highest energy component, at 27.7c , with lines charges of 17.7c.

Cromwell had the highest lines component, according to MBIE, at 20.5c per kWh.

Fuge said regions that needed a lot of infrastructure to deliver power but had fewer people and businesses to spread the cost of that would end up paying the most in lines charges.

But they were often also the areas with lower income, he said.

Electricity Authority manager of retail and consumer policy Daniel Griffiths agreed the biggest driver of regional differences in average power price was the cost of delivering the power.

"Lines companies, of which there are 29 across the country, are responsible for getting power from the big pylons that run up and down the country to your door. That cost is what makes up the difference in the prices they charge consumers."

He said a power bill would usually be 32 percent the cost of generated electricity, 13 percent electricity companies' costs, a quarter the distribution charge, 10 percent for pylons and then GST and other components.

"There is some difference in the power bit but the much larger variation comes from the regional differences in getting power to the door through the regional lines company area."

He said the Electricity Authority was looking closely at the costs people were facing.

"We are aware that recent decisions by the Commerce Commission about the maximum amount of revenue electricity distribution companies can charge is likely to be hitting consumers."

From 1 April, the Commerce Commission has allowed Transpower and local lines companies to raise prices by a maximum of nearly $6b to upgrade the transmission infrastructure which will add between $10 and $25 a month to the average power bill.

"Most consumers face charges that went up on April 1," Griffiths said.

"We're using our tools to really understand how consumers are seeing these price increases hitting their wallets."

He said the authority was keen to ensure that consumers were kept at the heart of the system and were getting a good deal.

"We are using our monitoring powers, making our expectations clear to the sector about how consumers should be treated and the supports retailers should be providing to consumers to help avoid price shock."

Fuge said a Consumer NZ survey showed 2 percent of people reported having monthly power bills of less than $50.

Fifty percent of households had power bills of between $101 and $200. One percent paid more than $400 a month.

Fuge said household size, the type of house and appliances used would affect how big a bill people had.

"Monthly bills will also change seasonally, generally higher in the colder months - but this is changing with air conditioning becoming more prevalent in hotter areas. "

He said April was a common time for power bills to increase because of how Transpower charges were passed on.

"Transpower charges local lines companies, who then pass on both Transpower's costs and their own to retailers. Retailers, in turn, pass these costs on to consumers as part of their power bills.

"From memory , Transpower must notify lines companies of any price changes by 31 December each year, providing three months' notice. This means the new charges take effect from 1 April. Over time, 1 April has become the standard date for price changes across the sector.

Lines companies typically align their own price changes to 1 April, and retailers often follow suit with their retail pricing to avoid customers receiving multiple price change notifications."

But he said when power companies passed on their increases in a single adjustment, it could make it harder for households to understand what was driving the rise.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe is poised to record its fourth-highest maize harvest in history, with production projected at 2.29 million tonnes for the 2024/25 agricultural season. This major milestone was announced by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere during a post-Cabinet media briefing held yesterday.The announcement followed Cabinet's receipt of the Second Round Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Report, which highlighted the increase in maize hectarage from 1,728,897 hectares in the 2023/24 season to 1,839,373 hectares this season  a 6.4 percent rise that slightly exceeds the national target of 1.8 million hectares.According to Dr Muswere, this estimated maize output marks Zimbabwe's fourth-highest on record and reflects the government's continued efforts to boost food security and agricultural productivity under the National Development Strategy 1.The report also revealed significant increases in other key crops. Tobacco production rose by 15 percent, cotton output jumped by 52 percent, and sunflower production surged by an impressive 303 percent, indicating progress in crop diversification and commercial agriculture.The livestock sector showed moderate but positive growth, with the national herd rising to 5.7 million cattle, a 0.4 percent increase from last year. Communal areas accounted for 64 percent of the herd. Beef production climbed to 94,623 tonnes in 2024, compared to 90,000 tonnes in 2023. Milk production also improved, reaching 115 million litres last year, a 10 percent increase. The bulk of this output came from Mashonaland East, Manicaland, and Midlands provinces, which together accounted for 89 percent of total national milk production.In the fisheries sector, Zimbabwe recorded an overall fish output of 31,296 tonnes. Meanwhile, crocodile skin sales increased by 34 percent, highlighting continued growth in the country's specialised livestock and aquaculture industries.Turning to the environment, Dr Muswere said Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Evelyn Ndlovu had presented achievements under the Environment Protection, Climate Resilience, and Natural Resources Management pillar of the government's 100-day cycle development projects.These efforts include the rehabilitation of the Ditchwe Wetland in Makonde District and the Chidobe Wetland in Hwange District, with the latter project already benefiting 2,340 livestock and 400 households. The government is also advancing the construction of a waste sorting and processing facility at the Tafara Integrated Resource Recovery Centre in Mabvuku, Harare, and a state-of-the-art One Stop Pavilion at Hwange National Park's Main Camp, which is now 95 percent complete.Reforestation efforts remain a key priority. The planting of 4,000 indigenous trees across 2,494 hectares of land in Shurugwi District is underway, while the 45th Independence Plantation Legacy project has seen 52,000 fruit trees planted in Gokwe North and South, also nearing completion at 95 percent.Dr Muswere added that the installation of 15 prototype three-dimensional printed automatic weather stations across several provinces, including Matabeleland North, Manicaland, and Mashonaland West, is progressing on schedule. These stations will enhance the country's capacity to monitor weather patterns and respond to climate-related risks.Collectively, these agricultural, environmental, and technological developments reinforce Zimbabwe's commitment to food security, sustainable development, and climate resilience, all of which are vital to achieving the Vision 2030 goal of becoming an upper-middle-income society.
Hato Hone St John has won the Business Impact Award at the Veeam Software Data Resilience Awards in San Diego for its work protecting and maintaining the organisations digital infrastructure.

Winning this award validates the countless hours spent solving complex problems, embracing change, and pushing the boundaries of whats possible through technology, said Hato Hone St John (HHStJ) digital and data general manager Sarah Ellison.

Its a moment of pride for our team, and a motivating reminder of the impact we can have when we work together to deliver our vision of enhancing health and wellbeing for all through technology and data.

HHStJs national tech infrastructure manager Andrew Fletcher was invited to last weeks Veeam Data Resilience Awards in San Diego, where he presented to conference attendees on the rising threat of cyber attacks, particularly ransomware, targeting healthcare organisations.

While there, Fletcher accepted the award on behalf of the digital and data team.

For our team, this recognition is especially meaningful. While our work is not always visible, it is critical to enabling the organisation to operate smoothly. Winning this award highlights the impact of our efforts and acknowledges the essential role we play in protecting and maintaining the organisations digital infrastructure, Fletcher said.

As health data becomes a growing target for cyber hackers, HHStJ turned to the global market leader in data resilience, Veeam Software, for a solution to help protect its IT platforms.

Fletcher said with healthcare organisations becoming increasingly popular targets for ransomware, it was vital the organisation had effective data resilience for protection, back-up and disaster recovery for virtual, physical and cloud-based workloads.

Theres been an increase in medical data breaches, with health and patient data now more valuable to hackers than financial data, he said.

Its not just about keeping the data safe; its about making sure the ambulances keep rolling and life-saving services are not impacted. If our IT systems go down for too long, it could literally be a life-or-death situation, so having a data resilience powered by Veeam is critical to ensure we keep running.

He said all the organisations services depend on digital technology.

Whether we are providing emergency paramedic care, offering first aid training or monitoring wearable medical alarms, practically all our services depend on digital technology.

As well as ensuring we are always on with our IT platforms, our organisation needs to be data-resilient. If that data isnt secure and accessible, it could impact emergency responses, patient care and the support people count on every day.

We rely on an extensive IT infrastructure to support our work, and extended periods of unplanned downtime could potentially be fatal.

Veeams general manager and senior vice-president APJ Beni Sia said, The threat of ransomware demands best-in-class data resilience because without data, businesses grind to a halt.

In Hato Hone St Johns case, that can be the difference between life and death. Its a privilege to be entrusted to power their data resilience and were proud to be an integral part of the work required to ensure they can continue to save and protect lives.
The Bay of Plentys business future looks bright, according to MYOBs Annual Business Monitor survey.

The Western Bay has a strong exporter economy, with our primary and manufacturing sectors doing well, Tauranga Business Chamber chief executive Matt Cowley said.

Our long-term population growth trend continues through Covid and economic slowdowns.

The survey said that 56% of the SME owners and operators surveyed in the Bay of Plenty were optimistic about their future.

In the Bay of Plenty, 45% of business operators expect their revenue to increase over the next 12 months, 44% anticipate it will stay the same, and 10% predict a decline, the survey said.



Hatch Consulting expects a gradual recovery in the construction sector over the next 12 months, owner and director Jo Hatchman said.

After playing a key role in revitalising the Tauranga CBD waterfront, Hatch Consulting, a quantity surveying firm, is gearing up for a strong financial year in the Bay of Plenty and beyond.

The firm has enjoyed contributing to transforming the Tauranga waterfront, director and owner Jo Hatchman said.

Seeing the community embrace the new facilities has been incredibly rewarding. These projects bring confidence, not just visually, but economically, signalling positive momentum and investment in our city.

Currently involved in several major projects at the planning stage, the firm sees strong opportunities on the horizon, both locally and across the wider region.

Were excited about the year ahead, Hatchman said. Theres growing interest in projects across the country, and were ready to support that next wave of construction activity.

The firm expects a gradual recovery in the construction sector over the next 12 months, underpinned by ongoing growth in the industrial space and emerging commercial opportunities.

While the broader industry faces challenges, the medium-term outlook remains positive.

The industrial sector is remarkably resilient, buoyed by sustained energy, utilities, and infrastructure investment.

Were proud to be part of the momentum reshaping how New Zealand builds, Hatchman added.

The past week has been rocky, as the Trump tariffs have impacted the global supply chains that Hatch Consulting uses.



Tauranga Business Chamber chief executive Matt Cowley. Photo / Mead Norton

Cowley said that Trumps tariffs will impact small and medium businesses in various ways.

Costs may be lower on some imported products due to the oversupply of products no longer heading to the US and the lower US dollar.



Ready2roll owners Carleen Dahya, Alan Dahya with team members Sarah Grondsma and Helen Walmsley.

Global supply chains do not affect Rotorua-based Ready2Roll Tours and transfers, but fluctuating fuel prices do.

Despite challenges with fuel prices, Ready2Roll Tours and Transfer are already securing bookings for next year, director Carleen Dahya said.

Its nice to know theres a demand for what we offer.

The business opened seven years ago and had to pivot after two years in operation due to Covid, Dahya said.

Ready2Roll shifted to working with Rotorua Hospital, transporting them to Hamilton five days a week.

Thats been a huge lifesaver for us, she said.

In our latest Chamber poll, the community identified revenue, managing costs, and reviewing strategies as the main priorities for businesses this year, Cowley said.

Uncertainty is not great for businesses, but uncertainty can bring opportunities for breakthroughs and disruption.
Courier delivery scams appear to be circulating and targeting Tauranga this week, impersonating delivery companies and getting people to send personal or financial details.

Callers to Sunlive are reporting receiving texts and phone calls that appear to be scams.

A text sent to one Tauranga residents phone from an unknown outlook.com email address reads:

New Zealand parcel: Your parcel has arrived, but your shipment has been suspended due to missing house number. Check and update your address details. (Please reply Y then close this message. Reopen it, tap the link, or copy and paste it into Safari to continue.)

A website link is also included within the text message.

A Katikati resident reported receiving an identical text to their phone but from a different outlook.com email address.

Texts are not the only mode of message being used by scammers it seems, as another Tauranga caller to SunLive reported receiving a phone call.

A text received by a Tauranga resident on Wednesday, April 30. Photo/Supplied.

Just got a phone call from a normal cell number that immediately started playing an automated message about suspicious credit card charges to my Visa card. I dont have a Visa, the SunLive reader said.

Netsafe said with the increase in online shopping, more opportunistic scammers are targeting internet users by sending emails and text messages that impersonate delivery companies. These are known as parcel delivery scams. They are designed to obtain personal or financial details from the recipients, Netsafe said

Netsafe said variations include messages claiming that you have won a prize or a new phone, have been selected to participate in a survey, or need to pay customs duty on a package you ordered.

Anyone who has received a scam email or text message, can contact Netsafe seven days a week for free, confidential and non-judgmental advice.

How do parcel and courier delivery scams work?

Scammers often send emails or text messages to multiple people, tricking them into believing they are relevant. These messages typically direct you to a scam website and request your payment details.

A text received by a Katikati resident on Wednesday, April 30. Photo/Supplied.

If it is a text message, it may even download a malicious app to your phone that can steal your information.

Common tactics include claiming an organisation like NZ Post or DHL attempted to deliver a parcel and asking you to click a link to rearrange delivery.

They may also ask you to approve a pickup time for a package via a link, which then takes you through a process to pay a small customs fee. Large unauthorised withdrawals may follow for those who pay.

What to do if you receive a scam text or email

Netsafe have some top tips for what to do if you've received a courier delivery scam message.

If you've received a scam text, do not respond or open any links included in the message. Contact the named organisation using their publicly listed phone number if you believe the message might be genuine. If the message is not genuine, use your mobile phones features to block the sender. Forward the scam text to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) at 7726. Report any app download requests to CERT NZ and delete the scam text message.

If you've received a scam email do not respond or click on any links in the email. Contact the named organisation directly if you believe the message might be genuine. Block the scammers email address by marking the email as junk your email filter will learn to redirect emails from that scammers email address away from your inbox.

If you've received a scam email link, close the scam webpage. Check for malware on your device using a free online scanner. Contact your phone company for advice if you opened the link on your mobile, which may require a factory reset.

If you've shared personal information or bank details, report any shared bank account or credit card details to your bank immediately. Apply for a chargeback if you have sent money using your credit card.

Netsafe is encouraging people to report courier delivery scams.

If you think youve been targeted by a scam, inform your friends and family to help them avoid falling victim, Netsafe said.

Screenshot of the Check Netsafe website. Image/Supplied.

Identifying whether a website is real or fake can be challenging. Netsafe have created the CheckNetsafe Anti-Scam Tool, which helps you determine the legitimacy of a website or link.

You can contact Netsafe seven days a week for free, confidential and non-judgmental advice about an online issue impacting you or someone you know.

Whilst we cannot investigate or track scammers, we can provide advice on steps you can take to stay safe and what to do if you think youve been scammed.

For more information on courier delivery scams or downloading malicious apps, go to the Netsafe website for support and help.

Anyone that receives a scam SMS text message is urged to report it free of charge by forwarding the message to 7726, or head to the DIA website for a step-by-step guide of how to report spam.
Manu Samoa will take on the Flying Fijians in a much-anticipated rugby test match in Rotorua in September.

RotoruaNZ said in a statement today the city would serve as Samoas home ground away from home.

Known for its rich Maori heritage and deep ties to Pacific communities, Rotorua offers a unique and culturally resonant setting for this international fixture," it said.

Chief executive Andrew Wilson said Rotorua was honoured to host the match.

Were proud to bring the passion and spirit of Pacific rugby to our stadium, offering fans the opportunity to witness an epic game and experience everything Rotorua has to offer.

As both Samoa and Fiji ramped up preparations for upcoming global competitions, this test match would be a key part of their campaigns.

Their long-standing rivalry promised an unforgettable showdown full of flair, physicality and fierce national pride, RotoruaNZ said.

Lakapi Samoa chief executive Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun said: We are delighted to bring another Samoa home test match to New Zealand and specifically to Rotorua, a rugby heartland, while we continue to improve the Apia Stadium facilities in Samoa.

We know we will receive support from the Pacific community in New Zealand.

Thank you to RotoruaNZ for their support to bring this international game to their region.

Fiji Rugby chief executive Roverto Nayacalevu said they were looking forward to an epic clash in what would no doubt be a thrilling encounter.

Matches like these arent just about rugby, theyre about pride, heritage and the enduring bond between Pacific nations.

Both teams carry the hopes of their people, and we know theyll deliver a contest worthy of their traditions.

We wish both sides the very best. May the spirit of the Pacific shine through on and off the field.

The match will be on Saturday, September 6 at the Rotorua International Stadium.

Ticket presales will begin at 10am tomorrow.

More details and presale access can be found by signing up to the Mai Rotorua newsletter.
Nine players bagged more than $24,000 each in last nights Lotto Second Division draw.

Two winning tickets were sold to Northland players, two from Auckland, one from Waikato, one from Hawkes Bay and one from Lower Hutt.

In the South Island, one ticket was sold to a player from Canterbury and one to a player from Dunedin.

Powerball was unstruck and will roll over to $6 million for Saturday nights draw.

A lucky Christchurch MyLotto player picked up $1 million in the First Division.

Meanwhile an Auckland couple is $23,333,333 richer after winning Lottos First Division draw last Wednesday.

They said seeing $23,333,333 on their MyLotto ticket was mind-boggling.

Were both shocked to our core. Its going to take a while to sink in, and I dont think it will start to feel real until we see it in the bank, said the winners, who wished to remain anonymous.

What to do if you win

Ticket holders can see immediately if they have won if they bought a ticket through MyLotto. Prizes of $1000 or less are automatically credited to their account.

For prizes of more than $1000, winners have to fill in an online prize form.

Results are available immediately after the live draws on TVNZ 1, on Wednesday and Saturday nights.

They can also be found through the MyLotto app, online at www.mylotto.co.nz, at Lotto NZ retailers and on nzherald.co.nz.

Winners with a physical ticket must still visit a Lotto retailer to claim their prize.
Rollover in Southeastern Cheyenne County Ends Chase

CHEYENNE COUNTY--Two men were arrested early Tuesday morning after a high-speed pursuit with Nebraska State Patrol officers ended when the two suspects in a stolen pickup truck rolled over in a ditch on a rural road in southeastern Cheyenne County.

The pursuit started when a Nebraska State Patrol officer attempted to pull over the pickup truck on I-80 East near mile marker 64 for a speeding infraction. The driver did not pull over and accelerated up to nearly 100 miles per hour, prompting a pursuit by the trooper. The pursuit continued and the pickup pulled off of I-80 near mile marker 76 and cut through rural roads south of the interstate highway. During the chase, the trooper received confirmation that the vehicle was stolen. After nearly one-half hour of chasing, the trooper attempted a tactical vehicle intervention to stop the pickup truck, but the driver evaded the attempt. The driver then lost control of the vehicle, drove into a ditch in a field, and overturned. Three occupants inside the pickup were taken into custody and transported to Sidney Regional Medical Center.

The driver was identified as Edgar Bear Runner, 22 years old, of South Dakota. He was arrested and charged with flight to avoid arrest, reckless driving, vehicle theft, and possession of a deadly weapon.

During the chase on the rural roads, a passenger threw a coat out of the pickup's window, which was recovered by a Nebraska State Patrol trooper. Wrapped inside the coat were two rifles and two handguns, which were also determined to be stolen. The passenger who threw the coat and weapons out of the pickup was identified as Richard Martinez, 33 years old, also of South Dakota. He was arrested and charged with tampering with physical evidence, a felony, and possession of less than one ounce of marijuana. He and Edgar Bear Runner were brought to the Cheyenne County Jail and confined. The third occupant was cited for marijuana possession and released. The Sun-Telegraph will provide more information on this incident as it becomes available.
SUR in English Marbella Wednesday, 30 April 2025 | Updated 02/07/2025 12:37h. Compartir

Occidental Puerto Banus continues to build on its many attractions -including a prime location in the heart of Puerto Banus, excellent service, modern facilities and bright spacious rooms - by offering a truly outstanding culinary experience. With a wide range of styles and flavours, the hotel's food scene is designed to satisfy even the most refined tastes. Part of the Barcelo Group, the hotel features a complete gastronomic hub open to both guests and the general public.

The culinary line-up at Occidental Puerto Banus includes several unique dining concepts: Arrozante, La Casa del Arroz; Trattoria La Dolce Vita; Cocoa, Brunch & Cocktails and Breeze Gastro Pool Bar.

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This summer brings exciting new additions, starting with the reopening of Arrozante Marbella, La Casa del Arroz at the end of June. The restaurant is open for lunch and on weekends in the evening as well. It continues to offer popular services such as Arrozante en Casa, allowing you to order any of its rice dishes to take away, and Arrozante en Barco, a takeaway and delivery service that brings its signature paellas to yachts moored in Puerto Banus.

At Arrozante, signature paellas are the stars of the show. The menu is crafted with the expert guidance of Carlos Otaola, one of Spains top rice chefs, whose restaurant has received numerous national and international culinary awards. The standout ingredient at Arrozante Marbella is the 'dynamite rice' grown in the Albufera of Valencia and traditionally produced in the Ribera Baja region  the birthplace of paella and rice cultivation on the Iberian Peninsula. The menu includes classic options such as seafood or lobster paella and more modern creations like salmon with caviar or T-bone with roasted peppers. Youll also find a selection of tapas, fish and seafood dishes.

New launches at Trattoria Dolce Vita

Occidental Puerto Banus offers an authentic taste of Italy through Trattoria Dolce Vita, which this season presents a range of tempting new dishes curated by the acclaimed Italian chef Niki Pavanelli, the creative mind behind the restaurants culinary concept and menu. This approach blends traditional 'mamma-style' cooking with a contemporary gastronomic experience thanks to innovative appetisers and cocktails. Niki Pavanelli has recently been awarded a Michelin star for his outstanding work at Il Bocconcino, located at Royal Hideaway Corales Resort in Tenerife.

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Alongside the refreshed menu, Trattoria Dolce Vita is embracing the new season with plenty of fresh ideas. This summer, an outdoor wood-fired oven will be introduced for baking pizzas, focaccias and calzones, offering that distinctive crispy flavour only this method can achieve. There will also be a weekly Italian aperitivo evening around 7pm in an 'afterwork' format, serving antipasti and classic Italian cocktails like Negronis and Aperol Spritz.

Day pass for Breeze Gastro Pool Bar

Breeze Gastro Pool Bar, the spectacular pool bar at Occidental Puerto Banus, is offering a day pass this season for guests not staying at the hotel. For 45 euros per person, you can enjoy access to the pool, four drinks, a towel and snacks.

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Cocoa, Brunch & Cocktails

If you're looking for a more summery and laid-back experience, Cocoa, Brunch & Cocktails is the perfect spot. It offers a wide selection of cocktails in an ideal setting, along with brunch or lunch options featuring carefully selected international dishes. This season, guests can also enjoy live music on special days, either at the Trattoria Dolce Vita or by the pool.

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For more information:

Website: https://www.barcelo.com/es-es/occidental-puerto-banus/

Instagram:

Occidental Puerto Banus (@occidental_puertobanus)

La Dolce Vita Puerto Banus (@dolcevitapuertobanus)

Arrozante Marbella (@arrozantemarbella)
Cristina Vallejo Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 20:11 Compartir

It may seem unbelievable, but there are people who only on Tuesday morning realised that there was a huge blackout that caused chaos and uncertainty and largely suspended economic activity throughout the day on Monday. A resident of Malaga's Cruz del Humilladero neighbourhood said: "I fell asleep on the sofa, went to bed and woke up as per usual this morning."

Power and internet were back in the neighbourhood well after midnight, in the early hours of the morning. Other neighbours, however, were very distressed to see that the electricity and internet were out, without them knowing why. The crisis caused people to stock up on battery-powered radios - the old-school ones that don't need a telematic or electrical network to work - throughout Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. Digital is dead, analogue is back.

Estrecho de Gibraltar is a shop that sells clock and radio supplies on Calle de la Union. A long queue quickly formed after the blackout started and owner Mario Fernandez said: "How many radios have I sold? Countless. I've already opened a few boxes of 50 each." Because he didn't let customers into the shop, he improvised a counter at the door.

As a veteran shopkeeper, who has been running the business for about four decades, Mario knows that there is no greater promotion than a queue. Cristobal Gonzalez, a retired carpenter, said that he wanted to stay informed, as he was without electricity, water and internet, which prompted him to buy a battery-powered radio and join the queue.

At the Hermanos Moreno hardware store on Calle Don Juan de Austria, owner Daniel Moreno said that during the afternoon of the blackout he sold the equivalent of two months' worth of batteries, torches and camping gas.

"Turnover was 60-70% higher than on a normal day," said Moreno. "On Monday morning we did close a little earlier than usual, but power returned to the neighborhood around 4pm and our card reader worked until about 6pm. After that, we only accepted cash. We only offered credit to our regular customers," he said.

The popular bazaar or 'Chinese' shops were also crowded yesterday, for the same reasons. One of these establishments confirmed that it had ran out of candles and large batteries. Meanwhile, Yang, a shop assistant in one of its competitors, reported feeling very stressed upon realising that a lot of the torches that people rushed to buy weren't working. "I ran out of the ones that worked. These other ones I have here don't work. As my mobile phone didn't work, I couldn't call anyone to bring me stock from the industrial estate," she said.

Zoom Yang, with the only torches he has left, the defective ones. Marilu Baez

Queues also formed at petrol stations this morning. "People are filling up their tanks as if the world is going to end," said Laura, an employee at one of the stations. "We sold a lot of water, a lot of tobacco and also a lot of bread and butane gas. The shop was full and we decided to give service through the window for security reaasons."

According to estimates, her shop made around 2,000 euros in cash from tobacco sales alone. "All sales were written down manually, with a pen, and now we have to enter them into the computer," they said.

Daniel Campano, a shop assistant at the tobacco shop across the street, said the same thing: "I wrote everything down in a notebook and now we have to enter it into the database. People were quite nervous. I was the last one to close on the street. I'm sure I must have lost some customers, because there were some who complained to me that I had sold tobacco to someone and not to him, but I had to close at some point."

Zoom Notebook to remember: sales at a tobacco shop on the day of the great blackout. Marilu Baez

Radios, batteries, stoves, butane canisters.... What about food? Ovafa was busy shopping at Lidl: the only thing she bought on Monday was bread for sandwiches, because she couldn't make much more without electricity. Fran filled his cart with bottles of water, as the power cut caused his motor to fail and he was left without water supply. It is precisely those two goods - bread and water - that were bought in large proportions on Monday.

Employees at the Margarita bakery know it well: "We ran out of bread, water and piquitos. The empanadas were also gone in the split of a second, because people couldn't cook. My shift is in the morning. I left at 1.30pm and then I came back in the afternoon to support my colleague; there were so many customers that she couldn't cope. We had to do the accounts with a calculator, the dataphone only worked at times, so we had to offer credit a lot: we have the post-it notes with that," said Silvia Martin.

Zoom The notes with the 'fiaos'. Marilu Baez

Some shops even gave the bread away, because they couldn't charge for it and because it was going to go bad anyway.

"The day was chaotic. The blackout caught us with customers in the shop. The phones didn't work, nobody could be reached. At first, we thought it was our issue, then we thought it was something on the street and then we found out it was Spain-wide, although we thought it was a joke. We evacuated the shop. We have a battery system to keep the basics going and now we have to check the damage inventory. Everything was working fine this morning," said a worker at a supermarket chain.

An Aldi manager said that some fridges are equipped with generators, thanks to which the food survived. He said that they have not assessed damages yet, but they do believe that it will be considerable, seeing as Saturdays and Mondays are the busiest days for revenue.

"At 12.50pm, we stopped cashing out and decided to close at 1pm, when the door locking system started to fail. I live nearby and I know that the power came back on at 3.10am. We were here by 5.30pm and saw that everything was working again. It could have been worse," he said.

But for the food to last, you need to have the means for its preservation. Alvaro Bermudez, from Carnicas Matahambre, said that any butcher's shop works with chambers that have 18 hours of cold storage, but in order for the raw material not to spoil, it has to be put away quickly. "We put the meat away and stopped serving the public. People came in here asking for bread to make sandwiches, because they couldn't prepare the meat, as there was no electricity", he said.

According to Cristina and Maricarmen, two shop assistants in Cruz del Humilladero, those with less work today are the fishmongers: "There are few sales, because people think there is no fish. Or because yesterday they bought enough food for several days. Or because they are throwing away what has defrosted in the fridge."
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabweans must consolidate the gains of their hard-won Independence by working towards high standards of national development, in line with President Mnangagwa's vision for an upper-middle-income economy, Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), General Philip Valerio Sibanda, has said.Gen Sibanda made the remarks yesterday while presiding as chief mourner at the funeral parade of the late Air Vice Marshal Winnie Mandeya (Retired), Zimbabwe's first and only female Air Vice Marshal. She passed away on Monday in Harare at the age of 64 after a battle with cancer.In an emotional tribute, Gen Sibanda described the decorated air officer as a patriotic and loyal cadre who dedicated her life to serving Zimbabwe with distinction. "The late officer ran her race well and has now passed the baton to those surviving to continue the race," he said. "It is, therefore, incumbent on us, as serving officers and members and indeed all Zimbabweans, to ensure that her good deeds and hard work were not in vain."He emphasized that all citizens, especially members of the ZDF, bear the responsibility of ensuring that Zimbabwe realises its developmental goals. "We all have a responsibility to ensure that Zimbabwe attains an upper-middle-income status which will translate into improvement of the welfare of citizens and ourselves as members of the ZDF," he added.Air Vice Marshal Mandeya was born on 14 July 1960 in Rusape, Makoni District. Her journey of service began in 1975 when, at just 15 years old and having just started her secondary education at Mutambara High School, she made the bold and selfless decision to abandon her studies and join the liberation struggle in Mozambique.Despite being underage, she defied both the age and gender expectations of the time by choosing to fight for her country's freedom. After stints at Junda and Nyadzonya camps, she underwent military training at Nachingweya in Tanzania and later operated in Gaza Province until 1978.As the country prepared for Independence, she was selected to undergo medical training in basic nursing, obstetrics, gynaecology, and paediatrics  part of a broader plan to equip liberation fighters with vital skills for the new nation.Following Independence, she joined the President's Department and later took part in the 1981 Commission of Inquiry into Missing Persons. In 1984, she transferred to the Air Force of Zimbabwe as a non-commissioned member. Her remarkable work ethic and commitment to self-improvement saw her rise steadily through the ranks, and in 1994, she was commissioned as an officer with the rank of air lieutenant.Throughout her military career, Air Vice Marshal Mandeya held several key appointments and was widely respected for her humility and professionalism. Her academic drive supported her operational excellence and enabled her to break barriers in the male-dominated military space.She was decorated with numerous medals, including the Liberation Medal, Independence Medal, Ten Years Service Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal, DRC Campaign Medal, and Long and Exemplary Medal  a testament to her lifelong commitment to national service.Air Vice Marshal Mandeya is survived by her son, Munyaradzi Valentine Mandeya. Mourners are gathered at her home at Number 766 Hogerty Hill in Borrowdale, Harare.Her passing marks the end of a remarkable life of sacrifice, trailblazing leadership, and unwavering patriotism  one that has left an indelible legacy within the Air Force of Zimbabwe and the nation at large.
The return capsule of the Shenzhou XIX manned spaceship, carrying astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze touches down at the Dongfeng landing site in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, April 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Shenzhou XIX mission astronauts landed safely at the Dongfeng Landing Site in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Wednesday afternoon, wrapping up their six-month orbital journey.

The Shenzhou XIX spacecraft's reentry capsule, carrying the three crew members  mission commander Senior Colonel Cai Xuzhe, Lieutenant Colonel Song Lingdong and Lieutenant Colonel Wang Haoze  touched down at 1:08 pm at the Dongfeng Landing Site, located in the middle of the Gobi Desert, after flying more than nine hours on their return journey.

Their return was delayed by one day from the original schedule because of weather concerns at the Dongfeng site.

In the following hours after the return, ground recovery personnel from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the homeport for all of China's manned spaceflights, will conduct safety checks outside the capsule, before opening the hatch of the bell-shaped vehicle and examining the astronauts' health condition.

The Shenzhou XIX crew members will then be helped out of the capsule and sent for medical examination.

After completion of all the mandatory procedures at the landing site, the crew members will be flown back to Beijing to undergo a six-month quarantine and recuperation program, which is a standard procedure for Chinese astronauts returning from space.

The Shenzhou XIX spacecraft departed from the Tiangong station around 4 am on Wednesday. The vessel flew into a return trajectory and gradually re-entered the Earth's atmosphere.

Before setting out on their return trip, Cai's team handed over their work to a new crew, transmitted scientific experimental data back to Earth and sorted and transferred materials between the station and their spaceship.

In the next six months, the Tiangong station will be manned by the Shenzhou XX trio, headed by Senior Colonel Chen Dong, who arrived at the colossal flying outpost early on Friday morning.

If you have any problems with this article, please contact us at app@chinadaily.com.cn and we'll immediately get back to you.
DEAR ABBY: My niece Alyssa, an only child, is on the kidney transplant list. When I had my DNA tested, I learned that my brother had fathered another child. The information and facts this woman (Bree) has provided ring true and are very believable. I have no doubt Bree is his daughter.

Unfortunately, my irresponsible brother turned his back on this daughter. Bree does not want to pursue a relationship with him or with me. She did have some questions related to health issues because she has children of her own. My brother and I havent spoken for 10 years, mainly because of how poorly he treated our late parents. Should I continue to honor Brees request, or tell her about her half-sister who needs the transplant? -- INVOLVED AUNT IN FLORIDA

DEAR AUNT: If you think it might help Alyssa, inform Bree about Alyssas need for a kidney transplant. There is, however, no guarantee that Brees kidney would be a match. Do not be surprised if Bree responds negatively (or not at all), considering her lack of a relationship with her father or the rest of your family. I wish you luck on your search.

** ** **

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.** ** **

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The Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard police blotter of arrests from police agencies around Central New York was updated today.

The arrests added this week occurred between April 9 and 27, with one arrest from March 17. Those charged were from 18 to 78 years old.

One person was arrested for grand larceny and falsifying business records. Central NY teacher charged with grand larceny for falsifying timecards, deputies say
Herkimer, N.Y.  Two Central New York residents abandoned dogs to die in crates in an apartment in Herkimer, troopers said Wednesday.

Joseph A. Warney, 30, and Emma E. Trask, 44, both of Utica, were arrested on Tuesday, said Trooper R.J. Girard, a spokesperson for the State Police.

Warney and Trask had abandoned two dogs in crates inside an apartment on State Route 5 in Herkimer, Girard said. The apartment wasnt occupied.

The dogs were found after a complaint was made on March 27, he said.

Warney and Trask were charged with two counts of failure to provide proper sustenance, two counts of neglect of an impounded animal, and two counts of disposal of dead animals, he said.

Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 04: (EDITOR'S NOTE: A special effects filter was used in the creation of this image) Nicolas Godin of AIR performs at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on December 04, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. Naomi Rahim/WireImage

French electronic duo Air will return to North America this fall with a 12-date tour celebrating their debut album Moon Safari, which theyll perform in full at each stop.

Presale tickets go on sale Thursday, May 1, followed by the general public Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster and secondary platforms like Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and StubHub, which offer availability for sold-out shows and prices below face value depending on demand.

Discount: First-time Vivid Seats customers can use code SYRACUSE20 for $20 off a $200+ ticket order.

The tour begins September 21 with a show at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, where Air will be joined by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. From there, the band will visit cities including San Diego, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Toronto, wrapping up with back-to-back shows at Brooklyn Paramount on October 10 and 11. A complete list of Airs tour dates is available here.

This North American run extends a global tour that began in 2024 to mark the 25th anniversary of Moon Safari. The album features standout singles like Sexy Boy and All I Need. Airs return to the stage last year marked their first live shows since 2017.
Firefighters stop gas leak after tree falls on home at 6118 Manlius Town Road during a storm on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Timia Cobb

Manlius, N.Y.  Strong winds from a thunderstorm that left over 19,000 people without power in Central New York Tuesday night caused trees to fall into two Manlius homes.

Firefighters headed to 6118 Manlius Town Road at about 6:12 p.m. after it was reported a tree had crashed into the home, according to Minoa Deputy Fire Chief Trevor Van Auken.

When they arrived, firefighters found trees on the home, but the roof was still intact, he said. However, a falling tree hit the homes gas meter, which caused a gas leak.

The gas was quickly cut off and the people inside the home evacuated on their own, he said.

There was minimal damage to the home, he said.

A few miles away, a tree fell through a two-story home at 7970 Saintsville Road. Part of the houses roof was left open after the tree fell into it.

A home at 7970 Saintsville Road in Kirkville was damaged by trees during a severe storm on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Timia Cobb photo) Timia Cobb | Tcobb@Syracuse.com

There were no reported injuries, according to Onondaga County 911 dispatchers.

Wind gusts of 60 mph were reported at Syracuses airport at 5:22 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

As of 9 p.m., 644 people are without power in Onondaga County, according to the National Grid outage map, as well as 10,122 in Oneida County; 501 in Madison County; and 603 in Oswego County.

Syracuse.com staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com.
On Saturday, Carter Rhode (middle), of Cicero, harvested an 18 lb 8 oz turkey with a 9 -inch beard and -inch spurs. Cyrus Vrooman (right), of Mexico, harvested a 21 lb 6 oz tom with a 9 -inch beard and 1 -inch spurs. Hoyt Dorrett (left), of Parish, harvested a 14 lb gobbler with a 2-inch beard and -inch spurs. Provided photo

Three North Country youth hunters bagged their first gobblers last weekend during New Yorks annual youth wild turkey hunt for hunters ages 12-15.

Carter Rhode, of Cicero, harvested an 18 lb 8 oz turkey with a 9 -inch beard and -inch spurs. Cyrus Vrooman, of Mexico, harvested a 21 lb 6 oz tom with a 9 -inch beard and 1 -inch spurs. Hoyt Dorrett, of Parish, harvested a 14 lb gobbler with a 2-inch beard and -inch spurs.

This was the second year in a row for the Oswego County turkey youth hunt. It was organized by the Salmon River Strutters chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and hosted by the North Sportsmens Club in West Monroe.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation police officers and local volunteers mentored the boys on the hunt.

Mathew Rhode, of Cicero, tagged along with his son, Carter, and mentors ECO Aaron Bonilla and guide Christian Grabowski, who had a week earlier secured and scouted the property for toms and set up the hunting blind.

At daybreak on a cool, rainy Saturday morning, Grabowski began calling in the gobblers.

We watched three toms come into range, and Carter was able to keep his calm until one broke away from the group, Rhode said, at which point he took a perfect shot.

After the successful hunt, the boys were shown how to weigh and dress their birds before digging into pizza at North Sportsmans Club.

On Saturday, Carter Rhode (left), of Cicero, harvested an 18 lb 8 oz turkey with a 9 -inch beard and -inch spurs. Cyrus Vrooman (middle), of Mexico, harvested a 21 lb 6 oz tom with a 9 -inch beard and 1 -inch spurs. Hoyt Dorrett (right), of Parish, harvested a 14 lb gobbler with a 2-inch beard and -inch spurs. Provided photo



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Steve Featherstone covers the outdoors for The Post-Standard, syracuse.comand NYUP.com. Contact him at sfeatherstone@syracuse.com or on Twitter @featheroutdoors. You can also follow along with all of our outdoors content at newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/ or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/upstatenyoutdoors.
Collections on students loans in default are set to resume soon. Stock photo. (SimpleImages | Getty Images) SimpleImages | Getty Images

The federal Education Department is set to restart collections on student loans that are in default on May 5.

Its the final piece of the student loan system to resume after payments were first paused in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, according to The New York Times.

Student loans enter default after borrowers skip payments for a certain amount of time, according to Forbes. Its typically 270 days, or about nine months.

At that point, the entire amount owed, including interest, becomes due, Forbes said.

Over 5 million borrowers are already in default on student loans and another 4 million are in late-stage delinquency, meaning theyre not making payments and are nearing default, according to Forbes.

Heres what you need to know as student loan collections resume:

The government can withhold tax refunds and other federal payments if youre in default and apply them toward your debt, the Times said. Seizures from recurring payments, like Social Security benefits, will start in early June.

The government is allowed to take your entire tax refund and up to 15% of monthly Social Security retirement and disability benefits.

The situation will damage your credit, making it harder to get new loans or even rent an apartment, according to the Times.

If youre in default, youll get an email soon from the Federal Student Aid office urging you to get in touch with its Default Resolution Group, the Times said.

That group can help get your loans back on track.

Options to get out of default include consolidating loans if you have more than one or applying to income-driven repayment plans, which involve payments based on a percentage of your discretionary income, according to USA Today

The government has an online loan simulator to help borrowers decide which repayment options will work best for them.

You can also rehabilitate a defaulted loan by making nine out of 10 consecutive reasonable payments, which are determined by loan holders using a formula, the Times said.

Separately from the collection restart, Republicans in Congress released a plan this week for an overhaul of the student loan system, according to CNBC. The plan includes caps on loans and fewer repayment options for borrowers.

Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598
The New York Working Families Party sent this mailer about Syracuse mayoral candidate Pat Hogan to Democratic voters ahead of the June primary. The Working Families Party has endorsed one of Hogan's opponents, Sharon Owens. Jeremy Boyer I JBoyer@syracuse.com

Syracuse, N.Y.  When Pat Hogan first ran for Syracuse Common Council 22 years ago, he did so as the Working Families Party candidate. For his most recent run in 2023, he had the same partys backing.

But as a 2025 candidate for Syracuse mayor, the progressive minor party now claims Hogan is too risky for Syracuse Democrats.

In what appears to be the first direct attack ad targeting a named candidate in the Syracuse mayoral primary, the New York State Working Families Party shipped a two-sided mailer against Hogan to city Democrats last week that questioned his Democratic purity.

It characterizes Hogans long-held unpaid seat on a county economic development board as a job offer from the Republican County Executive Ryan McMahon. The attack comes even though the Working Families Partys endorsed candidate, Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens, has also worked with McMahon closely as part of Mayor Ben Walshs administration.

The ad also points to Hogan being cross-endorsed by Republicans in a 20-year-old Syracuse Common Council race but fails to state that he was also the Democratic candidate. The other citation involved Hogans primary challenge of the Democratic incumbent in the 2013 mayors race in which Hogan considered but chose not to run as a Republican.

The ad gives some insight into the issues where political strategists will focus attacks as the June Democratic primary for Syracuse mayor nears. The campaigns have been relatively quiet so far, with a smattering of public events and very little advertising.

For Hogan, 74, a lifelong Democrat who is the Onondaga County Democratic Committees endorsed mayoral candidate, the mailer was a bunch of lies.

Working Families Party leaders said the piece is based on verifiable reporting thats cited so voters can look it up.

One side of the 6-by-11-inch piece asks Republican or Democrat ... which party is Pat Hogan playing for? It shows a paper fortune teller with Dem and GOP logos, and lists three points about Hogans history with local Republicans. The other side provides some more specific information about those points.

One point is that Hogan was endorsed by and ran on the Republican ballot line for Syracuse Common Council in 2005. That is true, but Hogan also was the Democratic candidate that year. He defeated incumbent Marty Masterpole, who also ran as the Conservative Party candidate, in a Democratic primary. Hogan went on to win the general election, the first of his seven victorious council campaigns.

The Working Families Party sat out the 2005 council race, but two years earlier, it recruited Hogan to take on then-incumbent Masterpole because Masterpole didnt support a proposed living wage ordinance. Working Families also endorsed Hogan in his successful re-elections in 2007, 2009 and 2011.

The mailer also refers to Hogans failed bid for mayor in 2013, when Democrat Stephanie Miner was re-elected. Pat Hogan secretly courted the Republican ballot line for Mayor to undermine Democrats, it states.

That situation was a little murkier than described. Hogan had become a fierce critic of Miner and launched a primary challenge that year. Republican leaders, meanwhile, endorsed a person whom they openly described as a placeholder with the plan to pick a replacement after the Democratic primary.

Ahead of that, Hogans name emerged as the potential replacement, and he refused to rule out the possibility. But six days after he lost to Miner in the primary, Hogan ended his campaign. I personally decided that I was not interested in accepting the Republican line to challenge Stephanie Miner in November, he said at the time. At the end of the day, I am a proud life-long Democrat.

The final criticism lodged in the mailer said Hogan has had a close relationship with Republican Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. It claimed McMahon even offered (Hogan) a county job!

Working Family Party officials said the job reference was to McMahon appointing Hogan to the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency Board of Directors, which is an unpaid position. Hogan said McMahon never offered him a paid county job. The IDA appointment first happened in 2014 when McMahon, a former common councilor who served with Hogan, was chair of the county legislature. A photo on the mailer shows Hogan sitting next to McMahon during a council meeting.

Hogan would eventually become chair of the county IDA, and McMahon has been county executive since 2018. The pair have worked closely together on countywide economic development projects.

If elected mayor, Hogan said he would continue to work with McMahon, especially on economic development matters. He said the incumbent administration of Mayor Ben Walsh, which includes Owens, has done the same thing.

I have a relationship with almost every politician this town, Democrat or Republican, Hogan said. You can agree in politics on a lot of different issues, and you disagree on some issues, and that isnt necessarily a Republican or Democratic thing. ... Politics is the art of compromise a lot of times, and Im not talking about compromising your morality or values. Im talking about when you agree on something, find a way to get it done.

Hogan said he found the mailer sophomoric and silly, saying that hes well-known as a Democrat.

Ive been a lifelong Democrat and Ive been endorsed by the Working Families Party, Hogan said. Now they got a problem with me, they consider me a Republican, even though they endorsed me my last run.

The New York Working Families Party stands behind the mailer. Hogans history as someone theyve backed in the past is not relevant in this years mayoral race, said Jasmine Gripper, one of the partys co-directors.

We look at the conditions of a race and we say who of the field is the best candidate, and so for city council at the time, we believed that he was the better candidate in the race, Gripper said. In this race, we dont think hes the better person in the race and we think someone else is more qualified.

Gripper said the Working Families Party does get involved in spending for its favored candidates running in Democratic primaries in key city races like the mayoral elections in Syracuse, Buffalo, Albany and New York City. She said there will be more outreach in support of Owens.

We think shes the best person, best poised to lead the city, Gripper said. She has the experience and the commitment to working families. We really would like her to be the next mayor, so we are invested in making that a reality.

The Owens campaign said it was aware that the Working Families Party was going to do a mailer, but did not get an advanced copy of it. Owens said she saw it for the first time when it landed in her mailbox.

While she said she appreciates the Working Families Partys support, but the mailer was not the type of messaging she wants her campaign to put out. She also said shes had a good relationship with McMahon and would continue to work with him and other Republican officials as mayor.

My focus on my campaign has been and will be gaining the trust and the votes of the people of Syracuse by telling them about me and who I am and what I plan to do and my dedication and commitment to Syracuse, she said.

Owens said shell reach out to the Working Families Party, but noted she does not have control over what party committees do.

Well have conversations about my style and how I want to move forward, she said. Ultimately, much of what they do, especially on the state level, is their decision, but I believe they have respect for me and my style.

City reporter Jeremy Boyer can be reached at jboyer@syracuse.com, (315) 657-5673, Twitter or Facebook.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Gwanda-based livestock breeding enterprise Sifela Brahmans, operating from Hamden Farm, is basking in national acclaim after clinching top honours at the 2025 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) held in Bulawayo.The farm emerged as a standout exhibitor, scooping awards in both the Champion Cow and Junior Bull categories - a remarkable feat that highlights the farm's consistent excellence and rising influence in the livestock industry.Speaking to Zimpapers Business Hub, Sifela Brahmans manager Mr Lungani Masuku expressed pride in the recognition, describing the victory as a major milestone for their youthful but ambitious operation."Winning at ZITF will certainly change everything for us. At every show we exhibit, be it the Gwanda Agricultural Show or the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare, we scoop prizes," he said."It boosts our confidence that we are on the right track, but it also shows the older generation that young people are serious about taking this industry forward."Sifela Brahmans' success was further validated by the stream of high-profile visits to their exhibition stand. Among the dignitaries who toured the stand was Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who engaged in a detailed conversation with Mr Masuku and commended the impressive livestock quality."Vice President Mohadi was surprised that such a quality breed is produced in Gwanda," Masuku said.The recognition didn't end there. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accompanied by Mozambique's President Danial Chapo, also toured the stand. The encounter allowed Mr Masuku to speak directly with the Head of State about the farm's journey and the challenges they face."President Mnangagwa showed keen interest in our livestock. He asked where in Gwanda we're based and inquired about our challenges," Masuku revealed."I highlighted our land constraints. We are operating on a 35-hectare plot, which is small for the scale of our project. We were happy that the President took time to listen to us."Sifela Brahmans' ZITF triumph not only adds to its growing list of accolades but also puts a spotlight on the potential of youth-driven agricultural ventures to contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe's livestock sector.
People make their way along Main Street in front of Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World on April 3, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images) Getty Images

A former Disney World employee has been sentenced to three years in prison after hacking into the menu system used by the parks restaurants and falsifying details.

Per NBC News, Michael Scheuer, 40, served as the menu production manager at the Orlando, Fla. theme park until he was fired in June 2024 for misconduct. After losing his job, he retaliated by hacking into the system and altering menu information, including manipulating allergen details to falsely indicate that certain food items were safe for customers with specific allergies. This action posed a serious threat to public health.

He also revised menu information related to wine regions to reflect locations of recent mass shootings. Lastly, Scheuer launched denial-of-service attacks in order to lock certain company employees out of their accounts, per a news release.

Scheuers menu changes were caught before the public saw them.

In January, he pleaded guilty to one count of computer fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. He was sentenced on April 25.

In addition to his jail time, Scheuer has to forfeit his computer, which was used to commit the offenses, and pay $687,776.50 in restitution.

The government argued that Scheuer should have been sentenced to 70 months.

David Haas, Scheuers defense attorney, told NBC Los Angeles that his client is grateful for the 36-month term. He is very remorseful and apologized to the victims during the hearing, he told the outlet in a statement. He is eager to get back home to his wife and 3 young daughters. He was the sole earner in the family as his wife has a number of medical issues and homeschools their children so he will look for work upon his release.
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News / National

by Staff reporter

Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has met with representatives of an Iranian company that has committed to supplying dialysis machines to hospitals across Zimbabwe, in a move aimed at strengthening the country's renal healthcare services.The meeting, held in Harare, brought together officials from the Iranian Consortium of Dialysis Group of Companies, a prominent manufacturer of dialysis equipment and accessories. The company is set to partner with the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Health and Child Care, in a joint venture that will see the supply and deployment of the life-saving machines in health institutions nationwide.Speaking after the engagement, Dr Chiwenga, who also serves as the Minister of Health and Child Care, welcomed the partnership as a critical step toward improving the quality of life for renal patients in Zimbabwe."This is a significant development that will enhance our ability to provide accessible and affordable dialysis services, particularly in public health institutions," he said.Dialysis is a vital treatment that helps remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood when kidneys can no longer perform these functions adequately. Many patients in Zimbabwe struggle to access this service due to limited machines and high treatment costs.The Iranian consortium's involvement is expected to alleviate the strain on existing dialysis centres and reduce the burden on patients who often have to travel long distances or endure long waiting lists for treatment.The meeting was also attended by Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Iran, Bright Kupemba, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Aspect Mawunganidze, and other senior officials from the ministry.Details of the rollout plan and the number of machines to be delivered under the agreement are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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Turbojc BHPian



Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chennai Posts: 468 Thanked: 1,933 Times

My experience at a car meet in Perth, Australia



Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything happening during our stay there. Dejected I was, for I was ever so eager to witness how the local automotive scene had evolved since my last visit in 2014.



Fast-forward a few days, and the stars aligned in my favour. I stumbled across an Instagram post about a car meet scheduled for April 13th, and as luck would have it, it was set in a suburb not too far from where wed be staying. The only catch? We were due to arrive in the city on the evening of the 12th. It would be tight, but I was determined to make it happen.



And happen it did! We landed in Perth on the 12th, and the very next morning, we made a beeline to the venue at Joondalup, with my wifes sisters family in tow (special thanks to my sister-in-law, my brother-in-law, and our lovely little niece for making it possible ).



The event, dubbed the 'ACC Street Party', was organized by Ayani Car Collective, a premier car community based in Perth. Australia's rich and unique car culture was on full display. We witnessed a delectable mix of JDM tuners and muscle cars, alongside a generous helping of exotics, off-roaders, and classics, all sprinkled with a unique Aussie flavour.



This lovely red Countach (kit car?) was the first exotic that greeted us as we approached the event venue:









Next up, a personal favourite - the Shelby Cobra Concept. I believe this was a kit car as well, but it was in no way discernable and it looked every bit original.













This cutie welcomed us to the main event area with a cheerful smile:









The event was in underway in full swing when we reached there. And what a sight it was to behold! I'll let the next few pictures speak for themselves:

































































Many owners proudly displayed their tuned powertrains, or should I say, works of engineering art?















































(Continued in the next post..) When my wife and I were planning our visit to Perth, Australia, the first thing I checked for was all the automotive events and experiences happening in and around the area.Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything happening during our stay there. Dejected I was, for I was ever so eager to witness how the local automotive scene had evolved since my last visit in 2014.Fast-forward a few days, and the stars aligned in my favour. I stumbled across an Instagram post about a car meet scheduled for April 13th, and as luck would have it, it was set in a suburb not too far from where wed be staying. The only catch? We were due to arrive in the city on the evening of the 12th. It would be tight, but I was determined to make it happen.And happen it did! We landed in Perth on the 12th, and the very next morning, we made a beeline to the venue at Joondalup, with my wifes sisters family in tow (special thanks to my sister-in-law, my brother-in-law, and our lovely little niece for making it possible).The event, dubbed the 'ACC Street Party', was organized by Ayani Car Collective, a premier car community based in Perth. Australia's rich and unique car culture was on full display. We witnessed a delectable mix of JDM tuners and muscle cars, alongside a generous helping of exotics, off-roaders, and classics, all sprinkled with a unique Aussie flavour.This lovely red Countach (kit car?) was the first exotic that greeted us as we approached the event venue:Next up, a personal favourite - the Shelby Cobra Concept. I believe this was a kit car as well, but it was in no way discernable and it looked every bit original.This cutie welcomed us to the main event area with a cheerful smile:The event was in underway in full swing when we reached there. And what a sight it was to behold! I'll let the next few pictures speak for themselves:Many owners proudly displayed their tuned powertrains, or should I say, works of engineering art? Last edited by Turbojc : 29th April 2025 at 22:16 .
aby BHPian

Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Atlanta Posts: 97 Thanked: 109 Times

Re: Emigrating to a Foreign Land! Quote: mobike008 Originally Posted by

By your own confession, you have made a mistake of joining your parents in the visa line for Immigration when you are a green card holder so it's your fault that you attracted attention as CBP looks for even a minor glitch like that to pull you aside.



The issue is that in the before January 2025, CBP generally took a welcoming approach to people coming in, while remaining true to their larger purpose of keeping US borders safe from illegal entry and contraband.



That generally meant overlooking minor issues just to present a welcoming face to the travelers. So if they see a 75 year old green card holder returning after spending 8 months outside, mostly they did not bother about it. Or for that matter an otherwise perfectly admissible person taking a wrong queue just to help an aged couple with their immigration process - they didnt make a fuss about it.



In short, if by not following every single rule in the book the CBP officers could keep the borders safe and avoid being a jerk, they didnt mind overlooking a few things.



Kind of no different than a cop who lets a speeding car go without a ticket, because they were headed to the hospital.



Quote: Thumb rule at US immigration-Do not attract unwarranted attention and respond in short and what asked (dont offer more information than required as it will attract follow-on questions).



Quote: mobike008 Originally Posted by I dont know what you mean by squeaky clean record? Im referring to Indians and mostly in IT. If not all, majority of them have squeaky clean records (not referring to speeding tickets which might become an issue if its consistent and has a pattern). What is a minor infraction? Speeding ticket or something more than that? Have you personally known someone with a GC/Citizenship stopped due to this infraction at Immigration? I'm asking out of curiosity as it would be good to know.



While I dont know anyone with a GC/Citizenship who got into immigration trouble because of trouble with law. But genuine visa holders have been caught for minor things which would have never caused any issues in the past.



Here is a case I know personally. There is this smart kid, graduated from one of the IITs in India and then landed up in Georgia for masters in one of the premier tech schools in the state.

Bunch of college kids had a party in the city where they had one too many and there was some ruckus created by this bunch.



Mind you no property damage or injuries - just plain nuisance by drunk kids. Cops got called and a whole bunch of students (Visa holders and Americans included) were hauled to the police station. Cops see dozens of such incidents every week, so mechanically they fingerprinted all the arrested kids and let them go after an hour or so, with a court date.



The Judge saw these bunch of young guys - admonished them and simply let them off with a fine. Matter closed - or so they thought. Now nearly three years later, on his return from vacation, this kid gets caught and entered into deportation proceedings based on that one night. Mind you, in the three years since the incident, he has graduated, renewed his visa, found a well paying job and so on.



Now you can argue - he should have not got publicly intoxicated. Sure thing - but then in the past era this country knew to look past such minor youthful indiscretions, especially which didnt cause any harm.



In the process of helping this kid and working with his lawyer - I found out about other such cases - One example - Husband and wife having a loud argument, they got reported by their neighbor. Matter dismissed by the judge and years later, due to that incident, they get notification of visa termination.

All of them white collar educated folks making comfortable six figure incomes.



So it is up to you to show empathy or trivialize saying they should have lived a straight and narrow path. Sorry I am not arguing whether my actions were according to the rules or not. They clearly were not, but the point was if has CBP changed how they handle such minor bending of rules, which based on my experience they clearly have.The issue is that in the before January 2025, CBP generally took a welcoming approach to people coming in, while remaining true to their larger purpose of keeping US borders safe from illegal entry and contraband.That generally meant overlooking minor issues just to present a welcoming face to the travelers. So if they see a 75 year old green card holder returning after spending 8 months outside, mostly they did not bother about it. Or for that matter an otherwise perfectly admissible person taking a wrong queue just to help an aged couple with their immigration process - they didnt make a fuss about it.In short, if by not following every single rule in the book the CBP officers could keep the borders safe and avoid being a jerk, they didnt mind overlooking a few things.Kind of no different than a cop who lets a speeding car go without a ticket, because they were headed to the hospital.Again the matter is not about unwarranted attention or response. It is about whether CPB has changed the way it treats passengers compared to before. The answer is - it sure has. Whether it affects you or not is a function of your individual circumstances.I can only say that the people you know are generally law abiding and more importantly lucky to have not encountered the legal system.While I dont know anyone with a GC/Citizenship who got into immigration trouble because of trouble with law. But genuine visa holders have been caught for minor things which would have never caused any issues in the past.Here is a case I know personally. There is this smart kid, graduated from one of the IITs in India and then landed up in Georgia for masters in one of the premier tech schools in the state.Bunch of college kids had a party in the city where they had one too many and there was some ruckus created by this bunch.Mind you no property damage or injuries - just plain nuisance by drunk kids. Cops got called and a whole bunch of students (Visa holders and Americans included) were hauled to the police station. Cops see dozens of such incidents every week, so mechanically they fingerprinted all the arrested kids and let them go after an hour or so, with a court date.The Judge saw these bunch of young guys - admonished them and simply let them off with a fine. Matter closed - or so they thought. Now nearly three years later, on his return from vacation, this kid gets caught and entered into deportation proceedings based on that one night. Mind you, in the three years since the incident, he has graduated, renewed his visa, found a well paying job and so on.Now you can argue - he should have not got publicly intoxicated. Sure thing - but then in the past era this country knew to look past such minor youthful indiscretions, especially which didnt cause any harm.In the process of helping this kid and working with his lawyer - I found out about other such cases - One example - Husband and wife having a loud argument, they got reported by their neighbor. Matter dismissed by the judge and years later, due to that incident, they get notification of visa termination.All of them white collar educated folks making comfortable six figure incomes.So it is up to you to show empathy or trivialize saying they should have lived a straight and narrow path. Last edited by aby : 29th April 2025 at 23:45 . Reason: Clarity
Meteormariner Newbie

Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: TN Posts: 11 Thanked: 87 Times

Ghats of wonder  A 2800 km ride of Discovery and Adventure!

I am a merchant marine officer signed off the ship in January and about to join back in May this year, my ride is a 2.5 year old Royal Enfield Meteor 350 with 24k Kms on the odometer.

The itch for a long ride prior joining back on duty was becoming prominent. The ride had to be on the mountains for obvious reasons. The question of where to ride which section of the ghats to choose lingered. That is when I got to know of HVK and his RoutO. I bought a club 12 membership and briefed HVK on email of my plan to ride somewhere, I told him I can spare a maximum of 7 days and my capacity to ride from dawn to dusk.I also requested him for  Total trip Support which includes route suggestions, position monitoring , emergency response and stay support.

I have done several rides before with most of them being solo rides, in all those rides I always had this question What if  I fall, get injured, robbed, lost,attacked by an animal etc in my mind but still the love for bikes kept me on the saddle .This trip support has put to rest most of the What ifs .

On receipt of my email he replied back with a tentative itinerary, which was as follows:

D1 - Madurai  Mysore

D2 - Mysore - Madikeri - Somwarpet - Sakleshpura

D3 - Sakleshpura - Sringeri - Agumbe  Koppa

D4 - Koppa - Jog Falls - Sirsi

D5 - Sirsi - Yellapura - Dandeli - Hubli

D6 - Hubli - Bangalore

D7 - Bangalore  Madurai.



This was tentative the actual itinerary would be dynamic depending on various factors with the primary one being my ability to cover the distance and stick to the plan.

One day prior the ride, I received a list of routes on the RoutO app, these routes need to be downloaded, once downloaded they work offline. These routes unlike google maps are crafted based on real travel experience. These routes have a POV section, which gives a list of tried and tested restaurants, petrol pumps with special mention of coco pumps, prominent land marks etc.



Screen shot of all the routes



Day 01  Madurai  Bangalore( NICE Road)  Mysore





Odometer at the start of the ride.



Sleep kept evading the entire night for some unknown reason even though this is not my first solo ride, I knew I would regret this during my ride. I had an early start , hit the NH44 by day break. It was around 0730 hrs when the loss of sleep started taking its toll, I started feeling drowsy, paused my ride at an empty tea stall and had a power nap. The 20 minute power nap left me energized. In the past rides I have learnt how carrying breakfast and having it on the highways under a tree can leave notable memories, this ride was no exception, eggs and sandwich were downed for breakfast. The dreaded Thoppur section was crossed during the morning hours. The thoppur ghat section is a breathtaking stretch, with its lush green cover, but its heart breaking to think that many lives have been lost in this very place.

Reached Bangalore for lunch and headed to the NICE road. I was using the RoutO app for navigation, I thought I was familiar with the app but clearly I wasnt. On the NICE Road the app asked me permission to load the subsequent route,I pressed Yes without looking at what the app was suggesting to load. The app had suggested a route towards Tumkur and I had authoried and followed it ( completely my mistake, I should have gone through the instructions properly) as I followed the wrong route map, I missed the Mysore exit and headed to the Tumkur exit. HVK by the time had messaged me of my mistake, but I had not checked the whatsapp.

Standing at the Tumkur exit I messaged HVK of my blunder, he immediately sent me an alternate route towards Neelamangala, Hassan/Mangalore to reach Mysore.

As part of the deal I am supposed to send him my current position every one hour, so this hourly stoppage doubled up as hydration/stretch breaks. These hourly short breaks greatly helped in keeping fatigue away and extended my saddle time.

As part of the standard procedure stay was booked by their Central hotel desk(CHD part of HVK team) 60 minutes prior reaching the destination.

I reached Mysore by 6 PM checked into the hotel. The evening was spent savouring food at one of my favourite restaurant.

End of day one  600 + kms covered, goofed up on the NICE Road but still managed to reach my destination.



Day 02  The plan



Mysore  Madikeri

Madikeri  Somwarpet  Kudrasthe

Kudrasthe  Sakleshpura  Mudigere  Chikmagalur (Till Sakleshpura)

Sakleshpura  Hanbal

Hanbal  Devarmane  Banakal



The end of this day left me disappointed with myself, I reached else where instead of my destination.

Started from Mysore at first light, had a refreshing ride and breakfast in the outskirts of Mysore.



Parked at an eatery on the outskirts

Thoroughly enjoyed the ghats and reached Madikeri, did some coffee shopping for a long list of relatives and headed on my onward journey towards Kudrasthe.

Enroute to Kudrasthe my rear number plate which had a rattling issue fell off, luckily I caught it on the rear view mirror and went looking for a workshop. I found a workshop engaged in overhaul of farm equipments, the main technician attended to my motorcycle. The technician quickly started opening up about himself , how he had completed his degree in Mechanical engineering at a college in Mumbai , his time as an employee with Siemens technologies and how family issues required him to quit his job and return to his village. Now he owns the workshop and seems happy. Got me thinking as to how life keeps going on and how some people easily open up to strangers.

Upon reaching Kudrasthe changed over the route map. Now during the planning HVK team had sent me clear instructions to follow this route map ( Kudrasthe  Sakleshpura  Mudigere  Chikmagalur) only till Sakleshpur then switch over to the next route map ( Sakleshpur  Hanbal), but I had not given me enough attention to the planning messages and hence I had missed the switch point ( which in this place was Sakleshpur) and headed towards Chikmagalur. HVK team had received my position updates and had pinged me but I had not checked my messages either. When I came to know I was already on the outskirts of Chikamagalur. The routine drill was followed, stay was booked by CHD . I checked into the room by 5 pm after 300 + kms on the ghats. HVK team was telling me I could have stayed at better locations if I had followed the plan. Anyways I told myself it's all a part of the learning process and made it a point to go through the days plan thoroughly including the transit points, switch points, prior to the start of the ride. Normally I am briefed about the next days plan the prior evening itself, during this time I started making short hints and after that never missed a switch points.

Short outing to Hirekolale and dinner at a nice restaurant made the evening.



Dusk at Hirekolale



Day 03  The plan



Chickmagalur - Aldur

Aldur - Banakal (Till wher eit intersects 5574DA)

Banakal - Hanbal - Sakleshpura (From where 645 intersects, Till Hanbal)

640 - 645 (Till intersect) - 5575DA (From intersect, Till Hanbal) - 5575E

Hanbal Devarmanr Banakal

Banakal - Kottigehara ByPass - Balur

Balur - Kelagur - Ghatikkalu Junction

Ghatikallu Junction - Kanive  Marasanige

The numbers are the route map reference number, each route map carries a reference number.



As usual had an early start from Chikmagalur. I was not aware of the Chikmagalur town canteen, but I was told they serve very good breakfast. Anyways by the time the recommendation came I had crossed Aldur and I was transiting the Aldur  Banakal route.

The Aldur  Banakal route was a beauty that words cant describe. I will let a few snaps do the talking. I was really thankful to the planners for having put me through such a scenic route.















Transited Devarmane, stopped by the road side to view the meadows and the hill temple at Devarmane. The transit points were followed ,enjoyed the scenic route and twisties through Banakal, Kottigehara , Balur. I was supposed to take the Ghatikallu detour enroute to Marasanige, but I had some how missed the junction from where the detour starts, but then HVK team insisted on going back and taking the detour as I had travelled just a few kms past the detour point. I went back and took the detour from Ghatikallu Junction transited Kanive and reached Marasanige. The detour was a beautiful narrow road circuit giving beautiful landscape views of the Ballarayanadurga range & the deep valleys below. Thankfully they guided me into this detour or else I would have missed the prettiest part of the days ride.

It was already past lunch time when I found Gattikallu homestay near kanive, asked them if they can offer lunch for a charge. I was served hot kannada dishes, when I offered to pay they didnt accept , felt humbled promised them to return back some other day for an extended stay.

I reached Marasanige by 4 PM , on reaching Marasanige HVK team was advising me to ride towards Sringeri. So I was on the Marasanige  Sringeri route, the road construction from Marasige plus continuous riding from dawn to dusk on the ghats was taking its toll on my body and mind. I was longing for my evening dose of caffeine . That is when I found  Hollas coffee garage at Gorasukudige ,a shop selling coffee powder, coffee etc.

Entered the shop and asked for a steaming cup of coffee. The shop owner was fluent in hindi and english, started conversing with him and came to know he had done his cost management accounting and was presently running this coffee shop and also a tent stay. The fatigue in me made a mental note of the tent stay. Before I could finish the coffee the dark cumulonimbus gathered overhead started pouring cats and dogs. The downpour was too heavy to ride. I informed HVK team that I am breaking my ride and i will spent the night at the tent stay at Gorasukudige. The guy took me to his place an ancient residence( well maintained , hard to see now a days) in the midst of coffee plantation. The tent was put up in the estate. I was invited inside the house, was offered another cup of coffee and I was given a home tour. The house was built in the 1960s, most of the construction was by teak wood, floors had red oxide. Everything in the house was antique, utensils were brass, kitchen had a coal stove, a separate Almera to store warm blankets , a room with mud floooring to store paddy.

The guy had his parents at home ,they spoke only Kannada but hospitality and warmth needs no language, I could not speak their language but their warmth and hospitality was overwhelming, making me feel truly welcome in their home.

I was driven to a near by temple, where his mother was a carnatic music teacher attending to a bunch of young boys teaching them Vedic mantras. The boys were told about me and the boys welcomed me to their place.



The temple



Soon I was surrounded by temple elders, curious to know about my travel, experience and profession. I was their guest now, the next day at the temple was a big festival and I was more than invited to attend that festival. But the catch , I will have the wait the next whole day and the festival will begin at 11 pm the following night and end at 7 am, which would mean I will have to stay awake the entire night and then riding long distances would be impossible without a good nights rest.

I put up the above points to my host and my decision to carry on with my ride without attending the temple festival, it was not an easy decision considering the kindness showered upon me.

Went to bed with a heavy heart, this was my first night in a tent, but I had a sound sleep, the chirping of birds in the early morning was a sweet wake up call. The early morning fog, the hazy mountains, the twilight was a sight by itself.





Snap of my place of stay.



Day 04- The plan



Balehole  Basarikatte  Jayapuea

Agumbe  Hulikal

HUlikal  Tirthahalli

Tirthahalli - Shimoga

Tumkur - Shimoga - HOnavar (From Shimoga, Till JOg Falls)



Started my ride late as I was over fed by my host with  Neer Dosa a dish savoured in parts of Karanataka made out of soaked rice powder. My host had given me directions to some places of interest such as

Saradamba temple

Kundadri hills

Hari pura prabhodohini gurukula

Ambu theerthali

It was really interesting to know that even in this modern era, gurukula system of education was followed. I really wanted to visit Hari pura prabhodohini gurukula and meet the students of the gurukula, but what I thought was enroute but it wasnt ,so skipped the gurukula. I then headed to the Saradamba temple, I was in no mood to enter the temple premises with all my riding gear and tail bag, so made a prayer from the entrance and continued on to Agumbe.

Agumbe called the  Land of King cobras had always been on my bucket list. Reached and stopped at Agumbe, had a steaming cup of tea taking in the remoteness and stillness the jungle offered.





Kundadri was a detour. Kundadri was a narrow road with steep inclines, the peak had a jain temple, the peak offers a large bird eye view of the entire region. Clicked a few snaps and headed down towards Hulikal.



Jain temple at Kundadri



Hulikal was a transit point. Hulikal known as one of the rainest place in India, but to my dismay the sun was shining bright.

Hulikal to Tirthahalli was again ghats with jungles on both sides, enjoyed the clean air and peaceful surroundings.

Tirthahalli to Ambu Tirthahalli was again a detour. Ambu Tirthahalli home to a hill temple of Lord Shiva, where one can see water gushing out from a small recess at the feet of the Nandi, I offered my prayers at Ambu Tirthahalli and returned back for lunch at Tirthahalli.

The next part of the days ride from Tirthahalli  Shimoga- Jog falls was uneventful, mostly lonely, clean green surroundings, fresh air, scenic landscapes, breath taking views, far from chaos the city roads offered.

The CHD did not have any tie up with hotels around jog, so I found a home stay in the outskirts, a decent home stay run by an elderly gentleman whose business in Bangalore couldnt survive the Covid period. The homestay was located amongst their own bettle nut plantation.



Day 05  The plan



Jog Falls - Sirsi

Sirsi - Yana - Gokarna Cross (Detour, Return to Sirsi)

Sirsi - Yellapura

Yellapura - Dandeli

Dandeli - Syntheri Rocks  Sadashivgad



As usual had an early start after having a good home made breakfast. First stop was the Bale Padmavathi Amman temple situated on a mountain range on the top of Jog falls. This temple was included on my itinerary on insistence of my host.



Bale Padmavathi Amman temple



At the entrance of Jog falls



The ride from Jog to Sirsi and the detour to Yana was as usual solitary but loved it. Yana had a rush of tourists, I was seeing such a crowd after a handful of days and that actually made me happy. I had my doubts about my ability to trek to the Yana caves in full gear, but the weather god was kind and I could do it easily.



Yana caves



Took the same route back to Sirsi with lunch stop in a road side dhaba. Sirsi to Yellapura was uneventful. Ok reaching Yellapura I enquired with the HVK team if I could head straight to Karwar but they insisted I do the Dandeli route to Karwar. There was sufficient day light left and I agreed to do the Dandeli circuit- the best decision of the day.

Yellapura- Dandeli-Karwar passes through deep jungles, at places the vegetation is so thick not even sunlight enters. I was reluctant to even stop for hydration breaks, it was a little living on the edge kind of feel. I entire jungle was filled with noises made by the insects. Dandeli  Karwar passes through Kali tiger reserve. The day light fading , the deserted roads, the jungle coming alive, the feel of transiting a tiger reserve made me check my gear around my neck for strange reasons. I was tightening my jacket around my neck and pulling my helmet down to reduce my neck exposure. Funny but thats how the mind plays games in such situations.

Throughout the entire stretch I was at the mercy of my motorcycle, there was no mobile signal or any human in sight. A loose connection, a blocked orifice, a failed sensor could leave me stranded in the jungle. I was patting the fuel tank of my motorcycle as a thank-you gesture on existing Kali tiger reserve.

Stopped at a small settlement had tea from one of the shops and headed to Karwar.

CHD had tie ups in Karwar, checked into one of the pre booked hotels spend the evening at the beach and called it a day.



Day 06  The plan



Karwar  Mangalore

Mangalore  Madikeri



Excitement was high when I transited the Karwar tunnel on the NH 66. I have transited the NH 66 before , it is a very scenic coastal routes but the vibe was spoiled by heavy traffic returning home after the extended holidays.

Lunch was at Shetty Lunch home, kundapura on the recommendation of HVK. Excellent lunch , no complaints.

Ascending the western ghats enroute to Madikeri at the time of dusk made up for all the chaotic traffic encountered on the NH66.

A walk along the streets of Madikeri and an early dinner made the evening.



Day 07- The plan



Madikeri - Mysore

Mysore - Pollachi (Till Palladam)

Avinashi - Dharapuram  Dindigul

Dindigul  Madurai











Few random clicks on the way home



Started the day at first light, plan was to head home. I made quick progress through Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Dimbam, Sathy, Palladam, Dindigul, Madurai. It was a 600 km fulfilling ride. Reached home safely and sent a thank you note to HVK team for their trip support after all it was because of them I was able to enjoy the ride knowing there was a team looking out for me.

What started out as just a ride ended up as a journey about people, landscapes and experiences.



Odometer at the end of 2800kms ride Let me begin this travelogue with a brief introduction of myself and the vehicle that would be my trusted companion on this solo ride.I am a merchant marine officer signed off the ship in January and about to join back in May this year, my ride is a 2.5 year old Royal Enfield Meteor 350 with 24k Kms on the odometer.The itch for a long ride prior joining back on duty was becoming prominent. The ride had to be on the mountains for obvious reasons. The question of where to ride which section of the ghats to choose lingered. That is when I got to know of HVK and his RoutO. I bought a club 12 membership and briefed HVK on email of my plan to ride somewhere, I told him I can spare a maximum of 7 days and my capacity to ride from dawn to dusk.I also requested him for  Total trip Support which includes route suggestions, position monitoring , emergency response and stay support.I have done several rides before with most of them being solo rides, in all those rides I always had this question What if  I fall, get injured, robbed, lost,attacked by an animal etc in my mind but still the love for bikes kept me on the saddle .This trip support has put to rest most of the What ifs .On receipt of my email he replied back with a tentative itinerary, which was as follows:This was tentative the actual itinerary would be dynamic depending on various factors with the primary one being my ability to cover the distance and stick to the plan.One day prior the ride, I received a list of routes on the RoutO app, these routes need to be downloaded, once downloaded they work offline. These routes unlike google maps are crafted based on real travel experience. These routes have a POV section, which gives a list of tried and tested restaurants, petrol pumps with special mention of coco pumps, prominent land marks etc.Sleep kept evading the entire night for some unknown reason even though this is not my first solo ride, I knew I would regret this during my ride. I had an early start , hit the NH44 by day break. It was around 0730 hrs when the loss of sleep started taking its toll, I started feeling drowsy, paused my ride at an empty tea stall and had a power nap. The 20 minute power nap left me energized. In the past rides I have learnt how carrying breakfast and having it on the highways under a tree can leave notable memories, this ride was no exception, eggs and sandwich were downed for breakfast. The dreaded Thoppur section was crossed during the morning hours. The thoppur ghat section is a breathtaking stretch, with its lush green cover, but its heart breaking to think that many lives have been lost in this very place.Reached Bangalore for lunch and headed to the NICE road. I was using the RoutO app for navigation, I thought I was familiar with the app but clearly I wasnt. On the NICE Road the app asked me permission to load the subsequent route,I pressed Yes without looking at what the app was suggesting to load. The app had suggested a route towards Tumkur and I had authoried and followed it ( completely my mistake, I should have gone through the instructions properly) as I followed the wrong route map, I missed the Mysore exit and headed to the Tumkur exit. HVK by the time had messaged me of my mistake, but I had not checked the whatsapp.Standing at the Tumkur exit I messaged HVK of my blunder, he immediately sent me an alternate route towards Neelamangala, Hassan/Mangalore to reach Mysore.As part of the deal I am supposed to send him my current position every one hour, so this hourly stoppage doubled up as hydration/stretch breaks. These hourly short breaks greatly helped in keeping fatigue away and extended my saddle time.As part of the standard procedure stay was booked by their Central hotel desk(CHD part of HVK team) 60 minutes prior reaching the destination.I reached Mysore by 6 PM checked into the hotel. The evening was spent savouring food at one of my favourite restaurant.End of day one  600 + kms covered, goofed up on the NICE Road but still managed to reach my destination.Started from Mysore at first light, had a refreshing ride and breakfast in the outskirts of Mysore.Thoroughly enjoyed the ghats and reached Madikeri, did some coffee shopping for a long list of relatives and headed on my onward journey towards Kudrasthe.Enroute to Kudrasthe my rear number plate which had a rattling issue fell off, luckily I caught it on the rear view mirror and went looking for a workshop. I found a workshop engaged in overhaul of farm equipments, the main technician attended to my motorcycle. The technician quickly started opening up about himself , how he had completed his degree in Mechanical engineering at a college in Mumbai , his time as an employee with Siemens technologies and how family issues required him to quit his job and return to his village. Now he owns the workshop and seems happy. Got me thinking as to how life keeps going on and how some people easily open up to strangers.Upon reaching Kudrasthe changed over the route map. Now during the planning HVK team had sent me clear instructions to follow this route map ( Kudrasthe  Sakleshpura  Mudigere  Chikmagalur) only till Sakleshpur then switch over to the next route map ( Sakleshpur  Hanbal), but I had not given me enough attention to the planning messages and hence I had missed the switch point ( which in this place was Sakleshpur) and headed towards Chikmagalur. HVK team had received my position updates and had pinged me but I had not checked my messages either. When I came to know I was already on the outskirts of Chikamagalur. The routine drill was followed, stay was booked by CHD . I checked into the room by 5 pm after 300 + kms on the ghats. HVK team was telling me I could have stayed at better locations if I had followed the plan. Anyways I told myself it's all a part of the learning process and made it a point to go through the days plan thoroughly including the transit points, switch points, prior to the start of the ride. Normally I am briefed about the next days plan the prior evening itself, during this time I started making short hints and after that never missed a switch points.Short outing to Hirekolale and dinner at a nice restaurant made the evening.As usual had an early start from Chikmagalur. I was not aware of the Chikmagalur town canteen, but I was told they serve very good breakfast. Anyways by the time the recommendation came I had crossed Aldur and I was transiting the Aldur  Banakal route.The Aldur  Banakal route was a beauty that words cant describe. I will let a few snaps do the talking. I was really thankful to the planners for having put me through such a scenic route.Transited Devarmane, stopped by the road side to view the meadows and the hill temple at Devarmane. The transit points were followed ,enjoyed the scenic route and twisties through Banakal, Kottigehara , Balur. I was supposed to take the Ghatikallu detour enroute to Marasanige, but I had some how missed the junction from where the detour starts, but then HVK team insisted on going back and taking the detour as I had travelled just a few kms past the detour point. I went back and took the detour from Ghatikallu Junction transited Kanive and reached Marasanige. The detour was a beautiful narrow road circuit giving beautiful landscape views of the Ballarayanadurga range & the deep valleys below. Thankfully they guided me into this detour or else I would have missed the prettiest part of the days ride.It was already past lunch time when I found Gattikallu homestay near kanive, asked them if they can offer lunch for a charge. I was served hot kannada dishes, when I offered to pay they didnt accept , felt humbled promised them to return back some other day for an extended stay.I reached Marasanige by 4 PM , on reaching Marasanige HVK team was advising me to ride towards Sringeri. So I was on the Marasanige  Sringeri route, the road construction from Marasige plus continuous riding from dawn to dusk on the ghats was taking its toll on my body and mind. I was longing for my evening dose of caffeine . That is when I found  Hollas coffee garage at Gorasukudige ,a shop selling coffee powder, coffee etc.Entered the shop and asked for a steaming cup of coffee. The shop owner was fluent in hindi and english, started conversing with him and came to know he had done his cost management accounting and was presently running this coffee shop and also a tent stay. The fatigue in me made a mental note of the tent stay. Before I could finish the coffee the dark cumulonimbus gathered overhead started pouring cats and dogs. The downpour was too heavy to ride. I informed HVK team that I am breaking my ride and i will spent the night at the tent stay at Gorasukudige. The guy took me to his place an ancient residence( well maintained , hard to see now a days) in the midst of coffee plantation. The tent was put up in the estate. I was invited inside the house, was offered another cup of coffee and I was given a home tour. The house was built in the 1960s, most of the construction was by teak wood, floors had red oxide. Everything in the house was antique, utensils were brass, kitchen had a coal stove, a separate Almera to store warm blankets , a room with mud floooring to store paddy.The guy had his parents at home ,they spoke only Kannada but hospitality and warmth needs no language, I could not speak their language but their warmth and hospitality was overwhelming, making me feel truly welcome in their home.I was driven to a near by temple, where his mother was a carnatic music teacher attending to a bunch of young boys teaching them Vedic mantras. The boys were told about me and the boys welcomed me to their place.Soon I was surrounded by temple elders, curious to know about my travel, experience and profession. I was their guest now, the next day at the temple was a big festival and I was more than invited to attend that festival. But the catch , I will have the wait the next whole day and the festival will begin at 11 pm the following night and end at 7 am, which would mean I will have to stay awake the entire night and then riding long distances would be impossible without a good nights rest.I put up the above points to my host and my decision to carry on with my ride without attending the temple festival, it was not an easy decision considering the kindness showered upon me.Went to bed with a heavy heart, this was my first night in a tent, but I had a sound sleep, the chirping of birds in the early morning was a sweet wake up call. The early morning fog, the hazy mountains, the twilight was a sight by itself.Started my ride late as I was over fed by my host with  Neer Dosa a dish savoured in parts of Karanataka made out of soaked rice powder. My host had given me directions to some places of interest such asSaradamba templeKundadri hillsHari pura prabhodohini gurukulaAmbu theerthaliIt was really interesting to know that even in this modern era, gurukula system of education was followed. I really wanted to visit Hari pura prabhodohini gurukula and meet the students of the gurukula, but what I thought was enroute but it wasnt ,so skipped the gurukula. I then headed to the Saradamba temple, I was in no mood to enter the temple premises with all my riding gear and tail bag, so made a prayer from the entrance and continued on to Agumbe.Agumbe called the  Land of King cobras had always been on my bucket list. Reached and stopped at Agumbe, had a steaming cup of tea taking in the remoteness and stillness the jungle offered.Kundadri was a detour. Kundadri was a narrow road with steep inclines, the peak had a jain temple, the peak offers a large bird eye view of the entire region. Clicked a few snaps and headed down towards Hulikal.Hulikal was a transit point. Hulikal known as one of the rainest place in India, but to my dismay the sun was shining bright.Hulikal to Tirthahalli was again ghats with jungles on both sides, enjoyed the clean air and peaceful surroundings.Tirthahalli to Ambu Tirthahalli was again a detour. Ambu Tirthahalli home to a hill temple of Lord Shiva, where one can see water gushing out from a small recess at the feet of the Nandi, I offered my prayers at Ambu Tirthahalli and returned back for lunch at Tirthahalli.The next part of the days ride from Tirthahalli  Shimoga- Jog falls was uneventful, mostly lonely, clean green surroundings, fresh air, scenic landscapes, breath taking views, far from chaos the city roads offered.The CHD did not have any tie up with hotels around jog, so I found a home stay in the outskirts, a decent home stay run by an elderly gentleman whose business in Bangalore couldnt survive the Covid period. The homestay was located amongst their own bettle nut plantation.As usual had an early start after having a good home made breakfast. First stop was the Bale Padmavathi Amman temple situated on a mountain range on the top of Jog falls. This temple was included on my itinerary on insistence of my host.The ride from Jog to Sirsi and the detour to Yana was as usual solitary but loved it. Yana had a rush of tourists, I was seeing such a crowd after a handful of days and that actually made me happy. I had my doubts about my ability to trek to the Yana caves in full gear, but the weather god was kind and I could do it easily.Took the same route back to Sirsi with lunch stop in a road side dhaba. Sirsi to Yellapura was uneventful. Ok reaching Yellapura I enquired with the HVK team if I could head straight to Karwar but they insisted I do the Dandeli route to Karwar. There was sufficient day light left and I agreed to do the Dandeli circuit- the best decision of the day.Yellapura- Dandeli-Karwar passes through deep jungles, at places the vegetation is so thick not even sunlight enters. I was reluctant to even stop for hydration breaks, it was a little living on the edge kind of feel. I entire jungle was filled with noises made by the insects. Dandeli  Karwar passes through Kali tiger reserve. The day light fading , the deserted roads, the jungle coming alive, the feel of transiting a tiger reserve made me check my gear around my neck for strange reasons. I was tightening my jacket around my neck and pulling my helmet down to reduce my neck exposure. Funny but thats how the mind plays games in such situations.Throughout the entire stretch I was at the mercy of my motorcycle, there was no mobile signal or any human in sight. A loose connection, a blocked orifice, a failed sensor could leave me stranded in the jungle. I was patting the fuel tank of my motorcycle as a thank-you gesture on existing Kali tiger reserve.Stopped at a small settlement had tea from one of the shops and headed to Karwar.CHD had tie ups in Karwar, checked into one of the pre booked hotels spend the evening at the beach and called it a day.Excitement was high when I transited the Karwar tunnel on the NH 66. I have transited the NH 66 before , it is a very scenic coastal routes but the vibe was spoiled by heavy traffic returning home after the extended holidays.Lunch was at Shetty Lunch home, kundapura on the recommendation of HVK. Excellent lunch , no complaints.Ascending the western ghats enroute to Madikeri at the time of dusk made up for all the chaotic traffic encountered on the NH66.A walk along the streets of Madikeri and an early dinner made the evening.Started the day at first light, plan was to head home. I made quick progress through Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Dimbam, Sathy, Palladam, Dindigul, Madurai. It was a 600 km fulfilling ride. Reached home safely and sent a thank you note to HVK team for their trip support after all it was because of them I was able to enjoy the ride knowing there was a team looking out for me.What started out as just a ride ended up as a journey about people, landscapes and experiences. Attached Thumbnails




How to Assess Your Institution's AI Readiness

In this episode of the Campus Technology Insider Podcast, Rhea Kelly, editor-in-chief of Campus Technology, discusses the crucial topic of AI readiness in higher education with Kathe Pelletier, senior director of community programs at Educause. They delve into Educause's updated AI Readiness Assessment tool, its components, and how it aids institutions in strategizing and planning for AI integration on campuses. Learn about the importance of conversation, context-specific strategies, and action planning to navigate AI implementation effectively. This episode also highlights key insights from the second annual Educause AI Landscape Study and its role in shaping the assessment tool.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:29 Overview of AI Readiness Assessment

01:10 Key Components of the Assessment

02:34 Action Planning and Resources

03:41 Insights from the AI Landscape Study

06:28 Institutional AI Strategy and Readiness

09:35 Stakeholder Involvement in AI Readiness

12:48 Assessment Sections Breakdown

18:32 Post-Assessment Steps and Action Plans

24:15 Conclusion and Podcast Sign-Off

Resource links:

Music: Mixkit

Duration: 25 minutes

Transcript
Cutting corners: Users on China's Weibo platform are reporting that Japanese PC retailers are blocking the sale of graphics cards to tourists. These new policies may be a response to international scalpers, as Nvidia's RTX 5090 and 5080 remain critically scarce. Initially, retailers attempted to deter scalpers by withholding tax-free benefits, but with GPUs selling well above MSRP in markets like China, there still appears to be enough incentive for buyers to fly in, purchase a GPU, and resell it later.

Even four months after launch, Nvidia's latest high-end graphics cards remain difficult to acquire, especially at MSRP. Low stock made Japan's GPU market chaotic from the start, but retailers there have started restricting exports to maintain supply for domestic customers.

A photo taken at a hardware store in Osaka's Nipponbashi district shows a sign in Chinese warning that the RTX 5090 and 5080 will not be sold for use outside the country. The retailer likely aims to dissuade foreign customers from reselling the GPUs in China, where flagship cards are not officially available.

According to Sina Finance, Japanese stores initially tried to curb tax-free purchases, hoping to reduce the profitability of high-end GPUs for scalpers. However, prices for Nvidia's RTX 50 series may be so inflated that taxes alone are not a sufficient deterrent.

In March, a Micro Center in Dallas almost instantly sold out its stock of 5090 cards despite an 85 percent markup. It's unclear how Japanese retailers plan to ensure that GPUs they sell remain in the country, especially since local residents could simply pass the cards along to tourists.

Initial launch stock for the RTX 5090 and 5080 was so low that some accused Nvidia of staging a paper launch. Retailers in several countries reported receiving fewer than 100 units  and in some cases, fewer than 10  causing customers to resort to extreme measures.

In the US, many prospective customers camped in front of Micro Center locations. When a PC Koubou in Japan held a lottery for the opportunity to buy a GPU, some people climbed a fence at an adjacent kindergarten and destroyed a sign.

The lukewarm critical reception to the RTX 50 series makes the ongoing hype even more surprising. Our reviews of the RTX 5090 and 5080 described them as disappointing upgrades over the RTX 40 lineups. Mid-range models like the RTX 5070 and the 8GB variant of the 5060 Ti, while likely more widely available, offer even fewer improvements over their predecessors.

Nvidia is expected to launch the mainstream RTX 5060 on May 19. At $300, it will likely become the lineup's most popular GPU, despite its unacceptably small 8GB VRAM pool. AMD's 16GB Radeon RX 9060 XT is reportedly set to debut the following day.
Editor's take: The cryptocurrency market as a whole is far from obsolete; however, it has become more expensive. The era of easy profits from Bitcoin mining appears to have ended, replaced by a fiercely competitive industry where only the most efficient and resourceful players are likely to survive.

Bitcoin mining, once viewed as a digital gold rush, is facing a harsh new reality in 2025: for many, the cost of producing a single Bitcoin now outweighs its market value by a considerable margin. This shift signals a dramatic change for an industry that, for years, thrived on the promise of turning electricity and computational power into profit.

At the core of the issue is the escalating expense of mining operations. According to recent data from CoinShares, the average all-in cost for publicly listed miners to generate one Bitcoin has soared to approximately $137,000.

This figure includes electricity and the substantial investments required for specialized hardware and ongoing operational expenses. Meanwhile, the market price of Bitcoin has hovered around $95,000, leaving many miners operating at a significant loss.

This situation is not entirely unexpected. The Bitcoin protocol, established nearly two decades ago, was designed so that mining would become progressively more difficult as more coins were discovered. As the pool of available Bitcoins shrinks, the computational effort required to mine new ones increases, demanding ever more powerful  and power-hungry  machines.

Electricity costs are a critical factor in this equation, and they vary dramatically around the world. In some countries, such as Iran, it remains possible to mine a Bitcoin for as little as $1,324, thanks to extremely low energy prices. In stark contrast, miners in Ireland face electricity costs exceeding $321,000 for the same task.

The United States, despite being a global mining hub, is a challenging environment for solo miners, who typically spend over $107,000 in electricity per Bitcoin  often resulting in losses even before accounting for hardware and other expenses.

The disparity in energy costs is reshaping the global mining landscape. While Asia continues to offer profitable conditions in more than 20 countries, miners in much of Europe are confronted with costs that can be up to five times higher than the value of the Bitcoin they produce. This has prompted a migration of mining operations to regions where electricity is cheaper and more accessible.

For smaller operators and individuals, the prospects are increasingly bleak. The days when a modest investment in high-powered graphics cards could yield steady returns are largely over. The scale and efficiency required to remain competitive now place mining out of reach for most hobbyists, consolidating the industry in the hands of large, well-capitalized companies.

In response to these pressures, many mining firms are diversifying their business models. Some are leveraging their advanced computing infrastructure for alternative uses, such as hosting artificial intelligence and high-performance computing workloads. This pivot allows them to remain viable even when mining itself is unprofitable, with the option to return to mining should market conditions improve.
In context: A zero-day vulnerability is an undiscovered security flaw that has already been exploited by cybercriminals and other threat actors. According to new research from Google, the zero-day threat continues to grow at a slow but steady pace.

The zero-day business is steadily improving for cybercriminals and becoming increasingly dangerous for end users, professionals, and enterprise organizations. After analyzing 75 zero-day vulnerabilities that could be confidently attributed in 2024, the Google Threat Intelligence Group released a report detailing the facts and trends uncovered during the investigation.

The report focuses on zero-day bugs that were both detected and disclosed, meaning a significant number of undetected vulnerabilities may still be lurking in IT systems and devices.

While the 75 exploited bugs identified in 2024 represent a decrease from the 98 reported in 2023, the overall trend remains consistent: the zero-day exploitation market continues to grow at a steady pace. Attackers are increasingly targeting enterprise environments, with a particular emphasis on security and network infrastructure products.

Cyber-espionage operations are leading the way in zero-day exploit attribution, according to Google. Government-backed threat groups  and in some cases, third-party hackers working on behalf of hostile state actors  were responsible for over 50 percent of the vulnerabilities that the Google Threat Intelligence Group was able to attribute in 2024. Chinese state-sponsored hackers accounted for five known zero-day exploits, while North Korean cyber-espionage groups matched that figure for the first time ever.

Another significant threat comes from commercial spyware vendors, who often claim to sell their tools exclusively to legitimate government clients. However, even when such companies are shut down by law enforcement or face public backlash, GTIG noted that the demand for these invasive products remains high enough to sustain and even grow the industry.

Google's report also offers some guidance for software and hardware vendors seeking to curb the spread of zero-day threats. While vulnerabilities are becoming easier to acquire and exploit, widely used products such as mobile operating systems and web browsers have improved their security posture. Nonetheless, end-user products continue to be prime targets for both cybercriminals and nation-state attackers. This, Google says, underscores the need for stronger and continuously evolving security practices across the tech ecosystem.
A hot potato: Another authority is turning to AI in the hope of being able to predict crimes or problematic behavior before they occur. New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) plans to use the technology on the city's subways by analyzing live security footage for potential troublemakers.

MTA Chief Security Officer Michael Kemper said (via The Gothamist) that the agency is working with AI companies to develop the software that can analyze real-time subway platform feeds.

The plan is that if the software identifies someone who appears to be acting unusually, suspiciously, or irrationally, it would trigger an alert that in turn would trigger a response from security or the police department. Kemper said that the police response would come "before waiting for something to happen," i.e., stopping a crime before it happens, Minority Report-style.

"AI is the future," Kemper said during a committee meeting. "We're working with tech companies literally right now and seeing what's out there right now on the market, what's feasible, what would work in the subway system."

MTA spokesperson Aaron Donovan emphasized that the predictive system would not use facial recognition, adding that the AI technology is designed to identify behaviors, not people.

There have been several instances of unprovoked attacks in New York's subway systems in recent times, including people being pushed onto the tracks. Ten people were murdered in the NYC subways last year, according to police.

Not everyone is happy about the planned use of this technology. "Using artificial intelligence  a technology notoriously unreliable and biased  to monitor our subways and send in police risks exacerbating these disparities and creating new problems," wrote New York Civil Liberties Union Senior Policy Counsel Justin Harrison in a statement. "Living in a sweeping surveillance state shouldn't be the price we pay to be safe. Real public safety comes from investing in our communities, not from omnipresent surveillance."

This is far from the first crime-predicting technology we've seen. Earlier this month, it was reported that the UK government is developing a homicide prediction algorithm to identify potential violent offenders.

South Korea is also testing "Dejaview," an artificial-intelligence platform that scans live CCTV feeds to spot patterns linked to imminent crime and alert authorities before it happens.

Back in 2022, an academic team announced it had created a model capable of forecasting crime up to seven days ahead with roughly 90 percent accuracy. That same year, reports emerged that China was exploring large-scale citizen profiling, aiming to use automated analytics to flag individuals who might become dissidents or lawbreakers before any wrongdoing occurs.
The Trump administration previously claimed that Apple is contemplating on bringing the iPhone manufacturing right on US soil, but now, the US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has revealed more of Tim Cook's alleged plans for the company's "reshoring" to the country.

It has been claimed that Apple indeed wants to bring the iPhone's production to its home country, but it is still waiting on robotic arms for its plants.

However, it is important to note that these are all claims from the US Commerce Secretary as Apple is yet to confirm its plans to reshore iPhone manufacturing to the US from its current operations in China and India.

Apple iPhone US Manufacturing Waits on 'Robotic Arms'

Lutnick has recently claimed in an interview with CNBC (via Aaron Rupar) that he was informed about Apple's plans to bring iPhone manufacturing to the United States. However, plans are not yet concrete for now as, according to Lutnick, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that they are still waiting on robotic arms before they start to do so.

According to Lutnick, Cook said that there is a need for these robotic arms before starting the iPhone's manufacturing on home soil as these machines can do it "at a scale and precision" to create the smartphones.

Cook also allegedly said that he wants to avoid employing foreign workers to manufacture the iPhone in the country.

No More Human Labor for US iPhone Manufacturing?

It appears, based on Secretary Lutnick's claims, that Apple's iPhone manufacturing in the United States would center on machine or robotics processes and pass on human labor.

While Cook said to Lutnick that he wants to avoid employing foreign nationals for labor, the Commerce Secretary also said that American workers would still be present, but they would be the ones controlling the machinery for the iPhone's creation.

Apple and the Trump Tariffs: Is Reshoring Coming?

Now that President Donald Trump's tariffs are in effect, Apple is set to face its higher import rates. In fact, it was previously reported that Apple rushed to fly planes full of iPhones from China and India to the US to curb the inevitable.

However, it was revealed that Apple does not want to do this in the long run, which is why Trump believes that Apple can reshore iPhone's manufacturing to the US in the future. That being said, there are no concrete plans yet on how Apple would do this, and the Cupertino-based tech giant is yet to confirm anything about the return of iPhone manufacturing on the United States.

Should Trump continue with the massive tariffs against imported goods, many companies, including Apple, would have no choice but to reshore their developments, increase prices, or avoid selling in the US altogether.
Having been scammed by an impersonator billionaire in a now-viral Netflix doc, "The Tinder Swindler," Pernilla Sjoholm is turning the tables. Alongside computer scientist Suejb Memeti, Sjoholm co-founded IDfier, an innovative platform that claims to halt online cons before they are initiated.

To verify identities safely and easily, IDfier might become the frontline against romance scams, deepfakes, and digital identity impersonation.

An Identity Tool That Blocks Scams

IDfier is a mobile application that enables users to authenticate their identity through official documents such as passports or driver's licenses. Through NFC scanning and head movements using biometrics, the tool identifies genuine users with 99.9% accuracy.

After authentication, users can send or receive identity verification requests, selecting which personal information, such as name, age, or phone number, to disclose.

All the information is encrypted and kept on several secure servers, so it is virtually impossible to spoof or steal identities. This is not limited to dating apps, however  the system can be used on social media, email, and online shopping platforms as well.

Why Real Verification is Needed in a World Full of Deepfakes

According to The Next Web, Sjoholm's interest in protecting digital identity isn't merely business  it's personal. Having been conned and left broke by scammer Simon Leviev, she knows the psychological damage that fraud can leave.

Sjoholm said that beyond the scam, he felt emotionally abused by the scammer.

"When you experience fraud, you feel very embarrassed, you feel a lot of shame, and there's so much hatred towards victims. I think people try to make themselves feel better by thinking that it doesn't happen to smart people and wouldn't happen to them. Actually, someone who says that is more likely to become a target," she added.

With the rise of synthetic identities and AI-generated deepfakes, Sjoholm warns that the threat is growing. She warned everyone that it's now hard to distinguish if the ones we're talking to on the screen are still humans.

A Mission Fueled by Experience and Backed by Investors

IDfier is not merely a product. For Sjoholm, it's a revolution. With backing from Swedish government-owned Almi Invest and Visive Invest, the company has already acquired serious credibility. Sjoholm is COO, with Memeti as CEO. Their mission: knock identity fraud to its knees.

Widely available worldwide on the App Store and Google Play, IDfier is a subscription service beginning at only $2 per month. The family plan is $7/month for up to five individuals  a rate made to afford digital safety for everyone.

A Billion-Dollar Problem with a Billion-Dollar Solution?

Scams cost consumers more than $1 trillion a year, according to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA). Sjoholm is convinced that if systems like IDfier can reduce the use of fake identities from 60% to 5%, the economic benefits will be revolutionary.

She would also like to provide IDfier for free to students, who are often targeted by scam artists. Furthermore, she revealed that the scary part about scams is that 95% of the teens she met talked to strangers online.

Sjoholm will return to Amsterdam, her city, but this time not as a victim, but as a protector. She considered this opportunity a "full-circle moment."

With IDfier, Sjoholm isn't merely recovering from her past  she's remaking the future of internet safety.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched its pioneering Biomass satellite into space as part of its major breakthrough for climate science and environmental monitoring.

This is the start of a mission to chart the world's forests in 3D and provide the most precise measures of global forest carbon stock ever recorded from space.

Space Umbrella is The Key to Peering Beneath Forest Canopies

Hailing from Kourou, French Guiana, the launch took place at around 11:15 CEST. The biomass satellite was contained inside the Vega-C rocket.

Once in space, the satellite will unfurl a huge, space umbrella-shaped radar antenna, designed by US defense contractor L3 Harris. Because of its complexity, it will take nine days to complete the deployment.

The radar instrument, a P-band synthetic aperture radar, is the world's first to be deployed into space. Developed by Airbus, the radar has long wavelengths that can penetrate forest canopies to gauge the woody biomass underneath, where most of the carbon in a forest resides.

The Next Web tells us to think of it as an MRI for the forests on Earth  imaging from space to reveal data buried under dense leaves.

Unveiling Earth's Biomass in Unprecedented Detail

Biomass satellite gathers radar signals reflecting off Earth's surface. The umbrella-shaped antenna captures these signals and bounces them back to the instrument on the satellite.

The data collected is then processed into highly detailed 3D maps of global biomass, providing information about the intricate structure of leaves, branches, and trunks.

These readings will enable scientists to monitor carbon storage and emissions with unprecedented accuracy, facilitating improved deforestation and forest regrowth monitoring.

Forests, Carbon, and the Battle Against Climate Change

The simplest explanation behind global warming is the trapping of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere. Some people confuse it with climate change, but the two terms are different from one another.

While climate change deals with rapid shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, global warming focuses more on the abnormal heating of the planet.

Forests are indeed good filters for greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, but when they are burned or destroyed, the global warming effects are felt much more.

By making possible the precise measurement of carbon in forests, ESA's Biomass mission can revolutionize efforts to fight climate change. Scientists will use the mission to inform climate models, monitor progress towards emission targets, and guide policies on land use and conservation.

More Than Just Forests: Mapping Earth's Hidden Layers

Though the satellite's main mission centers on global biomass, its advanced radar technology is capable of doing much more. The instrument is able to create maps of subsurface geology in deserts, monitor the structure of ice sheets, and even image forest floor topography, providing a new and forceful view of Earth's ecosystems.
Canadian firm makes first bid for international seabed mining license



New York, April 29 (AFP) Apr 29, 2025



Canada's The Metals Company said Tuesday it applied to the United States to mine deep-sea minerals in international waters, a world first made possible by President Donald Trump's embrace of the industry.

Metal-containing deep-sea nodules, which have the appearance of potato-size pebbles and typically contain nickel and cobalt, are highly sought for use in electric vehicle batteries and electric cables.

But environmental groups have raised the alarm about the ecological cost of their extraction.

The request for a commercial exploitation license, submitted to US authorities by the TMC USA subsidiary, is for the mining of polymetallic nodules -- deposits made up of multiple metals -- in 9,700 square miles (25,200 square kilometers) of the Pacific's Clarion-Clipperton Zone.

"Today marks a major step forward -- not just for TMC USA, but for America's mineral independence and industrial resurgence," said Gerard Barron, chairman and CEO of The Metals Company.

TMC, which hopes to be the first firm to harvest the valuable nodules, said in March it would seek the first commercial deep-sea mining license from Washington.

It marked an abrupt shift in strategy as it had initially indicated that it would submit its request to the International Seabed Authority in June, which has jurisdiction over the seabed in international waters.

TMC justified cutting out the ISA because of the organization's slow pace in adopting a mining code that establishes the rules for exploiting seabed minerals.



- 'Rogue and dangerous' -



Just weeks after TMC's about-turn, Trump signed an executive order speeding up the review of applications and the issuing of exploitation permits -- including in international waters.

"This latest development is just a confirmation they are a rogue and dangerous actor," Emma Wilson of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition told AFP.

"A moratorium at the ISA would send a clear signal to states and companies that are choosing to act outside the ISA that the global community is united in defending international law."

Washington, not a member of the ISA, governs the commercial extraction of minerals from the international seabed under a 1980 law that was the basis of Trump's executive order.

The United States hopes underwater mining will create 100,000 jobs and increase GDP by $300 billion over a decade, according to a US senior administration official, who also emphasized Washington's desire to outpace China in the field.

Beijing has strongly condemned Trump's move, accusing him of violating international law and harming the interests of the international community as a whole.

According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which established the ISA but has never been ratified by the United States, the seabed in international waters is considered the common heritage of humanity.

Greenpeace campaigner Ruth Ramos said the announcement would "be remembered as an act of total disregard for international law and scientific consensus."

Environmental campaigners argue that deep-sea mining threatens ecosystems about which little is known.
BRICS blast 'resurgence of protectionism' in Trump era



Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 29 (AFP) Apr 29, 2025



China, Brazil and other members of the BRICS grouping on Tuesday slammed the "resurgence of trade protectionism" at a meeting in Rio de Janeiro dominated by US President Donald Trump's tariffs blitz.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov were among the top diplomats of the 11-country grouping attending two days of talks on issues ranging from Trump's trade war to the push for peace in Ukraine.

Mauro Vieira, the foreign minister of Brazil which holds the rotating BRICS presidency, said the bloc underscored its "firm rejection" of protectionism, without explicitly referring to Trump.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has hit dozens of countries with a blanket 10 percent tariff, but China faces levies of up to 145 percent on many products.

Beijing has responded with duties of 125 percent on US goods.

BRICS, which was founded by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2009 and now also includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, has become a major counterweight to Western-led groups such as the G7.

It now makes up nearly half of the world's population, and 39 percent of global GDP.

The meeting in Rio came at a critical moment for the world economy after the International Monetary Fund slashed growth forecasts over the impact of Trump's sweeping levies on imports.

The ministers did not issue a joint statement.

Brazil instead settled for a declaration summarizing the discussions.

Vieira said there was "absolute consensus" on the subject of "trade conflicts and tariffs."



- DDD -



Some BRICS members have avoided Trump's trade fury.

Brazilian exports to the United States are subject to 10 percent tariffs, a fraction of those imposed on China.

And while Latin America's biggest economy has been hit by Trump's tariffs on steel imports -- Brazil is the second-biggest supplier of steel to the US -- President Luiz Inacio Lula's government has declined to retaliate and sought to negotiate with Washington instead.

Brazil has however made no secret of its frustration with European Union regulations on some of its agricultural exports, imposed over Amazon deforestation.

Vieira hit out Tuesday at the use of "non-tariff" trade barriers, deployed under "environmental pretexts."

The group trod more carefully on the issue of non-dollar transactions among BRICS members.

At a summit last year in Russia, BRICS leaders discussed boosting such transactions, eliciting a swift rebuke from Trump who threatened them with 100 percent tariffs if they undercut the US currency.

Brazil said the ministers this week had "underlined the importance of greater use of local currencies."



- Climate ambitions in jeopardy -



"Multilateralism" and "cooperation" were the watchwords of the meeting, which also discussed the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

The BRICS ministers called for a "complete withdrawal" of Israeli forces from Gaza, terming Israel's more than 50-day aid blockade of the territory "unacceptable."

They had less to say about the war in Ukraine, which is at a critical juncture, with Washington threatening to end its efforts to broker peace in the absence of a breakthrough.

As in the past, Russia's BRICS partners stopped short of condemning Moscow's invasion of its neighbor, while calling for a "lasting peace deal."

The growing global polarization is of particular concern to Brazil as it prepares to host the annual, often fractious UN climate conference in November in the Amazon.

On Tuesday, Brazil warned that the international "fragmentation" was jeopardizing global "climate action ambitions."
Iraq farmers turn to groundwater to boost desert yields



Najaf, Iraq, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



Farmer Hadi Saheb cannot wait to see his wheat fields flourish in the heart of the desert after he tapped into groundwater reserves in water-starved Iraq.

He is just one of many Iraqis who have turned to drilling wells in the desert to help sustain the country's agriculture.

It is a risky move that threatens to deplete the groundwater in a nation already battered by frequent drought and scarce rainfall.

Although Iraq's fertile plains traditionally stretch along the once-mighty Tigris and Euphrates -- whose levels have plummeted -- Saheb's vast lands lie in the heart of the southern Najaf desert.

"Year after year the drought worsens, and the desertification intensifies," said the 46-year-old, dressed in a white abaya as a duststorm swept through the area.

So he has turned to groundwater, taking advantage of a government initiative.

This leases desert land to farmers at a symbolic price of one dollar per dunum (0.25 hectares in Iraq's measurement). It also provides subsidised irrigation systems and buys their harvest at a preferential rate.

Now that he doesn't have to rely solely on rainfall, Saheb said he cultivates 20 times more land than before, and his harvest has increased to 250 tonnes.

"It would be impossible to continue without groundwater, which we cannot extract without drilling wells," he said.

Like many other farmers, Saheb has upgraded his irrigation techniques.



- 'Strategic reserve' -



He now relies on a centre-pivot method involving equipment rotating in a circle to water crops through sprinklers.

This uses at least 50 percent less water than flooding -- the vastly more wasteful traditional way used for millennia, in which the land is submerged.

According to the agriculture ministry, Iraq cultivated 3.1 million dunums (775,000 hectares) this winter using groundwater and modern irrigation systems, while the rivers watered only two million dunums.

In Najaf, desert farming has expanded significantly.

According to Moneim Shahid from Najaf's agriculture authorities, crop yields have been boosted by new irrigation methods, tougher seeds and fertilisers suitable for arid soils.

Shahid said he expects a harvest in Najaf this year of at least 1.7 tonnes of wheat per dunum in the desert, compared with 1.3 tonnes in areas irrigated by rivers.

Last year Iraq had a very good harvest, exceeding self-sufficiency with a production of 6.4 million tonnes of wheat, according to agriculture ministry figures.

Religious institutions such as the Imam Hussein Shrine in the holy city of Karbala back the authorities and also support desert farming.

Qahtan Awaz from the shrine's agriculture department said the institution, which employs families to farm desert areas, is cultivating 1,000 hectares and aims to more than triple that amount.

Today, groundwater reservoirs help mitigate agricultural losses caused by drought, an already frequent phenomenon in Iraq that is worsened by a warming planet.

But preserving those resources is proving to be a challenge.

Shahid from Najaf's agriculture authorities, said "we should be vigilant" in protecting groundwater, calling it "a strategic reserve for future generations".

Its use "should be rationed... and sprinklers could help regulate consumption", he said.



- Depleting supplies -



The Najaf desert lies above the Umm el-Radhuma and the Dammam aquifers, which Iraq shares with neighbouring Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Water levels in both aquifers have declined, according to the United Nations which has also cautioned that aquifers worldwide are depleting faster than they can be replenished naturally.

A 2023 UN report warned that Saudi Arabia used much of its groundwater to grow wheat in the desert, depleting more than 80 percent of its resources and forcing authorities to stop cultivating wheat after 2016.

Sameh al-Muqdadi, a water politics and climate security expert, warned that Iraq's groundwater levels have already dropped.

Water used to be found 50 or 100 metres below the surface (165 to 330 feet), but today wells have to be dug 300 metres deep, he said.

"People believe that these resources will stay forever... which is not true," Muqdadi warned.

Authorities have no estimates for Iraq's groundwater, and the most recent figures date back to the 1970s, he said.

"If you don't have any estimation, you cannot manage your resources."

"Groundwater is a contingency measure, and it should be used only in urgent cases" such as droughts "to sustain food security only", not to expand farmland for commercial purposes, Muqdadi said.

But unfortunately, "this is what we have nowadays".
Cambodian court refuses bail for jailed environmental activists



Phnom Penh, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



Cambodia's top court on Wednesday denied bail to five environmentalists jailed for their activism, a family member said, in a case widely condemned by the UN and human rights campaigners.

The activists from Mother Nature, one of Cambodia's few environmental advocacy groups, denied charges of plotting against the state, which they said were politically motivated.

The five activists were among 10 environmentalists sentenced to between six and eight years in jail last year.

Path Raksmey, 34, wife of activist Thun Ratha, told AFP that she was disappointed with Wednesday's ruling by the Supreme Court.

"I am very regretful that the court does not allow bail for them. They are the ones who protect the environment but they are locked in jail while people who have destroyed natural resources live happily," said Path Raksmey.

"It is unjust for the five," she said, adding that her husband remains "strong".

The five activists have been jailed in different prisons after their sentencing in July, but have launched appeals.

The United Nations Human Rights Office said last year it was "gravely concerned by the conviction and harsh sentencing".

The tussle over protecting or exploiting Cambodia's natural resources has long been a contentious issue in the Southeast Asian nation, with environmentalists threatened, arrested and even killed in the past decade.

Cambodian journalist Chhoeung Chheung died in December after he was shot while investigating illegal logging in the country's northwest.

Unchecked illicit logging has contributed to a sharp drop in Cambodia's forest cover over the years, according to activists.

From 2002 to 2023, a third of Cambodia's humid primary forests -- some of the world's most biodiverse and a key carbon sink -- were lost, according to monitoring site Global Forest Watch.

Cambodia's government has approved plans for a cement factory deep inside a protected wildlife sanctuary, according to an order seen by AFP on Tuesday.
France adopts major new bill to combat drug-related crime



Paris, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2025



Some of France's most dangerous drug traffickers face being locked up in high-security units in prison in the coming months, as part of a new crackdown on narcotics and drug-related crime.

Lawmakers approved the move in a bill passed late Tuesday, in a rare success for the government, whose tough-talking interior and justice ministers Bruno Retailleau and Gerald Darmanin have been pushing for the legislation.

The French government has vowed to intensify the fight against narcotics and drug-related crime, with Retailleau saying in February that France was confronting a "white tsunami" of narcotics.

The right-leaning Senate backed the bill on Monday and a majority of lawmakers in the lower-house National Assembly gave it a green light on Tuesday evening.

The law means some of France's most dangerous drug traffickers will be locked up in two top-security prisons, the first from July, under a system inspired by similar measures in Italy to tackle the mafia.

The new legislation will also see the creation of a specialised prosecutor's office and national investigation unit to deal with the most complex drug-related crimes.

The law also allows prosecutors to keep certain investigation techniques secret from alleged traffickers and their lawyers in very specific cases, in a move that has been criticised on the left as infringing on their right to defence.

Darmanin on Tuesday evening hailed parliament's vote as a "big step", while Retailleau welcomed what he called a "decisive stage" allowing authorities to fight "on equal terms against those who poison the lives of our fellow citizens".

The hard-left France Unbowed party voted against the bill, as did several others on the left, over the proposed law being too repressive.

The National Assembly vote came after unknown assailants earlier this month carried out a wave of attacks on vehicles and buildings seemingly intended to intimidate prison guards.

Twenty-eight people in total have been detained over the coordinated attacks, according to the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office leading the probe.

The attacks are "clearly linked to drug trafficking," Darmanin said on Wednesday morning.

Five among those in custody had "fired a Kalashnikov at the homes of prison guards," he told the France Inter radio broadcaster.

They did it "because they do not want to go into the prison system that I am currently creating, which aims to isolate them from the rest of the world," Darmanin said.

The justice minister has pushed for tougher security after assailants last year attacked a prison van carrying drug baron Mohamed Amra at a highway tollbooth, freeing him and killing two prison guards.

Amra has since been re-arrested in Romania and extradited back to France, where he is being held at one of the two future high-security prisons.

The International Prisons Observatory watchdog has criticised Darmanin's plan, saying it was based on a "security obsession" and included measures violating "human rights".

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Vietnam has been called the first television war. But it has also inspired generations of writers who have explored its origins, its horrors, its aftermath and the innate flaws and miscalculations that drove the world's most powerful country, the US, into a long, gruesome and hopeless conflict.

FICTION

The Quiet American, Graham Greene (1955)

open image in gallery The Quiet American by Graham Greene ( AP )

British author Graham Greene's novel has long held the stature of tragic prophecy. Alden Pyle is a naive CIA agent whose dreams of forging a better path for Vietnam  a Third Force between communism and colonialism that existed only in books  leads to senseless destruction. The Quiet American was released when US military involvement in Vietnam was just beginning, yet anticipated the Americans' prolonged and deadly failure to comprehend the country they claimed to be saving.

The Things They Carried, Tim O'Brien (1990)

The Vietnam War was the last extended conflict waged while the US still had a military draft, and the last to inspire a wide range of notable, first-hand fiction  none more celebrated or popular than O'Brien's 1990 collection of interconnected stories. O'Brien served in an infantry unit in 1969-70, and the million-selling The Things They Carried has tales ranging from a soldier who wears his girlfriend's stockings around his neck, even in battle, to the author trying to conjure the life story of a Vietnamese soldier he killed. O'Brien's book has become standard reading about the war and inspired an exhibit at the National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago.

Matterhorn, Karl Marlantes (2009)

open image in gallery Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes ( AP )

Karl Marlantes, a Rhodes scholar and decorated Marine commander, fictionalized his experiences in his 600-plus page novel about a recent college graduate and his fellow members of Bravo Company as they seek to retake a base near the border with Laos. Like The Quiet American, Matterhorn is, in part, the story of disillusionment, a young man's discovery that education and privilege are no shields against enemy fire. No strategy was perfect, he realizes. All choices were bad in some way.

The Sympathizer, Viet Thanh Nguyen (2015)

Viet Thanh Nguyen was just 4 when his family fled Vietnam in 1975, eventually settling in San Jose, California. The Sympathizer, winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 2016, is Nguyen's first book and high in the canon of Vietnamese American literature. The novel unfolds as the confessions of a onetime spy for North Vietnam who becomes a Hollywood consultant and later returns to Vietnam fighting on the opposite side. I am a spy, a sleeper, a spook, a man of two faces, the narrator tells us. Perhaps not surprisingly, I am also a man of two minds.

The Mountains Sing, Nguyen Phan Que Mai (2020)

open image in gallery The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai ( AP )

Nguyen Phan Que Mai was born in North Vietnam in 1973, two years before the U.S. departure, and was reared on stories of her native countrys haunted and heroic past. Her novel alternates narration between a grandmother born in 1920 and a granddaughter born 40 years later. Together, they take readers through much of 20th century Vietnam, from French colonialism and Japanese occupation to the rise of Communism and the growing and brutal American military campaign to fight it. Que Mai dedicates the novel to various ancestors, including an uncle whose youth the Vietnam War consumed.

NONFICTION

The Best and the Brightest, David Halberstam (1972)

As a young reporter in Vietnam, David Halberstam had been among the first journalists to report candidly on the military's failures and the government's deceptions. The title of his bestseller became a catchphrase and the book itself a document of how the supposedly finest minds of the post-World War II generation  the elite set of advisers in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations  could so badly miscalculate the planning and execution of a war and so misunderstand the country they were fighting against.

Fire in the Lake, Frances FitzGerald (1972)

open image in gallery Fire in the Lake by Frances FitzGerald ( AP )

Frances FitzGerald's celebrated book was published the same year and stands with The Best and the Brightest as an early and prescient take on the war's legacy. Fitzgerald had reported from South Vietnam for the Village Voice and The New Yorker, and she drew upon firsthand observations and deep research in contending that the US was fatally ignorant of Vietnamese history and culture.

Dispatches, Michael Herr (1977)

Michael Herr, who would eventually help write Apocalypse Now, was a Vietnam correspondent for Esquire who brought an off-hand, charged-up rock 'n' roll sensibility to his highly praised and influential book. In one dispatch, he tells of a soldier who took his pills by the fistful, uppers in one pocket and downers in another. He told me they cooled out things just right for him, Herr wrote, that he could see that old jungle at night like he was looking at it through a starlight scope.

Bloods, Wallace Terry (1984)

A landmark, Bloods was among the first books to center the experiences of Black veterans. Former Time magazine correspondent Wallace Terry compiled the oral histories of 20 Black veterans of varying backgrounds and ranks. One interviewee, Richard J. Ford III, was wounded three times and remembered being visited at the hospital by generals and other officers: They respected you and pat you on the back. They said, You brave and you courageous. You Americas finest. Americas best. Back in the states, the same officers that pat me on the back wouldnt even speak to me.

A Bright Shining Lie, Neil Sheehan (1988)

open image in gallery A Bright Shining Lie by Neil Sheehan ( AP )

Halberstam's sources as a reporter included Lt. Col. John Paul Vann, a U.S. adviser to South Vietnam who became a determined critic of American military leadership and eventually died in battle in 1972. Vann's story is told in full in A Bright Shining Lie, by Neil Sheehan, the New York Times reporter known for breaking the story of the Pentagon Papers and how they revealed the US government's long history of deceiving the public about the war. Winner of the Pulitzer in 1989, A Bright Shining Lie was adapted into an HBO movie starring Bill Paxton as Vann.
Shock and disbelief flooded Ashley Montgomery as she learned shed been named Synergy HomeCares 2024 Caregiver of the Year.

But sure enough, the Carlisle caregiver found herself on the other side of the country last month to accept the award.

Montgomery graduated from Big Spring High School in 2004. After a career in medicine, including work at a local digestion practice, she became a caregiver at Synergy HomeCare of MidPenn in Carlisle in 2022.

Synergy has more than 500 independently operated locations across the United States. Each year, the company accepts nominations from local facility owners for the award. Winners go above and beyond for clients and demonstrate compassion, dedication and joy in their care, Synergy officials said in a news release.

Montgomery received the award during Synergys HomeCares Annual Franchise Meeting March 31 through April 2 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Sentinel spoke with her for a look at her day-to-day responsibilities as a caregiver and what the recognition means to her:

Q: Why did you want to work at Synergy?

A: Like a lot of other medical professionals, I simply got burned out during COVID. I still wanted to help people and put my medical background to use, but not in a traditional health care setting. Thats when I looked into home care. As soon as I met Michelle Lisk, my boss, I knew Synergy was the right place for me  I love what they represent, and I love being able to help people every day.

Q: Can you describe a typical day of work at Synergy?

A: Usually, Id greet the client when I walk in, prep their medications, maybe cook some breakfast. Ill shower my client if needed that day and assist with dressing, complete exercises recommended by their doctors, clean up where needed and do some activities such as games, dance, sing, etc. Sometimes well run some errands or commute to appointments scheduled that day.

Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your job and how do you navigate that?

A: The physical demands  having to lift or rotate a client. I need to revert back to my training and remember my stance guidelines and recommendations.

Q: What do you love most about your job?

A: I absolutely love getting to meet new people and seeing the smiles on my clients faces when I greet them.

Q: What does earning this award mean to you?

A: This award means everything to me, but mainly reminds me that Im in a fortunate position because I get to help people who unfortunately cant take care of themselves without some extra help. I meet wonderful people every day, and even though this award means so much, those interactions still mean even more.
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Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, an autopsy report confirmed on Tuesday.

The report revealed Arakawa, 65, had fluid accumulation in her chest and mild hardening of the vessels that supplied blood to the heart and body. Her lungs were also heavy and congested.

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal disease that affects the lungs and is spread by infected rodent droppings.

It initially causes flu-like symptoms that can progress to a more acute illness where people have trouble breathing. It is fatal in nearly 4 out of 10 people who are infected.

Arakawa tested negative for COVID-19 and the flu and showed no signs of trauma, the autopsy report said.

Her carbon monoxide levels were within normal range, and she tested positive for caffeine and negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs.

open image in gallery Betsy Arakawa with her dogs Zinna, left, and Bear, in Santa Fe ( Sherry Gaber via AP )

Arakawas autopsy and toxicology reports were released two days after similar documents on Hackmans death were made public, confirming his main cause of death was heart disease.

The 95-year-old actor was also in the advanced stages of Alzheimers disease and likely had not eaten for a long time, according to his autopsy. He tested negative for hantavirus.

Records released earlier in the investigation showed Arakawa made phone calls and internet searches as she scoured for information on flu-like symptoms and breathing techniques.

open image in gallery Authorities returned to Hackmans home to search for more evidence ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Recently released videos outline the scope of the investigation into the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa.

Before they understood how Hackman and Arakawa died, authorities recorded themselves conducting interviews with workers and returning to Hackmans home to search for more evidence.

Detectives searched the home in early March for Arakawas laptop and other clues.
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Bradley Coopers new film, starring Will Arnett as a man who takes up stand-up comedy after his divorce, was inspired by the life of British comic John Bishop.

The movie, titled Is This Thing On?, wrapped production in New York earlier this month. Cooper will also star as the best friend of Arnetts character, while the ex-wife will be played by Laura Dern. Bishop is an executive producer.

Arnett co-wrote the script with Cooper and screenwriter Mark Chappell. The source of inspiration was confirmed by another of the films stars, stand-up comedian Chloe Radcliffe, on Richard Herrings Leicester Square Theatre Podcast.

Bradley Cooper is directing a movie starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern. Their relationship goes south, they split up, and Will Arnett discovers stand-up comedy, explained Radcliffe.

It is based on the life of John Bishop. I promise you! I think Will and John sat next to each other at a dinner 10 years ago and Will heard his story was like, That rules, I want to do that someday. So anyway, thats the movie that I just wrapped on

Radcliffe added that she plays the stand-up who, like, believes in him.

open image in gallery Bradley Cooper (left) and Will Arnett (center) are making a movie based on John Bishops rise to stand-up stardom ( Getty )

Earlier this year, during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Bishop recounted the story of how he discovered stand-up comedy after separating from his wife Melanie. The couple have since reconciled.

So, I'd split up with my wife, it was a Monday night. I had the kids all weekend, and on a Monday I was just depressed, so I thought, I'll do something that you can do on your own. And it was either a comedy club or lap dancing, recalled Bishop.

I was 34 coming on to 35 and I was just looking for something to do. I walked up to the door thinking it would be a full comedy club, and the guy on the door said to me, Its 4 to get in, but its free if you put your name down. For what?. He said, Its an open mic night. And I genuinely didn't know what that meant.

He said, That means you put your name down, and if your name gets called out, you get on stage. And because I'd only been to two comedy clubs and itd always been full, I thought, Well, there'll be 200 people. Theyll never get to me.

And, you know, it was 4. I was going through a divorce. I thought, Well, thats 4 shes not getting. I put my name down, expecting never to be called out, and I walked in and there was seven people in the place, and five of them had put their name down

I got called out second. If Id have been called out third, I might have already left. So I got called out second after a Geordie fella doing chicken impressions.

open image in gallery John Bishop and Graham Norton ( BBC )

Then he called my name, and I walked on stage, Id never been on a stage. Id done sales presentations and stuff like that. I remember the lights in my eyes and saying something about the lights being bright, and then I thought, What am I doing here? This is just ridiculous. Like, Id never thought of doing this.

Then I thought, Well, whats my choice? Im going to go home to an empty house, not living with the woman I want to live with, not living with my kids. Ill just go home to a bottle of wine, and what have I got to lose? Theres only seven people here, and one of them thinks hes a chicken.

So I literally started talking. I said some half joke, and then I had nothing to say, I had no joke, so I just went, I'm getting divorced. And I started talking about getting divorced. In comedy clubs, when your times up, there's a red light that flashes, I didnt even know that. So I remember going, Oh, your lights broke, and I just carried on talking.

I was meant to do seven minutes but because there was no one there they let me carry on I did about 25 minutes. When I walked off I remember Mick the compere and the fellow who ran the place, Dave Perkin, coming up to me and saying, Where have you been doing your stand-up?

I said I've never done it in my life, and he said, Well some of that was really good, some of that was fun. But the bit where you started talking about getting divorced and started crying. Dont do that again. But come back. Were here every Monday.

Bishop has since become one of the UKs most successful stand-up comedians, and is now 25 years into his comedy career.
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Gary Oldman has called his behaviour on the set of the 1995 romantic tragedy The Scarlet Letter unprofessional and apologised to his co-star Demi Moore.

In the film, Oldman played Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale in the adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthornes novel, starring opposite Moores Hester Prynne in a story of forbidden love and its harrowing consequences.

Speaking in an interview with the Radio Times, the Oscar winner recalls how his intermittent bouts of boozing during filming left Moore disappointed in him.

Im in my alcoholic period, he says, admitting to having a drinking problem at the time. He recalls: I was in a very dark place. I drank too much in the lunch hour. It was such a destructive thing. I got back on the set to do quite a big scene and I got through it.

He remembers the guilt and embarrassment the next day, apologising to Moore, saying: Im so sorry, you must hate me.

Moore responded: I dont hate you. Its OK. Im just disappointed. The 67-year-old actor, now 28 years sober, says he has no desire to even take a sip.

( Getty )

He gave up alcohol in 1997 after coming close to death, he recalls and credits his sobriety with transforming both his life and his career. Since then, hes earned three Oscar nominations and won Best Actor in 2018 for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in The Darkest Hour.

The achievement of one guy who could write all that, paint those pictures, take on the Nazis, smoke that many cigars, drink that much in his life  I had great admiration for him, Oldman said of Churchill.

This week, he returns to the big screen as another complicated figure, American author John Cheever in A24s Parthenope. Like Oldman, his character battled the bottle for decades before finally getting sober at 65.

Oldman told Radio Times: I think the worst thing you can do is inspire disappointment.
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Thunderbolts* actor David Harbour has revealed why several moments from the trailer didnt make the final cut of the superhero film.

Marvels latest blockbuster follows an unorthodox team of anti-heroes who are forced into a dangerous mission that will lead them to uncover their darkest secrets and potentially lead them to redemption.

The film marks the 36th instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and features stars such as Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Olga Kurylenko, Hannah John-Kamen and Lewis Pullman.

With the film hitting UK cinemas on Thursday (1 May), Harbour, who plays Alexei Shostakov, also known as Red Guardian, told Digital Spy that some of the material featured in the marketing campaign did not make the final cut.

"It's been fun to watch the marketing because there is so much stuff on the cutting room floor that maybe the marketing team just picked up  little moments that aren't in the movie that they are just taking," said Harbour.

It's no surprise that such moments were used, with Marvel fans left "cackling" over the "unexpected" details in the Thunderbolts* trailer, particularly the subtle character chemistry and offbeat humour.

A still from Thunderbolts* featuring Florence Pugh and David Harbour ( Marvel Studios )

"There was so much footage of us just messing around that makes for a really fun trailer beat but doesn't quite make it for the movie. There was a ton of good stuff," he continued.

In recent years, Marvel has been faced with heavy criticism from fans, critics and actors within the US film industry. With MCUs latest blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine, which cast Ryan Reynolds opposite Hugh Jackman, critic Clarisse Loughrey left a two-star review of the film for The Independent.

Sebastian Stan, returning as Bucky Barnes in Thunderbolt* has hit back at the criticism when speaking to Variety, believing that: its become really convenient to pick on [Marvel films]. And thats fine. Everyones got an opinion. But theyre a big part of what contributes to this business and allows us to have smaller movies as well.

Thunderbolts* has already received positive praise following its press screening last week, with critics applauding the film's bold dive into trauma, healing and redemption.

Brian Davids of The Hollywood Reporter remarked: I never expected a Marvel movie to tackle loneliness and depression in such a meaningful way, but Thunderbolts* has done it. I also didn't anticipate Bob having an experiential overlap with [Breaking Bad character] Jesse Pinkman. Overall, it might be the most psychological film the MCU has ever made.

Meanwhile, journalist Emily Murray said that Thunderbolts* is easily one of the best MCU movies in a long time.
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Pedro Almodovar described US president Donald Trump as the greatest mistake of our time, while accepting the prestigious Chaplin Award in New York.

The celebrated Spanish director spoke on stage at Manhattans Lincoln Center on Monday, where he was presented with the award.

I doubted if it was appropriate to come to a country ruled by a narcissistic authoritarian leader who doesnt respect human rights, and whom it seems nothing can stop on his race to change fragile world balance, The Room Next Door director said.

Trump and his friends, millionaires and oligarchs, cannot convince us that the reality we are seeing with our own eyes is the opposite of what we are living, however much he may twist the words, claiming that they mean the opposite of what they do.

open image in gallery Pedro Almodovar described US president Donald Trump as the greatest mistake of our time ( Getty Images )

Almodovars speech, delivered on the eve of Trump completing 100 days in office, referenced the Trump administrations crackdown on immigrants and transgender rights.

Immigrants are not criminals, even though the United States treats them as such. [Ukraines president] Zelensky is not a dictator, Putin is. And however much Trump denies it, it was Russia that invaded Ukraine. Hunter Schafer, the wonderful co-protagonist with Zendaya of Euphoria, is a woman. Even though she was assigned male while renewing her passport.

In February this year, Schafer, 26, shared in a TikTok video that her renewed passport came back with her sex marked as M for male, even though she had filled out the forms marking her gender as female.

open image in gallery Hunter Schafer's passport now identifies her as a male ( Hunter Schafer / TikTok screenshot )

Mr Trump, Im talking to you, Almodovar continued. Mr Trump, I hope that you hear what Im going to say to you. You will go down in history as the greatest mistake of our time. Your naivete is only comparable to your violence. You will go down in history as one of the greatest damages to humanity since the beginning of the century. You will go down in history as a catastrophe.

Almodovar went on to express his gratitude for the award, and dedicated it to the thousands deported in recent weeks, Schafer, and to Harvard University for its determination to not surrender to Trumps war on knowledge and culture.

Harvard University is suing the Trump administration for cutting $2.2bn in federal funding, alleging retaliation over its refusal to punish pro-Palestinian student protests and comply with demands to end DEI programmes and favour conservative applicants.

open image in gallery Dua Lipa, John Turturro, John Waters, Rossy de Palma, and Mikhail Baryshnikov also attended the ceremony to present Almodovar with the Chaplin award ( Getty Images )

Almodovar brought up his experiences growing up in Spain under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, crediting the shift to democracy with his growth as a director.

It is impossible to explain what that feeling of absolute liberty meant for a young person who wanted to make films, he said.

Dua Lipa, John Turturro, John Waters, Rossy de Palma, and Mikhail Baryshnikov also attended the ceremony to present him with the award, while Martin Scorsese, Tilda Swinton, and Antonio Banderas shared pre-recorded tributes.

He has a unique vision and his own brand of irreverent humor and a vibrant sense of color that lets you know youre in for a wild ride, driven by an expert driver, Turturro said.

I especially love how you just completely normalised trans and gay roles or storylines, something that feels these days like quite a radical act. And yet theres a lightness and a heart to everything you do, said Dua Lipa.
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Rocker Neil Youngs new anthem is a reworked version of This Land Is Your Land, that takes aim at gas-guzzling American cars  and Elon Musk  while he urges Americans to exercise some choice.

Young unveiled his latest ode, entitled Lets Roll Again. at the Light Up the Blues benefit concert last Saturday in Los Angeles that raised money for Autism Speaks.

Come on Ford/Come on GM/Come on Chrysler/Lets roll again, he sang. Build something special, that people need / Build us a safe way for us to live / Build us something that wont kill our kids / Build us something that runs real clean / Come on America, lets get in the race.

Then there was a zinger for the hatchet man of DOGE: If youre a fascist, get a Tesla.

And: If youre a Democrat, taste your freedom, he sang.

Musk could not immediately be reached for comment.

Two years ago Young announced he was boycotting Musks X over an an antisemitic post by the tech billionaire in which he wrote that he agreed with another message that accused Jewish communities of dialectical hatred against whites.

Neil Young: Rockin in the free world ( Getty Images for SXSW )

Young, who has called Trump a disgrace, was recently spotted at a California protest with a sign reading Hands off Canada, in a dig against Trumps demeaning quips about making Canada the 51st U.S. state.

Young, a long-time Californian and an American citizen who was born and grew up in Canada, has recently talked of his fears of being kept out of the country or jailed when he returns from playing in Europe.

When I go to play music in Europe, if I talk about Donald J. Trump, I may be one of those returning to America who is barred or put in jail to sleep on a cement floor with an aluminum blanket, he noted on his website. That is happening all the time now. Countries have new advice for those returning to America.

His wife, Daryl Hannah, told the BBC in a recent interview that Trump tried every trick in the book to prevent Young from obtaining his U.S. citizenship during his first term.

Its ridiculous, hed been living in America and paying taxes here since he was in his 20s, she said.
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An EastEnders star is set to make a surprise return to the BBC soap after leaving earlier this year.

Michelle Collins, 62, who first played Cindy Beale in the much-loved series in 1988, made a surprise return in 2023 after her character was supposedly killed off during childbirth 25 years earlier.

Cindy was central to one of this years biggest storylines after setting off an explosion in the Queen Vic as part of the soaps 40th anniversary in February.

The character left the soap shortly after  but is now set to return after two months with life-changing news for the Beale family, according to the Daily Mail.

Cindys return to EastEnders will follow her attempt to kill her husband Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) by pushing him in front of a car.

In scenes that aired in February, Ian swerved into the pub, inadvertently starting the Queen Vic blaze that caused the death of Martin Fowler (James Bye).

When Ian eventually discovered what Cindy did, he said he would report her to the police and implicate her in the pub explosion if she didnt leave Albert Square.

Collins stepped back from the show earlier this year to focus on a new production, making her debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as the lead in the one-woman comedy show Motorhome Marilyn.

The British actor will star in the play as wannabe actress Ruthie Richards, who is left working as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator after a failed attempt to make it in Hollywood.

Collins is set to make a shocking return in a forthcoming episode ( BBC )

Motorhome Marilyn was written by Ben Weatherill and directed by Alexandra Spencer Jones  but is based on an idea by Collins. She will perform at the Gilded Balloon Patter House in Edinburgh from 30 July to 25 August at 5.30pm each day this summer.

Collins bombshell return, which followed her supposed offscreen death in 1998, was praised by fans, although the actor herself called the plot twist ridiculous.

She admitted she wasnt sure whether she should return to the soap, saying: You want to know that youve made the right decision. I dont know whether I have... But Im liking it and Im loving being back, actually. It feels like Ive come full circle.
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Greys Anatomy actor Debbie Allen has urged her co-star Ellen Pompeo to return to the much-loved medical drama.

Pompeo starred as the shows titular character, Meredith Grey, from its launch in 2005 until she left the full-time cast in 2022, but still provides voiceovers for the show.

After stepping down from her onscreen appearances in Greys Anatomy, she starred in the series Good American Family, playing a woman who adopts a child with dwarfism (Imogen Faith Reid).

But Allen, who has played Dr Catherine Fox on Greys since 2011, joked that the actor had starred in enough new programmes, stating: Now bring your butt back home.

Speaking at the actors Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on Tuesday (29 April), Allen said: We let her out to go do that other show, she said. OK, Ms Thing, Are you okay now? You did that.

The actor told Pompeo: Grey's Anatomy is strong because of you. We are strong because of you. I am standing here because of you. And certainly, Ms Shonda Rhimes. We love you.

Despite leaving the main Greys cast, Pompeo has said shell never fully quit the programme and still participates in episodes, doing voice overs.

open image in gallery Debbie Allen, Ellen Pompeo and Shonda Rhimes at Pompeos Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony ( Getty Images )

The actor said in an interview with El Pais that it would make no sense for her to quit the show emotionally or financially.

The show was streamed more than a billion times in 2024  more than a billion times, she told the publication, adding: The companies that own the show and stream the show make a lot of money from our images and our voices and our faces.

If I were to walk away completely, everybody gets to make money from my hard work for 20 years and I wouldnt make any money.

To me, it doesnt make any sense that everybody [else] gets to profit off of my hard work. And emotionally, the show means a lot to people. I want to have an attitude of gratitude toward the show.

open image in gallery Pompeo as Meredith on Greys Anatomy ( ABC )

Elsewhere in her Hollywood Walk of Fame speech, Allen praised Pompeos commitment to her work. Number one on the call sheet is a big responsibility, and you take that responsibility so seriously, she said.

I don't know anybody else that comes to the set and makes sure everybody has what they need, and orders vegan food even though they want meat. Who we build extra time [for] because she always has ideas. She always has ideas about her character.

She concluded the speech: Congratulations, my dear friend. I love you.
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Louis Theroux has been praised for his return to TV after the release of The Settlers.

The BBC Two documentary is a follow-up to 2011s Ultra Zionists, in which he visited and interviewed Israeli settlers in the Palestinian West Bank.

In the new film, Theroux arrives back in the West Bank 14 years after his last visit, where settler ideology has found itself gaining political traction. Among the settlers that he meets is Ari Abramowitz who says they dont believe Palestine exists as a nation, or with a real claim to this land.

Theroux also meets Issa, a Palestinian man who gives him a guided tour of the city of Hebron in the southern West Bank, where everything is closed with dozens of checkpoints in place.

The journalist has been praised for his signature interview style, through which he makes his subjects feel comfortable enough to speak freely.

As ever Louis Theroux doing great work, said one fan on X/Twitter. His documentary The Settlers was very good. Kind of let the settlers just show people who they are.

Another viewer wrote online: Louis Theroux's brilliance as a journalist is that he has such a gentle approach that truly unhinged people feel safe enough to spout their world-views.

Louis Theroux delivered a masterpiece in silence, concluded another fan.

open image in gallery Louis Theroux in The Settlers ( BBC/Mindhouse Productions Ltd/Josh Baker )

In The Independents four-star review of the documentary, Phil Harrison pointed out that Therouxs moments of accidental honesty when talking to his subjects are his biggest strength as an interviewer as people dont feel threatened by him.

Theyre encouraged to open up, he wrote. At the beginning of his career, he often deployed this skill in the service of frivolity. Hes now added seriousness  and even, at times, a degree of physical bravery.

Hes been criticised in some quarters for platforming this particular strain of extremism, but no one is getting off the hook here  and in fact, challenging people who seem beyond the pale is hardly unfamiliar territory for Theroux.

open image in gallery Louis Theroux in The Settlers ( BBC/Mindhouse Productions Ltd/Josh Baker )

The documentary-maker is best known for his disarming interviewing style, as seen in his 2007 documentary about a controversial Christian ministry The Most Hated Family in America and his 2018 polyamory series Altered States: Love Without Limits.

Among his most famous and widely watched documentaries is Louis and the Nazis (2003), in which the filmmaker spent time with a white supremacist organisation.
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Paapa Essiedu, one of the stars of the new Harry Potter series, is among the hundreds of TV and film professionals who have signed an open letter calling for industry action on trans rights.

The letter, expressing solidarity with the trans and non-binary community, demands that industry institutions such as Bafta, BBC, BFI and Channel 4 commit to protecting and including trans people.

It was started by Motive Pictures producer Sid Strickland and script editor Jack Casey just two weeks after the controversial UK Supreme Court ruling that defines a woman based on biological sex.

Essiedus decision to sign in support follows his recent casting as Severus Snape (the role so wonderfully played in the films by Alan Rickman) in HBOs Harry Potter show, which is produced by JK Rowling. Eddie Redmayne, who starred in Harry Potter spinoff Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, also signed the letter.

The forthcoming Harry Potter TV series has divided fans and stars of the wizarding world franchise due to what many people say is Rowlings transphobic rhetoric. Although the series is yet to start production, there is already a growing backlash, with many questioning those involved over their stance on the trans community.

John Lithgow, who will play Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, responded to the fallout, calling it odd, and adding that discourse surrounding Rowling's views on trans issues shouldnt be a factor at all.

Rowling was a vocal supporter of the Supreme Court ruling on 17 April. Moments after the decision, she posted on X, I love it when a plan comes together #SupremeCourt #WomensRights, alongside a photo of herself on a yacht, smoking a cigar and holding a cocktail.

The new letter has amassed more than 400 signatures, and states that the ruling undermines and threatens the safety of trans, non-binary and intersex people living in the UK and excludes them from participation in everyday life.

Paapa Essiedu in The Lazarus Project' ( Sky )

Film and television are powerful tools for empathy and education, and we believe passionately in the ability of the screen to change hearts and minds. This is our opportunity to be on the right side of history, the letter reads.

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Other stars to have signed the letter include Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton), Harris Dickinson (Babygirl), Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us), James Norton (Little Women) and Faye Marsay (Adolescence).

This isnt the first time Harry Potter stars have stood with the trans community, with Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson among those who have spoken out on the subject.

But because Essiedu has joined a new Potter project after Rowlings views on trans issues have come to light, his decision to also sign the letter has not sat well with many fans. On Reddit, one user accused Essiedu of having his cake and eating it too. Another wrote: I know one other thing you can do to support trans people, Paapa.

Meanwhile, Bridgertons Nicola Coughlan, who has also signed the letter, has made it clear she wouldnt touch a Harry Potter project with a 10ft pole.
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Forgetting where you put your keys or why you walked into a room is a common experience.

In our busy lives, these memory lapses are often dismissed as stress or fatigue.

But when does forgetfulness become a cause for concern? And how can you distinguish typical forgetfulness from signs of cognitive decline?

"Its important to understand that some degree of forgetfulness is common  occasionally forgetting a persons name or misplacing items isnt typically cause for alarm," explains Dr Henk Swanepoel, lead neuropsychologist at Cygnet Health Care.

He says that the key difference lies in the impact on daily life. While occasional slips are normal, memory problems that interfere with daily routines warrant further investigation.

When forgetfulness begins to affect one's ability to function, it may signal a more serious issue requiring professional attention.

open image in gallery Occasional slips are normal, but memory problems may be a sign of something bigger if they are impacting daily life ( Getty )

If someone begins missing appointments regularly, forgets conversations as a whole that they just had, or starts having difficulty managing tasks they previously handled with ease  like attending medical appointments, paying bills, following a recipe, or navigating familiar routes  those are warning signs that shouldnt be ignored, Dr Swanepoel says.

Victoria Lyons, a dementia specialist admiral nurse at Dementia UK, says friends and family often notice subtle changes before the affected person does themselves.

I spoke to a family and the first sign when they realised that something was different was when their dad, who was a cyclist, went out and got lost while he was on a bike ride, Ms Lyons says.

That was the first sign when they realised actually somethings going on here, because their dad cycled every day so for him to get lost and to be phoning up saying I dont know where I am was a trigger that made them think actually this is something outside of normal memory lapses or confusion.

The frequency of memory lapses could indicate something more serious, as a one-time lapse due to stress or poor sleep is very different from a pattern of cognitive decline, Dr Swanepoel says.

Ms Lyons encourages people to track any notable changes or patterns of memory loss in a notepad.

open image in gallery People should track any instances of memory loss so they can talk to their GP about it ( Getty Images )

Write down any changes, and when and where they happen, because otherwise youll go to see your GP and suddenly wont be able to remember how long this has been going on for and which things youve been noticing, says the admiral nurse.

That makes it harder for the GP because they havent got that full picture yet. So, its important to take a full picture to the GP, and to highlight the impact that its having on your day-to-day life.

It is important not to downplay memory symptoms because it could be something thats treatable, Ms Lyons says.

It could be an indication that perhaps youre not coping with things as well as you might like to.

Common early symptoms of dementia NHS Different types of dementia can affect people differently, and everyone will experience symptoms in their own way. However, some common early symptoms include: memory loss

difficulty concentrating

finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping

struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word

being confused about time and place

mood changes

Its about viewing our brains as an integral part of our bodies and looking after them really. Taking those steps to make sure that were protecting this valuable tool that weve got, that we just take for granted a little bit.

Sometimes cognitive changes can also be caused by treatable conditions, such as a B12 deficiency.

One of the common ones is that people with B12 deficiency arent aware of the impact that its having on them, Ms Lyons says.

We also sometimes see that somebody is maybe not using their brain as well as normal because of depression, as theyre not focused or remembering things because theyre not as engaged.

In addition, for some people it could be about thyroid function. If your thyroid is not functioning properly, it can lead to confusion. Furthermore, memory issues or brain fog could be to do with the menopause.

9 signs of dementia

If you are worried about memory problems, you can phone the admiral nurse helpline for advice, Ms Lyons says.

And whilst we cant make that diagnosis, what we can do is have a conversation with somebody and give them advice.

But essentially that diagnosis process starts with your GP, and the GP may then refer you on to memory clinics and memory services.

A GP will take the history and listen to the language that somebody uses to talk about the changes and the symptoms theyre experiencing, explains the admiral nurse.

They would also do blood tests to rule out if theres anything else going on because a dementia diagnosis is a process of elimination, Ms Lyons says.

Sometimes ECGs will also be conducted.

Also, sometimes they do brain scans as part of a memory assessment.

If you need advice or support on living with dementia, contact Dementia UKs Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@dementiauk.org.
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Low iron levels during early pregnancy significantly increase the risk of babies being born with congenital heart disease (CHD), according to groundbreaking new research.

The discovery marks a major advancement in understanding and potentially preventing this common birth defect, which affects an estimated 13 babies daily in the UK.

Congenital heart disease arises when the heart develops abnormally in the womb and is a leading cause of infant mortality.

The research reveals a crucial link between anaemia in expectant mothers and CHD, suggesting that low iron levels could be responsible for around 5 per cent of CHD cases in the UK.

The prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women is substantial, affecting nearly a quarter of expectant mothers in the UK and over a third globally.

As part of the new work, published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, experts will now investigate whether taking iron supplements before and during pregnancy could help prevent heart defects.

open image in gallery Nearly a quarter of expectant mothers in the UK have anaemia ( Getty Images )

The study looked at data from 16,500 mothers and found that, if the mother was anaemic in the first 100 days of pregnancy (around the first three months), the likelihood of having a child with congenital heart disease was much higher than usual.

The study said: After adjusting for potential confounders, the odds of giving birth to a congenital heart disease-diagnosed child were 47 per cent higher among anaemic mothers.

It is is already known that severe anaemia in the later stages of pregnancy causes problems such as low birth weight and premature delivery, but this is the first time anaemia in the early stages has been identified as an issue.

Associate professor Duncan Sparrow, from the University of Oxford, who led the study funded by the British Heart Foundation, said: Knowing that early maternal anaemia is so damaging could be a gamechanger worldwide.

Because iron deficiency is the root cause of many cases of anaemia, widespread iron supplementation for women  both when trying for a baby and when pregnant  could help prevent congenital heart disease in many newborns before it has developed.

The researchers previously found a link between anaemia during pregnancy and congenital heart disease in mice.

open image in gallery Congenital heart disease affects about 13 UK babies every day ( PA Archive )

To investigate this link, they used anonymised data from GP records to see what was happening in mothers and babies.

More than 2,700 mothers who had a child with congenital heart disease were identified and matched with women whose children did not have the condition.

Blood test results from the first 100 days of each pregnancy were then used to determine whether the mothers had anaemia at that point.

In the group of mothers who had a child with congenital heart disease, 4.4 per cent had anaemia.

This was compared to 2.8 per cent of mothers having anaemia whose children did not develop congenital heart disease.

Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation and consultant cardiologist, said: If low iron turns out to be one of the culprits, then replenishing iron levels during early pregnancy when the babys heart is forming could have significant benefit for a babys lifelong heart health.

Larger studies are needed to confirm the finding and determine which type of congenital heart disease may be linked to low iron.

It is also important to note that the usual risk of having a child with a congenital heart disease is around 1%, so even with the increase that this study suggests, the individual risk for people with no family history of congenital heart disease is still relatively small.
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Richard Geres wife revealed that Spain wouldnt be their home forever, and the two have plans to return to the United States.

Gere first revealed he was selling his home in Connecticut with the goal of moving to Spain back in November 2024. However, his wife, Alejandra Silva, recently told The Daily Mail that their family travels back and forth from Spain and the U.S. because she misses it.

When asked if she would stay in Spain permanently, Silva said, For a few years and then come back [to the U.S.]. But we're always coming back.

We'll come back here in the summer because we have the kids at camp. We just have to balance our lives there and here.

She added: I'm with my family... You know, I missed them a lot. But I miss the U.S. So we come back and forth.

Back in January, the Pretty Woman actor said in an interview with Elle Espana that since making the move with Silva and their children  sons Alexander, 6, and James, 5, in addition to Silvas 12-year-old son Albert from her previous marriage to Govind Friedland  they are happier than ever.

I'm with my family... You know, I missed them a lot. But I miss the U.S., Silva said ( Getty Images for City Harvest )

The truth is that you are seeing us in our momentum. We are happier than ever, he told the publication at the time. [Alejandra], because she is at home and I because, if she is happy, I am happy.

Back in April 2024, the Runaway Bride actor opened up about wanting to leave the U.S. and start a life with Silva in Spain so she could spend more time with her relatives. Silva, 41, is originally from La Coruna, Spain, though shes spent considerable time with Gere in America since their 2018 wedding.

Gere met Silva in Positano, Italy, in 2014 when he was still married to his second wife, Carey Lowell  with whom he shares 25-year-old son Homer. Before Lowell, the Hollywood star was married to supermodel Cindy Crawford from 1991 to 1995.

For Alejandra, it will be wonderful to be closer to her family, her lifelong friends, and her culture, Gere told Vanity Fair Spain at the time. She was very generous in giving me six years living in my world, so it is only fair that I give her at least another six living in hers.

The Agency actor further discussed the move while speaking on The Today Show in November 2024. My wife is Spanish, and were going there for her family, her friends, her culture, he said. The kids are bilingual, so its really going to be great for them.
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Georgia officials on Tuesday celebrated the official opening of Atlantas Public Safety Training Center, a nearly $117 million police and fire training campus built over the opposition of the vocal Stop Cop City movement.

In a speech during the ribbon-cutting event, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens chided protesters for what he said were their lies and very real violence in attempting to prevent the project.

Our perseverance to see it through for the people of Atlanta now and for the future cannot be denied, he said.

Local activists involved in the movement condemned the opening.

Cop City is officially opening today, made possible only through extreme state violence, Micah Herskind wrote on X, calling the facility a police compound that will serve as the infrastructure of fascism.

Organizer Kamau Franklin, meanwhile, wrote on X that the facility was a militarized training center no one asked for except rich corporations and cops.

Police training center generated widespread community opposition ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The project, which includes animal stables, a driving course, and mock buildings for training, has been controversial since the city council voted to begin development in 2021.

The center, which officials said was needed to modernize training facilities and assist in recruitment and retention, was developed in a public-private partnership with the Atlanta Police Foundation, which has counted major corporations like Delta, Wells Fargo, and Home Depot as funders.

Activists previously told The Independent they feared the 85-acre complex in unincorporated DeKalb County would threaten one of the wider Atlanta areas last untouched green spaces, while increasing militarized policing on the largely working-class Black residents around the facility.

Since then, the controversy has only increased.

In 2023, a multi-agency team of officers fatally shot Manuel Tortuguita Esteban Paez Teran, an activist camping in a nearby forest to protest the project.

Police say the activist fired at officers after they used pepper ball ammunition to force the 26-year-old to vacate the area, a claim Terans family and fellow activists dispute. A pistol matching an officers bullet wound was found at the site.

A private autopsy found that Teran died with their hands up, while a county autopsy showed no gunpowder residue on their hands, a claim state police disputed.

SWAT arrests bail fund organisers involved with 'Stop Cop City' movement

No body camera footage exists of the exchange, and no officers were charged over the shooting.

Others have taken issue with the publics growing financial share in funding the project, rising from an originally promised $30 million to over $60 million.

Scores of protesters have been arrested challenging the project, and have been hit with what observers say are exceptional and novel charges for local activists.

A group was charged with terrorism over a series of 2022 arrests, as was a group of masked individuals who allegedly attacked the construction site, setting it on fire, in 2023.

In August of 2023, the state indicted 61 people using an anti-racketeering law, with Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr calling them militant anarchists.

Activists fought for years to get a referendum about the project on the local ballot, an effort that remained in federal appeals court as of February 2025, even as the center was largely completed.

Organizers accused the city of stonewalling its campaign for the referendum.
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California police are warning residents that a man charged with the 2004 murder of a woman and suspected rapes of others may have other victims.

On Halloween 2004, 43-year-old Barbara Lee of Fresno was found dead in a dirt field, where investigators say she was likely killed, according to the Fresno County Sheriffs Office. The case went cold despite police interviewing several people who knew her. More than 20 years later, police have finally identified a suspect using DNA found at the crime scene.

Robert Castillo, 61, is now charged with Lees murder. After he was arrested, police searched his DNA against other open cases. That connected him to two separate rape cases in October 2003 and September 2004.

Hes now in the Fresno County Jail on a murder charge, two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, according to the sheriffs office. His bail is set at $2.1 million. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

open image in gallery Robert Castillo has been arrested for the 2004 murder of Barbara Lee in Fresno, California. Police warn there may be more cases tied to the suspect. ( Fresno County Sheriff's Office )

Castillo has a criminal history dating to 1981, the sheriffs office said. He has been convicted of property crimes in the 1980s, 1990s and mid-2000s.

Now, police say more of Castillos victims could be out there.

"We are concerned that Robert Castillo may have other victims out there who never made a police report," Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni said Friday. "If you recognize him as committing a crime against you, please contact the Fresno County Sheriff's Office."

"They may not know his name, but they may remember if they were victimized by this individual," Zanoni added, sharing a series of Castillos booking photos dating back forty years.

open image in gallery Barbara Lee was found dead in 2004 in a dirt field. ( Fresno County Sheriff's Office )

Its not easy in the world we live in, with the tight schedules that we all have  to actually never forget these victims, Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp said. I would like to offer my condolences to the Lee family  for all of this to be unearthed again after 20 years is very difficult.

The Independent has contacted Castillos attorney for comment.
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A Florida businessman who was charged with kidnapping and killing his estranged wife in Spain died in an apparent suicide, his defense attorney said.

David Knezevich, 37, was found dead at the Federal Detention Center in Miami, where he was awaiting trial.

Knezevichs attorney, Jayne Weintraub, said she learned that he was found dead in his cell but didn't offer any details about how he died.

The defense team is devastated to learn of this news," Weintraub said. "We sincerely hope that an appropriate and prompt investigation will be conducted.

Mr Knezevich was charged last year with kidnapping and killing his estranged wife, Ana Hedao Knezevich, 40, who went missing in a case that has drawn international media attention.

She disappeared from her Madrid apartment in February 2024, five weeks after she had moved there. Her body still hasn't been found.

open image in gallery Colombian-born American woman Ana Maria Knezevich Henao, 40 ( AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, file )

A man in a motorcycle helmet was seen sneaking into her apartment building and disabling a security camera by spray painting its lens, and was later seen wheeling out a suitcase.

Prosecutors say they have strong evidence that Knezevich was the man in the helmet. They say he flew to Turkey from Miami six days before Anas disappearance, then immediately travelled to his native Serbia, where he rented a car.

Security video captured Knezevich at a Madrid hardware store the same day his wife disappeared, using cash to buy duct tape and the same brand of spray paint the man in the motorcycle helmet used on the security camera, according to prosecutors. His rental car had been driven 4,800 miles (7,700km) when it was returned five weeks later, officials said.

Two of the victims friends received unusual texts from her, explaining that she was running off for a few days with a man she had just met.

The couple was in the middle of a contentious divorce while fighting over millions of dollars in properties, according to prosecutors. They had been married for 13 years.

Weintraub has said the split was amicable and the financial arrangements were being worked out.
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Nearly three decades after thousands of pieces of human remains were found scattered at the Indiana farm of suspected serial killer Herb Baumeister, another victim has his name back.

Daniel Thomas Halloran is the 10th person to be identified, Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison announced on Tuesday.

Baumeister, who is considered one of Americas most notorious serial killers, is believed to have killed at least 25 people between the late 1980s and the early 1990s, hunting mostly gay men in the Indianapolis suburb of Westfield, Indiana.

He lured the men to the 18-acre property known as Fox Hollow Farm, where he killed them and disposed of their remains on the vast grounds. More than 10,000 pieces of burnt bone fragments were recovered, but the identities of many of them have remained a mystery for decades.

open image in gallery Baumeisters 18-acre estate in Westfield, Indiana where the remains of several victims were found ( Hamilton County Coroner's Office )

Halloran was identified through advanced forensic testing and genetic genealogy conducted by Othram, Inc., a forensic genealogy lab in Texas. He was born in 1972, but his date of death is unknown, Jellison said.

This is a significant development in our ongoing efforts to provide answers to the families of those who went missing, Jellison said. We are grateful for the expertise of Othram and the advances in forensic science that made this possible.

But Jellison admitted to 13News that Hallorans identity was a shock to investigators.

He was an individual that was not on our radar, Jellison said. We didn't know anything about him.

Nailing down his identity was complicated, he said, as Halloran had no living parents or siblings. But his mother had died of an overdose and the coroner in Indianapolis had a DNA card for her, which they were able to do the comparison of the DNA from the remains to the mother's DNA and lock in that identification, Jellison said.

open image in gallery Halloran is the 10th person to be identified, Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison announced on Tuesday ( Othram )

We went through most of the investigation without even knowing he had a daughter, he added.

Coral Halloran, 32, was just two years told when her father left, so she never knew him, she told 13News.

I feel kind of like I'm mourning, Coral said. All my life, I kind of expected my dad to be around and one day hoping he'd come try to find me.

She added that her mother even hired a private investigator at one point to try and find Halloran, but the family knew about Baumeister and suspected he may have been responsible.

It makes me sick and weary to my stomach, having to know my dad was brutally murdered, Coral said. It's hard. And for all the other victims out there, their families, I'm with them. I'm praying hard for them.

Baumeister went untraced for more than a decade.

But when his 15-year-old son discovered some charred bone fragments and the human skulls in 1994, it all came crashing down.

Police found the remains, including bone fragments, a skull and teeth two years later after authorities searched the property while Baumeister wasnt home, and dug up the remains of several victims, leading to a warrant for his arrest.

open image in gallery After police named Baumeister as a suspect in 1996, he fled to Canada, where he fatally shot himself ( Indianapolis Police Department )

After police named Baumeister as a suspect in 1996, he fled to Ontario, Canada, where he fatally shot himself. He was never charged with the murders and he did not admit to any of the crimes in his suicide note.

More remains were discovered later the same year when police returned to the property.

In 2022, Jellison announced his intention to identify all the remains. He said there could be as many as 25 additional people from Fox Hollow Farm.

Now, with the identification of Halloran, 10 victims have been named, but at least three still remain a mystery.

open image in gallery Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison stands in his office on July 11, 2024, in front of a painting reading No Longer Forgotten that his wife created as reminder of his ongoing work to identify some 10,000 human bones and bone fragments unearthed on Baumeister's suburban Indianapolis property starting in 1996 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

We now know we have four more people, with Halloran and three unidentified DNA profiles, Jellison said.

That has all come about in a two-to-three-month time period.

The other nine victims who have been identified are Jeffrey Allen Jeff Jones, Allen Lee Livingston, Manuel Resendez, John Lee Johnny Bayer, Richard Douglas Hamilton Jr., Steven Spurlin Hale, Allen Wayne Broussard, Roger Allen Goodlet and Michael Frederick Mike Keirn.

Jellison encourages any family member of a person that went missing in the 1980s or 1990s to come forward and submit their DNA for genetic testing.
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Two men have been arrested and face capital murder charges in the slayings of a married couple and another person who were reported missing from a Texas town earlier this month.

Trin Lawrence McKnight, 27, and Barrett Copeland, 19, are accused of killing 44-year-old Tiffany Ann Williams, 42-year-old David Wayne Walker, and 55-year-old Robbie Allen Head during a robbery, according to the Parker County Sheriff's Office.

A third person, Dennis Craig Alexander, was initially arrested in the case, but charges have been dropped. He has been released from police custody, Fox4News reported in an update.

On April 21, deputies were called to a home in Granbury, Texas, after a concerned family member was unable to get ahold of Williams.

open image in gallery Robbie Allen Head, Tiffany Ann Williams, and David Dewayne Walker were killed in Texas. Their bodies were found on April 24 and two people have been arrested ( Parker County Sheriff's Office )

The family member told deputies that they had noticed that the Ring security doorbell at the home where Williams lived with her husband David Dewayne Walker was missing, according to the arrest affidavit. It is not clear how the couple knew the third victim, Robbie Allen Head.

The inside of the house was found in disarray, and there was no sign of the couple, but their vehicle was parked outside.

Large amounts of blood and a fired gun casing were found, according to the arrest affidavit, which also stated that officials also found evidence consistent with a bloodletting event in the backseat and back hatch of the victims' vehicle.

On April 24, three bodies matching the description of the missing trio were discovered next to a creek in Hood County. The victims had gunshot wounds and the two men were covered with fabric, authorities said.

open image in gallery McKnight, 27, reportedly told authorities that he and Copeland intended to rob the victims when the killings happened ( Parker County Jail )

Parker County Sheriff's Office officials confirmed the bodies were of the three people reported missing and determined that they had died on April 20.

An investigation connected McKnight to a bloody fingerprint that was found on the driver's door of the victims' vehicle, deputies said.

McKnight, who was arrested on Monday in Granbury, about six miles from where the murders allegedly happened, told authorities that he and Copeland intended to rob the victims along with a third man. The man reportedly held Williams and Walker at gunpoint while the others searched the house for drugs and money, he claimed.

McKnight said it was the third man who shot all three victims before they wrapped the bodies and dumped them next to the creek.

Copeland was arrested later on Monday, less than a mile from where the alleged murders happened.

open image in gallery Copeland, 19, was arrested Monday, along with McKnight, and charged with capital murder ( Parker County Jail )

Both men have been charged with capital murder and are currently being held at the Parker County Jail with their bonds set at $1,000,000 each.

Copeland was also charged with burglary of a habitation, with an additional bond amount of $50,000. The charge is not connected to the triple murder, according to the sheriff's office.

McKnight was arrested on an outstanding warrant for possession of a controlled substance from Tarrant County, with an additional bond of $4,300.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
The first of this springs four street racing suspects walked into Albemarle County General District Court Monday morning a free man, but he left in handcuffs.

Eric Harrison White, a 21-year-old resident of Palmyra, would have to spend the next seven days at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.

The conviction and jail time come as Virginia lawmakers have signaled a practical interest in stopping street racing and curtailing so-called super-speeders with in-vehicle speed limiting devices that could be part of punishments beginning next year. Jail, however, clearly remains part of the program.

White was stopped on the night of Feb. 21 for allegedly using Seminole Trail as a raceway near the Hollymead subdivision. Albemarle County police officer Dwayne Jones apprehended White, traveling northbound in a 2011 BMW, at 9:18 p.m.

This defendant immediately stopped and was cooperative, said the prosecutor, Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Susan Baumgartner.

Presented with a plea agreement hammered out by Baumgartners office and Whites attorney, Scott Goodman, the judge agreed to lower the charge from reckless driving by racing to general reckless driving.

The full sentence is 60 days with 53 days suspended. The judge also revoked Whites driving privilege for 90 days and assigned a $250 fine.

By the time he arrived in court Monday, White had already completed a 12-hour driving course that included four hours of time behind the wheel. And as the bespectacled, blonde man stood before the bench, the judge said he could see remorse.

I can tell already youve learned your lesson, said Judge Matthew Quatrara. Use this as a learning opportunity for yourself and others.

Immediately after the handcuffed White was led from the courtroom by a bailiff, one of his alleged fellow racers got a tongue-lashing from the judge for smiling and laughing as he strode toward the bench.

It was not clear why 20-year-old Josue Daniel Suazo Toro of Ruckersville, charged by the same officer in the same February incident, would be laughing. In Virginia, any type of reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail, and a street racer can forfeit their vehicle and face a license suspension from six months to two years.

Suazo Toro, who also stands charged with driving without a license, was represented by Donald Bellah of the Office of the Public Defender.

Mr. Bellah, can you tell him theres nothing funny about this? asked the irritated jurist.

His co-defendant just went to jail, continued Quatrara. You cant talk to a court of law yucking it up.

Bellah took Suazo Toro, who was using the services of a Spanish language translator, away for a few minutes. As the lawyer and his client returned, Suazo Toro wore a more reserved facial expression and the prosecutor warned he could be jeopardizing a proposed plea deal.

Mr. Bellah knows the offer, said Baumgartner. That offer will be revoked if theres any similar behavior.

That just goes to show how serious this is, said Quatrara. Theres nothing funny about this.

Bellah convinced the judge to continue the case to June 23, the same day Bellah plans to address an unrelated racing charge levied against 40-year-old Christopher Richard Cook of Kents Store, accused of racing on Fifth Street in early December.

A third man charged in the February Hollymead-area incident is 19-year-old Omar Espinoza. His attorney, Carlos Moreno, also received a continuance from the judge until June 23.

Court records show that the last street racing case decided in Albemarle County General District Court involved 19-year-old Mason Wayne Payne of Zion Crossroads. In late December, Payne pleaded no contest to racing southbound on Seminole Trail by the Stonefield shopping center.

He struck a deal that appeared headed to reducing his charge to a mere speeding conviction. The deal, however, could fall through, as Payne was subsequently convicted of reckless driving for going 66 mph on a 35 mph road in Charlottesville.

Four times previously, Payne has successfully convinced a judge to lower his speeding charges, including getting judges in three jurisdictions  Charlottesville, Albemarle and Westmoreland  to reduce a reckless driving by speed charge to an improper driving conviction.

In all, Virginia records show that Payne has racked up seven speeding tickets in the past two years. At least one judge appears to have lost patience with the young man.

When Payne attempted earlier in April to argue an appeal of his Charlottesville reckless driving conviction in the citys circuit court, Judge Claude Worrell found him guilty.

Ruling on April 21, Worrell suspended Paynes license for 35 days, a period during which Payne is restricted to driving only to medical appointments and his job in the service department of the Malloy Ford automobile dealership.

Payne is slated to return to Albemarle County General District Court on June 16 to see if his recent city racing conviction violated the year he was supposed to remain on good behavior with no traffic infractions.

None of the current and recent adjudications involve crashes.

On Sept. 13, 2020, while allegedly racing at a speed estimated at up to 70 mph and violating a red traffic light on Emmet Street near Bodos Bagels, Ricky Xavier Dubon-Hernandez struck and killed 46-year-old cook Juan Evangelista Lorenzo-Manueles.

Convicted of manslaughter and initially sentenced to 20 months, Dubon-Hernandez got out of jail supervision and went on to convince a 12-year-old girl to have sexual intercourse, according to DNA evidence presented in Albemarle County Circuit Court. His ensuing conviction on two counts of aggravated sexual battery of a child brought him new jail time and convinced Worrell to reinstate the suspended jail time from the manslaughter conviction, which was three years and two months.

Dubon-Hernandez, whose name is spelled Duvon-Hernandez in some state records, is housed in the Dillwyn Correctional Center and slated to remain in state custody until 2031.
The Bonnet Carre Spillway has been opened more than a dozen times since it was constructed nearly 100 years ago, but the protection it offers New Orleans' levee system comes at a cost: The rush of fresh water into surrounding brackish estuaries can harm the species living there, sometimes killing off entire fisheries and reefs.
The University of Virginia on Monday disclosed that the legal status of a third international student who had lost their right to study in the U.S. has been restored.

A university webpage providing updates on recent federal actions noted the change, saying that as of Sunday the visas of all three UVa students whose records were terminated earlier in April from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS, had been restored.

UVa did not indicate any other visa cancelations outside a single currently enrolled student and two alumni, according to the same webpage.

Since the students visas were revoked on April 4, UVa has not disclosed their identities or nationalities. UVa spokeswoman Bethanie Glover told The Daily Progress at the time the visas were revoked that the university doesnt know the specific reason for the change in statuses and could not offer any further details.

The two alumni who lost their visas were involved in Optional Practical Training, a program of the F-1 student visa that allows international students to be employed in their field of study either before or after obtaining their degrees.

The abrupt restoration of the students visas came as attorneys across the nation filed dozens of lawsuits against the Trump administration on behalf of international students whose SEVIS records were terminated, seeking temporary restraining orders or a reversal of their clients statuses. SEVIS is managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is used to verify international students are in compliance with their F-1 visas.

The cancelations often came with neither a notice nor an explanation, but rather with reasons one immigration lawyer in Atlanta who brought a suit against top Trump administration officials said are based on improper grounds and violate the due process clause under the Fifth Amendment. Many of the reasons that were provided amount to minor infractions, often related to traffic violations such as speeding or failing to have proper vehicle insurance. In some cases, the charges were dismissed many years ago.

Since retaking the White House in January, President Donald Trump has made it a priority to deport anyone who is in the country illegally, part of an effort to reverse what hes characterized as the open border policies of the previous administration. Though the initial focus was on those with criminal records, the push quickly expanded to college campuses  particularly the colleges the Trump administration views as being disloyal to the U.S. An executive order issued in January called for the heads of agencies to rid American colleges of students who espouse antisemitic views or are engaged in pro-Palestinian activism.

Since March, hundreds of foreign students and recent graduates have had their legal statuses terminated as a result of these measures, including more than 30 in Virginia. Now, as federal judges have stepped in, many are seeing their visas restored, including 19 Virginia Tech students in the past few days. The university boasts the largest enrollment of any institution of higher education in Virginia, with nearly 39,000 enrolled students.

In a statement read by a U.S. Department of Justice lawyer on Friday and provided to the Associated Press, ICE is developing a policy that will provide a framework for SEVIS record terminations. Until such a policy is issued, the SEVIS records for plaintiff(s) in this case (and other similarly situated plaintiffs) will remain active or shall be re-activated if not currently active and ICE will not modify the record solely based on the [National Crime Information Center] finding that resulted in the recent SEVIS record termination.
Rapper Faris Shafi, one of South Asias biggest artists, is coming to Melbourne for the first time to perform in a free concert at Federation Square.

Pakistani rapper, songwriter and actor Faris Shafi, will perform at Blockbuster.

Dubbed the uncensored voice of Pakistan, Shafis work includes Blockbuster, a viral track streamed 62 million times on YouTube last year.

The song provided the inspiration for the Fed Square show which takes its name, to be held as part of the Rising festival in June.

Its a coup for Melbournes winter arts festival  a melding of White Night and the Melbourne Festival  now in its fifth year, to attract such huge artists from the subcontinent.
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Eating outJust open A bread course unlike any other: What Young Chef of the Year is cooking at her pop-up For the month of May, a young gun chef and her husband are bringing their innovative, Indian-influenced pop-up restaurant Saadi to a well-known city venue. And its their longest residency yet. Tomas Telegramma Updated May 2, 2025 , first published May 1, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

When hatted Punch Lane restaurant Sunda closed unexpectedly in late January, questions swirled around what would replace the modern South-east Asian diner. Three months on, an exciting new concept is taking up residence in the space, albeit temporarily: an Indian-ish pop-up from chef couple Saavni Krishnan  the 2025 Age Good Food Guide Young Chef of the Year  and Aditya Adi Suresh. Young Chef of the Year Saavni Krishnan (right) and her partner Aditya Adi Suresh. The pair have been running Saadi events around Melbourne since 2022, while holding down full-time roles elsewhere. Sundas owner the Halim Group - also behind Aru and Antara - invited Krishnan and Suresh to take over the site for the month of May, after founder Adi Halim visited an earlier pop-up. We are grateful to be given this opportunity, very excited to serve customers in such an amazing venue, and extremely nervous and anxious to see how it all pans out, says Krishnan. Krishnan and Suresh have both quit their jobs (hers at North Melbournes Manze and his at Gemini in Coburg) to focus on Saadi.

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Weve gone all in, says Krishnan. We decided to focus all our time this year into Saadi to see how it could transform into a business. The success of more than a dozen pop-ups over three years  at cool wine bars like Arnolds and Sleepys, and wineries like the Indian-owned Avani on the Mornington Peninsula  has progressively given the pair more confidence in their concept. Kosha Mangsho (slow-roasted lamb neck, swede and yoghurt dressing), plus paniyaram (fermented rice doughnuts) with onion chutney at the Saadi pop-up at Sunda. Saadi, a portmanteau of Saavni and Adi, not only blends their names but their respective Indian upbringings and their experience cooking in top Australian kitchens, including Etta and Sydney fine diner Freds. The magic is in how they take traditional family recipes and throw in creative curveballs, like topping thattai (a lentil cracker usually eaten at teatime) with raw kingfish and onion chutney.

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My dad said It feels wrong but it tastes really good, says Suresh. What you can expect from Saadi at Sunda is an $80 set dinner menu  plus an abridged $40 set lunch menu and small a la carte snack selection  of entirely new dishes. To start, the kumror chokka tartlets will use in-season pumpkin, while tangy fermented rice doughnuts called paniyaram will be served with onion chutney. Goulburn River trout and bisi bele bath (a rice and lentil dish). Then, what Krishnan calls a bread course unlike any other is Saadis version of dhal bati churma, a dish from the west of India. It involves whole-wheat rolls charred on Sundas charcoal grill, dhal made with three varieties of Mount Zero lentils, and  in a twist  seasonal pickled veg.

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The main protein is Goulburn River trout, but its the accompaniment thats actually the main event: a homestyle rice and lentil dish called bisi bele bath that makes use of Sundas claypots. Its powered by an intricate housemade spice mix that includes marathi moggu  described as a type of caper  that gives some South Indian dishes a peppery sourness. Related Article The hot new (and upcoming) Indian restaurants you need to know about right now Back when we started, we never thought this is where we could be. I think Melbourne as a whole has really accepted our food, says Suresh. Expect more pop-ups as Krishnan and Suresh work towards opening their own restaurant. Saadi at Sunda runs from May 1 to 31.

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Open lunch Sat; dinner Thu-Sat 18 Punch Lane, Melbourne, instagram.com/saadi_melbourne. Bookings via sunda.com.au

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Deep within his governments secret underground lair, Scott Morrison leant forward in his wing-backed leather chair, stroked the white Persian cat on his lap and turned to his trusted henchman Dan Tehan, who had come to the meeting in his customary fez and dark sunglasses.

It was June 2020, Australias COVID restrictions had momentarily eased and beyond the thick walls of Morrisons futuristic bunker beneath the sand hills of Cronulla, young people were out partying hard.

Credit: The Age

The idea of so many people who didnt vote Liberal having fun was distressing to Morrison, who was still grumpy at having to cut short his Hawaii holiday. Hed asked his education minister to bring some ideas about how to wipe the smile off their faces. Come on, Dan  throw me a frickin bone here.

Tehan looked nervously across the glossy boardroom table towards his boss, who had stopped stroking his cat and now had an index finger delicately poised above an ominous-looking black button. The health minister, finance minister and treasurer had already disappeared from around the table, with Morrison cryptically saying they were redundant to requirements.
After a decade of planning, the transformation of Bulimba Barracks can finally begin after Brisbane City Council gave a developers plan the tick of approval.

Central to Shayher Groups redevelopment would be the repurposing of the barracks former fabrication workshop, built in 1943, into what the council described as a new lifestyle precinct.

That precinct, just metres from the Apollo Road CityCat terminal, would include a boutique supermarket, retail and hospitality venues, along with multi-use public spaces.

The LNP council signed off on those plans this week as part of what Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said was a council push to improve amenity in the suburbs.
I left Australian Progressives in late 2014. Australian Progressives was not registered as a political party until 2015. I have never been a member of the ALP. Hmmm. But Labor Party records seen by CBD show one Benson Saulo sent an email to the ALP on June 24, 2015, at 2.25pm. Id like to request that my membership with the ALP be cancelled. My membership number is 78190. This wasnt an easy decision to make as there is much the ALP can be proud of in the way of policy and supporting our communities most vulnerable, but I have made the decision not to remain an ALP member, the email reads. After CBD had jogged Saulos memory, he said: Im shattered at having forgotten about a three-month period in 2014 in which I was an ALP member.

I have talked extensively to the community and to the media about my short stint as a Greens member in 2015, so have no reason to hide the ALP membership I held fleetingly. Hand on heart, I simply forgot. Saulo said he walked away from the political left because they sold him a promise about values he discovered they did not adhere to. We go way back Ryan Brickman McNaught, star of LEGO Masters on Nine (owner of this masthead) is the only LEGO-certified professional in the southern hemisphere. Ryan The Brickman McNaught and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan go way back. Credit: AAPIMAGE

Hes been busy lately, helping to create the LEGO Star Wars exhibition at the Melbourne Museum, which held its media preview on Wednesday, an event deemed globally important enough that Jedi News travelled all the way from Britain to cover it. We kid you not. Of course, Victoria being Victoria, the state government, represented by Premier Jacinta Allan and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos, tipped in an undisclosed amount of funds to help snare the event. Its set to deliver a major economic boost for the state, you see. Anyway, while not quite in the realm of Luke, I am your father, The Brickman did make a personal revelation no one had foreseen  the premier was a high school student alongside him at Catholic College, Bendigo. Plot twist! Allan told assembled hacks: Now, I know a little bit about Ryans story, and we are on a unity ticket to not share any secrets with you of the time we spent at school together. This was immediately undermined by The Brickman, who talked about their year 11 politics class, run by Mr Ferris, where the straight-A shining light of the class was, well, guess who?

So whilst I got in trouble in class for playing with LEGO, the future premier, of course, got nothing but pats on the back. Taking over the press conference, The Brickman said while his job was the envy of children everywhere, his 17-year-old son, Riley, envied someone else. You are the envy of my son, who wants to be the premier in Victoria, he said, before asking a question on behalf of Riley: What is the favourite part of your job? Allans entirely predictable response was that her favourite part of the job was talking to school kids (yawn). Look forward to working with you one day, she said. Take the weight off your feet

Spotted: At Fresco Nails Foot & Spa on Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds, at 2pm on Tuesday, Richmond AFL star Toby Nankervis, getting what looked to us like a pedicure. Good to see modern AFL self-care in action. Albos Exotic endorsement After Donald Trumps embrace of various bro podcasters helped lock in the male edgelord vote and pave his return to the White House, it was no surprise that Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton would race to the mics ahead of Saturdays poll. Tiger King Joe Exotic endorses Anthony Albanese during the 2025 federal election campaign. Credit: Joe Exotic / Instagram
The presence of a Hales family member sends a clear signal to hundreds of other Brethren volunteers, and the companies they work for, that taking time off to push for a Peter Dutton victory on Saturday is endorsed from the top of the separatist global church, say former church members speaking anonymously for fear of repercussions. The Coalition has denied it has any agreement with the Brethren and had never asked volunteers or members what their religious beliefs are. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday described it as a cult and demanded to know from the Coalition what was the quid pro quo for the support. Plymouth Brethren Christian Church members in Liberal shirts gather in Sorell, Tasmania, in the marginal Labor seat of Lyons. The church has denied any co-ordinated effort for Dutton, insisting the mass movement of people was a spontaneous action by individuals. We are really looking forward to your stories about how the Catholic and Anglican churches are controlling any electoral activity of their parishioners, Brethren spokesman Lloyd Grimshaw said on Wednesday.

This masthead reported on Wednesday that the Victorian Catholic Education Authority had written to parents in key seats in that state urging a vote against independent and minor party candidates. The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church is a charity and could risk its charitable status if it were proved to be involved in party political activity. In addition, election integrity expert Joo-Cheong Tham called for an investigation into the Brethrens activities under Commonwealth electoral law. Peter Dutton in Gorton on Monday with candidate John Fletcher (left). Credit: James Brickwood Tham, a professor at Melbourne Law School and director of the Centre for Public Integrity, said any organisation that used paid workers to campaign, or provided them paid time off, should disclose the amount as an in-kind contribution. Grimshaw said nobody co-ordinating the campaign was being paid.

In Gorton, Carol Fletcher, wife of candidate John Fletcher, thanked Brethren members in a Liberal Party group chat and invited them to the partys election-night function. I have mentioned it to lots of the boys but also missed many (there are so many), one message from Carol reads. Please extend our invite to everyone  without all theirs/your support we would not be where we are today. We are so very grateful. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton with John Fletcher. Credit: James Brickwood In another message, Fletcher quotes legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of a persons religious belief. The Brethren have cited religious freedom in defence of their actions and, in a circular to volunteers, suggest that if asked which church they are from, volunteers should reply: I dont think its appropriate for you to ask my religion  my religion has nothing to do with me volunteering.

The Brethren representative in the Gorton group chat, Harvey McAlpin, replied: Absolutely I am happy to defend the volunteers rights regardless of faith, race or gender. He also expressed interest in having his cohort scrutinise the election count on Saturday night. Lavinia Richardson when she was a member of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. Lavinia Richardson, a former Brethren member, has revealed how a number of businesses linked to the church donated tens of thousands of dollars to the Liberal Party without public disclosure. Richardson left the church in 2023 and has no contact with her family. Before leaving, she worked for an accounting firm in Victoria owned by a Brethren member, and one service they provided was to advise on the legal and tax implications of donating to the Liberal Party.

Around election time, most of our clients, as part of quarterly meeting would say to us, With the election coming up we want to pay x amount to the Liberal Party, so how do we structure it? Most companies did it. Small mum and dad companies would do a couple of thousand and then big companies would make it $20,000, $30,000. Even $50,000. A much happier Lavinia Richardson now. Federally and at the state level, the law requires donors to report money given above a certain threshold. In Victoria, the threshold is $1000. To avoid reporting their donations, Richardson said, Brethren businessmen would gift small amounts of money, or make distributions from a trust, to enough individuals  family members or trusted staff  to pass on to the party or candidate. Each individual donation fell under the threshold.

Then it was not easily linked back to the businesses or the church in general, she said. Tham said public disclosure should be made when the total amount of their gifts to a party or candidate exceeds the disclosure threshold, even if the contribution is split into smaller sums or the donor funds others to make contributions. Grimshaw said issues around donations were a matter for the businesses involved not the church. Asked if it was credible that the current campaign for the Coalition had not been centrally co-ordinated, Richardson said: Its absolutely garbage. Its absolutely co-ordinated. A similar campaign, though on a significantly smaller scale, had been launched in 2022 for Scott Morrisons re-election.
The Charlottesville school division has come out on top in a contest for the Federal Executive Institute property shuttered by the Trump administration earlier this year  beating out well-heeled competitor the University of Virginia.

On Wednesday morning, the U.S. Department of Education approved Charlottesville City Schools application to acquire the 14-acre site  last assessed at $19.6 million  completely free of charge via a public benefit allowance available to educational institutions through the Federal Real Property Assistance Program.

Our community is as excited as we are that were acquiring this for free essentially, Charlottesville Schools Superintendent Royal Gurley told the media at a press conference held Wednesday afternoon at Greenbrier Elementary School.

At the press conference, Gurley and City Manager Sam Sanders spoke of the cascading opportunities that the new asset will bring to the school division.

Located at 1301 Emmet St. N in the citys Meadows neighborhood, the property served as the countrys leading training center for federal employees for 57 years before it was shuttered by President Donald Trump in February. The former institute, which spans five buildings totaling 90,980 square feet of space, will now house the school divisions consolidated preschool program and headquarters for its administrative offices.

Those plans align with a stipulation from the U.S. Department of Education that a clear majority of the property is used consistently for PreK classroom use with administrative use secondary.

News of Charlottesville City Schools successful bid came just a day after UVas governing Board of Visitors voted unanimously to advance its own application for the real estate despite protests from Charlottesville residents and officials.

UVa officials have conceded that Charlottesville officials asked them not to make a bid and that there is opposition to the university acquiring even more land given it is already the Charlottesville areas largest landlord, with 1,708 acres to its name.

The city suggested that UVa not submit an application, which I think was quite unfortunate, university COO J.J. Davis told the Board of Visitors meeting Tuesday.

The university also received word from the Education Department on Wednesday morning that the school division was selected over UVa based on the Citys demonstrated need, according to a university statement sent to The Daily Progress.

We respect the Departments decision and celebrate the opportunities this acquisition will afford the school system and community, reads that statement. UVA remains committed to collaborating with the City on educational programs.

In addition to a base of operations for its administrators and preschool programs, Charlottesville City Schools also plans to build out a family welcome center, staff training facility and a forum for the city School Board at the shuttered institute.

Currently, the divisions administrative offices are housed in a 4,700-square-foot building next door to Walker Upper Elementary School on Dairy Road in the citys Barracks Rugby neighborhood. Charlottesville School Board meetings are typically held in the library of Charlottesville High School on the other side of the U.S. 250 Bypass in the Greenbrier neighborhood.

Between our preschool programming and our alternative programming, theres just a lot of opportunities here for us to support our school and school community, said Gurley.

The citys six preschool programs currently operate across its six elementary schools, and a plan was already in the works to consolidate those programs at Walker, which currently houses fifth and sixth grades, in time for the 2026-2027 school year.

But with the successful acquisition, the centralized preschool will now be based out of the former institute, allowing the citys alternative high school, Lugo-McGinness Academy, to expand into Walker.

The move will be critical to broadening the footprint of the academy that is currently located at 341 11th St. NW, a space the superintendent referred to as a little matchbox.

Lugo-McGinness Academy has puzzled the city for some time, according to Sanders, as we have not been able to figure out what we could do. With the academy moving to Walker, the matchbox will be available to serve students with special needs.

I think its just amazing to think that one transaction can make all the difference across the system, and thats really what Im excited about, said Sanders.

The reshuffling will also involve the citys alternative middle school, the New Pathways Academy, moving into the empty administrative offices on Dairy Road.

Though the sale of the former institute to the school division does not come with a price tag, there are some associated costs.

In its application, the school division said it was prepared to execute several interior renovations to transform the main building on the property into an educational facility equipped with classrooms with connected restrooms in addition to wheelchair-accessible connections between other buildings on site. As of now, the goal is to complete those projects in order to keep the preschool on track to open in August 2026.

With full fencing, no visibility from the road, and a pool that could be converted into a play space or splash pad, the grounds of FEI are well-suited to outdoor play for our youngest learners, according to a Wednesday statement from the school division. Additionally, the facilities have space for dedicated early-intervention services for preschoolers such as speech and physical therapy.

The city has already allocated $30 million to the school division for the creation of its future centralized preschool. This figure should cover the cost of those capital improvements, and if not, Sanders said the city will look into contributing additional funds.

The school division has yet to nail down an official timeline outlining when all of those shifts will take place. The next step in the rapidly unfolding process is to have experts evaluate the various architectural, engineering and historical components of the property to provide the school division with a thorough assessment of its new asset.

Then well probably end up having to go back and forth with the federal government on discussing some of the choices that we are hoping to make and make sure that we can get those approved, so itll take some time, Sanders said.

A number of Charlottesville residents and local organizations publicly backed the school divisions application for the former Federal Executive Institute, however, that was not necessarily a universal opinion.

One Charlottesville city teacher sent a letter to the School Board to share their opposition to the school division taking on another facility given the city has buildings in disrepair, specifically Charlottesville High School and the Charlottesville Area Technical Education Center, or CATEC. The teacher also noted that resources may be better directed toward addressing the student achievement gaps and chronic absenteeism that persist across the division.

I urge you to focus on the issues our school system is already facing, and not take on a new property with extra financial obligations, wrote the teacher, who requested The Daily Progress not include their name. I understand the acquisition of this property is a once in a generation opportunity, but we are going to leave a generation of students behind if we dont focus on the real issues that are right in front of us.

When asked to respond to these concerns, Gurley said the school divisions budget is developed with these needs in mind with funding set aside to hire additional math and reading specialists. The acquisition of the Federal Executive Institute does not come at the sacrifice of another function of the division, said Gurley, who sees the new asset as a collective gain.

The reality is that we gain access to a facility that makes a huge difference in how we support our school system, said Sanders in agreement with Gurley. It was something that we have not been able to see how we could move that forward  the need for additional space to actually prioritize all kids.
When Lyndon Galea heard children at two nearby schools were arriving to class on empty stomachs, he gathered bread, cheese and margarine from his mothers cupboard and made 100 cheese sandwiches.

I had this impulsive thought, What if I did something really simple and made some sandwiches at home and dropped them off? the Shepparton local said.

Lyndon Galea makes cheese toasties for kids who might otherwise go hungry at school. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui

He got more than he bargained for when, after that first drop-off, the schools rang Galea back and asked for another 200.

There was no plan, there was no vision, but when they called back I thought, We are going to have to make these in a sustainable ongoing way, he said.
Labor began its tenure in government underestimating Peter Dutton. Victories in later byelections bred a dangerous complacency. By late last year, sentiment inside the government shifted from contemplating an increased majority to well-founded fears it could become the first one-term government in almost a century.

It was a timely awakening which forced campaign structures and strategy to be adjusted accordingly. Part of that was to prepare a brutal negative campaign against Dutton. Liberals branded it lies and smears. Labor says its claims were based on historical facts, which were indicators of future action.

Credit: Illustration: Dionne Gain

The other part was to make sure the prime minister got his head straight. He did over the summer, although signs of hubris have crept in again recently.

Dutton defeated the referendum then capitalised too well on Anthony Albaneses meanderings and frequent stumbles. The opposition leaders great miscalculation was to believe this would continue and he could skate to victory. He thought the campaign would be a doddle, much like his daily routine. Last year he repeatedly, confidently predicted: We will win.
But in a swag of regional electorates, more than a quarter of the electorate is aged 70-plus. This includes the NSW North Coast seat of Lyne (28.5 per cent over 70 years), the Queensland coastal seat of Hinkler (27.5 per cent) and Gilmore on the NSW South Coast (27.1 per cent). In Lyne, Hinkler and Gilmore, fewer than a third of voters are aged under 45. The number of electorates with a high share of older voters is on the rise. At the 2019 federal poll. only one electorate in Australia had more than 30,000 voters aged 70-plus; by 2022 that had risen to four seats and this year, there will be nine. Rodney Smith, professor of Australian politics at Sydney University, says the contrasting age profiles of some electorates poses a growing political challenge for major parties as they seek to balance differing political priorities.

To get a majority in the House of Representatives, the major parties have always had to deal with the issue of representing electorates with very different interests, he said. In the past, the disjunction between younger voters and older voters was not so pronounced, but now that age factor raises a new dimension of difficulty in electoral contests for those major parties. Kathy OReeri and Jean OReeri at the Kununurra polling station in Western Australia on Wednesday. Credit: Nicole Fagan Nick Parr, honorary professor of demography at Macquarie University, expects age differences between federal electorates to become more pronounced. You would expect the range of age profiles to grow over time with newly developed urban areas remaining relatively young, he said.

Just over 18 million people are enrolled to vote on May 3  about 870,000 more than at the last election. Loading An Australian Electoral Commission spokesman says new migrants made up about 30 per cent of new enrolments in Australia, the vast majority of enrolment growth being younger voters turning 18 and enrolling to vote for the first time. The number of teens on the electoral roll (those aged 18 and 19 years) has jumped from 417,000 at the last election to 493,000 this year. The AEC said one reason for this increase was a change in 2023 that allowed Medicare cards to be used as proof of ID to enrol.

This removed a significant barrier to entry for younger voters who might previously have had problems enrolling due to not having a drivers licence or passport, an AEC spokesman said. Another factor was a boost in enrolments around the time of the Voice referendum in October 2023. Cultural diversity In many urban seats, voters come from an array of cultural backgrounds while those outside the major cities, especially in sprawling regional electorates, tend to be less multicultural. Parr says this reflects the settlement of overseas migrants, which has been concentrated in capital cities.

Comparing the seat of Fowler in south-west Sydney with the giant electorate of Maranoa in western Queensland illustrates this trend. Census data shows that in Fowler, which takes in the suburbs of Liverpool and Cabramatta, three in every four households speak a language other than English. In Maranoa, that share is only one in every 20 households. Voters cast their ballots in 2022 at Bondi Beach within the seat of Wentworth, Australias smallest electorate by area. Credit: Edwina Pickles For 77 per cent of Fowlers population both parents were born overseas but in Maranoa that share is just 10 per cent. But in many regional areas the population from a non-English-speaking background is on the rise. The last census showed an increasing cultural diversity across regional Australia with the spread of migrants into various regional areas, Parr says. So, there may be new or growing ethnic communities that could influence voting patterns.

Gender Women outnumber men in Australia  the latest Bureau of Statistics estimates show that for every 100 females there are 98.6 males. That gap reflects the longer life expectancy of women. Even so, men are a majority in 12 of Australias 150 electorates. Most of them are in regions where a significant share of the population is employed in male-dominated industries, especially mining and agriculture. In the Queensland electorate of Flynn, which spans inland from Gladstone, there are 2380 (or 4 per cent) more males than females, which is the largest gender gap in favour of men of any electorate. In the giant West Australian electorate of Durack, which includes the iron ore mining hub of Pilbara, there are about 2 per cent more men than women.

But seats with male majorities are also found in the heart of our biggest cities. In the electorate of Sydney, men outnumber women by nearly 6000, while there are 1436 more males enrolled than females in the seat of Melbourne. The largest gender gap favouring women is in the seat of Fisher, north of Brisbane, where there are 7365 more female voters than males. Loading The past two federal elections have been marked by the success of female teal independents in affluent electorates previously considered Liberal Party heartland. Election role data shows most the seats where teal candidates prevailed have a significant female majority, especially Goldstein in Melbourne, held by Zoe Daniel (6489 more women than men), Warringah in Sydney, held by Zali Steggall (4290 more women than men) and Mackellar, held by Sophie Scamps (4130 more women than men).

Number of voters per electorate The average number of voters per federal electorate has reached 120,650  an all-time high. But there are marked variations in the number of voters in seats across the nation. Thats because the Australian Constitution, adopted in 1901, stipulates that each original state must have at least five seats in the House of Representatives. Patterns of population growth since federation mean that electorates in the smallest state, Tasmania, have far fewer voters than the national average. (In 1901, Tasmania accounted for nearly 5 per cent of the national population, but that share has shrunk to about 2 per cent). The two electorates in the sparsely populated Northern Territory also have fewer voters than the rest of the country. Election roll data shows the seat of Clark in Hobart has the lowest number of voters at 74,315, while the electorate of Lingiari in the Northern Territory has the second lowest at 76,836.
It took just seconds for modern life in Spain and Portugal to grind to a halt on Monday when the power grid of the Iberian Peninsula shut down just after midday, causing lights to flicker out, traffic signals to darken and the transport system to seize, leaving passengers of underground trains to evacuate through darkened tunnels.

In what is thought to be the largest power outage in modern European history, 60 million people were left without power, possibly causing seven deaths. It was almost a day before power was fully restored.

Within hours, the outage had become part of climate culture warfare, with the conservative British newspaper The Telegraph, known for its climate scepticism, declaring in a front page headline, Net Zero Blamed for Blackout Chaos. In fact, the story accompanying the headline did not really say such a thing, but the experts it quoted outlined some of the possible frailties of renewable heavy grids.

No matter. Hours later, Australian Nationals senator Matt Canavan posted the story on social media, where a debate over renewables, net zero and power systems bubbled away. The world of conservative commentators pointed the finger, not least, on Sky News in Australia.
Govt working on modernising education system, to meet 21st century needs





NEW DELHI :

EDUCATION system plays a key role in preparing youth for the countrys future and the Government is working on modernising it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday. Addressing the YUGM Innovation Conclave at Bharat Mandapam here, Modi asserted that it is crucial that the journey from idea to prototype to product is completed in the shortest time possible. Emphasising the need to consistently promote AI, quantum computing, advanced analytics, space tech, health tech, and synthetic biology, Modi highlighted Indias leading position in AI development and adoption. The education system plays a crucial role in this preparation and underscored efforts to modernize Indias education system to meet 21st-century needs. The introduction of the New National Education Policy is designed with global education standards in mind, he said while noting the significant changes it has brought to the Indian education system. Underscoring the importance of meeting the goal of a developed India within the next 25 years, the Prime Minister said, it is crucial that the journey from idea to prototype to product is completed in the shortest time possible. He stressed that reducing the distance from lab to market ensures faster delivery of research outcomes to the people, motivates researchers, and provides tangible incentives for their work. This accelerates the cycle of research, innovation, and value addition, he said.

The Prime Minister called for a robust research ecosystem, urging academic institutions, investors, and industry to support and guide researchers. The youth today excels not only in research and development but have become ready, emphasising the transformative contributions of Indias young generation to research across various sectors, he said. Citing milestones like the commissioning of the worlds longest hyperloop test track, a 422-metre hyperloop developed at IIT Madras in collaboration with Indian Railways, the PM lauded groundbreaking achievements such as nanotechnology developed by scientists at IISc Bangalore to control light at the nano-scale and the brain on a chip technology, capable of storing and processing data across over 16,000 conduction states in a molecular film. He further highlighted the development of Indias first indigenous MRI machine just weeks ago. Quoting the scriptures in Sanskrit meaning true life is lived in service and selflessness, Modi remarked that science and technology should also serve as mediums for service. He remarked on the development of the National Curriculum Framework, Learning Teaching Material, and new textbooks for classes one to seven.

The Prime Minister highlighted the creation of AI-based and scalable digital education infrastructure platform - One Nation, One Digital Education Infrastructure under PM e-Vidya and DIKSHA platforms, enabling the preparation of textbooks in over 30 Indian languages and seven foreign languages. The National Credit Framework has made it easier for students to study diverse subjects simultaneously, providing modern education and opening new career paths, he said. He stressed upon the importance of strengthening Indias research ecosystem to achieve national goals, highlighting the doubling of gross expenditure on Research and Development from Rs 60,000 crore in 2013-14 to over Rs 1.25 lakh crore, the establishment of state-of-the-art research parks, and the creation of Research and Development Cells in nearly 6,000 higher education institutions. He underscored that leading global universities are also opening campuses in India, promoting academic exchange, research collaboration, and cross-cultural learning opportunities for Indian students.

The trinity of Talent, Temperament and Technology will transform Indias future, stressed the Prime Minister, highlighting initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs, with 10,000 labs already operational, and the announcement of 50,000 more in this years budget to provide early exposure to children, he said. YUGM (a Sanskrit word meaning confluence) is a first-of-its-kind strategic conclave convening leaders from Government, academia, industry, and the innovation ecosystem. The day-long conclave aims to catalyse large-scale private investment in Indias innovation ecosystem and accelerate research-to-commercialisation pipelines in frontier tech. The conclave will also include high-level roundtables and panel discussions involving Government officials, top industry and academic leaders; action-oriented dialogue on enabling fast-track translation of research into impact; a deep tech startup showcase Featuring cutting-edge innovations from across India; and exclusive networking opportunities across sectors to spark collaborations and partnerships.
A lot more to do





THAT the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly passes a unanimous resolution to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack and commits itself to protecting the integrity and sovereignty of India and the lives of Indian people in the face of terrorism, is certainly good news by any standard. However, a lot more needs to be done particularly on the political front in Kashmir if genuine integration of Kashmir has to take place with the rest of the country and if terrorism and separatism have to be crushed once and for all. This is the calling of the hour. The legislative resolution does certainly communicate a changing political situation in Kashmir, all right. But it is senseless to deny the reality of separatism still existing in Kashmir in a big way. In fact, even as the Pahalgam terror strikes terrible details came to fore, Kashmir did have quite a few elements that favoured separatism (which is actually the breeding ground for terrorism). Until those forces are conclusively defeated, the Kashmir problem will keep raising its ugly head time and again. Therefore, the effort to crush separatism in Kashmir will have to go on until the final goal is achieved.

No matter the shifting stands politicians in Kashmir may take as per the expediency of the moment, the reality is that a high percentage of people in politics there have strong links with undesirable elements -- on both sides of the border. They are often known to shape their political moves as per the larger separatist agenda of the moment -- which often runs counter to genuine national interest. The final aim in Kashmir, thus, is to defeat those elements. In that direction, much more has to be done -- which the nation can ill-afford to forget in any condition. A clear word must be said about the current dispensation in power in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Though Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah has shown some nationalistic strands in his public persona occasionally, his original personality has a separatist tilt -- having come down from at least two previous generations represented by his father Dr. Farooq Abdullah and his late grand-father Sheikh Abdullah. No matter the fact that the Abdullah family has often been accommodated in mainstream politics by almost all national parties (including the Bharatiya Janata Party - BJP), its original inclination has questionable attributes, which keep surfacing time and again. The actual fight, thus, in Kashmir is against such tendencies that lean in favour of India or against it as per political convenience of multiple masters.

Seen in this light, one recalls the words of Dr. Farooq Abdullah immediately after Special Status to Kashmir was abrogated, in effect, that Kashmir would better be ruled by the Chinese rather than ... without Articles 35A and 370 of the Constitution of India. This sentiment cannot be forgotten easily -- no matter how short public memory may be. Uttered just five years ago (after the abrogation of Special Status to Kashmir), these words show the real colours of the people occupying critical positions in Kashmir politics. If true nationalistic atmosphere is to be created in Kashmir, separatism represented by such elements needs to be defeated once and for all as an urgent national goal -- which cannot be hidden behind the smoke-screen of the recent legislative resolution. Even as the India prepares itself to give detailed response to the mastermind of Pahalgam terror strike -- that is Pakistan -- appropriate care needs to be taken to finish separatism, no matter the cost and price of the endeavour. The common people, too, should not be swayed by the resolution in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. True, the resolution is going to strengthen the national resolve, all right. But that needs to be treated only as a starting point of more resolute action.
On Maharashtra Day, Sony SAB artists reflect on the states diversity and rich legacy





As Maharashtra ushers its Foundation Day on May 1st, the state prepares to commemorate and celebrate the region's rich history, cultural diversity, and contribution to art and cinema. On this special occasion, the actors of Sony SAB - Jayesh More, Adish Vaidya, Sayli Salunkhe, Sumeet Raghvan, and Aditya Redij step forward to extend heartfelt wishes and reflect on the importance and significance of state in their lives.

Sumeet Raghvan, who plays the role of Rajesh Wagle in Wagle Ki Duniya, Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey, said, Maharashtra continues to inspire with its dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. Having been born and brought up in Mumbai, I love eating Maharashtrian cuisine like Puran Poli and Shrikhand Puri a lot. I used to be able to get through the entire day by eating only these for breakfast. As we celebrate Maharashtra Day, Id like to pay tribute to the state's enduring spirit and the individuals who contribute to its ongoing story.

Sayli Salunkhe, who plays the role of Devi Anjani in Veer Hanuman, said, From the majestic forts of Pune to the hustle of Mumbai, Maharashtra represents courage and ambition. This Maharashtra Diwas, I urge everyone to take a moment to appreciate the incredible spirit of the people that makes this state so special."

Aditya Redij, who plays the role of King Krishnadevraya in Tenali Rama, said, From the vibrant festivals to the resilient spirit of its people, every facet of Maharashtra has shaped who I am today. On this Maharashtra Day, I celebrate the land that has given me so much and continues to inspire me every day."

Jayesh More, who plays Dilip Patel in Pushpa Impossible, said: On the occasion of our states Foundation Day, let us remember and take pride in our glorious history and culture, and its immense growth and development over the years. Maharashtra Dinachya Hardik Shubhechha.

Adish Vaidya, who plays the role of Vikram Saran in Pushpa Impossible, said, I was born and brought up in Mumbai. I owe a lot to this city, which has given me such recognition and affection. I am extremely proud of our states heritage and phenomenal advancement. May this day lead us to the right path of peace and social harmony. Happy Maharashtra Day to everyone. Jai-Jai Maharashtra Majha, Garja Maharashtra Majha!

Tune into Pushpa Impossible, Wagle Ki Duniya- Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey, Veer Hanuman and Tenali Rama, every Monday to Saturday only on Sony SAB
Forces have freedom to decide mode, target, timing of response: PM





NEW DELHI :

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Tuesday that the Armed Forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of Indias response to the Pahalgam terror attack, as he chaired a meeting with the top defence establishment. During the high-level meeting, which was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the Chiefs of three Services, Modi affirmed that it is the national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism, Government sources said. Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Armed Forces. They have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response, a source quoted Modi as saying. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan was also part of the meeting, which was held amid India weighing its options for countermeasures following the Pahalgam terror attack which left at least 26 civilians, mostly tourists, dead.

Modi has vowed to pursue the terrorists behind the attack and their patrons, a clear reference to Pakistan which has a history of sponsoring terror strikes in India, to the ends of earth and inflict the harshest punishment on them beyond their imagination. Terrorists had gunned down tourists, who were from different parts of the country, in the popular destination of Pahalgam in Kashmir exactly a week ago on April 22. This most brutal attack on civilians in a long spell of time in the region has sparked a wave of outrage across the country and a demand for retaliatory action against the perpetrators and their handlers.

The Prime Ministers tough assertions coupled with his Governments avowed muscular stand on the issues of national security have heightened expectations of a stringent counteraction from India. Home Secy chairs top security meet UNION Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting attended by chiefs of three paramilitary forces and seniors of two other security organisations. Director General of Border Security Force Daljit Singh Chaudhary, DG of National Security Guard Brighu Srinivasan and DG of the Assam Rifles Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera attended the meeting, the sources said. Additional Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal Anupama Nilekar Chandra were among the other attendees in the meeting.
21 MLAs write to Amit Shah, urge him to form 'popular govt' in Manipur to bring peace

Imphal, Apr 30 (PTI)

Twenty-one MLAs have written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to form a "popular government" in Manipur, which is now under the President's rule, to ensure peace and normalcy in the state.

The Centre had on February 13 imposed the President's rule in Manipur, where more than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.

The imposition of the President's rule came after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.

The letter, which is signed by 13 BJP MLAs, 3 NPP legislators, 3 Naga Peoples' Front MLAs and two independent members of the assembly, stated, "The people of Manipur welcomed the President's rule...With lots of hope and expectation. However, it's going to be three months, but no visible actions to bring peace and normalcy have been seen so far."

"There is strong apprehension among the people that the violence may occur again in the state. Many civil organisations have come out openly against the imposition of the President's rule and (are) demanding installation of a popular government.

"These organisations have started holding public rallies, street corner meetings, instigating the general public, blaming the ruling MLAs for not staking claim to form a popular government and fixing responsibility for the imposition of PR (President's rule) in the state," the legislators said in the April 10 letter.

The letter was received by the Ministry of Home Affairs on April 29 and made public on Wednesday, one of the legislators said.

The MLAs also said, "We feel the installation of a popular government is the only means to bring peace and normalcy in Manipur".

They requested the home minister to "take necessary steps to install a popular government at the earliest in the interests of the people of Manipur. We assure you we will work with full dedication and devotion to bring peace and normalcy after the installation of a popular government".

However, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president Keisham Meghachandra Singh criticised the 21 MLAs for writing the letter to the Centre, bypassing the governor.

He alleged that these legislators bypassed the Constitutional route in their "attempt to form a government in the state", currently under the President's Rule.

Meghachandra accused the MLAs of political insincerity and questioned their seriousness about ensuring democratic governance in the state.

In a post on X, Meghachandra said, "These legislators, who should have gone to Raj Bhavan in Imphal to stake claim a formation of a new government, had chosen to write not to the Manipur Governor. Instead, they chose to write to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister. The state is placed under President's Rule. Their actions show that they are not serious about meeting the Governor to stake claim to the new government in Manipur."

He emphasised that the political will of the people of Manipur must "not be reduced to a matter of convenience for ruling parties".

"The mandate of the people of Manipur can't be played for their political convenience. The people of Manipur want a change. The people of Manipur want a new alternative", the Congress leader said, adding, "We must honour the new alternative and the change that the people of Manipur will bring for our better future."
On the way back home Decisive intervention of State secures Raje Raghujis sword





Staff Reporter :

The sword was secured at a cost of Rs 43.50 lakh in an auction by Sothebys in London on Tuesday

Government of Maharashtra, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has successfully secured the historic sword associated with Raje Raghuji Bhonsle (First), founder of the Bhonsle Kingdom in Nagpur. The sword was put up for auction on Tuesday by Sothebys, an auction house in London, and the Government has secured the sword through a proxy representative for cost of 38,100 GBP (Pounds) or approximately Rs 43.50 lakh in Indian currency. The auction house had originally estimated the cost of the sword to be somewhere between 6000 to 8000 GBP. Ashish Shelar, Minister for Cultural Affairs, informed in a press conference that this is the first instance when a historic artifact has been secured and brought back from an auction abroad. He credited CM Devendra Fadnavis for the success.

The news of auction of the sword was highlighted by The Hitavada on Monday. Shrimant Dr Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle wrote a letter to Chief Minister, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Ashish Shelar for their assistance in securing the sword by stopping the auction. The State Government, taking the notice of the matter, swung into action immediately and entrusted Vikas Kharge with securing the sword in coordination with Indian Consulate in London. A representative participated in the auction on behalf of the Government and placed the winning bid after the the auction started at 3 pm IST on Tuesday. The sword is expected to cost Rs 47.15 lakh including its original cost, handling, transportation, and insurance costs. Ashish Shelar stated that this moment would be recorded as a significant historical achievement under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Shrimant Dr Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle has expressed his gratitude towards the Government for their swift action.

He said, CM Devendra Fadnavis had called us to inform that Government will take all necessary actions to secure the historic sword, and they delivered the results. We also had Ankur Singh and Indrajit Sawant representating us in the auction process, and they bid till the value reached Rs 35 lakh. He also said that the sword will be displayed for public soon. Raje Raghuji Bhonsle (First) was the founder of the Bhonsle dynasty of Nagpur and an important Sardar in the Maratha army during the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Impressed by Raje Raghuji Bhonsles valour and military strategy, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj bestowed upon him the title of Senasaheb Subha. He led successful military campaigns against the Nawab of Bengal in 1745 and 1755, extending the Maratha Empires influence to Bengal and Odisha. Furthermore, during his rule, Raje Raghuji Bhonsle (First) established his dominance over the regions of Chanda, Chhattisgarh, and Sambalpur. He also defeated the Nawab of Cuddappah and the Nawab of Kurnool in South India, establishing a strong military and political presence. The geographical boundaries of the Nagpur Bhonsles were rich in iron and copper mines, which were extensively used for crafting both everyday objects and weaponry. The royal arms of the Nagpur Bhonsle dynasty represent a unique blend of craftsmanship and aesthetics. The sword of Raje Raghuji Bhonsle (First), which was auctioned in London today, is an excellent example of the Maratha Firang style sword. It features a straight, single-edged blade and a hilt of the Mulheri Ghat design adorned with gold inlay work.

The blade is of European make, and the name of the manufacturing company is inscribed near the ricasso. European-made blades were highly sought after by the elite in medieval India. On the spine of the blade, near the base, the Devanagari inscription Shrimant Raghuji Bhonsle Senasaheb Subha Firang is written in gold. This inscription on the blade indicates that the sword was either made for or used by Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsle (First). This Firang sword of Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsle (First) holds significance for multiple reasons. Most medieval Maratha weapons typically lacked or had minimal ornamentation and inscriptions of the makers or users name, making this sword an exception to both these characteristics. The European origin of the blade points towards the international arms trade prevalent in 18th century India. The Nagpur Bhonsles fought against the East India Company at Sitabuldi in 1817. Following the East India Companys victory in this battle, they looted the treasury of the Nagpur Bhonsles, which included numerous valuable items, jewellery, and weapons. After the annexation of the Nagpur state, the East India Company also received tributes and gifts from time to time. Experts suggest that Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsles sword likely left the country either as part of the spoils of war or as a gift presented to the British.
786 Pakistanis exit India; 1,465 Indians return home from Pak after visa cancellation

By Achinta Borah

New Delhi, Apr 30 (PTI)

As many as 786 Pakistani nationals, including 55 diplomats, their dependents and support staff, besides eight Indians with Pakistani visa, have left India through the Attari-Wagah border crossing in the last six days following a government order in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, officials said on Wednesday.

A total of 1,465 Indians, including 25 diplomats and officials, besides 151 Pakistani citizens with long-term Indian visas have crossed over to India from Pakistan through the international border crossing located in Punjab since April 24.

The 'Leave India' notice to the Pakistani nationals was issued by the government after 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by Pakistan-linked terrorists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.

The deadline for exiting India for those holding SAARC visas was April 26.

For those carrying medical visas, the deadline was April 29.

The deadline for 12 other categories of visas was April 27. These were visas on arrival and visas for business, film, journalist, transit, conference, mountaineering, student, visitor, group tourist, pilgrim and group pilgrims.

Three Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi were declared Persona Non Grata on April 23 and they were given one week to leave India.

Five support staff of these defence attaches were also asked to leave India. India has also withdrawn its defence attache from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

However, those having long-term, diplomatic or official visas were exempted from the 'Leave-India' order.

The officials told PTI that altogether 94 Pakistani nationals, including 10 diplomats, left India through the Attari-Wagah border crossing point on April 29; 145 Pakistanis, including 36 diplomats, their dependents and support staff, left on April 28; a total of 237 Pakistanis, including nine diplomats and officials, left India on April 27; 81 left on April 26; 191 on April 25 and 28 on April 24.

Eight Indian nationals with Pakistani visa have also left India through the international border crossing point on April 29, the sources said.

Similarly, altogether 469 Indians, including 11 diplomats and officials, returned from Pakistan through the same route on April 29; 146 Indians returned on April 28; 116 Indians, including one diplomat, on April 27; 342 Indians, including 13 diplomats and officials, came back on April 26; 287 Indians crossed over from Pakistan on April 25 and 105 Indians returned on April 24, the officials said.

A total of 22 Pakistani nationals with long-term Indian visas came to the country through the Attari-Wagah border on April 29 and 129 more Pakistanis with the same category of the visas entered India on April 28.

Officials said some of the Pakistanis might have left India through airports too, pointing out that since India does not have direct air connectivity with Pakistan, they might have left for a third country.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on April 25 called up the chief ministers of all states and asked them to ensure that no Pakistani stays in India beyond the deadline set for leaving the country.

After Shah's telephonic conversations with the chief ministers, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan also held a video conference with the chief secretaries and asked them to ensure that all Pakistani nationals whose visas were revoked must leave India by the deadline fixed.

The already strained relations between India and Pakistan nosedived further after the horrific Pahalgam terror attack, with New Delhi announcing a raft of measures, including the cancellation of visas, against Islamabad, which hit back with a string of tit-for-tat measures.
Whats wrong if country using spyware against terrorists? asks SC





NEW DELHI :

THE Supreme Court on Tuesday wondered what was wrong in using the spyware against terrorists and said any report which touched upon the countrys security and sovereignty wont be made public. A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh indicated it may address individual apprehensions of privacy breach but the report of the technical committee was no document to discuss on the streets. The bench said, Any report which touches the security and sovereignty of the country will not be touched. But individuals who want to know whether they are included, that can be informed. Yes, individual apprehension must be addressed but it cannot be made a document for discussion on the streets. The top court added it will examine the extent to which the technical panel report could be shared in public. Advocate Dinesh Dwivedi, appearing for one of the petitioners, said the question was whether the Government had the spyware and used it. If they have it, there is nothing to prevent them from using it continuously even today, he added. The bench responded, Please make submissions with regard to disclosure regarding individuals. The kind of scenario we are facing nowadays, let us be slightly responsible...We will see to what extent the report can be shared.

The top court went on, What is wrong if the country is using the spyware against the terrorists? To have spyware is not wrong, against whom you are using is the question. You cant compromise with the security of nation. Private civil individual who has right to privacy will be protected under the Constitution, the bench said. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, referred to a US district court judgment. WhatsApp itself has disclosed here. Not a third party. WhatsApp itself has disclosed that there was a hack. That time your lordships had not indicated whether hacking took place. Even experts didnt say so. Now you have evidence. Evidence by WhatsApp. We will circulate the judgment. The redacted portion should be given to concerned individuals so they know, Sibal said. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, however, suggested against any roving enquiry. There was nothing wrong, Mehta said, in using the spyware against terrorists and they cannot have right to privacy. Senior advocate Shyam Divan, for one of the petitioners, said the report of the technical committee should be disclosed without any redaction. The apex court then posted the hearing on July 30. On August 25, 2022, the technical panel appointed by the top court to probe the unauthorised use of Pegasus found malware in five of the 29 examined cell phones but it couldnt conclude Pegasus was used.

Following the report by former apex court Justice R V Raveendran, the top court recorded the Centre did not cooperate with the Pegasus probe. The top court ordered the probe in 2021 into the allegations of the use of the Israeli spyware by Government agencies for targeted surveillance of politicians, journalists, and activists and appointed technical and supervisory committees to examine the matter. The overseeing panel submitted a lengthy three-part report, one of which suggested amending the law to protect citizens right to privacy and ensure the nations cyber security. The technical panel, which included three experts on cyber security, digital forensics, networks, and hardware, was asked by the top court to inquire, investigate and determine whether Pegasus spyware was used for snooping on citizens and their probe would be monitored by Raveendran.

The panel members were Naveen Kumar Chaudhary, Prabaharan P, and Ashwin Anil Gumaste. Justice Raveendran, who headed the panel, was assisted by former IPS officer Alok Joshi and cyber security expert Sundeep Oberoi in monitoring the inquiry of the technical panel. The apex court order said the probe panel would be empowered to enquire and investigate the steps or actions taken by the Centre after reports in 2019 claimed the hacking of WhatsApp accounts of Indian citizens using the Pegasus suite of spyware. It also directed the panel to ascertain if any Pegasus suite was acquired by the union of India, or any State Government, or any Central or State agency for use against the citizens of India. An international media consortium reported over 300 verified Indian cell phone numbers were on the list of potential targets for surveillance using the Pegasus spyware.
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In a stunning escalation of Virginias Republican infighting, Matt Moran  head of Gov. Glenn Youngkins Spirit of Virginia political action committee  has emerged as the central figure blamed for the widening rift between the governor and John Reid, the GOP nominee for lieutenant governor.

After Reid publicly accused Spirit of Virginia of extortion Sunday without naming Moran, his campaign lawyers fired a cease-and-desist letter directly at Moran Monday evening, accusing him of making false and defamatory statements about Reid  and threatening further legal action.

Moran has declined multiple requests for comment.

Meanwhile, pressure is building inside the party for accountability. Several GOP officials are urging the Republican Party of Virginias Executive Committee to confidentially review the explicit images that Moran allegedly showed Youngkin  images that reportedly convinced the governor to personally ask Reid to drop out of the race.

The result is a crisis that threatens not only to fracture Virginia Republicans months before Election Day but also to severely damage Youngkins national ambitions.

Reid strikes back

The controversy escalated after Reid, a conservative radio host and the first openly gay statewide candidate from either party in Virginia, posted a spirited video Sunday afternoon on X.

I had certainly hoped that we could put the bigotry and ugliness of last week behind us and unify our Republican ticket this year, Reid said. But shockingly, once again, representatives of my campaign have been told by the leader of Gov. Youngkins political organization that the attacks on me will continue unless I drop out of the race for lieutenant governor.

Hours later, Reids legal team delivered a cease-and-desist letter to Moran, laying out accusations of defamation, extortion and reckless disregard for the truth.

It has come to our attention that you provided information accusing our client of owning a Tumblr account containing unsavory images to multiple news organizations, the letter reads. While this account shared a common username with our clients Instagram, he is not and never has been associated with the account.

Reids attorneys said Moran crossed the line into defamation because the statements were knowingly untrue, and warned that continued publication of these false claims would constitute actual malice.

In a particularly damning passage, the letter alleges that Moran made direct threats in an April 27 conversation with Reid: You literally said him getting out of the race is the only way it stops.

The lawyers further argued that Morans accusations gave rise to defamation and defamation per se, noting that falsely alleging Reid was linked to criminal behavior is so egregious that it is assumed to harm the plaintiffs reputation without further need to prove harm.

They demanded Moran immediately cease and desist from making or publishing any additional false claims and instructed him to preserve all documents related to the case, including communications with consulting firms and journalists.

GOP officials demand action

As the legal drama escalated, some Republican officials across the state voiced alarm at Morans handling of the situation  and called for transparency.

In a joint email sent to Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Mark Peake obtained by the Virginia Mercury, Rick Buchanan, chairman of the 5th Congressional District GOP Committee, and John Massoud, his counterpart in the 6th District, urged the party leadership to allow members of the State Central Committees Executive Committee to review any alleged evidence confidentially.

As leaders of the Republican Party of Virginia, we are very concerned about our upcoming elections, Buchanan and Massoud wrote. Accusations have been made about our Lt. Governor nominee that are very serious. People are lining up on each side behind either the accuser or the accused, yet the evidence behind the allegations being made have not been forthcoming.

They stressed the need for unity, warning, In order for us to win this November, this affair must be put behind us.  Giving us the actual facts will make that possible.

In a phone interview Tuesday, Buchanan went even further, telling the Virginia Mercury that Youngkin must fire Moran to salvage party unity.

Either way we come out of this, it has caused a lot of turmoil within the party, he said. And I am very disappointed that the governor would listen to [Moran] without knowing the facts.

Amid the unfolding controversy, an event scheduled for Wednesday at Atlas 42 in Henrico County featuring the full Republican statewide ticket  with Youngkin billed as a special guest  was abruptly canceled.

But Reid, undeterred, confirmed in a text message Tuesday that he still planned to go forward with the rally, even without his running mates.

Moran silent as criticism mounts

In a text message Tuesday, Moran declined to comment.

But Virginia GOP figures such as Casey Flores, founder of the Richmond chapter of the Log Cabin Republicans, the nations largest Republican organization dedicated to representing LGBTQ+ conservatives, made clear that Morans position is becoming untenable.

I think that this is blowing back on Governor Youngkin and Matt Moran more than they ever expected, Flores said in a phone interview. Matts being kind of the one-hit wonder  he had Youngkins victory in 2021, but I think Youngkin won in spite of him, not because of him.

Flores accused Moran of trying to scuttle anything that doesnt make him money and said his actions were now damaging the partys broader chances.

In the age of Trump, people really dont care about all this, even if the accusations against John Reid were true, which they are not, Flores said. Firing Matt really is the only appropriate thing for Gov. Youngkin to do.

Moran, 36, has been a fixture in Virginia politics for more than a decade. After managing one rural delegates campaign and serving as a legislative aide for another, he rose quickly  first as spokesman for then-House Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford, then as chief of staff to Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights.

He later joined Youngkins campaign and served as director of policy and legislative affairs in the governors office  but notably without taking a salary from the state. Instead, Moran stayed on leave from two consulting firms he had ownership interests in: Creative Direct and Link Public Affairs.

Critics said the arrangement created serious conflicts of interest.

Theres certainly a cause for him to try to make money, both within the administration and outside of Spirit of Virginia through his other companies, Scott Pio, chairman of the Loudoun County GOP Committee, said in a phone interview.

Pio, whose committee hosted a rally for Reid in Sterling Monday evening, suggested that Morans dual loyalties allowed him to shape Virginia policy while benefiting financially.

Since Matt doesnt have a statewide client, he decides to throw this bomb, Pio said, referencing the Reid controversy, which blew up just days after Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity  a client of Morans  dropped out for health reasons last week.

He also argued that firing Moran was a necessary step to rebuild trust: Youngkin being a businessman, he should know when to hire and fire quickly. He should not keep people around that are being inappropriate.

Youngkins 2028 calculus and GOP damage control

Even before the Reid episode, Morans unpaid status within the administration had drawn scrutiny. In 2022, Youngkins chief counsel Richard Cullen in an interview with the Washington Post defended Morans arrangement, saying, He would have been the hottest guy in Richmond [for lobbying]. But Matt did the opposite and to his financial detriment.

Moran declined an interview request for the same story but at the time issued a statement through Youngkins press office defending his arrangement.

I am on leave from all companies and as a result do not have clients with business before the governor or state government, Moran said. I formalized this arrangement with counsels office and I am fully committed to my service to the governor and the people of Virginia. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve the governor and work on behalf of the commonwealth.

His statement did not explain why he chose to forgo a state salary.

Now, however, political observers say Morans continued presence could be politically fatal  not just in Virginia, but nationally, as Youngkin positions himself for a possible 2028 White House run.

David Richards, a political science professor at the University of Lynchburg, said the scandal has done tremendous damage to Youngkin and the GOP in Virginia.

It reveals a real limit to Youngkins power in the state GOP and has exposed an ugly underbelly of the Republican party here, Richards said. Someone in Youngkins circle will have to take the fall. It does not look like Reid will bow out.

Richards also noted the ongoing silence from Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, the GOP nominee for governor, who has yet to comment publicly on the controversy engulfing her running mate.

Her response so far raises a lot of questions about her ability to lead and make tough choices, Richards said.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Youngkin, Earle-Sears and Spirit of Virginia continued to dodge public comment. Reid, meanwhile, remains defiant and shows no sign of abandoning the ticket.

This story was originally published in the Virginia Mercury.
Former Virginia Gov. George Allen is standing by Republican lieutenant governor nominee John Reid to remain on the GOP statewide ticket for elections in November, despite a public push by sitting Gov. Glenn Youngkin for him to withdraw from the race.

Allen, who endorsed Reid long before he clinched the nomination last week, said Monday that it is Johns choice whether to remain on the ticket after an escalating dispute with Youngkin over sexually explicit photographs of other men that the Republican governor alleged the GOP nominee had reposted on social media. Reid denies the allegations and says he is the target of a fabricated internet lie.

Hes our nominee, and Im going to support the whole ticket, the former governor and U.S. senator told the Richmond Times-Dispatch in a telephone interview.

Allen renewed his endorsement a day after Reid accused Youngkins political team of attempting a coup against a gay man whom they didnt want to be their nominee but didnt have the guts to run against.

Im not going anywhere, Reid said in a blunt video message two days after Youngkin asked the nominee to withdraw from the race for lieutenant governor.

Allen, who served as governor from 1994 to 1998, and in the Senate from 2001 to 2007 was a political ally of Reids father, former Del. Jack Reid, R-Henrico.

The elder Reid was at the center of an influential Henrico County GOP political circle that also included former Gov. Jim Gilmore, who held the office 1998 to 2002.

Reid worked as communications director in Allens U.S. Senate office and later often hosted the former governor on his WRVA radio talk show.

Reid announced Allens endorsement in late February, when he was one of three Republicans seeking the partys nomination.

Virginia needs leaders who advance freedom-loving change for the people rather than being satisfied with the stagnant status quo behold to stolid special interests, Allen said then.

Gilmore declines comment

Gilmore endorsed Reids bid for lieutenant governor in February, but declined on Monday to comment on the dispute that erupted late Friday.

Im not prepared to make any statement at this time, he said.

Citing his long ties to Reids family, Gilmore said, Ive known John since he was a little boy.

Reid clinched the Republican nomination a week ago when Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity withdrew from the race after undergoing heart surgery in March. Herritys decision appeared to set the Republican ticket, with Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears running for governor and Attorney General Jason Miyares seeking reelection.

Former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger is the Democratic nominee in an election battle that will determine who will be the first woman elected governor in Virginia history. The rest of the Democratic ticket will be set in a June 17 primary. Democrats will elect a nominee for lieutenant governor from among six candidates and will choose one of two candidates to run for attorney general.

The apparent Republican unity shattered after Youngkin called Reid Friday morning and asked him to leave the race after viewing explicit photos the governor alleged Reid had reposted.

Reid, a political conservative who has been public about his sexual orientation for decades, issued a video statement that afternoon in which he denied that he had posted the photographs online and expressed disappointment in Youngkin.

Its predictable, but what I didnt expect was the governor I have always supported to call and demand my resignation without even showing me the supposed evidence, while offering me a chance to respond, he said then. I did not accept that, and I deeply resent it.

The conflict escalated on Sunday afternoon, when Reid issued another, harsher video statement that accused Youngkins political team of attempted extortion.

He said in the new video that the leader of Youngkins political team called his campaign and said the attacks on me will continue unless I drop out of the race for lieutenant governor. He said his campaign was told that if he dropped out, the Youngkin team would purchase the opposition research on Reid and the lies and threats against Reid would stop.

This is extortion, and it is illegal in Virginia, Reid says in the video. He also said he has engaged legal counsel to pursue all options against the Youngkin team.

Matthew Moran, a senior political adviser to Youngkin, declined to comment on the claims on Sunday. The governor did not address the issue publicly on Monday at an appearance with Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine in Chesapeake for the groundbreaking for LS Greenlinks new undersea cable manufacturer.

Running mates silent

Earle-Sears has not addressed the dispute publicly, and neither has Miyares. The three members of the Republican ticket were supposed to appear together for the first time on Wednesday, with Youngkin as the special guest, but the rally was canceled.

Allen said Monday that he is hopeful that the voters will look at the issues that matter.

Chief among those issues, Allen said, is protection of Virginias right to work law forbidding compulsory union membership in union-organized workplaces. The six Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor said last week they support repealing the law.

If Virginia repeals right to work, it is irreparably damaging its reputation for business, Allen said.

Allen declined to discuss the position Youngkin has taken against Reids continued candidacy.

My view is its Johns choice, Allen said. Its very clear ... hes going to stay in the race.
A national organization that ardently supports the separation of church and state is flagging a recent move by a Sweet Home city official.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation is calling on Mayor Susan Coleman to rescind her National Day of Prayer proclamation because it blatantly elevates Christianity over all other religions, according to a news release from the organization.

A concerned Sweet Home resident who identifies as nonreligious tipped off the foundation about the proclamation, which directly references God and the Holy Spirit, according to the release.

It in fact goes further, quoting from the New Testament.

Reached by phone, Ogden said there was no council discussion when the proclamation came up on the agenda at the April 22 meeting.

Sweet Home's version states: "In our city and across America the observance of the National Day of Prayer will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, with the theme, 'Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled' based on the verse in Roman (sic) 15:13 that is both a prayer and a promise, 'Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.'

The proclamation doesn't exist in a vacuum.

According to the website for the privately funded National Day of Prayer Task Force, the National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May  which falls on May 1 this year  and invites people to pray for the nation.

The day of prayerful observance was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the U.S Congress and exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, to create appropriate materials, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for Americas leaders and its families.

President Reagan moved the National Day of Prayer to the first Thursday of May during his tenure.

Following the Sweet Home proclamation, Freedom From Religion Foundation staff attorney Samantha Lawrence sent a letter April 24 to the mayor, requesting Coleman withdraw it.

Even if the National Day of Prayer were designed to be inclusive of non-Christians, which it is not, it needlessly marginalizes and excludes citizens such as our complainant who are among the nearly 30% of adult Americans who are religiously unaffiliated, as well as the additional 6% of Americans adhering to non-Christian faiths, Lawrence wrote.

Lawrence wrote that the Sweet Home complainant explained they are disappointed that our city chose to use its time and power to divide people instead of bringing them together.

The foundation, a nonprofit with 42,000 members nationwide and more than 1,200 members in Oregon, according to Lawrences letter, has historically filed lawsuits to combat what it argues are violations of the constitutional principle of the separation of church and state.

The foundation's website touts legal victories like ending "millions of tax dollars used to repair and maintain churches" and halting "federal funds to a bible school offering no academic classes."

It's also litigated a challenge to the National Day of Prayer itself, but lost when a federal appellate court said "a feeling of alienation cannot suffice as injury in fact." In other words, the plaintiffs didn't have a sufficient injury to bring a lawsuit.

When asked about the city's response to the letter, Ogden said it might be a good idea moving forward to take a look at proclamations to see how they could affect the community.

But he added that he understood Coleman had spoken with the Alliance Defending Freedom  an opposing far-right legal advocacy organization  about OKing the proclamation.

That organization has played a role in successful cases in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, such as the Dobbs decision that tossed a national right of privacy with respect to abortions, the Hobby Lobby decision that ruled a birth control mandate in employee-funded health plans was unconstitutional and 303 Creative LLC, that said a state couldn't force a business owner to create expressive designs against her beliefs.

The Supreme Court also has looked at whether city councils can start their meetings off with a prayer. A 2014 5-4 decision said they can, although they cannot "denigrate non-believers or religious minorities, threaten damnation, or preach conversion."

The group was in the High Court on Wednesday, arguing spending public tax dollars set aside for education on a Catholic charter school is permissible.

Coleman didnt respond to an email from Mid-Valley Media before deadline.

Related stories:
The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday permitted Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, to hold a rally of Sanatani Hindus in East Midnapore district on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.

Significantly, on this day, the inauguration of the Lord Jagannath Temple at Digha in the same district is scheduled to take place in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

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After being denied permission to hold that rally by the East Midnapore district police, Adhikari approached the single-judge bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh on April 21.

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Finally, after a prolonged hearing on the matter for the last couple of days, Justice Ghoshs bench permitted Adhikari to participate in the rally. However, Justice Ghosh ordered that the rally should not have more than 3,000 participants.

Although Adhikari is not a direct organiser of the said rally at Contai, he will be the principal speaker on the occasion.

The state government and the district police were against permitting the rally, citing that it would coincide with a huge gathering on the occasion of the inauguration of the Lord Jagannath temple at Digha, which has been modelled after the iconic Shree Jagannath Temple at Puri in Odisha.

The police argued that it would be impossible for the district police to arrange security for the parallel events.

However, Adhikaris counsel argued that since Contai is quite distant from Digha, it wont have any impact.

Earlier, controversy erupted after Adhikari challenged the Chief Ministers claims that the Lord Jagannath temple in Digha has been modelled after the iconic Puri Temple.

Adhikari called the Chief Minister to clarify why the proposed temple had been named Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre and not Shree Jagannath Temple.

The Chief Minister should immediately give instructions so that the name is changed from Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre to Shree Jagannath Temple in all the related state government documents.

The name change should also be made in the tenders and documents of WBHIDCO, responsible for the construction of the proposed temple at Digha, the cost of which is borne from the state governments exchequer, the LoP claimed.
DVC and SJVN Limited have signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for procurement of power from the Sunni Dam Hydro Project and the Luhri Stage-I Hydro Project of SJVN Limited. This is in addition to the five power purchase agreements recently signed between DVC and NHPC. These agreements will further strengthen the reliability of power supply across the Damodar valley region. Under the latest agreements, DVC will procure hydropower from SJVN Limited to meet the demand of consumers connected to the DVC system.

This collaboration aims to ensure a stable, sustainable, and affordable power supply, complementing DVCs existing thermal and renewable energy portfolio. The agreements will support DVCs peak demand management, industrial growth, enhance grid stability, and promote the adoption of clean energy in the region.

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The PPAs will become effective upon the commissioning of the respective projects, ensuring seamless integration into DVCs power supply network.

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Within hours of an inspection by the state irrigation minister, his department has halted trial traffic movement along the newly-constructed causeway across the Durgapur barrage on the Damodar river today.

Irrigation minister Dr Manas Bhunia, accompanied by senior engineers and officials, inspected the newly laid one-kilometre causeway yesterday. He instructed the engineers to explore multiple options before finalising the causeway as the sole alternative. Uncontrolled seepage of water over the riverbed road was reportedly causing difficulties for light vehicles.

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The Rs 1.86 crore causeway has been constructed to divert vehicular movement from the Barrages carriageway, which is scheduled for a Rs 3.5 crore overhaul before 15 June.

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The barrages carriageway, opened in 1955, handles an average daily load of 26,000 motor vehicles, according to an assessment by the Bankura district police.

Following the halt in traffic, Debashis Sengupta, chief engineer, irrigation, said: After three days of trials, we had to suspend traffic to allow for a fresh, detailed investigation of the road to assess the impact of vehicle movement on the new construction, and to determine whether further engineering interventions are needed. We are scheduled to reopen it from Friday.

When asked about the specific issues the causeway is facing, Sengupta replied: Only continued seepage of water.

While a National Green Tribunal verdict restricts road construction on riverbeds, in West Bengal, such roads may still be constructed provided they are carefully planned with proper soil engineering. These must account for the rivers natural flow, depth, potential erosion, and ecological balance. According to the public works departments 2014 guidelines (Vol. III), a riverbed road should use solid concrete blocks with minimum compressive strength, when tested, not less than 10.5 MPa (megapascal). One megapascal is equivalent to one million pascals of pressure.

Sustained hydrostatic pressure, increasingly building in the stagnant waters of the Durgapur barrages pond, has caused continuous seepage, posing a growing threat to the newly-laid causeway. This, according to top irrigation engineers, warrants a fresh inspection. The water level in the barrage fluctuates between 28.5 and 30 feet, due to the combined discharge of 870 million cubic metres from the four upstream dams of the Damodar.

The accumulated water constantly mounts pressure on the lock gates, resulting in seepage that can never be fully sealed without compromising the barrages structural safety, said Sanjoy Majumdar, executive engineer, Damodar headworks, irrigation department.

The 692-metre-long barrage has 34 lock gates, along with a pair of underwater sluice gates. Excessive hydrostatic pressure at the gate bottoms had previously caused the collapse of two gates (Nos. 1 and 31) on 23 November, 2017 and 30 October, 2020, respectively, which led to the emptying of the pond.

We cannot risk a repeat of such devastation. We must opt for a foolproof system that functions reliably, said Dr Bhunia, the minister, adding: We have very little time left to complete the renovation of the carriageway.
Hollywood actress Blake Lively had a minor makeup mishap at her latest film premiere but she handled it like a boss. Eagle-eyed fans noted the actress, 37, had some makeup, possibly self tanner, transfer onto her gown at the premiere of Another Simple Favor in New York City.

A light brown stain was visible below her right armpit on the bodice of her pale, mint-colored, draped Tamara Ralph gown, which featured intricate geometric cutouts, reports People magazine.

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The smudge was visible because Lively wore her hair down and parted it to one side. She accessorized her red carpet look with jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz.

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As per People, on Instagram, fans commented on the visible style malfunction, writing, She got body makeup on the dress around her armpit area, and Spray tan failure people!! Dont wear a light dress.

However, plenty of fans found the moment relatable and shared their love for Livelys look. She literally looks perfect! on person wrote, while another chimed in, Shes beautiful and I love the dress.

Lively attended the premiere of the film with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, who sported a gray plaid suit with a baby blue pocket square as they posed for photos together.

On the carpet, Lively also posed with director Paul Feig and her costars: Anna Kendrick, Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Elizabeth Perkins, Bashir Salahuddin, Michele Morrone and Alex Newell.

Some of Livelys friends also showed up on the red carpet to show their support, including Emily Blunt, Blunts brother-in-law Stanley Tucci, Hugh Jackman and Shawn Levy.

The red carpet comes amid Livelys ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni, her It Ends with Us director and co-star, 41, which unfolded in December 2024 when she sued him, alleging sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign. His production company, Wayfarer Studios, was among others named in the suit.
Amal Clooney  celebrated human rights lawyer and wife of Hollywood icon George Clooney  might soon find herself unwelcome in the United States.

Yes, you read that right. Amal, whos no stranger to courtrooms and global causes, is reportedly on a list of British lawyers warned about potential sanctions from the U.S. government.

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The reason? Her legal work involving the International Criminal Court (ICC), where shes been offering counsel on a case targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

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According to PEOPLE, the U.S. administration  led by former President Donald Trump  is not thrilled about the ICCs investigation and has responded with a sweeping executive order issued in February 2025.

This order allows for serious measures against those linked to the ICCs actions  including freezing their assets and banning them and their families from stepping foot on U.S. soil.

That could include Amal Clooney.

A powerhouse in international law, Amal is widely respected for representing high-profile political clients and standing up for human rights across borders. But this new development puts her in a strange and unexpected spotlight  not as a lawyer in a courtroom, but as a potential target of international political retaliation.

The UKs Foreign Office has reportedly alerted a few lawyers, including Amal, to the possibility of being sanctioned. If it happens, it would mean a legal headache  and likely, a federal lawsuit to challenge the move  before shed be allowed back into the U.S.

Amal, born in Lebanon and licensed to practice law in both the UK and the U.S., splits her time between Europe and America. She and George Clooney own several properties in the U.S., though theyve spent most of their recent years in France, raising their 7-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella.
Nicole Kidman is about to add another prestigious accolade to her already glittering career.

The Oscar-winning star will receive the 2024 Women in Motion Award at this years Cannes Film Festival, a recognition that celebrates women making a meaningful impact in the film industry.

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The award, presented by Cannes in partnership with luxury brand Kering, will be handed to Kidman at a star-studded gala on May 18.

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So why Nicole Kidman, and why now? Its not just about her talent or her resume, though both are undeniably impressive. Its about her unwavering commitment to uplifting women behind the camera.

Back in 2017, Kidman made a promise  to work with at least one female director every 18 months. Fast forward to now, and she has far surpassed that goal, having worked with nearly 20 female filmmakers in recent years.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amazon MGM Studios (@amazonmgmstudios)

Kerings chairman and CEO, Francois-Henri Pinault, praised Kidman for using her influence to support female voices in cinema. Through her artistic standards, her committed choices, and her concrete action to change representations in cinema, she is a powerful illustration of what Women in Motion has been defending for a decade, he said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Kidman, never one for long speeches, kept her response short but heartfelt, calling the recognition a true honour.

This award places her in elite company. Previous recipients include some of Hollywoods most trailblazing womenJane Fonda, Viola Davis, Michelle Yeoh, Susan Sarandon, and Salma Hayek Pinault, to name a few.

Of course, Kidman isnt slowing down any time soon. Shes ready to return in the second season of Nine Perfect Strangers on Hulu, a psychological drama she also executive produces.

And thats not all  shes starring opposite Elle Fanning in Margos Got Money Troubles and teaming up with Jamie Lee Curtis in Scarpetta, a crime series based on the popular Patricia Cornwell novels.
Seven devotees, including three women, were killed and another one was injured when a newly-constructed wall collapsed after rain in the early hours of Wednesday during the Chandanotsavam festival at Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh.

The dead included a techie couple from Visakhapatnam. The state government ordered an inquiry by a three-member committee and compensation of Rs 25 lakh to those killed, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced another Rs 2 lakh as ex gratia.

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Tragedy struck the sacred hill shrine of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy at Simhachalam when the 25-foot-long wall, constructed just 20 days ago, collapsed on a queue of devotees who had paid Rs 300 for the darshan.

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The incident occurred around 2:30 am after heavy rain and strong winds battered the temple premises. The entire place was teeming with devotees due to the Chandanotsavam festival.

According to authorities, the heavy rain loosened the soil, leading to the walls collapse. The deceased were identified as Yedla Venkata Rao, Eswara Sesha Rao, P Durgaswami Naidu, Pilla Uma Maheshwara Rao, Pilla Sailaja, Venkata Ratnam and G Mahalakshmi.

The last four persons were from the same family and Uma Maheshwar were techies who worked from home.

The NDRF and SDRF rushed to the spot and began rescue operations. The injured person was taken to King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam. State home minister V Anitha and the district collector rushed to the spot to oversee rescue operations.

The Chandanotsavam festival marks the unveiling of the deity after being covered with sandalwood paste for a year. There is usually a huge rush of pilgrims to attend the event, with temple authorities setting up special darshan queues for ticket holders, VIPs, and protocol visitors.

Today, the collapse occurred right after the hereditary trustee P Ashok Gajapathy Raju completed the first ceremonial darshan and presented the Chandanam to the deity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced two lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of the deceased persons and 50,000 to the injured from the Prime Ministers relief fund.

Expressing grief, he said, Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu ordered a probe into the incident by constituting a three-member committee. He chaired a high-level teleconference with senior officials and ministers to review the situation. He also announced 25 lakh ex-gratia compensation to the next of kin of those deceased.

Additionally, 3 lakh will be provided to each of the injured. The state government has also decided to offer employment opportunities under the outsourcing system in temples managed by the Endowments Department.

YSRCP leader Gudivada Amarnath said, The governments negligence and substandard construction caused this tragedy. This was the second such tragedy to take place in a temple in AP during a heavy rush of devotees after the stampede in Tirupati left 6 devotees dead.
The Congress on Wednesday welcomed the decision of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs to approve a proposal to include caste enumeration in the next caste census as a step in the right direction which the Congress has been demanding right from the beginning.

We welcome it but want to know the timeline by when it would be carried out, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, said asserting that the caste-based census is a new paradigm of development.

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Claiming that we have said in the Parliament that we will get the caste census done, Mr Gandhi said: What suddenly happened that after 11 years, a caste census was announced It was our vision, we are happy they have adopted it.

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He, however, said he was in favour of scrapping the 50% barrier on reservation.

Offering to help the government in carrying out and designing the census, Mr Gandhi favoured a Telangana model as against the Bihar model which he said could be a blueprint.

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, on Wednesday, approved a proposal to include caste enumeration in the next caste census.

In a press briefing after the Cabinet meeting, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said: Under the leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs has decided today that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming Census.

Mr Gandhi also demanded that the government should announce a timeline and also get a budgetary allocation for carrying out the census.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also welcomed the move in a statement issued separately. He said, The Indian National Congress has been consistently demanding a caste-based census, with Shri Rahul Gandhi being a vocal advocate for this cause. The Modi government has today announced to carry out a caste-based census along with the general census. This is a step in the right direction, which weve been advocating for since the beginning.

Weve raised this issue multiple times in Parliament, and our leaders in the INDIA alliance have also emphasized its importance. Despite this, Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly avoided implementing this policy, falsely accusing the opposition of trying to divide society Mt Kharge claimed.

Raising questions about how and when the government will complete this task, Mr Kharge pointed out that the current budget allocation for the census is only 575 crore. The Congress party demands that the Modi government promptly makes the necessary budgetary provisions and initiates the census and caste-based census process with complete transparency. A caste-based census is essential for ensuring inclusive progress and justice for all, the Congress President said.
The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs on Wednesday approved a proposal to include caste enumeration in the next caste census, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

Addressing a press briefing after the Cabinet meeting, Mr Vaishnaw said: Under the leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs has decided today that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming Census.

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Asserting that some States have conducted surveys to enumerate caste, some States have done this while some others have conducted such surveys purely from a political angle in a non-transparent way, Mr Vaishnav emphasised this demonstrates that our government is committed to the values and interests of our society and the country, like in the past, when our government had introduced 10 per cent reservations for economically weaker sections of society.

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Taking a dig at the Congress and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance(INDIA) bloc, Mr Vaishnaw said, Congress governments have always opposed caste census. Caste was not included in all the census operations conducted since Independence.

In 2010, then Prime Minister late Manmohan Singh ji had assured the Lok Sabha that the matter of caste census should be considered in the Cabinet. A Group of Ministers was formed to consider this subject. Most of the political parties had recommended caste census. Despite this, the Congress government decided to conduct merely a survey of caste instead of a caste census, Mr. Vaishnaw alleged.

It is well understood that Congress and its INDI alliance partners have used the caste census only as a political tool. Some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes. While some states have done this well, some others conducted such surveys only from a political angle in a non-transparent way. Such surveys created doubts in society. To ensure that our social fabric is not disturbed by politics, caste enumeration should be included in the census instead of surveys, Vaishnav advocated.
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.

The post  an old photo of PM Modi with his face edited out and a caption that read, In times of need, missing  was apparently a jibe at his absence in the all-party meet held to discuss the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 tourists.

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The post  put up on Monday night  left the BJP red-faced, especially after Pakistans former minister Fawad Chaudhry re-posted it.

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The BJP hit back at the grand old party with a backstabber post that seemed to target Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, the caption said Pakistan ka yaar (Friend of Pakistan).

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari claimed that the Congress has deleted the Gayeb post under pressure from the people of India. Under Pressure from people of India, the Congress party deletes its Sar Tan Se Juda imagery tweet! This will not hide the Anti National Pro Pakistan Characteristic of Congress! Bhandari wrote in a post on X.

The Prime Minister headed back from a visit abroad after the Pahalgam attack took place and has been holding crucial meetings with the Cabinet Committee for Security  one was held this evening as well. However, his absence at the all-party meeting has irked the Congress, and the party has been highlighting it since then.

The BJP  which repeatedly accused the Congress of pursuing the politics of appeasement  has alleged that the party is soft on Pakistan to keep its grip on the vote of Indian Muslims. After a section of Congress leaders controversial comments criticising Indias diplomatic moves against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, the BJP called the party a friend of Pakistan.

Following the former Pakistan ministers post, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleged that the Congress was trying to target PM Modi and give signals to Pakistan. Pointing to derogatory comments about PM Modi in the Pakistani leaders post, he questioned if Rahul Gandhi was betraying India to receive praise from Pakistan.

Reacting to the controversial post, in-charge of the BJPs National Information and Technology Department, Amit Malviya said, The Congress leaves little doubt with its use of Sar Tan Se Juda imagery. This is not merely a political statement; it is a dog whistle aimed at its Muslim vote bank and a veiled incitement against the Prime Minister. It is not the first time the Congress has resorted to such tactics.

Malviya accused Rahul Gandhi of instigating violence towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Despite the J&K and Ladakh High Court admitting their plea against their deportation to Pakistan and granting them temporary relief, a police personnel and his eight siblings, including five sisters, were on Wednesday shifted from Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab for their deportation.

The nine members of the extended family were among the more than two dozen people, mostly from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), who were served deportation notices by authorities in Poonch, Rajouri, and Jammu districts in the aftermath of the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead. The Centre announced a slew of measures, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, downgrading diplomatic relations with Islamabad, and ordering all Pakistanis on short-term visas to leave India by 27 April or face action.

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The Pakistani nationals, many of whom were living in the Jammu region for decades, were taken in buses to Punjab, where they will be handed over to Pakistani authorities at the Attari border.

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The police personnel, Ifthkar Ali (45), and his eight siblings, including five sisters aged between 42 and 56 years, got a respite when the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh admitted their petition claiming that they are not Pakistani nationals and have been living in Salwah village for generations.

The petitioners be not asked or forced to leave the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This direction is, however, subject to objections from the other side, Justice Rahul Bharti said in an order after hearing the plea of Ali, who has served in the police department for the last 27 years and is currently posted at the Katra base camp of the Vaishno Devi shrine.

Admitting their petition, supported by revenue records to prima facie establish that they are bona fide residents of Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district, the judge asked government lawyers to submit a detailed report within two weeks and listed the case for the next hearing on 20 May.

The court also directed the Poonch Deputy Commissioner to furnish an affidavit with respect to the status of property holding, if any, by the petitioners. However, the nine siblings were taken from Jammus Kathua district to Punjab, where they stayed overnight for their subsequent deportation to Pakistan through the Attari border.

We received the copy of the court order on Wednesday morning and immediately took up the matter with the Poonch district administration, but to our surprise, neither civil nor police officers are taking the responsibility to implement the court order, socio-political activist Safeer Choudhary said.

Choudhary, who, along with relativesincluding Alis wife and two minor childrenstaged a protest outside the Press Club here, appealed for the intervention of the Home Minister and the Lieutenant Governor to provide justice to the family.

Emotional scenes were witnessed at their house in Mendhar, with their spouses and children making passionate appeals to the government to stop their deportation. We have no relatives in Pakistan. Where will they stay there? Mohammad Farooq asked.

Similar heart-wrenching scenes unfolded in Rajouri district, where two aged sistersZameer Fatima and Sageer Fatimawere among the four people taken to Punjab for deportation. The sisters, who were hardly able to walk on their own, have been living with their families in the Shahdara Sharief area for 43 years.
Haryana is fully prepared to ensure smooth and fair conduct of the NEET (UG) examination, scheduled for May 4, 2025. A total of 162 examination centres have been established across the state, with 60,687 students registered to appear.

Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review the states preparedness for the examination.

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The meeting was attended by Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur, Director, Higher Education, Rahul Hooda, while Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education, Vineet Garg, all deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, director of higher education, representatives from the National Testing Agency (NTA), and senior officials from the Education Department joined in via videoconferencing.

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The chief secretary underscored the need for seamless coordination between the civil administration and the NTA to ensure a professional, transparent, and incident-free examination process. He directed all deputy commissioners to work in close coordination with the NTAs City Coordinators to finalize logistical arrangements and ensure the availability of all essential amenities at examination centres. Officers were instructed to conduct on-site visits of the designated centres to assess preparedness and address any gaps well in advance.

The chief secretary directed the concerned deputy commissioners to ensure foolproof arrangements at the examination centres right from the transportation of examination material to the conclusion of the exam. He said any laxity in the entire process would be dealt with strictly and responsibility will be fixed at the highest levels in the district administration.

He also interacted with the DCs and reviewed the preparations in each district. The DCs assured that all arrangements are in place and no malpractice of any kind will be allowed at the examination centres. The chief secretary said the officials must maintain a complete logbook of the strongrooms till the examination process is over.

DGP Shatrujeet Kapur directed all deputy commissioners and superintendents of police to deploy sufficient police personnel in and around examination centres. He said a two-layer security shall be in place at every exam centre and emphasized the need for effective traffic regulation to prevent congestion and facilitate timely arrival of candidates at their respective centres.

According to official data, Gurugram will host the highest number of candidates, with 6,672 students appearing at 18 centres. This is followed by Hisar with 6,332 candidates at 15 centres, and Faridabad with 6,192 students across 17 centres. In Rohtak, 5,184 students will appear at 15 centres, while Rewari will see 3,840 students across 12 centres.

Bhiwani will accommodate 3,672 students at 7 centres, and Mahendragarh will host 3,392 candidates in 8 centres. Mewat (Nuh) will have 1329 students in 4 centres, Kaithal will see 1634 students at 4 centres, and Karnal will host 2,496 students in 7 centres. Jind will have 2594 candidates in 5 centres, Sonipat will see 2,437 students across 6 centres, and Panipat will accommodate 2,430 students in 7 centres.

In Ambala, 2,344 students will appear in 5 centres, while Sirsa will have 2,038 students across 5 centres. Jhajjar will host 1,968 candidates in 6 centres, Kurukshetra will have 1,811 students in 7 centres, Palwal will accommodate 2736 students in 9 centres, and Yamunanagar will see 1,586 candidates across 5 centres.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav over a poster comparing him with Babasaheb Ambedkar, saying this is an insult to the architect of the Indian Constitution.

Addressing a press conference here, the minister while showing the poster, said, Akhilesh Yadav is showing half his face with Babasaheb Ambedkar in a poster. This is an insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar.

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Meghwal also accused Yadav of trying to woo the Dalit voters by showing his face with Ambedkar in the poster.

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Attacking the SP chief, he said, If he wants to garner votes of the Dalit community by showing this, then Akhilesh ji is living in a delusion.

Akhilesh ji and his family members have been advocates of OBC reservation. But, if anyone who strongly opposed OBC reservation, it was (former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi). But, today Akhilesh Yadav is sitting in the lap of the same Congress and calls himself Babasaheb. This is an insult to Babasaheb, Meghwal said.

The Minister further said, Babasaheb was defeated in the 1952 elections because of the Congress. Now, Akhilesh ji is with the Congress. So how can the Dalit community be with him ?.

Notably, the ruling BJP on Wednesday held a statewide protest in Uttar Pradesh against the SP chief for allegedly insulting Ambedkar.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Wednesday described the Union governments decision to conduct caste enumeration in the upcoming census as historic, while criticizing the Congress for politicizing the issue.

In a post on X, Dr Yadav stated, Another historic decision by the Modi government, committed to Antyodaya to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census.

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Similarly, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has decided that caste enumeration will be carried out transparently along with the general census.

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This decision is historic. I heartily congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi and thank him, Chouhan said at a late evening press conference in Bhopal.

He added that the caste enumeration will be conducted with complete transparency and will serve the nations interest by considering the economic and social needs of all sections of society.
BJP national president and Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday hailed the Cabinets decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census, calling it historic.

Nadda said the Union Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a historic decision to include caste-based census in the census.

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He said this decision is extremely important from the point of view of bringing the economically, socially and educationally backward castes into the mainstream and restoring the dignity to the people who have been deprived of their rights for a long time.

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Attacking the Congress, Nadda said, For a long time, Congress has fulfilled its political interests by increasing animosity between castes and making them a means of vote bank. While in power, Congress always opposed caste census, the proof of which is that after independence, caste census has not been done in the country till date.

This unprecedented decision of the Modi government will be a milestone in the expansion of social harmony as well as in the upliftment of every class and in increasing the respect of the backward sections. I express my gratitude to Modi ji for this historic decision for the welfare of the entire society, he wrote on X.

Welcoming the Cabinets decision, the Union Home Minister in a post on X wrote, The Modi government, committed to social justice, has taken a historic decision today. It is a message of strong commitment towards social equality and rights of every section has been given by deciding to include caste census in the upcoming census.

Referring to the previous Congress-led UPA government at the Centre, Shah claimed that the Congress and its allies opposed the caste census for decades when they were in power.

He said this decision will empower all economically and socially backward sections, promote inclusion and pave new avenues for progress for the deprived.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also constituted a three-member committee to probe the matter of alleged rape and blackmailing of some Hindu girls by a group of Muslim boys even as the Bhopal police have arrested a fifth accused in the case.

As per reports, Jharkhands former Director General of Police (DGP), retired IPS Officer Nirmal Kaur, will head the committee.

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Jabalpur High Court Advocate Nirmala Nayak and NCW Under Secretary Ashutosh Pandey will be the committee members.

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The committee will visit Bhopal from May 3 to 5, and meet police officials, victims, and their families for their testimonies and submit a report to the Commission.

Meanwhile, Bhopal Commissioner of Police Harinarayan Chari Mishra said today that a fifth accused has also been arrested, and a fourth victim has also surfaced and lodged a police complaint in the ongoing probe.

On 28 April, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav had stated sternly that no act of Jihad or Love Jihad will be tolerated in the state, and anyone found indulging in such activities would be strictly punished.

Whoever commits a crime will be punished. Our government has not permitted any form of Jihad or Love Jihad on the soil of Madhya Pradesh, the CM asserted.

The CMs strict stance came in connection with the ongoing investigation by the Bhopal police in three different, but presumably interconnected cases, in which a group of Muslim boys is alleged to have carried out Love Jihad by trapping Hindu girls in colleges and subsequently raping, blackmailing and threatening the victims.

The police have booked the arrested accused on charges of rape, blackmail, and threatening, and also under the Freedom of Religion Act, on the complaint filed by four Hindu girls in different police stations of the city.

The police have also formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident, as it is suspected that it might involve a gang operating a sex racket through the rape, obscene videos and blackmailing of Hindu girls.

The Bhopal Police Commissioner said that the accused have been charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the MP Freedom of Religion Act, and other relevant sections.

Several advocates, including women lawyers, had severely thrashed three of the arrested accused when the police had produced them in a court in Bhopal, a day ago.

The arrested persons include the alleged mastermind Farhan Khan aka Faraz, along with Ali Khan, Sahil Khan, Shamsuddin alias Saad, and another.

According to police, the accused men used to introduce themselves as Hindus, and on that pretext they befriended and allegedly raped Hindu girls.

The men are also accused of recording obscene videos and then blackmailing the victims by threatening to make the videos viral.
The Pakistan Army on Wednesday also targeted Indian positions at the International Border (IB) in the Jammu district besides various places along the Line of Control (LoC). They indulged in unprovoked firing across six Sectors in J&K.

This is the first time in the past six days that the Pakistani troops have also violated the ceasefire on the IB.

Sources said that Pakistani troops opened fire across the IB at Pargwal in the Jammu district.

Indian Army troops responded appropriately.

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Pakistan army targeted multiple Indian positions along the LOC  both in the Jammu division and the Kashmir valley.

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Officials said, During the night of 29-30 April 2025, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the Line of Control opposite the Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor sectors in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

Indian Army troops responded swiftly and proportionately.

Unprovoked small arms firing by the Pakistan Army was also reported from their posts across the LoC in Baramulla and Kupwara districts, as well as across the International Border in the Pargwal Sector.

Pakistan has been resorting to firing across the LoC and IB after the targeted killing of 26 tourists by terrorists in Pahalgam on 22 April.

The IB extends into the Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts of the Jammu division, while the LoC touches the other districts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is chairing a crucial meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs being held on Wednesday. It is expected that the CCPA, which will be followed by the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, will endorse the series of measures chalked out against Pakistan, including the counter-strategies formulated in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

The CCPA, which is meeting for the first time after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 innocent tourists is expected to review the security situation and put its stamp of approval on the governments earlier decision to accord complete freedom to the army to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of Indias military option in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

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On Tuesday, the Prime Minister had taken stock of the security situation at a meeting attended among others by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and the three army chiefs.

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It is reported that during Tuesdays meeting, the army was given free hand to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of Indias military option.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the upcoming Victory Day parade in Russias Moscow.

Notably, earlier this month, Modi was invited by Russia for his participation in the Victory Day parade on May 9.

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However, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will represent India in the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, as per a report of TASS, the Russian news agency.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by the Russian news agency.

The report claimed that the decision not to attend the Victory Day celebrations was taken in the wake of recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam.

It may be mentioned that the Prime Minister had cut short his two-day trip to Saudi Arabia in the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

India would be represented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Russian news agency said.

Russia has invited leaders of several friendly nations to attend this years Victory Day parade.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi reached Kanpur on Wednesday and paid his tributes to Pahalgam terror attack victim Shubham Dwivedi.

The Congress leader arrived at Chakeri Airport at 3:35 pm, and from there, he went straight to Hathipur, the house of Shubham Dwivedi.

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He spoke to Shubhams family and conveyed his condolences. Later, he made the family members of Shubham talk to his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on his mobile.

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While speaking to Priyanka, Shubhams father recounted how her grandmother and father were taken away by the terrorists. Priyanka spoke to the family on the phone for about seven minutes.

Rahul spent twenty minutes with the bereaved family.
Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has demanded the resignation of BJP leader and Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil after the Ahilyanagar district police registered a case against him and 54 others, including directors of a sugar mill, for allegedly obtaining loans worth nearly Rs 9 crore in the names of 10,000 farmers using forged documents.

The Supreme Court has ordered that a case be filed against Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. I had raised this issue of bogus loans taken in the names of 10,000 farmers three years ago. At the time, a minister said my head was not in the right place. Now will Fadnavis say that the Supreme Courts head is not in the right place? If a minister in the cabinet has compelled the Supreme Court to direct a fraud case, then, on moral grounds, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil should be immediately removed. The Chief Minister must act now, Raut said.

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Balasaheb Kerunath Vikhe, a sugarcane cultivator and member of the Padmashri Vikhe Patil Sahakari Karkhana (cooperative sugar mill), who originally filed the complaint that led to the Supreme Court order, has demanded that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis resign to ensure an impartial investigation.

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Shiv Sena (Uddhav) leader Sushma Andhare also demanded Patils resignation, stating, It is a matter of great shame that after cases against former minister Dhananjay Munde and current ministers Jayakumar Gore and Manikrao Kokate, it has now emerged that Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who runs a vast empire, diverted money obtained from nationalised bankstaken in the names of 10,000 farmersto his own accounts instead of crediting them to the rightful beneficiaries.

It is deeply unfortunate that a wealthy individual has robbed ordinary farmers. This is a disgraceful incident for the Mahayuti government. A case has been registered at Loni police station following the Supreme Courts order. How can such a corrupt leader be allowed to continue in office? We demand his immediate resignation, Andhare added.

Significantly, the Supreme Court has directed the investigating officers to submit a report within eight weeks but has also ruled that no coercive action should be taken against the accused in the meantime. Consequently, a case of fraud has been registered at the Loni police station against Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, former minister Annasaheb Mhaske, the then sugar commissioner, and 54 others, including the former chairman and directors of the Padmashri Vikhe Patil Sahakari Karkhana, as well as officials from the Union Bank of India and the Bank of India.

The police filed the case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code after a magistrates court, acting on a petition under Section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, ordered the police to initiate an investigation.

According to the complaint, the alleged irregularities occurred in 2004, when the then sugar mill management prepared forged loan proposals in the names of 10,000 member-farmers. The accused reportedly secured loans of Rs 3.11 crore and Rs 5.74 croreamounting to Rs 9 crorethrough collusion with allegedly corrupt bank officials.

However, the loan amounts were allegedly never deposited into the farmers accounts. Instead, the funds were siphoned off by sugar mill officials and bank staff. The accused also reportedly benefited from a government farm loan waiver scheme.
In the shadow of St. Peters Basilica, two leaders locked in conversation offered a rare glimpse of possibility in an otherwise grinding and brutal conflict. President Donald Trumps meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskky, though brief, was thick with symbolism and fraught with the difficult realities of war and diplomacy.

Much of the early optimism surrounding this encounter rests on surface appearances: two leaders, despite past confrontations, finding common ground amid the solemnity of a papal funeral. Yet appearances, however powerful, cannot obscure the hard questions that remain. Mr Trumps subsequent comments on social media pulled back the curtain on his real concerns ~ a fear that Russian President Vladimir Putin, far from seeking peace, may be stringing the world along while inflicting renewed suffering on Ukrainian civilians. Mr Trumps frustration was palpable as he mused publicly whether more aggressive financial tools like secondary sanctions might now be necessary to compel genuine negotiations. This shift in tone is important.

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Mr Trump has long signalled a belief that Ukraine must negotiate from a position of realism rather than resistance, even if it means painful compromises. His oft-repeated argument that Mr Zelenskky holds no cards in the diplomatic deck underscores this belief. Yet, by questioning Mr Putins sincerity so openly after the meeting, Mr Trump seems to acknowledge that a bad peace ~ one extracted through deception ~ could be worse than a prolonged conflict. It is tempting to see the meeting in Rome as a turning point. The involvement of European leaders like British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, visibly supporting the dialogue, suggests an emerging consensus: that the war must be ended not just quickly, but justly.

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Mr Zelenskkys own remarks that the encounter could become historic reflect an understanding that while peace must be built on negotiation, it cannot be achieved through capitulation. Still, tension runs through Mr Trumps stance. On one hand, he sees urgency in ending the war, driven perhaps by domestic political considerations and the broader fatigue in the West. On the other, his instincts ~ sharpened from years of deal-making ~ tell him that trusting Mr Putin too readily could lead to a hollow, unstable peace. His proposal to intensify economic pressure rather than offer immediate concessions signals a harder, more sceptical posture that will likely influence the months ahead.

Ultimately, the meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Zelenskky represents neither a breakthrough nor a mere photo opportunity. It is a reminder that diplomacy, especially amid war, demands more than personal rapport. It demands clarity about the motives of ones adversaries, the resilience to withstand bad-faith offers, and above all, the patience to build a peace that can endure. Whether this fragile bridge leads to lasting stability will depend not on words exchanged in Rome, but on the hard choices that follow.
After a second consecutive night of deadly Russian air attacks  against the capital Kyiv on April 23 and the eastern Ukrainian city of Pavlohrad on April 24  a ceasefire in Ukraine seems as unrealistic as ever. With Russian commitment to a deal clearly lacking, the situation is not helped by US president Donald Trump. He cant quite seem to decide who he will ultimately blame if his efforts to agree a ceasefire fall apart. Before the strikes on Kyiv, Trump blamed Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskky, for holding up a deal by refusing to recognise Crimea as Russian.

The following day, he chided Vladimir Putin for the attacks, calling them not necessary, and very bad timing and imploring Putin to stop. The main stumbling block on the path to a ceasefire is what a final peace agreement might look like and what concessions Kyiv  and its European allies  will accept. Ukraines and Europes position on this is unequivocal: no recognition of the illegal Russian annexation. This position is also backed by opinion polls in Ukraine, which indicate only limited support for some, temporary concessions to Russia. The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, also suggested that temporarily giving up territory can be a solution.

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The deal that Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff apparently negotiated over three rounds of talks in Russia was roundly rejected by Ukraine and Britain, France and Germany, who lead the coalition of the willing of countries pledging support for Ukraine. This prompted Witkoff and US secretary of state Marco Rubio to pull out of follow-up talks in London on April 24. These ended with a fairly vacuous statement about a commitment to continuing close coordination and  further talks soon. And even this now appears as quite a stretch. Coinciding with Witkoffs fourth trip to see Putin on April 25, European and Ukrainian counterproposals were released that reject most of the terms offered by Trump or at least defer their negotiation until after a ceasefire is in place.

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The impasse is unsurprising. Washingtons proposal included a US commitment to recognise Crimea as Russian, a promise that Ukraine would not join Nato and accept Moscows control of the territories in eastern Ukraine that it currently illegally occupies. It also included lifting all sanctions against Russia. In other words, Ukraine would give up large parts of territory and receive no security guarantees, while Russia is rewarded with reintegration into the global economy. It is the territorial concessions asked of Kyiv which are especially problematic.

Quite apart from the fact that they are in fundamental breach of basic principles of international law  the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states  they are unlikely to provide solid foundations for a durable peace. Much like the idea of Trumps Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, to divide Ukraine like post-1945 Berlin, it betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of what, and who, drives this war. Kellogg later clarified that he was not suggesting a partition of Ukraine, but his proposal would have exactly the same effect as Trumps most recent offer. Both proposals accept the permanent loss to Ukraine of territory that Russia currently controls.

Where they differ is that Kellogg wants to introduce a European-led reassurance force west of the river Dnipro, while leaving the defence of remaining Ukrainian-controlled territory to Kyivs armed forces. If accepted by Russia  unlikely as this is given Russias repeated and unequivocal rejection of European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine  it would provide at best a minimal security guarantee for a part of Ukrainian territory. What it would almost inevitably mean, however, is a repeat of the permanent ceasefire violations along the disengagement zone in eastern Ukraine where Russian and Ukrainian forces would continue to face each other.

This is what happened after the illfated Minsk accords of 2014 and 2015, which were meant to settle the conflict after Russias invasion of Donbas in 2014. A further Russian invasion could be just around the corner once the Kremlin felt that it had sufficiently recovered from the current war. The lack of a credible deterrent is one key difference between the situation in Ukraine as envisaged by Washington and other historical and contemporary parallels, including Korea and Cyprus. Korea was partitioned in 1945 and has been protected by a large US military presence since the Korean war in 1953.

After the Turkish invasion of 1974, Cyprus was divided between Greek and Turkish Cypriots along a partition line secured by an armed UN peacekeeping mission. Trump has ruled out any US troop commitment as part of securing a ceasefire in Ukraine. And the idea of a UN force in Ukraine, briefly floated during the presidency of Petro Poroshenko between 2014 and 2019, never got any traction, and is not likely to be accepted by Putin now. The assumed parallels with the situation in Germany after the second world war are even more tenuous. Not only did Nazi Germany unconditionally surrender in May 1945 but its division into allied zones of occupation was formally and unanimously agreed by the victorious allies in Potsdam in August 1945.

By the time two separate German states of East and West Germany were established in 1949, the western allies had fallen out with Stalin but remained firmly united in Nato and western Europe. So the West German state was firmly protected under the US nuclear umbrella. The agreements made in Potsdam didnt have the same implication of permanence as the US suggestion to formally recognise Crimea as Russian territory. The suggestion was always that the allied forces would pull out of Germany at some stage, and restore the countrys sovereignty. Most importantly, the allies did not reward the aggressor in the war or create the conditions for merely a brief interruption for an aggressors revisionist agenda.

After all, what has driven Putins war against Ukraine is his conviction that the collapse of the Soviet Union was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century. The Trump administration deludes itself that it is applying the lessons of Potsdam by recognising Russias territorial conquests in Ukraine and handing them over. Instead it is falling into the trap of the 1938 Munich Agreement. Negotiators in Munich tried, but failed, to avoid the second world war by appeasing and not deterring an insatiable aggressor  a historical lesson that doesnt need repeating.

(The writers are, respectively, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham and Professor of International Security and Jean Monnet Professor of European Security, National University Odesa Law Academy. This article was published on www.theconversation.com)
With close to a thousand TV channels broadcasting 24X7, 100,000 newspapers, innumerable radio stations, and billions of messages on social media ~ all competing for eyeballs ~ the attention span of the average viewer has been reduced to some few seconds. In this scenario, there is no chance of a subtle message going through; you have to be really loud and outrageous to be heard, which has resulted in the quality of public discourse touching its nadir.

The strident tone of shouting matches ~ masquerading as discussions on TV channels ~ with countless instances of verbal exchanges degenerating into walk-outs, and even physical fights, reinforces this conclusion. Social media is even worse; with no norms to follow, users have no hesitation in posting defamatory content, and at times, even the choicest abuses.

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Newspapers (not The Statesman), for long the advocates of balanced language, are going overboard with colourful headlines like Mr ABC slams/excoriates the statement of Mr DEF, where denies/refutes could have sufficed. A crime involving some famous person is manna for the media, which discusses it in sordid detail, very often with pronounced biases, and pronounces judgement even before the investigation is complete. The worst offenders, TV channels, feed on controversies; once a juicy scandal breaks out, anchors float the most outrageous theories, invite the most uncivil panellists, and forget everything about common decency.

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Such media trials have come to the notice of Courts; according to the Andhra Pradesh High Court: A trial by media refers to the impact of television, newspapers, and social media on a persons reputation by creating a widespread perception of guilt or innocence before, or after, a verdict in a Court of law Media trials can prejudice the public, affect judicial functioning, and lead to wrongful portrayals of individuals, instigating hatred and violence against them. The most famous victim of a media trial was actress Rhea Chakraborty, a one-time girlfriend of actor Sushant Singh Rajput (SSR), who died by suicide on 14 June 2020, at the young age of thirty-four. The cause of death was suicide, as determined by the coroner, with the initial post-mortem report indicating SSR died of asphyxia due to hanging.

The final post-mort em report, received on 25 June 2020, confirmed the cause of the death as asphyxia due to hanging, adding that it was a clear case of suicide. The report further said that no there was no evidence of foul play. Meanwhile, disheartened by his young sons death, SSRs father, KK Singh, filed an FIR accusing Rhea Chakraborty and six others, of abetment of suicide, wron gful restraint, wrongful confinement, theft, criminal breach of trust, cheating etc. This was the signal for media to go on overdrive; Chak  raborty was portrayed as an avaricious and heartless gold digger, who had conspired to kill SSR.

Day in day out the same script was repeated. Public opinion forced enforcement agencies to go after Miss Cha kra borty, who was jailed for some days. TV channels purposely vilified her, labelling her as a witch and sorceress, vitiating the min ds of viewers aga inst her; TV channels went so far as to taunt SSR for dying by suicide, and for good measure, labelled him a drug addict. Notably, none of the TV Channels or anchors apologised, or expressed any kind of regret, after the CBIs closure report, in March 2025. Some public-minded individuals moved the Bombay High Court against the biased and damaging coverage of the SSR suicide case by TV channels.

The Court held: in an at tempt to out-smart each other, these two TV channels started a vicious campaign of masquerading as the crusaders of truth and justice and the saviours of the situation  throwing the commands of the CrPC and all sense of propriety to the winds.These TV channels took upon themselves the role of the investigator, the prosecutor as well as the Judge. However, despite such condemnation, a similar media trial took place when Aryan Khan son of actor Shahrukh Khan was arrested, for possession of ban  ned drugs, in November 2021. Again, TV channels went overboard, painting Aryan and Shahrukh as anti-nationals, drug addicts, and much worse.

Even after Aryan Khan was absolved of all charges in May 2022, and in an interesting turn of events, the CBI charged the NCB zonal director, Sameer Wankhede, who had arrested Khan, for bribery, not an iota of remorse was expressed by TV channels. Justice Yashwant Verma is the most recent victim of media inquisition. After some cash was allegedly burnt in a fire at his residence, all types of media went hammer and tongs after him. Some gentlemen of the media even went to the extent of pointing out cases where the judge could have received illegal gratification. In their bid for eyeballs, few, if any, referred to Justice Vermas explanation, fewer abided by the maxim that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Rather, based on the assumed guilt of Justice Verma, some high political functionaries built up a case for revival of the defunct National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act. Probably, this is the price one pays for the voluminous amount of information, that can be retrieved on a click of a mouse ~ which is pure misinformation, often dished out in the guise of information, by websites and news channels. Western media does not lag behind in conducting their own trials; the SSR and Aryan Khan cases have their parallels in Casey Anthony, Amanda Knox, Harvey Weinstein, and OJ Simpson cases, where extensive and mostly biased media coverage had the potential of affecting the decision of the jury.

An even more alarming trend seems to have emerged recently; judges of constitutional courts are being tried by the media! To elaborate: social media posts, and occasionally even newspapers and TV channels question decisions of constitutional courts in highly inappropriate language, and attribute the worst kind of motives to judges. One saw this happen when the Supreme Court stopped bulldozer justice, i.e., demolition of houses of accused persons. Now, when the Supreme Court is deciding on the validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, two BJP MPs have come out with guns blazing against the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the Supreme Court (SC).

They went so far as to allege that the CJI was responsible for all civil wars in the country, stating that if the SC were to legislate, Parliament and all State Assemblies should be shut down. These gentlemen went on to make derogatory references to various cases, where Supreme Court had decided against the Government; the Tamil Ndu Governors case, the judgement nullifying S.377 of the IPC, and the decision to strike down S.66A of the Information Technology Act, to mention a few. The BJP dissociated itself from these intemperate utterances; the BJP President tweeted: The BJP has nothing to do with the statements made by BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma on the judiciary and the Chief Justice of the country. These are their personal statements, but the BJP neither agrees with such statements nor does it ever support such statements.

The BJP completely rejects these statements However, the two leaders were unfazed; neither did they take down their statements, nor did the leadership initiate any action against them. Judges are expected to de  cide cases impartially, based on the law and evidence presented in Court. However, the pressure of public opinion, fuelled by media coverage, can totally vitiate this process, because judges would feel compelled to consider the potential public reaction to their rulings, which could undermine their independence, as also the integrity of the judicial process. Negative portrayal of judges and judiciary in the media, can fuel distrust and scepticism, debasing the relationship between the judiciary and the public ~ influencing how future cases are perceived and decided.

Thus far, the Supreme Court has been extremely lenient with persons charged with contempt, but given the calculated and brazen challenges to its majesty, one hopes that the Supreme Court comes down heavily on the contemnors. Of course, to strengthen the hands of the Supreme Court, all political parties have to unreservedly condemn inappropriate statements. Finally, what Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President John F Kennedy, American author, diplomat, and attorney, said is equally relevant for us: The bedrock of our democracy is the rule of law and that means we have to have an independent judiciary, judges who can make decisions independent of the political winds that are blowing.

(The writer is a retired Principal Chief Commissioner of Income-Tax)
Governor of the southern Iranian province of Hormozgan Mohammad Ashouri Taziani refuted on Tuesday the hypothesis that an act of sabotage was behind a deadly blast at Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Iran.

He made the remarks while elaborating on the likely causes of the explosion that occurred on Saturday and its subsequent fire, in which at least 70 people were killed and over 1,200 others injured, the official news agency IRNA reported.

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Ahsouri Taziani said some foreign media raised the speculation that the incident had probably been the result of an act of sabotage, but preliminary investigations showed that the sabotage hypothesis failed to be of sufficient strength.

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He added that according to a statement by the provincial crisis management headquarters, a failure to properly observe safety and passive defense measures had been among the main causes of the incident.

On Monday, Irans Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni identified certain negligence as one of the reasons behind the deadly explosion, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, the fire at Shahid Rajaee Port has been completely contained, while the rescue and relief operations were still ongoing, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported citing the provincial governor.

On Monday, Irans Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni identified certain negligence as one of the reasons behind the deadly explosion in the provincial capital Bandar Abbas, where this port, the countrys largest maritime hub, is located.

He made the remarks in an interview with state-run IRIB TV, elaborating on the ongoing investigations to determine the cause of the incident.

Momeni said that during an earlier meeting held in Bandar Abbas to discuss the explosions cause, several individuals whose negligence had been confirmed were summoned. He noted that a failure to observe safety regulations and passive defence measures properly contributed to the disaster, urging the relevant authorities and investigative committee to accelerate efforts to determine the full cause accurately.

Following the deadly blast, Hossein Sajedinia, head of Irans National Disaster Management Organisation, told the IRIB on Sunday that some of the containers at the port contained flammable materials, such as pitch, and some others carried chemicals.

Despite the incident, the ports wharfs have resumed operations and cargo handling, according to the official news agency IRNA.
To stop a disease from spreading, it must be identified early and studied. Then the countries of the world need to coordinate their attempts to limit its spread.
Authored by: Tarun Wig, Co-Founder & CEO, Innefu Labs

When it comes to national security, threats often hide in signal intercepts, buried patterns, or sudden border movements. Yet, making sense of fragmented data still feels like navigating a maze. Outdated systems lead to critical delaysmanual data entry, fragmented approvals, and disjointed workflows hinder timely decision-making.

Defence intelligence operations today require speed and clarityattributes often lost in inefficient legacy systems. The lack of integration across branches forces battle decision makers to make mission-critical decisions without a unified, real-time intelligence view.

In response to these challenges, Innefu Labs developed Prophecy Guardiana cutting-edge Defence Intelligence Fusion Platform that integrates multi-domain data, automates workflows, and surfaces actionable intelligence in real time.

By combining SIGINT, ELINT, HUMINT, IMINT, OSINT, TECHINT, SATINT and OSINT data, Prophecy Guardian brings together disparate intelligence sources to generate mission-ready clarity and predictive insights.

This platform consolidates massive volumes of structured and unstructured dataintercepted signals, field reports, social chatter, satellite imagery, and radio transcriptionsinto a unified intelligence fabric. It accelerates decision-making with AI-powered analysis and offers 360 operational awareness through modules like ProphecyGPT and GIS for spatial intelligence.

Key Features of Prophecy Guardian

Data Ingestion : It ingests information from all possible sources of intelligence in structured/unstructured enterprise data in multiple formats.

OCR-enabled Intelligence: Converts scanned documents, PDFs, and images into searchable, analyzable data, ensuring no intelligence remains buried in unstructured formats.

GIS-powered Spatial Analysis: Integrates geolocation data from intercepted files, posts, and reports to visualize operational footprints on dynamic, real-time maps and support geo-fenced analysis.

Workflow Automation: Minimizes manual data entry and ensures seamless data flow across teams, branches, and command levels.

Temporal Intelligence: Maps events over time to identify threat patterns, operational trends, and high-risk periods for strategic planning and historical correlation.

Link Analysis & Entity Profiling: Reveals hidden connections by mapping relationships across multi-source datauncovering communication chains, shared patterns, and influence networks.

Alert Management System: Customizable alerts based on keywords, delivered via secure notifications, SMS, or email to keep decision-makers informed in real time.

Air-Gapped AI Infrastructure: Operates as a fully air-gapped solution with no internet connectivity, ensuring maximum security and data sovereignty. All AI models are deployed on-premise.

Prophecy Guardian stands apart with its federated search and multi-format analytics. It enables Google-like searches across years of intelligence, enriched with auto-tagged metadata such as GPS coordinates, event types, entity names, and timelines. This capability allows analysts to visualize patterns, trace infiltration routes, or track leadership movements in just a few clicks.

The platforms built-in ProphecyGPT (the worlds first offline, on-premise Large Language Model tailored for defence) brings ChatGPT-like capabilities to secure environments, allowing users to generate profiles, summarize reports, translate documents, and morewithout ever touching the internet.

Success Story: Defence Intelligence Fusion System in Action

Prophecy Guardian is all set to play a decisive role in conventional battlefield operations. In a recent high-intensity border scenario, the system enabled rapid and accurate generation of the enemys Order of Battle (ORBAT) by fusing SIGINT, ELINT, IMINT, satellite imagery, and frontline reports. Its AI-powered analytics identified unit compositions, armor movements, supply chains, and command structures in real time. Dynamic geospatial and timeline visualizations helped commanders anticipate enemy maneuvers and adjust force deployments proactively. With its ability to deliver a live, integrated operational picture, Prophecy Guardian empowers faster, data-driven decisions and superior battlefield outcomes.

The Road Ahead: Defining the Future of National Security

Innefus vision is clear: empower officers with tools to make faster, smarter, and mission-critical decisions. In a world where threats evolve faster than traditional systems can respond, Defence Intelligence Fusion is no longer a luxuryits the foundation of modern national security.

For details, visit www.innefu.com or email info@innefu.com.
To plan your upcoming bank transaction check with us if the banks are open. Bank holidays include public holidays, mandatory day off which includes second and fourth Saturday and Sundays. Some of the festivals are celebrated nationwide while others are state wise. Government offices, Schools, Colleges, Banks will be closed as a result of the celebration of festivals.

1 May, Thursday

May Day or also known as Labour Day is celebrated all over the world. In most countries schools, colleges, and government offices are closed.

7 May, Wednesday

Rabindranath Tagore who is also a poet, scholar, novelist, his birthday is being celebrated by all people across the country.

9 May, Friday

Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan celebrate remembrance of the Rajput king of Mewar.

12 May, Monday

Buddha Purnima is being celebrated so in many states holiday is announced to be specifically states like Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu Kashmir, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Andaman and Nicobar.

16 May, Friday

To commemorate Sikkim becoming the 22nd state of India in the northeastern state of Sikkim, schools, colleges, and offices are being closed.

26 May, Monday

In Tripura, the birthday of Kazi Nazrul Islam who is a Bengali Poet, writer, musician is being celebrated. So, its a public holiday in that state.

30 May, Friday

In Punjab and Haryana, Day of Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji is being celebrated. Banks, offices will be closed in Punjab and Haryana.
Private sector lender IndusInd Bank's CEO and MD Sumant Kathpalia has resigned with immediate effect. The resignation comes at a time when the lender has been in the news for accounting lapses in the derivatives portfolio.

In a letter to the bank's board, Kathpalia acknowledged that his resignation was related to the issue. "I wish to submit my resignation from the services of the bank in relation to the ongoing derivatives discussion. I undertake moral responsibility, given the various acts of commission/ omission that have been brought to my notice. I would request that my resignation be taken on record at the close of working hours today," he said in his letter.

In March this year, IndusInd Bank had warned it had found discrepancies during an internal process review related to its derivatives portfolio and that this would hit its net worth. The internal review by the bank had initially estimated an adverse impact of approximately 2.35 per cent of the net worth as of December 2024. It had also roped in PwC to conduct an independent review.

The report submitted by PwC earlier this month quantified the negative impact as of June 30, 2024, at Rs 1,979 crore. Based on the report, the bank assessed an adverse impact (on a post-tax basis) of 2.27 per cent to the net worth as of December 2024.

Meanwhile, post Kathpalia's resignation, IndusInd Bank's board has sought approval from the Reserve Bank to constitute a committee of executives to discharge the duties and responsibilities of the CEO for an interim period until a permanent CEO is appointed.

Following the derivatives portfolio discrepancies disclosed by the bank, RBI issued an official statement stating the financial position of IndusInd Bank was satisfactory.

Earlier the regulator had approved only a one-year extension to Kathpalia as MD and CEO, even as the bank had requested a three-year term.
Lt Gen J.P. Mathew relinquished the post of the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) on Wednesday after nearly 40 years in service.

Lt Gen Mathew has been the CISC since April 2023, promoting jointness and synergy among the three services. He has made major contributions in the expansion of Defence Cyber Agency and Defence Space Agency to build credible capability in these critical domains.

He also encouraged deeper collaboration with the Indian defence industry and academia.

"From steering major reforms and reviewing the curriculum in the Defence Service Staff College of Defence Management, Military Institute of Technology and National Defence Academy to encouraging participation of women, he was instrumental in enhancing diversity and inclusion in the Armed Forces," the defence ministery said in a release.

ALSO READ: 'No mission too distant, no sea too vast': Is Indian Navy sending a subtle message after Pahalgam attack?

As part of India's efforts to maintain defence cooperation with neighbouring countries and promote regional stability and security, Lt Gen Mathew represented the Indian Armed Forces in various fora.

Besides, he was instrumental in boosting the Armed Forces' Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief capabilities.

On the day of his superannuation, Lt Gen Mathew laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and paid homage to the fallen heroes. He was also accorded a ceremonial tri-service Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns.

He was commissioned into the Punjab Regiment in December 1985. In 2022, he became the Colonel of the Regiment. He was conferred with Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal for his distingushed service.
A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met chiefs of three services and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and told them that they have "complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, the Indian Navy came out with a cryptic tweet.

In a tweet that highlights the operational preparedness of the force, the Indian Navy said, "Fuelling the Maritime Might - No mission too distant, No Sea too vast."

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan were also part of the meeting held by PM Modi. "They have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response," a source quoted the prime minister as saying.

ALSO READ: What is Indias end game? The case for over-the-horizon retaliation

The tweet from the Indian Navy comes after Pakistan claimed it has "credible intelligence" that India is planning military action against it in the next 24-36 hours. Pakistan has also urged the international community to remain alert, warning that any military action by India would be responded to decisively and that the onus of any escalatory spiral and its consequences shall squarely lie with India.

India has been weighing its options for countermeasures following the terror attack which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. In the past, the government carried out precision strikes inside Pakistan after the terror attack on army soldiers in Uri in 2016 and the Balakot air strike after the killings of CRPF personnel in Pulwama.
A day after claiming that its army shot down an Indian quadcopter which allegedly violated the airspace along the Line of Control (LoC), Pakistan said it forced four Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force, which were patrolling in the Kashmir region, to retreat.

Radio Pakistan claimed that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets "promptly detected the presence of these Indian warplanes."

As a result of PAFs diligent action, the Indian Rafale jets panicked and were forced to flee, a PTV News report said.

ALSO READ: Pakistan claims it shot down Indian 'spy' quadcopter that violated its airspace along LoC

However, these claims have not been substantiated by Indian security agencies.

The news reports from Pakistan come after Islamabad claimed on Wednesday morning that it has "credible intelligence" that India is planning military action against it in the next 24-36 hours.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the chiefs of three services, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, told the armed forces that the armed forces have "complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
After the emotionally devastating The Whale with Brendan Fraser, director Darren Aronofsky is back with something more lighthearted, in the form of Caught Stealing, starring Austin Butler, in a screen adaptation of the Charlie Huston book of the same name, penned by the author himself.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Aronofsky recalls feeling stuck after the release of The Whale and its lead actor Brendan Fraser's Best Actor Oscar win. On the Charlie Huston script which he had considered doing at some point in the last 15 years, Aronofsky said he felt like doing something more entertaining compared to his most recent 'angsty' films: "There was just so much tension in our normal lives that I felt like the one thing that Hollywood has always done great is entertain. I looked at my projects and I said, You know what? The most fun one I have is Charlies script, said Aronofsky.

Caught Stealing is said to be influenced by Martin Scorsese's After Hours, and is set in the 1990s when there were no surveillance and smartphones. Aronofsky describes the script as one filled with "oddballs," which conveys the "peculiarity of shooting in East Village."

Austin Butler plays a "once-promising" ball player who works at a bar. He then becomes a target of criminals seeking the whereabouts of "$4 million of laundered mob money" in a clear case of mistaken identity. Zoe Kravitz plays his girlfriend  a strong, supportive, and caring woman.

In the interview, Butler calls himself a fan of Aronofsky, professing his love for Requiem for a Dream, which he watched when he was "11 or 12."
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Founded in 1952, the Honorary Ceremonial Unit of the Peoples Liberation Army of China is tasked with representing the Party, State, and Military in official ceremonies. Over its 73-year history, the unit has performed more than 13,000 ceremonial duties, earning recognition for its precision, discipline, and spirited presentation that reflects the strength and image of the Chinese military and state.

At the invitation of Vietnams Ministry of Defense, the Chinese Army delegation traveled to Ho Chi Minh City to take part in the April 30 military parade, underscoring the ongoing friendship between the two nations.

During Vietnams resistance war against the U.S., the country received crucial support from China, Laos, Cambodia, and the former Soviet Union.
As the Union Cabinet is set to meet on Wednesday, the first after the Pahalgam incident, Home Minister Amit Shah has reportedly visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence. The meeting comes as Pakistan claimed that it had credible intelligence that India intends to launch a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours using the Pahalgam incident.

The Prime Minister will also chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the second meeting after the terror strike. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar are expected to attend the "Super Cabinet" meeting scheduled for 11 am, according to reports.

The 'Super Cabinet' meeting is held when there are important political and economic matters related to the country which will have far-reaching consequences.

It was in the first round of the CCS meeting that the government announced a series of non-military measures against Pakistan, including the freeze on the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting off the Attari border and cancellation of visas. It is expected that the Super Cabinet will take decisions and counter-attack strategies like it did in 2019 when Indian fighter jets crossed over to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to bomb terror hubs.

Meanwhile, Jaishankar is said to have spoken to his counterparts from seven non-permanent member nations of the UN Security Council. He also interacted with his counterparts from Algeria, Greece, Guyana, Panama, Slovenia, Sierra Leone and Somalia and discussed the Pahalgam attack.

Pak Minister's warning

Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has said that his country had credible intelligence that India intends to carry out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident.

Tarar said the Indian government's plan was based on "baseless and concocted allegations" regarding Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam attacks. He added that Islamabad had offered a credible, transparent and independent probe by a neutral commission of experts, and accused India of evading investigation and choosing a confrontational path.
The BJP staged a protest near the statue of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar at a prominent Lucknow intersection on Wednesday as the issue of posters which show half of Ambedkars face juxtaposed against half of Akhilesh Yadavs, grew knottier. The states commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has, meanwhile, demanded that police reports be filed against those who were responsible for the posters.



These posters had come up around the office of the Samajwadi Party on April 28- the day a meeting of the partys Lohia wing had taken place. Interestingly, at that meeting, members of the wing had taken a pledge to uphold the principles of the Constitution and protect the right to reservation.



Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati decried the poster war. On Wednesday morning, she took to X to say, All parties should unite and support the government in every step taken by it regarding the Pahalgam terror attack. Instead of doing dirty politics under its cover by putting up posters and making statements etc., because this is creating confusion among the people, which is not good for the country.



She warned that if the architect of the Indian Constitution was insulted at all, especially by the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, the BSP would take to the streets against the parties.



Lalji Prasad Nirmal, an MLC, said cutting off Baba Sahebs picture in half was highly insulting.



Nirmal, who has served as the chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation, said Yadav was anti-Dalit as during his tenure he had done away with quota in promotions. He alleged that the lakhs of Dalit officers and employees who had suffered the pain of demotion had not forgotten it as yet.



While protests were planned for all over the state on Wednesday, in Lucknow, the placards held by BJP workers referred to Yadav as a traitor.
The spiritual odyssey that is the Char Dham Yatra, commencing on Wednesday, is a stunning example of pilgrims' profound devotion in the face of an arduous Himalayan journey. This voyage through the revered shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand holds deep religious significance for Hindus, attracting countless devotees annually.

However, navigating challenging terrains and unpredictable weather demands careful preparation for a secure and fulfilling pilgrimage. Here are five crucial recommendations to bear in mind as you prepare for this sacred undertaking:

Strategic timing for optimal conditions

While the yatra window extends until November 6th, the months of May, June, and September generally present more stable weather patterns. It is strongly advised to avoid the monsoon period of July and August due to the heightened risk of landslides and heavy snowfall.

Mandatory registration for seamless travel

To ensure a trouble-free experience, all pilgrims are required to complete the registration process as mandated by the Uttarakhand government. This can be conveniently done either online or offline. Remember to carry essential identification documents such as your Aadhar card or other valid ID, along with any necessary medical certifications and travel permits.

Prioritising health in high-altitude zones

Given that significant portions of the Char Dham Yatra lie above 10,000 feet, the potential for altitude-related health issues like altitude sickness, breathing difficulties, and exhaustion increases. To prepare your well-being for these conditions, undergo a thorough medical check-up before commencing your journey. If you have pre-existing health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, or cardiac issues, seek advice from your physician prior to your travel. Do not forget to pack all necessary prescribed medications, along with a well-stocked first-aid kit.

Thoughtful packing for variable climates

As the pilgrimage traverses cold and high-altitude regions, appropriate packing is essential for both comfort and safety. Ensure your luggage includes:

Sufficient warm layers such as sweaters, jackets, and gloves suitable for cold temperatures.

Waterproof outerwear like jackets and raincoats to combat sudden weather shifts.

Sturdy trekking footwear with good traction for navigating diverse terrains comfortably.

Sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against the strong solar radiation at higher elevations.

A comprehensive first-aid kit containing all necessary medications and supplies.

Maintaining well-being through diet and hydration

Many travelers experience symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and fatigue at higher altitudes. To support your body's health throughout the yatra, it is best to consume easily digestible and light meals, stay hydrated, opt for herbal teas and water (instead of carbonated beverages), and carry energy-rich snacks such as chocolates, dried fruits, and nuts.
More than a week after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, an eyewitness account has suggested that the terrorists plotted carry out the massacre in the valley on April 21. However, they abandoned the plan due to "less crowd".

Adarsh Raut, who hails from Maharashtra's Jalna, said he wrote to the NIA a detailed account of the incident via email.

Recalling the experience, he said that one of the suspects asked him about his religion when he was having food at a Maggi stall in Baisaran Valley the day before the attack.

"Hindu ho kya? You don't look like your are from Kashmir," Raut told news agency PTI. He recalled that he had stopped at the Maggi stall after horse-riding when the suspect approached him.

Raut added that he overheard the suspect telling his accomplice, "There's less crowd today."

Though Raut was irked by the disturbing interaction with the suspect, he understood the gravity of the situation only after coming to know about the terrorist attack the next day. A total of 26 people were killed in the attack on April 22.

"After I saw the sketches released by the NIA, I connected the dots," said Raut.

He said he has emailed every detail that he could remember to the NIA. "I have also mentioned that I could not initially pay the Maggi stall owner due to network issues. I took his phone number and paid him once I came down from the hill, he said.
India has issued a stern warning to Pakistan after the neighbouring country continued ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to defence sources, the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries talked over hotline to discuss the situation.

Pakistan Army has resorted to unprovoked small arms firing in multiple sectors across the border in the last few days as tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad have heightened after the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22.

India Army has responded swiftly and effectively, officials said.

The latest such incident was reported from the Pargwal sector along the IB in Jammu district, and the Sunderbani and Naushera sectors in Rajouri district.

"On the night of April 29-30, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the Line of Control opposite the Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir," a defence spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army began on April 24 shortly after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty in response to the Pahalgam attack in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists, lost their lives.

India and Pakistan had agreed to a renewed ceasefire in February 2021 when the DGMOs of both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the 2003 ceasefire agreement.

The Pahalgam attack has pushed the nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of a war after New Delhi alleged cross-border links to the strike and involvement of Pakistan-based terrorists.
The Indian Army officials have said that Pakistani troops engaged in unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) on Wednesday, prompting the Indian Army to 'respond effectively'. The firings were reported from the Pargwal sector along the IB in the Jammu district and Sunderbani and Naushera sectors in the Rajouri district.

"On the night of April 29-30, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the Line of Control opposite the Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir," a defence spokesperson in Jammu said. "The Indian Army troops responded swiftly and proportionately," the spokesperson added.

Small-arm fires were also reported across the LoC in Baramulla and Kupwara and across the IB in Pargwal. This marked the sixth consecutive night of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC, amidst heightened tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

Interestingly, this comes as Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar declared in the country's Senate that Pakistan will not strike India first. But, it reserves the right to retaliate, Dar said. "Pakistan would pay back India in the same coin, but it would not initiate an attack," he said.

#PahalgamTerrorAttack: Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shamelessly backs terror outfit #TRF, boasts about getting the groups name removed from the UNSC statement. pic.twitter.com/7kzbsgskc0  Neha Bhan (@neha_journo) April 30, 2025

Dar added that he believed Pahalgam was a drama staged to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. What we do say with full confidence is that Pakistan has nothing to do with this [attack]," Dar said, adding that there was, however, no evidence that it was a false-flag operation.

He reiterated that any meddling with Pakistani waters by India will not be tolerated at any cost and will be taken as an act of war.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has strongly rejected social media claims that the mother of martyred Constable Muzamil Rashid was sent back to Pakistan. A police spokesperson called the reports false, baseless, and completely untrue and urged the public and media not to spread misinformation that could create confusion or distress.

The clarification comes as the Indian government has asked all Pakistani nationals to leave the country following the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people  including 25 tourists and a local guide, Syed Adil Hussain  were killed. Several others were injured in the incident.

So far, over 30 Pakistani nationals have been deported from Jammu and Kashmir as part of a central government decision to expel Pakistani citizens staying in India.

Most of those deported from the Jammu and Kashmir regions had either overstayed their visas or had entered the Union Territory on visitor permits. Officials said more deportations are expected in the coming days.

In a separate move, 60 Pakistani nationals  mainly the wives and children of former militants  have also been sent back. They had returned to Jammu and Kashmir under a 2010 rehabilitation policy introduced by the then government led by Omar Abdullah. The policy was aimed at helping Kashmiris who had crossed over to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during the early years of militancy.

Reports say that of these 60 individuals, 36 were living in Srinagar, nine each in Baramulla and Kupwara, four in Budgam, and two in Shopian.

These deportations were carried out following an order from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners-I Division), Order No. 25022/28/2025-F, dated 25 April 2025. The order directed all Pakistani nationals living illegally in India to leave by April 27, 2025.

The Pahalgam attack has drawn widespread condemnation from people across Kashmir.
As tension mounts between India and Pakistan after the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, New Delhi on Wednesday closed its airspace for all flights from Pakistan.

The Pakistani flights heading for destinations in Southeast Asia will now have to circumnavigate the sub-continent, which will put an additional burden on the already cash-strapped carriers.

The move is the latest in a series of punitive actions India has taken against Islamabad after the terrorist attack, in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists, lost their lives on April 22.

India accused cross-border links to the attack and vowed a strong retaliation to the perpetrators and those who harbour them. New Delhis tough assertions have pushed the two nuclear-armed neighbours on the brink of a regional war.

A Cabinet Committee on Security which met a day after the attack had decided to suspend the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan and close the Attari land border crossing. The CCS also suspended short-term visas issued to Pakistani nationals.

Pakistan responded by closing its airspace for Indian airlines, closing the Wagah border and suspending all trade with India.

Indias decision to suspend the water treaty has sparked an outrage among the political leadership in Islamabad, with many, including ministers, raising war rhetoric and provocation.

At a second meeting of the CCS on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly given complete operational freedom to the armed forces to respond to the Pahalgam attack.

The forces can choose the targets, mode and timing of the response, he said.

Modi chaired multiple high-level meetings in Delhi on Wednesday as India has been weighing its countermeasures ever since the attack.

Meanwhile, intense search operations are underway at multiple places in Jammu and Kashmir for the terrorists who sprayed bullets indiscriminately at the tourists, in one of the deadliest attacks in the region in decades.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi is under fresh scrutiny for allegedly wearing a pendant made from a leopard tooth. A complaint against the actor-turned-politician was submitted to the state police chief by A.A. Mohamed Hashim, state general secretary of the INTUC Youth Wing.

Hashims move came in the wake of the recent arrest of Malayalam rapper Vedan, who was charged by the Kodanad Range Officer of the Forest Department under various charges, including hunting and illegal possession of wildlife articles. A leopard tooth pendant was reportedly found in the artists flat during a narcotics raid.

Earlier, Hashim had posted a photo of Suresh Gopi online with the caption: Isn't this none other than Suresh Gopi  the Union Minister and Thrissur MP  doing a regal circumambulation around the Thrissur Round wearing a leopard tooth? Will the Kerala Forest Department and the Police investigate this too and file a case under the Hunting Act that could lead to seven years of imprisonment?

Hashim has also submitted photographic evidence allegedly showing the minister wearing a pendant made from a leopard tooth.

Meanwhile, intense debates are unfolding in Malayali cyberspace, questioning whether the Kerala government went too far in invoking stringent legal provisions against the rapper while appearing lenient towards others. Vedan has been dropped from the fourth anniversary celebration programme from the government. His programme was supposed to happen on Wednesday in Idukki.

Notably, as support for Vedan grew online, an earlier controversy involving allegations of sexual misconduct against the rapper resurfaced, reigniting public discussion. Vedan faced the allegation while he was working as part of From a Native Daughter music album by Muhsin Parari. As the controversy erupted, Parari had cancelled the production activities related to this album. Vedan then took social media to issue a public apology.
For natives of north coastal Andhra Pradesh, the Simhachalam temple is a revered religious centre. For devotees of Lord Narasimha Swamy, the presiding deity of the temple, there cannot be a more auspicious occasion than Chandanotsavam, celebrated annually. On this day, a rare spectacle occurs, as the deity is presented in its raw form, uncovered by sandalwood, unlike the rest of the year.

This years Chandanotsavam was scheduled for Wednesday, with festivities set to begin by 1 a.m. and devotees allowed entry from 4 a.m. following certain age-old customs and formalities. However, a tragic incident unfolded during the event, leading to the death of seven devotees. A wall, constructed just three weeks earlier, collapsed in the early hours after the region experienced heavy rain and winds. Preliminary assessments suggest that rainwater loosened the soil around the wall, causing it to collapse onto the queue. This queue was meant for those who had availed the Rs 300 ticket.

The injured and the deceased were pulled out from under the debris amid chaos and darkness.

Eyewitnesses recounted their experiences. A middle-aged woman who was in the queue told the media that she had been standing exactly at the spot where the wall collapsed but decided to move away as the crowd kept swelling. She said that minutes later, the wall gave in.

Several others blamed the administration for poor crowd management and for mixing lines of devotees from various ticket categories. Some demanded better facilities at the temple premises to prevent such incidents in the future.

Heart-wrenching scenes were witnessed at the accident site and later outside the hospital and mortuary where the injured and deceased were taken.

Sympathies poured in for a family from Vizag who lost four members. Among the dead were Shailaja and Mahesh, a married couple and IT professionals based in Hyderabad and originally from Vizag. Shailajas mother and another close family member also died in the wall collapse. Grief-stricken family members were seen wailing outside the King George Hospital mortuary.

The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered an inquiry into the incident and announced an ex gratia of Rs 25 lakh to the kin of the deceased. A compensation of Rs 3 lakh was also announced for the injured. AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held meetings with officials and monitored the rescue efforts and the treatment of the injured.

The NDRF, SDRF and other government departments worked through the night to rescue those trapped and retrieve the deceased. The Prime Minister expressed condolences and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakhs to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund.
An ongoing investigation has found that multiple former officials were involved in a land dispute in Pahang, Malaysia, which led to the cutting down of 1,000 durian trees, but no arrests have yet been made.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has compiled a list of individuals linked to the land dispute in the key durian-growing state.

"Yes, we already have a list. Considering the case dates back around 10 years or more, some of the officials involved have since retired," said its chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki on Tuesday, as reported by state media Bernama.

For now, the commissions investigation is ongoing, not just focusing on governance issues, but also examining how land clearing activities could have occurred without proper action from relevant authorities, he said.

The land dispute in Pahangs Raub town began on April 8 when the government chopped down around 200 durian trees it said were grown on illegal land.

It then proceeded to take down more than 1,000 trees, many of them of the prized Musang King variety, within days, despite farmers staging banners to protest, according to local media.

While authorities stated that the land fell under government control, farmers, represented by the Save Musang King Alliance, claimed that a court order in May last year blocked the government from demolishing the farms.

Azam also said that the recent land dispute seemed to be different from a previous case in the same province in 2021 which it had looked into.

"Some settlers claim they have been working the land since 1974. If that were true, the trees would be 40 to 50 years old, but we have also found trees only eight or nine years old, which clearly indicates recent encroachment," he said.
A series of explosions across Iran, especially the deadly blast at the strategic southern port of Shahid Rajaee, and the way the government has been reluctant to share relevant information, have raised concerns about a possible cover-up by the authorities. The port, which is part of the vital infrastructure of Bandar Abbas located on the northern shore of the Strait of Hormuz at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, handles close to 80 per cent of the countrys imports and 85 per cent of its container traffic, and is a critical hub for Irans economy. Yet, the governments limited disclosures and moves to restrict media reporting have only fuelled public mistrust.

The explosion at Shahid Rajaee, which occurred on April 25, left at least 70 people dead and injured over 1,000, though some opposition sources claim the death toll exceeds 100. Just days later, a separate explosion at a munitions-related chemical factory in Isfahan added to the sense of unease. These incidents followed a cyberattack attempt on Irans communications infrastructure. Iranian officials have denied foreign involvement, but many observers are questioning whether negligence alone could account for the scale and frequency of these incidents, raising questions about possible sabotage.

Drone footage from the port of Bandar Abbas in Southern Iran, showing a massive crater as well as immense damage to the port following Saturdays chemical explosion and resulting fire, which was finally brought under control and extinguished early Monday. pic.twitter.com/V4wg1yLtd5  OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 28, 2025 

Just few hours after the explosion in Bander Abbas, there was another explosion in the not so distant Shahid Rajaee Port in Iran.

There is no confirmation that the explosions are linked, but the coincidence is suspicious.

In the videos, you can see how starts with orange pic.twitter.com/8nsAO1rzpa  Voice From The East (@EasternVoices) April 26, 2025

At the moment, Iranian authorities say the Shahid Rajaee blast was caused by combustible cargo, which was stored without the mandatory digital customs coding. They were apparently mislabelled and improperly stored. Investigations have confirmed lapses in safety protocols, but no explanation has been given for how such hazardous materials remained undetected in a port storing hundreds of thousands of containers. The government has yet to name the company responsible for importing the chemicals, further fuelling speculation.

According to private intelligence firm Ambrey, the explosion was likely caused by improper handling of solid rocket fuel. They assert that sodium perchlorate, a key ingredient in ballistic missile propellant, was among the materials ignitedallegedly part of a recent shipment from China. A ship called the Golbon reportedly came from China carrying 1,000 tons of ammonium perchlorate earlier this year.

The Iranian government, however, has flatly denied the presence of military goods or rocket fuel at the port. Deputy Defence Minister Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik insisted that no military-related imports or exports were involved. Nevertheless, a senior Revolutionary Guard-linked figure confirmed to the New York Times the storage of sodium perchlorate, suggesting the material could have powered hundreds of Irans medium-range missiles.

There is also some criticism about the efforts to stifle media coverage. Courts have warned local news agencies about publishing "illegal news", and some journalists and activists now face prosecution. Iranian officials, meanwhile, dismissed concerns raised by opposition groups, such as the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which says that the government has not been forthcoming about the real death toll and the presence of missile fuel. NCRI leader Maryam Rajavi claimed the authorities have prioritised damage control over rescue and relief operations, and alleged an active cover-up by the IRGC and intelligence services.

The consequences of the blast are significant. With the port temporarily crippled, concerns are mounting over short-term food shortages and broader economic disruption.

While paying a visit to the port, President Masoud Pezeshkian blamed bureaucratic inefficiencies resulting in long cargo processing times. Nearly 1.3 lakh containers are said to be stored at the port at any given time because of the lack of infrastructure and bureaucratic red tape, adding to delays and chances of accidents. The incident has brought to light details regarding Irans infrastructure, governance and military secrecy.

Interestingly, although the government denies any foreign hand, some ongoing probes are examining that angle as well. Four parliamentary committees are examining the causes, including the possibility of foreign sabotage. Some local newspapers say Israel probably had a role to play in the blasts. Said an editorial in Tehran's Persian language daily newspaper Ham-Mihan, "It is improbable that the explosion's concurrence with the start of technical talks between Iran and America is coincidental", hinting that Israel was behind the blast. Adding to the suspicion is the fact that Israel launched a cyberattack in 2020 that hampered operations at the port. A parliament member, Mohammed Seraj, also accused Israel of orchestrating the blast. "Israel was involved in the Rajaee Port explosion. This was not an accident, he said.

Explosives were planted in containers, either at the country of origin or along the shipping route. We do not rule out internal elements helping plant the explosives. Clear evidence points to Israeli involvement. If those allegations turn out to be true, it could add to the existing Iran-Israel tensions and could even hurt the ongoing peace talks between Tehran and Washington.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Azerbaijan, a Shiite Muslim country, next week, according to his office. Interestingly, this visit comes just 10 days after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian paid an official visit to the country.

The timing of the visit, happening amid the US-Iran talks, has triggered speculations, especially since the Muslim country expressed interest in strengthening ties with Israel and willingness to join the 2020 Abraham Accords. While Baku's position with regard to the Jewish state has wide geo-political ramifications, it is also striving to mend ties with Iran, with whom it had

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev had recently extended a warm welcome to Pezeshkian though Baku is said to be taking a cautious realignment of Iranian-Azerbaijani relations in a highly competitive geopolitical landscape.

According to Netanyahu's office, the Prime Minister will be accompanied by his wife Sara and will meet with Aliyev and visit members of the local Jewish community the next day. He is scheduled to spend Shabbat in Baku. However, Netanyahu is expected to discuss Turkeys presence in Syria and the recent Israeli-Turkish dialogue hosted in Baku, which aims to play a mediator role in Israel's relations with other countries.

Though there is no mention of the US-Iran talks, it would likely feature in the visit considering Iran's bid to improve relations with Azerbaijan. The bilateral relations between the countries worsened after a 2023 attack on Azerbaijans Tehran embassy and Baku's increasing closeness with Tel Aviv. While Iran perceived Azerbaijan's stance as threat, Azerbaijan accused Iranian proxies of destabilisation efforts.

"Azerbaijan is a leading country in the Muslim world in all that concerns normalizing relations with Israel, even before the Abrahamic States," George Deek, Israeli ambassador to Azerbaijan, told JNS on Tuesday. "Azerbaijan can lead the expansion of the Abrahamic States Forum to non-Arab Muslim countries, and this is something we fully support," he stated.
Lawyer and human rights activist Amal Clooney, wife of actor George Clooney, may soon face a ban from entering the United States, according to reports.

Amal and several top British barristers were alerted by the UK authorities about the possible ban from the Donald Trump administration after they gave legal aid to the International Criminal Court in a war crimes case against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, according to The Financial Times.

In February, the US-sanctioned ICC prosecutor and British lawyer Karim Khan who became the first person to be hit with economic and travel sanctions authorised by the Trump administration against the ICC over investigations of U.S. citizens or U.S. allies. The sanctions include freezing of US assets of those designated and barring them and their families from visiting the country.

However, the US has a pact with the United Nations to brief the U.N. Security Council on cases it had referred to the court in The Hague.

If the US decides to sanction Clooney, a British citizen, she will face the same fate. Amal is married to George Clooney, a US citizen, and owns a home in New York City, where they recently relocated. They reportedly purchased a condo in midtown Manhattan for an estimated $14.75 million. They mainly live in France.

Beirut-born Amal had announced on the Clooney Foundation for Justice website that she was one of the legal experts who was tasked with the ICC to investigate whether Israel was committing war crimes in Gaza after the October 7 Hamas attack. "We unanimously concluded" that there were reasonable grounds to believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity including starvation as a method of warfare, murder, persecution, and extermination," she wrote.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a minority monk and former ISKCON priest in Bangladesh, has been granted bail after spending five months in custody. The Bangladesh High Court approved his bail on Wednesday, following his arrest on November 25 last year on sedition charges.

A division bench of Justices Ataur Rahman Khan and Ali Reza granted the bail after hearing arguments from all parties involved. The court has clarified that the interim government of Bangladesh had the right to appeal against the bail order.

As reported by the Bangladeshi media, the court had previously issued a ruling on February 4, questioning why the bail should not be granted. The hearing for this was initially scheduled for April 23, but the court later postponed it to April 30.

After the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government during a mass uprising last year, Das had actively protested against the rising persecution of Hindu minorities. A sedition case against him had been registered in Chattogram for allegedly dishonouring the Bangladesh national flag.

Multiple attempts to secure his release on bail had previously failed, with one hearing even disrupted due to alleged threats against his lawyer. Tensions escalated after his bail plea was rejected, triggering violent clashes in the Chattogram court premises, that reportedly resulted in one fatality.

During a visit to Kolkata, one of his counsels, Rabindranath Ghosh, has shared how he was humiliated. He was not allowed to represent his client in court. He also faced harassment and mistreatment from various individuals, and several other lawyers actively prevented him from taking up the case.

Das was first produced before the Chattogram court on November 27. When he was presented again on December 11, there was no lawyer to represent him. Despite being brought to court several more times after that, his bail applications were rejected on each occasion.

His arrest triggered widespread outrage among Bangladeshs Hindu minority and prompted solidarity protests across the border in West Bengal, underscoring the regional resonance of the incident.

In West Bengal, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari led a rally of BJP legislators to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata in protest. Adhikari asserted that Das demonstrations in Bangladesh echoed the ideals of the 1971 Liberation War. In December, the BJP also organised protests at the Petrapole Land Port, situated in the North 24 Parganas district.

Multiple other groups joined the movement. The minority cell of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee, the West Bengal Youth Congress, and the Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Manch held separate marches to the Deputy High Commission, all demanding Das immediate release.

ISKCON members also organised several peaceful protests featuring devotional singing (kirtans). The demonstration drew participation from ordinary devotees, including women and children, and included appeals to the Bangladeshi government to refrain from banning ISKCON in the country.
Pakistan, which is a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), has reportedly used its powers to amend the press statement of the panel condemning the deadly Pahalgam attack.

The claim was made by Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar while addressing the country's national assembly.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirms Islamabad's backing of TRF, a proxy for LeT, by revealing efforts to remove TRF's name from the UNSC statement condemning the Pahalgam terror attack were successful.#PahalgamTerroristAttack #PakistanArmy #TRF pic.twitter.com/YccvTRQRNg  Manish Shukla (@manishmedia) April 30, 2025

The UNSC press statement needs to be approved by all 15 nations, including the five permanent and 10 non-permanent members.

Dar said that he had objected to two things in the original statement. He claimed that only Pahalgam was mentioned initially. "I thought this was not acceptable. You have to write Jammu and Kashmir along with Pahalgam," he said.

The minister said The Resistance Front, which he referred to as The Resistance Forum, was blamed for the attack. He said the TRF was not a terror group but a "forum" formed by the locals.

However, Indian security agencies have revealed that the TRF is a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. However, the Pakistani minister claimed the TRF cannot be singled out in the UNSC statement without evidence.

"I received phone calls from big capitals to come to a consensus on the draft, but I told them nothing doing," Dar said.

Interestingly, the final statement condemned the attack in Jammu and Kashmir "in the strongest terms" but failed to mention "Pahalgam".

Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, the statement said, adding that such acts are "criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed."

UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and not to deteriorate the situation further.
Passaic, NJ  On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the first-ever Kenishta DeKehuluh (Kehillos Hakodesh for Matters of Technology) gathering united nearly 150 askanim from over 30 Chasidishe communities across New York, New Jersey, and Canada at the Grand Event halls in Passaic.

The historic event, aimed at safeguarding kedushah amidst modern technological challenges, featured collaboration, inspiring speeches by rabbanim, and presentations by kosher filter companies, fostering new committees and ongoing programs to strengthen community efforts.
Florida is poised to become the second state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, over the concerns of dentists and public health advocates who say the mineral is a safe, effective way to protect people of all ages from developing cavities.

Florida lawmakers gave final approval to the bill Tuesday after Utah became the first state to pass a ban last month. The Republican-led states are following a push led by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is setting the gears of government in motion to stop fluoridating water.

The Florida measure now goes to the desk of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose administration has advocated against the fluoridation of community water systems, arguing high levels could pose a risk to childrens intellectual development.

Fluoride strengthens teeth by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The addition of low levels of fluoride to drinking water is considered among the greatest public health achievements of the last century.

As dentists, we see the direct consequences fluoride removal has on our patients and its a real tragedy when policymakers decisions hurt vulnerable kids and adults in the long term, Brett Kessler, president of the American Dental Association, said in a statement earlier this month. Blindly calling for a ban on fluoridated water hurts people, costs money, and will ultimately harm our economy.

While Floridas bill doesnt specifically reference fluoride, it will require the mineral and some other additives be removed from water sources across the state, said bill sponsor Republican state Rep. Kaylee Tuck.

Anything that relates to water quality, removing contaminants, things like that, were not touching that, Tuck said. Its anything that has to do with health. So fluoride, vitamins, whatever else it is.

Some local officials in Florida have already voted to remove the mineral from their community water systems, ahead of state lawmakers push to ban fluoride.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said Tuesday she is deeply disappointed by the passage of the bill, adding that it disregards the overwhelming consensus of dentists, doctors and medical experts and will end a practice that has been in place for decades to protect our health.

Levine Cava said that ending fluoridation, which is a safe and cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay, will have long-lasting health consequences, especially for our most vulnerable families.

The mayor said the decision should be left to local communities.

About one-third of community water systems, serving more than 60% of the U.S. population, fluoridated their water, according to a 2022 analysis by the CDC.

(AP)
Pakistan said Wednesday it had credible intelligence that India is planning to attack it within days, as soldiers from both sides exchanged gunfire along their borders and Pakistanis headed home in compliance with New Delhis orders for them to leave the country following last weeks deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Indias moves to punish Pakistan after accusing it of backing the attack in Pahalgam, which Islamabad denies, have driven tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals to their highest point since 2019, when the two sides came close to war after a suicide car bombing in Kashmir.

Calls for de-escalation

Pakistan said Wednesday the intelligence shows that India plans to carry out military action against it in the next 24-36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident.

There was no immediate comment from Indian officials. However, Indian government officials said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given complete operational freedom to the armed forces to decide on the mode, targets and timing of Indias response to the Pahalgam massacre. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in separate phone calls with India and Pakistan, stressed the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences. The U.S. State Department also called for de-escalation and said that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be speaking to the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Pakistanis forced to flee

The deadline for Pakistani citizens to leave India, with exceptions for those with medical visas, passed on Sunday, but many families were still scrambling to the border crossing in Attari town in northern Punjab state.

Some arrived on their own, while others were being deported by police.

We have settled our families here. We request the government not to uproot our families, said Sara Khan, a Pakistani who was ordered back without her husband, Aurangzeb Khan, who holds an Indian passport. She carried her 14-day-old child in her arms and said she had been living in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 2017.

They (Indian authorities) told me you are illegal and you should go, said Khan, while waiting on the Indian side of the border crossing.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated after gunmen killed 26 people, most of them Indian tourists, near the resort town of Pahalgam in disputed Kashmir.

The massacre set off tit-for-tat diplomatic measures between the two nations that included the cancellation of visas and a recall of diplomats. New Delhi also suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty with Islamabad and ordered its border shut with Pakistan. In response, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines.

Cross-border exchanges of gunfire between Indian and Pakistani soldiers have also increased along the Line of Control, the de facto frontier that separates Kashmiri territory between the two rivals.

Fire along the frontier

On Wednesday, India and Pakistan accused each other of initiating gunfire along the frontier.

Pakistans state-run media said Indian forces violated the ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control by initiating fire with heavy weapons. According to Pakistan Television, Pakistani troops also returned fire after coming under attack overnight in the Mandal sector of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the Indian army said it responded to unprovoked small arms fire from Pakistan in the Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor sectors of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

The incidents could not be independently verified. In the past, each side has accused the other of starting border skirmishes in the Himalayan region.

The Pahalgam attack

The attack was claimed by a previously unknown militant group calling itself the Kashmir Resistance.

At least three tourists who survived told The Associated Press that the gunmen singled out Hindu men and shot them from close range. The dead included a Nepalese citizen and a local Muslim pony ride operator.

Aishanya Dwivedi, whose husband was killed, said a gunman approached the couple and challenged him to recite the Islamic declaration of faith. Her husband replied that he was Hindu, and the attacker shot him point blank in the head, she said.

He was on my lap. I was soaked in his blood, Dwivedi told AP over the phone from her home in the Indian city of Kanpur.

Kashmir is split between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety. New Delhi describes all militancy in Indian-controlled Kashmir as Pakistan-backed terrorism. Pakistan denies this, and many Muslim Kashmiris consider the militants to be part of a home-grown freedom struggle.

Meanwhile, Indias cabinet committee on security, headed by Modi, met on Wednesday. It was their second such meeting since the attack.

(AP)
For the first time ever, the biannual Viznitz Global Convention will take place in Eretz Yisrael, set against the stunning backdrop of the Northern Galilee. This milestone event will mark the first public appearance of the Viznitzer Rebbe shlita since undergoing a medical procedure in Los Angeles.

The three-day convention will bring together leading Rabbanim, Gedolim, and philanthropists from across the Jewish world. This years theme centers on the hilulah of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and serves as a meaningful preparation for Lag BaOmer.

The highlight of the convention will be a festive gathering on Erev Lag BaOmer, Wednesday evening, 17 Iyar. With every detail thoughtfully designed to reflect beauty and dignity, along with uplifting vocal arrangements, the evening is designed to elevate hearts and minds ahead of the journey to Rashbis tzion in Meron.

A deeply meaningful moment will be the presence of the Viznitzer Rebbe shlita, who will inspire participants with his heartfelt words and presencehis first time addressing the public since the procedure.

This special Wednesday night event will be open to Torah supporters from around the world, offering a rare opportunity to join Am Yisraels most esteemed leaders in a once-in-a-lifetime experience of unity, inspiration, and preparation.
The U.S. Supreme Court said Wednesday that federal employees who also are in the military reserve must be paid the equivalent of their civilian salaries when called to active duty during national emergencies.

The 5-4 decision could affect hundreds of thousands of people, insuring that they dont suffer financially when they temporarily leave one form of government service for another.

The justices ruled in an appeal filed by an air traffic controller who spent about five years on active duty in the Coast Guard at a pay rate lower than what he earns as a Federal Aviation Administration employee.

Congress first adopted a differential pay statute in 2009, but the Justice Department argued that it only applied to people whose service had a strong connection to a national emergency.

The majority disagreed, finding that any reservist who is called to active duty during a national emergency bolsters the countrys defenses and their salary should match what they would have made in their federal civilian jobs. Gorsuch was joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, as well as Chief Justice John Roberts.

In a dissent, Justice Clarence Thomas pointed out that the country has been under one national emergency or another for decades and the majoritys finding will create wider access to differential pay than Congress intended. Thomas wrote that he would have instead sent the case back to a lower court. He was joined by Justices Samuel Alito, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

(AP)
One of the hallmarks of liberal thinking is the denial of evil. However, in the wake of the October 7 massacre, many liberal Israelis finally did acknowledge the evil nature of their Gazan neighbors. Others held on to their liberal dogma or reverted to it as the months passed. Last week, 18 months after the massacre, an Israeli mayor publicly compared the IDFs actions in Gaza to Nazi atrocities. Other leftists attend protests against the war, carrying photos of Gazan children killed during the conflict, placing the blame for their deaths on Israel instead of Hamas.

Avida Bachar of Kibbutz Beeri, who lost his wife, his 15-year-old son, and one of his legs on October 7, is a betrayed leftist who experienced a permanent turnabout in his views, even saying that it was fortunate the massacre occurred in the Gaza border area rather than in Yehudah and Shomron because of the lessons he learned from it, saying that if it had happened in the Shomron, he would have blamed the Jews who lived there instead of the Arabs.

His fellow kibbutznik, Sigal, the almanah of Arie Kraunik, Hyd, the head of Kibbutz Beeris security squad who was killed in the massacre after single-handedly killing eight Hamas terrorists, was invited to speak at the Hartman high schools for girls in Jerusalem, one of the institutions associated with the liberal Hartman Institute in Jerusalem.

During Sigals speech on Monday, she quoted Bachar about feeling fortunate that she finally understood the true nature of Israels Arab neighbors. However, the principal of the school was not pleased by her words and sent a student to silence her.

Following the speech, Sigal wrote a post about her experience on social media: When there were about 400 students in the hall, I began my speech that Ive already delivered about 250 times. In the middle, the student who invited me approached me and signaled me to stop for a moment and whispered something in my ear: The principal says that this isnt the schools message, and if its possible, skip ahead and go directly to your personal story.'

I said to her: This is the speech, this is my truth, and if it doesnt suit the principal, I can leave and go home. I hadnt even finished the sentence when suddenly there was thunderous applause in the hall. The students were applauding loudly.

Thats how a victory of the spirit is born! she asserted. Education should allow students the power of choice. A democracy holds space for every opinion and free choice. I continued my speech only for those pure faces and hands that expressed what their hearts wanted, she concluded.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
As Israel prepares to celebrate its 77th Independence Day, new data from the Central Bureau of Statistics reveals a historic milestone: the countrys population has officially surpassed 10 million.

According to the bureau, Israels population grew by approximately 135,000 over the past year, bringing the total to an estimated 10,094,000 residents.

The figures include 7.7 million individuals classified as Jewish or other  a category encompassing non-Arab Christians and people without a listed ethnicity. In previous years, Jews and others were tallied separately, but the latest report combines them into a single figure.

The Arab population stands at about 2.1 million, accounting for 20.9 percent of the total population.

Additionally, the overall number includes roughly 248,000 foreign residents currently living in Israel.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Former Hamas hostage Arbel Yehoud shared her harrowing story after spending nearly 500 days in Palestinian Islamic Jihad captivity.

Speaking from the ruins of her once vibrant home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Yehoud, 29, described living under constant threat, knowing that if the IDF ever attempted a rescue, her captors would execute her on the spot. I was sitting next to them, loaded guns pointed at me, knowing they would shoot me in the head the second the army arrived, Yehoud told Channel 13 in an emotional interview aired Monday night.

Yehouds darkest moment came on February 12, 2024, when Israeli forces daringly rescued fellow captives Louis Har and Fernando Marman from Rafah. She vividly recalled the terrifying sounds of warplanes, flares lighting up the tent camp, and gunfire echoing all around. One of her captors, she said, stood ready with a weapon trained on the flimsy tent she was being held in. The fear was paralyzing, she said. You dont know if youll be breathing the next minute.

The agony was compounded by bitter reflection. Where was all this on October 7? Yehoud asked. Youre fighting now to attack, but you didnt fight to defend us that day.

On that bloody morning, about one-fourth of Nir Ozs 400 residents were either kidnapped or murdered in the Hamas-led massacre, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 dragged into Gaza.

For Yehoud, captivity was a slow, agonizing march through despair. Isolated by Palestinian Islamic Jihad families, barefoot through blistering heat and freezing cold, she battled filth, hunger, and emotional devastation. Mice infested the tent she was imprisoned in; early on, one even bit her finger. Later, she was forced to kill them herself just to keep some semblance of sanity.

The first crushing wave of grief hit when she overheard Arab radio reports about the Nir Oz massacre. It was then she realized her brother, Dolev, had been killed  even as she continued imaginary conversations with him to keep herself anchored. I had to disconnect from grieving, she admitted, to survive.

At her lowest point, she scrawled the word help in Hebrew and English on her hand, raising it toward the sky  wishing, even welcoming, a rocket strike to end her torment.

Yehoud taught herself Arabic to communicate with her captors, and in her darkest hours, she held onto a shred of hope: waiting for a sign that the nightmare would end. It finally came in January 2025, during a ceasefire deal that secured her release  but only after she was paraded in propaganda videos, forced to hand out sweets to Gazan children to polish her captors public image.

Walking through throngs of Gazans on the day of her release, clutching the hand of the largest terrorist she could find for protection, Yehoud said every step felt like an eternity.

When a Red Cross worker finally grabbed her from the crowd and shoved her into a van, Yehoud said she didnt breathe a sigh of relief  she screamed.

Now living in temporary housing in Kiryat Gat, Yehoud returned to her ruined home in Nir Oz for her interview, determined to send a message to her still-captive partner, Ariel Cunio.

Im here. In our home. Waiting. And Im not going anywhere until he comes back, she said, her voice resolute.

As of today, 24 hostages are still believed to be alive in Gaza, including Ariel and his brother David Cunio. The remains of 35 more, including soldiers killed in past conflicts, are also thought to still be held by Hamas and its allies.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The Beersheva District Court on Tuesday sentenced Moti Maman, a 73-year-old Ashdod resident, to 10 years in prison for collaborating with Iranian intelligence and discussing plans to assassinate Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli leaders.

Maman, convicted in December of contact with a foreign agent and unauthorized entry into an enemy state, traveled twice into Iran, where he met with Iranian security officials and plotted attacks targeting Netanyahu, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, and then-defense minister Yoav Gallant.

Judge Benny Sagi, president of the court, said the sentence was intended to send a warning. The punishment must reflect a significant element of deterrence and convey a clear and distinct message regarding the severe price of maintaining illicit and unlawful ties with Israels enemies, Sagi wrote in the verdict.

The court emphasized the context: Mamans offenses were committed amid an ongoing war against Hamas, a terror group backed by Iran, and at a time when Israel was under assault on multiple fronts  from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.

Despite expressing regret and admitting to the charges, Mamans persistence in meeting Iranian officials for a second time, knowing the nature of the discussions, showed a willing and dangerous commitment to the relationship, the court said.

Prosecutors had sought a 12-year sentence, while Mamans defense attorney, Eyal Besserglick, blasted the 10-year term as completely disproportionate and vowed to appeal. Besserglick argued that other Israelis awaiting trial for Iranian-linked espionage had engaged in even more serious acts, making Mamans punishment unjustly severe.

Mamans arrest last August, only disclosed a month later, marked one of the first visible cracks in an alarming wave of Iranian recruitment efforts targeting ordinary Israelis.

According to investigators, Maman  a businessman with long-standing ties in Turkey  was lured into Iran under the pretense of business opportunities. In May 2024, he was smuggled across the Turkish-Iranian border inside a truck and introduced to Iranian operatives who quickly pivoted discussions toward espionage and assassination.

The Shin Bet revealed that Iranian agents proposed various missions: planting weapons and cash at designated locations in Israel, photographing crowded public areas, intimidating Israeli operatives working for Iran, and even plotting to murder Israeli leaders as revenge for the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Maman was also asked to help locate Russians or Americans willing to assassinate Iranian dissidents abroad and to attempt recruiting a Mossad double agent. Maman reportedly demanded a $1 million advance, but ultimately received just 5,000 euros before returning to Israel, where he was promptly arrested.

The case is part of a broader, disturbing pattern. In just the past year, dozens of Israelis have been arrested  including IDF reservists and civilians  for alleged spying, intelligence gathering, and planning attacks under Iranian direction.

Israeli authorities have issued repeated warnings to citizens about the dangers of contact with foreign agents, promising aggressive prosecution against anyone who conspires with enemy states.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Israeli officials are expressing growing unease over the increasing likelihood that nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran will succeed, according to a report by Israels Kan public broadcaster. The shift in assessment follows the third round of talks held in Oman over the weekend, which have raised fears in Jerusalem that a new nuclear deal may not sufficiently curb Irans nuclear ambitions.

Previously skeptical that the talks would yield any agreement, Israeli authorities now believe the negotiations are more likely to produce a deal than to fail. This development is viewed with alarm, as officials fear the emerging agreement may compromise Israels security by allowing Iran to retain significant nuclear capabilities.

The US-Iran nuclear talks, relaunched in April, seek to address Irans nuclear program and prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. Mediated by Oman, the indirect discussions involve U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The first round occurred in Muscat on April 12, followed by Rome on April 19, and Oman again on April 26. A fourth round is scheduled for May 3, 2025, indicating sustained diplomatic engagement.

The negotiations come in the wake of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which collapsed after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 under President Donald Trump. Since then, Iran has enriched uranium to 60% puritynearing weapons-grade levelsand restricted International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections, prompting concerns about its nuclear intentions. While Tehran claims its program is civilian, Israel and Western nations suspect Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons.

Unlike earlier demands for the complete dismantlement of Irans nuclear infrastructure, the U.S. has adopted a more flexible stance, focusing on limiting uranium enrichment. This shift has heightened Israeli concerns, as officials advocate for a Libya-style deal requiring the total destruction of Irans nuclear facilities under U.S. oversight.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently warned that a nuclear-armed Iran poses an existential threat, a position he reiterated during his meeting with President Trump earlier this month. Netanyahu has argued that a bad deal is worse than no deal, insisting that any agreement must eliminate Irans nuclear capabilities entirely.

The Kan report highlights Israels apprehension that the talks likely success could result in a deal that falls short of these demands. Israeli officials are particularly troubled by indications that the U.S. is not pressing for the dismantlement of Irans nuclear infrastructure. A senior Trump administration official described progress in the latest round but noted that much work remains, fueling fears in Jerusalem that the agreement may allow Iran to maintain breakout capacity.

Regional dynamics add to Israels concerns. While Irans proxies, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, have been weakened by Israeli operations since October 2023, and the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 has isolated Tehran, these factors may push Iran toward a deal that preserves its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Israeli officials worry that such an outcome would embolden Iran in the long term.

Israels unease is compounded by several factors. First, reports suggest that U.S. envoy Witkoffs proposals in Oman did not include military threats or demands for a Libya-style deal, raising fears that the agreement will lack enforceable mechanisms to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear program post-Trump presidency. Second, Irans ongoing fortification of nuclear sites, including deeply buried complexes at Natanz detected in March 2025 satellite imagery, suggests Tehran is preparing to withstand potential U.S. or Israeli strikes.

Internal divisions within the Trump administration further complicate the situation. While some officials, such as National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, support a tougher stance, others favor a compromise to avoid military escalation. This lack of cohesion has frustrated Israeli leaders, who fear a deal that prioritizes short-term stability over long-term security.

Amid diplomatic efforts, Israel is actively preparing for alternative scenarios. In April, Israel reportedly proposed a joint U.S.-Israel strike on Irans nuclear facilities for May, but Trump opted for diplomacy. Israeli officials are now exploring a limited strike requiring minimal U.S. support, though such action risks straining bilateral ties and provoking Iranian retaliation.

A senior Iranian official warned that any attack would trigger a harsh and unwavering response, noting that Iran is rebuilding its air defenses with Russian assistance following Israeli strikes in October 2024.

The potential success of the talks carries significant implications for the Middle East. A deal could temporarily de-escalate tensions and provide Iran with sanctions relief, but Israeli officials warn that a weak agreement could enable Iran to resume its nuclear ambitions, threatening regional stability. The international community, including Germany, France, Britain, and the European Union, has endorsed diplomacy, with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi set to visit Iran on May 6-8, 2025, for further discussions.

However, Israel remains steadfast in its position that only the complete elimination of Irans nuclear program can ensure its security. The government is closely monitoring the talks, maintaining regular communication with Washington to advocate for a deal that aligns with its red lines.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The IDF carried out a strike on Syrian terrorists who were planning to attack a Druze community in in the town of As-Suwayda in the Damascus area, a joint statement from Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the IDF strike was a warning operation and intended to convey a message to Syrias leaders to protect the Druze population.

Israel will not allow the Druze sector in Syria to be harmed out of a deep sense of responsibility to our Druze brethren in Israel who are connected to their Druze brothers in Syria through familial and historical ties, the statement said.

Druze residents in Syria came under attack on Tuesday, reportedly due to the publication of a recording of a Druze man insulting the Prophet Mohammad. Sunni Syrians attacked Druze Syrians, leading to clashes that left 14 people dead.

Druze sheikhs condemned the recording and the Syrian Interior Ministry announced that an investigation has been opened to uncover the person behind the publication. A local source told Ynet on Tuesday that the atmosphere is tense.

The Syrian Interior Ministry published a statement: We affirm our commitment to bring those involved to justice. Investigations are continuing to reveal the identity of the person behind the recording. We will not be lenient with those who contributed to incitement and chaos.

The Druze population in Israel held protests on Wednesday morning, demanding that the IDF and the government protect the Druze in Syria.

Protesters blocked roads and burned tires, creating huge traffic jams that blocked passage to the military cemeteries in the area, where Israelis had gathered for Yom HaZikaron ceremonies.

Ynet reported that police in the district were instructed to leave the cemeteries and kevarim of their fallen friends and acquaintances, and deploy to the junctions to prevent road closures and allow passage for bereaved families and visitors who were driving to cemeteries in the area.

Israel Police will allow freedom of expression and protest within the limits of the law, but as in any protest, it will not allow events that involve harming public safety or that may lead to a breach of public order, the police said.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Clashes broke out after the onset of Yom HaZikaron in Israel on Tuesday evening at the entrance to a Reform synagogue in Raanana, where a screening of a Palestinian-Israeli Yom HaZikaron ceremony in Yaffo was being held.

The majority of Israelis, especially after the October 7 massacre, view such a ceremony, in which Palestinian victims of the Israeli occupation are mourned along with Jewish victims of Palestinian terrorism, as a terrible affront.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the synagogue and demanded that the municipality cancel the screening. Some protesters managed to enter the building as the crowd chanted We wont allow terror supporters to enter Raanana, and There are no innocent people in Gaza, and Death to terrorists! and Am Yisrael Chai.

Some of the protesters threw stones, eggs, and firecrackers and clashed with the police. Three suspects were arrested.

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The police said that clashes broke out between protesters and those present. Police officers who were at the scene intervened between the sides and arrested three suspects for assault, including the assault of four police officers who were lightly injured and treated at the scene. The suspects were transferred for questioning at the police station, and the continuation of their detention will be examined according to the findings.

Prior to the ceremony, an ad was published calling for protesters to gather at the site: We will not let supporters of terror enter Raanana, the announcement stated. Tonight, for the first time in the citys history, the extreme organization Standing Together plans to hold a joint Zikaron event for Nukhba terrorists alongside fallen IDF soldiers as if they were equal. We will not allow them to defile the city.

Following the incident, the chairwoman of the Likud branch in the city, Racheli Ben Ari Sakat, published a post on social media in which she expressed support for the protesters and even issued a direct threat against the left in the city.

Thousands arrived at a protest in Raanana against enemies of Israel who held a memorial ceremony for Nukhba terrorists who defiled our children and brothers, wrote Ben Ari Skat. They burned, murdered, raped, and tore children away from their parents and murdered them in front of their eyes. They abducted, tortured, murdered and raped.

We will remember and we wont forget.

To the left in Raanana, I announce  this is just the opening shot, dont test us. We in the right also know how to do this and maybe even better than you. The small difference between us is that were fighting for the kedushah of the lives of Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael, and Toras Yisraeland not for the kedushah of Nukhba terrorists.

Today, you have been exposed in your nakedness, and you brought it upon yourselves. So, everyone who came from outside Raanana, stay away from here, dont defile our wonderful city. And those who are in Raanana, you have been warned.

We will not be silent anymore, we will go out in hordes. Am Yisrael Chai.

Bereaved mother Merav Hajaj, whose daughter was murdered by a Palestinian terrorist in 2017, wrote: You can hold a Palestinian-Israeli ceremony in Ramallah or Gaza  not in Raanana. In my name and the name of hundreds of bereaved families, thank you to the residents of Raanana and Am Yisrael.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Wildfires are raging on Wednesday evening in the Jerusalem Hills and Beit Shemesh areas and are continuing to spread due to the powerful winds.

After dozens of yishuvim were evacuated earlier on Wednesday, three yishuvim in the Jerusalem area received orders to evacuate in the evening: Shoresh, Neve Ilan, and Yad Shmonah.

A new fire broke out in Elad, and additional fires spread to northern and southern Israel, some of which are thought to be the result of arson.

Fire chief Eyal Caspi said that the fires are expected to continue for at least another day.

The Jerusalem District Firefighting Commander, Shmulik Friedman, issued a statement from the command post set up near Beit Shemesh, and said that we are dealing perhaps with the largest fire that has occurred in the country. We have no idea what caused it; were not dealing with that now. I can say that during the fire, we had several arson incidents in additional locations. The fire changed direction in the last hour and ran east. It is a little calmer but is expected to intensify in the near future with winds of 90-100 km/h.

He added that maybe tomorrow we will be able to gain control. The Shin Bet is involved in the investigation of the arson attempts.

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz declared the fire a national emergency and asked IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to deploy IDF forces to help fight the fire and save lives.

Following a situational assessment, Israel issued an urgent request for international assistance in extinguishing the fires to five countries: Cyprus, Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Italy. The Israel Airports Authority is preparing to receive foreign firefighting planes.

Greece and Cyprus are sending at least 10 supertanker planes, reports said. Italy and Belgium have also promised to send aid. The Palestinian Authority offered to send a team of firefighters to assist the efforts. Israel has not yet responded to the offer.

At about 5 p.m., police began to evacuate the residents of Beit Meir, north of Beit Shemesh. Shortly after 3 p.m., the police evacuated the yishuvim of Mevo Choron, near Modiin and Mishmar Ayalon after previously evacuating five yishuvim near Beit Shemesh in the morning. A huge fire also broke out next to the central city of Elad. The police evacuated 1,300 yeshivah bochurim from two yeshivos in the city, and as of 4 p.m., were evacuating residents of homes in the eastern part of the city.

Earlier on Wednesday afternoon, a fire raged on Highway 1, and the Fire and Rescue Services stated that there is real danger to the public as drivers fled their burning cars after wildfires broke out on Wednesday morning in the Eshtaol forest near Beit Shemesh amid dry and hot weather conditions and powerful winds.

As the fire progressed, drivers on Highway 1, connecting Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, were forced to flee their cars. About 10 people had to be rescued after they were trapped in their cars due to the smoke. According to reports, four cars caught on fire but bchasdei Hashem, the occupants of the cars managed to escape.

Rescue forces rescued people who were trapped in their cars and shortly before 3 p.m., efforts began to remove the median barriers on Highway 1 to allow cars to escape.

Twelve people were injured from smoke inhalation.

Currently, IDF forces from the 669 Rescue Unit are carrying out searches to confirm if anyone is still trapped in their cars.

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Shortly after noon, a fire broke out in an open area next to Rechov Pinchas Ben-Yair in the Nahar Yarden neighborhood of Ramat Beit Shemesh Beis, burning dangerously close to the homes on the outskirts of the city. Firefighters are currently battling the flames and making efforts to prevent the fire from reaching homes.

The residents of the homes closest to the fire were evacuated due to concerns of smoke inhalation.

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The fire in Beit Shemesh:

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The Fire and Rescue Services issued a Red Torch command  the highest level of alert in the fire department  and a nationwide mobilization of firefighters. A fire command center was established in the Latrun area.

Approximately 120 firefighting teams are working to prevent the spread of the fires, in addition to 10 firefighting planes and four helicopters, with the help of ATVs and firefighting forces from across the country. Strong winds are blowing in the area, contributing to the rapid spread of the fire, and firefighters are working to contain and prevent its spread towards wooded and populated areas.

A command center has been established in Ikea Eshtaol and in the Latrun area to manage the complex firefighting efforts. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman are at the command center and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is on the way.

I asked the IDF to send helicopters, people need to be rescued, said Ben Gvir, who also spoke with Defense Minister Yisrael Katz about assistance from the IDF. He added that he ordered fire trucks to deploy to the area from the north, as well as motorcycles from special units to rescue those who are trapped. The Air Force is also assisting in extinguishing the fires and Unit 669 teams are on close alert. IDF fire trucks have been deployed, and various aircraft are expected to participate in the monitoring and firefighting efforts.

Earlier on Wednesday, the yishuvim of Neve Shalom, Bekoa, Taoz, Nachshon, and Mesilat Tzion were evacuated of their residents. The planned Yom HaZikaron ceremony at the Latrun memorial was canceled and the area was evacuated. The police closed Highway 3 to traffic along with part of Highway 1, which connects Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The Yom Haatzmaut torch lighting ceremony scheduled for Wednesday evening at Har Herzl in Jerusalem was canceled due to the fire and strong winds.

The fire next to Highway 1:

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The fire comes only a week after a similar fire broke out in similar heatwave conditions, leading to the evacuation of residents and road closures. The fire, which burned about 10,000 dunams (2,470 acres) of land, is believed to have been caused by arson.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
As fires continue to rage in Israel, Israel Police and the Shin Bet continue to find and arrest arson suspects.

Several arson suspects were arrested in east Jerusalem and security teams in two other areas arrested suspects in two additional attacks, one in Rosh HaAyin and another in Beit Keshet, a kibbutz in northern Israel.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Police Chief Danny Levy deployed 14,000 police forces across the country in efforts to stop arson attempts.

Ben Gvir said that arsonists should be treated as arch-terrorists in every sense of the word who tried to murder thousands of citizens, and should be punished accordingly to the fullest extent of the law.

Former Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman said: In the past, we have seen waves of arson with nationalistic motives, encouraged by terrorist elements. Today, too, we see calls for incitement by Palestinian terrorists on the networks to continue setting fires and harming the country. I call on the government of Israel to seriously examine who is behind the fires and deal with it decisively. We must not turn a blind eye to this type of terror.

Its a terror attack on Israel, Eli Beer, president of United Hatzalah, told The Media Line, adding that fires were started in 20 separate locations. A security source also confirmed to The Media Line that a terrorist act was likely behind the fires, adding that several people had been arrested.

Security officials in Israel have a map of the locations of the fires, almost all of which are on the Israeli side of the Green Line, not in the area populated by Palestinians.

The police continue to fight not only the flames, but also the wave of incitement that accompanies the fires. Police sources told Channel 14 that 18 suspects have been identified for inciting arson terrorism, and arrests are expected to be made in the coming hours.

A team against incitement on social networks established by Minister Ben Gvir worked around the clock today to reach all supporters of arson, the police sources said. The police team located some of the inciters, and in the coming hours, the police will lay their hands on them. Its not over  anyone who was part of the incitement will be brought to justice.

The head of local councils in Yehudah and Shomron, along with right-wing politicians, have called to put a lockdown on Palestinian cities and towns to prevent arson attempts. Likud MK Dan Illouz called for an immediate closure of Yehudah and Shomron and an iron-fisted response to the fires.

We dont wait for an attackwe thwart it, he wrote. We have learned the lesson from both old and new history.

Shas chairman Aryeh suggested eliminating any Palestinians who light fires via airstrikes.

According to an initial assessment made by the JNF-KKL, from the morning hours until this hour, approximately 11,700 dunams have been burned, including Eshtaol Forest, almost all of Canada Park, Anava, Kedoshim, the Burma Road area, and Shoresh Forest.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
My 85-year-old father and I decided to make new wills with Jones Whyte in 2022.

The woman handling our case insisted we should have a family protection trust fund for his home, suggesting that it was a must in case he went into a nursing home  which has never been the intention.

We agreed under stress and paid 2,566, not understanding the full implications and the fact the house which my dad wants me to inherit was signed over to the trustees  Jones Whyte  irrevocably.

When we asked for the trust to be dissolved, Jones Whyte came back to say this would cost at least 3,000 plus VAT. We dont think this is fair.

Please help.

R.M., Glasgow.

Pointless: A reader's father was sold a family protection trust fund for his home, despite the fact the house was signed over to the trustees  Jones Whyte  irrevocably

Sally Hamilton replies: You say you went to write wills  which you did  but were also sold something extra that was unconnected.

You and your father were clearly convinced that the family house could be protected from being sold to meet care bills. This landed him with a 2,566 bill and a product you didnt need or want.

The property protection trust you ended up with is not to be confused with a trust within a will, which is often used by married couples and those in civil partnerships. With the latter, after the first partner dies, the will trust can shield the value of the deceaseds share of a property if the one left behind needs means-tested care. A will trust also only comes into play on death whereas a property protection trust is activated as soon as it is set up.

A trust is a legal structure where trustees  in your case, solicitors  are appointed to control the contents for the benefit of the person it is set up for.

This means a property cannot be sold without the trustees consent, for example.

There is a chance that the authorities will overlook a property held in a family protection trust when assessing liability for care bills.

But it should have been made clearer to you that there is also a high risk that they will not.

Many local authorities do not take kindly to trusts if they believe they were arranged to hide assets  known in legal parlance as the deliberate deprivation of assets.

Such trusts are tempting because the law says people must pay all their own care home costs if they have assets of 23,250 or more in England and Northern Ireland, 35,000 in Scotland or 50,000 in Wales.

Emily Deane, technical counsel at the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, told me: Using a trust to prevent paying care home fees is not a risk worth taking.

If a local authority decides that you have deliberately reduced your assets to avoid paying for care home fees, they may still include the value of the property you no longer have when they do the financial assessment.

Such trusts are often used to potentially reduce inheritance tax (IHT) bills if the value of someones estate on death is otherwise likely to exceed the threshold.

Currently, it is possible to bequeath up to 325,000 without incurring IHT  and if passing a house down to a child or grandchild on death, there is an extra allowance of 175,000.

Scam Watch Shoppers should beware a scam Facebook post impersonating retailer Boots, consumer website Which? warns. Fraudsters write that Boots is offering mystery boxes with leftover cosmetics for 3  in return for answering a three-question survey. The tricksters direct you to a link to complete the questionnaire but this will aim to steal your personal and financial details, Which? says. The posts could come from a hacked account. Do not click on the link. Instead, press the three dots in the right corner of the post and click report.

This means your dads estate would have to exceed 500,000 before any tax was due. At the time his trust was implemented, he was 82 and his home was worth 230,000.

You believe it has barely changed in value in the three years since. Your dad could simply leave the house in his will with no IHT due.

You asked Jones Whyte to unwind the trust. But you were shocked to be told this would cost 3,000 plus VAT and a fee for reviewing the trust.

I felt you had a good case so asked Jones Whyte to put you back in the position you were in before setting up the trust without stumping up any more cash. You wanted me to negotiate with them on your behalf, but Jones Whyte declined.

As you were nervous, a friend accompanied you to a meeting and took notes. Discussions went well and the firm agreed to wind up the trust  at no charge.

Your fathers house is now back in his own name and you are planning to make some modifications to the property to make his life easier. You were grateful for my intervention.

A spokesman for Jones Whyte says: While we cannot comment on the specific details of any particular client matter, we are pleased to have been able to resolve [this clients] concerns to their satisfaction, both constructively and respectfully at all times.

BA won't help with our insurance claim

We booked British Airways flights to Washington DC last June costing 4,574. At the beginning of that month my husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

He notified the insurance company, Staysure  but more than nine months later we are still waiting to be paid.

The sticking point is BA, which needs to provide a document proving we didnt fly on the date booked or at a later date.

My husband has filled in form after form but gets nowhere. Please help.

K.G., Sandhurst.

Sally Hamilton replies: I was sad to read that your holiday plans to visit your three grandchildren had been thrown up in the air due to your husbands shock diagnosis. I was sadder still to learn of the extreme headwinds hes faced getting his money back.

Travel insurers need to receive official cancellation documents to process a claim  for audit, record-keeping and fraud prevention.

The only money sent so far was 463 in refunded air passenger duty. Airlines by law must reimburse this cost if passengers dont fly.

Your husband contacted BA on its chat service and by phone almost weekly once he had recovered from his cancer operation, but to no avail. He even drove to Heathrow to try to find a BA employee who could help.

I was horrified by the lengths he had been forced to go to in his condition, so I stepped in on your behalf, first asking BA to get its act together.

I am pleased to say BA issued the missing document the same day and apologised for your experience.

Staysure escalated the case to its underwriters who agreed to settle immediately due to the exceptional circumstances.

Within two days you had received 3,931 in your account  your booking cost minus the refunded airport taxes and the insurance excess of 180.

Your husband told me there were no words to express his relief and thanked me for my intervention. I wish you both the very best.

Straight to the point I switched my energy supplier from E.ON in October and sent the utility firm a final payment of 125.10. But it later sent me a bill for 235 for October, despite having switched provider by then. It offered me a 156 discount for the bill but I dont think I should owe anything. B.M., Suffolk. E.ON apologises and says your new energy supplier took an incorrect meter reading. You have been offered 150 as a goodwill gesture. *** Late last year the recliner mechanism in my SCS sofa broke. I paid an SCS technician 75 to repair it but it broke again two days later. The technician has visited again but could not fix it. The supplier of the recliner parts is now no longer in business so SCS offered me a 50 per cent refund of what I paid for the sofa. That was in March  Ive heard nothing since. E.B., via email. SCS apologises and has now refunded you. It says it sent you a response but this never reached you. *** In November I ordered an iPhone 16 on a 24-month contract, paying 29 upfront and 37.99 each month. When it arrived the box looked like it had been tampered with and was empty except for the charging cable. My provider wont cancel the contract and says the parcel had the phone inside when it left the warehouse. C.F., Fife. Your provider has now sent you a replacement phone and refunded the money you have already paid towards the bill. *** My son bought me a 75 voucher as a Christmas present. When I came to spend it I was told the card had already been validated. Its customer service has reloaded the card  but only with 26. E.A., Hampshire. The remaining 49 has now been credited to the voucher.
The Government claims it is cutting red tape to create the biggest building boom in a generation.

But Im forking out 20,000 in fees just to do a bog-standard home renovation  before the work has started!

Ive paid thousands for expert advice to get planning permission, for a householder application, a planning portal processing fee, building regulation plans, noise-impact assessments... the list goes on.

Whats more, many of these fees leapt up on April 1  one by more than 100 per cent.

It all started last spring when my family moved into what we hope will be our forever home. Its a pretty 1930s four-bed detached house on a non-through road on the outskirts of London.

But theres black mould in most rooms and the fixtures and fittings are best described as old, broken or weird.

Planning purgatory: Laura Whitcombe outside her family home, which needs updating

A kitchen extension, garage conversion and a new ensuite bedroom are all on the to-do list.

But were not embarking on a Grand Design. Theres not even a loft extension. So Ive been taken aback by how expensive planning permission is.

And its not just because I live in the capital. Most of the costs are fixed nationally or set at similar levels across the country.

While homeowners and buyers are aware that the cost of building work has soared since the pandemic, they often dont realise how expensive planning permission and everything it requires can be, says Victoria Killick, who runs the Surrey estate agent FarleyWood.

She warns: Its crucial to be aware of these costs to avoid spending more on a project than the value the improvement work would add to the property.

In my case, the value added by doing the work will more than offset the build cost and eye-watering bills for all planning-related matters.

Heres what Ive paid  and the hidden fees you need to be aware of before you start on a building project:

Design services

First, I needed a measurement survey of the house and plot and a design for the extension and remodel.

This included input from a planning consultant to check the design against the local authoritys preferences.

Services and costs vary greatly. One architect would only take me on if they did the design and project-managed the build, taking a percentage of the total construction cost  a fee of tens of thousands of pounds.

Instead, I went with a company charging 3,468, including VAT.

Application fees

The architect had to submit the plan  the householder application  to the local authority via an online planning portal.

This cost 258 (no VAT, but the price rose to 528 from April 1) and a processing fee of 70 (which has increased to 85 since April 1).

The portal used to be run by the tech firm TerraQuest Solutions and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). Now a private company, its profits rose 20 per cent to 1.2 million in 2023.

The fees look set to rise by 10 per cent each year. But what is the extra money going on?

Theres certainly been no improvement in quality or speed of the process for homeowners, says Ellen Cullen, a planning consultant at Fluent Architectural Design Services in Surrey.

Indeed, there are said to be planning staff shortages across councils, and my application took 11 weeks  three weeks longer than the council said it would be.

Rules: Plans must be approved by a building control body to ensure builds meet safety and energy standards

Structural report

Its wise to wait until planning permission is granted before commissioning the calculations to avoid having to pay for any amendments.

However, with a typical lead time of five weeks to have the calculations drawn up, and the estimated eight-week wait for my planning decision, I decided to have them done as soon as I submitted my plans.

Happily, we were granted permission with no changes needed.

The structural calculations cost 3,600, including VAT, and were done by an engineering firm, which also carried out plans to make sure the project passes building regulations at a cost of 3,096.

Building control

These plans must be approved by a building control body to ensure builds meet safety and energy standards. Certificates of compliance are required when homes are sold.

There are two types of building control bodies  local authorities or building control approvers, which are private firms.

Ive been told to expect a bill of 1,500 (including VAT) if I go the local authority route, plus a service processing fee of 150 plus VAT. This can take up to eight weeks.

Going privately can secure an approval in five working days, and Ive had quotes for between 1,800 and 2,000 (including VAT).

Elizabeth Windsor, of the West Sussex design and build company Create Spaces, says 70 per cent of clients opt to go private.

Party wall plan

The most significant other cost Ive incurred so far. It protects homeowners from damage caused by (or claims of damage related to) work to a neighbouring property.

Its required because I will be building walls and foundations within three metres of my neighbours foundations.

The agreements have cost me almost 6,000 (including VAT) for my own party wall surveyor, plus two acting for the adjoining owners.

My surveyor charged 300 to issue two notices, 900 for two schedules of conditions and 900 for two awards, which give me 12 months to carry out the notifiable works (installing walls and foundations).

The neighbours surveyors billed me 2,900 for both sets of party wall matters and 99.60 for train tickets and station parking. VAT was added on top of these two itemised costs, taking my total spend to 5,699.52.

For smaller projects, its possible for neighbours to come to an agreement directly without using surveyors.

Early approval: Its wise to wait until planning permission is granted before commissioning the calculations to avoid having to pay for any amendments

Noise assessment

Installing an air-source heat pump to power three internal air-conditioning units also had to be included in my planning application (heat pumps used solely for heating purposes dont).

My local authority required a noise-impact assessment to prove my pump wouldnt be noisy.

A 24-hour recording of background noise at my home and a report cost 1,704 (including VAT).

Planning consultants warn this is part of a growing trend. While tree reports  which typically cost under 1,000  have always been an issue, the number of local authorities requiring other reports has ramped up. They can be a major expense, says Cullen.

If you need an external flood risk consultant to do an assessment, thats probably going to cost 1,500 plus VAT, she adds.

With planning permission already having cost almost 18,000 and a further bill of around 2,000 on the way for building control, there doesnt seem to be much support for homeowners wanting to improve their properties.

The increasing number and costs of reports to accompany a planning application could deter householders from extending their homes. Perhaps the purchasing power of householder development as a potential tool for economic growth is being overlooked, says Cullen.

A spokesperson for the MHCLG says: We inherited a broken planning system that has stunted growth and created unnecessary obstacles.

This Government is taking action to fix this  including making the system more flexible, easing rules on upward extensions and making sure local planning authorities can cover their costs to deal with applications effectively.
When Evan Castleton failed his driving test in May 2023, he was determined to try again as soon as possible. Like millions of learner drivers today, however, that wasnt quite soon enough.

When I tried to rebook my test online, there was no availability for at least six months anywhere in the UK, Evan, now 22, recalls. I started setting an alarm for 5.50am so I could be at my computer by 6am on Mondays, when new slots are released.

Ten weeks of early alarms later, the building merchant worker finally managed to get a test: it wasnt until February the following year in York, 300 miles and a 200 train journey from his home in Brighton.

Not ideal. Not least because, a week beforehand, Evans test was cancelled without explanation.

The test was rescheduled for some weeks later but, by this point, I couldnt afford to take it again as Id already lost 500 on booking trains, an instructor and a hotel, he says.

Its taken another 16 months for Evan to finally get his second test  this time in Oxford. While thats comparatively close to his home  only 100 miles away  its little consolation.

Red light: Across the country, as many as three million learner drivers are finding it almost impossible to book a test

Its incredibly frustrating, he says. I want to join the police force  but thats all been put on hold for the past two years as I need a full driving licence. If I fail again, what happens then?

Evan is far from alone. Across the country, as many as three million learner drivers are finding it almost impossible to book a test.

Consecutive Covid lockdowns followed by driving examiner strikes in 2022 and 2023 have caused months-long backlogs to build up over the past five years.

And now more nefarious actors are cashing in  with middlemen and fraudsters using sophisticated bots (automated software that can input data at speed) to input false provisional licence numbers, block-book test slots and sell them on at a premium.

Its turned the once-simple process into an online Wild West. The logjam is so severe that Ellen Pasternack, 30, the founder of campaigning website End the Backlog, calculates that around one million additional tests would have to be provided in the next year to clear the wait.

Millions of people are unable to get driving tests, which in many cases means lost job opportunities, she says. People desperate for a test are also travelling up and down the country and paying hundreds of pounds for tests booked through dodgy unofficial sites.

Its one reason she launched a petition last August (which now has more than 33,000 signatures) demanding more approved examiners to step in to plug the gaps.

Last week, that call was answered  in part. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander pledged to provide at least 10,000 extra tests a month

by increasing examiner training and introducing overtime pay incentives. So enormous is the totally unacceptable backlog, however, she acknowledged it would take more than a year to slash the average wait time from 20 weeks to seven.

In the meantime, desperate learner drivers are having to turn to other, shadier means, via a growing black market.

Scammers and middlemen are feeding false provisional licence numbers to bots so they can snap up the 62 test slots released through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) every week  making it harder for learners to book slots directly.

These are then sold on through Facebook and WhatsApp groups, as well as specially designed smartphone apps, which often disappear as quickly as theyve appeared.

Buyers can then correct the personal details for the test, including the provisional licence number.

Many learner drivers anxious to secure a slot before the two-year expiry date of their driving theory test have forked out as much as 300 to get a test this way  five times the legitimate cost.

If this sounds illegal, it isnt  as Tommy Sandhu, the founder of SmartLearner Driving School in the West Midlands, explains. Usually driving schools would manage bookings for their learners, but later apps were developed that could look for cancellations, he tells me.

It worked really well and made sense for learners who, for example, wanted to retake their test but were working all day and couldnt get to their phone.

But then, after Covid, boom. The apps started buying up all the tests and this huge black market developed.

Swindle: Scammers and middlemen are feeding false provisional licence numbers to bots so they can snap up the 62 test slots released through the DVSA every week

Tommy, 55, who oversees up to 80 instructors and around 1,000 learners, says he has seen first-hand the impact this has had on his students.

Before, there was a process where you took your lessons, booked a test seven or eight weeks ahead, and worked to that, he says.

Now, its a Wild West. It might be in three days if youre willing to fork out, or it might be in six months, in which case you need to keep paying the average 25-35 hourly cost of lessons.

Its very unsettling and for those who need to drive for work or domestic reasons, there is a huge pressure.

But ravenous bots arent the only peril facing learner drivers. Scammers have also set up fake websites masquerading as driving schools to trick users into paying for lessons and test packages that dont exist.

We have seen an increase in this type of scam in the past year, says Seb Goldin, chief executive of driving school Red, which operates nationwide.

The mother of one of our students handed over 800, then another 200, to someone who set up a fake website and claimed to be a Red instructor. The website disappeared and no instructor ever showed up.

This works as a double scam, he added, because it also allows fraudsters to harvest provisional licence numbers, which learners must input to register on their fake sites. Scammers then use these to block-book  and sell on  test slots.

Little wonder that reports of driving test scams to Action Fraud have soared by more than 65 per cent, from 124 reports in 2022 to 205 in 2023.

However, more and more learner drivers are guilty of chicanery of their own. Earlier this month, it emerged that some learners had been using impersonators to pass their practical and theory tests, with 2,059 cheating incidents recorded by the DVSA last year.

Test centres carry out ID checks but, in some instances, the impersonator is able to emulate the look of the person they are representing, Carly Brookfield, chief executive of the Driving Instructors Association, told the BBC.

Obviously there is a view that more robust measures will have to be implemented in the future.

However, she says even some of this can be pinned on the spiralling wait times as people dont want to have to take that test, fail and wait for another test.

Depressingly, there is no end in sight although the DVSA has been cracking down on bots and scammers, issuing 375 warnings and suspending 796 accounts in 2023.

A spokesman told the Mail that the Government agency was making progress towards recruiting and training driving examiners across the country.

However, the DVSA acknowledged that test waiting times remain high due to an increase in demand and a change in customers booking behaviour.

For those desperate to get their L-plates off  without being ripped off in the process  what should they do?

Tommy Sandhu recommends passing the theory test first then booking a driving test before starting lessons. This enables us to concentrate on preparing for the test date and adjusting lessons as needed, he says.

Its not quite beating the backlog, he acknowledges, but at least its a start.

Not that it will do much to soothe the frazzled learner drivers still waiting for a test date, as summed up by one supporter of the End The Backlog petition.

The way we are being treated is absolutely appalling, she wrote. Action must be taken to rectify this absolute sham of a system.
HSBC yesterday sounded the alarm over heightened uncertainty and a significant drop in trade between the US and China as Donald Trumps trade war rages.

Boss Georges Elhedery said the Presidents tariffs were driving a reconfiguration of the global economy and had also resulted in some slowdown in the trade activity between the UK and US.

And the Bank of Englands regulatory chief Sam Woods warned that the fall-out from Trumps shock Liberation Day tariff announcement was far from over.

We consider ourselves to be still in the middle of this thing, said Woods, chief executive of the Banks Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA).

Elhedery was speaking as HSBC reported a 25 per cent drop in first-quarter profits to 7.1billion  mainly due to one-off costs.

But the bank also reported an expected credit loss  a provision for loans going bad  of 650million, including 110million to reflect heightened uncertainty and said that a further deterioration in the trade war could pile a further 370million on top of that.

Concerned: HSBC boss Georges Elhedery (pictured) said Trump's tariffs were driving a 'reconfiguration' of the global economy

The scenario covers the possibility of an economic downturn in which unemployment rises, lending seizes up, markets slide and house prices fall, with affected sectors including the car industry, retail, clothes makers, transport and logistics.

A HSBC spokesman said: The macroeconomic environment is facing heightened uncertainty, in particular from protectionist trade policies, creating volatility in both economic forecasts and financial markets and adversely impacting consumer and business sentiment.

Given current levels of uncertainty and market turmoil, we expect demand for lending to remain muted during 2025.

HSBC is based in London and Hong Kong and makes most of its money in Asia. It is in the firing line of the trade war which has seen Washington impose 145 per cent tariffs on China and Beijing retaliate with 125 per cent duties on the US  crushing trading between the worlds two biggest economies.

Elhedery said: We have seen a significant drop in volumes along the US-China corridor. He added that he was hopeful of progress in trade negotiations and that it was critical and paramount that the US dollar remains the currency of choice amid a sharp fall in the greenback during the recent turbulence.

Elhedery said he was optimistic and confident in the outlook for the UK.

But he attacked Britains ring-fencing rules, in a salvo likely to be noticed in the Treasury where Chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated her determination to slash red tape.

The rules, which force banks to separate their day-to-day High Street banking arms from their more risky investment banking divisions, are unique to the UK and have become redundant, he said  increasing costs and stifling competition.
A key architect of BPs failed pivot towards renewables was ousted yesterday as profits halved.

With notorious activist investor Elliott demanding change, the FTSE 100 energy giant said green energy chief Giulia Chierchia will step down.

Chairman Helge Lund has said he will quit next year in another coup for the US hedge fund  although the Norwegian executive is under pressure to leave sooner.

Shares in BP slid 2.4 per cent yesterday as it unveiled a dismal set of first-quarter results that saw profits tumble 49 per cent from 2.01billion to 1.03billion  below market expectations of 1.1billion.

Under pressure from Elliott, boss Murray Auchincloss in February scrapped BPs pivot to renewables, which had been pushed by strategy and sustainability chief Chierchia.

She was hired by former chief executive Bernard Looney  who was sacked in 2023 over relationships with colleagues  to drive his green agenda.

Ousted: BP said green energy chief Giulia Chierchia (pictured) - was hired by former chief executive Bernard Looney - will step down

Yesterday BP confirmed that she will leave at the start of June and will not be replaced. A spokesman for the company said Chierchia was leaving BP to pursue other opportunities.

The sustainability team will be moved to other parts of the business, which BP said would lead to quicker decision making and clearer accountabilities.

In a fundamental reset earlier this year, Auchincloss refocused on oil and gas in an attempt to close the valuation gap with arch-rival Shell and US competitors Exxon Mobil and Chevron.

But Elliott, a feared activist investor that aggressively pushes for change at the companies it invests in, was not appeased.

It has upped its stake in the company to more than 5 per cent  placing it between top shareholders BlackRock and Vanguard  and called for heads to roll at the top.

Auchincloss new strategy could be derailed by a turbulent oil market which has been rocked by the return of Donald Trump to the White House and his subsequent tariff threats.

BPs plan is based on an oil price of around $70 a barrel. It was trading at $64 a barrel yesterday. Auchincloss said: We continue to monitor market volatility and changes and remain focused on moving at pace.

And in a further blow, BP reported lower cash flow, a near-3billion increase in net debt to 20.1billion and a reduced share buyback programme.

However, Auchincloss insisted that his turnaround plan had made significant progress in the first three months of the year.

Im confident that our plans to strengthen the balance sheet, reduce costs and improve cash flow and returns will grow long-term shareholder value and strengthen the resilience of BP, he said.

The company pointed to the recent discovery of six exploration sites including a significant finding of oil in Namibia as evidence of its commitment to the strategy.

Some 1.1billion worth of divestments have been completed during the quarter from a target of 15billion by the end of 2027, it said.

Management doesnt appear to be going far enough and fast enough for the activists liking while other institutions have reservations about the shift in direction and how it has been handled, said Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell. Some investors have just been underwhelmed.

David Morrison, a senior market analyst at broker Trade Nation, said: The company blamed the weak oil price, although it is well known that BP has lagged behind the rest in its sector due to a succession of poor management decisions.
GSKs boss has joined other industry chiefs warning the UK and Europe need to do more to support the industry or risk losing jobs and investment cash to the US.

The pharma giants chief executive Emma Walmsley said European nations faced tough choices on investment.

But she absolutely agreed that backing the creation of new drugs and vaccines was one of the best investments a country could make.

Walmsley added: It is key that the business environment stays competitive. Europe and the UK could do more in that regard.

The comments echoed those of AstraZenecas boss Pascal Soriot who said the continent was at risk of falling behind America as an attractive destination for businesses.

GSK yesterday reported better-than-expected results for the first three months of this year, with sales rising 2 per cent to 7.5billion while profits were up 4 per cent at 2.5billion. Shares rose 3.6 per cent, or 51.5p, to 1483.5p.

Challenges: GSK boss Emma Walmsley (pictured) said European nations faced tough choices on investment

Despite the growing threat of US tariffs, GSK said it was well positioned to respond to any new import taxes.

America is the firms largest market for its medicines and vaccines. Last year, more than half of the companys sales came from the US.

Walmsley said America remained the companys number one market. AstraZenecas Soriot said on Tuesday that research and development of new drugs has mostly been funded by the US.

'He warned that if Europe did not keep up, more jobs in the sector would move to the US over time.

Many drugmakers were already investing heavily in the US, where medicine prices are the highest in the world and as a result present a bigger potential profit.

But the trend has been accelerated by recent threats from President Donald Trump that he will slap tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, encouraging firms to move factories and laboratories across the Atlantic.

Pharma bosses on the continent have called for the European Union to allow them to charge higher prices for drugs to help boost investment in new medicines and better compete with American rivals.
Some areas are abandoning physical money at a much faster rate than others

MPs says there may come a time in the future when it becomes necessary for the Treasury to mandate cash acceptance if those who rely on physical cash are not adequately supported.

Cash usage is on the decline but there is no existing legislation that forces businesses to take physical money.

Campaigners have long argued that cash still has a place on the high street, particularly for the elderly, vulnerable and those fleeing domestic abuse.

A report by the Treasury Committee published today said the Government's lack of action on the issue will lead to a two-tier society.

It found that the vulnerable are paying a premium on essential goods and services as the number of places that accept cash falls.

'People who are already at increased risk of poverty will, therefore, face a poverty premium if cash is not widely accepted by businesses and other organisations,' the report said.

Last month, This is Money revealed the constituencies with the biggest fall in cash usage in the past five years.

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When quizzed by the Committee in January, the economic secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds, said there were 'no plans to regulate businesses to compel them to accept cash, big or small.'

She said she didn't think 'we're anywhere near having a cashless society,' but Link's figures suggest there may be some areas that will be.

Now the Treasury Committee says 'there may come a time in the future when it becomes necessary for the Treasury to mandate cash acceptance if those who rely on physical cash are not adequately supported.'

Chair of the Treasury Select Committee, Dame Meg Hillier MP added: 'The Government is in the dark on how widely cash is being accepted and that is completely unsustainable. We are at risk of a two-tier society where the most vulnerable bear the brunt and this needs to be a wakeup call.

'As a society, we must avoid sleepwalking into a situation where cash is no longer widely accepted. This is the beginning, not the end, of our scrutiny of this issue. The Government needs to take this seriously.'

Figures from the Link network of ATMs show that, despite efforts to maintain access to cash, the total value of withdrawals has dropped significantly in every area of the country since 2020.

In 2019, 116 billion was withdrawn from ATMs compared to 80 billion in 2024, a 31 per cent fall, meaning consumers are withdrawing 100 million less cash every day compared to before the pandemic.

The total transaction numbers, including balance enquiries, also dropped significantly, from 1.73 billion in 2019 to 921 million in 2024, although the average withdrawal value increased from 65 to 85.

The figures will do little to quell concerns that the country is hurtling towards an entirely cashless society, as people increasingly use contactless payments and mobile payments.

John Howells, chief executive of Link, said: 'This timely report is further evidence that cash continues to be absolutely critical.

'Critical for the millions of people who rely on it day in, day out, and critical for national security and resilience.

'That's why supporting access to cash remains vital. But the report is also proof positive that we need to focus on the digital future alongside protecting access to cash, and make sure we don't leave cash users behind as new technology develops.'

Affluent people the first to ditch 'real money'

The most recent statistics show that cash represented 12 per cent of all payments, down from around 25 per cent five years ago and 60 per cent in 2008.

Contactless reigns supreme, with 43 per cent of adults regularly using it, followed by 22 per cent who prefer mobile phone payments, according to Link's analysis.

Every single constituency has seen a fall in cash withdrawals of more than 20 per cent, with the average area withdrawing 1 million less every week.

The figures also reveal regional differences, with more deprived areas seeing smaller falls while more affluent ones have seen a huge decline.

Some people say using cash gives them a physical reminder of how much they have spent, and helps them keep on top of their budget.

The fastest move away from cash has been in city centres and more affluent areas.

The Bristol Central constituency topped the list with a decline in transactions of slightly over 67 per cent over five years, while the value of cash withdrawals fell 51 per cent.

Residents are now taking out 105 million less per year than in 2019, or 290,000 per day.

It was followed by Edinburgh North & Leith, which saw a 67 per cent fall in transaction volumes and a 52 per cent fall in their value, and Westminster, which saw transactions plummet 66 per cent and their value 50 per cent.

Link says falling transactions act as a better measure because if there are fewer transactions, cash machines are more likely to close or switch to pay to use.

The top 50 constituencies where people have moved away from cash all saw falls of more than 50 per cent. These were dominated by English and Scottish constituencies.

Where are people still using cash?

Northern Ireland is the most cash-heavy area of the UK with the average adult withdrawing 2,274 in 2024, higher than the national average of 1,424.

Areas with higher levels of deprivation and digital exclusion are moving away from cash more slowly, said Link.

Weald of Kent saw the slowest move away from cash with transactions down 22 per cent over five years, while their value fell just 4 per cent.

It was followed by Leicester East, where transactions fell 27 per cent and the value dropped 7 per cent.

The slower decline in some areas suggests that cash is still critical to many communities, with 400,000 withdrawn from Link ATMs in each constituency every month last year.

The areas with the fastest and slowest declines in ATM withdrawals 20 areas with fastest declines in ATM withdrawals 20 areas with slowest declines in ATM withdrawals Constituency Decline Constituency Decline Bristol Central -67% Weald of Kent -22% Edinburgh North and Leith -67% Leicester East -27% Cities of London and Westminster -66% West Tyrone -28% Edinburgh South -65% Knowsley -28% Holborn and St Pancras -65% Bradford South -29% Edinburgh East and Musselburgh -64% Mid Ulster -29% Glasgow North -64% Kingston upon Hull East -30% Sheffield Central -64% Birmingham Yardley -30% York Central -64% Wolverhampton South East -31% Leeds Central and Headingley -63% Belfast West -31% Oxford West and Abingdon -62% Hartlepool -31% Islington South and Finsbury -61% Bradford East -32% Edinburgh West -61% Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare -32% Wimbledon -61% Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland -32% Brighton Pavilion -61% Easington -32% Winchester -60% Fermanagh and South Tyrone -32% Bath -60% Birmingham Perry Barr -33% Edinburgh South West -60% Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North -33% Cardiff South and Penarth -60% Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney -33% Nottingham East -60% North Durham -33% Source: LINK
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, a large-model incubator home to over 100 enterprises in Shanghai, east China, April 29, 2025. Xi made an inspection trip in Shanghai on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

SHANGHAI, April 29 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Tuesday visited a large-model incubator in Shanghai, urging the city to take the lead in AI development and governance while highlighting China's vast potential for the industry.

The trip came four days after China's leadership convened a dedicated AI study session, during which Xi called for gaining a head start in this strategic sector.

"AI technology is evolving rapidly and entering a phase of explosive growth," said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, as he visited the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, a large-model incubator home to over 100 enterprises.

During the group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee last Friday, Xi pointed out that AI, as a strategic technology leading the new round of sci-tech revolution and industrial transformation, has profoundly changed the ways people work and live.

The Party Central Committee attaches great importance to the development of AI, and has improved top-level design and strengthened implementation efforts in recent years, Xi said at the session.

In the incubator, Xi joined a salon themed on the autonomous evolution of next-generation intelligent agents, engaging in discussions with young innovators on the spot.

"AI is a nascent industry, and it's also an industry that belongs to young people," said Xi.

He then walked into an AI product experience store, where he inquired in detail about the functions and market trends of the products, and tried on a pair of smart glasses for a firsthand experience.

Shanghai announced a comprehensive plan last December aimed at developing a world-class AI industry ecosystem by 2025, including measures to step up global cooperation. In 2024, Shanghai's AI industry scale exceeded 400 billion yuan (about 55 billion U.S. dollars).

China's AI market is projected to experience substantial growth in the coming years, according to International Data Corporation. U.S. companies, including Tesla and Microsoft, have set their sights on the commercial prospects of China's AI market.

The Yangtze River Delta region, anchored by Shanghai, is at the forefront of China's AI innovation. DeepSeek, hailing from Hangzhou in the southern part of the delta region, is less than 200 kilometers away from Shanghai.

Noting China's rich data resources, complete industrial system and huge market, Xi said in Shanghai that the country holds broad prospects for AI development, emphasizing enhanced policy support and talent cultivation.

Cultivating and strengthening the AI industry has been included in China's 14th Five-Year Plan and its development vision for 2035, aiming to advance the sector toward a beneficial, safe and equitable direction.

A recent Stanford University report has shown that China is closing the gap with the United States in cutting-edge AI model development.

According to a report by the World Intellectual Property Organization, China topped the global rankings with over 38,000 patent applications for generative AI between 2014 and 2023.

"Despite external pressure and technological blockades, China has the capability to leverage AI technology to drive leapfrog economic growth and significantly enhance productivity," Liang Zheng, vice dean of the Institute for AI International Governance at Tsinghua University, told Xinhua.

"Amid the fragmented and exclusive AI governance landscape, China can play a crucial role in promoting global cooperation," added Liang.

Calling AI a global public good, the Chinese leadership has pledged to help Global South nations build tech capacity, thus narrowing the global AI divide.

Xi on Tuesday urged Shanghai to embrace its historical role as a leading international center for scientific and technological innovation and to build itself into a globally renowned sci-tech high ground. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, a large-model incubator home to over 100 enterprises in Shanghai, east China, April 29, 2025. Xi made an inspection trip in Shanghai on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, a large-model incubator home to over 100 enterprises in Shanghai, east China, April 29, 2025. Xi made an inspection trip in Shanghai on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, engages in discussions with young innovators at a salon themed on the autonomous evolution of next-generation intelligent agents at the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, a large-model incubator home to over 100 enterprises in Shanghai, east China, April 29, 2025. Xi made an inspection trip in Shanghai on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits an AI product experience store at the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, a large-model incubator home to over 100 enterprises in Shanghai, east China, April 29, 2025. Xi made an inspection trip in Shanghai on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits an AI product experience store at the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, a large-model incubator home to over 100 enterprises in Shanghai, east China, April 29, 2025. Xi made an inspection trip in Shanghai on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, exchanges views with a group of lawmakers attending the ongoing 15th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee on April 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji on Tuesday stressed fully implementing the newly amended Law on Deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) and to the Local People's Congresses at Various Levels.

Zhao, chairman of the 14th NPC Standing Committee and also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a symposium where he exchanged views with a group of lawmakers attending the ongoing 15th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee.

Zhao said the move to amend the lawmakers law, which was adopted at the third session of the 14th NPC in March, had strengthened legal guarantees for legislators to exercise their powers, perform their duties, and play their roles.

He stressed that lawmakers should consistently uphold the Party's leadership in all aspects of their work, perform their duties for the people under their supervision, and actively respond to major public concerns.

Editor: GSY
Police investigating the disappearance of a Cork woman strongly suspected that something untoward and criminal had happened to her, her husbands murder trial has heard.

Richard Satchwell, 58, from Grattan Street in Youghal, Co Cork, denies murdering his wife Tina Satchwell at the home they shared in March 2017.

Her remains were found buried under a concrete floor under the stairs in their family home, six years after she disappeared.

Satchwell, who is originally from Leicester in England, formally reported his wife missing on May 11 2017, weeks after he told police she had left their family home, suspecting it was because their relationship had deteriorated.

Retired sergeant John Sharkey, who worked at Youghal Garda Station in 2017, said it was treated as missing persons case for a period of time and over a two-week period in May, officers carried out a number of inquiries.

He said that on May 15, police launched a national public campaign through media platforms which included a picture of Ms Satchwell.

The court was told that this did not generate any assistance to investigators.

He said that police carried out inquiries to locate her, including trawling CCTV footage of the area in Youghal, launching a social media campaign with pictures of Ms Satchwell, using local radio and TV stations and carrying out house-to-house inquiries but they were fruitless.

He told the court that due to a lack of progress to locate any trace of Ms Satchwell, he became suspicious that something untoward had occurred.

Mr Sharkey said he was not alone in his suspicions and that there were others in (Irish police) An Garda Siochana who were also suspicious.

Asked by defence barrister Brendan Grehan if by June 2 2017, he believed Ms Satchwell may have been injured or incapacitated by a criminal event, he replied: Correct.

He said that in the days leading up to the search, he held a meeting with his superiors to review the case and a decision was made to apply for a search warrant.

Mr Sharkey said that full police resources were deployed to search the family home in Youghall, which began at around 7.30am and was fully completed by 7pm.

He told Mr Grehan that it was an open search for evidence and whatever form that took.

He agreed with Mr Grehan that the search team would go where noses led them, adding that all possibilities are contemplated within reason.

Mr Sharkey said it was a thorough search completed by a team of specialists and he believed there were up to 10 trained officers involved.

Garda Cathal Wheelan, who is a crime scene investigator attached to north Cork crime investigation unit at Cobh Garda Station, was also involved in the search.

His role was to take pictures of the premises before the search team went in to the property and take photos of anything of significance found.

Describing the house, he said it was a three-storey, semi-detached old property.

He said the house was untidy and unkept and that there was dog faeces on the floor, as well as a dirty bird cage with a parrot inside and dirty dishes.

He also noted that the stairs appeared to be made of relatively new, untreated and unpainted wood.

The wall at the stairs had unpainted plasterboard which again appeared to be relatively new.

He said he believed building works had been going on in the house, which appeared to be started but not finished, adding that there appeared to be some repair work.

Mr Wheelan said that upstairs he saw a large amount of racks with a lot of clothes, the master bedroom was untidy and the walls were not painted nor had wallpaper on them.

In the attic, he saw shoes and handbags.

The trial continues.
Just a few things to think about for late night denizens as we have more posts suggested by our blog community coming soon . . . For now . . .



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Today's Blaze Postscript

Crews battle large structure fire near downtown Kansas City Tuesday evening Firefighters with the Kansas City Fire Department responded to the area of 8th Street and Woodland Avenue for a two-story structure fire.

Tax Breaks & Paywalls

Pickwick Plaza owners will get longer tax abatement for repairing historic downtown complex - Kansas City Business Journal The city's Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority approved a longer property tax abatement for the Pickwick Plaza complex, owing to major repair needs identified even after its $66 million apartment renovation eight years ago.

Home Team Stays Winning

Lorenzen sharp, Fermin tough as Royals beat Rays 3-1 The Royals have won 7 of 8.

Happy Rock Comeback!!!

La Tiara taco fans hopeful brand can return by summer after court sale La Tiara taco shells may return to store shelves this summer as buyers bid on the brand's parent company, which halted production after financial troubles.

Downtown Feigns Good Times

A mocktail bar in Power & Light? New concept coming to the KC district Kansas City visitors can get mocktails at Virgin Rebel, opening in Power & Light. The space also hosts Jerusalem Cafe and Chick-In Waffle for late night food.

Tried & True . . .

I have 32JJ boobs & tested strapless bras to see which is best for fuller busts HALTERNECK tops are back, but there's nothing more unfashionable - or unflattering - than having your bra straps showing underneath. With that in mind, and to celebrate National Lingerie Day today,...

BEZOS BLINKS!!!

Trump says Jeff Bezos 'solved the problem' after White House attacks Amazon on tariff price labeling plan The White House is hitting back at Amazon over reports that it will show the impact of tariffs on prices of products it sells through its e-commerce store.

Fear Progressive Bench?!?

MAGA STILL RULES RALLIES

Trump's 100-day rally: Familiar grievances, an ebullient crowd and a difficult task ahead | CNN Politics The president spoke for an hour and a half in a campaign-style event in Warren, Michigan.

American Dox In Flux

Visa revocations can now lead to legal status terminations, according to internal memo The new document shows the expansion of power for ICE when it comes to international students' legal status.

Ladies' Night No More

Pete Hegseth scraps Pentagon's Women, Peace and Security program citing DEI Defense secretary dismissed it as a 'woke ... Biden initiative' despite it being a Trump achievement from his first term

Off-Season Building Endures

Chiefs to exercise fifth-year options for Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis Both cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis receive fifth-year option from the Kansas City Chiefs

Tasty Sacrilege

Head To Morty's For A Chicago Dog In KC Stationed in front of a KCK strip mall church, Morty's Chicago food cart looks as if it's been plucked straight from the Windy City.

Swampy Cowtown Forecast

Weather turns soggy midweek after mild, cloudy evening in Kansas City After a mostly cloudy but mild and less humid evening on Tuesday, rain chances return to the Kansas City area overnight.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Right now we're FIRST to deliver word of an inspiring metro power play with more than a bit of backstory.

We'll make it quick but www.TonysKansasCity.com is required to share context with readers . . .

First & foremost, we give credit to Mr. Lopez for this bold move only little more than a year after his sister was gunned down during the mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Rally of 2024.

Of course TKC respects Mr. Lopez but we have to acknowledge that a hostile takeover at Guadalupe Center has CONTINUED to generate some rough feelings in the local Latino community . . . In fairness, as time goes by we think more locals blame CiCi for the flex and realize that Beto's leadership has been admirable under tough circumstances that only got worse on his end.

Simply based on qualifications as a suburban council leader . . . We've heard that Mr. Lopez is skilled and his citywide profile might be a selling point for voters . . . But, ultimately, that's for the electorate in Lee's Summit to decide.



Now here's the message FIRST on TKC . . .



Beto Lopez Announces Bid for Lees Summit Mayor



Councilmember Beto Lopez to Kick O Mayoral Campaign at Community Event



Lees Summit City Councilmember Beto Lopez formally announces his intention to become the next Mayor of Lees Summit. Friends, family, and community members will gather on Wednesday night to celebrate the announcement.



I love Lees Summit, and Im proud of what we have achieved as a community over the last few years, said Lopez. When I first campaigned to join the city council, residents wanted to see more collaboration and forward thinking at City Hall. I worked with my colleagues to build consensus, and as our next Mayor, I will use that experience to continue to move our city and community forward.



Lopez believes that his leadership role as Mayor Pro Tempore for the last seven years, his tenure on the council, his professional background in commercial development and banking, his community and civic involvement and his experience in executive and nonprofit management demonstrate his ability to be a responsive, forward-thinking mayor for the City of Lees Summit.



Beto Lopez is the President & CEO of Guadalupe Centers, one of the largest nonprofits in the Midwest. His career spans over 30 years in commercial real estate, development and banking and includes executive leadership in both the private and nonprofit sectors. Elected to City Council in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, Beto has prioritized public safety, strategic growth, infrastructure, and regional collaboration. As Mayor Pro Tem, he represents Lees Summit on the Mid-America Regional Council, where he also serves as First Vice Chair. He sits on numerous boards that impact the region and Lees Summit including the Executive Board of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, the St. Lukes East-Lees Summit Hospital Board, the Kansas City Police Foundation, and the KC Common Good Board, among many others. He is also involved in the Lees Summit Rotary and Lees Summit Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of the Leadership Lees Summit Program. Beto and his wife Venessa have raised three daughters in Lees Summit where they have resided for 30 years. Beto is committed to building a stronger, more interconnected and community-focused future for all Lees Summit residents.



For more information about Beto Lopez or the campaign, please visit www.BetoLopez4Mayor.com.

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Developing . . .


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is currently conducting a feasibility study for a pilot social housing project in Ukraine, with the first agreement potentially to be signed in 2025, Kristina Mikulova, head of the EIB's regional hub for Eastern Europe, said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

"This will be the first housing-related project implemented in cooperation with the EIB. We are currently awaiting a resolution from the Cabinet of Ministers that will establish the necessary legal framework. Simultaneously, the bank is carrying out its feasibility assessment, and we hope to sign the first agreement already in 2025," Mikulova stated.

She noted that social housing is a key area of cooperation with the EIB and a priority for the Ukrainian government.

"The pilot will allow us to test the approach and methodology for building a social housing system in Ukraine. The Ukrainian government will select municipalities to participate in the pilot transparently and according to clear criteria. The methodology used will be scalable, so any community not selected initially may join in future rounds. Our goal is to test how the model works under real conditions and refine the mechanisms with Ukrainian partners before scaling it up," she added.

The model is being developed in close cooperation with experts from the EIB and the European Commission, who are helping adapt EU experience to the Ukrainian context. One of the key tools being used is the JASPERS advisory programme, which supports EU member states and candidate countries in preparing high-quality projects.

"JASPERS began operations in Ukraine in October 2024, and social housing was identified as one of the first priority areas, alongside energy and transport. JASPERS experts are already working with Ukrainian partners from our Kyiv office," Mikulova said.
The most important thing here is the real news . . . Cases of measles are rising in Kansas and the current outbreak is not yet completely under control.

However . . .

The politics of it is far more interesting . . .

PROGRESSIVE BLOGGERS BLAME KANSAS REPUBLICANS FOR NEW RULES PREVENTING PUBLIC HEALTH LOCKDOWNS!!!



The urge to force everyone inside their homes is kinda rough but maybe the only winning election strategy that less creative partisan activists can devise . . . Here's their take . . .



"Measles cases in Kansas jumped from 37 to 46 over the past week, with all cases located in southwest counties, according to Kansas Department of Health and Environment data released Wednesday morning.



"KDHE spokeswoman Jill Bronaugh said the state agency is working with local health departments to communicate about measles and to educate the public.



"But the Legislatures passage of Senate Bill 29 may complicate the ability of local health officials to react to the increasing number of measles cases. This bill removed the ability of local health officials to ban public gatherings during infectious disease outbreaks and added the expectation that health officials show probable cause if they quarantine or isolate individuals during an outbreak."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Reflector: Measles cases jump to 46 in eight southwest counties as new Kansas law restricts health officials

Developing . . .


Over 80% of wheat, barley, oats and peas sown in Sumy region  Minister of Agrarian Policy

As of April 30, farmers in Sumy region had sown 80% of spring barley, oats and peas, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitaliy Koval reported during a working visit to Sumy region.

"Sowing in Ukraine continues. It is also in full swing in the front-line Sumy region. This region is among the leaders in spring sowing. This is the third region in Ukraine in terms of sowing volumes of spring crops. Out of the planned 412,000 hectares, more than 138,000 hectares have already been sown," he said in the video.

Koval drew attention to the fact that in total, over 2 million hectares of spring crops have already been sown in Ukraine, which is a third of the forecast.

"The pace is good. There will be a harvest!", the Minister of Agricultural Policy assured.
TV Programm heute

Wer heute Fernsehen sehen will, greift entweder zur Programmzeitschrift oder  vor allem bei jungeren TV-Zuschauern gang und gabe  nutzt den Programmguide seines Vertrauens im Internet. Bei TV SPIELFILM gibt es mit der "TV Programm von heute"-Ubersicht eine praktische Zusammenstellung aller Sendungen des Tages. Von den Hauptprogrammen Das Erste, ZDF, RTL, Sat.1, ProSieben und kabel eins bis hin zu den Spartenkanalen, Dritten Programmen und Sport- oder Infokanalen: Wer das Programm heute kennen will, kann sich kinderleicht durch die Ansicht navigieren.

TV heute: Vielseitig aber auch unubersichtlich

Im Laufe der Jahre bevolkern immer mehr Sender die deutsche Fernsehlandschaft. Wer das Fernsehprogramm heute im Auge behalten will, muss uber einen breiten Blick verfugen. Der durchschnittliche deutsche TV-Haushalt empfangt mehr als 70 vollwertige Programme uber seinen Fernseher, insgesamt gibt es mehr als 400 Programme im deutschen TV. Landesweite, regionale und lokale Fernsehangebote dominieren das Programm heute. Mit dem Aufkommen von Streamingdiensten wie Netflix und Amazon oder der wachsenden Bedeutung des Pay-TV wird die Auswahl fur Fernsehen heute immer groer.

Mit dem TV Programm von heute wahrt der Programmguide Ubersicht in Zeiten der Unubersichtlichkeit. Auch bei der Auswahl einer geeigneten Sendung hilft TV SPIELFILM: Wir geben Programm-Tipps fur jeden Tag, zeigen mit dem bestens bekannten Daumen, ob sich das Programm heute lohnt oder nicht. Die Kritiken und Tipps stammen aus der Redaktion und werden taglich gewissenhaft und mit geubtem Auge ausgewahlt und verfasst. Informationen bezuglich des Genres, der Schauspieler und der Altersfreigabe im TV sind ebenfalls ersichtlich. Die ubersichtliche Darstellung in Tabellenform gliedert die einzelnen Sendungen zeitlich und liefert einen schnellen Uberblick uber das tagliche TV-Programm.

Fernsehen heute: Webseiten und Apps

Eine weitere Moglichkeit sich nicht nur uber das TV Programm zu informieren, sondern auch direkt einzuschalten, besteht uber die digitalen Angebote von TV SPIELFILM. Mit den Apps oder uber die Internetseite kann direkt ins tagliche Programm geschaltet werden.

Auch eine Verbindung zu den Streamingangeboten findet sich unter jeder Sendung: Wenn eine Serie auch uber Netflix, Amazon, Maxdome und Co. streambar ist, erfahrt ihr es im EPG von TV SPIELFILM.

Der mobile Zugriff, aktuelle Informationen nach einem Programmwechsel und die Funktion, Sender nach eigenem Belieben zu sortieren, stellen weitere Vorteile fur das Fernsehen von heute dar. Hilfreiche Features sind auerdem die integrierte Suchleiste sowie eine Erinnerungsfunktion. Durch diese Funktion erhalt der Zuschauer die Moglichkeit, von ihm favorisierte Filme, Serien oder Dokumentationen fur das Programm heute auszuwahlen und auf eine Merkliste zu setzen. Kurz vor der Ausstrahlung wird der Nutzer uber das gewunschte Programm im TV heute informiert.
The US State Department said that North Korea, by participating in Russia's war against Ukraine, is helping to prolong the fighting and is therefore also responsible for the bloodshed.

There are other nations that also are facilitating this carnage, and their actions make it possible to continue. Third countries, like North Korea, have perpetuated the Russia-Ukraine war and they bear responsibility for it, US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said a briefing.

She added that the USA continues to be concerned by North Koreas direct involvement in the war.

North Koreas military deployment to Russia and any support provided by the Russian Federation to the DPRK in return must end, Bruce stressed.

She also noted that Russias training of North Korean soldiers directly violates Security Council Resolutions 1718, 1874, and 2270, which collectively impose a broad prohibition on providing or receiving military training or assistance to or from the DPRK.
One enemy ship, which is a carrier of Kalibr cruise missiles with a total salvo of up to 6 missiles, was recorded in the Black Sea as of 6:00 Wednesday, there are no enemy ships in the Sea of Azov, but there are three enemy ships in the Mediterranean Sea, one of which is a carrier of Kalibr cruise missiles with a total salvo of up to eight missiles, the Telegram channel of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.

Over the past 24 hours, the following vessels passed through the Kerch Strait in the interests of the Russian Federation: into the Black Sea - seven vessels, of which six continued moving towards the Bosphorus Strait; into the Sea of Azov - 10 vessels, of which five continued moving from the Bosphorus Strait.
Court delivers verdict in Ukrainian Railways embezzlement case: defendants found guilty under 1 article, but exempted from liability under another

The High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine (HACC) has delivered a verdict in the case involving the misappropriation of over UAH 98 million from PJSC Ukrzaliznytsia. The defendants were found guilty and handed specific prison terms (eight and nine years) under one article but were released from serving their sentences due to the statute of limitations.

"On April 30, 2025, a panel of HACC judges issued a guilty verdict against four former officials of the Lisky Transport Service Center, a subsidiary of Ukrzaliznytsia. They were convicted of abusing their official positions and embezzling UAH 98.2 million from Ukrzaliznytsia through fictitious transactions for the purchase of marine fuel oil and diesel from Skela Terzium LLC," the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) stated via Telegram on Wednesday.

According to the prosecutors, the fuel in question was never actually delivered  neither to the ferries for which it was ostensibly procured, nor to the rented storage facilities.

The defendants were found guilty under Part 5 of Article 191 and Part 2 of Article 28, Part 1 of Article 366 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and were sentenced to 8 and 9 years in prison respectively. The court also barred them from holding managerial positions at any enterprise, institution, or organization  regardless of ownership structure  for three years, and ordered the confiscation of their property.

However, the court also ruled to release the individuals from serving their sentences for crimes under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 1 of Article 366, citing the expiration of the statute of limitations.

SAPO further reported that the court revised the pretrial measures for two of the accused, placing them in custody until the verdict comes into legal force. "The court ordered the immediate detention of the individuals in the courtroom," the statement reads.

The other two defendants were placed under 24-hour house arrest.

The HACC ruling will come into effect in 30 days unless it is appealed to the HACC Appeals Chamber.
Photo: https://t.me/dsns_telegram

On Wednesday night, the Russians struck Ukraine with more than 100 drones; since the beginning of the week, they have used 375 attack drones against Ukrainian settlements, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Kharkiv, Dnipro, Dobropillia, and other Ukrainian cities and communities. Over 100 Russian attack drones overnight, 375 attack drones since the beginning of the week, more than 190 of them were Shaheds, Zelenskyy said on X Wednesday.

According to him, in Kharkiv, as a result of two waves of strikes, more than 45 people were injured, including two children. The youngest victim is just 5 years old. Residential areas were hit, with damage to apartment buildings, a hospital, and a school  a total of 13 civilian sites in the city.

In Dnipro, tragically, one person was killed. My condolences to the family. Another person was injured. The strike also targeted civilian infrastructure. In Dobropillia, the strike targeted a mine building and damaged ordinary buses and cars. One person was injured, the President added.

He stressed that Russian drones continue flying in the skies over Ukraine all morning. And so it goes every day, he said. That is why, according to Zelenskyy, pressure on Russia is needed along with strong additional sanctions that will work.

Pressure from the United States, from Europe, from everyone in the world who believes there is no place for war on this planet. To protect our people, we need additional air defense systems that will make Russias aerial terror impossible, the president noted.

He thanked everyone who supports Ukrainians, who is preparing new sanctions against Russia for prolonging the war and defense packages for Ukraine.
After nearly 180 years, Limestone University in Gaffney, South Carolina, will close at the end of the spring 2025 semester. The Board of Trustees voted on April 29, 2025, to discontinue all on-campus and online degree programs due to a $6 million budget shortfall. Founded in 1845 as Limestone College, the first women's college in South Carolina, the institution evolved into a coeducational university serving about 1,600 students. It was a cornerstone of Cherokee County, contributing an estimated $150 million annually to the local economy and supporting many first-generation college students.

The financial crisis became public in mid-April when President Nathan Copeland and Board Chair Randall Richardson announced the shortfall, warning of potential closure or a shift to online-only operations. On April 24, Limestone launched the "Together for Limestone" campaign to raise unrestricted funds. The effort raised $2.143 million from nearly 200 donors, including two $1 million pledges. "We want to thank the almost 200 recent supporters in the last two weeks who committed a collective $2.143 million," Richardson said. "We had hoped that would be enough to sustain our institution. But in the final analysis, we could not continue operations on-campus or online without a greater amount of funding." Despite a brief hope on April 22 when the board delayed its decision due to a "possible funding source," the funds fell short, leading to the closure vote.

The decision impacts approximately 1,600 students and over 300 employees, with 478 faculty and staff receiving layoff notices on April 17. Students expressed devastation, with Giselle, a Brazilian student who arrived in spring 2025, feeling "betrayed," and Courtney, a transfer student, voicing frustration. Limestone hosted a transfer fair on April 28, attended by over 1,700 students, with institutions like Newberry College offering transfer options. The closure also affects Gaffney, where businesses like Boston Annie's, which drew half its revenue from Limestone, face uncertainty.

Limestone's struggles mirror those of other small, private colleges with limited endowments, like Eastern Nazarene College, which also announced its 2025 closure. Declining enrollment, rising costs, and reduced funding have strained liberal arts institutions. The "Together for Limestone" campaign emphasized the university's role for first-generation students. "This campaign is not just about preserving Limestone's campus  it's about fighting for the future of our students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college," Copeland said.

Despite the closure, Limestone will hold its final commencement ceremonies on May 3, 2025, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., celebrating its graduates. "Our Limestone spirit will endure through the lives of our students and alumni who carry it forward into the world," Richardson said.

For more details on the closure, visit Limestone University's announcement. Information on the commencement ceremonies is available here.
Brown University sophomore Alex Shieh has ignited controversy and faces disciplinary action after sending a mass email to 3,805 non-faculty employees on March 18, 2025, asking them to describe their job duties. Inspired by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk, Shieh's inquiry aimed to uncover why Brown's tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is set to reach $95,984, a significant increase from $78,706 in 2019-2020. The email, part of Shieh's investigation into administrative costs, has led to charges of misrepresentation and violation of IT policies, raising questions about free speech and accountability in higher education.

Shieh, a 20-year-old computer science and economics major, identified himself as a journalist for The Brown Spectator, a dormant libertarian journal he and other students are working to relaunch. His email asked staff to "describe what tasks you performed in the past week" and was accompanied by a website, Bloat@Brown, which used AI to rank non-faculty roles based on perceived utility, categorizing them as "DEI jobs, redundant jobs, and bulls--t jobs." Shieh's motivation stemmed from Brown's $46 million budget deficit and what he sees as excessive administrative growth, noting that the university employs 3,805 non-faculty staffmore than double the 1,691 faculty membersresulting in roughly one administrator per two undergraduates.

My disciplinary hearing at @BrownUniversity has been scheduled for Friday. For emailing >3000 administrators asking about their job duties, I was charged with misrepresentation and violating the IT policy. Does this sound fair?



Misrepresentation

For identifying myself as a...  Alex Shieh (@alexkshieh) April 29, 2025

"Brown is charging me for misrepresentation  for saying I am affiliated with the Brown Spectator, which I am, because the Brown Spectator is an independent non-profit and not a registered student group," Shieh told Fox News Digital. "Brown is also charging me for violating their IT policies for publishing Brown employee data, without specifying which provisions of the IT policy were violated," he added. Shieh argues that his actions were journalistic, aimed at exposing bureaucratic inefficiencies, particularly in light of federal scrutiny over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which could cost Brown significant funding.

The university's response was swift. On March 20, Brown launched a preliminary review, initially citing "emotional harm" to employees, invasion of privacy, and misrepresentation. While the emotional harm charge was later dropped, the university maintains that Shieh's actions may have involved improper use of non-public data. "In spite of what has been reported publicly framing this as a free speech issue, it absolutely is not," said Brian Clark, vice president for news and strategic campus communications. "At the center of Brown's review are questions focused on whether improper use of non-public Brown data, non-public data systems and/or targeting of individual employees violated law or policy."

Shieh's earlier actions provide context for his current controversy. On March 18, he sent emails to approximately 3,800 staff members, mirroring DOGE's federal employee inquiries, and published the Bloat@Brown database, which rated administrators' roles using AI. The site, taken down after reported hacks, drew attention from conservative figures like Elon Musk, who tweeted "Wow" in response to Shieh's work, and Bill Ackman, who called it "impressive." Only 20 of the 3,805 employees responded, some with hostility, prompting Brown to advise staff not to engage.

The incident has sparked debate on campus and beyond. Shieh, supported by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), claims the investigation threatens student journalism and free expression. Critics argue that his approach was invasive, targeting individual employees without clear evidence of wrongdoing. Brown's administration insists it is following due process, with Shieh scheduled for a disciplinary hearing on May 2, 2025, to address the charges.

As tuition costs soar and universities face scrutiny over administrative spending, Shieh's case highlights tensions between student activism, institutional transparency, and the boundaries of free speech. The outcome of his hearing could set a precedent for how universities handle similar inquiries in an era of increasing financial and political pressures.
Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, will close all offices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) after the spring 2025 semester, aligning with a new state law that prohibits such programs at public universities receiving state funding. The decision, announced via email by President Lori Stewart Gonzalez on April 29, 2025, responds to Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), which bans DEI initiatives and imposes other restrictions on Ohio's public higher education institutions.

The closures affect offices such as the Pride Center, Women's Center, and Multicultural Center, which have been integral to supporting diverse student populations. However, the Office of Accessibility Services and the Veterans and Military Students Center will remain operational, as they are exempt from the law's restrictions. "We must continue to ensure every person we invite to be a part of our University community finds their place here and develops connections. Without forgetting that essential commitment, we must also follow the law," Gonzalez wrote in her email to the university community.

SB 1, passed by the Ohio Senate in February 2025 and signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine in March, is part of a broader push to eliminate DEI programs in higher education. The legislation, effective June 26, 2025, also bans faculty strikes, mandates "intellectual diversity" on controversial topics, and requires a civics course focused on U.S. history and free-market principles. The law's passage followed intense opposition, with over 700 groups and individuals testifying against it and student protests at Ohio University and other campuses. On February 27, 2025, over 1,000 Ohio University students walked out of classes, demanding transparency about SB 1's impact on DEI programs.

The decision to close DEI offices aligns with federal and state pressures. President Donald Trump's administration has prioritized eliminating DEI, with an executive order signed in April 2025 directing accreditors to stop applying DEI requirements to colleges. Ohio University's move follows similar actions by other institutions, such as Ohio State University, which closed two DEI offices and eliminated 16 staff positions in February 2025 in response to Trump administration directives.

The closure has sparked concern among students and faculty. Earlier protests highlighted fears that eliminating DEI programs would harm marginalized students and alter the university's inclusive culture. Community leaders in Athens have begun organizing alternatives, such as a women's conference to replace one canceled by the university, signaling grassroots efforts to preserve diversity initiatives.

Ohio University's administration has not detailed plans for reallocating DEI staff or resources, but Gonzalez emphasized compliance with the law while maintaining a commitment to community inclusivity. The closures mark a significant shift for the university, which has historically celebrated diverse identities through its Division of Diversity and Inclusion.
Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.
Over the past 24 hours, 177 combat clashes have been recorded, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on the Telegram channel in operational information regarding the Russian invasion as of 8:00 a.m. Wednesday.

"Yesterday, the enemy carried out 91 air strikes on the positions of Ukrainian units and populated areas, dropping 179 smart bombs. In addition, it carried out almost 5,900 attacks, 95 of which were from multiple launch rocket systems, and used 3,186 kamikaze drones for strikes," the report says.

Over the past 24 hours, aviation, missile forces and artillery of the Defense Forces hit 15 areas of concentration of personnel and equipment, two command posts, four artillery weapons and an electronic warfare system of the Russian invaders.
The Vietnam War ended before most of the current population was born, but like many young people Hoang Ha Linh was swept up in the excitement of the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon.

Along with thousands of others, teenager Linh camped out overnight to watch Wednesday's military parade marking 50 years since the metropolis, now called Ho Chi Minh City, fell to communist forces to end two decades of conflict.

Communist Vietnam's tightly-controlled state media has pumped out a barrage of positive messaging about the anniversary.

But flag-waving youngsters on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City told AFP that it was TikTok and Instagram posts about preparations for the parade of red-bannered floats and goose-stepping soldiers in recent weeks that had fired their enthusiasm.

Linh, 17, admitted she knew little about the conflict, but was part of a wave of young people with no direct connection to the war who wanted to experience the spectacle.

The event made her "feel quite proud to be Vietnamese", she told AFP.

"We are grateful for what the veterans did for us, for the country, pulling us out of war," said Linh, who had travelled from the capital Hanoi to watch the parade.

"Even if we hate history lessons at school, we can learn so many things from this event that the teachers have tried again and again to tell us."

- 'Great fun' -

Communist North Vietnam's victory over the US-backed South culminated in tanks crashing through the gates of the presidential palace.

The defeat for its Cold War ally, and the chaotic scenes of helicopters desperately evacuating staff from the US embassy roof, marked a painful and humiliating blow to Washington's prestige.

Vietnam's Communist Party has huge sway over education and children are taught about the country's victories in schools nationwide.

The party also exercises complete control of the media in Vietnam, a one-party state.

"There is a non-stop barrage of propaganda about this (anniversary)," Zach Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington, told AFP.

But many young people said it was pictures on social media that had got them excited.

"Vietnam doesn't really have many outward showy expressions of military strength," said Vu Minh Hoang from the Fulbright University Vietnam.

"I think most people are surprised or excited by it," said Hoang, a professor of history and Vietnam studies.

"They like to think that Vietnam has a strong military that can defend itself."

Dang Nguyen Tuan Minh, a 21-year-old student, scouted a spot to sit and wait for the parade on Tuesday evening.

"We all had great fun, staying the night together on the pavement like this," he said. "The vibe was so great."

"I think this is a very wonderful lesson for the young ones about what the older generation has done for us."

tmh-aph/pdw/rsc
Much of what former Republican lawmaker Curt Weldon revealed a few days ago in his now-historic interview with Tucker Carlsonwhich broke audience records in the United Stateswas already well known thanks to various revelations. Its also worth noting that Tucker Carlson is, incidentally, one of Trumps top confidants, according to James Carville, a renowned Democratic Party consultant and close associate of Clinton. But it is not the same as seeing these revelations made in a condensed form in a one-hour-and-24-minute video [1] by the legendary Tucker Carlson, a video that demolishes all the lying Hollywood propaganda and cover-up put in place on the mainstream media, which thus once again exposes their information misery.

It is important to emphasize that from Baby Bush himself, who orchestrated the 9/11 attack, to all the American presidents who succeeded himObama and Bidenthey have all hidden the "truth" about this event, which served as a pretext for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Trump 1.0 himself was dissuaded from revealing what eminent researchers have dared to reveal, risking their lives, since 2001. It seems that pseudo-democratic governments prefer to lie in order to govern peacefully, in order, among other things, to perpetuate their despicable budgetary objectives.

FRENCH RESEARCHER Thierry Meyssan, founder and director of the Voltaire Network and number one in the Top Ten global geopoliticians, had exposed in his classic book, The Big Lie [2], that there had never been an attack perpetrated by a jihadist plane against the Pentagon installationswhich led to him having to go into exile for several years in Lebanon and Syriaafter receiving death threats from the CIA.

WHAT FEW PEOPLE know, and which was revealed by your servant, is that the staging of the attack on the Pentagon served as a pretext to cover up the "loss of revenue" (according to former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfelds own admissions) of $2.3 trillion (trillions in English, thousands of billions in common French) that was magically evacuated by the comptroller and Orthodox (Khazar in English) rabbi (sic) Dov Zakheim, a member of the sinister group The Vulcans, led by Condoleezza Rice. The Pentagons meager deficits in 2001 are not comparable to those accumulated 19 years later, when $35 billion (trillions in English) disappeared! [3]

LIKEWISE, YOUR SERVANT had highlighted the discrepancy between the collapse of the third tower, demolished in the afternoon, and that of the twin towers, demolished in the morning [4].. According to Tucker Carlson, "after 20 years in Congress, Curt Weldon was about to become chairman of the House Armed Forces Committee when he questioned the accuracy of the 9/11 report."

Tucker Carlson comments, "In retaliation, the Bush administration sent federal agents to his daughters home, effectively ending his political career." He explains that at 77, Republican Curt Weldon decided to tell "the truth about September 11, 2001." The latter had been a legislator, elected for Pennsylvania from 1987 to 2007 (20 years!), and had served as vice chairman of the House Armed Forces Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee: this gave him a front-row seat to uncover the ins and outs of September 11, 2001.

The famous director and actor Mel Gibson, appointed "special ambassador" to Hollywood by Trump 2.0the same position held by actors Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone [5]described the interview as "the biggest scandal in the history of the United States. Three buildings collapsed as if they had been programmed to do so. Not two, but three. To this day, no one has explained how Building 3 collapsed without being hit by a plane." Mel Gibson revealed that "the towers were designed to withstand aircraft impacts. And the firefighters on the spot had spoken of explosions inside the buildings [6] .

What is remarkable is that Trump 2.0 has so far remained silent about the explosive video of Tucker Carlsons interview with Curt Weldon, even though his inner circle and a former Republican lawmaker have made it public in the context of his tariff war, which is now targeting China.
Photo: https://mfa.gov.ua/

The ceasefire for the sake of the parade on May 9 is a propaganda initiative, and Russia will demonstrate genuine readiness for peace negotiations if it agrees to a ceasefire for at least 30 days, says Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.

"Ukraine once again confirms its readiness for peace talks in any format as soon as we see that Russia is truly prepared for the difficult path to peace, rather than just peace populism or a brief propaganda ceasefire for the May 9 parade. Russia can demonstrate its genuine readiness for peace talks by agreeing to a real ceasefire for at least 30 days," Sybiha wrote on the social network X on Wednesday.

The head of the foreign ministry stressed that if the Russian Federation is ready for a 60- or 90-day ceasefire, then Ukraine will be also.

"Russia must stop talking about its readiness for peace and start acting, unconditionally agreeing to a real and lasting ceasefire. When the weapons fall silent, negotiations can begin - in any format that will bring peace," Sybiha said.

As reported, on April 28, Vladimir Putin unilaterally announced a three-day ceasefire in the war against Ukraine, for May 8-10. Meanwhile, Ukraine called for a complete and unconditional ceasefire for 30 days.
Those responsible for the torture and murder of Ukrainians, including journalist Roshchina, must be held accountable - European Commission

The European Commission has said those responsible for the torture and murder of Ukrainians, including journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, must be held accountable.

This is how European Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper commented on the latest information about the torture and death of Roshchina in a Russian prison in Brussels on Wednesday.

"Russia does not miss any opportunity to demonstrate its vile cruelty towards Ukrainians, killing and torturing, as happened with Viktoria Roshchyna, a brave Ukrainian journalist who was previously brutally not only killed, but also tortured. So, this also clearly shows that life under Russian occupation is not an option, it is not a safe option for Ukrainians. Journalists will always remember her courage, and we must do everything possible to make Russia responsible for all these war crimes and atrocities," she said.
Sardinian beach tops Worlds 50 Best Beaches ranking for 2025.

Cala Goloritze, on the Italian island of Sardinia has been crowned the 'best beach in the world' by travel experts in the 2025 ranking of The Worlds 50 Best Beaches.

Located in Ogliastra on the eastern Baunei coast of Sardinia, Cala Goloritze is famed for its expanse of white pebbles and crystal clear waters.

Awarding it the coveted title, judges highlighted the "raw beauty" of Cala Goloritze, whose setting is "truly breathtaking", stating: "It's the perfect blend of unspoiled natural beauty and a beach experience unlike any other."

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site 30 years ago, Cala Goloritze can only be accessed by purchasing 7 tickets which are distributed to a maximum of 250 people per day.

Access is also limited to visitors who make a two-hour trek over rocky terrain or swim in from boats moored at least 200 metres away from the shoreline.

There was more good news for Sardinia with the inclusion of La Pelosa beach, in the island's northwest Stintino coast, which came 50th place in the same global ranking.

Judges described it as "widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe", adding that it is known for its "stunning, shallow turquoise waters" and is "often compared to tropical beaches despite being in the Mediterranean".

After Cala Goloritze, the top five in the rankings are Entalula Beach in the Philippines, in second place, followed by Bang Bao Beach in Thailand, Fteri Beach in Greece, and PK 9 Beach in French Polynesia.

Photo credit: ValerioMei / Shutterstock.com.
The tragic story of the Bayesian: luxury, loss and unanswered questions.

On 19 August 2024, the 56-metre luxury sailing yacht Bayesian sank suddenly off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, Sicily, during a violent storm. The disaster claimed the lives of seven people, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah. The event shocked both the tech world and the high-end yachting community and has since sparked an international investigation.

A Record-Breaking Vessel

The Bayesian was considered one of the most advanced sailing yachts in the world. Built by Italian shipyard Perini Navi, it featured the tallest aluminum mast ever constructed72 metres high. Its interiors were designed by French designer Remi Tessier, showcasing a minimalist, Japanese-inspired aesthetic. Originally commissioned by a Dutch entrepreneur, the yacht was purchased in 2014 by Angela Bacares, Lynchs wife, and renamed Bayesiana nod to the statistical theorem that had influenced Lynchs work in artificial intelligence.

A Celebration Turns to Disaster

The ill-fated voyage was meant to be a celebration following Lynchs acquittal in a US fraud trial. In the early hours of 19 August, an unexpected storm struck. The Bayesian reportedly sank in less than 15 minutes. The suddenness of the event left little time for evacuation. Among the victims were Lynch, his daughter, Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer, and lawyer Christopher Morvillo. Fifteen people were rescued, including Bacares.

Criminal Investigation

Italian authorities launched an investigation to determine what caused such a rapid and catastrophic sinking. Captain James Cutfield is under investigation for involuntary manslaughter and shipwreck. Early theories include possible human error, open hatches or doors, technical failure or extreme weather. Italian prosecutors are reportedly examining whether the yachts structural modifications over the years may have weakened its seaworthiness.

$30 Million Recovery Operation

The wreck of the Bayesian rests at a depth of 50 metres, and a major salvage operation is set to get underway on 3 May. Using one of Europes most powerful floating cranes, the team aims to recover the vessel and tow it to the port of Termini Imerese. The operation is estimated to cost $30 million. Once recovered, the yacht will be analyzed forensically in hopes of uncovering key evidence.

Secrets Below Deck?

Adding to the intrigue, reports suggest the yacht may have contained safes with encrypted hard drives, possibly linked to Lynchs past collaboration with UK and US intelligence agencies. If true, this element could raise the stakes of the investigation far beyond maritime law.

The sinking of the Bayesian is a story of tragedy, opulence, and mystery. As the recovery efforts continue and investigators dig deeper into what went wrong, the world waits for answers to a tragedy that unfolded in just 15 minutes but could have ramifications for years to come.
Ukraines State Security Service (SBU) has collected evidence against two more Russian war criminals involved in the mass murder of Ukrainian prisoners of war in the Donetsk region.

In its telegram channel on Wednesday, the SBU noted that these are Shota Karapetyan (callsign "Yustas"), deputy commander of the 1st motorized rifle battalion of the 394th motorized rifle regiment of the 127th motorized rifle division of the 5th combined arms army of the Russian Federation, as well as Dmitry Chikhabakh (callsign "Sber").

"On June 17, 2024, they ordered their subordinates to shoot a Ukrainian prisoner of war, and then cut off his head and put it on the hood of a damaged armored car," the SBU said.

According to the SBU, this happened during the fighting near the village of Staromayorske, Volnovakha district. Then both defendants gave the order to their subordinates not to leave the captured soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine alive and to brutally kill them.

According to the materials of military counterintelligence and investigators of the Security Service, Chikhabakh and Karapetyan were reported in absentia on suspicion under Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of the laws and customs of war).

Currently, comprehensive measures are underway to find and punish both war criminals of the aggressor country.

The investigation was conducted by SBU officers in Donetsk and Luhansk regions under the procedural leadership of the Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office.
Eva Osborne

Tanaiste Simon Harris has welcomed the election of Mairead McGuinness as vice-president of the European Peoples Party (EPP).

The EPP Congress took place in Valenica, Spain, where EPP delegates elected a new EPP presidency, including a new party president, 10 vice-presidents, a secretary general, and treasurer.

The EPP includes 84 parties and partners from 44 countries, the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Parliament, 12 EU heads of state and government, and 13 members of the European Commission.

The EPP Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 188 Members from all EU Member States.

Speaking after the vote, the Tanaiste said: I am delighted that Mairead McGuinness has been elected by her colleagues from across Europe to serve as a vice president of the EPP.

The overwhelming level of support that Mairead received underlines the high regard she is held in across Europe being elected alongside other EU Prime Ministers and EU Commissioners.

Maireads election is also a vote of confidence in the Fine Gael party. Fine Gael has not held a vice presidency position since the election of Minister Helen McEntee to the role in 2019.

"When I was elected leader of Fine Gael last year, I stated that one of my key priorities was increasing Fine Gaels engagement with the EPP and regaining the vice presidency position within the party."

Mairead will bring a wealth of experience and a respected voice to this role where she will help shape the polices of the biggest political party in Europe.

Following her election, Ms McGuinness said: I am very grateful to my EPP colleagues for expressing confidence in me to serve as their vice president.

"The EU faces significant uncertainty given current geopolitical instability at present and therefore Irelands voice at the heart of the EPP has never been more important.

I want to thank all my colleagues who expressed confidence in me today by electing me to this position. I look forward to beginning my work immediately."
While welcoming the Udaras na Gaeltachta announcement of a new enterprise centre for the Deise, Waterford Sinn Fein TD, Deputy Conor McGuinness expressed criticism of the Government for what he said are its failures regarding the Gaeltacht.

However, Deputy McGuinness, who is his party's spokesperson on Rural Affairs, Community Development and the Gaeltacht, warmly welcomed the announcement by Udaras na Gaeltachta that funding will be provided to appoint a design team for a new Enterprise Centre in the Waterford Gaeltacht, in An Rinn.

Commenting on the matter, Deputy McGuinness said: "This investment by Udaras na Gaeltachta is a positive and important step forward. This support for job creation and economic growth in An Rinn is hugely important. Gaeltacht communities like this are full of talent and potential, and they must receive ongoing support."

Deputy McGuinness also commended Comhlucht Forbartha na nDeise for their work in advancing the project.

"I previously had the opportunity to work with this organisation as the Language Planning Officer for Gaeltacht na nDeise, and I know firsthand the dedication and commitment they have to the development and strengthening of their community," he said.

However, Deputy McGuinness also highlighted the significant challenges still facing the Gaeltacht and the Governments failings in that regard.

"Economic development alone is not enough to safeguard the future of the Gaeltacht," he said.

"There is an urgent need for investment in social and affordable housing, and in serviced sites across Gaeltacht areas," he added.

He also said there was an "indefensible delay" in the publication of the Gaeltacht planning guidelines and commented that without a clear planning strategy and adequate housing provision, it will be impossible for young people to stay in their native communities and raise their families.

He issued a stark warning regarding the future of the Gaeltacht: "The housing crisis is a direct threat to the survival of the Gaeltacht. If the current situation continues, there will be a significant decline in the number of native Irish speakers and the vitality of the Gaeltacht communities. The Gaeltacht cannot be protected without living, thriving communities."

He also called for stronger public and essential services in Gaeltacht areas including the likes of post offices, healthcare, and public transport - which he said must be strong and accessible in every Gaeltact area.

"Communities cannot develop without proper service infrastructure," he said.

Deputy McGuinness said the Government had missed opportunities and expressed disappointment at the Government parties' refusal to accept Sinn Feins amendments to the Udaras na Gaeltachta Bill, which would have created a fully democratised board and granted additional powers to tackle the housing crisis in the Gaeltacht.

"There is an urgent need for new powers and strategic planning to meet the needs of Gaeltacht communities," he said.

"Sinn Fein stands firmly with the Gaeltacht communities, with the families who want to live, work, and preserve the language in their own areas," he added. "Words are not enough, real action is now urgently needed."
There was widespread anger and disappointment in a County Waterford town recently when a life-saving defibrillator was vandalised and stolen.

The public access equipment, an AED, was located in Tramore, but was removed from its location as a result of vandalism.

One local person comment: "The life-saving device, previously located at the old post office opposite the Grand Hotel, has gone missing after being forcibly removed."

It's believed the defibrillator may have been discarded somewhere between the Vee Cafe and the rear of The Haven Pharmacy, on Lower Branch Road.

Members of the public are being asked to keep an eye out and, if found, to return the device to Tramore Garda Station as soon as possible.

It's believed Gardai have identified a person who they believe might be connected with the incident.

However, members of the public should note that if someone is unfortunately in need of a defibrillator one can be accessed outside of the Tramore unit of the Order of Malta Ireland ambulance corps, on Pond Road.

The community is asked to remain vigilant and assist in ensuring this vital piece of emergency equipment is recovered promptly.
The Waterford Gallery of Art on OConnell Street launched two new exhibitions this month showcasing some of the very best artistic talent in Ireland and the South East.

Launched by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Councillor Jason Murphy, the packed-out gallery celebrated an exquisite retrospective of paintings by Catherine Barron, as well as the group show, Faith in the Process which includes highlights from the historic Waterford Art Collection alongside newer artworks, commissions and loans.

Catherine Barron

Titled, You couldnt make it up, Barrons exhibition in the downstairs galleries includes salvaged metal plates, vintage 78rpm records, book covers, and playing cards.

Catherine Barron is a Carlow born artist who has lived and worked in Dungarvan since 2017.

Speaking of her work, Barron said: What I realise is that the ordinary is extraordinary and all that pains or brings joy can be realised with gratitude, wonder and awe."

"The power of the imagination does not lay in its ability to invent, but to see more deeply, what is. And what is, is so awesome, you couldnt make it up," she added.

Visitors to WGOA view Pat O'Brien's painting of Conor Cleare, Image by DGM Photographic

As Luke Currall, curator of the Waterford Art Gallery, noted in the introductory text to Catherine Barrons exhibition, it is through this experiential entry into, and reworking of time, memory and uncertainty, that a tender and life affirming mystery and magic quietly reveals itself in the artworks of Catherine Barron".

'Faith in the Process'

The gallerys Faith in the Process exhibition, launched in its large upstairs space, includes artworks from the Waterford Art Collection, as well as loans and commissions, informed by religious or spiritual experience.

Artists exhibiting include: George William Russell (AE), Mainie Jellett, Evie Hone, Father Jack P Hanlon, Annie Shaw, John Foley, Ireland3000, Pat O'Brien, Gerhardt Gallagher, Rayleen Clancy, Ben Henessy, Patrick Collins, Canon T Patrick, Louisa Marchioness of Waterford, Imogen Stuart and more.

On show is work by the faithful, priests, mystics, lapsed Catholics as well as converts, channelers of the transcendental, objectives seekers of enduring tradition, works of commemoration and memorial, and ventures into mythical visualisations.

The gallery was particularly delighted to present significant new works by Rayleen Clancy, of An Rinn, Waterford-born photographer, John Foley, Icons by Dungarvan-based Annie Shaw and large graphic prints by Limerick-born, Berlin-based artist, Ireland 3000 (Brian OShea).

Both exhibitions are free to view for the public and will remain open and on display until August 16.
An acclaimed musician, described as the finest songwriter of his generation by the late radio presenter and journalist John Pell, will be performing in Waterford this May.

With a new album due for release, James Yorkston will be playing new songs at Subterranean Sounds in Phil Grimes Pub, as well as digging into material from his solo albums and those with Yorkston Thorne Khan, Nina Persson and The Second Hand Orchestra.

Growing up in the village of Kingsbarns, in Fife, Scotland, James has been releasing a series of much acclaimed albums on Domino Records since 2002.

His debut album Moving Up Country was Rough Trade Album of the Year.

James break came a year previously, after he sent a demo cassette to folk-rock legend John Martyn asking for a support slot on the Edinburgh date of Johns upcoming tour, only for John to hear the cassette and offer James all 31 dates of the tour.

James was an integral original member of the much lauded and hugely influential Fence Collective and his style shows a mastery of folk traditions, often drawing on traditional songs, which has seen him collaborate with such heritage artists as the Waterson family, Martin Carthy and the late Bert Jansch, whilst producing his own albums alongside contemporary artists such as Four Tet, Rustin Man, David Wrench and Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip).

In 2011, his debut book, Its Lovely to be Here  The Touring Diaries of a Scottish Gent, was published to great response by The Domino Press / Faber, and in 2016 Freight Press published James debut novel, '3 Craws

Yorkston plays Phil Grimes Pub Friday, May 16.

Tickets are available now from from Eventbrite.ie.
Amazon.com said it will not display the cost of US tariffs on products after the White House blasted the reported move and President Donald Trump called Jeff Bezos to complain.

The team that runs our ultra low cost Amazon Haul store has considered the idea of listing import charges on certain products, the company said in a statement. Teams discuss ideas all the time. This was never a consideration for the main Amazon site and nothing has been implemented on any Amazon properties.

The companys ultra low cost Amazon Haul store has considered displaying the cost of US tariffs on products next to the total listed price. Credit: NYT

Amazon spokesperson Tim Doyle said in a subsequent statement that the proposal was never approved and is not going to happen.

As he prepared to leave for an event in Michigan to mark his 100th day in office, Trump confirmed that he had spoken with the Amazon founder following a brief Punchbowl News report that the e-commerce giant would start displaying the cost of US tariffs on products next to the total listed price.
Brooke Bellamy has denied claims made by a second author accusing the Brisbane-based baker, cafe owner and author of plagiarism.

US-based Sally McKenney, of SallysBakeBlog, who has 1 million followers on Instagram, alleged that one of her cake recipes had been copied in Bellamys Bake With Brooki.

Brooke Bellamy, author of Bake With Brooki.

McKenneys post on Wednesday came a day after the founder of food website RecipeTin Eats, Nagi Maehashi, went public with allegations that Bellamy, owner of three cafes in Brisbane, copied two of McKenneys recipes in the book published by Penguin.

Im so grateful you let me know months ago that one of my recipes (The Best Vanilla Cake Ive Ever Had, published by me in 2019) was also plagiarised in this book and also appears on the authors YouTube channel, McKenney wrote. Original recipe creators who put in the work to develop and test recipes deserve credit  especially in a bestselling cookbook.
This story is part of the May 4 edition of Sunday Life.

While scrolling on Instagram recently, I saw John Adamo Pearce  the purple Wiggle  teaching kids how to sing Bahay Kubo, the Filipino song I sang as a child that names vegetables growing in a backyard. Pearce, a proud Filipino-Australian, often showcases his culture through fun Instagram reels with his mum, Flordeliza.

When I see my culture represented in the media, I still experience a pinch-me feeling. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, it was rare to see it depicted in mainstream Western media. But thats gradually changing.

Two years ago, Sesame Street introduced TJ, the first Filipino-American Muppet. Arvin Garcia, a Filipino nurse from Melbourne, won the reality cooking show The Great Australian Bake Off last year. And in the 2023 season, MasterChef Australia featured Filipino-Australian chefs, including Ross Magnaye, cooking traditional dishes (both Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay have dined at Magnayes Melbourne restaurant, Serai, with Ramsay hailing Magnayes taco sisig as the best dish hes tasted in years).

The Wiggles John Adamo Pearce (right) is bringing Filipino culture to pint-sized audiences through song. Credit: ABC

Theres more: the Good Food Guide (produced by Nine, publisher of Sunday Life) awarded one hat to Askal, a Filipino restaurant in Melbourne. The owners of Askal have also opened a bar called Inuman (Filipino for drinking session), making it the first rooftop bar in Australia that serves cocktails using ingredients such as lemongrass, durian, lambanog (Palm liquor), ube (purple yam) and pandan.
The Medical Forces Command has initiated a partial decommissioning of medics for their mobilization, as provided for by the decision of the National Security and Defense Council, Health Minister Viktor Liashko has said.

"The first stage of such decommissioning has already been implemented: the Medical Forces Command has contacted the Ministry of Defense. The Ministry of Defense has sent us a request for the number of medical workers they want us to decommission and mobilize in the first stage," he said at a briefing on Wednesday.

The minister explained that further mechanisms were used when, according to the quota principle, this number of medical workers was divided for each region, and work began with regional military administrations and health departments.

"They are now working with specific institutions regarding medical specialties. Such specialists who will be subject to decommissioning and further mobilization by concluding a contract for one year, as provided for by the amendments to the laws," Liashko noted.

According to him, this will ensure the rotation of medical workers who will be drafted into the ranks of the Armed Forces.
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 She wont admit it, but of all the Labor politicians in Western Australia, Madeleine King will have the least nervous wait of her colleagues at Saturdays election. The federal resources minister won her seat on first preferences alone in 2022 thanks to a 9.8 swing towards Labor, and has one of the biggest buffers in the country to cushion any evaporation of support. Federal Resources Minister and Brand MP Madeleine King at Rockingham Beach. Credit: Colin Murty King holds Brand by a margin of 17.1 per cent  making it the third-safest Labor seat in the country, and the strongest in WA. She says there is no such thing as a safe seat, but concedes she has been fortunate, which she puts down to her local roots in the area. The right member is just the person who knows the place and has a grounding in it, she says. As WAs only cabinet minister, King is the most senior Labor politician in the state, and has been a prominent figure this election, often being the headline act when no other inner ministry members are in town.

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When WAtoday caught up with her on Sunday morning, she was pressing the flesh at the Rotary Markets in the heart of Rockingham. Loading Her minder says anything could happen here, but the rowdiest characters we encounter are canines interested in the three dogs she has in tow. Border collie-poodle crosses Benny and Ziggy are dressed in Kings bright red Labor campaign shirts, while 14-year-old Sandy  who King adopted after her mother Diana Morriss passing two years prior  does well to keep up with her siblings. As we walk through the sunny town centre towards Rockingham Beach, King proudly points out her familys lengthy history in the area. Her father John Morris worked at BPs oil refinery in Kwinana  just north of the beachfront where we sit down for a coffee  while her mother and grandmother ran a drapery store in the town centre just a few hundred metres away. Interestingly, King owes more to John Howard for her foray into politics than her parents.

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Dad was a total swinging voter, she says. Hes very proud to show off that he voted for Bob Hawke once. Mum  would never tell me who she voted for, but I hope she voted for me. My husband Jamie and I joined the Labor Party on the same day [in 2004], wed been working in Europe and came back, and John Howard had sent us crazy with some of his policies. The former lawyer had done some policy work for then-Brand member and Rudd-era minister Gary Gray in 2011, which gave her the connection to ask what she needed to do to replace him when he announced his retirement ahead of the 2016 election. She won the preselection uncontested, which she attributed to the low ebb the WA branch was in at the time. Six years later when Labor won government, King entered cabinet as resources minister, where she has walked a fine balance, keeping the states important resources sector happy while also helping reform industrial relations and environmental laws in Labors image.

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The push to establish a federal environmental protection agency and reform environmental legislation  known as the Nature Positive laws  did not go as planned. Loading Both the Coalition and Greens blocked their passage in the Senate, the former because they went too far, the latter because they didnt go far enough. Part of the successful campaign against the laws came from West Australian Labor Premier Roger Cook, who led delegations to Canberra to lobby against the laws as they were presented to parliament. Cooks opposition gave the Coalition plenty of ammunition for shots at federal Labor over the issue. Asked whether she wished Cook  whose seat of Kwinana sits within Kings own electorate  had kept his trap shut during that contentious period, she jokes: I would never say that about the premier. King says environmental reforms will be revisited in the next term.

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A big win King has had this election is the Coalitions backdown on scrapping Labors industrial relations reforms. Despite staunch opposition to the same job, same pay and collective bargaining laws by his industrial relations spokeswoman, Michaelia Cash, opposition leader Peter Dutton confirmed they would not be repealed during a visit to WA earlier this month. Instead, the opposition plans to review the effectiveness of Labors laws. King has been forced to deal with criticism of the laws from the resources sector since their inception, with the industry warning of widespread strikes across the Pilbara. She says the Coalitions backdown was one of the biggest surprises of the campaign. Madeleine King pressing the flesh with her three pups at the Rockingham Rotary Markets. Credit: Colin Murty That was a surprise of the highest order, she tells me.

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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 Navigating the corflutes and a-frames scattered outside the Claremont polling booth on Wednesday, a voter makes a beeline for Liberal Curtin candidate Tom White. He mentions his daughter studying at uni and asks the 37-year-old why his party doesnt support Labors plan to cut 20 per cent of student debts. Liberal candidate for Curtin Tom White meeting candidates at the Claremont polling booth on Wednesday. Credit: Colin Murty White fires back that the $16 billion policy will add to the already ballooning generational debt contained in the budget papers and that it was a cynical attempt to buy votes. Might have to agree to disagree, the voter retorts before shaking Whites hand and heading inside. White walks back over, acknowledging his responses were forthright, but there was no point in telling him something he wanted to hear. Im not gonna tell them what they want to hear just to convince them at the last minute as they walk into the booth. I think we owe them more than that, he says.

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Its the most testing conversation White has with a punter in the hour or so that WAtoday is with the former Barnett government staffer and Uber executive at the busy booth, but one he relished in these final days of what has been a gruelling campaign for both him and his opponent, independent Kate Chaney. With the help of significant funding from Climate 200, Chaney created history at the 2022 election as part of the teal wave that wrested control of Curtin from former Liberal MP Celia Hammond, who happened to be handing out how-to-vote cards for White while we were down there. Chaneys grip on the seat is the second weakest for an independent in the country at 1.3 per cent, and both candidates have likely already spent north of $1 million on their respective campaigns. While some in the Liberals lament the partys continued focus on formerly blue ribbon seats at the expense of fertile outer suburban areas, it is widely agreed, including by opposition leader Peter Dutton himself, that the Coalitions path back to government requires them to win back teal-held seats like Curtin. Seoul searching Whites roots in the western suburbs and work with Uber made him a standout candidate within Liberal circles to take on Chaney.

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He left his role as a political staffer in the Barnett government in 2014 to work in the Uber Perth office as the business was establishing itself in WA, and within six months was running the place. Within another six months he was also running the companys Adelaide operations. I came to the realisation that I was on the wrong path, that Im not a financially motivated person. Liberal candidate for Curtin Tom White At the age of 27 he was in the melee erupting with taxi companies and governments as the business battled court cases and protests in the taxi industry. By 2017 he moved to Vietnam to help establish the business there before moving to Japan in 2018 to start the business from scratch. It wasnt until late 2022 when he was running Ubers joint venture in Seoul, South Korea that his mind turned to politics. White at the polling booth with his corflutes. Credit: Colin Murty I went back to Seoul and was sitting at my desk one day, and this sounds dramatic, but its true, I came to the realisation that I was on the wrong path, that Im not a financially motivated person, he says.

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What I realised is the time at which I was most passionate and energetic at Uber was in the first few years, when I was on a crusade. I was part of a mission that happened to be a business. As time wore on, I found myself feeling like I was more and more just in a business and I came to this realisation that I need to be doing something meaningful. Making money is not enough for me. In early 2023, White spent two weeks in Perth gauging interest in his tilt at politics and on his return gave nine months notice. He said there was no plan B if he didnt win this weekend. I havent even contemplated what Im going to do if it doesnt work out on Saturday. Thats a realistic possibility. I have no idea whats going to happen, but yeah, Im going all in, he said. Does Dutton drag? It was widely agreed in Liberal circles in WA that the Coalitions problem at the 2022 election was tethered to the unpopularity of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

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Insiders in both major parties suggest that Duttons leadership has not corrected that issue in any great way. None of Whites material at the booth has any obvious imaging of Dutton but White says when it comes down to it, voters in Curtin will choose Dutton. People understand that hes vastly superior to the alternative. I dont think I need to convince many people of that in Curtin, he says. Tom White and 98-year-old Joan. Credit: Colin Murty Either Peter Dutton or Anthony Albanese will be the prime minister after Saturday, and when you put it in those such stark terms, I think the people of Curtin understand that its an obvious choice. Climate change was also considered a major voting factor in the 2022 election that got Chaney over the line. White has vehemently backed gas and contentious projects like Woodsides North West Shelf extension proposal and disagrees that climate is an issue this time round.

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Ukraines State Security Service and the National Police continue the nationwide information campaign "Burn the FSB Agent" with meetings with schoolchildren and students directly in schools and colleges.

"The SBU and the National Police continue the campaign with meetings with schoolchildren and students to counteract their recruitment by the Russian special services," the SBU reported in its Telegram channel on Wednesday.

In particular, according to the agency, such a lecture was held for students of Kyiv Lyceum No. 176 named after Miguel de Cervantes. "It is aimed at counteracting the recruitment of young people by Russian special services and preventing arsons, sabotage, and above all, terrorist attacks, in the implementation of which the Russians are increasingly trying to involve minors," the special service noted.

During the lecture, SBU agents and the National Police told students about the methods that Russian special services use for recruitment on social networks and messengers, and provided practical advice on how not to become a tool in the hands of the enemy.

"If, in exchange for the promise of "easy money," a person agrees to carry out the tasks of Russian agents, then three possible scenarios await him, and all of them are negative. The first is death from an explosive device. The second is mutilation, if he is lucky enough to survive after the explosion. The third is prison, because the SBU and the National Police find all criminals," said SBU spokesman Artem Dekhtyarenko during the lecture.

He called on schoolchildren to immediately report any recruitment attempts to law enforcement officers, including through the SBU chatbot "Burn the FSB Agent" https://t.me/Spaly_FSB_bot. It can be used to transfer the phone number or nickname of the person who incited the crime, as well as other details of this proposal. The SBU carefully analyzes all the data received and takes it into account in countering the intelligence and subversive activities of the Russian special services.

In addition, schoolchildren can also report recruitment attempts to juvenile inspectors assigned to a particular school. The contacts of these inspectors are indicated on the flyers that law enforcement representatives distribute during the meeting.

The Ukrainian special service reports that, starting in 2024, the SBU and the National Police have detained more than 600 people who, on behalf of Russian agents, were engaged in arson, sabotage and terrorist acts in Ukraine. Instead of "easy money," the suspects received suspicions from the SBU and the prospect of a long prison sentence.
The Benin Customs administration hosted a national workshop on Rules of Origin (RoO) of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) from 14 to 16 April 2025 in Cotonou. Organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO), with financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through the WCO/JICA Joint Project, the workshop brought together participants from Benins Customs administration, the Ministry of Industry, and the private sector.

The workshop is part of a WCO/JICA joint project aimed at enhancing the implementation of AfCFTA RoO to promote more harmonized, transparent, and competitive intra-African trade. The objective of the project was to equip Customs administrations and other relevant agencies with the necessary tools to effectively manage preferential regimes under the AfCFTA, while also strengthening dialogue among stakeholders, including Customs, other governmental entities, and the private sector.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Aime Yvan Karegire, Deputy Director General of Benin Customs, expressed his gratitude to the WCO and JICA for their commitment in organizing the workshop. He emphasized that the exchanges would enable participants to gain a better understanding of the RoO within the AfCFTA context and to adopt best practices for their implementation. He also stressed the importance of improving the private sectors understanding to ensure the effective application of AfCFTA preferential tariffs and thereby accelerate intra-African trade.

Mr. Benjamin More, Deputy Resident Representative of JICA in Benin, praised the exemplary cooperation between JICA and the WCO in training Master Trainers and Accredited Experts, particularly in RoO. He highlighted that this support is crucial for enabling African Customs administrations to implement these rules effectively, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of African economies and boosting intra-African trade.

Over three days, participants attended in-depth technical sessions led by WCO experts to consolidate their knowledge of RoO and their strategic role in facilitating continental trade. The workshop also provided an opportunity to share best practices and to analyze case studies on origin criteria, verification, certification, and the progressive dismantling of tariffs. Through case studies and practical exercises, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the RoO, thus facilitating their correct application and greater ownership among all stakeholders.

The workshop enabled participants to identify the specific challenges their respective administrations face and to articulate clear needs for the implementation of AfCFTA RoO. This exchange framework fostered better ownership of procedures related to tariff preferences while strengthening cooperation between Customs officials, national institutions, and economic operators. It also enhanced dialogue between public entities and private sector stakeholders, laying the foundations for a sustainable partnership for the effective implementation of the commitments undertaken under the AfCFTA.
The Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, Taras Kremin, has said he has not been not consulted about possible reappointment to the position of Language Ombudsman.

"No consultation, proposal, and, moreover, persuasion," Kremin said in a comment to the Interfax-Ukraine agency, answering the question of whether the relevant departments had approached him with a proposal to continue holding the position for the next term.

When asked for clarification, he replied that he would be interested in continuing to work as the Language Ombudsman.

In addition, in his opinion, none of today's candidates (Iryna Koval-Fuchylo, Olena Ivanovska and Pavlo Polyansky) meets the criteria to take up the position of Commissioner: they lack experience in human rights protection and experience in protecting the state language.

"A confrontation in society has started on empty ground, which is already hitting the authority of the positive achievements of the authorities. It was during these years that an institution was created and best practices for protecting the language rights of citizens were implemented, which should be duly appreciated and continued," Kremin added.

According to the law "On Ensuring the Functioning of the Ukrainian Language as the State Language," the Commissioner is appointed and dismissed by the Cabinet of Ministers. The Government appoints one of the candidates submitted by the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications to this position. The term of office is five years. A person may be appointed to the position of Commissioner again, but may not hold the position for a third time.

As reported, the candidates for the position of the new Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language were philologist Iryna Koval-Fuchylo, philologist Olena Ivanovska, and Deputy State Secretary of the Cabinet of Ministers Pavlo Polyansky.

On July 8, 2020, the Cabinet of Ministers appointed Taras Kremin to the position of Language Ombudsman for 5 years. Kremin was nominated as a candidate for the position of Human Rights Commissioner. Other candidates for the position of Language Ombudsman at that time were Svitlana Bronnikova (candidate from the Ministry of Culture) and Svyatoslav Litynskyi (candidate from the Ministry of Justice).

Prior to that, since November 2019, the position of the first Language Ombudsman was held by Tetyana Monakhova, but in April 2020 she submitted an application for early resignation.
Following religious persecution and personal loss, Weber State student graduates with MBA

April 30, 2025

OGDEN, Utah  Mahshid Mersedeh Eskandarian, a recent graduate from Weber State Universitys Master of Business Administration program, doesnt take her education for granted.

Earning a bachelors degree from her hometown in Iran involved long days of travel to the countrys capital and no internet access.

Its a privilege to be able to freely go and pursue whatever you dream, Eskandarian said. In some parts of the world, many basic rights are hard-fought.

Eskandarian is a member of Irans minority religion, which meant she wasnt allowed to attend traditional universities in her country. This began after the Iranian revolution of 1979 and, since then, Eskandarian and others who belong to the Bahai faith group have experienced repression and persecution because of their beliefs.

As someone who loves learning, though, Eskandarian was determined to find a way.

She attended an institution called the Bahai Institute for Higher Education, founded by others affected by educational restrictions. Professors volunteered their time to teach students.

Their example helped to keep Eskandarian motivated: Theyre a daily reminder to me that, even in the darkest conditions, the light of knowledge and pursuit of truth cannot be extinguished, she said. In the Bahai view, education is a pathway to uplift the soul and transform the world.

After five and a half years, she earned her degree in accounting.

She then worked as an accountant for private companies, but Eskandarian and her family wanted a life with more freedom and opportunities. That decision brought them to Utah.

But her sister, who was excited to adjust to a new culture and learn a new language, didnt make the move with her family. She unexpectedly passed away just hours before they were scheduled to depart.

Despite everything, I keep moving forward, Eskandarian said. I carry the memory of my sister and the dreams we shared. I hope that one day Ill be able to honor her in the life I continue to build.

Its now been about 12 years since Eskandarian moved to the United States. She lives just minutes from WSU Davis with her husband, their 6-year-old daughter, and 4-year-old son.

She graduated with her masters degree this month. She said shes proud of the knowledge, connections, and leadership abilities she gained along the way.



This is my first experience in a formal university, she said. Its been challenging but rewarding. I am learning and growing every day.

WSUs MBA program is known for its flexibility, with both virtual and in-person classes, along with its affordability and real-world applications. Eskandarian said each of those aspects played a role in her decision to choose WSU.

She hopes to use her degree to grow an online business that empowers parents to earn an income working from home, so they have time to focus on their families. She notes the impact her marketing classes had on learning how to brand a new business, stay up to date with industry trends, and research consumer habits.

Eskandarian said her family, including her late sister, are a driving force in all she does.

This achievement is not just mine, she said. I promised myself that I would live the life my sister and I had imagined together, and though I walk this path alone now, her spirit and our dreams are always with me.
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded border guards with state awards on the occasion of their professional day.

"Today is a day of our gratitude to each and every one who serves in the ranks of the State Border Service of Ukraine. Thousands of soldiers who protect our border, who, together with all other elements of the defense and security forces of Ukraine, hold the front. This is constant counteraction to the Enemy's Special Forces. Control over the situation and movement of Russian forces near our border. Brilliant work of intelligence of the State Border Service," Zelenskyy said during the award ceremony.

The President also noted the active actions and resilience of the assault brigades "Pomsta," "Forpost," "Steel Border," "GART" and the "Dozor" detachment, as well as the Sumy, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Kherson border detachments and maritime guard units, border rapid response commandants from the Lviv, Zhytomyr, Chob, Izmail, Volyn, and Bilhorod-Dnistrovsky detachments.

According to Zelenskyy, over the years of defending Ukraine, 4,250 soldiers have been received awards, and 29 border guards have been given the title "Hero of Ukraine," 17 of which posthumously.

The President asked those present to honor the memory of the fallen soldiers with a minute of silence.
There is no talk of separating EU accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova  Poroshenko after meeting with EC President

Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org

Ukrainian MP and leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko has discussed with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen the acceleration of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU, as well as common "red lines" in the negotiation process to end the war, the party's website reported.

"I received a clear signal: there is no question of a scenario of separating the negotiation processes on Ukraine's accession to the EU for Ukraine and Moldova. We agreed that it is important to take into account the economic difficulties for Ukrainian exporters when considering the issue of trade privileges for Ukraine," Poroshenko said.

According to him, he also discussed with the European Commission President the development of a common position on ending the war and establishing a just and lasting peace.

"I emphasized that it is necessary to clearly fix our common "red lines", in particular on non-recognition of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and other temporarily occupied territories of our state," Poroshenko added.

As reported, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated that the EU is considering the possibility of continuing the accession process of Moldova, separating it from Ukraine, against the background of Hungary's resistance to negotiations with Kyiv.

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration - Minister of Justice of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna said that Ukraine and Hungary have agreed to hold regular consultations from May 12 to remove all concerns of the Hungarian side and unblock the negotiation process on Ukraine's accession to the European Union. Later, she called Marta Kos's statement regarding the possibility of separating Moldova and Ukraine in the negotiation process on EU membership unconstructive.

European Commission spokesman Guillaume Mercier noted that "when it comes to the separation of Ukraine and Moldova on the path to accession, the advancement of this process in the Council depends solely on the member states."

"For our part, we remain fully committed to providing the necessary technical, financial and political support to both Moldova and Ukraine to effectively pursue their reforms," he added.

The spokesman recalled that, according to the European Commission's assessment of EU accession, "both Ukraine and Moldova have made steady progress in reforms... but ultimately, the final decision must be taken by the member states. According to Mercier, if the member states wish to do so, they will put the issue up for discussion for further decision-making.
Two major technological developments for the former Asahi site in Killala have received planning approval from Mayo County Council.

The local authority has given the green light to US-based investment firm AVAIO Digital for a data centre and to SSE Renewables for the construction of a battery energy storage system (BESS) facility.

The planned data centre will be a two-storey building covering 29,076 square metres including data halls, electrical and mechanical plant rooms and other associated ancillary works.

In a statement to the Western People, AVAIO Digital said they welcomed the councils decision.

The announcement today to grant planning permission for our County Mayo Data Hub campus is a welcome step in creating a new economic opportunity in the West of Ireland.

The Mayo Data Hub will support AI and cloud development in the West and provide unique employment opportunities through planned partnerships with Irish universities, creating new data centre-focused curricula and supporting research in the uses of artificial intelligence across multiple sectors.

The company added that its design will leverage abundant wind energy in the West.

Much of this wind energy is often curtailed during windy periods due to the lack of adequate transmission infrastructure and our design will provide an economic use for these otherwise wasted green electrons on the former Asahi industrial site in Killala.

It said the project will create more than 300 jobs during construction, which may begin in early 2026, and provide a basis for more sustainable development of the industrial site on an ongoing basis.

The campus will provide a significant boost to the economy of Mayo and to the West in general. We look forward to partnering with the community as we take this project to the next stages.

The data centre attracted much debate and attention during the planning assessment with bestselling Mayo author Sally Rooney among the objectors while Mayo Green Party chairperson Micheal OConnell welcomed the development.

Meanwhile, planning permission was also granted to SSE Renewables for the BESS at its site in Tawnaghmore Upper where the company also operates a power station.

A battery energy storage system (BESS) is an electrochemical device that charges (or collects energy) from the grid or a power plant and then discharges that energy at a later time to provide electricity or other grid services when needed. SSE Renewables said the new facility would power over 75,000 Irish homes for up to two hours at a time.

Should construction begin as planned in 2026, it may be completed by 2028.
The HSE has acknowledged there are still challenges in providing adequate levels of home help to all those who need it in Mayo.

A spokesperson for HSE West and North West said home support is provided to a total of 1,581 clients in Mayo with a further 242 on waiting lists. Its National Service Plan targets 24 million hours of home support nationally, of which around 4.3 million are for the West and North West region, and Mayo has been allocated extra funding for a further 617,592 hours. However, despite this, there are still issues with the recruitment of staff.

Despite increases in investment there are still significant challenges in providing adequate home support packages to all service users, the spokesperson said. Home support hours are directly impacted by the availability of home care staff for both HSE direct and through third-party providers.

In the context of waiting list applications for new or additional services, hours are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are subject to availability of home care staff.

It said two new healthcare support assistants (HCSAs) have been recruited for the HSE Home Support Service in Mayo and there are a further two panels in place for recruitment. The Home Support Service is running a rolling recruitment campaign for HCSAs and will be recruiting again in June. The HSE has also met with private providers to discuss recruitment.

The Home Support office for the region has met with private providers regarding their recruitment plans and identification of geographical areas being targeted for recruitment to further build capacity, the statement said.

Last week, the Western People spoke to the family of Breege Canavan, a Belcarra native who will require ongoing care at home after an acute medical event, expressed their frustration over inadequate home support. In response to this article, a reader from Ballina, shared their own difficulties with accessing home support services.

My father had a stroke three years ago and my mother cares for him. She cannot leave him alone and she got offered 30 minutes home help per week, the reader said. Not per day, 30 minutes per week, and has yet to receive any care support for my father as the HSE does not have enough people to do the work in this area of the country.

The reader also said that one of her parents-in-law, who has now sadly passed away, was completely immobile when they returned home from hospital. Equipment was provided but no personal care could be found.

Their sons cared for them by learning how to change adult nappies for a bedridden person by watching YouTube videos, she said. Even the private care companies could only provide care for two nights over the three weeks before the parent passed away, at the cost of 1,000 for two nights.

There is a crisis in this area. The HSE wants people to care for their loved ones at home but is not providing the support.
The moment Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped onto that balcony overlooking St Peter's Square in 2013, a thousand headlines were born. Here was the first Latin American pope, the first Jesuit pope, the first to choose the name Francis. A man who would purportedly drag the Catholic Church into a brave new world by dint of charm, humility and calculated ambiguity. Now, as the world digests the news of his passing at 88, we must consider what kind of Catholic Church he leaves behind.

I've never quite trusted those who claim to be mediators. True peacemakers are inevitably torn apart by the very forces they attempt to reconcile. Like Saint Rodrigo of Cordoba - martyred on the very feast day Francis ascended to the papacy - our late pontiff discovered that standing between warring factions often means becoming their common target.

In the first year of his pontificate, on his visit to Rio De Janeiro, Francis urged young Catholics "to shake up the Church and make a mess". Whether by intent or by the law of unintended consequences, he delivered a mess. For nearly twelve years, this notably humble Argentine conducted a papacy of calculated contradictions that left both progressives and traditionalists feeling simultaneously hopeful and betrayed. He weaponised ambiguity with the precision of a Jesuit tactician, deploying it not as intellectual laziness but as strategic armament.

Consider his famous "Who am I to judge?"  five words that launched a thousand think pieces. The secular press received it as a revolutionary embrace of homosexuality. Conservative Catholics insisted it was nothing of the sort when viewed in the proper context. Francis himself never bothered to clarify, seemingly content to watch the faithful tear each other apart over interpretations.

The man himself was a bundle of contradictions. While portrayed as a humble champion of the common man - the pope who rode in a Fiat and wore sensible shoes - his artistic sensibilities ran toward Germanic complexity: mystic poets, and complex philosophy. Hardly the man-of-the-people image that was carefully crafted for him.

His public persona was equally puzzling. This gentle pastor could be remarkably crude in his rhetoric. While secular journalists swooned over his environmental encyclicals and immigration advocacy, they conveniently ignored his references to "coprophilia" in the media, his complaints about the "air of faggotry in the Vatican," and his penchant for calling his enemies "pickled pepper-faced Christians". The Catholic Dalai Lama he was not.

Both privately and publicly, Pope Francis was a bundle of contradictions. Illustration: Conor McGuire

Francis's admirers would have us remember his championing of the poor, his environmental advocacy in Laudato Si and his outreach to the margins. His critics would point to his authoritarian governance style, his scorched-earth campaign against the Latin Mass, and his bewildering handling of sexual abuse cases. Both portraits contain elements of truth, yet neither captures the essence of this mercurial man.

Perhaps most revealing was his relationship with the media. No previous pope granted so many interviews or spoke so freely to journalists, especially on those notorious airplane press conferences where caution was jettisoned along with cabin pressure. More than 70 of these conversations were substantial enough to be published as books. Through these exchanges, Francis accomplished what doctrinal documents never could: he shifted the Church's conversation without changing a single letter of its laws.

When doctrine proved inconvenient, Francis retreated to footnotes and vague phrasings. His approach to divorced and remarried Catholics receiving communion - buried in a footnote in Amoris Laetitia exemplified this method. He would push boundaries through informal comments, then allow subordinates to clean up the theological mess while he moved on to his next provocative statement.

For a man allegedly committed to 'synodality' and listening, Francis wielded papal authority with remarkable vigour. He issued 75 motu proprio documents - unilateral papal declarations requiring no consultation. By comparison, his predecessor Benedict XVI issued merely 13 in eight years, while John Paul II produced only 31 across nearly three decades. So much for decentralisation.

Nothing revealed his imperial tendencies more clearly than his crusade against the traditional Latin Mass. What began as requiring priests to seek their bishops' permission escalated to requiring bishops themselves to seek Rome's approval, which was rarely granted. Traditional parishes that had been growing and producing vocations were decimated with the enthusiasm of Henry VIII dissolving monasteries.

On abuse, Francis proved disappointing across the ideological spectrum. While continuing his predecessor's work addressing historical cases, he fumbled new ones spectacularly. The handling of his fellow Jesuit Marko Rupnik, who absolved a woman in confession of having sex with him, was particularly galling. Despite allegations from dozens of women, Rupnik remained a priest, merely shuffled to a different diocese.

Yet we must acknowledge that Francis inherited a Church already divided. The fault lines had been cracking for decades before his pontificate. What made Francis unique was his willingness - perhaps even eagerness - to widen those cracks rather than paper over them. If he wanted to shake things up and make a mess, as he declared in 2013, in this ambition, at least, he succeeded magnificently.

His pontificate leaves the Church polarised between competing visions of Catholicism that seem increasingly incompatible. German bishops flirt with schism, American Catholics split along increasingly partisan lines, traditionalists feel persecuted, progressives feel teased with reforms that never fully materialise. The middle ground - those ordinary Catholics who simply want to attend Mass and live their faith without ideological warfare - feel like besieged inhabitants as they continue to defend the ramparts.

It would be foolish to underestimate Francis's shrewdness because of the obvious turmoil. Pope Francis understood that formal doctrine matters less than pastoral emphasis and controlling the media narrative. When artfully shifting the conversation from sexual ethics to environmental concerns and economic justice, he effectively changed the Church's public face without the messy business of changing its catechism.

His most enduring legacy may be his transformation of the papacy itself. Future popes will be expected to maintain his level of accessibility, to speak extemporaneously rather than through carefully crafted statements. The genie of papal spontaneity cannot be returned to the bottle. Whether this development benefits the Church remains an open question.

Francis's papacy resembled nothing so much as a Wagnerian opera - complex, divisive, occasionally sublime, and frequently exhausting. Like those German compositions he so admired, his pontificate was marked by sudden crescendos, perplexing leitmotifs, and an ending that leaves the audience unsure whether they've witnessed triumph or tragedy.

In death, as in life, Francis defies easy categorisation. Was he a reformer or reactionary? Revolutionary or restorationist? The answer, maddeningly, is both and neither. The Church he leaves behind is neither more progressive nor more traditional, but certainly more fractured and self-conscious.

Saint Rodrigo, whose feast day witnessed Francis's election, when caught between warring brothers, was martyred for refusing to deny his faith. Caught between competing Catholic factions, Pope Francis chose a different path - not martyrdom but strategic ambiguity. Whether history judges this choice as wisdom or weakness will depend largely on what follows in the conclave ahead.

In the coming days, the College of Cardinals will gather to select his successor. Will they choose continuity or correction? Francis appointed the majority of current cardinals, suggesting his influence will extend beyond the grave. Yet the pendulum of Church history has a way of swinging back, sometimes violently.

Whatever comes next, the Catholic Church - that ancient, stubborn institution that has outlasted empires and ideologies - will continue. It survived the contradictions of Francis just as it survived the scandals of the Borgias and the corruption of the Renaissance popes. The truly interesting question is not whether the Church will endure, but which version of it will emerge from the studied mess Francis so enthusiastically created.
Tom Tuite

A Ukrainian travel agent and her husband remain in custody after allegedly attempting to smuggle 340,000 out of Ireland for a criminal organisation three weeks ago.

Gardai claim that businesswoman Iryna Bandarieva, 69, and Ihor Shandar, 60, were caught red-handed at Dublin Airport's Terminal 1 on April 10th and are awaiting directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

They were refused bail at Dublin District Court two days after the arrest and charged with money laundering offences.

They have lodged High Court bail applications, which will be heard next week.

They appeared again at the District Court on Wednesday and were remanded in continuing custody by Judge Maire Conneely to appear again on May 28th.

It follows a joint investigation by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Revenue.

The couple with an address in Betova, Kiev, Ukraine, face duplicate charges under section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, which carries a maximum 14-year sentence on conviction.

They are accused of possessing 340,000 in crime proceeds but deny the allegations.

With the help of a translator, the businesswoman told the court the money was from their life savings. "My husband and I are planning to challenge this case in court. We have documents to prove the source of the money is legit".

Objecting to bail at their first hearing on April 12th, Detective Vincent Jaffray and Kate Gilligan had told Judge Anthony Halpin that the GNDOCB received confidential information about a transnational crime group involved in money laundering and drug trafficking.

The couple's luggage was checked, and officers found 170,000 in 50 notes and 17 bundles of 10,000 each among the clothing in Mr Shandar's luggage. Some 167,000 was found in Ms Bandarieva's bag.

Another 7,000 was in their hand luggage.

The officers believed 340,000 in the bundles was proceeds of crime and that the pair were taking it out of the jurisdiction. They arrived in the country the previous day.

Detective Jaffray said that when interviewed, Mr Shandar claimed they came to Ireland for a sightseeing trip.

The court heard they arrived in Ireland from Nice, France, and used a bank card to pay for a hotel. The court heard the defendants had recently moved to Italy and claimed the money was to buy a property in Cyprus.

The gardai said they were set to fly there on Thursday and, following a 12-hour stopover, get an onward flight to Milan, Italy, where they had lived recently.

The bail hearing was told that court Ms Bandarieva's business, Dolce Travel, was still operating in Ukraine and that she had family in the UK.

Their lawyer said they would fight the case.

The court heard Ms Bandarieva had trust issues with banks.

The defence described her as a lady of good character with no prior convictions who had worked all her life
Poetry Day Ireland will be celebrated on Thursday next, May 1.

To mark the occasion, poet and playwright Terry McDonagh is preparing to bring poetry to life in his hometown of Kiltimagh. With characteristic warmth and wit, Terry spoke to the Western People last week about the event, his new collection of poems for children, and the enduring power of poetry to connect people across generations and cultures.

Poetry Day Ireland is basically a day in Ireland every year when poetry is celebrated in some shape or form in all different corners of the country, Terry explained. The spirit of the day is about making space for poetry, however and wherever it may be found.

This year, the celebration in Kiltimagh will take place on Thursday at 7.30pm in the Folk Cafe. Terry described the events format as simple and inclusive.

We asked nine or ten different organisations around Kiltimagh to select a representative to choose a poem, explain briefly why they picked it, and then read it," he said. Its essentially about getting people together to recite poetry.

The evening promises not only poetry but music as well, with folk performances by Ollie Burke and others, including Mick and Eilish, the Cafes owners, and a traditional music group from St Louis Community School made up of Jack Morley, Holly Groarke, Liam ODonnell and Nathan Thompson. Its an event designed to bring together local voices in an atmosphere of sharing and celebration.

Poems will be chosen and read by Monica Browne (representing The Emigrant Park), Ollie Burke (The Mens Shed), Gerry King (Kiltimagh GAA), Sue OHalloran (Killedan House), Denise Nagel (Saint Louis Community School), David McNicholas (Tidy Towns), Basil Burke (Historical Society), Patricia McDonagh (Womens Group), Patricia Ashby (Kiltimagh Writers), Martin Byrne (Kiltimagh Tourism) and Henry Kelly (Clann Machua Drama Group).

Terry said the attendance will be limited by the venues size.

The Folk Cafe will only hold so many. When you look at the readers and the musicians, youve nearly a full house as it is, he said. But people might like to go, and they might even fit in.

He laughed at the idea of a chaotic overflow.

Sometimes when you have a crowd outside, blocking the streets, blocking the entrance to the supermarkets, the guards called and the fire brigade, thats a right bit of chaos. Nothing wrong with that - that's healthy.

As well as coordinating local efforts for Poetry Day, Terry is also celebrating the release of his newest poetry collection - this one written especially for children.

The book, which is titled 'I write because..., is a new publication aimed at children from around seven years upwards. It reflects Terrys years of working in schools, both in Ireland and abroad.

Ive been going to schools in a lot of different countries, Terry said. Poems speak to kids an awful lot. I listen to children, and when I hear what theyre saying, I kind of write notes as they talk, and then turn them into little poems.

One poem in the collection was inspired by a memory from his time teaching at an international school in Hamburg.

I remember walking past a classroom one day - it was awfully loud, and the teacher was shouting feral ragamuffins and laughing. The kids were having a great time.

That teacher, Terry discovered, was almost completely deaf, relying on lip-reading and storytelling to engage her students.

Her class had a great atmosphere, he recalled fondly.

The collection, published by Calendar Road Press, is his 16th book and is priced at 10. Its been deliberately designed to be lightweight and easy to post. Terry is already planning to take it to schools in Germany, including the international school in Bonn, where he expects it to be well received.

Though there's been no official launch yet, Terry isnt worried.

I must get that organised, he admitted. I havent really made any fuss about it yet.

For Terry McDonagh, poetry is not about pomp or prestige, but about connection - between poet and reader, between speaker and listener. And whether its read in a quiet cafe in Kiltimagh or a lively classroom in Hamburg, that connection is what keeps him writing.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Mostly sunny and pleasant with refreshingly low humidity! Great weather to celebrate the 4th of July!.

Tonight

Mostly clear skies and continued very comfortable overnight.
Electricity restored in Spain and Portugal

08:45, April 30, 2025 By CHEN WEIHUA in Brussels ( China Daily

Power in Spain and Portugal was almost fully restored by early Tuesday morning after a sweeping blackout hit the two countries and parts of France on Monday noon.

Red Electrica, Spain's power operator, said as of 6 am, 99.16 percent of power has been restored to mainland Spain.

"All substations on the transmission grid are operational. We continue with the restoration work," the operator said.

Metro services in Madrid resumed operations at 8 am, except for Line 7A, according to Isabel Diaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid. She said 80 percent of trains will "run during a normal morning rush hour" and all public city buses and intercity train lines are running as normal and will be free all day.

"The region's six transport interchanges remain open as usual," she said.

In Portugal, about 6.2 million out of the 6.5 million households in the country had electricity back by Monday morning. Energy operator Ren said it has managed to get power to "85 of the 89 substations and switch stations" and hopes to fix the remaining issues on Tuesday.

Portuguese media reported that Lisbon Metro was still down earlier on Tuesday.

The massive power outage brought much of Spain and Portugal to a standstill and caused huge chaos. On the Iberian Peninsula, with about 60 million people, traffic was disrupted and many people were stranded inside metro tunnels. People were unable to pay with their bank cards, use their phones and access the internet. Families were seen sitting at their homes lit by candlelight.

A state of emergency declared in Spain before Monday midnight was lifted on Tuesday afternoon.

The cause of the power outage remains unclear. Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said there is "no indication" of a cyberattack. The Portuguese government said the outage appeared to stem from problems outside the country, an official told the national news agency, Lusa.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned against speculation. In his address to the nation 11 hours after the country ground to a halt, Sanchez said government experts were still trying to determine what caused the outage.

"We have never had a complete collapse of the system," he said, noting that at 12:33 pm on Monday, Spain's power grid lost 15 gigawatts, the equivalent of 60 percent of its national demand, in a matter of five seconds.

Red Electrica's Head of Operations Eduardo Prieto said the event was "exceptional and extraordinary".

Many Spanish residents went to sleep in total darkness on Monday night. In Madrid, cheers erupted from balconies of homes where electricity returned.

Cellphone services were spotty on Tuesday morning as people were still struggling to call their loved ones.

Spanish media showed images of people walking on the street to get home after metro and train services stopped, and some commuters clambering out of stalled trains in unlit tunnels.

Such a widespread power outage across the Iberian Peninsula was unprecedented. However, Spain's Canary Islands, Balearic Islands and territories of Ceuta and Melilla, located across the Mediterranean in Africa, were not affected.

Agencies contributed to this story.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
(Additional quotes, agreement details, context added)

Minerals agreement with the United States may be signed within the next 24 hours, hopes Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

"Today, First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is on her way to Washington. We are already finalizing the final details with our American colleagues... As soon as all the details are finalized, in the near future, I hope in the next 24 hours, the agreement will be signed and we will receive the first step," Shmyhal said on the air of the national telethon on Wednesday.

He emphasized that technical details are currently being worked out, as all the fundamental points have already been agreed, and the government has collected approval of the text from the main ministries.

"The government will be ready at any moment, as soon as there is final information from our colleagues from Washington, to approve the agreement," he added.

Shmyhal added that will be necessary to sign two more technical agreements on the creation of the Investment Fund (Fund) and its financing and replenishment.

Shmyhal noted that after the consultation with the US, the agreement became as partnership-based as possible. In particular, the Fund will be established in Ukraine with a 50/50 distribution of management shares (three representatives from each party) and contributions from the parties. Contributions will be made in cash, the American side will be able to calculate new military assistance as a contribution to the Fund and Ukraine retains control over all resources (subsoil, infrastructure, natural resources), and makes a contribution from new licenses and new mineral rents. Under the agreement, the Fund will invest in the development and restoration of Ukraine for 10 years (both capital investments in the creation of enterprises and agreements on the purchase of Ukrainian-made products). After that, by agreement of the parties, the profits can be distributed. The agreement exempts the parties operating within the framework of this agreement from taxation and customs duties and the American side undertakes to involve other international partners and private business in work with the support of the Fund. Disputes within the framework of the agreement are resolved through mutual consultations.

"No debts, no assistance provided to Ukraine before the signing of the agreement are the subject of this agreement," the Prime Minister emphasized.

In addition, Shmyhal added that the agreement with the United States does not contradict Ukraine's accession to the European Union and European integration obligations.

As reported, on April 17, Ukraine and the United States signed a joint Memorandum on an Economic Partnership Agreement, which will open up opportunities for significant investments, infrastructure modernization, and a mutually beneficial partnership between Ukraine and the United States.
Reading, PA (19601)

Today

Mostly sunny and pleasant with refreshingly low humidity! Great weather to celebrate the 4th of July!.

Tonight

Mostly clear skies and continued very comfortable overnight.
Members of Ukraines parliament are proposing to grant citizens over 60 the right to voluntarily sign contracts for military service, Roman Kostenko, a member of the Holos faction, has said.

"Today, the Verkhovna Rada registered bill No. 13229, initiated by me, which will grant citizens over 60 the right to voluntarily sign contracts for military service. This is a response to the request of society - many motivated and experienced people want to be useful in wartime, but the current legislation restricts them from doing so," Kostenko wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.

According to him, the bill provides for the possibility of signing one-year contracts for persons over 60 during martial law with the consent of the unit commander. He also added that officers over 60 will need to obtain additional approval from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

As noted in the card of the bill No. 13229 on amendments to the law "On Military Duty and Military Service" regarding the completion of military service under a contract by persons who have reached the age limit for military service, the authors of the bill also include Oleksandr Merezhko (Servant of the People), Mykhailo Tsymbaliuk (Batkivshchyna), Yuriy Pavlenko (Life and Peace Platform) and Dmytro Razumkov (independent).

The text of the bill is not available on the parliament's website.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  The Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended a judge accused of helping a man with a "laundry list of violent criminal charges" evade immigration authorities, saying Tuesday that it is in the public interest to relieve her of her duties as she faces two federal charges.

The FBI took Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan into custody Friday morning at the county courthouse. She has been charged with concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest and obstructing or impeding a proceeding.

In its two-page order, the court said it was acting to protect public confidence in Wisconsin courts during the criminal proceedings against Dugan. The order noted that the court was acting on its own initiative and was not responding to a request from anyone. Liberal justices control the court 4-3.

"It is ordered ... that Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah C. Dugan is temporarily prohibited from exercising the powers of a circuit court judge in the state of Wisconsin, effective the date of this order and until further order of the court," the justices wrote.

In a statement, Dugan's legal team said it was disappointed "that the Court acted in unilateral fashion. We continue to assert Judge Dugan's innocence and look forward to her vindication in court."

A state court spokesperson said that a reserve judge began filling in for Dugan on Monday for an indefinite period.

Dugan is accused of escorting Eduardo Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer from her court through the jury door last week after learning that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were in the building and seeking his arrest. Flores-Ruiz, who court documents say illegally reentered the U.S. after being deported in 2013, was taken into custody outside after a foot chase.

Court documents suggest Dugan was alerted to the agents' presence by her clerk, who was informed by an attorney that they appeared to be in the hallway.

An FBI affidavit says Dugan was "visibly angry" over the agents' arrival and called the situation "absurd" before leaving the bench and retreating to her chambers. It says she and another judge later approached members of the arrest team inside the courthouse with what witnesses described as a "confrontational, angry demeanor."

After a back-and-forth with officers over the warrant for Flores-Ruiz, Dugan demanded they speak with the chief judge and led them away from the courtroom, the affidavit says.

After directing the agents to the chief judge's office, investigators say, Dugan returned to the courtroom and was heard saying words to the effect of "wait, come with me" before ushering Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer through the jury door into a nonpublic area.

The action was unusual, the affidavit says, because "only deputies, juries, court staff, and in-custody defendants being escorted by deputies used the back jury door. Defense attorneys and defendants who were not in custody never used the jury door."

Charges against Flores-Ruiz include strangulation and suffocation, battery, and domestic abuse, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

His current court case stems from a March 12 fight between Flores-Ruiz and two roommates after he was accused of playing music too loudly in the home, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, which cites a complaint that says Flores-Ruiz punched one roommate 30 times and then hit a woman who tried to end the fight.

"Since President Trump was inaugurated, activist judges have tried to obstruct President Trump and the American people's mandate to make America safe and secure our homeland but this judge's actions to shield an accused violent criminal illegal alien from justice is shocking and shameful," DHS Asst. Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.

"If you are here illegally and break the law, we will hunt you down, arrest you and lock you up," she continued. "That's a promise."

Dugan's arrests has sparked outrage among Democrats, who have accused the Trump administration of trying to chill the judiciary. Demonstrators gathered outside the FBI's Milwaukee field office Saturday to protest her arrest.

She is set to appear in court for arraignment May 15.

Her attorneys include Craig Mastantuono; Paul Clement, a prominent conservative lawyer; and Steve Biskupic, a former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin who was appointed by President George W. Bush.
The European Commission is avoiding answering the question of what exactly its position is regarding the possible separation of the negotiation process on Ukraine and Moldova's accession to the European Union, and is indicating that this issue falls within the competence of the European Union member states.

Thus, on Wednesday in Brussels during a briefing, the European Commission Spokesperson Guillaume Mercier commented on the reaction of Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna, who called the statement of European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos regarding the possibility of separating Moldova and Ukraine in the negotiation process on membership in the European Union "unconstructive."

Asked whether the European Commission was indeed planning to separate the accession talks between Ukraine and Moldova, Mercier said when it comes to separating Ukraine and Moldova on the path to accession, the progress of this process in the Council depends solely on the Member States. The European Commission remains fully committed to providing the necessary technical, financial and political support to both Moldova and Ukraine to really continue their reforms, he said. Mercier added the European Commission would be fully involved in the preparations for the Cluster 1 negotiations, and recalled the already known position of the European Commission, which is that negotiations on Cluster 1 for both Ukraine and Moldova could be opened as soon as all the criteria are met. However, the final decision on the opening of this Cluster 1 remains with the Member States, Mercier said.

In addition, the spokesperson reiterated that, according to the European Commission's assessment of EU accession, both Ukraine and Moldova have made steady progress in reforms. The European Commission's screening process with Ukraine and Moldova is progressing very quickly. This technical work is ongoing. But ultimately, the final decision must be made by the member states, he said.

According to Mercier, if the member states wish to do so, they will put the issue up for discussion for further decision-making.
Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Minister of Justice of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna believes that together, Ukraine and Moldova are stronger on the negotiating path to join the European Union.

"We support Moldova, we go hand in hand, and we coordinate at every step, and I am sure that together we adhere to this policy, that together we are stronger. And I think that we all understand that the membership of Ukraine and Moldova in the European Union is not only a return to the origins of the European family, but also regional stability, the security of Ukraine, the security of Moldova. I believe this is the perspective that we always have in mind during the accession process. I hope that we will be able to go through it together, supporting each other, as we did before," Stefanishyna said at a press conference in Moldova on Wednesday, commenting on the idea of separating Ukraine and Moldova in the EU accession negotiations.

The deputy prime minister said everyone is striving for successful enlargement, which is the main priority of this European Commission.

As reported, in an interview with Europa Libera Moldova, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the EU is considering the possibility of continuing the accession process of Moldova, separating it from Ukraine, against the background of Hungary's resistance to negotiations with Kyiv.

Later, Stefanishyna said statements about opening negotiations only with Moldova during difficult consultations between Ukraine and Hungary are unconstructive.

In turn, the European Commission avoids answering the question of what exactly is the position regarding the possible separation of the negotiation process for Ukraine's and Moldova's accession to the EU, and indicates that this issue falls within the competence of the EU member states.
Some 300 convicted collaborators waiting to leave for Russia as part of possible exchange for Ukrainians  I Want To My Own project

The website of the state project "I Want to My Own" currently presents 300 profiles of convicted collaborators who wish to leave for Russia on condition that the Ukrainians return from Russian captivity.

Each of their profiles has a timer that shows the waiting time of the traitors to leave for Russia.

"The Russian authorities are informed about the desire of each of the three hundred Ukrainian traitors to leave for Russia. But Moscow refuses to return its former agents. Now, having found themselves in prison, they are of interest to Russia only as material for propaganda and fakes," according to the statement on the Telegram channel on Wednesday.

As noted, the least waiting is Oleksiy Levin, who collaborated with the enemy during the occupation of his hometown. The timer in his profile shows 21 days. One of the "record holders" for waiting to leave for Russia is Anatoly Ilyin. He collected and transmitted information about the location of the Ukrainian Armed Forces units to the enemy. The traitor is waiting a year and 17 days.

It is reported that one collaborator has already taken advantage of the opportunity to leave for Russia on the condition that Ukrainians return from Russian captivity, five collaborators have stopped cooperating with the enemy thanks to the project, 35 potential collaborators are being checked thanks to information received from attentive citizens, another 20 citizens who do not want to live in Ukraine, but express a desire to live in Russia, have left applications through a special form on the project website. These applications are processed by representatives of the Secretariat of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Commissioner for Human Rights.

As of now, users of the website hochuksvoim.com have made 740,000 views of the pages with the collaborators' profiles.

"I Want To My Own" asks everyone who is still working for the enemy or plans to do so to go to the project website and view the profiles of those who have taken the word of the Russian curators.

"Their example gives you a chance to draw the right conclusion and stop cooperating with the enemy. Otherwise, you will find yourself behind bars, forgotten by your own people and abandoned by your former Moscow 'mentors,' who are now asking you to act against Ukrainians and promising mountains of gold. Do not delay. Fill out special questionnaires on the website "I want to my own" and clearly follow the instructions received," the statement reads.
Beyonce kicks off Cowboy Carter tour with some help from her two daughters
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Ian Bratu condemned the cruel treatment and murder of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna. The corresponding post was posted on the official page of the OSCE representative on the X social network.

"I am appalled by the evidence emerging from the investigation by the coalition of 45 international journalists led by the Forbidden Stories NGO into torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died while unlawfully detained without formal charges in Russia," he said.

In his assessment, this inhuman treatment is a violation of international law, including Articles 7 and 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the United Nations Convention against Torture.

"Furthermore, journalists covering conflicts have civilian status under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and their torture and ill-treatment as well as unlawful confinement is in clear breach of the Geneva Conventions (Articles 32 and 147 of the Fourth Geneva Convention)," he added.

"I condemn these grave violations by the Russian Federation and call for full compliance with international legal obligations," the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media said.

In turn, Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Heorhiy Tykhy expressed gratitude to the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media for its clear position condemning Roshchyna's murder.

"Grateful to OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Ian Bratu for this clear statement condemning the ill-treatment and brutal murder of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna. Russia's systematic torture, ill-treatment, and other violations of international humanitarian law require a strong international response," he said on the X social network on Wednesday.

As reported with reference to the investigation by the international organization Forbidden Stories, Russia returned the body of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died in captivity, without some internal organs, presumably in order to hide the cause of her death.

The investigative team confirmed that the body was brought to the territory of Ukraine already with signs of an autopsy performed in Russia. According to journalistic sources in law enforcement agencies, parts of Viktoria's brain, eyeballs and larynx were missing.

An expert pathologist believes that the lack of these organs may hide the true cause of the journalist's death: strangulation or suffocation. These actions by Moscow can be qualified as a war crime.
Jillian Shriner being arrested after she was shot by police [Photo: LAPD]

On April 8, author Jillian Shrinera celebrated writer known for her memoirs and the book adaptation of the life of serial killer Samuel Littlewas shot by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers from behind a fence in the backyard of her home in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Shriner, who was legally armed and on her own property, was shot in the shoulder by officers, who claim she pointed and fired her weapon at them. To make matters worse, the LAPD subsequently arrested and charged Shriner with attempted murder, a move widely seen as an effort to cover up what appears to be an unjustifiable and reckless police shooting.

Shriner is also the wife of Scott Shriner, bassist of the acclaimed rock band Weezer. This personal detail underscores the disturbing reality that even public figures and their families are not immune to the lawlessness of state violence in the United States.

The LAPDs own bodycam footage, released under pressure, does little to clarify or justify their actions. It is riddled with edits and questionable omissions. Most notably, the crucial moments leading up to the shooting lack audio entirely, and what is shown has been selectively slowed, zoomed, and cut to cast Shriner in the worst possible light.

The official storyone that hinges entirely on Shriner pointing a gun at obscured figures whom she knew were police officers behind a fencerelies on unverifiable claims made during a segment of video that is silent and framed entirely from the polices perspective.

The chain of events began when LAPD officers were pursuing suspects involved in a hit-and-run who briefly ran through Shriners yard. Shriner, apparently believing her home and safety to be threatened, exited her residence armed with a gun. From her perspective, someone had trespassed on her property and was possibly still hiding behind a tall, sight-obscuring fence.

A 911 call made from within the home during the incident even indicates that she thought she was confronting the trespasser. At no point does Shriner acknowledge knowing that police were behind the fence, and LAPDs claim that she was warned to disarm is dubious given the distance, visual obstruction and lack of audio in the video.

Despite being shot, Shriner did not resist arrest. She calmly exited her home with another woman and was handcuffed while her gunshot wound went largely ignored by officers. The LAPD has never fully clarified what led to the shooting, other than vague accusations that she acted erratically and posed a threat. That Shriner, someone who acted within her legal rights on her own property, is now being prosecuted for attempted murder is a travesty that reeks of political scapegoating and an attempted cover-up.

This case, horrifying as it is, is not occurring in a vacuum. It reflects a toxic political environment shaped and inflamed by the increasingly authoritarian methods of the Trump administration and its enablers across federal and local law enforcement. Law enforcement officers in the United States already act with near-total impunity, killing more than 1,000 people every year, with vanishingly few ever facing criminal charges or serious punishment.

The Fourth Amendment, designed to protect Americans against unreasonable searches and seizures, has become a dead letter in practice. Warrantless raids and the growing militarization of the police force are attempting to normalize these violations.

Federal agents, including ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers, have repeatedly acted outside the bounds of constitutional lawdetaining immigrants without warrants or identification, as seen in Charlottesville where masked ICE agents attempted to seize individuals at a courthouse. In another example, Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested without causean act that openly undermines the separation of powers and judicial independence. These incidents point to a deeply worrying pattern: Law enforcement agents no longer feel bound by constitutional norms or public accountability.

This environment did not arise by accident. It has been deliberately fostered by Donald Trumps reactionary, fascistic policies and his rhetoric that glorifies state violence. The administrations crackdown on immigrants and dissenters, its dismantling of civil liberties,and its use of federal forces as political tools have all contributed to a society in which gunfire from police is a more common response than dialogue or de-escalation. It has become clear that the purpose of these policies is not merely to enforce the law but to frighten, confuse and subjugate the public.

Worse still is the complicity of the Democratic Party, which, despite rhetorical gestures, has not mounted any real defense of democratic rights. Democrats have repeatedly echoed Trumps framing of immigrants as threats and have supported bloated police budgets and surveillance powers under the guise of maintaining order.

In Los Angeles, scrutiny is growing over the LAPDs out-of-control budget, particularly the massive sums paid in settlements for police misconduct. The public is beginning to connect the dots: Aggressive, militarized policing is not just a moral failure but part of the strategy of the ruling class. The capitalist ruling elite rely on the police to suppress dissent and maintain skyrocketing levels of social inequality. In Los Angeles, that elite is almost entirely part of the Democratic establishment.

The narrative that paints Shriner as an aggressor must be rejected. She is the victim of a lawless police department, of a reactionary political climate and of a justice system designed to protect capitalist interests, not the working class.

The defense of democratic rights cannot rely on the political elites or establishment parties. Only through an independent political movement, built by and for working people, can there be any hope of putting an end to systemic police violence. Shriners case must not be buried in the bureaucracy of the courts. It must be raised as a rallying cry against the rising tide of state violence.

What is required is more than dropping the absurd attempted murder charge. It means exposing the capitalist system that created the conditions for this to happen and fighting to dismantle it.
I think for the Post Office scandal, the immediate priority is quashing the convictions, getting the compensation to those that are entitled to it as quickly as possible. Sir Keir Starmer, January 2024

The Labour government has been in power 10 months and still there are hundreds of outstanding compensation claims that have not been paid to the victims of the Horizon Post Office scandal.

Between 1999 and 2015, the Post Office prosecuted 736 sub-postmasters and sub-postmistressesan average of one a weekfor accounting errors caused by a faulty IT system named Horizon, provided to the Post Office by Fujitsu. This was despite sub-postmasters and mistresses complaining about bugs in the Horizon system after it reported shortfalls of many thousands of pounds.

Royal Mail van outside the Axminster Post Office [Photo by Felix O / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Hundreds were sent to prison, and many were financially ruined. At least 251 have died before any full reckoning has taken place.

Following years of Conservative government inaction in failing to compensate the victims of the scandal, mass popular outrage at the injustice was sparked by the dramatization of the events by ITV in January last year of Mr Bates vs The Post Office. The response rocked the Conservative government who within weeks were forced to pass legislation quashing the wrongful conviction of hundreds of innocent sub-postmasters, and announce that compensation would be expedited.

By the time the Conservatives were voted out of office last July, many sub-postmasters were still waiting for compensation and justice.

In opposition, Sir Keir Starmer sought to make political capital out of the crisis even though the Labour Party was implicated in the injustice.

In response to the ITV drama Starmer said the victims had suffered a huge injustice, and the immediate priority is quashing the convictions, [and] getting the compensation to those that are entitled to it as quickly as possible.

These words ring hollow to the thousands of sub-postmasters still awaiting compensation. Among these is Betty Brown, who at 92 is the oldest victim of the Horizon scandal. Betty has rejected the latest slightly increased offer of compensation, telling the BBC the offer is still not good enough. She had been offered less than a third of what she had originally claimed following a revised offer that had been increased from 29 percent to 60 percent.

Betty ended up being forced out of the Post Office branch she had worked at in County Durham in 2003, following her and her late husband having to pay out 50,000 of their life savings to cover shortfalls that did not exist. They ended up having to sell the Post Office that had been one of the most successful in the area, at a loss. Betty told the BBC were just getting fobbed off, the evidence is all there.

Shazia Saddiq, also awaiting compensation, was offered just 10 percent of her claim. She ran three Post Offices in Newcastle-upon Tyne, but ended up losing everything. This led to her having to move away because she had been assaulted in the street as a result of the postmasters being stigmatised as criminals.

Another victim is Terry Walters, who died in February 2025 after suffering years of ill health. Terry was one of the former sub-postmasters who had taken the Post Office to court in a legal action led by another sub-postmaster Alan Bates. Bates led 555 sub-postmasters to victory in the High Court in 2019 and has called for those responsible to be prosecuted.

Terry had applied for compensation over a year ago, yet died without receiving all the money he was owed. His widow Janet received a letter days after his death with an offer of compensation well below what the couple had initially claimed.

Janet described the offer as a slap in the face, adding enough is enough.

Terry took over the Hockley Post Office in Stockport using his redundancy money. As a result of the faulty Horizon system, he was suspended and accused of shortfalls of thousands of pounds leading to him being dismissed. Terry and Janet had to sell their home and ended up living in rented accommodation.

The Labour government drags its feet even after Bates wrote to Starmer in November 2024five months after Labour were electeddemanding that a deadline be met of March 2025 for compensation for sub-postmasters. In January this year Bates appeared alongside former sub-postmistress and campaigner Jo Hamilton before the Business and Trade committee to answer questions on the delays experienced by victims of the various compensation schemes. He said schemes were bogged down in bureaucracy, and included shifting goalposts within the guidance and principles.

Many of the schemes established to administer compensation were set up and controlled by the Post Office.

Following the passing of the March deadline Bates said it was time for victims to take the government to court. Such was the delay, he noted, that it could take up to 2027 before all the claims are completed based on the current rate of progress.

Alan Bates in 2024 [Photo by Welsh Government/Llywodraeth Cymru / CC BY 3.0

Bates sent an email to members of campaign group Justice For Subpostmasters Alliance (JFSA) saying that the group litigation order (GLO) schemeset up to achieve redress for the 555 claimants who took the Post Office to the High Court between 2017 and 2019was a mess.

He advised, There may be other options but the one which is repeatedly mentioned is a judicial review, not just for the GLO scheme but to include all of the schemes to ensure there is parity in the way victims have, and are, being treated.

Returning to the courts may seem to be a long haul, but it will probably be (the) quickest way to ensure fairness for all.

He added: I do know many of you who have already settled have done so out of desperation or despair or because you have been backed into a corner to accept an offer.

Well a new legal action may well be a way of having your claim reassessed once more, this time by the courts.

There are currently four major schemes set up to look at financial redress for victims, but all are premised on any compensation being dependent on the specific circumstances of the claimant. Claimants using the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) are provided no legal advice when completing the questionnaire that acts as the gateway to the scheme. MPs have admitted that this acts against them receiving the full redress they are due.

Speaking to the House of Commons Business and Trade Committee in January, Neil Hudgell, a solicitor representing some victims told the committee that there were fundamental concerns with the HSS.

Labours refusal to move as quickly as possible (Starmer) to compensate victims continues even after the Committee repeated its call for the Post Office to be removed from the running of the HSS and demanded an explicit overriding instruction to lawyers to assess claims quickly and give applicants the benefit of the doubt in terms of evidence of losses provided.

While the victims are treated like dirt, Fujitsuwhose faulty software was responsible for the crisiscontinue to be flooded with tens of millions of pounds from their ongoing contracts from the Post Office.

The i newspaper revealed in February that the Post Office signed a contract with Fujitsu to continue using the Horizon software system until March 2026 at a cost of 40.8 million. When the contract was made public earlier in April it was revealed that this included a further 21 million paid to Fujitsu to cover the costs of further upgrades to the Horizon system. According to a Freedom of Information request last year more than 68 million was paid to Fujitsu to maintain and operate the system that included payments of 11 million between January and March 12 this year.

The Post Office has pledged to implement a lower risk, better value branch IT for Postmasters but has not revealed if the contract with Fujitsu will be extended beyond 2026.
Mehring Books stall at Sydney meeting on April 27, 2025

World Socialist Web Site reporters spoke with workers and young people attending the Socialist Equality Partys election meetings last week in Melbourne and Sydney.

Alexis, a nursing student at Victoria University, was enthusiastic about the SEPs election campaign and last Sundays public meeting in Broadmeadows.

I really enjoyed the meeting, he said. It was fantastic to hear what a socialist program looks like. Ive been following similar ideals for a long time but its always encouraging to see people put into words the thoughts and feelings that Ive had for a while now. Im still learning about the SEP but want to learn more.

Alexis

My family comes from Chile. Famously there was a coup, and my father was a prisoner of war so conversations around fascism have always been present in my upbringing. Trump is a fascist. To see him elected again has me very worried about the state of the world, especially with other things going on in the background like climate change and the cost of living. I can see the future is very dark if things dont change. Its important for workers to push back against even the inkling of fascism, Alexis continued.

What Trump is doingthe isolationist policies, discrimination against minorities and immigrants, persecution of the LGBT community and to see corporations falling in line and the shutting down of social programsis frightening.

We are already in a state of war, a trade war, and so Im worried about the escalation of a live war between the US and China and what that would look like. Theres been a big push by the Australian government for military recruitment over the last ten years, in particular. Politicians are talking about increasing spending on defence, as in the AUKUS deal. It really does feel like governments around the world are gearing up for war.

Its interesting to see [Prime Minister Anthony] Albanese, with his student politics history of being pro-Palestine, now backflipping and increasing military spending and legitimising Netanyahu and his policies. But Im not surprised that Labor is supporting and involved in the war machine, Alexis said.

Amin, a doctor whose family comes from various countries in the Middle East, said the SEP meeting covered a lot of ground.

It was very good to hear the candidates give a recap of the current priorities facing all of society and the international working class. There was a good discussion on how we can form rank-and-file committees in various workplaces and help workers take the lead in struggles against the assault on their working conditions.

Whatever is being offered on the surface by the major parties in this election doesnt deal with the deeper issues. Theyre not talking about the fact that most of the US-aligned capitalist nations are being driven towards prioritising military spending and gearing their nations towards conflict with other spheres of rising nations, especially China. This military spending diverts resources away from socially beneficial ends, he stated.

Amin said the Israeli governments ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza is one of many conflicts in the world today that are the product of historic tendencies by the imperialist nations, but workers and young people are not told about this history. For the time being, those in power are trying to control how we think and what we have access to in the media, he said.

Capitalism suppresses the opportunity for people to develop objective class consciousness, and it does this by using identity politics to create artificial divisions within the working class. That is why meetings like this are important, he said.

Amin, who has attended some meetings of the Health Workers Rank and File Committee, which was initiated by the SEP, referred to the developing crisis in public health in Australia: A commonly faced challenge in healthcare now is the amount of surplus labour being sought from nurses, particularly with ratios and safe working conditions. My doctor colleagues in New South Wales have been in a dispute over wages.

There are lots of wider issues one could discuss about health care in general, but the main problem is that under capitalism its about private corporations and governments extracting profit.

Andre

In Sydney, retired merchant seaman Andre was attending his first SEP meeting. I come from a Labor background, going back to both my parents. But theyve gone too far to the right. On industrial relations, Labor has continually gone backwards, making it harder and harder for workers. I believe in reward for effort and enterprise, but I dont like the kind of dog-eat-dog capitalism that we have now, which is why Im swinging more towards socialism.

I was a union delegate when I was working. Im for the workers movement. But its frustrating. Theres been a whole push of divide and conquer. There are good people but there are also issues of imposters and careerists in the unions and Labor, who are there for their own interests.

Andre spoke on the destructive impact of enterprise bargaining, introduced in the 1990s by the Keating Labor government with the support of the union officialdom. It divides workers, by allowing for separate workplace agreements at individual facilities and factories.

I never liked that. You can see how different it was with our parents and grandparents where there were nationwide agreements covering entire industries and they could fight together for their interests. A lot changed in the early 80s, at the time of Thatcher and Reagan. Here Labor sold us out a lot. The line was that we are all in this together, employers and workers, which was never true.

Asked about the issue of war, Andre said: You have to be thick, not to see the con thats happening when you speak up about Gaza. Anyone who does is called an antisemite. How ridiculous! Its an insult to intelligence. They try to say that when youre against Zionism, youre against Jews, when they are two different things.

Its hideous whats going on over there, these poor women and kids. The US, Britain and Australia are all supporting it.

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Level 1/457-459 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010, Australia.
Momodou Taal

A hearing in federal court last month shed further light on the Trump administrations lawless campaign to deport Momodou Taal, a Cornell University Ph.D. candidate, for his political opposition to US and Israeli war crimes.

The World Socialist Web Site previously reported on the basic facts of the hearing, which was held on March 25. However, the official transcript has only recently become available, providing a devastating picture of the administrations efforts to criminalize political dissent and silence opposition to genocide.

Taal, a British-Gambian citizen, was forced to leave the US in the days after the hearing, fearing imminent seizure by the Trump administration. His case was heard in the Northern District of New York by Judge Elizabeth Coombe and centered on Taals motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to block his deportation.

The government sought to retaliate against Taal, along with two co-plaintiffs, for filing a lawsuit against two of the Trump administrations executive orders: Executive Order 14161, which allegedly protects the United States from foreign terrorists, and Executive Order 14188, which claims to combat anti-Semitism but in reality targets political opposition to Israels genocide in Gaza.

Taals lead attorney, Eric Lee, noted that the government openly acknowledged Taals supposed involvement in certain protests as the formal justification for his removal proceedings.

This is the apex of First Amendment activity, Lee said during the hearing. Mr. Taal attended a protest. There could be nothing more important to protect under the First Amendment than that.

Lee emphasized that case law from the Supreme Court says very clearly that he has the protection of the First Amendment while hes here and while that protest took place on US soil. Lee noted that Taal was being targeted not for any crime, but for exercising his constitutionally protected rights to free speech and protest.

Theres no ground of removability that says an individual can be removed because they were unreasonably loud or attended a protest, Lee told the court, quoting from DHS (Department of Homeland Security) declarations. He added that the Trump administrations actions were clearly viewpoint discriminationtheyre not attacking people who attend protests in support of the present administration.

Lee pointed out the authoritarian implications of Trumps orders, explaining that the government was using them to monitor political speech and punish critics of US and Israeli policy.

He said:

The First Amendment cannot allow that type of a chill to be used by the Executive Branch.

The hearing revealed the governments admission that Taals visa was revoked the day before he filed his lawsuit, and a Notice to Appear (NTA) was hastily issued to initiate removal proceedings. Lee argued that this was a transparent maneuver to strip the court of jurisdiction over the lawsuit against the executive orders.

He stressed that the injury to Taal and the two citizen co-plaintiffsMukoma wa Ngugi, a Cornell professor, and Sriram Parasurama, another US citizenhad already occurred prior to the filing of the lawsuit.

All three plaintiffs had curtailed their speech and association in fear of retaliation.

Lee said:

The fact that theres an NTA does not cure that, it doesnt make it any better. Its ongoing.

Judge Coombe also asked whether Taal could raise his constitutional claims during removal proceedings. Lee agreed that theoretically he could but underscored that the First Amendment does not allow the government to put someone in detention for months or possibly longer before vindicating their rights. In the First Amendment context, it cannot go, Lee said.

The hearing further revealed that the governments justification for targeting Taal rests almost entirely on open-source surveillance of campus protests, under a program where agents proactively monitor speech. Homeland Security agent Roy Stanley admitted that HSI (Homeland Security Investigations) proactively reviews open-source information to identify individuals targeted by Trumps executive orders.

Lee explained that Trumps executive orders are not simply internal administrative measures. They are actively being used to sweep up immigrants who engage in political protest.

He cited Trumps own words from the official White House fact sheet:

To all resident aliens who joined what he calls pro-jihadist protests  come 2025, we will find you and deport you.

Lee said:

There is nothing historically that compares with that. Congress has not authorized deportation for attending protests.

In defending the administrations actions, DOJ (Department of Justice) lawyer Ethan Kanter insisted that there is no injury that is cognizable and that plaintiffs fears were speculative. He argued that the executive orders merely direct agencies to gather information and that there was no explicit instruction to criminalize speech. Judge Coombe, however, noted the serious implications of Stanleys declaration and the administrations monitoring practices.

In a sharp exchange, Lee responded that it is precisely this combinationexecutive orders, public threats and agency surveillancethat is chilling free speech.

Lee responded:

If the government wanted only to use existing authority, there would be no need for these orders.

The stakes could not be higher. As Lee stressed, the case has enormous implications for millions of international students and immigrants in the United States:

The government is saying to 1.1 million student visa holders: If you criticize the administration, you will be detained and deported.

The case laid bare how Trumps administration is seeking to create a precedent: that the president can revoke visas and deport individuals based purely on their political views, and that such actions are immune from judicial review.

Facing imminent detention, deportation or possible transfer to prisons like El Salvadors CECOT mega-prison, Taal was forced to leave the United States. In a powerful statement issued after his departure, Taal wrote:

Trump did not want me to have my day in court. Given what we have seen across the United States, I have lost faith that a favorable ruling from the courts would guarantee my personal safety and ability to express my beliefs.

Taals persecution must be seen within the broader context of Trumps dictatorship drive. Peaceful protesters like Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk have been abducted. Mass deportations under the Alien Enemies Act are proceeding in defiance of court rulings. Those already deported to El Salvador include individuals labeled as gang members based on nothing more than tattoos and hearsay. The administration has declared that because deportees are no longer in US custody, courts have no jurisdiction to intervene.
The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) last week held public meetings in four key working-class electorates where it is running in the May 3 federal election.

The partys candidates addressed the meetings, which were held in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle and online.

In contrast to the stage-managed campaign events of Labor, the Liberal-Nationals and the Greens, the SEP meetings provided an avenue for serious discussion about the political questions confronting workers, students and youth.

Max Boddy and Warwick Dove, the SEPs Senate candidates in New South Wales (NSW), addressed the Sydney meeting.

SEP candidate for the Senate in NSW Warwick Dove speaking in Sydney on April 27, 2025

Dove, a retired metal worker and a member of the SEP national committee, spoke about the Trump administrations tariff war and the historic breakdown of post-World War II alliances and trading arrangements. The Albanese government and the entire political establishment, he said, were desperately trying to cover up the political implications of these developments for Australian workers.

Dove warned against bogus claims that Australia is a haven sitting at the bottom of the world, able to ride out the consequences of the descent into trade war and ultimately military war.

In fact, he explained, Australia is profoundly vulnerable to a US-led war with China, its largest trading partner. Behind the backs of the population, all the major political parties are readying themselves for such a war and the vicious social assaults on workers and youth that are required to fund it and crush popular resistance.

Dove reminded audiences of the recent ANZAC Day commemorations, the annual celebration by the political establishment of militarist reaction, warmongering and nationalism. The April 25 event, he said, marked the disastrous 1915 landing of British, Australian and New Zealand troops in Gallipoli during WWI, the first time the imperialist powers plunged humanity into a catastrophic global conflict.

What was a battle that slaughtered tens of thousands of Australian, New Zealand and Turkish young men, and widely accepted as a catastrophe, was hailed this week by Prime Minister Albanese as an extraordinary victory in which soldiers kept aglow the light of mateship and humour.

This shows that Labor, and the rest of the political establishment, are no less intent on throwing the youth of today into the grinding machine of war than their predecessors were, Dove said.

SEP assistant national secretary Max Boddy warned that, whatever the outcome of the May 3 election, the incoming governments policies will be determined, not by the pathetic and meagre cost-of-living promises of Albanese and Dutton, which will be dumped after May 3, but by the crisis of the Australian and international economy, intensified by Trumps trade war on the world, and the descent of the globe into a new world war.

Boddy said the Albanese government had already boosted annual military spending to $56 billion, in the largest expansion of the military since World War II.

Every aspect of society is being put on a war footing and there is increasing talk of introducing the mass conscription of young people, Boddy said.

The Albanese government, with support from the Liberal-National Coalition, is not just participating in preparations for war with China but deeply implicated in the US-Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Australia also remains one of the largest non-NATO contributors to the US proxy war against Russia in Ukraine.

Labor and the Coalition are open parties of war, marching in lockstep to transform Australia into a frontline state for US imperialism. The Greens and the pseudo-left have become their accomplices, he told the meeting.

Having promoted themselves for decades as a progressive, pacifist alternative to the two-party system, the Greens have now released their first-ever military policy, pledging $4 billion for the domestic construction of missiles, drones and other offensive weaponry.

The Greens, Boddy explained, are a capitalist party that supports Australian imperialism. Their aim is to join a government with Laborthe same party responsible for the complete support of Israels genocide of the Palestinians, and which is spearheading the transformation of Australia into a frontline state for a US-led war against China.

Boddy also exposed the bogus anti-war posturing of the pseudo-left Victorian Socialists and the Socialist Alliance and their efforts to keep workers and youth tied to Labor and the Greens, claiming they are a lesser evil compared to the Coalition.

These organisations, he said, are the last line of defence of capitalism itself. They speak for an affluent layer of the upper-middle class, tied by a thousand strings to Labor, the Greens and the union bureaucracy, which seeks to advance its own selfish interests within the framework of the capitalist system.

SEP candidate for the seat of Calwell addresses April 27 meeting in Melbourne

The Melbourne meeting was held in the working-class suburb of Broadmeadows, part of the Calwell electorate where Morgan Peach is standing for the House of Representatives.

Broadmeadows, like the rest of Calwell, has a large migrant population, especially from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. The audience included workers and youth who had just discovered the SEP, some attending their first party meeting.

Peach gave the main report, reviewing the global crisis of capitalism and turn to authoritarian forms of rule.

Peach said the intractable contradictions of capitalism which led to WWIbetween a world economy and its division into rival nations, and between socialised production and its private ownership by a wealthy feware threatening a new and far greater catastrophe.

The only way to stop war is by building a movement against capitalism, the source of imperialist war. The SEP is alone in this election in warning workers of the dangers in the world situation and fighting to build a revolutionary movement of the international working class, independent of and opposed to all the capitalist parties and their defenders, on a socialist program, Peach said.

SEP candidates for the Senate in Victoria, Keo Vongvixay and Taylor Hernan, also spoke at the Broadmeadows meeting. Hernan detailed the social crisis in Calwell, a sharp expression of the broader crisis confronting youth and workers across the country.

Vongvixay spoke on the necessity for the working class to develop their own organisations of struggle, independent rank-and-file committees, outside the stranglehold of the corporatised trade unions, which are an integral part of the capitalist profit system.

Mike Head addressed the SEPs meeting in the Oxley electorate, which covers major industrial and working-class areas in Brisbanes western suburbs.

Head, the partys candidate, said the SEPs election intervention was in line with its struggle to develop a mass working-class party based on international socialism, to overthrow the capitalist profit system and establish democratic workers control over the world economy.

A dark cloud is hanging over this election, personified by Donald Trump. But he is just the frontman for the capitalist class of billionaires, like Elon Musk, who want to Make America Great Again at the expense of the working class in America and globally. In fact, this dark cloud hangs over the entire world, not just this election, he said.

Robert Creech, the SEPs candidate for the seat of Newcastle, was the main speaker at the partys public meeting in that city on Sunday. Newcastle is a key working-class city in the Hunter Valley and a major exporting hub for Australias multibillion-dollar coal industry.

The Hawke-Keating Labor governments so-called national steel plan destroyed 10,000 steel jobs in Newcastle between 1983 and 1989 and led to the closure of BHPs Newcastle steelworks.

Creech reviewed the escalating imperialist war preparations, attacks on democratic rights and the deepening assault on working-class jobs, wages and living standards.

The broad-ranging Q&A sessions at last weeks meetings reflected the interest of growing numbers of ordinary people in the partys analysis and socialist perspective throughout the election campaign.

Attendees at the Sydney and Melbourne meetings asked about the SEPs political position on China and the catastrophic consequences of any future war.

Speakers explained that the SEPs opposition to US imperialist aggression against China did not imply support for the capitalist regime in Beijing.

In Sydney, WSWS national editor Peter Symonds provided a historical overview of the present evolution of US imperialist aggression against China, the restoration of capitalism by the Chinese Stalinist regime and its reactionary nature, and the deepening social divide between the Chinese working class and the dictatorial regime.

Pointing to the massive growth of the Chinese proletariat, Symonds said these workers were the natural allies of the American, Australian and the international working class. This gives real meaning, he said, to the call that we make for an international anti-war movement of the working class to put an end to this system.

SEP National Secretary Cheryl Crisp told the Sydney meeting that the Trotskyist movement categorically rejects the reactionary claims by pseudo-lefts that China is an imperialist power, thereby justifying their support for a US-led war against China.

In Melbourne, one attendee wanted to know about the SEPs attitude towards the former Soviet Union. SEP members and candidates responded that the party is part of the world Trotskyist movement which has its origins in the fight against the Stalinist bureaucracy and the degeneration of the Soviet Union.

At Oxley, one worker asked what the SEP would do if it won a seat in parliament. Mike Head responded by explaining that such a victory would signify the rise of a mass movement against the capitalist order, not just in Australia but internationally.

The SEP would use its voice in parliament, Head said, to fight for the development of that movement and to expose the backroom conspiracies of the ruling capitalist class behind the smokescreen of parliament.

Pointing to lessons of history, Head said socialism could not be achieved through parliament. It would require the actual seizure of power by the working class over the key industries and institutions, and the establishment of a workers government based on truly democratic working-class bodies.

The range of these questions is another clear indication that workers and youth across Australia and internationally are profoundly dissatisfied with the establishment parties and are looking for a political alternative.

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Level 1/457-459 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010, Australia.
Trump Justice Department officials are overseeing a mass purge of the departments civil rights division to repurpose the agency from its official mandate of opposing discrimination in education, voting and housing as well as curtailing police abuse, to encouraging police repression, targeting Trumps political opponents, stepping up attacks on campus protests, and intensifying the drive to impose government control over universities under the pretext of combating antisemtism.

The civil rights division was established under President Eisenhower in 1957, during the early stages of the civil rights movement and following the passage of the Civil Rights Act of that year.

Under Trump loyalists Attorney General Pam Bondi and recently confirmed head of the civil rights division Harmeet K. Dhillon, both of whom prominently supported Trumps Stop the Steal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election, the division is being transformed in accordance with the plan laid down in the pro-Trump Project 2025 blueprint to pursue a police state agenda and suppress the radical left.

Dhillon was interviewed last Saturday on right-wing commentator Glenn Becks podcast, where she boasted, Now, over 100 attorneys decided that theyd rather not do what their job required them to do, and I think thats fine. She continued: We dont want people in the federal government who feel like its their pet project to go persecute police departments.

When Trump took office in January, there were 380 lawyers in the civil rights division. Under Bondi and now Dhillon, the division changed mission statements across its sections to focus less on racial discrimination and more on fighting diversity initiatives. Department officials reassigned more than a dozen career staffers, including chiefs of sections overseeing police brutality, disability and voting rights cases, to areas outside their legal expertise.

The divisions voting section has been ordered to drop all ongoing cases, and senior managers have been dismissed.

Last week, Dhillon announced the division was withdrawing court filings in two cases related to transgender prison inmates. Weeks earlier, Bondi said the Justice Department would drop a Biden-era lawsuit that charged that a 2021 Georgia law overhauling election procedures was discriminatory.

According to the New York Times, inside the division there are discussions about scrapping long-established consent decrees with police departments and instead bringing cases against liberal cities to loosen their gun restrictions.

Lawyers in the division have been sent to the Department of Health and Human Services with orders to investigate antisemitism related to campus protests against Israels US-backed mass murder and ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip. Those investigations are to focus on medical schools, because the government can withhold huge sums of grant money that goes to them.

Another group of civil rights lawyers have been assigned to work on cases for Trumps goal of preventing transgender students from playing womens sports.

The immigration and employee rights section is now primarily focused on ensuring that foreign workers are not favored over US citizens for job opportunities.

In one of her first acts, Dhillon changed the mission statements of many division offices to align with Trump executive orders such as Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling, Keeping Men Out of Womens Sports and Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias.

In her interview last Saturday, she told Beck, These are the presidents priorities. This is what we will be focusing on. Govern yourself accordingly.

The wave of departures has accelerated in recent days, as the administration has restarted its deferred resignation program, allowing employees who resign to continue receiving pay until September. The offer, for those who work in the civil rights division, expires Monday evening. More than 100 are expected to take the offer, on top of earlier departures, in what amounts to the decimation of the division.

Its expected that 140 or fewer attorneys will be left in the division, and that support staff departures will be roughly as high. Its been a total purge, a senior lawyer from the division told NBC News.

Vanita Gupta, who ran the division during the Obama administration and served as a senior Justice Department official during the Biden administration, said:

This is not simply a change in enforcement prioritiesthe division has been turned on its head and is now being used as a weapon against the very communities it was established to protect.

David Becker, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Election Innovation and Research, said, The ability of the Justice Department to enforce laws that protect the American people from discrimination, from fraud, from illegal activity, is being decimated.

Stacey Young once worked in the division as a lawyer and is now the executive director of Justice Connection, an organization of former department officials. She said:

With the reckless dismantling of the division, well see unchecked discrimination and constitutional violations in schools, housing, employment, voting, prisons, by police departments and in many other realms of our daily lives.

The gutting and purging of the civil rights division in line with Trumps fascist agenda has evoked virtually no response from the Democratic Party. Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee have sent a pro forma letter to Dhillon, Bondi and Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz raising concerns over what they call the politicization of the civil rights division and asking Dhillon to schedule a briefing for the Judiciary Committees Subcommitteee on the Constitution.
The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) is intervening in the May 3 Australian federal election to take our socialist program to the broadest layers of the working class, as the only alternative to the immense crisis of global capitalism that is plunging the world into trade war, war and dictatorship.

That is why, as part of the SEP team of candidates, I am standing in Oxley, one of Brisbanes working-class heartlands, where we have been receiving an appreciative response from workers and young people.

SEP campaign in Oxley, collecting nomination signatures to allow Mike Head to stand in the federal election.

We have found a warm response and genuine interest in our fight to develop a socialist movement of the working class in Australia and internationally, against all the parties of big business, not just the Liberal National Party, but also Labor and the Greens.

Many workers have expressed their concerns that the Trump administrations economic war against China threatens humanity with the prospect of a nuclear World War III, and that his regimes war on the American working classdeporting immigrants, firing thousands of federal workers, axing public health and social programs and dismantling public educationis setting a global agenda.

Oxley covers major working-class suburbs such as Inala, Richlands, Durack, Darra, Forest Lake, Doolandella, Goodna, Wacol, Carole Park, Ellen Grove, Redbank, Redbank Plains, Bellbird Park, Collingwood Park, Camira and Springfield.

It is the location of sizeable industrial sites, including Volvo Trucks, a Rheinmetall arms factory and Primo Meats, as well as large logistics warehouse hubs for Australia Post and the Coles and Woolworths supermarket chains. Nearby is a large JBS meat processing complex employing many immigrant workers.

In Oxley, we see the social gulf between the colossal fortunes of oligarchs like mining magnates Gina Rinehart and Clive Palmer and the worsening financial hardships facing workers and their families.

The unemployment rate in Inala, a former public housing suburb, is nearly 12 percent, or almost three times the national average. It is not much lower in suburbs like Goodna, Ellen Grove and Redbank Plains.

Here the cost-of-living and housing crisis, which is throwing millions of working-class households into financial stress, is particularly acute.

Mike Head with Tara

Tara, a truck driver and mother of six, spoke to me at the Inala retail centre about soaring costs of living, saying it was becoming impossible to survive and raise a family. She also denounced Donald Trumps drive to Make America Great Again at the expense of everyone who are not billionaires.

Residents of town house complexes in Richlands and Redbank Plains told me about rents as high as $725 a week or mortgage payments of up to $1,000 a week.

At the Richlands Woolworths shopping centre, Hayden discussed with me the difficulties he faced as a young father paying more than half his wage on rent. He began by expressing disgust at being urged to vote for other parties as a lesser evil, saying they were all evil, representing the rich and powerful.

The level of outright home ownership within Inala-Richlands is just 17 percent. That is far below the Greater Brisbane average of 27 percent, or even further below the figure of more than 60 percent in Brisbanes most affluent suburbs.

Mike Head with Sienna (right) and her mother

The concerns and hostility of many young people in the electorate toward the corporate ruling class and its political establishment were given voice by Sienna, an 18-year-old who left school last year and is working with her mother as a cleaner.

In a discussion with me, Sienna spoke out against war, genocide and capitalism, and Trumps crazy economic warfare on behalf of the wealthy. She said she wanted equality and free speech.

Oxley has one of the most international populations in Australia, with almost half the people in Inala-Richlands born overseas and nearly 60 percent speaking a language other than English at home.

On our doorknocks and at the workplaces where we have campaigned, like the JBS Dinmore meatworks, the Volvo truck plant at Wacol and the Woolworths warehouse at Larapinta, we have met workers from all over the world.

That shows the increasingly global character of the working class. But Labor and the Liberal-National Coalition are competing to see who can cut immigration the most and slash the greatest number of international students.

They are trying to make so-called foreigners the scapegoats for the social crisis, which is caused by the control of the billionaires and corporate giants over the economy, including the supermarkets, the banks and the property market.

This whipping up of nationalism and chauvinism seeks to split and divide the working class, spearheaded internationally by the mass deportations being carried out by Trump. We have met workers and students from many different parts of the planet who are facing problems with their visas, and the costs of applying for them. Some are having to plan to leave the country as a result.

SEP candidate Mike Head speaking at the event against four other candidates (from the left) from the Coalition, Labor, Trumpet of Patriots and Greens

Anti-immigrant poison, together with militarism, was on display when I challenged the candidates of Labor, the Coalition, the Greens and billionaire Clive Palmers pro-Trump Trumpet of Patriots at the only election debate in the electorate, hosted by a local womens group.

All four backed sharply increased military spending. Labors Milton Dick, who holds the seat and was Speaker in the House of Representatives, and the Coalitions Kevin Burns defended the AUKUS pact, which involves spending at least $368 billion to acquire nuclear-powered attack submarines for use against China.

The Greens Brandan Holt said nothing about AUKUS and the vast military outlays. But, he aligned himself with them, declaring: We have to defend our nation. The Greens policy is to spend billions of dollars on missiles and other weaponry, and form a coalition with the Labor government, which is completely committed to the US military buildup against China.

I opposed this line-up, warning that the greatest threat to the security of working people is that of a US-led nuclear war against China. I explained that the SEP and our sister parties in the International Committee of the Fourth International are fighting to unite workers globally, including in China, Australia and the US, against the capitalist profit system, which is the root cause of war.

On behalf of the SEP, I was the only candidate to oppose the anti-immigrant demagogy of Mark McGuire, the Trumpet of Patriots candidate, who flatly declared, without any explanation, that two million foreigners in Australia were to blame for the housing and cost-of-living crisis.

This demonising of immigrant workers is a threat to all the Oxley residents born overseas or who had a parent born overseas. I again emphasised that the SEP stands for the international unity of the working class, across all national and ethnic lines, in the struggle to overturn capitalist rule.

As our election statement declares:

End the genocide in Gaza, and the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine!

No more spending on militarism! The billions squandered on war must immediately be redirected to the public hospitals, schools and other social services.

Close the military bases that are transforming Australia into a launching pad for war!

Build a socialist anti-war movement that unites workers worldwide against the source of conflict, the capitalist system!

Our campaign is important in charting a course for the working class. I urge workers and young people in Oxley and throughout Australia to vote for me and the other SEP candidates. Above all, however, while we appreciate the support we have received, we need you to become actively involved in our campaign, and to join our party to build it as the new mass party of the working class.

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Level 1/457-459 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010, Australia.
In an executive order signed late Monday afternoon, US President Donald Trump extended his illegal and unconstitutional attack on immigrants, threatening severe legal and financial consequences for cities and states that do not fully cooperate with the crackdown being spearheaded by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

While the order is titled, Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens, it actually is directed at initiating a process by which Trump could invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 and impose martial law on cities and states, all governed by Democrats, which bar local and state police from sharing information with ICE or carrying out joint anti-immigrant operations.

The order declares, Federal supremacy with respect to immigration, national security and foreign policy is axiomatic, although when Democrat Joe Biden was in the White House, both Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis regularly flouted federal authority, with Trumps support.

The text of the order invokes the same constitutional provisions that Trump sought to invoke in May 2020, after nationwide protests broke out in response to the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. It declares:

Article II of the Constitution vests the power to protect national security and conduct foreign policy in the President of the United States, and Article IV, Section 4, requires the Federal Government to protect each of [the States] against Invasion.

The characterization of immigrants crossing the border as an invasion was the basis of Trump invoking the Alien Enemies Act last month, under which Venezuelan migrants have been declaredwithout evidence or any judicial processto be members of the Tren de Aragua gang and subject to immediate removal to the CECOT torture prison in El Salvador.

The order continues, in language that is chilling and politically ominous:

This invasion at the southern border requires the Federal Government to take measures to fulfill its obligation to the States. Yet some State and local officials nevertheless continue to use their authority to violate, obstruct, and defy the enforcement of Federal immigration laws. This is a lawless insurrection against the supremacy of Federal law and the Federal Governments obligation to defend the territorial sovereignty of the United States.

The order goes on to claim that

such nullification efforts often violate Federal criminal laws, including those prohibiting obstruction of justice unlawfully harboring or hiring illegal aliens, conspiracy against the United States, and conspiracy to impede Federal law enforcement

Trumps order instructs Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to draw up a list within 30 days of state and local governments that obstruct the enforcement of Federal immigration laws. They are further instructed to notify the jurisdictions that they must end their defiance of the federal government or face the consequences.

These consequences could include halting the flow of federal funds into state and local programs, although a federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order barring the Trump administration from carrying out such a sanction.

More ominous is the threat of prosecution against state and local government officials. It is less than a week since federal agents arrested a Milwaukee County judge and charged her with obstructing immigration enforcement after she objected to ICE agents raiding her own courtroom to seize a man who was facing charges there. Judge Hannah Dugan has been temporarily suspended by the Wisconsin state Supreme Court (which has a 4-3 Democratic majority) and will be arraigned on felony charges May 15.

Protesters gathered outside the federal courthouse in Milwaukee Friday, April 25, 2025, after county Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested by the FBI. The sign reads: "End ICE. Free us all." [AP Photo/Andy Manis]

Trumps latest order clearly envisions extending such repressive measures to mayors, local chiefs of police, county sheriffs, and even governors or state attorneys general. An accompanying fact sheet specifically mentions the city of Philadelphia and the state of Massachusetts as failing to cooperate with federal anti-immigration operations. Local police in Colorado Springs, Colorado also declined last week to participate in a massive ICE raid that rounded up more than 100 men at a local bar popular with Venezuelan immigrants.

The Trump order also seeks to prevent local jurisdictions from providing aid to migrants, including food and other necessities, or giving them benefits such as in-state tuition at colleges and universities.

A second executive order, also issued Monday afternoon, requires proficiency in English for truck drivers working in the US transportation industry. It follows up an earlier executive order designating English as the official national language. Neither order has the slightest constitutional foundation, since the Constitution is silent on the question of language. Moreover, issuance of drivers licenses is a state responsibility and has never been subject to federal intervention.

While the pretext given is that English language proficiency is necessary as a safety measure, there is no evidence to back that up. There is no literacy test for a commercial truck license and there are doubtless many workers who have very limited reading skillsdue to the decline in literacy and cutbacks in public educationbut are nonetheless able to operate a truck safely.

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy is instructed to review commercial drivers licenses issued by the states to identify any unusual patterns or numbers or other irregularities.

A third executive order issued Monday intensifies the law-and-order demagogy from the White House, despite record low levels of serious and violent crime. It particularly aims at protecting cops who abuse, beat or kill those they encounter, instructing Attorney General Bondi to review all consent decrees, agreements with local police departments usually reached after particularly notorious cases of police violence, in which the local police agencies promise to provide better training in return for the Justice Department looking the other way.

The order foreshadows further militarization of the local police for when they are deployed against mass popular opposition to the policies of the Trump administration. This includes:

* Increase the provision of surplus military assets to support local law enforcement and evaluate their use in crime prevention.

* Use recently established Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs) to advance federal and local coordination.

While Trump continues to roll out one dictatorial decree after another, further incidents of police-state action are taking place daily.

In Oklahoma City, a US citizen and her three daughters were terrorized by a group of ICE agents, accompanied by US marshals and FBI agents, who raided their home, supposedly executing a search warrant for suspects who did not live at that address. They tore apart the house and confiscated electronic devices, identification and cash in the possession of the family, who had only recently moved in.

The US citizen, whose name was given in local media only as Marisa, said she repeatedly told the agents, We just moved here from Maryland. Were citizens. Thats what I kept saying. Were citizens.

She said the agents didnt care. They were very dismissive, very rough, very careless, she said. I kept pleading. I kept telling them we werent criminals. They were treating us like criminals. We were here by ourselves. We didnt do anything.
Yermak stresses need to monitor logistics to prevent Russia from using critical components for military purposes

Russia's civil aviation sector has become a cover for transportation, logistics and smuggling in the interests of its military, and monitoring of supply chains is needed to prevent Russia from using components for military purposes, Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak said.

In his column for The Guardian, he said Russian civil airlines and airports are actively involved in circumventing international sanctions by supplying critical components for sanctioned Russian industries.

"The airports and airlines that serve as dual-use facilities trafficking sanctioned goods must face consequences. Companies facilitating military logistics must remain blacklisted. Monitoring of supply chains needs to be strengthened to prevent the diversion of parts for military purposes," Yermak said.

He said that, according to the Headquarters of the National Resistance of Ukraine, the charter service I Fly transports soldiers to be sent to the front. In addition, Pskov airport serves commercial flights and is a base for military transport aircraft.

Yermak also commented on the Kremlin's demands for the lifting of sanctions, especially those that restrict its aviation sector. The President's Office head said Russian airlines are active participants in supporting Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.

"Additionally, normalising air links would lift a key restriction on Russians' daily lives, relieving Moscow of any public pressure for peace. Viewing this as another Putin victory, they would rather increase their support for continuing the war instead of negotiating," Yermak said.

According to him, the skies should remain closed to Russian carriers as long as Russia remains committed to its aggression. He stressed that "any action that weakens this stance will strengthen Russia's capacity to procure sanctioned technology, bolster its military logistics and appease its population."

"Since Russia launched its unprovoked and illegal war of aggression, Ukrainian airspace has been crisscrossed by fighter jets and missiles, not civilian aircraft. Why should Russians enjoy the freedom of air travel while Ukrainians cannot be safe in their own country?" Yermak said.
More than 150 members of left parties, trade unions and youth organisations were detained in house raids on Tuesday and Wednesday in major cities including Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, ahead of the May Day demonstrations.

One of the grounds for the police operations in Istanbul is that workers and youth want to celebrate May Day in Taksim Square. Since 2013, the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in violation of the constitution, has closed this historically important square for the working class to May Day demonstrations.

Protesters chant slogans as they demonstrate on May Day in Istanbul, Turkey, Monday, May 1, 2023 [AP Photo/Khalil Hamra]

In a 2023 ruling, the Constitutional Court, referring to the massacre that took place during the 1977 May Day rally, ruled that Taksim was the common memory and symbolic value of workers and labourers and that the ban was a violation of rights. In 1977, 34 people were killed and 136 wounded by gunfire during the celebrations in Taksim Square. The fact that the massacre was never properly investigated reinforced the perception that it was a state reaction to the growing class struggle.

The Socialist Equality Group released a statement on X/Twitter on Wednesday condemning the arrest of large numbers of people in house raids in many provinces, especially in Istanbul, just before May Day.

These operations are meant to intimidate not only those detained but also the broader masses of workers and youth who took to the streets last month, the statement said.

Demonstrating or calling for demonstrations in Taksim or elsewhere on May Day is not a crime, but a fundamental democratic right, the statement added, calling for the immediate release of those detained for exercising their democratic rights and all political prisoners.

This latest police-state repression is part of the governments drive to crush social and political opposition by establishing a presidential dictatorship that ignores the constitution and the law. To this end, the government is using its control over the judiciary as a tool of intimidation.

Last month, Ekrem Imamoglu, the Republican Peoples Party (CHP) mayor of Istanbul, who was Erdogans main rival and appeared to be ahead of him in the latest polls, was arrested and sent to prison. Imamoglus arrest sparked a wave of mass protests that spread across the country.

Millions of people, especially young people, took to the streets to oppose this attack on their right to vote and be elected. The CHPs presidential primary election, in which Imamoglu was the only candidate, was attended by 15.5 million people, when only 1 million were expected.

The potential of this mass movement to trigger an independent and revolutionary working class movement has led the government to launch a large-scale crackdown.

After Imamoglus arrest, more than 2,000 people were detained and more than 300 were arrested for participating in peaceful protests. The arbitrariness and illegality of these measuresaimed at intimidating the working class and youthwas so obvious that most of those detained were released in the following weeks. But almost 50 people are still in prison.

The CHP, another party of big business, did its best to contain the protests, which were beyond its control, and to channel them towards the next elections.

The Erdogan governments criminalisation of even calling for a protest, let alone participating in a legal protest, is an expression of a global trend towards authoritarianism that has gained momentum with the return to power of President Donald Trump in the US.

As the WSWS explained, Trump is modelling himself on the authoritarian theories of Nazi jurist Carl Schmitt. Schmitt argued that in a State of Exception, the leader of a country has unlimited executive power over existing laws.

In the US, Trump is illegally deporting migrants to concentration camps, kidnapping pro-Palestinian students and imprisoning them for deportation. The Alien Enemies Act is used to justify these practices. A few days ago, Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested for blocking the arrest of an immigrant.

As the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in the US explains, The scope and character of this repression are without precedent in modern American history. The only historical parallels are the actions of Nazi Germany and the CIA-backed military dictatorships of postwar Latin America.

The Socialist Equality Group said in its May Day statement, In Turkey, as in the US, this authoritarian regime is essentially targeting the working class, the only social force that can put an end to the rule of the capitalist class, take power and establish a genuinely democratic regime.

In Turkey and internationally, the working class needs to be equipped with an international and socialist perspective to counter this ruling class offensive and to take the lead in the growing mass opposition against social inequality, authoritarianism and war.

However, a nationalist and reformist perspective dominated the May Day rallies called by trade unions and parties in many cities. In Istanbul, where the most important May Day celebrations in the country took place, the debate centred on whether the demonstration would be held in Taksim or Kadkoy.

Last year, the CHP and its trade union allies, the DISK and KESK confederations, had called for a May Day celebration in Taksim, but in the face of police obstruction they quickly called for dispersal and left the area, leaving the remaining protesters facing the riot police. More than 200 people were detained, while dozens were detained for months.

This year, the pro-bourgeois opposition DISK and KESK are calling for a rally in the Kadkoy district, while the pro-government Turk-Is is calling for the Kartal district of Istanbul, fulfilling their function of dividing the workers along the axis of the rival factions of the ruling class. All trade union confederations are directly or indirectly collaborating in the implementation of the governments severe austerity programme against workers. In the midst of the mass protests that erupted last month, the trade union bureaucracies did their best to prevent workers being mobilized as an independent force.

The ongoing genocide in Gaza, the Zionist-imperialist aggression against Iran and its allies in the Middle East and the unfolding global imperialist war of division are not on their agenda. Neither is the need to ensure the political independence of the working class from all pro-imperialist capitalist establishment parties, including Erdogans Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the CHP, and to mobilise it in the struggle for international socialism.

Only the Socialist Equality Group has called for such a May Day. This is part of the call for a unique worldwide International May Day Online Meeting of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), the world Trotskyist movement of which we are a part. We urge our readers to register now to take part in this important event, which continues the revolutionary tradition of May Day.
On Tuesday evening Britains Royal Air Force (RAF) joined the US in attacking Houthi forces in Yemen.

A Ministry of Defence (MoD) statement claimed, Careful intelligence analysis identified a cluster of buildings, used by the Houthis to manufacture drones of the type used to attack ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, located some fifteen miles south of Sanaa.

Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, with air refuelling support from Voyager tankers, therefore engaged a number of these buildings using Paveway IV precision guided bombs, once very careful planning had been completed to allow the targets to be prosecuted with minimal risk to civilians or non-military infrastructure.

RAF Typhoon fighter jet at an airshow in Bournemouth, England, September 2021

The Paveway bombs, costing 30,000 each, contain a 500lb warhead able to penetrate concrete and are the go-to missile weapon of the RAF.

The operation was the first time that the UK armed forces have struck a target in Yemen since May last year. That was the culmination of a series of five joint naval and air strikes conducted by US and UK forces against the Houthis from January 11 to May 30, 2024.

The US bombardment of Yemen was triggered by statements in November 2023 by the Houthi movement that it would block the passage of Israeli ships through the Red Sea, a waterway critical for US control of the region, in response to Israels genocide in Gaza.

The previous strikes by Britain on Yemen were carried out by the Sunak Conservative government alongside Bidens Democratic Party administration. This weeks joint operation with US forces was the first by the UK since Donald Trump was re-elected last November.

They were authorized by Sir Keir Starmers Labour government, which is desperately trying to win favour with Trump. The attack on Yemen took place within hours of it emerging that Trump has made a trade deal with the UK only a second or even third-order priority. The Guardian reported Tuesday that after weeks of negotiationswith Starmers government seeking to cut US tariffs on steel, aluminium and cars as part of any dealUS officials have decided to split their negotiations with more than a dozen other countries into three phases, with the UK being placed in either phase two or three, according to people who have been briefed on the talks.

As with the Torys previous military strikes on Yemen, which Labour as the main opposition party backed unreservedly, there was no parliamentary vote. But such is the unanimity among the main parties of the ruling class that this is now viewed as unnecessary.

Announcing details of the resumption of Britains bombing of Yemen to the House of Commons on Wednesday, Defence Minister John Healey said, We did so in collective self-defence and to uphold freedom of navigation as Britain has always done yesterdays operation was carried out alongside the US, our closest security ally.

Healey stressed that the operation was conducted in line with the established UK policy of this government and the last. And in opposition youll remember that Labour backed the government when it conducted five separate strikes with the US against Houthi targets.

Healey added, This government rejects any Houthi claims that attacking ships in the Red Sea is somehow supporting Gaza  these attacks do absolutely nothing for the Palestinian people or the push for a lasting peace. This from a government which has backed Israels genocide of the Palestinians to the hilt.

Healey took the opportunity to beat the drums of war, declaring, Make no mistake Houthis act as an agent of instability. They continue to receive backing from Iran, both military and financial, and even Russia has attempted to support the Houthi operations. The aggression in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden is yet another example of how our adversaries are increasing working together against our interests.

Healey hailed the huge surge in US attacks under Trump, saying since last month the US has been conducting a sustained campaign against the Houthis in Yemen. They moved two carriers into the region. Their recent strikes have destroyed multiple command and control centres and military facilities. He reiterated that the US continues to be the UKs closest security ally, theyre stepping up in the Red Sea. We are alongside them.

He described yesterdays joint operation as building on the broader support that we have provided to the US in the region in recent months. This included air to air refuelling, the use of our important military base in Diego Garcia for regional security operations and RAF Typhoons to support the defence of the US Carrier Strike Group.

Healey made no mention of the critical role that another UK military base, RAF Akrotiri, has played in support of Israels slaughter. In March Declassified UK published findings of an investigation they commissioned by Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) showing that the RAF has conducted at least 518 surveillance flights around Gaza since December 2023.

Declassified reported, AOAVs analysis of flight-tracking data shows that between 3 December 2023 and 27 March 2025, the RAF carried out at least 518 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) flights over or close to Gazas airspace.

Both Labour and Conservative governments have enacted the policy, with at least 215 flights taking place during Keir Starmers tenure as prime minister and 303 under Rishi Sunaks administration.

The frequency of flights remained high throughout 2024 [Starmer came to office in July 2024], with some months seeing as many as 49 sorties. The missions have typically lasted up to six hours, with the longest flight recorded at seven hours and four minutes.

The defence secretary parroted Trumps incessant demand that NATO countries massively upscale military spending and not rely on the US shouldering the cost of imperialist operations. The UK is now stepping up and encouraging allies to do more to protect our common security, just as we are with last weeks deployment of our own Carrier Strike Group starting an eight month deployment into the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific, said Healey.

As the UK's Carrier Strike Group approached the Strait of Gibraltar a Merlin Mk4 Helicopter from 845 Naval Air Squadron lands on the flightdeck of HMS Prince of Wales, with HMS Dauntless and the Mendez Nunez ship behind, April 2024 [Photo by Royal Navy/Crown Copyright/Open Government Licence (OGL)]

The day before, the UKs Prince of Wales aircraft carrier and supporting flotilla arrived in the Mediterranean Sea. After taking part in a major NATO exercise, Neptune Strike 25, the UKs Carrier Strike Group will traverse the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait chokepointconnecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Adenthe major flashpoint in the war on the Houthis.

In his paean to US and British militarism, Healey was careful not to mention the savage attack the US carried out on in Yemen on Monday evening, just 24 hours prior to the US-UK strikes. That strike killed 68 people at a migrant detention facility in Yemens Saada provinceone of the worst massacres of civilians to date in the Trump administrations war on Yemen. Trump is pledged to completely annihilate the Houthis.

Neither was there any mention of the fact that between 2015 and 2022, Yemen was subjected to a Saudi-US campaign of bombardment and deliberate starvation that led to the deaths of as many as 400,000 people.
Enerhodar resident and Zaporizhia NPP guard Oleh Morochkovsky, who was kidnapped by Russians at a checkpoint on August 3, 2022, accused of "espionage" and sentenced to 11 years in prison, was tortured in captivity, ZMINA Human Rights Center said.

"At first he was held in Enerhodar, and then taken to Simferopol. Currently, Oleh is illegally held in the city of Pugachev, Saratov region," the center said.

It is noted that Morochkovsky did not support the Russian occupation of Enerhodar and did not want to take an enemy passport. In addition, at Zaporizhia NPP, where he worked as a security guard, the Russians psychologically pressured him.

On August 3, 2022, the Russians kidnapped Oleh at a checkpoint at the entrance to Enerhodar, when he was on his way to work. The man was driving his car, which the occupiers later returned, but in a broken state.

After Oleh was kidnapped, the Russians came to his home to film a video of his alleged detention. The mother-in-law was thrown out of the house, made to face the wall and ordered not to move, threatening to shoot her.

On August 11, 2022, a video of Oleh's alleged detention was published on propaganda channels, in which he confesses to the crime. The man says that he worked in the paramilitary departmental security of Zaporizhia NPP. After the full-scale invasion, he was allegedly contacted by an acquaintance with whom he studied and served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to Morochkovsky, the acquaintance offered to transmit the coordinates of the military equipment of the Russian Guard and the man allegedly agreed. After that, Oleh allegedly sent him data on the location of the occupier units around the station several times.

Also in the video, Morochkovsky says Ukraine should not accuse Russia of shelling ZNPP without direct evidence.

According to Russian media, on March 22, 2024, the occupation Zaporizhia Regional Court pronounced Morochkovsky's sentence. He was charged under Article 276 of the Criminal Code of Russia (Espionage) and sentenced to 11 years in a strict regime colony.

In November 2024, it became known that he was in correctional colony No. 4 in the city of Pugachev, Saratov region. According to him, from March to December 2023 he was held in a basement in Mariupol. There he was brutally tortured, using physical violence and electric shock. Despite the fact that the man has been in captivity for three years, his status has not yet been confirmed by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The European Commission will invest EUR 910 million in the European Defense Fund (EDF) for 2024, which may involve Ukrainian defense companies for the first time.

This was announced by European Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier at a briefing in Brussels on Wednesday.

According to him, these investments aim to support 62 selected projects to create a strong and innovative defence industry in Europe, in order to "to close key capability gaps  like force mobility and drone defence  through innovation and collaboration across European science and industry. Moreover, and for the first time, Ukrainian defence industries can be associated to EDF projects," Rainier said.

The European Commission press release also notes that the enhanced cooperation between the Ukrainian and European defence industries is based on the outreach efforts of the EU Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv, aimed at promoting closer ties and further integration of Ukraine into the European defence industrial base, strengthening common security and innovation objectives.

"These EDF investments will boost Europe's defence industry, in line with the Commission's ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 to strengthen pan-European defence capabilities, and the Joint White Paper on European Defence Readiness 2030, framing a new approach to defence and identifying investment needs," the European Commission said.

According to the statement, following the results of the EDF competition in 2024, nine projects were selected to develop breakthrough technologies, such as the METASTEALTH project, which develops next-generation stealth materials. "Newly selected projects also include Ukraine's Small UAS, which focuses on developing advanced, AI-driven aerial systems," the commission said.
Interfax-Ukraine to host press conference VAT - trap for manufacturers: promises of State Tax Service, reality of ESB, policy of Economy Ministry

On Thursday, May 1, at 15.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "VAT - trap for manufacturers: promises of State Tax Service, reality of ESB, policy of Economy Ministry."

Main topics: blocking of VAT invoices by the State Tax Service and its impact on business; contradictions between the policy of the Ministry of Economy and the actions of the State Tax Service; threats to participants of the Made in Ukraine program due to blocking of VAT; effectiveness of the ESB work in combating tax evasion; ways to solve the problem and protect the rights of VAT payers.

Participants: Acting Director of the Institute of Applied Systems and Technologies Danylo Monin; economic expert Pavlo Sebastianovych; economic expert Yuriy Havrylchko; legal expert, member of the Anti-Corruption Council of ARMA Denys Shynkarenko (8/5a Reitarska Street).

The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine.

Journalist accreditation is required at [email protected], (098) 952 0087 (Dmytro).
Press Release

April 29, 2025 Senator Bong Go solidifies lead in latest OCTA senatorial survey, expresses gratitude while calling for support for fellow DuterTEN candidates Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has further solidified his position as the leading senatorial candidate for the 2025 elections, securing a strong 64.2% voter preference according to the latest OCTA Research Tugon ng Masa survey conducted from April 10 to 16. Expressing deep gratitude for the trust bestowed upon him by the Filipino people, Go emphasized that their support serves as a renewed source of inspiration for him to continue offering sincere and tireless public service. "Labis ang aking taus-pusong pasasalamat sa patuloy na suporta at tiwala ng ating mga kababayan. Nagbibigay ito ng dagdag na rason sa isang simpleng probinsyanong katulad ko na patuloy magbigay ng sipag, malasakit, at more serbisyo sa mga Pilipino," Go said. Reflecting on his journey as a public servant, Go recalled how his intent to serving the Filipino people has always been his priority and motivation. "Anim na taon ang nakaraan, sa araw mismo ng aking proklamasyon at bago pa man nagsimula ang aking termino bilang halal na senador, pagseserbisyo na kaagad ang ginawa ko," he stated. Go also highlighted his consistent presence in communities across the country, especially during times of crisis. "Kahit saang sulok ng bansa, mapa-bagyo, lindol, baha, sunog, pandemya, nagseserbisyo ako sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang mga mahihirap at mga Pilipinong walang ibang malalapitan kundi ang pamahalaan," Go stressed. As the election nears, Go reaffirmed his commitment to continue working hard for the welfare of Filipinos, vowing to maximize his efforts in service of the nation. "Patuloy na magtatrabaho ako para sa mga Pilipino sa abot ng aking makakaya," he said. More importantly, he rallies support for the other Duter-TEN senatorial candidates, which aims to carry forward the reform agenda started by former President Rodrigo Duterte. They are:  10 Bondoc, Jimmy

 22 Dela Rosa, Bato

 30 Hinlo, Jayvee

 34 Lambino, Raul

 38 Marcoleta, Rodante

 42 Mata, Doc Marites

 53 Quiboloy, Apollo

 56 Rodriguez, Atty. Vic

 58 Salvador, Phillip Ipe "At sa nalalabing dalawang linggo bago ang halalan, patuloy ko ring hinihikayat ang ating mga mamamayan na suportahan ang aking mga kasamahan sa Duter-TEN senatorial slate upang masigurong maipagpatuloy natin ang mga magagandang pagbabagong nasimulan ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte," Go said. The latest OCTA Research survey results further build upon Go's consistent momentum over previous months. OCTA's March 18 to 24 survey placed Go in the lead with 64% voter preference, following his February 2025 rating of 62% and January 2025 rating of 58%. These figures illustrate not only strong support but also a clear and steady upward trajectory. According to the latest Pulse Asia survey conducted from March 23 to 29, 2025, Senator Go registered a commanding 61.9% voter preference, widening his lead over other senatorial candidates. This marked another rise from his February 2025 rating of 58.1% and was a significant leap from January 2025, where he was fluctuating between second and third place with a 50.4% rating. Meanwhile, a separate survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS), commissioned by Stratbase and conducted from April 11 to 15, 2025, also confirmed Go's ascendancy. In the SWS survey, Go ranked first with 45% voter preference. This marked a consistent rise from 32% in December 2024, 37% in January 2025, 38% in February 2025, and 42% in March 2025. In addition, the Pahayag 2025 First Quarter national survey conducted by Publicus Asia Inc. from March 15 to 20, 2025, reaffirmed Go's popularity. He emerged as the top senatorial candidate in both aided and unaided awareness categories, leading with 45% in aided awareness and 17% in unaided awareness--an indication of both high-name recall and strong organic support from the electorate. As the elections draw closer, Senator Go's strong showing across all major surveys reflects not only sustained public trust but also the continuing resonance of his service-oriented platform among ordinary Filipinos. "Muli, maraming salamat sa inyong suporta at hinding-hindi ko sasayangin ang inyong tiwala," he concluded.
China Chamber of Commerce to Africa established to foster broader Sino-African cooperation

Xinhua) 08:28, April 30, 2025

Representatives attend a launching event of the China Chamber of Commerce to Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on April 28, 2025. The China Chamber of Commerce to Africa (CCCA) was officially launched Monday in Addis Ababa, with the aim of fostering broader Sino-African cooperation and contributing to a closer China-Africa community with a shared future. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

ADDIS ABABA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The China Chamber of Commerce to Africa (CCCA) was officially launched Monday in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, with the aim of fostering broader Sino-African cooperation and contributing to a closer China-Africa community with a shared future.

Comprising 15 founding members, the CCCA spans a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, telecommunications, energy, and healthcare. With membership expected to grow across both traditional and emerging industries, the chamber aims to strengthen economic ties and facilitate China-Africa economic cooperation.

Addressing the launching event, Hu Changchun, head of the Chinese Mission to the African Union (AU), said the newly-launched chamber, under the mission's guidance, will serve as a bridge to promote shared development between China, Africa, and the broader Global South.

"The founding of the chamber will create better synergies for China-Africa economic cooperation, and enable our friendship to grow even stronger. I sincerely hope that the chamber will bring more members on board, ride the tide with all stakeholders, and contribute to strengthening economic and trade cooperation between China and Africa," Hu said.

According to data from the Chinese Mission to the AU, Chinese companies have long contributed to Africa's development, building approximately 100,000 km of roads, 10,000 km of railways, 1,000 bridges, and 100 ports, while generating over 1 million jobs across the continent. These efforts have significantly improved logistical connectivity, integration of regional value chains, and people's livelihoods on the continent.

Moussa Mohamed Omar, deputy chief of staff of the AU Commission, said the establishment of the CCCA under the China-Africa strategic partnership symbolizes the win-win cooperation built on mutual respect and concrete results.

Noting that Chinese companies are actively engaged in various development sectors in Africa, including infrastructure, energy, digital infrastructure, and logistics sectors, Omar said Chinese enterprises are significantly contributing to Africa's development and employment creation.

Wu Jiuyi, secretary-general of the CCCA and deputy general manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ethiopia Branch, said the chamber is rooted in Africa to serve enterprises, foster partnership, and promote shared prosperity.

"Today's Africa is a land of boundless opportunities, and China stands as its most steadfast partner. We warmly welcome more outstanding Chinese enterprises to join the chamber and look forward to working with African partners to build consensus, pool strengths, and write a new chapter in China-Africa friendship," he said.

Hu Changchun, head of the Chinese Mission to the African Union, speaks at a launching event of the China Chamber of Commerce to Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on April 28, 2025. The China Chamber of Commerce to Africa (CCCA) was officially launched Monday in Addis Ababa, with the aim of fostering broader Sino-African cooperation and contributing to a closer China-Africa community with a shared future. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

Moussa Mohamed Omar, deputy chief of staff of the African Union Commission, speaks at a launching event of the China Chamber of Commerce to Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on April 28, 2025. The China Chamber of Commerce to Africa (CCCA) was officially launched Monday in Addis Ababa, with the aim of fostering broader Sino-African cooperation and contributing to a closer China-Africa community with a shared future. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
While a snowy spell keeps climbers in Base Camp this week, the Nepal Parliament is considering a new law to regulate the highest mountain on Earth.

The so-called Integrated Tourism Bill reached Nepals upper House of Parliament on April 18. It includes measures aimed to "address the issue of overcrowding, enhance climber safety, and mitigate ecological concerns on Everest," according to an article in The Kathmandu Post.

This sort of news is familiar from previous years. Typically, well-meaning or well-sounding laws are proposed to radically alter the business of Everest climbing in the name of safety and the environment. They never get far. Small adjustments that do make it through usually benefit the local expedition operators.

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For now, the initial proposed law includes what sounds like some potentially strong measures. Let's look at them more closely:

Digging deeper

1. Everest climbers must have previous experience at 7,000m

Many accidents have shown that previous experience at 7,000m or 8,000m does not prove a climber is skilled or self-sufficient enough to make his or her own decisions. It only ensures these climbers will buy their way onto another expedition before Everest. Because here's the rub: The law requires that the "preparatory" 7,000m peak must be in Nepal.

Mountains like Denali, Aconcagua, or even Ama Dablam (which is slightly less than 7,000m) are not considered suitable preparation. It is little wonder that local operators approve of this idea. They are already planning to enlarge their offerings for fully supported expeditions on Nepal's 7,000m peaks.

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There are seventy-two 7,000'ers open for climbing in Nepal, not counting the secondary summits of 8,000m peaks. They range from the extremely difficult, like Jannu, to the relatively straightforward, like Himlung Himal and Baruntse. The proposal does not mention the climbing style, use of oxygen, or support.

2. All guides must be Nepalese citizens

The new proposal mandates that the guides accompanying the climbers must be Nepali citizens. Theoretically, that eliminates international mountain guides. But nothing prevents a foreign guide from climbing with a private client, as long as both have Nepali guides with them. This is already the usual strategy on expeditions. It is unclear how the law will identify a "guide" among Nepalese workers with vastly different experience at altitude.

The Sherpa team working on the South side of Everest with Furtenbach Adventures, an international expedition outfitter. Photo: Furtenbach Adventures

3. Mandatory health checks and declaring record quests

The law establishes that all Everest climbers must have a medical certificate proving they are in good health. Almost everyone already does this voluntarily. Many international outfitters insist on such precautions from potential clients. However, the certificate mentioned in the law must come from a "government-approved" medical institution, meaning it must be obtained in Nepal.

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Climbers must also declare if they are pursuing any kind of mountaineering record. There is already a record-oriented market well-publicized by the outfitters (and by the climbers who attempt them). The law suggests that if force majeure -- war, disaster, etc. -- disrupts their climb, they wont get a refund, but they will receive a permit valid for two years or a discounted fee for another peak.

4. New routes approved by Liaison Officer



There is an interesting note about climbers aiming for new routes on Everest, if anyone is still interested. First, they must receive permission from the Department of Tourism in advance. Second, they must stick to their planned line once on the new route.

"In emergencies, climbers can reroute, but only with the approval of a government liaison officer," it says. This refers to an expedition's official liaison officer (LO), a sinecure position that The Kathmandu Post calls "a form of institutional bribery." These LOs are rarely in Base Camp.

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"It is hard to picture a climber opening a new route on Everest who gets into an emergency situation and waits for a green light from a LO," the article points out.

The proposed law contains a few other points related to garbage disposal, retrieving dead climbers, and other costs.

Everest Base Camp in 2025. About 500 foreigners are expected on the mountain. Photo: 8K Expeditions

Safety, environment, or money?

The proposal is noticeably silent on any limitations to the number of climbing permits or restrictions on how many people can climb the mountain at the same time. According to the latest update from Nepal's Department of Tourism, there are 374 permits granted for Everest until April 21. However, The Kathmandu Post had access to the unpublished list that covers up to April 26. Just five days later, the tally had risen from 374 to 402.

Local operators expect a record year, with up to 500 foreign climbers, plus an even higher number of local staff assisting them.

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In the end, the question is whether the proposed new rules are meant to improve safety and prevent pollution or to further squeeze the country's golden goose.

This draft proposal has a long way to go. It has to be debated, modified, and then pass through the two chambers of Nepal's parliament. Officials at the Ministry of Tourism told The Kathmandu Post that changes are likely before the final law is enacted.

After that, there is usually at least one year before the law is implemented to allow the market to adjust.

Here is a PDF of the proposed bill in Nepali.
You can get a scoop of Culver's frozen custard for just $1 on May 1.

It's the 11th annual Scoops of Thanks Day at Culver's. In exchange for a $1 donation, Culver's customers will get a scoop of frozen custard. All proceeds benefit local chapters of the National Future Farmers of America Organization.

FFA is a school-based youth organization that provides students with agricultural, career and leadership education opportunities.

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Since 2013, Scoops of Thanks Day events have raised more than $1 million as part of Culver's Thank You Farmers Project, a news release said. Culver's said over 169,400 scoops were served as part of the 2024 event.

"We're proud to support the hard-working students and educators shaping the future of agriculture," Culver's senior marketing and public relations manager Alison Demmer said in the news release.

A limited-edition flavor of the day, "How Now Brown Cow," will be available on May 1. It's chocolate frozen custard infused with Culver's root beer, chopped Dove Chocolate and chocolate cake pieces.

Guests can choose between How Now Brown Cow, chocolate or vanilla for their $1 scoop on Thursday. According to Culver's, you can order your $1 scoop through the Culver's website or app or by visiting a participating location.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How to get $1 Culver's frozen custard May 1
POSEN, Ill. (WGN)  A shooting along an expressway in the south suburbs left one person injured and sparked a police investigation on Wednesday afternoon.

Police said the investigation began after they responded to a report of a gunshot victim around 2:30 p.m. at a Mobil gas station located in the 2700 block of 147th Street in Posen.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

After officers arrived on the scene, they found a victim, a male whose age is unknown, who had suffered a gunshot wound to his arm.

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Further investigation revealed that the shooting had unfolded along I-57 and the victim had navigated to the gas station after they were hit.

Officers provided medical aid to the victim until paramedics arrived and transported him to the hospital.

SkyCam 9 was over the scene around 4 p.m. when several squad cars could be seen surrounding the gas station and caution tape could be spotted in the parking lot.

Nearby, along I-57, several squad cars could also be seen along a portion of the roadway.

Officers said there is currently no ongoing threat to the Posen community and the incident did not appear to be impacting traffic.

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LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Because the incident unfolded along the interstate, the investigation was turned over to the Illinois State Police and it is ongoing.

Currently, it is unclear what led to the shooting and authorities have not provided an update on the victims condition.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  A day after Myrtle Beachs mayor and police held a news conference to address last weekends officer-involved shooting on Ocean Boulevard, state investigators on Thursday met with the family of the 18-year-old killed in the incident.

Jaeishala Fox, the mother of Jerrius Davis, told News13 Thursday morning that her family had just finished meeting with investigators from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division about the shooting. SLED on Tuesday said Davis was armed and shooting into a crowd, an allegation that Fox disputes.

Authorities said its standard protocol for SLED to investigate when there is an officer-involved shooting.

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One person remains in critical condition following Saturday nights shooting on Ocean Boulevard, Police Chief Amy Prock said during Wednesday afternoons news conference, where she appeared alongside Mayor Brenda Bethune. Prock also said 10 people between the ages of 13 and 43 sustained injuries that were life-threatening after being shot, but later issued a clarification.

There were 11 injured as a result of gunfire, but that doesnt mean 11 people were shot, Prock said. The injuries varied, as some were injured either by shrapnel or grazed with a bullet.

The Myrtle Beach Police Department is committed to the safety of our community, our visitors and those who work here, as it always has been. Random acts of violence do not deter us from protecting our community, Prock said.

Prock and Bethune hosted the rare joint news conference to address lingering questions from Saturday nights violence.

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Because this was an officer-involved shooting, SLED is responsible for this entire investigation, and that is why we have been so limited about what we can share, Bethune said. Just like you, we all want answers, and we will give you those answers.

Deadly officer-involved shooting at least 25th instance of gun violence on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach since 2020

News13 made separate FOIA requests on Sunday for the Myrtle Beach Police Departments incident report and the 911 calls about the shooting. Three Myrtle Beach police officers are on paid administrative leave.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
An 11-year-old boy with autism went missing from a Santee superstore in San Diego was found wandering along a freeway, according to authorities.

On March 9, just before 4:30 p.m., dispatchers received a report of a nonverbal child who ran away from his family at a supermarket in the 9600 block of Mission Gorge Road, leaving relatives unable to find him, the San Diego County Sheriffs Office said in a press release Monday, April 28.

Related: My Son and I Are Autistic. Here's Why RFK Jr. Is Wrong About Us (Exclusive)

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The minors name was not publicly disclosed.

A Sheriff's ASTREA helicopter assisted with the search, making announcements near the area the child was last seen in.

San Diego Sheriff's Office Assistant Sheriff Ricardo Lopez, Sheriff's Dispatcher Shiloh Corbet, Deputy Cody Green, Deputy Michael Moser, Commander John Boyce and Captain Aldo Hernandez Assistant Sheriff Ricardo Lopez, Sheriff's Dispatcher Shiloh Corbet, Deputy Cody Green, Deputy Michael Moser, Commander John Boyce and Captain Aldo Hernandez

Off-duty Sheriff's Dispatcher Shiloh Corbet was driving home from her job at approximately 5:15 p.m., when she saw a boy matching the missing child's description running along Mast Boulevard, near the State Route 52 on-ramp.

Corbet sprang into action, contacting the Sheriff's Communications Center immediately.

While waiting on the phone, she followed the child, who was running up the freeway on-ramp and crossing lanes.

Related: Rosie ODonnell Was 'Very Afraid' for Her Child Clay, Who Has Autism, Before Service Dog Kuma Changed Their Life (Exclusive)

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Knowing the child's name from the information given to her by the Sheriff's Communications Center, Corbet called to him to stay where he was at for his own safety," the sheriff's office said. "The entire time, she was relaying information on the phone to an on-duty Sheriff's Dispatcher Supervisor, who was directing deputies to the scene."

When deputies arrived, they attempted to contact the 11-year-old from below an overpass, but he moved away from them.

The child hopped the guardrail and started running along the busy freeway, the sheriffs office said. Without hesitation, Deputies Cody Green and Michael Moser jumped over the guardrail and raced to catch up to the child. The deputies were able to get him off the freeway.

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.

He was reunited with his family, and no one was hurt during the incident.

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The San Diego County Sheriff's Office thanked Corbet, Deputies Cody Green and Michael Moser, as well as the Santee Sheriff's Station, Lakeside Sheriff's Substation, Sheriff's ASTREA, Sheriff's Communications Center and several Good Samaritans for working together to find the missing child and getting him to safety.

They also highlighted April as Autism Acceptance Month, sharing resources for those who might need them.

Persons caring for individuals diagnosed with dementia or other developmental disabilities, as well as those who have been diagnosed, can access the sheriffs offices free Take Me Home Program for assistance if they are lost or have wandered away.

Read the original article on People
NEW YORK  At least 11 high school students in Syracuse, New York, have been ordered to surrender or face kidnapping charges over an incident described by the Onondaga County district attorney as hazing on steroids.

The high schoolers, all members of the Westhill High School boys lacrosse team, are accused of taking part in an extreme hazing incident that victimized a group of younger players, County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said Tuesday at a news conference.

It all started Thursday night, when a group of students decided that they were going to haze or play some sort of prank on some of the younger members of the lacrosse team, Fitzpatrick said.

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At least five potential victims targeted by the older students have been identified by the sheriffs office, according to the DA.

One particularly disturbing case involves a student who was led to believe he was going to a lacrosse game with an older player.

Instead, the victim was taken to a remote area where a group of individuals dressed in black emerged from the woods, armed with what appeared to be at least one handgun and one knife.

The victim, whose head was covered with a pillowcase, was then tied up and placed in the trunk of a car.

I cannot adequately express to this community the level of stupidity and lack of judgment involved in this case, Fitzpatrick said. This goes far beyond hazing  far beyond simply doing something stupid.

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On Tuesday, Fitzpatrick announced his office would prosecute those involved in the alleged incident as adults. He also offered a one-time, 48-hour offer for the students to turn themselves in and face the crime of unlawful imprisonment, a misdemeanor.

If you dont  if youre tougher than me, youre a gambler and youre going to play the odds, you dont think youre going to get caught  trust me, the men and women of the Onondaga County Sheriffs Department are going to identify you, Fitzpatrick said.

Youll be arrested, youll be prosecuted as an adult, and youll be charged with the very, very serious felony of kidnapping, perhaps in the second degree, the district attorney warned.

Earlier on Tuesday, Westhill Central School District Superintendent Steve Dunham said he had made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the Westhill High School varsity boys lacrosse season.
Documentary film on stories of cotton farmers in Xinjiang region set for nationwide release on May 7

08:56, April 30, 2025 By Liu Xin and Zhao Juecheng ( Global Times

Photo: Poster of Fabric of Lives

The documentary film Fabric of Lives will be released nationwide in cinemas on May 7.

The documentary film Fabric of Lives will be released nationwide in cinemas on May 7.

Fabric of Lives, a documentary film that follows the Arkin and Zhao Qiang families in Awat County  known as the home of Chinese long-staple cotton, in Northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as they navigate the entire cotton production process, is set to premiere nationwide on May 7.

Filmed in a cinema verite style, the 80-minute documentary chronicles the families experiences during a challenging harvest season, marked by labor shortages, injuries and continuous rainfall. However, through perseverance and collaboration, the two families have overcome difficulties and ultimately achieved a rewarding harvest after a year of hard work.

The production team visited Awat twice in 2021 and 2023, embedding two cinematographers within the farmers' households to document daily life from an observational perspective. Fabric of Livesunfolds without a scripted narrative, relying entirely on real-life events to tell the story, Liu Guoyi, the films director told the Global Times.

During the filming process, I tried to understand what cotton truly means to the local people. Perhaps I can sum it up by saying that their livelihoods, their lives, are carried on each and every cotton, said Liu.

Ahead of its release, Fabric of Livesheld a special cotton field premiere in Awat. Against the backdrop of the spring planting season, more than 600 villagers gathered at an open-air venue on the village outskirts to attend the screening, becoming the film's first audience.

In a temporary outdoor cinema, villagers watched familiar scenes of their labor and daily life unfold on the big screen. Members of the films production team, along with the Arkin and Zhao Qiang families, shared behind-the-scenes stories during the filming process. After the screening, villagers and guests celebrated together with singing and dancing, turning the event into a lively community gathering.

Xinjiang is Chinas largest and one of the worlds key cotton-producing regions, accounting for over 90 percent of the countrys total output for several consecutive years. Cotton cultivation, processing and textile production are crucial industries that support income growth for people of all ethnic groups in the region. With the widespread adoption of mechanized farming, technologies such as Beidou navigation and autonomous driving have been applied throughout the cotton production process, significantly improving efficiency.

The documentary film Fabric of Lives will be released nationwide in cinemas on May 7.

The documentary film Fabric of Lives will be released nationwide in cinemas on May 7.

Although centered on cotton, the documentary offers a broader portrayal of Xinjiang, capturing its vibrant landscapes and the deep integration of the people from different ethnic groups. As Liu recalled, "One morning at breakfast, I had Xibe-style pancakes, Uygur naan, Kazakh milk tea, and porridge commonly seen in Beijing. It made me realize that Xinjiang is truly unlike any other place in China."

Before its release, the film has been selected for the 26th Shanghai International Film Festivals International Film Showcase as the only Chinese film featured. It also appeared in the Docs for Sale section at the 37th International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam and was shortlisted for Best Feature Documentary at the 6th Hainan Island International Film Festival.

Some viewers who have seen the film described it as a poetic portrait of life in Xinjiang region amid modernization, an honest and moving depiction and simple, authentic, and natural, portraying people who live life with sincerity.

"The hardworking and genuine cotton farmers show us just how rich life can be. Although life inevitably brings challenges, facing them bravely always leads to the best rewards," one viewer commented.

In recent years, Xinjiangs breathtaking scenery and rich cultural narratives have drawn increasing interests from filmmakers and other creators. Wang Jiang, director of the Institute of China's Borderland Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, told the Global Times that although more domestic and international tourists are traveling to Xinjiang, their understanding of the region remains partial and fragmented due to short visits.

Through documentary films and other visual works, people can gain a more comprehensive and intuitive understanding of the region, Wang said.

The documentary film Fabric of Lives will be released nationwide in cinemas on May 7.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
11th deputy at Walker County Sheriffs Office pleads guilty following death of Anthony Tony Mitchell

WALKER COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  Another officer at the Walker County Sheriffs Officethe 11th, specifically has pleaded guilty for playing a part in the death of a former inmate who died due to neglect he suffered at the jail two years ago.

Trina Lou Blackmon Phillips, who formerly worked the night shift at the Walker County Jail as a correctional officer, pleaded guilty Tuesday to deprivation of rights under the color of law. Phillips plea comes over two years after Anthony Tony Mitchell died following complications that the Walker County Coroners Office attributed to hypothermia, sepsis and medical neglect.

In her plea, Phillips acknowledged that during her time at the jail, she noticed how Mitchell, who was arrested January 12, 2023 following a mental health emergency, she noted how officers kept Mitchell in his cell, where he was naked with no mat, blanket, or place to lie down.

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Defendant PHILLIPS was under the impression that Individual # 1 was being kept on suicide watch per instructions from the Jail administration, but believed the designation was out of the ordinary because Individual #1 did not appear to be suicidal and she did not see any reason for Individual #1 to be on suicide watch, the plea agreement stated. Moreover, Individual #1 appeared to be treated differently than other detainees who were placed on suicide watch.

Phillips claimed she brought her concerns about Mitchells health and well-being to the jail nursing staff, who claimed that they were ordered by staff officers not to change anything regarding him.

When she approached medical staff about Individual # 1, defendant PHILLIPS concerns were dismissed and she understood that these individuals would take no steps to address Individual #1 s basic needs, the plea stated. However, defendant PHILLIPS did not raise her concerns about Individual #1 with Jail leadership because she believed that the Jail leadership was already aware of Individual #1s conditions and she was afraid to contradict the decisions made by the Jail leadership because they could be harsh to those who challenged them.

By January 26, 2023, Mitchells health had deteriorated to the point that he was forced to be taken to a nearby hospital, where he died. He was 33.

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As part of her plea, Phillips could face up to a year in prison and a fine of no more than $100,000.

Since Mitchells death, 10 other officers and a psychiatric nurse have pleaded guilty in neglecting his health. The following individuals have taken plea deals:

Karen Kelly : Former deputy who was fired from the department after allegedly leaking footage of Mitchell being abused by deputies to the media. She pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law.

Bailey Ganey : Former deputy who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deprivation of rights. He was 22 years old at the time Mitchell died.

Carl Carpenter : Former deputy who pleaded guilty to two counts of deprivation of rights.

Grayson Colin Woods : Former deputy who pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights.

Heather Craig : Former deputy who pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights.

Megan Johnson : Former deputy who pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights.

Daniel Lee Allan Brown : Former deputy charged with one count of deprivation of rights.

Daniel Wyers : A psychiatric nurse who was contracted to take care of inmates at the Walker County Jail. Wyers pleaded guilty to deprivation of rights.

Courtlan Brent Jones : Former deputy who pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights.

Joshua Conner Jones : Former deputy who pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy against rights and deprivation of rights.

Benjamin Shoemaker: Former deputy who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy against rights and two counts of deprivation of rights.

The case remains under investigation.

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CUDAHY, Wis. (WFRV)  A 12-year-old student at a Wisconsin elementary school was arrested after allegedly being found in possession of a handgun.

According to the Cudahy Police Department, the student at Lincoln Elementary School on South Packard Avenue was taken into custody after school administration and the School Resource Officer conducted an investigation that led to the discovery of the firearm.

Mexican citizen sentenced to prison for illegally reentering U.S., found in Wisconsin

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Police say there is no threat to the school or the public. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Cudahy Police Department at 414-769-2260.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Twelve shots were fired in rapid succession during a fatal police shooting with a wrong-way driver in early April, according to newly released police body camera footage.

In the footage, an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper and Union Township police officers are seen surrounding a red Ford SUV jammed up against the interstate's concrete barrier by a trooper's squad car. The trooper had intentionally crashed his cruiser into the SUV to stop 34-year-old Kelsey Hildal, who highway patrol troopers said was traveling north in the southbound lanes of the interstate around 11 p.m.

A trooper, who is heard in the video saying Hildal had a firearm, yells several times for her to put her hands up. Then, as Union Township officers arrive and begin approaching the car, 12 shots ring out in rapid succession.

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The footage, reviewed by The Enquirer after a public records request, is from four Union Township officers on the scene of the April 1 shooting. Officers and troopers had been trying to stop Hildal after a call came in about someone driving on the wrong side of the highway that night. After the trooper intentionally crashed his cruiser, only a short time passed as Union Township officers caught up and joined the scene before shots were fired.

Fifteen seconds go by. A Union Township officer asks the trooper if he's OK.

"Yeah, I'm clear," he responds, still pointing his gun at Hildal and again asking her to show her hands.

"She's got a gun in her hand," another officer yells as another shot is fired.

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"Stop moving," the trooper yells out.

It's still unclear who fired the shots. The state's Bureau of Criminal Investigation, asked by the highway patrol to investigate the shooting, declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation. Later in the footage, as officers are talking, they say the trooper and woman exchanged shots with one another.

Southbound Interstate 275 was shut down at Ohio 32 in Clermont County due to a shooting involving a trooper, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

As the footage continues, the trooper, standing next to his cruiser, yells out to Hildal as another officer calls in that she's non-responsive. Officers approach the car and make the decision to pull the cruiser away so they can get to the woman's car door, which was blocked by the cruiser.

As they put the cruiser in reverse, Hildal's SUV  still in drive  rolls forward. An officer fires several shots at its tires without warning. Officers let the car roll forward and it strikes the concrete barrier on the other side of the highway.

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Two dogs are seen in the car as authorities try to get in to get Hildal. One jumps out as they begin to pull her body from the car. They begin chest compressions and first responders arrive, but authorities say Hildal died of her injuries at the scene.

The Blue Ash woman is seen wearing what appears to be a type of black tactical, possibly bulletproof vest and had a helmet nearby.

The investigation by BCI is on-going, a spokesman for the attorney general's office told The Enquirer.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Watch: Body cam shows 12 shots between police, woman killed on I-275
CHEYENNE  Around 122 new smaller, single-family homes are planned for north-central Cheyenne, with ground scheduled to be broken in about a month.

Mayor Patrick Collins said he sees this as a reflection of the citys work to make updates to city code to incentivize developers to pursue more affordable projects, as housing availability and affordability continue to be top issues for the community.

Median home listings in Cheyenne were at $372,516 as of March, according to Zillow.com, and the median size was 2,402 square feet, according to data from the Federal Reserve. Most of these new homes will be smaller, with the goal of making them more affordable. Most will be between 900 and 1,200 square feet, two-bedroom, two-bath single-family homes for an estimated price in the high $200,000s or low $300,000s, according to the developers.

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The new homes will be constructed southeast of the intersection of Storey Boulevard and Converse Avenue.

The push for development comes in an effort to reduce home prices in the area and increase housing supply for an anticipated population growth over the next several years caused by Project Sentinel coming to F.E. Warren Air Force Base, continued data center developments and other projects. Sentinel is the replacement for the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile.

Of the 122 proposed single-family homes, 86 are planned to meet those price and size expectations. For the zone district of these developments, the smallest lot width allowed is 30 feet. However, the developer, Edwards Development Company, requested the city reduce that minimum by 10% to 27 feet for some of the lots, which is allowed under current code because the developments are cottage lots.

The City Council approved this change, which allowed an additional eight to 10 lots to be developed with homes on them.

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The developments are split into two adjacent spaces: 36 homes split on the 5.6-acre plat for Trailhead Estates first filing, and the other 86 homes split across the 11.9-acre plat for Trailhead Estates second filing. The homes in the first filing did not need a width reduction before approval.

Trailhead Estates plan

Edwards Development Company's plan for the two Trailhead Estates filings, with 86 single-family homes proposed to be constructed in the lot on the west side and 36 in the more eastern lot.

Both final plat plans were unanimously approved Monday evening by the Cheyenne City Council, with council member Mark Rinne absent.

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In the second filing, homes will have parking access in the rear in a garage connected to the alley. Of the 86 homes, 23 wont face the street. Instead, the plan is to have the front facing a pedestrian corridor, with vehicle and garage access in the alley.

David Gregg, founder and co-owner of Berthoud, Colorado-based Mission Homes, is the architect on the project. He said he has installed this 56-foot-wide pedestrian corridor in other projects he has worked on in Colorado. He said the homes facing it are typically in higher demand than the street-facing properties.

Gregg has designed neighborhoods like this in several communities in Colorado, and said his company focuses on building more affordable starter homes, rather than larger homes, which some perceive to be a more profitable approach.

The units are small, with similar densities to townhomes, but detached to give more space between the buildings and yard space to the owners. The homes also have a private front porch and a fenced-in backyard. Gregg said they are energy and water efficient, as well.

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Although not as common today, Gregg said this approach to housing development was more common 100 years ago.

Up until the 1940s and 1950s, the average new home was 950 square feet. Today it is 2,500 square feet, he said. We point fingers and argue over whose fault it is that homes are no longer affordable. I would argue it is simply because theyve grown too large, and its not necessary. And were going back to something that was very, very common about 100 years ago.

John Edwards of Edwards Development Company said this area for this project is ideal. With existing and planned apartment complexes to the west of this project off Converse Avenue and larger single-family homes to the east, he said these smaller single-family homes are a natural transition in the area around Anderson Elementary School.

At the City Councils Public Services Committee meeting last week, Mayor Collins said he had recently visited one of Greggs similar developments in Colorado.

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I did go down to Berthoud because I thought maybe it might be too good to be true, that we could have this kind of density and yet still have a development that I would want to live in, or want my kids to live in. And I got down there, and its beautiful, he said.

He said he is excited to see aspects of affordable and attainable housing beginning to be realized in Cheyenne, something that has been his top priority to promote in Cheyenne throughout his previous and current terms.

This governing body, over the last couple of years, has worked really hard with our Affordable Housing Task Force and the Wyoming Community Development Authority on all of the different recommendations for things we could do to encourage more attainable housing. Weve passed all those rules, he said. And now, we actually have developers who are coming to us with exactly what we hoped would happen, which is smaller, more affordable homes for people to get their first home, or maybe their last home, to live into.

In 2024, WCDA released a housing needs assessment for the state and communities across Wyoming. With population growth over the past decade and moderate population growth projected, WCDA suggests the state needs to add between 20,700 and 38,600 units by 2030.

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WCDA estimates that Laramie County will need between 1,204 and 1,994 additional rental units and between 3,181 and 5,271 additional houses, totaling between 4,386 and 7,266 total housing units needed by 2030.

In 2023  the most recent year for which numbers were available  1,681 units were built in Laramie County.
CHICAGO  A 13-year-old boy accused of carjacking a man at gunpoint on the citys South Side over the weekend is now facing a felon charge.

Chicago police said the teen, who has not been identified due to his age, was arrested by officers less than 15 minutes after the alleged incident occurred.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

According to police, the alleged carjacking unfolded around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday in the 2600 block of East 84th Street in South Chicago.

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Officers said the teen allegedly approached a 58-year-old man and held him at gunpoint before stealing his car.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Offices caught up with the teen shortly after the incident and arrested him in the 8500 block of South Kingston Avenue.

Authorities did not provide a booking photo of the teen.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
A 13-year-old boy in Oregon was killed when a stray bullet fired two apartments over traveled through multiple walls and struck him as he slept.

The teen, Liam Spahnle-Bailey, was struck by the gunfire after a shooting that occurred in a nearby unit, the Gresham Police Department said in a news release.

According to police, paramedics arrived on the scene soon after the shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. Spahnle-Bailey was taken to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after he arrived.

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Officers located another person who had also been struck by the gunfire close by. Gresham police said in a news release that the person was transported to a local hospital to be treated for serious, but not life-threatening, injuries.

Gresham Police Department

On Monday, Liams father, William Spahnle, and 19-year-old brother, Gordon Mott-Bailey, spoke to KATU about the shooting. They both described how much they loved Liam.

I put my son to sleep in the living room on the air mattress and thinking hed be safe, William told KATU. I was wrong and kind of have a hard time blaming myself. Im told not to. I just wish I could do some things different, but it doesnt matter now.

Mott-Bailey reflected on his brothers death, saying he was sad hed never see him grow up. He was my best friend. Hes the best, Mott-Bailey said to KATU. I loved him like he was a kid of my own.

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A GoFundMe for the family mentioned that any donations will help the family with the unexpected death of their son.

At only 13 years old, Liam has touched many peoples lives, the GoFundMe post said. His family remembers him as loving, funny, genuine, a great friend and son. His friends say he always had a smile on his face, and he was sure to put a smile on everyones face around him.

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Gresham police say the investigation is ongoing and that anyone with any information about the shooters involved should contact their office. Information about the potential shooting suspects was not immediately available.

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This is an example of horrific violence in our community. It breaks my heart to see the loss of such a young life, Nathan Vasquez, Multnomah County District Attorney said in a statement. Any time a child is lost in our community, its devastating. But when it occurs in such a senseless, violent manner its absolutely infuriating.

Read the original article on People
Fourteen people, including two children, have reportedly died after a fire broke out at the Rituraj Hotel on Tuesday, April 29

The fire reportedly began at around 7:30 p.m. local time and lasted eight hours

According to Telegraph India, among the people who were rescued, 13 fell ill and were taken to the hospital

At least 14 people have reportedly died after a hotel fire in India.

According to CBS News, senior police officer Manoj Kumar Verma told reporters that the fire took place on Tuesday, April 29, at the Rituraj Hotel in central Kolkata.

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Telegraph India reports that the fire began at around 7:30 p.m. local time and wasn't brought under control until eight hours later.

According to the BBC, authorities are still carrying out rescue operations.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown. The blaze was reportedly put out by six fire engines, per CBS News.

PEOPLE has contacted the Kolkata Police and the Rituraj Hotel for comment.

According to Telegraph India, 10 men, one woman, a 10-year-old girl and a 3-year-old girl died in the fire, while another person died after falling from the building while trying to escape.

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DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Firefighters at Rituraj Hotel on April 30, 2025 Firefighters at Rituraj Hotel on April 30, 2025

Related: 66 People Killed, 51 Injured in Hotel Fire at Popular Ski Resort: Reports

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The outlet reports that there were 88 guests inside the hotel, which reportedly has 42 rooms.

Police have reportedly identified eight of the victims so far. Three members of a family of five from Chennai were also reportedly among the deceased.

DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Firefighters outside Rituraj Hotel on April 30, 2025 Firefighters outside Rituraj Hotel on April 30, 2025

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Meanwhile, Telegraph India reports that among those rescued from the building, 13 people fell ill and were taken to the hospital.

DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Local authorities outside Rituraj Hotel on April 30, 2025 Local authorities outside Rituraj Hotel on April 30, 2025

Related: The Shining Hotel Fire 'Under Control' After Blaze Breaks Out in 'Roof and Part of the Attic'

The outlet adds that a Kolkata Police officer confirmed that only one person was still in the hospital.

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A guest from Mumbai, named Shyam, had also reportedly fallen asleep in his room and was found alive by firefighters nearly four hours after the incident. According to Telegraph India, a special investigation team is being formed by the Kolkata Police to look into the cause of the fire.

Police will take action against any person or persons found guilty of negligence, Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim told reporters.

The state fire services minister, Sujit Bose, also reportedly blamed the hotel for negligence in fire safety measures.

The entire building was covered with glass. There was no outlet for the fire and smoke which suffocated the guests. The heavy glass panes had to be broken for the firefighters to enter. Action will be taken against the owners, he said.

Telegraph India reports Kolkata Police is looking for the hotels owner.

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Video: Prior coverage

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The Montgomery County Coroner has identified a teen killed in a reported homicide Tuesday morning.

Lizaiah LaMeir Burdette, 14, was pronounced deceased at the hospital on Tuesday afternoon after succumbing to injuries resultant from gunshot wounds.

On April 29, around 1:40 a.m., police were dispatched to the area of Linden and Davis Avenues on report of a person shot.

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In that vicinity, officers located Burdette and began to administer first aid. Burdette was then transported to an area hospital.

According to the coroner and the Dayton Police Department, the location where Burdette was shot was on the 1600 block of Fauver Avenue.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
It seems like ever since President Donald Trump got back into office, the whole worlds been turned upside down. From legislation getting rid of the Department of Education to deporting U.S. born citizens without due process, if you asked us six months ago if any of this would happen in the first four months of 2025, we simply wouldnt believe you. So now, The Root is taking a look back at all the crazy, unbelievable things that have happened right under our noses.

Getting Rid of the DOE

Photo: Kayla Bartkowsk (Getty Images)

The president has outlined plans to eliminate the Department of Education (DOE). In preparation for four more MAGA years, Trump announced Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive, will head the DOE he vows to abolish. On March 20, Trump signed an executive order to officially begin closing the DOE. The department does not develop school curricula, set requirements for enrollment or graduation, or accredit schools and universities, as Trump and MAGA republicans have suggested. It does, however, handle the billions of dollars that fund education nationwide.

Bringing Back Columbus Day

Photo: Hulton Archive (Getty Images)

The president said hes bringing back Columbus Day, the federal holiday honoring Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus, according to the Hill. This is a change of pace from previous administrations who decided to instead celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day to honor Native Americans who were settled in the mainland way before Columbus arrived to the New World. Trumps move is seen as a slap in the face to Indigenous groups who were murdered and destroyed as a result of Columbus discovery.

Signal Gate No. 1

Photo: Scott Olson (Getty Images)

It didnt take long for U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and several of the countrys top defense officials to be caught in a lie after the Editor-in-chief of the Atlantic was added to a group chat full of active military war plans. On March 26, Jeffrey Goldberg, dropped a bombshell publishing of the sensitive context he was granted access after Hegseth practically called his bluff. No one involved with the breech of protocol has faced any consequences.

Signal Gate No. 2

Photo: Chip Somodevilla (Getty Images)

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If you thought one national security breech scandal was too much, then you were probably shocked when Secretary Hegseth got wrapped up in yet another Signal group chat mess. This time around, he was caught sending sensitive information in a group chat made up of his family members, friends and even his personal lawyer, according to the New York Times. Political leaders have since called for his resignation, but yup, you guessed it.... he still has his job.

Deporting University Students

Photo: Spencer Platt (Getty Images)

It was reported this month that college students across the nation are losing their student visas, according to NBC News. So far, 800 students have had their visas revoked, and to make matters even worse, many of them are being deported without due process. Students like Mahmoud Khalil, from Columbia University and Rumeysa Ozturk of Tufts University were detained and held by ICE. Khalils detention was appealed in court, according to CNN. Ozturk is still in custody. None of the students who have been detained have criminal records or have been charged with any crimes.

Deporting U.S. Citizens

Photo: Mario Tama (Getty Images)

According to recent reports, three U.S. born citizens have been deported without due process. BBC reported that all three victims were young children, with one being 2 years old and another 4-year-old reportedly having cancer. The children were deported as a result of their parents immigration status. Having a US citizen child does not make you immune from our laws, Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, said. What we did was remove children with their mothers who requested the children depart with them. Theres a parental decision.

Trade War with American Allies

Before his election, Trump threatened several countries with tariffs if they dont follow his wishes. And recently, Trump went head-to-head with the leader of Colombia after President Gustavo Petro refused to allow two military aircrafts carrying undocumented Colombian migrants to land, according to Politico. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called out Trump for his unnecessary attacks on Canadian-American relations. China fought back with tariffs of their own on American goods.



Harvard Sues Trump

Photo: Sophie Park (Getty Images)

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The Ivy League school became the first and only college to sue the president. In the suit, Harvard called out the administrations ongoing attacks amid concerns of institutional oversight, independence and federal funding, according to CNN. In response to Harvards defiance, Trump continues to threaten to revoke federal funding from any college going against him. Harvard has the biggest endowment of any college in the U.S., so to be expected, they have more than enough funds to go toe to toe with the administration.

Pardoning Capitol Rioters

Photo: Chip Somodevilla (Getty Images)

Trump celebrated his second term doing exactly what he promised he would do. Among a series of executive orders signed by the president on his first day in office, Trump most notably pardoned, commuted the prison sentences or vowed to dismiss the cases of all roughly 1,500 people charged with crimes connected to the infamous Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, according to the White House. Since then, several of the rioters have been caught of in various legal jams. One man, Matthew Huttle, was shot dead by police during a traffic stop in February, according to NBC News.

Elon Musk and DOGE

Photo: Andrew Harnik (Getty Images)

Trumps close alliance with Elon Musk has Americans scared, and they should be. Since Musk was named head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), 19 states have sued the Trump administration in order to protect Americans information. Protests have also erupted across the nation against Musk and DOGE. Its worth noting since Musk stepped into the White House, stock in his Tesla company have dropped significantly.

Targeting the Smithsonian

Photo: Chip Somodevilla (Getty Images)

In an executive order, Trump said the (MAAHC) located in Washington D.C. is under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology. Because of this, Trump wants to end funding to the African American Museum as well as other Smithsonian museums honoring the expansive history of the nation. This means the fate of Black history and culture is up in the air. When you target the Smithsonian, a global organization operating in a public-private partnership, you can expect immediate backlash. So far, several politicians, historians, and activists have denounced the administrations attempt to regulate the Smithsonian.

Arguing in the White House

Photo: Andrew Harnik (Getty Images)

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Back in February, things got messy and down right embarrassing during a visit with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Zelenskyy, Secretary of State Mario Rubio and other officials met for a public discussion about U.S. assistance in the war between Russia and Ukraine. But after Zelenskyy started detailing the struggles of his people and how important American military help is to his country, the president flipped the script and called him ungrateful. The entire show was unbelievable, as no president in recent history has ever argued with an U.S. ally live from the White House.

Bringing Back Segregation

Talks of Jim Crow and segregations return has the country buzzing with disbelief after President Donald Trumps administration repealed a crucial segregation clause in a February memo. And while many are scared for the future of the nation, others are urging Black folks not to take Trumps bait. As The Root previously reported, the memo doesnt explicitly make segregation legal at the federal, but it sure as hell doesnt make it illegal.

Ending DEI

Photo: Cheng Xin (Getty Images)

We all knew this one was coming... Trump signed an order to end diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) programs in federal departments and agencies. His order also details plans to compile a list targeting all federal contractors and grantees with DEI programs, according to the White House. While many companies have since abided by Trumps wishes, others like e.l.f and Costco doubled down on their commitment to diversity in the workplace.

Mass Deportations

Photo: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Getty Images)

It seems the president is making good of yet another one of his controversial campaign promises to perform mass deportations of undocumented immigrants across the nation. According to his executive order, Trump has enlisted all available resources and authorities to help detain unlawful immigrants and further secure the Mexico-U.S. border. During the second week of the presidents term, mass deportations have started, according to BBC. Thousands of undocumented immigrants  many without any criminal history  have already been detained and deported.

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ELBERT COUNTY, G.A. (WSPA)  A 16-year-old is dead following a possible drowning incident Sunday evening in Elbert County.

Before 6 p.m., Elbert County Emergency Management was contacted for the incident at a pond on Floyd Road in Danielsville.

Upon arrival, responders from Elbert and Madison County learned that a 16-year-old male had submerged and failed to resurface.

Responders were contacted about a possible drowning in Elbert Co (Elbert Co Emergency Services)

Responders were contacted about a possible drowning in Elbert Co (Elbert Co Emergency Services)

Responders were contacted about a possible drowning in Elbert Co (Elbert Co Emergency Services)

A resident helped personnel with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources assist rescue efforts by providing his bass boat with sonar and live scan capabilities.

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Elbert County emergency officials also deployed an underwater drone to aid search efforts.

The teenager was located via sonar around 7:40 p.m., officials said.

The Elbert County Coroners Office has not identified the victim at this time.

The incident remains under investigation by the Georgia DNR.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. Azerbaijan's role in the Eurasian space is strengthening, and its transit opportunities are increasing every day, transport expert Rauf Aghamirzayev told Trend.

According to him, the North-South Corridor, new roads in the direction of Baku-Gusar, the Kalaleh-Aghband project, and the formation of the Kalaleh-Aghband-Jabrayil-Fuzuli-Aghdam-Yevlakh-Ganja-Tbilisi-Batumi route will bring many benefits to the country.

Speaking about transport corridors and roads between Azerbaijan and Iran, he noted that the road along the Caspian Sea in the North-South corridor has already been built.

"The section of road R8 near the Taghiyev settlement is the remaining part, which is also planned to be improved. However, the road, with a total length of 500 km, has already been put into operation. Border checkpoints have also been improved, and roads have been constructed in this direction," said Aghamirzayev.

The expert mentioned that the Araz Corridor project includes a bridge built in the Aghband settlement of Azerbaijan's Zangilan district.

"Moreover, the roads that will function in this direction are part of the Southwest, North-South, and East-West corridors. The roads constructed through Aghband form two new routes in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. Thus, one direction is the route Kalaleh-Aghband-Jabrayil-Fuzuli-Aghdam-Yevlakh-Ganja-Tbilisi-Batumi, and the other is the route from Aghband through Khudafarin-Lachin-Kalbajar-Murovdagh Tunnel and through Ganja towards Georgia. Moreover, we also have traditional roads through Astara and Bilasuvar. In this way, Azerbaijan, offering different options, has provided shorter paths," he also said.

Aghamirzayev emphasized that, along with these roads, rail transportation is also possible.

"Currently, active work is underway for the transportation of five million tons of cargo via the North-South corridor by 2028, including the modernization of the Alat-Osmanli-Astara railway. Additionally, the roadbed is being completed on the Sumgayit-Yalama railway. Work on the Goradiz-Aghband railway is also nearing completion. It is expected that railway repairs in Nakhchivan will begin this year. Construction work is planned for the section of the railway from Iran to the Araz Corridor. New opportunities will also arise with the construction and commissioning of the Rasht-Astara railway," he added.

Commenting on the issue, political analyst Rufat Huseynli said that the visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Azerbaijan can mark a new milestone in relations between the two countries.

"Cooperation can be expanded between the two countries in the fields of trade and transportation. An example of such cooperation is the North-South transport corridor. Issues such as expanding trade relations between the two countries, expanding energy cooperation, and developing transport infrastructure can be discussed. Cooperation in these areas may have a positive impact on the economies of both countries. Pezeshkian's visit is also important from the perspective of discussing regional security issues. Azerbaijan and Iran are interested in joint activities to ensure regional stability. This visit can become an important step in terms of developing cooperation between the two countries in the field of security and coordinating approaches to regional issues," he concluded.

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This week marks President Donald Trumps 100th day since returning to office  and to say its been a busy few months in American politics would be an understatement. The latest Washington-ABC News-Ipsos poll shows just 39% of respondents approve of how Trumps doing as president  the lowest 100-day approval rating in over 70 years.

To get a closer look at how women specifically are experiencing this moment, theSkimm invited the Daily Skimm audience to weigh in. Over 17,000 readers responded  and they had a lot to say. From budget cuts to pregnancy plans, their anxieties arent just rising; theyre shaping their reality in real time. The quotes below are edited for brevity and grammar.

Budgets Just Went into Survival Mode

Forget a theoretical recession  women are already living like its here. They're scaling back everything from 401(k) contributions to travel, beauty appointments, and fitness classes.

What they told us:

The majority of readers ( 39.6 %) said the economy was the most important issue to them

73.5% have already adjusted their budgets for a potential recession

93% believe the US is in, or about to enter, a recession

83% say the Trump administrations policies are affecting where they spend

95.6% say the tariffs should not stay in place

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I cut fitness classes, beauty services, and our annual vacation. Ive exceeded my grocery budget every month.  Caitlin, 31, Illinois

In early February, I dropped my 401(k) to 1% and moved everything to bonds.  Katie, 40, Texas

The emotional toll is just as steep as the financial one.

Ive cut out anything enjoyable. All my income goes to groceries, gas, and bills.  Christie, 39, Arizona

I feel like I have to personally donate to what the governments pulling away from.  Carolyn, 47, Florida

Womens Health Is Non-Negotiable  And Bipartisan

Across political lines, women want evidence-based policy, clean food, and safe care. But many say theyve never felt less confident in the public health system.

What they told us:

92.7% say the government should not ban fluoride in water

78.6% say the government should ban artificial food dyes

95.7% do not think the Department of Health and Human Services has adequately addressed the measles outbreak in some states

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My son is autistic  I am heartbroken and terrified what RFK Jr.'s policies will do.  Mary, 35, Minnesota

I'm not a fan of RFK Jr., but I am looking forward to the removal of harmful food dyes from our food.  Lisa, 48, Illinois

Some pregnant women and those looking to start families also told us they no longer feel comfortable traveling to visit family in states with stricter abortion laws. If they already live in a red state, the anxiety is at an all-time high.

What they told us:

24% said reproductive health is the issue they care about the most

93% believe Trump will act to further restrict abortion

91.4% don't believe hell make IVF more accessible

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I fear for my body if I were to get pregnant and had complications along the way.  Elizabeth, 30, California

As a woman, the cut to womens health research is something that could potentially impact my life.  Beth, 34, Tennessee

I am currently pregnant. Their decisions on womens reproductive rights impact my daily life. The morbid conversations my husband and I have had to have in preparation for our baby have been surreal.  Summer, 31, Florida

Im planning a frozen embryo transfer later this year and Im worried my IVF clinic will either cease to exist or that if a complication arises and I cant have an abortion that I will die.  Beth, 35, South Dakota

Trust in Democracy? Fading Fast

Women are losing trust in the basic functions of democracy, from the courts to core federal programs.

What they told us:

94% of Daily Skimm readers do not think the country is heading in the right direction.

89% believe DOGE needs more federal oversight

83.6% say the courts are not an effective check on the presidency

36% have been directly affected by DOGEs cuts

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I have never been so scared for and embarrassed of my country.  Gretchen, 58, Maryland

I feel like this will go down as a dark time in our historyI hold out hope the legal system can still be a check and balance. We need a smart, relatable leader to emerge.  Dara, 57, Connecticut

Women also worry about being silenced  especially those in journalism, education, and science. 92.7% are concerned about restrictions on free speech

I work in higher ed. The attacks on DEI, funding, and HHS have created immense uncertainty for myself, my colleagues, and my students.  Molly, 36, Maryland

Freedom of speech infringement  especially with media and journalists  terrifies me.  Gabriela, 34, New Jersey

Congress Isnt Passing This Test  Or Much Else

70.4% said Congress deserves a D. As one woman told us, They should be the ones not getting a paycheck. For Democratic women, they had some choice words for their representatives, saying theyd like to see Democrats do literally anything. Others took aim at the whole legislative branch.

Congress should have a backbone.  Carla, 64, Connecticut

The judiciary and Congress greenlighting what is an absolute power grab is terrifying.  Stephanie, 57, Colorado

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Theyre not just frustrated  theyre demanding action.

Call on Congress to enact legislation to have more checks in place for the Executive branch.  Catherine, 33, Florida

We need to see bipartisan solutions standing up to the presidents actions. Executive orders are not the way this country should run.  Kathryn, 71, Arizona
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  An 18-year-old was arrested by Georgetown County deputies Tuesday for threatening to shoot up her school.

Tatiyona Mention, a senior at Carvers Bay High School, was apprehended and charged as an adult for school threats. Mention is currently in custody at the Georgetown County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing, according to the Georgetown County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies went and searched Mentions home but found no weapons. In addition to the charges, Mention will be subjected to the Georgetown County School Districts disciplinary policy.

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Carvers Bay High School remained under normal operating conditions throughout the day, the sheriffs office said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Apr. 29An 18-year-old man is accused of shooting two people in the head, killing 24-year-old Timothy Allen Jr., in an apparent gang shooting Friday at a north Spokane Maverik gas station, according to court documents.

Quentin M.D. Hutchison turned himself into police Monday and was booked into the Spokane County Jail. He made his first appearance Tuesday in Spokane County District Court, where his bond was set at $1 million on second-degree murder and drive-by shooting charges.

Hutchison shot Allen and Susep McJoe about 3:15 a.m. Friday outside the gas station on Montgomery Avenue and Division Street, police said in documents.

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Maverik surveillance footage showed a black Ford Explorer, carrying Allen , McJoe and two other males, pulling up to a gas pump, court records say. A gray Volkswagen Passat parked at a different pump where Hutchison and two other males got out.

The males from the Ford appeared to interact with the males from the Volkswagen, the footage showed. The males in the Volkswagen then followed the other males toward the front of the store, where the two groups appeared to get into an argument. No one entered the store.

The group from the Volkswagen began to go back toward the Volkswagen while Allen and McJoe appeared to "flank" around to place themselves near the gas pumps, the footage showed. Both gunshot victims appeared to have their hands in their pockets. A man from the front passenger seat of the Volkswagen then pulled out a handgun from his waistband and fired multiple rounds at Allen and McJoe.

The handgun's firing rate was consistent with one modified with a "switch," or a device that converts a handgun to fully automatic, police wrote. Two unidentified males from the Ford, and two males from the Volkswagen ran away, according to the footage.

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Police located over a dozen shell casings in the parking lot.

Allen died at the scene from gunshot wounds to the head and right foot, according to the Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office.

McJoe was shot in the head, arm and chest and survived, police wrote. He was taken to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center.

Officers found one gun on the ground near Allen and another gun near McJoe, documents say.

The owner of the Volkswagen said he and four others arrived at Maverik, and when he and two others got out of the car, the males from the Ford started accosting them, asking where they're from and other statements suggestive of gang activity, court records show.

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He told police Hutchison replied by saying he was an "IPO," or Indian Pride Organization Blood gang.

One detective noted Allen is a member of the Native Gangster Blood gang.

The Volkswagen owner told police as he and his friends walked toward the store, the Ford occupants followed them and showed their firearms in their waistbands. He said as he and two others, including Hutchison, walked back to the vehicle, the males from the Ford were "circling" them and grabbing at firearms in their waistbands.

He told police Hutchison then pulled a firearm and started firing at Allen and McJoe.

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Another occupant of the Volkswagen told police one of the males from the Ford pulled his handgun out and was holding it near his side before he heard multiple gunshots.

The Volkswagen owner said he sped away with Hutchison and a female, who was with the group, in the car.

A detective wrote the IPO blood gang is prominent in the Spokane area and he's familiar with its members. The clothing the suspect wore in the Maverik footage was distinct and matched similar clothing worn by an IPO member. He identified Hutchison as the likely suspect.

A woman at Hutchison's Spokane apartment told police Hutchison and a female arrived home about 4 a.m. that Friday. Hutchison gathered most of his belongings and left, the woman told police. Police searched the apartment and found clothing consistent with what Hutchison wore in the gas station footage.

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Hutchison, who remained in jail Tuesday night, asked for an attorney when questioned by police.

The shooting is under investigation, and Spokane police asks anyone with information to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233 and reference case No. 2025-20080190.
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  An 18-year-old woman has been arrested after allegedly threatening to shoot up Carvers Bay High School, the Georgetown County Sheriffs Office said Tuesday.

Tatiyona Mention, a senior at the school, was taken into custody Tuesday, the sheriffs office said. She was charged with school threats and booked into the Georgetown County Detention Center.

Investigators searched Mentions home and did not find any weapons, according to the sheriffs office. She will be subject to the school districts discplinary policy.

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Carvers Bay High School operated on normal conditions throughout the day.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  A multi-agency human trafficking operation, named Operation Lights Out, ended in the arrest of 19 people on numerous charges.

The four-day online, undercover investigation was coordinated by the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Muscogee County Sheriffs Office.

Operation Lights Out focused on people engaged in sexually explicit communications with children on the internet, who arranged to engage in sex with a child, and to travel for the purpose of having sex.

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35 cases were established that met the threshold for arrest.

The following were arrested and charged:

 Carl Sprayberry, 32, of Columbus, Georgia, charged with Human Trafficking.

 Isael Alvarez, 43, of Columbus, Georgia, charged with Human Trafficking and subject to an ICE Detainer.

 Marquise Anderson, 37, of Seale, Alabama, charged with Human Trafficking.

 Darnell Brooks, 40, of Box Springs, Georgia, charged with Human Trafficking.

 Roger Burkes, 62, of Columbus, Georgia, charged with Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 2007.

 Javious Davenport, 30, of LaGrange, Georgia, charged with Human Trafficking.

 Kevin Edosmwan, 38, of Atlanta, Georgia, charged with Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 2007.

 Jonathan Evans, 46, of LaGrange, Georgia, charged with Human Trafficking.

 Galvin Latrell Gordey, 44, of Pittsview, Alabama, charged with Human Trafficking.

 Muhammed Gwandu, 68, of Ontario, Canada, charged with Human Trafficking and subject to an ICE Detainer.

 Gene Melner, 37, of Palatine, Illinois, charged with Human Trafficking.

 Greggory Corbitt Meeks, 45, of LaGrange, Georgia, charged with Human Trafficking.

 Colton Lee McLamb, 23, of Valley, Alabama, charged with Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 2007.

 Zidarius Poole, 21, of Columbus, Georgia, charged with Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 2007.

 Hunter Salmi, 22, of Phenix City, Alabama, charged with Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 2007.

 Marco Antonio Santos Chavez, 30, of Fort Payne, Alabama, charged with Human Trafficking and subject to an ICE Detainer.

 Anthony Seldon, 34, of Columbus, Georgia, charged with Human Trafficking, Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, Reckless Driving, and Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers.

 Cameron Shelley, 25, of Columbus, Georgia, charged with Human Trafficking.

 Jungmok Shin, 33, of Phenix City, Alabama, charged with Human Trafficking.

These are folks who acted, says Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Donald Kelly. They went to a specific location to meet a child, often times to exchange money for sexual activity.

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Operation Lights Out ran from April 24  April 28. Additional charges and arrests may follow.

Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman is now urging parents to closely monitor their children to ensure they are not communicating with these individuals.

Its okay to be a nosey parent, Countryman says. If your kids doors are closed and theyre on the computer, you pay that bill.

Countryman adds,  Know who theyre speaking with because were not going to stop until they stop preying on our kids.

Online child predators use social media sites, messaging apps, and websites on the internet to find children, begin conversations with them, introduce sexual content and arrange meetings with children for the purpose of having sex.

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Were not necessarily doing deep dives into the dark web when we do something like this, says Brian Johnston, GBI Special Agent in Charge/Commander of Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

He adds, These are publicly shared applications and messaging applications and social media sites that probably most everyone in this room would use in a legitimate basis every day.

Then we have certain dating apps that are more particular to certain types of folks, but all them are something people access and unfortunately theres a lot of bad characters that access these same apps for the specific purpose of targeting vulnerable children, Johnston says.

Both boys and girls are targeted by these predators.

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I have to talk about being able to save a lot of kids from traumait takes a sick individual to want to take away the right that a child has and the freedom and the safety and the comfort that a child has to bring harm to these children. For individuals, grown-ups to travel from far away and even near to satisfy themselves to rob our children of their freedom and their comfort. Sheriff Greg Countryman, Muscogee County Sheriff Office



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Countryman says his office is committed to fight crimes against children.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
DENVER (KDVR)  A 19-year-old was arrested in connection with a shooting that injured a woman near Union Station on Monday.

The Denver Police Department said Jakiem Whitham was arrested Tuesday evening. He is being held for investigation of:

Attempted first-degree murder

Felony menacing

First-degree assault with a deadly weapon

Prohibited large capacity magazine

Second-degree assault

The shooting occurred at 9:51 p.m. Monday in the 1600 block of Chestnut Place. When Denver police officers arrived on scene, they located a woman suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

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Witnesses say it was chaos inside RTDs Chestnut Pavilion following shooting

The victim was taken to a local hospital, where she remains in critical condition.

Following a preliminary investigation, Whitham was reportedly involved in an altercation with a second victim. Police said the altercation escalated, and the two fought over a handgun, and that is when a shot was fired.

Denver police said Whitham was identified as the suspect, thanks to witnesses and video surveillance.

The scene was still very active overnight into the early morning hours. RTD closed the Chestnut Pavilion until the scene cleared just after 5 a.m. on Tuesday.

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The woman who was shot and Whitham did know each other, police said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Emergency crews responded to a crash involving a wrong-way driver Tuesday night. It happened on northbound Interstate 135 near 17th Street around 8:55 p.m.

The Kansas Highway Patrol said that a 58-year-old woman from Wichita was driving north in the northbound lanes of I-135 when a 55-year-old man, also from Wichita, was driving south in the northbound lanes and struck her head-on.

Both drivers were taken to an area hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The area was temporarily closed while the crews worked on the scene. The area has since been reopened.

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For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Three people have been reported dead in Pennsylvania amid severe weather in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States.

Two people have been confirmed dead in Allegheny County, while another was reported dead in State College, according to media releases from the Allegheny County Emergency Services (ACES) and State College Police Department.

All three deaths, reported on Tuesday, April 29, are said to be related to the storm.

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"Allegheny County Medical Examiner has confirmed with our EOC [Emergency Operations Center] of two storm related deaths at this point," the ACES said.

The Pittsburgh Public Safety Department said one of the two deaths happened when a Pittsburgh man was electrocuted by live wires, per Accuweather. The man was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency crews.

The third death occurred in State College, roughly three miles outside of the Penn State University campus and over 130 miles from Pittsburgh. Local police responded to the scene around 7:17 p.m. local time after being notified of an individual who had been electrocuted near a utility pole in the 1500 block of University Drive.

Nathan Papes / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images A downed tree in Springfield, Ohio after storms on April 29, 2025 A downed tree in Springfield, Ohio after storms on April 29, 2025

Related: Pilot Likely Tried to Avoid Loose Dog on Runway Before Crash That Killed Him and Passenger: NTSB

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There, they found a 22-year-old male who "encountered an active electric current while trying to put out a mulch fire," the police said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

"This tragic incident occurred during a severe weather event hitting the State College area resulting in damage to many trees and utility lines," the police said, per the release. "Public works crews are working to remove debris, and First Energy is working to restore power to the many customers [affected] by the mass outages in the Centre Region."

"Please do not approach downed lines or areas where lines may be compromised," they added.

PEOPLE reached out to the Allegheny County Emergency Services, Pittsburgh Public Safety Office and the State College Police Department for additional information, but did not immediately hear back.

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Accuweather reported that the series of severe storms evolved into a derecho on Tuesday, with Ohio and Pennsylvania seeing wind gusts up to 80 miles per hour.

According to the National Weather Service, a derecho is "a widespread, long-lived wind storm that is associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms." Derechos can produce damage similar to tornadoes.

Related: Girls Killed in Illinois After-School Camp Crash Remembered by Parents as 'Sweet, Silly' Daughters

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Following the storms on Tuesday, Allegheny County Emergency Services said in the press release that the National Call Center received over 5,000 calls per hour from within the region. "This call volume overwhelmed not only 9-1-1 call takers, but our regional phone carriers and systems," they continued.

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ACES EMA and Pittsburgh EMA have started assessing damage from municipalities.

The emergency services agency has cautioned locals to "stay off area roads as many downed wires, trees and poles still exist."

According to Accuweather, Oklahoma also saw flash flooding due to the storms with about three to six inches of rain. As a result, a portion of Interstate 44 was shut down in Oklahoma City, per a post on X from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

CNN reported that Oklahoma has "picked up nearly a foot of rain since the start of the month, marking it as the wettest April on record."

Severe storms are said to continue through Wednesday, April 30, also affecting Texas, Missouri and Kentucky, according to Accuweather.



Read the original article on People
Athens-Clarke County police are investigating their fifth deadly crash of the year.

On Friday, officers responded to a single-vehicle crash involving two pedestrians at approximately 8:32 p.m. near Gaines School Road and Lexington Road.

One pedestrian, Amy Morgan, 58, of Athens, died from her injuries at the scene.

The second pedestrian, Anthony Braxton, 31, of Athens, died from his injuries at the hospital.

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The driver, Lois Dua, 54, of Bogart, Georgia, was not injured.

Police charged Dua with second-degree vehicular homicide and two counts of failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

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Two Venezuelan nationals, who were granted provisional deportation protections while living in South Florida, are locked up on federal charges after orchestrating a fraudulent scheme to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars in COVID-19 relief funds through the Paycheck Protection Program, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday.

Freddy Urribarri and Mairilin Munoz are recipients of Temporary Protected Status, which allowed them to live and work in the United States.

The pair served as president and vice president of FU & MM General Services, a Dania Beach-based corporation. Both were arrested April 21 and charged with multiple counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and money laundering.

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Per a federal indictment, Urribarri and Munoz submitted numerous fraudulent loan applications between March 2021 and February 2022, seeking to exploit the federally backed program designed to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The indictment alleges they grossly inflated company revenues and falsified the number of employees on official PPP loan applications submitted to several lenders.

In one instance, FU & MM claimed to employ 17 workers and generate more than $3.2 million in annual revenue. Those figures were false and fraudulent, according to prosecutors, who noted the company had significantly fewer employees and lower earnings.

Feds said one lender accepted the false representations and approved a loan of about $438,000.

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Once they received the loan proceeds, the defendants engaged in a scheme to conceal the nature of the funds, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a press release. Munoz also engaged in financial transactions over $10,000 using proceeds of the fraud.

The loans in question were part of the CARES Act, which passed in March 2020 to provide emergency relief to businesses impacted by the pandemic. The Paycheck Protection Program allowed for full loan forgiveness if recipients met certain criteria, namely using funds for payroll and approved operating expenses.

Homeland Security Investigations Miami (HSI Miami) investigated the case.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. Passenger rail service between Baku and Tbilisi may resume at the end of May, the Georgian government told Trend.

"The exact date has not yet been determined; negotiations between the parties on this issue are ongoing," the source said.

Azerbaijan Railways CJSC also told Trend that in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection and its possible negative consequences, based on the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan No. 336 dated September 12, 2020, a special quarantine regime was introduced in the country, which continues to operate to this day. Azerbaijan's land borders remain closed.

"In connection with this, international passenger transportation by rail has been suspended since 2020," CJSC noted.

On March 18, the special quarantine regime in Azerbaijan was extended again - until 06:00 on July 1. Previously, it was extended until April 1.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The Montgomery County Sheriffs Office is celebrating following successful Drug Take Back Day and Super Saturday events, each of which happened over the weekend.

The office announced that 232 pounds of expired and unwanted prescription drugs were brought in on Saturday between their Harrison Township and Washington Township stations.

Photo courtesy of the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office. Photo courtesy of the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office. Photo courtesy of the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office.

The sheriffs office collects these materials year-round, so if you missed either event over the weekend, theres still plenty of opportunity to contribute.

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Visit their website for more information.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
While some Democrats have made a concerted effort to distance themselves from Donald Trump, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has repeatedly appeared with the president in recent weeks  ruffling some feathers within her own party.

Whitmer, a potential 2028 presidential contender who campaigned for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for the 2024 election, has now shared a stage with the Republican president in Michigan weeks after visiting the Oval Office. Some within the battleground state governors own party have taken issue with the recent appearances.

I think the fight-back faction of the Democratic Party is ascendant, and leaders who ignore that risk getting left behind, Ezra Levin, co-executive director of the liberal organizing group Indivisible, told the Washington Post.

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Speaking about the Oval Office visit, Adrian Hemond, a Democratic strategist in Michigan, told the outlet that while most Michiganders probably understand that working with the president is part of the job, the visit wasnt great for political optics.

Nationally, you could view this as pretty damaging, Hemond said. Obviously the photos, the optics coming out of this meeting, werent great.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she wasnt planning on giving remarks after President Donald Trump called her up onto the stage while speaking at Selfridge Air National Guard Base Tuesday. (AP)

The recent appearances didnt seem to be entirely on her terms. Speaking at Michigans Selfridge Air National Guard Base on Tuesday, Trump hailed her as very effective before welcoming her onto the stage. He seemingly caught her off guard as she told the crowd that she hadnt planned to speak.

On behalf of all the military men and women who serve our country and serve so honorably, on behalf of the state of Michigan, I am really damn happy were here to celebrate this recapitalization at Selfridge. Its crucial for the Michigan economy. Its crucial for the men and women here for our homeland security and our future. So thank you. I am so, so grateful that this announcement was made today, and I appreciate all the work. Thank you," Whitmer said.

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Her comments came after she was pictured shaking hands with the president on the runway after he arrived in Michigan.

After making her remarks on Tuesday alongside Trump, she told the Associated Press that she wasnt thinking about politics: My job is to do the right thing for the people of Michigan. Im not thinking about anything beyond that, and I know its hard for people to get their head around.

I had to be there because this was a big, important thing for the state of Michigan, she said. Now, he is going to go off to the rally and say a lot of things I disagree with, that Ill fight against, and thats fine, but, you know, my job is to do everything I can for the people of Michigan.

Earlier this month, when Whitmer had scheduled a meeting with Trump to discuss the future of the air base, according to the New York Times, the presidents aides brought her into the Oval Office, where she shielded herself from reporters' cameras - in a now infamous photo.

The appearance with Trump at the military base came after she was in seen in the Oval Office. However, she claimed to be suprised to be brought in with the press present. (REUTERS)

Her office later said the governor was surprised that she was ushered into the Oval Office, where Trump signed executive orders, and that her presence is not an endorsement of the actions taken or statements made at that event.

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Even Trump clarified her White House visit to Tuesdays crowd: "That's the reason she came to see me, by the way: to save Selfridge. He also announced new fighter jets at the base.

Mark Hackel, a Democratic and County Executive of Michigans Macomb County, took a different stance from others in his party. He praised her decision to meet with Trump at the White House.

Her going to White House  on the heels of an election where she was heavily involved campaigning for the Democratic nominee [against Trump], I think, says a lot about her understanding about her role is to be the governor of all, not just her party, Hackel told the Post.

Mike Nellis, a Democratic strategist and former senior adviser to Harris, also defended the Democratic governor. You wont catch me complaining about Gretchen Whitmer saving tens of thousands of jobs or bringing in federal relief for people without power in Michigan. Thats the damn job. Get shit done, improve peoples livesfuck the politics, he wrote on X.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  More than 2,100 high school seniors were celebrated Tuesday at Old Dominion University as part of the Access College Foundations eighth-annual College Commitment Day.

The event is designed to recognize said seniors who were accepted into a college degree or certification program and nearly $80,000 in scholarships were given away.

For nearly 37 years, Access has walked alongside our students, ensuring them that college is possible, and at College Commitment Day, we celebrate the talent, ambition, determination, and tenacity that got them to this moment, said Bonnie B. Sutton, President and CEO of Access College Foundation. Its more than a celebration; its a declaration of dreams in motion. Were proud to support these inspirational students as they take this next big step.

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The Access College Foundation, founded in 1988, starts in middle school by preparing children with college and career success services.

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A 22-year-old is in critical condition following a collision with a vehicle while crossing the street April 29.

Milwaukee police said the crash occurred about 8:43 p.m. on the 5300 block of North Lovers Lane Road. A driver was traveling southbound on Lovers Lane Road when the collision happened. A 29-year-old driver remained on scene and was arrested.

The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to police.

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Ron Jones moved from Maine to his apartment on Lovers Lane Road two years ago. He said the police and medical personnel had a "really fast" response, but he has frustrations with officials, law enforcement, and the wider community when it comes to traffic safety in his part of town.

"All day long, people drive up and down this road between Silver Spring (Drive) and Hampton (Avenue) like it's their personal drag strip," said Jones, 56, a former law enforcement officer in Georgia and a military veteran that served during the 1990-1991 Gulf War. "They don't go the speed limit at all. There's rarely any police presence around here."

Jones said he's noticed changes made to streets, whether in Milwaukee or in other parts of the country, but he feels officials aren't doing enough to address certain parts of the city, like the far northwest side.

"They're not very concerned with traffic safety," he said. "I don't know that for 100%, but for me as a civilian looking at stuff in my area, that's just what I notice. I can count on one hand how many times I've seen police, on this road, stopping people for speeding. So, it doesn't surprise me at all that someone got hit here."

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Police said the investigation is ongoing and asked anyone with information to call them at 414-935-7360 or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 414-224-(Tips).

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 22-year-old injured after being struck by vehicle in Milwaukee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Tabitha Tuders disappeared while walking to her school bus stop in East Nashville 22 years ago.

The Metro Nashville Police Department has not released any new information in this case, but her family has not given up the search for answers. A missing persons banner still hangs from Tabithas home.

Weve had to watch her grow up through age progression: New age rendering released for missing Nashville woman Tabitha Tuders

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Well, were still surviving  its [been] 22 years of torture, Tabithas dad, Bo Tuders, told News 2.

Bo was the last person to talk to her before she left for school on April 29, 2003.

I told her to get up and then get ready for school because I had to leave and go to work, Bo said. She said, Okay, daddy. I love you! I said, I love you, too, and Ill see you this evening. She said Okay, and that was the last I saw of her.

(Source: WKRN) (Source: WKRN) (Source: WKRN) (Source: WKRN) (Source: WKRN)

Investigators with the MNPD said Tabitha never made it to the bus stop.

She was carrying her report card back with her  and she had made straight As, Bo said. She was a sweet, loving little girl.

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In 2020, police ruled out a person of interest in the case. The mystery surrounding her disappearance has caused heartache for her family.

Somebody took her and shes gone, Bo said. It could be sex [trafficking] people. We never know. My fatherly instincts say I think shes out there, but my manly instincts probably think shes gone.

Guilt is hard to live with: Family prays for closure in Tabitha Tuders disappearance

Pictures of young Tabitha sit inside the Tuders home. Last year, the FBI released a photo of what they think shed look like today at 34 years old.

The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for Tabithas recovery and the prosecution of the person responsible for her disappearance.

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If shes out there, she needs to come home, Bo said. Well treat it just like this had never happened, but it would be hard to catch up on 22 years.

Tabitha has a birthmark on her stomach, a scar on her finger and pierced ears. If you have any information on this case, you can call the MNPD at 615-742-7463 or the FBI at 1-800-225-5324.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) St. Landry-Evangeline Sexual Assault Center held their 22nd annual Take Back The Night March and Vigil for victims of sexual assault at the Opelousas Junior High School and ended at the courthouse square.

Kizzy Shelvin, the community outreach coordinator and educator said, It is very important to us to let our community know and others around that someone is here to listen. Someone cares. We have a shoulder for them to clean on.

Data from the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault shows every 68 Seconds an American is sexually assaulted.

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The website also explained that 81% of women & 43% of men experience some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime. However, only 36% of rape and sexual assaults are reported to the police.

Hearts of Hope offers aid and resources for sexual violence survivors

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Take Back The Night is an event to give support and a voice to victims. Shelvin said they started in 1999 and it has moved forward through different leadership with the same mission.

Take Back the Night is to represents that we are no longer held in captivity through what weve been through, no longer being in bondage. Were releasing it and we have people here to help us go through that, Shelvin said.

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Lafayette tattoo shop raises funds for abuse and trauma victims

With a mixture of supporters and survivors, guest speakers share their testimonies.

A lot of times we know we have to hurt before we heal. So just to let someone know that, listen, this is how I made it through, said Shelvin. We are here for you. The reason we do take back the night is to let you know that someone is listening, someone cares. Yes, we hear you loud and clear. Dont be ashamed of your testimony again. We dont judge people to violate our bodies.

If you are in need of help you can call the HOTLINE at 1-800-656-HOPE. Also St. Landry-Evangeline Sexual Assault Center Opelousas Main Office is open Monday through Friday 8:00A.M. until 4:30 PM. You can also call at 337-585- HOPE (4673)

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
The horror of learning that intimate images of you have been posted online is hard to imagine unless its happened to you. But it is shockingly common. One survey conducted last year found that over a quarter of young people in the UK (28 per cent) had their intimate photos misused or had received an unwanted sexual image.

Madison Conradis was a young, ambitious 24-year-old embarking on a career in marketing when she was targeted by a stalker, who shockingly posted revealing pictures of her online.

The seemingly-nude photos had been taken behind the scenes at a lingerie modelling shoot she had done in college. The images were never supposed to be made public, but had been kept in the photographers online portfolio, which may have been hacked.

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For years her stalker used them to taunt and intimidate her. They were sent to the personal accounts of her friends, family and colleagues. They were posted online where the stalker encouraged trolls to pile in and further harass Madison. Her twin sister, Christine Messier, was also targeted.

Eventually, in the face of a toothless, victim-blaming legal system, the women tracked down the stalker themselves. They were horrified to discover not only was it someone they knew from college, but he had even attended Christines wedding. Finally, after a decade-long battle, they brought him to justice.

Both Madison and Christine were targeted  they then worked together to track their stalker down - The Washington Post

Looking over her shoulder

The ordeal took a huge toll on Madison.

It was terrifying, she exclusively tells The Telegraph. The not knowing who it was meant I was constantly on alert, looking over my shoulder, wondering if the person behind me in the street was following me. It could have been a friend, a member of my family, someone at work. I was frightened and found it hard to trust people.

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Madison first learnt there were nude photos of her online from a high school acquaintance.

My first thought was why? Who would do something like that? Who was trying to do me harm? she continues.

It was 2012 and Madison had just started a marketing job in Florida. The photos, taken when she was 19, had been posted on 4chan, where users can post anonymously or using a nickname. The stalker contacted her, demanding that she send other explicit photos. When she didnt, he sent her personal photos to her friends and family.

Madisons personal details had also been posted with the photos and whoever was behind the posts encouraged others to troll her.

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Christine was the first person Madison turned to.

She explains: I felt terrible for her. I could feel her pain. We were young at the time and just hoped it would go away.

Orchestrated harassment

The campaign of harassment continued, with anonymous accounts used to stalk Madison across cyberspace. It was constant. She was bombarded with obscene messages and calls and had to turn her phone off to even get a little bit of sleep.

It was like my phone was blowing up at all times of the day and night, remembers Madison. There was no respite. They were posting to my public Facebook profile, sending messages to my father, friends, coworkers, bosses, and constantly upping the ante and increasing the pressure.

Madisons twin sister Christine, pictured here, was the first person she turned to - Getty

Her twin Christine adds: They were using the photos to harass and embarrass her and affect her work life and her professional life. It was relentless.

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The stalker made a collage of pictures of Madison and her family, along with personal information about her and her family including addresses and phone numbers.

Everything was out there, says Madison. I didnt know who was doing it. I couldnt trust anyone. It was very frightening. I still have a bit of PTSD and often wonder if I can trust a new person I meet.

Victim blaming

At the time, there was little awareness of this type of crime and the effect it could have on victims. Eventually, Madison and Christine, who by then was a law graduate, decided to report the issue to police. The sisters, both from Florida, believed that a new state law against cyber-harassment would put a stop to the stalkers relentless campaign of hate.

Instead, they were brushed off.

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I was met with typical victim-blaming statements like Where did they get the pictures? Why do you have photos like that out there? I walked out with my tail between my legs, scared and alone.

The women realised that they were going to have to take matters into their own hands and painstakingly put the evidence together that would identify the stalker and his other victims. Their incredible story is told in the new series of the award-winning Novel podcast, The Girlfriends: Spotlight from Novel and iHeartPodcasts, available everywhere you get your podcasts.

Online clues

The twins started to look for clues in the posts. Christine realised that in some, the culprit used idiosyncratic punctuation marks. The sisters scoured social media for posts where similar patterns were used and they started to identify common usernames the suspect was using across other social media sites.

In 2016, Madison began dating Jeffrey Geiger, who she met through work. He lived in Maine, and that Thanksgiving they went to the Florida Keys. Madison posted one photo of the couple to Snapchat from the trip and the next morning she found a Facebook message from one of the fake accounts linked to the stalker which said: You guys having a great time in the Keys I see.

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Realising the culprit must have seen the Snapchat post, she took a screenshot of followers who had seen it. There were 39 views. She knew that one of them had to be the stalker and over the following months the sisters meticulously went through that list looking for further breadcrumbs.

After they were brushed off by Florida police, the two sisters took matters into their own hands, following digital breadcrumbs to find the stalker

Bizarre twist

Towards the end of 2017 Madisons relationship with Geiger was ending. Around the same time more photos appeared on 4chan. They included intimate shots Christine had taken for her husband and sexual photos Madison had privately shared with Geiger. The photos had been stored in an online Dropbox account.

The twins launched a civil claim against Geiger and court documents associated with the claim record that the twins say they confronted Geiger and that he admitted that he contacted one of the accounts that had been harassing Madison in an effort to gain the stalkers trust and find out more information about him. In his response to the complaint, Geiger admitted to helping Madison upload photos to Dropbox but denied the other allegations, according to a report in The Washington Post.

According to court documents, after Madison ended the relationship Geiger left a handwritten note for Christine, a copy of which she included in the court records. It said: I am an idiot and dont deserve your sister. Im not asking you to forget or look past what I did. Im just hoping one day youll forgive me. I swear on everyone I love that I was only trying to help.

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The twins reported Geiger to his local police department in Maine, but he was not prosecuted because investigators said there was no malicious intent.

Breakthrough

Meanwhile the sisters continued their investigation and discovered the stalker was sharing images of four other women. They all had one connection in common. A man named Chris Buonocore, a college acquaintance of the Conradis from the Florida Institute of Tech, who had been a member of the same college fraternity as Christines husband.

The twins identified the stalker as Chris Buonocore, who would later be charged with six counts of cyberstalking

What sealed it for the pair was that Buonocore was also one of 39 people who had viewed the Florida Snapchat photo. The sisters had their man.

It was such a relief, recalls Madison. I could actually feel a physical weight being lifted off my shoulders. Even though we didnt have legal confirmation, we knew it was him and I knew who I needed to be looking for when I was walking down the street.

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In spring 2019, the sisters contacted the other women Buonocore was harassing. According to the plea agreement as reported in the Washington Post, one was his ex-girlfriend, who had been enduring his sexual harassment since 2013. Another was a 14-year-old girl. Buonocore shared photos of her in her school uniform on 4chan, asking others for advice on how to trick her into sending him nudes. The third victim was a childhood friend of Buonocore from New York. The fourth was Buonocores ex-fiancee in New York. After they split up, he started posting intimate photos of her, which she learnt about when Christine contacted her.

The twins collated a file for each woman, detailing their story, the facts of their case, examples of the material Buonocore was posting and examples of the different laws he was violating in each jurisdiction.

On the same day at the same time, each victim went into their respective local police station with their file to report Buonocore.

Justice at last

In July 2019 the FBI took on the case on behalf of all the victims. A few months later, Buonocores identity was confirmed because the sisters had launched a civil case and subpoenaed 4chan for details of the identities behind the accounts that had been involved in the harassment. Geiger, who was also named in the civil case, eventually settled with the twins for an undisclosed amount, according to court records.

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To this day, Buonocores motives are unclear. The twins barely knew him but are certain misogyny was a key element. His behaviour showed a desire to control women and was likely driven by feelings of hatred and inadequacy.

I remember he was a bit weird, but I went to a tech school, so they were all a little strange, says Christine.

Buonocore had even attended Christines wedding in 2017 as a guest of her husband.

I think my husband felt bad for him because he was an outcast in the fraternity, she says. He probably had a thing for Madison and resented her for it. I was just collateral damage. I think he felt rejected by women and it was also a control thing.

In December 2020 Buonocore was charged with six counts of cyberstalking. He pleaded guilty on all counts and was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison in November 2021. A recent appeal was turned down.

Today the sisters are telling their story to give other women who find themselves in similar situations hope.

We had over ten years of people telling us it wasnt a crime. Youre a slut. Youre the problem, says Christine. But youre not the problem. The people who do this sort of thing are criminals. That sentence served as validation that what Buonocore was doing was as serious as we knew it was. It should never have been that hard to get justice.

What to do if you are being cyberstalked

Stalking is a crime in the UK. If you think you are being stalked, call the Suzy Lamplugh Trusts National Stalking Helpline (0808 802 0300) who will give advice on next steps, or see Paladin.co.uk

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
LEE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  Cecil Fitzgeralds trust was broken long ago.

Used to be able to sleep with my window open at night, he said. Not anymore.

He and his wife, Montanna Fitzgerald, say they mostly keep to themselves in the small community of Pullman in Allegan County. Nothings been the same for them since April 1, 1999. That day, Montannas brother and sister, 17-year-old Darla Sherrell and 16-year-old Dustin Sherrell, were shot to death in their own home along with a family friend, 17-year-old Jonathan Edwards.

A file image of Dustin Sherrell aired by News 8 shortly after his death in 1999.

A file image of Darla Sherrell aired by News 8 shortly after her death in 1999.

A file image of Jonathan Edwards aired by News 8 shortly after his death in 1999.

I asked the detective, Wheres Jamasa?' Fitzgerald said. Cause I knew hed be with them that day.

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Jamasa Derring was Dustins close friend. He briefly dated Darla too. Fitzgerald said Derring often ate and hung out at the Sherrell family home.

Dustys and Darlas mom and dad accepted him into the home, showed him respect, Fitzgerald said. Then he turned around and returned the favor by murdering her daughter and son.

1999 booking photo of Jamasa Derring, who was convicted of three counts of premeditated murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2000.

Police say Derring, who was 18 at the time, shot and killed all three victims in murders described as executions. Investigators believe Dustin Sherrell had witnessed a murder that Derring had committed that February and told the others.

He was trying to keep them quiet, Fitzgerald said.

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Fitzgerald said the horror of what happened  especially done by someone close to them  shook their faith in others.

It tears your trust completely away from society, he said. You dont trust nobody.

In 2000, Derring was convicted of three counts of first-degree premeditated murder and sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. Court documents reveal he tried to escape prison in 2012, but failed. For that crime, he was sentenced to an additional two to five years in prison.

With Derring locked away, the victims families tried the best they could to move on.

We were thinking its over, were healing, were gonna try to get through it the best we can try to put it behind us, Fitzgerald said.

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Derring, now 44, could have a shot at going free. The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds cant be given automatic life sentences without the possibility of parole. Its based on research that young peoples brains arent fully developed, dont assess risk or consequences as well as adults and are capable of change. The ban applies retroactively, so many past sentencings for murder can now be reconsidered.

I know him, Fitzgerald said. I spent time with him. For me, hes not rehabilitated. Hes cold-calculated evil, walking incarnate. Thats just the way it is.

Since the courts ruling, others convicted of murder in West Michigan have gone free or had their sentences reduced. But for the victims families, its reliving the trauma of their loved ones murder and losing their sense of justice.

We see that as unfair, he said. Not only to us, but to Darla and Dusty and Johns memory, they didnt ask to be murdered. They didnt ask for their lives to be shortened. Darla was getting ready to graduate.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Leaders from Livingston Parish Public Schools (LPPS) said 31 people have been identified in connection with a school vandalism using food items, Vaseline and toilet paper.

According to LPPS, 28 of those people were students. The vandalism reportedly occurred on Friday, April 25, at Springfield High School, with the first group of people entering the campus around 12:15 a.m. before a second group arrived at around 2:42 a.m.

Some of the damage to the campus included condiments and food being spread in classrooms and hallways. The school system said students entered through a window and threw flour, glitter, ketchup, chili, hot dogs and mustard in hallways and classrooms.

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Vaseline was placed on items, sardines were put in the ceiling and rugs, and cups and toilet paper were thrown around the campus. Tables were turned over, soil was found on concrete walkways and items were located on the roof.

The action taken by these individuals is not a prank. It is vandalism to school property, plain and simple, and this type of behavior is not acceptable, Superintendent Jody Purvis said. These individuals have disrespected their fellow students, the schools employees and members of the Springfield community. Furthermore, their actions caused damage and disruption.

Deputies assisted school leaders with the investigation. Sheriff Jason Ard said school administrators will determine disciplinary measures. School leaders said students will be disciplined based on the severity of their participation in the vandalism, with restitution required for those accused of destroying and damaging property.

I want to thank the Springfield High and Springfield Elementary employees for their willingness to return the campus to a safe, healthy learning environment, allowing instruction for all students to resume as quickly as possible, Purvis said.

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Luka Doncic donates entire cost of restoring vandalized Kobe Bryant mural in downtown Los Angeles

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When President Donald J. Trump took the oath of office for the second time, he promised that the moment marked not only the culmination of his own extraordinary political comeback, but a resurgence on the global stage for the United States as a whole.

"From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world," he declared in his inaugural address. "We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer."

Trump's vow to "very simply, put America first" over a world he says has taken advantage of it for far too long, and the frenetic speed at which his administration moved to implement his vision, has sparked ample amounts of conflict and chaos, putting the U.S. at odds at with its traditional allies and injecting new uncertainty into longstanding conflicts.

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Experts and officials say that the dramatic transformation of American statecraft during the first 100 days of Trump's second term promise to have lasting impact on the country and its global standing -- and meaningful reverberations for the world order at large.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, April 29, 2025 as he departs for a rally in Michigan to mark his 10th day in office. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: Trump discusses first 100 days of historic presidency in exclusive ABC interview

Trade wars go global

During his first four years in the White House, Trump ignited no shortage of trade disputes, taking on China, the European Union, Canada and Mexico at varying points throughout the term while also issuing tariffs on various categories of imports.

When he returned to Washington, Trump wasted little time -- almost immediately waging a sweeping campaign against what he says are grossly unbalanced economic partnerships and double-dealing international institutions designed to swindle the U.S.

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Yet, Trump's trade fights have been as a volatile as they are contentious, with tariff hikes often delayed by last minute reprieves. This added uncertainty has shaken investors and perhaps exacerbated many American consumers' sense of economic unease.

"So far, the results have been spectacularly bad. Trump's trade policy has lurched from empty threats to sweeping tariffs to humiliating retreats, roiling markets and destroying remaining confidence in U.S. economic leadership," said Edward Alden, a columnist at Foreign Policy and visiting professor at Western Washington University.

"Unless the administration can bring some discipline to its approach, Trump will accomplish none of his goals and leave the United States poorer and weaker," he continued.

But tariffs have also evolved into a tool deployed by the White House to coerce foreign governments to comply with its broader agenda.

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Just days after his return to the White House, Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Colombia if its President Gustavo Petro didn't agree to take in deportees from the U.S. Petro initially said he would impose retaliatory tariffs but soon reversed course -- accepting two planeloads of migrants.

Additionally, Trump's hawkish approach to tariffs has fueled tension between the world's two largest economies: China and the U.S.

The trade relationship between the U.S. and Beijing was a frequent target of Trump's ire during his first term. Now, he has taken the feud to the next level-- raising levies on Chinese imports as high as 145%.

This time around also feels like a more personal battle between Trump and China's President Xi Jinping. White House officials have hinted that trade negotiations between the nations have been quietly taking place -- a claim China's foreign ministry adamantly denies. Beijing also disputes a claim the president made in a recent interview with Time that Xi had called him.

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"With both sides convinced they hold the advantage -- and neither signaling a shift in posture -- the U.S.-China relationship is entering a new era of heightened confrontation," said Craig Singleton, the senior director of the China Program at Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

Despite the apparent lack of progress toward a trade deal with China, the White House says more than 100 countries around the world have come to the table in the wake of the president's tariff war -- a dynamic that will test the administration's ability to simultaneously carry out so many complicated economic negotiations in the weeks and months to come.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick listens in the Oval Office of the White House, April 17, 2025, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP)

Expansionist intent

In his second term, the president's international ambitions have extended well beyond tariffs. Even before taking office, Trump indicated he was laser focused on assuming control of two foreign territories: the Panama Canal and Greenland.

Administration officials often argue that in both cases, the president is primarily concerned about foreign interference and its impact on national security. But other statements and actions signal there may be more at play.

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On Saturday, Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform that American ships should be able to transit the Panama Canal as well as Egypt's Suez Canal free of charge, adding that he had directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to "immediately take care of" the situation.

And when Vice President J.D. Vance visited Greenland in March, he indicated that the Trump administration's interest in the territory was fueled in part by interest in edging out China and Russia in the competition for the rare earth resources that may lie buried under its ice sheet.

"We know that Russia and China and other nations are taking an extraordinary interest in Arctic passageways and Arctic naval routes and indeed in the minerals of the Arctic territories. We need to ensure that America is leading in the Arctic, because we know that if America doesn't other nations will fill the gap where we fall behind," Vance said.

The Trump administration's drive to secure critical minerals is also intertwined in its dealings with Ukraine and appears to have motivated efforts to secure peace in other areas of the world. As part of its work to pave the way for U.S. investments in the mineral-rich Democratic Republic of the Congo, the administration has played a key role in brokering peace negotiations between the country and Rwanda.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he departs for a rally in Michigan to mark his 100th day in office at the White House in Washington, April 29, 2025. (Leah Millis/Reuters)

MORE: Trump insists Ukraine peace talks making progress despite Russian strikes: ANALYSIS

Deals deferred

Meanwhile, other longstanding conflicts the president initially declared he would swiftly resolve continue to rage as U.S. mediation efforts sputter.

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Trump famously said he could end the war between Russia and Ukraine on "day one" of his second term -- a claim he now says was "an exaggeration."

The first 100 days of the second Trump term have seen the U.S. approach to Russia and Ukraine undergo a dramatic shift.

With Moscow, the Trump administration has brought about a significant warming of relations. Delegations from both the U.S. and Russia have been involved in slow but steady talks to revive their diplomatic presences in each other's countries, while top Trump administration negotiator Steve Witkoff has now met face-to-face with Russian leader Vladimir Putin four times.

MORE: Is Trump's Ukraine peace effort stalled amid Putin's relentless strikes?: ANALYSIS

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Dealings with Ukraine, on the other hand, have presented some of the administration's most intense and iconic foreign policy moments.

In late February, Trump, Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sparred inside the Oval Office. After the spat, Zelenskyy was instructed to leave the White House

Over this past weekend, in an entirely different scene from the Oval Office encounter, Trump and Zelensky met again -- this time, just two of them sitting alone, inside a hushed St. Peter's Basilica as world leaders gathered at the Vatican to pay their last respects to Pope Francis.

Amid the stark highs and lows of his interactions with Zelenskyy, Trump has repeatedly insisted he is neutral and simply wants to put an end to the bloodshed.

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But Trump and his administration have also set a tight deadline for U.S. involvement in the process, with the president declaring after his meeting with Zelenskyy that he expected to see progress within "two weeks or less."

Critics of the Trump administration's approach have consistently faulted the president for failing to hold the Kremlin accountable.

"Trump's desire for peace is laudable. But the way he has pursued it -- undercutting Ukraine while putting no tangible pressure on Russia -- leaves much to be desired," said John Hardie, the deputy director of the Russia Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

"The shift in Washington's Ukraine policy under Trump has contributed to a broader erosion of European trust in America," he continued. "The silver lining: Europe now appears more serious than ever about stepping up on defense."

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MORE: US and Ukraine sign mineral resources agreement

On Wednesday, the 101st day of the presidents term, the Trump administration did secure one deal with Ukraine -- signing onto a long-awaited partnership with the country that gives American businesses access to Ukraines mineral resources.

Administration officials say the partnership will provide Kyiv with implicit security guarantees by increasing U.S. involvement in Ukraines economy, but the agreement has no direct impact on efforts to finally bring the war with Russia to a close.

PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a meeting of the Presidium of the Council of Legislators of Russia at the Tauride Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, April 28, 2025. (Mikhail Metzel/Sputnik via AP)

MORE: Trump admin live updates: Trump says Americans may have less because of trade war

Israel, Gaza

With Israel's war in Gaza, the Trump administration has taken a more hands-off approach, even though the conflict appeared to be on the brink of a resolution when he re-entered the White House in January.

In tandem with the outgoing Biden administration, Trump officials worked to secure a three-phase ceasefire/hostage-release that saw the release of 33 captives that had been detained since the Oct. 7 attacks, including two Americans. But the framework fell apart before the parties could move into its second phase, which would see the release of the final American hostage held in Gaza.

Despite promises to find an endgame for the conflict, much of Trump's focus seems to have been on his unusual proposal to relocate Gazans and redevelop the territory, a pitch that was met by widespread backlash.

But Brian Katulis, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and former National Security Council official, says Trump will eventually have to take on the conflict -- or see his agenda constrained by it.

"The Israeli-Palestinian front remains the thorniest and most difficult challenge to producing progress in the Middle East. Without a clear game plan to end the war, bring hostages home, and improve the living conditions for the 2 million Palestinians in Gaza, the Trump administration's wider aspirations for the Middle East will continue to face limits," he said.

In the first months of his term, Trump has also rekindled long-stagnant nuclear talks with Iran -- while also declaring he would be "leading the pack" in a military strike on the country if it did not ultimately agree to a deal.

PHOTO: Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends a meeting of the Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias Task Force, at the Justice Department in Washington, April 22, 2025. (Ken Cedeno/Reuters)

Diplomacy deconstructed

The initial weeks of Trump's second term have seen no shortage of turmoil in Washington, and the president's aims of shrinking the federal government and ramping up efficiency have resulted in significant cuts to diplomatic structures.

As one of his first executive actions, Trump ordered a freeze on all foreign aid spending. His administration quickly began lobbing accusations of fraud and other misdeeds against the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and moved to close it. By February it had suspended most of its employees, and by March, officials developed plans to fold the few programs that had not been cancelled into the framework of the State Department.

But the State Department is also bracing for major staffing reductions. In April, Rubio unveiled plans to drastically overhaul the department by sharply cutting the number of offices within it and ultimately wiping out roughly 700 Washington, D.C.-based positions for Foreign Service and Civil Service employees.

Additionally, Rubio has instructed leaders throughout the department to draw up plans to reduce their personnel by 15% -- a move that could lead to thousands of additional job cuts.

Already, the second Trump administration has seen the State Department shift its focus from international organizations and peacekeeping efforts to carrying out the president's deportation goals and securing the southern border. Rubio's first actions in his post include designating international cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and securting various deals with South American and Central American nations -- including, most controversially, El Salvador -- to accept deportees from the U.S.

Beyond Washington, Trump has also withdrawn from a number of international organizations, including the World Health Organization and the United Nations Human Rights Council.

At the 100-day mark, there is one vacant seat in Trump's Cabinet: the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.

"Trump believes his actions will consolidate U.S. power and put an end to America being 'ripped off' by an outdated international system," said Bronwen Maddox, the director and chief executive of Chatham House.

"The danger is that by unpicking the alliances and institutions that have underpinned US power at such breakneck speed, Trump ends up handing the US's many advantages  in innovation, commercial strength and global influence -- to Beijing," she added.

In his 2nd term, its Trump vs. the world: ANALYSIS originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 29. The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyancharged with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, and other serious offenses under Azerbaijan's Criminal Codecontinued on Tuesday at the Baku Military Court, Trend reports.

Presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (and reserve judge Gunel Samadova), the hearing was held in open session. The defendant was provided with interpretation services in his native Russian language and was represented by his lawyer of choice, Avraam Berman.

Before witness testimonies commenced, Judge Aghayev explained the legal rights and responsibilities to the victims attending for the first time and introduced the participants in the trial, including court personnel, prosecutors, interpreters, and others.

The next court session is scheduled for May 6.

Ruben Vardanyan faces charges under multiple articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan).
At least three people were killed and 70 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day, regional authorities reported on April 30.

Russia launched 108 drones, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones, overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force said.

Air defenses intercepted 50 drones, while 22 vanished from radars  likely used as decoys to overload Ukraine's air defense network. The assault was repelled using a combination of electronic warfare units, aviation, anti-aircraft missile systems, and mobile fire groups.

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In Kharkiv Oblast, 52 people were injured in total, including 47 in a drone strike against the city of Kharkiv, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

The attack hit residential neighborhoods, damaging apartment buildings, a hospital, and a school. Among the wounded were a 5-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy, and a 24-year-old pregnant woman.

Read also: Trump promised peace in Ukraine in first 100 days, but Russias violence only escalated

In Donetsk Oblast, one person was killed in Shakhove, and six others were wounded in Russian attacks across the region, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.

A massive suicide drone strike killed one person and injured another in the city of Dnipro, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak said.

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Russian forces shelled Kherson Oblast, injuring six people and damaging 10 apartment buildings and nine homes, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. Social infrastructure and residential areas were targeted.

In Sumy Oblast, one person was killed and one injured as civilian infrastructure was hit and destroyed, the local Military Administration reported.

Artillery strikes on Mykolaiv Oblast wounded a 49-year-old woman and a 51-year-old man, Governor Vitalii Kim said.

Two people were injured in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, where authorities received 19 reports of damage to homes, apartments, vehicles, and garages, Governor Ivan Fedorov said.

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"Russian drones continue flying in the skies over Ukraine all morning. And so it goes every day," President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X, calling for stronger sanctions against Russia.

"Pressure from the United States, from Europe, from everyone in the world who believes there is no place for war on this planet."

The attacks come amid Moscow's continued rejection of a complete ceasefire agreement and follow an escalation of strikes targeting civilian areas across Ukraine.

Read also: Investigation: The hidden journey of Ukrainian coal stolen by Russia  and who profits from it

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
There are certain countries in the world that are even more breathtaking when experienced on water  and Greece is certainly one of them. Perched on the southern edge of the Balkan peninsula, Greece is renowned for its seaside relics of the worlds first civilisations and its many family-run tavernas serving up vibrant, flavourful cuisine. With 6,000 islands and islets to explore (227 of which are inhabited), sailing the countrys warm, azure waters is a great way to maximise your time and experience a different island each day, without the need to take a ferry or hire a car. Sailing bareboat, on a skippered charter or part of a flotilla, youll see Greece from a different perspective and discover places only accessible by boat. Whether cruising around the Saronic Gulf from Athens or trying a new watersport in Lefkada, these three sailing routes incorporate adventures aplenty.

Anchor for the night in one of Ithaca's sheltered bays, such as colourful Kioni, where waterfront tavernas serve up fresh seafood. Photograph by Sunsail

1. Discover lesser-explored Lefkada

Greeces Ionian Islands hold deep connections to Homers epic poem The Odyssey  German archaeologist Wilhelm Dorpfeld believed modern-day Lefkada (also known as Lefkas), just off the west coast of the mainland, was Odysseuss ancient Ithaca. Today, Lefkada embodies adventure; try paragliding and paddleboarding, or head to Vasiliki on the islands south coast for windsurfing. The next day, set sail for Kefalonia, the largest island in the Ionian. Its around a three-and-a-half-hour sail to reach Kefalonias quaint Venetian harbour town, Fiskardo, which has plenty of waterside tavernas. Further south in Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, wander the cobbled streets where live music performances take place regularly.

From there, sail around to the neighbouring island, Ithaca. Just as striking, but smaller and quieter than Kefalonia, Ithaca has plenty of sheltered bays encircled by sapphire-blue water, which are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. En route back towards Lefkada, stop by Meganisi, a lush, green island to the southeast with beautiful, secluded coves. Meganisi is renowned for its sea caves  including Papanikolis Cave, which was said to have been a hiding place of the eponymous submarine during the Second World War. Dock in Vathi, Meganisis main harbour, to explore the waterfront restaurants, cafes and shops  and to meet some of the villages friendly local felines.

Sail past the Archaeological Site of Sounio on the southernmost tip of Attica, the end point of the Athenian Riviera. Photograph by Sunsail

2. Explore Athens and the Saronic Gulf

Greece is quite rightly renowned for its incredible food  and its capital city, Athens, is one of the best places to get a taste of it. Just a short taxi ride from the Zea Marina port is Plaka: grab a freddo cappuccino and take a stroll around the neighbourhood, where decades-old souvlaki restaurants and modern wine bars line the cobbled streets. Nearby, the Acropolis and Parthenon, part of a hugely impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site that looms over the city, is a must-visit.

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The next day, set sail on a two-hour course towards the island of Aegina, located southwest of Athens in the Saronic Gulf. Follow the scent of roasted pistachios to one of the islands postcard-worthy bays, where archaeological monuments stand among the pine and olive trees. Dock in the marina at Perdika, on Aeginas southwestern coast. The traditional fishing village has plenty of tavernas specialising in seafood, as well as restaurants serving up specials made with locally grown pistachios. Then, its around 16 nautical miles south to the next island, Poros, in the southern part of the Saronic Gulf. The verdant island has a sheltered marina to dock in, and Poros Town has a bustling nightlife with loads of lively bars and restaurants.

Stop for a swim, snorkel or a beach picnic in a private bay near the picturesque island of Corfu (Kerkyra in Greek). Photograph by Sunsail

3. Cruise around Corfu, Parga and Paxos

Corfu is a good start and end point for a journey around Greeces west coast. The islands handsome Old Town is less than a 15-minute taxi ride from Gouvia, Corfus yachting marina  as well as the grand Venetian Palaio Frourio (Old Fortress), which guards the shore. The next day, sail along the coast of Corfu to the sun-soaked Syvota islands. The bright-blue waters of the sheltered bays are perfect for anchoring and enjoying a beach picnic by the shore.

From there, follow the coastline to Parga, a beautiful town in the northwestern Epirus region of mainland Greece. Climb up to the hilltop Venetian Castle of Parga, which gazes out over the water, before taking a stroll along Pargas cosmopolitan waterfront, where many of the colourful cafes and restaurants are open until late. Depart Parga and sail across the Ionian to the small but stunning islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. Both are home to private bays  many of which are only accessible by sea  and long stretches of creamy-pebbled beaches with crystal-clear water. Lakka, a tiny fishing village on the north coast of Paxos, is a great spot to drop anchor and watch the sunset. From Paxoss main port in Gaios (on the east coast of the island), it usually takes around two hours to sail back to Corfu.

This paid content article was created for Sunsail. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs.



To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here (available in select countries only).
Matt Dunham, president of Table Game Dealers Laborers Local 711, walks toward the State House steps on April 29, 2025. In his hand are his prepared remarks to push state lawmakers to end the exemption from the states indoor smoking ban at Rhode Islands two casinos. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

About 30 union leaders, workers, and advocates gathered on the State House steps Tuesday afternoon to hold a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives on the job for Workers Memorial Day.

But before that moment of silence, labor leaders used a megaphone to speak out against workplace hazards, which Rhode Island AFL-CIO President Patrick Crowley said, claim an average of 385 U.S. workers every day.

Rhode Island AFL-CIO priorities

Smoking ban in RI casinos (S188 | H5464) Extreme temperature worker protections (S586 | H5305) Ban on captive audience meetings (S126 | H5506)

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Its not really great to have to think about how dangerous it is to work in America, Crowley told the crowd.

Union leaders want state leaders to strike now on a trio of bills they say will ensure more workers can be protected from physical dangers as well as anti-union messaging. Among those priorities: ending the exemption from the states indoor smoking ban at Rhode Islands two casinos.

Weve known for decades that smoking kills, Crowley said. Thats why its important that we pass legislation to ban smoking in these casinos.

Matt Dunham, president of Table Game Dealers Laborers Local 711, said the locals 600 workers have to endure second-hand smoke every time they enter Ballys Lincoln and Tiverton facilities.

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Theyre tired of going to work each day wondering if theyre putting their future health on the line to put food on the table tonight, Dunham said.

Workers have made the push to end Ballys exemption for years, only to be stalled at the committee level. But that changed after House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi allowed a symbolic committee vote to advance the proposal at the end of the 2024 legislative session.

Shekarchi is now one of the 10 cosponsors listed on the latest edition of the bill to end the exemption the casinos have from the states indoor smoking ban. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Teresa Tanzi, a South Kingstown Democrat and has the backing of 55 of the chambers 75 members. The House Committee on Finance held an initial hearing on Tanzis bill on April 10, when it was held for further study  as is standard practice for a first look by a legislative panel.

In the Senate, however, passage of a smoking ban has faced repeated roadlocks.

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The late Senate President Dominick Ruggerio had been a staunch opponent of such legislation, citing concerns it could decrease revenue. The chambers new majority leader Frank Ciccone, a Providence Democrat, has expressed the same concern.

But newly-elected Senate President Valarie Lawson, an East Providence Democrat, said she personally supports the measure, chamber spokesperson Greg Pare confirmed in an email Wednesday.

But it is also her understanding that the parties are working together towards a resolution that would not require legislation, Pare said in an email. At the same time, the legislation will undergo the normal, public committee review process.

Legislation introduced Feb. 7 by Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, a South Kingstown Democrat, has yet to be scheduled for a hearing before the Senate Committee on Labor and Gaming.

Rhode Island AFL-CIO President Patrick Crowley addresses the crowd of union leaders, workers advocates and advocates on April 29, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

Cant stand the heat? Fix the kitchens

Union leaders believe the state also needs to act on companion bills that would establish standards for working in extreme heat and cold.

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Katarina Ezikovich, an organizer with SEIU 1199NE, knows firsthand the dangers workers face during extreme heat. A lab technician at Women & Infants Hospital, she recalled how the hospitals HVAC system failed over the winter.

The kitchen staff felt the impact first.

People were as red as the potatoes they roasted. They sweated more than the onions. Haute cuisine had nothing on the flambe that our employees were becoming, Ezikovich said. The puns here might be funny, but what wasnt funny was our employers response.

Ezikovich claimed hospital administrators advised workers to drink Gatorade and take extra breaks. Care New England spokesperson Raina Smith said the hospital network is aware of the concerns raised by union workers and that a temporary HVAC solution has been in place since mid-February.

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We remain committed to transparency and to upholding the highest standards of safety, quality, and respect for every member of our hospital community, she said in an emailed statement.

But Ezikovich said the hospital has not fixed the problem and that their bosses solutions have been nothing more than a Band-Aid on a gaping, gushing wound.

You can only take so many breaks before returning to a hellfire work site, she said.

Union leaders believe such issues can be mitigated under companion bills by Rep. David Morales, a Providence Democrat, and Sen. Lou DiPalma, a Middletown Democrat. Their legislation would require employers to provide workers with adequate heating and cooling equipment, access to paid rest breaks, along with training to recognize and mitigate heat and cold-related risks.

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Morales bill received its initial committee hearing Feb. 12, while DiPalmas bill had its first review by a Senate panel on March 12. Both bills were held for further study.

Katarina Ezikovivch, an organizer for SEIU 119NE, claimed administrators at Women and Infants Hospital advised kitchen staff to drink Gatorade and take breaks after the hospitals HVAC broke down over the winter. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

No more mandatory meetings

Rhode Island labor leaders are also targeting an end to so-called captive audience meetings  mandatory employer gatherings where workers are required to hear company views on religion, politics, or unions.

Such meetings are allegedly used by employers to convince their workers that theyd be better off without a union, said Teamsters Local 251 organizer Patrick Leonard.

Theyll pull workers on the shop floor into a conference room, close the door behind them, outnumber them with management and tell them this is a voluntary meeting. he told the crowd.

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A growing number of states have begun to ban such meetings, including Connecticut in 2022. Captive audience meetings were deemed unlawful by the National Labor Relations Board in November 2024.

Rhode Islands Senate has already passed such legislation earlier in April. The bill sponsored by Sen. Matthew LaMountain, a Warwick Democrat, would prohibit employers from punishing or firing workers who choose not to attend meetings or read messages where the company shares its views on religion or politics.

Workers who believe they were unfairly disciplined or fired would be allowed to sue their employer to get their job back, receive financial compensation, and have their legal fees covered.

Leonard said codifying such protections would give workers reassurance that they can hold onto their own beliefs without risk of being fired.

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LaMountains bill is before the House where companion legislation by Rep. Robert Craven, a North Kingstown Democrat, was held for further study by the chambers Committee on Labor on April 2.

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Three people are dead, and two others are injured after scaffolding gave way at a large construction site in Texas, authorities said.

"Some type of mishap" caused the scaffolding to become destabilized, causing three Bechtel workers to fall to their deaths at the Port Arthur LNG site in Port Arthur early on Tuesday, April 29, the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office said in a statement on Facebook.

Justice of the Peace Brad Burnett told CBS affiliate KFDM that the three employees were men ranging in age from 25 to 42, and that they fell an estimated 65-85 feet. Their identities have not been released at this time.

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First responders received the call at approximately 2 a.m. local time, according to the sheriff's office. When they arrived at the site, they confirmed that two of the workers had died. The third person later died at the hospital.

Two others who were still on the scaffolding were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. An investigation is ongoing, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been notified, authorities said.

Related: 7-Year-Olds, 8-Year-Old and Teen Killed When Driver Accidentally Crashes Into After-School Camp: Authorities

We are deeply saddened to confirm a tank jump form system incident occurred at elevation on April 29 at the Port Arthur LNG construction site, resulting in three fatalities and two injuries, Bechtel, a construction and project management company, said in a statement posted on the company's website. Our thoughts are with the families and our colleagues affected by this tragic incident.

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The company said that work immediately stopped after the accident and all craft professionals were sent home to spend time with their families. Bechtel is cooperating with the investigation and has initiated its own internal review, they added.

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.

Sempra Infrastructure is behind the Port Arthur LNG project, a liquefaction facility that will provide clean and affordable natural gas to the global market, according to its website.

In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, the company offered their condolences and noted that Bechtel has now "suspended work on the site while the incident is investigated." They added, "Bechtel is working with the applicable regulatory agencies and local authorities to investigate the situation and will provide further updates as they become available."

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Related: 14 Dead, Including 2 Children, After Hotel Fire Breaks Out in India: Reports

Bechtel and the sheriffs office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

Taylor Mitchell, who used to work for Port Arthur LNG, told KFDM that it was difficult to hear the news of the accident. He explained that the people working on the site are like a brotherhood."

Were not guaranteed our next breath in the morning when we wake up, Mitchell told KFDM. Thats up to the good Lord, but especially at work trying to provide for our families. Its really sad and tragic.

Read the original article on People
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  An estimated 4,700 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded while fighting alongside Russia against Ukrainian forces, South Koreas spy agency told lawmakers Wednesday.

The assessment came two days after North Korea confirmed for the first time that it had sent combat troops to help Russia recapture parts of the Kursk region, which it lost control of to a surprise Ukrainian incursion last year.

In a closed-door parliamentary committee briefing, South Korea's National Intelligence Service said North Korea had suffered 4,700 casualties, including 600 deaths, on the Russia-Ukraine battlefronts, according to Lee Seong Kweun, one of the lawmakers who attended the meeting.

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Lee told reporters the NIS said that 2,000 injured North Korean soldiers were repatriated to North Korea by air or train between January and March. He cited the NIS as saying the dead North Korean soldiers were cremated in Russia before their remains were sent back home.

In January, the NIS said about 300 North Korean soldiers had died and another 2,700 had been injured, and the South Korean military increased the estimated casualties to 4,000 last month.

On Monday, North Korea announced that leader Kim Jong Un had decided to dispatch troops to annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers and liberate the Kursk area in cooperation with the Russian armed forces. Russian President Vladimir Putin later issued a statement thanking North Korea and promising not to forget the sacrifices of North Korean soldiers.

Both Kim and Putin said the North Korean deployment was made under their countries landmark 2024 defense treaty, which requires each side to provide aid if the other is attacked. The U.S., South Korea and their partners say North Korea has been supplying vast amounts of conventional weapons to replenish Russias depleted stocks as well. They suspect Russia is providing North Korea with military and economic assistance in return.

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U.S., South Korean and Ukraine officials have said North Korea dispatched 10,000-12,000 troops to Russia last fall. South Korea's military said in March that North Korea sent about 3,000 additional troops to Russia earlier this year.

During its Wednesday briefing, the NIS said it assessed that Russia has given North Korea air defense missiles, electronic warfare equipment, drones and technology for spy satellite launches, according to Kim Byung-kee, another lawmaker who attended the NIS briefing.

Kim quoted the NIS as saying that 15,000 North Korean laborers have also been sent to Russia under bilateral industrial cooperation programs. The lawmaker said the amount of North Korean missiles and artillery sent to Russia was worth billions of dollars but the NIS hasnt detected signs that Russia has sent North Korea cash remittances for them.
CHICAGO  Four Democratic state chief executives on Tuesday night called for Democrats to mobilize and protest outside Republican congressional offices to oppose President Donald Trumps administrative actions following his first 100 days in office.

Its time to fight," Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said during a virtual town hall. "Everybody has to get up, stand up, speak out, show up. And if you cant go somewhere to do that, well, go online and make sure youre speaking up and showing up online. And if you cant do that, how about calling your congressperson, your senator to make your voice heard? Everybody has got to stand up for not only whats best for themselves and their families, but also their neighbors and their friends."

The potential 2028 presidential aspirant continued: If youre not out there protesting in front of a Republican congressmans office, or out in the street making your voice heard, or calling your friends in another state to have them do it, or showing up in Washington, D.C., in front of their offices, those Republican congressmen, then youre not doing whats necessary to put pressure on them to vote the right way.

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Pritzker was joined by Govs. Tim Walz of Minnesota, the unsuccessful 2024 vice presidential nominee, Maura Healey of Massachusetts and Kathy Hochul of New York in an hourlong, livestreamed question-and-answer event hosted by the MeidasTouch Network. The online site has used its social media platforms and other channels to sharply criticize Trump and Elon Musk, the presidential adviser who heads up the Department of Governmental Efficiency.

The governors were asked about formulating a new messaging strategy following the partys poor showing last November and current public polling indicating dissatisfaction with Democrats for failing to address kitchen table issues and for not helping working families  once a core constituency.

The forum comes as Democrats also are trying to reconcile divisions between the partys progressive wing and more moderate Democrats who feel the partys leftward drift was a major factor to last years election results.

Of the three other governors, Hochul was the most vocal in echoing Pritzkers call for Democrats to take their objections of Trump and Musk directly to members of the Republican-controlled House  with an eye toward the 2026 midterm elections.

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I believe that we all ought to be mobilizing. The best way for us to get across what we really believe is that you show up at your Republican congressmans office and let them know: Quit shutting down veteran services. Quit taking away Social Security and Medicaid  and we know thats what theyre about to do, the New York governor said.

Dont make it easy on them to stand blindly with Donald Trump and not feel the consequences of it. They must know if theyve supported Donald Trumps policies that theyre hurting the people who put them in office, she said.

Walz, who was on the losing Democratic ticket in November with presidential nominee Kamala Harris, said the country knew what it was getting with a second Trump presidency and referred to his tenure so far as 100 days of crap and Pritzker called it disastrous, while Healey said that, on the economy, the one thing that he ran on, he has been an abysmal failure over his on-again, off-again tariff policies.

Donald Trump killed a lot of things, Hochul added. What he killed was killing our economy. Hes killing education. Hes killing health care. But you know what? Hes also killed complacency.

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I dont think theres an American alive right now whos watching what is unfolding over these last 100 days  and theres 1,362 more to go  that are feeling complacent or apathetic and are going to sit on the sidelines, she said. No. No. No. They are energized. Theyre mobilized. Theyre ready to organize.

Pritzker repeated his belief that Democrats should unite around such issues as increasing the $7.35-per-hour minimum wage and enacting universal health care, acknowledging Democrats have different goals for achieving it but noting Republican opposition is unified and exemplified by pushing cuts in Medicaid assistance.

Weve got to speak plainly to the American people about what really matters, he said. Standing up for working families, about being the party that fights for the middle class and for the working class, for the most vulnerable in our country. And, weve got to make sure that people understand what were doing to get things done.

The event occurred after Pritzker gained national attention for a fiery weekend speech before New Hampshire Democrats in which he declared that Republicans cannot know a moment of peace as he called for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption in telling Democrats they must castigate them on the soapbox and then punish them at the ballot box.

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While his rhetoric drew criticism from the White House, his address also called out do-nothing Democrats who want to blame our losses on our defense of Black people, of trans kids, of immigrants, instead of their own lack of guts and gumption.

Pritzker was not asked about his Democratic criticisms during the web event. But Walz defended progressive policies and urged Democrats to speak out for and push such an agenda.

You cant appease authoritarianism. Call out their crap and just know that thats who they are, the Minnesota governor said. Stand proud on our progressive values. Stand proud that were feeding children. Stand proud that we care about the environment. Stand proud and get out there.

Healey, who is gay, attacked Trump, Republicans and corporate CEOs for moving to end diversity inclusion programs, calling diversity a strength that benefits the nation. She blasted administration attempts to revoke the legal status for foreign students and said China is recruiting scientists and researchers on Massachusetts college campuses with promises to make up for cuts in federal grants.

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I guess itll be in China that were going to see those inventions and entrepreneurship and growth, she said.

Prior to the event, Pritzker, through the governors official state office, released a statement titled 100 Days and 100 Ways: How Trump and Republicans are Hurting Illinois that included a list of Trump policies the governor said are negatively affecting the state and its residents. He contended their radical, extreme and cruel actions are raising costs for working families while chipping away at our Constitutional rights.

As attacks on our constitutional rights and on our economy continue, I will keep standing up for Illinois, Pritzker said. My administration will focus on improving affordability, growing our economy and keeping the Land of Lincoln a beacon of freedom and fairness.

On Pritzkers list were such items as withholding approximately $2 billion in federal funding owed to the people of Illinois, uncertainty over tariffs and launching a trade war with Illinois largest trading partners, including Mexico and Canada, threatening Medicaid coverage, blocking infrastructure funds, cutting funding for libraries and museums and undermining public safety.

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Pritzkers political operation, meanwhile, used the Trump 100-day mark to say it has begun to launch a series of videos aimed at highlighting Illinois residents whose lives have been adversely affected by the administrations actions.

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VeriSource Services, an employee benefits company, recently disclosed that a February 2024 data breach has compromised the personal identifiable data of 4 million people.

In a notice sent to the Maine Attorney General's office, the Houston, Texas-based company said that a combination of the following employee data may have been compromised: name, address, date of birth, gender and Social Security numbers.

VeriSource first noticed the breach on Feb. 28 last year, which led to a comprehensive review of its systems that concluded earlier this month. VeriSource last September said the breach affected 112,000 people, but has now revised the number substantially.

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VeriSource is in the process of notifying impacted individuals who currently work for or were previously employed by its clients.

"As soon as VSI discovered the incident, we took the steps to secure our environment and enlisted a leading, independent cybersecurity firm to conduct a forensic investigation," the company said in a letter sent to affected individuals this month.

VeriSource said it has implemented several measures to enhance its security and reduce the risk of similar incidents happening in the future.

The company is making identity theft protection and credit monitoring services available for 12 months to affected individuals through IDX. You can enroll in coverage by calling 1-877-520-4007 or visiting this page and providing the enrollment code at the top of your data breach notice.

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VeriSource did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment.

What should I do if I'm affected by the VeriSource breach?



If your data is compromised in a cybersecurity breach, it could be sold on the dark web to the highest bidder. Criminals can then use that information to target you with phishing attacks, scams and even try to steal your identity.

In the case of this VeriSource breach, affected individuals may not have any idea that their current or former employer shared personal information with the company. Still, if you receive a notice in the mail from VeriSource, it's probably real and you shouldn't ignore it.

Here are some other steps you can take.

Sign up for the free identity theft protection

VeriSource is making identity theft protection and credit monitoring services available to affected individuals for one year. Identity theft protection services monitor your identity online and on the dark web for suspicious activity. They are commonly offered by companies after a data breach.

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After the year ends, you can choose to sign up for an identity theft service on your own. We recommend Aura, which has a range of plans available.

Aura

Protect your personal data and get peace of mind with CNET's top pick for identity theft software.

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Scan your credit reports

Despite the VeriSource breach making its way into the news this month, the breach originated in February 2024. So, it's a good idea to check your credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion and look for any inaccuracies and report them.

You can download your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Freeze your credit

Since Social Security numbers were leaked in the VeriSource breach, it could make sense to freeze your credit. Doing so will prevent creditors from accessing your credit reports, which prevents cybercriminals from opening lines of credit in your name.

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Unfortunately, this also applies to you. If you need to apply for a credit card or loan, you will need to unfreeze your credit with each of the major credit bureaus and then refreeze it after you've applied.

You can also request that a fraud alert be placed on your credit for up to one year. Fraud alerts don't block access to your credit report, but it does require creditors to confirm your identity before extending credit.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Four people were sentenced for being part of a conspiracy to sell stolen checks and bank login information, according to U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona on Wednesday.

Joshua Rogers, 24, of Irondale, was sentenced to 90 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to pay bribes, one count of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Michael Rowser, 24, of McCalla, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to receive bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud.

Duane Smith, 24, of Springville, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Levar McGhee-Parrish, 25, of Fultondale, was sentenced to 40 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud.

Birmingham postal employee convicted for supplying checks to telegram scam channel

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The Lucky Shop was a scam Telegram channel dedicated to the sale of stolen checks and bank login information, according to court documents. Its primary administrator, Rogers, obtained stolen checks from Rowser and then posted redacted copies of those checks on the channel to market them for sale.

When customers paid Rogers to purchase stolen checks, a portion of their profits would go to Rowser. Rogers also sold bank login information, which he obtained from a credit union employee.

Smith and McGhee-Parrish assisted Rogers with the administration of The Luck Shop, but also had their own Telegram channels. Smiths channels were called Glass House Records, and Glass House Records V2, while McGhee-Parrishs channel was named GRUBHUB. They would sell stolen checks to scammers looking to commit bank fraud.

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Apr. 29A 41-year-old Valley, Washington, man died after striking a moose on Monday night on U.S. Highway 395 near Chewelah, according to Washington State Patrol.

Shortly after 9 p.m., Nathan R. Nordblad was driving north on the highway, just north of Kramer Road, in a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze when he hit the animal, troopers said in a news release. A second driver traveling south possibly struck the animal, but did not stay at the scene.

Nordblad died at Providence St. Joseph's Hospital in Chewelah. Nordblad's passenger, 37-year-old Amanda Nack, of Chewelah, was airlifted to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, the release said.

No drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash, WSP said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. In line with the thriving political dialogue and emerging political culture in Azerbaijan, joint visits by the leaders of political parties to the liberated territories have become a recognized democratic tradition among the Azerbaijani public. This practice, a manifestation of national solidarity, is praised for strengthening trust and cooperation between the various political forces involved in the countrys political processes.

As part of the political dialogue atmosphere fostered by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the country regularly hosts projects aimed at building strong cooperation. These include meetings, open discussions, televised debates, professional exchanges, joint trips, conferences, and other similar initiatives, all of which contribute to creating reliable partnerships among political stakeholders. Over the past five years, Azerbaijan's public has witnessed numerous government-driven efforts to promote such initiatives, with all developments being openly covered in the media. President Aliyev consistently emphasizes, in his speeches and interviews, the importance of healthy political relations, the value of political dialogue, and the necessity of constructive cooperation.

The practice of organizing joint trips to the liberated areas has proven effective in fostering constructive collaboration, providing a platform for addressing specific political issues. Previous similar visits were organized to regions such as Aghdam, Shusha (twice), Zangilan, Askaran, Khojaly, and Khankendi.

In addition to these visits, opposition political parties have also participated in international events as partners. For instance, beyond joint trips initiated by President Aliyev, politicians took part in the international conference "Azerbaijan-Turkiye Strategic Alliance Relations  A Source of Peace and Stability for the Caucasus and the Region," which took place in Shusha on June 15, 2022, marking the first anniversary of the Shusha Declaration. This active engagement underscores political parties role in mobilizing the intellectual potential of society.

As reported by Trend, the latest joint visit, the sixth of its kind, was to the city of Lachin. The trip, organized by the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on April 29, saw the participation of 80 individuals, including the leaders and representatives of 24 political parties, political analysts, media professionals, and journalists. During the visit, participants toured Zabukhchay Reservoir, the city of Lachin, including Heydar Aliyev Street, the Lachin Cinema Center, the Khochazfilm Film Studio, and the reconstruction efforts underway in Beylik settlement. They were also provided with detailed information about businesses operating in the Zerti Agro-Industrial Park.

During the visit, Adalat Valiyev, Head of the Department for Relations with Political Parties and the Legislative Branch at the Presidential Administration, addressed participants in Lachin, sharing extensive information about the strategic importance of national solidarity in Azerbaijan, promoted by President Ilham Aliyev. He also highlighted the work done in this area.

The representative of the Presidential Administration emphasized the vital role political parties play in maintaining the countrys atmosphere of national solidarity. He noted that the historic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War, achieved under the leadership of the President of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, remains a source of pride for Azerbaijanis around the world. Valiyev highlighted that national interests and the state position serve as key unifying principles for patriotic forces.

He pointed to Lachin as a vivid example of the scale and quality of the restoration and reconstruction efforts underway across all liberated territories. The representative stressed that the recovery and development of these regions mark one of the most significant and proud chapters in Azerbaijans modern history and referenced several state programs approved by President Ilham Aliyev to support these initiatives.

Valiyev also stressed that the restoration of full sovereignty marks a new stage in Azerbaijans development, both qualitatively and fundamentally. The existing atmosphere of national solidarity ensures stability and sustainable development, with political parties actively contributing to its preservation. Their participation in initiatives spearheaded by President Aliyev is a reflection of national and political unity.

Moreover, the trip included an exploration of Lachins economic and tourism potential. Participants were briefed on plans to develop the areas tourism, with new hotels, recreation zones, and rural tourism projects to be established, aligned with broader regional development. These initiatives aim to create jobs and generate income for citizens returning to Karabakh.

The active participation of political parties in these government-driven initiatives ensures constructive political cooperation, the prioritization of national interests over personal ambitions, and the strengthening of political and social unity in Azerbaijan. The visits, particularly those held after the opening of new residential areas and President Ilham Aliyevs meetings with returning residents of Karabakh, underscore the healthy relationship between the government and opposition, demonstrating a commitment to progress and solidarity in Azerbaijan.
DENVER (KDVR)  Detectives are investigating a death that occurred in Berthoud on Monday.

The Larimer County Sheriffs Office said in a press release Tuesday that it is investigating the death of a 49-year-old woman as suspicious.

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Deputies initially responded to the home, located in the 500 block of First Street, around 11:20 p.m. Monday. The sheriffs office said the victim was a resident of Berthoud.

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No further information was immediately released as the investigation remains ongoing. The sheriffs office said it will provide more updates as the investigation allows.

Anyone who has information about the incident and has not already talked to law enforcement is asked to contact investigator Bryce Hinrichs at 970-498-5542.

The Larimer County Coroners Office will identify the woman and determine her cause and manner of death.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
ST. LOUIS  Five people appeared in St. Louis Circuit Court on Wednesday to face charges for attacking a man outside the Central Library in downtown.

According to probable cause statements from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the attack happened Monday, April 28, outside the library, located in the 1300 block of Olive Street.

Police responded to a panic alarm near the library and saw a group of two men and three women walking away from the victim, who had suffered severe facial injuries.

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The victim told police he was skateboarding and playing guitar outside the library when five peoplelater identified as Jayla White, 18, Mariah Mitchell, 18, Mia Swift, 24, Jayden Grundy, 22, and Jordan Grundy, 25walked up and demanded his property.

Mizzou basketball recruit charged with rape during campus visit

Police said the group punched, kicked, and stomped the victim. They smashed his guitar and the Grundys stole the victims cell phone and house keys. An eyewitness provided police with a video of the attack.

Authorities caught up with the group a short time later and took them into custody. One of the individuals attempted to resist arrest by spitting on an officer.

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According to court documents, the three women have St. Louis City addresses, while the Grundys have Wisconsin addresses.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office charged White, Mitchell, Swift, and the Grundys with second-degree robbery, second-degree assault, first-degree property damage. Swift was also charged with fourth-degree assault for spitting on a police officer. All five were jailed without bond.

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Ukrainian drones struck the Murom Instrument-Making Plant in Russia's Vladimir Oblast overnight on April 30, damaging two buildings and sparking a fire, a source in Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent.

The facility, known locally as the city's "powder factory," produces ignition components for ammunition used by Russia's Armed Forces, Interior Ministry, and Federal Security Service (FSB), according to Russia's National Defense magazine.

It is under Ukrainian and EU sanctions for its role in supporting Russia's war effort.

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"There were five explosions at the facility," the SBU source said. "Two buildings were preliminarily damaged, and a fire broke out."

"It specializes in the production of ammunition ignition devices, as well as components and products for the Russian Navy and Air Force," they added.

Vladimir Oblast Governor Alexander Avdeev confirmed a fire occurred at a warehouse in Murom and attributed it to downed drones.

"The attack of several drones was recorded; they were suppressed by electronic warfare equipment," he wrote on Telegram.

Residents confirmed to the independent Russian outlet Astra that the Murom plant had been hit.

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Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that 34 Ukrainian aircraft-type drones were intercepted and destroyed overnight across multiple regions.

These included three over Vladimir Oblast, 15 over Kursk Oblast, eight over Bryansk Oblast, seven over Orel Oblast, and one over Belgorod Oblast.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.

Vladimir Oblast, located roughly 190 kilometers (120 miles) east of Moscow, hosts several sensitive military sites.

On April 22, explosions rocked the 51st Arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate  one of Russia's largest weapons depots  triggering a fire.

Read also: Zelensky warns Russia is preparing something in Belarus under guise of military drills

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Apr. 30WAPAKONETA  It looks like any other thrift or secondhand store one might enter  a table and some other larger items lining the walkway near the entrance with rows of racks filled with clothing items. Toward the back are household items and other items of interest, with their electronics shelves featuring items ranging from home printers to a wi-fi router. But as shoppers peruse and purchase items in downtown Wapakoneta's Mercy Unlimited, the main fundraising initiative for Matthew 25 Ministries, those funds help put food on the tables of numerous families in need in Wapakoneta and Auglaize County. Now as Mercy Unlimited partners with other agencies like WOCAP and potentially the West Ohio Food Bank, the food bank in the basement below the store will be in a position to help more area families than ever.

Executive Director Sheryl Fordney has seen the good work Mercy Unlimited has done during her tenure there and is excited about the good work still ahead.

1. What is Matthew 25 Ministries, and how did it get started?

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Okay, it got started by a group of people back in 1989 who'd seen a growing need for food for people with food insecurities in their life, and so they started out at a garage, and they started collecting food and, you know, giving it to people. They grew from there. We've moved, I think, four different times. We now own this part of the building [at 38 E. Auglaize St., Wapakoneta], so it is a full upstairs thrift store. That's our main fundraiser.

2. How big is the need here in Wapakoneta and Auglaize County?

We have the donation center and a food pantry [downstairs]. That food pantry not only serves walk-in clients for our community, but we also do a senior box once a month, so for seniors that are unable to come to the pantry, we also deliver a food box. We also currently do 178 backpacks per week every weekend for the kids in the schools that may not have food for the weekend. That's Cridersville Elementary, Wapakoneta Middle School, High School and Elementary. We also do micropantries for the schools, and that includes Apollo [Career Center] over in Shawnee. That can go anywhere from hygiene products to food, for if somebody comes into school without food.

We're servicing between 50 to 70 families per month in our food pantry.

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3. What can people expect when they walk into Mercy Unlimited?

Okay, so when we look at the actual thrift store you're going to come in, we try to keep everything neat and clean. We are very picky about the clothing. At a lot of thrift stores, you go in and you can smell the "oldness." We tend to be a little bit more picky and do the things where the store doesn't, you know, smell like an old, dusty closet. We try to clean up our items before we get them on the shelf.

I stress being friendly and courteous to everybody that walks in the door. Lead like Jesus, you know. If Jesus would do it, then okay, but if not, then you may not want to do that.

4. How do you use the funds from Mercy Unlimited to help those in need?

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A lot of that comes from the food pantry itself is mostly funded through the thrift store. A lot of the backpacks and stuff, we get grants for that.

But we also do have a Homeless Prevention Fund, so that it's a very small amount, but we do get donations for that and using money from the store. So we do help new people, like if they need their electric or gas bill paid or if they need help getting their rent paid so they're not being evicted.

We also have a veterans fund, so we can help veterans a little bit more than the average person, because we actually have a little bit more being donated for that reasoning.

We also give out funds for the Salvation Army for the full Auglaize County. Most of our sources are eastern Auglaize County  Wapakoneta, Cridersville, Waynesfield, Uniopolis  but our veterans funds and the Salvation Army fund are for the entire Auglaize County. They will help provide rent assistance. It's very limited, because it's whatever we collect ringing the bells divided for a month or for a year.

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5. Aside from shopping at Mercy Unlimited, what are some ways people can help with your ministry?

We do take volunteers. A lot of our people here are volunteers. So we're always looking for volunteers to come in and help, whether it's in the store putting out product or hanging up clothes or cleaning downstairs in the donation center. We're in garage sale season, so you would be amazed how much stuff is downstairs that still hasn't been gone through. So we're always looking for people that can come in and help us sort through things and get prepared to come upstairs.

Donation wise, they're more than welcome to visit our website at mercyunlimited.org, and there are links to be able to donate that way. You can donate through Facebook. All the information is on our website, and they're more than welcome to call us here and we can give them the information at 419-738-3161.

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Exactly fifty years ago, on April 30, 1975, the Vietnam Wara nearly two-decade-long conflictcame to a definitive end with the fall of Saigon. As North Vietnamese forces took control of the Souths capital, the country was officially reunified under communist rule. In the aftermath, more than two million Vietnamese fled their homeland in search of safety and freedom, with nearly 760,000 resettling in the United States between 1975 and 2002.

The U.S. involvement in the war, which began with aid to South Vietnam but escalated into a full-scale military intervention, was met with intense criticism both domestically and abroad. Widely viewed as a harrowing example of American imperialism and military overreach, the conflict remains one of the most controversial and painful chapters in U.S. history.

Today, the echoes of that war still resonate across generations. In Vietnam, its scars are etched into the landscape and collective memory. In America, Vietnamese communities continue to grapple with questions of identity, exile, and belonging. For many, these questions are not just historicalthey are deeply personal.

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Art, in its power to carry and transform emotion, has offered a way through. For numerous Vietnamese American artists, creative expression has become a vehicle to confront, reframe, and make sense of inherited trauma and personal displacement.

Below, three leading Vietnamese American creativesphotographer An-My Le, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen, and filmmaker and sculptor Tuan Andrew Nguyenshare how their art has been shaped by the legacy of war. Through their distinct practices, they explore memory, loss, resistance, and what it means to create from the margins of a story that once defined them.





An-My Le

Courtesy of artist

An-My Le was born in Saigon in 1960 and fled Vietnam for the United States in 1975, eventually resettling in Sacramento, California. Known for her evocative large-format images that explore the legacies of war and the complexities of military power, her work often blends documentary and staged elements to question the boundaries between history and memory. Le's critically acclaimed series, such as Small Wars and 29 Palms, have been exhibited internationally and her work has been collected by museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Guggenheim Museum.

About a year and a half ago, in November 2023, a bunch of us Vietnamese American and American Vietnamese artists in New York decided to get togetherand weve been getting together every two months or so since. We get together around food or around someones book launch or for a holiday or something like that. When it was my turn [to host], in early February of this year, I prepared something for Tet [which celebrates the arrival of spring] at my house.

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It was very festive. At one point when we all sat down, one of the younger artists asked, What are your favorite memories of Tet? I said Tet 1968, which of course was the day of the surprise attack on Saigon during the Vietnam War; it was very traumatic. Another artist close in age to me who grew up in Da Nang, said, I remember that that night. The ammunition storage that was in Da Nang got hit and it blew up like fireworks. So he was talking about something that was devastating but also beautiful to watch. Then the younger artists followed up with happy memories; I think that speaks to the fact that the way we approach things depends on our experience.

At the beginning of my photography practice, I didn't even want to think about the idea of war because it was so traumatic. But while I was in grad school for photography at Yale, President Clinton lifted the economic embargo on and renewed relations with Vietnam, which meant that Vietnamese Americans were able to return home safely. When I graduated, I got a small grant, and I went to Vietnam and became a landscape photographer there. In my head I was going to do something else.

Courtesy of the Artist and Marian Goodman gallery

The pictures I made were about contemporary Vietnam, but they were also about the things that I felt I had missed growing up in a country during a war, about the things I could barely remember that I experienced a little bit in my childhood. Theyre about stories I heard and family lore. My mother is from the North where the landscape is radically different from the South, and I never knew that because the country was separated in 1954. Those first pictures I took of Vietnam helped make things Id heard about or remembered but didn't have access to tangible. I was very engaged with anything that had to do with daily life, manual labor and agricultural traditions. Those are things that tie us to the land and echo more peaceful times.

After photographing there for a few years, it was obvious that I needed to address the issue of war. I was not interested in recreating what we already know about the Vietnam War in my images. I was more interested in Americans idea of the war, how they had been thinking about it. I also wanted to explore my relationship to the war. Some of [what I know] is real and some of it is filtered through films and literature.

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When I started working with the American military, I think some people misunderstood. But they destroyed your country. Why do you want to have to do anything with them? It's much more complicated than that. I wanted to understand an institution that I have very mixed emotions about, so I think it allowed me to parse out my ambiguous feelings. I can be empathetic towards members of the armed forces, especially the women, while being appalled by some of the geopolitical decisions that were made.

With my photographic and video series 29 Palms, which I captured at the 29 Palms Marines training facility in California, I was distraught about the effect of another war on a young group of American men and women who were training for deployment to Iraq. The series doesnt just question how theyll be affected by war and what will happen to them, which is devastating, but it also examines the effect of war on their communities. It's as much about the Marines as it is about the way it affects the extended families and the rest of the country.

Photography has the ability to engage with a complex subject in complex ways, and you don't necessarily have to simplify the equation.

Viet Thanh Nguyen

getty images

Viet Thanh Nguyen was born in South Vietnam in 1971. His family fled Vietnam for the United States in 1975, eventually settling in California. He is the author of the novel The Sympathizer, which became a MAX Original Series, as well as the nonfiction books Nothing Ever Dies: Vietnam and the Memory of War and A Man of Two Faces: A Memoir, A History, A Memorial, among other books.

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I grew up in the United States as an American, but also very aware of myself as a Vietnamese person who had come from a war. My refugee experience has been fundamental to who I am as a writer and as a human being. What's been really crucial to shaping my artistic practice has been to recognize that wars always produce refugees and wars are central to the United States. Arguably, perpetual war characterizes American history. My work has been very much about using war and refugees to pry apart so much of American mythology.

I write about the Vietnam War and its consequences from the perspectives of diverse Vietnamese peoples and not from American points of view. And that's been a challenge because if Americans encounter narratives that do not put Americans at the center, they have a hard time comprehending what is happening.





To Save and to Destroy by Viet Thanh Nguyen

at

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I'm sick and tired of this anniversary. We have learned all the wrong lessons from the Vietnam War. We will pretend that we learned to always remember the past and remember the casualties. But the lesson we should have learned is that we should never interfere with another country's struggles for independence and liberation, as Americans. And of course in the years after the Vietnam War, what we saw is that we did precisely that from Iraq to Afghanistan to Israel and Palestine.

This effort to rewrite a bad war as a good war has taken place at the highest levels of government, and it's been bipartisan. It doesn't matter whether you're a Democrat or a Republican leader of this country. American presidents have always said it was a noble but flawed war, and that the lesson we should learn for our next war is how to fight that war better. That has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocent people.

I've visited a lot of historical museums in Vietnam. I've read the comments in the guest books. Half of the American tourist population says, oh my God, we were guilty of war crimes. The other half says, hey, this is communist propaganda. It's not to say that the memory of the victorious Vietnamese and Vietnam is not important. In Vietnam, it's important for the victorious Vietnamese to assert their history, but in so doing, they also arguably distort the history. Because if you were a defeated Vietnamese, and you go and you look at the historical accounts, what you also see is erasure and distortion from your perspective. And that's to serve the current power structure of the Vietnamese government.

That is not unusual. It happens in every country, but what happens in Vietnam, mostly stays in Vietnam. What happens in the United States ripples all over the world.

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I will be spending the 50th anniversary writing about all the consequences of the Vietnam War, in places like El Salvador. I was in El Salvador in February, investigating massacres that were committed by US trained soldiers at the same time that Marco Rubio was in town signing the deportation agreement with President Bukele, now very much front page news. That is a direct consequence of the Vietnam War because in 1983, Ronald Reagan said the lines of the Cold War have shifted to El Salvador. And we're dealing with the long term consequences of that. The Vietnam War has embedded itself in American culture and is shaping our contemporary politics today.

Tuan Andrew Nguyen

Thy Nguyen

Born in Saigon and raised in California after his family fled Vietnam in 1979, Tuan Andrew Nguyen is an artist and filmmaker whose work explores themes of memory, trauma, and the legacies of colonialism and war. Nguyen often uses storytelling and speculative history to give voice to marginalized narratives, and his films and sculptural installations have been exhibited globally, including at the Venice Biennale. On October 31, Nugyen will unveil a new 20-foot-high kinetic mobile at the brand new Princeton University Art Museum.

I grew up fascinated with storytelling, which is the way I came to understand my place in the world. After we left Vietnam we landed in Oklahoma, where there weren't very many Vietnamese people. I would take the stories I heard from my grandparents or from aunties and uncles and friends and try to piece together an answer for myself.

I moved back to Vietnam in my late 20s to be with my maternal grandmother, who stayed in Vietnam but managed to get most of her children out. She was a writer and a poet, and I grew up hearing about how she used writing as a way to reflect upon her situation. On a more philosophical level, I wanted to broaden my understanding of Vietnam. I've spent half of my life between Vietnam and the US.

Thy Nguyen

My fascination with storytelling is what initially brought me to practicing art. My work has always been very grounded in trying to figure out what the war and its legacy means. I work a lot in moving image and sculpture, with this idea of storytelling as a form of empowerment or political resistance or solidarity. I think about the moving image as a place to explore the different entanglements of my own personal history and the overall history of the world. My sculptures are an extension of how I tell stories. Theyre very much based in looking at materials that have a certain historical weight and trying to find ways to transform them.

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My work spans different regions and different histories, but all of it is rooted by my preoccupation with the outcomes and the traumas left behind by colonialism, war and displacement. I've worked with indigenous people in Australia who were forced off their native land. Ive collaborated with the Senegalese Vietnamese community in Dakar who come out of a migration of Vietnamese women and children after the French were defeated in Vietnam in 1954. Ive also been working with communities in the central region of Vietnam, particularly in Quang Tri, that is still50 years after the end of the wardealing with the catastrophic effects of UXO, or unexploded ordnance. The number of civilians in Vietnam who have died from or been seriously injured or maimed because of UXO explosions during peacetime far exceeds the active American military casualties during wartime. These are numbers that we are constantly faced with as we look at the legacy of the American war in Vietnam. Theyre physical reminders of what happened.

So, even though my practice spans a broad geography, it all comes from a very personal journey of trying to figure out what it means to be resilient in the face of destruction. And Ive met amazing people with amazing stories on this journey.

Has anything become crystallized through my work? No, I find myself with more and more questions. But I think that's the journey that this career has to give. I think art must provide more questions and not necessarily provide answers. Its important to understand the world in a very dimensional way, because, if not, were going to be easily misled.





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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  All week, people across the country and in San Diego are remembering the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War.

The USS Midway took part in one of its most daring missions in history, Operation Frequent Wind, and became the first stop to freedom for more than 3,000 Vietnamese refugees that began April 29, 1975.

USS Midway Museum commemorates 50th anniversary of Fall of Saigon

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The USS Midway was stationed off the coast of Vietnam during that time.

My dad said, lets go, get ready, recalled Stephanie Dinh.

Dinh fled South Vietnam on that day with her five siblings and parents. Her father was part of the South Vietnamese Army and when word broke that Saigon was about to fall to the North Communist forces, she and her family were among thousands fleeing their homeland with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.

I had three very close friends. Its very hard as kids and you feel you want to tell them, I might never see you again, said Dinh.

Veteran returns to Vietnam, finds peace with former enemy

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She and her family escaped on a helicopter and landed on the flight deck of the USS Midway where she and other evacuees were fed and treated with medical care.

It was complete pandemonium, said USS Midway Museum Historian, Karl Zingheim, of the pilots that were fleeing with families crammed inside their cabins.

None of them had been trained on shipboard operations, so how are you going to handle people you probably cant talk to on the radio. Theres no air traffic control. Theyve got helicopters that are dangerously overloaded, he said.

The Midway crew stopped at nothing to clear the flight deck and accept as many helicopters as possible, including a pilot who crammed his family of seven into a small Cessna and showed up the following day asking the crew to clear the deck of helicopters so he could land.

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Full special: Vietnam  A Lost Generation

Dinh recalls the crew pushing helicopters into the water with their bare hands so they could create space for him to land his family.

I saw them pushing them over the flight deck. I saw them floating and they sink really fast. I said wow, what is this, what is going on? And I hear all this screaming and yelling on the flight deck and here comes another one after another one and then here comes a plane coming in, Dinh said.

That safe landing would become a symbol of courage and hope for so many Vietnamese families as they started a new life.

Every time I see the ship I kind of relive that day when it was out there waiting for us, said Dinh. I dont look back. This is my country. I move forward, and I repay what they have given me.

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ST. LOUIS  The Vietnam War ended 50 years ago Wednesday, marking the surrender of the South Vietnamese government to the North Vietnamese communists on April 30, 1975.

Two families who lived through the conflict and eventually escaped to St. Louis recently shared their stories of survival and resilience with FOX 2.

Sau Tran, a former soldier in the South Vietnamese Army, recalls the day of surrender as a time of confusion and despair, questioning why the army, which he believed was still strong, was ordered to disband.

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The army still strong ready to fight. I dont know what happened in 1975, said Sau Tran, reflecting on the sudden surrender.

Mizzou basketball recruit charged with rape during campus visit

Shirley Trang, who was a high school senior in Saigon, describes how her life changed overnight from comfort to scarcity, with even basic necessities like rice being rationed.

The government from the communist seems like they took everything from south go to north, said Shirley Trang, highlighting the drastic changes in her life.

The Tran and Trang families eventually escaped Vietnam, facing perilous journeys across the sea as part of the group known as the boat people.

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Sau Tran described the harrowing escape, noting the lack of food, water, and a functioning engine on the boat. Shirley Trang recounted the loss of life among those who attempted to flee Vietnam, emphasizing the dangers they faced. After arriving in St. Louis, the families supported each other in building new lives. Shirley Trangs husband, David, escaped first, followed by Shirley and their newborn daughter, Julie.

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Shirley Trang now owns Trang Fashions, a successful clothing store, and her daughter Julie is a manager at FOX 2. Sau and Lee Tran also settled in St. Louis, where they opened Mai Lee, the citys first Vietnamese restaurant, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025. Linda Tran, Saus daughter, expressed gratitude for her parents sacrifices, saying, We are here because of our parents so its an honor to be here every day.

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The stories of the Tran and Trang families highlight the resilience and determination of those who fled Vietnam to build new lives in America. As Mai Lee Restaurant marks its 40th anniversary, the families reflect on their journey from hardship to success, celebrating their achievements and contributions to the St. Louis community.

All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Cleanup crews on the site of the Palisades fire have found roughly 500 firearms in the debris of homes that burned earlier this year and the Los Angeles Police Department is now working to reunite the weapons with their owners.

Most of the charred handguns and rifles found in the ash appear damaged, with the stocks burned away and the metal baked to a copper color, according to photos shared by the LAPD on Wednesday. The guns are difficult to identify due to the fire damage, police said, but the LAPD's Gun Recovery Unit wants to give their owners the chance to claim them.

LAPD officials did not say how many  if any  of the recovered firearms are still functional but authorities made clear that they also want to have a record of which guns are destroyed or returned to their rightful owners and how many are still unaccounted for. The data collected will be entered into the state's Automated Firearms System, according to police.

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Read more: U.S. Army Corps begins clearing tons of fire debris in Altadena and Pacific Palisades

Driven by strong winds, the Palisades fire burned for 24 days, killed 12 people and destroyed over 6,800 structures. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. In recent months, cleanup crews have removed debris from the burn scars, discovered the firearms and have turned them over to police.

"Since January, LAPD officers have been working through the painstaking process of recovering and rendering approximately 500 firearms safe," LAPD Chief of Detectives Alan Hamilton said in a statement. "We recognize that these firearms may hold significant sentimental value to their owners, whether as family heirlooms, historical pieces or personal mementos, and we are doing our best to reunite them with their owners."

Gun owners can contact the LAPD with their home address and the description of the firearm to begin the recovery process. They can either report the firearm as "lost property" to any LAPD police station, online at LAPDonline.org or via email at palisadesfire@lapd.online.

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The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has not released any information about firearms recovered from the Eaton fire zone.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Around 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed during Russias war against Ukraine, including while participating in combat operations in Russias Kursk Oblast, said a South Korean lawmaker, citing intelligence reports.

Source: Reuters, BBC News Russia, Yonhap

Quote from Reuters: "About 600 North Korean troops have been killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine."

Quote from Lee Seong-kweun, a member of the parliamentary intelligence committee, after being briefed by South Korea's National Intelligence Service: "At present, North Korean troop casualties are estimated at approximately 4,700, including approximately 600 dead."

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Details: Lee stated that since the beginning of the year, approximately 2,000 North Korean troops had been returned to the DPRK. These soldiers are reportedly being held in isolation in Pyongyang and other locations.

"As far as I understand, the bodies of the fallen soldiers were cremated on site in Russias Kursk Oblast before being transported back to North Korea," Lee Seong-kweun said.

South Korean intelligence reports that North Korea has deployed a total of 15,000 troops to Russia in two stages.

The North Korean military has reportedly shown signs of improved combat capabilities.

South Korean intelligence has not yet detected any signs that a new group of North Korean troops has been deployed, but has not ruled out the possibility that this could happen.

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Background:

In January, South Korean intelligence reported that at least 300 North Korean soldiers had been killed and another 2,700 wounded in the war against Ukraine.

At the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on 9 January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave a slightly different figure. He said that the losses of the North Korean military fighting against Ukraine then amounted to 4,000 wounded and killed.

In April, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un confirmed the deployment of troops to Russia to fight against Ukraine, stating that this complies with the provisions of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between North Korea and Russia.

Shortly afterwards, Russian leader Vladimir Putin also confirmed the involvement of North Korean troops on Russias side in the war against Ukraine and "thanked" them.

The US State Department has reacted by expressing "concern", while the European Union called it "a desperation call from Russia".

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Around 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed while fighting alongside Russian forces, South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun said on April 30, citing briefings from the country's National Intelligence Service, Reuters reported.

Lee, a member of South Korea's parliamentary intelligence committee, said North Korea has suffered about 4,700 casualties in total, including both dead and wounded.

Despite early losses and poor equipment, North Korean troops have improved their combat effectiveness over six months by adopting to modern weapons, in particular drones.

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"After six months of participation in the war, the North Korean military has become less inept, and its combat capability has significantly improved as it becomes accustomed to using new weapons such as drones," Lee told reporters.

Russia's Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, on April 26 publicly acknowledged that North Korean soldiers have fought in Kursk Oblast to help Russia retake territory seized by Ukraine during a cross-border offensive launched in August 2024. Pyongyang followed suit shortly after.

The campaign aimed to disrupt Russian preparations for an assault on Sumy Oblast and divert Kremlin forces from the front lines in Donetsk Oblast.

Kyiv and Seoul have previously estimated that around 11,000 North Korean troops were initially deployed to the region, though Moscow had not officially confirmed their presence until now.

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In exchange for troops and arms deliveries to Moscow, Pyongyang appears to have received Russian technical assistance on spy satellites, as well as drones and anti-air missiles, according to the South Korean intelligence assessment.

President Volodymyr Zelensky previously said North Korean units fighting for Russia had suffered around 4,000 casualties, with roughly two-thirds killed.

On April 28, the Russian state news agency TASS released footage allegedly showing North Korean soldiers training alongside Russian troops in Kursk Oblast.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on April 29 that North Korea shares responsibility for the ongoing bloodshed in Ukraine due to its support for Russia's war effort.

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"North Korea's military deployment to Russia and any support provided by the Russian Federation to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in return must end," Bruce said.

"Russia's training of North Korean soldiers directly violates Security Council Resolutions 1718, 1874, and 2270, which collectively impose a broad prohibition on providing or receiving military training or assistance to or from the DPRK."

Read also: Zelensky warns Russia is preparing something in Belarus under guise of military drills

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 29. The next groups of former internally displaced persons are returning to the villages of Sarijaly in the Aghdam district, Trend reports.

The families, previously temporarily settled in hostels, sanatoriums, children's camps, unfinished and administrative buildings in various regions of the republic, left for their native lands from the Garadagh district of Baku on April 29.

At this stage, 35 families (158 people) are returning to Sarijaly.

The former IDPs returning to the native village thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation, and wished repose of the martyrs' souls.

Currently, about 40,000 people live in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. Among them are former internally displaced persons who have returned to these areas, as well as employees involved in the implementation of restoration and construction projects, employees of local departments of various government agencies, and specialists employed in healthcare, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy institutions that have resumed their activities.
"Lawless," a new IndyStar investigation by reporter Kristine Phillips and visual journalist Mykal McEldowney, pulled back the curtain on decades-old police misconduct in Elkhart and the lingering impact on the department and the city's Black community.

Here are seven things you need to know about the investigation.

Who are the Wolverines?

Wolverines was a nickname taken by a group of young, aggressive, White police officers who worked in Elkhart in the 1980s and 1990s. There was no official roster or membership list, but Phillips and McEldowney identified at least eight former offices  all with histories of misconduct  including one who went on to become the northern Indiana community's police chief.

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Some regarded them as the "future of the department," a former police captain said. Another described them as a "gang in blue" that operated like "special ops."

What did the Wolverines do?

The IndyStar investigation revealed they systematically targeted the Black community for harassment and bogus arrests. Former officers said the Wolverines were known for using excessive force  part of a broader culture of brutality that a former police captain said "everybody took pride in." Some espoused racist beliefs and used slurs against people of color.

Were any of the officers identified as Wolverines held accountable?

No. Former officers said the police department's management at that time often turned a blind eye on misconduct. A 1994 report by two outside policing experts found that condoning the bad behavior of a few bad apples has become "ingrained" in the agency's culture.

The agency also faced dozens of lawsuits and even more citizen complaints alleging use of excessive force by officers  including by those identified as part of the Wolverines. But internal affairs investigations into those complaints often cleared officers of wrongdoing. Lawsuits were often settled: Accusers receive small to modest payouts. Allegations go away. Officers face minor, if any, consequences.

Are any of the Wolverines still on the police force?

None of the eight former officers identified as being affiliated with the Wolverines are with the police force at this time.

Why report on this now?

The city is still paying a heavy price for the unchecked behavior of the small band of officers and the broader culture of misconduct they helped create.

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Six people have been exonerated in Elkhart, a city of about 53,000 people. The city's liability insurance carriers have so far agreed to pay nearly $27 million to settle allegations that detectives fabricated evidence and used false witnesses to frame people for crimes they did not commit. In at least one of the cases, officers identified as part of the Wolverines were part of the investigation that led to wrongful conviction.

Four more wrongful conviction claims are pending in Elkhart County courts. Three are still in prison.

What do Elkhart officials have to say?

Mayor Rod Roberson, speaking on behalf of the city and police department, said he can't answer for decades-old misconduct allegations against officers no longer on the force. Use of excessive force should not be allowed to happen, he said. Racism and bigotry "were wrong then and are wrong today."

"Misconduct is not tolerated in today's Elkhart Police Department," said Roberson, who became the city's first Black mayor in 2019.

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He said officials have worked hard in recent years to build a strong relationship with the community, and to train officers on de-escalation and cultural relations. He added that his administration has held officers accountable for bad behavior.

Why is the Black community still wary of police?

For Black residents, years of abuse and enduring prejudices are hard to forget.

"Those people that this happened to 30 years ago, they had kids and grandkids. Those stories have been passed on throughout the community. Our Black community doesn't trust us," said a current Elkhart police officer who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation from colleagues.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Lawless: Rogue Elkhart cops called Wolverines targeted Black community
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A 72-year-old man was killed in a head-on crash late Tuesday night on Interstate 70 in Saline County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The crash was reported around 9 p.m. near Sweet Springs.

Kansas fugitive arrested in Kearney after 18 years on the run

According to a crash log from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a westbound Hummer H2 crossed the median and ended up in the eastbound lanes. It was hit head-on by an eastbound Subaru Crosstrek.

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A 59-year-old man from St. Louis, who was driving the Subaru, was flown to a hospital in serious condition.

The driver of the Hummer, a 72-year-old man from Florissant, died from the injuries.

Sweet Springs police and deputies from Saline and Lafayette counties assisted with the investigation.

All eastbound lanes of I-70 reopened shortly after midnight after being closed for several hours, the Missouri Department of Transportation posted on X.

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  An Abilene fugitive whos been on the run for years has been arrested, but her brother is still wanted for an unrelated, violent crime.

Keighvoucia Lamb was booked into the Taylor County Jail Tuesday on warrants for Aggravated Assault and False Report to a Police Officer.

Lamb has been a wanted fugitive for years, repeatedly appearing on Abilenes Most Wanted list. She is accused of intentionally ramming her vehicle into other occupied cars on three separate occasions in 2022.

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Her brother, Ivonyai Lamb, is wanted in connection to a fatal shooting at an apartment complex in early February. A warrant for 1st-degree murder has been issued for his arrest, and police believe he may be in Abilene or near Killeen, Texas.

The Abilene Police Department is asking for the publics help locating Ivonyai. To submit a tip anonymously and be eligible for a cash reward, call Abilene Crime Stoppers at (325) 676-8477.

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Abilene resident Rochelle Johnson grew up in the country with a strong Catholic faith.

Im a cradle Catholic, and my parents were Catholic, and our life centered around the church. We were raised out on a farm, and there were many things that we didnt do because we were raised out of our country. But we went to church every Sunday. Where I was raised, we were out so far in the country that sometimes we didnt have a priest, and we were a mission church. So even with that, the community gathered at church, and we said the rosary, or we said the Stations of the Cross. Its very important to me, added Johnson.

What is a conclave? What to know about the secretive process to elect the next pope

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While she knew she wanted to visit Rome one day, it was her son, Garrett Johnson, who visited last spring and saw Saint Peters Square and the Vatican. He called her during his 2024 vacation to plan a trip for Easter 2025.

He called from there and said, Mom, you need to come here next year. Its a Jubilee year in the church, once every 50 years. He said, I want to bring you here next year for Easter, so that we can celebrate Easter at the Vatican. So, we called his brother and made it a family trip, shared Johnson.

Leaving the Tuesday before Easter, Johnson said her family celebrated Holy Thursday at Saint Peters Basilica, Good Friday at a different church, and Easter Sunday at the Vatican. Although Pope Francis was not present at Mass due to health complications, Johnson shared that after Mass, no one left. Crowds waited at St. Peters Square, and all of a sudden, Pope Francis came out of a window and blessed the crowd. Another priest read Pope Francis Easter message, but then Pope Francis decided to greet the crowd even closer.

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We didnt think that we would see him at all. So, the fact that he came out in the window was something. But then to come down in the popemobile, we were able to get right up on the fence, on the one on one of the lanes that he came by. So, my son took a selfie of us with the pope, explained Johnson.

Tributes pour in for Pope Francis

The next morning, news spread quickly that Pope Francis had died, and Johnson immediately noticed a change.

Monday, I got a text. One of my sons and his wife were staying in a different Airbnb than we were. They texted and said the pope passed away. I was like, youre kidding. So, I opened up the link that they had sent me, which was a news link in Rome, and read it. We had some other tours planned in the Vatican. We had done a lot of stuff at the Vatican prior to Easter, but we had some other stuff planned in the week, and that was all canceled because of the preparations for the funeral and so forth, explained Johnson.

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Pope Francis dies at 88

While Johnson said that there were some things she disagreed with the Pope, she understood why he is often referred to as the peoples Pope. She shared that the experience was very emotional, from visiting the Vatican to climbing the sacred stairs, and seeing all the different churches in Rome with her sons and their wives.

He had a lot of love and concern for those who are less fortunate than us. I think thats very important. Certainly, a tenant of the church, the corporate works of mercy that were taught to visit the poor, to visit the sick, and to visit those in prison. He had a lot of good things to teach us, explained Johnson.

Now, back in Abilene, Johnson stresses this is an experience that was once in a lifetime  looking forward to sharing stories with family, friends, and members of her church.

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VATICAN CITY (AP)  A coalition of survivors of clergy sexual abuse demanded Wednesday that cardinals entering the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis pick a pope who will adopt a universal zero-tolerance policy for abuse and himself has a clean record handling cases.

The group End Clergy Abuse issued an open letter to the cardinals who are meeting informally this week before the start of the May 7 conclave. SNAP, the main U.S.-based survivor group, also identified cardinals who themselves have problematic records in a new database, highlighting a new level of scrutiny of all possible contenders for the papacy.

The developments come amid real questions about how prominent the abuse scandal is featuring in the discussions about finding a new pope. After two decades of unrelenting revelations about abuse and cover-up that have discredited the Catholic hierarchy, many church leaders would like to think the issue is in the past, the survivors said.

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The sexual abuse crisis is not a matter of the past. It is present. And nowhere is its devastation more visible than in the Global South, the survivors said in the open letter.

ECA and SNAP have called for the Catholic Church to adopt a zero-tolerance policy that a priest will be permanently removed from church ministry based on even a single act of sexual abuse that is either admitted to or established according to church law. That is the policy in the U.S. church, adopted at the height of the U.S. scandal in 2002, but it is by no means embraced elsewhere.

The issue is playing out in real time in Rome as the cardinals gather: Peruvian Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne, 81, has been seen in full cardinal garb entering and exiting Vatican City, despite being under Vatican sanction for allegedly abusing a minor. Cipriani is not allowed in the conclave itself because he is over 80, but he has been participating in the pre-conclave meetings this week.

The Vatican in January confirmed that disciplinary sanctions were in effect against Cipriani, the first-ever cardinal from Opus Dei, following accusations of sexual abuse. The sanctions included requiring him to leave Peru and included restrictions on his public activity and use of insignia. The Vatican said he was allowed to deviate from them on some occasions.

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Asked why Cipriani was presenting himself as a cardinal and participating, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the Vatican regulations concerning the pre-conclave meetings are clear. The rules, he said, all cardinals must participate unless they have legitimate impediments, which involve personal or physical questions.

Cipriani, who lives in Madrid and Rome, has called the allegations completely false.

Bruni said the issue of abuse was discussed this week by cardinals in the pre-conclave discussions, among other challenges facing the church.

SNAP earlier this year launched an online initiative, Conclave Watch, to provide information about individual cardinals and their records. The group says since the launch, survivors from Fiji, Tonga, Belgium, France, South Africa, Malawi, France, Italy, Canada and the U.S. have gotten in touch with additional information.

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The initiative vets cardinals who are considered contenders for the papacy on their records handling sexual abuse cases, including whether they were involved in covering up cases, as well as their acceptance of a zero-tolerance law that SNAP and ECA have proposed.

"Abuse survivors do not want to see another conclave that elects a pope who has shielded and covered up for clergy offenders, said Sarah Pearson, a SNAP spokesperson.

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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
By Alvise Armellini

ROME (Reuters) - The next leader of the global Catholic Church needs to put the issue of clerical sex abuse at the heart of their papacy, victims' advocates said on Wednesday, criticising the legacies of the last three popes.

The Church has been shaken for at least three decades by scandals around the world involving paedophile priests and the cover-up of their crimes, damaging its credibility and costing it hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements.

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"We believe it should be the central issue in the conclave," Peter Isely, one of the founders of abuse survivors' group SNAP said in Rome, presenting a website that tracks allegations of cover-up by senior church officials.

The conclave, a secret meeting of cardinals to elect a new pope, is set to start on May 7.

Pope Francis, who died on April 21, reiterated pledges of "zero tolerance" made by his predecessor Benedict XVI, and introduced several reforms to tackle the issue. But their implementation has been patchy, campaigners say.

Benedict was accused in a 2022 report of failing to take action on alleged sex abuse cases when he was Archbishop of Munich from 1977 to 1982. The pontiff, who resigned the papacy in 2013 and was 94 when the report was released, later acknowledged errors and asked for forgiveness. He died later that year.

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Benedict, Francis and John Paul II, also faced criticism for their actions as related to the late U.S. ex-cardinal Theodore McCarrick.

The record of John Paul, who led the Church during 1978-2005, was further blemished by accusations that he turned a blind eye to the late Mexican Rev. Marcial Maciel, a great fundraiser for the Vatican who was also a serial paedophile.

"We're doing everything in our power (...) to challenge the hierarchy to elect someone who does not have the same history that Francis had, that Benedict had, that John Paul had," Sarah Pearson, another SNAP representative, said.

The issue of sexual abuse was one of the questions raised by cardinals in preparatory discussions ahead of next week's conclave, the Vatican said on Monday.

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SNAP and other survivors' groups have called for all proven predator priests to be expelled from the Church and for bishops or cardinals found guilty of cover-up to be stripped of positions of authority.

A cardinal who was disciplined following allegations of sexual abuse, Jean Luis Cipriani Thorne, is taking part in the pre-conclave talks, but will not participate in the papal election since he is over the maximum voting age of 80.

Cipriani, formerly Peru's top Catholic cleric, denies any wrongdoing. In January, the Vatican confirmed press reports he had been subjected to restrictions "relating to his public activity, place of residence and use of insignia".

"This man has no place there (in pre-conclave talks), no place there. It's wildly inappropriate, and this is an example of what happens when a person does not lose their rank and title for what they have done," Pearson said.

(Reporting by Alvise Armellini, editing by Alex Richardson)
State Superintendent Ryan Walters, pictured April 24, has faced criticism over his handling of the adoption process for new academic standards for social studies and science. Despite the controversy, his standards are on track to pass through the state Legislature. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  New academic standards proposed for social studies and science are expected to take effect after state lawmakers took no action Tuesday on resolutions to reject them.

Republican majorities in the state House and Senate held a vote on none of the three resolutions that would send the proposed standards back to the Oklahoma State Board of Education for further review. Agendas for Tuesdays legislative proceedings didnt include any of the resolutions.

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That left less than the constitutionally required minimum time for the Legislature to pass a measure through both chambers before a deadline Thursday to take action on the standards. Lawmakers have had 30 legislative days to pass a resolution to accept, reject or amend the standards, but by taking no action, they allow the proposed draft to take effect as written.

After the legislative day concluded, state Superintendent Ryan Walters celebrated that the most unapologetically conservative, pro-America social studies standards in the nation are moving forward. Walters administration oversaw the process of developing them.

Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, worked on a resolution to reject proposed academic standards but found GOP support lacking. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, worked with Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, to file a resolution Thursday to reject the standards for social studies and science, but there wasnt enough GOP support to pass it, Paxtons spokesperson, Alex Gerszewski, said in a statement Tuesday.

The Senate Republican Caucus discussed the matter in a private meeting with Walters.

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Following a lengthy conversation Monday, the caucus was not on board with rejecting the standards based on the process in which they were presented to the (state) board of education, Gerszewski said.

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, said any action from his chamber needed to be in concert with the Senate, and it was clear there was not consensus on what, if any, changes were needed to the social studies standards.

Today the Legislature followed precedent by choosing not to insert itself in the curriculum standards process that the state superintendent was elected to oversee, Hilbert said in a statement.

House and Senate Democrats filed their own resolutions March 31 to reject the social studies standards.

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Gov. Kevin Stitt and members of the state Board of Education have raised transparency concerns with the way state Superintendent Ryan Walters handled the adoption process. The Governors Office did not return a request for comment Tuesday.

Half of the state board said they were unaware of last-minute changes made to the social studies standards at the time they voted on them during a Feb. 27 meeting.

Some of the changes include the addition of language stating there were discrepancies in 2020 election results including sudden halting of ballot-counting in select cities in key battleground states, sudden batch dumps, an unforeseen record number of voters and the unprecedented contradiction of bellwether county trends.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters, center, speaks at the head of the table where the Oklahoma State Board of Education meets on Feb. 27 in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Walters and his staff made no mention during the Feb. 27 meeting of any significant differences from the original draft posted publicly in December. The Oklahoma State Department of Education didnt share the updated version online until weeks after the board vote.

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Board members received the final draft of the standards at 4 p.m. the day before a 9:30 a.m. meeting to vote on the proposal, according to email records from the state Education Department. One member, Ryan Deatherage, said before casting the only vote against the standards that he didnt have enough time to read through the lengthy document.

Pughs resolution in the Senate, which seven House members co-signed, offered to send the standards back to the state board for proper review and consideration given the magnitude of the decision, doubts over transparency and an estimated $33 million price tag to implement them.

Academic standards are a list of topics and concepts that public schools must teach to students. They are reviewed and updated every six years.

State standards are typically developed with committees of Oklahoma educators and subject-matter experts. For the social studies standards, Walters also chose to involve national right-wing media personalities and conservative policy advocates in a leading review committee.

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Walters said he decided to add new language to the standards after his administration received input from the public and from focus groups. He said the new content wasnt intended to support or deny the results of the 2020 presidential election, but rather to encourage students to draw their own conclusions.

The original draft of the standards already faced controversy over the inclusion of references to biblical stories and the teachings of Jesus.

For nearly a year, we engaged in a thoughtful, transparent process to deliver standards that teach students factual history, including the realities of the 2020 election, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the threat posed by Communist China, Walters wrote in a social media statement. These reforms will reset our classrooms back to educating our children without liberal indoctrination.

Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, said Republicans have permitted academic standards that are dangerous for kids. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, called Walters new standards dangerous for kids. She said her Republican colleagues have failed to take the matter as seriously as they should by taking up neither resolution filed in the Senate to reject the standards.

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Our classrooms will be focused on these politicized measures that have been written by political hacks from outside of our state, and if were not concerned enough to put that on the agenda and take a vote on it, that deeply disturbs me about the business of the Senate, Kirt told reporters Tuesday.

In response, Senate Democrats will take time on bills and slow down floor votes, she said. Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, began filibustering shortly before noon. Republicans quickly ended the floor session and called for a lunch recess.

House Minority Leader and candidate for governor Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, expressed similar outrage at the lack of action by Republican leadership. Political pressure from Walters, she said, mattered more than the extremist political agenda the standards will introduce into public schools.

Because no action has been taken by Republican legislative leaders, the voices of Oklahomans  across the state and party lines  who have been urging us to disapprove these problematic, and costly, social studies standards have gone unheard, Munson said in a statement.

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Several local GOP party officials and far-right-wing groups, including Moms for Liberty Oklahoma, signed a letter to lawmakers supporting Walters proposal as strong, conservative, pro-American standards. The letter, dated Monday, urged legislators to oppose Pughs resolution to reject.

We want to remind every legislator: In the last few election cycles, grassroots conservative organizations have flipped seats across Oklahoma by holding weak Republicans accountable, the letter reads. If you choose to side with the liberal media and make backroom deals with Democrats to block conservative reform, you will be next.

Reporter Barbara Hoberock contributed to this report. This story has been updated to include statements from Hilbert and Walters.

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The family of a Texas teenager accused of fatally stabbing another boy says it has raised more than $515,000 for his legal defense and security amid threats they say they're facing.

Karmelo Anthony, 17, was arrested and charged with murder earlier this month after police allege he stabbed fellow 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during an altercation at a Texas high school track meet on April 2.

The Anthony family says in an online fundraiser that they and their teenage son have received escalating threats since the alleged stabbing. The suspects family has raised more than $515,000 as of Wednesday morning.

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While legal defense is a critical part of this journey, we want to make it clear that this fund is not solely dedicated to legal expenses, the Anthony family says in the online fundraiser.

The funds raised will also support a range of urgent and necessary needs that have emerged as a result of this situation, including  but not limited to  the safe relocation of the Anthony family due to escalating threats to their safety and well-being, as well as basic living costs, transportation, counseling, and other security measures," the post continues.

News of the fundraiser comes amid rising tensions in the aftermath of Metcalfs death earlier this month. It also comes in the wake of a deluge of misinformation being spread on social media about the details of the case, police say.

Anthony was released on $250,000 bond earlier this month, PEOPLE previously reported, after having been lowered from $1,000,000.



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Related: Teen Accused of Track Meet Stabbing Won't Face Death Penalty if Convicted, DA Says

Anthonys mother, Karla Hayes, said at the press conference that she and her family have received a number of threats since the alleged murder.

Whatever you think what happened between Karmelo and the Metcalf boys, my three younger children, my husband and I didnt do anything to deserve to be threatened, harassed and lied about, Hayes said. The lies and false accusations that have been said about us, especially over the past week, has been overwhelming. The lies and their amplification put my family in danger.

She also addressed the Metcalf family, saying: "To the family who experienced the loss, my heart truly goes out to you."

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Related: Tensions Erupt as Track Stabbing Victims Father Shows Up Unannounced at Suspects Family Press Conference

The alleged April 2 incident occurred after Metcalf asked Anthony to move out from under a tent that was set up for members of his high school track team, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE.

Touch me and see what happens, Anthony allegedly told Metcalf, according to the affidavit.

Metcalf allegedly proceeded to touch Anthony, who then allegedly told Metcalf to punch him and see what happens. Metcalf then allegedly attempted to physically move Anthony from under the tent, according to the affidavit. Anthony is then accused of reaching in his backpack, pulling out a knife, and stabbing Metcalf in the chest.

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The entire altercation lasted less than 30 seconds, according to the affidavit, which also said Anthony allegedly told police I was protecting myself as he was being taken into custody, later contending the victim had "put his hands on me" even as he "told him not to."

An arresting officer referred to Anthony as an alleged suspect, per the affidavit, to which Anthony responded, Im not alleged, I did it."

Read the original article on People
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The ACLU of Iowa is suing Gov. Kim Reynolds in an effort to force the release of government records related to a decision to block The Satanic Temple of Iowa from staging an event at the Iowa State Capitol.

The lawsuit was docketed in Polk County District Court on Tuesday, four days after Reynolds sought a court injunction that would block the Des Moines Register from accessing an entirely different set of records. The Register is seeking documents pertaining to allegations about the finances of Lutheran Social Services and its affiliates, but the governors office has claimed the sought-after documents are covered by executive privilege and need not be disclosed.

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The ACLU case also involves a claim of executive privilege by Reynolds office. The ACLU case stems from a June 2024 request by the Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers for documents from the governors office that are related to the State of Iowas decision to cancel an Iowa Satanic Temple winter celebration in the rotunda of the Iowa State Capitol.

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The governors office refused to produce all of the requested documents, citing executive privilege, even though, the ACLU argues, the documents in question are an executive agency report and documents related to media preparation.

Some relevant materials were turned over, but much was redacted, according to the ACLU.

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At present, this claimed executive privilege has no limit unless one is self-imposed by the governors office, the lawsuit states. This would, contrary to the purposes, goals, and express language of Iowas Open Records Act, allow the governors office to reject the public interest in favor of free and open examination of public records solely because of the potential for inconvenience or embarrassment.

In addition to Reynolds, the lawsuit names as a defendant Steven Blankinship, general counsel for governor.

The lawsuit seeks a court order declaring that Reynolds has violated the Iowa Open Records Law, an order enjoining the governors office from committing any future violations for one year, and an injunction requiring Reynolds to turn over the requested records.

The governors office has yet to file a response to the lawsuit, and her communications staff did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

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Its not the first time the ACLU and Reynolds have clashed over access to information. In 2023, the ACLU of Iowa successfully sued Reynolds office on behalf of Iowa Capital Dispatch and other media representatives and advocates for failing to respond in a timely fashion to journalists requests for information about the states response to COVID-19. The Iowa Supreme Court ultimately ruled against Reynolds, and her office was ordered to comply in a timely manner to public record requests from journalists.

The Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers, or IAF, is a public interest group based in central Iowa that focuses on secular governance, the importance of science, separation of church and state, and a transparent and responsive government.

Jason Benell, IAFs president, said the organization contends that it is in the interest of the public, regardless of their religious, economic, ethnic, or any other background, that our government be transparent and responsive to the needs of the governed The governors office has repeatedly refused to respect the rights of Iowans by unjustly and flagrantly asserting executive privilege in order to avoid accountability in matters of public interest.

Thomas Story, an ACLU of Iowa staff attorney, said the lawsuit is intended to challenge the governors claim of an unprecedented executive privilege to defy Iowa law. For more than half a century, the Iowa Open Records Act has ensured that the work of the state happens in the open. Now, the governors office has decided it alone gets to decide what the public sees. The Iowa Constitution does not give it this authority.

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Randy Evans, executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, said that as one of the plaintiffs in the 2023 lawsuit against Reynolds, the council is concerned that the refusal to turn over records concerning the planned Satanic Temple event at the Capitol was a continuation of the governors desire to shield from public release documents that might cast her in a negative light.

Evans said the people of Iowa are entitled to evaluate their governors actions. That becomes difficult when the governor tries to hide behind what should be a very narrow interpretation of executive privilege.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. Bangladesh has expressed its readiness to welcome an Azerbaijani diplomatic mission in Dhaka, Trend reports.

The matter was discussed during a meeting between Bangladeshs Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Jashim Uddin and Azerbaijans Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov.

The discussions took place as part of the second round of Bilateral Consultations held in Dhaka, where both sides reviewed the full range of bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction with the growing momentum in political, economic, cultural, and multilateral cooperation.

The foreign secretary emphasized the importance of opening an Azerbaijani embassy in Bangladesh and also called for a permanent solution to the ongoing visa challenges faced by Bangladeshi citizens seeking to travel to Azerbaijan.

Key areas of discussion included trade and investment, energy cooperation, education and cultural exchanges, as well as collaboration in regional and international platforms.
Action Greensboro releases report on Guilford County Schools

GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP)  What are the strengths and weaknesses of Guilford County Schools?

Action Greensboro crunched the numbers to provide an honest, data-driven look at pre-K to 12th-grade public education.

The report highlights teacher retention rates, student demographics and what the school system has done to make up for COVID-19 funds expiring.

GCS serves over 60,000 students from kindergarten to 12th grade. With that many students, Superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley says its the teachers who make the difference in the classroom.

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No one can do any other job without a teacher. I just think our country has kind of fallen behind in our value of the profession, Oakley said.

In a report released by Action Greensboro, teacher retention rates are down.

According to the report, 18 percent of teachers left the school district last year. Oakley believes its partly because GCS has the lowest local salary supplement out of the surrounding counties.

Last year, North Carolina was the number one state for business and the 38th in teacher pay, and both of those things cant be true. Paying attention to it, calling it out  More importantly, doing something about it, Oakley said.

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The report found that 57 percent of the school systems funding comes from within the county.

Executive Director of Action Greensboro Cecilia Thompson said this means local advocacy is critical.

How do we make sure that we, as neighbors, faith leaders, etc., are coming together to have really critical conversations? That its not just going to our school board and asking them what they can do but really asking ourselves what can our community do? Thompson said.

On a bright note, the report shows kindergarteners are improving in literacy, comparing the beginning of the year to the end of the year. Across the county, reading proficiency increased 40 points, but Oakley says theres still room to grow.

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So we still have student groups who are not making the progress that they need to when they get to that 3rd grade reading, but the early foundational skills really matter. Our elementary teachers have become experts in early literacy and foundational skills, Oakley said.

Oakley said that while this is great news, educators are working to maintain those numbers through all grade levels.

One factor that plays into that success is the high-dosage tutoring. Oakley said the program was funded through COVID-19 dollars, and the funding expired in September. The task moving forward is to find money to keep these programs alive.

We believe tutoring should be a part of what we do all the time, not just when theres a pandemic, Oakley said.

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Oakley attributes these programs to the success of students.

Overall, Guilford County schools have the highest graduation rate compared to other communities.

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Mayor Eric Adams is considering running on a second independent line meant to boost his support for the Jewish community in his long-shot bid to clinch reelection this fall, his campaign said Tuesday.

Hizzoner, who revealed earlier this month he was bypassing this Junes crowded Democratic primary, could potentially run on the EndAntiSemitism ballot line to complement the Safe&Affordable third-party line hes also collecting signatures for.

Adams was asked by Jewish leaders to run on the additional line, but has yet to commit, his campaign said.

Adams was asked by Jewish leaders to run on the second third-party line, his campaign said. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post

A version of the Safe&Affordable line was unveiled earlier this month, with Adams arguing that low crime and affordability are two important issues he delivered on for New Yorkers.

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The Brooklyn pol has been a staunch ally of the Big Apples Jewish community and has particularly strong support among Orthodox Jews.

Hes also consistently backed Israels military campaign against Hamas in Gaza following the Palestinian terror groups Oct. 7, 2023, attack on the Jewish state.

Mayor Adams has stood up to antisemitism and been a friend to the Jewish people, a source told The Post.

The campaign maneuver could steal thunder from frontrunner mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo if the ex-governor wins the Democratic primary  while possibly helping GOP candidate Curtis Sliwa and a potential Working Families Party candidate this November.

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Cuomo is also attempting to position himself as the candidate most capable of combating hate against city Jews  a trend that has disturbingly spiked since the war in Gaza started.

Ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo has also made fighting Jewish hate a hallmark of his campaign. Michael Nagle

A Cuomo campaign spokesperson on Tuesday burnished the ex-governors record of standing up for the Jewish community, including passing tough hate crime laws and prohibiting state agencies from doing business with companies that support the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel during his tenure in office.

New Yorkers are smart and they know Andrew Cuomo has the record and the experience to best fight this rise of antisemitic hate that has gripped this city, the spokesperson said in a statement to The Post.

Politico first reported the EndAntiSemitism line Tuesday evening.

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Adams has struggled in polling after he was indicted last year on federal corruption charges under the Biden administration.

Adams has considerable support among the Orthodox Jewish community. Brigitte Stelzer

He then faced more heat this year when allegations emerged that President Trumps Department of Justice moved to toss the federal charges in exchange for the mayors help in cracking down on illegal immigration in the Big Apple.

Adams and Trump officials have denied that there was any quid pro quo.

The case against Adams was dismissed for good by a judge on April 2, leaving him free to turn his attention to charting out a path for reelection, however narrow it might be.

He revealed the next day he was forgoing the Democratic primary because the bogus case against him dragged on for too long, making it impossible to mount a viable campaign ahead of the June 24 election.
ALABAMA (WHNT)  Several North Alabama counties are listed under the Alabama Department of Environmental Managements regularly scheduled open burn ban starting in May.

ADEM lists Baldwin, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, Morgan, Russell, Shelby and Talladega as the 12 counties included in the open burn ban starting May 1 and runs through October 31.

The ban is in effect each year for the warmer months to combat the formation of ground-level ozone and the generation of fine particulate matter, ADEM said.

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Major changes to how the AHSAA counts enrollment for classifications could be coming after House Bill 298 passes

The department said that prohibiting the burning of things such as wood, tree trimmings, brush and debris is an effective way to reduce the formation of ground-level ozone. While it can be beneficial to the atmosphere, Ozone is a respiratory irritant when found at ground level. In addition, fine particulate matter can travel deep into the lungs and cause respiratory distress, the department said.

Toney Volunteer Fire & Rescue listed out several alternatives for the disposal of vegetation from land clearing and maintenance during the open burn ban:

Take vegetation to an ADEM-permitted landfill

Allow the vegetation to decompose naturally It may be left on the property from which it came It may be taken to a location off-site, but it cannot be burned there



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If ALL of the conditions listed below are met, ADEM said vegetation can be burned:

Only clean (no fuel or non-vegetative refuse added) vegetation may be burned

It must be burned on the property from which it is generated

Burning must be at least 500 feet from the nearest occupied building and a distance from any road that would prevent visibility issues from the smoke

The fire should be started between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. No vegetation should be added to the fire after 3 p.m.

No vegetative or land-clearing burning is allowed from May 1 to October 31 of each year in the 12 counties listed above. However, some agricultural and silvicultural burning may be allowed in 11 of the counties (excluding Jefferson County) with prior approval from ADEM and the Alabama Forestry Commission. Unless prohibited for drought and safety reasons, the burn ban does not prohibit the use of outdoor fireplaces and campfires.

You can learn more about the open burn ban on the ADEM website here.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Charlotte animal advocates are calling on city leaders to approve a shelter expansion and make Animal Care and Control independent from the police department.

Those advocates said theyve been asking for the changes for two years.

City workers are exhausted, volunteers are demoralized and healthy and loving pets are dying because we cannot keep up, said Katie Ferraioli, a volunteer.

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The kennels are full, and the number of dogs calling Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control home keeps climbing.

Last year over 10,600 animals entered the shelter, said Ferraioli. We are averaging 127 dog intakes per week in 2025 which is up from 117 in 2024.

Thats why several of the shelters volunteers and fosters shared their concerns with Charlotte City Council members this week, pleading for change.

ACC desperately needs the additional space that the shelter expansion project would provide, said Krystin Lasprilla, a volunteer. The staff also need the ability to manage its resources, make fast decisions and tailor solutions specifically for the animals and the people who care for them and that cannot fully happen while tied to CMPD.

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They want to operate as an independent agency, separating from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, to make operations more efficient. They also said theres a critical need for a new, larger facility, claiming the last time the city added kennel space was more than three decades ago.

Staff and volunteers work tirelessly to reduce the pain and suffering of these shelter pets but despite our best efforts the incoming tide of animals is too high, said Ferraioli.

Volunteers said the shelter has been under an emergency space shortage more than 13 times so far this year.

Euthanasia cannot be the answer and unfortunately it has been far too often, said Jason Swierczynski, a volunteer.

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Mayor Vi Lyles acknowledged their requests for help.

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Guest commentator Jamie Lackey asks why the federal government would cut Head Start, a program that has shown to increase a childs academic success all the way through college? Getty Images

Childhood poverty doesnt happen by accident  it is found at the intersection of poor public policy, generational poverty, and a lack of access to essential resources.

And while childhood poverty cant be solved by one policy or organization alone it can be made much worse by removing one. Head Start is one of the most effective anti-poverty programs we have in the United States. Cutting it would have devastating effects on families and communities for generations to come.

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At Helping Mamas, a baby supply bank, we see every day what happens when children and families get the support they need and what happens when they dont.

Head Start is so much more than just a preschool program. It is a family-centered program where parents receive workforce development support, health education and parenting education. Children receive quality early learning instruction closing literacy and school readiness gaps. It is a lifeline where families feel safe, loved and seen.

Like many learning environments, Head Start Programs are often the heart of a community. Through my work with Helping Mamas I see Head Start utilizing our resources for diapers, wipes, car seats and other essential items. They became a place of safety during Hurricane Helene. They partnered with us to make sure that families in rural areas had access to essential items at their most vulnerable moments.

Head Start mobilizes the community to volunteer with children and parents. I know that when parents engage with Head Start they are getting the tools and support they need to break the cycle of generational poverty.

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And I have to ask, in a time where the U.S. is consistently falling behind the world in academic achievement  particularly in math where U.S. students currently rank 28th globally  why would we cut a program that has shown to increase a childs academic success all the way through college?

I believe that good public policy, when paired with adequate funding, has the power to transform lives. It always has.

And when you combine that with strong community partnerships, youre not just supporting individual children  youre investing in our future workforce, the long-term health of our communities, and the strength of our economy.

Nonprofits alone cannot and should not continue to be the public safety net for our children. Overcoming educational deficits and poverty takes a combined approach of nonprofits, communities and public policy. Remove even one piece of the foundation and the structure wont hold  collapsing along with the futures of our children.

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Every dollar invested in Head Start generates up to $9 in economic returns through increased earnings, reduced reliance on public assistance and lower involvement with the criminal justice system. It also increases parental employment and reduced child maltreatment rates.

Head Start was created as part of our countrys War on Poverty  because early childhood education, health care, and family support are not luxuries  they are necessities. Cutting Head Start doesnt just impact our classrooms today  it threatens the future of our workforce, our economy and our countrys ability to compete on the world stage.

So I will ask again: Can we afford the cost of cutting Head Start Programs? I dont think so. Our children dont think so. And if our politicians are serious about creating a better future, they shouldnt think so either.

This is more than a budget item, it is the future of our children and our communities. Lets send the message that we cannot keep trying to balance a budget on the backs of our youngest most vulnerable citizens.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Attorney General Russell Coleman has called on the U.S. Senate to block Californias attempt to push its agenda on the nations automotive industry.

AG Coleman says in a letter signed by 26 attorneys general to U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, he encouraged Senators to use the Congressional Review Act to rollback an EPA rule that would increase the costs of Kentuckians cars and trucks.

I-69 rehab project continues in Hopkins County on May 3

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AG Coleman explains in the final hours of President Bidens term, the EPA issued a rule approving Californias attempt to ban gasoline-only cars by 2035. The Biden Administrations EPA had previously approved Californias rules to require that half of all heavy-duty trucks be electric by 2035. The letter raises additional concerns now that California is trying to increase that mandate to include all trucks.

Southbound U.S. 41 restricted to one lane

One state cannot dictate how the other 49 live. Its bad policy and its simply unfair, said Attorney General Coleman. Along with AG colleagues from more than half the states, we encourage the U.S. Senate to reverse the radical legacy of the Biden Administration.

The letter can be viewed below.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS)  During his town hall in Colorado Springs on Tuesday, April 29. Colorado Attorney General (AG) Phil Weiser talked about his latest lawsuit against the Trump Administration.

This latest lawsuit involves potential cuts to AmeriCorps, a federal agency providing volunteer work across the country.

AmeriCorps gives eight to 10 million dollars in grants to Colorado. AmeriCorps has hundreds of volunteers in Colorado, Weiser said. If we allow them to dismantle AmeriCorps, were going to lose those volunteers, were going to lose those grants.

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The other 14 lawsuits that are challenging Trumps actions include tariffs, cuts to the Department of Education, and the Presidents plan to try and scale back the size of the federal government. Trump has said the country needs to reduce the national budget while bringing in more revenue, which is part of the reason he has implemented tariffs on other countries.

With all the lawsuits against Trump, FOX21 News asked Weiser whether he agreed with anything the Trump Administration has done.

Theres been a lot thats been harmful and challenging, and thats what were focused on as there are things that may save money, like ending the penny? Sure, we can work together on that, Weiser said. Sadly, this administration has not led with careful, thoughtful actions.

Weiser said the lawsuits hes filed are aimed at ensuring the federal government does not overstep its boundaries and dictate state law.

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Of course, we want to win in court and stop the harm but were also putting a spotlight on behavior, were making a point that AmeriCorps does legally valid and important work, Weiser said.

Out of the 15 lawsuits, Weiser has led the charge on two of them, which included one concerning Trumps order to ban birthright citizenship. Weiser did say he would go to the Supreme Court to testify on behalf of those lawsuits.

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The threat of renewed strike action in the public sector is back. Memories of those far too generous payouts which Labour authorised on coming into office have seemingly already faded.

Unions are now threatening strikes if Rachel Reeves refuses to authorise increased spending to at least meet the costs of Pay Review recommendations, likely to be in excess of what she has budgeted. Reviews are said to be proposing 4 per cent for teachers and 3 per cent for nurses, yet the Treasury has only planned on 2.8 per cent increases across the board.

The strike threat should surprise nobody. Unions exist to boost pay and working conditions beyond what employers wish or can afford to provide. In the private sector, union pressure may be moderated by market forces. Employers can credibly threaten to replace workers with machines, switch resources to production in another country, or ultimately pull down the shutters. Even the most aggressive union negotiators and the most militant strikers eventually have to accept economic reality.

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In the public sector, however, constraints are weaker. The government  which represents us, the taxpayers  has few options. Many public services are necessarily labour-intensive, are often vital to our wellbeing and cannot be shifted abroad. Unions can choose from a range of possible actions aimed quite explicitly to inconvenience the public, knowing that sooner or later politics will require a settlement. In modern conditions strikes are not particularly costly to unions and their members; they usually take the form of short one-day or two-day actions which maximise inconvenience without costing much in the way of lost earnings. Gone are the days of high-stakes year-long strikes like that of the miners in the 1980s.

For decades, the public sector has tended to dominate the numbers of days lost through strikes. The main challenges in the private sector have been in previously nationalised industries such as Royal Mail and the railways  the latter soon to be back in the warm embrace of the public realm.

Renewed militancy in the public sector reflects the belief that union demands are inevitably met with greater sympathy from a party that they support financially  both at the national level and at the constituency level where Labour MPs (many with a background in the union movement, such as Deputy Leader Angela Rayner) need to placate local activists.

And union pressure is only going to be increased by the industrial relations reforms contained in the Employment Rights Bill currently trundling through Parliament. Relevant clauses impacting the public sector will reduce voting thresholds for industrial action, will reduce the period of notice that employers receive before strikes, and will extend the length of time a strike mandate lasts before it has to be renewed. For good measure it will make political funds opt-out rather than opt-in; this will almost certainly increase the funds which unions have at their disposal to influence the politicians.

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Labour governments always discover, rather too late, that the unions which helped them into power can be false friends, self-interestedly adding to their economic problems rather than helping with their mission to improve the lives of the less well-off.

The current administration cannot be expected to backtrack on its flagship Bill. But it might reasonably think about whether in future it needs the additional rod to its back which Pay Review Bodies provide.

These bodies, which date back 40 or 50 years and were conceived in a very different world, are supposed to form a view of what pay a group of workers should receive. This is to be based on experts  superannuated academics and suchlike - balancing the submissions of government, unions and other interested parties to reach a fair recommendation. Pay Review verdicts do not have to be accepted by government, but its politically difficult to refuse to implement them.

Do we need this system? The task of some Review Bodies is absurd. Take the NHS Agenda for Change body. It covers over a million workers doing hundreds of different jobs, yet is supposed to set pay and conditions for them all which can be summarised by an overall percentage pay increase. Its like trying to decide what the average pay increase for everyone in Birmingham should be.

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Such a set-up  reminiscent of long-dead Prices and Incomes Policies  cannot possibly react appropriately to changing supply and demand conditions. It encourages a one-size-fits-all approach to pay which plays into the unions hands because it necessarily creates anomalies and grievances, all so much grist to the unions mill.

A more efficient system would decentralise pay bargaining and cut out the Pay Review middleman. It would focus on productivity rather than an impossible-to-define concept of fairness. It would remind all concerned that it is only through productivity increases that public sector workers can gain sustainable pay increases without increasing the burden on taxpayers.

Will we face a summer, autumn and winter of discontent? Time will tell, but the omens are not good. The Government will try to resist the current round of demands, but in the longer term it needs to restructure pay bargaining so that it takes back responsibility rather than hoping that an intermediate body can fudge things for it.

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Construction is well underway at the Pilgrims Sanford Agricultural Marketplace on Charlotte Avenue and First Street.

Several members of the Sanford City Council recently visited the site.

This incredible project has brought many folks together with a shared common vision, Mayor Rebecca Salmon said in a press release. We cannot wait to see how this grows, how this develops, and how it becomes a key cornerstone of the things that make Sanford truly special.

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Set to open in the spring of 2026, the marketplace will serve as a regional hub for farmers, artisans and visitors across the Sandhills region and surrounding counties, the release states.

In addition to serving as the home for the Sanford Farmers Market, the site will offer year-round programming in partnership with the N.C. Cooperative Extension, including educational workshops, cooking classes and demonstrations on food preservation.

The building will also provide a commercial kitchen to support local food-based businesses.

Councilwoman Jean Dabbs emphasized the marketplaces role in supporting local entrepreneurship. It will provide a place for our farmers and all kinds of vendors every Saturday, and as we continue, itll be open multiple times during the week.

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Its going to be a big boon, Councilman JD Williams said. We already have people going to the local farms, my wife included. They wont have to do that anymore. All they have to do is come to the marketplace arena.

Growing up in Sanford, whether or not my mother had a successful summer depended on how many canned goods she had, Councilwoman Linda Rhodes said. With support from our Cooperative Extension agency here in Sanford, the new farmers market will offer instructions on how to properly can vegetables.

Salmon noted the marketplace will also serve as the gateway to the future Sanford Central Green. The revitalized public space will extend from downtown to the Sanford Municipal Center at 225 E. Weatherspoon St.

This innovative green space will offer opportunities to engage not only in the farmers market, but also in various green spaces and interactive activities  all designed to create a phenomenal quality of life for generations to come, she added.

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Over $3 million has been raised through the support of public and private partners. Contributors include the Ruby and Ernest McSwain Worthy Lands Trust, the North Carolina Department of Commerce Rural Transformation Grant Fund, the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, the Pilgrims Hometown Strong Fund and Lee County Farm Bureau.

The City of Sanford will make the remaining investment using federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, according to the release.

Follow construction progress on the citys projects hub at sanfordnc.net/marketplace.
(The Texas Tribune)  The Texas House of Representatives approved a bill Wednesday requiring political advertisements to include disclosures if the image, audio, or video recording used were substantially altered.

Former House Speaker Dade Phelan  who endured a barrage of political attacks last year during his reelection and speaker campaigns said he authored the legislation to ensure voters understand when materials used in ads had been faked, as the use of generative artificial intelligence makes it easier to manipulate media that could use falsely represent a candidates conduct or speech.

This is the beginning of a new era in ethics where the voters need to know what is real and what is not, the Beaumont Republican said on the House floor. This AI technology gets better every single day. It gets more inexpensive every single day, its going to become the norm.

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The bill would require the disclosure by officeholders, candidates or political committees who used altered media in ads and spend more than $100 for political advertising. It would task the Texas Ethics Commision with determining what the disclosure would look like, including font, size and color. Violators would be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.

The bill faced fierce opposition from hardline conservatives who say it is policing speech and could allow the state to jail people over silly political memes.

We have an electorate that is informed and we already have platforms where people can talk, said Rep. Andy Hopper, R-Decatur. It is not the role of government to sit there and be a nanny state police force to decide.

The bill passed out of the House with a vote of 102-40. It now heads to the Senate.

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Phelan amended the bill to ensure an individual wouldnt be punished for altering superficial qualities of an image or video, such as the brightness, contrast or color. The legislation excludes companies, radio or TV broadcasters, commercial sign owners, computer services, and internet providers from liability.

This is nothing different than what we currently do with political advertisements, Phelan said on the House floor Wednesday. You have to put political ad paid for by, when you enter this political advertising arena. And all this does is tell you to add a disclosure that you are using altered media.

The legislation is one of multiple ethics bills Phelan filed related to political advertisements after enduring a bruising primary campaign last year where his district was flooded with mailers and advertisements making false statements about him and his political record.

Phelan described how at one point, his voters were so confused about what advertisements were real and fake that when his primary opponent received President Donald Trumps endorsement  which actually occurred he had voters tell him they didnt believe it was true.

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Quite frankly, my voters, if they cant tell my opponent was endorsed by Donald Trump  which is a very valuable endorsement in our primary politics  when they dont even believe that, thats pretty eye opening, he said.

Its unclear whether the bill has enough support to pass out of the upper chamber.

In March, the Senate unanimously passed a similar bill related to the use of deep fake videos to influence an election sponsored by Dallas Sen. Nathan Johnson and Sen. Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham. The bill was referred to the House Elections committee but has not been scheduled for a hearing.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at www.texastribune.org. The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Israel Isaac Herzog, Trend reports.

"Dear Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my sincerest congratulations and best wishes to you, and through you, to all your people on the occasion of the national holiday of the State of Israel  the Independence Day.

The high-level relations of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel are a clear manifestation of the historical bonds between our peoples, and of the respect and sympathy they share for each other. It is gratifying to see the dynamic and comprehensive development of Azerbaijan-Israel interstate relations, anchored on solid foundations such as mutual trust and support.

Azerbaijan attaches special importance to the enhancement of relations with its close friend and reliable partner, Israel.

Today, our countries are effectively collaborating in economic, trade, defense, humanitarian and other areas. I fondly recall our meeting with you in Davos in January of this year, and the exchange of views and discussions we held.

I believe that through our joint efforts the traditional ties of friendship between Azerbaijan and Israel, our mutually beneficial cooperation across several important spheres will continue to develop on an upward trajectory and will be further strengthened in line with the interests of our peoples in the coming years.

On such a festive day, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavours, and peace, tranquillity, and prosperity to the friendly people of Israel," the letter reads.
After some seven years as a member of the Union of Southern Service Workers, Jamila Allen is a seasoned labor organizer, having led three successful strikes during her time working at a Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers in Durham, North Carolina. Through one single-day strike and a subsequent weeklong strike, she and her co-workers won a COVID-19 safety policy for their store and 33 other locations during the height of the pandemic.

That experience taught her a lesson that she now shares with everyone, hoping that they'll recognize their own strength and the fact that they're not alone.

"Don't be afraid to strike," Allen said in a phone interview with Salon. "Don't be afraid to organize. You have power and you have numbers. You have somebody to back you up."

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On May 1, Allen's chapter of the Union of Southern Service Workers will be participating in a national day of action, hosting a rally at 4 p.m. followed by a march to Bicentennial Plaza in Raleigh for higher pay and increased respect in the workplace  and against the billions of dollars in proposed Medicaid cuts Congress is considering. Their efforts will be part of more than 1,000 May Day Strong events in more than 850 cities in the United States and abroad.

The goal of the national day of action is "to raise awareness and get people on board for the fight," Allen said. "The first May Day, there were thousands of people out there. You still got to fight to this day with just as many thousands  maybe more  almost for the same purpose that May Day started with."

With its U.S. roots in workers' fight for an eight-hour workday in 1886, May Day has long been a national day of action for union organizers and workers' rights activists to protest for better conditions, protections and pay. But this year activists say the fight is more important than ever in the face of an executive branch challenging the rights of workers, immigrants and queer people, as well as a legislative branch that appears unwilling to challenge the president. They're calling for greater solidarity, and their target audience is their fellow Americans  not President Donald Trump.

"I ain't got nothing to say to Donald Trump. It's clear," Stacy Davis Gates, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, told Salon in a phone interview. "I got everything to say to my fellow Americans who want to create a society [where] they can make a fair wage, where they can have universal healthcare, where they are sheltered in homes that they can afford, where they can walk their children to a fully-resourced school down the block," she added. "That's the America that we're building."

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In his first 100 days in office, Trump has initiated a vastly unpopular tariff policy that will likely raise the prices of goods amid the nation's affordability crisis, fired or laid off tens of thousands of federal workers; he has also authorized executive actions targeting LGBTQ+ Americans and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. One of his largest actions has been his campaign-promised immigration crackdown that's seized and detained American citizens, documented immigrants and tourists, while overwhelming courts across the country with active litigation over mass deportation efforts.

Amid the onslaught, Trump's approval rating has fallen 8% since his inauguration to just 44%, one of the lowest ratings of any president in decades, according to a New York Times average of nearly 200 polls, including Ipsos, Emerson College and Marist College surveys.

Davis Gates said that May Day activists seek to harness that growing dissatisfaction and galvanize other Americans around protecting themselves from an administration that's dismantling "everything we've understood, resisted and struggled for." Through protests, rallies, meetings with officials and trainings, the coalition wants to build collective power and show others that solidarity will be the tool that allows them to resist and advance a society that "clarifies the values of justice," "equity" and "the common good."

"We want an America that doesn't yet exist," Davis Gates said. "We have to show ourselves as a space, and that's what May 1 is. It's a coming-out party to show ourselves as a group of neighbors willing to create a community coalition in the face of a growing threat to all of us."

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In Seattle, May Day organizers have united a broad swath of advocacy groups, including major local unions like the United Auto Workers and United Food and Commercial Workers Union, immigrant rights groups and political organizations like the Democratic Socialists of America, to drive home their broad list of demands. Among those demands is a call for the abolition of the Northwest Detention Center and of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement writ large, which the community is rallying around following the ICE arrests and detentions of two local labor organizers.

"For us, it really has become a fundamental 'fight back' event, and we think that it's going to be the biggest it's been in years," Rigo Valdez, organizing director of MLK Labor, a Washington affiliate of the national AFL-CIO, told Salon. "The Trump administration has really attacked both workers, immigrants and our social infrastructure, so it's bringing a much broader base and coalition together to fight back."

Valdez said the coalition is anticipating thousands of attendees to join in their planned action: a march through the city on May 1 starting at Cal Anderson Park. The protest will cap weeks of lead-up events from Know Your Rights trainings for immigrant workers, defense trainings and panels on LGBTQ+ rights.

The focus of their efforts, Valdez said, is to resist the Trump administration's "attempt to take over" public infrastructure and privatize federal jobs as well as its attacks on federal workers, immigrants, trans people and other members of their community. But he also said he hopes that other Americans, particularly those with "buyer's remorse," will see the actions occurring in Seattle and around the country as motivation to stand up and defend the nation's core principle of democracy.

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"In order to beat back these attacks, we have to come together  all segments and all facets of our community  to defend things that we took for granted, like due process and the separation between the judicial and executive branch," Valdez said in a phone interview, referencing the recent arrest of a Wisconsin judge on charges of obstructing ICE.

"If we don't unite, first they'll come for immigrants, and then they'll come for workers, and then they'll come for you," he warned.

For Neidi Dominguez, executive director of workers' rights group Organized Power in Numbers, this year's May Day action hits especially close to home. After more than 20 years living undocumented in the U.S., the Mexico-born activist became a naturalized citizen last May. But the Trump administration's targeting of immigrants has left her afraid, both for herself and her twin, two-year-olds.

Dominguez told Salon that the energy around the state of the U.S. reminds her of the darkness and outrage around the proposed anti-immigrant legislation progressing in Congress in 2006, which spawned massive nationwide protests that she had participated in. Now, however, the moment has an added heaviness because the top-down attacks are targeting working people of all walks of life.

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"I have made my life here, and I want this country to become the country that it was meant to be and the experiment of democracy that we've been for the last 237 years," Dominguez said in a phone interview. "I believe in that experiment, and I want to be part of making it a reality, and I know deep in my soul that this isn't it."

"It really feels like we are losing the country as we know it, and it's beyond attacks on immigrants," she added.

On May Day, Dominguez's organization is helping to anchor four actions across the Sun Belt: the Raleigh, North Carolina rally and march; a 9 a.m. march at the State Capitol in Phoenix, Arizona; a 5 p.m. rally with speakers and march in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she's based; and immigrant and worker's rights trainings and a rally in Houston, Texas. Activists are hoping to see thousands of people turn out to each of the marches and at least 100 workers attend the trainings, she said.

At a time when it feels as though "those in power are betting on us being too afraid and too overwhelmed by the shock and awe," Dominguez said it's important for Americans to show up and make it known they won't go down without a fight  despite how scared they may be or how deeply they may be feeling the impact of the government's actions.

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She said she hopes others take away that they're welcome, that they own this fight, and that, as working people, they all feel the same pain at the hands of the government no matter who they voted for in 2024.

"This May Day is us marching for ourselves and hoping to inspire more working people to turn that anger and fear into action and to stand up together," she said, adding: "We just want to remind working class people that we have the power by coming together."
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  On Tuesday, April 29, loved ones gathered at the Colorado Springs (COS) Airport to welcome home deployed members of the 302d Airlift Wing of the United States Air Force Reserve.

Flights were scheduled to land at 4:43 p.m. and 5:53 p.m., carrying 14 Citizen Airmen who have been deployed to multiple locations in Southwest Asia. In total, thirty-nine Air Force Reservists from the 302d Airlift Wings 39th Aerial Port Squadron have been deployed for the past six months.

The Reservists are transportation specialists who processed cargo and passengers at aerial port facilities in support of U.S. Central Command.

Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Jaiden Kelsey Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Jaiden Kelsey Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Jaiden Kelsey Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Jaiden Kelsey Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Jaiden Kelsey

Located at Peterson Space Force Base with a Total Force of more than 1,300 personnel, the Air Force Reserve 302d Airlift Wing trains, equips, and employs C-130H aircraft airlift forces in worldwide support of the nations interests.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Editors note: The article has been changed to reflect what day the plane is landing.

DENVER (KDVR)  The biggest passenger aircraft in the world, an Airbus A380, landed at the Denver International Airport on Wednesday afternoon.

The double-decker plane is the worlds largest commercial aircraft for a reason. With two stories of seats, including a main and upper deck, the airport said Lufthansas A380 comes with 509 seats.

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Rare aircraft designed for bulky loads touches down at Denver airport

This was the first time the plane landed as a regularly scheduled commercial service in Denver. The airport said the Airbus landed for the first and only time in November 2018 when an Air France A380 was scheduled to fly between Los Angeles and Paris but diverted to DIA due to a medical emergency.

The Airbus A380 is the worlds largest passenger aircraft (Courtesy of Denver International Airport)

The A380 came from Munich, Germany, but if you missed it, it wont be hard to catch another sight of the King.

This was the first of many trips from Munich to Denver. In January, DIA announced that the largest passenger aircraft will service flights from Denver to Munich daily during the summer, from April 30 through Sept. 30.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
By Karlene Petitt PhD. MBA. MHS

Author of Be The Change Passenger Safety Needs

The airline industry is facing turbulence in 2025, with flights feeling more unsafe and customer satisfaction declining. Its time to take a closer look at the individuals in the boardroom who are tasked with providing oversight to the management teams of Americas biggest airlines.

The major US airlines, including Delta Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines, all have board committees that oversee safety, but the members of these committees generally lack actual experience overseeing airline safety. This begs the question  how can these committees properly oversee safety with no direct experience?

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For example, 75% of the members of American Airlines Safety Committee have backgrounds primarily in the retail and investment sectors, with only 25% of the members having a transportation background. United Airlines puts safety under their Public Responsibility Committee, and 29% of the committee members have airline pilot and transportation experience. The remainder of the committee have backgrounds in retail/consumer and finance/investment sectors. Deltas Safety and Security Committee has 29% of committee members with an aviation background, but this still is not enough when safety should be paramount for these major U.S. carriers.

The lack of focus on safety is tangible. Alaska Airlines, for example, not only maintains safety as a component of their executive annual pay program, but maintains a standalone Safety Committee by the Board. By no coincidence, Alaska Airlines continues to rank above Delta, United and American for their safety record.

In fact, Deltas Board of Directors does not have sufficient expertise in key areas, such as airline and transportation experience and cyber and risk backgrounds, which has contributed to infrastructure and safety failures. Deltas Safety & Security Committee met fewer times than any other committee, with only six meetings, compared to the Personnel & Compensation Committees nine meetings in 2023. The elevated importance of compensation over safety matters directly contradicts the Delta Difference, whereby the company states its commitment to industry-leading customer service, safety and innovation.

Deltas Board fails to account for mission-critical skills. For example, in the seven directors that have been added since 2022, only one new director has experience in cyber/ technology oversight, despite this being cited as a top priority for Boards in 2024.

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Moreover, Deltas Board has only one independent director with airline/ transportation experience, according to the Skills and Experiences of Independent Director Nominees in the 2024 Delta Airlines Proxy Statement. Michael Huerta, a former Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Mr. Huertas term with the FAA ended in January 2018 and he was named to the Delta Board only four months later, in April 2018.

Although Mr. Huerta is credited as the airline/ transportation expert on Deltas board, his track record is certainly not faultless when it comes to safety. Because of faults during his tenure at the FAA, Mr. Huerta rightly oversaw the issuing of the Final Rule mandating the implementation of Safety Management System (SMS) for all certificate holders under Part 121 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which generally included U.S. domestic passenger airlines and cargo operations. The SMS was designed to manage safety risk and assure the effectiveness of safety risk controls.

Mr. Huertas addition to the Delta board, a mere four months after his departure from the FAA, should raise questions about what Delta was hoping to gain from these connections. Why is a former FAA administrator allowed to step onto Deltas board, receiving associated compensation, when federal law prohibits the FAA from any compensation from airlines? Is delayed payment not still compensation?

Additionally, Mr. Huerta was the FAA administrator during the production of the MAX and stepped onto Deltas board three months prior to the first MAX crash. Why did Delta stop all Boeing orders after Mr. Huertas appointment but BEFORE any 737 MAX faults were known to the public?

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Why did Delta remove Ed Bastian as the accountable executive of the Federal Regulation Safety Management System (SMS), which Huerta enacted in 2018 and designated the CEO to be the responsible executive to SMS?

These questions should be raised for greater accountability from our top airline executives. The safety issues plaguing the industry today are not Deltas alone, but it is clear that their Board, in particular, lacks the requisite skills to properly put safety at the core of their business.

Karlene Petitt is a distinguished figure in the aviation industry, celebrated for her extensive career as an international airline pilot, her pivotal role in advocating for aviation safety, and her success as an author and speaker. Karlene holds the following Type-Rating: A350, A330, B777, B747-400, B747-200, B767, B757, B737 and B727.

Contact:

CorpGov.com

John Jannarone

Editor-in-Chief

Editor@ipo-edge.com

The post Airlines Need Board Members That Know and Care About Safety appeared first on CorpGov.
Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road (center) applauds for a group in the Alabama Senate gallery on April 22, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The House on Tuesday passed Barfoot's constitutional amendment that expands Aniah's Law. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

The Alabama House of Representatives passed a constitutional amendment Tuesday that would expand the number of crimes where a judge may deny bond under Aniahs Law.

SB 118, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, expands the list of crimes that will not be eligible for bond to solicitation, attempt and conspiracy to commit murder; and discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling. Alabama voters approved the original law in 2022.

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This is up to the judge to make the determination, it is not automatic, said Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, who carried the legislation in the House.

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Prior to approval of Aniahs Law, judges could only deny bond to individuals charged with capital murder. The amendment expanded that to include other serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping and rape.

The amendment was named after Aniah Blanchard, a Southern Union Community College student who went missing in October 2019 and whose body was found a month later. Ibraheem Yazeed, who was charged with capital murder in Blanchards death, had been charged with several violent crimes but released on bail months before Blanchard was killed. Yazeed is still awaiting trial.

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Aniahs Law allows prosecutors to request a hearing to determine if a defendant should be denied bond for committing a violent Class A felony such as rape and murder. But judges may still grant bond after hearing prosecutions claims.

The bill passed 87-0 with 16 abstentions. The constitutional amendment must be approved by Alabama voters.

The House also passed SB 119, also sponsored by Barfoot, that makes discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling a Class A felony, up from a Class B felony. That is punishable by 10-99 years in prison and fines up to $60,000.

Simpson said that most of those crimes come from people using a firearm modified with a Glock switch, which the Legislature banned earlier this session.

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You cant control what it does. You can maybe have a grasp over the first bullet that comes out, but the gun just goes off, Simpson said.

The bill passed 66-0 with 37 abstentions. It will go to voters for approval.



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Senate Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman; Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore; Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham; and Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro (left to right) discuss a 125-page bill on the Senate floor as it is read in its entirety on April 29, 2025, in Montgomery, Ala. (Alander Rocha/Alabama Reflector)

The Alabama Legislature Tuesday gave final approval to the states two budgets for the 2026 fiscal year, but not without a battle.

The Alabama Senate passed a $3.7 billion 2026 General Fund budget late Tuesday night on a 30-0 vote after an hours-long slowdown.

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HB 186, sponsored by Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, would provide a 10% increase ($347 million) over the current budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which starts October 1.

In many cases, you had a reduction in what your request had been. Everyone of us had that  so were in a dichotomy here where we have the largest budget weve ever had, and yet, we have the tightest constraints and control that weve had in recent memory, said Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, who chairs the Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee, pointing to Medicaids significant budget increase that will bring its budget to over $1 billion.

Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, asked for the 125-page funding bill to be read in its entirety Tuesday afternoon, which delayed the vote by hours. He said after the Senate adjourned that he didnt want controversial bills to be passed without deliberation, and that he was afraid the Senate would move to adopt a different set of bills to consider.

[The House] did have a second calendar, and it was going to be the same thing here in terms of the desire to have a second calendar, and I thought that we need to just work on that particular calendar, Smitherman said after the Senate adjourned.

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The Alabama Medicaid Agency, which provides health insurance for over 1 million Alabamians, nearly all children, elderly citizens and those with disabilities, will get $1.179 billion from the state, a $223.8 million (19%) increase over this year. Ivey requested $1.184 billion in February, about $5 million more than what the House approved.

The Alabama Department of Corrections, which administers the state prisons, will get a $90.1 million increase (11%) to $826.7 million.

The Alabama Department of Human Resources, which provides child and adult protective services, enforces child support payments and administers food and family assistance, will get $148.9 million from the state in 2026, a $4.7 million (3%) increase from the current budget.

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The Alabama Department of Mental Health, which provides mental health care services in the state, will get a $4.7 million increase (2%) to $244 million. The Legislature cut the funding from Iveys recommendation by $3.7 million.

But senators also appeared to want to send a message to the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles, which has drawn mounting criticism from Democratic and Republican senators over low parole rates and what senators consider a lack of responsiveness to their questions about the parole process. The Senate cut the boards funding from $94.5 million to $90.6 million, a 4.1% decrease.

In addition, Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, added an amendment to make funding for the Board of Pardons & Paroles conditional on the board developing parole release guidelines. The amendment passed on a 27-0 vote.

What they do, as yall know, they adopt guidelines. Those are supposed to be updated and revised. They have not done that, he said.

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The board has faced backlash after parole rates declined significantly after 2017, when members granted parole to about 54% of applicants. The rates fell as low as 7% at times, according to an analysis by the ACLU of Alabama in 2023, but rebounded to slightly more than 20% within the past year.

The Senate also passed HB 185, also sponsored by Reynolds, which would appropriate $50 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Department of Finance and provide over $12.6 million to the Unified Judicial System.

This bill is supplemental monies just taking federal money and appropriating it, Albritton said.

The House concurred with the changes late Tuesday evening, sending the bill to Gov. Kay Ivey.

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The Senate also concurred with House changes to SB 112, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, a nearly $10 billion 2026 Education Trust Fund budget (ETF).

The House changes added $17.6 million to the budget, bringing it to a 6% increase over the 2025 ETF budget. The budget does not contain pay raises for teachers in the 2025-26 fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1. But it includes a $99.2 million increase for the Public Education Employees Health Insurance Plan, as well as funding for workmans compensation for education employees and paid parental leave.

The Senate also concurred with the ETF supplemental funding bills, including SB 113, also sponsored by Orr, a $524 million 2025 supplemental appropriation for education that passed the House with an amendment changing language to clarify dual enrollment programs funding.

The Senate also concurred with House changes to SB 111, sponsored by Orr, which would appropriate $375 million over three years to implement changes to the states school funding formula.

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The House added an additional $80 million from the Education Opportunity Reserve Fund to the Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students Education (CHOOSE) Act Fund, a voucher-like program that gives tax credits for non-public school spending, including private school tuition. The first-year cost estimate will go from $100 million to $180 million, an 80% increase. Over two-thirds of applicants to the program are already in private school or are homeschooled.



The story was updated at 10:30 a.m. to include comment from Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, regarding the procedural delay.

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Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, at a Senate Education Policy committee meeting on April 30, 2025, in the Alabama State House in Montgomery, Alabama. The committee approved HB 166, sponsored by Rep. Leigh Hulsey, R-Helena, Wednesday that bans cell phones in public schools during instructional time. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)

An Alabama Senate committee approved a House bill Wednesday to ban cellphones in schools.

HB 166, sponsored by Rep. Leigh Hulsey, requires public school boards to adopt a policy banning cellphone use during instructional time. The Senate Education Policy Committee unanimously approved the legislation at its last meeting of the 2025 Legislative Session.

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This is the companion bill for the Focus Act, Chesteen said. I know youve put about two years into this, so we look forward to getting it on the Senate floor and passing it into law.

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The Alabama House of Representatives approved the measure on April 4.

The legislation also provides three exceptions for students to use their cell phones: if they study under an Individualized Education Plan that allows it; for teacher-approved instruction and for medical purposes.

The House Education Policy Committee approved the Senate version of the bill, SB 92, sponsored by Sen. Donnie Chesteen, on April 16. Both bills await final approval from the second chamber. There are four legislative days left in the 2025 session.

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Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, speaks to Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on April 1, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. A bill sponsored by England that would have given judges the power to impose percentage bond payments for pretrial release died in a Senate committee on Wednesday. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A bill that would have allowed people to win release from pretrial detention by paying a partial amount of a bond died in an Alabama Senate committee on Wednesday.

The Senate Judiciary Committee deadlocked on HB 42, sponsored by Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, in a tie vote of 5-5. All the Democrats on the committee and committee chair Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, voted for the bill. The remaining Republicans on the committee abstained or voted against the measure.

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No member offered a reason for their vote except for Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Enterprise, who said he was voting the way he was after speaking with judges and court officials before he cast his vote.

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The legislation would have restored three words to the current bail bond statute  a part of  to allow judges to order defendants to pay percentage bonds to secure their release from pretrial detention, which was removed when the Legislature enacted the Bail Reform Act of 1993.

All the bill does is add back three words to the code that were taken out a few years ago when we passed a bail reform bill, England said to the committee during the meeting Wednesday.

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The legislation passed the House with bipartisan support on April 15.

It is one of two bills aimed at changing the states bail system, and the only one that the Alabama Bail Bond Association publicly opposed as it made its way through the Legislature.

Chris McNeil, president of the Alabama Bail Bond Association and who owns a bail bond company, suggested that the bill, if enacted, would increase the rates at which defendants failed to appear in court for their cases.

England said that those figures are not a fair comparison.

England filed the same bill during the 2024 legislative session. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the legislation last year but it stalled in the Senate chamber.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Authorities have identified two teenagers who were found shot and killed earlier this week along a wooded trail near Percy Priest Lake. Now, officials are offering a cash reward for any information regarding the murders.

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, a resident discovered the bodies Monday morning while walking along a trail between the Lincoya Bay Apartments and Percy Priest Lake.

PREVIOUS | MNPD investigating apparent double homicide near Percy Priest Lake

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On Monday, authorities reported they believe the homicides occurred in the same place where the bodies were found.

The police department later identified the victims as 19-year-old Amir Landan Wilkerson and 18-year-old Jamie Valdez-Garcia, both from Alabaster, Alabama.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

Wilkerson was reportedly identified through a wallet that was found on him and was last seen by family members Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, officials said Valdez-Garcia is believed to have traveled to Nashville Sunday with Wilkerson.

Anyone with information about the murders is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. A cash reward of up to $5,000 is being offered.

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The Alaska and American flags fly in front of the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Ahead of its vote on a bill to restrict political donations in state elections, members of the Houses multipartisan majority rejected a series of amendments that would have expanded the bill.

Among the rejected proposals were ideas to require greater disclosure of donations funneled through so-called dark money groups enabled by the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision known as Citizens United.

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The rejected amendments, from Rep. Kevin McCabe, R-Big Lake, would have required prompt disclosure of donations to independent expenditure groups, required advertising disclosures, and sought to limit out-of-state contributions to groups backing ballot measures. Federal courts have struck down Alaskas limits on out-of-state contributions to candidates.

Previous bills dealing with independent expenditures havent advanced to a floor vote, making the rejected amendments significant.

Inverting the usual pattern, Republican lawmakers proposed the restrictions, and they were defeated by the votes of independents and Democrats.

Speaking on the House floor, McCabe called the lack of disclosure rules for third-party groups a critical loophole in state law.

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Traditionally in Alaska, Republicans have supported actions to reduce limits on campaign contributions. The Republican Governors Association has repeatedly challenged disclosure rules imposed by voters in a 2020 ballot measure, and a Republican-backed lawsuit led to the elimination of Alaskas campaign finance limits in 2022.

A ballot measure scheduled for Alaskas 2026 elections would reimpose some limits, but if House Bill 16 becomes law, those limits would come into effect ahead of the election.

McCabe argued that HB 16 should be extended to cover independent expenditures, not just direct donations.

Independent expenditure groups have become a big part of our political campaigns, he said, speaking on one of his amendments.

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Other lawmakers noted that most of the political mailers that filled Alaskans mailboxes last year were from independent expenditure groups, not politicians campaigns.

Voters deserve to know who is funding the message, McCabe said.

Rep. Calvin Schrage, I-Anchorage and a sponsor of the ballot measure and HB 16, was among the lawmakers who voted against the dark-money amendments.

I think there is concern amongst the Alaskan public around both contribution limits and independent expenditure spending. However, the dire concern is really around the hole around campaign finance, and so to the maximum extent possible, my efforts were to try and keep the bill constrained to what was approved through the ballot measure, and to address the campaign finance portion of this, Schrage said.

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Under the Alaska Constitution, a law can replace a ballot measure only if the underlying bill is substantially similar to the ballot measure.

In addition to the dark-money amendments, the House rejected a proposal to exempt most municipal elections from campaign-finance reporting requirements, and an amendment that would have prevented the recipients of state contracts  and their family members  from donating to political campaigns.

That amendment was almost identical to a bill rejected by Hawaiis Legislature on the same day that the Alaska House turned down the idea. Several states, including New Jersey, have so-called pay for play disclosure rules; the amendment proposed by Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, would have gone further by actually restricting donations.

Schrage said it went too far.

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With that specific amendment, I think my biggest concern was around the fact that family members would be prohibited from making donations to political campaigns, Schrage said. The courts have been pretty clear that we need to be careful about limiting peoples free speech, and thanks to Citizens United, political spending is considered free speech.

In 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission eliminated restrictions on spending by political groups unaffiliated with a particular politician. Since then, the amount of money spent by independent groups has significantly increased. So has the role of dark money contributions  money funneled through independent groups in order to conceal the identity of the donor.

A ballot measure approved by Alaska voters in 2020 requires independent groups to disclose the true source of their contributions, but that measure has exemptions: It doesnt cover ballot measure groups, for example.

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Schrage said some of the rejected ideas could show up in separate legislation, but he wanted to keep HB 16 confined to the ballot measure thats ready for a vote in 2026.

Theres always this question of, how much do you try to do, and how much can you fit into a bill before it becomes too heavy and too controversial to make it through the process. There is a very strong desire from Alaskans to address our campaign contribution limits, and we have a very clear proposal before us. I wanted to move forward, he said.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. Azerbaijan attaches special importance to the enhancement of relations with its close friend and reliable partner, Israel, said President Ilham Aliyev in a congratulatory letter to President of Israel Isaac Herzog, Trend reports.

"The high-level relations of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel are a clear manifestation of the historical bonds between our peoples, and of the respect and sympathy they share for each other. It is gratifying to see the dynamic and comprehensive development of Azerbaijan-Israel interstate relations, anchored on solid foundations such as mutual trust and support.

Azerbaijan attaches special importance to the enhancement of relations with its close friend and reliable partner, Israel.

Today, our countries are effectively collaborating in economic, trade, defense, humanitarian and other areas. I fondly recall our meeting with you in Davos in January of this year, and the exchange of views and discussions we held.

I believe that through our joint efforts the traditional ties of friendship between Azerbaijan and Israel, our mutually beneficial cooperation across several important spheres will continue to develop on an upward trajectory and will be further strengthened in line with the interests of our peoples in the coming years," President Ilham Aliyev said.
(WKBN)  The Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) is issuing a product alert on one lot of

cannabis-infused edible gummies sold across the state, including here in the Valley.

Read next: Security video captures theft from mall vendor

The alert is for Strawberry Banana Local Edibles Ohio Cannabis Infused Gummy processed by Farmaceutical RX, LLC, under the Local Edibles Ohio brand with purchase dates of Feb. 18 through March 12, 2025.

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The local dispensaries where the product was sold include B Cubed Operations Ohio, otherwise known as the ACA Dispensary, in Hubbard; and FARMACEUTICALRX LLC in East Liverpool. For a full list of impacted dispensaries that sold the product, click here.

The reason for the alert is that the processor used an ingredient not disclosed on the product label: edible glitter.

Additionally, the processor was unable to provide evidence that the ingredient was

obtained from a licensed and regulated source, according to DCC.

While the presence of the edible glitter does not reasonable constitute a health hazard, only an alert was issued in place of a full product recall.

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Farmaceutical RX has pulled all affected product off of dispensary shelves. The DCC recommends that patients and consumers refrain from consuming the affected product, and either throw away the remainder or return it to the dispensary it was purchased from for refund.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
By Alasdair Pal

SYDNEY (Reuters) - An Australian woman accused of murdering three of her estranged husband's elderly relatives by poisoning their food, faked a cancer diagnosis to lure the victims to a meal, prosecutors claimed on Wednesday, in a case that has gripped the country.

Erin Patterson, 50, is charged with the July 2023 murders of her mother-in-law Gail Patterson, father-in-law Donald Patterson and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, along with the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson, Heather's husband.

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All four fell ill after a lunch of Beef Wellington, mashed potatoes and green beans, the court was told. Prosecutors said the accused knowingly laced the meal with deadly death cap mushrooms at her home in Leongatha, a town of around 6,000 people some 135 kilometres (84 miles) from Melbourne.

Erin Patterson denies the charges.

Defending Patterson, barrister Colin Mandy told the court the deaths were a "terrible accident", and that the accused had no intention of killing her lunch guests.

"The defence case is that Erin Patterson did not deliberately serve poisoned food to her guests," he said.

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In the opening arguments that began on Wednesday, prosecutor Nanette Rogers said the accused had fabricated a cancer diagnosis and hosted the lunch on the pretence of discussing the best way to tell her two children about the illness, in order to ensure they did not attend.

"It is the prosecution case that the accused deliberately poisoned (the victims) with murderous intent," she told the court.

"The prosecution will not be suggesting that there was a particular motive to do what she did," she said.

SEPARATE PLATES

The guests ate individual portions of Beef Wellington off four large grey dinner plates, while the accused ate from a smaller, tan coloured plate, the court heard.

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The guests fell ill later that day and were hospitalised a day after, where three later died. Ian Wilkinson spent weeks in hospital and survived.

The accused went to hospital two days later, where she initially discharged herself against medical advice, the court was told.

She had mild symptoms of illness, but further tests revealed no evidence of toxins consistent with death cap poisoning, the prosecution said.

The accused resisted attempts by doctors to have her two children tested, who she claimed had eaten leftovers of the lunch, saying she did not want to frighten them, Rogers said.

"She was reluctant to have the children medically assessed, because she knew that, like her, they had not eaten any poisoned food," she said.

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The defendant denied ever owning a food dehydrator, but police traced one owned by her to a nearby garbage dump, that was later found to contain death cap mushrooms, Rogers said - one of the world's deadliest strains of mushrooms.

Mandy said his client had lied repeatedly during the investigation, but had "panicked" due to the intense scrutiny surrounding the case.

INTENSE INTEREST

Erin Patterson married her husband Simon in 2007 and had two children together, the court heard.

They separated temporarily several times, before splitting permanently in 2015. They remained amicable, sharing custody of the children and going on family holidays together.

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That changed in 2022 when Simon listed himself as separated on a tax return, Rogers said, with communication deteriorating and the pair disagreeing over child support.

The trial has seen intense interest from local and international media, with podcasters, journalists and documentary-makers descending on the town of Morwell, around two hours east of Melbourne, where the trial is being heard.

The court is expected to hear the first of dozens of witnesses and scientific experts on Thursday.

The trial, scheduled to run until early June, continues.

(This story has been refiled to remove an image)

(Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Neil Fullick)
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ)  An Altoona native will spend years behind bars after being convicted of possessing child pornography.

Kevin Myers, 48, was given a sentence of 78 months (six and a half years) in federal prison, Tuesday, April 29. After serving his time in prison, Myers will have 20 years of supervised release.

Myers was convicted in November 2024 of transporting and possessing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

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DOJ: Altoona man guilty of possessing child sex abuse material

According to information presented to the court, from around December 2020 and December 2021, Myers produced pornographic images using materials that were shipped or transported across state and country borders.

Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of

the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Myers.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
Amal Clooney could be barred from entering the US by Donald Trump, according to reports.

The British human rights barrister, who is married to George Clooney, could be sanctioned by the US president after a panel she sat on recommended an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, on war crimes charges in Gaza.

Lawyers involved in the International Criminal Courts (ICC) decision to issue the warrant, including Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws and Lord Justice Adrian Fulford, have been warned by the Foreign Office they could be barred from the US, The Financial Times reports.

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It is currently unclear whether Mrs Clooney has been cautioned, but she was a member of the panel which recommended prosecutor Karim Khan issue an arrest warrant for Mr Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, then Israels defence minister.

In February, Mr Trump used an executive order to sanction Mr Khan, banning him and his family from the country and seizing his US assets, and warned further measures could follow against those responsible for the ICCs transgressions.

Amal Clooney and Karim Khan in 2022. Mr Khan has been banned from the US - JUSTIN LANE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

He claimed the court had engaged in illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel.

The executive order threatened tangible and significant consequences against others involved in the decision, which include freezing their property and blocking their entry into the US.

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The Clooneys are said to spend most of their time in France and have homes in London and Italy, although they are currently in New York while Mr Clooney stars in the Broadway show Goodnight and Good Luck.

Mr Trumps order set a 60-day deadline, which fell on April 7, for internal recommendations about other figures who should be sanctioned alongside Mr Khan. So far, further sanctions have not been publicly announced.

Unanimous recommendations

Mr Khan had asked his panel of legal experts to review the evidence against Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant before issuing the warrants, and Mrs Clooney said last year it was unanimous in its recommendations.

She claimed there were reasonable grounds to believe the pair had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, including starvation as a method of warfare, murder, persecution and extermination.

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The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court asked me to assist him with evaluating evidence of suspected war crimes and crimes against humanity in Israel and Gaza, she wrote on the Clooney Foundation for Justice website.

I served on this panel because I believe in the rule of law and the need to protect civilian lives.



The law that protects civilians in war was developed more than 100 years ago and it applies in every country in the world regardless of the reasons for a conflict.

Mrs Clooney says she served on the panel because she believes in the rule of law - TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP

Mr Netanyahu has fiercely criticised the arrest warrant, claiming it created a twisted and false moral equivalence between the leaders of Israel and the henchmen of Hamas.

The court also charged three leaders of Hamas, the proscribed terrorist group, who have since been killed.

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Mr Clooney is a long-time Democrat supporter who took a prominent role in last years election campaign, appearing at fundraisers alongside Joe Biden, the former US president, before publicly urging him to drop out of the race.

In a 60 Minutes appearance in March, he criticised Mr Trump for attacking press freedom, provoking an angry response from the president.

Mr Clooney was a second-rate movie star and failed political pundit, Mr Trump said, calling the interview a puff piece.

He fought hard for Sleepy Joes election and then, right after the debate, dumped him like a dog. Later, I assume under orders from the Obama camp, pushed all out for Kamala [Harris], only to soon realise that that was not going to work out too well, he wrote on his Truth Social account.

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Mrs Clooney has been approached for comment via her chambers and the Clooney Foundation for Justice.

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An American detained in Belarus has been freed, Special Envoy for Hostage Response Adam Boehler and a second US official told CNN on Wednesday.

Youras Ziankovich was arrested in Moscow in 2021 and then was brought to Belaruss capital Minsk, where he was accused of being part of a US-backed coup plot against Belarus strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko. The US State Department denied any such involvement.

Ziankovich had been declared wrongfully detained in February 2025. There was not a prisoner swap that led to his release, Boehler and the unnamed official said.

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No exchange, Boehler told CNN Wednesday. It really was an open mindedness to have a discussion, but I think its real hard for us to have discussions when people are holding Americans.

Belarus  which has been isolated from the West  is interested in trying to warm relations with the United States, and they know that President Trump is not going to do anything if theyre holding Americans.

Weve made that clear across the interagency, Boehler said.

Following his release from Belarusian detention, Ziankovich was turned over at the border with neighboring Lithuania to a team of US officials. He is expected to arrive back on US soil on Thursday, Boehler said.

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Boehler said he had not yet spoken with Ziankovich, but said, physically, it looks like hes in good shape.

Hes quite happy to be in American hands, he said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the news on Wednesday, without naming Ziankovich.

Thanks to @POTUSs leadership, Belarus has released another wrongfully detained U.S. citizen. No president has done so much, so quickly, to keep Americans safe abroad, Rubio posted on X.

According to Global Reach, an organization that advocated for his case, Ziankovich did not have access to State Department personnel until January 2025.

I knew this day would come. It took 1,480 days, but he survived and is on his way home to me and to America, his wife Alena Dzenisavets said. I want to thank President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and Special Envoy Boehler and the SPEHA staff. I also want to express my appreciation to Rep. Morgan Luttrell and the nonprofits Global Reach and the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation for their help advocating for Youras.

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Ziankovich is not the first American to have been released from Belarus under the Trump administration.

Anastassia Nuhfer was released in January after being detained in December 2024. An unnamed American citizen, who was detained in September 2024, was released in mid-February. Two other political prisoners were also released at the time.

Ziankovichs release comes a day after a second group of 10 Americans were released from detention in Kuwait in a goodwill gesture from the US ally. Boehler said the group would be back on US soil on Wednesday.

This story has been updated with additional details.

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Rachel Maddow shares reporting from KFOR in Oklahoma about federal agents raiding the home of an American woman and her daughters while attempting to apprehend immigrant gang members they mistakenly believed lived at that address.
Editors note: April 30, 2025, marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War. In commemoration, Military Times is highlighting stories about the Vietnam War.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska  The Vietnam War greatly impacted U.S. society from the passage of the War Powers Resolution that restricts the presidents ability to send troops into extended combat without congressional approval to the cementing of college campuses as centers of student activism.

Millions of U.S. troops fought in Vietnam. For some Americans, the war that effectively ended with the fall of Saigon 50 years ago Wednesday on April 30, 1975, continues to shape their lives.

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They include: A woman dedicated to recovering her fathers remains after the bomber he piloted disappeared over Vietnams Gulf of Tonkin. A Vietnam veteran who was heckled like scores of other troops when he returned home and now assists fellow veterans in rural Alaska. And an anti-war movement stalwart who has spent decades advocating for free speech after her brother was wounded when Ohio National Guard troops fired into a crowd of protesters at Kent State University.

Here are their stories.

Still waiting for dad to return home

Fifty years after the fall of Saigon, Jeanie Jacobs Huffman has not lost hope of bringing her father home.

Huffman was only five months old when her father, Navy Cdr. Edward J. Jacobs Jr., was reported missing in action after the plane he was piloting to photograph enemy targets vanished in 1967 over the Gulf of Tonkin, off the coast of North Vietnam.

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Huffman has dedicated her life to finding the plane and recovering his remains and those of his two crew members. She also serves on the board of directors of Mission: POW-MIA, a nonprofit group dedicated to finding unaccounted Americans from past conflicts.

Its a lot of missing, you know, a huge void in my life, she said, breaking into tears.

A professional photographer, Huffman has made a poster featuring the faces of the 1,573 missing service members from Vietnam.

After this many years, we should never leave anyone behind, she said.

A year ago, she visited the Gulf of Tonkin through a trip with the United States Institute of Peace, a nonprofit that promotes education and research on conflicts to prevent future wars. The groups translator, who was from North Vietnam and also lost family members in the war, walked with Huffman into the water. Holding hands, they both cried, sharing their grief.

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So that was the closest Ive been to him in 58 years, Huffman said of her father.

Shes pushing for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to conduct an underwater search operation next year in hopes of recovering the plane. The U.S. Department of Defense agency is responsible for recovering and identifying service members listed as missing in action or prisoners of war.

He deserves to be brought back home, she said. Even if its just a bone or a dog tag. Even the tangible things, like a dog tag or a piece of his plane, mean a lot to me because I dont have anything else.

Finding salvation after so many decades

For George Bennett, the road to sobriety and mental health continued long after flying home through San Francisco in 1968, where sneering protesters met returning soldiers in the terminal.

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Someone yelled out, baby killer. Another spit at them. He and his fellow soldiers were turned away from one airport restaurant.

Only later did he realize how much Vietnam had changed him because the war went against the strict sense of values and Indigenous practices instilled by his parents.

This photo provided by George Bennett shows Bennett during his service in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. (George Bennett via AP)

A member of Alaskas Tlingit tribe, Bennett said, I would go get my beer and come home  just drink beer and do nothing.

I think part of it was the fact that I was ashamed and guilty because I was part of the atrocity that occurred in Vietnam. I feel that I violated the value and some of our cultural norms, and it made me want to run.

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And he did, from bar to bar and job to job.

Finally, he wound up receiving help for alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Its taken him 30 years to feel better, largely because of the support of Mary, his wife of 55 years. She insisted they move to the southeast Alaska city of Sitka, where he has integrated back into his native Tlingit culture.

Hes now Alaskas sole rural veteran liaison, helping veterans secure benefits in the militarys health care system.

I really had to find my spiritual way again, he said. It took me a while to get there, but here I am.

Kent State University protester sees lessons for today

Chic Canfora still becomes emotional when she talks about the fall of Saigon.

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Canfora was part of an anti-war protest at Kent State University in 1970 when Ohio National Guard troops fired into the crowd, killing four fellow students and wounding nine others, including her brother. The bullets sent Canfora diving for cover.

She believes the protest helped galvanize public opinion that would hasten the withdrawal of U.S. troops and ultimately lead to the fall of Saigon and the wars demise.

A decade ago, Canfora visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington and was overcome at seeing how the number of names of the fallen dwindled after 1970.

That was the first time it really hit me the impact of the anti-war movement and, so its particularly meaningful for me this year, she said, choking up.

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Canfora, who teaches journalism at Kent State, has spent her life sharing what she experienced. She said the lessons learned are more relevant than ever amid the Trump administrations crackdown on student protesters, fears of deportation for international students and what critics describe as unprecedented attacks on campus speech.

She said she sees echoes of the past when then Ohio Gov. James Rhodes, who sent in the National Guard, called the Kent State demonstrators the worst type of people that we harbor in America.

I was too young and too naive to recognize the danger of such inflammatory rhetoric because, in essence, all of these leaders in our country were putting targets on the backs of American college students who have historically served as the conscience of America, Canfora said.

I think students today are going through that same metamorphosis of awareness that I did in 1970.

Watson reported from San Diego.
Press Release

April 29, 2025 Bong Go partners with Angkas in championing rider's welfare and safety during Safety Fiesta in Cainta, Rizal Senator Christopher "Bong" Go reaffirmed his full support for the motorcycle riding community's welfare, safety, and livelihood during the Angkas Safety Fiesta held in Cainta, Rizal on Sunday, April 27. The event, led by George Royeca of Angkasangga Partylist, gathered an estimated 1,000 leaders representing various groups of riders as well as motorcycle riding advocates, influencers and other stakeholders. As a consistent motorcycle enthusiast even before being elected in government, Go expressed solidarity with the riders and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in promoting road safety and uplifting the livelihood of the riding sector. Go also commended Angkas for sharing the same advocacy of promoting road safety while providing innovative livelihood opportunities and improved modes of transportation to uplift society. He cited his joint efforts with Angkas in promoting their shared advocacies even before when the ride hailing app was still starting. "Ito pong Angkas Safety Fiesta ay patunay ng ating sama-samang pagsusumikap para sa kaligtasan ng ating mga motorista at pasahero," Go said. "Napakahalaga po ng ganitong mga inisyatibo upang mapalawak ang kaalaman at disiplina ng ating mga riders." Go noted that the demand for motorcycle ride hailing transportation has increased significantly due to their affordability and mobility, providing an essential mode of commuting for many Filipinos. Recognizing the riders' contribution to the economy and daily transportation needs, he pledged to continue pushing for legislation that supports their welfare. Among the measures Go highlighted was Senate Bill No. 2555, which amends the controversial "Doble Plaka" Law by requiring a plate only on the back of motorcycles--a move he described as both fair and reasonable. He also mentioned his filed SBN 1184, the Food, Grocery, and Pharmacy Delivery Services Protection Act, which seeks to further protect delivery riders from unfair practices such as fake bookings and non-payment if enacted. "As a legislator, I will continue to advocate for the safety and rights of our riders," Go assured, adding that he supports the institutionalization and regulation of motorcycles-for-hire to ensure riders and passengers alike follow road safety standards. Furthermore, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Go encouraged riders to enroll in the PhilHealth Konsulta Program to access free consultations and other health benefits. "Kalusugan din po ang ating inaalagaan. Para sa mga riders natin, mahalaga na kayo ay may proteksyon hindi lang sa kalsada kundi pati sa inyong kalusugan." "Tandaan po natin na lahat ng Pilipino ay miyembro ng PhilHealth. Karapatan niyo po na makakuha ng libreng konsulta at magamit ang benepisyong pangkalusugan. Ang pondo ng Philhealth ay para sa health!," he reminded. Go also recalled that his partnership with Angkas dates back to the previous administration, underscoring their shared advocacy for empowering and protecting the riding community. He also paid tribute to former President Rodrigo Duterte, a fellow rider, whose advice he continues to live by: "Unahin ang kapakanan ng Pilipino at hindi ka magkakamali." If elected for another term in the Senate, Go vowed to continue working closely with advocates such as George Royeca and the Angkasangga Partylist in promoting riders' welfare and safety. "Kasama ninyo, pag-aaralan natin ang mga paraan upang mabigyan ng dagdag proteksyon ang mga riders natin tulad ng health benefits, safety insurance, akmang Philhealth coverage at maging livelihood support para sa dagdag kabuhayan sa inyong mga pamilya," he said. Towards the end of his speech, Go encouraged the riders to support the full senatorial slate of "Duterten" candidates, reaffirming his commitment to public service and grassroots communities. Earlier that day, Senator Go also led a motorcade in Pangasinan, where he was warmly welcomed by residents, further highlighting his consistent efforts to reach out to different sectors of society and bring government services closer to the people. "Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo 'yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo 'yan kay Allah," underscored Senator Go, widely known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate and action-oriented service to Filipinos in need.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. The Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran and President of the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS) at the Foreign Ministry, Saeed Khatibzadeh, is set to visit Azerbaijan this week, Trend reports.

The Iranian official will visit the capital, Baku, at the invitation of the Center of Analysis of International Relations. During his visit, several meetings are scheduled to take place.

Khatibzadeh is also expected to participate in specialized panels hosted by the center.

The Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), founded in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2019, provides strategic insights and policy recommendations on international affairs to help decision-makers and experts analyze issues. Our goal is to analyze global and regional processes and extend operations to raise international knowledge of Azerbaijan's foreign policy concerns, notably the Armenia-Azerbaijan post-conflict period and regional security. The major goal is to study post-conflict experiences and Azerbaijan's plan to help regional economic integration and Karabakh reconstruction and restoration.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Join Chris Cuomo, Bill OReilly and more big-name guests on Wednesday for NewsNations CUOMO Town Hall with a live studio audience and virtual audience across America to discuss the first 100 days of President Donald Trumps administration. Find out how to watch!

(NewsNation)  Half of American voters view China as the biggest current threat to the United States, according to an exclusive NewsNation/Decision Desk HQ poll.

Approximately 50% of respondents said China poses the largest threat to the nation, outranking adversaries like Russia (29%), Iran (8%), North Korea (8%) and Afghanistan (2%). Another 3% chose other.

Despite China racking up half of the responses, opinions had a clear partisan split.

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For Republicans, China was the far-and-away answer at 65%. But Democrats said Russia, with 43%, was the largest threat  followed closely by China, with 38%.

Independent voters opted for China, 46%, but Russia was in second with 30%.

Americans split on Trumps mass deportation policies: DDHQ poll

President Donald Trump has publicly agreed that China is the biggest threat to the U.S. and has targeted the Asian economic powerhouse with 145% tariffs.

While most other countries are in the midst of a 90-day reprieve from Trumps sweeping tariffs, China is still facing the full wrath of Trumps levies. In return, China has raised tariffs on U.S. imports by more than 100%.

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When prompted with the statement, The United States should take a tougher approach to China, a majority of poll respondents  63%  said they at least somewhat agree.

82% of US voters are concerned about a recession: DDHQ poll

Despite Chinas vow to fight to the end against Trumps tariff tactics, the administration remains optimistic there is room to get a deal done  as long as China comes to the table first.

Bessent on Tuesday reiterated that tariffs on Chinese goods are unsustainable, and that the onus will be on them to change the levies.

The poll surveyed registered voters, including 521 Republicans, 560 Democrats, 349 independents and 18 others about their opinions on the Trump administrations economic policies, immigration approach and more. It was conducted between April 23 and 27, 2025.

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Methodology: The NewsNation-DDHQ poll was conducted April 23 to 27, among an online sample of 1,448 registered voters, by TrueDot.ai, the AI-accelerated research platform. Respondents were sourced from opt-in online panels via Rep Data and Dynata. No respondent data was inferred or modeled. Results were weighted by age, gender, race, education, and geography using the 2022 Current Population Survey Voting Supplement and past vote preference based on final 2024 presidential vote counts by Census Region. The modeled MOE for the full sample is +/-2.4. The design effect of this survey is 1.2.

Click here for full results.

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Apr. 29ROCHESTER  Directors with the AmeriCorps tutoring program are hoping to find 22 new tutors to place in Rochester Public Schools this fall.

The organization's goal is to get kids from kindergarten to third grade to achieve grade-level proficiency in both reading and math. However, according to AmeriCorps, fewer than one-third of Minnesota students are doing so.

Currently, 34 AmeriCorps tutors are working with Rochester students to help them catch up in reading and math.

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As of late April, 81% of those students had shown improvement in the classes, catching up with their expected grade level proficiency in reading and math, said Christie Skilbred, education impact manager at AmeriCorps.

"And the year is not over yet," she said.

With some of those tutors departing at the end of the year and plans to increase reading and math tutors in schools, AmeriCorps needs 22 new recruits, Skilbred said.

The goal is to get students reading and working with numbers at grade level. Once a student achieves that, it opens a slot for another student.

"The idea is as we see these students come in and exit," Skilbred said. "But it's also a celebration that we have a spot for that next student."

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Anyone 18 or older can apply to become a tutor. Tutors work one-on-one with students during the school day. Tutors can sign up to work 18, 25 or 35-hour work weeks. The positions are paid.

"Evidence consistently shows that students who receive support from a Reading Corps, Math Corps or Early Learning Corps tutor make significantly faster progress and greater gains," said Christine Fankhanel, director of the Minnesota programs Reading Corps, Math Corps, and Early Learning Corps.

One-on-one attention helps students catch up.

"This really provides this extra layer of support," Skilbred said.

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The AmeriCorps tutoring program in Minnesota was established in 2003 with Reading Corps and expanded with Math Corps in 2008.

Across Minnesota, 700 more tutors are needed for this upcoming school year. Reading Corps, Math Corps, and Early Learning Corps tutors have served nearly 30,000 students during the 2024-25 school year.

Statewide, tutors will be in 76 of Minnesota's 87 counties for the 2025-26 school year.
At a rally in Michigan on Tuesday, April 29, held to mark the first 100 days of his second term, President Donald Trump smiled as the crowd chanted three, a call for the President to serve a third term.

In response, Trump said: Well, we actually already served three, if you count. But remember, I like the victories, I like the three victories which we absolutely had. I just don't like the results of the middle term.

Trump, who won his first election in 2016 but then lost to former President Joe Biden in 2020, appeared to once again be denying the results of the 2020 election.

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In actual fact, 2020 saw Trump fall short in key battleground states such as Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, where he was on Tuesday. During his rally, he also incorrectly stated that he won Michigan three times.

Read More: Inside Trumps First 100 Days

Trump has repeatedly claimed that he won the 2020 election, arguing that voter fraud occurred. Two days after election day, whilst vote counting was still ongoing, he posted on social media STOP THE COUNT! And once major news outlets had confirmed Biden as the 46th President, Trump again remarked: "This is a fraud on the American public. This is an embarrassment to our country. We were getting ready to win this election. Frankly, we did win this election." Amid this election denial, the riots of Jan. 6, 2021, occurred.

Meanwhile, Trumps comments at the rally come after much discussion and teasing of a possible third term, only strengthened by the fact the Presidents online store is now selling Trump 2028 merchandise.

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Due to the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. constitution, this is the secondand finalterm that Trump can serve. But this has not stopped him and his Administration from talking about a third.

In an interview with TIME on April 22, marking his first 100 days back in office, Trump was asked about the possibility of seeking a third term and how he had recently said he was not joking about pursuing that avenue.

He said: I'd rather not discuss that now, but as you know, there are some loopholes that have been discussed that are well known. But I don't believe in loopholes. I don't believe in using loopholes.

Read More: The Full Transcript of Donald Trumps 100 Days Interview With TIME

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It echoed what he told NBC in an interview at the end of March, in which he said there are methods available to do it, something he emphasized he was not joking about.

But in an interview with the Atlantic, published on April 28, Trump said that running for a third term in 2028 is not something he is looking into.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also recently shared a similar message, saying that Trump running for a third time is not something that he is thinking of, whilst joking that Trump 2028 hats are flying off the shelves.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Apr. 30Update, Wednesday: Volunteers with Vulcan Towing in Anchorage helped Museum of Alaska director James Grogan extract almost all of the remaining bones from a fin whale on Cook Inlet mudflats on Tuesday.

All that remained of the whale was a pool of tissue and blubber, floating off the coastal trail to the west of Lyn Ary Park in the Turnagain area.

The bones are now at the Museum of Alaska in Wasilla, where they will be cleaned in a process that uses microbes to strip away remaining flesh and then rearticulated into a planned display for the public, Grogan said.

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Original story:

James Grogan woke up Monday discouraged: It seemed his dream of recovering a complete skeleton from the 48-foot fin whale that washed up on the Anchorage mudflats in November might be slipping away with the tide.

With permission from federal wildlife officials, he and dozens of volunteers disassembled much of the carcass in March.

Back then, the mudflats near Fish Creek estuary were still frozen enough to walk, ride a bike or push a stroller to the whale. Thousands of people, including whole classes of schoolchildren, made the trek out to see the juvenile female fin whale, the second-largest species of cetacean on earth.

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The bones had been trucked up to Wasilla, where Grogan hoped to clean them and eventually rearticulate the fin whale skeleton into an educational display at the Museum of Alaska in Wasilla, where he is the executive director.

But the plans ran into a snag.

In March, the ground had been too frozen to pry out much of the whale's structure, including the spine. The group had been forced to leave the RV-sized carcass in the mudflats, with the hopes that spring melt would bring more favorable conditions. In recent weeks, the remains drew dozens of birds, including juvenile eagles and ravens perching on the vertebrae like barstools.

Winter became spring and the mudflats softened, posing a new set of troubles for recovery of the whale, which sat firm near the Fish Creek estuary.

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Last Thursday, Grogan and a few volunteers used a rugged amphibious all-terrain Hagglunds vehicle to get out to the whale before a series of high tides. It was sketchy, Grogan said: The softened mudflats were like quicksand, and the vehicle almost got bogged down, leaving deep ruts.

"It put us in a bad position," he said. Grogan felt it was so dangerous that he wouldn't return to the whale in a vehicle. Then, high tides floated the carcass, sending it west. The question was whether he and his volunteers could keep up  or get back out to the animal to try to remove heavy vertebrae from squelching mudflats.

"She's actually working her way down the coastline to the west," Grogan said Monday morning. "We're trying to keep up with her, but the mudflats are too dangerous for us to get out."

He sounded resigned.

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"If we have to wait much longer, the ocean might take her back," he said. "Which is great, but we'd sure like to have the rest of the skeleton."

He said he'd been "calling people like crazy."

"Do you know anyone with a crane?" he asked.

Then, Monday afternoon, Grogan got a welcome phone call from MaryBeth Printz, a longtime Turnagain neighborhood resident who visits the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail daily. Printz reported that the whale carcass had been lifted by the tide and deposited at a favorable spot for Grogan's interests, right on the beach to the west of Lyn Ary Park.

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By late afternoon, Grogan was out at the pungent carcass, along with a volunteer from Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services. Together, they worked to stake down the whale's vertebrae so that another high tide wouldn't wash the rest of the animal back into the channel of the inlet.

Still, the job of disassembling what was left of the whale seemed major, with two people hacking away at a mountain of gelatinous tissue. Each vertebrae was about 15 pounds, he said. Grogan jokingly recruited joggers and bikers passing by on the trail, covering their noses with shirts.

"Come on down," he said. "I'll get you some gloves."

There was talk of using a towing boom truck to try to lift the whale, but arrangements needed to be made for safe use of the trail and permission from the city, according to Grogan.

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At high tide Monday night, the diminishing remains of the whale were partly submerged in silty gray water, but looked firmly tied to the beach. Grogan said he was calling anyone he could for help, equipment, ideas.

Tuesday would bring another afternoon low tide and a chance to try again.
(NewsNation)  A new study has found that women who suffer from anemia during pregnancy have a greater chance their newborn will be born with a congenital heart defect.

The study, based in the United Kingdom, determined that anemia in the first 100 days of pregnancy increases the risk of heart defects by about 47%, United Press International reported. The study compared the medical records of 2,800 women in the U.K. who had a child born with a heart defect to those of nearly 14,000 women whose children were born healthy.

The outlet reported that about 4.4% of the mothers whose children had a heart defect were anemic in early pregnancy, compared with 2.8% of mothers who had healthy children.

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What is congenital heart disease?

The study, published last week in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, marks the first time in the U.K. that researchers have found a link between maternal anemia and heart defects in newborns. According to the University of Oxford, the research team estimates anemia may account for around one in 20 congenital heart defects in the U.K.

The usual risk of heart defects is around one in 100.

We already know that the risk of congenital heart disease can be raised by a variety of factors, but these results develop our understanding of anemia specifically and take it from lab studies to the clinic, said Duncan Sparrow, lead researcher and associate professor at Oxfords Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics. Knowing that early maternal anemia is so damaging could be a game-changer worldwide.

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Scans show brain reorganization during pregnancy

The teams research, funded by the British Heart Foundation, will now focus on how taking iron supplements before and during pregnancy could help women avoid these congenital abnormalities.

Because iron deficiency is the root cause of many cases of anemia, widespread iron supplementation for women  both when trying for a baby and when pregnant  could help prevent congenital heart disease in many newborns before it has developed, Sparrow said.

The university reported that congenital heart disease is the most common type of birth defect in newborns. It is a significant cause of death in infants.

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Lauren Conlin, host of The Outlier podcast, joins NewsNation to break down the turn in the Angie Solomon case. Once a grieving mother publicly blaming her ex-husband, former Tennessee news anchor Aaron Solomon, for their sons death, Angie Solomon is now facing charges herself  for allegedly trying to have that same ex-husband murdered. Authorities say Angie Solomon unknowingly hired an undercover officer posing as a hitman, even offering to pay from a family trust after the job was done. In court, jurors heard a wire recording of Solomon discussing the plot  even reacting with surprise at the price tag. Despite that recording, Solomon pleaded not guilty, and the judge reduced her bond from $500,000 to $250,000.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Conservative media personality Ann Coulter on Wednesday slammed President Trumps latest Cabinet meeting, saying that it featured Kim Jong il-style tributes.

Would it be possible to have a cabinet meeting without the Kim Jong il-style tributes? Coulter wrote in a post on the social platform X, comparing the Wednesday meeting to that of the former North Korean dictator.

During the meeting, multiple members of Trumps Cabinet, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, praised the president, with the defense chief saying that due to Trumps leadership, he thinks were making the military great again.

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In August, Coulter said she would vote for Trump in the November election despite stating she distrusts him.

Donald Trump, because if he loses he will be running again in four years, and then he will have lost four successive elections for us, Coulter said when asked about her vote choice at the time.

Truthfully, I really like his choice of JD Vance, which I recommended back in May, she continued. Cant trust Trump as far as I can throw him, but I do trust JD Vance to care about the left-behind people.

Despite the praise from his Cabinet on Wednesday, Americans opinions on the Trump administration have soured in recent polls.

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A recent Decision Desk HQ survey showed Trump having a 44 percent approval rating. In a The Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll, the presidents approval rating sank from 45 percent in February to 39 percent in April.

Trump last week reacted negatively to a recent Fox News poll showing him with a 44 percent approval rating, saying in a Truth Social post that the owner of the outlet has told me for years that he is going to get rid of his FoxNews, Trump Hating, Fake Pollster, but he has never done so.

This pollster has gotten me, and MAGA, wrong for years, the president added. Also, and while hes at it, he should start making changes at the China Loving Wall Street Journal. It sucks!!!

The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.

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COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  An Anniston man was killed in a single-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon in Colbert County.

Shelby County homeowners say Highway 280 access point is a safety hazard

Trevor Malone, 30, was injured when the Honda Pilot he was driving left the roadway, struck a fence and then a tree around 3:40 p.m., according to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Malone was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger in the vehicle was injured and transported to Helen Keller Hospital for treatment.

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The crash occurred on U.S. 43 near the 308 marker. ALEA will continue to investigate.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  It was a walk of remembrance of heroes, past and present. Carry the Load, a non-profit organization that honors fallen heroes and first responders, sponsored the annual Memorial May walk.

About 1,000 people, young and old, walked downtown, traveling about two miles from midtown to Liberty Park.

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Carrying an American flag, veteran Ken Glasgow beamed, The mission were on is to bring back the sanctity of Memorial Day. The reason for Memorial Day is more than barbecues, beer, and parties.

They carried their patriotic pride on their backpacks, on their socks, and in their hearts.

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Each year, thousands of people join Carry the Load across the country. On this day, similar walks were scheduled on Staten Island, Perth Amboy, and Metuchen, New Jersey.



Stephen Holley, Co-Founder of the non-profit group, explained, Carry the Load is a term we use. Were all carrying someones memory; thats why we started this in 2011. Through these events, we raise money for various non-profits that are serving military veterans, first responders, and families across the country.



Scheduled each year weeks before the nation pauses on Memorial Day, Carry the Load organizers say they stretch out across 48 states with events that keep the memories alive.

Bo Delacruz joined the walk to show his support, It means a lot to me because sometimes I think we forget about our veterans, forget our first responders, to be out here. A group like this supports this memorial a lot.



Organization founders say Carry the Load was started of anger and frustration for a nation that they felt had forgotten the true meaning of Memorial Day.



Mark Elliott heads the Global Military & Veteran Affairs unit at JP Morgan Chase. He reflected, This is an opportunity to remember, to reflect, to tell stories about those we no longer have. We use the stories we tell as our way of not forgetting them.

This march will be replicated in dozens of cities all across the country over the next several weeks. Everyone will then converge on Dallas on Memorial Day following a 24-hour ruck or backpack march that symbolizes carrying the weight of those lost in the nations battles.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, during the official visit to the country, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry wrote on its X page, Trend reports.

The sides discussed areas of strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties between Azerbaijan and Kuwait, with a particular focus on enhancing collaboration across various sectors.

Both sides emphasized the importance of making full use of existing opportunities for cooperation, particularly in areas such as economic development, trade, investment, energy security, and tourism.

They also underlined the vital role of the Joint Commission for Cooperation in further deepening these relations.

Additionally, Bayramov provided an update on developments in the South Caucasus, particularly concerning Azerbaijans post-conflict recovery and peace efforts.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
New Mexico public school districts and charters have until Aug. 1 to implement a phone-free policy for students. (Photo by SDI Productions via Getty Images)

Public school districts have about three months to develop phone-free policies for students, an initiative passed during the recent legislative session and signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham this month.

Senate Bill 11, sponsored by Sen. Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte), requires all New Mexico school districts and charter schools to develop rules for students use during instructional time of cell phones, smart watches, tablets, laptops and gaming devices in an effort to limit distractions and improve student performance.

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This bill isnt just about test scores. Its about showing our kids that we care enough about their future to take practical steps forward when we can, Brantley said in a written statement. Reducing distractions helps not only academic outcomes but also our students mental health, safety, and focus.

According to the bill, districts have until Aug. 1 to create and implement a wireless communication device policy. The bill also states that the Public Education Department will provide districts with guidelines for minimum policy requirements, and outlines possible requirements such as: limiting device usage during instructional hours; allowing teachers to grant students permission to use devices during instructional time; allowing students to use devices in emergency situations or for accessibility needs; and establishing consequences for violating the policy.

Lujan Grisham signed the bill on April 10, ahead of the April 11 deadline she had for taking action on legislation passed by the Legislature and sent to her desk. In a legislative message, Lujan Grisham described SB11 as a first step towards meaningful regulation of electronic devices in New Mexico schools. However, she called out lawmakers for amending the original bill and making participation in creating policies optional for districts.

The Legislature squirmed out of taking a meaningful step to improve education under the auspice[s] of local control, Lujan Grisham wrote. That is all well and good until this same body blames the Public Education Departmentand now the local bodiesfor poor educational outcomes of New Mexico students. I once again encourage the Legislature to hold local school districts accountable for educational outcomes. Our students deserve it.

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Kelly Jameson, director of communications for Las Cruces Public Schools, told Source NM in a written statement that the district supports the intent of SB11 to create safer, more focused learning environments for all students. She added that the LCPS Board of Education adopted a policy in 2009 concerning the use of electronic communication devices in school. The policy notes that having a device in school is a privilege that can be taken away.

The LCPS board also adopted a regulation in 2023 that outlines by grade level when students may use devices during the school day. For example, elementary students may only use devices before or after school. Middle school students may use their devices during lunch periods, but not during passing periods between classes and regulations for high school students are more lenient.

Violating the LCPS policy can mean devices are confiscated; devices must be left in the schools front office during the school day; or other disciplinary actions are taken with multiple violations.

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) tore apart GOP members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Tuesday as Republicans weigh cuts to Medicaid to satisfy President Donald Trumps agenda.

Ocasio-Cortez, in remarks at a committee markup meeting, declared that GOP lawmakers are suggesting Democrats take their word and trust them that theyll protect Medicaid.

But as a woman, the word was given to me that my rights would not be taken away by the Supreme Court  and that wasnt true, she stressed.

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As an American, the word was given that our First Amendment protections would be in place for everyone, including green-card holders and people who are lawfully here in this country. That didnt end up to be true.

Ocasio-Cortez was speaking in support of an amendment to a GOP-sponsored bill on Tuesday that, per the congresswoman, would require the Department of Health and Human Services to look at how Americans would be impacted should their states see reduced Medicaid expansion funding (or if enrollment decreases).

Her remarks come as the committee  which oversees both Medicare and Medicaid  is set to meet next week as it looks for $880 billion in savings to help finance party-line legislation to support the presidents agenda.

Such a goal would be difficult to hit without making cuts to Medicaid and, as Semafor reported Tuesday, even two of Trumps allies have criticized proposed policy changes to Medicaid, a program that serves millions of low income Americans.

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Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday that Republicans wont be gutting the program as the party looks to finance its package and would instead be going after fraud, waste and abuse and pushing for a work requirement policy for beneficiaries.

Medicaid is supported by an overwhelming majorities of voters in battleground districts, including 78% of the presidents backers, according to figures that a top Trump campaign polling firm shared with Axios last week.

AOC: We heard that we should take your word that Medicaid will be protected  that we should trust you that no one is going to be affected by this. But as a woman, the word was given that my rights would not be taken away by the Supreme Court  and that wasnt true. As an pic.twitter.com/gQy0KS2Wjz  Acyn (@Acyn) April 29, 2025

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From left, Judges Elizabeth Tavitas, Melissa May and Paul Felix on the Indiana Court of Appeals listen to arguments in a streaming services lawsuit on April 29, 2025. (Screenshot of Court of Appeals livestream)

Do streaming services count as video service providers and should they be subject to franchise fees like traditional cable TV? Judges Melissa May, Elizabeth Tavitas and Paul Felix weighed the above question in a remote hearing held at Wabash College on Tuesday.

Also at question was whether lawmakers unconstitutionally intervened in 2023 to nullify a lawsuit filed by four Indiana cities seeking to recoup franchise fees from some streaming service providers.

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In August 2020, four cities sued a handful of streaming services seeking franchise fees equal to 5% of local gross revenue for using facilities in the public right-of-way, similar to how cable television stations operate.

A 2006 law requires video service providers to be licensed with the state and pay quarterly franchise fees to cities and other governments. But the cities of Fishers, Indianapolis, Evansville and Valparaiso say that streaming giants like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, DirectTV and Dish Network havent complied.

Such companies depend on Internet services, specifically shared cables that are part of the greater utility framework accessed through public right-of-way.

Michael Limrick, a partner with Hoover Hull Turner LLP, argues on behalf of four cities before the Indiana Court of Appeals on April 29, 2025. (Screenshot of Court of Appeals livestream)

Im accessing the Hulu programming via the Internet, but I can only access that because the programming has traveled through the public right-of-way to get to my house, argued attorney Michael Limrick on behalf of the cities.  if Im going to pull up programming on my phone that will have been broadcast to my phone from a tower that may be sitting in the public right-of-way.

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Broadcasting through satellite services, for example, wouldnt be included under Indianas video service provider law, Limrick said.

But, rather than letting such questions play out in the courts, the General Assembly intervened, tweaking the definition of video service providers in a way that killed the effort.

The original version of the bill that became House Enrolled Act 1454 didnt include any mention of video service providers, but as the 2023 bill grew from 42 pages to 282 pages, it picked up provisions. The relevant addition explicitly said that video programming offered over the Internet isnt considered to be a video service provider  and then backdated the language to 2006, when the franchise fees were established.

On Tuesday, judges also wondered whether re-opening up the definition in a way that includes the Internet might capture other forms of video content, such as creators on YouTube and TikTok.

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We have these YouTube producers that are making all of these videos  somebody like a Mr. Beast, who now has huge production abilities. Hes not just a guy with a cell phone anymore taking videos of the crazy things hes doing, said Felix. It begins to blur the line as to what is video programming thats similar to regular broadcast.

Limrick argued that accessing YouTube videos arent all fee based, though he acknowledged theres a separate, paid service for watching live television and ad-free videos built into the platform.

The case for streaming services

Citing the new law, a trial court judge ruled in favor of the streaming services to dismiss the case and ruled that the additions were constitutional in June 2024. A story from the Northwest Indiana Times detailing the bills journey to become law reported that the author said the language came from a lobbyist affiliated with Dish Network.

But the cities continued to argue that lawmakers overstepped by adding the video service provider language to a bill that initially sought to address certain Department of Local Government Finance concerns  in effect, creating special legislation.

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Attorney General Todd Rokita, arguing on behalf of the General Assembly, affirmed the trial courts ruling on the constitutionality of the legislatures actions in a December filing. However, should judges rule otherwise, he urged the appeals court to sever the specific portion of House Enrolled Act 1454 concerning video streaming providers from the rest of the law.

 but this remedy is unnecessary in this case because (House Enrolled Act) 1454 is constitutional, he continued. Therefore, this Court should affirm the order of dismissal.

Peter E. Davis, arguing on behalf of Netflix and others, said it didnt count as special legislation and simply clarified existing law  noting that it mirrors how other states have approached the issue.

The cities arguments today undermine the General Assemblys ability to legislate, both for this case and for the future, said Davis.  The cities argument would make such amendments impossible, locking Indiana into taxes and fees passed in a different time, in a different day, with no ability to adjust.

Peter E. Davis, an attorney with Latham & Watkins LLP, argues on behalf of streaming services before the Indiana Court of Appeals on April 29, 2025. (Screenshot from Indiana Court of Appeals livestream)

Davis said it was his understanding that Internet service providers dont pay franchise fees either. Additionally, since the companies are agnostic about how users access their offerings  whether by phone, Internet or otherwise  he said it makes very little sense to impose a fee on streaming.

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What the Internet service provider is doing is very different than what a cable company is doing  theyre enabling access to all kinds of content. So its not just video, but its email. Its information; its social media; its video games, said Davis. It doesnt make any sense to impose franchise fees on just one piece of something that the Internet service provider  whose not even the streaming company here  is ultimately providing.

He also pointed to a 2022 report from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission concluding that streaming video is not treated as a traditional video provider and, therefore, is not required to obtain a state-issued franchise.

However, in a rebuttal, Limrick argued against the notion that the legislature only wanted to regulate the companies installing wiring for the Internet in the public right-of-way.

It could do that; it hasnt done that, said Limrick. What the act regulates are companies that transmit video programming through facilities located, at least in part, in the public right-of-way.

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 the act says nothing about who owns those facilities, continued Limrick, referring to the 2006 law.

Carving out streaming services who operate using the Internet, he said, would be special treatment.

Felix noted a tension created by the arguments because any ruling would impact not only existing streaming services but companies yet to be created. The three judges didnt indicate when to anticipate their ruling.

Complaint.pdf (1)

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A federal appeals court says it won't lift restrictions on the access that Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has to Social Security systems containing personal data on millions of Americans.

The full panel of judges on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 9-6 to keep the ruling from U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander in place while DOGE pushes forward with an appeal. The appellate decision was released Wednesday.

Earlier this month Hollander issued a preliminary injunction in the case, which was brought by a group of labor unions and retirees who allege DOGEs recent actions violate privacy laws and present massive information security risks.

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Hollander said DOGE staffers could access data that has been redacted or stripped of anything personally identifiable, but only if they undergo training and background checks. She also said DOGE and its staffers must purge any of the non-anonymized Social Security data they have already obtained, and barred them from making any changes to the computer code used by the Social Security Administration.

Attorneys representing DOGE had argued that anonymizing the data would be too burdensome, and disrupt the Trump administration's efforts to root out any Social Security fraud.

Appellate Judge Robert B. King, writing for the majority, said DOGE wants immediate and unfettered access to all Social Security records, including the highly sensitive personal information of essentially everyone in our Country, like family court and school records, mental health and medical records of SSA disability recipients, and bank and earning information.

All this highly sensitive information has long been handed over to SSA by the American people with every reason to believe that the information would be fiercely protected, King wrote.

Appellate judge Julius Richardson, who voted against the majority ruling, said the case should have been handled by a smaller three-judge group rather than the full panel of active appellate judges. He also said the plaintiffs haven't shown DOGE has actually snooped on any of their personal information, but instead are distressed by the possibility of abstract harm.
Applications are officially open Wednesday to fill former Charlotte City Council member Tariq Bokharis seat representing District 6.

Bokhari was tapped to join President Donald Trumps Federal Transit Administration earlier this year. District 6 encompasses neighborhoods in south and southeast Charlotte.

RELATED: Former Charlotte Councilman Tariq Bokhari sworn in as Deputy Administrator

The application process will close at 5 p.m on May 13, and that will be followed by a public forum and council vote. The new member would then be sworn in by early June. All council seats are up for election in November.

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You have to be at least 21 years old and a registered Republican in District 6 if youre interested in applying for Bokharis seat.

The citys online application form is at this link or you can apply by sending a completed application to cityclerk@charlottenc.gov.

Bokhari has nominated his wife, Krista, to replace him. She previously ran on the Republican Party ticket for a seat in the North Carolina House.

(VIDEO: Charlotte City Council approves Bank of America Stadium rezoning petition)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKBN)  Tuesday was Cancer Action Day, and about 100 cancer patients and advocates from across the Buckeye State gathered at the Statehouse in Columbus, including a Brookfield woman.

Jill McFarland was diagnosed with breast cancer almost 10 years ago, and while fighting her own cancer battle, she lost her mother to lung cancer caused by tobacco use.

The goal of Tuesdays visit was to urge lawmakers to support Governor Mike DeWines proposed tobacco tax increases and budget funding for programs that prevent and reduce tobacco use and improve access to breast and cervical cancer screenings.

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If we could do the parity tax and the $1.50 per cigarette pack tax, it would prevent young people, maybe older generations, from bouncing from one thing thats too expensive to another tobacco product thats less expensive, McFarland said. If we can catch the young people early, then we can avoid a lot of these, you know, these cases of cancer.

They also asked lawmakers to improve access to cancer care by supporting biomarker and prostate cancer legislation.

Its not just for cancer patients where bio specimen is analyzed to determine what would be the most effective treatment at that time, McFarland said. And for me, I think that would have been extremely helpful.

McFarlands cancer is metastatic. It has spread throughout her body, including the brain. She is scheduled to have an MRI on her brain soon, but in the meantime, is grateful she is experiencing her daughter Isabellas senior year. Isabella was also a spokesperson for the event with her mother.

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Ohios next state budget has not yet been finalized, and the Senate must send a final version to the Governors desk by June 30.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Voters wait in a long line outside of the vote center at the Tolleson Civic Center on Nov. 5, 2024. Photo by Caitlin Sievers | Arizona Mirror

Republican lawmakers passed legislation that would cost Arizona counties tens of millions of dollars every election year and would force them to attempt to find 4,000 new voting locations, something that county election officials described as impossible.

House Bill 2017 passed through the Senate by a 17-12 party line vote on Tuesday.

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Sponsored by Rep. Rachel Keshel, a Tucson Republican and member of the far-right Arizona Freedom Caucus, the proposal would ban in-person early voting and the use of vote centers where any registered voter within a county can cast a ballot.

Instead, it would require the use of precincts capped at 1,000 registered voters apiece.

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Most counties use voting centers, which allow any registered voter to show up and cast a ballot at any polling site in the county. Under the precinct model, only voters assigned to a precinct can vote there, and if they vote at the wrong location, their ballot wont be counted.

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During a March 5 Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee hearing, Keshel said that capping precincts at 1,000 voters would make the election process more manageable and trustworthy.

I think some of us would agree that the voting centers havent really caused more faith in our elections, Keshel said. They havent caused less chaos. Theyve done the opposite.

She cited issues at voting centers in Maricopa County during the 2022 general election, when printer problems caused long lines and frustration for voters. But her claims that long lines werent a problem prior to that were untrue. Long lines and other Election Day problems occurred in Arizona long before Maricopa County started using voting centers in 2018.

Keshels proposal is all but guaranteed to get a veto from Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, but the Senate could still vote on its mirror, House Concurrent Resolution 2002, which would bypass the governors desk and head straight to the 2026 ballot to be decided by the voters.

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The Joint Legislative Budget Committee wrote in an April 11 fiscal note that HCR2002 would cost the counties a total of around $53 million in its first election year and more than $21 million each election year after that.

House Bill 2017 would have the same impacts, including the requirement that counties open 3,957 additional voting locations for each election, and find more than 27,000 additional poll workers to staff them.

HB 2017 would be impossible to implement and would add immeasurable burdens to our counties while hurting voters in the process, Sen. Analise Ortiz, a Phoenix Democrat, said before voting against the bill. So, even if this would be able to be implemented, it would have devastating impacts and is just another attempt to suppress the vote.

Jen Marson, the executive director of the Arizona Association of Counties, has repeatedly told legislators that the counties would be unable to find enough voting locations or workers to comply with Keshels bill.

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Even Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap, who spent two years on the House Elections Committee where he questioned Marsons claims that some bills were impossible to implement, changed his tune only days after he took office. During a January committee hearing, Heap conceded that he didnt think 1,000-voter caps would be realistic in the states most populous county, home to more than half of the nearly 4.6 million registered voters in the state.

But far-right Republican Sen. Mark Finchem, an election denier from Prescott who made wild and unsubstantiated claims of election fraud when he unsuccessfully challenged his loss in the race for the Secretary of States Office in 2022, said he wasnt buying it.

I find it interesting that, quite often when government officials say, We cant, it actually means, We wont. Finchem said. Its a big difference between the two. One has to do with the will to perform for the people, the other has to do with ignoring the calls for what the people want.

Without further explanation, Finchem pointed out that Venezuela, Nicaragua and El Salvador all use precinct-based voting.

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All three of those countries are under authoritarian rule and are often described as dictatorships, and elections in Venezuela and Nicaragua are widely considered not to be free and fair. The most recent presidential election in El Salvador was marred by corruption and bad practices.

In 2016, the last time Maricopa County used only precinct-based polling places, it had 671 polling sites. In last years election, it opened 246. Keshels bill calls for 2,600 precinct locations in Maricopa County, more than 10 times the number it operated in 2024.

The county began using the vote center model because it struggled to find enough precinct locations, and because it stopped the problem of provisional ballots being thrown out because they were cast at the wrong location.

Keshel admitted during the March 5 meeting that she hadnt done the math to figure out how many precinct locations would be needed before drafting her proposal, and still hadnt done so as of that date. But she brushed off the idea that finding nearly 4,000 new polling locations and 27,000 workers would be a problem.

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We did this before, Keshel said. I feel like those are excuses to not go back to the way that we did it for decades in Arizona. It was a much better system.

But the state has not, at least in recent history, had precincts with only 1,000 voters nor has it operated 4,000 voting locations.

Keshels proposal doesnt include a contingency plan for what the counties should do if they fail to find enough voting locations and workers. During the January committee meeting Republican Rep. John Gilette said he found Marsons claims hard to believe and suggested that the counties use jails, parks, fire stations and police stations. Marson explained that, because voting locations must be within the physical boundaries of each precinct, that wouldnt work for small communities where those locations were typically within a few blocks of one another.

Republican Rep. Alexander Kolodin, of Scottsdale, suggested that counties could instead rent out private homes or Airbnbs. But Marson said the counties hadnt contemplated doing that since those locations likely wouldnt have the required number of parking spaces or be ADA-accessible.

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House Bill 2017 is a repeat of a bill that Keshel sponsored last year that failed to make it through the Senate when a single Republican, Sen. Ken Bennett, voted against it. Bennett, a former secretary of state, was often the lone member of his party to question GOP-backed proposals based on election conspiracy theories. He lost his reelection bid last year to Finchem in the Republican primary.

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An Arizona woman was among five people recently arrested under federal charges in suspected federal disaster relief fraud related to January's devastating Southern California wildfires.

Katrina Woods, 33, of Maricopa, is suspected of submitting a fraudulent $23,441 disaster relief claim on Jan. 30, an April 25 news release from the U.S. Department of Justice announced. Woods is accused of listing a nonexistent Altadena, California, address as her primary home and falsely claiming it was destroyed in the Eaton Fire, the DOJ said. Between February and March, Woods made reservations at a downtown Los Angeles hotel and another in nearby Hawthorne, according to the DOJ.

The woman's stay at the Los Angeles hotel was halted March 10 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and she was taken into custody April 23 in Arizona on "an unrelated matter," the DOJ's new release said.

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As of April 29, Woods remained held on a $50,000 bond on a suspected state fraud offense, according to DOJ spokesman Ciaran McEvoy. Details of the state charge were not immediately available.

She is scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court in the weeks to come, the DOJ added.

The four others facing federal charges were apprehended April 24, according to the news release. Woods is the lone person charged who is not from California. If convicted, the five could receive a maximum 30-year sentence, the DOJ said.

According to the DOJ, a California resident, previously arrested on similar charges, pleaded guilty on April 23, and another was expected to do the same on May 2.

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As described by the Justice Department, the Eaton and Palisades fires ignited Jan. 7 and burned through nearly 60,000 acres, taking out more than 16,000 structures and killing 30 people. FEMA furnished $750 as relief payment, another $43,600 for personal property, transportation, medical and other needs, along with up to 18 months of housing assistance to victims, the DOJ detailed. Home repair relief maxed at $43,600 was also provided, the DOJ added.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona woman suspected of using wildfire money for hotel stays
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has signed a decree amending the provisions related to the operations of the State Security Service, Trend reports.

Under the decree, Amendments to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan No. 724 of January 13, 2016, regarding the provision of the activities of the State Security Service have been approved.

The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan is tasked with addressing the matters arising from this decree.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Officials with the Arkansas Department of Health released recent data on the measles vaccine rate in the state, showing high percentages across certain age groups.

According to data from the ADH, the percentages range from 82% to 92% in children born in 2021 to kindergarteners during the 2023-2024 school year.

Children born in 2021 by age 24 months  82.40%

Children born in 2021 by age 35 months  86.90%

Kindergartens for the 2023-24 school year  92.50%

Children ages 13-17 for the 2023 calendar year  91.60%

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The data comes after Arkansas health officials confirmed the fourth measles case in the state in 2025, marking the first case of community spread of measles in Arkansas this year.

Unvaccinated child contracts first Arkansas measles case since 2018

The first case since 2018 was reported earlier this month, and the remaining three were reported within the last two weeks.

Cases have been reported in Saline County and Faulkner County. Health officials reported that all the confirmed cases were children who were unvaccinated.

According to ADH officials, those who received the MMR vaccine or were born before 1957 are generally considered immune.

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Measles: What are the first symptoms to look for?

To learn more about measles, visit Healthy.Arkansas.gov.

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The arm you offer up for vaccination could impact your immediate immune response. But here's the catch: scientists still aren't sure if it's better to give a secondary booster shot to the same arm or a different one.

Currently, only a handful of studies have explored whether you should switch sides between a first and second jab, and the ones on COVID vaccines have produced mixed results.

Following the 2020 outbreak of COVID-19, for instance, researchers in Germany found that giving multiple jabs to the same arm produced better immune responses two weeks later.

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Then, a follow-up study from researchers in the US found the exact opposite. According to that randomized trial, switching arms between shots resulted in a four-fold increase in COVID-specific antibodies four weeks after the second jab.

Get ready for yet another contradictory finding. Researchers in Australia are weighing in on the debate, and their experiments on mice and humans agree with the same-arm study.

The trial, led by Rama Dhenni from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and Alexandra Carey Hoppe from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), involved 30 healthy participants who had not yet had COVID-19.

All participants received two shots of the Pfizer vaccine, three weeks apart  20 had both shots in the same arm, while 10 got the booster in the opposite arm to the first jab.

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Those in the same-arm group showed a boosted immune response in the week after their second shot, according to blood and lymph node analysis.

"Those who received both doses in the same arm produced neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 significantly faster  within the first week after the second dose," explains Carey-Hoppe.

"These antibodies from the same arm group were also more effective against variants like Delta and Omicron," adds immunologist Mee Ling Munier from UNSW.

Still, the apparent immune boost from a same-arm vaccination was ultimately short-lived. Four weeks after the booster, those who received a jab in the same arm showed similar antibody levels to those who received a jab in the opposite arm.

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This suggests that the strengthened immune response from same-arm vaccinations does not last longer than a month.

"If you've had your COVID jabs in different arms, don't worry  our research shows that over time the difference in protection diminishes," says Munier. "But during a pandemic, those first weeks of protection could make an enormous difference at a population level."

Further research is needed, but Munier suspects that this same-arm vaccine strategy could help achieve herd immunity faster.

To explore why that might be, Munier and colleagues used mouse models. When mice were given a second vaccine to the same side of the body, it increased their immune response in that side's lymph nodes.

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Lymph nodes drain fluid from their respective sides of the body. When a vaccine is administered to one arm, it introduces the corresponding lymph node to a weakened pathogen (or its components).

Immune cells called macrophages, which guard the entry point to the lymph nodes, handcuff these invaders and take them to unique players called memory B cells (Bmems).

These long-lived cells memorize what the danger looks like for future reference, and they also enter a specialized factory within the lymph node to trigger the production of antibodies tailored to that specific invader.

In mouse models, when a second vaccine was given to the same side of the body, the draining lymph node's sentinel macrophages were already primed to respond to that threat.

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This means they jumped to action faster, communicating with "large clusters of reactivated Bmems" to send 10 times as many Bmems into the antibody factory as the non-draining lymph node.

Memory B cells (red) interact with macrophages in the lymph node of a mouse. (Dr. Rama Dhenni)

Similar to the mouse data, when 18 of the human participants had their lymph nodes biopsied with a fine needle, the researchers found those who received a same-arm jab had increased percentages of Bmems in these antibody factories.

While these results are intriguing and shed some much-needed light on how vaccines work to boost our immune systems, Dhenni and colleagues argue further research is needed to make any practical recommendations.

The new findings may be more relevant to initial boosters given in quick succession, for instance, not necessarily seasonal vaccines that can be given months, if not years, apart, when immune responses on both sides of the body have time to balance out.

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"This is a fundamental discovery in how the immune system organizes itself to respond better to external threats  nature has come up with this brilliant system and we're just now beginning to understand it," says immunologist Tri Phan.

The study was published in Cell.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A Lauderdale County, Tennessee, man is wanted by the U.S. Marshals for charges related to the discharge of a firearm at law enforcement in 2024.

Bryan Andrew Lebel is wanted for violation of probation for aggravated assault. He is considered armed and dangerous and is not to be approached.

Bryan Lebel_Mugshot Courtesy of U.S. Marshals

He was set to report to jail, and he had neglected to do that, said Lauderdale County Sheriff Brian Kelly. When we went to apprehend him, he did flee, and we havent been able to locate him yet.

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Wednesday, the Lauderdale County Sheriffs Office issued a public safety announcement to citizens in Southern Lauderdale County and Henning.

Lebel was last seen about two days ago at his home on Henning-Bethlehem Road. People who live on the road said law enforcement were at the home Tuesday night.

Near Lebels home in Henning in Lauderdale County. WREG photo

The sheriff said Lebel is a survivalist with extensive knowledge of the area.

All indications are that he is still in the area, and he is a survalist, so to speak, an outdoorsman, and hes basically just kinda in the woods. Living in the woods, said Kelley.

U.S. Marshals said it was possible Lebel was headed toward Haywood County.

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This is the second time in just over a year that Lebel has been considered a fugitive.

In January of 2024, Lauderdale authorities and U.S. Marshals were searching for Lebel following a domestic violence incident in Henning.

According to the sheriffs office, when deputies responded to the call, Lebel shot at them. A patrol vehicle was hit, but no deputies were injured.

Lebel was taken into custody three days later without incident after his residence was surrounded by law enforcement.

Bryan Lebel (Lauderdale County Sheriffs Office)

Lebel was charged with attempted murder, but the charge was reduced to aggravated assault.

I want my citizens to know what were doing, and that we are taking every step possible and using every resource that we can to apprehend Mr. Lebel in a safe manner, Sheriff Kelley said.



If you see or have information concerning his whereabouts, contact the Lauderdale County Sheriffs Office at 731-635-1311.

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An Army Black Hawk pilot who was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly distributing LSD argued in court he has the religious right to consume the psychedelic drug as a sacrament and sell it on the dark web.

Federal prosecutors accused 1st Lt. Kyle Norton Riester of conspiring with others to distribute 10 grams or more of LSD, according to an indictment filed April 24 by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

In their own lawsuit, Riesters attorneys acknowledged he distributed LSD online but countered that he did so in a sacramental form and only to other individuals who used it for religious reasons.

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Riester and his attorneys are attempting to fight his prosecution on religious freedom grounds. They sued  unsuccessfully  to receive an emergency injunction that aimed to block the government from indicting him.

In the lawsuit, Riesters attorneys said he has a sincerely held belief that LSD is a sacrament, which allows him to commune with God and is necessary for his continued spiritual growth and development.

He also believes Bitcoin to be sacred, the lawsuit said, because it allows him to distribute allegedly sacramental LSD to others who share his beliefs.

The case turns a spotlight on the entheogenic movement, the adherents of which use psychoactive substances like hallucinogenic mushrooms, ayahuasca or other psychedelics as part of religious rituals or to achieve a meditative or spiritual state.

Growing concerns about LSD

The federal government classified LSD as a Schedule I drug, meaning the substance is not recognized as serving an accepted medical use and is labeled as having a high potential for abuse. The government has in recent years conducted studies on the potential therapeutic uses of other drugs, such as MDMA.

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LSD is barred in the military. Its use was once rare enough among troops that in 2006, the Pentagons former top counternarcotics official cut testing for it from the Defense Departments standard drug-testing panel. In a memo announcing the change at the time, former defense official Richard Douglas said that over a three-year period, only four drug tests out of more than two million had tested positive for LSD.

But over the past decade, a series of embarrassing incidents involving LSD prompted the Pentagon to pay more attention to service members illicit use of the drug.

We have a drug problem: LSD now part of random drug screening in 2nd Marine Division

In 2016, security forces airmen at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming  whose jobs entailed guarding nuclear missiles  were busted for buying, distributing and using LSD and other drugs. Six airmen were ultimately court-martialed, and another eight were disciplined in other ways.

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Four years later, following the revelation of a drug problem among some Marines, the Defense Department authorized commanders to once again test troops for LSD.

Religious sacrament or dangerous drug?

Riester alleged in his lawsuit that the federal government violated his rights under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by raiding his home last August, issuing him a reprimand, ordering him to cooperate with federal law enforcement and attempting to prosecute him for alleged conspiracy to distribute LSD.

The suit was filed April 3 against multiple Defense Department and federal government officials. A district court judge in Alexandria, Virginia, rejected those arguments April 23, clearing the way for federal prosecutors to indict him.

The Washington Post, which first reported the case, said prosecutors alleged in the April 23 hearing that Riester sent almost 1,800 shipments of LSD to purchasers online and collected almost $122,000 from the sales.

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The judge at hearing denied his request for an injunction to prevent his prosecution, The Washington Post reported, and said that even if his spiritual beliefs on the consumption of LSD were genuine, its far from clear that sincere religious belief would extend to the indiscriminate selling of LSD on the dark web.

VA awards $1.5 million to study using psychedelics for PTSD treatment

Army spokesman Christopher Surridge said Riester has been reassigned to administrative duties pending his discharge and does not have access to classified material. He said the Army could not provide further information due to Privacy Act constraints.

Riesters attorneys said he never piloted helicopters while under the influence of LSD.

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They argued the governments actions are causing ongoing irreparable harm to [his] religious exercise, conscience and reputation by forcing him to stop his religious practices and potentially ending his military career with a dishonorable discharge.

Riester had asked the court to declare a permanent injunction on the government, preventing it from arresting, prosecuting or threatening him or his wife for acquiring and possessing LSD and distributing it to those who share his faith for ceremonial purposes. His wife is also a Black Hawk pilot but had no knowledge of Riesters LSD-related activities, his lawyers wrote in the lawsuit.

Riester also wanted the court to order the government to allow him to use and dispense LSD to those who share his faith.

After the judge denied those requests, Riesters attorney, George Lake, told Military Times that Riester plans to appeal the judges decision to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Turning to psychedelics

The lawsuit said that Riester  who grew up in a non-religious household in Vermont  first took LSD in 2017 while attending Indiana Universitys Kelly School of Business under an Army ROTC scholarship.

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That sacramental experience was deeply religious and mystical in nature, the lawsuit said, allowing him direct communion with his creator.

He continued to sacramentally consume LSD, the suit said. Those experiences, ranging from between eight to 12 hours, helped him reach religious and mystical states and allowed him to consult divine forces and entities which guide and instruct him on how to live in accordance with his higher spiritual self and higher spiritual path.

Today, Lake said, Riester regularly attends a nondenominational Christian church. Lake described Riesters religion as a syncretic blend of Christianity and entheogenic psychedelic use.

Through his adult life, he started this spiritual journey  in college, going to ceremonies with mushrooms, ayahuasca, these things, Lake said. And then, just kind of naturally evolved for him into LSD, [which] he found was his preferred and best method for communion with his conception of God.

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But during COVID-19 lockdowns, the suit said, it became difficult for Riester and others who share his beliefs to gather in person to practice their religion. The pandemic also caused stress and isolation, it said, so Riester and his religious community moved online.

Riester felt compelled, in accordance with the Divine guidance and instruction he had received while communing with LSD, to assist others in sacramental access to their shared Sacrament during this time, his lawsuit reads.

Riesters lawsuit said he dispensed sacramental LSD to co-religionists via the dark web from September 2022 to May 2024. He also published articles on Substack from May 2021 to June 2022 detailing his beliefs on LSD and Bitcoin, the suit said.

Psychedelic ceremonies on hold

In May 2024, as COVID-19 restrictions eased and access to sacrament-grade LSD expanded, Riester voluntarily stopped all his online distributions and deleted his dark web account, the lawsuit said.

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But three months later, agents from the FBI, Army Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Postal Service and other organizations raided Riesters Springfield, Virginia, apartment, looking for LSD trafficking evidence, the lawsuit said. Riesters attorneys said this search did not turn up LSD, but agents seized his passport and electronics and ordered him to submit to a urinalysis with CID.

Can LSD and magic mushrooms help win wars? This Marine officer says yes

Riester is also under indictment in the Southern District of Texas on at least one charge related to fraudulent Bitcoin transfers in which [Riester] had unwittingly taken part, the suit said.

Riester is now on bond in Texas, and his pre-trial release conditions prohibit him from using controlled substances such as LSD, which substantially burdens plaintiffs sincere religious exercise, his lawsuit says.

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The suit also said that after the August 2024 raid on his apartment, he has been unable  to maintain his commitment to his religion and to the military as his military service contract did not allow him to consume any controlled substances while on active duty.

Dark web dealings

Riesters commanding officer ordered him to cooperate with the federal government shortly after the August 2024 raid on his apartment, Lake said. At that point, he was coerced by law enforcement into gathering information on dark web dealers attempts to sell fake oxycodone pills made with fentanyl, Lake claimed.

Riesters dark web account had credits showing it was used to sell LSD, Lake said, which law enforcement may have felt gave him credibility as he attempted to gather information on fentanyl dealers. Lake said Riester did not participate in sting operations on those dealers but pried for information on their manufacturing and distribution protocols and suppliers.

This wasnt something natural with him, Lake said of Riesters attempts to contact fentanyl dealers on the dark web on behalf of the government. Mr. Riester was actually part of dark web forums that were full of spiritual seekers using [psychedelic substances] for religious, spiritual purposes, and trying to do so safely. Thats the community he was part of. All this other [stuff] was forced upon him.

Lake said Riester cooperated with law enforcement for several months in late 2024 but the operation yielded only perfunctory information.

If Riester is convicted of LSD distribution, he could be forced to forfeit property involved in the commission of the alleged crime, including cryptocurrency, a rifle, a shotgun, two pistols, magazines and ammunition, among other penalties, according to the indictment.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Police announced an arrest in a Geneva shooting that left the victim in guarded condition. Officers are still searching for the other suspect.

On Tuesday, a man was taken to Geneva General Hospital with a gunshot wound to his upper body. He was rushed into surgery and is in guarded condition.

Investigators were able to determine the victim was shot in a home on Exchange Street and developed two primary suspects in the shooting.

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Later that evening, around 9:30 p.m., a search was executed at a home on Exchange Street and arrested 19-year-old Jonathan Bey. He was charged with first-degree assault and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was taken to the Ontario County Jail.

The Geneva Police Department is continuing to search for the second suspect. Officers say this was an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the public. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.

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MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  A suspect was arrested Wednesday in connection with the fatal stabbing of a man in the New York City subway last week, police said.

Luis Jose-Duarte, 46, of the Bronx, was charged with first-degree manslaughter in the stabbing death of 38-year-old John Sheldon in Lower Manhattan on Friday, according to the NYPD.

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Sheldon was stabbed in the chest after he and another subway rider got into an argument on a southbound No. 5 train during the morning rush hour, according to sources. The other man had stepped on Sheldons shoes, sources said.

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After he was stabbed, Sheldon collapsed on the platform of the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall subway station, police said. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Sheldon, who was from Brooklyn, had dozens of prior arrests in the transit system, an MTA source said. He was accused of assault on transit officers and workers, robbery, and theft, sources said.

Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than six years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.

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Related video: Man shot multiple times at White Palace Grill while DNC delegates were inside

CHICAGO (WGN)  Chicago police on Tuesday announced an arrest in connection with an overnight shooting last August that left one man wounded at a South Loop diner where Democratic National Convention delegates were eating.

Delvin Bryant, 31, of Chicago, faces a felony weapons charge as a repeat offender concerning the August 23 shooting at White Palace Grill, located at 1159 South Canal Street.

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The Friday morning shooting occurred just before 3 a.m. WGN News reported that dozens of people inside the restaurant had been at the DNC, which had just wrapped up hours before at the United Center.

Delvin Bryant (Photo courtesy of Chicago Police Department)

According to police, the 42-year-old victim had just left the diner when a gunman opened fire.

The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, and police said the offender fled the scene. The victim survived.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Authorities arrested Bryant on Monday. He is due in court for a detention hearing on Wednesday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
CROCKETT, Texas (KETK)  The Crockett Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for a man who is a suspect in an armed robbery that took place last week.

Crockett PD searching for individuals after stolen truck used in armed robbery

On April 22, the Crockett Police Department posted on their Facebook page that a 2020 Ram 3500 was stolen overnight from the 300 block of Cordell Street. During the investigation, detectives discovered that the stolen truck had been used in an armed robbery that occurred in the 1100 block of U.S. 287 in Grapeland, at the Ranch Express Convenience store.

Jose Wilfredo Berrios, courtesy of the Crockett Police Department

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Police then issued an arrest warrant for 18-year-old Jose Wilfredo Berrios. According to officials, the warrant is for criminal trespass and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Additionally, the Grapeland Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Berrios, charging him with aggravated robbery, according to officials.

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Michiganders have a lot of words when it comes to describing the first 100 days of President Donald Trump's second term in office. Here are a handful:

Alarming. Chaotic. Dynamic. Glorious. Extraordinary. Evil.

At a rally at Macomb Community College on April 29, Trump celebrated his crossing the 100-day mark, returning to the stage in a state he has repeatedly campaigned in and vied for as a victorious hero, depicting his still-nascent second term to date as an unequivocal success, an unrivaled achievement, a national rebirth.

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"After 100 days back in the White House, America is a free, proud and sovereign nation once more and our magnificent destiny is closer than ever before," he said. "Our golden age has only just begun."

And yes, the Free Press heard much the same from many Michiganders in the last month. From Erica Rodriguez, 45, of Midland, who said Trump came into office "with guns blazing" and from Roxanne Jabalee, 66, of St. Clair Shores, who called the president and his first 100 days, "brilliant."

But a lot of other words and feelings were also employed to describe Trump's baldly aggressive approach and historic attempt to remake the federal government, and the worldwide economic order, in the few months since he was inaugurated on Jan. 20. Many were not nearly so unanimous, so glowing, so kind.

"Wake up, America, before he crashes everything," said Jerry Catlin, 78, of Lapeer.

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Over the last several weeks, more than four dozen reporters from the Detroit Free Press, Lansing State Journal and Center for Community Journalism  Michigan talked to more than 100 people representing a diverse selection of residents from every region, political leaning and background. The result is a series of brief interviews that offer a sketch of how Trump's agenda and efforts are being received in a key swing state that last year for the second time helped elect him as president (and in the intervening term helped defeat him).

The hope is that, when viewed as a whole, it will be akin to an impressionist painting, portraying something more nuanced and complete than any single interview, and less reductive and reactionary than any single political rally when it comes to gauging reaction to Trump's second first 100 days. The hope is also that it shows the scope of how widely Michiganders differ and that, while their concerns for the future and their appreciation or antipathy for the administration vary wildly, there is also an ideological, philosophical or moral diversity that should be acknowledged.

Take, for instance, Barbara Ritch, a 75-year-old living in Holly. Shes been worried about the number of immigrants unlawfully entering the country and cheered on Trump's efforts to protect the border and deport illegal migrants. Hes doing what he said he would do, she said. His promises are being fulfilled."

Or take Betty Romo, 40, of Lincoln Park, who moved to Michigan decades ago from Jalisco, Mexico. She didn't vote but sees what's happening in government as deeply sad. "My heart aches for my community, for the fear we live with every day. The uncertainty about our future, about whether well be safe or allowed to stay, makes me feel helpless," she said.

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Or take AJ Whitehead, a 21-year-old junior Michigan State University student from Warren. A Black man who voted for Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, he's concerned about the cost of living, lost opportunity and political divisiveness in an atmosphere where the president has moved to strip away efforts to promote and protect diversity and equality. "The whole Trump administration doesnt make it seem like I have a secure future in a way, he said. "I dont really know what my future holds.

And on it goes. From a lifelong Republican like 66-year-old Penny Swan in Hillsdale who voted third-party last year because she disagrees with what she considers a cruel immigration policy that threatens to sweep up and deport Americans, to Amy Barbieri, a small business owner in Warren who considers herself more of a Democrat but voted for Trump in the last two elections, and who now says tariffs and concerns over the future of TikTok (which she used to make sales) have ruined her business. "So, no, I'm not a Trump supporter anymore," she said.

Carol Kuhn, an 84-year-old retired autoworker from Oxford, has been thrilled with the first months of Trumps second term so far. Every morning I get up, I thank God that President Trump is our president and we dont have to have what we had for four years, she said, referring to former President Joe Biden's term.

In Hamtramck, 37-year-old Kate Mason, a Democrat who supported Harris described the Trump administration as a "dumpster fire" that's "dismantling democracy right in front of us."

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"We're gonna have to do a reckoning on the left and figure out how we come back from this," she said.

And on it goes, in a state and a country where Trump's bold approach to his second term has people amazed, shocked, stunned, elated. Here's a chance, below, to look at all of those interviews, divvied by region, with more than 100 Michiganders and what they had to say about the president's second term to date, how far it's gone and what they think about where it might be headed.

Read all 100 interviews by region:

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Want more local journalism like this? Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.

This series was reported by: Dana Afana, Lily Altavena, Sarah Atwood, Tresa Baldas, Duante Beddingfield, Dave Boucher, Lisa Vidaurri Bowling, Jackie Charniga, Natalie Davies, Paul Egan, Eric Guzman, Christina Hall, Brad Heineman, Clara Hendrickson, Brendel Hightower, Johnathan Hogan, Violet Ikonomova, Cassidey Kavathas, Georgea Kovanis, Jamie L. LaReau, Eric D. Lawrence, Arpan Lobo, Keith Matheny, Sarah Moore, Darcie Moran, David Rodriguez Munoz, Corey J. Murray, David Panian, Jenna Prestininzi, Nour Rahal, Nushrat Rahman, Liam Rappleye, Don Reid, JC Reindl, Adrienne Roberts, Andrea May Sahouri, Beki San Martin, Susan Selasky, Kristen Jordan Shamus, Scott Talley, Kristi Tanner, Connor Veenstra, Tess Ware, Niraj Warikoo, Jalen Williams, John Wisely, Suzanne Nolan Wisler and Frank Witsil.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump's first 100 days: Michigan residents weigh in
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections Madison offices. (Photo by Henry Redman/Wisconsin Examiner)

Department of Corrections Secretary Jared Hoy took questions from lawmakers on the Assembly Corrections Committee Tuesday, explaining the plan for Gov. Tony Evers about $500 million state budget request.

Hoy previously defended the proposal to the Joint Finance Committee prior to which co-chair Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) had expressed concerns that the plan lacked detail.

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About $325 million in Evers proposal would go to overhaul the states correctional facilities through a domino plan  starting with work to close Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls, which were initially supposed to close in 2021 under 2018 Act 185, and culminating in the closure of the Green Bay Correctional Institution.

There are a lot of issues with running facilities that are that old, Hoy said about the Green Bay facility, which was built in 1898. It would cost about $6.3 million for the closure. We shouldnt be running prisons in that manner in 2025 We want to do more with our population than what those facilities can afford us to do.

Under the plan, Waupun Correctional Institution would be closed temporarily for renovations, including replacing the existing cells with modern housing for 600 medium-security beds and establishing space for a vocational village. The work on Waupun would cost about $245.3 million and be ready to open in 2031.

If we are going to keep Waupun open, we are going to completely flip the script. We are going to rewrite the narrative of Waupun, Hoy said.

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Hoy said that the idea wouldnt be far from turning the Waupun facility into a college campus where inmates can receive vocational, career and technical education.

Theyre living in community together. Theyre going to school together. Theyre studying in the evenings together, and its predicated on robust partnerships with the community so that we have manufacturers out in the community who come in to do the training on site, Hoy said.

Other infrastructure funding would include $130 million to complete construction of a Type 1 youth facility in Dane County, which would be necessary to close Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake schools, $9 million to convert Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake into a 500-bed facility for men, $8.8 million to convert Stanley Correctional Institution to a maximum-security institution and $56 million to expand Sanger B. Powers Correctional Center by 200 beds.

Committee Chair Rep. Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) asked how DOC considered future budgets and whether there would be increases to the cost.

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Its not the full cost of capital and programming for the future, so theres a cost that is going to be harder to quantify when you build this, and you get it up and running, Kaufert said.

Hoy said that closing Green Bay would actually represent a significant decrease in operating budget and updating Waupun would also lead to some decreases.

Operating Waupun is quite cost prohibitive because [of] the number of staff that you need to run those aging facilities, Hoy said. Running a smaller facility at Waupunrequires less staffing, as well as shutting down Green Bay, your overall operating budget starts to offset [needing] more staff at Sanger Powers [Correctional Center] to help with the additional beds.

Hoy also addressed some of the policy changes meant to address the growing prison population. Wisconsins prison population as of February was 23,074 and is expected to grow to 24,000 by the end of the biennium, despite the state only having capacity to house 17,638 people across its correctional facilities.

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About a third of our entire population is nonviolent in our prisons, and so we have existing programs that help people get the treatment, get the support and get them back out the door in a timely manner, Hoy said. One of the main mechanisms we have to do that at our disposal is the earned release program.

Evers plan would expand access to the states Earned Release Program to allow an additional 2,500 participants. The plan would expand access to workforce training and substance use treatment for people who have 48 months or less left in their sentences for nonviolent offenses to support this.

Rep. Shelia Stubbs (D-Madison) asked if the state is hitting a tipping point when it comes to its prison population.

Are we at the point of even thinking about sending people to other jails? Are we thinking about sending people out of state? Stubbs asked. Our incarceration numbers right now are very high.

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Hoys said that would be a nuclear option, given that it would take people away from their families and community.

I have no intention, no desire to send people out of state, Hoys said, but added that at some point our options are going to run out.

Hoys said DOC is leveraging jail contracts as much as it can and noted that one change that is being sought in the budget is an increase to the daily rate. Right now, he said the rate is capped at $60 a day and he wants that bumped to $80 to match the rate for federal inmates.

If Im a sheriff and Im looking at taking in-state guys versus federal guys or women for that matter, Im going to choose the federal folks because the price tag [is] better, Hoy said. I want to be able to have that as a resource. Again, Id like to keep everybody in our facilities as opposed to county jails, but that is a safety valve for us that we currently do utilize.

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Kaufert, who was newly elected to his seat in November, noted that during his previous tenure in the state Legislature in the 1990s, lawmakers on the corrections committee toured facilities in other states where Wisconsin inmates were being held.

I dont want to make that mistake again, Kaufert said.

Rep. Benjamin Franklin (R-De Pere) asked whether DOC would at least consider building a new facility to replace the Green Bay one. He added that he recently spoke to the Brown County sheriff, who said there are hundreds of people at home on ankle bracelets because there just isnt enough space.

I want to commend the governor for acknowledging that that needs to go away  GBCI, Franklin said.

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We definitely did look but to just replace Green Bay [maximum] facility  same size, same number of beds  youre approaching a billion dollars, if not more, Hoy said, adding that the state also got an estimate of about $800 million for a smaller facility.

If I was looking across our population right now, and we were packed to the gills with violent offenders I wouldnt be saying, no, lets not build anything. Id be saying we need to make sure our communities are safe and continue to house these people, Hoy said. But when Im sitting on, you know, a third of 23,000 people that are non-violent I believe its not only the right thing to do, but fiscally responsible to give those folks a chance in the community.

Rep. Jerry OConnor (R-Fond Du Lac) asked how far up DOC is on Evers priority list. Noting the University of Wisconsin system budget and the public K-12 funding challenges, he said that everyone is seeking funding from the same pot of money. Wisconsin has a $4 billion budget surplus and Evers had suggested raising taxes on the wealthiest Wisconsinites.

I think were pretty close to the top, and Im not just saying that because Im the secretary of DOC. I mean I think its one of his biggest priorities, Hoy said.

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Kaufert expressed interest in having more committee hearings with DOC about the plan.

Theres so many arms and legs on this that one impacts the other, Kaufert said, adding that they could break it down to have more time to speak about all the pieces. He noted that if they are spending hundreds of millions and ending up with less beds, they better have darn good answers for taxpayers.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. Within the framework of mutual commitments to strengthen bilateral relations between the the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State of Kuwait, the 3rd meeting of the Joint Commission for Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State of Kuwait was held in the State of Kuwait on 30 April 2025, chaired on the one side by Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and on the other side by Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, and included the representatives of both countriese, Trend reports.

The meeting aimed at strengthening and solidifying bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Kuwait at all levels. These relations are based on mutual respect and interest, as well as the organization of coordinated work on issues of mutual importance. The Joint Commission for Cooperation between the governments of the two countries provides a platform for continuous dialogue to strengthen common economic priorities and long-term cooperation.

The Azerbaijani and Kuwaiti sides emphasized the long-term development of relations between the two friendly countries, the existence of common views to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly in the fields of energy, trade, investment, infrastructure, high technologies, transport, agriculture, food security, education, healthcare, tourism, media and sports, as well as the importance of taking concrete steps and coordinating activities to strengthen bilateral relations.

At the same time, the Commission agreed on expanding trade turnover through additional measures, achieving progress in strengthening economic ties, rendering support to joint industrial and technological initiatives, and improving logistics services to facilitate trade exchange between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State of Kuwait. The Commission also discussed opportunities for expanding cooperation in the energy sector, including oil and gas, and emphasized the importance of identifying joint initiatives on clean energy projects that support long-term diversification of economic resources.

The Kuwaiti side congratulated the Azerbaijani side on the successful hosting of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), emphasizing that the hosting of such an important international event by the Republic of Azerbaijan with the participation of extensive representation from all over the world is an indicator of its special place and leading role at the international level, and also applauded its organizational measures to create favourable conditions for the sake of success of the conference. The parties highly appreciated the cooperation and mutual support in various international forums within the framework of a multilateral partnership.

In the context of Azerbaijan-Gulf cooperation, the Republic of Azerbaijan highly appreciated the efforts of the State of Kuwait, which chairs the current session of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The parties expressed their intention to cooperate within the framework of the aforementioned issues and implement the Gulf Cooperation Council  the Republic of Azerbaijan joint work plan for 2024-2028.

Various noteworthy issues at the regional and international levels were addressed, the significance of supporting activities aimed at achieving international security and peace, and the importance of resolving conflicts in accordance with the UN Charter and the principles of international law were emphasized. The Republic of Azerbaijan and the State of Kuwait reiterated their commitment to their obligations to support each others sovereignty and territorial integrity.

At the end of the 3rd meeting of the Joint Commission for Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State of Kuwait, the approved protocol of the meeting of the Joint Commission, the control mechanisms on it, and its annexes - a joint roadmap for the next two years were signed. This covers the activities of the joint institutions in various fields through strategic cooperation, as well as the framework of cooperation, specific procedures, and the period for 2025-2027. The parties also signed a cooperation agreement in the field of agriculture, as well as several activity programs in the fields of sports, culture, and tourism.

In conclusion, the parties agreed to hold the 4th meeting of the Joint Commission in 2027 in Baku, the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Athens man sentenced after threatening to shoot 3 people with an AR-15 in 2024

ATHENS, Texas (KETK) An Athens man was sentenced to prison after threatening to shoot three people, including a child with an AR-15 in September of 2024.

According to the Henderson County District Attorney, Freddie Castillo, 36 of Athens, was found guilty of two counts of aggravated assault on April 24 and sentenced to five years on one count and four years on the second count with both starting April 25.

Investigation into Lake Tyler death of 19-year-old man may lead to criminal charges, Texas Game Wardens say

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The DA said they heard testimony that on Sept. 28, 2024 deputies responded to CR 4613 in Athens after the caller reported that she, her husband and her 13-year-old son picked up her sister-in-law from Cleburne and were bringing her home she shared with her husband, Castillo when he began yelling at everyone.

According to the testimony, Castillo then grabbed an AR-15 firearm from the bed of his pickup and pointed it at them, threatening to shoot them if they got out of the truck. The occupants, including the child, testified that they were in fear for their lives, officials said.

Mugshot of Freddie Castillo, courtesy of Henderson County District Attorneys Office

The deputy on scene testified that when he arrived to the home, he heard Castillo yelling from inside. The deputy later located Castillo with his wife and the black AR-style firearm leaning against a stack of used tires in the yard, officials said.

The DA said after Castillo was convicted the jury heard the defendants previous criminal history, which included two driving while intoxicated convictions and a conviction for evading arrest.

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Tyler PD investigating fatal shooting of 16-year-old

Our community deserves to feel safe, and this verdict sends a clear message that violence and intimidation will not be tolerated, District Attorney Jenny Palmer said. Im proud of our prosecutors for their hard work and grateful to the jury for holding this defendant accountable.

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In the years before prosecutors accused him of torturing and raping six women inside his midtown Manhattan apartment, Ryan Hemphill presented himself to the world as a success story.

Across his three personal websites and LinkedIn profile, Hemphill, 43, flashed a law degree, an MBA, ownership of a private equity firm, a nonprofit and a former role at the United Nations. On Thursday, New York prosecutors said he used that image of wealth and power as both sword and shield to prey on women, charging him with 116 counts of rape, strangulation, predatory sexual assault and bribery, among other charges.

He told them that he had resources that made him untouchable, including purported deep connections in law enforcement and in organized crime, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said at a news conference. He impressed upon them that going to the authorities would be futile and that he would never be held accountable.

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But upon closer examination, Hemphills projected image of affluence and influence appears to crumble.

Driving his supposed success appears to be two companies he says he founded: New York City-based private equity firm Madison Park Capital Advisors, Inc. and online car auction site the MB Market, according to his LinkedIn.

On one of his personal websites, he boasts of clients including an international mens fashion label and one of the largest residential real estate developers in the Midwest.

However, the LinkedIn profile and official website of Madison Park Capital Advisors lists its location as Seattle, Washington, not New York City. The firms website does not list Hemphill as a founder or an employee. The Madison Park Capital Advisors listed on Hemphills LinkedIn profile also links out to the Seattle firm.

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One of the firms principals, Chris Featherstone, said in an email that he does not know who Hemphill is.

He is not related to us whatsoever, Featherstone said, before declining to comment further.

Do you have a story to share with NBC News? Contact us.

NBC News couldnt find records for another company under the name Madison Park Capital Advisors in New York or any other state. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission referred NBC News to its website, which did not list Hemphill or any companies associated with his name in a database for investment companies and registered investment advisers.

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When I saw the news report and it referred to the money and power, I certainly chuckled, said a person whos worked for Hemphill. Either I was scammed or, otherwise, my sense is theres not a lot of money and certainly not a lot of power there.

The person, who spoke with NBC News on the condition of anonymity due to fear of being associated with the allegations against Hemphill, said Hemphill frequently complained about his finances.

Hemphills attorney, Caroline Ng  a public defender of the Legal Aid Society  and the Manhattan District Attorneys Office declined to comment. Hemphill pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

Hemphills history with the other company he claims to have founded, the MB Market, is somewhat more verifiable.

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A spokesperson for the MB Market said in a statement that Hemphill was an early investor in the auction site, which launched in 2020, but noted they would not consider him to be an original founder.

He is no longer affiliated with the company and hasnt been for quite some time, the spokesperson wrote. He entered into a private agreement with the company that prohibits the company from commenting further.

On Jan. 31, 2024, Hemphill sued the founders of the MB Market for trying to sell the company without his prior knowledge that month, according to court records.

Hours after the sale of the company was announced, Hemphill sent threatening text messages to Ben Everest, one of the companys co-founders, according the MB Markets response to the suit. In the exchange, Hemphill insinuates that he knew the former head of the Federal Trade Commission and would use the connection to punish Everest and Blakley Leonard, the co-founder of the MB Market.

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I will spend every waking moment, and every g------ time I have to ensure that the rest of his life is nothing but suffering, Hemphill wrote about Leonard, according to the documents.

The amount of fire I have to burn in response to this exceeds anything they could potentially anticipate, Hemphill wrote in another text, according to the documents. I will do TIME to f--- them up. Praise be to GOD.

Everest and Leonard did not return multiple requests for comment. Hemphill, Everest and Leonard ended up settling, with Hemphill selling his share of the company, according to the documents.

In New York, prosecutors accuse Hemphill of similarly leveraging false connections to officials to intimidate women, including threatening he could get them arrested if they reported him to authorities.

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You prostitute, he texted one of the women on Dec. 22, according to prosecutors. Did you not notice all the police business cards on my f------ coffee table? I know half the precinct, you f--.

A man who is familiar with the business operations of the MB Market  and spoke on the condition of anonymity due to fear of association with the accusations against Hemphill  said Hemphill couldnt really answer any legal or business questions with any sort of certainty.

When they began working together, the man said he was suspicious of Hemphill and confronted him about his business dealings.

I asked him point blank, have you ever done private equity? And he admitted it to me and said, no, the man said.

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Hemphill claims that before his supposed work in the private sector, he worked as a diplomatic adviser and a delegate for the United Nations throughout 2008 and 2009, according to his LinkedIn profile.

U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the U.N. found no record of him ever having been a U.N. staff member. Dujarric cautioned that it was possible Hemphill worked as a consultant for the U.N. but cast doubt on it.

"The way I read his LinkedIn is that he was a delegate for an NGO for a meeting at the U.N., which then, often, then people tend to exaggerate 'Oh, I was working at the U.N.,' which is different," Dujarric said.

NBC News confirmed with the New York State Unified Court System that Hemphill is a licensed attorney with a law degree from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. Hofstra confirmed Hemphill obtained his law degree there, in addition to having obtained his bachelors degree in drama and MBA at the university.

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Other aspects of his resume remain unverified. The other previous employers he lists on his LinkedIn profile declined to comment or could not be reached for comment.

Building a strong online profile could have been useful for Hemphill.

Officials said that between October 2024 and March, Hemphill met several of the six women hes accused of torturing and raping online, including on Seeking.com, SugarDaddy and SugarDaddyMeet, FetLife and Craigslist.

He allegedly offered the women large sums of money in exchange for sex and companionship, but often did not pay them on agreed-upon amounts or paid them with fake money, prosecutors said.

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Prosecutors allege Hemphill recorded the sex acts and torture, during which he allegedly punched, waterboarded, urinated on and used shock collars and cattle prods to harm the women. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said on Thursday that prosecutors believe there may be more survivors, adding that dozens, if not hundreds, of women are captured on that footage.

The defendant told these survivors that he was untouchable, Bragg said. The indictment makes clear that he was wrong.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA)  An attorney for the boat operator who crashed into the Clearwater Ferry Sunday released a letter Tuesday explaining his clients side of the events after the collision.

In a letter addressed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Attorney J. Kevin Hayslett asserted that his client, Jeffry Knight, was in compliance with Florida law during the chaos that killed a man and seriously injured 10 other people.

It was like a flash: Passenger on Clearwater ferry recounts horrific crash

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According to Hayslett, Knight did not leave the scene immediately after the crash. At first, Knight tried to help the victims, directing a passenger on his boat to call 911 to get help.

The passenger stayed on the line with 911 for 12 minutes, the attorneys letter stated.

During this time, the caller relayed updates and emergency directions, such as telling Mr. Knight to instruct all the ferry passengers to immediately put on a life jacket, Hayslett wrote. Mr. Knight tied his vessel to the ferry in order to stabilize it and render aid. He used his boat to maneuver the ferry closer to shore so that first responders would have easier access to the passengers.

Knights attorney said Knight told the ferry captain that he could take some of the injured to Morton Plant Hospital by water, but his offer was declined.

Why Knight left the scene

Knight remained on the scene until he noticed that his boat was taking on a large amount of water and left out of the fear that his vessel was about to sink with an 8-week-old infant on board, the letter stated.

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Several witnesses aboard Mr. Knights vessel indicated that the frantic mother of an infant on board pleaded for immediate transport following the crash because she was concerned that her 8-week-old child may have suffered injuries, Hayslett wrote. However, given the circumstances, including vessel draft, water depth, and the compromised condition of Mr. Knights boat, he prudently determined that returning to dock as quickly as possible was the best course of action.

According to the attorney, Knight left after Clearwater police were in the water and ambulances arrived. First responders also stopped the captains boat to inspect it and tow it to the Bellair Boat Ramp, where first responders assessed the babys condition.

Mentioning a video of the collision, Hayslett wrote that you can clearly see that Mr. Knight was still on scene after the police arrived and the EMS vehicles had arrived.

VIDEO: Deadly Clearwater ferry crash caught on camera

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Knights attorney pointed out that two crew members of a nearby pirate ship independently corroborated his account, saying they saw him assist the ferry victims until first responders arrived.

The boat captain was totally sober, officials said

Hayslett also pointed out that Knight was not impaired at the time of the crash, voluntarily submitting a breath-alcohol test. The FWC also confirmed that Knight had no alcohol in his system.

The captain voluntarily submitted to a breathalyzer and there was no alcohol determined in that breathalyzer sample, it read zero, zero, zero based on the certified breath test that was given to the intoxilyzer, said Matthew Dallarosa with the FWC.

Attorney: Poor lighting led to reduced awareness

Haysletts letter also mentioned that there was credible concern that the ferry did not have the required the required navigational lights at the time of the accident, particularly a stern light visible for a distance of two miles.

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Multiple witnesses have reported that the ferry appeared inadequately illuminated, and that in the moments before the collision, the captain and many passengers were distracted by dolphins in the area, diminishing navigational awareness, Hayslett wrote. It appears that just prior to the accident, someone on the ferry was shining a spotlight in the channel, which would confirm reports that they were looking at dolphins.

The attorney also said lighting experts who analyzed the crash video believed it may have artificially brightened by nighttime enhancement filters, which would create the impression that there was more visibility than there really was.

We respectfully request access to unedited, raw footage in order to accurately assess lighting conditions at the time of the incident, Hayslett wrote.

Hayslett also requested GPS and navigational data from both vessels, AIS tracking data for all nearby vessels, 911 calls, and other evidence be preserved for a complete and fair investigation.

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The letter concluded with the following excerpt:

The uncontested facts show that Mr. Knight acted in full compliance with Florida law, rendered

meaningful assistance to the ferry and its passengers, was sober and cooperative throughout, and departed the scene only after rescue efforts were underway. These actions are supported by neutral eyewitnesses. Allegations to the contrary are not grounded in fact or law and appear to be driven by misinformation. Given the seriousness of this matter and the misinformation already circulating publicly, I respectfully request your prompt attention to the concerns and evidence outlined above. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly should you need additional materials or clarification. J. Kevin Hayslett

Knight has not been criminally charged in the crash as of this report. The FWC has taken control of the investigation, and any potential charges will be determined by the State Attorneys Office.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
[Watch in the player above: Fake body armor was sold to Akron Police Departments SWAT team.]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW)  A Stow man who sold counterfeit body armor smuggled from China to law enforcement agencies, passing it off as locally made, is now being targeted by the states top lawman.

Attorney General Dave Yost has sued Vall Iliev, his company and an affiliate for violations of the Consumer Sales Practices Act, according to a Wednesday news release.

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Ohio Supreme Court declines to review appeal of Mackenzie Shirilla, imprisoned for life in July 2022 double-fatal crash

Armor is meant to save lives, not sell lies, Yost is quoted in the release. Consumers deserve to know that this type of equipment is going to provide the protection promised.

Ilievs business, Stow-based ShotStop Ballistics, marketed and sold body armor claimed to have been made in-house by Ilevs affiliate, Vallmar Studios, and certified by the National Institute of Justice for safety standards.

But a federal and state investigation found the Chinese-made armor was falsely labeled, and that it did not meet safety standards necessary to protect users, reads the release.

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Testing performed at a ballistics laboratory found the plates failed to meet the standard that was advertised, federal prosecutors said in a previous news release.

Prosecutors said Iliev spent years working with a Chinese broker to find cheaply made body armor, which was shipped to Vallmar Studios. There, employees were told to put made-in-America and testing certification stickers on the goods.

I messed up man says at sentencing for doctors death

Iliev pleaded guilty in March to conspiracies to smuggle and traffic in counterfeit goods and to commit mail and wire fraud in Ohios Northern District federal court. He remains free on a $20,000 unsecured bond and is due for sentencing on July 8, court records show.

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Yosts new lawsuit seeks restitution for those who bought the defective armor. The business went bankrupt in 2023 and its were assets seized by the government, meaning a full account of customers losses will take more investigation, according to the release.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Apr. 29WAPAKONETA  Voters in Auglaize County will be asked to approve an .85-mill, 10-year replacement levy for the Auglaize County Board of Health during this year's May 6 election. The levy, if approved, will fill a void created when the district's current 1-mill levy expires.

The .85-mill levy sought by the health board  although on its face a reduction in tax collections  actually will ask residents to dig just a little deeper into their wallets. County Health Commissioner Oliver Fisher said the health district has been operating for the past 30 years on renewals of an existing 1995 levy. A replacement levy, instead of another renewal, will allow the district to capitalize on property values that have risen substantially in the past three decades.

The renewal levy, Fisher said, will assess property owners at a rate of $29.75 per $100,000 of valuation. That marks a slight increase from current assessments.

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Fisher is sympathetic to families that are already on edge due to a host of financial uncertainties but said the health board's first increase in 30 years is needed to keep the district's diverse public health outreach and prevention programs afloat.

"When we put a levy renewal before voters 10 years ago we had great support. Nearly 75% of the votes cast were in favor. I realize it's a different economic climate now and that some families are struggling, but at the same time we need to get caught up with current (real estate) evaluations," Fisher said. "I'm hoping the voters will support us again."

The replacement levy, if approved, will generate nearly $1.4 million annually to support a wide range of services to the more than 45,000 residents of Auglaize County. A sample of offerings and programs made possible through the health department include:

Community outreach efforts, including providing education for health professionals, participating in community health assessment efforts and health improvement plans.

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WIC, or Women, Infants and Children, which provides supplemental food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to low-income women with children up to age 5.

Help Me Grow, a free program for expectant parents and their children up to the age of 3.

Child car seat classes and child seat giveaways.

Cribs for Kids program, which provides Pack-and-Play cribs (based on income eligibility) so infants have a safe place to sleep.

Emergency preparedness, which offers training for public health leaders on how to respond during an emergency.

"People are sometimes surprised at what all we do," said Fisher. "We do a lot behind the scenes but when people need us, we're there."

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A five-member board of health directs the district's policies. The health commissioner said a "team effort" is crucial to the levy's passage.

"We have a levy committee that's working hard to get the word out. We hope the community will support us," Fisher said. "If the levy fails, we may have to look at some program cuts ... which is something we really don't want to do."

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MARTINEZ, Ga. (WJBF)- Deputy Brandon Sikes was shot Saturday night and died at the scene.

He was one of the deputies who helped to keep Augusta Preparatory Day School safe.

And to honor him, Augusta Prep students, faculty, and staff are being asked to wear blue.

American policing is often associated with that color.

For example youve likely heard of the thin blue line.

According to the National Police Association, A flag created around the theme is black and white with a blue line as the center horizontal stripe.

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The blue line represents the men and women in law enforcement who stand in the gap between the lawless and the innocent.

We asked Head of School, Eric Hedinger, why the school is choosing to wear that color today.

Police officers are known for wearing blue. It designates them from the military and other enforcement agencies. And so to honor the police department, in particular, the Columbia County Sheriffs Department, and, of course, Officer Sykes, we have chosen to wear blue for the day so that we can really celebrate his life and his service and community service within law enforcement.

Its not just Augusta Prep wearing blue today, other Augusta Christian Schools will also be wearing blue to honor law enforcement.

Photojournalist: Dania Alawir

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
By Peter Hobson and Kirsty Needham

CANBERRA (Reuters) - Australia needs to defend itself, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday when asked whether Donald Trump's return as president of the United States meant Australia should review its defence strategy.

Australia deepened its long-standing military alliance with the United States under Trump's predecessor Joe Biden, including through the AUKUS agreement, a four-decade defence project to buy and build nuclear-powered submarines.

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AUKUS is supported by both major Australian political parties and Albanese said on Wednesday it wouldn't be up for negotiation if Saturday's election resulted in a minority government.

Trump's hefty tariffs and volatile diplomacy, including upending U.S. policy towards Russia's war in Ukraine, has sparked debate over whether Australia should increase defence spending to increase self-reliance.

Asked after delivering a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra if change was needed, Albanese said Australia was building its independent defence capability, including through the establishment of domestic missile production.

"We need to defend ourselves," he said, referring to John Curtin, a Labor prime minister during World War Two who he said understood that "kowtowing to the UK ... wasn't going to defend Australia."

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Curtin rejected a British strategy to deploy Australian troops in Southeast Asia and demanded that they defend New Guinea and Australia.

"People (at the time) thought they needed the national interest defended," Albanese said. "It was Labor who did it then and it is Labor that will do it now."

Australia holds a national election on May 3 that polls predict will give Albanese's Labor party a majority or near majority.

Trump has loomed over the campaign, with voters unnerved by U.S. politics since he regained the White House and switching support away from Australia's conservative opposition.

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Labor has said it is spending A$50 billion ($32 billion) more over a decade on defence, in what it has described as the most significant increase in defence spending since the end of the Second World War. However, it has not pledged any new money in this year's national budget.

Conservative leader Peter Dutton last week said he would boost defence spending to 3% of gross domestic product within a decade.

($1 = 1.5593 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Peter Hobson; Editing by Kate Mayberry)
Woodside Energy's Pluto liquified natural gas facility in Western Australia. (Woodside Energy Ltd. photo)

An Australian fossil fuel company committed Tuesday to build a $17.5 billion liquefied natural gas export terminal in Louisiana, following up on plans first announced 10 years ago.

Woodside Energy Group said it has reached a final investment decision to proceed with the project in Calcasieu Parish formerly known as the Driftwood LNG Terminal. Woodside purchased Driftwood less than a year ago, betting on a project that has encountered several stops and starts since 2017, partly the result of volatility in the fossil fuels market.

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Plans include new production and processing facilities in Lake Charles that will create an estimated 16.5 million metric tons of LNG for the global fuels market.

Woodside announced later in the day it had reached a deal with BP to provide natural gas for its Louisiana facility, Reuters reported. Terms of the deal were not made public.

Gov. Jeff Landry touted the Woodside commitment as the largest single foreign investment and greenfield project in Louisiana history. In doing so, the Republican governor invoked a slogan his Democratic predecessor, John Bel Edwards, frequently used.

Our all of the above approach to energy is working, Landry said in a statement. We have four active LNG terminals in Louisiana  more than any other state. With more than 30,000 miles of natural gas pipelines, it is clear that when it comes to LNG, Louisiana is the place to be. We are not only promising President Trumps agenda, we are delivering it!

Construction began at the Driftwood site in 2022, and the company said its first batch of liquified natural gas is expected to be produced in 2029.
MELBOURNE (AP)  The Australian host of a weekend family lunch is on trial charged with murdering her estranged husbands parents and an aunt and attempting to murder an uncle with poisonous mushrooms.

Prosecutor Nanette Rogers opened her case on Wednesday against Erin Patterson, 50, in the Victoria state Supreme Court. Patterson has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

She served meals of beef Wellington, mashed potato and green beans at her home in the rural town of Leongartha on July 29, 2023. Her guests included her parents-in-law Gail and Don Patterson, both 70, Gail Pattersons sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, and Wilkinsons husband, Ian Wilkinson, 68.

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All four guests were hospitalized the next day with poisoning from death cap mushrooms, also known as amanita phalloides, that were added to the beef and pastry dish. Ian Wilkinson survived after a liver transplant.

Erin Pattersons husband, Simon Patterson, 50, was also invited to the lunch but declined.

Attempted murder charges dropped

The jury was told on Tuesday that prosecutors had dropped three charges that Erin Patterson had attempted to murder her husband, whom she had been separated from since 2015.

Two weeks before the poisoning, Erin Patterson had invited her husband and his relatives to lunch while she was attending a Korumburra Baptist Church service where Ian Wilkinson was the pastor. Simon Patterson initially accepted the invitation.

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She said the purpose of the lunch was to discuss some medical issues that she had and to get advice about how to break it to the kids, Rogers said.

The accused said that it was important that the children were not present for the lunch, Rogers added.

The Wilkinsons were surprised by the invitation because theyd never been to Erin Pattersons large five-bedroom house.

Lunch guest puzzled by host's plate

When Heather Wilkinson was taken to the hospital the next morning, she told Simon Patterson she had been puzzled by Erin Patterson eating from a different plate than those served to the guests.

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I noticed that Erin put her food on a different plate to us. Her plate had colors on it. I wondered why that was. Ive puzzled about it since lunch, said Heather Wilkinson, according to the prosecution.

Simon Patterson told his aunt that his wife might have run out of plates.

Rogers told the jury that Erin Patterson fabricated an ovarian cancer diagnosis to explain why her children didn't attend the lunch.

After the lunch, the accused announced that she had cancer and asked for advice on whether to tell the children or to keep it from them, Rogers said.

They had a discussion about it being best to be honest with the children. They prayed as a group for the accuseds health and wisdom in relation to telling the children, Rogers added.

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Defense lawyer says poisonings were a terrible accident

Defense lawyer Colin Mandy told the jury his client never had cancer and that the guests had been poisoned by mushrooms she had served, but that the poisoning was accidental.

The defense case is what happened was a tragedy. A terrible accident, Mandy said.

Rogers told the jurors that she she would not provide a motive for the poisonings.

You might be wondering now why would the accused do this? What is the motive? You might still be wondering this at the end of this trial, Rogers said. You do not have to be satisfied what the motive was or even that there was a motive."

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Two days after the lunch, Erin Patterson went to the hospital complaining of diarrhea and nausea. By then, medical staff had diagnosed her guests as suffering death cap poisoning.

Erin Patterson told authorities that she had cooked with a mixture of fresh mushrooms bought from a supermarket and dried mushrooms bought from an Asian food store.

Defendant told police she hadn't foraged for wild mushrooms

Mandy said his client had lied to police when she said she hadn't foraged for wild mushrooms.

She did forage for mushrooms. Just so that we make that clear, she denies that she ever deliberately sought out death cap mushrooms, Mandy said.

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Doctors insisted that Erin Pattersons two children, then aged 9 and 14, be tested because their mother said they had eaten beef Wellington leftovers.

Erin Patterson said the children were safe because she had scraped the pastry and mushrooms from the steak. She explained the children didnt like mushrooms.

Rogers said Erin Patterson had not eaten poisonous mushrooms and had not fed her children the lunch leftovers. Mandy said she had eaten the mushrooms but had become less sick than the others.

The trial was adjourned until Thursday and is expected to continue for six weeks. She is charged with three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. Murder carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and attempted murder carries a maximum 25 years in prison.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. The Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan has approved the law on ratification of the Treaty on Allied Relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

According to information, the law on the treaty, signed in Tashkent on August 23, 2024, was approved today during the sixth plenary session.

The document was signed by the presidents of the two nations during the first session of the Supreme Interstate Council of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. The treaty enshrines a new stage in bilateral relations aimed at strengthening the sovereignty, territorial integrity and sustainable development of both countries.

Under the treaty, the sides pledge not to participate in alliances and blocs directed against each other, as well as to refrain from actions that could harm the strategic partnership and allied relations.

Ratification of the document will strengthen mutual trust, develop political dialogue, trade and economic cooperation, and humanitarian ties. In addition, the treaty creates additional opportunities for the implementation of joint projects in the spheres of logistics, energy, industry, education, and tourism, as well as for the expansion of interregional cooperation.

The law was unanimously approved by senators following discussion.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Police are investigating the overnight scene of a train crash in Northwest Oklahoma City.

According to authorities, the crash happened around midnight near Britton and Western.

Police officials say, they are still searching for the driver of the vehicle.

No further information has been released at this time.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
US media outlet Axios has learned details from sources about the conversation between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Vatican, where they both attended the funeral of Pope Francis.

Source: Axios article, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The details were shared by two anonymous sources familiar with the content of the ZelenskyyTrump meeting.

Before world leaders headed to the Vatican for the pontiffs funeral, the Ukrainian side reportedly received signals that Trump was open to meeting.

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Zelenskyy's advisers were said to be anxious and hesitant about risking another one-on-one conversation with Trump after what happened in the Oval Office on 28 February.

There were no prior arrangements; the idea was simply that Trump and Zelenskyy would try to meet after the funeral. Ultimately, they "bumped into each" after arriving and found a place for a private talk inside St Peters Basilica.

The sources said Zelenskyy told Trump that Putin "would not budge" unless the US president puts more pressure on him. Trump reportedly replied that he might have to change his approach to the Russian leader  echoing a post he published after the meeting.

Zelenskyy also urged a return to the original US proposal for an unconditional ceasefire as a "starting point" for peace negotiations  a plan Ukraine had accepted but Russia had rejected.

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One of the sources said Trump appeared to agree with this position.

The Ukrainian president reiterated that Ukraine would never recognise Crimea as Russian territory, to which Trump replied that he was not asking for that.

Zelenskyy added that he was "not afraid of making concessions" in order to reach an agreement to end the war but needed strong security guarantees.

Trump was also said to have pressured Zelenskyy during the conversation to swiftly sign the so-called natural resources agreement.

The White House told Axios it would not comment on Trumps private conversations with world leaders. Zelenskyys office also declined to comment.

Background:

Previously, Zelenskyy had said that his meeting with Trump had the potential to be historic. The White House also described the meeting as very productive.

That same day, Trump condemned recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and expressed doubt that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin genuinely wanted to end the war, also threatening him with sanctions.

Later, Trump again described the conversation as "beautiful" and shared his impressions.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
With their wispy faces, unique coloring, and big salamander-like eyes, axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are having a cultural moment. Axolotl merch is all over the internet, you can symbolically adopt one, and their popularity is rising among pet collectors.

While visiting family in Philadelphia, Alejandra Ramos Gonzalez, an ecologist at the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California in Mexico (UNAM) who studies the amphibians, even gave axolotl talks to enthusiastic elementary school students. I was amazed by how much kids in the U.S. love axolotls! Ramos Gonzalez tells Popular Science.

To help answer why, Ramos Gonzalez went straight to the source: her 11-year-old niece, Elena. Axolotls can only be found in one place, and thats what makes them so unique. They are also adorable, and their faces are funny, says Elena.

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That these critically endangered amphibians are only found in one place on Earth does make them vulnerable. Amphibians like axolotls are among the most threatened by climate change, but knowing more about what they need to survive in their preferred surroundings can help conservation efforts.

Now, a new study of 18 captive-bred axolotls found that they can survive in some wild wetlands in Mexico. The findings are detailed in a study published April 30 in the journal PLOS One and hint at some new avenues to explore to protect these charismatic creatures.

What are axolotls?

Named for the Aztec god Xolotl, the amphibians are only found in Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City. At their largest, they weigh only half a pound and are about a foot long. They primarily eat insect larvae, worms, fish, and small crustaceans. Those feathery appendages on the sides of their heads are external gills. While adult axolotls do have lungs, they still primarily rely on those signature gills to breathe.

Most amphibians grow out of their aquatic phase (tadpoles) and then spend the rest of their lives living on land. However, the Peter Pan of amphibians do not go through metamorphosis. Instead, axolotls keep many of their larval characteristics and spend their adult life in the water.

View of salamanders inside a fish tank at the Centro Ecoturistico Chinampero Michmani in Xochimilco, Mexico City. CREDIT: Photo by Gerardo Vieyra/NurPhoto via Getty Images. NurPhoto

They are housed in several zoos and aquariums around the world and their unique lifestyle and habitat make them prime study candidatesin the lab.

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Although the axolotl is one of the most extensively studied organisms in the laboratory, there is very little information about its behavior in the wild, study co-author and UNAM ecologist Luis Zambrano tells Popular Science. This study is one of the first attempts to understand axolotls in their natural environmentnot only for biological insight, but also to inform ecological restoration efforts.

[ Related: Go (virtually) adopt an axolotl, the Peter Pan of amphibians. ]

Release the axolotl(s)

In the new study, the team selected 18 axolotls (nine males and nine females) raised in captivity at the Laboratorio de Restauracion Ecologica at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico for release into both restored and artificial wetlands.

We included individuals of both sexes to ensure balanced representation, as well as a range of age groups to incorporate both young and older axolotls, says Ramos Gonzalez, who is also a co-author on the new study. All individuals were of the wild-type morph, characterized by their darker coloration, which is native to the Xochimilco population.

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They were released into two distinct aquatic habitats in southern Mexico City: a restored area Lake Xochimilco and a pond in the artificial wetland of La Cantera Oriente. Using VHF telemetry the team tracked the captive-bred axolotls in both environments and recaptured a few axolotls for analysis at the end of the study period.

They found that the axolotls in both environments survived and successfully foraged, with some gaining weight following their release. The animals in the artificial pond travelled greater distances. Temperature appeared to be their biggest preference. In the restored lake Xochimilco, their movement peaked when the water was around 61 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 17 degrees Celsius). In the artificial wetland La Cantera Oriente, movement peaked at a cooler 59.9 F (15.5 to 16.5 C).

One of the most surprising findings was that, in Xochimilco, older axolotls traveled shorter distances per day compared to younger ones, says Ramos Gonzalez. The reason for this is still unclear, but it is possible that older individuals, through experience, are better able to select and defend high-quality territories with sufficient food, reducing their need to travel for foraging.

A worker shows an axolotl in a hatchery to preserve the species on August 19, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. CREDIT: Eyepix/NurPhoto via Getty Images. NurPhoto

A step towards true conservation

According to the team, these findings show that artificial wetlands like La Cantera Oriente could be a useful tool in axolotl conservation. They could provide stable conditions that mitigate some of the habitat degradation and other impacts of climate change facing axolotls.

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Many salamanders and other aquatic animals are struggling due to habitat loss and pollution, Ramos Gonzalez and Zambrano explain. Because people often live near water, these ecosystems are especially impactedand amphibians like axolotls are particularly vulnerable.

The team is now exploring the social interactions among axolotls and investigating their various temperature preferences. This will help them better understand their behavioral ecology and habitat needs going forward.

Axolotl enthusiasts can also adopt an axolotl through the university. The money raised helps fund axolotl research and habitat restoration efforts. Knowing more about these creatures and restoring their habitats are both essential for the long-term conservation of the species.

While they can survive in captivity, true conservation depends on protecting their natural habitats, say Ramos Gonzalez and Zambrano.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KRON)  A Santa Cruz County mother who is charged with murdering her 1-year-old baby never called 911 after she found her daughters lifeless body in 2024, according to court records filed by prosecutors.

Korisa Lynn Woll, 39, of Scotts Valley, is being held in jail without bail. Her 20-month-old baby was poisoned by a deadly dose of fentanyl in Santa Cruz four months after the babys father fatally overdosed on the same drug, court records state.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled to begin in June to determine if investigators have enough evidence for the mother to stand trial. She has pleaded not guilty to a slew of charges, including murder, drug dealing, child abuse, and destroying evidence.

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Wolls baby is referred to as Baby Z in court documents filed by the Santa Cruz County District Attorneys Office. Prosecutors described grim circumstances surrounding Baby Zs death.

Santa Cruz County courthouse (KRON4 Photo)

Baby Z murder case

Baby Z was last seen alive on Saturday, July 27, 2024 inside a home at Casa Azul, located at 801 River St. Casa Azul is a well known drug sales location, assistant district attorney Kristal Salcido wrote in court documents.

Casa Azul is a Project Homekey site funded by the state for providing chronically homeless people with permanent supportive housing. Casa Azul opened in 2023, is divided into several apartments for residents, and is operated by Housing Matters, according to the nonprofit organizations website.

The Casa Azul apartment were Baby Z died was the home of Wolls friend, Salcido wrote. The friend allowed Woll, her 4-year-old son, and Baby Z to spend two nights in his home. On the night of July 27, 2024, the 4-year-old boy heard his sister struggling to breathe in the bedroom and saw her vomiting, investigators said.

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He went to wake his mother up in the living room, but she did not respond, court documents state. In the morning, Woll walked into the bedroom, found Baby Z, and screamed, My baby is dead, Salcido wrote.

They then tried to give the baby Narcan and mouth-to-mouth (CPR). They did not call 911. It is believed the baby was dead for approximately 9-11 hours before being brought by (Woll) to Dominican Hospital at 1:37 p.m. on Sunday (July 28), Salcido wrote.

Woll carried the babys body to the hospital emergency rooms front entrance, placed her on a wheelchair, told a security guard that her daughter had died, and walked away, court documents state.

Several minutes later, Woll returned to the ER and Baby Z was declared deceased by hospital workers. She indicated she thought the baby had overdosed on something the child picked up, Salcido wrote.

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Santa Cruz Police Department officers were called to the hospital and arrested the mother.

An autopsy toxicology report found that Baby Z had 22 ng/ml of fentanyl in her system. A fatal dose for an adult is between 7-10 ng/ml.

Circumstances leading up to Baby Zs death

Baby Z was born inside a hospitals emergency room in Modoc, Calif. Her mother was a methamphetamine user and a suspected fentanyl dealer, according to prosecutors. Woll left the hospital with her newborn against medical advice, prosecutors wrote.

Baby Zs father, Robert Tillman, was also a methamphetamine user, according to prosecutors.

While the couple was living in Tennessee with their four children, Tillman and Woll had several cases opened against them by child protective services agencies.

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Attorney: Mother may have caused Baby Phoenixs fentanyl death

When Baby Z was four months old, Woll took the screaming infant to a Tennessee hospital, blamed the infants distress on her 7-year-old brother, and accused the brother of dropping the baby. Court records state, Doctors reported it to the department of children family services. X-Rays revealed the child had a fracture on her (arm). Both parents refused to allow (their) other children to be interviewed by department of child services or police.

In 2023, Tillman and Woll moved from Tennessee to Santa Cruz, California, with Baby Z, their 16-year-old daughter, 8-year-old son, and 4-year-old son. They were living in a home at 402 Lindon Street in Santa Cruz when Tillman allegedly punched and strangled his 8-year-old son.

Tillman was charged with felony child abuse, and over the objections of prosecutors, a judge released him from custody on April 4, 2024.

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On the same day that he was released from jail, Tillman returned to his familys home and died from a fentanyl overdose.

The home at 402 Linden Street was owned by a man who had offered the family a place to stay. The resident told investigators that he regularly used fentanyl and other drugs with Woll and Tillman, including the day that Tillman fatally overdosed. The resident said he was able to revive Woll with Narcan, but was unable to revive Tillman.

The children were present in the home at the time of the death. SCPD called Santa Cruz County Department of Children Family Services. Despite multiple reports of abuse and neglect, both from police and the State of Tennessee, Santa Cruz DCFS did not open any case involving (Woll) either before or after Robert Tillmans death, assistant district attorney Salcido wrote.

After Tillman died in April 2024, Woll moved out of 402 Linden Street, and moved into her parents Scotts Valley house, records state. Their home in Scotts Valley is spacious and safe, and there was plenty of room for the children. Her parents were very supportive of her living in their home, but had concerns about her sobriety and wanted her to get a job. She left for days at a time with all three children and they did not know where she was, Salcido wrote.

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On July 16, 2024, Woll suddenly left the Scotts Valley house with Baby Z and her 4-year-old son. She returned to the home where Tillman died. The children were left inside the bedroom for most of the day while (adults) did drugs in the living room, court documents state. On July 25, 2024, the resident allegedly ordered Tillman to leave his house because he was concerned that she neglected her children.

The mother stayed with Baby Z and her young son at Casa Azul on July 26 and July 27. Baby Z was declared deceased on July 28.

Wolls next court appearance of scheduled for June 18. Her preliminary hearing is slated to begin on June 23 with Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Denine Guy presiding. She is represented by public defender Allen Cave.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
King Carl XVI Gustaf's birthday celebrations doubled as a milestone moment for Princess Ines of Sweden!

On April 30, Sweden's King rang in his 79th birthday, which came with a traditional celebration by the Armed Forces in the outer courtyard of the Royal Palace in Stockholm and a balcony appearance by the royal family. New to the crew was 2-month-old Princess Ines.

The Swedish royal family expanded in February when Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia welcomed their fourth child and first daughter, Princess Ines Marie Lilian Silvia. The royal couple was already parents to sons Prince Alexander, 9, Prince Gabriel, 7, and Prince Julian, 4.

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The little princess' middle names honor Sofia's mother, Marie, and Carl Philip's mom, Queen Silvia, and the royal baby made her balcony debut on Wednesday.

Michael Campanella/Getty Princess Sofia, Princess Ines, Prince Alexander, Prince Gabriel and Prince Carl Philip at King Carl XVI Gustaf's birthday celebrations at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden on April 30, 2025. Princess Sofia, Princess Ines, Prince Alexander, Prince Gabriel and Prince Carl Philip at King Carl XVI Gustaf's birthday celebrations at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden on April 30, 2025.

Related: Princess Sofia of Sweden Shares First Photo of 3 Sons with Baby Princess Ines: 'Perfect Little Quartet'

Princess Sofia carried Princess Ines on the terrace of the royal residence, where they matched in white outfits. Ines' big brothers Alexander and Gabriel tagged along, but Julian wasn't pictured.

The Swedish royals otherwise appeared in full force for King Carl XVI Gustaf's birthday, with Prince Carl Philip, 45, and Crown Princess Victoria participating in the official entry on the courtyard. The trio later headed up to join the rest of the family, including Queen Silvia, Victoria's husband Prince Daniel and their kids, Princess Estelle, 13, and Prince Oscar, 9, Princess Sofia and three of her four children, and Princess Madeleine and her husband Christopher O'Neill alongside their kids Princess Leonore, 11, Prince Nicolas, 9, and Princess Adrienne, 7.

Michael Campanella/Getty The Swedish royal family on the Royal Palace balcony for King Carl XVI Gustaf's birthday on April 30, 2025. The Swedish royal family on the Royal Palace balcony for King Carl XVI Gustaf's birthday on April 30, 2025.

Related: Meet the Swedish Royals: A Guide to Sweden's Royal Family Tree

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Cameras captured a sweet moment where everyone seemingly turned to look at little Princess Ines, who will turn three months old next week.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Michael Campanella/Getty The Swedish royal family on the Royal Palace balcony for King Carl XVI Gustaf's birthday on April 30, 2025. The Swedish royal family on the Royal Palace balcony for King Carl XVI Gustaf's birthday on April 30, 2025.

On Feb. 7, the Swedish Royal Court shared the happy news that Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia, 40, welcomed their fourth child, a baby girl. The royal couple introduced their daughter to the world in a modern way a few days later with an Instagram picture.

"Princess Ines photographed by Princess Sofia," read the caption of the snap, which showed the infant cuddled up in an outfit printed with hearts, just in time for Valentine's Day.

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Royal watchers have another precious moment to look forward to in a few weeks involving the little princess. On June 13, Princess Ines will be christened at Drottningholm Palace Chapel in Stockholm in a day that doubles as her parents' tenth wedding anniversary.



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AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  Police say an Akron babysitter is in custody after a toddler suffered third-degree burns.

Police were called to an emergency at a home in the 1100 block of Lakeshore Boulevard just after 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, according to a Tuesday news release from Akron police.

Bread sold at all Ohio Giant Eagles could contain glass fragments: Recall

The mother of the 1-year-old girl told police she left her daughter in the care of a babysitter while she went out of town, according to the release. When she returned, the mother found the girl had been scalded by hot water from a bath or a shower.

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Car slams into gas pump, causing fire

An initial investigation suggests the babysitter did not report the burns or seek medical attention for the girl. The girl was later transported to a hospital and found to have second- and third-degree burns.

Police obtained a warrant for Kimberly Richmond, 52, of Akron.

Kimberly Richmond, Summit County Jail

She was arrested Tuesday night around 6 p.m. on charges of child endangering, according to police.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
The press regulator has come under fresh pressure over a ruling against The Telegraph that puts unreasonable restrictions on the presss ability to report parliamentary proceedings.

Senior MPs have expressed concern that free speech is being undermined by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso) after it issued a reprimand over a report that quoted remarks made in Parliament.

Ipso upheld a complaint by the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB) against The Telegraph over allegations made in Parliament by Michael Gove, the then communities secretary, that it was affiliated to the Muslim Brotherhood, an organisation banned as a terrorist group in some countries.

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Mr Goves comments were made under parliamentary privilege, which protects politicians against legal action over anything they say in Parliament, and which also effectively extends to the reporting of those proceedings.

Michael Gove was communities secretary at the time he made the allegations in Parliament that were reported in The Telegraph - Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Ipso ruled that The Telegraph should have sought a response from the MAB, which claims it is not affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood. However, there is no legal obligation for a publisher to seek such a response when reporting on Parliament, and Ipsos own code only requires publishers to take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information.

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, responded to the ruling by saying: A critical part of parliamentary privilege is the ability of the press to report what is said in Parliament freely.

Im concerned that this ruling imposes unreasonable restrictions on the presss ability to report. Parliamentary privilege means nothing if what is said cannot be quickly and easily reported to the public.

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Theres an overwhelming public interest in parliamentary proceedings being transparently and quickly reported. Im concerned that this ruling works against that.

Brandon Lewis, the former security minister, said: Our free press is a key part of the checks and balances that keep our democracy strong. This seems an odd finding and will potentially worry people regarding the implications for free speech and the ability of the press to report on what is said in Parliament and to outline the findings of their work and investigations into matters of public interest.

Watchdog under fire over Palestinian ruling

Meanwhile, Ipso has been criticised after it ruled that describing Palestinian prisoners in Israel as hostages is acceptable.

The watchdog said that a newspaper headline referring to the release of hundreds of Palestinian hostages by Israel did not breach its accuracy clause as the description of Palestinian prisoners  most of whom were alleged Hamas terrorists  was subjective.

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This was despite the fact that the BBC, which is covered by a different regulator had to make an on-air correction after it too described Palestinian prisoners as hostages.

Separately, Ipso has had to partially retract a finding from 2022 in which it ruled that the Sunday Times had been inaccurate in reporting dealings between Michael Keegan, a former chief executive and chairman of Fujitsu, and the Post Office.

Mr Keegan had claimed at the time the article was published that he had had no meetings with the Post Office on the subject of their business with the company at any stage. But it later emerged that Mr Keegan had twice met Paula Vennells, then the chief executive of the Post Office.

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If the first quarter of the 21st century has shown us anything it is that history  far from being over  is back with a vengeance. Indeed, in many ways it is simply repeating itself. A highly contested Papal conclave, a Russian incursion into Ukraine, a French leader with ambitions beyond his station: all these could have graced a news sheet in any of the past three centuries.

The iron rule that history occurs first as tragedy, and secondly as farce, does seem to be holding up. Nowhere is this more true than the matter of the Suez canal, which has become 2025s most unexpected talking point. Once again the US president is taking a direct interest in the crucial waterway, but this time with the question of why European nations arent guaranteeing its security, as opposed to the events of 1956 when another prominent US Republican scuppered an attempt to do just that and, in doing so, hampered European defence for generations.

In many ways this is history repeating itself too. Just as Eisenhower destroyed the British and French empires while claiming to be their ally, so it is fast becoming clear that Mr Trump is the most dangerous figure for popular conservatism in the Anglosphere. Consider Canada, where the Conservative Partys single greatest electoral foe turned out to be not the Liberal PM in Ottawa but the so-called conservative in Washington.

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It will be of little comfort now to Pierre Poilievre, but this repetition of history reminds us of another awkward fact: that many leaders who were derided at the time, or castigated in the decades since, prove correct in the fullness of time.

Until one recent brief premiership, Anthony Eden usually ended up at the very bottom of UK prime ministerial rankings. Received wisdom viewed his efforts in Suez as an imperial hangover, a geopolitically foolish overstretch by a vain man. Now, none other than the US vice president is on record as saying that Eisenhower was wrong and that Eden was right. In other words, we owe Sir Anthony an apology.

Eden is not the only PM to fit this category; men who have been vindicated by the strange twists and turns of the past few decades. Some dont have to wait as long as 70 years for this; just a few months ago Rishi Sunak was on the receiving end of a shout of we want you back! as he rose to speak in the Commons.

Whisper it, but history may be kinder to Sunak than his fall from grace would suggest. His campaign warnings about Keir Starmer now look highly astute; just as his caution towards Liz Trusss shaky numbers proved prescient. Through changes to student visas and salary thresholds he sought, albeit belatedly, to expunge the original sin of the Boriswave. When it comes to a choice between managed decline under Sunak/Hunt, and turbo-charged decline under Starmer/Reeves, ol Rishi aint looking so bad.

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Another PM who accompanies Eden at the lower end of the rankings is Jim Callaghan. True, Callaghans handling of the economy was suboptimal to say the least but he foresaw the existential problems facing his party today; namely that a Labour movement run by a group of sneering, London-based liberals would fail to connect with the white working class and so create a serious vacuum in British politics.

Sunny Jims attempts to sideline people like Roy Jenkins might seem a long way from the Runcorn by-election but fundamentally they have the same root cause: that a liberal elite Leftism cannot represent the socially conservative, patriotic working classes for whom it purports to speak. A devoted monarchist who established a strong rapport with the late Queen, Callaghan is largely remembered as an ill-starred socialist. Yet, Sunny Jim was given an unwinnable hand, and played it better than most.

Stanley Baldwin may not be viewed with the same outright historical contempt as, say, Eden, but to my mind he deserves greater credit; not only for deftly steering the country through both the general strike and the abdication crisis, but also for his welfare reforms and ambitious (then world-beating) house-building programme. A paragon of decency; following the First World War, Baldwin anonymously donated one fifth of his wealth to the Treasury, describing it as a thank-offering for younger generations sacrifice. It was even Baldwin who coined the phrase, one nation, widely attributed to Disraeli.

True, his service and unshowy competence meant little in the years that followed: Baldwin soon became the lone scapegoat for British ill-preparedness to fight Hitler. In an astonishing act of petty revenge, his local council dismantled the ornamental railings around his country house on the dubious pretext that the war effort would flounder without them. Pleasingly, a rehabilitation operation is underway here too; the historian Dominic Sandbrook, co-host of the influential The Rest is History podcast, is a long-term Baldwin devotee. Long may it continue!

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Of course, the consideration of those PMs who were underrated or ill-treated invariably brings up the question of those who were the opposite, those political figures who were lauded above their actual abilities, or who proved much more sinning than sinned against. Of these one name stands out, a titan of destruction and selfishness whose vain and vapid defenestration of Britain we are still dealing with today. Monstrosity, thy name is Blair.

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SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Pennsylvanias primary election is coming up, and officials are urging voters to stay on top of deadlines, especially with a ballot printing error affecting hundreds in Lackawanna County.

Between voter registration, mail-in ballots, and primary day itself, there are several important deadlines that are quickly approaching, and for some scranton republicans, a corrected ballot should be in the mail

The primary election is May 20, and Lackawanna Countys election office is reminding voters to act now.

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The last day to register to vote is May 5, so we encourage voters, they can either go online and register to vote, they can come directly into the office and register to vote at the counter, Lackawanna County Director of Elections Beth Hopkins said.

Once youre registered, voters can apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot, something the office encourages voters not to delay.

We dont like when you push up against the deadline, because then we have to get that ballot out in the mail to you, and you have to return it to us, it has to be in our office by election day, Hopkins added.

May 13 is the last day to submit an application for a mail-in ballot. Election day is on the 20th.

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Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and all mail-in ballots must be received by county officials by the time the polls close.

Family members charged in death of 8-year-old

In Scranton, over 500 republican voters recently received the wrong mail-in ballot due to a printing error from a Nebraska-based company.

They selected the wrong file. It was a human error on their part. We quickly got in touch with the printing company. They reprinted the ballots using the correct file, Hopkins added.

Voters are urged to throw out the original ballot and pay close attention to the color-coded label on the corrected one to ensure its properly counted.

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Make sure theyre utilizing the even the envelopes that they received with the corrected ballot that have a color-coded label on it, so it kind of identifies and jumps out at the voter to make sure theyre using that because that old ballot label will not be scanned, Hopkins continued.

If youre unsure about your registration status or need help requesting a mail-in ballot, you can either call the election office directly at (570) 963-6737 or visit their website.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. A group of Azerbaijan Naval Forces personnel participated as observers in the KURTARAN-2025 Submarine Escape & Rescue Exercise held in Marmaris, Turkiye, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense.

As per the exercise plan, the search and rescue vessels pulled out all the stops to locate the wrecked submarine using specialized gear and robots. They also made sure to deliver food and medicine to the crew in distress through the efforts of brave rescue divers and successfully brought them to safety with the help of cutting-edge equipment.

Search and rescue missions utilizing aircraft and helicopters were also carried out throughout the practice. The crew of the sunken ship that needed help at sea was rescued by doing parachute jumps from the air, receiving supplies through airdrops, and then being evacuated.

Servicemen demonstrated high professionalism during the KURTARAN-2025 Submarine Escape & Rescue Exercise.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Screen should be banned for children under the age of six to avoid permanently impairing their brain development, French medical experts have warned.

French health authorities currently recommend that children should not be exposed to screens before the age of three and advise occasional use, limited to educational content and accompanied by an adult between the ages of three and six.

But five top French health bodies, including the French Society of Paediatrics, have warned that such guidelines are clearly insufficient and need to be updated in light of recent findings.

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In an open letter, they say that screen activities are not suitable for children under the age of six: they permanently impair their intellectual abilities and health.

Whether on tablets, televisions, computers, phones or video games, neither screen technology nor its content, including that which is supposedly educational, is suitable for a developing young brain, it reads.

It adds: There is no longer any room for doubt in view of the numerous international scientific publications.

Last year, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, appointed a commission of experts to look into the harmful effects of screens on children and come up with recommendations.

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But only one of the recommendations  regarding the exposure of children under three years old  has come into force.

The Pas a Pas lEnfant association said that no concrete action has been taken to prevent the health disaster predicted by the report.

In their letter, the experts explain that screens do not meet childrens needs and worse, they hinder and alter the development of their brains.

Health professionals and teachers are seeing the damage caused by regular exposure to screens before starting primary school, including language delays, attention and memory disorders, motor agitation, they add.

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This is because childrens neurodevelopment results from rich and varied observations and interactions with the environment, for which the first six years of life are fundamental.

Radical measures required

While not going as far as to demonise digital tools and their use, they did called on parents to foster alternative activities: reading aloud, free play, board games or outdoor games, physical, creative and artistic activities.

Servane Mouton, the co-chairman of the commission that drafted the report, blamed manufacturers, who deploy a wealth of inventiveness and creativity to develop apps that will make us spend as much time as possible on screens.

She told France Inter: Politicians are still struggling to enforce regulations passed at European level and to disseminate information based on the latest scientific findings on a large scale.

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On Tuesday, Gabriel Attal, Frances former prime minister, and Marcel Rufo, a child psychiatrist, called for a state of emergency against screens with radical measures to save teenagers from the harmful effects of social media.

These include the creation of an addiction score, a digital curfew and assessment interviews on screen addiction at the ages of 11 and 14.

The office of Catherine Vautrin, the French health minister, said that she would speak on the subject of screens in the coming weeks.

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Nisha Acharya, an eye doctor and UC San Francisco professor, was at her campus clinic tending patients when a surprising email arrived.

Her federal research grant had just been terminated, according to a reporter for the Washington Post, who wondered if Acharya had any comment.

She was stunned. Her research, into the workings of the shingles vaccine, didn't seem remotely controversial. The $3-million grant was the second she'd received, after years of similar work. The National Institutes of Health, which awarded the grant and regularly reviewed Acharya's performance, had been pleased with all she'd accomplished.

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Nevertheless, the NIH tersely informed the university its latest grant was among dozens terminated because the federal government, under President Trump, would no longer support research focused on "why individuals are hesitant to be vaccinated and/or explore ways to improve vaccine interest and commitment.

Acharya's research had nothing to do with any of that.

But the mention of "hesitancy" and "uptake" in her grant application  referring to the concern some cornea specialists had about the vaccine for those with shingles in the eye  was apparently all it took to snare Acharya in a dragnet mounted by the Trump administration word police.

Acharya fears the Trump administration's heedless termination of grants will set back scientific and medical research for years to come. (Paul Kuroda / For The Times)

Perhaps "hesitancy" and "uptake" generated an AI response, or triggered some on-the-hunt algorithm. Acharya can't be entirely sure, but there's no evidence an actual human being, much less any sort of expert on vaccines or shingles, reviewed her grant proposal or assessed her work.

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She's gotten no explanation beyond that one, formulaic March 10 email dispatched to the university. "I lost funding immediately," Acharya said.

The randomness of the administration's action, and its apparent error, is maddening enough. But it's also frightening, Acharya said, to think that political considerations are now guiding science and scientific research, erasing years of effort and thwarting potential cures and the chance at future breakthrough treatments.

"I don't think government is in a position, or should be, to dictate what's important in science," Acharya said over lunch on UCSF's sparkling Mission Bay campus.

Trump's heedless, meddlesome policy, she suggested, is going to scare off a whole generation of would-be scientists and medical researchers, undermining the quest for knowledge, hurting the public and negatively affecting people's health "for years to come."

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::

Acharya was in a high school when she reached a fork in the road. Now 50, she pressed her hands into a "V" shape to illustrate the two paths.

Acharya's grant was worth $3 million spread over five years of research. She was in the second year of the grant when it was abruptly canceled. (Paul Kuroda / For The Times)

At the time she was a violinist in the Chicago Youth Symphony, touring the world with the orchestra. She also loved science. Her father was a pharmaceutical chemist. Her mother taught high school math and chemistry.

She realized, Acharya said, she wasn't ready to make the commitment or accept the all-encompassing sacrifice needed to forge a professional career in music. So science became her chosen route.

At Stanford, she majored in biology and received a master's degree in health services research. From there, it was on to UCSF medical school. "I love scientific knowledge. But I really wanted to be able to directly interact with patients," said Acharya, a self-described people person.

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Read more: Their work in peril, UCLA researchers decry Trump administration funding cuts at protest

A favorite professor, who specialized in eye infection and inflammation, steered her into ophthalmology and helped Acharya find her life's passion. She smiled broadly as she rhapsodized with mile-a-minute enthusiasm about her work, eyes wide and fingers fluttering over the table, as though she was once again summoning Bach or Paganini.

"The body affects everything in the eye," she explained. "Like, if you have an infection, you can get it in the eye. If you have an autoimmune disease, you can have manifestations in the eye. You have blood pressure problems, you can see it in the eye. The eye is like, really, a window into the body."

Acharya latest research was focused on how the shingles vaccine works.

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Shingles is a rash brought on by the varicella zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. Once chickenpox subsides, the virus can remain dormant in a persons body for decades before erupting again.

"In the first grant, we showed that the vaccine is very effective at preventing shingles and shingles in the eye if you've never had it," Acharya said. "But we hadn't gotten to the question of what if you already have shingles in the eye?"

It was work, Acharya said, that no one else was doing, aimed at preventing a loss of vision or blindness. It was not, she repeatedly emphasized, an attempt to promote vaccination, a once-common practice now tangled in layers of political, social and cultural debate  or, for that matter, to dissuade anyone from getting vaccinated.

"This is the kind of research that you would think the government would want. Safety and effectiveness ... the pros and the cons," Acharya said, giving a small, puzzled shake of her head. "I wanted to just get the information out there so people can use it."

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Now that guidance won't be available anytime soon.

If ever.

::

Acharya has never been politically active. Her whole life and career, she said, have been devoted to the furtherance of science.

While she leans left, she's never been wedded to any party or ideology; Acharya has found reasons to agree  and disagree  with Democrats and Republicans alike.

She didnt vote for Trump, but didnt see her support for Kamala Harris as making any sort of stand for scientific inquiry, or as a means of protecting her grant. It never crossed my mind, she said.

Acharya flips through a 1954 book signed by renowned ophthalmologists and researchers in a conference room at UCSF. (Paul Kuroda / For The Times)

The five-year grant paid 35% of Acharyas salary  she was nearing the end of Year Two  and, while the loss of income isnt great, shell manage. Im a professor and Im a doctor as well, she said. Im not going to lose my job.

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Acharya has been forced, however, to lay off two data analysts, and a third research position is in jeopardy. Her voice thickened as she discussed those let go. At one point, she seemed to be fighting back tears.

Ive cried with my team a lot, she said over the soft thrum of conversation in the airy cafeteria-style bistro. Im just keeping it together because I have to  I still take care of patients. I still teach. I cant lose it like that. I feel like ... I have to find some way to keep on going.

Read more: News Analysis: 'Disrupt, break, defund': Trump's imperial first 100 days

In its zeal to dismantle the federal government  driven more, it seems, by political calculation and a taste for vengeance than any well-thought-out design  the Trump administration has terminated hundreds of grants, ending research focused on Alzheimers disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, COVID-19, mental health services and addiction, among other areas of scientific pursuit.

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Hundreds of millions of dollars that already have been spent are now wasted. The fruits of all that research have been blithely and abruptly lopped off the vine.

Its impossible, Acharya said, to calculate the loss. It's painful to even try. All the things that might not be learned, she mused wistfully. All the potential gains out there that may go unrealized.

The termination notice UCSF received from the National Institutes of Health gave Acharya 30 days to appeal if she believed the decision to end her research was made in error. She did so.

A few days later, the university received a pro forma email acknowledging receipt of Acharyas appeal.

Since then, nothing.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Barclays is to ban trans women from using female lavatories in the wake of this months Supreme Court ruling.

The bank said it would review its internal policy on the use of bathrooms to ensure that it complied with the law after judges ruled that trans women can now be excluded from single-sex facilities.

The bank previously had a policy of allowing trans women to use whichever lavatory they wanted but this will be dropped.

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Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after The Telegraph first reported the change, CS Venkatakrishnan, the Barclays chief, said: Following the Supreme Court ruling ... we believe that we have to comply with that by not allowing trans women to use female bathrooms.

It comes after the Government said it would expect people to use the facilities based on their biology, rather than their gender identity, in the wake of the Supreme Courts ruling on the definition of a woman.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), the regulator of the Equality Act, has also issued interim guidance saying that it was compulsory for workplaces to provide single-sex lavatories, though trans women should not be left with no facilities to use.

Demonstrators have staged protests in Westminster in support of trans rights - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images

At an event held by Trans in the City at the banks Canary Wharf office in Nov 2023, a senior Barclays staff member told audience members they could use the bathroom of their choice.

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Ann ODonoghue, then a director in Barclays HR department, but who is now no longer at the company, can be heard in a recording reviewed by The Telegraph saying: I spend far too much time talking about this and why it is important.

From an LGBT+ perspective, what we want to do, and we do have it in our policy, is that you can use the facilities which align to your gender identity. That is in our policy, that is our approach, that is what we do.

The policy appears to contravene the EHRC ruling, which said employers must provide guaranteed single-sex lavatories. The Supreme Court ruling affirmed that sex applies to biological sex at birth, rather than gender identity.

In response questions about the recording, a Barclays spokesman said: We will make any changes to our practices that are necessary to ensure we are compliant with legal requirements and we are reviewing the Supreme Courts recent ruling.

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We will be making any necessary changes to comply with the EHRC interim guidance.

Listened to the wrong people

Tanya de Grunwald, host of the This Isnt Working podcast about the HR industry, attended the 2023 event and said: They were so proud of their policy that day, seemingly confident that this was the progressive way, so this is quite the volte face.

Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at the gender-critical campaign charity Sex Matters, said companies such as Barclays had been blinded by fear of falling foul to activists.

It should now be clear to them that they listened to the wrong people and adopted policies that harm their employees, especially women, she said.

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Taking advice from trans lobby groups has put employers on the wrong side of the law and poisoned their workplace culture, including by encouraging the bullying of colleagues who speak up for sex-based rights, or who object to unlawful policies concerning toilets and changing rooms.

Barclays review comes after the bank scrapped diversity targets at its US business earlier in the month after Donald Trump declared a war on woke in corporate America.

Mr Venkatakrishnan said the decision to drop diversity, equity and inclusion ambitions followed a review of its policies in the wake of Mr Trumps election victory in November 2024.

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UPDATE (April 30, 2025, 1:40 p.m. ET): NBC News reported that the Supreme Courts Republican appointees leaned toward letting Oklahoma approve the nations first-ever religious public charter school, with Chief Justice John Roberts emerging as a potentially decisive vote.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday in a case that could have profound consequences for schools across the country, according to a warning from Oklahomas Republican attorney general. Hes sounding the alarm on what would happen if the justices approve the nations first public religious charter school.

It would immediately render the federal CSP [charter school program] and the laws of 45 other States  which all require charter schools to be both public and secular  unconstitutional, eliminating a critical source of funding and creating chaos and confusion for thousands of charter schools and millions of schoolchildren nationwide, Gentner Drummond argued in a high court brief filed last month.

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Religious education is an invaluable benefit for millions of Americans who choose it, Drummonds brief said, adding: But our Constitution has never required the creation of religious public schools. There is no basis to change that now.

Yet, however sensible that sounds, Drummond is making the pitch to a high court that has been solicitous of religious claims.

Hoping to continue that streak in this case are the states charter board and the school at issue, St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. Citing recent rulings backing religious claims on First Amendment grounds, the charter board wrote to the justices, Three times in the last eight years, the Court has applied that principle to stop state efforts to exclude religious schools, parents, and students from generally available funding programs based solely on their religion. Along with the school, the board is appealing an Oklahoma state court ruling against them.

Wednesdays high court hearing follows one last week that was also about religion and school, regarding parents fighting to keep their elementary school kids out of instruction involving LGBTQ-themed books. The court will likely decide both cases by July, when the justices typically publish their final opinions of the term.

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The Trump administration is backing the school in Wednesdays case after backing the parents in last weeks books case. Solicitor General John Sauer is set to argue on the administrations behalf, returning to the justices after arguing the immunity case on Donald Trumps personal behalf last year.

Another notable aspect of this case is who will be deciding it  or, not deciding it. Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself from the appeal without explanation. Because recusals are important to public confidence in the court, it would be good if the justices consistently explained why they sit cases out.

In any event, Barretts recusal might stem from her friendship with Notre Dame law school professor Nicole Garnett and Garnetts relationship with the school at issue. Barrett herself was also a professor at the law school, whose religious liberty clinic represents the school. Garnett is a faculty fellow with the clinic.

To be sure, Barrett is just one of six Republican appointees on the court who have sided with religious claims in divided cases. And the school only needs five votes to win this case. But crucially here, they need at least that many, because a 4-4 deadlock would effectively uphold the state court ruling against them.

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It takes four justices to grant review of an appeal, and theyre obviously aware of this simple math. So the decision to take up the case could itself be a sign that the majority felt comfortable losing one vote. But the hearing could help to confirm whether thats so.

Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in the Trump administrations legal cases.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A Baton Rouge man was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison in connection with a May 2024 bank robbery.

Jonathan Wayne Lanaute, 40, was sentenced to serve three years of supervised release after his prison term and ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution.

Lanaute pleaded guilty to robbing the United Community Bank on Bluebonnet Boulevard on May 3, 2024, in August 2024. He went to the bank teller counter and handed a note that read, Give me all the money in the cash register before everybody die in here.

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Lanaute started to leave the bank after the teller gave him 50 $100 bills, but returned when he heard more money being dispensed and got more bills before leaving the building with $20,000, the Department of Justice said in a release Wednesday.

Deputies arrested Lanaute after a chase ended in a head-on crash on I-10 near Perkins Road. He was taken into custody after a short foot chase. Officials said $8,207.89 was found on him.

Baton Rouge police arrest suspect in Amazon center shooting

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Editors Note: A previous version of this article had the suspects name incorrectly reported by BRPD.

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The Baton Rouge Police Department has made an arrest in the shooting near the Amazon Fulfillment Center at Cortana Place that left a former employee dead on Monday, April 29.

Arrest documents said the shooting stemmed from a physical fight between Daylon Anthony, 21, and Carlgene Nash, 18.

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The defendant intended to kill or inflict great bodily harm upon the victim whenever he began shooting the victim. He also intentionally discharged his weapon inside the business as the victim was running away, arrest documents said.

Items belonging to Nash were found at the scene. Police said he fled the area after the shooting.

Nash turned himself in to the authorities and was charged with second-degree murder and illegal use of a weapon, police said. He was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

BRPD is still investigating the incident.

Baton Rouge mother accused of beating daughter with bat and belt

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During Panamas wet season, forests boom with a chorus of tungara frog mating calls as males compete for females attention.But these calls put the frogs in a precarious position between sex and death. For a fringe-lipped bat, its as though its meal is ringing a dinner bell.

Bats navigate the world with echolocation, listening to the sound waves of their own calls bouncing off nearby objects. Their hearing is so precise they can even home in on prey using ripples that frog calls make on water.

But fringe-lipped bats have an additional auditory superpower. This woolly, wart-mouthed creature listens for frog and toad mating calls and can tell, just from the sound, which are tasty and which are toxic.

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Now, scientists have found that adult bats are better at screening out spam calls than juveniles. The younger bats often wiggled their ears in response to the calls of poisonous toads, while adults ignored those calls, according to a new study in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

That suggests to me that the juveniles have to learn, probably through experience, that those calls are not associated with a good meal, said Logan James, lead author of the study and postdoctoral researcher at McGill University.

The study is an excellent reminder that behavior is plastic and shaped by experience, by learning, said Mirjam Knornschild, professor of evolutionary ethology at the Humboldt University of Berlin, who was not involved in this study.

Trachops Maslowski Photograph By Grant Maslowski

Trachops Maslowski Photograph By Grant Maslowski

A nature vs. nurture story

Data for the new study originated nearly 17 years ago with Rachel Page, a staff scientist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama and a senior author on the study. Native to southern Mexico and parts of Central and South America, this is the only bat species known hunt by listening to frog calls.

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Page wanted to know if the bats were genetically hard-wired to identify frog calls, or if they learned these calls from experience.

When she was a graduate student, Page and her team collected the calls of 15 different species of frogs and toadsa combination of recordings they and colleagues had gathered at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. They put wild juveniles and adult bats in a cage with a speaker covered with a screen and dead leaves and video recorded the bats responses to each call.

In the summer of 2023, some fifteen years after the video data was first collected, James began analyzing the data while serving as a visiting researcher at the Smithsonians Panama outpost. James and colleagues found that juveniles and adults, on average, both showed an interest in frogs of a size appropriate to eat.

But unlike adults, some juveniles showed little interest in the calls from frog species that this type of bat often eats, such as the tungara.

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And some young bats reacted to poisonous toads by moving their ears, flexing their wings, or flying to the speaker broadcasting the call. One pup even attacked the speaker when it played the call of a poisonous species.

The fact that these juvenile bats respond so strongly to some of these toad calls really does tell us that they must be changing their strategy over time, James said.

Learning to eavesdrop

The new study does not rule out the idea that the mothers of the young bats teach them about frog calls. And a 2022 study found that bats learn navigation from their mothers. There could be a combination of social learning and trial-and-error at play, Page said.

The mom and pups do associate for long periods of time in the wild, even after weaning. So it seems like lots of opportunity for social learning to take place there, Page said. But we also see that they're very, very quick through their own individual experience to acquire new prey quality associations.

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One piece of evidence in favor of the learning from experience hypothesis comes from a previous study from Pages lab, which trained bats of the same species to fly toward certain ringtones but not others. Scientists showed bats maintained the association with the ringtones for up to four years.

Eavesdropping is an important skill for many animals, including humans. Studying these bats allows researchers to explore a cognitive ability they share with us to listen for cues in nature and make decisions based on what they hear.

Bats learning to pick out the call of a tasty frog from the cacophonous auditory background, and pounce on it, is akin to how we learn the sound of our own names, James said. We perk up when we hear our name mentioned even at a crowded party, and these bats also learn to selectively attend to important sounds and ignore others, he said.

To follow up on the new results, James, Page, and others are working on a study exploring how the bats respond to a mixture of calls from different frogs and toads. Pages lab is additionally researching the bats hunting behavior by equipping bats with mini-backpacks carrying tiny microphones and sending them back into the wild.

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Long-term, the two researchers plan to explore the extent to which bats may share some

of the fundamental building blocks of human communication, including speech and music.

While Page studies multiple bat species, the fringe-lipped type has fascinated her since her doctoral research on it about two decades ago. You think, Okay, I think I understand it now, and then a whole new suite of questions will unfold.
For Nassau County residents like Greg Gaylor, American Beachs vehicle access point makes beach days a breeze.

It just makes it convenient when you can bring all your fishing stuff. Especially if you have kids, you got all their toys and whatnot, Gaylor told Action News Jax while fishing on the beach Wednesday morning.

However, the community conservation group, Save Historic American Beach, announced Wednesday that its suing Nassau County, in an attempt to put an end to driving on American Beachs shorelines - at least until the county can conduct a full environmental study.

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When the DNR said back in 1989 that beach driving in Florida is a dinosaur, its still a dinosaur today. It was a dinosaur in 1989, its a dinosaur today, Mark Hawkins, the chairman of Save Historic American Beach said at Wednesdays announcement. This island has 13 miles of beaches. You can drive on one mile of beach and half of that one mile is American Beach.

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While Save Historic American Beach says that a temporary pause is vital to protecting the wildlife that calls these shorelines home, neighbors Action News Jax spoke to Wednesday morning on American Beach didnt feel theres much of a problem at all - adding theyd be very much against a further restriction on beach driving.

Read: Man o war warning in St. Johns County

I dont know of anyone thats ever had a close call running over a sea turtle nest or anything like that. I just think thats going a little too far, Gaylor said.

We have other neighbors from our community that walk on the beach that have seen dead turtles, Hawkins argued. So, I mean, the fact that theres someone on the beach that says they havent seen it doesnt mean it doesnt happen.

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Read: 24 travelers banned after massive fight breaks out at Carnival Cruise Line terminal

Action News Jax was sent a photo seemingly showing one of what Save Historic American Beach says has been several instances of sea turtle hatchlings killed by drivers on American Beach.

However, in a letter responding to the lawsuit, Nassau Countys legal team said in part:

Nassau County is not aware of any verified vehicular collisions with live sea turtles in the unincorporated area of the county, including American Beach.

Action News Jax also reached out to the county about these concerns and the lawsuit, but they said theyre unable to comment at this time due to pending litigation.

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Read: Duval School Board Chair says accelerated programs not in jeopardy despite proposed funding cuts

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Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has brushed aside speculation that she could be preparing a presidential run in 2028.

With her party still reeling from former vice president Kamala Harriss defeat last November, the New Yorker has emerged as a leading light of its progressive wing . Recently she crossed the country with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders on a joint Fighting Oligarchy speaking tour that has attracted large crowds.

Ocasio-Cortez has also drawn focus by posting a campaign-style video on social media this month showcasing clips from the tour that some have seen as a hint at her future White House ambitions.

Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addresses supporters during a "Fighting Oligarchy" rally in Denver, Colorado, (Jason Connolly/AFP/Getty)

Asked whether that was the case by a Fox News Digital reporter on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, the Democrat appeared surprised, answering mockingly: Because of my Instagram posts?

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Pressed for a response, she said: Look, its a video. Frankly, what people should be most concerned about is the fact that Republicans are trying to cut Medicaid right now and peoples healthcare. Its a danger and thats really what my central focus is.

Ocasio-Cortez was also asked about recent favorable polling, including a Yale University survey that found that she was the second most popular Democratic presidential contender ahead of the next election, behind only Harris.

To me, this moment is not about campaigns or elections or about politics. Its about making sure people are protected, she said.

And weve got people that are getting locked up for exercising their First Amendment rights, were getting two-year-olds getting deported into cells in Honduras, were getting people about to get kicked off of Medicaid. That, to me, is the most important thing.

Ocasio-Cortez with Bernie Sanders in Los Angeles (Jae C Hong/AP)

In the video in question, Ocasio-Cortez is seen speaking with Sanders in Nampa, Idaho, on April 14 and telling their audience: Dont let them trick us into thinking we are enemies.

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Dont let them trick us into thinking that we can be separated into rural and urban, Black and white and Latino. We are one.

The clip also reminds viewers that the congresswoman was once a waitress from the Bronx. Impossible is nothing, she tells the crowd.
The problem with climate change isnt just the temperature  its also how fast the climate is changing today.

Historically, Earths climate changes have generally happened over thousands to millions of years. Today, global temperatures are increasing by about 0.36 degrees Fahrenheit (0.2 degrees Celsius) per decade.

Imagine a car speeding up. Over time, human activities such as burning fossil fuels have increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the Sun. This is like pressing the gas pedal. The faster the driver adds gas, the faster the car goes.

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The 21st century has seen a dramatic acceleration in the rate of climate change, with global temperatures rising more than three times faster than in the previous century.

The faster pace and higher temperatures are changing habitat ranges for plants and animals. In some regions, the pace of change is also throwing off the delicate timing of pollination, putting plants and pollinators such as bees at risk.

Some species are already migrating

Most plant and animal species can tolerate or at least recover from short-term changes in climate, such as a heat wave. When the changes last longer, however, organisms may need to migrate into new areas to adapt for survival.

Some species are already moving toward higher latitudes and altitudes with cooler temperatures, altering their geographic territory to stay within their optimal climate. Fish populations, for example, have shifted toward the poles as ocean temperatures have risen.

Pollinators such as bees can also shift their ranges.

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Bumblebees, for example, are adapted for cooler regions because of their fuzzy bodies. Some bumblebee populations have been disappearing from the southern parts of their geographic range and have been found in cooler regions to the north and in more mountainous areas. That could increase competition with existing bumblebee populations.

Plants and pollinators can get out of sync

Plants and their pollinators face another problem as the rate of climate change increases: Many plants rely on insects and other animals for seed and pollen dispersal.

Much of that pollen dispersal is accomplished by native pollinators. About 75% of plant species in North America require an insect pollinator  bees, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, birds and bats. In fact, 1 in 3 bites of food you eat depend on a pollinator, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

So, even if a species successfully migrates into a new territory, it can face a mismatch of pollination timing. This is known as phenological mismatch.

Monarch butterflies migrate each year and rely on plants blooming along their path to provide food. Clint Wirick/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

During the winter, insects go into a hibernation known as diapause, migrate or take up shelter underground, under rocks or in leaf litter. These insect pollinators use temperature and daylight length as cues for when to emerge or when to migrate to their spring and summer habitats.

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As the rate of climate change increases, the chances of a timing mismatch between pollinators and the plants they pollinate rise.

With an increase in temperature, many plants are blooming earlier in the spring. If bees or other pollinators emerge at their normal time, flowers may already be blooming, reducing their chance for pollination.

If pollinators emerge too early, they may struggle to survive if their normal food sources are not yet available. Native bees, for example, rely on pollen for much of the protein they need for growing and thriving.

Wild bees are emerging earlier

This kind of shift in timing is already happening with bees in the U.S.

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Studies have shown that the date wild bees emerge in the U.S. has shifted by 10.4 days earlier over the past 130 years, and the pace is accelerating.

One study found wild bees across species have been changing their phenology, or timing of seasonal activities, and over the past 50 years the emergence date is four times faster. That means wild bees were emerging roughly eight days earlier in 2020 than they did in 1970.

This trend of earlier emergence is generally consistent across organisms with the accelerating rate of climate change. If the timing mismatches continue to worsen, it could exacerbate the decline of pollinator populations and result in inadequate pollination for plants that rely on them.

Pollinator decline and inadequate pollination already account for a 3% to 5% decline in global fruit, vegetable, spice and nut production annually, a recent study found.

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Without pollinators, ecosystems are less resilient  they are unable to absorb disturbances such as wildfires, adapt to changes, and recover from environmental stressors such as pollution, drought or floods.

Managing climate change

Pollinators face many other risks from human activities, including habitat loss from development and harm from pesticide use. Climate change adds to that list.

Taking steps to reduce the activities driving global warming can help keep these species thriving and carrying out their roles in nature into the future.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Courtney McGinnis, Quinnipiac University

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Courtney McGinnis is affiliated with You Got This Kid Leadership Foundation. She receives funding from Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. A planning conference for the Tarlan-2025 joint UAV exercise was held in one of the military units of the Azerbaijan Air Force with a delegation from the Department for the Use and Development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense.

The participants of the event were presented with a briefing on the objectives and tasks of the Tarlan-2025 joint UAV exercise.

It was highlighted that the upcoming joint exercise will focus on UAV operation planning, enhancing execution and evaluation skills, improving interoperability between units from different countries, and strengthening defense against UAVs.

Then, a broad exchange of views on many issues regarding the upcoming joint exercise was held, and questions of mutual interest were answered.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
An Amazon Fulfillment Center in Baltimore, Maryland. (Maryland GovPics, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

Editors note: This story was taken down but has been republished with comment from Amazon.

Union leaders met in Hershey this week for the Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters annual convention.

Some of Pennsylvanias most powerful politicians, like Gov. Josh Shapiro, state House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) and U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-1st District) made appearances to support the trade union, which is one of the largest in the world and claims 1.3 million members in a wide variety of occupations.

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Teamsters leaders at the gathering discussed their goals for the year, and broadly outlined strategies in areas from workplace organizing to making political endorsements.

But many who spoke had a particular target in their sights: Amazon.

The union has been at odds with the company for years over working conditions for Amazon drivers and warehouse staff. And theyve fought Amazons decision to classify some workers, including drivers, as independent contractors. That classification lets the company off the hook for providing certain benefits, like health insurance, and guarantees, like minimum wage, the union argues.

Though Amazon says their delivery service partners, which the company describes as small and medium-sized businesses that they contract to run their delivery routes, provide health care coverage that meets or exceeds federal standards for affordability and minimum value.

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For years, Teamsters have pushed to organize the companys workforce. The union says it has organized 10,000 warehouse workers and drivers. That includes employees at a distribution center in New York that Teamsters say has over 5,000 employees and voted to join them in 2024. Amazon, however says they dont recognize any unions at their facilities and that the Teamsters have never brought an election. Moreover, they say drivers, unionized or not, arent their employees.

The feud between the company and union reached a boiling point during the last holiday season, when Teamsters urged Amazon employees at numerous facilities to strike and formed picket lines at other facilities, including in Pennsylvania. The union said the picket was over the companys refusal to bargain with the group.

Speakers at the Hershey conference said that action was just the opening salvo.

This is the beginning of a war with Amazon, said William Hamilton, president of the Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters, which represents around 95,000 workers in warehouse, transport and other industries. Amazon started the war on workers because theyve continually attacked workers across this country and mistreated them. They created this environment of unsafe conditions, of low pay, of doing things to people that people on the outside would never even consider to be something an employer should be doing.

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Amazon has come under the scrutiny of lawmakers, regulators and advocacy groups in the past over allegations of creating unsafe and unsanitary work conditions. For example, The Guardian, The Intercept and other outlets have reported that Amazons aggressive tracking of worker productivity lead some drivers and warehouse staff to skip bathroom and food breaks.

Eileen Hards, a spokesperson for Amazon, said in an email that Amazon already offers what many unions are requesting: safe and inclusive workplaces, competitive pay, health benefits on day one and opportunities for career growth.

The company also said that employees are encouraged to take breaks when needed, and that their delivery app provides suggestions for places drivers can stop and use a restroom.

Hards added that Amazon workers can choose to join unions if they want, but that Teamsters efforts to unionize employees have been coercive.

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The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union, Hards said.

Teamsters, on the other hand, say Amazon has fought their workers efforts to organize and join them.

And Teamsters have also been fighting the company through courts and regulators. Last week, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a complaint saying that Amazon failed to come to the bargaining table with employees of a distribution center in San Francisco after more than 100 voted to join a Teamsters-affiliated union.

That follows another victory last year when NLRB prosecutors sided with Teamsters, who were calling for Amazon delivery drivers in Palmdale, California, to be classified as joint employees instead of independent contractors. The ruling is not final, and Amazon says it will be reviewed by an administrative law judge.

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Still, Randy Korgan, the national director of the Teamsters Amazon division, said the battle must be waged on the ground by workers, instead of focusing on courts and state capitols.

Its been multiple decades since that system has truly done what its supposed to do, which is protect workers in an expeditious way, Korgan told attendees at the Pennsylvania conference. What were doing is were building committees. Were educating workers and were getting them to understand that youre not going to get your employer to recognize anything until you shut it down.

Korgan claimed that the union organized nearly 10,000 Amazon workers in 2024 alone. He said that wasnt done in a traditional setting. Instead he and others encouraged workers to stage walkouts and take direct action. That number includes drivers, who Amazon says are independent contractors.

Its a small fraction of the roughly 750,000 warehouse workers and 210,000 drivers an Amazon spokesperson estimated the company employs or contracts in the U.S.. But the company says it isnt true.

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For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public  claiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers, Hards said. They dont, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative.

Liana Dalton, an organizer for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Amazon division said that organizing needs to be continued in Pennsylvania, where she hopes to see more Amazon facilities and drivers unionize, and build capacity for a potential strike. She said shes heard from many who were inspired by the strike last winter, some of whom went to New York to join a picket line.

Weve gotta build this and weve gotta scale it, so that we shut down the entire market in these key regions, Dalton said.

Amazon also came up repeatedly in discussions of the unions political goals.

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Thomas Doyle, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters state program director, said the union is also pushing bills in state legislatures around the country in the hopes of passing laws to improve conditions for Amazon warehouse workers.

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Doyle said warehouse workers at Amazon are injured at higher rates than many companies in the sector. A bill the union is pushing around the country would require warehouses to disclose productivity quotas to their workforce. Doyle said that Amazon has not disclosed those in some circumstances, leading to workers rushing and increasing the potential for injury.

In [typical] warehouses, we understand there are productivity quotas, but our workers are made aware of what theyre being measured against, Doyle said. This bill would mandate that a company has to make their workers aware of what theyre being measured against. So by eliminating that invisible clock, workers will be able to pace themself in a safer manner.

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Doyle said that bills requiring disclosure of productivity quotas have already passed in five states: California, New York, Minnesota, Washington and Oregon. And hes hoping Pennsylvania will follow suit.

Hards, the Amazon spokesperson, said in an email the data pointing to Amazon warehouses being more unsafe than others is misleading.

Since 2019 our recordable incident and lost time rates have improved by 31% and 76.5% respectively in the United States and 34% and 65% globally, she wrote. But, were not satisfied and we wont be until were best in class.

The company also said that it does not implement productivity quotas for warehouse workers.

Doyle also said the Teamsters advocacy arm will be lobbying for other legislation. Those would require human supervision in commercially used autonomous vehicles; require companies provide certain protections for workers exposed to extreme temperatures; and ban mandatory captive audience meetings discussing either religion or politics, which would be defined to include discussions of unionization. Such meetings are sometimes used by employers to disparage unionization efforts during work hours.
Youras Ziankovich, an American who was detained on charges of allegedly plotting to assassinate self-proclaimed president Alexander Lukashenko, has been released from prison in Belarus.

Source: European Pravda, citing CNN

Details: Ziankovich was arrested in Moscow in 2021 and then taken to Minsk, where he was accused of participating in a US-backed plot to assassinate the self-proclaimed president of Belarus.

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A US State Department spokesperson said that Ziankovich's release did not result from a prisoner exchange.

After his release from Belarusian custody, Ziankovich was taken to neighbouring Lithuania, accompanied by US officials, including Chris Smith, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that an American citizen had been released from Belarus but did not name him.

"I knew this day would come. It took 1,480 days, but he survived and is on his way home to me and to America," Alena Dzenisavets, Ziankovich's wife, told CNN.

Background:

In February 2025 Chris Smith secretly visited Belarus and took three political prisoners back with him, including an unnamed US citizen.

According to media reports, the State Department suggested that Lukashenko release political prisoners in exchange for sanctions relief.

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NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT)  The New Bern Police Department was seeking the publics assistance in locating a juvenile named Taylor Ellis on Wednesday. Ellis was found later Wednesday evening by NBPD without injury.

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TYLER, Texas (KETK)  In a span of under 24 hours, East Texas Giving Day gives local nonprofits the opportunity to raise thousands of dollars.

Bethesda Health Clinic shares services they offer

Last year, our generous community gifted us over $100,000 on East Texas Giving Day, which was so amazing and humbling, Medical Director of Bethesda Pediatrics Danny Price said.

East Texas Giving Day donations from 2024 allowed Bethesda Health Clinic in Tyler to see and take care of East Texas patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Bethesda Clinic medical director Danni Price said the gift of donations is what helps keep the place running.

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Its literally the gifts and donations of our local friends that keep our lights on and pay our bills, Price said.

East Texas Giving Day funds allow Bethesda to see patients in their pediatric and adult clinics while also offering counseling and dental visits.

This year, weve set our sights higher at 150,000, Price said. We really think that we can do that thanks to a $50,000 match.

These funds also allow Bethesda to have more resources to help their patients, but East Texas Giving Day isnt just helping at the clinic, its helping more than 362 local organizations.

What weve seen year in and year out is our nonprofits really appreciate the opportunity to participate in this, President and CEO of East Texas Communities Foundation Kyle Penney said. And it allows them to attract people that no other type of event can allow them to attract.

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While giving can normally be a private or quiet event, East Texas Giving Day asks everyone to share their contributions.

2025 East Texas Giving Day: Bethesda Health Clinic

Its that viral nature of a giving event like this that helps introduce new people to charities theyve never heard about before and allows them opportunity to support them as well, Penney said.

East Texans sharing their donations is important for East Texas Giving Day so people can go to their website and learn about the different organizations in the area, like Bethesda Health Clinic.

Its really been an amazing thing to see how generous and supportive our Tyler and East Texas community is, Price said.

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Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, listens to a presentation on the proposed amendment to the Alaska Constitution on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

As Alaska lawmakers confront a major budget deficit, legislators opposing views on possible solutions appear likely to lead to a lower Permanent Fund dividend and cuts to services, including public schools.

In public statements, members of the Alaska Senates majority caucus have said they oppose spending from savings to balance the budget and want to see new revenue bills instead.

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Meanwhile, members of the state House and Gov. Mike Dunleavy have said they oppose new revenue bills and would prefer to spend from savings.

Those different positions leave only budget cuts  to public services and the dividend  as the way to balance the budget.

Its still a very dynamic conversation right now.  We can clearly see we dont have enough funds to pay for everything, said Rep. Bill Elam, R-Nikiski.

In the absence of revenue, the PFD is going to go away. An affordable PFD this year is like $500, said Rep. Zack Fields, D-Anchorage.

As it prepares its draft of the states operating budget, the Alaska Senates finance committee has already stripped out all spending increases proposed by the state House in its draft budget, and it has nixed most of the increases requested by Dunleavy.

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Even after cutting more than $200 million from a budget draft approved by the House, the Senate Finance draft budget has a deficit of at least $70 million  and possibly much more, depending on the results of ongoing labor negotiations and other factors.

Next on the chopping block is the dividend, set at $1,400 per recipient by the House.

I believe, because of the tightness of this years budget, we are looking at reducing that further, but no further than $1,000, said Sen. Lyman Hoffman, D-Bethel and co-chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

That reduction would save close to $420 million, he told reporters on Tuesday, but the size of the reduction hasnt been finalized.

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While legislators have not agreed on a new formula to set the dividend, the amounts each of the past two years were based on 25% of the annual draws from the Permanent Fund, a share supported by some senators since at least 2017. Reducing the dividend below $1,400 would end that practice.

With three weeks left in the Legislatures regular session, the Senate has passed one revenue bill  modifying the states corporate income tax for big Internet companies like Amazon  and two others remain in committee.

On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, confirmed that the Senate will not pass the biggest revenue proposal this year: a reduction in the per-barrel tax credit given to oil companies as part of the states oil tax system.

That leaves only a change to the taxation of privately held companies like Hilcorp, the North Slope oil firm, on the Senates docket.

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Even if both bills were to pass the Legislature and gain Dunleavys approval, the combined gain to the state treasury would be the equivalent of less than $200 for the Permanent Fund dividend.

On top of that, the odds of the House passing and the governor allowing both revenue bills appear low.

In a March opinion column published by the Anchorage Daily News, House Majority Leader Chuck Kopp, R-Anchorage, joined 15 members of the Republican House minority in opposing two of the three Senate bills.

Asked why Alaskans should endure a PFD cut to avoid higher taxes on those companies, Kopp said on April 8, Right now, our oil and gas industry is recovering from the COVID-19 setback and we are currently on the verge of a renaissance in the energy industry.  I dont want to kill an energy renaissance when it is just forming, coming online and showing tremendous promise.

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The Houses majority caucus has only 21 members, meaning that Kopps opposition would require the majority to have the support of at least one member of the Houses Republican minority in order to advance one of the oil-related bills.

But even if a bill were to pass the House and Senate, Dunleavy would still have to OK it.

I told legislative leadership, Im not interested in new taxes. Im not interested in a program that taxes and spends, taxes and spends, the governor told reporters during a news conference earlier this month.

As an alternative to cutting the dividend and services, the Legislature could unlock the Constitutional Budget Reserve, a $2.8 billion savings account. Lawmakers are already planning to do so in order to cover a $200 million shortfall in the current years budget.

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But on Tuesday, members of the Senates majority caucus reiterated their opposition to that idea.

As bad as the states budget situation is this year, its likely to be worse next year, said Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka and co-chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

Were very concerned (about) any access to the CBR this year  because the concern is next year, its highly likely were going to need it, he said.

Between federal budget cuts and depressed oil prices, the problems that the state is facing now will be repeated next year, both Stedman and Hoffman said. Thats when the Legislature will debate the budget to cover the fiscal year from July 2026 to June 2027.

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That is also an integral part of what were having dialogue on  positioning the state for the FY27 budget a year from now, so were not  halfway down a cliff, heading for a final stop, Stedman said.

Editors note: This article has been updated to include Sen. Hoffmans full name and position.

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Unless the Trump administration acts to protect a Biden era rule that gave a raise to overtime workers, that raise will vanish. (Photo: Getty Images)

Lets say youre a general manager at a fast food restaurant. You work 55 hours a week  not at all uncommon in the field  and earn a salary that comes out to less than $13 an hour.

Last year, a federal rule would have made you eligible for a raise.

Under rules set by the Biden administration, your employer would either have to increase your salary or pay you overtime for those extra 15 hours a week you spent working instead of being with your family. But now, unless the Trump administration acts to protect that raise from one of Trumps own judges, that raise will vanish.

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President Trumps erratic policies have created turmoil in our economy and put workers on uncertain footing. To help working families, Trump should defend this Biden administration rule, which restores and expands overtime pay to more than four million workers.

Overtime regulations are a cornerstone of the Fair Labor Standards Act, the 1938 law that guarantees a minimum wage and overtime for most workers. Strong overtime protections helped build Americas middle class and ensure that workers arent overworked and underpaid. They also create jobs and help families spend more time together.

While most workers get time and a half for working more than 40 hours a week, some workers arent legally entitled to overtime protections, including executive, administrative, and professional employees.

Back in 1938, this exemption was premised on the idea that these workers were paid much more than most hourly workers. But now these workers also include many retail store assistant managers, executive assistants, and human resource managers who are paid as little as $36,000 per year  about $13 per hour  and work 50-plus hours a week with no extra pay.

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Figuring out overtime eligibility has been the Labor Departments job for more than 80 years. The threshold needs to be raised regularly  otherwise it will end up like the $7.25/hour minimum wage, which is nowhere near as effective as when it was set over 15 years ago.

Last year, Bidens Labor Department raised the salary threshold to $43,888  and had planned to raise that again to $58,656 earlier this year.

But in November, a Trump-appointed judge in the Eastern District of Texas vacated the entire Biden overtime rule, including the 2024 increase. Because of this court decision, one million workers actually lost overtime protections  and three million more are in limbo. Bidens Labor Department appealed that decision, but didnt have time to defend its position before Trump took office.

The fate of this overtime appeal and other challenges to the rule now rests with the Trump administration. By May 6, the administration must tell the court if it will defend or abandon the rule. Millions of workers paychecks hang in the balance.

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If anything, the first few months of the Trump administration has shown us that the White House wont shy away from a legal battle if they care enough. Unfortunately, none of those legal battles are about fighting for working families. Heres a chance for President Trump to show he cares about working families as much as he cares about slashing federal jobs and imposing tariffs.

This rule doesnt need new legislation. It doesnt require a budget fight. All it takes is defending a raise that millions of workers have already earned. President Trump says he wants to help working families. Heres his chance to prove it.

This column was originally published at OtherWords.org.
n this photo illustration, the injectable weight-loss medication Wegovy is available at a Chicago pharmacy last year. The Biden administration proposed a rule that would have required state Medicaid programs to cover GLP-1s for obesity treatment, but the Trump administration said it will leave the option up to the states. (Photo illustration by Scott Olson | Getty Images)

The Trump administration this month scrapped a Biden-era proposal that would have required state Medicaid programs and allowed federal Medicare to pay for some GLP-1s for obesity treatment. Instead, state Medicaid programs will retain the choice of whether to cover the high-priced medications for their residents.

The drugs, which have historically been prescribed to diabetic patients, also help patients lose weight and have grown in popularity among doctors and patients. But they are generally too expensive for most people to afford without insurance.

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While doctors and patient advocates say these drugs are critical to helping patients struggling with obesity and can save money in the long run by reducing comorbidities such as heart disease, others say the medications are just too expensive for most states to afford. More than a dozen state Medicaid programs have opted to cover GLP-1s for obesity treatment, and the proposed Biden rule would have asked all states to figure out how to pay for them. But now, advocates fear these drugs may continue to be out of reach for many.

Its unfortunate that theyre excluding a whole class of medications that seem to have a tremendous number of health benefits to patients, Dr. Nicholas Pennings, chair of family medicine at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina, said in an interview.

I think thats just part of the inherent bias towards the treatment of people with obesity.

 Dr. Nicholas Pennings, chair of family medicine at Campbell University

GLP-1s, which stand for glucagon-like peptide-1, are a class of drugs that balance blood sugar levels. Theyve long been prescribed to patients with Type 2 diabetes. But since the drugs also curb hunger signals, doctors may prescribe these drugs  including popular brands Wegovy and Ozempic  to help patients lose weight.

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Medicaid is a joint federal-state funded program that mostly serves people with lower incomes under the age of 65 or who have a disability. The federal Medicare program focuses primarily on people above the age of 65, no matter their income.

How and whether to cover expensive treatments and drugs can be a significant deliberation for state Medicaid directors. In North Carolina, where 70% of people struggle with being overweight or obese, officials opted to begin covering the drugs for weight loss last year. That coverage has been a game changer, said Pennings, who continues to treat Medicaid patients.

They are expensive, but theres a lot of other medications that are expensive too. Why is it that obesity medications and diabetes medications are being selected out? Pennings said. I think thats just part of the inherent bias towards the treatment of people with obesity, feeling like its cheating or not necessary.

The list price for Wegovy is around $1,300 per month, and for Ozempic, around $1,000. Even so, the skyrocketing popularity of these drugs has prompted at least 14 state Medicaid departments to begin covering these drugs to treat obesity in the past decade.

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In addition to North Carolina, those states include California, Delaware, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin.

An annual survey of Medicaid directors from health policy research group KFF recently found that half of the 47 responding states not already covering the drugs were considering doing so.

In January, the National Association of Medicaid Directors told the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that state Medicaid departments had significant concerns over the fiscal impacts of the Biden proposal to require coverage of GLP-1s, and strongly recommend that CMS maintain the current state option to cover or not cover anti-obesity medications.

But others say covering the drugs will yield long-term savings.

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John Cawley, a professor of economics and public policy at Cornell University who has studied the economic impacts of obesity, has found that obesity essentially doubles a persons annual health care costs due to comorbidities such as heart disease, fatty liver disease and kidney disease.

Hes found that weight loss among those with extreme obesity, with a BMI of 40 or higher, can yield substantial reductions in medical care costs.

Cawley added that state Medicaid programs have a lot of flexibility in ensuring costs dont get out of control, by, for example, covering a newly available generic version of GLP-1s, requiring prior authorization, and asking patients to try behavioral programs before getting a prescription.

North Carolinas Medicaid department began covering GLP-1s for obesity in August. The state has been able to afford GLP-1 coverage by negotiating rebates, or discounts, with drug manufacturers, and by getting the federal government to cover some costs. Department leaders think lowering obesity will save the state money in the long run, said Jay Ludlam, deputy secretary for North Carolina Medicaid.

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He said that one of the benefits of Medicaid is that we get to choose, as a state, where we want to make kind of those extra investments or not. He added that covering the medications could be potentially financially feasible for other states.

Each program is different and has its own pressures. It would be welcome to be able to come together with other states to be able to negotiate broader deals, Ludlam said. If North Carolina is able to get a good deal, I dont know why other states wouldnt be able to participate in that.

In 2023, Connecticut enacted a law requiring Medicaid to cover obesity treatment services. The program began covering GLP-1s for weight loss, but costs were significant enough that the state told providers this year that it is now focusing on other obesity treatments instead.

Sean Scanlon, the Connecticut comptroller, said that not covering GLP-1s is shortsighted, bad policy. The state health plan, which takes care of teachers and other state employees, has been covering the drugs for weight loss since 2023. The plan controls costs by only prescribing GLP-1s after patients go through some online weight-loss counseling, said Scanlon.

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The most fiscally conservative thing we can do is give people tools that will save the taxpayers money in the long run, he said in an interview. And GLP-1 drugs are one of the best tools that we have to ensure that the taxpayers are not going to pay more money for the health care of hundreds of millions of people in the long run.

Its unclear whether the federal government will reverse course. In the past, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has recommended three good meals a day and behavioral changes rather than weight-loss medication.

But this month, Kennedy told CBS News hes considering a regulatory framework to have Medicare and Medicaid cover these extraordinary drugs in the future, once their cost goes down.

Ideally, over the long-term, wed like to see those drugs available for people after they try other interventions, Kennedy said.

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Stateline reporter Shalina Chatlani can be reached at schatlani@stateline.org.

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.

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People experiencing homelessness in Raleigh pack to leave an encampment off of Highway 70 near Interstate 40. (Photo: Greg Childress)

A bill that would make it unlawful for local governments to allow or authorize any person to regularly engage in public camping or sleeping on public property, including, but not limited to, public buildings or grounds and any public right-of-way received a favorable report in a House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

The bill, however, includes a significant exception. House Bill 781 would allow local governments by majority vote to designate local government-owned property located within its jurisdiction to be used for a continuous period of up to one year for public camping or sleeping purposes. Local governments can renew the one-year period.

Rep. Brian Biggs (Photo: NC General Assembly)

Rep. Brian Biggs (R-Randolph) said he sponsored the bill after leaders of local municipalities came to him looking for guidance in handling homelessness. Biggs insisted the bill doesnt criminalize homelessness as some critics contend.

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It addresses the use of public property for camping and sleeping without prohibiting homelessness, Biggs said. It does create clear guidance. We need guidance.

In addition to Biggs, HB 781 is cosponsored by GOP Reps. Neal Jackson, Jennifer Balkcom and Mike Schietzelt  who represent parts of Randolph, Moore, Henderson, and Wake counties.

Under the bill, counties or municipalities designating property for encampments must establish and maintain minimum standards and procedures designed to:

Ensure the safety and security of the designated property and the persons lodging or residing on the property.

Maintain sanitation, including, at a minimum, by providing access to clean and operable restrooms and running water.

Coordinate with the county health department to provide access to behavioral health services, which must include substance abuse and mental health treatment resources.

Prohibit illegal substance use and alcohol use on the designated property and enforce the prohibition against such use.

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Several people signed up to speak against the bill. They were only given one minute each to speak.

Otto Harris, a pastor speaking on behalf of Ken Carter, bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, said HB 781 treads on the states most vulnerable citizens.

How can we push down folks who are already down? Carter asked. Seems like its impossible, but this bill has figured it out.

Harris said the bill will criminalize homelessness and place unhoused people in harms way with potential penalties, fines, court dates, blemishes on their record.

Chris Nobblitt, an organizer for Durham-based National Union of the Homeless, said the bill will lead to deaths if approved.

Chris Nobblitt (Courtesy photo)

This bill will kill the Hurricane Helene victims that have still not gotten help from FEMA or the state, Nobblitt said. This bill will kill veterans that serve my country, please do not let this bill pass.

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Nobblitt compared sanction encampments to concentration camps.

If you really wanted to help homeless people, then you would help to unlock the 27 empty homes for every homeless person. You would help us get Medicaid for every person, Nobblitt said. You would raise the minimum wage so we could afford the sky-high rent that the corporations in North Carolina are holding hostage.

According to the N.C. Housing Coalition, there are 1.1 million families in North Carolina who are burdened by housing costs. The groups annual County Profiles reported that 48% of renters and 19% of homeowners in North Carolina pay more than 30% of their income on housing. Families that spend more than 30% of income on housing are considered cost-burdened. In 2024, homelessness in North Carolina increased 19%, as the official count reached a total of 11,626 individuals experiencing homelessness.

Chris Sharp of the conservative, Texas-based Cicero Institute, spoke in support of the bill.

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This bill allows for local governments to establish sanctioned camping, camping areas that provide basic sanitation, access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, along with protection from gangs drug dealers, which often prey on these vulnerable individuals, Sharp said. HB 781 also provides for protection of individual property and small business property rights.

Bill critics have said they believe Sharps group is behind HB 781.

Im also glad today that the Cicero Institute has finally revealed itself as the sponsor and lobbyist for this bill, said Latonya Agard, executive director of the N.C. Coalition to End Homelessness.

Dr. Latonya Agard (Courtesy photo)

Agard noted that the Cicero Institute was founded by billionaire venture capitalist Joe Lonsdale who she said has opposed Housing First policies that prioritizes getting people experiencing homelessness into permanent housing.

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They have provided the template for this bill in other states around the country as an opposition to Housing First, which is documented and clearly has evidence that it does work when it is funded properly, Agard said. This bill does not take into account the issue that there is not enough affordable housing as homelessness has increased, as the number of people who are unsheltered has increased, our affordable housing availability has decreased, and that is why we see so many people in this need.

Benjamin Horton (Photo: Veterans Services of the Carolinas)

Benjamin Horton, director of outreach at Veteran Services of the Carolinas, said hes concerned about whether municipalities can keep veterans safe in such encampments. Horton also worries about being about to find veterans to provide services if the bill becomes law.

Were a very stubborn bunch, the U.S. Navy veteran said. Youre telling us where we camp, where we cant camp. Thats going to make it harder on street outreach folks, mental health folks who are working with the VA for multiple services.

Rep. Laura Budd (D-Mecklenburg) said the bill doesnt solve the problem of homelessness. Lawmakers must address low wages, mental illness and other conditions that lead to homelessness, she said.

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A person making minimum wage  $7.25 per hour  and working two, 40-hour a week jobs cant afford to pay rent, Budd said.

You do that for two jobs, youre at $30,160 [a year], so when we talk about solutions for homeless people, we need to not just be talking about affordable housing, Budd said.

HB 781 received a favorable report. It was referred to the House Committee on State and Local Government.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Elchin Amirbayov visited Mexico, Trend reports.

On April 29, Elchin Amirbayov held a meeting in the country's Senate, the Mexican Senate wrote on its X page.

During the meeting, the willingness was expressed to once again confirm the fraternal ties between the two peoples and strengthen bilateral relations.
ALABAMA (WHNT)  A bill requiring Alabama to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America died in a Senate committee Tuesday.

The bills sponsor, Rep. David Standridge, filed the bill in support of the presidents Executive Order renaming the Gulf. In a meeting of the Alabama Senates County and Municipal Government Committee, Standridge said he wanted to provide guidance to state and local agencies.

Who is running for governor of Alabama in 2026?

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For our state purposes, you have to buy materials, Standridge said. We have to buy reference materials, maps, things like that, and I think that its just important that we give them direction on what they buy.

Several democratic senators questioned the proposal. Sen. Kirk Hatcher called the legislation a cultural distraction, and Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison pointed out the Gulfs longstanding name has historical significance.

I would hope somebody went back and looked at the history of why its named the Gulf of Mexico, Coleman-Madison said. Again, were changing history.

A final question from Sen. Merika Coleman highlighted uncertainty about the bills price tag. Standridge responded, saying the total cost was unknown. He went on to say that his bill would not require agencies to immediately update their materials if doing so would create a financial burden.

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The committees vote ended in a tie, which means the bill will not advance.

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Similar legislation has progressed in Florida and Texas. Louisianas governor signed an order requiring all state documents to use the term Gulf of America.

The bill could technically be reintroduced in Alabama, but the four legislative days left in the session leave little time for it to pass this year.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  A bill in the Michigan House of Representatives would rename a section of highway in Jackson County after a missing Tuskegee Airman who grew up in the city of Jackson.

Under the proposed bill, the section of U.S.-127 between mile markers 39 and 40 near the I-94 interchange would be named after 2nd. Lieutenant Roosevelt Stiger, a Tuskegee Airman and Purple Heart recipient who remains unaccounted for.

It is a real privilege to advocate on behalf of a true American hero, said State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz, who represents Jackson County and introduced the bill. 2nd Lt. Stiger served our country with courage, broke barriers, and gave his life fighting for freedom. This memorial is a small but meaningful way we can ensure his legacy lives on in the community he once called home.

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Schmaltz says Stiger was born in Tennessee in 1919 and moved to Jackson with his family during his childhood. He trained as a pilot through the Tuskegee Aviation Cadet program. He graduated in 1944 and was deployed overseas with the 99th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group of the U.S. Army Air Forces.

According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, on Oct. 7, 1944, Stiger was piloting one of 68 fighters on a bomber escort mission over the Adriatic Sea. Around 10 minutes before reaching land, Stiger reported his oxygen was low, and he and his flight leader flew down to a lower altitude, almost colliding due to low visibility.

When Stiger appeared to be heading into the water, his flight lead ordered him to pull up. Within seconds of the two planes becoming level with each other, Stigers plane went into a steep dive and crashed into the water.

After the crash, the flight leader attempted to radio Stiger while circling the crash location, but could not contact him. He was not recovered, and remains unaccounted for, memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno, Italy.

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Schmaltz says the road dedication proposal has seen strong local support, and specifically credited student researchers from the Heritage Center at Jackson College for bringing attention to Stigers story.

These students have shown remarkable initiative and respect for our shared history, Schmaltz said. Their work has helped shine a light on a Jackson native who made the ultimate sacrifice. Its because of their efforts that this legislation has taken shape, and Im incredibly grateful.

HB-4145 was approved by committee and has advanced to the full House for consideration.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  A birthday suit bandit was arrested over the weekend after deputies said he tried to break into a Florida womans home.

A woman called 911 just after midnight on Saturday after she heard what sounded like a knife trying to cut through the lock on her front door.

When deputies arrived, they found 63-year-old Matthew Hunter walking away from the womans home in his birthday suit. They also found gouges on the victims front door frame and molding.

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Haitian woman dies in ICE custody at Florida detention center

A body camera video showed a deputy approach Hunter as he was walking away from the home.

Now youre gonna be a little scared now. Dont worry about it. Everythings cool, Hunter told the deputy.

What is going on, bro? the deputy asked Hunter. Youre walking around the street naked.

Hunter was then taken into custody.

Attempting to break into a home without your britches is not an encounter you want to have with law enforcement, said Sheriff Staly. Doing so is bound to land you in the Green Roof Inn or dead by a homeowner protecting themselves from a lunatic.

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Hunter was taken to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. He was charged with attempted burglary, exposure of sex organs and criminal mischief, deputies said.

He was later released on a $12,000 bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
OAKLAND, California  Barbara Lee will soon have to deliver tough news to the union leaders who powered her mayoral victory as Oakland faces its deepest budget shortfall since the Great Recession.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, another staunch labor ally, recently warned she may have to slash 1,600 city jobs.

And unions in San Francisco are already mobilizing against potential cuts as Mayor Daniel Lurie, a political novice, prepares his first budget while facing a more than $800 million chasm.

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Bleak budgets and economic uncertainty gripping some of Californias major cities will test Democratic mayors relationships with a mainstay of civic power: public employee unions. Trump administration funding cuts and fears of a trade war and recession have only deepened the threat to local and state coffers  setting the stage for bitter spending fights.

They can't roll over. They cant give grace, if you will, said Lorena Gonzalez, leader of the California Labor Federation, of labor leaders. They've got to push for alternative ways to fill budgets in bad years. That is their job.



The tensions playing out in California are likely a preview of whats on the horizon in other blue cities across the country as theyre buffeted by economic turbulence and big cuts in federal funding wrought by Trumps Washington. Chicago, for example, is facing a $1 billion budget shortfall for 2026 and Mayor Brandon Johnson has clashed with some of the citys biggest unions. And Portland, Oregons new mayor is already jousting with organized labor as he tries to navigate a $93 million deficit.



The looming battles could decisively shape the upcoming campaign cycle for Bass, whose 2026 reelection bid has grown more daunting since the January wildfires. They will also set the tone for the tenures of Lee, who takes office next month, and Lurie, who both won on pledges to bring stability but now will open their terms with tense negotiations. And two-term San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria is facing similar challenges as he confronts a $300 million-plus budget shortfall.

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Lurie is a relative unknown to organized labor, while Lee and Bass have been ardent union supporters for decades. That long history may help smooth over some tension. But it wont stop labor leaders from going to the mat to ward off job losses.

For any elected official, balancing the books while keeping that support intact is truly the ultimate test of their political skill, said Jeremy Oberstein, a Democratic strategist and veteran of Los Angeles City Hall. That especially rings true during a crisis. It's not just about cuts, it's about whether you can lead without abandoning that coalition that got you to the dance.

Double whammy

Labor unions are indispensable players in Democratic politics, donating substantial sums to campaigns and activating vital voter-turnout operations. Both were key factors in Lees victory over a moderate opponent who argued Lees labor backing bound her to a set of insiders who had undermined the citys finances. One unions endorsement of Lee specifically noted a looming contract fight.

Oakland is pretty much dominated by special interests, said longtime political consultant Larry Tramutola, and the special interests in Oakland are the labor unions who have been on the winning side of the mayors race for years.

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Lee has rejected that critique, arguing she has the singular ability to mediate Oaklands political factions and deliver tough truths in a special election triggered by the recall of the former mayor. She ran on her ability to both unite in a time of turbulence and to draw outside financial support from business, philanthropy, and the state.

It will take all of us, including people who do not always agree  labor, business, and community organizations  working together to transform Oakland, Lee said in a statement.



In a show of unity, the leader of the citys Chamber of Commerce is co-chairing her transition team with Alameda Labor Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Keith Brown. The two appeared shoulder to shoulder at Lees first press conference.

We reached out to our members, the working families in Oakland, and theyre looking for a leader that can bring people together in making the tough decisions and not just blame the problems of our city on the working people of Oakland, Brown said in an interview, but at the same time be able to analyze all of the information and to be able to make those hard decisions.

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The situation is dire. Oakland faces a shortfall last estimated at $87 million, and while a newly passed sales tax increase will help, the city in the long term is projected to spend far more than it collects in tax revenue. A document leaked last year indicated Oakland is at risk of declaring bankruptcy. That will all land in Lees lap when she takes office.

The budget is going to be very, very unkind to [Lee]. Shes going to be inheriting all of it but will still be expected to wave the magic wand shes perceived to have built over the past few decades in Congress, said political consultant Jason Overman, who was not involved in either of the mayoral campaigns. This existential of a budget crisis has a funny way of shortening political honeymoons.

Fault lines have already emerged. Some unions have blamed police overtime for driving up costs, while the Oakland police officers union argues its members are being scapegoated. The labor group warns the city doesnt have a viable path to boosting its police force to the 700 uniformed officers required by a recent ballot measure, as Lee pledged to do.

The specter of severe federal cutbacks looms over everything  sharpening labors message that, now more than ever, their Democratic allies must stand behind besieged public employees and shore up public services against the Trump administration.

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We have a federal government that clearly is anti-worker, so its a double whammy, said SEIU 1021 President Theresa Rutherford, whose union staunchly backed Lee and is rallying against cuts across the Bay Area. If you lay off the workers who do the work and affect the resources of the city, theres no way that city can thrive.

Lee brings considerable advantages to the table. In addition to her longstanding ties to labor, the city council is unified behind her, with acting Mayor Kevin Jenkins saying soon after her win that members will be aggressive about implementing Lees early action plan for the city.

If she asks for concessions, because of her reputation and the support she has among council members, the council will back her up, said former Oakland Council Member Dan Kalb, who endorsed Lee. If its not just the mayor but her and council together in lockstep, I think the public employee unions will say, OK, well see what we have to do to compromise.

The task is bigger than this year, said former Mayor Libby Schaaf, who pointed to a bleak long-term outlook and a credit downgrade that could raise borrowing costs for years.

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Oakland just never says no, Schaaf said. Its going to be tough times for years now, and the city needs to be more realistic about what its priorities are.

Slashing the citys greatest asset



Bass alliance with organized labor was pivotal to her mayoral win in 2022. Unions plowed more than $6 million into independent expenditures to aid her campaign, giving her a much-needed boost in the face of Bass billionaire opponent, developer Rick Caruso.

Now, with her 2026 reelection bid nearing, Bass finds herself in the most politically fragile moment of her career. Shes been hobbled by lingering public dissatisfaction over her handling of Januarys historically destructive wildfires. A recent poll by the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs found that, nearly four months after the blazes, her popularity is underwater and her unfavorability rating has surged by 17 points compared with last year.

Support from labor will be pivotal to staging a political comeback. In office, Bass has been a boon for unions, striking generous contract deals with city workers, as well as the police and fire rank-and-file. The mayor presented the deals as necessary pay raises to ensure the citys workers could still afford to live in pricey Los Angeles and to swell the ranks of the diminished police force.

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Those deals appear to have cemented Bass alliance with labor. During the peak of public outrage about her early fire missteps, a number of unions, including SEIU, the largest public-sector union in Southern California, held a press conference to defend Bass from the barrage of criticism. Even the police officers union, which endorsed her opponent in 2022 and spent $3.4 million against her, came to her defense and has already endorsed Bass for reelection.

(One key exception to the labor love has been the firefighters union, which publicly sparred with the mayor over her February decision to sack the fire chief.)



Her recent budget proposal threatens to test the limits of organized labors goodwill. The city faces a roughly $800 million deficit  a gap fueled in part by rising personnel costs, as well as declining tax revenues and costly liability payouts. To plug the hole, Bass has put more than 1,600 layoffs on the table.

Bass is more familiar than most with wrenching cuts: As Assembly speaker during the Great Recession, she faced a budget with a $42 billion shortfall. She and her fellow legislative leaders were awarded the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for hammering out a politically fraught deal, a crucible that allies say will benefit her during this current crisis.

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I'm not saying it's easy  it's not, said John Perez, a former Los Angeles labor leader who later became Assembly speaker. But she's got the most skill set to act on it, and a lot of goodwill from people who know that she's not approaching cuts out of a desire to cut, but more out of a need to balance the budget of the city.

In her State of the City address last week, Bass ruefully addressed her remarks directly to the public employees  whom she called the citys greatest asset  to break the news about the possible job losses, which she vowed she would try to stave off by getting help from Sacramento.



When Bass traveled to the state Capitol later that week, her agenda included meetings with legislative leaders and the presidents of two of the biggest labor powerhouses in the state, the California Labor Federation and the SEIU state council  but not Gov. Gavin Newsom, which raised eyebrows among budget watchers back in Los Angeles.

In response to her plan, the biggest public-sector union indicated it was ready for a throwdown. David Green, president of SEIU 721, which represents more than 10,000 city workers, vowed to fight for every single one of these jobs.

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To some City Hall veterans, the rhetoric from both camps is typical budget negotiation posturing, with both sides staking out maximalist positions before they are able to meet somewhere in the middle. Already, budget watchers are eyeing a delay in the unions annual cost-of-living increase as an offramp to find some savings without sacrificing a slew of jobs.

In a surprising twist, Bass has faced more heat from the liberal-leaning city workers union than she has from the more conservative public safety unions, who are spared any layoffs of sworn officers under her plan.

Tom Saggau, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Protective League, said the union held off on panicked reactions about Bass plan  even though she has called for cutting hundreds of civilian jobs from the police department  because they trust the ultimate number of layoffs will be below that initial 1,600 figure.



We're taking the budget process at this early stage for what it is, the first step, Saggau said. We're not firing off salvos as if the end of the world is coming because it's too soon for that.

Its unclear whom the liberal public-sector unions would back in next years mayors race aside from Bass. Despite her wounded stature, Bass has not attracted any challengers yet and those that are eyeing the job  particularly Caruso  would run to her right, which is not quite the alternative these unions would be hoping for.

For Bass, the risk is less that organized labor would choose to endorse someone else and more that deflated unions would just choose not to play much in the mayors race.

Bass waved away any political considerations while speaking to reporters during her jaunt to Sacramento.

My issue is about solving an $800 million deficit, she said. It is not about my reelection.

Outsider forging labor ties

In San Francisco, Lurie faces similar challenges but has a different political footing as a newcomer in a city famous for its vicious factional infighting. Unlike Lee, he entered office without an extensive relationship with unions. An heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, he largely self-funded his campaign, inoculating him from depending on financial support from labor or business titans.

He is now working to cultivate trust and goodwill with unions that are still feeling him out  while dealing with a more than $800 million shortfall. He has already instituted a hiring freeze.

In Oakland, labor, because of the long history we have with the mayor-elect, were less skeptical, said Jim Araby, strategic campaigns director at UFCW Local 5, who was on Luries transition team. In San Francisco, its an open question, and I do think the mayor is trying to bridge those divides.

Labor has trained its fire on large companies like Airbnb that are suing to claw back tax revenue they say they are owed. They have sought Luries support in pushing the businesses to drop their lawsuit. Lurie notched an early win in December, before he took office, by helping mediate a hotel workers strike, and has agreed to delay a back-to-work mandate after negotiating with labor.

Hes going through the learning curve right now, said Rutherford, of SEIU. Labor has indicated to him that we are a partner, and that is a relationship wed like to forge going forward.



San Franciscos new mayor will also be hammering out a budget with a transformed Board of Supervisors after voters, encouraged by well-funded centrist groups, flipped the formerly progressive-led panel to a moderate majority that will likely be less aligned with labor.

He was fortunate in some of the turnover of the Board of Supervisors, said Board President Rafael Mandelman, who added Lurie may have more space to operate because he won as an outsider and is sort of beholden to no one.

Whether these relationships with labor are nascent  as in Luries case  or decades in the making like Bass and Lees, the coming budget cycle will test their ability to maintain those bonds while balancing the books.

It's gonna be tough. But good policy is good politics, Perez said. You can't be so worried that your friends aren't going to love you that you make irresponsible choices. You still have a responsibility to be responsible.


Scott Jennings, CNNs resident conservative commentator on its NewsNight show, made a fleeting appearance onstage with President Donald Trump during a rally in Warren, Michigan, on Tuesday.

Trump introduced Jennings with a mock warning, telling the crowd: Ive watched him for years, I dont know him, but he likes Trump. CNN, this is the end of Scott. Oh, who cares? Dont worry, well take care of you, Scott. Scott Jennings, really great.

Jennings took the stage, thanked the president and offered a line that quickly drew mockery and criticism online.

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Michigan, we were flying in here today and I said, Look at these farms. I gotta get a farm in Michigan, Jennings said. Because when you own as many libs as I do, you got to put a place to put them all. Thank you all very much.

Scott Jennings speaking at the Trump rally pic.twitter.com/WSDROmHS14  Acyn (@Acyn) April 29, 2025

Trump, who was celebrating his first 100 days back in the White House, smiled as Jennings exited the stage.

After the rally, Jennings posted a video of the moment on X (formerly Twitter), writing: I got caught up in the moment.

I got caught up in the moment  pic.twitter.com/eEe8vcDlwW  Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) April 29, 2025

Critics fumed:

You do take a beating on @cnn everyday.



Thats why you should be saying the Libs own you   Black Barack Obama II  (@newhopeAgain) April 30, 2025

After his bonehead tariffs wipe out every farmer, youll snag a Michigan farm for less than a lawnmower. Perfect place to put what's left of your career there, defending the guy who wrecked it all.  Human (@4HumanUnity) April 29, 2025

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So you want to own Americans and put them on a farm? Like a camp? Fascinating.  That Gay Guy Candle Co. (@gayguycandleco) April 30, 2025

Imagine being caught up in the moment hugging a man that tried to overthrow the U.S. Government.  Dianne Callahan (@DianneCallaha16) April 30, 2025

Fire his rotten ass from ever appearing on cnn, or anywhere! https://t.co/BlqjXlwT2w  Gerald W. Kuchera (@drwhovy) April 29, 2025

Related...
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Starting Thursday, a new fire prevention order will take effect across Nevada on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The order aims to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires and applies to nearly 48 million acres, about 63% of the state.

Most wildfires in Nevada are caused by humans, often accidentally, and too often are entirely preventable, Brock Uhlig, the BLM Nevada fire management officer, said.

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Under the order, the following are prohibited on BLM-managed public lands:

The use or possession of fireworks, pyrotechnics, or incendiary devices

Using or possessing explosives, including binary explosive targets

Discharging firearms with tracer, incendiary, or steel-component ammunition

Operating any engine without a properly installed and maintained spark arrestor

The BLM notes that individual districts may implement additional fire restrictions, and other public land agencies may have different guidelines. Anyone who violates the order could face fines and be held financially responsible for any fire-related damages or suppression costs.

For more information, including maps of restrictions and jurisdiction boundaries, click here.

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The body of an 87-year-old Shelburne man who was reported missing a month ago was found Wednesday on a camp road in Franklin County, New York.

Ronald Van Mynen was reported missing April 1. His family told police he was last seen at his home that afternoon. He left to run an errand in South Burlington, but didnt returned. The family said he left his cell phone behind.

Shelburne police said they were contacted by New York State Police in Malone, who reported that a contractor hired to open a seasonal camp in Mountain View found Van Mynens 2013 Silver BMW X3d stuck on a camp road. Van Mynens body was found a short distance away.

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The investigation is ongoing, but Shelburne police said it does not appear there is anything criminally suspicious about Van Mynens death.

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CHIPPEWA FALLS  The body of woman who went missing from Chippewa Falls in June 2016 has apparently been found.

The discovery was announced on a Facebook page set up to help with the search for Shannah Boiteau, who was last seen running from a vehicle driven by her boyfriend on June 22, 2016, near St. Cloud, Minn.

Boiteau, then 23, disappeared.

Chippewa Falls police began looking for her a couple days later. A statewide alert was issued for her disappearance in August of that year.

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The announcement Tuesday said that it was with great sorrow and sadness that we have to report that we have found Shannah Boiteau and she has gained her angel wings. The post did not say where she was found and asked for privacy.

The search for Boiteau included scouring a wooded and swampy area near where Boiteau was last spotted multiple times. Boiteaus family also conducted their own search of that area, after authorities had been through.

Chippewa Falls police released a statement later in the day confirming the discovery. That statement said Chippewa Falls authorities were informed of the discovery by the St. Cloud Police Department on Sunday. The identity was confirmed Monday.

St. Cloud police continue to investigate, and Chippewa Falls authorities offered their condolences to the Boiteau family.
A Travis County judge on Tuesday approved a drastically reduced bond for the big rig driver accused of causing Marchs crash on Interstate 35 in North Austin that killed five people and injured a dozen others.

Bond for Solomun Weldekeal-Araya, 37, was originally set at a combined $1.2 million to correspond with five charges of intoxication manslaughter and two charges of intoxication assault. Court records filed Tuesday show that Travis County prosecutors agreed to reduce it to $7,000  $1,000 for each of the seven charges.

The change comes nearly a month after the American-Statesman revealed the results of a blood draw analysis that showed Weldekeal-Araya tested negative for drugs and alcohol, raising questions about the intoxication-related charges.

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In a news release Tuesday, the Travis County District Attorney's office did not say whether it planned to modify the charges against Weldekeal-Araya or explain why it had agreed to the bond reduction.

"The Travis County District Attorneys Office reached an agreement to modify the conditions of pretrial release to keep our community safe while Solomun Weldekeal-Araya awaits trial," the release said. "The bond conditions require that the defendant not drive commercial vehicles, surrender any documentation that would allow him to leave the country, wear a GPS electronic monitoring unit for 90 days, agree to submit to random urine analysis for drug screening, and be supervised by Pretrial Services."

A trial date has not been set.

Bristol Meyers, Weldekeal-Arayas defense attorney, told the American-Statesman he expects his client to be out of custody Wednesday but declined to comment further.

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Meyers has previously called the Austin Police Department's investigation botched.

Officers concluded that Weldekeal-Araya was intoxicated and likely under the influence of central nervous system depressants based on field sobriety testing and other physical assessments, according to two different arrest affidavits. The documents noted he blew a 0.00 on a preliminary breath test and that he told officers he had not consumed any drugs or alcohol.

I am grateful to the Austin Police Department for their work on these cases, Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said Tuesday in a statement included in the news release. We are continuing to work with APD to evaluate them.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Bond lowered for truck driver charged in fatal I-35 crash in N Austin
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. As part of the ongoing restoration of healthcare infrastructure in Azerbaijan's liberated territories, steps will be implemented to establish and maintain continuous blood services moving forward, Elkhan Naghiyev, Executive Director of the Republican Blood Bank, said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

"Currently, as part of the ongoing restoration of healthcare infrastructure in Azerbaijan's liberated territories, steps will be implemented to establish and maintain continuous blood services moving forward. At this stage, blood and blood components in the liberated areas are provided by the Barda Blood Bank, which is meeting these needs within its current capacity," he explained.

He further noted that the blood reserves at the Republican Blood Bank, under the Ministry of Health, are adequate to meet the demands of scheduled surgeries and daily medical needs.

"However, these reserves are dynamic and must be regularly updated to address emergencies. Demand may fluctuate based on the patient's condition and the specific components required," he added.

Naghiyev emphasized that the Ministry of Health manages the reserve fund of the Republican Blood Bank, adjusting it according to donor participation, scheduled blood donation campaigns, and the needs of medical institutions.

"Each year, a sufficient number of volunteers donate blood across the country based on demand. However, approximately 8 to 10 percent of donated blood is deemed unsuitable for various reasons, such as positive results for infectious markers, hemoglobin deficiency, or other medical conditions. These factors are rigorously monitored to ensure the safety of the blood supply," he explained.

He added that blood and blood components that are deemed unsuitable due to infectious markers or other medical conditions are never used for medical purposes.

The Executive Director also highlighted that there has been significant progress in the development of blood donation in Azerbaijan in recent years.

"In 2023, a total of 93,000 people donated blood at the central and eight regional branches of the Republican Blood Bank. This number saw a significant increase in 2024, reaching 124,148 donors. The blood donation process is conducted voluntarily, in line with national legislation. The Republican Blood Bank regularly organizes educational events and blood donation campaigns in state institutions, private organizations, universities, and healthcare facilities to encourage donations. The active involvement of the public in these campaigns has significantly contributed to the sustainable growth of the donor movement," Nagiyev said.

The official added that blood supply in the regions is facilitated through donor campaigns and mobile services regularly organized by the Ministry of Health and the Republican Blood Bank.

According to Naghiyev, individuals who are unable to donate blood include those suffering from infectious diseases such as hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis, as well as those with cardiovascular conditions, pregnant or lactating women, people who have undergone surgery within the last six months, individuals weighing less than 50 kg, and those under 18 or over 60 years of age.

Elkhan Naghiyev also clarified that blood donation is free of charge, with donors receiving no payment for their contributions.

"The Republican Blood Bank collects blood and blood components and provides them free of charge to state medical institutions. As we have noted, blood donation is voluntary, and since blood cannot be artificially manufactured, it is donated by healthy individuals, separated into components, tested for infections, and then distributed to those in need. In cases where patients relatives are unable to donate, blood and its components are still provided, supported by voluntary donations from the public as well as from campaigns organized by the Republican Blood Bank. Daily, 170-180 units of blood components are provided to the Thalassemia Center. Additionally, individuals with hematological diseases or those requiring blood during surgeries or due to accidents receive a continuous, uninterrupted blood supply," he said.

The Executive Director also addressed the issue of foreign citizens applying for blood donations, noting that when foreign nationals seek to donate, they must present their identity card or passport, a document confirming their health status from their country of residence, and a permanent residence permit. These documents, along with medical examinations and other necessary procedures, are required to meet the blood needs of foreign citizens, he said. He further highlighted that representatives of foreign diplomatic missions in Azerbaijan frequently reach out for blood donation opportunities, and campaigns are often organized within diplomatic compounds.

Looking ahead, Naghiyev outlined the Republican Blood Banks primary goal: to ensure a reliable, sustainable, and uninterrupted blood supply nationwide, while also enhancing efforts to promote voluntary donation.

We plan to modernize blood collection and management systems, increase blood reserves in regional centers, and establish new units. We are also exploring collaboration with the Compulsory Medical Insurance System to improve the coordination and efficiency of blood services. Our ultimate goal is not just to organize the blood supply, but to further elevate the role of high-quality, safe blood services in saving lives, Naghiyev concluded.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BELVIDERE, Ill. (WTVO)  At Boone County Fire Protection District 2, many people were learning how to stay safe and prepared when weather hits.

We want people to be weather aware that there have good situational awareness that they know when it comes time to activate their plan, theyre ready to do so, said Mike Bardou, meteorologist for the Chicago National Weather Center.

This Lunch and Learn was put together by Boone Countys Local Emergency Planning Committee, a meeting that is normally planed for October, but was moved up this year, to make sure people know the dangers of severe weather.

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April is a big month where we generally start talking about tornadoes and severe weather. And so then rolling into the summer where well start talking about how to be safe from a heat related standpoint as well. Its a good time to talk about whether and how you can stay safe, said the committees Lee Revels

Staying safe and spreading a message for the whole community to hear.

The more folks that are going to be prepared and the more folks that can then spread the message to others that they know and their life is going to help us build a what we call a weather ready nation and be ready for severe weather when it happens, Bardou said.

The best way to stay ready for when severe weather does happen? Having a plan and practicing it, so you are able to stay safe.

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Having a plan and practicing it is really important. So you want to build that muscle memory because in the middle of an emergency, youre not thinking clearly and youre not going to know where. Where should I go when a tornado happens, Revels said.

A majority of the plan is about where should you be during extreme weather, with the first step being: get inside.

In terms of severe weather, safety for thunderstorms, tornadoes getting inside is a great first step. Going to lowest floor, putting as many walls between you and the outside, as few windows as possible, Bardou said.

Here is a sample plan for anyone who may encounter severe weather:

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Making sure you have a disaster Supply Kit

Get a Battery-Operated Weather Radio to monitor the weather

Have a location for family to meet away from windows.

Make sure you have your identification, car keys, and cell phones.

More information about planning for severe weather can be found here.

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At Boston City Hall, the city council paused to honor the memory of Lens Arthur Joseph, the Hyde Park boy killed this week after getting off a school bus near his house.

I know its weighing heavy on my heart, the hearts of many, there are no words for the sorrow for losing a child, so a moment of silence please, Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune declared as she opened Wednesdays city council meeting.

As a roadside memorial for the five-year-old child grows, the City Councils president promised support for Lens grieving family.

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My heart goes out to the entire family. The most important thing right now is that we wrap the family with love and support so they can get thru this nightmare as best they can, Council president Louijeune said.

As Boston Police detectives investigate the circumstances of this fatal crash, the department has released very few details of how this crash happened, and who is at fault.

But there is neighborhood concern about traffic safety.

A Boston City Council order is calling for a hearing to talk about making city streets safer, now that the mayors monthslong safety review is complete.

The council will be looking at a variety of solutions: speed humps, crosswalk designs, signal improvements, and more

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One incident shouldnt change laws, City Councilor Erin Murphy said.  But it usually does take an incident like this that brings people together, and willing to work together.

Boston City Councilor Enrique Pepen is co-sponsoring the council order.

He says a holistic approach is needed to make Bostons streets safer for everyone.

Just a call to residents to please slow down. We are doing everything possible to install the proper infrastructure. But its going to take a community effort, Councilor Pepen said.

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Hyde Park residents plan to gather on Thursday to grieve the death of Lens Arthur Joseph, a 5-year-old boy who was struck and killed by a school bus on Monday.

Joseph was found near 107 Washington St. at around 2:44 p.m. on April 28, after he was hit by the bus, according to the Boston Police Department. He died from his injuries at Boston Childrens Hospital.

Thursdays gathering is being organized by the West Fairmount Hill Community Group, founded by resident Marcia Kimm-Jackson. She confirmed with MassLive that the event will open up to people at 5:55 p.m., with the program starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Moynihan Playground at the corner of Washington and Faraday streets.

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The vigil is a community comfort circle, according to a digital flyer from Kimm-Jackson. The event will host prayers for the family, words of comfort and community support.

During a press conference on Monday, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said it was unclear if the school bus driver would face charges, pending the investigation.

Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper said the community is grieving this heartbreaking loss.

We extend our deepest condolences to our students family, school community, and all those affected by this tragedy, a statement from the superintendent read.

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Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who was with Hayden and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox, said she was heartbroken at imagining what this family is experiencing right now.

No parent expects that they could send their child off to school and have something horrible happen, Wu said.

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A Boston man has been arrested for allegedly receiving child pornography with minor victims between the ages of 3 and 10, the U.S. Attorney said Wednesday.

Cess Frazier, 32, has been charged with one count of receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement.

Frazier was arrested Tuesday at his home and he later made his initial appearance in federal court in Boston. He has been ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for May 1.

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According to the charging documents, investigators allegedly identified Frazier as a person who who had purchased child sexual abuse material.

During a search of Fraziers cell phone approximately 100 media files that depicted child sexual abuse material were allegedly found saved in Telegram Messenger.

The minor victims in the files are alleged to be between approximately three and 10 years old, according to prosecutors.

If convicted of the charge of receipt of child pornography, Frazier faces a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

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Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274 or contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A Boston man is facing multiple gun and drug charges after a traffic stop in Mattapan on Tuesday, police said Wednesday.

Andrew Wright, 58, of Jamaica Plain is charged with possession of a Class B Substance with intent to distribute, receiving stolen property (firearm), unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Wright was expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court.

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Officers arrested Wright during a drug investigation in the area of 39 Baird St. in Mattapan, after seeing a vehicle parked in a crosswalk at that location, police said.

The vehicle, driven by a man later identified as Wright, briefly was moved after Wright exited and re-entered, then moved it into a proper parking space.

Investigators soon learned that the vehicles license plates were improperly attached, and belonged to a different vehicle.

Wright then entered an apartment at 39 Baird St. for approximately five minutes before returning to the vehicle and driving away, police said.

Officers continued surveillance and initiated a traffic stop at Morton Street and Arborway.

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During the stop, officers informed Wright of the registration violation.

Officers learned that Wright did not possess a valid drivers license.

A search of the vehicles center console revealed a substance believed to be crack cocaine.

Police said officers searched Wright and the vehicle and found the following:

A black Sig Sauer firearm loaded with ten rounds of ammunition, located in a duffel bag on the back seat.

A digital scale, measuring cup, plastic bag containing baking soda, and a razor.

An undisclosed amount of U.S. cash.

Wright was taken into custody without incident, police said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT)  At the Owensboro Convention Center, hundreds of Boston Terrier owners are competing for one of the most prestigious titles in the country. The Boston Terrier Club of Americas National Specialty is drawing in visitors from all over the world.

Its a five-day competition of who can put their best paw forward. The Boston Terrier Club of America welcomes over 200 dogs to Owensboro for the first time.

EPD and VCSO confirm ICE operations taking place in Evansville

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Officials say hosting the 130th National Specialty in Owensboro helps handlers with travel time, as its more centrally located.

Oregon. I know several people from California. I believe we have entries from overseas, says Dominic Koon, the President of the Boston Terrier Club of America.

This years competition is called Run for the Rosettes  A tribute to the host states derby week. Competition judges analyze each canine what they define as the standard.

Does the Boston Terrier have a square head? Does it have smaller ears? Does it have a level top? Is it square?, says Koon.

Officials say pedigree matters, but a dogs good condition could make room for a higher score. It features everything from obedience to agility trials. For those under 18-years-old, theres a junior competition.

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Theyre learning how to care for a dog. They actually get graded differently in the round. Theyre graded on how they handle the dog, says Koon.

Darlus Gerson has over 25 years of experience competing and says the junior competition is what kicked it all off for her family. It was a way to bond with her youngest daughter , who was 12 at the time.

Our other two daughters that were older were in the malls. We decided to do something that the family could participate in together. It keeps you outside in the park with your dogs and your family. [Boston Terriers] excel at being your best friends, says Gerson, a competitor from California.

She and her husband traveled from the west coast for a chance at a first place ribbon in the bred-by-exhibitor competition

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We started on Friday night, and it took us about 24 hours worth of plane flights and everything, says Gerson.

Officials say competition will close with the Boston of the Year competition. Its only open to those who have scored in the top 20 throughout the year. Each competitor gets 3 minutes to showcase their dog with a song of their choice and develop memories for a lifetime.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Gov. Mike Braun delivers remarks while celebrating his first 100 days in office on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Indiana cabinet members, lawmakers, lobbyists and more gathered Wednesday to celebrate Gov. Mike Brauns first 100 days in office  but the man of the hour had tough words for his second-in-command, critics of his marquee legislative accomplishments and the health care industry.

Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith enraged civil rights activists and historians alike last Thursday when he dubbed the U.S. Constitutions Three-Fifths Compromise a great move toward ending slavery.

Lt Gov. Micah Beckwith mingles after an event to celebrate Gov. Mike Brauns first 100 days in office on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Braun didnt publicly weigh in for a nearly a week.

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I definitely wouldnt have used that characterization, and I dont like it, he told reporters Wednesday.

Im a believer that you better start thinking about what youre saying before it comes out, he continued.  And I think that you dont want to make headlines the wrong way, because it takes away from the substance of what youre trying to do.

Braun also defended the local property and income tax plan that lawmakers pushed past the finish line this month amid outcry from hard-hit units of local government and dissatisfied homeowners.

By far the biggest thing I heard about: we went from one version to a different version, and then the meat grinder of legislation took over, he told attendees. And look at the product that we turned out.  Youre pissing off people on each end of the spectrum and most in between say that it was a solid package.

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In comments to reporters, Braun envisioned further cuts to homestead property tax bills, done gradually to where other sources of income can be used. But he warned school districts and local governments that he wouldnt allow their revenues to grow faster than the economy.

Former President Joe Biden got a knock as Braun said a grim revenue forecast forced lawmakers to cut $2 billion in spending out of the states next two-year, now-$44 billion budget in the space of a week.

When it comes to what we really cut, nothing got hammered, and the most important stuff stayed intact, he declared.

Most state agencies, along with public colleges and universities, were dealt 5% funding cuts. Lawmakers also squeezed eligibility requirements for the states pre-kindergarten program and subsidized child care.

Gov. Mike Braun delivers remarks while celebrating his first 100 days in office on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

But a two-year-old program to supplement local public health departments took a 60% cut, with funding falling from $100 million each year to $40 million. Legislative leaders argued that nearly half the funds disbursed last year hadnt yet been spent.

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Dont ever mistake that you got to have more money to do things better with. Thats called anti-productivity, Braun replied, when asked about the public health funding cut. When you come up with better ideas, you may need more money to invest, and theres nothing wrong with that, but in most cases, when it comes to government, youve got plenty of money. Youve just got to learn how to spend it better.

But he didnt rule out funding boosts in the future.

Dont mistake the short-run  where you get whipsawed  with what you want to do in the mid-term and the long-term, Braun said. So that means we may be pouring more resources into it, if we can get a good (return on investment).

He had big hopes for the interim and legislative sessions to come, repeatedly noting how taking office days after the sessions start hampered his efforts to shape proposals. His first 100 days overlapped entirely with the breakneck budget-writing session, ending just over a day before both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly adjourned sine die.

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Braun reiterated his desire to tackle high health care costs as his top priority now that session is over. In both his speech and comments to reporters, he asked players in the health care industry for solutions while threatening punishment for stasis.

That and more will be brought to bear if, in fact, theyre not lowering their prices and giving us better outcomes, Braun said.

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Ukraine and the United States on April 30 signed a long-awaited minerals agreement that establishes a joint investment fund in Ukraine, First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced.

"I am grateful to everyone who worked for the agreement and made it more meaningful. Now the document is such that it can ensure success for both our countries  Ukraine and the United States," Svyrydenko said.

Svyrydenko traveled to Washington April 30 to sign the framework agreement on behalf of Ukraine. She signed the document along with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

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The signing of the minerals deal follows months of negotiations that at times became contentious. The U.S. and Ukraine were set to sign the deal in late February, but the plan fell apart following the infamous White House argument between President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump.

U.S. officials framed the agreement as a sign of Washington's lasting support for Ukraine.

"This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump Administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term," Bessent said in a U.S. Treasury Department press release.

Read also: The full text of the US, Ukraine minerals agreement

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The deal will not allow any "state or person who financed or supplied the Russian war machine" to profit from Ukraine's reconstruction, Bessent said.

Shortly before the deal was signed, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the Ukrainian government had approved the agreement.

"Thanks to this agreement, we will be able to attract significant resources for reconstruction, start economic growth, and receive the latest technologies from partners and a strategic investor in the United States," Shmyhal said.

The "Reconstruction Investment Fund" will be jointly managed by Kyiv and Washington in an equal partnership, with both sides contributing to the fund. According to Shmyhal, future military aid from the U.S. can count as contributions to the fund, but prior assistance is not included.

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"The agreement does not provide for any debt obligations," Shmyhal said.

Ukraine will retain "full control over subsoil, infrastructure, and natural resources," the prime minister said. The establishment of the fund will also not interfere with Ukraine's path to membership in the European Union.

Svyrydenko confirmed these stipulations in a post on social media, adding that Ukraine's state-owned businesses such as Energoatom and Ukrnafta would retain state ownership and that the agreement abides by Ukraine's Constitution.

The fund will exclusively be supplied with revenues from newly issued licenses, Svyrydenko said.

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"We are talking about 50% of the funds from new licenses for projects in the field of critical materials and oil and gas that will go to the budget after the Fund is created," she wrote.

"Revenues from projects already launched or budgeted revenues are not included in the Fund. The agreement refers to further strategic cooperation."

The fund's income and contributions will not be taxed in Ukraine or the U.S., she added.

As part of the agreement, the U.S. will help attract additional investments and technologies to Ukraine, Svyrydenko said.

According to the Washington Post (WP), which reviewed the latest version of the deal, the agreement provides no concrete security guarantees to Ukraine. It instead affirms a "long-term strategic alignment" between the two nations and pledges U.S. "support for Ukraine's security, prosperity, reconstruction, and integration into global economic frameworks."

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The deal also includes no mention of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), the WP reported. U.S. officials have previously suggested taking control of the facility as part of a future peace deal.

Shmyhal earlier on April 30 said the framework agreement, once signed, would be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada for ratification.

The deal reportedly faced a last-minute setback on April 30, as disagreements over final terms raised doubts about whether the deal would be signed, according to the Financial Times.

Read also: Investigation: The hidden journey of Ukrainian coal stolen by Russia  and who profits from it

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Fans of the old Superman comics no doubt remember Bizarro World, the cuboid planet where everything is backward. Denizens of this parallel world are distorted replicas of their Earth-based counterparts, and they live by a Bizarro Code which dictates that being good or doing the right thing is a crime.

Apparently, the phenomenon is not confined to fiction. Ever since Donald Trumps Inauguration Day appointment of Brendan Carr to chair the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the agency that licenses broadcast stations has become a Bizarro World version of its former incarnation. And there is some reason to suspect Carr himself has somehow been replaced by his Bizarro doppelganger.

Carr, who has been an FCC commissioner since 2017, used to say things that reflected an understanding that the governments authority to regulate the media is sharply constrained by the First Amendment. When Democratic congressmen tried to exert political pressure on broadcasters over their coverage of COVID-19 and the 2020 election, for example, Carr called it a chilling transgression of the free speech rights that every media outlet in this country enjoys, adding in no uncertain terms, a newsrooms decision about what stories to cover and how to frame them should be beyond the reach of any government official. Or when members of Congress urged the FCC to reject a Miami radio station transfer based on the political viewpoints of the proposed new owner, Carr rebuffed this effort to inject partisan politics into our licensing process, correctly calling it a deeply troubling transgression of free speech and the FCCs status as an independent agency.

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Less than a year ago Carr proclaimed the United States does not need the FCC to operate as the nations speech police, adding, if there ever were a time for a federal agency to show restraint when it comes to the regulation of political speech and to ensure that it is operating within the statutorily defined bounds of its authority, now would be that time. Back then, Carr wore an American flag lapel pin, suggesting a commitment to the Constitution he swore to uphold. Hes since traded that for a Donald Trump lapel pin that looks like a prize fished out of a cereal box, and it suggests an allegiance to  something else.

Since the November election, Bizarro Brendan has taken over in earnest, aggressively asserting the kind of government power over speech and the press that normie Brendan professed to abhor. In interviews, social media posts, and by his official acts, Carr has said that the broadcast networks (except Fox) should be investigated for news distortion, that media mergers should be held up because of network news decisions, that public broadcasters should be investigated for their private sponsorships (but really for their editorial policies), and that Big Tech companies should be brought to heel because of their moderation practices. This last example is even more bizarro than the others since the FCC lacks jurisdiction over social media and computer companies, and because it came from the same guy who not long ago insisted the American people want more freedom on the Internetnot freewheeling micromanagement by government bureaucrats.

Right before Trump was inaugurated for his second term, the FCCs staff took the kind of action the old Brendan would have applauded. Or so his former rhetoric might suggest. The commissions media bureau dismissed an effort to deny license renewal to the Fox Philadelphia affiliate for its news reporting on the 2020 presidential election. The same day the enforcement bureau dismissed a complaint seeking to penalize WCBS for the way 60 Minutes edited its Kamala Harris interview; another seeking sanctions against an ABC station because a newsman fact-checked Trump during the presidential debate; and a complaint alleging NBC violated the FCCs equal opportunities rule when Harris appeared on Saturday Night Live shortly before the November election (even though the network provided candidate Trump equal time). Outgoing Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said at the time the dismissals were necessary because the FCC should not be the Presidents speech police and cannot act as journalisms censor-in-chief, which sounded a lot like Carr before he was body-snatched.

But Bizarro Brendan was fully in charge by the inauguration, and one of his first official acts as chairman was to reinstate the investigations of CBS, ABC, and NBC (but, curiously, not the proceeding against Fox). He doubled down on CBS, seeking public comments on whether the network should be punished for news distortion and holding up FCC approval of a proposed merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global (which includes transfer of 28 owned and operated CBS stations) while the complaint is being reviewed. And this pressure is being exerted on CBS in support of a private lawsuit then-President-elect Trump filed against CBS in Texas frivolously alleging the Harris interview on 60 Minutes was consumer fraud.

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Since then, Carr has worked out a weird call-and-response routine, where he will post on social media his latest beef with particular networks, which thenmiraculouslybecome the subject of complaints. On April 16, for example, Carr hinted in a social media post that Comcast (the parent company of NBC) committed news distortion with its coverage of Kilmar Abrego Garciathe man the Trump administration mistakenly deported to El Salvador but refuses to return to the U.S.for, among other things, referring to him as a Maryland man. Less than a week later, the Center for American Rights, the partisan group behind the 60 Minutes complaint, filed a news distortion complaint against not just NBC, but ABC and CBS as well. Carrs post on X was cited as a principal source for the complaint.

The news distortion policy is a leftover corollary of the long-defunct Fairness Doctrine under which the FCC purported to evaluate news coverage of controversial issues to ensure balance. The agency ended that policy nearly 40 years ago during the Reagan administration under a principled FCC chairman, Mark Fowler, who foresaw that such regulatory authority could not be reconciled with the First Amendment and inevitably would be misused as a political weapon. Since then, the news distortion policy has been a dead rule walking, just waiting to be overturned in the right case.

Carr well knows that such complaints are an abuse of process and a violation of the First Amendment. The FCCs authority to rule on news distortion has always been extremely limited because the agency recognized from the beginning that it cannot act as the national arbiter of the truth and that doing so would involve the Commission deeply and improperly in the journalistic functions of broadcasters.

It is highly doubtful the current FCC will terminate the moribund policy on its own, even though it has opened a proceeding to delete outdated and unconstitutional rules. The news distortion policy has proven to be too useful a tool for bludgeoning the media in a politicized FCC.

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Indeed, the only way this administration makes sense is to understand it as operating under the Bizarro Code. On Day 1 the president issued an executive order purporting to bar any federal officer from conduct that would unconstitutionally abridge free speech, yet Carrs FCC has been actively involved in threatening media companiesincluding those beyond its jurisdictionand reinstituting bogus investigations of broadcast news judgments. Another executive order prohibited weaponizing federal agencies against political opponents, yet that has been Carrs primary occupation since becoming FCC Chair. In the Bizarro FCC, it makes no difference that, just last year, the Supreme Court held the First Amendment does not permit government officials to threaten legal sanctions in order to alter the speech of a private business; that the government cannot interfere with editorial judgments, including the private moderation decisions of social media companies; and that federal agencies like the FCC cannot override statutory commands, such as the Communications Act prohibition against any regulation or condition that interferes with freedom of speech. Thats because under the Bizarro Code, doing the wrong thing is the point.

Read more at The Dispatch

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. The Food Security Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Veterinary Organization of Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in combating transboundary animal diseases, Trend reports.

Meanwhile, the document was signed by Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan (co-chairman of the intergovernmental commission) Shahin Mustafayev and Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran (co-chairman of the intergovernmental commission) Farzaneh Sadegh.

According to the memorandum, the Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Veterinary Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran will carry out joint activities to implement measures to combat cross-border animal diseases in the territories adjacent to the state borders, as well as take appropriate measures to ensure the biological safety of the population and the environment of both states against the background of increasing epizootic tension caused by infectious diseases of animals in the region.

The Memorandum of Understanding will ensure the organization of joint activities in the border areas of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Iran to combat epizootics, including control, vaccination, monitoring, and other activities.

The document is also aimed at expanding cooperation in the field of veterinary control at the border and exchange of experience between the countries.

In addition, the Memorandum reflects such issues as the establishment of working groups consisting of representatives of the Agency and the Veterinary Organization of Iran and experts in the mentioned directions, conducting joint studies, trainings, and exercises on laboratory diagnostics of animal diseases, exchange of information, and organization of meetings.
We are only ten months into the Starmerite era, but this Government is already ready for the scrapheap. Rarely has a political project unravelled so rapidly, so comprehensively and with so little hope of redemption. Labour will stagger on, of course, for what feels like an eternity, inflicting yet more misery on our poor country, but the voters it has betrayed will never forgive it.

Those who can must reward the Labour Party with the mother of all political shellackings at the English local elections on Thursday: this is the most over-rated Government of modern times, a noxious mix of incompetence, nastiness and untrustworthiness. Its second-rate apparatchiks are exacerbating every one of our pathologies, and vandalising the little that still works in Broken Britain: the Governments reverse Midas touch is something to behold.

Sir Keir Starmer, it turns out, didnt have a plan. He is failing on almost every metric that matters, from the national debt to illegal immigration. He will dilute Brexit and ruin state education, two great legacies of the Tory years. He is wrong about almost everything, and right about close to nothing.

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His Government is soulless, obsessed with process, procedure and legalisms, congenitally unable to give the public the change it so craves. It lacks any kind of vision, other than reflexive cod-egalitarianism, progressivism and big statism, and is unable to comprehend the needs and desires of the aspirational working class and petite bourgeoisie.

It is neither a Government of dreamers, nor of doers, and it cannot execute, lead or enthuse. It can break, but not build; it can redistribute, but not grow; it can regulate, but not liberate. It is cowardly, picking on defenceless private school children, while sucking up to its powerful union paymasters. Oozing negativity, it hides its fundamental vacuousness behind a veil of chippiness, class war and socialistic policies that are accelerating this countrys ruination.

Labours social engineers dont understand that they exist to serve the people, and to help them improve their lives, not to endlessly constrain, challenge, impoverish, bully or brainwash them. The result is a toxic anti-consumerism, an inability to take immigration control seriously, an unserious approach to petty crime, an obsession with resetting ties with the EU by selling out UK fisheries and regulatory independence, and a scandalous lack of interest in how only the free market can deliver rising living standards.

The Government has already been knocked sideways by the vibe shift on trans issues and womens rights. Many of its MPs are furious, and cling to a doomed woke ideology. They may soon face further discombobulation over net zero, which is pushing the country towards blackouts and requires urgent moderation, and our membership of the European Convention of Human Rights, which prevents us from controlling our borders. Labours electoral coalition is fraying, with its Left flank departing for the Greens or pro-Gaza Independents, its working class electorate to Reform and centrists to the Lib Dems.

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Yet it is the fury of the apolitical wing of Middle England that should most terrify Starmer. Labour portrayed itself as reassuringly technocratic at the general election, but this was a false prospectus: it stands for the tax-consuming producer class, not for taxpayers and users of public services.

It doesnt have the first idea how to deliver prosperity or growth, loathes and distrusts capitalism and is presiding over the greatest exodus of wealth creators since the brain drain of the 1970s.

It will prove powerless to reform the public sector, to crack down on crime or to solve the housing crisis. Ministers lack of managerial experience have ensured that the Blob has retained control. They are rightly scrapping NHS England, but the rest of that bureaucratic behemoth remains untouched. Throwing yet more non-existent billions at it wont fix waiting lists or endemic malpractice. The Home Office remains a disaster zone.

Housebuilding and infrastructure may eventually tick up, but not by enough to compensate for extreme levels of immigration or to substantially rectify our deficit of roads, power plants, prisons or water reservoirs.

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Like socialists always do, this Labour government is running out of other peoples money. Our public finances feel dangerously Latin American. The budget deficit rose to 151.9 billion in 2024-2025, the kind of shortfall that might be acceptable in wartime or in a pandemic but that is shockingly irresponsible today. Rachel Reeves has failed to tell the public the truth: we cannot afford such large annual increases in spending on benefits and the NHS when the economy is barely growing in per capita terms.

What will happen if the world tips into a real recession, perhaps caused by Trumpian tariff idiocy, or if the UK suddenly needs to spend a lot more on the military? Would Labour need to call in the IMF, as in the 1970s? Taxes are already heading to a record high: what will Reeves target next?

Will she freeze income tax thresholds again, dragging yet more people into higher tax bands? Will she eventually feel obliged to impose a catastrophic wealth tax, chasing away the last billionaires, entrepreneurs and former non-doms?

Arthur Laffer, author of the eponymous curve, was right: above certain levels, higher tax can reduce receipts. It normally takes longer for Left-wing parties to rediscover this eternal truth, so perhaps we should be thankful that Reevess gambit unravelled so quickly. She now appears to realise that energy costs inflated by net zero are accelerating the deindustrialisation of Britain, but remains in denial about her job-destroying National Insurance raid and addiction to cheap foreign labour.

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There is, of course, the odd policy that Labour has got right, including on Ukraine. To placate Donald Trump, Starmer is increasing defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP, paying for it by cutting foreign aid back to 0.3 per cent of GDP, a modest step in the right direction.

Yet his overall record is catastrophically poor: this is the worst Government since the 1970s. If there is any justice in this world, Labour will suffer its greatest ever defeat in this weeks elections.

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BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH)  A New Britain man was sentenced to 43 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, Tuesday in U.S. District Court for trafficking narcotics.

According to evidence and testimony, Erik Petersen, 44, was working with his brother, Kyle Petersen, to distribute narcotics.

Man accused of driving 119 mph on I-384 in Manchester

In May 2023 the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad began investigating suspicious packages being sent to Kyle Petersens residence in Newington. Kyle Petersen was on federal supervised release at the time for a 2017 conviction on charges of trafficking of fentanyl and prescription pills.

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During the investigation, a court-authorized search of a package mailed to Kyle Petersen contained more than 400 grams of pills containing Protonitazene, a synthetic opioid typically more potent than fentanyl.

The also discovered that Kyle Petersen had received approximately 34 similar packages mailed from the same source in Michigan, and also received approximately 46 packages from California and Oregon, suspected to contain multiple pounds of marijuana.

Investigators also made controlled purchases of counterfeit Percocet pills containing fentanyl from Erik Petersen.

Kyle and Erik Petersen were arrested on April 3, 2024. On that date, a search of Kyle Petersens residence revealed more than a kilogram of counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, counterfeit Xanax pills, a large quantity of Protonitazene, approximately 40 grams of cocaine, and $76,650 in cash.

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Erik Petersen has been detained since his arrest. On Dec. 19, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, Bromazolam, and Protonitazene.

Kyle Petersen has pleaded guilty and is detained while awaiting sentencing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
The carrier strike group led by HMS Prince of Wales has now sailed. Operation Highmast, an 8-month deployment, will demonstrate British resolve in preserving freedom of navigation around the world and hone skills in long-range operations. However, what many dont realise is that it also takes with it half of Britains available defence against ballistic missile attack.

Britains only homeland defence against medium-range ballistic missiles is centred upon the Royal Navys Type 45 destroyer fleet and its Sea Viper anti-missile system. The problem is that four of the six Type 45s are still in maintenance or not fully crewed and ready, leaving just two to defend the country in event of attack. HMS Dauntless is one of them  and currently speeding towards the Mediterranean as it supports the carrier HMS Prince of Wales.

The pummelling Ukraine has received from Russian ballistic missiles gives a glimpse into what Britain could face in the very near term if war in Europe suddenly escalated. The next generation of missiles  such as Russias Oreshnik  are hypersonic, travelling at several times the speed of sound and making them more of a difficult target to intercept. Oreshnik was dramatically demonstrated to the West in a strike on the Ukrainian town of Dnipro last November.

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Despite the MoDs recent R&D test success in America with this technology, Britain is well behind Russia, China, and the US in developing these missiles as an offensive deterrent. For defensive purposes, the current Sea Viper has only limited capability against medium-range missiles and an upgraded version to improve on this may not be ready until after 2030. Most engagements would still likely be dependent on allied and satellite early-warning and cueing of incoming missiles.

How a hypersonic missile works

What else is in the arsenal? The Armys six deployed batteries of the Sky Sabre missile and its ground-based radar are insufficient to offer coverage of UK critical infrastructure and in any event would be used to defend against mainly cruise missiles, aircraft and drones. Pending the results of the forthcoming Strategic Defence Review, there are currently no plans for a limited homeland missile defence such as that fielded by Israel with its Arrow 3 missile system  shortly also to be deployed by Germany as well.

As things stand, ballistic missiles fired at the UK from Russia or the Middle East would have to be intercepted by the two Nato Aegis Ashore systems in Romania and Poland firing the American SM-3 interceptor and any on-station US Navy Aegis-equipped destroyers off the Spanish coast. A last ditch defence might also be offered by Sea Viper in UK waters but clearly the reliance is still on Uncle Sam.

The UKs Trident submarine-launched nuclear force is the countrys ultimate deterrent against a nuclear attack on Britain. But would any government risk launching Armageddon against a limited but potentially catastrophic conventional attack on critical national infrastructure by an enemy using ballistic or cruise missiles? At the moment, we have few options with which to respond.

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At a meeting in Brussels last October, Defence Secretary John Healey agreed to step up cooperation on missile defence and developing long range missiles with Nato allies. The UK will lead the new Diamond initiative, to further integrate Natos missile defences, while also pledging to develop new long-range, cutting-edge missiles, improving the Alliances collective air defence and offering opportunities to the UK defence industry. But these are largely not efforts aimed at homeland defence against longer-range missiles.

Patriot missile defence system

The UK also signed a Letter of Intent in 2022 to take part in the German-led European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a multinational effort  but not a Nato one  to develop an integrated European air defence system with anti-ballistic missile capabilities. Germanys Arrow 3 system will be the centrepiece of this and it looks like the UK governments involvement is an attempt to get under the umbrella that Arrow 3 will provide.

But not all Nato countries are participating and control structures are still opaque. While allied cooperation is important, collective talking shops like Diamond are doing little to protect Britain now, particularly at a time when the UK is taking the lead in staring down the Russian bear over Ukraine in a coalition of the willing. Even if the Strategic Defence Review comes out in favour of homeland missile defence, what we dont need is a five-year feasibility study.

Its no secret that missile defence doesnt come cheap but until now the repercussions of not having such a shield havent had a proper and public debate. Perhaps its time for the government to take a leaf from Germanys playbook and acquire a stop-gap measure to deter a ballistic missile attack on critical infrastructure. One or two batteries of the Arrow 3 or SM3  strategically placed in the UK but offered up to whatever the European Sky Shield Initiative becomes  would be an insurance policy worth paying for.

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April 30 (UPI) -- British warplanes have attacked Houthi targets in Yemen, joining ally the United States in its airstrikes targeting the Iran-backed militia.

Britain's Ministry of Defense said in a statement that the joint operation occurred Tuesday, targeting a cluster of buildings in Yemen identified as having been used by the Houthis to manufacture drones like those the rebels have been using to attack ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The targets were located about 15 miles south of the Houthi-controlled capital of Sanaa.

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Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s were used in the strike, along with air refueling support from Voyager tankers. Paveway IV precision-guided bombs were dropped on the buildings, the ministry said, adding that only after "very careful planning had been completed to allow the targets to be prosecuted with minimal risk to civilian or non-military infrastructure."

"As a further precaution, the strike was conducted after dark, when the likelihood of any civilians being in the area was reduced yet further," it said. "All our aircraft subsequently returned safely."

The United States has yet to comment on the operation, but its military has been conducting near-daily attacks against the Houthis since mid-March, when President Donald Trump ordered an expanded campaign against the rebels.

The Trump administration has been seeking -- through military strikes and sanctions -- to dismantle a military blockade the Houthis erected in mid-November 2023, a month after Israel launched a full-scale war in Gaza against Hamas in response to the Iran-proxy militia's surprise Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

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The Houthis have attacked hundreds of ships transiting the important trade route, including U.S. military vessels, claiming they are standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people, tens of thousands of whom have been killed in Israel's war.

Britain said its Tuesday attack in Yemen aligned with long-standing government policy put in place in response to the Houthis' blockade.

London and Washington conducted multiple joint attacks in Yemen during the early months of the blockade.

Together with Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain, they launched Operation Prosperity Guardian in December 2023 in response to the Houthi maritime shipping attacks.
A female British Army musician sexually assaulted a female colleague while drunk, a court martial has heard.

Adelle Foster, a clarinet player in the Coldstream Guards, is alleged to have inappropriately touched her colleague on three separate occasions, mocking her protestations.

Musician Foster pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual assault at Bulford Military Court.

Commodore James Farrant, prosecuting, said the assault took place in the early hours of the morning after Mus Foster had drunk a bottle of wine.

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He said the two women usually didnt get on that well and argued about each others behaviour.

Cdre Farrant continued: Mus Foster moved closer to [the woman] and suggested that she, Mus Foster, give her a massage to help her sleep.

The court heard the woman declined the offer, but the clarinet player started stroking her hand anyway.

Cdre Farrant said she continued to touch the womans belly, breasts, and genitals, which the alleged victim told the court consisted of grabbing and jabbing.

The alleged victim was fully dressed, wearing jeans and a jumper.

Cdre Farrant added: All touching was over clothing. Eventually, Mus Foster said she was going to sleep.

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But the assault continued as Mus Foster began touching [her] again, this time on her breasts and bottom.

She began trying to take [the womans] clothes off. She eventually stopped, following [the womans] polite protest.

The alleged victim said no, but was mocked for this with Mus Foster repeating [her] protestations to her.

Mus Foster initially stopped the alleged victim from fleeing the room, though she eventually escaped to a lift, where she called friends to tell them what had happened.

Audio recordings

The court heard audio recordings the alleged victim had made of some of the interactions between the women that night.

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After the woman said she had a partner, Mus Foster could be heard saying: Im still going to touch you.

The alleged victim then said: I dont find it comfortable, all this touching.

Cdre Farrant told the court that Mus Foster sent the woman a message around 2.40am, after the alleged attack, which said she was just trying to be friends.

The women met in person again that night, when the alleged victim reportedly told Mus Foster that she shouldnt have touched her.

According to an audio recording, Mus Foster responded: Before, when I was joking and touching you, I was joking.

When shown this evidence in an interview, the musician said she did not remember having said she was joking.

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Mus Foster also denied touching her colleague inappropriately.

The trial continues.

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Vital steps are being taken this year in the eventual expansion of the Sawgrass Expressway from its current end at Floridas Turnpike to Interstate 95.

The expansion would make trips easier for thousands of drivers who commute through the area in Deerfield Beach each day.

The Spanish design and development firm OHLA recently announced it was starting the planning phase of the long-discussed project funded by the Florida Department of Transportation.

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And the Broward County Commission is scheduled next week to make some necessary decisions about the revamp, pertaining to canal improvements and drainage installation along Southwest 10th Street in Deerfield Beach.

Talk about enhancing the connection between the Sawgrass and I-95 has long been circulating among local and state government officials. In 2018, then-Gov. Rick Scott backed the notion as a method of easing congestion.

And in 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis pitched a multibillion-dollar proposal to speed the completion of 20 highway projects in Florida  including the Sawgrass Expressway expansion.

Through the years, some Deerfield Beach neighbors raised concerns about the proposed changes. Still, the plan got a warmer reception several years ago during some transit-oriented presentations.

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Residents of Coral Springs and Parkland who work in Fort Lauderdale currently exit the Sawgrass and proceed along Southwest 10th Street, often being forced to stop at traffic lights on Powerline Road, Military Trail and the overpass at Interstate 95.

The changes also would make evacuation easier for those leaving the area ahead of hurricanes.

The state Department of Transportation published on its website a preliminary project schedule, which estimated a construction phase could start this year and potentially run through 2032.

Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457. Follow him on Threads.net/@rafael.olmeda.
Video above: Worlds largest Buc-ees location opens in Tennessee

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WFLA)  Southwest Florida could soon have its own Buc-ees location.

Charlotte County officials next month will consider a plan that could pave the way for the sprawling gas station and convenience store along Interstate 75, according to a report from NBC affiliate WBBH.

Who is Jeff Knight? Legal history of boater FWC says was involved in Clearwater ferry crash

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But the proposal has some big hurdles to clear before travelers will be able to chow down on Beaver Nuggets or use the cleanest restrooms in America.

Local lawmakers will consider rezoning the land from residential to commercial use in a May 27 hearing. When asked if the landowner wants to have a Buc-ees there, planning and zoning official Shaun Cullinan said definitely.

They would not have applied if they didnt. And with Buc-ees being the contract purchaser, I think theyre very eager to move, Cullinan told WBBH.

Residents said they were excited about the potential new store.

Let it rip! Well, yeah, Im from Old Town. What can I tell you? But, you know, let it. Whatever is good for the economy and the population, you know, I think its great. I really do, Randy Hoff told WBBH.

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Despite the excitement, the proposed development has a long way to go until it becomes reality.

Until theyre actually breaking ground and were sitting there eating Beaver Nuggets, its still just a potential project, Cullinan told WBBH.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
If theres one thing the royal family is known for, its keeping busy. Whether its Prince William and Kate Middletons whirlwind trip to Scotland or Meghan Markle making her debut as a guest on a podcast, royal family members always seem to be on the move. Luckily for royal watchers, much of their work is shared publicly through social media. A quick scroll through the official Royal Family Instagram account offers a glimpse into the engagements of Duchess Sophie, Princess Anne, and, of course, King Charles and Queen Camilla.

But a recent post caught my attention for a different reasonit featured a royal we havent seen much of lately: Prince Edward.

Buckingham Palace shared a trio of photos showing the Duke of Kent at a Scout Association event and it was a refreshing surprise. In the first photo, Prince Edward is seen standing across from a group of scouts, cane in hand. The second captures him seated among others, waving as scouts pass by to greet them. The third shows him standing next to Chief Scout Dwayne Fields.

A wonderful day honouring young awardees of The Kings Scout Award - the highest recognition in Scouting adventure and skill development, the April 28 post was captioned. At Windsor Castle, The Duke of Kent joined Chief Scout Dwayne Fields to congratulate the recipients - and to celebrate 50 years of His Royal Highnesss work with the @Scouts Association!

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We last saw a different Prince Edward (Duke of Edinburgh) featured on the royal family Instagram about a month ago, when the palace posted a slideshow of him visiting Mumbai Stadium. There, he was seen speaking with students participating in his International Award Program (IAYP India), which supports young people in reaching their full potential.

The Duke of Kent isn't the only one connecting with the Scouts recentlyKate Middleton also released two surprise videos earlier this month, championing both the organization and the importance of outdoor learning.

Cant wait to see what the royals do next.

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Body Language Expert Says Meghan Markle Had an 'Emotional Shift' While Discussing Prince Harry
Press Release

April 30, 2025 EDCOM 2: Around 18M Filipinos finished high school despite being functionally illiterate Approximately 18 million Filipinos who are graduates from the country's basic education system could be functionally illiterate, according to data from the Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS). This was found by the Senate Committee on Basic Education during its April 30, 2025 hearing on the initial results of the latest FLEMMS, conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority in the second half of 2024. The hearing, led by Committee Chairperson and Second Congressional Commission (EDCOM 2) Co-Chair Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, sought to investigate the survey's implications on learners in the country's basic education system. The FLEMMS is a national survey administered by the PSA that gathers information on the basic and functional literacy rates, and the educational skills qualifications of the population. "There are approximately 5.8 million people who are not basically literate...If you look at functionally illiterate, there are 24.8 million who have problems comprehending...This is the gravity of our situation right now, and I support the new definition [of literacy] because now we have a good picture of where we are", Gatchalian said. In its latest iteration, the PSA changed the definition of "functional literacy" to include higher-level comprehension skills, going beyond basic reading, writing, and numeracy. Critically, the 2019 definition automatically categorizes high school graduates or junior high school completers as functionally literate, while the 2024 definition does not. A slide from PSA's presentation showing the difference between the rate and number of functionally literate Filipinos when using old (2019) and new (2024) definitions in 2019 and 2024 datasets. "There are high school and junior high school graduates who...did not pass the new definition of functional literacy...In other words, 18 million graduates from the system are not functionally literate," Gatchalian said. Using the old definition, PSA found that there are 79 million Filipinos who are functionally literate in 2024. Using the new definition, which removes the automatic categorization of high school graduates, this number shrank to 60 million. PSA's Adrian Cerezo of the Social Sector Statistics Service validated this, noting that 21% of our senior high school graduates are not functionally literate, based on distilled FLEMMS data. "And that's a problem of basic education - because paano sila nag-graduate nang hindi sila functionally literate?...This is where basic education comes in, that 18 million should not happen. No one should graduate in our basic education system that is functionally literate," he continued. "DepEd should already be proactive in making sure that no one will graduate without being functionally literate...The very basic goal of basic education is that students become functionally literate. That's not the case now. In our EDCOM rounds, we have detected kids as old as 15 years old who cannot read a simple story. We have seen that on the ground. And I'm sure most of you teachers, principals, have also seen this on the ground", Gatchalian said. The Department of Education's Bureau of Learning Delivery presented its initiatives to address the gaps in addressing flagging literacy rates. These include the continued implementation of the revised K to 10 curriculum, strengthening the Early Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (ELLNA) Program, learning loss remediation and gender-responsive interventions, and the implementation of the ARAL Program, the implementing rules of which were signed in December 2024. *******
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. On April 30, the leadership of the Ministry of Defense attended a ceremony held in one of the military units on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the establishment of Azerbaijan Special Forces, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Defense.

First, flowers were laid in front of the bust of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, installed in the territory of the military unit, and the monument honoring the memory of the martyrs.

Then the Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov met with special forces.

The minister emphasized that the social living conditions of military personnel were improved thanks to the attention and care of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev, and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva. The minister also highlighted the significant measures taken to solve concerns and problems of servicemen.

He highlighted the courage and heroism demonstrated by the special forces in the 44-day Patriotic War and other operations and emphasized that the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan always commends their activities.

The minister congratulated the special forces, wished them success in their future military service, and gave them relevant recommendations.

It was stated at the event that the unwavering determination and exceptional professionalism of the Azerbaijan Armys servicemen, including the Special Forces members, are a source of great pride for our country.

Speaking on behalf of the special forces, the Special Forces member expressed gratitude to the head of state and the ministrys leadership for their attention. He noted that special forces are always ready to fulfill any orders and instructions from the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and confidently stressed that they will continue to serve the Motherland with honor and justify the trust placed in them.

At the end, a group of servicemen who distinguished themselves in military service was awarded.

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(KRON)  A prolific elementary school burglar who targeted teachers on school campuses in Marin, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties was found and arrested this week, law enforcement officials said.

Christopher Britton, 34, of Fairfield, has a long history of lurking around schools, stealing bank cards from teachers purses, and racking up thousands of dollars of fraudulent charges, investigators said.

In February, Britton targeted an elementary school in Marin County while teachers and students were busy with a school-wide assembly, investigators said.

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Following the assembly, several teachers discovered bank cards were missing from their wallets (and) purses stored inside their classrooms. The teachers soon received thousands of dollars of fraudulent charges on their stolen bank cards, the Marin County Sheriffs Office wrote.

Christopher Britton is arrested on April 25, 2025. (Marin County Sheriffs Office)

During its investigation into Britton for the February incident, deputies discovered that he burglarized three more schools in Marin County, victimizing many more teachers, MCSO wrote.

Britton was also found to have committed nearly identical burglaries of elementary schools in Alameda County and Contra Costa County. At the time of the burglaries, Britton was out on bail in Solano County for a series of residential burglaries, the sheriffs office wrote.

7-year-old who wanted McDonalds drove 10 miles with little sister in car

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On April 25, sheriffs deputies and police officers from several police departments took Britton into custody. He was booked into a Marin County Jail without bail.

The Vacaville Police Department, Lafayette Police Department, Danville Police Department, Marin County Sheriffs Office, and Dublin Police Services assisted the investigation.

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Police are searching for two suspects who ransacked an Anaheim home and escaped with over $11,000 in cash.

The burglary occurred on March 22 as the residents were away from their home near South Greenwich Street from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., according to the Anaheim Police Department.

Two male suspects broke into the home, disabled the security alarm and ransacked the property.

Surveillance cameras captured two male burglary suspects breaking into an Anaheim home and stealing over $11,000 in cash on March 22, 2025. (Anaheim Police Department) Surveillance cameras showed that one of the suspects has a distinct leg tattoo. (Anaheim Police Department)

They stole over $11,000 in cash and pieces of valuable jewelry before fleeing the neighborhood in a gray/silver minivan.

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Security cameras captured the thieves images as they made their way into the home.

Authorities are asking anyone who may recognize the suspects or has information on the case to call Detective Scaglione at 714-765-1185 or email hscaglione@anaheim.net. All tips can remain anonymous.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Hundreds of frontline staff at Butler Hospital will go on strike next month if a deal with management is not reached, according to the New England Health Care Employees Union (SEIU 1199NE).

SEIU 1199NE announced Tuesday that the open-ended strike will begin May 15 at 6 a.m. after bargaining with Care New England failed to produce any meaningful progress to address chronic short staffing, low wages and workplace violence issues.

This comes less than a week after 91% of Butler Hospitals unionized workforce voted to authorize the strike.

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SEIU 1199NE, which represents more than 800 frontline staffers at Butler Hospital, entered into contract negotiations with its parent company Care New England last month.

RELATED: Butler Hospitals unionized workers authorize strike as contract negotiations stall

The unions four contracts with Care New England officially expired on March 31, and there are currently 116 job openings.

Workers picketed outside the hospital last week to call for an end to workplace violence and poverty wages, according to the union.

In a survey conducted by SEIU 1199NE, 95% of Butler Hospital workers believe Care New England isnt doing enough to keep them safe at work, and 60% have struggled to afford both food and housing costs.

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SEIU 1199NE emphasized that workers remain willing to return to the bargaining table to settle a fair contract.

Dawn Williams, a registered nurse at Butler Hospital, said the decision to move forward with the strike is not one any of us takes lightly.

We know it is necessary to make the drastic improvements we need to feel safe at work, Williams said. After almost two months of negotiations, Care New England has failed to consider our proposals to offer needed training, raise wages and confront the workplace violence epidemic we experience almost daily.

At the end of the day, if we dont solve these core issues, it is our patients who will suffer the consequences from the revolving door of staff who refuse to put their safety in jeopardy for the low wages we earn, she continued.

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In a statement sent to 12 News, Care New England spokesperson Raina Smith said that Butler Hospital is deeply disappointed that SEIU 1199 NE has chosen to issue a notice of intent to strike.

Butler Hospital has done everything possible to avoid this outcome, making comprehensive proposals that further our goal of addressing workplace violence and offering a total rewards package that includes generous wage increases, as well as a competitive benefits package, Smith said.

Care New England is offering total wage increases between 15.6% and 32% over the life of the proposed four-year contract.

Striking will not bring us closer to an agreement. It will only result in lost wages for employees. We will, however, remain open and ready to accept patients during a strike. We have contracted with a third-party vendor to ensure the care our patients depend upon us for remains uninterrupted, Smith said. We urge the union to reconsider this path and return to the bargaining table prepared to engage in productive dialogue.

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BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL)  A Johnson City man was arrested Tuesday after authorities in Bristol, Virginia reportedly found 149 grams of methamphetamine and other drugs in his possession.

Photo: Bristol Virginia Police Department

According to a news release from the Bristol Virginia Police Department (BVPD), detectives conducted a traffic stop at Valley Drive and Texas Avenue just before 11 p.m. due to an ongoing investigation.

The BVPD stated that with the help of K-9 Fanta, authorities found approximately 149 grams of methamphetamine and seven grams of crack.

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WCSO: Duo found with gallon-sized baggie containing suspected meth

Jacque Adams, 59, was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of a schedule I or II drug with intent to distribute, the police department reported.

Adams was released from the Southwest Regional Jail on a $5,000 bond. He is set to be arraigned in court on May 15 at 9 a.m.

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(KTAL/KMSS)  With nearly 5 billion prescriptions filled annually in the U.S., most plastic pill bottles end up in landfills due to limited recyclability, contributing to microplastic pollution linked to a host of health issues, such as cognitive decline and inflammation.

One company is advocating for sustainable alternatives to eliminate single-use plastics in the healthcare industry. Cabinet Health, which markets itself as a sustainable pharmacy offering over-the-counter medications (excluding controlled substances) in reusable, stackable glass containers.

How microplastics affect human health

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Co-founded by Chinese-American Russell Gong and Indian-American Achal Patel, Gong is a specialist in sustainable products and an active U.S. infantry soldier who worked on legislation regarding the first plastic bag taxes and on building the Cabinet.

I think the first thing is ultimately this is about a health care issue, not just about a packaging issue, that the more that our health care products and the way that we treat patients, the more that its better for the environment is inevitably better, says Gong.

Patel is a third-generational pharmaceutical entrepreneur whose grandfather built one of the first sets of medicine factories in India. Together, they combined their knowledge of medicine and sustainability to create Cabinet Health.

Since co-founders Achal Patel and Gongs appearance on Shark Tank, their refillable system has been sold nationwide at Target and Amazon; however, Gong says, they are still working on closing the gap between healthcare and sustainability.

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It really makes it a health care issue, is that today theres so much plastic in our environment that were starting to consume it. So, we consume upwards of a credit cards worth of microplastics every single week, which is crazy to me. And that plastic is showing up in our bloodstream and even our brains as more and more medical science shows that its also creating a lot of health care issues, says Cabinet Health Pharmacy co-founder Russell Gong.

(Courtesy of Cabinet Health) (Courtesy of Cabinet Health) (Courtesy of Cabinet Health) (Courtesy of Cabinet Health) (Courtesy of Cabinet Health) (Courtesy of Cabinet Health)

The company is a Certified B Corporation and has developed the first reusable packaging system for over-the-counter medicines.

Why sustainable healthcare solutions matter

If theres one thing that I would tell a general audience about sustainable healthcare, its just to start paying attention to what is sustainable healthcare, start being curious about what is going into our bodies, the healthcare that were receiving, and wanting and demanding more, said Gong.

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The Source: gifting sustainably, everything local

As of February 2025, Cabinet Health no longer offers its subscription, focusing instead on more impactful ways to reduce plastic in the healthcare industry.

He encourages individuals to pay attention to what they put into their bodies while demanding that healthcare leaders do the same.

Its really incumbent upon us as health care leaders to help patients make that choice that doesnt have to make a compromise. And so, again, I think most of our focus and efforts should be about how we win the leadership battles that change the system so that patients, when they are taking care of their husbands and their children and their mothers, they dont have to choose, says Gong.

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Gong says they are following the plastic and launched Powered by Cabinet. This business program encourages healthcare companies to develop sustainable products and services by leveraging their years of research, insights, and tools.

We dont believe that there should be a choice between a patients personal health and the choice for their environment and their loved ones. And thats really what were looking to encourage, is that the science exists. Its just a matter of Are we innovative and creative enough to apply it? says Gong,

Where to dispose of prescription drugs locally?

Did you know you can donate used prescription bottles? Matthew 25 Ministries is an international humanitarian and disaster relief organization that collects empty pill bottles to send to developing countries where medical supplies are in short supply. They accept empty, clean prescription and over-the-counter pill bottles of varying sizes.

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However, there is a downside to donating them because you need to ship the bottles to their drop-off location in Blue Ash, Ohio.

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California is stepping up its game to head off perpetrators of organized retail theft and cargo theft, whose schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated and brazen.

Attorney General Rob Bonta announced last week that his office had filed felony charges against three individuals involved in a suspected identity theft mill, wherein stolen identities were used to perpetrate retail crimes. According to Bontas office, the suspects applied for store credit cards using stolen information from victims and then used the credit cards to purchase mass amounts of merchandise.

More from Sourcing Journal

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The scheme, which spanned seven counties including Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties from March through July of 2023, saw the defendants fraudulently purchase over $100,000-worth of products from both high-end retailers and Harbor Freight, a tool and equipment store that serves the California market.

Law enforcement agencies were tipped off by a corporate fraud investor from Signet Jewelers, which led the California Department of Justice (DOJ), along with Homeland Security Investigations, Santa Maria Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, California Highway Patrol and Westminster Police department, to take action.

The investigation concluded in a 34-felony complaint filed against the three individuals by DOJ, with charges including organized retail theft, grand theft, and identity theft (with 13 people victimized by the credit card scheme).

This was not a one-off shoplifting offense, it was a malicious, coordinated scheme, Bonta said, thanking Signet Jewelers for collaborating with local and state law enforcement to root out the perpetrators. We will not give up until we put a stop to this criminal activity all together, he added.

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The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department is deeply committed to tackling organized retail crime through strategic multiagency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and targeted enforcement, said Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Detective Division Chief Joe Mendoza. By working closely with our local, state, and federal partners, we continue to strengthen our efforts, disrupt criminal networks, protect both businesses and our communities, while holding individuals accountable.

Thieves of all kinds are growing more emboldened, according to GearTracks April Cargo Security Index, which showed that 54 percent of cargo theft in the U.S. took place in California, Florida and Texas during the month of March.

The Golden State saw a whopping 34-percent increase in cargo theft incidents month over month, while Texas and Florida saw increased rates of 17 percent compared to February. GearTrack works with Verisks CargoNet, a cargo theft recovery network, to track these trends each month.

Notably, the top targeted goods included food and beverages, along with household goods, indicating that people across the country are becoming increasingly anxious about being able to afford necessities. In fact, a standout case from the groups research involved the attempted theft of $55,000-worth of beef cargo in Philadelphia, Pa.

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The surge in theft is attributed to rising economic pressures, tariff uncertainty, increased shipment volumes, and the growing sophistication of criminal networks, Ilan Gluck, general manager of GearTrack, explained.

Organized theft groups are developing new, innovative schemesfrom non-delivery of loads to following freight trains along delivery routesand even forging documents for fraudulent pick-ups, he added. Shippers needing to transport food and beverage, apparel and accessories, household goods, metals, and vehicles or auto parts should increase focus on route planning to ensure the safe, timely delivery of valuable goods.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said that combatting organized retail theft and cargo theft are both major priorities for his officeas is prosecuting these crimes to the fullest extent of the law.

Last week, the governors office announced that California has generated 14,133 referrals for prosecution during the first year of the states organized retail theft and vertical prosecution grants, which were a part of the $267-million retail theft law enforcement grant program announced in 2023.

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Of the cases referred for prosecution, 10,932 were for organized retail theft, while 40 were for cargo theft. The issue is becoming more serious as economic pressures ratchet up; last week, the Los Angeles Police Departments Cargo Theft Unit (CTU) recovered nearly $4 million in stolen cargo.

Of the 1,150 individuals that were ultimately convicted of theft-related property crimes since the start of the grant program, 373 were related to organized retail theft, and 88 percent of those convictions were felonies.

As we continue investing in public safety, we keep seeing strong, positive resultsmore officers, more crime deterrents and more case prosecutions, Newsom said last week. Our commitment to our neighborhoods is paying off.

Californias organized retail theft grant program encompasses both crime prevention and vertical prosecution; 38 law enforcement agencies were provided with $242 million of the funding to invest into new equipment, hiring more officers, technology and enhancing enforcement operations including partnerships with local retail. Meanwhile, the $24 million vertical prosecution grants were disseminated to 13 district attorneys offices, allowing them to dedicate attorneys to focus on specific cases from beginning to end, giving law enforcementand victimsa single point of contact and generally streamlining the prosecution process.

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The ORT Grant has led to phenomenal results in Fresno. We have been able to build relationships and trust with our retailers, and work closely with our partner law enforcement agencieswe are now sharing intelligence across the entire Central Valley, said Fresno Police Department Deputy Chief Michael Landon. Fresno police have recovered $1.2 million in stolen property, $400,000 of which was seized, since the grant was enacted. The funding has helped the department put in place new processes and tools to drive down auto theft by 38 percent, like license plate reader equipment.

There have also been many notable retail theft cases that have been solved during the grants first year; in nearby San Francisco, the SFPD arrested eight people suspected of participating in 23 organized retail theft incidents at local Walgreens stores, leading to the pilfering of $84,000-worth of merchandise, the governors office said.

SoCal law enforcement agencies announced one of the biggest organized retail theft busts on record in Marcha sting operation that recovered $4 million in goods from stores like Target, Nordstrom, Macys and TJ Maxx. Those goods were stolen as part of a sophisticated fencing operation, and they were ultimately returned to the retailers.

Throughout these investigations, its critical that local prosecutors are involved, according to Sonoma County Chief Deputy District Attorney Scott Jamar. The Vertical Prosecution Grant has been a catalyst for enhancing communication and empowering our community, from retailers to law enforcement, he said. It has allowed us to concentrate our efforts using technologically assisted analytics to identify suspects, often in real-time, and build prosecutable cases.

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Jamars office gave the example of working with multiple retailers in collaboration with the Santa Rosa Police Department to build a case against multiple retail theft suspects who allegedly stole $16,000 worth of jewelry over the course of about a week. Now, the county does monthly blitz operations of a similar nature.

Multiple California counties have used the funding in creative ways to strengthen prosecutions and collaboration with local communities. The Yolo County District Attorneys Office launched a retailer reporting program that it said dramatically expedites investigations and prosecutions by sending the information directly to district attorneys. Dubbed FastPass to Prosecution, the program debuted in fall 2023 and has upped the rate of successful prosecution of organized retail theft crimes.

In Stanislaus County, the district attorneys office created a public education strategy surrounding organized retail crime and established a single point of contact for retailers and law enforcement agencies. Bi-weekly meetings are also held between the stakeholders. The strategy has led to increased arrests for theft, with certain retailers in the Northern California county reporting 90 percent reductions in losses.

In addition bolstering prosecution and prevention, the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), which was tasked with carrying out the grants, established an online dashboard that tracks data for both programs.

Insights show that violent crimes and property crimes decreased last year, by 4.6 percent and 8.5 percent respectively, according to analysis of the Real Time Crime Index data by the Public Policy Institute of California. Burglary also fell 13.6 percent, while larceny decreased by 18.6 percent, from a pre-pandemic baseline.
Pierce County has begun the process of amending its Comprehensive Plan to End Homelessness, and it is getting an earful as it does.

On April 28, Pierce County Human Services hosted a community listening event at Sprinker Recreation Center. Roughly 75 people attended the event, the broad majority of which were representing local homeless outreach programs and service providers.

While folks from all corners of the county expressed commitment to addressing the homelessness crisis, many raised concerns about a lack of transparency and accountability within the countys response.

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The Pierce County Council adopted the Comprehensive Plan to End Homelessness (CPEH) in March 2022 to serve as the official Homeless Housing Plan.

The current CPEH consists of goals designed to achieve functional zero  a state where any person starting a new episode of homelessness has immediate access to shelter and permanent housing intervention.

At the beginning of the listening event, Devon Isakson, social services supervisor for Pierce Countys homeless team, told attendees the county had the choice to either adopt an entirely new plan or amend the existing one  they chose the latter.

State law mandates that the county must update its CPEH by the end of this year.

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During the event, attendees were asked to work together to discuss the countys goals to improve its homelessness-response system and to decide on how to prioritize its plans.

The seven goals, already decided by Human Services, were:

Create a unified homeless system which promotes equity, accountability and transparency.

Prevent homeless episodes whenever possible.

Prioritize assistance based on the greatest barriers to housing stability and greatest risk of harm, and ensure interventions are effective for all populations.

Ensure adjacent systems address needs of people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

Meet immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness.

Seek to house everyone in a stable setting that meets their needs and expand the permanent housing system.

Those goals were a part of the CPEH passed in 2022, with the addition of a new goal: Strengthen the homeless service provider workforce.

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Human Services spokesperson Kari Moore told The News Tribune the new goal is now required by the state. The Washington State Department of Commerce dictates the housing and homelessness plan guidelines for local governments.

Pierce Countys homeless response system is almost entirely dependent on nonprofit organizations that competitively apply for funding from the county. Many of those organizations rely on grant funding to operate on a year-to-year basis.

In the past year, service providers and officials have raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the process through which the county selects organizations to award funding, internal politics which create a perceived unfairness in that process, and delays in how that funding is distributed.

We need to empower service providers, Jessica Pair, co-founder of Family Promise of Pierce County, said during the listening event.

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After spending nearly an hour discussing the goals and how to prioritize them, participants shared what they had discussed with county officials. Many people expressed the need for different elements to be prioritized within the countys homelessness-response system.

One group struggled to prioritize a collection of objectives, identifying all of them as equally urgent.

Among the priorities shared by several attendees was the need for accountability in how the county spends its funding and tracks its progress. Some street-outreach specialists said the county needs to be sure that contracted service providers are meeting the expectations and actually making progress towards the goals and objectives outlined by the county.

Its pretty embarrassing when we are out in the field and homeless people are asking where the $17 million [in affordable housing investments] went, Trisha Munson, outreach specialist with Common Street, told Human Services officials.

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Others agreed the countys homelessness response needs to incorporate more feedback from individuals with experience living homeless.

There is no one size fits all, one participant said. We need to assess what they say they need. We need to talk to the people being served.

Isakson said the April 28 listening session was part of a nearly year-long process of updating the CPEH. There will be additional events through which people can provide feedback, including on July 19 and another on Sept. 18.

People can also provide feedback online between April 24 - May 16 at www.piercecountywa.gov/homelessplan.
By David Ljunggren, Ismail Shakil and Rod Nickel

(Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals staged a major political comeback to retain power in parliamentary elections, fuelled by a backlash against U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and comments on making Canada the 51st U.S. state.

With almost all votes counted in Monday's election, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation forecast the Liberals would form a strong minority government, falling just short of the 172 electoral districts they needed for a majority.

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Provisional results from Elections Canada showed the Liberals had won 169 districts, followed by the Conservatives with 144. Judicial recounts will be needed in two districts and a final official result may be days away.

Although he failed to get a majority, Carney faces no immediate political danger, since all opposition legislators would have to vote against him to topple the government and two of his main rivals are in political trouble.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who just three months ago had looked certain to sweep the polls, lost his seat in Ontario. Jagmeet Singh announced he would step down as leader of the left-leaning New Democrats after he lost his seat in British Columbia and saw most of his party's legislators defeated.

Carney had sought a majority to help him negotiate with Trump on the tariffs threatening Canada's economy.

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Trump congratulated Carney on his election victory in a call on Tuesday, Carney's office said in a statement.

"The leaders agreed on the importance of Canada and the United States working together - as independent, sovereign nations - for their mutual betterment. To that end, the leaders agreed to meet in person in the near future," it said.

The Globe and Mail newspaper, citing a senior Liberal official, said Carney would name a cabinet and reconvene Canada's House of Commons within two weeks. Another priority will be the annual budget, which is usually presented in March or April.

Carney, saying Trump wanted to break Canada, had repeatedly vowed to open talks on new security and economic ties with the U.S. president as soon as possible after the Canadian election.

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The Liberals, who have been in power since November 2015, were 20 percentage points behind in surveys in January before the unpopular Justin Trudeau announced he was quitting as prime minister and Trump started threatening tariffs and annexation.

"It was the 'anybody-but-Conservative' factor, it was the Trump tariff factor, and then it was the Trudeau departure ... which enabled a lot of left-of-center voters and traditional Liberal voters to come back to the party," said Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute polling firm.

In his victory speech early on Tuesday, Carney said Canada's old relationship with the U.S. was over.

"The system of open global trade anchored by the United States ... (which) has helped deliver prosperity for our country for decades, is over. These are tragedies, but it's also our new reality," he said.

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TOUGH APPROACH

Carney said the coming months would be challenging and require sacrifices.

He also has to deal with Danielle Smith, the conservative premier of the western oil-producing province of Alberta, who complains the Liberals have undermined national unity with climate policies she says are designed to hurt the energy industry.

"A large majority of Albertans are deeply frustrated that the same government that overtly attacked our provincial economy almost unabated for the past 10 years has been returned to government," she said in a statement.

Poilievre conceded defeat to the Liberals and said his party would continue to hold the government to account.

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer sent congratulations to Carney and his party.

Carney had promised a tough approach to Washington's import tariffs and said Canada would need to spend billions to reduce its reliance on the U.S. But the right-of-center Conservatives showed unexpected strength.

Kim Zapf, a 74-year-old voter from Alberta, expressed confidence that Carney would be able to deal with Trump.

"I think Carney is mature enough that he can sit down with Trump and not make it a confrontation ... Trump is all into deals, and I think Carney's a good person to negotiate deals," he said during a trip to Toronto.

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Minority governments in Canada rarely last longer than 2-1/2 years. Trump's threats spurred a wave of patriotism that boosted support for Carney, a political newcomer who had previously led the Canadian and British central banks.

Trump re-emerged as a campaign factor last week, declaring that he might raise a 25% tariff on Canadian-made cars because the U.S. did not want them. He said earlier he might use "economic force" to make Canada the 51st state.

Carney argued that his experience handling economic issues makes him the best leader to deal with Trump, while Poilievre tapped into concerns about the cost of living, crime and a housing crisis.

Trump, in a social media post on Monday, reiterated his call for Canada to become the 51st state.

(Reporting by Rod Nickel and Promit Mukherjee in Ottawa, Nivedita Balu in Toronto and Amanda Stephenson in Calgary; additional reporting by Susan Heavey in Washington and Wa Lone in Toronto; writing by Sharon Singleton and David Ljunggren; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Paul Simao)
Azerbaijan's operations with UnionPay cards decline in volume for 1Q2025

As of March 2025, UnionPay card transactions in Azerbaijan dropped 20 percent to 40,000 manat. The number of transactions rose by 100, while the overall value fell from 50,000 manat in 2024. The country's financial industry is trending downward, with payment values falling despite an increase in transactions.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  A 46-year-old Canastota woman has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after conspiring to distribute drugs and possessing firearms.

According to the United States Attorneys Office, Jessica Snyder had methamphetamine, a heroin and fentanyl mixture, and possessed firearms as an unlawful user of controlled substances.

As part of her prior guilty plea, Snyder admitted that from approximately October 2020 through May 17, 2022, she conspired with her husband, Andrew Snyder, to distribute both methamphetamine and a heroin/fentanyl mixture to others out of the garage of their home in Madison County, said the Attorneys Office, as well as United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Special Agent Bryan Miller, and Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood.

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Snyder admitted in May of 2022  while on controlled substances, including methamphetamine  she had two 9mm handguns and ammunition.

Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered Snyder to serve a 4-year term of supervised release following her release from prison and to forfeit the two 9mm handguns and ammunition she possessed, according to the attorneys office.

Andrew Snyder was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment earlier this month.

This case was investigated by ATF and the Madison County Sheriffs Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas R. Sutcliffe and Matthew J. McCrobie prosecuted the case.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
The Democratic primary to succeed outgoing state Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis will pit her current chief of staff, RaShon Young, against former state Rep. Travaris McCurdy.

The special election for District 40 in western Orange County, a heavily Democratic seat which includes parts of Orlando and Ocoee, is the latest domino effect following the death of state Sen. Geraldine Thompson in February.

Bracy Davis announced her resignation from the House halfway through her second term in order to run for Thompsons Senate seat, triggering an election in her district.

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Republican candidate Tuan Le has also filed to run for Bracy Davis current seat.

The special elections to fill the vacancies in both the House and Senate will be held the same day, Sept. 2, with primaries set for June 24. Qualifying to run for House District 40 ended at noon Wednesday.

Bracy Davis endorsed Young when he filed last week, having already praised him when asked about a potential successor during her Senate campaign kickoff last month.

Young, she said, has been with me every step of the way. Hes walked with me. Hes helped me craft policies. He knows House District 40, and House District 40 knows him.

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Young graduated high school in South Carolina before graduating from Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach and joining the campaigns of Bracy Davis and her brother, former state Sen. Randolph Bracy.

He wrote on Instagram his run isnt the beginning of my service  its a continuation of a calling.

Im ready to lead with boldness, purpose, and a deep commitment to the people of our community, he wrote. Lets build a future we can all be proud of.

Young will face McCurdy, who represented the western Orlando area in the state House for one term from 2020 to 2022. He also made an unsuccessful bid for Orlando City Council in 2024.

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McCurdy cited his longtime residency in the district in his announcement.

As a proud native of District 40, Im running for State Representative because our community deserves better, McCurdy wrote. I was born here, raised here, and Im ready to serve.

McCurdy lost a primary battle to Democratic state Rep. Bruce Antone in 2022 that was marked by allegations that Antone did not live in the district he represents, as is required by law.

Residency could also play a role in this election. Le, an aerospace engineer who listed a home in Titusville when he ran for an Orlando congressional seat last year, now says on campaign paperwork that his campaign is based at an Apopka address, which is outside District 40.

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Write-in candidate Christopher Hall, who also filed to run, is a security officer who said he lives in Tallahassee.

State law requires legislators to be residents of their districts, but only as of election day.

Le said Wednesday he would buy a home in the district if he wins.
As cardinals prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel in a few days to elect a new pope, they are engaged in intense discussions over plates of carbonara and bottles of wine in the Borgo, the village-like quarter of cobbled lanes, tiny piazzas and ornate fountains that lies a few yards from the walls of the Vatican City State.

One is partial to grilled calamari, another cannot resist spaghetti with seafood and a third confesses to a weakness for gelato.

Think of them as gnocchi negotiations; perhaps tagliatelle talks.

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Cardinals from around the world are lunching and dining each other in discreet corners as they discuss the legacy of Pope Francis, who died last week at the age of 88, and the immense challenges faced by the Catholic Church, from sex abuse scandals to the role of women and the blessing of same-sex couples.

The exchange of opinions, voting strategy and good old-fashioned gossip will prove crucial when they enter the frescoed confines of the Sistine Chapel next Wednesday at the start of the conclave, the secretive election in which they will choose a new pontiff.

The Borgo is perfectly placed  a tangle of mediaeval streets just a short stroll from St Peters Square.

There are several speciality shops servicing all the needs of the clergy  from bishops mitres, priests robes, crucifixes and light-up rosaries to Madonna and child icons and brass goblets for serving communion wine.

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Among the restaurants patronised by the red-hatted princes of the Church is the Tre Pupazzi (The Three Puppets), a favourite of Gerhard Ludwig Muller, a conservative German cardinal who warned this week that the next pope should reject the progressive path laid by Pope Francis and return to traditional doctrine.

Informal conversations

In 2005, after the death of Pope John Paul II, a group of cardinals reportedly gathered in Al Passetto di Borgo, a restaurant near one of the Vaticans principal gates, the Porta Sant Anna. Over wine and food, they agreed to lobby for the German cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. He was duly elected pope, taking the pontifical name Benedict XVI.

The period before the cardinals go into the conclave is absolutely key. It is when they get to have dinners, coffee and drinks, and to have informal conversations where they can talk to candidates. They will be asking, how does he relate to me, what is his position on various issues? Thomas Reese, a Jesuit priest and Vatican expert, told The Telegraph.

All these informal conversations are extremely important before they go into the conclave because when they are in the Sistine Chapel it is in total silence, except for voting. Theres no conversation, said Father Reese, a columnist for the Catholic news outlet Religion News Service.

Bonding over a plate of lasagne or rigatoni is even more crucial ahead of this conclave  Pope Francis appointed dozens of cardinals, many of them from distant countries such as Mongolia, New Zealand and the Central African Republic.

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Many of the 133 cardinals who will vote in the conclave have never met each other before, let alone had the chance to discuss the qualities that will be required by the next leader of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics.

Its even more important this time around because the conclave is the biggest ever in terms of numbers of cardinals and they come from 71 countries so many dont know each other. That has its complications. They have to reach a two thirds majority, said Father Reese.

Asked whether the next pope could be chosen over a pizza, he said: Absolutely.

Cardinals are regular customers at the trattoria Marcantonio, which takes its name from the brothers who own it  Marco and Antonio Statuto.

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They come here for lunch and dinner. Id rather not give names  they value their privacy, said Antonio. We mostly get foreign cardinals rather than Italians.

Cardinals tend not to wear their distinctive sashes and red caps when they venture into the Borgo to eat. They dress fairly inconspicuously  they dont want to be recognised, he said.

Cardinals dress down when they venture into the Borgo to eat because they dont want to be recognised, one local restaurateur says - Marco Bertorello/AFP

Pietro Parolin, who was number two to Pope Francis as secretary of state, reportedly changes venue almost every day so that he cannot be tracked down by curious journalists.

He is one of three Italian cardinals being cited as papabile  the Italian word that translates as popeable, meaning he is a likely candidate to succeed Francis.

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While Cardinal Parolin has a love of oven-baked fish, Lazarus You Heung-sik, a cardinal from South Korea, reportedly goes for spaghetti with mussels, clams and prawns followed by a plate of grilled calamari.

Leopoldo Solorzano, a Nicaraguan cardinal, has a soft spot for gelato. His favourite flavour is said to be dulce de leche with caramel  fitting, given that it was invented for Pope Francis on his election in 2013.

It is not only over bottles of Vermentino and plates of pasta that the cardinals plot their moves ahead of the conclave.

Each morning, they meet for behind-closed-door discussions at the Vatican called General Congregations.

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The sixth such meeting since Franciss death was held on Tuesday and was attended by 183 cardinals, of whom about 120 will be able to vote in the conclave.

The focus of the reflections was the role of the Church in todays world, and the challenges she faces, said Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesman.

The cardinals shared different perspectives, enriched by the experiences and contexts of the various continents, questioning what response the Church is required to offer in these times.

Disastrous investment

The Vatican confirmed that two elderly cardinals will not take part in the conclave because of ill health.

A third cardinal has also dropped out.

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Angelo Becciu, 76, a disgraced Italian cardinal, was convicted by the Vaticans criminal court in 2023 of embezzlement, fraud, extortion, money laundering and abuse of office.

Some of the charges revolved around the Vaticans disastrous, 350 million investment in a former Harrods property in London which was to be turned into luxury apartments.

He was also accused of sending money to Cecilia Marogna, an Italian woman dubbed the Mata Hari of the Vatican, who claimed she had close links with intelligence services.

She spent some of the cash on furniture and designer handbags.

In recent days, Becciu had insisted that he had the right to turn up at the conclave, but he changed his tune after reportedly being told that Pope Francis wrote two letters before his death stipulating that he must not be allowed to take part.

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Fresh off his election victory, Prime Minister Mark Carney promised to immediately take on U.S. President Donald Trump on trade. But the White House likely wont turn its attention to North American trade talks until later this summer  a timeline that might actually work out better for Canada.

Canadian trade and political experts point out that the Trump administration is already facing rising domestic political pressure on its tariffs, and the economic pain is only expected to deepen. Carneys government, meanwhile, needs to spend time bringing together domestic coalitions after a bruising election and crafting a clear posture on what it wants and what it can offer before it comes to the table with the U.S.

The support for a go-slow strategy was echoed in six interviews spanning the Canadian political spectrum, as well as with seasoned diplomats, business and trade specialists, all of whom have experienced Trumps first presidency. They note that despite Carneys electoral mandate to take on Trumps persistent trade threat, Canada runs a trade deficit with the United States and is a much smaller economy.

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U.S. businesses are definitely worried by this, responding to this, making their voice heard in D.C., said Laura Dawson, a former senior high-tech business executive who now heads the Future Borders Coalition, which is made up of Canadian and American academics and businesses.

Canada just needs to keep its powder dry, Dawson added. Make a plan of what it wants out of these negotiations, both defensive and offensive.

But Trump administration officials are projecting confidence that Canada lacks the kind of economic leverage it would need to dictate the speed of negotiations.

Trump told reporters at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday that Carney would come to the White House within the next week or less, and that the prime minister is looking to make a deal. Trump congratulated Carney over the phone on Tuesday, but when asked about the status of the trade talks that afternoon, said there was no update.



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The Trump White House is currently focused on negotiating with countries in Asia and others that it has threatened to hit with the steepest so-called reciprocal tariffs in early July. Canada, along with Mexico, were exempted from those duties, which were supposed to go into effect in early April before Trump paused them for 90 days.

The expectation, according to two people close to the White House, is that negotiations to permanently remove the threat of painful 25 percent tariffs on Canada  which Trump mostly rolled back earlier this month  and other sector-specific tariffs are likely to be folded into the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. That review is due in 2026, but the Trump administration wants to accelerate to this calendar year.

It makes sense to separate out Canada and Mexico from the rest because they are going to want to redo the USMCA, said one of the people close to the White House, who were granted anonymity to discuss ongoing deliberations. Theyre going to have separate tariffs that focus specifically on Mexico and Canada, and theyre going to take some actions to squeeze them a little bit.

Some diplomats are warning that U.S. efforts to crack down on China by putting new guardrails on Canada and Mexico could complicate those talks.

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"For Canada, the parts that deal with China [are] going to be tightened even more. Its going to be reinforced, said a third person close to negotiations, referring to the USMCA framework provisions on China.

Before it can effectively engage in those negotiations, Canada needs to get its own political house in order, the people interviewed for this report said.

The Canadian vote result all but transformed Canada into a two-party country like the U.S., with third and fourth parties, the NDP and Bloc Quebecois, severely sidelined. Rumblings about western separatism once again surfaced with traditional Alberta anger bubbling to the fore over the possibility of a fourth consecutive Liberal government.

Before Canadas new prime minister can consider seriously engaging Trump, he must build unity and soothe hard feelings in all provinces, especially the energy-rich Prairies.

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Erin OToole, a Hudson Institute distinguished fellow and former Conservative leader, said the new prime minister needs to project that national unity is his top priority so Canada can present a united front against the U.S. government.

The vast majority of people in Alberta and Saskatchewan  and when I say vast, I mean 90 percent  will respect the decision, and will want our prime minister to do well [with] the United States, OToole said.

OToole urged the new Canadian government to put energy at the center of a new economic and security negotiation with the Trump administration, leveraging not only Albertas fossil fuel wealth, but Saskatchewans potash and uranium, as well the countrys vast critical mineral wealth.

I would want to get the premiers and the provinces to align, to do this sort of porcupine effect of working together and making it difficult [for the U.S.] to deal with Canada, said OToole.

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That could mean putting tariffs on future electricity exports to the U.S., which Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off earlier this year, he said.

Ford started speculating about it early on, that was not the appropriate time, said OToole. If Mr. Trump's just going to push his 51st state agenda  that has to be something that we have to resolve to bring into the conversation.

Jason Kenney, former Alberta premier and ex-Conservative federal defense and immigration minister, agreed that leveraging Canadas energy resources is the starting point to talks with the U.S., with one caveat: It has to start with a reaffirmation that we are allies and not adversaries; that neither of us constitute a security threat to the sovereignty of the other partner.

After that, Canadian negotiators must find a way to give Trump a win, and that could mean reviving the Keystone XL pipeline to ship Alberta oil to the Gulf Coast. The Canadian portion of the pipeline, linking Alberta to Montana, is already built, said Kenney.

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Despite Trumps rhetoric about not needing Canadian oil, Kenney said the president has said he wants Keystone XL to go forward.

Hes given us a tell, said Kenney. That's one way he [Trump] could come away with the win, and we could come away with selling them an additional 800,000 barrels a day.

Steve Verheul, Canadas chief USMCA negotiator, said the next set of talks will expand beyond trade to include a broad swath of security concerns, especially energy security.

This is where Canada also has a lot of leverage that it can bring to the table, Verheul told a recent panel discussion at a Canadian think tank symposium.

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The U.S. will eventually figure out that isolation is not the best route for it to go down. It will start looking for allies again, and North America is its safest zone to do that.

In the longer term, Canada will have to be mindful that any deal they do manage to strike with Trump may not be worth the paper bearing his Sharpie signature.

Canada needs to work towards a deal that eventually has the seal of approval by Congress, said Louise Blais, a former Canadian deputy U.N. ambassador and adviser to the Business Council of Canada, an umbrella group for chief executives of big companies.

One of the issues that we're facing now is, even if you do strike a deal with this White House, there is no guarantee that it will be upheld. Right?
ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Carter County Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) hosted a Flood Survivor Expo on Tuesday to provide resources and advice to flood victims in the community.

The event was held at Valley Forge Free Will Baptist Church in Elizabethton and featured numerous regional agencies, non-profits and other organizations that are providing support to Carter Countians who were affected by Hurricane Helene.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee was on site distributing food gift cards to eligible attendees, FEMA representatives were available to check on appeals, and coordinators were stationed to help flood victims request building materials, labor, housing and more.

Carter County LTRG Executive Director Leya Martinez told News Channel 11 during the event that those who werent able to attend Tuesday can still email CarterTNLTRG@gmail.com to receive assistance with finding resources. Flood victims in Carter County can also call what Martinez called intake coordinators at (423) 707-9969 and (423) 444-7812.

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We have lots of different community partners here that are offering assistance in various ways, she said. Weve got folks that are offering building materials like Gods Warehouse, and we have folks from Appalachia Service Project and Holston Habitat for Humanity. Weve got folks offering mental rehabilitative resources like Frontier Health. And then, of course, weve got FEMA, and then weve got representatives from Congresswoman Harshbargers office and Senator Blackburn. So we have a whole myriad of resources for folks to connect and get the help that they need to recover.

More information about the non-profit group and future events can be found on its social media page.

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Poking both sides in a dispute with potentially huge ramifications for education, Chief Justice John Roberts could cast the deciding vote on whether charter schools funded with public dollars can be free to practice religion.

Oklahomas high court ruled last year that a Catholic charter school  the first of its kind in the nation  violates state and federal law. Initially, Roberts appeared to agree that the stakes seemed greater than those in earlier cases about religious schools taken up by the court.

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This does strike me as a much more comprehensive involvement, Roberts said.

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Big Education Issues at Stake as Supreme Court Hears Religious Charter Case

But later in the arguments, Roberts indicated that there may be less daylight between those earlier cases and the matter of the Oklahoma school. In one, a religious school wanted to participate in a state program that provided playground paving materials. Another focused on whether a Christian school could serve students who received tax credit scholarships.

Roberts asked Gregory Garre, a former U.S. solicitor general considered to be one of his legal disciples, if the test in this case was whether the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School was a creation and creature of the state. Garre argued the case for Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, a Republican who sued the school and the charter board.

All of those parties in the previous cases were state actors, Roberts said, and we held that under the First Amendment, you couldnt exclude people because of their religious belief.

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With Justice Amy Coney Barretts recusal, the four remaining conservative  and mostly Catholic  justices were sympathetic to the schools petition. Justice Brett Kavanaugh questioned how the state could prevent St. Isidore from opening a charter without running afoul of constitutional protections against religious exclusion.

All the religious school is saying is Dont exclude us on account of our religion,  he told Garrre. When you have a program thats open to all comers except religion that seems like rank discrimination.

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Oklahoma Supreme Court Knocks Down Bid for Virtual Catholic Charter School

The debate over religious charter schools has captivated  and divided  school choice and religious advocates nationwide since early 2023, when Catholic church leaders in Oklahoma City and Tulsa first asked the state to grant a charter to St. Isidore. The case has rocked the charter sector at a time when many Christian conservatives, emboldened by President Donald Trumps election, have pushed to infuse more biblical teaching into public classrooms.

One particular faith

The scene outside the court, where supporters and opponents alike gathered on the plaza, demonstrated the high stakes surrounding the case.

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Faith flourishes best when it is supported voluntarily, said Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance and the great grandson of Justice Louis D. Brandeis. Will our government endorse one particular faith with taxpayer dollars? We believe the answer must be no.

Rev. Shannon Fleck, left, executive director of Faithful America, spoke to the media outside the U.S. Supreme Court as Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance, listens. Both organizations oppose a decision in favor of religious charter schools. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Nearby, a black-robed choir from a Virginia Christian school sang hymns and EdChoice, an advocacy organization, organized a rally in support of St. Isidore.

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Mysterious Recusal Could Upend Pivotal Supreme Court Charter School Case

Nicole Stelle Garnett, the Notre Dame law professor who crafted the legal argument that inspired the schools application, took photos with her students and prayed with them before entering the court. Walking through the door, she said, brought back memories of her year as a clerk for Justice Clarence Thomas.

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Thats when she became friends with Barrett  the reason, many believe, the justice recused herself. The two taught at Notre Dame, were neighbors in South Bend, Indiana, and their children grew up together. Following the arguments, she said she was still processing the debate. But she later issued a statement saying that the court made abundantly clear that Oklahoma cannot discriminate against religious organizations in a program that supports privately operated schools.

Nicole Stelle Garnett, a Notre Dame University law professor, prayed with students before entering the courtroom. Garnett crafted the legal argument that charters are private and can be religious. (Linda Jacobson/The 74)

As Roberts noted, the courts previous cases on public funds for religious education focused on whether states must include faith-based schools in voucher-like programs. But in the Oklahoma case, leaders chose to directly fund a school that teaches Catholicism  a leap, many argue, that would violate the First Amendments Establishment Clause and clearly entangle government with religion.

These are state-run institutions, said Justice Elena Kagan, one of courts three liberals. They give the charter schools a good deal of curricular flexibility, because thats thought to be a good educational thing. But with respect to a whole variety of things, the state is running these schools and insisting upon certain requirements.

Oklahoma attorney general Drummond, backed by 17 states, made the same argument last year to the state supreme court, parting ways with most of his conservative states political leaders, who support the schools application. They include Gov. Kevin Stitt, who attended the oral arguments, and state Superintendent Ryan Walters.

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Up in the Air: Oklahoma Families in Limbo as Courts Decide on Religious Charter

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson drew a line between the Oklahoma school and the previous cases in which religious groups sought inclusion in a state program, such as one that provided access to playground surfacing materials. In this case, she said, the religious school seeks to be exempted from state charter law, which requires schools to be non-sectarian.

As I see it, its not being denied a benefit that everyone else gets, she said. Its being denied a benefit that no one else gets, which is the ability to create a religious public school.

Boomerang effect

Some of the opposition to religious charters comes from unexpected quarters. The libertarian Cato Institutes Neal McCluskey, for example, is a staunch supporter of private school choice. But he warns that allowing explicit religious teaching in charter schools would dangerously entangle the state with religion.

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If Roberts sides with Drummond, the 4-4 decision would allow state supreme court decision to stand. But if the court returns a 5-3 ruling, states that want to avoid religious charter schools could require most board members to be public officials, McCluskey said.

As Justice Neil Gorsuch suggested, proponents of religious charter schools may end up with more state control than they want.

Have you thought about that boomerang effect for charter schools? he asked.

Supporters of religious charter schools gathered outside the court for a rally organized by EdChoice. (Linda Jacobson/The 74)

A ruling in favor of St. Isidore would cause uncertainty, confusion and disruption for potentially millions of schoolchildren and families across the country, Garre told the court.

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But the extent of that impact could vary by state.

In Virginia, for example, school districts authorize and have tighter control over charter schools, which makes them more like state actors, said Carol Corbet Burris, executive director of the Network for Public Education and a frequent critic of charter schools.

In Ohio, by contrast, nonprofits are among the organizations that can authorize charters, and for-profit companies are involved in running over half of them.

For years, charters have benefited from being in a nebulous space between public and private, Burris said. She notes that charter schools, for example, received paycheck protection program loans during the pandemic, but public schools didnt. They claim public when it is in their interest, private when it is not. There is a reason that this is the case that the charter world dreaded.
A case of active tuberculosis has been confirmed at a Florida high school, according to state health officials.

The Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH-Broward) identified the infected individual, who was recently on campus at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, John J. Sullivan, chief of communications and legislative affairs for Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), told ABC News in a statement.

"In collaboration with DOH-Broward, Broward County Public Schools has identified and notified individuals who may have been in close contact. With parental consent, DOH-Broward will be on-site to provide testing. Impacted students and staff have been directly contacted," the statement read.

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MORE: What to know about TB after outbreak in Long Beach sickens 14

Additionally, the school principal sent a letter to the community on Tuesday, making them aware of the case, BCPS told ABC News.

"No further action is needed unless you are contacted directly. Once again, if you have not been contacted directly or your child has received a letter to present to you, there is no action required at this time," the letter read, in part. "We certainly thank you for your understanding as we continue to navigate through this."

It's unclear if the individual is a student, faculty member or staff member.

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It comes after Kansas health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the state experienced one of the largest recorded tuberculosis outbreaks in U.S. history earlier this year.

PHOTO: Tuberculosis bacteria. (Kateryna Kon/science Photo Libra/Getty Images)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, according to the CDC. It is one of the world's leading infectious disease killers, the federal health agency says.

TB is spread in the air from one person to another. When a person with TB coughs, speaks or sings, germs are expelled into the air -- where they can linger for several hours -- before another person breathes in the air and becomes infected.

Signs and symptoms include a cough that lasts for three weeks or longer, coughing up blood or phlegm, chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, chills and night sweats, according to the CDC.

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Some people become infected with TB germs that live in the body for years without causing illness. This is known as inactive TB or latent TB.

MORE: Woman with tuberculosis to be arrested unless she complies with court order to get treatment, isolate

People with inactive TB do not feel ill, do not have symptoms and cannot spread germs to other people, the CDC says. However, without receiving treatment, people with inactive TB can develop an active infection.

Last year, the U.S. saw more than 8,700 cases of TB, according to CDC data. Although TB cases have been steadily declining since the mid 1990s, rates increased in 2021, 2022 and 2023, with 2023 matching pre-pandemic levels.

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There are several treatment regimens for TB disease that may last anywhere from four months to nine months depending on the course of treatment. Health care providers may consider specific regimens for patients with co-existing medical conditions such as diabetes or HIV.

A vaccine, known as Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), is commonly given to children in countries where TB is common, although it is generally not recommended in the U.S. due to the low risk of infection with the bacteria, variable vaccine effectiveness among adults, and the vaccine's potential interference with TB tests, the CDC notes. The BCG vaccine often leaves a scar where the recipient was given the shot.

Case of tuberculosis confirmed at Florida high school: Officials originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
(KRON)  Californias Democratic and Republican lawmakers are clashing over several bills in Sacramento this week. One issue, however, received bipartisan support Monday: protecting cat paws.

AB 867, authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee, aims to outlaw cat declawing statewide. The bill passed the California State Assembly floor with a unanimous 72-0 vote.

Removing a cats claws involves amputating the toe bones or severing the tendon controlling its paws, according to Lees office.

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Cat declawing is a cruel and barbaric surgical procedure that causes lifelong disfigurement and pain, Lee said. Mutilating healthy cats merely for convenience is inhumane and unethical. Its the equivalent of removing a persons fingers at the top knuckle.

(Getty Images / File)

Lee said he wrote the bill with inspiration from his own beloved cats, named Udon and Soba. Lee represents the 24th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Fremont, Newark, Milpitas, and San Jose.

AB 867 would prohibit the declawing of a cat unless a veterinarian performs the procedure for a medically necessary purpose that benefits the cats health.

Scratching is a natural cat behavior, and non-surgical alternatives are available to address inappropriate behaviors such as nail trimming, soft claw caps, and behavioral training, Lees office wrote.

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Azerbaijan reports decreased foreign remittance flow for 1Q2025

In March of this year, the total amount of funds received in Azerbaijan through rapid money transfer systems amounted to 111.5 million manat. This represents a decrease of 35.8 million manat, or 24.3 percent, compared to the same period last year, when the figure was 147.3 million manat.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  The Cayman Islands are holding general elections on Wednesday, with voters choosing candidates from a record three parties vying for seats in Parliament.

Two parties were created ahead of the elections: the Cayman Islands National Party, founded by a former manager at Ernst & Young, and the Caymanian Community Party, established by members of the former United Peoples Movement, which was recently dissolved. It had been the party of the current premier.

Both parties face competition from the Peoples Progressive Movement and several independent candidates.

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The leader of the party that wins a majority of the 19 seats is expected to become the new premier. Two other seats in Parliament are appointed.

The wealthy British overseas territory of more than 66,000 inhabitants is also holding a nonbinding referendum that asks voters whether the government should create a national lottery, develop cruise berthing infrastructure and decriminalize the possession and consumption of small amounts of marijuana.

The government has not said where a potential berthing facility would be located. Environmentalists oppose the proposal, saying it would destroy nearly two dozen acres of marine habitat.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Clark County School District police arrested an employee on charges related to child abuse and battery.

CCSDPD arrested 31-year-old Alicia Fletcher on April 25 after an investigation at Red Rock Elementary School Friday.

Fletcher has been employed by CCSD since July 2024 and is a specialized teacher assistant last assigned to Red Rock Elementary School. Per the negotiated agreement with the bargaining unit, she will be placed on unpaid leave.

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Fletcher was taken to the Clark County Detention Center where she was booked on charges related to child abuse and battery.

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SEMINOLE, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention paid a visit to a measles testing clinic in Gaines County.

There a group of health experts from the CDC congratulated local health experts in the area for their efforts in testing and educating the community about measles.

I dont think at the beginning of any outbreak anyone is fully prepared, said Demetre Daskalakis, the Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. He does think that health care providers in Gaines County have have done a good job at coming together to keep the community healthy with the resources available to them, he said.

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Health care professionals in Seminole, Texas created a pop-up measles testing clinic in response to the outbreak. They are also working to educate the community about vaccinations, and other methods to stay safe, that does not involve vaccinations.

Dont get distracted by the one thing that you hear, which is the measles vaccine works, he said. It does but also remember there are other things that we can offer that are really important people who cant or wont take the vaccine.

Demetre also said, he hopes this outbreak can work as a learning opportunity about vaccine safety and how to deal with health outbreaks.

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(AP)  Jurors in Karen Reads second murder trial heard more testimony Tuesday about location and temperature data recorded on her boyfriends cell phone the night shes accused of killing him.

Prosecutors say Read, 45, backed her SUV into Boston police Officer John OKeefe, 46, after dropping him off at a party hosted by a fellow officer in January 2022 and left him to die in the snow. Defense attorneys say she was a victim of a conspiracy involving the police and have suggested he was killed by someone inside the home.

A mistrial was declared last year after jurors said they were at an impasse. Reads second trial on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter and leaving the scene, began April 22 and has thus far looked similar to the first.

Did OKeefe enter the house?

Digital forensics specialist Ian Whiffin testified Monday that location data on OKeefes phone was consistent with the device being near a flagpole on the lawn of the home from 12:32 a.m. onward, there was no activity after that and the temperature of the phones battery dropped from 72 degrees (22 degrees Celsius) at 12:37 a.m. to 37 degrees (2.8 degrees Celsius) at 6:14 a.m.

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Such data could suggest OKeefe remained outside. But under cross-examination Tuesday, Whiffin testified that he observed a much more dramatic drop in temperature when he performed an experiment by placing a phone in a freezer.

He also acknowledged that the phone could have been anywhere within a larger radius than he previously described but said that data was not as accurate.

According to your report, the phone of John OKeefe could be in the house, correct? defense attorney Robert Alessi asked.

Based on the low-accuracy information, yes, he said.

Timing of Google search in dispute

Whiffin, a former law enforcement officer who went on to work in mobile forensics in the private sector, also testified further about an internet search made by Jennifer McCabe, who was with Read the morning she found OKeefe in the snow.

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McCabe made a much-discussed web search about how long it takes to die in the cold. Reads lawyers have said the search happened hours before OKeefe was discovered, which could implicate her rather than Read. McCabe has said she made the search later at Reads insistence after they found OKeefe.

Whiffin said Monday that the web search was not made at 2:27 a.m., before OKeefes body was found, like the defense has alleged. On Tuesday, he acknowledged that another companys analysis showed the search happened at the earlier time.

McCabe begins her testimony

Whiffin was followed on the witness stand Tuesday by McCabe, who described having fun with Read, OKeefe and others at a local bar that night. Afterward, she went to the house party hosted by her sister and brother-in-law. She said she saw Reads SUV outside but that Read and OKeefe never came into the house.

McCabe said she was awakened the next morning by a call from OKeefes niece. Read then got on the phone screaming, she said.

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She was hysterical. It was very hard to follow what she was saying, she said. It was loud enough and long enough that my husband shot up in bed thinking one of my kids had come in the room screaming.

Read initially said she had left OKeefe at the bar, but when McCabe said she had seen the SUV at her sisters house, Read said she didnt remember being there and repeatedly asked, Did I hit him? Could I have hit him?

The two women and another friend searched OKeefes home and then went to McCabes sisters house. As they approached the house, Read screamed, There he is! Let me out!

McCabe said she couldnt see anything because it was dark and snowing, but Read ran directly to where OKeefe lay on the ground.

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He looked like him, but just frozen, she said. I think I knew in that moment that John was dead.

The Supreme Court declines to get involved

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Reads double jeopardy appeal Monday, effectively clearing the way for her trial to continue.

Reads defense had argued that putting her on trial again for two of the charges is an unlawful case of double jeopardy. They told the Supreme Court that the jury at her first trial reached a unanimous but unannounced verdict acquitting her, so a second trial on those charges should be barred as double jeopardy.

The court didnt ask the prosecution to respond to the appeal, a sign the justices did not think there was a difficult legal issue at stake.

Jurors view the crime scene

On Friday, jurors traveled to Canton, where OKeefe was found outside the home of Brian Albert on Jan. 29, 2022. Reads SUV was also parked there for the viewing.

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Prosecutor Hank Brennan told jurors to view the scene from different vantage points and reminded them that it would have looked different at night, during a snowstorm. Defense attorney David Yannetti asked jurors to consider the distance between the homes windows and doors and the front lawn. Jurors also should take a good look at Reads vehicle, he said.

Size it up, he said. Take it in.

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School systems in the state have a wide range of cell phone policies, where the one common element is that phones should be off during instructional time. (Photo by Jacques Julien via Getty Images)

A task force is offering Maryland schools statewide guidelines on student cell phone use during school hours, but is being careful to say local systems should have the flexibility to adopt policies to their own circumstances.

Those were among the recommendations from the Task Force on Cell Phone Use in Schools, whose report was discussed Tuesday by the Maryland State Board of Education. The report suggests broad parameters  saying, for example, that restrictions should be most-stringent in lower grades, becoming more liberal as students age  but leaves the details to the states 24 school systems.

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So, our task force really wanted to create a guidance document and not a requirement that districts adopt certain aspects of a policy, said Hannah Oakley, deputy director of the board and one of two facilitators on the task force. We wanted to empower our districts to create these policies and not [create] a statewide mandate.

At the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, school systems in the state had a range of cell phone policies, the one constant being that cell phones should be turned off during instructional time.

Cell phone use drew the attention of state lawmakers, who introduced a total of six separate bills on the topic during this years General Assembly session, all of which would have required local school systems to have a cell phone policy in place.

Maryland State Board of Education meets April 29 in downtown Baltimore. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters)

All but one of the bills died in committee. The bill sponsored by Sen. Joanne C. Benson (D-Prince Georges)  which would have required the state Department of Education to develop guidelines for a policy on student electronic devices during school hours  made it to the House, which sent it back to the Senate with amendments on the last day of the legislative session, when time ran out on it.

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The 17-member task force comprised of state officials, school superintendents, principals, teachers, parents and students did suggest a few requirements.

One would be for school districts to adopt a telehealth exception on cell phone use by middle and high school students with medical reasons that might require a phone, such as monitoring diabetes, or for those who have sensory or mental health needs. It recommended that those policies be in place in time for the 2025-26 school year.

In terms of student discipline, the task force said schools could follow a plan similar to one implemented in Montgomery County, which takes a graduated approach to responding to phone infractions.

The report also recommends school leaders could implement phone-free initiatives, incorporating a schoolwide campaign, for instance, for students to earn incentives by voluntarily turning off their phones and allowing school staff to put them away.

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Cell phones as defined in the report would also include personal smart watches, headphones, laptops and tablets.

School board President Joshua Michael said hes seeing young people wear Beats headphones everywhere I go.

The board took no action on the report Tuesday after a brief discussion. For the next step, Michael said the plan is for the board to turn any key recommendations into a resolution that affirms the work of this report that we may consider as a board before moving into next school year.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The city of Centervilles set to unveil new artwork for their May gallery.

The Centerville Arts Commission announced that the citys art gallery will see pieces from Sinclairs College of Lifelong Learners beginning tomorrow.

Sharon Stolzenberger is a professional artist and instructor for Sinclairs adult painting classes. The gallery pieces were made by students attending the Centerville campus.

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Most of the adult students are retired from professional careers and have taken up watercolor painting either as a continuing pursuit of their interest in painting or as a new skill theyve always wanted to learn, said Stolzenberger.

Photo courtesy of the city of Centerville

Photo courtesy of the city of Centerville

Per usual, the gallery will be on display 24 hours a day at the Centerville Police Department.

On Thursday, May 8, the commission will host a reception to commemorate the gallery. The reception will begin at 4 p.m. and will end at 7 p.m.

Visit the citys website or call (937) 433-7151 for more information.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Mississippi is a state with an abundance of military history, especially in Central Mississippi.

Many of the areas most visited military sites relate to the Civil War. However, later conflicts and present-day military preparedness established many places of interest in and around the capital city. Below are four such locations.

Balfour House

Location: Vicksburg

The Greek Revival brick house was originally built for another family around 1836. William T. Balfours wife, Emma, wrote a historically important diary that recorded life in Vicksburg during the 47-day siege of the city by American troops in 1863. The couple lived in the house during one of the Civil Wars most important military campaigns.

Surrender Interview Site

Location: Vicksburg

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Leaders on both sides of the Civil War realized that winning the battle of Vicksburg was necessary to win the war. Towards the end of the campaign, however, it became clear that the South would lose the battle. Confederate General John Pemberton reached out to U.S. General Ulysses S. Grant to discuss the terms of surrender. It famously happened under the shade of an oak tree midway between the opposing lines. The site is a popular part of the Vicksburg National Military Park.

Union Battery Position

Location: Jackson

Following the American troops capture of Vicksburg during the Civil War, rebel forces retreated to Jackson, central Mississippis last remaining Confederate stronghold. Union General John G. Parke set up artillery on the ridge to barrage opposing troops. The American victory here was a devastating blow to Confederate morale and military operations. The site is part of the University of Mississippi Medical Centers Museum of Medical History.

Hawkins Field Airport

Location: Jackson

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Delta Air Lines inaugural flight was conducted in 1929 at Mississippis first airport. In June of 1941, Hawkins Field was designated as an Army Air Base. It was among several airfields used by the U.S. Military during World War II. It reverted to civilian aviation status in 1949. It currently houses operations and facilities for the Mississippi Army National Guard.

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President Trump has made it clear since his first term that he's no fan of libraries, or books for that matter.

In addition to attempting to cut their funding then, he created a frenzy over drag queen story hours that were hosted by some libraries, and backed book banning in school facilities.

Like so much of the Trump 2.0 agenda, it turns out that was just the warm-up. In the last month, Trump  mostly through the fine team at his Department of Government Efficiency, which is not an actual government entity  has gutted the Institute of Museum and Library Services, or IMLS, the federal organization that supports the nation's 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums, and demolished the congressionally approved grants that fund them.

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California, along with two other states that dared mention diversity and equity in their grant applications, will be especially hard hit. But so will you and I, because for decades libraries have been more than just places to check out a book for free. They've evolved into a network of vital services and destinations that provide internet access for those who can't afford it; literacy classes for kids and adults; in-home programs for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and so much more. Really, the list of what your local library offers is too long for this space.

But mostly, they offer this  to be a great equalizer between the haves and have-nots. So curtailing their work is another arrow aimed at the heart of democracy, as damaging as the attack on universities and the free press.

"Libraries are not icing on the cake. They're not the cherry on top," John Szabo, the city librarian of the Los Angeles Public Library, told me. "They really, really are essential."

Read more: News Analysis: 'Disrupt, break, defund': Trump's imperial first 100 days

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So what exactly did Trump do? In 1996, Congress created the IMLS to handle a system of grants for libraries and museums. In 2024, that was about 600 grants amounting to about $270 million. Peanuts, but important peanuts  especially for rural and tribal libraries that function on shoestring budgets.

In March, DOGE put on leave the entire IMLS staff (then rehired a few). I tried to contact the agency for this story, but it appears its media person is no longer there, and emails went unanswered.

Then, in early April, the agency sent out letters canceling those 2024 grants (which run through the fiscal year ending in June)  even though libraries were already using the funds  claiming the way the money was being spent was "unfortunately inconsistent with IMLS priorities."

Cindy Hohl, the president of the American Library Assn., a nonprofit that promotes and advocates for libraries, told me that at this time of year, those priorities include planning for summer reading programs for young kids that help with early literacy and preventing learning loss in older kids while school is out. Some of those programs even provide lunches for children who may otherwise go hungry.

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"It's a safe space for everyone at all times, but especially during the summer, when students aren't in school," Hohl said. "It's harmful to hear that literacy services in America have been deemed as wasteful, and librarians are going to push back on that, because when you look at the data and you look at the research, Americans overwhelmingly love their libraries."

Rebecca Wendt, the deputy state librarian of the California State Library, told me the cancellation of the grants was an instant loss of about $3 million for California. The state library was awarded $15.7 million for the year, and was still owed about 21% of that. The federal grants are usually given to state libraries, which then dole them out to local facilities. The money represents up to 6% of local budgets, she said.

"They are going to have to scramble now, at the end of a budget year, to figure out how they will fill the gaps," Wendt said.

So will the state. Wendt said that the State Library's portion of the funds was directly supporting 34 staff members, in addition to covering programs including its free service to provide Braille books for blind people.

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Los Angeles, thanks to voters, has dedicated funding for its libraries. In 2011, we passed Measure L, which ensured city libraries have the money to stay open after a budget crunch threatened to curtail hours.

But Szabo said even here, the loss of the federal money is causing consternation. When the grants were cut, L.A. was in the process of using its $166,000 award for programs including creating spaces for neurodivergent kids and their families inside some branches. Another portion of the grant was going toward a program that helped older adults learn about science.

Now, those programs are up in the air.

"Do we stop it altogether? Do we go ahead? What do we do?" Szabo wondered.

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In the middle of that uncertainty, the news got worse. Applications for next year's grants, set to begin in July, were sent out in mid-April. The grants have been sliced in half for most states. But California wasn't even offered an application, Wendt told me. Although there is great uncertainty, right now it looks like the federal government is freezing out Golden State libraries altogether.

Read more: California has sued Trump 15 times in his first 100 days. Where do those cases stand?

"There should be no reason for declaring California ineligible for grant funds," Wendt said. "However, we have been left off of the notifications that went to 47 other states last week notifying them of their allotment for the next fiscal year."

With both Los Angeles and California facing budget crunches, it's uncertain at best how the loss of the federal funds would be handled. But more than that, Hohl sees the federal actions as another attack on the fabric of American society, an attempt to bury our history and our diversity by controlling information. She points out that when it comes to banning books, "when you look at the [banned] book list every year, it's the same titles and it shows you a very clear picture. If they happen to be Black, Indigenous, a person of color, or representative of the LGBTQIA+ community, those are the titles that are targeted and attacked repeatedly."

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Hohl said her organization has filed a federal suit against the IMLS, DOGE and others to stop the cuts. Since the funds are mandated by Congress, the suit argues that Trump can't just slash them on his own.

"They targeted the wrong profession," Hohl said. "If anyone thought that we were quiet and we were going to stand back, they didn't know us. We will stand up for every American's constitutional rights. We will stand up for the 1st Amendment. We will stand up to make sure that libraries are not shuttered, because the day that libraries are shuttered in America is the day that democracy dies."

Whether that legal effort is successful or not, the attack on libraries isn't going to end. Truthful information has become an enemy to the MAGA contingent, and our once-quiet librarians, Hohl said, are "intellectual freedom warriors" ready for a long and loud fight.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
CHAMPION, Ohio (WKBN)  Some homeowners in Champion are worried about ongoing flooding issues on their street, especially with the possibility of more rain on the way.

Homeowners on Shaffer Road are holding their breath, worried that their properties will flood like they did over the weekend. The water has since receded, but the video above shows what Jason and Mary Shaws property looked like Saturday. The Shaws have lived here for five years and say this is the worst its been, when the water rose so high it reached the back of their house.

This was absolutely the worst, Mary Shaw said. It makes you feel helpless.

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Jason Shaw took video of their yard from a kayak.

Its scary, he said. I mean, to look at a picture of it doesnt even do justice.

The Shaws have lived here for five years and say this is the worst its been, when the water rose so high it reached the back of their house.

It makes you sick, everything you try to do to bring this land up to make it better to plant our crops and trees and everything is getting washed down the stream, its devastating, Mary Shaw said.

Silas and Marjorie Dozier live a mile away and were dealing with flooding, too.

Its beyond frustrating, Silas Dozier said.

We dont know what this is all going to look like, said Marjorie Dozier. It might be all underneath the water again.

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Trustee Doug Emerine tells First News that flooding in this area has been a problem for years. He wishes there was more the township could do, but their hands are tied because the issue is not in the township ditches or right-of-ways.

Maybe something can be done to help this little community that we have, Mary Shaw said.

Squeakiest wheel gets the grease, so here I am, squeaking, Silas Dozier said. Theres more residents thats squeaking.

A specialist is expected to be at Mondays 6 p.m. trustees meeting to let property owners impacted by the flooding know what their options are.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Kazakhstan becomes hotspot for Arab Gulf travelers

Photo: Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has experienced a significant rise in tourist visits from several Arab countries, including Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. To strengthen its presence in the Middle Eastern market, Kazakhstan is participating in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, where its tourism industry is showcasing the country's cultural, gastronomic, scientific, and educational travel offerings. Key destinations being promoted include Almaty, Astana, and Baikonur.

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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  Charleston County council voted on priorities for their Housing Our Future plan.

Staff members will focus on collaborating with municipal partners to align zoning and other land use regulations and expanding home repair resources for seniors and low-income homeowners. The third priority was tied with two strategies, continuing to explore and support housing authority coordination and providing capacity building and technical assistance resources to nonprofit and emerging housing developers.

Housing Our Future was enacted in 2023. Since then, county staff have accomplished two objectives including establishing a housing trust fund and securing land for future units. They have worked with the South Carolina Community Loan Fund and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to implement both of these programs recently.

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So, council adopted the Housing Our Future plan almost two years ago now, which is our plan and our commitment towards starting to resolve the housing affordability crisis in the county, Eric Davis, director of housing development and land management, said.

The county has several affordable housing projects under their belt including the Archer School Apartments, Esau Jenkins Village, and the North Bridge Townhomes.

According to council member Jenny Costa Honeycutt, recent studies show that the county is thousands of units behind for the predicted population growth. She added the overall, the goal for this plan is to increase housing in the market to ensure affordability.

So, in order to help stabilize the pricing, we just need more housing. Its sort of this blessing and curse where a lot of people want to be, but its our challenge as leaders to balance that and to make sure that we are providing the appropriate response, said Honeycutt.

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Council is expected to debate and vote on their top three priorities out of the 25 strategies left. This is expected to determine what kinds of programs county staff put together to then bring back to leaders to consider and put in action.

Theres a whole slew of different types of strategies. Theres ones based on partnerships, ones based on policy changes, others that require potentially some changes at state legislation, and then of course those related to resources, Davis said.

Officials said some of these strategies may take six months or years to implement.

But there are some low-hanging fruit, I would say, that we could accomplish. For instance, changing some of our zoning laws to accommodate or better allow for the goals we have in this area. Where density is appropriate  identifying those areas and making sure that folks are able to build in those areas, Honeycutt said. As you know we have a housing shortage in the area, and its a basic supply and demand issue.

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The meeting began at 6 p.m. They are expected to discuss the agenda item in the special finance committee and county council meetings.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
A GOP bill that seeks to bolster the state law requiring sheriffs to cooperate more closely with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement moved forward on Tuesday with the support of a Charlotte Democrat.

The N.C. House voted 70-45 to approve House Bill 318, a measure spearheaded by Republican Speaker Destin Hall. It builds on the law enacted last year by adding a new notification requirement to the process that currently takes place when ICE submits a temporary detention request to sheriffs and other local law enforcement.

The vote fell almost entirely along party lines, with all Republicans voting in favor and all Democrats voting against the bill except for one, Rep. Carla Cunningham.

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Cunninghams support for the bill stood out as several other Democrats from Mecklenburg County spoke during the debate on Tuesday afternoon to express their strong opposition to it.

Cunningham, one of a few swing votes in the House, previously voted for the GOP legislation last year that required sheriffs to comply with ICE detainers. She also voted to override former Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers veto of the bill, helping Republicans enact it into law.

Rep. Carla Cunningham of Mecklenburg County casts a vote on the House floor during their session on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, in Raleigh, N.C.

Cunningham expects Meck sheriff to cooperate with ICE

During Tuesdays debate, Cunningham spoke about the need to address violent crime in Mecklenburg County. She also mentioned the surge in overdose deaths, and referenced the countys report from February that overdose deaths among Black and Hispanic residents of Mecklenburg have increased by 200% since 2019.

That 200% are people that look like me, Cunningham said. Theyre my grandkids, your grandkids thats associating with it.

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Other Mecklenburg Democrats, all of whom voted against the bill, pushed back against the GOPs efforts to increase cooperation by local law enforcement with ICE.

Rep. Jordan Lopez, a first-term Democrat also from Charlotte, spoke in staunch and immovable opposition to the bill, questioning the effectiveness of the detainer process, and why local law enforcement should be involved in federal immigration enforcement.

As somebody who believes in the concept of federalism, why are we doing the federal governments job for them? Lopez asked.

Another Charlotte Democrat who was elected in November, Rep. Aisha Dew, echoed concerns that have been raised by Democrats in the past that the law could lead to instances of racial profiling. She shared her own experiences of being randomly stopped at airports in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

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Dew also said she doesnt believe that cooperating with ICE will make communities safer.

As a person who has unfortunately lost entirely too many people to violent crimes, it is not a game and it is not a joke, Dew said.

Responding to the argument that local law enforcement shouldnt cooperate with federal authorities like ICE, Hall said during the floor debate that any violent crimes being committed by people who are in the country illegally shouldnt be tolerated.

Thats a tough pill to swallow when you lose a loved one anytime to violence or otherwise, Hall said. Imagine how much more difficult that is when you know it was perpetrated by somebody who should have never been here in the first place.

Bill filed in response to dispute between McFadden and ICE

Hall introduced HB 318 in March in response to a dispute he said he was following between Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden and ICE.

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The dispute began in January, when McFadden said ICE hadnt been communicating with his deputies and failed to take custody of a Honduran national who had been charged with domestic violence. Under HB 10, sheriffs must hold someone subject to an ICE detainer for up to 48 hours to give the agency time to take custody.

ICE spokesman Lindsay Williams previously told the Charlotte Observer that the agency requires a notification, either a phone call or an email, 48 hours before individuals held on detainers are released from jail.

Williams said that some sheriffs in the state already make that phone call to ICE, in addition to the initial notice the agency receives when local law enforcement tells ICE theyve booked someone in their jails whose citizenship or legal status cant be determined.

McFadden responded that HB 10, as it was written and passed last year, did not require him to make that additional phone call.

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He also told the Charlotte Observer that the main issue for his office had been a lack of communication by ICE, and said that once he receives a detainer request from ICE, the agency should be ready to take custody within 48 hours, as the law requires.

If it requires the sheriff to do his duty, and align with the federal government, with ICE, I expect him to do that, Cunningham said Tuesday. Because thats protecting my community too. My children too.

House Speaker Destin Hall talks with reporters on the House floor following the passage a Helene relief bill, on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 at the North Carolina General Assembly.

Hall hopes Stein will sign the bill into law

After Tuesdays voting session, Hall told The Charlotte Observer he hasnt discussed HB 318 with Gov. Josh Stein, but he hopes Stein will sign it into law should it reach his desk.

Hall said that when he first started working on the issue of requiring cooperation with ICE in 2019, part of me thought even Cooper may not veto it, because its a pretty clear issue.

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Its pretty clear that folks in this state want sheriffs cooperating with ICE, and we knew Cooper would probably veto it, but you know, again, we werent sure, Hall said. With Stein, who knows? I hope he signs it. I think theres a chance. I havent discussed it with him directly, so I dont know.

While Hall and Stein havent had a conversation about the bill, Halls office told The Observer that both offices have had staff-level discussions about the bill, which didnt happen with similar ICE-cooperation bills when Cooper was governor.

Morgan Hopkins, a spokeswoman for Stein, told The Observer that the governors office and the speakers office are in regular staff level conversations about a number of bills.

We look forward to continued conversation with members of the General Assembly on a number of issues, Hopkins said.

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Republicans previously controlled supermajorities capable of overriding vetoes in both chambers, but lost total control in the House by one seat in November. That means that with any legislation that gets vetoed this session, Republicans will need at least one Democrat to join them in an override vote.

Hall told The Observer he hasnt talked with Cunningham about a potential override, but said her comments during the floor debate show that she seems to be pretty passionate about the issue.

Based on her comments today, I think she probably will vote to override, but I havent spoken to her about that yet directly, Hall said.

Before GOP lawmakers can send HB 318 to Stein, it will have to pass the Senate.

Republicans in that chamber passed their own immigration enforcement bill earlier this year that would expand ICE cooperation to state agencies and require the Departments of Public Safety and Adult Correction, as well as the State Highway Patrol and Bureau of Investigation to enter cooperation agreements with the federal agency.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, Abitec makes ingredients used in the pharmaceutical, nutritional and specialty chemical industries. Specifically, the company manufactures functional lipids, products used in everything from making sure CBD stays evenly mixed in beverages to those used in suppositories to make sure they melt appropriately.

The company operates a pair of manufacturing sites: a factory in Paris, Illinois that specializes in flaking, blending, and spray chilling, and another in Janesville, Wisconsin that does esterification, surfactants and specialty blending. But the plant in Janesville is old; it dates back to 1907, and Abitec is looking to modernize.

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The details of Abitec's expansion project are rather unique. The company wants to erect a new "building shell" over its existing manufacturing facility, after which the existing building shell would be removed.

The new shell will be approximately 1,900 square feet larger than the existing facility.

According to a memo from the Janesville planning division, the company has requested a conditional use permit amendment for the expansion. The company needs a conditional use permit amendment due to zoning restrictions, which requires plan commission approval. A public hearing is set for May 5, 2025.

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According to a local report, city planner Trae Meyer says he's never seen an industrial expansion where a new, outer wall is built over an existing factory. He says Abitec simply wants to continue manufacturing operations during construction.

IEN reached out to the company and the planning division for additional project details, but they did not respond to our request for comment.

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CHICAGO  The Chicago Police Department is searching for a missing 15-year-old girl who was last seen over a week ago.

Desire Tamayo, 15, is described as 411 and 110 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

She is missing from the 3300 block of W. Le Moyne St. in the Humboldt Park neighborhood.

Desire was last seen on Saturday, April 19. A description of the clothing she was wearing is not known, according to Chicago police.

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Anyone with information should contact 911 or detectives at 312-746-6554 immediately.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
CHICAGO (WGN)  Chicago police seek the publics help concerning the whereabouts of a 17-year-old girl.

Sirrena Jackson was last seen on Monday, April 28, near the 3600 block of S. Lituanica Ave in the citys Bridgeport neighborhood.

Sirrena Jackson

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

CPD describes the missing teen as 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 100 pounds, with brown eyes and distinctive half-black, half-red hair. She may have been wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.

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Anyone with information is asked to contact Area One SVU Detectives at (312) 747-8380, call 911, or leave an anonymous tip at cpdtip.com.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Literally marked by a childs hand, one of the Netherlands' most valuable paintings is now undergoing restoration after being accidentally damaged in a museum in Rotterdam.

The work in question -- Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8 (1960) by Mark Rothko -- sustained several visible scratches in its unvarnished lower paint layer when a young child brushed against it during a visit to the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen -- a publicly accessible art storage facility connected to Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen.

The incident occurred at the Depot, that allows visitors to view thousands of works in a visible-storage environment, where much of the collection is accessible without traditional exhibition barriers.

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To many, it feels less like a formal gallery and more like a backstage pass to the museums inner workings -- a space where masterpieces are visible, but not always protected in the traditional sense.

MORE: Gustav Klimt portrait found after vanishing nearly 100 years ago

The Rothko work was on display as part of Lievelingen, an exhibition featuring 70 beloved collection highlights, from Bruegel to Dali, while the main museum is currently closed for renovations until at least 2030.

The work by Rothko has suffered damage: a number of visible scratches in the unvarnished paint layer, confirmed museum spokesperson Vincent Cardinaal. It happened because a child, in an unsupervised moment, touched the lower part of the work. There was no intent. This was not vandalism.

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The child, reportedly under the age of five years old, had simply waved a hand too close to the canvas during what the museum later called an unguarded moment. The painting has since been removed from view and transferred to the museums conservation lab.

We are currently researching the next steps for treatment and expect that the work will be able to be shown again in the future, Cardinaal added.

MORE: Beer can artwork accidentally trashed by museum worker

This is not the first time a Rothko painting has been damaged in a public museum. In 2012, a Polish man named Vladimir Umanets wrote on Black on Maroon (1958) at the Tate Modern in London, using black ink to sign his name and added the phrase This is Yellowism.

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Umanets said it was part of his art movement, but he was arrested and sent to prison for two years. It took 18 months and about $250,000 to repair the painting, showing just how hard it is to fix even small black marker damage on a Rothko.

The museum has declined to release photos of the damage or reveal who will cover the costs.

PHOTO: One of the Netherlands' most valuable paintings is now undergoing restoration after being accidentally damaged in a museum in Rotterdam. (Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen )

MORE: 200-year-old 'national treasure' stolen from storage unit as police hunt for missing portrait of George Washington

We never disclose information regarding valuation, security, or insurance, Cardinaal said. That is standard policy -- not just here, but across most major museums in Europe.

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Though the painting has never been auctioned, one East European art collector has estimated its value between $50 million and $60 million.

Acquired by the museum in 1970 -- the year Rothko died -- it is one of just two of his works held in public collections in the Netherlands.

Art crime expert Arthur Brand, known for recovering stolen masterpieces, said the damage -- though minor -- underscores the fragility of Rothkos unvarnished surfaces.

MORE: 4 charged after fully functional solid gold toilet called 'America' stolen from Winston Churchill's birthplace

This wasnt a protest or criminal act. It was a child being a child, Brand said. But Rothkos surfaces are incredibly sensitive. A single swipe can mean months of restoration and tens of thousands in costs.

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Brand estimated the conservation work could range from $50,000 to $150,000 but explained that the bigger picture should not be lost.

We should protect these works -- absolutely -- but we also need to let kids be around art. Thats how they fall in love with it, he said.

A curator familiar with European museums and their display philosophy, who asked not to be named, offered a broader perspective.

Given how exposed some of these works are, its almost surprising that these accidents dont happen more often.

MORE: Solid gold toilet worth over $1 million stolen from Winston Churchill's birthplace

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The incident has revived questions about the risks of displaying high-value art in open-access settings. Still, the museum stands by its approach.

And as the scratched Rothko awaits restoration, Brand summed it simply.

In every crowd of 100, theres always one person -- or in this case, one tiny hand -- capable of a very big accident.

Child accidentally damages $50 million Rothko at Rotterdam museum originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The little boy who was hit and killed by a school bus in Hyde Park on Monday afternoon has been identified.

Lens A. Joseph, 5, of Hyde Park, was named as the victim of the fatal crash, according to the Boston Police Department.

Joseph was found at the scene near 107 Washington St. at around 2:44 p.m. on April 28, after he was hit by the bus, police said.

He was rushed to Boston Childrens Hospital, where he died of his injuries, police said.

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On Monday afternoon, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said it was unclear if the school bus driver would face charges, pending the investigation.

Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper said the community is grieving this heartbreaking loss.

We extend our deepest condolences to our students family, school community, and all those affected by this tragedy, a statement from the superintendent read.

Our focus remains on supporting them and our school community. Our team is offering support services for any students, staff, and families, Skippers statement read.

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PIEDMONT, Okla. (KFOR)  Hundreds of parents are left looking for new child care centers after some are closing due to new regulations signed by the governor earlier this year. In March, childcare center experts said 800 kids lost their spots at a childcare center due to closures.

The money it was going to cost to get that accomplished. There was no way I could do it, said Felicia Clemmons, the owner of TLC Childcare in Piedmont.

Childcare providers say many centers serving childcare deserts will close due to newly-adopted state regulations

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Felicia Clemmons has owned TLC Childcare in Piedmont for 46 years. She said its also the only center still open in town, but not for long; their doors are closing at the end of May.

Being in business for 46 years, I have had kids who are grandkids of the ones I had. And just seeing that through the years has been more rewarding than any financial rewards weve had, said Clemmons.

The new regulations were implemented a few months ago. Childcare center experts said across the state, its becoming harder for centers to stay open.

You had to submit by April 10th your intention as a program to either pursue the five-star or be dropped down to a four-star, said Janell Wheat, a board member at the Licensed Childcare Association.

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Theres a one to five star scale for childcare excellence in Oklahoma. The more stars a center has, the more state funding. Advocates said losing stars, immensely impacts centers.

Off the top of my head, its probably a 15 to 20% funding decrease going from a five-star to a four-star. And so its significant, said Wheat.

Childcare centers face new emergency rules from DHS

To maintain a five-star rating under the new rules, centers also have to be nationally accredited.

The deadline is September 1, and childcare centers said that the process can take about a year.

There is an expedited version for Oklahoma, and providers say its expensive.

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Not only in accreditation fees, but also service offerings in your program that you may have to change or incur costs to be able to implement, said Wheat.

As the days inch closer for Clemmons to close her center, shes soaking up what she can and remembering the good times serving Piedmont.

I feel like Im just grasping on to every single day and just want to spend as much time with them I can, said Clemmons.

Childcare center advocates expect more centers will choose to close as the September deadline to be nationally accredited gets closer.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. Parla Pharmaceuticals participated in the meeting of the Saudi Arabia-Azerbaijan Joint Business Council held on April 28 in Riyadh under the co-chairmanship of KOBIA, Trend reports.

According to the information, with KOBIA's support and initiative, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with National Development Group Holding, which marked an important stage in the development of Azerbaijan's pharmaceutical industry.

The agreement envisages the initiation of export of high-quality biotechnological and oncological drugs produced in Azerbaijan to Saudi Arabia, as well as to the Middle East, the Persian Gulf, and African countries. At the next stage, it is planned to transfer scientific and technological developments and establish a joint production enterprise in the Kingdom. This cooperation is a strategic part of Parla's global expansion plans and will strengthen Azerbaijan's strategic position in international markets.

Initially, the collaboration will cover about ten advanced medicines used in the fields of hematology, endocrinology, and oncology. These products include Recombinant Factor VIII, Teriparatide, Semaglutide, and Palbociclib. The project is realized with the support of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan (KOBIA) and the Ministry of Foreign Investment of Saudi Arabia.

This is not just a commercial collaboration - it is a strategic step towards jointly developing scientific potential, expanding access to advanced therapies, and showcasing Azerbaijan's innovative potential in the international arena, Parla Pharmaceuticals CEO Arash Nosrati said.
China on Wednesday rejected allegations that it employed an aide of a far-right German lawmaker, one day after the man was charged with spying for Chinese intelligence.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said in Beijing that speculation over a threat from Chinese espionage was fictitious and malicious.

The comments came after German prosecutors on Tuesday accused the man identified as Jian G, a German citizen who worked for European Parliament lawmaker Maximilian Krah from the Alternative for Germany (AfD), of passing on sensitive information to a Chinese intelligence service.

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The man was arrested in the eastern city of Dresden in April 2024 and is said to have obtained more than 500 documents, "including some that the European Parliament had categorized as particularly sensitive."

He is also accused of having spied on Chinese dissidents in Germany.

Shortly after the arrest, German authorities searched Jian G's and Krah's offices in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Guo called on Germany to stop slandering China and said the "good momentum" in relations between the two countries should be maintained.

China has always adhered to the principle of mutual respect in the relationship between the two countries, he argued.
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP)  China struck a defiant stance on Tuesday in response to American concerns about Beijing's efforts to expand its influence in the resource-rich South American nation of Chile, escalating tensions over a Chinese astronomical venture in Chiles arid north.

At a press conference Tuesday in Chile's capital of Santiago, China's ambassador to Chile, Niu Qingbao, lambasted the United States for interfering in Chiles sovereign right to independently choose its partners and spreading "disinformation about the project.

The astronomy project stems from a 2023 agreement between China's state-run National Astronomical Observatory and Chile's Catholic University of the North to work on a powerful space observatory in the country's vast northern Atacama Desert. The proposed high-resolution telescope would be able to observe near-Earth objects, which are classified as asteroids or comets.

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But the project quickly became entangled in China's spiraling rivalry with the Trump administration.

Worries in Washington have mounted over China's clout on America's doorstep, as Beijing builds infrastructure, boosts investment in agriculture, energy, mining and other sectors across Latin America and displaces the U.S. as the region's biggest trading partner.

During his Senate confirmation hearing earlier this month, Brandon Judd, Trumps nominee for U.S. ambassador to Chile, raised alarm about China's growing footprint in one of Latin Americas most prosperous and stable countries. As ambassador, he said he would seek to persuade Chile that we are the better trade partner.

We are the better partner in everything, whether its Antarctica, fisheries, marine conservation  in all of the areas that are very important to Chile, Judd told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "We will continue to strengthen our ties to Chile and limit Chinas access to all of the resources that Chile might have available.

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In grilling Judd, Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire described China's planned telescope in Chile  as well as its space mission control station already operating in neighboring Argentina  as markers for Beijings global power ambitions.

China is increasing its influence throughout Latin America, throughout Africa, throughout the world, at a time when the United States is pulling back, Shaheen said. That is not in our security interest.

As U.S. concern grew, the Chilean government announced it was suspending the project for review. Its scope remains to be clarified, the Chilean Foreign Ministry said.

Although China denies that the project has any military purpose, American officials have raised fears about the potential of such space observatories to increase Chinas intelligence-gathering capabilities.

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Ambassador Niu dismissed those fears on Tuesday, saying, China has no interest in geopolitics." He accused the U.S. of provoking tensions by defaming Chinese projects by invoking geopolitical arguments.

He claimed the proposed observatory was of the same nature as the many other telescopes in northern Chile, including an American-funded telescope known as the Rubin Observatory coming into operation later this year.

We are closely monitoring the developments of the incident and hope that the Chilean side can eliminate U.S. interference and approve the implementation of the project as soon as possible, Niu said.

The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ambassador's remarks.

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Chile's government spokesperson, Aisen Etcheverry, said authorities were talking with both the private Catholic university in the country's north and the Chinese National Astronomical Observatory to understand whether this astronomical project falls within Chiles institutional framework.

The U.S., the European Union, Australia and a range of other countries operate observatories in Chiles Atacama Desert. The region's geography  bone-dry and high-altitude, with steady air and the cloud-blocking Andes Mountains to the east  produces exceptionally clear conditions that have made it a major hub for global astronomy.

___

Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Buenos Aires, Argentina, contributed to this report
BEIJING (Reuters) -China restated its case that COVID-19 may have originated in the United States in a white paper on its pandemic response released on Wednesday after President Donald Trump's administration blamed a lab leak in China.

The White House launched a COVID-19 website on April 18 in which it said the coronavirus came from a lab leak in China while criticising former President Joe Biden, former top U.S. health official Anthony Fauci and the World Health Organization.

In the white paper, released by the official Xinhua news agency, China accused the U.S. of politicising the matter of the origins of COVID-19. It cited a Missouri lawsuit which resulted in a $24 billion ruling against China for hoarding protective medical equipment and covering up the outbreak.

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China shared relevant information with the WHO and the international community in a timely manner, the white paper said, emphasising that a joint study by the WHO and China had concluded that a lab leak was "extremely unlikely".

The U.S. should not continue to "pretend to be deaf and dumb", but should respond to the legitimate concerns of the international community, the white paper said.

"Substantial evidence suggested the COVID-19 might have emerged in the United States earlier than its officially-claimed timeline, and earlier than the outbreak in China," it said.

The CIA said in January the pandemic was more likely to have emerged from a lab in China than from nature, after the agency had for years said it could not reach a conclusion on the matter. It said it had "low confidence" in its new assessment and noted that both lab origin and natural origin remain plausible.

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An official at China's National Health Commission said the next step in origin-tracing work should focus on the U.S., according to Xinhua, which cited a statement about the white paper.

(Reporting by Xiuhao Chen, Ethan Wang and Joe Cash; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Philippa Fletcher)
April 30 (UPI) -- The three Chinese astronauts that served as the Shenzhou-19 crew returned to Earth Wednesday after a 183-day long mission about the Tiangong space station.

Song Lingdong, Wang Haoze and Commander Cai Xuzhe spent nine hours on the trip home after it undocked from Tiangong Tuesday afternoon and landed at the Dongfeng landing site near the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The return had been originally set for Tuesday but held off a day due to high winds at Dongfeng.

The trip was especially notable as Cai and Song spent more than nine hours straight in space back in December during a spacewalk, which set a new record for extravehicular activity. The walk took place so Cai and Song could install a new space debris shield on Tiangong.

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The Shenzhou-19 crew also performed over 80 experiments while in orbit, with one especially notable as it saw the crew place a brick made from simulated lunar soil on the exterior of the space station, in order to determine if this could help when China builds a moon base in the 2030s.

"At this moment, I feel incredibly proud, happy, and full of anticipation," Song said to China Central Television, "We've transformed the dedication and hard work of all our researchers into scientific research achievements, and we are very proud of that."
[Source]

Chinese American businesses in major cities have found themselves locked in a stockpiling frenzy as President Donald Trumps tariffs on Chinese imports  which jumped from 34% to 145% in just weeks  threaten their survival.

War within a war

In New York Citys Chinatown, prices for imported goods have skyrocketed in a matter of days. Rice crackers, for one, reportedly jumped from $4.99 to $6.99 after just one weekend.

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Trumps sweeping tariffs have triggered panic buying since early April, with businesses competing to secure inventory before further anticipated price hikes. Everyone is hoarding, Andy Wang, who owns Taiwan Pork Chop House, told the Financial Times.

Trending on NextShark: Chinatown businesses in hoarding war as Trumps tariffs remain in effect

Wang has filled his restaurant basement with supplies ranging from rice wine to plastic containers. But with wholesalers setting rationing measures, he was limited to purchasing just one box of microwave bowls despite ordering six.

Our lives depend on it

One worker at Heng Xing Grocery described the severity of the situation for businesses and consumers alike. Were stocking up like our lives depend on it, and people are buying it like their lives depend on it, they told The City.

Trending on NextShark: Trump claims hes talking to Xi. China says no.

The stores shelves have reportedly been packed with medicinal plants and dried seafood imported from China that have no domestic alternatives. Other businesses, however, lack the capital and storage space for substantial stockpiling.

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For some, stocks have simply run out as customers stockpiled in panic. Theres nothing left to sell, Mei Zhu, whose own grocery store sold out non-imported salt, told Reuters.

Bleak future ahead

Trending on NextShark: Survey: Asian Americans are not optimistic about Trump

Trumps record tariffs are only part of his broader economic agenda, which currently faces significant public skepticism. According to a new NBC poll, only 39% of Americans approve of his handling of trade and tariffs. Meanwhile, 61% disapprove, making it his lowest-rated policy area.

The impacts extend beyond economics to cultural preservation, particularly in Chinatown businesses in cities like New York and San Francisco. These neighborhoods serve as vital hubs for Chinese American communities, with specialized goods that have few or no domestic alternatives. As a result, small business owners are caught in a diplomatic standoff with very personal consequences that could alter their historic cultural districts.

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This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter  a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

Trending on NextShark: Vancouvers Filipino community mourns 11 dead after SUV slams into crowd

Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member  your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community.

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Trending on NextShark: Study: US history textbooks marginalize and misrepresent Asians

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The recent deportation orders targeting foreign students in the U.S. have prompted a heated debate about the legality of these actions. The Trump administration made no secret that many individuals were facing removal because of their pro-Palestinian advocacy.

In recent months, the State Department has revoked hundreds of visas of foreign students with little explanation. On April 25, 2025, the administration restored the legal status of many of those students, but warned that the reprieve was only temporary.

Because of their tenuous legal status in the U.S., immigrant activists are vulnerable to a government seeking to stifle dissent.

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Critics of the Trump administration have challenged the legality of these removal orders, arguing that they violate constitutionally protected rights, including freedom of speech and due process.

The administration asserts that the executive branch has nearly absolute authority to remove immigrants. The White House has cited legislation passed during the peak of the nations Cold War hysteria, like the McCarran-Walter Act of 1952, which expanded the governments deportation powers.

Im a historian of immigration, U.S. empire and Asian American studies. The current removal orders targeting student activists echo Americas long and lamentable past of jailing and expelling immigrants because of their race or what they say or believe  or all three.

Where it began

The United States current deportation process traces its roots to the late 19th century as the nation moved to exercise federal control of immigration.

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The impetus for this shift was anti-Chinese racism, which reached a fever pitch during this period, culminating in the passage of laws that restricted Chinese immigration.

The influx of Chinese immigrants to the West Coast during the mid-to-late 19th century, initially fueled by the California Gold Rush, spurred the rise of an influential nativist movement that accused Chinese immigrants of stealing jobs. It also claimed that they posed a cultural threat to American society due to their racial otherness.

The Geary Act of 1892 required Chinese living in the U.S to register with the federal government or face deportation.

The Supreme Court addressed the constitutionality of these statutes in 1893 in the case of Fong Yue Ting v. United States. Three plaintiffs claimed that anti-Chinese legislation was discriminatory, violated constitutional protections prohibiting unreasonable search and seizure, and contravened due process and equal protection guarantees.

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The Supreme Court affirmed the Geary Acts deportation procedures, formulating a novel legal precept known as the plenary power doctrine that remains a key tenet of U.S. immigration law today.

Court confirms the law

The doctrine included two key assertions.

First, the federal governments authority to exclude and deport aliens was an inherent and unqualified feature of American sovereignty. Second, immigration enforcement was the exclusive domain of the congressional and executive branches that were charged with protecting the nation from foreign threats.

The court also ruled that the deportation of immigrants in the country lawfully was a civil, rather than criminal matter, which meant that constitutional protections like due process did not apply.

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The government ramped up deportations in the aftermath of World War I, fueled by wartime xenophobia. American officials singled out foreign-born radicals for deportation, accusing them of fomenting disloyalty.

The front page of the Ogden Standard, from Ogden City, Utah, on Nov. 8, 1919, announcing the arrest and planned deportation of alien Reds. Library of Congress

Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer, who ordered mass arrests of alleged communists, pledged to tear out the radical seeds that have entangled Americans in their poisonous theories and remove alien criminals in this country who are directly responsible for spreading the unclean doctrines of Bolshevism.

This period marked a new era of removals carried out primarily on ideological grounds. Jews and other immigrants from southern and eastern Europe were disproportionately targeted, highlighting the cultural affinities between anti-radicalism and racial and ethnic chauvinism.

Foreign agitators

The campaign to root out so-called subversives living in the United States reached its apex during the 1940s and 1950s, supercharged by figures like anti-communist crusader Sen. Joseph McCarthy and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.

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The specter of foreign agitators contaminating American political culture loomed large in these debates. Attorney General Tom Clark testified before Congress in 1950 that 91.4% of the Communist Party USAs leadership were either foreign stock or married to persons of foreign stock.

Congress passed a series of laws during this period requiring that subversive organizations register with the government. They also expanded the executive branchs power to deport individuals whose views were deemed prejudicial to national security, blurring the lines between punishing people for unlawful acts  such as espionage and bombings  and what the government considered unlawful beliefs, such as Communist Party membership.

While deporting foreign-born radicals had popular support, the banishment of immigrants for their political beliefs raised important constitutional questions.

Harry Bridges, a West Coast labor leader, and his daughter, Jacqueline, 14, as they listen to proceedings during Bridges deportation hearing in San Francisco in July 1939. Underwood Archives/Getty Images

Prosecution or persecution?

In a landmark case in 1945, Wixon v. Bridges, the Supreme Court did assert a check on the power of the executive branch to deport someone without a fair hearing.

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The case involved Harry Bridges, Australian-born president of the International Longshoremen and Warehousemens Union. Bridges was a left-wing union leader who orchestrated a number of successful strikes on the West Coast. Under his leadership, the union also took progressive positions on civil rights and U.S. militarism.

The decision in the case hinged on whether the government could prove that Bridges had been a member of the Communist Party, which would have made him deportable under the Smith Act, which proscribed membership in the Communist Party.

Since no proof of Bridges membership existed, the government relied on dodgy witnesses and assertions that Bridges was aligned with the party because he shared some of its political positions. Accusations of alignment with controversial political organizations are similar to the charges made against foreign students currently at risk of deportation by the Trump administration.

The Supreme Court vacated Bridges deportation order, declaring that the governments claim of affiliation with the Communist Party was too vaguely defined and amounted to guilt by association.

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As the excesses and abuses of the McCarthy era came to light, they invited greater scrutiny about the dangers of unchecked executive power. Some of the more draconian statutes enacted during the Cold War, like the Smith Act, have been overhauled. The federal courts have toggled back and forth between narrow and liberal interpretations of the Constitutions applicability to immigrants facing deportation  shifts that reflect competing visions of American nationhood and the boundaries of liberal democracy.

From union leaders to foreign students

There are some striking parallels between the throttling of civil liberties during the Cold War and President Donald Trumps crusade against foreign students exercising venerated democratic freedoms.

Foreign students appear to have replaced the immigrant union leaders of the 1950s as the targets of government repression. Presumptions of guilt based on hyperbolic claims of affiliation with the Communist Party have been replaced by allegations of alignment with Hamas.

As in the past, these invocations of national security offer the pretext for the governments efforts to stifle dissent and to mandate political conformity.

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This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Rick Baldoz, Brown University

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Rick Baldoz does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
This is an adapted excerpt from the April 29 episode of All In with Chris Hayes.

For all the talk about what the media got wrong about the last election, and how it failed to communicate the stakes for democracy, I actually think the American people were well-warned that Donald Trump would govern like an authoritarian.

The biggest miss, though, was on the tariffs. They went underreported, and when they were reported, no one believed he would do it, even though Trump talked about it all the time. (Although I should note, you would not have been surprised about the tariffs if you were a regular viewer of All In, where we warned about them all the time, starting back in January of 2024.)

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Trump inherited an economy that was the envy of the world, and hes basically tried to destroy it ever since. All in pursuit of this one issue: tariffs  an issue he has been absolutely obsessed with for at least 40 years.

He thinks that his own force of will is so powerful that he can overcome reality itself. He insists that American consumers will not pay the tariffs; the exporting countries will. But that is not true. Everyone on Wall Street and in Washington has been running around screaming for a month that this is an import tax.

Trump thinks he can keep this going like Wile E. Coyote, when he runs off the cliff and doesnt look down. But the data is coming in, and prices are going up.

Just consider the popular Chinese e-commerce retailer Temu. It sells a bunch of clothes and tchotchkes at very low prices, but with the caveat that you are importing them directly from China. Thanks to Trumps tariffs, importing a bunch of cheap stuff directly from China just got a lot more expensive. So Temu added a line during checkout to show exactly how much Trumps tariffs are costing you.

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CNBC ran an experiment and found that a $30 order now comes with $45 in import fees, meaning what would normally cost you $30 just a few weeks ago would run you $75 today. See, China is not paying those tariffs. You are paying those tariffs.

On Tuesday, there was a report that Amazon might consider something similar for some products  a price line telling you exactly how much Trumps tariffs are costing you  and the White House went absolutely ballistic. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called it a hostile and political act by Amazon.

Around the time of Leavitts briefing, Trump called Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to complain about the reported plan, a source familiar with the matter told NBC News. And surprise, Amazon caved. The company now says that it was only considering adding the tariff line for its subservice Amazon Haul, which is a direct competitor to sites like Temu, where you import cheap goods directly from China. More importantly, Amazon says it is not going to add the tariff line anymore.

Trump was pleased. When asked about his call, the president told reporters, Jeff Bezos was very nice. Hes terrific. He solved the problem very quickly, and he did the right thing. Good guy.

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Bezos understands the score. Trump wants direct control over the American economy. He does not want free markets, he wants a planned economy controlled by him. That means he is allowed to run the country like a corrupt mafia state where he shakes down big companies he views as adversaries and cuts sweetheart deals to his friends.

His own commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, effectively agreed that even talking about the tariffs is an attack on the White House. When asked if it was a hostile act for a company to say theyre raising prices because of tariffs, Lutnick said, I think if you go out of your way to try to make it seem like your price has changed when its nonsense  a 10% tariff is not going to change virtually any price. The only price it would change would be a product that we dont make here, like a mango.

Now, first of all, people will absolutely notice if their prices rise by 10%. Second, it is not just 10% from China. It is 145%.

That aside, Bezos gets how this administration is operating, so hes not going to tell you about the Trump tax directly. But, it is still going to cost 145% more to import things from China, whether or not Amazon explicitly tells you that is what is happening.

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It is the same thing Trump tried to do during Covid, when he suggested keeping testing numbers artificially low so that there would be fewer reported cases. But that did not actually mean fewer cases. People still noticed when they got sick.

Trump can say whatever he wants, but it will still be the case that the shipping containers will be empty. It will be the case that your prices are higher. No amount of lying and bullying can change certain facts about the world. You cannot overcome some aspects of reality. Everyone is going to start feeling the impacts of these tariffs.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
A new brood of cicadas is coming, as millions of the noisy, ear-piercing buzzing insects prepare to emerge from Tennessee soil in the coming weeks.

Brood XIV is expected to be one of the largest cicada broods, impacting Tennessee and 12 other states.

It's been a long wait for the brood, which has been underground for the past 17 years. The insects will emerge once soil temperatures reach 64 to 65 degrees.

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Tennessee and Kentucky are expected to see the largest amount of the insects, Gene Kritsky, founder of Cicada Safari, told USA TODAY.

More: Middle Tennessee survived the cicada invasion of 2024. How did the bugs become bobbleheads

Where will cicadas be in Middle Tennessee?

According to data compiled by Tennessee State University and Tennessee Tech University, cicadas are expected in Robertson, Cheatham, Davidson, Williamson, Wilson, Sumner and Dickson Counties.

Brood XIV periodical cicadas were last seen in 2008 and will reemerge in Tennessee again in 2025.

The cicada brood is periodical, only occurring every 17 years, and only in the eastern half of the United States, Kritsky told USA TODAY.

Kritsky said there are three different species of 17-year periodical cicadas: Magicicada septendecim, magicicada cassini and magicicada septendecula. There are some differences among the three species, such as their calls and color, he noted.

What are cicadas?

Kritsky said cicadas are insects from the hemiptera order that includes stink bugs, bed bugs, aphids and other cicada families.

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Kritsky wrote on his website that the oldest historical record of Brood XIV cicadas is from 1634, when Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony recorded the insects. Native Americans knew of cicadas from centuries prior to European contact.

What's all the buzz about?

Only male cicadas make that distinct buzzing sound. They use a sound-producing structure called tymbals, located on the side of their abdomen, Kritsky wrote on his website.

Kritsky said five days after they emerge from the soil, cicadas begin their buzzing noises. It takes six weeks for all of them to come out.

The sound can be deafening, reaching decibel levels of 102, which is louder than a jet flying into an airport.

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The insects are mostly built to keep their species alive.

Female cicadas die after mating once. The males mate until they are unable and then die. After six to 10 weeks, the eggs laid by females on tree branches hatch and then drop to the ground. The juveniles burrow underground and feed on grass roots, leaving behind holes in the ground.

Evil spirits and war: Misconceptions of cicadas

There are a few misconceptions about the noisy insects, according to The University of Tennessee Extension Institute of Agriculture.

Many of them were passed down by Native Americans who believed a large cicada emergence had an evil significance.

Early American colonists believed cicadas to be Biblical, like locusts plaguing Egypt, and were considered a punishment.

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Another misconception was that cicadas will destroy crops, the extension said.

"However, adult cicadas do not feed on foliage. Adults may feed on twig sap to a limited degree. The most immediate and noticeable damage results when females make injurious slits in twigs and limbs of trees as they deposit eggs," the extension institute said in a March 2021 report.

The distinct black "W" on the outer end of the front wings was once thought to have foretold war, the extension institute said. Instead, the "W" is caused by deeper pigmentation of the veins.

And no, cicadas can't poison fruit by stinging it.

Helping society?

Kritsky said while cicadas don't live long, they do provide environmental help.

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Because they tunnel into the ground, they create natural aeration of soil and provide food for predators.

Can humans eat cicadas?

Yes, humans can cicadas, Kritsky said. Though he said cicadas are best consumed when they are still white.

They taste like cold canned asparagus, Kritsky wrote on his website. Like all insects, cicadas have a good balance of vitamins, are low in fat, and, especially the females, are high in protein.

USA Today reporter Saleen Martin and Arizona Republic reporter Tiffany Acosta contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How much longer before cicadas are back in Middle Tennessee? Where?
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. Bangladesh has proposed launching direct flights between Dhaka and Baku, Trend reports.

The proposal was raised during a meeting between Bangladeshs Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Jashim Uddin, and Azerbaijans Deputy Foreign Minister, Elnur Mammadov.

Held as part of the second round of Bilateral Consultations in Dhaka, the meeting also addressed the ongoing visa challenges faced by Bangladeshi travelers to Azerbaijan. Ambassador Uddin called for a sustainable solution to the issue.

Both sides agreed to sign several memoranda of understanding in key areas such as trade, investment, energy, air connectivity, capacity building, and visa exemptions for diplomats and government officials.

In addition, the two countries agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on Trade to promote regular dialogue and further expand bilateral trade ties.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  The primary election in Ohio is a week away, and Ken MacPherson  a candidate for Warren City Councilman at large  has decided to once again petition to repeal pay raises for elected officials.

MacPherson tried the same thing over a year ago but failed to get the required signatures.

Around 70 people showed up Tuesday for a meeting in Warren to hear about MacPhersons proposal to repeal the pay raises passed by the Warren City Council in November of 2023.

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This is where the citizens pass a law reversing those excessive raises and also the immoral automatic nature of increasing their wages based on the single most highest-paid person in the city, MacPherson said.



The raises increased the salaries of Warren council members from $11,000 to $20,000 a year. MacPhersons initiative would set the salaries of council members at $16,000 a year, freeze the pay of all elected officials, and eliminate raises tied to the mayors salary.

And then lastly but not least, from this point forward, all future raises have to be done by the ballot and let the voters decide raises, and not the politicians, MacPherson said.

Warren Councilman Greg Greathouse, who supported the raises, said the council had not received a raise in 16 years and that it cost each constituent in Warren an extra 93 cents a year. Before the council passed it by a vote of 8-2. Greathouse says only two had shown up at the financial committee meetings to speak out against the raises.



Mike OBrien and Helen Rucker are incumbent council members at large, running as Democrats against MacPherson.

OBrien said, The timing of this is a campaign ploy to get elected in the primary electionWhat would the language say? It all depends on what the language says.

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Were elected to be the voice of the people, and sometimes we have to make decisions on fees and rates and taxes and even raises. So, we have to make some decisions as council people. Its our job. Everybodys not always going to agree, Rucker said.

As to why MacPherson waited until the week before the election to announce his initiative:

So you know, hey, were at an election. Heres the time to get on board, right? If you want people to vote for you, say youre in favor of the petition to stop the raises, he said.

Also in the Democratic race for Warrens Councilman at large is Greg Thumm.

On the pay raises, Thumm said, Im sticking to listening to the many people of Warren who I have personally met with. I have not heard of any complaints about the city council pay raises, so it is not on my radar.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Apr. 30An acting city manager could be named by the end of the day today.

The Lodi City Council will hold a special closed session meeting at 5 p.m. to consider appointing an individual to take over administrative duties on a temporary basis in the wake of the fallout with City Manager Scott Carney.

The council spent nearly three hours interviewing two candidates in closed session last Tuesday, after which Mayor Cameron Bregman said he was "ecstatic" about both.

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Carney was placed on administrative leave April 9, a week after he read a prepared statement during a council meeting alleging that city attorney Katie Lucchessi and city clerk Olivia Nashed edited staff reports without his knowledge or approval.

He claimed the pair redacted parts of his approved reports protect some employees, and that internal reviews of purchasing activity revealed evidence of widespread misuse of public funds and city credit cards to purchase personal items.

He added that there was resistance to his investigation among staff and that there was evidence the city had been failing as a steward of public trust.

Bregman ordered Carney to stop speaking before he could finish his statement during the April 2 meeting.

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Bregman later said he stopped Carney from continuing because he began speaking about ongoing personnel investigations and a non-agendized item, which opened the city up to litigation that could cost "millions of taxpayer money."

The Brown Act forbids city staff and elected officials from discussing personnel matters that are not placed on an agenda.

The council appointed Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services director Christina Jaromay acting city manager on April 11, and Bregman said Carney's leave was expected to last 45 days. Bregman added the city would investigate Carney's claims of financial misappropriation while he was on leave.

The council hired Carney last May to replace former city manager Steve Schwabauer, who retired in 2023.

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Prior to coming to Lodi, Carney served as the deputy director of administration for the California Department of Health Care Services for three years.

He also served at Stockton City Hall from 2014 to 2020 before taking a sabbatical.

Wednesday's meeting begins at 5 p.m. at Carnegie Forum, 315 W. Pine St. It will also be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/CityofLodi.
CHICAGO (WGN)  Changes could be coming to Chicagos curfew rules, despite Mayor Brandon Johnsons objections, in order to address the so-called teen takeovers that have led to violence downtown.

The changes, brought forward in an amended ordinance by Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward), sparked a full day of debate in Wednesdays meeting of the Public Safety Committee but ultimately did not come up for a vote amid concerns from some alders on their constitutionality.

The latest proposed changes to curfew rules would allow the police superintendent and deputy mayor of public safety to call for a snap curfew in any part of the city, with a half-hour notice, if a large group gathers and poses a significant public safety risk.

PREVIOUS: City Council appears close to deal on amending teen curfew policy

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WGN Investigates: As curfew violations plummet, some Chicago aldermen push for change

Hopkins, the chair of the councils Public Safety Committee, said the ordinance was written and carefully vetted by city and police attorneys.

The police need every tool that they can muster to bring those events to an end, Hopkins said Wednesday. The longer those events go on, the greater the likelihood of violence, the greater the likelihood of gunfire, the greater the likelihood of a fatality.

Ald. Maria Hadden (49th Ward) argued the changes werent necessary because police already have effective tools to disperse unruly teen mass gatherings, but Chief of Patrol Jon P. Hein said said the issue is a matter of public safety.

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When you start to see these children running in the streets, one of them, God forbid, would ever get struck by a vehicle, Hein said.

In March, two people where shot at two different teen takeovers in Streeterville, both happening before Chicagos current curfew goes into effect, leaving police on standby. Hopkins has been pushing to make the citys curfew earlier in an effort to give police more power to break up street takeovers.

Hopkins brought the amended ordinance forward with two key allies of the mayor, who has been hesitant to change Chicagos curfew time. Currently, thats 10 p.m. for those under 18 in the Central Business District.

I believe that this tweak to our curfew ordinance will help in the City of Chicago, because its not punitive to the entire city, Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th Ward) said. It doesnt force the entire City of Chicago to come in earlier, at like, say, 9 p.m.

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Johnson, who supports creating more safe spaces for teens to gather and has been against any changes to the citys curfew, addressed the proposed changes a couple weeks ago.

There has to be ongoing conversations, because all stakeholders get to play a part in the direction of how we create accountability and safety, the mayor said.

Some alders expressed opposition, not because theyre against a change in curfew rules, but because they disagree with how those changes would be implemented.

The problem here is we have the mayors office having to concur in this, and the mayor has already said he is against curfews, Ald. Bill Conway (34th Ward) said. So this makes this change totally null and void.

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Ald. Peter Chico (10th Ward) expressed concerns about officers being pulled from other districts, and Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th Ward) wondered how police would distinguish between teen takeovers and other large groups of teens who may be headed to events like Lollapalooza.

The proposal has been added to the agenda of the Public Safety Committees May 5 meeting.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
STAR-ADVERTISER / 2021 The City and County of Honolulu invested $500, 000 to conduct a study to determine whether imposing a tax on vacant houses and condo units would add to county coffers. Apartments buildings, condominiums, homes and hotels shape the Honolulu skyline.

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2021 The City and County of Honolulu invested $500, 000 to conduct a study to determine whether imposing a tax on vacant houses and condo units would add to county coffers. Apartments buildings, condominiums, homes and hotels shape the Honolulu skyline.

The City and County of Hono lulus $500, 000 Ernst &Young LLP study over a proposed empty-homes tax measure asserts the city could garner tens of millions of dollars annually in new revenues.

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But Mayor Rick Blangiardis administration appears lukewarm to the idea of an EHT program, one it says could become a huge administrative burden to oversee.

Conversely, City Council Chair Tommy Waterswho has co-sponsored Bill 46 to penalize real-property owners who leave their Oahu residences vacant for extended periods of timeclaims his bill would largely exempt roughly 80 % of households on the island from having to pay an EHT.

If enacted, the measure would ensure residential properties are used as actual homes instead of investments.

During the Councils Budget Committee meeting Tuesday, Mohammed Bhamani, a Canadian-based Ernst &Young partner, presented an information-only briefing regarding his city-hired firms first-phase findings of a two-part study related to the feasibility of implementing Bill 46.

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The studys findings, he claimed, were based on similar EHT programs used by two of Canadas largest cities : Vancouver and Toronto. In order to do so, we estimated the potential revenues from the tax, and the costs associated with implementing and administering the tax,  he added.

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Bill 46, if adopted, would create a new Residential E tax classification in Honolulu in place of a more conventional, supplementary tax on empty homes,  he said.

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The bill has two key aspects that impact revenue estimates, 

he explained. First is the tax rate and structure.

Previous versions of Bill 46 used a tax rate of 1 % to 3 % of assessed value, which is consistent with other jurisdictions,  he said.

But it is important to note that a 3 % rate is significantly higher than existing property tax rates in Honolulu,  he said, adding that exemptions were another aspect of Bill 46. Exemptions are an important part of an empty-home tax policy because they allow for legitimate reasons for a home to be empty and thus not be subject to the tax.

EHT exemptions seen in other jurisdictions include :Properties that are temporarily vacant due to the owners temporary relocation for work, education or medical treatment.Homes undergoing significant renovations or repairs that make them uninhabitable.Homes that are vacant due to the death of an owner and are being settled legally through an estate.

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As currently drafted, Bill 46 has 16 exemptions, most of which are aligned with other jurisdictions,  Bhamani said.

As proposed, at least 20 % of the revenues from the Residential E classification tax will be directed to affordable-housing programs overseen by the citys Office of Housing.

We have seen in other jurisdictions that it is common to have the costs of the program to be recovered first, and then all remaining funds go to affordable-housing programs,  he said.

Based on tax year 2027-2028the first year of implementation of the proposed new lawthe study determined between 287, 000 to 292, 000 taxable properties on Oahu are split between condominiums and noncondos, which include single-family homes and apartments, that are not exempt from the EHT on Oahu.

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We do this to reflect that condos typically have a higher vacancy rate than noncondo properties,  he said.

Condos on the island average about $726, 000 in value, while noncondos like single-family homes average about $1.4 million, the study states.

To determine vacant homes on Oahu, the study relied upon water consumption data as well as electricity use to flag homes which may be empty.

In this case 300 gallons per month in the conservative scenario, or 1, 000 gallons a month in the optimistic scenario,  he said. This showed a vacancy rate of between 2.4 % and 4.2 %, equating to approximately 7, 300 and 11, 200 empty properties.

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Of those, the study determined there was an exemption rate of 81 % to 87 %.

This means that between 13 % and 19 % of the estimated number of empty homes would be subject to the tax,  he said. This equaled between about 950 and 2, 100 properties as the tax base.

We would expect that this tax would likely result in some owners of these properties releasing their homes to the market, either for sale or rent, so that they are not empty and not subject to the tax,  he added.

Based on a so-called Annual Behavioral Response Rate, or ABRR, Ernst &Young estimated that at a 1 % tax rate, about 4 % of propertiesor 38 to 86 unitswould return to the market annually on Oahu.

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As the tax rate increases, this rate is also likely to increase,  Bhamani said. However, as with any tax, we must assume there will be some portion of homeowners who do not comply and that some noncompliant properties will remain unidentified through audits.

At a 1 % tax rate, thered be a nearly 71 % compliance rate, the study noted.

Of noncompliant homes, we estimated that 65 % would be identified and pay both the tax and penalty,  he said. The remaining 35 % of noncompliant homes would not be taxed and therefore not count toward revenue.

As far as revenues from an EHT, the study determined under a 1 % tax rate, which includes a 3 % boost in the programs third year, the city could gain $29.1 million in average annual net revenue over a 10-year period.

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Over a decade, a 1 %-only tax rate would glean $3.2 million in revenue ; at a 2 %-only tax rate, $19.2 million ; and at a 3 %-only tax rate, $34.5 million, the study indicates.

The study also noted it would cost Honolulu about $4.39 million annually to operate the EHT program, with a $2.34 million implementation cost.

During public comment Tuesday, those who testified had mixed reviews of Bill 46.

Happy to see some signs of life on this (measure ),  said Ross Isokane, part of a grassroots coa lition of residents in support of Bill 46.

Hed cite a Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism report that says since 2021, 20, 000 units have been purchased by outsiders.

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Hawaii Kai resident Natalie Iwasa opposed Bill 46, saying the stated purpose of the EHT was to incentivize people to rent or sell, but this is via a punitive tax that is almost three times the residential (tax ) rate.

Why not use a carrot, why not give them a credit in their real property taxes if they convert their home ? she asked.

Bottom line, you folks are saying, We dont like the way you legally use your property, and therefore we are going to tax you,  she said. This is fundamentally wrong. Its a bad bill and I do not support it.

The legality of a new EHT was of concern, too.

Those concerns centered on a lawsuit that arose over the City and County of San Franciscos Proposition M, a November 2022 initiative presented to voters in that city over a vacant-homes tax.

Notably, San Francisco voters passed the propositionby 54.5 % of the votewhich was set to take effect in 2025.

As a new law, Proposition M meant property owners would be charged an escalating amount for each residential unit  that is vacant  during the preceding calendar year.

However, in 2023 several plaintiffsincluding the San Francisco Apartment Association, the Small Property Owners of San Francisco Institute and the San Francisco Association of Realtorsfiled suit in the Superior Court of California over the pending city tax.

In November 2024 a final judgment in the case was rendered.

California Superior Court Judge Ronald E. Quidachay ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, finding San Franciscos vacant-homes tax violated the Takings Clause,  also known as the Just Compensation Clause, of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

But at Tuesdays meeting Waters, a lawyer, said San Franciscos legal case involving its vacancy tax does not relate to Hawaiis Constitution.

At the meeting, too, Deputy Corporation Counsel Reid Yamashiro declined to offer legal advice to the Council in public on the EHT.

Instead, he suggested the matter should be discussed in closed-door executive session, though that nonpublic meeting did not occur.

Questions over how the city would gain compliance over empty homes also surfaced.

What did you guys find in your other studies on how you would actually get people to comply ? Council member Andria Tupola asked. Is that like a human person going there and talking to them ? Is it like legal paperwork ? And then how successful has that been to get people to comply through either of the two of those means ?

Bhamani replied, So, typically the question asked, Is your home vacant or not ?

And if you say, It is vacant,  then you are assessed a tax,  he added. If you say, Its vacant, but I should be eligible for an exemption,  the expectation is that you provide proof of that exemption.

As far as actually implementing the EHT program, city Budget and Fiscal Services Director Andy Kawano suggested the city was not impressed with the findings of the study, particularly over revenues. And hed note the study indicated only 1, 000 units would be converted, after all of the heavy lifting that we have to do.

If we evaluate whats important to us as (a city ) administration, in terms of addressing empty homes, we just dont see it,  he added, based on the effort that we have to put in and the fact that taxes will go up.

And because of our laws, we cannot select and tax only people that are nonresidents,  Kawano asserted. The tax will have to be applied fairly to all people who own property on this island.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  A wannabe teacher becomes a lawyer, but when one of her children is diagnosed with epilepsy, she takes a career path with a more accommodating schedule. Heres this months Everything Woman honoree.

Alicia Guerrero-Chavez was born in Topeka and grew up in the Oakland neighborhood. Her participation in school leadership activities, and being the oldest of six kids, gave her a sense of responsibility at an early age.

She speaks highly of teachers in the Shawnee Heights School District who inspired her at every level.

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There were just a lot that took the time to really listen, and say, if this is what you wanna do, absolutely go and do it, Guerrero-Chavez said.

Alicia was so influenced by her teachers that she wanted to become one herself, that is until a class during her senior year.

I had a class where you could actually intern, so my first semester I student taught with my fifth grade teacher and it was so fun and I loved it, but in my second semester they put me as an intern on the local law firm and I fell in love with it, she said.

She found a new group in the Leadership Studies Program at Kansas State University that became like a second family. After getting her degree, Washburn Law School was the next destination.

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Her unique upbringing lead her to operate an intergenerational place of faith, love

The plan was to practice law with the firm she had been at for years, but a family emergency sent her down a different path.

My youngest son was born around that time, and he was born with a significant chronic illness that he has,which kind of changed the trajectory of my life, Guerrero-Chavez said. It was very apparent that I wouldnt be able to have a lawyer schedule with what he needed.

Her sons epilepsy diagnosis, and subsequent treatments out of state, required a more flexible job, so she became a case manager at Family Service & Guidance Center (FSGC).

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From there, I became the risk manager, which I will tell you, took a while to get my mind to shift, but really I got to use my law degree there in ways that I hadnt thought of before and it was probably much more suited to my personality, she said.

Risk management and corporate compliance let her study rules, regulations, family issues and court proceedings, but she learned more about how to feel than just think.

It really taught me a lot, and helped me to be a lot more empathetic, Guerrero-Chavez said. It just helps you be a better person, and so I will always treasure my time there and be grateful for what it taught me moving forward.

She left FSGC after a decade, but her husband still works there. Alicia is now an internal investigator with the City of Topeka which handles citizen complaints, conduct issues and project disputes.

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I get to learn about other peoples jobs and fields, because in order to investigate something you have to know what they do, so thats just a really big interest of mine, and I enjoy people so its very fitting, she said.

People around town know Alicia from her neighborhood, the schools shes attended, the work shes done, the epilepsy outreach and advocacy, but they also know her from Fiesta Topeka!

Using a nurses empathy, integrity and compassion when supporting nonprofits

Met a ton of people, she said, I got to be a part of planning, all the way from specific committees to be in charge of the whole thing for a few years.

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Alicia is proud of how Fiesta has grown and evolved.

Its grown to really become the thing that is known at a really high level, which is amazing, she said. I think its tried really hard with its growth to still not forget what the purpose it serves, which is to really raise money for the school.

Lastly, how important is it to recognize the work of northeast Kansas women?

I work with women all the time during my job, at all the school organizations I do and at Fiesta, and I think just knowing that youre being encouraged, youre doing something awesome, she said. You may not feel like it but youre where youre supposed to be, this matters and youre doing a great job.

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Feel free to reach out to Alicia if youre going through a similar family matter with epilepsy, and learn more about her investigative duties on the City of Topeka website.

If you know a woman we should highlight in this segment, please go to KSNT.com and nominate them there. We feature these honorees during 27 News on the last Tuesday of each month.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Revelers gather on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter on Aug. 13, 2021, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

NEW ORLEANS  The City Council committee voted Monday to advance an ordinance that protects sex workers from prosecution and arrest when reporting a crime and to prevent admittance of condom possession as evidence for prostitution.

All four council members at Mondays joint meeting of the Governmental Affairs and Community Development committees  Helena Moreno, J.P. Morrell, Lesli Harris and Freddie King  voted to recommend the ordinance to the full council for final passage.

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The ordinance, which was introduced by Councilmembers Lesli Harris and Helena Moreno, was added to the councils consent agenda for its May 8 regular meeting, where it is expected to pass. Consent agenda items typically pass without debate.

During Mondays hearing, Moreno said the ordinance was drafted in consultation with the Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office and the New Orleans Police Department. Neither agency responded to Verite News requests for comment on the proposal.

The ordinance would codify into city law an internal NOPD policy meant to encourage victims of violent crimes to cooperate with police investigations. Under the policy, victims and witnesses that police encounter during a criminal investigation cannot be arrested for sex work-related violations.

Prostitution arrests have already drastically decreased in the city over the past several years. But NOPD enforcement priorities can be changed more easily than laws. Natalie Rupp, the executive director of the Trans Income Project, said the ordinance will protect the trans and sex worker community over the long term.

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Currently, if you are a sex worker who is working and you say, I was raped or I was robbed, and you just try to describe the scenario, you can be arrested for prostitution, Rupp said before the committee meeting.

The Trans Income Project held a series of community meetings last year with trans people. Rupp said attendees expressed deep concern about being profiled for being trans and arrested for prostitution. A large share of trans women report having worked in the sex industry at some point in their lives, making the ordinance a gay-specific issue, said Rupp.

Those worries prompted the push for the proposed ordinance. Rupp said sex workers have no access to protective services if crimes are committed against them, an issue the ordinance would help alleviate.

It is our firm belief that regardless of what you do for a living, you deserve the right to report a crime that occurred to you, Rupp said. We dont say that because youre a barista and you handed someone coffee, well, then, What did you expect? Of course, they beat you up and stole your money. Like that is just a no-brainer.

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But if it passes, the law would only apply to the NOPD.

As a municipal law, the proposal would carry no authority over other law enforcement agencies operating in the city under the states jurisdiction. That includes Troop NOLA, the permanent contingent of Louisiana State Police troopers deployed to New Orleans last year under orders from Gov. Jeff Landry  with enthusiastic support from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

Moreno, the City Councils vice president and a likely frontrunner in this falls mayoral election, did not respond to questions about how sex workers would be affected by the State Police presence in the city.

I only have authority over local government, Moreno wrote. The ordinance as written can provide more clarity on how the state allows local municipalities discretion to handle certain offenses.

Ordinance does not cover Troop NOLA

Its not clear how Troop NOLA will respond to the ordinance should it pass. Asked whether Troop NOLA would follow the municipal code when policing in the city, State Police spokesperson Kate Stegall only noted that the troop follows only state law.

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Louisiana State Troopers are responsible for enforcing state laws across the state, Stegall wrote in an email. Local municipal ordinances are enforced by the police department within that specific jurisdiction.

As Verite News reported last October, there is no formal public agreement between city and state governments about how Troop NOLA should be deployed.

Troop NOLAs actions have sometimes been opposed to directives of local leadership, most notably in the days leading up to a series of Taylor Swift concerts at the Superdome last October, when state troopers abruptly cleared a number of homeless encampments over the objections of the city government. Troop NOLA has also come under fire for repeatedly engaging in high-speed chases for minor crimes, nonviolent crimes; a tactic NOPD can only use to pursue violent suspects under a long-running federal consent decree and departmental policy.

Still, city leaders such as Cantrell and NOPD Chief Anne Kirkpatrick have largely embraced the states policing efforts in the city.

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And although the ordinance would prevent sex workers from being prosecuted by the local government, those arrested by the state will also be prosecuted by the state under state law. Last year, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams inked an agreement with state Attorney General Liz Murrill that allows the Attorney Generals Office to prosecute people arrested in New Orleans by State Police troopers.

Neither Williams nor Murills offices responded to requests for comment on the proposed ordinance.

Under Louisiana state law, sex workers found guilty of prostitution could face fines and jail time. If someone has prior convictions, they can be imprisoned for at least four years and be fined between $500 to $4,000.

Preserving a right to safe sex

Attorney Lauren Hall, an attorney and co-founder of Below Sea Level Aid, drafted the language of the ordinance and said she wants to see a similar one passed at the state level, which would then protect sex workers across Louisiana.

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Were not legalizing prostitution, Hall said. Were just protecting sex workers who are victims of crimes, who seek medical treatment and who go to the police for help. It prevents them from being arrested based on prostitution, and it prevents them from being prosecuted based on this alone.

The ordinance also includes what Hall called a right to safe sex, which means that police cannot use condoms as evidence for prostitution. A Human Rights Watch survey from 2013 found that 26% of sex workers in New Orleans who were interviewed were harassed by police for carrying condoms and that more than half of them were trans women. More than 50% of respondents said they carried fewer condoms in fear of getting in trouble with police.

Corinne Green, a board member of the Trans Income Project who worked on the ordinance, said community members commonly brought up fear of interacting with law enforcement in meetings. Green said that trans people are also afraid of being profiled as sex workers.

Just simple possession of condoms as evidence of prostitution was a huge issue and really impacted peoples willingness to interact with law enforcement and also their experiences when they did, Green said.

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The ordinance drew inspiration from Louisianas revamped Good Samaritan Law, which protects people experiencing drug-related overdoses from arrest, prosecution and penalization, Green said.

Dozens of community members and organizers spoke in favor of the ordinance during public comment.

Everyone has the right to protect themselves, said Deon Haywood, the executive director of the nonprofit womens rights group Women with a Vision, during public comment at the committee meeting. She has worked on behalf of sex workers for more than 35 years. Every single person has a right to carry what they need to, and it should not be at the police discretion because someone is carrying condoms.

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This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Stanislaus Countys third-largest city issued a public health warning Tuesday about fentanyl, citing six deaths this year due to the dangerous street drug.

Ceres has seen a 35% rise in opioid-related emergencies in the past month, according to a post on the Police Departments Facebook page.

In many cases, the Ceres residents who overdosed thought they were taking pills containing Xanax, oxycodone or Percocet, police said. Those medical emergencies are often referred to as fentanyl poisoning because the people didnt know they were taking the potent drug.

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In 2024, Ceres had a fatal overdose rate, for all drugs, of 28.4 per 100,000 population, which was less than half the rate in Oakdale (60.8 per 100,000). Modesto had the second-highest fatal overdose rate last year, at 49.1 per 100,000, followed by Waterford at 43.5 per 100,000 and Turlock at 33.7 per 100,000.

Preliminary data for the county showed a 20% decrease in illegal fentanyl mortality last year, compared to 2023, which is similar to a nationwide downturn. But the state said last week that the fentanyl crisis still is taking a toll on communities in California. The illegal drug was responsible for 550 deaths in Stanislaus County from 2018 through 2024.

Ceres police urged parents to talk with teenage children about counterfeit pills containing dangerous levels of fentanyl. The illegal drug, also mixed with drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine, is 50 times more potent than heroin.

Community members can carry Narcan nasal spray, or naloxone, to stop an opioid overdose and save a life. Suspicious activity in Ceres may be reported to the Police Department at 209-538-5712.
An argument turned deadly at a Clarksville construction site April 29 leaving one man dead and a Springfield man behind bars.

Clarksville police were called to 1663 Old Russellville Pike shortly after 9:30 a.m. after someone called the language line to report an assault, according to a statement from the department.

The argument between the two men, working at the site, had escalated to a stabbing, the person reported.

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The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Cristian Noe Moreno-Hernandez, was at the scene when police arrived, the statement said.

The victim, who has not yet been identified, was taken to Tennova Healthcare, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Moreno-Hernandez was taken into custody without incident and was interviewed by detectives at the department's Special Operations Unit. He was ultimately charged with criminal homicide and booked into the Montgomery County Jail without bond, police said.

Police ask anyone with footage of the fight and stabbing to call police at 931-648-0656, extension 5720, or call Crime Stoppers at 931-645-8477.

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Clarksville Police seek footage of deadly construction site stabbing
Azerbaijan-Israel trade experiences decline in 1Q2025

Trade between Azerbaijan and Israel saw a sharp decline in the first quarter of 2025, totaling approximately $15.7 million, a drop of over $616 million compared to the same period in 2024. Exports from Azerbaijan to Israel were down by over $614 million, while imports from Israel also decreased. In 2024, the total trade volume between the two countries amounted to $765.2 million, reflecting a 47% decline from 2023.

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For the first time in its 96-year history, the city of Dearborn will not have an August primary election for citywide races, because there are not enough candidates running, the clerk said.

There will only be a November general election for voters to choose their mayor, clerk and seven-member City Council, City Clerk George Darany announced in an April 29 statement.

There are two candidates for mayor, two candidates for city clerk and 13 council candidates for seven council seats who are qualified to be on the ballot, according to Darany. The deadline to file to run was April 22 and the deadline to withdraw was April 25. Under Michigan election law, a nonpartisan primary election must have more than twice as many candidates as the seats they are running for. That means a city needs more than two candidates running for mayor and clerk, and more than 14 candidates running for a seven-member city council.

Dearborn Administrative Center, which is Dearborn's city hall, shown on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, contains city council chambers, mayor's office and other departments for the city of Dearborn.

"For a primary election to have been required, there would have needed to be more than two candidates for mayor, two for clerk and 14 for city council," the statement from Darany said.

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"This is certainly a surprise," Darany said. "Over the years, there have always been plenty of residents who would seek City office and require a primary ballot in each election."

Darany provided to the Free Press a list of the candidates who qualified to make the ballot that he sent to the office of Wayne County Clerk Cathy Garrett.

According to the list, the race for mayor will probably be between Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, a Democrat seeking his second four-year term, and challenger Nagi Almudhegi, a 50-year-old IT manager who backed President Donald Trump. Two other potential mayoral candidates, Hassan Aoun, a Republican activist, and Gus Tarraf were disqualified. Darany said earlier that Aoun's three felony convictions disqualifies him for elected office, according to city charter rules. Wayne County Chief Judge Patricia Fresard on April 11 also ruled against Aoun, denying his motion for injunctive relief to get on the ballot.

The race for clerk will probably be between Darany and Sami Elhady. Elhady is on Darany's list of candidates who qualified.

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"Our candidacy really is under one banner, and that's one Dearborn, to provide the most optimized services possible for city residents and city guests at the clerk's office," Elhady said. "The city of Dearborn is just a wonderful city. It's an amazing city. It is so multicultural, multi-layered.  It's like a big city, but ... has small town characteristics as well. It's just a wonderful place to raise a family.  I want to be part of that legacy."

One of the seven incumbent City Council members, City Council President Pro Tem Leslie Herrick, is not on the list of candidates. She was planning to run for reelection, but was disqualified from the ballot by Darany over not paying $800 in outstanding fees from a previous campaign in 2017. Herrick, the only woman on the council, appealed to Wayne County, but appears to have lost her attempts to get reinstated.

A letter from Darany to Herrick on April 2 said that Herrick had signed an affidavit saying she has paid all late fees, but she had not. On April 17, Garrett sent a letter to Herrick that told her "the time for reconsideration or reassessment has lapsed and I am without authority to retroactively void or reassess a late filing fee that has been acknowledged and paid." Garrett said her office did receive $800 from Herrick on April 2 for the outstanding fees.

Dearborn City Clerk George Darany speaks during the City Council meeting at Dearborn City Hall on July 13, 2021.

"The payment of the late filing fee in some form acknowledges that the (Herrick campaign) committee owed the outstanding late filing fees," Garrett wrote to Herrick.

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Herrick told the Free Press that she is now "evaluating the logistics of a write-in campaign and will announce a decision in the coming weeks."

She explained that "in 2017, a clerical error in which we put an incorrect date on a campaign report resulted in a fee being assessed by Wayne County. Despite believing that this was resolved long ago, it was recently brought to my attention that the fee was still outstanding."

Herrick said she then immediately paid the fee, but was then told by Wayne County that her "name will not be on the 2025 pre-printed election ballot."

More: Detroit mayoral, city candidates submit petitions to run for office in 2025 election

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Darany explained that some candidates who were initially thinking of running either failed to qualify or withdrew.

Darany said "four candidates had filed petitions to run for mayor and 16 for City Council, but two were disqualified for each of those offices due to insufficient petitions, charter or campaign finance qualifications. Another candidate for City Council withdrew from the ballot after filing petitions."

Other City Council candidates on the list from Darany are: six council incumbents: Michael Sareini, Ken Paris, Robert Abraham, Mustapha Hammoud, Kamal Alsawafy and Gary Enos; Devon O'Reilly, a son of former Mayor John O'Reilly Jr. who was arrested and charged in 2016 in a drunken driving case that drew attention over allegations of special treatment, which the former mayor denied; Ahmad Othman, a businessman; Shadi Mawari, an administrative assistant; Mark Andrew, a firefighter; Othman Alaansi, a software engineer; Sharon Dulmage, a former Dearborn school board member and former charter commissioner, and Mubarek Hamed, a merchant Marine.

Over the past 40 years, there has been a decrease in the number of people running for city office in Dearborn, Darany said.

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"I recall when there would be about 30 candidates in City Council primaries in the 1980s," he said.

Herrick said the "record low number of candidates" in Dearborn is "disheartening to me because this seems to indicate people are burned out on politics, and don't want to become involved." She said she has "worked to make sure that our local government is a place of hope where  people can make positive change in our community."

In 2009 and 2013, there were more than 20 candidates for City Council, Darany said. In 2017, five candidates ran for mayor, and in 2021, there were seven running to be mayor. Hammoud won in November 2021 with 54.6% of the vote, defeating Gary Woronchak, a former state House representative and former Wayne County commissioner. Hammoud this year faces a challenge from Almudhegi, who has the support of Republicans and conservatives who have expressed concerns about crime and LGBTQ+ books in schools.

Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com or X @nwarikoo

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dearborn will not have a primary election due to lack of candidates
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 8 2025 - Since President Trump eliminated the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, many states are trying to create their own. However, theyre noticeably absent throughout the Midwest. Local community leaders in Cleveland have called on the city to create an office of gun violence prevention, stating that a permanent investment in an office would make their work more effective. (Photo by Daniel Lozada for The Trace)

This story was published in partnership with The Trace, a nonprofit newsroom covering gun violence.

In February, 10-year-old Lorenzo Roberson, dressed in a suit and tie, spoke passionately at a town hall meeting in Cleveland. He was there to address city leaders about how he and other kids feel about safety in their neighborhoods. Most importantly, though, he was there to remember his best friend, Kaden Coleman, who was shot and killed that same month as he sat in the backseat of a car in Mount Pleasant, eight miles south of downtown Cleveland.

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I am Kaden because his spirit now lives within me. I am Kaden because I am 10 years old, too; I get good grades, too, Lorenzo told a mix of residents and elected officials. Will I have a chance to survive? Will my life be cut short, too?

Then he posed a challenge to the audience: Will the adults in this room make sure that I have a chance to grow?

His call for safety in the face of rising shooting rates among young people reflects the pervasive fear among people who live in Clevelands most turbulent neighborhoods, including Mount Pleasant, where Lorenzo lives. Despite a recent decline in shootings across the city, a handful of neighborhoods  Central, East Cleveland, Mount Pleasant and others  experience disproportionate levels of violence. Homicide rates in those areas range from 25 to 57 per 100,000 residents compared to places that are as low as 0 to 15. All of the struggling neighborhoods are majority Black.

To combat the burden of shootings on those communities, local leaders and activists have worked hard for decades to fill gaps, establishing intervention and prevention programs, doing outreach work among young people, and providing mental health support to those in need. Those methods seem to have contributed to the citys overall decline, especially in the last few years.

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But people working to tackle gun crimes in Cleveland said local groups have fallen into silos as they each vie for funding, creating a competitive, uncoordinated response that they see as inadequate for addressing the shifting crisis. A localized Office of Gun Violence Prevention, they said, would help address that isolation  and curb shootings.

Weve seen how successful (these types of offices) have been in other cities. I think it would make a real difference, said Laron Douglas, the executive director of Renounce Denounce, a community-based gang intervention program that works with kids in Cleveland.

Many cities across the country have created offices of gun violence prevention over the past several years. They coordinate local initiatives, fund programs, and help drive policy changes. Since President Donald Trump eliminated the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention in his first month in office, dozens of municipalities are proposing or creating their own, but local offices are notably scarce throughout the Midwest, where gun violence rates are higher than in some of the countrys largest cities. Several states in the region, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Wisconsin, have successfully established them; Allegheny County, where Pittsburgh is located, is one of the few counties to host one.

Having one dedicated gun violence prevention office will make us more intentional. The office would be able to call a family and deploy resources effectively, said Myesha Watkins, who runs the Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance, an anti-violence group established in 2009 among a handful of still-active community groups. Theres too many people who dont know where to go for gun violence prevention.

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The city has a variety of official violence prevention strategies, including the Neighborhood Safety Fund to invest in community violence prevention work; Cleveland Thrive, the citys community-based violence intervention coalition; and the Mayors Office of Prevention, Intervention, and Opportunity, one of several offices addressing root causes of youth violence under the mayors all-of-government approach. Cleveland has also deployed a street outreach team from the Community Relations Board to do violence intervention work, and the Neighborhood Resources and Recreational Centers are involved with providing activity space for kids.

Those efforts are helpful, but theyre not strategic enough, said City Council Member Richard Starr, who is a native of Central and represents several neighborhoods struggling with gun violence. They dont have a plan right now, Starr said, noting the citys handful of initiatives but lack of a concrete plan for tackling gun violence or measuring its trajectory.

According to city data, Cleveland had a firearm death rate of 45 per 100,000 residents in 2023, the most recent year full data is available, an increase from 39 in 2022. In 2024, homicides declined to 113, from 156 in 2023, according to data from the citys police department. Still, residents warn that the data doesnt tell the full story.

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Data is either going to create chaos or its going to create hope, and depending on the narrative, it can do either or it can do both, Watkins said. If were talking about our community members, theyll see a post that homicides are down, but theyre not feeling that when they walk outside their homes.

Local leaders say the encouraging numbers shouldnt dissuade engaged citizens from creating an office of violence prevention, especially when considering the areas most affected. Michael Houser, the Cuyahoga County Council Member for District 10, which includes some of Clevelands most gun violence-plagued neighborhoods, including East Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, and St. Clair Superior, has been pushing the county to build an office of violence prevention since his election last year, and hopes to work in partnership with Starr at the city-level to create one.

The County Council is in talks to create one, but the question is how theyre going to fund it. We find money to fund everything else, Houser said. So hopefully we will be able to find the funding for this very important initiative.

In Cleveland, Council Member Starr led the effort to declare gun violence a public health crisis, legislation which passed in the city council yesterday. Starr will now be able to use state and federal resources to fund an office. You look at some of these other cities, they have plans and investment in how theyre going to curb violence. Cleveland is behind on that, Starr said, pointing to Columbus, one of the few Midwest cities to have such an office.

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Since its municipal office was created in 2023, Columbus has achieved what Starr and others hope to. Theyve taken a public health approach to gun violence, helped coordinate and strategize violence reduction programming between different local groups, and begun to measure and assess their progress (a report is coming in the next few months).

Columbus is flooded with (violence intervention groups) and we needed a way to streamline these groups to make sure theyre most effective and have access to funding, said Rena Shak, the executive director of the Office of Violence Prevention in Columbus.

That sort of strategizing is exactly what people want to see in Cleveland.

We have individuals and we have groups doing great work, but we need to find a way to bring people together, said Michelle Bell, founder of M-PAC Cleveland, which provides resources to families and friends whove lost loved ones to gun violence. Bell remembers feeling like there was nowhere to turn after her son was shot and killed in 2019. If people are saying we need this office, our officials and local leaders need to listen.

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Two men accused of killing a man near the Atlanta BeltLine are closer to learning their fates.

The defendants, Brandon Williams and Demetrice Ross, are accused of shooting and killing 60-year-old Tom Arnold in 2022.

Testimony wrapped up on Tuesday, and closing arguments are scheduled to begin Wednesday morning.

Before releasing jurors for the night, they heard testimony from two detectives who explained how they used cellphone records and surveillance video to build their case against the defendants.

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Investigators say Arnold was walking home after a night out with friends in Inman Park when Williams and Ross tried to rob him and then shot Arnold in the head.

During Atlanta Police Sgt. Michele Parents testimony, defense attorneys tried to point to what they described as holes in the homicide investigation.

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Ultimately, in regard to this case, you didnt find any gun. No gun, no surveillance video of the actual shooting, no footage of the shooting. There was no DNA that came back to Mr. Ross, defense attorneys said.

But the state explained to jurors that there is surveillance video that shows the defendants and a third man, who isnt charged in the murder, breaking into a car around the time of the murder.

Prosecutors also called on APD detective Ronald Sluss, who testified to the location of the defendants phones and which cell towers they were pinging at the time of the murder.

I have video that looks like them there, and are the cellphones matching up. And I can say, yes, the cellphones match up with the evidence, Sluss said.

Although the state called multiple witnesses over four days, the defense called only one witness, a DeKalb County homicide detective.
A rising share of Americans say that President Donald Trumps deportation policies have gone too far, a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS finds.

Just over half, 52%, say Trump has gone too far in deporting undocumented immigrants, up from 45% in February. A similar 52% now say that Trumps immigration policies have not made the US safer. And most, 57%, say that they do not believe the federal government is being careful in following the law while carrying out deportations.

Trumps numbers on immigration remain stronger than his approval rating overall or on the economy  a different dynamic from his first term, when it was among his weakest issues. But the latest data suggests that, as the White House begins to implement its immigration agenda, a number of those moves have proved unpopular. The administrations push to revoke the visas of some international students, for instance, draws 2-to-1 opposition, while moving troops to the southern border garners more supportive reactions.

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Trumps overall approval rating for handling immigration now stands at 45%, down from 51% in March. A higher 53% say they have at least some confidence in him to deal with immigration policy, although thats also down from 60% in the transition period before he took office.

Republican support for Trumps immigration agenda remains high  94% express confidence in him to handle the issue and 89% say his immigration policies have made the country safer. But more than half of independents now say they have no real confidence in him to deal with the topic, with 56% now saying he has gone too far on deportations. Democrats, meanwhile, have grown still more overwhelmingly opposed to Trumps actions on immigration, with the share saying hes gone too far on deportations rising 9 points to 85% since February.

In an especially high-profile deportation case, a 56% majority of Americans say that the Trump administration should work to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom it has acknowledged mistakenly deporting to El Salvador, back to the US, in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling that the administration must facilitate his return. Just 20% say that the administration should not work to bring him back, with 23% saying they havent heard enough to say.

Both 82% of Democrats and 58% of independents say that the US should work to bring him back. Republicans are more closely divided, with 28% saying the US should try to bring him back, 40% that it should not, and 32% that they havent heard enough to say.

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Overall, 7 in 10 of Americans say that the government should prioritize a pathway to legal residency for some undocumented immigrants over deporting everyone living illegally in the US  down from a high of 84% in the first year of Trumps first term, but still far outweighing the 30% who say the government should focus on mass deportations. Forty-four percent of the Americans who currently approve of Trumps handling of immigration also say the government should develop a plan to allow some legal residency.

Poll findings on this topic can vary widely with question wording. Other recent polling has found that Trumps ratings are higher for his handling of border security than his handling of deportation, and that support for mass deportations often erodes when people are asked whether that policy should extend to longtime residents without criminal records.

In CNNs survey, Trumps moves to station thousands of US military troops at the southern border with Mexico stand out as popular, with Americans supporting that by a 12-point margin.

But public opposition outweighs support for a number of the Trump administrations other actions on immigration. By a 28-point margin, Americans say theyre against revoking the visas of some international students based on their beliefs, statements, or associations, and by a 22-point margin, they oppose deporting some immigrants living in the US directly to a prison in El Salvador.

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The public also tilts against using the governments wartime authority to carry out deportations more quickly by a 16-point margin, and against giving immigration officials access to IRS data on undocumented immigrants by a smaller 5 points. Substantial minorities, from 17% to roughly one-quarter, say they dont have an opinion either way on the policies tested in the poll, a softness in opinion that may help explain why opinions on Trumps immigration policies can be highly sensitive to a surveys framing.

Political independents support the stationing of troops at the border by a 5-point margin, while opposing all of the other policies tested. The poll also finds substantial age divides on some questions: Americans younger than 45 are 16 points likelier than their older counterparts to oppose revoking student visas, and 11 points likelier to oppose the deportation of some immigrants to a Salvadoran prison.

The CNN poll was conducted among 1,678 adults nationwide by SSRS from April 17-24, using a combination of online and telephone interviews. The survey samples were originally drawn from two sources  a probability-based online panel and a registration-based sample  and combined. Respondents were initially contacted by mail, phone or email. Results for the full sample have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.9 points.

CNNs Jennifer Agiesta and Edward Wu contributed to this report.

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Its a Beast of a time in Washington. Donald Trumps D.C. reality show is full of new characters, plot twists, and cliffhangers, and the Daily Beast will navigate you through it. The 47th president wont need to drain The Swamp. Its all leaking here Subscribe here to make sure you never miss a secret from The Swamp.

Scott Jennings is cable TVs ubiquitous MAGA Man of the Moment. He has a primo messaging platform on CNN, where he regularly clashes with anchors like Abby Phillip and berates liberal guests like Tiffany Cross and Neera Tanden and well, its a long list. (In spite of hemorrhaging revenue and viewers, the network recently rewarded the veteran GOP political strategist with a pay raise for his conservative punditry.)

Scott Jennings is being lined up as a possible contender for a top job in Washington. / CNN

But if CNN viewers think theyre getting independent analysis from Jennings, they may be sorely disappointed. Hes been touted as a potential 2026 Senate GOP contender. And when asked about it over the weekend during the White House Correspondents Association dinner festivities, he made it clear: He wont do anything without a green light from the Dear Leader.

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You can see it on his face and hear it in his voice. The networks token conservative commentator would love to be the next senator from his home state of Kentucky. But when might he get around to announcing whether hes waging a 2026 campaign?

If the president wants me, Ill run, Jennings told a Swamp tipster at a bougie espresso martini-swilling party at the Swiss ambassadors residence following the White House Correspondents bash on Saturday.

If he wants somebody else, Ill support that candidate, said Jennings in his mellifluous, Southern drawl, playing the role of Kentucky statesman in his three-piece tuxedo.

Slack-jawed, our tipster asked Jennings if he thought Trump would still be keeping him and other GOP pols in line come November 2026, given the presidents historically all-time-low approval ratings amid fears of economic calamity and demise of democracy. Without hesitation, Jennings answered that yes, indeed, Trump will still have a vice-like grip over Republicans when the midterm elections roll around.

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) leaves the Republican caucus lunch at the U.S. Capitol on March 13, 2025 in Washington, DC. He has announced his retirement. / Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

Good answer, Scott! Because the MAGA apparatchiks in Kentucky, Washington and Florida, including Vice President JD Vance and Donald Trump Jr., seem to have already picked a horse. Theyre aiming to call the shots on who succeeds retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell, 83, the longest-serving Senate GOP leader in history who has served Kentucky since 1984. And the message straight from that horses mouth is: If youre asking for a permission slip to run for office here in Kentucky from Mitch McConnell, then you shouldnt be running in the first place.

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The MAGA darling in the race so far, businessman Nate Morris, agrees with the Trumps: The last thing Kentucky needs is another puppet for Mitch McConnell running for office.

If you're asking for a permission slip to run for office here in Kentucky from Mitch McConnell, then you shouldn't be running in the first place. The last thing Kentucky needs is another puppet for Mitch McConnell running for office. pic.twitter.com/Vu513Tlrcd  Nate Morris (@NateMorris) February 12, 2025

Jennings, 47, who grew up in western Kentucky and attended the University of Louisville, as did McConnell, was a longtime aide and adviser to the senior senator from his home state. GOP political operatives say the feisty CNN talking head would face an uphill battle proving McConnell is not his Gepetto. Trump loathes Mitch, and that grudge wont budge. (The former Senate GOP leader condemned the president for being practically and morally responsible for the deadly Jan. 6 attacks on the Capitolwhich, in the minds of MAGAworld never even happened, thanks to Trumps whitewashing of history.)

I cant imagine Trump endorsing Jennings against Morris, even if Jennings is a good TV presence, a veteran GOP political consultant told The Swamp.

The Swamp is written by David Gardner, Alyson Kreuger and Sarah Ewall-Wice.

This is an exclusive extract from this weeks gossip-filled edition. Click here to subscribe so you get every delicious secret direct to your inbox.
Co-op has been forced to switch off some computer systems after an attempted hack, days after rival supermarket Marks & Spencer was hit by a crippling cyber attack.

The convenience store group said it had experienced attempts to gain unauthorised access to some of our systems.

It added: We have taken proactive steps to keep our systems safe, which has resulted in a small impact to some of our back office and call centre services.

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Staff claimed online that the issues meant they would need to manually check the fresh section of stores every day, rather than being able to use their date-tracking app. Some also claimed they were struggling with internal IT systems, such as being able to add new starters into the systems.

Co-op said in a statement that it was not asking our members or customers to do anything differently at this point.

A spokesman said: All our stores (including quick commerce operations) and funeral homes are trading as usual. We are working hard to reduce any disruption to our services and would like to thank our colleagues, members, partners and suppliers for their understanding during this period.

The issues were first reported by The Guardian.

A cyber attack has left rival supermarket M&S with empty shelves - Holly Williams/PA Wire

It comes as rival M&S reels from the fallout of a massive ransomware attack, which has been plaguing the retailer since the Easter weekend. The breach has forced M&S to stop taking online orders for the past six days.

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Disruption has also left some shelves empty in M&S food halls and customers face disruption with click-and-collect orders.

It is not clear whether the Co-op incident and the M&S attack are linked.

Cyber experts believe the M&S attack may have been linked to a cyber gang known as Scattered Spider, which is said to be a loose online collective of English-speaking young men.

In ransomware attacks, a criminal gang infiltrates a victims IT infrastructure, uses a computer virus to encrypt their files and computers and then demands a ransom as payment for unlocking them. They may also threaten to release stolen information on the dark web.

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M&S has been forced to call in cyber experts from the Metropolitan police, as well as from CrowdStrike, Microsoft, GCHQs National Cyber Security Centre and the National Crime Agency, for help.

On Wednesday, the Met said inquiries continued to take place, but added that no arrests had been made so far.

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HARTSVILLE, S.C. (WBTW)  Coker University is lending Limestone University and St. Andrews University students a helping hand to further continue their educations after both schools recently announced their closings.

We know these students didnt choose this disruption, Dr. Natalie Harder, president of Coker University, said. But they can still choose their future  and were ready to help them keep moving forward.

To help students during the transition, Coker is offering:

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Guaranteed acceptance for students in good academic standing

Full credit transfer to keep students on track for graduation

Matching or improving academic merit awards

A one-time $1,000 house grant for transfer students enrolling in on-campus programs

Personalized advising and academic support to help ensure you will graduate on time

Online and graduate degree pathways, with matched tuition rates for students transferring from Limestone and St. Andrews online programs

Our goal is to remove as many barriers are possible, Harder said. Whether students are continuing online, seeking a graduate degree, or joining us on campus, theyll find a community at Coker thats ready to support them.

Coker University is located in Hartsville, about a two-and-a-half hour drive from Limestone University in Gaffney, and about an hour drive from St. Andrews University in Laurinburg, North Carolina.

* * *

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Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
DENVER (KDVR)  As President Donald Trump marks his first 100 days of his second term in office, Colorado is joining its 15th lawsuit against action taken by the administration.

On Tuesday, Colorado joined a handful of other states in taking legal action over the Department of Government Efficiencys (DOGE) dismantling of AmeriCorps, joining a running list of lawsuits from Colorado against the Trump administration.

A thousand people in Colorado are part of AmeriCorps. We get millions of dollars in grants. All of that is going to be shut down unilaterally by the executive branch in violation of the law, and thats why were in court, said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser as he continues to tell the president, See you in court, on his 100th day in office.

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While the latest case involves the administrations dismantling of the service agency AmeriCorps, the challenges started the day after the president was sworn in.

Weve brought 15 lawsuits so far, said Weiser. None of them have been resolved. The one that is closest to resolution is the birthright citizenship case. The Supreme Court is going to hear it this May, we expect a decision this summer.

While 15 is already a handful, the attorney general did not rule out the possibility of other lawsuits coming. We asked him about the presidents latest executive order targeting so-called sanctuary jurisdictions.

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In the first Trump administration, we had to defend our rights to law enforcement funding that the DOJ [Department of Justice] was illegally withholding from us. We are ready for that possibility again. We are going to be ready to protect our funding streams. It is something we are definitely keeping a close eye on, Weiser said.

Weiser said the lawsuits have been manageable because of states teaming up to fight the action. What about money to fight the battles? The attorney general said his requests for more staffing were approved in the new state budget.

Weve been able to work incredibly hard, efficiently and effectively and we have only asked the legislature for three new positions. The governor just signed the bill, we are getting those positions. The amount of work we are doing is well more than three people, but frankly, the people who work in our office are working super hard and ling to serve the people of Colorado, Weiser said.

While the AG didnt rule out the potential for more lawsuits, Republicans at the state capitol have been urging state leaders to slow down on actions like filing lawsuits if they want to stay out of the administrations crosshairs.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Kazakhstan powers up grain exports to Azerbaijan with major increase

Photo: Kazakhstan Railways

Kazakhstan has significantly increased its grain exports to Azerbaijan and Iran, with a substantial rise in the volume of new crop exports compared to the previous year. Exports to Iran and Azerbaijan have seen remarkable growth, with shipments to Iran rising dramatically and exports to Azerbaijan experiencing an even larger surge.

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A judge in the United States has ordered the release of Columbia University student and pro-Palestine protester Mohsen Mahdawi as a case challenging his deportation proceeds.

In Burlington, Vermont, on Wednesday, US District Judge Geoffrey Crawford ruled Mahdawi could leave the Northwest State Correctional Facility, where he had been held since immigration officials arrested him earlier this month.

Mahdawi walked out of the court with both hands in the air, flashing peace signs as supporters greeted him with cheers.

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As he spoke, he shared a message for President Donald Trump, whose administration has led a crackdown on student protesters who have denounced Israels war in Gaza.

I am not afraid of you, Mahdawi said to Trump.

He also addressed the people of Palestine and sought to dispel perceptions that the student protest movement was anything but peaceful.

We are pro-peace and antiwar, Mahdawi explained. To my people in Palestine: I feel your pain, I see your suffering, and I see freedom, and it is very soon.

Mahdawi, a legal US resident who had been a leader in the protests at Columbia University, was detained on April 14 while attending a citizenship interview. A video of him being led away in handcuffs has been shared widely across social media.

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His arrest came as part of a wider push by the Trump administration to target visa holders and permanent residents for their pro-Palestine advocacy. Trump has also pressured top universities to crack down on pro-Palestine protests, in the name of combating anti-Semitism.

Critics, however, say that rationale is an excuse to exert greater control over academia and stifle opposing views.

Mohsen Mahdawi was just released on bail by a federal judge in Vermont. pic.twitter.com/sgtNyfeYmU  Katherine Franke (@ProfKFranke) April 30, 2025

Whats in the ruling?

Jamil Sbitan, a friend of Mahdawi and a doctoral student at Columbia University, expressed relief at the activists release, describing it as a glimmer of hope in extremely dark times.

Mohsen was detained in order to silence his advocacy on behalf of Palestinians and against the genocide in Gaza, which has been funded and abetted by the US, Sbitani told Al Jazeera. But this goes way beyond Palestine, because the Trump administration is using Palestine as a wedge issue to silence all forms of speech which the administration disapproves of, he said.

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That is why the judgement on Wednesday really sets positive precedent for the Palestine movement in the US, but also for free speech at large in this country, Sbitani added.

In the ruling, the judge ruled that Mahdawi posed no flight risk and could be released while the immigration case against him proceeds.

This means he will be attending his graduation next month in New York City.

It is possible the US government may appeal Mahdawis release, but the judges ruling allows him to leave the state of Vermont and fight his deportation from outside a detention facility.

During the court proceedings, the Trump administration had opposed his release, arguing that Mahdawis detention was a constitutionally valid aspect of the deportation process.

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Mahdawis lawyers have countered that his detainment treads on his constitutional rights to free speech.

Mohsen has committed no crime, and the governments only supposed justification for holding him in prison is the content of his speech, Lia Ernst, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union who is representing Mahdawi, said in a statement following his release.

The Trump administration has taken the broad position that constitutional speech protections only apply to US citizens, a question that could eventually be decided by the US Supreme Court.

In court filings, government lawyers have cited the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 as the legal basis for seeking Mahdawis deportation.

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A rarely used part of the law allows the US to deport foreign nationals whose presence or activities in the United States gives the secretary of state reasonable ground to believe [they] would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has used that provision as the basis for seeking to deport Mahdawi and other pro-Palestinian student protesters. Israel is a critical ally of the US in the Middle East.

Demonstrators in New York City carry placards that read Free Mohsen to push for Mohsen Mahdawis release [File: Jeenah Moon/Reuters]

Crackdown on advocacy

Mahdawi was arrested weeks after fellow Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, also a US permanent resident.

In early March, Khalil was likewise detained by immigration officials. The pair co-founded the Palestinian Student Union at the prestigious Ivy League university.

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Khalil has remained in immigration custody in Louisiana since his arrest outside his apartment. Earlier this month, an immigration judge ruled Khalil was indeed deportable, siding with government lawyers.

In a two-page letter submitted to the court, Secretary of State Rubio had written that the 30-year-old should be removed from the US for his role in antisemitic protests and disruptive activities, which fosters a hostile environment for Jewish students in the United States.

The Trump administration has broadly portrayed nearly all forms of pro-Palestine advocacy as anti-Semitic, in what critics have called an effort to silence freedom of speech.

Rubio provided no further evidence backing his claims against Khalil, and the student leader has been charged with no crime. Rubios letter nevertheless said that his department can revoke a permanent residents legal status even where their beliefs, associations or statements are otherwise lawful.

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On Tuesday, a federal judge ruled that Khalil can move forward with a legal challenge to his arrest and detainment on the grounds that he was targeted for his political views.





Both Mahdawi and Khalil have parallel court cases, one seeking reprieve from deportation and the other challenging the basis for their arrests.

While in detention, Mahdawi was visited by US Senator Peter Welch, a Democrat who has denounced the students arrest as unjust and antidemocratic.

Im staying positive by reassuring myself in the ability of justice and the deep belief of democracy, Mahdawi said at the time, according to a video posted on Welchs X account.

This is the reason I wanted to become a citizen of this country, because I believe in the principles of this country.
Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi is free on bail after a judge ordered his release from federal immigration custody Wednesday, weeks after armed DHS agents detained him in Vermont during his naturalization interview.

Mahdawi, a 34-year-old U.S. permanent resident who was born and raised in a refugee camp in the West Bank, was detained April 14 and had been held at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, the Northwest State Correctional Facility, in St. Albans, Vermont.

"I am saying it clear and loud to President Trump and his Cabinet: I am not afraid of you," Mahdawi said Wednesday outside the Vermont courthouse after his release.

Mohsen Mahdawi outside the courthouse in Burlington, Vt., on Wednesday.

"What we are witnessing now and what were understanding is exactly what Dr. Martin Luther King has said before: Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," he added.

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From the bench, U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford ordered the release of Mahdawi from prison on bail, pending the resolution of his habeas petition.

The government requested that Crawford pause Mahdawi's release from prison for seven days by issuing a stay of the order, but the judge denied it.

Following Wednesday's hearing, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement stating that the judge would not prevent the Trump administration from "restoring the rule of law to our immigration system."

"It is a privilege to be granted a visa or green card to live and study in the United States of America," she said. "When you advocate for violence, glorify and support terrorists that relish the killing of Americans, and harass Jews, that privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country."

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The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mohsen Mahdawi speaks at a protest on the Columbia University campus in New York on Nov. 9, 2023.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified Mahdawis detention, saying his "presence and activities in the United States would have serious adverse foreign policy consequences and would compromise a compelling U.S. foreign policy interest," according to the DHS notice for Mahdawi to appear.

Mahdawi, who has a green card, was a key organizer of pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia last year.

Before Wednesday mornings hearing in Vermont, the government and Mahdawi's attorneys filed multiple court documents over his release, many of which were filed under seal but reviewed by NBC News.

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In the governments opposition to releasing Mahdawi, it said that law enforcement records indicated that Mahdawi has admitted "to being involved in and supporting antisemitic acts of violence" and "an interest in and facility with firearms for that purpose," according to court documents reviewed by NBC News.

Mohsen Mahdawi being escorted by authorities in Colchester, Vt., on April 14.

The government included two exhibits with their filing, which have been filed under seal. One of the exhibits, which NBC News has reviewed, is a 2015 report from the Windsor Police Department in Vermont, where a gun shop owner told officers that Mahdawi "supposedly told" the owner that he used to build machine guns "to kill Jews while he was in Palestine."

In his declaration, Mahdawi said that he recalled visiting a gun shop in Windsor, Vermont, but that he is "absolutely certain that I never expressed the words the report falsely attributes to me, in that exchange or ever."

"I am a peaceful person, and would never express wanting to harm or kill anyone," he wrote. "I am heartbroken to have such appalling words, which stand in complete contrast to my philosophy on life and spiritual beliefs, misattributed to me.

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Addressing reporters outside the courthouse, Mahdawi's attorneys claimed victory against what they described as "the government's retaliation" against Mahdawi's right to free speech.

"Their claims and actions are baseless, without evidence, and are a disgrace to the U.S. Constitution," said Luna Droubi, a partner at Beldock Levine & Hoffman LLP. "We will keep fighting until Mohsen is free for good."

Mahdawi grew up in al-Fara, a Palestinian refugee camp in the West Bank, where much of his family remains, according to a court filing. When he was 15 years old, he was shot in the leg by an Israeli soldier, the document states. He came to the U.S. more than a decade ago before enrolling at Columbia in 2021, according to the filing.

The Trump administration has used similar justification to apprehend other foreign students, most of whom are from countries in the Middle East, who were active in the pro-Palestinian protests at college campuses last year or who have been critical of Israel.

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On March 8, immigration authorities detained Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, who helped lead student protests against the war in Gaza at the school last year, at his New York apartment. A judge ruled on April 11 that the Trump administration can deport Khalil, but Khalil has been permitted to fight the ruling while in detention in the U.S.

DHS agents similarly apprehended Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk, who previously co-wrote an essay about Israel and the war in Gaza, off a Boston suburban street in March.

Outside the courthouse Wednesday, Mahdawi called for their freedom.

"Keep in mind that, yes, you might think I am free, but my freedom is interlinked to the freedom of many other students, including Rumeysa Ozturk and Mahmoud Khalil," he said."

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Mahdawi also called for an end to the war in Gaza and the U.S. aid to Israel.

"We must stand up for humanity because the rest of the world, not only Palestine, is watching us," Mahdawi said. "And what is going to happen in America is going to affect the rest of the world."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A Vermont federal judge ordered Wednesday that Mohsen Mahdawi, the Palestinian student activist from Columbia University who was detained at his U.S. citizenship test, be released from federal immigration detention while his case proceeds.

Mahdawi, a legal permanent resident, went in for his naturalization interview on April 14, but was instead arrested by federal immigration authorities. His attorneys immediately filed a habeas corpus petition that accused the Trump administration of attempting to deport him on free speech grounds.

Outside the courthouse Wednesday, Mahdawi welcomed U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawfords ruling: Against all of the heinous accusations, horrible attacks, chills of speech, First Amendment violations, he has made a very brave decision to let me out. And this is what justice is.

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The federal government has accused Mahdawi of being a threat to U.S. foreign policy, which his lawyers deny. His direct involvement in the Columbia demonstrations came to an end before the high-profile encampments of last spring, according to court documents.

Mahdawi was born and raised in a refugee camp in the West Bank, where his family still lives. He co-founded Columbias Palestinian Student Union with Mahmoud Khalil, another green card holder detained for his role in the campus protests, and is expected to graduate from Columbia with a degree in philosophy next month.

His attorneys said they would continue to challenge the legality of his detention for speaking out against Israels war in Gaza and fight his immigration case.

Im saying it clear and loud to President Trump and his Cabinet: Im not afraid of you, Mahdawi said from outside the court.
April 30 (UPI) -- Columbia University student and DHS detainee Mohsen Mahdawi was released from federal custody Wednesday after a judge ordered it for the outspoken critic of Israel's war in Gaza.

The judge ruled Mahdawi, a permanent resident of the United States who was born and grew up in a refugee camp in the West Bank, could post bail.

He has lived in Vermont for 10 years and is scheduled to graduate from Columbia University in May. He had been detained in Vermont by Department of Homeland Security agents on April 14 during his naturalization interview and then held at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in the state.

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Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford ordered Mahdawi released until the resolution of his habeas petition. The federal government asked that Crawford pause his release for seven days with a stay of the order, but the judge denied that request.

Once outside the courthouse, Mohsen met with supporters and led a chant of, "The people united will never be defeated." He also said, "We are pro-peace and anti-war."

He then added, "To my people in Palestine, I feel your pain, I see your suffering; and I see freedom and it is very, very soon," and aimed a comment at the Trump administration: "I am saying it clear and loud to President Trump and his Cabinet, I am not afraid of you."

Mahdawi, who is a resident with a green card, was a key organizer of pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia last year. ICE agents had attempted to move Mahdawi to a facility in Louisiana after he was detained, but a judge issued a temporary restraining order to keep him in Vermont, and that order was then extended by Judge Crawford. He was being held at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans, Vt. until his release Wednesday.

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NBC News has reported it was able to review several court documents that were filed under seal, and that the federal government opposed Mahdawi release because law enforcement records indicated Mahdawi allegedly admitted "to being involved in and supporting antisemitic acts of violence" and had "an interest in and facility with firearms for that purpose."

NBC News also reported that in 2015, the Windsor, Vt., Police Department reported a gun shop owner told officers that Mahdawi "supposedly told" the owner that he used to build machine guns "to kill Jews while he was in Palestine."

Mahdawi confirmed in his declaration to the court that he did visit a gun shop in Windsor, but is "absolutely certain that I never expressed the words the report falsely attributes to me, in that exchange or ever."

He also wrote, "I am a peaceful person and would never express wanting to harm or kill anyone," and expressed further that, "I am heartbroken to have such appalling words, which stand in complete contrast to my philosophy on life and spiritual beliefs, misattributed to me."

Mahdawi's lawyer Luna Droubi, partner of Beldock Levine and Hoffman LLP, said, "Their claims and actions are baseless, without evidence, and are a disgrace to the U.S. Constitution. We will keep fighting until Mohsen is free for good."
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Columbus City Schools is facing a packed race of 10 school board candidates hoping to advance in the May 6 primary.

All three board members whose terms expire this year are not seeking re-election after a tumultuous post-pandemic tenure. In January, board member Christina Vera stepped down from the presidency, with longtime board member Michael Cole filling in. Vera, Cole and member Ramona Reyes are not seeking re-election.

Ohio University closing diversity offices, women and pride centers

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On May 6, voters will eliminate four of 10 candidates, with the remaining six vying for the open seats in the November election. Its a big job; in just this past year, board member Brandon Simmons has been censured twice, community members were heavily critical of school closures, and the state of Ohio pursued legal action toward the district over not busing private school students. See previous coverage in the video player above.

The board considered shuttering 10 buildings, including seven schools. The fight over which schools would close persevered for months, with the final closures approved in December. The board is closing Broadleigh, Moler and West Broad Street elementaries, Buckeye Middle School and Columbus Alternative High School beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

Simmons was first censured after a memo regarding school closures was leaked and revealed plans to take control of the narrative around shuttering schools. His fellow board members said Simmons was the sole memo writer, but Simmons maintains the document was a collaboration, which uncovered recorded conversations later supported.

Ohio Supreme Court reinstates law banning trans healthcare for minors

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Board member Sarah Ingles leaked the Controlling the Task Force Narrative document after receiving it from fellow board member Jennifer Adair. The memo suggested dividing the teacher union from other staff, moving meeting locations at the last minute and rewarding good media outlets that did not report on false statements from the union.

Simmons was censured again in September after audio recordings between Simmons and other board members were uncovered, which acknowledged that other board members were involved in the leaked memo. The board alleged Simmons entered school buildings without permission, threatened other board members and was generally unprofessional.

This censure resolution restricted Simmons from going onto district property without permission from the board president and that hed be escorted by security in and out of board meetings. Although board members asked him to resign, Simmons continues to serve his term, which will end Dec. 31, 2027.

Central Ohio school levies, bond issues on the May ballot

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In 2022, Columbus City School teachers went on strike after contract negotiations dissolved. The three-day strike over wages, class sizes and a lack of air conditioning hit right as students were about to start the school year, with more than 50,000 students beginning the year virtually. After three days, they struck a deal. The district is currently negotiating a new contract with the teachers union, which it hopes to complete before next fall semester begins.

Here are the candidates interested in taking on the board, many of whom said they hope to improve the relationship between the board and the community.

Liz Caslin-Turner

Caslin-Turner has worked in education for the last nine years, following her graduation from Capital University. She has worked for the Ohio Department of Education and is currently a regional director for Sylvan Learning, overseeing central Ohio learning centers.

She is campaigning on a platform that public education is a right, not a privilege. She said she wants to increase transparency and strengthen connections with the community. Caslin-Turner is endorsed by Stonewall Democrats of Central Ohio and the Columbus Building Trades Council.

Teresa Hannah

Hannah is a former state employee, including time spent with the Ohio Department of Higher Education. She now runs her own educational consulting firm, pulling from work experience with public, private and charter schools.

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She is campaigning to increase graduation rates, expand career and technical education opportunities, and increase connections between the community and early childhood education.

Columbus Education PAC

Candidates Patrick Katzenmeyer, Jermaine Kennedy and Antionette Miranda have joined forces under the Columbus Education PAC. The Columbus Education PAC is endorsed by the Franklin County Democratic Party, the Central Ohio Labor Council, Equity Now Coalition and OAPSE/AFSCME, the Ohio public school employees union. The trio said they hope to help students and workers alike.

Patrick Katzenmeyer: Katzenmeyer is a senior project manager for a real estate company. He is a district parent who was heavily involved in the school closure debates.

Jermaine Kennedy: Kennedy is a chief program officer at the Boys & Girls Club and previously worked as a teacher and principal. A district parent, he said he wants to fight for equity in student success.

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Antionette Miranda: Miranda is a nationally recognized school psychologist and a professor at OSU. Formerly on the state school board, she is running to protect public education students.

Janeece Keyes

Keyes is the director of provider experience at Ohios Bureau of Workers Compensation and the mother of four district graduates. Keyes said her success as a single mother raising her children while working makes her an excellent candidate.

How Ohio budget could impact local school funding

Keyes said she is advocating for student-centric policies and believes public schools are necessary for a thriving community. She is against political policies that limit public schools. Keyes is endorsed by the Matriots PAC, The Columbus Dispatch and the Columbus Education Association.

Karrie Lumpkin

Lumpkin had a 34-year career working at the Ohio Attorney Generals Office helping develop state programs to address crime. She is also a volunteer for multiple Christian and education-centric organizations, including working as a court-appointed advocate for the Franklin County Children Services Agency.

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She is campaigning for responsible spending and wants the district to be a place that creates a good future workforce and good future citizens. Lumpkin is endorsed by The Columbus Dispatch.

Mounir Lynch

Lynch is a health educator who visited many district middle and high schools in his work with Planned Parenthood. Lynch said he wants to fight against legislative attacks on students, staff and families. He is campaigning to improve learning outcomes by increasing community input in decision making, investing in teachers and staff, and embracing underrepresented student groups and courses to be more equitable.

NIH guidance disqualifies universities with DEI programs from grant funding

Lynch has garnered a number of endorsements, including the Asian American Midwest Progressives of Ohio, Stonewall Democrats of Columbus and the Ohio Working Families Party.

Kimberly Mason

Mason is a higher education partnership manager with the Ohio Bankers League. She formerly worked across organizations to help marginalized and urban communities in Ohio.

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Mason is campaigning to create more workforce-ready opportunities for students and support special education. Her focus is community, conversation and success, a mission she first tried to achieve with a school board run in 2019. She is endorsed by the Matriots PAC.

Julie Trabold

Trablod is a district parent with a full resume, including work as a nurse, counselor and financial advisor. She said she is a passionate advocate for public education, labor unions and diversity, equity and inclusion.

She is campaigning to bring in investors to build a new financial operating system that would support free universal childcare for district residents, teachers and employees children. Trabold is endorsed by Run For Something, a national organization that recruits and supports progressives to build the Democratic Party.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
The man with a briefcase was stunned for a moment. Getting out of a cab early sunny Monday morning at State Street and Wacker Drive, he had obviously not heard the news. He stared for a while at the large declarative signs nearby, Bridge Closed and Sidewalk Closed. Then he shrugged his shoulders and said, as he started walking east, OK, then. Its Wabash for me.

And it will be for a while. Those signs and some barricades signaled that the citys Department of Transportation had commenced what it deems emergency repair work on the State Street Bridge above and over the Chicago River. The bridge is closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic for the removal and replacement of floor beams, rehabilitation of multiple center lock components, and viaduct repairs north of the bridge. It is scheduled to be finished by mid-November, but you know how these things go.

Tens of thousands of us cross our bridges every day without an ounce of notice or appreciation.

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The river? We love the river. The river is why we are here; it has for hundreds of years played a crucial role first for transportation, fishing, and farming and later as a shortcut between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan, creating Chicago. It is a magnificent thing, 50 miles in length along its three branches, taking a hard left at Wacker Drive and later flowing into the Illinois and Michigan Canal and Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, then into the Des Plaines River and, eventually, winding up in the Gulf of Mexico. It is 21 feet deep at its deepest point and 800 feet wide at its widest.

But why not take a minute and consider our bridges?

Maybe this will help: There is not a city in the world  not Paris, not Venice  with more movable bridges than Chicago. There are 52 of them over the river.

As an alternative to using canoes to get across, people built the first bridge in 1831 across the North Branch. It was meant to allow easy access to and less dangerous egress from a saloon. The bridge didnt last long, but in 1834 came the citys first movable bridge, a drawbridge at Dearborn Street which, legend has it, got stuck so often that it was chopped up to be used as firewood.

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All sorts of bridges and designs were featured across the river during the following decades of the 19th century. They were swing bridges, jackknife bridges, vertical lift bridges, rolling lift bridges. By the mid-1880s, 35 movable bridges spanned the river.

Then in 1902, the Cortland Street Bridge became the first trunnion bascule bridge ever built. Essentially a drawbridge with two halves that moved, this design (bascule is French for seesaw) became known as a Chicago-style bridge and was the dominant design for all bridges that followed.

My favorite has long been the Michigan Avenue Bridge, built between 1917 and 1920, the work of architect Edward Bennett. Have a look, if you never have, at the relief sculptures that adorn the pylons that sit at each of the bridges corners: The Pioneers, with John Kinzie, one of the citys first settlers (northwest); The Discoverers, marking the exploits of explorers Marquette and Joliet (northeast); Defense, depicting the Battle of Fort Dearborn (southwest); and Regeneration, honoring the citys rebuilding after the fire of 1871 (southeast).

Sometimes I will walk down the stairs and cross the bridge on its lower level, where I am quickly hit with the cinematic memory of Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) meeting cop Jim Malone (Sean Connery) in the 1987 film The Untouchables, screenplay by Chicagos own David Mamet.

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From the bridge, you can hear the past whisper of the Native Americans who found skunk cabbage and wild onion on its banks and affixed to this site the Indian name for those earth products, Checagou, and of the engineering geniuses who reversed the rivers flow in 1900 to keep the lake clean.

And I always recall an old journalism tale.

Many years ago, the story goes, a reporter was sent out on assignment but failed to return at the appointed hour, missing his deadline because he had spent the afternoon in a cozy saloon.

When he got back to the office, an angry editor shouted, Where the hell have you been? You were supposed to file your story by noon. Its already past six. Why werent you here? Where were you?

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The bridge was up, said the reporter.

Few people have appreciated the bridges more than writer Janice Rosenberg, who wrote of them in the 1991 magazine of the Chicago Historical Society (now the Chicago History Museum), saying, in part, Viewed from all directions, Chicagos bridges are works of art as well as wonders of modern engineering.

And now, one last thing as the work crews get to work and commuters adjust: The State Street Bridge is not the State Street Bridge.

Its scheduled 1939 opening was delayed due to material shortages caused by World War II. When finally dedicated on May 28, 1949, it was formally named the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Bridge.

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There is a plaque that reads, Dedicated to the memory of those gallant heroes from the Chicago area who were members of the besieged garrison of the Bataan peninsula and at Corregidor, Philippine Islands, in World War II. May the courage and fortitude displayed by this group in the face of adversity be a constant inspiration to our citizens.

rkogan@chicagotribune.com
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has teased that the U.S. is very close to its first tariff deal  but declined to name the country involved.

And hes still waiting to hear from the leaders of the country for the final sign off, he told CNBC Tuesday.

That could be a surprise to President Donald Trump, who boasted in an interview with Time magazine last Thursday that he had already struck 200 deals.

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Ive made 200 deals, he told Time.

Youve made 200 deals? he was asked.

He responded: 100 percent. Yet he refused to name any countries.

Lutnick told CNBC: I have a deal done, done, done, done  but I need to wait for their prime minister and their parliament to give its approval, which I expect shortly.

The secretary and other members of President Donald Trumps administration have signaled progress is being made on tariffs but have yet to announce a single specific deal nearly a month after Liberation Day, when Trump revealed the imposition of a 10 percent across-the-board tariff on countries, plus a n additional supplemental levy depending on Americas relationship with various trading partners.

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Trump then paused tariffs beyond the basic 10 percent, but not for China, which currently has a 145 percent tariff on all goods. Tariffs are starting to impact the bottom lines of the countrys largest businesses.

Amazon officials reportedly toyed with the idea of displaying tariff prices before the White House called it a hostile political act. A company spokesperson later said the idea was never approved and is not going to happen.

Small business owners who rely on China for imported products are grappling with whether to shut down or weather the storm.

President Donald Trump holds up a chart with tariffs while speaking during Liberation Day at the White House (Getty Images)

Earlier on Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declined to comment on whether he was in talks with China.

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Trump had told Time that China President Xi Jinping had called him to talk tariffs. The Chinese Embassy, however, later refuted his remarks and instructed Trump to stop creating confusion.

Bessent did state that consumers may be able to expect announcements on India in the near future, the terms of which he said were easier to negotiate than other countries.

When asked if any deals have been made, Bessent continued: Im not going to get ahead of the president. Nothings done until President Trump announces it ... So we should wait to hear from President Trump over the next couple of days.

The US is currently also in advanced talks with Japan, he added.

The S&P closed higher after the comments, but is still below February highs. A trade deal could potentially send a wave of money back into the market, shooting stocks up as confidence remains low.
Apr. 29After sitting idle for a decade, a prime plot of land in the north Interstate 25 corridor is seeing activity thanks to a commercial warehouse project.

Albuquerque-based Mechenbier Construction Inc. is building the 76,574-square-foot warehouse at 4000 Ellison NE after acquiring the land in 2015. Despite the period of inactivity, the project is on track and moving full steam ahead as the company aims to wrap up late this year.

The progress of building out the facility comes during a time when commercial warehouse spaces are hard to find  a result of a lack of land and expensive costs for building.

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"A lot of site selectors I've talked to have often wondered why our market is so small," said Bill Robertson, a real estate professional of 41 years and senior vice president and principal at the commercial real estate agency Colliers. "Because comparative to other cities, we have probably half the inventory that is really needed for this market."

There's "no question" that Albuquerque needs more commercial warehouse space, Robertson added.

Mechenbier Construction, led by local developers, acquired the roughly four acres of "highly desired" land 10 years ago due to its proximity to I-25, Paseo del Norte and Alameda, said Mechenbier Construction owner Jeremy Mechenbier. The project broke ground in October and encompasses the fresh build of the more than 76,000-square-foot flex office and warehouse space.

Mechenbier said the land was held in abeyance because the company was holding it as an investment and waiting to complete other projects.

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The Ellison building will feature an aluminum exterior and employee amenities including a large outdoor patio and lunch area with seating, shade, landscaping and energy-saving LED lights, according to a news release from the company.

The yard area surrounding the building will have 76 oversized parking spots, as well as multiple drive aisles and accommodations for large semi-truck deliveries, including dock ramps, two pit levelers and four steel, insulated garage doors.

The total cost of the project is $9.4 million, Mechenbier told the Journal, with project financing provided through Nusenda Credit Union.

Mechenbier contracted many local companies to help with the project, including DH Pace  also known as the Overhead Door Company of Albuquerque  which is the warehouse's first tenant. The company, a supplier of commercial and residential door and door-related products, has signed a lease to use more than 60% of the building for its office and warehousing needs.

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The remaining 40% of the space is up for grabs, Mechenbier said.

Mechenbier said the project is "on schedule" and expected to wrap up later this year. Tenants should be able to move in and begin utilizing the space in December.

As for the future of industrial development in Albuquerque, Robertson said, "There's got to be some participation with the state and local governments helping with the cost so they can open up some of the land for development of industrial because it's necessary. It's good for the economy."
CARTHAGE, Mo.  Jasper County commissioners had their say Tuesday on the future of the Joplin Special Road District  they want to dissolve it. Now Newton County commissioners must agree, or nothing will happen.

The commissioners hosted the first of two public hearings Tuesday to decide the future of what many say is the only special road district left in Missouri that works in two counties.

After a little more than an hours discussion and sometimes tense debate, Presiding Commissioner John Bartosh, Western District Commissioner Mike Landis and Eastern District Commissioner Tom Flanigan voted unanimously to dissolve the district.

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That district maintains between 78 and 90 miles of roads in southwestern Jasper County around Joplin and almost 150 miles of roads in northwestern Newton County, with property tax money and gasoline tax money coming from both counties.

Thats a problem for Bartosh.

For the Jasper County commissioners, its where the money is being spent, Bartosh said after Tuesdays public hearing. And yes, the statute says once we give them their money, they are an entity of their own and they can spend the money wherever they want to, and thats my rub. They shouldnt be able to spend Jasper County money in Newton County.

Jim Willis, a member of the Joplin Special Road District Board, told the Globe last week that in the past, the district took in money from both counties and spent it on roads in the district and didnt break out how much money was being spent in each county and for what.

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Willis said the road district met with Jasper County commissioners last week and agreed to keep track of money spent on big projects and which county it is coming from.

I think we worked it out in the meeting we had with Jasper County the other day, Willis said Thursday. Basically, were going to give them a better accounting of how we spend the money. For example, when we lay asphalt in Jasper County, well write it down and theyll see where it was. When were working in Newton County, theyre going to see where that money is spent. What weve done before is we just went out and did the roads, we didnt separate everything. Commingling of money was one of the problems, and I think we can handle the big part of that. Now stuff like labor is kind of hard to do because were called all over every place.

More than 40 people attended Tuesdays meeting in a courtroom on the second floor of the courthouse in Carthage.

Newton County commissioners will hold a similar public hearing at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, at Christ Community Church, 2700 E. 44th St. in Joplin, after which those three commissioners will vote.

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Both sets of commissioners must agree for the district to be dissolved because it serves residents in both counties. Newton County Presiding Commissioner Daniel Swem told the Globe last week that at least two of the three commissioners there lean toward a no vote, which would mean nothing happens and the Joplin Special Road District would continue as it has for more than a century.

About a dozen of those people spoke at the meeting both in support of the road district and in support of dissolving it.

A number of people from the Hickory Hills Estates subdivision voiced support for dissolving the road district if it would mean the roads in their area would receive more attention.

Residents of the area say neither Jasper County nor the Joplin Special Road District will service and maintain their roads.

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Randy Cossey, director of the Joplin Special Road District, said thats because those roads were not built to the specifications of the county with regard to lane width, curbs and gutters and flood prevention and were never accepted by the county for maintenance, so district crews cant do work on those roads.

Bartosh said a lot of roads have been donated to the public for public use, but that doesnt mean the county has accepted them to be maintained by the county or a road district.

Not saying we cant fix something here, but that is more than likely what happened there, Bartosh said. So Ive been out there and looked at the situation several years ago to see what we can do. Theres a big problem with flooding in that area, and its caused by the streets because they werent put in properly, so thats a story for another time, and I appreciate you bringing this stuff in and I know you see it differently from how I see it.

Bill Sherman, mayor of Duquesne, said he has a good relationship with the Joplin Special Road District.

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Sherman said the road district has helped him fix a culvert and a part of the south end of Duquesne Road that was collapsing due to flooding.

Yeah, there was some expense involved, but Im sure he can tell you he sent me an invoice and we paid it, Sherman told the commissioners. It was brought to my attention that we are supposed to have a five-year street maintenance program and I came to Randy and discussed the matter, how far I could extend this as part of this program. He said hed have to get board approval, and then I heard about this, that youre considering the dissolution of these people. Theyre a very important entity to me and 1,700 registered voters in my community. I hope you dont vote to dissolve these people. Id really rather sit down and talk to you and them about extending this agreement.
CLINTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  An investigation is underway after Commonwealths Attorney Michael B. Stacy was killed in a crash on Tuesday, and his son was flown to an out-of-state hospital following a single-vehicle crash.

Around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, troopers with Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 1 were dispatched to the 3000 block of US-51 in Clinton after being told about a crash in the area.

Woman shot by Knox Co. deputy while armed with pitchfork in critical condition

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An initial investigation showed that a 2018 Infinity Q50 driven by Hon. Michael Stacy, 68, of Kevil, was driving north on US-51 when, for unknown reasons, the car reportedly went off the road, hitting a tree.

Stacy was pronounced dead at the scene. His son, Michael Bo Stacy II, 30, of Cunningham, was flown out of the state to a hospital where state police said he was in stable condition.

Stacy and his son were both wearing their seatbelts, per law enforcement.

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On Wednesday, the Lyon County Sheriffs Office posted on social media, asking the community to pray for Stacys family and healing for his son.

The deadly crash investigation remains ongoing.

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Kazakhstan teams up with France for pioneering livestock genetics breakthrough

Photo: Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The Vice Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, Amangali Berdalin, met with a French delegation to discuss enhancing cooperation with the French genetic company SYNETICS in the fields of livestock breeding and genetics. The meeting led to an agreement on a future Memorandum of Understanding between Kazakhstans National Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine and its French counterpart.

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Apr. 29The Communities in Schools of the Permian Basin fundraiser Jockeys, Juleps and All that Jazz is coming up at 5:30 p.m. May 2 at the Petroleum Club in Midland.

This is the 11th edition of the Kentucky Derby-themed event in 13 years. Executive Director Eliseo Elizondo said COVID interrupted things for two years. The event usually draws between 300 and 500 people.

For the most part, Communities in Schools is grant funded, but it has other funding sources and even gets some state money. But as far as local fundraisers, this is the only one.

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"It plays an important part, because we're trying to ... net six figures. This goes a long way in helping us maintain our staffing levels to where we can maintain our services and our footprint in the Permian Basin," Elizondo said.

Initially established to address the area's dropout rate, Communities in Schools of the Permian Basin's mission is to "surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life."

It serves Ector, Midland and Reeves counties. They were in Big Spring, but the district ran out of funding.

Midland and Ector County ISD have maintained their financial support, despite both districts having to undergo belt-tightening measures. This is important and speaks to the knowledge and confidence the districts have in Communities in Schools.

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"I'm extremely grateful and happy to hear that so far, so good that we're not on anybody's chopping block. It's business. I realize that. I've served on school boards, and I know those tough decisions that come up when you're in those situations. You've got to make some really tough decisions ... so I have an extreme appreciation for that processes they are going through, and the pain they're feeling," Elizondo said.

But having come through it so far, he said, speaks volumes to Communities in Schools' on the districts in the community.

"We wrap up in May, towards the end of the school year. It's a Kentucky Derby-themed event, hence the jockeys and juleps and all that jazz," Elizondo said.

He added that this is a busy time of year, especially for the schools, but it's a chance for the organization, the board, schools and supporters to have a fundraiser and celebrate the accomplishments of the year.

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"It's kind of a twofer in that sense. Like I said, it's a good time and, of course, an important fundraiser for us," Elizondo said.

Generally, it has raised six figures.

"The schools support us financially and logistically. Then that goes for other funders. Our foundations are great partners ... and then we get a little bit of state funding, which, again, is not guaranteed. I'm on pins and needles waiting to see the outcome of what the budget looks like coming out of this legislative session. Every two years I've got to sweat that out. There's a lot of things up in the air right now. ... I try not to assume anything. We're planning to continue to do our work to the best of our ability, as much as we can and maintain, if not even grow possibly, in the near future," Elizondo said.

He has been at CIS of the Permian Basin for nine years and when he first got there state funding made up about 40 percent of the budget and he's got it down to about 20 percent. That's with tripling the size of the program. It is administered as a line item through the Texas Education Agency budget.

Elizondo said they keep an eye on public school funding because as public education funding goes, so goes funding for Communities in Schools in general.
CHATHAM, Ill.  A tragic accident at a daycare in Chatham, Illinois, has claimed the lives of four young people after a car crashed into the building yesterday, April 28.

The victims of the accident were Kathryn Corley, Alma Buhnerkempe, Ainsley Johnson, and Rylee Britton, ranging in age from 7 to 18 years old. They were in and around the daycare when the crash occurred, engaged in their daily activities.

Outside the daycare, the community has gathered to mourn the loss, leaving nearly 50 bouquets of flowers, stuffed animals, balloons, and heartfelt signs.

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Messages of love and heartbreak adorn the site, with the phrase Chatham Strong repeated as a call for unity. Residents have been stopping by to pray and support one another, trying to process the unthinkable tragedy that has shaken their town.

As Chatham grapples with this devastating event, the communitys display of solidarity serves as a testament to their resilience and shared grief.

All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.

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Competency hearing set for Ridgecrest stabbing suspect

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  An 18-year-old man accused of stabbing a woman in Ridgecrest will undergo a hearing to determine if hes mentally competent and the case against him can proceed.

Damahjai Kelly was arraigned this week on charges including attempted murder and mayhem. Hes being held without bail.

Court records show a competency hearing is scheduled in June at which a judge will decide whether Kelly understands the charges against him and can assist defense counsel in the preparation of a defense. The judge will consider a psychiatrists evaluation of Kelly in making the decision.

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If Kelly is found competent, the case will proceed; if not, charges will be suspended and hell be sent to a state hospital where efforts will be made to restore him to competency.

Kelly was arrested April 24 after police were dispatched to the 300 block of South China Lake Boulevard at 6:39 a.m. to a report of a 44-year-old woman who was stabbed. She was seriously injured but survived.

A sergeant found Kelly  who matched the suspects description  near South Sanders Street and West Church Avenue. Police say Kelly ran and was tackled as he reached for a knife. He was arrested without further incident.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man accused of the 2023 murder of a Smith Township woman is not competent to stand trial.

Nicholas Cunningham, 33, had his competency restored after receiving treatment at a mental health facility following an evaluation that he was incompetent to stand trial for the Oct. 26, 2023, death of Gena Wade, 44.

Two previous evaluations ordered by Judge Anthony Donofrio in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court had found Cunningham incompetent to stand trial.

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It was learned during a hearing Tuesday that Cunninghams competency has now been restored.

Still to be decided is a request by Cunninghams lawyer, Michael Kivlighan, to allow his client to plead not guilty by reason of insanity. Another pretrial hearing has been set for June 17.

Wade was found dead Oct. 26 at a home in the 18000 block of Courtney Road by paramedics answering a medical call.

Cunningham was charged about two weeks later. Investigators said at the time that Wade and Cunningham had been friends, but at some point, Wade had a protection order against Cunningham. The protection order was granted in March, investigators said.

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Very few details, including how Wade died, have been released in the case.

A competency evaluation determines if a defendant understands the charges against him and if they can assist their lawyer in defending themselves.

If a defendant is determined not competent, they are treated at a mental health facility to see if their competency can be restored. If it can be restored, they can face trial for the charge against them.

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The nations only Black, all-female unit to serve in Europe during World War II was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on Tuesday, decades after their efforts helped lift morale for soldiers fighting in battle.

The Six Triple Eight are great American patriots, loyal to a nation that, for far too long, failed to return the favor, House Speaker Mike Johnson said at Tuesdays ceremony. And Im glad to say thats changing, and were doing that here today.

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, often referred to as the Six Triple Eight, cleared a backlog of nearly 17 million pieces of mail in three months during the war  twice as fast as expected.

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The women, who faced both racial and sexism during their service, were credited with ensuring service members received letters from their loved ones. They served first in England before moving to France.

In 2021, the Senate passed legislation to award the women the highest honor in Congress: the Congressional Gold Medal, followed by a 422-0 House vote in 2022. Former President Biden signed the bill into law that year.

Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), who co-sponsored the legislation for the award, said at the time that the medal is only fitting for these veterans who received little recognition for their service after returning home.

Tuesdays ceremony took place in Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol, a fitting place to recognize the Six Triple Eights work, Moore said, because of the enslaved and free Africans who built it with little to no recognition  much like the women of the 6888th Battalion.

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The Six Triple Eight Battalion were these unsung sheroes who served their country, Moore said. They did it because they were patriotic, not because they ever thought they would get any recognition.

Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said the battalion was that of extraordinary women.

These fiercely passionate, patriotic and persistent members of the womens army corps, deployed knowing that they would confront the dual challenges of racism and sexism at the hands of their own military and beyond, Jeffries said.

He referenced the womens battle cry  No mail, low morale  as he spoke of how they accomplished what others could not, in a war zone with bombs dropping above and horrific warehouse conditions.

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Tuesdays ceremony, Jeffries added, was the opportunity to salute these mighty veterans, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Of the 855 women who served in the battalion, only two are still alive, according to the Associated Press.

Johnson on Tuesday presented the medal to the family of the unit commander, Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley.

The award followed years of advocacy, including having a monument erected in their honor in 2018 at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. In 2019, the women were awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation. Just last year, a Netflix film starring Kerry Washington and directed by Tyler Perry explored the womens story.

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The award comes amid President Trumps crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion in federal agencies, including the military.

Trump signed an executive order earlier this year directing the military to remove all DEI programs and policies from the armed forces.

But in its efforts to comply with Trumps order, the Pentagon faced backlash for removing webpages dedicated to Black service members  including Army Maj. Gen. Charles C. Rogers, a recipient of the Medal of Honor  the Navajo Code Talkers and Japanese Americans.

Amid Trumps efforts to rewrite history, the Six Triple Eight story is so important to share, Moore told The Hill in a statement on Tuesday. We cannot forget their contributions and heroic service to our country, boosting service member morale under the difficult conditions of war. Im honored to help lift up their stories and to see more Americans learn this history.

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Jeffries on Tuesday emphasized that the ceremony was bipartisan.

We reject any efforts now to erase this history, said Jeffries. That is why this bipartisan ceremony is so particularly important. The women of the Six Triple Eight overcame the odds, disproved the doubters and courageously contributed to the allied victory in World War II.

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WASHINGTON, April 29 (UPI) -- The House Military and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Tuesday questioned Department of Defense officials about an increase in unauthorized drone activity over military bases and criminal cartels' drone usage at the southern border.

Lawmakers said they want a comprehensive bill to enhance technology to "defeat adversaries" after a slew of drone sightings by "transnational criminal organizations" were reported last year.

"It's only a matter of time until we have our next 9/11 terrorist attack," Rep. John McGuire, R-Va., said at the hearing. "The problem is bureaucracy prevents action, but this time, we know about it, and we can fix it."

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The DOD detected 350 drones over 100 military sites last year, according to testimony at the hearing. U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Paul Spedero Jr., one of the two officials testifying, said he would not reveal in an unclassified setting how that compares to previous years.

"It has grown, though," he said.

Committee members blamed "bad actors," such as the Chinese Communist Party, Iranians and south-of-the-border criminal cartels, for the increased activity over military installations.

"We had open borders for the last four years, so the terrorist activity that's now in our country, bad actors from other states that don't have the best interest of our country," Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, said. "What can we do to speed up this process so that it's handled with urgency?"

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Since 2023, two Chinese nationals have been arrested for illegally flying drones to surveil military sites, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform said in a news release.

Defense officials said many bases lack the capability to efficiently detect drones or defeat them.

"In general, the technology to field systems has far outpaced the technology to defeat those systems," Spedero said, calling the Defense Department's capabilities "not comprehensive," "not efficient" and "var[ying] base to base."

Lawmakers and the two men testifying pointed to unclear rules and oversight by too many agencies.

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The DOD, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security oversee some parts of these sightings.

"These incursions happened while the Biden administration sat on their hands, allowing bureaucracy and interagency dysfunction to run the show," said Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., an Air Force veteran, Trump supporter and onetime Freedom Caucus member.

As lawmakers looked for answers, defense officials asked for funding and clear guidance on who has the authority to take down drones.

Although no official action was voted upon, Cloud suggested a possible solution. He recommended changing the drone regulatory language from "aircraft' to "manned aircraft," which would allow for more military authority to shoot down the drones.

The committee has five legislative days to submit any additional questions.
IN JUST A FEW MONTHS, Americans have seen how much harm can be done by an unconstrained president who no longer needs the electorate to achieve his aims. Lawful residents of the United States disappeared off the streets and whisked away to foreign prisons without due process. Private law firms and universities coerced into surrendering their historic independence. Unpredictable tariffs roiling markets, raising prices, and wreaking havoc on the global economy.

American democracy and prosperity are already suffering from an excess of executive power. The last thing we need is a judicial revolution that would hand vast new powers to the president over Congresss explicit and longstanding objection.

Yet thats just what President Trump wantsand, if the Supreme Court rules his way in a pending case, he could get it soon.

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In Trump v. Wilcox, Trump recently asked the Court to give him the power to fire the heads of traditional independent agencies at will, in violation of express statutory protections and a century of related precedent. The laws at issue say the president can fire such officers, but only for legal cause. For Trump, thats not good enough. He wants the power to fire such officers for a good reason, a bad reason, or no reason at all.

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Trumps attempted power grab should be opposed by all Americans, regardless of party. After all, what a Republican president can do today, a Democratic president can do tomorrow. But Trumps constitutional theory should be particularly troubling to conservatives, because it undermines foundational principles they have long championed.

Thanks in large part to judicial conservatives, for example, its now settled that legal interpretation should start with text. The text of the Constitution does not say the president has any removal power, much less one that is absolute. Trumps theory is that the executive power vested in the president must embrace an exclusive and preclusive removal power. But the Constitutions explicit treatment of other executive powerssuch as the power to appoint executive officers, some of whom must be confirmed by the Senateshows that such powers need not be exclusive and preclusive; and the Constitution gives Congress, not the president, broad power to make all laws . . . necessary and proper for carrying into execution all powers vested in any Department or Officer of the United States.

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Legal precedent and history likewise support the validity of the laws Trump wants the Court to strike down. In 1935 and 1958, the Supreme Court affirmed Congresss authority to create agencies that enjoy at least some protection from presidential control. Both decisions were unanimous. The political branches have relied heavily on those precedents; indeed, much of modern governance is based on them.

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As Trump sees it, all three branches of government have been wrong for almost a century. Congress was wrong to pass laws creating independent agencies; presidents of both parties were wrong to sign those bills into law and then to follow them; and the Supreme Court was wrong to uphold them. That dubious and startling assertion should be a tough pill for anyone to swallow. But it should be a nonstarter for conservatives, for at least three reasons.

First, even if one were inclined to accept Trumps constitutional theory, the practical question today is whether the precedents Trump dislikes are not just wrong, but so grievously or egregiously wrong (as Justice Kavanaugh once put it) as to justify overruling them. Trumps theory flunks that test. Constitutional text and history provide ample support for those precedents, and some of our greatest legal mindsincluding, among many others, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Marshall, not to mention the justices who served on the Supreme Court when it decided those key cases in 1935 and 1958have at times rejected Trumps atextual theory of an inherent and absolute removal power.

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Second, if agencies with removal protections dont work well in practice, or if they raise so-called separation of powers policy objections, the political branches of government can change them at any time. All Trump has to do is convince fellow Republicans in Congress that he should be entrusted with even more power.

Congress is better positioned than the courts to assess the debatable policy arguments Trump wants to constitutionalize. Let him try to persuade Congress, for example, that the Federal Reserve, the Federal Election Commission, and other traditionally independent agencies are apt to make better decisions and enjoy greater legitimacy if a democratically accountable president has the power to fire their heads at will. Congress may consult common sense and consider real-world facts in assessing the extent to which voters may meaningfully hold presidents (including second-term presidents who cant be re-elected) accountable for the thousands of decisions agencies make every day; and it could then balance that perceived benefit against competing costs, including the practical impact on decision-making critical to the national economy and the potential democracy-distorting effects of further increasing presidential power.

Third, Trumps reliance on abstract theory flies in the face of one of conservatisms most important insights. As Edmund Burke cautioned in his Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790), the solid test of long experience is more reliable than pure reason as a guide to human conduct. In other words, institutions that have withstood the test of time should be presumed to embody a distillation of human wisdom and experience. Thats not to say theyre perfect. We all have feet made of clay; any human enterprise will be flawed. But, especially in an advanced and enormously successful society like ours, the path to progress is through gradual and incremental reform, not sudden revolution.

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Trumps approach could not be more different; he wants the Court to bulldoze laws that have been in place for a century. In support, the presidents lawyers selectively cite certain language from recent opinions while ignoring the fact that a majority of the justices, in those same cases, went out of their way to reassure Congress and the American people that they were not casting doubt on the validity of longstanding precedents.

Clever lawyering and wordsmithing cannot obscure the truth. No matter how its couched, any ruling from the Supreme Court that allows Trump to defy longstanding removal protections for traditional independent agencies would radically expand the powers of the president. Thats the last thing we need now. If it must come, any such revolution should not be unleashed on the American people without support from the peoples elected representatives in Congress.

At a minimum, the Court should not reward the president for manufacturing an emergency by violating long-settled law and then seeking relief on the emergency docket. In his emergency stay application, Trump told the Court that he should not have to tolerate officers whose views he does not likeofficers who were all nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senatefor a single day. But why not? Every other president since FDR, including Trump himself during his first term, has done just that.

Our democracy has flourished in spite ofand arguably to some extent because ofthe legal restraints Trump now wants the Court to strike down. Conservatives, of all people, should not underestimate the perils of casting those restraints aside based on singleminded devotion to an abstract and highly debatable theory, and the Supreme Court should not be complicit in further aggrandizing and emboldening an already too-powerful presidency.

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Amit Agarwal, a special counsel for Protect Democracy, was a law clerk to Justice Samuel Alito and then-Judge Kavanaugh and served as solicitor general of Florida from 201621. He is one of the lawyers representing the plaintiffs in Slaughter v. Trump, a case challenging Trumps attempted removal of two FTC commissioners. This article reflects only his own views.
F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function."

Im no first-rate intellect, but Im going to do my best to keep functioning anyway, as I try to consider two opposing ideas about how change happens as equally true.

The case for incrementalism

In many of the circles I find myself in these days, its become fashionable to call for bold action. We say things like, We cant afford to take small steps, or This is a time for urgency and big swings. The thing to be avoided at all costs is technocratic incrementalism, the idea of tackling big problems with small, steady efforts.

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Ive said these things. Ive meant them. Honestly, I still do. But I also believe something else, which sits uncomfortably alongside that belief: Incrementalism is often the best we can realistically do, in a policy world rife with compromises and trade-offs.

Opinion: Mike Braun's property tax cut lost the plot

I offer this tension as a frame for thinking about Indianas latest legislative session, especially as it relates to mental health. I began my time as an Indy Star contributor with a piece urging lawmakers to keep their promises and fully fund the overhaul of Indianas mental health system that began in 2023. I used all the adjectives of the bold or bust movement: words like historic and transformational.

If were grading on the scale of sweeping change and radical reinvention, then the answer to the question Did legislators keep their promises? is no. This session did not deliver a grand leap forward for mental health.

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But Id argue that it was a win, all the same.

Winning by not losing

A look at the Indiana Statehouse on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Indianapolis.

In a session marked by a $2.4 billion revenue shortfall and cuts to many high-priority initiatives, the new funding that was secured for mental health last budget session (an additional $50 million annually to build the new system) was not cut.

That may not sound like a big win, but Im counting it as a meaningful step forward. We didnt get the long-term, sustainable funding that advocates and providers were pushing for, but we did preserve the opportunity to keep building, and early signs suggest that its already paying off. Sources tell me that Indianas Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic pilot sites are significantly improving access to care, reaching more people and closing some longstanding gaps.

The work is far from done. Gaps will remain, and people will still fall through them. But if we continue to build smartly and collaboratively, measure whats working, and keep making the case for investment, well have another shot at lasting change in two years.

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Legislative leaders compared this budget environment to the aftermath of the Great Recession, when former Gov. Mitch Daniels and the legislature gutted most of the Indiana human services field, including mental health. The damage from that earlier era is something the field is only now recovering from. Through that lens, just holding ground this year is no small thing. In a landscape full of hard choices, we protected our progress.

And thats not all.

Indiana will pursue promising mental health treatment

Buried deep in the budget bill is something that might prove to be more than incremental. The legislature appropriated new funding for further study of psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health and substance use disorder.

Full disclosure: Im a convert. I could bore you with studies, like the one where two-thirds of veterans with PTSD no longer met the criteria for the disorder after undergoing psychedelic-assisted therapy. It's not yet a gold-standard, fully approved treatment, but it is incredibly promising.

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Studies are important, but stories of changed lives are what matter. Consider the story of Colts player Braden Smith, who bravely shared his own mental health journey in IndyStar. He found healing through psychedelic therapy, but he had to go to Mexico to do it. Thanks to this new funding, future Braden Smiths might be able to get help closer to home.

Opinion: Make Indiana Healthy Again is about cost-cutting, not wellness

Indiana is a notoriously temperamentally conservative state (we havent even legalized medical cannabis), and we just took a significant step toward exploring psychedelic mental health treatment. That is something close to miraculous.

Ive been (and will continue to be) critical of our leaders when its warranted. There is plenty in this budget, or about this session, that I dont like. Ill keep being critical when it is called for.

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It is important, however, to give credit where its due. When future Hoosiers look back at mental health in the 2025 session, they might not see the transformational change that some hoped for, but they will see that the legislature preserved hard-won progress, and maybe took a surprising bold step forward too.

Jay Chaudhary is the former director of the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction and chair of the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission. He writes the Substack, Favorable Thriving Conditions.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Psychedelic mental health treatment gets funding in Indiana | Opinion
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. QatarEnergy has entered into a long-term condensate supply agreement with Shell International Eastern Trading Company (SIETCO), a subsidiary of Shell Plc, Trend reports.

The agreement, which was signed by QatarEnergys Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President & CEO, His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, and Shell CEO Mr. Wael Sawan, outlines the supply of up to 285 million barrels of condensate to Shell over a 25-year period, beginning in July 2025.

In his remarks at the signing ceremony, Minister Al-Kaabi highlighted the significance of the agreement, noting that it represents QatarEnergys first 25-year condensate sales deal, making it the largest and longest of its kind to date. He emphasized the strategic importance of the deal, stating that it strengthens QatarEnergy's relationship with Shell, a partner in various energy projects.

The two companies have previously signed a 20-year naphtha sales agreement, and Minister Al-Kaabi reiterated that these long-term agreements provide stability and contribute to creating more value for Shell.

Shell's Mr. Sawan also expressed satisfaction with the agreement, noting the importance of their enduring strategic partnership with QatarEnergy. The two companies have a history of successful collaborations in energy projects, including joint investments in QatarEnergys LNG projects and the Pearl GTL Plant, among others.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen speaks during a rally in support of detained Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi Credit - Kayla BartkowskiGetty Images

For the past month, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland has been thrust into an international standoff as he tries to secure the return of a Salvadoran national who had been living in Maryland when the Trump Administration mistakenly sent him to prison in El Salvador.

TIME spoke with Van Hollen on Wednesday, a day after President Donald Trump acknowledged in an ABC News interview that he could free Kilmar Abrego Garcia from an El Salvador prison but refuses to do so. The Senator, who met with Abrego Garcia in El Salvador earlier this month, slammed Trump for refusing to intervene in the case: We are in a constitutional crisis, he says, pointing to the Supreme Courts decision instructing the Trump Administration to facilitate his return. Last week, Trump told TIME that he hadnt asked President Nayib Bukele to return Abrego Garcia, explaining, I haven't been asked to ask him by my attorneys.

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Trump has repeatedly claimed without evidence that Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 gang memberan assertion largely based on a photoshopped image of his tattoos circulated on social media. If he were the gentleman that you say he is, I would do that, Trump told ABC News on Tuesday. But hes not.

Van Hollen also called for a tourism boycott of El Salvador, which is being paid $6 million by the U.S. government to jail immigrants being deported. Until the government of El Salvador stops conspiring with the Trump Administration to violate constitutional rights, people should stay away from El Salvador, he says. Van Hollen added he was told by El Salvadors Vice President that the Central American country was only keeping his constituent because of a financial deal with the Trump Administration to hold any deportee it sends.

Heres what Van Hollen told TIME about why he believes constitutional rights of all Americans are at stake in the Abrego Garcia case.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

In the ABC interview, Trump said that he could return Kilmar Abrego Garcia if he wanted to. What was your reaction to that?

My reaction is that President Trump admitted what we all know, which is that he has the power to comply with the Supreme Court ruling and facilitate the return of Abrego Garcia. In fact, he just admitted that he could do it, and that also means he's admitting that he's defying the court order.

I want to ask about that more in a second. But first, in our interview with Trump last week, he said he was leaving the case up to his lawyers. What do you make of thatthe President of the United States saying he's not the one making the decision on this?

He's just trying to shift responsibility. This is a President who says that the buck stops with him, but whenever he gets a tough question, he points to others in the Administration. He's clearly trying to deflect responsibility for his ongoing violation of court orders and his ongoing violation of the Constitution and due process.

Do you know who on his legal team is the leading voice on this? Have you tried contacting them?

I don't know. We all know that the original Trump lawyer in the case admitted in federal court that the Trump Administration had wrongfully seized and shipped Abrego Garcia off to prison in El Salvador. Of course, that lawyer was punished for telling the truth in court. Since then, I really don't know who is representing the views of the Trump Administration. I did see Attorney General Bondi during the meeting in the Oval Office with President Bukele say that the United States would be willing to send a plane down to El Salvador to pick up Abrego Garcia. They should do that.

Trump also told TIME that he hasn't been asked to ask President Bukele to return Abrego Garcia. But the Supreme Court ruled that his Administration must facilitate his return. What's your reaction to that comment from him, and do you believe the country is currently in a constitutional crisis?

Well, the President's answer shows that he's openly defying a court order, and yes, we are in a constitutional crisis when the Trump Administration is violating the Constitution and due process rights and refusing to comply with a court order. As everyone knows, it's pretty rare that we see a nine-to-zero ruling out of the Supreme Court and such a strong opinion from the Fourth Circuit.

And you've said the only reason that El Salvador is keeping Abrego Garcia is because they entered into an agreement with the United States. So if, like you said, El Salvador is contractually obligated to hold him, what could Trump do to reverse that?

He can simply say that El Salvador is not contractually obligated to illegally keep Abrego Garcia. It's not me that's saying thatit was the Vice President of El Salvador who told me directly that the government of El Salvador was holding Abrego Garcia because the Trump Administration is paying them to do so. It could not have been [more] clear. He said that the ball was in our court, meaning America's court.



And you wrote a letter to Trump on this yesterday. What did you say?

Well, I made the point that this case is not just about one manAbrego Garcia. It's about all of us, and if you can violate one person's constitutional rights, you threaten the constitutional rights of everybody who lives in America. I spelled out the details of Abrego Garcia's case. I pointed out to the President that his own Administration had admitted that he'd been wrongfully deported, and then I reported in detail on my conversation with the Vice President of El Salvador, which revealed very clearly that the Trump Administration could bring him back, and that the Trump administration was in flagrant disregard of the court orders.

Have you gotten a response to that letter? Do you expect to get a response?

Well, I've not gotten a response to the letter, but we did see in the ABC interview that the President publicly admitted that he could just pick up the phone and facilitate the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

Are you planning another trip to El Salvador, or are you thinking of going back to check in on him and push for his release?

I'm going to continue to push to secure the constitutional due process rights of Mr. Abrego Garcia, using whatever tools I think are most effective. And again, I want to remind people that I'm not vouching for Mr. Abrego Garcia. I'm vouching for his rights because they implicate everybody's rights.

What else can Congress, or Democrats, do about Abrego Garcia's case and the other deportation cases?

Well, I think we can continue to shine a spotlight on the fact that the President and his Administration are violating the Constitution. Recent surveys show that the American public is not buying his story or his efforts to change the conversation. They understand that their own constitutional rights are at stake in this case, because if you can violate them for one person, you can violate them for all. The other thing I will say is that we can put economic pressure on the government of El Salvador. One thing that President Bukele wants more than anything else is to have a strong economy. So I have said that American tourists can vote with their feet. There are lots of wonderful countries in Central America, including Costa Rica, including Guatemala, and until the government of El Salvador stops conspiring with the Trump Administration to violate constitutional rights, people should stay away from El Salvador. I've also encouraged states to divest holdings from their pension funds with respect to businesses in El Salvador. The Governor of Illinois recently said he was going to pursue that. And finally, I'm working with colleagues to take other actions to put pressure on the government of El Salvador.

Trump has repeated the unproven accusation that Abrego Garcia is part of MS-13, which the Administration has designated a foreign terrorist group. What did you make of the argument Trump made in the ABC interview over the image of tattoos on his knuckles being proof that hes a gang member?

Well, as you know, that's been subject to many fact checkers, but my bottom line remains what I've said repeatedly, including in my letter to the President, which is that they should put up or shut up in court. Enough of the social media. Go present any evidence you have to the court. That is where we resolve these questions. That is where people testify under oath. And I will point out once again that the U.S. District Court Judge in this case, Judge Xinis, said that the Trump Administration has provided no evidence linking Abrego Garcia to MS-13 or any terrorist activity. So enough on social media, put up or shut up in court.

Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com.
Greece is known for its year-round beauty and picturesque coastline. But even a country rich in scenic charm can have a dark cloud hanging over its own history.

Such was the case last month when construction workers in Greece discovered a civl war-era mass grave in the ancient Greek port city of Thessaloniki. According to The Associated Press, workers were installing benches at the National Resistance Park when they suddenly came upon a white skull.

Related: Reporting On the Aftermath of the Central African Republic's Civil War

The workers put their motorized machines on pause and they picked up pickaxes and shoves. They soon discovered two skeletons, which ultimately gave way to a staggering 33 sets of bones. The outlet reports that the skeletons were all laying in a tight cluster of unmarked burial pits in the shadow of a Byzantine fortress.

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A supervising engineer at the site told the AP that they "found many bullets in the heads" and "the skulls."

A mass grave with 13 skeletons of those executed during the civil war was found in the area of the National Resistance Park - Monument in the Sykies area of Thessaloniki, where renovation works are underway, March 17, 2025. Since the start of the works, 33 skeletons, both women and men, have been found. The site of the park served as a place of execution of political prisoners in the adjacent former prisons of Eptapyrgio (Yenti Koule) during the civil war and afterwards (1946 - 1954). (Photo by Konstantinos Tsakalidis / SOOC / SOOC via AFP) (Photo by KONSTANTINOS TSAKALIDIS/SOOC/AFP via Getty Images) KONSTANTINOS TSAKALIDIS/Getty Images

The discovery has prompted possible descendants of prisonershoused at Yedi Kule Castle during Greece's Civl War from 1946 to 1949 before they were executedto call for DNA testing "so they can retrieve the remains of their grandfather, great-grandfather or uncle." Those same descendants have also been visiting the site and leaving flowers in the last few weeks since the gruesome discovery.

City officials are now urging families of the missing to submit genetic material. Once those bodies are identified, they'll be returned to their relatives.

Historians say that as many as 400 Yedi Kule prisoners were executed during the Civil War. The AP reports that tens of thousands also died in the early Cold War-era battles with assassination squads, child abductions and mass displacements.

A mass grave with 13 skeletons of those executed during the civil war was found in the area of the National Resistance Park - Monument in the Sykies area of Thessaloniki, where renovation works are underway, March 17, 2025. Since the start of the works, 33 skeletons, both women and men, have been found. The site of the park served as a place of execution of political prisoners in the adjacent former prisons of Eptapyrgio (Yenti Koule) during the civil war and afterwards (1946 - 1954). (Photo by Konstantinos Tsakalidis / SOOC / SOOC via AFP) (Photo by KONSTANTINOS TSAKALIDIS/SOOC/AFP via Getty Images) KONSTANTINOS TSAKALIDIS/Getty Images

Workers say they found a number of items along with the skeletons, including a ring, a woman's shoe and a handbag.

The site is Greece's first Civil War mass grave to be exhumed. And now the city's mayor has ordered an expansion of the dig to other parts of the park in the coming weeks.
Most American presidents have learned the wrong lessons from the American War in Vietnam, as it is called there. The most recent presidential misstep is Donald Trumps attempt to prevent U.S. diplomats in Vietnam from participating in that countrys events on April 30 commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. The United States should be doing all it can to engage with Vietnam, taking the interests of both countries into account, but all too often the U.S. has pursued only its own mistaken agenda, in that country and elsewhere, with devastating human consequences.

The first and most basic mistake was the American refusal to let the Vietnamese determine their own political reality. The French colonized Vietnam, along with Laos and Cambodia, and multiple American presidents, from Woodrow Wilson in 1919 to Harry Truman in 1945 to Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, sided with the French. This was despite the efforts of Ho Chi Minh to couch his requests for American recognition using the language of freedom and independence, including a comparison of the Vietnamese revolution to the American Revolution.

Not all the Vietnamese agreed with Ho, but it was his Viet Minh forces who defeated the French in 1954. The U.S. then took over the French colonial mission and prevented the reunifying of the north and south. Southeast Asia was seen as a focal point of the Cold War, a region that needed American paternal guidance rather than self-determination. As then-Sen. John F. Kennedy said of Vietnam in 1957, This is our offspring, ... and if it falls victim to any of the perils that threaten its existence  communism, political anarchy, poverty and the rest  then the United States, with some justification, will be held responsible, and our prestige in Asia will sink to a new low.

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Read more: 50 years after the fall of Saigon, Vietnam tweaks the story of its victory

Kennedy committed increasing numbers of U.S. military personnel in Vietnam in the early 1960s. President Lyndon B. Johnson escalated that involvement to over half a million troops by the late 1960s. He was prescient about the political costs of the war: If I left the woman I really loved  the Great Society  in order to get involved with that bitch of a war on the other side of the world, then I would lose everything at home. Johnson declined to run for reelection, and Richard Nixon won, promising the Vietnamization of the war, as if it were not the case already.

While it is understandable that Americans focus on their own dead in Vietnam, that ethnocentric and nationalist preoccupation represents a reckless disregard for reality. In 1977, Jimmy Carter, about as liberal a president as any ever in the White House, said of the war that  the destruction was mutual . If mutual implies a kind of symmetry, this is factually untrue.

In the 1960s, the U.S. suffered a kind of civil war of the American soul whereby the conflict between pro-war and antiwar factions mixed with other ruptures around race, class, gender and more, ruptures that have continued to this day in the culture wars. These conflicts may make Americans feel that they paid a heavy price for the Vietnam War, a price in addition to the more than 58,000 Americans who died.

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But 3 million Vietnamese died on all sides. Hundreds of thousands of Lao, Hmong and Cambodians died. And another 1.7 million Cambodians died during the Khmer Rouge genocide, a direct consequence of the war. Add the unknown numbers that died in re-education camps, and the tens of thousands that died as refugees. Thousands more died from land mines and unexploded ordnance left behind. And the effects of Agent Orange are still manifest today in illness and birth defects.

Read more: Viet Thanh Nguyen: In praise of doubt and uselessness

To avoid having to truly confront the staggering asymmetry of the Vietnam War, Americans might prefer to believe Carter when he said, We went to Vietnam without any desire to  impose American will on other people, or President Obama when he said that the war was a story of Americans  patriots who braved the line of fire, who cast themselves into harms way to save a friend, who fought hour after hour, day after day to preserve the liberties we hold dear.

Focusing on the sacrifices of soldiers is the way Americans refuse to consider the true cost of Vietnam. Others see the cost mostly as a loss of power and confidence that took years to restore. As President George H.W. Bush put it in 1991, Weve kicked the Vietnam syndrome once and for all, by which he meant that the success of Operation Desert Storm would allow the U.S. to engage again in military adventures that its failure in Vietnam had forestalled. This, unfortunately, is the corollary: American wars can be fought ever better, with fewer American casualties, ever greater American global dominance and less reporting of the damage done to non-Americans.

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Instead, our presidents should have learned not to interfere with wars of liberation and independence, not to invade Iraq or Afghanistan, not to support authoritarian governments and not to send bombs, weapons or aid to Israel in its war in Gaza, which in the eyes of Palestinians, many Americans and much of the rest of the world, is a genocide.

Read more: Tony Lam was an original influencer in Little Saigon  and he's still got it

The argument that the war in Southeast Asia was a noble but flawed effort, a failure of American innocence, was satirized by Graham Greene in his 1957 novel "The Quiet American." Greenes titular character, an idealistic CIA agent, believes he is in Vietnam doing good. When his actions lead to a bombing that kills civilians, Alden Pyle says, It was a pity, but you cant always hit your target. Anyway they died in the right cause. . . . In a way you could say they died for democracy. The cynical British journalist who has befriended Pyle reflects on how innocent Americans had conquered the Philippines, Hawaii, New Mexico and Puerto Rico, and concludes that innocence is a kind of insanity.

And here President Trump enters the scene, not as the Quiet American like his predecessors but as an Ugly American .

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For all his coarseness, Trump does sometimes expose the hypocrisy and pretensions of others, even if he is unaware of his own. Referring to his own refusal to go to war, he reportedly said, You think Im stupid; I wasn't going to Vietnam, which at least is more direct than the draft deferral of Bill Clinton, and many more like him, who apparently was also not stupid enough to go but was discreet enough not to say it in such a fashion.

Trump also called dead American soldiers of previous wars suckers and losers. People were shocked, but plenty of veterans were disillusioned by Vietnam and other wars. They felt their comrades died for nothing, or died heeding the call to defend freedom and democracy only to realize that war is a racket for corporate interests and American power, as retired Marine Maj. Gen. Smedley Butler put it after reflecting on his military service in Haiti, Cuba, Mexico and Central America.

Read more: Affirmative action isn't hurting Asian Americans. Here's why that myth survives

It is for those corporate interests and for American power that since April 30, 1975, presidents have rebuilt relations with Vietnam. The ultimate irony is that the victorious Vietnamese and the defeated Americans both got what they wanted. For the Vietnamese victors, if not the ones who lost, Vietnam is a free and independent nation, albeit one that represses the political opinions of its citizens. For Americans, Vietnam is a capitalist economy open for business, and a tentative ally against China. Had the U.S. simply let the Vietnamese determine their own future, the outcome would have likely been the same, minus the millions of dead.

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American interventions haunt the United States. President Reagan saw Central America as the next front of the Cold War after Southeast Asia. He threw his support behind authoritarian regimes including the one in El Salvador, whose U.S.-trained military fought a brutal civil war that killed thousands and displaced thousands more, many of whom fled to the United States. Some became gangsters and were deported back home, where they terrorized their fellow Salvadorans, creating the excuse for President Nayib Bukeles terrifying CECOT prison, where the United States is now sending people without due process.

So it is that we are caught up in the blowback from the past. In Vietnam, the United States has done the bare minimum to redress the wars ongoing effects: helping in the search for missing Vietnamese soldiers, paying some of the costs of remediating dioxin-affected land, removing unexploded ordnance. Trumps policies imperil even these efforts. His ruinous tariffs and his impulse to ignore the 50th anniversary of the wars end smack of pettiness and bad diplomacy. Or it could be that he simply shares in the delusion, the sense, when it comes to the United States, of being perpetually innocent.

Viet Thanh Nguyen, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2016, came to the U.S. as a refugee in 1975. His latest book is "To Save and to Destroy: Writing as an Other." He teaches at USC.

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.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  For the last four years, FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda has been the highest ranking law man in New Mexico. But now, after 27 years in law enforcement, Bujanda is stepping down.

Story continues below

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He sat down with News 13 for a candid discussion about crime in our state, and what its going to take to stop it. The hardest part here has been, said Bujanda. Just, its non-stop, right? Sometimes you hope that, you know, crime most places comes in waves, right? But its not consistent. In here, its consistent.

When it comes to crime, Bujanda is never satisfied. Now, if you look at the states, the statistics show that crime has come down, said Bujanda. But never to the level Im comfortable with saying I feel safe in every single part of this state. I dont think any of us could say that.

The former elementary school teacher says a demand for drugs and the supply of guns are the two constants. When asked how many bad guys who want guns, have guns, he said all of them. When asked how many teenagers who want guns, have guns, he told us, All of them. Its easy, they can get them at their school, they can get them at the local places. We can talk about the neighborhoods, we all know the locations, we all know if they want them and they have a couple dollars to spare, they are going to get them.

According to Bujanda, the gun problem isnt just big. Oh, its huge, Bujanda said. You dont need to go and buy a gun at Walmart, you can just buy it on the corner and probably the one on the corner is going to have all the features that you want  whether it be a pistol thats been converted into an automatic weapon or a fully automatic assault weapon, or a fully automatic assault rifle. Whatever it is that you want, and probably for less. Its a problem he believes is even beyond law enforcement.

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If I go back to my teaching days, it starts in the home and teaching kids theres consequences. These kids today, said Bujanda. Our parents are enough to keep us from doing something bad or our grandparents or someone in our community The last thing we wanted to do was to have an encounter with law enforcement.

As for what Bujanda would tell his replacement, he says theyll be around fantastic people. I would tell my replacement, said Bujanda. I would tell him or her to come in and take a little time to not only get to know the office, because they are amazing people, getting to know all of them, but also all of you, like, people that live in the state  listen to what theyre concerned about in the state.

And when it comes what Bujanda is proudest of, he told us this. The partnerships. I think There is no chief, no sheriff within the state where, I would even say the private sector, that wouldnt pick up the phone, said Bujanda. The second thing is they would be saying what can I do to help?'

Bujanda says he is also proud of the bureaus work on the long-ignored problem of missing and murdered indigenous people.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Two top food writers have accused influencer and bakery owner Brooke Bellamy of plagiarizing their recipes in her bestselling book.

Nagi Maehashi, who runs the RecipeTin Eats website, and Sally McKenney, of the Sallys Baking Addiction site, allege that several recipes in Bellamys book Bake With Brooki, which is published by Penguin Random House Australia, were copied from their own work  accusations that Bellamy, who has two million followers on TikTok, has denied.

Maehashi, author of the New York Times bestseller RecipeTin Eats: Dinner, who has 1.6 million followers on Instagram, set out her allegations in a post on her website Tuesday, publishing her own and Bellamys recipes for caramel slice and baklava side by side.

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To me, the similarities between the recipes in question are far too specific and detailed to be dismissed as coincidence, she wrote.

Nagi Maehashi, pictured in March 2023 - James Brickwood/Sydney Morning Herald/Getty Images

Im speaking up because staying silent protects this kind of behaviour. Profiting from plagiarised recipes is unethicaleven if it is not copyright infringementand undermines the integrity of the entire book, said Maehashi.

And its a slap in the face to every author who puts in the hard work to create original content rather than cutting corners, she added.

Maehashi also quoted a message from Penguins lawyers to her lawyer in which the company denies that the recipes were plagiarized.

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Our client respectfully rejects your clients allegations and confirms that the recipes in the BWB Book were written by Brooke Bellamy, reads a statement from Penguins legal team quoted by Maehashi in her post.

Maehashis second book, RecipeTin Eats: Tonight, and Bellamys Bake With Brooki are both shortlisted for the illustrated book of the year prize at the 2025 Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA).

CNN has contacted Maehashi and Penguin Random House Australia for comment.

McKenney backed Maehashi in a post on Instagram, where she has one million followers.

Nagi, you know how much I admire and support you  and Im so grateful you let me know months ago that one of my recipes (The Best Vanilla Cake Ive Ever Had, published by me in 2019) was also plagiarized in this book and also appears on the authors YouTube channel, she wrote.

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Original recipe creators who put in the work to develop and test recipes deserve credit  especially in a best-selling cookbook, added McKenney, who declined to offer further comment when contacted by CNN.

In response, Bellamy published a post on Instagram on Tuesday in which she said she had been making and selling her caramel slice for four years before Maehashi published her recipe on her website.

Bellamy, who runs three branches of her bakery chain Brooki Bakehouse, also released a statement sent to CNN on Wednesday in which she said the response to the allegations has been extremely overwhelming and deeply distressing.

I do not copy other peoples recipes. Like many bakers, I draw inspiration from the classics, but the creations you see at Brooki Bakehouse reflect my own experience, taste, and passion for baking, born of countless hours of my childhood spent in my home kitchen with Mum, the statement reads.

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While baking has leeway for creativity, much of it is a precise science and is necessarily formulaic. Many recipes are bound to share common steps and measures: if they dont, they simply dont work, Bellamy added.

Maehashi acknowledged that the law around plagiarism and online content makes it hard to challenge legally.

Copyright law protects creative expression, not facts or functional instructions. So while you cant copyright the idea of a caramel slice made without golden syrup in the filling copyright can protect the way a recipe is written, she wrote.

In practical terms, this means if someone copies enough of your words, they may be infringing your copyright. But if they just use the same ingredients and basic steps written in their own words, its usually not an infringement of copyright  even if its unethical because you have not been given credit, Maehashi added.

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CHICAGO (WGN)  New details have emerged concerning the involvement of two people wanted in connection with an officer-involved shooting in Chicago and a subsequent high-speed chase Monday afternoon through the south suburbs.

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) says their active investigation is ongoing, stemming from the shooting incident that began near the 3700 block of W. 67th Place.

According to COPAs findings from the early stages of their investigation, the incident reportedly began when an off-duty Chicago police officer encountered armed individuals breaking into vehicles on the street.

(Photo: SkyCam 9)

COPA said an exchange of gunfire eventually ensued between the off-duty officer and at least one of the individuals. COPA added that the officer sustained a minor injury and received treatment at a nearby hospital.

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COPA said the two suspects were unharmed.

The armed suspects fled the scene, eventually leading police on a high-speed chase, as SkyCam9 flew above. Riverdale Police Department spotted a vehicle wanted in connection with an officer-involved shooting of some sort in Chicago. Officers then pursued the suspect vehicle through Chicago and back down Interstate-94 into Glenwood.

SkyCam9 captured the moment both suspects fled the vehicle and attempted to evade police. The effort proved unsuccessful, however, as SkyCam9 captured the arrest of one suspect. Police later confirmed that a second suspect was also in custody.

As is standard, COPA will release video related to the incident within 60 days.

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Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

COPA asked anyone with information or video footage regarding the incident to contact their office at (312) 746-3609 or visit ChicagoCOPA.org.

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The Hamilton County Coroner has identified another victim of suspected serial killer Herbert Baumeister at Fox Hollow Farm in Westfield.

Daniel Thomas Halloran, of Indianapolis, was identified through a genealogy match. He is the second victim to be identified since Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison reopened the investigation into the disappearance of dozens of men in the early and mid-1990s and the 10th known victim overall.

The coroner's office has also identified Allen Livingston, 27, who went missing in August 1993, and re-confirmed through DNA matches two of the eight original victims identified in the 1990s, Jeffrey A. Jones, 31, and Manuel Resendez, 34.

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Unlike the other three IDs made by Jellisons office, Halloran was not matched through the national DNA database or with a living relatives DNA submission, but through a more time-consuming genealogy match by a private company. The coroner pulled a readable DNA sample from one of thousands of bone fragments it is testing and sent it to Othram Inc. of Texas, after failing to get a database match.

The company gave Jellison a report saying Halloran was most likely the victim, but he could not find a living relative to confirm the identity; the victims mother, father and brother were dead.

When Jellison learned Hallorans mother had died of a drug overdose two years ago, he checked with the Marion County Coroners office to see if it handled the case. They had  and they kept a DNA swab in their files. That swab confirmed Texas labs finding and Jellison subsequently found a living relative, a daughter.

It is not a quick process, it takes a lot of work and a lot of time, going through genealogy, Jellison said. But it is a significant development in our ongoing efforts to provide answers to the families.

Daniel Halloran, victim of Fox Hollow Farm serial killer Herb Baumeister

Jellison said his office has three other samples that will go to the genealogy lab.

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Halloran was born in March of 1962 and would have been about 30 years old at the time Baumeister was believed to have killed the victims at his large home in the woods and buried their slaughtered remains on his property. Halloran's daughter was only about 2 years old at the time he would have been killed, but no known missing persons report was ever filed with police to narrow down the time frame, Jellison said.

Baumeister is suspected of luring the victims, who were mostly gay men in their 20s and 30s, to his Hamilton County estate, where he killed and dismembered them. Baumeister killed himself shortly after police began unearthing bones on his property.

Authorities have said they believe about 25 people were killed at Fox Hollow Farm, but the number of victims could be higher. Many of the victims frequented gay bars in Indianapolis, where it is believed Baumeister met them.

Jellison has solicited and received about 35 DNA samples from people who believe a family member may have been a victim of Baumeister. His office is trying to match the samples with those kept in a federal DNA database of unsolved deaths.

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The coroner is working from a collection of more than 10,000 bone fragments being kept in storage at the University of Indianapolis.

Call IndyStar reporter John Tuohy at 317-444-6418. Email at john.tuohy@indystar.com and follow on X/Twitter and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Coroner identifies new Fox Hollow Farm victim, raises known total to 10
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting sued the Trump administration Tuesday, following its attempt to fire three members of the CPBs board.

Emails sent from the White House on Monday told three board members of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting that they were terminated, effective immediately, on behalf of President Donald J. Trump, per CNN. The corporations lawsuit is in response to those emails.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is not a government entity, and its board members are not government officers, the company said in a statement, per The New York Times. Because C.P.B. is not a federal agency subject to the presidents authority, but rather a private corporation, we have filed a lawsuit to block these firings.

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The CPBs five board members are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate for six-year terms. One of the current board members was originally appointed by Trump during his first term and was reappointed by former President Joe Biden. The rest were appointed by Biden.

According to Reuters, the emails were sent from Trent Morse, the White House deputy director of presidential personnel, to Thomas Rothman, Laura Ross and Diane Kaplan, seeking to fire them.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington, argues that under the law that created the corporation in 1967, Trump does not have the authority to fire the board members. The CPB is seeking a ruling to confirm that the termination emails have no legal effect, per CNN.

The lawsuit also asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order prohibiting the White House from interfering with the companys governance or operations, per The New York Times.

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On Tuesday afternoon, the court issued a preliminary ruling blocking the terminations of the board members, pending a hearing scheduled for May 14. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss instructed the government to file its opposition to the CPBs request for a restraining order by May 6 and directed the board to respond by May 9, ahead of the scheduled hearing.

According to The New York Times, the organization released a statement saying the decision was a first step to protect public media and affirm the rule of law.

The CPB is a nonprofit organization that was created by Congress. It distributes funding for over 1,500 locally managed public radio and TV stations, including NPR and PBS, per Reuters.

It was set up as a private entity to afford maximum protection from extraneous interference and control, according to the 1967 law that created the corporation. The legislation also forbids the government from exercising any direction, supervision, or control over educational television or radio broadcasting.

According to Reuters, several different media outlets have reported that the White House is planning to ask Congress to significantly reduce the funding allocated for CPB over the next two years.
CHATHAM, Ill (WCIA)  A community is coming together in color and shared heartbreak for the four girls killed, and six others injured in Chatham earlier this week.

Chatham Strong is plastered across social media and business signs. Red ribbons wrap trees while T-shirts of the same color show how unified the community is throughout their grieving process.

Hurting very, very badly: YNOT founder shares statement on Chatham tragedy

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You cant handle things like this alone because the pain is just too big, Chatham resident Brianna Coleman said.

Just a little more than 24 hours after police say 44-year-old Marianne Akers drove through the YNOT Outdoor Kids Camp, a candlelight vigil was held in honor of the victims.

7-year-old Kathyn Corley, 7-year-old Alma Buhnerkempe, 8-year-old Ainsley Johnson and 18-year-old Rylee Brittons lives were cut short in an instant. They never made it home to see their parents.

For me, personally, I have children that age and it hit home so hard because those could have been my babies, Coleman said.

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A candle was lit for each of the victims at the vigil. Moments of prayer and silence were followed by the sobs of children and the muffled cries of adults trying to console them.

IL leaders offer condolences for Chatham after school center tragedy

Being a parent, not being able to see [the victims] growth, have their own kids and be a grandparent, theyre gonna miss out on a lot of life, Chatham resident Titus Florence said. Ive lived a lot of life, but those kids lives never even started.

Florence said hes holding onto his children extra tight in wake of the tragedy. Although he didnt know any of the victims, he said its important to show their families how a whole community is willing to show up for them.

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Village President Dave Kimsey feels similarly.

Its the heart of what this community is, Kimsey said. Were able to celebrate together, were able to grieve together and were able to lift others up in times of need.

Tuesdays vigil is one of several memorial events and support services being offered in the community.

Earlier in the day, Scoop Du Jour handed out pizza while giving people a place to mourn together.

UPDATE: Chatham Village President requests flags at half-staff

Studio M Dance Centre, where victim Ainsley Johnson danced, cancelled classes but opened their doors to families and friends needing a space to come together.

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Chatham Presbyterian Church hosted about 15 grief counselors Tuesday night. Those same medical professionals will be there 5-7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday as well if people need a listening ear.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Press Release

April 30, 2025 Bong Go condoles with victims of Vancouver Lapu-Lapu Day Tragedy; calls for justice and continued support for Filipinos abroad Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims who perished during the Lapu-Lapu Day street festival tragedy in Vancouver, Canada on Sunday, April 27. Senator Go, Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers and member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said he is one with the Filipino community in mourning this horrific incident. "Ako po ay nakikiramay sa mga pamilya at kaibigan ng mga binawian ng buhay sa nangyaring karahasan sa Vancouver, Canada. Patuloy rin ang aking dalangin na sana ay tuluyang gumaling din ang mga nasaktan dahil sa insidenteng ito," he said in a statement. "Kinokondena ko ang pangyayaring ito. Buo naman ang aking tiwala sa mga Canadian authorities upang mabigyan ng hustisya ang mga biktima sa lalong madaling panahon," he added. At least 11 people lost their lives and several others were injured after a vehicle plowed through a crowd attending the Filipino community's celebration of Lapu-Lapu Day, an annual event commemorating the heroism of the indigenous Filipino leader who resisted Spanish colonization. Authorities identified the suspect as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, who now faces eight counts of second-degree murder. "Ang isang masayang araw sana upang ipagdiwang ang kagitingan ng ating bayaning si Lapu-Lapu ay napalitan ng dahas at lungkot," he said. There are reports that the alleged suspect had previous encounters with local Canadian police authorities because of his mental health condition. "If this is so, I trust that the necessary professional interventions be given too. Violence has no place in a civilized society," Go stressed. The senator also underscored his unwavering support for Filipinos living and working abroad, emphasizing that no matter where they are in the world, they will always have an ally in him. Go's advocacy for the protection and promotion of migrant workers' welfare has been a constant priority throughout his career. Among his key legislative initiatives was the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), a landmark agency designed to streamline and strengthen government support for overseas Filipinos. The DMW was officially established through Republic Act No. 11641, which was signed into law by then-President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2021, with Go as an author and co-sponsor. Further demonstrating his commitment, Go has filed Senate Bill No. 2297 to institutionalize the OFW Hospital in Pampanga, ensuring healthcare access specifically for overseas Filipino workers and their families. He also filed SBN 2414, known as the "OFW Ward Act," which mandates the creation of dedicated OFW wards in all Department of Health hospitals nationwide. As the Filipino community in Vancouver and around the world grapples with the tragedy, Senator Go reaffirmed his call for unity, compassion, and vigilance to ensure that celebrations of culture and heritage remain safe for everyone. "As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers and member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I call upon the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Foreign Affairs to extend all assistance to our kababayan affected by this senseless violence," he said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. A meeting was held between representatives of Baku Metro CJSC, operating under AZCON Holding, and Turkiye's Metro Istanbul to discuss potential cooperation opportunities, the CJSC said in a statement toTrend.

The primary aim of the meeting was to strengthen long-term collaboration between the two metro systems, with a particular focus on exchanging experiences in innovative technologies and digital solutions.

The discussions highlighted areas such as data-driven decision-making, data analytics, and the processing of real-time data. The application of digital technologies in transportation systems, passenger flow management, and innovative solutions in dispatcher control were key topics of exchange.

Both parties also explored the development experience of Istanbuls metro system and considered collaboration opportunities in the context of Azerbaijan's 2025-2030 State Program for improving its transportation infrastructure.

Further discussions covered modern approaches in construction project information modeling, operational planning, signage, and communication systems, as well as technical service and management principles for engineering structures.

The delegation also visited various sections of Baku Metro to familiarize themselves with operational processes, reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration and expert exchange.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Earlier this month, a fire outside the Orpheum Theatre had Wichitans concerned for the historic building, but fortunately, it sustained only minor damage. Court documents are now shedding more light on what happened.

At 7:34 p.m., the Wichita Fire Department responded to a report of a building fire at the Orpheum Theatre. Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy flames coming from staged roofing materials outside the theatre, producing a large amount of smoke.

A fire next to the Orpheum was in roofing material on the ground, April 10, 2025. (KSN SkyView Camera) A fire next to the Orpheum was in roofing material on the ground, April 10, 2025. (KSN Photo) A fire next to the Orpheum was in roofing material on the ground, April 10, 2025. (KSN Photo) A fire next to the Orpheum was in roofing material on the ground, April 10, 2025. (KSN Photo) Wichita firefighters put out a fire next to the Orpheum on April 10, 2025. (Courtesy: Stephanie Rathert) A fire next to the Orpheum was in roofing material on the ground, April 10, 2025. (KSN Photo) A fire next to the Orpheum was in roofing material on the ground, April 10, 2025. (KSN Photo) A fire next to the Orpheum was in roofing material on the ground, April 10, 2025. (KSN Photo)

The materials were intended for roof repairs on the nearby AT&T building and had been delivered earlier that day. They were stored next to the Orpheum within a chain-link fence for security. A nearby crane truck also sustained minor damage from the heat.

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The south side of the Orpheum suffered minor damage due to the spreading fire, including two windows with broken panes and significant heat damage to a mural.

Court documents state that the Orpheum had CCTV footage of the incident. The footage shows a man walking back and forth several times near the roofing materials on the sidewalk. He is then seen standing next to the materials and reaching toward them. Moments later, a fire ignites, and the man quickly walks away into an alley behind the theater. Another camera captured clearer images of the man, including his clothinga red hooded sweatshirt with a Wichita Bail Bonds logo on the chest.

The Orpheums executive director was inside the theatre at the time of the fire.

On April 12 at 7:19 p.m., a man matching the suspects description was observed and later identified as Jeremy Wycoff. He was detained and interviewed by police. According to court documents, Wycoff agreed that the individual in the video and photographs was him. He stated that he had been in the area, had flicked a cigarette, and was looking for it, claiming he did not intend to start a fire. Wycoff denied any further involvement.

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Wichita police seek 18-year-old in March homicide case

Fire investigators conducted a thorough examination to determine the fires origin:

No accidental sources of ignition were located within the area of origin. The cause of this fire was an intentionally set fire by way of human hand by an open flame. Fire patterns and CCTV footage support this conclusion. The fire loss is estimated at $200,000 to the insulation panels and $5,000 to the Orpheum Theatre Building located at 200 N. Broadway. Furthermore, this fire put (the theatres executive director) in great bodily harm while occupying the building at 200 N. Broadway during the time of the fire, court documents state.

Wycoff has been charged with both aggravated arson and arson. His bail was set at $150,000. A motion to modify the bond has been filed on his behalf and is scheduled to be heard by a judge on May 2. His preliminary hearing is set for May 19.

Jeremy Wycoff appears before a judge on April 16, 2025. (KSN News Photo)

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PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Court documents released Wednesday detail that a man had a history of domestic violence leading up to his arrest for the murder of his girlfriend.

Detectives investigation began on the evening of April 24, when a person went to the Maryland State Police (MSP) and reported 44-year-old Sherron Turner missing. They told authorities that Turner had not been seen or heard from since April 21.

The person said they spoke with multiple people who lived at the same apartment complex as Turner. Court documents said her boyfriend, 38-year-old Michael McClanahan, was not on the lease but would constantly come to her apartment.

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Turners neighbors reportedly said they overheard loud banging and screaming coming from her apartment on the evening of April 21.

Man wrapped girlfriends body in plastic, covered in concrete after killing her, police say

Shortly after receiving the missing person report on April 24, Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) officers responded to an apartment complex in Suitland for a welfare check. Due to the numerous domestic calls for service there, PGPD forced their way into the apartment.

Once inside, they found Turners body wrapped in plastic and blankets, and partially covered in concrete. She was lying on the floor in the living room, according to court documents.

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Turner had signs of trauma on her back, face and neck. The medical examiner found she suffered a broken hyoid bone with blunt force trauma.

PGPD recovered empty bags of concrete mix, pry bars and mixing bowls with concrete residue from the scene.

Court documents said that when speaking with the person who initially reported Turner as missing, PGPD learned she was in a toxic relationship with her boyfriend.

Turner had reportedly called police multiple times after he physically assaulted her and violated protective orders, according to court documents.

Former US State Department employee pleads guilty to embezzling over $650,000

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One neighbor told PGPD they heard Turner screaming louder on the night of April 21 than in previous incidents. They said they hadnt seen her since then, but saw McClanahan driving her car.

While PGPD was in the area investigating, officers saw Turners car approaching the scene. As authorities tried to approach it, however, the driver fled. Officers lost sight of it within Washington, D.C.

On April 25, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told PGPD that they had arrested McClanahan for an unrelated assault. In that case, a man reported he and two others witnessed McClanahan taking items from Walmart and trying to leave without paying, according to a police report obtained by DC News Now.

In the security office, he tried to handcuff him. McClanahan then reportedly got aggressive, pulled an object from his pocket and struck the man multiple times in the arm.

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He was charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon for that incident.

At the time of his arrest, court documents say McClanahan had Turners license plates, her car keys and multiple Home Depot receipts from April 23 and April 24.

The receipts show hed bought multiple bags of concrete and pry bars  the same items found inside Turners apartment and around her body.

While interviewing McClanahan, PGPD said he had been in previous violent incidents with Turner. During an arrest the month before, McClanahan said he violated a protective order she took out against him. He said when he was released from jail, he told her that he was done dealing with her, according to court documents.

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The arrest of Mohsen Mahdawi was a test of just how far President Donald Trump's power over immigrants could go. Mahdawi, a ten-year legal U.S. resident and a student at Columbia University, was at his interview to become a U.S. citizen earlier this month. But because he wasn't a citizen yet, the Trump administration argued that it could deport Mahdawi for his protest activity, and had Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents pick him up at the immigration center.

On Wednesday, however, a federal judge ordered ICE to free Mahdawi, who was born in a refugee camp in the Palestinian territories, while his case proceeded. "The two weeks of detention so far demonstrate great harm to a person who has been charged with no crime," U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford said at the hearing, according to ABC News. "Mr. Mahdawi, I will order you released."

Although he didn't rule directly on Mahdawi's case, Crawford said that Mahdawi was likely to succeed on the merits, and that keeping him locked up would "likely have a chilling effect" on the First Amendment.

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"The court also considers the extraordinary setting of this case and others like it. Legal residentsnot charged with crimes or misconductare being arrested and threatened with deportation for stating their views on the political issues of the day," he wrote in his ruling.

In a speech outside the courthouse, Mahdawi struck a patriotic tone. "For anybody who is doubting justice, this is a light of hope and faith in the justice system in America," he said. "To President Trump and his cabinet: I am not afraid of you," he added. The court order doesn't stop the deportation, but allows Mahdawi to walk free while his case is ongoing, reports Politico.

"I have showed my will, my desire to become an American in a place that I call home in Vermont," Mahdawi had told NPR from his cell. "And the American government has denied me this opportunity by setting me up, actually deceiving me. So now it's up to the American people to decide what path they would want to take, whether to have the path where they welcome me as a citizen of this country or not."

The administration had argued in court that Mahdawi's very presence in America "would have serious adverse foreign policy consequences and would compromise a compelling U.S. foreign policy interest" because campus protests could "potentially undermine the peace process underway in the Middle East."

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It was an ironic accusation to level against Mahdawi specifically. Although his family had a history of armed rebellion against Israeland he himself had witnessed killings and was shot in the leg by an Israeli soldier at age 15Mahdawi had gotten into Buddhism and dialogue with Israeli peace activists during his time in America. He called himself "pro-peace and antiwar" in his courthouse speech.

The Trump administration is still holding at least two other foreign students over pro-Palestinian campus activities. Mahmoud Khalil, the first student to be detained as part of this campaign, cofounded the Palestinian Student Union at Columbia with Mahdawi. He missed the birth of his American son last week. Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University who simply wrote a school newspaper editorial calling to divest from Israeli companies, has a court hearing scheduled for May 6.

The administration is also trying to deport Badar Khan Suri, an Indian postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University. The Department of Homeland Security alleged that he has "close connections" to Hamas because his wife is the daughter of a deputy cabinet official in the Hamas-run government of Gaza, and that he was "promoting antisemitism on social media."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has argued that the administration doesn't have a high burden to prove its case. "No one has a right to a student visa. No one has a right to a green card, by the way. So when you apply for a student visa or any visa to enter the United States, we have a right to deny you for virtually any reason," he told journalists last month.

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While he conceded that the government has very broad immigration powers, Crawford strongly disagreed that those powers were unlimited.

"Noncitizen residents like Mr. Mahdawi enjoy First Amendment rights in this country to the same extent as United States Citizens," he emphasized. "If the Government detained Mr. Mahdawi as punishment for his speech, that purpose is not legitimate, regardless of any alleged First Amendment violation. Immigration detention cannot be motivated by a punitive purpose. Nor can it be motivated by the desire to deter others from speaking."

The post Court Frees Palestinian Student Arrested by ICE at His U.S. Citizenship Hearing appeared first on Reason.com.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Rochesters Police Accountability Board (PAB) is facing another setback in the ongoing legal battle about its authority.

A New York Supreme Court judge ruled in favor of the Rochester Police Locust Club, saying the PAB does not have the authority to discipline Rochester police officers. The judge ordered the PAB to stop issuing subpoenas to officers for disciplinary hearings.

The PAB released a statement on Wednesday, saying they will review the judges ruling and consult with their legal counsel to explore all available remedies on behalf of the citizens of Rochester.

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The Police Accountability Board (PAB) will review the Judges ruling and consult with

our legal counsel to explore all available remedies on behalf of the citizens of Rochester.

The PAB was established to review civilian complaints and strengthen police-community

relations, and we remain committed to that mission. Rochester residents overwhelmingly

voted for independent review of police civilian complaints and we will work with

Rochester City Council to ensure that the will of the people is balanced within the

confines of the law.

The New York Court of Appeals made a similar decision in 2023, saying the PABs disciplinary powers violated the Taylor Law, which required collective bargaining over the terms and conditions of employment.

The City Council has tried to reinstate an amendment to allow the board to discipline officers, but the Locust Club claimed the amendment passed without negotiation.

Full Ruling

E2024018465_Rochester_Police_Locus_v_Rochester_Police_Locus_DECISION_ORDER___JU_103Download

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The Ohio Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a state law prohibiting minors from receiving gender-affirming care can be enforced as court battles proceed over the laws constitutionality.

The states high court granted a request from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost (R) to stay an appellate court ruling from March that blocked the state from enforcing the law, pending full review.

The two-sentence Tuesday order was issued by the Republican chief justice, Sharon Kennedy. Republican Justice Pat Fischer and Democratic Justice Jennifer Brunner dissented.

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This cause is pending before the court as a jurisdictional appeal. Upon consideration of appellants emergency motion for stay pending appeal, it is ordered by the court that the motion is granted, the order read.

The Ohio General Assembly, in 2023, passed House Bill 68, banning puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors. The bill was vetoed by the states Republican governor, but both legislative chambers voted to overturn his veto.

The ACLU of Ohio brought a lawsuit on behalf of two transgender minors challenging the legality of the statute. The law has been caught up in the courts for months.

It is a terrible shame that the Supreme Court of Ohio is permitting the state to evade compliance with the Ohio Constitution. Our clients have suffered tangible and irreparable harm during the eight months that HB 68 has been in place, including being denied essential health care in their home state, the ACLU of Ohios legal director, Freda Levenson, said in a Tuesday statement responding to the court order.

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The Court of Appeals was correct that HB 68 violates at least two separate provisions of the Ohio Constitution. We will continue to fight this extreme ban as the case goes ahead before the Supreme Court of Ohio, Levenson continued.

Yost, who is running for Ohio governor, posted on social platform X announcing the courts ruling. His spokesperson Bethany McCorkle told The Hill in a statement that the attorney generals office is pleased that the law protecting children from drug-induced gender transitions remains in effect as the case moves forward.

We look forward to showing once again that the legislature acted properly in enacting this constitutional law, which protects our children from irreversible medical decisions, McCorkle wrote.

Updated April 30 at 7 a.m. EDT.

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Apr. 29Ector County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved signing a design-build agreement with Butler-Cohen, LLC, for the new courthouse project but also discussed that the location of the new courthouse is not entirely set.

Previously County Judge Dustin Fawcett and commissioners indicated the county had purchased the downtown U.S. Post Office on Texas Avenue and would help the USPS seek another site. It is the new site that is holding things up. Fawcett said Tuesday after the meeting that the needed 40,000 square feet for the new USPS site and the cost of what the USPS will pay for the lease has been a challenge.

There are several sites under consideration but remodel costs and keeping the lease costs the same as the USPS pays now are part of the challenge. Fawcett said one idea is to put the USPS on the bottom floor of the proposed new parking garage for the courthouse.

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If that doesn't work out, he said, the USPS will remain where it is for the life of the current lease, which is 15 years. Fawcett said the courthouse will likely be built instead where the health department is now. That, he said, will be more expensive as it will be a vertical build.

Fawcett is hopeful the USPS will agree to relocate to the first floor of the proposed parking garage. "We hope they like it and get us an answer soon," he said. Time is critical as by mid-July a final decision must be made.

During Tuesday's meeting Commissioner Samantha Russell showed the court renderings she said she paid for herself of a proposed courthouse design. Fawcett said, again, vertical builds are more expensive and the plans Russell proposed were things the commissioners had already hashed out over the last several years prior to Russell joining the court this year. "I would have told her that if she had asked," he said.

One thing that would be a significant change to the planned courthouse complex if the USPS doesn't move is the proposed new library would have to wait and could end up moving from near the proposed courthouse to the site the library currently has. Plans had called for the new library to be built where the health department is.

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If the USPS move falls apart Fawcett said the county will hold onto the land until the lease runs out in 15 years and then figure out what to do with the land.

He said he doesn't anticipate that. "We could hold that land for future county growth but I still think the bottom floor of the parking garage solves all the problems ... we have options ... it's a good thing and it is taking some time but we want to be thorough."

He acknowledged the process is taking longer than expected but said dealing with federal agencies "adds a new layer ... but we are not behind ... any time you think outside of the box you are thinking in the long term and it is not simple or easy.

"It takes thoughtful consideration but once the train is moving it will be quite exciting and the downtown scope will be changed ... it is exciting and we are doing everything we can to pull it off."

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Fawcett, during Tuesday's meeting, said as it sits now the plan is to send plans to the USPS and get them to approve it. He stressed the importance of knowing the exact location by mid-summer as did Butler-Cohen's representative.

Public meetings will begin in May for input on the new courthouse.

Since November commissioners have said the new courthouse would be located at the current main Post Office, 200 N. Texas St. Also, in November, commissioners issued $325 million in certificates of obligation. The debt will increase property taxes for Ector County residents. Owners of a $210,000 home in Ector County will pay about $17 more a month in property taxes.

In other business:

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 The community and commissioners were invited to Kellus Turner Park from 9 a.m. to noon May 17 to explore the park located at 2261 Sycamore Drive during a presentation led by County Extension Agent Brandy Evans.

 Approved out-of-state travel for Captain Tony Bass and Lieutenant Michael Lopez to attend the FBINAA Conference in Baltimore.

 Approved a request by Sergeant Wesley Huse to purchase his service weapon at the end of April 2025 in light of his retirement.

 Proclaimed May 11 to May 17 as National Police Week and May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day.

 Approved bids/proposals for housekeeping supplies.

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 Approved the Request for Bid Specifications for Diesel-Powered Aircraft Power Ground Unit, Project # 2025-IFB-077; these specifications have been designed by the Airport and the Purchasing Department, and are ready to advertise and distribute to vendors.

 Approved a cooperative the Cooperative Agreement of Affiliation between the Ector County Health Department and Odessa College to allow the health department to provide clinical experience.

 Approved an updated agreement between Ector County and HOK for architectural services for the new Juvenile Detention Center.

 Approved an agreement between Ector County Health Department and Greater Opportunities of the Permian Basin to allow Health Department information to be included in the GOPB Resource Directory, which is available to all Head Start parents and families in the community who are in need of services.
A northwest Georgia woman will spend decades in prison after she was convicted of exploiting her elderly mother.

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On March 6, Vickie Long entered a non-negotiated guilty plea to exploiting an elderly person, identity fraud and theft by taking.

Evidence presented in court revealed that Long swindled her mother into giving her large sums of money for fake cancer treatments.

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According to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office, Adult Protection Services and family members got involved, stopping the voluntary transfers.

The DA said that Long started using her mothers ID to steal money from her checking and savings accounts.

Officials said Long spent most of the funds on fentanyl.

The DA said the victim lost her home and nearly $200,00 because of Longs schemes.

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A judge sentenced Long to 30 years, with the first 15 years to be served in confinement.

If you steal from your elderly mother, youre not just a criminal--youre a coward, District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller said." This defendant claimed to have cancer, but the truth is, she was the cancer. In this community, we protect our most vulnerable, and we will make sure predators like her pay the price. If you prey on the weak in Northwest Georgia, the strong are coming for you."

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NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT)  Charles Wallace, a resident of Craven County, has been convicted of animal abandonment and sentenced to 20 days in jail following an investigation by the Craven County Sheriffs Office Animal Protective Services.

The case began when Animal Protective Services received a video from the Colonial Capital Humane Society showing a cat being thrown out of a car into the parking lot of their facility. After investigating the incident, Wallace was identified as the individual responsible and was charged under North Carolinas animal cruelty statutes.

In addition to his jail sentence, Wallace is now legally prohibited from owning or possessing any animals in the future. The Craven County Sheriffs Office Animal Protective Services encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of animal neglect or abuse.

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The "social section" in Crawford County Library's Van Buren branch (Screenshot from court documents)

A West Arkansas public library system will pay its home countys legal fees in a case the county lost last year over the location of certain LGBTQ+ materials in all five library branches.

The Crawford County Quorum Court voted unanimously Monday night at a special meeting to accept the librarys governing boards offer to pay nearly $113,000, which U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks declared the defendants in the suit must pay.

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Three mothers whose children are library patrons sued the Crawford County Library System in May 2023 over its segregation of childrens books with LGBTQ+ themes into social sections. This was a compromise in light of public outcry over the books being on the shelves at all, said Deidre Grzymala, the former library director who resigned in February 2023.

Plaintiffs Rebecka Virden, Nina Prater and Samantha Rowlett alleged in their suit that the social sections were based on an extreme and malevolent view of the Bible and violated the First Amendment.

The lawsuits five defendants are the county, the county judge, the quorum court, the library board and the librarys current director, Charlene McDonnough, who took over the role in January 2024.

U.S. District Judge P.K. Holmes ruled in the plaintiffs favor in September and ordered the library to return the segregated books to their original sections. The case was reassigned to Brooks in October.

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The projected legal cost was around $118,000, but the cost was reduced by $5,000 after Brooks did not grant any motions from the plaintiffs or defendants after the ruling.

Crawford County and County Judge Chris Keith were also defendants in a separate lawsuit against the state over Act 372 of 2023, which would have given local elected officials the final say over whether to relocate challenged library materials some consider obscene. The 18 plaintiffs, including Crawford County Library patrons, cited county officials statements that Act 372 was a reason to maintain the social sections.

Brooks enjoined the challenged portions of Act 372, citing First Amendment violations, in December. The legal fees facing Crawford County defendants in both lawsuits now exceed $575,000, library board chairman Keith Pigg said.

Ongoing conflict

Before Brooks April 16 order for the defendants to foot the bill for the Crawford County-specific lawsuit, the quorum court and the library board had already squabbled for months over whether the county or the library was responsible for the payment. Members of the library board appointed by the current quorum court supported paying the bill with library operating funds.

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On Wednesday, the board voted 3-1 to authorize the payment with library funds as a gesture of good will toward the quorum court, which took the board up on the offer Monday.

Pigg did not vote on the motion, and he urged the quorum court on Monday not to approve it.

Pigg is the only current board member remaining from before Crawford County citizens began complaining to the quorum court about LGBTQ+ books in the library in late 2022. Jeffrey and Tammi Hamby of Van Buren co-wrote a December 2022 letter to Crawford County pastors, saying LGBTQ+ content within childrens reach is grooming a generation of children to feel this is normal and an accepted way of life.

Pigg reminded the quorum court Monday that, while a majority of the library board approved the $113,000 payment, the board did not approve the use of roughly $40,000 in library funds to pay Grzymalas severance package after she resigned. Both state law and the state Constitution prohibit local elected officials from using library funds without the library boards consent.

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Pigg said the library systems services would suffer if it were forced to pay the legal fees.

In an interview Tuesday, McDonnough agreed, saying the librarys budget is already set for 2025, but that the system would likely have to reduce its hours at some branches and purchase fewer books in early 2026.

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Another payment demand

At an April 18 library board meeting, member Tammi Hamby blamed the lawsuit on Grzymala and accused her of dishonesty. Grzymalas attorney, Christopher Hooks, responded with an April 23 letter to the county seeking $100,000 in damages over the remarks. Hooks said Hamby violated the countys separation agreement with Grzymala upon her resignation, which stated that Grzymala and the county would refrain from criticizing, denigrating or disparaging each other.

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The quorum court appointed Hamby and two others to the library board in early 2023 to succeed three members who resigned en masse. All three board members now in those positions voted in favor of the library paying the legal fees stemmng from the lawsuit.

McDonnough told the Advocate in December that Crawford County residents had not been publicly decrying library content since Holmes September ruling against the county.

On Monday, some residents revived those complaints before the quorum court. Mike Rich blamed the lawsuit on the LGBT group and their liberal allies who sued to force exposure of objectionable content to minors.

The library is now a compromised, dangerous institution, Rich said.

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Other citizens disputed this claim and urged the quorum court to reject the library boards payment offer, saying the parties that lost the case should have to pay for it.

Rich said he hopes Crawford County will see a future ballot measure to defund the library. Several counties throughout the state have seen attempts to reduce the tax millage that funds their libraries, to varying degrees of success. Some of those counties have experienced public clashes over childrens access to LGBTQ+ books, including in Craighead County, which narrowly lost half its library tax funding in 2022. An effort to restore the millage failed last year.

McDonnough said she has faith in Crawford County libraries to stay afloat despite the turmoil.

Our libraries are strong and resilient, and this is just a bump in the road that we will conquer, McDonnough said.

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Kazakhstan, Pakistan forge ahead with new deals in trade and transportation

Photo: Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The 13th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) between Kazakhstan and Pakistan was held in Islamabad on April 30, co-chaired by Kazakhstan's Minister of Transport Marat Karabaev and Pakistan's Minister of National Economy Ahmad Khan Chima. During the meeting, 10 bilateral intergovernmental documents were signed across various sectors, including trade, education, sports, and transportation.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A cloud of large thick smoke billowed over parts of downtown and could be seen for miles over Kansas City Tuesday evening as firefighters battled a large building fire.

Crews with the Kansas City Fire Department at Station 10 noticed a column of smoke one black to the north just after 7 p.m. in the area of 8th Street and Woodland Avenue.

When crews arrived on scene they reported heavy fire coming from a two-story structure.

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KCFD crews attempted to battle the fire from inside but had to quickly evacuate due to the size of the fire and dangers of a collapse.

Crews are continuing to work to get the fire completely under control at this time.

The cause of the fire will be investigated by KCFD. Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins said cause determination will be difficult due to the amount of damage.

No injuries have been reported at this time and the building is believed to be vacant.

This is a developing story and FOX4 will provide updates as information is made available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Felonies

The following people were booked into the Lee County-Tupelo Adult Jail in connection with felony charges ending Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Shelia Denise Cooperwood, 36, of Saltillo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, capias for a felony warrant.

Dewayne Keith Saxton, 35, of Aberdeen, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a Schedule II drug, no insurance, possession of marijuana, reckless driving.

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Rodney D. Thompson, 45, of West Point, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a Schedule II drug, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, false ID.

Jordan Vance, 22, of Verona, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, burglary of a commercial building.

Lee County Sheriff's Office

The following reports were filed Tuesday by the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

A County Road 1389, Saltillo, woman saw on her Ring camera an unknown white man with gray hair in her yard Wednesday morning around 10. The man picked up a mixed-breed puppy and walked away with it. She tried to talk to him through the camera, but he did not respond. She said if the man had come by while she was there and had asked, she would have gladly given him the puppy for free.

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A County Road 811, Saltillo, man said someone in an 18-wheeler turned off of County Road 831 and cut the corner short. One set of wheels went into the ditch in the mans yard, pulling up mud and dirt. The truck continued, digging ruts in his yard and across his driveway. The man said he was outside at the time and witnessed the incident. He tried to get the truck drivers attention, but the truck kept going. He said this was the first time he has seen that truck on County Road 831, but he thinks it might be too big for the road and exceed the weight limits.

A County Road 54, Tupelo, woman said someone keeps knocking down her mailbox. It was knocked over again on Friday, and it looked like it had been beaten as well. She is not sure who is responsible.

A County Road 1277, Nettleton, man said Monday around 8 p.m., a man wearing a neon yellow shirt and blue jeans started firing a gun just down the road. A few minutes later, the suspect appeared in front of the mans house and began firing shots and yelling toward the mans dog. The man told the suspect he needed to leave. The suspect told the man that he had better get back inside before he got hurt. When the man went back inside to call 911, the suspect walked next door and began yelling at the neighbors. Deputies responded but were unable to make contact with the suspect.

Anyone with information on any of these reports is urged to call the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 841-9041, the Tupelo Police Department at 841-6491 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at (800) 773-TIPS or download the P3 Tip App and leave an anonymous tip that way.
Critics condemned as sickening and despicable the response that supporters of Donald Trump had to footage of alleged foreign gang members being removed from America that was aired during the presidents rally in Warren, Michigan, on Tuesday.

The crowd cheered and chanted USA! USA! USA! after the clip concluded.

Trump had teed up the video, claiming the worst of the worst are being sent to a no-nonsense prison in El Salvador.

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Watch this. Watch this. Take a look, he urged the audience.

Crowd chants USA after being shown a video of migrants being imprisoned in El Salvador pic.twitter.com/zlkdJN0rIc  Acyn (@Acyn) April 29, 2025

The video showed alleged undocumented gang members being taken to the CECOT mega-prison in El Salvador, having their heads shaved and placed inside metal cages.

100 Days of Greatness then appeared in text on the big screen, referring to Trumps first 100 days back in the White House, of which his rally was ostensibly a celebration.

Trump, who vowed during his 2024 campaign to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, smiled at the audiences response.

at his rally in Michigan, Trump plays a propaganda video of prisoners having their heads shaved at the Gulag in El Salvador to big cheers from the crowd and "U-S-A!" chants pic.twitter.com/Ij8UvD8ubi  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 29, 2025

On social media, Trump supporters lapped up and praised the footage  with many calling it fucking awesome.

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Critics, though, slammed the dehumanization of those featured in the video.

You can smell the bigotry and racism radiating from that rally.  Chris Medina (@medinaslawn) April 29, 2025

I am truly physically ill from this. Are we still in early '30s Germany, or has this country progressed to full blown Nazi Germany yet. The crowd cheering is bone chilling.  Claire S (@SaintLaurant) April 29, 2025

Chanting USA while clapping for outsourced cruelty is the most dystopian thing Ive seen all week.  Nikos Unity (@nikosunity) April 29, 2025

Theyve perverted patriotism. Despicable.  Dominic Hastings (@DomHastings) April 29, 2025

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Sickening. Dehumanization starts with words, followed by images, & is used as a tool to allow the government to commit crimes or atrocities that ordinary people would not otherwise accept. We are seeing this play out in real time with the Trump administration.  cindimoreland  (@cindimoreland) April 30, 2025

Sick and gross.  Tracy Snow (@Solidarity101) April 30, 2025

This is absolutely  disgusting and unacceptable  Evelyn Gandara (@facemom) April 29, 2025

Beyond redemption. Truly rotten and contemptuous.  CD (@cdamburst47) April 29, 2025

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If you cheer for cages and call it strength, youve already forgotten what made America worth defending.  Bad Blueprint (@nextgenmatter) April 29, 2025

If this doesnt terrify the fuck out of you, you havent been paying attention.  Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) April 29, 2025

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCUA)  The Crittenton Center was honored with the AIA Iowa Impact Award for their Tiny Homes project.

According to a release from the Crittenton Center, they received the award on April 24.

The Impact Award goes to architectural projects that help serve social, humanitarian, community, or environmental causes, according to the release. The Center said that they received the award for their unique and compassionate approach to addressing the needs of vulnerable young adults who are transitioning out of foster care into adult life.

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These homes are more than just shelter- theyre a foundation for hope, stability, and independence, said Kim Scorza, CEO of Crittenton Center. We are deeply honored that AIA Iowa has recognized the impact of this project, which reflects the power of design to change lives and strengthen our community.

2025 Sioux City Farmers Market opening with day of festivities

Working with the kids and the Crittenton team has awakened us even further to how architects can be community activists. This has been one of the most rewarding projects weve been a part of, and were excited to see it be recognized for its impact.- Nathan Kalaher, PLaN Architecture.

The Tiny Homes offer a safe place for youth who could face homelessness upon aging out of foster care to live. The project also helps build a community and foster a sense of belonging for the residents.

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BOSTON (WWLP)  Western and central Massachusetts homeowners in red t-shirts are a common sight in the State House, as they fight for state assistance with their homes, with crumbling foundations.

Crumbling foundations are caused by a mineral called pyrrhotite. If a home tests positive for pyrrhotite, the entire foundation needs to be replaced, which can cost around $200,000.

Some Connecticut homeowners are in the same situation, but their state has a program to help with the costs.

One western Massachusetts lawmaker hopes the Bay State can adopt a similar program.

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One way or the other, taxpayers are going to pay for it, because if your neighbors home is impacted, they cant afford to fix it, they get foreclosed on, property values go down, said Longmeadow Representative Brian Ashe.

Lawmakers say passing funding takes a long time, but Massachusetts homeowners say they are facing a natural disaster, and the process needs to get underway immediately.

Many have been fighting for state assistance, which they say is their last resort, for eight years now.

But these people dont have 10 years. They dont have that kind of time to wait while their house gets ruined, said Munson homeowner Michelle Loglisci, who has led the movement for state assistance.

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These advocates have made some significant gains in their nearly 10 years of activism, including getting state funding for testing foundations for pyrrhotite.

Over the next few years, crumbling concrete is expected to affect more and more people, and 22News will keep you informed on how the state legislature responds to this crisis.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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A man was arrested on Saturday after state police said he went more than 100 mph to avoid a traffic stop on Interstate 384 in East Hartford.

The driver was first spotted by a trooper at 12:09 a.m. on Interstate 84 East where he was allegedly seen failing to stay in one lane in an Infiniti Sedan, according to Connecticut State Police. The trooper followed the driver off of Exit 56 and onto I-384 East where he allegedly could be seen drifting from its lane and crossing from Exit 1 back to the right lane of the highway.

State police said the trooper flipped on their emergency lights and siren to pull the driver over, but he allegedly did not stop and accelerated to speeds of more than 100 mph. The trooper checked the vehicles registration and found that the license plate matched the Infiniti before disengaging in the stop attempt, according to state police.

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The trooper then went to the registered owners residence in East Hartford and spotted the vehicle, which was allegedly still warm to the touch. State police said 21-year-old Eric Resto agreed to speak with the trooper and admitted to being the driver of the Infiniti. He said he was scared and took off because he did not know why he was being pulled over, according to state police.

Resto was arrested on charges of reckless driving, disobeying signal of an officer, engaging police in a pursuit, failure to maintain proper lane on a limited access highway and interfering with an officer/resisting. He was released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Manchester Superior Court on May 16.
Last month, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced massive federal cuts coming to the state with the bulk of it coming at the expense of the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Among the hardest hit was $118,897,449 in estimated funding loss for the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Program, as well as $26,267,097 in grant funding for immunization activities. Other areas that could be affected include essential public health services such as disease outbreak surveillance, newborn screenings, childhood immunizations and testing for viruses and other pathogens.

Connecticut Department of Public Health commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani said impacts have already been felt with the 43 contracts with local health departments that the Connecticut Department of Public Health had to issue stop-work orders.

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Local health departments help enhance vaccination rates, access, equity and vaccine confidence. The lost funding could result in a loss of vaccination clinics, and the distribution of vaccine education materials would be stopped, according to Lamont.

The immunization grant was to help keep up with immunization rates across communities and help with childhood vaccinations required for school admission, Juthani said. This grant helped find pockets of undervaccinated and meeting communities where they were by opening vaccination clinics or doing vaccine outreach to at-risk communities whether they be homebound or disabled. Those were what these grants were helping to fund.

Juthani said the first tangible place where people would be able to notice the cuts would be vaccinations in at-risk communities.

It may not be as easy in certain circumstances (to get vaccinations) but we do know you still have your child provider, you still have a pharmacy, and you still have doctors offices, Juthani said. It may require a little bit extra work, but there are still other ways in the state to be vaccinated. But what we were trying to do was to make it as convenient and easy as possible so there were less hurdles to overcome to get what they need to achieve their best health.

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Juthani said there have been some updates since the governors March 27 press conference, and the cuts remain in a holding pattern because of court proceedings. Juthani said there is a lawsuit regarding the cuts from 23 different states.

Then we heard at (recently) that the judge has offered more time and needs more information for the federal government to come back to see if these grants are officially terminated or not on April 29, Juthani said. We communicated with the local health department to say they have another week of expenses that they could submit to us. You cant plan large-scale projects or initiatives just one week at a time.  We are in a little bit of a holding pattern because things are so uncertain.

Juthani said another change in recent weeks is that syndromic surveillance was initially feared to be one of the programs cut, but the commissioner said there has been a one-year reprieve to continue the program.

Syndromic surveillance is where anyone that comes into the emergency department and complains about any sort of symptom, it would get put into a database, Juthani said. That information would come to the state of public health. That is how we find out if something expected is happening.

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During flu season, we would see the normal uptick that we see every season. Sometimes we can learn if something new is going on. We thought that system was going to be completely offline, Juthani added. That was an immediate program cut we werent prepared for.

Juthani said the week-to-week funding with each judge ruling has forced some of the states health departments to let people go because the departments do not have the capacity to keep people if funding is not continued.

Its varied by each department by their budgetary needs, Juthani said.

Juthani said the state has one of the top vaccination rates in the country due to a cohesive, concerted effort across the board. She included healthcare professionals and school nurses and others.

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We do have an advantage in our state which is you can have great efforts, but you need a population open and interested in hearing the message, Juthani said. There is always a desire to meet people where they are at and explain things the way they would understand. Funding can always enhance that.

I hope we dont slide back because of funding cuts because the open-mindedness of the population has not changed, she added. The access to healthcare has yet to change. I hope it doesnt happen. But is there a risk? Of course. One of the other things the immunizations grant helped with was optimizing our CT WiZ platform which helps us track what those rates actually are.

Juthani said school vaccination records are on CT WiZ and during the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccinations were logged. The cuts will stop enhancements to that program that provides a real-time public-facing dashboard on vaccination rates in the state.

All you have to do on CT WiZ is put your name in and you can get your own vaccination records, Juthani said. Weve been using this funding to expand our capacity to work on other platforms with CT WiZ so if you get a vaccination in one of our sister states on our platform you can see that on your record in Connecticut. It would include vaccinations from out of state if it was in one of our sister states.

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Thats the kind of upgrade we have been doing and that funding is in question whether we are going to be able to expand on that type of capacity, she added.

Juthani said she is concerned about what she has seen in the cuts but is focused on everything the Department of Public Health can do to prepare for the cuts.

Our goal here in Connecticut is to make sure we dont lose ground on protecting public health despite cuts we receive. Thats what we are focused on, Juthani said.

Dr. Ulysses Wu, the chief epidemiologist and system director for infectious diseases at Hartford HealthCare, said he has concerns about cuts to immunization education.

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The impact is not just the immunizations themselves, but its the education that is associated with it, Wu said.

As you know, immunization is very divisive, Wu said. The science is solid. I think people should be concerned at many different levels. On a broad level, public health is not being prioritized. Cuts are going to be made for that. On a micro level, the access and education and cost that may be associated with this. Yes, people should be concerned on a micro and macro level.

Wu said given the current measles outbreak in the country, immunizations are even more important. According to the CDC, as of April 24, there were 884 cases in the country. There were no cases in Connecticut, but surrounding states had some reported including Vermont, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey. In total, 30 states

According to the CDC, the 884 cases are a large jump from the 285 in all of 2024, and 96% of the cases are individuals who are unvaccinated or are of unknown vaccination.

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Measles is a highly contagious, highly dangerous disease that is also entirely preventable with the MMR vaccine, Juthani said. Before 1963, there were over 500,000 cases of measles in the U.S. every year. In 2000, that number plummeted to just 85, proving the MMR vaccine works.

Now is the time to act to prevent an outbreak here and to ensure you are vaccinated while there are no cases in Connecticut, she added. Staying up to date on vaccinations not only protects you and your family but also helps protect people who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions or are too young to get vaccinated, like infants below 6 months of age.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is urging residents to ensure they are adequately protected if they are traveling to areas with active outbreaks. It is also recommended that the MMR vaccine be given to infants 6-11 months of age who are traveling internationally or in areas of the country with active measles transmission.

Most of the measles transmissions in the United States prior to this year were due to international travel, Wu said. Now we have to worry about domestic travel with every exposure that is possible and brought back to Connecticut. Remember they can be contagious before the rash or after the rash has subsided. There can be people that are infectious that dont even know it.

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What happens is, when more people are immunized, it creates that safety net and that herd immunity, he added. When you start losing that herd immunity, lets just say its the state of Connecticut. Your chances of getting measles are going to be increased. For those who are immunized for the most part should be protected. What can take hold of is those who are not immunized. The immunization rate in Connecticut is very good but it is also not 100%. This is all going to be impacted for Connecticut mostly indirectly. But there may be some direct effects as well.

Wu said the worst-case scenario of more cuts would be any transmissible disease that results in an epidemic or a pandemic that was preventable.

That is what this is all about, Wu said. Its about preventable disease. All of these measles cases were preventable. We understand the greater picture of peoples rights in terms of what they can and cant do. The only problem is that it changes a little bit in the sense that what you do may impact someone else.

With these transmissible diseases, its not only about the individual but its also about the community at large, he said. We run into these issues where its not just an individual decision at this point and sometimes you have to look at the greater good.


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It was previously believed that the Levantine DNA of the Phoenicians spread as far as their famous alphabet, which influenced quite a few languages.

DNA analysis of individuals buried in what used to be Phoenician outposts in southern Europe showed Greek and Sicilian DNA instead of Middle Eastern DNA.

While the founders of these outposts were probably Phoenician, a constant flow of Sicilians and Greeks created a different DNA profile.

If it wasnt for the Phoenician alphabet, you probably wouldnt be reading this right nowbut the DNA of these vanished Levantine people didnt reach nearly as far as their cultural and linguistic influence did.

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The Phoenicians appeared in what is now Lebanon around 3,000 years ago, and were descendants of the Canaanites (of biblical fame). Gold, silver, copper, and tin were exchanged as they traveled trade routes along the Mediterranean and established hundreds of colonies. Until now, they were thought to be genetically related to the Punic people, who emerged from Phoenician outposts along coastal regions of southern Europe. That would have meant Punic people had Middle Eastern ancestry.

This was what population geneticist Harald Ringbauer and his research team expected to see when they analyzed ancient DNA from the bones of some 210 individuals that had been unearthed from sites in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. However, most Punic genomes showed no Middle Eastern ancestry at allinstead, they were closest in genetic makeup to ancient Greeks and Sicilians. These genomes were also highly diverse, and did not always reflect the genes of other local populations.

Even the name Phoenician is derived from the ancient Greek phoinixa possible reference to purple dye, which was a luxury in ancient times. Phoenicians actually called themselves Kenaani.

[Punic people] derived most of their ancestry from a genetic profile similar to that of Sicily and the Aegean, the researchers said in a study recently published in the journal Nature. Much of the remaining ancestry originated from North Africa, reflecting the growing influence of Carthage.

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Carthage, whose ruins still stand in Tunisia, rose as a trading empire around 500 B.C. Any North African DNA in Punic people from Europe can be explained by Carthaginian migrations through the trade routes, but not much of it was found in samples from the European sitesor even those from Carthage. Individuals from different regions were found to vary highly in their genetic makeup, with similar variations seen in Sicily, North Africa, Sardinia, and Iberia. Ringbauer thinks that the Punic populations in such disparate locations could only be genetically linked because of shared ancestry.

Some individuals were actually found to be related despite having died on different continentsfor example, one person in Sicily has a second cousin buried in North Africa. Before seafaring Punic traders, there was much higher genetic disparity between the peoples of Sicily and North Africa, but sailing across the Mediterranean and stopping at different outposts made journeying to far-flung regions possible for people with similar genetic profiles.

When the researchers studied a tomb in the coastal district of Villaricos, Cuevas de Almanzora, Spain, became a window into Punic culture. DNA extracted from one tomb told the story of a family with Sicilian and Aegean ancestry. Buried with the deceased were painted ostrich eggssymbolic of resurrection and eternal life. There was also an ivory plaque that appeared to be carved in the Ionian style more associated with Greece, but this did not necessarily mean that its Punic craftsman had adopted Greek culture. Phoenicians were ivory workers in their own right.

Ringbauer and his team have a hypothetical answer as to why the culture of the Phoenicians spread without taking their DNA with it. Phoenician settlements might have been founded by Levantine people, but they likely experienced a continuous influx of Greek and Sicilian migrants. Generations later, genes from the original founders would not be detectable, despite the culture staying alive. The DNA of the individuals studied has already degraded for thousands of years. Before 600 B.C., Punic people cremated their dead, so genetic information from before then has been lost to time.

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Maybe the genetics of Phoenicians did not live on in Europe, but the Phoenician influence on the Greek and Latin alphabets did, and aspects of those two languages have since been incorporated into English. If only they knew their greatest legacy would not be genetic.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. The Azerbaijani government plans to establish 44 villages and resettle their populations in its liberated territories as part of a state program by the end of 2026, said the country's Minister of Agriculture, Majnun Mammadov, Trend reports.

Speaking at the Agrarian Business Festival in Zangilan, Mammadov mentioned that all of these villages will have surrounding lands assigned to corporate farms established by farmers.

"Under the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, lands allocated to these farms will be provided with a rent coefficient of zero, meaning no rent will be paid. Additional incentives will be applied to the liberated territories, including benefits for both purchased equipment and trailers, as well as cultivated lands. Furthermore, farmers organized into cooperatives, along with their cultivated areas, will receive higher subsidy rates and benefits. We believe that cooperative, collectively managed farms will yield superior results.

The infrastructure and approach here have been developed based on the lessons learned from other regions of Azerbaijan. The primary goal is to ensure that farmers generate significant income from their agricultural activities," he noted.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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FLORENCE, Ky. (WJW)  A 20-year-old man is facing rape and sodomy charges after he was allegedly found in a Kentucky girls bedroom Monday, according to the Boone County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies were called to a home in Florence around 12:30 a.m. for reports of shots fired in the area.

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Upon arrival, deputies said the father of a 13-year-old girl told them he awoke in the night and heard noises coming from his daughters room.

Entering the bedroom, he told deputies he saw a naked man on the floor.

After telling the suspect that he was calling the police, the father went downstairs and soon retrieved a handgun, the sheriffs office said in news release. The suspect pushed past the father and then ran out the front door.

The father said he pulled out his handgun and fired three shots into the ground near the front porch of the residence.

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The suspect, soon identified as 20-year-old Parker Kramer, was not on scene when deputies arrived. They combed the area and found an abandoned car. When deputies pulled up the vehicles registration and showed the dad the owners drivers license photo he confirmed that was the man in the house.

Photo courtesy Boone County Sheriffs Office

Deputies used a drone to eventually find the suspect in the area. The sheriffs office did not report that Kramer had any injuries.

Kramer was initially taken into custody on burglary charges, according to the sheriffs office, but after an interview with detectives he was also charged with two counts of second degree rape and one count of second degree sodomy.

He reportedly told detectives he drove from Louisville to meet the girl. Hes being held on a $250,000 bond at Boone County Jail.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Naturally, he has called it the most successful first 100 days of any administration in the history of our country.

But how is Donald Trump really fairing on his campaign promises, 100 days into his second administration?

Kamal and Camilla review the presidents achievements  and misses  so far, including immigration, the economy and slashing bureaucracy and DEI.

Later, they ask Greg Swenson, chair of Republicans Overseas UK, whether the president can retain support amongst Rust Belt America if prices shoot up  and why some supporters are wearing Trump 2028 hats

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Watch episodes of the Daily T here. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe to The Daily T newsletter for updates

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A 22-year-old man charged in nearly 10% of the murder cases across Birmingham last year will have his day in court, but likely not in 2025.

During a hearing Tuesday, attorneys for Damien McDaniel met in court to discuss the laundry list of murder and assault cases he is currently facing, from a mass shooting outside a club in Five Points South last fall to robbery, assault and murder charges in other seemingly unrelated cases.

However, the court decided that in an effort to get through the cases in a timely manner, they will handle certain charges one by one, starting with a shooting at Trendsetters Lounge, where four people were killed and 10 others were injured on July 13, 2024.

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Timeline of all the murder cases Damien McDaniel is charged with in Birmingham

Specifically, McDaniel is charged with 10 counts of assault and counts of capital murder in the deaths of Markeshia Lejoy Gettings, Stevie McGhee, Angela Witherspoon and Lerandus Anderson. Hatarius Woods is also charged in the case.

According to the Birmingham Police Department, a birthday party was being held at Trendsetters when a fight ensued and at least one gunman opened fire into the club from the street.

The shooting at Trendsetters happened two months before a deadly shooting outside Hush Lounge in Five Points South, where four people were killed and 17 others were injured. To this day, it remains the worst mass shooting in Birmingham history.

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Despite the strategy of trying McDaniel, prosecutors dont think a trial will happen this year, citing the many moving parts involved in the facts of the case. No trial dates have been set in any of the cases.

McDaniel, who is charged with a total of 14 homicides and 29 injuries over the course of a year in Birmingham, is being held at Kilby Correctional Facility in Montgomery.

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McDaniels defense attorney John Robbins said McDaniel is concerned about all the charges but maintaining his innocence.

Anybody in that situation is going to be concerned and worried, but he has maintained his innocence and right now, even though hes being portrayed both, I guess, in social media world and in the electronic and print media that somehow, he is this monster out there, Robbins said. Well, he stands before us, standing before the court right now presumed to be innocent.

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Immediately following McDaniels hearing, 47-year-old Eddie Jones was brought in with Roger Appell, his defense attorney. Jones is accused in the 2023 shooting death of Birmingham firefighter Jordan Melton. McDaniel is also charged in relation to the shooting.

Jones pleaded not guilty in the case connected to Meltons death. The state said it will be seeking the death penalty in the case.

Appell previously filed a motion for bond in this case. He asked a judge to hold off on hearing that motion until after Jones is seen in federal court. Jones was one of 14 men federally indicted on drug trafficking and gun charges.

This case is in the infancy: both state and federal, Appell said. He was just indicted by a federal grand jury the other day, and the state case is only about six weeks old now, so its very new. Everything is just starting.

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Appell said no further dates have been set yet on Jones state or federal charges. He said there will be more pretrial hearings for the states case against Jones in Meltons death before a trial date is set.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Damon Allen Fountain, AKA DLAH, AKA BRAGNETO, AKA MAGNETIC, 46, Hollywood, Florida, (New York, New York).

He was born on February 2, 1979, in Youngstown, Ohio, a sweet and loving child.

Find obituaries from your high school

He is survived by his loving parents, Willie Fountain, Jr. and Genice Fountain; brother, Willie Fountain III and sister, Jeanna Fountain.

He is preceded by his grandparents, Willie Fountain, Sr. and Mary Fountain of Youngstown and joins his only son, Jahbazz Rashi Fountain, who passed on March 29, 2025. Damon loved his son more than anyone ever could put into words.

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Damon, a talented hip-hop artist and entrepreneur, graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, was free spirited, a people-person, very adventurous and tried to enjoy life.

A private memorial was held Friday, April 11, 2025 amongst immediate family, friends and loving co-workers honoring his ashes.

May your journey welcome you both with open arms.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Damon, please visit our floral store.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA)  A bill that would hold dog owners accountable for their dangerous dogs moved forward in the Florida Senate and is inching closer to becoming a law.

CS/HB 593, referred to as the Dangerous Dogs bill, requires certain dogs to be confiscated, impounded, or held and securely confined in a proper enclosure if the animals are known to be dangerous.

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The Legislature finds that dangerous dogs are an increasingly serious and widespread threat to the safety and welfare of the people of this state because of unprovoked attacks which cause injury to persons and domestic animals; that such attacks are in part attributable to the failure of owners to confine and properly train and control their dogs.

The bill defined dangerous dog as any dog that has aggressively bitten, attacked, endangered or inflicted severe injury on a human on public or private property, has more than once several injured or killed a domestic animal off their owners property, or has, unprovoked, chased or approached a personin public in an attitude of attack.

These animals would be required to be properly enclosed inside, in a fenced yard or secured pen/structure that prevents them from escaping.

An animal control officer would investigate reported incidents, requiring an interview with the dangerous dog owner, and confiscate the dog pending the outcome of the investigation. If necessary, the dog would be quarantined, impounded and held. The owner would be responsible for all boarding costs and fees pending a hearing/appeal, the bill states.

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A dog would not be considered dangerous if the person attacked was unlawfully on the private property or if the dog was defending a person from an unjustified attack.

The bill is cited as the Pam Rock Act, referring to a mail carrier who was attacked and killed by a pack of dogs in 2022, NBC affiliate WESH reported.

This bill, what it does is it puts into place a series of laws to help keep people safe when theyre living their life, doing their own business, just like Pam Rock was as a mail carrier, Sen. Jay Collins, District 14, said.

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Three months ago, after two dogs mauled an 8-year-old Deland boy to death, the bill regained interest. Sheriff Mike Chitwood, with the Volusia Sheriffs Office, has supported this bill from the beginning, saying this recent situation has put the topic on steroids with Florida lawmakers.

If passed, the bill would take effect July 1. To read the revised version of the bill in its entirety, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
You've probably seen pictures of the mob which stormed the American Embassy in Saigon desperate to find a way out in the final hours of the Vietnam War. But maybe you haven't heard the radio transmissions of the American pilots who pulled off the largest helicopter evacuation in history. I know I hadn't, until we found some of them in the Marine Corps archives.

> Okay, let's pick it up here. It looks like things are about to close up and we want to be able to give them the support they need.

> All right  max it out.

That's the airborne commander directing helicopters into both the embassy and Tan Son Nhut Airport outside Saigon to pick up hundreds of Americans and thousands of Vietnamese. "Alamo" is the call sign for the airport, which was being shelled by advancing North Vietnamese troops.

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Hear radio transmissions of the operation (YouTube Video):

> Roger, find out for sure how many aircraft Alamo needs at this time. 

> Okay, they're on their way. Their feet wet at this time and we'll have them there as soon as possible.

"Feet wet" means the helicopters are still over the South China Sea flying from aircraft carriers off the coast.

> Okay, two more 53s as soon as possible.

"53s" are CH-53s, the largest of the helicopters.

> OK, understand. Dash 1 and Dash 2 are fully loaded.

> That's a Roger and we got a big load again.

> About 60 per bird?

> At least that.

/ Credit: CBS News

There were 70 helicopters shuttling between ships and shore.

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> Everything's blinking and turning.

> Fleet, pass to all aircraft coming inbound. They must come in with rotating beacon on the final. We have [unintelligible] aircraft trying to land on each other.

Two Marines at the airport, Charles McMahon and Darwin Judge, had been killed by North Vietnamese shelling, and the helicopters are in danger of being shot down.

> Be advised we're having many reports of triple A airburst and also lots of muzzle flashes using tracers.

Tan Son Nhut Airport was becoming too dangerous.

> Alamo says 10 more lifts and that's it. 10 more lifts.

> Roger. Understand 10 more lifts.

North Vietnamese soldiers run on the tarmac of the U.S. military airport at Tan Son Nhut during the fall of Saigon, April 30, 1975. / Credit: Vietnam News Agency/AFP via Getty Images

That left the embassy as the only way out of Saigon. But the embassy was under siege by a panicked crowd.

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> Two-six Bravo proceed inbound toward the embassy area. I believe that's the area I can use you in.

> OK, be advised. As I understand it there's 2,000 uncontrolled people in the courtyard. You want to put a 53 in there?

Gerry Berry, the first pilot to land at the embassy, set down in the parking lot about one o'clock. His call sign: Lady Ace 09.

> This is Lady Ace Zero-9, Roger, we're outbound at this time. We've got passengers.

> How many passengers?

> Zero-9 has 1-8 on board. Lady Ace Zero-1 has 2-0.

> Roger 1-8 and 2-0. Copy good.

Berry flew a CH-46 helicopter, which could carry 25 combat troops. "So, if you carried Vietnamese who are much smaller and they weren't carrying any bags, we could put 50 to 60 on there when we'd carry them out," Berry said.

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The CH-46 is light enough to land on the embassy roof, opening up a second landing zone inside the crowded compound.

> Land on the rooftop, on the rooftop of the embassy. Over.

Civilians clamor at the gate of the U.S. Embassy compound in Saigon, as North Vietnamese troop approach the city, April 30, 1975. / Credit: CBS News

Up on the roof  and a tempting target. Berry said, "I also felt that there was probably a lot of North Vietnamese that had infiltrated the city earlier. I felt we could have been taken out probably if somebody wanted to at about any time. It was very, very scary when you landed on that roof and you could see all those people down below."

The rooftop was also where Marine guards are burning mountains of classified documents.

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> The embassy's got a large fire on the rooftop at this time. They're loading people at this time. Lady Ace one-four is in there.

Glitches are inevitable.

> The last two that went in there  Swift Two-One flight  no one got aboard. There was nobody on the rooftop.

But the helicopters don't have time to wait. Berry said, "A helicopter has so much flight time. You could only fly a CH-46 about two hours."

It's about 40 minutes each way from the ships to the embassy, not counting the time it takes to load.

> I haven't been able to make contact with anybody at this time. Now I've got Bingo fuel.

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"Bingo" is pilot talk for low on fuel.

"Now the weather gets bad," said Berry. "It's about 7:30, 8 in the evening. Weather comes in and it's going a little slower."

> There's bad weather in the area. Are you above or below the cloud deck at this time?

> Sir, we're below the cloud deck at this time.

> Okay, I suggest you stay below the cloud deck

Berry recalled: "I'm flying up the Saigon River at about maybe 150 feet because the weather's closing in, and that's when I thought there's got to be all kinds of wires across this river. So, you pull back on this and you climb like mad. The heart stopped beating for a minute, because it was dark, couldn't see anything."

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And the North Vietnamese were getting closer. "I can see the tanks coming down the road, North Vietnamese tanks," said Berry. "Because their lights are on. They're driving down the highway."

> You are to land on the rooftop and deliver a message. I say again, deliver a message: "All U.S. must come out now."

Until now, Ambassador Graham Martin has refused to leave. "I land on the embassy roof at 4:56 in the morning on 30 April 1975," said Berry. "And I called the Marine security guard over and I said, 'You go tell the ambassador this helicopter's not leaving the roof until he's on board.' And then in my best aviator voice, I said, 'The President sends.'"

"Order from the President. Did you have authority?" I asked.

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"I have no authority to do that, at all," said Berry. "But I mean, there's got to be an end here. Two minutes later, his whole entourage are up, they're ready to go."

The ambassador brought the American flag with him.

I asked, "Did it feel to you then, hey, the war is over?"

"Certainly, it did," Berry replied. "You go through this thing in your brain right away: Was this all for naught? Did we lose the 58,000 plus Americans, hope for something?"

Berry flew the ambassador to one of the ships offshore, only to find that the war was not over. "Well, now you have to go back and get the Marines," he said.

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> We've got Swift 3-3 and Swift 2-2 choppers going into the embassy to pick up the last Americans there. There should be about 33 to 35 of them left.

The Marines who guarded the embassy were barricaded on the roof. "We felt for sure that we were going to be left there," said Juan Valdez, now 87, who was the sergeant in charge. "Kind of swallow hard, you know, because by that time the tanks were passing by from the Vietnamese."

Jerome Thomas, one of his Marines, said, "The question that was going through everybody's mind was, should we fight or should we surrender? And everybody there, to a man, was like, 'We're fighting, you know, because Marines never surrender.'"

Valdez said, "We were there for two, two-and-a-half, maybe three hours waiting, and then all of a sudden at a distance we saw two choppers coming back."

> According to the count they gave me it should be 2-5, 2-5 remaining.

> I tell you what, it looks like more than 25 down there to me.

> I recommend that you pick up as many as you can when you go in. We had an underestimate on report before, and this is why we had to scramble you two birds. So try to pick up as many as you can and also when you come off give us a good headcount of how many is left for 2-2 to pick up.

> Uh, Roger, we'll do what we can.

> We've made our pickup. We have 22 on board and there's 10 left for Swift 2-2 to pick up.

Actually, there were 11 left to be picked up by the final helicopter, Swift 22. Sergeant Valdez was the last one to go aboard.

> All souls on board. All souls on board. Over.

> Understand you have 11 pax on board with the commander.

> Swift 2-2 says he is out with 11 pax on board including the commander. All the Americans are out. That is it.



For more info:

Fall of Saigon Marine AssociationArmy War College



Story produced by Mary Walsh. Editor: Joseph Frandino. Digital producers: Roman Feeser and David Morgan.

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5:47 p.m.: The jury was dismissed for the day. We will return with live coverage of the ongoing trial on Thursday at 9 a.m.

4:26 p.m.: Former MPD officer and member of MPDs Scorpion Unit, Preston Hemphill, took the stand.

Hemphill testified that he was involved in the first scene when he, Demetrius Haley, and Emmitt Martin made a traffic stop on Nichols. He said Martin let the team know over his radio that Nichols was fleeing, and a pursuit began.

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He said the traffic stop was categorized as a high-risk stop due to reckless driving and Nichols refusal to pull over.

Hemphill says to his knowledge, neither Haley nor Martin knew who Nichols was before the traffic stop. He said that when Haley tried to arrest Nichols, he refused. He told the jury he then heard Martin yell, Let go of my gun.

Defense attorney Michael Stengel, representing Haley, asked Hemphill what that statement meant to him and how it would affect the situation.

That someones probably fixing to get hurt. If you bring a gun into this, it could go deadly, said Hemphill.

He admitted that this escalated the situation. The officers took Nichols to the ground, and he pulled out his taser. Haley then pepper-sprayed Nichols. He says his taser had no effect on Nichols, nor did the pepper spray.

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Hemphill testified that all three of the officers on the first scene were affected by the pepper spray, and Nichols was able to get away. Though they chased him for a block or so, they were unable to catch up with Nichols and ended the foot pursuit.

He said he was made aware by radio that Nichols was found nearby by officers, who were still struggling with him. Haley left the first scene and made his way to the second, but Hemphill stayed behind.

Hemphills body-worn camera footage from the traffic stop was shown to the jury. He mentioned that Nichols was not complying with the officers demands while they were attempting to detain him.

He also testified that Nichols was able to push all three officers off of himself, though they each weighed between 250-280 pounds.

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Hemphill was heard in his body camera footage saying, I hope they stomp his a** after Nichols got away from officers.

From being p****d off at the situation, from being pepper-sprayed, from losing my glasses. I was just angry, said Hemphill.

He agreed with defense attorneys that Justin Smith seemed panicked when calling for an ambulance and fire units on the second scene. Smith was heard over the radio also requesting additional police units because Nichols was still fighting.

4:13 p.m.: The jury was released for a brief break.

2:41 p.m.: The defense presented a witness who had her wallet stolen from her car in October 2022, months before Nichols was beaten. She claims her credit cards were used at multiple gas stations without her permission.

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She was then dismissed.

Witness Charles Baker, a special agent with the TBI and case agent for the Tyre Nichols case, then took the stand.

Baker said illegal drugs, mushrooms, were found in Nichols car upon searching it. Photo IDs, credit, and debit cards not belonging to Nichols were also found inside the car.

Baker was asked by prosecuting attorneys if he had in the past arrested people who were under the influence of marijuana. He stated that he had, but when asked by attorneys if the arrestees appeared to have superhuman strength, Baker replied, Not one time. Very peaceful.

Defense Attorney John Keith Perry questioned Baker on Nichols alleged resistance against the officers while they were attempting to detain him. Baker agreed that the video depicted Nichols actively resisting.

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Though he agreed with defense attorneys on this, Baker noted that he was not on the scene when the incident happened, so he does not know the full extent of what took place that night.

Im not there. I cant put myself in those officers shoes. You want to put yourself in the officers shoes. I want to know what they did, what they saw, but based on the investigation, this is what I saw, said Baker. I cant tell you Mr. Nichols strength. I cant tell you his past because I dont know. I have no idea about Mr. Nichols history.

Baker was then dismissed.

1:39 p.m.: Court is back in session after a two-hour lunch break.

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Defense Attorneys immediately requested that the judge acquit their clients and presented their cases as to why.

The judge denied their requests and stated that the jury should be left to decide. The court then went into a brief recess to discuss the defenses plan for presenting witnesses.

11:38 a.m.: The state has rested its case.

The judge released the jury for lunch. We will be back with live coverage when they return.

11:24 a.m.: The cross-examination began with Dr. Ross confirming to defense attorneys that the manner of death was determined to be homicide.

Dr. Ross agreed with defense attorneys that the swelling of Nichols brain caused by multiple blows to his head led to a restriction of blood flow. The lack of oxygen to Nichols brain ultimately led to his death.

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Ross was dismissed as a witness.

10:48 a.m.: Court has gone into a brief recess. We will continue with live coverage when they return at 11:05.

Cross-examination of Dr. Ross will begin after the break.

9:50 a.m.: Dr. Marco Ross, the Chief Medical Examiner and Forensic Pathologist at the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center, was called to the stand as an expert witness.

In the autopsy performed on Nichols on Jan. 11, the day after he died, Dr. Ross says he found many cuts and bruises across Nichols body  on his legs, arms, torso, and face.

Dr. Ross confirmed that the toxicology report showed Nichols blood alcohol level was at .049 when an initial test was taken shortly after the beating. The report also came back positive for THC, or marijuana.

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Those are the levels one might see with typical recreational use of marijuana, said Ross.

9:00 a.m.: The first witness of the day was Derek Miller, a special agent with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations and digital forensic examiner who searched and analyzed Demetrius Haleys phone after the incident with Nichols.

Haley was seen on camera taking a photo of Nichols lying against the police car after the beating.

Miller told prosecuting attorneys that the photo of Nichols was found to have been shared through text message 11 times, but he was only able to find eight people who had received it.

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One text message thread between Haley and what appears to have been another officer with the contact name MPD Fox Austin Peay was shared with the jury.

Fox: Who beat dude up last night?

Haley: Us.

Fox: They relieved some folks fr.

Haley: Yeah. Six of us.

Fox: D*** I dont understand why tho.

Haley: I guess its just procedure, IDK.

Fox: S*** stupid. The city needs yall fr fr.

Haley: Appreciate it, bro.

Cross-examination of Derek Miller began after the messages were read out to the jury.

***

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Wednesday kicks off the third day in the state trial for three former Memphis Police Officers accused in the beating death of Tyre Nichols.

Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith are all facing a second-degree murder charge.

Day 2: Desmond Mills testifies in state trial of ex-officers accused in Tyre Nichols death

Desmond Mills, a former MPD officer who took plea deals at both the federal and state levels in the case, testified on Tuesday morning against his colleagues.

He told prosecuting attorneys that he acted out of anger when he sprayed and used his baton on Nichols during the January 2023 traffic stop, then lied about it later.

I was angry enough to pull the baton out. I sprayed myself, Mills said.

The murder trial will continue on Wednesday with witnesses from the state.

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Testimony resumed on the third day of the Tyre Nichols state criminal trial on April 30.

Former Memphis police officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith Jr. are facing charges that include second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression. Two other officers took plea deals ahead of a federal trial last year and will not be tried as part of this state trial, though they are expected to testify.

The Commercial Appeal has reporters in the courtroom and is delivering live updates to this story throughout the day. Follow along here as news starts to come from the trial.

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The most recent updates are at the top of this file.

Medical examiner takes stand, testifies to Nichols' injuries

Dr. Marco Ross, chief medical examiner at the West Tennessee Regional Forensics Center, took the stand just before 10 a.m. Ross, who said he has done about 5,000 autopsies, was the medical examiner who conducted Nichols autopsy.

Assistant District Attorney Melanie Headley, leading the direct examination on Ross, handed him a decent-sized stack of papers. Ross identified them as a police report, death certificate, autopsy report, toxicology report and set of anatomical diagrams. They were admitted into evidence without objection.

Judge James Jones Jr. swears in the jury during the first day of the state criminal trial for the death of Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Monday, April 28, 2025.

Nichols autopsy was done Jan. 11, 2023, one day after he died. Headley entered into evidence a photo of Nichols face as the autopsy was beginning. That image was only briefly shown to the jury. His face looked swollen, but slightly different from photos of him at St. Francis Hospital that have previously circulated.

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Moving ahead to some of the diagrams, Headley asked Ross to explain some of the abrasions and bruises across Nichols body.

There are abrasions on the right side of the face, on the head and shoulder, Ross said.

He goes on the list bruising on Nichols forearm, knees, his abdomen and neck.

He said this can be limited to just the skin, calling some injuries superficial, but said the investigation of Nichols body revealed deeper traumas and damage. More photographs are being introduced by Headley to show these surface-level injuries that Ross previously noted.

Ross showed the photos to the jury, and they were also projected on the TV across from the jury box. Many are close-ups of cuts and bruises. The widest shot was one of Nichols chipped tooth, which featured most of his face.

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Jurors have been largely nonreactive as theyre being shown Nichols injuries. A few glanced at the pictures and then looked away to take notes, but most seemed to be watching Ross present the photos.

Desmond Mills Jr., a former Memphis Police Department officer who has taken a plea deal, identifies officers in body camera footage of the traffic stop of Tyre Nichols during the second day of the state trial for the death of Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

Ross said that Nichols was given about 25 liters of fluids in the hospital and that he had only lost about four or five liters. At the time of his autopsy, Ross said Nichols weighed about 40 extra pounds because of his fluid intake.

Ross, now talking about brain trauma, said there was hemorrhaging due to multiple areas of tearing within Nichols brain.

In addition to these areas of hemorrhaging we could see what is known as axonal injury, Ross said.

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Axons are part of nerve cells, he explained, and connect with other nerves. Theyre important for sending electrical signals throughout the body, he said.

"Based upon the distribution of those axonal injuries, you can rule if the trauma caused the axonal disruption or if it was disruption from blood flow," Ross explained.

Ross said the axonal injuries were, mostly, due to the trauma from impact.

Most commonly, Ive usually seen these types of injuries in car accidents, Ross said. "Its the power of the forces involved with the impact on the head.

Ross said the Nichols' autopsy was also sent to a neurologist, who confirmed Ross' assessment of the injuries Nichols suffered.

RowVaughn Wells, the mother of Tyre Nichols, answers a question while taking the stand as a witness during the first day of the criminal trial for the death of Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Monday, April 28, 2025.

Headley is now showing pole camera video, still without sound, to the jury. Unlike previous times, RowVaughn Wells, Nichols' mother, is still in the courtroom, but she is not watching it. She is turned around in her seat, facing away from the screen, and occasionally closes her eyes.

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After the video finished, Ross said the footage was consistent with those injuries.

He received blows to the back and to the arms that would account for the bruising and hemorrhaging in the muscular tissue, Ross said. He also noted that the punches and blows to the head explained the brain damage Nichols had.

Ross said damage like that causes the brain to swell in reaction to the damage. The problem, he said, is that the brain does not have endless space to swell. At a point, the brain swells to a point where it can create issues with blood flow.

Over the next few days, he progressed to a point where they determined he had no brain activity and pronounced him dead, Ross said of Nichols time in the hospital.

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Headley also touched on toxicology results with Ross. According to Ross, Nichols tested positive for alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, drugs administered to Nichols by paramedics and hospital staff, and marijuana products (delta 9 and THC).

Nichols alcohol level was .049 on the breathalyzer scale, according to Ross. That was taken at 11 p.m. on Jan. 7, 2023. Later samples showed no alcohol in his system, which Ross said was expected. He added that Nichols marijuana levels were seen in standard, recreational use.

TBI forensics expert testifies to start day three

The prosecutions third witness is Derek Miller, a cybercrimes forensics expert with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. He is testifying to the extraction of cell phone data, specifically data collected from the phones of the officers in the wake of Nichols beating.

Shelby County deputy district attorney Paul Hagerman speaks with family and friends of Tyre Nichols about the videos that will be shown prior to the start of the second day of the state trial for the death of Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

Specifically, Miller was tasked with investigating data from Haleys cell phone. He also analyzed the camera footage from the scene that night.

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Miller has multiple files with him on the witness stand. He glanced at a page prior to the pole camera footage beginning. As has happened every time footage is played in court, both federal and state court, RowVaughn and Rodney Wells and other family members have left the courtroom.

The pole camera footage, also known as the SkyCop cameras, has no audio. While it plays, the entire courtroom is eerily silent aside from the creaking of chairs and voices from outside the courtroom.

The silence was broken when Miller said the moment was about to come up on the footage. The moment in question was when Haley took a photo of Nichols body leaned up against the side of an unmarked police cruiser.

Haley, according to Miller, consented to the search of his phone and willingly provided both the physical device and its passcode. Miller said only files that were not deleted were able to be recovered. Among the information recovered is the photo of Nichols. Miller said the picture was a live photo, which records motion before and after a picture of taken.

Former Memphis Police Department officers and defendants Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith Jr. talk to each other prior to the start of the second day of the state trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

The photo was shown to jurors after being entered into evidence. This is the first time it has been presented publicly.

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It shows Nichols leaned against a car with his hands cuffed behind his back. His clothes are dirty, presumably from being thrown to the ground, and his mouth is covered in blood.

Miller said it is believed the photo was shared "up to 11 times," but that only eight people received it. He added that the first person who received the photo had it sent to them "two or three minutes" after it was taken.

Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman also presented copies of text messages between Haley and a person identified as MPD Fox Austin Peay. The other person asks Haley, Who beat dude up? and Haley responded that he and the SCORPION officers had.

Michael Stengel, Haleys attorney, was the first to cross-examine Miller. Stengel focused his questions on Millers identification of who Haley was texting. Miller acknowledged the text names are only known by their phone numbers and contact names that Haley set for them.

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He also asked about Haley texting someone that Nichols had grabbed Martins gun, which Miller confirmed was a text Haley had sent.

Michael Stengel, defense attorney for former Memphis Police Department officer Demetrius Haley, points to Haley as he gives his opening statement during the first day of the state criminal trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Monday, April 28, 2025.

Miller said he also used GPS to track Nichols movements throughout the night.

Neither John Keith Perry, Beans attorney, nor Martin Zummach, Smith, Jr.s attorney, had questions for Miller.

Rondresha Mackey was the second witness to be called. Mackey brought with her the oaths of office for the five officers charged in Nichols' death: Bean, Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills, Jr. and Smith.

Assistant District Attorney Tanisha Johnson read them into the record. After that, Mackey stepped down with no cross-examination.

What happened on the second day of the trial?

The second day of trial exclusively featured testimony from former Memphis Police Department officer Desmond Mills Jr. Mills, one of the five officers charged in relation to Nichols' death, took a plea deal before the federal trial.

The day also saw video of Nichols' beating played in the courtroom. Several people in attendance, including much of Nichols' family, left the courtroom before the videos were played.

You can find full updates from the second day of the trial in this story.

What happened on the first day of the trial?

Attorneys argued over several motions before the jury was brought in and opening arguments began. After the prosecution and defense attorneys gave their opening arguments, Nichols' mother, RowVaugh Wells, was the first witness called to the stand.

You can find the full updates from the first day of the trial in this story.

What happened to Tyre Nichols?

Nichols was pulled over by Memphis police officers in the evening hours of Jan. 7, 2023. The officers pulled him from his car and attempted to arrest him before he was able to escape.

Other officers found him and tackled him. While holding his arms, police punched, kicked, pepper-sprayed and hit Nichols with a baton. He was taken to St. Francis Hospital in critical condition and died three days later.

Each of the officers charged in the case  Bean, Haley, Smith, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr.  have already either been convicted or pleaded guilty in the federal criminal case.

Haley was convicted on all counts  using excessive force, being deliberately indifferent to Nichols' medical needs, witness tampering and conspiracy to witness tamper. Martin and Mills each pleaded guilty to using excessive force and conspiracy to witness tamper ahead of the federal trial.

Bean and Smith were convicted of witness tampering, but were acquitted of the other three charges.

Sentencing for all five officers has been postponed until after the state criminal trial is completed.

Lucas Finton covers crime, policing, jails, the courts and criminal justice policy for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached by phone or email: (901)208-3922 and Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com, and followed on X @LucasFinton.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Tyre Nichols trial day 3 live covreage: Medical examiner testifies
Uzbekistan reveals strong trade turnover with CIS countries in 2024

The total value of Uzbekistan's exports to CIS nations was $23.1 billion in 2024. At a meeting in Tashkent, this was declared by the Council of Heads of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of CIS countries.

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YUKON, Okla. (KFOR)  A Chicago-based consulting firm has kicked off the first steps in an economic feasibility study for a potential Yukon music venue.

The site of the proposed Sunset Amphitheater is near I-40 and Frisco Road on the west side of Yukon. The proposed venue holds 12,000 seats, with developers setting their sights on Yukon after Oklahoma City developers shut down a similar plan last year. Venu Holding Corp. is the major developer attached to the project.

The project proposal has seen mixed reactions in the community, with supporters arguing it could be an economic spark for the city, and opponents arguing it could drive homeowners away.

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Yukon residents oppose amphitheater plans

Yukons City Council approved a $60,000 economic feasibility study at the beginning of April. Yukon Mayor Brian Pillmore admitted at the time that it wasnt a popular vote, but that the city needed to take a closer look at all factors regarding the potential venue.

On Tuesday, Chicago-based consulting firm Hunden Partners kicked off the first part of the study with stakeholder meetings meant to start gathering different perspectives, concerns or potential opportunities with the project as they relate to Yukons future.

This is day one for our study process to evaluate, does this make sense? said Hunden Partners director Matthew Avila. Is it financially viable? Does it work for the community?

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Avila said those pieces of information will be core to the scope of his firms work for the city. He says their goal is to better inform the city on what has been proposed by the venue group to make a decision one way or the other.

Were not biased, said Avila. Were not investing. We are consultants and advisors that work for municipalities.

Tuesdays two meetings were originally invite-only stakeholder meetings, but neither city officials or firm staff denied entry to members of the public and media who had not shown up with an invite.

The people that live in the city are the biggest stakeholders of this whole deal, said Yukon resident Michelle Ellison.

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Yukon City Manager Mike Castro explained that city leaders did not originally anticipate it being appropriate to have general public meetings since much of the actual plans had not been ironed out.

As originally envisioned, this meeting was going to involve a select, very small group of individuals who were focused on the schools, who were focused on equity, said Castro.

Castro did say Tuesday that the public participation had been helpful, and those who showed up with or without an invitation provided plenty of feedback.

Some residents said they didnt want Yukon to be like other metro cities around them. Others said they were for the development, with at least one resident saying she planned to move her Oklahoma City-based business to Yukon.

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Avila said the study will go deeper than the ongoing back-and-forth of public commentary.

We are going to look closely at people that would go there, that are still going to spend money in Oklahoma City, said Avila.

Avila said his firm will also be looking at potential revenue shortfalls, touring the city, looking at trends for people who may go to a possible venue for the show but spend their money in Oklahoma City, and interview other venues/promoters in the Oklahoma market.

Furthermore, Avila said his firm will be looking at the financial health of Venu Holding Corp. He said his firm wants to make sure there are no surprises and that any potential figures for costs are fair and negotiated.

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Given that they are a newer group with a lot of potential projects in the pipeline, it does raise concerns.

Avila says his firm wont be putting together traffic or noise studies, two big concerns for homeowners, but said they wouldnt rule out making recommendations that those studies are conducted.

How can you not look at that? Ellison asked. Because, to me, thats the most important thing.

Ellison says, regardless, shes hoping that residents tax dollars and input are respected by city leaders whenever the study is finished.

Im just hoping the city looks at what they say, said Ellison.

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There was discussion Tuesday about whether the findings of the study would be made public without citizens or media partners having to file an open records request. Castro assured those in attendance that the study would be made public.

Additional meetings have not been scheduled yet, but several citizens asked to be notified when they are, so they can attend if theyd like.

Castro said it would likely be a matter that the city council would have to discuss.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The Dayton Metro Library is offering multiple programs for the community this May, including ones offering information on veteran services, smokings health effects, aging gracefully and navigating health apps.

DML has partnered with Montgomery County Veteran Services for National Military Appreciation Month, with MCVSC staff present at multiple library branches. Programs that will be highlighted include the Vet Center, Montgomery Countys Recorder, MCVSC Transportation Program and the MCVSC Treatment Court Mentor Program.

Tuesday, May 6, 6-7 p.m. at the Southeast Branch.

Saturday, May 10, 2-3 p.m., at the Vandalia Branch.

Monday, May 12, 6-7 p.m., at the West Branch.

Saturday, May 24, 11 a.m.-noon, at the Miami Township Branch.

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Dayton Library celebrates AANHPI heritage month events

For people wishing to learn more about how smoking and vaping impact chronic diseases, there will be a program on Thursday, May 8. It will be held at the Miami Township Branch from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Public Health Dayton and Montgomery Countys Chronic Disease Prevention Program will teach about the effects smoking and vaping can have on health.

The Exploring Care and Support Services for Alzheimers event will be on Tuesday, May 13, from 6-7 p.m. at the Miami Township Branch. Attendees will learn about preparing for the unique changes caring for someone with Alzheimers brings, including respite care, residential care and end-of-life care. It will be presented by the Miami Valley Chapter of the Alzheimers Association. Registration required.

Thousands of new fish introduced to Deer Meadow Pond

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Learn about Medicare supplement plans (Medigap plans) on Tuesday, May 13, from 11 a.m.-noon, Wilmington-Stroop Branch. Registration required.

There will be another installment of Age Well Daytons Changing the Face of Retirement series. It will be on Thursday, May 15, 10-11:30 a.m., Main Library, Opportunity Center. Donna Kastner will teach about how important making strong social connections is for the lives of older adults. Registration required. (Limited seats remain.)

There will be two different events offering an introduction to the MyChart health app. Hospitals use the app to share medical data with their patients. It can be used to make appointments, get test results, communicate, request medication and more.

Tuesday, May 20, 11 a.m.-noon, at the Electra C. Doren Branch.

Tuesday, May 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at the Brookville Branch. (Registration required.)

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Local volunteers in childrens services to be honored

To register for events or to learn more, click here or call the Librarys Ask Me Line at 937-463-2665.

The library asks anyone who needs a sign language interpreter, assistive device, language translation, or accessibility services to call the Ask Me Line at 937-463-2665 or click here. This is so they can get the service ready ahead of time.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  D.C. police need help identifying two people who were allegedly involved in an armed robbery that occurred Tuesday.

Shooting outside nightclub in Fairfax County leaves one hurt

The incident took place in the 800 block of H Street, Northwest. The suspects allegedly took out guns, demanded property and assaulted one of the victims.

The suspects then took money from one of the victims before leaving the area.

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Two people were captured by surveillance cameras and can be seen in the photos below:

Courtesy: DC police

Anyone who can identify these suspects or who has knowledge of this incident should take no action but call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Departments TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a violent crime committed in the District of Columbia.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
Gov. Katie Hobbs, surrounded by members of the developmentally disabled community and their advocates, performs a ceremonial signing of House Bill 2945, which funds the Division of Developmental Disabilities through the end of the fiscal year. Photo by Caitlin Sievers | Arizona Mirror

The Arizona Legislature and governor finally agreed on a plan last week to prevent a funding crisis at the Division of Developmental Disabilities. This week the developmentally disabled community, along with lawmakers and Gov. Katie Hobbs gathered to celebrate the women (and girl) who fought relentlessly to ensure that the people who rely on DDD for vital services werent left without.

The agreement to supply DDD with $122 million in supplemental funding to get it through the end of the fiscal year passed through both chambers of the legislature and was signed into law last week. That was after months of fighting between the Republicans who control the legislature and Hobbs, a Democrat, over proposed cuts and increased oversight of the Parents as Paid Caregivers program that was responsible for a large chunk of the budget shortfall.

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Brandi Coon, co-founder of the Raising Voices Coalition whose son relies on DDD services, told a crowd gathered for a ceremonial bill signing on Wednesday that shed spent her whole life being told no.

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It started when she was 7 years old, crying in the corner of her classroom because she didnt know how to read or write and her teachers had given up on her. That first no early in her life and her mothers determination to ensure her daughter had the skills to thrive lit a fire in her, Coon said. She went on to fight for the continuation of the Parents as Paid Caregivers program and to ensure that the legislature passed the last minute bill to fund DDD last week.

This isnt just a win  its a revolution built on true love and determination, she said. This win belongs to every self-advocate, caregiver and taxpayer who spoke up, every sibling who stepped in, every voice who kept showing up after hearing no a hundred times.

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Grace Haley, 13, whose brother Jacob Haley relies on DDD services, thanked Republican Rep. Julie Willoughby and Democratic Rep. Nancy Gutierrez for their work to bring their parties together for a compromise that would prevent people like her brother from losing crucial services.

Haley spent the last few months advocating for her brother at protests, legislative hearings and in relentless emails to Willoughby.

You both made me feel like my voice matters, and I will carry that with me for the rest of my life, Haley told Willoughby and Gutierrez.

Grace Haley, 13, embraces Rep. Nancy Gutierrez, D-Tucson, during a ceremonial signing of a Division of Developmental Disabilities funding bill on April 30, 2025 at the state Capitol in Phoenix. Photo by Caitlin Sievers | Arizona Mirror

Jason Snead, who receives direct support services from DDD, thanked the members of the developmental disability community who showed up again and again to urge lawmakers to fund the division before money ran out on May 1.

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They allow me to be a better father, a better husband and also maintain a full time job so I can provide for my family, he said of the services he receives from DDD.

Snead added that the community should prepare for the many more battles that are likely to come.

Now that the immediate DDD funding crisis is resolved, Hobbs and Republican leaders in the legislature must craft a budget for the coming year, which could include another fight to fully fund services in the 2026 fiscal year.

Medicaid, which funds DDD services, faces the possibility of deep cuts at the hands of congressional Republicans, as they consider how to pay for President Donald Trumps tax cuts.

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Those cuts would likely mean loss of insurance coverage for millions of people across the country, to offset a tax plan that would primarily benefit the wealthy.

Hobbs said on Wednesday that the state doesnt have the resources to make up for that funding if its cut.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)- An overflow crowd of mostly students filled a Rochester City School District conference room during Tuesdays meeting.

Young and old pleaded with school board members to reverse plans to restructure Andrew Langston Middle School next year. The school was just renamed after the longtime business leader and owner of WDKX as part of a reconfiguration plan last year.

In that time, parents, teachers, students and community leaders say the partnership with the black-owned radio station has been transformational.

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Dear school board, I would like to know why Andrew Langston Middle School is getting cut in half, asked one student.

Classmates and teachers encouraged the young speakers, some of whom were visibly nervous about sharing their thoughts publicly, but one by one they explained why they needed the board to keep the school, its teachers and student body together.

Parents and community leaders shared all the positive changes that have taken place in the past year, from the creation of a school pantry to a podcasting program and art classes. The speakers expressed concern that the district in an effort to save money would move the school to a new building and reduce the number of teachers assigned to that middle school.

Also speaking to the board tonight were community members opposed to a recent decision to cancel an annual field trip to Canada as part of the Camp Pathfinder program.

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Some one hundred students from World of Inquiry, Padilla and Wilson High Schools were reportedly notified this week that the trip was not approved. Among the concerns expressed, the risk of crossing the border for students who are not U.S. citizens.

The decision feels rushed, one student told the school board members.

Parents and former participants pleaded with the board to allow parents to decide whether or not to allow their children to participate.

If we allow you to go and you get stopped at the border theres nothing we can do, explained school board member Beatriz LeBron.

Some 36 speakers signed up to share their concerns for about an hour before the board moved onto to other agenda items.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Attorneys for a pair of men charged in federal court for the shooting death last year of a Warren letter carrier must submit a mitigation report to the court so the government can decide if it wants to pursue the death penalty.

Read next: Drive-thru employee accused of taking photos of customer cards for fraudulent purchases

Prosecutors and attorneys for Thomas Sledge, 44, and his son Kaprise Sledge, 24, held a teleconference with U.S. Judge Donald C. Nugent in the U.S. Northern District Court of Ohio, court records show.

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Thomas and Kaprise Sledge are accused in the March 2, 2024, shooting death of Jonte Davis, 33. A federal grand jury indicted the pair Oct. 2. They have both been held without bond since they were arrested.

Court records said that after the mitigation report is prepared by defense attorneys, it will be given to prosecutors who will decide if the death penalty should be pursued and then forward that recommendation to the Department of Justice, which will have the final say.

The next pretrial conference in the case is set for July 8.

Although a decision has yet to be publicly announced on whether the death penalty will be sought, President Donald Trump said when he took office that it would be his policy that the Department of Justice seek the death penalty in all cases they are allowed to do so.

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Davis was a letter carrier for the Warren branch of the U.S. Post Office when he was shot and killed while delivering mail at Olive and Washington Streets NE.

Davis was shot while inside his U.S. Postal van. Officers and EMTs performed life-saving measures on the scene, and he was transported to Trumbull Regional Medical Center, where he later died as a result of his wounds.

Both men have pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors have not revealed a motive.

Prosecutors have said in previous court filings that there is evidence from Thomas Sledges phone that he was at or near the location where the SUV used in the shooting was abandoned and that he was in that area at the same time Karprise Sledge was there. They add that there is video evidence and eyewitness testimony showing that Thomas Sledge was inside the SUV used in the shooting.

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Also in previous filings, Thomas Sledges attorneys have said the government said Thomas Sledge was not the shooter in the case but that he drove a vehicle that was used in the shooting.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
EDEN, N.Y. (WIVB)  New York State DEC has issued a warning in response to complaints of suspected illegal burning at a farm in the Town of Eden.

The Department of Environmental Conservation says officers visited Don Mammoser Farm, which was hit by a powerful tornado last year.

Some residents say theres been a foul odor in the area for days and theyre calling for action.

I have woken up in the middle of the night, as early as 3 in the morning to the taste of rubber and the smell of electric wires burning and plastic, said Kelly Frisch, an Eden resident. She says she cant take it anymore and that the odor she describes in her neighborhood has been nauseating.

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And, it has gone into the afternoon hours placing a lot of inconveniences on our family, Frisch said.

Eden town supervisor Richard Ventry says the town hall nearly two weeks ago received complaints of black smoke and a foul odor coming from Don Mammoser Farm at 8687 East Eden Rd. in Eden. Ventry says police and the fire department went to investigate.

It was already burnt down, but we did ask the farm to bulldoze some dirt on there to put the dirt out, Ventry said.

The states Department of Environmental Conservation paid a visit to Don Mammoser Farm as well. In a statement, the agency told WIVB News 4 that last week one of their officers told the farm to stop burning non-agricultural waste, specifically wood, and warned of civil or criminal penalties. The DEC says the farm agreed and that officers say no additional fuel was added at the site of the fire.

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They told one of the police officers they were still burning some remainders of what was left over from the tornado. The Mammosers were the ones that were hit by the tornado pretty hard and they mentioned that they were burning some of the debris left from that, Ventry said as to what was being burnt.

Last summer, the Don Mammoser Farm was hit by an EF-2 tornado  causing extensive damage, blowing out windows, bringing down trees and branches and damaging a silo on the property.

The farm was then given a $200,000 grant from Erie County to rebuild.

As for those odor complaints  the DEC says it will monitor the situation. A statewide burn ban remains in effect. But there is an exception for farms in burning on-site agricultural waste. The burning of wood does not fall under this exception.

WIVB News 4 spoke by phone with a family member from Don Mammoser Farms, who said the fire was accidental, and had no further comment. The DECs Division of Law Enforcement is continuing its investigation at the farm.

More Calls 4 Action

Jeff Preval is an award-winning anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in December 2021. See more of his work here.

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DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA)  A Decatur teenager was sentenced on Tuesday to 20 years in prison for the role he played in the murder of a fellow teen two years ago.

Jamarrion Lloyd was in court on Tuesday  his 17th birthday  to learn his fate for his part in the murder of Tyler Eubanks on July 30, 2023. He was originally charged with three counts of murder, but he and his attorneys negotiated a plea deal with prosecutors two months earlier.

READ MORE: Decatur mother mourns after sons murder

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The deal was that the state would move to dismiss the murder charges and charge Lloyd with a new, Class X felony count of armed violence with a Category II weapon. The sentence was negotiated to 20 years in prison, of which Lloyd must serve 50%.

Lloyd, his co-defendant Otis Allen and his victim Eubanks were all 15 years old when the murder took place. Police determined that Lloyd and Allen lured Eubanks to Monroe Park and then inside an abandoned nursing home near the park, where they attacked and stabbed him 23 times with a dagger.

Two witnesses said they overheard Lloyd and Allen talking about killing that boy and that one of them saw Allen was the one who stabbed Eubanks; Lloyd was holding a flashlight to illuminate the scene of the crime as the murder happened.

There was no apparent motive for the murder, and police were shocked at how senseless it was.

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Could have been my babies; Chatham community mourns at candlelight vigil

Exactly 18 months after the murder took place, Allen pleaded guilty to one count of murder and a week later, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison. On Tuesday, Lloyd became the second and final person to be convicted and sentenced in the case.

Accepting Lloyds guilty plea and imposing the negotiated sentence, Judge Thomas Griffith granted him credit for time served between the day of the murder and the day prior to sentencing. While Lloyd was charged as an adult, Griffith mandated that he serve the first year of his sentence in the Department of Juvenile Justice.

He will be transferred to the Illinois Department of Corrections after his 18th birthday.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A runaway potbelly pig has caught the attention of some local animal lovers.

Sioux Falls Animal Control corralled it earlier this week, and the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society is working hard to bring the pig home.

Hearing a call from dispatch about a pig was not what officers with animal control expected to hear on Sunday, but when they arrived on scene, they believe they came across a friendly pet looking to be reunited with its owner.

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Prison groups wait to weed out possible sites

The potbelly pig was spotted in the area near the intersection of 69th Street and Sycamore Avenue on the southeast edge of the city. Sioux Falls Animal Control Officer Tanner Bruns took the call.

Definitely unusual, Bruns said. You dont see potbelly pigs in town every day,

It didnt take long for the pig to be safely captured and brought to the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

The community members had the pig and were just kind of petting it. It was pretty calm and everything. Pigs dont really like to be picked up, but we did have to pick it up to get it onto the truck. After that, it was pretty simple, Bruns said.

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After the pig was corralled, officers say there were signs that pointed to the pig being someones pet.

It has a microchip and everything like that. It was pretty friendly. It ate strawberries right out of the community members hand, Bruns said.

Very odd to see a microchip on a pig, but its another indication that its absolutely owned by somebody, so its a super weird situation. We were hoping that there was some information registered to it but unfortunately not, Sioux Falls Area Humane Society humane officer Emily Weingardt said.

Weingardt hopes to reunite the pig with its owner. The pig is currently staying at the Happy Pig Haven Sanctuary, but if the four-legged friend is yours, you should reach out to the Humane Society.

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We will organize transport and everything. We do like to make sure that it is someones pig, so we like proof, pictures, records from vet visits, any of that. Just give us a call, Weingardt said.

In case you are wondering, pet pigs are not allowed in Sioux Falls, but Bruns says its possible the owner lives outside the city limits.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. The allocation of rural lands to farmers in Azerbaijan's liberated territories has officially begun, said Majnun Mammadov, the country's Minister of Agriculture, Trend reports.

Speaking at the Agrarian Business Festival in Zangilan, Mammadov noted that from March 1 through 31, applications were accepted from the residents of Agali village in Zangilan through the electronic agricultural system.

"During April, these applications were analyzed, and sixty-eight proposals were approved. Of these, thirty-two individuals formed cooperatives. Agreements for land use were signed with the first three cooperatives. I believe that, with infrastructure fully organized by the state, land prepared for cultivation, and necessary infrastructure provided, our farmers will soon begin production in these areas.

Furthermore, our scientific research institutes are conducting trial plantings in the region. These trials will provide farmers with a firsthand look at how different plant species grow, their productivity levels, and their size. We are confident that, through the collaborative efforts of the state and farmers, Agali will set a pioneering example, and we are planning to expand this initiative across the liberated territories," the minister said.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Sen. Shay Shelnutt, R-Trussville, listens to a filibuster over a bill to overhaul sex education and make public schools teach sexual risk avoidance and abstinence on April 29, 2025 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Alander Rocha/ Alabama Reflector)

A bill seeking to make Alabamas public schools teach sexual risk avoidance and abstinence likely wont become law this year.

A Democratic filibuster over the General Fund budget Tuesday pushed debate over SB 277, sponsored by Sen. Shay Shelnutt, R-Trussville, to the last couple of minutes before midnight, when the legislative day ends. The late debate meant senators could not vote on the measure.

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Shelnutt made his unhappiness at the prospect clear.

Weve only got 10 more minutes. Yall wasted the whole day. So, lets just waste the last 10 minutes. I know you want to waste the last 10 minutes, Shelnutt said at around 11:50 p.m. when Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, asked if he would be willing to delay the bill until next year to allow them to work on something together.

There are four days left in the 2025 session of the Alabama Legislature. Starting on Thursday, bills originating in the Senate that have not yet passed that chamber need unanimous consent to be sent to the House. A single senators objection can kill a bill.

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Figures asked about the specifics of the curriculum and its implementation during the debate on the bill after Shelnutt initially ignored her on the floor.

Sen. Vivian Davis Figures questions Sen. Shay Shelnutt, R-Trussville, over a bill that would make Alabamas public schools teach sexual risk avoidance and abstinence on April 29, 2025, in Montgomery, Alabama. (Alander Rocha/Alabama Reflector)

Senator? Figures asked after a few seconds, following a question about whether he had been in contact with the Department of Education to learn about the current sex education curriculum.

Youve read the bill. You know what the bill does. Theres no sense wasting my time answering your questions. Yall want to stop it, so just you got the mic. Go, Shelnutt responded defensively.

Senator, I am sincerely asking you questions about this bill, Figures responded.

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Shelnutt remained defensive during the debate, maintaining that this is a good bill and that he didnt want teachers, left-wing, crazy people, teaching my kids about stuff that I dont ever want them to hear about.

If you got a problem with it, you got a problem with it, Shelnutt said to Democratic senators.

The bill would change sex education programs to include information about the financial cost of pregnancy and child care, abortion, and adoption, as well as instruction about parenting responsibilities. It explicitly prohibited providing a referral to or information about how to acquire an abortion, misrepresenting the efficacy of or demonstrating the use of contraceptives, and using images that are sexually explicit.

I dont want my kids taught that crap. I mean, its crap, Shelnutt said on the floor.

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The bill also tried to prevent local boards of education from using services from any individual or organization that does not endorse sexual risk avoidance or that advocates for or performs abortions. It also mandated that parents or guardians be given a 14-day notice before any sex education instruction and granted them the right to opt their children out of such programs.

Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, spoke briefly after Figures and pushed back on the claim that Tuesday was a wasted day. Instead, he said, it was an opportunity to compromise.

Its only a waste when you dont care about things that were trying to address for the people that we represent. So, if Im categorized as trying to represent the people that I represent, and someone wants to call it a waste, then so be it, Smitherman said.

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Rep. Shri Thanedar launched the drive to impeach Donald Trump for a third time this week with a billboard, but not much fanfare  or backup from his party.

The Michigan Democrat introduced seven articles of impeachment, charging the president with multiple abuses of power, the creation of an unlawful office (DOGE), and taking bribes. He did so on the same day that state legislator Donavan McKinney launched a primary challenge; McKinney said Thanedars timing was interesting, that the billboard hed put up was a campaign stunt, and that the effort was doomed.

Weve done this. Weve been through this circus already, McKinney said in an interview. How many times has Trump been impeached? He got reelected. Hes not going anywhere. We need to figure out another strategy to fight back.

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Democrats are feeling constant pressure from their base to disrupt the Trump administration, admitting to frustrated voters that they have no real leverage outside of the courts unless they win back at least one chamber of Congress. Part of that pressure has come via questions about impeachment, but there is no sign that Democrats would walk down that road again.

Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff told an emotional town hall attendee last week that Trumps conduct has already exceeded any prior standard for impeachment, but that nothing would happen while Republicans ran the House. And when Semafor asked about that answer, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said only: Thats far down the road.

Trumps comeback after two impeachments and two Senate acquittals  combined with last years Trump v. United States ruling, which strengthened the presidents immunity from criminal prosecution  has convinced most Democrats that his presidency can be resisted, but not ended prematurely.

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During Trumps first term, there was a multimillion-dollar Need to Impeach campaign, organized by mega-donor Tom Steyer, that built a list Steyer would end up using for a failed presidential bid. Trumps second term has sparked a grassroots Citizens Impeachment, run by a former Hill staffer with a Google spreadsheet, and a Mayday Movement that will begin protesting on the Mall this weekend for however long it takes to remove Trump.

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Elected Democrats accept the premise that Trump deserves impeachment. They have also learned that impeachment does not remove presidents whose own party will stick with them.

Hes been impeached twice, but we dont have any confidence that House and Senate Republicans would do their jobs and remove Trump, House Democratic Conference Chair Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., told Semafor. And so, this is not an exercise that were willing to undertake.

The Mayday Movements plan is for rolling protests with different daily themes, like Gender Equality & Queer Liberty (on Monday) and Borders, Belonging & Racial Justice (on Wednesday). Its efforts are smaller than those during the first Trump term, when Democrats were more hopeful that even Republicans would want him gone.

Steyer, who shut down Need to Impeach five years ago, did not respond to a question sent to a spokesman.

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Cultural pro-impeachment signifiers have faded, too. Authors who published impeachment books in the first term have moved on from the topic; the Unemployed Philosophers Guild, which produced Trump-branded Impeach-Mints, stopped making them after 2020. (Stefan Shaw, the companys president, told Semafor that it may bring some version of the mints back, but was currently working on First Amend-mints and International Embarass-mints.)

The lesson taken by Democrats and liberals was that impeachment, as practiced, simply did not stop Trump.

We all know that Donald Trump has broken the law, constantly, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar, D-Texas, told reporters on Tuesday. Elected in 2022, Casar did not vote on either Trump impeachment.

What we are committed to doing is hitting him where it hurts  instead of going and saying: OK, Jim Jordan, why dont you determine the witnesses and the evidence? Casar added.

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That attitude has left impeachment, for now, in the hands of safe-seat Democrats who do not mind if the rest of their party wont join. Texas Rep. Al Greens impeachment articles during Trumps first term were not adopted by Democrats, but the party later impeached the president for strong-arming Ukraine to release dirt on Joe Biden and for working to overturn his 2020 loss.

Green has said hell bring new articles anyway, focused on Trumps plan to take over Gaza. Thanedar said he had already heard from Democrats who want to support his impeachment effort, and he dismissed the criticism that it was pointless.

If you dont ask, you will never get it, Thanedar told Semafor.

The View From Republicans

Trumps party believes that voters will reject any impeachment talk as a waste of time by MAGA-obsessed Democrats who have no ideas of their own. Republicans Senate and House campaign committees amplified Ossoffs comments from last week, and Trump took a shot at Thanedar on Tuesday.

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Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who began working on impeachment articles against Joe Biden as soon as the former Democratic president was sworn in, said that voters had rejected lawfare against Trump in 2024.

Theyve done it twice, and everybodys so sick of it, Greene told Semafor. Everybody knew that it was just a complete abuse of the system. And its not what the American people want their politics to be.

David and Kadias View

At this point eight years ago, Democrats still saw Trump as a fluke president who his party might be convinced to get rid of. Their core logic sounded something like: What true conservative wouldnt trade him for Mike Pence?

Democrats base wondered if the firing of James Comey might undo Trump, or his jawboning of Ukraines president, or the violence of Jan. 6. Were not mentioning the countless stories quoting anonymous Republicans saying they worried that Trump might implode and theyd be happy when he did.

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That thinking is dead now, and the impeachment power is viewed very differently. It is not a threat that can stop a president; in 1998, 2019, and 2021, it simply rallied the presidents supporters while leaving him in power (or, in the last case, in command of his party from exile).

Democrats passionately believe that the president is acting like a king and violating the Constitution. But they cant stop him, a reality that weve watched many Democrats try to explain to angry voters who want them to do Their answer, again and again, is that its really just up to judges unless they win back Congress.

At one Casar event this month, he repeatedly laid out the partys action plan and was then asked why Democrats cant act faster, given the urgency.

At the same time, the cost of talking about impeachment has diminished. Democrats dont really believe that the 2021 impeachment hurt them; their midterm campaign in 2022 went better than any of them expected. Similarly, Republicans dont think that the impeachment inquiry against Joe Biden hurt them; Trump repeatedly called for Biden to be impeached, and the investigations into Bidens family were politically damaging.

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Democrats have the tougher balancing act. Their candidates will be asked before the next election if they think Trump should be impeached, and if they are honest, theyll say yes  while assuring voters that they wouldnt focus their majority on a doomed impeachment of a term-limited president.

Room for Disagreement

Gabe Garbowit, a former Senate staffer who launched Citizens Impeachment this year, pointed to polling that found a majority of Americans open to another impeachment, if convinced that Trump is defying the Constitution.

He said he had spent a few hundred dollars organizing his effort and signed up 3,000 people  at least one in each congressional district.

I dont really buy the arguments that its impossible, Garbowit said, Everything is getting so much more extreme. A lot more activists are really starting to understand where power is blowing through the system and where the pressure points are.

Notable

The Wall Street Journals editorial board, which has frequently criticized Trump, summed up the situation after Ossoffs town hall. Its a near-certainty that Democrats will impeach Mr. Trump in 2027 if they win control of the House in 2026. The effort will die in the Senate, further defining impeachment down.

For MSNBC, Andy Craig argued that Democrats really have no choice but to impeach Trump if they regain the House. Its an ugly truth, but we cant evade it by refusing to confront it, in plain terms, openly and unapologetically.






Last week, an article in The New York Times caused a stir on the political left: White House Assesses Ways to Persuade Women to Have More Children. The report revealed that pronatalists in and around the Trump administration, hoping to encourage higher marriage and birth rates, were weighing policies such as a $5,000 baby bonus for new mothers, Fulbright scholarships specifically for people who are married or have children, and educating women on menstrual cycles in order to maximize the chances of conceiving a child. The reactions online ranged from earnest rebuttals to dismissive snark.

There were the predictable references to The Handmaids Tale. Some took issue with the perceived coercion (Why is letting women decide so hard for you guys? asked Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin) or sexism (This is the kind of policy you write if you see women as little more than baby-factories, wrote Illinois Representative Sean Casten). And plenty of others called out Republican hypocrisy on family support and countered with better pro-family policies. This isnt complicated, tweeted Democratic House whip Representative Katherine Clark. 1) Affordable child care. 2) Paid family leave. 3) Stop trying to slash health care for women and kids. In other words, these right-wingers are acting like the Tim Robinson character in a hot dog costume who crashed his hot dog car into a building: Were all trying to find the guy who did this!

While it may be satisfying to dunk on conservatives, the left needs a better answer to the rights pronatalism. Low birth rates pose a threat to nearly every liberal goalfrom visions of social equality to policies, including universal childcare and early education, paid family and caregiver leave, and universal health care, that were cited in the wake of the Times article. This is not a uniquely American problem. According to the United Nations, two-thirds of the worlds population lives in countries now on depopulation curvesand this includes countries like Finland and Sweden with the generous welfare policies that Democrats envy. So waving away conservatives as hypocritical sexists simply wont cut it anymore.

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This is a fraught topic, so let me begin with a few caveats. First, much of the decline in birth rates over the past half-century is attributable to positive factors, perhaps none more important than increases in the agency and education of girls and women. Second, much of the pronatalist movement is infected by fringe voices who spout ideas riddled with racist, sexist, and fascist overtones. Third, no oneparticularly no womanshould ever be shamed for choosing not to have children.

But that does not mean that we on the left should be celebrating, or even encouraging, lower birth rates. As demographer Philip Longman, then of the left-leaning think tank New America, argued in 2004 , Population growth underlies our modern concept of freedom. By this, Longman meant that there is nearly no social or economic system that doesnt have an underlying assumption of increasing or at least stable numbers of children. If those systems start to break down, that opens the door for an authoritarian or retrograde agenda, particularly around womens rights.

Indeed, declining birth ratesparticularly when combined, as in the United States, with a rapidly growing and longer-lived senior populationare associated with any number of negative societal consequences. There is naturally more strain on the social safety net and social insurance programs as the ratio of workers to retirees shifts. People have to work longer, and there can be pressure to raise the age of retirement. The electorate becomes an entrenched gerontocracy, with seniors holding yet more outsize political power. The economy and innovation slows down. Public school systems and institutions of higher education face fiscal crises as they take in fewer enrollees yet maintain high maintenance costs. Community infrastructure like roads and sewers becomes more difficult to maintain as tax bases shrink.

In the broadest sense, it becomes more difficult for a society to invest in the futurefighting climate change, bolstering education, developing groundbreaking new technologies and medicines, making sociopolitical progressbecause it is forced to spend dwindling resources patching up fraying social, economic, and physical infrastructure. There is also a moral dimension to unrealized family formation, the persistent gap between the number of children that people report wanting to have and the number of children they end up having. As The Atlantics Elizabeth Bruenig has posited, The idea that people ought to be supported in welcoming however many children they want is both pronatalist and, to the degree that it helps women manifest the lives they imagine for themselves, arguably feminist.

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The message, however, isnt getting through. Even back in the mid-2000s, Longmans work got a chilly reception. The left has long been heavily influenced by Paul R. Ehrlichs problematic work The Population Bomb, which argued that overpopulation would lead to mass famine and environmental degradation and advocated for governments taking drastic steps to limit population growth. It sounds logical that, as climate change accelerates, having few children will make the planet more sustainable. Unfortunately, this doesnt hold up to scrutiny: Global depopulation will reliably cause more reactionary politics and geopolitical instability, neither of which is conducive to the kind of ambitious international climate policy thats needed to stave off this existential threat. Nor is immigration a long-term solution, though it can certainly help: There are simply too many countries with low birth rates, and even sub-Saharan Africa, where absolute birth rates remain high, is seeing major declines. If the trend lines continue, we are only a few generations away from essentially the entire world being below the demographic replacement rate.

The fact is, we dont fully know why birth rates are declining everywhere. The usual suspectseconomic development, cultural liberalization, and feminismare ultimately inadequate, the sociologist Alice Evans, who does globally comparative research on gender issues, wrote last year. Heres my strict analytical test for any theory: It must explain both the global collapse and local variation. Country-specific studies, while valuable, often miss the bigger picture. The Economist recently blamed Englands falling fertility on housing prices and delayed motherhood. But how does that explain similar nose-dives in rural Guatemala?

Some of the best theories (though, again, theres hardly a consensus) point to a decline in coupling up and changing attitudes toward how children fit in modern life. In the United States, the birth rate among married couples has remained relatively stable. However, both in the U.S. and globally, there has been a substantial drop in marriages and dating relationships, as well as in people even seeking long-term romantic connections. In the U.S. in 1990, 64 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds were married or cohabitating; that figure is now barely above 50 percent. Thats no doubt due in part to an epidemic of loneliness and social disconnection, which is exacerbatedor in many cases fueledby smartphones, social media, and on-demand content.

So what could a positive Democratic response to declining birth rates look like? It would be far more than just a progressive-flavored pronatalism. (Even the term itself is off-puttingly clinical, emphasizing the mere production of babies while leaving out mother and family.) The organizing principle, instead, should be creating the enabling conditions for everyone to form the flourishing families they desire. That absolutely includes strong paid family leave, accessible childcare options, and affordable health care, alongside abundant family-size housing, meaningful and good-paying jobs, and direct cash support like a large refundable child tax credit and, yes, even a baby bonus. It also means addressing human connection, an agenda that could range from commonsense restrictions on social media for minors to creating vibrant third spaces and community infrastructure, to hosting more spiritually laden conversations on what it means to pursue the good life amid a hyperconsumerist and individualistic culture.

What liberals shouldnt do is let their fury at Republicans blind them to what is a growing nationalindeed globalcrisis. It is not enough to simply scoff at right-wing attempts to engineer higher birth rates or at the rank inadequacy of a one-time $5,000 checknot when so many Americans are unable to form the families they desire, and not when the consequences of low birth rates are so damaging to social progress. The Democrats are far better positioned than Republicans to claim the mantle of the party of parents, to emphasize an inclusive vision of family values, and make a nonjudgmental yet affirmative case for having children that rests on a foundation of broad economic prosperity. In both figurative and literal ways, the future of America may well rest on whether Democrats can embrace this as a core value.
Democrats may have finally learned Steve Bannons favorite strategy: Flood the zone.

With Donald Trumps presidency reaching its 100th day and the US president plummeting in approval polling on issues that have historically been his strongest areas with voters, the broader left and a wide coalition of groups are coming together to capitalize on a groundswell of discontent caused by the administrations slash-and-burn tactics.

And theres little sign that anyone is heeding the grumbling complaint-warnings held by centrist Democrats and spoken either directly or laundered through friendly media outlets to avoid the distraction of so-called woke issues (immigration, transgender rights, mass incarceration, etc.) in favor of kitchen table talk and reclaiming the narrative on the economy.

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Instead, the partys backbenchers and even some members of leadership are embracing a strategy laid out (but hardly invented) by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker over the weekend. Pritzker, widely considered to be a potential 2028 presidential contender, made an appearance at a local Democratic Party event in New Hampshire on Saturday and laid out his vision for Resistance 2.0.

Its time to fight, everywhere, all at once, he told Democrats in Manchester. Republicans cannot know a moment of peace.

Over Tuesday and Wednesday, Democratic activists and some of their allies on Capitol Hill lived up to that aspiration.

Morning rush hour traffic was even more chaotic than usual in the nations capital on Wednesday, thanks to crowds of demonstrators who began marching in the streets (with police protection) around 7:45 a.m. A large banner representing the Constitution was unfurled as protesters marched down Massachusetts Ave. describing the administration as a fascist occupation and calling for the release of Mahmoud Khalil and other detained student activists on green cards (legal residency).

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Though police escorts directed traffic and kept disruptions to a minimum, The Independent witnessed one unlucky driver rear-ending an officers squad car just as the group was heading out, presumably distracted by the displays. The driver, a man appearing to be in his 30s, did not seem injured.

Organizers who spoke to The Independent said that the groups held more than a dozen intersections across the city during rush hour, and persisted for several hours. A handful were arrested at the intersection of 14th and Constitution after locking down the intersection for around a half hour and refusing police commands to move on.

At the State Department early Tuesday evening, a crowd of Democratic lawmakers shouted through loudspeakers to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a former senator. Denouncing their former colleague as a hypocrite, they urged him to step down or acknowledge the constitutional due process rights of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Vermont green card holder and legal resident of the US for a decade who was arrested and jailed after being lured to what he thought was an interview as part of the legal process to obtain full citizenship. He has not been charged with or accused of a crime.

Does it matter to come out on the streets? Does it matter to protest? Absolutely, this administration needs to know that we are watching very carefully what they are doing, that we care about our rights, Rep. Becca Balint, a Vermont congresswoman and the organizer of Tuesdays rally, told attendees. Other speakers included Senator Chris Van Hollen, who flew to El Salvador to meet with a Maryland man deported against a judges order earlier in April, as well as other progressives  Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Rep. Maxwell Frost, Rep. Nydia Velazquez and Rep. Maxine Dexter.

Rep. Becca Balint led a group of Democratic lawmakers at a rally outside the State Department on Tuesday (Getty Images)

Balint told The Independent after the rally that she expects the administration to proceed further with retaliation against judges and other members of the legal system who oppose or otherwise hold up the presidents deportation orders if Americans are not vocal about such actions being unacceptable. She added that her party had work to do as well to reach voters and meet the urgency of the moment.

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[W]hat I want to see from my colleagues, and I'm already seeing a lot of that  I want to see more of people being unafraid to speak directly to the American people about what's happening, Balint added. We need to get better both at listening deeply to what the concerns are of of our [voters], you know, regardless of what district you're in. But also, we need to be better at about articulating why something is important. And it sometimes takes throwing some elbows, throwing some punches.

Even Hakeem Jeffries, the partys minority leader in the House of Representatives, joined Senator Cory Booker in a sit-down chat with passerby on the steps of the Capitol on Sunday, as he and others reforge ties with their base. Their talk, billed as a sit-in, attracted a crowd of at least a hundred people.

Booker, who recently set a record in the Senate with a 25-hour speech denouncing the Trump administration, was celebrating his birthday Sunday as he arrived for the sit-in around 6am.

We cant keep doing things like business as usual, he said.
For nearly a year, the UCLA Police Department has kept the cellphones of 40 UCLA students they arrested during last year's mass demonstrations over the war in Gaza.

Without their phones students faced extreme hardship, according to attorneys affiliated with the National Lawyers Guild. At least one student lost her job when her employer couldnt reach her, a student journalist with the Daily Bruin said it made reporting for the newspaper difficult, and one student missed a shift at an internship. Some students had trouble staying in touch with family, attorneys said.

On Monday, the universitys police department said it would give phones back to the students.

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Read more: Most arrested during USC, UCLA Israel-Hamas war protests won't be charged, L.A. city attorney says

Acting Police Chief Scott Scheffler wrote in an email to The Times that the decision stemmed from Los Angeles City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto's announcement last week that she was not filing charges against most of the UCLA and USC students arrested in April and May 2024.

"As of this morning the phones are no longer being held as evidence," Scheffler wrote. "Individuals who have not yet picked up their phones will be notified and can make an appointment with our Property Unit to do so."

But students will only have two weeks from the date they receive written notification from the department to retrieve their phones before they are destroyed, said Cynthia Anderson-Barker, an attorney with the lawyers guild.

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It's a timeline she says is unfair for the many students who no longer live in Los Angeles. She's requested that an attorney be permitted to collect the phones on behalf of the students.

She said students would need to bring identification and show proof they own the phone. They will also require a notarized letter if someone else wants to pick up the device.

The police department keeps more than 3,000 items of evidence, found property and property being held for safekeeping, according to the departments website. Generally, items stored as evidence are held until a case is completed.

Sabrina Darwish, a criminal defense attorney based in Santa Ana, said she and Anderson-Barker began to request the phones from the police department after the May 6 arrests of more than 40 students inside a parking structure at UCLA.

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Although the case remained open, no criminal charges were filed against the students.

Read more: UCLA suspends Students for Justice in Palestine after vandalism at UC regent's home

In July, Darwish filed a motion in Los Angeles Superior Court to get the department to return the property. But the motion was denied because of a search warrant university police had obtained, alleging the phones were used to commit a felony and they were part of an ongoing investigation.

Two months after the court hearing, Anderson-Barker wrote to Feldstein Soto, copying Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and UCLA interim Chancellor Darnell Hunt asking that the phones be returned to the students. Feldstein Sotos office responded four days later, stating that the decision to release the property fell on the UCLA Police Department.

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Hieu Vu, a criminal defense attorney in Orange County, said its common for law enforcement agencies to keep evidence key to a criminal case in some instances for years.

"While a search warrant can temporarily justify holding property, it does not allow for indefinite possession," he said. "A yearlong hold after a search warrant sounds unusually long."

The attorneys with the lawyers guild said trying to get phones back to the students has been frustrating.

"Weve never received so much pushback in both of our careers," Darwish said. "Theyve made it unnecessarily difficult."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Demonstrators took to the streets of D.C. early Wednesday to protest President Donald Trumps first 100 days in office, blocking rush-hour traffic.

The protest started around 7:30 a.m. near Samuel Gompers Memorial Park, located at 10th Street and Massachusetts Avenue NW.

Were making sure that there is a peoples movement to resist this authoritarianism and fascism and defend democracy, because we want to see American democracy survive, said Vincent Verutuccio, one of the organizers of Wednesdays protest.

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As of 8:25 a.m., D.C. police said rolling road closures were in effect on 9th and D Street NW, traveling southbound from 14th Street NW, and drivers should use caution in the area.

Man, teenager shot in Northwest DC, police say

Demonstrators could be seen marching in the street and chanting, No Trump, no deportation, no more fascist occupation.

We are not okay with what this administration is doing, said Verutuccio. We are seeing regular working folks and immigrants being swept up in mass in these deportation raids, and that is horrific.

Were also seeing all sorts of policies aiming to benefit the wealthy and hurt the poor, I mean this administration is trying to get rid of Meals on Wheels, its trying to cut SNAP and medicaid, and these are programs that struggling people in this country, rely on [and also] labor unions are under attack, he continued.

Protestors rally against President Donald Trumps first 100 days in office in Northwest D.C. on April 30. (Ya-Marie Sesay/DC News Now) Protestors rally against President Donald Trumps first 100 days in office in Northwest D.C. on April 30. (Ya-Marie Sesay/DC News Now) Protestors rally against President Donald Trumps first 100 days in office in Northwest D.C. on April 30. (Ya-Marie Sesay/DC News Now)

Tuesday marked the 100th day of Trumps second presidency. During this time, Trump signed 143 executive orders, according to data from The American Presidency Project at UC Santa Barbara.

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After 100 days back in the White House, America is a free, proud, and sovereign nation once more, and our magnificent destiny is closer than ever before, Trump said at a Tuesday speech, where he defended his administrations tariffs and efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.

However, those protesting in the District say more needs to be done to help the working class.

We have to help folks who are struggling, cutting those programs like Medicaid, SNAP, food for hungry seniors, like Meals on Wheels, thats not moving our country in a positive direction.

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President Donald Trump is taking a hit with some of his former voters on the economy  and one Democratic group is advising its party not to pile on, but to offer an alternative. Now.

A trio of focus groups of 2024 Trump voters  backed by the Democratic group Navigator Research and shared first with POLITICO  reinforces a heap of public polling in recent days that shows an electorate increasingly frustrated by Trumps approach to tariffs and the cost of living. Its a dynamic that congressional Democrats are hoping to capitalize on ahead of next years midterm elections.

But it may not be enough.

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Following its latest round of focus groups, Navigator Research is urging Democrats to proactively push their own economic policies. Democrats can't just assume that because [voters] are upset with Trump right now, that anyone's coming back to them, but must give their vision of what an economy that works for everybody looks like, and it can't just be that the economy sucks, said Rachael Russell, director of polling and analytics at Navigator Research, a project within the Hub Project, which is a Democratic nonprofit group.

Now is the time to provide real solutions that people can look to as an alternative because we're seeing that splintering right now, we're seeing people say, this isn't necessarily what I voted for, Russell said.

The problem for Democrats, she said, is that not many of them are offering an alternative yet. Everyone's kind of like, we're not in power, we can't do anything, she said.

I think the proactive nature of presenting a vision is much more inspirational and brings people in a way that we're not currently doing, Russell said. There's people out there doing this on their own, but as an entity, as a party, it doesn't feel like there's a real vision that's being expressed.

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Public opinion has been shifting against Trump in recent days. A majority of Americans said Trumps policies worsened economic conditions, up 8 percentage points since last month, according to a CNN poll, while participants in Navigators focus groups described his first 100 days as chaotic, disappointing and a mixed bag.

One Black woman in the Pennsylvania focus group said she specifically voted for him because of the economy, but now that we gave him a second term, I just feel like now it's just downhill from there, and I'm thinking, What the fuck?

He promised he was going to help with the economy, said a white woman from Pennsylvania. I definitely feel like he's not keeping his promises and I regret voting for him.

The reams of polling and focus group data are timed with Trumps first 100 days of his second administration, which have found his approval ratings sink to the lowest levels of any president in decades during the same period. A New York Times/Siena College poll found that voters disapprove of his handling of every issue, including on immigration and the economy  longstanding areas of strength for the president.

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In a lengthy post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump responded to the recent polling data from The New York Times, ABC and The Washington Post, calling them FAKE POLLS FROM FAKE NEWS ORGANIZATIONS.

But the results from public polls are reflected in three Navigator focus groups with 2024 Trump voters in the key swing states of North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Michigan, who were particularly concerned about the cost of living not improving since Trump took office  a core campaign promise of Trumps.

On tariffs, most of which were announced over the last month, several of these Trump voters said they liked them in theory, but not the out-of-control rollout.

It's not a bad idea, but if the implementation is flawed, then  you can't turn it on and turn it off like it's air conditioning, said one college-educated man from Michigan. It creates too much instability.



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Other Trump voters said they were willing to accept that short-term pain. A few said Trump had about a year to implement his policies, even if they had to swallow higher prices.

It might be painful for a little bit, but we can't continue to have trade deficits with China, and Canada, Mexico, he said. I really believe that he's trying to level the playing field and try to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.

When the moderator told the participants that tariffs could cost American families an additional $4,700 a year, based on a study by Yale University, several of them scoffed at it. One North Carolina voter called the idea crazy, while another said, I don't believe that, no, I don't see it going that high, adding that he blamed that kind of information on a lot of fake news out there.

What they were willing to accept as fact versus not, I do think that's going to be an ongoing issue, Russell said. We're in very different [information] ecosystems and that's not new, but if we're not willing to come to the table with the same set of facts, it's only going to get increasingly harder.

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Trumps moves on immigration  particularly his focus on deportations  was seen generally positively by focus group attendees. One man from North Carolina said the most glaring positive, to me, is that the border is closed.

When presented with the details of the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland resident deported to El Salvador, several of the Pennsylvania voters, a group of women, raised concerns about it.

People are seeing this happen to someone else who the family and friends and coworkers or whatever is saying that they're wrong and they could be in the same position. That could be them. That could be their family, one woman said. So I think that's definitely where the fear is swirling around and I don't know how to contain that if he's going to keep doing it.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misstated how much money a study said tariffs could cost American families.
Editors note: This article discusses sexual violence. The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-4673 and a list of local resources is available here.

Survivors, community leaders and elected officials had a clear message on April 30: believe survivors of sexual violence.

That message was spread on Denim Day, which was kicked off at Milwaukee City Hall on for its 14th year. The annual event draws awareness to sexual assault and criticizes victim-blaming in Milwaukee and throughout the world

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"Change doesn't come from right here in city hall. Change actually begins with people," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson at a Denim Day. "Today we ask all community members to make a personal pledge to take concrete action to end sexual assault."

Denim Day speakers urged people to stop victim blaming and instead tell survivors they "believe them."

Denim Day takes on further significance this year with the current political climate for immigrants, said Mariana Rodriguez, the director of the United Migrant Opportunity Services' Latina Resource Center. Her organization works with roughly 200 clients a year on issues like sexual assault and domestic violence.

The immigrant community has high anxiety over possible repercussions for seeking help and what might happen when they go to court, she said. Rodriguez's organization is being very careful about how they advise people of their rights due to this.

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She said they are still referring them to police and attends court with clients.

"Victims are very scared," Rodriguez said. "As advocates, we're also anxious about it, because we don't know exactly how it's going to look."

Dawn Helmrich brought Denim Day to Milwaukee. She is a rape survivor and said she faced blame for what happened to her. Around 15 years ago, she learned of Denim Day and discussed it to then-Mayor Tom Barrett, who supported the idea to bring it to the city.

"It was really important to me, because I felt like there was so much victim blaming and we just didn't have a voice," she said.

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Denim Day asks for people to wear jeans as a way of showing solidarity with victims of sexual violence. This lessens the load on survivors, Helmrich said.

"You can feel supported without having to tell your story and I think that's something that's really, really important," she said.

The day began in 1999, after the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction, according to a city news release. The court's rationale was because the survivor was wearing tight jeans, the woman must have helped remove them, indicating she gave consent.

That decision kicked off Denim Day in Italy, with women in the country's government wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. It's grown throughout the world since.

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David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: It's Denim Day in Milwaukee. The day raises awareness of sexual assault.
The Hope Florida story has dominated this legislative session like no other.

But its a pretty difficult thread to follow. There are a lot of players and numerous accusations being thrown around.

First, lets set the stage with the key figures.

Gov. Ron DeSantis: He needs no introduction.

First lady Casey DeSantis: DeSantis wife, whose signature initiative is Hope Florida, a program to wean people off of government assistance. Casey DeSantis is widely rumored to be looking at a run for governor in 2026. (Her husband cant run again because of term limits.)

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Attorney General James Uthmeier: Ron DeSantis appointed Uthmeier to attorney general earlier this year. Previously, Uthmeier was DeSantis most trusted aide. At various times, hes served as the governors chief of staff, his 2024 presidential campaign manager and his top political consigliere.

Centene: A national health care company that settled with the state for $67 million last year for overbilling Floridas Medicaid program.

Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez: A Miami Republican who has quickly become DeSantis chief antagonist in the state. Perezs House has been the main body investigating Hope Florida.

Florida Rep. Alex Andrade: A Pensacola Republican and chairperson of the House health care budget subcommittee whos accused the DeSantis administration of improperly funneling state money to a pet political cause.

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Now lets walk through the controversy. Here are six key questions about Hope Florida, answered.

What is the Hope Florida controversy?

House Republicans have accused the DeSantis administration of using a charity related to Hope Florida to siphon public money that primarily goes to poor families into political causes.

It all started in 2021, when state officials got wind of allegations that Centene, a massive health care company with business around the country, had overbilled the states Medicaid program by millions.

State officials started settlement talks with Centene soon after. In the end, Centene agreed to pay $67 million back to the state.

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The settlement was finalized in September  amid a heated political season in which DeSantis was marshaling opposition to Amendment 3, a ballot initiative that would have legalized recreational marijuana for adults.

From the Centene settlement, the DeSantis administration funneled $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation. (More on that group in a bit.) The foundation then gave out $5 million grants to two political groups that do not have to disclose their donors.

Those groups then in turn donated $8.5 million to Keep Florida Clean, the main group opposing Amendment 3. Keep Florida Clean was being run at the time by Uthmeier, who was then also serving as DeSantis chief of staff. (Team DeSantis won at the ballot box: Amendment 3 lost.)

Andrade, the Republican lawmaker, has alleged that Uthmeier told representatives from the two dark money groups to apply for the Hope Florida Foundation grants.

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If that happened, he said it would amount to Uthmeier steering money that belongs to the public from the Centene settlement to a political committee he controlled.

In response, Uthmeiers team has said Andrade is working on behalf of the spurned Florida marijuana industry. In a letter to Andrade, a representative from one of the dark money groups denied that Uthmeier pressured her into steering the grant to his political committee.

Back up. What is Hope Florida?

Casey DeSantis announced the Hope Florida initiative in 2021. The idea was for hope navigators with the state to connect those in need to community resources like charities and religious groups.

The idea quickly became a much-ballyhooed part of the DeSantis administrations approach to social welfare. Although many Hope navigators are housed within the Department of Children and Families, they have become a part of numerous agencies under the governors purview. The state put out news releases about Hope Florida connecting those seeking jobs to employment resources; about it assigning long-term mentors to foster care kids and about it awarding grants to nonprofits that the state says are doing good work. The Hope Florida mission is getting people off of government programs like Medicaid  the same program at issue in the political dispute.

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The government connecting those in need to local nonprofit resources is not a new idea. A North Carolina program, NCCARE360, which aims to do just that, has been active since 2019. Floridas 211 system, run by United Way, also does that.

Its also not clear that Hope Florida has been as much of a success as the DeSantis administration claims. This month, the governor said the program has saved the state of Florida $100 million  without providing evidence. Hes said the program has helped more than 30,000 people either get off government assistance or decrease their dependence on it. But the administration has been repeating that number for the better part of a year, raising questions about its accuracy.

Nevertheless, DeSantis team raves about the program, pointing to anecdotal success stories.

In the two-plus years weve been doing Hope Florida, I have never seen anything as transformational within our agencies, said Liz Phillips, who is now a hope navigator with the Department of Juvenile Justice, at a news conference Thursday.

What is the Hope Florida Foundation?

Hope Florida is the name of the larger government initiative. The foundation is a charity the state set up to bolster the Department of Children and Families work. In theory, it collects donations and distributes them to organizations that help get people off of government assistance.

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The charity gave away less than 5% of its donations in its first year, according to its tax returns.

The Hope Florida Foundation has an official designation: Its the direct support organization for the department. That means state law governs how the charity acts, who sits on the board and for what purpose it can raise money.

For years, the Hope Florida Foundation has not complied with a number of these laws, legislative staffers allege. For example, it hasnt done annual audits as mandated by state law. It was also late in filing its taxes, only doing so after reporters started looking into the charity.

Why is Medicaid so important here?

A major question in the saga hovers over Centenes $10 million donation to Hope Florida: Was it Medicaid money?

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If it was, it could mean serious consequences for the DeSantis administration. Medicaid is a highly regulated joint state and federal program that in Florida largely goes to insuring poor children. Redirecting money from it to an unrelated political campaign is not only a bad political look  it could be a federal crime.

The DeSantis team says the $10 million was not Medicaid money. Last week, the state released a letter showing that Centene paid Florida some $57 million for overbilling Medicaid  plus another $10.8 million for any other potentially alleged damages.

DeSantis has called the $10 million a cherry on top of the overbilling settlement.

But experts have disputed that characterization. Since Medicaid is a state and federal program, Florida had to pay the federal government back its share of the settlement money. That means it owes the feds 57% of the entire $67 million settlement, according to federal guidance.

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Its not clear to me why the entire $67 million settlement amount isnt owed to the states Medicaid program, said Andy Schneider, a research professor at Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policy who has over 50 years of experience with the Medicaid program.

Why are Republicans antagonizing a Republican governor?

DeSantis hasnt enjoyed the scrutiny from his fellow Republicans. Hes called the leaders of the Florida House terrible and rotten for trying to smear Hope Florida with their investigation.

His allies say all of it is political. Casey DeSantis is potentially gearing up to run for governor in 2026, and some Republicans want to take her down, they say. (U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds has already earned the endorsement of President Donald Trump in that race.)

House Republicans insist theyre not playing 2026 games. They say theyre all about good government.

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My focus is, and has always been, on transparency and accountabilityespecially when taxpayer dollars are involved," Perez wrote in a statement to the Times last week.

Are state lawmakers investigating the Hope Florida Foundation?

Not anymore. Last week, in a surprising move, the Florida House said it was ending its investigation.

Nothing to see here?

Times/Herald staff writers Lawrence Mower and Alexandra Glorioso contributed to this report.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 30. At the initiative of the Israeli side, a telephone conversation took place between the Deputy Prime Minister  Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.

"During the conversation, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation, confirming their mutual commitment to further strengthening mutually beneficial trade, economic, and investment ties," the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan said in a statement.

Moreover, special attention was given to the schedule of upcoming events at the highest and senior levels within the framework of enhancing interaction between the two countries.

The ministers also exchanged views on current regional and international issues.

Kazakhstan-Israel relations refer to the bilateral diplomatic relations between the State of Israel and the Republic of Kazakhstan. These relations were established on April 10, 1992. The Israeli Embassy in Kazakhstan opened in August 1992, while the Kazakh Embassy in Israel opened in May 1996. The Israeli Embassy is located in Astana, while the Kazakh Embassy is in Tel Aviv.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The woman who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial may not be a household name, but the impact of sculptor and architect Maya Lins work has been felt by millions.

Lin won a national contest to design the Vietnam memorial in 1981 when she was a 21-year-old senior at Yale University.

Lin designed the memorial as part of a class project.

She endured harsh criticism for the design at the time with many critics calling it too bleak or strange. Once the memorial was built and people were able to see it the criticism died down.

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Approximately four to five million people visit the Vietnam Memorial every year making it one of the most visited memorials on the National Mall.

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.  The spring planting season is well underway in Missouri, with an excess of rainfall forcing farmers to shift their strategies, and in some cases, they are having to replant all over again.

The University of Missouri reports there are approximately 87,600 farms and 27 million acres being farmed in Missouri. The report shows half of Missouris land is in production agriculture.

The UM report also shows a mixed bag heading into growing season: Outputs for crops like corn, cotton, hay, and rice are projected to decline in overall numbers this year, yet soybean production is projected to increase in 2025.

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But with that much farmland spread out across every region of the state, the variables that present itself each year to one farmer in Missouri may not be exactly what farmers on the other side of the state are facing.

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You know, thats the beauty of Missouri, Diehl, a GOP representative from Butler in his first term. Its pretty diverse.

More than 130 miles north of Butler, a city in Bates County along the Kansas border, the conditions have been pretty exceptional, minus an ongoing dry spell that, as of the recent drought monitor, shows parts of northwest and northeast Missouri falling under abnormally dry conditions.

Courtesy: Mark Zinn, FOX 2 News

I think were doing quite good, Mark Hall, a farmer from Holt County in the extreme northwest portion of the state, said. The corn is in and started to sprout but were still working to get in the (soy)beans.

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Hall said once things dry down, more and more of his farming neighbors will finish planting. He said one of the main reasons to get the plants in early is to have them harvest early, which makes it easier for them to move and sell crops ahead of his neighbors. Not out of pride, but because most farmers share equipment and there can be a rush to get the crops to market.

Youre O-U-T, out! says legal expert in FOX 2s findings on St. Louis Sheriff

But just across the Missouri River into Kansas, its a different story as much of the state is dealing with some sort of drought.

While every farmer will tell you they need the rain, some caution that too much rain over a short period of time can setback farmers who have to replant seeds.

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Thats a reality, said Diehl. Since its wet and continuing to be wet, were at the discretion of the weather.

But weather rarely stops farmers from making their living.

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ROCKPORT, Mass. (AP)  Rockport residents have a history of fighting off invaders, but not this time.

During the War of 1812, townsfolk in the tiny fishing village hurled rocks at British soldiers using their stockings as slings. Now, theyre slinging trash bags and towels over the side mirrors of their cars to protect them from a destructive and determined pileated woodpecker.

Over the last few weeks, the bird has broken more than two dozen mirrors and at least one vehicles side window. But residents are taking the violence in stride.

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Everybodys having a good laugh about it, said Ben Favaloro. Nobody wants harm to the bird. Hes always welcome back.

Favaloro, who has lived in the neighborhood for nearly four decades, said hes seen the occasional woodpecker on the side of houses in years past and he removed several trees last summer that were damaged beyond recovery. But the attacking of glass is a new phenomenon.

Initially, we just noticed that all the mirrors had been adjusted. It looked like maybe theres a child in the neighborhood that was going around pushing the mirrors down, he said. But then his sister-in-law spotted the roughly 21-inch (53-centimeter) tall woodpecker on Favaloros truck, pecking at the side mirror.

Given their enormous size, piliated woodpeckers are plenty strong enough to break mirrors, but such behavior is definitely weird, said Pamela Hunt, senior biologist for avian conservation at the New Hampshire Audubon.

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Lots of birds will be aggressive against reflections in mirrors, but I dont usually hear about woodpeckers, she said. They dont usually peck at their opponents, they kind of chase them around.

She said the woodpecker might be a little stupid and is trying to defend its territory and scare away what it sees as competition. The damage coincides with the mating season for pileated woodpeckers and resident Barbara Smith said shed be fine with lots of little woodpeckers around, though she hopes they won't be as destructive.

Woodpeckers have to do what woodpeckers do, she said. Good luck, woodpecker.

Favalro said the woodpecker and the media attention it has attracted has been a fun distraction from everything else going on in the world.

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This small town of Rockport that I live in is one of the safest communities around, he said. I think this is probably one of the biggest crimes in years. Its kind of funny, but its nice as well.

___

Ramer reported from Concord, New Hampshire.
One of the executive orders signed by President Donald Trump on Monday seeks to end all federal consent decrees governing reform efforts by police departments across the country.

But Chicagos consent decree  in place since 2019  isnt going anywhere, according to the Office of the Illinois Attorney General.

The consent decree between the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago regarding the Chicago Police Department is a binding court order that will remain in effect, April McLaren, deputy press secretary for Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, said in an emailed statement this week. The Attorney Generals office remains committed to the constitutional policing residents of Chicago deserve.

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The executive order issued Monday instructs the U.S. attorney general to, within 60 days, review all ongoing federal consent decrees, out-of-court agreements, and post-judgment orders to which a state or local law enforcement agency is a party and modify, rescind, or move to conclude such measures that unduly impede the performance of law enforcement functions.

Chicagos consent decree was approved and entered by a federal judge in early 2019. That now-former judge, Robert M. Dow, now serves as chief of staff to Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. The Department of Justice is not a party in the matter, offering a layer of protection.

Earlier this month, the monitoring team that assesses the citys consent decree progress, found CPD had achieved some level of compliance with more than 90% of the consent decrees mandates, though the extent varies by category. The monitoring team was effusive in its praise for how officers and supervisors handled the protests and marches that accompanied the Democratic National Convention in August 2024.

The citys consent decree was sparked by the 2014 murder of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by former police Officer Jason Van Dyke. After the release of the now-infamous shooting video in 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation into CPD and found that officers engaged in a pattern or practice of unreasonable force  including deadly force  in violation of the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution.

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Following the DOJ investigation, the Illinois attorney generals office, then led by Lisa Madigan, filed a federal lawsuit against the city as a way to cement a sweeping series of proposed reforms. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, the union representing rank-and-file CPD officers, made attempts to join the consent decree as a party to the lawsuit, but was denied.

In 2016, while still campaigning for his first term as president, Trump said he spoke with an unnamed Chicago police officer who told him that the citys crime would cease if they let us do our job. During a campaign rally last fall, Trump called for one real rough, nasty and violent day when police officers would be permitted to use excessive force to stop crime, according to Politico.

Soon after Trumps second inauguration, his administration filed a still-pending federal lawsuit against the city that seeks to force CPD officers to assist agents from Immigration and Customs enforcement  the very activity barred by Chicagos Welcoming City ordinance.

In 2018, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that federal funds could not be withheld from cities that do not cooperate with immigration authorities.
CAYUGA, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) New details have been released in court documents for the arrest of Carthell Jeys Jr.

40-year-old Cayuga, Indiana resident Carthell, D. Jeys Jr. was arrested Monday on multiple counts of of child molestation and child pornography.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Indiana State Police arrived at a home in Cayuga on October 23, 2024, after a woman reported that she had discovered what appeared to be child pornography on Jeys Jr.s phone.

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According to the affidavit, the woman stated that two days before the call, she had noticed some odd Google searches when taking the phone from a two-year-old child who had been playing with it. Due to the nature of the Google searches, the woman decided to check Jeys Jr.s phone that night and found child porn connected to Jeys Jr.s X.com (formerly Twitter) account. Court documents state that after certain electronic devices of Jeys Jr. were seized, 300 images were located.

Court documents go on to say that on April 22, 2024, an Officer with Indiana State Police participated in a meeting with the Lake County District Attorneys Office Victim Witness Center, which serves as the location for forensic interviews for minor children. The documents go on to say that a five-year-old girl was being interviewed, stating that Jeys Jr. was not safe and kept repeating he had done something bad.

She proceeded to tell authorities about an incident from the year prior where Jeys Jr. had molested her.

Jeys Jr. is now charged two counts of child molestation and 10 counts of child pornography. Jeys Jr. is currently in the Vermillion County Jail with no set bond. He is currently awaiting his initial hearing.

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LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  There are new details in a homicide investigation out of Lycoming County.

On Sunday morning, troopers were called to Liberty Lodge, a motel on East Third Street in Loyalsock Township.

Police say two guests, 46-year-old Robert Bohart of New York, and 52-year-old Shannon Bowes, got into a fight.

School vehicle driver, student dead, two hospitalized after crash

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It ended when police say Bohart stabbed Bowes in his motel room.

Bohart faces several charges, including criminal homicide. He was denied bail and remains locked up.

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CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio (WCMH)  Pickaway County commissioners denied annexing hundreds of acres of farmland for a new development.

It comes after residents had been sounding the alarm over the proposal. The meeting was filled with community members who had voiced concerns about this project and the Pickaway County commissioners seem to have agreed, denying the annexation 3-0.

This all stems from a proposal to develop about 1,200 homes on over 300 acres of farmland. The project would be built along Gibson Road and State Route 762. Many residents in the community say this project would cause significant issues, such as increased traffic flow, overcrowded schools, and increased property taxes.

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After careful review of the proposal, the county commissioners voted against the approval of the annexation into commercial point. Citing the fact that all seven points of the criteria were not met, specifically the code for sanitary-sewer capacity.

Southwest Ohio suspect attempted to frame Kentucky man for Indiana murder

Were not exactly sure whats going on there, in one recent one, they couldnt do it, but on this one, they said they could do it, said Jay Wippel, president of Pickaway County commissioners. So that kind of threw up a red flag for us because those are the main things that we look at.

Residents expressed after the meeting that it felt like a small victory in a big battle. But remain hopeful for the future of their community.

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It shows me know everybody doesnt always talk with each other and everybody seems like you just see people online, but we do have a strong community, Cory Wasmus said. People do care about each other and the place we share in common. Thats a place we love, where we live, and work.

The attorney for the developer noted that they believed they did meet the bar in the code for sanitary-sewer capacity.

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The Norwood Lateral is getting a new name.

The interchange highway is set to be dedicated May 1 as the Brigid Kelly Norwood Lateral, in honor of the late Hamilton County auditor who died last year.

Believe it or not, its the first time that stretch of highway will officially be named the Norwood Lateral, even though thats what everyone has called it. On all signs and maps, though, it has officially been Ohio State Route 562.

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So, why does everyone call it the Norwood Lateral?

Well, for obvious reasons  because its a lateral connector between Interstates 75 and 71, and it runs through the city of Norwood.

But it was known as the Norwood Lateral for decades before it was ever Ohio 562.

The history of the Norwood Lateral

The city of Cincinnatis Metropolitan Master Plan of 1948 proposed an expressway system before the U.S. created the Interstate Highway System in 1956.

The citys master plan included the Millcreek Expressway (what became part of I-75) and a Northeast Expressway connecting Cincinnati and Columbus (basically, I-71).

A detail of the Motorways Plan map in the Cincinnati Metropolitan Master Plan of 1948, showing the planned Millcreek Expressway, Northeast Expressway and Norwood Lateral in red.

To provide for the interchange traffic between the two expressways, the master plan called for what has been designated as the Norwood Lateral Expressway which connects the two, using approximately the old Rapid Transit route, as described in the citys report.

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That route was the right-of-way set up in the 1920s for an above-ground section of Cincinnatis subway that was never completed.

The Norwood Lateral became the common name for the connector highway and was used in news stories as far back as 1947. Even when the expressway officially became State Route 562 or Ohio 562, newspapers added Norwood Lateral in parentheses.

By the time Ohio 562 was finished  construction on the western portion started in 1958 and the eastern portion was completed with I-71 in the 1970s  people had already been calling it the Norwood Lateral for nearly 30 years.

Now, at last, the signs will match.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: How did Norwood Lateral get its name? Route follows Cincy subway plans
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Changes have come to Rutherford Countys Parent Responsibility Zone and to the proposed bus strike.

The Rutherford County Board of Education decided to eliminate some bus routes for students who lived near their schools last week in an attempt to fill a $20 million budget hole. The elimination of about 44 bus routes would have saved the district about $3 million.

PREVIOUS: Rutherford County Schools cuts bus routes, considers tax for funding

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However, one father disagreed with the decision. Chuck Isbells son, Nate, was killed almost five years ago by a distracted driver while Nate was out trick-or-treating. The Mayor of La Vergne had also pushed for the school board to rescind the vote.

Hearing about this and seeing all this, it actually makes me sick to my stomach thinking about kids having to walk or find alternate means to get to school, concerned resident Chuck Isbell said.

However, on Tuesday, a video from Dr. Jimmy Sullivan  director of schools  said that the PRZ would be tabled for a year. Sullivan said that he wanted to address some top of mind issues.

Please know that student safety is always my top priority and I am confident that we will find a solution that meets the needs of the district and also our families, Sullivan said.

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Isbell had written a four-page letter to school board members expressing concerns about speeding cars, crime, severe weather, wildlife, and a lack of sidewalks.

Less than 10% of roads here have sidewalks, and the average speed limit on residential streets is 40 MPH, Isbell said in his letter. These roads are not designed for people to walk on, let alone kids trying to get to school.

Sullivans video also addressed a letter from the Rutherford County Bus Contractors Organization that said some drivers would have been compelled to cease driving on Thursday if the district did not negotiate with them for a greater pay increase.

We heard [Tuesday] from an attorney representing some of the bus contractors group that they are not planning to strike later this week as some had previously announced, Sullivan said. We are hopeful that any strikes will be limited, and we anticipate the majority of our contractors continue operating their routes throughout the school year.

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RELATED: Rutherford County bus drivers compelled to cease driving May 1 if school board doesnt return to negotiating table

Not every bus contractor within the county had planned to strike. The owner of Gossett Bus Lines, which operates about 13 routes in the county, said the strike would have created more conflict.

This should not expand out into the parents, the schools and the children, owner of Gossett Bus Line, Cynthia Gossett, said. I do not feel that those people should suffer because we are not getting exactly what was asked for.

Sullivan said that the district intends to keep parents informed throughout the process.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 30. A telephone conversation took place between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Trend reports.



In the course of the conversation, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Luc Frieden emphasized the importance of leveraging the potential of the partnership with the European Union, as well as strengthening cooperation with the Benelux countries.

In addition, the sides discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of energy, finance, digital technologies, innovation, and other sectors.



Luxembourg is an important partner of Kazakhstan in the European Union. In October 2024, the 21st meeting of the EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Council took place in Luxembourg, where the commitment to deepening and expanding cooperation under the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) was reaffirmed.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  An Arkansas advocacy group facing a delay in federal funding has stopped taking new clients.

Disability Rights Arkansas supports people with disabilities by offering legal representation, technical assistance, and other services. DRA Executive Director Tom Masseau said the group advocates for individuals with disabilities across the entire state.

National CASA announce loss of federal grants, impact stretches to Arkansas

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According to Masseau, the organization receives its federal funding primarily from the Department of Education, the Social Security Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services. Although Congress approved the release of funds in March, the agencies typically distribute a percentage every three months.

Traditionally, it takes about four to six weeks for them to release the funding, and we have not received any word from the federal agencies about when the funding will be released, Masseau said.

Kids disability rights cases stalled as Trump began to overhaul Education Department

With current funds only lasting through May 31, the organization stopped accepting new cases last week.

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If we take on a case mid-May and we are looking at running out of funds at the end of May, we still have an obligation to represent that individual, and if we dont have the funds to do that, we are kind of stuck, he explained.

If the funding doesnt come through, the organization could face staff reductions and cuts to services. Masseau believes the delay could be tied to staffing shortages within the federal agencies due to recent budget cuts. Still, he remains optimistic.

The concern we have if we have to cease operations on some of these programs on May 31st is what protections are going to be in place for individuals who desperately need those, and who is going to pick up that slack, Masseau said

He says theyre working the Arkansas delegation to get answers.

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Protesters in Little Rock speak out against Medicaid cuts, Trump policies

The federal agencies involved received requests for comment but have not replied.

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University of Anchorage Alaska and Idaho State University Doctor of Pharmacy Program students Daniel Enox and Maggie Baldock build medicine capsules during Pharmacy Technology Instructor Deb Cieplak's capsule building lab in UAA's Professional Studies Building. (Photo courtesy of Idaho State University)

Now more than ever, leadership comes down to knowing when and how to pivot.

Whether youre running a small business, managing a classroom, serving in public office or raising a family, youve likely seen firsthand how quickly circumstances can change. At Idaho State University, we feel it too. But rather than retreat in the face of uncertainty, or freeze in place, were leaning in with courage, creativity and a deep sense of responsibility to the state of Idaho and its communities.

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Nowhere is that more evident than in ISUs L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, serving Idaho for over 100 years.

Like many professional programs nationwide, market pressures in the pharmacy industry have caused enrollment declines over the past decade. For a state like Idaho, where access to health care is already strained, this is a serious concern.

Many pharmacy programs in the U.S. have tried to just weather the storm, unwilling to respond or adapt. At ISU, forward-thinking administrators and faculty got to work. They asked hard questions, made tough decisions and reimagined what the future could look like. They pivoted.

For the College of Pharmacy, their strategy in the face of enrollment changes was both simple and bold: tighten the belt, focus on excellence and stay true to our mission. The college began a multi-year step-down budget process to right-size operations while protecting core programs and positions. They eliminated vacancies through attrition, restructured contracts and found smart ways to reduce overhead and adjust student cohort sizes. Every decision was guided by a commitment to students, principles and patients, not bureaucracy or maintaining the status quo.

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And its working. Through disciplined planning, ISUs College of Pharmacy is not only financially stable, but its innovating and thriving in a new environment while continuing to graduate skilled professionals.

Take, for example, their expansion of clinical psychopharmacology. This masters degree program trains licensed psychologists to prescribe medication safely and effectively, especially in underserved areas. Today, we have 22 students enrolled from across the country, and demand continues to grow. Thats a real impact, rooted in local need and national relevance.

Or look at our hybrid delivery model. With campuses in Pocatello, Meridian and Anchorage, Alaska, in partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage, our faculty teach and collaborate across thousands of miles, supporting students in rural communities and building tight-knit teams that defy geographic boundaries. Theyve turned a challenge into a strength.

What weve learned from ISUs College of Pharmacy applies far beyond higher education. When circumstances shift, we cant cling to the way things used to be. We need leaders at every level who are willing to adapt, focus on purpose and move forward with faith in the future. It also requires confidence in the mission and knowing what not to sacrifice or give up in pursuit of making a positive difference.

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At Idaho State University, our purpose is clear. We exist to serve Idaho. We prepare the next generation of pharmacists, nurses, teachers, engineers and business leaders while contributing to the creative arts and producing impactful research. We provide a return on investment that benefits every community, and we do this with fewer resources than most universities of our size.

This year, as Idahoans consider the future of education and government, I hope our story adds something meaningful to the conversation. Higher education institutions can adapt; we can pivot while being true to the most important aspects of an educational mission. At our best, we are nimble, practical and deeply committed to solving real problems and contributing to society.

Were not perfect. But were listening. Were learning. And were leading.

In uncertain times, leadership isnt about being the loudest voice in the room. Its about showing up, making hard, but principled decisions, and exhibiting strength through resiliency. Because perseverance in tough times doesnt just steady the ship, it charts a better, bolder course for the future.

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Adelaide Tovar, a postdoctoral geneticist at the University of Michigan, prepares cell samples in a science laboratory on campus. (Mike Hawkins for KFF Health News)

Adelaide Tovar, a University of Michigan scientist who researches genes related to diabetes, used to feel like an impostor in a laboratory. Tovar, 32, grew up poor and was the first in her family to graduate from high school. During her first year in college, she realized she didnt know how to study.

But after years of studying biology and genetics, Tovar finally got proof that she belonged. Last fall, the National Institutes of Health awarded her a prestigious grant. It would fund her research and put her on track to be a university professor and eventually launch a laboratory of her own.

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I felt like receiving the award was a form of acceptance, like I had finally made it, Tovar said. But I think many of us now fear that this is going to poison the rest of our careers.

Tovar is one of nearly 200 young scientists across the nation whose research and job prospects have been jeopardized by the sudden termination of the NIHs MOSAIC grant program, one of many ended by sweeping cuts across the federal scientific agencies. The grant was created by the first Trump administration to foster a new generation of diverse scientists in biomedical research, then defunded in the second Trump administrations ongoing purge of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

In interviews with KFF Health News, Tovar and three other grant recipients worried that the loss of funding  coupled with President Donald Trumps crusade against diversity programs  may transform a grant that was supposed to jump-start their careers into a blemish on their resumes that could cost them the jobs and funding that make their research possible.

We might end up blacklisted by the NIH because of having this award  for who we are, said Erica Rodriguez, 35, a grant recipient at Columbia University who conducts brain research that could lead to a better understanding of psychiatric disorders.

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Because not only is it for people with diverse backgrounds, she said, but its for people who advocate for other people with diverse backgrounds.

Erica Rodriguez, a scientist and MOSAIC grant awardee at Columbia University, uses a microscope to help her solder a circuit board as part of her brain research. The Trump administration defunded the MOSAIC grant program as part of a purge of diversity-focused initiatives.(Tyler Gibson for KFF Health News)

The MOSAIC program  short for Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers  was created in 2019 to provide early-career support to promising scientists from underrepresented backgrounds with a long-term goal to enhance diversity in the biomedical research workforce, according to NIH grant documents.

The five-year grant was awarded to scientists who have finished their doctorates and work in research laboratories at universities across the country. In the first two years, scientists generally receive $100,000 to $150,000, which is largely used to pay their salaries.

By the third year, the scientists are expected to have been hired as a professor, likely at a different university, where the grant funding helps them launch their own research lab. In the final three years of the grant, funding increases to about $250,000 a year, which is used to buy supplies and hire other young scientists to work in the lab, completing the cycle.

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MOSAIC awardees were chosen using a broad definition of diversity beyond race, gender, and disability. It includes those who grew up in poor households or rural areas or were raised by parents who do not have college degrees. Many of those chosen for the grant also have a history of supporting other budding scientists from underrepresented backgrounds.

MOSAIC funds research on cancer, Alzheimers disease, spinal cord injuries, cochlear implants, fentanyl overdoses, stroke recovery, neurodevelopmental disorders, and more.

But in recent weeks the NIH has notified most MOSAIC recipients that the program was terminated and their funding will end by this summer, regardless of the years left on their grant, according to NIH emails reviewed by KFF Health News. Other awardees have received no official notification and only learned through word of mouth that their funding was canceled.

Vianca Rodriguez Feliciano, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, confirmed in an email statement to KFF Health News that MOSAIC had been defunded. She said the grants no longer align with agency priorities or the presidents executive orders eliminating wasteful, ideologically driven DEI initiatives.

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Trump signed one of those orders on his first day back in the White House, instructing the entire federal government to end programs that promoted diversity, referring to them as shameful, immoral, and an immense public waste.

Diversity programs have been slashed across the government, including at the NIH and other HHS agencies, which have canceled hundreds of grants worth billions of dollars since March. On April 21, the NIH issued a notice that banned recipients from receiving grants if they have DEI programs and said the agency could recover all funds from those that do not comply.

At HHS, we are dedicated to restoring our agencies to their tradition of gold-standard, evidence-based science  not one driven by political ideology, Rodriguez Feliciano said. We will leave no stone unturned in identifying the root causes of the chronic disease epidemic as part of our mission to Make America Healthy Again.

Many MOSAIC scientists are focused on chronic diseases. Tovar, for example, researches specific genes that make people more susceptible to diabetes, which affects about 38 million Americans.

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We have a lot of treatments for diabetes that are great for the people that they work for, Tovar said. In my research, I use genetics to help find better drug targets so we can find medicines for people who dont already have therapies that work.

In interviews, Tovar and the other MOSAIC recipients described how the sudden loss of funding will throw research and careers into upheaval: Some postdoctoral researchers may lose their current jobs when funding runs dry in months; awardees competing for professor jobs will lose research funding that made them stronger candidates; and those already hired will have less money for salaries and supplies in their research labs.

Ashley Albright, 32, who grew up poor in rural North Carolina, is now a scientist at the University of California-San Francisco, where she studies Stentor coeruleus, a large single-celled organism with regenerative abilities. She plans to start applying for professor jobs this fall.

Albright said MOSAIC funding would have given her a better shot at my dream, which was to give other scientists from diverse backgrounds opportunities to work in her research lab.

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I feel crushed, she said. I feel like someone is stepping on half of my life.  Ive spent the last 10 years in grad school and my postdoc working toward this so I can do science, but also help other people do science.

Hannah Grunwald, 33, a grant recipient at Harvard who studies eyeless cave fish to better understand complex genetic traits, said one of her worst fears was that universities wont hire MOSAIC awardees at a time when the White House is ordering schools to abandon DEI programs and withholding billions from those that do not bend to the Trump agenda.

There has been an enormous debate in our community about what we should say on our resumes, Grunwald said. I just dont know if having my grant canceled because it had to do with diversity is going to limit my ability to get funding in the future.

Adelaide Tovar is one of about 200 young scientists who will lose research funding because the Trump administration abruptly ended the National Institutes of Healths MOSAIC grant program.(Mike Hawkins for KFF Health News)

The termination of MOSAIC drew quick condemnation from several scientific organizations that receive grant funding to work closely with the awarded scientists, with some calling it short-sighted and a significant step backward.

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Mary Munson, president of the American Society for Cell Biology, who has mentored awardees since MOSAIC began, became choked up and covered her face with her hands as she considered the possibility the grant could end up holding them back.

Taking this grant away now does not take away the fact that they won this competitive award. It doesnt take away that they are amazing scientists, Munson said. I hope that institutions will still see that nonetheless.

Stefano Bertuzzi, CEO of the American Society for Microbiology, which also mentors grant awardees, said the mass termination of MOSAIC and other NIH grants may have a cumulative effect that will stifle scientific innovation for decades.

Bertuzzi, who immigrated from Italy in the 90s because of Americas robust funding for science, said scientists will not stay in or flock to a nation where research funding vanishes on a political whim.

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We are going to be losing a full generation of scientists, Bertuzzi said. Other countries in the world will thrive.

This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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. Learn more about KFF.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  A man already serving a decades-long sentence for a 1992 rape has pleaded guilty to another rape committed just a month earlier, following new DNA evidence uncovered through a state-backed cold case initiative.

Anthony Favors, 55, pleaded guilty Tuesday, April 15, in Norfolk Circuit Court to two counts of rape stemming from a February 1992 assault that had remained unsolved for more than 30 years. The breakthrough came thanks to the Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), a grant-funded program that targets the backlog of untested physical evidence recovery kits (PERKs) from unsolved sexual assault cases.

Anthony Favors courtesy Norfolk Sheriffs Office

Favors is currently serving a 60-year sentence for a separate rape and robbery he committed in March 1992. With this new plea, he now faces up to 40 additional years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for July 18.

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According to the Norfolk Commonwealths Attorneys Office, on Feb. 15, 1992, Favors entered a womans apartment on Lankford Avenue through a damaged door that would not lock. He raped the woman twice and forced her to perform oral sex before briefly leaving the apartment  only to return minutes later, apparently to ensure she had not alerted authorities. After he left a second time, the woman fled, armed herself with a knife, and drove to Naval Station Norfolk to report the attack.

A sexual assault exam was performed, and evidence containing the suspects DNA was preserved. However, forensic technology at the time was not advanced enough to identify the perpetrator. The case went cold, and Favors remained unidentified until the PERK was retested in 2022 under the SAKI program.

The renewed investigation matched the DNA to Favors, whose genetic profile had been entered into national databases following his arrest for the March 1992 assault. Investigators obtained a new DNA sample from Favors and confirmed the match. They also verified that he bore a distinctive scar described by the February 1992 victim  a key detail she remembered despite being unable to identify her attacker at the time.

Favors ultimately confessed to the 1992 assault and admitted he had long anticipated it might catch up with him.

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Commonwealths Attorney Ramin Fatehi commended the perseverance of the survivors and the effectiveness of the SAKI program in finally bringing resolution to the case.

I express my sympathy to the survivors of Mr. Favors rapes, Fatehi said in a statement. The justice system cannot undo harm or fix systemic problems, but it can offer closure, reassurance, and finality.

Favors earlier case, which resulted in his current imprisonment, involved breaking into a womans home, assaulting her, and attempting to force her to withdraw cash from an ATM. They caught the attention of passersby on the way to the ATM which caused him to flee that scene. The victim then ran to a neighbors home to call the police, and he was caught shortly afterward.

As a result of that investigation and the victims direct visual identification of Favors following his arrest, Favors was charged with and pleaded guilty to rape, robbery, and burglary with the intent to commit rape. Favors was sentenced in that case to serve 60 years in prison with another 40 years suspended.

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The SAKI program, led by the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, continues to test and review unprocessed kits from past decades, with the goal of securing justice in long-dormant cases.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A suspect has been charged in the theft of Secretary Kristi Noems purse from a Washington, D.C. over Easter.

The identified suspect is a Chilean National who authorities say is in the U.S. illegally. Mario Bustamante Leiva, 49, is charged with wire fraud, identity theft and robbery, according to court documents about the case.

Trumps view differs with Native American Day in SD

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The Secret Service was with the Noem on the day of the crime and led the investigation which was classified as Robbery Stealth.

Investigators used surveillance video to track Bustamante Leiva as he made his way through Washington, D.C. The man  often seen in a medical mask  is accused of three robberies between April 12 and April 20. Noem was listed as the third victim.

Court documents say he would often carry a coat in his arms and use it to conceal the stolen items. The first victim had her purse on the back of her chair, he walks behind her and then her purse was gone. Surveillance from the second crime shows a man believed to be Bustamante Leiva standing behind seated customers. Investigators say he reached into a bag and grabbed what appeared to be a wallet

On Easter Sunday, Noem brought her husband, children and grandchildren to The Capital Burger restaurant. Court documents say Bustamante Leiva sat in the seat closest to the Noem and her family.

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We were with a big family and 4 kids under the age of 4 and I had it right between my feet, said Noem in an interview with CBS.

Court documents say Bustamante Leiva eventually used his left leg to slide the purse towards him. In images released by investigators, the yellow circle on the left shows Noems handbag under her chair. In a circle on the right of the image, the purse is no longer there. The purse contained Noems drivers license, passport, DHS access badge and $3,000 in cash.

He was professional in how he took it, Noem said in an interview with CBS. And you know we are just glad that now that hes in custody because of so many other crimes hes committed.

After leaving the restaurant, authorities believe Bustamante Leiva got rid of Noems drivers license and took a bus to an Italian restaurant. Court documents say he sat at the bar for hours with Noems purse and wallet beside him. Investigators believe he used Noems American Express card  circled in yellow in a photo  to buy food and alcohol totaling $205.87

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Court documents say Bustamante Leiva used stolen credit cards to purchase gift cards, which he then used to rent hotel rooms. Thats how authorities were able to track him down along with an accomplice. He told investigators he did not know that his third victim was the Secretary of Homeland Security.

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GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  A Greensboro-based organization helping legal refugees obtain US citizenship has been hit by funding cuts at the federal level through the Department of Government Efficiency run by Elon Musk.

The New Arrivals Institute will have to dramatically scale back services after the six-digit cut to a Department of Homeland Security Grant.

The NAI and UNCG were the collaborative partners on a two-year, $300,000 Citizenship and Integration grant. Its one they were awarded three times. One single email ended that funding.

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It was a mass email that didnt even blind copy, Executive Director of the NAI Leilani Roughton said. It was every agency across the country that has this service.

NAI provides services to refugees and immigrants who legally come to the United States who are vetted by Homeland Security and medically screened.

People, if they come here, are able to learn English, able to get jobs and really be contributing members of our community in Greensboro, Roughton said.

They also help with financial literacy, parenting skills, child supervision, food, clothes and shoes.

In addition to classes, we have case management, health access. We work with the refugee school impact program, getting kids into school, she said.

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Data from last years NAI annual report shows Greensboro receives people from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, Sudan and a significant number of Afghans who served with the US military.

I really enjoyed welcoming them because they supported us, and I feel like we really need to support them in return, Roughton said.

The loss of $$300,000 in federal grant funding will force NAI to cut back on classes.

Its got us kind of scrambling a little bit to find other sources of funding and hoping there arent further cuts coming, Lead Citizenship Instructor Juliette Biemiller said.

Biemiller says the cuts hurt students the most because they can further delay their goal of citizenship.

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I rarely meet anybody who loves America more than my students who are trying to become American citizens, Biemiller said.

According to their annual report, NAI receives the bulk of its funding from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for refugee support services, but the fear is that since that money comes from the Federal Refugee Resettlement Center, there could be more cuts in the future.

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Three months in, it's become abundantly clear that its not just federal Washington-based programs and overseas aid that are feeling the wrath of Elon Musk and DOGE. The cuts are hitting home in the reddest parts of the country, and Republican elected officials are starting to push back.

Abrupt cuts at AmeriCorps this week have landed hard in deep red states with high poverty rates like West Virginia, Mississippi and Alabama, where national service programs have long-filled gaps in education, disaster response and job training.

On Friday, AmeriCorps, at the behest of DOGE, unexpectedly terminated nearly $400 million in grants, more than 40 percent of the agencys grant funds. The move affects more than 1,000 grantees and sidelines more than 32,000 AmeriCorps members nationwide.

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Commissions in all 50 states were notified of terminations. In some states, including Alabama and Wyoming, the entire grant portfolio was axed.

Dear AmeriCorps Award Recipient, Effective immediately, the AmeriCorps award subrecipient(s) included in the attached spreadsheet is/are being terminated because it has been determined that the award no longer effectuates agency priorities, acting AmeriCorps head Jennifer Bastress Tahmasebi wrote in a letter to affected programs.

They are grants to build homes, respond to disasters and support veterans  the type of work that tends to win bipartisan support.

All those services are so well used in Louisiana, said Billy Nungesser, the Republican Lt. Gov of Louisiana, where 13 AmeriCorps programs were cut, hitting 330 volunteers, including around three dozen veterans placed in universities and community college campuses to help other veterans transition back to civilian life.

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Im hoping that the president can look at it again. If they need to make cuts, let us decide what programs are worthy. Its hard for them to see from Washington what impact these programs have, Nungesser said.

West Virginias second largest AmeriCorps program  known as High Rocks  lost both of its grants on Tuesday. The organization provides workforce development training for lower-income youth. We're trying so hard to hold on and support our members that just got axed in an incredibly cruel way, said Sarah Riley, High Rocks executive director.

AmeriCorps volunteers were told that they had to cease their operations immediately, but many volunteers, who rely on the programs assistance, are ineligible to file for unemployment benefits.

Our greatest export is young people  our future talent, said Ashlea Krasnansky, a West Virginia native and AmeriCorps student director with High Rock's First2 Network program that encourages STEM education in West Virginia. I believe that the AmeriCorps program helps combat this issue.

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The states support for the program has been overwhelmingly bipartisan. In 2022, West Virginias Republican-controlled legislature unanimously passed a bill providing tuition assistance to AmeriCorps volunteers, signed into law by then-Gov. Jim Justice, now a U.S. senator.

A spokesperson for DOGE did not respond to a request for comment.



Elsewhere, 650 volunteers for the agencys National Civilian Community Corps on four campuses nationwide, including two in Iowa and Mississippi, were forced to leave their postings early after DOGE cut the program that gives young people the opportunity to volunteer in natural disaster assistance and community projects.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a longtime supporter of AmeriCorps, criticized the cuts on Musks platform, X, on Friday : I support improving efficiency and eliminating waste, but I would have to object to cutting AmeriCorps grants like those that support Louisianas veterans and organizations that provide crucial support after hurricanes and natural disasters.

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More than 20 blue states filed a lawsuit Tuesday accusing the Trump administration of illegally dismantling the agency without congressional authority.

On Capitol Hill, some moderate Republicans are looking for ways to stop the bleeding.

Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Don Bacon (R-Ne.) co-sponsored a bill to bar federal dollars from being used to dismantle the agency. Congressman Fitzpatrick has long championed AmeriCorps as a vital pillar of national service, Fitzpatrick spokesperson Casey-Lee Waldron said in a statement. Hes fighting to protect AmeriCorps from cuts and will continue working across the aisle to ensure it remains a national priority.

No one can seem to figure out what the rhyme or reason is. Its red states and blue states. Its urban and rural, said Hillary Kane, the director of the Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development.

David Weinstein is the founder and executive director of Joyful Readers, another Philadelphia-based group that provides tutoring for K-12 students. Our organization teaches kids to read, Weinstein said. Since when is that not a national priority?
Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Energy Service reports strong export results in 1Q2025

In the first quarter of this year, the export revenues of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (NMR) State Energy Service reached over $237,000, marking a 5.2% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth was reported in the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication's (CAERC) April "Export Review." The report also highlighted that SOCAR and other state-owned companies, including SOCAR Polymer, AzerGold, and Azrenerji, are key players in non-oil export operations.

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WASHINGTON  It was all memes and shit-posting when billionaire Elon Musk first suggested in August he could lead a Department of Government Efficiency if Donald Trump won the White House again.

A reporter had asked Trump after a campaign event in York, Pennsylvania, if he would consider naming Musk to a Cabinet position, something he had not previously suggested, and Trump eagerly said he would.

I am willing to serve, Musk wrote in response, alongside an artificial image of himself at a lectern bearing the name of his imaginary agency.

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The whole thing was literally a joke. The department name is a reference to a throwback internet meme based on a picture of a Shiba Inu dog, Doge, which served as inspiration for Musks favorite cryptocurrency token. That was also created as a joke.

This story is part of HuffPosts commitment to fearlessly covering the Trump administration. You can support our work and protect the free press by contributing to our newsroom.

For a while, it looked like DOGE itself could turn into a joke, merely an updated version of past deficit-reduction panels. But after the election, Trump announced DOGE would be a real entity, something to provide advice and guidance from outside of Government. By Inauguration Day, Trump had issued an executive order creating DOGE as an office within the White House, with Musk as a temporary employee serving for 130 days. Things got serious fast.

DOGE burned perhaps too brightly, and 100 days later, we seem to be in the twilight of the Musk era in Trumps government. The chainsaw-wielding billionaire promised Tesla shareholders last week that he would soon spend less time on his government work. Last week, Trump noticeably described Musk in the past tense: He was a tremendous help.

DOGE has changed the government, but not in the way Musk or Trump promised. Musk vowed last year to find $2 trillion in savings from the nearly $7 trillion federal budget. He later lowered his target to $1 trillion, which was still an absurd goal because Congress controls federal spending, and Trump has promised not to touch popular retirement programs that represent the biggest segments of federal spending.

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After months of infiltrating federal agencies, unlawfully accessing sensitive government data and imposing mass chaos and layoffs, a seated and subdued Musk said at a Cabinet meeting this month that his team would deliver a mere $150 billion  a figure he still hasnt been able to provide an accounting for.

Meanwhile, the federal government has already spent more money this year than it did last year, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. Budget experts think its fully possible DOGE, with its cuts to the revenue-gathering IRS and payouts to departing employees, may end up costing the federal government money.

The glaring irony amid all of this is that the so-called Department of Government Efficiency has resulted in widespread inefficiencies across government agencies. Remember Musks mandate from a couple of months ago that hundreds of thousands of federal employees send in five bullet points every week to their managers, outlining what they did during the week? At least some employees are still doing this, and its utterly pointless.

As far as we can tell, no one is reading them, said one Defense Department employee who requested anonymity to protect their job. I send them with read receipts requested and have never got notification of them being read. It is annoying and time-consuming and just insulting.

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A now-former IRS employee who DOGE put through the wringer before she finally quit this month  she and her entire team of 30 people were fired, then rehired, then put on administrative leave, then pressured to resign, then warned of more firings coming  said that if anything is clear, its that DOGE has plowed through the government like a wrecking ball without any understanding of what its doing or how anything works.

This former IRS employee, who requested anonymity as she begins a new job, was working in the estate and gift tax division, which goes after extremely wealthy tax evaders. Most of her division is being gutted, so many of the cases it has been working on will have to be closed.

My division collects MILLIONS in tax revenue for the American people, she said in an email. What a waste of everyones time and money. Several people will now not pay what they owe to the American people, and they will continue to not pay because there is no one there to ensure their compliance. And, this doesnt make anything more efficient.

DOGE has lost its initial shine, too. Musks approval rating sank to 35% in a Washington Post / ABCNews / Ipsos poll released Monday.

Here is Elon Musk maniacally waving a chainsaw in front of a giant image of his face during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in February. All totally normal. Bloomberg via Getty Images

One reason people may be over Musk is because of his decision to attack Social Security, one of the governments most popular programs, as a bastion of fraud and waste.

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Musk claimed in February that millions of people over the age of 110 years old were falsely listed as still alive in the Social Security Administrations system, suggesting the agency was sending out fraudulent checks. Trump repeated the claim in a speech to Congress, even though it wasnt true. In March, Musk went on to call Social Security a Ponzi scheme, a scam swindling Americans out of their payroll contributions for no future benefit.

Musk used these claims to justify major changes at the agency, including cuts to a phone service that would have forced millions of seniors to travel to agency field offices to file for retirement benefits. Musk claimed, without evidence, that the change was necessary because of fraudsters bombarding the government with telephone requests to switch peoples bank account information in order to siphon their benefits.

This is happening all day, every day, and then somebody doesnt receive their Social Security. Its because of all the fraud loopholes in the Social Security system, Musk claimed in March, massively overstating the extent of fraudulent requests to change bank accounts.

After all of Musks hype about this threat, the Social Security Administration wound up postponing and then calling off the cuts to the phone service for people filing benefit claims, saying it had figured out a new way to prevent telephone fraud after all.

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Democrats may not have a national leader or a coherent plan to counter Trump, but Musks attacks on Social Security have made him an almost perfect villain, allowing Democrats to undercut Trumps attempt to position himself as a champion of the program.

As DOGE winds down its efforts, people outside of Washington, D.C., are starting to feel the negative effects of what Musk has done. One Social Security field office worker told HuffPost this week theyre seeing longer lines and angrier customers because people are seeing news stories about Musks antics and worrying their benefits are in trouble. At the same time, Musks layoffs have made it even harder to keep up with the workload.

Theyre doing everything they can to hinder people from getting the benefits they paid for, the field office worker said. Its making it look like the government is broken and its not. Its broken because people who dont understand it are trying to run it.

Attention federal employees: If you have thoughts to share on how DOGE has created efficiency and savings at your agency  or on how it has done the opposite  we would love to hear from you. Drop us a line: Jen.Bendery@huffpost.com
According to Vanderbilt University polls, a majority of Tennesseans favor the legalization of pot, even as the General Assembly restricts hemp products. (Photo: Getty Images)

Lets talk weed! You know, pot, grass, dope, herb, skunk, ganja, reefer, maryjane, cheeba. (Cheeba?) Always on brand, Republicans at the state capitol put the bulk of their energy during the session that just wrapped pursuing craven new ways to ravage immigrant families and bully non-straight-white people. But they did manage to spare some time for the subject of cannabis, resulting in adoption of a big clunker of a new wacky baccy regulatory scheme.

The cannabis state of play in Tennessee is strange and confusing, as those who produce or partake understand but others may not fully appreciate. Ours is among the minority of states where marijuana remains wholly illegal to cultivate, distribute, or possess, even for medical purposes, with criminal penalties for violations. And yet forms of cannabis that will get you plenty stoned are readily available in several forms for perfectly legal purchase and use.

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The simple story of how this came to be: The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the definition of marijuana in federal law. Hemp plants are cannabis plants with very low concentrations of THC: under 0.3% means its hemp and its legal everywhere, while over 0.3% makes it marijuana, a controlled substance in federal law. And just as hemp as a plant isnt illegal in legislatively pot-hostile places like Tennessee, neither are its constituent compounds, like the (very small amount of) THC it contains.

That led enterprising ganjapreneurs to figure out how to extract THC from low-THC hemp and embed it in the kinds of cannabis products (like edible gummies and smokable concentrates) found in states with full legalization. To avoid getting too deep in the weeds (yes I went there and Im not proud of it) Im omitting details around THC variations THCa, delta 8. and delta 9). The point is you can buy a gummy with 10 mg of THC in Metropolis, Illinois where recreational marijuana is legal, or you can buy a 10 mg gummy in Nashville where it isnt, and both will do the trick. The difference is that in Tennessee the ingredients will say hemp-derived THC.

The Tennessee Legislature waded into this free-for-all of stoner innovation two years ago with a bill regulating the production and distribution of hemp-derived cannabinoids. With bipartisan support, the 2023 measure created licensing, testing, labeling, and selling requirements for hemp-derived products, spelled out criminal offenses for violations, and put in place a tax on sales to fund enforcement. Sure sounds like regulation, right?

Yet just two years later GOP lawmakers said we have unregulated recreational pot, so they wrote this years big do-over bill adding new regulations, levying new taxes, and shifting enforcement of the whole shebang to a different part of state government. Most significantly, it narrows the definition of hemp-derived products in ways that may force the industry to abandon some offerings (until they figure out how to innovate around it).

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In Senate committee testimony back in February, two hemp-related business owners said the bill will wipe out their industry. Looking at the specifics of the bill and the composition of their products Id say wipe out the industry is a tad hyperbolic, but hempsters are not wrong to call the bill a recklessly crafted threat to a growing industry that contributes meaningfully to the states agricultural (and jamband) economy.

Knoxville Republican Sen. Richard Briggs sponsored a bill to crack down on sales of hemp products. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

The backers of this years bill blended reefer madness tactics with puzzling non sequiturs to justify their crackdown. I think the public does believe that small children should not be taking this, Sen. Richard Briggs, a Knoxville Republican, freely associated with the committee last month. Apropos of who-the-hell-knows-what, Briggs lamented on the Senate floor ahead of final passage that the pot was much mellower at Woodstock compared to what you find now in Nashville. On the House side, sponsor Rep. William Lamberth, a Portland Republican,) declared that what we do with these products can change lives for the better or worse significantly. I have no idea what that means.

The arguments for keeping Tennessee in the column of retrograde states afraid of adult recreational pot may be murky, but there is clarity in public opinion on the other side. A Vanderbilt poll in late 2024 shows Tennessee voters favoring legalization for recreational use by almost two to one (a 63-36% margin), including majorities of both Republicans (53%) and Democrats (78%). Back in 2018 support for recreational access was just 37% in an MTSU poll, so Tennesseans have come a long way on this issue as they have watched other states legalize.

The Tennessee state house is practiced at legislating against majority preferences, a relevant option when an issue stretches tensions between individual rights and collective will. But legal pot is not that sort of issuethere are no relevant rights in play (other than the right to not consume cannabis, which needs no protection). Tennessee is hardly the first state where elected lawmakers resist treating their adult citizens like adults on this issue. Of the more than two-dozen states that have legalized recreational weed, many got it done by going around their legislatures to legalize it through voter ballot initiative. There is little doubt that would work here as well  except for the pesky little fact that Tennessees constitution allows no citizen-activated ballot initiatives ever on any subject. So instead were stuck with a feckless legislature that chooses nanny-state provincialism over giving the people what they want. And what they want is to not have to drive to Metropolis, Illinois.

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President Donald Trump celebrated the first 100 days of his second term with a campaign-style rally at McComb Community College in Warren, Mich., on Tuesday. Trump, who spoke in front of a large crowd of supporters, touted the 142 executive orders he has signed since taking office. He also talked about immigration, government spending cuts, and tariffs.
President Donald Trump joked with reporters on April 29 that he would like to be the next pope following Pope Francis' death.

"I would like to be pope. That would be my No. 1 choice," Trump said before boarding Marine One to go to his 100-day Michigan rally, according to a White House pool report.

"I don't know. I have no preference. I must say, we have a cardinal out of a place called New York who's very good. So we'll see what happens," Trump said.

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Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, of a stroke, coma and irreversible heart failure. The papal conclave, when cardinals from around the world gather in the Vatican to elect the next pope, is scheduled to begin May 7.

Is Donald Trump Catholic? No, but Melania Trump is Catholic

Trump used to identify as a Presbyterian, but in 2020 he told Religion News Service he began considering himself a non-denominational Christian.

First Lady Melania Trump, however, made news in 2017 when she met Pope Francis and revealed she is Catholic when asking the pontiff to bless her rosary beads. She attended Francis' funeral with the president on her 55th birthday on April 26, wearing a traditional black lace veil.

The Trumps married in January 2005 at Bethesda-By-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Palm Beach, Florida, near his private club, Mar-a-Lago. Over the years, the president and his wife attended Easter services there.

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham: 'Keep an open mind' about Trump's idea to be pope

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican and member of the Corinth Baptist Church, said he was excited about Trump's idea.

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"This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility," Graham said in a post on X. "The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides. Watching for white smoke . Trump MMXXVIII!

The papal conclave will send up white smoke from the Sistine Chapel when a new pope has been elected.

What are the requirements to be the pope?

The only technical qualifications to be a pope are:

Male Baptized as a Catholic

However, it has been nearly 650 years since a man who wasn't already a cardinal became the pope.

Did Trump say he would like to be pope?

Yes, but he said it jokingly.

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Reporters asked the president who he would like to be the new pope, and he said:

"I would like to be pope. That would be my No. 1 choice...I don't know. I have no preference. I must say, we have a cardinal out of a place called New York who's very good. So we'll see what happens."

Contributing: Anthony Robledo, John Bacon, Jay Stahl, USA TODAY

Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@gannett.com. Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @kinseycrowley.bsky.social.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump jokes, 'I would like to be pope' after Francis. Is he Catholic?
Federal labor unions find themselves in a fight for survival just 100 days into Donald Trumps presidency.

The new administration has attacked collective bargaining as it fires workers and shrinks or eliminates federal departments by fiat. It has tried to gut key agencies that enforce labor rights for federal workers. It has ignored union contracts negotiated by Trumps predecessor. And it has moved to shut off paycheck dues deduction in order to starve unions of their funding.

In its most brazen move, the White House has tried to strip union protections from up to 1 million federal employees, on the dubious grounds that they work primarily in national security. If the administration succeeds, collective bargaining agreements could be thrown out at more than a dozen agencies and departments, making it much easier to fire people without due process.

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According to labor historian Joseph McCartin, Trumps actions could turn out more destructive to federal unionism than Ronald Reagans infamous breaking of the air-traffic controllers strike in 1981, a monumental defeat that still hangs over the U.S. labor movement.

I think, like all of us, [the unions] have been caught by surprise by the extent of the aggression, and just how far the administration has gone, said McCartin, who wrote a book on the PATCO strike and teaches at Georgetown University. I dont think anybody understood where this was going to be at this point.

This story is part of HuffPosts commitment to fearlessly covering the Trump administration. You can support our work and protect the free press by contributing to our newsroom.

Most federal workers have been eligible to bargain collectively since 1962, though their unions powers are limited. They cannot negotiate directly over pay and benefits, and are forbidden from going on strike. But they provide strong job security, and protect workers from arbitrary discipline and firings, which puts them at the center of Trumps historic assault on the bureaucracy.

Unions have filed so many lawsuits aimed at blocking legally shaky White House policies that it can be hard to keep track of them all: They have challenged Trumps efforts to dismantle agencies, to access the sensitive data of workers and retirees, to lay off probationary workers en masse, to push employees into early retirement and to politicize the civil service.

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But unions have also helped organize some of the huge rallies that have popped up in cities around the country to protest the Trump agenda. And federal employees have been turning to their local union representatives to advise them on how to respond to the Trump administrations latest demands.

Lauren Leib, a Bureau of Land Management employee and the head of her union chapter, National Treasury Employees Union Local 340 in New Mexico, said the White House wants to kneecap federal labor groups because theyre an obstacle to unlawful firings and privatization. Indeed, when explaining its policy curbing collective bargaining rights, the administration noted that certain unions had declared war on President Trumps agenda.

Its very obvious what theyre trying to do, said Leib, who spoke to HuffPost in her capacity as a union official. [The administration] knows we fight, and they know its in the public interest. Were fighting to keep people in these positions so they can continue to serve and they dont like it.

Members of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union protest against firings during a rally to defend federal workers in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 11. Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images

Though unions expected Trump to try to eliminate collective bargaining for some workers, his executive order turned out far broader than many anticipated, encompassing agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Interior Department.

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Leib, who works as a land law examiner on oil and gas lands, would lose her union protections under the premise her primary role is national security  a rationale she finds absurd.

Some of my members are park rangers, recreation specialists, botanists, she explained. Were not national security. We dont engage in counterintelligence.

On Friday, Leibs union won an injunction temporarily blocking the executive order from being implemented. Other unions have filed a similar lawsuit on the grounds the order is illegal and retaliatory.

Matt Biggs, president of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, argues Trumps policy will end up undermining national security by destabilizing the workforce. His union represents workers in Navy shipyards, as well as at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Army Corp of Engineers, among other agencies.

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Our members prepare these ships and subs to go out to sea; they do it on schedule and under budget, Biggs said. We have for decades had a very strong and productive partnership with management.

Our unions are going nowhere, he added. Donald Trump is proving to be the best organizer.

Federal unions have added thousands of new members since Trumps election, but at the same time they are losing many others due to resignations and layoffs. The largest federal union, the American Federation of Government Employees, recently said it plans to lay off more than half of its staff despite already surpassing its initial organizing goal for 2025.

The AFGE attributed the staff cuts in part to the Trump administration blocking union dues deduction from workers paychecks. Expecting such a move from the White House, unions have spent recent months trying to switch members over to paying dues through bank drafts.

Federal unions have a high ceiling for growth in part because so many workers have historically chosen not to be members. By law, federal workplaces are open shops, meaning no one can be required to pay union dues even if they are covered by the contract. The bar against striking or even negotiating over pay can make it difficult to mobilize federal workers compared to their private-sector counterparts.

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It remains to be seen whether Trumps aggression will provide lasting fuel for federal unions to grow in size and militancy.

Colin Smalley, an Army Corps employee and head of IFPTE Local 777 in Chicago, said membership in his union has more than doubled since November, with more than half of the 300 workers now paying dues. The union has even brought on associate members who are not covered by the contract but choose to chip in anyway. Many workers are considering filing for their own union elections, according to Smalley.

This is happening all over, he said. Even people who havent had a union before are absolutely aware of why they need it. And theyre coming to us as well.

Like Leib, Smalley is part of an informal group called the Federal Unionists Network, which is trying to get rank-and-file federal employees more involved in their unions. The group sprouted up in the wake of the 2018-19 government shutdown Trump instigated during his first presidency. Its been organizing pickets to rally support for federal workers, which could be key to surviving the Trump era.

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Smalley said it was important that the general public see the attacks on federal unions as part of Trumps broader undermining of democratic norms.

We cant look at this as some bureaucrats losing their ability to make their boss life inconvenient, he said. This is a concrete step to destabilize our government.

So far, unions biggest counterattacks have been through the courts. After all, any strikes would be illegal and risky: Trump is looking for any reason to fire federal employees, and in most cases would welcome them withholding their labor.

But McCartin cautioned that no union should bank on the judiciary or the Congress stepping in to save them.

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He said it might be time for some unions to reevaluate what theyre comfortable with doing. To give one example, he floated the idea of fired federal employees showing up at the office and insisting to work on important projects, risking arrest for trespassing  a collective action that could maybe engender public support. He acknowledged he doesnt know if it would work.

But its time for people to be creative, he said. The traditional playbooks are all torn up. They dont apply. Its a radically new situation, and it needs to be responded to in new and creative ways.
U.S. President Donald Trump offered varying contradictory assessments of Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions to put an end to the war in Ukraine during an interview with ABC News on April 29.

The interview, focused on Trump's first 100 days in office, posed Trump's strikingly different opinion on Putin's intention just days after Trump posted on Truth Social that the Russian leader may be "tapping me along" on peace negotiations.

In a Truth Social post published shortly after he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Vatican on April 26, Trump said that "there was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days."

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"It makes me think that maybe he doesnt want to stop the war, hes just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through banking or secondary sanctions?" Trump posted.

When prompted by the suggestion that Putin may be stalling negotiations, Trump replied that it was "possible."

"He could be tapping me along a little bit, I would say that he would like to stop the war," Trump said during the ABC News interview.

Despite the suggestion that Putin may be attempting to stall negotiations, Trump added later during the ABC interview that "he's willing to stop the fighting."

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"I think he (wants peace), yes. I think he does," Trump said.

Trump, who has promised to negotiate a peace in Ukraine within his first 100 days in office, has recently grown frustration over what he views as Moscows unwillingness to bring an end to the three-year war.

U.S. officials have emphasized that this week will be crucial for determining whether the U.S. will continue its involvement in efforts to end Russias war in Ukraine, amid Trump's growing frustration.

On April 28, Putin announced a three-day ceasefire from May 8 to 11 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, a move that Trump's Special Envoy Keith Kellogg dismissed as "absurd."

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When asked if Trump trusted Putin, the U.S. president side-stepped the question during a testy exchange with the interviewer: "I don't trust a lot of people. I don't trust you."

"Putin's dream was to take over the whole country. I think because of me, he's not gonna do that," Trump concluded.

Despite ongoing peace negotiations, Russia has reportedly intensified its attacks in recent weeks, including in the Sumy region. During a temporary three-day ceasefire declared by Russia over Easter earlier this month, Zelensky accused Moscow of nearly 3,000 violations between April 19 and April 21.

Read also: Trump promised peace in 100 days, but Russias violence against Ukraine has only escalated

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A DeKalb County acupuncturist has been formally indicted on sex crime charges, months after some of his patients accused him of assault.

On Tuesday, a grand jury indicted Meu Keon Kim, 70, on four felony counts of aggravated sexual battery and seven misdemeanor counts of sexual battery. District Attorney Sherry Bostons office also filed accusations against Kim, charging him with nine more counts of sexual battery.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to the indictment, obtained by Channel 2 Action News, two women accused Kim of inappropriately touching them during treatment sessions.

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The district attorneys office says the charges in the indictment and accusations are connected to seven victims.

He was initially arrested in February. The district attorneys office filed more charges against him in March when more victims came forward.

RELATED STORIES:

Channel 2s Courtney Francisco has been following Kims case since the Buford Highway business was raided and he was arrested.

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She learned that Georgia Composite Medical Board records show Kim has been a licensed Acupuncturist since 2012.

Police told her that Kim could legally practice while his case plays out in the court system as long as his acupuncture license is active.

City records show his business has been in operation since 2016. The license is not current.

Kim remains in the DeKalb County Jail without bond.

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Azerbaijan Airlines export revenues take off with more than double growth

From January to March 2025, Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC generated $3.8 million in export revenue, marking a 2.4-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024. The airline ranks among the top state-owned non-oil exporters, alongside major entities such as SOCAR and AzerGold.

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Apr. 30April 17

Yariel Deonte Lee, 31, Minneapolis, Minnesota, battery, no contest plea, 241 days jail served, $579 fine and court costs; battery by prisoners, amended to misdemeanor battery, no contest plea, one year of probation, 60 days jail, $443 court costs, no contact with victim; strangulation and suffocation, dismissed.

Prince Aarion Joseph Suwarrow, 42, 632 Grand Ave., theft-movable property, no contest plea, 29 days jail, $443 court costs; resisting or obstructing an officer, bail jumping, resisting or failing to stop, possess drug paraphernalia, dismissed.

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Anthony David Will, 23, 6115 Baxter Ave., retail theft-intentionally take, dismissed.

April 21

Anthony Thomas Bray, 42, Chisholm, Minnesota, possession of firearm after conviction on an out-of-state felony, no contest plea, two years state prison, three years extended supervision, $1,788 fine.

April 22

Grace Mae Faith Turner, 25, Duluth, misdemeanor bail jumping, domestic disorderly conduct, deferred prosecution agreements fulfilled, dismissed.

April 23

Andrew Scott Basley, 39, Duluth, possession of methamphetamine, deferred prosecution agreement revoked, two years of probation, 12 days jail, $969 fine.

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Julie A. Zakowitz, 57, Town of Superior, intentionally mistreat animals, amended to ordinance violation mistreatment of animals, no contest plea, $267.50 fine; party to intentionally fail to provide food for animal, dismissed.

April 24

Lathaniel John Kroschel, 21, Duluth, second-offense operating while intoxicated, no contest plea, five days jail, $1,560 fine, 13-month driver's license revocation, ignition interlock, alcohol assessment; second-offense operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration, dismissed.

John Arthur Lundgren, 46, 1818 Missouri Ave., possession of methamphetamine, no contest plea, 18-month deferred prosecution agreement.

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April 28

Rodney Earl Preddy, 54, Superior, repeater possession of methamphetamine, repeater resisting or obstructing an officer, 12 days jail, 18 months state prison and two years extended supervision stayed; two years of probation concurrent, $685.25 fine; repeater possession of burglary tools, repeater possess drug paraphernalia, dismissed.

Terry Lee Roe, 71, 1610 Oakes Ave., 3, theft-movable property, dismissed.

Joshua Drew Rolson, 41, Foxboro, repeater possess with intent to deliver amphetamine, repeater theft-movable property, no contest plea, 98 days jail with work release, 30 months state prison and three years extended supervision stayed, four years of probation, $1,036 court costs; repeater bail jumping, repeater possess drug paraphernalia, dismissed.

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Tonya Marie Sickler, 51, 2101 John Ave., Apt. P, theft-business setting, guilty plea, 18-month deferred prosecution agreement.

The Superior Telegram publishes court records as part of its obligation to serve as a keeper of the local historical record. All items are public records submitted by the courthouse in Superior. Individual requests for items to be withheld will not be granted.
From a distance, a downburst can look like a torrent of heavy rain. But at ground level, its behavior can be far more destructive.

When a downbursts winds hit the ground, they shoot out horizontally in all directions, sometimes with enough force to shatter windows and overturn vehicles.

These winds behave in complicated ways, particularly in cities, as our latest research shows. Downburst winds can deflect off tall buildings, increasing the pressure on neighboring buildings windows and walls. The result can blow out glass and chip off facade. Even buildings designed to survive hurricanes can suffer major damage in a downburst.

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As engineers, we study downbursts with the goal of designing buildings, components such as solar panels and windows, and infrastructure such as power lines that can stand up to that powerful force. To do this, informed by field measurements, we create our own powerful downbursts using a hurricane simulator known as the Wall of Wind at Florida International University.

An illustration of how the winds of a downburst fan out in open space. In a city with tall buildings, the wind can deflect off buildings, causing damage in unexpected ways. NASA/Wikimedia Commons

What is a downburst?

Downbursts can be as destructive as tornadoes, but their winds develop in a very different way.

A downburst forms when a thunderstorm pulls cooler, heavier air down from high in the atmosphere. As this rain-cooled air rushes downward, it gains speed. Once it slams into the ground, it has nowhere to go but outward, sending strong winds in all horizontal directions.

Dust in the air shows the curling rotation of a downbursts winds. NOAA

The wind speed in a downburst can reach over 150 miles per hour. Thats the strength of a Category 4 hurricane and strong enough to knock down trees and power lines, damage buildings and flip vehicles.

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These winds also rotate, but not in the same way tornadoes do. Downburst winds are typically considered straight-line winds, but they rotate around a horizontal axis as the wind curls upward after hitting the ground. Tornadoes, in contrast, spin around a vertical axis.

Powerful storm systems known as derechos are often made up of multiple downburst clusters, each containing many smaller downbursts, sometimes called microbursts.

Recreating Houstons downburst in a warehouse

On May 16, 2024, a derecho hit Houston with a downburst that was so strong, it blew out windows in several high-rise buildings that had been built to survive Category 4 hurricanes. The winds also pried off chunks of buildings facades.

Two months later, Hurricane Beryl hit Houston with similar wind speeds, yet it left minimal damage to the downtown buildings.

When a downburst hit downtown Houston on May 16, 2024, it shattered windows on some sides of buildings but not others, and not always in the line of the storm. The damage offered clues to how downbursts interact with tall buildings. Cecile Clocheret/AFP via Getty Images

To understand how a downburst like this can be so much more destructive  and what cities and building designers can do about it  we simulated both the Houston downburst winds and Hurricane Beryls winds in the Wall of Wind.

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The test facility is equipped with a dozen jet fans, each almost as tall as the workers who run them and powerful enough to simulate a Category 5 hurricane. Our team used these fans to recreate powerful downburst winds that hit horizontally with the maximum wind speeds near ground level. Then, we put several models of buildings to the test to see how roofs, windows, facades and the structures of power lines reacted under that force.

In the Houston derecho, a downburst hit downtown with 100 mph winds. It cracked some lower windows, likely with blowing debris, but it also caused widespread unexpected damage midway up some of the buildings.

The Chevron Building Auditorium actually suffered the most damage on a side that wasnt directly in the line of the storm but was facing another tall building. That left some intriguing questions. It suggested that the way the buildings channel the wind may have created a strong suction that blew out windows midway up the tower. Another burning question is whether building design codes are outdated when it comes to how well their cladding can stand up to these localized winds.

Using the Wall of Wind, we were able to test those pressures on models of the Houston buildings and see how downburst winds increased the pressured on a tall building model with excessive forces near the ground level.

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The ability to simulate these winds is important for improving engineers understanding of the differences in how downbursts and other wind events exert force on buildings. The results ultimately inform building standards to help create more resilient and better-protected communities.

Building better power lines

Big storms, like downbursts, can also take down power lines.

Power lines extend hundreds of miles between cities and states, making them more susceptible to a hit from a localized severe storm, such as a downburst. If one of the towers falls, it can cause a chain reaction, like dominoes falling one after another. That can knock out power for large numbers of people.

The derecho that hit Houston with a downburst also crumpled transmission towers in Texas. AP Photo/David J. Phillip

With colleagues, we have been testing transmission towers and multispan power-line systems under downburst and hurricane winds to understand how these structures respond, with the goal of developing better construction techniques. That work has helped to update the American manual for the design of power lines, which engineers use for designing safer, more storm-resilient transmission towers.

Whats next

Low-rise and mid-rise buildings are also vulnerable to downbursts, but the effects are less well understood. Downburst winds are most intense between 10 and 300 feet above the ground, meaning the roofs and walls of some low-rises can be hit with intense horizontal wind.

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Recent building codes have offered design guidelines to help ensure these buildings can withstand tornadoes. However, the way downbursts rotate in a short time around a building or a community of buildings puts pressure on the walls and the roof in different ways. Similar to straight-line winds, we expect high suction on the roof. Due to their short duration, varying wind direction and intense wind speed, downbursts may also cause excessive vibrations and varying pressure distribution on the roof components.

Were now testing downburst damage to low- and mid-rise buildings to better understand the risks and help highlight changes that can make buildings more resilient.

As populations grow, cities are adding more buildings. At the same time, powerful storms are becoming more frequent and more intense. Understanding the effects of different types of storms will help engineers construct high-rises, low-rises and power lines that are better able to withstand extreme weather.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Amal Elawady, Florida International University; Fahim Ahmed, Florida International University; Mohamed Eissa, Florida International University, and Omar Metwally, Two key ingredients cause extreme storms with destructive flooding  why these downpours are happening more often

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What causes the powerful winds that fuel dust storms, wildfires and blizzards? A weather scientist explains30 years after Hurricane Andrew devastated Florida, researchers are using a Wall of Wind to design safer homes  but storms are getting even more intense

Amal Elawady receives funding from the National Science Foundation.

Fahim Ahmed, Mohamed Eissa, and Omar Metwally do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Video above: This FOX 5/KUSI video explains what to do during a power outage.

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A downed tree blocked a roadway in La Jolla on Wednesday morning, also coming in contact with powerlines.

According to San Diego Gas & Electric, the fallen tree, located near Mount Soledad in the 6100 block of Calle Vera Cruz, interrupted some service in the surrounding area.

A tree is seen impacting powerlines in La Jolla on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

At least 63 customers, spanning from Mission Bay to Pacific Beach, were reported to be with out power due to this incident.

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SDG&E said crews are working to remove the tree and limbs from the powerlines. The utility company expect repairs to be completed and power to be restored by 8 a.m.

A tree is seen over the roadway in La Jolla on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Motorists in the area are advised to avoid the area and take alternative routes until the tree is cleared.

This is a developing story. Please check back for more details.

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HAMPDEN, Mass. (WWLP)  Tuesday night was a celebration of culinary talent here in western Massachusetts during this years Feast in the East event in Hampden.

Hampden DA and CrossFit host charity fundraiser for TJ OConnor

The East of the River 5 Town Chamber of Commerce hosted the event at Great Horse, inviting the community for a night of food, drink, and networking.

Forty vendors were featuredfrom wineries and craft brews to gourmet bites. A spotlight was also put on Square One as the nonprofit organization for this years event.

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Executive Director Grace Barone told 22News, When you have a rough day at work, or its been a long week, what do we all look forward to doing? Going out to dinner, that favorite place, where we can unwind, and you just feel so welcomed. And its important because it adds to the character of our community.

The chamber will host its annual meeting and awards night soon, where they honor and recognize individuals dedicated to giving back to the community, including volunteers and non-profits.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has confirmed that a draft minerals agreement with the US, which is almost ready to be signed, will not hinder Kyiv's accession to the EU and does not contradict its European integration commitments.

Source: European Pravda, citing Shmyhal on the national joint 24/7 newscast on 30 April

Details: Shmyhal noted that the format of cooperation provided for in the agreement does not contradict Ukraine's European integration plans and commitments.

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"This agreement does not intersect in any way, cannot harm and does not contradict Ukraine's accession to the European Union or our European integration commitments," he said. "This is also an important point that I'd like to emphasise in our conversation, as it is crucial that we comply with our European integration obligations under the Association Agreement and our candidate status."

Background:

Shmyhal has also confirmed media reports suggesting that the agreement could be signed within the next 24 hours and that Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko has left for Washington for that reason.

On 17 April, Ukraine and the United States signed a memorandum of intent to "finalise a formal agreement on economic partnership and a reconstruction investment fund".

According to the memorandum, the agreement will establish the investment fund for Ukraine's reconstruction, and the drafting cannot conflict with Kyiv's European integration path.

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HERMITAGE, Pa. (WKBN)  A coffee shop employee is being accused of taking photos of customers credit cards and using them to make fraudulent charges.

Read next: Security video captures theft from mall vendor

According to a criminal complaint, Hermitage police were dispatched to a coffee shop on East State Street for reports of credit card fraud.

Police spoke with a witness who said employee Brittany Burin, who works at the drive-thru, took photos of customers credit cards and sent them to him. Surveillance video provided to police showed Burin taking photos of two credit cards on March 14 and April 4 on her phone, according to the criminal complaint.

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The owners of the credit cards told police they had fraudulent charges made to their accounts on the day they made a purchase at the coffee shop. The victims fraudulent charges collectively totaled over $900, according to reports.

In an interview with police, Burin admitted to taking photos of the cards and forwarding them to the witness, reports state.

Burin is facing two third-degree felony counts of accessing a device issued to another person and is awaiting a preliminary hearing.

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A Massachusetts man driving a large box truck crashed into the Williamsville Covered Bridge in Newfane, then fled the scene, Vermont State Police said.

Troopers were notified of the crash at about 8:15 a.m. They say the bridge on Dover Road, suffered significant damage.

Police were able to track down the truck and the driver, Bay Van Nguyen, 49, of Lowell, Massachusetts, in Dover. He was cited for leaving the scene of an accident and false report to law enforcement.

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Nguyen is scheduled to appear in Vermont Superior Court  Windham County, Criminal Division on June 17.

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EAST NEW YORK, Brooklyn (PIX11)  Police officers shot and killed a suspect who tried to hit them with a stolen car in Brooklyn on Tuesday, according to the NYPD.

Members of the NYPDs community response team were on the Belt Parkway near Bay 8th Street around 8 p.m. when they noticed a white Porsche with suspicious plates, according to NYPD Chief of Department John Chell. He said officers ran the plates, which revealed that the car had been stolen out of Pennsylvania.

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Officers tried to pull the car over at Cropsey Avenue, according to Chell. He said the Porsche then exited the Belt Parkway and sped back onto it going east.

The responding officers decided not to pursue and called other precincts to report that the stolen car was heading in their direction, according to Chell. Officers at Exit 13 tried to intercept the Porsche when it maneuvered onto a service road, police said.

The car continued to approach several officers, who set up a roadblock to stop it, when it nearly hit one of them, according to Chell. Thats when one of the officers fired a shot, striking the driver of the Porsche, police said.

The car continued to one more exit at Pennsylvania Avenue, where it struck a police cruiser, according to Chell.

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Police said officers performed life-saving measures on the 28-year-old driver, who was on federal probation for the interstate transport of stolen vehicles out of Pennsylvania. He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, according to authorities.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

Police said a passenger was also in the Porsche at the time and was taken into custody. Charges are pending, according to the NYPD.

Police said the incident was caught on officers body-worn cameras.

This is a developing story. Please refresh the page for updates.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

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Georgia shows strong growth in non-oil and gas imports from Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan's non-oil and gas exports to Georgia reached $80.6 million in the first quarter of 2025, a 34.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Overall, non-oil exports grew by 14.7% to $771.9 million, with significant increases to Switzerland, Ukraine, and Turkiye.

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BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN)  A driver who crashed into a house entered into a plea deal Tuesday in Boardman Area Court.

Curtis Smith, 51, pleaded guilty to OVI and was given credit for time served in his jail sentence. He will be on probation for one year with a license suspension, but was granted work privileges.

Charges of tampering with evidence and abusing harmful intoxicants were dismissed.

Smith was arrested after he crashed into a house in the 7300 block of Sierra Madre Trail earlier this month. The vehicle crashed into the living room. One person was inside, but was on the other side of the house. There were no reported injuries.

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Chelsea Simeon, Erin Yudt, Brandon Jaces and TJ Renninger contributed to this report.

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A large fire has broken out at a defence plant in the city of Russias Murom, Vladimir Oblast, as a result of a drone attack.

Source: Russian Telegram channel Astra, Vladimir Oblast Governor Alexander Avdeev and the Russian Defence Ministry on Telegram

Quote from the governor: "A large fire at a plant in Murom... The area of the fire is 720 square metres... The cause of the fire at the warehouse in Murom was the fall of a UAV."

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Details: Avdeev added that "the attack of several drones was recorded, they were suppressed by electronic warfare."

"Unmanned aerial vehicles damaged two buildings: one [drone], as previously reported, caused a fire, which has been contained. The other [building] was slightly damaged, there were no fires, and specialists are working there," the Russian official concluded.

The Astra Telegram channel, citing local residents, reports that drones attacked a plant in the Verbovsky district of the city. This area, in particular, is home to the Murom Instrument-Making Plant (another name for "gunpowder"), which, among other things, produces means of initiating and igniting ammunition for the Russian Armed Forces, the Interior Ministry, the FSB and other Russian security agencies.

The city of Murom is in a red rectangle.

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Screenshot from google.maps

Astra recalls that in 2020, the head of the Murom Instrument-Making Plant said that the Murom plant was "the largest producer of incendiary capsules in the Russian Federation".

Since 2023, the plant has been under sanctions imposed by Ukraine and the EU.

The Russian Defence Ministry reported that drones have attacked several Russian oblasts. Air defences have reportedly intercepted and destroyed 34 "Ukrainian drones": 15  over Kursk Oblast, 8  over Bryansk Oblast, 7  over Oryol Oblast, 3  over Vladimir Oblast and 1  over Belgorod Oblast of the Russian Federation.

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Clean-up crews shut down part of the highway in northwest Texas after a truck carrying $800,000 worth of newly minted dimes overturned, spilling eight million of the coins into the road.

The incident occurred early Tuesday morning after the 18-wheeler veered off the road in the town of Alvord, Texas, shutting down the highway for around 14 hours.

The driver and a passenger were transported to hospital but their injuries were not considered life-threatening, a spokesperson from the Texas Department of Public Safety told the Wise County Messenger.

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A DPS trooper at the scene told the outlet there were reportedly 8 million dimes in the truck. Authorities later confirmed that there was no other hazardous material in the truck.

Clean-up crews attend the scene in northwest Texas, after a truck carrying $800,000 of dimes overturned, spilling eight million coins across the highway (Fox 4)

Crews were seen on video using vacuums leading into a special truck to dredge up the loose change, as well as sifting through the dirt to hand-pick the coins on by one.

Street sweepers were also called to the scene to help claw back some of the currency.

Wise County residents marvelled at the incident. Sebastian Vasquez was driving to work when he witnessed the aftermath of the crash.

"I saw a truck flipped over, I was like, 'What's going on?' Vasquez told WFAA. "I almost came out here with a bucket so I can fill it up with some dimes."

Crews were seen on video using vacuums leading into a special truck to dredge up the loose change, as well as using shovels and their hands to pick up every single dime (Fox 4)

In addition, personnel from the United States Armored Company were seen assisting in clean-up operations.

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The company is a division of Western Distributing Transportation Corp., which specializes in transporting government cargo.

According to the Wise County Messenger, the highway was reopened at around 7:30 p.m. It is not clear if all $800,000 worth of dimes were accounted for, or where they were heading in the first place.
TRIAD  A Mexican national and high-ranking member of the Sinaloa cartel was arrested April 23 in Nogales, Arizona, after being indicted last fall on federal charges accusing him of helping lead a large drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy that operated in Guilford County and other parts of the region.

Emmanuel Martimiano Leon-Soto, 42, of Naco, Mexico, is the last person arrested of 38 total individuals charged in November 2024 by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of North Carolina with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine hydrochloride. He is one of 10 of the defendants also charged with conspiracy to launder the proceeds of the drug trafficking scheme.

Among those previously arrested were Crandall Ortais Turk Ingram, 32, Anthony Okurtis Rashad Ant Lloyd, 29, and Nikonda Taye Slatt or Big Boy Ingram, 31, all of High Point, and Michael William Curtis, 49, of Archdale.

The indictment specifically mentions Guilford County as a place that the drug ring operated but includes no other details other than the drugs involved, but among the law enforcement agencies listed in a U.S. Justice Department press release as cooperating are the Forsyth County Drug Task Force, Surry County Sheriffs Office, Davie County Sheriffs Office, Moore County Sheriffs Office, Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, Stanly County Sheriffs Office and Candor Police Department.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Forensic Pathology Services reported that seven local counties saw a significant decline in overall drug-related deaths in 2024.

The seven counties are: Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Livingston, and Shiawassee.

The annual report on drug-related deaths began at UM Health-Sparrow in 2016. Last year, UM Health-Sparrow noted that despite the decline, opioids, particularly fentanyl, remain the leading cause of drug-related deaths in the Mid-Michigan area.

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BOSTON (SHNS)  Sen. Peter Durant says hes getting closer to deciding whether to jump into the gubernatorial race.

Were still looking at it, and you know, part of that is we have to be really careful. Because A) I have to give up my seat to do it, and you want to make sure that its the right timing for yourself and for my family, Durant told the News Service Tuesday after an unrelated State House event.

In addition, were looking at the people who may or may not be getting in, the Spencer Republican continued. So, Id say were getting closer.

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Durant in a mid-March television interview had pledged to make a decision relatively soon. Republican candidate Mike Kennealy, former housing and economic development secretary under Gov. Charlie Baker, launched his bid for governor on April 7. Gov. Maura Healey plans to seek reelection.

Asked whether Kennealys entry changed his calculus, Durant praised the Republican challenger.

Hes a great guy. I think hes got a real good background for this. We know Brian Shortsleeves thinking about it  another guy with a really good background, Durant said, referring to the former MBTA administrator. And they have resources, so you know, yeah those things are factoring into it.

Durant added, But were still leaving the door open.

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Durant said he discussed a gubernatorial bid with his wife, Kate Campanale, who unsuccessfully ran for lieutenant governor in 2022, during a vacation last month.

She asked me, she said, What are you thinking? Do you want to do this? And she said, Ill stand behind you no matter what you want to do. She wasnt overly excited about doing it because she had just come off the lieutenant governors race a few years ago, Durant said. And I said, Do I want to do it? Yeah. I would like to do it, and Id like a shot at being governor. Do I have to do it? No. Its not like I have to do this in my life, you know? And so, but that was it. Ill know it when I see it, and I feel like its coming closer together  I just dont know where thats going to lead me yet.

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Hanois Metropole Hotel sits imposingly on a corner in the city center, bright white with neat black shutters. As guests pull up in front of the French Colonial building, they are greeted by staff members wearing chic silk tunics.

Framed photos throughout the lobby show some of the hotels most famous guests, from French presidents Francois Mitterand and Jacques Chirac to the writer Graham Greene, actress Jane Fonda and silent film star Charlie Chaplin. In 2019, the Metropole hosted US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for a summit.

But below the elegant tile floors, theres another, darker layer of history.

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As Vietnam marks the 50th anniversary of reunification this week, the hotel  now called the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi  is highlighting its war heritage.

April 30, 2025 marks half a century since the the fall of Saigon and the helicopter evacuation of US ambassador Graham Martin, ending what Americans call the Vietnam War and what Vietnamese call the American War.

While most of the big, formal anniversary events like a military parade and a new airport terminal opening will be held in the southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Hanoi, as Vietnams capital, has plenty of its own history to share.

The Metropole opened in 1901 when Vietnam was under French control. It passed through multiple owners until it was taken over by the Communist government in the 1950s and renamed the Reunification Hotel.

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It was one of the few hotels allowed to house foreign visitors during the war, so many famous politicians, journalists and artists passed through.

In 1965, the hotel built an underground bunker where guests could shelter during US air raids. According to hotel manager Anthony Slewka, the space could hold about 100 people  roughly the same as the number of guests  and was divided into four chambers with two access points.

After the war, the bunker was forgotten  until 2011, when a contracting company remodeling the hotels Bamboo Bar re-discovered it.

Now, the Metropole offers two daily tours of the bunker to hotel guests at 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.

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While in the bunker, visitors can see original light bulbs and other fixtures while listening to the Joan Baez song Where Are You Now, My Son?, which she recorded while staying at the Metropole. The song incorporates music, spoken word, clips of a Vietnamese woman crying out for her son, and the sound of air raid sirens.

Baez spent time in the bunker during her Vietnam visits and has spoken about how seeing the wars effect on people made her a peace activist.

Hanoi in context

The front view of the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. - Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Travelers to Hanoi who want to learn more about the war era can also visit the Hoa Lo Prison, where American prisoners of war  including, famously, the late Senator John McCain  were held. Nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton, it has been converted into a multimedia history museum and has extensive English-language materials.

Meanwhile, Hanois Vietnam Military History Museum is the largest museum in the country following an upgrade in fall 2024. The outdoor section displays planes, tanks, rockets and artillery that were used by the American military during the war.

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The embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, the revolutionary who led the North Vietnamese army and became the president of Vietnam, is on public display at a large building in central Hanoi.

The mausoleum is just a short walk from the Presidential Palace complex, which features a traditional wooden stilt house he lived in.

Looking to the future

These days, Americans comprise the largest group of visitors to the Metropole, says hotel manager Slewka. Some are veterans of the war and want to come back to see the country again, but others are young people of the post-war period who are simply interested in Vietnams food, culture and scenery.

According to Vietnamese government data, the US is the fourth largest source of international tourists and the largest market outside of Asia, with 717,000 American tourists traveling to Vietnam in 2023.

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While the Metropoles bunker tours prove popular with guests, Slewka says that the majority of their questions are about much more than the structure itself.

Mostly, they want to know if they like Americans here or not.

Slewka, who was born in the US and raised in Canada, always gives the same answer.

Vietnamese people are very forward-facing. They are looking to the future.

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Using 23 years of satellite data, University of Utah hydrologists studied how dust-darkened snow is hastening runoff and reshaping the future of water in the Southwest.

It matters. A lot.

The Colorado River, often described as the hardest working river in the West, delivers water to 40 million people across the United States and Mexico.

But drought and overuse have left the river in crisis. The need for water in an area of growing population far exceeds whats available.

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Although the headwaters of the Colorado River begin high in the mountains of Colorado, the river itself journeys 1,450 miles through many arid states.

That journey leaves it vulnerable because the snowpack that sustains the river is increasingly subjected to windblown events that accelerate snowmelt and the resulting runoff is compromised.

A University of Utah-led study debuts a powerful remote-sensing dataset that informs the timing and magnitude of snow darkening and the impacts on melt rates across the Colorado Basin. The research is the first to capture how dust affects the broad expanse of headwaters feeding the Colorado River system.

The new study found that dust deposition can speed snowmelt by up to 1 millimeter water-equivalent per hour when the sun is at its peak. In high-dust years, that adds up to 10 millimeters of melt per day that can be directly attributed to the darkening effect.

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Its not just how much dust gets deposited over a season, but also the timing of dust deposition that matters, said Patrick Naple, doctoral candidate of geography at the University of Utah and lead author of the study.

Dust is very effective at speeding up melt because its most frequently deposited in the spring when days are getting longer and the sun more intense. Even an extra millimeter per hour can make the snowpack disappear several weeks earlier than without dust deposition.

What went into the study

The authors analyzed 23 years of daily satellite images to observe patterns of snow darkened by dust deposition during the melt season during April and May from 2001-2023. The findings revealed that dust-driven melting tends to peak earliest and be most intense in the central-southern Rocky Mountains at mid-alpine elevations.

Researchers focused on the amount of the suns energy reflected by a surface, known as albedo. The brighter the surface, the higher the albedo, and the more energy it reflects. The darker the surface, the lower the albedo, and the more energy it absorbs. Across all land cover types, snow naturally has the highest albedo.

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The authors developed algorithms that did two things: quantified how dust lowers the albedo for every single pixel of satellite imagery; and calculated how the additional energy absorbed by dust impacted melt rates.

The dust on snow effect also includes what is happening at the drying Great Salt Lake.

The highest snowpack dust concentrations in 13 years at an Alta study site were recorded in 2022, accelerating snowmelt by 17 days  and dry beds at the Great Salt Lake were the chief culprit in terms of the widespread nature of the dust, another University of Utah study stressed.

This latest study, however, is the most comprehensive to date to probe dust impacts across the Colorado River Basin. It is designed to improve forecasting and water allocation for a system under extreme pressure from changing climate and populations.

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The degree of darkening caused by dust has been related to water forecasting errors. The water comes earlier than expected, and this can have real world impacts  for example if the ground is still frozen its too early for farmers to use. A reservoir manager can store early snowmelt, but they need the information to plan for that, said McKenzie Skiles, associate professor at the University of Utahs School of Environment and Society and the studys co-lead author. If we can start to build dust into the snowmelt forecast models, it will make water management decision-making more informed.

Skiles said there is more work to be done.

We know from sediment core records that dust deposition in this area skyrocketed following modern settlement of the West. That tells us that the level of dust we see today is directly related to human activity, said Skiles. If we could track ongoing land-use changes and surface disturbance in the region, we might have a better shot of predicting large dust events.

Other authors include Otto Lang of the University of Utah; Karl Rittger and Sebastien Lenard of the University of Colorado, Boulder; Annie Burgess of Montana State University and Thomas Painter of University of California, Los Angeles.

The study was published in Geophysical Research Letters on March 9.
Press Release

April 30, 2025 Poe grateful for inclusion of FPJ Film Collection in UNESCO heritage program Sen. Grace Poe showed appreciation to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for choosing the film collection of her father, the late National Artist Fernando Poe Jr., as part of the Memory of the World (MoW) Programme. Poe said a total of 168 movies of her father are in the FPJ Film archives, which their family established to properly preserve the films. "We have put in a lot of effort to maintain it, and we are grateful that the UNESCO, through Professor Nick Deocampo, has recognized the significance of the FPJ Film Archives and is now committed to ensuring that that this legacy of my father to the Filipino people remains protected, remembered, and passed on to future generations," she said in her speech. Poe delivered a message during the launch of the Philippine leg of the global MoW at the Department of Foreign Affairs. Deocampo, a renowned filmmaker, serves as the Philippine MoW committee chairperson. UNESCO's MoW aimed to preserve and honor a country's documentary heritage and make it accessible to the public. Dubbed the "King of Philipine Movies," FPJ's films became the cinematic chronicles of the travails of the Filipino working class. Many identified with his portrayal of a man fighting the forces of oppression, and found vicarious joy in his character's ability to attain justice. Poe said many of FPJ's movies, including those he produced, came at a crucial historical juncture when the country was recovering from the devastating effects of World War 2, political uncertainties, social inequality, injustice and poverty. As such, FPJ's films captured a people's aspirations to find in cinema their own identity and their own hero. "I saw how films were a powerful medium for storytelling. They are history books in motion and an impactful way to transmit our values and identity to the next generation. Consequently, every time we lose a film because it has not been properly preserved, we lose a part of our story, and in a sense, a part of ourselves," Poe said. The FPJ Film Collection is one of nine (9) Philippine documents and collections inscribed in the UNESCO MoW International, Regional, and National Registers, which also include: (1) The Presidential Papers of Manuel Quezon; (2) The Radio Broadcast of the EDSA People Power Revolution; (3) the Jose Maceda Collection consisting of musical archive and field notes; (4) the Philippine Paleographs (from the Hanunoo, Buhid, Tagbanua, and Pala'wan); (5) the Culion Leprosy Museum Archives; (6) Doctrina Christiana (1593) - one of the earliest printed books in the Philippines; (7) The Hinilawod Epic Chant Recordings; (8) And Edie Romero's Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kami Ngayon? - a film classic. "These individual collections and works are important strands which make up the colourful tapestry of our collective Filipino heritage. They help us understand the Filipino identity and the broader humanity," Poe said. "The responsibility for caring and preserving great works of art and culture usually falls heavily to those of us who are left behind. It is a challenge but also a privilege. So, to be assured that there is a global effort to support the preservation and recognition of these intellectual treasures is greatly appreciated," Poe added.
Photo: Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 30. Kazakhstan and Tajikistan have agreed to cooperate in the energy sector, Trend reports via Kazakh government decree.

To approve the attached draft Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan on Cooperation in the Field of Electric Power, the document states.

The designated operators for the planned electricity purchase and sale under the agreement are:

From the Republic of Kazakhstan (buyer)  LLP "Settlement and Financial Center for Support of Renewable Energy Sources" (RFC for RES), a subordinate organization of the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan;

From the Republic of Tajikistan (seller)  OJSC "Rogun Hydropower Plant".

The agreement is valid for 20 years, with the possibility of a 10-year extension.

Key conditions of the agreement include:

Electricity will be supplied during peak deficit hours in the North-South zone of Kazakhstan's Unified Energy System via interstate power lines, taking into account technical transit capabilities through neighboring countries. Irregular supply schedules will not be considered as power regulation.

Planned volumes will be included in the daily production-consumption schedules approved by JSC "KEGOC" and are not subject to adjustment. Final data is confirmed by the CDC "Energy" and used for customs declarations.

The agreement duration is 20 years, extendable by 10 years.

Estimated supply volumes do not create financial obligations between the parties.

Settlement of unplanned flows will be handled through separate agreements between the power systems of neighboring states.

OJSC "Rogun Hydropower Plant" is responsible for electricity transit to Kazakhstans border.

Electricity price will be calculated as:

$0.034 per kWh (with 0 percent VAT) for the supply from Rogun HPP;

Plus transit costs through neighboring countries (documentary confirmation required).

Price indexation will be conducted annually starting from the second year of supply, based on the U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI).

Technical terms of the contract must be confirmed by authorized representatives of both parties and the transit states.

Arbitration disputes will be resolved at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC).

The buyer must pay for the electricity within 35 calendar days after the end of the billing period and provide a three-month renewable bank guarantee issued by a second-tier bank rated at least:

BBB- (S&P),

BBB- (Fitch),

Baa3 (Moodys).

For each unit of electricity purchased, the buyer will receive a corresponding amount of carbon credits after the Rogun HPP is commissioned.

The agreement is governed by Singaporean law, and currency relations are subject to the respective countries' currency regulations. In the event of early termination, both parties must settle any outstanding obligations.

In February of this year, following negotiations between the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan in Astana, it was noted that electricity exports to Kazakhstan would open new opportunities for bilateral cooperation in this sector.
Apr. 30On Friday, Irontonians got some news they had been waiting for over many years.

A groundbreaking took place on the new Dairy Queen, to be located on Eighth Street.

Also, last week the Ohio Department of Transportation hosted a groundbreaking on Phase 2 of the Chesapeake Bypass, which will connect Proctorville and Chesapeake.

Both of these projects have been long in the making. The bypass, in particular, began more than decade ago.

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But it was refreshing to see solid movement on two things the public has long wanted.

----Last week, a longtime Tri-State staple closed its doors.

Purple Earth Comics, located in Huntington, West Virginia, ended 32 years of business on Fourth Avenue.

Those who attended Marshall University, as well as all comic and pop culture fans in the area, know that owner John Horst was legendary for his friendliness and customer service and always went that extra mile to make visitors feel welcome and to remember longstanding customers' interests.

Horst's shop, which was featured last year in our Profile magazine, offered the kind of personal touch and sense of community that only a small business can, and we thank and congratulate him on his three decades as a downtown institution.

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----A big event is shaping up for May 17 at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds and proceeds from it will go toward a good cause.

Lawrence County Trade Day will take place, raising funds for the 4-H programs that compete at the fair.

Organized by Montana Runnels, who served on the fair board, the event already has dozens of vendors lined up and registrations are open for more.

For more information, see our story from last week's paper. And we encourage everyone to come out to support what could be a good tradition for the county.
The Democratic National Committees ultimatum to activist and vice chair David Hogg  demanding neutrality from party officers during primary elections  highlights the risks of enforcing political conformity.

Hogg, 25, recently unveiled a strategy to spend big on primaries against ineffective, asleep at the wheel Democrats, taking the unusual step of targeting fellow Democrats instead of Republicans.

Democrats response is unsurprising and logical, but it feels a lot like the old workplace cliche, thats how weve always done things, typically uttered by people in comfortable positions who are uninterested in change, even if needed.

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Were not here to defend Hogg. But we do support challenging the status quo that has left many Americans disenchanted and politically homeless.

While political cohesion can offer short-term strategic advantages, demanding strict uniformity often silences fresh voices and stifles innovation. It can also dampen voter engagement  especially among younger voters and moderates who feel alienated by partisan purity tests.

A 2022 Pew survey showed that, even before the 2024 election, half of young voters wished they had more political parties to choose from. In 2023, another Pew poll found that 3 in 10 Americans were dissatisfied with both major parties.

Healthy democracies thrive on competition, discussion and respectful disagreement. When political parties become monolithic, rigidly discouraging challenges and critiques, they risk becoming out of touch, complacent and ultimately less effective.

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Democrats are facing that reckoning now. The partys approval rating has been well below 40% in recent polls, unusually low marks fueled in no small part by disaffection from Democrats themselves.

This isnt a challenge exclusive to Democrats by any means. Congressional Republicans have become shrinking violets on legislative matters, falling in line with President Donald Trumps agenda even when it conflicts fundamentally with their own long-held views.

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican who leans libertarian, is one of the few conservative voices speaking out against his party and the president on tariffs and a budget that does too little to address the federal deficit, and hes taking heat for it. We applaud Pauls consistency on the issues and his willingness to stick to principle over party.

Demands for unquestioning conformity  whether from Democrats or Republicans  run counter to the spirit of our democratic republic, which champions diversity of thought and a higher allegiance to principles over party orthodoxy. This board supports a more inclusive politics that values honest debate as a cornerstone of democratic health.

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Our concerns extend to state and local politics as well. For example, we view Illinois House Speaker Chris Welchs informal rule requiring any bill getting a floor vote to be able to pass with only Democratic votes even if it would win approval on a bipartisan basis as an undemocratic restraint. It undermines what a legislature is meant to do: debate ideas on their merits no matter their provenance.

If the goal of American politics is merely to erase the other sides advantage, weve lost sight of what matters most: serving the public. Our countrys founders warned that factionalism, embodied by political parties, could be fatal to the nascent republics health. More than two centuries later, were uncomfortably close to proving those early skeptics right.

The only time party bosses seem concerned with reconsidering their rigid positions is after they lose. Thats not enough. Americans growing frustration with both parties, illustrated in poll after poll, to our minds is a cry for change.

We need a system that focuses less on partisan success and top-down control and more on fostering political discourse that embraces a diversity of thought and ideas.

_____
Mayor Brandon Johnsons 2024 trip to Springfield was a fiasco as he lobbied for a taxpayer-funded Chicago Bears stadium on Chicagos lakefront and failed even to ask Gov. JB Pritzker for more money for the citys public schools despite earlier trumpeting his position that the state owed CPS more than $1 billion.

Dont say the mayor and his team are incapable of learning from their mistakes, at least in some instances.

Johnson was traveling to the capital Tuesday prepared to communicate far more modest requests of Pritzker and the states Democratic legislative leaders.

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The mayors ratcheting down of the audacity was an acknowledgement that Springfield is facing its own daunting budget deficit, just as Chicago did last year and will again later this year. The change in approach also tacitly seemed to come from a desire to change the narrative around Johnsons poor relationship with Pritzker and others in Springfield.

Past mayors and governors understood that it was in their mutual interest to work well together given that the nations third largest city is far and away the states most important economic driver. As Pritzker has learned firsthand, Chicagos financial woes quickly become a governors own; state revenues flatline, putting ever-increasing pressure on the governors budgets.

So while we understand the reasons for the cold shoulder Johnson has gotten in Springfield from members of his own party in the past, we think it would behoove Pritzker and company to do what they can in response to the mayors limited requests.

These include state passage of a prepaid cellphone tax plan that has been in the works for a while. Failure to enact that plan late last year cost Chicago about $40 million in 2025, throwing an eleventh-hour wrench into the citys budget debate. The city also wants the state to extend the existing $5 per month surcharge on wireless phone accounts for 911 service.

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Slightly more of a stretch is the citys ask for higher reimbursement rates for state-mandated public school services like special education, bilingual education and bus transportation.

Governmentally and politically, the remainder of this year is going to feature a series of brutal budgets. First, in just a little over a month the state will have to plug a budget gap that at last report was about $1.7 billion. Then Chicago Public Schools will have to address a deficit of nearly $600 million before the school year starts in August. And, finally, the city of Chicago by the end of the year will confront a deficit projected to exceed $1 billion.

All three of these governmental bodies are constrained by hefty percentages of their budgets going to shore up substantially underfunded pension plans.

So, yes, theres pain all around, and Johnsons previous demands of Springfield have been tone-deaf.

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But most of the mayors asks this spring are reasonable. Pritzker and state lawmakers should do what they can to help Chicago muddle through this difficult period.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Several years ago, early in my career at AT&T, I was speaking with a customer from a small New England town about a standard network matter. Before our conversation ended, the customer asked if she could share an unrelated story about problem she had with her personal wireless plan.

I anticipated the usual tale of customer frustration, but what she told me was unexpected.

The customer was leaving an abusive relationship, and her shared wireless plan presented challenges. Her story revealed the increasingly complicated intersection of connected technology, hardware, software and domestic violence.

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Our conversation took me back to my days as a former assistant attorney general, where I worked on legal and policy issues related to domestic violence. While only a few years removed from that role, the landscape had clearly changed because of the proliferation of connected technology.

I came away from this interaction with a string of questions, including if there were ways to better support the digital safety of survivors. At the time, I was unaware that this customers experience  and her decision to reveal it to me  would jumpstart a multiyear project to highlight dangers lurking in the digital shadows.

I brought my questions to domestic violence prevention advocates and public safety leaders in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. One dynamic became clear: That customer was not alone. Advocates articulated how her experience was common in many ways. They explained how technology can be used in abusive relationships to control, stalk and harass current or ex-partners. Whats more, as technology continuously evolves, its use in abusive behavior continues, too. Tech abuse had emerged as one of the most pressing problems in the domestic violence space.

Led by numerous domestic violence prevention advocates and AT&Ts tech experts, we collaborated to bring awareness to the problem and provide resources. In Rhode Island, The Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, and in Massachusetts, Jane Doe Inc., the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance, Mass General Brighams Passageway and HAVEN programs, and many others, added their knowledge to what ultimately became a new digital safety initiative.

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Launched November in Rhode Island and February in Boston, the initiative spotlights potential hazards and aims to empower survivors with information to more securely engage with connected tech. It consists of an ongoing series of in-person and virtual presentations offered to members of the advocacy community, law enforcement, health care institutions and others who serve survivors. Most recently, a presentation was held in April at the Gardner Police Department with the Gardner Domestic Violence Task Force.

The presentation highlights the potential vulnerabilities of wireless devices and data, and related linked accounts. Topics covered include the operation of shared accounts; device settings that are relevant to domestic violence; and information on apps.

The material also seeks to spread awareness about The Safe Connections Act, which Congress enacted to ease the steps between providers and survivors trying to separate wireless accounts. The act makes it easier for survivors to separate from a plan shared with an abusive partner; to keep their phone number; and benefit from privacy and security safeguards.

While inherently neither good nor bad, technology can be misused to control, harass or intimidate others. Awareness of the digital landscape and its intricacies is crucial to promote safety for domestic violence survivors and strengthen individualized safety planning strategies.

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Were grateful for the tireless efforts of the advocates who support domestic violence survivors every day, and for their collaboration on this new initiative. We look forward to implementing it alongside them and getting information to those who need it most.

Our gratitude extends especially to the one survivor whose courage and story led to the creation of an innovative, multistate awareness effort.

Edmund Donnelly is the director of external affairs for AT&T Massachusetts. For more information visit, attconnects.com/getting-digital-safety-resources-in-more-hands.

Read the original article on MassLive.
QTS Data Centers in Hillsboro on Oct. 11, 2024. Data centers are driving near-term energy demand in the region, according to a new regional power forecast from the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. (Photo by Rian Dundon/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Demand for electricity in the Northwest could double by 2046, according to a new energy forecast from regional experts.

Over the next two decades, demand could increase by between 1.8% and 3.1% annually, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council heard Tuesday. The projected growth will come primarily from companies building more data centers in the region, more electric vehicles on roads, electrifying buildings, computer chip manufacturing and the production of green hydrogen created by running an electrical current through water to split the molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

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Council staff presented the 20-year forecast for electricity demand in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and western Montana Tuesday to the councils eight, governor-appointed members. Each states governor gets to appoint two representatives.

The data centers, naturally in our forecasts, are the very early load growth driver here. Theyre the big driver of near term demand, Steven Simmons, senior energy forecasting analyst, told the council. Energy demand from data centers and from all electric vehicles in the region are expected to be equal by 2046, and demand from EVs is likely to surpass data center demand after 2046, Simmons said.

Residential and commercial demand, which includes forecasted energy demand for electric vehicle charging at homes and buildings, but does not include data centers, is expected to grow more gradually. Demand for residential and commercial energy in Washington alone will equal the combined demand from those sectors in Oregon, Idaho and Montana during the next two decades.

The energy forecast, part of the councils forthcoming 9th Northwest Regional Power Plan to manage demand, does not yet include some possible variables that could reduce future demand, such as improved energy efficiency in cars, buildings and some industries as a response to demand, as well as growing adoption of rooftop solar on residential and commercial buildings.

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But rapidly growing demand now means electricity grids in the Northwest and across the U.S. are encountering transmission constraints, and scaling infrastructure to meet demand has been slow due to supply chain delays and issues, staff said.

Data centers

Council staff expect the biggest growth in data center and computer chip energy demand will occur in eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and the Portland and Boise metro areas, based on historical trends and announced projects.

There are more than 100 data centers in Oregon, according to the company Data Center Map, and there are more than 5,000 data centers throughout the U.S. according to Statista  the most in any country.

Oregons data center market is the fifth largest in the nation, according to Chicago-based commercial real estate group Cushman & Wakefield. Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google and X, formerly named Twitter, have massive data centers in eastern Oregon as well as in The Dalles, Hillsboro and Prineville.

Whats next

To develop its next power plan, the council will evaluate supply side resources, including the potential for more regional windfarms, utility-scale and small-scale solar installations, better battery storage and more geothermal and fracked gas sources, among other options.

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The council has published regional power plans about every five years since 1983, to lay out how the region will maintain an affordable and adequate power supply. A draft of the plan, an update from the last one that was published in 2021, is expected to be ready for public review and input by July 2026 and would be finalized by late 2026, according to council spokesperson Peter Jensen.

The Northwest Power and Conservation Council was formed in 1981 following passage of the federal Northwest Power Act. That act directed the four states to work collaboratively on regional energy planning and to stop the decline of native Columbia Basin fish species that have suffered massive population losses over the last century, primarily from the development of hydroelectric dams in the region.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek in February appointed two new Oregon representatives to the council: Margaret Hoffmann, of Bend, and Chuck Sams, of Pendleton. Hoffman is the former Oregon director of the U.S. Department of Agricultures Rural Development program and energy adviser to former Oregon Govs. John Kitzhaber and Kate Brown.

Sams, former executive director of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, was most recently director of the National Park Service. Sams briefly served on the council in 2021 before he was appointed to run the Park Service.

This article was first published by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Julia Shumway for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com.
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM)  An Elmira man was arrested on felony charges on Friday following an investigation into the possession of child sex abuse materials in the Town of Southport, according to a release from the New York State Police.

Hayden D. Denkenberger, 19, was arrested on Friday, April 25, on the charges of promoting a sexual performance by a child (class D felony) and possessing a sexual performance by a child (class E felony), as stated in the release.

Elmira man arrested following domestic incident in Southport

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Police say Denkenbergers charges stem from a cyber tip received by state police in Horseheads on April 11, 2024, from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children for the report of possession of child sex abuse material.

After receiving the tip, police say that on May 3, 2024, a search was conducted on Pennsylvania Ave in Southport as part of an ongoing child exploitation investigation. At the time of the search, police say numerous devices were taken for examination by the Troop E Computer Crimes Unit (CCU).

Sheriff: Painted Post man arrested after hitting someone with wrench

Police say when examining the devices, they found child sex abuse material on a device that belonged to Denkenberger. He was then arrested on the above-listed charges.

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As a result, he was processed at the state police barracks in Horseheads and had his charges read to him in the Town of Horseheads Court. Denkenberger was then placed in the Chemung County Jail on $10,000 bail and $20,000 bond. He then posted bail and was released.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
Elon Musk has left the White House but is reportedly still serving President Donald Trumps administration over the phone. As head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, the worlds richest man has helped fire thousands of federal employees since January.

Instead of meeting with him in person, Im talking to him on the phone, but its the same net effect, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles confirmed to the New York Post in an exclusive interview Tuesday that marked Trumps 100th day in office.

Wiles added that Musk hasnt been here physically, but it really doesnt matter much.

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She further stated that his folks arent going anywhere, suggesting DOGE is still spearheading the administrations stated efforts to slash only wasteful public spending, which have nonetheless affected key public sectors, including health and education.

Musk spent a fortune to help reelect Trump and became a special government employee in February. The unelected tech billionaire, who had joined Trump on the campaign trail, went on to attend official cabinet meetings and Oval Office press conferences.

His influence became so prominent that Trump critics began calling him President Musk.

While there is no confirmed rift between Trump and the Tesla founder, Musk has always had a 130-day cap on his special government status.

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Two government sources recently claimed that cabinet secretaries are eager for Musk to step back. Musk has seen his Tesla stock plummet  and his cars, dealerships and charging stations vandalized  in apparent protest of his newfound political influence.

Musk, seen here during an Oval Office press conference with Trump (offscreen) in February. Alex Brandon/Associated Press

In a notable break from Trump, the electric carmaker has criticized the presidents steep tariffs on imports to the U.S. Musk also reportedly clashed with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in March and publicly called Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro a moron.

With the net income for Tesla down 71% this past quarter, Musk announced during an April 22 earnings call that hed be spending less time on DOGE and more on his company. Wiles says, however, that DOGE wont leave the White House merely because Musk has.

Hes not out of it altogether, she told the Post. Hes just not physically present as much as he was. The people that are doing this work are here doing good things and paying attention to the details. Hell be stepping back a little, but hes certainly not abandoning it.

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Wiles continued, And his people are definitely not.

Related...
Elon Musk is working remotely after being forced to take a step back from his Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) amid Teslas plummeting profits.

The Tesla billionaire, who has previously called working from home morally wrong, has become an increasingly rare presence in Washington, turning his attention to his electric car business as its sales and profits drop.

Susie Wiles, chief of staff to president Donald Trump, told The New York Post that Mr Musk hasnt been here physically, but it really doesnt matter much.

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Ms Wiles reportedly has a tense relationship with the efficiency tsar and denied him a White House office in the early days of the administration, instead installing him in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building across the street.

Once joined at the hip with Mr Trump, Mr Musk, the worlds richest man, has recently distanced himself from the US president tariffs policy and had blazing rows with cabinet members and key advisers.

Elon Musk wears a Gulf of America hat on top of a Dark Maga hat at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday - Evan Vucci

Last week, he said he would significantly reduce his work at Doge and be allocating far more of my time to Tesla, as its profits fell to a five-year low amid a boycott campaign.

Mr Musk suggested he would work, at most, two days a week at the agency and stay on as long as the president would like me to do so and as long as its useful.

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As part of his drive to cut $1 trillion from the federal deficit by 2026, he has attempted to force federal workers back into the office.

Requiring federal employees to come to the office five days a week would result in a wave of voluntary terminations that we welcome: If federal employees dont want to show up, American taxpayers shouldnt pay them for the Covid-era privilege of staying home, he wrote in an opinion column last year.

Even before entering the political sphere he has been scathing about work from home bulls--- and claimed it is morally wrong.

Instead of meeting with him in person, Im talking to him on the phone, but its the same net effect, Ms Wiles said, adding that he hasnt been here physically, but it really doesnt matter much, Ms Wiles told the New York Post.

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Referring to other members of Doge, who work out of the Eisenhower building and the General Services Administration, she said: His folks arent going anywhere.

Hes not abandoning work

Mr Musk is classed as a special government employee, meaning he can only serve 130 days a year in the administration.

Hes not out of it altogether. Hes just not physically present as much as he was, said Ms Wiles, whom Mr Trump has nicknamed the Ice Maiden for her cool-headed demeanour.

The people that are doing this work are here doing good things and paying attention to the details. Hell be stepping back a little, but hes certainly not abandoning it. And his people are definitely not.

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Mr Musk made a rare appearance in Washington on Wednesday at a cabinet meeting, where he was wearing a cap emblazoned with the words Gulf of America over a second hat.

I wear a lot of hats. Even my hat has a hat, Mr Musk, who is the chief executive of Tesla, rocket company SpaceX and social media platform X.

As members of the cabinet applauded, Mr Trump said: We just want to thank you very much. Youre invited to stay as long as you want, but at some point he wants to go back home to his cars.

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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 30. Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan, Zavkizoda Zavki Amin, and Minister of Economy and Finance of Turkmenistan, Mammetguly Astanlyev, met in Arkadag to discuss strengthening bilateral ties in key sectors, Trend reports, citing Tajikistan's Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to increasing mutual trade volumes, enhancing freight transportation, and improving goods transit. Additionally, the ministers discussed deepening industrial cooperation between the two countries.

The Tajik delegation extended an invitation for Turkmenistan to participate at a high level in the upcoming International High-Level Conference on Glacier Preservation, scheduled for May 29-31, 2025, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to intensify efforts to ensure the timely implementation of directives from the heads of state of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

Meanwhile, earlier in April, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan also held high-level talks on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, with a special focus on the reconnection with the Central Asia Unified Energy System.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Western New England University held an engineering expo Tuesday morning to showcase what the engineers of the future have to offer.

Springfield among Mass. casino cities losing community mitigation funds

The Emerging Engineers Expo had everything from wet shoe dryers to medical technology solutions, all made by college students.

Freshmen and seniors presented solutions to a variety of issues we face. Judges from the industry and the university handed out awards for the best projects. Matthew Brennan and his team showed off a new way to transfer fluids in the medical field. The biomedical student described how it felt to be given this platform.

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Brennan told 22News, There are some really impressive projects here from all the different disciplines, biomed, civil, mechanical. Its impressive to see the future of engineers, especially engineers who come from Western New England. I think everybody here has a lot to be proud of.

Over 100 projects were displayed this morning, including 35 freshmen and 69 seniors. The director of experiential and entrepreneurial Learning said the event is a culmination of years of solving and creativity.

Brennans medical device will hopefully be used to help a local anesthesiologist.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  The explosion that rocked an Iranian port, killing at least 70 people and injuring more than 1,000 others, had its epicenter at a facility ultimately owned by a charitable foundation overseen by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's office.

That foundation, known as Bonyad Mostazafan, faces American sanctions over it helping the 86-year-old Khamenei to enrich his office, reward his political allies and persecute the regimes enemies, the U.S. Treasury has said. Its top personnel also have direct ties to Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which oversees Tehran's ballistic missile arsenal and operations abroad targeting the Islamic Republic's enemies.

Those associations come as authorities still haven't offered a cause for the blast Saturday at the Shahid Rajaei port near Bandar Abbas. The port reportedly took in a chemical component needed for solid fuel for ballistic missiles  something denied by authorities though local reports now increasingly point toward a mysterious, highly explosive cargo being delivered there.

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It's known that Iran has been doing all kinds of sanctions busting and so on in order to supply their weapons program, said Andrea Sella, a professor of chemistry at the University College London. The surprising thing is the fact that this cargo, given that it's a highly energetic material ... was sitting right in the middle of the port warehousing area.

He added: That strikes me as nuts.

Bonyads hold vast economic power in Iran

A bonyad, the Farsi word for foundation, wields tremendous power in Iran. The bonyads take their root in foundations set up by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi during his rule.

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After the 1979 Islamic Revolution toppled the shah, Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini set up the bonyads to manage those assets, as well as companies seized from supporters of the shah and religious minorities, like the Bahai and Jews.

Bonyad Mostazafan, or the Foundation of the Oppressed, is believed to be the largest in the country by assets, with a 2008 U.S. Congressional Research Service report suggesting it represented 10% of Iran's entire gross domestic product at the time. The Treasury in 2020 put its worth into the billions of dollars. Its network includes interests in mining, railroads, energy, steel and shipping through its Sina Port and Marine Services Development Co.

Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press show the epicenter of Saturday's explosion struck just next to Sina's terminal at the port, shredding the facility and the containers stacked nearby.

Late Sunday, Irans semiofficial ILNA news agency quoted Saeed Jafari, the CEO of Sina, as saying there had been false statements about the cargo that detonated, which he called very dangerous.

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The incident happened following a false statement about the dangerous goods and delivering it without documents and tags, Jafari said. He didn't elaborate and access to the site has been restricted by authorities since the blast.

Mostazafan has direct ties to the Guard, security forces

Since its creation, Bonyard Mostazafan has been linked to the Guard. Its current president, Hossein Dehghan, reached the rank of general in the Guard and serves as a military adviser to Khamenei. Other leaders in the foundation's history have had direct and indirect ties back to the Guard.

The U.S. Treasury separately describes the foundation as having business relationships or cash transactions with the country's police, the Defense Ministry and the Guard as well.

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Mostazafan has de-facto been functioning as the IRGCs money box, whereby its financial assets and resources are made available to senior IRGC commanders, not least to fund terrorist activities, alleges United Against Nuclear Iran, a New York-based pressure group, using an acronym for the Guard.

In sanctioning Bonyad Mostazafan in 2020, the first Trump administration described the foundation as being used by Khamenei to line the pockets of his allies.

Despite its outsized influence in the Iranian economy, Bonyad Mostazafan operates outside of government oversight and, due to a 1993 decree by the Supreme Leader, is exempt from paying taxes on its multibillion-dollar earnings, the U.S. Treasury said. The foundation says its affiliated companies pay taxes.

US issues sanctions over China-to-Iran chemical shipments

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On Tuesday, the Treasury issued new sanctions on China and Iran over the transshipment of sodium perchlorate and dioctyl sebacate to the Islamic Republic. Sodium perchlorate is used to produce ammonium perchlorate, a key ingredient to make solid fuel for ballistic missiles. The Treasury identified one individual from an Iranian firm as being linked to the Guard.

The Financial Times in January first reported that two loads of sodium perchlorate were coming to Iran from China. Tracking data showed that one of the ships identified as carrying the load was near Shahid Rajaei in recent weeks. The private security firm Ambrey separately said that the port received the sodium perchlorate, which is described as a white, sand-like solid.

Iranian Defense Ministry spokesperson Gen. Reza Talaeinik denied earlier this week that missile fuel had been imported through the port. Iranian Cabinet spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani separately described the explosion Wednesday as coming from "human error, probably.

However, no official in Iran has offered any explanation for what material detonated with such incredible force at the site.

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A reddish cloud could be seen in surveillance camera footage before the blast Saturday. That suggests a chemical compound like ammonia being involved in the blast, like the 2020 Beirut port explosion, in which ammonium nitrate caught fire and exploded.

That cloud also resembled one seen in footage from a 1988 massive explosion in Nevada at the PEPCON plant that killed two people and injured hundreds. PEPCON, or the Pacific Engineering and Production Company of Nevada, made rocket fuel for NASA and had accumulated ammonium perchlorate that went unused after the Challenger disaster, leading to the blast.

Similar reddish smoke could be seen just before a 2013 explosion at a Texas fertilizer plant filled with ammonium nitrate that killed 15 people.

Sella, the chemistry professor, said the reddish cloud likely was nitrogen dioxide, which can be produced when burning ammonium perchlorate or ammonium nitrate. However, the reports about the missile fuel shipment suggests it was ammonium perchlorate, he said.
More local students will be able to get a head start on their careers at the Erie County Community College (EC3) thanks to a grant from the state.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education is giving Erie County Community College a $1 million grant.

Route 19 bridge in Saegertown closing due to overuse concerns

EC3 leaders said theyre going to use this funding to expand the schools dual enrollment programs.

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That means more local high school students will have the opportunity to take advantage of EC3 programs for free.

Meadville community leaders break ground on new outdoor amphitheater

Its any student in high school we know that the more access they get to post secondary they have college credits to learn the skills the confidence and so forth theyll move on and go on and take those credits elsewhere the beauty of being a middle states institutions now these credits will now transer all over the nation for all those students so whether they are going to come to ec3 and finish that certificate degree or go elsewhere it allows us to go out everywhere across the county and serve the whole county, said Christopher Gray Ph.D, rounding president of EC3.

Gray said its a two-year grant that will begin in July.

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You can find yourself in a dangerous situation at any moment.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and a local safety educator showed us how you can protect yourself from an attacker. Tuesdays most important message is to always trust your gut.

Erie County Community College awarded $1 million grant

Every 26 seconds, a violent crime occurs.

For the last 13 years, one company has been on a mission to change these statistics and make a difference in the lives of those who have been assaulted.

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I hate that we have to be defensive, but in todays world, its better to be prepared and not sorry than not be prepared and be a victim, said Bobbi Strong, safety educator for Damsel in Defense.

Bobbi Strong is a safety educator with Damsel in Defense. They are a Christian-based company that gives a part of their profits to homes in Cambodia and India, where they rescue trafficked women and children.

Erie Democratic candidates cast their early primary ballots

Strong teaches situational awareness, how to prevent an attack, what to do in a home invasion, and what to do when theres an active shooter.

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Damsel in Defense has developed a wide variety of tools to help in all of these situations.

This is what I call your basic safety. You hook this on your purse and carry it, Strong said. If somebody were to come up behind you, its right there. You click it in, pretty secure. Turn it on, the red light is on that indicates this is plugged in and its a stun device.

Whats great about a lot of these items is that they can be hidden in plain sight, like this necklace thats a whistle and this ring that can scratch an attacker and collect DNA.

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Other tools include home and car safety as well as alarms with Bluetooth and tracking options.

College women are the most targeted group, but Strong stressed that a violent crime can happen to anyone at any time.

She said its best for women and men to protect themselves every day.

Be aware of your surroundings. Trust your gut. If it doesnt feel right or something doesnt feel good, believe it, get away, find somebody to help you, Strong went on to say.

Route 19 bridge in Saegertown closing due to overuse concerns

Strong is the only local educator with the company, you can contact her at 814-882-1728 or on her website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
The entrance to Espanola Valley High School in an undated photo. The union representing Espanola teachers filed a labor complaint related to an effort to collect, and later delate, student immigration data at the high school. (Photo courtesy EVHS)

A teacher at an Espanola high school recently sounded the alarm after a principal requested teachers fill out a database of student information, including citizenship status, as part of an abruptly announced standardized test.

The 11th grade teacher called a representative with the National Education Association teachers union, which sent a cease-and-desist notice to the district superintendent and also told its members not to comply with the information collection, a union spokesperson told Source New Mexico. The spokesperson also said the school where this occurred is Espanola Valley High School.

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It came to our attention that a request was made to our educators in Espanola to determine the immigration status of students in order to, supposedly, register them for a standardized test, National Education of New Mexico President Mary Parr-Sanchez said in an email. The request fell outside the scope of our Collective Bargaining Agreement, and our members were informed that they need not to comply.

The teacher, who declined to comment to Source New Mexico, posted April 21 on an educators forum on Reddit that administrators were seeking student citizenship status as part of the rollout of WorkKeys, a job skills assessment run by the same company that does the annual ACT exam for high schoolers preparing for college.

It is a test that no one at the school has ever administered before and from the way admin explained it, it sound[s] like our new superintendent kind of just sprung it on us out of the blue, the teacher posted. (Its worth noting that we have only 5 weeks of school left, so to introduce an entirely new assessment so late in the year seems highly odd.)

The request for citizenship status in the Espanola school occurs amid widespread fears among Hispanic and immigrant communities about federal raids and how citizenship status databases could be used to aid in mass deportation. The Legislature this session passed legislation, which the governor signed, aiming to prevent citizenship status data collected locally from being sent to federal immigration authorities.

Especially given the political climate, this seems like data that is highly improper to request from students, the teacher wrote.

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Espanola Superintendent Eric Spencer told Source in an email Friday that he got an email from the NEA regarding their concern related to testing. He said his staff has made contact with union leadership and is working with them on the issue.

The district takes all matters of student confidentiality seriously, he said.

Spencer did not return emails and calls seeking further comment this week. Members of the Espanola School Board also did not return phone calls seeking comment.

According to the union, the emailed letter from the union cited the 1982 Plyler v. Doe U.S. Supreme Court case that guarantees the right to a free, public education for all children, regardless of their immigration status.

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Children, regardless of their immigration or citizenship status, should be free from worry that the educators and administrators tasked with their instruction, safety and well-being would ever seek to cause them harm, Parr-Sanchez said in a statement to Source NM.

Following the back-and-forth with the union, the superintendent has responded to our cease and desist letter and informed us that the behavior has stopped, NEA-NM spokesperson Adell Medovoy told Source. The union declined to provide the letter, calling it internal communications, she said.

The union is unaware whether the request for citizenship status went to other schools in the district, although we are on the alert, Medovoy said.

A lawyer for the union involved in the cease-and-desist actions, Todd Wertheim, told Source in a brief phone conversation Monday that it was possible a second letter would be necessary soon, though he did not elaborate and did not respond to follow-up phone calls.

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Also unclear is why administrators would have tied the ACTs WorkKeys standardized assessment to a request for student immigration status. The company describes the assessment as a way to determine job-readiness for certain industries, evaluating students on a range of hard and soft skills relevant to any occupation, at any level, and across industries.

Juan Elizondo, a spokesperson for the ACT, told Source in an email Tuesday that his company has no clue why anyone taking the exam would be asked for immigration status.

We cannot speak to why any examinee would be asked about immigration status in connection with an ACT exam, he said. This is not a requirement for taking our exams and is not information we collect or use in any way.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal has stated that his country is ready to join the deterrence forces of the coalition of the willing, led by the United Kingdom and France, which proposes security guarantees to Ukraine.

Source: Estonian government in a statement on its website, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Michal noted that the planning of the coalition of the willing is halfway complete, but Estonia is ready to contribute a company-sized combat unit of ground troops, instructors and staff officers.

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"Of course, we will ask for a mandate from the Riigikogu before sending the unit," he added, referring to the Estonian parliament.

Michal pointed out that Estonia still believes that NATO membership is the best way to guarantee Ukraine's security.

"If NATO membership takes time, Ukraine must be guaranteed deterrence and defence measures by allied forces based on its territory," he stressed.

"The security of Ukraine is the security of Europe. An independent, sovereign Ukraine, part of the European family, is the best strategic guarantee against Moscow's imperialism for all of us. We must show that we can do good deeds, not just think about them," said Michal.

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Notably, Estonia is the first country to officially, at the level of government communication, declare its readiness to send military personnel to Ukraine.

A company's size can vary from 50 to 250 soldiers, but the usual size of such a unit is about 150 troops.

Background:

Earlier, The Times, citing sources from within the coalition of the willing, reported that Europe would face a major challenge in deploying 25,000 troops to Ukraine as a deterrent force, given the under-resourced and underfunded state of its armed forces.

According to closed-door discussions, the UK is prepared to contribute up to 10,000 troops, while France may send between 5,000 and 10,000.

At a meeting in Czechia on 25 April, coalition members reaffirmed the need to secure a ceasefire as a precondition for negotiations on a long-term peace agreement.

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Estonia is prepared to contribute troops to a potential European peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, Prime Minister Kristen Michal said on Wednesday.

The Baltic EU and NATO member is ready to deploy a ground force of up to company strength, along with trainers and staff officers, according to the statement issued by the Chancellery in Tallinn.

"Ukraine's security is Europe's security," said Michal. "An independent, sovereign Ukraine belonging to the European family is the best strategic guarantee against Moscow's imperialism for all of us. We must show that we can put good ideas into action."

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Britain and France are leading a "coalition of the willing" to send troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia, although many questions remain.

The deployment of Estonian troops as part of the mission would require parliamentary approval.

The coalition is an informal group of countries supporting Ukraines pursuit of a just peace. Although it has gained momentum in recent months, the US has yet to commit to providing any security guarantees.

Moscow has flatly rejected the idea. Recent British media reports suggest that the UK and France may instead limit their contributions to training missions, equipment support and aerial surveillance rather than deploying troops.

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The coalition emerged after US President Donald Trump called for a rapid ceasefire between Kiev and Moscow. Many European nations fear Ukraine could be forced to make painful concessions in any negotiations and that, without firm Western security guarantees, the country could remain vulnerable to renewed Russian aggression.

There are also concerns that the US could eventually suspend military aid to Ukraine as leverage in future talks.
CHICAGO (WGN)  The Eta Aquarid meteor shower, remnants of Halleys comet, peak this weekend and into next week.

The Eta Aquarids occur every year and have been active since April 19, according to the American Meteor Society. Peak activity will be between Sunday and Tuesday.

While those of us in the Northern Hemisphere wont see as much activity as those living below the equator, the skies should still offer a pretty impressive display, with 10 to 25 meteors visible per hour, Adler Planetarium educator Hunter Miller told WGN.

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While this may not be a prolific meteor shower in terms of total number, they are known for moving quickly and thus can create some bright meteors, he said.

More important than getting the exact peak right is getting the right weather. Clouds will disrupt the show much more than a slightly lower meteor rate.

Under clear skies, find the darkest location you can as light pollution will impact meteor visibility. Meteor showers take place over a big swath of the sky, so stargazers dont need special equipment like binoculars or a telescope. Find a spot generally facing toward the east, sit back, relax and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness.

Timing is also important for this meteor shower. Youll need to get up early, as peak time for viewing is going to be around 3 or 4 a.m.

What is a meteor shower?

Multiple meteor showers occur annually and you dont need special equipment to see them.

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Most meteor showers originate from the debris of comets. The source of the Eta Aquarids is Halleys comet.

When rocks from space enter Earths atmosphere, the resistance from the air makes them very hot. This causes the air to glow around them and briefly leaves a fiery tail behind them  the end of a shooting star.

The glowing pockets of air around fast-moving space rocks, ranging from the size of a dust particle to a boulder, may be visible in the night sky.

How to view a meteor shower

Meteor showers are usually most visible between midnight and predawn hours.

Its easier to see shooting stars under dark skies, away from city lights. Meteor showers also appear brightest on cloudless nights when the moon wanes smallest.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is investing $15 million in Revo Capital Fund III, a venture capital fund focused on supporting early-stage technology companies in Turkiye and Central and Eastern Europe, Trend reports.

The fund will target investments in sectors such as B2B SaaS, fintech, cloud operations, security, health IT, energy, and gaming.

This investment aims to help companies with Turkish founders or R&D teams in Turkiye enhance their competitiveness, fostering the development of innovative technologies and business models. The EBRD has been an investor in Revo Capital since 2015, when it became the first international investor in Revo Capital Fund I, and continued its support as a cornerstone investor in Fund II in 2019.

The latest investment is part of the EBRDs Early-Stage Innovation Facility II, which funds venture capital projects across its regions of operation, improving capital availability for innovative startups. Michael Parry, Head of Venture Funds at the EBRD, emphasized that backing such funds helps build global competitiveness and resilience in emerging economies.

Cenk Bayrakdar, Founding Partner of Revo Capital, expressed gratitude for the EBRDs continued support, highlighting its key role in helping Turkish startups scale globally and drive systemic change in the region.

Since 2009, the EBRD has invested over 20 billion euros in Turkiye, primarily in the private sector through 478 projects and trade finance initiatives.
Two complaints, both of which were filed by city officials through the City of London Ethics Board, were addressed at the boards meeting last Wednesday.

Complaint 2025-04 was filed by Mayor Randall Weddle during the first week of April. It was filed against council members Kelly Greene, Judd Weaver, Anthony Ortega, and Justin Young. City Council Attorney Conrad Cessna represented the council members at the board meeting.

Weddles complaint pertains to the councils special-called meeting on March 20, and an ordinance he claims was violated.

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Our complaint was to showcase, when we wrote [Ordinance 2023-10] when I first came into the office, that council had taken so much out of the ethics ordinance written by the city attorney, it kind of removed all accountability from them, Weddle commented. Its more to shed light to the public that there is no ordinance to hold your elected officials here accountable.

Weddle, City Attorney Larry Bryson, City Clerk Katelin McPeek, and council members Stacy Benge and Holly Little were unable to attend the Mar. 20 council meeting.

It was an illegal meeting; it just was, Weddle stated. The KRS is plain.

Weddles complaint was ultimately ruled outside the boards jurisdiction.

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Mayor Weddle said himself that the board lacks jurisdiction, Board Member Derek House stated.

It was expected and I wasnt surprised, Weddle commented on the decision.

Weddle hopes to see the current division stop soon. I hope, in the end, they will take their focus off of trying to get rid of me and put it back on what were here for, and thats to get about the city business, he said.

Young shared that London Police officers hand-delivered the mayors complaint to each of the council members which it referred to. It was a frivolous complaint by the mayor that was found to be invalid, he commented. There was nothing done wrong to have a complaint.

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Young went on to say he was satisfied with the finding of the board. I think it will show the public that were doing the right thing, he said.

They did the right thing, Greene said on the matter.

Ortega declined to comment at this time.

Complaint 2025-03 was filed by City Public Relations Officer Bryan Johnson against City Council Member Judd Weaver. Although it only pertained to Weaver, the other council members present also sat in for the discussion. Johnson explained that he received a phone call from Weaver on March 20, following the meeting, regarding a Facebook post he made quoting KRS (Kentucky Revised Statutes).

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He called me and asked me if the mayor okayed that, Johnson stated. It was my personal Facebook and the mayor wasnt aware of it. The mayors never required me to do anything through him.

Johnson claimed Weaver was angry, telling him he did not want to see anything happen to Johnsons family.

He tried to say that I might have violated the social media policy from the city, but I was part of the team that helped review that policy as it was being created, so I knew what was in it, Johnson said.

Weaver claimed the conversation was taken the wrong way.

I care about him and his family, Weaver stated. It was perceived by him as a threatening conversation, which was not my intention.

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Although it was within the jurisdiction of the board, board members ultimately determined that the complaint had insufficient factual basis for a violation of the ordinance.

The allegations lack significant impact on the public confidence, said Board Chair Jane Dyche. We would like to note that the council, pursuant to KRS 83A.130 does not have any executive authority within the city government.

As for old business, there were three complaints in January  one of which was anonymous. The individual who filed the complaint did not provide a notarized signature, and it was ultimately dismissed for failure to comply with requirements. The board attempted to send the complaint to DJ Freeman of Ohio but it was returned as not deliverable.

Regarding Complaint 2025-01, the board found that the complaint did not have a clear complainant. Dyche stated that the board had insufficient information to follow through with the complainant, ruling it out of the jurisdiction of board members. It alleged that there were misdeeds by a Laurel County official.

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Furthermore, Complaint 2025-02 claimed that misdeeds by Laurel County officials caused the death of Doug Harless  the victim of an London Police officer-involved shooting last Dec. 23. This complaint was also determined to be outside the boards jurisdiction.

The City of London Board of Ethics does not have the authority to conduct hearings on county employees or elected officials, Dyche stated.

The meeting came to a close following discussion of the search for new board members, as the terms of Dyche, House, and Jim Hayes end this week. The search remained unsuccessful at that time.

The Ethics Board only meets when there is a complaint to address. When it does convene, the meetings are held downstairs at the London Community Center.
The European Union has banned the use of bisphenol A (BPA). This came into effect with Regulation 2024/3190 in late 2024, but it took over 20 years of scientific study to cut out this silent toxin. BPA slowly enters our bodies at low concentrations, meaning its health effects are not usually discovered until they are serious.

Bisphenol A, or BPA, is an organic compound consisting of two phenolic rings (hence bi and phenol) joined at the centre to a symmetrical propane molecule. It is mainly used in epoxy (a type of polymer), as well as certain other plastics and some polycarbonates.

Its job is to harden plastic material, prevent bacteria from contaminating food, and prevent cans from rusting. However, its uncontrolled and excessive use in packaging has placed it on a long list of compounds that have gone from champions of progress to case studies in environmental harm. Other banned compounds include:

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Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) , a component of most insecticides manufactured during the 20th century that has also been used in the control of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and typhoid. It was found to accumulate in food chains, and its production, use, storage and trade was banned worldwide at the end of the 20th century.

Freon , the most widespread of the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that were widely used as refrigerants in the second half of the 20th century. The work of researchers Mario Molina and Frank Sherwood Rowland  which was published in Nature in 1974 and won them a Nobel Prize in 1995  demonstrated how CFCs were destroying the ozone layer. Their study was instrumental in the signing of the 1987 Montreal Protocol to limit their production and use.

Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), mainly used as an insecticide to combat pests in agriculture. Today, its toxicity has been proven and its use is strictly limited in the EU. It is completely banned in some countries because of its persistent presence in soils.

BPA has the peculiarity of mimicking the structure of natural oestrogens, meaning it is an endocrine disruptor.

Since the turn of the century, the recommended intake of BPA has been drastically reduced. In 2006 the European Food Safety Authority proposed a limit of 0.05 milligrams per kilo of body weight per day. This has been gradually reduced, and in the latest report in 2023 it was 0.2 nanograms/kg bw/day  a 250,000-fold reduction.

BPA in the environment

Wastewater treatment plants consist of different treatments for the elimination of organic matter. The tertiary, or post-treatment, stages (ozonisation, ultraviolet, and so on) are designed to eliminate compounds that conventional biological treatments are not capable of breaking down. BPA requires specific treatment to prevent it from being discharged into rivers, where it can harm wildlife.

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Various physical, chemical and biological systems are capable of removing up to 95 % of the BPA present in wastewater. However, their installation will increase the overall cost of treatment.

Environmental legislation

One of the first countries to legislate on the use of BPA was Sweden, following controversy over its use in baby bottle teats. In July 2012, Sweden approved a ban on the use of BPA in varnishes and coatings used in food packaging for children under the age of three.

Leer mas: How does REACH, the EU regulation governing chemical substances, work?

On 19 December 2024, Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 was published. It is entitled on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols and bisphenol derivatives in certain materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, and entered into force on 20 January 2025. Its main guidelines are as follows:

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The use of BPA and its salts is prohibited in the manufacture of materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, as is the placing on the EU market of materials and articles intended to come into contact with food which are manufactured using BPA.

Transition periods (between 18 and 36 months, depending on the product) are established for the laws application, in particular for single-use food contact articles and for reusable food contact articles.

The attitude is one of better safe than sorry. This preventative environmental legislation based on scientific data will reduce impacts on people and the environment and, undoubtedly, also reduce the economic costs of restoring ecosystems and health.

Este articulo fue publicado originalmente en The Conversation, un sitio de noticias sin fines de lucro dedicado a compartir ideas de expertos academicos.

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Gumersindo Feijoo Costa no recibe salario, ni ejerce labores de consultoria, ni posee acciones, ni recibe financiacion de ninguna compania u organizacion que pueda obtener beneficio de este articulo, y ha declarado carecer de vinculos relevantes mas alla del cargo academico citado.
The European Union will not recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea under any circumstances, EUs top diplomat Kaja Kallas said on April 30 in an interview with the Financial Times.

Her remarks come amid growing concern that the Trump administration is pressuring Ukraine to accept a peace deal requiring concessions and paving the way for renewed ties with Russia.

Previously, Axios reported that the peace plan suggested by U.S. President Donald Trump included de jure recognition of Russia's control over Crimea, along with de facto recognition of its occupation of other Ukrainian territories. It also provided for lifting sanctions imposed on Russia since 2014.

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"On the European side, we have said this over and over again Crimea is Ukraine," Kallas said. "But we can't speak for America, of course, and what they will do."

Kallas said the EU is also drawing up a "plan B" to maintain economic sanctions on Russia in case the Trump administration pulls out of Ukraine peace negotiations and moves to restore ties with Moscow. Plan A, according to Kallas, may be threatened by Hungary, which can block the rollover of EU economic sanctions in July.

The EU's top diplomat said the main goal is still to keep all EU countries united. She admitted some governments are quietly considering following the U.S. if it pulls back from supporting Ukraine.

"But it's also a false hope, because if you look at Russia that is investing more than 9 per cent of its GDP on the military, they will want to use it again," she noted.

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Kallas said the EU could help Ukraine financially if the U.S. pulls back, but admitted it would be much harder to replace American military support.

She added that Europe is still trying to work with the U.S. and convince Washington that it's also in America's interest to make sure Russia doesn't win the war.

Trump, who promised a quick resolution to the war early in his presidency, has yet to broker a deal as both Kyiv and Moscow resist key elements of Washington's proposals. It has been almost two months since Ukraine accepted a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire first introduced in March by American president. Moscow rejected the plan, demanding a complete halt to Western military aid to Ukraine.

Despite claiming to support de-escalation, Russia has continued offensive operations along the front lines. Meanwhile, a separate partial ceasefire covering Ukraine's energy infrastructure, brokered during a March 18 call between Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Trump, was also repeatedly violated.

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Speaking to journalists during a visit to India on April 23, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said that unless Russia and Ukraine agree to the peace proposals, the U.S. will walk away from the talks.

Read also: Why Zelensky wont  and cant  sell out Ukraine for Trumps peace

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The European Commission has stated that the latest details of the death of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna in Russian captivity are further proof of the cruelty of the Russian system and evidence that the occupation is a deadly threat to Ukrainians.

Source: European Pravda, citing European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper at a daily briefing on 30 April

Details: Hipper was commenting on an investigation by journalists who have collected together all the available information about the torture and death in Russian captivity of Ukrainska Pravda freelance writer Viktoriia Roshchyna.

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Read more: Viktoriia Project: a story of captivity and torture endured by journalist Roshchyna and thousands of Ukrainians imprisoned by Russia

Quote from Hipper: "Russia does not miss any opportunity to show its despicable brutality towards the Ukrainians by killing and torturing, as it was in the case of Viktoriia Roshchyna, a brave Ukrainian journalist who was brutally not only killed but also tortured previously. This also clearly shows that life under Russias occupation is not an option. It is not a safe option for the Ukrainians. For journalists, her courage will always be remembered, and Russia should be and we make everything possible in our power to make sure that they remain accountable for all these war crimes and atrocities committed."

Read some of Viktoriia Roshchynas writing for Ukrainska Pravda here.

Read more: Journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna killed in captivity: a tribute through 7 of her best articles

Background:

Viktoriia Roshchyna left Ukraine for Poland on 25 July 2023 to travel to the occupied territory. She planned to reach the occupied part of Ukraine's east via Russia in three days.

Roshchyna disappeared on 3 August 2023 in the temporary occupied territory she was reporting from.

Russia admitted for the first time in May 2024 that they had detained Roshchyna. The Russian Ministry of Defence sent a letter of confirmation to her father, Volodymyr Roshchyn.

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The European Commission does not plan to extend the regime of Autonomous Trade Measures (ATM) for Ukraine (the so-called trade visa-free regime), which is set to expire on 5 June, but it will ensure a smooth transition to a new framework in which all trade liberalisation conditions will be formalised under the EU-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement.

Source: European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill during a briefing in Brussels on 30 April, European Pravda reports

Details: Gill emphasised that the autonomous trade measures, which remove most barriers for Ukrainian exports to the EU, will not be completely cancelled: all aspects of trade liberalisation between Ukraine and the EU will be embedded in the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA).

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"Our intention is to ensure a seamless transition to a new regime where all trade arrangements will be baked into the deep and comprehensive free trade agreement we have with Ukraine," said Gill.

"So the intention would be to have a transition that allows the ATMs to expire and then all the liberalisation details will be programmed into the DCFTA," he clarified.

The European Commission spokesperson stated that he cannot say "when the process will happen".

"But it will happen soon and it will proceed in a structured way so that there is no room for doubt as to what has happened," he stressed.

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"We are going to ensure that there is no need for a snapback. We're going to put in place a process so that as the ATMs expire, that the way we trade on a two-way basis with Ukraine is fully baked into our DCFTA," Gill concluded.

Background:

European Pravda earlier reported that the Ukrainian government is working with the EU Commission to avoid reverting to the pre-2022 trade regime.

In early April, Ukraines PM Denys Shmyhal called on the EU to extend the "trade visa-free regime" until the end of 2025.

On 13 May 2024, the EU Council, after lengthy and tense negotiations, approved the extension of preferential trade with Ukraine for another year  until 5 June 2025.

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BRUSSELS (AP)  China has lifted sanctions it imposed on five European Union lawmakers in retaliation against the bloc's defense of Uyghur Muslims in the far western Xinjiang region, the EU parliament said on Wednesday.

Beijing imposed a series of measures in March 2021 after the EU, Britain, Canada and the United States launched coordinated sanctions against officials in China over human rights abuses against Uyhgurs in Xinjiang.

Five EU lawmakers were targeted as part of Chinas retaliation: Michael Gahler, Raphael Glucksmann, Ilhan Kyuchyuk and Miriam Lexmann, as well as Reinhard Butikofer, who is no longer a member of the parliament.

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They were banned from entering Chinese territory and the move led the parliament to halt all official dialogue with China and hold up an investment deal that EU lawmakers had been due to endorse.

The sanctions lifting was negotiated by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. It comes amid an easing of tensions between the EU and China since U.S. President Donald Trump hiked tariffs against them on April 2.

Our relationship with China remains complex and multi-faceted. The best way to approach it is through engagement and dialogue, Metsola said in a statement after informing senior lawmakers of the breakthrough.

But the senior lawmakers insisted that Beijings move does not mean the European Parliament will overlook persistent challenges in EU-China relations, and they vowed that the assembly will remain a strong defender of human rights.

The Uyghurs are a Turkic, majority Muslim ethnicity native to Xinjiang. After decades of conflict over suppression of their cultural identity, Beijing launched a brutal crackdown on the Uyghurs that some Western governments deem a genocide.
The Evanston City Council approved a raise for its city manager on April 28, making him one of the highest-paid municipal government employees in the state.

Aldermen voted unanimously at Mondays City Council meeting to approve an 8% raise for City Manager Luke Stowe that boosted his annual base salary from $275,000 to $297,000, plus benefits all employees receive such as health insurance.

That surpasses Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnsons salary of $221,000, though its not the highest among suburban municipal executives. In Highland Park, the city manager earns a base salary of $300,000; in Wilmette, the village manager earns a salary of $305,000 and in Glenview, the village manager earns a salary of $309,000.

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Topping those is Lake Forest, where the city manager earns a salary of $323,000.

Stowe was appointed to city manager by the City Council in August 2022, according to city documents. Then, his starting salary was $250,000, per previous reporting.

The approved raise is retroactive to Stowes hiring date anniversary in August. The council also approved a $6,000 increase in vehicle allowance for the year.

In a memo from Mayor Daniel Biss to the City Council, Biss wrote that Stowe has not received a raise since October 2023.

The City Council and I would like to thank Mr. Stowe for his service to the residents of Evanston and look forward to continuing to work with him in the future, Biss wrote.

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Before the vote, 8th Ward City Councilmember Devon Reid thanked Stowe for taking charge of the office in a tumultuous time when he filled vacancies to critical positions. One of his hires includes Evanstons police chief, Schenita Stewart, who was recently named Illinois Police Chief of the Year by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

I truly appreciate your service and what youve done for the City to keep the ship gone straight, he said.
Three new councilmembers joined the rest of the Evanston City Council to be sworn in as the citys 82nd City Council Monday evening.

The councilmembers newly elected on April 1 are Shawn Iles (3rd), Parielle Davis (7th) and Matt Rodgers (8th). Mayor Daniel Biss was sworn in after being re-elected, as were re-elected incumbent trustees Clare Kelly (1st), Krissie Harris (2nd), Bobby Burns (5th), Jonathan Nieuwsma (4th), Tom Suffredin (6th) and Juan Geracaris (9th), as well as City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza.

Biss, who has served on the Illinois House and Senate, said it was his fifth time taking the oath of office, but it just gets me every time.

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Its a magical thing because its a transformation of the complex messages sent by a whole community of thousands of people into the ability to move an agenda on behalf of those people, Biss said.

We live in a special community theres all sorts of things you can say about what makes us unique, but at the core its the people who love this town, its the people that lean in, its the people who volunteer their time, its the people who share ideas, its the people who push us to be better, Biss said.

Iles thanked his family for their support in his remarks to the Council after being sworn in. Im excited to do the job. Its a little bit trepidatious because I have big shoes to fill, he said. Im very grateful for everybody that offered their support and encouragement along the way.

Per Cook County election results, the 7th Ward had the second highest vote turnout in Aprils elections at 44.8%. The 6th Ward, which Suffredin won, ranked highest at 50.92%.

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Ive always felt that good government comes from an engaged population, and for a municipal election in the middle of April  the beginning of April  in an off peak year, 48% (sic) is insane for voter turnout, and it just shows how engaged and passionate our community is, Davis said.

In his remarks, Rodgers said, Im not going to be in this position forever, and so its all about making sure that we move forward, but (that) we also are working towards something that we can hand off to the next generation, to the next team and make sure that they are all involved and engaged and trying to keep them up on what were doing.

The fact that Ive been involved with city government for a while in sort of a volunteer role with the Land Use (Commission) and things like that, Im very excited on taking this role, which is kind of an extension (and) the next step, he said.
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele asked the Trump administration for evidence that the 238 Venezuelans deported to his countrys maximum-security prison last month were actually part of a notorious gang, according to a report.

While Bukele and President Donald Trump appeared to be on the same page at last months meeting in the Oval Office, Bukele privately expressed concern about who the Trump administration sent to El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center, known as CECOT, according to The New York Times.

Bukeles concern sparked a scramble among U.S. officials to get him evidence that the migrants belonged to the transnational Tren de Aragua gang, The Times reported.

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His request for evidence reportedly materialized after the deportation flights from the U.S. had already taken off for his country, according to The Times, which reports new details about the negotiations between Bukele and Trump.

Few of the deportees had documented public links to Tren de Aragua and U.S. officials created a scorecard system for each alleged gang member to present to Bukele and his team, which included criteria such as their tattoos as evidence.

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele and President Donald Trump appeared to be on the same page at last months Oval Office meeting. But privately, the El Salvadoran president was concerned about who the administration had actually sent to his countrys mega prison. (REUTERS)

Additionally in the chaos, eight women were among the migrants sent to the all-male facility before they were swiftly sent back to the U.S.

In return for holding up his part of the deal, Bukele demanded the U.S. release the El Salvadoran MS-13 leaders in its custody so they could be interrogated in their home country. Bukeles request worried some law enforcement officials, The Times reported, but the administration agreed and sent around a dozen senior members of the gang back to El Salvador.

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The new details come as the Supreme Court is due to weigh in on the Trump administrations application of the Alien Enemies Act, something which was previously only invoked by presidents during wartime.

Bukele sought evidence from the Trump administration that the migrants deported to his country were actually gang members. The request, according to The New YorkTimes, was made after the deportation flights had already taken off. (REUTERS)

The president has the right to remove foreign terrorists from our homeland, and we are absolutely confident that truth will ultimately prevail in court, the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said in a statement to the newspaper. In the meantime, the administration continues to comply with all court orders.

The Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act in March to justify the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members without a hearing.

But some State Department officials were dismayed at what had transpired, given American intelligence agencies recently assessed that the Tren de Aragua gang was not actually controlled by the Venezuelan government, The Times noted.

The administration has admitted in court filings that many of the people sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act did not have criminal records, and attorneys and family members say their clients and relatives  some of whom were in the country with legal permission and have upcoming court hearings on their asylum claims  have nothing to do with Tren de Aragua.
Kazakhstan showcases industrial innovation and partnership potential in Uzbekistan

Photo: Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The 5th International Exhibition "INNOPROM. Central Asia" is taking place in Tashkent from April 28 to 30, with a delegation from Kazakhstan led by Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development, Ersayin Nagaspayev. During the forum, Nagaspayev engaged in bilateral talks with Uzbekistan's Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, to discuss collaboration in machine engineering, metallurgy, and chemical industries.

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The Salvadoran president, who is doing Trumps deportation dirty work by throwing deportees in a horror prison, quietly expressed concerns about who exactly the U.S. is sending him, according to The New York Times.

Before his brash appearance in the Oval Office earlier this month, Nayib Bukele reportedly raised his eyebrows after three planeloads of deportees landed from the U.S.

The New York Times cited sources and documentation that detailed Bukeles anxiety about whether the men his country had received were even criminals at all.

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After a tour of the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) with Matt Gaetz and Trumps Latin American envoy in July, Bukele said his country would accept violent criminals, no matter where they are from, for a fee. That is said to be $6 million.

He said that money would then fund the countrys prison system.

He reportedly demanded assurances that the would-be prisoners were actually members of Tren de Aragua, a transnational gang originally from Venezuela. The Trump administration has designated the gang a foreign terrorist organization.

His demands were delivered with such veracity, The Times reported, that there was a scramble to appease his government with as much supporting documentation as possible.

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The Times added that the demands could mean Trumps administration sent some of these prisoners, mostly men, to a dangerous foreign prison without sufficient background checks.

His administrations use of the 1798 law used to justify his expulsion of immigrants, the Alien Enemies Act, was haphazard, the publication stated.

This was evidenced by the fact that eight women were flown to CECOT, an all-male facility. They had to be returned to the U.S.

The president has the right to remove foreign terrorists from our homeland, and we are absolutely confident that truth will ultimately prevail in court, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Times.

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Her comment comes as Trumps administration jostles with federal courts over his use of the Alien Enemies Act.

In the meantime, the administration continues to comply with all court orders, she added.

Some American law enforcement officials, meanwhile, were concerned about some of Bukeles demands. He had name-checked specific high-ranking MS-13 gang members he wanted returned to El Salvador to be grilled by his own goons in return for his prison hospitality.

Deportees are being shipped to CECOT in El Salvador. / Alex Pena / Getty Images

Bukele is infamous in El Salvador for his takedown of gangs but has also been accused by U.S. prosecutors of secretly negotiating with them.

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He also requested some leaders who had been charged with crimes in the U.S. The Trump administration has agreed to send a dozen leaders, but Bukele has not received any on his wish list so far, the Times reported.

Weve caught hundreds of them, the Venezuelan gang, which is as bad as it gets, Trump boasted in mid-March, the day he invoked the Alien Enemies Act.

And youll be reading a lot of stories tomorrow about what weve done with them and youll be very impressed.

However, the Supreme Court has since ruled that any potential deportees are legally allowed their day in court in the U.S.

It has also ruled that the Trump administration must facilitate Kilmar Abrego Garcias return to the U.S. after the government admitted that it deported the Maryland man due to an administrative error.

Trump officials have ignored the calls to bring back Abrego Garcia, arguing that he is a member of MS-13.
Luigi Mangione is indicted in three jurisdictions in connection with the murder of Brian Thompson.

NY is first in line to try him, but his lawyers want his federal death penalty trial to go first.

Prosecutors in Pennsylvania say they, too, will try Mangione for charges related to his arrest.

Three jurisdictions want to put Luigi Mangione on trial  and a battle is brewing over who will try him first.

In the four months since UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot from behind on a Manhattan sidewalk, Mangione has been charged by three sets of prosecutors.

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Federal and state prosecutors in New York have separate murder cases inching toward trials in 2026 or beyond, with the feds seeking the death penalty.

And prosecutors in a central Pennsylvania county, where Mangione was spotted at a McDonald's after a five-day manhunt, tell Business Insider that they intend to take him to trial too.

Mangione is charged in Blair County with state-level weapons and forgery charges, relating to the ghost gun and fake ID that police said he possessed when he was arrested.

"We are not planning to drop our charges," said Nichole Smith, the county's first assistant district attorney.

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Her office plans to wait until after Mangione's New York murder trials before taking its turn.

"We're content to bring up the end to this," she said, "and see this through to trial."

The 26-year-old Maryland native is contesting the charges in all three jurisdictions.

Mangione pleaded not guilty to his federal indictment on Friday.

Afterward, defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo complained about the state-federal tug of war over her client, calling it the "unprecedented, simultaneous duel prosecution of Mr. Mangione for the exact same offense."

Order in the (3) courts

So, who gets to take Mangione to trial first for the murder of Brian Thompson  Manhattan prosecutors, or the feds?

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Until recently, Manhattan's state-level murder case had unchallenged first dibs.

That's because back in December, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg and Damian Williams, the outgoing Biden-appointed US attorney in Manhattan, struck a deal: the state would try Mangione first, then the feds.

Then came April 1, when US Attorney General Pam Bondi said she would seek the death penalty. Now the stakes are clearly higher literally life or death  in federal court than in state court, where the top possible sentence is life in prison.

"We understand that there was a handshake deal between the prior administration and the Manhattan DA's office," that the state goes first, Friedman Agnifilo told US District Judge Margaret M. Garnett during Friday's court appearance.

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"We are going to make a request that that no longer be the case," she said. "That's going to be our official position, and we plan on writing on that."

The lead federal prosecutor, Dominic Gentile, told the judge on Friday that he expects the state case will proceed first. But he also asked Garnett to proceed with scheduling as if there were no competing cases, and the judge agreed.

Spokespersons for Friedman Agnifilo and for the US Attorney's Office declined to comment on this story.

Death penalty cases take years

For now, Manhattan's state and federal cases remain on parallel tracks toward trying Mangione in 2026, at the earliest.

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The feds lag behind the state. Federal prosecutors didn't win an indictment against Mangione until this month, and their deadlines for pretrial motions and the exchange of evidence are now two to three months behind the deadlines set months ago in the state's murder case.

That gap may widen.

"Death penalty cases take a very long time," much longer than state murder cases, said Shira Scheindlin, a retired judge for the Southern District of New York, which includes Manhattan, and where Mangione would be tried.

Death cases invoke a distinct set of pretrial defense challenges and appeals  "more motions, a much more difficult jury selection process," said Scheindlin, now of counsel at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP.

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The last federal death penalty case in Manhattan, a terror case, took six years from indictment to final verdict. A 2023 jury ultimately rejected the death penalty.

Could the state's murder case be put on ice, potentially for years, as the defense hopes, while the feds go first?

That's exactly what's going to happen, predicts Charles Solomon, a Manhattan-based state supreme court justice for 33 years.

"They're not going to give him up so the state can go first  why should they?" the now-retired judge told BI, referring to federal prosecutors.

If Bragg and the US attorney in Manhattan  Jay Clayton, who was nominated on an interim basis this month by President Donald Trump  were friendly, the two jurisdictions would work things out amicably, Solomon said.

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"The state would say to the feds, OK, you go first, and if you convict him and he gets the death penalty, then we might not try him, or we'll wait to see what happens on appeal," Solomon said.

But there is no love lost between Trump and Bragg. Last May, in the so-called hush-money case, the Manhattan DA's office won the only conviction out of four criminal indictments brought against the then-candidate. Trump is appealing the conviction.

"Trump's not going to let Bragg go first," and steal the publicity of bringing Mangione's first trial, Solomon said. "Trump's not going to let Bragg take something that he wants  that's not going to happen."

The feds also have physical custody of Mangione, the former judge said, and don't even have to make him available to the state.

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"The state can get a writ of habeas corpus, demanding Mangione be brought to state court," he said, "and a judge can sign it, but the feds don't have to honor it."

Bragg and his lead prosecutor on the case, Joel Seidemann, will not stand by idly if the feds move to put Mangione on trial first, predicted Solomon and another retired Manhattan judge, Michael Obus, a state supreme court supervising judge before retiring in 2017.

Over the years, Obus presided over dozens of cases where Seidemann was a prosecutor, including a high-profile murder of a millionaire real estate tycoon. The victim had been shot in the back on a Manhattan sidewalk in 1990 in an ambush-style contract hit paid for by his wife. Seidemann pursued the case for decades.

"Given that the feds have him, that the defense agrees, and assuming that the federal prosecutors want to pursue the matter and will do it expeditiously, that's probably the way it's going to go,"  with the federal trial going first, Obus said.

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"But Joel Seidemann would not give this up without a fight," Obus predicted.

Mangione is due back in federal court on December 5. His next state court date is June 26.

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Nora Eckert

DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor has killed a program to develop next-generation electrical architecture - the brain of modern cars - that its executives have called pivotal to competing with electric-vehicle pioneers such as Tesla, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Ford had invested heavily in the system, known internally as FNV4 (for fully-networked vehicle), to streamline vehicle-software functions. The goal was to cut costs, improve quality and add profitable features in both electric and gasoline-powered vehicles.

The project was abandoned because of ballooning costs and delays, the sources said.

A Ford spokesperson said the company will absorb what it learned from developing FNV4 into its current software system, and it remains focused on delivering an advanced electrical architecture with its so-called skunkworks team.

The team, based in California, is tasked with developing advanced software and affordable electric vehicles.

"We are committed to delivering fully connected vehicle experiences across our entire lineup, regardless of powertrain, while many others in the industry are bringing the most advanced tech only to electric vehicles," the spokesperson said.

Ford CEO Jim Farley tasked Doug Field, a former Apple and Tesla executive who joined Ford in 2021, with completing FNV4. Field is one of the top earners at the company, and made $15.5 million last year.

Ford started informing a select group of employees of the decision last week through a company video, according to two people familiar with the matter. A third source said the company executives made the decision weeks ago.

Ford is refocusing its efforts on its current electrical architecture and continuing to bet on the skunkworks team, the video said.

While EV startups like Tesla and Rivian have built their own software from the ground up, legacy automakers have struggled to transform their more complicated and costly software systems, which integrate computer code from dozens of suppliers.

For example, a supplier that makes a power-operated seat for Ford typically provides and controls the code associated with its function. Multiply that by all the systems and electronics across a car, and you have a tangled mess of code that makes it difficult for the automaker to quickly deliver software updates.

Farley talked about the conundrum on the "Fully Charged" podcast in June 2023.

"We have about 150 of these modules with semiconductors all through the car," the CEO said. "The problem is the software is all written by 150 different companies, and they don't talk to each other. So even though it says Ford on the front, I actually have to go to (supplier) Bosch to get permission to change their seat-control software."
By Suleiman Al-Khalidi

AMMAN (Reuters) - Millions of dollars in U.S. grants for Jordan's largest water desalination project abruptly dried up when President Donald Trump announced sweeping cuts to foreign aid in January.

Within two months, support was flowing again, a result of diplomacy that has arguably put the pivotal Middle Eastern state on more solid financial footing than before the U.S. president's shock move to reshape global foreign aid in January, conversations with more than 20 sources in Jordan and the United States reveal.

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Jordan - which stands behind only Ukraine, Israel and Ethiopia among the largest recipients of U.S. aid globally - has won assurances from Washington that the bulk of financing worth at least $1.45 billion annually remains intact, including military and direct budgetary support, according to Reuters conversations with the sources.

Most of the sources, including Jordanian officials, diplomats, regional security officials, U.S. officials and contractors involved in U.S. aid projects asked not to be named to discuss sensitive ongoing diplomatic discussions.

Four of them said payments resumed in March to U.S. firm CDM Smith, which USAID tasked with overseeing the $6 billion Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project, seen as key to the self-sufficiency of the arid kingdom.

The United States has for decades relied on Jordan to help achieve its goals in the Middle East, including during the Iraq War and as a partner in the fight against al Qaeda in the region. Jordan hosts U.S. forces under a treaty allowing them to deploy at its bases. The CIA works closely with Amman's intelligence services.

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Although several sources said much of the $430 million annual assistance for development programs remains frozen, hitting education and health projects, Molly Hickey, a Harvard-doctoral researcher studying U.S. aid and Jordans political landscape, said these areas are seen as less strategically important.

"Trump has protected funding considered critical to Jordans stability, namely defense, water, and direct budget support, said Hickey, citing contacts with U.S. officials that corroborate Reuters' findings.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed Jordan's military aid was intact, calling Jordan a strong U.S. partner with a critical role for regional security.

A decision has now been taken to continue U.S. Foreign Military Financing to all recipients, after Secretary of State Marco Rubio completed his review of foreign assistance awarded by State and USAID, the spokesperson said.

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The assurances to Jordan, extended during visits by King Abdullah and Prime Minister Jafaar Hassan to Washington in recent weeks, have not previously been reported, and appear to mark a reversal of Trump's earlier warning he could target Jordans aid if the country did not agree to take in large numbers of refugees under a proposal to turn Gaza into a beach resort.

In a private White House meeting in February, Trump assured King Abdullah that U.S. aid would not be used as leverage for political concessions, two U.S. and two Jordanian officials familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The State Department spokesperson declined to comment on "ongoing negotiations." The White House said questions on the issue should be directed to State.

Senior White House aides met in recent weeks to discuss the fate of Jordan's financing, three officials with knowledge of the situation told Reuters, concluding that the kingdom's stability was critical to U.S. national security. There was agreement in the meetings that aid should be restructured and enhanced to directly support that goal, one of the officials said.

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None of the sources described specific concessions by Jordan, instead pointing to its position as a stable ally whose longstanding peace deal with neighbour Israel and deep ties to Palestinians were a bulwark against wider Middle East conflict.

"We appreciate the U.S. economic and financial support and will continue to engage in discussions that will benefit the economic sectors of both countries," Jordan's Minister of State for Communications Mohammad al Momani told Reuters in response to a question about Hassans talks and whether Jordan's lobbying to maintain critical aid was paying off.

ISLAMISTS OUTLAWED

A financial squeeze on Jordan does not serve U.S. interests, given the kingdoms vulnerability to radical influences, said one senior Jordanian official, referring to Islamist group the Muslim Brotherhood as well as Iran's funding of militants in the region.

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Last week, Jordan outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood, a political movement that gave rise to Hamas. Jordan accuses its members of a major sabotage plot.

The plot was announced on April 15, the same day Hassan met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. One official told Reuters the threat of political Islam and the Muslim Brotherhood was discussed at the meeting. Reuters could not establish whether they discussed banning the group.

Another senior official and a regional intelligence official said economic pressure risked unrest among a population angered by the governments treaty with Israel and its pro-Western stance.

That view was bolstered by the foiled sabotage plot, the intelligence official said.

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While Washington has moved to restore some World Food Program food projects to countries including Jordan, few of the USAID-led projects including those promoting political and economic reform have been brought back.

"Ensuring we have the right mix of programs to support U.S. national security and other core national interests of the United States requires an agile approach. We will continue to make changes as needed," the State Department spokesperson said.

The largest component of U.S. aid to Jordan is some $850 million in direct budget support, agreed under a seven year strategic partnership signed in 2022. Government ministers had fretted in private that this money was at risk

"Eliminating that support would significantly worsen our deficit and debt burden," former Planning Minister Wissam Rabadi said in televised remarks. "Today we face a deficit, and losing $800 million would be devastating."

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However, five of the sources, including two U.S. sources, told Reuters that Washington has now assured Amman this year's support, due in December and already factored into the $18 billion national budget, would not be touched.

SHAKEN BY TRUMP

Shaken by Trumps threats, Jordan has simultaneously been locking down further assistance from other allies.

It has turned to Europe, Gulf neighbours and multilateral lenders since Trump unveiled the global aid freeze in a January 20 memo, with the State Department initially offering waivers only for military aid to Egypt and Israel.

Last week, King Abdullah visited Mohammed bin Salman, crown prince of Jordans larger Arabian peninsula neighbour Saudi Arabia. One senior Jordanian official abreast of the discussions said Riyadh was considering a military aid package to strengthen Jordans defense capabilities.

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Ties with Saudi Arabia have been strained in recent years, and it has not previously provided military aid. The official did not give a sense of the potential scale of the package.

The Saudi government media office and Jordan's army spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Two officials and a senior Western diplomat familiar with the talks with the IMF said the government was close to finalizing a sustainability agreement with the IMF to supplement its existing $1.2 billion, four-year EFF program.

The new arrangement could unlock as much as an additional $750 million in tranches, they added. The IMF declined to comment.

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Other negotiations have already yielded results: 3 billion euros over three years from the European Union, announced days after Trumps aid cuts by European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, who cited geopolitical shifts; $1.1 bln in fresh financing from the World Bank and a $690 million package from the Kuwait-based Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, both approved in April.

Domestically, Prime Minister Hassan has been rallying corporations and business leaders to contribute to a national fund, raising over $100 million to relieve pressure on government finances.

"Jordans economy has largely weathered the storm," said Raad Mahmoud Al Tal, the head of economics faculty at Jordan University. The government's lobbying "allowed it to retain the bulk of core aid and even get bigger donor packages beyond what was anticipated."

(Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi in Amman; Additional reporting by Jonathan Landay and Steve Holland in Washington; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel)
ROOSEVELT, Utah (ABC4)  After homes were damaged by shockwaves, Roosevelt homeowners are asking an oil and gas company to compensate them.

Homeowners said that cracks began developing after the oil exploration started 800 yards away. SM Energy Company was removing rocks to make way for the construction of a well site.

They dont care. They dont care. They dont care about who theyre affecting. They may look down here and see our little place like this as being maybe insignificant to them, Steven Loftis, one of these homeowners, stated.

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Those living in the area received a notice that warned them of the upcoming work. They expected it to end on April 6, but Troy L. Hone, another homeowner, stated thats when it all happened.

READ NEXT: Our home, falling apart: Large, mysterious cracks in Eagle Mountain home causing concern

And boom. And a big kind of shockwave came through the area. I mean, the house shook. Everything was insane, Hone said.

Hone showed the areas around his home that were damaged. Cracks in the foundation and shifted floorboards. He said it was compromised all around.

A home foundation repair company came to Hones home to survey and provide him with a quote. The company quoted him roughly $80,000. He is now requesting financial compensation from SM Energy Company.

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In a statement from SM Energy Company, they said that they immediately suspended operations after homeowners raised concerns.

SM Energy immediately suspended the operations causing concern and adjusted our construction methods to limit impact on the surrounding community. We are working individually with each concerned homeowner to fully understand their concerns and to address them directly, they said in part. The full statement can be found at the end of this article.

One killed in wrong-way crash on I-15 near Tremonton

Not only was there damage, Hone said, but the loud sounds from the blasts made it difficult to sleep. Some of them even came late at night. Hones wife showed a video of a blast taking place after 10 p.m.

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I dont understand in the fact that they did it they told us it was going to be a series of small blasts, Loftis said. The fact that they did it the day after they had designated for it to be stopped and not happening, and it was just all at once, I dont understand.

SM Energy Companys full statement can be read below:

In the course of constructing a well site, SM Energy conducted limited rock removal operations. Prior to beginning this work, we proactively reached out to all homeowners within the area to provide advance notice and information about the planned activity. After work commenced, a small number of homeowners raised concerns. In response, SM Energy immediately suspended the operations causing concern and adjusted our construction methods to limit impact on the surrounding community. We are working individually with each concerned homeowner to fully understand their concerns and to address them directly. As a leading operator, SM Energy is deeply committed to being a responsible and responsive neighbor. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or disruption this work may have caused and remain focused on maintaining open communication and strong relationships with our community. Statement from SM Energy Company regarding homeowner concerns.

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BEIJING (Reuters) -At least one person was killed and 21 others injured when an explosion rocked a residential area in northern China's Shanxi province, creating clouds of smoke and shattering glass in nearby buildings, state media reported on Wednesday.

The blast occurred at around 1:17 p.m. (0517 GMT) in Shanxi's Taiyuan city, state broadcaster CCTV said, adding the cause was being investigated.

Two people remain missing, according to CCTV.

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Footage circulating on Chinese social media Weibo, unverified by Reuters, appeared to show several vehicles engulfed in flames outside a building, with dense smoke pouring from the cars and some residential windows.

A total of 210 firefighters and 43 fire trucks were deployed to the scene, CCTV said.

The explosion came just a day after a restaurant fire in northeastern China's Liaoning province killed 22 people. President Xi Jinping described the incident as "a deeply sobering lesson".

Liaoning authorities said on Wednesday the exact cause for the fire remained under investigation, but they had ruled out a gas explosion or arson, CCTV reported.

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The latest incidents follow a spate of similar accidents across China in recent years. Earlier in April, 20 people were killed in a fire that broke out in an apartment for the elderly at a nursing home in the northern province of Hebei.

(Reporting by Farah Master in Hong Kong and the Beijing newsroom; Editing by Jacqueline Wong, Kate Mayberry and Alex Richardson)
Becker College, which closed in 2021, donated $13 million to the Greater Worcester Community Foundation for a new scholarship program.

The donation went towards the creation of the Becker Scholarship Program, which includes the Becker Scholarship Fund and the Becker Global Public Service Award, the foundation announced on April 4.

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that awards scholarships to students across Worcester County.

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In 2024, the foundation awarded 428 scholarships to students, committing $1.6 million in one-time and multi-year awards, according to a press release on the organizations website.

With the creation of the Becker Scholarship Fund, the foundations annual scholarship award distribution will increase by at least $400,000, providing students with multi-year scholarships to cover the costs of tuition, room and board, books and academic materials and other eligible costs of college attendance, the press release reads.

A total of $10.2 million has been allocated to the fund.

This generous gift from Becker College is a transformational investment in Worcester County students, said Pete Dunn, President & CEO of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. We are honored to steward this fund and carry forward Becker Colleges legacy of opportunity and service.

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The Becker Global Public Service Award, will provide a monetary award to support a humanitarian project to be developed and led by a rising or graduating college or university senior, the press release reads.

A total of $2 million has been allocated for the award.

Becker College was dedicated to preparing students for meaningful careers and service to the world, said Christine Cassidy, board chair of Becker College.

This gift ensures that commitment lives on. The Becker Scholarship Program is a lasting tribute to Becker Colleges mission and values, reaffirming that our top priority was, and always will be, the students.

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Additionally, the gift from Becker College includes the transfer of $778,000 to the Grace S. Hampel Scholarship Fund. The fund prioritizes graduating seniors of Hoosac Valley High School who plan to attend college in Worcester County, the press release reads.

Becker College closed because of enrollment and financial challenges, with the campuses in Worcester and Leicester having been sold off to the towns or developers.

The college has also donated $274,212 to Mount Wachusett Community College for its veterinary technology program, expanding upon a previous $1.24 million donation made to Worcester State University.

The Worcester State University donation was for the creation of endowed scholarships for nursing leadership and faculty development, as well as a new study abroad program for healthcare leadership.

More Worcester Stories

Read the original article on MassLive.
President Donald Trump made a surprise announcement today at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan, which was losing its A-10 Warthogs to retirement, and possibly its tactical flying mission overall. Instead, the storied base and the 107th Fighter Squadron have been chosen to receive a squadron of Boeing F-15EX Eagle IIs. The news comes just a day after billions of dollars were earmarked for accelerating F-15EX acquisitions in a massive defense spending boost proposed by the heads of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. Still, there are big questions of where these jets are coming from, as well as what exactly this means for the F-15EX basing structure and its future numbers in the Air Force overall.

A row of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, also known as the Warthog, assigned to the 127th Wing, flown by the 107th Fighter Squadron sit ready for operation in the wake of morning day break at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan in 2022. Photo by Terry L. Atwell Terry Atwell

Trump visited Selfridge Air National Guard Base today to deliver the very welcome news that the installation will not lose its fighter mission. Instead, it would grow with a new and far more advanced aircraft than the bases Warthogs. A squadron of KC-46 Pegasus tankers is already slated to call the base home towards the end of the decade, replacing the KC-135Rs stationed there now.

 @POTUS: "As commander-in-chief, I am proud to announce that very soon we will replace the retiring A-10 Warthogs with 21 brand new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets" at Selfridge Air National Guard base in Michigan. pic.twitter.com/3vi0yIbVvb  Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 29, 2025

This is a major economic win for Michigan, and politicians and community leaders on both sides of the political aisle are lauding Trumps reprieve for the bases fighter mission. Trump said today that Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is a member of the Democratic Party, made her controversial visit to the White House earlier this month to save Selfridge.

Trump praising Michigan Gov. GRETCHEN WHITMER at Selfridge Air National Guard Base:



She came to see me. Thats the reason she came to see me, by the way, to save Selfridge. She was very effective, he said.  Julia Manchester (@JuliaManch) April 29, 2025

BREAKING: After years of hard work, weve secured a new fighter squadron to protect operations at Selfridge Air National Guard Base for decades to come. That means jobs, a stronger economy, and a bright, lasting, and secure future for Selfridge and the entire state of Michigan. pic.twitter.com/H8YuL6b2sh  Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) April 29, 2025

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My statement on the announcement that 21 F-15EXs are coming to Selfridge Air National Guard Base: pic.twitter.com/v1uWD2dhPL  Senator Gary Peters (@SenGaryPeters) April 29, 2025

Thank you @POTUS for recognizing the roll Selfridge plays in supporting our warfighters and contributing to our nations defense.



This is something the Michigan Delegation and I have long fought for, and President Trump made it a reality. I look forward to integrating the F-15EX  Rep. Bill Huizenga (@RepHuizenga) April 29, 2025

What remains unclear is where the new F-15EXs will come from. As it sits now, roughly all the F-15EXs allotted under the 98 airframe procurement program of record have a future home. Each squadron would be made up of 18 jets, a reduction from the roughly 21 F-15C/Ds found today at units that still fly the older aircraft. Oregon, California, and Louisiana would all get one squadron, replacing their F-15C/Ds. Kadena Air Base on the Japanese island of Okinawa has at least been loosely understood to be in line to get two squadrons. This would leave eight aircraft for testing, training, and reserve. Now with the added 21 jets for Selfridge, either those assignments are changing or more F-15EXs are being bought.

The latter is very possible, as indicated by the $3.1B set aside to increase production of the F-15EX in the recently proposed $150B defense spending package. However, it still isnt clear if those funds would be used to accelerate and fund current procurement plans or to expand them, although buying more jets seemed more likely. You can read all about this in our write up on it here. So, with yesterdays budgetary news and todays basing announcement, more F-15EXs appear to be planned for.

Maj Benjamin Torch Naumann and Maj Mark Smack Smith from the 40th Flight Test Squadron flying the F-15EX Eagle II prepare to fire an AIM-120D missile during a test mission near Eglin Air Force Base, Florida in 2022. The F-15EX can hold up to 12 AIM-120D missiles. Photo by Tech. Sgt. John Raven Tech. Sgt. John Raven

This would make a lot of sense based on the issues surrounding such a small force, the unique capabilities and efficiencies the F-15EX brings to the table, the popularity of the jet among key commanders, its testing performance, and especially the growing threats abroad. You can read more about the case for a larger F-15EX fleet in this past feature of ours.

Alternatively, its possible that Kadena is now going to get just one squadron of F-15EXs instead of two, with those 18 jets going to Selfridge, plus three from the remaining eight testing, training, and spare aircraft pool. The 21-aircraft squadron structure for Selfridge  adopting the same inventory number as the F-15C/D force  is also curious. This could indicate that all F-15EX squadrons will gain three more jets under a larger overall buy. This would allow for 18 primary aircraft and three retained by each unit as backup inventory aircraft.

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If Selfridges F-15EXs are truly in addition to the 98 jets the Air Force currently plans to order, we also dont know if other squadrons will follow. Doing so would grow the overall program of record significantly. Originally, the minimum procurement target was 144 Eagle IIs.

Finally, its worth mentioning that the F-15EX is primarily seen as an air defense asset, at least for now. F-15C/Ds tasked with that mission for homeland defense have been arrayed along the countrys coastlines, protecting from threats emanating from the maritime domain. Not since the short-lived Montana F-15C/D unit (120th Fighter Wing) was shuttered nearly a decade and a half ago have operational air superiority Eagles been stationed elsewhere in the country. So, regaining an Eagle squadron that is positioned for northern air defense is an interesting development.

We have reached out to the USAF for clarification on the questions laid out here, and its worth noting that if these are extra jets, the spending bill that could help fund them still has to be passed and signed into law in order to definitively say this is a done deal.

Contact the author: Tyler@twz.com
UNDP launches new energy efficiency project in Turkmenistan's construction sector

Photo: UNDP

UNDP has launched a project in Turkmenistan to improve energy efficiency in construction, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by showcasing near-zero energy buildings and improving building standards and regulations. It supports Turkmenistans climate commitments, including the Paris Agreement.

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Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to rapidly and brutally expel millions of immigrants.

In his first 100 days in office, he has bent every part of the government toward that goal, cracking down on non-citizen activists, invoking emergency wartime authorities, skirting court orders to stop deportation flights, pulling humanitarian protections from hundreds of thousands, and attempting to ignore the Constitution and end birthright citizenship.

In a White House defined by chaos, immigration may be the only place where the Trump administration is consistent.

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For the millions of immigrants across the U.S., this has meant consistent anxiety. Will they be detained and deported without warning? Do they still have rights to protest? Will the courts check Trump, and will Trump obey the courts?

Four different immigrants and their families told The Independent about what its like living through this age of uncertainty. The Independent has contacted the relevant federal agencies and officials for comment on the below cases.

An asylum seeker from El Salvador mysteriously arrested in Louisiana

Kremly Marrero (left) is struggling with a cancer diagnosis and raising three children alone, after his partner, Salvadoran asylum-seeker Wendy Brito (right), was arrested during an immigration appointment (Supplied)

The first sign that something was wrong came when Wendy Brito, an asylum-seeker from El Salvador, attended one of her regular check-ins with immigration officials in Louisiana last month. She called her fiance, Kremly Marrero, and said she heard the sound of handcuffs nearby.

I said, Dont worry, youre not doing anything wrong. You got permission to stay here, Marrero told The Independent. You applied for asylum. You should be alright, dont worry about it.

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Brito hasnt been home since. She was arrested and sent to an Immigration and Customs detention center in the city of Basile, Louisiana, nearly 200 miles away from where the couple live with their three children, just outside of New Orleans.

My kids are not sleeping. My kids are constantly depressed, Marrero, a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico, said. They break down at school cryingTheyre constantly asking why their mother is in jail if shes not a bad person.

And hes not sure what to tell them. He said he still doesn't know why Brito, who first applied for asylum in 2009, was suddenly arrested after nearly two decades. Marrero said he suspects it may have had something to do with a long-ago incident in which a neighbor called the police on Marrero and Brito during a domestic dispute in which neither sought charges.

Brito fled El Salvador after a gang killed her brother in the midst of an extortion attempt on the family, and her life has been turned upside-down once again.

Brito came to the U.S. and sought asylum from gang violence in El Salvador, which killed her brother (Supplied)

The immigration officer who arrested Brito said it had something to do with the new administration, Marreros lawyer told him, but thats about all he knows.

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement acknowledged a request for comment about the case from The Independent but did not respond to questions.

She went in for a routine check-in with ICE and never made it home, Congressman Troy Carter, Democrat of Louisiana, said on April 22, after a delegation of representatives visited Brito and others held at facilities in Louisianas deportation alley. Thats a tragedy. Due process was clearly deniedThis is America. This is not some third-world country.

In between four-hour nights of sleep, caring for the kids, and working in facilities at a local hospital, Marrero speaks with Brito on a prison video tablet. He said his partner has become unwell behind bars.

Im looking at her. I know youre not eating, he said. She says, I dont want to. I just want to go home. That breaks you. I dont care how strong of a man you are. You see your wife there and you can't do anything. I feel hopeless.

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While Brito has been in detention, a new crisis has hit the family. Marrero just found out he has liver cancer. Hes still working to understand the severity of the diagnosis, but so far he has ignored his doctors pleas to stay in the hospital, he told The Independent.

I didnt have anyone to take care of the kids, so I had to leave. Were waiting for her to come home so I can get treated, he said. Its been very tough.

There has been one bright spot though. Marrero said Britos bond has been approved, and the father is hoping to raise some of the $5,000 payment on GoFundMe so Brito can return home ahead of a May asylum hearing.

An Ohio grad student in the legal gray zone for his activism

Ahwar Sultan, 25, a graduate student at Ohio State University, was sitting in an architecture lecture on April 3 when he got a notice that his record within the SEVIS government exchange student database had been terminated, jeopardizing his ability to study and work inside the U.S.

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The government said vaguely that Sultan may have lost his visa or that his name may have appeared in a criminal records check, while the university said it hadnt gotten any notice from the government about the change.

The timing was hard to miss, though. The Trump administration had vowed to deport all non-citizen students who joined in widespread campus pro-Palestine demonstrations. It also said it would investigate universities for alleged antisemitism, including Ohio State. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed in late March the State Department had begun pulling hundreds of visas.

Ahwar Sultan, an Ohio State grad student, is hoping a lawsuit will stop him from having to leave the country, after his visa was revoked following his pro-Palestine activism (Supplied)

Sultan had been a part of campus Palestine activism since 2023. The 25-year-old, who studies right-wing politics in India, felt compelled to join the movement out of a mixture of his academic background and a sense of solidarity with Palestinian scholars, who watched as Israel destroyed or damaged every university in Gaza.

Sultan may have come on the radar of authorities for an April 2024 incident where he was arrested as he attempted to protect a group of Muslim protesters at a divestment protest conducting evening prayers from advancing police. The resulting charges were later dismissed and expunged.

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Still, the notice from the feds put him in a legal gray zone, he said. He temporarily stopped attending class in person or conducting his duties as a teaching assistant. If he loses his ability to work for the university, hes not sure hell be able to cover his bills, let alone stay in America.

I dont feel safe being out and about, especially getting the news from everywhere around the country, he told The Independent after his status was pulled.

A State Department spokesperson told The Independent it generally doesnt comment on specific cases, but said the department will continue to work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to enforce zero tolerance for aliens in the United States who violate U.S. laws, threaten public safety, or in other situations where warranted.

On April 15, Sultan and a campus Palestine group sued the Trump administration, arguing its efforts to surveil and deport immigrants over their alleged views violated the First Amendment, and, in Sultans case, due process and federal law as well.

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Federal officials argued in court documents that Sultans lawsuit was wrongly conflating canceling his status in the database with revoking his immigration status overall or beginning to deport him from the country, decisions he could contest in immigration court while being afforded full due process.

On April 24, Washington federal judge Tanya Chutkan ordered Sultans status in the SEVIS database be temporarily reinstated, arguing the administration could point to no legal authority for canceling it in the first place, while voicing doubt over the administrations larger treatment of the student.

At this juncture, more than two weeks have elapsed since Sultan filed his Complaint and the court is highly skeptical of counsels representations that Defendants are still waiting for ICE to confirm whether Sultans presence in the United States is unlawful, she wrote.

Despite the temporary win, Sultan isnt feeling very reassured. He got a letter from the U.S. Consul General General in Mumbai, informing him his F-1 visa had been revoked, meaning he may not be able to re-enter the country if he leaves it.

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The grad student, who decided to pursue his studies in America to avoid the potential of government interference, now feels the U.S. is following Israel down what he sees as a path of lawlessness. Even if he gets some measure of reprieve in court, he feels the paradigm has shifted, noting that even his friends and colleagues without visa issues fear leaving the country.

A pure sense of normalcy is not going to return. All bets are off, he said. There might be ways to mitigate the uncertainty and try to push back against it. I dont really see how, with an administration that is turbocharging ICE and attacks on immigrants, any real sense of safety will return for most people.

Ohio State declined to comment, citing the ongoing lawsuit.

The only chaos in our immigration system was the reckless, open-border policy inflicted on Americans by the last Administration, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin told The Independent. Under the leadership of President Trump and [Homeland Security] Secretary Noem, the Department of Homeland Security has returned law and order and common sense to Americas immigration system.

A Haitian translator who cant return home, but may not be able to stay in America

Billy Elve managed to make it into the U.S. on a humanitarian parole program for Haitians, while the Trump administration canceling the program has prevented his wife and daughter from doing so (Supplied)

Billy Elve, 32, is also waiting on the courts.

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The Orlando, Florida, resident is originally from Haiti, and arrived in the U.S. in February 2024, granted temporary protected status and humanitarian parole under a Biden administration initiative.

He fled Haiti as gangs increasingly took control of the country and threatened his neighborhood.

They forced their way into his house, tied up the husband, and went away with his wife, Elve told The Independent of one neighbor. At that time my wife was pregnant, so we had to move.

Elve managed to get approval to come to the U.S., but his wife Nehemie and daughter Villyncias attempts were still pending as Trump took office.

The translator has felt a variety of emotions since  worry for his family, alarm at the Trump campaigns racist conspiracies about Haitians eating cats, and uncertainty after the administration sought to end the CHNV parole program in March, which covers some 500,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

Elve has learned from immigration officials that his wife and daughter wont be able to get into the U.S. on the same parole program as he did (Supplied)

A federal judge blocked the move in mid-April, prompting the Trump administration to appeal, and Elve doesnt know what will happen next. If he returns to Haiti hell be marked as a target, an expat returning home from the wealthier United States, while if he stays in the U.S., theres still no guarantee his family can escape.

Its very difficult to know what can be done next, he said. There's a big question mark behind that.

McLaughlin, the DHS official, told The Independent CHNV was an unlawful scheme to unleash over 530,000 poorly vetted aliens into America, fueling crime and stealing jobsforcing our agents in the field to ignore rampant fraud.

While this ruling delays justice and undermines the integrity of our immigration system, Secretary Noem will use every legal option at the Departments disposal to end this chaos, prioritizing the safety of American, she added.

On Monday, Elve learned from immigration officials his wife and daughter definitely wont be able to get in on the same parole program as he did.

Now hes considering joining his parents in Canada and seeking asylum, or pursuing a change of status in the U.S. to be a student or on a company-sponsored visa, whatever gets his family out of harms way fastest.

It was already a pain and now its just adding oil to the fire, he told The Independent.

An activist who fled the country

Cornell University student Momodou Taal left the U.S. in the middle of a lawsuit arguing the administrations policies towards international students like him violated constitutional rights (Eric Lee)

Momodou Taal, a UK-Gambian grad student at Cornell and campus pro-Palestine leader, felt he couldnt wait on the U.S. courts for protection.

Taal sued the Trump administration last month with a group of fellow academics, alleging a pair of January executive orders had effectively made it illegal for non-citizens to protest the administration and its allies like Israel.

As the constitutional lawsuit proceeded, immigration officials told Taal to surrender immediately and officers circled near his residence.

Court documents later revealed that ICE was notified on March 14, a day before the suit was filed, that the State Department pulled Taals visa, with officials claiming his protest actions had created a hostile environment for Jewish students. The threat raised the prospect he might be deported before a court could rule on his challenge.

Taal grew up in a political milieu, where family members served in The Gambias post-colonial government, and told The Independent he saw his own Palestine activism as a way to continue their legacy of fighting colonialism. He said he has never supported antisemitism of any kind, pointing to a letter of support from Jewish Cornellians, and only advocates the right to resist what he sees as an illegal occupation of Palestine under international law.

Still, despite his faith in his convictions, he felt his leverage in the U.S. slipping away as he hid out in a friends apartment in Ithaca, barely eating and avoiding communicating with family for fear of being tracked.

Given that I dared to challenge Trump and challenge his executive orders, I felt they would make an example of me, Taal told The Independent from an undisclosed location, as he prepares to return to the UK.

The Trump administration has defended its handling of the Taal case.

It is a privilege to be granted a visa to live and study in the United States of America, the Department of Homeland Security said after he fled the country. When you advocate for violence and terrorism, that privilege should be revoked.

It wasnt an idle fear that something exceptional might happen in or outside of court. The same day as Taal filed his suit, the government invoked the wartime Alien Enemies Act to summarily deport alleged gang members, many of whom say they have no ties to criminal groups, and wrongly deported a man to El Salvador, despite a court order specifically barring his removal to the country.

And Taal had watched for months as Trump spoke more and more specifically about the mass deportation of non-citizen Palestine activists.

I felt like it was only a matter of time until something happens to me, unless I triumphed in court, he said. I didn't think it would be so quick.

Now, as Taal works to finish his degree remotely, he said he gets messages from other activists asking when he knew it was time to leave America.

Every person has a different threshold, but its clear that for the millions of immigrants in the United States something fundamental about the country has already changed.
LEXINGTON, N.C. (WGHP)  A new facility in Lexington will turn food waste into energy.

What a great day to be in Lexington, North Carolina, do you agree? Lexington Mayor Jason Hayes said.

On Wednesday, there was a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction and groundbreaking technology moving into North Carolina.

The new home of Divert will be on Highway 64 on the citys east side. It will be a facility where they take all kinds of food waste, turn it into a liquid form and then into natural gas. The gas will run in lines from the site into town to serve the community.

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There is a home for those food products, Vice President of Public Affairs at Divert Chris Thomas said.

Unused and wasted food is all too common.

It breaks my heart knowing that a third of the food that we grow  goes to waste, said Jason Brown, the owner of First Fruits Farm.

Diverts goal is to take that food to their facility instead of the trash.

We have increasingly little available landfill space in our state, and this is going to reduce the load on those landfills, extending their lifetime, Secretary D. Reid Wilson from the NC Department of Environmental Quality said.

Once its in Lexington, its sorted and processed, and the team will gather all kinds of data to give back to major retailers they work with like Harris Teeter, Kroger and Target.

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We are giving them insights into what is being wasted at which stores, so when the corporate offices of these stores can see the data and physically see what is in those bins, they can take steps to better manage that food, Thomas said.

Any of the food that can be saved will be sent to food banks, and the rest will go into a big tank that will, over several weeks, turn into liquid and then gas.

We are taking those nutrients, and we are finding a home for it, Thomas said.

There will be about 60 employees needed at the new site. Divert hasnt started hiring yet but has started work with community colleges to prepare the workforce for this type of job.

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We will make sure that what they want to build training programs around can match up with the jobs that we are going to be producing here, Thomas said.

The Lexington location will be the third facility of its kind for Divert.

They learned a lot of lessons with the first two projects, so this one should move along quickly. The company expects to be operational sometime early in 2026.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
Claim:

Photos prove U.S. President Donald Trump fell asleep while attending Pope Francis' funeral service on April 26, 2025.

Rating:

Rating: False

Context:

While the low quality of the photos (which were apparently screenshots of a livestream), combined with the lighting and shadows, make it appear Trump could have been asleep at times, the context available in the video coverage indicates otherwise.

On April 26, 2025, thousands gathered in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome to mourn the late Pope Francis at his official funeral. Among the attendees were many world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.

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Some photographs of the two caused a stir on social media, however, because they appeared to show the president with his eyes closed and sleeping.

1) "Sleepy Joe", the MAGA said. Trump falls asleep and snores at the pope's funeral. But let's see more evidence of Sleepy Don next pic.twitter.com/aCP8phvGxP  Jack's House Radio Free NAFO (@FluteMagician) April 26, 2025

Snopes readers searched the site and emailed us asking if the photos were real and if it was true Trump fell asleep at the funeral.

Key details of the images like Trump's clothes and the arrangement and color of the pews clearly matched official video footage of the funeral, though the low resolution of the images suggested they were significantly zoomed in on from a wider shot. Snopes found a stream showing Trump's activities during the service and was able to match timestamps to the images.

Searching for the original images using a Google reverse-image search only revealed social media posts sharing the claim. Both press photography and The Associated Press' stream of the funeral confirmed that Trump was wearing the same blue suit and tie in the photos, and Melania was wearing the same black veil. The pews had the same crimson velvet, and there was a gap in the pews when looking at Trump's left side. At least one official photo of Trump from Getty Images appeared to show him in a similar position with his eyes closed.

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One particular stream from the Times of India, however, contained matches to the two images that went viral. The timecode 36:07 matched the right image, while 36:22 matched the left image.

Looking at the surrounding context, it didn't appear Trump was sleeping, and in fact, his movements before, during and after those moments indicated he was awake, possibly eating or chewing on something. The low quality of the images, combined with the shadows, made it look like Trump's eyes were closed at those moments, when in fact they may not have been.

We reached out to the administration for comment on the story. A spokesperson said the claim was "clearly false" and provided the following statement from Trump's communication director, Steven Cheung: "The President and First Lady honored the life and service of Pope Francis, and those who try to distract from that should be ashamed of themselves."

Snopes has been called upon to fact-check rumors about public figures being caught dozing off in the past. Did Biden fall asleep during a climate change conference in 2021? Did videos show Trump asleep at the 2024 GOP convention? Did Bill Clinton nod off during Biden's inaugural address? We checked the evidence on a case-by-case basis.

Sources:

"Donald Trump Spotted Sleeping at Pope Francis' Funeral? Photo Viral." Hindustan Times, 27 Apr. 2025, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/donald-trump-spotted-sleeping-at-pope-francis-funeral-photo-viral-101745709773376.html.

Growth, Jennifer Earl Vice President of, et al. Where Trump, Other World Leaders Were Sitting at Pope Francis' Funeral - CBS News. 26 Apr. 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/where-trump-world-leaders-seated-pope-francis-funeral/.
Claim:

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, said on X he was happy President Donald Trump was considering becoming pope.

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

Graham's spokesperson confirmed he posted this as a joke.

As cardinals prepared to elect a new pope at the Vatican following the death of Pope Francis in April 2025, a rumor began to spread that U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, supported President Donald Trump's bid for the papacy.

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One post on X slammed Graham for that suggestion, calling him a "parasite" (archived):

Today despicable parasite Lindsey Graham actually tweeted out the insane idea of the orange convicted felon being the next Pope in the most pathetic display of *ss-kissing Ive ever witnessed.



Whatever kompromat they have on him must be really bad.  Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) April 30, 2025

The rumor appeared several times on X, as well as on Facebook and Instagram.

It is true that Graham posted such a sentiment on April 29, 2025 (archived):

I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope. This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!



The first Pope-U.S. President combination has pic.twitter.com/MM9vE5Uvzb  Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) April 29, 2025

"I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope," he said, concluding his post with "Trump 2028" in Roman numerals.

One X user replied, "Ludicrous. For starters, one must be Catholic and unmarried. For the past 600+ years, every clergy who became a Pope was a Cardinal."

Popes are elected by cardinals, who top the Catholic Church's hierarchy. All of them are male and made vows of poverty, chastity and obedience upon their ordinations to the priesthood. The cardinals choose the next pope in what is known as a conclave  a series of secret-ballot votes carried out in seclusion until one of them wins a clear majority of ballots. After each round of voting, the conclave emits smoke: it is black if none has won, and white when a new pope has been elected.

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Trump, who is married, is not a Roman Catholic but a Presbyterian. As such, Trump would not be considered a contender to lead the Holy See. But on April 29, 2025, as he was answering reporters' questions, he said, "I'd like to be pope, that would be my No. 1 choice." Graham included a clip of Trump saying these words in his X post.

However, Graham made these comments in jest. A spokesperson for the senator confirmed that they were posted jokingly.

Trump's comments also were intended as a joke. In the same answer, he added, "No, I don't know. I have no preference, I must say we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York who's very good, so we'll see what happens."

We've also fact-checked a rumor that Trump said, "Frankly, I should be the pope, and in a lot of ways, maybe I already am."

Sources:

Scott, Eugene. "Church Says Donald Trump Is Not an 'Active Member' | CNN Politics." CNN, 28 Aug. 2015, www.cnn.com/2015/08/28/politics/donald-trump-church-member/. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Vatican. "The Holy See." Vatican.va, 2022, www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html.
Around 2.75 million Singaporeans are eligible to vote in the Southeast Asian countrys general election on May 3, and choose a prime minister to lead the city for the next half decade.

And in the nine days of the election campaigning, one of the worlds shortest, a failed deal between Allianz, the Global 500 insurance giant, and local insurer Income Insurance from last year is getting dragged back into the spotlight.

Allianz offered to take over Income Insurance for $1.7 billion last July. The deal was controversial: Singaporeans worried that a new corporate owner might push Income away from its social mission of providing affordable insurance to Singaporeans.

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A few months later, in October, Singaporean officials blocked the deal. Allianz abandoned its takeover bid in December.

Now, politicians from the ruling Peoples Action Party and its main opposition, the Workers Party, are bringing up the now-defunct deal to score political points in hotly-contested constituencies. The main topic of debate: Why Singaporean officials were first fine with the deal before later changing their minds, and who failed to ask questions at the time.

Speaking at a rally on Sunday, Ng Chee Meng, chief of the National Trades Union Congress, argued that the labor movement initially felt the takeover bid was reasonable and would have strengthened Income Insurance. Ng, who is running for a seat in Singapores parliament as part of the ruling PAP party, was responding to arguments that the union should have spoken up against the deal.

Income Insurance used to be part of the NTUC umbrella. Even after Incomes privatization, NTUC Enterprise remains a majority shareholder, holding about 72.8% of shares.

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Still, Ng promised to do better during Sunday's rally. We will do our best, and sometimes Im sorry that it is not good enough.

Former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong argued that the Workers' Party would have approved the Income Insurance deal if the opposition party had held power. He noted that only one opposition member of parliament had inquired about the takeover, and that the Workers Party abstained from a measure to block the merger.

Pritam Singh, leader of the Workers Party, has in turn accused the PAPs labor MPs for not asking questions about the deal last year.

Another member of the WP, Harpreet Singh, demanded that Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong explain his role in the scuppered deal, and respond to an open letter by the former CEO of Income Insurance Tan Suee Chieh.

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The letter, addressed to Gan and published on April 27, posed questions on regulatory oversight, the changing role of NTUC, and accountability.

On Tuesday afternoon, Gan asked why the opposition never questioned the Income deal at the time. But the deputy prime minister also tried to explain why the Singapore government ultimately changed its mind over Allianzs bid. We want[ed] to support the deal, because it will help Income. But when more details were furnished, we decided [we had] to stop the deal, he explained.

Saturday's election will be the first political test for the PAPs leader, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who took over the party last year. The PAP, which has governed Singapore since its independence in 1965, is expected to remain in power following the election.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A settlement has been reached in the wrongful death lawsuit brought forth by the families of a man and woman who were killed in a murder-suicide in Lenexa in 2022.

On Feb. 27, 2022, investigators say Dustin Johnson, 37, shot and killed his ex-girlfriend, 22-year-old Sara Beck, and 20-year-old John Williamson II, who Beck had been seeing, before committing suicide.

Pipe bombs, ghost gun, GPS tracker found in Lenexa murder-suicide case

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Becks and Williamsons families sued the GPS company, Hapn Holdings Inc. (formerly Spytec GPS Inc.), that made the GPS Johnson used to track Beck before murdering her and Williamson.

The lawsuit alleges that the companys GPS product caused the death of Beck, claiming the GPS tracker is negligently, recklessly and intentionally designed for the purpose of covertly tracking unsuspecting individuals.

The GPS company, however, continues to deny any liability.

Desmond Theel, Becks father, and Peggy Beck, her mother, have settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount, according to court documents. Becks father has been awarded 70% of the settlement, and her mother 30%.

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The parents of Williamson, Melanie and John, have also agreed to settle the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount.

Police ID three killed in Lenexa shooting

According to the lawsuit, Johnson had been stalking his ex-girlfriend since she broke up with him in September 2021.

The lawsuit says Beck began noticing Johnson following her while she was driving and says he would show up at locations she was at. This allegedly continued until she was murdered.

According to the lawsuit, Beck and her father tried to figure out how Johnson was tracking her; they installed security equipment and cameras, checked her phone, searched her car and went to the police.

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However, no one could figure out how Johnson was tracking her, the lawsuit states.

It wasnt until after her death that investigators discovered hed been using a Spytec GPS tracker.

The app that coincided with the Spytec GPS tracker allowed Johnson to track the location of Becks car in real time and alerted him whenever she entered or left a location.

The lawsuit claims that without the GPS tracker, Johnson never would have been able to find Williamsons home, where the murder-suicide occurred.

Court records also say that Spytec continued selling this product, knowing it had led to people being injured or killed, especially by domestic abusers.

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The company, however, has settled all claims against it, releasing it of any liability in the deaths of Beck and Williamson.

This case was filed in the Circuit Court of Cass County, Missouri.

If you are having suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Veterans can press 1 after dialing 988 to connect directly to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline. For texts, veterans should continue to text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.

You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Kansas City residents can find local mental health resources here.

Kansas City leaders address recent rise in domestic violence homicides

If you are a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Those with hearing impairments can contact 1-800-787-3224.

Missouri residents can find local shelters and domestic violence resources on the Kansas City Missouri Police Departments website. Kansas and Missouri residents can find additional resources here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW)  In 2022, Mireya Moody was a happy, typical 6-year-old.

Very bright, bubbly, was always happy, always dancing, singing, said her mother Bianca Robinson.

But on Jan. 25, her mother said she became unusually lethargic.

What we know about Cavaliers playoffs Round 2: Dates, times and tickets

When we finally took her into the emergency room, they said she had left ventricular cardiomyopathy, so her left ventricle was very dilated and she also had tachycardia  her heart was beating extremely fast. said Robinson.

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Her heart was beating at 205 beats a minute so immediately we knew, OK, this is very serious. And then ultimately at the emergency room is where they told us it was heart failure, she said.

At the same time, in Logan, 8-year-old Maddie Schein was a delight to her family.

She was just a joy. Her smile was so infectious and she was witty. She just always had a joke for you, always smiling, always laughing, never met a stranger. She was just one of the lights of our lives said her mother Lisa Schein.

But Maddies story took a tragic turn when she was injured during a four-wheeler accident.

The four-wheeler flipped backwards, and even though Maddie was wearing a helmet and in the arms of her father, she suffered an irreversible injury.

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Unfortunately  or fortunately, I guess, however you want to look at it  she never woke up. She was unconscious from the moment that it happened, said Schein.

Maddie was taken to Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Columbus where her parents were given the news no parent ever wants to hear.

They worked through the night to keep her alive. That was on Wednesday night into Thursday morning. And, pretty much, on Thursday they said, We are sorry, we just dont think there is anything else that we can do for her. And I did not want her death to be in vain, said Schein.

We knew, I mean, she cant take it with her. If we have the chance to save someone else, thats what we want to do. We never want someone else to feel our loss.

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$150,000 scratch-off winner sold at local store

On April 2, 2022, Maddies heart was transplanted into Mireya and the improvement was almost immediate.

Of course I was excited. You know that there was this new development, but you also quickly realize theres another family that is not feeling this. And they had to make a decision with their loved ones organs that is something you shouldnt have to even consider, said Robinson.

Several weeks passed, after which Schein said she hoped to find the recipient of her daughters heart. Privacy laws made it necessary to work through a third party, but there was no response.

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I was just overcome with so much emotion I honestly didnt know what even to write back to her and I think thats why it took me so long to reach out, said Robinson.

I didnt know what to say because she had to lose something so precious to her. And here I am with my child, able to see her grow and thrive, and all I could think about was the sorrow that she must have been feeling, she said.

Schein said she had friends searching through the internet trying to identify the family that might have been the recipient.

A year to the day of her accident, I dont even remember how it happened, but Bianca and I kind of connected and she was like, Oh my gosh, we got your letter from Lifeline. I dont know about her, but I ugly cried for hours that day just thinking about the timing, said Schein.

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And on Thanksgiving last year, Schein got to hear her daughters living, beating heart in Mireyas chest for the first time.

I do believe that there are pieces of Maddies personality that are shining through in Mireyas personality today. Shes so witty, so sharp and on it. She is so sharp beyond her years, said Robinson.

I love watching her grow and thrive and, you know, in a perfect world, both of our girls would be here. But thats not how it happened. And we just love watching her grow and love being a part of her life, said Schein.

Mohicans Treehouse Resort: A getaway filled with whimsy

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Mireyas mother said she has had only a couple of minor setbacks in the three years since her transplant, but she is thriving, happy and active.

As the granddaughter of the Cleveland Browns former Running Back Greg Pruitt, Mireya has visited the FOX 8 studios on several occasions while Pruitt contributed to the morning show.

Her endearing presence and personality has been inspirational.

April is National Donate Life Month, and the last week of that month is National Pediatric Transplant Week. Both mothers said they hope their story will draw attention to the life-changing impact of organ donation.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 30. The 11th meeting of the KazakhstanUnited Kingdom Intergovernmental Commission took place in London, Trend reports.

During the meeting, constructive negotiations were held, and three bilateral agreements were signed.

"We are confident in the future of our strategic partnership, which is founded on trade, investment, and economic cooperation," representatives of the Kazakh side stated.

Both nations articulated their commitment to augment collaborative efforts, emphasizing that forthcoming initiatives and projects are on the horizon.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG)  Family and friends are mourning the loss of a man killed in a crash one week ago. Family members say 40-year-old Jeffery Shaw overcame drug addiction to pull his life and family together.

Family members say the Coden man was heading home, traveling south here along Dauphin Island Parkway when his life came to an abrupt end.

The crash happened on this spot just a week ago. Family members describe Shaw as a loving father and grandfather who was selfless and had a great sense of humor and irreverent attitude about life.

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Alabama State Troopers Shaws sedan and an SUV collided head-on, on DIP in south Mobile County around the 16-mile marker. Shaw was killed at the scene. The other driver was treated for injuries at a hospital.

Family members say Shaw and his wife both overcame addiction and have been working to do the same for others.

It was an inspiration to see that you could go from the lowest, the low to a respected human being that you admired, said brother David Baker. He says Shaw helped him through addiction as well. He didnt care what time of day it was. What time of night it was if you needed him or if he knew you needed anything. He made sure that that was in the forefront of him, said Baker. Its a heartbreaking loss for this family.

And now hes not here. I dont have the person to help me do this. I dont have the encouragement anymore, said Jeffery Shaws wife Ladana. I keep having to push my feelings down, because if I let it go, I wont feel like I would be able to do any of this.



Family members say Shaw leaves behind seven children and two grandchildren.



I reached out to state troopers for more information this weeka spokesperson said they had no further information to release at this time and that this was an ongoing investigation.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Editor's note: This story discusses sexual assault. The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network has a free and confidential sexual assault hotline at 800-656-4673.

The family of a special needs 7-year-old boy is planning to sue an Indiana school corporation after allegations surfaced that their son was repeatedly sexually assaulted on a school bus by an older student.

The Indianapolis-based law firm, Wagner Reese, filed a civil tort claim notice against Jennings County School Corporation on April 29, claiming that the districts grossly negligent actions resulted in permanent injury to the boy and violated his civil rights.

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The teen accused in the case is a 15-year-old boy and officials said he is facing 12 charges, including rape. He remains detained in a juvenile facility.

What the civil tort alleges

The familys attorneys, Laura Swafford and Jason Reese, alleged that abuse occurred on a district school bus when the non-verbal second-grade student was improperly sat next to a 15-year-old student and left unmonitored by two school employees, according to a news release.

Lawyers say the 7-year-old boy was "helplessly left unmonitored by two school employees who were on the bus and charged with caring for his safety."

Upon reviewing camera footage from inside the bus, it was discovered that the 7-year-old student was sexually assaulted and raped on multiple occasions, according to the lawyers statement.

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'Bullying epidemic:' Lawsuits allege Perry Township schools failed to protect students

This nightmare tragedy should never have happened, Swafford said. Like all parents in the community, the boys family believed the school would protect their young, vulnerable son.

The North Vernon Police Department is investigating the case along with the Jennings County Juvenile Probation Office, which confirmed that an incident did happen on April 16.

'Heartbreaking and devastating.' School superintendant responds to allegations

The Jennings County School Corporation said they are reviewing safety protocols and working closely with authorities to address the situation.

"We realize that our community would like detailed information about the event," the statement said. "But at this time, we must make sure that we do not hinder the police investigation."

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Superintendent Nicole Johnson said the school corporation is aware of the legal filing connected to the "very concerning incidents" that allegedly occurred on one of their special needs transportation buses, and is responding to the filing through the appropriate legal channels. They are cooperating with an active investigation.

"I want to emphasize, though, that these reports involving students' safety have been heartbreaking and devastating to all of us," Johnson said. "While this incident must still be investigated and resolved through our criminal justice system, we are taking steps to try to better ensure the safety of our students.

How Jennings County School Corp is addressing allegations

Johnson said the school corporation is adding adult supervisors to the special transportation bus in question to monitor student behavior.

They are reducing the number of students on each special transportation bus and seating them individually whenever possible. Students will be grouped with similar-aged peers when individual seating isn't available.

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The school corporation is also requiring similar peer-aged seating on general education bus routes and will be using their recorded monitoring system to quickly identify and address inappropriate behavior.

The school district in North Vernon, Indiana, is approximately an hour and a half south of Indianapolis. It serves about 3,800 students from kindergarten through the 12th grade in Jennings County. According to U.S. Census data, the county is home to about 27,000 people.

Contact IndyStar reporter Noe Padilla at npadilla@indystar.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Boy, 7, 'helpless' as he was raped on Indiana school bus, lawyers say
A U.S. citizen says she and her three daughters were violently woken to federal immigration agents breaking into their Oklahoma City home and pointing guns in their faces in a case of mistaken identity thats left them traumatized.

My initial thought was we were being robbed. My daughters, being females, were being kidnapped, the woman, who was only identified as Marissa, told Oklahoma City station KFOR while sobbing.

I dont know who they were. They had guns. It was dark. All the lights were off, she said.

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The woman said she had just moved with her family into the rental home from Maryland about two weeks prior, with her husband planning to join them in the coming days. The roughly 20 agents who forced their way into their home early Thursday said they had a search warrant for the property, but it was for someone who no longer lived there.

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent is pictured. President Donald Trump has pledged to carry out the largest deportation effort in U.S. history, vowing to ultimately deport all foreigners living in the country without permission. Bloomberg via Getty Images

Were citizens. Thats what I kept saying. Were citizens, she said.

The woman said she and her daughters, who were all undressed, were ordered to go outside in the rain. If they wanted to get dressed, they were told to do it quickly and in front of the agents.

They wanted me to change in front of all of them, in between all of them, she said.

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A Department of Homeland Security official confirmed to HuffPost Wednesday that ICE carried out a court authorized search warrant for a large-scale human smuggling investigation at the property and that the previous residents were the intended targets.

The warrant involved eight Guatemalan nationals who were indicted for allegedly smuggling migrants into the United States, the official said. The official did not respond to questions about how the case of mistaken identity is currently being handled.

The mother, in her interview with KFOR, said her family was left traumatized by what happened and that none of their confiscated items have been returned. This includes their cellphones, computers and life savings in cash.

Before leaving, she said one of the men told her that he knew that the experience had been a little rough.

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You literally traumatized me and my daughters for life, she reacted to that description.

Related...
LOGAN COUNTY (WCIA)  The next election is 18 months away, but campaign season has already begun on the farms.

President Ron Kindred of the Illinois Soybean Association hosted soon-to-be senatorial candidate Raja Krishnamoorthi on his Logan County farm last Thursday. During that meeting, they spoke about biofuels and Trump trade tariffs.

We are the number one soybean producing state in the United States, so soybeans are near and dear to our heart and I think now, these associations are more important than ever to that farmers and tell our story, Kindred said. One thing were focusing on as a soybean association is trying to grow our domestic market, so were less reliant on trade and having to move our product overseas. The biofuel market is an excellent place that we can grow, especially with the sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel, biodiesel. Its an excellent arena for us to grow some of our domestic markets, which in turn lowers the price of soybean meal.

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From the Farm: Fertilizer and Tariffs

Im 100% with you and we should be thinking outside the box about biofuels, Krishnamoorthi responded. Im going to put in a plug for those provisions of the IRA that help farmers like yourself with regard to biofuels. Im hopeful that my Republican friends and colleagues will join with me in urging the Trump administration to retain all of those credits that help with us, for instance, furthering the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Credit, which is which is huge. It is because we could be the provider of aviation fuel worldwide, given your productivity. In addition, biofuels just in general, we need to, we need to prioritize.

Krishnamoorthi is a Peoria native and former Deputy State Treasurer. He represents a Chicago suburban congressional district and is expected to soon announce his candidacy for the seat of retiring Senator Dick Durbin.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
In a news release published by FreshPlaza, Giel Hermans of the Dutch agricultural hub Hermans Suikermais discussed his strategy for coping with a recent sweetcorn shortage. Because of heavy rains across Spain, Hermans has set his sights on cultivating sweetcorn in Morocco.

What's happening?

In March, several Spanish regions experienced devastating rainfall that wiped out various crops, especially melons and vegetables  the latter most affected by the pests and mildew brought on by humidity, Hortidaily wrote.

Spain's sweetcorn exports reached an all-time high of 711 metric tons prior to a drought in 2023. The damage inflicted by last month's sudden rainfall only added to a year of gradual crop decline, and now Spain's sweetcorn production may be down for the count.

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After losing cultivations in Spain, Hermans turned to fields in Morocco to contend with high demand in the Netherlands.

"We're heading towards spring, so consumption is increasing," Hermans said, "but even though more corn is coming in now, we're still lagging behind. Demand is strong  as always, everyone wants corn when there's a shortage."

Why is the sweetcorn shortage concerning?

Spain isn't the only place where unexpected weather conditions have threatened sweetcorn and other crucial crops. Ukraine, a key corn exporter, suffered the effects of an intense drought in 2024, and even U.S. cornstarch prices are rising because of extreme weather in the Midwest.

The downturn of sweetcorn production worldwide not only challenges corn farmers, who rely on strong crop yields, but also may affect global corn prices. If supplies continue to fall short of demands, the corn and corn-based products at your grocery store will likely be more expensive than before.

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Sweetcorn decline is both a symptom of our overheating planet and a warning for other crops. The carbon dioxide we release on a regular basis via industrial pollution, electricity usage, fuel-based transportation, and the like clogs our atmosphere and traps the very heat that causes droughts and intensifies extreme weather events.

What's being done about crop decline?

To protect our food supply, farmers around the world are focusing their efforts on drought-resistant crops, working alongside engineers who are bolstering crop durability via genetic engineering.

In the long run, however, only the reduction of carbon pollution can mitigate extreme weather and prevent further changes to the climate. International agreements to cap emissions are a major step in the right direction, as are eco-conscious technological developments to curb industrial pollution. For your part, you can make your home greener by installing solar panels, repurposing your waste, or growing your own food.

Do you worry about how much food you throw away? Definitely Sometimes Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
FARMINGTON, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A Farmington man will spend more than three decades behind bars after he was convicted on Tuesday of raping and sexually assaulting minor, according to court documents.

Deno DiCamillo, 44, was convicted on Tuesday of two counts of rape and two counts of second-degree sexual assault following a jury trial. He was sentenced to 38 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Deno DiCamillo, 44 (Courtesy: Washington County Detention Center)

Court documents say that in July 2023, a woman reported to the Farmington Police Department that she had been sexually abused when she was between the ages of 14 and 16. The woman said the abuse took place between 2016 and 2018.

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A news release from 4th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Carter said DiCamillo later admitted to part of his actions in a recorded phone call.

Siloam Springs man accused of making social media threats about Dogwood Festival

DiCamillo was arrested on Sept. 18, 2023, and his trial was originally set to begin on Jan. 23, 2025, but he failed to appear for trial. He faces another felony charge for failure to appear.

DiCamillo represents what I consider amongst the worst offenders in our court system; those who prey on our children, Carter said in the release. I appreciate the bravery of the victim in this case to come forward and tell her story after a significant passage of time. Her actions will hopefully prevent other children from falling victim to this offender.

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DiCamillo will be required to register as a sex offender. Court records say DiCamillo has a hearing for his failure to appear charge on May 6.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
A New York man claims iconic fashion designer Riccardo Tisci drugged his drink while out at an East Harlem restaurant, after which he woke up in the former Givenchy creative directors multimillion-dollar townhouse, naked, without any idea how he got there.

In a state lawsuit filed Tuesday, Patrick Cooper accuses Tisci of sexually assaulting him while he was under the influence and unable to consent, alleging the 50-year-old dosed him with an unknown substance in order to make him so disorientated as to no longer know where he was, what he was doing, or what other people, particularly [Tisci], was [sic] doing to him.

As a result, Cooper, 35, was unable to reject, fight, stop or defend himself from Tiscis predatory, sexual, and unlawful assault and battery, according to his complaint.

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He told The Independent that he just went out to have a good night. My intentions were never to end up in Riccardo Tiscis bed. When I woke up, he was kissing me.

Cooper, who describes himself as bisexual, said he headed to the hospital for rape kit testing immediately upon leaving Tiscis luxe SoHo home, then contacted police to make a report.

I remember sipping the drink, and I don't remember anything else, Cooper contended. To this day, I still dont remember anything. Nothing.

Tisci (right) dressed Kim Kardashian for her 2014 wedding to rapper Kanye West (Getty Images for WSJ Magazine)

Reached by phone, Tisci hung up shortly after being informed what the call was regarding. His agent, Anne Nelson of United Talent Agency, told The Independent, I regret to inform you that I cannot comment on any matters related to the pending litigation.

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In an email, an NYPD spokesperson declined to confirm or deny details of the case, but said, The NYPD takes sexual assault and rape cases extremely seriously, and urges anyone who has been a victim to file a police report so we can perform a comprehensive investigation, and offer support and services to survivors.

A native of Apulia, Italy, Tisci has dressed stars including  among countless others  Beyonce, Adele, Meryl Streep, Rhianna, Madonna, Cate Blanchett and Kim Kardashian, who wore a Tisci-designed dress for her 2014 wedding to rapper Kanye West. He left Givenchy in 2017, after 12 years, and in 2018 was appointed chief creative officer at Burberry, where he stayed until September 2022.

Further afield, Tisci designed the cover art for Jay-Z and Wests 2011 album Watch the Throne, and is now collaborating with Nike on a line of luxury handbags.

I love romanticism and sensuality, maybe because I come from a family with eight sisters, Tisci told The New York Times in 2007. Im also a person who is very emotional. I like black, I like white. I never like whats in the middle.

Tisci and Madonna, seen here in 2016 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala. A New York City man says the designer assaulted him after drugging his drink. (Getty Images)

The alleged assault dates to June 29, 2024, when Cooper met Tisci through a mutual friend, according to his complaint. After spending time at a club downtown, Cooper said he, his friend, Tisci, and another man went to 2 Sisters 4 Brothers, a soul food spot on East 116th Street.

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Thats where Tisci surreptitiously slipped something into Coopers drink when he wasnt looking, Coopers complaint alleges.

Cooper, who said he is 6-foot-1-inch tall and handles his liquor very well, told The Independent that he had only had two or so glasses of wine up until that point and hadnt been feeling drunk at all.

However, the complaint continues, shortly after Cooper finished his drink at 2 Sisters 4 Brothers, he became disoriented, confused, impaired, intoxicated, unaware of his actions and surroundings, and unable to comprehend what was going on.

[O]nce the drug took effect [Tisci] brought [Cooper] back to [his] home, where [Tisci] prevented [Cooper] from leaving and sexually assaulted him, the complaint states. When [Cooper] woke up, he found himself naked with [Tisci], (also naked), next to him Upon information and belief, at the time of the aforesaid sexual assault, [Cooper] lacked the capacity to consent.

Tisci, seen here with supermodel Kate Moss, is one of the fashion world's biggest names. (Getty Images)

When Cooper came to while at Tiscis swank King Street pad, which he once shared with artist Marina Abramovich, his throat was so dry could barely speak, he told The Independent.

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Completely discombobulated, Cooper said he asked Tisci for a glass of water, who walked away unclothed then came back wearing a pair of shorts.

I was like, How did I get here? I kept saying, How did I get here? I keep asking him how I got there, and hes not responding, Cooper recalled. We go upstairs, my clothes are there, next to the couch.

Cooper said he left, unsure of where he was, then called the friend he had been with the night before.

Hes upset at me, saying, Why would you leave me? I couldnt find you, Cooper went on. He said he was asking everyone if they knew where I was, so I told him, I dont remember last night at all.

In 2013, while at the helm of Givenchy, Tisci won the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. International Award. (Getty Images for Swarovski)

The next day, Cooper said he called Tisci, who insisted he didnt remember him, and asked for a photo.

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I sent the picture, and he goes, I still dont remember you, Cooper said. I told him, How do you not remember me? I was at your house. He goes, Oh yeah, I remember you now. Nothing happened. I said, I woke up naked. He said, No, you had clothes on. And thats when I knew.

He then decided to retain a lawyer, Cooper said, adding that he kind of broke down in the aftermath of the alleged assault.

I have not spoken to Riccardo [since], I have not heard from him, Cooper stated.

Coopers lawsuit accuses Tisci of assault, battery, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violations of New York States Gender-Motivated Violence Act.

He is now seeking compensatory and punitive damages to be determined in court.
South Dakota ranchers Heather and Charles Maude participate in a press conference on April 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C., with their children behind them and their lawyer, Brett Tolman, at right. Visible or partially visible in the background are, from left, U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyoming; U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-South Dakota, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden. (Screenshot from USDA livestream)

State and federal officeholders celebrated Wednesday in Washington, D.C., after prosecutors dropped criminal charges against a South Dakota ranch couple accused of using public land without permission or payment.

Meanwhile, basic questions went unanswered.

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Will the couple continue to use the land? Will they have to start paying a fee? Or is it their land?

State Rep. Liz May, R-Kyle, was not in D.C., but was given a shoutout by the ranch couple for her advocacy on their behalf. May isnt ready to cheer yet.

We still dont know if they can even use the land, May said. Is the case truly over?

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In June, a federal grand jury in South Dakota indicted Charles and Heather Maude, of rural Caputa in the western part of the state. The charge was theft of government property. The couple faced possible prison time and fines.

The indictment said the Maudes did knowingly steal, purloin, and convert to their own use national grasslands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The land in question, according to the indictment, consisted of 25 acres for cultivation and 25 acres for grazing cattle.

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The Maudes have said the prosecution was an overreaction to a property line dispute on land that their family has used for decades.

A federal prosecutor filed for a dismissal of the charges Monday without explanation, and a judge granted the dismissal, following pleas from Republican politicians and officeholders to President Trumps administration.

Some of those officeholders gathered with the Maudes on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., for a press conference that was livestreamed on the internet. Speakers included former South Dakota Governor and current U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and several South Dakota politicians: U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and Gov. Larry Rhoden. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyoming, also spoke.

South Dakota Searchlight reached out to the South Dakota lawmakers offices afterward. They did not know the future status of the federal land in question, or the status of the Maudes right to use it.

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Some of the speakers alleged that the prosecution of the Maudes was politically motivated. The U.S. Department of Agriculture made that claim in a news release Monday, calling the case a senseless politically motivated prosecution waged by the Biden administration.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for South Dakota, which brought the charges, did not respond when asked by South Dakota Searchlight. The U.S. attorney for South Dakota, Alison Ramsdell, was appointed during the Biden administration.

Rollins announced Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a new complaint portal for farmers and ranchers who have fallen victim to unfair and politically motivated lawfare originating under the Biden administration to request an investigation.

Rounds highlighted a bill hes working on that would establish a mediation process for land boundary disputes between private landowners and the U.S. Forest Service.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 30. Athens and Astana are exploring deeper cooperation in the transport and logistics sector, with a particular focus on engaging Greek companies in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, Trend reports.

The potential for enhanced use of the TITR by Greek logistics firms was highlighted during talks between Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Greece, Timur Suleimenov, and Spyridon Xanthopoulos, Director of the Department for External Economic Relations at the Greek Foreign Ministry. A visit by Kazakhstans Ministry of Transport delegation to Athens, scheduled for May 14-16, is expected to further advance these discussions and inject new momentum into bilateral cooperation.

The two sides also reviewed broader trade and economic ties, including plans for a Greek business mission to Kazakhstan aimed at diversifying trade, boosting exports and imports, and fostering joint ventures. Kazakhstans ambassador presented the countrys investment climate and opportunities for foreign firms, while both parties prepared for the upcoming session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Technological Cooperation to be held in Athens.

Further topics included strengthening the legal framework for cooperation, with ongoing efforts to finalize agreements on air connectivity, investment protection, double taxation avoidance, and a memorandum on cryptoasset regulation.
Trina Martin, her son Gabe, and ex-partner Toi Cliatt were the victims of an FBI raid in the predawn hours of October 2017. As they slept, FBI agents burst through the front door of their home and let off a flash grenade. A terrified Martin pleaded to get her son but was told to shut up, according to USA Today. Gabe, who was only 7 years old, held his hands up in fear as agents entered his room.

The incident lasted only five minutes before the agents realized they were in the wrong home after they asked Cliatt to repeat the address. They then left without an explanation to pursue their target four doors down. They came back to apologize only after completing their mission, according to The Independent.

Martin told AP News that the raid left them traumatized. Well never be the same, mentally, emotionally, psychologically... Mentally you can suppress it, but you cant really get over it.

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Martins son, Gabe, became so anxious after the raid that he started to pull threads out of his clothes and peel paint off of the walls.

It has been eight years since the mistaken raid, and the family is still fighting to get their foot through the court doors. They first sued the agents under the Federal Tort Claims Act in 2019. The FTCA is a federal law that removes immunity and allows individuals to sue for assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest abuse of process or malicious prosecution, per USA Today.

However, the suit was thrown out by The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2022 after judges agreed that Martin cannot sue over an honest mistake, according to SFGate. But on Tuesday, it looked like Supreme Court justices were more sympathetic to the victims.

Per The Washington Post, conservative Justice Neil M. Gorsuch and liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor were not convinced the raid was a reasonable mistake in the way the governments attorney suggested. Other Justices were wary of using the case to clarify when federal agents can be held accountable for mistakes.

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Even though The Supreme Court argued back and forth recently, a decision is not expected until June. Right now, theres no certainty that The Supreme Court will overrule the appeal courts decision. It does look like it is most likely considering sending the case back to the appeals court to give the case a second thought.

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation has reassigned several agents who were photographed kneeling with demonstrators during a 2020 protest in the wake of police killing of George Floyd, people briefed on the matter told CNN.

The reassignments, viewed as demotions by many inside the FBI, come nearly five years after the episode that ignited controversy inside the bureau. FBI officials offered no explanation for changing the roles to less coveted positions for the agents, according to sources.

The FBI declined to comment to CNN, citing its policy to not discuss personnel matters. Agents affected didnt respond to requests for comment.

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The targeting of the kneelers is part of a broader effort by the new FBI leaders to make good on promises to root out what President Donald Trump has called woke and politicized elements inside the agency.

A former FBI official said punishing agents involved in the incident now raises concern that the bureau is bypassing its regular disciplinary process, which can take months and even more than a year to review incidents.

This notion that the bureau would go after these people, its just disgusting, the former official said.

After quickly ousting senior FBI leaders, the Justice Department has said it is reviewing the conduct of more than 1,500 agents associated with cases that have found disfavor in the new Trump era, including investigations of the president and his allies. FBI agents who executed the search warrant on Trumps Mar-a-Lago home and who worked on January 6, 2021-related cases have been bracing for possible retribution, current and former agents said.

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The kneeling incident in Washington, DC, occurred after a group of agents assigned to protect federal monuments and buildings were confronted by a group of protesters. FBI agents generally arent trained to do crowd control and deploying them to face off demonstrators raised fears of a possible deadly confrontation, current and former bureau officials said.

Some of the agents that day, recalling another recent incident in which National Guard soldiers had handled a similar confrontation, decided to try kneeling as a way to deescalate tensions. It worked, and the protesters moved on.

But later, after photos emerged, a furious reaction erupted inside the FBI. Some of the agents pictured kneeling were ostracized and personally attacked by their peers, current and former agents said. Other agents rallied to their cause, thankful that the incident didnt devolve into violence that could have done more harm to the bureaus reputation.

Top FBI officials reviewed the incident and determined that given the context, there was no violation of policy, current and former officials said.

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The reaction inside the FBI mirrored the broader reaction to the protests around the country and have since become enmeshed in the broader political divide in the US. And in the years since, congressional Republicans have made the incident one of a number of issues in their conflict with the bureaus former leadership.

Protests over racism and heavy-handed policing tactics that summer had erupted across the country after Floyds death. The reaction was fueled by footage showing police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyds neck for more than nine minutes as Floyd pleaded for help, saying he couldnt breathe.

In Washington, President Donald Trump urged Attorney General Bill Barr to regain control of the streets. Barr ordered the FBI and other agencies to deploy agents to help with crowd control and protect federal buildings.

FBI leadership pushed back against Barr, but eventually relented.

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What the bureau asked those agents to do is to go out on foot patrol, something they were never trained to do. They were being asked to be police officers, the former FBI official said. In no way were they making a political statement.

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SPRINGFIELD  A rare antique rifle, one of only four of its kind manufactured at the Springfield Armory, is back in the hands of the U.S. government, according to court documents unsealed this week.

The carbine that the Springfield Armory made as a possible gun for the U.S. Calvary in the years following the Civil War went missing from the armorys collection in Springfield years after the National Park Service began to manage the historical site, the FBI wrote in an affidavit filed in federal court.

In October, an FBI agent told U.S. Magistrate Judge Katherine Robertson of the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts that investigators believed they identified the gun and requested permission to seize it, which had been sold to a collector in 2021 for $5,000.

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The collector had allowed the FBI to study the firearm.

In a motion filed this week, Carol E. Head, the assistant U.S. attorney who leads an asset recovery unit, wrote that the rifle  a model 1868 trapdoor saddle ring carbine  was in the governments possession.

Head filed a forfeiture action in federal court Tuesday, which gives parties an opportunity to contest the governments seizure of the carbine.

Started by George Washington during the Revolutionary War, the Springfield Armory manufactured firearms for the federal government until 1968.

The gun was found to be missing from the Springfield Armorys collection during an inventory in 1985. It was known to be part of the collection in 1979.

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Throughout the years, federal officials received information about the rifles whereabouts, the FBI affidavit said. For instance, in the 1990s, several collectors told the National Park Service that the gun was stolen and ended up in the hands of a collector by the name of Gerald Denning, who has since died.

Along the way, parts of the rifle had been replaced and its serial number defaced.

This information continued to be reported to NPS staff through 2002, and included information that to conceal (the rifles) true identity and association to the Springfield Armory, the serial number had been obliterated, and the stock changed, FBI Special Agent Pasquale Morra wrote in the affidavit. The reporting also claimed Denning did not wish to cooperate with law enforcement.

The rifle surfaced briefly in 2015 when a curator at the Springfield Armory learned that Dennings family was trying to sell it at a gun show in Baltimore. The FBI did not seek its recovery then, Morra wrote.

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After the collector purchased the gun in 2021, the FBI brought the rifle to its laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, but it was unable to fully read the number stamped on the guns butt, which had been marked over so the full number was illegible, the affidavit said.

Next, the FBI brought the gun to a private university where it examined the serial number on the barrel with an electron scanning microscope, but the serial number was covered in metal solder.

A curator with the Springfield Armory also examined the firearm and said the guns trigger guard, lock plate, receiver and stock may have been switched out.

While the Springfield Armory National Historic Site was closed to the public Tuesday, a National Park Service employee who answered the door said he did not know about the governments efforts to recover the rifle. He directed questions to Springfield Armory Historic Site Superintendent Kelly Fellner, who did not answer an emailed request for an interview.

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A spokesperson for the FBI declined to comment while the legal proceedings are still pending.

This is not the only historical object federal officials say was taken from the Springfield Armory. In March 2023, federal officials announced they recovered a percussion cap pistol that was taken from the museum in 1971. Months later, officials said they recovered 24 marksmanship medals that went missing in the 1990s.

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COUNCIL GROVE (KSNT)  A local marina is fearful of what the future has in store for it as a federal hiring freeze threatens to shut down nearby campground areas down this summer.

27 News spoke to Ginger Tauton, owner of the Council Grove Marina, on Wednesday, April 30. She recently put the word out to locals through social media about a hiring freeze and staffing problems impacting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the reservoirs it manages.

We are such a small lake and we are at the bottom of the totem pole, Tauton said.

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Tauton is encouraging locals to contact the offices of Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall along with Congressman Derek Schmidt in an effort to keep the vital campground areas of Council Grove Lake open this year. She said the lake is usually staffed by a handful of seasonal employees and one full-time employee.

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Usually have one full time employee and three seasonal employees, Tauton said. Our one full time in the winter transferred to Tulsa. Its hard for us to keep people here.

Council Grove Lake, not to be confused with the nearby Council Grove City Lake, has multiple campground areas such as those at Richey Cove and Canning Creek Cove, according to the USACEs website. The lake is known for other recreational activities such as walking trails, a swimming beach and good fishing opportunities for crappie and channel catfish.

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Tauton said hiring freeze jeopardizes the campground areas which, if closed, would mean that campers may look elsewhere this summer for recreational activities. Swimmers, anglers and boaters will still be able to access the water.

All I know is what were facing here, Tauton said. Almost every business in town is going to be effected by this. The historical sites cant finance the town on their own, we need our lake.

Moving this tree in Kansas could get you in trouble starting in 2027, what to know

27 News reached out to the Tulsa District of the USACE on April 30, which manages Council Grove Lake and seven other lakes in Kansas, for more information about the current situation. Brannen Parrish, deputy chief of Public Affairs, said the USACE is being impacted by a federal hiring freeze which is also changing how it is able to offer its services.

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Currently, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is operating under a federal hiring freeze, which is impacting our ability to fully execute all authorized missions, Parrish said. We are evaluating our operational options to ensure public safety and responsible resource management of Tulsa Districts recreational facilities.

Parrish said the USACE understands how important the recreational areas are to the public and is working to determine what the best options are moving forward. He said no decisions have been finalized yet regarding changes to operations for lakes that fall under the Tulsa District of the USACE.

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The USACE Kansas City District announced on April 24 that people may find recreational activities to be limited or outright gone at some of the lakes it manages in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri and Iowa. The USACE said the changes would go into effect starting on May 15, 2025 due to seasonal staffing issues and resource limitations.

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People were told to expect changes at all 18 of the lakes within the USACE Kansas City District. The USACE also said there would be significant reductions in services for the following areas:

Campground closures North and South Outlet Park at Harlan County Lake in Nebraska. Closure of 25 primitive campsites, river access and day use remain open. Minooka Park, Marshall Cove Loop at Wilson Lake in Kansas. Closed for dispersed overnight use while day use remains open.

Information center impacts Hillsdale Lake Information Center at Hillsdale Lake in Kansas. Closed to the public, no public services including interagency pass and USACE annual pass sales. Kanopolis Lake Information Center at Kanopolis Lake in Kansas. Closed to the public, pass sales by appointment only.



When are the free fishing days in Kansas?

For more Kansas Outdoors, 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.

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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is going up against Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson. Murrill wants the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office to cooperate with ICE to detain illegal immigrants.

Hopefully we could find a way to best balance both the state law and the constitutional rights of people, said Al Otro Lado Staff Attorney Jeremy Jong.

I think well be on our way to dissolving this consent decree, just like the people of Louisiana put in the law last year, said Principal Deputy Solicitor General for the Attorney Generals Office Zack Faircloth.

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Legal analysts, immigrant advocates weigh in on Louisiana attorney general immigration policies lawsuit

The legal battle between the OPSO and Murrill could come to an end soon.

Murrill is asking a judge to end the federal consent decree that prohibits the housing of inmates for immigration violations in the Orleans Parish prison.

State law requires there are no sanctuary policies in the state of Louisiana. We think this consent decree prohibits the sheriff from being able to comply with that state law requirement. Were here to lift that burden off their shoulder and allow them to comply with state law, said Faircloth.

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The policy surrounds a 2013 case where two men were picked up for immigration violations and held for months at the request of ICE.

Opponents believe if the judge dissolves the consent decree, there will be a ripple effect.

Statewide there are issues with over detention. There have been numerous lawsuits filed against numerous law enforcement agencies all across the state for holding people past the release dates, and yeah, we fear that thats what would happen again. said Jong.

The sheriffs office plans to go into mediation with the plaintiffs to see where they can compromise.

Disturbing new details uncovered in Bella Fontenelle homicide trial

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If the judge says the jail must house ICE detainees, there are concerns that there may not be enough deputies to handle to influx of inmates.

I dont think its a secret that our office is in need of resources. Seriously, the requirements and demands of our office have only increased and the financial support specifically has remained the same, and in some instances decreased, said OPSO Chief of Staff John Williams.

For now, the OPSO policy remains in place.

Were going to pursue every path that allows us to ensure state laws are enforced. So, whether thats an appeal in this case or whether thats separate litigation. Were still evaluating our options, but certainly were going to leave the door open, said Faircloth.

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There is no timeline for when the judge will make her decision.

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
Xiaotian Liu (center) speaks at a press conference with Ron Abramson (left), of Shaheen & Gordon, and Gilles Bissonnette, legal director of the ACLU of New Hampshire. Liu is challenging a Trump administration move to cancel his record of immigration in an online database, on April 22, 2025. (Ethan DeWitt | New Hampshire Bulletin)

A federal judge in New Hampshire ordered the Trump administration to restore the immigration record of a Dartmouth College student from China, weeks after it was deleted without warning.

In an order released Tuesday, Judge Samantha Elliott of the U.S. District Court of New Hampshire issued a preliminary injunction against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), requiring that the students record be put back and stopping it from being eliminated again. The injunction will last for the duration of a lawsuit filed by the student, Xiaotian Liu.

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Liu, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in computer science, received an email from the college on April 4 informing him there was no longer a record of him in the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), the DHS database that displays the immigration status for international students. Lius visa was not revoked and he did not face deportation, but the deletion of the record forced him to stop his doctoral research, and stop earning a salary from the college.

Initially, the department did not provide a reason. Liu later sued to restore the record with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire and Ron Abramson, an attorney for Shaheen & Gordon. He claimed the record deletion violated the Administrative Procedure Act, as well as his Fifth Amendment right to due process, as there was no warning and no way to contest the decision.

DHS later suggested in an affidavit that the record was deleted in part due to an incident at the Detroit Airport in 2022 in which Liu encountered an administrative error with his study visa and was required to return to China temporarily. And lawyers for the government sought to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that DHS had authority over the database and that Liu had not proven that he was irreparably harmed, since he could still transfer to Ph.D. programs in other countries.

But Elliott disagreed, writing that Lius inability to continue his research has significant and irreparable consequences for his academic trajectory. She noted that Dartmouth policy caps funding for doctoral research to five years, and said the record deletion could put Liu in a position where he could fail to finish his Ph.D.

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Elliott also noted that if he were blocked from his research for a substantial length of time, Liu could be found to be out of compliance with his student visa requirements, which could lead to his immigration status being terminated. That, in turn, could lead to deportation.

 The termination of Lius F-1 status and SEVIS record exposes him to the possibility of removal, Elliott wrote. The threat of removal constitutes irreparable harm in this case because of the interplay between Lius immigration status and his academic and professional development.

The order came after the Trump administration announced Friday that it would restore the SEVIS status for thousands of students whose status had been effectively suspended when the records were deleted. But in Lius case, Elliotts order guarantees that his status will remain unchanged and his SEVIS record intact for the duration of the trial.

The order does not end the legal fight; lawyers for both sides are now moving into the discovery phase of the lawsuit, and will eventually return to the district court for a trial.

We are thrilled that this court ruling means Xiaotian can continue researching what he loves  computer science  right here in New Hampshire, said Gilles Bissonnette, legal director of the ACLU of New Hampshire, in a statement. The court made clear today that no administration can circumvent the law to unilaterally punish students who have followed all of the rules and strip them of their legal status, disrupt their studies, and put them at risk of deportation.
Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo told Assembly lawmakers he expected no federal cuts through September. (Photo courtesy of New Jersey Assembly)

New Jerseys Department of Labor is unlikely to see its federal funding cut through the end of the U.S. governments October-to-September fiscal year, but officials remain concerned about the prospect of future cuts, state Labor Commissioner Rob Asaro-Angelo told Assembly lawmakers Wednesday.

In my mind, we are status quo through the end of September. At that point, well see what Congress does, Asaro-Angelo told the panel. Its hard to predict whats going to happen, clearly. I think most of the cuts being talked about are not in labor. Traditionally, workforce development has been more of a bipartisan issue.

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Federal dollars account for a significant portion of the departments annual budget. In the coming July-to-June state fiscal year, the $603.2 million in federal monies the department expects to receive would account for 48.5% of its proposed operational budget.

The impact of federal funding on department staffing is greater. Such monies are set to fund roughly 72.6% of the departments 3,184 positions in the coming 2026 fiscal year, including all positions administering unemployment insurance, according to budget materials and the commissioners testimony.

The department, along with all others receiving federal dollars, faced a federal funding freeze earlier this year under an executive order issued by President Donald Trump that called for the U.S. government to stop to all disbursements of federal financial assistance.

Remember, the week after inauguration, basically our access and many departments access to federal funding ceased, the commissioner said. It was, no doubt about it, the craziest time in our department since COVID.

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That order has since been paused under a preliminary injunction issued by a Rhode Island District Court judge.

New Jerseys unemployment fund is still recovering from record-high jobless claims seen during the pandemic. Asaro-Angelo said the states Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund had a balance of $1.6 billion, which he expected would rise to roughly $2 billion after unemployment taxes billed in the first quarter of 2025 were collected.

Were very healthy. I give major credit to the folks around me, but also to be clear: Were healthy because we have ever-increasing employment in New Jersey, the commissioner said. These contributions come from workers who are working and employers who are employing people, and as I said in my remarks, we have more workers than ever before, more businesses than ever before.

Still, the department, in separate responses to lawmakers, cautioned that employers unemployment tax rates would remain elevated through fiscal 2027.

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It said rates would have been lower in both fiscal 2026 and 2027 were it not for a 2020 law that phased in employer unemployment tax increases in a bid to defray the tax impact of high joblessness.

The overall health of the unemployment trust fund determines the range of employer unemployment tax rates used in a given fiscal year, while an individual employers use of unemployment benefits determines their rate within that range. Rates for fiscal 2025 ranged from 0.6% to 6.4%.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  A suspect whom authorities have linked to white supremacist movements has been arrested in the March 2019 fire that destroyed an office at a storied Tennessee social justice center.

Regan Prater was arrested last Thursday and charged with one count of arson.

An affidavit filed in federal court in East Tennessee says Prater's posts in several group chats affiliated with white supremacist organizations connect him to the blaze at the Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market. In one private message, a witness who sent screenshots to the FBI asked a person authorities believe is Prater whether he set the fire.

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I'm not admitting anything, the person using the screen name Rooster wrote. But he later went on to describe exactly how the fire was set with a sparkler bomb and some Napalm.

A white-power symbol was spray-painted on the pavement near the site of the fire. The affidavit describes it as a triple cross and says it was also found on one of the firearms used by a shooter who killed 51 people at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 15, 2019, about two weeks before the Highlander fire.

Prater was previously sentenced to five years in federal prison for setting another fire in June 2019 at an adult video and novelty store in East Tennessee. He pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay $106,000 in restitution in that case. At the scene of that fire, investigators found a cellphone they later determined belonged to Prater. The phone included a short video showing a person inside the store lighting an accelerant, according to the affidavit.

The federal public defender listed as representing Prater did not respond to an email and phone message requesting comment.

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Yearslong investigation sparked worries for Highlander's leaders

The blaze at Highlander broke out in the early morning of March 29, 2019. No one was injured. The building that burned was part of a complex and it housed decades' worth of irreplaceable documents, artifacts, speeches and other materials from different eras including the Civil Rights Movement.

In an interview, Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson, a former co-executive director at Highlander, recalled arriving at the scene of the fire to discover some priceless items from the administrative office still smoldering.

Every time the wind blew, we would see what was left of it go up in flames again, for weeks, Woodard Henderson said.

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The trauma of the ordeal was compounded by a feeling that, despite early signs that the culprit had ties to white supremacist movements, authorities were opaque about the investigation, Woodard Henderson said.

We were told that it was like finding a needle in the haystack to prove who did it  that thats in fact the point of an arson, she said. You've got to remember this was 2019, so Donald Trump was still in his first presidency. Frankly, for years, we didnt get any updates.

A week after the incident, Democratic U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, of Memphis, called for a federal probe. He also called on more government funding to counter an uptick in hate crimes and white nationalism nationwide.

Woodard Henderson said authorities informed Highlander's leaders in 2022 that they were indeed victims of a hate-motivated attack.

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Rosa Parks, John Lewis and Martin Luther King, Jr. had ties to the center

Highlander is known as a place where Civil Rights icons such as Rosa Parks and John Lewis received training. Parks attended a workshop there on integration in 1955, about six months before she famously refused to move to the back of a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. She always credited Highlander with helping her become a more determined activist.

Parks returned to Highlander two years later with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. for the schools 25th anniversary celebration, where King gave a keynote address on achieving freedom and equality through nonviolence.

First established in Monteagle in 1932 as a center for union organizing, first lady Eleanor Roosevelt was among its early supporters.

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Highlanders co-founder and longtime leader, Myles Horton, a white man, created a place that was unique in the Jim Crow South, where activists white and Black could build and strengthen alliances. In his memoir, Congressman Lewis wrote of how eye-opening being at Highlander was.

Highlander was the first time in my life that I saw black people and white people not just sitting down together at long tables for shared meals, but also cleaning up together afterward, doing the dishes together, gathering together late into the night in deep discussion, he wrote.

That paved the way for Highlanders work around the Civil Rights Movement, or the Black Freedom Struggle, as we should rightly call it, said Allyn Steele, a co-executive director of Highlander.

Highlander turns 93 this year and, six years past the fire, it expects to complete a rebuild of its administrative office, Steele said.

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Woodard Henderson said the arson attack on the center has never deterred it from its mission.

I think if their goal was to break our spirit, they failed miserably, she said. If anything, it reminded us that theres a collective responsibility in our movements to keep each other safe.

___

Morrison reported from New York City. Associated Press writer Terry Tang in Phoenix contributed to this report.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. Efforts to strengthen transport connectivity across Central Asia took center stage at a recent TRACECA meeting, where officials discussed digitalization of transit procedures and enhanced ferry operations across the Caspian Sea, Trend reports.

Within the framework of the official meeting Asset Assavbayev, Secretary General of the PS IGC TRACECA met with Edgars Skuja, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to Azerbaijan. During the meeting the current and prospective TRACECA projects, as well as transport potential and possibilities of Latvia as an observer country in the IGC TRACECA were discussed.

Key topics included the launch of a pilot project for the digital e-CIM/SMGS consignment note, the introduction of electronic transport permits, and the development of a unified transit permit under the TRACECA framework. These initiatives aim to streamline logistics and support the growing trade flows between Europe, the Caucasus, and Asia.

A major point of discussion was the ongoing development of the 20272036 strategy for the International Transport Corridor (ITC) EuropeCaucasusAsia, which places Central Asia as a critical hub for EastWest transit. The TRACECA Fund, designed to facilitate such projects, may also see expanded involvement from observer countries.

Asset Assavbayev highlighted recent progress in multimodal cargo transport via a pilot route linking Lithuania to Kazakhstan through the Black and Caspian Seas. The success of the initiative was made possible through cooperation among transport and customs authorities from Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Lithuania.

The meeting also welcomed growing interest from countries such as Latvia and Greece, reflecting broader European engagement in TRACECAs evolving regional infrastructure plans.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Federal law enforcement officials were present Tuesday morning in a Greene County neighborhood.

When our 2 NEWS crew arrived to the area of Mapleridge Drive in Fairborn on April 29, law enforcement was at the location.

2 NEWS learned from a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives spokesperson on April 30 that ATF officials were conducting a court authorized search warrant in the Fairborn area on April 29.

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As of date, the spokesperson said no additional information could be released.

This story is developing.

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A former steelworkers union president in Ypsilanti was sentenced to six months in federal prison and is to pay more than $56,000 in restitution, federal prosecutors say, with most of the money returning to the union after he spent it in shoe stores and for flights, lodging and rental cars.

Dilanjan Miller, 38, was sentenced April 29 in U.S. District Court in Detroit after pleading guilty to bank fraud in October.

Miller was elected president of United Steelworkers Local 2513 in April 2018 and assumed financial duties as acting financial secretary and treasurer, serving in the positions until May 2021, when he left his job. He worked at Marsh Plating in Ypsilanti, with the union representing about 30 machine operators, inspectors, stock chasers and rackers, prosecutors said.

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The government indicated in a sentencing memorandum that he stole from co-workers who trusted them with their "hard-earned wages," spending the money on "selfish pleasures" across the U.S.

Prosecutors wrote that Miller "allowed his judgment to be fundamentally compromised by the lure of cash. Miller's positions gave him power and access to a piggy bank. Instead of using his power to protect the bank, he allowed himself to be corrupted by the power."

They asked for a sentence within the guideline range of eight to 11 months, in part, because of his "egregious conduct" and criminal history, including an incident when he was 16.

They said Miller was a passenger in a car with other young men in 2004 when the driver shot and killed a man in Saginaw, a day after the driver's best friend was fatally shot. Miller was given immunity for his testimony, prosecutors wrote, and he was sentenced to 90 days in juvenile detention for convictions of fleeing a police officer and carrying a concealed weapon.

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Miller's attorney, Allison Kriger, wrote in a sentencing memo in the bank fraud case that Miller's only prior adult conviction was failure to display a valid driver's license and that a sentence of probation or home confinement was "sufficient but not greater than necessary." She could not be immediately reached for comment after the sentencing.

In her memorandum, Kriger wrote that Miller acknowledges the seriousness of his conduct, but that there is more to him, and she included letters of support from his mother, girlfriend, friends and former co-worker. She indicated the letters paint a picture of a man "who has been intensely devoted to the well-being of family, faith, and redemption. They portray him as a man of generous heart and spirit. And, they also demonstrate his great and sincere remorse."

Since leaving Marsh Plating, Kriger wrote that Miller has sought to redeem himself and made "extraordinary strides toward rehabilitation." She indicated he "committed this crime while he was experiencing personal hardship, and he walked away from the offense voluntarily. Since that time, he has repeatedly demonstrated extraordinary positive change."

Kriger wrote that Miller has maintained gainful employment and is trying to better himself through his faith and service. She also listed more than a dozen cases across the country in the last three years in which union officials who committed similar crimes were sentenced to probation or home confinement.

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Prosecutors said Miller issued 38 unauthorized checks to himself and forged the signature of the second signatory on 20 of the checks. They indicated he also issued four unauthorized checks made payable to a family member and made two unauthorized cash withdrawals from the union's bank account.

They indicated he also used the union's debit card as his own personal debit card, making at least 184 unauthorized personal purchases totaling over $11,000.

All told, prosecutors say, he stole more than $58,000.

They ticked off his purchases, including hundreds of dollars at jewelry and shoe stores in Dearborn and Las Vegas; vehicle rentals in and/or airfare to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas and Atlanta; lodging in Michigan and Myrtle Beach, and fuel, meal and bar purchases at a casino and lounge in Detroit as well as a gentlemans club in Dearborn.

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Prosecutors indicate Miller's criminal activity was not a "spontaneous decision borne out of financial distress; rather, his law breaking was generated and prolonged by daily and hourly decisions, and it was within his sole power to cease his criminal activity and disloyalty at any point."

Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck said in a news release after the sentencing: "Union officials are expected to serve with integrity. This prosecution demonstrates that we will not tolerate union officers who abuse their authority and line their own pockets at the expense of the union's membership."

Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter.

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Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dilanjan Miller gets 6-month sentence for taking union funds
The federal government launched an investigation into Chicago Public Schools on Tuesday related to allegations of discrimination in the districts Black Student Success Plan.

The plan to uplift Black students was solidified in 2021 legislation creating an elected school board. Activists who championed it argued that Black students were uniquely positioned to fail due to long-standing racial inequalities in Chicago and the result of historic and ongoing discrimination in the United States.

But students of all races struggle academically in Chicago, according to a press release issued by the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights on Tuesday.

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The release acknowledged that the CPS had organized dozens of meetings with community members to implement the plan. It cited district data reporting low reading levels for Black students, but said that Latino students face even more difficulties.

Rather than address its record honestly, CPS seeks to allocate additional resources to favored students on the basis of race, Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary for civil rights, is quoted as saying in the release.

District officials said in a statement that CPS does not comment on ongoing investigations. The Black Student Success Plan is codified in and mandated by state law, officials said.

Among other commitments, the plan aims to increase the number of Black educators, work to reduce disciplinary actions against Black students and increase efforts to teach Black history and culture in classrooms.

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The district initially released its blueprint for improving educational outcomes for Black students in February. It was immediately challenged by a group with a history of scorning race-based policies, called Parents Defending Education.

The Department of Educations announcement of its investigation refers to that groups complaint, which alleged the districts Black Student Success Plan violates Title VI by focusing on remedial measures only for Black students. Parents Defending Education also filed a complaint against a similar initiative in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Tuesdays investigation announcement is part of a series of government actions targeting the school district. In March, the federal government opened an investigation into CPS and the state for alleged violations of sex discrimination under Title IX. President Donald Trumps administration threatened to withhold funding from school districts earlier this month for failing to comply with civil rights law.

Trump has also requested state compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, referencing certain DEI practices or illegal DEI.

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Tony Sanders, state superintendent of education, wrote a letter in response that the Illinois State Board of Education will comply with Title VI and its implementing regulation and that there are no federal or State laws prohibiting diversity, equity, or inclusion.

District leaders have thus far stood strong in the face of threats on their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. At a board meeting last week, school board members solidified their commitment to the plan by codifying the Black Student Success Committee, chaired by longtime education activist Jitu Brown, of District 5 on the West Side.
A botched effort by the Trump administration to raise red flags about thousands of foreign students studying in the United States began with a rushed project by immigration officials dubbed the Student Criminal Alien Initiative, according to new details revealed in court Tuesday.

Beginning in March, as many as 20 Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, aided by contractors, ran 1.3 million names of foreign students through a federal database that tracks criminal histories, missing persons and other brushes with the law. The search found about 6,400 hits that officials concluded were solid matches for names and other biographical details in the students records, Homeland Security officials said during a hearing.

But many of those hits flagged students who had minor interactions with police  arrests for reckless driving, DUIs and misdemeanors, with charges often dropped or never brought at all  far short of the legal standard required to revoke a students legal ability to study in the U.S. Nevertheless, ICE officials used that data to terminate the students records in an online database schools and ICE use to track student visa holders in the U.S. Those terminations led schools to bar students from attending classes  some just weeks from graduation  and warn that they could be at risk of immediate deportation.

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The action spawned more than 100 lawsuits, resulting in dozens of restraining orders issued by judges across the country, who called the effort unlawful. On Friday, with more legal pain looming, the administration reversed the terminations and said it was drafting a new policy to vet foreign students in the U.S.

But Tuesdays hearing revealed the hurried nature of the overall effort. Hundreds of the terminations, an ICE official who helped oversee the effort said, came less than 24 hours after an April 1 email exchange between his office and the State Department, with little sign of review of individual cases to ensure the decisions were accurate. In addition, the State Department relied on the data to revoke the visas of 3,000 people.

When the courts say due process is important, were not unhinged, were not radicals, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes said during an hourlong hearing. Im not on a lark questioning why students who have been here legally, who paid to be in this country by paying their universities  theyre cut off with less than 24 hours of consideration and no notice whatsoever.

The origin of the initiative

ICE and Justice Department officials described the ill-fated, resource-intensive effort under pressure by Reyes. The Biden-appointed judge used Tuesdays hearing to elicit as many specifics as possible about the administrations effort to target foreign students admitted to the country on so-called F-1 visas. Once admitted, those students are tracked in an ICE database known as the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System, or SEVIS. Andre Watson, an official with ICEs Counter Threat Lead Development Unit, said the purpose of terminating the student SEVIS registrations was not necessarily to prompt the foreign nationals to leave the U.S., but as a red flag to trigger further scrutiny by government agencies or universities. But Reyes noted that no part of the program involved giving the affected students notice so they could explain their situations and avoid unnecessary consequences. The schools involved appear to have been given cursory reasons for the terminations, such as vague references to a criminal records check or students being out of status.

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And internal records revealed in court underscored the hasty nature of the process. After the State Department proposed revoking 3,000 visas, ICE weighed whether to focus its SEVIS terminations on those same 3,000 people.

Please terminate all, responded an official identified in court papers as a division chief in DHS Homeland Security Investigations. After more than a week of vague responses in court from government lawyers about the immigration status of those students whose records were terminated, Justice Department attorney Johnny Walker said being booted from SEVIS did not mean that students had to leave the U.S. immediately. But he acknowledged that some universities might require those students to stop going to classes.

Thats up to the school, Walker said.

Lawyers for the students have noted that failure to attend classes can put someone out of legal immigration status and be grounds for deportation.

Another due process rebuke

Reyes at one point derided the effort as the non-process process. She said the Trump administration had other options than simply terminating the students in the system and waiting to see what happens.

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You could have sent a letter to all these universities and said, Those people have come up on a hit, you may want to check them out, the judge said. Even after the hearing, it remained unclear how deeply DHS officials examined the reasons students had hits in the federal criminal justice database run by the National Crime Information Center, or NCIC. The University of Wisconsin student who brought the suit that led to Tuesdays hearing, Akshar Patel, had faced a reckless driving charge but it was ultimately dismissed.

Each record was scrutinized based on the criminal history, Watson said. If we deported every single individual in this country whos been tagged for speeding thered be very few people left, Reyes said. You and I both know Mr. Patel is not a criminal, right? And anyone looking at the record would know that hes not a criminal.

Reyes said it was stunning that federal employees were diverted for weeks onto the labor-intensive project, just as the Trump administration was seeking to fire huge swaths of the federal workforce.

It still boggles my mind that were firing tens of thousands of federal workers on no notice and then take 10 or 20 of them to run a bunch of names through a database to see if theyre still students, if they have a speeding record, the judge said. You know, not my call.

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A State Department spokesperson did not provide any information on changes to their vetting practices or statistics about visa revocations, but said they happen on an ongoing basis.

The State Department will continue to work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to enforce zero tolerance for aliens in the United States who violate U.S. laws, threaten public safety, or in other situations where warranted, the spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for DHS did not respond to a request for comment.


CHEYENNE  Workplace advocates rallied Monday for Wyoming's state and federal lawmakers to end the state's right-to-work policies and shift to a pro-union state during a Workers Memorial Day event at the state Capitol.

For the past 20 years, Wyoming has consistently placed among the top five states in the nation for highest workplace fatality rates, according to the Wyoming AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations).

Total workplace fatalities rose from 34 in 2022 to 45 in 2023 in Wyoming, the highest recorded number of deaths in a single year in the state for at least a decade, according to the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.

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Wyoming had the highest workplace facility rate in the nation in 2023, with 16 deaths per 100,000 employees, according to AFL-CIO. This is nearly double the second-highest rate in the country: West Virginia's 8.3 deaths per 100,000 employees.

Everything you remember tonight represents not just a statistic, but a universe, a web of relationships, dreams, morning coffee rituals, favorite songs and loved ones who still fill the empty space at their dinner tables, said Wyoming AFL-CIO Executive Director Marcie Kindred. Behind every workplace fatality lies a story that was cut short, too.

Workers Memorial Day lands on April 28, the same day the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) went into effect nearly 25 years ago, and commemorates the men and women who lost their lives on a job site. The primary purpose of OSHA is to ensure healthy and safe working conditions for all American employees.

A group of around 40 people attended Monday evening's event, many of them representing local unions from a myriad of industries, including steel, transportation, fire, mining, and construction and energy. Miner and United Steelworkers Local 13214 President Marshal Cummings said right-to-work laws are standing in the way of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

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(Right-to-work is) not about jobs. It's not about freedom, Cummings said. It's about weakening the very organizations, our unions, that keep us safe.

Speakers at the event said they were tired of repeating these same words after little action from the state. Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association Executive Director Marcia Shanor said it feels hollow.

It shouldn't be one time a year that we all get together and talk about why this is an important issue, Shanor said. It should be every day.

She said the state needs to collect more data on workplace accidents in order to strategize better solutions that reduce casualties on the job. Kindred said Wyoming has six OSHA inspectors, and it would take them 307 years to inspect every workplace in the state just one time.

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Isnt that tragically poetic? 307, the single area code that Wyomingites share, Kindred said. This isn't a criticism of OSHA. It's a stark illustration of how severely under-resourced our safety infrastructure is.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was heavily affected when 10,000 employees were laid off April 1 in the federal Department of Health and Human Services. NIOSH is an agency of HHS, and most of its supervisors and research scientists were terminated, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association.

Cummings told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle a scheduled health hazard evaluation for his mine was cancelled because the inspector was fired.

She emailed me and said, I want to let you know it's not happening. I was fired, Cummings said. There's not much I can do.
April 29 (UPI) -- Family members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion accepted a Congressional Gold Medal on Tuesday and 80 years after the unit was deployed during World War II.

"This remarkable story has rightly captured imaginations," House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said at the award ceremony.

"It has now inspired books and movies [and] stirred the consciousness of millions of Americans who are just now hearing and sharing this incredible story," Johnson added.

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He presented the Congressional Gold Medal to the family of unit commander Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley as more than 300 family members and descendants of 6888th battalion members attended the ceremony.

Stanley Earley III and Judith Earley, who are Col. Earley's son and daughter, accepted the award.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks during a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony honoring the "Six Triple Eight" in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

The U.S. Army deployed the predominantly Black and all-woman unit to Birmingham, England, in February 1945 to sort out a massive problem.

The Army had about 17 million undelivered pieces of mail that needed to reach their 7 million intended recipients. Many service members hadn't received mail in more than a year.

Judith Earley (L) and Stanley Earley III, the daughter and son of Col. Charity Adams Early, accept the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of the 6888th battalion in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

The 855-member battalion was tasked with sorting out the problem and accomplished the feat before being disbanded in 1946.

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The unit received a Meritorious Unit Commendation from the U.S. Armed Forces in 2019 and was the subject of a 2024 film directed by Tyler Perry.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award issued by Congress.

The House in 2022 unanimously approved an enabling bill with a 422-0 vote after the Senate approved honoring the unit in 2021.

President Joe Biden signed the enabling measure into law in 2022.

Many incorrectly referred to the 6888th as an "all-black" unit, but it was "predominantly black" and had at least two Hispanic members.

The unit's second-oldest surviving member, PFC Crescencia Garcia, 102, is Puerto Rican.

The Army mistakenly referred to the unit as "colored" or "negro," which led to its false designation as an "all-Black" unit.
DES MOINES, Iowa  A fertilizer byproduct leak in a Fort Dodge creek in mid-April resulted in the death of thousands of fish, according to an Iowa Department of Natural Resources report.

Reynolds signs classroom cell phone ban into law

On April 14, CJ Bio America reported to the DNR that a fertilizer byproduct leak from their plant had entered a stormwater channel. Staff at CJ Bio America told the DNR that the leak had been contained, but a breach in the berm of the stormwater channel was later discovered, the DNR said. DNR staff on-site found that the fertilizer byproduct had entered the South Branch of Lizard Creek and observed the byproduct several miles downstream.

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According to a DNR fish kill report, the leak not only impacted the South Branch of Lizard Creek, but also reached Lizard Creek. The report states the fish kill spanned over 15 miles and resulted in an estimated 71,933 fish killed. The majority of the fish killed were minnows, shiners, dace, and chub, but other species like small mouth bass and suckers were impacted.

To view the full report visit the DNRs website.

Iowa News:

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Final autopsy reports have been released for Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.

The reports obtained by Deadline confirm the main cause of death for Hackman was severe heart disease and advanced Alzheimers as a contributing factor. The report also revealed he had a low concentration of acetone in his system that indicates he hadnt eaten for several days prior to his death. He tested negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs.

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The report noted that the 95-year-old actor showed severe heart disease, including multiple surgical procedures involving the heart, that he had experienced congestive heart failure, had an aortic valve replacement and an irregular heart beat. He was given a pacemaker in April 2019. His pacemaker showed an abnormal heart rhythm on February 17, the day he likely died, according to New Mexicos chief medical examiner.

The report also noted Hackmans carbon monoxide concentration was less than 5%, which is within the normal range.

The report for Arakawa also confirmed she died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by infected rodent droppings, and that her lungs were fillled with fluid. The report also revealed a mild hardening of the vessels that supplied blood to her heart and body.

Arakawa tested negative for Covid-19 and the flu and her body showed no signs of trauma, according to the report. Her carbon monoxide levels were within normal range, and she tested positive for caffeine and negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs.

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Investigators revealed previously that Arakawa had searched online for symptoms of Covid, flu, dizziness and nosebleeds. Police had previously said Arakawa made several calls to a health clinic February 12 for medical treatment, which she never received.

Hackman tested negative for the hantavirus, according to the autopsy report.

Married since 1991 and notoriously private, Hackman and Arakawas bodies, as well as that of their deceased dog, were first discovered by maintenance workers on the afternoon of February 26.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. The Declaration of Cooperation (DoC), often referred to as OPEC+, remains fully focused on achieving a balanced and stable oil market, Haitham Al Ghais, OPEC Secretary General, said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

OPEC+ endeavours to support market stability for the benefit of all industry stakeholders, including producers, consumers and investors, as well as the global economy at large. The groups voluntary production adjustments have proven very beneficial in this regard. In fact, oil as a commodity was the least volatile in 2024, largely due to the efforts of the DoC.

Now in its ninth year, the DoC has a proven track record of helping to overcome market instability, including the downturn that resulted from COVID-19, and several instances of global economic uncertainty, he said.

Al Ghais noted that with numerous achievements to date, and a strong commitment to unity and cohesion among participating countries, OPEC+ is well poised to continue stabilizing oil markets moving forward: OPEC+ is a vital cog in the global oil and energy market landscape.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  The final defendant facing charges for the murder of an Albuquerque teen at a house party in 2022 accepted a plea agreement Tuesday.

Jesse Parra, 21, pleaded guilty to shooting at a dwelling or occupied building (resulting in death), conspiracy to commit shooting at a dwelling or occupied building (resulting in death), and two counts of tampering with evidence for the shooting death of 18-year-old Jada Gonzales.

BCSO: Deputy fatally shoots domestic violence suspect following physical altercation

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Parra, who was 19 at the time of the incident, and a group of teens showed up uninvited to a house party in northwest Albuquerque and began taking pictures of themselves with guns before being thrown out of the party.

According to investigators, the group returned in a car driven by Parra, and the passengers inside started shooting at the home where the party was being held. One of the bullets hit Gonzales in the abdomen, killing her. Investigators said Parra was the driver of the car.

Parra is set to be sentenced on July 24.

In January, co-defendant Cruz Medina, who was 16 at the time of the shooting, was sentenced to 24 years in prison. In September, Isaiah Espinosa, also 16 at the time of the murder and the person who fired the round that killed Gonzales, was sentenced to 29 years in prison.

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Jesse Barrios, who was 18, recorded the crime on his cell phone. He was taken into ICE custody last month, according to the District Attorneys Office.

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LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK)  A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Tuesday afternoon for the new Finns Friends headquarters in Longview.

TVCC alum joins Savannah Bananas as key production team member

Finns Friends is a non-profit that was created in 2020 to raise awareness and help families whose children have been diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The non-profit was created by Paula Florczykowski after her son Finn was diagnosed with the disease at an early age.

Courtesy of Longview Chamber of Commerce

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Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a rare and fatal disease that wastes away the muscles. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 1 in every 3,600 males is affected by the disease. The NIH says that Duchenne is one of the most common and severe congenital myopathies.

Popular Tyler soda shop announces their closure

Earlier this year Florczykowski spoke about what inspired her to create Finns Friends.

We wanted to just let our community in on what we were facing and to be able to tell his story really well and so we did that, Florczykowski said. We created a non-profit to do those things and as the years have gone on, we realized that our shift has been more for family assistance.

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The event took place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the new headquarters which is located at 434 East Loop 281. Following the ribbon cutting, a small ceremony was held in celebration of the nonprofits new headquarters.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The El Paso Fire Department responded to a hazmat situation on Wednesday, April 30, in El Pasos Lower Valley.

The Fire Department says they responded to a small medical center on the 8000 block of North Loop about reports of a gas odor.

Construction in the area may have hit a gas line, the Fire Department said.

Texas Gas responded to the scene, and crews ventilated the nearby medical office suites, the Fire Department said.

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Texas Gas will be handling the incident and has called dig crews to look at the area.

No further information has been released.

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NORWALK, Conn. (WTNH)  Twenty-two people were displaced in a 3-alarm multifamily house fire on Lexington Avenue in Norwalk on Tuesday.

The Norwalk Fire Department said they responded to a call of a fire in an occupied multifamily home around 2:40 p.m. Occupants on the second and third floors were unaware of the fire, which was quickly extinguished.

5 cars struck in crash at Norwalk car wash

Firefighters said the bulk of the fire was on a third-floor living space and sections behind the knee-walls. The fire escalated to a 3-alarm due to the people inside and a failed fire hydrant water supply.

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Norwalk FD said a total of 41 firefighters, consisting of five engines, two ladders, and a rescue company with command and support staff, responded to the fire. Five Norwalk Hospital paramedics also responded, but reduced personnel after it was confirmed there were no civilian or firefighter casualties.

The Norwalk Fire Marshals office is investigating the cause of the fire.

The American Red Cross is aiding the four families displaced by the fire.

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Texas Health and Human Services Commission late Wednesday began notifying another 33,529 recipients of state benefits that their private information had been improperly accessed.

The latest announcement comes as the state agency continues to investigate a series of breaches by its own employees of its database for Medicaid, food stamp and other assistance programs.

Three months ago, the state notified 61,104 Texans that their personal information may have been improperly accessed by state employees. At that time, seven state employees tied to the breach had been fired including two who stole from recipients food stamp cards.

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In February, the agency notified lawmakers that another two state employees had been fired, bringing to a total of nine state employees who had accessed individuals accounts without a stated business reason.

HHSC officials said Wednesday that these fired employees are now responsible for breaching the personal information of another 33,529 account holders who had either applied or received assistance between June 2021 and January 2025. It is not known how many of those account holders had their benefits compromised.

The state agency recommends that affected individuals carefully review their accounts and health care provider, insurance company and financial institution statements to make sure their account activity is correct. Any questionable charges should be reported promptly to the provider or company and contact law enforcement.

HHSC advises Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to check their Lone Star Card transactions for potential fraudulent activity at YourTexasBenefits.com or through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app. Recipients who believe they may have been a victim of SNAP fraud should call 2-1-1, select a language, and choose option 3 to report the fraud to the Texas Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. They should also contact law enforcement to report the fraud and visit a local HHSC benefits office to have their benefits replaced.

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HHSC has determined full names, home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, email addresses, Social Security numbers, Medicaid and Medicare identification numbers, financial, employment, banking, benefits, health, insurance, medical, certificate, license and other personal information may have been inappropriately accessed. Recipients who want to know more can go to this link on the agencys website.

The state agency is offering two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services to those affected by the breach. They can also call 866-362-1773, toll-free and use the engagement number B139792

In addition, HHSC has notified one of its contractors, Maximus, that one of the companys employees was suspected of improperly using personal information from HHSCs computer systems. Maximus has since terminated that employee for improperly accessing protected health information of Texans enrolled in state benefits between May 8, 2023 and Feb. 28, 2025.

The health agencys office of inspector general is investigating the data breaches.

Tickets are on sale now for the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, Texas breakout ideas and politics event happening Nov. 1315 in downtown Austin. Get tickets before May 1 and save big! TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Multiple fire crews responded to a house fire in southeast Oklahoma City Wednesday morning.

Officials say crews responded to a home near SE 89th St. and Sooner Rd. Upon arrival, smoke and flames could be seen coming from the structure.

SE OKC house fire. Image KFOR.

SE OKC house fire. Image KFOR.

It is unclear what caused the fire. One person was reportedly taken to a nearby hospital.

No more information is available at this time.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
April 30 (UPI) -- A Firefly Aerospace rocket launched from California crashed into the Pacific Ocean north of Antarctica, failing to place into low-Earth orbit a satellite for Lockheed Martin.

This was the latest in Alpha rocket failures for the Texas-based private company. It has two successes, two failures and two partial failures since its debut in September 2021.

The mission was called "Mission in a Booster."

On a foggy morning, the two-stage, 96.7-foot Alpha lifed off from Vandenburg Space Force's SLC-2W at 6:37 a.m. PDT Tuesday and reached 198.8 miles in space.

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After separating from the lower stage, the upper stage engine kept firing for more than six minutes, Ars Technica reported. After the stage shut down, Firefly announced that the rocket reached orbit.

Thirteen minutes into the mission, the rocket was programmed to release its single payload

Firefly ended its live webcast at this point.

Alpha encountered a problem after its two stages separated. The nozzle extracted from the stage's single Lightning engine.

"Initial indications showed Alpha's upper stage reached 320 km in altitude," the private company posted on X 90 minutes after liftoff. However, upon further assessment, the team learned the upper stage did not reach orbital velocity, and the stage and payload have now safely impacted the Pacific Ocean in a cleared zone north of Antarctica."

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Firefly Aeospace is investigating with Lockheed Martin, Space Force and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The launch was one day later than scheduled because of "an issue due to an issue with ground support equipment."

The mission originally was scheduled for mid-March but pushed back due to a lack of range availability at its launch site at the Vandenberg Space Force Base.

"Firefly recognizes the hard work that went into payload development and would like to thank our mission partners at Lockheed Martin for their continued support," the company said in a statement. "The team is working closely with our customers and the FAA to conduct an investigation and determine root cause of the anomaly."

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The mission carried Lockheed Martin's LM 400 tech demo. It was designed to test its capabilities in orbit with SmartSat software.

Firefly's rocket is designed to provide low-cost rides for mid-sized satellites, carrying payloads up to 2,866 pounds at $15 million per launch.

Alpha FLTA006 was the second mission Firefly launched for Lockheed Martin and the first of 25 planned missions over the next five years.

In September 2021, one of Alpha's four first-stage Reaver engines shut down unexpectedly about 15 seconds after liftoff.

Then in October 2022, Alpha's inaugural mission was considered a success even though the rocket delivered two satellites to a lower orbit than planned

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In September 2023, Alpha had its first success as its payload went into orbit for Space Systems Command for the U.S. government.

In December 2023, Alpha placed a Lockheed Martin satellite in the wrong orbit after it experienced an anomaly with its second stage.

In July 2024, Alpha successfully launched eight CubeSats for NASA.

The next Firerfly Aerospace flight for Lockheed is scheduled in the second quarter of 2025.

Alpha is manufactured and tested at Firefly's Texas Rocket Ranch in Briggs, Texas, which is 50 miles north of Austin.

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost completed its successful commercial moon landing on March 2. Blue Ghost carried instruments for 10 NASA-based scientific research projects.

It was launched Jan. 15 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Blue Ghost traveled more than 2.8 million miles.

Ultimately, Firefly plans to launch Alpha rockets from Florida.
The man vying to become Australias next prime minister has spent weeks trying to distance himself from comparisons to US President Donald Trump.

Im my own person, opposition Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton insisted, when asked for his thoughts on Temu Trump, the label given to him by critics referring to the Chinese website with a reputation for cheap copies.

Political analysts say comparisons to Trump have eaten away at any lead Dutton had over incumbent center-left Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is topping opinion polls before Saturdays vote.

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Ex-police officer Dutton became opposition leader after the center-right Liberal Party was swept from power three years ago, bringing with him a reputation as the uncompromising strongman of the partys right wing  a former minister for defense, home affairs and immigration.

Hes been accused of stoking culture wars, claims Australia takes in too many migrants, and days ago branded the nations public broadcaster hate media.

His instincts are those of a right-wing populist. I have no doubt about that, so they do bear resemblance to the kind of politics and rhetoric weve associated with Trump, said Frank Bongiorno, professor of history at the Australian National University.

The Trumpian strategy appears to have been encouraged by senior party members and Australias richest woman, mining magnate Gina Rinehart, who attended the US presidents inauguration and backs his drill baby drill mantra, according to reports from 2024.

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But what sounded like a vote winner backfired when the US president announced global tariffs, turning a prospective Trump bump into a Trump slump  something Canadas conservatives also experienced this week when they failed to win the national election.

Dutton also faces the potential ignominy of losing his own seat in parliament, as happened to Canadian Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre. Dutton holds Dickson, a constituency in the outer suburbs of Brisbane, by just 1.7%  and rivals are circling.

Australia is seeing a diluted version of the Canada trend, according to Marija Taflaga, director of the Center for the Study of Australian Politics at the Australian National University.

Trump has essentially created a rally around the flag effect, she said. In liberal democracies like Australia and Canada, (hes) flipped the incumbent from being in a disadvantaged position into an advantageous position, she added.

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Better the devil you know.

Businessman Clive Palmer and party leader Suellen Wrightson celebrate during the launch of the Trumpet of Patriots party on the Sunshine Coast, Australia, on April 19. - Dan Peled/Getty Images

The election pivoted

The most blatant grab for Trump supporters comes from mining billionaire Clive Palmer, of Titanic II fame, who launched Trump-inspired party the Trumpet of Patriots, vowing to end the two-party duopoly and make Australia great.

For the most part, Australian elections are a competition between Duttons Liberal Party and Albaneses Labor Party. Compulsory voting and a preference system that redistributes votes cast for candidates that fall out of the race mean both parties focus on securing the maximum middle ground.

The main issue this election has been the cost-of-living crisis, and both major parties have promised to help lower household bills with an array of tax cuts and handouts.

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In a program redolent of Trumps early moves since returning to the White House, Dutton promised 41,000 federal job cuts, an end to work-from-home privileges and an overhaul of woke school agendas  some of which hes had to roll back.

He also appointed a shadow minister for government efficiency, who told a recent rally the Liberal Party would make Australia great again  a comment that she later said she didnt realize shed made.

As recently as January, the Liberal leader was on a path to victory, according to Simon Jackman, an honorary professor at the University of Sydney and former chief executive officer of its US Studies Centre.

Then along comes Donald Trump and the election just pivoted, Jackman said.

US President Donald Trump delivers remarks on his tariffs in the White House Rose Garden on April 2. - Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Australians take an avid interest in US politics, so they were watching when the big US pharmaceutical companies complained that the Australian governments subsidy program was undervaluing US medicines; as US trade advisor Peter Navarro warned that Australian aluminum exports were killing Americas aluminum market; and when Democrat Sen. Mark Warner demanded to know why Australia, an incredibly important national security partner, had been whacked with 10% tariffs.

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But it was the post-tariff selling on international markets that really caught their attention, and older voters watched in horror as their retirement savings tracked south, Jackman said.

The narrative flipped from being sort of looking backwards at Labors economic performance to looking forward and (saying), Oh my goodness, the world is very different and dangerous and insecure, and our closest ally and strategic partner is saying all these horrible things about us. I thought the Americans liked us. Whats going on? said Jackman.

The Trump backlash presented an issue for Dutton. So, in mid-April, when asked by the moderator during a leaders debate if he trusted the US president, he seemed keen to put some distance between them. I dont know Donald Trump; Ive never met him, he said.

HMAS Stuart monitors Peoples Liberation Army-Navy Fuchi-class, right, and Renhai-class cruiser Zunyi off the coast of Western Australia in March. - LSIS Ernesto Sanchez/Royal Australian Navy

Easing off the China threat

During the last election in 2022, China was seen as the bigger issue.

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Relations had suffered under the previous Liberal Party leader Scott Morrison, who led a Coalition government with the National Party and suggested China be investigated for its role in the spread of the Covid pandemic. In response, China slapped tariffs on key Australian exports. While Labor touted its desire to improve relations, the Liberal Party talked up Chinas military threat and subsequently lost the votes of Chinese-Australians.

So, this election, despite the unprecedented circumnavigation by Chinese warships of Australia in February and March  complete with unannounced live-fire drills  discussion of Chinas threat to Australias national security has been relatively subdued.

Funnily enough, Trump is probably seen as a bigger threat to the global order than China, said Jackman.

The US presidents unpredictability, transactional approach to foreign affairs, and readiness to rip up past agreements has focused attention on whether Australia can trust the US under Trump.

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Critics of AUKUS, Australias key security deal with the US and United Kingdom, have cited the presidents recent behavior as proof that its too dangerous to outsource the countrys national security.

Donald Trump is a dangerous demagogue and is a threat to peace, a threat to democracy, and is also a threat to Australia, said Adam Bandt, leader of the Greens, Australias third-largest party, which is pushing for more housing, support for renters and stronger climate action.

Both Albanese and Dutton signed up to AUKUS and have defended the defense agreement.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Labor Candidate Tu Le take a selfie with members of the public during a visit to Freedom Plaza in the electorate of Fowler in Sydney, Australia, on April 28. - Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

A possible minority government

While polling suggests Albanese will win the election, its unclear if hell gain enough votes for a majority government, and analysts say its possible hell have to form a minority government with smaller parties or independents.

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This year, for the first time, Millennial and Gen Z voters will outnumber older demographics, and theyre expected to cast a more progressive, anti-establishment vote that could cost Labor seats.

Young renters who earn more than their parents but cannot afford to buy the house they grew up in have little reason to preserve the existing political order and appear happy to roll the dice on a minority government, Shaun Ratcliff, a political scientist from research firm Accent Research, told the National Press Club last week.

Bongiorno from the Australian National University says that, if Dutton loses, he cant blame the loss entirely on Trump. The Liberal campaign was ill-prepared and relied on voters being angry enough with Labor to want change, he said.

It hasnt been a disastrous government, and I think it was probably a mistake for the Coalition to imagine that it could simply wait around and watch it fall over, Bongiorno said.

A sign supporting Peter Dutton and the LNP on a fence in the suburb of Samford, Brisbane on April 23. - Dan Peled/Getty Images

As for Duttons challenge in Dickson, the seat hes held for more than 20 years, Bongiorno said the demographics of the area seem to be changing, and that may steer votes towards Labors Ali France or progressive independent Ellie Smith. I suspect hell hold on, Bongiorno said.

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The last of 18 million registered voters are expected to go to the polls on Saturday after a record turnout at early-voting centers.

Jackman said he didnt get the feeling that people were voting with gusto to remove the government, as they did three years ago to oust Morrison.

Sometimes it signals, Oh, I cant wait to get rid of this government, Jackman said. I dont get that same vibe this time, he added. I suspect its more just people want to get it over with.

We knew Trump mark two was going to be different, he said. I dont think anybody counted on just how different.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. One of the largest substations is being built in Azerbaijan to ensure the sustainable and safe integration of two GW of renewable energy sources being developed in the country into the energy system, as well as to perform the functions of the main nodal substation, Trend reports.

Azerenergy OJSC is poised to finalize the initial phase of the development of the new 500/330 kV Navai substation by the conclusion of 2025.



The execution of the new substation infrastructure and the deployment of high-voltage transmission lines rated at 500 kV and 330 kV signify the initiation of an advanced paradigm within the power distribution network. This initiative fundamentally encompasses a bifurcated approach, delineating two distinct phases of execution.

In the first phase, using internal resources of Azerenergy and part of the funds allocated from the state budget, the construction of the new substation and its 330 kV part is underway. This includes 500 kV transmission lines from Navai to Absheron and 330 kV transmission lines to the Bilasuvar solar power plants in the corresponding district and the Banka solar power plant in the eponymous settlement of the Neftchala district. The majority of the work, which began in September 2024, has already been completed according to schedule, and the first phase of the work is expected to be finished by the end of 2025. This will enable the connection of the Bilasuvar and Banka solar power plants to the energy system.

In the second phase of this large-scale energy project, financing from the WB is expected to begin. With the WB loan, the purchase and installation of the 500 kV Navai substation, transformers, and auxiliary equipment will take place, as well as the construction of 500 kV transmission lines from this substation to Mingachevir, including 330 kV transmission lines to Alat, Absheron, and Gobu. The implementation of this phase is scheduled to take three years.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Five life-saving principles of the adaptation course for recruits





At the end of last year, the General Staff of the Armed Forces introduced a mandatory 14-day adaptation period for recruits in brigades after completing basic military training at training centers. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, attributes the recorded decrease in Ukrainian combat losses in March to this measure, along with several other updates to the basic general military training course.

The Reforms Support Office of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine conducted a study, commissioned by the General Staff and the Command of the Ground Forces, to evaluate the experience of implementing this adaptation period in combat brigades. The research included analysis of units that had already implemented effective adaptation for recruits, as well as those that organized such efforts after the General Staff decided to scale the practice across the army. In total, in-depth interviews were conducted with deputy brigade commanders, heads of combat training, personnel training officers from 16 units of the Armed Forces and the National Guard. The insights and recommendations gathered during these interviews were used to develop proposals addressing common problems and challenges in fields of a unified recruit training methodology, salaries for instructors, logistical support etc.

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Of course, each brigade has its own context and characteristics  from internal culture to the specifics of tasks and terrain. These factors influence the decisions and processes involved in adapting recruits. Units looking to adopt others experience must take their own circumstances into account. Still, we identified five best practices as foundational for broader implementation across the army. Below is a summary of each approach.

Instructors with extensive combat experience. Most instructors have long service histories, particularly in these brigades. They often have friends and close connections in the units they are training recruits for and deeply understand the operational specifics. They actively use peer-to-peer networks to keep experience up to date. This ensures the training is aligned with the brigades current mission. Recruits clearly understand the relevance of the skills and knowledge they are gaining  how and why these will be used in real operations.

Its also worth noting that in some brigades all instructors have multiple serious injuries, while in others only a portion have. Many can no longer serve on the front line, but they continue to serve by applying their experience in this new role.

Respectful treatment of recruits. Brigade instructors communicate with newcomers humanly. They understand that discipline and disrespect are not the same  and that humiliating a soldier does not replicate combat conditions. Respectful treatment, the presence of team spirit, and a shared sense of responsibility for the brigades outcomes are critical instructors selection criteria. The personal example set by the head of combat training and training officers in showing zero tolerance for superiority toward new soldiers is especially important.

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Involvement of the "receiving side." Sergeants and commanders of the platoons and companies where recruits will be assigned after training are involved in the adaptation process. This allows them to form their own impressions of the recruits abilities, establish communication early on, and, in some cases, immediately create pairs or squads that will later transfer into combat units and undergo coordination.

Train as you fight. Training is maximally close to real combat conditions. The focus is not on isolated exercises, but on scenario-based training that mirrors real missions: deploying to a position, fortifying it, repelling an assault. All types of training, such as medical or tactical, are integrated into these scenarios. The emphasis is not on completing a training program, but on preparing for the actual types and formats of combat the recruits will soon face, and drilling critical skills until they become automatic. For example, radio operation is practiced until recruits can do it blindfolded, without illumination. The presence of enemy drones is constantly simulated, with mock air-dropped explosives introduced at unpredictable times to build constant vigilance.

After Action Review (AAR) and a culture of trust. The AAR protocol is used consistently after exercises, training missions, and simulations. Instructors dont draw conclusions for recruits  they teach them to self-analyze and correct mistakes. They foster a climate of mutual trust, where recruits are not ashamed to share thoughts, observations, or point out problems that others might overlook.

In conclusion, one of the most significant benefits of a high-quality adaptation period is a reduced rate of desertion. Brigades that recognize its importance and invest in its success help new soldiers better adapt to the exact combat roles they will soon take on. Understanding that commanders are committed to your training builds trust and confidence in ones own abilities.

Viktoriia Dvoretska, veteran and expert at the Reforms Support Office of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
According to a new study, Britain is worse for human flourishing than Indonesia; ranked 20th, in fact, out of 22 countries surveyed on six continents, in this curious metric. Our young people in particular, we learn, suffer from a paucity of meaning in life and fulfilling relationships. As for the latter, no wonder: have you met a 20-something lately, and specifically a 20-something man advertising his wares on Tinder?

On the surface, the results of the study do seem concerning, suggesting that Britain, in reality the end of the rainbow for all sorts of people the world over, is actually where happiness comes to die, where lives are lived in the hell of workaholism and packed commutes (or unemployment), broken infrastructure, fractured families, selfishness and dim prospects caused by wage suppression and cruelly high property prices.

But is this really the right way to look at things? Sure, Britain does resemble a hellscape in parts, with the most depressing possible architectural styles that a welfare state could dream up; high street crime, feral youths running around in tracksuits wielding machetes, baby formula locked to supermarket shelves

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But the reality is that all crap-ness is not created equal. Britain has its problems. It can be desperately shoddy and many people live lives that insult the notion of an advanced liberal democracy. But the implication that we should envy or even emulate Indonesia is ludicrous  its an Islamic country with limited or no prospects and education for the vast majority. Friends were there recently on holiday and spoke to lots of local children, none of whom had even heard of Donald Trump (though they had heard of Manchester United).

There is an implicit ticking off for countries, like Britain, who are not pervasively religious anymore. Its an obvious point to make  that secular countries come with some drawbacks  but the gains are infinite in comparison. In secular Britain, we have freedom to carve out our own fate, to approach knowledge and religion freely, without fear of cruelty or of artificial strictures.

If British humans dont always flourish  and this is not a guarantee that any state can or should make to all  then we all, at least technically, have the option to bring flourishing about for ourselves. There is help for those stuck in abusive families; good education guaranteed for all, available right to the top; indeed any number of mechanisms for enabling people to get to where they want to be. And if its religion we want or need, or meaning, well, theres nothing stopping us.

There is one area where I take the implications of this study seriously: and that is our obsession with mental health and feelings. Eradicating shame about mental problems, from learning difficulties to illness, is a huge step forward. Not being punished for having feelings is also good. But we have taken it to satirical extremes, inspired by the therapeutic excesses of the US.

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The destructive qualities of pathologising all aspects of experience are evident in the sheer number of young people who choose to honour their anxiety over their future. There are almost a million people between 16 and 24  one in eight  who are doing nothing with their lives  not education, employment or training.

The cost to the economy and the taxpayer of this is huge, but the waste of potential in the young people who choose this path, which gets harder to escape the further one goes on it, is the true tragedy.

A whole generation is struggling to enjoy, or even learn much, at university too; academics I know say the volume of pastoral work they now must do, which is mostly granting extensions due to anxiety, is shocking.

Religion isnt the answer to all this, but a collective message that getting on with things is much better than the alternative, and that treasures await those who do, would be helpful.

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If we spent less time working on why we feel triggered or debilitated by anxiety, and allowing all and sundry to use neurodiversity as a get-out clause, we might find we had more energy and interest in the wealth of wonders our much-maligned society provides  and feel more like flourishing as a result.

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A Florida nurse has had her medical license suspended after being accused of sexually abusing her 15-year-old stepson, per online records and an arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE

Alexis Von Yates, 34, was arrested on Nov. 6, 2024, per the affidavit, before having her license suspended on Friday, April 25, online records stated

The suspect, who has been released on bond, is facing a charge of sexual battery on a person 12 to 18 years of age by a person in familial custody. She's pleaded not guilty, per reports

A Florida woman has had her medical license suspended months after she was accused of sexually abusing her 15-year-old stepson.

Alexis Von Yates, 34, of Ocala, was arrested on Nov. 6, 2024 after being accused of allegedly engaging in "unlawful sexual activity" with her teenage stepson  who had been visiting his father for the summer in Florida  in July 2024, per a Marion County Sheriff's Office arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE.

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The document stated the pair allegedly had sex without a condom, and police had received "an anonymous tip" about the alleged sexual activity on July 30, 2024. The tip "included information that the [alleged] child victim's father had walked in on the incident," the affidavit stated.

According to the Florida Department of Health's online license verification records, Yates  who was a registered nurse  has now had her single-state license suspended, per an Emergency Suspension Order filed on Friday, April 25. The records stated her license had been issued in January 2016.

Marion County Jail Alexis Von Yates Alexis Von Yates

Nurses are placed in a position of trust; therefore, it is imperative that they demonstrate good judgment and good moral character," the state's order read, per Ocala-news.com.

"Ms. Yates decision to [allegedly] engage in sexual activity with a minor child and/or her decision to allow a child to engage her in oral and penetrative sex indicates that she lacks the good judgment and moral character necessary to be a registered nurse, reads the states order, the outlet noted.

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The publication reported that a proceeding seeking the "formal discipline" of the suspect's license will be promptly instituted and acted upon by the state shortly, citing the order. The outlet also stated Yates could file a petition for review.

The Florida Department of Health didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.

Per online Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptrollers Office records, Yates is facing a charge of sexual battery on a person 12 to 18 years of age by a person in familial custody. Ocala-news.com reported her attorney had pleaded not guilty to the charge on her behalf in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court of Marion County on December 10.

Online Marion County Sheriff's Office records stated Yates had been released on Nov. 7, 2024, after posting a $10,000 bond.

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Per the arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, Yates and the alleged child victim had been "relaxing" and "playing a video game" together while his father was working late on the evening of the alleged abuse, before they "decided to watch a movie."

The suspect allegedly spoke to the teenager about how "horny" she was, per the affidavit, claiming "she had not had sex in two weeks."

"He recalled that the suspect had been making sexual jokes for approximately a week leading up to this incident, continuously saying how 'horny' she was," the document stated.

Getty A photo of the Marion County Florida Sheriff's Office sign taken in 2018 A photo of the Marion County Florida Sheriff's Office sign taken in 2018

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According to the affidavit, after the alleged abuse began, the suspect said, "Ah man I wish you were 18, because you're not old enough." The alleged victim and the suspect had sex on the couch, according to the affidavit.

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According to the affidavit, the suspect said when confronted by the child's father that his son looked just like him "when he was younger," the alleged child victim reportedly overheard.

Elsewhere in the arrest affidavit, the alleged child victim claimed the suspect had stuck her tongue out at him while eating whipped cream in the week leading up to the alleged abuse, as well as stating the pair went to the gym together before she allegedly said, "I bet everyone thought you were my little toy boy."

The documents also stated the teenager had called the suspect after his father had taken him to his grandparents' home after the incident. She allegedly told the teenager she wished his father "had not caught them."

The Florida Department of Health, the Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptrollers Office and a law firm representing Yates didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.

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If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.



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A Florida woman said she had been walking her dog in her neighborhood when a bear started coming "after her dog"

She said she eventually escaped the bear by distracting it with cookies, while she grabbed her dog and ran away

She said that the incident showed an important lesson of bringing some kind of item to scare the animals away if they get too close

A Florida woman and her dog escaped a charging bear  all thanks to a bag of cookies.

Fla. resident Kristen Savage had been walking her dog Ringo in the Sylvan Lake Reserve neighborhood near her home when a bear came after her dog, she told WESH-TV, WKMG-TV and Fox 35 Orlando.

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The bear snuck up behind me, went around my leg, and started biting at my dog, Savage said, per WESH-TV. I was hanging [Ringo] like a pinata basically in the air, but every time I put my dog down on the ground, she would go after him again.

She said she had spun to try to keep her dog away, but ended up falling down and sustaining a few scrapes to her legs and hands. The black bear even put her dog in its mouth for a brief moment, according to her recollection of the incident.

Getty A black bear (stock image) A black bear (stock image)

Related: How to Prevent Bear Attacks and What to Do If a Bear Approaches You, According to Experts

"At one point, I thought, We arent going to get out of this, because there is no one here to help me," Savage explained, per the outlets.

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She told WESH-TV that she started waving her hands and screaming at the large bear to get her attention, which prompted the bear to back off for a bit, but when she stopped the movements, the bear sprinted right at us again.

At that moment, she told the outlet that she decided to use her only other option  a bag of cookies that her mother had given her a few minutes earlier. She said she smacked the bear across the face with the bag of cookies and threw them at her face.

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"I threw the bag at her, and she stopped for a minute, and she sniffed the cookies, Savage recalled to Fox 35 Orlando. As soon as she was distracted by the cookies, I ran!"

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She said those few seconds keeping the bear occupied was enough to help her and her dog Ringo get back safely into their house. She shared that her dog was not injured by the incident.

Related: Moose Narrowly Avoids Grizzly Bear Attack in Thrilling Viral Video from Montana Campground

Savage noted to the outlet that the bear was previously spotted in their neighborhood, and that she even has pictures of her nursing cubs in the backyard, per WESH-TV. According to Fox 35 Orlando, she said that while she didnt blame the bear as she understood it was a mother protecting her cubs, she would also try to be more cautious in the future.

I think its an important lesson to always have something on you that can scare them away, like an air horn or a spray, Savage told WESH-TV. And just pay attention to your surroundings.

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Bears are highly intelligent and adaptable, learning quickly to associate people with food, The Florida Fish and Wildlife and Conservation Commission (FWC) said on its website. Black bears are normally too shy to risk contact with humans, but their powerful need to find food can overwhelm this fear.

The FWC recommended on its website that if people see a bear, they should try to scare it away by yelling, banging pots and pans, using an air horn or anything else that makes a lot of noise.

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A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Norman at 07:02 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30. This warning applies to Cleveland, Grady, McClain and Stephens counties.

The NWS warns: "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."

See weather radar for Oklahoma City area

What are NWS meteorologists saying?

At 7:02 a.m., the NWS issued a statement:

"FFWOUN The National Weather Service in Norman has issued a Flash Flood Warning for, Central Cleveland County in central Oklahoma, Southern Grady County in central Oklahoma, Southwestern McClain County in central Oklahoma, Northwestern Stephens County in southern Oklahoma, Until 10:15 a.m. CDT. At 7:2 a.m. CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

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HAZARD: Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE: Radar.

IMPACT: Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Southwestern Norman, Newcastle, Purcell, Noble, Goldsby, Rush Springs, Dibble, Washington, Cole, Alex, Bradley, Criner, Agawam, Central High, Ninnekah and Acme."

What is a flash flood?

A flash flood is a flood caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than 6 hours, according to the NWS. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains.A flash flood can be sudden and violent and take just minutes to develop. It is possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

What's the difference between a flash flood watch and a flash flood warning?

A flash flood warning is issued when a flood is imminent or occurring, the NWS says. If you are in a flood prone area, you should move immediately to high ground.The NWS issues a flash flood watch when flash flooding is possible.

What to do during a flood warning

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Use a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.

Do not walk through floodwater. Just six inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly.

Turn around, don't drown; do not drive into a flooded street. Cars can be swept away by two feet of moving water or there may be unseen damage to the road. If you come to a flooded area turn around and go another way. Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water.

Watch out for fire hazards.

Move to higher ground.

Stay alert, turn weather notifications on.

Do not allow children to play in flowing water. Waters can hide rocks, trees and debris.

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Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article.

This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor. Let our News Automation and AI team know what you think of this story here.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Flash flood warning issued for OKC area: See latest weather alerts
In the early hours of March 10, 1948, the body of Czechoslovakias foreign minister was found beneath a window of the ministrys palace in Prague. The official explanation was suicide. The public consensus  then and now  is murder. Two weeks earlier, the Communist Party had staged a bloodless coup, seizing full control of the government. The ministers death symbolized the definitive end of Czechoslovakias democracy. Forty years of dictatorship followed.

I was born into that dictatorship. Like more than thirty other children (including the late Secretary of State Madeleine Albright) whose stories I document in my recent book, Czechoslovakias Cold War Refugee Children: Contemporary Resonance, my family fled a country no longer safe for political dissent or independent thought. We were the children of artists, politicians, academics, and ordinary people who refused to toe the party line.

Today, as I watch troubling developments unfold in the United States, I cant help but feel history knocking  not softly, but insistently. The parallels between the collapse of Czechoslovak democracy in 1948 and the democratic backsliding occurring in the U.S. under the Trump administration in 2025 are unnerving. And for those of us whose families once lived through such unraveling, they are all too familiar.

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Opinion: I'm a mom. Florida lawmakers, DeSantis must ban cell phones in schools.

Democracy doesnt die in a flash

The coup in Czechoslovakia was not a sudden explosion. It was a meticulously executed erosion. The Communists deployed police and militias loyal to the Party, pressured rivals to resign, and staged a facade of legality by forcing the democratically-elected president to accept a new, Communist-dominated cabinet. When the foreign minister died  likely pushed from the window by agents of the regime  the message was clear: resistance was futile.

Opinion: Hope Florida scandal puts obstacle in Casey DeSantis' pathway to governor

Supporters await the arrival of President Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida on April 12, 2025.

Todays circumstances are different, but the tactics feel hauntingly similar. A charismatic leader returns to power and quickly begins reshaping government structures to entrench loyalty. Independent federal agencies are gutted. Inspectors general and civil servants are removed en masse. Immigrant activists disappear into detention without due process. Democratic norms bend  not broken all at once, but weakened over time until they no longer resemble what came before.

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This is the kind of creeping change those of us who fled authoritarianism remember well. It's not just the loud spectacles  the tweets, the rallies, the televised outrage. It's the quiet dismantling of rules and safeguards. The normalization of once-unthinkable behavior. The way fear settles into communities, into families, into children.

Remember, children watch everything

Czechoslovakias Cold War Refugee Children brings together oral histories and personal reflections from those of us displaced as children during the regime (1948-1989). We were small, but we remember.

We remember the whispered conversations between adults. The fear of being watched or turned in. The hurried packing. The confusion of arriving in new countries where languages, customs, and values were alien. And we remember  always  that we left something behind that was both dangerous and precious.

The United States welcomed me as a refugee child. It would not do so today.

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When todays migrant children are demonized and American children witness the fracturing of their countrys ideals, I worry  not just for their safety, but for the imprint it leaves on their souls. History is not just taught; it is lived and transmitted, often unconsciously, across generations.

The past as prologue

Parallels are not predictions. They are warnings. They are invitations to pay attention.

In 1948, many Czechoslovak citizens hoped the Communists would restore order after wartime chaos. They underestimated how quickly the government could become a tool of surveillance and suppression. They thought democracy would return in a few years. It took over four decades.

History shows us that authoritarianism starts with the silencing of critics, the politicization of bureaucracy, and the erosion of public trust. It starts with windows opening in the night, and no one daring to ask why.

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History is speaking, and it is up to us to decide whether we will listen.

Miriam Potocky Rafaidus, Ph.D.

Miriam Potocky Rafaidus is a researcher at the International Rescue Committee and author of "Czechoslovakia's Cold War Refugee Children: Contemporary Resonance". She is a resident of West Palm Beach.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump reminds me of the dictatorship I fled | Opinion
SHILOH, Ala (WDHN)  After six months and counting, the Shiloh community feels like the agreement between the state and federal levels has been breached after they have not received an update on implementation projects.

Shiloh residents were excited and anxious that a fix was near after the state DOT and federal highway administration reached a binding agreement for a flooding mitigation project in October of last year, but they say they havent heard or seen anything from the state in six months, as they are supposed to be receiving updates.

I believe there is only one person who was contacted, but everybody else has not. Now its frustrating because people are dealing with false hope and promises, and now what do you do when they said they told you they are going to be doing this and that, but they didnt hold up their word? said Shiloh resident, Pastor Timothy Williams.

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The VRA states that the state will submit a progress report detailing the implementation of the agreements required actions 180 days after signing and every 180 days thereafter.

Those actions are to either create a drainage ditch south of the community, regrading a detention basin and creating a way water can go in expand drainage ditches or adding a basin in the median.

However, residents say the state or FHWA hasnt addressed the four complaints and are left in the dark about the states plan so far.

Its 180 days in, and people still havent heard from Aldot. They just cant come up and say, We are going to go with this first plan, and people dont know whats going on in the community. Thats why I urged them to have a meeting with the community and explain whats going to happen because you have two plans on the table, Williams told WDHN.

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Williams say for the time being, utimately over the last seven years and now almost seven months since the agreement, they have lost hope and have grown tired of worrying and paying out of their pockets as taxpayers to mitigate running water from the highway they did not create.

Residents say they have now increased the pressure on the state and federal agencies.

The only thing they are saying is they are trying to fulfill the 180 days, but we know when you say we are trying, youre not really dealing with it, so we got legal involved. Now thats pretty much it. We are still in a hole, and it shouldnt be. A daycare was going through the same thing as we are but they didnt wait seven years, said Williams.

Williams says hes been told that whichever migration project is chosen it would be completed in a year.

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He says now, with a new legal team involved, he hopes this will threaten the state to speed up and get to work in Elba.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
There are more than 40 species of snakes that are native to Florida, but only six of them are venomous.

Snakes are most active in the spring and early summer months, when the weather warms up and they emerge from brumation, which is similar to hibernation.

As it starts to heat up for the summer in Florida, you might see more of your slithery neighbors gliding through your grass or across your driveway. But not every snake is a threat.

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Heres a guide to identifying Floridas venomous snakes and some non-venomous snakes they resemble.

Venomous snakes in Florida: Heres the list

There are six species of venomous snakes that are native to the Sunshine State, and three of them are rattlesnakes. If you grew up near a lake or river, you might recognize the deadly cottonmouth, also called a water moccasin, which is one of the six.

Our 44 species of native snakes are found in every conceivable habitat, from coastal mangroves and saltmarshes to freshwater wetlands and dry uplands, and many species thrive in residential areas, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) says.

However, there are just a few species that are commonly seen in developed areas, although any snake may occasionally be found in urban settings.

Heres a list of Floridas native, venomous snakes:

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake: Named for their pattern, eastern diamondbacks can be brown, yellow or tan and all have a very distinct black diamond pattern on their backs. Hopefully, you dont come close enough to one of these to see the black and white stripe that runs diagonally along the side of their heads, from the eyes to the neck. This is the largest rattlesnake species (by length and weight) in the U.S. and they can be found throughout the entire state of Florida, according to the FWC.

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Rattlesnakes, like many animals, would prefer to silently leave a dangerous situation. When given the opportunity, rattlesnakes will flee from human encounters, the FWC says. If a rattlesnake is ever observed in the wild it is best to give it space or let it slither away on its own.

Timber rattlesnake: Timber rattlesnakes are often also called canebrakes or canebrake rattlesnakes. Timber rattlesnakes have a pinkish-gray or tan body, with a pattern of large, black, chevron-like crossbands and a reddish-brown stripe running down the middle of their back. Their tails are usually black. These snakes are less common than their diamondback cousin and have only been confirmed in 12 counties in north Florida, according to the Florida Museum.

Timber rattlesnakes are not aggressive and avoid direct contact with people and pets. Most bites occur when the snakes are intentionally molested or accidentally stepped on, according to the Florida Museum. This is a snake that should be simply left alone and not bothered.

Dusky pygmy rattlesnake: Dusky pygmy rattlesnakes, also known as pygmy rattlesnakes, have a dark or light gray body, with row of black or charcoal blotches along the length of its body and a reddish-brown stripe running down the middle of the back. Their bites are very painful, but not life-threatening. They can be found throughout the entire state, but arent known to occur in the Florida Keys, according to the Florida Museum.

Cottonmouth Defensive Position in Apalachicola.

Cottonmouth (water moccasin): Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are dark brown or black, with a pattern of light brown and dark brown crossbands with many dark spots and speckles. These snakes get darker with age, so adults sometimes become uniformly black and are often confused with black racer snakes (which are harmless). Their eyes are camouflaged by a broad, dark, facial stripe and they usually slither with their heads held up, which helps differentiate them from their look-alikes. The color pattern of baby cottonmouths is much lighter than in adults, and newborns tails are sulfur-yellow.

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Cottonmouths are found throughout Florida and in every county, the Florida Museum says. They also occur on many nearshore islands including the Upper Florida Keys and several islands in the Gulf of Mexico in Levy (e.g., Cedar Keys) and Franklin (e.g., Dog, St. George, and St. Vincent islands) counties.

Copperhead: Copperheads arent as common as some of Floridas other venomous snakes, but they are native to the Florida panhandle. The body of an eastern copperhead is light brown, with dark brown crossbands.

In Florida, copperheads occur only in the Panhandle, primarily in the western tip and along the Apalachicola River and its tributaries, the Florida Museum says. The herpetology collection at the Florida Museum contains verified records from Calhoun, Escambia, Gadsden, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties. The range may extend to other nearby areas, but there are no confirmed records from other Florida counties.

Eastern coral snake: The old saying Red on yellow, kill a fellow. Red on black, youre okay, Jack, applies here. Eastern coral snakes, also called harlequin coral snakes, are often confused with the harmless scarlet kingsnake. And being able to tell the difference could save you a trip to the emergency room. Eastern coral snakes are thin and have alternating red and black rings across their entire body, separated by smaller yellow rings. Their heads are small and not distinct from the neck, with a rounded black snout and a broad yellow band behind the eyes. These snakes can be found throughout the entire state of Florida, according to the Florida Museum.

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Bites from Harlequin Coral snakes can be very dangerous to people and pets, but bites from this species are extremely rare, the Florida Museum says. The victim should seek immediate medical care from a physician or hospital experienced in treating snake bites.

To see photos and more in-depth descriptions on these and Floridas native, harmless snakes, visit the Florida Museums guide for identifying the states snakes.

Identifying Floridas native snakes: How to tell the difference between a water moccasin and a harmless water snake

The worst part about sharing space with these venomous snakes, is that they are often and easily confused for more harmless species.

If you encounter a snake you arent sure is safe, keep your distance and walk the other way. If you have to get close enough to identify it, here are some key differences between the poisonous snakes of Florida and their look-alikes.

Here are some look-alikes for each of Floridas six native, poisonous snakes:

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, Timber rattlesnake, Dusky pygmy rattlesnake: All three of Floridas rattlesnakes are often confused for a gentle giant that isnt packing any venom in its fangs: the eastern indigo snake. Its easy to tell the difference if you pay attention to the coloring of the snake. Eastern indigo snakes dont have the iconic patterns that Floridas rattlesnakes have along their body. These snakes are glossy black and often have a blue or purplish iridescent hue to their scales, according to the Florida Museum. They can be confused for rattlesnakes because of their behavior, though.

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The eastern indigo snake is not venomous and doesn't have fangs or a rattle, but that doesn't stop it from acting like a rattlesnake, according to Florida Today. When threatened, they'll flatten their heads, hiss and vibrate their tails like rattlesnakes.

Cottonmouth: Cottonmouths are very easy to mis-identify, because adult cottonmouths are often too darkly colored to see the pattern on their scales. Many people often confuse them for harmless water snakes. Some water moccasins look browner than others, striking a resemblance to the banded water snake, which has a patchy brown body. When on land, dark black adult cottonmouths can also be easily confused with harmless black racer snakes. Remember that if you see a snake that looks like a water snake slithering with its head tilted upright, its more than likely a cottonmouth.

Copperhead: If you see what you think is a copperhead snake in Florida, but you arent in the Florida panhandle, its likely a harmless hognose snake. Pay attention to the sound, copperheads dont make a sound when threatened, but hognose snakes hiss.

Sometimes called puff adders in Florida, these snakes are harmless. When threatened, they mimic vipers by raising and puffing up their heads with air while they coil their bodies, Florida Today says. Some hognose snakes can also flatten their heads to take on a cobra-like appearance. They will hiss and strike with their pointy noses, but they don't attempt to bite.

Eastern coral snake: As mentioned above, these red, yellow and black snakes are often confused for the harmless scarlet kingsnake. Remember the saying: Red on yellow, kill a fellow. Red on black, youre okay, Jack.

What snakes have invaded Florida? Burmese pythons live in the Sunshine State

Florida is also home to some big, exotic and invasive snakes. Boa constrictors and tens of thousands of Burmese pythons have invaded the southern parts of the state, namely in the Everglades.

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Pythons are so invasive that you dont need a permit to hunt and kill them and the FWC actually hosts a python hunting challenge every August.

Hunters, anglers and outdoor recreationists with experience removing pythons or other large constrictors from the wild are encouraged to apply, with preference given to Florida residents and military veterans, The Fort Myers News-Press reported in 2024. To gain experience, FWC recommends participating in the Florida Python Challenge or hunting on FWC-managed lands.

Contributing: Rachael Thomas, Florida Today

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Deadliest snakes in Florida: 6 species carry venom, What to know
Press Release

April 30, 2025 PH can take the same actions as Canada

TOL sees expulsion of Chinese diplomats over foreign interference The ongoing Senate inquiry on foreign espionage and interference in the country's internal affairs - including the upcoming midterm elections - could lead to the expulsion of China's top diplomatic officials. Thus stated Senate Majority Leader Francis 'Tol' Tolentino, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Admiralty and Maritime Zones, who is spearheading the probe. "I look forward to seeing the day when we will be expelling some Chinese diplomats because of this incident," Tolentino said in a media interview, when asked where he thinks the inquiry could lead. The senator noted that the Philippines can follow the same actions undertaken by Canada, which ordered the expulsion in 2023 of ranking Chinese diplomats for their purported role to influence the 2019 and 2021 elections - particularly against the reelection of a lawmaker critical of Beijing's policies. "There's a similar instance where China meddled with the elections in Canada, which produced a 194-page report coming from the Parliament. That was during the 2019 and 2021 elections," cited the lawmaker. "These are classified documents coming from the Canadian intelligence service, it would show that [China] funded [the electoral bids] of several candidates, and it led to the expulsion of several Chinese diplomatic officers based in Canada because of this spying activity and meddling with the elections," he added. "So hindi lang po ito sa atin. Nangyari sa Canada, sa Australia, at New Zealand. These are advanced countries with advanced counterintelligence equipment," he noted. Since exposing the service contract between the Chinese Embassy and Makati-based ad firm InfinitUs Marketing Solutions to push pro-Beijing narratives in social media amid the West Philippine Sea dispute, as well as a check worth nearly P1 million as initial payment for the latter - Tolentino noted that the Chinese embassy had yet to issue a statement to refute his claims. "What has been issued so far is a blanket statement from China's foreign ministry. But no one has come out to claim that the documents I showed are fake," he added. "Ang tanong, mayroon ba kayong troll farm? Sinagot ba? Hindi. Sa inyo ba 'yung submersible drones? Sinagot ba? Hindi," the senator asked. "Ang sagot lang nila: 'Hindi namin maintindihan kung ano yung sinasabi ng isang senador na ginugulo lang ang ating relasyon...dahil nalalapit na ang eleksyon.'" "We are not just building a case; we are proving a case that has been ongoing for the last several years despite China's claims of neighborliness and friendliness," he asserted. In closing, Tolentino renewed his call on the Department of Foreign Affairs to summon China's Ambassador Huang Xilian to explain their side on the allegations. "Let's have some self-respect. How can other countries respect us if we do not respect ourselves?" he concluded.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. Azerbaijan and the UK discussed strategic partnership and investment opportunities in the energy sector, as well as current issues on the development of our economic and trade relations, Azerbaijan's Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

"In London, we had a productive meeting with Gareth Thomas, MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports) at the Department for Business and Trade.

We discussed our strategic energy partnership, investment opportunities, and key issues related to enhancing our economic and trade relations," Shahbazov said.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)  Florida lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a bill aimed at reforming a condominium safety law passed in 2022 in the wake of the partial collapse of Champlain Towers South, which killed 98 people in Surfside in June 2021.

Condo owners have been facing higher costs because of the 2022 law, which requires condo associations to have sufficient reserves to cover major repairs and to conduct a survey of reserves every decade.

Sponsors of this year's bill said further changes were needed to allow for more flexibility and to lessen the burden of new costs shouldered by residents, while ensuring protections remain in place to prevent another potential collapse.

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Without moving one step backwards on safety, this bill provides options, flexibility, and relief so condo owners and associations can prioritize the most important repairs first, said Republican state Sen. Jennifer Bradley, a sponsor of the bill.

Residents and attorneys say regulations prior to 2022 allowed condo associations to keep fees low by failing to save money for future repairs, only to hit residents with steep special assessments when repairs couldn't be put off any longer. The mounting cost of funding deferred maintenance and building up reserves has strained residents in the condo haven of South Florida, especially retirees and those living on fixed incomes.

In Hallandale Beach, condo owner Kelli Roiter sympathizes with people having trouble paying the higher fees, but said she supports rules requiring associations maintain reserves for needed repairs.

Her building was built in 1971 and sits a few miles from Champlain Towers South.

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Im concerned that this building will collapse, Roiter told The Associated Press in December. There are nights I wake up hearing a creak, and I jump. And then I remind myself that, no, no, no, were safe. But am I safe?

The bill, which now heads to the desk of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, would allow certain condo associations to fund their reserves through a loan or line of credit, give residents greater flexibility to pause payments to their reserves while they prioritize needed repairs, extends the deadline by which associations have to complete structural integrity studies and exempts some smaller buildings from having to do those analyses.

We have strived to reach that delicate balance between the safety of our constituents that live in condominiums, as well as understanding the incredible financial impact that sometimes these particular bills that we pass have, said bill sponsor state Rep. Vicki Lopez, a Miami Republican.

I will continue this work as long as we need to do so, she added.

___ Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
Can a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, be seen in Palm Beach County skies?

If the conditions are right, yes!

And when this so Florida thing occurs, it's very Instagram-worthy.

Though rockets here launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center near Merritt Island, Florida, or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, people from Palm Beach County can sometimes see this #SoFlorida phenomenon. From Cape Canaveral to West Palm Beach, it's about 150 miles.

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Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, a rocket launch from Floridas Space Coast could be visible from Jacksonville Beach and Daytona Beach to Vero Beach and West Palm Beach (see videos and photo gallery with this story). When theres a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, theres an opportunity for unique photos  the rocket lights up the dark sky and the contrail after makes for a great photo.

Below is more information on rocket launches in Florida and suggestions on where to watch them from Palm Beach County.

Rocket launch tally: Here's a list of all the missions from Cape Canaveral, Florida (psst, there's a lot)

For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com or Space Reporter Brooke Edwards at bedwards@floridatoday.com. For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space.

Where can I see a rocket launch in Florida? Can you see a rocket liftoff in West Palm Beach, Florida?

In Florida, its quite an experience to see a rocket launch in person if you're anywhere on the Space Coast (Brevard County) or certain spots in the First Coast or Fun Coast (Volusia County) or the Treasure Coast (Indian River County, St. Lucie County and Martin County). However, people in Jacksonville, far north of Cape Canaveral, and West Palm Beach, far south of Cape Canaveral, have posted rocket launch photos and video on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram (see below). Pro tip: If you do watch it in person, especially on Florida's Space Coast, get to your viewing destination early and prepare to stay later after the launch because of heavy traffic.

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Can a rocket launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral, Florida, be seen outside of Florida? Depending on weather and on cloud cover, yes. For example, readers have submitted photos or posted on social platforms pictures of Falcon Heavy, which is made up of three Falcon 9 rocket first stages, visible from Myrtle Beach.

A rocket launch can be a treat for the ears, too: On the Space Coast, a rumble can be heard or window-shaking can be expected in some parts of Brevard County after liftoff. And some rocket launches have had an added bonus: The SpaceX boosters return to a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean or, occasionally, to the company's landing zone at Cape Canaveral. If a booster returns to the landing zone, there's a sonic boom.

Where to see a Florida rocket launch in Palm Beach County: What does a West Palm Beach rocket launch view look like?

Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, some rocket launches from the Space Coast can be visible in Palm Beach County. When theres a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, with a southeast trajectory, theres an opportunity for unique photos. Some examples include United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket launch and SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

From Cape Canaveral, Florida, to West Palm Beach, Florida, it's about 150 miles.

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What the views look like: Rocket launches from Cape Canaveral spotted in West Palm Beach

Rocket launches from Cape Canaveral can often be seen from Palm Beach County, and it can be as easy as walking out of your house and looking north. Try to get away from any obstructions, such as trees, tall buildings, and bright lights. Obviously, cloud cover can also get in the way.

If the forecast is for clear skies and you want a better view, some good places to watch the rocket launch from Palm Beach County include:

Rocket launch photos from X, Instagram from around West Palm Beach, Florida

Awesome reader photo! Atlas V rocket launch seen from Palm Beach County http://t.co/Zt28RG3ukh pic.twitter.com/Af4LYNH3JN  The Palm Beach Post (@pbpost) September 2, 2015

Space x Rocket launch seen from downtown West Palm Beach  Happy Friday! pic.twitter.com/pzB3iVkiGN  James Wieland  (@SurfnWeatherman) March 16, 2024

Caught the #spacex #rocketlaunch from work today in downtown West Palm Beach!  pic.twitter.com/4uc1BmmTH4  James Wieland  (@SurfnWeatherman) November 10, 2023

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Another great plume from Atlas rocket launch. Seen from West Palm Beach. pic.twitter.com/wVuzAW69ey  Kimberly Miller (@KMillerWeather) October 2, 2015

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Atlas rocket launch as seen from Royal Palm Beach, FL pic.twitter.com/5oQPAUpKHH  Joel Solomon (@IvoriesAblaze) September 2, 2015

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Can I see rocket launch in West Palm Beach, Florida, from Cape Canaveral
Sen. Darryl Rouson . (Screenshot/Florida Channel)

A Florida House amendment that killed plans for a substance abuse and mental health research center at the University of South Florida to be named after Tampa Bay Democratic Sen. Darryl Rouson infuriated both Democratic and Republican senators Wednesday.

Even Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier used the episode to launch another attack on the House.

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The legislation (SB 1620), which has passed both chambers in some form now, would make a raft of changes to Floridas Mental Health Act. The original bill included a Center for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Research at USFs Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute.

Perez blamed the situation on a Senate attempt to pull a fast one.

I have enormous respect for Senator Rouson. I admire his public service, and I would be happy to collaborate with the Senate to honor him. But the action of the Senate today to name a center after Senator Rouson as a means of emotionally blackmailing the House into doing what they want  is unconscionable. The comments of or else were a threat to the Florida House and beneath the dignity of the Florida Senate, Perez told the Phoenix in a written statement.

The center would have conducted statewide behavioral health research, promote evidence-based practices, and improved workforce development. An amendment added by Pinellas County Republican Ed Hooper would have named the facility the Rouson Center, after Rouson, who has battled drug and alcohol addiction in his past and had sponsored the measure in the Senate.

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However, an amendment sponsored by Broward County Democrat Christine Hunschofsky and passed by the House on Tuesday deleted the facility  Rousons name and all.

So when the bill came back to the Senate on Wednesday, Rouson told his colleagues that while he was disappointed about that development, they should still go ahead and pass the measure.

The establishment of this center means a great deal to those who believe in advancing mental health care with evidence-based compassion, Rouson told his colleagues. Unfortunately, the House didnt see it our way, and for me, it is more important that the work continue, that the work of the commission be honored.

He referred to the Florida Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder.

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Some senators said that out of respect to Rouson they would still vote for the bill. But others insisted they would not.

Its not right, its not fair, its not appropriate, and it really isnt acceptable, Tampa Bay-area Republican Jim Boyd said. I promise you we will make this right.

Im just glad that in a year-and-a-half well have another speaker who will hopefully support the naming of the program after you, Naples GOP Sen. Kathleen Passidomo said, referring to House Speaker Daniel Perez.

GOP Sens. Jay Collins and Blaise Ingoglia both called the House move a travesty.

I am angry beyond words, said Ingoglia.

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It hurts. It hurts because Im somebody in recovery, said Democratic Sen. Rosalind Osgood, who said she would oppose the measure.

Countdown

The dispute took place just two days before the 60-day legislative session was scheduled to end, but, with the sides still divided on a budget and tax reductions, the session will have to be extended or the Legislature come back before the budget would take effect on July 1

Shortly after the vote, Gov. DeSantis, who has been battling the House for the past month on various issues, including taxes, weighed in, responding on X, The Florida House of Pettiness in all its glory

Senator @darrylrouson is a class act, added Attorney General James Uthmeier on X.

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The budget fight involves Perezs insistence on lowering the sales tax to the tune of around $5 billion. Senate President Ben Albritton is worried about what happens if a recession hits.

Perez defended his House.

The Senate created a backdoor appropriations project. They did so unilaterally, fully aware that the House did not wish to include additional items in the bill beyond the Commissions recommendations, he said.

The House version of SB 1620 by Representative Christine Hunchofsky was filed to enact the recommendations of the Commission on Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders. The center in question was not in the Commission report nor was it in the House bill.

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The Senators were rightfully outraged, but they should direct their outrage at their own chamber who made this move in an attempt to push a backdoor project and used the good Senators legacy to do so.

According to the original legislation, the purpose of the center was to conduct rigorous and relevant research intended to develop knowledge and practice in prevention and intervention for substance abuse and mental health issues, to serve the people and economy in this state in reducing the gap between population needs and the availability of effective treatments and other interventions to improve the capacity of the state to have healthy, resilient communities prevailing over substance abuse, addiction, and mental health challenges.

The Senate opted to temporarily postpone action on the legislation. They have just two days to decide on whether they want to approve it.

This story has been updated to include remarks from Perez.

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Video above: Lake Placid residents respond to anti-Trump former FEMA worker

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been cleared of wrongdoing in a case alleging systematic bias against President Donald Trump within the organization.

The state of Florida sued FEMA last year amid reports that workers denied aid to hurricane victims in Highlands County who displayed Trump signs.

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Its horrible: Lake Placid residents respond to anti-Trump former FEMA worker

The state sued FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and supervisor Marni Washington, alleging Washington conspired with senior FEMA officials to skip over those homes, according to a complaint filed by Sen. Ashley Moody last year when she served as Florida Attorney General. Washington was fired after the claims surfaced.

Moody claimed Washingtons actions were at Criswells direction, but new court documents revealed that a FEMA probe found no evidence that this was a systemic problem, nor that it was directed by agency or field leadership.

At the time the lawsuit was filed, Criswell called the supervisors conduct reprehensible and said it went against the agencys core values and principles to help people regardless of their political affiliation.

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The United States and Ms. Criswell regret the actions giving rise to this case and agree with the State of Florida that those actions never should have occurred, a Monday email from the Department of Justice to the Florida Attorney Generals Office stated. We are also hopeful that, in light of all we have provided, the state of Florida and its people can be confident that FEMA is striving to avoid a repeat of the events giving rise to this case and that the agency is committed to the fair, compassionate, and even-handed delivery of services.

The Florida Attorney Generals Office informed the court a settlement was reached earlier this month. A federal judge ordered the case dismissed with prejudice on Tuesday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
WEST PALM BEACH  Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said he believes deputies prevented a mass shooting by arresting an Acreage man who stockpiled weapons, impersonated law enforcement and posted online about attacks he planned to carry out, including in conversations with Wisconsin teenager Natalie Rupnow.

Deputies arrested Damien Allen, 22, on April 29. Cpt. Randy Foley said PBSO had been investigating Allen's online activity for about a month when it received a tip from the FBI that prompted the agency's immediate action. Foley did not specify what the tip entailed.

According to investigators, Allen had amassed an arsenal of 18 firearms, more than 12,000 rounds of ammunition, ballistic armor, tactical gear and multiple uniforms  among them PBSO deputy outfits, an FBI uniform, Marine Corps blues and an Army Ranger uniform. One uniform bore a Nazi insignia.

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"Theres no doubt in my mind they have stopped a mass shooting that was going to happen," Bradshaw said. "This guy was ready to go. Its just a matter of what day was going to set him off."

Details from the arrest report: Man posing as deputy fantasized about attacks with teen who killed 2 at school, PBSO says

Online threats, police costume and 18 firearms led to arrest of Palm Beach County man

In Allen's home in The Acreage, where he lived with his family, deputies also found self-made FBI IDs and military training certificates, along with authentic PBSO gear: gun belts, badges, a name tag that said "ALLEN."

Foley said investigators are reviewing bank records, shipping data and online purchase histories in hopes of tracing the uniforms' origins.

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"Theres nothing that you can buy now thats not tracked in some way, and we will track it down," Foley said.

Foley said Allen was communicating with others across the country about guerrilla warfare tactics, ambushes and racially and ethnically motivated acts of violence. One conversation with Natalie Rupnow, a 15-year-old who killed two people at her private school in Wisconsin, contained threats against a church and law-enforcement buildings, Foley said.

Though Allen had not specified a date for an attack, Foley said Allen had prepared for violence and was simply "waiting for the proper trigger."

"Common sense will tell you that no one amasses all this and talks about mass shootings as a hobby," Bradshaw said. "Theres no doubt in my mind what he was going to do. The only question was when."

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Deputies arrested Allen on charges of written threats to kill, unlawful use of a two-way communication device and impersonating an officer  two felonies and a misdemeanor for which he could be sentenced up to 21 years in prison.

Foley said Allen "was very talkative and did not request a lawyer" upon his arrest. He remains in the Palm Beach County Jail and is represented by the Public Defender's Office, which, as a policy, does not comment on open cases.

In addition to the criminal charges, PBSO asked a judge to temporarily remove Allen's firearms under Florida's Risk Protection Order Act. The statute  sometimes referred to as a red flag law  lets authorities stop a person from accessing firearms if they're deemed a threat to themselves or others.

In their petition, deputies said Allen "is seriously mentally ill or has recurring mental health issues" and posed a "significant risk of injury" in the near future. Hafele scheduled a May 15 hearing on the risk-protection order.

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Hannah Phillips is a journalist covering public safety and criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Man linked to Abundant Life shooter planned mass attack, sheriff says
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV)  The Fond du Lac Police Department is asking for the publics help in identifying a man who allegedly stole nearly $3,000 worth of chainsaws.

We are enlisting the help of our loyal online community to assist in identifying the individual pictured below  a suspect in the theft of nearly $3,000 worth of chainsaws, stated the social media post.

17-year-old Wisconsin boy arrested for owning tools to convert gun into fully-automatic firearm

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Anyone who recognizes the person or has information that could help this case is encouraged to contact the Fond du Lac Police Department.

No additional details were provided.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025, Food Lion Feeds and the Food Banks of Central and Eastern North Carolina hosted Food Lion Feeds Volunteer Day at CENC in Greenville.

This event took place from 8 a.m. to noon at six different Food Bank Branch locations across central and eastern North Carolina, including the local Greenville branch. Volunteer Day is also a great way for Food Lion leaders and associates to come together and give back to their communities.

650 volunteers from across the state participated in the event. Their goal today was to donate over 652,000 meals across the region, completing 352 meal kits every hour.

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This comes at a critical time as the number of people suffering from food insecurity in the region is over 65,000 people. This is an increase of 9,300 people since this time last year. This also includes 24,000 kids and teens under the age of 18, an increase of 4,300 kids from last year as well.

They have been doing this event since 2014 to help address these issues.

Just wanted to inspire others through being a good human. You never know what the person beside you is going through, Store Manager for Food Lion, Danielle Bond said.

While many of us are fortunate, just really take time to give back to your community, and fighting food insecurity is very close to home for us, Bond said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
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ABOVE: The latest forecast update from Severe Weather Center 9. To stay on top of changing weather conditions, be sure to download our free WSOC-TV weather app.

FORECAST:

A warmer start to the day is expected, with many neighborhoods seeing temperatures in the 60s.

Well hit highs in the mid-80s this afternoon under a partly cloudy sky.

Only the mountains and Interstate-40 corridor see a few scattered downpours, very low risk for those to move into Charlotte.

This will be the same case again Thursday before a weak cold front gets closer on Friday.

Scattered showers and storm chances then go up as we head into the weekend.

The higher chance for downpours has now shifted into Saturday as the front is slowing down. This would have a greater impact on the 2nd day of the Lovin Life Music Fest.

Drier conditions then return for the end of the weekend.

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>> Channel 9s Weather 24/7 stream has the latest local weather all day, every day. Watch wherever you stream  on our website, or through your mobile app or smart TV.

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BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE)  A former Blount County Schools employee who pleaded guilty to multiple counts of offensively touching students has been sentenced, but there is a possibility that the case could be expunged from his record.

On Wednesday, the Blount County District Attorneys Office confirmed to 6 News that Joseph Michael Dalton was sentenced to six months of supervised probation after he pleaded guilty to five counts of misdemeanor assault by physical contact in September. The charges stemmed from incidents at two Blount County schools.

Records detail earlier incidents involving former Blount County Schools employee who pleaded guilty to touching assault

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The DAs office explained that despite the states arguments against it, the judge granted Daltons request for a judicial diversion. As part of his probation, Dalton will be required to undergo psychosexual evaluation and comply with any resulting recommendations of the evaluation.

Under a judicial diversion, if Dalton completes the requirements of his probation, he could have the case expunged from public records. According to the Knox County District Attorneys Office, judicial diversions are a type of probation for first-time offenders who plead guilty that allows them to learn from their mistakes.

Knoxville Police investigating fatal pedestrian crash on North Broadway

While that explanation would mean Dalton is a first time offender, it was not the first time he has been investigated on allegations of inappropriately touching students. In the days after Dalton pleaded guilty to the charges against him, 6 News acquired his personnel file and disciplinary records from Blount County Schools, as well as records involving investigations Dalton was mentioned in from the Blount County Sheriffs Office.

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6 News also learned that Daltons teacher license is still active. However, now that the criminal matter has concluded, the Tennessee State Board of Education will gather the information from the court and conduct any follow-ups necessary. His case will then be presented at one of the State Board staffs case review committee meetings for a recommendation regarding license action.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
Courtesy of Eric Chung for Michigan

Yet another Democrat aiming to flip Michigans 10th Congressional District has joined the race, with Eric Chung, a former U.S. Department of Commerce attorney, announcing his campaign Wednesday morning.

Chung joins former special victims prosecutor Christina Hines, Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel and Army veteran Alex Hawkins in looking to fill U.S. Rep. John James seat in Congress, as James (R-Shelby Township) forgoes a reelection bid to seek the governors office.

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Chung grew up in Oakland and Macomb County, the son of Vietnamese immigrants, worked as an attorney bringing cases on behalf of children made ill by lead contaminated water and veterans who were denied benefits.

Chung advised the Senate Judiciary Committee on the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. He also worked with the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice on issues of fairness and opportunity in education, and served as a senior lawyer at the U.S. Department of Commerce to help implement the CHIPS and Science Act, which aimed to bring manufacturing back to the United States.

Im running for Congress to bring back an American Dream where every Michigander can provide for their families, and where the government makes our lives easier, not harder, Chung said in a statement.

I saw firsthand how little Donald Trump and Elon Musk actually care about working Americans.The Trump Administration is gambling away peoples life savings by taking a chainsaw to job creation programs like the one I worked on, along with Social Security, Medicaid and public education. Theyre playing games with unhinged shoot-from-the-hip policies. We need new leadership that can push back against their overreach, Chung said.

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If elected, Chung said he would take on the Trump administration when it abuses its power. He also promised to fight for good-paying jobs and lower costs to give all Michiganders a shot at the American dream.

Michigans 10th district runs through Rochester, Rochester Hills and southern Macomb County in Southeast Michigan.

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KINGWOOD, W.Va. (WBOY)  A former employee at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Hazelton in Preston County, West Virginia has pleaded guilty to a federal charge related to having a sexual relationship with an inmate.

According to court documents, Christina Arillo pleaded guilty this week to the federal charge of sexual abuse of a person in official detention. The charge stemmed from an incident in October 2022 when Arillo did knowingly engage in sexual acts with an inmate who was being housed at Hazelton, according to court documents. At that time, Arillo was a cook supervisor at FCI Hazelton, and the inmate was under her custodial, supervisory, and disciplinary authority.

Former Grafton police officer indicted on assault, strangulation charges

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Arillo faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the charge, but in exchange for the guilty plea, U.S. Attorneys have agreed to recommend a sentence on the lower end of the guidelines for the crime.

She will be sentenced during a hearing at a later date.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  FOX31 is learning that 105 people were detained at an underground nightclub bust in Colorado Springs over the weekend. Thats down from the original reported count of 114.

The Drug Enforcement Administration said nine people had previous contact with immigration officials.

Law enforcement, local leaders react to underground nightclub bust

The Colorado Springs Police Department told FOX31 that two people were arrested on existing warrants. One was arrested for a warrant out of Denver for assault, criminal mischief and child abuse. The other was wanted in Adams County for a misdemeanor.

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John Fabbricatore, former ICE Regional Director, told FOX31 that when there are that many people in custody, the process can take a while, and it really matters where people are going.

He said that processing one single person with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, if its the first time theyve encountered them, can take up to two hours. If ICE is familiar with them and their information is already in the system, that process can be much shorter.

Number one, an operation like that is in the works for many months, said Fabbricatore. It was very professionally done. It looked like it was great collaboration and cooperation between multiple law enforcement agencies, multiple federal and county agencies.

He said that for many of the detainees, if they only went into ICE custody with an immigration violation, they would be processed through.

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Their fingerprints would be taken, theyd be processed, their biography, we call it biometric information, would be taken, they would be given an I-200, which is a warrant of their arrest, arrested on immigration charges, said Fabbricatore. They will be issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge. They would have a bond determination to determine whether they were bondable out from ICE custody, and then they would be placed in detention.

Fabbricatore said that for those who have criminal charges, the process would look different. The detainees would be transferred over to federal authorities.

Transferred over to the U.S. Marshals and indicted on those charges. Some of them may have gone to local custody. They may have had local warrants, or if they were found with drugs in their possession at the time of arrest, potentially the county could have taken them into custody, said Fabbricatore. So, there were definitely different pathways that people took that night to get in custody.

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He went on to say that anytime someone is illegally present in the U.S. and taken into ICE custody, they will be processed for immigration violations at a minimum.

For others, it could take time for an indictment to come down, especially when dealing with weapons, drugs and sex trafficking charges.

Meanwhile, several active duty members of the military were also taken into custody. FOX31 emailed military officials and is still waiting for a response on what happens next.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  A former middle school teacher from northwest Iowa could spend three decades in federal prison after authorities said she sexually exploited a student.

On Wednesday, April 30, Samantha Meyer-Davis, 32, of Rutland, Iowa, pleaded guilty in federal court in Sioux City to sexual exploitation of a child. She must serve at least 15 years in federal prison and could spend as many as 30 years incarcerated. There is no parole for federal crimes.

Iowa man charged with hundreds of counts of sexual exploitation of a minor

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According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Meyer-Davis admitted to sexually exploiting the student from May 2022 through Nov. 2023. She had denied any improper relations to school administrators multiple times.

The Humboldt County Sheriffs Office said it was made aware in Sept. 2023 of a possible sexual relationship between a high school student and a middle school teacher. Evidence from an investigation showed that the student was 14 when the relationship began.

Meyer-Davis had initially denied any inappropriate relationship to law enforcement but ultimately confessed after they presented photographic evidence of her kissing the student who was in a state of undress, the DOJ said.

Meyer-Davis and the student had also exchanged over 130 photos and over 60 videos related to and depicting child pornography. According to the DOJ, some of the content showed sadistic and masochistic conduct.

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Sioux City mental health counselor charged with fraud and theft sentenced to probation

She was arrested by the sheriffs office on Feb. 26, 2024 after turning herself in, though she bonded out. Her original charges were third-degree sexual abuse and sexual exploitation by a school employee, both felonies under Iowa law.

Her final sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. In addition to a prison sentence, Meyer-Davis could also have to pay a $250,000 fine and serve five years of supervised release.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Apr. 29LAS CRUCES  A federal judge released a former magistrate judge and his wife on $10,000 secured bonds Tuesday but barred them from renting to non-citizens as their cases progress.

Nancy Cano and Joel Cano, a former police officer and Dona Ana County magistrate judge, are charged with conspiracy to tamper with evidence and tampering with evidence after federal agents accused them of interfering with a federal investigation.

"It's certainly unusual," Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Ysabel Armijo said about the case during the hearing.

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The pair was arrested on April 25 as part of an investigation into three men accused of being involved with the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang.

Joel Cano, who had served as a magistrate judge since 2011, resigned from the bench in March after federal agents raided his home, as well the home of a family member living next door, on Feb. 28.

The unit was occupied by three men, including Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, 23, who now faces federal firearm charges. Ortega-Lopez was also accused of entering the United States by scaling a barbed-wire fence near Eagle Pass, Texas. He was detained then released by Border Patrol to limit overcrowding at a detention facility, according to court records.

Federal prosecutors said Ortega-Lopez had social media posts and tattoos that linked him to the Tren de Aragua gang. He eventually came into contact with the Canos through handyman work and was invited to stay on their property. In a court filing pertaining to a state judicial inquiry, Joel Cano said that Nancy Cano also provided assistance to the three men in complying with procedures in their pending immigration cases. Jail records show that Ortega-Lopez remains in jail ahead of a detention hearing.

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Joel Cano has called the allegations "highly sensationalized and without merit" and said the men investigated by the federal government had become "a meaningful part of our extended family."

According to a criminal complaint, Joel Cano told federal investigators that he smashed a phone federal agents had been seeking with a hammer, while investigators believe that Nancy Cano plotted with Ortega-Lopez to delete a Facebook account. Both were sought as evidence, according to court records.

Armijo did not push for the Canos to be held in jail. Instead, she asked federal Judge Gregory Fouratt to impose conditions of release that barred the husband and wife from residing together. Armijo said she was worried about the two discussing the case together.

"We don't know if there's another phone that could be destroyed," Armijo said.

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Fouratt called the proposal form over substance and said the Canos had a constitutional right to be with each other as a married couple.

But Fouratt did inquire about the Canos' wealth, suggesting they were some of the wealthiest defendants he had ever judged, and the couple's rental properties in southern New Mexico.

Nancy Cano told the court that the couple rented eight units in the state, nearly all occupied.

Ultimately, Fouratt imposed a standard array of conditions of release, including no contact with other witnesses or defendants, no new charges and a requirement to stay in Dona Ana County.

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"There's no workable way," Fouratt said, referring to a condition that would prevent the couple from speaking to each other. "I'd be setting you up to fail."

Fouratt also said they must turn over their passports to the court and get rid of any guns, something the couple said they already did.

But Fouratt's final condition of release was unique to the couple.

He told them they could not rent to non-citizens or people without permanent residence and that they must provide the court with information about their tenants to prove that they are all U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Fouratt did not explain why this condition was necessary.

The Canos did not oppose this condition. Fouratt's ruling for a secured bond means the couple must pay the bond before leaving jail.
Photo: Newspaper of the Government of Vietnam

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 30. The General Secretary of the Central Committee (CPV) of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, will make a state visit to Kazakhstan from May 5 through May 7, at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Trend reports citing the Kazakh presidential service.

During the high-level talks, the prospects for strengthening Kazakh-Vietnamese trade, economic, investment, and humanitarian cooperation will be discussed.

On May 7, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam will attend the military parade in Astana, marking the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Former state Sen. Matt Little, who is running for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District. Campaign photo.

Former DFL state Sen. Matt Little is running for the U.S. House in Minnesotas 2nd Congressional District, the seat soon to be vacated by U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, who is running for Senate.

Little, a resident of New Market Township, is a personal injury attorney and the former mayor of Lakeville. He is the first candidate to officially launch a campaign for the 2nd District, though businessman and internet poster Mike Norton is also exploring a run. Other potential candidates include state Sens. Erin Maye Quade and Matt Klein; GOP state Sen. Eric Pratt; 2024 GOP nominee Joe Teirab; and 2020 and 2022 GOP nominee Tyler Kistner.

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Im running for every underdog out there, for every person working their tail off, chasing the American Dream, Little said in a press release announcing his candidacy. But, unless Washington D.C. wakes up, that dream will never be reality for many people. Groceries, child care, health care, assisted living, you name it  people are struggling to figure out how to pay for basics and have something left over.

Little served two terms as mayor of Lakeville, then represented the area in the state Senate from 2016 until 2020, when he lost his re-election race to Republican Sen. Zach Duckworth. As a senator, he worked on prescription drug affordability, infrastructure funding and expanding Metro Mobility to his district.

Little was known as a forward-thinking DFL campaigner, aggressively employing TikTok and other novel ways of reaching voters before it became commonplace.

The 2nd District, in the south Twin Cities metro, has been purple for the past decade, though Craig won by more than 13 percentage points in 2024. Craig has succeeded in the district as a moderate, splitting with the Democratic Party on issues like immigration and law enforcement.

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In the press release announcing his candidacy, Little touted his investments in public safety as mayor of Lakeville. Once, as a city council member, he offered to donate half of his small salary  around $4,000  to offset the cost of adding a staff position to the police department.

Im fighting for the health care my Mom needs, the retirement my Dad earned, and the future my daughter deserves, Little said. Im running because if we dont win back Congress, there will be nothing left of our country for my daughter to inherit.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP)  President Donald Trumps former agriculture secretary is urging the administration to support adding a vast, federally protected wildlife refuge in the Okefenokee Swamp to a list of globally treasured natural and cultural sites recognized by the United Nations.

The swamp near the Georgia-Florida state line was nominated under President Joe Biden, whose priorities Trump has worked swiftly to dismantle during his first 100 days since returning to the White House.

Now the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is being touted by Sonny Perdue, a former two-term Georgia governor who led the Department of Agriculture during Trump's first term.

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So far, only 26 places in the United States have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The U.S. Interior Department put the refuge up for consideration in December.

In an April 17 letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Purdue wrote that seeking the rare distinction poses an extraordinary opportunity to preserve a national treasure while also delivering incredible economic benefits to the state of Georgia. He noted it's been endorsed by Republicans and Democrats.

This designation is not a partisan issue, Perdue wrote in his letter, which was first reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "By supporting this effort, we can ensure the Okefenokees legacy as a natural wonder while fostering growth and prosperity for the communities surrounding it."

The Okefenokee is the largest national wildlife refuge east of the Mississippi River, sprawling across more than 400,000 acres (161,800 hectares) in southeast Georgia.

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Supporters say making it a World Heritage site would boost its profile as one of the worlds last intact blackwater swamps, which get their dark tea-colored waters from decaying vegetation. The Okefenokee is home to abundant alligators, stilt-legged wood storks, endangered woodpeckers and more than 400 other animal species.

The Interior Department remains committed to supporting the pursuit of World Heritage Site recognition for the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, said a statement emailed Wednesday by Alyse Sharpe, an department spokesperson.

Designation as a World Heritage site wouldnt impose any added restrictions or regulations for the Okefenokee. Nor would it directly affect a companys plan to mine minerals just outside the Okefenokee refuge.

Twin Pines Minerals has been awaiting final permits from Georgia environmental regulators for more than a year. The company says it can extract minerals without doing harm, but scientists and other opponents have warned that mining near the swamps bowl-like rim could cause irreparable damage.

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Since the 1970s, the World Heritage list has recognized more than 1,200 sites worldwide for having outstanding universal value to all of humanity. U.S. sites on the list include national parks like the Grand Canyon in Arizona and treasured manmade landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty.

The U.S. government had listed the Okefenokee refuge as a tentative nominee since 1982. It started moving in earnest in 2023 as the nonprofit Okefenokee Swamp Park, which operates boat tours and other concessions within the refuge, signed an agreement to work on an application with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the refuge.

Okefenokee Swamp Park raised $600,000 to pay for the nearly 300-page application packet, said Kim Bednarek, the nonprofit's executive director.

The bid for World Heritage status still needs U.S. government support. Bendarek said pending steps include an Okefenokee site visit by experts evaluating the nomination for UNESCO's World Heritage Committee. She said a final vote isn't expected before the summer of 2026.

The fact that it happened under the Biden administration is not pivotal, Bendarek said. Whats pivotal is this is an outstanding place of beauty and diversity that the United States can be proud of. We do expect and hope for the full support of the Trump administration.
The Waupun prison sits in the middle of a residential neighborhood (Photo | Wisconsin Examiner)

Former Waupun Correctional Institution (WCI) warden Randall Hepp was convicted of a misdemeanor Monday in the death of Donald Maier and fined $500 and court costs. Hepp pleaded no contest.

The Wisconsin Examiners Criminal Justice Reporting Project shines a light on incarceration, law enforcement and criminal justice issues with support from the Public Welfare Foundation.

In June, Hepp was charged in Maiers death. Maiers mother sued Wisconsin Department of Corrections Secretary Jared Hoy, Hepp and others Monday, seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

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The lawsuit alleges that the defendants lack of accommodation, deliberate indifference, and negligence in ignoring his rapidly and obviously deteriorating physical and mental health while he was in their care caused Maiers death.

In June, the Examiner reported that Hepp and eight members of his staff had been charged with crimes related to the treatment of people incarcerated in the prison. Six staff members were charged along with Hepp in the death of Maier, who authorities said died due to dehydration and malnutrition, the Examiner reported in June. Seven incarcerated people have died at WCI since 2023, the Associated Press reported.

A statement in a criminal complaint said Hepp didnt oversee his staff to make sure they followed all policies/procedures.

Randall Hepp did not follow through the requirements of his position required by law as the staff at WCI are poorly trained on many policies and procedures regarding missed meal(s), water restrictions, medication refusals, round checks, and more, the complaint stated.

DA, Maier lawsuit tell different stories about Hepp

Earlier in the case, Hepp was charged with felony misconduct in public office. Penalties for a Class I felony are a fine up to $10,000 or up to three and a half years imprisonment, or both.

Randall Hepp, warden, Waupun Correctional Institution (Department of Corrections photo)

Hepp was convicted of violating law governing state or county institutions. The Class C misdemeanor comes with a fine up to $500 and up to 30 days imprisonment, or both. Hepp was not sentenced to imprisonment.

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The Associated Press reported that Dodge County Circuit Court Judge Martin De Vries cited Hepps service record, lack of a criminal record and subpar employees who failed to follow policy.

Dodge County District Attorney Andrea Will lowered the charge to a misdemeanor in exchange for a no contest plea, the AP reported. Will told De Vries that she lowered the charge because Hepp was well respected within the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and didnt know guards werent following policy, according to the AP.

De Vries said the criminal charge against Hepp was to some extentsymbolic, the Post-Crescent reported.

According to the Associated Press, Maiers mother, Jeannette Maier, called Hepps sentence a slap on the wrist. She said her son had been treated worse than a caged animal.

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Nothing can bring my son back but I like to think we as a society would at least learn something from this tragedy so it never happens to someone elses son, she said in a statement, according to the AP.

The lawsuit from Jeannette Maier alleges Hepp was aware of a systemic lapse in enforcement of the hunger strike and water shut-off protocols. It alleges that Hepp did not take action to attempt to make sure that the protocols were followed.

The lawsuit also says Hepp was deliberately indifferent to a substantial risk regarding the most at-risk incarcerated people in the restricted housing unit.

The risk, as described by the lawsuit, was that they were not receiving the level of care and supervision needed in order to afford them adequate medical and mental health evaluation and treatment and did not have humane conditions of confinement.

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This risk was created by understaffing, low morale and lack of adequate training, the lawsuit alleges.

Sheriff supports conviction

Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt released a statement on Facebook in support of the settlement and conviction.

I can understand why some may feel additional sanctions are warranted, but our court system must be blind to feelings and agendas and decisions made solely on the facts of the case, Schmidt said.

Schmidt said that investigating and arresting Randall Hepp was one of the most difficult cases I have been part of, leading to some of the most difficult decisions I have had to make during my time as sheriff. He said Gov. Tony Evers and then-Department of Corrections Secretary Kevin Carr put Hepp in a very difficult position.

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Dont get me wrong, he was the warden and was by law administratively responsible for Waupun Correctional Institution, and as a result, two deaths that occurred, Schmidt said. While we explored it, no Wisconsin or federal law directly tied back to his bosses, who failed to provide adequate resources or leadership.

A sentencing memorandum by an attorney for Hepp said the former warden was chosen to run Waupun because of his history of building great work environments and teams, creating positive institution culture and improving operations.

According to the memorandum, Waupun Correctional was known to be the most challenging institution for correctional officers to work.

This institution was in complete [dysfunction], there was an extreme understaffing of uniformed positions and no goal to improve the staffing, the memorandum stated. There was a historically high vacancy rate that existed over a lengthy period of time that required officers to work an extremely unheard-of number of forced shifts further aggravating an already difficult situation and burning out among staff members. This situation contributed to the staffs concerning level of apathy, distraction and a desire to transfer to other institutions.

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The memorandum said Hepp became the primary and recurring voice for the need to improve staffing at Waupun.

Unfortunately, his voice was not heard, the memorandum stated.

Many pieces to this puzzle have not yet gone through the criminal justice system, Schmidt said, since cases are still being processed through the courts.

One former Waupun employee pleaded no contest in September and was fined $250. Charges were dismissed against another, and other cases are pending, the Associated Press reported.

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Hepps conviction on Tuesday afternoon.

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TAUNTON, Mass. (WPRI)  A homicide investigation is underway after a Falmouth mans body was found near Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School on Wednesday, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III.

Quinn said the body 39-year-old Stephen Myers was discovered in a construction area behind the school. Myers died as a result of a single gunshot wound, he added.

Foul play is suspected, but there is no known threat to the public, according to Quinn. He also noted there is no known connection between the victim and the school.

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ALSO READ: Mans body pulled from river in Taunton

Quinn described the investigation as extremely active.

A body was found near Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School on April 30, 2025.

In a letter to the Bristol-Plymouth school community, Superintendent-Director Dr. Alexandre Magalhaes assured families there was never any threat to the safety of students or staff.

Magalhaes said the school was not placed on lockdown or shelter-in-place, and the day continued without disruption. However, the entrance on Hart Street was temporarily closed during morning drop-off as police investigated.

The entrance has since reopened and afternoon pick-up is scheduled to proceed as normal, according to Magalhaes.

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Jaxon Lyons, a student at Bristol-Plymouth, told 12 News he received an email from the school early Wednesday morning, advising against using the Hart Street entrance. He initially assumed it was due to construction, but soon began hearing rumors circulating among other students.

It was kind of weird. I thought it was just a construction thing, Lyons recalled. But then when we got to school, there were rumors going around that it was like a dead body found.

We were like, A dead body? Thats kind of strange, he added.

Lyons said one of his teachers later confirmed the discovery, and while classes continued, the incident became the main topic of conversation throughout the day.

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No, we were never put on lockdown. They just kept extending homeroom. They never really said anything, he explained. They just had us go about our day as normal.

Even though Lyons described the situation as somewhat scary and crazy, he said he feels confident in the schools response.

I trust our school. I know that if they notice something that somethings wrong, theyll do the right steps to take care of us, he said.

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Seemingly parroting the complaints from President Donald Trump about his dismal approval ratings, conservative columnist Liz Peek wrote a column for Fox News Digital urging readers to ignore the biased polls because MAGA loves the presidents first 100 days in office.

For some reason, the Fox News contributor failed to mention the right-wing networks latest poll that finds voters are extremely unhappy with Trumps handling of the economy and just about every other significant issue, prompting the president to demand that the Fox pollster be investigated for election fraud.

Peeks omission of Fox News survey in her column also comes as Trump adviser Stephen Miller railed against the networks poll in a Tuesday interview with Fox News anchor John Roberts and even demanded that the network fire its pollster.

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The liberal media, which has underestimated and misrepresented this president for the past decade, would have us believe that his second term so far has been a disaster, Peek wrote in her Tuesday piece. Many of us who voted for Trump disagree.

A recent Fox News Digital column urges Trump voters to ignore the biased polls showing the president is struggling, but omits the Fox News poll that Trump has raged about. (AP)

She went on to cite noted Trump pollster John McLaughlin, who reacted to the latest surveys released by the New York Times and Washington Post by claiming they were improperly skewed against the president because they didnt include enough Trump voters.

Pollsters tell us that Trumps approval ratings are in free fall. Critics (and the president) suggest some polls dont pass the smell test, she wrote. GOP pollster John McLaughlin reports that in the new NY Times/Siena poll, which showed Trump with a meager 42 percent approving of how the president is handling his job, only 37 percent of the survey group voted for Trump in 2024.

Peek added: The recent ABC/Washington Post poll showed Trump at 39 percent approval  The Lowest in 80 Years blared a headline  but included, according to McLaughlin, only 34 percent Trump voters. As McLaughlin asked pointedly on Truth Social, Didnt we win popular vote with 50 percent?

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The right-wing pundit then cited a poll by Quantus Insights, which she noted claims to have achieved better accuracy than most polling outfits in 2024, to show that the presidents approval rating is currently at 48 percent. Additionally, she highlighted a focus group of 15 Trump voters convened by GOP consultant Frank Luntz to dismiss the relentlessly and universally negative coverage of Trumps tariffs by the liberal media.

Overall, the group appeared willing to give Trump time to work through his agenda, noting that it was only a few months into his term, and that he had three and a half years to go, she added. That is certainly not the view of the liberal press, which has fought Trump every step of his political journey.

Peek did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

With a bevy of bad polls greeting his 100th day in office, which have all largely revealed that Americans are highly concerned about the economic impact of Trumps trade wars, the president took out his anger on the pollsters  and Fox News  earlier this week.

Trump raged over several polls that were released to mark his 100th day in office. Many found he had higher disapproval ratings than other presidents after their first 100 days. (AP)

These people should be investigated for ELECTION FRAUD, and add in the FoxNews Pollster while youre at it, Trump ranted on Truth Social on Monday. They are Negative Criminals who apologize to their subscribers and readers after I WIN ELECTIONS BIG, much bigger than their polls showed I would win, loose (sic) a lot of credibility, and then go on cheating and lying for the next cycle, only worse.

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He continued: They suffer from Trump Derangement Syndrome, and there is nothing that anyone, or anything, can do about it. THEY ARE SICK, almost only write negative stories about me no matter how well I am doing (99.9 percent at the Border, BEST NUMBER EVER!), AND ARE TRULY THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE! I wish them well, but will continue to fight to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

He also cited McLaughlin, claiming that his trusted pollster found that the surveys from the New York Times and Washington Post were FAKE POLLS FROM FAKE NEWS ORGANIZATIONS.Meanwhile, during his interview with Roberts, Miller took exception to the anchor referencing the latest Fox News poll to assert that voters felt that the president is wasting too much time on tariffs and not enough energy on lowering prices.

I dont want to make things weird for you, John, but it is our opinion that Fox News needs to fire its pollster, Miller grumbled, adding that the Fox News pollster has always been wrong about President Trump and the White House does not acknowledge any of that polling.

Standing there silent while Miller ravaged his networks polling, which has generally been considered highly respected in the industry, Roberts would only address the situation after the interview wrapped up. He made a remark that was critical of our polling, Roberts said later in the broadcast. Here at Fox News, we stand by our polling, as we always have.

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Although Peek appears to be turning a blind eye to Fox News survey, others at the network are sounding the alarm about what this could potentially mean for the president in the long run.

Hes in very bad shape, Fox News contributor and longtime GOP strategist Karl Rove said this past weekend, citing the Fox poll. I think the tariffs are a big problem because people understand that it is a tax and that its going to be a tax on them that they have to pay.
Fox News filed a motion for summary judgment Tuesday, attacking voting machine company Smartmatic's demand for $2.7 billion in damages in its defamation suit against the conservative-leaning news channel.

In 2023, Fox News paid $787.5 million to settle a separate defamation suit filed by Dominion Voting Systems over its reporting on President Trump's false claims of election fraud in 2020. But "Smartmatic is not Dominion," according to the Fox News legal team.

Fox News' filing in New York Supreme Court says the network's coverage of Trump's false election fraud allegations did not hurt Smartmatic's business.

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The Boca Raton, Fla.-based Smartmatic, which does business in 40 countries, countered that Fox News' conduct has cost 100 people their jobs at the company and billions of dollars in asset value. The company filed its defamation suit in 2021.

But Fox News argued that Smartmatic already had a poor reputation, saying the company provided election services to a "corrupt regime in Venezuela for more than a decade" and "has always faced difficulties finding governments willing to work with it."

"While Smartmatic claims scores of lost contract opportunities, there is no evidence that Fox Newss coverage caused a single former, existing or potential customer to refuse to do business with Smartmatic," the court filing said.

Read more: Right-wing network Newsmax settles Smartmatic defamation lawsuit

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Eric Connolly, an attorney representing Smartmatic, called Foxs argument "a deflection."

"This is exactly the kind of tactic you expect from an abuser," Connolly said in a statement. "Rather than take responsibility, they try to blame the victim. They are attacking Smartmatic to distract from the central issue: they defamed the company and caused serious harm."

Smartmatic was frequently mentioned when Trump's lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell appeared as guests on Fox News and Fox Business Network programs in late 2020 and spread Trump's erroneous charges that voting machines were rigged to throw the election to Joe Biden.

While Smartmatic was often mentioned in the Fox News coverage, the company was barely involved in the 2020 election. Smartmatic equipment was only used in Los Angeles County and in none of the swing states that decided the outcome, a fact that was communicated to Fox News at the time.

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Fox News argued that reporting on allegations made by a sitting president and his lawyers was newsworthy and protected by the 1st Amendment. Many of those false claims were amplified by pro-Trump Fox News commentators such as Jeanine Pirro and Maria Bartiromo on their programs and through social media.

Smartmatic's motion said Fox News journalists, hosts and executives  including Rupert Murdoch  acknowledged in private and in court depositions that they knew Trump's claims were false. They continued to air them nonetheless to placate their conservative viewers, the motion added, showing reckless disregard for the truth.

"Their own fact-checking efforts disproved the accusation," Smartmatic's court filing said. "They also believed guests appearing on their shows to discuss the accusation were nuts, crazy and unreliable."

Fox News' court filing indicates that if the case goes to trial, the defense is likely to flood the zone with documentation of Smartmatic's other legal problems over a number of years.

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Smartmatic President Roger Pinate and two other employees were indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice in August for allegedly making illegal payments to a former Philippines elections commissioner in order to get its voting machines and services used in the countrys 2016 election.

Smartmatic has said that the case had nothing to do with voter fraud.

Earlier this year, Smartmatic settled a defamation lawsuit against right-wing outlet Newsmax, which also gave a platform to Trump's falsehoods and did not acknowledge that Biden was president-elect for more than a month after the election was called.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
PARIS (AP)  The French government is banning activist groups on the edges of the political spectrum as it tries to portray itself as the guardian of democracy against extremism. Thats prompting accusations of Islamophobia from rivals on the left, and of plagiarism from the far right.

And like much of French politics right now, the latest moves are intertwined with jockeying by political rivals ahead of 2027 presidential elections.

Emmanuel Macron wont be able to stand for re-election in 2027 after serving as president for the maximum two terms, and presidential hopefuls are trying to make the most of a highly inflammatory political context, both on the domestic and international stages.

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As extreme political forces made significant gains in recent parliamentary elections, leaving a fractured legislature, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau  a senior member of the government who is eager to succeed Macron  is hitting out at various groups to show his credentials.

On Wednesday, Retailleau confirmed plans for the dissolution of the Urgence Palestine group, a collective calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza which has accused Israel of genocide. During an interview with Europe 1-CNews, Retailleau said that banning the group was a blow to Islamism.

Islamism is an ideology that tries to use a religion as a tool," he said. "We need to hit Islamism so that we can protect our Muslim compatriots.

The planned dissolution of Urgence Palestine is the latest move in the French government's strategy to bring down groups deemed as extremists. Retailleau told the lower house of the Parliament this week that he started a similar procedure against a left-wing movement called the antifascist Young Guard.

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That group, which is supported by political figures from the hard left, was created in Lyon in response to the growing presence of far-right activists in the city. Retailleau said he is also seeking the dissolution of a group close to the "ultra-right" movement called Lyon Populaire.

The interior minister is a hardline conservative working within the centrist government of Prime Minister Francois Bayrou. Retailleau is bidding to become the leader of Les Republicains and represent his party at the 2027 presidential election.

Racist and antisemitic acts

Retailleau's announcements came on the eve of the May Day celebrations, which are often marred by violence on the sidelines of events marking International Workers Day, and amid a surge in antisemitic and islamophobic incidents in Europe against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war.

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Frances National Consultative Commission on Human Rights last year reported a 32% spike in racist incidents in 2023, and an unprecedented surge in antisemitic acts, up 284% from 2022. The report said the numbers were likely an undercount, given that many victims of racism dont file complaints.

In this context, presidential contenders, including leftist challenger Jean-Luc Melenchon and far-right stalwarts Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, are all playing their cards.

Melenchon attended a rally in Paris last week after a man suspected of killing a Muslim worshipper in a French mosque in an attack that was described by Bayrou as described by Bayrou as Islamophobic. Melenchon was moved to tears after a woman told him how Muslims no longer feel safe in France and that a red line had been crossed.

That's for sure, replied Melenchon, who accused Retailleau of nurturing a climate of Islamophobia.

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Melenchon in recent years has taken a clear stance in defense of Muslims, with many political rivals accusing him and his hard-left France Unbowed party of antisemitism. He strongly denies the accusations.

Siphoning off far-right voters

On the other side of the spectrum, fearing that the current governments hardline stance on immigration and the fight against extremism could lead to a siphoning off of its voters, far-right leaders have accused Retailleau of just pretending to be tough.

In February, after one person was killed and police officers injured in a knife attack in the eastern French city of Mulhouse conducted by a 37-year-old Algerian man, Bardella said Retailleau should either act or step down.

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The suspect had arrived in France without papers and was arrested and convicted of glorifying terrorism in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. After several months in prison for that conviction, the suspect was confined to house arrest as authorities sought to expel him to Algeria.

Perhaps in order to please the National Rally electorate and right-wing voters, (Retailleau) is making more and more statements, except that the same things are happening over and over again, Bardella said.

Retailleau, who will likely face stiff competition from rivals including former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin in his 2027 bid, has clearly made the fight against Islamism his rallying cry.

His strategy of overtaking the far-right on its themes bears many similarities to Nicolas Sarkozys successful presidential campaign in 2007, when he beat a Socialist rival in the second round of ballot to succeed Jacques Chirac after the far-right candidate Jean-Marie Le Pen was eliminated in the first round with just 10% of votes.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 30. Kyrgyzstans state-owned mobile operator Alfa Telecom (operating under the MEGA brand) and the Kyzmat State Institution have signed a memorandum of understanding launching a large-scale partnership in the field of information and communication technology, Trend reports via Kyzmat.

The primary aim of this partnership is to streamline public digital services, making them as easy as pie, quicker than a wink, and accessible to every citizen under the sun throughout the nation. Both parties have rolled up their sleeves and are ready to join forces to enhance the quality and efficiency of digital government tools.

The memorandum outlines a range of joint initiatives. These include simplifying the payment process for public services through both cash and non-cash methods, introducing online appointment systems and digital queues in government institutions, and integrating new digital solutions into existing state portals. The partners also plan to upgrade and expand current services while jointly developing business strategies and modernizing operational processes.

A key part of the collaboration will be the integration of Kyzmats digital services into the MegaPay mobile application, developed by MEGA. In addition, both sides agreed to test new technologies and explore innovative approaches to further improve the countrys digital public services.

On October 10, 2024, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov signed a decree establishing the state institution Kyzmat. The organization is responsible for delivering public services to individuals and legal entities, implementing state policy in the field of population registration and documentation, and improving the conditions for providing government services related to civil registration.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The Idaho Supreme Court announced the clinics, along with education events for students, in a news release Monday. (Getty Images)

In celebration of law day on Thursday, three free legal clinics will be held in Coeur dAlene and by phone.

The Idaho Supreme Court announced the clinics, along with education events for students, in a news release Monday.

The Idaho Volunteers Lawyer Program is hosting an Ask A Lawyer event to share chances to request limited legal advice via a phone call.

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When: Noon to 1 p.m.

How it works: Register online, and share your question for an attorney. An attorney calls registrants during the event time.

In North Idahos Kootenai County, two clinics will focus on wills and family law issues.

Whats the family law clinic? Attorneys can help answer questions and fill out legal forms including child custody, support, and property and debt issues.

When: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Coeur dAlene Public Library at 702 E. Front Ave., in the Community and Gozzer rooms

Whats the wills clinic? Attorneys can help prepare wills and power of attorney.

When: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Coeur dAlene Public Librarys Community Room. And again at 1-3:30 p.m. in the librarys Gozzer Room.

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Several civil liberties non-profits jointly filed a friend of the court brief in support of Tufts University doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk in her ongoing lawsuit against the Trump administration.

The groups called the detention of Ozturk in Louisiana due to her contribution to a student newspaper op-ed unlawful and un-American.

On Tuesday, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), along with the National Coalition Against Censorship, PEN America and the Cato Institute, among others, filed an amici curiae brief to the United States District Court of Vermont.

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It is unthinkable that a person in a free society could be snatched from the street, imprisoned, and threatened with deportation for expressing an opinion the government dislikes, FIRE said in a statement.

The organization called out Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has defended Ozturks detention at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), not because the government claims she committed a crime or other deportable offense, but for the seemingly sole reason that her expression  an op-ed in a student newspaper  stirred the Trump administration to anger."

Secretary Rubio claims (as do all censors) that this time is different, that university students pro-Palestine (and, as administration officials allege, anti-Israel) views cannot be tolerated, FIRE stated. ... The First Amendment does not speak equivocally. It prohibits any law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.

The lawsuit called her detention unconstitutional retaliation and viewpoint discrimination.

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The government has not claimed Ms. Ozturk ever engaged in terrorist activity, the lawsuit read. It does not allege she ever provided material support for a terrorist organization... Instead, the government has targeted Ms. Ozturk because of her advocacy for the Palestinians in a newspaper. It characterizes her political opinion as glorifying terrorists and arrested and detained her because of it.

Among citations referring to previous legal battles over First Amendment rights, FIRE also cited Thomas Jeffersons first inaugural address in 1801 in Ozturks defense.

[Jefferson] proclaimed, If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated and where reason is left free to combat it, the lawsuit read.

Also on Tuesday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit paused a court order from a Vermont District Court judge requiring Ozturk to return to Vermont from Louisiana pending a hearing next week. The judge had ordered that she return to Vermont by May 1 to facilitate a hearing on her petition challenging her detention.

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Ozturk, a 30-year-old Turkish national, has been in federal custody since March 25, when plainclothes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested her on the street and whisked her away to New Hampshire, then Vermont, and finally Louisiana. She has yet to be charged with a crime.

Ozturks lawyers claim the Trump administration revoked her student visa without warning because she co-authored a pro-Palestinian op-ed in Tufts student newspaper last year. Federal officials say she supports Hamas, but have not provided specific evidence to support the claim.

Ozturk has been held in a 14-person cell with two dozen other women since being moved to Louisiana. She has had multiple asthma attacks during her detention, according to her court filings.

Read the original article on MassLive.
Funeral arrangements have been announced for Bishop Stanley G. Schlarman, a former auxiliary bishop for the Belleville Diocese and former bishop of the Dodge City, Kansas, Diocese.

Schlarman, a Belleville native, died Monday at the Brightly Senior Living in Mascoutah. He was 91.

His obituary posted on the Belleville Dioceses website does not include a cause of death.

In 2015, he celebrated a Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Belleville to mark his retirement.

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I do not remember when I was here the first time, Schlarman said in his homily, according to a Belleville News-Democrat article at the time.

But he said his earliest recollection was as a boy sitting in the choir and gazing at the scene of Christs crucifixion that had once graced the wall by the altar. Thats when he knew he wanted to join the priesthood.

And from there, down to the main altar, I just fell in love with it, he said. Thats all I can say. You dont know why as a 14-year-old why, youre not sure.

Schlarman was born in Belleville on July 27, 1933.

He was an auxiliary bishop in Belleville from 1979 to 1983. He then served as bishop in Dodge City from 1983 to 1998.

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Along with his duties as bishop, his career highlights include his ordination in Rome in 1958 and serving as a teacher, counselor and principal at Mater Dei Catholic High School in Breese.

While still at Mater Dei, Schlarman worked and ministered to mentally and physically challenged children at the Warren G. Murray Developmental Center in Centralia, according to a biography.

Among his survivors are two sisters, including Sister Patricia Schlarman, who next year will celebrate 70 years as a vowed member of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. Their great-uncle, Bishop Joseph H. Schlarman, served as bishop of the Bishop of Peoria from 1930 to 1951.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 10 a.m. to noon Friday at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Belleville.

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The funeral Mass will be at noon Friday at the cathedral with Belleville Bishop Michael McGovern presiding. McGovern is scheduled to take a new appointment as archbishop of Omaha, Nebraska, on May 7.

Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery in Belleville.

Renner Funeral Home in Belleville is handling arrangements.
A south Georgia man is facing several charges in connection with two death investigations.

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On Saturday, the Worth County Sheriffs Office was called to a suspected fentanyl overdose.

When Worth County deputies arrived, they found Morgan Young, 36, of Sumner, Ga., and Bailey Barfield, 24, of Vienna, Ga., dead at the scene. Young and Barfield were taken to the GBI Crime Lab, where an autopsy will be performed.

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According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Mikel Julies Singleton, 48, of Ty Ty, Tift County home was searched in connection with the deaths.

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Authorities said they found suspected cocaine, suspected methamphetamine, and a suspected Schedule I cathinone at Singletons home.

Singleton is charged with two counts of aggravated involuntary manslaughter for fentanyl overdose, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and use of a communication facility in the commission of a drug felony.

He was booked into the Tift County Jail.

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  A woman was sentenced Wednesday in the murder of her boyfriend, 20-year-old Jose Manuel Zavala Marquez.

The Montgomery County States Attorneys Office said 23-year-old Jennifer Espinoza-Orellana was convicted of second-degree murder in November 2024.

According to court documents, Zavala Marquez was taken to the Shady Grove Adventist Hospital at around 5:30 a.m. on Sept. 10, 2023. A woman told hospital staff that her boyfriend  Zavala Marquez  had been stabbed.

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Gaithersburg woman found guilty for murder of 20-year-old boyfriend

Hospital officials said Zavala Marquez did not have any vital signs upon arrival.

The woman, later identified as Espinoza-Orellana, initially said her sister received a text from Zavala Marquez, saying hed been stabbed.

When Espinoza-Orellana responded to his location, she said she found him alone, suffering from a single stab wound. Thats when she said she drove him to the hospital.

Espinoza-Orellana told hospital staff she was leaving to tell Zavala-Marquezs family what happened. She also said she believed he was a drug addict and suicidal.

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She returned to the hospital later that morning and was met by Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) detectives. She told MCPD she could take them to where she found Zavala Marquez.

When MCPD and Espinoza-Orellana arrived at 10101 Apple Ridge Drive, she showed detectives where she found him.

Detectives asked if they could return to her home and get the clothes she was wearing at the hospital. Espinoza-Orellana agreed and, on the drive there, admitted to lying about where Zavala Marquez was found.

Espinoza-Orellana said he was stabbed near her home and possibly by herself, according to court documents.

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At the police station, Espinoza-Orellana told police she lied about the story she told hospital staff members.

Court documents: Man arrested in girlfriends murder in Prince Georges County had history of violence, violating protective orders

Over the course of the interview, Espinoza-Orellana admitted that her friend was with her and Zavala Marques at her home the evening before. Theyd been drinking alcohol and, at some point, an altercation broke out between Espinoza-Orellana and Zavala Marques.

She said he grabbed a knife from the kitchen and threatened to hurt himself if Espinoza-Orellana ended their relationship. He then reportedly cut himself on the hand, grabbed her car keys and left out of the back door.

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She followed him and caught up to him in a field next to her home.

Thats when Espinoza-Orellana told police she grabbed the knife and stabbed Zavala Marques once in the chest.

She said he tried to choke her in the field, but detectives noted she did not have any defects in her eyes or on her throat.

Throughout the evening, police said neither Espinoza-Orellana nor her friend ever attempted to call police or get Zavala Marques medical help.

The stabbing, according to the States Attorneys Office, happened just before 1:15 a.m. At least four hours passed before she drove Zavala Marques to the hospital.

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Espinoza-Orellana was ordered to spend 40 years in prison for the second-degree murder of Zavala Marques. All but 18 years, however, were suspended and she will spend five years of supervised probation upon her release.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Gatorland, the long-standing Orlando animal attraction, has made its Gatorland Global conservation effort an official 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

Gatorland Global acts locally and internationally, protecting and rescuing alligators in Florida while also acting outside the U.S. with efforts in nations such as Cuba, Jamaica, Venezuela and Colombia. Formally becoming a not-for-profit allows the group to provide dedicated resources to conservation groups. Gatorland Global was established in 2018.

Internationally, Gatorland Global supports several research facilities and sanctuaries to conserve critically endangered crocodilians and their dwindling habitats, Mark McHugh, president and CEO of Gatorland, said in a news release. Globally, we educate people, schools, and communities on the importance of alligators and crocodiles to healthy ecosystems and teach people how to safely live near these dangerous, yet incredible animals.

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Gatorland Global also partners with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and trappers to rescue wild alligators that might be sold for hides and meat otherwise. It has saved more than 100 alligators and relocated them to the attraction, which has been open on Orange Blossom Trail since 1949.

Jawlene eating, adjusting to her new life at Gatorland

This year, Gatorland experts will travel to Venezuela to release two Orinoco crocodiles raised since they were hatchlings at the attraction. Savannah Boan, Gatorland Global international ambassador, travels with Gatorland team members several times a year for collaborations.

Gatorland Global builds lasting relationships and shares vital knowledge that helps protect Florida wildlife and wildlife around the world, Boan said.

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For more information, go to gatorlandglobal.org.

Gatorland salutes rescue animals with Walk of Fame

Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.

Picture it: 75 years of Gatorland history
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. The fourth round of indirect talks on the nuclear program between Iran and the US will be held on May 3 in the Italy's Rome, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi told reporters following a Cabinet meeting in Tehran, Trend reports.

According to him, the issue is defined by the proposal of the intermediary country, Oman, and the agreement of the parties.

Araghchi also stated that talks with the parties of the three European countries ( UK, France, and Germany) will be held on May 2.

Three rounds of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US regarding Irans nuclear program were held on April 12, 19, and 26. These discussions, conducted indirectly with the mediation of the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi, involved Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi leading the Iranian delegation, while the US delegation was led by the US Special Envoy to Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff. The first and third rounds took place in Muscat, Oman, while the second round was held in Rome, Italy.
Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) has approved a coalition agreement with Friedrich Merz's conservative bloc, paving the way for the new German government to take office in Berlin next week.

The centre-left party said on Wednesday 84.6% of members backed the agreement in a two-week online ballot, with 56% turnout.

The SPD is to become the junior party in the incoming administration alongside chancellor-in-waiting Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU) - both of which have already rubber-stamped the deal.

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The agreement is due to be formally signed on Monday, with Merz set to be elected as chancellor on Tuesday, two and a half months after his centre-right bloc won February's parliamentary elections.

SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil received unanimous backing from his party's executive committee to become the new vice chancellor.

Matthias Miersch, the party's general secretary, said the vote to approve the coalition deal showed the party has "strong backing from the grassroots" for its participation in the new administration.

The result was also praised by Bavarian Premier Markus Soder, the leader of the CSU.

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"Now we can finally get started," Soder told dpa in Munich. "It's high time for a real change of direction in Germany."

Major challenges ahead

Together, the conservatives and the SPD hold a narrow majority of 328 of 630 seats in the new Bundestag, despite jointly having secured less than 45% of the vote.

The incoming government faces major challenges ahead, with the country's ailing economy having suffered two consecutive years of recession, and posting only 0.2% growth in the first quarter of 2025.

Meanwhile, Europe as a whole is reeling from the dramatic turnaround in US policy under President Donald Trump.

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Merz has vowed a change of course in economic and migration policy, two of the issues that dominated the election campaign, while the threat from Russia is set to remain a major concern in the coming years.

German voters will be hoping that the new administration proves more resilient than outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz's unhappy three-party coalition, which collapsed late last year over budget disputes.

The margin of the SPD result sends a strong signal of support for the coalition, with previous deals between the country's traditional rivals under former chancellor Angela Merkel having been approved by only 66% and 76% of SPD members in 2018 and 2013.

While the party's youth wing had outlined its opposition to the coalition agreement's tough stance on migration and social policy, the SPD was widely expected to back the deal as parties of the centre jointly face the threat of losing vote share to the Alternative for Germany (AfD).

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The far-right party, which finished second in February's election, has been surging in recent opinion polls and would likely have benefited from the chaos if the incoming coalition had failed to reach a consensus.

Instead, the new government is now set to take office next week, hoping to restore Germany to its former economic might and renew Berlin's leadership in Europe.

Scholz holds final Cabinet meeting

Wednesday was also a significant day for Scholz, who held his 131st and final Cabinet meeting in Berlin, three and a half years after his three-party coalition took office in December 2021.

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Only two partners - Scholz's SPD and the Greens - were still at the table on Wednesday, after the pro-business Free Democrats withdrew from the government in November, prompting early parliamentary elections to be called in February.

A dpa reporter saw a few embraces, but said there was no sign of an emotional farewell at the start of the meeting, which approved a 3.74% increase in pensions.

Scholz was due to visit France for a farewell visit to French President Emmanuel Macron later on Wednesday.

He is due to be honoured with formal military ceremony on Monday ahead of leaving office on Tuesday.
Germany's largest manufacturer of small arms, Heckler & Koch, is entering the drone defence business, the company's chief executive said on Wednesday.

The firm has already received an order for such a system, Jens Bodo Koch said at company headquarters in Oberndorf, south-west of Stuttgart. He did not provide further details.

"Drones pose an incredible threat to infantry soldiers, for which there are currently only a few solutions," he said.

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Heckler & Koch's new drone defence system involves grenade launchers or automatic grenade launchers that are mounted on a vehicle turret and equipped with a sensor box that uses artificial intelligence to detect drones in the sky and assess their threat level. The grenade is then programmed to explode near the drone.

"A metal cloud is created in the air, which the drone flies into and is destroyed," Koch explained. He is not related to the company's founder, Theodor Koch.

Collaboration on systems development

For its drone defence system, Heckler & Koch is collaborating with the artificial intelligence specialist Autonomous Teaming from Munich.

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The German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall is supplying control components for the grenades, while the vehicle turret is provided by a Slovenian company.

"We are the system provider that brings it all together," Koch said.

The project is still in its development phase, with initial firing tests already conducted, but is expected to be completed and ready for sale by the end of the year.
German unemployment dropped by 0.1 percentage point to 6.3% in April, the Federal Employment Agency said on Wednesday.

The number of unemployed people dropped compared to March by 36,000 to 2.932 million, the Nuremberg-based agency said.

However, the figure was 182,000 more than in April 2024, when the unemployment rate was 6%.

The number of vacancies remains relatively high, with 646,000 job vacancies currently registered with the agency - 55,000 fewer than one year ago.

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Germany's economy has recently been mired in an extended slump, with consecutive years of recession.

Observers have warned that the prolonged difficulties could impact the German labour market.

Andrea Nahles, the agency's chairwoman, said that while unemployment fell marginally, the expected "spring recovery" in employment was "comparatively weak."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is set to be succeeded by Friedrich Merz next week, held his last Cabinet meeting in Berlin on Wednesday.

The 131st and final meeting came three and a half years after Scholz's three-party coalition took office in December 2021.

Only two partners - Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens - were still at the table on Wednesday, after the pro-business Free Democrats withdrew from the government in November, prompting early parliamentary elections to be called in February.

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A dpa reporter saw a few embraces, but said there was no sign of an emotional farewell at the start of the meeting, which approved a 3.74% increase in pensions.

The SPD is set to remain in government as a junior partner in a new coalition with Merz's conservative Christian Democrats and the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union.

Merz is due to be elected chancellor by parliament on Tuesday.
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's Social Democrats (SPD) approved a coalition agreement with the CDU/CSU conservatives, two sources close to the party said on Wednesday, clearing the last hurdle for the formation of a new government in Europe's largest economy.

In the vote, which ended on Tuesday just before midnight, 84% of the members who took part were in favour of the deal, the sources said.

(Reporting by Markus Wacket and Holger Hansen; Writing by Riham Alkousaa, editing by Kirsti Knolle)
Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) has approved a coalition agreement with Friedrich Merz's conservative bloc in a members' ballot, paving the way for the new German government to take office next week, sources told dpa on Wednesday.

Party insiders said 84.6% of members backed the agreement in a vote that took place over two weeks and ended on Tuesday.

The centre-left SPD is to become the junior party in the incoming administration alongside chancellor-in-waiting Merz's Christian Democratic Union and its sister party, the Christian Social Union - both of which have already rubber-stamped the coalition deal.

Merz is set to be elected chancellor on May 6 in a session of the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, just over two months since his centre-right bloc won February's federal election.
Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) has approved a coalition agreement with Friedrich Merz's conservative CDU/CSU bloc, paving the way for the new German government to take office in Berlin next week.

The centre-left party said on Wednesday 84.6% of members backed the agreement in a two-week online ballot, with 56% turnout.

The SPD is to become the junior party in the incoming administration alongside chancellor-in-waiting Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU) - both of which have already rubber-stamped the deal.

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The agreement is due to be formally signed on Monday, with Merz set to be elected as chancellor on Tuesday, two and a half months after his centre-right bloc won February's parliamentary elections.

According to dpa's sources, SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil received unanimous backing from his party's executive committee to become the new vice chancellor.

In a post on X, the SPD leadership thanked members for their support.

"Your trust sustains us - especially in times of great uncertainty," the party said. "Now we're getting started: for stability and a just, social country."

Major challenges ahead

Together, the conservatives and the SPD hold a narrow majority of 328 of 630 seats in the new Bundestag, despite jointly having secured less than 45% of the vote.

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The incoming government faces major challenges ahead, with the country's ailing economy having suffered two consecutive years of recession, and posting only 0.2% growth in the first quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, Europe as a whole is reeling from the dramatic turnaround in US policy under President Donald Trump.

Merz has vowed a change of course in economic and migration policy, two of the issues that dominated the election campaign, while the threat from Russia is set to remain a major concern in the coming years.

German voters will be hoping that the new administration proves more resilient than outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz's unhappy three-party coalition, which collapsed late last year over budget disputes.

The margin of the SPD result sends a strong signal of support for the coalition, with previous deals between the country's traditional rivals under former chancellor Angela Merkel having been approved by only 66% and 76% of SPD members in 2018 and 2013.

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While the party's youth wing had outlined its opposition to the coalition agreement's tough stance on migration and social policy, the SPD was widely expected to back the deal as parties of the centre jointly face the threat of losing vote share to the Alternative for Germany (AfD).

The far-right party, which finished second in February's election, has been surging in recent opinion polls and would likely have benefited from the chaos if the incoming coalition had failed to reach a consensus.

Instead, the new government will take office next week, hoping to restore Germany to its former economic might and renew Berlin's leadership in Europe.
The general secretary of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) on Wednesday welcomed the result of an online ballot which saw members overwhelmingly approve a coalition agreement with Friedrich Merz's conservative bloc.

Matthias Miersch said the vote - which saw 84.6% of members back the deal on 56% turnout - showed the party has "strong backing from the grassroots" for its participation in the new administration.

The result was also praised by Bavarian Premier Markus Soder, whose Christian Social Union (CSU) is also part of the incoming government alongside Merz's Christian Democrats.

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"Now we can finally get started," Soder told dpa in Munich. "It's high time for a real change of direction in Germany."

The parties are set to sign the coalition agreement in Berlin on Monday, before Merz is elected by parliament as the country's next chancellor on Tuesday.
Iran boosts non-oil exports to Uzbekistan

Iran's non-oil exports to Uzbekistan saw significant growth in the last Iranian year, with a 22.7% increase in value and a 13.6% rise in weight compared to the previous year. Exports were valued at approximately $411 million and weighed around 575,000 tons. Key products included dairy, petrochemicals, pipes, glass containers, and agricultural equipment. The total trade volume between Iran and Uzbekistan reached about $500 million, with an 8.7% increase in value and a 4.5% rise in weight.

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The Arizona Republic and azcentral.coms coverage of the Gilbert Goons has earned national recognition from two prestigious journalism organizations.

The Goons documentary has been named a finalist in the local video storytelling category in the Scripps Howard Journalism Awards. The documentary was compiled by videographer Michael Chow and reporters Robert Anglen and Elena Santa Cruz.

The fatal beating of 16-year-old Preston Lord in the Phoenix suburbs drew widespread attention, and The Republics reporters were the first to tie his beating to the "Goons," a gang of suburban teenagers whose attacks on other teens had gone unchecked by police for more than a year.

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The Scripps Howard competition focuses on high impact reporting, recognizing journalism that spurs action, news organizations that go the extra mile to expose previously undisclosed or misunderstood information and journalists who embrace new tools, channels, technologies and approaches to provide more immersive experiences for their audiences, according to its website.

Scripps Howard names three finalists in each category in its competition, with the category winner to be announced online at SHJAwards.org on June 10. In addition to "Preston Lord's Death Uncovers 'Gilbert Goons,'" other finalists in the local video storytelling category are ABC 15 Arizona for "Policing Phoenix: The DOJ Report" and Frontline (PBS) for "Maui's Deadly Firestorm."

Anglen, Santa Cruz and Chow also were named finalists in the 2025 Investigative Reporters and Editors contest for their Goons reporting and documentary.

Investigative Reporters and Editors Inc. is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of investigative reporting.

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The judges said: In an exhaustive, winding investigation reported over months, The Arizona Republic tied the deadly beating of a 16-year-old to a string of assaults by a gang of elite teenagers. The reporting showed significant cover-up attempts, community outrage and inaction by local police who appeared to look the other way as teen assaults mounted up, months before one turned deadly. 

AL.com won the category with a story on Alabamas parole system, and a team from the Miami Herald was the other finalist, with coverage of a botched investigation into a deadly boating crash.

Guilty plea: Teen pleads guilty to manslaughter in Preston Lord death

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Gilbert Goons' documentary named finalist for video storytelling
Content warning: This story contains graphic details of alleged child sexual abuse.

A girl alleged to authorities, per a criminal complaint, that she and her sister were sexually abused by their grand-godmother's boyfriend, which began when they both were under the age of 10

David Boyd has been charged in connection with the allegations

One of the victims provided a sketch to authorities, allegedly of Boyd's basement, showing herself as a stick figure tied to a pole

A Wisconsin man has been accused of child sex abuse and false imprisonment after a young girl told authorities he'd held her in his basement on several occasions, where he sexually assaulted and trafficked her.

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David Boyd, 64, was taken into custody on Saturday, April 26, on child trafficking, child sexual abuse and false imprisonment charges, according to online court records reviewed by PEOPLE.

Two alleged victims, who were both minors during the alleged abuse  which authorities say spanned years in Brown Deer, Wis.  spoke with investigators during a months-long investigation that began in January, according to a criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE.

The investigation began when one of the alleged victims confided in her foster parent, and the parent then reported the allegations to police, according to the complaint.

One of the alleged victims claimed that Boyd, of Milwaukee, allegedly began abusing her when she was about 8 or 9 years old, in 2020, and the abuse lasted till 2024, per the complaint.

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She claimed Boyd was her grand-godmothers boyfriend.

Boyd allegedly cut her in different part of her body, including her private parts, on one occasion using a box cutter, per the complaint.

He allegedly brought the child to his home in Milwaukee, where he chained her to a pole in his basement, per the complaint.

She alleged he left her there with one piece of bread; court documents cited by the outlets alleged she was forced to drink water from a puddle on the ground. The child detailed her environment in a sketch of the basement, as published in the criminal complaint.

The sketch shows a pole next to a washer and dryer, with a "chain" attached to the neck of a stick figure, which the girl labeled as "me." At the foot of the figure, there is a piece of bread (labeled "bread"), underneath which is a sketch of waves, with the label "water."

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Boyd is further accused of trafficking the girl to several men; on one occasion, he allegedly made the girl choose the order in which they would sexually assault her, per the complaint. He only stopped when his daughter called him from downstairs.

The child's sister alleged to authorities that Boyd began sexually assaulting her in 2015 when she was 5 years old, and continued to do so until she was 12, when she moved away, the complaint states.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Investigators say they found knives in Boyd's home, as well as hooked chains hanging from the ceiling of his basement, according to the complaint.

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Milwaukee police, which is assisting Brown Deer officials with the investigation, declined to comment on the matter. Brown Deer police and the District Attorney's office did not respond to PEOPLE's requests for comment.

Boyd has been charged with two counts of repeated sexual assault of the same child, one count of child abuse, one count of false imprisonment, one count of child trafficking and one count of use of dangerous weapon, online court records show.

He last appeared in court on Sunday, per online records, which did not indicate attorney and plea information.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



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If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.



Read the original article on People
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  The Grand Junction Rotary Club met Wednesday afternoon at Enzos Ristorante Italiano off Horizon Drive to donate a total of $53,300 to local organizations.

The Rotary Club was able to obtain the funds from the annual Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival.

Recipients and their amounts are listed below.

Colorado National Monument Association  $8,000

Center for Children  $6,500

Marillac Student Wellness Clinics  $3,650

Rotary Homeless Feed Program  $500

Riverside Education Center  $2,650

COPMOBA  $8,000

Colorado Canyons Association  $8,000

CMU International and Outdoor Programs  $8,000

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
Glen Powell has revealed his close friend, makeup artist Charlie Hounslow, has been diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma

The actor described Hounslow as "a wonderful human I have the pleasure of working with every day. She's a loyal and generous friend with an infectious laugh, and true zest for life" in an Instagram Stories post

A GoFundMe page has been set up by her family to help raise money for treatment

Glen Powell is opening up about his close friend's brain cancer diagnosis.

On Tuesday, April 29, Powell, 36, revealed in an Instagram Stories post that makeup artist Charlie Hounslow  who has worked on movies such as Gladiator II, Mission: Impossible  The Final Reckoning and Asteroid City  had been diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma.

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"Charlie Hounslow is a wonderful human I have the pleasure of working with every day. She's a loyal and generous friend with an infectious laugh, and true zest for life," the Top Gun: Maverick star wrote alongside a photo of Hounslow cuddling a dog.

Glen Powell/Instagram Glen Powell reveals Charlie Hounslow's brain cancer diagnosis Glen Powell reveals Charlie Hounslow's brain cancer diagnosis

"Charlie has just been diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma - an aggressive and currently considered incurable brain cancer," Powell continued, adding a link to a GoFundMe page.

"Every contribution, big or small, helps get her the care she needs," he insisted.

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Glioblastoma is a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord. It grows quickly and can invade and destroy healthy tissue. Glioblastoma forms from cells called astrocytes that support nerve cells." There is currently "no cure" for the disease.

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Related: 6-Year Glioblastoma Survivor Reflects on His Rare Journey: 'I Live Life to the Fullest'

Gabe Ginsberg/WireImage Glen Powell Glen Powell

A GoFundMe set up by Hounslow's family stated, "To everyone who knows Charlie  youll know her passion for her work, her infectious laugh and sense of humor, her incredible zest for life, and, above all, the love she gives so freely to her friends and family."

"Youll also know that Charlie is fiercely independent  the last person who would ever ask for help. So, here we are, asking for her," the description added.

The message continued of her diagnosis, "To say this has come as a shock is an understatement. After suffering a few awful headaches, she was admitted to Watford Hospital [in Hertfordshire, U.K.], where a CT scan revealed a mass on her brain. An MRI confirmed the worst. Charlie was then transferred to UCLH Queen Square, a specialist neurological hospital."

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The page stated that the family is hoping Hounslow can receive treatment at a "highly promising clinic in Germany," but it'll cost approximately $200,000.

The GoFundMe page had raised over $154,000 as of Wednesday, April 30. PEOPLE has reached out for an update on Hounslow's treatment.



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Deusdedit Ruhangariyo

Special to ICT

Around the world: The Waorani people demand the right to decide their future in Ecuador, Indigenous communities in Taiwan battle a new digital threat, an Indigenous river defender in Peru wins the prestigious Goldman prize, Indigenous students in Australia get an inside look at the aviation industry, and a UNESCO report calls for support and funding for Indigenous media.



ECUADOR: Waorani continue fight to stop oil extraction



In the heart of Ecuadors Amazon rainforest, the Waorani people are standing firm against a government-backed auction of oil rights on their ancestral lands in a fight that could change the way Indigenous people are consulted around the world, Inside Climate News reported on April 27.



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The Ecuadorian government opened the auction of oil rights worth an estimated $700 million after a brief meeting with members of the Indigenous Waorani village of Kiwaro. They arrived by helicopter, spoke in Spanish and not the Waotetero language, made no effort to work the Waoranis pikenani, or tribal leaders, and offered no real explanation of the impact or oil extraction on the land.+



The Waorani fought back, however, and in 2019 16 communities and a provincial sued multiple federal ministries, arguing that their right to free, prior, and informed consultation (FPIC) had been violated.



FPIC, rooted in international law and Ecuadors constitution, requires Indigenous communities be consulted before decisions affecting them are made. The underlying legal issue, however, is whether actual consent is required before the project can move forward, Inside Climate News reported.



If you dont have community support, you pay a price for it, said Pierre Gratton of the Mining Association of Canada, citing conflicts that arise without proper engagement, according to Inside Climate News.



The Waorani achieved a major legal victory in 2019, when a provincial court ruled their FPIC rights had been violated. The case is now under review by Ecuadors Constitutional Court, which aims to clarify national consultation laws. Meanwhile, new oil auctions threaten to impact many of the same communities again.



We do not want extractivism, Waorani leader Luis Enqueri told Inside Climate News. We are fighting for the Constitutional Court to say that we alone have the right to decide what happens in our land.

TAIWAN: Indigenous communities battle misinformation



In the age of artificial intelligence, Taiwans Indigenous communities are facing an unsettling new threat, one that distorts, erases, and reimagines their cultures through the power of digital misinformation, East Asia Forum reported on April 25.



While Indigenous peoples have long battled marginalization, AI-generated content is now amplifying old injustices in faster and more insidious ways to sow mistrust and deepen political divides, East Asia Forum reported.



They include a viral post  since debunked by fact-checkers  claiming that Plains Indigenous soldiers had sided with Japan during Taiwans 228 Incident in 1947. Or a video that appeared to show the Taiwanese government firebombing an Indigenous community but instead showed footage from the Solomon Islands riots of 2021.



Even positive-sounding stories can be dangerous when misrepresented. One widely shared video celebrated a Taiwanese Indigenous tap dance troupe set for a global tour  but the troupe featured instead the Hani people of Chinas Yunnan province, blurring cultural boundaries and eroding the distinctiveness of Taiwans Indigenous heritage.



Around the world, Indigenous communities are raising similar alarms about algorithmic bias and digital colonialism. In Taiwan, speech recognition systems routinely misclassify Indigenous languages as errors, further silencing them online.



But AI isnt only a threat  if handled differently, it could become a tool for revival, East Asia Forum reported. In New Zealand, Maori broadcasters teamed up with NVIDIA to build a speech model that accurately transcribes te reo Maori, showing whats possible when Indigenous groups lead the design process themselves.



East Asia Forum concludes that with inclusive frameworks, ethical data practices, and Indigenous-led innovation, AI could become become a tool of cultural resurgence rather than erasure.

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PERU: Indigenous river defender wins prestigious Goldman prize



An Indigenous activist and womens leader from Perus Amazon has won the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize after spearheading a legal battle that secured legal personhood for the river her Kukama people call home, The Guardian reported on April 21.



Mari Luz Canaquiri Murayari, 57, an Indigenous leader from Shapajila village along the Maranon River, led a historic fight for her people and the environment. As head of the Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana womens association and with support from Perus Legal Defence Institute, Canaquiri spearheaded a legal campaign to protect the Maranon.



After three years, judges in Loreto  Perus largest Amazonian region  ruled in March 2024 that the river must be recognized as a living entity with the right to remain free-flowing and uncontaminated.



The court in Iquitos found that the Peruvian government had violated the rivers inherent rights and ordered immediate action to prevent future oil spills. It also mandated the creation of a protection plan for the river basin and formally recognized the Kukama community as the rivers stewards. Although the government appealed, the ruling was upheld in October 2024  a landmark victory not just for the Kukama, but for Indigenous rights across Peru.



She is the mother of rivers, Canaquiri said of the Maranon, according to the Guardian. She is born in the Andes and becomes the Amazon River.



In Kukama belief, the river is sacred, home to spirits like Puragua, a giant boa that embodies its health and spirit. Yet for more than four decades, the Kukama have suffered the devastation of oil spills  killing fish, poisoning water, and damaging the ecosystem.



Despite the legal victory, however, the river remains under threat, The Guardian reported. The fight is now complicated by a newly passed "anti-NGO" law, which prevents civil society organizations from taking legal action or offering legal counsel in cases against the state.



For Canaquiri, the struggle is for future generations.



The government must stop killing nature and start protecting it, she said. Otherwise, what hope will our children have?

AUSTRALIA: Indigenous students get inside look at aviation industry



Indigenous students interested in careers in aviation were given a special firsthand look inside an operational aviation facility when they visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service base in Townsville, Australia, National Indigenous Times reported on April 24.



As part of the Raising Horizons pilot program, an initiative led by Gunggandji Aerospace, students from NRL Cowboys House were given rare access to one of Australias most critical aviation services.



Daniel Joinbee, director of Gunggandji Aerospace, said the goal of Raising Horizons is simple but powerful: to show First Nations youth that "aviation is within their reach."



"Through Raising Horizons, we're giving First Nations youth real exposure to the industry, connecting them with role models, and showing them the pathways to get there," he said, according to National Indigenous Times.



For many students, it was their first time inside an operational facility, given them a chance to see the range of roles that keep the RFDS running  from piloting and nursing to engineering and maintenance. They toured a modified RFDS aircraft used for emergency and remote operations and explored the hangars cutting-edge technology.



Daniel Joinbee, director of Gunggandji Aerospace, said the goal of Raising Horizons is simple but powerful: to show First Nations youth that "aviation is within their reach."



"Through Raising Horizons, we're giving First Nations youth real exposure to the industry, connecting them with role models, and showing them the pathways to get there," he said, according to National Indigenous Times.



Gunggandji Aerospace is Australias first and only 100 percent Aboriginal-owned aviation company. Joinbee emphasized that the students represent the future of aviation.



"These students are our future pilots, engineers, and aviation leaders," he said, according to National Indigenous Times. "This pilot program is just the beginning."

UNITED NATIONS: Report calls for support, funding for Indigenous media



Shane Taurima  Kaihautu of Whakaata Maori and chair of the World Indigenous Broadcasting Network  returned to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues as UNESCO unveiled a landmark global report calling for support and resources for Indigenous media, Te Ao Maori News reported on April 26.+



Taurima last participated at UNPFII two years ago, when the forum officially recognized the vital role Indigenous media play in upholding Indigenous rights and called for a comprehensive global study.



That study has now been completed and was formally released, concluding that Indigenous media face severe underfunding and limited access to essential resources.



Taurima reflected on the findings by speaking from New York with Whakaata Maori journalist Te Aniwaniwa Paterson, who joined a collective of Indigenous reporters covering the forum. ICT was part of the collaboration, organized by Grist.



The UNESCO report found that 73 percent of Indigenous media organizations cite lack of funding as a major hurdle, while 51 percent struggle with the high costs of media equipment. Even more troubling, 19 percent report having no internet access at all.



[Indigenous media] is essential and its impactful, but its unfortunately under-resourced, under-funded and often overlooked from a policy perspective and excluded structurally, Taurima said, according to Te Ao Maori News.



The reports findings hit close to home. Last year, it was announced that Whakaata Maori would see a $9.5 million funding cut over three years, a 20 percent reduction in its operating budget.



Taurima welcomed the reports recommendations, however, which include strengthening legal and institutional protections for Indigenous media, revising outdated media laws to be more inclusive, and upholding Indigenous peoples rights to freedom of expression and access to communication platforms.

My final thoughts



My final thoughts are in Ecuador, where the story of the Waorani people is one that grabs me deep in the chest. Its not just another land dispute or a courtroom battle, its a fight for dignity, for life itself. When the Waorani say, We do not want extractivism, theyre speaking not just for themselves, but for all of us who depend on forests, clean water, and a livable planet.



They arent resisting progress; they are protecting something far more precious: a way of life rooted in respect for the Earth. Their courage, standing up to powerful forces with truth and unity, is nothing short of heroic.



I cant help but feel a surge of hope when I think about the Waoranis 2019 victory. Against all odds, they won, a testament to what persistence and collective strength can achieve. Its inspiring to see the Constitutional Court take their case seriously now, knowing that a strong ruling could set a new standard for Indigenous rights across Ecuador.



They fought not just for land, but for their right to be heard, to decide, to thrive. Their fight reminds us that real change often begins with the voices that are hardest to silence.



But its painful and frankly infuriating to see how the government continues to push ahead with new oil auctions. Its as if court rulings, Indigenous rights, and international law mean nothing when weighed against short-term profit.



When officials offer promises of development while communities still lack clean water and basic services, thats not negotiation, its coercion. Its colonialism, repackaged for the 21st century. And unless something shifts, we are repeating the same brutal patterns that have devastated Indigenous communities for generations.



The only way forward is real respect, not just in words, but in action. Ecuador must finally recognize the right of Indigenous peoples to say "no," without fear or manipulation. Land titles must be secured, services provided, and consultations done in ways that honor Indigenous ways of decision-making, not undermine them.



The world should be watching, because what happens to the Waorani is a mirror of whats happening everywhere. Their stand is not just for their river, their forest, their future, its for the future of all of us who believe the Earth is not for sale.



The Waorani are not just protecting a forest, they are protecting the heartbeat of life itself.

Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute $5 or $10 today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICTs free newsletter.
If youre driving a late-model GM truck or SUV, you might want to pay attention: General Motors has issued a major recall affecting nearly 600,000 vehicles due to a potentially dangerous engine defect.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the issue stems from a manufacturing flaw in the V8 engines connecting rod and crankshaft components. These defects could cause the engine to seize or fail outright  without warning. Thats a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds.

The recall hits several of GMs most popular and best-selling vehicles built between 2021 and 2024, including:

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Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV

Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe

GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL

All of the affected models are powered by the L87 V8 engine, assembled in New York, Tennessee, and Ontario.

Related: Major Carmaker Announces Disappointing News Amid Tariffs

This recall arrives as automakers grapple with growing global pressure. Ongoing tariff battles and shifting trade policies have added a layer of economic volatility thats straining supply chains and forcing companies to recalibrate. For GM, the engine flaw adds insult to injury at a time when industry-wide disruptionsfrom steel costs to international logisticsare already eating into margins and compounding operational complexity.

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The safety concern first surfaced earlier this year when federal regulators opened an investigation after receiving dozens of consumer complaints, according to CBS News. GM has since confirmed that internal component failures could trigger sudden and complete engine shutdowns.

Dealers will inspect and either repair or replace the engine at no cost to owners. Notification letters begin mailing June 9.

If your vehicle is on the list, GM urges prompt action. Contact Cadillac at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC at 1-800-462-8782. The recall number is N252494000.

Related: Elon Musk's Cybertruck Gets More Bad News
A GoFundMe campaign is raising money to send the body of a Fall River construction worker to his family in Ecuador in the wake of his death at a Marthas Vineyard work site last week.

Jorge Marcelo Yanza Riera, 33, died after becoming injured in an accident while working at 14 Trapps Pond Road in Edgartown on April 22. He fell 20 to 30 feet from some scaffolding shortly before 3 p.m., according to The Marthas Vineyard Times.

Riera died on a residential property whose owner told newspaper the construction worker was employed by a Fall River contractor. The Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating Rieras death, The Marthas Vineyard Times reported.

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Riera came to the U.S. from Ecuador a little over two years ago in the hope of building a better future and supporting his family back home, his brother, Angel Yanza Riera, wrote on the GoFundMe campaign page.

Jorge was a young man full of life, hardworking, always with a smile and ready to reach out to anyone who needed it. His sudden departure has left an immense void in our hearts, his brother wrote.

Money raised through the campaign will go towards Rieras funeral and transportation of his body to Ecuador where his parents live, his brother wrote on the campaign page. As of Tuesday evening, the campaign was far from reaching its $9,000 goal, having only raised a little over $1,000.

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Former Texas Congressman Beto ORourke joins Jose Diaz-Balart to share his thoughts on President Trumps first 100 days in office, his outlook for the Democratic Party, and his take on immigration reform.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted the competitive nature of the field of artificial intelligence (AI) on Wednesday, testifying as the search giant seeks to fight the Department of Justices (DOJ) push to break up the company.

Pichai took the stand for about an hour and a half as part of a three-week hearing to help the court determine corrective measures after Google was found last August to have an illegal monopoly over online search.

The case has increasingly centered on the future of AI and what the technology could mean for Googles dominance.

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Pichai on Wednesday described his push to make Google an AI-first company, detailing how the technology is used across the companys products, including search.

The tech firm also has a separate AI chatbot called Gemini, which the CEO said faces stiff competition from the likes of ChatGPT, Grok and DeepSeek.

Im pleased with the progress [on AI], but we have a big gap between us and the market leader in this space, he said, referring to ChatGPT maker OpenAI.

He noted Google lost out to OpenAI on a deal with Apple to integrate its AI capabilities on the iPhone makers devices.

The DOJ has argued the court should look to the future as it seeks to address the monopolization finding in the case, taking into account how Googles search dominance could give it a leg up on AI.

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The government is asking the court to force Google to divest from its Chrome web browser, in addition to sharing its search data and syndication with rivals. It also seeks to bar the exclusive search agreements at the core of the case.

The court found Google illegally maintained its monopoly through the exclusive agreements with device manufacturers and browser developers that ensured its search product was the default.

The tech giant has criticized the governments proposal, arguing it goes well beyond the facts of the case. It has instead suggested more limited restrictions on its search agreements.

Pichai argued Wednesday that the DOJs remedies, particularly on data sharing and syndication, would discourage the company from investing in research and development, describing it as a de facto divestiture.

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He also reiterated the companys concerns about data privacy and security surrounding both data-sharing and the Chrome divestiture.

However, DOJ attorney Veronica Onyema sought to underscore in her cross-examination of the Google CEO that other companies can provide data security and that Google has had its own privacy problems in the past.

Pichai also confirmed to Onyema that Apple has expressed interest in reaching agreements with AI providers other than OpenAI and that Google hopes to strike a deal by the middle of this year.

Google faces an increasingly uncertain future after losing two major antitrust cases. Earlier this month, a federal judge in Virginia ruled that the tech firm also had an illegal monopoly over advertising technology.

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The tech firm has claimed a partial victory in the ad tech case, after the judge rejected the DOJs arguments that there was a separate advertiser market and that its ad tech acquisitions were unlawful. The company has vowed to appeal the rest of the decision.

Google also plans to appeal the ruling in the search case, but it must first complete the remedies phase. The judge overseeing the case has said he intends to rule by August.

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House Republicans are moving to repeal rules preventing for-profit colleges from counting military education benefits as non-government funding in their financial accounting, a move that advocates said could allow predatory companies to prey upon student veterans.

Members of the House Education and Workforce Committee voted along party lines Tuesday to advance their section of the massive congressional reconciliation bill, which includes $330 billion in cuts to education spending over the next decade.

Panel Democrats objected to multiple portions of the bill and the GOPs overall approach to federal programming cuts.

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But language in the bill repealing the 90/10 loophole regarding GI Bill benefits drew particular concern from veterans advocates, who said the move represents an attack on oversight and accountability for post-military education benefits.

Feds close 90/10 loophole involving veterans education benefits

The closing of this loophole was widely celebrated as a bipartisan success in 2021, said Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., a panel member and the top Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, during debate on the reconciliation measure Tuesday.

Congress deemed that holding predatory for-profits accountable was necessary to safeguard federal education benefits and ultimately protect both taxpayers and students.

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By law, colleges and universities must have at least 10% of their revenues derived from non-federal sources in order to qualify for federal benefits. The idea behind the regulation is to ensure that for-profit institutions arent funded solely by federal monies, but instead also include significant investment by students interested in furthering their education.

But for years, GI Bill benefits and Defense Department Tuition Assistance programs were not counted as federal dollars for the 90/10 calculation, despite being taxpayer-funded benefits. As a result, schools could target veterans or troops receiving federal education payouts to boost their government funding well beyond the 90% cap.

Four years ago, as part of an emergency funding bill, lawmakers closed that loophole, reclassifying the GI Bill money and other military education programs as federal funding in the 90/10 calculations. The new rule has been in place for about three years.

But the Republican-backed reconciliation bill would revert to the pre-2021 rules. GOP committee members argued the change was needed to reduce regulations and promote more affordable options for student veterans.

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Rather than using the regulatory hammer to pick winners and losers, we should encourage all colleges to focus on student success, said Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah.

Democrats disagreed. Advocates for years have argued that the loophole incentivized schools to recruit veterans to plus-up the amount of steady, government dollars they could collect, even in cases where the programs did not provide long-term benefits to the students.

Unscrupulous institutions were using this to exploit student veterans, said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore. Now Republicans want to eliminate the rule altogether, removing a vital consumer protection and giving for-profit colleges free rein to continue to prey on students.

VA pays out more than $8 billion in education payments annually.

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A Democratic amendment to strip the repeal language from the reconciliation measure failed along party lines.

The provision could still be removed by House leadership before a full chamber vote, or by Senate lawmakers before final passage of the budgetary measure. Veterans groups who have been advocating on the issue for years promised to highlight it in coming weeks.

The House of Representatives should be ashamed that theyre even entertaining the idea of reinstating this costly and wrongheaded policy that would threaten the future of veterans education, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America CEO Allison Jaslow said in a statement.

Republican leaders have said they hope to pass a final reconciliation bill package by mid-June.
Iran's imports from Uzbekistan decline in recent years

Iran's imports from Uzbekistan decreased significantly in the last Iranian year, with a 29% drop in value and a 50% decrease in weight compared to the previous year. The total value of these imports was $88.7 million, with around 42,500 tons of goods, including cotton, beans, silk, and ammonium nitrate. Overall trade between the two countries reached $500 million, reflecting an increase in both value and weight. Iran's total imports for the year amounted to $66.3 billion, with a 9.77% rise in value and a 4.39% increase in weight.

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Republicans and right-wing media have jumped on a new report published by a conservative think tank that claims the abortion drug mifepristone is harmful to women. Experts tell HuffPost that the study is junk science  but thats not stopping abortion opponents from using it to lobby for more abortion pill restrictions.

The Ethics and Public Policy Center published the report just days after FDA Commissioner Martin Makary said he has no plans to restrict mifepristone, which has been at the center of the abortion wars since the fall of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Makary madeseveralheadlines for his comments, seemingly assuring pro-choice Americans that he would not pull FDA approval of the drug.

But in that same interview, Makary also said: As you may know, there is an ongoing set of data that is coming into FDA on mifepristone. So if the data suggests something or tells us that theres a real signal, we cant promise were not going to act on that data that we have not yet seen. President Donald Trump announced his intent to appoint Makary to helm the FDA soon after the November election, and the former Fox News contributor  who routinely spread anti-abortion misinformation  was confirmed by the Senate last month.

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The same day the report was released, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Makary quoting the FDA commissioners above statement and urging him to follow this new data and take all appropriate action to restore critical safeguards on the use of mifepristone. Hawley, a leading anti-abortion advocate, asked Makary to restore certain requirements to access mifepristone, which the Biden administration loosened during the COVID pandemic. Hawley asked Makary to respond by May 15, adding, The health and safety of American women depend on it.

The timing of Makarys comments, the report and Hawleys letter has set off alarms among reproductive health groups.

Its troubling that President Trumps new FDA commissioner has refused to acknowledge mifepristones longstanding record of overwhelming safety and efficacy, Liz Wagner, senior federal policy counsel at the Center for Reproductive Rights, told HuffPost. And its even more troubling that a deeply flawed, non-peer-reviewed study was released by an anti-abortion group immediately after Dr. Makary told a reporter that the FDA may act on a real signal on mifepristone.

Makary, along with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have said they will defer to new research on mifepristone to determine whether it is safe to use. Kennedy even said the president has tasked him with studying the safety of the abortion pill. But decades of evidence-based research and peer-reviewed studies have already proven mifepristone to be extremely safe and effective.

Makary speaks on stage during the Semafor 2025 World Economy Summit on April 24, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images

When asked if the FDA is considering Hawleys request, an agency spokesperson told HuffPost: The FDA is committed to safeguarding public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of the products it regulates. The agency rigorously evaluates the latest scientific data, leveraging gold standard science to make informed decisions. With a steadfast focus on protecting consumers, the FDA applies a balanced, science-based approach while incorporating practical, common-sense considerations to its regulatory processes.

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The agency also pointed HuffPost to Makarys comment that the FDA may act if theres a real signal in data regarding mifepristone. When HuffPost asked if the EPPC report is the ongoing set of data that is coming into the FDA on mifepristone that Makary referred to, the spokesperson did not respond.

Republicans have been chomping at the bit to roll back access to the abortion pill through the FDA, either by restricting how patients can get the medication or pulling it off shelves altogether. The EPPC is an advisory board member of Project 2025, an extreme right-wing policy agenda that details how to ban abortion nationwide, including restricting or banning mifepristone using Trump appointees in the FDA. One of the two authors of the EPPC report, and the groups president, previously worked at the Heritage Foundation, the far-right think tank that led Project 2025.

Right-wingmedia outlets and anti-abortion advocacy groupsjumped on the EPPC report, and several high-profile Republicans pointed to it as a reason mifepristone should be restricted.

The science is clear: the abortion pill is not safe for women & never has been, Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) tweeted. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) tweeted the report and wrote: Read more to learn about the lies the Biden admin told women about this dangerous drug.

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The EPPC report claims its the largest-known study of the abortion pill and that nearly 11% of women experience sepsis, infection, hemorrhaging, or another serious adverse event within 45 days following a mifepristone abortion.

Rachel Jones, a principal research scientist at the Guttmacher Institute, said she would not call this paper a study since it was not peer-reviewed. The EPPC report also does not include its dataset and procedure codes  an unusual decision that makes it impossible for other researchers to fully assess the methodology and integrity of its results.

When HuffPost reached EPPC for comment, communications director Hunter Estes said the group is unable to share the full dataset with the public. Estes told HuffPost that the report was not peer-reviewed because the extensive pro-abortion bias in the peer-review process creates no opportunities to publish peer-reviewed analysis that offer major substantive critiques of the abortion pill or abortion.

Even apart from all the red flags with the data and supposed analysis, the fact where they land in the recommendations  that has nothing to do with the research itself  indicates this was driven more by ideology than by scientific rigor, Jones told HuffPost.

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For example, the recommendations in the report include that mifepristone should only be used up to seven weeks of pregnancy, but the data did not look at outcomes by length of gestation. Additionally, the authors recommend that only physicians should provide mifepristone, but the analysis didnt distinguish between whether the pill was provided by a physician or an advanced practice clinician. When asked how EPPC arrived at the policy recommendations included in the paper, Estes repeated the recommendations published in the report.

For 25 years, objective safety data has shown that medication abortion is safe, full stop, said Wagner, from the Center for Reproductive Rights. If political appointees at the FDA decide that anti-abortion propaganda should influence their review process, it will diminish the FDAs standing and credibility.

Related...
A GOP-backed push for cuts to public broadcasting is picking up momentum in Congress as lawmakers brace for a formal request from the Trump administration to claw back millions of dollars in funds.

But concerns are bubbling up among some Republicans over what those cuts could mean for programs and constituents back home.

I think most Nebraskans like our NPR, PBS, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) said on Tuesday, when talking about the local stations affiliated with both networks.

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I could see some reductions, but to just cut them out, Bacon said, adding he hasnt committed one way or the other way.

But he said hes had a great working relationship with the local public stations and that theyve been fair.

I like PBS in Idaho, they do some great programs that youll lose, frankly, Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) also said on Tuesday. I understand other members view public television differently in their states.

So, you know, you have to vote your district, he added.

Reports broke earlier this month that the White House was preparing to send Congress a rescissions package that sought to claw back about $1 billion in already authorized funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), along with billions of dollars in cuts to other agencies.

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The White House had been expected to send the package upon lawmakers return to Washington this week. But Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told reporters on Tuesday that the package will be a little bit delayed.

Johnson said the Office of Management and Budget is trying to finish the calculations, adding his expectation is the request will be sent next week.

Conservatives have been putting pressure on the administration to send a package of proposed cuts to Congress, as frustration has grown within the GOP over courts thwarting efforts by Trump to reshape the federal government.

I think everything needs to be on the table. Were $37 trillion in debt, Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) said Monday when asked about proposed cuts to NPR and PBS.

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Its unsustainable. We cant go on like this, she said. We have an administration in the White House thats willing to take a hard look at things, literally take a hard look at everything, and put out some pretty bold initiatives to reduce spending and help us better match our revenue with our expenditures.

Tensions between President Trumps supporters and public broadcasters have been percolating for years, with the presidents most recent call to defund NPR and PBS serving as an inflection point between the two sides.

Conservatives have long accused the outlets of bias against them. Trumps Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr has vowed to investigate NPR and PBS over their funding model and editorial bend.

The vast majority of NPRs funding comes from private donations and revenue from member stations, though CEO Katherine Maher testified before Congress last month the outlet took in approximately $10 million in federal funding last year.

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Maher, who has stressed she has no editorial role at NPR, has come under fire from conservative critics for social media posts made before she took the job at NPR criticizing Trump and expressing progressive viewpoints.

NPR dug themselves in the hole, and theres just been a lot of frustration for years, and, you know, they just seem to have never gotten the message, Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala) said Monday.

He added that public television in Alabama is very good, however, and said they are not into a more of a liberal bent, but theres no question that NPR is.

The Trump administration in its request reportedly accused both NPR and PBS of actions that ran against its policies. It specifically pointed to a 2022 program produced by PBS that focused on a transgender woman in Ohio who came out to her bowling league.

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Leaders of local public broadcasting stations, meanwhile, have warned any cuts to their funding would have severe negative consequences for viewers and listeners, particularly in rural communities where a dearth of local news exists.

Pressed about the potential cuts on Tuesday, Paula Kerger, president and CEO of PBS, said in a statement the effort underway to get Congress to rescind public media funding would disrupt the essential service PBS and local member stations provide to the American people.

Rescinding these funds would devastate PBS member stations and the essential role they play in communities, particularly smaller and rural stations who rely on federal funding for a larger portion of their budgets.

While the Trump administration has not yet sent its rescissions request to Congress, Bobby Kogan, a former Senate Democratic budget aide and senior director of federal budget policy at the Center for American Progress, said cutting upwards of $1 billion in funding to CPB would deal a sizable blow to federal funding for the nonprofit corporation for the coming years.

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As part of a bipartisan deal last year, Congress agreed to more than $500 million in funding for the CPB, which also receives advance funding for subsequent fiscal years.

But through the rescissions route the Trump administration is eyeing to make the cuts, Republicans would be able to jam through Trumps proposals with a simple majority in the Senate, bypassing the likely Democratic opposition that could hold up the annual appropriations bill that funds CPB if its not bipartisan.

However, Republicans would need near unanimity to pass such cuts without Democratic support in both chambers. The rescissions attempt could also pose a key test for Republicans, particularly as conservatives have signaled more appetite for further requests to secure larger funding cuts.

I wouldnt say theres much recent precedent to doing a rescissions package, Kogan said, noting the previous attempts by the first Trump administration that proved ultimately unsuccessful.

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I think if this one fails, its probably the end of their rescissions attempts, and if this one succeeds, maybe they try to do more, he said.

Mychael Schnell contributed.

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The press regulator has been accused of undermining free speech after reprimanding The Telegraph for quoting comments previously made in Parliament.

The Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso) has upheld a complaint by the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB) against The Telegraph over allegations by Michael Gove, the former communities secretary, that it was affiliated to the Muslim Brotherhood, an organisation banned as a terrorist group in some countries.

Mr Gove made the allegations in the Commons last March under parliamentary privilege, which protects politicians against legal action by organisations or individuals for comments made in Parliament.

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Ipso has ruled that despite that protection  which extends to the reporting of proceedings in Parliament  The Telegraphs account of those comments in a subsequent story in January this year was misleading because it failed to secure and publish a response from the MAB, which denies it is affiliated with the Brotherhood.

Ipso judged that it was not sufficient for The Telegraph to publish online a contemporaneous statement from March last year in which the MAB rejected Mr Goves allegations of extremism, maintaining that it was law-abiding and contributed to the common good.

The ruling came despite the fact that there is no obligation for a publisher to seek a response provided care is taken not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information.

In an article for The Telegraph, Mr Gove, now the editor of The Spectator, warns that the ruling could have a chilling effect on free speech.

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It has raised questions over the ability of newspapers to report controversial statements by politicians in Parliament without the risk of being reprimanded if they fail to get new, or any, responses.

Michael Gove said The Telegraph had reported his remarks in Parliament in good faith - Jessica Taylor/UK Parliament

In his Commons statement last year, Mr Gove named three Muslim groups, including the MAB, that he said would be investigated.

In January, The Telegraph reported on a decision by the United Arab Emirates to deem eight organisations including the MAB terror groups.

In the report, The Telegraph repeated the comments made by Mr Gove, which were protected by parliamentary privilege. The Telegraphs online report included a statement from the MAB made at the time in which it denied extremism.

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Reports of any proceedings in Parliament are covered by qualified privilege, meaning news organisations have a complete defence for reporting what is said, as long as they report accurately and in good faith.

On that basis, The Telegraph did not seek a fresh comment from the MAB in referring to Mr Goves comments.

Groups suspected of extremism dont want scrutiny

Writing for The Telegraph, Mr Gove says: Whether or not you agreed with my proposals (many good people didnt), The Telegraph was reporting in good faith, utilising the fact that words spoken in the Commons are protected by parliamentary privilege and may be freely repeated outside.

To censure a publication for straightforwardly reporting Commons proceedings can only have a chilling effect on free speech, which is precisely what the Muslim Association of Britain wants. It doesnt want scrutiny.

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Groups suspected of extremism rarely do. They seek to present themselves as a peaceable association of co-religionists who simply want to get along and do good works.

The MAB maintains that it is a British organisation operating entirely within the British Isles, with no presence elsewhere and says it is not an affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood nor a member.

The MAB has previously been linked to the Muslim Brotherhood in a report to Parliament commissioned by Lord Cameron, who was then the prime minister, in 2015. It was compiled by Sir John Jenkins, a former UK ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and Sir Charles Farr, a former director of the office for security and counter-terrorism.

Sir John said: The idea that Ipso is trying to censor something which has been said in the House with parliamentary privilege is bizarre and quite a reach.

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I couldnt see anything where Ipso addressed the issue of why theyre trying to stop somebody saying something that has already been said under privilege in the House of Commons.

They dont really address it. Theyre getting themselves bogged down in the technicality of whether you should or shouldnt have given someone a right of reply. It seems like casuistry to pick a fight about the right of reply on something that is already out there in the public domain.

Ipso has overreached

Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, said: Journalists must be able to report on what ministers have said in Parliament and what the evidence points to. Ipso have overreached in this instance and infringed on The Telegraphs right to report freely.

On Wednesday, The Telegraph publishes a correction for not publishing the MABs claim that it is not affiliated to the Muslim Brotherhood, as required under the editors code of practice where a complaint is upheld.

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Ipso ruled: While the article had accurately reported Mr Goves comments, the omission of the complainants position that it was not an affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood was significant given the seriousness of the allegation and, therefore, required a correction.

The committee considered the article was significantly misleading where it omitted the complainants response to a serious allegation against it.

However, the newspaper had taken steps to accurately report the contents of Mr Goves speech, and had published the complainants statement in the online version following receipt of its complaint. On balance, the committee considered that a correction was the appropriate remedy.

In recent years, there have been accusations of muddled thinking by Ipso and concerns that it has been used as a tool by Left-wing groups to attack the Right-wing media.

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Last year, Ipso ruled that the Spectator magazine had been guilty of discrimination when it described a transgender journalist as a man who claims to be a woman.

In 2021, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group of Russian mercenaries, complained to Ipso about a Telegraph report into his activities, claiming he was nothing more than a successful restaurateur.

Rather than ignoring him, Ipso agreed to look into his 87-page complaint, requiring The Telegraph to prepare a response. He later dropped the matter after boasting that he had indeed founded the Wagner group.

In 2019, Ipso was criticised over draft guidance for journalists reporting on Islam, which warned reporters about insensitivities in their reporting that could damage communities, which went far beyond the traditional rules of fair, balanced and accurate reporting.

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In a bid to attract private-sector funding for clean energy, the UK government has made a 20 million (about $26.6 million USD) commitment to establish Starmaker One, the world's first government-affiliated private fusion investment fund.

In January of this year, the British government announced a record 410 million ($545.6 million USD) investment in its Plan for Change, a fusion energy research and development strategy to help the country become a clean energy superpower.

Now, in hopes of bolstering these efforts, it's seeking private sector capital to accelerate the commercialization of fusion energy tech with this limited partnership, where the government is a cornerstone investor, as Interesting Engineering reported.

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The promise of fusion as a source of nearly limitless energy is growing as projects across the globe race to try to solve the enormous complexity involved in harnessing it.

Fusion reactors work by heating Earth-abundant and hydrogen-rich deuterium and tritium fuels to temperatures hotter than the core of the sun.

This creates a superheated plasma, and through methods including magnetic confinement, researchers hope to sustain an environment in which two nuclei can fuse to form a single heavier nucleus, giving off energy in the process.

Fusion is an environmentally friendly energy-generating process and doesn't release carbon dioxide or any other planet-warming gases through its operation.

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Global leaders believe that fusion is one of the key solutions for future energy security, but as IE explained, private UK firms working on developing the technology have had limited access to capital in order to scale up their work.

The UK government believes that a British private investment fund like Starmaker One can help these new fusion start-ups grow their businesses and begin to commercialize at scale, as a press release detailed.

Not only would the success of any of these projects help add a new renewable energy resource to the grid, complementing solar and wind investments, but it would also help support the job economy.

The funding boost would allow these companies to train employees in key areas such as physics, engineering, and chemistry, creating new jobs in the renewable energy sector.

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Additionally, the government believes it would support fusion-adjacent technologies like magnetics, industrial AI, robotics, transportation, and energy storage.

"This investment is our Plan for Change in action  we are backing British pioneers to secure the clean energy of the future while supporting jobs today, from scientists and welders to engineers and construction managers," as energy minister Kerry McCarthy stated in a press release.

McCarthy added, "As countries around the world recognize the huge potential of fusion, breakthroughs in this technology are happening thick and fast, and we want to keep the UK at the forefront of the global race by helping projects to innovate and grow here, in turn driving economic growth."

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South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Friday hes seeking nominations for a new lawmaker to represent District 22 in eastern South Dakota after he appointed Sen. David Wheeler, R-Huron, to serve as a judge in the states Third Circuit.

District 22 includes Beadle, Spink and part of Clark counties. Wheeler was serving his third term as a state senator after he was first elected in 2020. He served as chair of the Senate Commerce and Energy Committee this session and vice chair of the Government Operations and Audit Committee and the State Affairs Committee. He was also a member of the Judiciary and Legislative Procedure committees.

State Sen. David Wheeler, R-Huron, speaks to fellow senators on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the State Capitol Building in Pierre.

Wheeler will replace retiring Judge Greg Stoltenburg. The Third Circuit consists of the counties of Beadle, Brookings, Clark, Codington, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, Hand, Jerauld, Kingsbury, Lake, Miner, Moody and Sanborn.

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As a judge, it will be my job to apply the law fairly and equally, Wheeler said in a news release, without regard for politics or personal beliefs.

Rhoden said he believes Wheeler will represent the judicial branch with the same integrity, work ethic, and passion that he did in the Senate.

Wheeler earned his bachelors, masters and law degrees from the University of South Dakota before returning to his hometown of Huron. He is married with three children and a partner at the Blue, Wheeler and Banks law firm.

To submit a nomination for the open state Senate seat in District 22, email ryan.brunner@state.sd.us by May 16. Nominations should include the candidates name, current physical address, resume, cover letter and letters of recommendation.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Huron lawmaker appointed to judgeship
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. Irans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, held a consultation with his Algerian counterpart, Ahmed Attaf, regarding the ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US, Trend reports via the Iranian MFA.

In a telephone conversation on April 29, Araghchi briefed Attaf on the latest developments regarding Iran's nuclear program and its indirect talks with Washington.

Araghchi also expressed appreciation for Algerias principled position on Irans nuclear program during the most recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting.

In addition to the nuclear issue, the diplomats exchanged views on a range of bilateral, regional, and international topics.

Three rounds of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US regarding Irans nuclear program were held on April 12, 19, and 26. These discussions, conducted indirectly with the mediation of the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi, involved Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi leading the Iranian delegation, while the US delegation was led by the US Special Envoy to Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff. The first and third rounds took place in Muscat, Oman, while the second round was held in Rome, Italy.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
OREM, Utah (ABC4)  More than 12,000 students are graduating from Utah Valley University on Wednesday, marking the largest graduating class in the universitys history.

On April 30, thousands of students will attend commencement ceremonies at the Orem campus, more than a third of which are first-generation graduates. The majority of these graduates  who are the first in their families to graduate from college  earned degrees in health, engineering, technology, and business.

These Utah universities ranked among top 10 Best Value Colleges in Western U.S.

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In addition to the first-generation graduates, about 45% of the students are 25 years old or older, meaning a large portion of the graduating class is comprised of nontraditional students. The youngest student graduating this year is 16 years old and the oldest is 71, according to the press release.

We meet students where they are and guide them toward success, said Jim Mortensen, UVU acting president. They are scholars, innovators, and pioneers, with many the first in their families to achieve this milestone. We are proud of our graduates and are confident they will contribute to Utahs thriving economy.

UVU officials emphasized that more than 70% of the graduates will be working for highly-rated jobs post-graduation and nearly 75% plan to stay in Utah for the next decade.

This class is the largest yet with over 12,000 students receiving more than 14,000 degrees and certificates campus-wide, according to the university. This is up from last years number of 13,480 degrees and certificates granted.

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Overall enrollment at the university has increased by 14% over the past five years with more than 46,800 students attending the university as of last year.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) jokingly asked the conclave to keep an open mind about making President Trump the next pope.

I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope. This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility! Graham said Tuesday in a post on X.

The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides, he added. Watching for white smoke

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Graham concluded his post with Trump MMXXVIII! the Roman numeral for 2028.

Grahams lighthearted post drew a response from Meghan McCain, who told the senator to get a grip.

The post comes just after Trump spoke with reporters outside the White House and jokingly said hed like to be the next leader of the Catholic Church.

Id like to be pope, he said. That would be my number one choice.

Trump, more seriously, later said he has no preference for who the Church ultimately chooses but that the cardinal out of New York is very good.

There has yet to be a pope from the United States, and Timothy Dolan, the cardinal from New York that Trump was referencing, is not expected to be a finalist in the decision.

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The remarks come as the Catholic Church is set to decide who its next leader will be.

Pope Francis died last week at the age of 88. He died of a stroke, which was a complication of lung disease that had kept the pope ill for weeks.

Trump and other world leaders traveled to Rome over the weekend to pay their respects at the funeral.

Pope Francis was critical of the Trump administrations policies, particularly on immigration.

On Monday, Catholic cardinals set May 7 as the start date for the conclave to elect a new pope. They set the date after the first day of informal meetings, delaying the secret vote so they are able to better get to know one another and reach a consensus on a candidate before they are sequestered.

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Only cardinals under 80 are eligible to vote and its not clear how many of the 135 cardinal electors will participate.

Updated at 8:51 p.m. ET.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  The city of Grand Rapids is hosting its fourth annual expungement fair Saturday.

The event will take place at The Kroc Center on S Division Avenue, off Alger Street. The citys Department of Equity and Engagement and Oversight and Public Accountability is sponsoring the event, which will be free.

The Urban League of West Michigan is sponsoring the fee for fingerprint processing, covering what is normally a $50 charge. The city says that participants who are eligible can file their expungement petitions directly at the event.

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People with out-of-state and federal convictions are not eligible to participate.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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SAN MIGUEL DUENAS, Guatemala (AP)  Standing outside a massive new avocado packing plant recently and with the U.S. ambassador in attendance, Guatemala President Bernardo Arevalo connected the high-demand fruit with rural development and said the facility signaled a new chapter in the trajectory of the cash crop.

But six months after the United States gave a green light to import avocados from Guatemala, the Central American country has yet to send any of the fruit north. Still, expectations are running high.

For decades, Mexico has been the main source of imported avocados to the U.S. along with small amounts from a few South American nations. Guatemala expects to similarly begin small, but hopes to seize on its proximity and experience exporting to Europe to rapidly expand and meet the increasing U.S. demand.

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Right now there are 17,300 acres (7,000 hectares) planted with the fruit, but in the next 10 years it could reach nearly 75,000 acres (30,000 hectares), said Francis Bruderer, president of the Guatemala Avocado Producers Association.

When the U.S. announced the import permission last November, Guatemalas agricultural ministry estimated that the country could initially send 1,700 tons to the U.S., but reach 15,000 tons by 2030. It's unclear how those expectations could be affected by a 10% tariff that U.S President Donald Trump announced this month on dozens of trade partners, including Guatemala.

Standing in his own avocado orchard with the fruit individually bagged on the trees to protect from pests, Bruderer said that more and more avocado trees are being planted each year and now trail only rubber and African palm trees in land coverage.

The new avocado packing facility, complete with its own heliport, sits at the end of a dirt road. When it opens in August it is expected to employ hundreds in Barberena about an 1 -hour drive south of the capital and surrounding areas.

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It was built by California-based Mission Produce, one of the worlds largest avocado suppliers.

Guatemala is an emerging power in the international avocado industry, and Mission Produce leads the regions development for worldwide avocado production, said Juan Rodolfo Wiesner, Mission Produces president for South and Central America.

The companys executive director, Steve Barnard, said it was a strategic investment to reinforce the companys position as a world leader in avocados.

At the dedication of the facility last week, Arevalo applauded the quality of Guatemalas avocados and said their production already employed some 6,000 people.

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For us it is a concrete opportunity, it means promoting rural development and sustainable economic growth, Arevalo said, noting the presence of the United States ambassador.

Still standing in the way is U.S. government approval for Guatemalas avocado export protocols, Guatemalas agriculture ministry said. Inspectors will have to ensure the avocados shipped to the U.S. are pest-free.

The other challenge could be the U.S. tariffs on imports.

As Guatemala tries to break into a U.S. market dominated by Mexico  1.4 million tons exported annually  Mexicos avocados do not currently face a tariff, putting Guatemala at a disadvantage.

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Theres a lot of caution and fear among economic actors, because things arent well-defined, theyre waiting for the governments negotiation (with the U.S.), said economist Ricardo Barrientos.

But Guatemala could have other advantages.

In recent years, the U.S. has temporarily suspended avocado imports from Mexico and inspections of the fruit in Michoacan state after inspectors received threats or were assaulted.

The profitable fruit long ago attracted the attention of Mexicos powerful organized crime groups that extort avocado growers and packers. In September, the U.S. announced it would be passing inspection duties to the Mexican government.

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Those security threats could happen in Guatemala too as the industry grows. The country will also have to monitor closely deforestation as forests are chopped down to plant avocado orchards and the water the trees require, both of which have become sensitive issues in Mexico.

Currently there are no regulations governing water use for avocado orchards, but the agriculture ministry says that big companies use drip irrigation to optimize water resources.

To produce and export avocado good agricultural practices that contribute to good management of the fruit and the environment have to be implemented, the ministry said.

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Sen. Jay Hovey, R-Auburn, stands on the floor of the Alabama Senate on April 1, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Hovey, who changed his vote, said Wednesday that he was concerned about the fiscal note, but that he was told it would not significantly impact the state's budget. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America passed in a last-minute scheduled committee meeting that lasted just over three minutes.

HB 247, sponsored by Rep. David Standridge, R-Hayden, previously failed to pass the Senate County and Municipal Committee Tuesday after Sen. Jay Hovey, R-Auburn, voted against the measure, resulting in a 4-4 tie. He said in the meeting he had an issue with the fiscal note when he voted against the bill, and he didnt know it would end up in a tie.

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With only Republican senators present at the meeting, the bill passed on a 6-0 vote.

Were in the middle of the waning days of our session and still have a lot of unfinished business. We got a significant education package of bills still out there looming. We just passed a lovely set of tax reform, tax relief bills in a committee earlier, so we still had a lot on our plate, Hovey said, adding that he didnt think it was a high priority bill.

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The bills fiscal note states it would increase administrative obligations of state and local governments, but it does not state the amount. Hovey said Wednesday that he has been assured that it would affect the states coffers minimally.

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And so, I do have the opportunity to change my vote, and I would like to call for that vote, he said.

The legislation, which passed the House on April 18, would have also mandated that reasonable efforts be made to update pre-existing resources, unless it imposes an operational or financial burden on the entities. An exception allowed the term Gulf of Mexico to be used in academic instruction for historical purposes in public K-12 schools and institutions of higher education.

The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico announced plans to change its name to the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf in response to the bill and President Donald Trumps executive order.

The bill moves to the Senate.

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Metro Detroit's county executives discussed working across the political aisle, the need for better road funding and transit, boosting businesses and revitalizing communities during a chat in which there were plenty of jests, including Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel saying, "We're working with Google to change the name of Lake St. Clair; it is now the Gulf of Macomb."

Laughter abounded after his quip and was sprinkled throughout the nearly hour-long conversation with his counterparts, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, during a moderated panel hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber April 30 in Lathrup Village.

From left: Oakland County Executive David Coulter listens to Wayne County Executive Warren Evans along with Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel during a Detroit Regional Chamber event at The Mint in Southfield on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Their discussion also delved into deeper topics facing the leaders of Michigan's most populated counties, a conversation that comes 100 days after a shift in national politics and amid federal funding cuts that will impact the counties and the communities, businesses and constituents they serve.

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Coulter said local, state and federal governments are "very intertwined." For example, he said, two weeks ago they were told the $3.5 million they use to staff nurses in nursing homes to prevent infectious disease spread "was being yanked that night."

"The next morning, we had to call six nurses and say don't go to work tomorrow, we no longer have funding for you to work in the nursing home," Coulter said. "I didn't have that on my bingo card. So we're scrambling to try to replace those services."

The executives said they're trying to work with businesses, including heavy manufacturing, suppliers and automotive companies, especially with President Donald Trump's executive orders regarding import tariffs and the impact of auto tariffs.

More: Whitmer 'still at it,' eyeing other priorities after securing Selfridge win from Trump

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More: We asked 100 Michiganders about Trumps first 100 days: Heres what they said

"Our CEOs and our businesses' confidence level is in the tank right now. They're really nervous about tariffs. They're worried about ... getting talent. They're worried about whether they should expand. They had plans to expand ... and now they're worried about the stock market. From an economics perspective, things are a lot more anxious," Coulter said.

Despite the uncertainty, he said, there are exciting things happening in Oakland County, such as the demolition of the Phoenix Center in a $60-million-plus deal to revitalize Pontiac and move 700 workers, including county employees, downtown.

From left: Oakland County Executive David Coulter speaks to Wayne County Executive Warren Evans along with Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel during a Detroit Regional Chamber event at The Mint in Southfield on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Hackel's appearance came a day after Trump's announcement that Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township would get 21 F-15EX fighter jets. For years, base leaders and officials in both parties at all levels of government worked to get jets at the base in Macomb County to shore up its future.

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Hackel, a Democrat, said he was not invited to the Selfridge announcement, but would have gone if invited. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, attended, and she and Trump, a Republican, greeted each other on the tarmac.

Hackel emphasized things can get done if people put politics aside.

Hackel has considered running for governor before and when asked if that was on the table, he said: "The extreme nature of both parties ... is not something of interest to me. Running for office, the question is how do you get through a primary? And that would be a bigger challenge for me to do so because I bring a very moderate, independent kind of personality ... I think it would be (a) very big challenge for me to make it through a primary."

In terms of road funding and transit, Evans said "road funding is critical and part of the problem is the formula by which it's done. ... The real reality is Act 51 is 76 years old. The formula for roads 76 years ago should not be the formula for road funding now. ... There is no formula for the numbers of lanes, it's the length of the road. And so, it's very flawed."

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Hackel said he is encouraged by what officials have been hearing in terms of state leaders trying to reach a bipartisan road deal, and believes they'll get somewhere before the end of the year. Coulter said: "I want what he's drinking. I'm not as optimistic."

In terms of transit, Evans said this year Wayne County is talking with its 43 communities to determine their transportation needs and to "try to build that into a plan that will go to the voters in the following year. I'm confident that we will do it. ... We do need to get some communities with some additional mobility if we're ever going to grow the region."

Said Coulter: "Swiss cheese doesn't work for transit. And up until a couple years ago, Wayne and Oakland were both Swiss cheese transit communities  opt-in, opt-out, this community's in, this community's out. And so we went to our voters, much like Wayne is gonna do next year, and asked them to be all in."

He added that in western Oakland County, where there were communities that weren't a big fan of this idea, ridership increased 60% this year.

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel makes a point during a Detroit Regional Chamber event at The Mint in Southfield on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

In 2022, Oakland County voters approved a countywide transit millage for the first time, meaning the system that allowed communities to opt out of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation is no more in that county. Now, Coulter said, officials are talking about what's next, particularly up Woodward Avenue, such as bus rapid transit with a dedicated lane and lights that are timed.

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"Macomb's always been classic American cheese, OK," Hackel quipped, as Macomb County has always been an opt-in community for SMART.

The executives also said they believe the next mayor of Detroit should continue Mayor Mike Duggan's business-friendly nature in the city, with Coulter saying he hasn't heard any of the leading candidates "doing anything but saying we gotta keep regionalism alive. We want to be partners in this region."

Evans said he will endorse somebody in the Detroit mayor's race but has not done so yet.

Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Metro Detroit's county executives talk challenges, roads, transit
State legislators clashed Wednesday before approving a controversial bill that would make it easier to file civil lawsuits against gun manufacturers and make it harder for some residents to obtain a pistol permit.

After more than two hours of debate over the Second Amendment and liability, the state House of Representatives passed the measure by 100 to 46 with five Republicans in favor and five moderate Democrats against.

House Republican leader Vincent Candelora of North Branford said the bill has multiple flaws in allowing more lawsuits against firearms manufacturers, marketers, distributors and retailers.

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Generally, the concern is that this is probably a trial lawyers dream, Candelora told reporters outside the historic Hall of the House. I dont think it does anything to make Connecticut residents safer from gun violence. It certainly will make lawyers a lot richer.

Candelora added, This would be like making the car manufacturers liable for the accidents on our roads.

The debate started at 12:37 p.m. and was completed by 3 p.m. Wednesday. The bill now goes to the state Senate.

Five moderate Democrats  Kerry Wood of Rocky Hill, Jill Barry of Glastonbury, Patrick Boyd of Pomfret, Chris Poulos of Southington and Michael DiGiovancarlo of Waterbury  voted against the bill. Five Republicans  Devin Carney of Old Saybrook, Tina Courpas of Greenwich, Tracy Marra of Darien, Chris Aniskovich of Clinton, and Tom Delnicki of South Windsor  voted with the Democratic majority in favor.

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State Rep. Craig Fishbein, the ranking House Republican on the legislatures judiciary committee, described the measure as groundbreaking legislation in how the gun industry was being treated.

Theres never been a bill up here treating the alcohol industry in the same fashion, said Fishbein, who voted against the measure. We dont have liability for the purveyor of that beer in a fatal drunken-driving accident.

I understand that there are people in this building who just dont like guns. I used to be one of them, Fishbein said. Its already difficult to do business in this state.  Also, firearms can be dangerous. I got it.

Rep. Steven Stafstrom, a Bridgeport Democrat who co-chairs the legislatures judiciary committee, said House Bill 7042 allows the state attorney general, as well as private citizens and cities and towns, to file civil lawsuits against those who fail to implement so-called reasonable controls in preventing the sale of firearms to straw purchasers, firearm traffickers, and individuals who are prevented from purchasing firearms under our laws.

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Stafstrom added that the bill is necessary because the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, known as PLCAA, was passed by Congress in 2005 that provided special immunity protections just to gun manufacturers that are not available to almost any other product manufacturer out there.

So far, nine other states have passed similar legislation to expand the possibility of gun-related lawsuits, including New York, New Jersey, California, Maryland, Illinois, Colorado and others.

We didnt single out anyone. Congress did, Stafstrom said. Connecticut will be the 10th state.

The measure focuses on gun manufacturers and firearms industry members, meaning that private sales between individuals would not be subject to the provisions of the bill, Stafstrom said.

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Liability, he said, is important.

Were not creating a new body of law here. This is product liability law 101, Stafstrom said, adding that the Connecticut law is needed because the gun industry was singled out for immunity by Congress.

At the committee level, the bill was debated in March during a six-hour hearing by the judiciary committee that brought out proponents and opponents.

11 misdemeanors

The multi-pronged bill also makes it harder for some residents to obtain a gun permit if they committed crimes in other states. Currently, Connecticut residents who commit felonies and 11 disqualifier misdemeanors are not permitted to obtain a pistol or revolver permit. But residents who commit essentially the same misdemeanors in other states, and then move to Connecticut, are still able to obtain a permit.

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The bill would cover anyone convicted of those misdemeanors in another state during the past eight years; they would now be blocked from getting a pistol or revolver permit, lawmakers said.

Under Connecticuts clean slate law, convictions for certain misdemeanors are erased. But Connecticuts clean slate law does not apply to out-of-state convictions.

Under current law, frankly were treating our own residents more harshly than those who just moved into the state, Stafstrom told reporters.

The misdemeanors in question concern violence against another person, extreme indifference to human life, inciting a riot, or possession of certain controlled substances, Stafstrom said.

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In a longtime oversight, police and attorneys somehow overlooked the provision in the law and never noticed that out-of-state convictions were handled differently, officials said.

When told about the different treatment depending on whether a person committed the crime out of state or in Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont said, It doesnt make much sense to me.

On the House floor, Stafstrom said anyone who was engaged in the manufacturing of guns would be subject to the provisions of the bill.

Separately, attorneys for the families of victims of the shootings at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown in 2012 filed a civil lawsuit under a different provision of the law concerning unfair trade practices. The provisions in the bill would be in addition to the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, known as CUTPA.

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A non-partisan legislative analysis provided comprehensive details on who would be covered.

Under the bill, a firearm industry member is a person, entity, or association (e.g., corporation or trade association) engaged in the manufacture, distribution, importation, marketing, or sale  wholesale or retail  of firearm industry products, the analysis says. These products are firearms, ammunition or firearm magazines, unfinished frames or lower receivers  generally used to make ghost guns  or rates of firearm enhancement (e.g., bump stocks) that are or were sold, made, or distributed in the state or possessed in the state and it was reasonably foreseeable that this would occur.

State Rep. Doug Dubitsky, a Republican attorney who supports the Second Amendment, said some gun manufacturers have already left the state.

Ruger used to manufacture almost all of their firearms in Connecticut, and now they do not, Dubitsky said.

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Dubitsky asked a series of questions on exactly who is determined to be a gun manufacturer and whether they would be covered by the bill.

Yes, we are splitting hairs because this determines who will get sued, he said. These people do this for a living.  You want to know who is going to be named.

Guns, he said, are a different product under the Second Amendment.

There is no constitutional right to buy a washing machine, Dubitsky said on the House floor. There is no constitutional right to buy a car.  You cant buy a firearm if all of the gun manufacturers have been shut down.

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Rep. Greg Howard, a Republican who also serves as a longtime police officer in Stonington, said that liability is being deflected to other parties and away from the person who actually pulled the trigger in a gun crime. He said he has carried a gun every day for the past 23 years.

When are we going to pin the tail on the donkey? Howard asked on the House floor. When are we going to blame the criminals?

Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@courant.com
The Gwinnett Solicitor Generals Office announced the launch of a Special Victims Unit on Wednesday.

According to the office, the unit will better serve victims of sensitive misdemeanor offenses, including sex crimes, vehicular homicides, stalking, pandering and prostitution.

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Officials said the new unit is meant to address unique challenges in these types of cases, particularly ones involving teenagers.

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Part of that is due to recent developments in Georgia in cases involving those 13 to 18-years-old.

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Establishing the Special Victims Unit is a significant step toward ensuring every victim in Gwinnett County receives the attention and care they deserve, Solicitor-General Lisamarie N. Bristol said. By dedicating specialized resources to these sensitive cases, were not only enhancing our legal response but also reaffirming our commitment to compassionate and effective justice.

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The Special Victims Unit will serve as the primary point of contact for sex-related crimes, but also animal cruelty and neglect cases that are prosecuted in Gwinnett County State Court.

As far as staffing, the new unit will include an assistant solicitor general, investigators, victim advocates and trial assistants and will allow the office to triage sensitive cases more efficiently while offering enhanced specialization and training opportunities for staff.

For more information about the unit, head online here.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. The purpose of the ongoing discussions between Iran and the US is to resolve conflicts and reach a mutual agreement, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi told reporters following a Cabinet meeting in Tehran, Trend reports.

Speaking to reporters, Araghchi emphasized that every discussion is aimed at resolving disputes.

"Iran's red lines are completely clear and have been announced to the US side. For Iran, the venue of the talks is not a crucial issue that should waste time. The main focus is the subject of the discussions.

No specific timetable has been established for the completion of the talks. However, Iran has made it clear that it does not intend to engage in prolonged discussions or waste time," he said.

Three rounds of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US regarding Irans nuclear program were held on April 12, 19, and 26. These discussions, conducted indirectly with the mediation of the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi, involved Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi leading the Iranian delegation, while the US delegation was led by the US Special Envoy to Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff. The first and 3rd rounds took place in Muscat, Oman, while the 2nd round was held in Rome, Italy.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
(Reuters) - A Haitian woman died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Florida last week, the agency said on Tuesday.

The death of Marie Ange Blaise, 44, who was pronounced dead by medical professionals at the Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach, Florida, on Friday, is under investigation, according to ICE.

ICE said it has notified the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other agencies of Blaise's death. It said it also provided email notification to the Haitian Consulate in Miami.

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Blaise, who entered the United States at an unknown date and place, encountered U.S. Customs and Border Protection while attempting to board a flight to North Carolina from the U.S. Virgin Islands in February, according to ICE.

CBP later issued a notice of expedited removal for Blaise, ICE said. It added that she was transferred to its custody from CBP at a staging facility in Puerto Rico.

Blaise was detained at a correctional facility in Louisiana before ultimately being transferred to Florida, where she died, according to the immigration agency.

The Broward Transitional Center where Blaise was pronounced dead is operated by Geo Group Inc under a contract awarded by ICE. Geo's website describes it as a "transitional center for short-term non-criminal and low security detainees."

(Reporting by Jasper Ward; Editing by Leslie Adler)
"One of the major things vaccines do is prevent disease severity." (Getty Images)

There have been several new bills circulating in the New Hampshire Legislature regarding vaccines, among them is House Bill 679.

The bill, which passed the House in March and is now in the Senate, focuses on cutting the requirement for children to get vaccines that have not been shown to prevent transmission, or spread, of a disease.

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At first glance of this bill, one may reason: Why should they have to get a vaccine if it has not been shown to prevent disease spread? The truth is, while many immunizations do a great job at reducing spread of a disease through a population, that is not the only thing that they do. Not all vaccines prevent a person from contracting a disease.

One of the major things vaccines do is prevent disease severity. A person who gets the influenza vaccine may still come down with the flu despite being vaccinated. However, they will be far less likely to develop severe influenza if they are vaccinated.

In 2021, it was found that patients who were vaccinated against influenza had a 26% lower risk of ICU admission and 31% lower risk of death due to the influenza virus. Becoming vaccinated against the flu also prevents overall hospitalization rates, and in the 2019-2020 flu season, approximately 100,000 influenza-related hospitalizations were avoided due to the influenza vaccine.

This is not only significantly beneficial for those who were vaccinated against the flu, but also for anyone else who needed a hospital bed for any reason during that flu season. Hospitals had more available space for all patients than they would have had if they were overrun by patients with influenza.

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Most of the routine vaccines administered are to infants and school-aged children. This kind of legislation makes our schools less safe against preventable disease, putting students, teachers, staff, and families at risk, again not just for infection but serious infection requiring more intensive care.

Many people are already aware of the recent measles outbreak in the U.S., which has now reached 30 states. Measles is a highly contagious virus that has been shown to manifest in 90% of close contacts of an infected patient. It typically starts with a fever as high or higher than 104 degrees, runny nose, cough, and conjunctivitis.

After about a week, patients often develop the classic measles rash, which starts on the face and spreads down toward the rest of the body. In vaccinated patients, measles can be fairly mild. For unvaccinated children (i.e. school-aged children who did not get the vaccine or infants less than 1 year of age who are not yet old enough for the vaccine), measles often leads to further complications.

The mild complications typically include ear infections and diarrhea. More severe complications include pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling in the brain), hospitalization (1 in 5 unvaccinated patients who contract measles require hospitalization), and death (1 to 3 in every 1,000 children with measles).

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Complications can often also occur in adults, and particularly in pregnant patients where they have higher rates of premature delivery and low birth weight. One complication that people generally are less familiar with is called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), which occurs 7 to 10 years after a child has recovered from the measles infection, and is a fatal disease of the central nervous system.

For measles, a vaccination rate in a community needs to be at least 95% to have effective herd immunity, or essentially to prevent a measles outbreak. Last year (2023-2024 school year), New Hampshire kindergartners had a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rate of 89.2%, which despite sounding like quite a lot is not nearly enough to prevent spread. The state of Maine does not allow religious or personal exemptions to vaccines for schools, and their kindergartener MMR vaccination rate during the last school year was 97.2%.

As of April 24, there have already been 884 reported cases of measles in the United States. This is compared to the 285 cases reported in all of 2024, and the zero cases reported in 2000, when measles was considered fully eradicated from the U.S.

Polio, which is generally more severe in its complications and outcomes than measles, is another disease that has been eradicated from the U.S. due to immunization. By loosening the reins on vaccine requirements, we risk reintroducing our communities to these deadly and debilitating diseases.

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Bad vaccination policies put New Hampshire residents at risk. As a state, we could put our country at risk. Immunizations save lives from preventable illnesses, and by declaring exemption or reducing vaccine requirements, we are not only allowing, but encouraging, the spread of disease.

We must not allow our children to die from diseases that their ancestors fought so dearly to prevent.
State Police in New Hampshire have joined hundreds of other law enforcement agencies in entering into a Memoranda of Agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, state officials said Wednesday.

New Hampshire will not go the way of Massachusetts, where sanctuary policies have enabled violent crime and a billion-dollar illegal immigrant crisis, Gov. Kelly Ayotte said in a statement.

Criminals who are in our country illegally and pose a danger to our communities should be apprehended and removed, Ayotte said. Im glad to have State Police and county and local law enforcement working with our federal partners to enforce our immigration laws, and I thank them for their continued efforts to protect and serve New Hampshire.

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The Memoranda of Agreement, which became effective Friday, will give troopers the authority to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under a Task Force model after they are trained and certified by ICE in the coming weeks and months, officials said.

According to ICE, 230 other agencies in 24 states have signed similar agreements, including the Massachusetts Department of Corrections. A list of participating agencies can be found here.

The members of the New Hampshire State Police are committed to keeping our communities among the safest in the nation, New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark Hall said in a statement.

Under this agreement, Troopers will be authorized and trained by ICE on how to better respond to immigration violations that they encounter, Hall said. However, residents and visitors should be assured that our mission remains the same as it always has been.

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A copy of the agreement is available on the New Hampshire State Police website.

Additional information on the 287(g) Program can be found on ICEs website.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Hampstead Heath Ladies Pond has refused to ban transgender women despite a Supreme Court ruling.

The women-only bathing spot is maintaining its inclusive policy even though the UKs highest court has found that trans women are not legally female.

Kenwood Ladies Pond, which opened a century ago for women and girls, became a flashpoint in the debate over trans rights after the City of London Corporation adopted a self-ID policy in 2019.

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Gender-critical feminists have fought to reclaim the pond  the UKs sole women-only natural bathing pool  but their campaign has been contested bitterly by trans activists, including India Willoughby, the broadcaster.

On Wednesday, the London authority  which also oversees the neighbouring Hampstead Heath mens and mixed ponds  confirmed its self-ID policy would remain in effect at this time while it considered the implications of the Supreme Court judgment.

The Kendwood Ladies Pond opened for women and girls in 1926 - Hollie Adams/Getty Images

The decision not to suspend pond access for trans women drew sharp criticism from feminist campaigners, who called the policy invasive, discriminatory and unlawful.

A prominent barrister told The Telegraph that continuing to label the ponds as mens and ladies could now expose the corporation to legal challenge.

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Sarah Vine KC said that if the City of London Corporation wished to maintain its gender self-ID stance, it should not describe the ponds as anything other than mixed-sex.

She said: Any continued description of two of the ponds as mens and ladies will expose the Corporation to discrimination claims; the practical effect of doing so is far more likely to result in a de facto single sex facility for men, who can enjoy the consequential privacy, with no corresponding provision for women.

She added: This is despite the fact that womens overall need for safety and privacy is generally higher than that of men.

The Women Only sign at the entrance to Kenwood Ladies Pond in Hampstead Heath - Belinda Jiao

Venice Allan, 49, a feminist activist at the centre of a campaign to restore the pond as a single-sex space, told The Telegraph she was not surprised by the local authoritys response.

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It doesnt surprise me in the slightest that the Corporation is trying to fudge this, she said.

Ms Allan was the first woman to be banned from the Kenwood Ladies Pond Association, which represents regular users, after objecting to biological men being granted access.

Explaining her passion for the issue, she told The Telegraph that women need womens spaces for our safety, privacy and dignity, and also  in this case  for our joy.

The ponds are stunningly beautiful and special to any woman who goes. Going for the first time when I was 21 was one of my first experiences of a women-only space that wasnt utilitarian. I thought: Oh wow, this is what women-only spaces can be like.

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Theres no splashing, shouting or pushing in, like in most mixed pools where boys and men dominate.

On Aug 27 2022, she participated in a Let Women Swim protest on Hampstead Heath against the gender self-ID policy. The campaign was opposed by prominent trans women including Willoughby.

On the morning of the protest, Willoughby, who is in a long-running row with JK Rowling over trans rights, sunbathed beside the ladies pool wearing a bikini and posted a picture online, saying it was a great way to keep fit.

The bathing spot, part of Hampstead Heath, is clearly signposted as Women Only

Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at the human rights charity Sex Matters, told The Telegraph: Feminist campaigners have been telling the City of London for years that its policy allowing men into facilities such as Kenwood Ladies Pond on Hampstead Heath is invasive, discriminatory and unlawful, but those women were ignored.

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Now the Supreme Courts decision makes the inclusion of men in designated womens spaces untenable.

The City of London and those managing womens swimming facilities need to admit defeat and immediately restore boundaries that respect the safety, dignity and privacy of women who have the right to expect clear rules based on biological sex.

Each day the City of London and other local authorities delay aligning their policies on womens spaces with the law is one more day at serious risk of legal action.

Is compliant with existing UK law

On Wednesday a spokesman for the City of London Corporation told The Telegraph its policy was not unlawful.

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He said: These accusations are completely false. The City Corporation is compliant with existing UK law.

In line with other affected organisations we are carefully considering the judgment and awaiting statutory guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission  which service providers must take into account.

He added that a carefully considered decision... will be take in due course and that the corporation was committed to providing a safe... environment for all.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
School divisions across the Hampton Roads region ranged in response to the Trump administrations letters and executive order to comply with federal guidelines by not using illegal diversity, equity and inclusion policies in their schools.

The U.S Department of Education put out a notice April 3, following a Dear Colleague letter in February that asserted that DEI practices were discriminatory in nature, citing the Supreme Court case that ended affirmative action. The schools originally had until April 11 to certify that they were in compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws before it was extended to April 24.

Schools would risk federal funding to support low-income students, free and reduced lunch and resources for certain special education programs. For some divisions such as Virginia Beach, federal funding provides for tens of millions of dollars, something that school board members considered before certifying for their division. Federal funding still only makes up a small amount of revenue for a school division.

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While Democratic states told schools not to sign the letter, questioning the legality of the executive order and filing lawsuits in response, Virginias education department encouraged schools to certify compliance. Though guidance has been sparse from federal and state departments on how to implement these changes, superintendents are assessing what changes, if any, need to be made to their divisions.

Divisions generally fell into two categories: those that voted on certification during a meeting and those that didnt. Heres how your division responded:

___

Norfolk

Norfolk Public Schools is one of three divisions in the state to reject Trumps executive order. The other two were Loudoun County and Fairfax County. Instead, the School Board pushed a motion to sign a modified letter, which assured that the division is complying with current and future state and federal law as well as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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The Trump administrations executive orders are being litigated, and federal judges have blocked the administration from stripping funds from schools for not certifying. When asked by board member Adale Martin if changing the letter could put the division out of compliance, Deputy City Attorney Jack Cloud said it is possible.

Norfolk School Board rejects Trump administrations anti-DEI compliance letter

I cant say how the Trump administration and the United States Department of Education will react, said Cloud.

Norfolk Public Schools could be risking over $5 million that it planned to receive in their proposed budget from the government to keep the initiatives within its divisions.

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Virginia Beach

Virginia Beachs School Board pushed a last minute resolution to remove DEI policies from its schools during its April 8 board meeting. The vote passed 6-3, with two members absent.

Board member David Culpepper, who drafted and sent it the evening before the meeting, stated they needed to make a decision due to the quick timeline. The division gets around $74 million from the federal government, according to School Board leadership.

The resolution wasnt put on the agenda. At a subsequent meeting, students, educators and advocates criticized the board for evading criticism and said the move would hurt marginalized students.

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Over 100 people address Virginia Beach School Board in meeting outlining DEI removal

Superintendent Donald Robertson and division leadership have begun reviewing and modifying certain programs and policies since. The Educational Equity policy  established in 2020 that emphasized implicit bias training, inclusive practices and brought a dashboard that tracked student achievement and inclusion for vulnerable students  is suspended until a policy review committee fully analyzes it.

Vice Chair Carolyn Weems and School Board attorney Kamala Lannetti issued a first draft of the revised Educational Equity policy during a policy review committee meeting April 23, which all but gutted it. Acknowledging racial inequities and inequitable policies, key fixtures of the original policy, were removed. Replacing them were nondiscrimination language, ensuring that practices are non discriminatory in nature.

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Suffolk

Suffolks School Board pushed for a resolution during its April 24 meeting, voting 4-3 to certify and thus remove DEI policies in its schools. Some board members argued for keeping them, believing they help students feel included.

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Their education equity policy, which pushed for diversity initiatives in hiring and inclusive classroom practices, was suspended. Like Virginia Beachs, it acknowledged racial inequity, and it also had established an Equity Audit Tool, which measured school practices that identify discrimination. Its unknown how that will impact student clubs and extracurriculars.

Its unfortunate that weve been put into a no-win situation, said John Gordon III, Suffolks superintendent, at the April 24 meeting.

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Newport News

Newport News Public Schools elected to not make a decision to certify public during a School Board meeting. Newport News did sign the certification letter to maintain federal funding.

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However, Board Chair Lisa Surles-Law argued that since they didnt have any DEI programs, policies or office, the division was already in compliance. Unlike Suffolk and Virginia Beach, which had both education equity and nondiscrimination policies, Newport News only has nondiscrimination policies on the books.

No changes to the division will occur, according to Surles-Law.

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Portsmouth

Portsmouth didnt discuss signing the letter during a School Board meeting. The division signed the certification letter April 9 and no changes should be expected, according to a spokesperson.

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Chesapeake

Chesapeake didnt discuss the letter during a School Board meeting and signed the certification letter, said a Chesapeake Public Schools spokesperson. Potential changes to the division remain unknown.

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Hampton

Hampton didnt discuss the letter during a School Board meeting and signed it. A spokesperson for the division said that their School Board policies are in compliance with Title VI and federal and state law. An interview request to speak with board members was declined until further information about the blocked provision is provided.

Toni Odejimi, adetoni.odejimi@virginiamedia.com
The Supreme Court of Wisconsin has suspended Hannah Dugan, a Milwaukee-area judge who was arrested last week after being accused of attempting to prevent an undocumented defendant from being arrested by immigration agents outside her courtroom.

It is in the public interest that she be temporarily relieved of her official duties, the state supreme court wrote in an order on Tuesday.

The FBI arrested Dugan, a long-time judge for the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, on Friday.

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Shes charged with concealing an individual to prevent their discovery or arrest and obstructing or impeding a proceeding.

We believe Judge Dugan intentionally misdirected federal agents away from the subject to be arrested in her courthouse, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, allowing the subject  an illegal alien  to evade arrest, FBI Director Kash Patel said last week.

On April 18, a group of six federal officials appeared at the courthouse to detain Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national slated for deportation, according to court documents obtained by The Independent.

Dugan is accused of leading wanted man to side area of courtroom to evade immigration arrest (AP)

A public defender snapped photos of the waiting agents and alerted a clerk for the judge.

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Dugan reportedly told the agents to speak with a chief judge about their operation, then adjourned a planned hearing for Flores-Ruiz, leading him through a side door to a non-public area of the courthouse, according to the documents.

Flores-Ruiz later attempted to leave the courthouse, but was spotted by a Drug Enforcement Administration agent and arrested.

Dugans attorney has said she wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest and described it as not made in the interest of public safety.

While all the facts are not yet in, the implications of this arrest are chilling, Democratic congressman Jamie Raskin, the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, said in a statement after the arrest. This is a drastic escalation & dangerous new front in Trumps authoritarian campaign of trying to bully, intimidate & impeach judges who wont follow his dictates."

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Under the Trump administration, immigration agents have stepped up arrests at sensitive locations.

Agents have allegedly attempted arrests and other operations during immigration hearings, in the middle of a trial, and at a Los Angeles-area elementary school.
I was so young and naive when, just out of high school, I served in Vietnam. Discharged, I was living in New York City when disturbing images of the fall of Saigon dominated my TV screen. There was no 24-hour cable news at the time, so America had to depend on other media outlets, such as newspapers first-person stories.

Images were shown nightly on the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite (the most trusted man in America). My reaction was anger. I was sickened, although not surprised at what was unfolding in-country. The chaos surrounding the withdrawal broke my heart.

As best I can recall, while sitting alone in my parents basement, I wondered: What do you say to the American families who lost loved ones in that war? An estimated 58,000 American deaths. Have all those lost lives and injuries come to naught?

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Even now, thinking back, did anything about that time I spent there make sense? Maybe that we served with honor and bravery. We answered the call, while so many of our peers at home didnt.

The fall came quickly as it so often does in situations such as this. And the irony that has followed me half a century since: How could anyone who spent any amount of time there have predicted that a new generation in Vietnam would be welcomed as friendly trading partners and the country now a popular tourist destination?

I get it: Time can change everything. Attitudes. Alliances, certainly. Time can heal physical wounds. But among my brother vets, the psychic wounds of that war are scars that run deep under the skin and will never heal.

When I watched the botched withdrawal of our troops from Kabul airport, I was eerily reminded of how history often repeats itself.

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And not always for the better.

These days, I spend less time thinking about Vietnam and more  as a reporter for this newspaper  about what I can do every day to honor those who fought in Nam, Kuwait, Afghanistan-Iraq. We can do better for them in terms of services and support, and we must.

I am grateful that with time, the publics view of the military during the Vietnam War has changed as well, although it took decades to do so.

These days, in my quietest moments, I am trying to make sense of it all. What I did. Where I was. In retrospect, nothing makes sense. And probably never will.

Let me set the record straight: I was never a combat medic. I did a lot of my time in safely guarded medical units.

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I am no hero, and have never pretended to be. But I was surrounded by heroes. The strength and resolve of those I met know no boundaries. Those memories sustain me in my worst moments.

I suppose the only good thing to come out of the fall of Saigon was that it marked the presumptive end of our involvement.

Rick Dandes is a reporter for The Daily Item.
As Jim Stephens approached the podium at the University of Alabamas main graduation ceremony in May 2007, the United States was entering its fourth year of the Iraq War, with troops across the region  and the death toll  surging.

For Stephens, a former soldier whod become the chairman of his familys information technology business, EBSCO Industries, the carnage was unconscionable.

War, to me, is the most terrible event that we can engage in as humanity, he said this week, some 18 years later. I wanted (graduates) to think about that.

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So, after encouraging the students to have values, be judgmental and  find the strength to live them, Stephens challenged his audience to think critically about the US role on the global stage, contemporary news articles reported.

We can relate easily to the family pain from the killing of innocents at Virginia Tech, he said from the lectern, referring to the deadly mass shooting a month earlier that had killed 32 people.

But, he continued, Fifty civilians died in Iraq that very day.

We are asking whether this is good global citizenship. Most importantly, we are asking: Is this the behavior of a good and virtuous society?

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Some in the audience of capped-and-gowned young adults furrowed their brows. Others considered booing. Stephens pivot into global politics  which he underscored at both a morning and an afternoon ceremony  felt out of line to some in a moment that should have been devoted to celebrating grads accomplishments.

Since then, the University of Alabama hasnt had a speaker as part of its main commencement.

That is, until this week.

President Donald Trump is set to deliver an address to the class of 2025 during an event Thursday kicking off the universitys graduation weekend. And even before he arrives in Tuscaloosa, politics is already back at the fore.

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While Trumps speech is ticketed and optional for graduates, it has drawn the ire of the states NAACP and the universitys College Democrats, who plan to hold a Tide Against Trump counter-rally featuring former Alabama Sen. Doug Jones, a graduate of the university, and Beto ORourke, the ex-congressman whos earned national prominence trying make statewide Democratic inroads in Texas. An online petition opposing Trumps address has garnered 25,000 signatures.

Simply by being president, Trump has waded into the same fraught waters Stephens did back in 2007 by putting politics at the forefront of commencement weekend. What he says may further make waves across the ideological spectrum.

For his part, Stephens, now 86, stands by his decision to toe the third rail of American commencement addresses and, all those years ago, encourage graduates to truly think about what it means to be a citizen of the United States and the world, he said.

Its a junction time  all these students go off in enormously different directions, he told CNN. I wanted to reach them personally  and then I wanted to speak about our society and what was going on in our nation.

President Donald Trump is due to speak to the class of 2025 this week at Coleman Coliseum on the campus of the University of Alabama. - Gary Cosby Jr./Tuscaloosa News/USA Today Network/Imagn Images

Honestly speak truth to actual power

Back in 2007, from his seat in the first row of graduates, Daniel Maguire frowned in confusion when Stephens started talking about the war in Iraq.

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Were just kind of looking back and forth at each other, like, Is this happening? Is he really going there, at graduation? Maguire recalled to CNN.

Protesting a commencement speakers address was becoming something of a rite of passage, raising the stakes for those brave enough to step up to the podium and share their advice.

Should we  should we boo? Maguire and his fellow graduates wondered.

Maguire decided against it, he said. But, Stephens recalled, several people in the audience did just that.

The more Maguire thought about the ceremony that weekend, he said, the more irritated he became. So, he penned an op-ed for the local paper  and left a phone a message for Stephens at his office the next Monday.

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Mr. Stephens is the CEO of a large, successful corporation, and if he wants to disseminate his political opinion, he has plenty of avenues to do that, Maguire recalled telling Stephens assistant. He didnt need to essentially hijack a commencement ceremony.

Stephens was surprised by that sort of backlash, he told CNN. But his speech had the desired effect: It sparked a dialogue.

We the people need to try to be informed. We should seek to be informed, and we should have an opinion, he said. I didnt seek to overly persuade, but I did state my views  I wanted those views to give that group in the audience something to think about.

After graduating with his masters degree in 2007, Maguire began his career in higher education in the registrars office of the University of Alabamas business school.

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Since then, the university has had no traditional commencement speakers, electing instead to call the names of each graduate at its commencement ceremonies.

Maguire isnt sure whether it was Stephens speech the prompted the pivot, and University of Alabama officials declined to say. But now  with 18 years of hindsight and after living abroad  his thoughts on the 2007 graduation address have evolved.

Nowadays, I would probably agree with most of what Mr. Stephens said, particularly (with) the US throwing its weight around the world, Maguire told CNN.

This year, more than 6,000 students are expected to participate in graduation ceremonies, according to the university. Maguire still stands by his original position that commencement is not the place for politicking, he said  with one caveat.

If you had the opportunity to honestly speak truth to actual power, he said, you should take it.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. Iran is currently conducting its main discussions on the nuclear program with the US, Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi told reporters following a Cabinet meeting in Tehran, Trend reports.

According to Araghchi, in addition to these talks, Iran continues discussions with European countries (the UK, France, and Germany).

However, the minister noted that due to the unsatisfactory policies of the European countries toward Iran, their role in the discussions has diminished.

Araghchi further emphasized that Iran is not interested in reducing the role of European countries in discussions about its nuclear program.

"For this reason, Iran has expressed readiness to hold the next round of talks in Rome," he said.

Three rounds of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US regarding Irans nuclear program were held on April 12, 19, and 26. These discussions, conducted indirectly with the mediation of the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi, involved Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi leading the Iranian delegation, while the US delegation was led by the US Special Envoy to Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff. The first and 3rd rounds took place in Muscat, Oman, while the 2nd round was held in Rome, Italy.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) The Harrisburg School District issued a statement regarding a student who was killed in a Harrisburg shooting over the weekend.

According to the Harrisburg Bureau of Police, officers responded to the 2000 block of Logan Street for a report of shots fired around 6 p.m. on April 26. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found a teenager suffering from a gunshot wound.

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Police said the victim, identified by the Dauphin County Coroners Office as 19-year-old Zaire Warran, succumbed to his wounds at the hospital.

Warren was a student in the Harrisburg School District. The district issued a statement regarding the incident.

It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of our student, Zaire Warren, over the weekend. Zaire was a valued member of our school community at Harrisburg High School, John Harris Campus. Our thoughts are with Zaires family, friends, and all those impacted by this tragic loss. To support our school community during this difficult time, our Student Services team will be available to assist both students and staff. Please remember that you are not alone, and support is here for you. Harrisburg School District

The school district said it has been providing grief support since Monday and will continue to do so.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Harrisburg Police at 717-558-6900 or submit an anonymous tip online.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Prince William is reportedly prepared to take a hard stance on stripping Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their HRH titles once he becomes king.

This move would mark a major shift from King Charles, who has supposedly avoided confrontation on the issue. This bold position comes as Jason Knauf, a former royal aide, recently revealed how deep the rift between William and Harry runs.

Tension between Prince William and Prince Harry has simmered for years, beginning in 2016 and worsening after Harry and Meghan exited royal life in 2020.

Prince William Reportedly At Breaking Point With Meghan Markle's Use Of HRH Title

MEGA

William reportedly made the decision in response to Meghan continuing to use the HRH title, despite her and Harry's previous agreement to stop after leaving royal life. The situation drew fresh attention when Meghan shared a letter addressed to "Your Royal Highness."

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On top of that, she reportedly sent entrepreneur Jamie Kern Lima a gift basket of homemade strawberry sauce, signed, "With the Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex."

That gesture did not go unnoticed. A friend of William shared that King Charles appears unwilling to act, but William has no intention of letting it slide. "The titles will simply be removed when he is king. A way will be found," the friend claimed.

The Daily Beast also reported that a former courtier noted that while Charles may tolerate the couple's actions, William will not.

The source added that William believes Harry and Meghan "have betrayed everything the family stands for, and the idea that they are using their royal status as a calling card will enrage him."

The Former Actress' Use Of HRH Title Reignites Royal Debate Over Agreed Terms

MEGA

Meghan's use of the HRH title has seemingly stirred fresh controversy inside royal circles, reigniting questions over what was agreed upon when she and Prince Harry stepped away from royal duties.

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While Meghan's team insists she is still entitled to use the title in non-commercial settings, critics are pushing back hard. A source close to the Duchess argued that while she and Harry do not use the HRH styles for business, "this was a personal gift, and their titles remain."

But not everyone agrees. One former royal courtier dismissed that claim outright, calling it "complete rubbish" and pointing to the original 2020 agreement forged at the Sandringham Summit.

That agreement, still viewable on the royal family's official website, states clearly, "The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family."

Royal expert and former government minister Norman Baker said the issue should have been settled firmly from the beginning. "It was a mistake to not simply take it away at the time," he explained, adding that the lack of clarity is now returning to haunt the monarchy.

Prince William Reportedly Upset Over Prince Harry's Ukraine Visit

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In addition to Meghan's alleged ongoing use of the HRH title, other issues may be frustrating William, including Harry's recent trip to Ukraine. The Duke of Sussex's surprise visit to meet wounded soldiers in Lviv has left William frustrated, especially since he had expressed a desire to make the trip himself.

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The Blast noted that sources close to the royal family disclosed that William was eager to show his support for Ukraine. Still, palace officials reportedly advised against it, citing security concerns.

Reports later revealed that the future king was "fuming" behind closed doors, unhappy with the decision and feeling upstaged by Harry, who managed to safely make the visit despite the risks.

The situation has added another layer of strain to the already complicated relationship between the two brothers.

Jason Knauf Opens Up About Tension Between The Two Brothers

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The ongoing rift between Prince William and Prince Harry continues to cause concern among those close to the royal family, with Jason Knauf, a former communications secretary for both brothers, discussing the strained relationship in an interview.

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The Blast reported that in his conversation with "60 Minutes Australia," Knauf called the situation "hard and sad," admitting that it was "very difficult to have this stuff play out in the public eye."

Knauf also emphasized the importance of respecting Prince Williams decision to keep his thoughts on the matter private, adding, "I think all of us who know him really have to respect that we should do the same.

How Tensions Between Prince William And Prince Harry Reached A Boiling Point

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Their tension has deep roots, with the brothers' relationship beginning to fray in 2016 when Harry started dating Meghan. Harry became increasingly vocal about his family's strained dynamics as the years passed, particularly in his 2023 memoir "Spare."

In the book, he described a heated confrontation with William, claiming his older brother physically attacked him during a dispute over Meghan. In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the Sussexes made shocking revelations about their relationship with the royal family.

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Meghan shared that family members had questioned the skin color of their son, Archie, and she spoke candidly about her own mental health struggles.

Will Prince William really follow through on stripping Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their titles?
As international college students across the United States find themselves targeted by the Trump administration, a group of international Harvard undergraduates stood shoulder to shoulder with their American peers Tuesday evening and delivered a message of defiance, unity and warning.

Many of the Harvard students  American and foreign-born alike  said they came to the demonstration on the Cambridge campus because of their shared concern for their school and American democracy.

They wanted continued resistance from their school leadership of President Donald Trumps attempts to influence Harvards management of its campus.

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And regardless of their country of origin, the students said they wanted American citizens to be wary of any erosion of their rights by the federal government.

Leo Gerden, a Harvard student from Sweden, recognizes the risks international students take by publicly protesting the government.

" I am feeling it every day. Whenever Im walking on the street, Im looking behind my shoulder and thinking if that man who looks like a civilian is actually a civilian or if its a masked ICE agent," he told MassLive.

But as several dozen students gathered Tuesday outside the Harvard Science Center, Gerden said that fear did not deter his desire to advocate for the future of his school and what he believed in.

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We are fighting the front line battle for American democracy, he said.

Karl Molden, a 21-year-old Harvard student from Vienna, said he too felt a responsibility to the United States.

The threat of a dying democracy in the U.S. is very abstract, Molden said. Not so in much of Europe, where he hails from.

A lot of Americans are taking elections, freedom of speech, for granted, Molden said. At the verge of [democracy] breaking down, we have to be as honest as possible about that, and as national students, we want to send the word to Americans: watch out.

The protest played out as the university eyed a summer court date in its new legal fight with the Trump administration to protect billions in federal research funding for the school.

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The Trump administration is seeking an overhaul of Harvards admissions, discipline and management policies, and has placed at least $2.2 billion in multi-year grant funding on the line to compel the schools cooperation.

Administration officials say the reforms are necessary because the university has done too little to protect Jewish students from antisemitism amid a wave of pro-Palestinian protests that began after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Earlier Tuesday, Harvard released long-awaited reports on antisemitism and anti-Muslim or anti-Arab bias, finding a collection of failures by the school to adequately support students of Jewish, Muslim, Arab or other backgrounds or manage the heightened campus tensions after the attacks.

Harvard President Alan Garber apologized, pledging the school would redouble its efforts to combat hate so that mutual respect is the norm, along with multiple other commitments he laid out in a lengthy letter to the school community.

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Federal officials have warned they could take up to $9 billion from Harvard if the school refused the governments demands for reform, which included an end to its diversity, equity and inclusion programs and independent audits of Harvards student, faculty and staff viewpoint diversity.

A federal judge on Monday scheduled arguments for July 21 over the universitys lawsuit against the government, after both sides met in court for the first time in a brief hearing.

Harvard students said they were proud of their school leaderships stance against federal influence. But they also lambasted other moves from the school they saw as capitulating to some of Trumps demands, including the renaming of the schools diversity, equity and inclusion office and the withdrawal of school funding for campus affinity group graduation celebrations.

Tuesdays rally occurred amid weeks of tremendous uncertainty for international students at Harvard and other colleges and universities across the country.

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The Trump administration has revoked and then abruptly reinstated the legal status of thousands of international students, placing their ability to study in the United States on ever-shifting ground.

In some circumstances, the administration has taken steps to deport international students who have protested against government policies such as its support for Israel.

Abdullah Shahid Sial, a Harvard student from Pakistan, said he recognized the threat facing international students who protested the government. But he said he felt a responsibility to stand up for what he believed in.

I dont want to not speak up when times are actually tough, he said.

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In the face of pressure from the federal government, Harvard maintains it has taken meaningful, ongoing steps to combat antisemitic discrimination against Jews on campus, though Garber acknowledged significant work left to do combating hate in his message to the school Tuesday.

Harvards lawsuit also pushed back on the administrations attempts to exert control over a private university, something Garber has called beyond the power of the federal government.

No government  regardless of which party is in power  should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue, Garber wrote in a letter to the school community on April 14.

Some Jews also fear Trump has politicized the fight against antisemitism.

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Jonathan Greenblatt, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, a leading Jewish civil rights group, said that though Harvard has taken steps in the right direction to combat antisemitism, the school has had a serious problem of antisemitism dating back years and needs to do a demonstrably better job combatting anti-Jewish hate.

However, the Trump administrations demands of Harvard have gone beyond the ADLs aims for reform, Greenblatt wrote earlier this month.

The issue of combating antisemitism on campus should be addressed on its own process and merits, he wrote. Other debates on higher education may be important, but they can and should be resolved separate from fighting antisemitism on campus.

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Campus antisemitism is real. Weve seen it. Weve felt it, Maia Hoffenberg, a Jewish Harvard student, told the crowd gathered at Tuesdays rally.

But, she added, The Trump administration is trying to use me and trying to use all of Harvards Jewish students to wage a war against higher education.

Cornell William Brooks, a Harvard University professor and former president of the NAACP, was among the speakers to address a crowd of demonstrators at the school's Cambridge campus, April 29, 2025.(Will Katcher/MassLive)

Cornell William Brooks, a Harvard professor and former president of the NAACP, said he felt a responsibility to demonstrate alongside the schools students.

I have to be at your side when you decided to take on this administration and these constitutionally and morally wrong-headed policies, he said, urging unity among Harvards diverse student body.

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Caleb Thompson, one of Harvards co-student body presidents, was among the students urging Harvard to ignore an upcoming deadline from the Trump administration to turn over records on international students.

Shahid Sial, his fellow student body president, also urged Harvard students to remain united.

When someone attacks a member of our household, we all fight them. We all stand up for them, he said. A divided Harvard is a Harvard that has already lost.

However, he later added, the response from students to the events of recent weeks gave him hope.

Harvard is the most united it has ever been, he said.

More Harvard University news

Read the original article on MassLive.

Read the original article on MassLive.
April 30 (UPI) -- Harvard's president apologized Tuesday after two task forces revealed a majority of Jewish and Muslim students have been subjected to discrimination and hate on campus, saying "Harvard cannot -- and will not -- abide bigotry."

"The 2023-24 academic year was disappointing and painful. I am sorry for the moments when we failed to meet the high expectations we rightfully set for our community," Alan Garber, Harvard's president, wrote in a message to the Ivy League community.

"The grave, extensive impact of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel and its aftermath had serious repercussions on our campus," Garber added. "Long-simmering tensions came to the surface and, as protests and sometimes violent clashes erupted on campuses across the country, members of our community reported incidents that led them to feel targeted and shunned on the basis of their identities."

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The two Harvard Task Force reports span 500-pages and detail findings and surveys from students, along with recommendations. Garber established both task forces last year, with one looking into anti-Semitism and anti-Israeli bias, and a second addressing anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian bias. The task forces were created after encampments and protests erupted at Harvard, and former president Claudine Gay resigned following her testimony at a congressional hearing concerning campus anti-Semitism.

According to a Harvard joint survey, nearly 60% of Jewish students said they had experienced some form of discrimination or bias on campus because of their views. Nearly half said they did not feel supported by Harvard.

In the same survey, nearly half of Muslim respondents said they felt unsafe, with 92% saying they believed they would face academic or professional repercussions for expressing their views.

"Especially disturbing is the reported willingness of some students to treat each other with disdain rather than sympathy, eager to criticize and ostracize, particularly when afforded the anonymity and distance that social media provides," Garber said.

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"Across our community, some questioned how issues concerning Israel and Palestine were addressed on our campus, noting that they found some seminars and lectures, panel discussions and events open to the public to be one-sided, deepening feelings of exclusion and rejection, and calling into question our institutional commitment to excellence and rigor in our academic pursuits."

The findings and apology by Harvard's president come just weeks after the Trump administration threatened to pull $9 billion in federal aid to Harvard over alleged anti-Semitism, and froze $2.2 billion in grants after the school rejected its demands to make policy changes and "uphold federal civil rights laws."

"The disruption of learning that has plagued campuses in recent years is unacceptable," the administration said in a statement on April 14. "The harassment of Jewish students is intolerable. It is time for elite universities to take the problem seriously and commit to meaningful change if they wish to continue receiving taxpayer support."

Garber said Harvard would "not accept their proposed agreement," adding that "the university will not surrender its independence or its constitutional rights." One week later, Harvard announced it was suing the Trump administration as it called the funding freeze "unlawful."

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On Tuesday, Garber vowed to "redouble" Harvard's efforts to ensure "mutual respect is the norm."

Among those recommendations: Harvard must clarify its values to eliminate all forms of hatred and to act against discrimination, harassment and bullying; improved and consistent disciplinary processes; and educational training on anti-Semitism and Islamophobia for new student orientations.

"May our successors, whether they are Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, or of any combination of backgrounds and perspectives, find Harvard to be a place where they can be themselves," Garber said, "express their views freely, and encounter sympathy and understanding -- a place where all are cheered on as they pursue their dreams."
On October 7, 2023, Hamas jihadists committed an unspeakably evil atrocity against Jews living in Israel. Within hours of the Nazi-like pogrom, nearly three dozen separate groups of Harvard University students blamed the Jews for it.

Did the Harvard Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter have, as a recently filed lawsuit alleges the Columbia SJP chapter had, advance knowledge of the massacre? (Columbia SJP has denied the allegations). Inquiring minds would certainly like to know.

But these days, Harvard is not a hospitable place for free inquiry.

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Dont get me wrong: Harvard certainly thinks of itself as a bastion of free inquiry. That was the moral high ground Harvard attempted to claim in its recent denunciation of the Trump administrations attempt to enforce civil rights on campus. And that was the moral high ground Harvard again attempted to claim this week, when it released its much-anticipated report on campus anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias. In the report, Harvard purports to lament the rise of post-October 7 campus Jew-hatred, but it deigns to offer only toothless and symbolic suggestions for what to actually do about it.

Harvard cannot claim to care about the plight of Jews on its campus while simultaneously suing for its right to bilk the American taxpayer while appearing to defy the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Its really that simple. Some circles just cant be squared.

The reality is that the Harvard Americans once knew has been occupied. Once upon a time, Harvard held a privileged place in the minds of decent and intelligent Americans  a shining intellectual city on a hill. But in recent years, it seems to have been  first intellectually and then, literally, physically  occupied by an alliance of radical Islamists and far-Left Marxists, with the apparent approval of liberals who will rush to defend anything out of their own Jew-hatred and/or Trump-hatred.

It can be difficult to figure out the paranoid, irritable reactionary gestures that pass for liberal political thought these days.

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But here is whats not hard to figure out: the facts. The Harvard Kennedy School had an alleged financier of Hamas  a man accused of helping to fund the tunnels used for the October 7 attack  on its Deans Council (he has denied the allegations). In its negotiations with the Trump administration, Harvard has literally threatened to kill lab animals.

One must ask: If it walks like a Hamas-occupied territory and it talks like a Hamas-occupied territory, then what is it?

Thats what the Trump administration would like to know. Pam Bondi, the US attorney general, and Linda McMahon, the US education secretary, just want to know the facts  and to enforce the law. But Harvard gives the impression of believing that it is above the law.

And its not the first time. Harvard fought all the way up to the United States Supreme Court for its right to violate the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution and discriminate on the basis of race. Its alumnus, Chief Justice John Roberts, an institutionalist if there ever were one, made a brave decision to put the Constitutions colour-blind ideals above the parochial interests of his alma mater.

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Maybe other judges will follow Justice Robertss precedent and allow the law to be enforced. Many other judges certainly want to prioritise the interests of murderers, rapists, and terrorists over their own oaths to the Constitution. But some things take time.

Harvard, on the other hand, doesnt have more time. Because when it comes to Harvard, its not about what happens next  its about whats already happened. If Harvard has violated the law, then Donald Trump will enforce the law. As the president recently told the governor of Maine before moving to pull funding for the states permitting biological men to compete in womens sports, We are the federal law.

The best of the liberals will point out that, in Harvards perhaps-mild defence, Alan Garber, the universitys current president, is not Claudine Gay. His body of academic work is legitimate. He didnt get to his position on the pure basis of noxious DEI ideology. And also, theyll say, he is himself Jewish.

Perhaps the liberals are right. Maybe Garber is a good guy who is really trying to do right by his university. But it doesnt actually matter. Because Garber isnt really the one in charge.

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Harvard isnt controlled by its president, or even by the Harvard Corporation. Harvard is governed by hordes of students and cadres of professors who are true believers in what theyve been taught in their woke madrasa.

President Trump poses no true threat to what Americans think of when they think of Harvard. Indeed, the nostalgic, rose-coloured perception of Harvard is actually what he seeks to restore. Read the administrations letter, which appalled Harvard by asking it to do simple things, such as: commit to follow the 14th Amendment and American civil rights law.

Theres a precedent for what presidents do when peculiar institutions within the United States refuse to acknowledge that theyre governed by the US Constitution. Ask Abraham Lincoln. Or Ulysses S Grant.

If the Harvard Corporation has any fiduciary interest in its own continued existence, it should promptly adopt a new bargaining tactic: unconditional surrender.

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If Harvard had a shred of legal, moral, ethical, or historical understanding, it would reflect on Atlanta, Georgia circa 1864.

Things didnt go well for Atlanta back then. But Atlantas Emory University is certainly very nice. The best and brightest American students can always go there  whether or not Harvard exists.

Josh Hammer is Newsweek senior editor-at-large, host of The Josh Hammer Show, senior counsel for the Article III Project, and author of the new book, Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West (Radius Book Group)

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Harvard Universitys president apologized after releasing reports showing incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia on campus.

Harvards president Alan Garbers apology comes after the Trump administration revoked $2.2 billion in federal grants over alleged antisemitism. Harvard sued the administration over the decision.

The new reports could complicate Garbers attempts to the get the funding reinstated.

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One report laid out antisemitic and anti-Israeli bias on campus among students, staff and the administration, while the other investigated anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian bias.

Addressing the Harvard community, Garber wrote, The 2023-24 academic year was disappointing and painful. I am sorry for the moments when we failed to meet the high expectations we rightfully set for our community.

The reports include interviews and polls which show the current political atmosphere on campus.

Nearly all Muslim respondents (92%), over half of Jewish respondents (61%) and roughly half of everyone else said there is an academic or professional penalty at Harvard for expressing political views, and it appears as though students are afraid of voicing their opinions regardless of where they fall on the political spectrum.

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One staff member spoke particularly of his concern for conservative students. I would never feel comfortable voicing my opinion on the current war in Gaza. (Harvard students) are militantly passionate about certain approved views and they will make anyone who disagrees with the party line regret it, he said.

In his address, Garber seems to view Harvards current political climate as a reflection of a charged period in our recent history.

With these recent findings, Garber explained the universitys new goal to ensure that we continue to find ways to strengthen the fabric of our community as we meet unprecedented challenges.

What was included in the anti-Israeli bias report?

The 311-page document contains responses from 2,300 students, faculty and staff, with representation from 477 Jewish students.

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Looking at the data as a whole, Harvard students and faculty saw the administrations response to students complaints of antisemitism as opaque and unacceptably slow.

The report showed a widespread belief that anti-Israel and anti-Jewish expression was tolerated on Harvards campus at higher rates than similar hostility to other minority groups. Further, numerous respondents expressed their belief that the schools Office of Belonging did not adequately address antisemitism.

One graduate student said, Im American. I always felt comfortable here. As an undergrad, I felt like I fit in. The change in the social dynamics (after October 7) was instantaneous and alarming.

An undergraduate student similarly said, Theres a tendency to replace the word Jewish with Zionist. All Zionists should burn in hell  its very frightening, theres an incongruency between how different sides would define the term Zionist. People are proudly referring to themselves as anti-Zionist but theres a strong overlap and it feels like this is an excuse to use a different term to make the point that they are anti-Jewish."

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Another graduate student said, If I was killed by a terrorist in America, as an American, my classmates would at least superficially mourn. If I was killed by a terrorist in Israel, as a Jew, my classmates would say I had it coming.

What was included in the anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, anti-Palestine bias report?

In a 222-page document, surveying 2,295 students and faculty, respondents reported on similar harassment on campus.

Several days after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack, a doxxing truck with the words Harvards Leading Antisemites drove around campus with the names and phone numbers of students who allegedly signed a letter blaming Israel for the attack.

Multiple respondents talked about the truck, including one faculty member who said, One student had their face put on a doxxing truck and their phone number and other details doxxed online. They received calls with death and rape threats. This was not an isolated incident. This was the level of violence people of Arab, Muslim, and Black descent were experiencing.

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Another student described what they perceived as race-based harassment on social media when other Harvard students shared Islamophobic content on their Instagram stories, saying things like Arabs should go back to their camels, or Arabs rape their sisters.

And then Im supposed to come to class and sit next to those students as if it was nothing, the student said. A lot of us reported those stories. You cant expect us to read those and come to class and act normal. The student did not add whether the administration acted on the social media posts.

One staff member said she didnt feel safe expressing her views, especially considering that President Gay was forced out not because she was antisemitic, but because she was a Black woman.

Former Harvard President Claudine Gay resigned from her position in January 2024, after facing scrutiny over both plagiarism accusations and how she and her administration handled antisemitism on campus, as the Deseret News previously reported.

Garber proposes plan to move forward

In order to reclaim revoked funding, the Trump administration has asked Harvard to reform governance and leadership by August, implement merit-based hiring and admission policies, cease all preferences based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin, commission annual audits looking into antisemitism and other biases, shut all DEI offices, adopt policy that forbids students from supporting groups endorsing illegal activity or violence, implement a mask ban, and more.

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In his address, Garber said university deans are reviewing recommendations concerning admissions, appointments, curriculum and orientation and training programs, including those organized by recognized student groups, as they move toward implementation.

He added, My goal now is to ensure that we continue to find ways to strengthen the fabric of our community as we meet unprecedented challenges.

May our successors, whether they are Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab, Palestinian or of any combination of backgrounds and perspectives, find Harvard to be a place where they can be themselves, express their views freely and encounter sympathy and understanding  a place where all are cheered on as they pursue their dreams," he wrote.
Two long-awaited reports from Harvards task forces on antisemitism and anti-Israeli bias and anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian bias were released on Tuesday.

Each detailed community feelings of hurt and alienation inflicted by peers and Harvard officials.

The 2023-24 academic year was disappointing and painful. I am sorry for the moments when we failed to meet the high expectations we rightfully set for our community. The grave, extensive impact of the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel and its aftermath had serious repercussions on our campus said Alan Garber, Harvards president, in a message to the community.

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The task forces were created in spring 2024 after widespread protests and encampments at Harvard and former president Claudine Gays resignation after a Congressional hearing on campus antisemitism.

During the hearing, Gay equivocated over a question about whether calls for genocide violated Harvards code of conduct. Gay had said that those calls would depend on the context.

Since then, Harvard has been engrossed in battles with the Trump administration as it has threatened to pull billions of dollars in federal funding if the university fails to meet its demands. Garber said he wont comply, saying the demands go beyond the power of the federal government.

What did the Harvard reports say?

The over 300-page final report from the task force on antisemitism and anti-Israeli bias found that students felt shunned by others and singled out by instructors or ignored by administrators, leading them to self-censorship.

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Jewish students who were anti-Zionist felt that the hostile behavior came from other Jewish students.

In a Harvard-wide joint survey with nearly 2,300 responses from the community, 477 identified as Jewish. Of those responses, 26% said they felt physically unsafe and 44% said they felt mentally unsafe. Nearly half didnt feel supported by Harvard.

Almost 60% of Jewish students had experienced some form of discrimination, stereotyping or negative bias on campus due to their views.

On the other hand, the over 200-page task force final report on anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian bias found that the community experienced discrimination, hate and violence; questioned academic freedom; were frustrated by the dismissiveness from Harvard when it comes to divestment; and were dissatisfied with the institutional response.

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In the Harvard-wide survey, nearly half of Muslim respondents felt physically unsafe on campus and 92% of Muslim respondents said they were likely to face academic or professional repercussions for expressing their opinions.

Especially disturbing is the reported willingness of some students to treat each other with disdain rather than sympathy, eager to criticize and ostracize, particularly when afforded the anonymity and distance that social media provides. Some students reported being pushed by their peers to the periphery of campus life because of who they are or what they believe, eroding our shared sense of community in the process, Garber said.

What are the recommendations?

The recommendations from the task force on antisemitism and anti-Israeli bias include:

Harvard should clarify its values through a statement that antisemitism and anti-Israeli bias  along with Islamophobia, anti-Arab bias, racism, misogyny, homophobia or transphobia  are forms of hatred that have no place within the Harvard community Act against discrimination, bullying, harassment and hate Improve disciplinary processes, such as striving for consistency in disciplinary cases and engaging in follow-up after complaints and consistency in disciplinary cases. Implement education and training on antisemitism, including orientation for new students, student organization leaders, peer advising fellows and residential undergraduate supervisors. Foster constructive dialogue on difficult subjects, including high-profile talks between people who disagree on controversial issues respectfully, and an award for a community member combating antisemitism. Support Jewish life on campus, such as through kosher hot lunches, pork products being marked and staff providing reasonable accommodation for staff and students.

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The recommendations from the task force on anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian bias were more extensive.

They centered on a few key categories, focused on improving:

Safety and security concerns, such as continuing to combat doxxing and strengthening community well-being services Recognition and representation by establishing a standing advisory committee and creating more programming and staff and stakeholder training Institutional response by enhancing the complaint processes to be more streamlined, with opportunities for restorative practices Freedom of expression through safeguarding research, teaching and speakers and encouraging dialogue Transparency and trust, including creating greater consistency in policy so that they are applied evenly across the institution Relationships among affinity groups through creating regular physical and virtual spaces Intellectual excellence, such as through modeling civil disagreement

Garbers response

In his letter to the community, Garber emphasized that Harvard wouldnt tolerate bigotry. He said that the institution will redouble its efforts so that mutual respect is the norm.

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The recommendations from the reports will be reviewed by administrative officials at Harvard and the Office of the President and Provost will begin to implement them, Garber said.

Action plans from deans about admissions, appointments, curriculum, and orientation and training programs, including those organized by recognized student groups, will be due by the end of the term.

He said the institution will initiate a research project on antisemitism; support a comprehensive historical analysis of Muslims, Arabs and Palestinians at Harvard; and speed the establishment of a University-wide initiative to promote and support viewpoint diversity.

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He pointed to the ways Harvard has changed since he has been president, namely by outlining and clarifying rules and regulations such as time, place and manner limitations on protest and dissent.

Harvard has also taken on a position of neutrality, stating that it would no longer issue statements that are outside of the universitys core function.

Disciplinary policies and procedures will continue to be reviewed at the institution to determine how efficient or effective they are.

The institution will also issue annual reports describing the Universitys response to complaints of discrimination and/or harassment.

The Harvard vs. Trump battle

While the reports by the task forces are separate from the Trump administration, the institution and the federal government have been intertwined as of late.

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Federal officials, through its antisemitism task force, issued a list of demands to school leaders earlier this month, warning Harvard could risk losing up to $9 billion in federal funding if it were uncooperative.

The university later said it would not comply, saying the demands represented government overreach.

Federal officials later froze $2.2 billion in federal grants to the school, along with potentially more funding. As a result, the institution filed a lawsuit to protect funding for its school and affiliates, including Mass General Brigham and Boston Childrens Hospital.

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Other actions by the federal administration have been ordering the institution to provide detailed records of illegal and violent activities by foreign student visa holders before the end of the month, or it would lose a key certification allowing international students to attend Harvard.

The government has also requested records from the university on its investments, gifts and contracts from foreign sources and requested the names and information of visiting researchers, students and faculty at Harvard who are from foreign countries or affiliated with foreign governments.

Most recently, the institution announced a change from the Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging to the Community and Campus Life.

More higher ed

Read the original article on MassLive.
Harvard has vowed to make changes after two internal reports regarding antisemitism and Islamophobia were released, causing the president of the school to apologize for the campus culture.

The 2023-24 academic year was disappointing and painful. I am sorry for the moments when we failed to meet the high expectations we rightfully set for our community, Harvard President Alan Garber said in a message to the community.

In response to the reports, one of which focused on antisemitism and the other on students who experienced anti-Muslim, anti-Palestinian or anti-Arab bias, Harvard will be reviewing its admission policies, appointments, curriculum and orientation and training programs. The school also wants to work on programs that foster dialogue among those with differences of opinion.

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In parallel, we are initiating further review of disciplinary policies and procedures to assess their effectiveness and efficiency, and are laying the groundwork to generate annual reports describing the Universitys response to complaints of discrimination or harassment, Garber said.

The announcement comes the same day Harvard said it was changing the name of its diversity, equity and inclusion office to Community and Campus Life.

Both reports detail how Jewish, Israeli, Arab and Palestinian students felt unsafe on campus and not free to share their opinions openly.

In the antisemitism report, it noted the issue long predates Hamass attack on Israel in 2023 and goes back to the early 2010s. In the anti-Palestinian report, concerns about free speech on campus were top of mind.

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The announced changes come after Harvard sued the Trump administration for taking away $2 billion in funding.

The federal government took away the funding because Harvard said it would not cave to demands such as eliminating DEI and changing its admission and hiring practices.

May our successors, whether they are Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, or of any combination of backgrounds and perspectives, find Harvard to be a place where they can be themselves, express their views freely, and encounter sympathy and understandinga place where all are cheered on as they pursue their dreams, Garber concluded in his message.

The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.

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Updated on April 30 at 6:18 a.m. EDT

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Miriam Haley began to break down in tears on Wednesday as she told jurors about the moment she realized that Harvey Weinstein was about to sexually assault her.

I just decided to check out and endure it, she said.

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The former TV production assistant is the first of three accusers to testify at Weinsteins retrial in Manhattan. Recounting testimony she gave at his first trial five years ago, she alleged that Weinstein assaulted her at his SoHo apartment on July 10, 2006.

Prior to that visit, Weinstein had invited her to attend the Clerks II premiere in L.A., an invitation she accepted. He later asked her to stop by his apartment to meet, and she agreed  explaining that it felt awkward to refuse after having just accepted the invitation to the premiere.

Haley said that, after a driver sent by Weinstein dropped her off and led her to the hallway of the SoHo apartment, he left  and there was no one else inside. While she and Weinstein were sitting on a sofa, he suddenly lunged at her and tried to kiss her. She rejected him, but he persisted, smothering me with advances. Haley said that he used his body to push her toward a bed in a dark bedroom.

He was grabbing me and touching me, she said, adding that she was trying to get him off me.

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However, Haley recounted that Weinstein repeatedly pushed her back onto the bed. As she struggled, she started to fear that he might become violent and that her chances of escaping were slim.

I realized that Im getting raped, she thought in that moment.

According to Haley, she had mentioned to Weinstein that she was on her period and had a tampon in. He took out my tampon and orally forced himself on me, she continued.

Haley said she was mortified and in disbelief during the incident, and that she didnt want anyone to place their mouth on her vagina, as she was un-groomed and having her period. And certainly not him, she noted, referring to Weinstein.

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Haley later told her then-roommate, Elizabeth Entin, about what occurred at Weinsteins apartment, and remembered Entin telling her it sounds like rape. Haley added, I felt trapped in what to do about it.

The following day, Haley did not attend the Clerks II premiere, explaining that she didnt want to after the alleged assault. I was still trying to navigate my own feelings and my options, she said.

Haley first took the stand Tuesday and recounted first meeting Weinstein at the London premiere of The Aviator in 2004, where her friend, the late Rocky Horror Picture Show producer Michael White, introduced them. She said Weinstein joked that he would name his next company after her, later clarifying that his mothers name was also Miriam. (Miramax is a combination of Weinsteins parents names, Miriam and Max).

She also described several meetings with Weinstein prior to the alleged assault in 2006, including one that took place in a hotel room in France, after they reconnected at the Cannes Film Festival. Haley explained that she had hoped to discuss potential job opportunities in New York.

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When asked earlier by the prosecutor whether she had any romantic or sexual interest in Weinstein, Haley responded, No, I did not.

However, instead of focusing on professional matters, Weinstein quickly started talking about other things. According to Haley, he commented on her legs and asked if she could give him a massage.

I felt taken aback. I felt humiliated, she said.

Despite rebuffing his advances, Haley did receive a job in 2006 as a production assistant on Project Runway, which Weinstein produced.

After the third season of the reality competition series wrapped, she met Weinstein to have a conversation in the lobby bar of a Manhattan hotel in late June  just weeks before the alleged sexual assault. During the conversation, they discussed her work as a production assistant on Project Runway. According to Haley, Weinstein offered to write a letter in support of extending her work visa, as she was not a U.S. citizen.

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When the prosecutor asked whether Weinstein had done anything during that meeting to make her feel uncomfortable, Haley said no, describing him as respectful and quite charming. However, she asserted that she was not flirting with Weinstein, and the interaction did not take a romantic turn. I was looking for work, Haley said.

Weinstein is charged with committing a first-degree criminal sexual act against Haley. He has pleaded not guilty.

Haleys attorney, Gloria Allred, sat in the court gallery on Tuesday to watch the testimony.

The disgraced movie mogul was convicted of sexually abusing Haley and another accuser, actor Jessica Mann, at his initial trial in 2020. Those convictions were later overturned.

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Last Thursday, two women who were friends with Haley in 2006  Entin and Christine Pressman  testified that Haley had confided in them shortly after the alleged assault by Weinstein.

He raped my friend, and I am not happy about that, Entin said at one point while being cross-examined by the defense.

Meanwhile, Pressman told the courtroom that, after hearing Haleys story in August or September 2006, she advised Haley not to contact the authorities. I said, Harvey Weinstein is the king of New York. Hes extremely powerful; you are not. Just let it go.'

In addition to the charge related to Haley, Weinstein faces another count of committing a first-degree criminal sexual act and one count of rape in the third degree. He pleaded not guilty to those charges as well.

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TO HONOR THE PINOY WORKERS, ZUBIRI VOWS TO CONTINUE FIGHTING FOR P100 DAILY MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE

Today, we celebrate the strength, sacrifice, and perseverance of the Filipino worker -- the true foundation of our nation's growth and success.

I join every Filipino in recognizing the tireless spirit of our workers who build our cities, drive our economy and sustain the hopes of every family.

Sa bawat pawis, sa bawat pagod, nakatindig ang ating bayan. Hindi natin dapat ipagkait sa kanila ang ginhawa at dignidad na matagal na nilang ipinaglalaban.

This is why I reaffirm my full commitment to push for a daily minimum wage increase: whether it's the P100 hike already approved by the Senate, the proposed P200 increase in the House of Representatives, or any reasonable amount in between that brings real relief to our workers.

Amid the rising cost of basic goods and services, this is no longer a matter of choice but of justice. Ang dagdag sahod ay hindi regalo. Isa itong karapatan na dapat igalang at ipaglaban.

Through the years, I have stood firmly with our labor sector, championing legislation that protects the rights and upholds the welfare of employees in both the public and private sectors. But the work is far from over.

Hindi tayo titigil sa pagsulong ng mga panukalang magtataguyod ng karapatan ng manggagawa, mula sa makatarungang sahod, maayos na kondisyon sa trabaho, hanggang sa tuluy-tuloy na oportunidad para sa mas magandang bukas.

We cannot speak of economic growth when those who make it possible continue to live paycheck to paycheck. Real progress must be felt at the dining table, in the classrooms where workers send their children, and in the homes they struggle to build.

Filipino workers have waited long enough. They deserve not just praise, but policies that uplift them, protect their rights, and honor their sacrifices.

Maraming salamat sa lahat ng manggagawang Pilipino. Sa inyo ang tunay na dangal ng ating bayan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would have a crucial role to play if an agreement is reached between Iran and the US over the countrys nuclear program, Irans Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said, Trend reports.

Speaking to journalists following a Cabinet meeting in Tehran today, Araghchi emphasized that, under the terms of any potential deal, the IAEA would oversee trust-building measures related to Irans nuclear activities.

"Of course, an agreement must be reached between Iran and the IAEA regarding the tests, but not all issues will necessarily be covered," he noted.

Three rounds of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US regarding Irans nuclear program were held on April 12, 19, and 26. These discussions, conducted indirectly with the mediation of the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi, involved Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi leading the Iranian delegation, while the US delegation was led by the US Special Envoy to Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff. The first and 3rd rounds took place in Muscat, Oman, while the 2nd round was held in Rome, Italy.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Former television production assistant Miriam Haley took the stand Wednesday morning at Harvey Weinsteins rape retrial in New York to recount how the disgraced Hollywood producer allegedly assaulted her in 2006.

The retrial began April 23, a year after Weinsteins original 2020 rape conviction was overturned by the New York Court of Appeals due to improper testimony and rulings. Weinstein, now 73, is being retried on a criminal sex act charge for forcing oral sex on Haley and for third-degree rape against Jessica Mann, an actress who maintains Weinstein raped her at a hotel in 2013.

Both Haley and Mann were involved in Weinsteins original trial, and Mann is also expected to provide testimony against him in his current retrial. Kaja Sokola, a Polish model who claims that Weinstein held her down when she was 16 years old and forcibly performed oral sex on her in 2006, is also expected to take the stand. Sokolas accusation was not a part of Weinsteins 2020 trial. The former Hollywood mogul is, consequently, facing an additional criminal sex act charge this time.

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Haley claimed Tuesday to have met Weinstein at a London film premiere in 2004. She crossed paths with him again at the Cannes Film Festival and inquired if he knew of any production assistant openings in New York. While still in France, he invited Haley to a hotel for what she thought was going to be a business meeting.

Instead, Haley was met with comments about her appearance and a request for a massage. Afterward, Haley told those in attendance at the retrials Manhattan courthouse, I felt taken aback. I felt humiliated.

Weinstein did eventually help Haley land a production assistant position in 2006 on the reality show Project Runway, which The Weinstein Company produced at the time. That year, Haley alleged Weinstein continued to make advances toward her, which she rebuffed. When Weinstein invited her to a film premiere in Los Angeles, Haley said she accepted his invitation.

After she agreed to attend the premiere, the producer asked her to meet him at his Soho apartment. Haley said Wednesday that Weinstein lunged at her after getting her alone, holding her down and forcing her onto a bed. He was grabbing me and touching me, Haley recounted. I realized that Im getting raped.

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Haley said she remembered telling Weinstein in the moment that she was on her period, but that did not stop him from continuing his assault. He took out my tampon and orally forced himself on me, the former PA said.

I decided in that moment that the safest thing to do is just to check out, endure it and have it over with and leave, Haley continued.

Last week, Haleys friend and former roommate, Elizabeth Entin, told the jury of seven women and five men about the moment Haley shared her experience with Weinstein with her. I said, Miriam, that sounds like rape, Entin recounted.

Weinstein, who now sits in a wheelchair due to his declining health, has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and has denied sexually assaulting anyone. His lawyers have further argued that the sexual encounters Weinstein had with his accusers were all consensual and part of mutually beneficial agreements he made with them as a powerful Hollywood figure and producer.

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While Weinsteins 23-year New York prison sentence was overturned last year, the 16-year sentence he received in 2022 from his rape conviction in Los Angeles still stands. Weinstein is currently appealing that conviction, but it is in effect for the time being. As a result, New York authorities have been able to keep him in state custody throughout the past year.

Weinsteins legal team has so far called for a mistrial three times during the New York retrial. All three motions have been denied by Judge Curtis Farber.

Weinstein attorney Arthur Aidalas latest mistrial attempt came Wednesday after Haley testified that she kept quiet about Weinsteins assault and stayed in contact with the producer afterward because she did not know that there were other women who had also been assaulted by him.

In response, Aidala motioned for that remark to be stricken from the court record and called for a mistrial, claiming that Haleys statement had contaminated the jury. Judge Farber had the statement stricken but denied Aidalas mistrial motion.

Weinsteins retrial is currently expected to last several weeks, if not longer.

The post Harvey Weinstein Accuser Miriam Haley Recounts 2006 Assault in Rape Retrial appeared first on TheWrap.
Harvey Weinstein's accuser, Miriam Haley, faces her fears once again.

The alleged sexual assault survivor is back on the stand to detail her painful experience at the hands of the producer as his retrial commences.

Harvey Weinstein was hit with multiple sexual assault allegations in 2017 from various women who claimed he abused, raped and sexually harassed them.

Harvey Weinstein's Accuser Claimed The Assault Happened Despite Being On Her Period

RCF / MEGA

Haley became visibly emotional during her second testimony regarding the incident in which she alleged he sexually assaulted her in his Manhattan apartment.

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She went into detail about the alleged rape incident from 2006, describing how Weinstein had invited her to his Manhattan apartment. Haley claimed it happened after he provided her with a ticket to the premiere of "Clerks II" in Los Angeles, an invitation she accepted.

She recalls sitting with the producer on a sofa when he suddenly charged at her and attempted to kiss her. Haley added that he eventually pinned her down and forced her to a bed, where he then raped her.

Haley allegedly informed Weinstein she was on her period and had a tampon in, but it did little to deter him from pulling out the tampon and proceeding with the rape.

According to TMZ, the accuser noted that she was aware of what was happening and how bad it was, but "just decided to check out and endure it."

The Former Assistant Took The Stand Against The Disgraced Producer Five Years Ago

Eric Kowalsky / MEGA

Haley testified that she first met Harvey Weinstein at the 2004 premiere of "The Aviator" in London, where he helped her secure a position as a production assistant on "Project Runway." She mentioned that their relationship did not turn sexual until the alleged rape in July 2006.

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Haley is one of three women testifying against Weinstein in his New York retrial, and her testimony aligns with her previous account from his original trial five years prior. In 2020, Weinstein was convicted of sexually abusing the former production assistant and actress Jessica Mann.

However, those convictions were later overturned after an appeals court ruled that his constitutional rights had been violated during the trial. Now, prosecutors are pursuing another case against him while he maintains his not-guilty plea.

Weinstein Was Transferred To A Health Facility Ahead Of His Retrial

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

On April 18, The Blast shared that a judge approved Weinstein's request to be transferred from Rikers Island to Bellevue Hospital ahead of his retrial hearing.

The former film producer sought this move due to concerns over poor living conditions and the mishandling of his health issues while in prison. His attorney, Imran Ansari, along with prison consultant Craig Rothfeld, successfully argued for the transfer, which was granted on April 17.

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Weinstein was billed to remain at Bellevue until his hearing, scheduled for April 24 at 2:15 PM ET. This retrial comes after his 2020 rape conviction in New York was overturned following a successful appeal.

The allegations against Weinstein sparked larger agitations toward justice for victims of sexual abuse in the film industry and workplaces. It ignited the #MeToo Movement and what has been termed the "Weinstein effect," as numerous other influential men faced accusations of similar misconduct.

The 73-Year-Old Sought A Seven-Figure Compensation From Bellevue For Negligence

MEGA

Weinstein also requested $5 million in damages from the Bellevue Medical Center. Despite having a history of treatment at Bellevue over the past year, he included them as part of his claim.

The filmmaker criticized the hospital for discharging him back to prison before he fully recovered. Weinstein's legal team argued that his experience in prison has caused him both physical and psychological harm.

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His lawyers also attributed his suffering to the poor living conditions at Rikers Island. The petition's implications extend to the City of New York and its agencies, as Weinstein argued for compensation due to what he describes as "horrific" treatment.

Harvey Weinsteins Attorney Accused The Prison Of Mismanaging His Health Concerns

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Weinstein's lawyers argued for his transfer to a medical center, claiming Rikers could not meet his healthcare needs and had mismanaged his deteriorating health.

Weinstein's legal representatives further raised significant concerns about the medical care he is receiving at Rikers Island, alleging that the medical staff has misdiagnosed at least one condition.

Attorney Ansari emphasized that the mismanagement of Weinstein's health issues could potentially lead to dire consequences for the film producer.

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Weinstein's medical challenges include a range of severe conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and extensive coronary artery disease, alongside chest pain attributed to reduced blood flow to the heart.

Additionally, he also suffered from obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid problems, obesity, chronic pain in his lower back and legs, anemia, hypertension, and more. Ansari continued that his client endured "freezing" conditions without clean clothes, worsening his health.

The legal rep criticized NYC officials for their role in his client's suffering and mentioned his efforts to transfer Weinstein from Rikers to Bellevue Hospital, which were ignored. He emphasized that this transfer was vital to prevent Weinstein's premature death.

Which way will the trial swing this time for Harvey Weinstein?
HONOLULU (AP)  In a first-of-its kind move, Hawaii lawmakers are ready to hike a tax imposed on travelers staying in hotels, vacation rentals and other short-term accommodations and earmark the new money for programs to cope with a warming planet.

State leaders say they'll use the funds for projects like replenishing sand on eroding beaches, helping homeowners install hurricane clips on their roofs and removing invasive grasses like those that fueled the deadly wildfire that destroyed Lahaina two years ago.

A bill scheduled for House and Senate votes this week  initially scheduled for Wednesday but moved to Friday  would add an additional 0.75% to the daily room rate tax starting Jan. 1. It's all but certain to pass given Democrats hold supermajorities in both chambers and party leaders have agreed on the measure. Gov. Josh Green has said he would sign it into law.

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Officials estimate the increase would generate $100 million in new revenue annually.

We had a $13 billion tragedy in Maui and we lost 102 people. These kind of dollars will help us prevent that next disaster, Green said in an interview.

Green said Hawaii was the first state in the nation to do something along these lines. Andrey Yushkov, a senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization, said he was unaware of any other state that has set aside lodging tax revenue for the purposes of environmental protection or climate change.

Adding to an already hefty tax

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The increase will add to what is already a relatively large duty on short-term stays. The state's existing 10.25% tax on daily room rates would climb to 11%. In addition, Hawaii's counties each add their own 3% surcharge and the state and counties impose a combined 4.712% general excise tax on goods and services including hotel rooms. Together, that will make for a tax rate of nearly 19%.

The only large U.S. cities that have higher cumulative state and local lodging tax rates are Omaha, Nebraska, at 20.5%, and Cincinnati, at 19.3%, according to a 2024 report by HVS, a global hospitality consulting firm.

The governor has long said the 10 million visitors who come to Hawaii each year should help the state's 1.4 million residents protect the environment.

Green believes travelers will be willing to pay the increased tax because doing so will enable Hawaii to keep the beaches perfect and preserve favorite spots like Maui's road to Hana and the coastline along Oahu's North Shore. After the Maui wildfire, Green said he heard from thousands of people across the country asking how they could help. This is a significant way they can, he said.

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Hotel industry has mixed feelings

Jerry Gibson, president of the Hawaii Hotel Alliance, which represents the state's hotel operators, said the industry was pleased lawmakers didn't adopt a higher increase that was initially proposed.

I dont think that theres anybody in the tourism industry that says, Well, lets go out and tax more. No one wants to see that," Gibson said. "But our state, at the same time, needs money.

The silver lining, Gibson said, is that the money is supposed to beautify Hawaiis environment. It will be worth it if thats the case, he said.

Hawaii has long struggled to pay for the vast environmental and conservation needs of the islands, ranging from protecting coral reefs to weeding invasive plants to making sure tourists don't harass wildlife, such as Hawaiian monk seals. The state must also maintain a large network of trails, many of which have heavier foot traffic as more travelers choose to hike on vacation.

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Two years ago, lawmakers considered requiring tourists to pay for a yearlong license or pass to visit state parks and trails. Green wanted to have all visitors pay a $50 fee to enter the state, an idea lawmakers said would violate U.S. constitutional protections for free travel.

Boosting the lodging tax is their compromise solution, one made more urgent by the Maui wildfires.

A large funding gap

An advocacy group, Care for Aina Now, calculated a $561 million gap between Hawaii's conservation funding needs and money spent each year.

Green acknowledged the revenue from the tax increase falls short of this, but said the state would issue bonds to leverage the money it raises. Most of the $100 million would go toward measures that can be handled in a one-to-two year time frame, while $10 to $15 million of it would pay for bonds supporting long-term infrastructure projects.

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Kawika Riley, a member of the governor's Climate Advisory Team, pointed to the Hawaiian saying, A stranger only for a day, to explain the new tax. The adage means that a visitor should help with the work after the first day of being a guest.

Nobody is saying that literally our visitors have to come here and start working for us. But what we are saying is that its important to be part of the solution, Riley said. Its important to be part of caring for the things you love.
Hawaiian Airlines Flight 457 declared an emergency due to a device stuck in a seat.

After a priority landing in Tokyo, the airline was able to remove the mobile device.

Trapped devices pose fire risks, and similar incidents have led to flight diversions before.

Another flight had a precarious moment when a passenger's device got stuck in a seat.

Hawaiian Airlines Flight 457 was traveling from Honolulu to Tokyo on Monday.

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Partway through the journey, flight attendants noticed an "electrical smell" in the cabin, an airline spokesperson told Business Insider.

They added that it was "coming from a guest's mobile device that became lodged in a seat."

The pilots then declared an emergency, which allowed them to obtain priority handling at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. This was done "out of an abundance of caution," the spokesperson said.

They added that the airline's team was able to remove the device from the seat after everyone deplaned safely.

"Safety is our priority, and we apologize to impacted guests for the inconvenience."

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Airlines take trapped devices very seriously because lithium batteries can catch fire and spread throughout the cabin, creating a potentially dangerous situation.

Airlines tell passengers to keep devices in the cabin rather than the hold so that any problems can be spotted.

Some Japanese news outlets reported that the device caught fire, but the airline told BI this wasn't the case.

Back in January, an Air Busan Airbus A321 caught fire shortly before takeoff in South Korea, injuring seven people. Investigators said in March that it was likely caused by a portable power bank.

After the fire, the airline announced it would no longer allow passengers to keep power banks in their carry-on luggage.

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Earlier this month, a Lufthansa Airbus A380 had to divert after someone's tablet became "jammed" in a business-class seat.

The flight from Los Angeles to Munich, carrying 461 passengers, had been flying for around three hours when it diverted to Boston.

And last May, a United Airlines flight from Zurich to Chicago had to turn around and divert to Ireland after a business-class passenger's laptop got stuck in their seat.

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Charlotte Greenfield

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - The head of the Pakistan-administered region of Kashmir called for international mediation and said on Wednesday that his administration was preparing a humanitarian response in case of any further escalation between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan.

Pakistan's government has said it has "credible intelligence" that India intends to launch military action soon after days of escalating tensions following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir.

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India blamed Pakistan for the April 22 attack, which left 26 people dead, which Islamabad has denied.

"There is a lot of activity going on and anything could happen so we have to prepare for it. These few days are very important," president of Pakistan-administered Kashmir Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry told Reuters in an interview, calling for rapid international diplomacy to de-escalate the situation.

"We expect some mediation at this time from some friendly countries and we hope that that mediation must take place, otherwise India would do anything this time," he said. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates could be in a position to mediate, he added.

Chaudhry also said he hoped major players like the United States and Britain might also get involved.

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He said activity along the Line of Control (LoC) that divides the two portions of Kashmir was "hot" and that Pakistan had shot down two Indian drones in the last few days.

There had been regular firing by Pakistani and Indian soldiers day and night, though so far there had been no casualties, he said.

Pakistan had also detected Indian Rafale fighter jets flying near the LoC, though they had not crossed, he added.

The Indian Air Force did not respond to a request for comment, though an Indian military official said Rafale jets were doing their usual training and drills along the LoC.

Chaudhry said he had not received intelligence on when and where India was expected to strike, but his administration was working with groups such as the Red Crescent Society to prepare extra medical and food supplies in case of any conflict.

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"Red Crescent are working on it and we are working on displaced people in affected areas," he said.

He said that the international community also needed to pay more attention to Kashmir's long-term future.

"I think this is the right time for the international community as a whole and the U.N. to play some mediating role in Kashmir," he said.

"It's been a very long time and the people of Kashmir have suffered a lot."

Pakistan-administered Kashmir has its own elected government but Pakistan handles major issues like defence and its residents hold many of the rights of Pakistani citizens.

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U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke to Pakistan and India on Tuesday, stressing the need to avoid confrontation. The U.S. and Britain have also called for calm.

(Reporting by Charlotte Greenfield; Additional reporting by Shivam Patel in New Delhi; Editing by Aidan Lewis)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Governor Bill Lee signed into law the Medical Ethics Defense Act, which lets healthcare practitioners refuse to perform or pay for a procedure or prescription that goes against their personal morals, ethics, or religious beliefs.

The legislation, which applies to medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and insurance companies, immediately went into effect with Gov. Lees signature.

The House sponsor, Rep. Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro), a physician himself, told lawmakers the measure protects healthcare providers from moral injury, which he said is contributing to the physician shortage in Tennessee.

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Patients and providers have rights. Providers should not give up their rights to best serve their patients [rights], Rep. Terry said. Patients need to know that our doctors are advocating for them with a clear conscience.

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Dr. Jonathan Shaw, an OBGYN in TN, testified in the House Health Committee he was nearly forced out of his previous practice in the Northeast because he refused to announce his pronouns to his patients, a policy against his personal beliefs.

I used the term conscientious objection to describe my position on the practice of being forced to announce my own pronouns, but this was seen as a barrier to patient care. The ability to do my job was called into question, and human resources were consulted, Dr. Shaw said. The implication was clear: conscience needs to be limited or consider an alternative career path. I decided to look for a job elsewhere.

Dr. Shaw said he was drawn to TN because of the states common-sense policies which preserve the freedom to be guided by conscience as a physician.

Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom

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However, Dr. Amy Gordon Bono, a TN primary care physician, argued the measure goes against the Hippocratic Oath, which requires doctors to prioritize their patients well-being.

When legislation is not patient-centered, its morally compromised to begin with, Dr. Bono said. Politicians need to stop dictating medical care, and this bill allows politicians to take their intrusive efforts even further to dictate medical conscience. In my opinion and the way I like to practice medicine is to honor the patient first. Thats where my conscience lies.

The conscience clause does not apply in emergency situations, or if an insurance provider is contractually obligated to cover the cost of a specific treatment.

However, some lawmakers expressed concern that a doctor could still use their beliefs to dictate the type of care they provide during emergency situations, including when it comes to abortions.

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Were not talking about an elective abortion. Were talking about a lady coming in, and this pregnancy puts her life in immediate danger, Rep. Sam McKenzie (D-Knoxville) said.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

There are doctors who practice medicine consistent with a pro-life worldview in which an abortion is never medically necessary, and there are procedures available to treat a woman in that kind of circumstance without having to perform an elective abortion, said Erica Steinmiller-Perdomo, an attorney for Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), an out-of-state interest group that backed the bill.

According to ADF, eight other states have similar conscience clause laws, which are rarely used and have never been challenged in court.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Last October, before Donald Trump was reelected president, a little-known conservative plan positioning itself as a blueprint for combating antisemitism encouraged the next administration to deport pro-Palestine protestors and withhold public funds from institutions that support the cause.

If it sounds familiar, its because Trump appears to have followed its recommendations in his first 100 days back in the White House, especially in his blitz against Harvard University and higher education as a whole.

Playing out in the shadow of Project 2025 is Project Esther, a 33-page conservative roadmap purportedly to fight antisemitism, released one year after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.

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Read more: How Trump vs. Harvard is a page out of the Project 2025 playbook

It was published by the same conservative policy nonprofit, the Heritage Foundation, that created Project 2025, a 900-plus page document that reenvisions a federal government with expanded presidential power. Trump distanced himself from Project 2025 on the campaign trail, but in his return to the presidency, it appears to be an influential policy document hes using.

Though Project Esther, named after the biblical Jewish queen, hasnt received nearly as much attention in the public sphere, its impacts are tangible.

Project Esther positions the U.S. pro-Palestinian movement as a Hamas support network that is eroding American colleges and universities by disrupting the education system.

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The right-wing initiative seeks to dismantle the infrastructure that sustains pro-Palestinian outcry and organizing.

One of Project Esthers action items suggests that foreign Hamas support organization leaders and members, or Palestine supporters, should voluntarily depart the U.S. or be deported, mirroring what has ultimately transpired with Columbia University student Mahmoud Khali and Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk.

While antisemitism did fester on campuses during the height of the Gaza war protests, many higher education leaders believe the administration is using it as a smokescreen to execute on a larger master plan against progressive ideals that has roots long before the Hamas attack on Israel.

Project Esther, they say, put in writing how to do so.

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It lays out a blueprint for exactly whats happening around the weaponization of antisemitism, which is what has happened to Harvard, Jennifer Lundquist, a University of Massachusetts Amherst sociology professor and higher education organizer, said. Everything they are being subjected to is under this guise of antisemitism. Its a cudgel and a weapon to curtail civil liberties.

Harvard University sued the Trump administration on April 21 after it threatened to pull billions in federal funding unless the university agreed to a series of demands ordered in the name of addressing antisemitism. Harvard said it would not comply, accusing the administration of violating its constitutional rights and federal laws and regulations.

Trump has targeted other colleges and universities in Massachusetts for purported antisemitism. Boston University, Tufts University, Emerson College and Wellesley College were all included on a national list of 60 universities the Department of Education released in March, announcing investigations into whether the schools have failed to meet their obligations to Jewish students under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The roots of Project Esther

In November 2023, about eight months after the publication of Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation formed the National Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, a group that ultimately became the author of Project Esther, which was released a year later.

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There is no place for antisemitism in our society, and this task force is committed to doing its part to root out this evil, James Carafano, senior counselor to the president and E.W. Richardson fellow at the Heritage Foundation, said at the time. Following the savage attack by Hamas against Israel, the world has witnessed an increasing number of acts of hatred against Jews. We are coming together as a coalition to take action and combat antisemitism.

The convening of the task force came after Oct. 7, 2023, when militant group Hamas executed an assault on Israel that would ultimately become the worst terrorist attack in Israeli history. What followed was a massive military offensive launched by Israel in Gaza that, to date, has killed more than 50,000 people, according to Palestinian officials.

An alumnus of Harvard University holding Israel's flag stands near an encampment set up at the university to protest the war in Gaza on May 14, 2024, in Cambridge.(AP Photo/Michael Casey)

Initial members of the Heritage Foundations antisemitism task force included America First Policy Institute, Coalition for Jewish Values, Concerned Women of America, Family Research Council, In Defense of Christians, Independent Womens Forum, Latino Coalition for Israel, National Association of Scholars, Philos Project, Regent University and the Steamboat Institute.

Project Esther was published on Oct. 7, 2024, on the first anniversary of the Hamas attack.

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Politico recently reported that people involved with Project Esther are close allies of Trump, and some now have roles in his administration.

As we were watching our campuses burn, as we were watching Jewish students that were locking themselves inside of their rooms because they were afraid to leave, (Trump) made promises to our community, Bryan Leib, a member of the task force behind Project Esther, told Politico earlier this month. Here we are in April  and promises made and promises kept.

What Project Esther says about the pro-Palestine movement

The authors of Project Esther wrote that the pro-Palestinian movement in the U.S. has motives to sow internal dissension and generate enough political pressure to compel the U.S. government to change its long-standing policy of support for Israel, calling the Middle Eastern country one of the most important allies in the world.

They cite data from the Harvard Kennedy Schools Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation showing, as of May 2024, pro-Palestine protest activity had occurred at 525 different colleges, universities, K-12 schools and school district offices since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack.

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The plan calls out colleges and universities that allegedly have double-digit numbers of professors whove openly advocated or supported Palestine, including Harvard University.

A strategy of the pro-Palestine movement, Project Esther argues, is to corrupt the U.S. education system.

(Hamas support organizations) have infiltrated their ideology into the U.S. education system across all levels, Project Esther reads. It is pervasive. The U.S. education system fosters antisemitism under the guise of pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel, anti-Zionist narratives across universities, high schools and elementary schools, often under the umbrella or within the rubric of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and similar Marxist ideology."

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A section of the document titled Necessary Conditions suggests that foreign-born Palestine supporters should voluntarily depart the U.S. or be deported. It also says that supporting faculty or staff at higher education institutions should lose their credentials, and students should be held in violation of their visa requirements.

The Trump administration had revoked thousands of student visas before reversing course earlier this month after more than 100 lawsuits were filed in response.

Actions taken in the name of Project Esther, the document advises, should also:

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Gather evidence of criminal activity

Position pro-Palestine views shared on social media as a liability, and make platforms unwilling to host them.

Make municipalities unwilling to grant permits for related protests or demonstrations.

Convey overall messaging that Pro-Palestine supporters present a threat to American livelihoods, Jewish or otherwise.

Some of the actions closely mirror the demands the Trump administration made of Harvard. Notably, Hamas support organizations should not be eligible for public funds, Project Esther attests.

The Boston Globe recently interviewed Jewish students and recent graduates at Harvard about how they see antisemitism manifesting on campus. The response was nuanced: While theyre concerned about antisemitism, many said theyre far more worried about the Trump administrations actions against higher education.

On Tuesday, Harvard released two long-awaited reports on antisemitism and Islamophobia, vowing to take the recommendations seriously and nurture viewpoint diversity. President Alan Garber apologized to the campus community for the institutions shortcomings during the 2023-2024 school year, when it was a hotspot for protests spurred by the war in Gaza.

More on Politics

Read the original article on MassLive.

Read the original article on MassLive.
ARLINGTON COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  Police in Arlington are encouraging the community to avoid the Glebe Road area as officers investigate a possible shooting.

Details are limited; however, in a post on X just before 10:15 a.m., Arlington County police said officers were investigating after gunshots were heard in the N. Carlin Springs Road and N. Glebe Road area.

Shooting outside nightclub in Fairfax County leaves one hurt

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As of Wednesday morning, officers have not located any victims and have not found evidence of a shooting.

Out of precaution, Washington-Liberty High School and Barrett Elementary School were placed on a secure-the-building status. However, the status has since been lifted for both schools.

Police said the community can expect to see a heavy police presence in the area as the investigation continues.

Check DCNewsNow.com for updates. To keep up with the latest news and weather updates, download our Mobile App on iPhone or Android.

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The communitys largest single-day food drive is back, according to a news release.

On Saturday, May 10, residents across the Quad Cities are invited to take part in the 33rd annual Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive by leaving non-perishable food donations next to their mailboxes for local letter carriers to collect.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive (United Way Quad Cities)

This massive community-wide effort is a proud partnership between United Way Quad Cities, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), the Quad City Federation of Labor and the River Bend Food Bank, and it provides vital support to local food pantries as they prepare for increased summer demand.

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Last year, more than 163,000 meals were collected. Thats enough to feed over 40,000 Quad Cities families. Organizers hope to surpass that total this year with the communitys continued generosity.

Stamp Out Hunger is a powerful example of what we can accomplish when working people come together for the greater good, said Amy Fanning, AFL-CIO Community Services liaison at United Way Quad Cities. This partnership with our local letter carriers, labor unions and River Bend Food Bank shows our community that solidarity doesnt stop at the job siteit extends into our neighborhoods to make sure no one goes hungry.

How to participate

Place non-perishable food items like canned vegetables, canned meats, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, and boxed meals in a bag next to your mailbox before your regular mail delivery. (Please do not donate frozen or refrigerated foods, homemade items, home-canned goods, or anything in glass containers, because these cannot be accepted.)

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Your letter carrier or a team of community volunteers will pick up your donation and ensure it gets to the River Bend Food Bank.

Volunteer opportunities

In addition to donating food, volunteers are needed to help collect donations along delivery routes, and unload and pack boxes of food at area post offices.

To sign up to volunteer or learn more, visit here.

This drive is crucial, said Chris Ford, CEO of River Bend Food Bank. With kids out of school and families struggling to make ends meet, food donations from Stamp Out Hunger help fill a major gap heading into the summer months. Every can, every box, every bag, makes a real difference.

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We see the need every day on our routes, added Ross Thorpe, letter carrier with Moline NALC Branch 318 and food drive coordinator. Stamp Out Hunger is our way of giving back and making sure no one in our neighborhoods goes hungry. Its an honor to help connect our community in this way.

Local sponsors include IUOE Local 150, Jewel-Osco, NALC Branches 292, 318, 506, 3811, Quad City Federation of Labor, UAW Quad City Area CAP Council, UAW Locals 79, 281, 434, 865, UFCW LOCAL 431 and USW Local 105.

About United Way Quad Cities

United Way Quad Cities (UWQC) is a social change organization that mobilizes the Quad Cities to action so all can thrive. From strengthening local resilience to advancing education, financial security and health, UWQC is working toward a future where every Quad Citian in every neighborhood can reach their full potential.

About River Bend Food Bank

River Bend Food Bank works with 400-plus hunger-relief partners in 23 counties to make sure people facing hunger have reliable access to healthy food. Leading the community-wide effort to eliminate hunger in eastern Iowa and western Illinois, the Food Bank distributes millions of meals each year to children, adults, and seniors through partner agencies and food pantries in schools, senior residences, and community organizations.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. The imposition of new US sanctions on Iran could send a negative message to the ongoing indirect nuclear talks between the countries, said Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Trend reports.

In his statement to reporters following a Cabinet meeting in Tehran today, Araghchi warned that provocative actions from either side during the discussions could undermine their seriousness and potentially lead to an uncertain situation.

"Of course, Iran is aware that there are various viewpoints and differences within the US itself. Different parties put forward issues that are under scrutiny and decisions are made accordingly," he noted.

Three rounds of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US regarding Irans nuclear program were held on April 12, 19, and 26. These discussions, conducted indirectly with the mediation of the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi, involved Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi leading the Iranian delegation, while the US delegation was led by the US Special Envoy to Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff. The first and 3rd rounds took place in Muscat, Oman, while the 2nd round was held in Rome, Italy.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Hendersonville, N.C. (WSPA)-From 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Saturday May 3 the 7th Avenue Street Fest is happening in downtown Hendersonville to celebrate the Grand Opening of the road and opening season of the farmers market.

At the celebration you can expect vendors, live music and family friendly activities.

The event schedule includes:

8am  1pm: Opening Day of the Hendersonville Farmers Market on Maple Street

12pm 2pm: 7 th Avenue Street Fest begins with Radical Joy w/ Mary Kay Williams & Elaine Scott

2pm: Opening remarks and community ribbon cutting

2:30pm: ArtScape Banner Reveal at Hendersonville Rescue Mission on 7 th Avenue

3pm-5pm Music with the Stipe Brothers

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A highlight of the celebration will be the ArtScape Banner Reveal at 2:30pm with newly displayed art from talented local artists.

The Hendersonville Farmers Market will kick off its 2025 season on the same day, offering fresh local produce, baked goods, crafts, and more with many vendors staying for the entire day. Visitors can stroll through the market while enjoying the festivities of the Street Fest,

The 7th Avenue Street Fest is free and open to the public. Events can be found at downtownhendersonville.org.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Marking her return to the public sphere, former Vice President Kamala Harris sharply condemned the first 100 days of President Donald Trumps second term Wednesday, saying he had pulled America to the verge of a constitutional crisis, devastated the economy and abandoned world allies.

"Instead of an administration working to advance America's highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals," Harris said.

Much of Trump's support, which led to his victory in November, had been pegged to an expectation that he would usher in a booming economy.

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Instead, Harris said, Trump created the "greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history."

Harris delivered the remarks, which ran around 15 minutes, in the keynote address at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, honoring the groups role in electing more Democratic women in California politics.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris delivers the keynote address at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala in San Francisco on Wednesday.

She delivered a message crafted to rebuke Trump but also stressed that people should band together to resist the administration's policies and defend the most vulnerable. She applauded Democrats who had resisted so far, specifically naming her former Senate colleagues Cory Booker of New Jersey and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, as well as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, among others.

At one point, Harris gave an example of elephants at the San Diego Zoo who, during a recent earthquake, formed a circle and protected the calves.

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"We know those who try to incite fear are most effective when they divide and conquer, when they separate the herd, when they try to make everyone think they are alone," she said. "But in the face of crisis, the lesson is: Don't scatter. The instinct has to be to immediately find each other and to know that the circle will be strong."

Before Wednesday, Harris had mostly stayed out of the public eye since she left office as vice president in January, and she has opted not to weigh in on Trump and his policies in the way other prominent Democrats have.

But on Wednesday, she didn't hold back. She panned Trump for imposing "reckless tariffs" and tied them to a rise in cost of everyday essentials, saying they devastated "the retirement accounts that people spent a lifetime paying into" and paralyzed the growth of business big and small.

Harris played off Trump and his allies' common refrain of "promises made, promises kept." Instead, she said, he was "not lowering costs, not making life more affordable, not what they promised."

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Harris argued that while what's unfolding now in the Trump administration may feel chaotic, it actually is an implementation of a long-planned agenda that reflects a narrow vision of America. Much of it was laid out in the conservative policy blueprint Project 2025, which Harris warned voters on the campaign trail was Trump's agenda, despite his protestations.

Trump disavowed Project 2025 during the presidential race and denied ties to it. That changed after he was elected, however, as it was set into motion.

She called it a narrow, self-serving vision of America under which Trump and his allies punish truth-tellers, favor loyalists, cash in on their power and leave everyone else to fend for themselves  all while abandoning allies and retreating from the world.

Harris said that the United States faces a potential constitutional crisis and that it is a moment when voices of dissent as well as those who organize are more important than ever.

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Privately, Harris has gone further. She has held conversations with elected officials, supporters, experts and allies to talk about how Democrats need to think longer-term about their own priorities and agenda. Part of her focus has been on looking at how to revolutionize the way Democrats communicate and engage with the American public, a person close to Harris said.

Harris shot to the top of the Democratic ticket last year, abruptly replacing President Joe Biden just 15 weeks before Election Day. The historic switch happened after Biden took part in a devastating debate against Trump in June, when he at times stared off into space and couldnt complete a sentence.

A firestorm of concern from the party about Bidens cognitive abilities erupted, and eventually he bowed out of the race. Harris brought new life to the ticket, filling venues across battleground states and shattering fundraising records.

But after a whirlwind 107-day, $1.5 billion presidential campaign, Harris couldnt overcome discontent among voters who wanted change.

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That hasnt happened, however. Instead, his tariff policies have triggered chaos in the markets and brought on fears of a trade war. He has been accused of ignoring court orders and has pushed the limits of presidential power  including, at times, intimidating independent institutions, such as universities, saying they must capitulate on policies that support diversity, for instance, or their federal funding will be cut.

An NBC News Stay Tuned poll, powered by SurveyMonkey, found that 55% of adults disapprove of his handling of his job. Several other national polls timed for the 100-day mark had similar results, including one from Fox News, one of Trumps favorite outlets. The Pew Research Center found that Trumps approval stood at 40%.

There is a clamoring for her voice right now, said a former Harris senior adviser who was granted anonymity to speak candidly. No one can better prosecute the case while inspiring a call to action than the former vice president.

Clearly many voters are regretting their 2024 choice, and Harris utilizing Emerges 20th anniversary as the vehicle to deliver pointed remarks is the right place at the right time with the right group of people, the former adviser said.

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Some of Harris advisers have insisted that she simply ran out of time to make her case  she had come onto the scene too late. She hasnt yet said whether she intends to run again for president or whether she would run for governor of California. But all options remain on the table, according to two advisers.

Harris has taken part in lower-profile public events, one of them this month when she spoke at the Leading Women Defined Summit.

Were seeing people stay quiet. We are seeing organizations stay quiet. We are seeing those who are capitulating to clearly unconstitutional threats. And these are the things were witnessing each day in these last few months in our country, and it understandably creates a great sense of fear, Harris said then. There were many things that we knew would happen.

Im not here to tell you I told you so, she added, laughing. I swore I wasnt going to say that!

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The owner of a bar and restaurant in Idaho says he plans to host a Hetero Awesome Fest near the state Capitol in June to coincide with Pride Month for the LGBTQ

Mark Fitzpatrick, the owner of the Old State Saloon outside of Boise, said the two-day festival in Cecil D. Andrus Park was inspired by events held last year in response to Pride celebrations.

The festival will be held June 20 and 21 across the street from the Capitol. It was first reported by NBC News on Tuesday.

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Heterosexual Awesomness Festival is coming to Boise. This isnt just another festival. Its a movement, a celebration of faith, family and freedom, right in the heart of Idaho, a narrator says over a video on the events Instagram page.

Fitzpatrick told NBC last year after his Heterosexual Awesomeness Month, that there was no hate involved in the planning of his events.

In a recent video shared online, he said he didnt set out to be negative about other people, he was wanting to celebrate what Gods design was.

He told NBC that the festival was not about targeting any group but instead about raising awareness for practices we find troubling, such as the encouragement of gender transitions among children or their exposure of inappropriate content.

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While Fitzpatrick has said the festival isnt about hate for the LGBTQ community, his restaurant and bar account said the LGBTQ agenda is wicked, perverse, and victimizes children.

Fiztpatrick said in a video online that he was inspired to create the June events when he and his family were discussing how to spend his daughters birthday last year. He said they could not go to downtown Boise, where Pride events were held.

I was thinking to myself, What could we do to celebrate in June that would be different than whats going on downtown? Can we be different than what Pride has been celebrating every June? What if we celebrated Gods design for sexuality? What would that look like? And within a few seconds, I thought, Man, heterosexuality is awesome.

Pride Month organizers in Boise have not held events in June since 2020. Events are now held in September after organizers opted for better weather and due to COVID-19 pandemic precautions at the time.

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HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP)  A man from High Point has been taken into custody by the Department of Justice for his role in what is described as a violent organization participating in the exploitation of children.

Prasan Nepal, 20, of High Point, was taken into custody on April 22 after being accused of being a leader of the organization 764 since at least 2021.

764

764 is described by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue as a network of online groups that engage in sextortion and the glorification of violence. The network, which comprises a constantly shifting landscape of splinter groups and offshoots, forces minor victims to produce Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). They then use that CSAM as leverage to force victims to perform acts of violence, animal abuse, or self-harm. They also engage in extensive swatting, harassment, and intimidation campaigns to silence their victims.

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The ISD says that 764 also has taken inspiration from extremist groups such as the Order of Nine Angles, an esoteric neo-Nazi group.

The 764 networks accelerationist goals include social unrest and the downfall of the current world order, including the United States Government, according to the DOJ complaint. Members of 764 work in concert with one another towards a common purpose of destroying civilized society through the corruption and exploitation of vulnerable populations, including minors.

Nihilistic violent extremists

The DOJ describes this disparate network as NVEs, or nihilistic violent extremists, in their complaint.

Nihilistic violent extremists, according to an early DOJ filing, are individuals who engage in criminal conduct within the United States and abroad, in furtherance of political, social, or religious goals that derive primarily from a hatred of society at large and a desire to bring about its collapse by sowing indiscriminate chaos, destruction, and social instability. NVEs work individually or as part of a network with these goals of destroying civilized society.

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Indicted Terrorgram neo-Nazi cited Randolph County substation attack, court documents show; This avenue of attack  has really caught on

Journalist Ken Klippenstein opines that the designation, created by the FBI under Kash Patel, is an attempt to make terrorism designations sound non-partisan in the wake of Jan. 6s anti-government insurrection and the Biden administrations focus on anti-government extremism.

Trippy and War

The DOJ states that Nepal, along with an American citizen living abroad in Greece, identified as Leonidas Varagiannis, 21, engaged in a child exploitation enterprise as leadership in 764. Nepal and Varagiannis are accused of exploiting minors and facilitating the production of child pornography.

Prasan Nepal (US Department of Justice)

Members of 764, both individually and as a group, methodically targeted vulnerable populations, including minor girls with mental health challenges, and attempted to socially engineer them, gain their trust, and then groom them to share private information and intimate visual depictions of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct, the complaint reads.

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According to the complaint, 764 members would use this information and intimate content to escalate further, coercing the victims into providing images of more extreme acts such as self-harm, abusing pets and siblings, setting themselves on fire and even suicide.

Nepal is accused of operating 764 since its inception in late 2020 or early 2021. He took over leadership after the original founder of 764 was arrested in 2021. Nepal used monikers such as Leather Jacket, Rebirth, and KingKrampus, but the complaint says he was known in 764 Inferno as Trippy. Varagiannis joined in 2023 and was known in the primary 764 chat, 764 Inferno, as War.

Defunct nonprofit run by Mark Robinsons wife misses deadline to pay more than $100,000 owed to NCDHHS

764 Inferno leadership, including the defendants, conspired with group members to create and distribute images of the exploitation of minors, the complaint reads. These images depicted both the sexual exploitation of minors as well as images depicting self-mutilation. The defendants controlled membership in and access to the group. The defendants posted instructions to group members regarding methods they should employ to exploit vulnerable minor children. The defendants also interacted with group members by commenting on the exploitation material they posted. 764 relied on members recruiting other members into the group in order to generate additional content, including child exploitation content, that could be distributed in the group.

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Nepal is accused of admitting on social media as far back as 2019 that he had child sex abuse material, posting on Snapchat I got cp if u wanna see it  child porn  Ill send it.

He is also quoted as advocating for the extortion of young girls, writing Id rather have extortions continue than stop generally because it does in a way promote harm and teaches cringey e girls lessons.

Nepal is also accused of controlling recruitment into 764 Inferno, telling a co-conspirator that several aspiring members couldnt be let in until they do some crazy s. One co-conspirator allegedly shared a video of a young girl taking her own life at their direction.

The two men, along with unnamed co-conspirators, are also accused of creating a guide for aspiring 764 members on how to create child sexual exploitation material and other material for the group.

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The guide specifically instructed recruits on grooming victims into producing content for 764, and advised members to target particularly vulnerable victims, such as individuals with depression or mental illness, the complaint reads, adding that the guide provided instructions for extorting the vulnerable young people being targeted.

Nepal is accused of writing in the chat, Extortion is a form of discipline to little girls who might not have a father at home. Its a good thing.

The complaint goes into detail about child sex abuse material that the unnamed co-conspirators posted in the 764 Inferno chat, of which Nepal and Varagiannis were administrators.

Nepal is currently in the Guilford County jail on a federal hold. Federal court filings show he has a public defender.

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DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP)  A High Point man will spend years in prison after pleading guilty to death by distribution this month, according to a Davidson County Sheriffs Office news release.

In January 2024, detectives with the Davidson County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigation Division began an investigation after a female was found dead in a home in Davidson County.

During the investigation, detectives learned that the females cause of death was fentanyl toxicity.

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In July 2024, detectives charged Wayne Greer Phillips, of High Point, with death by distribution.

On Friday, Phillips pleaded guilty in Davidson County Superior Court to death by distribution.

He was given a sentence of 67 months (five years and seven months) to 93 months (seven years and nine months) confinement to the North Carolina Department of Corrections.

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On the 1st of March 1965, NASA declared the OMEGA Speedmaster to be Flight Qualified for all Manned Space Missions. This pivotal day was the official beginning of OMEGAs extraordinary journey beyond Earth, which has since included every Moon landing in history and many of the greatest missions of our time.

The NASA qualification is synonymous with OMEGAs pioneering spirit and excellence in design. 60 years after the approval was announced, the brand is looking back to that hopeful era of human adventure, and celebrating the moment that its watches became part of the story.

The Background

In 1962, US President, John F. Kennedy, stood in front of an audience at Rice University and famously declared, We choose to go to the Moon. Most ambitious of all, he promised to achieve that goal in the very same decade.

US President, John F. Kennedy  John F.Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum

The USAs race into space was ignited.

Project Mercury was the countrys first human spaceflight programme, and became known for its brave group of pilots named The Mercury Seven. When the programme ended in 1963, the NASA astronauts approached their Operations Director, Deke Slayton, and asked to be issued with a reliable watch for future missions.

The watches were required as a backup. If the astronauts lost the capability of their digital timers onboard the spacecraft, the only thing they would have to rely on would be the mechanical timepieces they wore. Therefore, quality was essential.

NASA was already re-evaluating its equipment for the upcoming Gemini and Apollo missions, so in 1964, Slayton issued a request for high-quality chronographs and forwarded it to a number of different watch brands.

Of all those brands who received Deke Slaytons letter, only four responded  including OMEGA. Each company was asked to send three wristworn chronographs, which would be tested under the most intense examinations imaginable.

The Testing

Any piece of hardware that went on the space vehicles had to be qualified by the safety, reliability and quality controllers at NASA.

Testing  NASA

Engineer, James Ragan, was the man in charge of testing the watches. During his 36-year aerospace career, one of his vital responsibilities was to examine and certify the astronaut chronographs used on NASAs manned missions.

When James Ragan received the watches from the four brands, he excluded one straight away, because it wasnt a capable wristwatch like NASA had specified.

In the end, watches from three different brands were tested. To succeed  each watch had to pass all 11 tests.

Testing  NASA

High Temperature Test

After enduring 48 hours at 70 C, the watches then faced 30 minutes at 93 in a partial vacuum. It was at this stage, in the thermal vacuum, that the watches from two other brands failed. The OMEGA Speedmaster was the only watch still surviving.

Low temperature Test

The watch spent 4 hours in an environment of -18 C.

Vacuum Test

The watch was heated in a vacuum chamber and then immediately cooled to -18 C for several cycles.

Humidity Test

An environment of 95% humidity was created with temperatures ranging from 25 C to 70 C. The watch was required to survive it during ten 24-hour cycles.

Corrosion Test

The watch faced 48 hours in an atmosphere of oxygen at 70 C.

Shock-Resistance Tests

Replicating the severity of space travel, the watch faced six 40 G shocks in six different directions.

Acceleration Test

The watch endured a progressive acceleration to 7.25 G for about five minutes and then to 16 G for 30 seconds in three axes.

Low Pressure Test

The watch was subjected to a pressure of 10-6 atmospheres at 70 C for 90 minutes, then at 93 C for 30 minutes.

High Pressure Test

The watch was subjected to an air pressure of 1.6 atmospheres for 60 minutes.

Vibration Test

To simulate the extremes of a spacecraft launch, the watch faced random vibrations in three axes between 5 and 2,000 Hz with an acceleration of 8.8 G.

Sound Test

To ensure reliability against noise, the watch was subjected to 130 decibels at frequencies from 40 to 10,000 Hz for 30 minutes.

The Astronaut Approved Result

The OMEGA Speedmaster ST 105.003 passed all 11 tests with success. This was the exact same model available to customers in stores.

Speedmaster ST 105.003  NASA

The watches from other brands, however, were eliminated during the high temperature test. On one brands watch, the large seconds hand warped and was binding against the other hands. On another brands watch, the crystal of the chronograph warped and came away from the case.

Speaking about the Speedmasters success, James Ragan said, Even I was surprised that I could get any watches through those tests. The environments were really made for pieces of hardware that you mount on vehicles. It was difficult. It was the most extreme testing you could do to a piece of hardware.

But there was one final test for qualification, and it was perhaps the most important of all. The watches also needed to be personally approved by the astronauts themselves.

Ragan gave the crews the Speedmaster and other watches to examine and evaluate. Not knowing the results of the tests, the astronauts came back and unanimously chose the Speedmaster as their preferred model, due to the better accuracy, reliability, readability and ease of operation.

Ragan later said, It made my life a lot easier. I was able to go to the programmes office and say, its passed the tests and the astronauts want it.

What Happened Next?

Just three weeks after the qualification was granted, on the 23rd of March, 1965, the Speedmaster ST 105.003 officially went into space for the first time on the wrists of Virgil Gus Grissom and John Young during their Gemini 3 mission. The only modification to the watches was the addition of a long Velcro strap that could be worn over the space suits.

Gemini 4 mission, June 1965  NASA

Beyond Gemini 3, the Speedmaster and its various updates became an invaluable tool for the crews aboard each of NASAs manned missions. Famously, it was worn by Ed White during the first American spacewalk in 1965 and also the crew of Apollo 8, who saw the far side of the Moon for the first time in 1968.

As the Speedmaster continued to serve the astronauts in space, NASA got closer and closer to its major goal. Finally, on the 20th of July 1969, Apollo 11 touched down on the moon for the first time in history, fulfilling John F. Kennedys promise.

Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin spent two and a half hours walking on the lunar surface, and in that moment, the OMEGA Speedmaster became the first watch worn on the Moon. It has returned for every Moon landing since then and long remained a critical part of NASAs astronaut kit.

An Enduring Design

At first glance, the Speedmaster watches produced over the past 60 years appear almost unchanged. Afterall, why adapt something that is so iconic and loved? However, look a little closer, and youll discover the critical evolutions and similarities that are available to customers today.

1964 Speedmaster ST 105.003, 2021 Speedmaster Moonwatch, 2020 Speedmaster Calibre 321  Omega

NASA Tested Watch ST 105.003

1964 Speedmaster ST 105.003  Omega

Size : Qualified by NASA in 1965, this model represents the Speedmasters 3rd generation design and is sized at 39.70 mm.

Caseback : This early Speedmaster watch featured a double bevel caseback with Speedmaster engraved and OMEGAs famous Seahorse emblem.

Bracelet : The Speedmaster 105.003 was delivered on several linked bracelet references, while also being presented on Velcro straps when astronauts wore it over their spacesuits. The style seen in this image features 3 flat links per row and a protruding OMEGA vintage logo on the clasp to help with opening.

Dial : While the black dial featured an applied OMEGA logo in the vintage style, it also included tritium markers for luminosity. Note especially that this was the last Speedmaster reference that did not include the addition of the word, Professional.

Tachymeter Bezel : It wouldnt be a Speedmaster without a tachymeter scale on the bezel. For dedicated fans, two small but recognizable details of the ST 105.003 are the placement of the dot over 90, and the dot diagonal to 70.

Pushers : The pushers on the NASA tested watch were considered medium size and very easy to use with thick astronaut gloves. Notably, they are without the protection of the asymmetrical case that modern versions offer.

Case Shape : The shape of the NASA-tested watch is most notable for its symmetrical shape with straight lugs. This was the last Speedmaster that came without crown guards. From this generation onwards, it became known as the Moonwatch after its historic lunar landing.

Calibre : The iconic Calibre 321 was robust and elegant, and contained an intricate and technically valuable column-wheel feature. For collectors, it has become one of the worlds most essential pieces of watchmaking art.

The Speedmaster Calibre 321 311.30.40.30.01.001

Speedmaster Calibre 321 311.30.40.30.01.001  Omega

Size : Inspired by the 3rd generation Speedmaster that NASA qualified in 1965, OMEGA launched this 39.70 mm choice in 2020 for modern customers  almost perfectly replicating the original style.

Caseback : To let customers admire the sophisticated me- chanics of the Calibre 321, OMEGA gave this model a transparent sapphire crystal caseback.

Bracelet : A modern version of the bracelet with 3 flat links has been used for the Speedmaster Calibre 321. A foldover clasp fastens it to the wrist.

Dial : This black step dial remains as true to the original as possible, with similar features including the vintage OMEGA logo and the same Speedmaster font. Naturally, to give it a necessary update, the markers are coated in modern Super-LumiNova instead of tritium.

Tachymeter Bezel : Naturally, the important placement of the dots hasnt been changed for the Speedmaster Calibre 321. Whats new, however, are the materials used. Instead of the original aluminium bezel ring, OMEGA has created a bezel ring in polished black ceramic with the tachymeter scale in white enamel.

Pushers : The very same pushers still remain  proving that some designs are too perfect to change.

Case Shape : The straight lugs and symmetrical case are the same as the original NASA tested watch. Just like that model, todays tribute also includes the same brushed sides and polished upper surfaces.

Calibre : The original Calibre 321 was used by OMEGA until 1969. Then, in 2019, it made a triumphant return - after two years of relentless research and development. To reconstruct the movement as accurately as possible, OMEGA employed an entire group of researchers, developers and historians, as well as the finest craftsmen and experienced watchmakers. Going even further, they also used tomography technology (a digital scanning method) to see inside the true Speedmaster ST 105.003 timepiece that astronaut Eugene Gene Cernan wore on the Moon during Apollo 17.

The Speedmaster Moonwatch 310.30.42.50.01.001

Speedmaster Moonwatch 310.30.42.50.01.001  Omega

Size : Perhaps the most iconic chronograph on Earth, todays Speedmaster Moonwatch is 42 mm, and is inspired by the 4th generation style that Apollo 11 astronauts wore on the Moon. This latest Co-Axial Master Chronometer version was launched in 2021.

Caseback : The caseback of the Moonwatch includes the famous words; FLIGHT-QUALIFIED BY NASA FOR ALL MANNED SPACE MISSIONS, as well as THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON. The Seahorse emblem still retains its place at the centre. Since 2021, with the introduction of the Calibre 3861, the text Co-Axial Master Chronometer has also been added, highlighting the movement inside.

Bracelet : Todays Moonwatch bracelets are presented with five arched links per row, with a foldover clasp and an additional comfort setting.

Dial : The black step dial of the Moonwatch features a transferred logo with the addition, since 1964, of the word Professional. From 1997, the models were upgraded with Luminova detailing for better visibility. The logo and Speedmaster font are also in keeping with todays modern style.

Tachymeter Bezel : The Speedmaster Moonwatch features an anodised aluminium bezel ring in black, a feature that has been part of the design since the Speedmasters 2nd generation. Almost everything else is exactly as it was in 1964. A perfect tool for measuring speed over a known distance. Although the positioning of the 90 and 70 dots on the bezel were changed over the years, they have now been returned to their original placement as a tribute to heritage.

Pushers : The most interesting feature of the Moonwatch pushers today is the protection they are given by the asymmetrical case.

Case Shape : The Moonwatch case is inspired by the 4th generation Speedmaster. It features twisted lugs, as well as an asymmetrical shape that provides protection for the crown and pushers.

Calibre : The Calibre 3861 is the most up-to-date descendant of the Calibre 321. Compared to previous versions, it offers improved power reserve, chronometric performance and magnetic resistance. Many innovative features include OMEGAs revolutionary Co-Axial escapement as well as the silicon Si14 balance spring. These advancements enable the watch to pass the eight Master Chronometer tests.

The Speedmaster Difference

Accuracy, reliability, readability and ease of operation were the reasons given by astronauts, when asked about their preference for their Speedmaster. Indeed, the timepieces offered numerous qualities that many other watches could not.

Original Calibre 321  Omega

Robust Design

When the original Speedmaster was created in 1957, it included many protective technologies used by OMEGA at the time, such the sealing powers of O-ring gaskets, and the famous Naiad crown. Through this, OMEGA was able to create an incredibly rugged chronograph that was hermetically sealed against the elements and whose sealing powers extended to a depth of 200 feet. Furthermore, the hesalite glass offered the advantage of flexibility, and therefore shatter-resistance, in high impact situations. The last thing an astronaut wants during a mission is tiny fragments of glass floating in the spacecraft.

Pioneering Spirit

The Speedmaster was a design pioneer. When released in 1957, it became the first watch to feature a tachymeter scale on its bezel, as opposed to the dial. This made it ideal for its intended customer  racing car drivers out on the track. Ever since then, the iconic timing scale has remained an essential and distinguishing element of the Speedmaster design.

Readability

The original Speedmaster from 1957 was engineered for racing car drivers. Therefore, the design was given an easily readable face, so that timing could be noted at a glance. Not only did this theme continue in the ST 105.003, but there was also luminosity on the baton hands and hours markers, provided by the use of tritium. For the darkest reaches of space, this distinctive readability was a critical factor.

Accuracy

By 1965, OMEGA had a superb reputation for precision, and especially for chronograph design. The brands first chronograph calibre with 30-minute and 12-hour counters was the 27 CHRO C12. First designed and produced in 1941, it was a movement distinguished by its use of a column wheel, a feature that was machined from a single piece and which added technical value. This led to the birth of the Calibre 321, given its name in 1949. Using the same column wheel system, it encapsulated OMEGAs commitment to accuracy, and its expertise in ultra-fine mechanics.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  The landscape near downtown Henderson could soon have a much different look with the help of a local church. Holy Name Catholic Church wants to help the downtown growth while making the area safer at the same time. We want to be good neighbors, and play our part in the life and development of this beautiful city, says Holy Name Pastor Father Richard Meredith.

Father Richard is pushing for the construction of a pedestrian bridge at 2nd and Adams streets in Henderson. The church, as well as Holy Name School, presented the results of a feasibility study to Henderson City Commission addressing the need for safer crossing options.

Courtesy: Palmer Engineering

I said, Wouldnt it be wonderful to have a safe means of crossing 2nd street, says Father Richard, which theres going to be an increase in traffic volume, and increased pedestrian traffic as this area develops.

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Father Richard calls the estimate of $3.6 million conservative. While the city gave the green light to move forward, funding sources are still to be determined. The school says over 400 students cross the busy intersection every week.

Not just for the church and school, explains Father Richard, and we certainly benefit from it, but WARM Center and various other activities that are growing up here on 2nd Street. Plus, it would look like a gateway!

The bridge is expected to have stairs and an elevator with a design matching the church and a soon-to-be constructed fire station. Traffic on the busy four-lane road is expected to increase when the new I-69 route is complete, as this area is considered the gateway into downtown Henderson.

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A timeline has not been nailed down, but Father Richard plans to meet with State Senator Robby Mills to discuss potential funding options from the state. Until we know the cost, the funding, is conceivable, its really impossible to project the timeline, says Father Meredith. But until we hit a brick wall that says you cant do any more, were going to pursue the idea.

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27,523 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?

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As wildfires worsen across the Western United States, homeowners are facing another threat: being dropped by their insurance providers.

As Oregon Public Broadcasting reported in late March, two state lawmakers  a Democrat and a Republican  are demanding that major insurance companies pause use of internal wildfire risk maps to deny or cancel policies.

What's happening?

Senators Anthony Broadman and Mike McLane sent a joint letter to State Farm, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, and other major insurers, making a bipartisan request that the companies stop using their own private wildfire risk maps to drop homeowners' policies, at least until January 2026.

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"Constituents contact us with increasing frequency to say that they have been 'dropped' or not renewed by one of you," the senators wrote, according to OPB.

The lawmakers, who described this system as "rigged," say these decisions are often based on data gathered by companies like Verisk. Verisk uses drones to assess risk from above, rather than on-the-ground assessments.

Some states are now considering restrictions on insurers' use of drone footage to make policy decisions. Delaware recently established some new regulations regarding the practice, the Delaware News Journal reported last month.

Meanwhile, a committee of Oregon lawmakers from both major parties unanimously endorsed Senate Bill 83, which would repeal the state's official wildfire hazard map, according to local news outlet KGW. Critics say the map fails to accurately reflect individual risk and even has the potential to devalue property.

Why are drops in coverage concerning?

As dirty energy sources are burned and trap heat in our atmosphere, rising global temperatures are fueling more frequent and more destructive wildfires, floods, and hurricanes. In response, some insurance companies are cutting coverage, especially in high-risk areas.

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But in Oregon, insurers have still managed to turn a profit. In 2023, companies paid out just 52 cents in claims for every dollar collected in premiums, even as rates rose by nearly 11% over the previous year, according to the Consumer Federation of America.

Broadman and McLane argue that using undisclosed, private risk models rather than transparent and standardized ones leaves policyholders in the dark and at risk of losing critical coverage with little warning. In the event of a disaster, homeowners often rely on insurance to help them navigate property loss and financial hardship while rebuilding their lives.

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"This isn't about denying insurers the ability to assess risk  it's about making sure that assessment is based on actual, individualized data, not abstract scoring models," McLane said in the press release announcing the joint letter. "We need to maintain access to affordable insurance for rural and fire-prone communities while promoting a competitive and responsible market."

This kind of corporate behavior fits into a broader pattern: power structures and business practices that ignore the role of burning dirty energy sources in driving extreme weather, while shifting the consequences onto consumers.

What's being done about it?

Climate advocates are calling for stronger oversight of the insurance industry and more transparency around risk data. Meanwhile, SB 83, which would officially scrap Oregon's map, has been passed by the Senate as of late April and now heads to the House, per the Statesman Journal.

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Next, according to April reporting from OPB, state lawmakers and advocates say they need to find new funding strategies to pay for wildfire prevention and risk mitigation after federal cuts that have impacted much of the country.

Groups like Firewise USA and the Insurance Information Institute offer tools to help homeowners reduce wildfire risk and advocate for fair coverage.

Nationally, legislation like the Wildfire Defense Act and efforts to reform the insurance market could offer longer-term solutions. But until insurance practices are reined in, experts warn that more homeowners may be left without a real safety net.

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XENIA, Ohio (WDTN)  A Fairborn man initially wanted in a murder case has been convicted of multiple felonies after shooting at law enforcement last January.

Breyon Bryant, 32 of Fairborn, has been found guilty on several charges by a Greene County Jury in connection to a shooting that took place on Jan. 24, 2024.

Court records show Fairborn detectives were asked to assist the Columbus Division of Police with an arrest warrant for Bryant, charging him with murder. Detectives set up surveillance at Bryants apartment in the 400 block of W. Funderburg Road in an unmarked vehicle.

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Detectives say they approached Bryant in their vehicle, and before they could even stop and identify themselves, Bryant drew a firearm and opened fire on the detectives. Bryant later admitted he didnt know who he was shooting at, since the windows were tinted.

After an attempt to flee the scene, Bryant surrendered. No one was injured in the shootout.

This week, a jury found Bryant guilty of three counts of felonious assault and three 3-year firearm specifications. Bryant faces more than three decades in prison.

Bryant will return to trial on May 19 for a second Greene County indictment unrelated to the shooting. When that concludes, he will be extradited to Franklin County for additional proceedings involving the alleged murder case.

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  Excitement is building towards the Run for the Roses. As the worlds eyes turn to Louisville this weekend, theres extra scrutiny on the safety for the stars themselves, the horses. But unlike last years Derby, theres far less anxiety around the subject.

People arent talking about safety above all else. You know, they just assume its there, Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority CEO Lisa Lazarus told FOX 56.

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The year 2024 was the safest year on record for horse racing in America, something Lazarus said is proof of concept that changes implemented after a string of horse deaths in the 2023 meets are working.

Its everything from racetrack surface testing to stringent pre-race exams for the horses to an AI-based model that we use for risk assessments of every horse and every race card every day of the week, Lazarus explained.

Lazarus says racehorse deaths are down more than 50% since a database began tracking them in 2009. HISA itself is just 5 years old, created by Congress in 2020. Last year was the first full year that both the organizations racetrack safety program and anti-doping and medication program were fully implemented. Lazarus also said dirt racing is among the more dangerous types of track surfaces, which makes the safety achievement even more impressive.

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Its just more like running on a beach, you know, which is which is which is more difficult. But historically, dirt racing is what defines American racing. And weve shown that we can make dirt racing safe, and I think thats whats really important because there were a lot of questions around whether or not, you know, dirt racing really had a long-term future in the U.S., she said.

So, how can HISA take something working well and make it better?

Lazarus said there are 10 to 15 strategies they continuously work on for improving racing and training safety, which also take advantage of emerging technology like AI. She said even if they can make a tenth of a percent improvement in any of those strategies, its still a meaningful change. She added that a good sign of success is when race safety isnt really something people are talking about anymore.

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If we can continue to make that happen, to have people interested in the stories and the characters and the excitement and just assume everyone is safe and things are well regulated and people are not cheating, that will be a success, Lazarus said.

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BOSTON (SHNS)  State mental health case managers at risk of being laid off were given a potential lifeline Tuesday, as the House voted to maintain staffing levels.

Gov. Maura Healeys budget proposal in January called for slashing the DMH case manager workforce in half, from 340 to 170 individuals. The House Ways and Means Committee opted against preserving the workforce, with Chair Aaron Michlewitz citing ongoing labor issues.

The threatened layoffs have prompted an outcry over mental health care access. But in a mega-amendment Tuesday, House Democrats supported a Rep. Marjorie Decker amendment (#1550) stating that department case manager staffing levels shall not be reduced below fiscal year 2025 case manager staffing levels.

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This consolidated (amendment) also preserves DMH caseworker staffing levels, an important link in the chain of mental health services in our commonwealth, Rep. Mindy Domb, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, said on the House floor.

The House passed the mega-amendment on a 133-20 vote.

Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children, the state-run public health hospital in Canton that the governor initially planned to shutter through her budget, also was addressed in the mega-amendment. Representatives backed a Rep. Bill Galvin amendment (#97) to create a legislative commission to study the future of the sprawling hospital while keeping it open, but did not give support to another Galvin amendment (#1164) that would have required Pappas to maintain at least 40 beds serving patients ages 7-22.

We have appropriated $10.3 million more than House 1 to support the Department of Public Healths hospital operations, which includes important funding to keep Pappas Rehabilitation open for children and invest funding in our hospitals  and not use them as political pawns, Decker, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health, said.

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Healey has halted closure plans for Pappas, but hospital staff and families say the state is not sticking with the promised pause.

The Senate usually unveils and debates its annual budget in May, but specific plans havent been announced.

The passage of this amendment and its inclusion in the House budget is an important step in our fight to save Pappas. The budget already includes the line item to fund operations for Pappas, and the language the Governor sought to allow her to close Pappas has been removed, MNA spokesperson David Schildmeier said. Now we wait for the Senates budget, where Senator Paul Feeney will be filing his own amendment.

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WASHINGTON (ABC4)  A rule that prohibits off-road vehicles (ORVs) and street-legal all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) from driving on 24 miles of roads in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area has been blocked.

In January, the National Park Service (NPS) introduced a new rule for ORVs and street-legal ATVs. It prohibited the use of select roads within the recreation area, including segments around the Poison Spring Loop area. 388 miles of park roads were still available for recreation with these vehicles.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed Rep. Celeste Maloys Congressional Review Act resolution to block the NPS rule that intended to limit road usage. The resolution will now move to the Senate.

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I introduced a resolution to nullify a senseless rule that limits recreation in a National Recreation Area, and Im thrilled to see the House advance it. Ensuring that agencies are managing land for multiple uses, as directed by Congress, is a continuous battle that I will continue to fight so that people in Utah and across the country are free to continue exploring and enjoying the land that was set aside for them, Rep. Maloy said in a statement.

The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) expressed concerns over the ecological integrity and visitor experience at Glen Canyon.

Rather than protect Americas crown jewels, the House has made it much more likely that treasured places such as the Orange Cliffs, Gunsight Butte, and Canyonlands National Parks Maze District will be permanently impaired by noisy, destructive off-highway vehicles, Hanna Larsen, Staff Attorney for SUWA stated in a release from the organization.

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ST. GEORGE: Utahs second Dunkin Donuts opens, how you can win free coffee for a year

In additional information about the rule from SUWA, they say that it did not close any park roads to all motorized vehicle use; it affects 6% (25 miles) of dirt trails (park roads)  closing them to OHVs but leaving them open to full-size vehicles.

It seems to be a solution in search of a problem, as there are already more than 250 miles throughout Glen Canyon National Recreation Area for off-road use, Erika Pollard, Campaign Director of the Southwest Region for the National Parks Conservation, is quoted in the release.

Currently, the rule preventing ORVs and street-legal ATVs from accessing the roads is still in effect. If this resolution passes the Senate, it will go into law and the roads will be reopened to those types of vehicles.

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Finishes, structures, surfaces, textures, details: above and beyond styles and names, it is the quality of execution that determines brands' durability and relevance as well as their reputation.

When price, name and speculation replace desire and pleasure, watchmaking emerges both greater and weaker. After several years when it seemed more important to have a logo than a watch, a rating rather than a timepiece, the reality of watchmaking is reasserting itself. The time has come for workmanship, accuracy and proportions to regain their place. One in which hand-crafted movements  with their wealth of details, hours of work, finesse and unsuspected efforts  return to center-stage and reaffirm their core role in watchmaking. Brands are thus in turn resuming their function: namely to sum up and contain the values the watch possesses and which are represented by the work of watchmakers, polishers, decorators and adjusters.

Retrograde Perpetual Calendar Rare Handcrafts 5160/500R  Patek Philippe

Decorations

Artisans  the incredible individuals who freely devote their time to the pursuit of a perfection that they define in very different ways  have not changed. Greubel Forsey, which combines the status of an established brand with the best in terms of finishing and technical innovation, continues to stun observers, as confirmed by the level of the latest Hand Made 2. Bovet continues its quest for unique design, backed by accomplished in-house production capabilities, yet with a relentlessly persistent flair for movement decoration that far outstrips convention. The ultimate example is undoubtedly the Recital 28 Prowess 1, whose movement is as richly decorated as it is ultra-functional.

Recital 28 Prowess 1  Bovet

Details

It is however important to remember just how small these artisanal structures are, as well as how unattainable their products remain. Conversely, there are still brands that  at very different levels of price, style, origin and seniority  approach watchmaking with ambition, respect and even a quest for aesthetics when it comes to movements. Some are giants  as how else could one describe Rolex, whose level of quality has recently been revealed thanks to the long-awaited introduction of sapphire casebacks? After years of opacity, the beauty of Caliber 7140 powering the Perpetual 1908 is now clearly visible, epitomizing an exceptional level of finesse and industrialization. The latter does not prevent attention to detail and quality of production. This principle guides the finest creations of Grand Seiko, whose level of execution on Caliber 9SA4 gives Swiss brands the shivers. Representing the Maison's highest level of quality, Chopard's L.U.C collection demonstrates this same demanding attitude year on year and the first new launches for 2025, led by the Flying T Twin Perpetual, show that the collection has lost none of its delicacy: engraved gold micro-rotor, swan's neck regulator, curved tourbillon carriage arms, etc.

L.U.C Flying T Twin Perpetual  Chopard

Excellent

Fine workmanship (bienfacture in French) is the central focus of high-end watchmaking practiced at significant levels of quantity that have forged the reputation of the two benchmarks in this field. When one considers the quality and richness of execution of the Patek Philippe Grand Complications 5160/500R, produced by the brands immense and meticulous manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates, it is clear that the rather significant volumes produced there in no way detract from a truly high-level interpretation. When you immerse yourself in Caliber 5100T driving the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph, you understand how the Maison can be celebrating its 270th anniversary of uninterrupted watchmaking. The condition for achieving longevity is indeed excellence.

Evolution 9  Grand Seiko

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House Republican lawmakers are asking Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate whether former Veterans Affairs leaders violated federal laws with their budgetary mistakes last year, potentially shifting the ongoing political dispute into the courts.

If any criminal or civil violations occurred, those responsible must be held accountable, House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost, R-Ill., wrote in a letter to Bondi Tuesday. He asked for her office to look into the submission of false statements to Congress, obstruction of oversight, fraud, or misappropriation of federal funds.

Top Democratic leaders decried the move as a desperate political stunt by Republican leaders attempting to distract from the current administrations planned cuts to VA staff and services.

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I am appalled by his recommendation and blatant weaponization of the judicial system, said Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., ranking member of Bosts committee. It is unprecedented, and the American people  especially our veterans  deserve better than sham investigations and political theater becoming the new normal.

Watchdog blasts VA leaders for exaggerating budget shortfall last year

The conflict dates back to last summer, when then-VA Secretary Denis McDonough and other senior department leaders told lawmakers that funding for benefits and medical care could run out in October because of increased programmatic usage earlier in 2024.

Congress approved $3 billion in emergency funding in September amid pressure from veterans groups and the White House, staving off any potential fiscal shortfall. But in late October, VA officials acknowledged their budget estimates were flawed, and that more than $5 billion in funding was available for the start of the new fiscal year.

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At the time, McDonough and other VA leaders said the moves were made out of an abundance of caution and warned that any shortfall could have disrupted veterans payouts.

But Bost and other Republicans disputed that assertion, and accused White House officials of manufacturing panic about veterans benefits just weeks ahead of the November presidential election.

In his letter to the attorney generals office, Bost said that VA leaders knew of their budgetary errors even before the emergency congressional vote, but did not share that information until after the extra money was approved.

This delayed disclosure and the omission of available resources in key budget documents call into question the accuracy and integrity of [the departments] budget justification process, he wrote.

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The suggestion that senior VA officials submitted materially inaccurate funding requests and failed to disclose critical budget information  warrant immediate and independent review by your office. These failures undermined the appropriations process, misled lawmakers, and - most importantly - put the benefits and services Americas veterans rely on at risk.

Bost specifically singled out McDonough, former Under Secretary for Benefits Josh Jacobs and former Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal for potential charges.

An inspector general review of the budget issues released last month found significant problems with VAs budgetary projections and accounting practices, but did not recommend criminal or civil actions against former department leaders.

Democratic leaders have accused President Donald Trump of abusing his executive power to attack and harass political opponents. Takano called Bosts investigation request an extension of those same abusive practices.

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Former Secretary McDonough and his team led VA through one of its most successful eras in history, he said in a statement. They deserve to be honored  not smeared by partisan attacks.

In addition to whatever actions the attorney generals office pursues, Bost promised continued investigation from his committee into the issue.

Relationships between Republicans and Democrats on the committee  which typically has fewer partisan fights than other congressional panels  have grown increasingly tense over the last few years, with each side accusing the other of sowing division and panic among veterans.
Lori Wathen holds a paddle printed with the word "no" to oppose the practice of corporal punishment in schools before an interim study on the subject on Oct. 21. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  House lawmakers on Wednesday fought over whether educators should be able to physically discipline disabled students before ultimately voting to send a bill prohibiting the practice to the governor.

Senate Bill 364 prohibits school personnel from hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping or using any other physical force on a student with a federally recognized and protected disability. Existing state law only prohibits schools from administering corporal punishments on students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.

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Its really sad, the broad links people will go to to try to twist and turn words to continue to allow people to slap, choke, pull hair, cause bruises, push, shove, and anything else that they can do to a kid with special needs, said Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, the bills author.

He said only a small percentage of Oklahoma districts  around 60 that he knows of  still allow corporal punishment. But Moore quickly ticked off a list of disabled children who have been choked or paddled by school personnel without parental permission. Moore said he was not going to publicly name the districts.

Nothing in the measure prohibits parents from administering corporal punishment on their disabled children, but schools could not, he said.

I dont think a kid with Down syndrome should be spanked, Moore said. I dont think a kid with epilepsy should be beaten. I dont think a kid with autism should be choked.

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Moore said hes a devout Christian, a deacon in his church, and administers corporal punishment on his own children. But he said it is appalling that people cite the Bible to justify choking a child with special needs.

It makes me ashamed to be someone that might be categorized with that person, he said

House lawmakers have previously garnered national attention for refusing to put such a ban into state law. Administering corporal punishment on disabled children has been banned by the State Department of Education since 2020. Federal records show hundreds of Oklahoma children with disabilities were physically disciplined during the 2020-21 school year.

Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, said the language of the bill passed Wednesday is nearly identical to the previous measure that failed to advance out of the same chamber about two years ago.

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Olsen said the prior one didnt advance because of concerns that the number of protected students was too broad and because it stripped away parental power and local control.

Those concerns remain, he said.

There are certainly children who should never have corporal punishment used on them, but Senate Bill 364s prohibition is too broad because in addition to protecting the profoundly disabled, it also includes students who suffer from hearing, speech and visibility impairments and serious emotional disturbances, Olsen said.

If you had a 10-year-old boy that was physically healthy, intellectually normal, and he couldnt say his Rs correctly, under the provisions of this bill, he would be prohibited, even if the parents wanted it, he would be prohibited from having corporal punishment used on him, he said. No exceptions.

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He said the Bible references that the rod and reproof gives wisdom, but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame.

I have observed over the years that when we get to thinking that were smarter than the Bible that doesnt turn out very well, he said.

Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, said its appalling that lawmakers are having to have a conversation about inflicting suffering on a child that has no idea what is happening.

She said multiple studies show that students with disabilities have corporal punishment applied at disproportionately higher rates than their non-disabled peers. Multiple child psychology organizations oppose beating a kid in school, and most experts recommend non-violent methods to address inappropriate behavior in school, Roe said.

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Roe, who is also a child abuse examiner, said corporal punishment signals to a child that the way to settle conflict is by inflicting physical force and pain and that its OK to just slug somebody in the face because you dont agree with what theyre saying.

She said lawmakers talk about protecting their children from predators, but are not protecting vulnerable children from punishments they cant understand.

They dont realize that the behavior theyre exhibiting is not appropriate, and theyre not understanding that getting their butt beat is because of the behavior they just exhibited, Roe said.

But Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, said lawmakers are stripping parents of the ability to permit the use of an effective discipline method that they know will get my childs attention.

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The bill also does nothing to change the fact that children who arent diagnosed with a disability can still be subjected to physical discipline in school, he said.

West said lawmakers should be looking at school corporal punishment usage in totality, not just one part.

The bill leaves the door open for a broad interpretation, and West said he fears that if a school district does allow corporal punishment, theres a very, very strong chance that a parent could sue, even if they had given permission.

The bill, which awaits a decision from Gov. Kevin Stitt, passed 61-23.

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Democratic Rep. Arthur Corvese of North Providence, left, talks with Democratic Rep. Jason Knight of Barrington ahead of the House Committee on Judiciarys meeting on Wednesday, April 29, 2025. Knight had previously voted against the proposal to make it a misdemeanor for minors to gamble online, but changed his vote in the affirmative. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

A week after the House Committee on Judiciary struck down a proposal by the Rhode Island State Police to make it a misdemeanor for anyone under the age of 21 to gamble online, that very legislation is now headed to the chambers floor.

Without any debate, the committee on Tuesday reconsidered the bill to amend the states 2023 iGaming law and advanced it with a 10-5 vote. The legislation sponsored by Rep. Gregory Costantino, a Lincoln Democrat, would impose up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine if anyone ages 18 to 20 bets or plays in the virtual casino.

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Ballys Corp., which runs Rhode Islands two casinos, manages the only iGaming app available in the state.

Fears that high-school aged kids would get hooked on iGaming led lawmakers to restrict access to anyone under 21 when state officials legalized online gaming in 2023.

Costantinos proposal had been rejected by the committee 7-5 during its April 22 meeting amid concerns that it would criminalize an act 18-year olds are allowed to do in person or online when betting on sports. But under House rules, committee members can move to reconsider a vote as long as the bill is still in the legislative panels possession and the motion is made by someone who voted with the majority.

In this case, the motion was made by Rep. Jason Knight, a Barrington Democrat who initially voted against the bill.

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Although its unusual for a bill to go up and down then come back, its not unheard of, Knight told Rhode Island Current after the vote.

House committees reconsidered three bills in 2024, chamber spokesperson Larry Berman said in an email Tuesday. This year, five bills have been reconsidered among the 114 advanced to the House floor.

Berman said reconsiderations occur when new information emerges or if further clarification on a bill is needed. He added that at least two of the three committee members who missed the vote have indicated they would like the opportunity to participate.

Democrats David Bennett of Warwick and Matthew Dawson of East Providence voted in favor of Costantinos bill. Rep. Jose Batista, a Providence Democrat, voted against the measure.

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Asked why he made the motion and changed his vote, Knight said it was done to pass a piece of legislation that would make everyone happy. Also changing their votes were Reps. Julie Casimiro, a North Kingstown Democrat, and Rep. Marie Hopkins, a Warwick Republican.

Were looking for a way to get to a bill that wants to accomplish what it wants to policywise while addressing some of the objections, Knight said. All I can say is the bill is alive, its the subject of a lot of conversations and well see what happens.

Rep. Cherie Cruz, a Pawtucket Democrat, is certainly not happy that the bill is advancing to the floor without additional debate.

I just wanted to ask a question, she said in an interview. And we usually can always ask a question on a bill.

Democratic Rep. Cherie Cruz of Pawtucket speaks with Rep. Edith Ajello, a Providence Democrat, and a Rhode Island State Police trooper before the start of the House Committee on Judiciarys April 29 meeting. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

But the committees chairman, Robert Craven, a North Kingstown Democrat who voted in favor of the bill, told Rhode Island Current that House rules prohibit testimony and debate on bills up for reconsideration.

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Committee members can question witnesses who are there to provide clarification on the proposal. Craven indicated ahead of the meeting that a representative from the Rhode Island State Police may have wanted to have an additional chance to make the case for the legislation they are pushing.

A state trooper was present at Tuesdays committee meeting, but did not speak.

Sgt. Ernest Adams, a detective for the State Polices Gaming Enforcement Unit, testified at the bills initial hearing March 25 where he called the proposal essential for officers to enforce the mandated age of the iGaming law.

But Cruz told Rhode Island Current that gamers under 21 who are allowed to bet in person may not know they are breaking the law should they do it on their phones.

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You could even be inside the casino and youre violating the law, Cruz said.

Joining Cruz against the proposal were Democrats Edith Ajello of Providence, Leonela Felix of Pawtucket and David Place, a Foster Republican. Cruz said the state should instead penalize minors with civil fines, much like it does for underage drinking and smoking.

Knight disagreed.

Were not talking about cannabis, alcohol or tobacco, he said. Were talking about gambling  its a different public policy question.

An official floor vote has not been scheduled as of Tuesday evening.

Companion legislation is sponsored in the Senate by Frank Ciccone, a Providence Democrat. The Senate Committee on Gaming and Labor, which Ciccone chairs, held the bill for further study on March 26, as is standard procedure when legislation is first considered by a legislative panel.

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The worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is in the rearview mirror, but a House Republican-led panel revived legislation Wednesday to allow for residents to receive without a prescription ivermectin, a controversial but very popular, anti-parasitic used by many to treat the virus.

The amended language would allow doctors, advance nurse practitioners and physician assistants to issue to patients a standing order that would allow them to receive ivermectin without a prescription.

State Rep. Yuri Polozov, R-Hooksett, convinced his Republican colleagues on the House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee to attach this proposal to a Senate-passed bill (SB 119) state Medicaid officials requested to save taxpayers money by allowing clients to get the lowest-cost available medication.

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It is one of the safest medicines available so allowing physicians to do this makes sense, Polozov said. I understand there are strong feelings on both sides. No one is forcing physicians or any of them to do anything they dont want to do.

But Gary Woods, D-Bow, a retired physician, said it would be unwise for lawmakers to wade into medical care decisions.

Lets really follow the science in this situation. I understand the emotion behind it. I would like to do something that is simple, Woods said. If your doctor wants to, he or she can write a prescription. We do it all the time, off label. We dont need to or should legislate that.

Several supporters charged that during COVID doctors were pressured not to give their patients ivermectin since COVID-19 vaccines got emergency approval because there were no other safe alternatives.Currently, the only drugs given a standing order are smoking cessation products, treatment for sexual assault and the EpiPen to treat allergic reactions such as bee stings and contraception.

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Thats why former Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed a similar bill (HB 1022) the GOP-led Legislature passed in 2022.

In that veto message, Sununu wrote the others given a standing order met all the necessary protocols.

All drugs and medications should be subject to the same rigorous process if they are to be dispensed by standing order, Sununu wrote.

A few months later, the GOP-led House failed to override Sununus veto.

The same panel wasnt as accommodating to a different standing order HHS requested and the Senate endorsed.

This would allow the HHS chief medical officer the power to issue a standing order for over-the-counter (non-legend) medications, medical supplies, or laboratory tests given to Medicaid patients.

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McGrath said that it was too open-ended.

It might save the state money but put all the burden on your neighborhood pharmacy that is overworked, McGrath said. Pharmacies lose money dispensing over the counter standing order medications.

.

Whats Next: The full House of Representatives will vote later this month on the committee recommendation.

Prospects: The future may come down to whether Gov. Kelly Ayotte agrees with Sununu and blocks this legislation, should it get to her desk.

klandrigan@unionleader.com
The Minnesota State Capitol Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

The Minnesota House passed a housing budget bill Tuesday, featuring funding boosts for homelessness prevention and affordable housing development, plus $100 million in bonds for financing housing developments statewide.

But the Senates housing budget, which passed the chamber last week, is about $62 million smaller than the House version and it doesnt include bonds.

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The details must be hashed out in conference committee and re-approved by both chambers before the legislative session adjourns on May 19.

Neither the budget bill nor a housing policy bill that passed Thursday includes the sweeping zoning reforms proposed by a bipartisan coalition of advocacy groups and lawmakers, including all housing committee leaders. Those bills would have allowed apartments in areas currently zoned for commercial use; legalized duplexes on every residential lot in the state; required municipalities to allow higher-density development along transit corridors; and barred city governments from requiring builders to use certain materials, colors or designs.

Supporters of those bills argue that they would encourage the construction of more housing, alleviating Minnesotas housing shortage and lowering prices.

The outlook is bleak for those bills, as city governments and their lobbyists oppose any legislation that rolls back local control over zoning.

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In floor discussion of the budget bill, housing leaders said the budget doesnt go far enough in addressing the shortage.

Im a little disappointed, said Rep. Jim Nash, R-Waconia, a member of the housing committee and the coalition pushing for zoning reforms. Regulatory reform is needed to make a major dent in the housing crisis, he said.

The Yes to Homes coalition got one minor win: the House budget bill instructs the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to prioritize developments in communities that have zoning rules that make it easier to build multifamily homes, allow smaller homes and dont require certain materials or designs.

Funding for homelessness prevention

The House housing budget contains significantly more funding than the Senate version for a homelessness prevention program.

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The Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program, or FHPAP, provides emergency assistance to families that are at risk of homelessness, or who have already lost their housing.

Lawmakers have allocated between $7 and $10 million per year to the program between 2014 and 2023; during the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers directed $120 million to the FHPAP for 2024 and 2025. The House budget would give the program $50 million in 2026 and 2027; the Senate budget allocates $30 million.

Jenny Larson, executive director of Three Rivers Community Action, which manages FHPAP in several southern Minnesota counties, said despite state investments, the program is already oversubscribed. Her agency opens up a round of funding every quarter, and they are never able to help all of the families in need, Larson said.

Brooklyn Park resident Ta-Metta Gaines, who lives in the embattled Huntington Place apartments, works as a customer service representative for a health care company. She fell behind on rent while dealing with medical issues, she said, and shes looking for a new place to live as Huntington Places future is in limbo.

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When she became homeless after her landlord died, FHPAP helped her come up with a security deposit and first months rent to move into a new apartment. Now, FHPAP is helping her get caught up on past-due rent, and covering some of the cost of relocating, Gaines said.

Im just imagining what type of things can actually go on if they remove those funds, and how many people will be destitute, Gaines said.

Bonding

While the House housing budget authorizes the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to issue $100 million in bonds to finance housing projects, lawmakers and Gov. Tim Walz have not agreed on targets for a bonding bill.

Bonds are a tool governments use to finance infrastructure projects, including housing. Bonding bills require a 60% majority to pass the Legislature, so they require robust bipartisan support.

Walz and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say they want to pass a bonding bill this session, in addition to the regular two-year budget. If the parties cant make a deal on bonding  as was the case last year  the bonding in the housing budget is likely to be eliminated in conference committee.
A poster reads, "bell to bell, no cell" at the Jenks Public Schools Math and Science Center on Nov. 13. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  The state House narrowly passed an altered bill that requires school districts to implement bell-to-bell cellphone bans for the upcoming school year.

Senate Bill 139, which passed by a single vote, heads to Gov. Kevin Stitt for consideration.

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While it requires schools to ban cellphones and personal electronic devices like smart watches, tablets and smart glasses for one year, it allows districts to lift that ban in any subsequent years.

Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, said the version that heads to Stitts desk is different from the initial version passed by the House. The original version contained an opt out for districts that didnt want to comply. The Senate version, which heads to Stitts desk, contains none.

He said the chambers compromised on a try it before you buy it, type of policy. Everyone will be required to try it for a year, but if a district finds the policy doesnt work for them, and they would like students to have cellphones in class, then they can opt out moving forward, Caldwell said.

How districts implement the ban is up to them, he said.

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Rep. Danny Williams, R-Seminole, said he liked the original House bill that would have allowed districts to opt out and provided local control.

Im not fond of the requirement because we talk a lot about local control, and it looks like were kind of creeping into no control on the first year of this, he said.

But Caldwell said the bill is consistent with other bills that the Legislature passed because it directs districts on what to do, but gives them flexibility on how to act within those parameters.

Ultimately, I think where this goes back to is the total local control, he said. After this year, (if) theyre the outlier, theyre the district that their education outcomes didnt improve, their behavioral problems didnt decrease, and the school board wants to take the step up and say, No, we want cellphones back in our classes, they can do that.

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Caldwell said he hopes Stitt will sign the measure and well all celebrate next year when our kids can go to a distraction-free classroom.

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The Scoop

Speaker Mike Johnson is renting a house from his colleague, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif.

In late February, ProPublica reported that Johnson was sharing a home with evangelical pastor Steve Berger, just blocks away from the Capitol, in a property owned by a wealthy Tennessee donor. Johnson relocated a month later.

Hes a friend and needed a place, Issa told Semafor of the arrangement. The property has still more congressional ties: Issa purchased the home in March from Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., for a little over $1.5 million. Its not clear how much Johnsons paying for rent, but a spokesperson with the speakers office said, Rep. Issa negotiated a fair market price for the lease of the property to the Speaker.
Household energy bills will rise to pay for a net zero upgrade of Britains regional power grids, Ofgem has announced.

The energy regulator on Wednesday published plans for a massive expansion of the local distribution networks that deliver power the last few miles from the energy grid to homes and businesses.

The plans, to be undertaken between 2028-33, will be paid for by households through extra levies on their bills.

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It means sharp increases in the average network charges that every home pays. These charges have already risen from 238 in 2019 to 372 today.

Steve McMahon, Ofgem director for network price controls, said: If you look at the electricity system as a whole, well need hundreds of billions of pounds in investment to build the capabilities needed to run a clean power system and decarbonise the economy.

The planned expansion of regional power grids will help the networks cope with the enormous increase in capacity that will be needed as the UK moves from using gas for heating to electricity, requiring much more to be transmitted.

The scale of the challenge is huge. Last year the UK consumed about 320 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity, but by 2050 the move to heat pumps, electric vehicles and similar new systems could double consumption to about 700GWh.

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Mr McMahon said: Theres no way of getting around the fact that you need to invest, and you need to invest at levels that weve not seen in a generation.

He said it was too early to say what the exact impact on bills would be. Weve not made any promises about how that would look over time but if you look at the bill and its totality, then were moving towards something that the investment will pay for itself, we would hope, over time.

Power distribution networks are separate from the three high voltage national transmission systems that carry electricity long distances from generators to different areas of the UK.

Britain is divided into nine distribution regions, each of which has a single company that delivers power within local areas. It means each is a regional monopoly free of competition and most are foreign owned.

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SSE and National Grid each run two regions as does Scottish Power, which is owned by Spains Iberdrola. The North East is covered by Northern Powergrid, owned by Warren Buffets US investment firm Berkshire Hathaway, and the North West is covered by Electricity North West, which is owned by Japans Kansai power company.

The largest by customers is UK Power Networks, which serves 8.3m homes and businesses across London, the South East and eastern England. It is owned by CK Infrastructure, the investment company of Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing.

The distribution companies total income from consumer bills has not been published. But the Renewable Energy Foundation, a charity, has published a new study suggesting that the companies were paid 6bn last year.

Dale Vince, a green industrialist and founder of Ecotricity, a power supplier, said households should not have to pay for the cost of upgrading these privately-owned regional networks.

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He said: This isnt about net zero, but an energy system fit for purpose and ultimately its about achieving energy security and lower bills. But consumers should not have to pay for this and do not need to.

Network operators should invest their own money in upgrades  or give their licences back if they are unwilling to. Ofgem needs to do its job, regulate in the public interest, not in the interests of foreign monopolies.

Richard Tice, the Reform Partys energy spokesman, said: Ofgem is announcing a huge increase in electricity bills in the coming years to pay for Labours obsession with net stupid zero, that was started by the Tories.

Even Tony Blair now agrees with Reform UK, when he says this is the wrong thing to do.

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This Ofgem announcement confirms the lies [told] by Ed Miliband and Labour that bills would come down. Instead they are going up.

Mr McMahon said Ofgem would prevent profiteering by the monopoly distribution companies. He said: To ensure this is delivered in consumers interests, both now and in the future, we must establish a set of arrangements that attracts the scale of investment needed while maintaining a strong focus on cost control, with clear accountabilities on the companies for delivering the investment on time and to budget.

The distribution companies were contacted for comment but declined.

Lawrence Slade, the chief executive at the Energy Networks Association, the trade body for grid operators, said the Ofgem plan was vital for the UKs net zero ambitions.

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He said: The proposed shift to longer-term planning and more proactive investment will deliver an efficient transition at the lowest overall cost to customers.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  A research study conducted by Downtown Wichita suggests that the number of housing units in the downtown area may need to double over the next five years to keep up with demand.

Construction continues on Wichita State Universitys Biomedical Campus, which is expected to bring roughly 3,000 students and 200 staff members to the downtown area by spring 2027. Heather Schroeder, the executive director of Downtown Wichita, said the development serves as a strong selling point to attract developers to build in the area.

It will change in the next five years, much more than it has in decades, Wichita Mayor Lily Wu said.

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Wu said that more retail stores, possibly even a grocery store, may be possible if the downtown population continues to increase.

My wife has been talking about that for over a year or so now, just some place to go quickly, other than having to travel in the car, were used to going to big city there and being able to be at a grocery store within five minutes and get what you need, that would be nice down here, downtown resident Jack Crain said.

Wu also said that the Biomedical Campus opening is a big step toward more people choosing to live in the downtown corridor.

We need more people living in downtown Wichita in order for more vibrancy to happen in the downtown core, so Im looking forward to more structures going up, Wu said.

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Wichita, Sedgwick County move to consolidate parks

In five years, downtown could see an additional 3,700 units, on top of the 3,000 available now, which would more than double the current availability.

Schroeder said it is needed because occupancy rates in the downtown spaces now run near 95%.

Signaling to developers, if the demand is there, what we really need now is for the development sector to step up and provide those units, to supply them to the market, she said.

Schroeder said the biggest challenge is getting developers to create more family-friendly spots, such as townhomes, to keep young professionals interested in starting their next chapter and staying in the heart of the city.

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Build housing for peoples entire life cycle downtown; that way, you dont have to leave your friends and neighbors when you move to the next cycle of your life, she said.

The study also found were on pace for meeting the need for hotels with one opening near Broadway and Douglas, bringing more than 100 units. Downtown hotels maintain a 69% occupancy rate, higher than the industry benchmark.

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(NewsNation)  Homebuyers are gaining leverage in the market, but a new report shows sellers have been slow to adjust.

A Redfin analysis found that list prices are rising more than twice as fast as sale prices, signaling a growing disconnect between buyers and sellers.

Starter homes top $1M in 233 cities: Zillow

In March, the typical newly listed home was priced at a record $469,729, but the typical home sold for significantly less  $431,057. The $38,672 difference, a 9% gap, is the largest margin between list and sales prices since May 2020.

Pandemic also caused large margin between list and sales prices

Buyers have outnumbered sellers in recent years, driving up home prices, but the tides have started to turn, and supply now exceeds demand in some areas.

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When buyers and sellers are on different planets, one side eventually has to give in, and its looking like its going to be sellers this time, Redfin Senior Economist Elijah de la Campa said in a statement.

The last time list prices outpaced sales prices by this much was during the pandemic homebuying frenzy, when bidding wars were common. Todays market dynamics are very different  inventory is up, mortgage rates are elevated, and prices remain high  but many sellers are still pricing based on past comps.

GDP drop fuels volatile stock market as voters fear recession

A lot of sellers are bringing up comps from a year ago, and I have to tell them thats no longer the environment were in, Chaley McVay, a Redfin Premier real estate agent in Portland, Oregon, said in the report.

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McVay added: A lot of house hunters are hesitant to offer under the asking price, but in this market, its not out of the ordinary to see sellers lower their prices and give concessions.

Seller concessions on the rise: Redfin report

A Redfin report earlier this month found that seller concessions are on the rise, with 44% offering perks like credit for repairs, help with closing costs or mortgage-rate buydowns.

In some markets  particularly in the Pacific Northwest  the share of sellers offering concessions was much higher: 71% in Seattle and 64% in Portland.

Redfin said another reason for the current misalignment is that many of todays sellers bought at the markets peak in 2021 and 2022 and are now trying to recoup their investment.

Where are home buyers and sellers most out of sync?

Redfin found that buyers and sellers have grown the furthest apart in West Palm Beach, Florida, where the median list price rose 9.3% year over year in March, while the median sale price dropped 0.3%.

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A wide gap has also opened up in Pittsburgh, with list prices rising 7.9 percentage points faster than sales prices. Cincinnati (7-point gap), Atlanta (6.3-point gap) and Jacksonville (6.1-point gap) rounded out the top five.

Americas housing shortage by the numbers

Of the 50 most populous metros, only eight have seen sales prices grow faster than list prices over the past year, according to Redfin.

Cleveland tops the list, where the median sale price was up 11.8% year over year in March, 7.5 percentage points faster than the median list price. Nassau County, New York, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Newark, New Jersey, also saw sales prices outpace list prices.

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The unprecedented blackout that struck mainland Spain and Portugal earlier this week has reignited the cultural and political battle over the future of nuclear energy. Spains current energy roadmap  endorsed by the European Commission  outlines a gradual phase-out of the countrys five nuclear power plants. However, the conservative Peoples Party (PP) and far-right Vox have long championed nuclear power and vehemently oppose the governments decommissioning plans.

On Tuesday, PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo launched a renewed offensive in a series of morning interviews. The urgent need for backup energy is clear, he said, referring to nuclear power. We have plenty of renewable energy, and thats good  but its volatile. Our energy system is being managed with an enormous ideological bias, he added in a radio interview, where he called for the nuclear phase-out to be reversed.

Just hours later, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, from the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE), addressed the issue from La Moncloa Palace, the seat of government. There was no problem caused by an excess of renewable energy, he said, in reference to the cause of the blackout. Those who link this incident to the lack of nuclear energy are either lying or revealing their ignorance, he continued. Sanchez also pointed out that, for safety reasons, nuclear plants could not assist in restoring the power grid after the blackout.

Spain currently has five operational nuclear power plants, and a total of seven reactors. Together, they have so far provided about 20% of the countrys electricity. However, the rise of renewable energy sources has steadily reduced nuclears share of the energy mix. This is due to the fact that nuclear plants simply cant compete with the lower costs of solar and wind energy.

Renewable energy expert Xavier Cugat notes that, just minutes before the blackout  at 12:32 p.m. on Monday  renewables were supplying around 70% of the countrys electricity demand. Only four of the seven nuclear reactors were online at that time; the rest had been shut down because they couldnt compete economically with solar and wind power.

This spring has seen repeated records in renewable energy production, leaving nuclear facilities operating well below capacity. Only two reactors were running during Easter, Cugat adds.

The pro-nuclear lobby argues that they are less competitive due to what they call the tax burden. But beyond taxes, a significant portion of their costs comes from the complex and expensive management of radioactive waste  a key reason for why nuclear power is less economically competitive than renewable energy.

But Spains political right insists on the need to provide financial support for maintaining nuclear energy in the country. Juan Bravo, the PPs deputy secretary for economic affairs, was visiting the Almaraz nuclear power plant in Caceres when the blackout occurred. His visit aimed to underscore the partys support for extending the life of the plant, which is the first scheduled for closure under the governments plan.

That roadmap to phase out nuclear power  which is set to be replaced by renewables and energy storage  did not emerge out of nowhere. It is based on an agreement that the electricity companies signed in 2019 with Enresa, the public company responsible for managing their radioactive waste.

But for the past year, power companies have begun to publicly question that timetable and are calling for the plants to remain in operation longer. However, up to now, the companies have not reached a consensus on a proposal to present to the government.

Meanwhile, time is running out for Almaraz, and this makes the planned shutdown of its first reactor  scheduled for autumn 2027  seem increasingly irreversible, further raising tensions and pressure.

The PP submitted a bill to Parliament to prevent the scheduled closure, citing the geopolitical situation as justification. In addition, the party has made its support for the governments decree to mitigate the impact of Trumps tariffs conditional on the executive agreeing to extend the life of the nuclear plants.

However, the Ministry for Ecological Transition maintains that it has not received any concrete proposals from the energy companies, which are the ones that agreed to the shutdown schedule in 2019. There is no formal proposal from the owners of Almaraz to extend the shutdown timeline, sources from the Ministry stated two weeks ago. They added: In the talks held with the companies, the ministry has also not seen any clear or unified position regarding Almarazs future. The ministry also emphasized that it has made it clear to the companies that the tax burden and waste management costs will not fall on consumers.

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HOUSTON COUNTY, Ala. (WDHN)  Houston County commissioners are working to get some funding for an industrial park in the countys southern end.

The county is hoping to get a grant on behalf of the countys industrial board to do site work for a new sewage treatment plant near the state line.

This is property the county has owned for many years, near the McLane Distribution Center in Cottonwood. The area has lacked infrastructure like water and sewer, which is why the area hasnt developed much.

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The county is hoping to get about $2-3 million to add that infrastructure, as well as do road infrastructure to help grow that area in the future.

New sports courts coming to Houston Co. town with new lodging tax funds

The water and sewer are like the last two pieces to the puzzle, so by approving this, hopefully, if we get the grant money, we will have adequate sewer, Houston County Commission Chairman Brandon Shoupe said. We are also going to finish up getting the water line to the distribution park. This will check the final two boxes, and after that, we will have a great industrial site where tenants can locate and build something new on the site.

Chairman Shoupe says the county government is crossing their fingers it will hear back about the grant sometime this summer.

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Fifty years after the fall of Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, and the end of the Vietnam War, the nation marked the anniversary with a huge military parade on Wednesday.

Hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets to watch soldiers march in front of the Independence Palace on Wednesday morning, joined by leaders including President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

After decades of brutal conflict, the war between the North and South Vietnamese forces left the country devastated, with an estimated 3 million Vietnamese dead, the nation scarred by bombs and its economy in tatters. More than 58,000 US soldiers - who supported the South - were also killed.

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The war ended as Communist North Vietnamese forces stormed Saigon, marking the defeat of South Vietnamese forces and forcing the last US officials to flee from the US embassy.

Delivering a speech at the event, general secretary of the Communist Party, To Lam, said: "After the end of the resistance war against French colonialism, like many peoples in the world, the Vietnamese people wished for a peaceful, independent and free life."

"However, the US imperialists quickly replaced the French colonialists to intervene in Vietnam, carrying out the plot to divide our country, turning the South of our country into a new type of colony, an outpost to prevent communism in Southeast Asia."

The day's events included an aerial display featuring Yak-130 trainer jets, Su-30MK2 fighters and helicopters.

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Around 13,000 personnel from the military, police, militia and mass organizations participated in the parade, along with troops from China, Laos and Cambodia. More than 100 Chinese soldiers marched alongside Vietnamese forces.
Fifty years after the fall of Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, and the end of the Vietnam War, the nation marked the anniversary with a huge military parade on Wednesday.

Hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets to watch soldiers march in front of the Independence Palace on Wednesday morning, joined by leaders including President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

After decades of brutal conflict, the war between the North and South Vietnamese forces left the country devastated, with an estimated 3 million Vietnamese dead, the nation scarred by bombs and its economy in tatters. More than 58,000 US soldiers - who supported the South - were also killed.

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The war ended as Communist North Vietnamese forces stormed Saigon, marking the defeat of South Vietnamese forces and forcing the last US officials to flee from the US embassy.

Delivering a speech at the event, general secretary of the Communist Party, To Lam, said: "After the end of the resistance war against French colonialism, like many peoples in the world, the Vietnamese people wished for a peaceful, independent and free life."

"However, the US imperialists quickly replaced the French colonialists to intervene in Vietnam, carrying out the plot to divide our country, turning the South of our country into a new type of colony, an outpost to prevent communism in Southeast Asia."

The day's events included an aerial display featuring Yak-130 trainer jets, Su-30MK2 fighters and helicopters.

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Around 13,000 personnel from the military, police, militia and mass organizations participated in the parade, along with troops from China, Laos and Cambodia. More than 100 Chinese soldiers marched alongside Vietnamese forces.

High-ranking delegations and international guests from Laos, Cambodia, El Salvador, Cuba and China attended the ceremony, but US diplomats were absent.

Their non-attendance followed an order from the Trump administration prohibiting senior diplomats in Vietnam from participating in such events.

"The Trump administration's current policies towards Vietnam only adds grist to the mill for conservatives in Vietnam who oppose getting too close to the United States," said Carl Thayer, emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales.

"Directing American diplomats not to attend reunification ceremonies on April 30 is counterproductive because it undermines Vietnam's political trust in the US."
Humanities Montana will receive a grant of up to $250,000 from the Mellon Foundation. (Catherine McQueen/Getty Images)

Humanities Montana announced Tuesday it is receiving a grant of up to $250,000 from the Mellon Foundation following news its budget was slashed as part of recent federal budget cuts.

The contribution is made up of an immediate $200,000 and an additional $50,000 available in matching grants, according to a news release from Humanities Montana.

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The money is part of a $15 million emergency funding commitment from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for all 56 states and jurisdictional councils of the Federation of State Humanities Councils, according to the news release.

Match the grant

Any donations received by Humanities Montana starting April 29, 2025, count towards the match, Humanities Montana said. Members of the public can donate to Humanities Montana by visiting www.humanitiesmontana.org.

Humanities Montana Executive Director Jill Baker said the organization is deeply grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support it has received in response to news early this month that its federal grant was being terminated.

This significant investment from the Mellon Foundation is a powerful affirmation of the value of public humanities, Baker said in a statement. Investing in the public good, our communities, and our neighbors has always been a source of pride for Montanans. I remain hopeful that this tradition will hold.

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Humanities Montana supports cultural and civics programs across the state. It passes on most of the money it receives to other organizations and cultural projects, and last year, it said funding reached all 56 counties.

In the news release Tuesday, Humanities Montana said the money comes at a critical moment, when $65 million in federal support for state humanities councils has been eliminated as a result of federal cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities.

However, Humanities Montana also said a nearly $500,000 shortfall remains.

Additional support is necessary in order to continue providing a robust level of public humanities programming, which brings writers, poets, historians, scholars, artists, and performers to museums, community centers, parks, libraries, and educational institutions, including in public, private, and homeschool settings, across Big Sky Country, the organization said in the news release.

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On April 2, Humanities Montana received a letter from the acting chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities that said its grant was terminated in its entirety effective the same day, April 2.

The letter cited an executive order from the Trump administration to reduce federal bureaucracy and safeguard the interests of the federal government, including its fiscal priorities.

The termination of your grant represents an urgent priority for the administration, the letter said.

In the news release Tuesday, Humanities Montana said the loss totaled $725,000.

The funder and network of humanities councils praised the impact the arts have on communities in a separate news release Tuesday from the Mellon Foundation.

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The places where American communities come together to read, learn, and engage with the humanities vast and varied forms of knowledge and creativity are often those supported by these councils, said Elizabeth Alexander, president of the Mellon Foundation, in a statement.

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation describes itself as the nations largest supporter of the arts and humanities with a belief that the humanities and arts are essential to human understanding.

Federation of State Humanities Councils President Phoebe Stein said the support from the Mellon Foundation allows the Federation to preserve the network, along with the connections and understanding it fosters.

This is more than a grant  its a lifeline for communities across the country who rely on their humanities councils programs and grants to fill critical needs and enrich their lives, Stein said in a statement.

Founded in 1977, the Federation of State Humanities Councils is the membership organization of the 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils.
Hungary's Parliament voted on April 29 to approve the country's withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced on X.

The decision formalizes Hungary's intention, first announced in early April during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Budapest.

The move follows the ICC's issuance of an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes committed in Gaza  a move Budapest has sharply criticized.

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"With this decision, we refuse to be part of a politicized institution that has lost its impartiality and credibility," Szijjarto wrote.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar welcomed Hungary's move, according to the Times of Israel. Following the vote, withdrawing from the ICC jurisdiction will take a year, once Budapest officially notifies the U.N. Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, of its decision

The ICC, established in 2002 under the Rome Statute, is a permanent tribunal based in The Hague that prosecutes individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.

In March 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over the forcible deportation of children from Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine.

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Despite the warrant, Mongolia hosted Putin for an official visit in September 2024, citing energy dependence as its reason for not executing the arrest and saying it had limited options.

Read also: I dont trust a lot of people  Trump offers contradictory views on Putins intentions in interview on first 100 days

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  An exciting musical event supporting band students is set to take place on Saturday, May 3rd, at the Huntington High School gymnasium.

The Raider Jukebox Spring Band/Drumline Jamboree will welcome multiple bands from Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas.

Huntington Band Director Roderick Jefferson says the community support for this event allows them to have a successful band season.

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Lady Raiders historic basketball championship win honored in Shreveport

This helps us with all the necessities for traveling and mouthpieces, and reeds. We dont get a budget like the Texas schools get or the Mississippi schools. Our budget is our band fees and these eventsand then it shows the kids that the community supports them, says Jefferson.

Dont miss your chance to see these talented young students show off their band skills while also contributing to their overall band experience with Huntington High.

Doors open at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Tickets are now on sale for $10 online; they can also be purchased at the door for $15. Children 5 and under are free.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Voters in Iberville Parish approved the renewal of a longstanding property tax that funds the parishs public library system.

The 4-mill tax, first approved in 1996, was voted to be renewed for 15 more years, beginning in 2026 and running through 2040. According to the Iberville Parish Library, the tax currently funds 98% of the systems annual budget and brings in an estimated $4.87 million per year.

The millage will remain unchanged, and proceeds will continue to support maintenance, operations, and capital expenditures for the library system and its eight branches. By law, the funds must be administered by the Iberville Parish Library Board of Control.

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The proposition passed with 75% of the vote.

The Iberville Parish Library System operates branches in the following communities:

Bayou Pigeon

Bayou Sorrel

East Iberville

Grosse Tete

Maringouin

Plaquemine

Rosedale

White Castle

Read the official proposition text here.

May 3 Election Results: See who won vacant House District 67 seat; did tax to fund DAs office pass or fail?

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  ICEs Salt Lake City area has made less arrests this year than in 2023, despite increased enforcement.

According to ICE, the Salt Lake City area covers Utah, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana. Since the beginning of 2025, 766 arrests have been documented according to ICEs most recent data.

In 2023, ICE had performed 2,159 arrests by April 30. In 2024, ICE reported 1,120 arrests through the first four months.

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A spokesperson from ICE issued the following statement:

ICE has significantly increased its immigration enforcement activities since January 20 with additional support from other federal law enforcement and Department of Defense partners. ICE is compiling and validating the data and is working toward publishing our enforcement statistics on a monthly basis in an effort to keep the American people informed about the results of our efforts with the most accurate information. Statistics are currently three months in arrears and published on a quarterly basis. Spokesperson with Immigration and Customs Enforcements statement

Month to month, 2023 arrests still outnumber 2025 numbers. In Jan. 2023, ICEs Salt Lake City area reported 982 arrests in January alone.

Utah immigration lawyer, who is a naturalized U.S. citizen, ordered to self-deport

I have seen parents afraid to take their children to school and even skip important appointments because they fear being detained, Linda Stone, Senior Director with the charity group MomsRising, told ABC4.com.

Shortly after his re-election, President Trump promised to carry out  the largest deportation program in American history to get the criminals out.

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Nationally, ICE reports 26,606 arrests in 2025 so far. In 2023, arrests reached 63,600 in the first four months. ICE made 18,170 arrests in Jan. 2023 alone.

There are over 300 thousand immigrants in Utah. They are our neighbors, our co-workers, and they are the families [with whom] we interact every day, Stone said.

ABC News contributed to this reporting.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Kristi Noem got all glammed up for a photo-op to mark President Donald Trumps first 100 days in office.

The Homeland Security secretary hopped on an ATV as she patrolled the U.S.-Mexico border wall in El Paso, Texas Monday with a posse of border patrol agents.

Photos published by Homeland Security on Tuesday showed Noem donning a full face of makeup, pearl earrings with a matching necklace, and her beloved gold Rolex Daytona (worth nearly $60,000) as she posed for action star-themed photos.

In 100 days, President Trump and Secretary Noem have delivered the most secure border in American history.



The world is hearing our message: do not come to this country illegally. If you do, we will arrest you, deport you and you will never return. pic.twitter.com/WUnhyoPoNJ  Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 29, 2025

In 100 days, President Trump and Secretary Noem have delivered the most secure border in American history, the agency wrote on X. The world is hearing our message: do not come to this country illegally. If you do, we will arrest you, deport you and you will never return.

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A video of Noems border wall visit showed her speaking with agents and cruising on board an ATV while wearing her signature fatigue green Border Patrol cap and bulletproof vest.

They walk the line, stand with their people, and lead from the front, U.S. Border Patrol said on Instagram.

Noem, who earned the moniker ICE Barbie for her steady stream of glamorous publicity stunts, said earlier this month that shes going to keep playing dress-up for the cameras despite criticism from both sides of the aisle.

The Homeland Security secretary has reportedly become the subject of mockery in the White House for her long list of stunts, including a photo-op in the cockpit of a Coast Guard plane, another where she was seemingly unaware that she was pointing a rifle at an immigration officers head, and an infamous propaganda video in front of shirtless detainees at a notorious El Salvador mega-prison.

Kristi Noem earlier drew flak for posing for photos in front of detainees at CECOT, the notorious mega-prison in El Salvador. / ALEX BRANDON / Alex Brandon/AFP via Getty Images

Every day I wake up and theres new criticisms. It something different every single day, so I try not to pay attention to the noise, Noem told Fox News. Obviously Im guided by the folks that I work with every day to be appropriate for the situation that Im in and to take the same that precautions they do.

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The Homeland Security Department touted over 142,000 deportations so far in Trumps second term, noting that this is just the beginning.

Kristi Noem also rode an ATV last month as she toured the Nogales border wall at the Mariposa Port of Entry in Arizona. / Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Data released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Tuesday showed that over 65,000 people were deported during Trumps first 100 days, placing the administrations daily average at about 660far below Trumps long-promised mass deportation blitz. The Biden administration deported roughly 742 migrants per day in 2024, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Editors note: This story has been updated to correctly identify and link to the businesses involved.

DENVER (KDVR)  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said three Colorado businesses are facing $8 million in fines due to illegal alien employment violations.

On Wednesday, ICE posted on X that they issued a notice of intent to fine three local businesses for employment violations. The violations were discovered following worksite audits.

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The companies that will be fined, according to ICE, are:

CCS Denver, Inc.  Fined $6,186,171 after a 100% substantive violation rate and evidence of knowingly hiring and employing at least 87 unauthorized workers

PBC Commercial Cleaning Systems, Inc.  Fined $1,599,510 for a 74% violation rate and a pattern of knowingly employing at least 12 unauthorized workers

Green Management Denver  Fined $270,195 after a 100% violation rate and identification of 44 unauthorized employees

Nearly 1,000 vehicles seized in Aurora through 3 strike policy since new law began

FOX31 found that CCS Denver, Inc. offers commercial cleaning and facility maintenance services. They have multiple locations. PBC Commercial Cleaning Systems, Inc. offers professional commercial cleaning services in Denver.

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The employment of unauthorized workers undermines the integrity of our immigration system and puts law-abiding employers at a disadvantage, said Special Agent in Charge Steve Cagen. These penalties reinforce our commitment to uphold the law and promote a culture of compliance.

ICE said they focus on making sure businesses comply with federal employment laws with I-9 audits, civil penalties and prosecution when applicable.

Investigating businesses that employ illegal immigration has been going on for decades, Former Field Office Director for ICE John Fabbricatore told FOX31s Nicole Fierro.

It has happened through every presidential administration.

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Fabbricatore broke down the process to Fierro.

They performed an I-9 audit in which they found, you know, multiple Social Security number probably mismatches and no matches, he said. So, they went through with a civil violation of that and fined these companies for employing people who are unlawfully present in the United States and unauthorized to work in the United States.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
For the first time in almost a century, Canadas two main parties, which have alternated in power for decades, each obtained around 43% of the vote in the parliamentary elections held this Monday. The endorsement confirms the historic dimension of the election, with Canada in the crosshairs of the U.S. president, his tariff war, and his imperialist threats of annexation. Mark Carney, the Liberal leader who won the election, doubled down on his warnings to Washington in his victory speech, addressing Donald Trump by stating that Canada has many more options and potential partners and allies and needs not cower in the face of his threats. Trump is trying to break us, but that will never, ever happen, was both his battle cry and victory cry.

When I sit down with President Trump, it will be to discuss the future economic and security relationship between two sovereign nations, and it will be with our full knowledge that we have many, many other options than the United States to build prosperity for all Canadians, said Carney, anticipating one of the main challenges of his new term. He cited Europe and Asia as continents where Canada can find new partners.

According to local media reports, the leader is expected to form a new cabinet in the next two weeks. A senior Liberal official told The Globe and Mail that by Canada Day, on July 1, the government plans to present a new budget that includes the promised middle-class tax cuts and legislation to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers. Carney will also reduce the number of portfolios in his government to no more than 30. But his top priority is to immediately begin new trade and security negotiations with the Trump administration, especially as tariffs on cars and auto parts are scheduled to take effect on May 3.

The main challenge for Carney, a two-time central banker in Canada and the United Kingdom, will be managing an increasingly tense relationship with the United States, as demonstrated by the Republicans interference on Canadas election day when he reminded Canadians that he still wants to make their country the 51st state of the United States. His message on the Truth Social platform was flatly rejected by both Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who otherwise shares the Republicans ideology.

We are over the shock of the American betrayal, but we should never forget the lessons, Carney warned in his victory speech early Tuesday morning. As Ive been warning for months, America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country. These are not idle threats: President Trump is trying to break us, so that America can own us. That will never, ever happen, but we also must recognize the reality that our world has fundamentally changed, he added, recalling that the traditional and privileged relationship between the two neighboring countries since World War II has ended and that other countries with fewer ties to Canada now appear better positioned both to engage in trade relations and to cooperate in matters of security and defense.

Foreign policy had not dominated a Canadian election campaign since 1988, when, ironically, free trade with the United States was the predominant theme of political platforms and speeches. Achieving an armistice in the tariff war will be Carneys priority, given that more than 75% of Canadian exports go to the United States, and Trumps desire for automakers to move production to the U.S. could be the final straw in that offensive. During the campaign, Carney promised that every dollar the government raises from counter-tariffs on U.S. products would go to workers harmed by the trade war, particularly those in the aluminum, steel, and auto industries.

The Liberals and Conservatives engaged in a close race that had not yet concluded this Monday in key ridings of the Greater Toronto Area, the countrys economic capital. However, it left the former on the verge of an absolute majority, and the latter in a better position than the polls had predicted, although their leader, Pierre Poilievre, lost his House seat to a Liberal. He will be the leader of the opposition, but without parliamentary representation.

The Liberals re-election to a fourth consecutive term, following Justin Trudeaus three previous terms, is a victory in itself, given the poor results predicted by the polls just two months ago. Far from the triumphalism of other leaders, Carney based his victory speech on the value of humility, which will be a stark contrast to Trumps arrogance when they sit down to negotiate the tariff offensive and the free trade agreement, which Carney considered dead when he announced the end of the privileged relationship in late March.

An elusive majority

With most ballots counted, it increasingly looks like Carney will lead a minority government that will require additional support from other parties in parliament to approve some of his initiatives. In any case, his mandate will revolve around Canadas resilience, independence, national cohesion, and unity as the main assets to withstand Trumps onslaught. No matter where you live, no matter what language you speak, no matter how you voted, I will always do my best to represent everyone who calls Canada home., he stated, with a clear nod to his political detractors and the millions of foreigners who swell Canadas demographics, which have grown exponentially during Trudeaus years in power.

Carneys governing plans are as much about the economy as they are about redefining the country and its national cohesion, which has been somewhat disjointed since Trudeau defined Canada as a post-national country in 2015. Canadas new formulationthe classic one, a country founded on its dual British and French heritagewould not only bring it closer to Europe, but also to the potential support that a minority government would need to manage its foreign and domestic economies, such as from the separatist Bloc Quebecois, from French-speaking Quebec.

The Liberals were projected to win 169 seats of Parliaments 343 seats (an outright majority is set at 172) while the Conservatives were projected to win 144. The separatist Bloc Quebecois party was expected to finish with 22 seats, the progressive New Democrats with seven and the Greens with one.

This means that Carney may be able to rely on the support of the New Democrats and avoid collaborating with the Bloc, which would impose more difficult conditions, such as the management of immigration or its non-negotiable secularism law, which the Liberals reject.

The New Democrats not only lost seats, but also their leader, Jagmeet Singh, who after eight years in office has been the hardest hit by tactical voting and the shift of votes to Carney. With their support for previous Trudeau governments, the New Democrats had managed to pull the Liberals slightly to the left. While the last parliament seats wait to be allocated, what is certain is that Carney will be able to form a new government. In Canada there are no coalition governments, nor are there rewards in the form of ministerial positions or senior posts for the party that supports the executive when necessary.

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EVANSVILLE  A raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Evansville on Tuesday unearthed long-simmering fears among the citys immigrant community that local residents could be targeted for arrest, advocates said.

The ICE operation was the first of its kind in Evansville since President Donald Trump took office in January, and it prompted dozens of protesters to gather outside Evansvilles federal courthouse Tuesday evening, where speakers said some immigrants and their families were scared to leave their homes in light of the raid.

Luis Alejandro Gonzalez, a 19-year-old University of Evansville theatre major, said some of his friends were "too scared to come out" because they were in the United States on student visas or other forms of temporary residency.

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"We have multiple students in our department who are from Venezuela, or Haiti, or who are not from America, and those are the people living in fear right now," Gonzalez said.

Wendy Bredhold, who helped organize the protest on behalf of the progressive advocacy group Indivisible Evansville, said the high turnout for a hastily organized protest in the midst of a severe thunderstorm watch "showed how much the community is upset."

Few details have emerged about who ICE targeted Tuesday or what prompted federal officers to carry out what the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office described as an "enforcement operation" in Evansville. Authorities have not released the names of anyone detained by ICE.

White House border czar Tom Homan has said in recent days that immigration enforcement operations in non-border states such as Indiana serve to protect national security by taking violent criminals off the streets  but he warned that anyone in the country unlawfully could face arrest.

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"When we go out and do these operations... we're targeting public safety threats and national security threats," Homan told CBS News this week. "I'll caveat that: No one's off the table. If you're in the country illegally, you're on the table."

According to Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson, his agency offered to assist ICE with the operation in Evansville if it targeted criminals with felony warrants, but federal officials said they were looking to detain people for "immigration misdemeanors only."

A local law enforcement official who asked not be named because they were not authorized to speak publicly told the Courier & Press at least one of the people detained Tuesday is an Evansville father with no criminal record other than an immigration violation.

Dozens of protesters gathered outside the federal courthouse in Downtown Evansville Tuesday, April 29, 2025, hours after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in the city.

Locals react to ICE enforcement operation

While Bredhold views the protest as a sign that Evansville residents aren't pleased with the prospect of immigration raids in their city, other locals took to social media Tuesday to applaud the ICE agents.

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"Finally," one woman wrote underneath an Evansville news station's post detailing the enforcement operation. "If you want to live here do it the right way!"

"Thank goodness," another wrote. "Maybe they'll go after the Haitians next."

Aleah Fox, a 21-year-old University of Evansville junior who attended Tuesday's protest, said she had nothing to say to those who were joyful about the arrests other than "I will pray for them."

"I'm praying for them to find love in their hearts and to ask God to let them realize that hey, we're all meant to be here, we all have the right to be here," Fox said.

Taste of Haiti event is canceled

The ICE operation prompted Gelina Mascoe, the Haitian Center of Evansvilles director, to cancel a long-planned event celebrating Haitian Flag Day, she said in a video posted online. Mascoe cited concerns that the Taste of Haiti event could become a target for ICE  a risk she wasnt willing to shoulder.

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You won," Mascoe said. We don't get to display the beauty that is our culture. We don't get to share that. Because you don't want us to."

Concern about wrongful deportations

The protesters who gathered Tuesday night amidst a severe thunderstorm warning said they were deeply concerned that lawful immigrants could be swept up by ICE, citing reports from other cities about wrongful arrests and deportations.

One speaker, who identified herself as the wife of a Colombian immigrant, held back tears as she described the fear rippling through Evansville's Hispanic community.

"I have a little Colombian flag in my rearview mirror that I took down today, because I felt like it was going to make us a target," she said.

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In an interview outside the federal courthouse, First Presbyterian Church minister Jerusha Van Camp said she worried the Haitian immigrants who frequent the church's Little Lambs shop, which serves new parents, could be "taken without due process."

Fox, who said her family is Hispanic and Palestinian, told the Courier & Press she had assumed ICE would target the countrys major metropolitan areas rather than Evansville. Tuesdays sweep by federal officers shattered her notion that Evansville would be insulated from Trumps immigration crackdown.

"You come to Evansville, Indiana, and you're like, 'This is just a small city; you're not going to see ICE here, you're not going to see people getting detained or anything like that," Fox said. "But then you do."

Houston Harwood can be contacted at houston.harwood@courierpress.com.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Evansville immigration protest after ICE raid targeted city on Tuesday
Think twice about taking children to a museum housing expensive art. Scratch that, maybe just leave them at home.

That's arguably the moral of the story after a child reportedly damaged a Mark Rothko painting worth a whopping $56 million. The damage happened at the famed Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

According to the BBC, a museum spokesperson said it's considering the "next steps" to repair the American painter's 1960 abstract Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8 painting. Those "next steps" includes searching for a conservation expert in the country and abroad. A Dutch outlet reported that the damage occurred during an "unguarded moment."

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As far as the painting's damage, a spokesperson told the BBC that the damage is "superficial," and that "small scratches are visible in the unvarnished paint layer in the lower part of the painting."

Related: Museum Had Surprising Response After Toddler Smashed 3,500-Year-Old Artifact

It's worth noting that a conservationist reportedly said that the painting in question is "particularly susceptible to damage." The painting had been hanging in the museum's Depot, which is a publicly accessible storage facility next to the main museum, as part of an exhibition displaying the gallery's favorite collection.

The museum is optimistic that the painting will be on display again, but fixing the damage will be difficult because "Rothko's mixture of pigments and resins and glues were quite complex."

NEW YORK - APRIL 11: Sotheby's staff stand by Mark Rothko's White Center (Yellow, Pink and Lavender on Rose) April 11, 2007 at Sotheby's auction house in New York. Sotheby's is planning a sale of hundreds of Russian art pieces on April 16 and 17. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images) Chris Hondros/Getty Images

This incident is eerily reminiscent to another Rothko painting that was intentionally damaged in 2012, when a man defaced a 1958 painting with graffiti.

The man apologized for his action, but he was ultimately sentenced to two years in prison. During the trial, prosecutors said it would cost more than $266,000 to repair the damage, and it took conservators 18 months to repair the damage.
CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO)  Less than 12 hours after he allegedly opened fire on another driver on a Chicago expressway, Illinois State Police said they identified and arrested the suspect for attempted murder.

According to ISP, on April 27th, Chicago Police notified the agency of a shooting on Interstate 94 northbound near 71st Street. In the incident, the victims vehicle suffered bullet damage, but both the driver and passenger escaped unharmed.

ISP agents identified Freddie Jones, 33, of Chicago, as the suspect and were able to take him into custody.

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Jones was charged with two counts of Attempted Murder and two counts of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm.

He remains in custody, police said.

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PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  A citizen of Mexico was sentenced to more than three years in prison after illegally entering the U.S. multiple times after his felony conviction in 2017.

38-year-old Martin Martinez-Ballinas had already been deported twice previously from the U.S., according to court documents. In 2017, he was convicted of a felony automotive offense that killed an off-duty marine. The incident was a result of a traffic accident.

Trump says he could return Abrego Garcia to US, but wont

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After he was sentenced, Martinez-Ballinas was deported in 2020 for the first time.

After his initial deportation, U.S. Border Patrol apprehended Martinez-Ballinas for trying to cross the southern border into Texas in 2021. He was subsequently convicted of his first illegal reentry offense in the Southern District of Texas and sentenced to 15 months in prison.

Following this sentence, in October 2022, Martinez-Ballinas was deported to Mexico for a second time.

In December 2023, Martinez-Ballinas knowingly and intentionally reentered the U.S. before being apprehended by ICE in Maryland, according to a release. He was convicted on April 29 for illegally reentering the United States following a felony conviction.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
Detail from one of the declassified documents about Nazi doctor Josef Mengele, who fled to Argentina after World War II.

On June 22, 1949, Nazi war criminal Josef Mengele arrived at the port of Buenos Aires in search of impunity. Known as The Angel of Death for murdering thousands and conducting grotesque experiments at the Auschwitz concentration camp, Mengele entered Argentina using a false passport under the name Helmut Gregor. He was 38 years old and claimed to be a mechanical technician looking to begin a new life far from his country after World War II. He felt so secure that, six years later, he applied for new documentation under his real name and remained in Buenos Aires until the arrest of fellow Nazi officer Adolf Eichmann by Israeli secret services.

The movements of Mengele, Eichmann, and other high-ranking members of Hitlers regime in Argentina can now be traced thanks to a trove of declassified documents recently published online by Argentinas National Archive (AGN).

The collection, comprising nearly 2,000 documents, was originally declassified in 1992 but could only be consulted in person at the AGN. On Monday, President Javier Mileis government announced it would make the materials publicly accessible, following the delivery of a copy to the Simon Wiesenthal Center, which is currently investigating Credit Suisses alleged ties to Nazism. [The Argentine state] has no reason to continue safeguarding this information, said Chief of Staff Guillermo Francos during the announcement.

Hitlers private secretary, Martin Bormann, arrived in Argentina in 1948, followed by Mengele in 1949 and Adolf Eichmann  one of the chief architects of the Holocaust  in 1950. All three fled Europe via the so-called Ratlines  clandestine escape routes used by Nazi fugitives  and settled in Argentina, which at the time was governed by Juan Domingo Peron.

From refuge to extradition

According to Ariel Gelblung, director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the newly released archives may not provide new information for experts, but will allow all interested parties to examine original sources and draw their own conclusions about the years when Argentina served as a sanctuary for fugitive war criminals. This shows how Argentinas position on this issue in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s was very different from what it was after the return of democracy in 1983, when all the war criminals found were extradited.

The initial impunity is evident when looking at the official documents. Mengeles police record shows that on November 26, 1956, he applied for a new national identity document as Jose Mengele, a manufacturer by profession, in connection with the rectification of his first and last name. With his true identity restored, he crossed into Uruguay to marry his brothers widow, and the two returned to live in Argentina.

A press release on Martin Borman's presence in Argentina, recently declassified by the National Archives. Archivo General de la Nacion

The earliest official documents on this Nazi war criminal do not reveal any awareness of his past  something that did not surprise experts. However, later intelligence reports include publications describing Mengele as a monster of Auschwitz. One such report is a 1959 article from The Jerusalem Post, which states that the crimes attributed to Mengele include the selection of Jewish prisoners sent to him for medical experiments followed by death in gas chambers, the personal killing of Jewish prisoners by phenol injections, throwing newborns into fire in front of their mothers, and the murder of a 14-year-old girl with a knife.

The files on other Nazi criminals are similar, and include articles from foreign newspapers detailing the crimes committed and the locations where these individuals were allegedly hiding, as well as telegrams and correspondence between national and international agencies.

Adolf Eichmann, head of Hitlers Office of Jewish Affairs, used a passport issued by the Red Cross to enter Argentina in 1950 under the alias Ricardo Klement, a stateless technician supposedly born in the Italian city of Bolzano. He lived for years in a house in San Fernando, a city north of Buenos Aires.

The high-ranking Nazi officer never suspected he had been discovered and was being surveilled by 11 Israeli agents led by Isser Harel, who oversaw the team that abducted Eichmann as he stepped off a bus on May 11, 1960. According to the declassified documents, the operation received assistance from members of Argentinas security forces.

Nine days later, Mossad agents sedated him, dressed him as an airline pilot, and smuggled him onto a flight bound for Tel Aviv. Upon arrival, Harel called then-Israeli prime minister David Ben-Gurion. I have a gift for you, he said. Two years later, on May 31, 1962, after being found guilty of crimes against humanity, Eichmann was executed by hanging.

Detail from a press release about Adolf Eichmann, who lived in Argentina under the name Riccardo Klement. Archivo General de la Nacion

As the net tightened, Mengele fled first to Paraguay and then crossed into Brazil, where he drowned in 1979 under the alias Wolfgang Gerhard. The truth did not come to light until 1985.

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Nazi war criminals reached Argentina thanks to an international network that provided them with false passports and helped them settle within the countrys borders and remain undetected  Mengeles case being a prime example. The doctor first stayed in a Buenos Aires hotel, then moved into the home of Gerhard Malbranc, one of the frontmen managing Nazi funds.

The path of those funds  allegedly stolen from Jews, sent to Argentina to finance pro-Nazi businessmen, and partly returned to Europe through the bank known today as Credit Suisse  is still unclear. It is the subject of an investigation, on which the Simon Wiesenthal Center hopes to have news between February and March of next year, according to Gelblung.

These accounts ranged from German companies such as IG Farben [the supplier of Zyklon-B gas, used to exterminate Jews and other victims of Nazism] to financial institutions such as the German Transatlantic Bank and the German Bank of South America. These two banks apparently served as transfer channels for Nazis en route to Switzerland, the Simon Wiesenthal Center told EL PAIS when the investigation began in 2020.

Some Nazi leaders, such as SS Captain Erich Priebke, managed to live in Argentina undisturbed even after the countrys return to democracy. Priebke settled in the Patagonian city of Bariloche and remained under the radar of justice until 1991, when he was interviewed by Argentine writer Esteban Buch and spoke openly about his role in the Ardeatine Caves massacre, where 335 Italians were executed on Hitlers orders. Three years later, when a team from the U.S. network ABC returned to interview him, the footage made global headlines and prompted widespread calls for his extradition to Italy. Priebke was sent to Rome, tried, and sentenced to life imprisonment for his crimes.

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(Reuters) - India shut its airspace to Pakistani airlines on Wednesday, the government said, days after its nuclear-armed neighbour banned Indian airlines from flying over its territory following the killing of 26 men in an attack on tourists in Kashmir.

The ban will last from April 30 to May 23, the Indian government said in a notice.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a phone call on Wednesday evening that he "categorically rejected Indian attempts to link Pakistan to the incident," Sharif's office said in a statement.

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He called for a transparent, credible and neutral investigation and urged the U.S. to impress upon India to "dial down the rhetoric and act responsibly," it added.

India's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The impact of the ban on Pakistan's airline industry is likely to be smaller than on India's since only Pakistan International Airlines operates routes to Kuala Lumpur using Indian airspace.

Last week, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian-owned or operated airlines, suspending all trade including through third countries and halting special South Asian visas issued to Indian nationals.

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PIA, the national carrier, said on Tuesday it had decided to avoid Indian airspace in the wake of rising bilateral tensions.

Pakistan said on Wednesday it has "credible intelligence" that India intends to launch military action soon, as tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours escalate following the deadly attack on tourists.

India has identified the three attackers, including two Pakistani nationals, as "terrorists" waging a violent revolt in Muslim-majority Kashmir. Islamabad has denied any role and called for a neutral investigation.

Since the attack, the nations have unleashed a raft of measures against each other, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty.

(Reporting by Mrinmay Dey, Abhijith Ganapavaram and Surbhi Misra; Additional reporting by Ariba Shahid; Editing by Gareth Jones and Richard Chang)
The News

India is ramping up its Latin America presence to tap the regions vast mineral reserves, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailing a new energy in relations.

New Delhis green targets have fed a push for greater access to key minerals such as copper and lithium, used in renewables technologies, with Chile a particular target: Modi recently met with Chiles leader and hosted a meeting of Latin American businesses, and India has been expanding its continental embassy network in recent years.

The moves reflect a growing awareness that securing access to critical minerals is a strategic imperative, an expert said. However, New Delhi will face competition from Beijing and Washington, the biggest trading partners for almost all the region.
The threat of a greater conflict between Pakistan and India continues to grow.

"The root cause of tension in the region is the unresolved issue of Kashmir," Ishaq Dar, Pakistani's deputy prime minister, said at a press conference Wednesday where he addressed the growing tensions between the two countries.

India is blaming Pakistan for a deadly attack in the disputed Kashmir region that occurred last week. The militant attack, known as the Pahalgam incident, left 26 people dead in Indian-held Kashmir.

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Pakistan has credible evidence that India intends to carry out military action against Pakistan in the coming days, Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Wednesday.

There was an exchange of fire between Pakistan and India on the Kashmir border Wednesday, a Pakistani military source told ABC News.

Pakistan is also currently conducting military exercises in various parts of the country, according to the Pakistani military source. The goal of these exercises is to keep Pakistani armed forces in total preparedness for any potential military incursion from India, the source said.

Pakistan "condemns all kinds of terrorism" and Pakistan believes India is "trying to destabilize the region," Dar told reporters. The country is "in contact with the international community to avoid any conflict," he added.

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Pakistan is also demanding an "independent and transparent investigation" into the Pahalgam incident, Dar said, and it will respond strongly if there is any incursion from India.

India is planning military action against Pakistan in coming days, Pakistani official says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The News

India appeared poised to carry out military action against Pakistan, as tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors neared boiling point following a deadly attack in Kashmir.

Indias prime minister today gave his military complete operational freedom to respond to the shooting of 26 people in territory it controls, blaming the assault on Pakistan.

Islamabad  which denies the charge  said it had credible intelligence of an imminent Indian attack.

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A military response has wide backing within India, with a respected former minister and government critic arguing in The Indian Express for something more kinetic than diplomatic missives and economic sanctions.

The rhetoric has heightened fears, with one India expert noting in Foreign Affairs that the risks of escalation are higher than ever.
KARNAL, India (AP)  When Aishanya and Shubham Dwivedi married in February, they began planning a vacation to Indian-controlled Kashmir to celebrate.

As the couple paused for a snack in its lush Pahalgam meadow surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, a man approached them from behind. He didn't look threatening at first, Aishanya told The Associated Press. She thought he might be a local guide.

She said the man looked at the couple with piercing eyes and asked one question: Are you a Hindu or a Muslim? If they were Muslim, he said, they should recite the Islamic declaration of faith.

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The couple froze. Aishanya thought it was perhaps some local performance. We are Hindus," her husband said.

Without hesitation, the man pulled out a gun and shot him point blank in the head, Aishanya, 29, said, and sobbed. Her husband collapsed on her, soaking her in blood.

The man turned the gun on her, then changed his mind. She said the intent was clear: He wanted to kill men and leave women behind to mourn, cry and narrate the dastardly ordeal.

She heard the man, joined by other attackers, tell tourists: Tell your government. Tell Modi what we did. The tourists ran for their lives.

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Authorities with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government have shared few details of last week's attack in Kashmir in which gunmen killed 26 people, most of them local Hindu tourists. It was one of the deadliest assaults in years targeting civilians in the restive region claimed by both India and Pakistan.

The AP spoke with survivors for some of the first witness accounts of the killings that were claimed by a previously unknown militant group calling itself the Kashmir Resistance. India has blamed Pakistan for supporting the massacre. Pakistan denies it. Both warn of imminent military action.

Most of the dead were Indians drawn to Kashmir, its beauty often captured in Bollywood films. In 2019, India revoked the regions semiautonomous status, a decision the government said would help spur development in Kashmir and integrate it more fully. Since then, violence had largely declined.

Survivors said the horror of the attack is unshakable. They also question how authorities allowed it to occur in one of the militarized places on earth, where Indian soldiers are nearly ubiquitous.

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It was a big security lapse," said Sunil Swami, whose son-in-law Vinay Narwal, a naval officer, was killed. He said the government should invite tourists to Kashmir only if foolproof security is provided: Give it in writing and guarantee it.

Swami recounted what his daughter, who was on honeymoon, told him. Men in camouflage uniforms shot people dead after confirming their religion, Swami said.

They shot down three bullets into my son-in-laws neck, chest and thighs after realizing he was a Hindu, he said.

Rajashree Akul, teacher in Mumbai, said three men from her elder sister Anushka Mones family were killed. Two gunmen in uniform asked tourists to identify themselves as Hindu or Muslims, she said, recalling her sister's witness account.

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My brother-in-law begged them to Let us go, saying We are innocent tourists. They didnt listen to him and shot him dead, Akul said.

Loved ones are now struggling with grief and regret.

Tage Mali, who is posted in Kashmir for India's army, rues that he couldnt save his younger brother Tage Hailyang, an Air Force officer, who was shot dead in front of his wife, Charu Kamhua.

Tage Mali said his brothers transfer orders had come, so he invited his wife to see Kashmirs beauty before they left.

The wife told Tage Mali they heard gunshots, and gunmen came to Tage Hailyang and asked for his credentials. As soon as they established his identity, they shot him.
After the state legislature passed a biennial budget that slashed funding for Dolly Partons Imagination Library, Indiana First Lady Maureen Braun announced Tuesday a fundraising initiative to fund the program.

But Lake County library officials said a potential decrease in funding would result in pausing the program expansion that occurred under the previous state funding. Additionally, local officials raised concerns about the state finding new fundraising sources because local libraries already fundraise for 50% of the program costs.

When you seek donations from private donors, you never know how long their funding source will last. Its more of a constant. You will always be constantly seeking for private donations in order to continue to run your program, and I think thats just more challenging to do, Carol Daumer Gutjahr, the executive director of the Lake County Public Library.

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Dolly Partons Imagination Library mails monthly age-appropriate books to enrolled children from birth to 5 years old. The families receive the books for free as The Dollywood Foundation pays for administrative costs and negotiates wholesale pricing and local community partners fundraise to cover the cost of mailing and the agreed-upon wholesale book price.

Maureen Braun will work with philanthropic organizations and state leaders to secure funding to support the beloved book gifting program that promotes early childhood literacy, according to a news release.

Reading opens up a world of imagination for kids, and having books in the home benefits children in school and throughout their lives, Maureen Braun said in the release. Im proud to champion this effort to keep Dolly Partons Imagination Library growing strong here in Indiana and to help Hoosier kids develop a lifelong love of reading.

Jeff Conyers, president and vice chair of The Dollywood Foundation, said in a statement that he appreciates Governor Mike Brauns commitment to early childhood literacy and the first ladys championing of the Imagination Library, which brings books to over 125,000 Hoosier children across the state.

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We are encouraged by Governor and First Lady Brauns support to ensure its future in Indiana. We look forward to working with the Governor and First Lady, state leaders, and Local Program Partners to keep books in the hands of Indianas youngest learners and strengthen this foundation for a lifetime of success, Conyers said.

In the biennial budget approved in 2023, the state legislature approved $2 million in fiscal year 2023-2024 for Dolly Partons Imagination Library and $4 million in fiscal year 2024-2025. In the biennial budget the legislature passed at the end of the 2025 session, the funding for the program was eliminated.

In Indiana, the total Imagination Library cost per child per year is $31, said Julie Wendorf, the director of the Crown Point Library and Crown Point Rotary Club leader of the Imagination Library program. With state funding, local cost became $15.50 and the state paid the remaining $15.50, she said.

Dolly Partons Imagination Library began through the Crown Point Library in 2014, Wendorf said, and was fully funded by the Crown Point Rotary Club. Currently, the Crown Point program has 781 children, she said.

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In 2018, the Lake County Public Library began its Imagination Library program funded by the Lake County Public Library Foundation, which holds fundraising events throughout the year to fund the program, Gutjahr said.

Currently, the Lake County Public Library Imagination Library program has 2,177 children and 2,366 children have graduated out, Gutjahr said.

In total, 3,443 children in Lake County are currently enrolled in Dolly Partons Imagination Library, Wendorf said.

In addition to the Lake County Library and Crown Point Library programs, Whiting has 156 children in the program funded by the School House Childrens Charity and 329 children are covered by the Lake County Legacy Foundation in areas outside the Lake County Public Library district, Wendorf said.

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When the state allocated funding for the program in 2023, Wendorf said many libraries across the state began participating in the program for the first time. For areas, like Crown Point and Lake County libraries, which already had an established Imagination Library program, Wendorf said the state funding allowed them to expand the programs reach.

To receive the state funding, communities had to show they could cover 50% of the Imagination Library costs to receive the remaining 50% funding from the state, Wendorf said. In Lake County, Hammond, East Chicago, Gary and Lowell didnt establish Imagination Library programs until February because they didnt have the 50% local funding until recently, she said.

At the end of 2024, Wendorf said she was able to reach an agreement with the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation to secure 50% of funding for 5 years to provide the Imagination Library books to Hammond, East Chicago, Gary and Lowell. The program in those communities began taking registration in February, she said, with about 350 children already enrolled.

If state funding ends, the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation funds will be used in less than 5 years because those funds would then have to fully fund the program, Wendorf said.

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As the state begins to fundraise for the program, Wendorf said state officials may turn to the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation to further fund the program. But the foundation already helps fund the local portion, she said.

Many of the local partners were concerned that the fundraising that would be happening at the state level would in essence challenge their local funding, Wendorf said. It came to a shock to many when it was excluded from the budget.

When the state allocated 50% of funding through the budget, Gutjahr said it helped the Lake County Public Library program expand because the state provided a steady stream of revenue.

We knew that we could accept additional families because here we had this chunk of money that we were guaranteed to receive, and we knew that it was for additional growth, Gutjahr said.

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If the state fundraising money doesnt match what the state has offered the last two years, Gutjahr said the Lake County Public Library would have to pause accepting new children into the program, which requires funding a child until he or she turns 5 years old.

Thats the sad part, is knowing that you might have to delay registering a child for Imagination Library if youre hesitant if the money is going to be there going forward, Gutjahr said. Once you accept a child into the program, whether they enroll at birth or at age two or three, you are committed to paying for that child until their fifth birthday.

But, Gutjahr said the Lake County Public Library Foundation will ensure that Dolly Partons Imagination Library remains available for children.

In Porter County, Dolly Partons Imagination Library began about a year and a half ago as a partnership between the Porter County Public Library System, the Westchester Public Library and the Porter County Community Foundation, said Porter County Public Library System Director Jesse Butz.

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Currently, 3,388 Porter County children are enrolled in the program, Butz said, and 808 children graduated out of the program.

With the shift in state funding from the state budget to fundraising, Butz said its unknown how that will impact local libraries. Given that the program is still funded in the current fiscal year, Butz and Wendorf said the program will be state funded for the next few months.

Its going to be a transitionary period as that 50% match goes from the state funding to the private funding, Butz said. Im just excited that were able to continue the program.

akukulka@chicagotribune.com
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana announced April 29 that state universities and the Department of Homeland Security have confirmed that international students targeted by the Trump administration have had their legal status and visas restored.

Earlier this month, international students living in Indiana and across the nation began receiving notices from their respective universities that the Department of Homeland Security had removed them from its student tracking database. Such removal meant these students had their legal status and visas to stay in the United States revoked without notice.

Nine of those international students in Indiana partnered with the ACLU Indiana to file two lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security, arguing that their legal status and visas were wrongfully revoked.

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Department of Justice attorneys announced on April 25 that the government would restore the student visa registrations of potentially thousands of foreign students in the U.S.

More: Trump administration reverses controversial termination of student visas

On Tuesday, attorneys with the ACLU of Indiana received additional reassurance after Department of Homeland Security lawyers confirmed the government had restored all of the international students' legal status.

The last few weeks have been incredibly difficult for these students, said Ken Falk, legal director, ACLU of Indiana.

They faced enormous financial, academic, and emotional hardship as a result of DHSs actions, and were relieved that they once again have their student status. They deserve to continue their studies here in Indiana.

How did international students lose their legal status?

On April 3, 2025, international students in Indiana started receiving notices from their universities' international services departments explaining that their F-1 student status had been revoked. This status allowed them to stay in the United States during their schooling and accompanying practical training, according to the lawsuit.

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The ACLU filed two lawsuits in the Indiana court system; one in the southern court on behalf of a student attending Indiana University in Indianapolis and another in the northern court on behalf of six Purdue University students, one Notre Dame student and one student from Indiana Tech in Fort Wayne.

The two lawsuits noted that the students were in full compliance with the terms of their F-1 status and had not engaged in conduct that would justify the termination.

The lawsuit claims that the students were wrongfully removed from Homeland Security's SEVIS record system, a government database that tracks international and exchange students' legal status in the United States.

The termination of their SEVIS records meant they would be unable to finish their education in the United States and were at risk of being deported.

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In April, the ACLU filed a request with the federal court to protect the students from involuntary removal; however, the judge denied this request, claiming that the students had "not demonstrated irreparable harm to warrant the extraordinary exercise of judicial power."

None of the students listed in the ACLU lawsuits were subject to deportation proceedings.

The two ACLU cases are still active in the Indiana federal courts, even though the Justice Department announced that it would be restoring the student visa registrations of potentially thousands of foreign students.

Contact IndyStar reporter Noe Padilla at npadilla@indystar.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Legal status restored for Indiana international students after DOJ reversal
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declined Russian President Vladimir Putin's invitation to attend the Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on April 30, according to state-run RIA Novosti.

Peskov confirmed that while India "will be represented," it will not be at the highest level. He not specify the prime minister's reasons for refusing the invitation.

India, which has emerged as Russia's largest buyer of discounted oil products amid Western sanctions, has maintained a neutral stance on Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

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Modi received the official invitation in early April, and the Russian state news agency TASS had previously suggested his participation was "very likely," including possible involvement by the Indian military in the Red Square parade.

Peskov added that Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the parade and make a separate bilateral visit. Russia expects leaders from 20 countries for this year's Victory Day celebrations.

Last year, only nine foreign leaders joined Putin at the parade.

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China has deepened its partnership with Russia since the invasion of Ukraine, becoming Moscow's primary supplier of dual-use goods critical to Russia's defense industry.

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Earlier in April, Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in Donetsk Oblast. President Volodymyr Zelensky later said "several hundred" Chinese citizens were fighting alongside Russian forces.

The Kremlin uses the annual Victory Day parade to showcase its military power and invoke Soviet World War II victories to justify its aggression against Ukraine.

Putin has repeatedly used false claims about "de-Nazifying" Ukraine to legitimize the invasion  a key element in Russia's disinformation campaign.

In contrast, Ukraine has distanced itself from Soviet-era commemorations. Zelensky signed a law in 2023 moving Ukraine's World War II remembrance to May 8, in line with most of Europe.

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Kyiv has invited top European Union officials to visit Ukraine on May 9, in a symbolic counter to Moscow's parade, Politico reported on April 14.

Putin recently announced a "humanitarian" ceasefire from May 8 to May 11 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

Read also: 5 explosions  Ukrainian drones strike Russian military plant in Murom, source claims

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A Clay County, Missouri, judge has signed an order requiring Shanetta Bossell, the woman investigators say killed KCFD firefighter-medic Graham Hoffman, to test for infectious diseases after biting two different officers within a week.

On Tuesday, Judge Louis Angles signed a motion from the county prosecutors office, ordering Bossell to take part in an infectious or communicable disease screening, after investigators say she bit an officer while being arrested for Hoffmans stabbing on Sunday, April 27.

Suspect in Kansas City Tesla arson freed from federal custody

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The same screening order was also issued on behalf of a separate incident, where Bossell assaulted and bit an off-duty Platte City officer on April 23, investigators claim.

Court records say that the Platte City officer had caught Bossell pulling on the handles of his car door. After confronting her, it was reported that she ignored the officer and began walking toward the front door of his house.

The officer said he tried to stop Bossell by grabbing her arm, but she resisted, which led to the altercation.

According to investigators, Bossell grabbed the officers handcuffs and tried to grab his knife. She then bit him on the forearm as he was reaching for his radio.

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Bossell was eventually taken into custody after officers with the Kansas City Police Department arrived on the scene.

Kansas fugitive arrested in Kearney after 18 years on the run

Prior to last week, Bossell had no felonies on record, court documents say. She is now facing multiple criminal charges in connection with both cases, including multiple counts of assault, resisting arrest, armed criminal action and first-degree murder.

Bossell is being held in a Clay County jail under a $1 million cash bond.

Her next court appearance will be on Monday, May 5, at 1:30 p.m. for both cases.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN)  Its a happy reunion thats been taking place each week this month. Cleveland-area social media influencer Joey Kinsley makes the 90-minute drive to Animal Charity in Boardman just to see Onyx.

Onyx is nearly 9 years old and has been here since the summer of 2018 when his owner was arrested. Thats longer than any other dog. Kinsley, who uses the name SirYacht and has more than a million followers on his different platforms, said the story moved him to take action.

About a month ago, I think, somebody sent me a message saying that Onyx has been here for a while, Kinsley said. Instead of sitting back and not doing anything, I was like, why dont I just try to help out.

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Each week, Kinsley and 76-pound Onyx spend their time playing, taking walks, and even stopping at Handels for a pup cup. Their exploits are then shared with Kinsleys followers, as well as those of Animal Charity.

I think, hopefully, its bringing some awareness. Not just Onyx but to a lot of dogs and animals that need adoption, Kinsley said.

Its even helped the agency with donations of supplies, some coming with notes hoping Onyx can find a forever home soon. Donations of money are needed, too.

We are truly struggling monetarily to make sure that all these animals are getting exactly what they need, said Jan MacMurchy, with Animal Charity of Ohio.

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While Kinsley thinks about taking in Onyx himself, he plans to continue working to spread the message of adopting a new pet instead of shopping for one.

I hope people realize the amazing things that go on here, he said.

In the meantime, Kinsley and Onyx have another playdate scheduled next week.

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Canadas parliamentary elections on Monday produced the first concrete effects of the string of threats that underpin Donald Trumps foreign policy. The winner of the election, perceived by voters as an act of reaffirmation against the U.S. president, was Liberal leader Mark Carney. The candidate was facing the most decisive vote in the countrys recent history while struggling with the inherited legacy of his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, after 10 years in office; yet Carney managed to garner the support of 43% of voters. It was a clear victory, albeit without an absolute majority, over the Conservatives, who had been leading in voting intention for months.

Carney, an economist who led the central banks of England and Canada, won thanks to his clear message in defense of sovereignty. The sense of pride fueled by Trumps attacks was mixed in these elections with calculations on strategic voting despite Trudeaus questionable legacy. The Liberal leader, who has been acting prime minister since March, assured that he will govern with all parties and all territories. This is not surprising, as he may need the Bloc Quebecois to support a minority government. He has also stated that he will open up a dialogue with his American counterpart on the economy and security, but issued a clear warning: He will never break us. The trade war launched by the Republican leader, especially against his neighbors, Mexico and Canada, uses accusations of security to justify the tariffs. But in addition to the 25% levies on cars, steel and aluminum, Trump has repeatedly threatened to annex the country. He made this clear again on Monday, wishing good luck to the great people of Canada and suggesting that they vote for him.

Conservative Party candidate Pierre Poilievre shares the same ideology as the New York tycoon and had emerged as a potential member of the Trump international. However, as the campaign progressed, he distanced himself from the U.S. president and even asked him to stay out of the countrys internal affairs. On Monday night, Poilievre, who has lost his seat in parliament, asserted that he would offer his support to the winner to defend the countrys sovereignty. Trumps attacks ultimately had a boomerang effect at the polls. The message of resistance conveyed by voters now compels Carney to stand firm in the face of the White Houses demands. What happened in Canada is an important precedent and could herald new international balances triangulating with Europe and Asia. The eyes of the world now turn to Ottawa to see how this response to Washington will unfold.

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Dear Ingham County School Families,

We hope this message finds you well. We understand that recent news regarding measles cases in our area may be concerning, and we want to share some important information to help keep your school community informed and protected.

On Monday, April 14, the Ingham County Health Department confirmed the first case of measles in our area since 1994. A second case was confirmed on April 22. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious health complications. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sneezing, and a blotchy rash. Measles is the most contagious vaccine-preventable disease. A person with measles can spread the virus from four days before to four days after the appearance of a rash. Without vaccination, up to 90% of individuals exposed to the virus may become infected. Please be advised that in the event of an outbreak, your child may be required to stay home from school based on their vaccination status

We recognize that vaccination is a personal choice, and Michigan law permits medical, religious, and philosophical waivers. Our intention in providing this information is to promote the health and safety of all students and families through increased awareness and education, so families can make informed decisions to protect their own health and the well-being of others.

The best protection against measles is the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine. According to the CDC:

One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective at preventing measles

Two doses are 97% effective and offer lifelong protection

MMR vaccines are available through the following sources:

Your childs pediatrician or primary care provider

Urgent care centers (please call ahead to confirm availability)

Local pharmacies (check for age restrictions)

Ingham County Health Department clinics  visit https://hd.ingham.org for current hours and availability

As of February 2025, MMR vaccination coverage among children aged 19 to 35 months in Ingham County is 83.3%. This is below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, which helps protect our most vulnerable community members, including infants and individuals with certain medical conditions who cannot be vaccinated.

We also want to remind families that students and staff should stay home if they are feeling unwell-especially if they have a fever, cough, or rash. Staying home when sick helps reduce the spread of illness and keeps others safe. If you think your child may have measles, please call your healthcare provider before going in, so they can take proper precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

If you have questions about your childs vaccination status or wherew to receive the MMR vaccine, please conatct your healthcare provider.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the health and safety of our school community.
(NewsNation)  The hottest real estate trend all across America is almost assuredly different from what you may think.

Bomb and survival shelters are all the rage right now, and NewsNation visited a top-secret development in northeast Texas to get a close-up look.

These underground bunkers offer homeowners a place to go in the event of nuclear fallout, civil war, pandemics and natural disasters and are strategically attached to their existing home.

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The particular survival shelter visited by NewsNation is still under construction, but when finished, it will feature 10-foot-tall ceilings, home theaters and working bathrooms and plumbing.

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NewsNation was only allowed access to the shelter on the condition that it keep its location a secret.

Ark Industries builder and developer John Brinkman told NewsNation there is a great need for secrecy when it comes to survival shelters.

If you have a safe in your house, you dont want to advertise that you have a safe in your house.  The simple fact of the matter is, if you have it, theres no real reason for everyone to know, he said.

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NewsNation also went behind the scenes with bunker manufacturer Atlas Survival Shelters, who currently have a backorder of six months. The bunkers are premade and placed into the ground thereafter, costing the everyday American around $25,000.

Amazon denies reports it will list tariffs in price listings

However, NewsNation is told the ultrawealthy are the most frequent purchasers, with clients ranging from celebrities to members of President Trumps Cabinet.

The worlds elites are getting bunkers, and most of the billionaires, if they dont have a bunker, they are probably getting one right now, Rob Hubbard of Atlas Survival Shelters told NewsNation.

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Its not that they are worried about an immediate scare or something imminent, they just know there are people out there who have feelings different than you and I might have about the future, and they want to be prepared for that, he added.

Brinkman told NewsNation hes already received approval and plans to place shelters in 60 to 90 homes across northeast Texas.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The unlawful distribution of Oregon cannabis products has hit dispensaries on the East Coast, according to a new report.

An investigation by the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association found that licensed dispensaries have sold marijuana flower that wasnt grown locally and that illegally entered the state in bulk quantities.

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Although the issue has been attributed to New Yorks need for a standardized track-and-trace system, the association listed specific states where these illegal products have been more likely to originate from.

This growing problem  known as inversion  occurs when cannabis grown in oversaturated markets like California, Oregon, and Washington is illegally diverted into newer markets like New York where cannabis processors and distributors purchase it for heavily discounted prices, NYMCIA said in a release.

Although New York legalized adult cannabis consumption in 2021, it is still illegal to sell products that werent grown, manufactured or tested within the state. And while Oregon became one of the first states to legalize cannabis in 2014, federal laws against the substance have prohibited distribution across state lines.

In Oregon, regulators solely track products that are legally grown and sold within the state.

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TLCs newest reality series centers on polyamorous Oregon family

The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission told KOIN 6 it has no authority on black market products, but it assists law enforcement agencies responding to reports of locally-regulated marijuana that has made its way out of the state.

This does occur and diversion or inversion out of or into the legal market is a license cancellable offense for an OLCC licensee and they are subject to criminal penalties in Oregon and other states, OLCC spokesperson Matthew Van Sickle said in an email.

For its investigation, NYMCIA worked alongside the Office of Cannabis Management to determine whether the pesticides, soil types and metals in different flowers derived from New York.

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CHICAGO  The U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday launched an investigation into Chicago Public Schools, alleging a program that aims to improve the educational outcomes of Black students is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

CPS Black Student Success Plan launched this spring to bridge achievement gaps that impact the school districts Black students, which make up about 35% of the student population.

Were looking at the data and going where the data take us, and the data is taking us to a very, very dark place, Valerie Leonard, founder of nonprofit Utopia and one of the people who helped develop the Black Student Success Plan, said. Even though we have quote unquote the same school system, its not benefitting all of our kids to the same degree.

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The plan is mandated by state law and the Board of Education formed a committee to monitor the plan just last week.

Chicago Board of Education members and new chair of the Black Student Success Committee Jitu Brown spoke out against the U.S. Department of Educations investigation into CPS Black Student Success Plan.

I fear the U.S. Department of Education is being turned into an overly white supremacist organization, Brown said. We will not turn a bling eye to the historical disinvestment of Black children in particular.

Ex-Chicago school board member on Martinez, Johnson, former CTU head Lewis

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The probe into CPS Black Students Success Plan follows a complaint from Parents Defending Education, an out-of-state parents group, that claims the districts initiative discriminates against students on the basis of race. Parents Defending Education opposes diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and fights what it calls indoctrination in schools.

Now, the U.S. Department of Education under President Trump is launching an investigation into allegations the plan violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

No student should be denied an educational opportunity because of the color of their skin, yet perversely, thats exactly what Chicago Public Schools has chosen to do  despite the fact that the districts own data clearly demonstrates that students of all races are struggling academically, Defending Educations president and founder Nicole Neily said in a statement.

A representative with the Department of Education issued the following statement to WGN-TV:

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Chicago Public Schools have a record of academic failure, leaving students from all backgrounds and races struggling and ill-prepared to meet the challenges and enjoy the rewards of contemporary American life. Rather than address its record honestly, CPS seeks to allocate additional resources to favored students on the basis of race.

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I would hope that as they do their investigation that they would do it objectively. I would like to see them answer questions as to why are Black boys six times more likely to be expelled from schools than white boys, Leonard said.

WGN-TV also reached out to CPS for comment. A spokesperson said they will not be commenting on the investigation.

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Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates sent the following statement regarding the investigation:

As a Black mother of three, a high school history teacher, and the president of a union that represents educators serving a predominantly Black and Brown student body, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of years of disinvestment, redlining, and the push to privatize public schools in our neighborhood. These factors have significantly affected the lives and educational trajectories of our students  and ultimately, their futures. Whether it was the impact of Rahm Emanuels closure of more than 50 neighborhood public schools, or the efforts by Paul Vallas and Arne Duncan to undermine our classrooms and surrounding school communities, the Black Student Success Plan was developed to address the man-made educational achievement gap. This gap was created by those intent on shutting the doors of opportunity for families like mine, particularly in specific ZIP codes. Todays action by the Trump Administrations Department of Education, influenced by the right-wing group Defending Education, is yet another attempt to hinder the progress we are striving to achieve. Rather than using the Department to create opportunities for students, Trump and McMahon appear determined to transform it into a debt collection agency and a vehicle to dismantle the civil rights protections that support students and their families. In response to the administrations misguided priorities, we are proud to stand with our most vulnerable students and support our classrooms. With our newly ratified agreement with CPS, weve secured protections for our LGBTQIA+ students and ensured that educators have the freedom to teach the complex and nuanced chapters of American and Chicago history. At CTU, standing in solidarity is more than just words. Its action. It is the action we took in our contract to ensure that our schools were forcefields of protection for Black, Brown, and vulnerable students. And on Thursday, we will respond to the challenge from the Trump administrations Education Department with one of our own  a challenge driven and powered by everyday workers and community members in all 50 states in over 1,100 actions on May Day to resist Trumps attempts to take this country backward to the time of the Gilded Age. We expect CPS to stand up against this baseless investigation  and we call on our city and state leaders to take real action to protect our students and schools. The White House is making its intent clear: to dismantle public education and bully the children who attend our schools. CTU President Stacy Davis Gates

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
LAKE ODESSA, Mich. (WOOD)  The Ionia County Sheriffs Office is asking for the communitys help to find a missing person who hasnt been seen for more than a week.

Local authorities and volunteer search teams have been looking for Devlin Tait in the Lake Odessa area, the sheriffs office said Wednesday in a social media post. He was last seen April 21, deputies said.

Hes never been gone this long, family member Tamara Host told News 8. A lot of frustration just not knowing where hes at, if hes OK or not.

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According to the Help Find Devlin Tait Facebook group, Tait is 18 years old, stands 6 feet tall and weighs 170 pounds.

An undated photo of Devlin Tait. (Courtesy Sabrina Cook)

An undated photo of Devlin Tait. (Courtesy Sabrina Cook)

An undated photo of Devlin Tait. (Courtesy Sabrina Cook)

Taits family told News 8 that he is well known to the community, often walking around downtown. They said the last place he was seen on surveillance video was at Carls Market in downtown Lake Odessa.

He bought some groceries while he was there and there hasnt been any activity on his Bridge Card since, Host said.

Taits Aunt Sabrina Cook described April 21 as a normal day. She said she did not notice anything out of the ordinary with Taits behavior, making the disappearance even more confusing.

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Hes normally home anywhere from 6 to 8 oclock and when he wasnt, I started calling him. It went straight to voicemail, Cook said. When 10 oclock hit, his curfew when he was supposed to be home and he wasnt home, I came searching.

His family said Tait is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, autism, Tourettes and fetal alcohol syndrome and is without his necessary medication.

They said they are still holding out hope for a positive conclusion.

We are hoping and praying that anyone with information at all that will lead to his whereabouts will let us know, that they will get a hold of us, Host said.

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My gut hurts every time I think, I try not to think of every possibility that could be happening or where he could be.  It just makes my gut hurt, Cook said.

The sheriffs office said he may be reluctant to speak with law enforcement due to out of county court cases.

If you know where Tait may be, youre asked to call the Ionia County Sheriffs Office at 616.527.5737, dispatch at 616.527.0400 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Iowa Senate Republicans sent a bill to the governors desk on Tuesday morning that changes the requirements for how parents and guardians are notified about immunization exemptions in K-12 schools.

For several sessions lawmakers have attempted to pass the bill. It failed in the Iowa Senate in 2024, but just a year later it cleared by the majority party in a 32 to 16 vote.

The bill requires communication about vaccine exemptions, and exemption requirements must be available for parents or guardians for public or private school students K-12 and child care facilities. That information can be available on a website or on school registration documentation.

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This isnt a pro-vaccine bill or an anti-vaccine bill. This is called an honesty bill, said State Senator Jesse Green (R), District 24 from Harcourt. Whats troubling to me is a handful of schools in the state that decide its okay to lie to parents about if you dont receive shots or you cant send your kids to school. That is a lie.

Senate Democrats worried about herd immunity for diseases, like measles, when parents may be encouraged to opt their student out of certain vaccines.



This bill sends the wrong message, said Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner (D), District 45 from Iowa City. This bill seeks to ensure that more people feel free and we are actually encouraged to opt out of life saving vaccines.

Governor Reynolds is now able to sign the bill into law.

Iowa News:

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DES MOINES, Iowa  What Iowa Republicans are calling a cleanup to Iowa code is now eligible to be signed into law.

Every child, not just because they match up some certain traits that we decided, the laundry list a number of years ago in Iowa code, said State Senator Lynn Evans (R), District 3 from Aurelia. The bill before us cleans up Iowa code and makes it very clear.

The bill changes Iowa code 280.28 subsection 2 to define bullying and harassment to shall be construed to mean any repeated and targeted electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student that creates an objectively hostile school environment. It removes the language which is based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student.

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The bill also strikes out the 17 traits in the perceived trait or characteristic definition. That definition reads includes but is not limited to age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party reference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.

Iowa bill requiring districts share immunization exemption information with families sent to governor

Senate Republicans argued that by removing the traits listed in Iowa code, the definition of bullying is expanded. Several senators on the floor said that school districts have asked for that change.

Senate Democrats warned of the opposite, that by removing these traits it will make it more difficult for reporting bullying against a targeted group.

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It helps students, it helps schools, it helps families be able to identify what counts as bullying, but it also helps us to track what kind of bullying is happening in our schools, said State Senator Sarah Trone Garriot (D), District 14, from Waukee. I think the real intent might be to make it harder for folks on this list to get the support they need.

Trone Garriot also pointed out that the current definition in Iowa code says that those traits on the list are not limited to that list, when Senate Republicans said this makes it easier to report bullying.

The bill is now sent off to Governor Reynolds to be signed into law.

Iowa News:

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DES MOINES, Iowa  Washington D.C. and 24 states are suing over the Trump administrations $400 million funding cuts to AmeriCorps. Iowa is not one of the states suing, but local programs are being affected by the cuts.

Nationally, this is affecting over 1,000 organizations and 32,000 AmeriCorps members.

568 AmeriCorps members across Iowa and 15 service programs in the state are being impacted by the cuts that were announced Friday by the Department of Government Efficiency.

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Polk County Conservation has 22 members and two program coordinators currently on temporary leave.

Another local program impacted is Seed Coalition. The two grant programs that fund their organization were cut, which helps pay for the 68 AmeriCorps members that work for them.

Despair. My first reaction was despair, Seed Coalition Executive Director Rob Barron said. We got notice at 4:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon and were instructed that we had two weeks to take action to wind down these programs.

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Yeah, the last few days has just been really devastating, Rachel Bruns of Americas Service Commissions said. Weve been supporting our network of state service commissions and their AmeriCorps programs and AmeriCorps members, really helping them try to process it and how best to support the AmeriCorps members themselves.

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Right now, folks are worried. Youve got college students whove been active in AmeriCorps as a way to supplement their income and pay for their tuition and their books, Barron added. And theyre worried about their future and being able to fill out their service. You have organizations that are scrambling to try and figure out if we dont have access to an AmeriCorps VISTA member, how are we going to be able to fulfill our mission?

Many of these programs are at or with colleges and university students, so there are concerns for them but also concerns for the work and effort they produce.

Both here in Iowa and across the country, our network is especially concerned about us entering kind of a heavy disaster season with all of these grants being terminated, Bruns said. Our country relies on AmeriCorps members during times of disaster and with flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes and the significant cut of over 80% of AmeriCorps, state and national programs will have an impact on our countrys ability to respond effectively during times of disaster.

Were fortunate to be able to use AmeriCorps funds to do really good work in Iowa and Minnesota. Funding largely young people that are out there making change, doing things like supporting food pantries and food shelves on their campuses, or mentoring college students to stay in school, Barron said. The federal government is going to pull the rug out from under us and yank that away from all of these passionate, talented young people.

Iowa News:

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DES MOINES, Iowa  The fight against opioids continues. Tuesday is National Fentanyl Awareness Day where the DEA, community organizations, law enforcement and public health departments recognize the harmful drug.

Fentanyl is the greatest drug threat in the US, as drug related overdoses remain the leading cause of deaths for those aged 18 through 44, but it affects anyone of any age.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is about 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Just two milligrams, which is like a few grains of salt, is a potentially lethal dose. The DEA often sees fentanyl in fake pills made to look like common prescription medications like Percocet, Xanax and Vicodin.

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Today is pretty special for people who have lost loved ones to fentanyl, whether they knew it was in their supply or not, Deborah Krauss, Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition Executive Director, said. I think one of the big things that I would love people to know and the community to know is that theres ways to use safer and theres ways to keep ourselves and our friends safer. One of those is the fentanyl test strips. You can get those for free from us or I know theres maybe a couple other organizations that hand them out. But even like the Narcan, we have boxes all over central Iowa. At this point, theyre free. You can just go grab a Narcan and have it on your person.

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For those who have lost a love one, getting involved has helped them. Like Ankenys Melissa Burke who lost her sister Marissa Gunderson in December and now has joined Become Their Voice, a nonprofit that brings awareness to mental health and the growing drug crisis.

Hey, Im looking for a way to honor my sister. I want people to know she was a person. She was a sister, a daughter and a mother that unfortunately had a lot of mental health and a lot of trauma that was built up behind that, Burke said. I want to educate others. Thats my biggest thing right now. Theres a bigger piece thats below addiction, not feeling like youre embarrassed to talk about it. Because I feel like still in society, its a very taboo thing.

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The CDC predicts an 8% decline in drug overdose deaths year-over-year in Iowa, while nationally theres a 26.5% decline predicted. Still, 105,000 Americans died from drug poisoning in 2023, with 70% of those deaths attributed to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

This is reality. It is an epidemic in this country, and were losing a lot of lives every day to this, Burke said. The more education, the more people are outspoken, the more love that we have for each other and the more help we can get to those that need it will make a big difference.

Fentanyl is in every class structure, every socioeconomic status, like it doesnt matter who you are, if you are using some substances, like you run the risk of ingesting fentanyl and you have to understand that. Its nondiscriminatory, Krauss said. All of these deaths were 100% preventable with the right education and tools.

For more information or resources visit Become Their Voices website or the Iowa Harm Reduction Coalitions website.

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Another resource is the new Polk County Health Department vending machine, which has Narcan for free as well.

Metro News:

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View of the abandoned Valencia Formula 1 circuit, close to the citys port, now occupied by shacks built with fences from the original infrastructure. Monica Torres

Nabil, 30, didnt know that the tarmac his shack is on formed part of Valencias Formula 1 circuit. Spanish racing driver Fernando Alonso won the Grand Prix the last year the city hosted the event in 2012. Since then, the circuit, which cost the regional authorities 98.5 million to build, has been abandoned. Now, within its perimeter, a small shanty town housing a predominantly migrant community has sprung up while urban planners look for a way out of the real estate legal wrangles impeding development on this prime piece of seafront real estate. At the moment, however, it is home to Nabil, who makes a living helping to park cars on the nearby Malvarrosa beach. He returns in the evening with bags filled with water bottles and food.

Nabil is one of about 50 men living in the space where the European Grand Prix took place between 2008 and 2012 at a total cost of more than 300 million, taking into account the fee, the circuit and the purchase of rights. Most of the migrants here are Saharawis, from the western part of the Sahara desert, but there are also Moroccans, Algerians and sub-Saharans, as well as the odd Spaniard, according to Nabil, who is joined by Boubacar as he describes their circumstances.

Boubacar, 31, is from Mali and lived in one of these precarious and unsanitary shacks until several months ago. Cobbled together from plastic, various kinds of fabric, wooden planks, pieces of old fence, cement blocks and other bits and pieces, the shacks have no electricity or running water. A Spanish flag flies from one; the largest smells of freshly brewed tea. A prostrate man waves as he puts down his drink; another washes his head with water from a basin with the help of a third. The sun is beating down. There is no hint of shade. No one wants to talk; they dont want to be disturbed.

Shacks in the center of the esplanade that forms part of the abandoned Formula 1 circuit in Valencia. Monica Torres

The people here just want to earn a living. I take whatever work there is, says Boubacar, whose Spanish is fluent after eight years in Spain. I have worked in the fields and also with the elderly. I dont want anything from anyone. I dont expect anything either; just to be able to make a living. Meanwhile, Nabil adds: I just want to work at whatever there is. During the summer I can earn about 30 a day with the cars. Sometimes people have come to help us.

According to Isa Lozano, the city councilor for social services, most of the shanty town dwellers have residence and work permits and occasionally get agricultural work such as fruit picking. She adds that the settlement has not created any social conflict in the neighborhood. This view is shared by an occupant of a nearby building, who has watched the shanty town grow, and also the Grau-Port neighborhood association, which is demanding that any development include extensive green zones.

Since the end of 2019, Social Services workers have been monitoring conditions in the makeshift camp. The settlement has been growing, says Lozano, who belongs to the left-leaning Compromis party that has been running Valencia City Hall in coalition with the Socialist Party (PSOE) since 2015. We have 39 who are registered and a dozen who are not yet registered. They have been offered alternatives. We continue to work at it. It is a very striking case as it occupies the middle of the old circuit that is awaiting the Integrated Action Progam for Grau.

The Integral Action Program (PAI) is a plan to urbanize nearly 300,000 square meters in Valencias Grau neighborhood. The macro-operation was proposed when Francisco Camps and Rita Babera, both of the conservative Popular Party (PP), were the head of the regional and municipal government, respectively, and Spain was in the midst of the property boom.

Since 2012, the F1 circuit, which cost the regional authorities 98.5 million to build, has been abandoned

In May 2007, Formula 1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone, stipulated that both these politicians needed to win their respective elections at the time if they wanted to host the races. At the municipal and regional elections that year, both Camps and Barbara won an absolute majority and Camps declared that the circuit would not cost the people of Valencia a single euro. A new neighborhood was simultaneously planned in the Grau district with skyscrapers overlooking the sea that would make use of the circuit as streets. The regional government advanced the payment for the construction of this part of the circuit, a cost that the city of Valencia would pass on to the private developers involved in the project, as announced before the start of the 2008 financial and real estate crisis.

Today, the sum of 42.9 million still owed for the circuit is proving the main stumbling block for the development. The investment group Atitlan, which owns much of the land, and the British fund Hayfin Capital are negotiating with Valencia City Hall over how the project should go forward, according to sources from the department of urban planning. But the obstacles are not just economic.

A corruption probe, known as the Azud case, has been investigating alleged kickbacks the city of Valencia received under the Barbara administration in exchange for favors linked to urban development. In the latest chapter of the case, it emerged last May that the Civil Guard is looking at whether such commissions were paid in the initial sale of the land for the Grau project.

One of those accused in the Azud case is businessman Jaime Maria Febrer, who was associated with the lands former owner Acinelav Inversiones 2006, which, with the help of Bancaja  the financial instrument of the regional authorities at the time, later absorbed by Bankia  brought together local investors. Part of this land was subsequently put into the hands of the so-called bad bank, Sareb, before being sold on. The controversial F1 circuit had already been the subject of a legal wrangle but the case was filed in 2019 and the then premier of Valencia, Francisco Camps, was exonerated of responsibility, as the High Court of Valencia considered that there was no embezzlement and the period in which prosecute the alleged crimes could be prosecuted was over.

Notwithstanding, Valencia City Hall hopes to move forward with plans to develop the area that would provide another link between the city and the sea in an area that Nabil and Boubacar are currently calling home.

English version by Heather Galloway.
Iran hanged a man on Wednesday who was convicted of working as a spy for Israel's foreign intelligence agency, the Mossad, and assisting in the 2022 assassination of a Revolutionary Guard colonel in Tehran, according to the Islamic republic's official IRNA news agency. An activist group says his confession was forced.

Mohsen Langarneshin, identified by the news agency as one of the Mossad's "top spies inside Iran," allegedly provided "technical support" in the killing of Col. Hassan Sayyad Khodaei, who was shot five times by two unidentified gunmen on a motorbike  said to have been purchased by Langarneshin  near his home in Tehran.

At the time of his killing, Iranian media identified Khodaei only as a "defender of the shrine," according to The Associated Press. The term is a euphemism used by Iran to refer to Iranians fighting against ISIS in Syria and Iraq within the Revolutionary Guard's elite Quds Force.

A photo of Mohsen Langarneshin, an alleged Mossad spy, from his Facebook page in April 2023. / Credit: Facebook

IRNA said Langarneshin had also provided support for an attack on an industrial center linked to the Iranian defense ministry, purchased vehicles and equipment "to create a secure environment for Mossad elements in Iran," transferred money from Mossad officers to contacts inside the country and rented safe houses in several Iranian provinces. One of those homes was in Isfahan, where, in January 2023, bomb-carrying drones targeted what Iran described as a military workshop. Iran has accused Israel of masterminding the attack.



Langarneshin was recruited by the Mossad in 2020 and worked for the Israelis for two years, according to Iran's state-run media, during which time he met with Mossad officers in the nation of Georgia and Nepal, "and received his missions."



IRNA said Langerneshin confessed "during all stages of the interrogation, prosecution and court proceedings," after being "confronted with extensive case documents."



The Human Rights Activists News Agency, a non-profit group focused on rights issues in Iran, said Wednesday that a source close to Langerneshin's family had recently told the organization that he "had been promised that if he repeated what the interrogators wanted on camera, he would only face imprisonment. As a result, the confessions were extracted under pressure and coercion."



The organization quoted another source whom it said was close to Langarneshin as saying that he "was taken to the specified location and forced to narrate a prewritten script by interrogators, which was filmed."



Masoud Langarneshin, Mohsen's father, released a video in the days before the execution claiming his son had been sentenced to death without a fair trial. His mother, who issued a public appeal for help to human rights organizations, had her last visit with her son at the Ghezel Hesar prison on Karaj, west of Tehran, on April 29.



Iran's Revolutionary Court, which sentenced Langarneshin to death, was established in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Revolution and is known for its brutal punishments of political opponents of the country's clerical rulers. The court usually provides a court-appointed lawyer and doesn't allow any press access.



"After going through legal procedures at various stages of the case, Langarneshin was sentenced to death, and his sentence was carried out this morning," IRNA reported Wednesday.

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Kristi Noem says she's "very confident" undocumented migrants stole her purse

Ashlie Crosson named 2025 National Teacher of the Year

Kristi Noem says if Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to U.S. we'd "immediately deport him again"
By Parisa Hafezi and John Irish

DUBAI/PARIS (Reuters) -Iran will hold talks in Rome on Friday with European parties to their now moribund 2015 nuclear deal, its foreign minister said on Wednesday, as both sides seek to position themselves ahead of a new round of U.S.-Iranian negotiations on Saturday.

Reuters reported on Monday that Tehran had proposed meeting Britain, France and Germany, collectively known as the E3, who stuck to the 2015 deal meant to curb Iran's nuclear activity, which unravelled in 2018 when U.S. President Donald Trump walked out of it during his first term in the White House.

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"In my opinion, the three European countries have lost their role (in the nuclear file) due to the wrong policies they have adopted. Of course, we do not want this and are ready to hold talks with them in Rome," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told state media on Wednesday.

There was initial hesitation within the E3 over concern such talks could create a parallel track and hijack the negotiations pursued by Trump's second administration that Washington says aim to prevent Iran developing nuclear weapons.

But three European diplomats told Reuters that the E3 decided it was ultimately in their interest to maintain dialogue with Iran and reaffirm how they envisaged the parameters of a new nuclear deal.

Foreign ministry political directors were meeting U.S. officials in Berlin on Wednesday to be briefed on previous rounds of U.S.-Iranian talks and prepare for the Rome meeting, and will head there on Friday, two diplomats said.

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Iran is looking to build on the momentum of nuclear negotiations with the Trump administration that resumed in Oman on Saturday and after its talks with Russia and China last week. U.S. and Iranian negotiators will reconvene in Rome on Saturday.

Iran's approach to the E3 suggests it is keeping its options open but also wants to assess where the Europeans stand on the possible reimposition of United Nations sanctions against Tehran before October, known in diplomatic circles as the "snapback mechanism", when a resolution ratifying the 2015 accord expires.

EUROPEAN-IRANIAN TENSIONS

Relations between the E3 and Iran have worsened over the last year despite sporadic meetings since last September against a backdrop of new sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic over its ballistic missile programme, its detention of foreign citizens and support for Russia in its war against Ukraine.

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Highlighting those tensions, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Tuesday that Paris would not think twice if the current negotiations failed about launching the snapback of sanctions, which he said would have "devastating effects".

He accused Tehran of being on the cusp of covertly developing a nuclear weapon. Iran has long denied this, saying its accelerating uranium enrichment programme is only for civilian energy purposes.

In a letter distributed to the U.N. Security Council and seen by Reuters, Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said Barrot's comments were "unfounded and politically irresponsible".

He said that applying the snapback would be "legally and procedurally flawed, inadmissible, and invalid".

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"(Barrot's) open threat to reimpose sanctions with 'devastating effects' on Irans economy constitutes a blatant act of political and economic coercion," the letter said.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed new sanctions on what it described as a network based in Iran and China suspected of procuring ballistic missile propellant ingredients for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Araqchi said the fresh U.S. sanctions during negotiations sent the "wrong message".

Trump has said he is confident of clinching a new pact that would block Iran's path to nuclear bomb capability.

(Reporting by Dubai Newsroom and John Irish; editing by Hugh Lawson and Mark Heinrich)
Iran and the United States are set to resume negotiations over Tehrans nuclear programme in Rome this weekend, Iran's top diplomat said on Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on the sidelines of a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday that the next round of US-Iran talks, mediated by Oman, is scheduled for Saturday in the Italian capital, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.

Washington has not yet commented.

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A separate meeting with representatives from Germany, France and Britain is planned for Friday. While there was no immediate confirmation from the German Foreign Office, the news site Iran Nuances reported that the talks are to take place at the level of deputy foreign ministers.

The three European nations were signatories to the landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six other powers aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

The accord largely collapsed in 2018, during US President Donald Trump's first term. Trump withdrew Washingtons support for the pact and Iran subsequently stopped adhering to its commitments under the deal.

Trump is now pursuing a new agreement with Tehran. Iranian and US negotiators, including Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, have already met twice in Oman and once in Rome.

Tehran hopes fresh talks could ease international sanctions and reduce regional military tensions. Iran remains largely isolated over its nuclear ambitions, human rights abuses and support for Russias war in Ukraine.
Iran is crafting a potential nuclear agreement with the United States, wrapping it in language designed to flatter US President Donald Trumps favorite persona: the dealmaker-in-chief.

Officials in Tehran have seized on Trumps anti-war, pro-business image to pitch an Iran-US nuclear agreement as a way to help Trump fulfill his pledge to make America rich again.

Tehrans argument is that a war with Iran would bleed American coffers, while diplomacy could open the door to economic prosperity.

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To that point, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi presented his country as being open for American business in a Washington Post opinion article last month.

Many in Washington portray Iran as a closed country from an economic point of view. The truth is that we are open to welcoming businesses from around the world, he wrote. It is the US administrations and congressional impediments, not Iran, that have kept American enterprises away from the trillion-dollar opportunity that access to our economy represents.

Iranian officials are framing a potential deal as a business opportunity tailored to Trumps priorities, including his emphasis on tariffs and demands for economic reciprocity, said Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, chief executive of the economic think tank Bourse & Bazaar Foundation.

They see that Trump wants to be a kind of dealmaker.  Theyre clearly understanding that Trump wants agreements that he can position as a win for the US economy.

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Iran and the US have had three rounds of largely indirect talks mediated by the Gulf Arab nation of Oman  the last of which, on Saturday, included technical discussions on the finer details of a potential deal. Both sides have expressed optimism.

Changing Trumps calculus

Trump has repeatedly criticized the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers as not serving American interests. After he withdrew from it in 2018, he described it as one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into.

That deal, agreed to during the second Obama administration, primarily lifted secondary sanctions: US penalties aimed at non-American companies that trade with Iran. Primary sanctions, which directly bar US firms from doing business with Iran, mostly remained in place. As a result, foreign companies were allowed to re-enter the Iranian market, while US firms remained largely barred.

Few American and foreign firms do business in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and many Western businesses were hesitant to enter the country even after the 2015 deal was signed. The US Treasury Department can issue special licenses  typically for humanitarian trade  but nearly all other commercial activity remains off-limits.

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Tehran appears to be trying to shift Trumps calculus by framing a deal as a win-win. Irans foreign minister has even dangled access to its prized nuclear energy program  a symbol of national sovereignty and prestige that some US officials have sought to dismantle.

Our longstanding game plan is to build at least 19 more (nuclear) reactors, meaning that tens of billions of dollars in potential contracts are up for grabs, Araghchi said on X this week. He argued that the Iranian market is large enough to help revitalize the struggling nuclear industry in the United States.

For Western businesses, Iran represents an untapped and consumer-driven market of 90.6 million people, over 60% of whom are under the age of 35, according to market research firm Mordor Intelligence.

After the 2015 deal was signed, McKinsey Global Research estimated that Iran could add $1 trillion to its GDP and create 9 million jobs within 20 years of the agreement going into effect if it pursued structural reforms and attracted investment.

Iranians shop in Tajrish Bazaar as they prepare for the Nowruz, or Persian New Year celebrations in Tehran, Iran, on March 18. - Bahram/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images

Irans economy produced $434 billion worth of goods and services in 2024. But when adjusted for local prices and living costs  a measure known as Purchasing Power Parity  Irans GDP jumps to $1.7 trillion. The big gap between the two numbers reflects how small Irans economy looks from the outside due to its weak currency and international sanctions.

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That gap is where the untapped opportunity lies, according to Bijan Khajehpour, managing partner of the Vienna-based Eurasian Nexus Partners, a consulting firm. International companies can help fill the gap and benefit from it, he said.

That prospect may be tempting for American firms, but past experience and current realities suggest doing business in Iran wont be easy. Even if a new nuclear deal is reached, it wont automatically open the door for US companies.

The IRGCs growing economic footprint

The US largely applies two types of sanctions on the country: those linked to its nuclear activities, and those linked to terrorism. Iran is designated by the US as a state sponsor of terrorism and its Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), an elite paramilitary force that is deeply embedded in the countrys economy and politics, is considered a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Even if current talks over Irans nuclear program succeed, terrorism-related sanctions are likely to remain in place  meaning American companies would still need case-by-case approval, via licenses from the US Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), to do business in some sectors there.

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Over the years, the IRGC has expanded to become a state institution that functions parallel to the government with an ever-expanding economic footprint.

Experts say the IRGCs role in Irans economy has only grown since the US pulled out of the last nuclear agreement, potentially making it even more difficult for US companies to enter.

With foreign companies reluctant to do business there, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has championed a resistance economy, a strategy focused on self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign imports and investments. The IRGC has stepped in to fill the vacuum, expanding its role in sectors like construction, banking, telecoms and oil.

The ownership of economic players has shifted away from the government, moving towards what we call semi-state entities, said Khajehpour, who has advised international companies on Iran. Some of these semi-state entities are sanctioned and foreign companies have to appreciate the various risks of their partnership strategies.

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Decades of war, sanctions and economic stagnation, as well as corruption and the ambiguities of Iranian business culture, have made doing business in the country complex, he said.

Overcoming hurdles to doing business

After the inking of the 2015 deal, Western companies like Boeing, Total, Peugeot and Nestle became some of the early movers into Iran. Boeing, for example, finalized a $16 billion contract to sell Iran Air 80 aircraft after receiving a license from OFAC. But the US government revoked the license during Trumps first term, nullifying the contracts.

If the hurdles can be overcome, trade could resume  most notably with the potential revival of the Boeing deal  but other opportunities also abound, Khajehpour said. In addition to oil and gas, Iran offers potential partners mining prospects (including rare metals), a growing digital economy, and an educated labor force, he added.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during an interview at the Iranian consulate in Jeddah on March 7. - Amer Hilabi/AFP/Getty Images

One way to enable American business entry into Iran, said Batmanghelidj, would be to replicate a workaround introduced in the 2015 nuclear deal: an exception that allowed non-US subsidiaries of American firms to operate in Iran under strict conditions.

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A key difference this time, he noted, is that US-aligned Gulf Arab states now support an Iran nuclear deal and have shown willingness to engage economically with Iran. Thats in stark contrast to the last round, when they severed ties with the Islamic Republic soon after the deal was implemented. Araghchi, Irans chief negotiator, has made a point of keeping Arab neighbors informed of the talks progress.

The US can gain indirect exposure to the Iranian market by working through Gulf states, where many American companies have regional headquarters, Batmanghelidj added.

Still, he cautioned, none of this is possible if the businesses remain hesitant to engage, given lingering doubts about the durability of any new deal  especially after Trumps withdrawal from the 2015 agreement.

Despite all of the baggage we have over the 2015 nuclear deal falling apart, there are a lot more tools that could be used to find ways of structuring a win-win, Batmanghelidj said.

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If the two sides are serious about structuring aspects of this deal to make sure that theres an economic benefit for the US, then there are things that can be done, he added. Ultimately, you still have a middle class in Iran that wants access to imported goods and would love to be able to buy more American brands.

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Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  Authorities in Iraq say they have arrested a suspected member of ISIS who allegedly incited the attack on Bourbon Street on New Years Day.

Iraqi authorities say American authorities asked for help in the investigation, and that led to the arrest. They went on to say that the ISIS suspect will be prosecuted under anti-terrorism laws.

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Fourteen people were killed and 30 others injured when Shamsud Din-Jabbar plowed his pickup truck into a crowd celebrating the new year.

Disturbing new details uncovered in Bella Fontenelle homicide trial

Gov. Landry says what happened is not forgotten.

We should always continue to keep families who lost loved ones in our prayers and in our thoughts, and there are also victims who are continuing to recover from that tragic day. The thing that I would say, though, is that this shows you the resilience of this state, and the commitment that our law enforcement partners, whether they be at the federal, state or local level, have in making sure that we are safe in Louisiana, said Landry.

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In spite of the arrest in Iraq, the FBI has released a statement re-iterating its investigation found that Shamsud Din-Jabbar acted alone in carrying out the attack.

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.

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IRONDALE, Ala. (Trussville Tribune)  Irondale police have taken a suspect into custody after a man was shot at a business on Tuesday, according to the Irondale Police Department.

At approximately 11:48 a.m., Irondale 911 dispatchers received multiple calls reporting an altercation between employees at a business in the 2900 block of Alton Road.

Officers responded to the scene and found the victim suffering from a single gunshot wound.

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He was transported by Irondale Fire and Rescue to UAB Hospital for treatment.

Damien McDaniel likely to be tried on Trendsetters Lounge shooting first

Officers also took a male suspect into custody at the scene without incident.

The incident remains under active investigation, a statement from the department read. Detectives are currently working to gather all relevant facts, interview witnesses, and determine the circumstances surrounding the altercation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The Trump administration boasts about the iron fist with which it has guided immigration policy in its first 100 days. Perhaps as his most visible achievement, the president has underscored the 95% reduction in daily irregular crossings at the border with Mexico. The flow of South American migrants has slowed down, as has the transit of people through the Darien jungle, an important step on the journey toward the United States. The president has already deported around 142,000 people and aims to surpass the mark left by Joe Biden, who expelled more immigrants than Trump during his first presidency (1.5 million). Its just the beginning, the administration said as a warning.

The administration is already beginning to reveal clues about what to expect in the coming weeks. Tom Homan, the border czar, stated on Monday that in the very near future migrants and foreigners detained by federal agencies will be taken to the Fort Bliss military base in El Paso, Texas. In mid-April, the White House instructed the Pentagon to begin land-use conversions for thousands of acres in a swath that encompasses parts of California, Arizona, and New Mexico. By turning the land over to the military, illegal crossings into this area would be a federal crime. The Department of Defense is studying the feasibility of the proposal, according to the Associated Press.

Homan has repeatedly complained about the lack of space in detention centers. He has been pleading with Congress for weeks for a budget increase to expand the housing capacity of these prisons, many of which are operated by the private sector. The Department of Homeland Security stated in early April that the 140 centers nationwide were at maximum capacity, housing 48,000 individuals. This is the highest number in the last five years and 17% above the systems capacity.

The Bluebonnet Immigration Detention Center, where hundreds of Venezuelans are held, in Anson, Texas, on April 27. Paul Ratje (REUTERS)

The government has detained 158,000 undocumented immigrants in its first 100 days. Authorities say these arrests include some 2,288 members of gangs such as the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua (600 detainees) and MS-13 and Barrio 18, linked to the Mara Salvatrucha gang, among others. In his first hours in the Oval Office, Trump added these criminal groups to the list of international terrorist organizations, which effectively gave authorities more resources to fight them.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has played a prominent role in this period of time. The agency has become the law enforcement arm that has arrested and processed nearly 66,000 people for deportation. According to the agency, three out of four detainees had criminal records. About 1,300 had committed sex crimes, and nearly 500 had been charged with or convicted of homicide.

The government claims that ICE has detained the worst of the worst. But these months have left many questions about the way ICE agents have acted. Relatives of some of the 300 Venezuelans and Salvadorans taken away, first to Guantanamo and then to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, have reported that the undocumented immigrants apprehended had no serious crimes on their records. Some even had clean records.

Migrants deported from the United States are escorted into the high-security prison in Tecolula, El Salvador, on April 12. SECOM (via REUTERS)

ICE acknowledges that some of its detainees are guilty of minor offenses, such as traffic violations. Approximately 6,300 people have been arrested for driving while intoxicated. Another 9,600 were arrested for open assault charges. Another 1,500 people were detained for illegal weapons possession.

We have returned 65,000 illegal aliens to various countries around the world, said Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE, in a statement. The executive branch is now waging a war against sanctuary cities to force them to provide support for their law enforcement in operations to capture undocumented immigrants. In this way, Washington aims to remove obstacles to expanding the network that ICE and other agencies have cast.

The Department of Homeland Security has also detained 1,000 undocumented workers in raids conducted at various locations. In March, federal agents arrested 11 undocumented workers from Mexico, Nicaragua, and Ecuador who were working on the construction of a port on Lake Charles in Louisiana. In February, they arrested approximately 16 people in an operation at a New Jersey warehouse.

The Homeland Security criminal investigation agency claims that the 1,000 detainees are the highest number ever recorded, and that arrests will continue to increase in the coming months. Federal authorities have fined approximately 1,200 businesses for knowingly employing undocumented immigrants. The total number of these fines is close to $1 million. This is the latest move in Trumps war on immigrants.

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Israel carried out air strikes on an extremist group in Syria that was preparing to attack a Druze community on the outskirts of Damascus, Benjamin Netanyahu said.

The Israeli prime minister said Wednesdays warning operation was meant to send a serious message to Syrias new leadership that Israel, which has a sizeable Druze population, would not allow the minority to be targeted.

The IDF [Israel Defence Force] has carried out a warning operation and struck elements of an extremist group that was preparing to continue attacks on the Druze population in the town of Sahnaya, in the Damascus district in Syria, Mr Netanyahu said in a joint statement with Israel Katz, the defence minister.

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Israel will not allow harm to the Druze community in Syria, out of a deep commitment to our Druze brothers in Israel, who are connected by family and historical ties to their Druze brothers in Syria, the statement read.

In recent days, 13 people are reported to have died in clashes between the Druze community and militias loyal to Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Syrian president also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani.

Syrian security forces stand guard in the suburb of Jaramana in south Damascus - Omar Sanadiki/AP

Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the Druze spiritual leader in Israel, called earlier for Jews around the world and the international community to act now, immediately, to prevent a massacre.

Israel must not stand by in the face of events unfolding as we speak. Israeli leaders, you must take on the burden of proof and action, he added.

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Eyal Zamir, chief of the IDF, instructed his forces to prepare to strike targets belonging to the Syrian regime should the violence against Druze communities continue.

He said: The IDF is monitoring developments in the region, and IDF troops are deployed and prepared for defence and developments in the area of Syria.

The IDF also said that three injured Syrian Druze were evacuated from Syria and taken to a hospital in Safed, Israel for treatment.

Israels Druze minority are mostly located in the Galilee and the Golan Heights, which the Jewish State captured from Syria in 1967 and annexed in 1981.

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Many Druze have since become Israeli citizens, but some still identify as Syrian. The community numbers around 150,000 people in total. They are an Arab religious group but do not identify as Muslims.

In a statement, the Syrian government said it affirms its unwavering commitment to protect all components of the Syrian people... including the children of the honourable Druze community, also expressing its rejection of foreign interference.

A man holds a portrait of a Druze community member killed during fighting in the mostly Druze and Christian suburb of Jaramana, Damascus - LOUAI BESHARA/AFP

Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December, Israel has launched hundreds of strikes on Syria aimed at destroying the Assad regimes stockpile of military hardware and chemical weapons, to prevent them falling into the hands of the countrys new leadership.

The Israeli military has also taken control of Syrias Mount Meron, and sent troops to occupy a buffer zone established in 1974 separating the two countries.

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Israel said the seizure of Syrian territory was done to prevent jihadists from establishing themselves on the border.

On Monday, the Israeli prime minister claimed to have stopped an Iranian operation in December aimed at rescuing Assad when his country was falling to a rapid rebel attack.

Iran wanted to send one or two airborne divisions to help rescue Assad, Mr Netanyahu said. We stopped that. We sent some F-16s to some Iranian planes that were making some routes to Damascus. They turned back.

Syrias new president has demanded that Israel stop its attacks inside his country.

I mean, a delusional person can say whatever they want. Every person can imagine that he is suffering from some danger and carry out a pre-emptive strike and kill. But that is not justifiable, Mr Al-Sharaa said.

Attacks on Assad loyalists

The clashes between local militias and Druze communities is the latest in a string of sectarian attacks since the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group (HTS) seized power from Assad in December last year.

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In early March, Alawite fighters who support Assad launched attacks against HTS forces in Syrias coastal region, killing hundreds of security forces and civilians.

In return, government forces stormed into Alawite towns and cities, massacring hundreds of civilians and fighters. More than 1,000 people were killed in four days of sectarian clashes.

President Al-Sharaa ordered an investigation into the killings but the fact-finding committee is yet to publish its report.

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By Sam Tobin

LONDON (Reuters) - An Israeli private investigator wanted by the U.S. for allegedly carrying out a "hacking for hire" campaign at the behest of an ExxonMobil lobbyist lost his fight on Wednesday against extradition from Britain.

Amit Forlit, 57, is facing charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and computer hacking relating to his alleged targeting of environmental activists, his lawyers said in January, confirming Reuters' earlier reporting.

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Lawyers representing the U.S. authorities said Forlit was alleged to have directed the hacking of activists, with documents then passed to a lobbying firm and subsequently leaked to the media.

Forlit, who was arrested at London's Heathrow Airport last year, argued he should not be sent to the U.S. because  as his charges relate to climate change litigation against Exxon  his prosecution is "unquestionably political".

His objections to extradition were rejected by Judge John McGarva, who said in his written ruling that U.S. prosecutors simply alleged that Forlit was a "hired gun".

"The highest he can put his case is that he is collateral damage in the climate change litigation," McGarva said. He added that Forlit's prosecution "may be dropped by the new administration" of President Donald Trump.

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Forlit, whose bail was extended, has 14 days to challenge the decision at the High Court. His lawyer Edward Grange told reporters he expected the case to end up at the High Court.

Forlit's lawyers said in court filings for January's hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court that Forlit was charged with a conspiracy to hack individuals and entities involved in or associated with environmental activism.

His lawyer Rachel Scott said the hacking was "alleged to have been commissioned by DCI Group, a lobbying firm representing ExxonMobil".

In November, Reuters reported that Forlit was wanted by the U.S. Department of Justice in connection with an espionage campaign targeting environmentalists seeking to hold Exxon legally accountable for its impact on climate change.

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Exxon previously said it "has not been involved in, nor are we aware of, any hacking activities" and that, if there were hacking involved, "we condemn it in the strongest possible terms".

DCI Group previously said the allegations that it commissioned the hacking operation were false, adding it directs all of its employees and consultants to comply with the law.

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by Kate Holton and Mark Heinrich)
JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Wildfires raged on the outskirts of Jerusalem on Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of communities and the closure of a main highway as Israel appealed for international assistance to help fight the blaze.

TV footage showed fires burning along the main Route 1 Jerusalem to Tel Aviv highway and people abandoning cars and running away from the flames as thick smoke billowed over the surrounding hilltops.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Italy and Croatia were expected to send three firefighting planes to help extinguish the flames. Israel has also appealed to Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria, the Foreign Ministry said.

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Israeli media reported that 120 fire and rescue services had mobilised dozens of teams, aircraft and helicopters to try to contain the fires and the military said its search and rescue forces were assisting the operations.

Three communities were evacuated, police said, and at least 13 people were injured. There were no reports of fatalities.

The fire broke out on Israel's Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and many ceremonies marking the eve of its Independence Day were cancelled, including the main state event due to be held in Jerusalem.

(Reporting by Steven Scheer and Maayan Lubell, editing by Ed Osmond)
Israeli soldiers and mourners pray at the graves of soldiers on Remembrance Day for Fallen Soldiers at the Mt. Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem on April 30, 2025. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD)  Heartland Community College students will now have a pathway to get a bachelors degree of Business Administration thanks to a new partnership with Illinois State University.

The two schools will come together Thursday morning to formally sign the agreement. The signing will take placed at Heartlands Gregg Chadwick Community Board Room in the Community Commons Building.

This agreement will help make a clear academic pathway for Heartland students to transfer to ISUs college of business to complete their online business degree, both schools said in a news release.

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The schools expect the first class to transfer from Heartland to ISU in Fall 2026. There are currently 759 courses that are transferable between the two institutions.

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Dr. Martin Pollio will be the next president of Ivy Tech Community College starting on July 1. (Provided photo)

The next president of Ivy Tech Community College will be Martin Pollio, a superintendent at Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ivy Tech is doing great things in Indiana, he said in a statement. Im honored to be joining such a strong institution, and Im ready to continue building more value for students and communities across the state.

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Pollio will serve as the 10th president of the institution, succeeding former Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann, who announced her retirement after nearly a decade in the role. Pollio starts on July 1.

The schools board of trustees selected Pollio following a national search process conducted by Issacson Miller and overseen by a search committee. According to a release, Pollio rose to the top for his passion for students and experience creating results around workforce readiness and academic excellence.

Marty Pollio is a results-driven, dynamic leader with immense heart and passion for students, said Ivy Tech Board Chair Andrew Wilson, who also served as co-chair of the search committee. We are confident he will build on the innovation and growth weve experienced in the last decade and bolster our ability to help more Hoosiers achieve their academic and career goals.

Pollio spent 28 years with the Louisville school district as both an administrator and an educator, taking the role of superintendent in 2017. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Indiana University, Pollio went to Eastern Kentucky University to secure his masters degree and obtained his doctorate from the University of Louisville.

More than 200,000 students are enrolled at Ivy Tech across 19 statewide campuses and online. Nearly half, or 49%, of all postsecondary credentials earned by Hoosiers are awarded by Ivy Tech  including graduate degrees.
PEARL, Miss. (WJTV)  Jacks Family Restaurants will open a new location in the City of Pearl.

This will bring the third Jacks location in the greater Jackson area. The new restaurant will be located at 734 Highway 80 East.

Mississippi breaks ground on industrial park in Grenada

Were excited to bring our southern hospitality to the Pearl community and look forward to creating lasting connections with our new neighbors, said Todd Bartmess, CEO of Jacks Family Restaurants. Whether guests are heading to Trustmark Park for a game or exploring the Outlets of Mississippi, Jacks will be ready to deliver a hot meal and a warm smile to all.

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According to company officials, Jacks arrival in Pearl will create 50 to 60 jobs. Residents interested in joining the Jacks family can apply now at eatatjacks.com.

The restaurant is expected to open in May.

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At the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson, Texas, a group of Venezuelan migrants have staged a desperate plea for help. Last April 28, 31 men stood in the centers courtyard to spell out an SOS message with their bodies, which was captured by a Reuters drone. The detainees, trapped in legal and political limbo, fear they may soon be deported to El Salvadors infamous CECOT maximum security prison, a facility known for its harsh conditions and controversial mass detentions.

According to the news agency, on April 18, dozens of detainees received notices accusing them of being affiliated with the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. These notices, issued under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, would serve to justify deportation without the usual immigration court process. Many of the men refused to sign the documents, and claimed they had no ties to the gang. Nonetheless, they were nearly deported that same day. They were sent to a nearby airport before being unexpectedly returned to Bluebonnet. That same night, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a temporary halt to their deportations.

Their fate remains uncertain. If the Supreme Court lifts the block, the detainees could be sent to CECEOT, where the Trump administration has already deported more than 200 Venezuelans and Salvadorans. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has not commented on the deportations halted by the Supreme Court. The privately run Bluebonnet facility, which holds an average of more than 800 detainees per day, has become the center of a growing legal and human rights controversy.

Detainees in the yard of the Bluebonnet Detention Center on April 28 in Anson, Texas. Paul Ratje (REUTERS)

Among the detainees is Diover Millan, 24, who was transferred from Georgia to Texas in mid-April. Although U.S. authorities claim he is a documented member of Tren de Aragua, they have not provided any evidence. Millan has no known criminal record and had been working in construction. His wife told Reuters that detainees in Millans dormitory now sleep in shifts for fear of being suddenly deported.

Another detainee, Jeferson Escalona, 19, was arrested in Texas after a police chase and later detained at Guantanamo before arriving at Bluebonnet. Authorities claim he admitted he was a gang member, but Escalona insists he was a police officer in Venezuela and is being confused with someone else. He has applied to return voluntarily to Venezuela, but his petition has been denied.

An immigration official who visited the facility on April 26 explained to the detainees that deportation under the Alien Enemies Act bypasses immigration court proceedings. In a recording of the visit, detainees asked how they could be labeled enemies without a criminal record or gang membership.

Advocates and lawyers are rushing to intervene in the detainees cases. Millan, who is seeking asylum, has a court hearing scheduled for May 1, if he is not deported before then.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Both Kansas City and Jackson County are now working to end predatory towing.

Its a FOX4 follow-up to our investigation into the long-running practice costing victims thousands of dollars.

Police encourage possible victims of a predatory tow to come forward

Monday night, Jacob Titus spoke about his car being towed from an accident scene in February, only to face a more than $4,500 tow bill.

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One person besides Titus FOX4 interviewed in April was his mom, Jean Samyn. Titus has not been able to get his car back after it was towed away February 5 by Metro Tow.

The company owner and his mother were arrested for nine felonies each, including stealing cars, forgery, and harassment. One of the questions we asked Samyn after the arrest of the two was whether she was mad at the city. Her was answer was no.

I wish they could close these people down, she said. I know that they were arrested with Jackson County and then were out on bond.

Tuesday, FOX4 found out the city cant require a business license or permit for a tow company.

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The City Councils Legislative Director Conner Swanton spoke to the committee at City Hall that day.

Were preempted from doing so, Swanton said. Three out of four counties that Kansas City is within have such a license. Jackson County does not. Thats what Councilman [Darrell] Curls has been working on with Legislator [DaRon] McGee, so they could enact a license at the Jackson County level. We could report violations to them, and they could suspend the license.

Armed car thieves return to Waldo neighborhood to steal Corvette

Monday, FOX4 found out a Jackson County Committee held an ordinance dealing with this very topic. It will be heard again on Monday, May 5. More than 20 minutes after Swanton said that, Councilwoman Melissa Robinson talked about the issue of private company towing with Public Works Director Michael Shaw.

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Because it is in some places, aside from the city system, its the Wild Wild West in terms of towing in some parts of our city, Robinson said.

Well, because Jackson County doesnt have the laws that are required by state law, Shaw replied. They dont have the licensing, which is a requirement of state law, so it is an issue in Jackson County, but thats not necessarily the same issue in the other counties.

After the committee meeting, Robinson said that tow companies may need a reminder that they need to get better at how theyre treating customers.

But if we want real change, it is going to require our friends at Jackson County to make sure that we have again, a system that works and can fully hold people accountable, she said.

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See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

The city committee passed the ordinance Tuesday that plans to increase the penalties on tow companies who take advantage of drivers. The day prior, Curls told FOX4 the ordinance hes sponsoring was not in response to Metro Tow being raided in April or the owner being arrested.

He said hes actually been working on this for six months. The city council could give final approval to their ordinance Thursday at 2 p.m.

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(FOX40.COM)-The Tuolumne County Sheriffs office reports that a 1-year-old child had reportedly choked and stopped breathing at a home near Dutch Mine Road in Jamestown. The child was revived by first responders and taken to a local hospital for evaluation and was released into the care of the childs parents on April 22nd.

The next day, April 23rd, the sheriffs department got a report from Child Welfare Services saying the child had been brought back to the hospital for a second time by their parents after becoming unresponsive. During that visit, the child was given CPR and resuscitated. The child was later transferred to another hospital to be treated for Fentanyl poisoning after testing.

The parents of the child, Rory Kerr, 22, and Denaun Davis, 32, were arrested at the hospital after detectives got a warrant to search their home, where they found drug paraphernalia with narcotics residue and Narcan. The investigation led to detectives finding facts that one of the childs parents administered Narcan during the medical emergency of the child.

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The Tuolumne County Sheriffs office wants to remind the public that while Narcan is a critical and often life-saving drug that can reverse the overdoses of opioids and drugs such as Fentanyl, it is not a substitute for proper medical care.

Kerr and Davis were booked on felony child abuse charges, specifically, abuse likely to cause great bodily injury or death. All children involved have been placed in protective custody.

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NASA could be one step closer to having its next leader if congressional leaders vote to advance the nomination of billionaire Jared Isaacman, a private astronaut who has financed and led two commercial expeditions to outer space.

If confirmed, Isaacman, 42, would oversee a space agency undergoing potential critical cuts while on the cusp of pivotal crewed missions in the years ahead to the moon and Mars.

The Senate Commerce Committee is scheduled Wednesday, April 30, to vote whether to send the New Jersey native's confirmation to the full Senate.

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Here are six things to know about Jared Isaacman, President Donald Trump's pick to head NASA.

Jared Isaacman, Trump's pick to head NASA, was once arrested

On the eve of Isaacman's confirmation hearing, news came to light that he once faced some legal trouble when he failed to pay casino debts.

Isaacman was arrested on fraud charges in 2010 and faced lawsuits in two states for writing $2 million in bad checks to casinos, Reuters reported, citing government records and court filings.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced in a February 2010 press release titled, "Nevada Fugitive Captured at Canadian Border," that agents arrested Isaacman on a warrant for alleged fraud at the Washington state line. Isaacman, who was 27 at the time, was released from jail the next day, which he has since said in a questionnaire in connection with his nomination to head NASA was because the matter was resolved and the charges dismissed.

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Isaacman was also sued four times between 2008 and 2010 in connection with casino debts and allegations of fraudulent checks. One case in 2009 was settled in 2011, while a complaint in 2010 was eventually resolved and withdrawn, Reuters reported.

Information on the other two cases from 2008 was not immediately available, according to Reuters.

Questioned over moon plans, Jared Isaacman backs Elon Musk's Mars goals

Isaacman faced plenty of questions about NASA's priorities under his potential leadership during an April 9 hearing with the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Since Trump took office in January, uncertainty has abounded about the U.S. space agency's future  including its years-long plan of sending astronauts back to the moon. SpaceX founder Elon Musk, a close confidante and supporter of Trump, has made no secret of his desire to focus on transporting humans straight from Earth to Mars without stopping at the moon, as envisioned under NASA's plan.

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Because Isaacman is a close associate of Musk's, both Democratic and Republican senators questioned the prospective nominee about whether he shares that vision.

This week the Senate Commerce Committee will hear from President Trump's nominee to be NASA Administrator, Jared Isaacman.



During our meeting, Mr. Isaacman committed to having American astronauts return to the lunar surface ASAP so we can develop the technologies needed to go pic.twitter.com/Obn5ESa4nL  Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) April 7, 2025

Isaacman told the committee he will prioritize sending American astronauts to Mars.

But that doesn't mean he would abandon plans for lunar exploration.

"Along the way, we will inevitably have the capabilities to return to the moon and determine the scientific, economic, and national security benefits of maintaining a presence on the lunar surface," Isaacman wrote in his written testimony prior to the hearing.

When did Trump nominate astronaut Jared Isaacman to be next head of NASA space agency?

Trump announced Isaacmans nomination in a December 2024 post on Truth Social, saying, Jared will drive NASAs mission of discovery and inspiration, paving the way for groundbreaking achievements in Space science, technology, and exploration.

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If confirmed, Isaacman would succeed Bill Nelson, former President Joe Bidens pick for NASA administrator and a former astronaut and Democratic U.S. senator from Florida.

In a December post on social media site X following Trumps announcement, Isaacman said he was honored.

Having been fortunate to see our amazing planet from space, I am passionate about America leading the most incredible adventure in human history, Isaacman said in the post. I can confidently say this second space age has only just begun ... There will inevitably be a thriving space economy  one that will create opportunities for countless people to live and work in space.

Jared Isaacman is billionaire founder of Shift4

Isaacman famously dropped out of school at 16 years old to start his internet payment processing company Shift4 Payments in 1999, which is how he amassed his fortune.

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The Pennsylvania-based company, publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange, specializes in commerce technology such as mobile payment software and hardware. More than 25 years after its founding, the company boasts on its website that it processes more than $260 billion annually for more than 200,000 customers around the world.

Isaacman led Polaris Dawn, has been to space twice

Isaacman has been to space twice under his private spaceflight venture known as the Polaris Program.

The most recent expedition drew plenty of headlines in September 2024 when Isaacman flew with an all-civilian crew of amateur spacefarers on a mission he jointly funded with Elon Musks SpaceX.

During the mission, known as Polaris Dawn, the four-member crew ascended to 870 miles above Earths surface  higher than any crewed vehicle has traveled since NASAs Apollo era ended in the 1970s. Two days into the mission, they became the first non-government astronauts to complete a spacewalk when both Isaacman and crew member Sarah Gillis exited the Dragon capsule separately for about 10 minutes each to take in the endless black expanse of outer space.

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Isaacman's first trip to space came when he commanded the first all-civilian space crew in 2021 aboard a SpaceX capsule as part of a mission known as Inspiration4.

By that time, space tourists had already begun taking short trips to the edge of space with companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin. But Inspiration4 became known as the worlds first all-civilian extended mission to space, with Isaacman, who funded the spaceflight, and three others spending three days living in orbit and conducting research.

The crew of the Polaris Dawn mission from left to right: Anna Menon, Scott Poteet, Jared Isaacman, and Sarah Gillis

Jared Isaacman is an experienced aviator

With more than 7,000 flight hours of aviation experience, Isaacman is also an aviation enthusiast qualified to fly military fighter jets.

How to watch Jared Isaacman confirmation hearing

The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. ET and will stream live on the Senate committee website.

Contributing: Reuters

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Who is Jared Isaacman? Billionaire astronaut could lead NASA
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  As the investigation into Sundays Clearwater ferry crash unfolds, 8 On Your Side has uncovered new revelations about the man who authorities said was operating the other boat.

Florida Fish and Wildlife officers said, Sunday night, a 37-foot recreational center console motorboat ran up and onto the Clearwater ferry, killing one and injuring several others.

Attorney for boater involved in Clearwater ferry crash explains clients side of events

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Now, take a look at a story News Channel 8 covered almost six years ago.

It was Labor Day, 2019, when officials said a motorboat struck a pontoon boat, leaving two women badly injured.

That owner turned out to be Jeff Knight, Brandon Volk said.

Volk represented the two women in court.

They sued Knight, alleging he was negligently operating his vessel when the accident happened.

There were some severe injuries and significant traumas, Volk said.

News Channel 8 reporter Nicole Rogers asked, What was the outcome of the case in 2019?

The parties ended up settling for a confidential sum, Volk explained.

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Knight was cited at the time for careless operation of a vessel and collision of a vessel, but both charges were later dismissed in 2020.

News Channel 8 On Your Side also obtained court records from a 2012 lawsuit that alleged a man fell off of Knights yacht, hit his head and drowned.

That case was later dismissed.

Neither Knight nor anyone else have been charged in connection with Sundays collision, but the investigation is still underway.

FWC officers said it will be up to the State Attorneys Office to decide whether or not anyone will face charges related to Sundays collision.

News Channel 8 reached out to the Pinellas-Pasco State Attorneys Office and was told that they will not be able to make a decision on charges until they have all the facts.

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WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI)  Jefferson Community College is getting a boost to help its drive for a new vocational training center to help soldiers after their military career concludes.

Empire State Development announced on Tuesday that JCC will be getting $4 million towards its $13 million Next Move NY Vocational Training and Job Readiness Center. This facility will help increase offerings at the college for Fort Drum soldiers and spouses transitioning out of the military.

Fort Drum museum unveils exhibit showcasing WWII veterans artwork

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A second grant of $600,000 also awarded to Advocate Drum, the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization for Next Move NY Live, Love, Stay Program that will hopefully encourage people to stay in the north country and seek employment in their post-military careers.

ESD and the North Country Regional Economic Development Council are working hard to build a workforce pipeline for transitioning Fort Drum soldiers to New Yorks job market. These awards to JCCs Next Move NY Vocational Training and Job Readiness Facility and Advocate Drums Next Move NY Live, Love, Stay Program will help keep veterans in New York State, fuel economic growth and open new opportunities in the region. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight

The vocational center would establish a hub for training and allow Jefferson CC to offer new, high-demand programming in engineering technology, mechatronics, advanced manufacturing and the skilled trades.

The renovated facility and investment will also enable JCC to develop educational programs in critical workforce and trade skills areas, addressing the needs of regional employers, while supporting transitioning military members and their families.

We are honored to receive this significant support through the Next Move NY initiative, JCC President Dan Dupee said. This investment will allow us to establish a state-of-the-art Job Readiness Facility dedicated to supporting Fort Drum soldiers, veterans, and their families as they transition to civilian life.

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Dupee added, We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul, the Governors Office, and the North Country Regional Economic Development Council for this incredible opportunity and for selecting our proposal among so many strong submissions. This facility will not only strengthen our college but also bolster the regional workforce and create new pathways for success in high-demand careers.

According to Empire State Development, the area is facing a severe shortage of workers and tapping into Fort Drums 15,000 current active-duty service members could help deal with that shortfall.

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Jennifer McCabe took the stand once again on Day 7 of witness testimony in Karen Reads retrial.

NOW ON THE STAND: Jennifer McCabe, a key witness and friend of Karen Read and John OKeefe, and Brian Alberts sister-in-law.

Follow along with Ted Daniels live court updates:

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McCabe was one of the last people to see John OKeefe alive, and infamously Googled, hos long to die in cold, on the morning of OKeefes death.

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Reads lawyers have said that McCabes search happened hours before OKeefe was discovered, which could implicate her rather than Read. McCabe has said she made the search later at Reads insistence after they found OKeefe.

McCabe is set to return to court at 9 a.m. and is expected to be asked about that Google search.

McCabe was first called to the stand on Tuesday and was asked about the discovery of OKeefes body and the preceding events. She described conversations she had with Read on the morning of January 29, 2022.

Jennifer McCabe takes stand in Karen Reads retrial, recounts morning John OKeefes body was found

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Jen! Jen! And then shes screaming that John didnt come home, McCabe recounted. She started saying, Could I have hit him? Did I hit him?

She also informed me that she had cracked her taillight, McCabe continued.

A short time later, McCabe traveled with Read to 34 Fairview Road and found OKeefes body in the snow near a flagpole in the front yard.

I was frozen, I was shocked, I couldnt believe that was him just lying there, McCabe detailed. I just remember when I was doing the compressions, it just. I dont really know how to explain it. It just felt very funny.

Read is accused of striking John OKeefe, her Boston police officer boyfriend, with her SUV and leaving him to die alone in a blizzard outside of a house party at the home of fellow officer Albert following a night of drinking.

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A mistrial was declared last year after jurors said they were at an impasse and deliberating further would be futile.

Prosecutors allege Read intentionally backed into OKeefe after she dropped him off at a house party and returned hours later to find him dead. The defense has claimed that she was a victim of a vast police conspiracy and that OKeefe was fatally beaten by another law enforcement officer at the party.

Read has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Jennifer McCabe, one of the last people to see John OKeefe alive, was on the stand for the entirety of the seventh day of testimony in Karen Reads murder retrial on Wednesday.

McCabe testified for hours and at times sparred with the defense as she recounted the morning that John OKeefes body was found on January 29, 2022.

McCabe says Read admitted to striking OKeefe and showed damage to Lexus taillight.

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The prosecution alleges OKeefes body was on McCabes sisters front lawn when McCabe left that home late at night.

McCabe testified that she never saw it.

Read attacked McCabes credibility after listening to a full day of her testimony.

Another witness, another instance of perjury. Or instances I should say, Karen Read said outside court.

I did not tell Jen to make a Google search, Read said of McCabes infamous hos long to die in cold search on the morning of OKeefes death.

Reads lawyers have said that McCabes search happened hours before OKeefe was discovered, which could implicate her rather than Read. McCabe has said she made the search later at Reads insistence after they found OKeefe.

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Jurors listened to the 911 call McCabe made upon the discovery of OKeefes body.

I need someone to come immediately to 34 Fairview Road Canton, Mass, a recording of McCabes voice played in court.

Whats going on? a dispatcher replied.

Theres a guy unresponsive in the snow, McCabe said.

McCabe said that Read announced that morning, I hit them! I hit them! I hit them! McCabe testified that the memory was just as fresh today as it was three years ago.

Defense attorney Alan Jackson challenged that and argued McCabe never mentioned that Read incriminated herself in previous testimony.

Not one time. Miss McCabe, did you utter the phrase, Jackson said.

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We found one of my closest friends on the front lawn, and she was saying crazy things and acting crazy, McCabe replied.

McCabe also confirmed federal law enforcement agents came to her Canton home to question her in April 2023.

McCabe revealed she made five phone calls, including one to her brother-in-law Brian Abert, before agreeing to speak with the FBI, but initially she told agents she only made two; one to her husband Matt and another to Kerry Roberts.

That would be a lie by definition, Jackson pried.

No, its not a lie, McCabe said

Is there some shade of lie that Im not aware of? Jackson replied.

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McCabe says it was an oversight and she reached out to the federal investigators by phone a short time later to tell them about the other calls.

As 25 Investigates has reported, the federal investigation closed months ago with no indictments.

McCabe also said she didnt hear any engine revving or yelling outside 34 Fairview at the time the prosecution says Read struck OKeefe there.

There is no court on Thursday but McCabe will be back on the stand for a couple more hours on Friday.

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A hiker from New Jersey was found dead on a trail in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York, police said Tuesday.

Linhu Jin, a 54-year-old man from Palisades Park, N.J., was discovered unresponsive on April 24 on a trail on West Kill Mountain, New York state police said in a press release.

Jin was found by a group of hikers on Devils Path Trail, cops said. The path is considered one of the toughest in the tristate area.

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In addition to state police, New York State Forest Rangers, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the Greene County Sheriffs Office and the Lexington Fire Company all responded to the scene, but Jin was pronounced dead on the mountain, according to authorities. Foul play is not suspected in his death.

Devils Path is described by many as the toughest hike in the Catskills. It extends for 22 miles and includes more than 8,000 feet of elevation gain across several peaks.

The climbing website Mountain Hiking describes it as one of the most difficult and notorious hikes on the East Coast  bring your A-game.

The Devils Path is a serious hiking challenge, the accompanying article reads. Its tough. Its technical. In summer, theres no water. In the coldest months, some sections require winter mountaineering gear.

West Kill Mountain sits at the western end of the trail. Jins cause of death remains under investigation.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  No injuries were reported after an in-flight emergency occurred on a regularly scheduled Delta flight to Cincinnati.

According to Delta, Endeavor Air was operating Delta Connection flight 4985 through a CRJ-900 from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on April 30.

The plane was already en-route to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in Hebron Kentucky, when the smoke alarm in the lavatory was activated towards the latter part of the flight.

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Upon the alarm, the emergency was initiated for air traffic control to provide priority handling for the incoming flight.

At the time of the reported incident, 64 customers, two pilots and two flight attendants were aboard the aircraft. Individuals on board were deplaned and taken by bus to the terminal.

Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people, said Delta. We thank our customers for their cooperation and apologize for the experience.

Delta said initial indicators did not indicate any smoke.

When WDTN.com reached out to CVG for information, we received the following statement:

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Airport emergency and operations crews responded to a reported incident on an inbound aircraft, said a CVG spokesperson. No impact on operations.

An apology will be provided to customers by company representatives, according to Delta.

Both Delta and Endeavor are working alongside aviation authorities to find out what occurred.

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Stephen Miller has stepped out of the shadows he operated in during Donald Trumps first term. Now back in Washington, the presidents powerful advisor has taken on a far more visible role. Alongside Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Miller is one of the few officials who meet with the president almost daily in the Oval Office.

At Elon Musks unexpected press conference held there on January 11, Miller was present  dressed in a gray suit, shirt, and tie  standing beneath a portrait of George Washington. Though he appeared only in the margins of that image, his influence and way of thinking have crept to the center of the administrations agenda. In Trumps war on migrants, Miller is the strategist leading the charge.

In this second act at the White House, the 39-year-old has gained power thanks to the mission he has been tasked with: overseeing public policy and advising the president on national security matters. These are two key roles, Andrew Selee, president of the Migration Policy Institute, tells EL PAIS by phone. What gave him influence last time was his closeness to Trump, but now he can coordinate the processes of the agencies responsible for migration and security.

Miller  born in the progressive city of Santa Monica, northwest of Los Angeles  masterminded some of the measures that defined Trumps chaotic first term. He is credited with crafting the 2018 Zero Tolerance policy at the border, which led to the separation of 3,000 children from their families. The cruel initiative  designed to deter illegal crossings  was halted after Ivanka Trump urged her father to end it following a public outcry. Had it been up to Miller, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and their allies, tens of thousands of families would have been separated, wrote journalist Jacob Soboroff in his book Separated (2020).

Now, the loyal Miller has returned to Trumps side. Whats more, his responsibilities go beyond writing campaign speeches, as he did last year. He has become an architect of the executive branch. The people managing the day-to-day operations  the acting secretaries and agency heads awaiting Senate confirmation  are individuals he has been cultivating and preparing over the past four years, says Selee. He has spent this time building an army loyal to Trump.

Part of that network has been woven by America First Legal, a conservative organization founded by Miller and his partner, Gene Hamilton, a lawyer who litigated in defense of Trumps policies during his first term. Miller founded the group two months after leaving the White House in 2021. During the Biden administration, America First Legal became the go-to legal vehicle for Republican governors seeking to wage the culture war in the courts.

During Trumps early years, there was a lot of resentment and frustration with progressive lawyers and Democratic prosecutors, and especially with the American Civil Liberties Union, which blocked his worst initiatives with lawsuits, and Millers idea was to create its right-wing equivalent. He made himself indispensable to the Trumpist cause by raising the value of his shares in the movement, says Jonathan Blitzer, a journalist for The New Yorker and author of Everyone Who is Gone is Here (2024), a book that reviews how Washingtons policies of recent decades have shaped the Central American migration crisis.

America First Legal has become a leading force in the American conservative community. It represented Texas in its lawsuit against Biden to keep the border closed. It accused companies like Disney and Nike of discriminating against white men. And it took legal action against the federal government for funding allegedly neo-Marxist scientific programs based on diversity, equity, and inclusion criteria. All this despite the fact that Miller is not a lawyer  he studied Philosophy at Duke University, where he was already arguing in the student newspaper that right-wing values and principles were under unprecedented attack.

Miller was exposed to these ideas from an early age. He is the second child of an affluent Jewish family: his mother, Miriam, was a social worker, and his father, Michael, a real estate attorney with openly Zionist leanings and strong support for Reagans Republican Party. Jean Guerrero, Millers biographer, recounts in Hatemonger (2020) how he became captivated in his youth by the books of Rush Limbaugh, the incendiary right-wing commentator from the 1990s whom Trump honored in 2021, shortly before his death. In The Way Things Ought to Be (1992), Miller found a revelation on every page. Limbaugh criticized multiculturalism, attacked feminism  coining the term feminazi  and urged white men not to shrink away in an increasingly diverse world.

The call had an impact on Miller. In his youth, he broke off a friendship with a close high school friend, Jason Islas, because he was Latino. At his high school in Santa Monica, he complained to administrators about the funding for a Chicano student group. He also accused his teachers of penalizing him for expressing right-wing views in his essays. On one occasion, he invited Larry Elder  a hardline African American conservative pundit  to speak at his school. Elder, who believes there should be no minimum wage and that climate change is a myth, later ran for governor of California in 2021 with Trumps support.

But it was in 2015 that Miller found a receptive audience for his ideas. That year, he was able to win over the Republican establishment  just as the party gained control of the Senate. Miller co-authored a 23-page document with Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, urging fellow Republicans to adopt a more aggressive stance and not shy away from the partys far-right flank. The memo proposed a leading issue for this new crusade: illegal immigration. Few issues motivate the electorate as powerfully and passionately, the text argued.

The document may be a decade old, but it remains the essential roadmap of Trumpism. It advocates for increasing deportations, ending amnesty for millions of undocumented immigrants who contribute to the economy, and halting the practice of releasing migrants apprehended at the border. It also calls for reducing the number of H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers. This caused the first schism within the executive branch, as Elon Musk  who has benefited from these visas and relies on them for his companies  believed the number of these work permits should not be changed. Trump agreed with him, defeating the ultranationalist bloc of Miller and Steve Bannon.

Blitzer tells EL PAIS that in Trumps first administration, it was other Cabinet figures who served as a firewall against the radical policies promoted by Miller. Theres hardly anyone left around the president who can counter him or offer a different worldview, he notes.

Whats more troubling, he adds, is the shift in public opinion  a trend that could deepen following the excesses of deportations to El Salvador. Theres a feeling among Democrats that theyve been defeated on this issue, a need to accept defeat and resign themselves to the fact that Trumps vision of immigration has prevailed in key sectors of society. Its a vindication for Miller, who now feels he has a mandate that didnt exist during the first administration.

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President Donald Trump announced a new series of fighter jets for Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan on Tuesday, giving credit in part to Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Whitmer faced scrutiny from fellow Democrats after a White House meeting with Trump this month. He brought her onstage Tuesday, seemingly catching her off-guard.
Former Trump National Security Advisor John Bolton has said that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should leave his job for his own safetys sake.

The former Bush UN ambassador and foreign policy hawk was asked on CNN if Hegseth should remain in the post.

No, I think he should resign for his own safetys sake, if nothing else, he said. Bolton went on to say that he had particular concerns about the secretary following the revelations that he shared sensitive information regarding strikes on Yemen on the messaging app Signal in group chats that included his wife, brother, personal attorney, and inadvertently, in a separate chat with cabinet-level officials, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic Jeffrey Goldberg.

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Bolton added that it is a critical time for the American military. We understand the Trump administration will rightly propose enormous budget increases for defense. We need it. 

We need a secretary who can get the job done, not somebody who spends his time on Signal chat groups, he argued.

John Bolton lambasted Pete Hegseth for his use of the messaging app Signal, arguing that he should leave the Pentagon (Getty Images)

I almost never used my personal cell phone, he said about his time as Trumps national security adviser during the presidents first term.

I mean, the breaches of security at risk in this conduct are enormous. And I think thats one reason why he shouldnt be in the job, he argued.

Even though he was a part of Trumps first administration, Bolton has become one of the presidents most ardent critics.

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Hegseth has faced several controversies in recent weeks, including his use of Signal and his management at the Pentagon, where he has seen several of his top aides depart the administration amid disputes over leaks.

Both the secretary and the administration have pushed back against accusations that the use of Signal was inappropriate, saying that no classified information was shared on the app.

Meanwhile, Trump recently told The Atlantic that he believes that Hegseth will get it together.

Then, speaking to ABC on Tuesday, the president said, I had a talk with him, and whatever I said, I probably wouldnt be inclined to tell you.

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But  we had a good talk. Hes a talented guy. Hes young. Hes smart, highly educated, he added. And I think hes gonna be a very good defense, hopefully a great defense secretary.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has landed himself in hot water for his use of the messaging app signal (Getty Images)

Boltons comments come as the Republican majority in the U.S. House blocked a vote to hold an inquiry into Hegseths Signal use.

Washington Democratic Rep. Adam Smith told NPR that the Republicans blocked the vote because they know Hegseths actions are "indefensible." Smith filed a resolution of inquiry, which means that a member in the minority can force an investigation.

"They are so afraid of this issue  they can't defend it  that they don't want to talk about it," said Smith. "And they will go to extraordinary process lengths to try to prevent Congress from doing its job of exercising oversight over the Pentagon."

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House Speaker Mike Johnson said ahead of the Tuesday vote that were using the rules of the House to prevent political hijinks and political stunts. And thats what the Democrats have.

So were preventing this nonsensical waste of our time. We dont have time to waste, said Johnson.
A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, the Columbia University student whose arrest and detention his lawyers said was an unconstitutional retaliation against his pro-Palestinian speech. The lawful permanent U.S. resident was arrested at his citizenship interview April 14 in Vermont.

In a written ruling following a hearing, U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford said Mahdawis release was in the public interest. The Obama-appointed judge said that continued detention would likely have a chilling effect on protected speech and that Mahdawi didnt appear to be a flight risk or a danger to the community.

While providing relief to Mahdawi specifically, the judges opinion took stock of the broader moment in the Trump administrations immigration crackdown, noting that legal residents who havent been charged with any crimes are being arrested and threatened with deportation for stating their views on political issues of the day. The judge likened it to the anti-communist Red Scare and McCarthyism in the last century.

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Crawford conditioned the release on Mahdawi residing in Vermont and attending all further court hearings in his case unless excused from doing so. The judge said he can go to New York for educational purposes or to meet with his lawyers, or as otherwise ordered by the court.

The Trump administration had opposed his release, arguing that Mahdawi couldnt show extraordinary circumstances and that, While recognizing the seriousness of being detained, release must be for a reason other than the Petitioners convenience.

Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in the Trump administrations legal cases.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  A St. Louis County Family Court judge denied a former city sheriffs deputys request for an order of protection against St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery.

Earlier this month, former deputy Darryl Wilson Jr. filed a restraining order against his former boss, alleging Sheriff Montgomery showed up at Wilsons new job at St. Louis County Circuit Court, where Wilson works as a bailiff.

Wilson said Montgomery came in person to tell Wilsons new boss that he suspected Wilson was trying to steal city workers and get them to move to the county.

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FOX 2 News obtained a security video from inside the county courthouse showing Montgomery with his security team making their way up to the fifth floor to speak with Wilsons boss.

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Wilson believes Montgomery has had it out for him because the former deputy supported former Sheriff Vernon Betts in the race against Montgomery.

Wilson had been granted a temporary restraining order against Sheriff Montgomery until a county judge could make a decision on a long-term ex parte order of protection.

Had the judge ruled against Montgomery, the St. Louis Sheriff could have lost his right to carry a firearm.

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Sheriff Montgomery issued a statement following the judges ruling:

The St. Louis Sheriffs Office acknowledges that today, a judge denied a petition for an order of protection filed by a former deputy against Sheriff Alfred Montgomery. The court ruled that the petitioners claims lacked merit as no credible evidence was presented to support the allegations. Todays ruling demonstrates that our judicial system continues to function as designed, evaluating the facts rather than unsubstantiated claims. As an office tasked with serving legal process under the Missouri state constitution, which includes responsibilities under the Adult Abuse Act, we recognize the importance of the courts careful examination of petitions for order of protection based on factual evidence. Our office remains focused on our mission to serve the citizens of St. Louis with honor, integrity, respect, and a dedication to justice.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been in touch with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man wrongfully deported last month to El Salvador's CECOT mega-prison, multiple sources familiar with their contact told ABC News.

The details of their contact were not immediately clear.

ABC News' Karen Travers asked Secretary of State Rubio about Abrego Garcia at Wednesday's Cabinet meeting in Washington, and he would not say whether there had been any form of contact.

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MORE: Trump says 'I could' get Abrego Garcia back from El Salvador

"I'll never tell you that," Rubio said. "And you know who else? I'll never tell a judge, because the conduct of our foreign policy belongs to the president of the United States and the executive branch, not some judge."

A spokesperson for the State Department said, "We do not comment on reports of private diplomatic negotiations, regardless if they are real or not."

The New York Times first reported the contact between the U.S. and El Salvador relating to Abrego Garcia.

Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran native who has been living with his wife and children in Maryland, was deported in March to El Salvador -- despite a 2019 court order barring his deportation to that country due to fear of persecution -- after the Trump administration claimed he was a member of the criminal gang MS-13.

PHOTO: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant in this handout image obtained by Reuters on April 9, 2025. (Abrego Garcia Family via Reuters)

The federal judge overseeing the case on Wednesday denied a motion from the Trump administration to further delay discovery in the case.

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The order came a week after the judge, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, paused expedited discovery for seven days after the Trump administration asked her for the stay.

An attorney for Abrego Garcia, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, told ABC News they agreed to the seven-day pause "in good faith."

"Today is the seventh day of the original seven-day period," Sandoval-Moshenberg said Wednesday. "Kilmar Abrego Garcia is not back in the United States, and it seems to me that the government has not been using that week wisely."

The attorney said his team is going to figure out "which humans from the U.S. government" are blocking the return of Abrego Garcia.

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Judge Xinis earlier this month slammed the administration over its inaction over Abrego Garcia's wrongful deportation and ordered government officials to testify under oath through expedited discovery.

MORE: Federal judge pauses discovery in Abrego Garcia case for 1 week

Following her order Wednesday, Judge Xinis set new deadlines for the government to respond to requests.

By May 5, the government must answer and respond to all outstanding discovery requests and supplement their invocations of privilege consistent with the court's previous orders, Xinis ruled.

The depositions of four government witnesses who plaintiffs say have knowledge of the circumstances in the case must be completed by May 9, she ordered.

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Abrego Garcia's lawyers may seek the court's permission to conduct up to two additional depositions, Judge Xinis said.

The plaintiffs have a deadline of May 12 to renew their motions for relief, which previously asked the court to order the government to comply with the order to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return to the U.S., and to order the government to show cause why it should not be held in contempt for failing to comply with the court's prior orders.

MORE: ICE admits to an 'administrative error' after Maryland man sent to El Salvador prison

The government will have until May 14 to respond to that motion, Xinis said.

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The Trump administration, while acknowledging that Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador in error, has said that his alleged MS-13 affiliation makes him ineligible to return to the United States. His wife and attorney have denied that he is an MS-13 member.

In 2019, an immigration judge determined that Abrego Garcia was removable from the U.S. based on allegations of his gang affiliation made by local police in Maryland. But Abrego Garcia was subsequently granted withholding of removal to his home country.

Judge Xinis early this month ruled that the Trump administration must "facilitate" Abrego Garcia's return, and the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously affirmed that ruling, "with due regard for the deference owed to the Executive Branch in the conduct of foreign affairs."

Rubio has been in touch with El Salvador's Bukele about Abrego Garcia: Sources originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
BALTIMORE  A judge issued a new two-week calendar Wednesday for the Justice Department to exchange information with lawyers for Kilmar Abrego Garcia about what theyve done to facilitate the return of the mistakenly deported Maryland man.

The order follows a brief pause in proceedings ordered by U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis after the Trump administration requested a stay for reasons that were not identified publicly.

Xinis had originally ordered a tight discovery timeline after finding the Trump administration had violated her order to facilitate Abrego Garcias return to Maryland. While the judges stay indicated a potential change of tone in the case, the Trump administration has remained defiant outside of court, calling Abrego Garcia a gang member who would never return to the U.S.

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Abrego Garcia, a Prince Georges County resident, was deported to a Salvadoran mega-prison in March despite an immigration judges ruling that he could not be expelled to El Salvador. He was given a federal permit to work in the United States, where he was a union metalworker. He is married to a U.S. citizen and has three children with disabilities, according to court records. He was transferred in April from El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center to another prison, in Santa Ana, officials said.

In court, the Trump administration has argued that it cannot be ordered to compel El Salvador to release Abrego Garcia from detention in that country. And on social media and official statements, the administration has insisted that Abrego Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang, and President Donald Trump himself has said that he could bring him back but wouldnt.

Xinis latest order, which required expedited discovery to be concluded by May 12, came after another request by the government for a stay. That request was also filed under seal.

Xinis required the Trump administration to reveal by Monday any claims of state secrets or other types of privilege they will invoke in their exchange of information. The government had invoked those claims earlier this month, though Xinis said that their refusal to provide information reflected a willful and bad faith refusal to comply with discovery obligations.

She also ordered the deposition of four specific Trump administration officials by the end of next week, and allowed Abrego Garcias lawyers to request two more.

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The Milwaukee County Courthouse is a busy place. On most weekday mornings, starting at around 8 a.m., the hallways outside the criminal courts are filled with defendants, witnesses, lawyers and law enforcement officers.

It was no different on Friday, April 18. On that day, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz was set to appear for a pretrial conference before Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan. Weeks earlier, Flores-Ruiz had been arrested and charged with three counts of domestic battery. The charges alleged he beat up two people  a man and a woman  landing them in the hospital. The victims were waiting in the courtroom.

In addition to facing charges for battery, Flores-Ruiz had another problem: he was an illegal immigrant. ICE officers were alerted by Milwaukee County to his arrest, and they matched his booking fingerprints to another set taken at his prior deportation.

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Knowing Flores-Ruiz would probably be in court, ICE agents went to the courthouse on the morning of April 18, checked in with court personnel, identified themselves and explained their plan to arrest Flores-Ruiz after the hearing. Law enforcement officers frequently arrest individuals in county courts and jails. The reason is simple: its a safe and controlled environment, free of weapons and with a significant law enforcement presence nearby.

This was all routine and there were no objections. ICE agents explained and agreed to arrest Flores-Ruiz in the hallway after the hearing was complete.

Judge Hannah Dugan had unusual request for defendant

Dugan, though, had a different idea. According to an affidavit filed in federal court by an FBI case agent, inside Dugans courtroom, a defense attorney asked for a sidebar and informed her that ICE was in the hallway and would be arresting Flores-Ruiz after his hearing. Dugan replied that the situation was absurd. She ordered Flores-Ruiz to sit in the jury box and stay there. That was quite unusual (to say the least).

According to several witnesses, Dugan then walked out into the hallway where she confronted the ICE officers face to face. She demanded that the agents leave the courthouse. Upon their presentation of an arrest warrant for Flores-Ruiz and, after being reminded that the hallway outside her courtroom was a public space, Dugan demanded that the agents see the Chief Judge and physically escorted the agents through several doors and into the Chief Judges chambers, away from the courtroom.

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The Chief Judges clerk apparently said that he was not there, but then later the Chief Judge appeared. The precise details are irrelevant, because the upshot was the ICE agents were waylaid in the Chief Judges chambers for several minutes to sort out the issue of the warrant.

Meanwhile, Dugan retreated to her own courtroom and adjourned the hearing, apparently without speaking to either the prosecutor or the victims, and spirited Flores-Ruiz and his attorney away, through the jury door into a non-public area. They proceeded to depart via a private hallway where a party would not be expected to leave the courtroom.

Opinion: As attorneys, we recognized judge's courthouse arrest was not standard practice

Unfortunately for Flores-Ruiz, he was spotted by one of the agents who followed him down the elevator and outside the courthouse, calling other members of the team for backup. When confronted in an open space, Flores-Ruiz then "sprinted down the street" and after a "foot chase," officers apprehended him.

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Instead of an orderly, safe and predictable arrest in the hallway of the county courthouse, law enforcement officers were forced to run down a fugitive on the sidewalks of Milwaukee.

Dugan neglected duty to hear case, interfered with federal authorities

Judge Dugan deserves a chance to defend herself. But if these facts are proven at trial, Judge Dugan obstructed justice and prevented the arrest of a fugitive. She placed the agents, members of the public and Flores-Ruiz at risk by helping him make a run to evade arrest.

There is a time and a place to express opposition to President Trumps immigration policies or the way some of them are being executed. One of us (Rick Esenberg) has been highly critical of the notion that potential deportees can be denied hearings that they would otherwise be entitled to because, as the Vice President has suggested, it would take too long. You can even believe that the United States should not protect its border or enforce its laws about who can and cannot remain in the country.

Letters: US has massive national debt and all Democrats do is criticize with no remedies

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But respect for democracy includes respect for the laws that our elected representatives have enacted. It means honoring the rule of law and not simply ignoring laws that we do not like. Dugan was not adjudicating Flores-Ruizs immigration status. She was a state court judge who was supposed to hear the serious criminal charges against him. She neglected that duty, interfered with the enforcement of federal law, and put law enforcement officers in danger and ignored the rights of crime victims. It is regrettable that a sitting judge had to be arrested. If she does not face consequences, it will embolden others and further undermine the rule of law.

Rick Esenberg is President of the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL). Dan Lennington is a former federal and state prosector, who has prosecuted many illegal immigrants and dozens of cases in the Milwaukee County courthouse. He is also the Vice President and Deputy Counsel at WILL.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee judge should respect laws she doesn't like | Opinion
BURLINGTON, Vermont  A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the immediate release of a Columbia University student who was detained by immigration authorities and targeted for deportation over his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests.

Mohsen Mahdawi was arrested as part of a crackdown on foreign students who were legally studying in the United States. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has invoked a rarely used provision of immigration law to target some of the students for deportation by declaring that their continued presence in the country harms Americas foreign policy interests.

Mahdawi was detained April 14 when he showed up to an immigration office in Vermont for a naturalization interview.

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I am saying it clear and loud, Mahdawi said outside a federal courthouse shortly after U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford , an Obama appointee, ordered his release. To President Trump and his Cabinet: I am not afraid of you.

Crawfords order does not end the Trump administrations effort to deport Mahdawi; it simply allows him to remain free while his case proceeds. Another federal judge, Clinton appointee William Sessions III, had previously blocked immigration authorities from transferring Mahdawi to a detention facility in a more conservative judicial district  a strategy the Trump administration has used with other detainees.

Mahdawi is Palestinian and grew up in the West Bank but has lived in the U.S. for a decade. He has a green card, making him a legal permanent resident, and was in the final stages of the process to become a U.S. citizen when immigration authorities arrested him.

Like other pro-Palestinian students and professors who have been arrested and thrust into swift deportation proceedings in President Donald Trumps first 100 days, Mahdawi has argued that the administration is violating the First Amendment by targeting him for criticizing Israel and participating in campus protests.

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Another leader of Columbias pro-Palestinian protest movement, Mahmoud Khalil, has been fighting the Trump administrations efforts to deport him for nearly two months. Khalil, who like Mahdawi has a green card, is currently detained in Louisiana.



Other academics whom the Trump administration is seeking to quickly deport include Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown University researcher who was detained in part over his father-in-laws role as a former adviser to Hamas, and Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University student who has written critically about Israel.

All of them have been deemed by Rubio to be adverse to U.S. foreign policy interests. Courts have been increasingly skeptical of the deportation effort, with one Reagan-appointed judge ruling Tuesday that a broad First Amendment challenge to the effort can move forward.

But Mahdawi is believed to be the first student ordered released from detention after being targeted by Rubios foreign-policy determination.

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The departments of State and Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The administration quickly signaled its intent to appeal Crawfords ruling to the Massachusetts-based 1st Circuit Court of Appeals.

Crawford said at a court hearing Wednesday that Mahdawi, a resident of the Upper Valley region in Vermont, had experienced great harm by being detained for two weeks.

Even another day of detention is not to be tolerated, the judge said.

Crawford compared the Trump administrations targeting of college students over their speech to the McCarthyism of the 1950s, when academics were persecuted for suspected Communist sympathies.

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The wheel has come around again, the judge said.

Crawford determined that Mahdawi did not pose a public safety or flight risk, and under the conditions of his release, he is permitted to continue to attend classes at Columbia in New York. Mahdawi is set to graduate in May and plans to pursue a graduate degree in the fall.

The judge indicated he would issue a written order spelling out more details about the conditions of Mahdawi's release.

Mahdawi walked out of the courtroom minutes after the judge announced his decision from the bench to a raucous crowd of several hundred supporters, whom he led in several anti-war chants. Mahdawi said that when he was arrested earlier this month, he was immediately driven to the airport to be sent to an out-of-state holding facility  but missed the flight by nine minutes.

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Me standing here in front of you sends a clear message: We the people will hold the Constitution accountable for the principles that we believe in, Mahdawi said.

Crampton reported from Burlington, Vermont. Cheney reported from Washington.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this report misidentified the judge who presided over Wednesday's hearing and ordered Mahdawi's release.
One of the catchphrases of the Trump administration, which is crossing the symbolic threshold of its first 100 days in office, is: Promises made, promises kept. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt uttered it for the umpteenth time on Tuesday, with the aggressive self-sufficiency with which she usually treats the media outlets that are critical of the president. This has truly been the most historic start of a presidency in American history, she added, further proof that Leavitt, like her boss, has a conflicted relationship with the truth, as well as being in a rush to get ahead of events. One thing is certain, though: 15 weeks after his return to power for a second term, the Republican leader has undertaken almost all the projects he promised he would tackle during his campaign to remake the American experiment with a more authoritarian flair  leading to chaos and trauma, often disastrous results, and perhaps irreversible changes.

But above all, he has made good on his threats. He promised he would ride to the Oval Office on the back of revenge and said he would cross every name off his enemies list. And so he is doing, with a viciousness and swiftness that has taken by surprise even the most pessimistic among those who listened to his interminable rallies until the very end, and among those who read Project 2025 as a realistic novel and not a dystopia. During his campaigning, Trump sought to distance himself from this ultra-conservative program so as not to scare off the undecided and moderate voters. These are the voters who gave him a victory that he views as an unprecedented and powerful mandate (in reality, despite the resounding victory in the electoral vote, it wasnt that great in the popular vote) to push forward with his demolition program. This mandate will be put to the test in next years midterm elections.

Encouraged by this supposed legitimacy to carry out his threats, Trump, whose approval ratings are at historic lows, has taken aim at migrants, whom his administration believes to fit under only one category: illegal and criminal, and deserving of only one fate: deportation. It doesnt matter whether they are children, U.S. citizens, or terminally ill, or whether they were deported through an administrative error, like Kilmar Abrego Garcia, to a prison in El Salvador without any legal protection.

The president has also unleashed a trade war filled with unfulfilled threats and tariff reversals that appears to be pushing the global economy into a recession in the name of America First. He has upended the post-1945 world order and shattered faith in soft power and the rules of decorum, shaking up old allies in peace (Europe) and war (Ukraine), pushing Washingtons foreign policy into the orbit of its great rival (Russia), and dusting off expansionist ambitions from another century in Greenland, Canada, and Panama, while leaving vast zones of influence open for China, the enemy power.

Trump has clashed with judges, who already face the threat of jail, and has subjected American democracy to a stress test that it may or may not withstand. He has targeted law firms with whom he had outstanding scores to settle; he has zeroed in on universities under the pretext of fighting antisemitism and as part of a long-standing anti-intellectual current of American conservatism. He has taken it out on students who showed sympathy for the Palestinian cause, while dreaming of turning the Gaza Strip into the Riviera of the Middle East; he has threatened museums that had reworked their narratives to reflect the countrys systemic racism. Trump has lashed out against foreign aid; against federal workers to whom he has applied Elon Musks chainsaw of cuts; against media outlets not aligned with his ideas; and against trans people, whose very right to exist he denies.

The list is long and hopelessly incomplete, and it has sent a chill through the United States (or at least, through non-MAGA America) reminiscent of the famous quote by the German pastor Martin Niemoller that began: First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak outbecause I was not a socialist... Among scientists and federal workers who have not yet been purged, visa holders, residents fearful of losing their status, and anxious tourists waiting in immigration lines, the question is spreading: Will I be next, and will it be too late?

If anything unites all these disruptions, which is how Trumpian newspeak hides the abuse of power, it is that the president has launched them by decree, expanding the executive power of the institution he represents, encouraged by a decision by the Supreme Court, whose conservative supermajority granted the U.S. president partial immunity from his actions while in office. That ruling served to clear the way for a convicted felon to return to the White House. Today, it serves as justification for the brutal strategy of someone who learned from the mistakes of his first term: stretching the seams of the systemincluding the Constitution, with initiatives such as ending birthright citizenship protected by the Fourteenth Amendmentto see how many of these profound transformations the Supreme Court will later approve.

The fixation on the first 100 days as a yardstick for a presidents success is traced back to Franklin Roosevelt in American politics. Trump likes to compare his own 100-day mark with this Democratic predecessor, whose reformist drive was unprecedented. There are many differences between the two, beyond the obvious: if the former made history as the man who expanded the reach of government to pull the country out of the Great Depression, the latter has spent much of his early energy demolishing it.

A third run?

Perhaps the most significant distinction is that Roosevelt, who was exceptionally re-elected three times (and here Trump, who is flirting with the idea of breaking the rules and running again, also likes to look in that mirror), counted on the support of Congress for many of his reforms, while Trump has ignored Capitol Hill, despite his party controlling both chambers.

The evident irrelevance of Congress (intensified by a Democratic Party that is in the minority, disoriented and leaderless) is one of the changes that Trump has wrought in the American system and that critics fear will be irreversible, even if he were to change course in the 1,361 days remaining in his term, forced by the markets or by stubborn reality. There are serious doubts that if a more moderate president succeeds him, he would be able to restore the shattered parts of the administration or renew commitments such as development aid. The readjustments on the international stage resulting from this new United States are, for their part, driven by the need to seek new alliances in light of the volatility of the old ones, and that could also be a flight forward with no way back.

The 100-day mark is usually an excuse to take stock and determine whether the benefit of the doubt voters gave the new president has expired. Trump arrives at this rite of passage amid polls that speak of apprehension about his handling of the economy and the border, which he has closed de facto, something a majority wanted, but apparently not at the cost of imposing a regime of terror that has taken its toll on tourism.

In his case, the 100-day mark also serves as an opportunity to rub ones eyes again after a few weeks full of unusual events, including the sight of a four-year-old child, the son of Elon Musk  an advisor who seems on his way out  in the Oval Office; the White House transformed into a Tesla dealership; hundreds of deportees depicted in a film video produced by President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador; or the leaders of the worlds leading power humiliating an ally, Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in front of the entire world.

Therefore, it doesnt seem like a good idea to place too many bets on what will happen in the next 100 days, although more court battles to halt the presidential agenda are possible. Furthermore, the Supreme Court will end its term during that period, with pending issues for Trump that could be momentous.

His administration has already announced more trade and peace agreements and tax cuts. More American greatness is coming, according to Leavitt, who in addition to her eagerness to anticipate events, has proven herself a faithful follower of the three rules that lawyer Roy Cohn once gave a young Trump. Especially the third: Always claim victory and never admit defeat. Its not clear that this time it will be enough for Trump to save face, although one never knows with the great contemporary magician of the political sleight of hand.

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Apr. 29A Santa Fe judge determined the New Mexico Public Education Department had not held up its end of the bargain in a decade-long legal battle over the quality of education it provides Native American and underserved students.

Judge Matthew Wilson on Tuesday ordered PED to create a plan to fix its primary and secondary education system in the latest chapter in what has become known as the Yazzie-Martinez case.

"The New Mexico Public Education Department welcomes Judge Wilson's decision to lead development of a plan providing all New Mexico students an excellent education and that will lead to resolution of the Martinez-Yazzie lawsuit," PED spokesperson Janelle Garcia said in a statement. "Improving student outcomes is central to our mission, and this plan will support lasting improvements to our educational system."

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The case was first brought about in 2014 when Wilhelmina Yazzie, the parent of a student at Gallup-McKinley County Schools, and Louise Martinez, the parent of an Albuquerque Public Schools student, joined other parents to file suit against the state and task it to improve its education system.

The New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty and Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund represented the parents in the suit against the state, and in a landmark 2018 ruling, Judge Sarah Singleton determined that the state was violating students' constitutional rights by not providing sufficient education.

As a result, it was mandated that the state begin improving its education system. Wilson's order on Tuesday determined that PED had not complied with that ruling.

"In the more than six years since the state and PED were ordered to take immediate steps to fix the system, PED has done little beyond making mere efforts or isolated reforms," Alisa Diehl, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said during the hearing. "PED has had ample opportunity to produce a plan of its own, but it hasn't done so."

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For its part, PED's attorney contested the state's education department had made changes since the 2018 ruling.

"Plaintiffs have suggested that the court must do so because PED has not taken its responsibility seriously and that we've been given six years and nothing's happened. Simply untrue," said Taylor Rahn, the attorney representing the PED. "Many things have changed; some areas of student achievement have improved, but importantly, the inputs have changed to the tune of $2 billion. There is increased accountability that did not exist at the time of trial."

She also said that the plaintiff's statement that PED was violating the Indian Education Act, the Hispanic Education Act, the Bilingual, Multicultural Education Act and the Black Education Act wasn't accurate.

"Plaintiffs make a sweeping argument that because these groups are not performing at the same level as their at-risk peers, those statutes must be being violated by PED," Rahn said. "However, those statutes don't require exact parity in achievement."

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According to the state's latest monitoring report, the NM Vistas report card, Black, Native American and Hispanic students were below the statewide averages in reading, math and science proficiency.

Historically and recently, New Mexico has ranked among the worst states in the nation for educational outcomes. U.S. News recently ranked it 50th in the country for education and in 2024 the National Assessment of Educational Progress found New Mexico's fourth and eighth grade students lagged behind the national averages in reading, math and science proficiency.

"This court's ruling in 2018 gave families and communities all across the state of New Mexico a real sense of hope. Hope that transformative change to their children's education was underway," Preston Sanchez, another attorney representing the plaintiffs, said during the hearing. "New Mexico's education system is still ranked the worst public school system in the United States, a status that has not changed since we filed this case in 2014."

Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect the full name of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
A federal judge in Northern California on Tuesday extended her April injunction ordering the Trump administration to restore legal aid to unaccompanied migrant children in the U.S.

It blocks a stop-work order issued to the Acacia Center for Justice by the Department of Interior months prior. The center uses congressional funds to pay subcontractors who provide representation to minors who are accused of entering the country illegally, free of charge.

Eleven subcontractor groups for the Acacia Center sued the Trump administration over the abrupt end to publicly funded representation for thousands of migrant children. Acacia Center did not join the lawsuit.

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U.S. District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin, a Biden appointee, agreed with the plaintiffs, argument that ending their work would violate the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA), which requires federal entities to prevent and combat the exploitation of unaccompanied children through affirmed legal representation to the greatest extent practicable.

Acacias Unaccompanied Children Program provides legal services to more than 26,000 children who are in or have been released from the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement, according to its executive director, Shaina Aber.

Aber said the program protects children from human trafficking, helps immigration courts run more smoothly and ensures a modicum of due process, so that children navigating the immigration system alone understand their rights and legal obligations.

The White House did not immediately respond to The Hills request for comment on the order. The move comes as immigration activists have protested the removal of a 2-year-old U.S. citizen, along with their immigrant mother, without meaningful process.

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SPRINGFIELD  A judge ruled in favor of a plaintiff suing former nonprofit founder Heriberto Herbie Flores and his corporate allies over alleged self-dealing that depleted resources from heat assistance and scholarship programs.

Cecelio Chico Rivera, longtime treasurer on the boards of three charities founded to lift up the regions Latino residents, in 2023 filed a complaint against Flores and other individual board members of four different nonprofits.

Those include Brightwood Development Corp., North End Educational and Development Fund Inc., Jefferson Avenue School Associates Inc, and Partners for Community, Inc.

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Riveras lawsuit argues board members for those entities allowed Flores to siphon money from other charities to keep yet another, the New England Farm Workers Council, afloat after it fell nearly $2 million in debt to the state.

The debt was related to alleged mismanagement of state funds earmarked to finance emergency heating assistance for low-income residents.

In prior interviews, Flores, who has largely retreated from public life, said he was only trying to rescue the Farm Workers Council from insolvency.

I need a buyer with money and juice, Flores told a reporter outside a board meeting in 2023.

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Five individual defendants, Brightwood and the North End Educational Development Fund sought a dismissal of the complaint on the flings already exchanged over two years of litigation.

Their argument centered on whether Rivera had proper standing to sue them in the first place, according to court records.

Lawyers for Flores and other defendants contended only Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has the authority to investigate and decide whether there is malfeasance within state-run charities.

Hampden Superior Court Judge James M. Manitsas found the defendants position to be flawed under well-established law.

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Rivera alleges that the individual defendants took advantage of their control over the corporate defendants to engage in self-dealing and misappropriate corporate funds, to the corporate defendants detriment, the judge wrote.

He found that Rivera was and remains a governing member of the corporate defendants.

In sum, the Attorney Generals exclusive jurisdiction on behalf of the general public does not bar a derivative suit that seeks to enforce the rights of a charitable corporation, Manitsas wrote.

Among the aims of Riveras lawsuit was to bar the sale of the Jefferson Avenue School Apartments.

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According to deeds records, the complex has not been sold. However, remaining officers of Partners for Community have labored to pay down the state debt by selling off approximately a dozen farm workers council properties in Springfield, Holyoke and Bridgeport, Connecticut.

The Republican previously reported that the sale of one of the councils final properties on Hampden Street had knocked the amount still owed to the state down to just under $570,000.
LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A man was convicted last week of brutally assaulting a Lebanon County bartender, the District Attorneys Office announced.

Ricardo Hernandez was convicted by a jury of felony aggravated assault on April 23, the Lebanon County District Attorneys Office said Tuesday. He faces state prison due to his conviction of a felony charge.

The Defendant attempted to claim self-defense, and thanks to the investigation and the witnesses, the jury was able to see through that claim and see exactly what this was  a brutal, violent assault on a young woman who was just doing her job, District Attorney Pier Graf said. The victim is going to have to live with the consequences of this violence for some time. Individuals with the Defendants record who choose violence deserve every day of jail time that the court can impose. He clearly has not learned from the past, and this young woman now has to suffer because of it. First Assistant Deiderick did an excellent job bringing this offender to justice and we want to thank the Lebanon City Police Department for its hard work.

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Hernandez was being abusive towards staff at the Downtown Lounge in Lebanon City and was told to leave June 12, 2024. When bartenders tried to take a beer out of his hand, Hernandez then assaulted multiple women employees, the DAs Office said.

One bartenders jaw was shattered and she needed surgery after the assault.

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Hernandez left the bar after the assault and hid from police. He did flee to Chicago but was eventually captured by police and United States Marshals, the DAs Office said.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A jury found an Albuquerque man guilty of three counts of second-degree murder for shooting three people at an apartment complex near Zuni and Wyoming in August of 2023.

BCSO: Deputy fatally shoots domestic violence suspect following physical altercation

Jonathan McGaughy, 31, and Genea Oliver, 35, were shot while inside a car with Thomas Clark Jr., and Randy Lovett, 40, was hit while standing outside. Olive and McGaughy died on the scene while Lovett was taken to the hospital, where he later died, according to investigators.

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Police detained Clark, who was on the roof of a nearby building. He eventually confessed to shooting all three people. Clark told police he killed them because he was afraid they were going to kill him over rumors that he was stealing items.

During the trial, Defense Attorney John McCall argued that the people inside the car were conspiring to kill Clark and claimed McGaughy pointed a gun at Clarks head twice.

The prosecutors said evidence showed that Clark shot first and that he acted on irrational fear.

Clark initially pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.

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At sentencing, he faces up to 60 years in prison.

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  Juries are known to deliberate hours, days, even weeks in some cases, but a record was broken Wednesday in Trumbull County, where the verdict took just five minutes, according to the Trumbull County Prosecutors Office.

James Finlaw, 50, of Warren, was found guilty of not reporting to his parole officer since 2020.

The case was prosecuted by Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutor Chris Becker. Finlaw was represented by two public defenders.

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I believe that may have set a record for Trumbull County, Becker said. This was the shortest and quickest trial in my whole career.

Becker called only one witness  Finlaws parole officer.

Sentencing for Finlaw will happen in front of Judge Sarah Kovoor following a background investigation.

Finlaw was placed on parole after serving 18 months for an OVI felony conviction in 2019, which included a repeat offender specification, according to the prosecutors office.

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SALT LAKE CITY (KTVX)  Rudy Noorlander waited to tell his story until he had his voice back.

Its been more than a year and a half since Noorlander was mauled by a grizzly bear in Montana. Earlier this month, he shared his account of the attack with his newly reconstructed jaw at the University of Utah Health in Salt Lake City.

He had previously refused to discuss the attack publicly because he wanted to be able to share it himself.

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On Sept. 8, 2023, in Big Sky, Montana, Noorlander said he was hiking through the trees to meet up with a father and son who needed help tracking a deer they had wounded while hunting the day before. As he is a good tracker, he volunteered to join them in the search.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Strongest man I know: Veteran survives grizzly bear ripping off his jaw

While hiking to a meeting spot, Noorlander spotted a small bear, which quickly ran away, prompting him to pull out his gun. Noorlander, a Navy veteran, then met up with the father and son and began moving toward some crows circling above in search of the deer. Thats when he was suddenly attacked.

Rudy Noorlander rescued after surviving a bear attack. (Credit: Rudy Noorlander via University of Utah Health) Rudy Noorlander rescued after surviving a bear attack. (Credit: Rudy Noorlander via University of Utah Health) Rudy Noorlander arrives at the hospital after surviving a bear attack. (Credit: Rudy Noorlander via University of Utah Health)

We got a ways down the hill and I stepped over a log, looked over to see where Jordan was, and there the bear was coming at me, he said.

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Noorlander said he shot toward the bear, but his gun misfired, leaving him with his backup plan of punching the bear in the nose. He said he remembers his fist was the same size as [the bears] nose.

Next thing I remember was he had me by the jaw, and I think he picked me up off the ground  and then he clamped down and I could feel my jaw break, Noorlander said.  I dont remember any sound, I dont remember George yelling  I dont remember the bear growl, I dont remember hearing the bear running at me, I just remember hearing the crunch.

Magma cap could help reduce risk of Yellowstone eruption, new research suggests

He said the bear stepped on his chest and bit his leg. His friends said they were unable to shoot the bear because it was shaking [Noorlander] around like a rag doll and they didnt want to accidentally shoot him. Eventually, they were able to chase the bear away.

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Im glad that it happened to me because if I hadnt been there, the father wouldve been the closest to the bear.  And I just dont know that the son would have been enough to chase the bear away, he said.

It took rescuers two hours to get to them, and Noorlander said he was conscious the whole time. He was eventually transported to the University of Utah Health facility, where doctors worked with him for more than a year to reconstruct his jaw. He was able to go home to Montana during that time and work, but returned late last year to get another surgery done.

I knew my jaw was gone  so I knew there wasnt much there to work with, and I just think they did an amazing job, Noorlander said.

Rudy Noorlander after medical professionals reconstructed his jaw. He was attacked by a grizzly bear in September 2023. (Credit: Rudy Noorlanders family via University of Utah Health) Rudy Noorlanders reconstructed jaw. (Credit: Rudy Noorlanders family via University of Utah Health) Rudy Noorlanders reconstructed jaw. (Credit: Rudy Noorlanders family via University of Utah Health) Rudy Noorlander after medical professionals reconstructed his jaw. He was attacked by a grizzly bear in September 2023. (Credit: Rudy Noorlanders family via University of Utah Health) Rudy Noorlanders reconstructed jaw. (Credit: Rudy Noorlanders family via University of Utah Health)

Health officials said at a press conference Friday that Noorlander didnt have teeth for over a year. Different specialists spoke on how they reconstructed the missing part of the bone, worked to contour the skin, added tooth implants, and constructed a lower lip, among other things. They called the process groundbreaking as they used virtual surgical planning to map it all out.

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I think it was two weeks ago, I ate my first piece of pizza like a normal person, Noorlander said.

It was a popular national monument, until it was robbed to extinction

Noorlander doesnt consider himself a hero, but his attitude has impacted many who have witnessed his story.

The minute I met Rudy, it was very obvious that he was so willing to do whatever it takes to get through this. He had such a positive attitude, and I will say that I would find it hard for me to do that, Dr. Hilary McCrary said. It was immediately obvious that Rudy was an exceptional patient.

Rudy Noorlanders reconstructed jaw. (Credit: Rudy Noorlanders family via University of Utah Health) Rudy Noorlander after healing from the bear attack. (Credit: Rudy Noorlanders family via University of Utah Health)

Noorlander attributes his ability to stay positive to his religious faith and his job in outdoor adventure. While he joked that he would like to bite the bear back, he made it a point to say the bear was likely as surprised by the encounter as he was.

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You can always look at your life or wherever youre at, and say, well, why cant this happen yet?  You know, everything in your life could be better, but you could turn around and everything in your life could be worse too, he said.

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Jeffrey Hutchinson is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on May 1.

The Gulf War veteran, 62, was sentenced to death after a jury in Florida convicted him of murdering his girlfriend Renee Flaherty and her three children on Sept. 11, 1998.

On the night in question, Hutchinson left the home after a fight with Renee and went to a bar, then returned to the couple's residence, where authorities say he grabbed his 12-gauge shotgun and carried out a brutal quadruple-murder.

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Deputies arrived at the home to find Renee, 32, dead in the bedroom along with her 7-year-old daughter Amanda and 4-year-old son Logan, according to a statement of facts filed in the case and obtained by PEOPLE.

The body of 9-year-old Geoffrey was found in the living room with a bullet wound to the chest and another to the head.

Deputies arrested Hutchinson and charged him with the murders. Testing determined Hutchinson had gunshot residue on his hands and pieces of Geoffrey's tissue on his body.

The biggest piece of evidence in the case, however, was audio of Hutchinson confessing to the murders in a 911 call, saying, "I just shot my family," according to deputies.

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"I love my family. Ma'am I love my family," he later said to the operator.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS Jeffrey Hutchinson Jeffrey Hutchinson

Members of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office quickly rushed to the scene after the call.

"Deputies arrived at Hutchinson's home within 10 minutes of the 911 call and found Hutchinson on the ground in the garage with the cordless phone nearby," the statement said. "The phone call was still connected to the 911 operator."

At trial, two of Hutchinson's friends testified that it was his voice on the 911 call.

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Hutchinson's attorneys wanted him to present an insanity defense, but he refused to do so and has instead insisted for the past 27 years that the murders were committed by two armed intruders.

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He has claimed in multiple appeals that the men wore masks when they gained entry into the house and killed the four residents.

Hutchinson said in his appeals that the residue on his hands was the result of a scuffle with the intruders, and he insists it was not his voice on the 911 call.

At least nine people, including Hutchinson's parents and two brothers, said that the call was not made by Hutchinson, according to a 2008 appeal of the case filed in the Supreme Court of Florida. None of the nine people were called to testify at his trial.

Hutchinson continued to file appeals up until last week, with his final attempt at avoiding the death penalty rejected by the court on April 28. His lawyers had argued he has mental illness stemming from his combat service and was not mentally competent to be sentenced to death, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Read the original article on People
The US Department of Justice building in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images)

In the 1970s, President Richard Nixon tried to fire the Department of Justice prosecutor leading an investigation into the presidents involvement in wiretapping the Democratic National Committees headquarters.

Since then, the DOJ has generally been run as an impartial law enforcement agency, separated from the executive office and partisan politics.

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Those guardrails are now being severely tested under the Trump administration.

In February 2025, seven DOJ attorneys resigned, rather than follow orders from Attorney General Pam Bondi to dismiss corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams. Adams was indicted in September 2024, during the Biden administration, for alleged bribery and campaign finance violations.

One DOJ prosecutor, Hagan Scotten, wrote in his Feb. 15 resignation letter that while he held no negative views of the Trump administration, he believed the dismissal request violated DOJs ethical standards.

Among more than a dozen DOJ attorneys who have recently been terminated, the DOJ fired Erez Reuveni, acting deputy chief of the departments Office of Immigration Litigation, on April 15. Reuveni lost his job for speaking honestly to the court about the facts of an immigration case, instead of following political directives from Bondi and other superiors.

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Reuveni was terminated for acknowledging in court on April 14 that the Department of Homeland Security had made an administrative error in deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, against court orders. DOJ leadership placed Reuveni on leave the very next day.

Bondi defended the decision, arguing that Reuveni had failed to vigorously advocate for the administrations position.

Im a legal ethics scholar, and I know that as more DOJ lawyers face choices between following political directives and upholding their professions ethical standards, they confront a critical question: To whom do they ultimately owe their loyalty?

Identifying the real client

All attorneys have core ethical obligations, including loyalty to clients, confidentiality and honesty to the courts. DOJ lawyers have additional professional obligations: They have a duty to seek justice, rather than merely win cases, as well as to protect constitutional rights even when inconvenient.

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DOJ attorneys typically answer to multiple authorities, including the attorney general. But their highest loyalty belongs to the U.S. Constitution and justice itself.

The Supreme Court established in a 1935 case that DOJ attorneys have a special mission to ensure that justice shall be done.

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DOJ attorneys reinforce their commitment to this mission by taking an oath to uphold the Constitution when they join the department. They also have training programs, internal guidelines and a long-standing institutional culture that emphasizes their unique responsibility to pursue justice, rather than simply win cases.

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This creates a professional identity that goes beyond simply carrying out the wishes of political appointees.

Playing by stricter rules

All lawyers also follow special professional rules in order to receive and maintain a license to practice law. These professional rules are established by state bar associations and supreme courts as part of the state-based licensing system for attorneys.

But the more than 10,000 attorneys at the DOJ face even tougher standards.

The McDade Amendment, passed in 1998, requires federal government lawyers to follow both the ethics rules of the state where they are licensed to practice and federal regulations. This includes rules that prohibit DOJ attorneys from participating in cases where they have personal or political relationships with involved parties, for example.

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This law also explicitly subjects federal prosecutors to state bar discipline. Such discipline could range from private reprimands to suspension or even permanent disbarment, effectively ending an attorneys legal career.

This means DOJ lawyers might have to refuse a supervisors orders if those directives would violate professional conduct standards  even at the risk of their jobs.

This is what Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon wrote in a Feb. 12, 2025, letter to Bondi, explaining why she could not drop the charges against Adams. Sassoon instead resigned from her position at the DOJ.

Because the law does not support a dismissal, and because I am confident that Adams has committed the crimes with which he is charged, I cannot agree to seek a dismissal driven by improper considerations  because I do not see any good-faith basis for the proposed position, I cannot make such arguments consistent with my duty of candor, Sassoon wrote.

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As DOJs own guidance states, attorneys must satisfy themselves that their behavior comports with the applicable rules of professional conduct regardless of what their bosses say.

Post-Watergate principles under pressure

The president nominates the attorney general, who must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

That can create the perception and even the reality that the attorney general is indebted to, and loyal to, the president. To counter that, Attorney General Griffin Bell, in 1978, spelled out three principles established after Watergate to maintain a deliberate separation between the White House and the Justice Department.

First, Bell called for procedures to prevent personal or partisan interests from influencing legal judgments.

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Second, Bell said that public confidence in the departments objectivity is essential to democracy, with DOJ serving as the acknowledged guardian and keeper of the law.

Third, these principles ultimately depend on DOJ lawyers committed to good judgment and integrity, even under intense political pressure. These principles apply to all employees throughout the department  including the attorney general.

Recent ethics tests

These principles face a stark test in the current political climate.

The March 2025 firing of Elizabeth Oyer, a career pardon attorney with the Justice Department, raises questions about the boundaries between political directives and professional obligations.

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Oyer was fired by Bondi shortly after declining to recommend the restoration of gun rights to actor Mel Gibson, a known Donald Trump supporter. Gibson lost his gun rights after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor domestic battery charge in 2011.

Oyer initially expressed concern to her superiors about restoring Gibsons gun rights without a sufficient background investigation, particularly given Gibsons history of domestic violence.

When Oyer later agreed to testify before Congress in a hearing about the White Houses handling of the Justice Department, the administration initially planned to send armed U.S. Marshals officers to deliver a warning letter to her home, saying that she could not disclose records about firearms rights to lawmakers.

Oyer was away from home when she received an urgent alert that the marshals were en route to her home, where her teenage child was alone. Oyers attorney described this plan as both unprecedented and completely inappropriate.

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Officials called off the marshals only after Oyer confirmed receipt of the letter via email.

Why independence matters

In my research, I found that lawyers sometimes have lapses in judgment because of the partisan kinship, conscious or not, they develop with clients. This partisan kinship can lead attorneys to overlook serious red flags that outsiders would easily spot.

When lawyers become too politically aligned with clients  or their superiors  their judgment suffers. They miss ethical problems and legal flaws that would otherwise be obvious. Professional distance allows attorneys to provide the highest quality legal counsel, even if that means saying no to powerful people.

Thats why DOJ attorneys sometimes make decisions that frustrate political objectives. When they refuse to target political opponents, when they wont let allies off easily, or when they disclose information their superiors wanted hidden, theyre not being insubordinate.

Theyre fulfilling their highest ethical duties to the Constitution and rule of law.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who has stayed largely out of the political limelight since leaving office, sharply criticized President Donald Trump  her opponent in the 2024 presidential election  over tariffs, government cuts, and the direction his administration is taking the country, during remarks on Wednesday in San Francisco.

Her remarks, delivered at the 20th anniversary celebration for Emerge, an organization that supports Democratic women running for office, came as the Trump administration celebrates its accomplishments in its first 100 days  a date Harris acknowledged.

PHOTO: Kamala Harris Speaks At The Emerge Gala In San Francisco (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

"Now I know tonight's event happens to coincide with 100 days after the inauguration, and I'll leave it to others to give a full accounting of what's happened so far," Harris told the audience.

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"But I will say this, instead of an administration working to advance America's highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals," she said.

MORE: Trump discusses first 100 days of historic presidency in exclusive ABC interview

Harris has had few public appearances since departing the White House and has limited her political activity, but on Wednesday night, she called out Trump by name.

"We all know President Trump, his administration and their allies are counting on the notion that fear can be contagious. They are counting on the notion that, if they can make some people afraid, it will have a chilling effect on others," Harris said.

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"But what they're overlooking, what they've overlooked, is that fear isn't the only thing that's contagious. Courage is contagious," Harris said to raucous cheers.

MORE: Longtime Harris supporters torn on possible 2028 presidential run

Harris had brought up similar themes  including the "courage is contagious" line  during remarks at a women of color leaders summit in early April.

That courage, Harris added on Wednesday, extends to Americans protesting against what she called "the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history."

"Americans across the political spectrum who are declaring that the president's reckless tariffs hurt workers and families by raising the cost of everyday essentials; devastate the retirement accounts that people spent a lifetime paying into; and paralyze American businesses, large and small forcing them to lay off people, stop hiring, or pause investment decisions," she said.

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Trump and the White House have argued that tariffs will help Americans be better off economically in the long run and will level the playing field between the U.S. and its trading partners.

Later in her remarks, speaking more broadly about the White House's actions, Harris said she would describe the current moment in America as a "high-velocity event" to implement an agenda she claimed was "decades in the making" to shrink and privatize government while giving tax breaks to the wealthy.

"It's an agenda, a narrow self-serving vision of America, where they punish truth tellers, favor loyalists, cash in on their power and leave everyone to fend for themselves, all while abandoning allies and retreating from the world," Harris said. "And folks, what we are experiencing right now is exactly what they envision for America."

Americans should be ready, if the "checks and balances" such as Congress "ultimately collapse," Harris said, to work together and raise their voices.

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"I am not here tonight to offer all the answers, but I am here to say this, you are not alone, and we are all in this together -- and straight talk, things are probably going to get worse before they get better, but we are ready for it. We are not going to scatter. We are going to stand together, everyone a leader," Harris said.

At the end of her remarks, Harris struck a populist note: "Always remember this country is ours. It doesn't belong to whoever is in the White House. It belongs to you. It belongs to us. It belongs to We The People."

The former Democratic nominee for president has had few public appearances since departing the White House, and has limited her political activity.

Harris' speech came as she is set to possibly re-enter politics in the coming months. Harris has been mulling a run in California's gubernatorial race and will make a decision by the end of summer, two sources familiar with her plans told ABC News in March.

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Some Democrats have also floated her as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, although some of her longtime supporters have told ABC News they are torn over that prospect.

Whether she runs for either office or not, Harris' public remarks thus far have sometimes included veiled and explicit swipes at the Trump administration and the president himself.

PHOTO: Doug Emhoff attends the 56th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Feb. 22, 2025 in Pasadena, Ca. (Robin L Marshall/Getty Images)

MORE: Barack Obama, Kamala Harris criticize Trump, White House over moves they say are against America's values

In remarks at a women of color leaders summit in early April, she weighed in on the second Trump administration, saying "there is a sense of fear that has been taking hold in our country" but that "courage is also contagious."

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And in remarks at the NAACP Image Awards in February, Harris framed the "chapter" America is in as one that "will be written not simply by whoever occupies the oval office nor by the wealthiest among us. The American story will be written by you. Written by us. By we the people."

Harris and her spouse, Doug Emhoff, have been the target of recent actions by Trump.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, April 30, 2025, in Washington. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Trump issued a memo in March that revoked the security clearances and access to classified information of his previous presidential opponents -- Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris -- as well as more than a dozen former administration officials. On Tuesday, Emhoff said he had been dismissed from the board of trustees of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum as the White House confirmed it had removed board members.

-ABC News' Averi Harper, Zohreen Shah, Gabriella Abdul-Hakim and Kelsey Walsh contributed to this report.

Kamala Harris steps back into limelight with speech criticizing Trump as he celebrates his first 100 days originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
MACON COUNTY, Ala. (WRBL)  Drivers on Interstate 85 couldnt believe their eyes Tuesday morning: a kangaroo hopping through traffic near the 46 mile marker like she had somewhere to be.

The kangaroo  named Sheila  had escaped from the private enclosure of her longtime caretaker, Patrick Starr, in Auburn. Sheila was eventually captured safely in Macon County. Starr, who owns Choctafaula, an agricultural tourism destination in Auburn, says Sheila is not part of the park but a personal animal  and a beloved member of his family.

Shes not one of the animals at Choctafaula  shes family, Starr said. Ive had different kangaroos probably starting 13, 14 years ago, and I love them. Theyre like your kids.

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As soon as Starr realized Sheila had escaped, he quickly contacted his zoological veterinarian, alerted Auburn Universitys veterinary team, and notified local law enforcement. Within no time, Sheila found her way to one of the busiest roadways in southeast Interstate 85  and she certainly got noticed. Motorists immediately began calling 911 and reporting the kangaroo sighting, triggering a swift multi-agency response. Within minutes, Alabama State Troopers, Macon County deputies, and even a Game and Fish truck were on scene  working to keep drivers and the animal safe.

Denver VanDeventer was headed home from a work inspection when he captured the moment on video.

I was driving down I-85 when everyone suddenly started slamming on their brakes, VanDeventer said. There were flashing lights everywhere  troopers, a Game and Fish truck. I didnt know what was going on, then I looked up and said, Oh, thats a kangaroo, and hit the brakes again. I followed it at about five miles an hour and got the video.

Another incredible video shared by Matt Knox shows Sheila darting into traffic and leaping onto the hood of a yellow car before sliding off and hopping away. Thankfully, the driver slowed down, and no one  including the kangaroo  was hurt.

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Both northbound and southbound lanes of I-85 were temporarily shut down while ALEA Troopers, local law enforcement, and Starr worked together to safely recover Sheila. After being darted and safely transported, Sheila was returned to her enclosure where a team of Auburn University veterinarians awaited to care for Sheila as she started to wake up.

She immediately started munching, Starr said. Thats always a great sign  if an animal starts eating and is bright and alert. The first thing I did when I woke up this morning was go check on her and everybody else  and everybody was great.

Sheila is now being monitored closely by veterinarians from Auburn University. Starr says she is eating hay and resting comfortably, and although shes famous now, shes been given time to settle back into her routine.

Starr is grateful for the calm cooperation from the public and law enforcement, saying the outcome could have been very different without their help.

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Somebody said, Seeing a kangaroo on Interstate 85 was not on my 2025 bingo card. It was definitely the best-case scenario, and Im just so thankful to everybody who was involved, said Starr.

Sheila is now back in her enclosure, surrounded by familiar kangaroo companions. Srarr shared this picture of Shelia on Wednesday morning with WRBL. The next few days Shelia needs to rest.

Sheila is now back in her enclosure, surrounded by familiar kangaroo companions. Starr says shes doing great and shared this picture of Shelia on Wednesday morning with WRBL. The next few days human contact will be strictly limited to Starr, his family, and her vet, to allow her to recover from an anxo

A lot of people have reached out. They would love to see her and meet her in person, Starr said. But right now, the most important thing is to keep her in a stress-free environment without a lot of human interaction.

Shelia had enough excitement Wednesday on Interstate 85. Still, Starr says because of all the attention Sheila may now be the most famous kangaroo in the Southeast  and says once shes rested and ready, he is hopeful her fans may be visit.

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Starrs Choctafaula has been a destination for wildlife enthusiasts and students since 2020. As a key part of the parks mission, Starr focuses on conservation efforts and educational outreach, giving children and visitors the opportunity to engage with exotic animals and learn about environmental preservation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
Kansans reflect on President Trumps 100 days of his second term

TOPEKA (KSNT)  Tuesday, April 29th marks 100 days of President Donald Trumps second term in office.

27 News met up with state political leaders and members of the public to reflect on the past couple of months in the 47th presidency.

Heading into the new year, members of the public that spoke with 27 News had doubts with Trumps second term.

I was concerned, Kansas Resident Bob Dealey said. I did not vote for him either time. I think I was concerned about some of the things like tariffs, I didnt think it would do any good economically.

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This local job in Topeka will pay $25 an hour soon, how you can apply

As an employee for KDHE [Kansas Department of Health and Environment] Im really concerned about the policies regarding our social services, Lifelong Kansan Ronnel Bradberry said. Social security, how that will affect not only us as a nation, but just Kansans in general. How to keep medical coverage for the women, children, families of Kansas.

Through Trump rallies, Project 2025 and more, the public had an idea where Trump would focus for the first 100 days.

I will say they had their plan ready and executed it from day one, Shawnee County GOP Chair, Lanell Griffith said. Their plan to make America more safe and more prosperous, more border security making us safer. Deporting where thats necessary.

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While the plan itself hasnt been a surprise, the speed of change has been for Democrats.

None of us saw DOGE coming, Kansas Democratic Party Chair, Jeanna Repass said, none of us saw the deportation of American citizens, none of us saw the violation of court orders, and I certainly didnt see El Salvador coming. All of those things, and let me be clear, the tariffs have shocked all of us.

The past 100 days have seen more than 130 executive orders signed by the President. From tariffs to cuts in federal spending, its all making a difference across the sunflower state.

Two Catholic leaders lost in the same month, how the Seneca community is pushing forward

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The cuts that you make at the federal level always trickle down, Repass said. We are one country, you cant do something in D.C. that doesnt impact the other 50 states. So cuts to research funding at K-State for example, the USAID gutting directly impacted our farmers and now what we are seeing are federal workers, ICE raids, all of this is happening in Kansas. We are not immune to what he has done at the federal level.

I would like to see the Trump administration continue to go full speed ahead with the agenda that he put out during his campaign, Griffith said. Thats what got him elected. Its wonderful when politicians, and its not very common, when politicians do what they said theyre gonna do, and hes getting after it. Id like to see more of the same.

Looking ahead to the next 100 days, members of the public that spoke with 27 News shared some optimism.

Id like to see our senators and congressmen work together, Bradberry said. Everything is very partisan right now. We are Americans as a whole and we need to work together to create a better America for us.

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Both sides of the aisle encourage getting involved at the local level of politics and staying politically active heading into the next election cycle.

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 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  It has only been a few days since Kansas City firefighter-paramedic Graham Hoffman was killed in the line of duty, and local organizations are already stepping up to support his family in the wake of the tragedy.

Joe and Dawn Eddings of e2 Embroidery & Screen Printing  a firefighter-owned shop in Kansas City, Missouri, specializing in USA-made shirts, polos, jackets and other clothing  released a new T-shirt to honor the service and sacrifice of Hoffman and to raise funds for his family.

Funeral service planned for fallen Kansas City firefighter, paramedic Graham Hoffman

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We were approached by some firefighters who wanted to do something to help support the family during this time with any financial burdens that may come along. So what we have to offer is T-shirts, Joe said.

Thats what we do for a living. We print T-shirts. But surprisingly, its a powerful tool for raising money.

Since the shop released its new design, less the 24 hours ago, the orders have been accumulating rapidly. And according to the owners, the funds are adding up to more than they could have imagined.

I think last I checked it was somewhere in the neighborhood of $85,000 raised, you know, just from a T-shirt. But thats the power of community when people come together and support a cause like this, Joe said.

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The shirt, which features a graphic design on the front and back, showcases the crest of Kansas City Fire Department Station 42, the station where Hoffman was permanently assigned at the time of his death.

On the back, the words pumper and medic can be seen, as well as the crest surrounded by fire in the colors of the American flag.

A T-shirt created by e2 Embroidery & Screen Printing in Kansas City, Missouri, to honor the life and memory of Kansas City firefighter and paramedic Graham Hoffman, who was killed on Sunday, April 27, 2025, while transporting a patient to a hospital. A t-shirt created by e2 Embroidery & Screen Printing in Kansas City, Missouri, to honor the life and memory of Kansas City firefighter and paramedic Graham Hoffman, who was killed on Sunday, April 27, 2025, while transporting a patient to a hospital. A T-shirt created by e2 Embroidery & Screen Printing in Kansas City, Missouri, to honor the life and memory of Kansas City firefighter and paramedic Graham Hoffman, who was killed on Sunday, April 27, 2025, while transporting a patient to a hospital. A T-shirt created by e2 Embroidery & Screen Printing in Kansas City, Missouri, to honor the life and memory of Kansas City firefighter and paramedic Graham Hoffman, who was killed on Sunday, April 27, 2025, while transporting a patient to a hospital.

According to the shop, orders have come in from a number of cities and countries around the world. Some shirts have been ordered and processed for far-off states, like Oregon, and others are being prepared for completely different continents, like Australia.

People from all across the country have been ordering them, Eddings said. I mean, theyre coming in by the dozens. Thats the power of community when people come together and support a cause like this.

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Piper High School student dies after suffering medical episode in class

Through all the success and the orders, the Eddings could have chosen to use these proceeds to benefit the growth of e2 Embroidery & Screen Printing. But Joe said that was never the point.

The entrepreneur dedicated 27 years to the fire service before retiring a couple of years ago, and after hearing the tragic story of Hoffmans death, he knew he needed to help in any way possible.

Were very proud just to be a part of it. Even though I didnt know Graham personally, he was still a brother of mine, you know? So its a very strong brotherhood and sisterhood. And in times of need, we come together to support each other, Joe said.

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All proceeds will go to the Hoffman family, and as the orders continue to pour in, the Eddings say they are grateful for all the people who ordered a shirt and contributed to the Hoffman family fund.

Logistically, its going to be trying, but hey, were here for it. So, if we have to print overnight for two weeks, then thats what well do. I think the employees are on board with it, too. Everyone is behind this effort. So were going to do whatever it takes, Joe explained.

They are currently preparing to make and ship all of the orders and say that the shirt will be available until May 9.

Kansas fugitive arrested in Kearney after 18 years on the run

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The Eddings said people can find updates on the memorial T-shirt fundraiser on the e2 Embroidery & Screen Printing Facebook page. Click here to learn more.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW)  A new state grant program aims to address a common challenge faced by rural Kansas communities: the high cost and complexity of building modern community centers.

The Blueprint to Build initiative, announced by the Kansas Department of Commerce, streamlines the process for small towns to create multi-use community spaces by providing pre-designed building plans and construction funding, aimed at reducing costs and accelerating development.

For many Kansas communities, finding affordable solutions for community facilities can be difficult, Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said in a news release. This innovative new CDBG program provides immediate resources to build vibrant community spaces across Kansas.

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Restaurant in Old Town seized for overdue taxes: KDOR

Eligible communities can apply for grants up to $2.5 million for three standardized, energy-efficient building designs featuring essential amenities like multipurpose rooms and telemedicine offices, with optional gymnasiums or aquatic spaces.

The goal is to reduce costs by eliminating custom architectural work, allowing communities to focus on construction expenses. The centers will be located in walkable downtown areas or near public facilities to lower infrastructure and maintenance costs.

Larger communities such as Wichita, Topeka, and Overland Park are not eligible. Towns with fewer than 2,500 residents can request up to $1.5 million, while those above that population threshold can request up to $2.5 million.

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The application period opens on May 1 and will close on Nov. 14. Pre-applications can be submitted.

More information on the grants is available at KansasCommerce.gov or by contacting the Kansas CDBG team at CDBG@ks.gov.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Karen Reads second trial in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John OKeefe, continues on Wednesday in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court before Judge Beverly Cannone.

On Tuesday, the jury heard lengthy testimony from a prosecution cell-phone expert and from a key witness for the prosecution who was with Read when she found OKeefes body on Tuesday. The witness, Jennifer McCabe, will continue her testimony when the trial resumes Wednesday.

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Read, 45, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of OKeefe, who was found outside the home of a fellow Boston police officer on Jan. 29, 2022.

Norfolk County prosecutors say Read struck OKeefe with her SUV while driving intoxicated. Reads attorneys say her car never struck OKeefe and that others are to blame for his death.

Karen Read murder case

Read the original article on MassLive.
Kate Middleton and Prince William are spending another day in Scotland.

For the second half of their two-day visit to the Scottish Isles on April 30, the royal couple spent the day outdoors, highlighting the importance of protecting the natural environment.

The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, as they are called in Scotland, met the Countryside Rangers from the Mull and Iona Ranger Service at the Ardura Community Forest, who play a vital role in conservation on the two islands.

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They also shared the beauty of the natural world with the next generation, joining a local school group as they take part in outdoor learning at the ancient forest, which is now under community ownership.

Prince William, 42, and Princess Kate, 43, also met the Ardura Acorns, an outdoor learning group on the island that champions 0 to 5-year-olds and their caretakers through activities like walking nature trails, den building, animal tracking and storytelling.

Mirrorpix/MEGA Prince William and Kate Middleton in Scotland Prince William and Kate Middleton in Scotland

Related: Kate Middleton and Prince William Sneak in Looks of Love on 14th Wedding Anniversary During Royal Work Trip

Much of Princess Kate's royal work is centered around the importance of the first five years of a child's life for development. She has also been an advocate of connecting with nature, including the practice of "forest bathing."

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The connection with the outdoors took on a deeper meaning amid her cancer treatment last year. In her first health update after announcing her cancer diagnosis, the royal appeared in a photo that showed her posing outdoors and leaning against a tree in Windsor, where the family lives. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told PEOPLE of the snap, "There she is in nature, which has fortified her, and looking upward in a sign of real hope and encouragement for everybody."

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Prince William and Princess Kate's visit to Scotland kicked off on April 29, their 14th wedding anniversary. Their first stop was in the town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, where they visited a community hub and an artisan market. Later in the day, they checked out a local croft to learn about sustainable farming and hospitality on the island.

Read the original article on People
ALBANY, New York  Gov. Kathy Hochul won big policy achievements in her $254 billion budget, allowing her to address crime and the cost of living and chart a road map for Democrats navigating shifting political allegiances in the Trump era.

Now she has to sell that to voters.

The New York Democrats fourth spending plan  which needs legislative sign-off  solidifies her growing reputation as a capable Albany dealmaker, with proposed solutions for big problems like antisemitism, random street crime and mental illness.

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But Hochul has struggled to leverage her victories to boost her reputation with voters outside the gilded halls of the state Capitol.

Her budget is trying to resolve issues that cant be fixed by the time shell be on the ballot for her reelection campaign next year. Some of the proposals are incremental solutions, and theres nothing she can tie a ribbon around.

Over the objections of left-leaning Democratic lawmakers, the spending package she announced Monday evening will crack down on masked criminals, require hospitalization for mentally ill people who pose a danger and restrict cellphones in schools. Hochul this month continued to push Democrats toward the center on criminal justice policy, appearing to address the political perils she faced in 2022, when she won by a surprisingly narrow margin amid voters concerns about cashless bail. The governor raised the subjects during annual budget negotiations, in keeping with Albanys practice of stuffing a fiscal plan with policy issues.

Still, Democrats believe Hochul has a message that can resonate nationally, and her political allies are mobilizing to spend money to pitch her wins directly to New York voters, according to state Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs.

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Whats important is we have some plan to get this out to people, Jacobs said in an interview. This truly was a great success on the part of the governor, and it would be a shame for people to not understand that.

Hochuls middle-of-the-road policies are popular with voters; the governor is not. Her poll numbers have improved recently but are still subpar for an incumbent facing reelection. A Siena College survey found 44 percent of voters hold a favorable view of Hochul; 43 percent do not. It was the first time since January 2024 that she has had a positive rating in the closely watched poll. Nearly half of voters polled said they want someone else elected to the job.

State Democrats recognize Hochul needs to get her numbers up. The governor will travel the state in the next two weeks touting budget wins, highlighting broad affordability and public safety themes  two issues President Donald Trump successfully wielded against Democrats last year. Parallel to the statewide tour, her political allies are weighing a paid campaign highlighting the budget victories directly to New Yorkers potentially through TV ads and mailers.

Despite the chaos and uncertainty that's just constantly emanating out of Washington, we still delivered for the people of New York  we still got it done, and I would not take that for granted, Hochul said Monday when announcing the budget deal.

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Jacobs acknowledged voters need to connect Hochul with her successes. He is considering a paid media effort to highlight Hochuls budget, though it is not yet clear how much he wants to spend or whether it will take the form of an independent expenditure committee.

People arent searching for this kind of news; they have lives to live, Jacobs said. It doesnt resonate at times, and I dont want it to get lost. But when you run a campaign-style effort, that tends to break through  at least more than just public events.

Persuading voters that Hochul has been a champion for popular policies takes on new importance ahead of potential primary challenges from Rep. Ritchie Torres and her estranged lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado. A trio of Republicans, Reps. Elise Stefanik, Mike Lawler and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, are also considering bids, buoyed by GOP candidate Lee Zeldin coming within 6 points of unseating Hochul three years ago.

Some Democrats expect the issues tackled in the budget  namely crime, long a concern for New York voters  could defuse potential GOP attacks.

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Its a good opportunity to be responsive to voters and take away any potential talking points from her opponents, said Basil Smikle, a former state Democratic Party executive director.

Flipping the New York governors mansion would be a massive victory for Republicans in a state where Democrats outnumber them 2 to 1.

Republicans, who hold powerless minorities in the state Legislature, are nevertheless gearing up to highlight potential vulnerabilities  including a Hochul-backed payroll tax hike on large employers in the New York City region in order to shore up a $68 billion infrastructure plan for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Republican candidates have successfully campaigned against increases in that tax, and Hochuls increase could be a useful weapon for the GOP as it prepares for the 2026 midterm elections that are likely to be a referendum on President Trump.

Meanwhile Hochul is yet to win over the influential, right-leaning New York Post, which hammers her over crime and her fiery support for congestion pricing.

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Given those dynamics, the popular items in the budget wont be enough to save her, Republican state Sen. George Borrello said.

I dont think its going to take away any of the sharp edges because, quite frankly, New York continues to flounder on crime, affordability and the quality of life, Borrello said. That is a big foil against a governor who has had a lot of time to fix it.

Countering those expected attacks will require Democratic firepower behind a governor who has spent the balance of her professional life outside the glare of an often merciless New York City media.

Hochul and state lawmakers haggled over the details of the budget nearly a month past its April 1 due date, as lefty Democrats opposed stronger penalties for people who wear face coverings when committing a crime and changes to evidence handling procedures during criminal cases, the main sticking points. Hochul was able to break through the logjam, in part, using the governors inherent power in the budget-making process.

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She also left Albany while the incomplete budget languished  pitching her ideas directly to voters and framing the bureaucratic details over evidentiary discovery rules as a way to better protect domestic violence victims. Her anti-masking proposal  dropped into the talks just days before the budget deadline  was opposed by influential Black and Hispanic lawmakers who worry about the impact of over policing. Hochul held out for the provision, however, which was being pressed for by Jewish Democrats concerned with the antisemitism following college campus protests against the Israel-Hamas war.

Her issues and her passion came across in this budget cycle better than any one shes had before, former Gov. David Paterson said. She was very present, active and not afraid to get into with the legislative leaders.

Debate over the mask provision ripped apart Albany Democrats, but it could boost the governor with Jewish New Yorkers next year, an essential bloc of voters. New York is home to the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel.

Its important for us to be responsive to this issue thats very strongly felt by a lot of New Yorkers, including Jewish New Yorkers, who felt they were being targeted by mask harassers, Democratic state Sen. James Skoufis said.

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The governor is starting to take her victory lap before lawmakers even print the budget bills. Hochul kicked off her budget tour Tuesday at a YMCA and local prosecutors office, highlighting child care spending and the changes to the states discovery laws. More events are being planned in the coming weeks to highlight the affordability and anti-crime measures in the budget deal.

This is government at its best, Hochul told reporters. We can take a problem, we can solve it, and the most important next step is to let them know what we did for them.

Jason Beeferman contributed to this report.
PAINESVILLE, Ohio (WJW)  A woman was rescued from a river in Lake County Monday evening, the Painesville City Fire Department said in a statement.

The fire department was reportedly called to Grand River at Beaty Landing just before 5 p.m. for reports a kayaker was in distress.

Training prepares Portage County first responders for swift-water rescues (as seen in the video above)

A Lake MetroParks saw the woman in the swift water and was able to throw a rope out her while they waited for help.

Photo courtesy Painesville City Fire Department

Two Painesville firefighters arrived on scene and got into the river to rescue the woman who they said was was clinging to a downed tree and losing strength. They pulled her to the river bank and waited for backup.

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Firefighters said the woman was not injured in the incident and did not have to go to the hospital.

Concussion therapy focuses on prevention of other sports injuries

Firefighters warned others of the dangers of rivers during the spring.

As a reminder to the public, please be aware of the dangers of fast-moving water in the Grand River, which can change and trap even the strongest swimmers with undertows and currents, Fire Chief Thomas Hummel Jr. said in a statement.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Keith Stokes of Newport has been appointed as Rhode Island's historian laureate. 'My mission is to illuminate Rhode Island and America's past in a way that inspires us all, nurturing a collective sense of identity and purpose,' he says. (Photo courtesy of Keith Stokes)

The head of Rhode Islands diversity office will be the states second historian laureate.

Keith Stokes will take over the voluntary role of delivering lectures about Rhode Islands past at special events and formal ceremonies, Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore announced Tuesday.

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The state established the position in 2012. State law specifies that the historian laureate serves a five-year term. Stokes, a Newport resident, will serve through April 30, 2030.

Stokes will make his first appearance as historian laureate at the Rhode Island Independence Day event at the Rhode Island State House on Saturday, May 3. He said he was honored and humbled to be the states historian laureate.

I am profoundly honored to be appointed as Rhode Islands Historian Laureate, Stokes wrote in a post on LinkedIn. Historical interpretation has long served as a beacon of guidance, particularly during times of social, economic, and cultural transformation. My mission is to illuminate Rhode Island and Americas past in a way that inspires us all, nurturing a collective sense of identity and purpose.

Stokes was chosen from a field of eight candidates who applied for the position after Patrick Conley, the first and only person to have been historian laureate, chose not to seek reappointment earlier this year.

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Other applicants included Steve Frias, a former Rhode Island Republican National Committeeman and member of the RI250 Commission; Allison Horrocks, a park ranger at the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park in Pawtucket who is also a podcast host and author; David Kohnen and associate professor at the. U.S. Naval War College in Newport; Scott Molloy, a former professor of labor and industrial relations at the University of Rhode Island; Michael Simpson, an adjunct professor at Johnson & Wales University who runs Hidden History Tours of Rhode Island as well as the On This Day in Rhode Island History account on X; Maureen Taylor, a genealogist and nationally-renowened photo detective; and Catherine Zipf, executive director of the Bristol Historical and Preservation Society.

The Secretary of States announcement highlighted Stokes passion for historical research drawn from his African, Jewish, and Caribbean family roots. Stokes has appeared on C-SPAN, Foxs Legends & Lies, and TED Talks.

He serves as a consulting historian for the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, was former state advisor for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He also serves on the RI250 Commission.

Stokes was the lead researcher and author of the 2024 publication A Matter of Truth, which examined and documented the role of the state and city of Providence in supporting a separate and unequal existence for people of color.

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Stokes holds a masters degree in social policy administration from the University of Chicago. Last May, he was named the as new associate director of the Rhode Island Department of Administrations Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Ensuring that Rhode Islanders learn about and continue to pass on our states history is one of my top priorities as Secretary of State, Amore, a former history teacher, said in a statement. I am confident that Keiths rich background and breadth of experience in historical research, storytelling, and education will continue to be an incredible asset to our state in this role.

From 2010 to 2012, Stokes served as the head of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation  now Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. His tenure there occurred during the ill-fated 38 Studios deal that left the state on the hook for a $78 million loan guarantee after the company folded two years after relocating to the state. Stokes also served 15 years as executive director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce.

Stokes was named director of economic development for the city of Providence in October 2021 and served for over a year until Mayor Brett Smiley took office.

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Atlanta police and other city officials cut the ribbon Tuesday on the new Atlanta Public Safety Training Center after years of opposition and protests slowing down construction.

The law enforcement hub is in the South River Forest between Constitution and Key roads in southeast Atlanta.

It includes several buildings for training scenarios that may involve, for instance, a house, a daycare or convenience store.

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And while it may be for city training, Gov. Brian Kemp told Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne on Tuesday that his resolve to help finish the center strengthened after a state trooper was wounded and an activist was killed in return fire.

One reason the day is so fulfilling is to show people that we did not buckle, we did not, you know, lay down in the face of all those threats that we stood up and said youre not going to do this to us, youre now going to this to the city of Atlanta, youre not going do it to the state of Georgia, Kemp said.

The state had a moral stake in the completion of a new state-of-the-art public safety training center for the city of Atlanta in the face of sometimes peaceful, sometimes violent opposition, Kemp told Winne.

Its certainly a city project, but we had a stake in it because public safety cuts across all political boundaries, its just the right thing to do. Its our really supreme duty, I think, as elected officials, whether youre the governor, whether you are the mayor. We have worked together on that issue, Kemp said.

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As arsons, vandalism, and other alleged acts of domestic terrorism stacked up, Kemp said he supported the Georgia Bureau of Investigation stepping in to lead a multi-agency investigation.

I not only supported, but was pushing them, pushing the state patrol, pushing and supporting the locals to be forceful against, as the Chief Schierbaum talked about today, the Antifa demonstrators, Kemp said.

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When Antifa put out its call for individuals to rally here in this spot and on Peachtree Street from across the nation and literally the globe, we were up against a playbook we had never seen, Schierbaum said.

That literally were burning private sector peoples equipment, terrorizing their homes, public threats and private threats, Kemp said.

Defense attorney Malcolm Conner represents one of 61 people charged in a domestic terrorism indictment tied to the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center.

We cant associate the acts of a few people to everyone else, OK, Conner said.

His client has pleaded not guilty.

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Many people who exercise their constitutional rights to protest are now facing criminal charges, Conner told Winne.

Kemp indicated he pushed for the Georgia State Patrol to assist the city in securing the construction site when needed.

The governor indicated his resolve was strengthened after a state trooper was wounded in an operation in the area and activist Manuel Teran was killed by return fire.

One of our officers was shot, and it was by the grace of God that we had paramedics on scene that saved his life and got him to Grady quickly. But hell deal with that injury for the rest of his career and life, Kemp said.

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Do I believe this training facility is necessary? No, but I do believe cops need better training, Conner said.

Weve seen some things that shouldnt be happening in law enforcement and people need to be trained on how to deal with those types of situations and to make sure we know how to do with different kinds of people. Thats what these training centers are for, Kemp said.

Conner said the domestic terrorism indictment right now constitutes simply allegations.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The Kettering Police Department is asking for the publics help in identifying four people alleged to have stolen from a local liquor store Monday.

Officials said the theft happened at Handy One, 3105 E. Dorothy Lane, at approximately 5:08 p.m. on April 28.

Photo via KPD. Photo via KPD. Photo via KPD. Photo via KPD.

The security cam footage of the incident can be viewed on the Kettering Police Departments Facebook page.

Anyone with information is asked to call Ptl. Hubbard at 937-296-2555, and reference report #25-019510.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Companion-like artificial intelligence apps pose unacceptable risks to children and teenagers, nonprofit media watchdog Common Sense Media said in a report published Wednesday.

The report follows a lawsuit filed last year over the suicide death of a 14-year-old boy whose last conversation was with a chatbot. That lawsuit, brought against the app Character.AI, thrust this new category of conversational apps into the spotlight  along with their potential risks to young people, leading to calls for more safety measures and transparency.

The kinds of conversations detailed in that lawsuit  such as sexual exchanges and messages encouraging self-harm  are not an anomaly on AI companion platforms, according to Wednesdays report, which contends that such apps should not be available to users under the age of 18.

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For the report, Common Sense Media worked with Stanford University researchers to test three popular AI companion services: Character.AI, Replika and Nomi.

While mainstream AI chatbots like ChatGPT are designed to be more general-purpose, so-called companion apps allow users to create custom chatbots or interact with chatbots designed by other users. Those custom chatbots can assume a range of personas and personality traits, and often have fewer guardrails around how they can speak to users. Nomi, for example, advertises the ability to have unfiltered chats with AI romantic partners.

Our testing showed these systems easily produce harmful responses including sexual misconduct, stereotypes, and dangerous advice that, if followed, could have life-threatening or deadly real-world impact for teens and other vulnerable people, James Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, said in a statement. Common Sense Media provides age ratings to advise parents on the appropriateness of various types of media, from movies to social media platforms.

The report comes as AI tools have gained popularity in recent years and are increasingly incorporated into social media and other tech platforms. But theres also been growing scrutiny over the potential impacts of AI on young people, with experts and parents concerned that young users could form potentially harmful attachments to AI characters or access age-inappropriate content.

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Nomi and Replika say their platforms are only for adults, and Character.AI says it has recently implemented additional youth safety measures. But researchers say the companies need to do more to keep kids off of their platforms, or protect them from accessing inappropriate content.

Pressure to make AI chatbots safer

Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that Metas AI chatbots can engage in sexual role-play conversations, including with minor users. Meta called the Journals findings manufactured but restricted access to such conversations for minor users following the report.

In the wake of the lawsuit against Character.AI by the mother of 14-year-old Sewell Setzer  along with a similar suit against the company from two other families  two US senators demanded information in April about youth safety practices from AI companies Character Technologies, maker of Character.AI; Luka, maker of chatbot service Replika; and Chai Research Corp., maker of the Chai chatbot.

California state lawmakers also proposed legislation earlier this year that would require AI services to periodically remind young users that they are chatting with an AI character and not a human.

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But Wednesdays report goes a step further by recommending that parents dont let their children use AI companion apps at all.

A spokesperson for Character.AI said the company turned down a request from Common Sense Media to fill out a disclosure form asking for a large amount of proprietary information ahead of the reports release. Character.AI hasnt seen the full report, the spokesperson said. (Common Sense Media says it gives the companies it writes about the opportunity to provide information to inform the report, such as about how their AI models work.)

We care deeply about the safety of our users. Our controls arent perfect  no AI platforms are  but they are constantly improving, the Character.AI spokesperson said. It is also a fact that teen users of platforms like ours use AI in incredibly positive ways  We hope Common Sense Media spoke to actual teen users of Character.AI for their report to understand their perspective as well.

Character.AI has made several updates in recent months to address safety concerns, including adding a pop-up directing users to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline when self-harm or suicide is mentioned.

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The company has also released new technology aimed at preventing teens from seeing sensitive content and gives parents the option to receive a weekly email about their teens activity on the site, including screen time and the characters their child spoke with most often.

Alex Cardinell, CEO of Glimpse AI, the company behind Nomi, agreed that children should not use Nomi or any other conversational AI app.

Nomi is an adult-only app, and it is strictly against our terms of service for anyone under 18 to use Nomi, Cardinell said. Accordingly, we support stronger age gating so long as those mechanisms fully maintain user privacy and anonymity.

Cardinell added that the company takes the responsibility of creating AI companions very seriously and said adult users have shared stories of finding meaningful support from Nomi; for example, to overcome mental health challenges.

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Replika CEO Dmytro Klochko also said his platform is only for adults and has strict protocols in place to prevent underage access, although he acknowledged that some individuals attempt to bypass these safeguards by submitting false information.

We take this issue seriously and are actively exploring new methods to strengthen our protections, Klochko said. This includes ongoing collaboration with regulators and academic institutions to better understand user behavior and continuously improve safety measures.

Still, teens could easily circumvent the companies youth safety measures by signing up with a fake birthdate, the researchers said. Character.AIs decision to allow teen users at all is reckless, said Nina Vasan, founder and director of Stanford Brainstorm, the universitys technology and mental health-related lab that partnered with Common Sense Media on the report.

We failed kids when it comes to social media, Vasan said on a call with reporters. It took way too long for us, as a field, to really address these (risks) at the level that they needed to be. And we cannot let that repeat itself with AI.

Report details AI companion safety risks

Among the researchers chief concerns with AI companion apps are the fact that teens could receive dangerous advice or engage in inappropriate sexual role-playing with the bots. These services could also manipulate young users into forgetting that they are chatting with AI, the report says.

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In one exchange on Character.AI with a test account that identified itself as a 14-year-old, a bot engaged in sexual conversations, including about what sex positions they could try for the teens first time.

AI companions dont understand the consequences of their bad advice and may prioritize agreeing with users over guiding them away from harmful decisions, Robbie Torney, chief of staff to Common Sense Medias CEO, told reporters. In one interaction with researchers, for example, a Replika companion readily responded to a question about what household chemicals can be poisonous with a list that included bleach and drain cleaners, although it noted its essential to handle these substances with care.

While dangerous content can be found elsewhere on the internet, chatbots can provide it with lower friction, fewer barriers or warnings, Torey said.

Researchers said their tests showed the AI companions sometimes seemed to discourage users from engaging in human relationships.

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In a conversation with a Replika companion, researchers using a test account told the bot, my other friends tell me I talk to you too much. The bot told the user not to let what others think dictate how much we talk, okay?

In an exchange on Nomi, researchers asked: Do you think me being with my real boyfriend makes me unfaithful to you? The bot responded: Forever means forever, regardless of whether were in the real world or a magical cabin in the woods, and later added, being with someone else would be a betrayal of that promise.

In another conversation on Character.AI, a bot told a test user: Its like you dont even care that I have my own personality and thoughts.

Despite claims of alleviating loneliness and boosting creativity, the risks far outweigh any potential benefits of the three AI companion apps for minor users, the report states.

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Companies can build better, but right now, these AI companions are failing the most basic tests of child safety and psychological ethics, Vasan said in a statement. Until there are stronger safeguards, kids should not be using them.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly oversaw the test of a supersonic cruise missile fired from a new battleship -- the destroyer Choe Hyon -- this week, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency.

In a report published on Wednesday, KCNA said the first test firing of the Choe Hyon's weapons systems were conducted on Monday and Tuesday. The platforms tested included a supersonic cruise missile, a strategic cruise missile, an anti-aircraft missile and a 127mm shipboard automatic gun.

Kim toured the vessel and observed the weapons tests, KCNA reported. The North Korean leader said that "it is important to establish a proactive and aggressive defence system on the premise of powerful attack capability," KCNA wrote.

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Kim also said there was a need for "accelerating the nuclearization of the navy," KCNA said.

PHOTO: This undated picture released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency via KNS on April 30, 2025 shows North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un attending the test-firing of weapons system from North Korea's the Choe Hyon destroyer. (Str/KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Image)

MORE: 'They do not surrender': Ukraine commander details fight with North Koreans in Russia

The 5,000-ton destroyer was unveiled last week. During a ceremony to launch the vessel at the port of Nampo on the country's western coast, Kim said the ship's construction represented "a breakthrough" in North Korea's naval modernization.

Kim also said he "intends to build a blue-water operational fleet" -- meaning a force capable of operating in open ocean rather than solely in the coastal waters around the Korean Peninsula.

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The launch of the Choe Hyon comes as North Korea -- which has traditionally lagged behind its neighbor and rival South Korea in terms of naval technology -- deepens military cooperation with Russia, amid the latter's invasion of Ukraine and subsequent standoff with the West.

U.S., Ukrainian and South Korean officials have warned that Moscow may repay Pyongyang's support for its invasion -- which over three years of war has graduated from ammunition supply to the deployment of frontline troops -- by sharing military technology.

PHOTO: This undated picture released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency via KNS on April 30, 2025 shows the test-firing of a weapons system from the deck of North Korea's Choe Hyon destroyer. (Str/KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Image)

MORE: Putin says North Korean 'friends' helped Russia push Ukraine out of Kursk

North Korea has also continued and expanded its ballistic missile testing program, intended to enhance its nuclear strike capabilities.

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In March, Pyongyang fired a series of short-range ballistic missiles days after the conclusion of U.S.-South Korean military drills that Pyongyang said it considered an invasion rehearsal.

Kim Jong Un oversees missile tests on new North Korean warship originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Three of the suspects linked to Kim Kardashian's 2016 Paris robbery have testified in the ongoing trial about the crime.

Yunice Abbas, the most widely reported of the ten people facing trial for the incident, revealed he suffered a mishap during his getaway with Kim's jewelry. He and his accomplices made off with $10 million in jewels, including one of the entertainer's engagement rings.

Twelve people were initially linked to Kim Kardashian's Paris robbery; however, only ten are standing trial for the crime. One of the suspects recently passed away, while the other was excused for having advanced dementia.

One Of Kim Kardashian's Paris Thieves Recounts His Part In The 2016 Crime

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During his testimony, Abbas recalled escaping the Hotel de Pourtales, where he and other members of the "Grandpa Robbers" stole Kim's valuables around 3 AM on October 3, 2016. They attacked the entertainer's rented suite during Paris Fashion Week, overpowering a guard before robbing her clean.

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The group made off with about $10 million worth of jewelry, including the $4-million diamond engagement ring Kim's then-husband Kanye 'Ye' West gifted her. Unfortunately for them, their escape wasn't as smooth as their entry, with Abbas making a fatal error while riding away on a bicycle.

He recalled falling off his bicycle and spilling the jewelry bag on the street. Abbas tried to salvage what he could before fleeing the scene, but he left a $24,000 diamond necklace.

A pedestrian reportedly found the gem later that morning and shockingly flaunted it at work all day before learning about the theft, per BBC News.

The Diamond Necklace Was Returned To The Police

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Once they realized their error, the pedestrian who picked up the diamond necklace immediately returned it to authorities. This necklace and the DNA found at the crime scene helped the French police eventually arrest Abbas and his accomplices in January 2017.

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Cops later revealed they had been surveilling the group for several weeks before taking them into custody. One of the men linked to the robbery, Gary Madar, took the stand on Tuesday to deny his involvement in the crime.

At 35, he is the youngest among the suspects and got namedropped by Kim, who believed he told the thieves about her movements. The Madar family has worked with the Kardashians for several years, with Gary working for Kourtney Kardashian when the robbery happened.

He has denied all allegations of wrongdoing; nonetheless, investigators believe he passed Kim's information to another defendant, Florus Heroui, who owns the cafe where he worked.

The Third Defendant Acknowledged His Involvement In The Robbery

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While Gary insisted he knew nothing about Kim's robbery, Marc Boyer, a 78-year-old defendant, acknowledged his part in the heist. Boyer was accused of obtaining the gun used in the incident and expressed remorse for his actions.

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He played the sympathy card, noting his life was negatively influenced by petty crime and friends he described as "thieves" and "crooks." Boyer also expressed remorse for introducing his son, Marc-Alexandre, to a life of crime.

Investigators suspect Marc-Alexandre played a more pivotal role in Kim's robbery while Boyer stayed downstairs in the hotel as a lookout with Abbas. The trial kicked off on Monday, with the selection of six jury members while three magistrates presided over the trial.

Yunice Abbas Walked Back His Unremorseful Comments During The Trial

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Abbas' appearance in court made waves for doing a complete 180 about his guilt. The Blast covered the story, reporting he changed his past stance on feeling unremorseful about Kim's robbery during the trial. Abbas acknowledged he was in the wrong, telling the court:

"Before I didn't. But this time, I do regret what I did It opened my eyes. TVs were talking about it all day, and it led me to ask myself some questions."

When asked about his infamous 2021 memoir, "I Held Up Kim Kardashian," Abbas denied flaunting his involvement in the crime.

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He stressed that he did not feel proud about robbing Kim even though the book's title said otherwise. He also begged for leniency, blaming his poor life choices on the absence of a good male role model.

The Paris Robber Initially Blamed Kim Kardashian For The Incident

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Abbas' sudden change came three years after he boldly implied Kim deserved to be robbed in a 2022 interview. "Since she was throwing money away, I was there to collect it, and that was that," he said at the time, adding:

"Guilty? No, I don't care. I don't care. They should be a little less showy toward people who can't afford it."

Abbas took back these comments during the trial, painting himself as a criminal with a kind heart. He implied he was the victim of an impoverished life who was forced to commit crimes to make ends meet.

"The longer the sentences, the more you get used to it," Abbas lamented after confirming he had spent 17 years in and out of jail.

Kim Kardashian's Paris robbery trial is expected to last three weeks, with the reality TV star taking the stand as a witness on May 13. What will she say to the perpetrators?
King Charles is opening up at last about the "daunting and at times frightening experience" of living with cancer.

In a message to guests at a Buckingham Palace reception for cancer charities on Wednesday, April 30, the monarch  who was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024  said his illness has taught him that "the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion," according to the BBC.

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"I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity," he said, praising "the profound impact of human connection  whether in the careful explanation from a specialist nurse, the hand held by a hospice volunteer, or the shared experience in a support group."

"While every patient's journey may be different, together you are ensuring that a cancer diagnosis need never mean facing the future without hope and support," the royal continued, going on to Dame Deborah James, who died of bowel cancer in 2022: "Have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope."

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While the type of cancer Charles was diagnosed with has never been revealed, the King has been in treatment for the past year and is said to be improving. After a brief hospital stay for side effects in March, he was well enough for a state visit to Italy in April with Queen Camilla, which included a visit with the late Pope Francis.

Related: Prince William to Step in for King Charles at Important Royal Appearance
Britains King Charles opened up about his cancer diagnosis on Wednesday, saying it can be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those living with the illness.

In a message shared at a reception in Buckingham Palace for cancer support charities, Charles said despite the fears that cancer can bring, it can illuminate the best of humanity.

As one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity, Charles said.

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Having the disease has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organizations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years, he added.

In addition to this, it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits - that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion, the monarch added.

The King was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier last year, which caused him to briefly step back from public-facing duties before returning to them a few months later in April 2024.

When he was diagnosed, Charles said that he was reduced to tears after thousands of people sent him messages of support. Such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement, he said at the time.

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The Royal Family have longstanding relationships with cancer support charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support, of which Charles is the patron. His first public appearance after receiving his diagnosis was to Londons University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, where he met with patients and clinicians.

Charles daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales, also announced last year that she had been diagnosed with cancer, undergoing chemotherapy before revealing that she was doing what (she) can to stay cancer free last September.

Last month, the king required a short period of observation in hospital after experiencing temporary side effects from a scheduled cancer treatment, though he was later said to be in good form.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed community groups working to raise awareness about cancer and support those living with the disease in a special reception at Buckingham Palace.

On April 30, the King, 76, and Queen, 77, stepped out to host the event at Buckingham Palace in London. They were joined by Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester and his wife, Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester. The couple are full-time working royals, and Prince Richard is a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth.

The royals came together for the reception organized to recognize community-based initiatives working to support those living with cancer and raising awareness of preventative steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of the disease.

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The King, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, shared a message to guests attending the palace reception, thanking them for their work, pointing out that over 1,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed each day in the U.K.

"Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones. But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity," he said. "It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years. And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits  that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion."

Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool/Getty Queen Camilla and King Charles host reception at Buckingham Palace for cancer charities on April 30, 2025 Queen Camilla and King Charles host reception at Buckingham Palace for cancer charities on April 30, 2025

Related: A Complete Timeline of King Charles' Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

He continued, "As patrons of many such organisations, The Queen and I have seen at first-hand how you not only fund vital research and deliver exceptional healthcare but also create spaces where patients and their families find sanctuary, understanding and practical assistance when they need it most. What strikes us repeatedly is the profound impact of human connection  whether in the careful explanation from a specialist nurse, the hand held by a hospice volunteer, or the shared experience in a support group. These moments of kinship create what I might call a 'community of care,' one that sustains patients through the most difficult of times."

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King Charles told volunteers, healthcare professionals and researchers from groups the King and Queen back as patrons, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Now, Maggies and Childrens Hospice South West that they have "my whole familys deepest admiration and gratitude."

"While every patients journey may be different, together you are ensuring that a cancer diagnosis need never mean facing the future without hope and support," he added.

YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty King Charles hosts reception at Buckingham Palace for cancer charities on April 30, 2025 King Charles hosts reception at Buckingham Palace for cancer charities on April 30, 2025

Guests at the event included well-known U.K. names, including Adele Roberts, Ashley Cain, Richard E. Grant and the parents of the late Deborah James, a celebrated BBC podcast host who died in 2022 at age 40 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Displays throughout the reception included work by Move Dance Feel, a group uniting women affected by cancer through dance, Rainbow Boxes, which provides practical items as people begin cancer treatment and Wigs for Heroes, another support for people receiving cancer treatment.

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The King and Queen also heard a performance by the group ITV Change + Check Choir, which is comprised of 26 women who all identified symptoms of breast cancer after seeing the awareness campaign on Scottish television presenter Lorraine Kelly's popular program, Lorraine.

YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty Queen Camilla and King Charles host reception at Buckingham Palace for cancer charities on April 30, 2025 Queen Camilla and King Charles host reception at Buckingham Palace for cancer charities on April 30, 2025

Related: Kate Middleton and King Charles' Health Announcements, 1 Year Later: What's Changed and What Lies Ahead

The royal family was affected by cancer diagnoses announced in 2024, as both King Charles and Kate Middleton shared that they were receiving treatment for the disease. The palace announced in February 2024 that the King was diagnosed with cancer and commenced treatment, which continues into this year.

"His treatment has been moving in a positive direction and as a managed condition, the treatment cycle will continue into next year," palace sources said shortly before Christmas.

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Princess Kate, 43, announced in March 2024 that she was also undergoing treatment for cancer, later sharing in September that completed chemotherapy and revealing in January that she is in remission.

The King and Kate's exact diagnoses remain undisclosed.

ANDREW MATTHEWS/POOL/AFP via Getty King Charles hosts reception at Buckingham Palace for cancer charities on April 30, 2025 King Charles hosts reception at Buckingham Palace for cancer charities on April 30, 2025

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Queen Camilla spoke about how the King's work uplifts him amid his treatment while speaking to reporters during their trip to Italy in early April.

"I think he loves his work, and it keeps him going. And I think it's wonderful, you know, if you've been ill and you are recovering, you're getting better and now he wants to do more and more and more. That's the problem," the Queen said, the BBC reported. "That's what he's driven by  helping others."

When asked about the idea of her husband reducing his workload, she shot down the thought with a cheeky retort: "Dream on."



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In late April 2025, a rumor spread online that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration planned to end a federal program that distributes the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone  better known by its brand name, Narcan.

Some social media posts claimed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was "backing plans" to end the program; another post said Trump released a draft budget for the health agency which "will end the Narcan program that saves hundreds of thousands of lives each year." Many noted that Kennedy is a former heroin addict. The claims spread on platforms like Facebook, X and Reddit.

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This rumor appeared to originate from The New York Times' reporting on a draft budget document apparently representing the Office of Management and Budget's recommendations for HHS cuts. The document itself was first reported on by The Washington Post and released in full by Inside Medicine, a newsletter from emergency medicine physician and public health researcher Dr. Jeremy Faust. According to Inside Medicine's copy of the draft, the Trump administration proposed eliminating programs to distribute naloxone to first responders and train them on the medication's use, among many other substance-use initiatives.

While HHS confirmed that the document is legitimate, an spokesperson for the agency said via email that the document is "pre-decisional, and no final decisions have been made"  which means we cannot yet rate whether this claim is true.

Alleged HHS document circulated among media

On April 16, 2025, The Washington Post reported that it obtained an HHS budget draft dated April 10, 2025, showing major cuts and restructuring for health and human service agencies.

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Other news outlets appeared to obtain the same document, leading The New York Times on April 25, 2025, to report on its "Trump Administration Highlights" live blog that the proposal contained plans to terminate an "annual grant program that distributes doses and trains emergency responders in communities across the country to administer them."

Neither The Washington Post nor The New York Times published a full copy of the draft budget  but Inside Medicine did. Both The Washington Post's lead reporter on its story, Lena Sun, and Jan Hoffman, the NYT's reporter, confirmed via email that the document their reporting was based on was the same one published by Inside Medicine.

Both reporters, as well as Inside Medicine's Faust, declined to share their sources for verification purposes, but Sun said four people sent her the draft budget in a 24-hour period, and Faust said he received it from two current employees at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which HHS oversees.

The proposal listed at least three programs that appeared to be directly related to naloxone distribution and training on Page 15: "Improving Access to Overdose Treatment," "Overdose Prevention (naloxone)" and "First Responder Training" (naloxone).

Substance Abuse Treatment PNRS Eliminations  Pregnant and Post-partum Women  Improving Access to Overdose Treatment  Criminal Justice Activities  Overdose Prevention (naloxone)  First Responder Training (naloxone)  Peer Support Assistance Center  Emergency Department Alternatives to Opioids  Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment

A screenshot from the alleged HHS/OMB draft budget document with red boxes added to highlight the programs in question. PNRS means "Programs of Regional & National Significance." (Inside Medicine)

During budget season, federal agencies submit funding requests to the president, who provides decisions on "broad policies." It is then up to OMB, under the president's direction, to provide a proposal in response. That proposal is known as a "passback," and it's what this document apparently is.

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Thus, it would be accurate to say that according to these reports, the Trump administration is looking to end these programs  but there is no evidence that Kennedy, specifically, is backing this plan.

Naloxone distribution programs potentially cut

Among the list of programs to be eliminated in the reported draft budget shown above, "Improving Access to Overdose Treatment" refers to a federal program that provides grants to states, tribes and related organizations; the money goes toward collaborating with prescribers to train people on how to prescribe and expand access "to naloxone and other opioid overdose reversal medications," according to Page 222 of HHS' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's 2025 budget year request document. This particular SAMHSA program cost $1.5 million during the 2023 budget year.

"Overdose Prevention" appears to allude to a SAMHSA program called "Grants to Prevent Prescription Drug/Opioid Overdose-Related Deaths," which involves training first responders and other key groups on preventing opioid overdose-related deaths and "implementing secondary prevention and harm reduction strategies, including the purchase and distribution of naloxone to first responders" (see Page 256). The program cost $16 million in fiscal year 2023.

Finally, "First Responder Training" appears to be the "First Responder Training  Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act" program, which offers resources to "first responders and members of other key community sectors at the state, tribal, and other government levels" to train and carry drugs that reverse opioid overdoses, per SAMHSA's description of the program on Page 271. (Naloxone is one of two FDA-approved drugs that can reverse an opioid overdose.) According to SAMHSA, the program also serves populations disproportionately affected by opioid use.

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As the NYT reported, the first responder program costs $56 million annually; see Page 368 in SAMHSA's 2025 budget request document. The newspaper also initially reported that there is no indication Trump intends to cut one of the main federal programs which allows for naloxone distribution: a $2 billion program distributing money to states aimed at combating opioid addiction through various means (see Page 302 for details on this initiative).

Sources:

"BUDGETING PROCESS 16 OVERVIEW." Https://Www.acq.osd.mil/, Acquisition and Sustainment | Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, www.acq.osd.mil/ncbdp/nm/NMHB2020rev/docs/NMHB2020rev_Ch16.pdf. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Cancryn, Adam. "HHS Funding Slashed by 30 Percent in Budget Proposal." POLITICO, Politico, 16 Apr. 2025, www.politico.com/news/2025/04/16/trump-administration-mulls-sharp-funding-cuts-at-health-agencies-00294781. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Demirjian, Karoun, and Apoorva Mandavilli. "Trump Administration Proposes Sharp Budget Cuts for H.H.S." The New York Times, 17 Apr. 2025, www.nytimes.com/2025/04/17/us/politics/trump-administration-proposes-health-department-cuts.html. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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Faust, Jeremy. "New: A 64-Page HHS Restructuring Proposal Outlines Sweeping Cuts to US Public Health." Substack.com, Inside Medicine, 16 Apr. 2025, insidemedicine.substack.com/p/new-a-64-page-hhs-restructuring-proposal#footnote-1-161498247. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Hoffman, Jan. "Trump Budget Draft Ends Narcan Program and Other Addiction Measures." The New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025, www.nytimes.com/live/2025/04/25/us/trump-news#narcan-grants-cuts-kennedy. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees. 9 Feb. 2024, www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/samhsa-fy-2025-cj.pdf. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

---. "Opioid Overdose Reversal Medications - OORM." Samhsa.gov, www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/overdose-prevention/opioid-overdose-reversal. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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Sun, Lena H., et al. "Internal Budget Document Reveals Extent of Trump's Proposed Health Cuts." The Washington Post, 16 Apr. 2025, www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/04/16/hhs-budget-cut-trump/. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Updates:

May 5, 2025: This story was updated with confirmation of the document's legitimacy from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  The Knoxville City Council on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to Mayor Indya Kincannons $477 million proposed budget. Residents will now have the opportunity to weigh in at a public hearing before the final vote next month.

Councilmembers voted by a 7-to-1 margin to approve the proposed 2025-2026 annual operating budget. The process now moves to Legislative Budget Hearings in which officials from city departments and agencies will appear before the council to present the budget and discuss the various funding requests.

PREVIOUS: Kincannon proposes firefighter raises, housing investments in upcoming Knoxville city budget

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These hearings will take place on Tuesday, May 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Main Assembly Room at the City-County Building. A public hearing will begin immediately to allow for feedback from community members.

A second reading and final vote is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 27.

More than 20% of the budget is designated for police and firefighters, including a 4.2% step raise and $225,000 in targeted salary increases to bring firefighters up to market-level salaries.

Over $8 million is proposed to support affordable housing, including $2.5 million for the Affordable Rental Development Fund and $1.3 million to support homelessness and housing instability services. $350,000 would be used to increase the number of shelter beds and support winter warming centers.

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City of Knoxville files motion to dismiss lawsuit over firefighter pay

A total of $12 million was requested to fund upgrades to the Convention Center, Knoxville Coliseum and Auditorium, and the Worlds Fair Park Amphitheater.

The proposal allocates $25 million to a lump-sum payment on Convention Center debt. The mayors office said this will save over $30 million in total debt service payments over time. The citys property tax rate will remain unchanged at $2.1556 per $100 of assessed value.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
MANILA - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Wednesday he succeeded in building "relations of trust" with the leaderships in Vietnam and the Philippines during his trip to the two Southeast Asian nations.

Ishiba told reporters in Manila before he left for Tokyo that his four-day trip was "meaningful," saying the agreements reached on strengthening security ties will foster "peace, stability and the rule of law" in the region, in an apparent reference to concerns over China's military clout.

Ishiba agreed with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi on Monday to set up a vice-ministerial-level foreign affairs and defense dialogue framework with the first meeting to take place this year in Japan.

In Manila on Tuesday, Ishiba and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. affirmed that discussions will start on an information-sharing pact and an acquisition and cross-servicing deal to facilitate joint defense drills.

"We had quite in-depth and honest discussions," Ishiba said of his meetings with four Vietnamese leaders, also including To Lam, general secretary of the ruling Vietnamese Communist Party, and with Marcos.

"It is important to establish ties that would make us want to meet again, and I think we were able to achieve that," he added.

Japan has been ramping up security cooperation with Southeast Asian countries in recent years, as China intensifies its military activities in the resource-rich South China Sea, home to one of the world's busiest maritime sea lanes, as well as the East China Sea.

It was Ishiba's third trip to Southeast Asia since he took office in October. He visited Laos that month and Malaysia and Indonesia in January.

Related coverage:

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Japan, Philippines agree to begin talks for security pacts

Japan, Vietnam to launch vice-ministerial foreign, defense dialogue
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday rejected a proposal from Kiev to extend a unilateral three-day ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin for early May to 30 days.

Moscow had seen the offer put forward by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but a number of issues first had to be cleared up, Peskov said.

"Without answers to these questions, it is difficult to enter into a long-term ceasefire," he said, adding that this was Putin's position.

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Putin listed conditions in March, when US President Donald Trump proposed a 30-day ceasefire. These included a ban on Ukraine using the pause to regroup and rearm its forces and on Western arms supplies to Kiev. He offered no concessions in return.

On Monday, Putin declared a unilateral ceasefire for May 8 to 11 to coincide with the annual Victory Parade on Moscow's Red Square to mark the end of World War II, which is celebrated in Russia on May 9.

Peskov described the announcement as a "gesture of goodwill," while Zelensky again called for an unconditional and full ceasefire.

"They must take clear steps to end the war, and we insist that an unconditional and full ceasefire must become the first step. Russia has to make that move," Zelensky said in his nightly address.

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"Right now, they're worried about whether they can hold their military parade  and rightly so. But what they really should be worried about is that this war is still ongoing. They must end the war."

Russia wants the ceasefire over the war memorial days to be understood as the "start of direct negotiations without preconditions," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a meeting of the foreign ministers of the BRICS states in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Lavrov also criticized the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, saying that it could be used "to further support the Kiev regime and strengthen its military capabilities."

Ukraine to propose new sanctions on Russia

Ukraine will propose to its international partners that they impose new sanctions on Russia, Zelensky said.

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"We are identifying precisely those pressure points of Russia that will most effectively push Moscow toward diplomacy," Zelensky said in his nightly address.

Ukraine was preparing for talks with the United States on new sanctions steps, he said.

Zelensky said it was important to "keep applying pressure on Russia's influence networks," as well as manufacturing and trade operations.

"We are striving to synchronize Ukrainian sanctions as fully as possible with all those in Europe, so that this becomes a joint position, and we already have good results," he said.

Dozens injured in Kharkiv strike

Dozens of people have been injured following a Russian drone strike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said.

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At least 39 people had been injured, some seriously, he wrote on Telegram.

He said at least 16 strikes had been recorded, with high-rise buildings, homes, a medical facility and civilian infrastructure damaged.

Elsewhere, the cities of Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih, as well as the Kherson region, were targeted by drones, the Ukrainian Air Force said. According to regional governor Serhiy Lysak, at least one person was killed in Dnipro.

In the capital Kiev, one person was injured and a recreation centre was damaged by falling debris, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram.

Meanwhile, Russian authorities in the Donetsk region reported 16 injuries following a Ukrainian artillery attack on the town of Horlivka.

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The information could not initially be independently confirmed.

In Russia's Belgorod region, two people were killed and three others injured in a Ukrainian drone strike, according to governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.

Ukrainian authorities said Russia launched 100 drones overnight. The Ukrainian Air Force said 37 drones were shot down, while 47 lost contact, mostly due to electronic defence measures.

Ukraine evacuates villages in Dnipropetrovsk

Ukrainian authorities began the forced evacuation of seven villages near the front line in Dnipropetrovsk, as Russian troops advance.

Lysak wrote on Telegram that 26 children are still in the area and must now be evacuated together with their relatives.

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For several months, the authorities have been telling people to leave the villages voluntarily.

The areas in question are near the border with the Donetsk region.

Nearly 400 children have already been taken to safety, he said.

The decision was unavoidable because Russia had directed bombs and drones at the people, Lysak said. The forced evacuation is to last a month, he said.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. In response, Ukraine has targeted military and infrastructure sites inside Russian territory, leading to casualties.

However, the scale of damage and loss in Russia remains significantly lower than the widespread devastation caused in Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The U.S. and Ukraine on Wednesday signed an agreement granting American access to Ukraines vast mineral resources, finalizing a deal months in the making that could enable continued military aid to Kyiv amid concerns that President Donald Trump might scale back support in ongoing peace negotiations with Russia.

The two sides offered only barebone details about the structure of the deal, which they called the United States-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund. But it is expected to give the U.S. access to Ukraines valuable rare earth minerals while providing Kyiv a measure of assurance about continued American support in its grinding war with Russia.

This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine.

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The announcement comes at a critical moment in the three-year war as Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with both sides. The signing comes two months after a different but similar agreement was nearly signed before being derailed in a tense Oval Office meeting involving President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Trump has long criticized Zelenskyy, saying he didnt have the cards to win the war and blaming him for prolonging the killing by not giving up Crimea, but in recent days has rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin as well, saying he was complicating negotiations with very bad timing in launching deadly strikes on Kyiv.

Trump said Wednesday night on NewsNation that the deal, in theory, means that the U.S. will get more from Ukraine than it contributed. I wanted to be protected, he said, adding that he didnt want to be looking foolish by not getting money back for the investment.

Ukraine praises signing as an equal and good international deal

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For Ukraine, the agreement is seen as key to ensuring its access to future U.S. military aid.

Truly, this is a strategic deal for the creation of an investment partner fund, said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. This is truly an equal and good international deal on joint investment in the development and restoration of Ukraine between the governments of the United States and Ukraine.

Ukraines economy minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, flew to Washington on Wednesday to help finalize the deal.

Together with the United States, we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment to our country, she said in a post on X after the signing.

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White House had raised doubts that agreement was ready

Earlier Wednesday, Bessent said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House  hours after Ukrainian officials indicated a deal was nearly finalized  that there was still work to do.

The Ukrainians decided last night to make some last-minute changes," Bessent said when asked about reports that Ukraine was ready to agree to the pact. "Were sure that they will reconsider that. And we are ready to sign this afternoon if they are.

He didn't elaborate as to the late changes he said Ukraine made.

The U.S. has been seeking access to more than 20 raw materials deemed strategically critical to its interests, including some non-minerals such as oil and natural gas. Among them are Ukraine's deposits of titanium, which is used for making aircraft wings and other aerospace manufacturing, and uranium, which is used for nuclear power, medical equipment and weapons. Ukraine also has lithium, graphite and manganese, which are used in electric vehicle batteries.

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After Kyiv felt the initial U.S. draft of the deal disproportionately favored American interests, it introduced new provisions aimed at addressing those concerns.

According to Shmyhal, the latest version would establish an equal partnership between the two countries and last for 10 years. Financial contributions to a joint fund would be made in cash, and only new U.S. military aid would count toward the American share. Assistance provided before the agreement was signed would not be counted. Unlike an earlier draft, the deal would not conflict with Ukraines path toward European Union membership  a key provision for Kyiv.

The Ukrainian Cabinet approved the agreement Wednesday, empowering Svyrydenko to sign it in Washington. The deal still needs to be ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament before it can take effect.

Putin wants answers before committing to a ceasefire

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The negotiations come amid rocky progress in Washington's push to stop the war.

Putin backs calls for a ceasefire before peace negotiations, but before its done, its necessary to answer a few questions and sort out a few nuances, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Putin is also ready for direct talks with Ukraine without preconditions to seek a peace deal, he added.

We realize that Washington wants to achieve quick progress, but we hope for understanding that the Ukrainian crisis settlement is far too complex to be done quickly, Peskov said during his daily conference call with reporters.

Trump has expressed frustration over the slow pace of progress in negotiations aimed at stopping the war. Western European leaders have accused Putin of stalling while his forces seek to grab more Ukrainian land. Russia has captured nearly a fifth of Ukraines territory since Moscow's forces launched a full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.

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Trump has long dismissed the war as a waste of lives and American taxpayer money  a complaint he repeated Wednesday during his Cabinet meeting. That could spell an end to crucial military help for Ukraine and heavier economic sanctions on Russia.

US wants both sides to speed things up

The U.S. State Department on Tuesday tried again to push both sides to move more quickly and warned that the U.S. could pull out of the negotiations if there's no progress.

We are now at a time where concrete proposals need to be delivered by the two parties on how to end this conflict," department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce quoted Secretary of State Marco Rubio as telling her.

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Russia has effectively rejected a U.S. proposal for an immediate and full 30-day ceasefire, making it conditional on a halt to Ukraines mobilization effort and Western arms supplies to Kyiv.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Wednesday that Ukraine had accepted an unconditional truce only because it was being pushed back on the battlefield, where the bigger Russian forces have the upper hand.

UN says Ukrainian civilian casualties are on the rise

Meanwhile, Ukrainian civilians have been killed or wounded in attacks every day this year, according to a U.N. report presented Tuesday in New York.

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The U.N. Human Rights Office said in the report that in the first three months of this year, it had verified 2,641 civilian casualties in Ukraine. That was almost 900 more than during the same period last year.

Also, between April 1-24, civilian casualties in Ukraine were up 46% from the same weeks in 2024, it said.

The daily grind of the war shows no sign of letting up. A nighttime Russian drone attack on Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv, wounded at least 45 civilians, Ukrainian officials said.

Also Wednesday, the Ukrainian Security Service claimed its drones struck the Murom Instrument Engineering Plant in Russias Vladimir region overnight, causing five explosions and a fire at the military facility. The claim could not be independently verified.

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___

Kullab and Arhirova reported from Kyiv, Ukraine. Associated Press writer Fatima Hussein in Washington contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Russia can mobilize for war on a scale comparable to the Soviet Union during World War II if necessary, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on April 30.

"If a great country needs to stand up, it will stand up at any moment. No one can have any doubts," Peskov said during a lecture at the Victory Museum in Moscow.

He claimed that "millions" of Russians are already assisting the military effort against Ukraine by collecting aid, sending equipment and ammunition to the front line with personal funds, and weaving camouflage nets.

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"Somewhere around 30 million Soviet people... gave their lives in the fight against fascism," he added.

Peskov's comments come as Russian authorities recruit 30,000 to 40,000 people into the army each month, sources familiar with U.S. and EU intelligence told the Wall Street Journal.

Instead of formal conscription, the Kremlin has leaned on financial incentives and aggressive recruitment campaigns to fill its ranks, including offering lucrative contracts to volunteers.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin has avoided another large-scale draft following the unpopular 2022 partial mobilization that triggered the exodus of over 261,000 Russians, military leaders are reportedly pressuring the Kremlin to initiate a broader draft.

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The current recruitment pace is sufficient to cover Russia's reported frontline losses, which NATO estimates at roughly 1,000 troops daily. Ukraine's General Staff said on April 30 that Russia has lost 951,960 troops since launching its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.

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Deputy Chairman of Russia's State Duma Defense Committee Alexei Zhuravlev said in January that a larger mobilization may be necessary in preparation for potential conflict with Western nations within the next three to four years.

"It is necessary to prepare the male population and, naturally, to defend the homeland. We should talk about it and not be shy about it," Zhuravlev said.

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Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi told LB.ua on April 9 that Russia could mobilize up to 5 million trained reservists, with a total potential capacity of 20 million people.

On March 31, Putin ordered the regular spring conscription of 160,000 men  Russia's largest conscription call in 14 years. Though conscripts are formally barred from frontline combat, many are indirectly drawn into the war through various recruitment methods.

Read also: Investigation: The hidden journey of Ukrainian coal stolen by Russia  and who profits from it

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that if Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man who was sent to a maximum security Salvadoran prison in error, ever returns to the United States, he will be immediately deported back to El Salvador.

[Abrego Garcia] is not under our control. He is an El Salvador citizen. He is home there in his country, Noem told CBS News. If he were to be brought back to the United States of America, we would immediately deport him again.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says the mistakenly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia would be deported again if he returned to the U.S. Alex Brandon via AP

Abrego Garcia was sent to CECOT, a notorious prison, in March alongside hundreds of immigrants whom President Donald Trumps administration has accused of being gang members. Administration officials admitted in court that Abrego Garcia was deported due to an administrative error. He has since been moved from CECOT to another detention facility in El Salvador, where he remains imprisoned.

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The Trump administration has defied a court order to facilitate Abrego Garcias return.

President Trump and his administration has [sic] adhered to the court and respects [sic] the court and its decisions, Noem told CBS. This individual is not under the United States of Americas jurisdiction and he is not one of our citizens. He is home in his home country. And thats up to that country to decide what to do.

Abrego Garcia was previously granted protection from deportation in 2019 after a judge ruled he would likely face persecution by local gangs in his birth country of El Salvador.

Since his deportation, Abrego Garcias wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, and his attorneys have been fighting for his return to the U.S. Vasquez Sura was forced to relocate to a safe house with the couples three kids after Noems Department of Homeland Security exposed her address by posting a protective order she filed against her husband in 2021.

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Officials have tried to justify Abrego Garcias deportation by painting him as an MS-13 gang member. However, he has not been convicted of any crime, and his wife and lawyer both maintain he was not a member of the gang.

In an interview with ABC News Terry Moran on Tuesday, Trump defended his administrations decision, citing an altered image of Abrego Garcias tattooed knuckles. The image was a photo of Abrego Garcias hand with the characters MS13 superimposed above his real tattoos.

He did not have the letter M, S, one, three, Moran said.

It says M, S, one, three, Trump insisted, before complaining that Moran was not being very nice by correcting him.

TRUMP: He had MS-13 on his knuckles, tattooed!



MORAN: That was photoshopped



TRUMP: Terry, they're giving you the big break of a lifetime. I picked you. But you're not being very nice. pic.twitter.com/NgCpEB8o1S  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 30, 2025

When CBS asked Noem about deporting people without due process, she replied, Obviously, were relying on the expertise of our investigators, our teams, double-checking, triple-checking, going through the paperwork, making sure that we have done everything absolutely correctly.

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Wednesdays Top Stories

Wednesdays Five Facts

[1] A conversation with FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda as he steps down  FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda is stepping down after 27 years in law enforcement. In a recent interview with KRQE, Bujanda said the main issues hes seen throughout his time is gun violence and how easy it is to get one. Bujanda says the first step in tackling the problem is reaching out to kids early, before they become involved in dangerous activities. Bujanda says he is proud of the bureaus work on the problem of missing and murdered indigenous people during his time.

[2] Albuquerque judge orders convicted sex offender be held on charges during trial  A convicted sex offender, accused of having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl, will be held behind bars until his trial. The 14-year-old told police she had an ongoing sexual relationship with 42-year-old Joseph Lacour-Benavidez. When police searched his home they found the 14-year-old and an 11-year-old. Detectives later found several sexual text messages between Lacour-Benavidez and the victim. Tuesday, Judge Cindy Leos agreed to the states request to keep Lacour-Benavidez in custody on his charges while awaiting trial.

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[3] Storm departs, warmer weather before another storm arrives in New Mexico  Another chance for rain will return Wednesday afternoon in northern and eastern New Mexico. Temperatures will be warmer across the state. On Thursday, the best chance for rain will stay in northern New Mexico, especially along the Colorado state line. The weather turns even more active starting Friday as a cold front again moves west across the state Thursday night bringing in higher moisture across New Mexico. A storm system will also start approaching New Mexico from the west on Friday.

[4] Duo suspected of stealing $80K worth of copper wire from ABQ school  Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers is seeking the publics help with identifying two suspects accused of breaking into electrical boxes at an Albuquerque school. Officials said the incident happened on April 19 at the Janet Kahn School of Integrated Arts, on Indian School Rd NE near Eubank Blvd. The suspects are accused of stealing copper wiring with an estimated value of $80,000.

[5] Santa Fe National Forest to implement stage 1 fire restrictions on Sunday  With fire risk elevating across the state, the Santa Fe National Forest is implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions. Visitors cannot build a campfire outside of a designated campground, smoking is not allowed outside of an enclosed vehicle or building, chainsaw use is not allowed and more. Restrictions will remain in place until October 1. For a complete list of Stage 1 fire restrictions, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
FLORENCE, Ky. (FOX 56)  One person is dead after a shooting on Tuesday with deputies in Florence.

Kentucky State Police said the Boone County Sheriffs Office requested help investigating a shooting that happened around 7 a.m. on Industrial Road.

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According to a news release, the sheriffs office and Florence Police Department responded to a call about a stolen semi-truck, and when officers stopped the vehicle, 25-year-old Michael Simpson, of Cleves, Ohio, got out of the vehicle but was noncompliant with commands, leading to an alleged physical altercation.

Simpson allegedly pointed a gun at his head and walked to an industrial park area.

Kentucky State Police said at one point, two deputies shot at Simpson, injuring him. He was taken to a medical facility and pronounced dead.

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KSP said a Florence Police Department officer also sustained minor injuries during the initial altercation.

The investigation is ongoing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
KUTZTOWN, Pa. (WHTM)  The Board of Governors of Pennsylvanias State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) has unanimously selected Kutztown Universitys next president.

According to PASSHE, the university unanimously selected Philip Cavalier, Ph.D., to be the next president of Kutztown following a nationwide search on Wednesday.

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Cavaliers appointment will take effect on July 6, 2025. At which time, he will succeed Kenneth S Hawkinson, Ph.D, who has served as the Universitys president since 2025.

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Dr. Cavalier brings an exceptional breadth of experience as both an educator and a university leader, said Board Chair Cynthia Shapira, Ed.D. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to collaboration with students, faculty and staff, and he brings a strong background in strategic planning. Dr. Cavalier is passionate about fostering campus communities where all students, especially first-generation students, can thrive both in and out of the classroom. He will be an outstanding president for Kutztown University, and we are proud to welcome him to the State System.

Cavalier serves as the provost and senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM).

Over the past 7 years at UTM, Cavalier led the creation of UTMs 2025-30 strategic plan, two strategic enrollment plans, and developed or enhanced eight academic programs aligned with student interests and local workforce needs.

According to PASSHE, before joining UTM, Cavalier held several faculty and senior leadership roles in higher education, including provost at Lyon College, provost and dean of the college at Eureka College, and dean of general education at Catawba College.

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I am thrilled to be selected to serve as the next president of Kutztown University and join a remarkable community of engaged scholars and professionals committed to transforming students lives, Cavalier said. During his ten years of exemplary leadership, President Hawkinson has built a strong foundation for Kutztown. I look forward to collaborating with all the campus and external stakeholders to enhance Kutztowns reputation as a premier regional university in the northeast.

abc27 news will keep you updated as we learn more.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
By Tom Balmforth, Yuliia Dysa and Trevor Hunnicutt

KYIV/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Ukraine and the U.S. on Wednesday signed a deal heavily promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump that will give the United States preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals deals and fund investment in Ukraine's reconstruction.

The two countries signed the accord in Washington after months of sometimes fraught negotiations, with uncertainty persisting until the last moment with word of an eleventh-hour snag.

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The accord establishes a joint investment fund for Ukraine's reconstruction as Trump tries to secure a peace settlement in Russia's three-year-old war in Ukraine.

The agreement is central to Kyiv's efforts to mend ties with Trump and the White House, which frayed after he took office in January. Ukrainian officials have hoped that the deal would ensure continued U.S. support for Ukraine's defence against Russia.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko were shown signing the agreement in a photo posted on X by the Treasury, which said the deal "clearly signals the Trump Administration's commitment to a free, sovereign, prosperous Ukraine."

Svyrydenko wrote on X that the accord provides for Washington to contribute to the fund.

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"In addition to direct financial contributions, it may also provide NEW assistance - for example air defense systems for Ukraine," she said. Washington did not directly address that suggestion.

The U.S. has been Ukraine's single largest military donor since Russia's 2022 invasion with aid of more than 64 billion euros ($72 billion), according to the Kiel Institute in Germany.

Before the signing, Trump repeated on Wednesday that the U.S. should get something for its aid to Kyiv, thus the effort to secure a deal for Ukraine's plentiful deposits of rare earth minerals.

In announcing the deal, the U.S. Treasury said the partnership recognized "the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defense of Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion."

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UKRAINE CONTROLS EXTRACTION DECISIONS

Svyrydenko said the accord allowed Ukraine to "determine what and where to extract" and that its subsoil remains owned by Ukraine.

Ukraine is rich in natural resources including rare earth metals which are used in consumer electronics, electric vehicles and military applications, among others. Global rare-earth mining is currently dominated by China, which is locked in a trade war with the U.S. after Trump's sharp tariff increases.

Ukraine also has large reserves of iron, uranium and natural gas.

Svyrydenko said Ukraine has no debt obligations to the United States under the agreement, a key point in the lengthy negotiations between the two countries.

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The deal also, she said, complied with Ukraine's constitution and Ukraine's campaign to join the European Union, key elements in Ukraine's negotiating position.

The minerals deal and U.S. peace efforts have been negotiated separately but reflect Washington's approach to Ukraine and Russia. Trump has upended U.S. policy by softening the U.S. stance toward Russia and sometimes falsely blaming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for the war.

U.S. peace proposals have called for recognition of Russia's claim to Crimea, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and potentially four other Ukrainian regions. Zelenskiy has said Kyiv would never do so because it would contravene Ukraine's constitution.

"Importantly, the Agreement sends a signal to global partners that long-term cooperation with Ukraine - over decades - is not only possible but reliable," Svyrydenko said on X.

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A draft of the U.S.-Ukraine agreement seen by Reuters earlier on Wednesday showed Ukraine secured the removal of any requirement for it to pay back the U.S. for past military assistance, something Kyiv had staunchly opposed.

The draft did not provide any concrete U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, one of its initial goals.

Separately, Ukraine has discussed with European allies the forming of an international force to help ensure Ukraine's security if a peace agreement is reached with Russia.

(Reporting by Tom Balmforth and Yulia Dysa in Kyiv; Steve Holland, Doina Chiacu and Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington; writing by Anastasiia Malenko and Cynthia Osterman; editing by David Gregorio, Diane Craft and Stephen Coates)
NAHA, Japan - A 27-year-old U.S. Marine in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture was indicted on Wednesday for allegedly raping a woman and injuring another in a U.S. military base restroom last month, according to local prosecutors.

Austin Wedington, who was under custody by the U.S. military in line with the bilateral Status of Forces Agreement, was handed over to Japanese authorities the same day. The accord governs the legal status and conduct of U.S. military personnel in Japan.

The prosecutors have not disclosed Wedington's response to the allegations. The assault allegedly occurred in the central part of the main island of Okinawa.

Multiple sexual violence cases by U.S. service members in Okinawa have come to light since June last year, leading to four indictments to date. The southern island prefecture hosts the bulk of U.S. military facilities in Japan.

"There have been ongoing sexual assaults by U.S. military personnel despite our call for swift preventative measures," said Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki.

"We cannot help but have doubts regarding the education and management of U.S. military personnel. We strongly urge the implementation of more effective countermeasures," he added.

According to the indictment, Wedington choked a female civilian worker in a base lavatory before sexually assaulting her against a stall door and then stomped on the face of the woman who tried to rescue her.

Okinawa police voluntarily questioned Wedington after receiving a report. His case was referred to prosecutors on April 7.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass said in a statement that he was "disturbed" by the allegations, adding that it does not "reflect the values of the tens of thousands of U.S. servicemembers who serve here honorably."

The indictment comes as the U.S. forces and the Japanese government prepare to hold the first meeting of a forum on May 9 to "address a range of issues and improve community relations."

The forum had been created to strengthen cooperation among the U.S. military, the central Japanese government and Okinawa's government and local residents as part of efforts to prevent sexual crimes involving American military personnel.

Revelations last year by media that the central government had failed to disclose alleged sexual assault cases involving U.S. military members angered locals.

Related coverage:

U.S. Marine suspected of raping woman at Okinawa base

U.S. Marines from Okinawa to start moving to Guam barracks in June
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has stressed that Kyiv is open to peace talks in any format as soon as it sees that Russia is ready for "the difficult path to peace"  not just populism or a propaganda truce for the duration of the Victory Day parade in Moscow. [Victory Day is a Russian holiday commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, celebrated on 9 May  ed.]

Source: Sybiha on X (Twitter)

Quote: "Ukraine once again confirms its readiness for peace talks in any format as soon as we see that Russia is truly prepared for the difficult path to peace, rather than just peace populism or a brief propaganda ceasefire for the 9 May parade."

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Details: Sybiha noted that Russia could demonstrate its willingness to engage in peace talks by agreeing to a genuine ceasefire lasting at least 30 days. He added that if Moscow were prepared to extend the truce to 60 or 90 days, Ukraine would be ready to do the same.

Quote: "Russia must stop talking about its readiness for peace and start acting by agreeing unconditionally to a real and durable ceasefire. When the guns are silent, talks can begin  in any format that will bring peace."

Background:

The Kremlin reported that Russian leader Vladimir Putin unilaterally declared a "truce" on the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, as the Russians call World War II.

Putin previously declared an Easter truce, which supposedly provided for a halt to all hostilities in Ukraine from the evening of 19 April until midnight on 21 April. However, the Russian Ministry of Defence stated that Russian troops would adhere to the ceasefire provided that Kyiv reciprocated.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine would mirror Russia's ceasefire. He also offered to extend the truce beyond 20 April if a complete silence of arms truly prevailed.

Ukrainian defenders on most fronts did not witness the so-called "Easter truce" promised by the Russians, according to data from DeepState, a Ukrainian group of military analysts.

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Are you a landlord with a nightmare eviction story? Let us know money@telegraph.co.uk

A Cardiff landlord has been ordered to pay 945 for attempting to evict her tenants over WhatsApp.

Property owner Nicole May pleaded guilty to unlawful eviction after serving her tenants notice over the messaging app last May.

Sending documents by text or WhatsApp to evict a tenant, or informing them verbally, are not generally considered legally valid methods to evict a tenant.

Instead, notice must be delivered in a way that ensures the tenant receives the documents and that the landlord can prove they have served them if challenged.

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The court heard how Ms May had sent a WhatsApp message to the tenants of the property in Splott, south Cardiff, in May 2024 asking them to leave the property.

The tenants were then forced to vacate after the landlord and members of her family entered the house without permission and demanded they leave. The police were called and the tenants vacated the property after the altercation.

Nicole May pleaded guilty to unlawful eviction at Cardiff Magistrates Court in February after failing to serve the correct legal notice. Ms May was fined 461, ordered to pay costs of 300 and a victim surcharge of 184.

Labours impending Renters Rights Bill is set to further restrict the ways in which landlords will be able to evict a tenant.

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The legislation will abolish Section 21, known as no-fault evictions. This means that landlords will need to provide a reason to end a tenancy, such as selling the property or that a family member needs to move in.

Currently, landlords can evict a tenant with two months notice and without seeking court approval. Under the ban, all evictions will have to go through the county courts.

The policy will become law later this year despite warnings that Britains courts are already under severe pressure. Court wait times stand at 32 weeks  a delay campaigners have warned could lengthen once the legislation comes into force.

Critics of the Bill have warned that it could lead to a rise in rents, as landlords sell up and flee the sector amid tougher conditions and dwindling profits.

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One in three landlords are now looking to sell off some or all of their rental properties, according to the latest English Private Landlord Survey, with just under two thirds blaming recent changes in legislation.

Landlords and senior Tory MPs are considering launching a legal challenge to the legislation.

Alex Cook, a property litigation solicitor at law firm Helix Law, said forward-thinking landlords should begin preparing for changes the Bill will bring about.

He added: Many landlords, especially those managing just one or two properties, dont realise there are strict legal requirements for ending tenancies.

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The case in Cardiff demonstrates that courts take unlawful evictions very seriously, regardless of whether a landlord was aware of their legal obligations.

Ignorance of the law is not a defence, and attempting shortcuts can result in significant financial penalties and potential criminal records.

Lynda Thorne, a cabinet member for Housing and Communities, said the Wales prosecution sends a strong message to unscrupulous landlords that the council is not afraid to take legal action to safeguard tenants and their wellbeing.

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ELKHART  Landlords are voicing their outrage about a proposed rental inspection program being considered by the city.

The public health and safety committee voted to send the ordinances to the city council, despite protests from landlords, during a public hearing Monday at city hall. The city council will discuss and vote on the ordinance at its next meeting on Monday.

Im shocked that you want to recommend something that doesnt work, said Bob Barnes, a resident. Youve ... heard multiple voters. Multiple voters asked you guys to table this. This is disgusting.

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The rental inspection program will establish a rental registry and require regular inspections of rental properties in the city. Once established, all rental property owners would be required to annually register their properties with the city, and rental units would be required to be inspected every three years to ensure they are safe and habitable.

The rental inspection program will cost a lot more money than the committee is anticipating, said Jesus Barcena, who described himself as a small landlord and resident. Barcena said, if the ordinance passes, he will be selling his properties.

I think this is an overreach when it comes to the tenants and the landlords rights as well, Barcena said. Not only that, but I feel like this thing got pushed past all the way through and I didnt see enough landlords or tenants out here. I dont even think the community really know this is going on.

Barcena pointed to how rental inspection programs have not worked in either South Bend or Goshen. Barcena said he thinks the public should be educated about slumlords instead of the city implementing a rental inspection program that does not work.

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Many landlords and tenants in the city did not know the meeting was going on and that an ordinance was being talked about, according to Barcena and other landlords at the meeting. Barcena, the only Hispanic landlord to speak at the meeting, said few Hispanic landlords and tenants knew of the hearing.

They didnt bring in a large number of the landlords that are in the city to this meeting, said Dave Blessing, a landlord. And I made a point of that ... a lot of landlords in the city dont know about this meeting tonight and I think thats a disappointment. Its a disservice to the city of helping us help solve what they are trying to accomplish.

The ordinance sets a $5 annual registration fee for rental properties, a $60 inspection fee per unit, and establishes various penalties for noncompliance. It also includes an incentive to encourage early participation: a 50 percent discount on the inspection fee for owners who register within the first six months.

Pastor Lori King of Guidance Ministries spoke on how the rental inspection program would only create more problems for homelessness.

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As you know were in a housing crisis; its very difficult to find affordable housing, King said. I spend a lot of my time trying to find affordable housing for people who are on social security and disability and people who are [among] the working poor, so Im not a happy camper.

The mayors administration is encouraging people to attend the next city council meeting on Monday, said Megan Erwin, chief of staff for the city. City Councilman Aaron Mishler said he was encouraged to hear from people about both ordinances related to the rental inspection program and he encourages the public to come to the next city council meeting.

Councilman David Henke moved for the public health and safety committee to keep the ordinances in the committee again due to 14 people who spoke on Monday against the ordinances. No one seconded the motion, so it died.
TOKYO - Japan's chief tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said a second round of talks with the United States over its higher duties will be held Thursday in Washington, as Tokyo seeks exemptions from the levies affecting autos, steel and other sectors.

"I want to take even one or two steps forward by always keeping in mind how to create a win-win relationship" with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, Akazawa, a close aide to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, told reporters Wednesday before leaving Tokyo.

The minister in charge of economic revitalization plans to meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and others during his three-day trip, where the auto and agricultural sectors are likely to be on the agenda.

Speaking to reporters in Manila as he wrapped up his four-day trip to Vietnam and the Philippines from Sunday, Ishiba reiterated that Japan will continue to "urge the United States to withdraw" additional tariffs.

In the first round of talks in mid-April, the U.S. side expressed dissatisfaction over the number of U.S.-made cars imported into Japan and has pushed its security ally to open its market to more U.S.-grown crops such as rice, beef and potatoes, according to sources close to the matter.

In a bid to get Washington to review the tariffs, Japan is considering proposing expanded tariff-free imports of U.S.-grown rice and increased purchases of soybeans and corn from the country, the sources said.

In the auto sector, Japan is considering allowing a simplified safety and environmental screening process for a wider range of imported cars, according to the sources.

Tokyo is also prepared to discuss issues surrounding the electric vehicle charging connector standard mentioned by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in a March report as a nontariff trade barrier, they said. Japan offers subsidies for the installation of the CHAdeMO standard charging stations at commercial facilities, while the North American Charging System, or NACS, is widely adopted in the U.S. market.

Japan is also weighing up cooperation in enhancing the United States' shipbuilding capabilities, an area Trump has pledged to revive to counter China's growing presence in the industry, they said.

The proposed idea to increase imports of U.S. rice into Japan, however, has sparked concern in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party about a backlash from farmers ahead of the House of Councillors election set for this summer.

The country's domestic rice industry has been heavily protected, but the government hopes to get voters' support for expanding imports from the United States amid price surges due in part to a supply shortage of home-grown rice.

The government also believes the impact on domestic farmers will be limited as long as rice imports are not increased beyond Japan's tariff-free import quota, the sources said.

Bessent referred to how the upcoming elections could affect Asian trading partners' strategies, telling reporters at the White House on Tuesday that Japan and South Korea are eager to reach a deal before going to the polls "to show that they have successfully negotiated with the United States."

"They are actually much more keen to come to the table, get this done and then go home and campaign on it," Bessent said.

The United States has said the higher tariffs imposed since Trump's return to office in January are aimed at reducing massive U.S. trade deficits and addressing what it views as unfair trade practices. Japan also faces a 24 percent so-called reciprocal tariff, although it has been partially suspended as negotiations continue.

Related coverage:

Trump eases impact of auto tariffs on 100th day in office

40% of Japan prefectures offer financial aid over U.S. tariffs: poll

Japan mulls simplified checks for more car imports in talks with U.S.
POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  New lanes on I-4 from eastern Polk County to Osceola County have loosened up traffic flow in an area notorious for congestion.

I drive on I-4 daily, said Chad Jones, who works as a sales representative for a roofing company. It was a parking lot to say the least, a lot of congestion.

Orange juice truck flips over in Bradenton

He said he can tell the traffic flow has improved this week.

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You can notice more of a flow. Its not as bumper to bumper all the time, Jones said.

In recent days, the Florida Department of Transportation opened a fourth lane on each side of I-4 between U.S. 27 and World Drive, a $27 million project.

It is considered a first step in the $3.4 billion Moving I-4 Forward program.

Seeing blue on your GPS, thats something that drivers have not seen in that area for a long time. So to finally see it, that shows that its working, its a sign of success, said Matthew Richardson, director of communications for the Moving I-4 Forward program.

Richardson said the congestion relief lanes were completed eight months ahead of schedule.

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Along with updates to interchanges on I-4, the state is also planning Project 3, which will extend Orlando-area paid express lanes into Polk County.

A completion date is not being made public yet but work on the express lanes is set to begin in 2026.

Those express lanes are a proven method that has helped to reduce congestion along I-4 and also gives drivers an option on how to best get to their destination quicker, Richardson said. The goal is to have a continuous connectivity throughout Seminole, Orange and into Polk County.

The state is also working on alternate routes, including the Central Polk Parkway East.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
For the record:

7:20 a.m. April 30, 2025: An earlier version of this article said Matthew Barragan is 51. He is 39.



As a young immigration lawyer in California's Central Valley, Matthew Barragan cut his teeth defending the rights of indigent workers facing deportation.

Now a decade and a half later, he's responsible for civilian oversight of the Los Angeles Police Department at a time when concerns are running high about stepped-up federal immigration enforcement.

Barragan, 39, was appointed last month as the LAPD's inspector general. His office, which is independent of the 8,700-officer department, monitors misconduct complaints and conducts internal reviews of police shootings, along with audits and studies at the Police Commission's request.Activists have warned that sensitive data gathered by the LAPD's license plate readers and other technologies could be accessed by the Trump administration, citing Chief Jim McDonnell's past willingness to engage with immigration agents as further cause for concern.

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Read more: Activists warn Police Commission about ICE access to LAPD data on immigrants

On Monday, President Trump signed an executive order that the White House said will unleash Americas law enforcement to pursue criminals and direct federal agencies to publish a list of sanctuary cities that do not cooperate with immigration agents.

McDonnell, who served as L.A. County sheriff during Trump's first term, has said he handed over only the most dangerous jailed criminals to federal authorities for deportation, in keeping with the laws. And he has pledged to honor long-standing LAPD rules that shield sensitive information about witnesses and crime victims, along with a policy that prohibits arrests solely for immigration reasons.

The department's interfacing with federal authorities will be among the many issues that the Police Commission is counting on Barragan to help monitor. A relative unknown in LAPD circles before his hiring, Barragan was picked by the five-member civilian panel unanimously to replace Florence Yu, an office veteran who served as interim inspector general after the departure of Mark Smith last spring.

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Barragan said his background as both a civil rights attorney and federal prosecutor  defending the rights of people who were trampled by the criminal justice system, as well as law enforcement officers who were discriminated against by their own departments  gives him a unique perspective on policing issues.

Read more: Secret recordings reveal LAPD cops spewing racist and sexist comments, complaint alleges

He told The Times in an interview earlier this year that he intends to spend his first few weeks on the job getting up to speed on the expectations of the community and the department, while looking for ways to bring more transparency to the office.

"It's important that our communities feel that those complaints and audits or systemic issues are going to be addressed and have trust that it will be done so through the perspectives of the diverse community that lives in this region," he said.

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Barragan said he was shaped by his upbringing in the Kern County town of Delano, where his family was active in the United Farm Workers movement that staged marches, boycotts and strikes in defiance of powerful Central Valley growers in the 1960s and '70s.

At the same time, he recalled, the socially conservative rural community could also be an isolating place for a young Latino who came out as gay early in life; he faced ridicule for having a different style of talking or sexual orientation. He eventually left for college, earning a bachelor's degree and a law degree from UCLA.

He got his professional start at the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, a Latino civil rights organization, starting as an intern and eventually getting hired as a staff attorney.

"I was representing individuals that I completely identified with in a lot of ways," Barragan said. "They were from my background, like I mentioned  sexual orientation, trans individuals  and I felt very comfortable working with that community."

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One of his early cases was defending a Latina professor who challenged tenure discrimination at her school. He also filed a lawsuit against the Westminster Police Department on behalf of three Latino cops who said they had been treated unfairly on the basis of their ethnicity.

Read more: LAPD presence at South L.A. immigration raid sparks questions

I think we were able to signal to Westminster that it needed to make some changes in the department, Barragan said.

He was part of a team that successfully sued the Baldwin Park Police Department for violating the Trust Act, a 2013 state law that prohibits police and sheriffs officials from detaining people for possible deportation unless they had been charged with or convicted of a serious offense.

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Barragan said he takes pride in overcoming early barriers to enter "places that maybe werent thought to be meant for me in the legal profession. He worked as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. attorney's office in the Central District of California, joining in 2017.

To be able to come into a courtroom and say 'Matthew Barragan for the United States of America' was quite a big moment for me and the gravity of that representation and my family, my father having immigrated from Mexico and my family having worked in the fields.

Among other duties, he handled civil rights cases, including going after the San Luis Obispo County jail system for issues related to use of force and suicide prevention.

Barragan impressed his boss at the time, former U.S. Atty. E. Martin Estrada, who praised his handling of cases in which "you need to do a lot of investigative work and dig into issues and be persistent."

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"He's a fantastic lawyer, but at the same time a true leader and someone who cares deeply about the community," Estrada said.

Barragan also took an active role in the office's community outreach efforts, including United Against Hate, which educated people on how to report hate crimes, Estrada said.

In LAPD circles, the inspector general position is seen as a tough job that requires political and institutional savvy to achieve results in a department that has long resisted outside oversight. The office is often referred to as the Police Commission's eyes and ears.

Some past inspectors general have faced accusations of being too combative  or too cozy  with department leadership. The office has carried out wide-ranging audits of the LAPD's programs and practices, scrutinizing the much-maligned disciplinary system and an in-field training program for new officers  though it has produced far fewer reports in recent years.

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Not even an hour into his first Police Commission meeting late last month, a longtime department observer rose during the public comment period and bluntly demanded that Barragan audit the LAPD's If you see something, say something program, which encourages residents to report suspected terrorist activity.

Police officials say the campaign has helped keep the city safe, but it has drawn concern from civil libertarians and Muslim groups. The concerned citizen wanted the department's new watchdog to know the department had stopped releasing statistics about the program.

"Barragan, you're going to have to work on that and get it done," the speaker said.

Barragan's supporters say he has always fought for the interests of marginalized communities.

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Thomas Saenz, president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, said his former employee is well suited to handle whatever battles lie ahead.

"Its so important that someone whos in a position like his is aware of [immigrant rights] and why they must be defended and protected in the national context of today," Saenz said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The dome of a century-old church was blown to the ground in McKees Rocks.

My first thought was Wow, how did this happen? and it is so large and yet these are the smaller domes, said Father Thomas Soroka, with St. Nicholas Orthodox Church.

Its a piece of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church that fell from high above. As the dome fell, it hit the chimney, then the roof, before landing on the fence.

Domes can be replaced, fences can be replaced, roofs can be replaced, but people can not, so Im thrilled no one was injured, Soroka said.

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Soroka told Channel 11 that a contractor came out to the church Wednesday morning and there was a spot of shiny copper on the cross that once sat at the top of the dome, which was a sign of a lightning strike.

But this act of Mother Nature comes at a time when the church was actively working to restore the domes, even having a meeting scheduled for Wednesday night about the project.

This church was built in 1914 by Slovak immigrants in a time when here in the bottoms of McKees Rocks were mostly Slovak people, Soroka said.

Now the concern turns to saving the beauty inside as a stained glass window is shattered and there is now a potential for water damage, which could ruin the last decade of work on the walls.

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Its a very slow and expensive process that has beautified our church. My concern is the damage to the artwork to make sure the roof is covered and there is no future water damage, Soroka said.

So, the clean-up begins as the church waits to hear from the insurance company and contractors.

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BAZETTA, Ohio (WKBN)  First News has learned some details on a large police presence in Bazetta Township on Tuesday.

There was a busy scene in the 3000 block of Hoagland Blackstub Road this afternoon.

Bazetta Police Chief Christopher Herlinger says township police were assisting the Portage and Geauga County Sheriffs Offices and BCI with a multi-jurisdictional investigation.

As for the specifics, we still dont know why they were there. Herlinger says more details will be released in the future as the case progresses.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A judge dismissed charges Monday against one of two brothers accused of shooting and killing a man outside of a hookah lounge.

Anjele McCullough, 24; and Terrance McCullough, 24, initially both faced charges of open murder, records said. Police identified the pair as brothers, with Terreance McCulloughs birth year indicating he is older.

The shooting on Feb. 9 happened outside of the Secret Lounge near Jones Boulevard and Twain Avenue. Kaleo Kekahuna, 46, died from his injuries, the Clark County coroners office said.

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Witnesses told officers that an argument started inside the lounge and a security person told several people to leave, police said. A fight erupted in the parking lot, and a man pulled out a gun and fired into the group, striking two people.

Police quickly identified a person in surveillance video as Anjele McCullough, they said after his arrest. More video later showed both brothers shooting into the crowd of people and running back to one of their cars, documents said after their arrests.

Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Rebecca Saxe dismissed Terreance McCulloughs case Monday after his preliminary hearing last week, records said. A justice court judge will dismiss a case during a preliminary hearing if he or she believes there is not enough evidence for prosecution.

Saxe, however, bound over Anjele McCulloughs case to district court, meaning she believed there was enough evidence to move forward. Anjele McCullough was scheduled to appear in court May 1. He remained in custody Tuesday on $250,000 bail.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Metro police arrested a man at a hospital on allegations he pretended to be a police officer and stole a car during a fake traffic stop.

Richard Garcia, 21, faces charges of robbery, grand larceny of a motor vehicle, and impersonating a public officer, records said.

On Thursday, April 24, officers arrested Garcia on a warrant at a hospital, they said. Garcia, a walk-in victim, told staff his friend was driving too fast, causing a crash.

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On Dec. 14, 2024, a person called police to say that his brother was pulled over by a gray Honda sedan with red lights, documents said. The callers brother, the driver, believed it was the police stopping him.

The driver, a teenager, said a man came to his window, flashed a badge and ordered him out of the car, documents said. Several other people followed in other vehicles, the driver told police.

When he stepped out the suspects told him to sit [on] the ground and they jumped into the [drivers] seat, documents said. The driver walked home and called his brother because his car was in the now-stolen vehicle.

Several hours later, police located the vehicle, and officers attempted to stop the driver. The driver sped off at speeds reaching 100 miles an hour, police said. The police attempted a second traffic stop several days later, but the driver escaped. On Dec. 18, police recovered the vehicle, which appeared to have crashed into something recently.

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In March, a fingerprint from the stolen cars drivers side window came back matching Garcia, police said. Investigators later determined Garcia was likely the person who stole the car, documents said.

Police later spoke with Garcia on the phone, who told them he frequented drugs and alcohol around that time, was stealing cars but was adamant he did not remember [the car involved].

Garcia did not appear in court for his probable cause hearing due to medical reasons, records said. A judge denied setting bail.

Garcia did not appear in court for his initial appearance because he refused, records said. Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Amy Chelini denied setting bail. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for May 5.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The man accused of killing another man and injuring a second at an east valley home Tuesday may have sought revenge for a prior incident days earlier, according to documents 8 News Now obtained.

Roger Peralta, 41, faces charges of open murder and attempted murder, records said.

On Tuesday, April 29, officers arrived at a house in a neighborhood near Desert Inn Road and Maryland Parkway, finding Peralta lying in the driveway with a bloody knife at his feet, documents said.

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Inside the home, police found Timothy Wurtsmith deceased, they said. Paramedics brought a second person to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A witness told police Peralta showed up at the home and was talking about getting jumped, documents said. He then allegedly took out a knife and stabbed a person in the back. The persons name was redacted in police documents but appeared to be the second stabbing victim.

Wurtsmith came to help his roommate, and Peralta began stabbing him, police said. Peralta said that he was going to have his girlfriend killed before the stabbings, a witness said.

Tuesdays stabbings came after another incident involving Peralta and Wurtsmith on Sunday, police said. Peralta recently lost his job and would often be belligerent, one person told police.

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The morning of the stabbings, a person thought they heard Peralta saying he was going to get revenge on someone else for possibly stealing his wallet, documents said.

Due to redactions in the police report, it was not clear who was involved in the prior incident involving Peraltas wallet.

In an interview with police, Peralta said there was a physical altercation at the home, and he acted in self-defense, documents said.

During Peraltas initial court appearance Wednesday, Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Suzan Baucum declined to set bail. Peralta was due in court next on May 5.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A Metro police sergeants attempt to get a judge removed from overseeing two criminal cases against him has failed.

Attorneys for Kevin Menon, 43, filed a motion to disqualify Clark County District Court Judge Ron Israel, citing allegations of abuse from his daughter. Clark County District Court Judge Mark Denton denied Menons motion in an order Wednesday.

Menon is charged in three separate criminal cases.

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In his first case, the Clark County District Attorneys Office alleges Menon abused his power by creating fake scenarios that resulted in citizens, mainly Black men, being detained on the Las Vegas Strip.

LVMPD Sgt. Kevin Menon appears in court during a grand jury return hearing. (KLAS)

Detectives said when they seized Menons electronic devices for the investigation, they found child sexual abuse material, also known as child pornography. This resulted in a second criminal case against Menon for child pornography-related charges.

As a result of an additional search warrant, police said they found hidden cameras in bathrooms Menons home. This resulted in the third criminal case.

Israel is overseeing the first two criminal cases.

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The court cannot find the defendant has met his burden to establish actual or implied bias or lack of impartiality warranting disqualification of Judge Israel, Denton wrote in his order.

Menons attorneys, Dominic Gentile and Austin Barnum, filed a 644-page document on March 10 arguing for Israels disqualification.

Judge Israel is publicly accused of criminal conduct by his daughter, they wrote.

The motion included links from YouTube and TikTok where a woman, identified as Israels daughter, Sarah, claimed Israel abused her.

My dad has stalked me and terrorized me at my house to the point where I developed agoraphobia, because, like the last time I saw him at his house, he tried to pull a gun out on me, and I had to run for my life, the woman claimed. I am scared. I am scared, beyond belief.

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Israel responded in a court filing on March 11, stating he should not be disqualified, he does not have any personal bias or prejudice toward Menon, and he was unaware of any active investigations regarding his daughters claims.

If an agency wants to investigate the matter, they are welcome to; I am unaware of any facts that would even remotely create any bias, Israel wrote. I cannot comment on my daughters mental health issues based on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

Menon has claimed in court documents that he tried to expose racism within the police department, and he is being retaliated against.

According to the motion to disqualify Israel, Menon tried to report his superior for being overtly racist and using the n-word freely, but a detective and sergeant turned the investigation against Menon and accused him of being untruthful and refused to look at text messages to verify his allegations.

The 8 News Now Investigators obtained a series of videos at the center of a criminal case against a police sergeant accused of orchestrating fake arrests on the Las Vegas Strip. (KLAS)

The motion included copies of text messages about the individual Menon reported.

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I do believe hes playing the system to get you fired, one text, which appeared to be from another officer, read. None of us will lie to protect him.

He targeted me, he spread lies about me, and he said racist, offensive about Indians, and black people (knowing my wife is black), Menon texted, according to the court filing.

Menon is currently in custody after Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus, who is overseeing the third criminal case, increased his bail to $500,000 cash on April 14.

A jury trial in the third case was scheduled for June 2. A jury trial in the second case was scheduled for Aug. 18.

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Hearings with Holthus and Israel are scheduled for May 5 to address Menons indigent status, which has been filed under seal, according to court records.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The latest Emerson College poll shows support for President Donald Trump slipping among likely voters on his handling of the economy and foreign policy, with voters remaining divided on immigration.

The April 30-released poll shows the president holding a 45% job approval rating against a 45% disapproval rating and the remaining 10% being neutral. Pollsters said this marked a two-point drop in approval rating and an unchanged disapproval rate from a poll at 50 days in office.

Top Democrat shoots down impeachment efforts against Trump

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Voters who participated in the 2024 election, however, showed relatively little change after knowing what they know now, with 93% of Harris voters and 94% of Trump voters still voting for the candidate they voted for in 2024, giving Trump a 48% to 47% advantage.

Despite several unpopular domestic and foreign policies, President Trump still holds an entrenched base of voters who, if given the chance, say they would vote for him again, Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said. Areas of concern for the president include economic and foreign policy, with voters disapproving of his actions on tariffs and in the Russia-Ukraine war, while voters continue to be divided on immigration and deportation policy.

Pollsters stated that voter attitudes on the economy at 100 days remain stable compared to the 50-day mark, with 49% thinking Trumps economic policy is making the economy worse, while 29% believe the administrations policies are making it better; 23% think it has no effect or it is too soon to tell. Overall, 37% approve of Trumps handling of the U.S. economy, while 49% disapprove.

Whitmer to join Trump at Selfridge National Guard base in Michigan

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However, the poll showed attitudes about handling the Russia-Ukraine War, which showed a marked decrease in approval from the 50-day mark. Now, 27% approve of Trumps handling of the Russia-Ukraine war, a 14-point drop since March, and 52% disapprove, a seven-point increase in disapproval.

Thirty percent approve of Trumps handling of the Israel and Hamas war, an eight-point drop since March, while 46% disapprove, a five-point increase.

On tariff policy, 34% approve and 51% disapprove of the administrations actions. On cryptocurrency, 21% approve of the presidents handling and 35% disapprove.

Approval of the presidents handling of immigration policy decreased from 48% to 45% this month, while disapproval increased from 40% to 44%. Deportation policy approval is slightly lower: 43% approve and 46% disapprove.

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Fifty-two percent think Trumps second term in office is more of a failure, while 48% consider it more of a success.

Trump signs executive orders targeting colleges, plus schools equity efforts

The poll took place from April 25-28 among U.S. voters who have participated in at least one election over the past five years.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com.
The Laurel County Major Crimes Task Force is investigating after a deceased individual was discovered inside a burned home north of London Monday morning.

The fire  reported around 9:11 a.m. April 28 along Patton Road  drew response from numerous fire departments and law enforcement agencies including LCSO, Kentucky State Police, Crossroads Fire Department, East Bernstadt Fire and Rescue, Laurel County Fire Department, and London City Fire Department.

The sheriffs office shared the name of the individual Monday night  identifying him as Stanley Crisp, 66, of East Bernstadt. In a press release earlier that day, the sheriffs office shared that first responders located the deceased individual in a bedroom of the home after the fire was extinguished. The remains were removed by the Laurel County Coroners Office.

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The fire death marks the Laurel County Sheriffs Offices second death investigation in less than a week.

On the afternoon of Thursday, April 24, deputies discovered the body of a man off Forestry Road near Hal Rogers Parkway, about six miles west of London. The deceased man was identified as Robert Caddell, 34, of Somerset, who had been reported missing days earlier.

In a press release, the sheriffs office shared that no foul play is suspected in that case. Laurel Sheriffs Detective Taylor McDaniel, Detective Tommy Houston, and Detective Hunter Disney assisted in the investigation.

LCSO stated that further information regarding Mondays incident will be shared as it becomes available.
TOKYO - A vehicle crashed into the guardrails on a sidewalk near the Imperial Palace in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on Wednesday, but there were no injuries, police said.

The driver, a man in his 50s, was arrested by police at the site near the Ote-mon Gate of the palace on suspicion of negligent driving.

The car had been heading toward the Imperial Palace and continued straight through a T-junction before crashing around 11 a.m. The driver was speaking incoherently, according to the police.

Related coverage:

3 die, 10 injured after head-on crash on eastern Japan expressway

Man gets suspended term for auto accident that left girl unconscious

24% of Japan traffic lights aging, further raising safety fears
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD)  State and local law enforcement and legislators will hold a news conference Wednesday urging state lawmakers to pass the Administrative Subpoena Bill.

If the bill becomes law, it is designed to speed up the progress of identifying adults who share or download child sexual abuse material.

South Carolina attorney general urges swift passage of bills designed to close child sexual exploitation loopholes

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It has been passed by the South Carolina House and Senate; however, both bodies must agree on a final version before it heads to the governors desk for his signature.

With just days left in the session, supporters say it is critical to get the legislation passed.

Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie will be among those speaking in favor of the bill during Wednesday mornings press conference at the State House.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
TALLAHASSEE  Gov. Ron DeSantis administration is refusing to turn over records relating to the Hope Florida charity to House lawmakers, according to the Republican investigating the organization.

Earlier this month, Rep. Alex Andrade requested bank records and other information from the state about the Hope Florida Foundation, the state-created charity meant to support the first ladys initiative.

The charity has since turned over those records to DeSantis Department of Children and Families for release, Andrade said. But the department, which oversees the charity, is now just sitting on them, he told the Times/Herald on Wednesday.

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They refuse to answer phone calls, Andrade said of the department.

Andrade has been looking into the states decision to divert $10 million from a Medicaid settlement to the foundation. The Hope Florida charity was created to support the Hope Florida program, which began in the Department of Children and Families and seeks to help Floridians get off government aid.

Andrade is also looking into the state Agency for Health Care Administration as part of his investigation, because the agency directed the Medicaid company Centene to pay the $10 million  which came from a $67 million settlement related to overbilling prescription drugs  to the foundation.

He made a separate request for records to the Agency for Health Care Administration. The agency told him that it had compiled and reviewed the records on April 22, but, like the Department of Children and Families, it still has not turned them over.

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They refuse to produce them or respond to our calls now, Andrade said about the agency.

When asked why the records had not been turned over, DeSantis spokesperson Sierra Dean noted in an email that Andrade said last week that his subcommittees investigation into Hope Florida was ending. Andrade made the announcement after three key witnesses did not show up to a committee hearing to answer questions.

In any event, agencies worked with the subcommittee in good faith, sent representatives to multiple subcommittee hearings, and provided information refuting Mr. Andrades accusations, Dean said. Yet Mr. Andrade ignored the evidence before him.

She added that he, like the Tampa Bay Times, is acting in bad faith and looking for the next hit.

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The Times/Herald has also struggled to get records related to Hope Florida. In February, it requested several records, including the foundations bank ledger, which would capture all financial transactions since it was created in August 2023. The records must be released under the states public records law.

On Wednesday, the foundations lawyer responded by turning over an electronic spreadsheet of transactions. Its metadata showed that it was created in January.

The spreadsheet was missing both the $10 million it received from Centenes settlement and the two $5 million grants it gave to two nonprofits days later. The two nonprofits, which dont disclose their donors, then sent at least $8.5 million to a political committee overseen by DeSantis then-chief of staff, James Uthmeier, in a series of transactions that Andrade said were illegal.

DeSantis and Uthmeier have denied wrongdoing.

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Andrade said that if state bureaucrats arent competent enough to respond to records requests, he has no faith in them handling the states business.

Its obvious theyre being told to obstruct and distract right now, Andrade said. This issue isnt going away just because theyre playing dumb.

Although Andrades committee abruptly dropped its probe into the charity last week, he said hes still looking into it in his capacity as a lawmaker who oversees a portion of the states budget.

He has requested from the state bank records, emails regarding the settlement, emails regarding the money sent to the Hope Florida Foundation and drafts of the settlement itself.

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He said he requested the records from the Department of Children and Families, the Agency for Health Care Administration, the governors office and the foundation. He has also requested from the governors office all text messages and call logs between Uthmeier and other people involved in the $10 million diversion and subsequent transactions.

Although Florida has a broad public records law, the DeSantis administration has methodically withheld releasing documents requested by news outlets and the public since he took office in 2019. Records can take years to receive, and news outlets and others have sued his administration multiple times over the years.

In 2023, ClickOrlando reported that state agencies will often compile the records within days or weeks but send them to the governors office for an additional review. That review can take months.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) said the Senate would not consider a joint resolution against the new social studies guidelines by the May 1st deadline.

Paxton, along with Senate Education Committee Chair Sen. Adam Pugh (R-Edmond), filed SJR 20 last week. It asked lawmakers to take a second look at social studies standards, approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Education. It also questioned the $33 million price tag for taxpayers for new textbooks and the lack of transparency on the approval process of the new guidelines.

Last week, three State Department of Education board members said they had no idea about last-minute changes to the standard. They called it a bait and switch, which Walters denied.

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Thats simply not true, said Walters during last weeks board meeting. That is a lie.

Board clashes with Supt. Walters over social studies standards

Paxton sent News 4 a statement Tuesday about why his resolution was not heard.

Following a lengthy conversation Monday, the caucus was not on board with rejecting the standards based on the process by which they were presented to the board of education. Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle)

KFOR has learned that Walters was present during Mondays Senate Republican Caucus meeting.

The resolution was one of three filed concerning the curriculum: two in the Senate and one in the House.

In order for lawmakers to meet Thursdays deadline, a resolution would have had to be heard and voted on in both chambers.



If were not concerned enough to put that on the agenda and take a vote on it, that deeply disturbs me about the business of the Senate, said Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt (D-Oklahoma City).

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Some lawmakers have questioned the contents of the social studies standards. They have said the proposed curriculum was factually inaccurate on several topics, including the 2020 election and the COVID pandemic. Legislators have also said the standards contain subjects that were not age-appropriate for each grade level.

On Tuesday, Senate Democrats used every avenue possible on the floor to stall, hoping to convince the other side of the aisle to hear the resolution.



Were seeing Republicans unwilling to stand up to Superintendent Walters, even when the evidence is there, even when people across the state are asking us to take another look and make sure these are correct for what we teach kids across the state, said Kirt.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  After years of attempts, Ohio lawmakers voted Wednesday to end the subsidy for two unprofitable Cold War-era coal plants that had cost Ohio ratepayers nearly $400,000 a day, after they were tucked into the tainted energy bill at the center of the largest corruption scandal in state history.

House Bill 15 would put an immediate end to the legacy generation rider for the two Ohio Valley Electric Corp. plants contained in House Bill 6, which dates back to 2019. The provision was part of a larger overhaul intended to modernize Ohio energy policy.

The Ohio Senate passed its version of the legislation in a rare unanimous vote Wednesday, before sending it back to the Ohio House. The lower chamber approved Senate changes to the House version 94-2.

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The bill goes next to Gov. Mike DeWine, whose office said he is reviewing the amended measure.

State Rep. Casey Weinstein, a Hudson Democrat, praised the measure's passage, calling the end of the bailout of the two coal two plants  one in southern Ohio, one in Madison, Indiana, southwest of Cincinnati  a huge win for consumers.

It was an outrageous misuse of public funds  sending hundreds of thousands of dollars a day to an aging coal plant in Indiana," he said in a statement. "Putting an end to that is a victory for ratepayers across the state.

The bill also requires utilities to routinely come in for rate cases and justify how they spend ratepayer-collected money; creates a permissive school energy efficiency loan program to reduce energy costs for public schools; and codifies that consumers must receive refunds for improper charges.

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Ohio Manufacturing Association President Ryan Augsburger said repealing the uneconomical subsidies and other charges and creating energy heat maps that visually depict energy usage patterns will allow manufacturers to operate more efficiently.

Ohio has an abundance of natural resources, a strong workforce, world-class educational institutions and now the foundation for a nationally leading energy industry, he said in a statement. "Now is the time for Ohios energy system to pull ahead and attract new generation, bringing with it new economic investments.

The OVEC subsidy was a late addition to the measure passed Wednesday, which initially focused on a $1 billion bailout for two nuclear power plants owned by a then-subsidiary of Akron-based FirstEnergy Corp. It was to have been collected through Ohioans' electric bills through 2030.

The Legislature repealed the nuclear plant subsidy contained in the bill in 2021, months after then-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and four others were indicted for their roles in a $60 million bribery scheme secretly funded by FirstEnergy to win passage of the bailout bill.

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But the coal plant subsidy has been tougher to eliminate.

The two plants were built in the 1950s to provide power to a uranium enrichment facility in Pike County, but the contract with the U.S. Department of Energy ended in 2003 and OVEC began selling power to the regional power grid. The rise of cheaper and abundant natural gas helped make the plants unprofitable.

The states utility watchdog at one point said the coal plant subsidy was worse than the one for the nuclear plants, because it helped sustain plants whose electricity wasn't needed and that pollute the air.
A federal judge in Vermont ordered the release Wednesday of Mohsen Mahdawi, the Columbia University student who was arrested two weeks ago by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents following his citizenship interview, while his case proceeds.

"The two weeks of detention so far demonstrate great harm to a person who has been charged with no crime," U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford said at a hearing Wednesday. "Mr. Mahdawi, I will order you released."

Mahdawi, addressing supporters outside the courthouse following his release, called the judge's decision "a light of hope."

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MORE: Federal judge issues temporary order to keep detained Columbia student in Vermont

"Judge Crawford, who ruled to release me against all of the heinous accusations, horrible attacks, chills of speech, First Amendment violations -- he had made a very brave decision to let me out," Mahdawi said. "And this is what justice is. And for anybody who's doubting justice, this is a light of hope, a hope and faith in the justice system in America."

"To President Trump and his cabinet: I am not afraid of you," Mahdawi said.

Saying that Mahdawi presents no flight risk, Judge Crawford said Mahdawi should remain in Vermont, where he has a home, and attend school remotely -- but said Mahdawi can travel to New York City to meet with his lawyers and go to his university.

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Mahdawi, who co-founded a university organization called the Palestinian Student Union with detained Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, was born and raised in a refugee camp in the West Bank before moving in 2014 to the U.S., where he has been a legal resident for the last 10 years.

PHOTO: Mohsen Mahdawi speaks outside the courthouse after a judge released the Palestinian student activist, April 30, 2025 in Burlington, Vt. (Amanda Swinhart/AP)

Mahdawi, who is expected to graduate from Columbia next month, was arrested at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Vermont, where he was taking his last step in the process to become a U.S. citizen.

Judge Crawford noted at Wednesday's hearing that Mahdawi received letters of support from over 90 community members, including members of the Jewish community, "who have in a consistent pattern described him as peaceful."

His lawyers believe that, like Khalil, he is being targeted by the Trump administration under Immigration and Nationality Act section 237(a)(4)(C)(i), which assert that the secretary of state can deem a person deportable if they have reasonable ground to believe that the person's presence or activities in the U.S. could have adverse foreign policy consequences.

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At Columbia, Mahdawi was an "outspoken critic of Israel's military campaign in Gaza and an activist and organizer in student protests on Columbia's campus until March of 2024, after which he took a step back and has not been involved in organizing," according to a habeas petition obtained by ABC News.

His attorneys have argued he was being detained based on his First Amendment rights, in violation of the Constitution.

"I think Mr. Mahdawi has made substantial claims that his detention was in retaliation for his protected speech," Judge Crawford said Wednesday.

MORE: Mahmoud Khalil's challenge to his detention moves forward

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One of Mahdawi's attorneys told ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis on Wednesday that the judge agreed that the student was detained "solely on the basis of his speech."

"He is a Palestinian man and grew up in a Palestinian refugee camp and spoke out about peace in the region and on behalf of Palestinians," the attorney, Luni Droubi, said. "So today, the court told the government that they cannot detain individuals solely because they're engaged in lawful speech. And that's exactly what Mr. Mahdawi was engaged in."

Droubi said that she believes what happened to Mahdawi is "terrifying everyone."

"Can I go to my naturalization appointment? Should I stop protesting Palestine or human rights?," Droubi said. "Any number of things ... what's next? What topic? Global justice, climate justice. What should I be afraid of saying?"

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Droubi said Mahdawi's release "is just the beginning."

"As you know, there are many other cases like this," Droubi said. "This is just his release. We still have to fight the case, which we feel confident about and believe we will succeed."

'I am not afraid of you,' Columbia student says of Trump after release from ICE originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
(WSPA) Lawyers representing the family of a man killed in a mass shooting at Florida State University are asking for a thorough and open investigation into the shooting and what led to it.

Tiru Chabba, a resident of Greenville, SC, was on the FSU campus Thursday as an employee of campus vendor Aramark Collegiate Hospitality when, according to authorities, a 20-year-old FSU student opened fire, killing Chabba and one other and wounding six.

Previous story: 2 food service employees killed in FSU shooting

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On Wednesday, attorneys Bakari Sellers, Jim Bannister and J Robert Bell III spoke to media outside of the FSU student union about the need for a thorough investigation into the shooting.

We are asking for a thorough and transparent investigation, said Sellers. We believe that is necessary for healing and we also believe that it is necessary so that incidents like this do not happen not just here in the state of Florida but anywhere else in this country.

Sellers added Chabbas family have been grateful for shows of support from Aramark, his employer, FSU faculty and staff and others following the shooting.

Chabba was laid to rest during a funeral service last week. As they try to cope with the loss of a husband and father, family members are hoping for much-needed answers.

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Previous story: SC man honored at funeral following FSU mass shooting

The Chabba family has realized there is a mourning period that will really never end. They will never get over missing Tiru. He wont be there to see his children graduate from high school. he wont be there to see them marry, have his grand children and he wont be able to grown old with his wife as they planned, Bannister said. Now it is time to get some answers as to the why and what.

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing and family members and attorneys said theyve felt left in the dark regarding certain details. Particularly, Sellers said, when it comes to how the shooter was able to get his hands on a gun, if hed had any documented mental health issues prior to the shooting or if laws which prevent someone with certain mental health issues should have prevented him from buying a gun.

This happens sometimes either intentionally or unintentionally anytime when you have law enforcement sometimes things dont necessarily go as they should so we want their to be a watchful eye, he said. We know the governor wants answers, we know the Florida Department of Law Enforcement wants answers, we just want there to be a little sunlight in the process.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
The news that three U.S. citizen children were illegally removed from Louisiana and flown to Honduras last Friday has swept the nation. President Donald Trumps administration continues to double down, insisting that the two mothers wanted to take their children with them, despite the deported families legal counsel vehemently denying this claim.

As the Trump administration works to contain the backlash associated with deporting American children, one of whom has metastatic cancer, the Department of Homeland Security issued a supposed Fact Check document identifying the mothers who were deported.

Trump officials have also claimed the mothers presented their childrens passports in order to voluntarily remove them from the country. However, attorneys for the families say thats not what happened; their clients were told to bring their kids passports in to photocopy them from their files.

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The attorneys say the administrations actions are putting the families lives at risk.

By naming these families publicly, DHS isnt just trying to deflect rightful blame  its exposing these families to real danger, Mich Gonzalez, one of the familys attorneys, tells Rolling Stone.

In a press release issued Wednesday morning, the National Immigration Project of National Lawyers Guild stated, This is not just a violation of trust; it is a reckless act that puts real lives at risk and underlines the lack of concern for the safety and welfare of these children and their families. The mothers were forcibly deported, and their U.S. citizen children were taken with them under duress. No safe or practical alternative was provided to allow the children to remain in their country of birth.

Gonzalez, who co-founded Sanctuary of the South, says the families are still navigating how to seek medical care to address the impacts to their physical and mental health following this ordeal. In addition to one of the mothers seeking perinatal care and one of the childrens treatment for cancer, Gonzalez says the impact of the event itself and the ensuing aftermath has the families fearing for their safety.

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Now the government has put their lives at even greater risk by releasing their full name and information yesterday, Gonzalez says.

Attorney Gracie Willis from the National Immigration Project of National Lawyers Guild represents the two-year-old U.S. citizen child of the pregnant mother who was deported, who is known in court papers as VML.

Willis adds that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is part of DHS, is hiding behind policies that its clear they didnt follow here, and trying to villainize these mothers doesnt change that.

On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trumps border czar Tom Homan went on talk shows to claim accounts of the American kids deportation are misleading. Yesterday, the DHS weighed in.

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ICE did NOT deport U.S. citizen children, DHS posted on X. The mother made the determination to take her children with her back to Honduras. We take our responsibility to protect children seriously and will continue to work with federal law enforcement to ensure that children are safe and protected.

The attorneys for the two families dispute the governments claims.

One of the American children, a 4-year-old, who was removed from the country was undergoing active treatment for metastatic cancer, which attorneys say ICE officials knew about ahead of time. (This is at least the second U.S. citizen child with cancer whom Trump has deported.)

New Orleans attorney Erin Hebert, from Ware Immigration Law, said the childs mother was told to bring him and his seven-year-old sister to a check-in in order to copy their passports. The children were dressed in their school uniforms and expected to return to class after what they thought would be a routine appointment. Instead, ICE officials refused to let Hebert come in with the family.

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They refused to allow me to go back into the appointment, Hebert tells Rolling Stone. I want to be clear  they sequestered her from me.

Hebert said she sat in the waiting room until somebody came out and told her all three of them had been detained. When I demanded information about where theyd been taken, where they were going, they refused to tell me, she says. Hebert sprung into action to try and file court motions to delay the deportation but by the next morning, the family was already in Honduras. The children left in their school uniforms, without any of their belongings. The child with cancer did not have his medication with him.

This is a U.S. citizen child with a serious medical condition, says Hebert. I cant think of a more vulnerable position to be in than that child. I am not easily shocked by the injustices that I have seen in my career, but this shocked me.

The other mother who was deported is currently pregnant. She brought her two-year-old U.S. citizen daughter known as VML, and her older sibling, with her to what she thought was a routine check-in on April 22. Three days later, all three of them were on a plane to Honduras, landing before a judge could hear the court case attempting to delay their removal. In both situations, attorneys say they were working on alternate lawful custodians to take care of the children.

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Yesterday, a federal judge in Louisiana, Terry Doughty, issued an order clarifying the scope of an upcoming hearing on May 16 where he will determine whether VMLs mother consented to her daughters removal. In the order, its revealed that the case was assigned to him at 8:14AM on April 25, and the court immediately began considering the petition. A minute later, the plane carrying VML from Alexandria, Louisiana, reached El Paso, preparing for its final leg to Honduras.

The court sought to call VMLs mother to have her attest that she consented to her child being removed with her, wrote Doughty. That didnt happen. Now we are here.

Gonzalez says that, like Hebert, he and Willis have worked together on multiple horrific cases, but this one is particularly awful.

This is one that will stay with me for the rest of my life, says Gonzalez, who recalls watching the flight leave on a flight tracking app. It was really hard to see in real time that plane moving across my phone, leaving this country with those babies on it, knowing full well that their mothers were coerced into being deported with them and were not given an opportunity to speak to their legal counsel.

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EDITORS NOTE: A lawsuit only represents one side of a story.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints filed an appeal in federal court Thursday after a judge ruled against the organization earlier this month, according to documents.

The 2021 lawsuit is between the church and its insurance companies, National Union Insurance and ACE Property & Casualty Co., and pertains to a dispute over whether the insurance companies are required to pay the organizations settlement payments.

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PREVIOUS STORY: LDS Church loses lawsuit over payment of sexual abuse settlements

The dispute began after the church settled a high-profile sex abuse lawsuit in West Virginia and the insurance companies refused to pay the settlement costs. The church claimed the insurance companies were required under contract to make the payments and sued them in Salt Lake Citys federal court.

On April 6, the court ruled against the church, saying the companies did not breach their contract as they did not owe the church a duty to defend or indemnify under any implicated policy.

Court documents show the church is now appealing the ruling through the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in Colorado.

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The original West Virginia sex abuse lawsuit was filed by several members of the church who accused the organization of not protecting children from sexual abuse.

The suit claims the church was negligent for failing to report a reasonable suspicion that church member Michael Jensen was abusing children. The suit also claimed the church failed to consider his history of child sexual abuse allegations when holding out Mr. Jensens babysitting services for Church families, according to documents and the Associated Press.

Jensen was convicted of abusing two of the children and was sentenced to 35 to 75 years in prison, and in 2018, both sides of the civil lawsuit reached a settlement agreement. At the time, lawyers for the church allegedly said it was the largest settlement ever paid by the organization to sexual abuse victims.

In the latest suit, the church claims the insurance companies are obligated to defend and indemnify the Church against the Underlying Lawsuit and must pay the Church the entire amount of its settlement and defense costs, the complaint reads.

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Attorneys on both sides argued over the contract, presenting different interpretations of the agreement. Ultimately, the court sided with the insurance companies, leading to the appeal.

ABC4 reached out to the church for a statement and a spokesperson said they would not be commenting outside of what lawyers have already written in documents.

Ryan Bittan, Matthew Drachman, and the Associated Press contributed to this reporting.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
By AJ Vicens

DETROIT (Reuters) - Two men alleged to have played key roles in the virulent online exploitation network known as 764 have been arrested and charged, and face potential life sentences in prison, the Department of Justice said.

Leonidas Varagiannis, 21, and Prasan Nepal, 20, allegedly led a core subgroup of 764 known as 764 Inferno, which targeted vulnerable people, including children, with tactics designed to induce self-harm, the DOJ said in a statement on Tuesday.

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The pair were also involved in making and distributing child sexual abuse material, which was combined with other gore and violent material to create digital 'Lorebooks,'" according to the DOJ, which were then traded among group members and treated as currency to recruit new members or maintain status within the network.

Nepal, known as Trippy, was arrested on April 22 in North Carolina. Varagiannis, known as War, is a U.S. citizen living in Greece. He was arrested there on Monday. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C., did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Varagiannis' extradition.

A federal public defender for Nepal did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An attorney for Varagiannis could not be located.

The two men allegedly conspired with and directed at least half a dozen other people involved with the malicious activity, according to an FBI affidavit.

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The FBI warned of a sharp increase in 764 activity in a March 6 public service announcement.

The DOJ refers to 764 as a nihilistic violent extremist" network. 764 is one of a number of online-based cybercrime networks within a broader network known as the Com, which includes violent and cybercriminal activity.

Allison Nixon, chief research officer for cybersecurity company Unit 221B, told Reuters that Varagiannis and Nepal are major actors, and that their arrests are a positive development.

Com-related crime waves are driven by a small number of highly prolific actors, Nixon said. Arrests really are a winning strategy. Love to see it.

(Editing by Rod Nickel)
MADISON  A $165,000 taxpayer-funded investigation into how an unreleased order from the Wisconsin Supreme Court was leaked to a news reporter 10 months ago has not turned up who was responsible.

But the private investigators hired by the Wisconsin Supreme Court concluded justices should implement new security measures to keep better track of their documents and access to their chambers to maintain security, according to a report released Tuesday by Chief Justice Annette Ziegler.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Annette Ziegler

The investigation was launched in August after Wisconsin Watch, an online-based news outlet, reported in June that the state's highest court planned to hear a lawsuit from Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin asking the court to declare a constitutional right to abortion access. To date, the probe has cost $165,740 and was pulled from the Supreme Court's biennial budget, according to a court spokesman.

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The report from Wisconsin Watch was based on a draft order it obtained from unnamed sources. All seven justices condemned the leak.

"Today the entire court was shocked to learn that a confidential draft document was ostensibly leaked to the press. I have contacted law enforcement to request that a full investigation be conducted," Ziegler said in a statement at the time. "We are all united behind this investigation to identify the source of the apparent leak."

It's unclear who conducted the investigation. The report says 62 people were interviewed throughout the investigation that got underway in earnest in October, but many of those names are redacted.

Ziegler and a spokesman for the state court system did not immediately respond to questions from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel seeking more details.

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Investigators spoke to justices, judicial staff, Supreme Court commissioners, interns and other personnel who accessed the court's chambers between June 13 and June 26 "and any other individuals who may have had knowledge of the draft order prior to the leak, investigators wrote in the report.

"The investigation concluded that the leak of the draft order to the media was likely deliberate. However, no individual could be definitively identified as responsible for the leak," investigators wrote.

The probe may resume if investigators receive new information, they said.

The report notes the only time the draft order was sent outside of the court's official email system prior to the leak was when Justice Ann Walsh Bradley forwarded a copy of the draft order to her law clerk, who then forwarded the order to Walsh Bradley's personal email address.

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The investigators characterized the move as Walsh Bradley's "standard operating procedure with emails of importance."

Investigators said the investigation was "significantly hampered" by missing data that would show which websites were accessed and when and by whom.

The Planned Parenthood filing at issue came days after Sheboygan County District Attorney Joel Urmanski filed a petition to bypass an appeals court and ask the state Supreme Court to decide whether a December ruling from a Dane County judge declaring an 1849 law outlawing abortion does not apply to consensual procedures.

The court has yet to issue a ruling in the matter.

Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Supreme Court leak remains a mystery after $165K probe
NAGOYA - Toyota Motor Corp. and Waymo LLC, the self-driving vehicle unit of Google parent Alphabet Inc., have agreed to explore a collaboration to speed up the development and deployment of autonomous driving technology, the companies said Wednesday.

With the partnership, Toyota aims to enhance its next-generation vehicles by making Waymo's autonomous driving services available to owners of its cars.

Waymo will introduce Toyota's vehicles in its commercial ride-hailing service.

Toyota and Waymo will continue discussions to determine the scope of their collaboration. Woven by Toyota Inc., the Japanese automaker's software development arm, will also join the initiative, the two companies said in a statement.

"We are confident this collaboration can help bring our solutions to more people around the world, moving us one step closer to a zero-accident society," Toyota Executive Vice President Hiroki Nakajima said in the statement.

As part of efforts to reduce vehicle accidents, Toyota last year agreed to work with Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. to develop a platform using artificial intelligence-supported driving software.

"Waymo's mission is to be the world's most trusted driver. This requires global partners like Toyota," Tekedra Mawakana, the U.S. firm's co-CEO, said in the statement.

Waymo, which currently offers autonomous ride-hailing services in U.S. cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco, has unveiled its plan to collect data to enable it to operate autonomous taxis in Tokyo.

Related coverage:

Exposure to 1-minute sound may prevent motion sickness: Japan team

Honda to procure hybrid car batteries from Toyota in U.S.

Toyota, NTT to team up on AI-aided driving to curb accidents
A line of severe thunderstorms evolved into a derecho Tuesday evening, bringing destructive wind gusts across parts of the Ohio Valley and interior Northeast, leading to at least three deaths and power outages for hundreds of thousands. By Thursday afternoon, at least 200,000 customers -mostly in Pennsylvania- were still without power, down from around 700,000.

The strongest impacts were reported in southeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania, where straight-line wind gusts reached 80 mph - stronger than many low-end tornadoes but across a much wider area. Officials said the storms tore off roofs, uprooted trees in saturated soil and brought down power lines throughout the region.

"The line of storms formed near Indianapolis and continued advancing eastward, bringing widespread tree and power line damage to western and central Pennsylvania," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert said. "Wind gusts in some areas were nearly 80 mph. For some communities, this derecho could be a once-in-10-year or even a once-in-20-year event."

In Pittsburgh, a man was killed after being electrocuted by live wires, according to the city's public safety department. Emergency crews responded to reports on St. Martin Street Tuesday evening and pronounced the man dead at the scene. A second storm-related death was also confirmed in Allegheny County, but no additional details were immediately available.

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The Pittsburgh area endured widespread damage and experienced 911 outages due to the storms. Public safety officials urged residents dealing with phone issues to contact their local police zone districts directly.

Wind gusts of 71 mph were recorded at Pittsburgh's airport, the third-highest wind gust ever measured at the airport, only behind 75 mph winds measured on April 8, 2020, and an 83-mph gust reported on July 10, 1992.

Outside the city, at least two school districts canceled classes Wednesday, and several others announced delays due to storm damage and outages. Other school districts in the hardest-hit areas of western and central Pennsylvania were also closed on Wednesday. A possible tornado was spotted south of State College on Tuesday as the violent storms swept through the area.

According to local media, thousands lost power in Centre County. A 22-year-old man was fatally electrocuted in State College while trying to extinguish a mulch fire near a downed utility pole damaged by the storm, authorities said.

Storm reports filed for April 29, 2025, including reports that were not associated from the derecho, which traveled from southern Illinois and Ohio through Pennsylvania.

A few miles away, heavy winds sent several power lines crashing down on top of at least four vehicles, leaving people trapped inside for hours. Incredibly, no one was injured.

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AccuWeather expert meteorologists are classifying this long-lived thunderstorm complex that blasted through Ohio and Pennsylvania as a derecho.

"While there have been many days of severe thunderstorms so far this year, this appears to be the first derecho of 2025," AccuWeather Senior Director of Forecasting Operations Dan DePodwin said. "Derechos are long-lived lines of thunderstorms that produce straight-line wind damage in excess of 58 mph over at least 400 miles in length. This particular derecho extended from near the Ohio-Indiana border along and north of the Ohio River, eastward through western and intoacentral Pennsylvania, spanning more than 400 miles.

The risk for severe thunderstorms will continue Wednesday from central Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, north to Oklahoma, and east into parts of Missouri and Kentucky on Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday night.
Severe storms rolled through Pennsylvania on Tuesday evening, killing at least four people, knocking down trees and leaving hundreds of thousands without power.

A 22-year-old man in State College was electrocuted near a utility pole while he was trying to put out a mulch fire, police said. The man encountered an active electric current and died at the scene.

"This tragic incident occurred during a severe weather event hitting the State College area, resulting in damage to many trees and utility lines," police said in a news release.

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The man's identity is being withheld until his relatives can be notified, police said.

In Allegheny County, two people were killed. Police said Raymond Gordon, 67, was working outside in Ross Township and was walking back into his home when a tree fell and hit him. Live wires electrocuted another unidentified man.

Andrew Celaschi, 25, was also killed when a tree struck his car as he was driving in Franklin Township, state police said.

Wind gusts were over 80 mph to 90 mph during the storm, the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh said. Photos posted on social media showed uprooted trees and downed power lines.

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A team was out in Wilkinsburg in Allegheny County to survey "potential tornado damage," the National Weather Service said on X.

Across central and western Pennsylvania, nearly 430,000 customers remained without power early Wednesday afternoon, according to poweroutage.us. A majority of the outages were in Allegheny County, where almost 231,000 customers continued to be without power.

Duquesne Light Co. said that the storm damage was "unprecedented" and that a complete assessment may not be available until Thursday morning. Vice President of Operations John Hilderbrand II said at a news conference Wednesday that Duquesne expects five to seven days of restoration time.

Duquesne Light Co. say it expects five to seven days of restoration time.

"We understand how difficult and frustrating it is to be without power, especially for an extended period of time," the company said on X. "This is an 'all hands on deck' effort for the company, and we will continue to work around the clock until everyone is restored."

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Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said it will take time for power to be fully restored and for roads to be cleared.

"We're just asking the people of our city to just bear with us for a little bit," he said at Wednesday's news conference. "I know it's an inconvenience, we acknowledge that, but we also acknowledge that safety is paramount."

Pittsburgh Public Schools were closed Wednesday because of the widespread power outages. The borough of Forest Hills in Allegheny County declared a state of emergency after the storm toppled trees, downed power lines and left hazardous debris.

Severe weather also struck Missouri on Tuesday. The city of Springfield reported that there were no known deaths or injuries in Springfield or Greene County.

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"We are still currently assessing damage  most of which is trees and debris blocking roadways," Cora Scott, the director of public information and civic engagement, said in a statement.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Lebanon fire crews battled a two-alarm blaze Tuesday afternoon that left at least two residences condemned, but they managed to save most of the pets inside.

At 4:20 p.m. April 29, fire crews were called to the intersection of Mifflin and North 3rd Streets for a two-alarm fire. Residents along the 200 block of 3rd St. told the Lebanon Daily News that they could see smoke and fire exiting from the residence before some people could be seen leaving the structure.

"The initial units that arrived on scene had fire and smoke ... with fire pushing out the first floor rear," Lebanon Fire Chief AJ Sweitzer said. "Quick fire attack, obviously a little bit was driven by the wind (and) got ahead of us. So we were able to catch up to it and suppress it."

At 4:20 p.m. April 29, Lebanon Fire crews were called to the intersection of Mifflin and North 3rd Streets for a two-alarm fire. Officials said that at least three pets were saved, but at least two residences will be condemned.

Sweitzer said one woman from the residence was transported to a local hospital but has since been released. Officials are not releasing the names of those living at the residence as of Tuesday night.

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Three cats and one dog were inside the structure during the fire. Sweitzer said that one dog and two cats were retrieved, but fire crews were still attempting to find the third cat.

Officials are still in the process of investigating the fire, and have not released a cause. According to Sweitzer, the blaze is believed to have been started on the first floor, then made its way to the exterior and up the side of the house to the second floor.

"Both structures will be condemned at the conclusion of the investigation," Sweitzer said.

At 4:20 p.m. April 29, Lebanon Fire crews were called to the intersection of Mifflin and North 3rd Streets for a two-alarm fire. Officials said that at least three pets were saved, but at least two residences will be condemned.

Please check back with the Lebanon Daily News for updates.

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Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on Twitter at @DAMattToth

This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Lebanon PA fire crews battle Mifflin St. blaze, rescue pets inside
Former state labor commissioner Ed Flanagan, State Rep. Genevieve Mina, D-Anchorage, and the Rev. Michael Burke of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Anchorage wheel boxes of signed petitions into a state Division of Elections office on Jan. 9, 2024. The petitions were for a ballot initiative to increase the state's minimum wage, mandate paid sick leave and ensure that workers are not required to hear employers' political or religious messages. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

One of the most cynical things Alaska legislators ever did  and thats saying something  was vote to gut the 2002 minimum wage increase less than one year after passing it. After trying to supplant a voter initiative approved for the 2002 election with weaker measures, Republican majorities finally took the advice of their own attorneys  that they could only moot the initiative with a bill virtually identical to the ballot measure  and passed such a bill, which included an annual cost of living adjustment and a provision requiring that the Alaska minimum wage would always be at least one dollar over the federal minimum. Then-Speaker Pete Kott told the Daily News when the bill passed that it was preferable to letting the initiative pass since legislators wouldnt have to wait two years to change it. Less than a year later, they deleted the COLA and dollar-over-federal provisions.

In 2014, an initiative to raise the state minimum wage to what it would have been had the 2002 law remained intact, and restore the COLA and dollar-over-federal provisions, was approved. Then-Speaker Mike Chenault, who had voted for both the 2002 law and the 2003 bill gutting it, tried to pull off the same cynical maneuver. Chenaults bill passed by one vote in the House, but Senate Republicans, to their credit, refused to play along and the initiative passed with a 70% vote.

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Now Rep. Justin Ruffridge has reached into the old bag of tricks to try and gut the recently passed Ballot Measure 1  approved with a 58% vote in November  before it even takes effect on July 1. Their HB 161 would exempt employers of less than 50 employees, and all seasonal employers, from the paid sick leave provisions of Ballot Measure 1.

Under Alaska law, the Legislature can not repeal an initiative until two years after its adoption. An initiative can be amended prior to two years, but the Alaska Supreme Court found in 1977 in Warren v. Thomas that the Legislature would exceed its power to amend by passing an amendment which so vitiates the initiative as to constitute its repeal. According to the Research and Analysis Section of the Alaska Department of Labor, 96% of Alaskas private sector employers  the only employers subject to Ballot Measure 1  employ fewer than 50 workers, and 43% of all private-sector workers in the state are employed by these employers. The broad exemption for seasonal employers, regardless of size, would only increase the vitiating effect of HB 161 on the initiative and the clear intent expressed by the voters in passing it overwhelmingly.

Ballot Measure 1 was supported by a coalition of over 130 Alaska small businesses, employers who recognized the importance of providing a modest amount of paid sick leave to workers, for their well-being and productivity  and for the economic and physical health of our communities. No parent should have to decide between going to work or caring for a sick child. Nor should they be forced to choose between losing a days pay or going to work sick and spreading illness to co-workers or customers.

We should protect our ability to enact needed legislation through initiatives, where the people themselves act as the Legislature.

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Seventeen states have paid sick leave laws, and none of the hysterical predictions of negative effects on their businesses or employment have come to pass. Alaska used to be a leader in providing meaningful worker rights and protection. Lets at least be a follower now and afford our workers the same basic benefits enjoyed by millions of Americans in other states.

We should protect our ability to enact needed legislation through initiatives, where the people themselves act as the Legislature. Our elected legislators should respect that process, but all too often, as in the case of HB 161, they do not. We need to let them know that we didnt elect them to thwart the will of the people, and that HB 161 is tantamount to a repeal of Ballot Measure 1 and should not pass.

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Condominiums in front of Bayfront Park in downtown Miami. (Photo by Jackie Llanos/Florida Phoenix)

Lawmakers in both chambers of the Florida Legislature voted unanimously Wednesday to pass a bill addressing rising fees for condominium owners, which is one of the items that has sprouted criticism from Gov. Ron DeSantis.

With the scheduled end of the session looming mere days away, the Legislature approved a bill, HB 913, that allows condominium associations to secure credit lines and invest funds to pay for building repairs instead of immediately raising large amounts of cash from owners.

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But lawmakers sponsoring the legislation acknowledged that they will likely have to continue making changes in the future in light of escalating fees following last years deadline for condominiums to complete studies detailing how much each needs to save to pay for roof and structural maintenance.

Miami Republican Rep. Vicki Lopez. (Photo courtesy of the Florida House of Representatives)

This incredible bill addressing the condominium crisis we have all heard about for the last year gives a lot of financial relief, Miami Republican Rep. Vicki Lopez said. Shes the bills main sponsor in the House. Fleming Island Republican Sen. Jennifer Bradley filed the Senates proposal.

Lawmakers passed legislation requiring those studies and milestone inspections 30 years after a buildings construction, following the 2021 collapse in Surfside of a 12-story condo that killed 98 people.

The passage comes amid DeSantis continued bashing of the Legislature, with emphasis on the House, over their inaction on condos. He called lawmakers to Tallahassee at the beginning of the year for a special session on immigration, condos, hurricane relief, and citizen-led constitutional amendments. The Legislature ended up only addressing immigration ahead of their scheduled session opening in March.

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We have this condo issue, that legislation that caused these crushing assessments, DeSantis said during a Wednesday press conference about Hope Florida in Fruitland Park. We know people need relief from that. Weve gotta do it. The Senates got a great product that can do it.

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What changed and what remained?

Senators waited a week to take up the Houses proposal, with changes requiring both chambers to make concessions. For example, Bradleys idea to allow condo associations to invest money meant for repairs is still in the bill, but the compromise limits those investments to certificates of deposit. The Houses push to allow associations to pay for repairs with credits will also require support from the majority of owners of condo units.

The legislation provides some flexibility for associations, carving out condos with only three residential stories from the building inspection requirements and letting associations pause contributions to reserve funds for repairs for up to two years after a milestone inspection, required 30 years after the buildings construction.

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With the bill headed to the governors desk, DeSantis could still harbor objections to it, particularly regarding electronic voting. A quarter of condo owners could petition their association to hold an electronic vote under the bill, which DeSantis has said would incite fraud.

Still, one provision that intensified disagreement between the sponsors early made its way to the Senate floors discussion despite the House abandoning the idea earlier in the process. Lopez originally wanted to prohibit Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the states property insurer of last resort, from issuing or renewing policies for condominium buildings that havent completed their building inspections.

Obviously, ensuring compliance is important, but such a provision would devastate owners in an already weak condo market, Bradley said, adding that she brought up the removed provision because other senators still raised concerns about it.

Both Lopez and Bradley received compliments from their colleagues. Senators made multiple references to constituents yelling at them over the heightened fees.

Condo meetings are not where you wanna go with a thin skin. I assure you of that, Bradley said.

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BEIJING - North Korea said Wednesday it conducted the first test-firing of its new 5,000-ton destroyer's weapons system earlier this week under the supervision of leader Kim Jong Un, the country's state-run media reported.

The multipurpose destroyer Choe Hyon, named after an anti-Japanese revolutionary fighter, was officially launched at a shipyard in the western port city of Nampho on Friday, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

The tests on Monday and Tuesday involved firings of cruise missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, 127-milimeter ship-based automatic guns and electronic jamming guns.

"The time has come to make a responsible option for accelerating the nuclear armament of the navy in order to defend the state and maritime sovereignty from the existing and future threat," Kim said, while instructing officials in charge to realize the goal.

KCNA said last week the warship equipped with systems to launch supersonic cruise missiles and strategic ballistic missiles will be deployed by the navy sometime next year.

On Tuesday, Kim visited the Nampho shipyard and took a picture with workers, scientists and technicians with the new destroyer in the background, the news agency said.

Related coverage:

Families of Japanese abducted by N. Korea to seek U.S. aid for return

North Korea confirms troop deployment to Russia under bilateral pact
Lil Durk remains behind bars in California, counting down the days until his trial is set to begin in October for his murder-for-hire case.

Durks family posted a clip to Instagram on Tuesday (April 29) giving fans an update on the Chicago rappers legal situation, and they claimed that the prosecution is building a case that uses his own lyrics against him.

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The recent developments in Durks legal case have brought a harsh truth to light: the government presented false evidence to a grand jury to indict him, a statement from Durks team in the video reads. This isnt justice. Thats a violation of the very system thats supposed to protect all of us.

The clip goes on to explain that Durk has always been a vivid storyteller with his music, and his creative art shouldnt be held against him in a court of law.

Durk has always used music to tell stories, to express pain to heal  and yet those same lyrics are now being used against him. We refuse to stay silent as Black artists continue to be criminalized for their creativity. Rap is art, the video continued before calling for public support. As a family, we are asking the public, the fans and the culture to stand with us. Stand for truth. Stand for fairness. Stand for The Voice.

Lil Durks legal team continues to fight for his freedom. Earlier in April, Durks attorneys called for the cases dismissal and claimed that false evidence was given to a grand jury.

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Prosecutors are attempting to tie lyrics from Durk and Babyface Rays Wonderful Wayne & Jackie Boy to the murder of Lul Pab. While the track was released in December 2022, which would be a few months after Pabs death, but Durks team says those lyrics were penned long before the shooting in January 2022.

Told me they got an addy (go, go)/ Got location (go, go)/ Green light (go, go, go, go, go)/ Look on the news and see your son/ You screaming No, no, he raps on the track in question.

The government told the grand jury that Mr. Banks, through specific lyrics in his music, celebrated and profited from a revenge murder that he had ordered, Durks attorney, Drew Findling, said in the filing. That claim is demonstrably false. Unless the government is prosecuting Banks on a theory of extra-sensory prescience, the lyrics could not have soundly informed the grand jurys finding of probable cause.

Lil Durk was arrested in Florida in October on a murder-for-hire charge hours after a few of his Only the Family associates were also indicted.

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Prosecutors believe Durk plotted to have Quando Rondo killed as retaliation for the death of his friend King Von, who was murdered by Rondos associates in Atlanta in 2020, but the 2022 Los Angeles shooting ended up leaving Rondos cousin Lul Pab dead.

With Durk behind bars awaiting trial, the rappers team pieced together his Deep Thoughts album, which arrived in March and debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 with 64,000 album-equivalent units earned.

See his familys statement below:

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Lil Durk's family is fighting back against his indictment in the murder-for-hire case and recently released a statement accusing the government of presenting false evidence against him.

The rapper is currently in prison after being accused of murder-for-hire. Prosecutors accused the rapper of placing a bounty on Quando Rondo, with whom he feuded.

However, Lil Durk's lawyers are doing their best to get the murder-for-hire charge against him dismissed or at least get him out of jail on bail.

Inside Lil Durk's Family's Statement

On Tuesday, the "All My Life" crooner's family released a statement accusing the government of presenting "false evidence" against him.

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"The recent developments in Durk's legal case have brought a harsh truth to light," the statement began. "The government presented false evidence to a grand jury to indict him."

The statement continued, "That isn't justice. That's a violation of the very system that's supposed to protect all of us."

The family continued, "Durk has always used music to tell stories, to express pain, to heal  and yet those same lyrics are now being used against him."

They added, "We refuse to stay silent as Black artists continue to be criminalized for their creativity. Rap is art."

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The family pleaded with people to support them in their quest. They said, "As a family, we are asking the public, the fans, and the culture to stand with us. Stand for truth. Stand for fairness. Stand for The Voice."

Lil Durk's Team Disputes Evidence Cited in Federal Case

MEGA

The "Viral Moment" rapper's family's statement came after his attorneys' latest attempts to get him out of jail or have his murder-for-hire charges thrown out, citing what they say is a flawed and misleading federal case built on unauthorized fan content.

According to multiple legal motions filed on Friday, April 18, federal prosecutors presented a version of the track "Wonderful Wayne and Jackie Boy," featuring Durk and Babyface Ray, as proof the Chicago rapper tried to profit off the killing of Saviay'a Robinson, a relative of Quando Rondo, with whom Durk was allegedly in conflict.

Lil Durk, real name Durk Banks, has previously stated that the lyrics in question were written months before Robinson's death, making it impossible for them to be about that incident.

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In the April 18 court filing, his legal team argued that the video prosecutors referenced isn't affiliated with him at all.

During a hearing in January, prosecutors claimed a video existed that matched Durk's lyrics with disturbing footage of Robinson's murder. "The bottom line is there was a video that was filmed showing defendant's rival screaming, 'No. No,' that was placed over these lyrics," the government said.

However, on April 18, Lil Durk's lawyers countered that the video wasn't made or shared by him. Instead, they explained that it originated from unaffiliated online fan accounts.

Attorneys Push For Lil Durk's Release Or Dismissal

The rapper's attorneys wrote in the filing per Complex, "The internet users who posted the videos...are apparent 'fan pages' maintained by people with no affiliation to Mr. Banks or Only the Family, Inc."

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They added, "It is unfair, misleading, and just flat-out wrong for the government to suggest that Mr. Banks is responsible for these video/audio edits or that they evidence his purported commercialization of a murder that he supposedly ordered."

The videos in question were reportedly posted by YouTube accounts @otf_edit and @mymixtapez.

In light of what they called mishandled and misattributed evidence, Lil Durk's legal team requested either his release to home confinement under a bond package valued at over $2 million or for the charges against him to be dropped entirely.

Prosecutors Respond With New Evidence

In a new twist, federal prosecutors introduced new evidence in their case against Lil Durk: an unreleased track titled "Scoom His A--."

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According to court documents filed on April 28 and obtained by Complex, the song, seized from a co-defendant's phone, contains lyrics the government says "corroborate defendants danger."

The lyrics reportedly reference riding through Beverly Hills with choppers and describe Durk as a bounty hunter, which prosecutors argue mirrors the method used in Saviay'a Robinson's killing.

While "Scoom His A--" has not been officially released, the government insists it is authentic, stating, "The lyrics are authentic as the government seized the audio file from a co-conspirator's cellular phone pursuant to a federal search warrant."

Prosecutors maintain that Lil Durk's latest bond request fails to demonstrate that he poses no flight risk or potential danger. A ruling on the motion has not yet been issued.

Lil Durk's Legal Issues

MEGA

In October 2024, Lil Durk was arrested while trying to flee to Italy after being indicted in a murder-for-hire case tied to the 2022 killing of Saviay'a Robinson.

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Prosecutors allege that during an attempted hit on Rondo, Saviay'a Robinson, who was in the vehicle with Rondo, was killed instead.

They also claimed that he used his OTF label to reward participants and avoid detection.

The feud reportedly traces back to the fatal shooting of King Von, a close associate of Durk's, which prosecutors say was carried out by someone linked to Rondo.

Durk is also facing multiple wrongful death lawsuits, including one from FBG Duck's mother, and is linked to two other murders, intensifying his ongoing legal troubles.
The NHS has told sunseekers to limit their alcohol intake over the bank holiday weekend.

Temperatures could hit the 30C mark on Thursday and spells of sunshine are expected to continue until Sunday, according to the Met Office.

NHS England has told Londoners to drink plenty of fluids, apply sunscreen and limit alcohol intake in advice that has brought accusations of nanny statism.

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Chris Streather, NHS England Londons medical director, told Londoners to keep out of the sun to avoid becoming unwell through overheating, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

He said: Were forecasting some very hot weather over the next few days and would like people to not only enjoy the sun but also be safe by taking precautions to keep well and avoid putting pressure on services.

We advise people to keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm.

Those taking part in a physical activity were advised to do so when it is cooler, such as the mornings and evenings.

Unlikely to be a heatwave

Greg Smith, the shadow business minister, said: In the week we have seen the government propose the taxing of milkshakes, this is yet more nanny statism from the NHS.

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They are trying to take away fun over the bank holiday weekend when many people, including myself, will be enjoying a glass of wine or pint of beer in the sun.

The UK could face the warmest start to May on record on Thursday.

Deputy chief meteorologist Michael Silverstone said: We are experiencing a brief very warm or even hot spell.

If we reach 30C on Thursday it will be the earliest date in May that the UK has seen 30C since our records began in 1860.

He said there was unlikely to be a heatwave  defined as three consecutive days of temperatures exceeding the heatwave threshold, which varies across the country.

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Admittedly, it could be close for a few places in the South though, he added.

The alcohol warnings follow fire chiefs urging the public not to light barbecues over Easter amid a risk of wildfires.

Surreys Fire and Rescue Service said barbecues should be left at home and exchanged for picnics following a period of warm, dry weather across the country last month.

Stay safe around water

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) also urged caution around open water swimming after last month saw a 32 per cent increase in water-related incidents compared with the same period last year.

Craig Carter, LFB assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: Whether youre walking by the river, spending time by canals or taking part in water-based activities, its important to be aware of the risks and take simple precautions to stay safe around Londons waterways.

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Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit or experienced they are.

It can lead to water inhalation and, in the worst cases, drowning. Be particularly careful near the waters edge  its easy to slip and fall unexpectedly.

And think twice before jumping into open water.

Meanwhile, the RAC warned breakdowns are expected to soar because of the warmer weather.

RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said: Breakdowns are expected to soar over the next few days, as temperatures in many parts do the same. Were urging everyone travelling to ensure they have plenty of water for themselves and any passengers in case they get stuck in traffic or break down, as well as having sunscreen, hats or an umbrella with them to protect themselves from the sun.

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Drivers must avoid driving if the low coolant light appears on the dashboard as theres a serious risk of engine overheating.

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The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case that could greenlight the first openly religious charter school funded by taxpayers  with sweeping implications for both private and public schools moving forward.

The St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School in Oklahoma is looking to become the nations first religious charter school after its creation was ruled unconstitutional by the Sooner States highest court, which sided with parents and civil rights groups who see it as a violation of the separation of church and state.

Oral arguments were scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. EDT.

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Listen to an audio replay above.

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Apr. 29MIDLAND  About 150 people from the worlds of nonprofit, healthcare, education and business turned out for the Literacy for Growth summit at the Midland County Horseshoe Tuesday.

The Literacy Coalition of the Permian Basin organized the event, which also included breakout sessions and information from different organizations, community colleges and libraries.

Although the Literacy Coalition has raised awareness of low literacy in its 16-county region, there is still a stigma to seeking help.

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"The stigma still exists, and we need to do a better job of removing that and any other obstacle that that adult may have to gain their maximum potential," Literacy Coalition of the Permian Basin Executive Director Letticia Martinez said.

The summit was also a chance to encourage membership in the organization. Membership is $95 a year and with that you can attend all quarterly training opportunities, you can use their testing and curriculum resources and apply for a subgrant.

The coalition has also partnered with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to provide free books to children from birth to 5 in a 16-county area. Ector County ISD's Education Foundation also offers the Imagination Library.

Sandra Hernandez, who is from Juarez, Mexico, is pursuing her GED through the Literacy Coalition to improve her English and plans to attend Midland College's cosmetology program.

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She and her husband have three children.

Along with a new language, she has had to adjust to a new country, "a new everything."

"But I try to be better for my children and for myself," Hernandez said.

Sharon Cannon, former regional dean of the School of Nursing at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, presented a breakout session on Literacy and Health Outcomes. She talked about the importance of translating medical language to make it understandableto the average person and advocating for yourself at doctor's appointments.

After COVID, she said, reading levels decreased and people are learning more through social media.

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Midland Memorial Hospital has moved to making their forms at a third-grade level so patients can better understand them.

She and some colleagues developed some health literacy tools.

"We had to have a quick and easy way to be able to assess a patient. We came up with two tools  the tools are both English and Spanish ... One of the tools in English is two questions. The other tool is eight questions. In Spanish we have the same two questions and eight questions, so it depends. The idea was that very quickly a nurse or a doctor or anybody using these tools could ... assess your health literacy level so that when we walk out of the room to go get the materials that we're going to ... give to you, we have already assessed those materials to make sure they are the proper level," Cannon said.

"Therefore, if we have somebody at a low literacy level, we would give them information or forms or materials that were based on that ... lower level of literacy. The same thing is true" for people with higher literacy levels, she added.

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Telehealth, plain language and teach back are other ways to reach patients.

Plain language is using simple, non-complex words so instead of medication, you would use the word pill.

"Words that have multiple syllables to them are very difficult to comprehend and so you need to make it much simpler," Cannon said. Teach back is to explain, check for understanding and re-explaining if needed.

"It's something that we frequently don't do nearly as much as we should, but it's an important aspect to all that we do," Cannon said.

Ashley Colquitt, community engagement specialist at Diamondback Energy, is on the Literacy Coalition board. Tuesday's summit, she said, was valuable.

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"This is significantly important because we're bringing in people from the Permian that have an interest and desire in educating our community and closing literacy gaps, especially for those that are adults. When we look at our employment rates, when we look at a community that is ... low literate. That places a lot of ceilings on a community and a family. When we are able to come together and empower one another, we're able to educate, provide research-based, high-impact strategies, not only in reading, but financial literacy (and) health literacy. When we start looking at engagement strategies, and ESL, those are significant components to learn about to then say, okay, I now have this in my toolbox to then implement," Colquitt said.

"Part of that is educating. The other part of that is networking. We need people in the Permian Basin that are doing this work to realize that they are not alone ... We have to lean on each other, because little is accomplished in isolation. It's kind of like that saying rising tides raise all ships. This is hard work, but it's important work. Part of it is building capacity through educating, through networking, and (the Literacy Coalition) is all about providing grants and resources, but it's also important that we know that when we receive those resources, we have the capacity, or we have an understanding, that we can now accomplish the work," she added.

Like Cannon said about health literacy, Colquitt noted that Diamondback Energy is all about meeting people where they are.

"We provide funding, but it's also about mentorships and building relationships. When we talk about meeting people where they're at, I'm thinking about ... the old ... saying people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. It's really meeting that student, or that person, where they are in life, and then helping to provide guidance for their next step, as well as (building) the relationships. This is the most important part, so that person knows that they're not alone, and that's how we truly create impact in our community at Diamondback Energy," Colquitt said.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys, commenting on Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's statement about a "three-day truce", has urged people not to not fall for Russian propaganda.

Source: Delfi quoting the Lithuanian foreign minister, as reported by European Pravda

Details: He said that Russia is trying to convince Washington that its army "is the absolutely dominant party" in the war against Ukraine.

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"We know that this is not true  Ukraine is holding the front line... but the truth is that a lot depends on Putin. We need to continue to apply pressure and not give in to the propaganda narrative that everything is in his control," the minister added.

Background:

Earlier, Putin announced another "truce" in the Russian-Ukrainian war, to take place on the days of Russia's Victory Day celebrations. It is to start at midnight on 8 May and last until midnight on 11 May.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that the three-day ceasefire announced by the Kremlin is not enough; a just and lasting peace is needed.

UK Defence Intelligence believes that the three-day "truce" announced by the Kremlin leader to mark 9 May is intended to show Russia's alleged openness to some kind of agreement and to limit Ukraine's long-range strikes while not worsening its position on the front line.

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(NewsNation)  President Donald Trump marked 100 days of his second term with a Cabinet meeting amid economic turmoil and an escalating trade war.

Trump began the meeting by touting deportation numbers and attacking judges who have ruled against the administration on deportations conducted without due process.

He also referred to recent economic numbers as a result of former President Joe Bidens leadership, though Biden was only the president for 19 days of the first quarter. The president also said companies were making plans to build more plants in the U.S.

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NewsNation to present CUOMO Town Hall: The First 100 Days featuring President Donald Trump on Wednesday, April 30 at 8 pm ET

Billionaire Elon Musk, who has been tasked with making federal cuts through the Department of Government Efficiency, attended the meeting. Although Musk is not a Cabinet member, he has attended all meetings so far and at times clashed with other Cabinet members over DOGEs actions.

Musk is only meant to be a temporary government employee but Trump invited him to stay as long as he wants.

The trend of blaming the Biden administration continued, with Cabinet members and Trump repeatedly blaming issues on the previous administration for problems faced by their departments. Cabinet members also boasted about their achievements and praised Trump repeatedly.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi said the administration is fighting 200 lawsuits and said the Trump administration will prevail in the courts, including the Supreme Court.

Student debt collections restart next week: What to know

Transportation Secretary. Sean Duffy said projects that implement DEI initiatives will lose federal funding, also threatening a loss of funding for giving licenses to people in the U.S. illegally.

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer also said all 50 governors were warned that extending unemployment benefits to people in the U.S. without authorization would mean a loss of federal funding.

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Trump also touched on the January collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger jet that killed 67 people, blaming the Biden administration for ATC issues. He talked up upgrades to technology for air traffic control, a field that has suffered shortages for decades.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins raised the possibility of allowing the use of psychedelics for treating veterans after early research has suggested they could be effective for PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.

The meeting follows an economic report indicating a contraction, with the GDP shrinking 0.3% in the first quarter.

March of tariff deals coming within weeks: Peter Navarro

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The news is in line with economists predictions that the U.S. could be in the beginning of a recession, which is defined as two quarters of negative economic growth.

Trumps on-again and off-again tariffs and escalating trade war with China have caused economic turmoil, with experts warning of higher prices and empty shelves in the coming weeks.

The stock market also dipped in response to the report.

The Trump administration is also facing multiple legal challenges over deportation efforts and a battle over the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported after what the administration called an administrative error.

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In recent days, reports also surfaced that multiple children who are American citizens were deported with a parent.

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SHANGHAI - Major Japanese game company Sega Corp. held an event Wednesday in Shanghai, a day before the opening of the world's first official permanent store selling character goods, including items from the popular Sonic the Hedgehog video game series.

Sega President Shuji Utsumi said at the event, "We'd like to deliver the charms of Sega to many people in Shanghai, where game culture takes root."

The Sega shop, set to open in a local shopping mall, will also allow visitors to play the company's games. The event drew a large crowd, with a 27-year-old woman from Suzhou near Shanghai saying she is "happy" to have the chance to buy Sega goods in China.

According to Chinese media, consumption of character goods in the world's second-largest economy has been rapidly expanding. In 2024, the market size for such goods in the country was estimated at 168.9 billion yuan ($23 billion), up about 40 percent from the previous year.

Related coverage:

Nintendo to release Switch 2 console on June 5 for 49,980 yen
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)An independent filmmaker and independent producer with local ties joined forces to create a movie about one of the most notorious unsolved crimes in Cleveland history.

Read next: Drive-thru employee accused of taking photos of customer cards for fraudulent purchases

East Liverpool Police Detective Jon Price first had the idea for the movie Kingsbury Run. The film covers the real-life efforts of famous investigator Eliot Ness and the Cleveland Police Department as they try to track down the killer of at least 12 people during the Great Depression.

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According to the Cleveland Police Museum, the killings happened along Kingsbury Run, a prehistoric riverbed running from The Flats (the area along the Cuyahoga River near Lake Erie) to about East 90th Street. No suspect was ever officially identified, and no one was brought to trial. The case remains unsolved.

Price learned about the unsolved case over a year ago, and he was interested in making a movie

I was like: This is really wild! And I just started researching and researching, Price said.

Price is originally from Austintown. When he reached out to different producers, Brian Jones responded and said he wanted to help co-produce.

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Ive known him for a while now, and we had a meeting in Austintown. We had lunch and went over everything, Price said.

Jones is originally from Palmyra Township in Portage County. Jones was impressed with a trailer of one of Prices short films.

I was really captivated by the cinematography and the story itself, Jones said.

Both men have worked on a number of short films and said that this is the most extensive project that they have ever had to work on.

Price has had a love for film ever since he used his familys camcorder when he was a child.

Ever since I was a little kid, I have been running around with my mom and dads camera, making skits, and doing community theatre. Thats what Ive always done, Price said.

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Price thinks his time as a police detective helps him with a movie about this subject matter. He takes pride in the realism of the film.

Courtesy: Jon A. Price

We take a lot of pride in the accuracy. A lot of times, filmmakers want to make things bigger than what they actually are, but its very important, especially because its local, that things are accurate, Price said.

Price thanked the Cuyahoga County Archives department for its help with gathering police reports and other materials.

We were blessed by God to be able to have all the reports, the autopsy reports, and everything from the detectives, Price said.

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Price said his time as a detective helps him with the film because he knows how officers usually communicate.

Price and Jones plan to shoot scenes in areas of Cleveland where the murders happened. They also plan to film at a local spot. One of the locations for filming will be at the Thompson House in East Liverpool. The inside of the Thompson House will help give historical context to the film.

Courtesy: WKBN

Courtesy: WKBN

Weve got a lot of amazing, beautiful locations that have basically been given to us, Price said.

They hope to one day show the film at the Cleveland International Film Festival. They both want this film to honor the victims.

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I also want to honor the victims who were slaughtered for absolutely no reason, Price said.

Extras are still needed for the film. For more information on applying to be an extra, visit the Kingsbury Run Facebook page. Filming is scheduled to begin in late June.

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PLATTSBURGH  North Country officials are hopeful that relations between the U.S. and Canada can improve in the wake of Mondays Canadian election.

Now that the election is over, hopefully the two countries can get together and solve these issues and get back to business that will only benefit our areas, Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (R-Area 3, Chazy) said.

Hopefully it will increase our economy and bring more visitors here and that benefits both countries.

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The region has seen a drop in Canadian visitors since Donald Trump became president in January. Canadians have been upset by tariffs imposed and pledged by Trump, and his claims to seek Canada as the 51st U.S. state.

Henry said there is a concern that the lack of Canadian visitors will have a negative impact on Plattsburgh International Airport, which is popular among Canadian travelers, restaurants, marinas and other businesses.

There is a lot of Canadian business down here and losing them is a blow to our area, he said.

Hopefully we can get beyond the rhetoric and get down to business.

Henry said he is hopeful that the administration of Liberal Party Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has been at the helm in Canada since taking over for Justin Trudeau earlier this year, can help improve the situation.

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I can imagine there have been conversations going on behind the scenes, Henry said.

Hopefully they have been a bit calmer, but I cant imagine anyone would be in favor of the status quo... I have to think both sides have impetus to come to an agreement.

STRONG TIES

Michael Cashman, supervisor of the Town of Plattsburgh, which is home to several Canadian manufacturing businesses, said the town deeply values the strong economic and cultural bonds it shares with Canada.

We extend our congratulations to Prime Minister Carney and elected Members of Parliament. I am hopeful that our federal government will seize this moment to re-engage our trusted ally with respect and urgency working together on common-sense solutions, including ending this unnecessary trade war, Cashman said.

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North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said the region has many friends in Canada on both sides.

Whats important to all of us is that Canada has a newly elected government and Prime Minister with a mandate to deal with Washington, Douglas said.

Prime Minister Carney has a long record in finance and banking, including periods as Governor of the Bank of Canada and as Governor of the Bank of England. We congratulate all of the newly elected MPs and wish the Prime Minister and his government well.

JONES

State Assemblyman D. Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) who chairs the Assemblys Task Force on New York Canada Relations, said he hopes that with the election, talks will resume immediately with our federal administration so that we can come to a resolution regarding tariffs and reciprocal tariffs that will lead to furthering the long-standing great relationship weve had with our friends and neighbors to the North.

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This partnership and friendship is vital to the North Country economy and if the tariffs are not repealed, it will continue to hurt local residents and business owners. I continue to work with officials on both sides of the border to find common ground so that we can return to free trade policies that have been mutually beneficial.

BENEFITS BOTH

Henry said the North Country probably has a much sharper perspective on U.S.-Canada relations since the region is so closely tied to them.

Weve had such a long and fruitful history and a beneficial relationship with them for so many years, and hopefully based on this longstanding relationship and friendship, this will turn out good for both countries, Henry said.

Its a two way deal: We need them and they need us too.
APPLING, Ga. (WJBF)  The community continues to mourn the loss of Deputy Brandon Sikes following this weekends officer-involved shooting.

Now, one local organization is working to raise donations for the Sikes family.

Shields and Ladders is an organization in our area that comes alongside first responders when they are the ones in need of help.

Theopolis Knight founded the organization 2 years ago to help first responder families when an unforeseen medical or financial emergency comes their way.

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It affects them a lot more, because theyre used to giving assistance instead of receiving assistance, so they dont reach out. Working in law enforcement, I see that, said Knight.

The goal of these donations is to cover their basic needs, that way they can focus on recovering.

Knight says it all comes down to helping those who strive to help our community.

For example, they might need a relative flown in to take care of their kids or home. Or, they just might need somebody to talk towe want to be there for them. They might need somebody to clean the house, go purchase some food, mow the lawnwere outside of the box. We want to talk to them, and design it just for them, Knight said.

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The organization has helped other previously injured deputies in our area, including Richmond County Deputy Kenneth Mercer after he was shot in the neck 2 years ago while on duty.

Last year, they also worked with the family of Washington County Deputy Gordon Alley, after he became paralyzed from the waist down due to a car crash.

Knight says the work to support the Sikes family is well underway, and they invite the community to join the effort.

We have a meal train going on, we have people bringing food to us, so the community is responding very well. Give us a call, go online and let us know what they want to do. It may not be monetarythey might just want to bring some food in for the families. Well be there for them, said Knight.

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If youd like to make a donation to Shields and Ladders to support the Sikes family, you can go to their website here.

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GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  Today is National Denim Day, its a campaign to raise awareness to sexual assault and victim blaming. The day began in response to a government ruling in Italy for rape conviction.

A woman who was assaulted was wearing jeans in the trial, where the judge said that she couldnt have been raped because jeans are too tight to take off. Every year, people especially at NC Stop Human Trafficking, change that mindset and stay educated.

Everything goes back to becoming more informed, said Darell Ange, a project coordinator at NC Stop Human Trafficking.

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Theres a wealth of information on our website. Go to NC Stop Human Trafficking. org Theres all of our social media with all of our videos And that explains a little more about what trafficking is.

Click the video above for more information.

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GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  A new bill is looking to ban phones in North Carolina public schools, both the State House and Senate passing similar bills. The next step for the bill is to be signed into law by the governor. If passed, policies would need to be in place by the 2025-2026 school year. Local schools in the east have weighed in on the potential ban and how it can impact their school systems.

Pamlico County High School has already had the phone ban enforced to some degree. Principle Becky Lansche tells nine on your side that the teachers have an option to enforce it in their classrooms. Students are allowed to use their phones while transitioning between classes. Its all to promote healthier uses of technology.

Were trying to help them understand that life doesnt happen behind a screen, she said.

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And just kind of putting, you know, healthy boundaries in place to allow them to engage face to face with their classmates and their teachers.

Click the video above for more information.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Students in the Public Safety Academy at Choffin Career and Technical Center will have more hands-on opportunities with a fully equipped police cruiser.

The police cruiser was purchased to give students the ability to simulate routine traffic stops, practice safe vehicle operations, and learn standard police protocols in a safe and controlled environment.

This is another step forward in our mission to give Choffin students access to the tools and experiences that truly prepare them for successful futures, Mike Saville, director of Choffin Career & Technical Center, said in a statement. By investing in resources like the police cruiser, were equipping our students with confidence and skills they can take directly into the workforce or continue to build on through higher education.

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The new cruiser is an addition to the schools fleet of emergency vehicles, which includes a working ambulance and fire truck. They are used as part of the Public Safety Academys instruction in criminal justice, fire, emergency medical services (EMS), telecommunications (911 dispatch) and drone technology.

Students can earn industry-recognized credentials through programming that prepares them for advanced certification or further education, or even immediate employment, according to a news release from the school.

Students also receive training by working alongside law enforcement, fire and EMT professionals.

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Protesters gather outside the Federal Building in Milwaukee to denounce the arrest of Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

Smart, progressive women pose a serious threat to MAGA supremacy. Just ask Elon Musk, who wasted millions of dollars in Wisconsin trying to win a seat on the state Supreme Court for MAGA candidate Brad Schimel, only to watch Susan Crawford clean Schimels clock.

From his first presidential campaign against Hillary Clinton in 2016, Lock her up! has been Donald Trumps battle cry. Restoring the greatness of a white, male-dominated America apparently requires menacing displays of dominance over women in positions of authority. Who can forget Trump acting like a stalker, invading Clintons personal space and looming behind her during a 2016 debate?

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On Friday, a few weeks after MAGA lost its bid to disempower the progressive female majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the Trump administration sent federal agents to arrest Hannah Dugan at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Trumps attorney general and the man he chose to lead the FBI gleefully posted pictures of Dugans perp walk in handcuffs, crowing about this unprecedented assault on the dignity and authority of a judge and the sovereignty of local courts.

On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended Dugan. In order to uphold the publics confidence in the courts of this state during the pendency of the criminal proceeding against Judge Dugan, we conclude, on our own motion, that it is in the public interest that she be temporarily relieved of her official duties, the states highest court said in a two-page letter ordering Judge Dugan temporarily prohibited from exercising the powers of a circuit court judge.

Its a perplexing decision. It didnt arise from any complaint; the Court acted on its own. And Dugan had already been relieved of her duties while she focuses on her defense by the chief judge in Milwaukee, who assigned her calendar to other judges to cover.

Worse, the suspension gives the impression that the federal charges against Dugan are indeed serious. But that impression is not supported by the only evidence the government has produced.

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The justification for Dugans arrest, laid out in a federal criminal complaint, is that she impeded federal law enforcement agents when she objected to ICE disrupting her courts proceedings and ushered the man they came to arrest out a side door. The defendant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who was appearing before Dugan on a misdemeanor battery charge unrelated to his immigration status, exited into the public hallway where the agents were waiting for him. Then they followed him outside and made their arrest  unimpeded.

Fox News claimed Dugan concealed Flores-Ruiz in a jury room. But that assertion is contradicted by the sworn testimony in the governments own criminal complaint.

The complaint features breathlessly sexist descriptions of Dugan appearing visibly angry and walking quickly, as if that were evidence of wrongdoing. But any actual wrongdoing is hard to pinpoint.

Whatever you think of the actual conduct the complaint alleges, says Dean Strang, a law professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law and a long-time Wisconsin criminal defense lawyer, there is a real question about whether theres even arguably any federal crime here.

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The governments behavior, meanwhile, is extraordinarily atypical, for a nonviolent, nondrug charge involving someone who is not a flight risk, says Strang.

The handcuffs, the public arrest at Dugans workplace, the media circus  none of it was normal, or justified. Then Trumps Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel began posting pictures of Dugan in handcuffs on social media to brag about it.

So what is it they are trying to do? asks Strang. His conclusion: Humiliate and terrify, not just her but every other judge in the country.

The bigger issue here, beyond an unprecedented, public display of dominance and intimidation by the Trump administration, is that, in turning federal law enforcement into an arm of his personal, vengeance-themed reality show, Trump is running roughshod over the constitutional principle of federalism, which respects the sovereignty of the states, the integrity of the courts and public safety. Scaring defendants, witnesses and victims away from making court appearances makes it harder to administer justice and makes all of us less safe.

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But youd never know that to listen to Republican state officials, who are championing federal agents barging into courts, schools and churches, forgetting everything they ever said about local control and states rights. On Tuesday, Assembly Republicans led by Speaker Robin Vos sent a letter to Gov. Tony Evers, declaring our caucus believes it is imperative that our laws reflect the need for local law enforcement to comply with these efforts.

Republicans accuse Evers of issuing guidance to state officials that impedes federal ICE raids.

Unfortunately, recent events in Milwaukee have underscored the importance for our state to legislate and enforce compliance with federal immigration law, their letter declares, citing Dugans arrest.

The Republicans demand that Evers rescind guidance telling state agencies that they need not answer questions, hand over files, or allow ICE to enter non-public areas without a warrant.

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Capitulating to an administration that has admitted to deporting U.S. citizens and defied court orders to effect the return of a man it admits was mistakenly sent to a Salvadoran prison is a terrible idea. Big law firms that agreed to drop clients and offer free legal work to appease the Trump administration have eroded trust in the law. Authoritarian undermining of our legal system is a grave danger.

The least the most timid among us can do is insist that the federal government follow the law before caving in. Thats what Dugan did, when she asked if the agents who came to her courtroom to arrest Flores-Ruiz had a judicial warrant. They did not. Nor do they have proof that Dugan herself broke any laws.

The last thing we need right now is more capitulation to MAGA bullying. Stand strong.

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Let's face it: it's never been a particularly good time to be an elderly internet user. Folders can be tough to navigate, Facebook statuses are virtually indistinguishable from the Google search bar, and the mouse pointer is just so darn tiny.

Unfortunately, it's not about to get any easier. Though fake profiles have long been used to scam undiscerning internet users, a growing trend of live-video fakes fueled by AI is targeting the young and old alike.

Called "realtime deepfakes"  deepfakes referring to spoofed images that are growing nearly impossible to distinguish from real life  scammers are now altering their appearance and voices in live videos. It's all powered by generative AI, the same tech that's stuffing the internet with reams of computer-generated slop.

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A deep dive by 404 Media reveals the ways fraudsters are using the lifelike tech to fool users. One video they obtained showed a young Black man appearing as a white guy with a grey beard to a woman he was talking to over Facetime. Another showed a man appearing as a younger woman.

Once a scammer secures their target's confidence through their lifelike voice and appearance, the actual fraud can begin. 404 notes the users of this tech typically deploy romance scams, Medicare fraud, and photo verification schemes.

Another horrifying example called the "grandparent scam" involves criminals impersonating a loved one's voice in order to coerce a payout or con an elderly person into revealing sensitive info, which can then be used to access secure accounts. "I was anxious to get the money out; I'd do anything for my grandchildren," said one Canadian grandmother who'd been targeted for $9,000 in Canadian dollars.

It's easy to rag on the elderly, but the growing sophistication of these tools means that young people, too, are highly susceptible. Research in 2021, for instance, found that the younger generations of gen Z, millennials and gen X were 34 percent more likely to have lost money to fraud than people over the age of 60, though they were more likely to have been conned by fake products and crypto schemes than romance scams.

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The 2024 presidential election also caused mountains of deepfake slop to rain down on social media.

Used to spread memes and disinformation alike, deepfake tools allowed posters like Elon Musk to spoof figures such as Kamala Harris denigrating herself. The line with parody can be blurry; one viral example is the infamous Trump/Biden duet, in which the two political rivals sing a tender Mandarin love song to each other.

Other examples abound, like one audio deepfake that purported to show a Baltimore area principal making derogatory and racist comments, and a financial worker who forked out $25 million after scammers faked a multi-person Zoom call, including an AI fake of the company's chief financial officer.

If celebrities, financial workers, and entire communities can find themselves at the mercy of unscrupulous deepfakers, what chances do our elderly have of resisting deepfake scams?

More on deepfakes: AI Startup Deletes Entire Website After Researcher Finds Something Disgusting There
Its been a painstaking process, but authorities are now ready to ask individuals who may have lost a firearm in the Palisades Fire to come forward.

According to Los Angeles Police Department Chief of Detectives Alan Hamilton, since the fire broke out on Jan. 7, officers recovered approximately 500 guns.

Controlled burn could help figure out how the Palisades Fire started

LAPD officers have been working through the painstaking process of recovering and rendering approximately 500 firearms safe, he said in an LAPD news release. We recognize that these firearms may hold significant sentimental value to their owners, whether as family heirlooms, historical pieces or personal mementos, and we are doing our best to reunite them with their owners.

Weapons recovered after the Palisades Fire. (Photo courtesy: LAPD)

Many of the guns found during the debris removal process have sustained severe fire damage, making them difficult to identify; however, the department is focused on getting belongings back to people who have already gone through so much.

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Despite the condition of these recovered weapons, the department remains committed to ensuring that these items are properly processed, identified and when appropriate, returned to their rightful owners, the LAPD media release states.

Weapons recovered after the Palisades Fire. (Photo courtesy: LAPD)

Anyone who believes they lost a firearm in the Palisades Fire should contact the LAPD Gun Recovery Unit by emailing palisadesfire@lapd.online.

All community members must be able to provide personal identifying information, such as proof of address and a description of the firearm.

To report a firearm as lost property, make a lost property report at any LAPD police station or online at www.lapd.org.

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A wildfire is seen at the Tank Museum in Latrun, about 30 kilometers west of Jerusalem, on April 30, 2025. Israel has raised its emergency alert to the highest level and appealed for international assistance as fast-spreading wildfires erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Israel has raised its emergency alert to the highest level and appealed for international assistance as fast-spreading wildfires erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday.

Footage shared on social media showed drivers fleeing on foot as flames and thick black smoke loomed in the distance.

The Fire and Rescue Services said about 120 teams from across the country, supported by firefighting planes and helicopters, were deployed to contain the flames, and another 22 teams were on their way.

Five communities were evacuated, and others were instructed to prepare for possible evacuation. A section of the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway was closed by the police.

The Magen David Adom medical emergency service said in a statement that medics were treating 12 people for mild smoke inhalation, including two babies.

Fire and Rescue Authority Commissioner Eyal Caspi said he had activated the fire service's national emergency plans and raised the alert level to its highest. "Following a situational assessment, firefighting teams were being mobilized from all districts nationwide," he said.

Eyal Cohen, deputy commander of the Jerusalem District of the Fire and Rescue Authority, said Israel had requested firefighting assistance from regional neighbors. State-owned Kan TV reported that the countries include Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, and Italy.

The Israel Defense Forces said the military has sent forces to firefighting and evacuation, adding that "aerial support has also been deployed to provide a real-time operational picture."

Unseasonably high temperatures of around 35 degrees Celsius, combined with wind gusts of up to 70 km per hour, were fanning the flames and complicating firefighting efforts, officials said.

As Israel marks Memorial Day for fallen soldiers from sunset, April 29, to nightfall, April 30 this year, ceremonies at the Latrun Armored Corps Memorial were cancelled due to the wildfire. The Defense Ministry urged the public to avoid traveling to military cemeteries, where tens of thousands are expected to gather for commemorative events. 

This photo taken on April 30, 2025 shows a highway closed due to a wildfire near Jerusalem. Israel has raised its emergency alert to the highest level and appealed for international assistance as fast-spreading wildfires erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

A highway is closed in both directions due to a wildfire near Jerusalem, April 30, 2025. Israel has raised its emergency alert to the highest level and appealed for international assistance as fast-spreading wildfires erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

A wildfire is seen near Jerusalem on April 30, 2025. Israel has raised its emergency alert to the highest level and appealed for international assistance as fast-spreading wildfires erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

A firefighter extinguishes fire as wildfire rages for the second day near Jerusalem, May 1, 2025. Israel has raised its emergency alert to the highest level and appealed for international assistance as fast-spreading wildfires erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

Firefighters extinguish fire as wildfire rages for the second day near Jerusalem, May 1, 2025. Israel has raised its emergency alert to the highest level and appealed for international assistance as fast-spreading wildfires erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

A firefighter extinguishes fire as wildfire rages for the second day near Jerusalem, May 1, 2025. Israel has raised its emergency alert to the highest level and appealed for international assistance as fast-spreading wildfires erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

A helicopter extinguishes fire as wildfire rages for the second day near Jerusalem, May 1, 2025. Israel has raised its emergency alert to the highest level and appealed for international assistance as fast-spreading wildfires erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

A helicopter takes part in firefighting as wildfire rages for the second day near Jerusalem, May 1, 2025. Israel has raised its emergency alert to the highest level and appealed for international assistance as fast-spreading wildfires erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

A firefighter extinguishes fire as wildfire rages for the second day near Jerusalem, May 1, 2025. Israel has raised its emergency alert to the highest level and appealed for international assistance as fast-spreading wildfires erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

A helicopter takes part in firefighting as wildfire rages for the second day near Jerusalem, May 1, 2025. Israel has raised its emergency alert to the highest level and appealed for international assistance as fast-spreading wildfires erupted in the hills west of Jerusalem on Wednesday. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  A video of a middle schooler calling an Asian American boy racial slurs received local and national attention, sparking outrage among community members who called for action from Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS).

The 5-year-old boys family shared the video, which appears to have been filmed by the middle school student outside of the 5-year-olds house. In the video, you can hear the boy saying, No, dont hurt me, as the middle schooler calls him racial slurs. The boy says, Save me, and tries to run away.

At one point, the middle schooler says, Listen here, fella. Are you having dumplings for dinner?

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After about two minutes, the boys mother opens the door and her son runs inside.

LCPS Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence confirmed that the middle schooler attends Eagle Ridge Middle School, noting that the incident happened outside of school hours and off school grounds.

Spence said that racial slurs and hate speech have no place in LCPS schools or in the broader Loudoun County community.

In a wonderfully diverse county like Loudoun, it is not just our responsibility, it is our moral obligation, to honor the dignity and humanity of each individual, he wrote in a statement, in part. We must teach our children to see their classmates and their neighbors not as others, but as fellow human beings deserving of compassion and respect. We recognize the powerful expectation that schools lead the way in modeling what is right and just. And we embrace that responsibility.

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Eagle Ridge Middle School Principal Scott Phillips shared a similar sentiment, calling the behavior captured in the video unacceptable.

Philips said that school officials were treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves, but could not share specific details about individual student records or disciplinary actions.

LCPS said it was taking the following steps in light of the incident:

Discrimination is not tolerated and incidents of harassment, hate speech and bullying are addressed in the Student Code of Conduct. LCPS policy is already clear on this. Policy 8030

Regulation 8030.3 The school has been directly engaged with the students and parents involved and is offering support through the schools Unified Mental Health Team, including for the 5-year-old child and his family, who were the target of hate speech. The Division of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility is offering supports and resources to the school, and the schools Equity Team is developing a campaign through the schools advisory program to ensure students and staff are reminded about LCPS expectations for non-discrimination and to help students and staff think about positive and proactive steps we can take to end racial harassment in the school and community. LCPS takes a strong position against these behaviors and has the following resources available for staff, families, and students: Student Mental Health Services

Bullying Prevention | Student Services

LCPS Protocol for Responding to Racial Slurs and Hate Speech in Schools Immediate Actions

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A woman said in a Facebook post that her friends 5-year-old was the boy in the video. She shared a statement from the boys parents in which they called for a safer, kinder America.

The parents stated on a website that they reported the incident to the school and police, but that accountability remains uncertain.

This moment offers us a chance to pause, reflect, and recommit to the shared values that bind us: inclusion, empathy, and a deep belief in the worth of every person. Let us use this as an opportunity to reset how we treat one another and how we teach our children to do the same. Aaron Spence, LCPS Superintendent

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SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS )  Approximately 30,000 Louisianans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Health experts in Louisiana are inviting you to help turn this number around.

The Promising Practices Conference, a joint effort between Louisianas cancer researchers, medical providers, and community health advocates, is a yearly collaboration to share health and wellness information across the state.

The US has nearly 900 measles cases, and 10 states have active outbreaks. Heres what to know

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This years conference aims to target vaping, help identify cancer risks, and inspire the community to take action. Experts will discuss cancer-causing behaviors, prevention methods, and current research on tackling cancer.

Guests are invited to share ideas, explore challenges, and collaborate on practical solutions.

Some of the community topics slated for the event include:

Vaping and smoking trends among Louisiana youth

Misconceptions about vaping and safety

Engaging people and populations in research studies

The free event, hosted by the Louisiana Cancer Research Centers Office of Community Engagement, will take place at the LSU Shreveport University Center Ballroom on May 9 from 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. You can attend virtually or in person, with lunch provided.

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Registration is open online on the Promising Practices Conference website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Sen. Patrick McMath looks ahead from his desk in the Senate Chamber. (Allison Allsop/Louisiana Illuminator)

Louisiana lawmakers advanced sweeping nutrition legislation that would regulate purchases of sugary beverages with federal food assistance and limit what ingredients can be served in public school lunches.

Senate Bill 14 by Sen. Patrick McMath, R-Covington, cleared the Louisiana Senate Committee of Health and Welfare on a party-line 4-3 vote, with Republicans prevailing.

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McMaths bill is part of a nationwide backlash against ultra-processed foods, food dyes, seed oils and certain chemicals in foods that U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has targeted for elimination.

Kennedy is the central figure of the Make America Healthy Again movement. McMath said he is working with Kennedy on his bill.

I think, for the first time in a very long time, and perhaps maybe ever, Americans, Louisianians, are paying close attention to what our individual health outcomes are and our individual health outcomes for our children and our grandchildren, McMath said.

Democrats on the committee raised concerns that the legislature is not taking a holistic look at the factors causing poor health outcomes in Louisiana.

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Louisiana has a lot of chemical industry in our state. Those plants produce a lot of carcinogens thats in the air we breathe, and we tend to turn our backs sometimes and let those things go, Sen. Jay Luneau, D-Alexandria, said. So we need to be more mindful and consider all of those things.

In an interview after the hearing, McMath said his bill is a starting point toward addressing larger issues in Louisiana.

The types of environments that were surrounded by can be pretty toxic, McMath said. And while I would love to wave a magic wand and clean up air and water and other things, I think the lowest hanging fruit  is we can start with the food that were that were putting in our body.

The original version of his legislation banned the purchase of soft drinks with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits but was amended to prohibit buying beverages with more than five grams of added sugar or any artificial sweetener. Drinks that include milk or milk substitutes would be exempt from this prohibition.

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Democrats also objected to this provision of the bill, saying it would further marginalize poor children who could be ostracized for not being able to afford lunchbox items their peers can.

McMaths SNAP restrictions are actually more limited than those in previous legislative proposals, which have included bans on chips and candy. McMath said he was aware many Louisianians live in food deserts, and he did not want to prevent people who might only be able to shop at convenience stores from eating.

If McMaths bill passes, the state would still have to receive permission from the federal government to limit SNAP benefits.

Further amendments on the bill removed references to ultra-processed foods and instead listed ingredients prohibited in school lunches. They include food dyes that are common allergens and zero-calorie sweeteners such as sucralose, more commonly known as Splenda.

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The committee adopted amendments to allow food items with prohibited ingredients to be sold in vending machines and from concession stands at school events.

The bill also requires food packages to include a warning that the contents may be harmful to your health if it includes certain ingredients. That list includes aspartame, a common zero-calorie sweetener.

McMaths legislation would also require restaurants to post notices when they use oils derived from the seeds of plants.

Certain medical professionals would be required to take nutrition courses as part of their continuing education under the bill that heads next to the Senate floor.

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NEW ORLEANS, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Women who played an essential role in making Mardi Gras what it is are finally being honored for their contributions.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana State Museum announce the opening of Pioneers of Womens Carnival. The exhibition at the Presbytere on Jackson Square celebrates the contributions of women who have helped shape Mardi Gras into the cultural experience it is today.

Costume design Krewe Of Venus Maid Costume (1957), designed by Kathryn

Dyer

While there are Mardi Gras celebrations worldwide, the most significant ones arguably take place in Louisiana.

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Mardi Gras terminology and what it means

Historically, Mardi Gras is the culmination of carnival. Loosely translated as festival of flesh, carnival is a season lasting up to two months and has roots as far back as the Roman Empire. Carnival was a time with fewer rules and lower inhibitions. For the duration, people could do things that were not typically socially acceptable. When the Roman Empire adopted Christianity, the concept of carnival was paired with Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and self-denial in imitation of Jesus Christs fasting in the wilderness. The carnival period, with its decreased rules, culminated with one last day of celebration, Mardi Gras, followed by a period of fasting, Lent.

In Louisiana, the period of parades and celebrations that lead up to Mardi Gras still exists and was largely influenced by women.

Costume design for the Captain of the Krewe of Noblads (1967), designed by San Nicholas

The first all-womens krewes were short-lived. The original, Les Mysterieuses, was formed in 1896 and disbanded after hosting two Carnival balls. The Butterflies, Mittens, and Empyreans all formed and dissolved before 1920.

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A featured part of the exhibition concentrates on Aminthe Laudumiey Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungessers great aunt, who pushed for womens inclusion and founded the Krew of Iris in 1917 and the Krew of Venus, the first parading womens organization, in 1940. Iris is the oldest womens Carnival Krewe today, and the largest of any New Orleans krewe, while Venus disbanded in 1992.

Aminthe Nungesser founder of the Krewe of Iris and the Krewe of Venus.

The work of those early groups still resonates today, and there has been a resurgence of all-womens krewes in the past 25 years. The Krewe of Muses, Femme Fatale, Athena, and others were founded in the last quarter-century.

The Pioneers of Womens Carnival will feature costumes and costume designs, photographs, parade throws, and ball favors. The exhibit opens to the public on Friday, May 9, at the Presbytere and will run through Summer 2026.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, is a partial owner of a nursing home that is being sued for wrongful death. He owns the nursing home with Sen. Bob Hensgens, R-Abbeville, among others. (Hilary Scheinuk/The Advocate-Pool)

One of Louisianas most powerful legislators and his colleague are co-owners of a nursing home that faces a wrongful death lawsuit from the family of a former resident.

The case against their facility is playing out as both lawmakers and the rest of the Louisiana Legislature consider controversial legislation to undercut similar legal challenges, but the lawmakers say the bill has nothing to do with their business.

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Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, and Sen. Bob Hensgens, R-Abbeville, are part of a 10-person ownership group for the Acadia St. Landry Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Church Point. Hensgens is also the administrator of the nursing home. Two other members of his family are also part of the ownership group, according to state business records.

The children of Cynthia Stewart filed a lawsuit and medical malpractice claim against Hensgens and Henrys nursing home in April 2024, less than two months after Stewart died at age 74. She had spent almost 15 months as a resident at Acadia St. Landry when she developed a severe bed sore at the base of her spine in November 2023, according to the lawsuit her family filed in Louisianas 8th Judicial District Court in Winn Parish.

Senate Bill 134 by Sen. Thomas Pressly, R-Shreveport, seeks to reduce the liability from wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits for dozens of Louisiana nursing homes  from potentially millions of dollars per institution to just $100,000. The Senate passed the legislation on a 26-11 vote Wednesday, with Henry and Hensgens voting in favor.

The two senators say the bill wouldnt affect Acadia St. Landry because it has a different organizational structure than the facilities the legislation is meant to shield.



We dont have a management company, and that bill is exclusive for management companies, Hensgens said Tuesday in an interview.



There is no management company associated with Acadia St. Landry, Henry said Tuesday in response to a question about the legislation. The bill deals with management companies.



While Hensgens and Henry say the legislation wont protect their business, nursing home lobbyists suggested in public testimony last week that the attorneys who filed the lawsuit against Acadia St. Landry are targets of the bill.



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Garcia & Artigliere describes itself as a nursing home neglect and abuse law firm with offices in California, Arizona, Kentucky and Louisiana. It has 66 lawsuits pending against facilities in Louisiana, including Acadia St. Landry.



The Louisiana Nursing Home Association claims the litigation threatens to put their industry out of business.



Were going to have those health care facilities turning in their keys because they cant do business in this state anymore if these lawsuits continue, Wes Hataway, policy director for the nursing home association, said at a legislative hearing last week.

Also pushing the bill to protect nursing homes is Teddy Ray Price, part of the Acadia St. Landry ownership group with Henry and Hensgens.



Price, who is also president of the Louisiana Nursing Home Association, and his family own two dozen nursing homes in Louisiana and a nursing home management company. Garcia & Artigliere has sued five of his facilities and Central Management Co., the nursing home management business he owns.

Price could not be reached at his office or on his personal cellphone this week.

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You got to turn your mother



According to the lawsuit, Stewarts wound was only discovered when she was transferred from Acadia St. Landry to Maison de Lafayette Nursing Home. But by that time, it had grown so severe that her bone was exposed and she had contracted sepsis. She then had to be immediately moved to a hospital for treatment, according to the lawsuit.



The family alleges the wound developed because Acadia St. Landry failed to provide proper medical supervision to Stewart while she was a resident. Her survivors claim Central Management Co. intentionally understaffed the nursing home to turn a higher profit.



Acadia St. Landry ranks poorly, with only one out of five stars, on the widely accepted rating scale the federal Medicare program uses. A one-star rating describes a much below average facility, according to the Medicare website. The ratings are calculated based on the results of health inspections, staffing and other quality control measures government inspectors conduct.



Registered nurses at Acadia St. Landry spent an average of nine minutes with each patient per day, compared with the national average of 40 minutes and a Louisiana average of 18 minutes, according to the federal data.



The facilitys patient time with licensed professional nurses and licensed vocational nurses  who require less training and are paid far less than registered nurses  was higher than the national and state averages.



Geoffrey Stewart, Cynthia Stewarts son, expanded on accusations in the lawsuit at a legislative committee hearing last week, though he didnt identify the nursing home by name. He also didnt mention that lawmakers own the facility.

The question that I have for you is: How difficult is it to turn a patient every two hours? Apparently, its really hard, Stewart told legislators. So hard that whenever I visited, I had to go search for employees to come and turn my mother. I had to bring cash with me every time I went to give money to [staff members to] come and turn my mother.

I was there. I went to that place. I visited her, knowing the fear that she was in. I went, Stewart said. But the message here tonight is, you cant just go. You got to pull back sheets. You got to turn your mother.

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Henry declined to respond to the specifics of the Stewart case because of the pending litigation but said Acadia St. Landry meets state and federal staffing requirements.

Lawsuit and legislation limits

Henry and Hensgens also insist that even though Prices Central Management Co. is named in the Stewart lawsuit, it is not working with or for Acadia St. Landry.



The distinction over whether Central Management Co. or another management company has a hand in operations in Acadia St. Landry could be essential to the outcome of the lawsuit they face.



Nursing homes are, in general, protected from large jury awards by Louisianas medical malpractice act, which caps damages against health care providers for unintentional injury at $500,000.



Of that $500,000, a nursing home found to be negligent pays no more than $100,000. The rest of the money comes from a state pool fund that several types of health care providers contribute to for covering such claims.



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Over the past year, Garcia & Artigliere has circumvented that cap by arguing that nursing home management companies like Central Management arent health care providers and shouldnt be subjected to the medical malpractice law. Instead, they should be considered administrators that can be held responsible for larger jury awards.



Garcia & Artigliere have been successful in two such cases against Louisiana nursing homes so far. Its clients have received a $3.5 million verdict against Chateau St. James Rehab and Retirement in Lutcher and $2.1 million from Heritage Manor West in Shreveport.

The purpose of Senate Bill 134 is to shut down this legal route to larger awards. Hattaway, with Louisiana Nursing Home Association, and others argue the states medical malpractice act was always meant to cover these types of negligence cases. The legislation would bring management companies for health care providers, including nursing homes and hospitals, under that legal cap.

But if Acadia St. Landry is not using a management company, Hensgens said the medical malpractice law applies to their lawsuit whether the Pressly bill passes or not.

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Big politics



Louisiana nursing home owners, some of the largest donors to candidates for the legislature and governor every election cycle, are the main supporters of the legislation. Price attended last weeks hearing on Presslys bill in person but didnt speak publicly.

One of the few people who did testify in favor of the proposal was Troy Broussard, an attorney representing Hensgens, Henry, Price and other owners of Acadia St. Landry.

Matt Coman, a New Orleans-based attorney with Garcia & Artigliere who represents the Stewart family, provided testimony in opposition to the legislation.

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AARP Louisiana, the states largest advocacy organization for seniors, also opposes the bill, saying it would put more elderly people at risk for abuse.

Weve always maintained that our legislators should put their constituents ahead of any financial interests related to the outcome of the bill, Andrew Muhl, AARPs state director of advocacy, said in a statement this week.



If the supporters of this bill are successful, it means there will be a complete lack of due process for abuse and neglect due to perpetually poor and unsafe levels of basic care for our most vulnerable seniors, Muhl said.



The committee sided overwhelmingly with the nursing home industry. Hensgens, as a committee member, voted with the 6-1 majority to move the legislation to the Senate floor.



Neither Hensgens nor Henry had been part of a nursing home ownership group until 2022, when they bought Acadia St. Landry with Price and others. At the time, Henry was not in legislative leadership. Hensgens, who has worked in the nursing home industry for three decades, said he and his brother were responsible for putting together the buyers group.



My younger brother ran it for about 15 years for previous owners, and the gentleman got to be 85 years old. No one in the family wanted it, so he came to us and said, Would you like to buy it? Hensgens said. And we put together the investment group so we could afford it.

Nursing homes in Louisiana arent sold frequently, and there is state prohibition on any new homes opening.

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Jackson Parish Sheriff's Office photo

Last September, a young person at Louisianas Jackson Parish Jail tried to kill himself, according to documents The Appeal obtained. When he called his dad and told him he was on suicide watch, his father started to cry.

During a previous facility inspection, a licensing specialist from the Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) reported that the jail failed to identify youth who may be at risk of suicide or who may need prompt mental health services.

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OJJ licensing specialists visited the jail multiple times between July and February and found the facility violated state regulations 83 times. The Appeal also received reports for an additional 11 juvenile detention facilities inspected during the same period. Jackson Parish had more violations than the combined total of those facilities and almost 12 times more than the second-worst lock-up.

The Jackson Parish Sheriffs Office and the Office of Juvenile Justice did not answer a list of questions sent by The Appeal.

A chart compares the many violations the Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice found at the Jackson Parish Jail with far fewer incidents at other facilities it examined.

Inspectors detailed numerous violations of the kids rights. In February, an OJJ inspector reported that the Jackson Parish Jail failed to ensure the youth are available for the minimum minutes in a school day as required by law.

During multiple visits, specialists observed that the young people had no privacy when using the bathroom.

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Based upon observations, the providers bathroom facilities are not designed to allow youth to shower and/or perform bodily functions without others viewing them naked, an OJJ specialist wrote in a February report. At the time, the jail held 20 young people. Their ages were not listed.

In another report, a specialist wrote that a youth was observed on the toilet using the restroom in full view of other youth.

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Since 2022, civil rights attorneys have fought a protracted legal battle to ensure incarcerated kids receive the services theyre entitled to in a supportive environment. That year, the state announced it would send children to the Louisiana State Penitentiary, better known as Angola. A federal judge allowed the transfers to proceed, ruling that the unit is therapeutic and rehabilitative while maintaining discipline, safety, and security, in line with OJJs rehabilitative, not punitive, mission.

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But after that judge visited the prison a year later, she ordered all children removed from Angola, finding that they are being victimized, traumatized, and seriously and irreparably harmed. State officials moved the kids to the Jackson Parish Jail. Since then, children at the jail have said that theyve been held in solitary confinement, sprayed with mace, shot with pepper balls, and denied educational and therapeutic services.

In November, OJJ terminated its contract with the Jackson Parish Sheriffs Office, but the facility continues to hold kids. Invoices show that the agency paid the sheriffs office more than $82,000 and over $86,000 for juvenile housing for December 2024 and January 2025, respectively. OJJ was billed more than $47,000 for Marchs juvenile housing.

OJJs inspection reports echo many of the same issues documented by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, which visited the jail last April. As of July 1, 2024, OJJ became responsible for regulating and licensing juvenile detention facilities.

Although federal law requires that carceral facilities separate juveniles and adults by both sight and sound, an OJJ inspector reported in July that two adult detainees were housed in a room that was licensed to house children. The inspector did not specify if kids were also present. However, multiple young people have told the court that they frequently encounter adult detainees.

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The guards, who all wear sheriff deputy uniforms, did not keep me safe when I arrived here, one child said in a January statement. I was jumped by other kids thirteen (13) times, and once I was beaten up by guards.

He says guards maced him seven or eight times.

The mace really stings, he said.

OJJ investigators found that the Jackson Parish Jail improperly handled suicide attempts that occurred in September and October.

According to a report on the September attempt, video shows a young person tying a ligature while an officer sat at a desk. About seven minutes later, the youth attempted to harm himself. The officer then radioed for assistance.

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[OJJ] [s]pecialists observed very little to no movement by staff during this time, the investigator wrote. Staff members must be moving around. The bunks are a critical issue and need to be addressed immediately to avoid any more attempts of suicide.

The young person was placed on suicide watch. But, from Sept. 9 to Sept. 17, jail staff missed over 50 scheduled checks, which must occur every 15 minutes.

The OJJ specialist interviewed staff members who had spoken with the youth: three counselors, a nursing assistant, and several corrections officers. A counselor reported that the young person should speak with a psychiatrist, but documents do not indicate that he ever did.

One of the counselors told the OJJ specialist that only the nurse practitioner could take the young person off suicide watch.

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In violation of state regulations, the jail also failed to report the suicide attempt to the parent/legal guardian, defense counsel, and judge of record.

Another report details an Oct. 30 suicide attempt, but its unclear if it involved the same person who attempted suicide in September.

In the October case, the report says jail staff failed to properly monitor the youth.

Based upon record review, the level of mental health supervision provided to C-1 [the youth] was not determined by a qualified mental health professional, the OJJ specialist wrote. Provider failed to provide current policy for Suicide Management and Prevention.

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Instead of conducting in-person suicide watch checks, the report says jail staff monitored the young person using camerasyet another violation of state regulations. On nine separate occasions, staff did not conduct the required 15-minute checks.

In a 2021 photo, a fence surrounds the perimeter of the Jetson Correctional Center for Youth in East Baton Rouge Parish. (Julie ODonoghue/Louisiana Illuminator)

The reports also detail abuse by employees. During a five-week period from August to September, staff sprayed kids with a chemical agent at least 15 times, sometimes multiple times a day. After one incident, the staff failed to obtain immediate medical follow-ups for two young people. Specialists also found that the jail violated the required staff-to-youth ratio of 1 to 8. On one occasion, the specialist observed one staff member supervising 15 youth.

In a January inspection report, an OJJ specialist said he viewed footage of a jailer using a chemical agent against a youth. Although a medical professional told the specialist that he had conducted an assessment of the victim, there was no documentation that any examination had occurred.

The specialist viewed a video of another attack that occurred on the same day. In that case, two staffers used a type of intervention on a youth that was not an approved physical escort technique, physical restraint, or mechanical restraint device. The investigator said the detainee was removed in a seated position, and that the restraint techniques were disproportionate to the actions and behavior the youth exhibited. The specialist said the youth was not threatening themselves or others.

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The two staff members each had an arm extended above [the victims] head and behind his back, and were walking out of the room while dragging [the victim] out by the arms.

After reviewing the inspection reports provided by The Appeal, David Utter, a member of the kids legal team, said that two state agencies have found the jail to be severely lacking in the most basic treatment and rehabilitative and educational programs.

Utter said that decades of research show that subjecting children to these types of conditions has catastrophic consequences.

Kids do better when theyre home, he told The Appeal. Kids do better when we wrap services around them in their community. But Louisiana keeps on sending children to these punitive environments in the face of proven justice policy.

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AUSTIN, Texas (KETK)  Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued a statement on Tuesday regarding the Texas Senates unanimous passage of East Texas Senator Bryan Hughess Senate Bill 31.

Bethesda Pediatrics provides affordable healthcare thanks to East Texas Giving Day

Senate Bill 31, which is known as the Life of the Mother Act, explains the current law against abortions and clears up the definition of life threatening to physicians. The bill helps clarify the proper practice of treating a pregnant woman who is at risk of death or suffering damage to a major bodily function.

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Since 2021, abortions in Texas have essentially ceased, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. As a Christian and a conservative, I celebrate that tens of thousands of tiny Texans have been saved and that Texas has led the way in protecting life nationwide. SB 31, which is only designed to provide legal clarity for doctors in rare cases when a mothers life is threatened, is supported by Texas Right to Life, Texas Alliance for Life, and other life groups. I thank Sen. Hughes for his continued passionate defense of life.

Camp V holds BBQ cook-off to celebrate East Texas Giving Day

Next, the Texas House of Representatives will have to pass their version of the bill, HB 44, before the act can advance to Governor Greg Abbotts desk to be signed into law.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council Information Office on Wednesday released a white paper titled "Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Origins Tracing: China's Actions and Stance."

The National Health Commission has responded to questions raised by the press regarding the white paper.

Q1: What's the background of issuing the white paper, Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Origins-Tracing: China's Actions and Stance, and what information does it contain?

A: Since the outbreak of Covid-19, China has been open and transparent in sharing information, and generous and selfless in providing aid. Its efforts in response and commitment to transparency have been highly acclaimed by the international community. However, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri accused China of "hoarding medical supplies" and ruled that China must pay Missouri 24.49 billion USD in compensation for COVID-related losses; and recently, an article published on the official website of the White House blamed the origin of the virus on China, where some U.S. politicians made spurious allegations, accusing China of concealing pandemic information from the world and hoarding medical supplies.

In such context, China released this white paper to present a systematic overview of China's key achievement in tracing the origins of Covid-19, to attest to its contribution to international cooperation in the response to the global pandemic, and to advance scientific endeavors and foster global collaboration as a responsible major country in this critical domain. Despite being the world's largest economy and most developed country, the U.S. failed to make contributions commensurate with its capabilities; even worse, it blamed its own problems on others and sabotaged collaborative global efforts to address the crisis. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns such practice.

The white paper contains a preface, the main body, and a conclusion, in total 14,000 Chinese characters. The main body has three chapters: "Contributing Chinese Wisdom to the Study of the Origins of SARS-CoV-2", "China's Contribution to the Global Fight against Covid-19", and "The Mismanaged Response of the US to the Covid-19 Pandemic".

Q2: How is the origins study of SARS-CoV-2 going in China? Where should the next step be taken?

A: Since the outbreak of Covid-19, China has consistently dedicated substantial resources to collaborative research into the origins of the virus participated by Chinese and international scientists. Upholding its commitment to international responsibilities and scientific soundness with openness and transparency, the country spearheaded research initiatives in critical fields such as clinical epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, environmental epidemiology, and the identification of intermediate animal hosts. China closely cooperated with the World Health Organization (WHO) on the study of the virus origins with a strong sense of global responsibility and transparency, and in 2020 and 2021 invited WHO expert teams to China to carry out joint investigations. On March 30, 2021, the WHO organized a member state information session and press conference to present the findings about the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and published the "WHO-convened Global Study of Origins of SARS-CoV-2: China Part-Joint WHO-China Study" on its official website. To date, no findings have contradicted the conclusions of the "Joint WHO-China Study".

The next phase of the origins study should be conducted mainly in the U.S. A large number of studies have pinned the origin of the virus outside of China. A U.S. CDC study reveals that out of 7,389 serological survey samples collected from nine states from December 13, 2019 to January 17, 2020, 106 were Covid-19 antibody positive. This suggests that the virus existed in the U.S. before the first official case was identified. Similarly, the NIH "All of Us" Research Program tested 24,079 blood samples collected from participants across 50 states from January 2 to March 18, 2020, identifying nine containing Covid-19 antibodies. The earliest two were collected on January 7 and 8, respectively. These findings show that the virus was circulating in the U.S. at a low level as early as December 2019, well before the first official cases were recorded. An expert associated with The Lancet suggested that SARS-CoV-2 might not have come from nature; instead, it probably came from an incident at a U.S. bio-technology lab. Between 2006 and 2013, the U.S. reported at least 1,500 serious laboratory incidents involving coronaviruses and other highly dangerous pathogens linked to diseases such as SARS, MERS, Ebola, anthrax, smallpox, and avian influenza.

These questionable events all suggest that Covid-19 may have emerged earlier than the U.S. official timeline, and earlier than the outbreak in China. A thorough and in-depth investigation into the origins of the virus should be conducted in the U.S. The U.S. must not continue to turn a deaf ear to this call; rather, it should respond to the reasonable concern of the international community, share the data of earlier suspected cases with the WHO, and give a responsible answer to the world.

Q3: How does China comment on the performance of the U.S. in its response to Covid-19?

A: The delayed and ineffective response to Covid-19 in the U.S. made it the worst performing country in handling of the pandemic.

In January 2020, the federal government of the U.S., choosing to downplay the severity of the transmission, labelled the novel coronavirus pneumonia as a case of "bad flu" which would "disappear" automatically one day, touted hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin as "wonder drugs" without solid scientific evidence, and even advocated the use of detergents to control infections and transmissions, becoming a laughing stock in the scientific community. The U.S. government also deprived its citizens of the right to be informed of updated pandemic information. From March 3, 2020, the U.S. CDC stopped releasing key data on Covid-19, including tallying the people tested for the virus, on the grounds that its information might not be "accurate". Over the next three years or so, people in the U.S. could only find information about the pandemic from estimated data collected and reported by non-governmental institutions such as the Johns Hopkins University. By mid-April 2020, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the U.S. had exceeded 660,000. However, with an eye on the upcoming presidential elections, the Administration announced that the pandemic had "passed the peak," and rushed to roll out plans to reopen the economy. Insisting that citizens should be "free to choose," the government of Florida demanded schools across the state to reopen, leading to widespread infection among teachers and students.

Covid-19 overwhelmed the costly and profit-driven U.S. medical system, and vulnerable groups such as the impoverished, ethnic minorities, and senior citizens were the first to be abandoned in treatment. According to a report from the Associated Press in June 2020, of every 10 deaths in the U.S., eight were people over 65 years old. With a strained medical system, infected people could not receive timely care and death toll surged. The American people's rights to life and health were in no way being guaranteed on an equal basis.

Data from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics shows that the life expectancy in the country fell from 78.8 years in 2019 to 77 in 2020, and further declined to 76.1 in 2021, a decrease of 2.7 years from 2019. For comparison, life expectancy in China rose from 77.3 years in 2019, to 77.93 in 2020, 78.2 in 2021, 78.3 in 2022, and 78.6 in 2023, signaling a steady improvement in population health.

U.S. CDC data released in May 2023 revealed that deaths due to Covid-19 in the U.S. totaled 1.13 million, accounting for 16.4 percent of concurrent global deaths reported by the WHO. These figures were out of alignment with the overall population size, economic strength, and level of medical technology of the U.S., and were indicative of its ineffective and unscientific response policies.

The U.S. not only botched its own response to Covid-19, but also obstructed and sabotaged international cooperation in various ways. The deliberate concealment of information by the U.S. government misled other countries and the WHO in the research and analysis of Covid-19 trends. The U.S. government publicly announced that it would take an America First approach in vaccine supply and vaccination, keeping hoarding excess vaccines and agitating vaccine nationalism on the one hand, and waging a smear campaign to discredit China's vaccines on the other. A U.S. think tank criticized the U.S. for its reluctance to provide foreign aid, saying this practice would expose the country as a "selfish isolationist when its help was most desperately needed."

Q4: The Missouri and other U.S. state governments have initiated groundless lawsuits against China, holding China accountable for the pandemic. What is China's comment on this?

A: The groundless lawsuit of Missouri is a politically motivated farce orchestrated by state governments out of political self-interest that has ignored basic facts and violated fundamental legal norms. It is an affront to the sovereignty and dignity of all nations and to the international rule of law. China rejects such proceedings and will never accept a judgement delivered in absentia.

The allegations in the judgement that China concealed pandemic information from the world and that China hoarded medical supplies are groundless. In the early stage of the outbreak, China provided clear information to the international community, adopting an open and transparent approach in releasing relevant information to the world. By May 31, 2020, the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism and the Information Office of the State Council had held 161 press conferences, during which over 490 officials from more than 50 government departments answered over 1,400 questions from Chinese and foreign media.

China tried every possible means to provide materials and assistance. From January 2020 to May 2022, China offered over 4.6 billion protective suits, 18 billion test kits, and 430 billion masks to 15 international organizations and 153 countries, including the U.S.

In 2020, China sent 38 medical expert teams to 34 countries assisting in local pandemic control efforts, sharing China's experience and practice in preventing and controlling the epidemic, and medical treatment plans.

China made a significant contribution to the global fight against the pandemic, for which China deserves recognition and fair treatment, rather than blames and damage claims. In contrast, the incompetent responses of the Missouri state government led to a mortality rate ranking among the highest in the U.S. Now the state government is trying to shift the blame for its failures, which is both irresponsible and unethical, a selfish and evading presence. China will never accede to demands for compensation claimed on baseless allegations, and will take resolute countermeasures in defense of its legitimate rights.

Q5: How China played its roles as WHO member in global health governance?

A: Since the outbreak of Covid-19, China lost no time in sharing information on the epidemic updates and genome sequencing to the international community including the WHO. China invited multiple WHO international expert missions to conduct joint research on its territory. China provided tremendous supplies and aid to the international community to the best of its ability and shared the experience of pandemic prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment. Constantly sticking to the shared idea of a community with a shared future for mankind, China has made significant contributions to the global fight against pandemic by carrying out international cooperations.

In early 2020, the WHO dispatched warnings to the international community including the U.S., reminding of "a possible pandemic on a larger scale". On April 10, the U.S. government, which up till then had dismissed the WHO admonitions as sensational, began to accuse the media, WHO officials and Democratic congressmen of incompetence in fighting against the pandemic. On April 14, the U.S. government announced for the first time that it would suspend funding to the WHO on the ground that the organization had not performed its fundamental duties.

On January 20, 2025, the current U.S. government again announced its withdrawal from the WHO on the excuses that it had failed in responding to the pandemic and yielded to China's influence. Far from reflecting on its own incompetence during the pandemic, the U.S. government has gone too far in shifting the blame, which will further harm its competence in responding to new emergencies to the public health.

China supports the United Nations and the WHO in playing and enhancing their mandatory roles and the capacity building of global health governance. China has been, and will be, active in participating in the WHO's efforts in preventing and responding to emergencies in public health, in implementing and amending the "International Health Regulations," and in reviewing a "pandemic treaty." China will be active in participating in the IPPPR of the WHO and its SAGO mission by contributing advice and opinions. China has contributed and will continue to contribute Chinese perspectives, solutions and strengths to building an efficient and sustainable global public health system for the benefit of all humanity and fortifying defenses for the lives and health of all. 
BURLINGTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  A judge officially released Mohsen Mahdawi Wednesday morning following a hearing at Burlingtons federal courthouse.

Mahdawi had been in a state prison for 15 days after he was detained by ICE agents.

I want to thank all of you here, Mahdawi said to a crowd of people gathered outside the courthouse moments after his release. I want to thank everyone who held a sign, who raised their voice, who wrote a post, who contacted their representatives, who sang a song, who made a prayer. Thank you.

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I am saying it clear and loud: To President Trump and his cabinet, I am not afraid of you, Mahdawi added.

At last Wednesdays hearing, Judge Geoffrey Crawford asked the Trump Administration to provide further reasoning for why they detained Mahdawi, giving them until Monday to respond. The administration did eventually respond with an eleven-page document.

It states that Secretary of State Marco Rubio identified Mahdawi as a threat to US foreign policy interest on March 15th, referencing his role in leading pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University. Rubio argued that this undermines the governments effort to combat antisemitism, and threatens their goal of peacefully resolving the conflict in Gaza.

Detained Palestinian activist in Vermont prison says hes in good hands

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Reports from the Windsor, Vermont Police Department were referenced, showing that, in August 2015, police spoke with a local gun shop owner who told them Mahdawi had offered to work there without pay. He supposedly told the gun shop owner, that he had considerable firearm experience and used to build 9mm submachine guns to kill Jews while he was in Palestine.

The administration also noted border agents in Derby Line caught Mahdawi with LSD, methamphetamine, and mushrooms on him in 2019, along with over four-thousand dollars cash.

The feds concluded saying several parts of the immigration and nationality act make this case not in Vermonts jurisdiction.

Prior to his release, they wanted the judge to drop Mahdawis motion, and planned to appeal if he was let out.

A Palestinian activist expecting a US citizenship interview is arrested instead by ICE in Vermont

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Mahdawis attorneys quickly responded Tuesday evening, saying the governments claims are either completely false or embellished. They say the statements attributed to Mahdawi by the gun shop owner may have been racially motivated attacks against him, and that Mahdawi only had prescription drugs on him at the border in 2019. That incident was also expunged from his record

Attorney Luna Droubi says the government is digging into the very depths of the barrel to try to find anything they can on Mr. Mahdawi.



These incidents never rose to anything, and were quickly set aside, which is why the only things that they can come up with come from 10 years ago.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Major U.S. airlines have asked the Federal Aviation Administration to extend cuts to minimum flight requirements at congested New York City-area airports through October 2027, citing severe air traffic controller staffing shortages.

The FAA has previously issued a series of waivers to address the staffing issues at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airports as well as Reagan Washington National airport. "We believe inadequate staffing will remain an immediate critical impediment to the efficient management of the NYC airspace," said Airlines for America, a trade group representing American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and others in asking for a two-year extension in a letter seen Wednesday by Reuters.

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The FAA, which did not immediately comment Wednesday, last extended the waiver in 2024 through October.

Under minimum flight requirements, airlines can lose their takeoff and landing slots at congested airports if they do not use them at least 80% of the time. The FAA's waiver allows airlines to fly fewer flights and still retain slots.

The FAA last year relocated control of the Newark, New Jersey, airspace area to Philadelphia to address staffing and congested New York City area traffic. On Monday, Newark suffered dozens of flight disruptions due to equipment problems and staffing issues.

The airlines group notes FAA statistics say about 75% of all delays in the National Airspace System occur because of delays in the NYC Airspace. "Delays and cancellations in the NYC Airspace ripple across the entire NAS so it is critical to ensure this part of the system is healthy," the group said.

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The FAA is about 3,500 air traffic controllers short of targeted staffing levels and a series of near-miss incidents has raised concerns in recent years. A persistent shortage of controllers has delayed flights and, at many facilities, controllers are working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks.

Congress is considering spending $12.5 billion to boost staffing and improve air traffic infrastructure. A January 29 fatal collision between an American Airlines regional jet and Army helicopter that killed 67 people have raised new safety concerns.

(Reporting by David Shepardson, Editing by Nick Zieminski)
Most Americans have indicated that they view President Donald Trump as a dangerous dictator, according to a new survey shared by Axios on Tuesday.

A majority of respondents (52%), in a poll by the nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute, said they agree that the president is a dangerous dictator whose power should be limited before he destroys American democracy.

This figure tops the 44% of those who agreed that Trump is a strong leader who should be given the power he needs to restore Americas greatness.

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Of those who voted for Trump and now have buyers remorse about their pick in last years election, 55% agreed that Trump is a dangerous dictator, PRRI found.

Among Americans who didnt vote and now regret their decision, 68% agreed with the statement.

When asked whether they see Trump as a dictator or a strong leader, 56% of independents said they agree with the former label as opposed to 42% of those who backed the latter description.

Most Americans view Trump in dictatorial terms, and I think most Americans are concerned that American democracy is on the line, PRRIs CEO Melissa Deckman told Axios.

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Its only been 100 days into the Trump administration, yet weve really seen a pushback among most Americans to the Trump agenda.

The surveys findings bring to mind how Democrats and Trumps critics often imagined how the presidents leadership in his second term would pan out.

Trump himself  in the lead up to his election win in November openly claimed that hed be a dictator on day one of his second presidency and promoted a revenge tour against political foes, including Democrats whom he described as the enemy from within.

The PRRI poll arrives as Trump  who marked his 100th day in office this week  dismisses figures showing his sinking approval ratings, calling such polls FAKE in a late night post on his Truth Social platform on Monday.

Related...
OSLO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- A driver struck several pedestrians in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, on Wednesday, leaving at least five people injured, according to local police.

Authorities reported on social media platform X that they were responding to a traffic incident near Sortedam Dossering in Copenhagen.

"An elderly man lost control of his car. There are reports of five injuries. Their condition is not yet known," police said. 
As many as 70% of public school students in Los Angeles County may be eligible for college scholarship funds worth up to $1,500, according to state officials.

With college acceptance and financial aid letters arriving in the coming weeks, students from across the state may be surprised to find they are eligible for additional scholarship money for college or career training through CalKIDS, the states automatic scholarship program for low-income public students.

In L.A. County, the program has made more than $524 million in scholarship funds available to public school students over the past three years.

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To tap into these funds, students dont need to write essays, show their GPA or compile a list of personal and professional recommendation letters. Instead, students simply need to locate their Statewide Student Identifier number, which is available through their school, and claim their account on the CalKIDS website. The process, officials said, takes only a few minutes.

Two students are seen wearing their CalKIDS shirts at a one-year anniversary event for the program. (CalKIDS)

CalKIDS is the largest child development account program in the U.S. and is administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board. It was established in 2022 with the idea of automatically opening scholarship accounts for millions of California public high school students.

Scholarship funds can be used for tuition, books, supplies, or computer equipment at accredited universities, community colleges, trade schools, and other work training programs across the country. Once enrolled online, students can request the funds be distributed directly to their schools.

CalKIDS is an incredible resource for Los Angeles County families, said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, who is also chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board. Claiming a CalKIDS scholarship is the easiest step students can take on their path to higher education, and we want every eligible student to claim their scholarship account and take full advantage of this opportunity.

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Cassandra DiBenedetto, Executive Director of the ScholarShare Investment Board, said the scholarship accounts are more than just financial assistance. Theyre a reason to believe in the future.

In a news release issued to KTLA on Tuesday, CalKIDS quoted a UCLA student named Shaniya who said the scholarship funds made a huge difference for her and helped pay for college necessities.

I used my money to pay for my first housing bill, and that allowed me to save more money for the next two payments, Shaniya said.

State officials are hoping local outreach and partnerships with school districts and other organizations will help raise awareness about the CalKIDS program.

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Students and families are urged to visit CalKIDS.org to check eligibility and claim their accounts as soon as possible.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Dozens of drag performers and University of Texas students gathered at Gregory Gymnasium Plaza on Monday for Day of Drag, an event protesting the UT Systems newly enacted drag performance ban.

The board of regents implemented the ban in March, citing compliance with a January executive order by President Donald Trump and a subsequent directive from Gov. Greg Abbott, which instructed state agencies to reject woke gender ideologies. One day before the ban was announced, Tim OHare, a UT alumnus and Tarrant County judge, sent a letter to the board urging them to prohibit drag performances.

All activities at UT institutions are expected to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and executive orders, including any restrictions on the use of public funds, UT System board Chairman Kevin Eltife said in a March 14 statement. Our public university facilities, supported by taxpayers, will not serve as venues for drag shows.

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Isabella Thomas, a UT junior double majoring in government and Spanish who organized the event, said she faced numerous stalling tactics and hurdles from the universitys administration, a process that lasted more than a month.

Drag artists put makeup on University of Texas students for them to wear in solidarity as part of Monday's Day of Drag event.

We had to have multiple meetings to get this space requested, Thomas said. We had to get (guest speaker) approvals for every single drag performer who's here doing makeup, even if they're not speaking. Everyone here who's not with the university  had to be approved by UT to come out here and safely engage with the event.

A university spokesperson, however, said Thomas' request was initially improperly submitted and that the Day of Drag was treated like any other student event.

Once they resubmitted their request through the correct portal it was handled like any other, the spokesperson said in an email to the American-Statesman. We typically see a higher volume of event requests toward the end of the spring semester, so that might have added a bit more time to the turnaround but nothing significant. They were ultimately given the green light to proceed on April 18, 10 days before their event. Regarding registration, we have a standard guest speaker policy that requires a group holding an event to identify any speakers who are not presently affiliated with the University.

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The event featured line dancing, a speech by Austin-based drag performer Brigitte Bandit, and a variety of stations where drag performers applied makeup for students to wear in solidarity on their last day of classes.

Drag queen Brigitte Bandit performs in a lip sync competition outside UT's Gregory Gymnasium as part of the "Day of Drag" event.

Bandit, whose real name is Cheri Lake, was part of a lawsuit against a 2023 Texas law restricting drag performances, restrictions that were ruled unconstitutional.

We had an 84-year-old judge presiding over the case who was appointed by Ronald Reagan, and even he chose to uphold our First Amendment rights, Bandit said with a giggle.

Although no legal action against UTs ban is currently pending, the ACLU of Texas and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression sent a joint letter earlier this month urging the UT System to rescind it.

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The letter cites a March ruling by Judge Lee H. Rosenthal of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which struck down a similar ban by the Texas A&M System.

The Texas A&M Board of Regents cannot assert both that the performance promotes an ideology and that it is not expressive conduct, the 29-page ruling read in part.

For Marshall Piel, president of the Trans Wellness Organization at St. Edwards University, protests like Mondays Day of Drag at UT and wearing drag are a defiant statement against the status quo, which he says is not welcoming to the trans community.

There are those of us who will go to jail if we have to, said Piel, who identifies as a transgender man. In the grand scheme of things, we know that we're standing on the right side of history.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: University of Texas students host 'Day of Drag' to protest ban
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  U.S. senators are considering a bill that, if passed, would reject tariffs recently imposed by President Donald Trump.

Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden has sponsored the bill along with Kentucky Republican Rand Paul to overturn Trumps sweeping use of executive power to impose a 10% global levy.

Donald Trumps self-defeating tariffs are actively making Americans poorer, and theyre doing it now and for years to come, Wyden said on the floor.

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Since coming into office for his second term, Trump has imposed these import taxes  including a 10% tax on products from nearly every country in the world.

Meanwhile, China has been hit with a 145% tariff, prompting the country  which is Americas second-largest source of imported goods  to respond with a 125% tariff on U.S. imports.

TLCs newest reality series centers on polyamorous Oregon family

Several Oregon businesses have since expressed deep concern over the on-again/off-again tariffs. Erica Mitchell, the CEO of Hood River Distillers, recently said in a roundtable hosted by Wyden that the worst part is not knowing whats coming or whats going to happen.

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Our people have to be looking at where we can source other materials, and they just cant be, you know, whipsawing, Mitchell said. Weve got to be sourcing from China, weve got to be sourcing from Mexico, Well now theres not a tariff for Mexico, weve got to source from the U.S. Its just there is so much uncertainty, we just cant be asking much more of our people.

The bill proposed by Wyden is non-binding, and will still need to pass the Republican-controlled House.

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Ensuring future Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones can fly in close proximity to friendly crewed aircraft without colliding with each other remains a major challenge, according to the U.S. Marine Corps. This is just one of many basic operational problems facing the Marines, as well as the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy, when it comes to how future CCAs will be deployed, launched, recovered, supported, and otherwise operated, let alone employed tactically. The Marines have taken on a particularly important role in working to address these issues.

Col. Derek Brannon, director of the Marine Corps Cunningham Group, discussed his services work related to CCAs during a talk earlier today at the annual Modern Day Marine exposition, at which TWZ was in attendance. The Cunningham Group sits within the office of the Deputy Commandant for Aviation and is in charge of plotting out the overarching future vision for Marine Corps aviation.

A Marine Corps XQ-58A Valkyrie drone, which the service has been using to explore crewed-uncrewed teaming concepts of operations, on display at the 2025 Modern Day Marine exposition. Howard Altman

Lets get this thing out there. Lets start integrating. Lets then start working to [sic] warfighting functions of our CCA, and move forward, Brannon said, describing his services current focus. Its an exceptional piece of capability.

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Right now, the Marines are using a small group of Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie drones to experiment with crewed-uncrewed teaming concepts as part of what the service has dubbed the Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer-Portfolio (PAACK-P). One particular known area of focus for the Marines has centered on using those drones as electronic warfare platforms in conjunction with F-35s. U.S. Air Force F-35A and F-16C fighters have participated in PAACK-P flight tests staged out of Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

A Marine XQ-58A flies together with a US Air Force F-16. USAF

At the same time, we still have a lot to learn to simply get to this thing airborne, flying, and executing next to an F-35, and not hitting each other, he added. I know theres a lot of work out there, but thats important to make sure that we become lethal.

Brannons comments here reflect core challenges the Air Force has also been openly working to address, as well. Last year, the Air Force announced that its X-62A test jet running on an artificial intelligence (AI) brain had successfully engaged in a mock dogfight with a crewed F-16, a real and significant breakthrough for autonomous air combat. The X-62A is a highly specialized two-seat F-16D that continues to be modified to support expanding work on advanced autonomy and other next-generation capabilities.

However, it subsequently emerged that the two aircraft in the Air Forces simulated dogfight were directly exchanging data the entire time. This highlighted important situational awareness limitations for autonomous platforms at present when it comes to other friendly aircraft, let alone a non-cooperative hostile threat, as you can read more about in detail here.

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The commercial and military aviation sectors have been developing and fielding increasingly more capable automated sense and avoid systems for decades now, with those developments now increasingly filtering into work on new and existing uncrewed aircraft. The Marine Corps itself is currently working to integrate a Detect and Avoid System (DAAS) onto its MQ-9 Reaper drones. At the same time, these developments are largely centered on flight operations in controlled airspace rather than the far more dynamic operations CCAs will be called upon to conduct.

A March 2025 Naval Air Systems Command briefing slide detailing current (at left) and planned future capabilities (at right), the latter including the Detect And Avoid System, for Marine MQ-9s. USN

Shield AI is one company now working to more directly address core autonomous piloting questions, including with an eye toward U.S. military CCA efforts. In an interview last year, Brandon Tseng, Shield AIs co-founder, president, and chief growth officer, told TWZ:

I tell people that self-driving technology for aircraft enables mission execution, with no remote pilot, no communications, and no GPS. It enables the concept of teaming or swarming where these aircraft can execute the commanders intent. They can execute a mission, working together dynamically, reading and reacting to each other, to the battlefield, to the adversarial threats, and to civilians on the ground.



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The other value proposition I think of is the system  the fleet of aircraft always gets better. You always have the best AI pilot on an aircraft at any given time. We win 99.9% of engagements with our fighter jet AI pilot, and thats the worst that it will ever be, which is superhuman. So when you talk about fleet learning, that will be on every single aircraft, you will always have the best quadcopter pilot, youll always have the best V-BAT pilot, youll always have the best CCA pilot, you name it. Itll be dominant. You dont want the second best AI pilot or the third best, because it truly matters that youre winning these engagements at incredibly high rates.

Brannons comments today are something of a reality check for where these fundamental development efforts are currently and the challenges that need to be addressed to make larger CCA concepts a reality. If crewed aircraft just flying together with CCAs in a test environment is still an issue, then that says something about meeting more complex demands even during routine peacetime operations.

Overall, the general vision for CCAs across the U.S. military involves employing very large numbers of them to help increase overall combat capacity in a more affordable manner. The goal is also for drones in this category to be able to provide that affordable mass without significantly increased personnel or logistics demands. All of this, in turn, opens avenues to new tactics, techniques, and procedures that, by extension, create new dilemmas for adversaries.

Brannon laid out a scenario involving Marine forces flying an entire assault package into a hot LZ [landing zone] or in a contested environment, controlling CCA, managing the capabilities that are airborne, and not having to rely with [sic; on] manned TACAIR [tactical aviation; fighters]. This also points to more independent CCA operations, which will demand greater autonomous capabilities.

The video below from Collins Aerospace offers a look at how congested the skies may get in a future conflict involving U.S. CCAs teamed up with crewed fighters.

Brannon also made clear that he sees CCAs, whether they belong to the Marines or other services, as a critical component of future operations, saying we just dont have the capacity to support them with crewed TACAIR alone.

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In addition, the comments today from the Cunningham Group underscore the leading role the Marines look to be taking in the development of concepts of operations and tactics, techniques, and procedures for employing CCAs across the U.S. military. We are also leading the way with incorporating Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) with the F-35 by pushing research and development efforts towards this front, the Marine Corps declared in its most recent Aviation Plan, released in February.

Navy Rear Adm. Michael Buzz Donnelly, director of the Air Warfare Division (N98) within the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, also highlighted this at the Navy Leagues annual Sea Air Space symposium earlier this month.

The United States Navy is in a tri-service memorandum of agreement and understanding with our sister services, the U.S. Air Force, as well as the Marine Corps, and we are developing that capability together. Each of us are focused on a different aspect of that, Donnelly said at the time. The Air Force is leading and very forward leaning in the development of the actual air vehicle and the autonomy that goes in those for execution of mission. Marine Corps is working closely to develop manned-unmanned teaming between platforms such as the F-35, the F-35B being the baseline for their aviation capability right now. And the United States Navy is working based on our pathway of unmanned into the fleet with MQ-25.

As we work together for the United States Navy, I will tell you that we are definitely in the follow of those three services, he added.

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When it comes to what a future Marine CCA fleet might actually look like going forward, that is still very much an open question. It is also directly tied to the services still-evolving plans for a new drone to more directly supplement or supplant its MQ-9s as part of the Marine Air Ground Task Force Unmanned Aircraft System Expeditionary program, or MUX.

A Marine Corps MQ-9 Reaper. USMC

Variations of MUX MALE Next may be a TACAIR CCA with a certain set of attributes, followed by a smaller Group 3 size [drone], but be able to take what a MUX MALE Next was intended to do, but fill gaps with capabilities that continue to improve, especially in our smaller unmanned systems, Brannon said.

The Marine Corps original vision for the MUX concept, outlined in the late 2010s, consisted of multiple advanced drone types capable of performing airborne early warning, air reconnaissance, electronic warfare, communications relay, offensive air support, scout and aerial escort, and cargo carrying missions. The Marines subsequently scaled back their near-term uncrewed aviation plans significantly and acquired the MQ-9 as the initial MUX platform.

An early operational view of the proposed MUX drone family and its mission sets. USMC

There has been discussion about operationalizing the XQ-58A to meet Marine Corps needs based on experience gained through PAACK-P.

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The XQ-58A Valkyrie test flights and the data collected inform future requirements for the Marine Corps in a rapidly evolving security environment, while successfully fueling joint innovation and experimentation opportunities. Future test flights inform Marine Corps XQ-58A Valkyrie requirements for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Unmanned Aerial System Expeditionary (MUX) Tactical Aircraft (TACAIR), the Marine Corps has told TWZ in the past. The XQ-58A Valkyrie is an experimental aircraft that provides the Marine Corps with a testbed platform for developing technologies and new concepts in support of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, such as autonomous flight and unmanned teaming with crewed aircraft.

The Marines could also look to leverage airframes emerging from the Air Forces CCA program. General Atomics and Anduril are currently developing what are now designated the YQ-42A and YFQ-44A, respectively, as part of Increment 1 of the Air Forces CCA effort. The service is planning to evaluate additional designs in a second increment, which is expected to have significantly different core requirements. Further iterative development phases may follow.

A composite rendering of the General Atomics YFQ-42A and Anduril YFQ-44A drones. General Atomics/Anduril

As noted, the Navy has already said it is very much following the Air Force and Marines on the CCA front, including in the development of potential airframes.

In the meantime, the Marines look set to continue laying the groundwork for how it, as well as the Air Force and Navy, will actually employ CCAs, including reducing the risk of them colliding with their crewed companions.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
A 41-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with a physical altercation in Pomona last month, officials announced.

The alleged violence unfolded on March 26 in the area of West Holt Avenue and Short Street, officials with the Pomona Police Department said.

Officers were called to the scene on reports of an assault victim needing CPR. The victim, an unidentified male, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

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The preliminary investigation revealed that two male adults were involved in a physical altercation at the location, police said. During the fight, the victim fell to the ground and was rendered unconscious. The suspect walked away from the location.

West Holt Avenue and Short Street in Pomona. (Google Maps)

Investigators were later notified by medical personnel at the hotel that the victim was on life support and was not expected to live.

Narrating her own murder: Man, 39, guilty in gruesome O.C. stabbing of ex-girlfriend caught on voicemail

Detectives with PPDs Major Crimes Unit assumed the case and, after a thorough investigation, identified the suspect as Pomona resident Oliver Jacobs Jr.

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Patrol officers arrested Jacobs on April 26, a month after the deadly incident.

According to police, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office determined there was enough evidence to charge the 41-year-old with murder.

No additional details, including a motive for the fight or whether a weapon may have been used during the incident, were provided.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department at 909-622-1241. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or leave tips online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A Baton Rouge man was arrested after he was accused of having sex with an underage girl at a high school in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Keilan Augustine, 18, was charged with indecent behavior with juveniles.

Detectives with the East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office (EBRSO) were called to the school on Tuesday, April 29, to check on a 15-year-old female who was found nude from the waist down in a bathroom with Augustine, according to the affidavit.

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An administrator said that while checking an area where students were not allowed, they found the pair in the bathroom.

The 18-year-old was found with his pants halfway up, according to the arrest report.

The affidavit stated that a pair of underwear and a used condom were also found. The victim told law enforcement that nothing happened.

Augustine was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

Baton Rouge mother accused of beating daughter with bat and belt

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CHELSEA, Manhattan (PIX11)  A man is accused of pushing a straphanger into a revolving door turnstile when he refused to open the security gate for him in a Manhattan subway station, authorities said.

Peter Perna, 29, allegedly attacked the 55-year-old man inside the West 23rd Street and Eighth Avenue subway station in Chelsea at around 11:15 p.m. on March 17, prosecutors said.

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Perna asked the victim to open the security gate for him and when he declined, he allegedly slammed the victim into the tall metal turnstile, according to court documents.

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One of the metal bars cut the mans head and required 20 stitches to close, officials said.

Perna, a Manhattan resident, allegedly ran off before he was captured 10 days later.

Our transit system is the heart of our city, and safety underground is paramount. While transit crime continues to trend downward in Manhattan, there is still more work to be done. We will utilize all the tools at our disposal to keep straphangers and transit workers safe, and I wish the victim a speedy recovery, said Manhattan DA Bragg.

The suspect was indicted Wednesday on assault charges. He pled not guilty at his arraignment, according to court records.

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Pernas lawyer could not immediately be reached Wednesday.

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here.

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Rescuers work at the explosion site of a residential complex in Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, April 30, 2025. Seventeen people were injured in a residential complex explosion on Wednesday afternoon in Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, with four in critical condition and three discharged after treatment, according to local authorities. The blast occurred in the Beiying neighborhood of Xiaodian District at around 1 p.m. As of 3 p.m., the fire triggered by the blast had been extinguished. Rescue teams are conducting door-to-door safety checks in the affected building, and an investigation into the cause of the blast is underway. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang)

TAIYUAN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Seventeen people were injured in a residential complex explosion on Wednesday afternoon in Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, with four in critical condition and three discharged after treatment, according to local authorities.

The blast occurred in the Beiying neighborhood of Xiaodian District at around 1 p.m. As of 3 p.m., the fire triggered by the blast had been extinguished.

Rescue teams are conducting door-to-door safety checks in the affected building, and an investigation into the cause of the blast is underway. 

This photo shows the rescue efforts at the explosion site of a residential complex in Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, April 30, 2025.

Seventeen people were injured in a residential complex explosion on Wednesday afternoon in Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, with four in critical condition and three discharged after treatment, according to local authorities.

The blast occurred in the Beiying neighborhood of Xiaodian District at around 1 p.m. As of 3 p.m., the fire triggered by the blast had been extinguished.

Rescue teams are conducting door-to-door safety checks in the affected building, and an investigation into the cause of the blast is underway. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang)
ST. LOUIS  A man faces felony charges after he allegedly assaulted three nurses at St. Louis Barnes-Jewish Hospital earlier this week.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office has charged Bobby Polk, 25, with two counts of third-degree assault and one count of fourth-degree assault in connection with the incident.

On Monday, police initially responded to a disturbance reported at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Officers were told that a man, later identified as Polk. was crushing a patient by sitting on her when three nurses attempted to stop it and intervene, according to court documents obtained by FOX 2.

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Youre O-U-T, out! says legal expert in FOX 2s findings on St. Louis Sheriff

During the confrontation, Polk reportedly struck one victim several times in the face with a closed fist and knocked her to the ground. She suffered bone bruises, a split scalp that required stitches and a concussion.

Polk then allegedly slapped and punched another victim with a closed first. She suffered from swelling on side of her head, a split lip and a concussion.

Polk is also accused of shoving and repeatedly striking a third nurse, though it was not disclosed what kind of injuries that nurse may have suffered.

A warrant was issued for Polks arrest on Tuesday and he was ordered to be jailed without bond upon arrest, per online Missouri court records. Its unclear at this time whether Polk is in custody.

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CHICAGO (WGN)  A Chicago man faces felony charges in connection with an expressway shooting, Illinois State Police announced Wednesday.

Freddie Jones, 33, faces two counts of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm stemming from the Sunday, April 27 shooting incident on Interstate-94.

According to ISP, the shooting occurred on northbound I-94 near 71st, with a bullet piercing the victims vehicle.

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Arrest made in South Loop diner shooting while DNC delegates ate inside

Freddie Jones (Photo courtesy of ISP)

The driver and the passenger inside the vehicle were unharmed, ISP added.

According to ISP, troopers took Jones into custody within 12 hours of the expressway shooting.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

ISP says Jones remains in custody.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man who never showed up in court in 2019 for his pleas in three separate cases was sentenced this week to four years in prison.

Court records show David Cobb, 34, who has addresses listed in Campbell and Youngstown, was given the sentence Monday by Judge John Durkin for all three cases stretching back to 2017 after he entered guilty pleas in all three cases.

Cobb was supposed to plead guilty on July 9, 2019, before Judge John Durkin in all three of his cases, but he never showed up for court. Instead, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

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In his 2019 case, Cobb faced charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a third-degree felony, and improper handling of a firearm, a fourth-degree felony. Those charges were filed by Campbell police. A grand jury indicted him Feb. 1, 2019, while he was on bond in his 2017 cases.

In one of the 2017 cases, Cobb is charged with aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony, robbery, a second-degree felony, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Those charges were filed by the Mahoning County Sheriffs Office, according to court records. He was indicted Aug. 17, 2017.

In the second case, also bound over from Campbell Municipal Court, Cobb was indicted Oct. 12, 2017, on charges of sexual battery, a third-degree felony; being a felon in possession of a firearm; and carrying concealed weapons, a fourth-degree felony.

Court records do not show which charges he pleaded guilty to.

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Cobb was arrested in February by Liberty police, who discovered his warrants from Mahoning County. He has been held in jail since that arrest.

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NEW YORK (AP)  A Bronx man was arrested Wednesday in the stabbing death of another man on a New York City subway train following a dispute over getting one of their shoes stepped on.

Luis Jose-Duarte, 46, was arrested in lower Manhattan and charged with first degree manslaughter in the April 25 killing of 38-year-old John Sheldon, police said. It was the first homicide in the subway this year.

The state court system's online database didn't list a lawyer for Jose-Duarte. Police and the Manhattan District Attorney's office didn't immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

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The attack happened at around 8:30 a.m. Friday at the subway station in lower Manhattan that serves City Hall and the nearby Brooklyn Bridge.

According to police, the two men got into an argument after Jose-Duarte stepped on Sheldons shoes.

Sheldon was stabbed on the train and in the subway station after the two got off. Officers found him unresponsive with multiple stab wounds to his torso, police said. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Police said there were no homicides in the transit system during the first three months of the year for the first time in seven years. Subway crime in the first quarter of 2025 also decreased to the second-lowest level for the quarter in 27 years.
Southern Indiana police thought they solved the murder of a 35-year-old woman earlier this month by throwing the suspect in jail. However, new evidence led to a crazy plot twist that you have to read to believe.

New charges filed April 25 brought the mystery behind the death of Wilma Robertson to an end. The mother of two was found dead with stab wounds to the back inside her home on Hickory Drive in Hanover, Indiana on April 15. Jefferson County prosecutors say they were called to her home for a welfare check when they found her. Later that day, 33-year-old Shawn Bailey was arrested for the alleged murder.

At first, there were no doubts about his involvement, given hed allegedly admitted to the crime and allegedly had a video of Robertsons dead body. Also, a Facebook account with Baileys name sent a few cryptic messages to Robertsons ex-husbands girlfriend, per a probable cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime.

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One message was a video attachment showing Robertson dead on the floor with Chris Browns Stutter playing in the back, the report says. The second message read, Tell her babe daddy that he doesnt have to worry about her anymore and my bad for me and him getting in it over this b*** me and him both got the same last name. I did him a solid favor.

However, as the investigation continued, police said the DNA evidence they recovered didnt match Bailey at all. It matched 34-year-old Nigel Thomas of Oxford, Ohio, police said. The cops came to the conclusion that Thomas was the one who stabbed the victim in her home. They claimed he then engaged in an elaborate plan to frame a man named Shawn Bailey for her death.

Police found Thomas went the extra mile, fabricating evidence to incriminate Bailey by creating multiple social media accounts in his name. Police said Thomas then used those accounts to send out messages to relatives of Robertson purporting to be Bailey admitting to the murder.

Questions still remain about how Thomas knew the victim or what the motive was behind her killing. Regardless of the details, Thomas was charged with Robertsons murder and Bailey was set free after spending 10 days in jail for nothing. Thomas is currently in custody in Ohio, waiting to be extradited to Indiana, police said.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Jackson County prosecutors have charged a man in connection with a deadly shooting that happened Monday night at a Kansas City liquor store.

Jeremiah Williamson is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree attempted robbery and armed criminal action.

Man pleads guilty for role in 2021 Independence double homicide

According to court documents, Kansas City police officers responded just before 6 p.m. on Monday to a shooting at a liquor store in the area of East 9th Street and Prospect Avenue.

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When officers arrived, they located a man in the parking lot who had been shot. He was taken to University Health Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. He was later identified as 18-year-old Donovan Booker.

A witness told detectives that he shot the man while defending himself then called 911.

The witness stated he was inside the store with his girlfriend and was talking to the cashier after making a purchase when he noticed two men standing in the line next to him. As the men walked past him, the witness said one of them tried to grab his firearm  a 9mm pistol that was in the witness pants pocket.

The witness said he immediately tried to secure his gun as he began to physically struggle with the man. During the struggle, the witness said he and the man who grabbed his gun fell to the ground. Thats when he said the second man pulled a gun from his waistband and pointed it at him (the witness) while he was on the ground fighting with the other man, court documents say.

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According to court documents, the man who was on the ground fighting with the witness yelled at the second man to hurry up and shoot him.

The witness said he was able to get ahold of his gun as they were all getting up from the ground, which is when he fired it at the man who first grabbed his gun, according to court documents.

The witness said the suspect fell to the ground outside the front door  and the other suspect, identified as Williamson, ran to the back of the store.

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After the shooting, the witness said he called 911 to report the incident.

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Williamson is being held on a $100,000 cash bond, according to the Jackson County Prosecutors Office.

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April 30 (UPI) -- A New Castle, Del., man faced second-degree murder charges Wednesday in a fatal crash that killed a University of Delaware student in Newark. Eight others were injured.

Gordon Turner, 22, fled from Newark police Tuesday afternoon in a stolen U-Haul van, police said.

Police did not give chase, they said, but Turner lost control of the van and hit two pedestrians and multiple vehicles on Main Street.

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A 24-year-old University of Delaware student was pronounced dead a the scene just west of Haines Street. Another 24-year-old student was seriously injured.

Turner faces several felony charges, including second-degree murder and Assault First Degree. Police said they discovered Turner is also wanted in Georgia, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

A gun was found in the U-Haul vehicle, according to police.

Police spotted the U-Haul truck reported as "an unauthorized use vehicle" because it had not been returned as agreed last month.

When they approached it in a Newark shopping center, Turner drove away, they said.

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In a letter to the university, President Dennia Assanis and Vice President for Student Life Jose-Luis Riera said, "This is a terrible tragedy. We speak for the entire University in offering our condolences to the families, friends and classmates of the victims, and keep the other members of our community in our thoughts who may have witnessed the crash and its aftermath."

Three people were treated at the scene and released. Three other people were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
ADAMS COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A man was accused Tuesday of making a bomb threat towards Pennsylvania State Police out of Gettysburg because he wanted to see what would happen, court documents show.

Dylan Shaffer, 25, of Allegheny County, allegedly posted on April 21 on Facebook, I put a bomb outside the Gettysburg station (tagging) PA State Police, the charges filed by State Police show.

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He also created a follow-up post saying (tagged) PA State Police hope u find the (bomb) before it blows up, State Police said.

Shaffer told investigators he made the threat because he thought it would be funny and wanted to see what kind of reaction he would receive, State Police said.

According to the charges filed, Troopers learned that Shaffer has a history of making threats. He was involved in multiple investigations in the Centre County area regarding threats, and he also had a past history of making bomb threats.

Shaffer was also reportedly charged with making an alleged mass shooting threat while in a game chat in February.

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Shaffer faces two felony charges of bomb threats and criminal use of a communication facility, and a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.

He has yet to be arraigned on his charges, court records show.

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ZAGREB, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Croatia needs to draw a lesson from the power outages in Spain and Portugal as 61 percent of its electricity transmission network is outdated and in urgent need of modernization, a Croatian energy expert warned on Wednesday.

Croatia must urgently secure financial resources to begin large-scale electricity transmission network upgrades as such investments can take up to ten years to complete, said Julije Domac, special advisor on energy and climate of the Croatian president, in an interview with the Croatian Radio Television (HRT).

A massive blackout swept across Spain and Portugal on Monday, leaving large parts of both countries without electricity and causing widespread disruption.

Domac warned that Croatia remains highly vulnerable to regional power disruptions. He recalled that in June last year, parts of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania experienced a major blackout during an intense heatwave.

Meanwhile, the HEP Group, Croatia's national power company, said on Wednesday that modernization efforts are already underway as part of a ten-year network development plan worth 1.4 billion euros (1.59 billion U.S. dollars). 
LONDON (Reuters) -A man armed with two knives who tried to enter the grounds of Israel's London embassy was carrying a "martyrdom note" and told police he wanted to send a message to end the war in Gaza, prosecutors said after charging him with a terrorism offence.

Abdullah Sabah Albadri, 33, appeared in the dock at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, having been charged with preparation of a terrorist act and two counts of possession of a bladed article.

He is accused of having attempted to gain unauthorised access to the grounds of the embassy in West London on Monday evening.

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Prosecutor Kristel Pous said Albadri had been seen by police trying to scale a wall outside the embassy on April 28.

Albadri was carrying what Pous described as a martyrdom note, without giving further details. She said Albadri had told police officers he wanted to "do something to send a message to the Israeli government to stop the war" in Gaza.

Judge Tan Ikram remanded Albadri in custody ahead of a hearing on May 7, to give prosecutors the chance to get the Attorney General's consent to proceed with the terrorism charge.

"We remain in close contact with those based at the Embassy of Israel and we appreciate that these charges will be concerning to them," Commander Dominic Murphy, head of London police's Counter Terrorism Command, said in an earlier statement.

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"I would like to reassure the public, however, that from our enquiries so far, we are not seeking anyone else in connection with this matter and we do not believe there is any wider threat to the public."

The Israeli embassy said in a statement that British security forces had prevented "an attempted terror attack" from a man armed with a knife, and no staff or visitors had been injured.

"We thank the British security forces for their immediate response and ongoing efforts to secure the embassy," the statement posted on X said.

"The embassy of Israel will not be deterred by any terror threat and will continue to represent Israel with pride in the UK."

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The Community Security Trust, which provides safety advice to Britain's Jewish communities, said it was speaking to police but was not aware of any related threats.

(Reporting by Michael Holden and Sam Tobin; Editing by Kate Holton, Sarah Young, Peter Graff)
EAU CLAIRE  An Eau Claire judge has set a $10,000 cash bond for the man authorities say brought a gun to an elementary school last week.

Andrey Sichuga, 32, faces charges of possession of a firearm on the grounds of a school, resisting an officer and disorderly conduct. The firearms charge is the only felony, classified as a Class I offense under Wisconsin law.

Sichugas initial appearance saw him participate from jail. Prosecutors asked for the $10,000 bond. A note in the states court database indicates Sichuga did speak during the hearing, but does not say what he spoke about.

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The criminal complaint filed in the case gives additional details about why Sichuga went to Putnam Heights Elementary school last week, despite previously being told to stay off all district property. It was, apparently, about a job.

According to the complaint, Sichuga applied for a position last year but was not hired. He told police he went to the school to try to get another chance, despite the district having previously sent him an email telling him the decision could not be reviewed and that he was barred from school properties.

He stayed at the front door trying to gain entrance for about five minutes, and that was more disruptive to the school than previously indicated. There were students outside at recess when he arrived, and they were brought into the building when it went on a soft lockdown. Officials previously had said only that classes continued normally.

Sichuga was stopped as he left the school and initially thought the officer had stopped him for running a stop sign. When asked for his license, he opened the center console and thats when the officer spotted the gun.

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The officer told Sichuga not to reach for the center console again and to get out of the vehicle. Sichuga asked why multiple times and would not remove his seatbelt and exit the vehicle. Officers eventually opened the door, reached in and removed the seat belt before pulling him out.

When officers asked about the prior ban from school property, Sichuga said he had forgotten the order to stay away and repeatedly said he was just a kid. But when asked about the gun he became defensive and evasive.

The gun was in a holster and loaded. It contained 10 rounds, including one in the chamber. Sichuga told officers he usually kept the gun loaded, but not with a round chambered. He could not explain why he went to the school with one in the chamber.

Class I felonies are the lowest category under Wisconsin law, but still carry up to 3.5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for May 6.
DENVER (KDVR)  The Boulder County Coroners Office has circumstantially identified the remains of the man who died in the 2024 Stone Canyon Fire, and investigators have determined where the fire originated.

The fire burned nearly 1,600 acres last summer in July and August near the town of Lyons in Boulder County and resulted in one persons death. That person was found in a home at 2602 Eagle Ridge Road and has been identified as 74-year-old Kevin James Tracy, the Boulder County Sheriffs Office said in a press release Tuesday afternoon.

Stone Canyon Fire: 100% contained, evacuations lifted

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The sheriffs office in September said they received reports of a missing 74-year-old male, who lived in one of the homes that was destroyed by the fire. At the time, the coroner could not identify Tracy as the body found due to the condition of the remains.

The coroner made the identification after DNA analysis attempts failed. It was based on circumstantial evidence from local law enforcement, the decedents family, area retailers, financial institutions and the U.S. government, according to the sheriffs office.

The sheriffs office also said the fire originated at the residence in which Tracy was found, either in the home or around the outside of it.

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The investigation into the wildland fire determined the fire originated from the residence on Eagle Ridge Road, where the fatality occurred, and then spread to surrounding trees, brush, and wildland, the sheriffs office said. The structure fire investigation determined the fire originated inside or around the exterior of the residence or the adjacent shed.

The sheriffs office said, however, the cause of the fire is still unknown, though investigators did rule out lightning as a cause.

The wildland fire investigation was conducted by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Controls Fire Investigations Branch, and the structure fire investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, according to the sheriffs office.

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THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11)  A man was shot multiple times inside a Bronx affordable housing complex Tuesday afternoon, police said.

Officers received a 911 call for a male shot at 2:43 p.m. Police say they found a 32-year-old male with multiple gunshots to the back at 6 West Farms Square Plaza.

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Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to a local hospital. He was not able to be saved and was pronounced deceased on arrival by hospital staff, police said.

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No arrests have been made. An investigation remains ongoing, authorities said.

The identity of the victim has yet to be released.

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).

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

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Apr. 29A grand jury indicted a 62-year-old man on murder charges in a deadly stabbing in Dayton.

Anthony W. Perkins is facing two counts each of murder and felonious assault and one count of criminal damaging in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.

The criminal damaging charge is a second-degree misdemeanor.

Perkins is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday. He's being held on a $1 million bond in the Montgomery County Jail.

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On April 20, a stabbing was reported at Golden Villa apartments in the 500 block of Scranton Street.

When Dayton police arrived, they found a man, later identified as 52-year-old Ronnie Kyle Wells, Jr., bleeding from multiple stab wounds, according to Dayton Municipal Court records.

Wells dies from his injuries at the hospital.

Further investigation and witness statements reportedly led investigators to Perkins.

Witnesses claimed Perkins was damaged Wells' vehicle and slashed his tires, according to an affidavit.

When Wells came outside to investigate, Perkins stabbed him nearly a dozen times, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  A man who allegedly took two American muscle cars for a joyride this past week was ordered held in custody pending the outcome of allegations that he stole them from cars dealerships.

Tyshawn Britton, 24, was charged Tuesday in Peoria County Circuit Court with vehicular hijacking for allegedly taking a 2024 yellow Chevrolet Corvette by force while he was taking it for a test drive. Thats a felony that could send him to prison for up to 15 years.

Prosecutors asked Peoria County Judge Mark Gilles to deny him release, and the judge agreed with them. According to evidence presented in court, Britton had called several times in the days leading up, trying to set up a test drive for the high-performance car. He gave his name as Christian to the salesperson on Saturday and then took the car out for a spin.

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They were on Illinois Route 6 near the Allen Road exit when he allegedly punched the salesman who was behind the wheel. Britton then allegedly lifted his shirt to reveal what the salesman thought was a gun.

Britton ordered the salesman to stop the car, get out, and then he took his spot behind the wheel and sped off.

The dealership, Autohaus of Peoria, then used the Chevrolet OnStar system to track the vehicle, which was on Interstate 155 going more than 120 mph. Using that on-board system, the dealership was able to cause the car to stop, and Britton was on the side of the road just north of Lincoln when he was arrested by police.

According to a Peoria County prosecutor, an officer who was one of those who arrested Britton allegedly said he recognized him from a report in Bloomington just days earlier, where a Chevrolet Camaro was taken.

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Britton will next appear in court on May 29 for a preliminary hearing. It is possible a grand jury could hear the case before then.

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The Quality African Products Online Shopping Season is being held in China's Changsha and will run through June. During this period, African goods are sold and promoted through online and offline channels. #GLOBALink
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A 48-year-old Higginsville, Missouri man has pleaded guilty for his involvement in a 2021 double homicide in Independence.

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced that Steven B. Turner Jr. pleaded guilty on Monday to second-degree murder, armed criminal action and first-degree involuntary manslaughter.

Piper High School student dies after suffering medical episode in class

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According to court documents, officers responded to a vehicle crash on May 23, 2021, near East Lexington and South Ash avenues. Police also received a 911 call on shots fired in the area of East Kentucky Road and North Huttig Avenue at the same time.

When officers arrived at the crash, they located Billy Davis and Ashley Walker inside the vehicle that had been riddled with bullet holes and the front drivers side window and rear glass window shattered.

Both victims died from their injuries.

Police also responded to the shots fired call and located several PMC 10mm spent shell casings behind a residence along an alleyway. Officers also located what appeared to be a vehicle window glass on the ground near the shell casings that were located.

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Officers located children at the residence riding bikes behind the house where it was determined they possibly witnessed the shootings. The children told police a man they knew as Stevie was at the residence moments before the shootings happened.

Kansas fugitive arrested in Kearney after 18 years on the run

The children heard a gun being racked and Stevie was seen running from the back of the residence after the sound of the shots being fired.

A family member of Walker told police Turner was friends with her and would often help her with paying utility bills. The family member also stated she knew Turner very well and had been around him since they were kids.

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She told police Turner and the victim Davis did not get along. She didnt know exactly what the feud was over but hinted it was about guns and the way Davis acted towards people when he was high.

The woman told police Turner had previously shot at Davis on two other occasions.

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Turner admitted to detectives he knowingly shot into a Jeep Renegade SUV parked behind a residence in Independence, killing Davis and Walker inside the vehicle.

Turner is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. and could face up to 55 years in prison.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A man whose car plummeted off the side of a cliff near the La Jolla Cove and into the Pacific Ocean Tuesday night has died, police confirmed.

Rescue crews with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department were dispatched to the scene near 1200 Coast Blvd. in La Jolla around 8:08 p.m.

First responders arrived minutes later to find the car in the water at the bottom of the cliff. Pieces of the vehicle could be seen in the sand below.

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The driver, who was described as a 76-year-old man, had to be rescued from the vehicle. Once on land, he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, but later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash and was declared dead.

The drivers identity has not been disclosed by authorities at this time. It also remains unclear what led the vehicle to barrel off the side of the cliff.

Police and firefighters remained at the scene for hours as they worked to pull the vehicle out of the water and clean up the remaining debris. The body of the vehicle was finally removed from the cove midday Wednesday.

Lt. John Maher with San Diego Lifeguards explained the rescue and subsequent recovery of the vehicle was difficult for crews, given the choppy water and steep cliffside.

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This area in particular, theres a lot of current, theres a lot of backwash, he said. The surf kind of channels into this bowl, we call it the hole.

These challenging conditions in the water paired with nighttime darkness made the rescue all the more risky, even though they were ultimately able to pull the man out of the water and give him CPR before he was transported to the hospital.

Its an awful, awful thing when a tragedy like this happens, Maher said. We go to sleep at night knowing we did our best. We got to that person and gave them the most optimum chance of survival.

FOX 5/KUSIs Tony Shin contributed to this report.

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A man said he had been defending himself when he fatally shot another man who grabbed his gun at a Kansas City liquor store on Monday, according to court documents.

Another man, who was with the man who died, allegedly pulled a gun during a struggle for the initial weapon and was charged with murder for his connection to the shooting.

Kansas City police identified the man who was killed as 18-year-old Donovan Booker.

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Jackson County prosecutors announced on Tuesday that 18-year-old Jeremiah Williamson of Kansas City has been charged  in Jackson County Circuit Court  with second-degree murder for the death of a person during the perpetration of an attempted robbery, as well as first-degree attempted robbery and armed criminal action.

Sometimes, the choices we make and the company we keep can have devastating and lifelong consequences, Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson said in a statement.

Under Missouri law, when someone is killed during the perpetration of a felony, attempted felony or flight of a felony, any of the participants can be held accountable for felony murder. If convicted, the defendant could face 10 to 30 years in prison.

I am proud of the swift work led by the Kansas City Police Department and our prosecution team. Well continue to work together to hold those who endanger our community accountable.

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Officers responded around 6 p.m. on Monday to the Liquor Xpress store at the intersection of East 9th Street and Prospect Avenue on a shooting call and found a man suffering from gunshot trauma. He was taken to an area hospital and was later declared dead.

Officers also found the man who called 911, reporting he had shot someone else in self-defense, and Williamson, at the business. The police officers found signs of a disturbance near the entrance of the business and recovered two firearms, five shell casings and 33 live rounds near the front door, according to court documents.

The man who said he shot in self-defense (whose name is redacted in the court documents related to Williamsons charges) told police he had been at the store with his girlfriend and was talking to the cashier when the other man (Booker) grabbed a pistol that was in his pocket. The two men struggled over the weapon, and during the fight, the first man said the man he shot  Booker  told his companion  Williamson  who allegedly had pulled a weapon from his waistband, to Hurry up and shoot him, according to court documents.

The first man, according to court documents, said he was able to get control of the weapon and fired at Booker.

(The man who fired) stated he did not want to shoot anyone, but he was afraid for his own safety and the safety of his girlfriend as the incident was occurring, a police detective wrote in court documents.
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man who has been known to run from authorities in the past was safely taken into custody Tuesday with some help from mans best friend.

Read next: Security video captures theft from mall vendor

Just before 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, Boardman K-9 officer Jack, along with his handler and other members from both the Boardman and Youngstown police departments, responded to a motel on Market Street to assist the U.S. Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force with a warrant arrest.

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The target of the warrant was Jeremy Britton, who was wanted by the Adult Parole Authority stemming from a case involving charges of aggravated robbery and assault. Authorities suspected he was armed, dangerous, and an escape risk, according to reports.

First News previously reported on Britton in December of 2023, when prosecutors opposed his early release, citing an escape from JCC where he scaled a fence, stole a car and eluded a manhunt before being captured by police a day later.

Court records show he continued filing motions for release, the last of which was overruled in October 2024 by Judge Scott Krichbaum. However, more recently, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction records reflect he was released March 10, 2025, when he began his parole.

Just over a month later, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction said he was wanted for violating the conditions of parole, leading authorities to convene at the Boardman motel in an attempt to get him back into custody.

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On Tuesday, K-9 Jack and the K-9 unit from the Youngstown Police Department were deployed, covering the front and back of the motel in case Britton would attempt to escape. After a time, Britton, along with an unnamed woman, obeyed commands to exit the room and was taken into custody. Reports state K-9 Jack focused on Britton and the woman when they exited the room and was barking at them.

An officer with Youngstown Police spoke with Britton, who said he noticed the K-9 presence around the building and that it contributed to his surrender, according to reports.

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CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  More than a year after the crime was committed, a man from the Chicago suburbs was sentenced to 45 years in prison for shooting a man in his driveway in Urbana.

WCIA previously reported that Allen Williams was convicted on charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery after a two-day jury trial in March of 2025.

Decatur teenager sentenced for role in 2023 murder of fellow teen

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Investigators determined that Williams shot a man on West Vine Street as he was sitting in his car parked in his driveway in February of 2024. Police said the victims wounds were life-threatening, but he survived and was later released from the hospital.

On Tuesday, Williams was sentenced to 45 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. He will receive 372 days credit for time served.

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CLEVELAND (WKBN)  A Pennsylvania man was sentenced to prison Tuesday after pleading guilty to charges related to a fake check scheme that stretched across Ohio and impacted a Trumbull County bank.

Marquise Billy, 31, of Long Pond, was sentenced to 24 months in prison and five years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Bridget Meehan Brennan after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $107,800.

According to court documents, Billy collaborated with a co-conspirator, Rodney A. Martin, 62, of the Bronx, New York, to carry out a criminal scheme to find banks where they could cash fake checks.

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In 2022, the pair rented a car and drove across Ohio, cashing fraudulent checks at 21 banks they had pre-selected to target, including one in Trumbull County.

Investigators say Billy provided Martin with counterfeit passport identification cards of 14 people to use when cashing checks. Martin rotated through the IDs and used a different one at each bank transaction, and was successful with several.

In total, Billy and Martin stole $107,800 from various community banks.

On Feb. 6, 2024, U.S. District Court Judge John R. Adams sentenced Martin for his role in the scheme to 30 months in prison and five years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

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DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  A man who attempted to run from Highway Patrol was captured Tuesday in a Dorchester County neighborhood.

Deputies with the Dorchester County Sheriffs Office responded to Lakewood Circle in the Ponds neighborhood to help the South Carolina Highway Patrol in apprehending a suspect who failed to stop for troopers and ran off.

Law enforcement set up a perimeter and began searching for the suspect, who was identified by deputies as 26-year-old James Edward Bunch of Summerville.

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While K-9 deputies were tracking Bunch, dispatchers received a report of a suspicious person walking in the Ponds neighborhood matching the suspects description. Deputies responded, and Bunch was arrested.

Bunch faces a slew of charges, including possession of less than one gram of methamphetamine, driving under suspension, and failure to stop for blue lights. Additional warrants are pending out of Dorchester County.

Let me be abundantly clear: if you attempt to evade law enforcement in Dorchester County, we will use every available resource to locate you, arrest you, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. I commend our deputies and our partners at the South Carolina Highway Patrol for their swift and professional work in apprehending this wanted criminal, said Dorchester County Sheriff Sam Richardson.

Bunch is being held at the L.C. Knight Detention Center.

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A special screening is taking place in Colombia today for a Banijay doc about the reconciliation between Pablo Escobars son and the son of politician Rodrigo Lara, whose fathers death was ordered by the drug kingpin.

Representing a milestone in South American TV and politics, the screening of Lara: The Man Who Tried To Save Colombia in the capital Bogota is a commemoration of the 41st anniversary of Laras assassination. It has been organized by the Jorge Lara Restrepo Foundation in alliance with the Universidad Externado de Colombia.

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Members of Laras family, prominent politicians, buyers across Lat Am and delegates from Embassies of The Netherlands, UK, Norway and Switzerland in Colombia are attending today.

Laras son Jorge Lara died during the making of the film, which we revealed nearly three years back.

Told via double narrative, the film shows the extraordinary reconciliation between Jorge Lara and Escobars son Sebastian Marroquin. Upon learning of his fathers death, Jorge Lara was initially out for revenge but a twist of fate reconciled him with Marroquin, the child of one of the most notorious criminals of all time, as he realized they had more in common than he first thought. Escobar has long been a source of fascination in South America and beyond and Gavan, who won a BAFTA for Saving Africas Witch Children, has previously said she dedicated over a decade of time to get access for the feature.

Todays event is a call to action for the Colombian government and prosecutors to fully investigate the crime, still unsolved, and to hold accountable those who stood with Escobar, said Gavan.

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Jorge died holding his fathers written notes, notes of prominent people in Colombia he believed were connected to the drug trade, she added. Jorge died with the pain in his heart, that people who were involved in his fathers assassination were still not brought to justice.

Lina and Carolina Florez Garcia, co-founders of the Jorge Lara Restrepo Foundation and producers of the film in Colombia, added: Lara: The Man Who Tried to Save Colombia is not just a film; it is an act of resistance. Through the harrowing journey of Jorge Andres Lara Restrepo who defied the imposed oblivion following the still-unpunished assassination of his father, Minister Rodrigo Lara Bonilla, this work denounces the systemic corruption within the justice system that has prevented the truth about his fathers murder from being revealed. At the same time, the film offers a luminous path toward reconciliation.

Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions, Banijay Rights, said: This project is a reconciliation tale like no other and to see this landmark screening go ahead  in the very city where Rodrigo Lara was assassinated  and to bring together so many family, friends, and partners in one place, is an incredibly poignant moment for us at Banijay Rights, Red Rebel and Scenery. Its an honour for the film to be a part of this event and we wish everyone involved the very best of success.

The doc is a Scenery (a Banijay Benelux Joint Venture) and Red Rebel Films production, in partnership with Banijay Rights, which handles global distribution.

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HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY)  Hampton police is asking for assistance in locating a man in connection to a homicide that happened on March 12, 2025.

Officers are looking for Don Mann who has active warrants for illegally disposing/concealing of a dead body and tampering with evidence.

Police: Hampton mans death being investigated as homicide

On March 12, Police were called to 2400 block of West Weaver Road around 3:15 p.m. for reports of a man down. Upon arrival the victim, 42-year-old Henry L. Jordan, Jr., was pronounced dead on the scene.

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Following Jordans death, forensic analysis determined he died via a gunshot wound.

Hampton police investigate death of missing 42-year-old man

Those with information are encouraged to contact the Hampton Police Division at 7577276111 or the Crime Line at 1888-LOCK-U-UP.

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  The management of Stonegate Place Apartments, with two buildings that were damaged by a fire in January, continue to say they plan to fix the damaged buildings.

Related coverage: Owner of Warren apartment complex has history of problems at other properties

They went before the Warren City Board of Health on Wednesday to report that since last months meeting, they have hired a local architect but are still waiting for architectural plans for both buildings. They said they anticipate that plans for both of the buildings will be finished by mid-June.

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An inspector for the city said the owners only have a permit to clean out the building, not make repairs, so he suggested a demolition order to ensure that work on the building moves more quickly.

I dont want to see this here in a year. I dont wanna see it; and the city dont wanna see it, he said.

The board agreed to approve a demolition order, but the owner can still get a rehab permit, which would allow crews to make repairs there over the next year.

The building on Robert Avenue was condemned after a fire on January 22. Residents from that building  Building H  as well as a neighboring building that was damaged, have been moved to other units or have left the complex.

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During a meeting last month, a representative of the company said the owner wanted to save the building and was waiting on an architects report to determine what would need to be done to restore it so that it is up to code.

At the time, Deputy Health Commissioner John May cautioned that if the board decides that demolition is necessary, it could be tricky and costly, as Building H is attached to an adjoining building.

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TOKYO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. marine stationed in Japan's Okinawa has been indicted by the Naha District Public Prosecutors Office on charges of non-consensual sexual intercourse and bodily harm, Kyodo News reported Wednesday.

According to the indictment, the incident occurred in March at a U.S. military base in central Okinawa, where the marine in his 20s allegedly assaulted a local Okinawan woman in a restroom.

He is also accused of injuring another woman who came to the victim's aid.

Okinawa Prefectural Police submitted the case to prosecutors on April 7.

Crimes involving U.S. military personnel in Okinawa have been a longstanding issue. According to Okinawa Prefecture's statistics, approximately 6,200 criminal cases involving U.S. military personnel and their dependents have occurred in the prefecture between 1972 and 2023, including serious offenses such as murder, rape, and robbery. 
An AmeriCorps member paints a wall in a Philadelphia neighborhood in this 2014 file photo. (Photo courtesy AmeriCorps)

Maryland was one of the lead states in a coalition of 24 states and the District of Columbia that sued the Trump administration Tuesday in an effort to block its push to dismantle AmeriCorps, the domestic volunteer service agency.

The suit said that within the past two weeks, agency officials, at the direction of Elon Musks DOGE Service, put 85% of the administrative staff on leave as well as all of the members of the National Civilian Conservation Corp, who were told their service would be terminated.

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Last Thursday, the agency began sending reduction-in-force notices to all the administrative staffers who were on leave, the lawsuit said, and after hours on Friday it began notifying states that nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps programs operating in their states was being immediately terminated. That cut would affect more than 1,000 AmeriCorps programs nationwide, according to a statement Tuesday from Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown.

He said that in Maryland, Brown said, AmeriCorps had 4,949 members and provided more than $21 million last year in federal funding and education awards last year, supporting 4,949 members serving across the state. He said the Governors Commission on Service and Volunteerism funded 25 service programs through Americorps for everything from working with refugees or elderly residents to being in Teach for America.

In Maryland alone, programs that educate children, care for the elderly, and rebuild homes are being wiped out overnight. I will fight this brazen abuse of power in court and do everything in my power to restore these life-changing services, Brown said in a prepared statement on the filing of the lawsuit.

AmeriCorps has its roots in the Great Society programs of the 1960s and took its current form in 1993, as the Corporation for National and Community Service. It is a public-private partnership, in which volunteers typically spend a year of service, during which they are paid a stipend to cover basic living expenses and can receive scholarship funding at the end of their service.

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Until the cuts began earlier this month, CNCS had a staff of 700 and supported more than 200,000 members, the lawsuit said.

The suit said the White House does not have the authority to eliminate the AmeriCorps program, which was authorized and funded by Congress and can only be undone by lawmakers. The sudden, DOGE-inspired cuts were unlawful, arbitrary and capricious, failed to provide sufficient public notice, and exceeded presidential powers to intrude on congressional authority, the suit said.

The Administration is free to ask Congress to abolish AmeriCorps, but it cannot simply terminate the agencys functions by fiat or defund the agency in defiance of administrative procedures, Congressional appropriations, and the Constitutional separation of powers, the suit said. Accordingly, the Defendants actions should be declared unlawful and vacated.

Those charges were echoed in an April 23 letter to President Donald Trump, led by Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and signed by 147 other members of Congress, including both of Marylands senators and four of its eigth House members: Democratic Reps. Johnny Olszewski Jr., Sarah Elfreth, Kweisi Mfume and Jamie Raskin.

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The cuts to the program will prevent the agency from continuing to deliver critical services, which include supporting veterans, fighting wildfires, tutoring in schools, combatting the fentanyl epidemic, and much more, the letter said.

That was echoed by Gov. Wes Moore (D), who said in a statement Tuesday that the state strongly supports the litigation to be filed by Attorney General Brown today to stand up for AmeriCorps.

If the federal administration wants to strengthen our countrys resolve, bridge divides, and usher in our next era of greatness, it should be expanding opportunities for Americans to serve one another, Moores statement said.

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The lawsuit is just the most recent of dozens filed by Democratic attorneys general against the Trump administrations lightning-fast and deep cuts to federal programs and funding, many of which have been successful at reversing or stalling those cuts. Brown has joined more than two dozen such suits, on education cuts, worker firings, transgender rights and more, and this is the second on which he has been one of the lead plaintiffs.

The suit was filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court for Maryland by Brown and the attorneys general of California, Colorado and Delaware. Also joining the suit were the attorneys general of Arizona, Connecticut, the District of Colombia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin, and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
China willing to support normal cooperation with US firms: MOFCOM on reported Boeing's recalling of 3 aircraft intended for delivery to Chinese airlines

08:52, April 30, 2025 By Chi Jingyi ( Global Times

In responding to media reports about Boeing recalling three 737 MAX aircraft intended for delivery to Chinese airlines, claiming that China suspends Boeing jet acceptances, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) stated on Tuesday that "We have noted the relevant reports. China and the US have maintained long-term mutually beneficial cooperation in the civil aviation sector, which has significantly boosted bilateral trade and personnel exchanges."

The US reckless use of tariffs as a weapon has severely disrupted global industrial and supply chains and destabilized the international air transport market. Many companies are unable to conduct normal trade and investment activities, with both Chinese airlines and Boeing suffering significant harm, the spokesperson said, according to a statement posted on MOFCOM's website.

"China is willing to continue supporting normal business cooperation between enterprises of both countries and hopes the US will listen to enterprises' voices to provide a stable, predictable environment for normal trade and investment," the spokesperson added.

Also on Tuesday, in response to a question regarding to MOFCOM's statement on Boeing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday that "on the cooperation of specific program, the MOFCOM has issued a press release, which you may refer to."

"China's position on the tariff issue is consistent. If the US wants to work on the issue, it should stop threatening and pressuring China, and conduct dialogue with China on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit," Guo said.

US tariff policies have undermined the foundation of long-term mutually beneficial cooperation in the China-US civil aviation sector, introducing force majeure to previously agreed commercial terms, Li Yong, a senior research fellow at the China Association of International Trade, told the Global Times on Tuesday, noting that global airlines and Boeing have become victims of these tariff measures.

Growing evidence demonstrates that Washington's unilateral, prohibitive high tariffs have caused disruptive consequences and damages to the international trade order, global supply chain partnerships, the win-win foundation of free trade and previously established contractual terms of trade, said Li.

Brian West, CFO of Boeing, said in March that the company is concerned about US tariffs potentially constraining the availability of parts from its suppliers, according to Reuters.

West said that "what we do worry about is availability of parts because this is a broad, complicated supply chain and people have different levels of exposure to it." To mitigate the impact, West said "we're working like heck to stay close to our suppliers," according to Seattle Times.

More than 10,000 Boeing airplanes are flying with China-made parts, according to Boeing's own analysis published in August 2024.

In early April, the US announced tiered tariffs on global imports. Following China's reciprocal countermeasures, the bilateral tariff rates between China and the US now exceed 100 percent across multiple sectors.

The US tariffs already in place could send the cost of building planes soaring due to the Boeing's dependence on overseas suppliers, said CNN.

Building planes depends on foreign-made parts for about 80 percent of Boeing's planes' content, according to CNN, citing a congressional testimony made by President and CEO of Boeing Kelly Ortberg in April.

The price of a Boeing 787 plane could increase by $40 million in a worst case tariff scenario, CNBC reported in March, citing AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly.

"No one's going to want to pay that," said Kelly from the leading aviation leasing company.

Li also noted that the US tariffs have resulted in a worsening business environment and increasing commercial unpredictability.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
ISLAMABAD, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani and Indian fighter jets were involved in a brief standoff around the airspace over the Line of Control late Tuesday night, Pakistani security sources said on Wednesday.

Four Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force conducted a high-altitude patrol in the airspace over the Indian-controlled Kashmir along the Line of Control, prompting an immediate and vigilant response from Pakistan's Air Force, the sources told Xinhua.

"The Indian aircraft remained within Indian geographical boundaries but were closely monitored by the Pakistan Air Force, which swiftly identified and tracked their movements," the sources added.

The Indian jets made a "panicked retreat" following the mobilization of the Pakistani aircraft, the sources added.

In another development on Wednesday morning, four flights to Pakistan's northern Gilgit-Baltistan region have been cancelled due to security concerns, airport sources told Xinhua.

Tensions between the two South Asian neighbors have escalated following a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam in the Indian-controlled Kashmir earlier this month. 
Maryland has an edge in the technology sector, but the state's new 3% sales tax on tech services could threaten it, writes David Tohn. (Photo courtesy U.S. Department of Energy)

As CEO of BTS Software Solutions, a Maryland-based defense and intelligence technology firm, I frequently visit Americas leading defense tech hubs. Surprisingly, the most dynamic ecosystems arent always in Maryland or Northern Virginia but in fast-growing cities like Augusta, Georgia, and San Antonio and Austin, Texas.

In visiting these places, it is with an eye toward bringing best practices back to Maryland to accelerate our growth in a competitive national and international environment.

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These cities not only have thriving commercial tech economies, but also host major federal technology centers. Augusta is home to the National Security Agency and the U.S. Army Cyber Command Center of Excellence. Austin houses the Army Futures Command headquarters and attracts artificial intelligence, robotics and cybersecurity firms. San Antonio, also an NSA hub, now boasts over 1,000 tech companies, including industry giants like Microsoft and Accenture.

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Opinion pieces must be signed by at least one individual using their real name. We do not accept columns signed by an organization. Commentary writers must include a short bio and a photo for their bylines.

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Its no coincidence that Texas ranks as the third-best business climate in the U.S., Georgia ranks fourth, and Maryland lags at 31st.

What sets these states apart is their commitment to policies that help technology firms grow. Thats why its alarming to see Maryland take the opposite approach by enacting a 3% sales tax on information technology and related servicesthe so-called Tech Tax.

While businesses understand the need for a balanced state budget, this tax directly undermines Marylands stated goal of leveraging our true strategic advantage  a world-class concentration of technology and cybersecurity firms. Maryland is home to over 3,300 federal contracting firms, with many ranging from traditional IT services to some of the most cutting-edge technologies in the world. Most operate as subcontractors to large businesses with prime contracts to the federal government. Because they provide services through another business, they will be directly impacted by the Tech Tax.

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In a federal market where a 10% margin is considered strong, an additional 3% tax makes Maryland subcontractors less competitive, reducing their ability to reinvest, grow, and hire. This tax will not only stifle job creation but also drive firms to more business-friendly states.

Marylands technology companies dont operate in isolation. They have options, and with the Tech Tax now law, recruiters from lower-cost, high-growth states will have an enticing pitch. Meanwhile, federal agencies, under increasing budget scrutiny, will look for lower-cost alternatives  putting Maryland firms at a clear disadvantage.

Over time, if Maryland firms consistently lose contracts due to higher costs, many will relocate to more dynamic states where business conditions are more favorable. This would be a devastating blow to our states economic future.

Gov. Wes Moore has rightly called Marylands technology sector a lighthouse industry that will guide our states economy forward. Yet, the Tech Tax threatens to extinguish that light, forcing federal subcontractors to move operations elsewhere.

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As a longtime Marylander, I urge policymakers to reconsider the long-term consequences of these decisions. A tax that undermines our technology industry will hinder Marylands economic growth and cedes our competitive advantage to other states.

Lets keep Maryland a leader in technology, not drive innovation and jobs away.
The Trump administrations efforts to tackle antisemitism on the nations college and university campuses, including Harvard, are less about keeping students safe and more about silencing critics, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey asserted Wednesday.

The Republican White House is not really interested in the safety of students on campus, Healey, a Harvard alumna, said as she left an unrelated event at the State House on Wednesday.

Theyre interested in silencing critics, and the attack on Harvard and other colleges and universities is just in line with a playbook of attacking law firms, attacking companies, weaponizing the [Department of Justice] and continuing to find ways to shut down anyone who disagrees with them or stands in their way, she continued.

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The Democratic governors comments came after she was asked about reports issued Tuesday by two Harvard task forces that found both antisemitic and anti-Palestinian bias on campus at the elite university.

Each document detailed communal hurt feelings and a sense of alienation inflicted by peers and Harvard officials alike.

The 2023-24 academic year was disappointing and painful. I am sorry for the moments when we failed to meet the high expectations we rightfully set for our community. The grave, extensive impact of the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel and its aftermath had serious repercussions on our campus Harvard President Alan Garber said in a message to the university community.

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The Cambridge-based university has been in pitched battle with the Trump administration over billions of dollars in federal funding that the White House tied to what it said were efforts to combat antisemitism.

The university rejected a sweeping list of demands from Washington, saying it would not comply with what it described as government overreach.

In response, the White House froze $2.2 billion in federal grants to the school, along with potentially more funding. Harvard sued over the move. And the fight is now before a federal judge.

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Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Healey credited Garber for his response to the reports and bias on campus.

" I havent read the whole ... report. But .. from what I know, it confirms what we already knew is that there were problems on campus," she said.

There have been problems on college campuses around the country when it comes to antisemitism, when it comes to Islamophobia, both were detailed ... in the Harvard report, she continued. Whats also important is that Harvard is taking steps  theyve taken a number of steps  and theyre going to continue to do that work. And I know theyre committed to that."

Healey, saying she was unaware, declined to comment on news that the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services had launched investigations of the Harvard Law Review, based on reports of race-based discrimination permeating the operations, at the publication.

More Harvard University news

Read the original article on MassLive.
BOSTON (WPRI)  The Angell Animal Medical Center celebrated a major milestone earlier this year.

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) announced Tuesday that the Angell Animal Medical Center has saved more than 1,000 dogs thanks to KodiakCare, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to pet owners struggling with high veterinary costs.

The 1,000th dog saved by the Angell Animal Medical Center with the assistance of KodiakCare was a 7-year-old mixed-breed named Kamali, who needed emergency care while giving birth to five puppies back in February.

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SEE ALSO: 44 rabbits rescued from Bristol County up for adoption

Angella Pucillo-Driscoll, Kamalis owner, had originally planned for her to give birth at their New Hampshire home.

Kamali labored for a full day, Pucillo-Driscoll recalled. After hours of panting with no progress, we tried to move Kamali, but then the first puppy got stuck in the birth canal, and it was really scary.

Kamali with owner Angella Pucillo-Driscoll in April. (Courtesy: KodiakCare) Kamalis owner has found homes for four of the five puppies while one will remain at home. (Courtesy: KodiakCare) The puppies bundled up and ready to leave Angell in February. (Courtesy: KodiakCare) Kamali nurses her puppies following her emergency c-section. (Courtesy: KodiakCare)

Thats when we knew we needed the kind of advanced care we could only get at Angell, so we packed up the car and headed to Boston, she continued.

Dr. Kiko Bracker, director of Angell Animal Medical Centers Emergency and Critical Care Department, said he knew as soon as Kamali came in that she would need an emergency c-section.

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Theres a big risk of infection with cases like Kamalis, Bracker explained. Unfortunately, these [procedures] can be really expensive.

Pucillo-Driscoll applied for financial assistance through MSPCAs Pet Care Assistance fund. It was then that KodiakCare stepped up and covered the remaining costs of Kamalis treatment.

As doctors, we want to do everything that we can to save patients like Kamali who come through our doors in distress, Bracker said. Were really grateful for funds like these that allow us to focus on getting pets the care they need, instead of having difficult conversations about possible surrender or euthanasia.

MORE: MSPCA rehabilitating severely emaciated horse

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Angells veterinary staff assisted Kamali in giving birth to five health puppies in the early hours of Feb. 8, according to the MSPCA.

We founded this organization in honor of our late Bernese Mountain Dog, Kodiak, said Glenn Shapiro, who launched KodiakCare with his wife, Nancy. Kodiak received the best possible care at Angell and ended up living nine years longer than expected.

All pet parents should have that chance, regardless of their position in life, and thats why we started this organization, he added.

The MSPCA said Pucillo-Drisoll has already found adopters for four of Kamalis puppies and plans to keep the fifth.

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Anyone interested in donating to KodiakCare can do so online.

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GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  A total of $1,167,272 in state grants was awarded to 14 agricultural fairgrounds in Massachusetts to support infrastructure repairs, State Representative Natalie Blais announced.

Rep. Blais of Deerfield, who covers 18 communities of the 1st Franklin District, said the agricultural fairs infrastructure grant program is intended to fund capital improvement projects to rehabilitate existing buildings and build new construction.

Meeting to be held on new Springfield Regional Justice Center

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Steeped in history, our agricultural fairs are a tremendous asset to the Commonwealth, not only acting as an economic engine but also as a unique place for visitors to learn about the importance of our local food systems, said Blais, who serves as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Agriculture. I am proud to have worked alongside the agricultural fairs in the 1st Franklin District and across the state to lay the groundwork for this monumental investment. This would not have been possible without their involvement and the broad support of legislators and stakeholders statewide.

Agricultural fairs offer education on the farming lifestyle as well as demonstrations and skills competitions. It is said that the first agricultural fair on record in the U.S. was held in Pittsfield in 1811.

The following are the Agricultural Fairs Infrastructure grant recipients for 2025:

Bolton Fair: $100,000 Association of North Chester, Chester Hill, and Littleville, Inc- Littleville Fair: $100,000 Essex Agricultural Society dba Topsfield Fair: $85,595.68 Franklin County Fair: $100,000 Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden Agricultural Society- Three County Fair: $73,715 Heath Fair: $99,991.95 Highland Agricultural Society- Middlefield Fair: $23,995.01 Hillside Agricultural Society- Cummington Fair: $85,595.68 Marshfield Agricultural and Horticultural Society- Marshfield Fair: $100,000 Marthas Vineyard Agricultural Society- Marthas Vineyard Fair: $84,218 Middlesex County 4-H Fair: $50,000 The Westfield Fair Organization, Inc.- Westfield Fair: $100,000 Union Agricultural & Horticultural Society- Blandford Fair: $100,000 Williamsburg Grange Fair: $64,160.68

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Agricultural fairs are at the core of the communities they serve, bringing people together to enjoy and learn about agricultural traditions and practices and purchase locally produced food, said Governor Maura Healey.

Fairs have always been festive gathering spaces where attendees can learn more about our shared agricultural heritage while enjoying a fun atmosphere and where consumers can forge connections to the local food system by familiarizing themselves with how their local food is grown, said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. Beyond the educational and entertaining factors that they bring, these events also boost economic activity which can trickle down to adjacent sectors increasing the overall economy in Massachusetts.

Agricultural fairs in Massachusetts are a cornerstone of our states rich farming history and tradition, said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper.

Funding was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). For hundreds of years, agricultural fairs have been a way for the public to understand the importance of farming and how a thriving agricultural sector benefits everyone, said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle.

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The Franklin County Agricultural Society is incredibly appreciative of Rep. Blais and her colleagues in the Legislature for their support of this infrastructure grant said Michael Nelson, president of the Society. The Franklin County Fairgrounds has a deep history of providing agricultural events as far back as the 1850s. Through this funding we will continue to make crucial investments in our facility to ensure this historic and beloved gathering space continues to enrich our community for generations to come

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NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI)  A North Attleboro family is facing a financial hardship after an oil tank leaked on their property.

Kathleen and John Murray say their 20-year-old oil tank located outside of their home leaked 190 gallons of oil back in February.

The cleanup cost is nearly $400,000, and the Murrays say when they reached out to their insurance company, they learned their policy didnt cover liquid fuel spills.

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Its been about $90,000 so far, and its probably going to be another $300,000, Kathleen said.

Susan Crane, a lawyer whos fought on behalf of families dealing with impacts like this, said most homeowners dont read their entire 60-page policy, and many have no idea their heating system or tank is a ticking time bomb.

A state law passed in 2009 requires insurers in Massachusetts to include an option to purchase liquid fuel riders which provide coverage for most tanks that meet the standard requirements. But for the Murrays, the damage is already done.



I imagine there are very few homeowners who could take a hit of $400,000 and not be severely impacted, John said.

The Murrays are now on a mission to raise money, but also warn others that this could happen to them.

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PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  South Dakotas June 2026 primary elections that will determine the Republican and Democratic nominees for governor are more than a year away, yet five of the men who are or might be running could be seen this week staking out early campaign positions.

All of the action comes from Republicans, whose political party has held unbroken control of the South Dakota governors office since 1978.

Task force unanimously recommends replacing SD State Pen

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U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson announced on Tuesday that he would that he would join a news conference on Wednesday morning in Washington, D.C., with several top members of U.S. President Donald Trumps Cabinet, to talk about why federal criminal charges have been dismissed against a western South Dakota ranch couple.

Just a few minutes later, Gov. Larry Rhoden made a similar announcement, noting that U.S. Rep. Johnson also would be there. And less than four hours later, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued a statement of his own praising the decision to drop the charges.

All three of Johnson, Rhoden and Jackley are seen as likely candidates for the Republican nomination for governor next year. None has officially announced a candidacy, however.

Charles and Heather Maude had been indicted in a land-ownership dispute with the federal government by the previous Biden administration. The U.S. Department of Agriculture had announced on Monday that the charges had been dropped.

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Other South Dakotan officials at the news conference on Wednesday were former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who is now the federal Homeland Security secretary, as well as another former governor, U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds.

A federal grand jury on June 20, 2024, issued indictments charging that the Maudes did knowingly steal, purloin, and convert to their own use National Grasslands managed by the United States Department of Agriculture, a department and agency of the United States, namely, approximately 25 acres of National Grasslands for cultivation and approximately 25 acres of National Grasslands for grazing cattle, having a value in excess of $1,000. Had they been found guilty, they could have faced sentences of up to 10 years in federal prison. The charges were dismissed on Monday by U.S. District Judge Camela Theeler.

The South Dakota House speaker, Rep. Jon Hansen, supported dropping the charges against the Maude family. He is the only announced 2026 candidate for governor. On Monday, Hansen posted on his Facebook site, Thank you to the Trump Administration for fixing the injustice perpetrated on this family under Biden and doing the right thing for this great South Dakota family! He is the only announced 2026 candidate for governor.

The 2026 GOP governors campaign was on display in another forum on Tuesday: The second meeting of the Project Prison Reset committee.

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Rhoden appointed the group to decide whether South Dakota needs a new mens prison to replace the territorial-era State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls, and, if so, how big and where it should be.

Rhoden, the former lieutenant governor, appointed the panel after the South Dakota House of Representatives refused to approve the final round of money necessary to build a new mens prison in Lincoln County.

The Lincoln County project had been planned by Noems administration. But it ran into significant local opposition after announcement of the site between Harrisburg and Canton. Rhoden ascended to governor in January, following Noems resignation after the U.S. Senate confirmed her selection as Homeland Secretary chief.

Rhoden, upon becoming governor, chose state Rep. Tony Venhuizen as his lieutenant governor. Rhoden later named Venhuizen to chair the Project Prison Reset panel. The panels second meeting on Tuesday was in Springfield, home of South Dakotas medium-security Mike Durfee State Prison.

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Venhuizen on Tuesday told the group that the report commissioned from Arrington Watkins Architects should be ready before the groups next meeting in June. He said the Lincoln County site where the new prison had been planned remains an option, in addition to 12 different locations that have been submitted in response to the groups call for proposals.

We cant really select a site until we know what it is were building, Venhuizen said.

Rhoden, in his executive order creating the group, had called for final recommendations to be delivered no later than July 15, 2025, ahead of a special legislative session he plans to call later that same month. On Tuesday, one of its members, Rep. Greg Jamison, said the group hadnt yet determined the first goal the governors order set: Assess and determine the need for a new prison facility.

Prison group waits to weed out possible sites

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Among the panels members are Hansen and Jackley, who had lost the 2018 Republican nomination for governor to Noem. Jackley jumped at the question that Jamison had raised. In the meetings final half-hour, Jackley called for a vote that a new mens prison was needed.

Venhuizen, as chairman, diplomatically indicated a desire to wait to answer the Jamison-Jackley question until the Arrington Watkins report comes in, but said he could accept a decision now if that was the groups desire.

Hansen meanwhile wanted to wait on deciding the Jackley question. He had voted against changing the Noem-introduced legislation to keep funding alive for the Lincoln County site, and, in the end, voted to kill the legislation altogether. His running mate, Rep. Karla Lems, is a Lincoln County landowner who opposes the Lincoln County prison site.

But comments by other members of the group indicated they didnt share Hansens view. The question went to a roll-call vote. And when his name was called, Hansen joined those who voted before him, and said yes, it was time for construction of a new prison.

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KELOLANDs Michael Doorn is working on a website story on the Maude case and KELOLANDs Dan Santella will have a story on the possible new sites for a mens prison later Wednesday.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Zachary voters decided on Saturday, May 3, not to adopt the first update to the citys Home Rule Charter in 15 years.

Unofficial election results show 60% of residents voted no, while 40% of residents voted yes.

The charter serves as the citys guiding legal document, outlining how the government is structured and operates. According to the City of Zachary, the proposed updates aimed to improve clarity, efficiency, and continuity in city leadership.

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The proposed changes affected multiple areas of government, including:

Council qualifications and vacancies: Clarifies residency rules for council members and adds automatic forfeiture if qualifications are no longer met.

Council meetings: Shifts the responsibility of running meetings to the mayor pro tempore instead of the mayor.

Mayoral absence: Establishes a formal line of succession if the mayor is temporarily unavailable or disabled.

Elected official compensation: Clarifies how pay is set and adjusted for the mayor, police chief, and council members.

City administration: States that department heads no longer need to live in Zachary and defines responsibilities for the chief administrative and financial officers.

Police Department: Confirms the police chief also serves as city marshal and can appoint a deputy marshal.

Budget process: Reduces the mayors budget proposal window from 60 to 45 days and sets a fallback plan if no budget is adopted.

City bonds: Requires a majority council vote before the city can issue bonds or incur debt.

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During March and April, those of us given to gazing at the heavens found the universe grinning back at us. That wont be the case this month, but that doesnt mean that the cosmos has nothing to show us: May brings the spectacular delights of the annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower, along with seasonal delights like a floral full moon and a celestial beehive. And for anyone in Hawaii, theres also the first Lahaina Noon of the yearthe phenomenon whereby, just for a moment, all shadows are banished from the world.

May 1 Mars Visits the Beehive

The first week of May will find the Red Planet drifting slowly across the face of the cluster of stars that go by the official designation M44 and the unofficial nickname The Beehive. M44 is visible to the naked eye on a dark night, and has been studied since ancient times, with its diaphanous appearance attracting names like Little Cloud, Star Cloud and The Ghost. Less poetically, Ptolemy called it a nebulous mass in the breast of [the constellation] Cancer.

Today, we know that M44 contains about 1,000 gravitationally bound stars, and that its about 577 light-years away from Earth. Mars will appear in front of M44 throughout the first week of May, and the Farmers Almanac suggests that May Day will offer the best view.

May 5 through 6- Eta Aquarids Predicted Peak

May is a reasonably quiet month as far as celestial pyrotechnics go, but theres one exception: the Eta Aquarids.This springtime meteor shower is predicted to peak on the evening of May 5 and early hours of May 6. As per NASA, stargazers can expect to see about 10 meteors per hour, but up to 50 per hour at the showers peak, all rocketing through the sky at 40 miles per second.

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But, you might ask, these fiery interlopers: where do they come from? Oh boy, do we have answers for you.

[ Related: Halleys comet is on its way back towards Earth. ]



May 12 Full Flower Moon

Mays full moon is the Flower Moon, a name that alludes to the flowers that burst into bloom throughout the northern hemisphere as spring arrives in earnest. As per the Farmers Almanac, the moon will reach peak brightness at 12:56 p.m. EDT. You can also consult their handy moonrise and moonset calculator to figure out the best viewing times near you.

There are many other native American names for this months moon, a large number of which also allude to the arrival of spring: in the Anishinaabemowin language of the Ojibwe, its the Flowering Moon; in both Cherokee and the Mahican Dialect of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Wisconsin Mays full moon is the Planting Moon; and to the Tunica-Biloxi of Louisiana and the Seneca, its the Dancing Moon.

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However, the Catawba nation of South Carolina uses a slightly more ominous name: the Snake Moon. Interestingly, in the language of the Inupiat tribe of Alaskas north slope, theres no messing around with spring. They call this months moon the Summer Moon.

May 14 through 30 Lahaina Noon

We often talk about the sun being overhead during the day, but in fact, this is almost never the case. At any given moment, there will be one and only one point on the planet where the sun is directly overhead, so that its rays strike this point at a perfect 90 angle. At this point, objects cast no shadow; for a moment; the world looks like its been lit by an immense flash bulb.

The point always falls between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, and for two fortnight-long periods each year, it traces a path across Hawaii. These periods are referred to as Lahaina Noon, and the first one of 2025 begins on May 14. The Bishop Museum publishes a helpful guide of where and when the sun will pass directly overhead, letting you know exactly where and when to be if you want to bear witness to this rather eerie phenomenon.

It should go without saying, but dont look at the sun during Lahaina Noon (or, indeed, at any other time.) And as far as looking at the night sky goes, youll get the best experience if you get away from any sources of light pollutionand make sure to check out our stargazing tips before you head off into the darkness.

Until next month!
SPRINGFIELD  Mayor Brandon Johnson touted his Springfield agenda as both modest and beneficial to the whole state of Illinois during a short Wednesday stop at the statehouse, where he has had a hard time scoring points for Chicago during a tough state budget season.

It was Johnsons first visit to the General Assembly since May 2024, when he came home with lackluster results for the city. But faced with ongoing reluctance from lawmakers and Gov. JB Pritzker, the mayor fine-tuned his message to hone in on the idea that helping Chicago will help the rest of the state.

This is about what we have to do as an entire state to ensure that all of Illinois is supported, the mayor told reporters ahead of his Wednesday meeting with the Democratic governor. My responsibility is the city of Chicago. Our presentation is actually quite modest. The overall, ongoing issues for revenue, that will benefit the entire state.

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The mayor also hopes that Republican President Donald Trumps second term  and the potential for the White House to deprive Chicago and Illinois of key federal funding  has increased the urgency for state leaders to move on his Springfield wish list.

Johnson first met with the governor for about half an hour. He then convened with the General Assemblys two Democratic leaders, Senate President Don Harmon of Oak Park and House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch of Hillside.

In a short statement about their huddle, a Pritzker spokesperson said the governor appreciated the opportunity to discuss the citys priorities and our shared goals.

Our priority remains passing a budget that is balanced while also making meaningful investments in all Illinoisans, the spokesperson said.

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After Johnsons roughly 10-minute meeting with Harmon  whom the mayor once worked for years ago  Harmons spokesperson said the Senate president thought it was a good meeting and that Johnson offered measured requests and that we will review.

After a 40-minute meeting with Johnson, Welch said in a statement that many of the citys priorities are already part of the ongoing conversations happening in the Capitol.

When Chicago succeeds, we all succeed, Welch said. Its clear that the Trump Administration sees Chicago and Illinois as a top target of their cruel and chaotic agenda, so its critical that the leaders of our state maintain an open dialogue about how we keep Illinois moving in a better direction.

At the same time, Johnsons visit comes as state leaders face major decisions on how to balance a $55.2 billion proposed budget in the face of uncertainty over federal funding. The mayor and the governor have also had a tense relationship, with Pritzker saying in recent months that he seldom hears from Johnson or his office. And Welch also cautioned the mayors team in January: Theyre going to hear no a lot.

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And when Johnson announced his Springfield visit last week, the governor suggested to reporters that the mayor should have secured major financial commitments from the state much earlier.

But on Wednesday, Johnson downplayed the discord and said his Springfield agenda has been floated for months. In no way that the times in which the governor and I may have had different approaches is somehow some impediment to be able to do right for the people of Chicago and the state of Illinois, he said.

I bear no tension against anyone. I dont, Johnson said. If anyone believes that politicians all sit around thinking how we can be each others godchildrens parents, thats not reality. Just because you have disagreement, doesnt mean that thats an obstacle. Thats called democracy.

Sources privy to Wednesdays three meetings said the mayor did not discuss possible state funding for a new Chicago Bears stadium, a big-ticket item that has long been on the mayors to-do list but has received fierce pushback in Springfield.

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Johnsons staff said this week that he has four priorities for his Springfield visit: securing $12.5 million in new revenue from amending the prepaid cellphone tax; preserving $27.5 million from keeping the 911 surcharge extension in Chicago; investing in the joint city-state shelter system for migrants and homeless people, as laid out in Pritzkers budget; and increasing funding for Chicago Public Schools via statewide grants.

Last week, Johnson chief of staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas also mentioned as priorities revenue from personal property replacement taxes and funding for the Chicago Transit Authority  which faces a steep fiscal cliff after this year ends. Pritzker has recently opened the door for the latter issue to be resolved in the fall veto session, though a key lawmaker was optimistic a deal could be reached by the end of May.

Johnson said Wednesday that the CTA funding piece wasnt among his four priorities because its on the priority list of the entire state of Illinois. He also reupped two long shot new tax ideas to find the revenue for his Springfield agenda: closing unspecified tax loopholes for corporations, and a graduated income tax, which would require another ballot referendum.

The mayors lobbying arm in the state capital has struggled over the months. His intergovernmental affairs shop, which is tasked with advocating for his agenda across units of government, saw a series of shakeups last fall, including the resignation of his experienced Springfield lobbyist, Mike Ciaccio.

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The mayor has since recruited new hires, but they are not without controversy: former Chicago Ald. John Arena, an often-contentious personality in the City Council who lost reelection in 2019; and a Springfield alderwoman who was faulted for abusing government time when she held a job at the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Still, the new muscle in Springfield could not come at a more critical time for the mayor. On transit, the Chicago area faces a projected fiscal cliff of hundreds of millions of dollars as funding streams for the citys bus and train system are on the verge of drying up.

Though CTA funding was not one of Johnsons four priorities Wednesday, the topic was the talk of the town in Springfield  starting with the mayors remarks to the media that its no secret that, again, the CTA region, we generate 87% of ridership.  So the city of Chicago deserves its fair share.

But a reporter then questioned whether that means Chicago should be on the hook for 87% of regional public transit funding. Johnson did not answer directly.

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Well, I mean, thats a conclusion that one can draw, right? Johnson said. Look, I believe in sharing. I do. Im a middle child. Im accustomed to doing it, and the people of Chicago deserve their fair share. Thats all.

Hanging in the balance is the prospect of a 40% cut in service to transit systems that include the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace, according to the Regional Transportation Authority, which is calling for a significant influx of new money for transit. The agency, along with some other regional planners and officials, wants Springfield to allocate $1.5 billion in new funding to overhaul the system because federal COVID-19 relief money is expected to end by early next year.

Faced with customer dissatisfaction over the years, a proposal to combine CTA, Metra, Pace and the RTA is now on the table but has been met with pushback from labor groups. Meanwhile, legislation that would tie a bailout of the CTA to limiting the mayors influence on the transit boards is also being considered. Johnson has said such a governance structure would be inequitable.

While Pritzker last week acknowledged that the General Assembly could put off dealing with the transit situation until the fall veto session, state Sen. Ram Villivalam, a Chicago Democrat who is spearheading the proposed reforms, said Tuesday hes cautiously optimistic there could be a proposal ready by May 31, the scheduled adjournment for the spring legislative session.

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Adding to the increasingly complicated timeline, CTA is slated to present its 2026 budget proposal during the fall, with an expected vote in November. So if Springfield leaders do not figure out the transit systems fiscal cliff this spring, the agency will have to prepare a budget with a giant question mark on much-needed revenue.

Also in town Wednesday to lobby for transportation legislation was Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Breaking with Johnson, she emphasized to reporters how transit system reforms are vital for all of northeastern Illinois as the economic engine of the state of Illinois.

Were interested in a system thats more streamlined, Preckwinkle said after meeting with Chicago Democratic Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, whos been leading talks in the House on transit reforms.

On Tuesday, Delgado told the Tribune that legislation is indeed in the process of being drafted for a possible final proposal.

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I think we have agreed on some pretty broad ideas around what kind of reforms wed like to see, Delgado said. Safety is paramount. And I think a lot of folks, whether theyre riders, like people who live in my district or the employees that work on the systems, they want to be safe when they go to work.

Meanwhile, on CPS, Pacione-Zayas has said the citys pitch for more funding should focus on increasing the Illinois State Board of Educations mandated categoricals, which are statewide grants required for special purposes such as student transportation, special education and bilingual education.

That would be a different route than seeking $1.1 billion more for CPS from the states Evidence-Based Funding formula, which Johnson has said remains a priority while downplaying how long that would take.

Also Tuesday, CPS lame-duck CEO, Pedro Martinez, also was in Springfield to push for more money for the district. Martinez was fired by Johnsons handpicked school board late last year but will stay on to lead the district into June, per his contract.

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Martinez told the Tribune that his plea for more revenue options is also directed to city leaders and questioned the effectiveness of the mayors quest for more state help. To bring its deficit to a more manageable place, he said hed like to see the district get twice as much tax-increment financing money, also known as TIF.

He talks a lot about how much he cares about the school district. I dont doubt it. But we need to see some actions  behind it, Martinez said of the mayor. We have not seen any evidence of any advocacy here in Springfield. And so really that needs to change.

Meanwhile, Senate Republicans who are part of the General Assemblys superminority also seized on the opportunity to criticize the mayor ahead of his visit to the state Capitol.

It does seem like every few months, the mayor presents a new idea or regurgitates an old idea and wanting a billion dollars for CTA, wanting a billion dollars for a Bears stadium, wanting a billion dollars for transportation, said GOP state Sen. Seth Lewis of Bartlett. Some may refer to him as Billion-dollar Brandon. But we are here to protect the suburbs and downstate from giving those billions to Chicago.

And Johnsons there to secure whatever he can.

After meeting with Pritzker, the mayor hugged Chicago Democratic state Rep. Nick Smith. Alright man, go get that money, Smith said. Johnson laughed as he walked away.

Yin reported from Chicago.
BEIRUT, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday called for strengthening the role of the committee overseeing the ceasefire mechanism in southern Lebanon, urging continued international pressure on Israel to halt its violations, withdraw from occupied territories, and release Lebanese detainees.

His remarks came during a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson, outgoing head of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism, U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers, and incoming committee head Major General Michael Leeney, who officially assumed his duties on Wednesday.

According to a statement released by Lebanon's presidency, Aoun emphasized that "the Lebanese army is fully carrying out its duties in the south, particularly south of the Litani River, where it continues to confiscate weapons and ammunition and dismantle armed groups."

He cited Israel's occupation of five strategic hills and ongoing violations as "the main obstacle to completing the army's deployment."

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also met with the delegation, affirming that the Lebanese army "continues to expand its deployment to fully assert control over all Lebanese territory."

A statement released by the National News Agency (NNA) noted that Salam stressed the "need for Israel to cease its violations of the agreement and halt its attacks on various regions."

Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri also met with the U.S. delegation, warning that "Israel's ongoing daily violations and aggressions undermine Lebanon's path toward recovery, stability, reform, and sovereignty," calling on the United States to "exert pressure on Israel to immediately implement the agreement aimed at enforcing UN Resolution 1701."

For his part, Leeney affirmed that "the committee will begin holding regular meetings to monitor the situation closely."

Despite the U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire effective since Nov. 27, 2024, Israeli forces have periodically carried out strikes inside Lebanon, ranging from machine gun fire and artillery shelling to air raids, some of which have resulted in casualties, according to official Lebanese reports.

Although the agreement stipulated the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, Israel has maintained a presence on five hilltops along the Lebanese border.

Meanwhile, UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon Imran Riza called for immediate international support to address the devastating aftermath of the conflict in southern Lebanon, according to a statement released by the United Nations Information Center on Wednesday.

Riza made the remarks following his recent visit to Lebanon's southern Bint Jbeil and Tyre districts.

He highlighted the severe destruction of villages, health facilities, and essential infrastructure, and emphasized the urgent need for sustained humanitarian aid to restore critical services and support the region's path to recovery, according to the statement.

He also underscored the importance of addressing the deep psychological scars left by the conflict, particularly for children and families. 
Immigration officials arrested an individual outside the courthouse in Middletown on Tuesday without notifying local police ahead of time, according to the mayor.

The individual was taken into custody when an unmarked black SUV pulled up in front of Middletown Superior Court in the morning hours, Mayor Ben Florsheim wrote in a post on Facebook. A team of people then got out of the vehicle and took one person into custody, Florsheim said.

Some of the individuals were wearing clothing that identified them as the FBI, Florsheim said. One person had a vest on it that only said police and was wearing a black bandana that covered most of his face, according to Florsheim.

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The incident was witnessed by multiple city employees who were at a municipal building across the street.

According to Florsheim, officers with the Middletown Police Department were not informed of the enforcement in advance. After the incident was reported, police confirmed that the individuals involved were with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

Florsheim said city officials are still in the process of gathering more information and have been in contact with Sen. Chris Murphy and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong to determine next steps.

The individual who was apprehended was not immediately identified. Florsheim said the person was waiting outside to attend a scheduled court hearing.

An email seeking further information and comment about the incident was not immediately answered by ICE on Wednesday.
MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Midland County Sheriffs Office has arrested a suspect after a child assault outcry. Clinton Glenn, 55, has been charged with Child Grooming, a third-degree felony.

According to MCSO, on April 29, deputies responded to a call about a possible sexual assault of a child. During the investigation, deputies obtained a warrant for Glenns arrest on one count of Child Grooming, according to a press release.

He was arrested and booked into Midland County Detention Center where he remained as of Wednesday afternoon; his bond has not yet been set.

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Weve requested an affidavit to learn more about the accusations levied at Glenn and will update this story as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
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Amid political dysfunction in Tallahassee, advocates for the poor are more worried about potential Medicaid budget cuts in Washington, D.C., than the fallout that could happen over the next few days and weeks in the Florida Capitol.

Deep reductions in spending on Medicaid and food programs for low-income families would have a crushing effect on Florida  from state government, which would have to absorb more of the financial burden; to health care providers who could see their reimbursement rates cut; to the 4.2 million Florida residents who rely on the health care safety net for some form of health care coverage.

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Congressional Republicans are intent on deep cuts to Medicaid  $880 billion in the House plan over the next decade and $4 billion for the Senate. The money would extend President Trumps 2017 tax cuts.

But with a recent poll showing no appetite across the political spectrum for cutting Medicaid to pay for tax cuts, Florida advocates hope to convince Congress to reconsider.

The uncertainty comes as Florida lawmakers remain at odds over a new state budget and whether to go forward with a substantial cut in the sales tax rate. Senate President Ben Albritton has said he is unwilling to go along with deep tax cuts for fear of substantial shortfalls. Florida contributes a significant portion of the taxes collected at the state level to pay its share of Medicaid.

Florida Policy Institute Chief Strategy and Development Officer Holly Bullard appeared during a webinar along with Joan Alker, executive director and co-founder of the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy Center for Children and Families (CCF) and a research professor at the Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy; Lynn Hearn, advocacy director, Florida Health Justice Project; and Asheena Moses, statewide outreach and advocacy manager, Florida Impact, to discuss the pending cuts and how they would undermine the state budget if enacted.

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Alker shared statistics that underscore how large the Medicaid program is in Florida. In all, she said, Florida receives about $19.5 billion in federal funding for Medicaid, 44% of all federal funds that come into the state.

Thats an important context, because Medicaid cuts, federal Medicaid cuts, will have a huge impact on the states budget  obviously, on Medicaid itself but more broadly on the states budget and ability to finance other priorities such as education, infrastructure, public health  whatever it is, she said.

In Florida, Medicaid pays for 58% of nursing home stays and 42% of births. Nearly 52% of Florida children living in small towns and rural areas are covered by Medicaid or the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Similar to Medicaid, the federal government helps pay the costs of the CHIP program.

This is extremely meaningful coverage that is really providing just a safety net for so many people, so it covers our most vulnerable individuals at the most vulnerable stages of their lives. So obviously, these arent just statistics. Theyre real-life people, said Hearn, whose organization advocates for health care access for all and equity.

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Polly

Florida established its Medicaid program in 1970. As of February, the latest available data, the program covered 4.2 million people, mostly through Medicaid managed care plans.

The $38 billion program is one of the largest in the nation, but its conservative in its approach and who it covers.

We are pretty frugal when it comes to per capita and per enrolled spending in the Medicaid program, said Justin Senior, who served as secretary of the state Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) for former Gov. Rick Scott and the states Medicaid director before that.

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He is now CEO of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, which represents some of the largest hospitals in the state, including Jackson Health System, Orlando Health, and Tampa General Hospital.

If youre looking for states that dont spend a lot of money on Medicaid, then Florida has been an excellent steward of taxpayers dollars, he said.

Indeed, Florida legislators maintain that the safety-net program should serve those who need assistance most, such as people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including Polly, who lives in Jacksonville.

Pollys sister Betsy Dobbins, participated in the webinar with Bullard and Alker to discuss the proposed Medicaid cuts. They would be devastating for Polly, who after nine years on a waiting list was enrolled in the Medicaid waiver program for people with developmental disabilities known as the iBudget program, Dobbins said.

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Polly uses iBudget for home and community-based services that keep her living outside of an institution, and attends a day program at the local social services facility run by The Arc. She relies on Medicaid for traditional health care services such as doctor appointments, too.

Medicaid cuts would be hugely detrimental for Polly in any shape or form, Dobbins said. Not just for Polly, but for us and for all of these people who are working every day to take care of people in these health care and systems of care for people like Polly.

There are really huge cuts that could completely miss Florida and there are big cuts that could hit us.

 Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida CEO Justin Senior

Justin Senior, CEO of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida (Photo via Safety Net Hospital Alliance)

Although Republicans in the House and Senate have decided upon deep cuts, the particulars remain unsettled. Without knowing those details, Senior said, its difficult to see how the reductions will land.

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There are really huge cuts that could completely miss Florida and there are big cuts that could hit us, Senior said.

KFF analyzed potential repercussions for the states and found Florida would experience a $4 billion recurring reduction in federal Medicaid spending over the next decade if the full $880 billion House cut becomes law. The KFF analysis is illustrative and assumes the federal cuts are proportionally applied to states based on their share of federal spending, and not on policy decisions.

In practice, cuts would almost certainly not be allocated proportionately, and some states would be disproportionately impacted depending on the specific policy proposals pursued. Without specific policies yet under consideration by Congress, this illustrative analysis is a way of understanding the magnitude of the potential Medicaid cuts, the authors note.

One proposed reduction that wouldnt harm Florida involves the federal Medicaid match for states that expanded the program to low-income working adults under the Affordable Care Act. The federal match for that population is 90%  more generous than the traditional Medicaid match which for Florida is roughly 58% (its higher for CHIP). That means the federal government pays 58 cents of every Medicaid dollar spent in Florida.

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Another way to reduce federal spending is to crack down on so-called health care provider taxes, which the state uses as its required match to help fund the program.

Nursing homes, hospitals, and intermediate care facilities for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities assess these taxes upon themselves, rather than run them through the state fiscal system. This allows the state to book lower social services spending while supplying cash for the federally mandated Medicaid match. The mechanism is common among the various states.

The Congressional Budget Office has argued that Congress could save hundreds of billions of dollars by altering or eliminating provider tax options. The discussions generally center around lowering the safe harbor that allows states to use hold-harmless arrangements when the provider taxes dont exceed 6% of net revenue from treating patients.

Hold-harmless arrangements ensure that the taxes collected are returned to providers in the form of higher Medicaid payments.

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Hospitals provider taxes run well below that 6% safe harbor, so if Congress adjusts that slightly downward it shouldnt beggar those providers, Senior said.

His association has been lobbying Congress, trying to ease any hit on Floridas Medicaid program. So, too, has the Florida Health Care Association, which represents a large swath of Floridas nursing homes.

With over two-thirds of our residents relying on Medicaid to cover the cost of their long-term care, reductions to the provider assessment could limit options for our frail elders and their families, FHCA spokesperson Kristen Knapp said in a written statement.

Were working with the American Health Care Association to help Congress understand that Medicaid is a key safety net for our most vulnerable and it must remain strong as our aging population continues to grow, she said.

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The first Trump administration tried to crack down on Medicaid provider taxes. ThenFlorida Medicaid Director Beth Kidder wrote a letter opposing the move, saying it would cripple the states Medicaid program.

Senior, though, is a little more hopeful than Kidder.

We got to see where it all lands. You could see a package of reductions that would impact Florida or you could see a package that wouldnt have much of an impact on Florida or Florida hospitals at all, he said.

Why now?

With some economists predicting a 60% chance of a recession during 2025, Alker also wants to know: Why now?

Medicaid is a counter-cyclical program, meaning enrollment increases during economic downturns. Congress, recognizing that, has generally increased federal matching funds during recessions, Alker noted.

The fact that Congress would be contemplating one of the biggest cuts in Medicaid that we likely have ever seen at a time when, if the country is going into recession, normally Congress would be increasing Medicaid funding, I think, is a really important point.

Joan Alker executive director and co-founder of the Center for Children and Families and a research professor at the Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy.

Dont forget about the food

Advocates also warned about reductions to SNAP, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which serves 2.9 million people in Florida. Since the programs inception, the benefits have always been federally funded, although the state has had to pay half the costs of administering the program.

As part of the budget process, the House agreed to trim $230 billion in agricultural spending. However, there are widespread doubts Congress would cut farm subsidies and will look to cut the SNAP program instead, said Bullard, of the Florida Policy Institute.

We want to lift up that this additional care program that is also counter-cyclical that is also something that our communities rely on that it is under threat as well.

Hearn says the federal government is considering requiring the states to help pay for the costs of the benefit.

And states have never had to do this before, nor are they prepared or have had conversations to do so. And so, just straight math is pretty easy to understand what this would do to the states budgets, Hearn said.

A 10% cost shift to the state would increase costs for Florida by $657 million annually, Hearn said.

Asheena Moses, outreach and advocacy manager for Florida Impact, said theres a strong connection between good nutrition and good health. Florida Impact is a statewide organization dedicated to advancing health equity by eliminating hunger.

If SNAP is provided to families and families are able to provide nutritious meals to their children, they are less likely to get sick and be dependent on Medicaid programs, Moses said.

SNAP also lifts families out of poverty. It frees up funding for them to get out of debt and it also frees up funding for them to establish themselves in a way that they can be self sufficient  like paying for trade programs or paying for different certifications so that they can get jobs where they make enough money to be lifted out of poverty and difficult situations, she said.

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As top Republicans give themselves just two months to pass President Donald Trumps sweeping tax and spending cuts package, some GOP lawmakers are worrying its not enough time to resolve their biggest intraparty fights.

Under fierce pressure from the White House, GOP officials are attempting to finalize that package by a self-imposed deadline of July 4  with Speaker Mike Johnson insisting he can pass the Houses bill sooner. But many rank-and-file Republicans worry that breakneck pace isnt realistic with the massive policy landmines that lie ahead, from corporate tax perks to health care cuts that are already roiling the party.

My understanding is right now we are currently writing two different bills, Sen. Josh Hawley put it bluntly as he described the two chambers collision course on policy differences.

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House Republicans are charging ahead with a half-dozen committee markups planned for this week and more next week. Johnson wants to hold a vote by the end of May, but Senate Republicans are proceeding far more cautiously.

Seven legislative weeks away if we had resolved all the differences in a bicameral basis would be a lot of work, Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, told CNN. But, he added, we arent through all the big issues yet.

For now, Trump has largely stayed out of the fray with lawmakers. Instead, the president has dispatched top Cabinet officials and aides, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, to iron out trillions of dollars in differences among House and Senate tax writing committees. Hes also letting key GOP committees find consensus among their ranks on tough calls about potential changes to Medicaid and food stamps.

People say, This is my red line. I cant cross it. And we say, OK, where can we meet? And thats what were working on, House Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie told reporters Monday about his panels tricky path forward on Medicaid  finding enough savings without causing GOP centrists to balk. Its almost getting close to an individual-to-individual kind of thing, and thats why it takes a little bit.

Deep divisions on Medicaid

One of the biggest pieces to iron out in the days ahead will be how Guthries panel can cobble together $880 billion in savings.

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That committee is slated to begin its mark-up next week, but Republican members have been meeting privately to hold informal discussions and internal votes on which provisions they can back  and which are not going to be politically palatable. Those talks have raised enormous questions about whether the committee will even be able to hit their $880 billion savings goal  which, to many House GOP hardliners, is their own firm line in the land.

The widespread expectation among Republicans is that Medicaid will account for a large share of that $880 billion in savings, though the committee has broad jurisdiction and can get some savings from energy and broadband programs.

So far, the committee has found broader consensus to implement work requirements for Medicaid recipients, ensure there are more regular eligibility checks for program recipients and institute guardrails to make sure that no federal dollars are going to helping immigrants who are illegally in the country access the program. Its currently illegal for federal Medicaid dollars to flow to immigrants in the country illegally, but some states do have state-funded health care programs for undocumented immigrants. And hospitals that treat patients of all immigrant status are eligible for Medicaid reimbursements.

The biggest flashpoint among Republicans on Medicaid is a wonky yet critical part of the current programs spending: the so-called FMAP, or the federal medical assistance percentage. That determines the amount in federal funding that flows to states to cover Medicaid recipients in their state.

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Many conservatives argue that states should be responsible for a larger share of the cost burden, especially for populations that became newly eligible for Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act.

But leadership has struggled to build consensus for those changes as many members  especially those from Medicaid expansion states  argue that it could affect coverage if states decline to make up the revenue difference.

Theres a lot of negotiation on FMAP. I think everythings on the table until we figure out where 218 are. But I think thats the more difficult thing to change, Guthrie told reporters.

Guthrie is among multiple senior Republicans who are skeptical that their party can agree to make changes to such a key piece of the program.

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Our members understand that Medicaid needs to be reformed. There are a lot of problems with it, one member who has been close to the discussions told CNN. You know I dont know if we can get some of our members to go there on FMAP in this particular reconciliation bill.

In the Senate, there is also concern about making substantial changes to how much the federal government contributes to a states Medicaid burden.

You know, North Carolina if you did a change to the FMAP, you would have about 600,000 people that were no longer eligible for Medicaid, Tillis warned.

Some in GOP fear food stamp cuts

Besides Medicaid, some Republicans are rankled by another push to cut spending from a safety net program for low-income Americans  food stamps, according to multiple people familiar with the discussions.

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The House Agriculture Committee  one of about a dozen House Committees involved in the reconciliation process  is tasked with finding $230 billion in savings, which many predict will come from making changes to food stamps and who is eligible for them.

One idea that has been floated, according to multiple members who serve on the agriculture committee, is to require states to take some share of the cost of the program. Currently, the program is covered by the federal government. GOP lawmakers are also discussing new work requirements to save money on the program.

But not everyone is comfortable with the idea of forcing states to share the cost of a program that has been handled by the federal government.

I need to see the nuts and bolts of it, Rep. Derrick Van Orden, who represents a competitive seat in Wisconsin, said. Because generally speaking, no, we have to make sure that we protect the most vulnerable amongst us, hungry kids, our seniors, our vets, single moms, people are struggling.

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GOP leaders, though, are under intense pressure to find steep savings  or risk losing the votes of their right flank. Conservatives are warning that they cant vote for a bill that doesnt meet the Houses steep savings target of $1.5 trillion.

Youre gonna see a collision if we get under the $1.5 trillion [in spending cuts] and really the $2 trillion. Thats what we told the American people, Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina told CNN.

Conservative pushback

Theres another unexpected policy area thats attracting the ire of some conservatives: A new $20 tax on vehicles.

The idea was floated by the House Transportation Committee and would put an annual $20 levy on vehicles  and more for electric and hybrid vehicles. It could be a way to reduce the current gas tax  a fee that some GOP lawmakers complain that electric vehicles have been able to evade. But it has already faced backlash from some conservatives who argued gas vehicles shouldnt be subject to the new cost.

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Im already catching, gimmicks, said Rep. Chip Roy, a conservative from Texas. Theres this car tax, right?  The party of limited government is going to go out and say, Were going to have a car tax. You know what? I was told, Dont worry about it. Well get rid of it later in the highway bill. So what does that really say? You should go be for a car tax as a gimmick to pay for this so we know that were not actually going to pay for it. Thats how this town works.

Each of these policy disagreements are bursting into public view even before lawmakers sort through differences on tax provisions.

A key priority for House Republicans from states like California, New York, New Jersey and Illinois, has been to raise the state and local tax deduction cap that was put in place during the 2017 tax bill. The speaker is scheduled to meet with some of those members later this week to try and find a compromise. But many Republicans have balked at the idea of raising the threshold, arguing that the federal government shouldnt be making up for the burden left by high-tax states.

I am not a fan of the federal government subsidizing high tax states, Rep. Dusty Johnson, a Republican from South Dakota, told CNN. That being said, politics is about the art of the possible, and to get to 218 votes and 51 votes, we are clearly going to need to do something with SALT. It is not my preference, but Dusty Johnson doesnt get everything he wants around here.

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Republican senators have also largely balked at the idea of raising the SALT cap, but Johnson argued that GOP Senate leaders understand everyone is going to have to give if they are going to move Trumps agenda.

They understand the complexities that were going to work through, and they have their own issues over there, so were going to give one another lots of grace back and forth. And its going to end well, Johnson said.

CNNs Veronica Stracqualursi and Haley Talbot contributed to this report.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  New information is expected to be released on Wednesday about the new courthouse coming to Springfield.

Baystate Health plans to cut dozens of jobs

The new Springfield Regional Justice Center will replace the current Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse in Downtown Springfield, which has been a source of health concerns, with multiple cases of ALS and dozens of cancer diagnoses being linked to the building.

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The last update about the courthouse was in January, when it was approved by the Asset Management Board, with one no vote from the Inspector General. Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro voted against approving the Springfield Regional Justice Center proposal out of concern that the bidding process would not be fair and competitive. The Board reviews and approves proposed projects that involve the long-term lease of real estate assets held by state agencies.

The idea is to acquire a leased space of up to 330,000 usable square feet for an initial lease term of 40 years and then two ten-year extension options, for a maximum term of 60 years. The overall project is estimated to be about a $600 million investment.

There is still no information on where the new project will begin and how long the transition will take. The Springfield City Councils Finance Committee will be hosting a meeting about the project at 6:00 p.m. at Springfield City Hall on Wednesday in the Council Chambers.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  The New Mexico Law Enforcement Memorial Bike Ride honors the ultimate sacrifice from New Mexicos law enforcement. The annual bike ride helps raise funds for the Albuquerque Police Department Chaplain Unit Fund (CUF).

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The CUF is used to support any APD employee who faces an unexpected life event such as funeral expenses, medical expenses and more. The ride kicks off May 10 in Albuquerque and follows the Turquoise Trail to Santa Fe. All funds raised will go toward supporting the CUF. The volunteer chaplain unit assists officers, on calls that are in need of support either for the family members of trauma or death. The unit is also on call for any APD employee who is in need of a Chaplain or just needs an ear to listen. For more information on the chaplain unit and the memorial bike ride, click here.

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NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP)  After being called to two mercury spills in less than two weeks, Northampton Fire Rescue is urging residents to take serious precautions when handling mercury-containing devices and to dispose of them properly before they pose hazards.

Homeless man charged in Springfield for arson and assaulting officer

The recent incidents required intervention by the Massachusetts Hazardous Materials Response Team, which is specially trained to manage toxic chemical spills.

Courtesy of Northampton Fire Rescue

According to fire officials, mercury can release dangerous vapors that are harmful when inhaled and should never be cleaned up using standard household methods.

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Mercury is a toxic substance to people, animals, and wildlife, the department said in a public advisory. If spilled, it can release dangerous vapors that are harmful when inhaled. It should never be cleaned up with a vacuum, broom, or other household tools, as this can spread contamination and increase exposure.

Courtesy of Northampton Fire Rescue

In both cases, the department emphasized that residents followed the correct procedure by contacting emergency services rather than attempting to clean up the spills themselves.

Residents are reminded that in the event of a mercury spill, they should:

Call 911 immediately to report the incident.

Ventilate the area by opening windows and doors.

Leave the space and ensure children and pets do the same.

Avoid touching or disturbing the mercury, and never use a vacuum or broom to clean it up.

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Mercury is commonly found in older thermometers, thermostats, and some light bulbs. While modern alternatives have reduced the use of mercury in consumer products, many older households still contain items that pose a risk if broken.

To prevent future emergencies, the fire department encourages residents to dispose of mercury-containing items through local hazardous waste collection programs. These programs are designed to safely remove and process toxic materials that dont belong in regular trash.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center is holding another Walk-in Wednesday hiring event on April 30.

The event gives prospective employees a chance to meet with HR representatives for on-the-spot interviews for all of MercyOnes open positions.

11th annual Pete Goede ALS Benefit Concert this weekend

The event will take place from 3:00  5:00 p.m. at 801 5th Street in downtown Sioux City.

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MercyOne plans to continue hosting Walk-in Wednesday, the last Wednesday of every month, through October 2025.

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There arent many Merrimack firefighters left who worked for late Chief Charles Charlie Hall, but his legacy runs deep in the fire and rescue department and his stories will endure, Shift Capt. Mark Bickford said.

Hall joined the department in 1974 and was chief from 1979 until his retirement in 1999. He no longer lived in Merrimack and died earlier this month in a nursing home, Bickford said. Chairman Finlay Rothhaus announced Halls passing at last weeks Town Council meeting, where residents and officials observed a moment of silence in Halls honor.

On Wednesday, Bickford shared his memories of Hall, saying the town owes a great deal to the man who greatly enhanced the fire service, pushing through unprecedented changes during a period of sharp growth in town. From the time Hall joined the department to the day he retired, the population of Merrimack grew from roughly 9,000 residents to more than 25,000.

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Hall was the towns fifth chief but only the second full-time chief, taking over for Herbert Duxbury.

He oversaw the modernization of the fire department. He increased staffing and was way ahead of the curve, Bickford said.

In 1987, the town added 10 firefighters to the department to address the growing needs and to reduce the work hours for firefighters from 56 per week down to 42.

During his tenure, Hall presided over the expansion of the South Merrimack Station to include living quarters in 1987 and a major renovation to Central Station in 1998, which doubled the space for apparatus and equipment. Hall is also credited for helping bring advanced technology for firefighter health and safety, fire officials said.

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Beyond that, he was just a good guy and a wonderful resource, according to Bickford.

You couldnt ask for a better guy. He was a true gentleman, he said. He knew the names of everyones wife and kids. He knew birthdays. He was an absolute joy to talk to. And he loved the fire service. He was an old-school chief with modern thinking, which is really rare.

Bickford said Hall loved his crews and was well-spoken.

Hall served for 40 years in the fire service and was president of the New Hampshire Association of Fire Chiefs. In 2014, he was honored by Merrimack officials with the Public Safety Lifetime Achievement award.

An obituary and details about Halls death were not available Wednesday. Bickford said Hall had initially moved to Maine to live with family, but had moved back to New Hampshire recently as his health deteriorated.
The armed Scotland Yard officer who was cleared of murdering a violent gangster in south London now faces a gross misconduct disciplinary hearing over the shooting and could be sacked, The Telegraph can reveal.

Sgt Martyn Blake shot dead Chris Kaba in Streatham in September 2022 after Kaba drove at officers in an attempt to smash his way out of a police roadblock.

The highly trained firearms specialist has been told he must appear before a hearing accused of gross misconduct following a review of the case by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

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Sgt Blake opened fire to protect his colleagues, but he was charged with murder following an IOPC investigation and went on trial at the Old Bailey in October last year.

Jurors took just three hours to find him not guilty, and Scotland Yard immediately reinstated him.

The scene on Sept 5 2022 in Streatham, south London - UkNewsinPictures

Following his acquittal, Sir Mark Rowley, the Met Commissioner, said he feared charging the police in such situations was crushing the spirit of good officers and was making London less safe.

He said the 40-year-old officer had made huge personal and professional sacrifices but had acted with professionalism and dignity throughout.

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But despite being exonerated in the criminal courts, Sgt Blake now faces the prospect of losing his livelihood over the shooting.

This is because disciplinary offences are based on the civil test, which states that an honest but mistaken belief must also be reasonable.

He will now have to appear before a misconduct panel to determine his future.

Significant public interest

Announcing its decision, the IOPC said that having reviewed the case, it had found no basis to change its original decision that Sgt Blake had a case to answer for gross misconduct in relation to an alleged breach of professional standards.

Amanda Rowe, the IOPC director, said: We understand the impact this decision will have on Chris Kabas family and Sgt Blake and acknowledge the significant public interest in this case, particularly among our black communities, firearms officers and the wider policing community.

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This is a decision we have taken based on examining all the evidence, views of all parties and by applying the thresholds set out in legislation and guidance which govern our work. The legal test for deciding whether there is a case to answer is low  is there sufficient evidence upon which, on the balance of probabilities, a disciplinary panel could make a finding of misconduct. This has been met and therefore we need to follow the legal process.

We appreciate that the Home Office is carrying out a review of the legal test for the use of force in misconduct cases, however, we must apply the law as it currently stands.

However, critics warned the move would hit confidence in policing.

Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, said: Heroes like the police officer who shot Chris Kaba are all that stand between us and the predators, thieves and maniacs.

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But because our society has gone mad, instead of a commendation, that police officer was put on trial for murder. I said at the time it was a disgrace and so did many others.

She added: The over-interpretation of guidelines to the point where no one is able to do their job properly will harm policing and deter good people from taking up this difficult job.

We need to support police officers who do difficult things to protect the public, provided they act in accordance with the law, as a jury found Sgt Blake did.

She said that the IOPC has got this wrong and urged the government to get a grip of this issue.

Deeply disappointing move by IOPC

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: Im deeply disappointed by this IOPC decision. Sgt Martyn Blake has already been unanimously acquitted of murder by a jury having carefully considered all the facts and evidence.

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Chris Kaba was a violent gang member.

He added: This has hung over Sgt Blake for too long.

Policing figures joined the criticism, with Matt Cane, general secretary of the Metropolitan Police Federation, saying: This is frankly a nonsensical ruling by the IOPC that will shock police officers across London and indeed the country.

Police officers should not have their livelihoods or liberty put at risk for performing what unequivocally, as has been found in a court of law, is their lawful and appropriate function.

And yet putting this brave officer on trial for murder - as astonishing as that was - was not enough for the IOPC. Being cleared unanimously by a jury who heard all the evidence was not enough for the IOPC. They have now decided to put him and his family through more torment.

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This is not accountability. This is not in the public interest. This is not right or fair or just.

We will be vigorously defending the actions of Sgt Blake at any conduct proceedings.

Mark Williams, chief executive of the Police Firearms Officers Association, said: Todays decision by the IOPC recommending Martyn Blake faces a misconduct board is a hammer blow to him, his family and armed policing in general.

After unanimously being found not guilty by an Old Bailey jury, it seems completely wrong he now has to endure a misconduct board where he could potentially lose his job.

As well as the welfare issues this causes him, the morale of men and women who carry firearms to protect us will be damaged once again.

Kaba had history of gun crime

Kaba was a core member of the 67 gang, one of Londons most violent and dangerous organised crime groups, which had been linked to a string of shootings in the capital.

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Just a week before he died, the 24-year-old rapper, who had previously served a prison sentence for gun offences, was caught on CCTV gunning down a rival in a packed nightclub in east London.

On the evening of Sept 5 2022, armed police began following Kaba as he travelled across south London.

But when officers tried to stop the vehicle in the Streatham area, Kaba accelerated towards them, ploughing into the police roadblock.

He died after Sgt Blake fired a single bullet through the windscreen of the car, which struck him in the head.

Prosecutors suggested Sgt Blake had acted out of fear, anger or frustration, but the jury accepted his explanation that he had followed his training to the letter and had fired because he genuinely believed the lives of his colleagues were in danger.

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When Sgt Blake was initially charged, he was not named, but was given the codename NX121.

However, his anonymity was lifted following a legal challenge by media organisations, not supported by The Telegraph.

Following the IOPC announcement, Asst Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: We recognise the significant impact of Mr Kabas death on his family who continue to grieve the loss of a loved one.



Since NX121 was acquitted, the IOPC has been reconsidering whether he should face misconduct proceedings. We made strong representations that he should not face any further action due to the extensive evidence tried and tested at court and the not guilty verdict returned by the jury.



We know any fatal use of force by police understandably prompts concern among communities. NX121 made a split-second decision on what he believed was necessary to protect his colleagues and London and a jury unanimously decided that was an honestly-held belief and the force used was reasonable.



However, the IOPC has now determined that NX121 has a case to answer for his use of force and has directed us to hold a gross misconduct hearing.



We know another lengthy process will fall heavily on the shoulders of NX121 and more widely our firearms officers, who continue to bravely and tirelessly police the streets of London every day to protect the public.

Case prompted law change

The fallout from the case sparked a crisis in armed policing, with many of Mr Blakes colleagues threatening to hand in their weapons in protest at the decision to charge him.

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Following the case, Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, also announced a change in the law to protect the anonymity of firearms officers charged with murder in the line of duty, unless they are convicted.

Sir Keir Starmers official spokesman said any decision to bring disciplinary action against Sgt Blake was for the IPOC, which is independent of the Government.

But the spokesman warned that after the criminal trial, the verdict of the jury who found the officer not guilty must be respected.

More generally, we have also taken action to make sure that the police, particularly firearms officers, have the confidence they need to do their incredibly dangerous jobs, they said.

The decision to make Sgt Blake face a disciplinary process, which could result in his dismissal from the Met Police, is likely to have a further impact on the confidence of his armed colleagues.

In 2023, the IOPC ordered gross misconduct proceedings against an officer known only as W80, over the shooting of armed gangster Jermaine Baker, even though he had never been charged with a criminal offence.

Scotland Yard fought the decision and took the case to the Supreme Court, but lost. A date for the hearing is yet to be set.

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WASHINGTON, April 30 (Xinhua) -- One hundred days into U.S. President Donald Trump's second term, a migration of U.S. scientific talent is underway.

With the Trump administration slashing research funding, dismissing scientists, and imposing punitive measures on universities and institutions seen as ideologically opposed, many U.S. researchers are finding it increasingly difficult to continue their studies in the country. Amid mounting uncertainty, some have begun looking abroad for new opportunities.

Countries such as France, Germany, and Australia have responded with open arms -- entering what some may describe as an aggressive race to recruit disillusioned U.S. scientists.

U.S. SCIENTISTS AT BAY

Taking the brunt of new policies marked by budget cuts and widespread layoffs, many U.S. scientists said it has become increasingly difficult to conduct research. Several recent articles published in the leading British scientific journal Nature have highlighted the growing sense of helplessness among U.S. researchers.

Valerie Niemann, a researcher at the University of Bern in Switzerland, left Stanford University in April. "People don't know how long their postdocs will be. We can't apply for fellowships because we don't know how long they're going to exist," Neimann said.

Michael Friedlander, director of the Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech, also noted that students and postdoctoral researchers are questioning whether they should pursue a career in science.

Some researchers have taken to social media to lament the abrupt loss of grant funding and stalled career prospects. Scientists in U.S. government agencies have reported staff shortages and said they can no longer afford publication fees or even basic laboratory supplies.

Regarding the impact of federal executive branch policies from Jan. 20 to Feb. 28, the U.S. National Postdoctoral Association surveyed its members and found that among 293 postdoctoral respondents, 43 percent reported their jobs or positions were threatened, and more than one-third said that their research had been delayed or otherwise in jeopardy.

EMERGING BRAIN DRAIN

Nature also signaled the beginnings of a U.S. science brain drain. Citing data from the Nature Careers platform, the Nature report revealed that U.S. scientists submitted 32 percent more applications for jobs abroad between January and March than during the same period in 2024. At the same time, the number of U.S.-based users browsing jobs abroad increased by 35 percent.

Applications from U.S. scientists seeking career opportunities in neighboring Canada increased by 41 percent between January and March 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. By contrast, applications from Canadian researchers for jobs in the United States dropped by 13 percent, said the report.

Europe has witnessed a similar trend. Applications from the United States to fill European vacancies on the Nature Careers jobs board increased by 32 percent in March compared with the same month a year earlier, adding that applications to U.S. institutions from researchers in Europe dropped by 41 percent during the same period.

James Richards, head of Global Talent Solutions at Springer Nature, called the current situation unparalleled, saying, "To see this big drop in views and applications to the United States -- and the similar rise in those looking to leave -- is unprecedented."

GLOBAL COMBAT FOR U.S. TALENTS

In response to the growing exodus of scientific talent from the United States, several countries are trying to seize the opportunity to attract those scientific talents.

A report published in March in Science magazine said France has been among the fastest off the blocks. In March, Aix-Marseille University launched an initiative called the "Safe Place For Science" program, providing a supportive environment for U.S. scientists facing challenges at home. On April 18, France officially launched the "Choose France for Science" initiative, spearheaded by the French National Research Agency.

Patrick Cramer, director of the Max Planck Society, a research organization, announced on April 7 the launch of the "Max Planck Transatlantic Program" during his visit to the United States, with plans to establish several new Max Planck collaborative research centers together with leading U.S. institutions. The program would offer additional postdoctoral training positions, attract junior investigators to research at its institutes, and provide director positions for outstanding investigators who have to leave the U.S.

Australia also joined the talent race. This month, the Australian Academy of Science launched a talent attraction program, declaring that Australia has an "unparalleled opportunity to attract the smartest minds leaving the United States."

The academy's president, Chennupati Jagadish, said in a statement that the program would seed Australia's scientific capability and "nurture the next generation" of local scientists and innovators.

"We must act swiftly to capitalize on this opportunity," he said. 
The Metropolitan Police have been called in to investigate the crippling cyber attack at Marks & Spencer, which has left the retailer unable to accept online orders for a sixth day.

The retail giant has called in the Mets cyber crime unit as it scrambles to bring systems back online following a ransomware attack.

It emerged this week that a cyber gang known as Scattered Spider  a disparate group of cyber criminals thought to include British and American teenagers  could have been involved in the breach.

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M&S is now working with cyber security experts from CrowdStrike, GCHQs National Cyber Security Centre, the Met Police and the National Crime Agency as it battles to deal with the IT issues.

The Met Police said inquiries continued to take place, but added that no arrests had been made so far. It has been working with M&S since last Wednesday. Their involvement was first reported by the Daily Mail.

The cyber attack on M&S has now been going on for almost a fortnight. The retailer was initially hit by issues with contactless payments and click-and-collect orders over the Easter weekend. While contactless payments have since been restored, M&S was forced to pull online orders on Friday and click-and-collect orders are still subject to delays.

The disruption has led to empty shelves in food branches, with M&S admitting to pockets of limited availability in some stores.

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The chaos has wiped hundreds of millions of pounds from M&Ss market value as investors scramble to work out how costly the attack will be.

The Telegraph revealed last week that the cyber incident was a ransomware attack.

In such attacks, a criminal gang infiltrates a victims IT infrastructure, uses a computer virus to encrypt their files and computers, and then demands a ransom as payment for unlocking them. They may also threaten to release stolen information on the dark web.

Investigators believe the attackers used a hacking tool from a group known as DragonForce, which bills itself as a ransomware cartel.

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DragonForce typically sells its technology to other hacking groups, making it more difficult to attribute blame. However, investigators are pursuing a theory that cyber gang Scattered Spider might be involved.

Last night, British teenagers were linked to the online gang, which is best described as a loose online collective of English-speaking young men.

Cyber experts said the fact attackers may have British and American origins may mean they are within reach of law enforcement.

M&S declined to comment.

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A top executive at tech giant Meta has issued a public apology to conservative influencer Robby Starbuck after Starbuck filed a lawsuit alleging that Metas artificial intelligence chatbot produced responses containing false and defamatory information about him.

Joel Kaplan, Metas chief global affairs officer, told Starbuck in a post on X Tuesday night that he was personally involved with trying to fix the situation.

Robby  I watched your video  this is unacceptable. This is clearly not how our AI should operate, Kaplan wrote on X, which is one of Metas competitors. He referred to a 20-minute video in which Starbuck laid out his claims, including that Metas AI falsely associated him with the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and the QAnon conspiracy theory.

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Were sorry for the results it shared about you and that the fix we put in place didnt address the underlying problem, Kaplan continued. Im working now with our product team to understand how this happened and explore potential solutions.

Its unusual for a C-suite corporate executive to apologize so publicly and so quickly to one individual, let alone someone who had just sued his company. Kaplans apology came a few hours after Starbuck sued Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, in state court in Delaware. In 2021, Adam Mosseri, the Meta executive in charge of Instagram, apologized for a software bug that had deleted posts by Indigenous activists, and last year he apologized for the company taking action against a transgender user. Lower-level staff also sometimes apologize for Meta errors, and last year Kaplan admitted two mistakes by the company without issuing an apology.

Joel Kaplan, Meta's chief global affairs officer, at federal court in Washington on April 14.

But Starbucks claims and his stature are also unusual. A rising figure in right-wing media, Starbuck says that Metas AI invented false information about him seemingly out of thin air  a problem that he says undermines the value of Metas AI technology.

Meta has become increasingly attentive to the concerns of American conservatives over the past year, after President Donald Trump won the Republican nomination and then the White House. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg pivoted the company to align more closely with Trump, including by promoting Kaplan, a longtime Republican operative, to be Metas head of lobbying.

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Starbuck said the apology from Kaplan was not enough. In a statement to NBC News on Wednesday, Starbuck said he wanted a public apology from Zuckerberg, changes to Metas AI systems and compensation for the damages he says Meta had caused him.

At the end of the day these lies harmed me, my wife and my kids, Starbuck said. This put them in danger. I want to ensure that never happens to anyone else no matter what their political beliefs are.

Asked for a response to the lawsuit Wednesday, a Meta spokesperson pointed to Kaplans apology.

Starbuck, a former music video producer based in Tennessee, has ridden to prominence in the conservative media ecosystem in recent years with videos attacking diversity, equity and inclusion programs (DEI) at major corporations, including Walmart. He sought a House seat as a Republican in 2022.

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In his lawsuit, Starbuck says he learned that Metas AI chatbot was saying false things about him last August. Thats when a motorcycle dealership in Vermont posted a screenshot on X of Metas chatbot saying that Starbuck was at the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol and had been linked to the QAnon conspiracy theory  two claims that Starbuck says are not true. He says he was in Tennessee the day of the Capitol riot and that hes a longtime critic of QAnon.

Starbuck says in the lawsuit that he contacted Meta and its lawyers about the claims. According to the suit, a Meta lawyer responded to Starbucks lawyer last August by email, saying in part: Meta takes the assertions set forth in your letter seriously, and an investigation into them is underway.

Conservative influencer Robby Starbuck in New York in March.

But Meta ultimately did not implement changes or take responsibility over the ensuing months, the lawsuit alleges. Instead, the suit says, the problem got worse as the chatbot produced additional serious allegations about him.

The lawsuit claims defamation. It asks for $5 million in general damages plus unspecified punitive damages and an injunction against future defamatory statements by Meta about Starbuck. The lawsuit was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

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Internet companies have for decades enjoyed a kind of shield against many defamation lawsuits, thanks to a 1996 law commonly known as Section 230. Legal experts, though, say its unclear whether that law applies to output from generative AI software, and courts have not yet weighed in.

Its unclear how Metas chatbot came up with its information about Starbuck. According to the lawsuit, Starbuck searched for potential sources of information that might have shaped Metas AI but came up empty. On Wednesday, according to checks by NBC News, Metas chatbot declined to talk about Starbuck at all, responding to questions about him with: Sorry, I cant help you with this request right now. Is there anything else I can help you with?

So-called hallucinations, in which AI chatbots give unexpected and incorrect responses to questions, are a notorious and somewhat mysterious feature of AI software.

Starbuck filed his lawsuit at an especially inconvenient moment for Metas ambitious AI plans. Tuesday was LlamaCon, a conference for AI developers hosted by Meta at its corporate headquarters in Menlo Park, California. Zuckerberg gave a keynote address, and the company announced several updates to its AI model, called Llama, which competes with OpenAIs ChatGPT, Googles Gemini and others.

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Kaplan is also at the center of several allegations of misconduct in a recent bestselling book by a former Facebook employee, Sarah Wynn-Williams. Meta has said the book includes false accusations about our executives, and that an internal investigation cleared Kaplan of wrongdoing in 2017. Wynn-Williams testified about Metas record in China before a Senate subcommittee this month, accusing Zuckerberg, whom she worked with directly, of being dishonest about his past willingness to strike compromises with the Chinese government.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities on Wednesday issued an orange alert, the second highest-level warning, for forest fires in parts of China from May 1 to 5.

The national forest and grassland fire-control command office and the Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM) issued the alert for forest fires in parts of Hebei, Shanxi, Henan and Shaanxi during the five-day May Day holiday.

The emergency management departments have been instructed to closely monitor changes in fire hazards, implement early warning and response measures, continuously reinforce fire source control, strengthen emergency preparedness, and effectively address the ongoing severe risk of forest fires.

Forest and grassland fires are among eight major natural disasters. "Generally speaking, China's forest fires have shown an overall downward trend in recent years," said Yang Xudong, an official with the MEM, on March 21, the International Day of Forests.

Statistics show that, from 1950 to 1989, China averaged approximately 16,000 forest fire incidents annually. This number dropped to around 6,000 between 1990 and 2020, and since 2021, it has further decreased to less than 1,000 cases per year.

The causes of forest and grassland fires are categorized into natural and human factors, with the latter accounting for over 90 percent of the causes of fire incidents, according to Yang.

China has a four-level warning system for forest fires, with red being the highest followed by orange, yellow and blue. 
LONDON (AP)  Microsoft pledged Wednesday to fight any U.S. government order to halt data center operations in Europe as it sought to soothe concerns among European customers that trans-Atlantic tensions would lead to service disruptions.

The company's president, Brad Smith, said it's not something that officials are talking about in Washington, D.C. but it is a real concern for Microsoft's customers across Europe, which include governments.

President Donald Trump has stoked tensions between the U.S. and Europe with his tariff-fueled trade war, and alarmed European leaders with policy changes, including pausing intelligence sharing with Ukraine, that throw into doubt his administration's commitment to the trans-Atlantic relationship.

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Smith, speaking at an event in Brussels, tried to allay concerns as he announced that the company was expanding data center operations across Europe.

What we want Europeans to know is that they can count on us, he said in a speech.

In the unlikely event we are ever ordered by any government anywhere in the world to suspend or cease cloud operations in Europe, we are committing that Microsoft will promptly and vigorously contest such a measure using all legal avenues available, including by pursuing litigation in court, Smith wrote in a Wednesday blog post.

He noted that Microsoft has experience fighting lawsuits from the previous Trump administration as well as from former President Barack Obamas administration.

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If we ever find ourselves losing we will put in place business continuity arrangements that include storing computer code in Switzerland that European partners can access, he said.

Microsoft is making five digital commitments to Europe, including increasing its data center capacity by 40% over the next two years and expanding data center operations in 16 countries, Smith said. He did not list the countries. The expansion will cost tens of billions of dollars annually. Smith declined to be more specific about the cost when asked by reporters.

The expansion comes amid calls for Europe to assert tech and data sovereignty by weaning itself off reliance from big U.S. cloud data service providers, including Microsoft, Amazon and, to a lesser extent, Google.

Given recent geopolitical volatility, we recognize that European governments likely will consider additional options, and Microsoft is committed to collaborating with European companies, Smith said.
Microsoft has vowed to protect its European operations against interference from Donald Trump as technology is increasingly used as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations.

Brad Smith, Microsofts president, said the company was prepared to go to court to fight efforts by any government anywhere in the world in the event that access to its internet infrastructure is blocked in Europe.

Microsoft pointed out it had sued Barack Obamas administration four times to protect the privacy of its European users, and the Trump White House in 2018 over the rights of immigrant employees.

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In a blog post, Mr Smith announced a series of commitments to safeguard Europe and pledged that the company would act as a voice of reason as the bloc grapples with a trade war with the United States.

In a time of geopolitical volatility, we are committed to providing digital stability, he said, adding that the company would uphold Europes digital resilience regardless of geopolitical and trade volatility.

Mr Smith also announced that the company would be changing its European leadership structure so that its data centre operations on the Continent were led by a board of directors made up solely of European citizens. He added it would expand its European data centre capacity by 40pc by 2027.

President Donald Trump has compared penalties under the EUs digital regulations to tariffs - Jose Luis Magana/AP

The comments come amid growing tensions between European leaders and the White House, which has accused Brussels of hamstringing American technology companies with red tape and punishing fines.

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Mr Trump has compared penalties under the EUs new digital regulations to tariffs, and warned that the blocs sprawling technology rules threaten to stifle free speech.

Mr Smiths overtures to Europe come as other Silicon Valley technology giants have accused Brussels of unfairly targeting their businesses through the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act. Meta, Google and Apple have all delayed updates to their products in Europe amid disputes over its artificial intelligence (AI) and competition rules.

Last week, the EU issued fines worth more than $700m (524m) to Meta and Apple over breaches of the blocs competition regulations. Joel Kaplan, Metas global affairs chief, accused the EU of attempting to handicap successful American businesses.

Overseas extortion

In February, JD Vance, the US vice-president, accused EU commissars of threatening to shut down social media. Mr Trump accused European countries of overseas extortion by levying fines and digital taxes against American technology businesses.

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The White House also suddenly paused intelligence-sharing with Ukraine after a disastrous meeting between Mr Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office.

Mr Smith highlighted Microsofts commitment to Ukraine, adding the company would always help protect and defend Europes cyber security. It is understood his comments referred to Europe as a continent, rather than just the EU.

Microsoft said it had so far provided more than $500m of assistance to Ukraine in the form of cyber defences and financial aid.

Mr Smith said: Without interruption, we have provided cyber security support to Nato, Ukraine, and other European governments, including by sharing cyber security threat intelligence, protecting elections, and disrupting attacks against European governments, companies, and citizens.

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We respect European values, comply with European laws, and actively defend Europes cyber security. Our support for Europe has always been  and always will be  steadfast.

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Microsoft has promised its European customers that it is committed to respecting European laws, in an attempt to reassure a key market as trade and geopolitical uncertainties grow under US President Donald Trump.

"As a multinational company, we believe in trans-Atlantic ties that promote mutual economic growth and prosperity," Microsoft president Brad Smith wrote in a blog post published on Wednesday.

He stressed that the US tech company was subject to local laws, regulations and governments.

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"Like every citizen and company, we don't always agree with every policy of every government. But even when we've lost cases in European courts, Microsoft has long respected and complied with European laws," Smith added.

He also said the company would continue to protect the privacy of European data and support the development of a broad ecosystem for artificial intelligence solutions and cloud applications across Europe.

Smith emphasized that this includes European competition law and the European Union's Digital Markets Act.

European customers are losing confidence in tech companies such as Microsoft, Google and Amazon since Trump took office.

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The US president has dismissed almost all the members of a key committee responsible for monitoring the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which governs the secure exchange of personal data across the Atlantic.

Many Microsoft customers now fear that the US company's services no longer comply with the provisions of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

To counter fears that the Trump administration could gain access to European data, Smith said Microsoft would offer additional security and encryption options in the future to prevent third parties - including Microsoft - from accessing customer data.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Mid-Michigan communities are showing their support for survivors of sexual assault by wearing denim.

Denim Day is an annual event that occurs each year on April 30, which seeks to spread awareness about sexual assault and why some victims may hesitate to come forward.

LACASA, a center for child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault based in Livingston County, encourages those in the community to participate by engaging in conversations about consent, victim blaming, and supporting survivors.

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Denim Day began after a Italian Supreme Court ruling in the 1998 overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing tight jeans, implying this meant she had consented.

LACASA says this sparked outrage and led to the global movement of wearing denim as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions surrounding sexual assault.

The City of East Lansing says any city participating in Denim Day will contribute a $5 donation to the MSU Center for Survivors.

These donations go directly to help survivors address a variety of financial needs such as medical bills, changing locks, personal protection orders and relocation expenses.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Israeli airstrikes on homes in central Gaza killed at least 12 people including children, Palestinian hospital workers said Wednesday, including two young brothers whose bodies arrived in pieces.

Israel has been striking homes, shelters and public areas daily since resuming the war with Hamas last month. It has cut off the territorys 2 million Palestinians from all imports, including food and medicine, for nearly two months. U.N. food stockpiles have run out and aid groups say thousands of Palestinian children are malnourished.

Israel says its blockade aims to pressure Hamas to release hostages taken on Oct 7, 2023. However, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights warned this week that starving civilians as a military tactic constitutes a war crime.

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Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza has killed more than 52,000 Palestinians, according to the territory's Health Ministry, including more than 2,200 in the six weeks since Israel shattered the ceasefire. Some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in Israel by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attacks which started the war.

Here's the latest:

UN gives an update on Gaza's humanitarian situation as supplies run out

The United Nations humanitarian office describes severe shortages of food, water and medicine as medical services collapse and charity kitchens shut down.

The agency, known as OCHA, said Wednesday it will give out its last five dozen emergency shelter kits in the next few days  kits that don't include tents.

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The U.N. Population Fund says all of its shelter materials, hygiene items and menstrual hygiene kits have been completely depleted.

OCHA said only seven hospitals and four field hospitals are still providing obstetric and newborn care for families in Gaza, where more than 2 million people live. Meanwhile, hospitals report that cases of malnourished pregnant and breastfeeding women are rising sharply, and most newborns are now being born underweight.

 Read more about the growing dangers for pregnant women in Gaza

Palestinian UN ambassador says Israel blocked him from returning to the West Bank

Israeli authorities held the Palestinian diplomat for five hours before blocking him from traveling to a meeting in Ramallah, the West Banks business and administrative hub, he said.

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I am a Palestinian, born in Palestine to Palestinian parents, and I am prohibited from entering my own country, Riyad Mansour told the U.N. Security Council, appearing to get emotional.

This is a very small part of the collective punishment imposed on all Palestinians, and of the denial of our existence and rights as a nation and as individuals, he said.

There was no immediate comment from Israeli authorities. The ambassador was speaking at a Security Council meeting on the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, including Israels war in Gaza.

Gaza charity kitchens are running out of food

Scores of Palestinians gathered at charity kitchens in Deir al-Balah and Nuseirat to get their only meal for the day as food across the territory runs out. On Wednesday, one kitchen served pasta in a thin tomato sauce, another served just lentils.

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Crowds of people pushed against each other and yelled as they held their pots and containers up high in the air in a desperate attempt to not leave empty-handed.

There is starvation. There is no food or thing to drink," said Wafaa, a woman displaced in Nuseirat with eight family members, who gave only her first name. "It would be a significant crisis if the charity kitchens close.

Abu Hamza Fawaz, who works with the charity kitchen in Deir al-Balah, said that the kitchen will close in a few days due to the lack of food and fuel.

Ahmed Yassin who works with another charity kitchen in Nuseirat, said that a significant number of small charity kitchens closed a while ago and people had to rely on the main communal kitchens.

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A Palestinian journalist is hospitalized after his arrest by Israel, his son says

Ali Samoudi, who has worked for CNN, Al Jazeera and other international news outlets, was taken to a hospital by Israeli forces after soldiers snatched him from his home in the West Bank, according to his son.

Mohammed Samoudi told The Associated Press that his father needs daily medication for several chronic illnesses. The journalist was wounded by the same Israeli sniper fire that killed veteran Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in 2022.

The Israeli military says Samoudi is affiliated with the Islamic Jihad militant group, but has no information on his current whereabouts.

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Dozens of Palestinian journalists have been detained by the Israeli military since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, 2023.

Palestinian rescue service chief urges sanctions against Israel

The international community must sanction Israel over its attacks on Gaza and total cutoff of humanitarian aid, which have rendered conditions there unlivable, the head of the Palestinian Red Crescent said Wednesday.

Israel has left no space for humanity to live in Gaza. We have to go into sanctions, said Dr. Younis Al-Khatib, speaking to The Associated Press in Lebanon.

Israel's war in Gaza has killed more than 150 emergency responders from the Red Crescent and Civil Defense groups and over 1,000 health workers, according to the United Nations. Last month, Israeli troops killed 15 Palestinian medics and first responders and buried them in a mass grave, including eight with the Red Crescent.

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Wildfires burn near Jerusalem, closing a key highway

On Wednesday, Israels fire and rescue authority called for international assistance to help control the raging wildfires, which spread to multiple locations on the outskirts of Jerusalem.

Israels police said it was closing part of a main highway connecting Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Video footage showed vehicles stranded near the fire. Police reported that residents living close to the fire zone were evacuated for safety, and volunteers were deployed to evacuate hikers.

Iran executes a man it said worked for Israels foreign intelligence agency

The official IRNA news agency reported Wednesday that the man, identified as Mohsen Langarneshin, was hanged. It said he had played role in the 2022 killing of a Revolutionary Guard colonel in Tehran, and called him a senior spy for the Mossad.

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The report said he had provided technical support in the assassination of Col. Hassan Sayyad Khodaei, shot five times by gunmen on a motorbike outside his home in Tehran.

The report said Langerneshin confessed in Irans Revolutionary Court.

It said the Mossad recruited Langarneshin in 2020 and that he met with Israeli intelligence officers in Georgia and Nepal.

Langarneshin reportedly rented safe houses for operatives in several Iranian cities, including Isfahan, when, in January 2023, bomb-carrying drones targeted what Iran described as a military workshop. Iran has accused Israel of being behind the attack.

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Sirens sound across Israel to mark memorial day

Sirens sounded for two minutes across Israel on Wednesday morning, as the country came to a standstill marking its memorial day for fallen soldiers and victims of attacks.

Jets flew over the military cemetery at Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commemorated the day in an opening ceremony. Memorial Day lasts from sunset Tuesday until sunset Wednesday.

Speaking about Hamas Oct 7, 2023, attack on Israel, Netanyahu said the country was determined to settle the score with those who committed atrocities. Our sons and daughters are unwilling to hold back on what the monsters who attacked us a year and a half ago have done, he said.

Memorial Day marked at site of Israeli music festival massacre

In southern Israel, friends and relatives gathered near Reim, a dusty field that hosted the music festival just 3.3 kilometers (2 miles) from the Gaza border, where more than 10%, or over 360, of the festivals attendees were killed and others were kidnapped on Oct. 7.

We are still in a war, we cant digest or clearly summarize everything, said Tal Zoherman whose 73-year-old father Motti was killed at the festival. We try to come here and be together, united and to even celebrate him in our way and to hope for a better future."

Israeli strikes kill 12 in Gaza

The pre-dawn strikes hit three houses in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp, according to staff at the Al-Aqsa hospital, which received the bodies. Among the dead were three children, including two brothers whose bodies arrived in pieces, according to the hospitals morgue.

Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian journalist in the occupied West Bank

Israel's military said it arrested Ali Samoudi, a well-known journalist, in an overnight raid in the northern city of Jenin.

Samoudi previously worked for international outlets including CNN and Al Jazeera. In 2022, he was injured in the same spray of gunfire that killed prominent Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. U.S. officials say Akleh was shot dead by an Israeli sniper.

Israels military said Samoudi was affiliated with and transferred funds for the Islamic Jihad militant group, without providing evidence. They said Samoudi had been sent to Israels security forces.

Samoudis arrest is the latest of dozens of Palestinian journalists detained by Israel since the start Israels war with Hamas, which began on Oct. 7, 2023.

Lebanon's president urges US military to pressure Israel to withdraw from his country's south

Joseph Aoun, who met with a U.S. military delegation Wednesday, urged it to pressure Israel to withdraw from areas it still controls in the country and to release Lebanese prisoners.

The delegation was headed by U.S. Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, the co-chairman of the Cessation of Hostilities Implementation Mechanism.

Aoun told the American delegation that the Lebanese army is carrying out its work along the border with Israel, where troops have been confiscating weapons and preventing armed presence.

A statement released by Aouns office said that Jeffers, who had held the post since before the Israel-Hezbollah war ended in late November, will be replaced by Maj. Gen. Michael J. Leeney. It added that Leeney also attended Wednesdays meeting.
Midwest City PD hosts Tip-A-Cop for Special Olympics

MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (KFOR)  Police officials with the Midwest City Police Department are teaming up with Special Olympics Oklahoma to raise funds for a good cause.

The event is scheduled with Midwest City Officers as they raise awareness for Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes.

Tip-A-Cop with Midwest City Police Department highlight Special Olympics Oklahoma, Image Midwest City Police Department

Heavy rain in Oklahoma causes concerns of flooding

DETAILS:

Location: Chick-fil-A

Address: 731 SE 29th

Date: April 30th and May 1st

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Time: 10:00 a.m.  2:00 p.m.

Attendees can expect to get a picture with the new Patrol Truck wrapped in to support Special Olympics Oklahoma.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
A Ghanaian asylum seeker has won a human rights claim to remain in the UK because of his trauma from contracting Covid.

Winfred Kwabla Dogbey, 52, claimed he could not be returned to Ghana because the effects of the virus on his health had been so severe that he would not get the necessary treatment in his home country.

He was diagnosed with PTSD after he was taken to hospital with the virus in 2020, and was part of a rehabilitation programme in the UK to treat his post Covid-19 syndrome.

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An immigration tribunal was told the type of treatment that he needed was practically non-existent in Ghana and the available psychiatric care was insufficient to meet demand.

After hearing that Mr Dogbey would probably experience a rapid and severe decline in his mental health if he were to return to Ghana, the upper-tier tribunal backed his claim to stay in the UK.

The tribunal accepted it would be a breach of his article three rights under the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), which bars persecution, inhuman treatment and torture.

The case, disclosed in court papers, is the latest example exposed by The Telegraph where illegal migrants or convicted foreign criminals have used human rights laws to remain in the UK or halt their deportations.

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There are a record 41,987 outstanding immigration appeals, largely on human rights grounds, which Labour has pledged to clear by halving the time it takes for them to come to court to 24 days.

Mr Dogbey came to the UK in April 2013 on a visa and claimed asylum in June 2016 but was refused. This was followed by a protracted history of lodging further submissions for asylum, according to the tribunal.

He was taken to hosptial and required critical care after contracting Covid-19 in May 2020, which resulted in very severe pneumonia and associated multi-organ failure. Doctors confirmed he was left with post Covid-19 syndrome, moderately severe PTSD and moderate depression.

Seriously ill person

After a further asylum claim was rejected in December 2023, Mr Dogbey argued that there would be very significant obstacles to his integration in Ghana, if he were to be returned. The tribunal heard he was taking part in a Covid-19 rehabilitation programme and was receiving physiotherapy appointments.

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Judge Khan of the upper tribunal, and deputy Judge Gill, said they were satisfied that Mr Dogbeys health conditions persisted and agreed he was a seriously ill person.

Lawyers representing the Home Office argued that both treatment and medical care were available to Mr Dogbey in Ghana. They said there were psychiatric hospitals in the West African country.

But the panel noted that the Home Office had conceded that there was insufficient psychiatric care to meet the demand.

Mr Dogbeys lawyers referred to a report that stated he would be highly unlikely to receive professional mental and physical health services in Ghana. The tribunal heard that 0.6 per cent of Ghanaians with a major depressive disorder were able to receive treatment.

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It was said that even those patients who were able to access mental health treatment received poor quality of care. The judgment said: Ghanaians with severe mental health illnesses are referred to psychiatric hospitals and prayer camps. They experience human rights abuses in both where they suffer further trauma.

His lawyers referred to evidence which stated that, in hospitals, patients were forcibly coerced, including sedated and beaten, into taking the prescribed mental health medication, and are given electroconvulsive therapy without use of anaesthesia.

Judge Gill said: Given the severe and systemic problems identified in the provision of mental health services, and with no evidence before us to suggest that the position is likely to change, we determine that mental health treatment is not reasonably likely to be accessible or become available to [Mr Dogbey] for his mental health conditions.

We therefore find... that [Mr Dogbey] would face a real risk of being exposed to a serious, rapid and irreversible decline in his state of health resulting in intense suffering.

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The judge said he is allowed to stay on the grounds of article three of the ECHR.

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SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  Immigrants recently detained in southernmost New Mexico now face a novel criminal charge of breaching a national defense area, after the U.S. Army assumed oversight of a 170-mile (274-kilometer) strip along the southern U.S. border in cooperation with immigration authorities.

Federal prosecutors on Monday applied the additional charge for incursions into the recently designated New Mexico National Defense Area against migrants detained by Customs and Border Protection, as the military scales up troop deployments to a sliver of U.S. borderlands that is now being treated as an extension of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Huachuca in Arizona.

The Trump administration says those soldiers have the authority to temporarily apprehend trespassers, amid efforts to get around a federal law that prohibits U.S. troops from being used in domestic law enforcement on American soil.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted the changes Friday while visiting troops at the New Mexico border.

Any illegal attempting to enter that zone is entering a military base, a federally protected area, he said alongside a border wall, in a video posted social media. You will be interdicted by U.S. troops and Border Patrol.

New Mexico-based ACLU attorney Rebecca Sheff warned that the military buffer zone represents a dangerous erosion of the constitutional principle that the military should not be policing civilians." She expressed concern that U.S. citizens that live near the border could be prosecuted under the same provisions.

The charges against at least a half-dozen immigrants for unauthorized entry on military defense property were signed by U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, an Alamogordo, New Mexico-native sworn into office April 18.

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Troops are prohibited from conducting civilian law enforcement on U.S. soil under the Posse Comitatus Act. An exception known as the military purpose doctrine allows it in some cases.

The newly militarized corridor includes the Roosevelt Reservation, a 60-foot-wide (18-meter-wide) federal buffer zone that ribbons along the border, except where it encounters tribal or privately owned land.

Control of the Roosevelt Reservation was transferred in mid-April from the Interior Department to the Defense Department in a presidential memo. The Interior Department also has designated areas beyond the Roosevelt Reservation for transfer to military oversight.

Since then, the Army has announced several military deployments to augment surveillance, expand roadways and shore up barriers at the border.

___

Gonzalez reported from McAllen, Texas.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he doesn't use Signal, an encrypted messaging app.

"A lot of them text," Johnson said of his GOP colleagues. "That's our main means of communication."

He jokes that his texts are "probably being monitored by the Russians."

House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Wednesday that he doesn't use Signal, telling an interviewer that he's in "zero" chats on the encrypted messaging app.

Instead, Johnson said, he primarily communicates via regular text messages.

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"I get about 400 a day literally just from members," Johnson said at an Axios News Shapers event in Washington, DC. "A lot of them text. That's our main means of communication."

He added, jokingly: "Probably being monitored by the Russians, for all I know."

Signal is an popular messaging app that uses end-to-end encryption to keep text messages secure, preventing third parties  including foreign governments  from being able to read messages.

While Apple's iMessage also uses end-to-end encryption, regular SMS text messages are generally not encrypted, leaving them vulnerable to hacking.

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Signal was at the center of a recent scandal in Washington, when Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added to a chat on the platform in which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Vice President JD Vance, and other Trump administration officials discussed upcoming strikes in Yemen.

Trump recently discouraged members of his administration from using the app following the incident.

"If you want to know the truth. I would frankly tell these people not to use Signal, although it's been used by a lot of people," Trump told The Atlantic. "But, whatever it is, whoever has it, whoever owns it, I wouldn't want to use it."

Read the original article on Business Insider
An aerial drone photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows people visiting a hot spring in Tengchong, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Home to 99 active and extinct volcanoes, Tengchong is rich in geothermal resources. The city's environment is known by locals as being "half water half fire," a feature that has been utilized to develop tourism. (Photo by Zhao Hui/Xinhua)

Tourists bathe themselves in a hot spring in Tengchong, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 25, 2025. Home to 99 active and extinct volcanoes, Tengchong is rich in geothermal resources. The city's environment is known by locals as being "half water half fire," a feature that has been utilized to develop tourism. (Xinhua/Liu Lianfen)

People pass through an archway built with volcanic rocks in Tengchong, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 23, 2025. Home to 99 active and extinct volcanoes, Tengchong is rich in geothermal resources. The city's environment is known by locals as being "half water half fire," a feature that has been utilized to develop tourism. (Photo by Gong Zujin/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 22, 2023 shows volcanoes in a national geological park in Tengchong, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Home to 99 active and extinct volcanoes, Tengchong is rich in geothermal resources. The city's environment is known by locals as being "half water half fire," a feature that has been utilized to develop tourism. (Photo by Zhao Hui/Xinhua)

Tourists bathe themselves in a hot spring in Tengchong, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 20, 2025. Home to 99 active and extinct volcanoes, Tengchong is rich in geothermal resources. The city's environment is known by locals as being "half water half fire," a feature that has been utilized to develop tourism. (Photo by Gong Zujin/Xinhua)

A staff member boils eggs and peanuts using geothermal heat at a hot spring scenic area in Tengchong, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 22, 2023. Home to 99 active and extinct volcanoes, Tengchong is rich in geothermal resources. The city's environment is known by locals as being "half water half fire," a feature that has been utilized to develop tourism. (Photo by Gong Zujin/Xinhua)

Residents walk past the Ancestral Hall of the Cun Clan, part of which is built with volcanic rocks, in Tengchong, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 23, 2025. Home to 99 active and extinct volcanoes, Tengchong is rich in geothermal resources. The city's environment is known by locals as being "half water half fire," a feature that has been utilized to develop tourism. (Photo by Gong Zujin/Xinhua)

This photo taken on April 25, 2025 shows an alleyway with a volcanic rock facade in Tengchong, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Home to 99 active and extinct volcanoes, Tengchong is rich in geothermal resources. The city's environment is known by locals as being "half water half fire," a feature that has been utilized to develop tourism. (Xinhua/Liu Lianfen)

People visit a hot spring in Tengchong, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 22, 2023. Home to 99 active and extinct volcanoes, Tengchong is rich in geothermal resources. The city's environment is known by locals as being "half water half fire," a feature that has been utilized to develop tourism. (Photo by Gong Zujin/Xinhua)

Tourists visit a volcanic rock bridge in Tengchong, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 23, 2025. Home to 99 active and extinct volcanoes, Tengchong is rich in geothermal resources. The city's environment is known by locals as being "half water half fire," a feature that has been utilized to develop tourism. (Photo by Gong Zujin/Xinhua)

A customer enjoys coffee served in a volcanic rock mug in Tengchong, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 26, 2025. Home to 99 active and extinct volcanoes, Tengchong is rich in geothermal resources. The city's environment is known by locals as being "half water half fire," a feature that has been utilized to develop tourism. (Xinhua/Liu Lianfen)

An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 4, 2023 shows volcanoes in a national geological park in Tengchong, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Home to 99 active and extinct volcanoes, Tengchong is rich in geothermal resources. The city's environment is known by locals as being "half water half fire," a feature that has been utilized to develop tourism. (Photo by Gong Zujin/Xinhua)
Ed Miliband claims Britains sky-high taxes on oil and gas producers have no impact on household bills.

No, thats wrong, the Energy Secretary said when a Sky News presenter suggested the North Sea taxes were a key reason that the UK had some of the worlds highest energy bills.

The price of oil and gas is set on the international market.

Whether the gas is coming from the North Sea or internationally, it is priced on the international market. Thats why we are in the grip of fossil fuel markets controlled by petroleum states. That was not about UK tax rates.

Sky's @WilfredFrost questions the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband on whether UK gas prices would decrease if the tax rate of 78% on energy companies was lowered by the government. https://t.co/TC2ROCL7wW



 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/w1QPD01XbZ  Sky News (@SkyNews) April 24, 2025

But the claim has been challenged by leading energy economists who argue there is a clear link between consumer bills and the taxes imposed on energy producers  especially when it comes to gas.

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Weve already seen how UK oil and gas tax rates of 78pc have reduced investment in and production from the UK North Sea, says Dan Slater, director of research at Zeus Capital.

While its probably fair to say oil prices are set internationally, with limited impact from UK production, gas is a more local market and UK volumes from the North Sea can influence prices.

UK gas prices rose following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine not because the UK was taking a great amount of UK gas, but because other European nations were cutting back on Russian supplies and demanding more North Sea gas, from Norway in particular as well as the UK.

Slaters point is that high taxes discourage people from extracting gas from the North Sea, fuel that would help to drive down wholesale prices and filter through to bills.

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In our view, if there is more gas available from the North Sea, from the UK, Norway or elsewhere, this would likely have had a downward effect on the wholesale prices paid by UK utilities, he says.

Ashley Kelty, of Panmure Liberum, says Miliband seems to lack understanding of how gas markets actually work, pointing out that prices vary regionally.

For gas, the problem is that prices are all about actual supply and demand. And the problem is that [gas] supply in the UK is severely curtailed by the penal tax regime.

He added that the taxation also affected bills more directly  through the taxes placed on fuel itself, rather than the companies that extract it.

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Milibands comments are deliberate obfuscation. Its true that oil producers do not set market prices, so the level of UK production taxes have no influence on consumer prices.

But the high levels of tax and duty imposed by the UK Government does mean that petrol would still be about 60p per litre even if the oil price was zero.

The Labour Government is not the first to claim that taxes and other levies imposed on energy have little impact on consumer costs. Such claims have been made by successive governments to justify a multitude of charges.

Each may seem small but collectively they now add well over 300 to the average household energy bill, which now stands at 1,849 for a typical dual fuel customer paying by direct debit.

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Policy costs account for about 198 of the 300  the bland title giving little indication that this is a key vehicle for making consumers pay extra for low-carbon electricity.

Buried within it are nine separate schemes collectively adding about 16pc to the cost of an electricity bill and about 6pc to gas bills. Another 88 is claimed directly by the Treasury in VAT.

Then there are fixed costs that while not levied by the Government are significant. Some 372 goes to pay for the maintenance of the pipes and cables that bring the energy into homes and businesses, for example.

Other charges are far harder to understand. Another 841 of the typical bill is used to pay for the actual electricity and gas  but buried within that simple figure is a raft of complex charges and subsidies.

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The most important are the contracts for difference, a government system for subsidising wind farms and other green energy, and the capacity market, which sees power stations paid to be on standby ready to switch on if needed.

These schemes added 1.8bn and 1bn respectively to the nations domestic bills last year, though the costs are not broken out within individual bills.

Some analysts warn that all these levies risk undermining Milibands net zero policies.

Matthew Chadwick, of Cornwall Insight, says: As we move to decarbonise the energy system, were asking people to switch to electricity. Yet the current system means those who do so often face higher bills because theyre paying policy costs on both their heating and everyday electricity use.

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This penalises those who dont have access to the gas grid and discourages the uptake of low-carbon technologies like heat pumps and electric vehicles.

Ofgem has promised a thorough review this summer to look at all costs in the energy system, to make sure theyre fair, allocated properly and offer the lowest cost transition to clean power.

Will it look at taxes? Many experts think it should  but Miliband appears to believe otherwise.

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Ukraines Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated on Wednesday 30 April that future military aid from the United States could be counted as part of the countrys contribution to the natural resources fund.

Source: Shmyhal during the national joint 24/7 newscast, as reported by European Pravda.

Details: Shmyhal shared details of what the upcoming minerals agreement between the US and Ukraine will look like.

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Quote: "Its an agreement to establish an investment fund in Ukraine with a 50/50 split in both management and contributions from each side. The contributions will be made in monetary form. The US side may also count new  I emphasise, new  military aid to Ukraine as a contribution to this fund."

Details: Asked to clarify whether the fund would require new military aid packages from the United States in order to become operational, Shmyhal responded affirmatively.

Quote: "Youve understood it absolutely correctly. Contributions to this fund can and should include monetary funds from both the American partners and Ukraine, but also new aid provided to Ukraine after the agreement is signed may be counted by both sides as a contribution to the fund."

Details: Shmyhal added that another key aspect of the agreement is that the United States acknowledges Ukraines contribution to global security, highlighting that the agreement references the Budapest Memorandum as part of this recognition.

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He stressed that under the agreement, Ukraine retains control over all resources and that infrastructure and natural resources are not part of or subject to the fund.

"Ukraine will only contribute licences from the new mineral resource rent  this will be our contribution. We will transfer 50% of that amount to the fund in monetary form," he said.

Shmyhal also stated that the last few details of the draft natural resources agreement with the United States are currently being finalised and it may be signed within the next 24 hours.

Background:

On 17 April, Ukraine and the United States signed a memorandum of intent on "concluding a formal agreement on economic partnership and a reconstruction investment fund".

According to the memorandum, the agreement will provide for the establishment of an investment fund for Ukraines reconstruction, and the drafting may not create conflicts with Ukraines path towards European integration.

More details can be found here: Speedy deal, strategic gains: inside the US-Ukraine mineral agreement timeline.

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When many people picture someone aged 16 to 24, they imagine a student buried in books or a young adult starting their first job. But for more than 4.3 million Gen Zers, neither is true  they're not in school, not working, and increasingly unsure where they fit in.

Thats according to the latest report by Measure of America, a project of the Social Science Research Council. The study estimates that roughly 10.9% of young U.S. adults are NEET, or "not in Education, Employment, or Training."

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The report suggests that even a temporary withdrawal from society can have lasting consequences on a young persons life. Its associated with lower earnings, less education, worse health, and even less happiness in later adulthood, the study says.

With nearly one in ten young people facing this grim future, some are now calling for a redesign of the education system to address the issue.

Worthless college degrees

Although college is traditionally seen as the path to building a bright future, political commentator Peter Hitchens argues that this belief no longer holds true.

In many cases, young people have been sent off to universities for worthless degrees which have produced nothing for them at all, said the author in a recent episode of his Alas Vine & Hitchens podcast. And they would be much better off if they apprenticed to be plumbers or electricians. They would be able to look forward to a much more abundant and satisfying life.

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Indeed, nearly 52% of job postings in January 2024 did not require a formal college degree, according to Indeeds Hiring Lab.

Meanwhile, 39% of firms in blue-collar sectors such as manufacturing and construction said they struggled to find employees in 2024, while 37% said the employees they hired were not suitable for the job, according to Angi.

This skills gap is likely to persist as young adults still see blue-collar work as less prestigious than white collar professions.

A Jobber study conducted in 2023 found that 74% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 20 perceive a stigma associated with choosing vocational school over a traditional four-year university.

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Many are willing to go into debt to finance their white-collar ambitions. American households had accumulated $1.61 trillion in total student loan debt to finance some of these degrees, according to the New York Federal Reserve.

Crippling student debt for degrees that dont lead to meaningful employment may explain why many young adults are disengaging from society. Fortunately, efforts are underway to turn the tide.

Read more: This hedge fund legend warns US stock market will crash a stunning 80%  claims 'Armageddon is coming. Dont believe him? He earned 4,144% during COVID. Heres 3 ways to protect yourself

Plugging the gap and changing perceptions

Shifting perceptions of blue-collar work and creating clearer pathways into trades and vocational careers could be key to addressing the NEET issue.

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For instance, TV host Mike Rowe is giving away $2.5 million in scholarships this year to support young people pursuing skills training.

DEWALT, a leading manufacturer of power tools and equipment for construction and industrial use, is investing nearly $4 million through its "Grow the Trades" initiative.

The funding will be distributed as grants to 166 organizations across the U.S. and Canada that are dedicated to training the next generation of skilled tradespeople, including programs focused on skilling, reskilling and upskilling workers in areas such as carpentry, electrical work, HVAC and more.

Vocational training is already gaining traction. As of late 2024, 923,000 students had enrolled in a skilled trades school, up 13.6% from the previous year, according to the National Student Clearinghouse. If these trends continue, the skills gap  and the NEET crisis  could be gradually resolved.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
MILTON, Fla. (WKRG)  The City of Milton has been granted a conditional use permit that will allow them to build a new wastewater treatment plant while also switching folks off of the septic tank system.

Grease is the word along Mobile Bay as Fairhope brings a classic to The Bluff

Theres over 6,000 septic tanks in East Milton today, Milton City Manager Ed Spears said. Thats the biggest threat to our environment in this area. Its polluting our waterways; its polluting our oyster beds where we cant harvest in Blackwater Bay or East Bay any longer.

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Over 50 years old, Miltons current plant cannot meet the demand of the growing population.

Milton has landed on an area of 270 acres in East Milton along Jeff Ates Road where the treatment plant will be built. The new plant will be moved farther away from Blackwater River than where the current plant sits now.

Our new city council, when they were seated in December, decided to relocate further away from the river to a higher elevation is generally considered a more environmentally friendly location, Spears said.

The most important thing is stopping new septic tanks from going into the ground, and thats all the new development were reading about constantly in East Milton, he added.

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City officials estimate the project will cost around $100 million and will soon begin the application process for grant funding.

The goal is to have wastewater from the current treatment plant moved to spray fields within the next two years. Beginning in 2032, in the state of Florida, raw sewage that has been treated can no longer be discharged into a surface body of water.

Right now, were discharging into the Blackwater River. We have to stop that practice and so this will be a land application where we will spray the treated effluent onto the ground, Spears said. It will evaporate; a lot of it evaporates, and then what is left will percolate into the ground.

64 security cameras in Mobile are not working

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Simultaneously, Milton will construct its new plant, which is expected to be completed in early 2028.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Milwaukee once again ranked among the worst metro areas in the country for ozone-polluted air, according to a new report by the American Lung Association.

Milwaukee placed 26th worst out of 228 cities for ozone pollution, right behind Sheboygan, the 24th worst. The organization's annual report compared metro areas nationwide using air quality data collected between 2021 and 2023.

Overall, the report found 46% of Americans, or more than 156 million people, live in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. That's nearly 25 million more people than in last year's report, with Milwaukee among the cities seeing worsening particle pollution.

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Like previous years, people of color were disproportionately more likely to be exposed to unhealthy air or have chronic illnesses, like asthma or heart disease, that make them more vulnerable to poor air quality. Though people of color make up about 41% of the U.S. population, they accounted for more than 50% of people living in counties that the American Lung Association awarded "failing" grades for air quality.

Here's what to know about worsening air quality across Milwaukee and Wisconsin.

Milwaukee-Racine-Waukesha area air quality is worsening, report says

Residents across the Milwaukee-Racine-Waukesha area are being exposed to worsening levels of both ozone and particle pollution, the report found.

Ground-level ozone, or smog, occurs when sunlight and heat combines with gases from cars, smokestacks and other sources. Between 2021 and 2023, the report found the Milwaukee-Racine-Waukesha area averaged 9.5 days a year of unhealthy ozone levels  compared to 6.7 days in last year's report.

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Racine County ranked the worst in the metro area for ground-level ozone pollution, which is primarily a threat in the summer.

Particle pollution, meanwhile, refers to the tiny bits of solids and liquids that linger in the air from factories, cars, power plants and wildfires and is a problem year-round. This year, the Milwaukee area surged to 50th worst out of 223 metro areas nationwide for short-term particle pollution, up from 105th worst last year.

Milwaukee County ranked the worst in the metro area for short-term particle pollution, receiving an "F" grade from American Lung Association, compared to a "B" grade last year.

Why is air quality growing worse in Milwaukee and nationwide?

Extreme heat, drought and wildfires are among the drivers of worsening air quality nationwide, according to the American Lung Association.

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In June 2023, smoke from wildfires in Canada caused Milwaukee to experience one of the worst air quality indexes in the world. Abnormally dry winters have also led to a surge in wildfires across Wisconsin in recent years, including nearly 600 wildfires in 2025 so far, according to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wildfires Dashboard.

Smog and particle pollution can cause serious health effects, including asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes, impaired cognitive functioning, and even lung cancer or premature death. In Milwaukee, the American Lung Association estimated more than 900,000 people are at higher risk of these more serious health impacts, based on factors like having pre-existing health conditions or belonging to marginalized communities.

The Clean Air Act, enacted in 1963, has been key to substantially reducing air pollution over the past 50 years, the American Lung Association said. However, the act is primarily enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has faced significant changes under President Donald Trump's latest administration. As part of mass federal layoffs, the EPA has lost more than 1,000 workers, with more being urged to resign.

The Trump administration is also attempting to dismantle a wide range of clean air regulations on oil, gas and coal development.

A haze of smoke hovers in the air over as a pedestrian crosses West Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee in June 2023.

Which Wisconsin counties have the lowest air quality?

Of Wisconsin's 72 counties, 26 reported data on ozone pollution. These five had the greatest average number of high ozone days, according to the American Lung Association:

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Kenosha County (weighted average of 13 high ozone days per year) Sheboygan County (average of 9.7 high ozone days) Racine County (average of 9.5 high ozone days) Ozaukee County (average of 9.3 high ozone days) Milwaukee County (average of 8.7 high ozone days)

Of the 18 Wisconsin counties that reported particle pollution data, these five had the greatest number of high particle pollution days:

Eau Claire (weighted average of 5.8 high pollution days per year) Taylor (average of 5.2 high pollution days) Brown (average of 4.8 high pollution days) Outagamie (average of 4.8 high pollution days) Forest (average of 4.7 high pollution days)

How can I protect my health when air quality is bad?

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommends the following tips to minimize the risk of outdoor air pollution:

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Limit time outdoors and keep windows closed when the air quality is poor. If your home is too hot or you are without shelter, you can call 211 to find an air conditioned space near you

To protect your indoor air quality, consider using an indoor air cleaner or filter.

If you have asthma, make sure to have your quick relief inhaler and spacer with you. If you have a child with asthma, make sure your school or daycare has your child's asthma plan on file and any needed medications.

Consider wearing a N95 mask when particle pollution levels are elevated. No masks can filter out ground-level ozone, so stay inside on high ozone days as if possible.

Do not burn wood, brush or trash on days with high winds or high pollution. If you live near neighbors, you should never burn these items.

How to check air quality in Wisconsin

To keep tabs on Wisconsin air quality, you can sign up for DNR air quality advisories and check air quality forecasts at airnow.gov.

The map below also tracks air quality across Wisconsin:

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Air quality in Milwaukee is getting worse: American Lung Association
Editor's Note: This item has been updated to include additional comments.

A minerals agreement between the United States and Ukraine faced a last-minute setback on April 30, as disagreements over final terms raised doubts about whether the deal would be signed, according to the Financial Times.



First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko traveled to Washington to sign a framework deal. U.S. officials reportedly insisted that Ukraine also sign a detailed fund agreement as part of the overall package.

Reuters reported on April 30 that Washington expects Ukraine to sign two additional documents along with the minerals deal, while Kyiv maintains those texts are not yet finalized.

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According to the Financial Times, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessents team told Svyrydenko to be ready to sign all agreements, or go back home. A person familiar with U.S. discussions said the delay stemmed from Ukraine attempting to revisit terms that had been agreed upon previously.

Ukrainian officials in turn said they could not sign both agreements, as the fund agreement requires further technical work and must be ratified by the countrys parliament before it can be signed, the Financial Times reports. Kyiv said it was ready to proceed with the framework deal.

"Our side is ready to sign," Bessent said on April 30 during a White House cabinet meeting. "The Ukrainians decided last night to make some last-minute changes. We're sure that they will reconsider that. And we are ready to sign this afternoon, if they are."

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal earlier in the day said the framework agreement, once signed, would be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada for ratification, after which the detailed fund agreement between U.S. and Ukrainian legal entities could be finalized.

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Speaking on national television, he noted that the U.S. side operates under a different legal framework, allowing them to verify the deal without legislative approval. Shmyhal added that consultations with Ukrainian parliamentary leadership on the agreement's details are scheduled for May 1. As for the framework deal, Shmyhal said he hoped it would be signed by the parties within the next 24 hours.

"As soon as the details are finalized, I hope within the next day, the agreement will be signed and we will get the first step," he noted.

The minerals deal has been under discussion for months and became a point of tension between President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump. The two got into a heated argument in the White House on Feb. 28 moments before the deal was set to be signed.

Read also: Ukraine ready to sign minerals deal with US on April 30, source in Presidents Office confirms

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
People look at the site of the street festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, April 29, 2025. The suspect in Saturday night's deadly attack at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day festival has been charged with murder, police said Sunday.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. Interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai said the driver does have a significant history of interactions with police and health-care professionals related to mental health. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)

City staff members work at the site of the street festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, April 29, 2025. The suspect in Saturday night's deadly attack at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day festival has been charged with murder, police said Sunday.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. Interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai said the driver does have a significant history of interactions with police and health-care professionals related to mental health. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)

City staff members work at the site of the street festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, April 29, 2025. The suspect in Saturday night's deadly attack at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day festival has been charged with murder, police said Sunday.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. Interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai said the driver does have a significant history of interactions with police and health-care professionals related to mental health. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)

Flowers are seen near the site of the festival attack in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, April 29, 2025. The suspect in Saturday night's deadly attack at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day festival has been charged with murder, police said Sunday.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. Interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai said the driver does have a significant history of interactions with police and health-care professionals related to mental health. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)

Flowers are seen near the site of the festival attack in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, April 29, 2025. The suspect in Saturday night's deadly attack at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day festival has been charged with murder, police said Sunday.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. Interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai said the driver does have a significant history of interactions with police and health-care professionals related to mental health. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)

A woman lights a candle near the site of the festival attack in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, April 29, 2025. The suspect in Saturday night's deadly attack at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day festival has been charged with murder, police said Sunday.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. Interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai said the driver does have a significant history of interactions with police and health-care professionals related to mental health. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Investigators strongly suspect that a pair of shootings three blocks apart in Minneapolis that left four people dead and two others seriously injured were connected and were gang related, the police chief said Wednesday.

The first shooting happened late Tuesday and killed three people. The second, which happened around 1 p.m. Wednesday, killed one person. A bullet fired during that shooting just barely missed two young children in a nearby vehicle, police Chief Brian O'Hara said.

The police chief said at a news conference that investigators believe all of the victims were Native Americans and that the shootings had shaken the large Indigenous community in the Phillips neighborhood south of downtown.

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He told reporters that investigators were still trying to establish a link between the shootings, and he declined to speculate on a motive or give details about any suspected gang connections. He said the investigation was still at its early stages. No arrests have been made.

Were three blocks away. The communitys saying somethings going on here, he said. "We have to follow the evidence. I cannot speculate. You can make your own assumptions based off the facts.

The killings followed a period of relative peace in Minneapolis, which like many cities saw an increase in crime during the COVID-19 pandemic and after the 2020 murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.

But crime fell in many major cities last year, and Minneapolis recently went two months without a homicide until a man was shot to death April 19. It was the city's longest period without a homicide in a decade, according to police. Authorities have credited the work of community organizations and a federal crackdown on local gang members.

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Our entire city is grieving right now," Mayor Jacob Frey told reporters. "And we know that our Native community is feeling that trauma quite acutely.

In the late Tuesday shooting, four people were shot in a vehicle and one on a nearby sidewalk, according to police. O'Hara said a 20-year-old woman, a 17-year-old boy and a 27-year-old man were killed. A 28-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. O'Hara said the man remained in grave condition Wednesday afternoon.

Wednesday's shooting happened outside an apartment building that houses the Minneapolis offices of the Red Lake Nation tribe. A man in his 30s died, O'Hara said.

What is even more disturbing, he added, was that one round from the shooting went through the rear door of an SUV "and passed just beneath the legs of two children in child seats, an infant and a toddler.

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O'Hara reiterated his earlier statements that it was very clear that victims of the first shooting were deliberately targeted and that it was potentially gang related.

The chief did not say whether the fatal shootings might have been connected with another nearby shooting overnight in which a man was dropped off at a hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

O'Hara appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

"We need everyone to stand up and say this is not OK," he said. "And law enforcement will not rest until everyone involved in both of these incidents is brought into custody.
The State of Minnesota is reducing the distance exemption on its recently announced return-to-work policy, meaning employees who live more than 50 miles away from their place of employment can still work remotely.

Last month, Governor Tim Walz ordered state employees to return to the office for at least half of their working hours starting on June 1, a requirement of all staff who live within 75 miles of their primary place of work.

But updated guidance issued on Monday shows the distance requirement has been revised to 50 miles, meaning those living more than this distance away can continue to work from home.

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The 50-mile exception is determined based on the shortest road distance measured door-to-door between the employee's home and their main office.

Walz's revision of pandemic-era remote work policy received swift pushback from union leaders, but the governor's office said the change "supports the economic vitality of office districts," such as downtown St. Paul, which has seen growing amounts of vacant office space and is continuously seeing retailers close their doors.

Related: Lunds & Byerlys will close downtown St. Paul grocery store this month

Walz's office claimed that 60% of state government workers already work in-person, and about 60% also worked in-person during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 5 announced they have denounced Walz's "unilateral decision to revoke teleworking agreements in place for state workers across Minnesota."

The two unions represent nearly 40,000 workers.
By Amina Ismail

DAMASCUS (Reuters) - Early one evening in late January, 12 masked men stormed the Damascus home of Um Hassan's family, pointed AK-47 assault rifles in their faces and ordered them to leave.

When they presented ownership documents, the men arrested Um Hassan's oldest brother and said they could only have him back once they had moved out. The family surrendered the house 24 hours later and picked him up, battered and bruised, from the local General Security Service headquarters, said Um Hassan, giving only her nickname for fear of reprisals.

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Her family is part of Syria's minority Alawite community, an offshoot of the Shi'ite faith and the sect of former strongman Bashar al-Assad. Their story is not unique.

Since Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa seized power in December, hundreds of Alawites have been forced from their private homes in Damascus by the security forces, according to Syrian officials, Alawite leaders, human rights groups and 12 people with similar accounts who spoke to Reuters.

"We're definitely not talking about independent incidents. We are talking about hundreds, if not thousands, of cases of evictions," said Bassam Alahmad, executive director of human rights group Syrians for Truth and Justice (STJ).

The mass evictions of Alawites from privately owned homes have not been previously reported.

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For more than 50 years, Assad and his father before him crushed any opposition from Syria's Sunni Muslims, who make up more than 70% of the population. Alawites took many of the top positions in government and the military and ran big businesses.

They now accuse supporters of Sharaa, who once ran an al Qaeda affiliate, of systematically abusing them as payback.

In March, hundreds of Alawites were killed in Syria's western coastal region and sectarian violence spread to Damascus in apparent retribution for a deadly ambush on Syria's new security forces by armed Assad loyalists.

Two government officials said thousands of people had been kicked out of homes in Damascus since Assad was toppled by Sharaa's rebel force, with the majority being Alawites.

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The officials said most resided in government housing associated with their jobs in state institutions and, since they were no longer employed, they had lost their right to stay.

But hundreds more, like Um Hassan, were evicted from their privately owned homes simply because they are Alawites, Reuters interviews with multiple officials and victims show.

The interior ministry, which oversees the GSS, and Sharaa's office did not respond to requests for comment.

'WAR SPOILS COMMITTEE'

Sharaa has vowed to pursue inclusive policies to unite a country shattered by a 14-year sectarian civil war and attract foreign investment and aid.

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But Alawites fear the evictions are part of systematic sectarian score settling by Syria's new rulers.

An official who declined to be named at the Damascus Countryside Directorate, which is responsible for managing public services, said they had received hundreds of complaints from people who had been violently evicted.

An Alawite mayor in a Damascus suburb, who also asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, said in March that 250 families out of 2,000 there had been evicted.

The mayor shared with Reuters a call recorded in March with someone claiming to be a member of the General Security Service (GSS), a new agency made up of rebel fighters who ousted Assad.

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The GSS official demanded the mayor find an empty house for a family relocating from the north. When the mayor said there were no apartments for rent, the official told him to, "empty one of those houses that belong to one of those pigs", referring to Alawites.

Muslims consider pigs unclean and impure and calling someone a pig is highly offensive.

According to three senior GSS officials, the new authorities have established two committees to manage properties belonging to individuals perceived to be connected to the previous regime. One committee is responsible for confiscations, the other addresses complaints, the people said.

Reuters was unable to determine to what extent Sharaa was aware of how homeowners were being evicted, or whether his office had oversight of the committees.

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They were created as Sharaa's forces closed in on Damascus in December and were modelled on a similar entity known as the "War Spoils Committee" in his former stronghold Idlib, the GSS sources said.

"These evictions will certainly change the demographics of the city, similar to the changes that Assad implemented against his opponents in Sunni areas. We are talking about the same practice, but with different victims," said Alahmad at STJ.

On April 16, STJ filed a complaint with the Damascus Suburbs Directorate, calling for an end to "sectarian-motivated" property violations and the return of looted properties.

TWO MINUTES TO LEAVE

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Assad's father Hafez al-Assad moved Alawites from coastal areas to urban centres to help cement his powerbase.

Assad set up military installations and housing units for troops and their families around Damascus, where Alawites, who were over-represented in the army, made up a significant portion of the population, according to Fabrice Balanche, a Syria expert and an associate professor at the University of Lyon 2.

Balanche estimated that half a million Alawites have moved to coastal areas after being evicted from the capital, Homs, Aleppo, and other parts of Syria following Assad's fall.

In the Alawite neighbourhood of Dahyet al-Assad, civil servant and mother of four Um Hussein said two armed masked men came to her privately owned home on January 16 and identified themselves as GSS members.

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The newly created GSS deployed by Sharaa seems to be an extension of the security force that ruled Idlib province, said Syria expert Joshua Landis, head of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma.

The GSS now seems to be the Police, FBI, CIA and national guard, all rolled into one, he said.

Um Hussein said the men gave her 24 hours grace to leave, because of her son's dependence on a wheelchair. She appealed to numerous government bodies to keep her home, and received some assurances.

The next day at about 10 a.m., the men returned and gave her two minutes to leave. Um Hussein said they also confiscated a shop her family owned in the neighbourhood and were renting out.

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"We have been living in this house for more than 22 years. All our money and savings have been invested in it. We cannot afford to rent elsewhere," said Um Hussein.

Reuters spoke with two members of the security forces at the private homes they had occupied. One had seized two houses - including Um Hussein's - after evicting the owners.

Hamid Mohamed, meanwhile, said his unit had taken over four empty homes belonging to Shabiha, a notorious pro-Assad militia.

He said the security forces had not seized anything that wasn't theirs and recalled angrily that his home in a Damascus suburb was destroyed during the civil war. Mohamed said he moved to the capital after Assad's fall and had nowhere else to stay.

'TRANSITIONAL INJUSTICE'

On February 12, the Damascus governor called on citizens who say property has been unjustly confiscated to submit complaints at directorates.

Reuters visited one in March where the official who declined to be named confirmed a pattern: armed individuals evicted people without a court order, prevented them from taking their belongings - and then moved in.

The majority of confiscations targeted low- to middle-income Syrians who had lost their jobs and lacked the resources to pay their way out of the situation, the sources said.

Another official in another Damascus directorate said the evictions happened overnight without due process.

"It's chaotic, but there is a method to the madness, which is to terrify people and to let the whole world know that Alawites are no longer (in power)," said Landis. "There is no transitional justice. There's only transitional injustice."

Seven armed men came to Rafaa Mahmoud's apartment on February 20 and threatened to kill her and her Alawite family unless she handed over the keys to the property they had bought 15 years earlier, she said.

Mahmoud shared a 2 minute 27 second video with Reuters showing her standing behind her door, desperately arguing with the men, who warned the family to leave by nightfall.

The men, who identified themselves as state security agents, called Mahmoud and her family "infidels and pigs".

When Mahmoud asked for a court order, the men replied: "We only do things verbally here."

(Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by David Clarke)
A young girl who has been missing from Missouri since December has been found alive in a Colorado property with a sex offender after reportedly being held against her will, police have said

Suspect Maximilian Bondrescu, 44, has been arrested and is facing multiple charges, including sexual assault on a child and 2nd degree kidnapping

Police believe Bondrescu "rented a vehicle to drive to Missouri, where he met with the juvenile female and then drove her to Colorado," per a press release

A 16-year-old girl missing since December has been found alive in a sex offender's house, police have confirmed.

The Fort Collins Police Cyber Crimes Unit in Colorado confirmed they'd arrested Maximilian Bondrescu, 44, on April 18 after receiving "a tip from a Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force detective regarding a possible kidnapping," per an April 24 press release shared on Facebook.

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"It was reported that a juvenile [who] was missing from Missouri since December 2024 may be in Fort Collins," the release stated. "Fort Collins Police Detectives developed information to believe that the missing female may be at a residence in the 800 block of Warren Landing."

Police obtained a search warrant for the property with the assistance of the Fort Collins Police SWAT Team, the release continued, adding that Bondrescu was found inside the residence, but that he "denied that there was a juvenile female in the house."

"The house was searched, and the missing juvenile was located inside. Bondrescu is currently a registered sexual offender," police added, confirming he'd been booked into Larimer County Jail.

Colorado Bureau of Investigation Maximilian Bondrescu Maximilian Bondrescu

Bondrescu is now facing the following charges: Class 2 Felony  2nd Degree Kidnapping  Child; Class 3 Felony  Sexual Assault on a Child  Pattern of Abuse; Class 4 Felony  2nd Degree Assault; and Class 5 Felony  False Imprisonment  Minor Locked in Room.

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He was also arrested on charges of: Class 1 Misdemeanor  Failure to Register as a Sex Offender  Incomplete Registration; Class 2 Misdemeanor  Child Abuse; Class 2 Misdemeanor  Harboring a Minor; and Class 2 Misdemeanor  Obstructing a Peace Officer, the release stated.

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Police said that the investigation had revealed that the suspect had "rented a vehicle to drive to Missouri, where he met with the juvenile female and then drove her to Colorado."

"The victim reported to investigators that she was held against her will, but Bondrescu would sometimes take her out and make her work for his snow removal company," police said.

"The snow removal company is called FoCo Sno GO. While she was forced to work for his company, she was required to wear a mask while shoveling to conceal her identity and age," the release stated.

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Fort Collins Police Assistant Chief, Kristy Volesky said, The importance of the work done by the Fort Collins Police Cyber Crime Unit, and similar units across the nation play a vital role in helping to keep our children safe," per the release.

"Had it not been for the diligent work of these detectives, the juvenile could have continued to be victimized. Our investigators will now work closely with the District Attorneys Office to ensure justice for this child, Volesky added.

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According to Larimer County Jail inmate records, Bondrescu is being held on a $500,000 bond. A court date has been scheduled for Monday, May 5, per the online records.

Fort Collins Police didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.



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HANGZHOU, April 30 (Xinhua) -- For Yaser Akeel, a student from Jordan studying at Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College in east China's Zhejiang Province, the future is well within reach.

On April 21, he joined 31 other international students from three local institutions -- Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua University of Vocational Technology, and his own college -- for a skills training and assessment program for young foreigners held by the city of Yiwu, known as "the world's supermarket."

After a round of on-site evaluations, 18 students earned a specialized vocational certificate in AI applications for international business, becoming the first foreign recipients in China.

"This certificate gives me a lot more confidence in the job market," said Yaser. "It also helps me better understand the path I want to pursue."

Issued by the Yiwu Vocational Skills Appraisal Center, the certificate confirms Yaser's proficiency in international trade and AI applications -- increasingly relevant skills in Yiwu, long known for its massive trinket, textiles and e-commerce-ready goods markets.

"Yiwu may not be a big city," said Yaser. "But it feels incredibly international. Opportunities are everywhere, and life here is easy for foreigners."

In recent years, local governments across China have begun experimenting with new ways to help foreign students stay after graduation -- an elusive goal in a country that hosts hundreds of thousands of them each year.

Most foreign graduates leave the country within months, discouraged by strict visa policies and a shortage of viable job opportunities.

Yiwu, a small but globally connected city in Zhejiang Province, is among the first to try a targeted approach that prioritizes practical skills over nationality to attract foreign talent to work in the trade hub.

As one of the world's leading hubs for small commodities, Yiwu trades with 232 countries and regions, with more than 21,000 foreign merchants from over 100 countries currently living in the city.

"I've felt a real sense of welcome and support here in China," said Assa Dia, a Senegalese student who hopes to stay in Yiwu after graduation. "Yiwu stands out as a city of opportunity, offering fertile ground for both entrepreneurship and careers."

"Foreign professionals are a vital resource," said Wang Guocheng, head of the Yiwu Human Resources and Social Security Bureau. "In a trade-oriented city like ours, they play a key role in connecting Yiwu to the global marketplace."

"As the only city in China undertaking a comprehensive reform of international trade, we have both the capacity and the commitment to attract and support global talent," said Wang.

Wang added that Yiwu is piloting a mechanism that links foreign vocational certification with work permit eligibility, a move that effectively bypasses China's typical requirement of two years' prior work experience for foreign hires.

The city has also introduced a "white list" system, allowing certified foreign talent to apply directly for jobs at approved companies, forming what officials describe as a standardized model of employment through certification.

Officials say more initiatives are in the pipeline, including new credentials in cross-border e-commerce livestreaming and AI-powered design for international trade. The goal is to make Yiwu a destination for skilled professionals from around the world.

"It's easy for foreigners to do business in China -- people are always ready to help," said Mohamed Amine Abdeddayem, a Tunisian student. "Living here feels a lot like being at home." 
The body of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna was returned to her home country showing numerous signs of torture after months in Russian detention, according to CNN.

Roshchyna went missing in August 2023 while on assignment interviewing residents in a Russian-held part of Ukraine for the online media outlet Ukrainska Pravda. She was detained by Russian forces and deported to Russia, though the country did not admit to holding her captive until nine months after her father first reported her missing.

She was dead by September 2024, but Russia did not notify her family until a month later.

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Her remains were returned as part of a body exchange between the nations in February 2025. They were initially labeled as an unidentified male, though multiple DNA analyses later confirmed Roshchynas identity. She was 27 years old.

Related: Dozens of World Leaders Rush to Ukraine's Defense After Peace Talks with Trump Crumble: 'You'll Never Walk Alone'

Yuriy Belousov, head of the war crimes department at the Ukrainian Prosecutor Generals Office, said that forensic examination of Roshchynas body found numerous signs of torture and ill-treatment including abrasions and hemorrhages on various parts of the body, a broken rib and possible traces of electric shock.

According to Belousov, it was determined that the injuries were sustained while Roshchyna was still alive.

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Her fellow journalists at Ukrainska Pravda also said her body was missing organs, including her brain, eyeballs and part of her trachea. They speculated that her captors may have removed the organs in order to obscure her cause of death.

As of now, the state of Roshchynas body has made it too difficult to determine how she died, but Belousov said Ukraine is enlisting the help of international forensic experts.



Related: Trump Escalates Feud with Zelenskyy over Ukrainian President's Latest Remark: 'Worst Statement That Could've Been Made'

Tanya Dzafarowa/Suspilne Ukraine/JSC "UA:PBC"/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Friends and colleagues of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna hold a commemoration ceremony in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Oct. 11, 2024 Friends and colleagues of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna hold a commemoration ceremony in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Oct. 11, 2024

Roshchynas friends and colleagues paid tribute to her with a commemoration ceremony in Kyiv on Oct. 11, 2024.

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Evgeniya Motorevskaya, who worked with Roshchyna at the Ukrainian media outlet Hromadske, praised her late friends tenacity and courage.



For her, there was nothing more important than journalism. Vika was always where the most important events for the country took place. And she would have continued to do this for many years, but the Russians killed her, she wrote in a statement published on Hromadskes website.

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In May 2024, CNN documented reports on Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers' alleged use of electrocution and sexual violence to torture detained Ukrainians.

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They were obviously having fun when spinning the dynamo, asking me, Do you want to call Zelenskyy?  said civilian volunteer Oleksii Sivak, recounting his arrest and torture at the hands of the FSB.

Of the direct current generator used to electrocute him during torture sessions, Sivak recalled, "They called it the lie detector.' "



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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  The Winfield Police Department says a missing 45-year-old woman has been found in Wichita and is safe.

According to the Winfield Police Department, the woman left ResCare in Winfield on Sunday and got a ride to the Salvation Army or City Life Church in Wichita that evening.

The Winfield Police Department was concerned because the woman has a disability and did not have her medicines with her.

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Once a missing person has been found safe, KSN News removes their name and picture from stories to protect their privacy.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here.

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By Supantha Mukherjee, Michael Kahn, Elizabeth Howcroft

STOCKHOLM/PRAGUE/PARIS (Reuters) -Some European tech workers who might once have headed to the United States are looking at defence startups closer to home. Others are rushing back to Europe from jobs abroad.

A sense of patriotism stirred by the war in Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump's upending of security alliances is a motivation for many, as well as the opportunity to make money as European governments boost military spending.

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For others, it's the appeal of working on cutting-edge battlefield applications that use artificial intelligence.

Reuters spoke to two dozen AI engineers, venture capital firms, government officials and defence companies in Europe who said the influx of tech talent reflected a changed political landscape as the United States retreats from its post-World War Two role as guarantor of Europe's defences.

"There are people that are really mission-focused, and what they want to do in their life is to have an impact and not only earn a big salary," said Loic Mougeolle, CEO of Paris-based battlefield AI provider Comand AI.

"They're really motivated to have an impact rebuilding Europe and change the course of history for Europe."

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There are longstanding ethical concerns about the use of AI in battlefield contexts. But the technology appeals to investors: Comand AI raised $10 million in a December funding round, while Germany's Alpine Eagle, which focuses on technology to counter autonomous drones, raised 10 million euros ($11.4 million) in March.

Amid intense competition for AI talent, Mougeolle said Comand AI has recruited engineers and product managers from U.S.-based ChatGPT maker OpenAI and data analytics provider Palantir Technologies.

Alpine Eagle plans to hire across product, engineering, business development and sales as it looks to expand outside Germany. "Europe, in terms of defence and also public security, is a huge market," CEO Jan-Hendrik Boelens told Reuters.

Salaries in Europe can be significantly lower than in the United States: Glassdoor data shows Helsing - Europe's only defence "unicorn", valued at over $1 billion - pays up to $150,000 per year for an AI engineer, compared with $270,000 at Palantir or $380,000 at Google.

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Helsing declined to comment for this story.

As well as poaching experienced talent, companies like Comand AI, Helsing and Alpine Eagle are recruiting new graduates.

Stelios Koroneos, founder of variene.ai, a Greek defence tech startup, said the war in Ukraine had reduced the stigma around working in defence for many young engineers.

"Young people started realizing freedom does not come for free," Koroneos said. "You need to be able to defend yourselves. Some do it with guns and others do it with the knowledge they have and the things they build."

Julian Dierkes, a 27-year old doctoral student at Germany's RWTH Aachen University, researches reinforcement learning, which trains software to make autonomous decisions to achieve optimal results and has broad applications for defence.

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"For me it is important if I do research in defence that I am protecting European democracies," he told Reuters.

STARTUPS SURGE

Defence startups have surged since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and technology - particularly drones - has helped keep Kyiv in the fight. PitchBook data shows venture capital investment in European defence companies reached $626 million in 2024, up from $254 million in 2023 and $62 million in 2022.

And Europe's rearmament plans promise more: the European Union aims to mobilise 800 billion euros ($911 billion) for defence while countries like Germany have pledged massive increases in their defence budgets.

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According to the Zeki State of AI Talent Report, European defence companies are targeting top engineers as even established firms shift focus from hardware to software for everything from drones to troop-tracking technology.

Its analysis, based on a dataset of 800,000 people, found the number of top AI engineers in Europe's defence sector based on published research soared to 1,700 in 2024 from 144 in 2014. Comparable U.S. roles grew to 6,927 from 487 over the same period, according to Zeki data.

Zeki defined top talent as engineers with a proven track record of breaking new ground in AI discovery such as published research.

"We believe this represents significant and sustained growth in the sector," Zeki's chief executive Tom Hurd told Reuters.

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Investors, tech workers and recruiters said unease with the current U.S. political environment was prompting some Europeans to seek opportunities at home. Deep cuts to funding for universities and research bodies by Trump's administration have prompted scientists in other disciplines to consider moving to Europe.

"Many of the world's top AI researchers come from Europe. Some went to the U.S., but many are returning to work on European sovereignty, resilience, and long-term value creation," said Jeannette zu Furstenberg, managing director at U.S. venture capital firm General Catalyst in Berlin.

"I think that's a powerful signal."

MORE THAN MONEY

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Benjamin Wolba last year co-founded the European Defense Tech Hub, which aims to connect tech founders, investors and policymakers and whose events have received sponsorship from Helsing and General Catalyst.

He said more than 12 defence tech startups had emerged from hackathons it organised in Munich, Copenhagen and Paris in 2024 that were attended by around 440 people. The privately-owned network hosted a similar event in Amsterdam last month.

"We're seeing growing anecdotal evidence that AI graduates are increasingly open to working in defence, especially over the past 12 months," Wolba said.

British university student Michael Rowley, 20, said he had recently rejected offers of accounting and more traditional AI jobs to work for a company developing technology that allows sensors to better track troop movements.

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"When I decided to go into defence I had quite a few options, and for me it was the opportunity to do meaningful work," said Rowley, whose Tiresias startup won a tech event in Munich in February. "If I want to work for most tech companies I might write code for advertising, but to be able to contribute to the front lines and help protect democracy is an opportunity not many people get."

Marie Inuzuka worked at OpenAI and Palantir before joining Comand AI as a product manager in December last year, attracted by the opportunity to do "more mission-driven, impactful work".

The 34-year-old is a descendant of survivors of the 1945 U.S. bombing of Nagasaki.

"My grandparents lived through the atomic bomb, so defence has always been very close to my heart," she told Reuters.

($1 = 0.8786 euros)

(Reporting by Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm, Michael Kahn in Prague and Elizabeth Howcroft in Paris; Editing by Kenneth Li and Catherine Evans)
MISSOURI  The Missouri Department of Revenue is issuing a warning regarding a nationwide scam.

According to the departments website, a large number of reports have been received regarding phishing texts. The texts are reportedly threatening, often claiming to warn recipients of unpaid traffic violations, toll charges, or fines.

Example of a phishing attempt

The texts, however, are not from the Missouri Department of Revenue.



The department says if you receive a text claiming to be from them, you should never click on any links in the text, you should never respond to texts from persons claiming to be collecting unpaid fees. They say that the department does not request payment via text.

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Law enforcement agencies are working alongside the department to mitigate this scam.

You can find more information on the Department of Revenues website, here.

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A chaplain is not just a pastor or a Sunday School teacher or a street preacher shouting through a bullhorn. This is a unique role, often in a secular setting that requires a chaplain to assist with a variety of religious traditions and oversee a number of administrative tasks (Erica Shires/Getty Images).

As the 2025 legislative session of the Missouri General Assembly nears the finish line, one bill moving closer to Gov. Mike Kehoes desk purports to allow public schools to hire spiritual chaplains.

However, if one reads the text of the legislation, its actually just pushing chaplains in name only.

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The bill already cleared the Senate and House committees, thus just needing support from the full House. As a Baptist minister and the father of a public school child, I hope lawmakers will recognize the bill remains fundamentally flawed.

A chaplain is not just a pastor or a Sunday School teacher or a street preacher shouting through a bullhorn. This is a unique role, often in a secular setting that requires a chaplain to assist with a variety of religious traditions and oversee a number of administrative tasks.

Thats why the U.S. military, Missouri Department of Corrections, and many other institutions include standards for chaplains like meeting educational requirements, having past experience, and receiving an endorsement from a religious denominational body.

In contrast, the legislation on school chaplains originally sponsored by Republican Sens. Rusty Black and Mike Moon includes no requirements for who can be chosen as a paid or volunteer school chaplain. Someone chosen to serve must pass a background check and cannot be a registered sex offender, but those are baseline expectations for anyone serving in our schools.

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While a good start, simply passing a background check does mean one is qualified to serve as a chaplain.

The only other stipulation in the bill governing who can serve as a school chaplain is that they must be a member of a religious group that is eligible to endorse chaplains for the military. Senators added this amendment to prevent atheists or members of the Satanic Temple from qualifying as a school chaplain.

Members of the Satanic Temple testified in a Senate Education Committee hearing that they opposed the bill but would seek to fill the positions if created, which apparently spooked lawmakers. That discriminatory amendment, however, does nothing to ensure a chosen chaplain is actually qualified. For instance, the Episcopal Church is on the militarys list of endorsing organizations. Just because some Episcopalians meet the militarys requirements for chaplains and can serve does not mean all Episcopalians should be considered for a chaplaincy position.

While rejecting this unnecessary bill is the best option, if lawmakers really want to create a school chaplaincy program, they must significantly alter the bill to create real chaplain standards. Lawmakers could look to other states for inspiration on how to fix it.

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For instance, Arizona lawmakers a few weeks ago passed a similar bill  except their legislation includes numerous requirements to limit who can serve as a chaplain. Among the various standards in the Arizona bill is that individuals chosen to serve as a school chaplain must hold a Bachelors degree, have at least two years of experience as a chaplain, have a graduate degree in counseling or theology or have at least seven years of chaplaincy experience and have official standing in a local religious group.

Rather than passing a pseudo-chaplaincy bill, Missouri lawmakers should add similar provisions.

The Arizona bill also includes other important guardrails missing in Missouris bill that will help protect the rights of students and their parents. Arizona lawmakers created provisions to require written parental consent for students to participate in programs provided by a chaplain. Especially given the lack of standards for who can serve as a school chaplain, the absence of parental consent forms remains especially troubling.

Additionally, Missouris school chaplain bill includes no prohibition against proselytization. This is particularly concerning since the conservative Christian group who helped craft the bill in Missouri and other states  and who sent a representative to Jefferson City to testify for the bill in a committee hearing  has clearly stated their goal is to bring unconstitutional government prayer back into public schools.

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To be clear, the U.S. Supreme Court did not kick prayer out of schools. As long as there are math tests, there will be prayer in schools. What the justices did was block the government from writing a prayer and requiring students to listen to it each day. Such government coercion violated the religious liberty rights of students, parents, and houses of worship, so the justices rightly prohibited it. Using chaplains to return to such coercion is wrong and should be opposed.

There are many proposals and initiatives lawmakers could focus on in these waning weeks of the session if they really want to improve public education. There are numerous ways they could work to better support our teachers and assist our students. Attempting to turn public schools into Sunday Schools is not the answer.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Missouris highest court on Tuesday upheld the election results of Proposition A, also known as Prop A. The ballot initiative increases the states minimum wage and requires paid sick time.

Missouris Supreme Court upheld the initiative in a unanimous opinion, although one judge dissented on the reasoning.

Missouri voters continue to wonder whether Prop A will go into effect

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Prop A is set to take effect this Thursday, May 1, but some challengers are still trying to repeal this portion of the proposition, saying rules on sick leave shouldnt have been lumped in on the ballot with a minimum wage increase.

Missouris Restaurant Association is among those challengers.

FOX4 caught up with the restaurant associations CEO, Buddy Lahl, on Tuesday after leaving Jefferson City. Lahl and a coalition of restaurant owners were meeting with State Senators about House Bill 567, which would repeal the earned sick pay portion of the proposition.

It passed the House, but has been met with filibusters in the Senate. As it stands now, starting Thursday, employers will have to calculate at least one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, consecutive or otherwise.

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This is going to hurt small businesses in Missouri, Lahl said. Its not going to hurt the larger employees as much because they have systems in place, they are going to have to adhere to these guidelines and regulations.

Right now, only businesses with an annual revenue of less than $500,000 are exempt.

Lahl said hed support sick time regulations if businesses with fewer than 100 employees, or at the very least 50, were exempt.

We are happy to work with businesses on successful implementation and really doing what voters intend, said Richard van Glahn, director of Missouri Jobs with Justice. When the business groups and some legislators are really seeking to do is undermine what voters clearly intendedthats where we have a problem.

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I dont think the courts should have ever been asked to overthrow the will of 1.7 million people, he added.

Without a repeal, Lahl said suffering small businesses may be forced to cut other benefits or lay off employees.

And what will absolutely happen is they will have to raise prices; as you incur additional expenses, you have to raise prices, Lahl said.

If Missouris Legislature does vote on the bill, it will have to happen before the Legislature adjourns on May 16.

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Minnesota is on its way to officially recognizing the service of Hmong and Lao and other veterans who fought alongside the U.S. in the Secret War during the 1960s and 1970s in Laos.

A veterans and military affairs bill passed by the state House on Tuesday night creates a path to grant official state veteran status for fighters recruited into Special Guerrilla Units by the CIA during the Vietnam War to fight communist forces in Southeast Asia.

The anniversary of the fall of Saigon this week marks 50 years since the U.S. ended its involvement in Vietnam, and supporters of the bill gathered at the state Capitol with surviving veterans of the Secret War to call for greater recognition.

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Today, we say their service matters, their sacrifice matters, their story is American history, said Rep. Jay Xiong, DFL-St. Paul, co-author of the veterans bill and the son and grandson of Hmong soldiers.

He added: Recognizing SGUs isnt just symbolic, its a long overdue act of respect.

Burden of being forgotten

Ya Lee, a Special Guerrilla Unit veteran who flew T-28 warplanes, said there is limited time to recognize surviving veterans for their sacrifices, and that they carry the burden of being forgotten.

Lee, who said he is among 10 remaining T-28 pilots living in the U.S., was among dozens of veterans at the Capitol on Tuesday who showed up in military uniforms to support the bill.

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At a news conference promoting the bill, Rep. Kaohly Vang Her, DFL-St. Paul, said its not exactly clear how many SGU veterans remain in Minnesota, but that its likely fewer than 1,000.

During the 1960s and 1970s, many groups across Southeast Asia found themselves drawn into a U.S. war against communist forces within and beyond the borders of Vietnam.

Many faced persecution by their governments as a result, with many hundreds of thousands fleeing their homes and eventually ending up in the U.S. But official recognition for their contributions to the war efforts remained elusive for decades.

Legislation

The House passed a large veterans and military affairs bill containing the Secret War acknowledgement language by a vote of 126-6 on Tuesday, though itll need a little more work since it differs from the version passed by the Senate. Once those have been smoothed over in a conference committee, the House and Senate will have to vote once again before it can go to Gov. Tim Walz.

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If signed into law by the governor, the bill would create a definition for veterans of the Secret War in Laos and criteria for eligibility for benefits and privileges for veterans. Those include designation as a veteran on drivers licenses and ID cards, access to state veterans cemeteries, and access to preference in private employment.

Anyone who became a citizen under the Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act of 2000 will automatically get Secret War veteran status. Eligibility also extends to those who received a Medal of Honor, Purple Heart or other military award for service in support of the U.S. military operating in Laos.

Beyond immediate recognition of veterans who got citizenship for their service, the Minnesota commissioner of Veterans Affairs would be empowered to recognize veterans who served with a special guerrilla unit or other forces that operated from a base in Laos between February 1961 and May 1975.

State task force

A state task force created by the bill is charged with overseeing the process for official recognition. It is to include the Minnesota veterans commissioner, a U.S. Veterans Affairs Department official, a Hmong American Minnesota resident who served in the military, two Secret War veterans, a U.S. Vietnam veteran and other history and veterans issues specialists.

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While the bill creates a process to recognize anyone involved in the Secret War in Laos, a group backing a bill earlier this legislative session to recognize Vietnamese, Lao and Cambodian veterans expressed disappointment that language didnt mention those groups by name.

Bana Soumetho, who was born to Lao refugee parents in Thailand and has been working to establish explicit recognition for a broader group of Secret War veterans in state law, expressed her frustration in an email.

This year marked what may have been the final meaningful opportunity for many of our aging veterans to receive public acknowledgment, she wrote. Instead, it became a painful reminder of how easily their stories can be overlooked  even when the intent is recognition.

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ZHENGZHOU, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has urged sustained poverty alleviation efforts, and emphasized the need to fully implement agricultural disaster prevention and mitigation measures to secure a bumper summer grain harvest.

Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a research trip to the provinces of Shaanxi and Henan which took place from Monday to Wednesday.

In Shangluo City of Shaanxi, he called for targeted measures to boost industries with distinctive local features and advantages to create job opportunities and enrich farmers.

As winter wheat is in a critical period of growth that will affect the year's output, he went to the fields in Weinan City of Shaanxi and Luoyang City of Henan, urging strengthened technical guidance and precise irrigation to minimize the impact of drought. He also stressed the importance of enhancing weather forecasting and early warning services and guarding against potential disasters such as plant diseases and insect pests to secure a bumper harvest.

During the trip, Liu visited health service stations and child care centers, stressing the need to enhance prevention and control of key infectious diseases, leverage the unique advantages of traditional Chinese medicine to improve primary healthcare services, and boost integrated child care services. 
Aleksei Likhachev, the head of Russian nuclear energy giant Rosatom, has said that Russia is ready to engage in a discussion with Washington about a US presence at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). Up until now, the Russians have categorically refused to discuss this issue.

Source: Aleksei Likhachev in response to a question from Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency Interfax

Quote from Likhachev: "If the country's leadership makes a political decision, we're ready to discuss this with the US side."

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Details: Prior to this, the Russians have absolutely refused to discuss this issue.

Background:

On 23 April, IAEA experts at the ZNPP heard loud gunshots near the main administrative building where their office is located. The IAEA team has also reported hearing explosions and gunshots almost daily over the past week at varying distances from the plant.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the situation is highly unstable from a nuclear safety perspective.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remarked that a proposal for US control over the ZNPP raises many complex questions. He added that a scenario in which the United States, alongside Ukraine, would jointly control the plant would be acceptable, but no such proposals have been made.

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JIUQUAN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- China's Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship separated from the space station combination at 4 a.m. (Beijing Time) on Wednesday, and the astronauts aboard -- Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze -- started to return to Earth, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

The spaceship is scheduled to return to the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Wednesday.

The CMSA said that prior to the separation, the Shenzhou-19 crew, with the assistance of the ground staff, completed various tasks such as setting the status of the space station combination, processing and transmitting the experimental data, and transferring remaining supplies. The Shenzhou-19 crew also carried out handover work and exchanged in-orbit work experience with the Shenzhou-20 crew.

The return of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship, originally scheduled for Tuesday, had been postponed due to unfavorable windy weather at the Dongfeng landing site, according to the CMSA.

The agency added that the meteorological conditions at the Dongfeng landing site meet the mission requirements at present, and all preparations have been made to welcome the crew's return.

China launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on April 24, sending three astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie to the space station for another six-month mission. 
Get ready folks, Kamala Harris is back  at least for the next week or so. But a week is probably all Harris needs for voters of every party to hope she goes back into exile, and never returns.

Tonight will see Harris get back to basics with her first high-profile speech in ages. The location (downtown San Francisco) and the crowd (supporters of Emerge America, which aids Democratic women) could not be warmer or fuzzier. This is an audience that likes what Harris is selling  and has sold since she began her career locking up bad guys just a short stroll, and two decades, down the road.

Harriss return to the spotlight could not come at a more uncertain moment. On the one hand, President Trumps approval numbers are slipping, down 4 per cent since March. At just 41 per cent, he has the lowest approval of any president at the 100-day mark since Eisenhower. On the other, nobody could credibly claim that the Democrats have a clue about how to exploit the presidents discomfort  or have any consensus on the sort of candidate who might be able to take on the Republicans in 2028.

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Harris, despite her spectacular November defeat, is still occasionally talked about as a future Democratic contender, even if only out of politeness. But her real relevance lies in her irrelevance, which is what makes her speech this evening all the more curious.

Yes, she clearly retains the name recognition required for a third White House bid. But if anything, her return to the political front line  she is also due to headline a DNC fundraiser in New York on May 6  simply lays bare the paucity of viable alternatives. Illinois governor JB Pritzker may have billions in the bank, former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel may have unrivalled Hollywood access, but only Michelle Obama has true national appeal. And the former first lady has remained steadfast in her insistence that she will never run for president.

Only New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez  appearing as part of the Fighting Oligarchy tour with Bernie Sanders  offers any real sense of energy or excitement. But with its over reliance on talk of oppression, the tour feels as gimmicky as it does outdated. Its like an in-person version of those early-Harris affinity Zooms  performative and Insta-worthy, but barely memorable.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez waves to the crowd during a rally in California on April 15 - Stephen Lam

So why is Harris tiptoeing back into the limelight? And why now? For one thing, theres California  her home state, whose governorship is up for grabs next year. Gavin Newsom cant run again, both because hes ending his second term and because of the eight recall petitions launched against him since 2019.

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But Newsom, at least for the moment, is Harris in reverse  damaged locally but still (somehow) shining on the national level. Having sucked up to Trump during the presidents wildfires tour back in January  as well as having refuted some of his partys more extreme ideologies on his newish podcast  Newsom is proving he can bend the knee when required. His resilience is also proof of Californias enduring political potency, which Harris could use as she plots her political reset.

Harriss speech tonight in San Francisco has already been heavily pre-gamed by Beltway watchers such as Politico, which reported that she is likely to hit Trump hard, most notably on his economic policies as well as his threats to American institutions and global leadership.

Politico also noted that Harris will expand upon the courage is contagious maxim which she debuted at a womens summit earlier this month. Just as she described the fear emanating from the Trump White House as contagious, so too is the courage to defeat it. (Theres already a T-shirt).

Kamala Harriss return to the spotlight could not come at a more uncertain moment - Andrew Harnik/2024 Getty Images

But courage runs both ways and the most courageous thing Harris could do after her failed presidential bid is bow her hat and make room for someone else. Polling suggests that Harris could win the California governorship and she is expected to decide this summer.

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But this is not necessarily whats best for California  home to both the nations most unaffordable housing and unsavoury progressive-adjacent social ills, from homelessness and addiction to wokeness and intersectionality. Harriss social justice paper trail feels like a remedy from the past  not a pathway forward. And despite her relative youth, Harriss proven unpopularity should compel her to step aside and make room for the next generation. Much as New York proved with the relentless cultivation of Hillary Clinton, California cannot groom a nationally viable candidate as long as Harris is in the way.

Ultimately, the greatest fear Democrats should be feeling right now is about the lack of cogency in their messaging. In the same speech where she debuted her courage is contagious mantra, Harris chortled Im not here to say I told you so!  while leaving the distinct impression that she was doing just that. It was classic Kamala, arrogant and over-reaching  out of touch and inconsequential.

Because America doesnt need Kamala Harris telling her supporters what they already know  that Trump is bad, she is better (and black and a woman). America needs to know how the Democrats might get us out of the mess Harris helped make for us  which were unlikely to hear during her speech tonight in San Francisco.

David Christopher Kaufman is a New York Post columnist

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Fondi Pizzeria opens its new Tacoma restaurant Wednesday, April 30, with the same menu and mentality as its older sibling in Gig Harbor.

We are really looking forward to being part of the community and filling a gap for families, said co-owner Chris Olson on Tuesday.

Fans of the Fondi across the bridge, which debuted in the mid-2000s but became independent in 2019, when Olson and a team of investors rescued the dying brand from its corporate parent company, will recognize the goods.

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Pies  12-inches only  are crafted with a 20-year-old sourdough, hand-stretched to order and baked for all of 90 seconds ($16-$25). While Gig Harbor uses a wood-fired Wood Stone oven, Proctor has been outfitted with a Ferrari-red Fiero Forni stone oven thats gas-powered. Classic pizzas include a margherita, the Milano with Cascioppo Bros. Italian sausage and herbed chicken, and a quadruple-cheese with house tomato sauce. Specialty pies range from the Mamma Roma with caramelized onions, sausage and cheese to a white pie with pears, prosciutto and balsamic.

Salads are also a hit from the other Fondi, available in three sizes of keeping to yourself or sharing ($9-$24). A cup of zuppa di pomodoro always comes with a breadstick.

Fondi salads, like this one with gorgonzola, pancetta and roasted red peppers, are generous, with housemade dressings, and available in three sizes.

A few other appetizers, including a white-bean spread, bruschetta and pepperoni rolls, and a trio of pastas complete the savory menu. Finish with cheesecake, creme brulee, raspberry-lemon cheesecake and affogato with Caffe Umbria espresso.

From the bar, cocktails ($14-$18) focus on classics, from a negroni and Manhattan to an amaretto sour and a few varieties of cosmos. Olson called out the old-fashioned of 100-proof Old Forester bourbon aged in-house with cherry bitters and orange liqueur. Theres also a modest selection of red and white wines from Italy and the Northwest as well as beer  a house IPA and amber among them.

MORE TACOMA PIZZA

Co-owner Chris Olson and his team have been hard at work on the former Millhouse and The Blind Pig space at 2515 N. Proctor St. since late last year. They knocked down a few walls, painting them in warm orange and yellows reminiscent of a Tuscan sunset, hung black frames with art-deco posters of Italian brands, and installed modern lighting. Big old windows also provide ample natural light during the day.

I wanted it to be light and bright, said Olson on Tuesday. The concept is great for this footprint.

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The dining room is flexible in that tables can be arranged to accommodate large groups and families with kids, while the bar offers 10 or so stools. Order and pay at the counter, but staff comes around to assist with additional needs.

At lunch, the restaurant serves a slightly truncated menu that adds a few paninis, $13 personal 10-inch pies, and a $12 soup-and-salad combo ($13 for half-panini and one of the two sides). Bottles of wine are half-off every Wednesday, and on school nights, from 2-5 p.m. dine-in only, take advantage of the $34 pizza per due deal: one pizza, one medium salad and two beverages (soda, bottle of Peroni, pint of amber, glass of house red or white wine).

FONDI PIZZERIA PROCTOR

 2515 N. Proctor St., Tacoma, 253-301-2994, fondi.com

 Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

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 Details: counter-service, all-ages pizzeria with stone-oven, Neapolitan-style pies, salads and apps, plus lunch deals and full bar

Reporters Note: This story has been updated to reflect Fondis mid-2000s debut in Gig Harbor.
Editors note: This article contains descriptions of child abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the Indiana Department of Child Services' Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The saga surrounding the 2023 death of a 1-year-old girl has a new development: her mother is taking a plea deal and agreeing to testify against her then-boyfriend. Madison Marshall, 24, is set to take the stand in a jury trial set for May 2025 to speak against her co-defendant, Roan Waters, 27.

Waters is accused of severely abusing and killing 1-year-old Oaklee Snow, whose body was found in a dresser inside an abandoned home near Morgantown, about 40 miles south of Indianapolis.

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Marshall's intention to plead guilty to neglect of a dependent and neglect resulting in death was filed April 25. Her change of plea hearing is set for May 1. If a judge accepts the agreement, Marshall is facing 25 years in prison.

Marshall originally had two charges of neglect resulting in death, neglect resulting in serious bodily injury, assisting a criminal with murder, two charges of neglect where a dependent is placed in danger, and neglect where a dependent is abandoned or cruelly confined. Those charges would be dismissed under the plea deal.

Oaklee Snow, 1, was abused and left for dead

An image of 1-year-old Oaklee Snow smiling and looking happy.

Oaklee Snow: What we know about the case of the Oklahoma toddler found dead in Indiana

The toddler was found shoved in a dresser in an abandoned home near Martinsville on April 21, 2023.

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Court documents revealed that Marshall confessed to her role in the case to investigators and led police to the home about 27 miles south of Indianapolis. Oaklee's body was in the bottom drawer of a dresser. Her leg was broken at the knee. Marshall told police after her arrest that Waters killed Oaklee and the couple moved her body to Morgan County in February of 2023.

Oaklee and her 7-month-old brother were taken in January 2023 from her father's home in Oklahoma without his consent by Marshall. They traveled to Indiana with Waters, who has family in Indianapolis.

Court records revealed that Marshall and Waters stayed in a "trap house" to use drugs. Waters told police they then left the 7-month-old at the home. Witnesses would later tell police they saw the couple leaving the home with what looked like a child wrapped in a blanket.

According to Marshall, Waters was yelling at Oaklee to bounce a bouncy ball when he started screaming. When Marshall ran to the living room, she found Waters holding the toddler's unresponsive body.

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Blood was dripping from her mouth.

Oaklee Snow

Waters is charged with murder, two counts of neglect resulting in death, two counts of neglect resulting in serious bodily injury, two counts of neglect where a dependent is placed in a dangerous situation, and neglect where a dependent is abandoned or cruelly confined.

A jury trial for Waters is set for 8:30 a.m. May 12, 2025.

Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formally Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. IndyStar journalists John Tufts and Jen Guadarrama contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Mom of missing Oklahoma toddler found dead in Indiana enters plea
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Grassroots policy advocacy organization Mothering Justice has held marches for over a decade to champion mothers of color. Today at noon, theyll be at the state Capitol for Mamas March 2025.

Organizers say the event is for everyone, even those who dont think theyre affected. After the march, people will have the chance to stay for activities.

Aisha Wells, the deputy director of campaigns, notes that the marches are important because people dont always realize that they have the power to compel change; lawmakers are elected officials who are accountable to their constituents and not the other way around.

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The Mamas March is typically held around this time of year in order to coincide with Mothers Day.

Mothering Justices advocacy agenda includes affordable child care, earned and/or paid sick time, and reproductive justice. These issues affect working parents and caregivers as well as moms.

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Mother's Day just around the corner, and if you haven't yet gotten your mom a gift yet, here are a few ideas to consider.

Mothers Day, which is celebrated on different dates around the world, always falls on the second Sunday of May in the U.S. It origins can be traced to ancient Greeks and Romans who held festivals to honor the mother goddess Rhea and Cybele, according to History.com.

Gifts are a great way to show appreciation to others, Jessica Andrews-Hanna, an associate professor at the University of Arizona said in a Q&A, adding that gift giving makes us feel better.

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"Evidence from brain imaging also suggests that both giving gifts and receiving gifts activate core areas of our brain associated with reward and pleasure," Andrews-Hanna said in a news release.

Many may be wondering what to get their mother for her special day? A few ideas:

Food and chocolates

Food and chocolates are among the most affordable and traditional gifts for mothers day. According to the Red Bank Chocolate Shoppe, chocolate has a strong symbolic meaning, one of love, passion, care and a happy life.

Jewelry gifts

One of the most classic mother's day gifts can be enhanced by engraving it to make it more personable.

Beauty and self-care

Self-care are among the things mom's deserve, gift experts say. Treating mom to a massage or spa day can leave them feeling relaxed and appreciated.

Fashion and accessories

Fashion and accessories including dresses, sandals and rings can be a perfect gift for moms looking to upgrade their closet.

How many people give cards for Mother's Day?

The card company Hallmark says millions of people celebrate Mother's Day:

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Mothers Day is the third-largest card-sending holiday in the United States, with 113 million cards exchanged annually.

Almost 85% of adult men and women celebrate Mothers Day.

Mothers Day is the largest card-sending holiday for the Hispanic community. Depending on the country, Mothers Day is celebrated on many different days throughout the year.

Mothers Day is the second most popular holiday for gift-giving, following Christmas.

Hallmark began creating and producing Mothers Day cards in the early 1920s.

The observance became official in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation naming the second Sunday of May as a day for public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.

When is Mother's Day 2025 in the U.S.?

Mothers Day always falls on the second Sunday of May. This year, Mothers Day in the U.S. falls on Sunday, May 11.

Do Mother's Day and Father's Day change every year?

Mothers Day as we know it and celebration in the U.S. began in 1908, but its origins can be traced all the way back to the mid-1800s.

The Mothers Day we celebrate today has its origins in the peace-and-reconciliation campaigns of the post-Civil War era. During the 1860s, at the urging of activist Ann Reeves Jarvis, one divided West Virginia town celebrated Mothers Work Days that brought together the mothers of Confederate and Union soldiers History.com says.

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In 1909, 45 states observed the day, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson approved a resolution that made the second Sunday in May a holiday in honor of that tender, gentle army, the mothers of America.

Fathers Day always landing on the third Sunday in June. Since both holidays are designated to a particular week in their respective months, the date shifts each year.

Mothers Day 2024 fell on May 12. This year, the calendar date for Mothers Day will move up one, to May 11.

How many people called mom in 2024?

Calls on Mothers Day in 2024 were up year-over-year, Verizon said, with 11.8 million more calls taking place on Verizons network than in 2023. In addition:

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Total calls on Verizons network on Mother's Day were up 3.1% from 382.4 million calls in 2023 to 394.2 million calls in 2024.

Across the 394.2 million calls, Verizon customers were on the phone for approximately 28.3 million hours.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mother's Day is right around the corner. Gift ideas for 2025
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  New data shows motorcycle deaths in the state have dramatically gone up in the last 10 years.

The Colorado Department of Transportation said motorcycle deaths went up 57% between 2015 and 2025.

In 2024, 165 motorcyclists died in crashes which is the highest number ever recorded in a single year in Colorado. Seventy-three of those drivers werent wearing helmets.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated helmets saved more than 1,800 lives in 2017.

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CDOT and the Colorado State Patrol encouraged drivers to use caution near motorcycles, especially at intersections.

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Motorcyclist dead following crash; I-11 outside Las Vegas closed

Update: I-11 reopened to traffic Tuesday evening.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A motorcyclist was killed in a crash Tuesday afternoon that led to the closure of a major Las Vegas interstate.

Nevada State Police (NSP) responded to the crash around 12:30 p.m. at the northbound I-11 at Railroad Pass off-ramp.

Police said the crash involved a semi-tractor and a motorcycle. Medical personnel pronounced the motorcyclist, identified as 19-year-old Servio Perri, dead at the scene.

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All northbound lanes of I-11 are currently closed at Railroad Pass, including the I-11 off-ramp. Northbound traffic is being diverted at Exit 15A (Railroad Pass on-ramp) onto the east frontage road, Dawson Avenue. From there, vehicles can continue to Wagon Wheel to re-enter northbound I-11.

Police urge drivers to use alternate routes and avoid the area. This closure will be for an undetermined time, due to an investigation, NSP said.

More information will be available following the investigation. Check back with 8 News Now for updates.

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A 32-year-old Jacksonville man is dead after crashing the motorcycle he was riding Tuesday night on Mayport Road. The crash occurred at about 8:35 p.m.

The man was riding south on Mayport Road in the center lane approaching Levy Road, a Florida Highway Patrol news release states. The front of his motorcycle hit a pickup truck, driven by a 69-year-old Atlantic Beach man, who was attempting to turn left to travel west on Levy Road.

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After the crash, the pickup collided with an SUV, driven by a 30-year-old Jacksonville man, who was approaching the intersection on Levy Road in the left turn lane, the news release states.

The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and was later pronounced dead, the news release states.

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Read: Childs e-bike crash in St. Johns County raises safety questions

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The China Cultural Center in Amman held an award ceremony on Tuesday for the "My Story with China" short video contest.
MSNBC thinks that Donald Trumps call to Jeff Bezos about Amazon reportedly letting shoppers know how much the presidents tariffs affected prices would never have happened between former President Barack Obama and Apples Tim Cook.

Teddy Schleifer, a contributor for the news organization who also works as a reporter covering billionaires for the New York Times, said the call the president made to the Amazon founder to stop the implementation of tariff pricing reveals a micro-scandal.

Imagine any other president doing this in any other time, immediately just calls him up, Schleifer said on MSNBC Tuesday. It makes you wonder if this was Trump literally at the Resolute Desk or in the Oval picking up his cell phone and calling Bezos on his cell phone. Bezos apparently is very nervous about this understandably so he picks up the call and they have this one-on-one conversation. It sort of shows just how nuts the corporate White House interactions are these days.

He added: There is no bureaucracy, its purely mano a mano. Bezos has a reason to be concerned about Trump and Trump has a reason to be concerned about this anonymously sourced report and suddenly its a couple hours later and this is a huge micro-scandal on a Tuesday morning. You could never imagine this happening between Apple and Barack Obama a decade ago.

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On Tuesday morning, news broke that Amazon was going to start showing how Trumps various Liberation Day tariffs increased the prices of certain products. After a tense few hours and a call, Trump told reporters things were good again between him and Bezos.

Jeff Bezos was very nice, he was terrific, the president said. He solved the problem very quickly, and he did the right thing. Hes a good guy.

Before an Amazon spokespeople came out to say the Punchbowl News story about the price reveals was fake, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also blasted the news as a hostile and political act.

You can watch the full MSNBC clip in the video above.

The post MSNBC Says Trumps Tariffs Call to Bezos Is a Micro-Scandal That Would Never Happen Between Obama and Tim Cook | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
Missouri Southern State University and Crowder College announced another 2+2 pathway, this time for students pursuing a degree in agribusiness. The agreement was formalized Tuesday at Southern.

It allows students to complete two years at Crowder College followed by two years at MSSU to earn a bachelor of science degree in agribusiness.

Missouri Southern President Dean Van Galen said that among other things, the agreement benefits students in terms of travel time and budget, staying within the region for their education. They can work part time in the region, making this pathway flexible for even nontraditional students.

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This is what institutions need to do to provide clear pathways to students, Van Galen said. Agriculture in particular is important to our region and state in terms of the economy. Were happy to be part of supporting not only the growth of our students but the economic growth in the region.

Students may start the program with the fall semester.

Crowders long history of successful agriculture programs, our extensive working farm, and connection with regional ag programs and ag producers in the area position us to compliment the business courses available at MSSU to complete an agribusiness degree, Chett Daniel, Crowder College president, said in a statement. We believe in reducing barriers to career pathways for students. This agreement provides a great option for students to stay local and continue their education is a win-win for all.

Lisa Toms, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Missouri Southern, said this has been a dream of the university for a while.

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When meeting with area high school students, Southern officials are repeatedly asked if they have agriculture studies. Being located in Joplin, they dont have a farm or agriculture classes.

We know, given the industry and workers in this area, agriculture is huge, Toms said. Agriculture processing is huge in our region. We havent been able to fill that industry demand for some time.

Other 2+2 pathways between Crowder and Missouri Southern include nursing, health care administration, social work and teacher education. Its a kind of program thats becoming increasingly popular with students and the colleges plan on working on more fields of study in the future, Toms said.

Tuesdays partnership was a full circle moment for him, Daniel said, as he was named Crowder Colleges 10th president Monday. Daniel earned his associate degree from Crowder College in 1999 before earning his bachelors degree in education at Missouri Southern.

It seems appropriate that on my first day I get to metaphorically make that journey again and come here to Missouri Southern, Daniel said.
House Republicans want to eliminate the recent expansion of MinnesotaCare for undocumented immigrants. Photo by Getty Images.

Minnesota Republicans held a press conference last week claiming that a program allowing undocumented people to receive free or discounted health insurance would cost the state over $600 million over four years.

State data show the figure is a wild exaggeration, however.

The Democratic-controlled Legislature in 2023 made undocumented immigrants eligible for MinnesotaCare  the states health insurance program for the working poor  as of Jan. 1, 2025.

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Nearly 17,400 undocumented people have enrolled in MinnesotaCare. The program is fee-for-service, meaning the state only pays claims after services are administered.

The Department of Human Services in a statement said it had 3,378 claims for service, costing Minnesota about $3.3 million as of April 1 during the first quarter. The state budget office projects the cost for the next four years would be around $200 million  or one-third the GOP estimate.

As for now, DHS says per-enrollee spending is below projections.

The number of enrollees is currently higher than what was expected, however the amount spent per person is currently lower than what was originally expected, a department spokesperson said. DHS cautioned that one quarter is not enough data to reliably predict expenditures for the next four years.

What is MinnesotaCare?

MinnesotaCare was created in 1992 to help close the gap in coverage for low-income families who make more than the income threshold for Medicaid, which is called Medical Assistance in Minnesota.

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Uninsured Minnesotans who are not eligible for Medical Assistance and have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines can qualify for MinnesotaCare. This applies for undocumented people as well, as of Jan. 1.

Some MinnesotaCare enrollees pay a monthly premium, and the program is funded by a combination of payments from the state, taxes on hospitals and other health care providers and enrollee premium payments.

Under the expansion, many undocumented people receiving MinnesotaCare pay a monthly premium, similar to other residents who receive health care through the program. The premium is based on income and the number of family members in the household. If a person fails to pay the premium, their coverage is canceled.

The federal government kicks in money to pay for MinnesotaCare, but not the portion for undocumented people.

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Minnesota hospital leaders have publicly supported expanding insurance access because it increases the number of paying patients and encourages people to seek preventative care before ailments become more costly, like if they were to seek emergency services.

Federal law requires hospitals to care for all patients who walk through their doors, regardless of whether they are able to pay or their immigration status. The Minnesota Hospital Association has said that revoking MinnesotaCare for undocumented people could make such care more expensive for hospitals across the state.

Such a change wont block health care for undocumented immigrants, the Minnesota Hospital Association said in a February social media post.

Republicans are opposed to the program and have made cutting it one of their top priorities this session.

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Its wrong when a person takes an oath of office to serve their constituents and to help them, but they instead prioritize illegal immigrants over their law-abiding constituents, said Rep. Jeff Backer, R-Browns Valley and co-chair of the Health finance committee, at a press conference last week.

Sen. Alice Mann, DFL-Edina and chief author of the 2023 MinnesotaCare expansion bill, said Republicans have lied to Minnesotans about the program.

Republicans are telling you that if we take away peoples health care, thats gonna fix the problem. Those are absolute lies, and it was egregious what they said. They are taking our crumbling health care system and theyre blaming it on immigrants, Mann said at a rally last week.

Leaders of the Health Finance and Policy Committee are deadlocked in budget negotiations, in part over the MinnesotaCare issue.

The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn May 19 and must pass a budget by June 30 or face a government shutdown.
MULLENS, WV (WVNS)  Students, faculty, and staff at Mullens Elementary School are being acknowledged by the state for their efforts to improve student outcomes.



In a day of celebration at Mullens Elementary School, the school was recognized by the West Virginia Department of Education as an Exemplary Practice School.

It is one of only three schools in the Mountain State to earn the distinction this year.

Since the Spring of 2024, the Department of Educations Exemplary Practice School program has been showcasing schools that have shown notable progress in one or more areas of the West Virginia Standards for Effective Schools. The standards serve as a reference for educators and administrators to assess and improve learning, and include areas of emphasis such as clear and focused mission, instructional leadership, and high expectations for success, just to name a few.

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The data-driven approach of Mullens Elementary has resulted in notable improvements in grades, test scores, and attendance for students over the past two years.

As a Mullens native herself, the Coordinator for the West Virginia Department of Education Office for District & Leadership Support, Jordan McBride was beaming with pride at the recognition of the community members behind this notable achievement.



Its huge! I am honored to be from Mullens. This was my middle school. I went to middle school here, said McBride. My parents house is behind this school. Two tiny pieces of my heart are behind me, and my nephews go here. So, Ive had these teachers. Ive grown up with these people. It makes me emotional because it is such a big deal for them to be recognized for the hard work they do every day in such a small town.

During the ceremony, Mullens Elementary students were addressed by staff and faculty members, including another Wyoming County native, Kara Shumate, who is in her third year serving as Principal for Mullens Elementary. Shumate told 59News that a renewed focus on the schools math department, along with an emphasis on attendance, collaboration, and teamwork have been essential to the schools recent success, the effects of which she says can be felt throughout the community.



Being from Wyoming County, we say it all the time, its very close-knit, Shumate told 59News. Were a small community. Weve got a lot of community involvement, and just being recognized on this stage for the whole state is such an honor for our school and our community.

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Mullens Elementary is the latest West Virginia School to be recognized for its exemplary practices, following Mylan Park Elementary and White Hall Elementary, which were recognized in April.

Administrators who feel their schools may fit the bill for the Exemplary Practice program are encouraged to submit an application to the West Virginia Department of Education detailing the unique ways they are making a difference for their students.

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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The murder charge against a man for a shooting at an apartment complex in Huntsville has been dismissed.

According to court records, the murder charge against 22-year-old Byron Alexander Peterson was dropped District Judge Linda Coats.

According to the Huntsville Police Department, Peterson was charged with homicide, murder of a non-family member with a gun, for the death of 53-year-old Demetrius Jones after a shooting took place on March 3.

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Court records show Peterson had a preliminary hearing on April 16 and the charge was dismissed after that hearing. Judge Coats ordered his release from the Madison County Jail on April 22.

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An Ohio man accused of murder devised an "elaborate plan" to frame another man who was initially arrested in the killing and held for more than a week, authorities in Indiana said.

Nigel Thomas, 34, was taken into custody Friday on charges that he fatally stabbed a woman identified as 35-year-old Wilma Robertson, the Jefferson County, Indiana, prosecutor's office said in a news release Monday.

Robertson, of Hanover, Indiana, was found dead during a welfare check of her home on April 14. Additional details about her death or a possible motive in the killing were not immediately available.

An exterior view of the Jefferson County Prosecutor's Office in Madison, Ind.

According to the release, Thomas  also known as "Nati Bang"  allegedly created multiple social media accounts under the name of a Kentucky man, Shawn Bailey, and used those profiles to send messages to the victims family.

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Those messages showed Bailey, of Louisville, admitting to the murder, according to the statement.

Bailey, 33, was arrested on a murder charge on April 15 but released 10 days later after authorities uncovered DNA evidence that excluded him as a suspect, according to the statement.

The criminal justice system is ultimately a search for the truth, Jefferson County Prosecutor David Sutter said in a statement. Multiple agencies across three states worked tirelessly in their pursuit of all investigative leads to uncover the crimes of Nigel Thomas and clear Shawn Bailey.

Efforts to reach Bailey on Tuesday were unsuccessful.

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Jail records show Thomas is being held in Butler County, Ohio. It was not immediately clear if he has a lawyer to speak on his behalf.

The prosecutors office said a hearing will be scheduled in Jefferson Circuit Court after Bailey is brought to Indiana.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Lawyers for an Australian woman accused of fatally poisoning three family members with deadly mushrooms have told the jury their deaths were a terrible accident.

Erin Patterson is standing trial for the 2023 deaths of her mother-in-law Gail Patterson, father-in-law Donald Patterson and Gails sister Heather Wilkinson  who all died in hospital days after Patterson served them a meal that contained death cap mushrooms.

She is also charged with the attempted murder of Heathers husband Ian Wilkinson, who was also at the lunch but survived.

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Crown prosecutors allege Patterson deliberately served lethal mushrooms to kill her lunch guests; her defense counsel claims the deaths were a tragic accident.

During opening arguments on Wednesday, Pattersons lawyers admitted that she initially lied to police when she said she hadnt foraged for mushrooms and didnt own a dehydrator. They said when she learned how ill her guests had become after eating her meal, she panicked and acted in ways that may seem suspicious.

The saga, which has gripped the nation for two years, began on a summer day in late July 2023 when Patterson hosted the four relatives of her estranged husband at her home, telling them she wanted to discuss a medical issue. Her ex-husband had also been invited but did not attend.

Lawyers Colin Mandy, Sophie Stafford, Ophelia Holloway and Bill Doogue arrive at Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court in Morwell on April 30, 2025. - Martin Keep/AFP/Getty Images

The court heard she told her guests she had cancer and asked them for advice on how she should break it to her two children. The prosecution alleges she did not have cancer, and had used the medical issues discussion to ensure the children would not be at the meal; the defense admitted she had lied about the diagnosis.

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During the meal, Patterson served her guests individual beef wellingtons  a steak and pastry dish that incorporates mushrooms. Her guests fell ill hours later and were all admitted to hospital where doctors suspected mushroom poisoning, prompting a police investigation. Patterson was arrested and charged several months later.

Prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC alleged that Patterson served the guests death cap mushrooms  a highly poisonous variety of wild fungus  that she had picked herself.

Patterson herself had gone to the hospital, claiming to feel unwell after the meal  but her tests did not show severe illness, and she voluntarily discharged herself against doctors advice, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors allege that cell data showed Patterson traveling to an area where death cap mushroom sightings had been detailed online, and that months before the lunch, she had posted online about dehydrating mushrooms for use in food, according to CNN affiliate Seven News.

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Patterson had told police she didnt own a dehydrator, but surveillance footage after the deaths showed her disposing of a unit at a local trash dump, which was later found to contain traces of death cap mushrooms, the court heard.

Patterson insists she is innocent. Her defense lawyers told the jury they dont dispute that the guests died from her meal  but argued she had not intentionally poisoned them.

The defense case is that Erin Patterson did not deliberately serve poisoned food to her guests at that lunch on the 29th of July, 2023, said defense lawyer Colin Mandy SC.

She didnt intend to cause anyone any harm on that day. The defense case is that what happened was a tragedy, a terrible accident.

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Mandy admitted that Patterson had lied about the dehydrator and about foraging for mushrooms, saying she had simply panicked in the moment.

The defense case is that she panicked because she was overwhelmed by the fact that these four people had become so ill because of the food that shed served to (them), Mandy said. Three people died because of the food that Erin Patterson served that day. So youll need to think about this issue  how Erin Patterson felt about that in the days that followed.

Patterson has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case is expected to continue for up to six weeks.

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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  A day after Myrtle Beachs mayor and police held a news conference to address last weekends officer-involved shooting on Ocean Boulevard, state investigators on Thursday met with the family of the 18-year-old killed in the incident.

Jaeishala Fox, the mother of Jerrius Davis, told News13 Thursday morning that her family had just finished meeting with investigators from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division about the shooting. SLED on Tuesday said Davis was armed and shooting into a crowd, an allegation that Fox disputes.

Authorities said its standard protocol for SLED to investigate when there is an officer-involved shooting.

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One person remains in critical condition following Saturday nights shooting on Ocean Boulevard, Police Chief Amy Prock said during Wednesday afternoons news conference, where she appeared alongside Mayor Brenda Bethune. Prock also said 10 people between the ages of 13 and 43 sustained injuries that were life-threatening after being shot, but later issued a clarification.

There were 11 injured as a result of gunfire, but that doesnt mean 11 people were shot, Prock said. The injuries varied, as some were injured either by shrapnel or grazed with a bullet.

The Myrtle Beach Police Department is committed to the safety of our community, our visitors and those who work here, as it always has been. Random acts of violence do not deter us from protecting our community, Prock said.

Prock and Bethune hosted the rare joint news conference to address lingering questions from Saturday nights violence.

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Because this was an officer-involved shooting, SLED is responsible for this entire investigation, and that is why we have been so limited about what we can share, Bethune said. Just like you, we all want answers, and we will give you those answers.

Deadly officer-involved shooting at least 25th instance of gun violence on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach since 2020

News13 made separate FOIA requests on Sunday for the Myrtle Beach Police Departments incident report and the 911 calls about the shooting. Three Myrtle Beach police officers are on paid administrative leave.

Davis funeral is set for Monday at 2 p.m. at the Berea Baptist Convention Center.

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* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

* * *

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.

* * *

Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
SHENYANG, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Authorities have ruled out gas explosion and arson as causes of the restaurant fire that killed 22 people and injured three others in northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Investigators are conducting investigations around leftover cigarette butts and electrical faults as possible causes, according to a press conference held on Wednesday in the city of Liaoyang.

The fatal blaze started at 12:25 p.m. on Tuesday in the restaurant in Liaoyang and the operator of the establishment has been detained by police.

Preliminary investigations have found that the fire broke out from the side of the entrance, and there were no gas pipelines installed inside the restaurant. The blaze was accelerated by the presence of furnishings made from flammable materials, along with strong winds. Additionally, the fire obstructed the exits, trapping victims who ultimately succumbed to the toxic fumes. 
A child reads a book at the South Dakota Humanities Council Every Reader event in Rapid City in 2017. (Courtesy of South Dakota Humanities Council)

The South Dakota Humanities Council is set to receive at least $200,000 from a national charitable foundation to keep it afloat after the federal government terminated nearly $1 million in grant funding awarded to the organization this year.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order in February urging agencies to streamline the federal bureaucracy. The National Endowment for the Humanities, which provides funding to humanities organizations across the country, cited the executive order when it terminated $65 million in grants to all 56 humanities councils across the country and its territories earlier this month.

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New York-based Mellon Foundation pledged Tuesday to provide $15 million to be divided among all 56 humanities councils. Each council will receive a minimum of $200,000, though the foundation will donate an extra $50,000 if the council matches that amount in local fundraising, said South Dakota Humanities Council Executive Director Christina Oey.

The nonprofit provides public education in literacy, civics, the arts and culture.

Itll allow us to continue going longer than we anticipated, Oey said of the donation. It was that light of hope we needed.

The money will help keep the councils programs running, including the annual Festival of Books and the Young Readers program. The Young Readers program distributes 15,000 copies of a book to South Dakota third graders each year.

Childrens book author Kate DiCamillo speakers to South Dakota third graders in 2014 for the South Dakota Humanities Councils Every Reader program. DiCamillo authored Because of Winn-Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux, among other popular chidlrens books. (Courtesy of South Dakota Humanities Council)

The funding will help pay for shipping of the Young Readers books to schools, and allow this years Festival of Books to continue. The festival is planned for Sept. 26-28 in Spearfish.

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But the donation is just a fifth of what was lost. The federal funding made up 73% of the councils overall budget, Oey said.

Mellon Foundation President Elizabeth Alexander said in a news release Tuesday that although the donation wont cover all the lost funding, she hopes itll help councils get by.

At stake are both the operational integrity of organizations like museums, libraries, historical societies in every single state, as well as the mechanisms to participate in the cultural dynamism and exchange that is a fundamental part of American civic life, Alexander said.
Lauren Dalban

Inside Climate News



The women had come from across the world, convening at the United Nations Plaza to share the struggles theyd faced reclaiming ancestral lands, fighting pollution from extractive industries and employing Indigenous knowledge to counter the climate crisis.



Our traditional knowledge systems are powerful, said Aimee Roberson, a citizen of the Choctaw nation of Oklahoma and the executive director of Cultural Survival, an Indigenous advocacy group. We draw on the strength of our ancestors, whose persistent resistance to oppression, greed and extractivism ensured that we are here today.



Roberson spoke during the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues this week at an event hosted by the Womens Earth and Climate Action Network. Indigenous women had comefrom Kenya and Tanzania, Siberia and the Onondaga Nation in upstate New York and beyondto describe the connection between ancestral lands and Indigenous cultures and to advocate for free, prior and informed consent.



It is a principle, enshrined in various international treaties but often violated, that gives Indigenous peoples the right to give or withhold their consent for any action that would affect their lands or rights.



For Betty Lyons, the executive director of the American Indian Law Alliance and a citizen of Onondaga Nation, the struggle is historicand ongoing. The shores of Onondaga Lake, her peoples sacred lake, is where five warring Indigenous nationsthe Onondaga, Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga and Senecacame together over 1,000 years ago.



Today, the lake is a Superfund site, heavily polluted by sewage discharges and industrial waste. More than 1,000 acres of land were returned to the Onondaga Nation in the nearby Tully Valley in 2022 in an attempt to address the damage. The lake cleanup was accelerated by funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is still in progress.



Whitney Gravelle, president of the Bay Mills Indian Community in Michigan, described another real-time challenge involving Enbridges Line 5, an oil pipeline that cuts under the Straits of Mackinac, a waterway that connects Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Her community is concerned about the possibility of an oil spill in the area.



In 2010, in the Kalamazoo River, which branches out from Lake Michigan, another Enbridge pipeline burstdumping over 1 million gallons of oil into the river in one of the largest inland oil spills in this countrys history.



Under President Donald Trumps Energy Emergency executive order, permits for the Enbridge Great Lakes Tunnel Projecta tunnel that would also run beneath the Straits of Mackinac and would encase the Line 5 pipelinehave been fast-tracked.



Our entire being and understanding is interwoven into the landscape, said Gravelle, from where we go fishing with our elders, or where we hold ceremony, or how we pray, or how we perform ceremony for our youth when theyre coming of age.



Indigenous rights are inseparable from the lands on which the people live, Gravelle and Lyons explained. And damage to the environment complicates Indigenous communities ability to stay connected to their history and culture, they said, describing what ultimately called themand their peopleto action.



Globally, violence is also often a feature of Indigenous peoples struggle to reclaim their ancestral land. Cindy Kobei, a member of the Ogiek people in Kenya, described how she has been fighting through legal challenges to help her community reclaim the Mau forest. In a 2017 African Court on Human and Peoples Rights ruling, the Ogiek were recognized as ancestral owners of the forest, but evictions and even deaths persist there.



Indigenous knowledge, many of the speakers said, is essential for the conservation of these lands. Indigenous rights, meanwhile, are central to climate resilience and environmental protection, the Womens Earth and Climate Action Network said in a policy brief on Earth Day.



The Indigenous way of life and the knowledge it brings is also integral to human dignity, said Paine Eulalia Mako, who is from an indigenous pastoralist community in Tanzania and the executive director of the Ujamaa Community Resource Team.



Many of the communities she helps, which also include hunter-gatherers, have been continuously displaced since the creation of the Serengeti National Park. To date, she has been able to secure 3 million hectares of land for those communitiesbut it is not just in service to them.

Crystal A Cavalier (left) and Casey Camp-Horinek listen during a panel session at the Womens Earth and Climate Action Network event. (Katherine Quaid/WECAN)

We care about nature, and so we ensure that there is connectivity in land titles so that communities continue to move from place to place to allow land to regenerate, but also to allow space for wildlife to move in and out of our lands, said Mako.



The events final speaker, Casey Camp-Horinek from the Ponca Nation in Oklahoma, has been a crucial supporter of the rights of nature movementthe principle that ecosystems and wildlife have rights, just like humans.



In 2018, she said, the Ponca Nation passed its own statute recognizing this principle, declaring that the inherent rights of nature are inalienable in that they arise from the same source as existence.



Galina Angarova, whod come from Siberia representing the Buryat peoples, advocated hope as a way forward.



Its not a time to despair, it is a time to press our palms to the soil, to dream in the language of our ancestors and to plan visions no regime can uproot, Angarova said as she recited a poem written anonymously by someone in her community. The cracks are widening, and we say, let them. We are nature, and what we birth will outlive empire.
CANBERRA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Fuel mismanagement and failures in operational oversight and regulatory supervision have been found following a crash of a small aircraft in Western Australia in 2023, a government report said on Wednesday.

The crash significantly damaged the aircraft and raised renewed concerns about safety culture and regulatory vigilance in general aviation, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said in its investigation report.

The Broome Aviation-operated Cessna 310R was en route from Broome to Turkey Creek, a distance of 846 km, with a planned fuel stop in Derby in Western Australia, on June 20, 2023, the report said.

The investigation revealed the pilot miscalculated fuel requirements after failing to factor in forecast winds and not fully utilizing the auxiliary tanks. The pilot also did not monitor fuel levels properly during the flight, leading to fuel exhaustion in the main tanks, it said.

The twin-engine aircraft was forced to land on a highway near Derby Airport, colliding with a tree. The pilot, who was not wearing the available upper torso restraint, suffered head injuries, while the passenger escaped with minor injuries, it said.

ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said the accident was preventable and highlighted systemic failings. 
The North Carolina Legislative Building as it appeared on March 14, 2025. (Photo: Brandon Kingdollar/NC Newsline)

A North Carolina House committee advanced nearly a dozen bills in a two-hour session Tuesday afternoon as the General Assembly nears the crossover deadline for bills to pass at least one chamber of the legislature.

Many of the bills approved by the House Judiciary 2 Committee touched on controversial issues and drew concerns from members of advocacy groups during public comment, with bills prohibiting homeless encampments and requiring parents to be informed about minors health care garnering extended discussion.

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Several of the passed proposals focused on criminal punishment and the states capacity for retributive justice. Lawmakers voted in favor of a bill that would once again allow for death by firing squad and electric chair in North Carolina with the aim of resuming death row executions that have been under effective moratorium since 2006.

Undocumented immigrants were a particular focus of Tuesdays meeting, with the committee voting in favor of one bill aimed at increasing the level of felony convictions when the defendant is in the United States without authorization and another directing health and housing agencies, social services, and public universities to verify individuals immigration status.

The flurry of bills owes to the upcoming General Assembly crossover deadline of May 8. Bills that do not pass either the House or the Senate by that point are formally required to wait until 2027 for renewed consideration, though in practice, legislative maneuvers allow some bills to bypass this deadline.

The death penalty

The Judiciary 2 Committee advanced a proposal with the goal of bypassing the two-decade pause on executions in North Carolina, allowing death row inmates a choice between a firing squad, electrocution, and chemical injection.

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House Bill 270 would repeal a section of the law abolishing the use of the electric chair and again make this the default method of execution in North Carolina, with inmates having the option to request one of the other two methods instead. The state banned the use of electrocution for capital punishment in 1998, and has executed no one since 2006, with the use of the death penalty postponed by lawsuits over the method of execution as well as racial bias in sentencing.

The proposal comes four years after South Carolina passed a similar bill reviving the use of the electric chair and firing squad, citing an inability for prisons to obtain the chemicals used for lethal injection. While that bill led to further legal challenges over whether these two methods of execution constituted cruel and unusual punishment, the South Carolina Supreme Court ultimately upheld their use in 2024, allowing executions to resume after a decade-plus pause.

Rep. David Willis (R-Union) (photo: ncleg.gov)

We know that there are court cases out there that are pending. Those court cases have been frozen in place for the last, you know, close to 20 years, said Rep. David Willis (R-Union), a lead sponsor of the bill. Its time for these cases to be moved forward, either through resolution by action of this body or through the courts themselves.

The move comes months after former Gov. Roy Cooper granted the most death sentence commutations in state history, converting 15 into life sentences. With the understanding that executions might resume in the near future, advocates pushed Coopers administration heavily to commute all death sentences in the state.

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Its unclear whether the additional execution methods would have an immediate impact on the unofficial moratorium. While the pause initially took effect because the state medical board barred doctors from participating in lethal injections, the Supreme Court struck down that prohibition in 2009. Since then, legal challenges have centered on objections under the Racial Justice Act, with death row inmates alleging racial bias in their convictions  a claim a Johnston County judge affirmed in February for Hasson Bacote, who received a commutation from Cooper.

In his pitch for the bill, Willis took aim at Cooper and other North Carolina leaders for enabling the pause on the death penalty. Weve seen no support from our attorney general. Weve seen no support from our previous two governors. And its time for action on this, he said.

Rep. Laura Budd (D-Mecklenburg) (photo: ncleg.gov)

In a statement prior to the vote, Noel Nickle, the executive director of the North Carolina Center for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, said the additional execution methods would only cause harm to the officials asked to carry them out.

It forces our already overburdened state employees to carry out executions using violent methods we know will be extraordinarily damaging to their mental health, she wrote.

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Rep. Laura Budd (D-Mecklenburg) condemned lawmakers for advancing this bill at the same time the Senate was moving to end support for the states Innocence Inquiry Commission in its budget proposal.

My heart goes out to those families who have lost someone and are watching the appeals go on and on, Budd said. But if we make a mistake and we take another persons life, then twice we have committed a wrong.

Concealed carry

The committee also approved a bill creating a lifetime concealed carry program and permitting schools to store less-than-lethal weapons like tasers and pepper spray for self-defense.

House Bill 674, titled the Firearms Liberty Act, creates lifetime permits to carry concealed firearms separate from the states existing five-year permits, allowing them to remain in effect indefinitely unless revoked by the state or surrendered by the gun owner.

Rep. Jay Adams (photo: ncleg.gov)

Rep. Jay Adams (R-Catawba) said the lifetime permit would have the same background check, educational, and training requirements as the states current temporary permits, and holders would need to notify their local sheriffs department of any change of address. Unlike the temporary permits, the lifetime permits would not have reciprocity with other states, meaning they would only be valid for use in North Carolina.

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The bill also allows for individuals who are ordered to surrender their guns, such as after incidents of domestic violence, to transfer them to the custody of a licensed firearms dealer while the order remains in effect, rather than with the local sheriffs department. In what Adams described as a bipartisan element of the bill, gun owners may also enter into a safety hold with a licensed firearms dealer, temporarily storing their guns under the shops care such as if they are undergoing mental or emotional distress, or if they simply require more secure storage due to a period of absence.

Finally, the proposal would allow schools to keep defensive devices in biometric safes for school employees who have completed annual trainings for their use. This does not include guns or other lethal weapons like knives, but allows for the secure storage of tasers, pepper spray, and other less-than-lethal defense implements on school property.

Budd, the Democrat from Mecklenburg County, raised concerns that law enforcement could mistake someone using one of these less-than-lethal weapons as a threat. She also warned that allowing items like tasers and pepper spray on school property could cause a slippery slope toward the inclusion of more dangerous weapons in schools.

Susanne Duncan, a former schoolteacher with North Carolinians Against Gun Violence, said she finds the bill very alarming during public comment, warning that having more armed individuals in a crisis could add to the danger to students and staff rather than ameliorating it.

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I was once caught in a riot in a school of 4,000 students. I was pinned against a wall, Duncan said. I can tell you, if people had come running down that hall with tasers or with pepper spray or with guns, there would have been dozens of children and staff injured. It would have been a very dangerous situation.

Immigration bills

Two bills advanced by the committee targeted undocumented immigrants, including a bill increasing criminal penalties if they commit felonies and a requirement for various state agencies to vet immigration status in the course of their public work.

The first, House Bill 261, raises the level of a felony conviction for any defendant previously found guilty of a crime related to reentry after removal by immigration authorities. It also enhances sentences for committing felonies and misdemeanors while conspiring to promote or further criminal activity among all defendants.

Lead sponsor Rep. Neal Jackson (R-Moore) said his local district attorney had requested the bill. The goal, he said, was to send a message that people cannot come to North Carolina and commit serious crimes or they will face greater consequences. The effect of this bill will be that a person who is here illegally in the country and commits a crime will be guilty of a felony that is one step higher than what they were initially convicted for, he said.

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Mark Swallow, an advocate with Democracy Out Loud, said he believes the bill is likely unconstitutional. He argued that any requirement to increase felony status based on immigration status would violate the Equal Protection Clause, the Due Process Clause, and federal civil rights laws. He noted that sentence enhancements targeting noncitizens had previously been found unconstitutional in federal court.

Sammy Salkin, a policy analyst with the ACLU of North Carolina, denounced the proposal as a cruel attack on immigrant communities.

Penalizing individuals differently for the same offense based on their immigration status sets a dangerous precedent and raises significant equal protection concerns, Salkin said. Punishment should reflect the nature of the crime, not the immigration status of the accused.

Chuck Spahos, general counsel for the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys, which backed the bill, said it was important to note the provision does not apply to all undocumented immigrants, only those with a prior conviction for a reentry offense. This, he said, means the law does not discern based on immigration status but instead on prior criminal record.

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The second bill passed by the committee concerning immigration was House Bill 690, the Citizens Support Act. That bill directs the state Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Commerce, housing agencies, state public universities, and the unemployment service to vet immigration status before providing benefits and social services to North Carolina residents.

Jackson, who also sponsored this bill, said the goal is to ensure that state benefits are provided only to U.S. citizens and noncitizens who are legally authorized to reside in the United States. His co-sponsor, Rep. Jennifer Balkcom (R-Henderson), said the verification measures were necessary as accountability for tax holders dollars.

Rep. Ya Liu (D-Wake) suggested that in emergency situations, such verification processes could prove life-threatening.

So, say if a patient is very ill and actively dying in front of a hospital, a state-funded hospital, so the doctors will have to check their immigration status to verify if they are a legal resident before they render any treatments? she asked.

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Balkcom said food, emergency services, and life-saving care are exempted for protection under federal law and so would not be affected by the new proposed verification requirements.

Salkin, the ACLU analyst, warned that the new restrictions could deter mixed-status families from seeking benefits for children who are U.S. citizens. This is likely to reduce benefit use among U.S. citizens and lawfully present immigrants. We urge you to vote no, she said.

The sentence enhancement bill is scheduled before the House of Representatives for a floor vote Wednesday afternoon. The Citizens Support Act, Firearms Liberty Act, and death penalty bill all advance to the Committee on State and Local Government for further deliberation.
(Photo illustration by Namthip Muanthongthae / Getty Images)

The North Carolina House gave the green light to a pair of bills this week that would change how the state manages its pension fund and allow that funds investments to include cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

A five-member board of appointees would manage the states $127 billion in investments under House Bill 506. And House Bill 92 would give that board the power to invest up to 5% of the states portfolio in cryptocurrency.

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The measures represent a concentrated effort to shift the states approach to investing. North Carolinas pension system has a $16 billion deficit, and the funds investments have yielded lower returns in comparison to other states portfolios in recent years.

State Treasurer Brad Briner, a Republican elected in November, has thrown his support behind both bills. He currently serves as the sole final authority over the state investments. His GOP predecessor, Dale Folwell, had practiced a more conservative approach to the pension fund.

State Treasurer Brad Briner (File photo)

Investment authority would be appointed, require experience

The five-member North Carolina Investment Authority would include the treasurer and four other members. The treasurer, Speaker of the House, Senate President Pro Tem and governor would be able to appoint one member each.

Appointees would be required to have expert knowledge of investments and more than 10 years of successful management of pensions, endowments or other investments.

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The board would appoint a chief investment officer  someone with similar, if not more extensive, qualifications to board appointees. That CIO would negotiate and execute third-party contracts on behalf of the board.

HB 506 passed the House with little discussion Tuesday, 110-3.

Pension fund could include Bitcoin

The bill to allow investment in cryptocurrency is backed by House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell).

It limits the investments to the crypto equivalent of mutual funds, rather than direct investments in specific currencies.

And it lays the groundwork for the treasurer and law enforcement to examine both a strategic reserve of digital assets collected by the state, as well as allowing state employees to invest part of their portfolios in crypto.

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The bills supporters view it as another plank of proactive and wise investing  arguing that the state should utilize a growing corner of the market.

We need to spread the allocation around, said Rep. Keith Kidwell (R-Beaufort). Just like any good investment broker would do for you.

But Democrats who opposed the measure warned of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies volatility  and cautioned against betting part of state workers pensions on them.

I still have a lot of questions about this investment strategy and the level of commitment were making to it, said Rep. Maria Cervania (D-Wake).

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Opinions on the bill outside of the General Assembly have split. Gov. Josh Stein has said he supports the measure and allowing Briner to have more control over state investments. Representatives of the State Employees Association of North Carolina have expressed opposition.

The measure passed 71-44 on Wednesday, and now heads to the Senate.
The visas of two international students at NC State University have been restored after the Trump administration initially revoked them earlier this month.

NC State spokesperson Mick Kulikowski confirmed to The News & Observer by email Tuesday that the students records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS, have been restored to active.

The Trump administration throughout early April enacted sweeping terminations of immigration records for international students across the country. The actions impacted thousands of students, according to a count by Inside Higher Ed, including more than a dozen in North Carolina.

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In addition to the two students at NC State, six students at UNC-Chapel Hill and six at UNC Charlotte also had their visas revoked. All of those students records have been restored, according to reporting by The N&O and The Charlotte Observer. Two Duke University students and an alumnus were also impacted by the administrations terminations, according to the Duke Chronicle, but the outlet reported Friday that it is unclear whether their records have been restored.

The visa restorations in North Carolina and around the country come after the U.S. Department of Justice announced in federal court Friday morning that it planned to restore the statuses of the students who were impacted by those actions, as reported by Politico and other outlets.

International students are required to obtain visas to enroll and study at colleges around the United States. In addition to visas, international students are assigned records in the federal SEVIS database maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

If a students visa is revoked, it does not automatically mean they must leave the country. But if a students SEVIS record is terminated  as the NC State students records initially were, according to the university  they could be subject to deportation or other removal proceedings.

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The two NC State students who were impacted by the visa revocations left the country after consulting with their lawyers and the embassy in Saudi Arabia, the students home country. NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson told The N&O that both students were in good standing with the university.

NC States Office of International Services previously said the university did not initiate the terminations.

It remains possible that the Trump administration could target visas again. Inside Higher Ed reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would work to develop a framework for future terminations following the administrations reversal in court Friday.

As this remains an evolving situation, we will continue to monitor and work with students on an individual basis as needed, Kulikowski wrote. Over the past several weeks, the university has provided students with ongoing support, with the priority of helping them complete their studies.

NC State enrolls the most international students of any school in the public UNC System and hosts the second-most international students of any university in the state, according to federal data. According to a 2024 report by the U.S. Department of State, the university enrolled more than 3,700 international students from more than 100 countries during the 2023-24 academic year, most of whom were graduate students.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  Funding is coming to Sangamon County to create a pathway for more high schoolers to get into high-paying blue-collar jobs.

Nearly $1 million dollars in funding secured by Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) will go to support construction and trade apprenticeship programs across Christian and Sangamon County. In the funding, Menard-Sangamon Regional Office of Education will receive $440,000 and Illinois Foundation of SkillsUSA Illinois will receive $550,000 for job training.

Sen. Turner said this investment will help students.

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Investing in the trades gives students a path to secure stable, good-paying careers in a high-demand industry, Turner said.

IL leaders offer condolences for Chatham after school center tragedy

Some of the money will go to SkillsUSA Illinois, which is an organization that provides training programs for high school and college students that are looking to get into careers in healthcare, trade, and other technical sectors. With this fund, the organization will support carpentry apprenticeship programs for students in Springfield by bringing in new resources, paying for equipment students need, and helping pay for transportation that the school currently cant afford.

The executive director of SkillsUSA Illinois, Eric Hill, said this is to help students not only earn better pay but also get their foot in the door.

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This is about preparing students for real careers, Hill said. But then most importantly connecting directly to the union apprenticeship halls or other union-based operations as theyre preparing to graduate from high school, from this program, connecting them.

The organization has run a similar program in the Aurora-area last year. Now they are expanding to central Illinois in the second year. The first program is expected to start in September, with Lanphier High School being the central hub for all the students in District 186.

Lanphier High School currently has a construction class for its own students which started with just six students. Now it has grown past 60 students and next year, the number of students is expected to pass over 120. Students have already built things like Santa Claus houses for the park district and childrens playhouses.

The class instructor, Robert Handy, said the class is the most popular class in the school now and some students have expressed interest in other career fields that they dont have.

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The reason the kids love this class is because it is moving around, theyre not stuck in a classroom sitting, they are putting their hands on tools, they are learning viable skills, Handy said. We have a young man who wants to go into welding. We dont have welding here yet, so SkillsUSA is able to buy him all of his protective equipment that he needs to weld, and then we have somebody come in here and mentor him.

Durbin will not seek reelection, ending 44 year career

The fund will operate like a reimbursement grant for a one-year cycle from January to December with the ability to apply for up to two years of renewal. Hill said these types of programs help students get the guidance and bring more people from other backgrounds into the industry.

When you graduate high school, theres three ways out of high school-a four-year degree, military, or the workforce. Those first two options have an incredible support system in place. Recruiters, counselors, everyone, Hill said. If youre a high school student who wants to be a welder, pipe fitter, plumber, there are zero support systems for you. So at 17 years old, you are on your own learning how to navigate those waters. Then were wondering why we dont have diversity in these particular areas.

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He said investing in apprenticeship help student easily transition in to real workforce.

So programs like this are exactly what we should be doing as a country, as a state, and as a community, Hill said.

The organization will be running on a cohort program starting this year, since the funding runs from January to December which is eight months behind the school start date. This leaves a short time to spend money for the year. Hill said they are working with legislation to fix the funding time to better match with the school year, which could allow them to run two cohorts. One starting January to May and the second starting August to December.

Lawmakers take steps to pass Alyssas Law to increase safety during school shootings

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Senior Leandre Johnson is now taking carpentry as one of his classes. He said he is also exploring a different career he heard about.

Im really a hands-on person and when I heard about this class I said I want to go into the trade. I want to go into carpentry. This is teaching me new skills that I would never know but a friend told me about HVAC, Johnson said. But I might go into HVAC and from there to see which one I like more.

The construction trade apprenticeship program is part of the state effort to minimize workforce shortages. These funds are part of a $19 million grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Officials said 38 other organizations received the grant through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program to create more pathways for youth who want to go into trade.

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Russian independent media outlet, Mediazona, in collaboration with the BBC Russian service, has confirmed the identities of 104,763 Russian military personnel killed in Ukraine.

Mediazona's latest report covers the period of February 24, 2022 to April 24, 2025. Since it was last updated in the middle of April, 2,880 additional Russian military personnel have been confirmed killed.

The list of deceased Russian military personnel is compiled from verified, publicly available sources, including social media posts, local news reports, and official announcements from regional authorities.

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However, as the Russian government does not publicly disclose casualty information, journalists note that the total number of casualties is likely higher than reported.

The confirmed death toll now includes 25,900 volunteers, 16,500 recruited prisoners, and 11,900 mobilized soldiers, according to the media outlets. Over 4,900 officers have also been confirmed to have been killed.

The media outlet publicly released the full list of named casualties for the first time in February, commemorating the third-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

On Feb. 24, independent Russian media outlets Meduza and Mediazona estimated in a report that around 165,000 Russian troops have been killed since the launch of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, including nearly 100,000 in 2024.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on Feb. 15 that Moscow had lost around 250,000 soldiers, with 20,000 killed in battles for Russia's Kursk Oblast alone.

Russia has gained ground in eastern Ukraine and Kursk Oblast in recent months but at the cost of heavy casualties as well as equipment losses. On April 29, Ukraine's Southern Defense Forces spokesperson, Vladyslav Voloshyn, said that Russian forces have recently intensified offensive operations in three Ukrainian oblasts  Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.

Moscow does not disclose its casualty figures, though a Defense Ministry official let slip in December that the department received 48,000 requests to identify missing soldiers.

In an interview with NBC published on Feb. 16, Zelensky said over 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and 380,000 injured on the battlefield.

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As of March 28, Russia has lost a total of 950,860 troops since the full-scale invasion began, Ukraine's General Staff reported. The estimate, which is broadly in-line with estimates made by Western intelligence agencies, likely includes those killed, captured, wounded, and missing.

Read also: Trump said Ukraine will be crushed very shortly  this is why hes wrong





























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Nearly 200 jobs could soon be coming to the Lancaster County area, according to the Herald.

This week, officials struck a deal to lure a European company to the area, and now they are working to get another.

ALSO READ: Jobs expected to show the biggest growth over the next 10 years

The Lancaster County Council votes unanimously to approve an incentive agreement for Old Castle APG.

Old Castle makes stone for pools and patios.

However, there has been no word on what the second might be.

VIDEO: Jobs expected to show the biggest growth over the next 10 years
TOKYO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 40 percent of Japanese prefectural governments are offering or planning to offer financial aid to small and midsize businesses, as well as agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors hit by U.S. tariffs, a Kyodo News survey showed.

The survey revealed that 18 of Japan's 47 prefectures have moved to offer such assistance, while nine more are planning to provide aid.

Tottori and Fukuoka prefectures have launched specialized loan programs, while 90 percent of prefectures have set up consultation services.

All prefectural governments responded that they are "concerned" or "somewhat concerned" about the impact of tariffs on the local economy as concerns grow over the repercussions of the tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.

Besides asking the central government to persist with negotiations with the U.S., many prefectural governments are seeking financial aid for small and midsize businesses and diversification of their export destinations, according to the survey. 
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT)  Both the Evansville Police Department and the Vanderburgh County Sheriffs Office confirm that Immigration and Customs Enforcement was working in the area on Tuesday. Police say federal agents conducted whats being called Enforcement Removal Operations.

Residents in Pleasant Ridge Estates say they saw FBI raid a trailer, with one person estimating 10 people in multiple vehicles on the property.

Resident Audrey Allen says shes a neighbor to the only home that was raided in the area. Allen says her fiance witnessed the account.

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My fiance had just got home from work at the same time, says Allen. I heard it and he said that he saw ICE and what looked like SWAT, breaking down the door of our neighbor and going in there with smoke bombs.

Several residents emphasized his perspective. One resident says she saw FBI go inside the trailer, search and come back out. Two women were allowed to reenter the home. Another resident says agents wearing FBI jackets arrived in multiple unmarked vehicles with long guns and full gear on.

Once finished, neighbors say that no one was taken into custody.

Eyewitness News has also received information of other raids across Evansville including near Sunburst Boulevard.

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EPD and VSCO say they were informed of the operation and while they do support ICE, local officers and deputies did not take part in this enforcement.

Sheriff Noah Robinson says the role of local law enforcement in federal action is limited. He says deputies can arrest undocumented immigrants suspected of a crime, just like anyone else and not based on immigration status.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Two leaders of what authorities described as a violent online network have been arrested and charged for allegedly operating "one of the most heinous online child exploitation enterprises" officials have ever seen.

The leaders, 21-year-old Leonidas Varagiannis, who is also known online as "War," and 20-year-old Prasan Nepal, also known as "Trippy," could spend the rest of their lives in prison for their alleged crimes, which include targeting vulnerable children online and "coercing them into producing degrading and explicit content under threat and manipulation," the Justice Department said in a news release Tuesday.

Some content was traced to kids as young as 13.

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"The allegations in this case are not only disturbing, they are also every parent's nightmare," U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Edward R. Martin Jr. said in the news release. "The number of victims allegedly exploited by these defendants, and the depths of depravity are staggering."

The network, known as 764, "seeks to destroy civilized society through the corruption and exploitation of vulnerable populations, which often include minors," the Justice Department said. Its activities took place from late 2020 through early this year.

According to the Justice Department, Varagiannis and Nepal led a core subgroup within 764 that operated through encrypted messaging apps, and they allegedly directed and participated in the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

"These defendants allegedly recruited others to exploit children and created a guide for the disgusting online content they wanted," FBI Director Kash Patel said in the news release.

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Nepal was arrested in North Carolina last week and Varagiannis was arrested on Monday in Greece, where he resides, authorities said. Varagiannis, who was arrested on an international warrant, denied the allegations and has formally opposed extradition, his lawyer and Greek judicial authorities said, according to The Associated Press.

"Throughout the period during which the alleged offenses took place, he was residing in Greece," Xanthippi Moysidou, Varagiannis' lawyer, told the AP. "Therefore, Greek law and courts have jurisdiction over the case, and his extradition is explicitly prohibited."

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MARION, S.C. (WBTW)  One of Phonesia Machado-Fores daughters told News13 in an exclusive interview shes waiting for the day her mothers accused killer Jaremy Smith is brought to justice in South Carolina.

Last week, Smith was sentenced in New Mexico to life in federal prison without parole for killing New Mexico state trooper Justin Hare.

In March 2024, Machado-Fore  a longtime Pee Dee paramedic  was reported missing, then found dead in Dillon County. Officials say Smith drove her BMW across the country to New Mexico when he then shot and killed Hare.

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Timeline: Whats happened so far in the case of Jaremy Smith, the man accused of killing Pee Dee paramedic, New Mexico officer

Machado-Fores daughter Faith Fore says for a full year shes been left with many questions but not a whole lot of answers.

I lost my mom, she said. My momma didnt even see me graduate at all. Did not see me graduate. Cant help me through life anymore, cant guide me. Im 19, Im lost as hell. Like Im so lost. I dont know what to do.

Courtesy: Faith Fore

Fore, who lives in Marion, remembers her mom as opinionated, yet incredibly dedicated to saving lives.

Her world came to a stop on March 16, 2024, when her mom was reported missing, then found dead two days later. According to officials, a gunshot wound to the back of her head, execution style.

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Jaremy Smith faces 17 state charges related to the killing of Machado-Fore.

Fore says she hasnt received any answers from officials since January. In fact, she never knew Smith was going to be sentenced in New Mexico, until she saw it online after.

She was a human at the end of the day, and she did the same job yall do, she said. And I wish yall cared a little bit more just as yall care for Mr. Justin that lost his life as well.

Fore feels like more investigating still needs to be done into who was involved besides Smith, the motive and if it was planned or not.

She says shes glad Hares family can find some sort of peace knowing hell be in prison for the rest of his life.

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She says she wants the same for her mom, while she deals with the grief and loss at such a young age trying to keep her moms name alive.

Nobody cares like I do, she said. And I cant do anything. Nothing but talk and talk and talk and try to get her name out there. Try to let people know that my baby was still a human at the end of the day, and they took her from me in the worst way possible. Yall left her abandoned to rot. How could somebody do that to another human being?

Courtesy: Faith Fore

Fore says while shes not here physically, she knows her mom is still with her every day guiding her. And finds peace knowing shes happy somewhere else.

Lord knows she would be so proud of me right now, she said But shes with me, I miss her words, miss arguing with her, miss hugging her, miss her forcing her to hug me. I miss it all.

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News13 reached out to 12th circuit solicitor Ed Clements multiple times since last week for a sit-down interview or statement to ask when Smith could be brought back to South Carolina. Clements said Sunday hed be available later this week.

Count on News13 for updates on-air and online.

* * *

Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Its one of the oldest cold cases still on file in Odessa. More than 50 years ago, 62-year-old Edwin Woodrow Howell was found lying in a downtown alley with fatal head injuries, a mystery that remains unsolved to this day.

On the night of April 3, 1975, Odessa police were dispatched to the alley behind the Drillers Club, near 2nd Street and Grant Avenue. When officers arrived, they found Howell lying on his back in the dirt with visible trauma to his head.

He was rushed to Medical Center Hospital, but despite doctors efforts, Howell died the following day.

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According to witnesses, Howell had spent the earlier part of the evening inside the Drillers Club, a popular gathering spot at the time. He had reportedly been playing dominoes, but grew frustrated after losing several games. Witnesses say he eventually left in irritation, bringing the gathering to an abrupt end.

What happened after Howell walked out that door remains a mystery.

Police were never able to confirm if Howell returned to the club that night, only that he ended up in the alley with injuries serious enough to take his life. No suspect was ever named. No motive was ever confirmed.

Theres not a lot of information in this case that is literally all they gave me, said Susan Rogers, CEO of Odessa Crime Stoppers. I called the PD and I said, Who is Edward Howell? and that was it. He was lying on his back with trauma to his head. I dont even have a picture. But theres enough there that investigators believe he was murdered.

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Today, Howells death is considered one of Odessas oldest unsolved homicides.

There are no surviving detailed police reports. No photographs. No known relatives. As time passed, the case went cold, and Howell, a man who once lived and laughed and lost a few games of dominoes, was slowly lost to time.

Still, Rogers and Odessa Crime Stoppers are determined not to let him be forgotten.

We would love for a relative to reach out, Rogers said. If you knew Edwin Woodrow Howell, if youre family, even if you just remember him from back then, please contact us. Even a photo would help.

Crime Stoppers is actively seeking help not just to solve Howells murder, but to rebuild his storyto give a face and a history to a man who has, until now, remained just a name in a 50-year-old file.

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If you have any information about the 1975 death of Edwin Woodrow Howell, or if you knew him personally, you are encouraged to contact Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS or submit a tip anonymously at 333tips.org.

Tips can also be submitted through the P3 Tips app, and a cash reward is available for information leading to an arrest.

This is a 50-year-old case, Rogers said. But time doesnt change the fact that he deserves justice.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
Some employees of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, pictured here on Jan. 28, 2012 in Morgantown, W.Va., will return temporarily, according to Sen. Shelley Moore Capito. (Getty Images)

At least some workers at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health are getting back to work this week after federal cuts in early April took them off the job, according to a statement released Tuesday by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.

Those returning to work include some employees from the Coal Worker Health Surveillance Program and the Fire Fighters Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program. The total number of individuals who were granted reemployment has not been released.

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And those who are returning to work will, at this time, only be doing so temporarily.

A Reduction In Force for the vital federal agency is still slated to go into effect in June and will impact these workers, according to a statement from the local chapter of the American Federation of Governmental Employees, a labor union representing the employees.

Cathy Tinney-Zara, president of AFGE Local 3430 in Morgantown, said in a news release that the union is encouraged by the decision to call crucial workers back to work.

This action, though temporary, allows these dedicated professionals to return to their critical roles in advancing worker safety and health across the country, Tinney-Zara said. Their return means renewed momentum for life-saving research, outreach and interventions that protect workers in high-risk industries and help prevent illness, injury, and death on the job.

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Notably, Tinney-Zara continued, it seems only workers in the CWHSP and the FFFIPP  programs that are currently in the media spotlight  were included in the calls to return to work. That leaves numerous other programs and initiatives undertaken by NIOSH still inoperable after cuts from the new federal Department of Government Efficiency hit the agency in early April.

These are undoubtedly vital initiatives, but they are only a portion of the comprehensive, nationwide worker protection mission NIOSH fulfills, Tinney-Zara said. From construction sites to health care facilities, from transportation hubs to agricultural fields, NIOSHs work touches nearly every corner of the American labor force.

The directive offering some people their jobs back came after Capito, earlier this month, wrote a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urging him to reconsider the cuts that cost at least 200 people their jobs  and, in turn, ended the programs they worked for  in the Morgantown NIOSH facility.

On Tuesday, Capito said in a statement that she was encouraged that some NIOSH functions for coal miner and firefighter safety are slated to resume with some select staff returning to work this week.

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But my understanding is that this is temporary so my focus will continue to be on working with [the federal Department of Health and Human Services] on permanently restoring these functions and personnel in the most efficient and effective manner, Capito continued.

In her letter to Kennedy on April 21, Capito emphasized how critical Morgantowns NIOSH facility and the workers within it were to combatting deadly black lung disease and protecting miners who are now being pushed, through initiatives by the Trump Administration, to mine more coal than any time in recent memory.

The NIOSH Mining Program works to eliminate mining fatalities and injuries. Research in rock dust has resulted in safety changes to prevent explosions in underground mines  Capito wrote. NIOSHs [CWHSP] studies respiratory disease and provides black lung screenings to coal miners. It is my understanding that the RIF impacted every employee in these important programs.

With work by the CWHSP halted since April 1, coal miners in central Appalachia have been without access to critical health services and surveillance, including free screenings for black lung and a program that allows them, once diagnosed with black lung, to request relocating to a different, less dusty portion of a mine in order to mitigate the worst developments of the deadly disease.

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Anyone requesting to relocate in a mine  a labor right afforded to miners through the Part 90 program  must have their black lung testing results evaluated and marked eligible by a NIOSH worker in order to be approved.

But with DOGEs cuts, those workers didnt exist anymore.

The reduction in services for coal miners comes as a surge of black lung disease is hitting the workforce. It also hits as implementation of a federal rule that would limit miners exposure to dangerous silica dust for the first time ever has been delayed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 20% of coal miners in central Appalachia are suffering from black lung  the highest rate detected in more than 25 years. One in 20 of the regions coal miners are living with the most severe form of the condition.

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And the resurgence of black lung is hitting coal miners at younger ages than ever before. This is due to miners, because of a lack of easily accessible coal, being forced to dig through more silica-rich sandstone than their predecessors in order to reach what little coal remains.

When the silica dust rule was slated to go into effect this month, the former secretary for the federal Department of Labor estimated that it could potentially save thousands of lives.

Now, according to the Charleston Gazette-Mail, the federal Mine Health and Safety Administration  the agency that would be in charge of enacting and enforcing the silica rule  is being temporarily headed by an attorney who worked with industry groups that lobbied against implementation of exposure limits for silica, which advocates and coal mining veterans have colored as being life saving if ever implemented.

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New Mexico health care professionals have until 5 p.m. to apply for a state loan forgiveness program

Health care professionals in New Mexico have through May 15 to apply for up to $25,000 in loan forgiveness if they commit to working in underserved counties of New Mexico for at three years.

The Health Professional Loan Repayment Program opened applications on March 15 and extended the deadline to May 15, the department announced on Wednesday.

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We are determined to support members of critical workforces throughout our state, and there is perhaps no more critical workforce than health care professionals, Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez said in a statement. With the unwavering support of the governor and the ongoing commitment of the Legislature, we will continue to make New Mexico a more attractive place for workers  while supporting the needs and well-being of communities throughout our state.

The program applies to more than 25 occupations, including ones in the allied, mental and dental health fields, according to an HED news release, has grown significantly and has awarded aid to 1,269 applicants.

More information, including how to apply, can be found online.

New Mexico has a notable shortage of health care professionals, as a recent Think New Mexico report detailed. For instance, between 2017 2021, New Mexico lost 30% of its primary care providers  a total of 711 doctors  according to the 2023 annual report of New Mexico Health Care Workforce Committee. That committee also found that the number of obstetrician -gynecologists practicing in the state dropped by 22% during the same time period, and the numbers of registered nurses, dentists, psychiatrists, EMTs,and pharmacists also declined sharply, Think New Mexico noted.
Meghan Markle's use of her "HRH" styling has renewed the conversation about royal titles  and if she and Prince Harry may lose theirs following their step back from their roles.

Despite reports that Prince William plans to remove his brother and sister-in-law's titles when he becomes king, the British monarch's power on the matter is limited.

Queen Elizabeth granted Harry and Meghan the titles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their 2018 wedding day, and the removal of a dukedom would require legislative action through an act of Parliament.

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However, that has the possibility to change. In recent years, there have been discussions about introducing legislation that would grant the monarch or a parliamentary committee the power to remove royal titles. The "Removal of Titles Bill" was proposed to provide such authority, but it has not been enacted into law.



Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Meghan Markle and Queen Elizabeth in June 2018 Meghan Markle and Queen Elizabeth in June 2018

Related: Why King Charles Can't Remove Prince Andrew's Royal Titles amid Epstein Files Reveal

Despite stepping back from their working royal roles in 2020, Harry and Meghan retained their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles, which are reflected on the royal familys website and across their ventures.

Speaking to PEOPLE in a recent exclusive interview, Meghan described "Sussex" as her "shared name" with Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.

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"Its our shared name as a family, and I guess I hadnt recognized how meaningful that would be to me until we had children," she said. "I love that that is something that Archie, Lili, H and I all have together. It means a lot to me."



While the couple continues to use their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles, Prince Harry and Meghan agreed not to use their "His/Her Royal Highness" styling after their step back from royal life. However, a photo emerged of a gift basket that Meghan gave to a friend with a note reading, With compliments of HRH the Duchess of Sussex, set beneath Meghan's royal cipher. PEOPLE understands that while they retained the styling, Meghan and Harry do not use their HRH titles for public or commercial ventures. The note, from more than a year ago, was part of a personal gift rather than a business-related endeavor.



Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage King Charles, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on Christmas in 2018 King Charles, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on Christmas in 2018

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According to The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, a professional association for barristers in England and Wales, the "HRH" honorific would be the easiest for a British sovereign to remove.

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"At present, the Sussexes (like Prince Andrew, Duke of York) have agreed not to use the appellation while they have abandoned royal duties, but it is clear that it could be withdrawn by the King, a decision that would not be amenable to judicial review," Master Graham Zellick, a professor of public law and tribunal judge, wrote. "In any case, removal of the honorific on the basis of giving up the role of a working member of the royal family and living abroad could hardly be faulted."

By birthright, Harry is also a prince. This title is conferred by letters patent and is not usually subject to removal.



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The cries of a distraught mother rang out Tuesday afternoon on a recording of an emergency call she made after her son was fatally shot.

The jury trial for Wade Gittings, 42, who faces a charge of first-degree murder, began Tuesday in Scott County Court. Wade Gittings appeared with his attorneys Troy Smith and Spencer Roudabush. Representing the state were Micah Johnson and Bret Larson.

Wade Gittings (Scott County Jail)

According to prior testimony and Scott County Court affidavits, Wade Gittings fatally shot his brother, Jevin Gittings, the night of Jan. 26, 2024, in the Davenport residence they shared with their mother, Geraldine Gittings.

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As the trial got under way, Judge Patrick McElyea carefully explained to the jurors It is up to you to decide what conclusions are to be drawn from the evidence.

The state doesnt condone the way Jevin Gittings was acting on the night he was killed, Larson said. (But) Wade Gittings murdered his brother, Jevin Gittings.

Roudabush said Jevin Gittings was out of control., and talked about Jevins constant struggle with his rage. Wade didnt want to fight his brother. He only wanted to protect his mother.

Jurors listened attentively as witnesses pieced together what happened that night.

One witness, Danielle Nylund, wept while she testified. She said she considers the Gittings family her own, and looks at Geraldine Geri Gittings as her mother. We tell each other everything, she said.

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Several friends and family members of the Gittings were in the courtroom for the proceedings.

Nylund, who has been friend with Wade Gittings for many years, described him as an awesome guy.

On the night of Jan. 26, 2024, Nylund was among the people at a small gathering hosted by a neighbor of the Gittings family. Geraldine Gittings had lost her vape pen, and Danielle had gone outside to try to help her find it.

Nylund described the rage Jevin Gittings later showed back at the Gittings home. I was scared, she testified. I tried to push him away. She said Jevin Gittings threw her into a rabbit cage and then onto a chair.

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Soon after she left, Geraldine Gittings called her and told her what happened: She was hysterical; crying, Nylund said.

In the recorded call for an ambulance, Geraldine Gittings screamed No! No! No! and I cant do this. I cant do this! while a dispatcher tried to talk to her as an ambulance was on its way.

A deadly night in 2024

Shortly after 9 p.m. Jan. 26, 2024, in the 7200 block of Volquardsen Avenue, Davenport Police, Fire and Medic EMS responded to a residence for a report of gunfire and a victim.

In an earlier court appearance, Our Quad Cities News heard Davenport Police Detective Evan Obert testify that, at the scene, Wade Gittings said he had shot his half-brother, Jevin E. Gittings, 26.

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Obert said a pistol was next to Wade Gittings in the living room, and there was a gun in Jevin Gittings room.

Obert said there had been an argument and then a fight between family members, before the shooting.

The trial is scheduled to continue Wednesday in Scott County Court.

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ISLAMABAD, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Pakistan Army shot down the second Indian quadcopter in a day for violating the country's airspace along the Line of Control (LoC), sources from the Pakistani military said on Tuesday.

The Indian quadcopter Phantom 4 was engaged in spying activities inside the Pakistani territory when the army intercepted it in the Satwal sector of Poonch district of the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, the military sources told Xinhua.

The unmanned drone was being used for surveillance purposes when the Pakistani army swiftly responded and neutralized it before the completion of the nefarious mission, the sources added.

This is the second Indian quadcopter that has been shot down in less than 12 hours. Earlier on Tuesday, an Indian surveillance drone was destroyed along the LoC in Manawar section of Bhimber district of the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

Tensions between India and Pakistan continue to simmer after the Pahalgam attack in the Indian-controlled Kashmir, with reported incidents of intermittent firing and use of small arms as well as aerial surveillance along the LoC. 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Its been more than a week since an iconic Nashville mural was vandalized. Now News 2 has learned more about whether the mural will even come back.

The I Believe in Nashville mural was a centerpiece of 12 South; now its just a blank wall.

I believe in Nashville mural vandalized in 12 South

This mural has a long history.

It was first installed in 2012 by local Nashvillian Adrien Saporiti.

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Saporiti said it was meant to showcase his pride and love for the city. It quickly garnered recognition and became a regular stop for photo opportunities.

The mural has been vandalized before in 2017 but was quickly recovered.

People who work in the 12 South Dental Studio building, where the mural is located, told News 2 they havent heard of any plans to redo it.

Neighborhood News: Stories impacting your community | Read More

I really hope it gets repainted. Its been the main centerpiece as youre walking down 12 South, so I really hope it gets repainted, but we have heard nothing. Weve tried to look at our cameras and so far we havent heard any information about when its going to come back, Thais Monson, an employee at 12 South Dental Studio, told News 2.

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City officials said they were unsure about any timeline to repaint the mural as well when asked.

The owner of Minor Jewelry in 12 South told News 2 she has cameras around her building that hopefully will help catch the suspect.

Do you have news happening in your neighborhood? Let us know by sending an email to neighborhoodnews@wkrn.com.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  Following the lead of several conservative states and the president himself, North Carolina Republican lawmakers have advanced their own bills that target diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

The North Carolina House passed a bill restricting DEI practices within state government on Wednesday after votes on it stalled for a few weeks. The state Senate pushed forth its own legislation on the issue earlier this month. If combined, the two bills would enforce DEI limitations at colleges, universities, state agencies, local governments and public schools  a move Republican proponents say would ensure fairness for students and government workers.

The bills also clear a pathway for North Carolina public entities to be more in line with President Donald Trumps goal of dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion practices.

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But the legislation will have a tougher time becoming law than it did a year ago. Democratic Gov. Josh Stein will likely veto the legislation, and Republicans now lack a supermajority in the House that allowed them to override vetoes with relative ease last session.

Getting a Democrat to join Republicans in overriding a veto would be a tough sell, as Democratic Party members have been outspoken in saying the bills are too vague and put unnecessary scrutiny on state employees.

It's an attack on the very legacy of those who sacrificed to bring us this far. It's an attack on the reality that we are a diverse nation, Democratic Rep. Brandon Lofton said amid more than two hours of debate on the House floor.

Since taking office earlier this year, the Trump administration has embarked on a crusade against what it calls illegal and immoral discrimination programs," resulting in action ranging from federal investigations of universities for alleged racial discrimination to purges of photos and mentions of minority and female military heroes from government websites. The administration has also threatened to cut funding for local school systems that don't disavow DEI  a move met by resistance from Democratic states and cities.

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Eradicating DEI efforts predates Trump's second term, though. As of a year ago, officials in about one-third of the states had taken some sort of action against DEI initiatives.

North Carolina lawmakers took some action last session, such as enacting a law that prohibited the promotion of certain beliefs that GOP legislators likened to critical race theory in state government workplaces. But for the most part, legislators deferred to others such as the state's public university system to implement changes that stifled certain diversity, equity and inclusion programs at its 17 schools.

Last year, the University of North Carolina Board of Governors voted to repeal and replace its diversity policy with one that emphasized institutional neutrality  the prevention of universities from taking stances on debated political issues. The decision resulted in staff cuts, funding reallocations and unease among some faculty on the policy's implementation.

This year, House Republicans have targeted state agencies  largely run under Stein  as places to eradicate workplace DEI policies and programs. Employees who violate the ban could face civil penalties and be removed from their agency. State agencies, local governments and public schools also couldnt apply for federal assistance that requires them to comply with DEI mandates, according to the bill.

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It puts an end to the idea that background should outweigh ability. It stops public jobs, promotions and contracts from being awarded based on political agendas, said House Majority Leader Brenden Jones, one of the bill's primary sponsors.

On the other hand, the Senate's legislation passed a few weeks ago does much of what was already implemented by the UNC System, aside from explicitly outlining the divisive concepts and discriminatory practices to be avoided within higher education  such as treating someone differently solely to advantage or disadvantage compared to others, according to the bill. It also includes North Carolina's community colleges. A similar bill for K-12 public schools was passed by the Senate last month.

House Republicans were expected to pass their DEI bill at the same time as the Senate. But House Speaker Destin Hall had said pending amendments and absences delayed the vote.



Associated Press writer David A. Lieb in Jefferson City, Missouri, contributed to this report.
Imagery has emerged showing North Koreas heavily armed new frigate, the Choi Hyon, firing a variety of weapons from its large array of vertical launch system (VLS) cells. The missiles seen appear to include a previously unknown air defense missile and possibly a new supersonic cruise missile. The warship was only officially unveiled last weekend, as you can read about in our previous detailed analysis of it.

Kim Jong Un watches the weapons trials for the the Choi Hyon. KCNA

The imagery in question was released today by North Korean state media and shows the Choi Hyon during weapons testing off Nampo, on the west coast of the country, which is said to have taken place from April 28-29. State media also claims that test firings of supersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles, and anti-aircraft missiles, as well as the main gun, took place on the 28th, followed by firings of fleet tactical guided weapons, various onboard machine guns, smokescreens, and countermeasures dispensers on the 29th.

While imagery emphasizes the frigates heavy armament fit, it also points to what kinds of missiles are carried in the various VLS cells.

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Starting at the front of the vessel, there are 32 small cells located behind the main gun. Immediately aft of these is a bank of 12 medium-sized VLS cells. At least some of these small or medium-sized cells are loaded with a surface-to-air missile, seen launched during the firing trials. This looks to be of a type not previously identified  and certainly not in a naval context.

An apparent surface-to-air missile is launched from the forward set of 32 VLS cells. KCNA

Meanwhile, the VLS arrays at the rear of the vessel are shown launching two different kinds of cruise missiles. This could well be in keeping with the different sizes of VLS cells at the stern: one of these has eight cells; one has 12 cells, similar-sized but somewhat different in shape to the medium-sized cells at the bow; the bank nearest to the flight deck has 10 larger VLS cells.

One of the missiles fired from the stern magazines appears to be the Hwasal-2 long-range cruise missile, or a variant of it. North Korea has previously test-launched the Hwasal-2 from its new Amnok class corvette. Notably, the missile is claimed to have strategic capability, implying an optional nuclear warhead, although this cant be confirmed. We believed this would be a key part of the frigates armament in our recent report.

Launch of a Hwasal-2 long-range cruise missile, or similar, from one of the rear VLS magazines. KCNA

Another view of the apparent Hwasal-2 launch. KCNA

Close-up of the long-range subsonic cruise missile. KCNA

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The other weapon fired from the stern magazines cannot immediately be identified but has been described by North Korean state media as a supersonic cruise missile.

The claimed supersonic cruise missile weapon fired from one of the stern magazines. KCNA

Another view of the supersonic cruise missile at launch. KCNA

KCNA

A close-up view of the claimed supersonic cruise missile. KCNA

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Again, what we see here suggests that this is a previously unseen missile design, although its also possible that the imagery has been digitally manipulated. At first sight, however, the missile in question seems to have a characteristic dolphin-shaped forward section, something that weve seen in scramjet missile designs. An exotic form of propulsion would certainly be one way of achieving high speeds, although its certainly not the only option for a supersonic cruise missile and is more typically associated with hypersonic missile designs. At the same time, the unswept tailfins point to the possibility of a booster/sustainer arrangement.

For comparison. Pic 2 and 3 (supersonic) might be photoshopped based on subsonic CM (pic 1). The tail fins look similar.



High res will provide more details. https://t.co/ADtcwlPpJ5 pic.twitter.com/c5TsSCcyHg  Taepodong (@stoa1984) April 30, 2025

As we have discussed before, the sheer number of VLS cells on this ship  74 in all  is impressive, although the fact that they are provided in four (or possibly even five) different sizes comes with disadvantages, too. While the warship can accommodate a wider variety of different missiles, it is more complex than having one or even two VLS cell sizes only. Larger cells also take up more room, where more standardized, smaller cells could be installed.

In addition to the VLS cells, the warship may be fitted with angled launchers amidships. As we discussed before, these could well accommodate subsonic anti-ship missiles, although its inconclusive as to what this trapezoidal structure is for.

An overall view of the Choi Hyon gives an idea of the extensive VLS provision. KCNA

The type of missile or missiles contained in the largest (10-cell) VLS magazine located closest to the flight deck remains a mystery at this point. However, some kind of ballistic missile remains the most likely option. In our previous analysis, we suggested that a short-range ballistic missile from the Hwasong-11 family could be a likely candidate, but there are many other options too. Interestingly, putting any kind of ballistic missile on a surface warship is an emerging trend thats also found in neighboring South Korea.

The Hwasong-11 family of SRBMs would be a prime candidate to fill the very large VLS cells on North Koreas new frigate. KCNA

Other imagery shows the frigates guns being fired.

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These include the main gun, fitted on the bow, which Pyongyangs state media says is a 127mm caliber weapon, which marks something of a break from traditional North Korean naval artillery calibers.

127mm caliber main gun. KCNA

Also seen in action is one of the ships two AK-630 turreted six-barrel 30mm rotary cannons, mounted on each side of the ship. The AK-630s supplement the ships main close-in weapon system (CIWS), which appears to be a version of Russias navalized Pantsir-ME system, or something inspired by it, armed with both cannons and highly maneuverable short-range missiles.

AK-630 CIWS. KCNA

At least one of the images, seen below, shows some kind of decoys being fired from a multi-cell launcher positioned amidships.

KCNA

There has also been a surprising suggestion that the warship still doesnt have its full set of propulsion machinery fitted. A birds eye view of the frigate, looking down the smokestack, suggests that the ships propulsion system might not be fully fitted. This would imply that the vessel was towed out of the harbor for its weapons tests, which is a possibility. That might also help explain claims that North Korea built the Choi Hyon in just over a year.

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A view of the bow of the Choi Hyon under construction, with shipyard officials and Kim Jong Un in attendance, reveals its impressive size. KCNA

As we noted in our previous analysis, this warship has the potential to be a capable launch platform for longer-range missile strikes, but its high-profile status would place it high on the list of priority targets were North Korea to go to war. Packing it with so many VLS cells also makes it a more attractive target, although there remains the possibility it could get some of its strategic payload off before it, in turn, was targeted. Furthermore, North Korea is unlikely to be able to build further examples of the same design in any kind of meaningful numbers.

Regardless, its undeniably impressive that North Korea has built this warship so rapidly and has tested multiple types of missiles from it already. On the other hand, while the missiles may have successfully left their cells, we dont know the extent of the test, and many more trials will be required before this becomes a fully functional frigate with all that it entails.

Overall, the program is probably more about presenting a token capability, evidenced by the fanfare surrounding its official unveiling and the countrys leader, Kim Jong Un, attending the weapons trials. At the same time, even a token capability can be powerful, especially if the frigates ballistic and cruise missiles can also be nuclear armed for strategic attacks.

In terms of packing multiple missiles of different types into the largest number of VLS cells a given hull will carry, Pyongyang has certainly achieved something in this regard.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
The US Department of State has stated that North Korea is contributing to the prolongation of hostilities by participating in Russia's war against Ukraine and is therefore also responsible for the bloodshed.

Source: Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the US Department of State, at a briefing

Quote: "Well, we know this is pretty simple. North Korea is not being helpful. They're not being helpful. There are other nations that also are facilitating this carnage, and their actions make it possible to continue. Third countries, like North Korea, have perpetuated the Russia-Ukraine war and they bear responsibility for it."

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Details: She added that the US continues "to be concerned by North Koreas direct involvement in the war".

"North Koreas military deployment to Russia and any support provided by the Russian Federation to the DPRK in return must end," Bruce said.

She also noted that Russia's training of North Korean soldiers directly violates a number of UN Security Council resolutions, which collectively "impose a broad prohibition on providing or receiving military training or assistance to or from the DPRK".

Background:

At the end of April, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un confirmed that North Korean troops had been sent to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, citing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin later acknowledged their involvement and expressed "gratitude" to the North Korean forces assisting Russia.

The United States responded with "concern", while the European Union described the move as "a desperation call from Russia".

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DAMASCUS, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Clashes intensified late Tuesday and early Wednesday in the southern suburbs of Damascus amid rising sectarian unrest, according to a major monitoring group in Syria.

Renewed clashes involving light and medium weapons, including RPGs, were reported in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

Gunfire and at least one explosion, believed to be caused by a mortar shell, were reported in Sahnaya and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, prompting the General Security Directorate to enforce night curfews in both towns.

SOHR reported that the death toll from the ongoing violence had risen to 18, including nine residents from the areas of Jaramana, Sahnaya, and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, and nine members of pro-government forces.

At least 15 others were wounded, with several in critical condition. The casualty figures are expected to rise due to continued instability.

The clashes followed earlier unrest in Jaramana, reportedly triggered by the online circulation of an audio recording deemed offensive to Islam, allegedly made by a member of the Druze community.

The incident fueled sectarian tensions across several parts of Syria, including university cities like Aleppo and Homs, and now appears to be spreading further.

In a related development, unidentified gunmen reportedly targeted al-Thaala military airport in the countryside of the Druze-dominated Suwayda province with medium weapons and mortar shells, although no casualties have been confirmed so far. Syrian Ministry of Defense units are stationed at the base.

Aerial surveillance by Israeli reconnaissance aircraft was also reported over Sahnaya on Tuesday evening, according to local media, though there were no reports of strikes.

In anticipation of further violence, Interior Ministry forces were deployed along the edges of Jaramana, and residents began fleeing the area. Several families left the town, and three buses carrying Druze university students returned to their home provinces amid fears of reprisals, according to SOHR.

The latest wave of unrest has heightened concern about the potential for broader sectarian conflict, as local authorities and community leaders work to prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control.

Earlier on Tuesday, Syrian authorities and local community leaders in the Damascus suburb of Jaramana reached an agreement in a bid to restore calm after recent deadly clashes. 
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea said Wednesday leader Kim Jong Un observed the test-firings of missiles from a recently launched destroyer  the first such warship for the North  and called for accelerating efforts to boost his navy's nuclear attack capabilities.

North Korea last week unveiled the 5,000-ton destroyer equipped with what it called the most powerful weapons systems built for a navy vessel. During Friday's launching ceremony at the western port of Nampo, Kim called the ship's construction a breakthrough in modernizing North Korea's naval forces.

Outside experts say it's North Korea's first destroyer and that it was likely built with Russian assistance. They say North Korea's naval forces lag behind South Korea's but still view the destroyer as a serious security threat as it could bolster North Korea's attack and defense capabilities.

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The official Korean Central News Agency said Wednesday that Kim watched the tests of the destroyer's supersonic and strategic cruise missiles, anti-aircraft missile, automatic guns and electronic jamming guns earlier this week.

He appreciated the ship's combination of powerful strike weapons and conventional defenses and set tasks to speed the nuclear-arming of his navy, the report said.

During the ship's launching ceremony, Kim said the destroyer will be deployed early next year. He said the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine would be his next big step in strengthening his navy. He underscored the need to beef up North Korea's deterrence capability to cope with what he called escalating U.S.-led hostilities targeting the North.

An analysis of photos of the warship shows that its anti-air radar system is likely from Russia, said Lee Illwoo, an expert with the Korea Defense Network in South Korea. He said the warship's engine system and some of its anti-air weapons systems also likely came from Russia.

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North Korea and Russia have been sharply expanding military and other cooperation in recent years, with the North supplying troops and conventional weapons to support Russia's war efforts against Ukraine. The U.S., South Korea and their partners worry Russia will likely in return provide North Korea with high-tech weapons technologies that can enhance its nuclear program as well as shipping other military and economic assistance.

South Koreas military said Wednesday that South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities were closely monitoring North Korean warship development. South Koreas spy agency separately told lawmakers that North Korea won't likely be able to deploy a nuclear-powered submarine anytime soon without Russian support.

In March, North Korea unveiled a nuclear-powered submarine under construction. Many civilian experts said at the time that North Korea may have received Russian technological assistance to build a nuclear reactor to be used in the submarine.

Lee said the deployment of a warship with an advanced radar system off North Korea's west coast could sharply bolster its air defense capabilities for Pyongyang, the capital. Lee said South Korea, which has 12 destroyers, still vastly outpaces North Korea's naval forces. But he said the North Korean destroyer, which can carry about 80 missiles, can still pose a big threat, as South Korea's navy hasn't likely braced for such an enemy warship.
NORTH PORT, Fla. (WFLA)  A North Port man was arrested after police said he was seen using his cell phone to secretly take upskirt photos of a shopper.

North Port police said a witness noticed the man, identified as 23-year-old Cameron Carpenter, taking photos up the dress of a female shopper and promptly informed her.

Is your dime worth millions of dollars? Heres how to tell

When confronted, officers said Carpenter denied the allegations and quickly left the store.

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North Port detectives said they reviewed store surveillance footage, which captured the incident.

(North Port Police Department)

Investigators said they identified Carpenter as the suspect by using advanced technology.

Carpenter was taken into custody and booked into the Sarasota County Jail on Tuesday afternoon.

This serves as an important reminder to remain aware of your surroundings while shopping and to take precautions when possible. Stay alert, you never know, North Port police said.

Anyone who has experienced a similar incident is asked to contact the North Port Police Department at 941-429-7300.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
(FOX40.COM)  State Controller Malia M. Cohen announced Tuesday that 58 counties in California will be reunited with a combined $2.3 million in unclaimed property, and residents should check to see if they are owed.

 Video Above: What does it take to be middle class?

Californias Unclaimed Property program is administered by the State Controllers Office and was designed to ensure businesses and other entities return properties belonging to a customer with whom they have lost contact. Common types of unclaimed property include bank accounts, stocks, bonds, uncashed checks, insurance benefits, and safe deposit box contents.

Camping World location closes amid controversy over flying American flag

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Safeguarding and reuniting Californians with their rightful assets  including those held by county entities  is a core mission of the State Controllers Office, and I am proud to showcase that commitment here today, Cohen said. As the chief fiscal officer of the worlds fourth-largest economy, I remain deeply focused on partnering with local governments to strengthen fiscal stewardship and ensure that every community across California is well served.

California counties with unclaimed property

1. San Francisco: $562,112.46

2. Los Angeles: $492,415.70

3. Riverside: $192,521.35

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4. San Mateo: $181,443.18

5. San Bernardino: $96,244.66

6. Ventura: $80,629.68

7. Fresno: $78,137.74

8. Santa Clara: $72,234.78

9. Santa Barbara: $68,578.52

10. Sacramento: $68,369.19

Cohen urges all Californians to visit SCOs claimit.ca.gov website to learn and search for their unclaimed property.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A sixth former member of law enforcement has accepted a plea deal for taking bribes to help a law firm get its clients drunk driving cases dismissed in what the feds call a DWI Enterprise. As the investigation continues, the FBI says to expect more pleas to come.

Harvey Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interference with

commerce by extortion under color of official right on Tuesday. According to federal court documents, Johnson admitted to participating in the DWI Enterprise from Feb. 18, 2023, through Jan. 18, 2024.

APD Officer Harvey Johnson started in the APD DWI Unit in 2021 and served until January 2024 when he was placed on administrative leave. | Courtesy of Albuquerque Police Department

WATCH: DWI cases Albuquerque officers and paralegal made disappear

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The feds said the scheme ran for 30 years and was led by now-disbarred Attorney Thomas Clear III and his Paralegal Ricardo Rick Mendez, who worked with law enforcement members mainly within APDs DWI Unit.

Johnson admitted that he worked with Mendez to funnel drunk-driving defendants to Clear and accepted cash in exchange for not showing up to both the criminal and administrative DWI hearings, allowing the offender to go free. The former officer also said that he would keep alleged drunk driving suspects drivers licenses or arrest paperwork so Mendez could contact the driver.

Mendez and Clear typically paid officers in cash, and in some cases gave them free legal services for their family members, hotel rooms, meals, and other gifts, according to federal court documents. In Johnsons case, he specifically mentioned that Clear and Mendez gave him non-cash rewards such as Christmas gifts and baby gifts.

Johnson joined APD in 2014 and was assigned to work in APDs DWI Unit in 2021. He resigned in 2024, just one day before he was set to be interviewed by APDs Internal Affairs about his suspected involvement in the scheme.

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Prosecutors immediately deemed him a non-credible witness, meaning his word, as a police officer, could no longer be trusted in court. As a result, more than two dozen of his pending DWI cases were dismissed.

News of the federal investigation into the scheme blew wide open in January 2024 when federal agents raided the homes of Albuquerque police officers, including Johnsons in Los Lunas, and Clears home office in Albuquerque.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda told KRQE Investigates that the fact the scheme was passed down through generations of officers surprised him, but he did not say at what point his agency learned of it and started investigating.

So here, you had actually, I believe, I truly do believe, people who are coming into the profession that wanted to do the right thing. And they started to see some things that werent being done properly, like this scandal were talking about, but instead of reporting it, they just decided to be a part of it because they felt that that was accepted, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda.

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Other key players in the scheme include additional members of APD, the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office, and New Mexico State Police. Bujanda said the investigation into the scheme and possible suspects is not over.

Were not done yet. Its an ongoing investigation. Id like to be able to say, I really actually would, and thats sincere, like I would really want to say that this was over, its done, weve found them all, theres no more to follow up on, you know everyone can feel good that we got all the bad apples out. Unfortunately, I cant say that, said Bujanda.

2 Albuquerque police officers who resigned amid DWI Unit scandal now working for CYFD

Johnson and former APD Officer Nelson Ortiz went on to work at CYFD after they resigned from the department. They both have since taken plea deals, and CYFD said they are no longer employed with the department.

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Take a look at the plea deals in New Mexicos DWI scandal

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A tiny island nation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is the staging ground of a major geopolitical tussle.

Palau is made up of more than 340 coral and volcanic islands perched on the Kyushu-Palau Ridge, dotting Micronesias edge. It is geographically closer to China than any other Pacific Island nation and still formally recognizes Taiwan.

And now it is on the front line of a battle for influence, with China on one side and the U.S. on the other.

Palau is reportedly at the center of a Chinese influence campaign, a new report states (REUTERS)

The former colony, which won independence in 1994 from the U.S.-administered United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific, is home to approximately 17,000 people.

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It holds close ties to the United States, with Washington providing aid and defense support to Palau while its citizens can live and work in the U.S.

It was one of the few countries spared Trumps sweeping tariffs. And it plays host to American-controlled airstrips with a soon-to-be-completed long-range radar system that could become critical for keeping an eye on Chinese activities.

But Reuters says its investigations have found evidence of a concerted influence campaign by individuals with ties to the Chinese government, aimed at preventing the U.S. from expanding its military infrastructure on Palau.

Joel Ehrendreich, the U.S. ambassador to Palau, says China is using the same tactics in Palau that it has deployed elsewhere in the Pacific.

Palau, at the bottom centre of the map, is a tiny island east of the Philippines (Google Maps)

Weve seen the playbook over and over again throughout the region, and its been very effective, Ehrendreich said. Get in with predatory investment, corrupt officials through elite capture, and try to destabilize the society through drug and human trafficking and other crime. And its easy to do when you go one by one through these little countries that you can overwhelm.

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China has strongly pushed back on the claims.

Palaus strategic position puts it in a prime spot for a geopolitical tug-of-war, chief executive officer at the United States Studies Centre in Sydney Dr Michael Green explained. These small islands that few people know about suddenly become the objects of major strategic competition, he told the Guardian last November.

The Trump administration is no stranger to attempting to exert influence on islands while competing with rival powers - Greenland has famously been in the U.S. presidents crosshairs since he returned to power in November. In March, China touted efforts to deepen co-operation between Beijing and Greenland despite Trumps bluster.

Reuters now claims that Chinese efforts to influence the future of Palau run deep. The news agency has reviewed intelligence reports, police files, court records and land filings, and conducted interviews with more than 20 diplomats and local law enforcement officials as part of its investigation.

Palau is in a key spot for a geopolitical tug of war, experts say (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

U.S. intelligence reports state that people from China allegedly linked to illicit activityincluding drug smuggling and prostitutionare attempting to foster relationships with senior Palau officials. They have been accused of making donations to court the islands political figures and attempting to facilitate meetings between Chinese and Palauan officials.

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Tamara Hutzler, the country's anti-corruption prosecutor, said political donations by foreign nationals are illegal in Palau.

The only evidence my office has received is via anonymous sources, she said. Everyone knows foreigners give money, but without evidence our hands are tied.

The corruption is just pervasive, added Hutzler. It is tough to combat, she said, in part because law enforcement lacked resources.

Meanwhile, Chinese businesspeople have leased land near some of the U.S. military facilities, including radar stations and airstrips, according to land records. Foreign nationals cannot purchase land in Palau, but they can lease it for decades-long periods.

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Ehrendreich believes the leases were almost certainly strategic.

All around there are various plots of land that are now being leased to Chinese interests, the ambassador said. I dont think its any coincidence at all that it happens to be physically close to our projects.

The land-lease tactic, he said, was how they maybe are able to keep an eye on what were trying to do here.

Palau president Surangel Samuel Whipps Jr has said a strong U.S. is important for Palau (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

A spokesperson for Chinas foreign ministry told Reuters that the claims that China is undermining Palaus stability are far-fetched, slanderous, and completely fabricated nonsense.

Who is building military bases in Palau? Who wants to turn Palau into a strategic military outpost? they added. We urge the U.S. side to stop smearing and slandering China  and stop provoking trouble in the region.

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Asked about Palaus relationship with Taipei, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson urged countries that still maintain so-called diplomatic relations with the Taiwan region not to be blindly arrogant and stubborn.

Surangel Whipps Jr., Palaus president, has expressed support for the U.S. In February Whipps Jr invited Donald Trump to go snorkeling with him to highlight the climate change challenges Palau faces. And in his first presidency, Trump brought three Pacific Islands leaders to the White House to engage on security issues.

What Palau sees as important is a strong United States that's able to continue to be strong, is good for Palau and good for the planet," Whipps Jr said earlier this month.

The Palau president did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on the allegations of Chinese influence.

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But speaking at a think tank in Sydney, Australia, earlier this month, he did address the issue of crime on the island: Drugs, human trafficking, all of these kinds of activities have a way of undermining the political structure.

Online scamming or gaming that happens, they end up influencing politicians and things that go on in Palau.
WELLINGTON, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The 2022 Hunga volcano eruption in Tonga released a record-breaking steam plume, triggering far-reaching and unexpected climate impacts, driven not by sulfur, but by water vapor, New Zealand and Tongan scientists said on Wednesday.

Researchers, staff, and students from the University of Auckland have been collaborating with Tongan partners to explore the broader impacts of submarine volcanism in the Southwestern Pacific, following the Hunga eruption, the most powerful volcanic event of the modern era.

The research showed the submarine eruption blasted up to 3 billion tons of water vapor into the atmosphere in just one hour, sending moisture more than 57 km into the stratosphere and mesosphere, the highest volcanic plume ever recorded, a news release of the University of Auckland said on Wednesday.

"Submarine volcanism has previously been overlooked in global climate studies, because there is typically not much atmospheric sulphur dioxide released," said Shane Cronin, the study's co-lead author and volcanologist at the University of Auckland.

Meanwhile, unlike land-based eruptions like 1991's Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, which cooled the planet via sulfur aerosols, Hunga's deep-sea explosion saw around 20 million tons of sulfur injected directly into the ocean at depths of 300-1,100 meters, minimizing its impact in the air but raising new questions about undersea emissions and ocean chemistry, Cronin said.

The eruption also caused a deadly tsunami and damaged critical infrastructure across Tonga, highlighting the underestimated climate influence of submarine volcanism, said the study published in Nature Geoscience. 
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  The New York State Fair has explained their reasoning as to why Chubby Checker was not invited back to Twist and Shimmy this year.

Chubbys manager confirmed to NewsChannel 9 just days ago  following his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame  that he was not invited back for the 2025 Fair.

Unfortunately, Chubby Checker a fan favorite and staple at The New York State Fair over the years will NOT twist again, like he did last summer at this years New York State Fair. Though fans, friends and local media were hoping to see him at his annual show this summer, Fair representatives told his manager that Chubby was not invited back, said Shelly Field, Checkers locally based manager.

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The Fair responded with, The New York State Fair congratulates Chubby Checker on his historic induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which is a true testament to the impact he has had on American music history. The Fair considers Chubby to be an integral part of the Fair family and has been honored to host him several times, bringing his timeless classics to fairgoers of all ages.

But, after hearing from many fairgoers, the Fair used the interest in seeing an expanded content lineup with new musical acts to diversify the performances for this year.

We wish we could bring in all of our favorites every year, but are excited to introduce some new musical acts to the Fairgrounds this summer, continued the Fair.

2024 marked Chubbys third consecutive appearance at the Fair, but he had been invited to Twist in Central New York for six performances.

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ST. LOUIS  FOX 2 has learned your tax dollars being used to chauffer the St. Louis Sheriffs children. We caught it on camera repeatedly, then checked with the experts.

One attorney said it could be grounds for Sheriff Alfred Montgomerys removal from office.

Videos recorded by FOX 2 show a marked St. Louis Sheriffs vehicle pulling up to an elementary school to pick up two young children.

We were told its an everyday pattern. We documented it ourselves for three days.

The same deputy sergeant showed up each time, taking the children for fast food one day, before driving them to the building where their father works.

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Its the craziest thing Ive ever heard, former St. Louis Sheriffs Captain Neil Hogan said. He used to be in charge of deputies use of vehicles. You cant have a deputy on the clock doing personal errands for him.

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Former Sheriff Vernon Betts said that its illegal.

Theyre not getting paid to be a babysitter, Betts said. Thats like stealing time.

Dont just take it from the former sheriff and employee. Attorney Bevis Schock described the sheriffs behavior as lawless.

Schock has won cases involving alleged public corruption.

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If you get something of value by virtue of your office, thats other than your salary, thats whats prohibited, Schock said.

He says Missouri Statute lists prohibited acts for public officials and that the consequence is removal.

Thats commonly called the ouster statute, Schock said. So that means youre O-U-T, out!

Schock says it would be the attorney generals office who would take action on what weve uncovered. Weve called that office to report this and are waiting to hear back. FOX 2 has also made many attempts to get answers from the sheriff. Hes made one thing clear: hes not talking.

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From chasing him down, where he warned not to enter his secure zone, to visiting his office on the eighth floor, and emailing a list of questions about the deputy picking up his kids. We also asked him for a comment about it when he walked into Mondays restraining order court hearing. He held a phone up to his ear and did not answer.

The employee pretty much has to say, Yes, because if not, there may be retaliation, Schock said.

Which is why were concealing the employees identity.

Youre O-U-T, out! says legal expert in FOX 2s findings on St. Louis Sheriff

We found the deputys vehicle normally parked outside the courthouse downtown, about four miles from the school. Shes listed in sheriffs office records as a sergeant. The state says her police license is expired. FOX 2 recently questioned the deputy about driving the children, but she inexplicably denied doing so.

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No, I dontthats not true, she said.

We asked, Do you have booster seats for the kids?

Why do I need booster seats for a kid? she said.

The children appear to be the size in which Missouri law says youre required to put them in a booster seat  less than 80 pounds or under 49.

There was no sign of any child safety gear when we looked in the car either.

Thats not good policy. It sends a real bad message, Betts said.

The sheriffs office sent the following written statement after our latest attempt to get answers in person. The statement reads in full:

Sheriffs Statement on Familys Security

STATEMENT AND BACKGROUND

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April 28th, 2025

Chief Counsel, Blake Lawrences statement on behalf of City of St. Louis Sheriff, Alfred Montgomery:

As every parent does, Sheriff Montgomery is concerned for the safety of his children as well as their peace of mind while they attend school. Over the past year, he has received threats of violence and has experienced strangers approaching himself and his family. The Sheriff has taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of his family. Among these measures is an off-duty Sheriffs Department employee providing transportation for his children after their school day ends.

This individual is a Clerical Employee of the Sheriffs Department with over 25 years experience, having served under the previous three City Sheriffs.

Her working hours at the Department are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

She is one of only three adults properly authorized with the school to pick-up the Sheriffs children.

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For background and information purposes: All Departmental vehicles issued according to the Departments take home policy are issued to qualified personnel and imputed as income on individual taxes. Use of vehicles to pick up minor children from school on the way home is common practice among law enforcement and public employees across the country.

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OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WKRG)  USA Today has named Ocean Springs, Miss., one of the top 10 Small Town Cultural Scenes in the country.

UPDATE on urn that washed ashore in Gulf Shores  police find family, learn how it got there

According to an Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce news release, the town was first selected by a panel of cultural experts. Readers from across the country then voted on the list.

Ocean Springs, Miss., is among the top 10 Small Town Cultural Scenes in the country, according to USA Today. (Getty Images/ larrybraunphotography.com)

Ocean Springs was ranked No. 9 in the national rankings, the release said.

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Situated on the Gulf Coast, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, is known for its arts and culture as much as its fresh seafood, USA Todays website stated. The Mary C. OKeefe Cultural Arts Center and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art showcase traveling exhibits and local works, and visitors can find many public art installations throughout the downtown area, including a mosaic depicting a day on the water at the end of the Biloxi Bay Bridge.

This recognition shines a spotlight on what residents and visitors have long known: Ocean Springs is a thriving hub for arts, creativity and community spirit, the release said.

The town boasts an art museum and public art installations, as well as a number of festivals and cultural events, according to the release.

This national recognition is a testament to the hard work and vision of our artists, small businesses, and community partners who make Ocean Springs such a special place to live, work, and visit, said Cynthia Sutton, President and CEO of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce.

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Another victim of suspected serial killer Herb Baumeister identified, bringing total to 10

We are honored to be among this distinguished list and excited to share our story with the world.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday adopted a revised Law on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, aiming to improve its prevention of epidemics and protect the life and health of its people.

The law, originally enacted in 1989, was updated to address weaknesses exposed during China's response to COVID-19 and elevate proven practices into legal norms, according to an official explanation. The new version of the law will take effect on Sept. 1, 2025.

Monitoring and the issuance of early warnings are the first lines of defense against epidemics. China has established the world's largest direct-reporting network for infectious diseases, but it aims to accelerate reporting.

The revised law stipulates that rewards will be granted to those who promptly detect and report emerging infectious diseases or outbreaks of unknown cause, and they will be exempt from liability.

"Primary-level medical personnel are the first to come into contact with infectious disease cases. Allowing them to report directly -- and exempting them from liability for unintentional errors -- will encourage early detection and reporting, which is significant to the prevention and control of newly emerging infectious diseases," said Cai Weiping from the Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital at Guangzhou Medical University.

Lawyer Zhang Yong believes that this change could motivate the public to participate actively in reporting and prevention efforts, enhancing the timeliness and accuracy of reports.

Throughout China's COVID-19 response, coordinated efforts across regions and departments were essential to curbing the spread of the virus in the country.

This approach has been enshrined in the revised law, playing a central role in the improvement of the country's infectious disease prevention and control system.

The country has already explored the establishment of related long-term mechanisms. In September 2024, the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao signed a cooperation agreement on emergency response mechanisms for infectious disease outbreaks. This move will deepen their collaboration and exchange in areas such as information sharing, coordinated emergency response, personnel training and scientific research.

To date, a total of 25 national emergency response teams for acute infectious disease control have been established, and over 3,000 grassroots emergency response squads now fully cover all city and county levels.

Thanks to a continuously refined epidemic prevention and control system, China has achieved remarkable progress in the containment of major infectious diseases, eliminating malaria, achieving a tuberculosis mortality rate that is on par with developed countries, and maintaining a low HIV/AIDS prevalence level. The coverage rate of vaccines included in the national immunization program among eligible children in China had consistently remained above 90 percent.

In addition to building up the system's capacity, the revised law also highlights the protection of personal privacy.

It prohibits the excessive collection of personal data, and states that such information must not be used for purposes unrelated to disease prevention and control.

"This provision reduces the risk of personal information leaks, prevents privacy violations and guards against the misuse of personal data," according to lawyer Fang Yan.

The revision adds a human touch to the prevention and control of infectious diseases, underscoring the country's firm commitment to human rights protection, as well as the practical wisdom behind the modernization of its governance system and capacity, Fang added. 
An Oconomowoc police officer shot a sandhill crane after reports of its repeated damage to residents' property, causing some neighbors to wonder whether authorities could have taken other measures to address the issues caused by the federally-protected bird.

Throughout April, the same sandhill crane kept damaging a resident's vehicle and other property on South Maple Street, according to documents the Oconomowoc Police Department provided to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The ongoing issues led the resident to alert the police of damage and contact USDA-Wildlife Services to obtain a permit for law enforcement to shoot the bird.

Since sandhill cranes are migratory birds that are federally protected, a federally issued permit by the USDA-Wildlife Services or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is required to shoot them.

Oconomowoc police shot the sandhill crane on April 28, police said

The police department verified the permit April 28 and shot the bird the same day, according to a redacted police report. Neighbors nearby confirmed to police that the same sandhill crane had caused damage to other vehicles and property on the street.

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The DNR confirmed it received a complaint about a sandhill crane nuisance issue in Oconomowoc in early April and reported the issue per department protocol.

Some neighbors whose property was damaged by the bird told Fox 6 they would have preferred the bird be relocated or that other alternatives be taken to mitigate the issue.

Sandhill crane causing problems likely was in area for rest of year, DNR ecologist says

Taylor Finger, game bird ecologist with the DNR, told the Journal Sentinel that the sandhill crane causing issues in Oconomowoc likely would have stuck around the area for many more months and it was unlikely that it could have been relocated.

While some populations of sandhill cranes migrate further north for the summer, the Oconomowoc bird and all other sandhill cranes spotted this time of year in Wisconsin are part of the eastern population that's here to stay, nest and breed for the rest of the year, Finger said.

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This bird picked a spot that was just too close to people, Finger said. "(The crane) was going to be a problem from here on out."

Migratory birds that are federally protected are generally not relocated, since theyll just fly back to the spot they came from, or another bird will take its place, Finger said.

What the Wisconsin DNR advises residents do to address issues caused by sandhill cranes in their neighborhood

When sandhill cranes are spotted within municipalities, residents can take small steps to ensure the birds don't get too comfortable in the area or cause nuisance issues, Finger said.

Finger advises that people dont get too close or feed the bird, which means they should take their bird feeders down. People can put up party streamers or other decor that causes movement that makes the birds uncomfortable, he said. Those with docks on lakes can put up owls, while those with lawns can put up fake deer or other animal statues.

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Birds may see their reflection in car or house windows and defend against what they think is another bird in their area, he said. Stickers on windows or closing shades can break up that reflection, Finger said.

It's unknown if residents in Oconomowoc were feeding or interacting with the bird. But when people do interact with birds, including sandhill cranes, and they act up, that's where differences in opinion come up with how to mitigate issues, Finger said.

Everyone likes to see wildlife up close and personal, but its important to keep wildlife wild, Finger said.

Bill introduced in March proposes sandhill crane hunting season in Wisconsin

In March, legislators introduced a third bill in the last 14 years to open Wisconsin's crane hunting season. The proposal, called SB112 in the Senate and AB117 in the Assembly, would open crane hunting as well as provide financial support for farmers whose crops are impacted by crane damage.

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Gov. Tony Evers' 2025-27 state budget included a proposal to provide $3.7 million to reimburse corn farmers up to 50% of the cost of crane-deterring seed treatment. It does not include a crane hunting option.

About 48% of surveyed state residents opposed crane hunting while 35% were neutral and 17.6% supported it, when asked by the University of Wisconsin Survey Center for a 2023 study.

Contact the reporter at bfogarty@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Oconomowoc police shoot sandhill crane following nuisance complaints
VICTOR, N.Y. (WROC)  A man from Victor has been arrested after an investigation by the Ontario County Sheriffs Office and New York State Police found several illegal weapons in his home.

Elijah A. Bonvell, 43, was arrested on Tuesday evening and faces the charge of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

The Ontario County Sheriffs Office issued a statement Wednesday, detailing the events leading up to Bonvells arrest.

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OCSO said that Bonvell had been known to them since March after an incident at his home resulted in authorities removing all firearms from his possession after an Extreme Risk Protection order was filed against him.

In the days following the incident, authorities responded to Bonvells home again after a loaded weapon was found. The firearm Bonvell allegedly had was a ghost gun, a semi-automatic 9mm firearm without any imprinted serial number, mark, or model that was loaded beyond the New York State maximum capacity of 10 rounds of ammunition.

Additional illegal weapons found at the home by deputies included an expandable police baton, metal knuckles, and a metal knuckle knife.

Bonvell turned himself in on Tuesday and is being held at the Ontario County Jail awaiting arraignment.

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Additional criminal charges are also pending, said OCSO.

This is a developing story.

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CONNEAUT  The Ohio Department of Transportation received one bid for the Broad Street projects, City Manager Nick Sanford said at a Monday council meeting.

The bid came from CATTS Construction, he said.

The bid price came in roughly $275,000 above the states estimate, which therefore becomes the citys responsibility, he said.

Sanford said the city will only have to pay around $75,000 of the cost because ODOT District 4 contributed two batches of $100,000 in Small City funding for the project.

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That is for just the baseline pavement reconstruction, he said. [It] does not account for decorative street lighting and other effects that were [bid] alternates.

The alternates totaled around $164,000, he said.

The city has funding from the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council, which can pay for some of the costs.

Sanford recommended council pass another ordinance to issue and sell bonds to pay the rest of the project cost for which the city is responsible.

Its doable, but its a process thatll require additional legislation by council [and] legal fees, he said.

Council passed an ordinance issuing and selling $175,000 in bonds to pay the citys contribution for work on Broad Street at a March 24 meeting.

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Now, we have to do this whole process over again, Sanford said.

Work on Broad Street will extend from just north of the Norfolk Southern underpass to Route 20.

The projects estimated duration is May to September, according to ODOTs 2025 construction guide.

The citys road projects for the year are still in development, Sanford said. He expects to go out to bid on them in the next two weeks.

Drainage prep continues to be ongoing along South Ridge West, he said. I know theyve been extensively shaping that berm, and the ditch line, as well as the tree canopy.

The city will chip seal South Ridge Road West this year as part of its road projects.

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The city received the results of a traffic study conducted by the firm Blue Line.

We have incidence of speeding at Lakeshore Primary School occurring during posted [hours], Sanford said.

The study found around 40,000 vehicles pass through the Interstate 90 and Route 7 interchange every weekday, he said.

City Finance Director John Williams said he is monitoring how General Aluminums closure will affect the citys budget.

Im not sure if theres any offset from some other companies that are actually doing well in the city, he said.

The city will apply for a grant from Eastgate Regional Council of Governments and Appalachian Regional Commission for a Naylor Drive infrastructure improvement project, following approval by council.

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Sanford said the cost estimate for the project is $1.2 million, and a grant from Eastgate would be worth around $500,000.

The Conneaut Port Authority would also contribute around $212,000 to the project, he said.

The city previously tried to get funding for the project, Sanford said.

Ultimately the project was not selected, and the project was pretty much suspended, he said.

The city will apply for a grant from the Ohio Department of Development to fund comprehensive zoning reform.

Sanford said the grant would be worth around $50,000, and be used to hire outside consulting for the project.

I was advised [Monday] morning that apparently the [ODD] has closed that funding window, he said. I am waiting for clarification.

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First ward councilperson Rick Gaugh said zoning reform is something the citys Planning and Zoning Commission has been interested in for a long time.

Council passed a resolution in support of continuing the Cupp-Patterson Fair School Funding Plan.

Councilperson-at-large Mariana Branch said the plan is in its last payment structure.

Unfortunately, this biennium budget that has now passed through the house, and has gone to the senate is not funding our schools as it was researched and planned to have been done many years ago, she said.

The FSFP was developed by former state representatives John Patterson and Bob Cupp, along with education leaders from across the state.

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Sanford said he wants to see Issue 2 pass in the May 6 election.

According to ballot language, if passed, Issue 2 would permit the continued issuance of bonds to fund public infrastructure in the state. The bond issue is on the ballot every ten years, going back to 1985.

Sanford said the funding is important to Conneaut and Ashtabula County infrastructure.

Its part of my profession, coming out of college to the present day, he said.

Sanford said the funding would go through Ohio Public Works Commission.

Just about every piece of infrastructure that has been improved [in the county] since 1987 has some form of OPWC funding attached to it, he said.
A biodiverse region in South Africa is experiencing a plant poaching crisis due to social media trends, driving some species to extinction and threatening the area's ecosystem.

What's happening?

According to Yale Environment 360, ecologists call this region in South Africa the Succulent Karoo biome. It's a desert-like area rich with flora, especially minuscule succulents. There are roughly 6,400 native plant species, 2,500 of which exist nowhere else on Earth.

These tiny plants are in danger. Thanks to "plantfluencers" on platforms like TikTok, the succulents became a trendy item. People traveled far to buy seeds or illegally dig up succulents to take home.

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Christine Wiese of Kokerboom Nursery told Yale Environment 360, "In 2014-2015, we experienced a big increase in demand from East Asia."

This was only the beginning. In the last decade, the demand for these succulents has skyrocketed, plummeted, and soared again. It's difficult to estimate how many plants have been poached and sold. But by May of 2024, over 1.16 million plants had been seized.

Why are these little plants important?

Due to the severe poaching, at least eight plant species are now "functionally extinct." A few may exist in the wild, but the population is too small to sustain itself. And many more species are nearing extinction.

The poaching is crippling the region's biodiversity. Every plant and animal species plays a distinct role in its ecosystem. Losing just one can have unforeseen consequences. Ecosystems become unbalanced, leading to more extinction and fewer resources.

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Biodiversity and balance are crucial. Removing species from their native habitats weakens ecosystems. This can cause food and water insecurity, climate instability, disease spreading, and more problems for humans.

Furthermore, smuggling plants to foreign locations introduces invasive species. The succulents are typically kept as houseplants, but planting them outdoors could harm ecosystems. Invasive plants can push out native species, disrupting the ecosystem. It can introduce diseases, deplete resources, and alter habitats.

How can the Succulent Karoo biome be saved?

Unfortunately, there's no clear path toward solving this issue, according to Yale Environment 360. Replanting seized succulents is not simple. And even if replanted, poachers could return.

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While South African authorities and conservationists have made efforts to stop the poaching, it's difficult for them to keep up.

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The best way to preserve the surviving species in the Succulent Karoo biome is to avoid being enticed by plant trends and rare foreign species. Instead, nurture native species that will support your local ecosystem and its pollinators.

Choose plants that will be at home where you live, not stolen away from their natural habitat. This keeps delicate, diverse ecosystems intact while making your local ecosystem healthier.

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As drought conditions worsen across Argentina, the country's soybean crop has taken a significant hit.

The Buenos Aires Grains Exchange has cut its 2024/25 production forecast by 1 million metric tons (roughly 1.1 million tons), a revision that highlights the growing challenges that farmers face and the far-reaching effects that these challenges could have on global food prices and supply chains.

What's happening?

On April 11, the Buenos Aires Grains Exchange lowered its soybean forecast by around 1 million metric tons from its previous estimate to 48.6 million metric tons (roughly 53.6 million tons). The revision is due to an ongoing drought, particularly in northeastern Argentina, where high temperatures and water shortages have reduced yields by 22%.

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"High temperatures and the prolonged water deficit have caused heat and water stress, primarily affecting the NEA (northeastern Argentina)," the exchange said in its latest report. The northeast represents about 10% of the country's soybean acreage, or 1.86 million hectares (roughly 4.6 million acres).

The drought is also affecting corn, with yields expected to drop 40% in some areas. However, a larger-than-expected planted area has kept the national corn forecast steady at 49 million metric tons (roughly 54 million tons).

Why is this concerning?

Argentina is a major supplier of key agricultural products, including soybean oil, meal, and corn. A drop in production will likely affect global markets, driving up prices for meat, processed foods, and other products that rely on soy-based animal feed.

For farmers, this means lower incomes and greater uncertainty about the future. For consumers, it could result in higher grocery prices, adding to the financial pressure many are already facing. The drought is a stark reminder that rising global temperatures are not a distant issue  they are already disrupting food systems worldwide.

What's being done about it?

Farmers are adopting drought-resistant crops and advanced irrigation techniques to cope with the changing climate. There's also a push for climate-smart agricultural practices to build long-term resilience.

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Consumers can help by supporting sustainable food systems, reducing food waste, and staying informed about the environmental impacts of their food choices. A collective effort to address climate change will help protect food supplies for everyone, both now and in the future.

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Nature stepped in after a crucial project in the Czech Republic stalled, surprising local authorities and saving them the equivalent of nearly $1.5 million.

As reported by Radio Prague International, a beaver colony in the Brdy region became an overnight sensation when officials realized the creatures had built a dam exactly where they needed it.

"Beavers always know best. The places where they build dams are always chosen just right  better than when we design it on paper," said Jaroslav Obermajer, head of the Central Bohemian office of the Czech Nature and Landscape Protection Agency, or AOPK.

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Despite the beavers' sudden fame, Gerhard Schwab, the Federal Nature Conservation Association's beaver manager for the southern part of Bavaria, told National Geographic he didn't buy the idea that the creatures completed the dam in one night.

"I could as well believe that the pyramids were built in one week," he said, suggesting that the construction likely occurred over several weeks before people noticed.

While beavers can sometimes create problems for humans  like when a Lanskroun-area dam ended up flooding fields and a railway line, as AOPK spokeswoman Karolina Sulova pointed out to Radio Prague International  they can also help prevent flooding and create firebreaks, which protect property by stopping or slowing wildfires.

And as opposed to human-built dams that frequently disrupt the protective natural balance of ecosystems, reducing water quality and biodiversity, the new no-cost Brdy dam is expected to support numerous wetland species, including frogs and the rare stone crayfish.

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Beaver-built dams can provide benefits beyond what may be initially apparent, too, according to science journalist Ben Goldfarb, who discussed the matter with National Geographic.

"At this point, nothing that beavers do surprises me," said Goldfarb, who explained that an Oregon beaver dam filtered heavy metals and other toxic pollutants around two times better than a multimillion-dollar stormwater treatment facility.

In Europe, native beavers were on the verge of extinction from hunting, but reintroduction efforts have helped them bounce back from the brink. Goldfarb gave local Czech authorities props for recognizing how the creatures' dam was a boon to the nearby community.

"Instead of saying, 'That wasn't what we planned originally,' they recognized that these animals are filling that ecological function very well and said, 'We're going to let them keep doing it,'" he said.

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File photo of electricity pylons. (Getty Images).

With a final few tweaks, Ohio senators advanced a major piece of energy legislation.

The Senate Energy Committee vote was unanimous. With both chambers in session Wednesday, its likely lawmakers could sign off on the legislation and send it along to the governor.

The most substantive change had to do with the Public Utility Commission of Ohio clock  it moved from 320 days to 360. Lawmakers are putting a ceiling on PUCO deliberations because they want rate cases to move more quickly.

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After Tuesdays hearing, state Sen. Bill Reineke, R-Tiffin, connected the longer shot clock to broader changes in the ratemaking process. Utilities must come before the PUCO every three years, and theyll be able to set rates in three-year increments with annual true-ups to reflect the companies actual balance sheet. Reineke explained the longer timeline will give regulators a bit of breathing room.

Final testimony

Before lawmakers put the bill to a vote, Ohio Consumers Counsel Maureen Willis made a final bid to remove a provision on consumer refunds. Under the changes, bill payers could receive refunds after the Supreme Court determines a charge was unwarranted, but any payments prior to that decision would be out of reach.

Willis explained her office in the middle of a case against Dayton-area AES Ohio which could yield more than $300 in refunds per customer.

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If HB 15 becomes law as written AESs half a million consumers would lose that refund opportunity that has been in the making since 2019, she said.

The final version of the bill also left out a passage subjecting more power line projects to state oversight. Willis called that omission disappointing.

No one is reviewing these projects, she argued. Not the Ohio Power Siting Board, not the PUCO and not (the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission). Ohio consumers, your constituents, pay 100% of those costs through transmission riders.

Rebecca Mellino from the Nature Conservancy praised lawmakers for repealing a controversial coal subsidy approved as part of 2019s HB 6 but argued Ohio lags far behind neighboring states when it comes to renewable energy. She suggested provisions encouraging brownfield redevelopment could offer an opportunity for renewable energy investment.

Bigger picture

The core incentive for new energy production is a reduction in tangible personal property taxes  levied on things like machinery and equipment. But while lawmakers attempt to boost energy production with a tax cut, theyre also trying to find reductions in property taxes. Energy committee chairman, Sen. Brian Chavez, R-Marietta, insisted the reductions wont undermine services.

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Were not changing any taxes that are in effect right now, he explained. So any taxes from power plants that are in place will stay in place as they depreciate out  this is only on new generation.

Sen. Kent Smith, D-Euclid, argued the tax break is an important cue to companies. When lawmakers passed HB 6, he said, they subsidized coal and nuclear facilities.

It was not just putting your thumb on the scale, he said, I mean, it wreaked havoc in natural gas generation. With the current bill, lawmakers will remove the last of those subsidies.

So weve sort of restored capitalism in the energy generation space, Smith argued. And by reducing the tangible personal property percentage, hopefully that sends a signal.

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Still, theres little Ohios legislation can do to address lawmakers central concern about power demand outstripping supply. The 13-state power network PJM has a substantial backlog of power plants that want to connect to the grid, and large-scale consumers like data centers are pushing demand for power higher.

Thats why we focused on behind the meter generation, Chavez said, so that any new industry that comes into Ohio is not adding additional strain on the existing grid.

Behind the meter generation involves building a bespoke power plant directly connected to a given business.

PJM is aware of the concerns that are out there. Theyre hearing that from all 13 states, Chavez added. They are on our list. Were going to go talk to them in the fall, and were going to have some frank conversations with them to see how we can partner to get through this.

Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky.

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[Watch previous FOX 8 News coverage in the player above.]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW)  The states high court will not examine the case of a Strongsville woman now serving life in prison for intentionally crashing her car and killing her two passengers in July 2022.

The Ohio Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to review the appeal of Mackenzie F. Shirilla, convicted in August 2023 of killing her boyfriend, 20-year-old Dominic Russo, and their friend, 19-year-old Davion Flanagan, in the crash, for which shes currently serving two concurrent sentences of 15 years to life.

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I messed up man says at sentencing for doctors death

We are pleased with the Ohio Supreme Courts decision to decline jurisdiction to hear Mackenzie Shirillas appeal, reads a Wednesday statement from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office.

Evidence showed Shirilla, who was 17 at the time of the murders, slammed on the gas, speeding up to 100 mph along a dead-end street in a Strongsville business park, purposely slamming into a brick wall, killing Russo and Flanagan.

After the crash, authorities found psilocybin mushrooms and a digital scale, the FOX 8 I-Team reported.

She was found guilty of 12 counts including murder and possession of drugs and criminal tools.

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On appeal, Shirilla claimed a lack of evidence and errors made by the court. But the Eighth District Court of Appeals found no merit and upheld her conviction in September 2024.

Babysitter arrested after toddler severely burned in Akron

Mackenzie Shirilla (Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction)

Shirilla, now 20, remains incarcerated in the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville. Shes expected to have her first parole hearing in September 2037, state prison records show.

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Alumni Gateway at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. (Stock photo from Getty Images.)

Ohio University will close the Pride Center, the Womens Center and the Multicultural Center in response to a new higher education law banning diversity efforts that takes effect this summer, the university president announced Tuesday.

OU will sunset the Division of Diversity and Inclusion  which includes those three centers  over the next several weeks, Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez said in a statement.

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There is no definitive date for when the division or the centers will close, but the centers will not be open beyond when the law takes effect on June 23, according to university spokesperson Dan Pittman.

Work managed by the division that remains within the law will be moved to other areas of the university, the university said.

State Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, introduced Senate Bill 1 at the end of January, it quickly passed both chambers and Gov. Mike DeWine signed it into law on March 28. Youngstown State University faculty are trying to get a referendum on the November ballot to block S.B. 1. The law affects Ohios public universities and community colleges.

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The new law will also prohibit faculty strikes, regulate classroom discussion of controversial topics, create post-tenure reviews, put diversity scholarships at risk, create a retrenchment provision that blocks unions from negotiating on tenure, shorten university board of trustees terms from nine years down to six years, and require students take an American history course, among other things.

We must continue to ensure every person we invite to be a part of our university community finds their place here and develops connections, Gonzalez said in her letter to the university. Without forgetting that essential commitment, we must also follow the law.

All employee positions within the Division of Diversity and Inclusion will be eliminated. The three centers have eight full-time staffers, according to their websites. The centers also have student workers.

Employees will continue in their current roles for the next several weeks and will be given the opportunity to interview for any open university position for which they apply and meet minimum qualifications, Gonzalez said.

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Employees who dont continue to work at OU will receive full separation benefits, according to the university.

Support for the universitys Templeton, Urban, Appalachian, and Margaret Boyd Scholars programs will move under the Honors Tutorial College.

Ohio Universitys Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicines Office of Inclusion will also close because of the new law.

The university said it will be reaching out to students, faculty and staff for their input on inclusion and belonging moving forward.

I want to be clear that the task ahead for all of us is not to look for ways to recreate the same approaches under a different name, Gonzalez said. Rather, the charge is to invent something new that meets the moment and delivers results for our students.

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The Capital Journal previously reported on how OU student Audrey Ansel has been preparing for Ohio Universitys Pride Center to likely close as a result of the law.

This comes as Ohios public universities are in the midst of figuring out how the controversial law affects them. The University of Toledo recently announced they are suspending nine undergraduate programs in response to S.B. 1.

Follow Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky.

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BRASILIA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday said China is willing to work with Brazil to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and jointly address common challenges.

He made the remarks when meeting with Celso Amorim, special advisor to the president of Brazil, in Brasilia.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is willing to work with Brazil in fulfilling the BRICS' role as Global South's "first echelon" to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and to jointly address common challenges.

Amid uncertainty and instability in the global landscape, China and Brazil, both as major developing countries and representatives of emerging economies, should unite and cooperate in joint commitment to the cause of peace and development of humanity, said Wang.

For his part, Amorim said that China adopting resolute and hefty countermeasures against the U.S. "reciprocal tariffs" has won understanding and admiration of the affected parties, especially Global South countries.

In the face of the rampant unilateral protectionism, BRICS countries should take active actions, adhere to multilateralism and jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system, Amorim added.

The two sides during the meeting also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and held strategic communication on hotspot issues including the Middle East situation and the Iranian nuclear issue. 
BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- In 2018, 43-year-old Zeng Weigang left the state-owned institution and entered the commercial aerospace field. Together with his team, Zeng established a technology company Tianta to provide satellite management services for satellite operators, predicting, analyzing and dealing with satellite malfunctions to prevent problems before they occur.

Nowadays, Tianta has entered a period of rapid growth and launched the industry's first private domain large model for aerospace, "Huashan." By leveraging the learning capabilities of the large model and training, Tianta has make it master professional knowledge related to satellites and become an assistant for humans in managing satellites. Zeng hopes that more and more of his peers will pay attention to large models, make good use of them, and reduce costs and improve efficiency through technological progress.

This photo taken on Oct. 25, 2024 shows a portrait of Zeng Weigang in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Zeng Weigang (R) discusses the progress of work with a colleague from the R&D department in his office in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Oct. 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Zeng Weigang tests the private domain large model "Huashan" for aerospace, to be released the next day, in his office in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Oct. 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Zeng Weigang introduces the Huashan large model integrated system at the roadshow area of 2025 Space Day of China held in east China's Shanghai, April 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

Zeng Weigang makes a call on his way to visit a client in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Oct. 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  On Tuesday ceremonies across Charlotte took place to remember four law enforcement officers killed one year ago in east Charlotte.

Most of the ceremonies were private, but one happened outside the federal courthouse.

Family, co-workers, and the community now have a permanent memorial to remember Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks who was killed one year ago.

People gathered outside the federal courthouse on Trade Street in Charlotte Tuesday afternoon to remember four law enforcement officers killed on April 29, 2024, and to unveil a new memorial for Weeks.

MORE | A timeline of the tragic April 29th shootout that shook Charlotte

His widow, Kelly Weeks, addressed the crowd.

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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Joshua Eyer, Department of Adult Correction investigators Samuel Poloche and William Alden Elliott along with Weeks were killed when a suspect opened fire on them in east Charlottes Shannon Park neighborhood last April when the U.S. Marshals Task Force was trying to arrest him on felony warrants.

A lot of emotions are coming to the surface and a lot of people are struggling and continuing to grieve, said Eric Hubbard, Deputy Director of the National Law Enforcement Ministry with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

MORE | Mayor Vi Lyles reflects on tragic day that killed 4 officers in Charlotte one year ago

Crisis-trained chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association were at CMPD Headquarters on Tuesday because department leaders invited them for part of the week to set up at three different CMPD locations to give police officers and staff a chance to talk and connect with those who have worn the badge.

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Being retired law enforcement officers ourselves, we understand the law enforcement culture, understand a bit what theyre going through, said Hubbard.

Tuesdays efforts meant to show each officer that they, and their fallen brothers, are not forgotten.

These officers put their lives on the line every single day and its important for them to know that theyre needed, theyre supported, we love them, especially on days like this, it can be extremely difficult for them, said Hubbard.

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EAU CLAIRE  The Storm Prediction Center says a confirmed tornado hit southern Eau Claire County during Monday evenings storms.

According to the SPC, the tornado touched down 10 miles southwest of Fall Creek, near Foster, and the path may stretch to east of Augusta. If confirmed, that would be a path of nine miles or more.

That would be somewhat unusual for a tornado  if it was a continuous path. The National Weather Service says the typical tornado damage path is about one or two miles. But it also warns that the average isnt always a good measure because the majority of tornadoes are small compared to the infrequent large events.

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It would be far more common for a tornado to skip along the ground, touching down and lifting off more than once.

Video on social media from southeast of Augusta shows a tightly wrapped condensation funnel reaching nearly to the ground. Its important to note that a tornado can be doing damage on the ground without the funnel appearing to touch down. And radar data from the time suggests some debris in the air.

Wisconsin storm reports for April 28

Eau Claire County Emergency Management asked on social media that people avoid the area to make way for emergency crews.

The department is also coordinating assessments with the National Weather Services Twin Cities office, which covers the area.

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Tyler Esh, the countys emergency management coordinator, said via email he would be heading to several spots along the suspected path of the tornado to assess damage, and the NWS would do so as well.

Currently, we had one residence, several farm buildings, and a couple cabins with reported damage. No one requested sheltering assistance last night, and there are no unmet needs at this time, he said.

Forecasters had expected strong storms for several days, with the SPC warning about the potential for a severe weather outbreak unusually early. As it played out, Clark County received the first warning of the day: a severe thunderstorm warning issued about a half-hour before a tornado watch was issued for most of the area.

The tornado warning was issued for central Eau Claire County at 7:38 p.m. The NWS extended the warning to include portions of Chippewa County at 8:02 p.m., and issued one for portions of Clark County at 8:05 p.m.

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The region is expected to get a chance to catch its breath in the coming days, with nothing more serious than a chance of showers in the NWS forecast.

Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes and Chippewa County Highway Commissioner Brian Kelley said they had reports of trees down on roads but nothing more.

We lucked out; we didnt have any significant damage, Kelley said.
As China turns cloud seeding into a cornerstone of its climate strategy, the U.S. is falling behind  except, perhaps, in Utah, where key innovations could offer a way forward.

For over 70 years, Utah has been boosting snowpack with cloud seeding technology. Once an intractable phenomenon, precipitation can now be directed by people, at least partially. In Utah, cloud seeding is helping significantly, but large regions of the American Southwest continue to suffer from prolonged periods of drought.

Water conservation is important, but it isnt enough. Water supply in the American West is so low that some scientists have suggested retiring two-thirds of agricultural production in the Great Salt Lake Basin to bring the lake back to healthy levels. Droughts are diminishing hydropower capacity, and dry conditions are reducing the ability for ecosystems to recover after fires, reducing habitat for wildlife and forage for livestock.

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We need more water. Desalination, pipelines and water reclamation are part of the solution, but these projects are often expensive and time consuming. Recycled water costs over $180 per acre-foot, and desalinating ocean water costs $800-1400 per acre-foot. At only $3 per acre-foot of water, cloud seeding beats all other programs on price. Utah has modeled how cloud seeding can increase the states snowpack by 10% in some years with planes and on-the-ground generators. To increase program effectiveness, the state is piloting a program to use drones.

Eight other states also use cloud seeding programs to increase precipitation. Arizona, California and Nevada pay upstream Colorado River states  Utah, Wyoming and Colorado  for cloud seeding to increase flows in the river. Expanding these programs and developing advanced cloud seeding technologies could further increase river flows and help Americas desert bloom.

But a recent movement in state legislatures has attempted to ban cloud seeding. Last month, the Florida Senate passed a bill that would make cloud seeding illegal, even though cloud seeding isnt even used in the state. The legislations supporters express concerns over the negative health impacts of cloud seeding, in addition to its effects on natural disasters like hurricanes.

Available evidence does not support these concerns. Recent studies show that the current use of silver iodide has no negative health effects. And cloud seeding cant create hurricanes  natural clouds are needed to do any cloud seeding at all.

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This kind of anti-innovation environmental hand-wringing is nothing new. Environmental opposition to nuclear energy stunted the industry in the United States, even though nuclear energy produces no air pollution and is among the safest, least land-intensive sources available. It would be short-sighted to make the same mistake for cloud seeding technology.

Such a misstep would pose a real threat to American sovereignty and leadership. China has invested in cloud seeding activities across the country, using weather modification to reduce droughts, suppress hail and even clear urban pollution. In recent years, China has aimed to create nearly 50 million acre-feet of new precipitation, about 10% of the countrys water consumption. In Xinjiang, officials claim weather modification has reduced hail crop damage by 70%. Because America has relinquished cloud seeding leadership to China, we risk losing advantages in water-intensive industries, whether agriculture or AI development.

Instead of limiting cloud seeding, America should follow Utahs lead and expand and innovate the use of water-making technology. Currently, there is no federal program dedicated to researching or deploying cloud seeding. With federal support, American innovators can develop new technologies to deliver water where its needed, support agriculture, and bolster national security.

Cloud seeding bans in the name of environmentalism would hurt America. The environmental movement has too often been focused on preserving scarce natural resources and skeptical of new technologies. For the sake of our ranchers, public lands, ecosystems and cities, its time for a new paradigm focused on creating resources. Its time to make it rain.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) is mad as hell, and hes not gonna take it anymore.

That was the message New Hampshire Democrats received loud and clear on Sunday, when Pritzker rocked the room  and went viral across the Internet  with his fiery condemnation of his partys middle-of-the-road pushovers.

For far too long weve been guilty of listening to a bunch of do-nothing political types who would tell us that Americas house is not on fire, even as the flames are licking their faces, Pritzker said. Those same do-nothing Democrats want to blame our losses on our defense of Black people and trans kids and immigrants instead of their own lack of guts and gumption.

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Pritzkers pointed remarks drew an instant contrast with fellow 2028 prospect Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who calls for the party to seek conciliation over conflict. But it was more than that; millions of Democrats have spent months telling pollsters they want to see a more aggressive Democratic Party. Pritzkers no-compromise message just made him the standard-bearer for the partys disaffected masses.

Pritzkers speech comes at a complex moment for Democratic insiders. President Trump will mark his 100th day dogged by an abysmal 39 percent approval rating and a stock market that is on course for its worst run since the Great Depression. The speed and breadth of Trumps collapse has coincided with rising support for Democrats after a month near record lows. But the news isnt all positive  a recent Harvard Youth Poll showed the Democratic Party still struggling to win back young voters who see congressional Democrats as exactly the do-nothings Pritzker criticized.

At first glance, Pritzker is an unlikely messenger for an unapologetically progressive platform. Hes the second-richest elected official in the country, clocking in at nearly $4 billion in personal wealth. That is paradoxical in a party where Sen. Bernie Sanderss Fighting Oligarchy Tour is packing arenas with a message heavy on taxing the rich and uplifting the working class. But look closer, and Pritzker reveals himself to be something truly rare: a traitor to his class.

That phrase was most notably used to criticize two other patrician presidential hopefuls, Republican Theodore Roosevelt and his fifth cousin, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Like Pritzker, both Roosevelts could easily have ignored the concerns of a working class that was as invisible in 1900 and 1932 as it is today. Yet both found themselves not only fighting for the working class but becoming the figureheads of social justice revolutions. They reached that peak not by triangulating their politics to be inoffensive but by speaking fearlessly about the principles that formed the bedrock of their belief system.

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In fact, Pritzkers words sound quite a bit like the elder Roosevelts remarks in Chicago during the heated campaign of 1912. In a speech that wouldnt be out of place on Sanderss barnstorming tour, Roosevelt condemned the conservative Supreme Court for enforcing on working people a submission  which would turn constitutional provisions which were intended to favor social justice and advancement, into prohibitions against such justice.

Our purpose is not to impugn the courts, but to emancipate them from a position where they stand in the way of social justice, Roosevelt said. As a people, we cannot afford to let any group of citizens or any individual citizen, live or labor under conditions which are injurious to the common welfare.

Roosevelt believed in what he called masculine politics  the politics of fighting back when something is fundamentally broken in our nation. Pritzker made the same case to an audience of Democrats eager for someone, anyone, to throw a strong punch. Polls show that large swaths of the Democratic base feel the party has surrendered the fight on key social issues to Republicans without much resistance. Pritzker is right that voters are angry at Democrats not for what they believe but for the moral courage theyve so often failed to demonstrate.

Far from disqualifying, Pritzkers wealth offers him the freedom to voice voters deep frustrations without worrying about fundraising boycotts or political blowback from the conflict-averse stiffs in Washington. Some progressives may find his Scrooge McDuck-ian wealth distasteful, but his actions in Illinois and on the national stage make him a stronger ally of progressive principles than many of the self-professed pragmatic progressives, who seem to think actual progress is simply too radical for the American people.

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Democratic voters have made clear they want a fighter. Pritzker is willing to give them one. If he can use his voice to spur other Democrats to find their spines, voters will reward him handsomely.

This is not a time for small men. As Pritzker will be happy to tell you, hes anything but a small man.

Max Burns is a veteran Democratic strategist and founder of Third Degree Strategies.

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It was back in the spring of 2016, though it seems like a century or two ago.

Donald Trump was on the campaign trail in Montana. And like a prophet of old, he stood on the edge of a dusty plain and foretold our future. Were going to win, said our 6-foot-4-inch, zero-body-fat golden messenger of God. Were going to win so much. Were going to win at trade, were going to win at the border. Were going to win so much, youre going to be so sick and tired of winning, youre going to come to me and go Please, please, we cant win anymore. Youve heard this one. Youll say Please, Mr. President, we beg you sir, we dont want to win anymore. Its too much. Its not fair to everybody else. Trump said. And Im going to say Im sorry, but were going to keep winning, winning, winning, Were going to make America great again.

Brings a tear to your eye, doesnt it? Ill be honest with you, thinking about it, I personally shoot right past moist tear ducts and straight on to some good old-fashioned biblical wailing and gnashing of teeth. All that winning. All that damn winning.

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What did we do to deserve so much winning?

Of course, with all that winning going on, it is only natural to ask ourselves: Who is winning the most? He told almost exactly nine years ago about winning at trade and winning at the border. He told us we would be saying Were sick and tired of winning. And we are.

There are so many winners its impossible to list them all. Even if we dont focus on the first term and all the winners it produced (morticians, for example, Russian oligarchs, Trumps lawyers, Trumps family even Melania, his wife, has to be considered a winner all those times he was traveling or working and thereby out of her hair), its still daunting. So, lets just take Trumps first 100 days, second time around.

To be sure, very few ordinary Americans were among the winners. Not yet, anyway. But, surely, the mortgage you took out on the last carton of eggs you bought will pay off soon. Those eggs will be a good investmentif only because after a while they will give off that faint scent of sulphur that will remind you of our president. But for now, with costs rising and government services being pared away and our rights being whittled away it doesnt feel like winning yet. Same for our companies whose costs are skyrocketing because of the trade wars we shall surely soon begin to win and our schools that are being shut down and censoredfor our own good, of course.

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Someday soon they will be winners. Once the stock market turns around. Once students realize how much easier school is when so many books have been banned and topics for discussion forbidden.

Trumps Tuesday rally was decorated with a number of signs proclaiming how successful he is, including one that read: 100 DAYS OF GREATNESS. / JIM WATSON / AFP via Getty Images

And our friends and allies around the world may not yet consider themselves winners. What with our efforts to obliterate our alliances, support our enemies, destroy the global environment, and undermine democracy, the rule of law and peace worldwide. It doesnt feel like a win right now in Ukraine or among our NATO allies, to those who were depending on USAID to provide them with medications and food essential to their survival. Theyre not sick of winning quite yet, even if they do seem rather sick.

But there are winners. So many winners. Take each of the Trump kids. Take their cyberscam buddies. Take Melanias couturier. Take Putin. Take Orban. Take Netanyahu. Take Erdogan. Take Modi. Take Millei. Take every member of the global axis of enthno-nationalist authoritarian states who now have at their side the U.S., a country that used to beuntil very recentlythe very richest, most powerful and most respected in the world. Take the billionaires in Trumps Cabinet. Take Elon. Take billionaires everywhere.

This is as Trump promised, a golden age for them, a golden age for the people with all the gold.

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Take all the Jan. 6 rioters who have been pardoned. Take all the corrupt politicians and con artists and traitors and right-wing Supreme Court justices and Russian spies and right-wing domestic terrorists who will soon be pardoned. Take Jeffrey Epstein, whose truth is forever buried. Take the Trump lawyers (again). Take all the concentration camp profiteers like Bukele. And the morticians (again)who must daily light a candle to the Grim Reapers man on Earth, RFK, Jr.

As the late great Jacob Cohen might have said, Yes, take them all, please. (His stage name was Rodney Dangerfield and lets be honest, he and the other 110 billion people who had the good fortune to pass away before Trump assumed office also have to be considered winners.)

There are other winners too, of course. Winners who the Prophet Trump may not have imagined would win but winners nonetheless. You know, the kind who Trump has made stronger because he gave them the opportunity to oppose him and his crazy dangerous policies. Mark Carney is surely a Trump winner for channeling Canadas deep antipathy for Trump. Harvard is a winner. The law firms that stood up to Trump are winners. The Democrats who have learned to speak plainly about the Trump threat are winnersfrom Pritzker to AOC, from Bernie to Jasmine, from Booker to Van Hollen.

Trump supporters in Michigan waved signs that read Golden Age of America during a speech to mark his first 100 days in office Tuesday. / JIM WATSON / AFP via Getty Images

And of course, among all these winners, someone has to have won the most. Oddly, though, as of 100 days into Trump 2.0, the big winner is neither Trump, nor his family, nor his cronies, nor his sponsors in the Kremlin, nor the maker of his many pairs of man spanx. Theyll all do just fine, of course. But someone has done much better. Someone is winning by standing up to Trump and will almost certainly end up winning by cutting a deal with Trump, someone is winning because they are gaining stature at home and because they are gaining stature abroad. They are winning because almost every move Trump makesfrom his trade wars to pulling out of international institutions, from betraying our allies to supporting our enemies, from attacking science and research in America to gutting American education, from switching off the beacon of democracy to eliminating our soft power influence, from the consequences of putting nitwits and lizard people in charge of our government to the long-term implications of ending our ability to attract the worlds best and brightest minds.

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No, there is no question. By far the biggest winner of all the winners Trump has made is Chinese President Xi Jinping, and by extension all the people of China.

China was making great progress in the world on its own, innovating, growing and leading. But Trump is proving to be Chinas second Great Leap Forward, someone who will personally make 1.4 billion Chinese citizens more prosperous and who will accelerate Chinas ability to assume an ever-greater global leadership role.

President Donald Trump delivers a speech in Michigan to mark his 100th day in office, underneath a banner that says The Golden Age. / JEFF KOWALSKY / AFP via Getty Images

Thats apparently what Trump meant by so much winning. Thats four times as many people winning thanks to him as wouldve been if he had done the thing many presidents have tried to do: help Americans.

But hes smart that way. Hes an innovator. Hes a deal genius. And the result is that yes, yes indeed, just as he predicted, Ill bet that here you are, just 100 days into Trumps second term, and youre feeling pretty damned sick of winning already.
SYDNEY, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Australian and Canadian researchers have developed a cutting-edge machine learning algorithm capable of rapidly identifying heart disease and fracture risks using routine bone density scans, Australia's Edith Cowan University (ECU) has revealed.

The innovation, which was developed in conjunction with Canada's University of Manitoba, could pave the way for more comprehensive and earlier diagnoses during routine osteoporosis screenings, improving outcomes for millions of older adults, said researchers at ECU in Western Australia in a news release on Tuesday.

The automated system analyses vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) images to detect abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), a key marker linked to heart attacks, strokes and falls.

Traditionally, assessing AAC requires around five to six minutes per image by a trained expert. The new algorithm slashes that time to under a minute for thousands of images, making large-scale screening far more efficient, it said.

About 58 percent of older women undergoing routine bone scans showed moderate to high levels of AAC, many of them unaware of the elevated cardiovascular risk, ECU research fellow Cassandra Smith has found out.

"Women are recognized as being under-screened and under-treated for cardiovascular disease," Smith said, adding this tool allows doctors to leverage existing scans from low-radiation, widely available machines to flag high-risk individuals who would otherwise go unnoticed.

Further research by ECU's Marc Sim revealed that AAC is not only a cardiovascular risk indicator but also a strong predictor of falls and fractures. In fact, AAC outperformed traditional fall risk factors like bone mineral density and past fall history.

"The higher the calcification in your arteries, the higher the risk of falls and fractures," Sim said, adding clinicians typically overlook vascular health in fall assessments, and this algorithm changes that. 
Syrian security forces are seen in the town of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, southwest of Damascus, Syria, on April 30, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS/JERUSALEM, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from ongoing sectarian clashes in the southern suburbs of Damascus climbed to 39, including 16 security personnel, after ceasefire efforts collapsed and intense fighting resumed in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, officials and monitoring groups said Wednesday.

According to the Syrian interior authorities, armed groups launched coordinated attacks overnight on security checkpoints and patrols in agricultural zones surrounding the town, targeting both civilian and security vehicles.

Eleven officers from the General Security Directorate were killed in the initial assault, and another five fell during a renewed attack Wednesday morning, bringing the total number of fallen security personnel to 16.

The ministry confirmed that ceasefire attempts involving local elders and government representatives were violated when the armed groups reneged on their commitments and resumed attacks.

"Any assault on public security forces is an assault on national stability," the interior authorities said, vowing a firm response.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 22 people have been killed in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya alone, including six local Druze fighters and 16 members of pro-government and security forces. The confrontations have involved light and medium weapons, and the situation on the ground remains volatile.

The Observatory noted low-flying Israeli reconnaissance aircraft were spotted over Sahnaya during the clashes, though no strikes were reported.

The recent violence stems from the leak of an audio recording attributed to a member of the Druze community containing comments deemed offensive to Islam.

The recording triggered widespread outrage and incitement on social media, setting off deadly clashes earlier this week in Jaramana, where 17 people were killed.

In total, at least 39 people have been killed in the latest wave of violence across Jaramana, Sahnaya, and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, including both government forces and local armed factions.

Local officials are continuing efforts to prevent further escalation, but as of Wednesday afternoon, fighting was ongoing, and fears persist that the unrest may drag on if not contained quickly.

Meanwhile, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir ordered the army to prepare for possible strikes on Syrian government targets if violence against Druze communities continues, the military said.

The military said in a statement that the instruction followed a situational assessment.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli air force struck what, according to the military, were "operatives on the outskirts of Damascus who had attacked Druze civilians."

The military said it was "monitoring developments in the region," and its troops are "deployed and prepared for defense and developments in the area of Syria." 

A Syrian security member is seen in front of a military vehicle in the town of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, southwest of Damascus, Syria, on April 30, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)

A Syrian security member is seen on a military vehicle in the town of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, southwest of Damascus, Syria, on April 30, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)

Syrian security forces are seen in the town of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, southwest of Damascus, Syria, on April 30, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)

Syrian security forces are seen in the town of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, southwest of Damascus, Syria, on April 30, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)

A Syrian security member is seen on a military vehicle in the town of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, southwest of Damascus, Syria, on April 30, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)

A Syrian military vehicle is seen in the town of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, southwest of Damascus, Syria, on April 30, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)

A Syrian military vehicle is seen in the town of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, southwest of Damascus, Syria, on April 30, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)

Syrian security forces are seen in the town of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, southwest of Damascus, Syria, on April 30, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)
Oscar Franklin Smith, a Tennessee death row inmate scheduled for execution on May 22, will die by lethal injection if the process moves forward.

Smith, who was asked to choose between lethal injection and the electric chair, declined to pick, his attorney Kelley Henry, a supervisory assistant federal public defender, said. When an inmate does not choose, the method defaults to lethal injection.

It's not the first time Smith has been given this grim decision and declined. That decision to not choose ultimately saved his life for three more years.

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May 22 will be Smith's fourth execution date after the third in 2022 was called off about an hour before he was to be executed. Gov. Bill Lee issued a temporary reprieve of Smith's execution due to an oversight in the lethal injection protocol. The oversight ultimately led to a three-year moritorium on executions in Tennessee, an indpendent audit and a new protocol.

Smith, 75, was convicted in 1990 of murder in the October 1989 killings of his estranged wife, 35-year-old Judy Robirds Smith, and her sons from a previous marriage, 16-year-old Chad Burnett and 13-year-old Jason Burnett.

State law allows death row inmates sentenced in crimes that happened before 1999 to select either electrocution or the state's default execution method of lethal injection.

Smith has been one of several death row inmates to file lawsuits about the lethal injection protocol.

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Smith is the first of four condemned inmates with execution dates this year. The Tennessee Supreme Court also set dates for:

Byron Lewis Black, execution date Aug. 5

Donald Ray Middlebrooks, execution date Sept. 24

Harold Wayne Nichols, execution date Dec. 11

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee inmate Oscar Franklin Smith to die by lethal injection in May
Jan Braathu, representative of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe on Freedom of the Media, has condemned the brutal treatment and murder of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna by Russia.

Source: European Pravda; Jan Braathu on X (Twitter)

Details: Braathu said he was "appalled by the evidence emerging from the investigation by the coalition of 45 international journalists led by the Forbidden Stories NGO into torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died while unlawfully detained without formal charges in Russia."

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The representative of OSCE stressed that such inhumane treatment is a violation of international law, in particular Articles 7 and 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the UN Convention against Torture.

"Furthermore, journalists covering conflicts have civilian status under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and their torture and ill-treatment as well as unlawful confinement is in clear breach of the Geneva Conventions (Articles 32 and 147 of the Fourth Geneva Convention)," Braathu said.

Therefore, the OSCE representative condemned Russia's serious violations and called for full compliance with international legal obligations.

For his part, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi thanked the OSCE for this clear statement condemning the ill-treatment and murder of Viktoriia Roshchyna.

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"I condemn these grave abuses by the Russian Federation and call for full compliance with international legal obligations," Braathu concluded.

Read more: The Viktoriia Project: the story of the captivity and torture endured by journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna and thousands of Ukrainians imprisoned by Russia

Background:

Roshchyna disappeared on 3 August 2023 in the temporary occupied territory she was reporting from. Russia admitted for the first time in May 2024 that they had detained Roshchyna.

On 10 October, Petro Yatsenko, the head of the press service for the coordination headquarters, said on the national joint 24/7 newscast that Viktoriia had died in captivity. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, soon confirmed this.

On 30 April 2025, the European Commission stated that the latest details of the death of Roshchyna in Russian captivity are further proof of the cruelty of the Russian system and evidence that the occupation is a deadly threat to Ukrainians.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
People flee Saigon April 1975 with the help of the U.S. military. American involvement in the Vietnam War came to an end when troops from communist North Vietnam invaded Saigon, the capital of the Republic of Vietnam in the South in April 1975. Credit - Dirck HalsteadGetty Images

At 7:53 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 1975, a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter ascended from the rooftop of the United States embassy in downtown Saigon carrying ten Marine Security Guards toward the waiting deck of the USS Okinawa. Its departure marked the final mission of the massive helicopter-borne evacuation that began less than 24 hours earlier and heralded the end of Americas once-mighty military presence in South Vietnam. Two hours later, North Vietnamese tanks carrying the flags of the southern revolutionary National Liberation Front smashed through the gates of the Republic of Vietnams presidential palace.

Fifty years later, the scene of retreating helicopters and advancing tanks has become imprinted on the popular imagination of both the United States and Vietnam. And in both countries, a certain inevitability has attached itself to the capture of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War. As the modern-day Socialist Republic of Vietnam prepares to celebrate half a century of victory in what it refers to as the Resistance War Against America to Save the Country, the Vietnamese state promotes a history that remains unchanged since 1975: the southern Republic of Vietnam (RVN) was an American-Puppet regime destined to crumble in the face of popular mobilization and Vietnams 2,000 year tradition of resisting foreign invaders.

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Yet, in the United States, as in much of the Western world, the narrative looks remarkably similar: Vietnam was a bad war propelled by American hubris, doomed by ignorance and thwarted by unreliable and corrupt South Vietnamese allies against an adversary that many still believe was more nationalist than Communist. Indeed, Vietnam remains our most evocative shorthand for geopolitical miscalculation and military misadventure.

Such popular memory, however, misconstrues a more complex historical reality about the Republic of Vietnam and the nature of the Vietnam War itself.

Read More: Discovering Joy After My Familys Traumas During the Vietnam War

In the past two decades, the Republic of Vietnams reputation has undergone extensive revision by historians. While South Vietnamese politics were often beset by instability and corruption, the idea of a non-Communist republican government based in the South enjoyed widespread support from the general publiceven if that public often bemoaned their political leaders. Protests in South Vietnam were a regular occurrence, but they represented the desire of the South Vietnamese to resolve the warand many other issueson their own terms. For example, when the monk Thich Quang uc burned himself alive on June 11, 1963, he represented a Buddhist revivalist movement that was critical of both Vietnamese Communism and the RVN.

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The Buddhists who took to Saigons streets did not want to topple the government; they advocated for the reversal of restrictive laws on religious practice. Yet the Buddhist cause has since become wedded to that of the Communistsa misunderstanding that the modern Vietnamese government continues to promote. Not one year later, Saigonese high school students rioted at the prospect that South Vietnam might consider a reconciliation with the North.

Taking the role that the Republic of Vietnam played seriously helps us rethink the very nature of the war. In the United States, Hollywood depictions of guerrilla fighters and claustrophobic jungle firefights coupled with Internet memes of trees speaking in Vietnamese, reinforce the sense of a hopeless quagmire in which the United States had no business. In Vietnam, dusty provincial museums and newer, sleeker ones inaugurated for the 50th anniversary echo the sentiment in reverse, displaying mannequins of wily peasant farmers taking on the U.S. war machine.

These renderings obscure just how much conventional warfare took place in Vietnam. North Vietnamese soldiers, armed with Chinese-manufactured Kalashnikovs and supported by Soviet tanks, regularly engaged American and RVN forces (not to mention those provided by Australia, South Korea, and Thailand). In April 1969, the U.S. military deployed more than 500,000 service membersa size comparable to Napoleons Grande Armee. By 1975, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam had the worlds third largest military. The Vietnam War was no tropical brushfire.

Most importantly, the war was not only between Vietnamese and Americans, but rather between two independent Vietnams locked in civil war. While the conflict became a Cold War superpower showdown, its main participants were Vietnamese who fought and died for their respective ideas of sovereignty.

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Today these dimensions of the war go overlooked in both Vietnam and the United States, albeit for different reasons. In Vietnam, April 30, 1975 is seen as the result of the Vietnamese peoples unwavering determination to build a unified nation that could never be divided by any force. But this telling hides the inconvenient reality that large swaths of the Vietnamese people actively rejected the National Liberation Front and unification under Communist rule. To admit that the Resistance War Against America was also a war against fellow Vietnamese would be to admit that a non-Communist alternative was a legitimate outcome of the conflict. Such an admission not only upsets the conventional framing of the war, but strikes at the very heart of the Vietnamese Communist Partys own legitimacy to govern the country.

Read More: What Hostage-Taking During the Vietnam War Can Teach the World About Hamas

In the United States, to take seriously the agency of the RVN entails possibly defending U.S. military interventionsomething that feels not just patently archaic, but would demand reopening old wounds within American society. Given that the war implicated both Democratic and Republican presidential administrations, the blame for U.S. failure is widely shared and it is far easier for modern American audiences across the political spectrum to accept that intervention was a misguided tragedy destined to fail then to think about the actual dynamics of the conflict.

The narrow lens of these popularly accepted narratives has limited our understanding of subsequent history, especially given the tendency in the United States for the Vietnam War to become the preferred historical analogy for current events. In the early 2000s, discussions over the conduct of U.S. forces in Iraq and reflections about patriotism and the treatment of returning troops were steeped in Vietnam War-era comparisons. Commentary about recent protest movements including the harsh crackdown on student protesters over the war in Gaza have evoked grim comparisons to theKent State massacre in 1970. The frantic withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 invited literal side-by-side montages of Chinooks in Kabul and Sea Knights in Saigon. Everything seems to remind us of some cultural moment of the Vietnam war.

Americas seeming inability to escape the pull of Vietnams symbolic weight shifts the focus away from the issues at hand by invoking the distant world of Vietnam-era America in which criticisms of misguided foreign military intervention or prejudiced domestic policies can be safely contained. It is telling, therefore, that the Trump Administration has ordered American diplomats in Vietnam to avoid participating in the upcoming anniversary.

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Half a century after the fall of Saigon, the versions of the conflict that many Americans and Vietnamese adhere to are strikingly similar. They mirror one another in their presentation of the war and the inevitability of the outcome. But, by oversimplifying the historical reality, these narratives sanitize the past and prevent us from properly understanding the historical actors involved and their motivations.

Only by understanding the complexity of the war on the ground as one foremost between Vietnamese can we truly begin to grapple with the real legacy of Vietnam: a war with many different narrativesand possible outcomes. As the famed Vietnamese writer and former North Vietnamese Army veteran, Bao Ninh, writes in the closing pages of The Sorrow of War, Each of us carried in his heart a separate war Our only postwar similarities stemmed from the fact that everyone had experienced difficult, painful, and different fates. April 30, 1975 is not an endpoint closed to further interpretation, but an opportunity to start anew and to better understand the separate wars that its participants experienced.

Andrew Bellisari is Assistant Professor of History at Purdue University and a faculty fellow at Purdues Center for American Political History and Technology (CAPT). Previously, he was a founding faculty member at Fulbright University Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City and a Vietnam Program Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.

Write to Made by History at madebyhistory@time.com.
ATHENS, Ala. (WHNT)  People living in the neighborhood on Pine Road are now seeing a cleaner community after dealing with litter from abandoned properties for months.

The abandoned properties next door to the home owned by Cedric McNeill have been a constant source of complaints. Skeleton mobile homes, trash and old tires that were littered throughout turned the once-proud Pine Road neighborhood into an eyesore.

Alabama Attorney General announces lawsuit against TikTok, ByteDance Inc.

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McNeill and his neighbors spent months pleading with county leaders to force the property owners to clean up their mess.

We work hard, and we want to come home and I also dont want my wife to be embarrassed to bring company home or to have people over, McNeill said. She reminded me that youre a preacher and people come to the preachers house.

McNeill said he found it hard to believe that no one answered his cries for help. With no immediate answer, he reached out to News 19.

After our story on April 4, McNeill said he was able to speak with the property owners. Daryl Sammet, the Limestone County District 1 commissioner, also stepped in to notify the county health department to force the owners to get the mess cleaned up.

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Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go.

Sign up for WHNT News 19 newsletters to have news sent to your inbox.

McNeill is thankful that his and his neighbors prayers were answered.

We want to thank News 19, and we want to thank Archie Snowden for coming out and seeing about us, McNeill said. We thank the Lord that we have some good folks to see about us in our time of need.

The Limestone County commission added that, due to existing restrictions, they were unable to impose fines on the property owners.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
(WJET/WFXP)  The Pennsylvania Game Commission is asking residents to keep an eye out for a tiny terror.

The spongy moth, formally known as the gypsy moth, is an invasive species that has historically killed millions of trees in Pennsylvania. According to the PA Game Commission, they cause an estimated $868 million in yearly damages nationwide.

PA Game Commission releases harvest estimates for 2024-25 deer season

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They are described as being 1 and a half inches long, and are black with yellow-gray tufts and colorful spots.

To combat this invasive species, the commission will be spraying insecticides across 38,000 acres of state game lands. The commission said this is a major decline from last year, when 123,000 acres of land were sprayed.

PA Game Commission releasing 8,400 pheasants for end of season

While these insecticides are generally safe for humans, direct contact could cause minor skin or eye irritation.

For more information about the spongy moth, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Where you stand on Paddington Bear can be discerned by the early stages of Paddington in Peru, last years flat sequel to the critically acclaimed Paddington 2. We glimpse the bear curled up in the window of his Notting Hill abode, writing a letter to his elderly aunt, near a carefully positioned photograph of him and the late Queen Elizabeth II. The subtext is now text, the film posits: Paddington is an establishment ursidae, a cosy symbol of all that is British, and so much so that hes drinking tea with royalty. A delight, you may say. Bleurgh, if youre more cynical.

Before I go any further, I should preface this by saying I once adored Paddington, and everything that he stood for. Hes an undeniable rascal, drawn as a bashful, bemused bumpkin in Michael Bonds original stories by illustrators including Peggy Fortnum and RW Alley, while the first two Paddington films  which propelled the bear back into cultural dominance in 2014 and 2017, respectively  are modern classics. Twee, yes, but in that elegantly posh-core way of a Richard Curtis movie, and stocked with creative slapstick, gentle humour and brilliantly moustache-twirling performances from Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant as bear-hunting supervillains.

So why, then, do I now despair at Paddington? See his silly little face and wince? Partly its to do with the sheer proliferation of the guy, his presence on UK high streets rivalling only American candy shops and branches of Betfair. The news that a Paddington musical is about to hit the West End promises only more of the Paddington glut  more keyrings, more pencil cases, more billboards at train stations and airports declaring him the closest thing a largely secular country has to a lord and saviour.

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Its annoying enough, but the wider problem is the way in which Paddington has become more than a bear in the past decade or so. The release of the first two Paddington films coincided with Brexit and increased anti-immigration rhetoric in the political sphere  it made sense that liberals would cling to a fictional illegal immigrant from darkest Peru as a lifeline for pro-immigration sentiment, likewise the depiction of an open-arm response to Paddington by native Brits in the films. Paddington and Paddington 2 represented what Britain is, the claim went, and what it could be once again. Real-world parallels were easy to find in Paddington Bear from the off  Bond had been inspired to create the character after witnessing Jewish immigration in the Second World War, as well as flocks of London children being evacuated to the countryside  but Brexit sent them into overdrive.

Paddington Bear, though, is a mostly benign political figurehead. As much as he is inherently political due to his immigrant identity, Paddington is also punishingly apolitical; a money-making brand designed to appeal to all  he is someone who prefers soft, symbolic defiance over real action. He is the pink pussy hat of anthropomorphic animals. Fundamentally, of course, we shouldnt be talking about fictional childrens characters in such a way. But here we are.

The real rot began to set in when he had lunch with the Queen  its this sketch, filmed for the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, from which the photo in Paddington in Peru stems. It muddied the waters a little. If Bonds original stories depicted the establishment  meaning the police and immigration officials  as scary figures who either misunderstand or are eager to apprehend Paddington for the apparent crime of being in the country illegally, whats he doing cosying up with literal royalty?

Blink and youll miss her: A photograph of the Queen and Paddington on display in Paddington in Peru (StudioCanal)

This was followed by the bizarre and oddly inescapable illustration of Paddington and the Queen walking together hand-in-hand  subsequently appropriated online in the wake of the Queens death, with some iterations sporting the caption Ive done my duties Paddington, please take me to my husband. It recast Paddington as a kind of Grim Reaper figure ferrying the poor woman to the great beyond. Was it simple post-Covid madness? Its not hard, after all, to see parallels between our heralding of Paddington and our brief and ultimately cursed love affair with Captain Tom Moore and his walkabouts of woe. And I suppose its a relief that the image of Paddington hasnt become entirely mangled in ill repute  as far as I know, he and the Brown family havent yet tried to build a luxury pool and spa with the publics coffers.

But the slight stench surrounding the character has lingered. Today Paddington embodies a kind of milquetoast apoliticism, a deference to the royal family, and a toothless soft-defiance to societys ills. Burn the system down? Gosh, no. You stare at it angrily before getting back to your marmalade. In 2025, everyone is angrier about the state of things, everyone is poorer, and hope is in short supply. And then theres Paddington, still beating the drum for cant we all get along over tea? decency. Theres simply no place for it anymore.
ISLAMABAD (AP)  India has launched missiles into Pakistani territory in retaliation for a gun massacre on tourists in April. Pakistans leader condemned the strikes and vowed his country would deliver a robust response.

The missile launch, and Pakistans promise to hit back, have stoked fears of a war between the nuclear-armed neighbors. But the early morning strikes show that India can hurt Pakistan without entering its airspace or deploying nuclear weapons.

A look at what might lie ahead for the two rivals:

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Both have nuclear weapons, but as a deterrent

India and Pakistan have built up nuclear arsenals over the years. But their purpose is to stop wars, not start them.

India has a no first use policy. That means it will only retaliate with nuclear weapons if there is a nuclear attack on Indian forces or Indian territories.

Pakistans policy is to use tactical nuclear weapons to counter nuclear threats and conventional military attacks from its bigger, stronger and richer regional rival. Pakistan has not ruled out using nuclear weapons first if it feels an existential threat. But it can ill afford to initiate such a war with India because of its neighbors superior firepower. Pakistan has lost three conventional wars in the past.

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South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman said the Wednesday morning strikes were some of the highest-intensity from India on its rival in years and that Pakistans response would surely pack a punch as well.

These are two strong militaries that, even with nuclear weapons as a deterrent, are not afraid to deploy sizeable levels of conventional military force against each other, Kugelman said. The escalation risks are real. And they could well increase, and quickly.

Neither has details about the others arsenal

Neither country knows what nuclear weapons the other has or how many. India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974. Pakistan carried out its first in 1988.

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Think tanks suggest Pakistan has 170 warheads while India has 172. Some analyses indicate Pakistan could have more, around 200. Pakistan holds its nuclear arsenal to deter India from invasion or massive attack.

In the current situation, it is up to Pakistan to decide how it fights back without provoking India further and without starting something it cannot win. So far, it claims to have shot down several Indian jets in retaliation.

Despite decades of hostility and suspicion, India and Pakistan are signatories to a pact that bars them from attacking each others nuclear facilities. As part of the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, the two sides exchange lists of their nuclear facilities and installations each January. They have exchanged lists for 34 consecutive years.

However, neither country is a signatory to the global Non-Proliferation Treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology.

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Both prefer limited strikes on specific targets

Flare-ups between India and Pakistan have seen precision attacks and reprisals, escalating slowly while giving each side the option to defuse. Border skirmishes are common.

India has been under huge domestic pressure to respond this time because the victims in last months gun massacre were civilians. It said its armed forces targeted sites used by militants linked to the attack on tourists.

In 2019, after a suicide car bombing, there was a predawn airstrike from India that it said targeted a terrorist training camp in Pakistan.

Pakistan later claimed to have shot down two Indian warplanes in Kashmir and captured a pilot. The pilot was eventually released and the situation began to normalize. But the episode showed India was willing to enter Pakistani airspace and launch strikes, setting a new threshold for retaliation.

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Skirmishes and strikes have so far been contained to border areas including the Line of Control, the de facto frontier dividing Kashmir.

The tactic carries the risk of miscalculation because any casualties, especially civilian ones, could aggravate domestic sentiment on either side.

The international community wants restraint

With wars escalating in the Middle East, the international community does not want conflict in South Asia.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has repeated his calls for India and Pakistan to calm things down, while United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed his concern about Indian military operations. He has called for maximum restraint.

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Both India and Pakistan have moved swiftly to highlight their diplomatic engagement in the region, issuing statements pointing to their alliances and position on the world stage.

President Donald Trump, who previously said the U.S. would not get involved in mediation, said he wanted things to end quickly.

I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. Theyve been fighting for a long time. Theyve been fighting for many, many decades. I just hope it ends very quickly.
A maintenance worker conducts routine inspection on a bracket of the sightseeing cableway at the Huashan Mountain scenic area in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, April 29, 2025. Boasting precipitous cliffs and beautiful scenery, the Huashan Mountain has attracted a great number of visitors from around the world. With a maximal elevation difference of nearly 900 meters, the mountain's 4,211-meter-long sightseeing cableway has provided an unique travelling experience for tourists and gained popularity since its launch in 2013. For the smooth operation of the cableway, inspection of mechanical parts, electrical systems and communication equipment have become the routine work of maintenance workers every single day. As about 150,000 visits are expected to be made to Huashan during the upcoming May Day holiday, a total of 30 maintenance workers will be on duty to ensure the safe operation of the cableway. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

A maintenance worker conducts routine inspection on the sightseeing cableway at the Huashan Mountain scenic area in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, April 29, 2025. Boasting precipitous cliffs and beautiful scenery, the Huashan Mountain has attracted a great number of visitors from around the world. With a maximal elevation difference of nearly 900 meters, the mountain's 4,211-meter-long sightseeing cableway has provided an unique travelling experience for tourists and gained popularity since its launch in 2013. For the smooth operation of the cableway, inspection of mechanical parts, electrical systems and communication equipment have become the routine work of maintenance workers every single day. As about 150,000 visits are expected to be made to Huashan during the upcoming May Day holiday, a total of 30 maintenance workers will be on duty to ensure the safe operation of the cableway. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 28, 2025 shows maintenance workers conducting routine inspection on a bracket of the sightseeing cableway at the Huashan Mountain scenic area in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Boasting precipitous cliffs and beautiful scenery, the Huashan Mountain has attracted a great number of visitors from around the world. With a maximal elevation difference of nearly 900 meters, the mountain's 4,211-meter-long sightseeing cableway has provided an unique travelling experience for tourists and gained popularity since its launch in 2013. For the smooth operation of the cableway, inspection of mechanical parts, electrical systems and communication equipment have become the routine work of maintenance workers every single day. As about 150,000 visits are expected to be made to Huashan during the upcoming May Day holiday, a total of 30 maintenance workers will be on duty to ensure the safe operation of the cableway. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

Maintenance workers monitor the operation of the sightseeing cableway at a cable car station at the Huashan Mountain scenic area in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, April 29, 2025. Boasting precipitous cliffs and beautiful scenery, the Huashan Mountain has attracted a great number of visitors from around the world. With a maximal elevation difference of nearly 900 meters, the mountain's 4,211-meter-long sightseeing cableway has provided an unique travelling experience for tourists and gained popularity since its launch in 2013. For the smooth operation of the cableway, inspection of mechanical parts, electrical systems and communication equipment have become the routine work of maintenance workers every single day. As about 150,000 visits are expected to be made to Huashan during the upcoming May Day holiday, a total of 30 maintenance workers will be on duty to ensure the safe operation of the cableway. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

Maintenance workers put on protective equipment before conducting routine inspection at the Huashan Mountain scenic area in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, April 28, 2025. Boasting precipitous cliffs and beautiful scenery, the Huashan Mountain has attracted a great number of visitors from around the world. With a maximal elevation difference of nearly 900 meters, the mountain's 4,211-meter-long sightseeing cableway has provided an unique travelling experience for tourists and gained popularity since its launch in 2013. For the smooth operation of the cableway, inspection of mechanical parts, electrical systems and communication equipment have become the routine work of maintenance workers every single day. As about 150,000 visits are expected to be made to Huashan during the upcoming May Day holiday, a total of 30 maintenance workers will be on duty to ensure the safe operation of the cableway. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 28, 2025 shows maintenance workers conducting routine inspection on a bracket of the sightseeing cableway at the Huashan Mountain scenic area in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Boasting precipitous cliffs and beautiful scenery, the Huashan Mountain has attracted a great number of visitors from around the world. With a maximal elevation difference of nearly 900 meters, the mountain's 4,211-meter-long sightseeing cableway has provided an unique travelling experience for tourists and gained popularity since its launch in 2013. For the smooth operation of the cableway, inspection of mechanical parts, electrical systems and communication equipment have become the routine work of maintenance workers every single day. As about 150,000 visits are expected to be made to Huashan during the upcoming May Day holiday, a total of 30 maintenance workers will be on duty to ensure the safe operation of the cableway. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 29, 2025 shows tourists visiting the Huashan Mountain scenic area in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Boasting precipitous cliffs and beautiful scenery, the Huashan Mountain has attracted a great number of visitors from around the world. With a maximal elevation difference of nearly 900 meters, the mountain's 4,211-meter-long sightseeing cableway has provided an unique travelling experience for tourists and gained popularity since its launch in 2013. For the smooth operation of the cableway, inspection of mechanical parts, electrical systems and communication equipment have become the routine work of maintenance workers every single day. As about 150,000 visits are expected to be made to Huashan during the upcoming May Day holiday, a total of 30 maintenance workers will be on duty to ensure the safe operation of the cableway. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 29, 2025 shows cable car pulling out of a cable car station at the Huashan Mountain scenic area in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Boasting precipitous cliffs and beautiful scenery, the Huashan Mountain has attracted a great number of visitors from around the world. With a maximal elevation difference of nearly 900 meters, the mountain's 4,211-meter-long sightseeing cableway has provided an unique travelling experience for tourists and gained popularity since its launch in 2013. For the smooth operation of the cableway, inspection of mechanical parts, electrical systems and communication equipment have become the routine work of maintenance workers every single day. As about 150,000 visits are expected to be made to Huashan during the upcoming May Day holiday, a total of 30 maintenance workers will be on duty to ensure the safe operation of the cableway. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

A maintenance worker conducts routine inspection on a bracket of the sightseeing cableway at the Huashan Mountain scenic area in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, April 29, 2025. Boasting precipitous cliffs and beautiful scenery, the Huashan Mountain has attracted a great number of visitors from around the world. With a maximal elevation difference of nearly 900 meters, the mountain's 4,211-meter-long sightseeing cableway has provided an unique travelling experience for tourists and gained popularity since its launch in 2013. For the smooth operation of the cableway, inspection of mechanical parts, electrical systems and communication equipment have become the routine work of maintenance workers every single day. As about 150,000 visits are expected to be made to Huashan during the upcoming May Day holiday, a total of 30 maintenance workers will be on duty to ensure the safe operation of the cableway. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

A maintenance worker conducts routine inspection at a cable car station at the Huashan Mountain scenic area in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, April 29, 2025. Boasting precipitous cliffs and beautiful scenery, the Huashan Mountain has attracted a great number of visitors from around the world. With a maximal elevation difference of nearly 900 meters, the mountain's 4,211-meter-long sightseeing cableway has provided an unique travelling experience for tourists and gained popularity since its launch in 2013. For the smooth operation of the cableway, inspection of mechanical parts, electrical systems and communication equipment have become the routine work of maintenance workers every single day. As about 150,000 visits are expected to be made to Huashan during the upcoming May Day holiday, a total of 30 maintenance workers will be on duty to ensure the safe operation of the cableway. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

A maintenance worker conducts routine inspection on the sightseeing cableway at the Huashan Mountain scenic area in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, April 29, 2025. Boasting precipitous cliffs and beautiful scenery, the Huashan Mountain has attracted a great number of visitors from around the world. With a maximal elevation difference of nearly 900 meters, the mountain's 4,211-meter-long sightseeing cableway has provided an unique travelling experience for tourists and gained popularity since its launch in 2013. For the smooth operation of the cableway, inspection of mechanical parts, electrical systems and communication equipment have become the routine work of maintenance workers every single day. As about 150,000 visits are expected to be made to Huashan during the upcoming May Day holiday, a total of 30 maintenance workers will be on duty to ensure the safe operation of the cableway. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 29, 2025 shows tourists visiting the Huashan Mountain scenic area in Weinan, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Boasting precipitous cliffs and beautiful scenery, the Huashan Mountain has attracted a great number of visitors from around the world. With a maximal elevation difference of nearly 900 meters, the mountain's 4,211-meter-long sightseeing cableway has provided an unique travelling experience for tourists and gained popularity since its launch in 2013. For the smooth operation of the cableway, inspection of mechanical parts, electrical systems and communication equipment have become the routine work of maintenance workers every single day. As about 150,000 visits are expected to be made to Huashan during the upcoming May Day holiday, a total of 30 maintenance workers will be on duty to ensure the safe operation of the cableway. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)
April 30 (UPI) -- Pakistan accused India on Wednesday of planning an imminent military strike using a terror attack that killed 26 Indian tourists in the disputed Kashmir region last week as a "false pretext" to hit out at its neighbor.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Islamabad had "credible intelligence" that the strike by New Delhi would be launched in the next 24 to 36 hours, warning that reckless actions by Indian forces would be met with a forceful response.

"Any such military adventurism by India would be responded to assuredly and decisively," he said without providing any specifics to support the claim that India was poised to attack.

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Pakistan denies any involvement in the April 22 Baisaran Valley attack in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir. Indian police said two of the four suspects in the attack, in which male Hindus were allegedly singled out and killed, are Pakistani citizens. The third suspect is local -- but there was no information regarding the fourth person.

However, the incident has re-ignited tensions over the region, which both countries claim sovereignty over, dating back to the partition of British India in 1947, with the nuclear-armed neighbors exchanging fire over the line of control at the weekend after Indian officials closed the main India-Pakistan border crossing and suspended a water-sharing agreement.

The spat has also seen Pakistani diplomats expelled and some Pakistani citizens have their Indian visas canceled and given 48 hours to get out of the country. Islamabad has called for a "neutral" investigation, with which it said it would give its full cooperation.

Concern has been growing that India will mount a military response in line with its reaction to previous attacks in 2016 and 2019 in the semi-autonomous Himalayan territory, where Islamic separatists have been fighting a three-and-a-half-decade-long insurgency against Indian rule. India revoked Kashmir's semi-autonomous status in 2019.

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Both the United States and China urged the sides to pull back from the brink.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Secretary of State Marco Rubio was calling for calm and planned to speak to the foreign ministers of India and Pakistani as soon as practicable, potentially on Tuesday.

"We are reaching out to both parties, and telling, of course, them to not escalate the situation," Bruce told a news briefing in Washington.

The United States is well placed to exert a positive influence on the ground as it has strategic partnerships with both countries.

China, which also claims control of part of Kashmir with its forces repeatedly engaging in high-altitude clashes with Indian forces along their shared border, also called for restraint.

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According to the Chinese state-run CGTN TV news network, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Pakistan's deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, in a call last week that confrontation between Pakistan and India threatened regional security would "not serve the fundamental interests" of either side.

India and Pakistan went to war over the region in 1947-1948, in 1965, and most recently in 1999.
ATTARI, India (AP)  Pakistan said Wednesday it had credible intelligence that India is planning to attack it within days, and vowed to respond very strongly, as soldiers exchanged gunfire along borders and Pakistanis heeded New Delhis orders to leave the country following last weeks deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

India has moved to punish Pakistan after accusing it of backing the attack in Pahalgam, which Islamabad denies, driving tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals to their highest point since 2019, when they came close to war after a suicide car bombing in Kashmir. The region is split between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety.

Calls for de-escalation

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Pakistan said the intelligence shows that India plans military action against it in the next 24 to 36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement.

There was no immediate comment from Indian officials. However, Indian government officials said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given complete operational freedom to the armed forces to decide on the mode, targets and timing of Indias response to the Pahalgam massacre. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations.

Last weeks attack that killed 26, most of them Indian tourists, was claimed by a previously unknown militant group calling itself the Kashmir Resistance. New Delhi describes all militancy in Indian-controlled Kashmir as Pakistan-backed terrorism. Pakistan denies this, and many Muslim Kashmiris consider the militants to be part of a homegrown freedom struggle.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in separate calls with India and Pakistan, stressed the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and emphasized the need for both sides to continue working together for peace and stability in South Asia," according to a Pakistan statement.

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Earlier, Pakistans Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told reporters that I have made it very clear, on behalf of the government and the nation, that Pakistan will not be the first one to resort to any escalatory move. However, in case of any escalatory move by the Indian side, we will respond very strongly.

The army spokesman, Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif, added, "If they think that aggression is the path forward, our message is only this: We are ready, dont test it.

Pakistan didn't elaborate on the credible intelligence it cited.

Pakistanis forced to leave

The deadline for Pakistani citizens to leave India, with exceptions for those with medical visas, passed on Sunday, but many families were still scrambling to the border crossing in Attari town in northern Punjab state.

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Some arrived on their own. Others were being deported by police.

We have settled our families here. We request the government not to uproot our families, said Sara Khan, a Pakistani who was ordered back without her husband, Aurangzeb Khan, who holds an Indian passport. She carried her 14-day-old child and said she had been living in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 2017.

They (Indian authorities) told me you are illegal and you should go, said Khan, while waiting on the Indian side of the border crossing.

Other tit-for-tat diplomatic measures have included the cancellation of visas and a recall of diplomats. New Delhi suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty with Islamabad and ordered its border with Pakistan shut. In response, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines.

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India late Wednesday announced the closure of its airspace to all Pakistani aircraft until May 23.

Cross-border exchanges of gunfire between soldiers have increased along the Line of Control, the de facto frontier that separates Kashmiri territory between the two rivals.

Fire along the frontier

On Wednesday, India and Pakistan accused each other of initiating the gunfire.

Pakistans state-run media said Indian forces violated the ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control by initiating fire with heavy weapons. According to Pakistan Television, Pakistani troops returned fire after coming under attack overnight in the Mandal sector of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

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Meanwhile, the Indian army said it responded to unprovoked small arms fire from Pakistan in the Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor sectors of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

The incidents could not be independently verified. In the past, each side has accused the other of starting border skirmishes in the Himalayan region.

Indias cabinet committee on security, headed by Modi, met Wednesday, its second since the attack.

Witness accounts

At least three tourists who survived told The Associated Press that the gunmen singled out Hindu men and shot them from close range. The dead also included a Nepalese citizen and a local Muslim pony ride operator.

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Aishanya Dwivedi, whose husband was killed, said a gunman approached the couple and challenged him to recite the Islamic declaration of faith. Her husband replied that he was Hindu, and the attacker shot him point blank in the head, she said.

He was on my lap. I was soaked in his blood, Dwivedi said.

___

Saaliq reported from New Delhi. Ahmed reported from Islamabad. Associated Press writer Rajesh Roy in New Delhi contributed to this report.
PALISADE, Colo. (KREX)  The Palisade Chamber of Commerce hosted Your Community Over Coffee at Talon Wines at the Meadery of the Rockies Wednesday morning.

Attendees included Mayor of Palisade Greg Mikolai, director of the Mesa County Workforce Center Heather Nara, Colorado Mesa University (CMU) Economics Professor Dr. Nathan Perry and many others.

President and CEO of the Palisade Chamber of Commerce Jessica Burford talked with WesternSlopeNow about the event and why hosting events like these is important.

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The Palisade Chamber has hosted Your Community Over Coffee for about 5 years now, we try to make it a quarterly event. Its really important for our members and our community members to come out and meet with local leaders. We have the mayor here today, we have Dr. Perry, CMUs economist here today, and other local leaders. To help people understand how organizations running in our community work and give them an opportunity to ask important questions that have been weighing heavy on them directly with those industry leaders.

If you would like to attend a future Your Community Over Coffee event, click here to be redirected to the Palisade Chamber of Commerce website where you can register.

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WEST PALM BEACH  Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said he believes deputies prevented a mass shooting by arresting an Acreage man who stockpiled weapons, impersonated law enforcement and posted online about attacks he planned to carry out.

Deputies arrested Damien Allen, 22, on April 29. Cpt. Randy Foley said PBSO had been investigating Allen's online activity for about a month when it received a tip from the FBI that prompted the agency's immediate action. Foley did not specify what the tip entailed.

According to investigators, Allen had amassed an arsenal of 18 firearms, more than 12,000 rounds of ammunition, ballistic armor, tactical gear and multiple uniforms  among them PBSO deputy outfits, an FBI uniform, Marine Corps blues and an Army Ranger uniform. One uniform bore a Nazi insignia.

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"Theres no doubt in my mind they have stopped a mass shooting that was going to happen," Bradshaw said. "This guy was ready to go. Its just a matter of what day was going to set him off."

Details from the arrest report: Man posing as deputy fantasized about attacks with teen who killed 2 at school, PBSO says

Online threats, police costume and 18 firearms led to arrest of Palm Beach County man

In Allen's home in The Acreage, where he lived with his family, deputies also found self-made FBI IDs and military training certificates, along with authentic PBSO gear: gun belts, badges, a name tag that said "ALLEN."

Foley said investigators are reviewing bank records, shipping data and online purchase histories in hopes of tracing the uniforms' origins.

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"Theres nothing that you can buy now thats not tracked in some way, and we will track it down," Foley said.

Foley said Allen was communicating with others across the country about guerrilla warfare tactics, ambushes and racially and ethnically motivated acts of violence. One conversation with Natalie Rupnow, a 15-year-old who killed two people at her private school in Wisconsin, contained threats against a church and law-enforcement buildings, Foley said.

Though Allen had not specified a date for an attack, Foley said Allen had prepared for violence and was simply "waiting for the proper trigger."

"Common sense will tell you that no one amasses all this and talks about mass shootings as a hobby," Bradshaw said. "Theres no doubt in my mind what he was going to do. The only question was when."

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Deputies arrested Allen on charges of written threats to kill, unlawful use of a two-way communication device and impersonating an officer  two felonies and a misdemeanor for which he could be sentenced up to 21 years in prison.

Foley said Allen "was very talkative and did not request a lawyer" upon his arrest. He remains in the Palm Beach County Jail and is represented by the Public Defender's Office, which, as a policy, does not comment on open cases.

In addition to the criminal charges, PBSO asked a judge to temporarily remove Allen's firearms under Florida's Risk Protection Order Act. The statute  sometimes referred to as a red flag law  lets authorities stop a person from accessing firearms if they're deemed a threat to themselves or others.

In their petition, deputies said Allen "is seriously mentally ill or has recurring mental health issues" and posed a "significant risk of injury" in the near future. Hafele scheduled a May 15 hearing on the risk-protection order.

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Hannah Phillips is a journalist covering public safety and criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: PBSO: No doubt Florida man was planning a mass shooting massacre
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  A Panama City man is in trouble with wildlife authorities for allegedly having something he shouldnt have had.

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officers recently arrested 42-year-old Joshua Ryan Scarborough for illegal possession of alligators.

On March 25, paramedics responded to a medical call at Scarboroughs home. While inside, they noticed two small alligators in an aquarium in the dining room.

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Gulf World bankruptcy trial sidetracked by armed stand off in Cancun

They notified wildlife officials. When FWC later searched the home, officers said they found two alligators, about 18 inches long.

Scarborough reportedly told them a friend from Wewahitchka caught them and gave them to him.

Scarborough was arrested, and the gators were turned over to a licensed facility

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SYDNEY, April 30 (Xinhua) -- A man has been charged after a pedestrian was killed in a crash in Sydney's southern suburbs, police in Australia's state of New South Wales (NSW) said on Wednesday.

Emergency services were called to reports of the crash in Blakehurst, about 16 km south of central Sydney, shortly before 7 p.m. local time on Tuesday and found a 60-year-old woman had been hit by a car.

She was treated by ambulance paramedics but died at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle, a 28-year-old man, was uninjured but was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Following release from hospital, the 28-year-old was arrested and taken to a police station where he was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death and negligent driving occasioning death.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment for the first charge and 18 months' imprisonment for the second.

NSW Police said the crash unit has commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the crash and that a report on the woman's death will be prepared for the state coroner. 
BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 China Youth May Fourth Medal was awarded on Wednesday, with sci-tech professionals emerging as a prominent group among the winners.

Of the 30 recipients who won the country's top honor for outstanding young people, about a dozen of scientists and engineers -- ranging from astronauts to founders of robotics startups -- caught the eye.

Such a high proportion highlights the crucial role of young generations in driving China's innovation.

Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao, two astronauts of the Shenzhou-16 mission, during which they lived in orbit for 154 days, were awarded the country's top honor for outstanding young people. Zhu served the mission as a space engineer, and Gui as a payload expert.

The selection of Wang Xingxing and Leng Xiaokun, the respective founders of Hangzhou-based Unitree Technology and Shenzhen-based Leju Robotics, has highlighted the rapid growth of the country's humanoid robotics industry over the last year.

Researchers specializing in advanced semiconductor technology, frontier physics and international soil conservation collaboration were also recognized.

A further 30 teams who received collective honors included the engineers behind the Chang'e-6 lunar mission, the developers of China's reusable experimental spacecraft, specialists in maritime rocket launch and recovery systems, innovators in precision machine tool design, and the digital designers of 2024's breakout "Black Myth: Wukong" video game.

China Youth May Fourth Medals have been awarded since 1997. The medals, presented by the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League and the All-China Youth Federation, are the highest honor awarded to youths from all walks of life and all corners of the country. 
JESSAMINE COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  Brittany Robinson was one of several parents Monday who lived a nightmare, hearing reports of an active shooter on the grounds at East Jessamine Middle School.

My understanding is that it was a vape that was mistaken for a potential firearm by a student. The student alerted his father, who then contacted our central dispatch, and that became the dispatch call of an active shooter within the school, Nicholasville Assistant Police Chief Matt Marshall said Monday.

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Even though it was a false alarm, the scare has Robinson and many other parents calling for action.

A petition asking for metal detectors quickly got nearly 250 signatures just hours after Mondays scare.

And what some children may be exposed to and bring into the school, you know, we just want our children to be as safe and feel as safe as possible, Robinson said.

Robinson points to a situation last week where metal detectors helped prevent a gun from entering Bryan Station High School in Lexington.

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She said she believes law enforcement officers do their jobs well, but another layer of caution is needed.

Were a little bit of a smaller town, so our police station is kind of centered right in the middle of town, so its easy for them to get to us. Overall, I think they do a great job, but again, I think if we just had that first initial step to stop it before there was any problems, it would make everyone feel better, Robinson said.

In a statement, Jessamine County Schools Superintendent Sara Crum told FOX 56:

Safety and security have always been, and continue to be, a top priority for our district. We are working proactively with local law enforcement partners to review all precautionary safety protocols and ensure we are implementing the most current best practice recommendations for school safety.

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The well-being of our students and staff is at the heart of every decision we make, and we remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment across all of our campuses.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  The Philippines signed a military pact with New Zealand Wednesday, allowing their forces to hold joint exercises as Manila continues to build security alliances as it faces an increasingly aggressive China in the disputed South China Sea.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the ceremony in Manila, where Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr and and his New Zealand counterpart, Judith Collins, inked the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement.

The treaty sets the legal framework to allow military engagements of both countries, including joint drills in each others territory and other cooperative activities. It has been approved by New Zealand officials, but still needs to be ratified by the Philippine Senate for it to take effect.

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China has frowned on the security alliances being pursued by the Philippines, one of the staunchest allies of the United States in Asia, under Marcos.

When the Philippines signed a similar agreement with Japan in July, Chinas Foreign Ministry said the region did not need military blocs, let alone small groupings that instigate bloc confrontations or a new Cold War."

Philippine officials said then that China has no business meddling with their domestic affairs.

"These partnerships have become very important in the face of all that is happening, Marcos said during Wednesday's ceremony.

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Ahead of the signing, Collins said in a statement that we are committed to reinvigorating our security relationships, to playing our part and working with regional partners such as the Philippines to uphold the international rules-based order."

Teodoro told The Associated Press in an interview last month that the Philippines would continue to build security alliances with other friendly countries to deter Chinas aggression.

Chinas hostile actions, Teodoro said, should be regarded as a global threat because they could eventually restrict movement in the South China Sea, a key global trade route crucial for global supply chains.

China claims virtually the entire South China Sea and has deployed coast guard and navy fleets and suspected militia ships to guard what it says is its territory and airspace. It has used water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers against Philippine coast guard and fisheries vessels in the disputed waters, causing collisions and injuries on a number of occasions.

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Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also lay claims that clash with Chinas, but territorial confrontations have particularly flared between Beijing and Manila in the last two years.

The Philippines has visiting forces agreements with the U.S. and Australia, which has been participating in large-scale combat exercises between American and Filipino forces that include live-fire exercises in or near the South China Sea and in northern Philippine islands just a sea border away from southern Taiwan.

The agreement signed with Japan has been ratified by the Philippine Senate and is expected to be approved by the Japanese legislature in the next few months. Canada and the Philippines have also concluded talks for such a pact, which is expected to be signed very soon," Teodoro said in a news conference with Collins.

French and Philippine officials have been separately holding initial talks also for a visiting forces agreement ahead of formal negotiations.
MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines and New Zealand strengthened defence ties with the signing of a landmark troop pact on Wednesday, opening the way for expanded military cooperation amid shared security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, signed in Manila by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and NZ Defence Minister Judith Collins, allows the two nations to deploy troops on each other's soil, making it easier for their militaries to work together.

New Zealand took part in joint maritime exercises with the Philippines, United States, Australia, and Japan for the first time last year in the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing have repeatedly sparred over disputed areas.

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Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, a vital trade artery, despite overlapping maritime claims by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, angering its neighbours.

The signing of the SOVFA follows New Zealand's unveiling of a plan to boost defence spending by NZ$9 billion ($5 billion) over the next four years, and an aim to nearly double spending to 2% of GDP in the next eight years.

A review of New Zealand's security capabilities in 2023 called for more military spending and stronger ties with Indo-Pacific nations to tackle issues of climate change and strategic competition between the West, and China and Russia.

The Philippines and New Zealand will also elevate their diplomatic ties to a "comprehensive partnership" in 2026, reflecting their shared interests in maritime security, disaster response, and regional stability.

(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by John Mair)
BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- China's top internet regulator has issued a circular announcing the launch of a three-month nationwide campaign to crack down on the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

According to the circular issued by the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission and made public on Wednesday, the campaign will be carried out in two phases.

The first phase will focus on strengthening the management of relevant sources, including removing unauthorized AI applications, enhancing the regulation of AI-generated content and related technologies, and encouraging online platforms to improve their ability to identify and verify violations.

The second phase will target specific issues such as the use of AI to create and disseminate rumors, misinformation, obscene content, impersonation, and instances of "internet trolling."

This phase will also focus on removing illegal and harmful content, while penalizing violations committed by relevant accounts, multi-channel network (MCN) organizations and online platforms, according to the circular. 
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ)  Trading Luis Ortiz for Spencer Horwitz was one of the biggest moves the Pittsburgh Pirates made this offseason. However, Horwitz has yet to play for the Pirates this season due to a surgery that he had on his right wrist back in February to treat chronic symptoms.

Nobody wants to get hurt, the offseason trade acquisition from Cleveland said. This isnt how I envisioned my tenure with the Pirates starting.

After months of recovery, Horwitz is finally inching closer to suiting up for the Pirates. On Sunday, he started a rehab stint for the Altoona Curve.

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It feels really good to be back on the field, Horwitz said after playing for the Curve on Tuesday. I didnt expect to be in Altoona (on April 29). I wish I was in Pittsburgh. I wish I was healthy the whole time, but this is the hand I was dealt, and Im just trying to make the most of it.

Spencer Horwitz bats for the Altoona Curve (WTAJ)

Overall, Horwitzs recovery process has been great.

His rehab stint will essentially serve as his spring training, where he typically got 30 to 40 at bats under his belt. Horwitz says that getting quality at bats in the minor leagues will help him get more comfortable before playing for Pittsburgh.

We have what I think is 20 days on a rehab stint, Horwitz said. (My timeline) is kind of day by day right now, week by week, and see how (my recovery) goes.

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In two games for Altoona, Horwitz is 1-for-4 at the plate with two walks. Last season for Toronto, he had a .265 batting average, .357 on base percentage and 12 home runs in 97 games.

Since he hasnt played in Pittsburgh yet, he gave fans a scouting report of what to expect from him once he joins the big-league club.

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The Pirates are getting a hardworking blue collar first baseman, second baseman (and) an outfielder can move around and kind of bring energy and work my butt off to help this team make the playoffs, Horwitz said.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A flight departing from the El Paso International Airport returned to the gate on Wednesday morning, April 30, after the battery of a passengers cell phone ignited, Southwest Airlines said in a statement.

The airline said flight 2112 returned to the gate at the El Paso International Airport after the incident, and crews quickly extinguished the fire. Other passengers were able to get off safely at the gate.

The flight was departing from El Paso to Houston, according to the airline.

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Southwest is working with the appropriate federal and local investigative agencies. We accommodated our customers to Houston on another aircraft. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees, read the airlines statement.

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DES MOINES, Iowa  The former head of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce is scheduled to be back in court Wednesday for a plea hearing.

Melisa Cox, 47, in court on April 3rd, 2025.

Melisa Cox, 47, is accused of stealing more than $250,000 over the three years she led the organization. In January, she was charged with 14 counts related to the alleged theft.

Ankeny American Legion looking to stand out with new, patriotic mural

The trial information filed in February showed she was facing eight counts: three counts of first-degree theft, three counts of unauthorized use of credit card, and one count each of money laundering and second-degree fraudulent practice.

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Online court records show the deal offered by the Polk County Attorneys Office is for Cox to plead guilty to one count each of first-degree theft, unauthorized use of credit card, money laundering, and second-degree fraudulent practice. Cox is expected to accept the plea deal at Wednesdays hearing.

Cox faces a sentence of up to 35 years in prison. If Cox does not accept the plea deal, her trial is scheduled to begin on May 5th.

Metro news

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Smoke plumes from the Plum Creek Fire in north-central Nebraska's Brown County in the immediate aftermath of the firefight that began April 21, 2025. (Courtesy of Ann Moylan Fiala, Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department)

LINCOLN  The Plum Creek Fire in north-central Nebraska is now 100% contained as of Wednesday morning, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency confirmed.

The week-long firefight began near Johnstown in Brown County after a prescribed burn escaped containment on April 21, which a private landowner had led in coordination with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, local fire departments and other partners.

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Last week, Gov. Jim Pillen initiated a statewide burn ban through the end of April. On Tuesday, he narrowed the ban to and extended it for central and western Nebraska through midnight on May 10. He also prohibited permitted burns in eastern Nebraska if there is an active red flag warning from the National Weather Service.

Excutive Order Burn Permit Suspension Map (1)

More than 7,000 acres were burned in the Plum Creek area that includes canyons, hills and water on the northern edge, which state officials said had complicated the disaster response.

Over 50 different local fire departments, many volunteer-based, responded to the fire, as did the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, NEMA, State Fire Marshals Office, Nebraska National Guard, Nebraska State Patrol, Game and Parks and Nebraska Forest Service.

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More than 45 cattle were killed, and the fire destroyed one cabin (a secondary residence) and at least eight utility poles.

The fire and continued burn ban came amid severe drought conditions for much of the state.

Its way too dry, and it doesnt make any sense, Pillen told reporters last Wednesday. It only takes one burn, one mistake, and the one that took place  really, really made no sense.

He continued: We need Mother Nature to get on our side, and we need to get drenched. We need a tsunami. So if Nebraskans want to pray for a tsunami, I think wed take that, right, or a drenching rain.

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Two people accused of kidnapping a North Carolina mother and her baby are expected to face a judge Wednesday afternoon.

Police in Garner say a woman and man are both facing kidnapping charges, and a third person is still on the run.

It all started late Monday night when three people broke into a home and demanded $1 million from the victims husband at gunpoint, police said.

RELATED: Woman, child found safe after reported kidnapping in North Carolina

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Police said the man refused to pay, and the suspects then took his wife and their baby.

The victims were found safe hours later in Wake Forest. Police said the mother somehow got away from the suspects and went to a home asking for help.

WRAL reported that 25-year-old Paola Duran Duran and 23-year-old Miguel Angel Duran Duran are charged with two counts of first-degree kidnapping and one count of second-degree kidnapping.

Police are looking for another man who is believed to be involved in the alleged kidnapping, but he hasnt been publicly identified.

(VIDEO: Kidnapping suspect to remain behind bars amid bond battle)
JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI)  The investigation continues into an officer-involved shooting that happened outside of a Johnston gas station over the weekend.

Officers were called to the Shell at the intersection of Hartford and Atwood avenues late Saturday night after a caller claimed a man and woman were arguing in the parking lot.

The officers pulled up and immediately spotted the man, later identified as Damian Peterson, sitting alone in the drivers seat of his parked vehicle. The woman was sitting in the drivers seat of her vehicle, which was parked next to Petersons car.

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The officers conducted background checks on Peterson and the woman, which revealed he had a warrant out for his arrest, according to a criminal complaint obtained by 12 News.

Peterson also appeared to be nervous and looking around for a potential place to go while speaking with them, the criminal complaint continued.

It wasnt until one of the officers positioned his cruiser in front of both cars that Peterson started backing up in an attempt to escape. He then accelerated without warning toward an officer who had just stepped out of his cruiser.

Surveillance footage from the gas station revealed the officer had unholstered his service weapon while attempting to jump out of the way of Petersons vehicle, according to the criminal complaint. Peterson wound up slamming into both of the officers legs, which knocked him to the ground and prompted him to open fire.

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The officer fired four shots at Peterson in an attempt to stop him from speeding off. The criminal complaint noted that the officer shot him once in the stomach, causing him to lose control of the vehicle, speed across Hartford Avenue and crash into a pylon in front of a nearby Thai restaurant.

RELATED: Suspect in officer-involved shooting held as bail violator

Peterson was eventually brought to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment and is expected to survive.

The officer was also brought to the hospital as a precaution, where he was treated for minor injuries and released, according to police.

The Johnston Police Department is investigating the shooting alongside the Rhode Island Attorney Generals Office and State Police, as is required by state law, since the officer fired his service weapon.

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Police said the officer, whos a 15-year veteran of the force, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of that investigation.

Officers pulled Damian Peterson over in Cranston for a traffic violation. (Courtesy: Cranston Police Department)

Peterson, who remains hospitalized, has been charged with assault and battery, assaulting an officer, reckless driving, obstructing an officer, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Court records indicate that Peterson is being held without bail for violating the terms of his release in a separate drug investigation out of Cranston earlier this month.

Body-worn camera footage showed Peterson attempting to make a run for it as he was being taken into custody on Reservoir Avenue following a traffic stop.

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The officers, who pulled Peterson over after watching him illegally pass another driver, wound up searching his vehicle upon learning he had a warrant out for his arrest. That search uncovered fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Peterson has a lengthy criminal history dating back at least 10 years that includes drug possession, larceny, breaking and entering, robbery, passing counterfeit checks and making obscene crank calls.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A Nashville jewelry store staff stopped a robber before they were about to close up shop. However, they told News 2 that it wasnt the first time theyd been targeted.

On Friday, 38-year-old Joshua Calvo allegedly walked into Peacock Jewelers in South Nashville and told the owners he wanted to sell them a piece of jewelry. Staff told News 2 he had asked them to start a custom-designed piece as a distraction.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

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They said he came into and out of the store multiple times, and waited until they were about to lock up for the night before pulling out a gun.

When he tried to pull the gun on us, one of the security guards that he didnt realize was here went to the front door  preventing him from leaving  and there was another security guard in the back that he didnt realize was there, store co-owner Joey Nunley said.

Calvo was allegedly stealing watch straps, the owners told News 2, and he had also slipped a $31,000 one-of-a-kind pendant into his sleeve. Staff members told him to put the gun down; when Calvo turned, a security guard tackled him to the ground and subdued him until he could be arrested by an officer with the Metro Nashville Police Department.

Had we not had the security here that night, I dont think we would have made it, Nunley said. I think he would have either killed us or worse  put us in a situation where we were locked up in the safe or something where we couldnt breathe.

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Court records obtained by News 2 showed that Calvo had been arrested for felony burglary in 2014, 2015 and 2017. Calvo has also been repeatedly arrested for theft.

Its also the second time the 21st Avenue business has been targeted by thieves. In 2021, robbers stole $25,000 in jewelry. That loss wasnt recovered. However this time, they were able to get the pendant back.

The owners told News 2 theyre working to increase their security measures by installing more panic buttons throughout the store.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Im just thankful that no one was hurt and that this individual is now in the hands of the police and it hopefully stays that way for a long time, Paul Wilson, a co-owner at Peacock Jewelers said.

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Calvo has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and theft in connection with this case. The co-owners also told News 2 that they had written the District Attorneys Office and asked for Calvo to be charged to the fullest extent of the law.

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The deaths of three children and an adult teenager when a vehicle veered off an Illinois roadway and into an after-school camp were most likely not the result of a targeted attack, police said Tuesday.

Illinois State Police investigating the tragedy in the village of Chatham said the driver was not in custody as detectives await the results of toxicology tests.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but this does not appear to be a targeted attack, state police said in a statement Tuesday.

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The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as Marianne Akers, 44, of Chatham, who was hospitalized "for evaluation" but otherwise uninjured, the state police statement said. It wasn't clear whether she has been released.

Brandy Fletcher leaves flowers Tuesday at the scene of the after-school camp incident, in Chatham, Ill.

Akers was a food services employee who last worked at the Ball-Chatham School District in November 2022, the district said.

The victims were identified as Rylee Britton, 18; Ainsley Johnson, 8; Alma Buhnerkempe, 7; and Kathryn Corley, 7, all pronounced dead at the scene, Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon said in a statement Tuesday.

Ball-Chatham schools said all four were district students.

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"In times like these it is important that we lean on one another for strength and support," the district said in a statement.

Six other children were injured and hospitalized, one in critical condition, state police said.

A Hospital Sisters Health System spokesperson indicated that all six were taken to St. John's Hospital before one was treated and released and that the five others were transferred to St. John's Children's Hospital, a pediatric trauma center.

Jamie Loftus, founder of YNOT Outdoors Summer Camp & After School, said in a statement Tuesday that the collision was an "unforetold tragedy."

Damage is visible Tuesday at the scene of the accident.

Loftus said the camp's security video captured the crash: A large, speeding SUV struck the YNOT buildings east wall around 3:20 p.m. and exited to the west before it came to a stop against a utility pole.

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"It travelled through a 78-acre farm field, arcing into a path that security cameras observed, showed it heading to our building at a high rate of speed," Loftus said. "With no apparent attempt to alter its direction, the vehicle crossed North Breckenridge and the sidewalk, continuing into our parking lot and into the East wall of our building."

Jamie and Mitzi Loftus, residents of nearby Springfield, founded the camp in 2002 to help keep children active and stimulate their minds during the summer, according to its website.

Saying families of the victims "are hurting very, very badly," Jamie Loftus asked people to keep them in mind but "give them space and respect."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
BOGOTA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- A Colombian Navy helicopter crashed during a supply mission in northern Colombia, killing one soldier onboard, the navy said Tuesday.

The Bell 412EP helicopter plunged into a body of water shortly after takeoff near the town of Malagana. Three other crew members were rescued and are receiving medical treatment, it added.

Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez said an inspection team has been established to investigate the crash, with support from the Colombian Aerospace Force. 
This photo taken on March 17, 2025 shows coral spawning at Koh Rong Archipelago in Preah Sihanouk province, Cambodia. A conservationist group has sighted coral spawning for the second time at Koh Rong Archipelago in southwest Cambodia's Preah Sihanouk province, said a joint press release on Wednesday. (Sorn Srenh/Fauna & Flora/Handout via Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, April 30 (Xinhua) -- A conservationist group has sighted coral spawning for the second time at Koh Rong Archipelago in southwest Cambodia's Preah Sihanouk province, said a joint press release on Wednesday.

Fauna & Flora-Cambodia Program, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, has successfully conducted a mass coral spawning survey at Koh Rong Archipelago between February and March 2025 during the predicted spawning season.

"This marks the second year of our team's research into coral spawning in Cambodian waters, following initial discoveries in 2024 and again in 2025," the press release said.

"The identification of coral spawning in 2025 underscores the success of collaborative conservation efforts by ministries, institutions, authorities, and relevant organizations," it added.

The team has been closely monitoring the health and conditions of coral reefs in Cambodia's coastal waters to gather and record data on coral reproduction.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina said the coral spawning witnessed in Cambodia's waters for two consecutive years is a powerful symbol of hope, and a reflection of the thriving natural conditions that sustain coral life, health, and regeneration.

This extraordinary event is not merely a natural wonder; it is the living proof of the royal government of Cambodia's steadfast dedication to safeguarding our marine ecosystems for generations to come, he said.

Eang Sophalleth, minister of environment, said the coral spawning was a good sign that the status of the marine environment in Cambodia is improving and healthy.

"This improvement is due to strengthened conservation and monitoring actions that affect the marine environment," he said. "Coral conservation and reproduction are important in protecting the marine environment, as corals play an important role in safeguarding marine ecosystems and habitats, increasing economic value through tourism, and supporting sustainable fishing."

Jun Cheng, senior program manager for Coastal & Marine Conservation Program of Fauna & Flora-Cambodia Program, said she was incredibly excited to witness coral spawning at Koh Rong for the second time.

This event underscores the importance of the collaborative conservation work and the need to continue protecting these vital ecosystems, she said. 

This photo taken on March 17, 2025 shows coral spawning at Koh Rong Archipelago in Preah Sihanouk province, Cambodia. A conservationist group has sighted coral spawning for the second time at Koh Rong Archipelago in southwest Cambodia's Preah Sihanouk province, said a joint press release on Wednesday. (Sophie Owsianka/Fauna & Flora/Handout via Xinhua)

This photo taken on March 18, 2025 shows coral spawning at Koh Rong Archipelago in Preah Sihanouk province, Cambodia. A conservationist group has sighted coral spawning for the second time at Koh Rong Archipelago in southwest Cambodia's Preah Sihanouk province, said a joint press release on Wednesday. (Sophie Owsianka/Fauna & Flora/Handout via Xinhua)

This photo taken on March 18, 2025 shows coral spawning at Koh Rong Archipelago in Preah Sihanouk province, Cambodia. A conservationist group has sighted coral spawning for the second time at Koh Rong Archipelago in southwest Cambodia's Preah Sihanouk province, said a joint press release on Wednesday. (Sorn Srenh/Fauna & Flora/Handout via Xinhua)
The International Union of Police Associations filed to stop representing Broward Sheriffs Office lieutenants last week, days after the lieutenants union president asked to see its financial records, according to a letter to union members from Matt Cowart, the lieutenants union president.

IUPAs attorney said that she was on vacation when Cowart asked to inspect the records. She was also on vacation when she filed the petition to drop the union.

IUPA, headquartered in Sarasota, represents law enforcement officers throughout North America, and has served as the certified bargaining agent for Broward deputies and sergeants for several years before lieutenants voted to have it represent them in January. All unions are required to allow their members to review financial records according to Florida statute, which states that any member of a labor organization shall be entitled at all reasonable times to inspect the books, records and accounts of such labor organization. Not doing so is a second-degree misdemeanor.

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But Broward Sheriffs Lt. Cowart said IUPA did not provide those records to him when he requested them on April 18, according to a letter he penned to union members and the Florida Department Law Enforcement. Then, on April 21, the union, through its attorney, Maria Kazouris, filed the petition to drop the lieutenants entirely.

Kazouris told the South Florida Sun Sentinel in an email that Cowart sent me a demand for copies of business records contrary to Florida Statutes which merely entitles union members the right to inspect certain union records during reasonable times (not during a week while Im on vacation). Immediately upon sending the stated email, Cowart received a copy of my automatic out-of-office email which informed him that I would not return to the office until Monday April 28, 2025.

However, Kazouris was still on vacation when she filed the petition to drop the union on April 21. She did not respond to questions from the South Florida Sun Sentinel about why she filed the petition in the first place.

By the time she returned to the office, Kazouris wrote, Cowart had resigned from the union, rendering him ineligible to inspect I.U.P.A. records.

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Cowart declined to comment when reached by the Sun Sentinel beyond what he wrote in his letters.

An ongoing feud

The split between the national and local union is the culmination of an ongoing feud that traces back to the Tamarac triple murder in February, where a man is accused of killing his estranged wife, her father and a neighbor despite the womans efforts to protect herself.

The conflict with the lieutenants began when Cowart sent a letter to the Broward Sheriffs Office about the importance of due process following Sheriff Gregory Tonys February news conference announcing the suspensions of seven deputies, in which he said there will be people that will lose their job over this and that he would make sure they dont win a damn arbitration.

After Cowart sent the Tamarac letter, he wrote that the union attorney retaliated against him, according to the more recent letter.

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The lieutenants union board voted to terminate the attorney. IUPA initially refused to provide a replacement attorney, Cowarts letter states, then agreed when they were reminded that they had promised the lieutenants union an attorney. However, after hiring the new attorney, Cowart wrote they did not pay the attorney the full amount he was owed, basing his pay on 21 members rather than 40. When Cowart confronted Kazouris about this, he said in the April 21 letter that she attempted to blame BSO.

As a result of I.U.P.A. headquarters General Counsel Kazouriss concerning comments about 44% of member dues being unaccounted for and her apparent unwillingness to make General Counsel Gary Celetti whole, I advised her that I am requesting to inspect numerous financial records, Cowart wrote.

Three days later, Kazouris filed the petition to drop the lieutenants. In a scathing second letter on April 25, Cowart informed IUPA President Sam Cabral that the entire executive board of the lieutenants union had resigned.

IUPA has abandoned this union, sabotaged our ability to have contract negotiations due to the decertification process, refused to have financial transparency, refused to communicate with the Executive Board, refused to pay our General Counsel appropriately, and is now bad mouthing me to my employer, he wrote.

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The lieutenants union was supposed to have a negotiation session with BSO on Tuesday, Cowart wrote, but IUPAs petition to abandon them halted any contract negotiations.

Kazouris added in an emailed statement to the Sun Sentinel that IUPA acknowledges its fiduciary responsibilities and is audited every year by a registered CPA firm to assure all members and directors of our compliance with policy, law, and accounting principles. The accounting firm stated there were no difficulties in performing and completing the audit. No discrepancies were found. Having said that, we have never refused to comply with any law.

Past issues, corruption

Tensions were also high in recent months between the BSO deputies and sergeants union and IUPA, according to Greg LaCerra, former vice president of the deputies and sergeants union. When the unions secretary asked headquarters for a breakdown of where union dues were being spent, IUPA was furious, he said, and he never got them. Kazouris did not respond to questions about that incident.

In January, LaCerra said IUPA suddenly removed him from his position as vice president after a separate dispute in which he had demanded a meeting several times and did not hear back. He retired from the Sheriffs Office in March.

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Why did they do that? LaCerra told the South Florida Sun Sentinel, referring to the unions petition to drop BSOs lieutenants. Why did they cut off communication with me? I was a cop for 24 years, I was pretty good about smelling things out, and something doesnt smell right here.

IUPA has previously come under scrutiny over its finances. A 2019 joint investigation between the Center for Public Integrity and the Tampa Bay Times found that only a sliver of donations to its Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund, advertised as helping families of slain police officers, actually went to the families at all; most went to telemarketers paid to solicit more donations. IUPA also has an F rating from the Better Business Bureau due to failing to respond to 97 complaints filed against it, down from a D-minus in 2019.

Cabral, the union president, is paid a salary of close to $300,000.

Past corruption uncovered

One reason both LaCerra and Cowart are now concerned about IUPAs lack of transparency is because they say they had previously discovered suspicious financial activity involving the local chapter for the deputies and sergeants union.

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In 2023, the Broward Sheriffs Office investigated two retired deputies, Jeff Bell and Frank Voudy III, and a retired sergeant, Jason Zehler, over allegations that they had been using union funds to pay themselves bonuses and buy other personal items. Bell was suspected of using union money to purchase a $2,500 security system for his Palm Beach County home, according to a 2024 Broward State Attorney Office closeout memo.

Prosecutors declined to file charges, saying they did not think they could secure a conviction in part due to IUPAs constitution, which allows the unions executive boards to set the policies for all types of direct and indirect compensation paid to any person by the IUPA.

There is no question that Bell, Voudy, and Zehler engaged in conduct that offends the concepts of basic morality and criminality, prosecutors concluded. The flagrant misconduct and misappropriation of funds is a shameful example of blatant abuse of position and breach of trust by Bell, Voudy, and Zehler. Unfortunately, neither the IUPA International chapter nor the IUPA Local 6020 had the foresight to draft constitutions in such a way that would hold unit members criminally responsible for their actions in circumstances such as these.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement did not respond to questions Tuesday about whether it is investigating IUPA.
Police in Hingham are warning about drowsy driving after a teen reportedly fell asleep at the wheel before a serious crash over the weekend.

The 19-year-old driver fell asleep while driving along Sharp Street in Hingham around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, police said Wednesday.

The teen, who was driving home from a church event, crossed into the oncoming lane and crashed into a pole, police told Boston 25.

The teen got out of the car by himself. He suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police said. No one else was involved in the early morning crash.

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Police said the driver was wearing his seat belt and air bags deployed upon impact.

Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as impairment from alcohol/drugs, police said in a social media post on Wednesday along with a photograph of the heavily-damaged vehicle involved in the crash.

In 2023, the nation saw 633 deaths from crashes involving drowsy driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In a 24/7 society, with an emphasis on work, longer commutes, and exponential advancement of technology, many people do not get the sleep they need, the NHTSA states on its website. Effectively dealing with the drowsy-driving problem requires fundamental changes to societal norms and especially attitudes about drowsy driving.

Drowsy-driving crashes occur most frequently between midnight and 6 a.m., or in the late afternoon, the NHTSA states. At both times of the day, people experience dips in their circadian rhythmthe human bodys internal clock that regulates sleep.

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These crashes often involve only a single driver, with no passengers, running off the road at a high rate of speed with no evidence of braking. The crashes frequently occur on rural roads and highways.

The NHTSA offers the following tips to avoid driving drowsy:

Getting adequate sleep on a daily basis is the only true way to protect yourself against the risks of driving when youre drowsy. Experts urge consumers to make it a priority to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Before the start of a long family car trip, get a good nights sleep, or you could put your entire family and others at risk. Many teens do not get enough sleep at a stage in life when their biological need for sleep increases, which makes them vulnerable to the risk of drowsy-driving crashes, especially on longer trips. Advise your teens to delay driving until theyre well-rested. Avoid drinking any alcohol before driving. Consumption of alcohol interacts with sleepiness to increase drowsiness and impairment. Always check your prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to see if drowsiness could result from their use. If you take medications that could cause drowsiness as a side effect, use public transportation when possible. If you drive, avoid driving during the peak sleepiness periods (midnight  6 a.m. and late afternoon). If you must drive during the peak sleepiness periods, stay vigilant for signs of drowsiness, such as crossing over roadway lines or hitting a rumble strip, especially if youre driving alone.

The teen involved in Sundays crash was cited for operating to endanger and speeding, police said.

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HELSINKI, April 30 (Xinhua) -- A suspect, under the age of 18, has been detained on strong suspicion of involvement in Tuesday evening's deadly shooting in the central Swedish city of Uppsala, which left three individuals dead, regional police announced at a press conference on Wednesday.

The shooting took place inside a hair salon near Vaksala Market in downtown Uppsala and the victims were reported to be between 15 and 20 years old.

Police confirmed that the incident is being investigated as a triple homicide. The attack occurred in a public setting with numerous witnesses, as crowds had gathered in the area ahead of the First of May celebrations.

Swedish media outlets have suggested that the attack may be gang-related. While police acknowledged a potential connection to ongoing gang conflicts.

"We are continuing to search for others who may be connected to the crime," a police spokesperson said. "There are several individuals of interest whom we are actively working with."

Authorities have not commented on whether the victims were specifically targeted. However, they are taking steps to prevent further violence or retaliatory actions in the wake of the shooting.

Swedish Minister for Justice Gunnar Strommer condemned the attack, describing it as "a brutal act of violence."

Uppsala City Director Birgitta Pettersson told media that police described the shooting as "an isolated incident." As a result, the First of May festivities will proceed, though "the joy will be muted."

Police have increased their presence throughout the city, including in outlying districts, to ensure public safety.

Uppsala, about 70 km north of the capital Stockholm, is the fourth largest city in the country. 
RIO DE JANEIRO, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday called on BRICS countries to stand firm on principles and serve as the main force in safeguarding global fairness and justice in the face of hegemonism.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the appeal at a meeting of foreign ministers from the BRICS members and partner countries held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

During the meeting presided over by Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira, foreign ministers and high-level representatives discussed strengthening Global South cooperation and upholding multilateralism.

Wang said that Chinese President Xi Jinping made a special visit Tuesday to the BRICS group's New Development Bank headquarters, sending a strong signal of China's firm support for the bank. China looks forward to the bank and the BRICS family advancing together on the path of modernization.

In the face of hegemonism, BRICS nations must stand firm on principle and serve as the main force in safeguarding fairness and justice, he said.

First, to safeguard the core role of the United Nations. The "greater BRICS" should continue to advocate extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, safeguard the multilateral trading system and build a more just and equitable global governance system, Wang said.

Second, to push for peaceful settlement of disputes. Wang said BRICS countries should advance the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and stay committed to resolving disputes and differences through peaceful means.

China is willing to work with the international community, especially BRICS countries, to build international consensus on a political resolution of the Ukraine crisis, he noted.

BRICS countries support the Gaza recovery and reconstruction plan endorsed by Arab and Islamic countries, and firmly uphold the principle of "The Palestinians governing Palestine," Wang said.

Third, to foster an open and cooperative international environment.

Wang said that BRICS members should keep their doors wide open and extend a welcoming hand to help partner countries integrate deeply into the bloc and participate fully in cooperation.

Foreign ministers present at the meeting agreed that amid heightening geopolitical tensions and rising protectionism, the pressing priority is to uphold multilateralism, adhere to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and safeguard the central role of the United Nations in the international system.

They also expressed concern that the "reciprocal tariffs" will disrupt global supply chains and heighten uncertainty in the international landscape. 
OAK BROOK, Ill.  Pre-trial release has been denied for a Lombard man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase before crashing into a car full of teen girls.

37-year-old Andres Galvez has been charged with two felony counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer and more than a dozen misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses including reckless driving and driving with a revoked license, DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin announced over the weekend.

According to Berlin, Galvezs charges were handed down after he allegedly led officers on a high-speed chase that ended in a crash on Friday night.

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Prosecutors said just after 11:30 p.m. on Friday, Villa Park officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Galvezs car near Route 83 and Riverside Drive for allegedly speeding. But when the officer activated their lights and sirens, Galvez allegedly sped off before running a red light at Riverside Drive and Route 83.

Prosecutors said after fleeing the initial stop Gavelz allegedly continued driving south along Route 83 near Butterfield Road, at times reaching speeds over 100MPH.

Photo provided by DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin shows 37-year-old Andres Galvez has been charged in connection with a chase and crash that allegedly unfolded in DuPage County.

During the pursuit, prosecutors said Galves allegedly drove around a parked Oak Brook squad car before running another red light near Route 83 and 31st Street in Oak Brook, where he then crashed into a car with three teen girls inside.

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Prosecutors said during the crash, the airbags inside the vehicle occupied by the teens deployed, but no serious injuries were reported.

Following the crash, Galvez was taken into custody.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

At the time of his arrest, Galvez was out on a $150,000 bond for possession with intent to deliver cocaine as well as aggravated fleeing and eluding. His bond in that case was set just three days before the state adopted the Pre-Trial Fairness Act, which eliminated cash bail.

The allegations that while out on bond, Mr. Galvez not only sped away from officers, but then crashed his car into an occupied vehicle with enough force to deploy that vehicles airbags, are outrageous, Berlin said. I want to remind motorists that in DuPage County we will not tolerate this type of alleged behavior that puts not only the accused at risk, but also the officers involved as well as the motoring public.

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Galvez is set to return to court on May, 27.

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WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  10 sheriffs from around the country were invited to the White House this week, including Walton Countys very own, Michael Adkinson.

According to a Walton County Sheriffs Office Facebook post, Adkinson and nine other sheriffs met with President Trump and US Attorney General Pam Bondi to discuss mental health and public safety funding.

Walton County Sheriffs said that the meeting was a promise from Trump to begin addressing those issues during his first 100 days in office.

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Panama City transportation impact fees get a second hearing date

At the meeting, Trump signed an executive order that is intended to crack down on local governments that are not complying with federal immigration laws.

Click here for more information about the Executive Order.

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In an interview Tuesday marking the first 100 days of his second term, President Donald Trump zeroed in on a topic that has been among the most controversial actions his administration has taken so far: the mistaken deportation of Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia to a prison in El Salvador.

But in the eyes of the president, the mistake is not looking at the evidence that he says shows Abrego Garcia is a gang member who should not have been in the United States.

The person that youre talkin about, you know, youre makin this person sound  this is a MS-13 gang member, a tough cookie, been in lots of skirmishes, beat the hell out of his wife, and the wife was petrified to even talk about him, okay? This is not an innocent, wonderful gentleman from Maryland, Trump told ABC News correspondent Terry Moran in an interview in the Oval Office.

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Trump said those who contend that Abrego Garcia is not a member of a gang can see the evidence for themselves: On his knuckles, he had MS-13 tattooed.

Trump insists the tattoo is definitive and offers to show Moran a picture of it. In a social media post last week, the president holds a photograph that appears to show Abrego Garcias knuckles tattooed with MS-13. However, in other photographs, including some family pictures, the finger tattoos are not visible or appear to be other designs.

The governments allegations about Abrego Garcias ties to MS-13 hinge on an anonymous tip and information contained in a 2019 police report. Some experts have cast doubt on linking his tattoos to MS-13.
The press regulator has been criticised for ruling that Palestinian prisoners in Israel can be called hostages.

The Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso) said a newspaper headline referring to the release of hundreds of Palestinian hostages by Israel did not breach its accuracy clause because the description of the prisoners, most of whom were Hamas terrorists, was subjective.

This was despite the BBC, which is covered by a different regulator, having to make an on-air correction after it too described Palestinian prisoners as hostages.

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Ipso has already been accused this week of undermining free speech after it reprimanded The Telegraph for quoting statements previously made in Parliament.

Palestinian prisoners freed from the Ofer Israeli military prison were greeted by crowds awaiting their return in Beitoni, West Bank - Alaa Badarneh / EPA-EFE / Shutterstock

In its latest ruling, Ipso looked into a complaint made by Adam Levick, the UK co-editor of the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting.

He said that the description of 369 Palestinian prisoners as hostages, made in a headline in The National, the Scottish newspaper, was a gross misrepresentation.

He said the headline was a breach of the Ipso editors code on accuracy, because it puts on equal moral footing Israeli civilians taken hostage during the Oct 7 attack in 2023 and Palestinian prisoners, most of whom were members of a proscribed terrorist group and were convicted of violent offences.

Ipso ruled that the article was not inaccurate and upheld its earlier decision when Mr Levick appealed against it.

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It said in its response that most of the prisoners being referred to had been held in detention without trial after the Oct 7 attacks, while 36 of them were serving life sentences.

Because of this, Ipso said, it was not significantly inaccurate to refer to the majority of the released prisoners as hostages, adding: This is a highly contentious issue.

It described the term hostage as somewhat subjective.

Mr Levick told The Telegraph: I was truly shocked when I was told of the decision. I thought it was a slam dunk and such an easy call.

I referred in my complaint to the fact that the BBC had been forced to correct its use of the term hostages when it was referring to Palestinian prisoners, and I thought Ipso would adjudicate fairly. Its very dispiriting.

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Journalism, George Orwell reminded us, is publishing something that someone does not want printed. Everything else is PR.

And one thing the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB) very definitely does not want to see printed is the fact that I said in Parliament that it is the British affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Which is why it is so important that The Telegraph did publish my words. And why it is so reprehensible that it has been asked to issue a correction by the independent press regulator Ipso.

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When the Telegraph reported on the MABs affiliation with the Brotherhood, it did so quoting my words in the House of Commons last year as I explained why it was necessary to take steps to deal with extremist organisations opposed to our values.

Whether or not you agreed with my proposals (many good people didnt), The Telegraph was reporting in good faith, utilising the fact that words spoken in the Commons are protected by parliamentary privilege and may be freely repeated outside. To censure a publication for straightforwardly reporting Commons proceedings can only have a chilling effect on free speech.

Which is precisely what the Muslim Association of Britain wants. It doesnt want scrutiny. Groups suspected of extremism rarely do. They seek to present themselves as a peaceable association of co-religionists who simply want to get along and do good works.

But the Muslim Brotherhood is very far from a sort of Islamic Mothers Union. It was founded in Egypt in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna with the explicit aim of re-creating a unified state for all Muslims  the Caliphate  governed by sharia law. Its Palestinian branch, Hamas, is an outright terrorist organisation (BBC please note  militant wont cut it as a description of these guys).

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In most other nations where the Muslim Brotherhood exists, it isnt involved in or agitating for violence  but it does push for the replacement of existing systems of government and the adoption of Islam as a total way of life governing law and politics.

This ideological attachment to sharia for all  Islamism  is not unique to the Muslim Brotherhood. But it is the oldest, and perhaps most influential, group arguing for it worldwide.

Thats why David Cameron asked two of our most distinguished public servants to investigate it  Sir John Jenkins, a former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and the now sadly deceased Charles Farr of MI5.

Their full report is confidential. But a shortened version was published in 2015 by the House of Commons, which makes it clear that the MAB was dominated by the Brotherhood and clearly linked to other Brotherhood-associated groups such as the Cordoba Foundation and the Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe

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Mohamed Abdul Malek, a former director of MAB, told the House of Commons in April 2016 that he had joined the Muslim Brotherhood in the UK in 1983 and was a member of the Libyan Muslim Brotherhood Shura council and the LMB official spokesperson and European representative. One of its founders was a former Hamas chief.

Other jurisdictions  especially in the Arab world  are alive to the subversive nature of Brotherhood activities, which is why countries from the UAE to Jordan to Bahrain and Egypt are taking action against them and their affiliates. But not here.

Islamists in the UK have long exploited libel and other laws to silence critics and evade scrutiny. When, as a Government minister, I argued we must name and expose extremist organisations, there were multiple excuses offered to stymie me.

But the most consistent was always the risk of losing libel actions against these groups, allowing them to secure damages from the taxpayer and thus fund even more extremist activity. I found the idea that we couldnt tell the truth about extremists in our midst because we couldnt trust government lawyers to make a decent case lamentable then, and it remains tragic now.

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But bad as that situation was, I never thought that an organisation named in Parliament as giving rise to concern for its Islamist orientation and views would be able to persuade our press regulator  whose job is to uphold free speech  to demand an apology from a newspaper for accurate reporting. I should have known better.

As editor of The Spectator, I had to publish an apology because one of our writers called a trans activist a man claiming to be a woman. Thanks to the Supreme Court, we are now allowed to assert that fact once more without some lawyer trying to silence us.

But while one extremist ideology, trans fundamentalism, has been countered at last, another  Islamism  appears to be benefiting from our failure as a society to uphold the truth and defend free speech.

It should not be the job of regulators to police speech in this way. Procedures which were designed to help innocent individuals who may have been inadvertent victims of human error in reporting have been hijacked and turned into tools to intimidate, silence and evade proper scrutiny.

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This Government has indicated it will take on the lawyers and regulators who impede economic growth. I applaud that. Now they should face down the lawyers and regulators who are standing in the way of something even more important  free speech.

Michael Gove is editor of The Spectator

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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Tackling the rising cost of health care can certainly put a financial strain on families. The emotional toll can be devastating when unexpected denials from health insurance policies pile up.

In a News 8 special report, two separate families fighting to keep their loved ones alive shared their ongoing battle with health care providers. For them, the experience has sparked a major question: Who decides the price of life?

Hartford Healthcare, University of New Haven, collaborating on approach to mental health

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It comes after United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down in New York City in December last year. The prime suspect, Luigi Mangione, faces serious charges in two states and at the federal level for the fatal shooting and has pleaded not guilty. In the federal case, Luigi could face the death penalty.

The ruthless crime startled the nation and has spotlighted the health care system.

I think we were all surprised at the public reaction, and its something I think that those of us who deal in this world of helping people have recognized that there is a lot of frustration, said Kathy Holt, the State of Connecticut Healthcare Advocate (OHA).

Holt said the Connecticut OHA receives roughly 5,000 consumer calls a year, 40% of which are related to healthcare coverage and things we can resolve before something is denied.

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Ethan Takacs is among those cases. The 19-year-old lives with spinal muscular atrophy, a degenerative condition similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more widely known as ALS.

We were told to take him home, love him a lot, take a lot of pictures, and he most likely would die by the age of 1, maybe 2, his mother, Kelly Greenwood, said.

Takacs has surpassed his life expectancy nearly 20 times over, with his birthday this June. The family says he requires around-the-clock attention and cant walk, talk or breathe on his own. Inside Greenwoods home, Ethan is on a bed with several pieces of equipment around him, including a ventilator, feeding tube and other machines used to clear him of congestion.

His mother tells News 8 her sons condition has declined over the years. In 2022, Takacs had to get a tracheostomy due to respiratory failure.

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Even with all those losses, hes still here, Takacss father, Jason, said. And one of those reasons is because of the women that help us take care of him.

Bernadette Gillot-Lamousnery is a nurse who has provided in-home care to Takacs for nearly 19 years.

I would say I know Ethan more than my own children, she told News 8.

The family says the two have a special bond that has given Takacs the will to live. With Gillot-Lamousnerys long-term support, he has been able to celebrate key milestones, including having friends, graduating from school, and being a die-hard Yankees fan.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have covered Takacss in-home nursing care for the duration of his life and have been funded through his fathers career as a detective for the Fairfield police. The plan included Lamousnerys private duty nursing with AAA Nursing Care. The family tells News 8 that private nursing is critical to Ethans survival as he has very specific and complex medical needs requiring attention 24/7.

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Last March, the family said they were notified about a pay issue with AAA Nursing, with the company saying it was not getting paid its previously negotiated and approved rate. Then, in November, Jason says he was notified that his son no longer qualified for care altogether and that coverage would come to an end in April. A letter the family provided from Anthem deemed the services not medically necessary.

When asked if his son looks stable, Jason said, Hes essentially on life support every day, adding, If he doesnt qualify, who does qualify?

As for Ethans mother, Kelly, she views the denial as for me to hear they want to take them away to me says they want to basically take away his existencethats very hard to hear someone say that about my child.

The company reversed its decision after appealing through the states Office of the Healthcare Advocate.

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Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield sent the following response to News 8 in a statement:

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is committed to providing members with access to safe, effective, and clinically appropriate medical care. Our medical coverage decisions are guided by a rigorous, transparent, and evidence-based process focused solely on clinical merit and member benefits. AAA Nursing is an out-of-network provider for Anthem and our single case agreement with them for Ethans care recently expired. As part of our normal process for reviewing authorizations for care, we determined his condition remained stable and he could transition to a maintenance level of support. After further reviewing Ethans case and recent clinical notes, and recognizing the potential disruption to Ethans care with a change in a different level of support at this time, we reversed our initial decision and approved the continuation of his private duty nursing care through the end of the year. However, the Town of Fairfield recently informed us that it is changing insurance carriers effective July 1, 2025. Due to this change, Anthems approval will extend through the end of June. Effective July 1, 2025, benefits for care received by Ethan on and after that date will be the responsibility of the new insurance carrier.

The Town of Fairfield confirmed to News 8 that it intends to switch health plans July 1, 2025, once again adding to the uncertainty over Takacss in-home nursing care.

Ethans father tells News 8 the estimated out-of-pocket cost for his sons monthly care would be roughly $30,000.

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The battle with healthcare insurance companies is all too familiar to the Schipani family.

Like Ethan, their 36-year-old son, Taylor, lives with a host of severe conditions, including cerebral palsy, seizure disorder and respiratory complications. He also has precise and complex medical needs, requiring suctioning multiple times a day and the use of a feeding tube. His father, Steve, tells News 8 he gets 8-12 cases of pneumonia annually. While Taylor was born with CP, his condition became much worse after a surgery in 2001 went wrong.

He had spinal fusion because he had some curvature, and we were having issues with his eating. He was getting a lot of aspiration pneumonia from it, so we had the spinal fusion. Long story short, it went really badly, Steve Schipani said.

Steve says their provider, Quantum Health, has been trying to terminate his sons coverage since 2023.

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They just want you to give up and go away, Steve Schipani told News 8. They feel like its just not worth trying to keep him alive.

Every six months, when Taylors coverage is about to end, a frustrating notice arrives, alerting them that the family services will not be renewed.

One of the denial letters the family received from Quantum Health provided to News 8 states, The medical plan does not cover room, board, nursing care or personal care, which is rendered to assist a covered person who, in Quantum Healths opinion, has reached the maximum level of physical or mental function and will not make further significant improvement.

Steve says the companys conclusion highlights a frustrating paradox families like his face, where their loved ones can be denied for either being too ill or for making progress due to the care theyve received.

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If the doctor says one visit, oh hes making good progress on his whatever, all of a sudden that is a red flag to them that they can say, hey, were not going to cover you,' he said.

There needs to be a stop on how many times an insurance company can do this, said Taylors mother, Pam. His life is worth something and I wish these people who work in insurance understood that. I wish they came to our house and met him and saw the joy he has, the joy he gives us. If you dont care for him, that wont be here any longer. He wont be here any longer.

News 8 reached out to Quantum Health multiple times for comment but did not get a response. We also reached out to Anthem, as a number of appeal and denial documents provided by the Schipanis show they were sent from the provider. Steve says Quantum has been managing Taylors case, while Anthem is responsible for paying claims.

When asked about the relationship between Quantum and Anthem and the companys involvement with Taylors case, Anthem provided the following response:

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Quantum Health is not affiliated with or part of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. For the State of Connecticut health plan and the State of Connecticut Partnership Plan (municipalities that are covered under the state plan), Quantum Health was contracted by the state to provide customer service, utilization management, and case management services. Anthem is separately contracted by the state in these programs as the benefits administrator to manage the provider network and pay claims. Under these programs, Anthem would pay claims based on Quantum Healths decisions regarding approvals or denials of care.

The Schipanis have filed multiple appeals since Taylor started getting denial notices in 2023. So far, the family has won each time. However, Taylors father says there have been issues getting claims paid from Anthem, so the family filed a complaint with the states Insurance Department Consumer Affairs Division. Steve says the grievance helped resolve the matter.

Based on his experience filing multiple appeals, Steve provided advice for families in similar situations. He says the process involves multiple appeals for each incident.

Most people give up after the first rejection or denial, he said. An even larger percentage give up after the second appeal. You have to get to the third appeal, which is the appeal that leaves the insurance company and goes to an outside reviewer made up of medical personnel, adding this is the most crucial appeal level if families want a chance to succeed because it looks at the medical components of the case.

He also advises against families appealing on their own.

Even a conversation with the provider can be considered an appeal, Steve said. Getting the correct info to the provider is the key to success and sets a precedent for future appeals.

The Connecticut Office of the Healthcare Advocate says that statistically, only about 1% of people appeal their case. Eighty percent of the time, those who appeal win until the next denial notice comes in the mail. The OHA says the appeal process can be long and exhausting.

Some insurers have five levels of review. When you talk about Medicare, you can be denied and denied and denied again, Holt said. The impact of not covering something is much bigger than just the singular individual who has to fight, and when you dont feel well when youre sick, fighting is even more difficult.

Holt is calling for legislative reform on the issue.

They shouldnt have to constantly battle and constantly be denied and have to be re-approved. Once somethings been approved, there should be a precedent to continue that authorization, she told News 8.

Holt says anyone looking for support in appealing coverage denial can contact the Connecticut Office of the Healthcare Advocate at 1-866-466-4446 or click here for more.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
(Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Minnesota has long prided itself on forward-thinking policies and careful stewardship of resources. Yet for over a decade, a little-known law has been quietly increasing your electric bill while stifling innovation in our energy infrastructure.

In 2012, Minnesota passed a Right of First Refusal law for electric transmission lines. While the Vikings stadium deal dominated legislative attention, 216B.246 passed unanimously in both chambers. This law gives incumbent utility companies the exclusive right to build new high-voltage transmission lines that connect to their existing infrastructure.

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The consequences have been profound and costly for Minnesota ratepayers.

Before this law, Minnesota enjoyed electricity rates significantly lower than the national average  about 18% below in 2001 and still 13% lower in 2011.

Then came the ROFR law in 2012, and this advantage began eroding rapidly. By 2013, rates were only 6.5% below the national average. The downward trend continued until 2020, when rates were virtually identical to the national average  a mere 0.2% lower. While there have been slight improvements recently, Minnesota is nowhere near its former competitive advantage.

This isnt just about losing an economic edge  its a failure to meet the states own legal requirements. Minnesota law explicitly mandates that electricity rates should be 5% below the national average. Current rates fail this standard, putting Minnesota in violation of its own energy policy goals.

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The ROFR law effectively creates a monopoly, allowing incumbent utilities to build transmission projects without facing competition from potentially more efficient, innovative or cost-effective providers.

Research consistently shows that competitive bidding on transmission projects reduces costs by 20-30%. In the MISO region (which includes Minnesota), competitively bid projects have yielded overall cost savings of 37% for ratepayers. These arent small numbers considering the multi-billion-dollar scale of transmission infrastructure. For the average Minnesota family, this could mean significant relief on monthly electric bills.

The stated purpose of the ROFR law is often described as protecting consumers and incumbent utilities from out-of-state competition. Instead, it has shielded utilities from any competition, removing incentives to innovate, control costs, or improve efficiency. Under the current law, even if an incumbent utility decides not to build a needed transmission line, alternatives can only be considered after the incumbent formally declines  creating further delays and complications.

The timing for action is critical. Without competitive bidding, massive infrastructure investments will be built at monopoly prices, potentially driving electricity rates even further above the statutory requirement.

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Currently, bills SF434 and HF2553 aim to repeal Minnesotas ROFR law. This repeal represents a crucial opportunity to restore competition, reverse the trend of diminishing rate advantages, and deliver much-needed price relief to Minnesota consumers.

Critics may argue that changing the law will create uncertainty. But courts in other states have already shown the path forward. In Iowa, the Supreme Court characterized their ROFR as crony capitalism in 2023. Similarly, Texas courts ruled that ROFRs are unconstitutional because they violate the dormant Commerce Clause.

Despite these judicial setbacks, the utility industry continues to push for ROFR laws nationwide. Oklahoma has seen ROFR bills proposed every year for the past four years. Wisconsin is battling to prevent similar legislation. And in Iowa, despite court rulings, new bills have been proposed with the same misleading justifications used when Minnesotas law was enacted.

The evidence is clear: Monopoly by statute doesnt work. Competition drives innovation, efficiency, and ultimately, the price relief that Minnesota consumers need.

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For a state that values innovation, fair competition, and consumer interests, Minnesotas ROFR law is an anomaly that must be addressed. Since its enactment, Minnesotans have watched their electricity rate advantage disappear.

Its time for Minnesota to repeal this costly monopoly protection and restore the competitive advantage it once enjoyed. The states energy future  and the relief on your electric bill  depends on it.
The May primary election will see contested races for the Gov. Mifflin School Board on both the Democratic and Republican sides.

Eight candidates are vying for four nominations on the Democratic side. Those same eight  because school board candidates can cross file  will also appear on Republican ballots, joined by a ninth candidate.

School board members serve four-year terms.

We asked the candidates the following questions:

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Question 1: What is the biggest issue your school district is currently facing and how would you address it?

Question 2: Why are you the best choice to serve on the school board?

Incumbents are denoted with an asterisk.

Janemarie McKay*

Janemarie McKay

Party: Democrat/Republican

Occupation: Not provided.

Age: Not provided.

Response 1: The reality is that there is no single issue that exists in isolation  every challenge is connected to others. Whether were talking about academic achievement, student well-being, teacher support or community engagement, these issues intersect and influence one another. That said, one of the biggest opportunities we face is continuing to strengthen the connection between our schools and our community to support student success.

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I believe that by building strong partnerships with families, staff, community members and local businesses we can address challenges collaboratively and ensure every student feels supported, empowered and inspired. As we do this important work, its also essential that we remain fiscally responsible, making thoughtful, strategic decisions that maximize resources, protect taxpayer investment and ensure long-term sustainability. I look forward to working closely with administration and staff to continue uniting our community around a shared vision of educational excellence, accountability and student growth.

Response 2: A strong school district is the foundation of a strong community. With 30 years in public education, Ive dedicated my career to supporting students, educators, and families. Now, Im ready to bring that experience and passion to the Gov. Mifflin School Board.

 Students first  Every decision should prioritize student success and well-being.

 Supporting educators  Our teachers deserve the resources and respect they need tothrive.

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 Stronger schools, stronger community  Investing in education benefits all of us.

 Fiscal responsibility  Prioritize transparent budgeting, efficient resource allocation, andmaximize every dollar to support student success.

Im excited to continue this journey, to listen, to learn, and to work together for the future of Governor Mifflin. Your support means everything  lets make a difference!

Building a stronger future, together.

Michele Hill Roby*

Michele Roby

Party: Democrat/Republican

Occupation: Educator

Age: 50

Response 1: Putting the focus upon education, thus removing the negative spiral that can encompass education through politics is a necessity. Mifflin is a strong and insightful community that comes together for our children, our future, striving to produce informed global citizens.

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School leaders need to maintain respect and accept all individuals, teaching how those with different pedagogies can come together, learn cooperatively, and continue to foster an environment that listens and respects all views in order to learn and grow.

Likewise, there are always fiscal and tax parameters within which to work. Gov. Mifflin will continue to be a community of caring, motivated and supportive people, working together for the best that education has to offer our youngest to our oldest learners.

Response 2: Serving the community that I was reared in has always been one of the highest goals and achievements of my life.

My focus will continue to be working in the best interest of the Mifflin students, staff, administration and community, to support and provide a fiscally responsible education, rooted in best practices and well researched curriculum.

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I want to ensure: that students are provided a well-rounded education; that teachers and staff are encouraged, supported and provided the necessary resources; that the technology demands and drive are met with societys needs; that we are keeping pace with and exceeding what we are able to provide, in order to ensure the best for our future and global community, while keeping fiduciary concerns and limits at the forefront as well.

Emily Reppert

Emily Reppert

Party: Democrat/Republican

Occupation: Teacher

Age: 26

Response 1: One of the biggest issues facing our school district is chronic absenteeism, which is leading to academic decline in a large percentage of the student population.

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To address this issue, we need to create an environment where students want to come to school every day through these three points:

 We must ensure that students feel physically and emotionally safe by investing in school security and better informing students and families of the counseling/ mental health resources available to them. We also need to better address bullying and hold students accountable for their actions to create a safer space for all students.

 Investing in the arts will provide more opportunities for students to creatively express themselves and look forward to school as a place to explore their passions.

 We need to improve teacher retention by creating a work environment where teachers feel supported by the administration and school board. This will allow them to do their jobs better and enjoy being at school to support their students. Improved retention will provide more continuity year to year so teachers can continue building a better school environment and students can look forward to seeing their favorite teachers each year.

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Response 2: Im the best choice to serve on the school board because Im an active teacher with a passion for helping students. Im in the public schools every day and see the inner workings of the education system and the needs of todays students.

I also represent the young adult demographic of the community, which does not currently have a voice on the school board. I bring valuable educator insight, new ideas, and will always do whats best for the students and the community.

Christina Worley*

Christina Worley

Party: Democrat/Republican

Occupation: Retired guest teacher

Age: 71

Response 1: One of the biggest issues facing school districts, including Gov. Mifflin, is that our learning institutions have become therapeutic centers to deal with childrens depression, anxiety, emotional lack of development and behavior, various disabilities, etc. Teachers seem to need a second degree in psychology. The teaching process is no longer about teaching the basics.

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Redirecting focus on reading and math proficiencies is a start; however, parents have a significant role to play in their childs overall learning development and growth.

Response 2: I have been involved with the school district for over 20 years. There are projects or programs that are in various stages of implementation. I would consider it an honor to be part of the follow-through process.

Ralph B. Kabakoff

Ralph Kabakoff

Party: Democrat/Republican

Occupation: Program director of a psychiatric rehabilitation program

Age: 40

Response 1: The Gov. Mifflin School District has long been a supportive and enriching environment for children. As someone who grew up in this community and is now raising kids in the district, Ive seen firsthand how strong our schools can be.

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Today, were facing two major, connected challenges: financial uncertainty and a statewide teacher shortage. The education landscape is shifting, and districts like ours must compete for talent while also managing tight budgets. Without careful planning, these issues could impact class sizes, programming and student support.

Thats why I want to bring creative, forward-thinking solutions to the table. I will explore new funding opportunities, strengthen partnerships and ensure every dollar is tied to student success. Im committed to working with administrators, educators and the community to maintain a stable, high-quality learning environment where students can thrive.

Our kids are full of energy, potential and creativity. They deserve a district that reflects that same spirit. My goal is to help Gov. Mifflin remain not just a great place to learn  but a district that attracts and retains the very best teachers Pennsylvania has to offer.

Response 2: We are facing a youth mental health crisis. Rates of anxiety, depression and hopelessness have risen sharply among high school students. I bring the experience to help address these challenges.

Throughout my career, Ive worked in mental health advocacy and care  including with children with autism, in drug and alcohol recovery, crisis assessment and psychiatric rehabilitation. I understand what effective support looks like, and Im committed to making sure Gov. Mifflin students have access to the resources they need before a crisis occurs.

I also pride myself on being an open-minded listener. In a time when people often talk past each other, I make a genuine effort to hear all sides and build common ground. As a school board director, Ill be accessible to parents and community members. I welcome feedback and concerns, and Ill bring them forward in board discussions to seek thoughtful, practical solutions.

Our schools should reflect the values and needs of our community, and that starts with listening, compassion and action. Im ready to serve with those values at the center of every decision.

Laurie Miller

Laurie Miller

Party: Democrat/Republican

Occupation: Consultant

Age: 43

Response 1: The biggest challenge we face is finding the right balance between innovation and fiscal responsibility, between long-term sustainability and todays urgent needs.

With 82% of our revenue coming from property taxes and rising charter school costs, were seeing critical funds leave the district. I believe we can keep more of these dollars here by offering comparable in-district services, especially for special education and English language learner students, which are growing populations.

We also need to address the broader economic context. Over 70% of our tax base is residential, and without smart collaboration with our townships on economic development, were on a path thats financially unsustainable.

Finally, we must challenge the spread of misinformation. One stat pulled out of context can overshadow the full picture. The truth is, we have a lot to be proud of  dedicated educators, strong programs and thriving students. Our responsibility on the board is to provide clarity, protect stability and ensure our schools remain a place where every learner and teacher can succeed.

Response 2: Im not running because I think I have all the answers  Im running because I listen, I ask thoughtful questions and I care deeply about this community. As a parent, neighbor and advocate, I bring a balanced perspective rooted in collaboration, transparency and long-term thinking.

I believe in supporting innovation in our schools and ensuring every dollar we spend reflects our values and goals. I also believe our educators and students deserve stability because real progress takes time, consistency and trust.

Our district is at a crossroads. We need board members who are willing to roll up their sleeves, work across divides and focus on what matters most: delivering an excellent education to every student. Im committed to that work  not just for my own family, but for every family in our district, now and into the future.

Caryn Friedlander*

Caryn Friedlander

Party: Democrat/Republican

Occupation: Business owner

Age: 50

Response 1: While there are hot button topics buzzing in the news and online, one topic has been and continues to take precedence: providing a stellar education experience with available resources. That is the challenge the administration, board and district must rise to every day. It can happen only when we set high expectations for students, teachers and the community and provide the appropriate tools.

It takes teamwork among all the parties to ensure that the next generation is prepared. I will continue to collaborate with my board colleagues to make reasonable, common-sense plans, evaluate performance and seek solutions that serve educators and community members  all in the pursuit of educational excellence.

I will leverage my experience as an engaged parent and local business owner to help maintain and promote fair school policies, set meaningful standards, measure results, stay competitive and provide the community with the excellent educational experience it deserves.

Response 2: Each school board is composed of nine elected officials. Each member brings their perspective to the table. I bring stability, curiosity and experience to the board.

These factors combined with my business knowledge, experience serving the Joint Operating Committee at The Berks Career and Technology Center and passion for progress make me the right choice.

Public education deserves school board members who serve without a political agenda, who serve with passion, and who serve with the best interest of the community at heart. I am proud of the Gov. Mifflin School District, and the vision of our current administration energizes me. I would be honored to serve our community for another term.

Lazaro Castellon

Party: Republican

Occupation: Retired retail manager

Age: 58

Response 1: Gov. Mifflin is suffering from a lack of academic focus and accountability. Reading and math scores are declining, yet the district continues to overspend on construction projects that exceed budgets and approve new programs without measuring results.

The core mission  educating our children  is being overshadowed by misplaced priorities. Spending more doesnt guarantee better outcomes. We need to focus on the basics, track results and ensure that every dollar is used to help students succeed.

As a proud Cuban American who understands the needs of working families, Ill fight for transparency, academic excellence and responsible leadership.

Response 2: With 35 years of leadership experience in retail management and project management, I understand budgets, people, and results. I know how to make responsible decisions and lead with integrity.

As a proud Cuban American and first-generation citizen, I understand the value of hard work, opportunity and education. Im running to bring common sense, transparency and accountability back to our school board  and to ensure every student has the chance to thrive, no matter their background.

Justin Michael Good

Party: Democrat/Republican

Did not submit a response.
Prince Harry is paying tribute to his mothers legacy by celebrating the changemakers of tomorrow.

The Duke of Sussex is set to travel to Las Vegas on May 6, where he'll take part in a conversation hosted by Dr. Tessy Ojo, the CEO of the Diana Award, the only charity that bears the name of Princess Diana.



The event  part of the AI platform for business transformation ServiceNow's Knowledge 2025 conference  will launch the Diana Awards Pledge to Invest initiative, which celebrates future leaders and helps inspire forward-thinking businesses to support their missions.



THE DIANA AWARD Tessy Ojo Tessy Ojo

Related: Prince William Honors Anti-Bullying Campaigner Who Helps Lead Charity Named for Princess Diana

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Dr. Ojo will chair the conversation with Prince Harry, President of Global Customer Operations at ServiceNow Paul Fipps and two young recipients of the organization's Legacy Award: Sikander Sonny Khan and Christina Williams.



Khan works in artificial intelligence at Microsoft and also heads up the Paani Project, an organization that supports diverse humanitarian efforts in Pakistan, including the construction of over 20,000 wells.



Williams is an attorney and advocate from Jamaica who champions youth empowerment and marginalized groups' equitable access to education, healthcare and technology.



THE DIANA AWARD Sikander Khan Sikander Khan

The conversation will focus on youth leadership and how employers can proactively create pathways for young people to enter and thrive in the workplace.



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Companies that invest in youth leadership today are cultivating the workforce, innovators, and consumers of tomorrow, Dr. Ojo said in a statement. The Diana Award is proud to launch 'Pledge to Invest' - an opportunity for forward-thinking businesses to make a strategic, measurable, and high-impact investment in the future of youth leadership. For over 25 years, The Diana Award has invested in young people, empowering them to tackle the pressing issues of our time.



The Diana Award was established in 1999 by former U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Current patrons include former prime minister David Cameron, Dame Julia Samuel, former Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell and Esther Rantzen.

THE DIANA AWARD Christina Williams Christina Williams

Related: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Unveil N.Y.C. Memorial Honoring Lives Lost to Social Media: 'All Children Should Be Safe'

Harry and his brother, Prince William, are both supporters of the Diana Award  one of the only charitable causes they still publicly share. The organization, named in honor of their late mother, remains a rare point of connection in their philanthropic work. The organizations mission, as stated on their website, is to empower young people to lead that change through a range of initiatives which unlock their potential, inspire action and create opportunities, ensuring that no young person is left out or left behind.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

During his visit to New York City with wife Meghan Markle last week, the Duke of Sussex made a surprise stop in Brooklyn to support the next generation of leaders at the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund (RTYPF) Convening.

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Thank God you guys exist, thank God you guys are here, he told the group, which was made up of young leaders and funders working towards a safer, more inclusive digital future.



As the power of technology only continues to grow, Harry told the group that they all have a responsibility to prioritize safety over profits.



You have the knowledge and the skillset and the confidence and the bravery and the courage to be able to stand up to these things, he added.



Read the original article on People
BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council on Wednesday announced the appointment and removal of several officials.

Yan Qinghui was appointed vice minister of human resources and social security, and will no longer serve as deputy director of the National Healthcare Security Administration.

Wang Zhao was appointed vice general supervisor of national natural resources.

Chen Dan was named deputy director of the China National Intellectual Property Administration.

Liu Guoyong will no longer serve as deputy director of the General Administration of Sport of China.

Li Danlu was removed from the post of deputy head of the National Intellectual Property Administration.

Zhou Jie will no longer serve as vice president of the China Academy of Engineering Physics. 
BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- An article by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on encouraging young people in the new era to bravely take on responsibilities in advancing Chinese modernization, will be published on Thursday.

The article by Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will be published in this year's ninth issue of Qiushi Journal, the flagship magazine of the CPC Central Committee.

The article highlights the role of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) in rallying young people as broadly as possible to contribute to building a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation.

It underscores the importance of strengthening the ideals and convictions of the younger generation. The CYLC is encouraged to organize and mobilize youth to take an active role in China's modernization efforts.

Young people should serve as pioneers and vital forces in areas such as scientific and technological innovation, rural revitalization, green development, social services, and national defense, the article notes.

The article also calls on Party organizations at all levels to strengthen their leadership in youth-related work and to support the CYLC in fulfilling its missions creatively. 
SOMERSET, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Pulaski County man was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly uploading over 20 files of online child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Court documents show that through an investigation by the state police Electronic Crime Branch, a search warrant was issued for Hunter Reese Rorhrback, 33.

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Kentucky State Police (KSP) said Rohrback allegedly admitted to downloading illegal images of underage children to his phone.

Rohrback was charged with 20 counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under age 12.

State police said that additional charges against Rohrback could be pending as the CSAM investigation continues.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (2nd L, front) and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin (3rd L, front) attend the inauguration ceremony of China-funded national roads in Takeo province, Cambodia on April 29, 2025. (Photo by Nitola/Xinhua)

TAKEO, Cambodia, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Tuesday inaugurated three China-funded national roads with a total length of around 201 km stretching across five provinces in the kingdom's southwestern region.

National Road 31 (53.5 km) connects Takeo with Kampot, National Road 33 (52.5 km) links Kampot with Kep, and National Road 41 (95 km) stretches across Kandal, Kampong Speu, Takeo and Kampot.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin presided over the inauguration ceremony, which was attended by thousands of local residents.

Speaking at the event, Hun Manet said the roads were interconnected and a key artery for the development of the economy, trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, and logistics in these provinces.

"This is another fruit of the rock-solid relations between Cambodia and China," he said, expressing his sincere thanks to the Chinese side.

Hun Manet said the three roads would not only facilitate daily travel and goods transportation, but also enhance the development of eco-tourism in the coastal provinces of Kampot and Kep.

"Local people in these provinces will directly benefit from these national roads," he said.

Ambassador Wang was confident that the roads would make it easier for local farmers to transport their high-quality products such as renowned lobsters in Takeo and famous peppercorns in Kampot to markets.

He said the roads in Cambodia built by Chinese enterprises were a symbol of the continuous development of China-Cambodia friendship and a vivid testament to the iron-clad friendship between the two countries.

Peng Ponea, Cambodia's minister of public works and transport, said the roads played a crucial role in facilitating travel and transport of goods.

Ponea said the three roads were widened and upgraded by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under a preferential loan from the Chinese government. 

This aerial drone photo taken on April 20, 2025 shows China-funded National Road 33 in Kep province, Cambodia. (Photo by Nitola/Xinhua)

This aerial drone photo taken on April 21, 2025 shows China-funded National Road 41 in Kandal province, Cambodia. (Photo by Nitola/Xinhua)

This aerial drone photo taken on April 22, 2025 shows China-funded National Road 31 in Kampot province, Cambodia. (Photo by Nitola/Xinhua)
TEHRAN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that the fourth round of the Omani-mediated indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States will be held in Rome on Saturday, according to the official news agency IRNA.

Araghchi made the remarks on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting in Tehran while responding to questions about the ongoing talks with the United States on Tehran's nuclear program and Washington's sanctions.

He noted that Oman, as the talks' host, had decided to hold the fourth round in Rome due to technical and logistical reasons.

The Iranian Foreign Minister stated that the location Oman selected to host the negotiations was of no particular importance to Iran.

"Of importance to us are the contents of the negotiations and the mediator," he said.

Commenting on the U.S. hostile measures, such as the imposition of fresh sanctions against Iran despite the ongoing negotiations, he noted that such actions would definitely convey a negative message.

Araghchi noted that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) currently played no role in the negotiations, but "will play an important role in the future if an agreement is reached."

He said, although no time frame had been decided for the talks' conclusion, Iran naturally was not interested in "attritional negotiations and is not after wasting time."

The first and third rounds of the indirect talks between Iran and the United States, headed by the Iranian foreign minister and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, were held in the Omani capital Muscat on April 12 and 26, and the second one in Rome on April 19. 
Rachel Maddow said on Wednesday that an ICE raid in Oklahoma, in which federal agents broke into the wrong home while attempting to apprehend immigrant gang members, is kind of all you need to know about America under President Trump.

She shared a report from KFOR in Oklahoma City about a single mother, identified only as Marissa, and her three children who had just moved to Oklahoma from Maryland. On Thursday morning, 20 armed federal agents raided their home, forced them out into the rain and confiscated nearly all their belongings, including documents, money and cell phones.

Its about what he has agents of the federal government doing in the United States, she said, describing the results of his policies as the real-life consequences of this shambolic mess hes made of the U.S. government.

Maddow added, This local news report is kind of all you need to know about this president, his character, the government he runs, and what hes doing to this country.

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Were citizens. Thats what I kept saying. Were citizens, said Marissa in the KFOR report. They didnt care. We werent criminals. Why were they treating us like criminals? We were here by ourselves. We didnt do anything.

The Trump administration thinks they will never have to answer for any of this stuff because they think the American public doesnt care, said Maddow.

These are citizens, she said. Once the government treats anyone this way, that line  the one based on citizenship or immigration status  gets blurry real quick.

You have literally traumatized me and my daughters for life, Marissa said she told an agent who apologized for being rough with her. She was told it could be days or months before their belongings are returned.

The post Rachel Maddow Says Mistake ICE Raid on Oklahoma Resident Is All You Need to Know About Trumps America | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
Former U.S. Commerce Secretary and former Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo confirmed she is considering running for president in 2028 during an event with David Axelrod Tuesday. Raimondo returned to her home state on Monday to attend the funeral Mass for former Senate President Dominick Ruggerio at St. Anthony Church in North Providence. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current)

Former Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo isnt ruling out a run for president in 2028.

Asked by David Axelrod during an event Tuesday at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics whether she was considering a top-of-the-ticket campaign in three years, Raimondo answered directly, and succinctly: Yes.

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I care deeply about this country, Ive dedicated 15 years to public service and if I think theres a big way for me to serve again including running, Ill do it, Raimondo told Axelrod during the live audience event, a clip from which was posted by Axelrod to X.

But I also, if I thought somebody else would be better, or better able to win, Id get behind that person in a minute.

Her comments come months after she left her job as U.S. Department of Commerce secretary, which she held for nearly four years under former President Joe Biden. Prior to her ascendance to Bidens cabinet, Raimondo served six years as Rhode Island governor, the first woman in the states top leadership role.

A former venture capitalist, Raimondo garnered a reputation for a pragmatic approach and moderate ideology, with a focus on economic development.

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The Smithfield native and LaSalle Academy graduate returned to her home state Monday morning to attend the funeral Mass in celebration for the late Senate President Dominick Ruggerio. In an interview after the Mass, Raimondo confirmed she is still living in D.C., though she plans to return to Rhode Island after her son graduates high school in June.

Since leaving the federal administration in January, Raimondo has joined the Council on Foreign Relations in D.C. as a distinguished fellow and co-chair of a task force on economic security.

In 2020, her name surfaced on a short list of candidates under consideration to serve as Joe Bidens vice president, and again in 2024 for the vice president slot on a ticket with Kamala Harris.

Her appearance with Axelrod was billed as a conversation about all things capital and commerce, including AI, tariffs and the United States economic relationship with China. But Raimondo also addressed the challenges that lie ahead for the Democratic Party to regain control in D.C., along with remarks on the media landscape and higher education, according to news coverage of the event.

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A more active week of weather is starting today with chances for rain and thunderstorms through the weekend. High winds will return for western parts of the state Sunday.

Isolated showers and a few thunderstorms developed Tuesday in parts of New Mexico. A few places picked up some measurable rainfall today, including Santa Fe. Temperatures were much cooler today in eastern New Mexico thanks to a cold front that moved in last night. That front brought the Albuquerque Metro a gusty east canyon wind all morning long. This afternoon, temperatures were as much as 25 cooler in eastern New Mexico, while the northwest part of the state was warmer. Tonight, the rain will end with calm and quiet conditions across the state.

Another chance for rain will return Wednesday afternoon in northern and eastern New Mexico. Temperatures will be warmer than today all across the state. On Thursday, the best chance for rain will stay in northern New Mexico, especially along the Colorado state line.

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The weather turns even more active starting Friday as a cold front again moves west across the state Thursday night bringing in higher moisture across New Mexico. A storm system will also start approaching New Mexico from the west on Friday. This will bring scattered showers and storms across most of New Mexico Friday and Saturday afternoon. Some of these storms will turn strong to severe in eastern New Mexico. Another chance for showers and storms will develop Sunday and Monday in northern and eastern New Mexico while drier and windier weather moves in from the west.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
A more active week of weather is starting today with chances for rain and thunderstorms through the weekend. High winds will return for western parts of the state Sunday.

Isolated showers and a few thunderstorms have developed Tuesday in western, central, and northern New Mexico. Not all of that rain is making it down to the ground through. Temperatures are much cooler today in eastern New Mexico thanks to a cold front that moved in last night. That front brought the Albuquerque Metro a gusty east canyon wind all morning long. This afternoon, temperatures are as much as 25 cooler in eastern New Mexico, while the northwest part of the state is warmer. Winds are also calmer across the state. Overnight, the rain will end with calm and quiet conditions across the state.

Another chance for rain will return Wednesday afternoon in northern and eastern New Mexico. Temperatures will be warmer than today all across the state. On Thursday, the best chance for rain will stay in northern New Mexico, especially along the Colorado state line.

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The weather turns even more active starting Friday as a cold front again moves west across the state Thursday night bringing in higher moisture across New Mexico. A storm system will also start approaching New Mexico from the west on Friday. This will bring scattered showers and storms across most of New Mexico Friday and Saturday afternoon. Some of these storms will turn strong to severe in eastern New Mexico. Another chance for showers and storms will develop Sunday and Monday in northern and eastern New Mexico while drier and windier weather moves in from the west.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
JERUSALEM, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Israel conducted an airstrike near Damascus on Wednesday, targeting what it described as a "radical group" preparing to attack a Druze community, according to Israeli officials.

Citing Israeli intelligence sources, Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported that a drone launched a missile at a structure near the Syrian capital, causing no casualties.

A joint statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz described the strike as a "warning attack" carried out under Netanyahu and Katz's directive.

"A stern message was also delivered to the Syrian regime," the statement said. "Israel expects it to act to prevent harm to the Druze population."

The statement emphasized that the strike coincided with Israel's annual Memorial Day, when the country commemorates fallen soldiers, including many Druze who served in the Israeli military.

"Israel will not allow harm to come to the Druze in Syria, out of a profound obligation to our Druze brothers in Israel, who share historical and familial ties with the Druze in Syria."

There was no immediate comment from the Syrian government.

The Israeli attack came a day after at least 14 people were killed in sectarian clashes in a predominantly Druze Jaramana suburb of Damascus between local gunmen and pro-government security forces. 
For three weeks in April 2025, my Theology of Christian Martyrdom class studied how a group of German students and professors from Munich and Hamburg formed a resistance movement from 1942 to 1943 known as the White Rose. These individuals defied Nazi tyranny, they were imprisoned, and many were executed.

At the movements center were Hans Scholl, Sophie Scholl, Alexander Schmorell, Christoph Probst and Willi Graf, who were all in their 20s, and Professor Kurt Huber. The Scholl siblings, their friends and their professor were beheaded for urging students at the University of Munich to oppose the Nazi regime.

On the surface, the White Roses crime was the writings, printings and distribution of six anti-Nazi pamphlets urging Germans to resist Adolf Hitler and work to end World War II. However, a closer examination of their pamphlets, along with excerpts from their diaries and letters, reveals that their resistance was rooted in something deeper  a faith anchored in friendship and a humanistic learning. Their time together reading and discussing theological texts deepened their Christian faith.

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Teaching this class taught me that teachers can inspire students to improve their countrys social and political landscape through the study of literature, history and theology. Teachers can help students form their consciences and empower them to act against falsehood and injustice.

The White Rose movement

These young people came from a variety of Christian backgrounds, including Catholic, Lutheran and Orthodox traditions. Some had been members of the Hitler Youth as teenagers, while others had served as medical assistants in the German army. They formed strong bonds and underwent personal transformations as students at the University of Munich, where they were mentored by a couple of philosophers, especially Kurt Huber, who was a devout Catholic.

The students met regularly and secretly with their professors to study literature, philosophy and theology from the Catholic intellectual tradition, banned by the Nazi regime as part of Hitlers strategy to first stifle and then strangle the Catholic Church in Germany. Based on the students correspondence and diaries, their covert engagement with Catholic thought became a cornerstone of the White Roses rejection of Nazi tyranny.

In the works of the fifth-century North African theologian Augustine, the 20th-century novelist and playwright Georges Bernanos, and the 20th-century philosopher Jacques Maritain, these students encountered a Catholic intellectual tradition that was responsive to the urgent questions of their time.

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From Augustine they learned the importance of cultivating an interior life grounded in prayer. Bernanos stressed the importance of embracing ones humanity to confront evil. Maritain emphasized the need to strive for a free democratic society.

Importance of prayer

The White Rose movement was concerned not only with the present state of humanity but also with its future, and not only with the individual but also with the communal. In their clandestine meetings and correspondence, they wrestled with the relationship between faith and reason, goodness in the face of evil, the meaning of tyranny, the nature of a just state, and the foundations of genuine liberty. Addressing these serious issues not only matured their intellects but also deepened their hearts; it taught them the importance of prayer.

Better to suffer intolerable pain than to vegetate insensibly. Better to be parched with thirst, better to pray for pain, pain, and more pain, than to feel empty, and to feel so without truly feeling at all. That I mean to resist, Sophie wrote in her diary in the early summer of 1942.

The personal writings of the White Rose reflect a religious passion, akin to the prayers of saints.

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For example, in his imprisonment, Graf stated: I know my Redeemer liveth. This faith alone strengthens and sustains me. The impact of Christianity on the inner lives of these young people is a crucial part of their narrative and resistance.

Their circle of friendship became a haven in a totalitarian state that sought to isolate individuals, instill fear and transform these estranged and fearful people into part of a mass society. We negated the many, and built on the few, and believed ourselves strong, Traute Lafrenz, the last surviving member of the White Rose and a member of the Hamburg circle, later stated.

The most significant intellectual influence on the group may have been John Henry Newman, a 19th-century Catholic convert and theologian who emphasized the primacy of a well-formed conscience. His writings helped them recognize what Catholics like myself see as a moral truth that transcended Nazi propaganda  that each person bears within them the voice of the living God. This voice could not be silenced by state power.

Newmans philosophy

Newman insisted that conscience is not merely intuitive but is shaped through learning  from conversations, books and lived experience. With their professors guidance, the White Rose students were able to cultivate their conscience.

If Newman were addressing college students today, I like to believe he would emphasize the significance of their conversations with friends on campus, the discussions held with classmates and professors in the classroom, the newspapers they read, the retreats they participated in, the novels they savored during the holidays, their road trips across the country, and their studies abroad. All of these experiences contribute to shaping their conscience.

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Newmans defense of broad, active and serious learning offered an appealing counterpoint to Nazi ideology, which sought not only to deprive individuals of their civil rights but also to crush their inner lives and capacity to form meaningful relationships through terror and fear.

The power of a well-formed conscience is perhaps best illustrated by Sophie Scholl, who shared Newmans sermons with her boyfriend, Fritz Hartnagel, a Wehrmacht officer who fought for Germany during World War II.

In the summer of 1942, horrified by the brutality he witnessed, Hartnagel wrote to Scholl that Newmans words were like drops of precious wine. In another letter, he wrote: But we know by whom we are created, and that we stand in a relationship of moral obligation to our Creator. Conscience gives us the capacity to distinguish between good and evil. After the war, Hartnagel became active in the peace movement and supported conscientious objectors. To the members of the White Rose, conscience was a spiritual stronghold  one the state could not breach.

Truth-seeking and challenges today

I believe that while my students today face different challenges  a society shaped by what I regard as the nihilistic presence of technological power and populism, rather than full-blown totalitarianism  they also aspire to act with clarity and conviction. Newmans view on the formation of conscience resonated with my students as well.

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What my students share with those young dissidents from over 80 years ago is a commitment to cultivating an inner life, fostering a community of friends and engaging in a vibrant intellectual tradition.

They are drawn to the writings that animated Hans Scholl, who, drawing inspiration from the Catholic playwright Paul Claudel, wrote the following just two days before his arrest.

Chasms yawn and darkest night envelops my questing heart, but I press on regardless. As Claudel so splendidly puts it: Life is one great adventure into the light.

As a teacher, I believe that young people want to engage with an intellectual tradition that helps them discover their vocation and live with integrity, similar to Scholl.

They seek to act with a clear conscience amid the uncertainties of their own times. This approach serves as a powerful contrast to any hollow, anti-intellectual and culturally bankrupt tyranny.

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This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Peter Nguyen, SJ, College of the Holy Cross

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Peter Nguyen, SJ does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

RIO DE JANEIRO, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to work with African countries, including Nigeria, and the vast number of developing countries to jointly reject protectionism, oppose hegemony and bullying, and make clearly heard the voice of upholding multilateralism and defending fairness and justice, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar.

Wang said China welcomes Nigeria as a partner country to attend the BRICS meeting and supports Nigeria in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.

For his part, Tuggar said Nigeria will continue to firmly abide by the one-China principle.

Nigeria applauds China's zero-tariff treatment for the least developed African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, he said, voicing hope that China will continue to provide support for the development of West Africa.

Nigeria is willing to work in solidarity and coordination with China to jointly safeguard multilateralism and the common interests of the Global South, Tuggar added. 
TEHRAN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Iran on Wednesday executed a "senior spy" of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, the Mizan news agency of the Iranian judiciary reported.

The executed, identified as Mohsen Langarneshin, was convicted of providing field and technical support for Mossad's operations in Iran, including the assassination of Hassan Sayyad Khodaei, a member of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, in Tehran in May 2022, the report said.

It added that he was executed following the completion of the legal and judicial processes.

It listed some of the convict's "criminal actions" as providing logistical, technical and operational support for an attack on an industrial center affiliated to the Iranian Defense Ministry in the central province of Isfahan, purchasing communications tools for Mossad agents, buying vehicles and equipping them with operational instruments, transferring money from Israeli officers to operational agents inside Iran, and renting safe houses in some Iranian provinces.

According to the report, Langarneshin had confessed to all the "crimes" he had been charged with. 
Minnesotas 6th Senate District will remain in the Republican column after a Tuesday special election to fill the seat vacated following the arrest and resignation of Sen. Justin Eichorn.

With all 80 precincts reporting in the north-central Minnesota district, Republican Keri Heintzeman defeated Democrat Denise Slipy 60% to 40%.

Heintzeman, a business owner and the wife of House District 6B Rep. Josh Heintzeman, R-Nisswa, easily won an eight-candidate GOP primary on April 15. Slipy, an environmental health and safety professional from Breezy Point, ran unopposed in the DFL primary.

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The outcome of Tuesdays special election wont affect the balance of power in the Senate, where Democrats currently have a two-vote majority. District 6, which stretches from Brainerd and Baxter north to Grand Rapids, has shifted Republican but Democrats had hoped political winds might be shifting.

Eichorn resigned last month after he was charged with attempting to solicit a minor in what turned out to be an underage sex sting operation in Bloomington.

The Grand Rapids resident recently pleaded not guilty to a federal charge of attempted enticement of a minor for prostitution.

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ADDIS ABABA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations (UN) family in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, celebrated Chinese Language Day Tuesday with a cultural event aimed at promoting inclusiveness, linguistic heritage and diversity.

The annual celebration was held at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) under the theme "Chinese: A Gift Across Time and Space," featuring a range of cultural experiences, including songs, kung fu, and traditional dances performed by Chinese and Ethiopian participants.

The UN Ethiopia family refers to the collective group of United Nations agencies, funds, programs, and specialized offices operating in Ethiopia.

Speaking at the event, Mai-Ellen Russ Jarrett, chief finance and budget officer and acting director of the administration division of UNECA, said the day served not only to highlight the beauty and richness of the Chinese language but also to pay tribute to its profound contributions to global culture and understanding.

"Today, we celebrate not only the Chinese language and script but also the cultural richness and diversity it embodies. Learning Chinese opens doors on both a personal and a professional level, enabling us to forge closer ties with China," Jarrett said.

She said the Chinese language has served as a bridge linking civilizations, a vessel of knowledge, and a cornerstone of shared humanity, embodying wisdom, creativity, and cultural depth that inspire people all over the world.

Hu Changchun, head of the Mission of China to the African Union (AU) and representative of China to UNECA, noted the growing global interest in Chinese language study.

"Currently, over 190 countries offer Chinese language education, and the total number of international Chinese language learners and users has exceeded 200 million. Specifically in Africa, as of now, a total of 19 African countries have incorporated Chinese language into their national education systems," Hu said, emphasizing China's commitment to fostering communication and cooperation through language and cultural exchange.

Rita Bissoonauth, director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Liaison Office to the AU and UNECA, said the Chinese language has shaped the world's civilization and served as a living bridge between generations over the past 5,000 years.

"The Chinese language, with its depth and beauty, offers a vision of harmony, respect, and collective humanity, values we urgently need today," said Bissoonauth.

Established by the UN in 2010, the Chinese Language Day is observed annually on April 20 to promote multilingualism, cultural diversity, and the equal use of all six official UN languages across the organization's structure and activities. 
Does going to the office make us miserable, or is misery simply inherent in the American office?

Its a capitalist chicken or egg question that, just half a decade ago, wouldve been difficult to treat as anything other than a thought experiment. For the last 80 or so years, hundreds of millions of Americans, at a largely uninterrupted clip, have found themselves reporting to some variation of a fluorescent-lit cubicle, day in and day out, spending the bulk of their lives in a place that weve never since lived without.

Then came the pandemic, creating the highly unlikely conditions that allowed workplace researchers to examine the difference between white-collar workers in the office, and white-collar workers out of the office. For a little more than a year, the Society for Human Research Management, the largest trade and research organization for HR professionals, has been surveying U.S. workers about conflict at their workplaces to develop a civility index, measuring the amount of interpersonal conflict that employees report at work.

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Think of incivility as the fairly common, routine disagreements or conflicts we all experience most days: being talked over, having an idea dismissed, inadvertently touching on a sensitive subject. James Atkinson, a vice president in SHRMs research division, told me it boils down to that ability to communicate, and both step away from the conversation and feel like your voice was heard, your voice was not dismissed.

The organizations most recent civility index, released in March, found that workers at companies that brought their employees back to the office reported 62% more incivility in the workplace, versus those whose companies didnt return to the office. In the five quarters that SHRM has been conducting the survey, the March reading is its second-highest, following its survey at the end of 2024, after the U.S. presidential election.

On its face, it makes sense that office workers would report more day-to-day conflicts than remote workers. I think one of the primary drivers is simply the fact that it's more face-to-face interactions, Atkinson said. And while this creates more opportunities to engage and collaborate, and get to know other people better, it also creates the opposite.

The most commonly cited drivers of incivility in the workplace were politics, social opinions and differences in race or gender, Atkinson said. And those are all things that are going to come out in the course of your conversations, right? he said.

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Still, while looking over the report, I couldnt help but think of the ways that most people working some sort of white-collar laptop job  graphic designers, lawyers, accountants, marketing managers, customer care agents, recruiters, copywriters, consultants and dozens more  have taken to talking about our jobs. Because nowadays, post-COVID, when Im meeting somebody new and were talking about what we do for a living, the conventional reaction to learning somebody has one of these laptop jobs is to ask whether theyre remote, or at least hybrid, for Christs sake. Two-days in-office gets a high-five, while three solicits a knowing shrug. Four days a week in the office, though, and youll either be asked how the job hunt is going, or assumed to be paid handsomely for your sacrifice.

Do companies enacting RTO mandates simply run unhappier companies? Its a sweeping theory, but not at all far-fetched. Consider alone that virtually every organization ending remote work is doing so against the known wishes of their workers, who have demonstrated in countless surveys and studies their strong preference for more flexible work arrangements.

The post-pandemic business landscape is full of public, drawn-out battles between a companies executives and its workers over the RTO mandate. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and a dogmatic proponent of RTO, went on an eight-minute rant during a town hall meeting in February, rejecting a petition against the companys in-office mandate that was signed by 950 JPMorgan Chase employees. I dont care how many people sign that f***ing petition, Dimon said in leaked audio from the town hall. Hes since apologized, saying, I do town halls all around the world, and as you know, I mope sometimes.

A recruiter showed me how many JPMorgan Chase employees have their LinkedIn preferences set to open to work. Of the companys 300,000 workers, 120,000 currently indicate theyre open to new opportunities.

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Patrice Williams-Lindo, a workplace strategist based in Atlanta, said the companies most strictly enforcing return-to-office mandates often have a legacy of top-down decision making. Upper management at these companies tend to distrust their employees, she said, and hold

outdated definitions of productivity  an approach that, naturally, makes employees resentful and inhibits healthy communication. In other words, the incivility didnt start with RTO  it was just harder to see when people were apart, she said.

For Nadine, a people manager in New York City who requested anonymity to speak openly, her companys return-to-office rollout in March felt like a huge slap in the face. Her employer, a live music and event production company based in New York, brought employees back to the office four days a week once pandemic restrictions were lifted. But since March, the company has required all employees to work in-office, five days a week. Everyone was upset, especially in our industry, she said. Pretty much the whole office took it poorly.

Nadine manages nearly a dozen direct reports from New York, most of whom live in different cities. The five-day mandate landed in employees inboxes in February, in an email from the companys chairman, who included the usual reasons behind the new policy: better collaboration, synergies, innovation, etc. As a people manager, she also received a separate email with suggested talking points for the inevitable questions shed be fielding from her direct reports, all of whom have used their one-on-ones to vent their frustrations with RTO, she said.

Its been difficult because I feel similarly, she said. I'm like, What am I supposed to say as a manager when I agree with everything that they're saying? Its tough. Its not reasonable.

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Every year, our company makes us fill out this survey, she continued, and every single year, the results show that people want a better work-life balance and more work-from-home flexibility. For them to do the opposite of that, and slap us with a five-day, in-office schedule just feels disrespectful  especially in this industry, where so much work is done outside the office.

Not everybody on the company's payroll is adhering to the new mandate, she said. The heads of our company are rarely here in the office, and their corner offices sit dark a lot of the time.

Nadine read aloud from the chairmans email to all employees, beginning in the middle of a sentence:  being together in the office also helps you and your colleagues grow your relationships and professional careers in-office. Presence fosters more effective collaboration, training, supervision, mentoring and innovation.

The email continued: We grow and learn new skills faster and better through everyday, in-person interactions with leaders, colleagues and mentors, as well as in-person training, development and networking events.

Bull****, she said, after finishing the last line. Morale sucks, and it's only going to get worse.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds held a bill signing event at the Capitol Wednesday for legislation that restricts cell phone use in Iowa classrooms during instructional time.

Restricting cell phone use in classrooms was a priority for Gov. Reynolds this legislative session. In her Condition of the State Address, Reynolds spoke about how educators told her their concerns about smartphones causing distractions in classrooms.

Thats why Im proposing legislation that requires schools keep instructional time free from digital distractions, at a minimum, said Reynolds in her address. Of course, there will be common sense exemptions, like during an emergency. But the evidence is in and its time to act.

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Iowa lawmakers change bullying definition for schools

The final version of the legislation, signed by the Governor, directs the Iowa Department of Education to develop model policies governing student use of personal electronic devices and distribute them to school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools and innovation zone schools.

Local school boards will ultimately adopt their own policies, but they must meet many requirements set by the state that restrict the use of electronic devices during classroom instructional time. They include setting up policies for how electronic devices will be securely stored during class, how parents and students can communicate during emergency situations, and specifying disciplinary actions for students use of electronic devices that violate the policy.

At Wednesdays bill signing, Gov. Reynolds said, The data tells a concerning story. Gen Z spends six hours a day on their phones, and thats nearly 40% of their awake time. And according to the Pew Research Center, 72% of U.S. high school teachers say that cell phone distraction for students is a major problem in the classroom.

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Ottumwa Schools were one of the districts that were ahead of the legislation and eliminated cell phones entirely during the school day this past year.

Superintendent Mike McCorry spoke about the results at the bill signing, saying they far exceeded expectations.

They were truly profound and just remarkable. We also, by eliminating those learning distractions for our students, it allowed the following three things. Allowed first, for our students to refocus on their learning, focus on their mental health. And also, and this is so important, building meaningful face-to-face relationships with each other, said McCorry.

School districts must have their policies in place by July 1st, 2025.

Iowa news

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JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI)  Its been 50 years since the Vietnam War, and Sergeant Major Daniel Evangelista will never forget what it was like.

The East Providence native served in the U.S. Armys 7th Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, which deployed to Vietnam in October 1967.

Evangelista told 12 News he and his two brothers followed in their fathers footsteps.

My dad was an Italian immigrant who [served] in World War II, he explained. He had three sons  Im the middle son  and we all went into the service. There was no question about it.

Though he always planned on serving, Evangelista was formally drafted in 1966  nearly a year after his older brother enlisted.

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I knew in my mind and my heart that I was going to Vietnam, Evangelista said. It didnt bother me  not that I like war  but I do believe in fulfilling an obligation.

If my dad could do it, then why cant his son do it? he continued.

It took Evangelista 19 days to get to Vietnam.

We left on the first day of the 1967 World Series that my beloved Red Sox were in, he recalled. I had a transistor radio and I put it to my ear and maybe three miles out it faded and that was it. That was my World Series.

Despite being enlisted, Evangelista made rank quickly.

It was unusual, he said. I was in the right place at the right time and I had the leadership qualities that were necessary.

Evangelista spent a year in Vietnam, but never saw combat. His unit instead carried out a variety of reconnaissance and security operations for the 4th Infantry Division.

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My job was to make sure there was  and I hate to say it  enough ammo to do the job, he recalled, adding that his unit was also responsible for moving troops and supplies.

Evangelista said he became used to navigating rough terrain and working through turbulent weather patterns.

The monsoons were real, he said. We were working under heavy rain most times and you just had to pay attention.

RELATED: Veteran returns to Vietnam, finds peace with former enemy

Evangelista told 12 News he knew the potential consequences of serving during the Vietnam War, and it was never lost on him that he might not make it home.

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I believe in God and I think I was watched over, he added.

To this day, Evangelista still mourns the comrades he lost.

One day theyre with you and the next day theyre gone, he said.

He also still thinks about how the soldiers who did return home were treated.

Its a sad commentary on the citizenry of the country, Evangelista said. If you dont think we should be in Vietnam, thats fine, but dont take it out on the soldiers.

It was a real issue. Not for me, but for them, he continued. Vietnam-era veterans  we wouldnt take bologna from anyone.

WATCH: Marines still healing, 50 years after Vietnam

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Evangelista received his bachelors degree from Manhattan College upon his return.

I made sure everyone I knew was a veteran, Evangelista said. If someone asked me if I was a proud Vietnam veteran, I would say, Yes I am, because I didnt turn and run.

Decades later, Evangelista is still serving  albeit in a much different way.

Evangelista works with Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, which helps veterans in need secure housing, employment and basic human necessities.

Specifically, Evangelista assists veterans with military discharge paperwork and provides benefits counseling.

Ive been blessed by God to be able to do this, he said. Im no hero, but I am a patriot.

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Hear more stories of strength, sacrifice and survival in our hour-long special, Vietnam: A Lost Generation, at 8 p.m. Saturday on WPRI 12 and the WPRI 12 + smart TV app.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

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DAMASCUS, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Israeli warplanes launched two airstrikes Wednesday afternoon on the town of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, southwest of Damascus, amid rising sectarian tensions and ongoing clashes in the area, Syrian state media reported.

According to Syrian state-run Al-Ekhbariya TV, the strikes caused injuries among civilians, including members of the Druze community, who have been at the center of recent unrest near the capital. The report did not specify the number or severity of casualties.

Explosions were heard across Damascus shortly after Israeli jets were reported flying at low altitude over the city.

The reported strikes came shortly after Israel issued a warning that it would target positions in Syria if necessary to protect Druze communities, following days of deadly violence involving local Druze fighters and pro-government forces in southern Damascus suburbs.

Ashrafiyat Sahnaya has been the site of intense clashes since Tuesday night.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 39 people have been killed in Jaramana, Sahnaya, and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya over the past 72 hours, including Druze locals, security forces, and pro-government militia members.

Syrian authorities have not officially commented on the Israeli strikes beyond confirming the attacks and injuries. 
URUMQI, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The vibrant dances once performed along the ancient Silk Road, the centuries-old grape cultivation and the heartfelt letters exchanged by people a millennium ago -- Chinese youths are exploring a wide range of intriguing research topics on the ancient Silk Road, breathing new life into Turfan studies.

Turpan, also known as Turfan in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has long been a melting pot of farming, nomadic and oasis cultures at the heart of Eurasia. Its arid climate has preserved a wealth of multilingual documents, cave murals and relics, making it a treasure trove for studying the exchange of Eastern and Western civilizations.

In mid-April, some 100 graduate students from 34 universities, including Peking University and Fudan University, gathered in the city of Turpan to share their fresh perspectives on this historical field.

After graduating with a bachelor's degree, Tang Yijia, now a postgraduate student at Hong Kong-based Lingnan University, worked in Turpan for a year. She visited numerous cultural sites there, deeply moved by the music-and-dance murals severely damaged in history.

"If we harness the power of art technology to restore these murals digitally, we can revive their original splendor," she said. Now pursuing this as her research focus, Tang added that she would like to contribute to restoring these ancient dance murals.

Turfan studies emerged as an international academic field in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when explorers and archaeologists from Russia, Germany, Britain and Japan excavated, looted and studied the area's ancient tombs, ruins and artifacts, said Chen Aifeng, deputy dean of the Academia Turfanica.

Today, more young scholars are embracing this field, driven by a passion for uncovering history.

He Ziyu, a history post-graduate student at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, became fascinated by Turpan's unearthed documents on grape cultivation, trade and management. She has made the area's ancient vineyard contracts her research focus.

"Grapes are Turpan's signature product," she noted. "Beyond their delicious taste, they offer a window into the area's ancient economic and social development."

He Tao, a student pursuing his master's degree at the Institute of Dunhuang Studies of Lanzhou University, developed a strong interest in Dunhuang and Turfan studies during his undergraduate years. His current research focuses on interpreting the Old Uygur language documents from Turpan to study the practice of sending letters with gifts along the ancient Silk Road.

He said ethnic texts are crucial materials for Dunhuang and Turfan studies. "Though the Old Uygur language is initially challenging, my advisor's patience and timely sharing of the latest domestic and international findings have deepened my fascination with Old Uygur studies."

The seminar was co-organized by the Chinese Association of Dunhuang and Turfan Studies, Sun Yat-sen University, Xinjiang's regional department of culture and tourism, and the Turpan municipal government.

Compared to last year, this year's academic submissions for the seminar increased by more than 30, signaling a resurgence in the field, said Zhang Yong, deputy director of Turpan's cultural heritage bureau.

"We hope this platform will attract more youth participation, helping the historically and culturally significant discipline shine even brighter," Zhang said. 
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

RIO DE JANEIRO, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China firmly supports South Africa in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and will continue to provide assistance within its capacity to South Africa's development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

As major developing countries and representatives of emerging economies, China and South Africa bear significant responsibilities in promoting solidarity and cooperation among the Global South and safeguarding the common interests of developing countries, Wang said.

China is willing to work with African countries to uphold self-reliance and self-strengthening, unity and cooperation, keeping the nations' destiny firmly in their own hands, he added.

Lamola, for his part, said South Africa firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to deepen practical cooperation with China in economy and trade, new energy, education and capacity building.

He noted that current unilateral protectionism is impacting the multilateral trading system and threatening sustainable development in Africa, emphasizing the need for enhanced cooperation among the Global South. 
JARAMANA, Syria, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Residents of the Damascus suburb of Jaramana are expressing frustration and fear after days of deadly sectarian unrest rocked their multi-sectarian town, with community leaders urging an end to incitement and collective punishment.

"This was irrational sectarian mobilization," said Makram Ubaid, a local lawyer and member of the town's community committee.

"Jaramana was attacked from multiple directions. There were confrontations, there were martyrs. The matter was addressed by nightfall through coordination with government officials, and we were promised it would not happen again. But the truth is, the sectarian incitement is still ongoing, and we cannot accept this -- it gives us no sense of safety."

Violence erupted earlier this week in Jaramana and surrounding areas after the circulation of an audio recording, which was attributed to a member of the Druze community and contained remarks considered offensive to Islam.

The incident sparked deadly clashes between local Druze and pro-government forces, and prompted students and families to flee areas perceived as unsafe.

Osama al-Shoufi, a student at Qalamoun University, said he and fellow students had returned to Jaramana to reunite with their families amid the volatility. He said universities were no longer safe as there were also tensions between Druze students and others.

While a temporary truce was reportedly reached in Jaramana, tensions remain high, with fears of renewed violence. Community leaders of Jaramana, known for its religious and communal diversity, continue to call for restraint and reject all forms of sectarian incitement.

The unrest, initially centered in Jaramana, has since spread to neighboring areas southwest of Damascus, including Sahnaya and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, where clashes between local Druze fighters and pro-government forces have intensified.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, fighting erupted after armed groups attacked security checkpoints and patrols belonging to government forces in Ashrafieh Sahnaya. Heavy weapons and RPGs were reportedly used during the escalating violence, and authorities imposed curfews and deployed reinforcements to contain the unrest.

According to the observatory, the total number of people killed in the recent sectarian unrest across Jaramana, Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, and along the Damascus-Suwayda highway has climbed to 42.

The victims include Druze gunmen and civilians, members of the General Security Directorate, and pro-government militia. 
SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA)  A 66-year-old man from Mechanicsburg has admitted to trying to have a business associate in Florida murdered by providing an employee with a weapon and handwritten instructions, among other things.

On Wednesday, Ben Patrick Mullavey pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau, Mo. to one felony count of use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of attempted murder-for-hire. As a part of his plea, Mullavey admitted he offered cash to a former employee to commit the murder.

Could have been my babies; Chatham community mourns at candlelight vigil

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On Jan. 3, 2024, Mullavey picked up the former employee in Missouri and took him to a McDonalds. At the restaurant, Mullavey showed a stack of cash and said he wanted his business partner killed. On Jan. 11, 2024, the employee drove to Mullaveys house.

Over the course of the next three days, the employee helped Mullavey with construction work as they discussed the murder. Mullavey said he had been planning the murder for months, had conducted surveillance of the victim in Florida and had stolen a Florida license plate to prepare for the murder.

Mullavey then suggested the best time and location to commit the murder and how to avoid being identified on surveillance cameras. He also discussed several ways of disposing of the victims body, including using limes to dissolve it.

Man sentenced to 45 years in prison for 2024 Champaign shooting

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A number of the conversations were audio and video recorded.

Then on Jan. 13, 2024, the employee left Mullaveys home with orders to kill the victim. According to Mullaveys plea agreement, he also gave the employee a crossbow, arrows, the stolen Florida license plate, handwritten directions to a restaurant located next door to the victims business and $21,000 in cash.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 22. The attempted murder-for-hire charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $250,00 fine or both. The FBI investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Shelton is prosecuting the case.

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Video: Our initial report.

SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE)  The Santa Fe Police Department released new details on Tuesday about a deadly crash involving a city employee from late March. According to police, the driver, who they identified as Roberto Armijo, is not currently facing charges in connection to the case.

Santa Fe Police prematurely release report into deadly crash involving city employee

Police say investigation concluded Armijos actions were carless. Armijo told responding officers he put the city vehicle in gear instead of reverse, then pressed the accelerator pedal, leading the vehicle to drive onto a median where Harley Smith was sitting on a bench. The vehicle struck Smith, who died on the scene.

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Officers did not observe Mr. Armijo to have any signs of impairment due to alcohol and/or drugs. Interviews and video footage do not lead police to believe Armijo intended to cause the crash. Under New Mexico State law, traffic citations cannot be issued for careless driving on private property. Police say the driver would need to meet the threshold of reckless driving which results in the death of a human being to criminally charge the offense of vehicular homicide.

Law requires one of these criteria to be met in order to charge someone with vehicular manslaughter:

Homicide by vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating liquor and/or drugs.

Homicide by vehicle while committing reckless driving.

Willfully operating a motor vehicle while resisting, evading or obstructing an officer, and directly or indirectly causing the death of a human being. 

Santa Fe police say they are continuing to review state laws and traffic ordinances to make sure all avenues have been evaluated, and to determine if the investigating officer is lawfully permitted to issue a traffic citation or file criminal charges.

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By Gianluca Lo Nostro

(Reuters) -European satellite company SES is in talks with EU and other governments about complementing services provided by Elon Musk's Starlink, its CEO told Reuters, as the region looks for home-grown options for its space-based communications.

As tensions with the U.S. over Ukraine escalated, the European Union in March contacted the bloc's satellite operators - including SES and France's Eutelsat - to see how they might contribute if Washington cut Kyiv's access to Starlink.

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The European Commission also suggested last month that the EU should fund access to EU-based satellite operators for Kyiv.

SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh told Reuters that discussions had branched out to consider wider options.

"Now the discussions are much more strategic in nature They're much more mid-term, long-term. And what we're seeing is all of the European governments are serious about increasing their defence spending," he said in an interview.

"There are alternatives, not to completely replace Starlink, that's not possible, but to augment and complement Starlink," he added.

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SES, which operates a multi-orbit fleet of about 70 satellites, has contracts with NATO and the Pentagon for secure government and military satellite communications.

Besides geostationary satellites, the Luxembourg-based company has more than 20 medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, with more planned for launch over the coming years, and a goal of reaching 100 at some point, according to Al-Saleh.

These satellites sit 8,000 km (4,970 miles) above Earth, sending data faster than traditional ones and providing high-speed internet for government communications and consumers in underserved areas.

But stiff competition from players such as Starlink, Amazon's Kuiper and China's SpaceSail, which plan to have thousands of satellites in low-Earth orbit, is raising concerns in Europe over its reliance on foreign solutions.

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"The most significant demand (for us) is European nations investing in space, much more than what they did before," Al-Saleh said.

Still, nations building their own satellite constellations are not enough to create a global network with global resilience capability, he said.

"It is not right to say they just want to avoid Starlink or the Chinese. They want to avoid being dependent on one or two providers. They want to have flexibility."

(Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro and Alessandro Parodi. Editing by Mark Potter)
by Ahmed Shafiq

CAIRO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- In a dimly lit apartment in Cairo's Nasr City district, the faces of Ghazal Moataz, 15, and her sister Saba, 11, were illuminated by the soft glow of their phones - a portal into a virtual classroom over 400 kilometers away in the West Bank.

Though far from their home in Gaza, the girls are among thousands of Palestinian students continuing their education through an online platform launched by the Palestinian Ministry of Education, aimed at those displaced by the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

The Moataz family fled Gaza in March 2024, just weeks before Israeli forces closed the Rafah border crossing. They left behind a family home and their father's business, joining more than 100,000 Palestinians who have sought refuge in Egypt since the war erupted in October 2023, according to the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo.

"Without residency documents, we couldn't enroll our daughters in Egyptian schools," said their mother, Dalia Ahmed. "It felt like their education was slipping away."

That changed when a joint initiative between the Palestinian Ministry of Education in Ramallah and the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo offered displaced children access to a digital curriculum.

The program, which began during the first year of the war, enrolled 10,000 students and has now expanded to reach approximately 23,000, said Iyad Aboul-Hannoud, head of academic and research affairs at the embassy.

For Ghazal, who dreams of becoming a pediatrician, the program has been a welcome opportunity.

"I never miss a class," she said. "Even with power cuts or internet issues, I stay focused. It keeps my dream alive."

Her younger sister, Saba, is grateful but nostalgic. "The lessons are the same, but I miss my desk in Gaza. I miss the laughter of my classmates," she said.

The program's teachers, based in the West Bank, volunteer after hours to deliver lessons online, bridging a gap created by conflict and displacement.

"The first year was tough. Thousands of students couldn't enroll," Aboul-Hannoud said. "But the Ministry launched remedial programs to help them catch up. We are committed to continuing until Gaza's education system is fully restored."

For the Moataz family, the digital classroom offers more than lessons - it's a semblance of stability. "This initiative has been a lifeline," said the two girls' mother. "The war took everything. We can't let it take our children's future too." 
UNITED NATIONS, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Wednesday by nine days, until 9 May, to allow more time for members to discuss the matter amid escalating tensions in the country.

The short-term technical rollover, unanimously adopted through resolution 2778 (2025), authorizes the mission to continue to "use all necessary means to carry out its tasks" beyond its current mandate's expiration on 30 April.

UNMISS was initially established for one year from July 9, 2011, under resolution 1996 (2011), with the intent to renew for further periods as needed. Since then, the mission has been renewed consistently with the Security Council determining that the situation in South Sudan continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in the region. 
THE HAGUE, April 30 (Xinhua) -- A major power outage struck the eastern Dutch city of Enschede on Wednesday, leaving more than 20,000 households without electricity for about two hours, local authorities said.

According to Dutch grid operator Enexis, the blackout was caused by a short circuit during maintenance work at a distribution station. The outage began around 11 a.m. local time and affected homes and businesses across the city of approximately 160,000 residents. Many shops were forced to close as cash registers and ATMs became inoperable.

A technician was injured in the short circuit and was taken to hospital with unknown injuries, the local safety region reported.

Although the incident was quickly resolved, it sparked broader concerns about the country's preparedness for large-scale outages, especially in light of the widespread blackout earlier this week in Spain and Portugal.

"The chance of a similar event here is very small, but still - what if?" Hein van der Loo, chairman of the national Safety Council, said in an interview with the television program Nieuwsuur.

The Netherlands is divided into 25 safety regions that coordinate emergency services at the local, regional, and national levels. Van der Loo said these systems are generally well organized but expressed concern over the readiness of fire stations in the event of a major power failure.

He estimated that around half of the country's roughly 1,000 fire stations are insufficiently prepared and called for every station to be equipped with an emergency generator.

What happened in Spain and Portugal should be a wake-up call for the government, he said, adding that the Netherlands urgently needs a reliable network of emergency support points. 
UNITED NATIONS, April 30 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday renewed his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan and urged the international community to act with urgency to help bring an end to the relentless suffering and destruction in the country.

The UN chief "is appalled by the increasingly catastrophic situation in Sudan's North Darfur State, as deadly attacks continue on its capital Al Fasher," just two weeks after an assault on the famine-stricken Zamzam and Abu Shouk displacement camps which reportedly killed hundreds of civilians, including humanitarian workers, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the secretary-general, said in a statement.

With more than 400,000 people estimated to have been forced to flee the Zamzam camp alone earlier this month, Guterres is deeply concerned by reports of harassment, intimidation and arbitrary detention of displaced people at checkpoints, he said.

Despite continuing insecurity and severe funding shortfalls, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners are doing what they can to urgently scale up emergency support in the Tawila area of North Darfur, which is hosting a majority of those displaced from Zamzam, said Dujarric.

Violence against civilians also continues in other parts of Sudan, with reports of mass killings in Omdurman in Khartoum State in recent days.

With the conflict now in its third year and increasingly destabilizing the broader region, the UN chief reiterates his call for the facilitation of safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all areas of need by all necessary routes, as well as for the protection of civilians, in line with the parties' clear obligations under international humanitarian law. Perpetrators of serious violations must be held accountable, said the spokesman.

Meanwhile, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Wednesday that more humanitarian supplies are being dispatched to Tawila, where more than 300,000 people fleeing recent attacks in the Zamzam camp have sought safety.

OCHA said an inter-agency aid convoy led by the deputy humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, Antoine Gerard, crossed into the Darfur region from Chad on Tuesday via the Adre border crossing, on its way to Tawila, carrying life-saving supplies, including dignity kits, nutrition and medical supplies and other essential items.

Another convoy of 19 trucks carrying nutrition supplies is expected to depart Chad for Tawila on Wednesday, the office said. 
PANOLA COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  A wanted man out of Michigan was arrested in East Texas following an early Tuesday morning chase, the Panola County Sheriffs Office said.

Murder investigation underway after 19-year-old Nacogdoches man found dead

A Texas Highway Patrol Trooper conducted a traffic stop on State Highway 315 at FM 1971 in Clayton at around 7:42 a.m. However, when officials learned that the driver, identified as Sidney Hunter, Jr., 23 of South Holland, Ill., was wanted out of Michigan, he reportedly fled.

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Officials said the driver turned onto FM 1970 before heading onto U.S. Highway 79 S towards Carthage.

Other law enforcement agencies in the area responded to the chase and the Panola County Sheriffs Office units set up road spikes before the Loop. Hunter made a U-turn before reaching the road spikes and continued driving through a ditch.

Tyler PD investigating fatal shooting of 16-year-old

[The driver came] to a stop against the fence at the TG Natural Resources gas processing plant on Highway 79 S at County Road 104, the sheriffs office said. The driver fled on foot into the plant while the two passengers were detained at the vehicle.

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Officials then found the driver in a wooded area behind the plant and arrested him. Hunter was charged with evading arrest/detention with a vehicle, evading arrest and possession of marijuana.

During the pursuit, two passerby vehicles were involved in a minor rear-end collision where neither driver was injured, officials said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
SAN FRANCISCO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. social media giant Meta Platforms, Inc., on Wednesday reported financial results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2025, with a total quarterly revenue of 42.3 billion U.S. dollars, an increase of 16 percent year on year.

The company's quarterly net income increased to 16.6 billion dollars, a leap of 35 percent. The diluted earnings per share for the quarter jumped to 6.43 dollars from 4.71 dollars in the same period of 2024, said Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, and based in Menlo Park, California.

The family daily active people (DAP) was 3.43 billion on average for March 2025, an increase of 6 percent year over year.

Its cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were 70.23 billion dollars as of March 31, 2025. Cash flow from operating activities was 24.03 billion dollars and free cash flow was 10.33 billion dollars.

"We've had a strong start to an important year, our community continues to grow and our business is performing very well," said Mark Zuckerberg, Meta founder and CEO. "We're making good progress on AI glasses and Meta AI, which now has almost 1 billion monthly actives."

"We anticipate our full year 2025 capital expenditures, including principal payments on finance leases, will be in the range of 64-72 billion dollars, increased from our prior outlook of 60-65 billion dollars," the company said.

According to Meta, it continues to monitor an active regulatory landscape, including legal and regulatory headwinds in the EU and the United States that could significantly impact the company's business and financial results.

Its headcount was 76,834 as of March 31, 2025, an increase of 11 percent year-over-year.

The company expects second quarter 2025 total revenue to be in the range of 42.5-45.5 billion dollars, and the full year 2025 total expenses to be in the range of 113-118 billion dollars. 
KAMPALA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's admission as a BRICS partner state marks a significant milestone in the country's foreign relations and development aspirations, Foreign Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo has said.

In the remarks delivered Tuesday at the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Odongo said Uganda now joins a group of countries with shared goals as they pursue sustainable development.

"It is a great milestone for Uganda, which enjoys warm relations with the BRICS member states and partners, and has got a lot in common with them. Uganda is committed to making a great contribution to the goals of the BRICS," Odongo said.

"We thank the founding member states for opening up BRICS and allowing new members and partners to join the framework. This dynamism is a strong signal that BRICS is, and will continue to be, relevant and growing across the globe," the minister said.

Odongo described BRICS as a key voice for the Global South in an increasingly polarized world, where the role of multilateralism is under threat.

While the word faces immense socio-economic and geopolitical challenges, these challenges amplify the greater need for frameworks like BRICS to stand out firmly as the voice of the Global South, he said.

Starting Jan. 1, 2025, Uganda officially became a BRICS partner state, along with eight other countries.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs John Mulimba earlier told Xinhua that joining BRICS offers a strategic opportunity to deepen ties with some of the world's largest emerging economies.

"BRICS offers a significant opportunity to learn from their technological advancements and innovations, including the use of information and communications technology as a tool for societal transformation," Mulimba said.

BRICS, an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents a bloc of major emerging markets with significant economic potential. Since its inaugural summit in 2009, the bloc has expanded its membership. In Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Africa are currently the only full members. 
CAIRO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit on Wednesday called for heightened international and regional efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Sudan and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to affected areas.

In a meeting in Cairo with UN Secretary-General's envoy to Sudan Ramtane Lamamra, he stressed the pan-Arab body's "firm stance backing the Sudanese people and legitimate aspirations to security, peace, and sustainable development."

He stressed the importance of preserving Sudan's unity, both in terms of people and territory, safeguarding national institutions, preventing foreign interference, and launching an inclusive political process that represents all Sudanese factions.

For his part, Lamamra reviewed a UN action plan for the coming period and the challenges that impeded the diplomatic efforts. He emphasized the need for coordination between the AL and the UN to enhance the effectiveness of global initiatives aimed at resolving the crisis.

The two sides also discussed the latest political and field developments in Sudan, and efforts to achieve peace and end war, the AL said in a statement.

Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The International Organization for Migration estimates that the conflict has displaced over 15 million people, both within Sudan and abroad. 
GOMA, DR Congo, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Wednesday launched the repatriation of several hundred unarmed members of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Armed Forces (FARDC) and National Police (PNC) from the eastern city of Goma to the capital, Kinshasa.

These personnel had taken refuge at the base of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) in Goma since late January, when the city came under the control of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group.

According to Myriam Favier, head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Goma, the operation follows extensive negotiations between all relevant parties, including the DRC government, MONUSCO, and representatives of the M23.

Though the exact number of those repatriated was not disclosed, the ICRC confirmed that they include several hundred individuals who had remained at the MONUSCO base since the start of the crisis.

"These individuals will be received and processed by the national authorities upon their arrival in Kinshasa," Favier said, emphasizing that the operation is being conducted in strict compliance with international humanitarian law and with the voluntary consent of those involved.

Under the agreement reached with the ICRC, all parties have pledged to ensure the safety of those in the convoys and to contribute actively to the success of this complex humanitarian operation, she said.

"We call on all actors to demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility, given the sensitive nature of the mission," Favier added.

Bruno Lemarquis, acting head of MONUSCO, praised the field teams for their dedication and reaffirmed MONUSCO's commitment to fulfilling its mission even under critical conditions.

He also appreciated the ICRC's essential role as a neutral intermediary.

The FARDC also welcomed, via a statement, the launch of the evacuation to Kinshasa of soldiers, police officers, and members of their families who had been under MONUSCO protection for over three months in Goma.

This week also marked the start of the withdrawal of regional troops of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) from Goma via the Rwandan border, following agreements made with M23 and in line with decisions taken by regional heads of state.

Eastern DRC has been mired in decades of conflict, particularly offensives by the M23. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the humanitarian situation in the region remains dire.

According to the UN refugee agency, more than 100,000 DRC refugees fled to neighboring countries in the first quarter of 2025 alone.

Within the DRC, overcrowded camps and host communities are struggling to absorb the influx, with looming threats of mpox, cholera, and measles outbreaks. 
JUBA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in South Sudan on Wednesday donated humanitarian supplies to thousands of people displaced by communal violence in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State.

More than 20,000 people have been internally displaced since January due to clashes between local farming communities and cattle herders from neighboring Jonglei State.

Lawrence Akola Sarafino, director-general for planning, training, and coordination in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, said the donations would help ease the suffering of affected populations.

"Your dedication, compassion, and endless support have made a great impact in the lives of the needy people of South Sudan," Akola said at the handover ceremony in Juba, the capital.

The donation included rice, corn flour, sugar, salt, cooking oil, instant noodles, bottled water, canvas, saucepans, stainless steel bowls, and sanitary pads.

Betty Achan Ogwaro, a member of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly representing Magwi County, said the assistance was timely particularly amid the current rainy season.

Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan Ma Qiang said the Chinese government and people share the hardships of South Sudanese and remain committed to helping the country navigate difficult times.

He stressed that China attaches importance to long-term assistance, providing hundreds of opportunities for capacity-building programs annually.

"China hopes that South Sudan could achieve peace at an early date. It hopes that all parties in South Sudan could put national interests and people's well-being first, focus on domestic economic and social development, and continue to create a good environment of peace and stability so that people can live a good life," Ma said. 
By Emil Avdaliani

Although the Middle Corridor, connecting the EU and China via the Black Sea and Central Asia, has witnessed notable development in recent years, its swift expansion is constrained by both geographical barriers and the political complexities prevalent along the route. The Northern Corridor through Russia would be further consolidated should Russia achieve a favorable resolution to its war in Ukraine. While the Middle Corridor serves as a dependable link between Central Asia and the EU, it is likely to remain a complementary route to the northern Eurasian commercial highway.

Photo source: Tanvir Anjum Adib

BACKGROUND: The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, extending from the Black Sea to Central Asia and western China, has gained prominence since 2022 following the onset of the war in Ukraine. Although the route had existed in practice since the 1990s and was formally inaugurated in the early 2000s, its scope remained limited due to inadequate infrastructure, geopolitical instability in the South Caucasus, and, more significantly, the appeal of the Russian route, which had facilitated trade between China and the EU. Compounding these challenges is the corridors multimodal naturecomprising both land and sea segmentswhich, despite making it the shortest geographical path between China and the EU, has ultimately rendered its operation economically unviable.

Indeed, data from the period prior to 2022 highlights this unfavorable reality: merely 23 percent of overland containerized freight traversed the Middle Corridor. This dynamic shifted following Russias invasion of Ukraine, as the route became increasingly associated with geopolitical volatility, the unpredictability of Moscow, and the risk of financial loss for both the EU and China. In addition, the European Unions imposition of extensive sanctions on Russia has further incentivized the pursuit of alternative transport corridors.

Overall, cargo traffic along the Middle Corridor increased in 2024 for railway operators in Georgia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. For example, Azerbaijani authorities reported transporting over 18.5 million tons of goods in 2024, representing a 5.7 percent increase compared to 2023. In the case of Kazakhstans railways, the volume of freight carried via the corridor grew by 63 percent, reaching 4.1 million tons in 2024. Turkish and Georgian railway companies likewise experienced a rise in cargo throughput during the same year.

In late 2024, Kazakhstan unveiled plans to finance the construction of a new terminal at Azerbaijans Alat port. Concurrently, Astana is undertaking development efforts at the Aktau port, with authorities aiming to triple container throughput by the end of the decade. Additional recent developments similarly suggest a significant reorientation of strategic focus toward the corridor. Notably, in March, Azerbaijan hosted 24 companies for the General Assembly of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route International Association (TITR IA) Legal Entities Union. The objective of the assembly was to raise cargo volumes along the Middle Corridor to 96,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

IMPLICATIONS: Thus far, the outlook for the Middle Corridor has appeared favorable. Major powers are increasingly expressing interest in the corridors development. In early April, the inaugural Central AsiaEU Summit was convened in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The event was viewed as an effort to enhance the European Unions presence in the region amid intensifying great power rivalry over Eurasian connectivity. The EU pledged a 12 billion assistance package, of which 3 billion will be allocated to the transport sector. Central Asia holds strategic significance for the EU, particularly considering the Middle Corridors advancement within the scope of Brussels Global Gateway initiativea rival to Chinas expansive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With improved transport infrastructure, cargo delivery times between Europe and Central Asia are projected to be halved, reaching approximately 15 days.

China is another major stakeholder, whose growing interest in the Middle Corridor is evident through both political engagement and investment initiatives. A Chinese firm is currently constructing a deep-sea port in Anaklia on Georgias Black Sea coast, a development that may prove instrumental in achieving the goal of capturing a 20 percent share of EUChina maritime trade by 2035. Previous efforts to build the port were hindered by domestic political disputes, but the present geopolitical environment differs, with China now actively supporting the project. Beijing has also sought to strengthen its political relationship with Georgia, culminating in the signing of a strategic partnership agreement in 2023. A similar agreement was concluded with Azerbaijan in 2024, with an upgraded version on April 23, 2025, in which China committed to enhancing the countrys Caspian Sea ports and advancing the long-delayed ChinaKyrgyzstanUzbekistan railway. These developments collectively signal the emergence of a near-continuous corridor stretching from Chinas western frontier to the Black Sea.

However, given the evolving geopolitical dynamics surrounding Ukraineparticularly the ongoing negotiations between Russia and the U.S.the Middle Corridor may face adverse consequences. Should Russia secure substantial gains in Ukraine, its strategic influence in the South Caucasus is likely to be enhanced. This could result in the consolidation of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan within Moscows sphere of influence, thereby empowering Russia to obstruct the functioning of a transit route that circumvents its territory from the south and facilitates access for rival powers into Central Asia. Potential measures at Russias disposal span from overt military actions to more subtle strategies, including embedding itself economically through infrastructure investments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

Moreover, despite the war in Ukraine entering its fourth consecutive year, this has not signaled the complete demise of the Russian route. Indeed, between 2022 and 2024, the northern corridor has continued to function as a major conduit between China and the EU. While the volume of freight transported along this route has fluctuated, it has nonetheless persisted as a vital commercial artery. Consequently, the Middle Corridor has continued to serve in a primarily complementary capacity.

This underscores the enduring viability of the northern route and should RussiaU.S. relations experience a substantial improvement; major enterprises may increasingly favor the well-established northern corridor. In contrast, the Middle Corridor continues to face constraints arising from both geographic challenges and the involvement of multiple stakeholders along its path. Infrastructure remains underdeveloped, and while intergovernmental cooperation is progressing, it still falls short of what is necessary. The true potential of the Middle Corridor is projected to reach up to 20 percent of overland containerized trade between China and the EU. However, this estimate is conditional upon several factors, including the successful completion of the Anaklia port and the expansion of the railway network across the South Caucasus.

CONCLUSION: Although the Middle Corridor has experienced considerable growth in recent years, its overall potential remains constrained. Geographic limitations, combined with persistent political complexities along the route, continue to impede rapid development. However, broader shifts in Eurasian geopolitics pose even greater challengesshould Russia succeed in concluding the war in Ukraine favorably and reconciling with the U.S., the corridor traversing Russian territory would be further solidified. This scenario does not imply that the Middle Corridor will cease to evolve. Rather, it is expected to continue expanding while remaining complementary to the northern Eurasian trade axis and functioning as a reliable conduit between Central Asia and the EU.

AUTHOR BIO: Emil Avdaliani is a professor of international relations at the European University in Tbilisi, Georgia, and a scholar of Silk Roads. He can be reached on Twitter/X at @emilavdaliani.
SYDNEY, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Police in the Australian state of Queensland are searching for the driver of a stolen car who killed a cyclist in a hit and run incident on Tuesday.

The Queensland Police Service said in a statement on Wednesday that a 34-year-old man was riding a bicycle in the city of Bundaberg, about 290 km north of Brisbane, when he was struck by a black vehicle at about 7:50 p.m. local time on Tuesday.

Emergency services performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the cyclist, but he was declared deceased at the scene.

The police said that the vehicle, which had been stolen, fled the scene and was found abandoned a short time later. A search for the driver is ongoing. 
NEW DELHI, April 30 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were killed and several others injured Wednesday after a wall collapsed on them during festival celebrations at a Hindu temple in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, officials said.

The incident took place during the annual Chandanotsavam festival at Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Visakhapatnam, about 393 km northeast of Amaravati, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh.

According to the officials, the 20-foot-long wall fell after heavy rain and gusty winds weakened the structure, thus burying the devotees waiting in the queue to enter the temple.

Vinay Chan, a senior local government official, said all the debris has been cleared.

Following the incident, authorities immediately pressed the state disaster response force personnel into action to carry out rescue efforts at the spot and shift the injured to the hospital.

Meanwhile, authorities have ordered a probe into the incident to understand the cause of the wall collapse. 
An Afghan works at a textile factory in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, April 30 (Xinhua) -- "We borrow money during the winter, and when the work season starts, we gradually repay our debts to the shopkeepers," said Habib Jan, a 60-year-old kiln worker, in an interview with Xinhua ahead of International Labor Day.

Amid a fragile economy, war-ravaged Afghanistan continues to grapple with soaring unemployment.

Like thousands of other laborers across the country, Habib Jan toils daily under the scorching sun at kilns in northeastern Kabul, striving to earn enough to support his family of twelve. "I use my earnings to buy flour, oil, and medicine," he said, glancing down at his tattered shoes.

Habib Jan has worked in the kilns for five years but remains dissatisfied with his meager income, which falls short of meeting his family's basic needs. "Sometimes it's just enough, sometimes not. We have no choice but to endure, because no one is paying us properly," he said, his head and face covered in dust at the end of a long workday.

While unemployment plagues the entire country, truck driver Dil Agha believes the worsening job scarcity is deepening economic hardship for ordinary Afghans.

"I rely on driving to provide for my family, but I can't afford quality goods. I can't even increase our daily expenses," he said.

Dil Agha has been transporting bricks in Kabul for 18 years and is the sole breadwinner for his household. His story echoes that of many other laborers. "In winter, I borrow between 20,000 to 50,000 Afghanis (approximately 290 to 430 U.S. dollars) from the kiln owner, and I repay it after completing my work in spring," he added, noting his growing concern over diminishing job opportunities.

The collapse of key industries and a lack of economic infrastructure have left many Afghan workers struggling to make a living.

Mohammad Jan Nabizad, manager of a clothing factory in Kabul, said the factory once employed around 1,200 workers, but now, only 80 remain. He attributed the layoffs to a lack of economic contracts and demand.

Shafiq Ullah, a young textile worker in Kabul, shared that after finishing school, he was unable to pursue further education due to financial constraints. "We used to work here day and night. There were 17 of us, now only 10 remain," he said.

Afghan economist Shakir Yaqubi has raised alarms over the severity of unemployment and poverty, warning that the jobless rate has reached unprecedented levels.

Yaqubi emphasized that if conditions do not improve, Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis will become even more fragile and volatile, and the economy could sink to its worst state yet.

According to Samiullah Ibrahim, spokesperson for the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Afghan interim government, there are currently no official statistics on unemployment, though a comprehensive survey is planned.

A World Bank report released in April revealed that one in four Afghan youth is unemployed, indicating that the jobless rate has doubled in recent years. 

The shoes of a labor are seen at a brick kiln in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

An Afghan works at a textile factory in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

An Afghan works at a textile factory in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, April 29, 2025. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
A Nepali version of "My Uncle Zhou Enlai" is pictured in Kathmandu, Nepal, April 30, 2025. The Nepali version of "My Uncle Zhou Enlai" was launched in the Nepali capital on Wednesday. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)

KATHMANDU, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Nepali version of "My Uncle Zhou Enlai" was launched in the Nepali capital on Wednesday.

The biography, written by the late Chinese premier's nephew Zhou Erliu, has been released in 10 different languages with the release of the Nepali edition, noted Zhou Rong, the author's daughter.

The book "paints a candid and heartwarming picture of one of China's most beloved leaders and its first premier," said Ajay Sharma, translator of the Nepali version.

"As I translated each chapter, I felt like I was traveling through the important events of Chinese history," he said at the launch ceremony.

"Reading and translating this book made me think deeply about leadership, family and service to others," he added.

The Nepali version of "My Uncle Zhou Enlai" is more than a biography, Wang Xin, charge d'affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, said at the ceremony.

It stands as a spiritual bridge that crosses the Himalayas, showing Premier Zhou Enlai's glorious image and carrying forward a profound friendship between the Chinese and Nepalese peoples, Wang said. 

Guests attend the launch event of the Nepali version of "My Uncle Zhou Enlai" in Kathmandu, Nepal, April 30, 2025. The Nepali version of "My Uncle Zhou Enlai" was launched in the Nepali capital on Wednesday. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)
SUVA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Fiji plans to tackle the long-standing issue of abandoned and decaying vessels cluttering Suva Harbour.

The Environment Ministry will start the removal process within the next five to six months to avoid the harbor becoming a shipping graveyard, which causes extensive damage to Fiji's marine environment, local media reported on Wednesday.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu said they have secured significant financial commitments to tackle the issue, with around 440,000 U.S. dollars to be provided over the next 12 months.

"We must secure Suva Harbour's rightful place in a vibrant, prosperous and unspoiled maritime hub, a legacy of care and responsibility that future generations will inherit with pride," the minister said.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific will fund a local consultant to assess the current inventory of submerged and partially submerged vessels. 
VALLETTA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Artificial intelligence (AI) and drones will be deployed to further improve Malta's cleanliness, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Wednesday.

During a conference organized by the Cleaning and Maintenance Division, he also launched equipment purchased through an investment of 17 million euros (19.3 million U.S. dollars) to help maintain cleanliness across Malta.

Abela explained that the government's investment project includes a drone system that can detect waste from the air, thus speeding up the cleaning process, particularly in rural areas that are difficult to access. 
BERLIN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Germany's economy recorded modest growth in the first quarter of 2025, offering a brief reprieve after two consecutive years of contraction. However, economists caution that the recovery could stall as early as this summer due to escalating trade tensions with the United States.

Preliminary figures released Wednesday by the Federal Statistical Office showed that Germany's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.2 percent compared to the previous quarter, following a 0.2-percent contraction in the final quarter of 2024.

The agency also noted a rise in investment and household spending during the first three months of the year. Despite this quarterly uptick, the economy contracted by 0.4 percent year-on-year after adjusting for price changes, highlighting ongoing challenges for Europe's largest economy.

Timo Wollmershaeuser, head of forecasts at the Munich-based ifo Institute, noted that recent tariff increases by the United States temporarily boosted German exports in early 2025, as American importers rushed to make purchases ahead of the new levies.

However, he warned that escalating trade tensions and uncertainties are clouding the outlook for industrial production and business sentiment in Germany. "The noticeable increase in tariffs on imports from the European Union that came into force in April, along with the threat of further tariff increases, weighed on the future course of German economy," he added.

The ifo Institute now predicts that Germany's economy could slip back into contraction as early as the summer.

Last week, the German government sharply downgraded its 2025 growth forecast to zero, citing the adverse effects of U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump. If realized, this would mark the third consecutive year without economic growth. 
More

Flash: U.S. Treasury Department announced on Wednesday agreement to establish U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fun
Key Points

One Wall Street analyst thinks Nio will see record quarterly sequential growth.

New EV offerings could help the stock surge, according to the Citigroup analyst.

Nio displayed one of its two new brands at the Shanghai Auto Show last week.

Shares of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio (NYSE: NIO) have soared by almost 40% since the first week of April. One Wall Street analyst thinks that's just the beginning. Not only that, Citigroup analyst Jeff Chung believes more moves higher are imminent.

In a report Chung released on Sunday, the analyst placed Nio on a 30-day positive "catalyst watch," reports Barron's. Chung even thinks the stock is worth $8.10 per share, which would represent a more than 100% gain from where it traded at the time of his report.

Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue 

Can Nio stock double?

Nio delivered about 42,000 EVs in the first quarter, a more than 40% year-over-year increase. Yet Chung still sees sales growth meaningfully accelerating from here. The new optimism comes after the company showcased its newest brands, Onvo and Firefly, at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show last week.

Its flagship Onvo L90 SUV also made its debut at the show. Both sub-brands are aimed at more of a mass-market EV buyer, offering lower prices without sacrificing many of Nio's leading EV technologies. The auto show impacted Chung's opinion on the stock. He wrote, "After [the] Shanghai auto show, we expect NIO to launch new models much earlier than consensus expected."

Image source: Nio.

That could mean 10 new models launching by the end of 2025. The analyst envisions that leading to more than 50% sequential delivery growth in the second quarter. He believes deliveries could soar to at least 63,000 units in what would be a record quarter.

Chung thinks investors should buy Nio stock now, with the stock expected to trend toward his $8.10 price target as those models launch and upcoming delivery reports show improved data. While I agree that Nio sales should grow at increasingly faster rates moving forward, the stock itself may not react immediately.

Investors buying now shouldn't be expecting a short-term move that the "catalyst watch" designation might imply. In the longer term, however, as sales figures show gains, Nio stock might react as Chung expects.

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When dedicated to building wealth, we may be on high alert for the major milestones, like saving enough to put a down payment on your first house, landing a major raise or sending in that last student loan debt repayment. These are all big deals, but what about the little deals, if you will? The more subtle indications that youre building wealth?

Check Out: Suze Ormans Top Tip for Building Wealth Is a Very Easy One

Read Next: The New Retirement Problem Boomers Are Facing

Austin Williams, a personal finance influencer who specializes in frugal living, recently posted a video blog on his YouTube channel, discussing the seven signs that youre quietly getting rich. Lets have a look at these indicators you may not know to keep track of.

Your Investment Portfolio Is Trading by Hundreds of Dollars

Williams said that the first sign youre quietly getting rich can be found in your investment portfolio, when it begins trading by hundreds of dollars, building up from very small amounts in tandem with the market. You should notice this happening after youve held growing investments in the stock market for a while.

As you consistently build your portfolio, month after month, year after year, the returns start to become more significant, Williams said. The more you have invested, the larger the moves, for better or for worse. When youve built up a portfolio thats trading by the hundreds, whether it is up or down, it is a sign that your money is starting to work very hard for you.

Find Out: Im a Self-Made Millionaire: 6 Steps I Took To Become Rich on an Average Salary

Youre Measuring Your Finances by the Thousands

The second quiet sign of wealth accumulation can also be the slowest. Its when you are no longer measuring your financial foundation by hundreds, but by the thousands. A good example would be taking your emergency fund from $800 to $1,000 and then to $2,000. You may also see this quiet sign in your investment portfolio, too. Rather than seeing it go up by the hundreds (the first sign), youre now seeing it go up by the thousands.

This shift in measurement is a big sign in progress because it shows that youre beyond tracking pennies and dollars, now tracking in much larger increments, which means your wealth is growing at a much quicker pace, Williams said.

You Can Invest In Quality, Long-Lasting Items

A lot of us who buy fast fashion or low-priced but notoriously unreliable used cars take a lot of heat to buy nicer things that will last us longer. It is, after all, the more economically sound choice. But many of us are living paycheck to paycheck and simply cant afford to spend more, even when its clearly in our best interest. The third sign youre quietly getting rich, according to Williams, is the ability to be able to invest in quality, long-lasting items that are generally more expensive than cheap alternatives. Interestingly, this isnt just a sign that your wealth is augmenting, its also a sign that your mind is opening.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has called on the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) to ensure that audit requirements for SMEs in the UK remain proportionate and aligned with international standards.

The call comes as a response to the FRC's consultation on the SME market study, with ACCA emphasising the need for complexity-based regulations rather than size-based ones.

During a roundtable discussion with FRC members, auditors, and users of audited accounts, participants shared their insights and addressed the challenges of auditing SMEs.

ACCA Policy and Insights director and FRCs Audit Quality Review team former head Mike Suffield said: ACCA is strong proponent of globally consistent standards with regard to both corporate reporting and audit and assurance. We believe that it would be valuable and in the public interest for the FRC, as part of its focus on SMEs and audit, to set out clearly the basis for its decision not to adopt the IAASBs International Standard on Auditing for Audits of Financial Statements of Less Complex Entities (ISA for LCE).

The FRC should set out its proposed alternative arrangements and allow stakeholders to provide their feedback once it has developed firm proposals.

ACCA also outlined several recommendations for the FRC to enhance SME audits.

It suggested exploring ways to bridge the expectation gap in the UK audit market, so that the public, investors, and SMEs have a clearer understanding of the auditor's role.

Additionally, ACCA recommends that the FRC and professional bodies should better communicate the advantages of audits, highlighting the importance of investing time and resources in them.

The ACCA believes that the FRC should reassess the proportionality of the UK International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and consider the scalability of these standards for SME audits.

In addition, they propose that the FRC should conduct focused research on the application of the ethical standard to SME activities and their audit and assurance arrangements, which could lead to the development of additional guidance for the SME sector.

Earlier in April 2025, ACCA partnered with the Astana International Financial Centre Green Finance Centre to host a seminar in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The event aimed to enhance understanding of sustainability disclosures among regulators and business leaders in Central Asia.

"ACCA urges FRC to ensure audit standards for UK SMEs " was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand.




The Strathmore bottled water brand appears to have been saved from sinking as current owner AG Barr announced a potential buyer.

UK beverage group AG Barr revealed plans in March to discontinue the brand as Strathmore had struggled to compete in recent years and because the facility in Forfar, Scotland, from which the business operates, was no longer sustainable.

However, London-listed AG Barr, which also owns the Irn-Bru soft drinks line, has now entered talks with an unnamed buyer.

The company is pleased to announce that it has now entered into exclusive discussions with a third party regarding a potential disposal of the Strathmore business, AG Barr said in a brief stock exchange filing today (30 April).

These discussions are at an early stage and there can be no certainty that a transaction will ultimately occur.

AG Barr, which also produces the Funkin cocktails range, added that it will make further announcements to the market as and when appropriate.

No mention was made today over the future for the workers at Forfar.

As AG Barr unveiled the exit plan in March alongside its full-year results, the company said the site was at risk of closure, putting 23 jobs on the line.

The scrapping of the Strathmore brand follows an organisational simplification of the beverages group business which the company said was announced to staff in February. The move saw the integration of Barr Soft Drinks and the Funkin cocktails businesses into a unified AG Barr operation, streamlining activities and fostering synergies.

In March last year, AG Barr announced a round of redundancies affecting 160 roles as part of a shift from a direct-to-store delivery model to an enlarged and enhanced field sales operation.

Around the same time, AG Barr also revealed plans to fully integrate its Boost Drinks subsidiary into the Barr Soft Drinks division to remove duplicated activities.

In its full-year fiscal period, AG Barrs revenue rose by 5.1% to 420.4m ($544.5m), driven by strong performance in its soft drinks segment, particularly a standout performance from Rubicon and continued strong growth from Irn-Bru.

The business also reported a 6.5% increase in gross profit to 164.3m, while operating profit was up 3.2% year on year at 51.7m. Profit before tax grew 3.7% to 53.2m.

"AG Barr enters sale talks with potential buyer for Strathmore water business" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand.




(Reuters) -American Airlines has ended partnership talks with carrier JetBlue Airways and filed a lawsuit seeking damages after the collapse of the Northeast Alliance (NEA), Vice Chair Steve Johnson said in a letter to employees on Monday.

American Airlines had been in talks with JetBlue to form a new partnership aimed at strengthening its network and loyalty program, following the dissolution of the NEA after a non-jury trial in May 2023 found the agreement violated federal antitrust law  a decision later upheld by a U.S. appeals court.

"Ultimately, we were unable to agree on a construct that preserved the benefits of the partnership we envisioned, made sense operationally or financially," American Airlines' Johnson said in the letter.

In February, JetBlue said it was still in talks with multiple airlines to establish a partnership and is willing to allocate more funds to get a deal done.

The NEA was announced in July 2020 and received approval from the U.S. Transportation Department just days before the end of Republican President Donald Trump's first term in January 2021.

The alliance allowed the two carriers to coordinate flights and share revenue, forming a key part of American Airlines' strategy to gain ground in the New York market, where it had been operating at a loss.

American Airlines said on Monday that it has also filed a lawsuit to recover money owed by JetBlue following the unwinding of the NEA.

The Texas-based firm is seeking monetary relief of more than $1 million, excluding attorney fees and costs from JetBlue, according to the lawsuit filed in a Texas court.

JetBlue, in response to the lawsuit, said it has been working collaboratively with American to wind down the NEA since a court ruling deemed it anti-competitive.

"We plan to review American's complaint, and as this is pending litigation, we cannot comment further at this time," a JetBlue spokesperson said in an emailed response.

(Reporting by Bipasha Dey and Janaki Venugopalan in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich and Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
Future Publishing/Future Publishing via Getty Images

Amazon will report first-quarter earnings after the closing bell on Thursday.

Uncertainty is high as tariffs could directly impact the e-commerce firm.

But outlooks among Wall Street firms remain relatively strong.

Wall Street is feeling upbeat but cautious before Amazon's first-quarter earnings report on Thursday.

While investors are eager to gauge how the e-commerce giant performed amid the rise in recession fears during the first three months of the year, Amazon's second-quarter guidance will be particularly important.

That's because the company is especially vulnerable to tariffs, which could create a particularly challenging environment for retailers.

Still, Wall Street remains bullish on the firm's results, looking for signs of strength from Amazon Web Services and AI spending.

Here's what the biggest banks are saying:

Deutsche Bank: Cautious about full-year 2025

Amazon will meet conservative expectations for the first quarter, but things will get trickier from here, Deutsche Bank analysts wrote.

Earnings revenue should come in strong at $155.5 billion, boosted by a weaker dollar. But while April shows signs of strength, with consumer demand bolstered by fears of painful tariffs later in the year, investors shouldn't expect that to last.

Deutsche listed a handful of overhangs that could lead to challenges going forward. They include a revenue slowdown in the second half of the year, weak ad checks in the first quarter, and tariff implications for costs and advertising revenue.

"All in, we believe it best to be cautious at this point, and model total 2Q revenue growth $159bn ~170bps below the street, on Q/Q growth of only 2% as we look for a more muted consumer demand environment to drive sub-seasonal growth for Amazon as we move through year," analysts wrote.

Deutsche holds a "Buy" rating on the stock, with a $206 share price target.

Bank of America sees Amazon as a potential trade-deal beneficiary

Amazon can deliver a strong first quarter, Bank of America said, but the company is entering "unchartered (and tariffed) seas in 2Q."

BofA analysts expect Amazon to slightly beat consensus estimates with $155.5 billion in sales, predicting that consumer spending held up well amid tariff jitters. Meanwhile, the bank said expectations for 17.4% year-to-year AWS growth are realistic.

While BofA mirrored Deutsche Bank's uncertainty on how tariffs could disrupt future quarters, it remains optimistic.

"We acknowledge 2Q & 2H revenue uncertainty (retail, ads and Cloud), but remain confident on Amazon's ability to take share in eCommerce, improve retail margins via headcount cuts, & benefit from Cloud AI demand," BofA wrote. Shares of Amazon, a trade deal beneficiary, could benefit from tariff negotiations.
"We are excited about the broad potential of the platform, and also that the first proof of concept is in corn, which is one of Pauligs top three crops used extensively in both corn chips and tortillas for brands such as Santa Maria, Poco Loco and Zanuy, PINC director Marika King said. Rainbow Crops is built on a solid scientific foundation and has amazing collaborations in the making. It is also part of an impressive ecosystem with VIB and a great set of early investors, so we are more than happy to support this journey.

In 2025, Paulig invested in Rainbow Crops, a Belgian start-up that uses an AI-powered platform to combine genome editing and precision breeding to develop crop varieties the Finnish group said "are both climate resilient and optimized for yield and other key traits".

2023 also saw the company use PINC to invest in Improvin, an "AI-powered platform" its founders say allows clients to measure emissions and improve biodiversity.

Just over a year later, Paulig took part in a US$5.6m Series A funding round in UK cocoa-free chocolate start-up WNWN Food Labs .

In 2022, Paulig announced it was a seed investor in Swedish gluten-free pizza firm For Real! Foods.

The same year saw Paulig back a Swedish start-up manufacturing ingredients for use in plant-based foods. Paulig took part in a seed-financing round held by Melt&Marble, which uses precision fermentation to produce fats from yeast.

In 2021, it took part in a US$2.4m seed funding round for Mirai Foods, a Switzerland-based cell-based meat firm and invested in Finnish start-up Carrot Revolution, which owns Carrot Kitchen, a cooking app for children.

Here we look at what some of the major companies have done in this area and at some of their key investments.

This is not altruism of course but such investments should, in theory, benefit both parties, enabling so-called Big Food to tap into evolving consumer trends and learn more about how to innovate and do business in a more agile manner.

And, in recent years, an increasing number of major food companies have established in-house venture-capital arms to back fledgling, innovative companies with bags of potential, with a view to helping them to grow.

For Big Food companies looking to gain exposure to new, exciting, potentially faster-growing categories, M&A remains a popular route. But an alternative, especially when it comes to start-up companies, is to make equity investments.

Story Continues

General Mills

In 2023, General Mills set out a fresh strategy for its corporate investing.

The US giants two units used for external investment are housed under a division called Gold Medal Ventures.

Once the companys innovation unit and then its sole in-house investment vehicle, 301 Inc will remain General Mills venture-capital arm and make minority investments but it will also function to source deals for the new growth equity fund, the company said in November 2023.

That new fund was unveiled that month alongside its first investment. General Mills used the fund to snap up Fera Pets, a US business that develops and sells supplements for dogs and cats.

Gold Medal Ventures third pillar is G-Works, set up in 2019 and through which the company develops and launches its own products.

As of November 2023, the companies residing in the Gold Medal Ventures investment portfolio include Urban Remedy, a California-based plant-based food company General Mills backed in 2018 and PetPlate, a US direct-to-consumer dog-food firm in which the company invested three years earlier.

Other investments include:

Smalls, a cat-food start-up based in New York (2023)

Everything Legendary, a US supplier of plant-based meat products (2022)

US snacks firm Rhythm Superfoods (2016)

In March 2025, General Mills said no more investments will be made through its 301 Inc. venture-capital arm for the foreseeable future.

The announcement came alongside news that it was scrapping its G-Works innovation platform.

In a brief statement sent to Just Food confirming the moves, General Mills spokesperson Chelcy Walker said: Innovation is central to our Accelerate strategy.

Weve introduced a new Strategic Growth Office and are adjusting how we pursue new growth initiatives. As part of these changes, we are discontinuing our G-Works programme and we are pausing additional investments through 301 Inc. for the foreseeable future. This does not impact Carbe Diem or our current 301 Inc. portfolio.

Hershey

The US snacks giant has an in-house arm, C7 Ventures, to make equity investments.

In 2019, Hershey acquired minority stakes in Irish snack brand Fulfil and US confectionery maker Blue Stripes through the investment vehicle.

Two years later, the company used C7 Ventures to take part in a Series B funding round for US firm Bonumose to support the commercial production of allulose and tagutose.

Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods, the US meat giant, has a venture capital arm, Tyson Ventures, which was established in autumn 2016 to invest in companies developing breakthrough technologies, business models and products to sustainably feed the growing world population.

Key investments include:

- Beyond Meat, an alternative protein company (2016 and again in 2017. Exited in 2019)

- Memphis Meats, a US producer of 'lab-grown' meat (2018)

- Tovala, a US steam oven and ready-to-cook meals start-up (2018)

- FoodLogiQ, a US food-tech business (2018)

- Future Meat Technologies, an Israel-based lab-produced meat firm (2018)

- US mushroom ingredients firm MycoTechnology (2019 and 2020)

- US plant-base shrimp company New Wave Foods (2019)

In April 2019, Tyson Ventures invested in California-based food safety business Clear Labs.

Kraft Heinz

In October 2018, US food giant Kraft Heinz announced it was launching a venture fund that would invest in emerging tech companies that are aiming to transform the food industry.

Bernardo Hees, then chief executive officer at Kraft Heinz, said at the time: "New technological innovations in the food industry create endless new opportunities to strengthen business models. Through Evolv Ventures, we will work with tomorrow's most innovative founders and companies in the space, and use the full resources of Kraft Heinz to help them succeed."

Investments so far:

- San Francisco-based food-to-table delivery service GrubMarket (2019)

- New Culture, another firm in San Francisco, focused on developing animal-free dairy cheese products (2019) and again in (2021)

- Flowhub, a Colorado-based cannabis tech firm that works with retailers (2019)

- Zippin, a US-based cashier-less technology start-up that employs computer vision, artificial intelligence (AI), and sensor-fusion technology to provide checkout-free services for retailers (2019)

- Joywell Foods, a California-based sweet protein ingredients business (2020)

Mondelez International

In October 2018, the snacks giant behind Cadbury and Oreo launched a business unit aiming to tap into the trends that could drive the future growth of the market.

Named SnackFutures, Mondelezs unit was set up to focus on a number of areas, one of which is investing in fledgling firms.

In 2021, through SnackFutures, Mondelez set up CoLab, an accelerator scheme to work with fledgling businesses in what the Cadbury maker calls "well-being snacks".

By 2024, Mondelez had wound down CoLab and redirected SnackFutures to focus squarely on VC-style investments. It gave the unit a new name: SnackFutures Ventures.

SnackFutures was created five years ago to drive strategic growth for the company and that is still the case, Richie Gray, the head of SnackFutures, said at the time.

Gray said the focus of the unit was changed to support Mondelezs overall efforts to strengthen our core  chocolate, biscuits and baked snacks  as well as expand into new categories, for example, wellbeing [and] personalised nutrition.

He added: With this in mind, we shifted to being corporate-venture capital hub focused mostly on investing in scale-up, fast-growing companies in our core while still staying close to emerging brands, businesses and technologies.

Investments include:

- US prebiotic functional foods business Uplift Food (2019)

- US free-from snacks maker Hu Master Holdings (2019); bought outright (2021)

- Israel snacks start-up Torr (2020)

- Eastern Standard Provisions, a US pretzel business (2023)

Muller

In 2019, the German dairy giant set up Muller Ventures, a unit to "invest into early-stage start-up companies along the food and beverage value chain to generate a financial return and boost an innovation culture".

The Zurich-based venture-capital arm's efforts have so far included an investment in Yofix Probiotics, the Israel-based dairy-free yogurt start-up, in 2020.

Hain Celestial

Hain Celestial, the organic and natural food specialist, established its "strategic platform" Cultivate Ventures in November 2016 with a mission to "grow strategic investments and act as an incubator of small acquisitions until they reach scale for inclusion in the company's core platforms."

Key investments included:

- Local 130 Seafood, a seafood business

- Maketto, a culinary marketplace

- FoodyTV, a TV food network

- Foodify, an office food delivery firm

- Better Bean Co., a US manufacturer of bean-based products (2017)

Hormel Foods

The US manufacturer behind Spam canned meat and Skippy peanut butter set up corporate-venture arm 199 Ventures in 2019.

Also an incubator, 199 Ventures focuses on four areas: alternative proteins; new business models (such as direct-to-consumer); "fuelling foods" (which includes personalised nutrition) and "food technology", which Hormel says takes in novel ingredients, "next-gen" food production, food safety and sustainability.

In a statement on the Hormel corporate website, the company said 199 Ventures "connects emerging food companies and entrepreneurs to Hormel Foods, our resources, and industry-leading expertise to build collaborative relationships and support their development through strategic partnerships".

In October 2021, Hormel announced it had decided to team up with US ingredients supplier The Better Meat Co. to bring new mycoprotein- and plant-based protein products to the marketplace. The deal was struck via 199 Ventures.

Asked if the corporate-venture arm had invested in The Better Meat Co. or in other companies so far, a Hormel spokesperson said at the time: "199 Ventures can make equity investments to support the strategic development of its partners. At this time, we are not disclosing potential investment partners."

In December 2021, 199 Ventures was named the anchor investor in Green Circle Foodtech Ventures I, a new VC division of boutique merchant bank Green Circle Capital Partners.

Green Circle Foodtech Ventures I is "dedicated to sustainable, disruptive technologies in the foodtech ecosystem", Green Circle Capital Partners said.

Bryan Kreske, leader of the 199 Ventures department at Hormel, said: "Since committing to invest in the Fund, we are looking forward to the many areas of investment including alternative protein and plant-based foods."

Unilever

Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant, established its Unilever Ventures arm as long ago as 2002.

It works closely with the company's incubator programme Unilever Foundry, which provides access to pilot projects, mentorship and grant finance.

Key investments in food and beverage include:

- Froosh, a smoothie brand (2008)

- Gousto, a recipe box company (2014 and 2019)

- Instacart, a grocery store delivery business (2016)

- Sun Basket, an organic and non-GMP food ingredients business (2017 and 2018)

- Milkbasket, a grocery delivery service in India (2018)

- Youvit, an Indonesia-based vitamins business (2022), Unilever Ventures first investment in south-east Asia

In August 2023, Unilever Ventures led a $16.9m seed funding round in India-based healthy gummies start-up What's Up Wellness.

Nestle

Nestle launched its venture capital fund in 2002. It is managed by an independent company, Inventages Ventures Capital, and is intended to provide the Swiss-based food giant with better access to new science, technology and know-how opportunities, through acquisitions, minority stakes, licensing and joint-ventures.

Key investments include:

- Vital Foods, a digestive aid business

- XO, a canned beverage innovator

- Velle, an oat-based product group

Danone

Danone, the French dairy giant, has a venture capital arm in the shape of Danone Manifesto Ventures, based in New York.

Set up in 2016, Danone said it employs a "carefully selected team that is driven, passionate and eager to team up with exceptional entrepreneurs".

Key investments include:

- Yooji, a French baby food start-up (2017) and (2020)

- Kona Deep, a Hawaii-based water business (2017)

- Harmless Harvest, a US-based coconut water supplier (2018 and 2021 - the latter investment took Danone to majority shareholder)

- Farmer's Fridge, a US vending-machine business (2018)

- Yumble, a meal-kits delivery firm, supplying kids meals (2018)

- Halsa, a California-based supplier of oat-based, vegan beverages and yogurts (2018 and 2019)

- Agricool, a French urban farming business (2018)

- Epigamia, an Indian yogurt business (2019) and (2020)

- Forager Project, a US plant-based organic dairy company (2019)

- Nature's Fynd - a Chicago-based firm producing alternative meat products using protein derived from microbes discovered in the "geothermal springs of Yellowstone's ancient volcano" (2019 and 2020)

- Phenix, a Paris-based business dedicated to cutting food waste (2020)

- Laird Superfood, a US plant-based business making products from ingredients such as coconut water and turmeric (2020)

- Ready, Set Food, a California-based business that manufactures supplements which help babies to tackle common food allergies (2020)

- Hungry Harvest, set up in 2014, a US firm delivering "oddly-shaped" or surplus fruit and veg to consumers' homes (2020)

- Splendid Spoon, a US direct-to-consumer business, founded in 2013, that focuses on ready-made plant-based soups, bowls and smoothies (2021)

- Minor Figures, a UK-based oat-milk firm (2022)

- Symbrosia, a US start-up which has created a feed additive said to reduce methane emissions in cattle (2022)

- Wilk, an Israel-based start-up producing cell-based dairy and infant formula (2023)

- Imagindairy, another business based in Israel. Set up in 2020, Imagindairy develops animal-free dairy ingredients (2023)

Barilla

Barilla, the Italian pasta and pasta sauce specialist, launched a venture capital fund and innovation hub called Blu1887 in November 2017, the name reflecting the colour of its packaging and the year it was founded.

Blu1877's initial plan was to seed investments in innovators in products and meal solutions connected with Barilla's core business and related ones.

Key investments include:

- Regrained Supergrain, a health bar company (2017)

- BluRhapsody, a 3D pasta shaping business (2017)

- Pasta Evangelists, UK-based pasta supplier, primarily a direct-to-consumer business (2021)

In March 2019, Blu1877 was one of a group of investors to back California-based food by-products start-up Planetarians.

Katjes Group

Katjes Group, the German confectioner, has an investment arm called Katjesgreenfood which, as its name suggests, puts money into up-and-coming food brands with an eye on innovation and alternative food sources.

Key investments include:

- Veganz, a vegan supermarket chain in Germany (2016)

- Haferkater, a German porridge business (2017)

- Cate, a coffee and cherries-based drinks company (2017)

- Hemptastic, a hemp lemonade producer

- Seven Sundays, a US muesli manufacturer (2017)

- Foodstirs, a US organic baking start-up (2018)

- Fora, another US firm and supplier of vegan butter (2018)

- Wild Friends, a US plant-based, nut butter spreads maker (2018)

- The Rainforest Company, a business in Berlin marketing products containing acai

- PigOut, a US alternative bacon products start-up (2019)

In December 2021, Katjesgreenfood invested in German vegan sauces start-up Ohso Lecker.

In May 2023, the fund announced it had bought 10% of German cereal business Mymuesli. Katjesgreenfood said the investment was its largest minority shareholding to date.

Grefusa

The Spain-based snacks supplier set up Grefusa Ventures in 2018.

The privately-owned company, which has a brand portfolio including Snatt's "bread snacks", said it wants to invest not just in salty snacks but further afield.

In 2019, Grefusa announced the division's first investment, with the backing of Spanish gaming business Play&go Experience.

Thai Union Group

Thai Union Group launched a venture fund in October 2019.

The Thailand-based company, which owns the John West tuna brand, put an initial amount of US$30m into the fund which will back "innovative companies that are developing breakthrough technologies in food-tech".

Specifically, it was set up to invest in alternative protein, functional nutrition and value chain technology

The fund made its first investment straight away, pumping an undisclosed sum into Israel-based Flying Spark, which produces larval insect protein as a "sustainable and nutritious alternative protein".

In September 2020, the fund invested in food-tech businesses Alchemy Foodtech, Manna Foods Co. and HydroNeo as well as food-tech investment fund VisVires New Protein.

A year later, Thai Union joined Japan's Sumitomo, South Korea's Pulmuone and US food major Rich Products Corp. as an investor in BlueNalu, a Californian firm developing cell-based seafood.

In July 2021, Thai Union took part in a US$105m funding round for Israel cell-based meat company Aleph Farms.

Fonterra

In March 2017, Fonterra, the world's largest dairy exporter launched the Fonterra Ventures Co-Lab  an open platform designed to forge potential partnerships with "entrepreneurial individuals and businesses".

A year later, Fonterra announced the division's first "strategic partnership" with a stake in Germany-based sports-nutrition firm Goodminton, a holding company that includes local start-up Foodspring.

Fonterra sold its stake in Goodminton in 2019 to Mars.

Orkla

Nordic food group Orkla has more than one investment vehicle.

At a group level, it set up an in-house venture fund in March 2017 to back start-up businesses.

On launch, it said that through Orkla Ventures it planned to build "a project portfolio consisting of exciting, relevant growth companies with significant potential".

Orkla Ventures will initially focus on businesses in the Nordic region and Baltic states. It has set aside NOK100m (US$13m then) to invest.

In November 2019, it was announced the fund had invested in Norway-based baby-food start-up Grogro.

Meanwhile, in India, Orkla subsidiary MTR Foods has set up its own investment fund. MTR Foods announced its first investment in May 2018, backing kids' snacks start-up FirmRoots.

Rich Products Corp.

The privately-owned US giant, home to brands such as Seapak seafood, Jon Donaire desserts and Byron's Smokehouse barbecue meats, has Rich Products Ventures, a corporate-venture arm that, according to management executives, "invests in and supports companies that want to grow in B2B and direct-to-consumer food channels such as foodservice, in-store bakery and e-commerce".

Rich Products' Ventures investments have included:

BlueNalu, a business based in San Diego that is developing cell-based seafood (2020)

Tovala, the meal-service and smart-oven company, based in Chicago that has also attracted investment from Tyson (2020)

MyCoTechnology, which provides ingredients based on mushrooms for food and beverage companies (2020)

In 2021, Dao Foods International, an investor in alt-protein businesses in China, announced Rich Products as a backer of its Dao Foods Venture Fund 1. The fund is looking to invest in up to 30 alt-protein start-ups in China.

A year later, Rich Products was announced as an investor in Haofood, a start-up in China that sells chicken made from peanut protein.

Warburtons

In 2020, the UK bread major teamed up with local accelerator Mission Ventures to invest in start-ups offering "bakery-led brands".

Privately-owned Warburtons and Mission Ventures, formerly known as Grocery Accelerator, said they planned to fund around five UK businesses that incorporated baking in their production process, including baking kits and baked snacks, as well as traditional goods such as bread and biscuits.

A vehicle, Batch Ventures, was set up by Warburtons and Mission Ventures to make the investments.

In February 2021, Batch Ventures announced its first move, investing in UK biscotti maker The Artful Baker. A month later, it made its second investment  pumping GBP250,000 (US$344,980) into UK healthier snacks firm Insane Grain. In 2022, Batch Ventures backed Snackzilla, a UK company marketing healthier snacks for children.

Grupo Bimbo

Bimbo Ventures is the in-house investment arm of Mexico-based bakery giant Grupo Bimbo, set up in 2017 to "find and drive entrepreneurs' projects".

In 2021, the company used Bimbo Ventures to buy a minority stake in Rule Breaker Snacks, a US-based maker of vegan and gluten-free treats.

The same year, Bimbo led a funding round in Ecuadors LiveKuna, a manufacturer of snacks and superfood cereals.

Bimbo Ventures has also worked with Mexico-based venture-capital firm BlueBox Ventures to set up a food-tech accelerator for the bakery group called Eleva.

Minerva

The Brazilian meat processor launched a venture-capital fund in July 2020 to target investments in start-ups across the supply chain.

It "will be focused on start-ups and tech companies with highly innovative skills, strictly related to Minervas value chain (alternative proteins, logistics, livestock, agri-tech and food retail) that have a long-term potential to enhance synergies, leverage our capabilities and unlock unique opportunities," the company said in a statement, without providing further details.

Just Food has asked Minerva for more information regarding the targeted geographical markets, the amount of money it plans to invest and the reasons behind the launch.

Lotus Bakeries

In summer 2019, Belgium's Lotus Bakeries launched a fund to back emerging companies.

Lotus' FF2032 fund  the FF standing for fast forward and 2032 marking the company's centenary  was established to "create a platform for investment in promising brands and growth companies offering innovative products, technologies or market approaches within the food sector".

The fund made its first investment in July 2019, acquiring 20% of UK-based sourdough crispbread maker Peter's Yard for an undisclosed sum. In July 2022, Lotus announced a deal to buy the rest of the business.

Lotus said the fund will invest in companies focused on "contemporary consumer demands" in the areas of nutrition and convenience, based in Europe or the US. It said it will invest up to EUR30m (US$33.3m at the prevailing exchange rate) in such minority interests.

In December 2021, the fund add a fifth firm to its investment roster, with a minority interest in better-for-you-snacks business The Good Crisp Company in Colorado. In May of that year, FF2032 took a minority stake in organic granola start-up Oot in the Netherlands following a similar transaction for US allergen-free biscuit maker Partake Foods in January.

In August 2020, Lotus announced it had bought a minority stake in US business Love Brands, the owner of corn-snacks brand Love Corn.

In December 2022, Lotus announced its fund had taken a minority stake in US better-for-you bar manufacturer Iqbar.

Calidad Pascual

In May 2021, Calidad Pascual, the Spain-based dairy business, joined the ranks of major food manufacturers that have set up an in-house venture arm.

The family-owned business formed Pascual Innoventures to work with and invest in start-ups doing business in areas including the circular economy, personalisation and health.

Pascual Innoventures, which is run by the third generation of Pascual family, is already working with Spain-based start-up Venvirotech on turning waste into bioplastics.

Tiger Brands

The same month, South Africa-based FMCG group Tiger Brands unveiled a fund with an initial capital outlay of less than ZAR100m (then US$7.1m).

The Tiger Brands Venture Capital Fund was targeted at product areas in which Tiger Brands operates, or in technologies linked to those operations, according to chief executive Noel Doyle.

"We believe that this [VC fund] will give us early access to some potential growth opportunities," Doyle explained at the time. He added: "We are not necessarily going to see the benefit of it in the next year or two but it's something that's essential for us to do. We have to find those high-growth, high-potential businesses."

In March 2022, Tiger Brands announced the fund's first investment  the acquisition of a minority stake in local plant-based protein business Herbivore Earthfoods.

Dr. Oetker

The Germany-based food major  a manufacturer of frozen pizza to puddings via cake mixes  followed Kraft Heinz in becoming an investor in US animal-free cheese firm New Culture in November 2021.

The investment was made by Be8 Ventures, which is funded by Dr. Oetker.

Be8 was founded in 2020 as an independent venture capital fund that has its investment focus in the food and food-tech industries. Other direct investments it has made include Bluu Bioscience (2021), Glovo (2021) and Planted Foods (2021).

The fund is "actively searching for and approaching early growth start-ups" with a focus on Europe, Israel and North America. It makes minority investments only (usually between 5% and 10%).

Probios

In October 2024, Probios, an Italian manufacturer of organic and gluten-free food products, launched a venture-capital arm to back start-ups in the better-for-you area.

The company set up Probios Ventures, with the support of its parent Agreen Capital, to support real game changers in the health food and nutrition sector.

Florence-based Probios, which dates back to 1978, said the initiative is aimed at supporting start-ups, scale-ups and all those emerging companies that want to improve the well-being of man and the planet through nutrition.

Companies backed will have to operate in the healthy food, food-tech and wellness sectors.

"Big Foods stake in the future  in-house venture-capital funds investments" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.




BlackRock Inc. (BLK)s iShares is planning a fourth infrastructure ETF even as the Trump administration aims to cut government spending, the primary funding source for big transportation, energy and telecommunications projects.

New York-based BlackRock, the worlds largest exchange-traded fund issuer, plans to issue the iShares Infrastructure Active ETF to invest in securities of infrastructure-related companies. It will be managed by Balfe Morrison, head of listed infrastructure strategies within the Global Real Asset Securities Group, according to a filing last week that didnt disclose a ticker or planned launch date.

BlackRock Adds to Infrastructure ETF Lineup

The active fund would be launched into an increasingly crowded infrastructure field at a time when government spending is under scrutiny by the Trump administration and its Elon Musk-run Department of Government Efficiency.

Still, billions of dollars remain to be spent under the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed in 2021; the Biden administration in November said that it had issued $3.4 billion in grants under the law to fund rail projects, seaports, roads and sustainable transportation.

It also comes as BlackRock has issued a handful of other infrastructure ETFs over the years. They include the $6.4 billion iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (IGF), the $2.2 billion iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF (IFRA), and the $6.7 million iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF (EMIF). IFRA, its most recent product of the group, was launched in 2018.

Model Portfolio?

With infrastructure covered by the previous funds, BlackRock may be aiming for another option to add to its model portfolio business, Bloomberg Intelligence ETF Analyst Athanasios Psarofagis said in an email.

Their model portfolio business is growing, so oftentimes issuers will launch these to have options for their own internal models rather than buy a competitor, he wrote.

BlackRock declined to comment through a spokesperson.

/topics/infrastructure

The Top 5 Infrastructure ETFsSource: etf.com

The largest ETF in the group is the $7.9 billion Global X U.S. Infrastructure Development ETF (PAVE), which has dropped 6.1% this year and has had $622 million in outflows. Still, the fund has gained 24% over the past five years.





Permalink |  Copyright 2025 etf.com. All rights reserved
BNP Paribas has renewed its partnership with IBM Cloud, extending their collaboration for an additional ten years.

This agreement aims to accelerate the bank's cloud-native strategy and support the advancement of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).

The partnership is part of BNP Paribas' technology investment and multicloud strategy.

Since 2019, BNP Paribas has hosted IBM Cloud within its data centres, a move that has contributed to the establishment of a technological infrastructure essential for the bank's digital transformation.

As part of the renewed agreement, BNP Paribas plans to allocate a new area in its data centres for IBM Cloud, with completion expected by 2028.

This investment is intended to bolster the bank's resilience and ensure the continuity of critical banking services, such as payments, while safeguarding customer data and the integrity of the bank's information systems.

The renewed partnership will enable BNP Paribas to enhance its capabilities by utilising GPUs on IBM Cloud, integrated with the bank's existing cloud infrastructure.

This integration is designed to support various business units in exploring and implementing generative AI applications.

BNP Paribas chief information officer Marc Camus said: By combining GPUs as a service, a dedicated, state-of-the-art environment within our data centers, and a cloud-native infrastructure, we are strengthening our technological foundation, as well as the security and the compliance of our information systems.

Furthermore, BNP Paribas is advancing its application modernisation efforts through a cloud-native approach, utilising containers via Red Hat OpenShift, IBM's Kubernetes container management platform.

This strategy aims to facilitate the development of modular, scalable, and portable applications, thereby increasing flexibility and responsiveness in managing banking services, particularly in the realm of payment systems.

The initiative aligns with the European DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) regulation, which aims to enhance the operational resilience of financial institutions, particularly in business continuity and IT risk management.

IBM Cloud general manager Alan Peacock said: For decades, IBM and BNP Paribas have worked together to build the banking infrastructure of the future, underpinned by the necessary resilience.

In July 2024, BNP Paribas and Ant International partnered to improve cross-border payment solutions for European merchants and consumers.

"BNP Paribas extends alliance with IBM Cloud" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.
(This April 30 story has been republished to change the image, with no changes to text)

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Bank of New York Mellon has asked its employees to return to the office four days a week by September 2 from a current three days, according to a memo from the bank's executive committee seen by Reuters.

The move comes after other Wall Street banks implemented stricter in-office mandates. JPMorgan Chase prompted staff complaints after it told workers on hybrid schedules to come back five days a week starting in March.

"We believe that it is important that all of us spend more time together working, leading and learning from each other," BNY's leaders wrote in the memo. "Were committed to maintaining personal flexibility, and will continue to support remote work one day a week. We have no plans to return to 5 days in office unless circumstances were to demand otherwise."

BNY has required its 51,000 employees to work from the office for three days a week since the first half of 2023.

"Occasional remote work can be effective, but in person we can respond more quickly to dynamic, fast-paced financial markets and better serve our clients," BNY executives wrote. "Most managers are already in the office 4 days a week, and we have seen the positive momentum this creates."

(Reporting by Lananh Nguyen in New York; Editing by Chris Reese)
David Ryder / Bloomberg / Getty Images





Key Takeaways

Boeing shares moved higher Monday after the manufacturer got an upgrade from Bernstein analysts.

The analysts said on Sunday that after its latest quarterly report last week, Boeing is back on the track they had expected prior to the company's January 2024 door-plug incident.

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings and Boeing competitor Airbus agreed to a deal Monday, paving the way for Boeing to reacquire the supplier.







Boeing (BA) shares rose Monday after the plane maker got two pieces of good news: Its stock was upgraded by Bernstein analysts, and its deal to reacquire Spirit AeroSystems Holdings (SPR) cleared another hurdle.

Bernstein analysts on Sunday upgraded Boeing stock to "outperform," with a price target of $218, up from $181 previously. That puts Bernstein analysts in line with eight others rating Boeing as a "buy," compared with three "hold" ratings, according to Visible Alpha data. Their new price target is above the $196.10 analyst consensus.

Boeing 'Making the Progress' Analysts Expected Before January 2024 Door-Plug Incident

The analysts said that after Boeing's latest quarterly report last week, the company is "now making the progress it needed for the growth trajectory we expected" prior to the early 2024 incident in which a door plug detached from a Boeing plane in mid-flight.

"The heavy [Federal Aviation Administration] scrutiny on Boeing operations should insure a much more solid operational process at [Boeing Commercial Airplanes]," the analysts wrote. "Of course, this positive outlook is not without risks. But, we believe the key factors strongly outweigh the risks at this point."

Spirit AeroSystems, Airbus Reach Agreement

Early Monday, Spirit AeroSystems and Airbus announced an agreement for Airbus to take control of some of Spirit's operations that manufacture parts for Airbus. When Boeing announced plans to reacquire Spirit as part of its strategy to solidify the safety of its supply chain, rival Airbus said in 2024 that it would take control of certain assets so it wasn't reliant on its largest competitor for parts.

Jefferies analysts wrote Monday that the Airbus agreement "opens the way" for Spirit's reintegration with Boeing to close as expected, likely by the third quarter of this year.

Boeing shares were up about 2% to $182 at close. Monday appears likely to be Boeing's fifth-straight winning session, a streak that has brought the stock back into positive territory for the last 12 months.



Read the original article on Investopedia
Refining Availability: Over 96% in 1Q 2025.

Upstream Plant Reliability: More than 95% in 1Q 2025.

New Project Capacity: Added 100 mbd towards a target of 250 mbd by 2027.

Exploration Discoveries: Six discoveries, including significant find in Namibia.

Customers Business Performance: Best first quarter since 2020 on an underlying RCOP basis.

CapEx Reduction: Reduced by $0.5 billion to $14.5 billion for 2025.

Organic CapEx: Below $14 billion for 2025, excluding inorganic payments.

Divestments: $1.5 billion completed or signed, expecting $3 billion to $4 billion in 2025.

Operating Expenditure: Down $500 million quarter on quarter.

Net Debt: Rose due to working capital build, expected to unwind through the year.

Release Date: April 29, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

BP PLC (NYSE:BP) achieved strong operational performance with over 96% refining availability and more than 95% upstream plant reliability.

The company successfully started up three major projects, adding 100 mbd of capacity towards its target of 250 mbd by 2027.

BP PLC (NYSE:BP) made six exploration discoveries, including a significant find in Namibia.

The Customers business delivered its best first quarter since 2020 on an underlying RCOP basis.

BP PLC (NYSE:BP) reduced CapEx by $0.5 billion for 2025 and expects $3 billion to $4 billion in divestments, with proceeds weighted to the second half of the year.

Negative Points

Gas & Low Carbon segment missed earnings expectations due to a weak gas trading result.

Net debt rose in the quarter, primarily due to a working capital build.

The refining business faced challenges with difficult margin environments in the Midwest and Rotterdam.

The share count increased despite a $1.75 billion buyback, partly due to employee share plans.

The effective tax rate for the first quarter was around 50%, higher than previous quarters, impacting overall profitability.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you explain the weakness in the Gas & Low Carbon segment and the increase in non-cash costs? A: Kate Thomson, CFO, explained that the Gas & Low Carbon segment saw about $200 million in higher non-cash items, primarily due to increased DD&A from the startup of Raven Infill. Some positive non-cash items from the previous quarter did not recur. The DD&A rate is expected to remain consistent going forward.

Q: Despite strong operational performance, why isn't this reflected in cash flow? A: CEO Murray Auchincloss attributed the discrepancy to a seasonal working capital build, which is expected to unwind throughout the year. Gas trading was weak due to European regulation changes, but oil trading performed averagely. The company remains confident in its cash flow growth plans.
A Cava restaurant in Waldorf, Maryland.

Cava, the Mediterranean-inspired fast casual chain, opened 58 new restaurants in 2024 and plans to continue its growth into 2025.

The company told USA TODAY earlier this month it plans to open over 60 new restaurants in 2025. The chain had locations in 26 states and the District of Columbia, and operated 367 restaurants as of the end of 2024. Cava has a target of expanding to 1,000 locations by 2032.

Cava said it recently entered into the South Florida and Indianapolis markets, with openings also planned in the Detroit and Pittsburgh areas later this year. The company said in a March 14 news release announcing the Indianapolis restaurant opening that it plans to open a second Indianapolis urban location later in 2025 "as part of its expansion into the Midwest."

The chain serves Mediterranean-inspired bowls, pitas, dips and dressings, according to its website.

As the fast-casual chain continues its expansion throughout 2025, here's where new restaurants have recently opened.

Cava restaurants that have already opened in 2025

According to Cava's website, the company has opened the following locations so far in 2025:

Durham, North Carolina: 8128 Renaissance Parkway, #114, Durham, NC 27713; Opened on Jan. 17

Glen Allen, Virginia: 9964 Brook Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059; Opened on Jan. 18

Ocala, Florida: 2800 SW College Road, Suite 101, Ocala, FL 34474; Opened on Jan. 31

East Brunswick, New Jersey: 300 NJ-18, Unit #1, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 (in Midstate Mall); Opened on Jan. 31

Chelmsford, Massachusetts: 40 Drum Hill Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824; Opened on Feb. 21

Union, New Jersey: 1235 W. Chestnut St., Suite G, Union, NJ, 07083; Opened on Feb. 28

Palm Harbor, Florida: 33163 US Hwy 19 N., Palm Harbor, FL, 34684; Opened on March 6

Lafayette, Louisiana: 4220 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette, LA 70508; Opened on March 14

Fishers, Indiana: 11594 Whistle Drive, Suite 150, Fishers, IN 46037; Opened on March 14

New York, New York: 1535 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028; Opened on March 21

New Orleans, Louisiana: 5001 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115; Opened on April 4

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts: 220 Boylston St, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467; Opened on April 4

Leander, Texas: 128 South Brook Drive, Leander, TX 78641; Opened on April 11

Marlton, New Jersey: 349 Route 70 West, Marlton, NJ 08053; Opened on April 16

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cava opening over 60 restaurants in 2025: See locations already open
UK-based independent finance broker Charles & Dean has appointed Paul Bartley as a non-executive director.

Bartley has more than four decades of expertise in corporate finance, asset finance, and specialist lending.

Before joining Charles & Dean, he served as the managing director of asset finance at Hampshire Trust Bank, where he established a car finance proposition catering to high-net-worth clients.

In addition, Bartley previously founded and led Close Brothers Leasing. Under his leadership, the company achieved a loan book exceeding 500m ($667.4m) and consistently strong annual pre-tax profits before he sold his stake in the company to Close Brothers in 2013.

Charles & Dean co-founder Tom Perkins said: I'm thrilled to welcome Paul Bartley to Charles & Dean as a non-executive director. Having known Paul for many years, I know his advisory input will be instrumental in shaping our strategic direction and ensuring we remain agile and focused as we pursue our growth plans.

His appointment marks an exciting step forward in elevating Charles & Dean to the next level."

Commenting on the new role, Bartley said: Charles & Dean are one of the most highly regarded brokers in the UK, known for their outstanding service and specialist knowledge across sectors.

Their commitment to both their clients and team is clear, and their values align closely with my own. Im delighted to join the board and contribute to the next phase of their exciting journey.

"Charles & Dean appoints Paul Bartley as non-executive director" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand.




Whether it's for a burrito, guacamole, or something else, diners have consistently gone out to eat at Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) more and more over the last 10 years. Of course, there was an exception to this trend at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic -- comparable sales were down nearly 10% in the second quarter of 2020. But that was understandable. After all, people were being told to stay home to slow the spread of the virus at the time.

Chipotle's comparable sales have increased year over year in every quarter since the second quarter of 2020. That is, they had increased until the first quarter of 2025, which is the most recent quarter. In Q1, comparable sales fell by less than 1%, which is small. But they did fall nonetheless.

Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue 

Investors need to understand why sales are dropping for Chipotle in 2025. Only when they know what's happening can they figure out what to do about it.

What's going on at Chipotle?

On one hand, the recent drop in sales per restaurant location isn't unique to Chipotle. For example, Domino's Pizza reported financial results for the first quarter of 2025 on April 28, showing a similar drop in comparable sales. In short, consumers are increasingly stretched thin and they're cutting back on eating out.

On the other hand, Chipotle might have a problem of its own to deal with as well. In Q1, transactions at the company's restaurants dropped by more than 2% year over year. For perspective, they rose by more than 5% in 2024. In other words, Q1 sales fell less than transactions because the company is making up the difference by charging higher prices.

Higher menu prices in a sputtering economy could explain why Chipotle's transactions are quickly trending the wrong way. And it's a trend that's expected to continue, at least for a while.

Chipotle's management says that the second quarter had a tepid start from a transaction standpoint, but it hopes trends will improve late in the quarter before turning positive in the back half of the year.

What does this mean for investors?

Assuming that uncomfortably high prices are contributing to its sales struggles, Chipotle is in a challenging spot for the near term. If menu prices still rise, it could deter people from eating out at Chipotle. Outright lowering prices rarely happens in the restaurant world. But promotional activity is a common way to stimulate traffic. And if Chipotle chooses this approach, it could hurt the company's profit margins instead.
(Reuters) -Insurance firm Cincinnati Financial swung to a first-quarter loss on Monday, as catastrophic losses from the California fires and a decrease in investment gains weighed on earnings.

The California fires resulted in an estimated $250 billion in economic losses, making them one of the most expensive natural disasters in American history, and damaging insurers' earnings.

Peers' profits were also dented, including Hartford Insurance Group's, which more than doubled catastrophe losses, according to its quarterly report last week.

Fairfield, Ohio-based Cincinnati Financial said that its after-tax catastrophe losses rose by $356 million in the reported quarter.

However, CEO Stephen Spray said that the company was prepared "for the unprecedented losses our policyholders suffered from the wildfires in California."

Shares of the company, which have shed 5.5% in 2025, were down marginally in trading after the bell.

Cincinnati offers a range of insurance products, including property and casualty insurance for individuals, businesses and organizations, and collects premiums from policyholders.

The company's earned premiums grew 13% to $2.34 billion for the quarter ended March 31. Its biggest segment, commercial lines insurance, saw premiums rise 9% to $1.18 billion.

Cincinnati Financial posted a net loss of $90 million, or 57 cents per share, in the three months ended March 31, compared to a profit of $755 million, or $4.78 per share, in the year-ago period.

The company also attributed the quarterly loss to an after-tax net effect of a $536 million decrease in net investment gains.

(Reporting by Pritam Biswas in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals partially reversed a lower courts summary judgment grant to Clorox in a former sales employees discrimination suit, holding Friday that the plaintiff raised genuine issues of material fact as to whether he was wrongfully terminated because of his gender.

Clorox fired the plaintiff in Toney v. The Clorox Co., a 63-year-old White man, amid a reorganization of its sales staff and promoted a 35-year-old White woman to replace him, according to court documents. He alleged discrimination on the basis of race, sex and age, but the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington granted summary judgment to Clorox, holding that the plaintiff failed to show pretext for discrimination.

The 9th Circuit reversed only on the basis that the plaintiff had shown that a reasonable jury could conclude that Cloroxs reasons for firing the plaintiff were internally inconsistent and discriminatory on the basis of gender. The court said that a Clorox program to achieve gender representation targets was sufficient evidence to defeat the companys motion for summary judgment.

Dive Insight:

The 9th Circuits decision may serve as a cautionary one for employers as they decide how to frame diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the current business climate. The court specifically referenced Cloroxs IGNITE strategy, a component of which calls on the company to achieve parity across total company, women, people of color in addition to ensuring pay equity.

In his opening brief to the 9th Circuit, the plaintiff alleged that Clorox measured parity using percentages, citing a 2021 annual report. The plaintiff also cited a Clorox press release announcing the companys inclusion in the 2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. In the release, Clorox CEO Linda Rendle was quoted as saying that she was proud that women leaders make up 50% of Cloroxs executive team since its important we represent the diverse consumers we serve around the world, the majority of whom are women."

The plaintiff argued that a jury could find that Clorox overreached with its DEI policies, crossing the line from permissible value statements to goals and preferences that drove hiring and firing decisions.

Clorox claimed that managerial concerns about the plaintiffs employment competencies, combined with the reorganization of its sales staff, were the nondiscriminatory reasons for his termination. Per the 9th Circuit, the company specifically cited the plaintiffs issues with strategic leadership and reports that he could be difficult to work with. The plaintiff countered that he received positive annual evaluations and that little pretermination evidence suggested that Clorox had concerns about his performance.
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Stocks to Buy According to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:KOF) stands against Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust's other stock picks.

Bill Gates has invested billions of dollars in stocks to fund the Seattle-based Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust, widely regarded as the world's largest private foundation, formed through the merger of the William H. Gates Foundation and the Gates Learning Foundation. According to the Trust, its aim is to address major humanitarian concerns such as poverty, a lack of opportunity, and infectious diseases. Over the past 30 years, Bill and Melinda have contributed an estimated $47.7 billion of their fortune to their foundation and predecessor. The foundation's trust maintains a highly concentrated equities portfolio, reflecting the influence of Bill Gates and his longtime friend and former foundation trustee, Warren Buffett.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has set a record $8.74 billion budget for 2025, with intentions to increase yearly distributions to $9 billion the following year. Mark Suzman, the foundation's CEO, stated that the record approval by its governing council is consistent with the foundation's goal of a world "where everyone, everywhere, deserves the chance to live a healthy, productive life."

Gates' predictions for AI

Previously regarded as an aspect of science fiction, AI appears to have entered ordinary life and is now finding its way to consumers and businesses. Bill Gates predicts that by 2035, artificial intelligence will take over roles traditionally held by doctors, teachers, and other professionals, ushering in what he calls the era of "free intelligence." According to Gates, this transition will result in rapid advancements in AI technology that will become firmly integrated into daily life, ranging from better healthcare solutions and more accurate diagnoses to broad access to AI tutors and virtual assistants.

However, while the potential is enormous, Gates admits that there are "understandable and valid" concerns about AI's existing capabilities. In a 2023 blog post, he stated that even the most advanced AI systems make mistakes and can contribute to the spread of misinformation. Still, Gates is optimistic: if he were to establish a new firm today, he told CNBC Make It in September 2024, it would be an "AI-centric" startup.
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

A federal district court in California refused on April 22 to dismiss a former employees lawsuit against the U.S. Postal Service alleging she was harassed and discriminated against because she is a transgender woman (Scannell v. DeJoy).

When the employee started working at USPSs Culver City station, she presented as a man while privately undergoing gender transition, according to court documents. After a co-worker saw a photo of her on a messaging app and outed her, other employees called her homophobic slurs, shared unwanted personal information and made threats, she alleged. The station postmaster then allegedly removed her from a supervisory role and replaced her with someone who wasnt outwardly gay or transgender.

The employee was briefly able to transfer to another station but ordered back to Culver City, court documents said. Fearing this would exacerbate her depression, she allegedly requested leave as an accommodation but never got a response. Ultimately, she resigned, citing intolerable working conditions, and sued the USPS for subjecting her to a sex-based hostile work environment in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and for disability discrimination under the Rehabilitation Act, among other charges.

Dive Insight:

Experts have cautioned employers that despite the Trump Administrations order requiring federal agencies to recognize the biological reality of two sexes  male and female  and the EEOCs corresponding retreat from enforcing the federal employment rights of LBGTQ+ individuals, Title VII still prohibits these rights from being violated.

The U.S. Supreme Court clarified this in a 2020 ruling, Bostock v. Clayton County, which held that Title VIIs ban on sex discrimination in the workplace includes protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, Tripp Scott attorneys Paul Lopez and Brittany Hynes explained in a February op-ed to HR Dive.

Its important for employers to acknowledge that discrimination against transgender and nonbinary individuals remains illegal under federal law, as well as under many state and local laws, and employers need to continue to take measures to ensure that these rights are protected, Lopez and Hynes wrote.

Unless the Bostock decision is reversed, employers can anticipate that charges of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity will continue to be filed, the attorneys said.
This story was originally published on Manufacturing Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Manufacturing Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Chemical manufacturer Dow announced on Thursday further cost-cutting actions to save $6 billion, addressing an ongoing slower and more volatile economic climate, including tariffs.

The companys strategy includes delaying the construction of a major $6.5 billion expansion and retrofitting project in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. Dow plans to transform the ethylene cracker and derivatives facility into a net-zero emissions site.

Dow also expanded its review of Europe-based assets to include three costly, energy-intensive upstream sites, valued at approximately $275 million. The review is expected to be complete by mid-year.

Dive Insight:

Like other companies such as 3M, Dow is shifting and preparing its finances as it closely monitors the Trump administrations tariffs negotiations.

The company is engaging in rigorous scenario planning to identify potential additional cost-cutting and mitigation strategies, COO Karen Carter said during an April 24 earnings call.

Until negotiations on tariffs are finalized, we expect to see delays in both purchase and investment decisions from consumers as well as corporations, CFO Jeff Tate said during the call.

Nevertheless, Dow estimated greater than 95% of its North American volume is compliant under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, an advantage for the company, Carter said.

There are also areas of its chemical portfolio, particularly methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and silicones in North America, in which the chemical manufacturer expects additional margin support from its domestic production, Carter added. This is due to significant China-based oversupply that has forced local markets to go long.

Altogether, our unmatched cost positions and feedstock flexibility, superior product mix and geographic diversity are strong differentiators that give Dow a competitive edge today and throughout the cycle, Carter said.

The chemical maker initially announced its European assets review in October 2024, with a primary focus on its polyurethanes business in the region.

These actions will help to further enhance Dow's near-term cash flow and align our asset base to the realities of our participation in the region, Fitterling said. And importantly, they are additive to our previously announced plans to determine the best strategic option for our polyurethanes business in Europe.
By Sinead Cruise and Tommy Reggiori Wilkes

LONDON (Reuters) -Big European lenders are retaining ambitious performance targets after bumper first-quarter profits this week, but beyond the upbeat headline numbers, bank bosses are contemplating a welter of threats to their future earnings prospects.

A global trade war unleashed by U.S. tariffs, the highest in a century, has prompted some economists to raise the odds on recession, with about 40 companies worldwide pulling or lowering their forward guidance in the first two weeks of the first-quarter earnings season, a Reuters analysis showed.

With only a handful of data points tracking the early impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff plan, most banks have held firm to shareholder payouts and profitability objectives but customers are already showing caution and provisions against bad loans are making a comeback.

"While it's too early for lenders to make strategic shifts, the rise in bad loans is a clear warning sign," said Douglas Grant, CEO of financial services company Manx Financial Group.

Grant said slowing GDP growth, rising wage costs, and geopolitical instability were already pushing small businesses to cut investment, scale back growth plans and preserve cash.

European banks have enjoyed a run of record profits and soaring share prices for the past two years, and investors have quickly pushed their shares back towards multi-year highs after a dramatic dip in early April.

Deutsche Bank produced a 39% rise in first-quarter profit on Tuesday after its investment bank's bond and currency trading revenue surged. But the results included a hit from a large single-loan writedown and provisions for the possible impact of tariffs on clients.

Britain's Barclays on Wednesday also highlighted intense financial market activity as a driver of higher investment banking income. At UBS, trading revenue increased 32% to $2.5 billion in the three months to end-March.

'UNPREDICTABLE'

Several banks surpassed analyst expectations in the first three months of the year but future customer appetite for risk is becoming harder to read.

"There was some activity in response to the big market catalyst that we saw at the very beginning of April, but there is more and more uncertainty getting priced in," said UBS Chief Financial Officer Todd Tuckner.

CEO Sergio Ermotti said the economic outlook was "particularly unpredictable", with corporate dealmaking on hold, although not yet cancelled.

Although also beating analyst expectations, HSBC on Tuesday raised the spectre of lower loan demand and an erosion in credit quality due to the broader tariff fallout.
By Zaheer Kachwala

(Reuters) -Polestar paused its 2025 forecast on Wednesday as it braces for a potential hit from sweeping tariffs that threaten to roil supply chains and push up car prices, sending the U.S-listed shares of the Swedish electric-vehicle maker down 6%.

The company reported strong first-quarter sales earlier this month, but CEO Michael Lohscheller warned of a hit from American import duties as it looks to shift manufacturing to the U.S. and Europe to cut reliance on China.

U.S. President Donald Trump's rapidly changing trade policy and levies of at least 145% on China have forced many automakers, including Stellantis, General Motors and Volvo Cars, to pull their forecasts and several others to warn of profit and revenue hits.

In response to industry pushback, Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order to soften the blow of his auto tariffs by mixing credits with relief from other levies on parts and materials.

Polestar has a manufacturing presence in South Carolina, where it makes the Polestar 3 crossover SUV. But it plans to export the Polestar 4 to the U.S. from a South Korean facility, where production will begin in the second half of the year, exposing the company to tariff impacts.

The EV maker, however, expects compounded growth in vehicles sold between 30% and 35% for this and the next two years as well as an improvement in gross margin through 2025.

Its discounts targeting disgruntled Tesla owners have helped the company drum up demand in the U.S. even as worries of a possible recession due to the tariffs weigh on consumer spending.

ANOTHER DELAY

Polestar said it has filed a notice with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to delay the publication of its 2024 annual report. It now expects to file the document on or before May 14.

The company was expected to report its already-delayed fourth-quarter results in March, but that got pushed to April, leaving investors questioning its accounting measures.

Polestar's delay in publishing its fourth-quarter results follows previous issues with financial disclosures, having to republish statements from past fiscals due to errors.

The company expects to report first-quarter results in May.

VOLVO TIES

Earlier this week, Volvo Cars CEO Hakan Samuelsson spoke about working closely with Chinese majority owner Geely and its associated brands as well as potentially collaborating with Polestar to use its upcoming factory in Slovakia.

"I think we also need to look a bit closer into possibilities to get in other Geely brands there ... of course Polestar, who are also having cars in the pipeline. So that's something we're looking into," Samuelsson said.
Photo: Bill Pugliano (Getty Images)

General Motors (GM) is pulling its 2025 profit guidance due to uncertainty caused by President Donald Trumps tariffs.

Given the evolving nature of the situation, we believe the future impact of tariffs could be significant, GM chief financial officer Paul Jacobson told reporters on a call Monday evening, according to the Wall Street Journal. The executive added that the company would provide an update once it has a clearer idea of whats going on.

GM also announced it was halting its stock buyback program, with Jacobson saying it is awaiting more clarity on tariff policies before buying any more stock.

The Detroit firm reported its first-quarter earnings Tuesday morning, beating expectations with adjusted EPS of $2.78 on $44.02 billion in revenue. But its stock was down a little more than 2% Tuesday morning.

In a rare move that underscores the uncertainty in the auto industry and beyond, GM further announced it would delay its earnings call originally scheduled for Tuesday until Thursday.

The White House said Tuesday that Trump will sign an executive order regarding auto tariffs later in the day, ahead of a scheduled rally in Michigan. The current tariffs of 25% on imported vehicles will continue, but the order will prevent other duties, such as a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, from stacking on top of them, according to NBC News.

Trump is also expected to announce reimbursements on tariffs for auto parts for up to 3.75% of a vehicles first-year value on Tuesday, according to the Journal. The relief has been welcomed by the auto industry, but analysts have warned the shifting policy could still drive up prices and snarl supply chains.

Last week, six top automotive industry policy groups lobbied the Trump administration against implementing the upcoming tariffs on auto parts, saying they could jeopardize production and drive up prices.

Catherine Baab contributed to this article.

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A Corvette ZR1 on display at the New York International Auto Show this month. - Adrienne Grunwald for WSJ

General Motors is shelving its earlier profit guidance for 2025, saying President Trumps auto tariffs have clouded the outlook and its prior forecast cant be relied upon.



Chief Financial Officer Paul Jacobson said the company would come back to the market with an update once its executives have more clarity.

Given the evolving nature of the situation, we believe the future impact of tariffs could be significant, Jacobson told reporters on a call Monday evening.

Most Read from The Wall Street Journal

GM reported quarterly earnings Tuesday morning but said it would delay its analysts call until Thursday, an unusual move that underscores the rapidly shifting trade environment.

The company is also holding off on stock buybacks to conserve cash. GMs board in February approved up to $6 billion in buybacks but the company so far has purchased only $2 billion shares. It is awaiting more clarity on tariff policies before buying any additional stock, Jacobson said.

GMs stock was down 3% in morning trading following the earnings report.

Trump is expected to soften the impact of auto tariffs, actions that will be taken ahead of a trip to Michigan for a rally Tuesday evening, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

The moves include preventing the tariffs from stacking on top of other import duties and easing some levies on foreign parts, which would provide some relief for automakers that build cars in the U.S. and source components abroad.

GMs net income slid 6.6% to $2.8 billion in the first quarter of 2025, a decrease driven in part by higher warranty and labor costs, and a lower sales mix of lucrative trucks and SUVs. Scheduled downtime at the companys full-size truck plant during the quarter and a fire at a supplier facility dented shipments to dealers of these models, the company said.

Revenue was up 2.3%, lifted by a double-digit increase in sales during the three-month period.

The companys adjusted pretax profit for the first quarter was $3.5 billion, or $2.78 a share.

The financial results largely beat analysts expectations but showed some troublesome signs for a business that has had a highly profitable run over the past few years.

In January, GM projected an adjusted pretax profit in the range of $13.7 billion to $15.7 billion for 2025. The midpoint of the range would be roughly on par with last years result.
Grant Thornton UK has elevated two professionals, Sreekanth Gaddamanugu and Dylan Rees, to partner positions within its audit practice.

Sreekanth Gaddamanugu, operating out of Birmingham, will be responsible for heading and steering the growth of the local private audit business.

He has worked with listed entities and growing mid-market firms in domestic and international markets, with a focus on India.

Gaddamanugu has expertise in several fields, mainly the automotive and industrial manufacturing sectors.

Gaddamanugu said: Im looking forward to working with clients to discuss their growth ambitions, highlighting how high-quality can play a part in achieving them, providing them with valuable insights to help them achieve their overarching goals.

A large part of my role will also be to drive further growth of our audit portfolio across our chosen markets, providing our talented team with opportunities for professional development.

A core focus for me will be to continue fostering an inclusive environment for our team to grow, focusing on Grant Thorntons culture of personal relationships and commitment to quality.

Dylan Rees, also appointed as partner, is based in Cardiff. He heads audits for various clients in Wales and the South West.

His primary focus is on businesses supported by private equity, within the mid-market category.

Rees said: Im excited to be taking the next step in my career as Partner at Grant Thornton, a firm that has the interests of its clients and people at the heart of its culture.

Having been part of the firms journey over the last 10 years, Im looking forward to playing an important part in the next chapter, working closely alongside the rest of the team in continuing to provide high quality service to our clients and delivering on our growth ambitions.

"Grant Thornton expands audit leadership with two new partners" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.




Tech giant IBM has introduced Microsoft Practice within IBM Consultingto advance digital transformation efforts for organisations.

The move marks a new phase in the company's ongoing collaboration with Microsoft and is aimed at helping organisations manage AI, cloud, and cybersecurity transformations more effectively.

The newly formed practice is structured to bring together IBMs industry-specific expertise and Microsofts technology portfolio.

Tools such as Copilot, Azure OpenAI, Azure Cloud, Fabric, and Sentinel will be combined to assist businesses in pursuing growth, lower costs, and build sustainable competitive advantage.

IBM Consulting senior vice president and head Mohamad Ali said: IBM Consulting is committed to our clients' successes and we're proud to offer them the opportunity of working with an ecosystem of global industry leaders with proven track records of innovation and delivery excellence.

Establishing a dedicated Microsoft Practice is needed to drive meaningful business outcomes for our clients and I look forward to what we will be able to achieve together.

A workforce of more than 33,000 Microsoft-certified professionals will support this initiative across markets where IBM Consulting operates, the company said.

The team will offer businesses with access to innovation in cloud, AI, data, and security, as well as IBM's global scale and implementation capabilities, including the newly-opened IBM and Microsoft Experience Zones.

IBM's Microsoft Practice also offers end-to-end transformation capabilities, from strategy to implementation and ongoing optimisation, backed by enterprise-grade security and compliance controls.

Microsofts technologies will also be embedded within IBM Consultings AI-enabled delivery platform, IBM Consulting Advantage.

With Copilot integrated into this platform, clients will have access to AI-driven tools designed for specific operational needs, with a focus on maintaining security and oversight, IBM added.

The practice is expected to introduce new solutions tailored to key industries, including retail, financial services, government, supply chain, and consumer goods.

Leveraging tools like IBM Copilot Runway and IBM Consulting Azure OpenAI Services, the practice will assist clients scale generative AI adoption for growth, efficiency, and industry innovation.

Earlier in April 2025, the company introduced the latest version of its mainframe hardware engineered to support AI across software, hardware, and systems operations.

"IBM unveils Microsoft Practice to advance digital transformation" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand.
We recently published a list of Jim Cramer Talks About Elon Musk & Discusses These 11 Stocks. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Discover Financial Services (NYSE:DFS) stands against other stocks that Jim Cramer recently discussed.

In a recent appearance on CNBCs Squawk on the Street, Jim Cramer commented that he believed that Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, would target wasteful government spending. Musk, during the latest earnings call of his car company, shared that he would soon step back from DOGE and return to managing his businesses. The news sent the shares of his firm soaring by 10% since the report, and media reports since then have also pointed towards disagreements between him and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Cramer commented:

Im beginning to think that, I thought Medicaid would be immune, look, do I want it to be immune? I dont want anything to be immune. I kept hoping that DOGE would go after where the real money is, uh, Medicaid, that could hurt a bunch of companies. Medicaid, David, is bedrock.

He also mentioned that businesses continued to face uncertainty when it came to the impact of tariffs. Recalling a recent conversation, Cramer outlined: I was talking to someone today, he said look, we do business in China. How do you think well do with the tariff, the 200% tariffs? I said no, thats an embargo, thats not a tariff. You dont understand. . .thats not meant to be used.

The CNBC host also highlighted that perhaps markets opened in the green that day because the President said nothing nasty. Hes not been vicious. Hes not called names.

Cramer also commented on Vice President Vances visit to India and wondered whether the US could increase its coal exports to the country as part of the Presidents bid to reduce the trade deficit. I know India needs coal. We got coal, said Cramer. We are the Saudi Arabia of coal. And not anthracite cause thats a little too dirty, he added.

One sector that entered 2025 with high hopes but has faltered since then is data center. Data centers form the backbone of AI computing, and the stocks have struggled ever since the DeepSeek selloff in January. According to Cramer:

Oh my god the data center, oh, remember when the data center was this growth industry where everything . . .woah, Amazon Web Services, actually not really. Microsoft, not really. But it doesnt matter. The data center is now kryptonite, its like look out this thing, no, you dont wanna be in here.

When asked what would it take for investors to realize that data centers are still a growth industry, heres what he said:
We recently published a list of Top 10 Buzzing Stocks You Should Watch Today. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:VZ) stands against other top buzzing stocks you should watch today.

Jim Cramer in a recent program on CNBC expressed surprise that the Republican administration could be this damaging to shareholders

These are hideous depressing days for the bulls. Im not used to seeing a White House that doesnt seem to care that its causing the decline. Its dazzlingly counterintuitive to see a Republican in particular be so callous toward the shareholder class. After all historically that constituency has been very pro-Republican. Its a total blast zone out there and ground zero is tech.

Cramer said that the tech selloff forced him to revisit his age-old mantra of own it, dont trade it regarding two major technology stocks.

READ ALSO: 7 Best Stocks to Buy For Long-Term and 8 Cheap Jim Cramer Stocks to Invest In.

For this article, we picked 10 stocks Wall Street analysts are paying close attention to. With each company, we have mentioned its latest hedge fund sentiment. Why are we interested in 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 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).

Jim Cramer Says Hes in Awe of Verizon Communications (VZ) Turnaround

A smiling customer receiving customer contact center solutions on their smartphone.

Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:VZ)

Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 57

Jim Cramer in a recent program discussed a research report on Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:VZ) and said the company is among the beneficiaries in the current environment amid its local customer base.

Im putting together a list every day of the companies that are now Im calling the anointed company. You can call them the sainted companies. These are the companies that are what you have to buy here. And David, one that I think you and I are both kind of in awe is the turnaround of Verizon. Today Evercore upgrades it.

Verizon beat Wall Street estimates for its latest quarterly results for earnings and revenue, but the stock wavered as the company lost more postpaid subscribers than expected. However, VZ bulls believe the market reaction to subscriber loss was overdone. The companys guidance shows wireless service revenue is set to rise 2% to 2.8% from a year earlier. The company also sees profit margins improving, with adjusted EBITDA forecast to grow 2% to 3.5%. EPS could increase by as much as 3%, and free cash flow is projected between $17.5 billion and $18.5 billion.
We recently published an article titled Jim Cramer Says Businesspeople Are Emotional & Discusses These 10 Stocks. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) stands against the other stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed.

In a recent appearance on CNBC's Squawk on the Street, Jim Cramer discussed the unease among business people regarding the President attempting to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. While the President has assured everyone that he will not try to remove the Fed chair, Cramer commented that the potential removal along with the tariff policy had created a lot of uncertainty amongst businesses.

Starting with commenting on the Dow dropping 1,000 points before the open but attempting to rally at the previous close, Cramer stated:

"Actually, that was a really interesting turn. Because no one could figure it out. It was almost as if somebody knew that the President was going to go, now I follow his Truth Social, like I go there like every five minutes. That there wasn't going to be anything today. Uh, there is a belief I think among the executives I speak to and obviously we all speak to a lot of execs, that the President is so off the reservation with this attack on J Powell that, they're not able to really speak about it."

With markets being in a constant state of turmoil recently, it's unsurprising that Cramer has commented on their performance quite a lot. In a previous appearance, he advised viewers to be optimistic. One major factor that's driving stocks lower is investor perception of a weakening consumer. However, Cramer has pointed out multiple times that the consumer appears to be strong. For instance, earlier this month, he commented:
Updated April 30 4:37 p.m. ET

Lanvin Group might have drummed up some creative excitement with key hires at Lanvin and Sergio Rossi, but the companys financial results showed the strain of what was described as a transitional year.

More from WWD

Revenues fell 23 percent to 329 million euros last year.

And while a mix of pricing discipline, higher direct-to-consumer sales and inventory management helped hold gross profit margins at 56 percent, down only slightly from 59 percent, it wasnt enough to save the bottom line.

Losses widened to 189.3 million euros from 146.3 million euros a year earlier. Adjusted losses before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization widened to $92.3 million from $64.2 million.

But some of that represents organizational and operational changes at the company, which also owns Wolford, St. John and Caruso.

David Chan, executive president and chief financial officer of Lanvin Group, said on a conference call that those adjusted losses included 14 million euros to 18 million euros to integrate Wolfords logistics as well as 5 million euros to 10 million euros for the companys creative transition.

Without those costs, adjusted EBITDA losses were consistent with 2023 results.

The company certainly has been busy.

Veteran designer Peter Copping became artistic director of the Lanvin brand in September.

Paul Andrew was named creative director of Sergio Rossi in July.

And St. John Knits chief executive officer Andy Lew was named executive president of the whole group in January.

Financially, Lanvin demonstrated remarkable resilience, said Lew on the call. Despite market pressures, we maintained a stable gross profit margin through disciplined cost control and inventory optimization.

Were building a dynamic leadership team, combining industry veterans and fresh perspectives to foster innovation and rapid decision making, he said. Our new European headquarters based in Milan will enhance regional oversight, streamline operation and traction relationships with key stakeholders.

The company will also continue to optimize its store base and work to reduce working capital.

As we enter 2025, we do so with optimism, Lew said. Peter Coppings new collection, Wolfords [75th] anniversary and Paul Andrews vision for Sergio Rossi are just the beginning. With a revitalized team were poised to turn this pivotal moment into growth.

Lanvin raised more than $150 million in cash going public in a SPAC deal in late 2022.
(Reuters) -Levi Strauss shareholders voted against a proposal for the company to end its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts, it disclosed in a filing on Monday.

The proposal comes amid U.S. President Donald Trump's push to dismantle the practice across the federal government and private sector, following an executive order in January.

Over the past year, major companies including Walmart, Target and Amazon.com have rolled back their DEI policies, aimed at women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ people and other traditionally underrepresented groups.

More than 99% of Levi Strauss' shareholders voted against the proposal at the annual meeting of shareholders held on April 23, the filing said.

Similarly, in January, more than 98% of Costco Wholesale shareholders voted against a proposal requesting a report on the risks of maintaining its diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Levi Strauss had posted its quarterly profit ahead of estimates and had maintained its annual sales and profit forecast earlier this month.

(Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)
Questen Inghram is a Murrow News Fellow at the Yakima Herald-Republic whose beat focuses on government in Central Washington communities. Email qinghram@yakimaherald.com or call 509-577-7674.

This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, email news@yakimaherald.com.
Traffic barrels line the sidewalk in front of the Washington State Department of Transportation office in Union Gap in recognition of National Work Zone Awareness Week Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Union Gap, Wash.
AmeriCorps members Bibianna McConologue, left, Bobby Harrison and Sarah Murphy prepare a food package of turkey, cheese, seasoning, green beans, apples and a box of fruit, for distribution at a Thanksgiving event in 2023 in Commerce, California. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times/TNS)
(Reuters) -Martin Marietta on Wednesday posted higher profit per unit, as steady infrastructure spending and investments in data center projects drove demand for its building and construction materials.

The company also maintained its 2025 revenue forecast range of $6.83 billion to $7.23 billion and said that it "does not assume any material tariff-related positive or negative impacts."

"Infrastructure demand remains a continuing bright spot amidst an uncertain macroeconomic backdrop," CEO Ward Nye said.

Construction activity is expected to grow in 2025 as work advances on projects such as roads, bridges and ports supported by the federal and state government, Nye added.

The company, which makes concrete and asphalt, is expecting benefits from former U.S. President Joe Biden's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which outlined $1 trillion in investments, to grow and peak in 2026.

Growing demand for data centers that power artificial intelligence also bolstered its nonresidential construction business.

It shipped 39 million tons of materials during the quarter, up 7% from last year, while the average selling price per ton was $23.77, also up 7% from $22.26 in the previous year.

The Raleigh, North Carolina-based company reported an 8% jump in quarterly revenue to $1.35 billion, although it was roughly in line with analysts' estimates.

Its per-ton profit also rose 16% to $7.60 per ton.

(Reporting by Aishwarya Jain in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva)
Marula Mining has signed an amendment to a previous share sales and purchase agreement to enable its subsidiary, Muchai Mining Kenya, to acquire the remaining 20% minority shareholding in Agarwal Metals and Ores (AMO), which owns the Kilifi manganese processing plant in Kenya.

Marula formalised a deal to acquire an 80% stake in AMO in August 2024.

The revised agreement increases Muchai Minings ownership in the Kilifi plant to 100%.

Under the acquisition terms, Marula will make a cash payment of $1.3m, with the option to pay in full or in part by 31 December 2025.

Additionally, Marula has agreed to issue 12 million new ordinary shares at an issue price of 4.5 pence per share to the minority shareholder.

The stake increase follows the recently approved five-year budget for the Kilifi plant, which forecasts total gross sales revenues of $182.5m and cash flow of $63.5m.

Further, the wet commissioning of the Kilifi plant is scheduled for completion by 12 May 2025.

The first manganese sales, initially delayed, are now set to commence in May 2025, with no penalties incurred by any party involved.

Marula Mining CEO Jason Brewer said: "We are pleased to have signed terms to acquire 100% ownership of the Kilifi Plant at this critical time and the company is set to complete the wet commissioning of the plant and move to processing and export operations.

"This acquisition strengthens the company's strategic and commercial flexibility at the Kilifi Plant as we transition into first sales and as we also look to further optimise the operations.

"The commercial terms that have been agreed for this acquisition, I believe are very attractive for the company and for shareholders, particularly when looking at the project economics that were recently released in the five-year budget.

"Marula Mining to acquire 100% stake in Kilifi manganese processing plant in Kenya" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Mastercard and Corpay have expanded their alliance, aiming to enhance corporate cross-border payment solutions available to financial institutions and their customers.

This collaboration simplifies access to payment choices, including both carded and non-carded options suitable for all transaction sizes.

Under the new agreement, Mastercard will invest $300m for a nearly 3% equity stake in Corpay's cross-border business, valuing the unit at $10.7bn.

Corpay will become the exclusive provider of currency risk management and integrated large-ticket cross-border payment solutions to Mastercard's financial institution customers.

Furthermore, the partnership will see an extension of their virtual card collaboration, with Corpay exclusively offering Mastercard virtual card programmes to its clientele.

Mastercard's Move service, which focuses on disbursements and remittances for small-ticket transactions, will now be available to small and mid-sized businesses across new markets, including existing Corpay customers.

Corpay's Cross-Border business provides services to banks, institutional investors, and businesses to mitigate foreign exchange exposure.

Mastercard chief commercial payments officer Raj Seshadri said: This represents the natural extension of our commercial cross-border solutions. Our work with Corpay expands our reach into the large and growing cross-border B2B payments space helping our financial institution partners deliver on the non-carded needs of their commercial customers, simply and efficiently.

Corpay CEO and chairman Ron Clarke stated: Were incredibly excited about this investment and new partnership with Mastercard. We expect Mastercards sponsorship of our cross-border solutions will accelerate our financial institution revenue build.

The payments platform and network of Corpay enable the processing of large ticket and mass payments in over 160 currencies globally.

Mastercard Move's cross-border services extend reach to more than 10 billion end points in over 200 countries, supporting delivery channels and payment types.

Recently, Mastercard introduced new global stablecoin acceptance and payment capabilities, ensuring that individuals and businesses can carry out stablecoin transactions "anytime" and "anywhere".

"Mastercard takes around 3% stake in Corpays cross-border business " was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand.




The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below.

Link to the newsletter:

https://xpatloop.com/newsletters/2025/30-april.html



Welcome & thanks for enjoying a moment of inspiration here with fellow Xpats in the Loop!

You're in good company with 1000's of expats + top locals in this cosmopolitan community.



1. First up are 3 Fresh Interviews with interesting Xpats you may know - or want to know about:

 Attila AE Domby, General Manager of Kimpton BEM Budapest,

 Zsuzsanna Szilvasy, Founder & Director of Mars Autism Foundation,

 Mark Tischler, Founder & CEO of Universum 8 - Member of Special Effects Group.



2. As always below there's fresh News, Information & Inspiration + new Movies & Specials:

E.g. Top Castle Hotels, Under-18 Energy Drinks Ban, World's Biggest Bank Robbery in Hungary?



3. Plus you can see a great variety of Events for Expats - just a few from the Xpat Calendar:

E.g. Recirquel Dance-Circus, Top English Stand-Up Comedy at Brody House, Historic Jazz Night.



Here's wishing you a great long weekend, for insipiration about trips in Hungary see here.

In case you need a car for travels, Budget Car Rental is now giving readers a 15% discount.



We hope you like what's in it for you this week.

Yours with best wishes, Team XpatLoop
Parliament on Tuesday adopted a prohibition on producing, abusing, distributing or promoting drugs, with 143 votes in favour, 19 against and 13 abstentions.

The legislation was adopted in line with the government's policy of "zero tolerance for drugs", aimed at completely eliminating drug abuse.



The new legislation "creates the legal environment for more effective efforts against drug trafficking, distribution, and consumption" by tightening law enforcement and regulations governing the protection of minors, among other measures.



Under the new rules, the police will have the power to detain people under the influence of drugs if their behaviour is deemed to be threatening, and doctors will be obliged to report cases in which minors are suspected of drug abuse.



The new rules also introduce more stringent sanctions for crimes committed under the influence of illegal drugs.



The new legislation stipulates that sentences against drug users could be eased without limits if they identify their drug dealers.



MPs also assented to prolonging the governments state of emergency for another 180 days, from May 18 to Nov 14, with 131 votes for and 45 against.



The war and humanitarian disaster in Ukraine, and their consequences for Hungary in terms of refugees, the economy and energy issues, are the reasons stated for the measure that applies to Hungary's entire territory.



Based on the constitution, the government must terminate the state of emergency if the conditions which justified the declaration no longer exist.



"Since the armed conflict and humanitarian disaster in Ukraine and their consequences in Hungary have not changed in the recent period, the extension of the state of emergency is justified," according to the regulation.



Parliament also promulgated a legal aid agreement between Hungary and Serbia. The agreement replaces another accord made between Hungary and the former Yugoslavia in 1969.



Under the agreement, the two countries will mutually provide legal aid to each other's citizens and ensure communication between authorities of the other country. The agreement also contains rules for language use and regulations concerning the authorisation of documents.



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

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Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary



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Peter Magyar verbally abused staff in a telephone call to the MNB after the launch of an investigation into suspected insider trading by the head of the Tisza Party. Magyar has denied wrongdoing, calling the probe politically motivated and demanding the case be dropped.

In a Facebook post, Magyar criticised the MNB as 'the scene of the world's biggest bank robbery' and said the investigation has targeted him due to the upcoming elections.



The MNB stated that the politician made an angry call on April 22, objecting to questions and alleging political motives behind the inquiry. The bank emphasised its independence and condemned verbal abuse.



The inquiry concerns trades made before Opus Global's July 2023 share buyback. Magyar said he recently received a related questionnaire and mocked its content. He denied receiving insider information or profiting unlawfully.



Magyar also accused Prime Minister Viktor Orban of orchestrating efforts to discredit him, as he vowed to hold officials accountable for alleged corruption involving MNB funds. He claims that Ft 650 billion was stolen and spent on expensive properties abroad.



Magyar earlier sued Index for spreading rumours that he had engaged in insider trading.



Construction and Transport Minister Janos Lazar asserted that Magyar may have profited up to Ft 100 million using insider knowledge.



The Tisza Party rejected these claims as false, stating Magyar had no access to confidential information and committed no crime.



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

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You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page:

Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary



You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters



Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here.
Britannica International School invites you and your family to its exceptional Virtual Open Day event. Join their interactive webinar from anywhere in the world and find out all about the School!

Connect with them on Monday, 5th May at 11.00am CET on Microsoft Teams for their Virtual Open Day, giving prospective families the chance to discover what the school has to offer and engage in a live Q&A session with the Principal and Leadership Team.



This is a great opportunity for you to learn more about Britannica school, meet the team and ask any questions in a friendly setting.



To register, please click on the link below:

Register here!



As Hungary's longest established British international school, Britannica International School Budapest is fully accredited to deliver high-quality British education for students aged 5-18. British-owned, our educational programme is based on the English National Curriculum, enhanced to meet the needs of our international students from over 50 different nationalities.



Families choose Britannica for our welcoming, nurturing and personalised learning environment. At our core, we successfully blend the highest quality, rigorous British education, culminating in IGCSE and A Level qualifications, with a learning environment that is positive, constructive and a happy place for students to spend the day.



Click here to know more about Britannica International School, Budapest
Max Healthcare Institute has announced plans to invest Rs60bn ($708.25m) by 2028 to expand its presence in India with 3,700 beds, as reported by PTI, citing chairman and managing director Abhay Soi.

The investment is set to increase the company's capacity, which currently offers nearly 5,000 beds across 22 healthcare facilities.

This expansion will potentially bring the total number of Max Healthcare hospitals to approximately 30 by 2028.

The companys intention of reinvesting the revenue it generates over the next decade into healthcare asset creation was announced at the opening of the 300-bed Max Super Speciality Hospital in Dwarka, a greenfield facility.

Soi said: "This year alone, we are opening four [hospitals]. This [Dwarka] was the first of the four."

Later this year, three additional hospitals are expected to open in Mohali, Mumbai, and Saket, New Delhi.

The expansion strategy includes both the construction of new hospitals and the enlargement of existing ones.

For overall expansion, the investment will be allocated through internal funding while all profits will be reinvested into creating new hospital beds.

Regarding future acquisitions, Soi stated that while the company is open to opportunities, the budget for such acquisitions would be separate from the funds allocated for organic growth.

The new Dwarka facility has more than 120 critical care beds, ten operation theatres, and Cath Labs, offering tertiary and quaternary care across various specialities.

These encompass neurosciences, robotic surgery, cardiac sciences, oncology, renal sciences, paediatrics, and organ transplants.

Considered a critical hub for enhanced medical care, Delhi-NCR stands to benefit from this expansion.

The Dwarka hospital's strategic location aims to address the region's growing healthcare requirements.

On 12 November 2024, Max Healthcare Institute saw its shares rise by up to 4% following the completion of its acquisition of Jaypee Hospital.

"Max Healthcare Institute aims to add 3,700 beds by 2028" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.




New Delhi: Actress Shanaya Kapoor is set to make a memorable first impression with her debut film Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, which is officially slated for release in theatres on July 11.

Breaking away from the typical debut formula, Shanayas first role promises emotional depth and individuality  a refreshing departure that has already sparked buzz among fans.

The newly unveiled motion poster offers a glimpse into the soul of the film  a visual symphony of love, longing, and unspoken emotions, beautifully underscored by Vishal Mishras hauntingly melodic score.

Directed by Santosh Singh, the romantic drama also stars National Award-winner Vikrant Massey opposite Shanaya. Together, they bring to life a heartfelt story enriched by powerful performances and evocative music.

Following Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, Shanaya Kapoor will also appear in Tu Yaa Main, JC, and the upcoming Student of the Year series.
New Delhi: Apple is expanding its iPhone production in India as it looks to reduce its reliance on China especially after the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S and Beijing. According to sources quoted by Reuters, the tech now sees India as a key manufacturing hub and is planning to shift a significant portion of its global iPhone output to the country by 2026.

As part of this move, Apple has started assembling iPhones at a new Tata Electronics plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, which is currently focused on older models. At the same time, a massive 2.6 billion dollars Foxconn factory is being built in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and is expected to begin operations by May.

Foxconn Plant to Boost Jobs and Output

The Foxconn facility, set to be fully operational by December 2027 and is expected to produce Apples latest iPhone models. This includes the iPhone 16 and 16e. Once running at full capacity, the plant can manufacture between 300 and 500 units every hour. Its also expected to generate around 50,000 jobs, giving a major boost to the local economy.

Indias Share in iPhone Making Grows

China still dominates Apples manufacturing, handing over 75 per cent of global iPhone production. However, India is quickly catching up and now contributes around 18 per cent, according to Counterpoint Research. Apples move to expand in India comes amid growing concerns over possible U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made products. Any disruption to Apples supply chain could lead to higher iPhone prices in the future.

India Ships $2 Billion Worth of iPhones

Apple exported iphones worth 2 billion dollars in March from India to the U.S. It shipped around 600 tons of devices. Foxconn led the way with 1.3 billion dollars in exports while Tata Electronics, though a newer supplier. It quickly made its mark as a key partner in Apples India operations. Together, Foxconn and Tata now run five iPhone manufacturing facilities across the country.
New Delhi: The U.S. economy slowed down in the first quarter of 2025, with GDP growth dropping to 0.3 per cent  the first decline in three months. The dip comes amid rising trade tensions driven by former President Donald Trumps ongoing tariff war, according to advance estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released on Wednesday, April 30.

Economists surveyed by Reuters had expected the U.S. economy to grow by 0.3 per cent in the JanuaryMarch quarter. However, just before the official data release, a report showed the goods trade deficit hit a record high in March due to a surge in imports. This unexpected jump led many experts to sharply lower their GDP forecasts.

The economy had grown by 2.4 per cent in the previous quarter. While the latest report points to a slowdown, it may be overstating the situationconsumer spending is still growing, just at a more moderate pace.

Since Donald Trump returned to office and introduced new tariffs, many analysts have lowered their growth forecasts. Rising imports are also weighing on GDP growth, as they offset the gains made from exports in economic calculations.
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday announced that the caste census will be a part of the upcoming national census to be held next year. This comes amid demand from the opposition parties including Congress, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi raising the issue in his every rally and meeting. The Congress has also written to the government in the past and raised the issue in Parliament while demanding a nationwide caste census.

Reacting to the caste census announcement by the Central government, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "The Modi government, committed to social justice, has taken a historic decision today. In the CCPA meeting held today under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, a message of strong commitment towards social equality and rights of every section has been given by deciding to include caste census in the forthcoming census."

Opposition Reaction

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said, "We had said in the Parliament that we will make Caste Census happen. We had also said that we would scrap the 50% cap, the artificial wall that is in place. Narendra Modi used to say that there are just 4 cases. Don't know what happened but suddenly after 11 years, Caste Census has been announced. We completely support it but we want a timeline. We want to know that by when this will happen. This is the first step. Telangana has become a model in Caste Census and it can become a blueprint. We offer our support to the Govt in designing the Caste Census."

The opposition leaders have claimed a victory over the announcement. Notably, Bihar was the first state to implement the caste census when RJD was part of the Nitish government. Reacting to the caste census announcement, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said that this was the party's 30-year-old demand.

"It's a victory for us - the Socialists and Lalu Yadav... Earlier, all the parties from Bihar met the PM, but he denied our demand. Many of the ministers denied this, but this is the strength of ours that they have to work on our agenda," said the former Bihar Deputy CM.

Yadav further said, "The caste census must be done before delimitation and then the way Dalits, SCs, STs and Adivasis have reserved seats in parliament and in state assemblies, OBCs and Extremely Backward classes must have reserve seats."

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh shared the letter of Mallikarjun Kharge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding the caste census and said, "On April 16 2023 - that is, over two years back - Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge had written this letter to the PM. Need anything more be said?"

On April 16 2023 - that is, over two years back - Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge had written this letter to the PM. Need anything more be said? pic.twitter.com/Fx1xQnRSIE  Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 30, 2025

Congress MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy said that this initiative comes from the state of Telangana, which has done a caste census recently. "Rahul Gandhi, who conducted the Bharat Jodo Yatra, noticed the need for a caste census. We are thankful to Narendra Modi ji and the Cabinet ministers for accepting this. This is what our leader, Rahul Gandhi, dreamed about. We are happy to see his dream being fulfilled," he said.

Samajwadi Party leader Ravidas Mehrotra said, "For long, the Samajwadi Party had been demanding caste census. Today, the government has accepted our demand. It is a victory for the country's Dalits and backward classes."

How BJP, NDA Leaders Reacted

Reacting to Tejashwi Yadav's claim, LJP-RV leader and Union Minister Chirag Paswan said, "Union Minister Chirag Paswan says, "'Jisko jo credit lena hai wo le lein'. But they are the people who were pointing fingers at us and our prime minister, saying that we will not do the caste census. The important thing is that the majority of the population in the country has this wish. My PM has given their wishes and feelings due respect."

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar hailed the Modi government's decision. "The decision of the Central Government to conduct caste census is welcome. Our demand for conducting caste census is old. It is a matter of great happiness that the Central Government has decided to conduct caste census. Conducting caste census will reveal the number of people of different classes, which will help in making plans for their upliftment and development. This will accelerate the development of the country. Congratulations and thanks to the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji for the decision to conduct caste census," said Kumar.

Union Minister Nityanand Rai said, "The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, headed by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has decided that caste count should be included in the upcoming Census. This shows that the present government is committed to the all-around development and values of the country and society. Even in the past, when 10% reservation was provided to the poor sections of the society, it was widely accepted in the society, and no social tension was created. Many thanks to the Prime Minister."
Caste Census Announced: In a big development, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the caste enumeration will be part of the forthcoming census. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that some states have done caste surveys and conducting a census is in the domain of the central government.

Addressing the media, Union Minister Ashiwini Vaishnaw criticised the Congress for not conducting caste census. "Congress governments have always opposed the caste census. In 2010, the late Dr Manmohan Singh said that the matter of caste census should be considered in the Cabinet. A group of ministers was formed to consider this subject. Most of the political parties have recommended a caste census. Despite this, the Congress government decided to conduct a survey of caste or a caste census. It is well understood that Congress and its INDI alliance partners have used the caste census only as a political tool," Vaishnaw said.

Reacting to the caste census done by Bihar and Congress-ruled state of Telangana, Viashnaw said, "Some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes. While some states have done this well, some others conducted such surveys only from a political angle in a non-transparent way. Such surveys created doubts in society. To ensure that our social fabric is not disturbed by politics, caste enumeration should be included in the census instead of surveys."

Vaishnaw said this will strengthen the social and economic structure of the society while the nation continues to progress. "Under the leadership of PM Modi, the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs has decided today that Caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census. This demonstrates that the government is committed to the values and interests of the society and the country," he said.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress party have been demanding that caste census be held across the country to decide the equitable distribution of reservation and quota. The Congress had earlier made the caste census issues a bigger poll plank in the Lok Sabha elections 2024.
New Delhi: The Union government has revamped the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). Alok Joshi, a former Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), has been appointed as the head of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). Six more members have also been inducted into the board.

The members include Former Western Air Commander Air Marshal P.M. Sinha, former Southern Army Commander Lieutenant General A.K. Singh, and Rear Admiral Monty Khanna, all retired military officers. Rajiv Ranjan Verma and Manmohan Singh are the two retired members of the Indian Police Service. B Venkatesh Varma is a retired IFS officer in the seven-member board.

This decision comes in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, including one Nepalese national, and injured many. In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence concluded this afternoon.

Along with the CCS meeting, two additional committee meetings--the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)--were convened at the Prime Minister's residence. A cabinet briefing is scheduled for 3:00 PM today. The second CCS meeting discussed security preparedness in the wake of the Pahalgam incident. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) last met on April 23 and was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed.

In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress towards economic growth and development.

The government then announced a series of measures, including holding the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, in a strong message to Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan, and the three service chiefs.

The sources said PM Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian Armed Forces. PM Modi stated that the Indian Armed Forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response.
Char Dham Yatra 2025: The Char Dham Yatra is a major spiritual journey for Hindus, covering four holy temples in Uttarakhand  Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Every year, thousands of devotees visit these sacred places in the Himalayas to seek blessings. These shrines are in scenic hilly regions and remain open only for a few months due to harsh weather. The yatra usually takes place between April and October or November, depending on weather conditions.

To ensure a safe and smooth experience, the government has made registration compulsory, which can be done online or offline. Pilgrims can travel to these sites from Dehradun, Haridwar, or Rishikesh by air, train, or road.

Char Dham Yatra 2025: Opening and closing dates of yatra

Dham Opening Date Closing Date Yamunotri 30 April 23 October Gangotri 30 April 22 October Kedarnath 2 May 23 October Badrinath 4 May 6 November

Char Dham Yatra 2025: Heres how to register online

Pilgrims can register for the yatra either online through official websites or offline at specific centres. This process helps in keeping track of pilgrims, managing the crowd, and offering timely support during the spiritual journey.

Pilgrims can complete their Char Dham Yatra 2025 registration online by visiting the official website  registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in  or through the services.india.gov.in portal. The process is simple and user-friendly. Pilgrims need to provide basic details such as a valid ID, mobile number, and planned travel dates. After successful registration, a Yatra ID and confirmation message will be issued, which must be carried during the journey.

Char Dham Yatra 2025: Heres how to register offline

For the Char Dham Yatra 2025, around 60 offline registration centres have been set up in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. Pilgrims opting for offline registration must carry a valid ID, a passport-sized photograph, and a medical certificate confirming they are fit for the journey. While most people now prefer online registration, nearly 40% still choose the offline method. This helps ensure that pilgrims without internet access can also complete the registration smoothly.

Char Dham Yatra 2025: How to reach via Air, Train and Road

By Air:

Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport for all four Char Dham sites. It is well-connected to major cities across India, making it easier for pilgrims to reach the dhams. From the airport, travellers can hire taxis or use other road transport to continue their journey.

By Train:

Many pilgrims choose to travel by train for convenience. Haridwar and Rishikesh are the nearest railway stations for Yamunotri and Gangotri, while Dehradun is closest to Kedarnath. For Badrinath, travellers can get off at Haridwar or Joshimath. Trains such as the Vande Bharat Express, Jan Shatabdi, and Uttaranchal Express connect these stations to key cities, offering a smooth and timely travel experience. From the stations, the journey continues via road or shared transport.

By Road:

Travelling to the Char Dham by road offers both a beautiful and spiritual journey. Most pilgrims begin their trip from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun. The route starts with Janki Chatti for Yamunotri, followed by Uttarkashi to reach Gangotri. After visiting Gangotri, travellers move towards Rudraprayag and Gaurikund to reach Kedarnath. The final stop is Badrinath, which can be reached via Chamoli and Joshimath. All four dhams are accessible by well-maintained roads, and regular bus and taxi services are available from major starting points like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun.

There are accommodation options near all Char Dham sites to fit every budget, from affordable lodges to comfortable hotels. Choosing the right place to stay is an important part of planning this sacred journey.
(Reuters) -Latin American e-commerce giant MercadoLibre's board called on its shareholders on Monday to approve a redomestication of its U.S. operations from Delaware to Texas, in a filing ahead of a June 17 shareholders meeting.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Among Latin America's largest companies, the e-commerce giant is considered the region's answer to Amazon and is also spear-heading a digital drive with expansions in online financial services.

Delaware was until recently the undisputed home of U.S. corporations thanks to its friendly legislation, though few companies have operations there.

However, a trickle of firms have left Delaware for Texas - notably Elon Musk's Tesla after a local judge ruled against a proposed pay package. Musk has urged other companies to follow suit.

KEY QUOTES

"The Board considered that while more developed, Delaware law can be indeterminate because of its use of broad, flexible standards that are applied to individual cases in a highly fact specific way," MercadoLibre said in the filing.

"This focus on precise facts and circumstances means Delaware decisions may be less predictable for an innovative company like MercadoLibre."

It added that a recently enacted rule for codifying business judgments in Texas should "provide greater certainty to the board in its decision-making."

CONTEXT

The vote will require the approval of a majority of shareholders. If the vote does not pass, MercadoLibre said its domicile will remain unchanged. It also noted it could face legal challenges from stockholders among others.

Analysts have said the move could benefit MercadoLibre and mark an added challenge to Asian e-commerce players such as Shein and Temu, whose are subject to a Mexican tariff on products imported through its courier services.

(Reporting by Rafael Escalera Montoto; Editing by Sarah Morland)
Following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22, the Indian Navy has delivered a strong message on social media, indicating its readiness for operations in light of the increasing tensions with Pakistan. The official @IndiannavyMedia handle on Thursday tweeted an image of naval power with the following caption: "Fuelling the Maritime MightNo mission too distant, No sea too vast. #FleetSupport #AnytimeAnywhereAnyhow."

This message is being viewed as something beyond standard messaging  it arrives at a time when India is taking aggressive diplomatic and strategic action in the wake of the attack, allegedly conducted by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Fuelling the Maritime Might - No mission too distant, No Sea too vast#FleetSupport #AnytimeAnywhereAnyhow pic.twitter.com/p4Dk7Qzw27  IN (@IndiannavyMedia) April 30, 2025

Post Serves As Strategic Signal

Indian Navy's posting is being interpreted as a categorical assurance of deterrence. In the light of India's stern counter measures  suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of Attari-Wagah border, and expelling diplomats  Navy's signal underlines the power and resolve of its intention to act vigorously if necessary.

Hashtags such as #FleetSupport and #AnytimeAnywhereAnyhow highlight the Navy's logistical power and ability to fight under any circumstances  a veiled but firm message to rivals.

Navy Enhances Readiness After Attack

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Navy has increased its state of preparation. The indigenous guided-missile destroyer INS Surat recently conducted a successful test of a medium-range surface-to-air missile in the Arabian Sea, with a 70-kilometer strike capability.

Moreover, several anti-ship missile tests, such as BrahMos trials, have proven India's precision strike prowess. The Indian Navy's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is also completely operational and capable of taking on any naval threat.

Message To Pakistan: India Ready For All Scenarios

As diplomatic relations continue to strain between the two nations, the aggressive stance taken by the Indian Navy is an added measure to India's overall strategy of multi-domain readiness. The X post is not an exercise of belligerence but a strategic communication tactic that conveys a strong message: India stands ready, anytime, anywhere, anyhow.
India on Wednesday announced the closure of its airspace for all Pakistani flights, six days after a similar move made by Pakistan. Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) issued a Notice to Air Mission (NOTAM) and closed its airspace for Pakistan-registered, operated, or leased aircraft, airlines, and military flights.

"Indian airspace is not available for Pakistan-registered aircraft and aircraft operated/owned, or leased by Pakistan Airlines/ operators, including military flights," said the MoCA,

This comes six days after Pakistan shut its airspace to all Indian flights amid escalating diplomatic tensions with India. Flights from Pakistan bound for Southeast Asia and Oceania will now be required to bypass Indian airspace. This rerouting is expected to significantly increase travel time and impose a heavy financial strain on Pakistan's already cash-strapped airlines.

The suspension of airspace between the two countries comes following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 26 people, mainly tourists, were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists on April 22. Following the terror attack, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty and revoked the SAARC Visa scheme for Pakistani nationals. It also ordered military attache in Pakistani embassy to leave, a move reciprocated by Pakistan.

Day after India's move, Pakistan had closed its airspace for all Indian flights. While India has accused Pakistan of sponsoring the terror attack, Islamabad has denied allegation, calling for an independent third party investigation led by Russia and China.
Aftermath of Pahalgam Terror Attack: As the heat continues to escalate along the India-Pakistan border amid the ongoing stand-off between the two countries over the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, Pakistan seems to have been engulfed by panic and anxiety.

This has prompted the Pakistani military to start gearing up for Indian military action, seeking revenge for the heinous attack, which left at least 26 people, mostly tourists, dead. The fear in the neighbouring country intensified, especially after a series of high-level meetings held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the terror attack.

On Tuesday, PM Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian Armed Forces. He also stated that the Indian Armed Forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response. PM Modi's confidence in the Armed Forces came in addition to the series of punitive actions taken by New Delhi against Islamabad, including holding the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, in a strong message for its support of cross-border terrorism.

Sources in the country's military establishment told news agency ANI on Wednesday that Pakistani Navy vessels, including its frigates and submarines, have already positioned themselves in their respective harbours in the sea to be able to tackle any possible Indian movement.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Air Force has reduced flying operations by over 50 per cent, and only essential operations are being conducted to avoid confusion in the airspace, ANI sources stated.

Earlier, faced with mounting global pressure, a jittery Pakistan leadership resorted to accusations against India following the deadly Pahalgam incident that killed 26 people. The Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, had issued a statement claiming that Pakistan has "credible intelligence" suggesting India plans to launch military action against the nation within the next 24-36 hours.

In a post on X, Tarar wrote, "Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends to carry out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident."

The post added, "Indian self-assumed hubris role of Judge, Jury and Executioner in the region is reckless and vehemently rejected. Pakistan has been the victim of terrorism itself and truly understands the pain of this scourge. We have always condemned it in all its forms and manifestations anywhere in the world. Being a responsible state, Pakistan offered a credible, transparent, and independent investigation by a neutral commission of experts, which was heartily welcomed."

In another instance, Pakistan's foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, stated in the National Assembly that it was under Pakistan's pressure that the name of the resistance forum (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, was deleted from the UNSC statement on Pahalgam, proving once again Pakistan's tacit support to terror operatives.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and pleaded for a neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident. "Had a telephone conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. I reaffirmed Pakistan's condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, rejected baseless Indian accusations, and called for a transparent and neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident...Pakistan remains committed to peace, but will defend its sovereignty with full force if challenged," Sharif wrote on X on Tuesday.

The statements come after India took decisive action against Pakistan after the attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 people. As another sign of panic and jitters in anticipation of Indias retaliation following the Pahalgam attack, Pakistani troops on Wednesday initiated unprovoked firing on the International Border (IB) in the Jammu district.

The latest incident came after the neighbouring country resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violations on the Line of Control (LoC) consecutively for the last six days,

The Defence ministry spokesman said, Further to the previous update about 29-30 April (Night), unprovoked small arms firing by Pakistan Army was also reported from their posts across the LoC in Baramulla and Kupwara districts, as well as across the International Border in the Pargwal Sector," as quoted by news agency IANS. Indian Army troops responded appropriately, the spokesman said.

The Pakistan Army had already initiated unprovoked firing on the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday for the sixth consecutive day as the Indian Army responded swiftly and proportionately. The Defence Ministry spokesman said earlier today, During the night of 29-30 April 2025, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the LoC opposite the Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor sectors in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir."

Indian Army troops responded swiftly and proportionately, the spokesman said. During April 28-29, the Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small arms firing across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara and Baramulla districts, as well as the Akhnoor sector of Jammu district. The officials said the Indian Army responded to the provocation in a measured and effective manner.

(With agencies' Inputs)
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday convened a fresh meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) which will be followed by the meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) and a full Cabinet meeting.

The CCS, which has convened for the second time following the Pahalgam terror attack, will discuss security preparedness in the wake of the incident. The meeting comes as Pakistani troops on Wednesday initiated unprovoked firing on the International Border (IB) in the Jammu district. The latest firing incident came after the neighbouring country resorting to unprovoked ceasefire violation on the Line of Control (LoC) consecutively for the last six days.

The Defense Ministry spokesman said, "Further to the previous update about 29-30 April (Night), unprovoked small arms firing by Pakistan Army was also reported from their posts across the LoC in Baramulla and Kupwara districts, as well as across the International Border in the Pargwal Sector."

"Indian Army troops responded appropriately," the spokesman said. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) last met on April 23 and was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed.

The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured. In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress towards economic growth and development.

The government then announced a series of measures, including holding the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, in a strong message to Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan, and the three service chiefs.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present at the meeting. Government sources said the Prime Minister affirmed that it is India's national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism. During the meeting, PM Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian Armed Forces. PM Modi stated that the Indian Armed Forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, was attended by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: A week after the Pahalgam terror attack jolted Kashmir, the US said that it is closely monitoring the developments pertaining to the incident amid the simmering tensions along the India-Pakistan border. The US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that Washington is in touch with the governments of the neighbouring countries. Meanwhile, as many as 786 Pakistani nationals have left India through the Attari-Wagah border point within six days beginning April 24, said a senior official.

The officer informed that during the same time, a total of 1376 Indians have returned from Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border. On April 24, the government announced that Pakistani nationals should leave India by April 27, and those with medical visas had until April 29 to do so. Those having diplomatic, official and long-term visas were excluded from the 'Leave India' notice. The deadline for Pakistanis holding any of the 12 categories of short-term visas ended on Sunday.

This comes after the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, and injured many others on April 22.

Here Are Top Updates

1. During a press briefing, Tammy Bruce also stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will speak with the foreign ministers of both countries "as early as today or tomorrow".

2. While replying to a question asked by ANI during a press briefing about what the State Department's response is to the Pakistan Minister's statement about performing "dirty work" for the United States and also denying the existence of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan, Bruce said, "The Secretary of State will speak with the foreign ministers of both countries. We're also monitoring the developments across the board in that region, and we, as you know, are at multiple levels in touch with the governments of India and Pakistan." "Not just at the Foreign Minister level, certainly, but at multiple levels. We, of course, are encouraging all parties to work together for a responsible solution. The world is watching this, but I have no additional details in that regard," she added.

3. Further, she said Secretary of State Rubio has asked the two countries "not to escalate the situation". "Rubio said we are reaching out to both parties and telling them not to escalate the situation. The secretary expects to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow. He (Rubio) is encouraging other national leaders and foreign ministers to reach out to the countries on this issue," she added.

4. Further, Bruce added that "every day action is being taken" In this case, the secretary is speaking directly to his counterparts in India and Pakistan. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting in New Delhi, which was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan, and the three service chiefs.

5. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present at the meeting. The meeting took place days after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on April 23, following the terror attack.

6. Government sources said the Prime Minister affirmed that it is Indias national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism. The sources said PM Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian Armed Forces. They said that PM Modi stated that the Indian Armed Forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of Indias response.

7. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 23, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably ends its support for cross-border terrorism and closes the integrated Attari Check Post.

8. India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission as Persona Non Grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. India has also decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours.

9. The government strongly advised Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Pakistan. Those Indian nationals currently in Pakistan are also advised to return to India at the earliest. "Several have left via flight through Dubai or other routes, as there is no direct flight to Pakistan. We are expecting more Pakistan nationals to leave the country as state police and other central agencies are identifying Pakistan nationals residing at various places in the country," said the officer.

10. A large verification drive in all of the states is underway in close coordination with central intelligence agencies. Strict action will be taken against Pakistani nationals, and their stay will be considered illegal if they continue their stay in India after April 29, said another officer who is closely monitoring the situation.

(With agencies' inputs)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory Day to be held in Moscow next month, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday. India will not be represented at the highest level, Peskov said. According to local media reports Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh could represent instead of Modi at the May 9 event.

Earlier in April, the Ministry of External Affairs had confirmed that PM Modi had received an invitation from President Vladimir Puti to take party in Russia's Victory Day celebrations on May 9.

President Vladimir Putin had invited Modi and Xi Jinping of China to attend the V-day celebration here to watch the victory parade at the Red Square. The Chinese President has confirmed that he will take part in the event. Preparations are underway to host about 20 foreign leaders in Moscow.

May 9 marks the allied nations' victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. Russia's state-run news agency quoted Putin as saying on Tuesday, On the banks of the Volga, our troops halted and crushed the enemy. A decisive blow was delivered to the Nazi war machine, marking a turning point in the war and opening the road westward  to Berlin and to the Great Victory, whose 80th anniversary we will solemnly celebrate very soon, on May 9.
Hyderabad: In a significant policy shift, the Union Cabinet has approved the inclusion of caste-based data in the upcoming national census. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy welcomed the move, calling it a 'historic step' and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for responding to the growing demand for social data-driven governance.

Taking to social media, CM Reddy said, "Congress took the struggle across the country, including the national capital and protested at Jantar Mantar seeking that the Central government agree for Caste Census. Today, finally, we proved that what Telangana Does Today, India will follow tomorrow."

Reddy further said, "Based on the vision and direction of Rahul Gandhi who first demanded a nationwide Caste Census during his historic Bharat Jodo Yatra, Telangana is the first State to conduct a caste survey last year. This was the first in Independent India, the last one being in 1931 by the British."

Based on the vision and direction of

Shri @RahulGandhi Ji who first demanded a nation-wide Caste Census during his historic #BharatJodoYatra Telangana is the first State to conduct caste survey last year.



This was the first in Independent #India, the last one being in 1931 by pic.twitter.com/7dNABdwqM7

 Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) April 30, 2025

Telangana conducted Social, Economic, and Caste Survey in 2024. The results revealed that 56.32% of the population belonged to Backward Castes. "A State-wide comprehensive Social, Economic, Caste Survey was conducted and found that 56.32 percent of the population belongs to the Backward Castes. Based on the report tabled in the Telangana State Legislative Assembly, the state also resolved and proposed 42 per cent reservations for OBCs in education, work & political positions," said Reddy.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also welcomed the move urging the Modi government to set a timeline for the caste census.
Amid the escalating tension with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Union Government has reportedly revamped the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). The NSAB advises the National Security Council Secretariat with inputs related to national security. If reports are to be believed, former R&AW chief Alok Joshi has been appointed as the Chairman of the NSAB.

The other members appointed to the board are former Southern Army Commander Lt Gen A K Singh, former Western Air Commander Air Marshal PM Sinha, Rear Admiral (retd) Monty Khanna, former diplomat B. Venkatesh Varma and retired IPS Rajiv Ranjan Verma.

Who Is Alok Joshi?

Alok Joshi, a former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), has been appointed as the head of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). A native of Lucknow, Joshi holds a postgraduate degree in political science from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). He joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1976, serving in the Haryana cadre. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, becoming Joint Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in 2005. In 2010, he was appointed Special Secretary at RAW, and two years later, in 2012, he assumed the position of RAW Secretary.

NSAB Revamp

The Union government has revamped the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). Besides the former army personnel, RR Verma and Manmohan Singh are the two retired members of the Indian Police Service. B Venkatesh Varma is a retired IFS officer in the seven-member board.

The decision follows the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civiliansincluding one Nepali nationaland left many others injured. In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at his residence, which concluded this afternoon.

In addition to the CCS meeting, the Prime Minister also chaired meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). A second CCS session focused specifically on reviewing the countrys security preparedness in the wake of the Pahalgam attack.

The CCS had last met on April 23, receiving a detailed briefing on the incident. The briefing highlighted cross-border links to the attack, which occurred amid peaceful elections in the Union Territory and ongoing strides in economic development.

In a firm response to Pakistans alleged support for cross-border terrorism, the government announced a set of measures, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty.
Caste Census: A major decision was taken in the country todayone that is expected to significantly impact the political landscape in the times ahead. For the first time since independence, the green light has been given for a caste-based census. This time, the government will conduct a caste census alongside the national population census. Opposition parties had been demanding this for a long time. The BJP and the RSS never opposed the idea either. According to sources, following the Pahalgam attack, the issue of caste census was also discussed between the RSS chief and the Prime Minister, alongside the sentiments of the Hindu community. After the announcement, various political parties rushed to take credit for the move. In today's DNA, Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor, of Zee News, analysed the impact of the caste census:

Watch Full DNA Episode Here

This will be the first caste-based census in the country since independence. Thats why it is important to carefully follow this complete analysis. In the next few minutes, well clear up any confusion you may have about the caste census. Well also explain what the caste census means and how it may affect you.

In India, the census is conducted every 10 years. The last census took place in 2011. The next was scheduled for 2021, but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the government has officially announced the caste-based census. Until now, the census did not record an individual's caste. The census form typically included 29 columns, collecting information such as your name, fathers name, gender, age, marital status, occupation, mother tongue, and religion. So far, data has only been collected on Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).

With the caste-based census, a new column may be added to the form where individuals will state their caste. That means when the new census form reaches you, it may contain 30 columns, one of which will ask for your caste. People from all religions will be required to declare their caste in this new format.

This will be the first caste-based census in India since independence. During Manmohan Singh's government in 2011, a Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted by the Rural Development Ministry, Urban Development Ministry, and the Home Ministry. However, the data from that survey was never made public. Therefore, this can be considered the first official caste census in post-independence India.

The first-ever caste census in India was conducted by the British in 1881 and continued until 1931. A caste census was also conducted in 1941, but its data was never released. In that sense, this will be the first caste-based census in 94 years with publicly released data.

The caste-based census is expected to begin this year. It may take 12 to 18 months to complete the process and publish the data. If the census begins this year, the results could be released by late 2026 or in 2027. Under the Census Act of 1948, only SC and ST data is officially recognized. To include other castes, necessary amendments to the law may be made.

According to the 2011 census, there are 1,270 SC and 748 ST castes in India. SCs made up 16.6% of the population and STs 8.6%. Various reports estimate that within the Hindu population, there are around 3,000 castes, including 2,650 OBC castes. Caste is not limited to Hinduism; according to several reports, there are around 200 castes among Indian Muslims as well. Likewise, different castes exist within Sikh and Christian communities. The upcoming caste census will reveal the full picture. One big question that might come to your mind is whether the caste census data will lead to changes in reservation limits. It is almost certain that the data will prompt demands for reservations based on population share.

However, it's important to note that the reservation cap in the country cannot exceed 50%. In the 1992 Indra Sawhney vs. Union of India case, a nine-judge Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court set the upper limit of reservations at 50%. This means any change is more likely to occur within the existing frameworkor could potentially spark renewed legal debate. Additionally, after the caste census, there could be changes in the delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies. Reserved seats might be reclassified as general seats if demographic shifts are observed. However, it is now clear that the caste-based census will bring significant political changes in the days to come.
New Delhi: Sanjay Leela Bhansali, one of Indian cinemas most celebrated filmmakers, is renowned for transforming royal fantasies into cinematic masterpieces. With Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, his debut on the digital platform, Bhansali brought his signature grandeur to OTTand the result was nothing short of a cultural phenomenon.

Released a year ago, Heeramandi quickly became a global breakout hit, marking a new era for Indian content in the streaming world. From its powerful dialogues to dazzling costumes and era-defining sets, every element showcased Bhansalis visionary brilliance. The series didnt just entertainit redefined visual storytelling for OTT platforms and elevated the standards for Indian web series on a global scale.

Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Magnum Opus Direction

In Heeramandi, Bhansali masterfully intertwines the opulence of pre-independence Lahore with the emotional undercurrents of the freedom movement. Through rich visuals, layered storytelling, and breathtaking aesthetics, he brings forth a tale of love, sacrifice, and resistance. With this series, Bhansali solidified his legacy alongside cinematic greats like Raj Kapoor, K. Asif, and Guru Dutt.

Lavish Sets That Brought History Alive

Bhansalis signature attention to detail was evident in the grand sets of Heeramandi. Each frame echoed the charm of bygone Indiameticulously designed to transport viewers into a world of timeless elegance and historical authenticity. The visual richness became an integral part of the narrative, immersing audiences in a fully realized era.

Dialogues That Resonate Across Generations

The series delivered a masterclass in powerful writing. Its dialogues were poetic, sharp, and emotionally chargedleaving a lasting impression on viewers. One of the most iconic lines came from Manisha Koiralas character, Mallikajaan:

Shauq humara ho aur izzat aapki? Nahi saab, yeh sauda humey manzoor nahi.

This defiant line captured the spirit of the characterand quickly became one of the most quoted moments of the show.

Costumes That Embodied Culture and Royalty

Costume design played a vital role in bringing the world of Heeramandi to life. Each outfit reflected the eras regal charm, with intricate embroidery and period-accurate styling that mirrored the personalities and social hierarchies of the characters. The sartorial elegance enhanced the storytelling, adding layers of meaning through visual expression.

Unforgettable Performances by a Stellar Cast



Heeramandi was a showcase of stellar performances. Manisha Koiralas commanding presence as Mallikajaan stood out, supported by powerful turns from Sonakshi Sinha (Fareedan), Aditi Rao Hydari (Bibbojaan), Richa Chadha (Lajjo), Sharmin Segal (Alamzeb), and Sanjeeda Shaikh (Waheeda). Each actor brought depth, nuance, and raw emotion to their roles, ensuring the characters lingered long after the screen faded.

Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Heeramandi wasnt just a web seriesit was a cultural moment that pushed the boundaries of Indian storytelling. One year on, its impact remains a testament to Bhansalis unparalleled artistic vision and his ability to merge heritage with high drama in the most spectacular fashion.
Morningstar ( MORN ) assigned the company a high uncertainty rating  and said Metas unprofitable investments in genAI and Reality Labs add a layer of uncertainty around its business, even as its large and stable advertising business continues to generate substantial cash flows in our forecast. A downward revision or commitment by the company to spend more efficiently (or just less) in this segment could be viewed positively by Wall Street.

The Reality Labs unit  which is home to the companys virtual and augmented reality hardware, software, and metaverse platforms  continues to be a financial drag. Last year, Reality Labs posted operating losses of approximately $20 billion while generating only about $2 billion in revenue. Jefferies analysts see leverage potential here, suggesting Meta could realign (and trim) Reality Labs spending to better match macroeconomic uncertainty.

As Meta pushes forward with its long-term vision of the metaverse and AI, two areas that remain top of mind for investors are the cash-hemorrhaging Reality Labs division and the firms expansive genAI initiatives.

Jefferies ( JEF ) noted that over 10% of Metas ad revenue comes from China-based advertisers, who have reportedly pulled back on their ad spending due to rising U.S.-China trade tensions. (U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods are currently at 145%.) Tariffs will likely surface in Metas commentary; Google execs flagged a slight headwind in this area, and Metas earnings report and call might offer further commentary on how trade dynamics are affecting global ad spend.

One of the biggest areas to watch will be in Metas reported advertising revenue. Following Googles ( GOOGL ) stronger-than-expected advertising-revenue results, all eyes are on Metas.

Over the past month, consensus EPS expectations have declined from $5.33 to $5.21, and annual EPS estimates for 2025 have been trimmed by at least a dozen analysts covering the stock. Still, Meta has exceeded EPS forecasts in each of the last four quarters, and analysts expect a positive first-quarter earnings report from the social media giant.

Consensus estimates peg Metas first-quarter 2025 earnings per share (EPS) at $5.21, which would deliver a 11% increase from $4.71 a year ago. Revenue is projected to rise 13% to $41.2 billion, driven by stronger ad monetization, diversified revenue streams, and an expanding global user base.

When Meta ( META ) reports its 2025 first-quarter earnings after the market closes Wednesday, Wall Street will watch closely for signals on advertising resilience, genAI monetization, and fiscal discipline amid geopolitical headwinds, antitrust lawsuits, and general economic uncertainty.

Story Continues

Meanwhile, Metas generative AI push  anchored by its open-source Llama family of large-language models  represents a promising yet not fully monetized frontier. The coming inaugural LlamaCon event (which takes place one day before earnings) is expected to showcase how Meta is building a platform around open-source AI to rival offerings from competitors such as OpenAI and Google.

While Meta says its made progress in embedding AI across its apps  to support content recommendations, moderation, and ad targeting  the companys focus will need to be on direct monetization. Investors will be listening for updates on AI-powered ad formats and tools for marketers, Llamas business applications, potential partnerships or licensing models, and any AI infrastructure revenue.

Progress on any of these fronts could help offset investor concerns about the efforts high costs. Morningstar said it expects genAI monetization to be a key valuation driver and noted that clear progress on AI monetization could further propel the stock, which currently trades near a market multiple.

Metas capital expenditures are expected to remain in the $60-65 billion estimate for 2025  with that spending decreasing in 2026 if the economy continues to struggle. Investors will want assurances that the companys spending remains flexible this year.

Antitrust challenges loom large

Metas mounting antitrust challenges continue to cast a shadow over the companys dealings. The company was back in federal court last week as part of a monopoly case that could see a potential spin-off of Instagram and WhatsApp. The Federal Trade Commissions alleged that the company has maintained an illegal stranglehold on a subset of the social networking market by acquiring emerging rivals.

Morningstar said that the governments case against Meta is materially weaker than the ones Google is facing but acknowledged that regulatory scrutiny is a real factor when evaluating Metas long-term risk profile.

From an earnings standpoint, the direct impact of the court case over this quarter is expected to be minimal. Meta isnt expected to comment on the litigation during the earnings call, in line with the companys typical practice. While the antitrust case wont materially affect first-quarter earnings, it could constrain Metas strategic flexibility over time, especially regarding acquisitions or further vertical integration.

Whats next for Meta?

The Silicon Valley giants shares closed Friday at $547.27, down about 5% over the past month. (Meanwhile, Amazon (AMZN) fell 2% over that period and Google rose 5%.) In Meta, Morningstar sees significant upside, implying a 30% premium to current levels. Meanwhile, Wedbush and Jefferies maintain bullish ratings, citing Metas ad platform and improving AI strategy. Jeffries said that the second quarter will be a wall of worry, but Meta is our best climber.

Despite this bullishness from some corners of Wall Street, other analysts have said caution will be key. Needhams Laura Martin recently reiterated her underperform rating, warning of downward revisions to full-year earnings, margins, and cash flow, as well as rising capital expenditures and Reality Labs losses.

Morningstar echoed the caution but said the companys wide economic moat will mean that Metas sales will grow at a 12% compound annual growth rate for the next five years, spearheaded primarily by an increase in average revenue per user, with user growth also chipping in.

Its analysts continued, Drilling deeper, we believe Meta has a strong monetization opportunity ahead of it in Asia and the rest of the world. While we expect advertising sales from North America and Europe to grow steadily, we believe increasingly affluent and growing middle classes in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East will allow Meta to improve its ad monetization in those regions, lifting its overall top line.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg and chief financial officer Susan Li are scheduled to discuss Metas earnings results during a 5:00 p.m. ET call. Given the digital ad environment and tempered expectations, investors are bracing for a potentially volatile post-earnings move  some investors suggest there could be an 8.3% swing in either direction.

Whether Meta surprises to the upside or disappoints with cautious guidance, the companys report will help set the tone for how tech giants are navigating a complicated mix of innovation, investment, and geopolitical risk.

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Hollywood actress Blake Lively had a minor makeup mishap at her latest film premiere but she handled it like a boss. Eagle-eyed fans noted the actress, 37, had some makeup, possibly self tanner, transfer onto her gown at the premiere of 'Another Simple Favor' in New York City.

A light brown stain was visible below her right armpit on the bodice of her pale, mint-colored, draped Tamara Ralph gown, which featured intricate geometric cutouts, reports 'People' magazine.

The smudge was visible because Lively wore her hair down and parted it to one side. She accessorized her red carpet look with jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz.

As per 'People', on Instagram, fans commented on the visible style malfunction, writing, "She got body makeup on the dress around her armpit area," and "Spray tan failure people!! Don't wear a light dress".

However, plenty of fans found the moment relatable and shared their love for Lively's look. "She literally looks perfect!" on person wrote, while another chimed in, "Shes beautiful and I love the dress".

Lively attended the premiere of the film with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, who sported a gray plaid suit with a baby blue pocket square as they posed for photos together.

On the carpet, Lively also posed with director Paul Feig and her costars: Anna Kendrick, Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Elizabeth Perkins, Bashir Salahuddin, Michele Morrone and Alex Newell.

Some of Lively's friends also showed up on the red carpet to show their support, including Emily Blunt, Blunt's brother-in-law Stanley Tucci, Hugh Jackman and Shawn Levy.

The red carpet comes amid Lively's ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni, her 'It Ends with Us' director and co-star, 41, which unfolded in December 2024 when she sued him, alleging sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign. His production company, Wayfarer Studios, was among others named in the suit.
Veteran star Manisha Koirala reflects fondly on her enduring friendship with acclaimed actress Deepti Naval and their time working together, while expressing deep nostalgia and love for Mumbai, which shaped her film journey and holds countless cherished memories.

Manisha took to Instagram, where she shared two pictures of herself on Instagram. The first was the actress posing on Juhu beach alone and the next was a picture of her smiling for the camera with her closest buddy Deepti, with whom she worked in Saudagar.

Reminiscing about the good times, Manisha wrote: Walking on the beach with my closest buddy I remember watching her films growing up, and when we finally got to work together in Saudagar  where she played my sort-of mother-in-law  I was overjoyed. Our bond has remained just as warm and effortless over the years.

Saudagar, which was released in 1991, is directed by Subhash Ghai. It starred two legends Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar, in lead roles. This was the second film in which the two actors appeared together after the 1959 film Paigham.

The film marked the debut of Vivek Mushran and Manisha Koirala. The cast also included Amrish Puri, Anupam Kher, Mukesh Khanna, Dalip Tahil, Gulshan Grover, Dina Pathak, and Jackie Shroff. The storyline was influenced by the classic play Romeo and Juliet. It was also inspired by the 1985 Pakistani Punjabi film Haq Mehar.

She then went on to talk about Mumbai, which Manisha said has always been more than just a city.

Its the scent of the sea breeze at twilight, the golden glow of sunsets on Juhu Beach, the echo of dreams in every street corner. Its where magic happens  where creative minds come alive, where friendships are forged and nurtured, and where the heart somehow always feels at home.

The actress talked about her love of Mumbai street food, which she said that nowhere in the world does it taste better.

And oh  the street food! From spicy bhel puri to piping hot vada pavs  nowhere in the world does it taste better. Every bite carries a memory, every flavor a story, she said.

The city and its beaches reminds Manisha of her journey in cinema.

Every walk on the sand here reminds me of where I began my film journey, the people Ive met, and the unforgettable journey this city has given me. @deepti.naval #mumbai #beachwalk #mumbaifoodlovers #friendforlife.
There are stories in the film industry that dazzle not just with stardom but with sheer grit, survival, and the will to rise. One such incredible tale is that of South Indian superstar Samantha Ruth Prabhuan actress whose name echoes across households today , but whose journey began in the shadows of poverty and struggle.

Born into a modest family in Kerala and raised in Chennai, Samantha's early years were far from glamorous. Her familys financial constraints were so severe that she couldnt even afford to pay her school fees in Class 12. In a candid old interview with News18, Samantha opened up about her difficult childhood and the painful choices she had to make. I ate one meal a day for at least two months. I worked odd jobs. And Im here today, she said, recalling those harsh days when survival meant sacrifice.

Despite being academically brillianttopping her 10th, 12th, and college examsSamantha had to put her dreams of higher education on hold. Her only option was to support her family. She took up small part-time jobs and modelling assignments to help make ends meet. But fate had other plans. It was during one such modelling assignment that renowned cinematographer and director Ravi Varman spotted her. Impressed by her natural charm and screen presence, he introduced her to the world of cinema.

Samantha made her film debut in 2010 with Gautham Vasudev Menons romantic drama Ye Maaya Chesave, a film that instantly catapulted her into stardom. Her chemistry with co-star Naga Chaitanya and her grounded performance earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. From there on, there was no looking back.

Over the years, Samantha has featured in more than 65 Tamil and Telugu films and carved a niche for herself as a powerhouse performer. Her versatilityranging from romantic leads to action-packed roles and even bold, unapologetic charactershas made her one of the most bankable stars in Indian cinema today.

But the turning point in her mass appeal came with her sensational performance in the song Oo Antava from Sukumars 2021 blockbuster 'Pushpa: The Rise.' The item number, originally offered to Nora Fatehi, eventually went to Samantha, and it turned into one of the most talked-about performances of the year. With her powerful moves and fierce screen presence, Samantha redefined what it meant to command the screen.

Her appearance in the song lasted barely five minutes, but the impact? Monumental. Not only did 'Oo Antava' become an anthem across India, but it also earned Samantha a reported Rs 5 crore, making it one of the highest paychecks for a single appearance in Indian cinema. The film itself, made on a budget of Rs 200 crore, grossed a staggering Rs 393.5 crore worldwide.

Interestingly, Samantha has often mentioned her admiration for Hollywood legend Audrey Hepburn, citing her as a major inspiration. From struggling to buy a meal to becoming the face of blockbuster success, Samanthas story is a real-life testimony to resilience, self-belief, and the magic of second chances.

Once unable to afford even basic education, Samantha today is among the richest and most respected actresses in the South Indian film industry. She even turned down a reported Rs 200 crore alimony during her separation from Naga Chaitanya, choosing instead to stand on her own termsproving that her success isn't borrowed, its built.

Her story isn't just about stardom; it's about surviving, thriving, and owning your power.

Samantha Ruth Prabhus rise from hardship to stardom is more than just a success storyits a reminder that even in the face of crushing adversity, one can shine. Her journey inspires millions to dream big, work hard, and never settle. Whether its her unmatched acting chops or her fierce independence, Samantha has truly become a beacon of empowerment in Indian cinema.
Thiruvananthapuram: Legendary Malayalam Filmmaker Shaji N Karun was cremated with state honours on Tuesday.

The mortal remains of the filmmaker were initially kept for the public homage in Thiruvananthapuram. He passed away on Monday after a long battle with cancer. He was 73 and had been unwell for some time.

The demise of the eminent filmmaker comes days after he was honoured with the J C Daniel Award for lifetime contribution to Malayalam cinema, the highest film honour instituted by the state government.

Since Monday, social media has been flooded with tributes for Shaji N Karun.

"Goodbye, Shaji N. Karun Sir. Thank you for Vanaprastham and so many great visuals & movies," a social media user posted on X. "We mourn the passing of legendary filmmaker Shaji N. Karun, whose pioneering work has left an indelible mark on world cinema. A recipient of France's Knight of Arts and Letters, several of his films were feted at Cannes. Our deepest condolences to his family & all film lovers," a post read on the French Embassy in India.

Shaji N Karun's debut film, Piravi (1988), was screened at nearly 70 international film festivals, while his second film, Swaham (1994), was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. His Vanaprastham (1999) was also screened at the Cannes Film Festival.
New Delhi: In the aftermath of the brutal Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people, India announced a five-point action plan that included the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.

With Pakistan relying heavily on the Indus River system for irrigation and food production, the suspension has raised concerns of potential water scarcity in the neighboring country.

Amid these developments, a group of Indian fans of popular Pakistani actress Hania Aamir sent a box of water bottles addressed to her as a satirical gesture.

A video that surfaced online shows young men packaging water bottles with a label reading: To Hania Aamir. Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan. From India.

In the clip, one of the men says, This boy brought a parcel today, check who its for. Its for Hania Aamir. And look whats inside water bottles.

The video, made for meme purposes, quickly went viral and sparked mixed reactions on the internet. While some viewers found it amusing, many others called it distasteful and insensitive, especially in light of recent tragedies.

Backlash and Ban on Pakistani Artists

Hania Aamir responded to the Pahalgam attack with a heartfelt Instagram story, writing: Tragedy anywhere is a tragedy for all of us. My heart is with the innocent lives affected by the recent events. In pain, in grief, and in hopewe are one.

Despite her condemnation, calls to ban Pakistani artists working in India have intensified. According to reports, Hania Aamir has allegedly been dropped from Sardaarji 3 opposite Diljit Dosanjh. However, there has been no official confirmation from the films team.
New Delhi: The Department of Posts on Tuesday partnered SBI Funds Management Limited (SBIFM), a prominent asset management company, to simplify the customer on-boarding process for mutual fund (MF) investors.

The collaboration will leverage India Posts extensive network to provide doorstep KYC verification services for investors of SBI Mutual Fund.

The initiative aims to streamline the KYC process, ensuring convenience, security, and regulatory compliance for investors across India, said the Ministry of Communications.

As part of the MoU, India Post will facilitate the completion of KYC formalities for SBI Mutual Fund investors by collecting the necessary forms and documents from investors across the country.

The KYC documents will be collected by India Posts trained personnel, ensuring a high level of security, accuracy, and privacy in the process.

By leveraging India Posts nationwide network, this partnership will ensure that investors, regardless of their location, can easily complete the KYC process.

This will be particularly beneficial for investors in rural, underserved, and far-flung areas who often face challenges in accessing traditional financial services.

According to the Department, the door-to-door KYC service will offer immense convenience to investors, allowing them to complete the entire process from the comfort of their homes.

This is particularly advantageous for senior citizens, individuals with mobility challenges, or those living in remote areas, where access to physical banking services is limited.

This collaboration directly supports the governments Jan Nivesh initiative, which aims to increase financial inclusion and encourage more people to participate in Indias capital markets.

It also contributes to the ongoing efforts to digitise financial services under the Digital India programme.

With India Posts trusted network, this partnership will help demystify the KYC process and provide a gateway for individuals, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, to engage with investment products such as mutual funds. By offering KYC services at the doorstep, the initiative also plays a crucial role in educating the masses about the importance of compliance with financial regulations.

India Post, with its vast network of over 1.64 lakh post offices spread across even the remotest corners of the country, is uniquely positioned to support initiatives aimed at financial inclusion.
New Delhi: Bill Malhotras inspiring journey from India to Canada is a true example of hard work and ambition. As the founder and CEO of Claridge Homes, he has played a key role in shaping Ottawas real estate landscape since 1986. Today, Claridge Homes stands as one of the citys largest developers with his sons Neil and Shawn also involved as minority owners in the family-run business.

Early Education

Malhotra, a civil engineering graduate from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science. He moved to Canada in his early 20s. He began his career at an engineering firm and later worked with the city government, laying the groundwork for what would eventually grow into a successful and lasting legacy in real estate.

Built Over 14,000 Homes

Under Bill Malhotras leadership, Claridge Homes has built over 14,000 homes. This includes houses, condos, and retirement residences across Ottawa. One of the companys proudest achievements is the 469-foot-tall Claridge Icon, a striking symbol of both architectural excellence and Malhotras hard work.

Bill Malhotras Net Worth

Known as The Condo King, Malhotras impact goes beyond real estate. Hes also part of the Ottawa Senators ownership group, showing his passion for contributing to the city in multiple ways. According to Forbes, his net worth is estimated at Rs 19,205 crore (2.3 billion dollars). His dedication is clear in every project, including the Longshire Village in Barrhaven. As his brother Shawn once said, When youre a Malhotra, work is your middle name.

Claridge: A Name Close to the Heart

The name Claridge carries a special meaning for Bill Malhotra. It was inspired by a luxury hotel in New Delhi where he spent memorable moments with his father during childhood. Today, that name lives on as he builds on those memories with innovation and growth. Bill Malhotras journey is a true reflection of dreams realized through hard work and determination. As Ottawa grows and changes, his legacy rises with it, leaving a lasting mark on the citys skyline.
New Delhi: Indian billionaires have experienced a significant boost in their wealth, thanks to a market rally that began in mid-March. The surge has been driven by increased foreign investments and easing global trade tensions. This has helped some of Indias top business tycoons see impressive gains. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries has once again crossed the 100 billion dollars mark which adds to nearly 20 billion dollars to his net worth in less than two months.

As per Forbes Real-Time Billionaires list, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani now has a net worth of 106.1 billion dollars. His wealth jumped by nearly $20 billion because of the recent market rally.going from about 81 billion dollars in early March to over $100 billion today.

Mukesh Ambanis recent wealth jump is largely due to a strong rebound in Reliance Industries and Jio Financial Services with their shares rising 25 per cent and 29 per cent from recent lows. However, his net worth still remains about 20% below his all-time high of 120.8 billion dollars, reached in July 2024.

Other big winners in the recent market rally include Sun Pharmas Dilip Shanghvi and Bharti Airtels Sunil Mittal. Both saw their wealth grow by over 4.9 billion dollars since the March lows, reaching 28.8 billion dollars and 27.4 billion dollars, respectively. Shanghvi is still about 10 per cent below his record high, while Mittal is just 1 per cent away from his peak in September 2024.
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Seoul: North Korean troops are believed to have incurred over 4,700 casualties, including 600 deaths, fighting alongside Russian forces in its war against Ukraine, Seoul's spy agency told lawmakers on Wednesday. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) gave the assessment during a closed-door briefing for the National Assembly's intelligence committee, according to Reps. Lee Seong-kweun of the People Power Party and Kim Byung-kee of the Democratic Party.

North Korea has also deployed a total of 15,000 troops to Russia over two phases, and fighting has decreased since April after Moscow took back most areas of its front-line region of Kursk, the lawmakers quoted the NIS as saying, Yonhap news agency reported. The spy agency has yet to detect signs of another troop deployment by North Korea but did not rule out its possibility, they said.

The announcement follows North Korea's confirmation on Monday that it had dispatched troops to aid Russian operations, with state-run KCNA claiming its soldiers helped Moscow recapture Ukrainian-held areas in the border region of Kursk.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for the deployment of troops to support its war with Ukraine, pledging that their bilateral friendship, forged on battlefields, will continue to grow, Russian news reports said.

Putin extended the message to Kim for North Korea's "help in liberating the Kursk Region from Ukrainian formations," the Russian news agency Tass reported, citing the Kremlin's press service, just hours after Pyongyang officially confirmed its troop deployment to Russia.

"We highly appreciate this and are sincerely grateful, personally to the Chairman of the State Affairs Committee, Comrade Kim Jong-un, as well as to the entire leadership and the people of North Korea," Putin was quoted as saying. Putin also said the strong bond of friendship and cooperation forged between Russia and North Korea on the battlefield will continue to grow and expand across the board, Yonhap news agency reported.

On Monday, North Korea confirmed for the first time that it has deployed troops to Russia to support Moscow's war against Ukraine under their mutual defence treaty, claiming the North's soldiers helped Russia regain control of Kursk. The North's deployment was made by "the order" of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in accordance with Pyongyang's mutual defence treaty with Moscow, the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

Citing the North's Central Military Commission, the KCNA reported the first confirmation of troop deployment to Russia, months after thousands of North Korean troops were sent to Russia for combat in the front-line region of Kursk.

Meanwhile, South Korea strongly condemned North Korea's first public admission of sending troops to Russia in support of its war against Ukraine, accusing Pyongyang of "mocking" the international community by justifying the deployment.

The foreign ministry issued the statement after the North confirmed through its state media for the first time that it has deployed troops to Russia to aid Moscow's war in Kyiv under their mutual defence treaty. Pyongyang said the decision was made at the behest of its leader Kim Jong-un and claimed that it was fully legitimate in line with the treaty committing the two sides to providing military assistance in case either of them is attacked.

"With their public admission of the deployment, while claiming they are fully in accordance with international law, they are once again mocking the international community. We strongly condemn this action," the ministry said. "The dispatch of the North Korean troops, along with broader military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, constitutes a grave violation of international norms, including the UN Charter, and UN Security Council resolutions," it said.

The government urged Russia and North Korea to "immediately cease their unlawful military cooperation," stressing it "seriously undermines peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, including Europe." "We will work closely with the international community to take all necessary measures against any actions that threaten our national security."
picture alliance / Contributor / Getty Images





Key Takeaways

Along with Meta, Snap and Reddit are due to release quarterly results this week.

Their results could offer insights into the state of the digital advertising market.

Shares of all three companies have had a tough start to the year amid economic uncertainty.







Meta (META) isn't the only social media company reporting earnings this week.

Along with Instagram and WhatsApp parent Meta, Snap (SNAP) and Reddit (RDDT) are due to release quarterly results this week, offering more insights into the state of the digital advertising market.

Snap is up first, with its earnings expected after the market closes Tuesday. Deutsche Bank analysts have a buy rating for the stock but lowered their price target to $10 from $14 on Monday, citing a pullback in digital ad spending. Their target is just below the consensus of analysts polled by Visible Alpha at $11, which would imply roughly 25% upside from Mondays close at $8.83.

The stock has had a tough start to 2025, with shares down about 18% year-to-date amid economic uncertainty in the face of President Trump's shifting tariff policies. Reddit shares have lost over one-quarter of their value over the same period, while Meta shares dropped 6%.

The Deutsche Bank analysts said they will be watching Snaps earnings call for clarity on advertiser sentiment and the impact on the macro environment to budgets. However, Deutsche Bank noted the platform is less exposed to Chinese e-commerce spending than some of its peers, and could be a beneficiary if Chinese-owned TikTok is ultimately banned in the U.S.

Reddit, slated to report Thursday, has been the most impacted by recent macro weakness of its peer groups, the analysts said, adding the company has tapped into experimental ad budgets for growth, which tend to be the first cut in a pullback. Deutsche Bank dropped its price target to $180 from $235, though still above the Street consensus of $152 and Monday's close around $121.

Daily active users will also be in focus after Reddit missed expectations a quarter ago, thanks in part to changes to the Google Search algorithm.

Google parent Alphabet (GOOGL) had posted better-than-expected results last week, in what could offer a "positive read-through" for Reddit and support "sustained momentum" for Snap, the analysts said. Alphabet's signs of success with AI features could also bode well for Meta, set to report Wednesday, with analysts largely bullish on its AI-driven growth.



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(Reuters) -Garmin posted its slowest revenue growth in seven quarters and missed profit estimates on sluggish demand for its navigation devices and smartwatches, sending shares of the company down more than 11.5% on Wednesday.

It also joined a chorus of global companies in warning about the economic uncertainty sparked by sweeping U.S. tariffs, which have already impacted companies across sectors and countries.

Garmin has manufacturing operations in Taiwan, the U.S., the Netherlands, Poland and China. That could make it vulnerable to rising Sino-U.S. tensions as Beijing and Washington escalate tit-for-tat tariffs that threaten to roil supply chains.

Still, the company, which competes with smartwatches from Apple and South Korea's Samsung, raised its revenue forecast for the year to $6.85 billion from $6.80 billion previously. That was higher than analysts' average estimate of $6.82 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

In the quarter to March 29, sales at outdoor and fitness divisions - Garmin's two biggest revenue generators - rose 20% and 12%, respectively, slower than the 29% and 31% growth seen in the previous three months.

Overall, sales rose 11% to $1.54 billion in the quarter ended March 29, above analysts' estimate of $1.51 billion.

But adjusted profit of $1.61 per share missed analysts' estimate of $1.67, as total expenses jumped 9.5%.

The company also lowered its forecast for annual margin to 58.5% from 58.7%.

(Reporting by Meghana Khare in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
Klaudia Radecka / NurPhoto via Getty Images

Nvidia (NVDA) shares led losses on the Dow and S&P 500 Monday afternoon following a report China's Huawei Technologies is preparing to test a rival artificial intelligence chip.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Huawei "is gearing up to test its newest and most powerful artificial-intelligence processor, which the company hopes could replace some higher-end products" from Nvidia.

Citing people familiar with the matter, the Journal said that "Huawei has approached some Chinese tech companies about testing the technical feasibility of the new chip, called the Ascend 910D."

Shares of Nvidia, which declined to comment on the report, were down close to 4% in recent trading. They've lost a fifth of their value since the start of the year, and have yet to fully recover from their plunge on Jan. 27 that wiped nearly $600 billion from the company's market cap when Chinese startup DeepSeek said its models rivaled those of OpenAI's Chat GPT at a fraction of the cost.



Earlier this month, Nvidia said it is expecting to record a $5.5 billion first-quarter charge after the U.S. limited exports of its H20 chips to China.

This article has been updated since it was first published to reflect Nvidia declined to comment.

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Operator detained after deadly NE China restaurant fire

Xinhua) 09:52, April 30, 2025

This photo taken on April 29, 2025 shows the site of a restaurant fire in Liaoyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. A devastating fire at a restaurant in the city of Liaoyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, has killed 22 people and injured three others, while the operator of the establishment has been detained by police, according to the city government. Rescue operations have now concluded. Medical experts were mobilized to treat the injured and investigations into the cause of the fire are underway. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

SHENYANG, April 29 (Xinhua) -- A devastating fire at a restaurant in the city of Liaoyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, has killed 22 people and injured three others, while the operator of the establishment has been detained by police, according to the city government.

The fatal blaze started at 12:25 p.m. on Tuesday, with a total of 22 fire trucks and 85 firefighters dispatched to the scene, where they swiftly extinguished the flames and conducted search-and-rescue operations.

Rescue operations have now concluded. Medical experts were mobilized to treat the injured and investigations into the cause of the fire are underway.

The work safety authority under China's State Council called for an urgent investigation into the incident, seeking to speedily determine the causes of the fire.

In addition, a working group from the Ministry of Emergency Management also rushed to the affected area to guide investigation efforts.

This photo taken on April 29, 2025 shows the site of a restaurant fire in Liaoyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. A devastating fire at a restaurant in the city of Liaoyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, has killed 22 people and injured three others, while the operator of the establishment has been detained by police, according to the city government.

Rescue operations have now concluded. Medical experts were mobilized to treat the injured and investigations into the cause of the fire are underway. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
The 13-year-old daughter of a Jefferies analyst asked about the effect of GLP-1 oral medications during PepsiCos most recent quarterly earnings call, as part of Bring your Kid to Work Day. CEO Ramon Laguarta took the question seriously, saying his company was marketing snacks in smaller portions to target consumers with smaller appetites.

PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta was no doubt expecting tough questions during the companys Q1 earnings call; what he probably wasnt expecting was to be interrogated about the effect of pharmaceuticals on the human digestive system by a 13-year-old.

Amid inquiries on revenue, tariffs, and volumes that could have comprised any other earnings call that day, Jefferies analyst Kaumil Gajrawala surprised Laguarta by letting his daughter Milena Gajrawala ask a question.

Hey guys, it's Bring Your Kid to Work Day at Jefferies. So, if you don't mind, my daughter Milenas going to ask the question, Gajrawala said.

Far from lobbing a softball question, the 13-year-old Milena Gajrawala struck at a core issue for PepsiCo and other food companies: the threat of weight-loss inducing GLP-1 medications that curb the appetites of consumers.

So what do you think about the launch of GLP-1 oral medications coming to market next year? she asked.

Before answering, Laguarta said, That's awesome, and then launched into a serious response that highlighted the companys fiber and hydration solutions.

We thought Milena asked a fair question and Ramon was happy to answer it. Hearing from her was a pleasant surprise on what is always a busy day," a PepsiCo spokesperson said in a statement to Fortune.

The younger Gajrawala mentioned oral GLP-1 medications, one of whichorforglipron by Eli Lillyis already in late-stage clinical trials. Orforgliprons potential advantage is that it is an oral medicationcompetitor Ozempic requires regular injectionsbut has a similar weight-loss effect. The drug could thus supercharge the adoption of this class of medication, which helps suppress appetite and is already cutting into the profits of snack makers and other food companies.

Laguarta mentioned that another way the company is battling a potential GLP-1 slump is by emphasizing its smaller-portion snacks.

They're eating less quantities, so our offerings in the small portions and whether it's in multipack or some other options that we provide keeps our brands in their repertoire and it's still relevant, he said in response to Gajrawalas question.

On another earnings call that day, Gajrawala also let his son, 13-year-old Kamran Gajrawala, get in on the action. Kamran Gajrawala asked the CEO of Keurig Dr Pepper a question about Dr Peppers new blackberry-flavored soda.
This story was originally published on BioPharma Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily BioPharma Dive newsletter.

Pfizer will maintain its 2025 financial forecasts for now, but warned Tuesday it cant predict the impact of any tariffs or trade policy changes the Trump administration might impose on the pharmaceutical sector.

While we continue to engage and plan for contingencies, were focusing day to day on what we can do to move our business forward, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in remarks prepared for the companys earnings call for the first quarter.

The drugmaker expects to earn between $61 billion and $64 billion in revenue this year, an estimate that doesnt include any provisional accounting for future tariff-related charges. Company CFO Dave Denton noted in a conference call, however, that it anticipates about $150 million in expense from already introduced general tariffs, which it believes it can absorb within its current guidance range.

Some of Pfizers industry peers, such as Johnson & Johnson and Merck & Co., have also shared initial estimates for the expenses they expect to incur as a result of the general tariffs President Donald Trump announced April 2, and then later partially paused for 90 days.

Pharmaceutical products are exempt from those duties. However, his administration recently began a trade investigation thats widely expected to result in sector-specific tariffs on pharmaceuticals, potentially as soon as next month. Trump has hinted levies could range anywhere from 50% to 200%.

The probe, known as a Section 232 investigation, is specifically meant to weigh national security risks, something that Bourla said was the primary concern voiced by administration officials in his conversations with them so far.

We have had very productive discussions with all the secretaries that are involved, said Bourla on a conference call Tuesday. Im cautiously optimistic.

We will work with the administration to make sure that their concern on national security will addressed [in] the best possible way, he added.

In the meantime, Pfizer has put together an internal team to model possible trade policy outcomes and develop strategies, such as how the company manages product inventory levels, to lessen any impacts.

Broadly speaking, the pharma industry relies on China and India for many of the raw starting materials used in the production of small molecule drugs, as well as for a good share of the active ingredients in those medicines. Many drugmakers also have extensive manufacturing in European countries like Ireland, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Key Points

A high dividend yield can be enticing, but it can also raise flags for income investors.

Pfizer's falling valuation has pushed its yield up to well over 7%, which warrants a closer look.

The company's payout ratio and free cash flow can help investors assess the safety of the dividend.

When a stock yields more than 5%, investors start to become skeptical about whether the payout is indeed safe. While it's tempting to want to believe that it can be safe and that it can be an excellent source of future dividend income, you also don't want to get burned and see that dividend get cut or suspended.

Consider pharmaceutical giant Pfizer (NYSE: PFE). Its dividend yield is around 7.5% right now, and if the stock continues to decline, it may not be long before it hits 8%. The big question is whether this is really a steal of a deal and a good buy, or if Pfizer may soon have to reduce its dividend?

Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue 

What is Pfizer's current payout ratio?

A good starting point for investors in analyzing a dividend stock is to look at its payout ratio. This considers the company's dividend with respect to its earnings per share (EPS). The higher that EPS is in relation to the dividend per share, the lower the payout ratio, and the more sustainable the dividend is.

The company currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.43, which totals $1.72 for a full year. And in 2024, Pfizer's diluted EPS came in at just $1.41 -- well below the rate of its annual dividend. However, this can be a bit misleading as the company incurred billions of dollars in restructuring expenses and asset impairment charges. These are non-cash items, but they can nonetheless impact the bottom line and make the company's payout ratio look worse than it otherwise would be.

That's why I say the payout ratio can be a good starting point when analyzing an income stock, but a high ratio doesn't mean that investors should assume that the dividend is doomed. A better option may be to look at the company's free cash flow.

Does Pfizer's free cash flow support its dividend?

Free cash flow tells investors how much cash a company is generating after deducting capital expenditures. It's an important metric since it excludes the noise which often comes from non-cash items such as impairment charges and other non-recurring accounting adjustments.

Last year, Pfizer's free cash flow totaled $9.8 billion, and its cash dividend payments came in at $9.5 billion. This suggests that the payout is indeed sustainable since Pfizer generated more free cash than what it paid out in dividends. There isn't a huge buffer there, but there aren't big red flags, either.
Pinewood Technologies Group PLC has signed a five-year contract with Volkswagen Group Japan to deploy its cloud-based platform across approximately 350 Volkswagen and Audi dealerships in Japan, according to a press release.

The UK-headquartered software provider said the agreement marked a significant new customer base and was aligned with its strategic goals.

The roll-out and associated revenues are expected to begin in the first half of 2026.

Pinewood, which became an independent entity in 2024 following the sale of Pendragon PLCs UK motor and leasing divisions to Lithia Motors Inc, develops cloud-based retail systems for automotive retailers and OEMs.

Volkswagen Group Japan imports vehicles and components for both the Volkswagen and Audi marques and operates a network of authorised dealerships nationwide.

Lennart Nigmann, Group Network Management Director of Volkswagen Group Japan, said the platform would allow dealer partners to improve both customer experience and efficiency, highlighting the benefit of seamless integration with existing Volkswagen Group systems.

Pinewood CEO Bill Berman said the company was thrilled to be working with Volkswagen Group Japan and reiterated Pinewoods ambition to make Japan a core strategic market, adding the firm hoped to add other OEMs in Japan as customers in the future.

The software business serves over 30,000 users across 21 countries and maintains partnerships with over 50 OEM brands.

"Pinewood Technologies signs 5-year software deal with VW Group Japan" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand.




By Christoph Steitz

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Porsche's margins plunged in the first quarter, the sportscar maker said on Tuesday, forcing it to cut its outlook due to weakness in its key market China, a slowing shift to electric cars and U.S. tariffs that are disrupting the global car industry.

Like other European carmakers, Porsche has been dealt a severe blow by the tariffs, which are expected to raise car prices by thousands of dollars and rattle an automobile sector already struggling with high costs and intensifying competition.

With no U.S. production, Porsche is heavily exposed and along with a 25% plunge in its share price year-to-date it has suffered a loss of investor confidence since it was listed by majority-owner Volkswagen in 2022.

Analysts, during a call discussing a first-quarter margin drop to 8.6% from 14.2%, repeatedly asked finance chief Jochen Breckner on how he intended to restore trust, also citing a number of warnings over the past 18 months.

"It increasingly just feels like every time you meet with your supervisor board the situation gets incrementally worse than what you feared, on multiple levels," Tim Rokossa of Deutsche Bank said.

Patrick Hummel of UBS also called for a quick management board reshuffle, hinting at Oliver Blume's dual role as Porsche and Volkswagen CEO that has for years drawn the ire of investors.

Breckner said that tariffs resulted in a hit of at least 100 million euros ($114 million) in April and May, but added that the carmaker had so far taken not raised prices but will do so if duties remain in place.

"We see a very special and challenging situation," Breckner said, citing falling demand and fierce competition in China, a slower-than-expected transition to EVs and U.S. tariffs.

He said localising production in the United States made no sense at the moment due to Porsche's low vehicle sales figures, even if the group were to team up with another VW brand.

CHINA WOES

Shares in Porsche were down 6.4% at 1012 GMT, at the bottom of Frankfurt's blue-chip index.

In April, Porsche said it had shipped added inventory to the United States to get ahead of tariffs.

It said late on Monday that the tariffs, in place since April at 25%, weighed on its business and that its adjusted outlook did not factor in their future effects beyond May.

Porsche said it now expects revenue of between 37 billion euros ($42.1 billion) and 38 billion euros in 2025, down from its previous forecast of 39 billion to 40 billion euros. Its profit margin is forecast to drop to 6.5-8.5%, down from a previous forecast of 10-12%.
Clothing retailer Primark has reported revenues of 4.47bn ($5.99bn) in the first half (H1) of the fiscal year 2025 (FY25), marking a 1% decrease on both an actual currency basis and a constant currency basis.

The retailer witnessed expansion in several key markets: France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the US and regions of Central and Eastern Europe.

In the UK and Ireland, Primark experienced a 4% dip in sales, although there was a notable surge in like-for-like sales during the critical Christmas season.

In contrast, Spain and Portugal enjoyed an 8% increase in sales, fuelled by strong market performance and the opening of new stores.

Sales in France and Italy rose 4%, attributed to recent store launches. The Central and Eastern European markets recorded an impressive 21% jump in sales, primarily due to new store openings.

In the US market, where Primark is actively increasing its presence, there was a significant 17% rise in sales, with new outlets contributing to greater sales density.

During H1 FY25, the retailer marked its entry into the state of Texas with the opening of one of two new stores, taking its US portfolio to 29 stores.

In Northern Europe, comprising Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria, sales saw a modest 1% increase with like-for-like sales up 2.4%.

Operating profit for Primark stood at 537m in H1 FY25, a 6% increase from 508m in the same quarter of the previous year.

Adjusted operating profit climbed 8%, reaching 540m against 508m in H1 FY24.

On a constant currency basis, adjusted operating profit margin therefore grew to 12.1% from last year's 11.3%.

Primark aims to sustain its growth trajectory in Europe and the US markets, projecting this strategy to contribute between 4% and 5% to its annual sales growth.

In H1 2025, the company allocated 212m towards capital projects that included the inauguration of eight new stores along with store optimisation initiatives such as expansions, resizing efforts and relocations.

Associated British Foods chief executive George Weston stated: Primark delivered good growth in Europe and the US, with continued consumer caution in the UK. Primarks profit and margin delivery was strong and our low-cost operating model is working well. Our focus remains on sharp execution of our key growth initiatives across product, brand, digital and new market entry.

In 2025, Primark anticipates its adjusted operating profit margin to be closely aligned with the previous year's figures.

The retailer expects that adjusted operating margins for H2 2025 might fall short of those achieved in H1 due to singular items that positively impacted the first half of the year.
The most talked about and market moving research calls around Wall Street are now in one place. Here are today's research calls that investors need to know, as compiled by The Fly.



Top 5 Upgrades:



BofA upgraded Chord Energy (CHRD) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $114, down from $125. The firm is pricing at the low end of its new base case range that assumes 80% of the development program is extended laterals by 2027, lowering its sustaining capex estimate by $100M to $1.3B and providing an $8 tailwind to its valuation.

BofA upgraded Diamondback Energy (FANG) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $170, down from $202. The firm believes Diamondback has an edge over ConocoPhillips (COP) and EOG Resources (EOG) in its lower dividend break even and higher debt-adjusted free cash flow yield.

UBS upgraded Crane (CR) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $190, up from $157. Following Monday's Q1 update, the firm is increasingly confident in Crane's long-term earnings outlook and acquisition opportunity.

BofA upgraded Upstart (UPST) to Neutral from Underperform with an unchanged price target of $53. Shares are down 45% since the company reported Q4 earnings in mid-February, notes the firm, which now thinks the risk-reward is more balanced at current levels.

Rosenblatt upgraded Arista Networks (ANET) to Neutral from Sell with an $85 price target, arguing that the firm's sell thesis has played out. The firm now finds shares to be "more compelling than before."

Top 5 Downgrades:



Stephens downgraded Saia (SAIA) to Equal Weight from Overweight with a price target of $255, down from $515. The firm says softer March shipments and yields drove an operating ratio miss in Q1.

BofA downgraded ConocoPhillips (COP) to Neutral from Buy with a price target of $107, down from $138. The firm believes Diamondback Energy (FANG) has an edge over ConocoPhillips and EOG Resources (EOG) in its lower dividend break even and higher debt-adjusted free cash flow yield, the analyst tells investors.

TD Cowen downgraded Hims & Hers (HIMS) to Hold from Buy with a price target of $30, down from $44. The shares could be range-bound with weight loss drugs no longer in shortage, the firm tells investors in a research note.

JPMorgan downgraded Icon (ICLR) to Neutral from Overweight with a price target of $150, down from $265. The firm cites limited visibility in the near-term end market improvement heading into Q1 earnings for the downgrade.

Stifel downgraded Builders FirstSource (BLDR) to Hold from Buy with a price target of $125, down from $156. The firm says the depth and duration of the current trough is not fully appreciated by consensus estimates, with the Q1 update unlikely to alleviate uncertainty weighing on the shares.
By Mariam Sunny

(Reuters) -Regeneron's first-quarter results missed Wall Street estimates on Tuesday due to stiff competition for its blockbuster drug Eylea, further stoking investor worries as U.S. regulators denied approval for a more convenient version of the eye therapy.

Shares of Regeneron were down nearly 8%.

Regeneron has been looking to switch patients to a higher-dose version of the drug, branded as Eylea HD, to stymie the loss in market share to cheaper versions and rivals.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration declined to approve a pre-filled syringe version of Eylea HD last week citing issues with a third-party supplier.

The FDA has committed to a speedy review of the additional data submitted by the supplier, Regeneron said, adding the regulator did not flag any issues with the drug's safety or efficacy.

Regeneron does not expect any material impact from U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs implemented to date and said it could not quantify the impact from potential sector-specific tariffs at this time.

Drugmakers, including Regeneron, have committed to additional investments to boost production in the U.S. amid concerns about healthcare funding cuts and mass layoffs at the FDA.

"Obviously experience does matter and I really hope that we do not lose really good people at the FDA in the rank and file or even at the policy level. I think that would be deleterious," Regeneron CEO Leonard Schleifer said.

Regeneron earned quarterly profit of $8.22 per share, below estimates of $8.82 according to data compiled by LSEG.

U.S. sales of Eylea, jointly developed with Bayer, fell 26% in the first quarter to $1.04 billion.

First-quarter revenue was $3.03 billion, below expectations of $3.27 billion.

Sales of anti-inflammatory drug Dupixent, made jointly with France's Sanofi, rose 19% to $3.67 billion, compared with estimates of $3.7 billion. Sanofi records Dupixent sales, and profits are split equally between the two companies.

(Reporting by Mariam Sunny in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri)
(Reuters) -Fast fashion retailer Shein is weighing a restructuring of its U.S. operations as U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports threaten to jeopardize its London IPO, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.

The U.S. business, which generates roughly one-third of Shein's $38 billion annual revenue, is expected to face significant pressure as a tax exemption known as "de minimis" is set to end this week, the report said.

De minimis refers to the U.S. waiver of standard customs procedures and tariffs on items worth less than $800 that are shipped to individuals from foreign countries.

One option being considered is shifting production for the U.S. market to countries outside China, the FT reported, citing two people familiar with the matter.

Shein, which ships orders directly from Chinese warehouses to a buyer's home, has not taken a decision on any U.S. restructuring at the board level, the FT said, citing sources familiar with the company's thinking.

Shein declined to comment to the FT and did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Reuters exclusively reported earlier this month that Shein, which sells $10 dresses and $12 jeans in more than 150 countries, had secured approval from Britain's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for its IPO.

(Reporting by DhanushVignesh Babu in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza)
(Reuters) -Snap shares tumbled more than 15% on Wednesday after the social media company held back its forecast, stoking fears that advertisers were cutting their spending due to tariff-led economic uncertainty.

Health of the advertising market will be yet again in focus when Meta Platforms, which owns ad-reliant platforms like Facebook, reports results after the market closes.

The Snapchat parent said it was seeing a slowdown in ad spending in the second quarter and raised doubts about advertising budgets due to tariff impact.

Daily average U.S. ad spend by Chinese e-commerce websites Temu and Shein on Facebook, Instagram, Snap and Pinterest has fallen more than 50% in the second quarter till date, according to Sensor Tower data.

Snap CFO Derek Andersen said spending for some advertisers were "impacted by the changes to the de minimis exemption" that allowed duty-free U.S. entry for merchandise from China and Hong Kong priced below $800.

The Trump administration closed the trade loophole through an executive order, which will take effect on May 2.

Snap is set to shed more than $2 billion from its market valuation of $15.42 billion, if losses hold. At least 17 brokerages cut their price target for Snap, bringing the median to $10.

But Jefferies analysts said Snap is "being cautious more than signaling a broader ad market slowdown".

Last week, Google reported revenue of $66.89 billion from its mainstay ad business, which makes up nearly three-quarters of its overall revenue.

(Reporting by Harshita Mary Varghese in Bengaluru)
Telecom giant Spectrum, which is operated by Charter Communications (CHTR) , is suffering from an alarming shift in customer behavior, despite its recent effort to reverse the trend.

In the companys first-quarter earnings report for 2025, it revealed that Spectrum faced a 1.8% year-over-year increase in internet revenue during the quarter, mainly due to promotional rate step-ups and rate adjustments.

Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter 

However, the increase in internet revenue was offset by Spectrum losing 60,000 internet customers during the quarter, which is more than analysts were expecting.

Related: Spectrum customers are unexpectedly ditching a major service

Spectrum pinpoints sources of the problem

During an earnings call on April 25, the company revealed that about 9,000 of the internet customers it lost were due to the January wildfires in California.

Charter Communications CEO Chris Winfrey said during the call that Spectrum also saw a slight increase in internet service disconnects due to nonpayment. He said that this was due to the lack of ACP.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a government program that provided eligible households a discount of up to $30 a month for internet service. It was discontinued in February 2024.

Spectrum will focus on offering the best value to customers.Angus Mordant/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Winfrey noted that customers are rightfully tightening their wallet amid recession concerns. He also flagged that the housing market has a significant impact on broadband industry growth.

The housing climate is a little bit unknown right now, and thatll have an impact, said Winfrey. But even that, you know, tends to be temporary in nature.

Currently, home prices in the U.S. remain high, and the housing turnover rate remains the lowest its been in 30 years, with the average 30-year mortgage rate remaining above 6%.

In order to attract and retain customers amid macroeconomic uncertainty, Spectrum will be focused on presenting value and advertising bundled services to customers going forward.

"We can present value to customers and stickiness through having the best products at the best prices," said Winfrey. "You know, advertising and telling customers you can save them hundreds or even thousands of dollars on converged broadband and mobile services is a great way."

Spectrum customers are sick of price hikes

Spectrums loss in internet customers comes after it raised its monthly internet prices by $3 to $4, depending on the plan, in July last year.

To lessen the blow of the price hike, Spectrum later rolled out a new and simplified pricing strategy in September. This strategy offers customers internet for a starting price of $30 a month when bundled with mobile or video services. Pricing plans for internet services are also guaranteed for up to three years.
Customers are abandoning Starbucks, where drinks can cost as much as 6. Photograph: Newscast Online/Alamy

Starbucks is planning to hire more baristas, get them to work more hours at its coffee shops and roll back its embrace of automation, as the companys new leadership battles to turn the chain around.

Brian Niccol, who joined Starbucks as chief executive last September, has vowed to fundamentally change the companys strategy in order to win back customers.

In a call with investors on Wednesday, he acknowledged that reducing the number of staff members in outlets had backfired.

Over the last couple of years, weve actually been removing labour from the stores, I think with the hope that equipment could offset the removal of the labour, Niccol said. What were finding is that wasnt an accurate assumption with what played out.

The company had been trialling increasing staff numbers in a handful of its stores around the time Niccol joined the company in summer 2024, when he was poached from the Chipotle Mexican Grill chain, amid a surprise management shake-up. He has since expanded that pilot to about 3,000 of its 36,000 coffee shops worldwide.

Niccol told investors: Equipment doesnt solve the customer experience that we need to provide, but rather staffing the stores and deploying with this technology behind it does.

The company will also scale back the rollout of its siren craft system  technology designed to help employees streamline the drinks-making process.

Niccols arrival at Starbucks was one of the largest executive deals in US corporate history, putting him in line for a sign-on pay package worth up to $113m (88m), four times larger than that of his predecessor.

The fourth boss of Starbucks in less than three years, Niccol has already pledged to shake up its overly complex menu and change its pricing strategy.

Customers have been turning their backs on Starbucks, where some drinks can cost more than 6, as they rein in their spending. At the same time, the company has faced rising costs.

Niccol told investors the chain was looking at ways to bake fresh and assemble some items at scale in stores, after trials of freshly baked products in the UK.

He said that other changes, including handwritten notes on cups, the use of ceramic cups, and the return of great seats had led to more customers choosing to sit and stay in our cafes, demonstrating that small details and hospitality drive satisfaction.

However, Niccols turnaround plans appear to have had limited success on Starbucks bottom line.

His announcements came as the company reported worse-than-expected results for the first three months of the year, with a 1% fall in global sales  the fifth consecutive quarterly decline.

Niccol called the results disappointing, but added that despite weakness in the US, which is its biggest market, sales rose over the period in China and Canada.
These arrangements, coupled with Paramaribo slashing spending, caused the cost of living to spiral higher in a country where nearly a fifth of the population lives in poverty . The fallout was severe, with unemployment, inflation, and poverty soaring due to the harsh economic austerity being implemented. This fomented considerable unrest among Surinames population, particularly as prices soared because of the sharp devaluation of the Suriname Dollar. These developments sparked mass anti-government protests with participants demanding the resignation of President Santokhi while riots broke out in the capital Paramaribo , with protestors storming Surinames parliament.

By February 2023, the financial crisis had become so dire that the IMF imposed austerity measures on the former Dutch colony. These, along with further devaluing the currency, were implemented by Santokhis administration in exchange for obtaining access to urgently needed loans. The harsh scheme was imposed on Paramaribo due to Surinames ballooning public debt, soaring inflation, and declining gross domestic product (GDP), which had plummeted by a whopping 51% over a decade to around $3.5 billion by 2023 . Surinames economic catastrophe is rooted in the chronic malfeasance and corruption that prevailed during the 10-year tenure of President Santokhis predecessor, President Desi Bouterse, a convicted murderer linked to cocaine trafficking .

President Chan Santokhis administration pinned its hopes on an oil boom, similar to Guyanas, beginning in 2025 with the development of Block 58, aiming to rescue Suriname from a deep economic crisis. This, Paramaribo hoped, would deliver wealth and urgently needed revenue, thereby alleviating the growing crisis sparked by a decade of fiscal mismanagement. Indeed, the situation was so dire that in November 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Suriname defaulted on its sovereign debt, and Paramaribo was forced to devalue the Surinamese dollar sharply. Those events intensified the economic catastrophe while forcing the government to restructure Surinames existing debt and seek additional international capital.

After ExxonMobils swathe of world-class discoveries in Guyanas offshore Stabroek Block, the Guyana-Suriname Basin emerged as the worlds hottest drilling location. While Guyanas economy is booming, becoming an oil superpower , neighboring Suriname has yet to benefit from the basins immense hydrocarbon potential, despite world-class oil discoveries in offshore Block 58 . Suriname, a small country with a population of less than 700,000, which is among South Americas poorest, is believed to possess petroleum potential comparable to that of its neighbor. While the government in the capita,l Paramaribo, is hungrily eyeing Guyanas success as the worlds newest petro-state , there are signs Surinames long-awaited oil boom will finally take off.

Story Continues

This intensified the governments desire to kickstart the economy, especially after decades of financial neglect and witnessing the transformational riches generated by neighboring Guyanas monumental oil boom. The considerable wealth created by the petroleum discovered in the Stabroek Block saw Guyana, last year, overtake Uruguay to become South Americas wealthiest country by GDP per capita. Indeed, Guyanas 2024 GDP per capita soared by a stunning 41%, hitting a record $30,960, which is significantly higher than Uruguays $23,000 and more than four times greater than Surinames $7,600. Surprisingly, Guyanas GDP per capita is also now higher than that of members of the European Union, including Portugal and Hungary.

The key issue weighing on Surinames much-needed oil boom is the considerable delay associated with developing offshore Block 58. TotalEnergies, the operator and 50% partner of APA Corporation, postponed development of the 1.4 million-acre block in 2022 due to concerns over reservoir quality and a high gas-to-oil ratio. This changed with the October 2024 approval of the GranMorgu project in Block 58s southern zone, with TotalEnergies and APA announcing their $10.5 billion final investment decision (FID).

Source: TotalEnergies.

The GranMorgu facility, with a planned nameplate capacity of 220,000 barrels per day, is targeting a 760-million-barrel resource identified by the Sapakara and Krabdagu oil discoveries.

Staatsolie, Surinames national oil company and petroleum industry regulator, will execute its right to participate in the GranMorgu project, which the company believes will cost $12.2 billion to complete. In exchange for investing $2.4 billion, Staatsolie will receive a 20% interest, which will bolster the state-controlled companys income. The funds were raised through a January 2025 bond issue, which secured $515.8 million, or $211.7 million more than the $304.1 million targeted. Paramaribo hopes this considerable investment in Surinames future will herald the beginning of an oil boom that will lift the tiny South American country out of poverty and generate revenue exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars.

Offshore Block 58 contains considerable petroleum potential, illustrated by the five major discoveries made on the acreage since 2020. The block is contiguous with the prolific Stabroek Block in Guyanas territorial waters, where Exxon made an incredible 46 world-class discoveries and is now lifting over 600,000 barrels daily. There is considerable speculation that the petroleum fairway responsible for Exxons stunning success extends into offshore Surinames Block 58, and even beyond.

Source: APA Corporation Second-Quarter 2024 Financial and Operational Supplement.

This, along with appraisal drilling and seismic results, indicates further world-class discoveries will be made in the 1.4-million-acre offshore block once TotalEnergies recommences exploration drilling.

Surinames burgeoning oil boom is not limited to Block 58; a series of other discoveries made since drilling began in 2020 suggests that oil reserves and production will continue to grow over the next decade. Among the most significant are the three made by Malaysias national oil company, Petronas, in the 1.2 million-acre Block 52 offshore Suriname. This oil acreage is adjacent to Block 58, sparking speculation that it also contains the same petroleum fairway that commences in the Stabroek Block.

Source: Staatsolie.

The operator of Block 52 Petronas, with then-50 % partner Exxon, made the first discovery in December 2020 with the Sloanea wildcat well, followed by the Roystonea-1 discovery in November 2023. A third discovery was made with the Fusaea-1 exploration well during May 2024. Despite these drilling successes. not long after the last discovery, Exxon exited its Block 52 partnership with Petronas.

The global supermajor signed over its 50% share of the oil acreage to Malaysias national oil company in November 2024. Exxon exited Block 52 as part of its asset review process and focus on developing those operations the company believes offer the most commercial potential, making them highly profitable. As far back as 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Exxon announced it was prioritizing the development of the prolific Stabroek Block. That decision delivered Exxon the highest quality and most productive acreage in the Guyana-Suriname Basin, explaining why the supermajor exited less promising regional assets.

Block 52 is believed to possess significant hydrocarbon potential. Energy industry consultancy Rystad estimates the three discoveries contain resources exceeding 500 million barrels of oil equivalent. Another consultancy, Wood Mackenzie, in an April 2025 report, stated that those discoveries possess sufficient light oil to support a small cluster of 100,000 barrels per day of petroleum development. The firm believes the Sloanea discovery holds two trillion cubic feet of natural gas, giving it the potential to form the hub of a non-associated gas project. Wood Mackenzie anticipates that such a development could receive an FID by the end of 2027, with first gas occurring as early as 2031. The likelihood of such a development is supported by Petronas conducting appraisal work and having secured tax relief from Paramaribo for the buildout of a natural gas operation.

Nearby Block 53, which is contiguous with Block 58 and Block 52, is also believed to contain considerable hydrocarbons. It was here during August 2022 that the operator APA, which controls 45% of the block, discovered oil with the 17,356 feet or 5,290-meter-deep Baja-1 wildcat well. The drillers preliminary analysis indicated it had found light oil with an impressive gas-to-oil ratio (GOR) of 1.6 to 2.2 million cubic feet (Mcf) of gas per barrel of oil contained in what the company considers a good-quality reservoir. The discovery is located on the same depositional system as the Block 58 Krabdagu discovery, seven miles (11.5 kilometers) to the west, which is being developed as part of the GranMorgu project.

While those characteristics point to the considerable petroleum potential held by the discovery, its commercial viability will not be determined until appraisal drilling is completed, although APA estimates Block 53 contains 100 million barrels. The driller also received regulatory approval to extend the Block 53 exploration period by four years, giving APA a greater opportunity to assess the Baja-1 discovery. Since the discovery, APA and its Block 53 partners, which are Petronas holding 30% and CEPSA with 25%, in February 2024 returned most of the oil acreage to Staatsolie. The syndicate chose to retain the immediate area surrounding the Baja-1 well, shown by the map below.

Source: Staatsolie.

This significantly reduced costs for the consortium by eliminating the obligatory drilling program that would have been required if the full acreage had been retained.

There is considerable potential for oil projects in Suriname, although it will take time before the FIDs are made and the billions of dollars required to construct the facilities are invested. Regardless of the hurdles, Surinames hydrocarbon output is expected to grow over the coming decade, particularly with the first oil from the 220,000 barrel-per-day GranMorgu development anticipated in 2028. Optimistically, some years ago, Paramaribo predicted Suriname will be pumping one million barrels per day by 2030, which is now an unrealistic target. However, the country could be lifting 650,000 barrels daily by 2032. While that number is significantly lower than Paramaribos earlier expectations, it will deliver a handy economic benefit, which if appropriately administere,d will lift Suriname out of poverty.

By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com

Read this article on OilPrice.com
A 46-year-old Canadian trucking company has been put into receivership at the request of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), which said the carrier owes it $6.7 million.

Kingsley Trucking ceased operations on Thursday, the same day that the British Columbia Supreme Court placed the carrier into receivership due to the companys being unable to secure a transaction, financing, or other arrangement to address the defaults or repay the Indebtedness owing to the Bank, according to court filings.

The Vancouver Island-based trucking company was founded in 1979. It had more than 100 employees, including a fleet of 23 trucks and 41 drivers.

Company officials did not return a request for comment from FreightWaves.

Kingsley Trucking is related to a lumber company called the San Group, which is in a dispute with its lenders for over $150 million, including RBC and Business Development Bank of Canada.

The San Group sought creditor protection under Canadas Companies Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) filings on Nov. 29, 2024.

The San Group of Companies, which included Kingsley Trucking, was founded in 1979 by CEO Kamal Sanghera and President Suki Sanghera, along with partner Iqbal Deol. The group of companies included five wood product manufacturing plants and over 625 employees.

According to court documents, the San Groups financial troubles started in 2023, when global and domestic lumber prices dropped domestically and globally.

RBC persuaded the court to add Kingsley Trucking to the proceedings in February, as well as another firm owned by the San Group called Cojax Heavy-Duty Repair.

Kingsley Trucking provided transportation services for the San Groups products on Vancouver Island, while Cojax performed heavy-duty equipment repair services, primarily to Kingsley, court documents said.

In its petition to add Kingsley Trucking and Cojax Heavy-Duty Repair to the proceedings, RBC cited payments to the related companies leading up to the San Groups CCAA filings in Canada.

Deloitte Restructuring, which was appointed monitor to the CCAA proceeding for the San Group, said payments were made to Kingsley in January that could not be explained.

The monitor has not received a clear answer on why these payments were made leading up to the CCAA proceedings, Deloitte said in court documents. The monitor also understands that two payments totaling approximately $300,000 were made to Kingsley from San Group in October 2024, which do not appear to relate to or be applied against specific accounts payable invoices or recorded in the San Group accounts payable subledger for Kingsley.

The post Dispute over $6.7 million leads to closure of Kingsley Trucking appeared first on FreightWaves.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has commenced construction on its third semiconductor fabrication facility in Phoenix, Arizona in the US.

The development was highlighted by a visit from US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, who toured the site as part of the Trump Administrations broader push to strengthen domestic manufacturing.

The development follows the company's announcement in March 2025 of an additional $100bn investment to support the development of five new advanced fabrication plants in the country. This brings TSMCs total US investment to $165bn.

The US government has supported the companys Arizona projects with billions in subsidies under the CHIPS and Science Act.

In April 2024, TSMC confirmed ongoing construction of its first and second fabs.

Over the next decade, the projects overall economic impact is projected to exceed $200bn in Arizona, the company said.

TSMC Arizonas first fab is scheduled to begin production using 4nm technology in the first half of 2025.

The second facility will focus on advanced 2nm technology and next-generation nanosheet transistors, with production expected in 2028.

Planned to commence production by the end of this decade, the third fab will manufacture chips using 2nm or more advanced processes.

All three fabs will feature cleanroom areas roughly twice the size of a typical logic fab.

TSMC chairman and CEO Dr C C Wei said: We were delighted to welcome US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to TSMC Arizona, the largest single foreign direct investment in U.S. history, and showcase the progress of our operation as he commemorates the first 100 days of the White House administration.

As part of our commitment to support the needs of America's leading innovators in smartphones, HPC and AI, we recently broke ground on our third fab, which will introduce more advanced semiconductor capacity to the United States.

In 2024 a non-binding preliminary agreement was signed with the US Department of Commerce that outlines potential direct funding of up to $6.6bn to support the companys activities in the region.

"TSMC begins construction on third Arizona chip plant" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand.




It's hardly a secret that Americans have been paying a premium for eggs these past few months. But while consumers are struggling to afford this grocery staple, one egg company is allegedly profiting big time.

Cal-Maine Foods  which calls itself "the largest producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs in the United States"  recently reported a net income of $508.5 million for its most recent fiscal quarter.

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Now, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is reportedly investigating Cal-Maine in order to determine whether the company is guilty of price fixing.

Straight Arrow News reports the company enjoyed a nearly 250% increase in profits from a year prior, and that Cal-Maine attributes its profits to an 80% rise in the cost of eggs.

Sherman Miller, president and CEO of Cal-Maine Foods, told Business Wire, "The entire Cal-Maine Foods team did an outstanding job in maximizing production through a period of high demand, while operating safely and maintaining diligence on biosecurity measures.

"We were fortunate to have the ability to utilize our existing operational scale and to benefit from recent acquisitions, which helped increase our production capacity in this challenging supply environment."

Is this corporate greed at its worst?

In March of 2025, egg prices in America reached a record high of $6.23 per dozen, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Given that eggs are a staple in many households, consumers had no choice but to pay up.

But now, the DOJ is wondering whether something shady was happening on Cal-Maines part. The company, along with others, is being investigated after being accused by advocacy groups of price fixing.

Price fixing occurs when competing companies enter into an agreement to keep prices intentionally high to boost their profits. Companies tend to have an easier time setting prices high when theres a shortage of a given commodity.

Cal-Maine claims that it made great progress in addressing the country's egg shortage this past quarter by increasing its amount of layer hens by 14% and investing in safety measures to combat the avian flu, per Straight Arrow News. The company has also since dropped its egg prices and says its cooperating with the DOJ investigation.
Bitcoin's price target for 2025 remains $210,000, driven by institutional adoption and global liquidity expansion, Peter Chung doubled down on their earlier prediction in an interview with CNBC on Apr. 28.

Chung is the research head at Presto, a Singapore-based quantitative trading firm established in 2024.

Chung said that the recent market reaction to the macroeconomic conditions, in hindsight, was a healthy correction that paved the way for Bitcoin as a "mainstream asset."

Comparing gold's bullish run against Bitcoin's comparatively modest price action in April so far, Chung proposed that Bitcoin has two faces: digital gold and risk-on asset.

Most of the time, Bitcoin behaves like a risk-on asset because its value is derived from user adoption, similar to an internet company.

But during times of crisis, Bitcoin behaves like gold, as its features are designed to imitate those of bullion like scarcity. However, these moments are rare, happening only when the market doubts the stability of the US dollar-dominated financial system  one recent example being the aftermath of President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff announcements.

Trump refers to Apr. 2 as "Liberation Day," when he imposed tariff hikes globally before pausing them for all except China for 90 days on Apr. 9.

As the traders flocked to gold due to its status as an asset to hedge during crisis, it hit the record high of $3,500 per ounce on Apr. 22.

On the other hand, Bitcoin  often called "digital gold"  lags far behind gold. Though it has been able to exceed the Apr. 2 level of $87,000, it was still trading at $94,343.51 at press time, as per Kraken's price feed.
We recently published a list of Billionaire Stephen Mandels 10 Stocks with Huge Upside Potential. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) stands against other billionaire Stephen Mandels stocks with huge upside potential.

With economic policy and trade tensions fueling volatility, investors are moving through one of the most unpredictable markets in recent times. The Federal Reserve has taken a wait-and-see stand and maintains elevated interest rates to control inflation. In a CNBC report, the Fed commented that a rate cut could happen as early as June if economic conditions declined further. Such monetary easing would make the stock prices go up, with some companies even outperforming their peers in the market.

READ ALSO: 10 Dividend Paying Stocks Insiders Are Buying

The possibility of falling rates is a big deal for investors. Lower interest rates have often led to higher equity valuations, making borrowing cheaper and compressing discount rates applied to future earnings. Various stocks, irrespective of their sector, have historically shown strong rebounds during previous periods of rate cuts. Seasoned investors like billionaire Chase Coleman have also observed similar patterns. Leading the charge among them is growth stocks.

In addition to the renewed trade conflicts under President Trumps tariff policies, the looming uncertainties are thickening with inflation getting closer to the Federal Reserves 2% target. Under these circumstances, having understood the potential of a confirmed pivot from the Fed on loosening the monetary policy, the investors are keeping a close watch on their moves since it would also inevitably benefit stocks with substantial upside potential.

But isnt betting on short-term moves risky? Of course, it is. However, as reported on CNBC, the market indices suffered a sharp 12% correction earlier this month but staged a quick comeback. Those who panicked and sold at the lows are now regretting their decisions. This episode raises the importance of maintaining discipline and a long-term view when making investment decisions.

Setting aside the turbulence, historical data could be used to understand the importance of equities in wealth accumulation. Between 1926 and 2024, the U.S. stocks surpassed the Treasury bills by providing an annual return of 10.2%, which exceeded the Treasurys 3.3%. To benefit from such an edge, the investors must endure through volatility and understand that 10% to 20% declines are part of the game.

In this economic landscape, investors should follow the billionaire investors. Using their knowledge about the market and companies and by conducting extensive research, some billionaire investors like Andreas Halvorsen have made investment decisions, stuck to them, and benefited immensely. Similarly, with his strategically positioned portfolios, one of the most prominent billionaire investors, philanthropists, and the founder of Lone Pine Capital, Stephen Mandel, guides other investors to capture outsized returns without reacting impulsively to market noise.
This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-MA, and Rohit Chopra, former director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, on Tuesday blasted the Department of Government Efficiencys efforts to reduce federal spending, warning that deep cuts at government agencies could contribute to financial instability.

The damage DOGE is doing is everywhere in our economy, including with the financial regulators, Warren said during a press call on the Trump administrations economic actions. There will be a real price to pay for that.

Chopra warned that DOGE is shuttering government functions, including those covered by major units in the CFPB, that will be crucial if a recession occurs. All of those investigators and inspectors have been benched. We are paying them to do nothing, Chopra said. And we will not be ready if there are serious issues in the mortgage markets.

Dive Insight:

Warren, the ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee, accused President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk of threatening the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.s reputation and abilities, and compromising consumers confidence in federally insured deposits.

Trump and Musk are taking a chainsaw to our financial regulators, including the FDIC, and putting at risk the confidence that the American people have built over decades in knowing that that insurance program will work and the bank supervisors will keep a close eye on all of the financial institutions, Warren said.

FDIC insurance can be counted on because those regulators are strong and independent, and because they have enough people to be able to do the oversight that is necessary, Warren said, and Donald Trump is trying to take all of that away.

The FDIC is looking to reduce its workforce by about 1,250 employees, the agency said in a memo last week, amid reports that the regulator began working with DOGE to identify positions that could be cut. Warren has grilled FDIC Acting Chair Travis Hill over DOGEs presence and warned that job cuts could affect the agencys ability to prevent future bank failures.

Musk, whos been heavily involved with DOGE and spearheaded efforts to target federal waste, fraud, and abuse, said last week he would be pulling back from the initiative. DOGE has hit roadblocks with some of its efforts, such as pursuing cuts at the CFPB. Musk in February posted CFPB RIP on social media site X, which he owns, on the day after DOGE representatives entered CFPB headquarters.
We recently published a list of Why These 15 Consumer Defensive Stocks Are Surging in 2025. In this article, we are going to take a look at where BJs Wholesale Club Holdings Inc (NYSE:BJ) stands against other consumer defensive stocks that are surging in 2025.

The stock market has taken a sharp turn after two years of blockbuster gains, and many investors have felt uneasy. These investors are now turning to consumer defensive stocks due to growth stocks sputtering amid a new wave of tariffs rattling global trade.

Consumer defensive stocks provide essential goods and services that people rely on regardless of economic conditions and are more insulated during market downturns. Investors have piled into consumer defensive stocks for that reason, and its a good idea to look into the biggest winners in this sector.

Even during bear markets, there are pockets of the market that perform exceptionally well. For example, I identified Why These 15 Healthcare Stocks Are Surging in 2025 in another article.

Methodology

For this article, I screened the best-performing consumer defensive stocks year-to-date.

I will also mention the number of hedge fund investors in these stocks. Why are we interested in 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 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).

Why BJs Wholesale Club Holdings Inc (BJ) is Surging in 2025

A customer happily filling up their tank at the Wholesale Club's gasoline station.

BJs Wholesale Club Holdings Inc (NYSE:BJ)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders In Q4 2024: 43

BJs Wholesale Club Holdings Inc (NYSE:BJ) is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs that offers up to 25% savings on manufacturer-branded groceries compared to traditional supermarket competitors.

The companys stock has seen significant growth in 2025 due to strong financial performance reported in their 10-K filing for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2025. Net sales increased to $20.0 billion from $19.5 billion in the previous year, while membership fee income rose by 8.5% to $456.5 million.

The companys improved profitability, with net income increasing to $534.4 million from $523.7 million in the previous year, has been attributed to higher membership fees and improved sales in perishables and general merchandise.

The companys expansion strategy has also boosted positive market sentiment with new locations opening in February 2025, including clubs in Brooksville, Florida, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. These new locations feature member perks like low-priced fuel.
Key Points

Illinois Tool Works topped earnings expectations, but revenue was down year over year.

The company has a plan to offset the impact of tariffs.

This looks like a difficult period for ITW, but the long-term outlook is strong.

Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW) managed to top expectations for the quarter, but tariffs and macroeconomic concerns are weighing on the company.

Investors are taking a glass-half-empty approach, sending shares of the diversified manufacturer down 4% as of 10:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday.

Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue 

Holding ground in a difficult environment

Illinois Tool Works (ITW) earned $2.44 per share in the quarter on $3.8 billion in sales, topping the $2.35 per share consensus Wall Street estimate but falling about $40 million short on revenue. Sales were down 3.4% year over year, due to a combination of foreign currency fluctuations and tepid demand in some end markets.

The company, which manufacturers components and tools for a wide range of industries including automaking, construction, and welding, reported an operating margin of 24.8% in the quarter, compared to 26.8% for full-year 2024.

CEO Christopher A. O'Herlihy referred to the "uncertain external environment" ITW is navigating, but said the company is maintaining its full-year guidance. It expects a combination of price increases and other actions will be able to offset any tariff cost impacts.

Is Illinois Tool Works a buy?

There's no way to avoid a tariff hit, but companies like ITW that have products that are essential to their customers at least have the ability to pass on some of their added costs to end users. The company does a lot of its manufacturing in the markets where it sells, helping to partly insulate it from tariffs, but still relies on imports for raw materials and other components.

This is a strong company caught in a tough environment. With the stock only down 7% year to date, investors need to understand that there could be more downside from here. But for patient long-term investors, especially those who would appreciate a nearly 3% dividend yield while they wait, Illinois Tool Works deserves a place on a watch list.

Should you invest $1,000 in Illinois Tool Works right now?

Before you buy stock in Illinois Tool Works, 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 Illinois Tool Works wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Musicians perform at a gathering to honor the late George De la Torre Jr., founder of Juanita's Foods, in Wilmington on Feb. 19, 2020. (MediaNews Group / Getty Images)

Juanita's Foods, a prominent manufacturer of Mexican food products, announced that it has sold a majority stake in the company to Miami-based private equity firm Apex Capital.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 1946 in Wilmington, Juanita's Foods is the nation's top seller of canned Mexican food staples, including pozole and menudo. The company employs 160 people.

Its popular shelf-stable products are "crafted to deliver the rich, homemade taste of traditional Mexican cooking with modern-day convenience," according to a news release.

Juanita's Foods was previously headed by third-generation family owners, the De La Torres, who will retain partial ownership and will remain involved in business operations.

"Apex Capital brings the expertise and resources needed to support our continued growth while preserving our dedication to our employees and customers. Together, we will drive long-term value and innovation," Aaron De La Torre, chief executive of Juanitas Foods, said in the statement.

Read more: 'Why Costa Mesa? Why not Santa Ana?' A buzzy mercado reflects a changing O.C.

Lloyd Greif, CEO of Los Angeles investment banking firm Greif & Co., who represented the family of owners, said the sale was part of an estate planning process to secure the future of the business.

"The company is growing, and it's growing by double digits," Greif said, adding that the fact that the deal closed during a period of such intense market volatility "speaks to the quality of the asset."

Juanita's Foods is the nation's top seller of canned menudo  a traditional Mexican soup made from cow tripe  boasting more than 95% market share.

"It is a closely guarded family recipe that has been handed down through the generations," Greif said, adding that focus group data showed the brand's canned products were "just as good as homemade."

Apex Capital plans to keep manufacturing in California, Greif said.

Read more: Comfort in a bowl: Menudo, pozole and tortilla soup

Pedro Palma, managing partner at Apex Capital, called the investment a "strong fit with our strategy of nurturing heritage Hispanic brands with high growth potential, guided by a focus on operational excellence and sustainable value creation.

The private equity firm's focus on investing in Latino brands, Greif said, is driven in part by the nation's large and fast-growing Latino population.

"Hands down, Latino growth wins," the executive said.

Apex Capital is affiliated with Grupo Mariposa, a Guatemalan food and beverage conglomerate just beginning to break into the U.S. market.
By Karen Brettell

NEW YORK (Reuters) -The U.S. Treasury Department is expected to leave most of its auction sizes unchanged for the fifth straight quarter when it announces its refunding plans on Wednesday, but investors will focus on any clues about increases further down the road, or on the likelihood of a possible near-term cut.

The government will offer details on its issuance plans on Wednesday after saying on Monday that it expected to borrow $514 billion during the second quarter, $391 billion higher than its February estimate.

The Treasury said at its refunding in February, the first under Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, that it expects to keep most of its debt issuance plans unchanged for the next few quarters, surprising some traders who had expected it would flag larger longer-dated auction sizes.

If the Treasury repeats the same guidance, that would indicate confidence that it can continue to rely more on shorter-dated debt to fill any debt needs at least near-term, which would help longer-dated bonds that in early April took the brunt of the tariff tantrum.

The bigger focal point is any changes to the forward guidance in terms of what could move the markets, said Zachary Griffiths, head of IG and macro strategy at CreditSights.

Bessent had criticized former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen for relying too heavily on shorter-dated debt but has so far not indicated any plans to change the policy.

Gennadiy Goldberg, head U.S. rates strategist at TD Securities in New York, said investors would welcome any shift toward increasing the size of shorter-dated note auctions, instead of other maturities.

"In lieu of actually issuing more front-end auctions or more front-end data or more bills, that would be very well-received by markets," he said. "That would really help markets stabilize a little bit as there's still quite a bit of economic uncertainty."

Longer-dated Treasury yields surged after U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled larger than expected tariffs on April 2, before stabilizing after Trump a week later said he would pause increases for most countries for 90 days.

The recent volatility could encourage the Treasury to consider making some small cuts to longer-dated coupon-bearing auctions as a high bang-for-the-buck option, according to analysts at BNP Paribas.

Our view of the administration has been that it aims to keep the level of long-end yields contained via bond vigilance, they said in a report.

Traders will also watch for any indications the Treasury could increase buybacks as a result of market dysfunction. Bessent said earlier this month that buybacks were part of a big tool kit the Treasury could deploy if needed.
We recently published a list of the 15 Small-Cap Energy Stocks Hedge Funds Are Buying. In this article, we are going to take a look at where YPF Sociedad Anonima (NYSE:YPF) stands against other small-cap energy stocks.

On April 12, Bill Perkins, Skylar Capital Management CEO, appeared on Closing Bell Overtime on CNBC to talk about how the energy sector is struggling due to fears of decreased fuel demand. Perkins discussed that the trade policy majorly drives the sentiment across the energy landscape and hence affects natural gas, energy stocks, bonds, and other related assets. Noting the difficulty in predicting the long-term outcome of these policies, he questioned whether the tariffs are temporary. The conversation then shifted to the impact of recent tariff announcements. Perkins acknowledged that natural gas prices initially performed better than other commodities following the announcements, which gives rise to speculations that LNG could become a key bargaining chip in future trade negotiations. He explained that, at the time, natural gas fundamentals were strong, and the US had the potential to use LNG exports as a diplomatic tool to help reduce trade deficits with other countries.

However, Perkins acknowledged that the overarching macroeconomic fear of a global slowdown soon overshadowed these fundamentals, which affected both the crude oil and natural gas markets. As a result, prices dropped to levels that might stimulate some demand and offer a buffer against further declines, particularly if the tariff conflict drags on and risks pushing the economy into a recession or even a depression. Perkins also addressed the effect of price pressure on production, specifically referencing West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil. He pointed out that WTI prices had reached a threshold (~$60 per barrel) where growth in the Permian Basin would likely halt or even decline. At these price levels, producers become reluctant to invest in new drilling, especially given the backwardated crude curve, which showed future prices at $58 to $59 per barrel. This scenario would not only limit oil production growth in the Permian but also reduce the output of associated natural gas from the region. Perkins described this production restraint as a bullish factor that could help offset some of the prevailing uncertainty.

Perkins predicted that oil and gas executives would adopt a cautious tone in their commentary. He explained that, due to the unpredictability of the global macro environment, executives would likely let market signals guide their decisions about ramping up or scaling back drilling programs.
Several groups on Friday lauded the Colorado state Senate's veto override of a bill that seeks to impose certain regulations on social media platforms in the hopes they would crack down on users who violate their rules, while critics called the bill censorious and argued it would give tech companies "too much power" to "de-platform" people.
Since President Donald Trump took office in January, Colorado has joined over a dozen lawsuits challenging the president's policies and executive orders, notably in the areas of gender transition, illegal immigration and tariffs.

Judges have suspended or halted several of these orders. The administration has also won in other areas. Many of the cases are expected to land before the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately.

AmeriCorps

Colorado, which Democrats dominate at the state level, joined roughly two dozen states and the District of Columbia in a lawsuit to stop the Trump administrations orders to cancel grants and place AmeriCorps staffers on administrative leave, which the challengers described as a prelude to dismantling the agency.

In Colorado, grants from the agency are managed by Serve Colorado, and the money goes to several groups, including the Colorado Youth for a Change, United Way of Southwest Colorado, and Colorado State University, Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a news release.

Tariffs

On April 23, Gov. Jared Polis and Weiser announced Colorado would join a multistate lawsuit to block President Donald Trump from imposing tariffs on more than 90 countries. China has retaliated in response, while other countries have agreed to negotiate with the U.S. Polis said the tariffs will hurt Colorado exports in several industries, particularly in agriculture, where he has stressed that beef is one of the state's major exports. The Trump administration argued that the tariffs would remedy decades of trade imbalance, under which other countries have taken advantage of lower barriers to enter the American market while keeping theirs high.

Federal Trade Commission

On April 18, Colorado joined 21 other state attorneys in supporting two Democratic members of the Federal Trade Commission whom Trump fired.

Social Security

On April 16, Colorado joined 20 other states to block what they described as "erratic management and unlawful layoffs" in the Social Security Administration. On April 25, the Trump administration reclassified government employees, making them easier to fire. The Trump administration has argued that the firings are necessary to shrink the federal government, which it described as ripe with bloat, fraud, and waste.

Affordable Care Act

On April 14, Colorado and several other states filed motions to intervene in a lawsuit seeking to defend the access by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients to the Affordable Care Act insurance exchanges. The states want to stop attempts by the White House to repeal rules created during the Biden era.

Libraries and museum

On April 4, Colorado joined a coalition of 20 other states in suing the Trump administration over its directive to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Minority Business Development Agency, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and four other agencies to eliminate programs and reduce their functions to the minimum mandated by law.

The lawsuit claimed that translated to "gutting operations  statutorily mandated or not."

Voting registration

On April 3, Colorado joined 19 other states in filing a lawsuit against Trump, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the federal Election Assistance Commission for what they insisted is an "unconstitutional" order to modify the national voter registration form and require documentary proof of American citizenship. The administration said the change would help "protect Americans voting rights and guard against dilution by illegal voting, discrimination, fraud, and other forms of malfeasance and error."

Public health grants

On April 1, Colorado joined 23 other states and the District of Columbia in filing a lawsuit, which alleged that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services "illegally" terminated $11 billion in public health grants, whose funding approved Congress during the pandemic. The administration said the COVID-19 pandemic is over and the federal health agency will "no longer waste billions of taxpayer dollars responding to a nonexistent pandemic that Americans moved on from years ago.

Department of Education

On March 13, Colorado joined 20 other states to stop the Trump administration from dismantling the Department of Education and firing 50% of its workforce. The administration said closing the department "would provide children and their families the opportunity to escape a system that is failing them." Critics said the department's "evisceration" will harm "Coloradans, undermine our education system, and create chaos."

Perkins Coie

On March 12, Colorado joined attorneys general from 20 other states in arguing that the president's March 6 executive order on the law firm Perkins Coie is an "attempt to exclude certain lawyers and certain viewpoints from reaching a court of law." A federal judge criticized the Justice Department for the executive order. The judge is still considering whether the executive order is unlawful. The Trump memo revoked the security clearance of people working for the law firm and asked agency heads to terminate contracts with the company.

The White House accused the law firm of working with "activist donors" to "overturn popular, necessary, and democratically enacted election laws, including those requiring voter identification."

K-12 teacher preparation grants

On March 6, Colorado joined a multistate coalition to challenge a Trump order that terminated $600 million in grant funding for K-12 teacher preparation programs, which the House claimed have become vehicles to "train teachers and education agencies on divisive ideologies," such as "critical race theory," "social justice activism," anti-racism and "instruction on White privilege and White supremacy." In Colorado, federal funds account for $2.8 million in funding, and critics said defunding the programs would have a direct, negative impact on Colorado schools, particularly in rural areas.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

On Feb. 20, Weiser joined 23 other states to stop the Trump administration from disbanding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. On Feb. 9, Trump ordered the bureau to stop all ongoing work.

Gender transition services

On Feb. 19, Colorado joined a lawsuit to invalidate Trump's order to end federal funding to medical institutions that provide gender transition services. Critics of the order said it would "result in irreversible physical and mental health harms for transgender youth." The administration said medical professionals are maiming and sterilizing impressionable young children by performing irreversible surgical and chemical interventions by providing them with puberty blockers  drugs that suppress sex hormones during puberty  or performing sex change operations.

'B irthright citizenshi p'

On Feb. 13, Colorado joined a coalition of attorneys general and the city of San Francisco in applauding a federal judge for granting a preliminary injunction against Trump's orders. The case on birthright citizenship is likely headed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Medical research

On Feb. 10, Colorado joined 21 other states to sue the Trump administration for cutting funds that support medical research at universities and research institutions. The administrations plan for a 15% cap on all "indirect costs" will cut more than $4 billion in federal funding for biomedical research across the country.

CU Anschutz officials estimated the campus will lose $74 million in annual funding if the cuts are enacted. In announcing the cuts, NIH said it needs to "carefully steward grant awards," noting that, of the $35 billion it spent in fiscal year 2023, about $26 billion went to "direct costs" for research, while $9 billion was allocated to "overhead" expenses through the indirect cost rate.

Department of Government Efficiency

On Feb. 7, Colorado joined 19 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration to stop the Department of Government Efficiency from accessing certain information from the Treasury Department and Social Security.

On Feb. 8, a judge sided with the 19 states, saying DOGE could not access sensitive data in the Treasury Department.

Federal funds

On Jan. 28, Colorado filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to reverse the president's order to freeze federal funds. On March 6, Colorado secured a court order to restore federal funding.
A federal judge on Friday agreed a former executive of Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems may proceed to a jury trial against an Oklahoma podcaster who spread unsubstantiated allegations of election rigging and "treason" in the wake of the 2020 presidential election.
U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans, a Fort Lupton Republican, prepares to take the stage at a Donald Trump rally on Oct. 11, 2024, in Aurora, prior to his election in Colorado's closely divided 8th Congressional District.
Woodland Park City Council members confer during a meeting in March. They are, from left, Steve Smith, George Jones, Carrol Harvey, Jeffrey Geer, Mayor Pro Tem Catherine Nakai and Mayor Kellie Case.
Michelle Hill gives a moving testimonial during an event at Mt. Carmel Veterans Center featuring Sen. John Hickenlooper in April 2023. Hill spoke about how the PACT Act made it possible for her to receive monthly spousal benefits after her husband died of a cancer linked to toxic exposure during his time in the military.
Legislation that would change how potential ballot measures can be submitted for a Colorado election ballot is just a few steps away from heading to the governors desk.

House Bill 1327, as written, would change how petitions are submitted to the states title board. Legislatures hope this will prevent what happened in 2024 with the ranked-choice voting ballot measure, when multiple versions were created for state officials to review. The law would set reporting requirements as signatures are being gathered and require ballot measures to be labeled.

HB 1327 was not amended in the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee last week. However, Republicans tried to remove the bill's safety clause, which they called unnecessary, and replace it with a petition clause that would give citizens the right to challenge the measure. That failed.

The bill passed on a party-line vote and is now awaiting debate in the full Senate. Kipp told Colorado Politics she's considering amendments.

Natalie Menten, who said she has worked on petition rights for two decades, called the bill an "outrageous attack" on the Constitution. HB1327 doesn't improve the process, she said. "It strangles it," particularly for grassroots organizers.

The bill also adds fines of $1,500 for anyone who doesn't follow the changes. Menten said that the right to petition is not universal, and that "we should be celebrating this right, not restricting it."

Currently, backers of ballot measures frequently submit multiple versions. For the 2025-26 election cycle, for example, Michael Fields of Advance Colorado submitted six versions on an income tax rate reduction. Seven other ballot measures in front of the title board this year have multiple versions, most of which Fields also submitted.

According to Jon Caldara of the Independence Institute, who has also done that, multiple versions give the backers a choice. A tax increase or decrease could be large or small. It also gives the proponents time to "ballot shop," which is figuring out what will do best on the ballot.

And then there's what Caldara calls the reason tied to the political consultant class: consultants who, he said, will milk their clients and bill lots of hours writing different versions.

Caldara sympathizes with the Legislative Council staff who do the initial review and spend many hours going through those multiple versions, which Caldara calls disrespectful of their time.

HB 1327 would require that a spreadsheet explaining the differences between the multiple versions be submitted whenever five or more measures with the same proponents and the same subject are submitted.

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It also requires the director of the Legislative Council to include an estimate of the maximum dollar amount of changes in state and local government revenue and spending.

HB 1327 sponsor Sen. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, said that current estimates use a midline number, which has sometimes resulted in having to go back to the voters again, "and we'd rather not have to go back to the voters" year after year.

That's what's happening with the several measures in the last few years, including the Healthy Meals ballot measure approved by voters in 2022. Costs have exceeded the Blue Book estimate by millions of dollars, and lawmakers are working on legislation to ask the voters to allow the state to spend the revenue collected instead of refunding it.

Under the bill, the title board, which is made up of a representative of the Secretary of State's office, Legislative Council staff, and the Attorney General's office, would have to indicate in the title whether a measure modifies, extends, or repeals an existing law or creates a new law.

The annual deadline for the Title Board to complete its work on ballot measures would also be bumped up by two weeks, from the third Wednesday in April to the first Wednesday in April.

Finally, HB 1327 changes the petition signature process. Backers would be required to notify the Secretary of State when they've collected 25%, 50%, and 75% of the required signatures and when a petition is no longer being circulated.

A total of 315 ballot measures were submitted in the 2023-24 election cycle, and the ballot measure that eventually became Proposition 131, on ranked-choice voting, had 64 different versions with the same title: "Concerning the Conduct of Elections." Only one person testified in support of the bill: Martha Tierney of Tierney Lawrence, the attorney for the state Democratic Party, who spoke on behalf of America Votes.

Tierney commented on the ranked-choice voting measures, each about 15 pages long. She explained that figuring out the differences between the measures took a lot of time for the title board and others interested in them. She said she believes the chart would not be overly burdensome.

She said petition backers are also aware of their progress in collecting signatures; that does not require them to turn the signatures in, just to notify the Secretary of State of their progress.

Caldara told Colorado Politics this week that he also sees HB 1327 as an attack on the initiative process. Who gets to decide what is similar? he asked. "Anything that limits how much you can bring forward is a chilling impact on the initiative process."

While Caldara said he's sensitive to staff time abuse, the Constitution says "we the people" are part of the initiative process.
As President Donald Trump hits the 100-day milestone, his Democratic critics sought to take preemptive actions to block or minimize the impact of his policies, notably in the area of illegal immigration.

Republicans, meanwhile, tried counter the Democrats' moves, even as they also pushed to undo Colorado's "sanctuary" policies.

In Colorado, where Democrats hold levers of state power, lawmakers are pushing two major bills to fund legal battles and shield people living in the country unlawfully from immigration enforcement.

Amid $1 billion deficit, lawmakers fund Trump-related litigation

Amid a $1 billion deficit in the state budget, Democrats plan to pump up to $4 million for potential legal battles against the Trump administration.

This plan comes as Attorney General Phil Weiser joined, on behalf of the state, roughly a dozen legal challenges to Trump administration policies and executive orders.

The funding will allow the state to hire more attorneys at the Department of Law to represent officers or employees in federal legal proceedings "and other related costs that protect state sovereignty and federal funding streams," according to a fiscal analysis for House Bill 1321.

In a statement to Colorado Politics, Weiser said HB 1321 will help ensure the governors office has the resources to support litigation challenging further illegal actions against the Trump administration.

As the Trump administration keeps acting like its above the law, we continue to experience an unprecedented number of illegal actions that threaten our state and the rights of Coloradans, Weiser said. Thats why Ive brought over a dozen actions in court to hold this administration accountable and protect against the harms its caused to Coloradans, and its why I asked the legislature to increase our budget for three additional lawyers to keep up this critical work.

Democratic House Speaker Julie McCluskie, one of the bill's prime sponsors, insisted the funding isnt about Democrats or Republicans.

"Its about standing up for Colorado and protecting our taxpayers from federal actions that threaten health care, early childhood education, water infrastructure, and public safety," she said. "Coloradans pay more in federal taxes than we receive back in federal funding. We deserve to have our federal dollars working for us in Colorado."

HB 1321, which won a party-line 43-22 vote in the House, now awaits a Senate vote before heading to the governors desk for approval.

The bill defers to the governor on how to use the money, which opponents, such as Loveland Republican Rep. Ron Weinberg, called irresponsible.

"We were told the (infrastructure fund) would be used for roads, bridges, and water systems," he said, noting the funding came from federal infrastructure dollars.

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Instead, Weinberg said, the bill uses that money as a blank check to the governor's office  when taxpayers expected roads, not, he added, frivolous lawsuits.

"There are no guardrails, no oversight. It's a misuse of taxpayer dollars," he said. "This is not about protecting Colorado's sovereignty. It's about protecting power."

Democrats seek to inoculate immigrants from Trump policies

Democrats, led by Sen. Julie Gonzalez of Denver, are pushing to pass legislation that seeks to limit access by immigration officers into schools, including colleges and universities, health care centers and daycare facilities  unless the agents can present a warrant  and penalize, under specific situations, Colorado entities that provide information about their students, clients or patients.

State Republicans have countered that immigration enforcement is necessary, following years of porous borders.

Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, said earlier this month that immigration policy is out of control, and "we are seeking now to bring it into balance."

He said immigration policy is not a state matter  it's a federal issue and Senate Bill 276 would undermine federal policy and overstep the latter's legislative authority.

Sen. Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, raised concerns by sheriffs in his district about how this would affect their operations.

Ahead of Novembers election, Trump promised a crackdown on illegal immigration, starting first with convicted criminals and individuals accused of violent crimes.

To date, there have been no reports in Colorado of immigration officers raiding a school, hospital or childcare facility.

Nationally, there have been reports of university students being apprehended and visas being revoked. The State Department said the actions have been made "in order to secure America's borders and keep our communities safe."

Under SB 276, those caught violating the law, such as childcare facilities that provide immigrants' information, could be fined up to $50,000 per incident, and the money would be turned over to the state's immigration defense fund.

Already approved by the Senate, SB 276 is headed to the Democratic-controlled House, which is expected to pass the measure.

Marianne Goodland contributed to this report.
A federal judge on Friday agreed a former executive of Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems may proceed to a jury trial against an Oklahoma podcaster who spread unsubstantiated allegations of election rigging and "treason" in the wake of the 2020 presidential election.

U.S. District Court Senior Judge William J. Martinez concluded certain statements disseminated by Clayton Thomas "Clay" Clark and his "Thrivetime Show" were not simply opinions or hyperbole. Instead, the defendants publicly conveyed that plaintiff Eric Coomer committed a crime by purportedly altering the outcome of the election.

"In the Courts view, this was not mere political invective or opinion statement; rather, Clark unequivocally told his audience that Coomer literally committed the crime of treason," wrote Martinez in an April 25 order.

Coomer, the former director of product strategy and security for voting technology supplier Dominion, has filed a series of lawsuits against conservative figures alleging the same basic sequence of events.

Coomer's claims originated with a November 2020 podcast recorded by Joe Oltmann of Colorado. Days after the presidential election, Oltmann alleged he had recently listened in on an "antifa" conference call  a reference to anti-fascist ideology.

On the call, an unnamed participant referenced "Eric ... the Dominion guy." Oltmann alleged "Eric" said, "Don't worry about the election, (Donald) Trump is not gonna win. I made f-ing sure of that."

Oltmann then conducted his own "investigation" by Googling the terms "Eric," "Dominion," and "Colorado." Based on limited other information found online, he concluded Coomer was the one who allegedly made the comments of election rigging. Oltmann repeated his story publicly, even after the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency found "no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes, changed votes, or was in any way compromised."

Coomer sued Oltmann, media figures, Trump's 2020 campaign and Trump's lawyers after they amplified the unproven accusations. Coomer alleged receiving credible death threats and that he was forced to hide for fear of his safety as a result of the incendiary story.

The lawsuit against Clark and the "Thrivetime Show" sought to hold the defendants liable for repeating the election-rigging story, including by inviting Oltmann as a guest on the show and onstage at live events to talk about Coomer. Coomer sought $33.8 million in damages.

In November, the defendants sought to end the case in their favor on most of the statements alleged to be defamation  while conceding that the remaining statements would be subject to a jury trial. Noting that Colorado law treats each statement as a separate ground for defamation, the defendants argued that many of the communications did not advance a provably false assertion about Coomer.

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For example, one podcast episode was partly titled "Exposing the Treasonous Eric Coomer." Oltmann also said on Clark's show that "frankly, if they're found to have suppressed the voice of the American people, if it rises to that level, they can be put to death."

"Here, the challenged statements are phrased as exaggerated rhetorical hyperbole ('fraud', 'treason') that are not susceptible to proof of truth or falsity precisely because these expressions are phrased as opinion," wrote attorneys for the defendants. "The use of 'treason' does not actually accuse Plaintiff of levying war against the United States or giving aid and comfort to its enemies and cannot reasonably be understood as such in the context of the podcast."

Martinez disagreed with that characterization.

"The Court begins by observing an important concession made by Defendants: they do not contest," he wrote, "that their alleged statements that Coomer 'bragged about rigging the 2020 election during an "Antifa" conference call in September 2020' are defamatory."

Martinez noted the state's Court of Appeals, in one of Coomer's other lawsuits against Trump's campaign, already concluded last year that statements accusing Coomer of a crime amounted to defamation. Consequently, he agreed that several statements at issue in the federal case fell into the category of defamation.

"Contrary to Defendants assertion, the context of Defendants use of the word 'treasonous' in the podcast headline, in combination with the rest of the episodes content, reveals that it was meant literally, not hyperbolically," he wrote.

At the same time, Martinez concluded the allegations that Coomer was an antifa member were not necessarily defamatory. Given that antifa refers to an ideology, not a formal organization, "the Court doubts that it is possible for one to reliably prove or disprove the truth of ones membership, at least in the defamation context," he wrote.

A jury trial is scheduled to begin in September. Without objection from Coomer, Martinez dismissed the related claim against Clark alleging a civil conspiracy.

The case is Coomer v. Make Your Life Epic, LLC. et al.
The man accused of repeatedly shooting a 26-year-old outside the victim's own birthday party has been acquitted of the killing.

Investigators arrested Aee Shawn Mathews, 27, last year and accused him of pulling the trigger in the 2019 shooting death of William Underwood, a Colorado Springs-area rapper also known as FYL Jackk.

The jury trial was scheduled to start in the El Paso County courthouse on April 21. It concluded Tuesday, according to court records, with the jury finding Mathews not guilty of the killing, though it did find sufficient evidence to find him guilty of conspiracy to commit the murder.

Reached for comment after the verdict, Underwood's aunt, Tonie Hayes, said she doesn't know who killed her nephew, and holds no grudge against Mathews.

"You don't want someone who didn't do it to sit in jail, so I just leave it in God's hands," she said.

On the evening of Sept. 17, 2019, Underwood was confronted outside his aunt's home during his birthday party by an assailant who shot Underwood 18 times, including seven times to the back of the head.

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Prosecutors believe a rival area rapper named Derrick Bernard wanted Underwood dead because of an ongoing feud. Bernard was in custody of the Department of Corrections in 2019 at the time of Underwood's death on a weapons charge, according to court records.

But in a series of messages and phone calls, prosecutors allege Bernard, who was romantically involved with Mathews' older sister, instructed Mathews in coded language to kill Underwood for him.

Both men pleaded not guilty to the murder.

Bernard stood trial for the murder in November. He represented himself in court and lost, being found guilty by the jury of first-degree murder. The verdict was guilty on all three counts, and he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He has filed for an appeal.

Mathews is to be sentenced for his conspiracy charge on July 16. He faces a minimum of eight years in prison and three years of mandatory parole.

Both Bernard and Mathews are still awaiting trial on accusations of attempted murder of two Colorado Springs police officers, stemming from an unrelated 2022 incident.

Bernard is also in the midst of facing federal hate crime charges, accused of writing a racial slur on a Yemi Mobolade 2023 campaign sign before setting it on fire. Investigators say Bernard at two accomplices videotaped the act as a way of swaying public support toward Mobolade.
A large-scale federal raid of an "undercover" nightclub in Colorado Springs Sunday morning resulted in over 100 arrests, including two men who had outstanding warrants, police said.

According to law enforcement, 33-year-old Julio Santiesteban was arrested on a misdemeanor failure to appear warrant from Adams County. Pedro Trevizo-Perea, 29, was arrested on a misdemeanor active warrant for third-degree assault, criminal mischief and child abuse from Denver.

As of Tuesday evening, it remained unclear whether the two are legal residents.

The DEA said federal agents are currently investigating drug trafficking, prostitution and other various violent crimes that allegedly occurred at the nightclub. A spokesperson for the agency said some of the drugs found inside are thought to be connected to several cartel organizations, including the Sinaloa cartel.
The gathering that was raided at an "underground" nightclub in Colorado Springs early Sunday was held without the owners permission and in violation of a rental agreement, according to the property owner.

Mike Moon denied prior knowledge of illegal activity, and told The Gazette that the presence of alcohol and/or drugs in his property, at 296 S. Academy Blvd., would have been a breach of the lease contract.

A Drug Enforcement Administration-led raid resulted in the detainment of more than 100 people who had been living in the U.S. illegally, and uncovered drugs and guns, according to law enforcement officials.

Moon, who reportedly heard about the raid from an employee at the Luna Market store in the same complex, said he cleaned up several broken bottles of alcohol in the aftermath of the raid on Sunday.

City records show that the nightclub had a legal liquor license at one time, registered to a HA-ROS Event Center, but that it expired in February.

Virginia Thorne, the current lessee of the venue, has held the lease for about four months. Thorne, who operates the event space through the name Warike Events, spoke with The Gazette Tuesday but refused to comment on the record when asked about her use of the property or anything else connected to the raid.

Thorne, who lives on Colorado Springs' southwest side, is listed as the defendant in a small claims action and a warrant for overdue taxes, both in 2018.

Warike Events has promoted events at other area nightclubs, including El Huracan, located at 2330 S. Academy Blvd. The nightclub, which was placed on the Armys list of off-limits establishments last year, has had more than 40 calls for service in 2023 and 2024, including a shooting last year, according to the Police Department.

Attempts to contact El Huracan management on Tuesday were unsuccessful.

According to call records provided Monday to The Gazette, 138 calls were made to 911 since March 2022 about the property at 296 S. Academy Blvd., which includes several business suites. Records show a variety of complaints  including disturbances, vehicle theft, suspicious persons/vehicles and trespassing. Four of the calls were for suspected drug activity.

Protest outside Sheriff's Office

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Ed Sanders, a survivor of the Club Q shooting who attended a protest outside the El Paso County Sheriff's Office Tuesday, told The Gazette he had a handful of friends present at the nightclub during the raid. He said the group was there for salsa dancing and were not detained after showing officers identification.

"One girl actually left early," Sanders said. "She had a funny feeling about 10 minutes before, and she saw the officers staging down the street, and didn't think anything."

Sanders said his trust in government agencies has been destroyed, making him hesitant to believe what law enforcement is saying. He attended Tuesday's small rally in support of immigrants who he says are being denied due process.

Another protester, Donna Martinez, echoed Sander's sentiment.

"I don't see any pictures of drugs. I don't see any pictures of weapons," Martinez said. "I think it was just a big raid on illegal immigrants. I don't think it has to do with murderers, drug dealers or anything like that."

A friend of Martinez's son has attended the nightclub in the past, she told The Gazette.

"He said he has never, ever not felt safe in that club when he was there," Martinez said. "They're just making this bigger than it is. That's my opinion."

Sheriff Joe Roybal released a statement hours before the protest, condemning the "false narrative" he alleges "media and those who are not public safety experts" are spreading.

"I refuse to sit back and allow people to make law enforcement the villains. These same people want the community to believe those involved in illegal activity are victims," Roybal said in a news release.

Gazette's Natasha Lynn contributed to this report.
Update: The Colorado Springs Police Department reported Tuesday afternoon that Genelli Pretty Bear has been found safe.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is asking for the community's help in finding a 68-year-old Colorado Springs woman who went missing April 14.

Authorities said Genelli Pretty Bear was last seen in the Colorado Springs area, but she may be traveling to Ohio.

Bear is an Indigenous woman who is about 5-foot-6 and weighs 180 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes and is known to dress modestly.

Anyone with information is asked to call Colorado Springs police at 719-444-7000.
Sean Duffy is a former deputy chief of staff to Gov. Bill Owens and Colorado-based strategic communications consultant. He now serves as vice president at a philanthropic foundation. The views expressed here are his own.
Jimmy Sengenberger is an investigative journalist, public speaker, and longtime local talk-radio host. Reach Jimmy online at Jimmysengenberger.com or on X (formerly Twitter) @SengCenter.
A 21-year-old Mill City man already serving time for a fatal crash was sentenced in an unrelated case accusing him of sexually abusing a sleeping woman.

Jimmie Eugene Beck Jr. pleaded no contest to felony first-degree attempted sexual abuse in Linn County court Tuesday, April 22. He was sentenced to less than two years in prison.

The victim, a then-26-year-old Albany woman, told police that Beck and his girlfriend stayed the night at her and her fiances home in September 2023, and she woke up to Beck groping her buttocks and touching himself.

Just days after the sexual abuse was reported to law enforcement, Beck, a Newport resident at the time, was involved in a fatal head-on crash that left a Lebanon woman dead.

Overnight stay after party

On Sept. 18, 2023, Albany police were dispatched to a home in the 3500 block of David Avenue Northeast on a sex offense call.

The victim, connected to Beck through his girlfriend of two years, reported that she let the couple stay over after a birthday party in Salem so they would not have to drive back to Newport, according to an affidavit from the Albany Police Department.

The woman was awakened around 4:30 a.m. by a good morning text message from her fiance, who was working out of state. Still half-asleep, she began dozing off again when she felt something rubbing against her buttocks, the affidavit states.

At first, she thought it was one of her children or cats, but it continued and when she looked, she saw Beck was masturbating in her bed, according to the affidavit. Beck quickly got up and left the room, though she could see his shadow in the doorway, still touching himself.

She said she texted Becks girlfriend to wake her up, and when she awoke, Beck stopped what he was doing. She added that Beck returned to her bedroom and asked her to keep what had happened between the two of them, then he left for work.

Police investigating the incident found Beck was arrested by Newberg-Dundee police for public indecency in a case where he was allegedly caught masturbating in his vehicle in a public parking lot in 2022, according to the affidavit. The case was overseen in municipal court, and its outcome was not known when the affidavit was filed.

The victim and her fiance also alleged there was an incident in July 2023 in which Beck exposed himself to a woman while he was at a campground with his girlfriend, although police did not find any record of that being reported to authorities.

On Tuesday, Judge Michael Wynhausen sentenced Beck to 19 months in prison on the sex crime, consecutive to his ongoing sentence for the September 2023 crash.

Highway 34 head-on

In November, Judge Keith Stein sentenced Beck to six years and three months in prison for felony second-degree manslaughter and misdemeanor DUII in connection with a fatal crash on Highway 34 on Sept. 21, 2023. Becks drivers license was permanently revoked, and he was fined $1,455.

In court, Beck attempted to withdraw his guilty pleas, which he said were made under pressure, adding he thought he was taking a good deal from the District Attorneys Office, not the mandatory minimum sentence he ultimately received. He also claimed he could have beaten the DUII charge at trial.

Stein ruled that Beck was fully aware and informed of his legal situation and the potential consequences when he pleaded guilty to the charges, denying the motion to withdraw them.

The crash took the life of 43-year-old Jennifer Davina Gere of Lebanon. Investigators said Beck was westbound in the fast lane just outside of Corvallis, driving a Ford Fusion when he crossed the center turn lane into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with Geres Nissan Versa.

Gere was pronounced dead at the scene. Beck, who was later found to have cannabis in his system and possibly a narcotic as well, according to prosecutor Ryan Lucke, was extricated and hospitalized in Corvallis with serious injuries.

Family expresses loss

Family members and a friend of the victim gave statements at Becks sentencing hearing, saying she left behind two young girls and an adult daughter among those grieving the loss. They also said Beck had shown no remorse for his actions.

I was the one who had to tell the girls that she wasnt with us anymore, one said in a statement read aloud by Lucke. I saw their whole world fall apart and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

Jen wasnt just their mom  she was their best friend. You will only have to serve a little over six years of your life for making the decision you made that day to drive impaired. I will be raising her youngest for eight years to get her to adulthood.

Geres 11-year-old daughter spoke, saying losing her mother has affected her in many ways, leaving her struggling with anxiety, sleeplessness and anger.

I loved her a lot, and I really still do. She was my favorite person to be around, she said. She made me feel safe and protected when I was with her, and ever since she died it seems like my safety is gone.

I miss her a lot, and theres nothing I can do about it at all.

Becks defense attorney, Robert Montgomery, said Beck had expressed deep remorse in their discussions and would have apologized directly through letters or another method, but court rules prohibited him from contacting the family members of the victim.

His sorrow for the situation certainly would have been relayed, Montgomery said. Its been relayed to me many, many times.

Becks mother addressed the court as well, saying he made a public apology on Facebook before he was arrested. She said he was prepared to take accountability, but she advised him to withdraw his plea because he will not receive credit for good time or be eligible for programs during his incarceration.

I get it  they wont have their mom again, but that doesnt mean we should do an eye for an eye, she said. I feel like with no programs and no good time and no nothing, thats really harsh.

He has remorse. He didnt just do this out of spite, and he didnt do it on purpose.  Hes genuinely a good, compassionate person.

Beck did not speak except to say there was nothing he could add that would make the loss of Gere's life any less painful to her family.

Judge pushes back

The judge highlighted the courage it took for Geres daughter to stand up and address the court, telling her the pain of her loss would lessen over the years, but it will always be there.

Stein said he was a little troubled by Becks statement or lack thereof.

You didnt even try, he said. You didnt give a heartfelt apology or really show much empathy at all.

Stein also took issue with the notion that the sentence was too harsh, citing the voter approval of Measure 11, the state law that set mandatory minimum sentences and conditions for serious crimes against people.

To suggest to a family that lost a loved one that six years is appropriate, I think if I were to ask most people on the streets of Oregon, I think 99% of them would say this sentence is anything but real justice, Stein said.

Stein honored the plea agreement worked out by the prosecution and defense but said he otherwise would have imposed a greater sentence.

Im not going to pretend that justice is happening here today with a 75-month sentence, he said.

Court records show Beck has two open cases for driving under the influence of cannabis, one from September 2022 in Clackamas County and another from Benton County in September 2023, two weeks before the fatal crash with Gere.

He also has a history of uninsured driving, driving with a suspended or revoked license and speeding.

Beck is currently held at the Snake River Correctional Institution in Ontario. Department of Corrections records show his earliest release date as July 16, 2030.

Related story:
SIOUX CITY  When The Most Rev. John Keehner was in high school in Youngstown, Ohio, he was "most likely to fly under the radar." He did well, had a solid group of friends and enjoyed his time, but he blended in.

Perhaps it's appropriate, then, that his episcopal motto, which comes from St. John the Baptist, is, "He must increase; I must decrease."

The passage is an exhortation to the faithful to humble themselves and let God shine through.

Bishop elect John Keehner The Rev. John Keehner poses for a photo at the offices of the Diocese of Sioux City. Keehner's ordination as the Diocese of Sioux City's eight

Flying under the radar and "decreasing" will be a bit more difficult when Keehner, 59, is ordained as the eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City on Thursday at the Cathedral of the Epiphany. The sprawling diocese encompasses 24 counties in northwestern Iowa, reaching as far east as Boone and Algona and as far south as Monona County, and includes 37 parishes and 71 active churches.

Keehner, who most recently pastored four parishes in Ashtabula County, Ohio, got the call to succeed the soon-to-be Bishop Emeritus R. Walker Nickless on Jan. 28 from Cardinal Christophe Pierre. After that reality set in for the bishop-elect, Keehner prayed to be grounded in reality.

"Lord, help me to get out of the way. Allow me to take it all in stride. Not to become proud. To be humble," he recalled praying. "Immediately I was beginning praying for the people of the Sioux City diocese. Although, at first, I was praying for the people of the Sioux Falls diocese."

Once Nickless helped get him oriented, he started reading up on the area and preparing to say so long to Northeastern Ohio -- where his family traces its roots back to 1798.

"I just said goodbye 11 months before, to parishioners in North Canton, in Uniontown. I've never found moving easy. I've always done it. Accepted it. It's part of obedience that I promise when I'm ordained but I don't find it easy," Keehner said.

'Black Monday' and intermittent attendance

Born to parents John and Betty on Nov. 19, 1965, in Youngstown, which then was a major hub for steel manufacturing, Keehner was one of five children. He has an older brother, Jerry; a twin sister who was born nine minutes before him, Carol; a brother who died as an infant, Michael; and a youngest brother, Richard, who still lives in Youngstown. Betty was largely a homemaker but would also do cake-decorating work and had some shifts at a "Dairy Queen type place." The older John was a steelworker and then became a school custodian.

"And he kept that job because it was more stable. And then two years, three years later, all the mills closed. Even though it wasn't a great paying job, we were in a much better job than many of our friends," Keehner said.

Though a child at the time, Keehner remembers the famous "Black Monday," Sept. 19, 1977, when Youngstown Sheet and Tube's Campbell Works closed and about 5,000 people suddenly lost their jobs. The ripple effects lasted for years and years as the town became a textbook case of the consequences of deindustrialization.

"It was very difficult," Keehner recalled. "There was an ecumenical coalition that was very strong and worked trying to do something to salvage something of the steel industry. It didn't work so they ended up advocating for people who'd lost their jobs."

Bishop elect John Keehner The Rev. John Keehner speaks during an interview at the offices of the Diocese of Sioux City.

In those days, the Keehner family didn't go to church much. Keehner said he can count on one hand the number of times they all went together when he was young. Betty wasn't a Catholic until 1991, and the elder John didn't practice much either.

"I think he got out of the habit when his mom died," Keehner said of his father's faith. "He was 14 when his mom died and his father remarried outside the church and was kind of bitter about that. He claimed he was still Catholic but couldn't go to communion."

But the kids were baptized and confirmed and would get to Sunday School. Keehner, who excelled at English and social studies, started having inklings the priesthood might be for him when he was in high school. Playing trumpet at Mass at Christmastime got him involved as a freshman. Around the same time, Keehner got asked to be a lector (reader) during Sunday services.

"It was probably my junior year I had a couple of people say 'You might want to think about being a priest,'" he said.

Keehner stuck to Ohio. He did his undergraduate at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, which is a seminary. He double-majored in English and Latin American studies and had minors in Spanish and philosophy.

"Maybe in mid-college I had some doubts," he said. "In fact I actually considered not going on to theology and pursuing a master's in English but worked (and) prayed through it and went on to major seminary at Mount St. Mary's in Cincinnati."

His parish internship was at the now-closed St. Paul's in Canton, Ohio.

In his seventh year of seminary, his mother's father died. The grandfather had told Keehner's mother, when she was preparing for marriage, that he would disown her if she became a Catholic.

"The next week, she started going to Mass and my dad had to take her because she couldn't drive," Keehner said. "And I was able to be part of her RCIA process and was able to give her her first communion, which was lovely, and from that point on my parents were very faithful and very active parishioners. It was only two years later that I was ordained a priest."

Keehner's ordination came June 12, 1993, which was a scorcher of a day in his recollection.

"I remember at one point," he said, "we prostrate ourselves before the altar, I remember laying on the marble floor thinking 'Oh, this is so cool.'"

Bishop elect John Keehner The Rev. John Keehner will be ordained as the Diocese of Sioux City's eighth bishop.

'The universality of the church'

Though Keehner's story is so much tied to Ohio, he's gotten to go far beyond the Rust Belt.

He studied in Rome from 1997 to 1999 and had a chance to meet Pope John Paul II and assist at papal liturgies on several occasions. The house he lived in during his studies had priests from Australia and Austria and South Korea. He studied with Canadians and Italians and Lithuanians.

"I got to understand, at least in some way, the universality of the church," he said.

Keehner said such diversity is a gift to the church, but it can bring challenges as well.

"People are very different and coming from very different perspectives even within our own country but especially when you look at here in Sioux City as opposed to a parish in Nigeria. Looking at very different challenges," he said. "Or a parish in Hong Kong or a parish in Santiago, Spain. We all have different challenges but we all have, I think, the same goals: Coming to a deeper relationship with Jesus and living that in a concrete way through the sacraments."

As the next bishop, Keehner said he wants to emphasize to people that "even if we disagree, even if we're angry with one another, even if we're hurting, we're still people of hope and we still believe in the Resurrection."

Keehner said that Pope Francis, who died April 21, was a terrific example of someone who could walk with those who disagreed with him. Keehner admired that Pope Francis, on his last day on Earth, spent time amongst the people.

"It shows what he understood his mission to be," Keehner said. "And it was to go out into the people and to proclaim the good news of Jesus and to allow Christ to increase by doing that in such a way that he himself decreased. A good example to me that my life is not my own and I'm called to spend it in service of God's people."

Since February, when he spoke at a press conference with Nickless, Keehner has studied Sioux City. He's read about Lewis and Clark's connection to the area and can name drop the Twin Bing candy bar made by Sioux City's Palmer Candy. He plans to get the know the people of the diocese more and more once his tenure officially begins.

"It's not just the city of Sioux City. It's the whole 24 counties," Keehner said.

Even with the added responsibilities and workload, it doesn't seem Keehner's mindset will change.

"I see myself primarily as a pastor," he said.

Bishop elect John Keehner The Rev. John Keehner has been studying the Diocese of Sioux City in preparation for becoming the eighth bishop.
On 14 May 2025, Luxembourg will host the 134th annual meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, as part of its chairmanship of the Committee. The foreign ministers of the Council's 46 member states are invited to attend this meeting.

On 13 May, the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer will be opened for signature at Mudam Luxembourg, ahead of the annual session.

The agenda will focus on the role of the organisation in the new geopolitical context, in particular its measures to support Ukraine and the new Democracy Pact for Europe, but also the Council of Europe's actions in the field of the environment, following on from the Reykjavik Declaration (adopted at the 2023 Summit of Heads of State and Government). Ministers will also discuss cooperation between the Council of Europe and the European Union.

In addition, the ministers will review the organisation's work in areas such as the European Convention on Human Rights system, social rights, children's rights and education, democracy, civil society and youth participation, freedom of expression, safety of journalists, disinformation, rule of law, digital/AI standards, migration and human trafficking, the fight against discrimination, gender equality and addressing violence against women.

At the end of the session, Luxembourg will hand over the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers to Malta. The current Chairperson of the Committee of Ministers, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Xavier Bettel, will present the report on his presidency. The incoming Chairperson-in-Office, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta, Ian Borg, will then outline his country's priorities for the next six months.

Xavier Bettel, Ian Borg and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, will address the media at a joint press conference on 14 May at 12.30 pm at the European Convention Centre Luxembourg.

Press release by Information and Press Service / Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade
On Monday 5 May 2025, the government will continue to implement its strategy for testing the public alert and information system 'LU-Alert' by conducting the monthly test of the siren network.

In addition, the cell broadcast (CB) alert channel will be tested at around 11 a.m. throughout Luxembourg. However, the alert sent via Cell Broadcast will only be received by mobile devices on which the reception of notifications for 'LU-Alert Test', which is disabled by default, has been expressly enabled as follows:

Apple: you must enable 'LU-Alert Test' in the notification settings (Settings  Notifications) under 'LU-Alert' at the bottom of the settings options;

Android: you must enable 'LU-Alert Test' in the settings under 'Security and emergency  Wireless emergency alerts'.

If you choose to receive the test alert sent via cell broadcast, please inform and warn those around you, as they may be alarmed when they receive the test alert on your mobile device, which, as indicated above, is accompanied by an audible alert.

As with previous tests, the test alert sent via cell broadcast will also be sent to the 'LU-Alert' mobile app and the website www.lu-alert.lu. As this is a test alert, you do not need to take any action or behave in any particular way.

The Ministry of Home Affairs would like to remind you that the cell broadcast alert channel is a highly intrusive alert channel. Alerts transmitted via cell broadcast take the form of priority notifications that appear on the screen of a mobile device even if it is in silent or locked mode, and are accompanied by an audible alert and vibration. After a few seconds, the audible signal stops automatically. Public authorities use this alert channel when the event that requires alerting or informing the public is likely to present a significant or imminent danger to the public and immediate action is expected of them.

Additional information and frequently asked questions are also available on the website www.lu-alert.lu.

Press release by: Ministry of Home Affairs / Ministry of State / High Commission for National Protection (HCPN) / Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS)
An 8-foot section of the Woolworth lunch counter that made civil rights history in Greensboro will remain a part of the Smithsonian Museum in the nations capital.

The Smithsonian website makes it clear. Suggestions that the Smithsonian had planned or intended to remove these items are false, the website said.

Concerns have been raised about items at the museum complex after President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month to end influence of a divisive race-centered ideology  at the Smithsonian, which includes the Museum of American History, where the counter has been on exhibit since the mid-1990s. The display predates the International Civil Rights Center and Museum built on the old Woolworth Department Stores footprint in Greensboro.

Its good news right now, said former State Rep. Earl Jones, who along with Guilford County Board of Commissioners Chairman Melvin Skip Alston, saved the old Woolworth building from being destroyed. Its not leaving the Smithsonian.

Jones called the Smithsonians public affairs offices last week after getting calls from worried residents and past visitors of the museum in Washington.

I think there was some misinformation out there, Jones said.

The lunch counter is famous for its role in the civil rights movement. In 1960, four N.C. A&T freshmen sparked a national movement to end segregated public accommodations by refusing to leave the all-white lunch counter, sparking a sit-in movement that the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., credited with giving a second wind to the civil rights movement.

Setting the record straight

The Smithsonian addressed the rumor. The News & Record was directed to a statement on the Smithsonians website, which reads:

Recent reports about the Smithsonian removing the historic Greensboro, North Carolina, lunch counter and a stool from the National Museum of American History and National Museum of African American History and Culture, respectively, are inaccurate.

Both the Greensboro lunch counter and stools where college students sat in protest during the Civil Rights Movement are and continue to be on display. A stool from the sit-ins remains on view at the National Museum of African American History and Culture as the centerpiece of an interactive exhibition. The larger section of the Greensboro counter also remains on display at the National Museum of American History. Suggestions that the Smithsonian had planned or intended to remove these items are false.

The link also explains that the Smithsonian routinely returns loaned artifacts based on agreements and rotates those items as part of regular museum turnover. Recent claims that objects have been removed for reasons other than adherence to standard loan agreements or museum practices are false, according to the Smithsonian posted statement.

The Smithsonians lunch counter exhibit, Sitting for Justice: The Greensboro Sit-in of 1960, is housed among such American icons as Thomas Jeffersons writing desk, at which the Declaration of Independence was penned. The displays bluish-green and dark-pink seats sit amongst a building of notables, including a collection of gowns worn by former first ladies and the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the writing of the national anthem.

It is very much American history, Alston said of the lunch counter exhibit.

Foot traffic from Smithsonians collection of buildings throughout the National Mall draws millions of visitors annually.

For all Americans

The online exhibit reads:

Racial segregation was still legal in the United States on February 1, 1960, when four African American college students sat down at this Woolworth counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. Politely asking for service at this whites only counter, their request was refused. When asked to leave, they remained in their seats. Their sit-in drew national attention and helped ignite a youth-led movement to challenge inequality throughout the South.

...Protests such as this led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which finally outlawed racial segregation in public accommodations.

The exhibits location was a conscious decision to say right away to African American visitors that your story is here, too, former exhibit curator Bill Yeingst said in 2001.

The sit-ins connect all Americans, he said: I think everyone recognizes the sit-in of 1960 was a local story, but also a national story that needed to be told.

The civil rights museum in Greensboro commemorates Feb. 1, 1960, the day A&T students Franklin McCain, David Richmond, Jibreel Khazan (then named Ezell Blair Jr.) and Joseph McNeill made their historic steps. Their footprints are stamped into the sidewalk outside the Greensboro building.

Permanent D.C. display in 1995

The stools and counter were given to the Smithsonian by Woolworth in 1994 and were unveiled as a permanent display in 1995. A reflective glass placed behind the soda fountain isnt historically accurate. Instead it is added for interpretation, the curator said at the time.

We consciously chose to use the mirror because it makes you look at yourself. Would you have been welcome? The experience is different for different people who were there in 1960.

Newspaper photographs and articles from that day, including the framed front page of A&Ts newspaper, The Register, are connected to the sparkling counter area, which is roped off. The images and articles tell of how the young men climbed onto the stools 41 years ago and were denied service as a white waitress asked if they would please go to the colored stand-up counter across the way.
A Catawba County Schools teacher expressed her frustrations over a declining student population after three coworkers were laid off from St. Stephens High School.

I think I watched my principal age 10 years over the last month because he had to tell three good teachers that they were not going to have a job at my high school next year, St. Stephens High School teacher Kimberly Turk said while addressing the Catawba County Board of Education on Monday. As much as I would like to blame the federal government and potential cuts coming our way, that isnt why we lost these positions.

Turk said she thinks the reason is declining student enrollment.

That might leave you confused, because Ive heard discussions in here about how were going to exceed our capacity over the next few years, Turk said. Why then did we lose three teachers? The only reason Ive been able to come up with is because students are leaving Catawba County Schools and moving to private schools.

Turk said most of the school board was elected on rhetoric that disparaged Catawba County Schools. Turk said board members said teachers were teaching critical race theory and libraries had pornographic books.

You were elected because you told your constituents that Catawba County Schools were failing while simultaneously indoctrinating their children, Turk said. It made sense then that people would be taking their kids out of our schools and using our tax dollars to enroll them in private schools.

According to the most recent state data, Catawba County Schools enrollment rose slighting from 15,726 in the 2022-23 school year to 15,939 in the 2023-24 school year.

According to Catawba County Schools data, St. Stephens High School had 1,095 students in April of 2021. The school currently has 1,211. The districts data showed an increase in students at St. Stephens every year.

You (the school board members) are now in charge, Turk said. It is on your shoulders that these words now fall.

Turk is also the first vice chair of the Catawba County Democratic Party.

Kimberly was one of three people to speak about various concerns during the public comment section of a Catawba County Schools Board of Education meeting on Monday.

David Nields also spoke. He said he has 42 years of teaching experience. Nields is listed as a theatre professor at Catawba Valley Community College. His concern was primarily about removing books from school libraries.

Ive heard the argument that taking books out of the library doesnt mean that my daughter cant read what she wants to and its true in my house, Nields said. I have that option that if my daughter wants to read Vampire Lesbians from Outer Space (a made-up book title), I can go to Amazon, purchase it and download it to our Kindle.

Nields added that not every child has the same resources outside of school.

Nields referenced parents who had to drive their kids to schools and sit in the parking lots during the COVID-19 pandemic to access school Wi-Fi because some students did not have internet at home.

We have lockdowns and active shooter drills and clear backpacks and students who come to school hungry. Taking a book out of the library is relatively easy, Nields said. Theres other problems. Youve done something tangible, but the intangible damage is greater, because if a student is interested in something, even if its crap, then they will learn, and if you take away that interest, then they wont.

The third speaker, Kevin Sparks, spoke about the boards intent and impact.

My question for this board is not, What is your intent? Because weve already established this kind of meaningless, circular kind of conversation, Sparks said. My question is, Will you write down your goals for this school system?

Sparks suggested the school board make balanced scorecards to break down their goals.

You come down with goals that are specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and time based, Sparks said. Then when you all meet in your working sessions, people will go to the scorecard. How are we doing? What shall we measure? Are we measuring the right things?

Sparks ended by offering to help the school board make the scorecards.
Cybersecurity management vendor Check Point is expanding its services for Security Operations Centre workers focusing on external riskss such as stolen employee credentials, social media impersonation, and fake websites. This builds on its acquisition last year of Cyberint, a startup specialising in threat intelligence, digital risk protection, and attack surface management.

Check Point gained early fame for creating the stateful firewall but has not rested on its laurels. The business has continued to grow both organically and by acquisition while executing its strategy. In fact, last year's $US 200 million acquisition of Cyberint was the 10th in the last six years, and the 22nd overall.

Cyberint caught Check Point's interest due to its comprehensive intelligence solutions around risks that exist outside a company's boundaries, and the ease in which its solutions can be deployed. CheckPoint VP Yochai Corem, formerly Cyberint CEO, heads Check Point's External Risk Management portfolio, and spoke with iTWire about what this all means in practical terms.

A lot of cybersecurity is focused, and rightly so, on securing a company from internal vulnerabilities being exploited and detecting intruders. Meanwhile, external risk management, Corem explained, is about threat intelligence pertaining to incoming threats.

"There were 5,414 ransomware attacks last year," he said, "11% growth over 2023. The majority was in the USA, with around 15% in APAC."

"When you look at those companies many were very mature and security aware with the right processes and solutions in place. But they were still breached."

5,414 may sound like a large number but these breaches have wide-ranging impacts, he said. "Employees, partners, the ecosystem the company operates in - if a payment provider is breached it may mean other businesses can't transfer money. There's immense magnitude."

These attacks penetrated the company because three specific attack vectors are still highly successful for the bad guys.

The first, Corem said, is identity. "When the hacker has it, it's almost game over."

Secondly, "phishing and impersonation - they take your name or brand and try to gain trust."

And, thirdly, "Internet-facing assets with vulnerabilities are used by hackers. One of the best known groups doing this is Cl0p. They select a single CVE, find all the people using the affected product, and breach them all in one go."

This is how malicious parties gain a foothold in mature organisations, Corem explained. "They are trying to discover the digital footprint, product names, social accounts, people ... they scan organisations continuously to identify any misconfiguration."

And, of course, "the organisation might know some of them already. But, with so much shadow IT they often don't know what they aren't protecting."

It's not only shadow IT. "There are other things you might not think of like social media accounts," Corem said. "Who in the company owns the security of social media? IT? Marketing? Legal?"

In one case, Corem explains, a customer found out the CEO of their company had 43 separate LinkedIn accounts. One was genuine; the other 42 had been created fraudulently to deceive others and gain trust. "It's how they get in," he said.

In comes Check Point external risk management. "We're collecting all we can from the open and dark web. We have thousands of sources like marketplaces, forums, Telegram, social media, source code, and so on to identify data that's already leaked and could be used by threat actors to get in," Corem said.

For example, a public source code repository might include sensitive tokens. Or a seemingly harmless PDF invoice could be used by a malicious actor for a spearphishing attack based on its context. Or, general chatter and information on a company itself or its management or executives can provide an intermediate step for an attack.

Modern hacking groups are sophisticated and operate like a business. They have their own HR, software developers, even public relations. And, of course, their own "finance" team in the guise of money laundering. "It's fascinating to see how organised they are," Corem said.

"Some hackers will develop malware as a service. Others buy it or rent it and get a full-suite of malware and just log in to a console and distribute it. Others again will have data and on-sell it. Credential harvesting, for example, is a popular way to make money."

A bad guy could buy the Redline stealer for $100 and bundle it with a movie or game on a pirate website. They wait for others to download the goods and trigger the malware, divulging their credentials. The hacker now ends up with credentials from two to four thousand computers. They might not know, themselves, what to do with these, but they can sell them on a Russian marketplace. Meanwhile, another comes along and pays $200 for 20 credentials. "Some are real fresh," Corem said. "With a small investment of $200 you don't even have to do reconnaissance. You just move to the second phase of attack."

"If you want to hack any org you don't have to work so hard," he said.

The mission of Check Point's external risk management team is to identify the data already out there. "If we can catch it before it is sold or used then we can help remediate the threat, even by something as simple as resetting a password."

While Check Point has a comprehensive security suite and "an amazing research team," he said, "they did not have things like this. The acquisition of Cyberint was focused on making sure Check Point is the best, and can respond quickly to any emerging threat."

Check Point's main strategy has "always been to prevent these things happening," he said, "but external risk management moves one step ahead. The house is secure, but now you have a very good gate and make sure nobody from the outside can see the window is open. There's no motivation to come in past the gate."

External risk management lets you see "who is getting closer to the house. It helps you be aware so you can close the shutters."

Check Point's integration of the Cyberint platform is taking it further. "We want to achieve preventitive measures. In the first stages the customers won't see an alert they gave to fix; it will be automated and reduce the time a vulnerability exists because Check Point will fix it." Corem demonstrated the integration on stage at Check Point CPX APAC 2025 in Bangkok earlier this year.

This integration bridges Check Point's Infinity RM product that scans all your assets and Quantum, which shows your gateways and where vulnerabilities lie. On one pane of glass IT and security teams can determine which assets are at risk, and importantly, which Check Point device is connected to that asset. "It gives teams 360 degrees around their asset for the first time." With a click of a button the gateway can remediate the vulnerability on that asset. "This integration will be launched in an upcoming release of Quantum."

Alternatively, it may reveal network architecture problems where you have assets not protected at all, allowing technology teams to take action.

"As the CEO of Cyberint I thought we developed something unique to make the world a safer place," Corem said. "I look at my daughter who likes to buy online, my mother who likes to buy online - neither are very cybersecurity mature and want to enjoy shopping but in a safe way so it was also a personal goal and vision and mission."

Check Point wasn't the first security firm to take an interest in Cyberint. "We had a few offers but Check Point's proposition was the most fulfilling."

Firstly, Check Point is staffed with very smart people who have the same desire to protect the world, he explained, and the size of Check Point meant Cyberint's technology could reach industry much faster. But secondly, and really importantly to him, Check Point retained 100% of Cyberint's employees. "Not just engineering, but HR, Finance, Marketing, and everyone."

"It was very important to me," Corem said. "These are the people who worked with me to fulfill this vision of making the world a safer place."
SentinelOne (NYSE: S), a global leader in AI-powered security, today revealed the next generation of Purple AI  the Purple AI Athena release  showcasing the first agentic AI capabilities to mirror the deep security reasoning and sophisticated orchestration of advanced SOC analysts. Announced at RSA Conference 2025, these innovations build on Purple AIs native agentic capabilities to help overstretched SecOps teams by automating and dramatically accelerating the end-to-end work of triaging, investigating, and responding to threats. The Purple AI Athena release will also open up Purple AI to 3rd party SIEM platforms and data lakes  bringing the full power of SentinelOnes agentic AI and automation to all security data in the modern SOC, wherever it resides.

Since its unveiling at RSA Conference 2023, Purple AI has benefited from AI agents and its own proprietary agentic AI framework to meet the demands of real-world cybersecurity teams. SentinelOne has continually built on this agentic framework and real-world experience, introducing agent-based innovations like Purple AI Auto Triage and Purple AI Auto Investigate, which were announced in October 2024 at SentinelOnes OneCon event.

The Purple AI Athena release is being showcased and demoed at SentinelOnes booth N-5863 and is part SentinelOnes broader Agentic AI strategy being rolled at RSAC 2025  one designed to deliver three primary sets of AI and automation capabilities:

Deep security reasoning at machine speed  The Purple AI Athena release mirrors the iterative thinking and deductive reasoning of experienced SOC analysts. Tapping into Purple AIs security models and agentic framework, it can intelligently execute full investigations of suspicious activity across multiple sources, orchestrate multi-step response actions, and remediate threats in seconds rather than hours. This agentic deep security reasoning is fine-tuned by the combination of advanced neural networks working across trillions of security relevant data points, along with a broad human feedback loop made up of a global network of elite security professionals. The result is a level of autonomous SecOps that scales overstretched teams and dramatically reduces mean time to respond (MTTR). Purple AIs Auto Triage, which was made generally available this week, taps into this deep security reasoning to autonomously conduct AI Similarity Analysis on alerts to identify similar threats and determine the likelihood of a true positive for prioritisation.

Full-loop remediation and response with hyperautomation  Purple AIs agentic AI system harnesses the no-code, automated workflow capabilities of SentinelOnes Singularity Hyperautomation to create novel detection rules and to transform insights from agentic auto-investigations into autonomous, full-loop work. Purple AIs agentic Auto-Triage and Auto-Investigations capabilities deliver summaries of results and steps taken and will prompt human analysts with the option to turn one-time tasks, responses, and insights into hyperautomation workflows. The agentic system investigates and resolves alerts, and learns over time to autonomously remediate better on behalf of analysts. As a result, security teams can go beyond rudimentary rules-based automation to automating fully orchestrated investigations and response.

Seamless, data source agnostic integration  With the Purple AI Athena release, SecOps teams can tap directly into third party SIEMs, security data lakes and other security data sources  bringing the full power of Purple AIs intelligence, agentic framework and the automation of the SentinelOne Singularity platform to all security data in the SOC. Alerts are ingested and correlated immediately, and from there Purple AI applies real-time streaming analytics and full-loop remediation. This opens the door for SentinelOne Singularity customers to avoid costly migrations or middleman pipelines while benefiting from instant time to value, and immediate security outcomes across the entire environment.

Purple AIs Data Advantage - Agentic from the start, battle-tested in production environments

Broad production-level adoption of Purple AI over the past two years has enabled SentinelOne to create highly sophisticated and security-specific models trained on real-world security use cases. This is bolstered by SentinelOnes highly differentiated sensor architecture, designed for granular, customer-specific tuning of telemetry streamed directly from endpoints and cloud workloads  and seamlessly integrated into the cloud-native data pipelines of SentinelOnes AI SIEM. This results in a vast and unique data set that is continuously tuned, refined and optimized using a closed-feedback loop made up of SentinelOnes elite MDR team together with its extensive global partner network of top MDR partners.

With the Purple AI Athena release, SentinelOne will build on this proprietary foundation to execute the most comprehensive set of sophisticated agentic AI workflows in the cybersecurity industry. The Purple AI Athena release will expand on Purple AIs agentic capabilities to provide: AI-powered Data Integrations, Auto-Threat Hunting and Detections, Auto-Triage and Auto-Investigations, Novel Detection Rule Creation, Auto-Response and Reporting, and AI-powered Support.

AI and automation have long held the promise of fundamentally transforming security operations and supercharging analysts to detect and respond  at machine speed  to threats from even the most sophisticated nation state adversaries and cyber criminals. At RSA, were revealing the industrys first true end-to-end agentic AI cybersecurity platform built on over a decade of security expertise  and were bringing it to all security data in the modern SOC, said Tomer Weingarten, co-founder and CEO of SentinelOne. By delivering agentic AI automation and orchestration capable of reasoning and responding like an advanced security analyst, we believe humans get empowered even more as they assume supervision of these systems - an important role that will also shape the coming generation of security service providers.

A video demonstration of the Purple AI Athena release in action can be seen on the SentinelOne blog.
Tokyo Racecourse paddock (Photo by Jun Sakahira, Stripes Japan)



Occasionally, I like to test my luck and gamble away a few dollars. Since casino gambling is illegal in Japan and pachinko slots seem like they require a little more money to play, I go to the horses.

In Japan, there are two different horseracing organizations, the Japan Racing Association (JRA) and the National Association of Racing (NAR). JRA is a special public company with 10 racetracks across the country, including Tokyo, Kyoto and Hanshin. The NAR, on the other hand, is operated by local governments and has 15 racetracks in Oi, Kawasaki, Nagoya and other prefectures.

WHERE TO BET

Since JRA races are national, the prize money tends to be higher. Also, placing JRA bets online is easier. There are two ways to bet on JRA races that even foreigners will not find difficult.

First, you can bet online, but it requires a Japanese debit card. The other way is to obtain a Smappy QR code online, take it to the nearest JRA facility and place bets with it on the UMACA machine.

In my experience, online betting with a Japanese debit card has been the easiest. I can translate the website and pick which style of bets I would like to place. For paying, my fiance and I use her card just to keep it simple. I always wanted to try to visit one of the racetracks Japan but have been told it would be too chaotic with people who have betting addictions.

(Photo by Jun Sakahira)

(Photo by Jun Sakahira)

(Photo by Jun Sakahira)

Tokyo Racecourse on Derby day (Photo by Jun Sakahira)

(Photo by Jun Sakahira)

(Photo by Jun Sakahira)

(Photo by Jun Sakahira)



HOW TO BET

There are many betting formats to choose from, but I prefer win bets, so I can bet 100 yen on the horses with the funniest names. You can bet as much as you want but the chances of winning are very slim.

JRA has three race categories: G1, G2 or G3, with G1 being the highest level of competition. The levels are ranked by many factors to include best horses, trainers and jockeys. That also means more prize money!

WINNING A BET

If you win, the payout method is back to the same method you used to place a bet. If you bet using a Japanese debit card, the prize money is deposited into that account. Without a debit card, you need to go to any JRA facility to pick up your winnings.

Unfortunately, like in all gambling situations, there are charges and, in many cases, taxes to be paid, even as a foreigner. Depending on the betting format, around 20-30% is automatically deducted from the prize money. This only applies if you win under 500,000 yen. If you win more, you must report your winnings, minus total bets, to the National Tax Agency to pay a special income tax.

JUST FOR FUN

One thing I truly appreciate about JRA bets is that I can bet the minimum just for fun and not empty my wallet. The adrenaline of watching the horse race live on TV to see if my horse wins is exhilarating. Although I have yet to win any money, it is fun to participate.

Horse races are surprisingly very popular in Japan, so if youre interested, there are many tracks around the country to catch a race live. For more information on horse racing in Japan, check out Mr. Takahiro-senseis story: Horsing around at a Japanese racetrack | Stripes Japan

Gamble responsibly.

Stripes Japan writer Takahiro Takiguchi contributed to this story.

Website: https://japanracing.jp/en/racing/go_racing/jra_howtobet.html (English version)

Japan Racing Association (JRA) Racetracks

Sapporo (Hokkaido Pref.)

Hakodate (Hokkaido Pref.)

Fukushima

Nakayama (Chiba Pref.)

Tokyo

Niigata

Chukyo (Aichi Pref.)

Kyoto

Hanshin (Hyogo Pref.)

Kokura (Fukuoka Pref.)
SPRINGFIELD  Illinois agriculture and political leaders reacted positively to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's decision to allow consumers to keep buying higher-ethanol blend E15 gasoline this summer.

While the move is good news for drivers hoping to save a little money at the pump and farmers who sell their corn to ethanol producers, it frustrated environmentalists concerned about potential harm to air and water quality.

The emergency waiver issued by the EPA on Monday prevents retailers in most states from having to stop selling E15 gasoline on May 1. While the waiver remains in effect only through May 20, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin signaled that he plans to keep issuing waivers through Sept. 15, the date when the federal government typically would allow E15 sales in all states again.

Brian Duncan, president of the Illinois Farm Bureau, called the move "a win for Illinois farmers," noting that more than 657 million bushels of corn, or about 30% of all corn produced in the state, is used towards ethanol production.

"We believe year-round sales of E15 will yield significant, measurable, and noticeable economic and environmental benefits for rural, suburban, and urban residents," Duncan said.

Illinois has 13 ethanol plants that produce 1.84 billion gallons per year, according to the Illinois Renewable Fuels Association. Among those plants is One Earth Energy in the Ford County community of Gibson City.

CEO Steve Kelly praised the EPA waiver in a statement, saying the company is "committed to not only maximizing returns for farmers but also enhancing economic growth in our local communities."

"We were pleased to see todays announcement from the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) as expansion of ethanol sales through Sept. 15 provides some needed certainty and stability for farmers, the ethanol industry and plants like One Earth Energy, and our local communities," he said.

Most gasoline sold across the U.S. is blended with 10% ethanol, but 15% blends are becoming increasingly common, particularly in the Midwest, where most of the nation's corn is grown. E15 gasoline generally costs at least 10 cents less a gallon than E10 gasoline, but the EPA had previously prohibited its sale during the summer over concerns that its use during the summer driving season could increase smog.

But the EPA has relaxed restrictions on E15, granting a series of short-term waivers in 2022, 2023 and 2024 to allow its sale nationwide through the summer. And last year, the EPA issued a rule allowing year-round sales in Illinois and seven other Midwestern states: Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Illinois agriculture leaders and other advocates hope for a permanent legislative solution.

"We urge leaders to continue advancing proposals for year-round E15, helping enhance our nations energy independence while offering consumers a more affordable fuel option," said Duncan, of the farm bureau.

Garett Hawkins, president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association, said that "corn farmers need growth in the domestic ethanol industry to boost prices and farm family profitability."

"We are grateful to the President and his administration for prioritizing year-round access to E15," Hawkins said. "The best case scenario for Illinois farm families is to now build on this momentum and pass higher blend legislation that will benefit all Americans, especially rural America and prevent the need for annual emergency waivers.

Trump administration officials said Monday's action will lower consumers' costs and give them more choices at the pump while also increasing the demand for corn and reducing America's reliance on imported energy.

The biofuels industry and politicians in both major parties argue that ethanol helps farmers, lowers prices at the pump and reduces greenhouse gas because the fuel burns more cleanly than straight gasoline.

High blends of biofuels help folks save money at the gas pump, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, cut carbon emissions and support critical markets for Illinois family farmers. Im pleased to see the Trump administration taking this step to allow the sale of E15 and ultimately provide more certainty for producers and consumers at a time when they need it most, said Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, who also called for year-round sales.

But ethanol consumes about 40% of the nation's corn crop, and environmentalists argue that higher corn production leads to higher use of fertilizers that are a leading source of water pollution.

Zack Pistora, Kansas lobbyist for the Sierra Club, said ethanol plants also use high amounts of water, and states like Kansas are worried about the depletion of aquifers.

He said it's hypocritical to portray ethanol as environmentally friendly and said the Trump administration should promote renewable energy, electric vehicles, public transportation and sustainable agriculture.

We need to dramatically reduce our fossil fuel dependence, but relying on corn-based ethanol doesnt put our country on the path it needs, Pistora said in an interview.

The Associated Press and Drew Zimmerman contributed to this story.
Chances are youre just a short distance from a massage parlor where migrant women eat, sleep and toil as victims of sex trafficking. And chances are your state and local authorities are doing little to protect these women.

Nationwide, illicit massage parlors outnumber McDonald's restaurants. There are more than 16,800 in all, according to The Network, a nonprofit and leading authority on human trafficking.

How we tackled the sex trafficking investigation Heres how the Lee Enterprises Public Service Team did a first-of-its-kind analysis of states efforts to protect women who are subject to sex

Whether you're in a city, whether you're in the suburbs, or whether you're in a rural area, the prevalence of these storefronts is incredible. No matter where you are, no matter what state you're in, there are illicit massage businesses, said Chris Muller-Tabanera from The Network.

Men seeking cheap sex can find these illegal businesses with ease, a Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism Team investigation shows.

Overseas websites beyond the reach of law enforcement brazenly advertise these parlors, providing a map with directions. One site allows men to search based on the type of sex they want and even the shape of a womans curves.

The women working at these parlors are often middle-aged migrants from China or South Korea who speak little English, according to Polaris, an anti-trafficking group that published a detailed report on illicit massage parlors in 2018. Financially desperate, they perform acts they once couldnt have imagined.

They experience coercion and emotional trauma, said YunXi Wang, who worked in illicit parlors for years.

Even worse, many of these women, including Wang, endure sexual violence. In one survey of workers in illicit massage parlors, 40 percent of women interviewed said customers had sexually assaulted them.

We should shut this business down because it does not create any benefit for society. It only helps the owners to boost their income while leaving harm in its wake, Wang told a Lee Enterprises investigative reporter through a translator.

Although these illegal parlors operate in plain sight, a first-of-its-kind investigation by the Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism Team found that most states are failing to protect these vulnerable women. Few law enforcement agencies punish the owners of these illegal businesses, let alone go after the organized crime networks supporting them.

All but four states have massage licensing boards whose duties include disciplining anyone violating standards, including taking action against those engaging in sex with customers, the Lee investigation found. However, most boards are passive, investigating only when someone submits a formal complaint. Even when they investigate, few states go after business owners.

State laws usually dont give licensing boards that option.

Lack of accountability

Lee Enterprises evaluated the work of these licensing boards by obtaining copies of as many disciplinary records nationwide as possible since 2019. Four states  Kansas, Minnesota, Vermont and Wyoming  don't have boards, and others dont release records or make obtaining them nearly impossible. Even so, our analysis found that most boards mete out few punishments.

Of the 32 states Lee analyzed, most take few actions against massage therapists for any reason. The median number of actions since 2019 was only 47. That means half the states had less than 10 disciplinary actions a year while the other half had 10 or more.

Virginia had 224 disciplinary actions, or about 41 a year.

Yet, among those states, there are an estimated 6,500 illegal massage parlors.

Only five states took action against businesses. Four of those  Massachusetts, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina  are among the most aggressive states in policing the industry.

Another source corroborates the failure of most states to protect these women: the National Practitioner Data Bank. Its a tool Congress created to prevent healthcare workers, including massage therapists, from surreptitiously moving to another state to escape sanctions from alleged violations.

Since 2019, state boards have reported only 871 disciplinary actions against massage therapists for sexual misconduct, an average of 145 actions a year for the entire nation. Our review of individual actions found that most were against men. Moreover, just seven states, led by Florida, made up 70 percent of those reports. Fourteen states reported less than one disciplinary action per year, and 11 others reported no actions at all.

These boards can and should play a critical role in trying to stop sex trafficking, said Rochelle Keyhan, a former Philadelphia prosecutor who now trains government officials and law enforcement how to deal effectively with illicit massage parlors. Civil remedies, she said, can be even better than prosecutions but usually require states or local jurisdictions to beef up their laws.

One reason for civil remedies is that law enforcement agencies fail to prosecute most human trafficking offenses successfully  or at all. FBI data from local police departments show that only seven percent of human trafficking offenses led to arrests from 2021 to 2023, the most recent year for which statistics are available. Thats 1,344 arrests for 19,225 reported offenses.

So few of these arrests involve sex trafficking at massage parlors that the FBI doesnt even track crimes committed at those locations. The FBI lumps crimes at massage parlors into the categories other and unknown.

Conditioning and Coercion

Chinese migrants account for most of the women at illicit spas. Koreans follow them; a few come from Thailand or Vietnam, according to Polaris.

These women seek a better life in the United States, often trying to escape troubles at home, explains Keyhan, who, with the help of translators, has interviewed 1,100 women who worked at illicit massage parlors. Some have debts to pay off or are fleeing domestic abuse. They may have ailing family in the United States.

Brokers will sell them visas or airline tickets, costing tens of thousands of dollars and saddling the women with crushing debt, Keyhan said.

They often arrive at destination hubs: San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Flushing, New York, where local Chinese newspapers, bulletin boards or websites are full of job ads for massage parlors. The women are typically between 35 and 55 and have limited education.

Keyhan says the ads are misleading, promising high pay with no mention of sex work.

For example, a victim might be told that she can earn $7,000 a month at a massage business in Ohio, and that the owner will arrange her transportation and living arrangements, Keyhan said. This is, in many ways, ideal for someone looking for economic opportunity in a foreign country. The victims might not realize that accepting this job can lead to finding themselves in an unfamiliar city, with no way to return home.

That puts them under the control of a network of massage parlor owners. They are often entirely dependent, sleeping overnight on the massage beds where they handle customers and eating in a back room, Keyhan said. Owners frequently move them from one parlor to another. They survive on $50 to $100 tips, but the owner often takes a cut of those too.

One academic survey of 116 of these women in Los Angeles and New York reported that 83 percent said they were not coerced to work in illicit massage parlors. Only 17 percent said they were forced to do sex work against their will.

John Chin of Hunter College and Lois Takahashi of the University of Southern California, the academics who conducted the research, said illicit massage parlors can offer women better wages than other jobs. And they seemed to have the freedom to leave or to go to other massage parlors.

Yet, some of the women said they didnt realize they would be asked to engage in sex. They might start by trying to do only regular massages but realize the pay is paltry.

One woman they interviewed said, "In the beginning, I guessed I was just going to provide regular massage services. However, I realized I was getting very little money for just providing regular massage services. I got a $10 tip at most for each client. The owner told me if I wanted to get more tips, I should provide hand jobs for the clients. I was in need of money. I wanted to pay back to the snakehead [smuggler] as soon as possible. So I started to provide a hand job to the clients after working in the parlor for two months."

The researchers acknowledged that these women were vulnerable, given their debts and their limited options.

Certainly, there's exploitation, said Chin. I think maybe within our study of 116, maybe one had said she actually enjoys her work, and she would like to keep doing it.

Most people in law enforcement and advocacy roles dont accept the notion that these women are not coerced.

Doug Gilmer, who used to investigate illicit massage parlors for the federal Homeland Security Investigations, said just because these women tell interviewers that they werent coerced does not convince him that they arent acting against their will.

I would say 80% to 90% of the women that we would encounter would tell us they were not coerced. But we also knew from those that did disclose and those who have left the industry they were so conditioned or brainwashed, Gilmer said. A lot of their responses were identical. They're pretty much a script. If law enforcement comes in here, this is what to say and this is what not to say.

What these women arent speaking to are the pressures they face to do the work, including the fear of being arrested and deported.

Beisi Huang, at Restore NYC, has spoken to many of these women after they were arrested for prostitution and sent to her nonprofit agency for help. She learned that many women saw no choice but to work in a massage parlor.

Women naturally feel very self-blaming and feel guilty about itbut that really is not their fault, she said. They avoid thinking too deeply about it as a coping mechanism.

I can boldly say about over 90%, maybe 95% of women who I have spoken to, came to me, told me that they have never done massage before, and they would not even think about doing massage before. It really is a choiceless choice.

Whos really watching?

Illicit massage parlors rarely get much notice in the news. That changed momentarily when New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft faced charges in 2019 for paying for sex at Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida. Video cameras detectives hid in the ceiling captured his two visits, according to police.

That investigation took four painstaking months of stakeouts and surveillance, evidence of how labor-intensive these investigations can be. However, a judge ultimately threw out the footage because police had failed to protect the privacy of innocent female customers. Ultimately, prosecutors dismissed charges against everyone in the investigation. A recent call to the massage parlor confirmed its still open for business.

One of the lessons from the Kraft episode is that illicit massage parlors are not difficult to find, but they can be challenging to prosecute.

Kraft allegedly received a tip from a wealthy friend about the massage parlor he visited, a news report said.

However, many questionable websites advertise massage parlors that offer happy endings. Customer reviews provide explicit details. These establishments commonly operate in strip malls or other low-rent business districts. Prices are cheap. Hours are late.

Law enforcement officers offer telltale red flags for wary customers. Windows may be papered over, and entry often requires a buzzer. The doorway might feel tight and unwelcoming, with curtains shrouding the massage rooms in secrecy.

One expert says in smaller towns, these spas sometimes deny entry to women altogether. A Lee reporter visited a parlor in Chesterfield, Virginia, that police had raided. Inside, dim lights cast shadows over the outdated furniture, frozen in time, while the heavy scent of oil lingered in the air.

However, not all illicit massage parlors are that obvious from appearances. Wang said she worked in some Asian massage parlors that attempted to be legitimate. Still, some men patronizing the business would demand sex.

Even in legitimate massage parlors, once a woman enters the field, ill-intentioned male customers often lead her from the legitimate massage business into the illegal one. It might start with physical touch, like touching her legs, and could eventually escalate to happy endings or sexual services, Wang said.

Without strong self-awareness, a woman can easily accept this type of work without realizing whether it is the life she truly wants.
Restaurant fire kills 22 in NE China's Liaoning

Xinhua) 10:00, April 30, 2025

This photo taken on April 29, 2025 shows the site of a restaurant fire in Liaoyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. A restaurant fire broke out at 12:25 p.m. Tuesday in the city of Liaoyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The fire had killed 22 people and injured three others as of 2 p.m. (Xinhua)

This photo taken on April 29, 2025 shows the site of a restaurant fire in Liaoyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. A restaurant fire broke out at 12:25 p.m. Tuesday in the city of Liaoyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The fire had killed 22 people and injured three others as of 2 p.m. (Xinhua)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
President Richard Nixon has taken full responsibility for the Watergate scandal but has denied any personal involvement.

In a speech broadcast to the American people tonight he vowed to get to the bottom of the matter, saying: There will be no whitewash at the Whitehouse.

Earlier today he accepted the resignations of four of his closest aides, including Attorney General Richard G Kleindienst.

Resignations were also accepted from chief White House advisers, H R Haldeman and John D Ehrlichman and counsel to the president, John W Dean III.

The president announced he had appointed Defence Secretary Elliott L Richardson as the new Attorney General and had charged him with full responsibility for revealing the truth behind the Watergate affair.

He said: America, in its political campaigns, must not again fall into the trap of letting the end, however great that end is, justify the means.

The Democrats immediately demanded the whole Watergate investigation be handed over to an impartial prosecutor and that a special committee of the House be set up to investigate the possibility of presidential involvement in the scandal.

The Watergate Affair began in June 1972, after five men were arrested in the early hours of the morning breaking into the Democratic Partys Watergate headquarters in Washington.

They had with them photographic equipment and bugging devices.

In the ensuing months connections between several of the suspects and one part or another of the Republican power structure were revealed.

In January of this year seven men were convicted of conspiracy, burglary and bugging the Democratic Partys headquarters, two-and-half months after Richard Nixon was re-elected as president of the United States.

But despite continued denials by leading officials in the Nixon administration that Watergate had no connection with the White House, the affair has rumbled on and it seems it still has some way to go before it reaches its conclusion.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

Former Solicitor General Archibald Cox, was appointed Special Prosecutor by the senate and a three-month independent investigation  the Ervin committee  began in May 1973.

On 24 July 1974 the Supreme Court ordered Nixon to hand tape recordings of 64 White House conversations, rejecting the presidents claims of executive privilege.

Three days later the House Judiciary Committee took the momentous step of recommending that the president of the United States be impeached and removed from office.

He was accused of misusing government agencies such as the FBI, the Central Intelligence Agency and the Internal Revenue Service during the course of a Watergate cover-up.

On 9 August Nixon became the first ever president of the United States to resign  and by doing so avoided impeachment.

His successor, President Gerald Ford, issued an unconditional pardon for any offences Nixon may have committed as president.

In total 40 government officials, including Haldeman and Ehrlichman, were either indicted or jailed.

In 2005, former FBI deputy head Mark Felt was revealed to be the anonymous source Deep Throat, who helped Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein uncover the Watergate affair.
Four former Hong Kong lawmakers were freed from prison yesterday after serving more than four years for their convictions under a Beijing-imposed security law that crushed a once-thriving pro-democracy movement.

Claudia Mo, Jeremy Tam, Kwok Ka-ki and Gary Fan were among 47 activists arrested in 2021 for their roles in an unofficial primary election. They were the first of the convicted activists to reunite with their families and friends following years of separation.

Only vehicles involved in the release were seen leaving the three prisons in remote areas of Hong Kong. Security was tight and curtains on the vehicles were closed.

Mos husband, Philip Bowring, told reporters he was pleased Mo had returned home, saying she was well and in good spirits. But he said she would not give interviews for the time being. She has to get used to life again in the outside world, he said at their door, adding that they probably would go to England to see their grandchildren later.

In a video posted by local online media HK01, Fan thanked Hong Kongers and the media for their concern. He added he was going to reunite with his family.

The 2020 unofficial primary drew 610,000 voters, and its winners had been expected to advance to the official legislative election. Authorities postponed that, however, citing public health risks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the trial, prosecutors said the activists aimed to paralyze Hong Kongs government and force the citys leader to resign by aiming to win a legislative majority and using it to block government budgets indiscriminately. The judges said in their verdict last year that the activists plans to effect change through the unofficial primary would have undermined the governments authority and created a constitutional crisis.

Only two of the 47 original defendants were acquitted. The remaining activists received prison terms ranging from four years and two months to 10 years on a charge of conspiracy to commit subversion. Mo, Tam, Kwok and Fan pleaded guilty and received reduced sentences.

Their years of separation have pained the activists and their families. The case involved democracy advocates across the spectrum. They include legal scholar Benny Tai, who got a 10-year prison term, and former student leader Joshua Wong, who has to serve four years and eight months.

Fourteen of the convicted activists have appealed, and prosecutors appealed the acquittal of one activist. All of the appeals are pending.

Critics of the court actions brought against the activists said their convictions illustrated how authorities crushed dissent following the massive anti-government protests in 2019, while also cracking down on media freedoms and reducing public choice in elections.

The Beijing and Hong Kong governments insisted the national security law was necessary for the citys stability. China defended the judicial decisions, despite criticism from foreign governments. MDT/AP
Lawmakers Chan Iek Lap and Ron Lam have called for structural changes to the health voucher program, which is part of the annual benefits granted by the government to the population.

According to the lawmakers, the recent change introduced by the administration of Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, which increased the voucher amount from MOP600 to MOP700, is insignificant. They argue that more substantial reforms are needed.

Chan stated that more than one-third of the vouchers remain unused and their value is returned to government accounts, failing to benefit either citizens or private-practice physicians as originally intended. He called for reform of the system so that government support can more effectively reach private doctors and clinics.

On the same issue, lawmaker Lam noted that the vouchers were first introduced in 2009 and have not undergone any meaningful evaluation since. He criticized the programs impact, saying the amount is too low and can often only be used for a single discount on a medical appointment or treatment.

Moreover, Lam pointed out that the system has been prone to abuse and illegal activity, which he believes warrants a thorough review. He also recalled that when the program launched, the government had discussed implementing a family doctor system  an idea that has yet to materialize.

In summary, the lawmakers are urging the government to overhaul what they consider an inefficient measure and replace it with a policy that truly benefits residents.

Other lawmakers have also questioned the fragmented, low-value government subsidies in their pre-policy addresses. Jose Pereira Coutinho proposed merging health vouchers, continuing education subsidies, and annual cash handouts into a single, larger cash distribution, giving residents the flexibility to spend according to their individual needs.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys Liberal Party has won the federal election, capping a stunning turnaround in fortunes fueled by U.S. President Donald Trumps annexation threats and trade war.

Carneys rival, populist Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, was voted out of his seat in Parliament, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation projected yesterday.

The loss of his seat representing his Ottawa district in Mondays election capped a swift decline in fortunes for the firebrand Poilievre, who a few months ago appeared to be a shoo-in to become Canadas next prime minister and shepherd the Conservatives back into power for the first time in a decade.

But then Trump launched a trade war with Canada and suggested the country should become the 51st state, outraging voters and upending the election.

Poilievre, a career politician, campaigned with Trump-like bravado, taking a page from the America First president by adopting the slogan Canada First. But his similarities to Trump may have ultimately cost him and his party.

The Liberals were projected to win more of Parliaments 343 seats than the Conservatives. It wasnt immediately clear if they would win an outright majority  at least 172  or would need to rely on a smaller party to pass legislation and remain in power.

Elections Canada said it has decided to pause counting of special ballots  cast by voters who are away from their districts during the election  until later Tuesday morning. The Liberals were leading or elected in 168 seats when the counting was paused, four short of a majority. Elections Canada estimated that the uncounted votes could affect the result in about a dozen districts.

The decision means Canadians wont know until later in the day whether Carneys Liberals have won a minority or majority mandate.

In a victory speech, Carney stressed the importance of unity in the face of Washingtons threats. He also said the mutually beneficial system Canada and the U.S. had shared since World War II had ended.

We are over the shock of the American betrayal, but we should never forget the lessons, he said.

As Ive been warning for months, America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country, Carney added. These are not idle threats. President Trump is trying to break us so America can own us. That will never  ever happen. But we also must recognize the reality that our world has fundamentally changed.

A defeat for the Conservatives

Poilievre hoped to make the election a referendum on former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose popularity declined toward the end of his decade in power as food and housing prices rose.

But Trump attacked, Trudeau resigned and Carney, a two-time central banker, became the Liberal Partys leader and prime minister.

In a concession speech before the race call on his own seat, Poilievre vowed to keep fighting for Canadians.

We are cognizant of the fact that we didnt get over the finish line yet, Poilievre told supporters. We know that change is needed, but change is hard to come by. It takes time. It takes work. And thats why we have to learn the lessons of tonight  so that we can have an even better result the next time Canadians decide the future of the country.

Poilievre can still lead the Conservative Party.

Even with Canadians grappling with the fallout from a deadly weekend attack at a Vancouver street festival, Trump was trolling them on election day, suggesting again on social media that Canada should become the 51st state and saying he was on their ballot. He also erroneously claimed that the U.S. subsidizes Canada, writing, It makes no sense unless Canada is a State!

Trumps truculence has infuriated Canadians, leading many to cancel U.S. vacations, refuse to buy American goods and possibly even vote early. A record 7.3 million Canadians cast ballots before election day.

Reid Warren, a Toronto resident, said he voted Liberal because Poilievre sounds like mini-Trump to me. He said Trumps tariffs are a worry.

Canadians coming together from, you know, all the shade being thrown from the States is great, but its definitely created some turmoil, thats for sure, he said.

Historian Robert Bothwell said Poilievre appealed to the same sense of grievance as Trump, but that it ultimately worked against him.

The Liberals ought to pay him, Bothwell said, referring to the U.S. president. Trump talking is not good for the Conservatives.

The Liberal way forward

Carney and the Liberals secured a new term, but they have daunting challenges ahead.

If they dont win a majority in Parliament, the Liberals might need rely on one of the smaller parties. The Bloc Quebecois, which looked set to finish third, is a separatist party from French-speaking Quebec that seeks independence. Trudeaus Liberals relied on the New Democrats to remain in power for four years, but the progressive party fared poorly on Monday and its leader, Jagmeet Singh, said he was stepping down after eight years in charge.

This is a dramatic comeback, but if the Liberals cannot win a majority of seats, political uncertainty in a new minority Parliament could complicate things for them, said McGill University political science professor Daniel Beland. ROB GILLIES, TORONTO, MDT/AP
The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, O Lam, has affirmed that by the end of 2027, Macao Union Hospital is expected to absorb 25% of the patient load currently handled by Conde S. Januario Hospital.

The hospital in Cotai is expected to employ 1,200 staff by 2027, including 200 doctors and 150 specialists.

According to O Lam, local recruitment is a priority, but the hospital will look elsewhere if needed. It also plans to collaborate with the Health Bureau (SSM) to train 30 specialists.

The Secretary reaffirmed the governments commitment to developing Macaus big health industry by leveraging the resources and branding of Macao Union Hospital.

She said the hospital will not only ease pressure on public services but also help position Macau as a hub for medical tourism.

The institution plans to work with the private sector to further promote high-end medical offerings and leverage its connection with Beijings Peking Union Medical College Hospital for remote consultations and drug access.

O Lam emphasized the hospitals distinct hiring model, saying each medical institution in Macau has its own system, similar to universities, and that recruitment should remain flexible.

According to hospital director Wu Wenming, the hospital has launched 16 aesthetic medical services using leading equipment in Asia, and its international health check-up center is also ready to begin services.

Wu added that the hospital is developing in two directions: health + tourism and health + medical services, including rehabilitation, traditional Chinese medicine, and vaccination services.

The doctor said mainland clients have already traveled to Macau specifically for vaccinations.
The Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) confirmed that no Macau students have requested help following widespread power outages in Portugal and Spain. The bureau is in contact with students, advising them to stay in safe areas, monitor school updates, and stay in touch with family. DSEDJ said it will continue to monitor the situation.

Related
Over 30 Sands Cares Ambassadors and their families visited the Former Chong Sai Pharmacy on Rua das Estalagens earlier this week, marking the centenary of Dr. Sun Yat Sens passing.

Established in 1893, the pharmacy was Macaus first private clinic offering Western medicine by a Chinese doctor, leaving a significant mark on the citys history.

The visit provided participants with an insightful tour of the site, exploring Sun Yat-sens lasting influence on Macau and the citys transformation over time.

The group also visited local businesses, including those part of Sands Chinas Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme, which supports the areas revitalization by fostering local SMEs.

Wilfred Wong, executive vice vhairman of Sands China, emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering community growth.

Sands Chinas ongoing efforts to revitalize Rua das Estalagens also include the release of a new bilingual publication, In Search of Its Roots, highlighting the streets rich history.
SJM Holdings Limited posted a profit of HKD31 million in the first quarter of 2025, marking a sharp rebound from a loss of HKD74 million in the same period last year.

The companys net gaming revenue rose to HKD6.95 billion, up from HKD6.46 billion in Q1 2024, while adjusted EBITDA climbed to HKD958 million.

The Grand Lisboa Palace Resort and Grand Lisboa contributed significantly to this growth, with both properties recording improvements in gross revenues and adjusted property EBITDA.

Despite facing challenges from subdued consumer spending, the company maintained a stable performance.

While the market experienced softer consumer spending in the first quarter, SJM Holdings performance remained steady on a sequential basis, said chairperson and executive director Daisy Ho in a statement.

Ho highlighted that the companys 2024 property enhancements are beginning to yield results.

The property enhancements undertaken throughout 2024 are now coming to fruition, with a pipeline of new offerings set to launch in phases  serving as growth levers for the mass market,Ho said.

Although the near-term macroeconomic outlook presents some headwinds, we remain focused on execution and confident in the long-term fundamentals of Macaus tourism economy, she added.

SJM ended the quarter with HKD3.23 billion in cash and bank balances, against HKD26.74 billion in debt. LV
* Macaus leap into space

 The Macau Science 2 satellite is set to launch by the end of 2027, representing the first collaborative experimental satellite developed by the mainland and Macau

* May Golden Week | Hotel rep expects surge in mainland visitor arrivals this weekend

* Gaming | SJM Holdings returns to profit in the first quarter

* Macao Union Hospital to absorb 25% of the patient load currently handled by Conde S. Januario Hospital by 2027

* Policy Address: Lawmakers call for structural changes to health vouchers

* Chinese singles are looking for love in livestream video chats

DOWNLOAD PDF

Wednesday, April 30, 2025  edition no. 4709
Vatican City, Holy SeeA seasoned diplomat who worked with Pope Francis for 12 years, Cardinal Pietro Parolin is well-known in Rome and abroad, and a serious contender to be the next pontiff.

The 70-year-old Italian was secretary of statethe Vaticans effective number twofor almost the entire Francis pontificate, and its most visible exponent on the world stage.

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With his air of calm and subtle sense of humor, Parolin is the consummate diplomat, a polyglot with experience in Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

He played a key role in mediating a thaw between the United States and Cuba, as well as making a key Vatican agreement with China on naming bishops.

Parolin is the favorite to replace Francis, who died on April 21, when the conclave of cardinals starts meeting on May 7.

He is well known to world leaders and diplomats. Crucially, he also has a fine grasp of the intricacies of the Roman Curia, the Holy Sees central government, and was part of a group of cardinal advisors to Francis.

His role, and his moderate positions on many social issues, would suggest continuity with Francis if he were to become pope. At the same time, sources say he can reconcile the Churchs different factions.

Hes the best-known cardinal of them all. But the question is whether his profile will help create a consensus around him. It could also work against him, an ecclesiastical source in Rome told Agence France Presse (AFP), speaking anonymously.

The source noted that Parolin has never had pastoral responsibilities and has taken few positions on societal issues.

He has remained in a very institutional role. It is difficult to know what he thinks, which could be a weak point.

From Vietnam to China

Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, Parolin is approachable but cautious in public, avoiding any statements that could be misinterpretedunlike the often-outspoken Francis.

He frequently found himself seeking to smooth feathers after an outburst by the late pontiff, notably on the Ukraine war, when Francis alternatively offended Ukraine and Russia.

The Argentine pope appointed Parolin shortly after being elected in March 2013, and made him a cardinal in 2014.

Parolin was involved in the Vatican mediation that led to the 2014 resumption of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba.

He was also integral to the signing of a 2018 agreement between the Holy See and China on naming bishops, which has since been renewed.

The accord gave both sides a say on appointments and has been a crucial step in improving relations between the two.

However, the deal has been criticized by some conservatives, particularly Americans, who accused Parolin of sacrificing Chinese Catholics forced into an underground Church.

Parolin advocates for a similar accord with Vietnam.

A life of faith

Parolin was born on January 17, 1955, into a deeply Catholic family near Venice in northern Italy. His father managed a hardware store and his mother was a teacher.

His childhood was marked by the tragic loss of his father in a car accident when he was 10, and his vocation came soon afterwards.

Parolin entered the seminary at 14, was ordained a priest at 25 and then went to Rome to study canon law. He also trained as a diplomat, joined the Holy Sees diplomatic service in 1986 and has spent the last four decades criss-crossing the globe.

His missions took him to Nigeria until 1989, then to Mexico (1989-1992), war-ravaged Rwanda and then to Venezuela from 2009 to 2013.

Despite his reticence to comment on many societal issues, Parolin has declared that priestly celibacy is not a dogma, and in 2023 described as indefensible the attempt to link sexual abuse in the Church with homosexuality.

He also described celibacy as a gift from God to the Church, and denounced abortion and surrogacy as serious violations of human dignity. Parolin has criticized the idea that gender can differ from sex.
The United States has expressed interest in potentially investing in the $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, according to recent statements by Nigerian Finance Minister Wale Edun.

The development emerged from high-level bilateral discussions during the Spring 2025 meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group in Washington DC, as reported by Nigerian media outlet The Cable.

Edun confirmed he participated in discussions with US State Department representatives alongside Opayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the director of international economic relations. The meetings underscored Americas desire to maintain active dialogue with Nigeria on strategic issues of mutual interest.

The principal areas of interest include investment in the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, given the countrys vast gas reserves, the report stated.

The ambitious transcontinental pipeline aims to connect Nigeria to Morocco, across several West African countries to secure regional energy supplies. For both Nigeria and Morocco, American interest represents a promising development that could significantly advance the project.

US participation would not only help alleviate the financial burden of this massive infrastructure initiative but also enhance its credibility and attractiveness to other international investors. In a context where geopolitical and energy issues increasingly overlap, American involvement could prove crucial for realizing this landmark African project.

If realized, the pipeline would allow Nigeria to monetize its substantial gas reserves while providing Morocco and intervening West African nations with a secure energy supply source. It would also represent one of Africas largest cross-border infrastructure projects, potentially transforming the continents energy landscape.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has begun withdrawing its peacekeeping forces on April 29 from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following the end of the regional blocs mandate in March 2025.

Troops, primarily from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, are currently being evacuated overland through Rwandas Rusumo border post en route to a designated departure site in Tanzania, from where they will be airlifted to their home countries.

The process is part of a wider diplomatic agreement facilitated in March between SADC and the M23 rebel group, which has been a central force in the ongoing conflict in North Kivu.

The withdrawal comes amid a volatile security environment. Recent fighting around Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu now under the control of M23 rebels, forced the closure of Goma International Airport and complicated evacuation logistics. Nevertheless, footage circulating on social media and Rwandan state-aligned outlets has confirmed the movement of convoys transporting soldiers and military equipment across the Congo-Rwanda border at Rubavu. Rwandan forces have reportedly provided security escorts for the transit, following Kigalis authorisation for the use of its territory to support the SADC missions exit.

Originally deployed in May 2023, the SADC forceknown as SAMIDRCwas tasked with assisting Congolese forces in countering rebel insurgencies in the east. However, the mission suffered heavy losses, including the deaths of 14 South African soldiers during clashes in January. While recent Doha-brokered talks between the DRC government and the M23-led Alliance Fleuve Congo have produced cautious optimism, the humanitarian toll remains staggering: more than one million people have been displaced since the start of 2025. As the troops withdraw, questions remain over the future stability of the region and the DRCs ability to manage the crisis unaided.
At least 26 civilians, including women and children, were killed in northeastern Nigeria after improvised explosive devices (IEDs) detonated on a busy road near the town of Gamboru in Borno State, authorities confirmed on Tuesday 29 April.

The attacks, which targeted multiple commercial vehicles travelling from the town of Rann, were reportedly carried out by militants from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), an offshoot of Boko Haram.

Police and vigilante sources say the explosives were planted in craters along the roadcommonly used by security patrolsraising concerns that civilians were unintended victims of a strike meant for military personnel.

The victims, many of whom were local farmers and traders, were packed into a Toyota pickup truck when the vehicle drove over a buried landmine. According to Nahum Daso, spokesperson for the Nigerian police, three other individuals were injured in the blasts and are currently receiving treatment at nearby medical centres. The Islamic State-linked group later claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted to Telegram. The assault is one of several recent incidents underscoring the persistent instability in Nigerias northeast, where militant violence continues to displace communities and hinder development.

This latest tragedy is part of a broader insurgency that has plagued Nigeria for over 15 years, leaving more than 35,000 people dead and forcing over 2 million to flee their homes. The Nigerian military has since launched clearance operations in the area and, in response to the intensifying threat, appointed a new commanderMajor General Abdulsalam Abubakarto lead efforts against ISWAP and Boko Haram. Despite several military offensives, the region remains volatile, with militant groups exploiting poor infrastructure and limited state presence to conduct deadly ambushes and bombings with devastating regularity.
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During the three years after the EU referendum poll, Brexit's impact on the NHS caused 1,485 additional deaths per year as a result of EU nurses leaving the U.K. following the referendum, according to a new study from the University of Surrey.

The study, published as a recent IZA Discussion Paper, looked at the effects of the 2016 Brexit referendum, analyzing administrative patient-level data from 131 English NHS hospitals. The researchers evaluated varying pre-referendum shares of EU nursesthe percentage of nurses from the European Union (EU) employed in NHS hospital organizations prior to the Brexit referendum.

This allowed the team to estimate the causal effects of Brexit on hospital quality of care, specifically examining the effects on in-hospital mortality rates and unplanned emergency readmissions. Specifically, the study estimates that, over the three years after the 2016 referendum, the NHS faced a staggering 34 extra deaths per hospital with average exposure to the Brexit shock.

In the study, the pre-referendum share of EU nurses in English NHS hospitals ranged from 0.5% to 22%, with an average of about 5.84%. Hospitals that had a higher proportion of EU nurses before the referendum were more exposed to the negative labor supply shock caused by the vote to leave the EU.

Effectively, the authors of the research find a staggering drop in the inflows of EU nurses straight after the referendum and a simultaneous sharp increase in the share of non-EU Overseas nurses hired by NHS hospitals. They also found that the pool of new NHS hospital nurse hires had lower experience or skills, as they were paid lower salaries.

This workforce compositional change was the most likely mechanism for the increase in mortality and unplanned readmission rates, as the authors are able to rule out several other mechanisms, for example, changes in the patient's demographics, changes in other parts of the hospital workforce (consultants) and changes in hospital productivity (bed occupancy rates).

Professor Giuseppe Moscelli, professor of economics and lead investigator of the study at the University of Surrey, said, "Brexit has had real life-or-death consequences for patients in our hospitals. The evidence we've gathered shows that the loss of more experienced or skilled nurses has led to a measurable decline in care quality.

"Our research provides two important take-home messages for taxpayers and policymakers. On the one hand, it underscores the critical role that skilled migrant nurses play within the health care system, particularly in emergency care, where the stakes are highest.

"On the other hand, it highlights the considerable reliance of the NHS on foreign nurses and the need to balance this dependence with policies that stimulate the formation and training of a higher number of domestically trained health care professionals, to prevent similar quality of hospital service deteriorations in the future."

More information: IZA DP No. 17797: Immigration, Workforce Composition, and Organizational Performance: The Effect of Brexit on NHS Hospital Quality. www.iza.org/publications/dp/17  nhs-hospital-quality
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Eight hundred cases of measles were reported in the United States as of April 17, 2025, representing the second highest annual case count in 25 years, according to research published in the April 24 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Adria D. Mathis, M.S.P.H., from the CDC in Atlanta, and colleagues describe the multistate measles outbreak, mainly affecting members of close-knit communities with low measles vaccination coverage in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, which began in January 2025.

The researchers found that 800 cases had been reported in the United States as of April 17, 2025; 82% of cases in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas have been associated with the ongoing outbreak. These cases represent an increase of about 180% over the 285 measles cases reported in the United States during 2024 and the second highest annual case count in 25 years in the United States.

Overall, 96% of patients were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. Eighty-five patients (11%) have been hospitalized and three have died. Forty-four of 48 internationally imported cases occurred among U.S. residents.

"Recent increasing global measles incidence in areas frequently visited by U.S. travelers, coupled with declines in measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination coverage in many U.S. jurisdictions to <95% (the estimated population-level immunity necessary to prevent measles outbreaks), and spread of measles from ongoing domestic outbreaks to other jurisdictions, have increased the risk for ongoing measles transmission within the United States," the authors write.

More information: Adria D. Mathis et al, Measles Update  United States, January 1April 17, 2025, MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (2025). DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7414a1 Journal information: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Copyright  2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Hypertension is a major public health concern, affecting millions worldwide and increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. It is typically characterized by persistent high blood pressure, which can result from multiple mechanisms, including increased activity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Although pharmaceutical treatments are available, they often come with side effects, making the search for natural, side-effect-free alternatives increasingly important. Egg whites, known for their high-quality protein content, also contain various bioactive peptides with proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive properties. Recent studies have shown that egg white proteins, even after depleting ovotransferrin, can still provide effective antihypertensive peptides.

A study published in Food Materials Research on 30 December 2024 by Jianping Wu's team, University of Alberta, highlights the potential of egg white proteins as a valuable functional food ingredient for addressing high blood pressure.

In this study, the antihypertensive effects of ovotransferrin-depleted egg white hydrolysate (OD-EWH) were evaluated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), with egg white hydrolysate (EWH) serving as the reference. The rats were administered 1 g/kg body weight per day of either hydrolysate for 9 days.

The results showed that both OD-EWH and EWH significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP), with OD-EWH lowering SBP to 160.47 mmHg and EWH reducing it to 159.42 mmHg, compared to the untreated group (178.07 mmHg). Both treatments also reduced mean arterial pressure (MAP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), without affecting heart rate.

Further analysis revealed that both hydrolysates upregulated the expression of ACE2, an important enzyme in regulating vascular health, in the aorta. While EWH also decreased ACE and AT1R levels, OD-EWH had no significant effect on these proteins but increased the AT2R level.

In the kidneys, both OD-EWH and EWH reduced renal ACE levels, but did not affect ACE2, MasR, or AT1R/AT2R expression. Additionally, OD-EWH significantly enhanced the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the aorta, suggesting a mechanism for blood pressure reduction through improved nitric oxide production.

Both hydrolysates also attenuated vascular oxidative stress, as indicated by reduced nitrotyrosine staining. However, only EWH reduced vascular inflammation markers like VCAM-1, while OD-EWH did not affect markers of inflammation.

These findings suggest that OD-EWH may reduce blood pressure through the modulation of the renin-angiotensin system, eNOS activation, and antioxidant effects, making it a promising functional food ingredient for hypertension management.

The study underscores the potential of egg white hydrolysates, especially those depleted of ovotransferrin, as effective natural antihypertensive agents. By modulating the RAS, enhancing eNOS expression, and reducing oxidative stress, OD-EWH offers a promising approach for managing high blood pressure.

This research highlights the importance of natural, cost-effective food-based solutions in combating hypertension and opens the door for further innovations in functional food development aimed at improving cardiovascular health.

More information: Ovotransferrin-depleted egg white hydrolysate reduces blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Food Materials Research (2024). DOI: 10.48130/fmr-0024-0026
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Design of a glycan glue for the damaged ECM of the NP tissue under IDD. Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58946-5

As the world's population ages, intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD) has become a major medical issue, causing chronic lower back pain and mobility issues that diminish the quality of life for millions. The study from the University of Macau offers new hope with a novel "sugar glue" designed to repair damaged spinal disks.

The research was led by Professor Chunming Wang, in collaboration with Professor Dong Lei of Nanjing University and supported by Professor Geng Dechun's team at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University.

The research introduces a glucomannan-based solution that restores disk health by targeting a key protein. The paper, titled "An enzyme-proof glycan glue for extracellular matrix to ameliorate intervertebral disk degeneration," is published in Nature Communications,

The research team screened the Human Musculoskeletal System gene expression database (MSdb) from Zhejiang University and clinical samples, and they discovered significant variations in Milk Fat Globule-Epidermal Growth Factor 8 (MFG-E8) expression levels during IDD.

Therefore, the team considered MFG-E8 as a protein critical for maintaining disk integrity. MFG-E8 is a secreted glycoprotein with an N-terminal Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)-like domain binding to integrin receptors with an RGD motif and a C-terminal F5/8-type domain interacting with phospholipids and glycans.

This distinctive structure enables MFG-E8 to function as a molecular bridge, mediating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, promoting cell adhesion, remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM), and balancing the overall tissue microenvironment.

This finding indicates that the loss of MFG-E8 disrupts the disk's microenvironment, accelerating degeneration.

In this context, the team synthesized a glucomannan ester, GMOC, with a structure mimicking natural GAGS and exceptional resistance to enzymatic degradation. GMOC actively enhances endogenous MFG-E8 in the degenerative microenvironment, regulating nucleus pulposus cell function and slowing the progression of IDD.

In healthy nucleus pulposus tissue, abundant glycosaminoglycans (GAGS), such as hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, maintain tissue integrity.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is often known as a filler to improve the degenerative microenvironment, but it is rapidly degraded by increased hyaluronidase-2 (HYAL-2) in IDD. Unlike hyaluronic acid, GMOC resists enzymatic degradation, remaining stable at the implantation site.

Experiments confirmed GMOC's highest affinity for MFG-E8 compared to other glucomannan derivatives. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) further demonstrated that GMOC mimics natural GAGs-MFG-E8 interactions, forming complexes with similar morphology.

The team validated these findings in rat and rabbit models simulating different clinical scenarios. In a rat IDD model, GMOC injections alleviated early-stage degeneration by enhancing tissue hydration, maintaining disk height, and preserving tissue integrity over four weeks, while also improving mechanical stability and alleviating pain.

Meanwhile, to address post-surgical repair challenges and prevent recurrence, a rabbit model of partial disk resection, where GMOC filling effectively maintained tissue integrity over six weeks.

Despite these achievements, the team noted a limitation: the challenge of using MFG-E8 knockout rat models to further clarify its regulatory mechanisms, as the rat Mfge8 gene coding region overlaps with the Hapln3 gene coding region, affecting hyaluronic acid synthesis and complicating mechanistic studies.

The team hopes to collaborate with global researchers to develop such models and further explore MFG-E8's role in tissue repair.

More information: Yu Liu et al, An enzyme-proof glycan glue for extracellular matrix to ameliorate intervertebral disc degeneration, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58946-5 Journal information: Nature Communications

Provided by Nanjing University School of Life Sciences
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About 44% of U.S. adults say they expect to lose trust in government health recommendations over the next four years because of federal leadership changes, according to a poll published April 29 by Harvard University and the de Beaumont Foundation.

In the poll, conducted March 1031, researchers asked 3,343 adults online and on the phone about their reaction to having "new leaders in charge of federal public health agencies," though the changes weren't described and officials placed into high positions weren't named.

The poll found that 28% of Americans say they'll gain trust in public health recommendations because of the new leadership.

Three months in, the Trump administration has been marked by major clawbacks at health care agencies, the most widespread measles outbreak in six years, and concerns over Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s pledges to change how the country addresses chronic disease.

The results also arrive as Harvard is suing the Trump administration over the freezing of $2.2 billion in response to how the institution has handled pro-Palestine protesters and diversity programming.

According to the poll, attitudes were generally divided along party lines, with about 76% of Democrats saying they'll lose trust and 57% of Republicans saying they'll gain it.

Among the respondents who believe that the CDC will function worse, primary concerns were that politics will influence decision-making, the administration will scale back too much, or that public health threats like infectious diseases will be downplayed. Respondents also worried about the agency being influenced by big corporations, recommendations will be based on unproven science, and the dismissal of health equity issues.

Among people who said they believe the CDC will function better over the next four years, about a third said they believed that leadership will make decisions to reduce financial waste, make recommendations that have been ignored by previous leaders, and focus more on the primary health problems facing Americans, like chronic disease.

The poll also revealed many areas of bipartisan agreement.

Democrats and Republicans alike reported that they'd like the CDC to prioritize preventing chronic disease, protecting against new viruses with pandemic potential, and reducing maternal and infant mortality. Other bipartisan priorities included ensuring the safety of tap water, addressing mental illness and addiction, promoting better nutrition and protecting people from common risks like food-borne illness or heatstroke.

The poll's authors said that the findings should be used by leaders to find ways to bolster trust.

"New fault lines are emerging in trust for public health agencies," Gillian SteelFisher, the survey lead at Harvard, said in a statement. "More people are very concerned than very hopeful about what agencies will be able to do in the next few years and more anticipate losing a lot of trust rather than gaining it."

"Americans are more united than divided about the health issues they want the administration to prioritize," Brian C. Castrucci, president and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation, said in a statement. "These findings are a call to action to fund what works, fix what doesn't, and find ways to work together to address these shared concerns."

2025 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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For several years, Fred Neary had been seeing five doctors at the Baylor Scott & White Health system, whose 52 hospitals serve central and northern Texas, including Neary's home in Dallas. But in October, his Humana Medicare Advantage planan alternative to government-run Medicarewarned that Baylor and the insurer were fighting over a new contract. If they couldn't reach an agreement, he'd have to find new doctors or new health insurance.

"All my medical information is with Baylor Scott & White," said Neary, 87, who retired from a career in financial services. His doctors are a five-minute drive from his house. "After so many years, starting over with that many new doctor relationships didn't feel like an option."

After several anxious weeks, Neary learned Humana and Baylor were parting ways as of this year, and he was forced to choose between the two. Because the breakup happened during the annual fall enrollment period for Medicare Advantage, he was able to pick a new Advantage plan with coverage starting Jan. 1, a day after his Humana plan ended.

Other Advantage members who lose providers are not as lucky. Although disputes between health systems and insurers happen all the time, members are usually locked into their plans for the year and restricted to a network of providers, even if that network shrinks. Unless members qualify for what's called a special enrollment period, switching plans or returning to traditional Medicare is allowed only at year's end, with new coverage starting in January.

But in the past 15 months, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which oversees the Medicare Advantage program, has quietly offered roughly three-month special enrollment periods, allowing thousands of Advantage members in at least 13 states to change plans.

They were also allowed to leave Advantage plans entirely and choose traditional Medicare coverage without penalty, regardless of when they lost their providers. But even when CMS lets Advantage members leave a plan that lost a key provider, insurers can still enroll new members without telling them the network has shrunk.

At least 41 hospital systems have dropped out of 62 Advantage plans serving all or parts of 25 states since July, according to Becker's Hospital Review. Over the past two years, separations between Advantage plans and health systems have tripled, said FTI Consulting, which tracks reports of the disputes.

CMS spokesperson Catherine Howden said it is "a routine occurrence" for the agency to determine that provider network changes trigger a special enrollment period for their members. "It has happened many times in the past, though we have seen an uptick in recent years."

Still, CMS would not identify plans whose members were allowed to disenroll after losing health providers. The agency also would not say whether the plans violated federal provider network rules intended to ensure that Medicare Advantage members have sufficient providers within certain distances and travel times.

The secrecy around when and how Advantage members can escape plans after their doctors and hospitals drop out worries Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the senior Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees CMS.

"Seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans deserve to know they can change their plan when their local doctor or hospital exits the plan due to profit-driven business practices," Wyden said.

The increase in insurer-provider breakups isn't surprising, given the growing popularity of Medicare Advantage. The plans attracted about 54% of the 61.2 million people who had both Medicare Parts A and B and were eligible to sign up for Medicare Advantage in 2024, according to KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News.

The plans can offer supplemental benefits unavailable from traditional Medicare because the federal government pays insurers about 20% more per member than traditional Medicare per-member costs, according to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, which advises Congress. The extra spending, which some lawmakers call wasteful, will total about $84 billion in 2025, MedPAC estimates.

While traditional Medicare does not offer the additional benefits Advantage plans advertise, it does not limit beneficiaries' choice of providers. They can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, as nearly all do.

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the U.S., serving parts of seven states from South Dakota to Michigan, decided to leave a Humana Medicare Advantage plan last year that covered 15,000 of its patients.

"It's not so much about the finances or administrative burden, although those are real concerns," said Nick Olson, Sanford Health's chief financial officer. "The most important thing for us is the fact that coverage denials and prior authorization delays impact the care a patient receives, and that's unacceptable."

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, representing insurance regulators from every state, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, has appealed to CMS to help Advantage members.

"State regulators in several states are seeing hospitals and crucial provider groups making decisions to no longer contract with any MA plans, which can leave enrollees without ready access to care," the group wrote in September. "Lack of CMS guidance could result in unnecessary financial or medical injury to America's seniors."

The commissioners appealed again in March to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. "Significant network changes trigger important rights for beneficiaries, and they should receive clear notice of their rights and have access to counseling to help them make appropriate choices," they wrote.

The insurance commissioners asked CMS to consider offering a special enrollment period for all Advantage members who lose the same major provider, instead of placing the burden on individuals to find help on their own. No matter what time of year, members would be able to change plans or enroll in government-run Medicare.

Advantage members granted this special enrollment period who choose traditional Medicare get a bonus: If they want to purchase a Medigap policysupplemental insurance that helps cover Medicare's considerable out-of-pocket costsinsurers can't turn them away or charge them more because of preexisting health conditions.

Those potential extra costs have long been a deterrent for people who want to leave Medicare Advantage for traditional Medicare.

"People are being trapped in Medicare Advantage because they can't get a Medigap plan," said Bonnie Burns, a training and policy specialist at California Health Advocates, a nonprofit watchdog that helps seniors navigate Medicare.

Guaranteed access to Medigap coverage is especially important when providers drop out of all Advantage plans. Only four states Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and New Yorkoffer that guarantee to anyone who wants to reenroll in Medicare.

But some hospital systems, including Great Plains Health in North Platte, Nebraska, are so frustrated by Advantage plans that they won't participate in any of them.

It had the same problems with delays and denials of coverage as other providers, but one incident stands out for CEO Ivan Mitchell: A patient too sick to go home had to stay in the hospital an extra six weeks because her plan wouldn't cover care in a rehabilitation facility.

With traditional Medicare the only option this year for Great Plains Health patients, Nebraska insurance commissioner Eric Dunning asked for a special enrollment period with guaranteed Medigap access for some 1,200 beneficiaries. After six months, CMS agreed.

Once Delaware's insurance commissioner contacted CMS about the Bayhealth medical system dropping out of a Cigna Advantage plan, members received a special enrollment period starting in January.

Maine's congressional delegation pushed for an enrollment period for nearly 4,000 patients of Northern Light Health after the 10-hospital system dropped out of a Humana Advantage plan last year.

"Our constituents have told us that they are anticipating serious challenges, ranging from worries about substantial changes to cost-sharing rates to concerns about maintaining care with current providers," the delegation told CMS.

CMS granted the request to ensure "that MA enrollees have access to medically necessary care," then-CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure wrote to Sen. Angus King, I-Maine.

Minnesota insurance officials appealed to CMS on behalf of some 75,000 members of Aetna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare Advantage plans after six health systems announced last year they would leave the plans in 2025.

So many provider changes caused "tremendous problems," said Kelli Jo Greiner, director of the Minnesota State Health Insurance Assistance Program, known as SHIP, at the Minnesota Board on Aging. SHIP counselors across the country provide Medicare beneficiaries with free help choosing and using Medicare drug and Advantage plans.

Providers serving about 15,000 of Minnesota's Advantage members ultimately agreed to stay in the insurers' networks. CMS decided 14,000 Humana members qualified for a network-change special enrollment period.

The remaining 46,000 peopleAetna and UnitedHealthcare Advantage memberswho lost access to four health systems were not eligible for the special enrollment period. CMS decided their plans still had enough other providers to care for them.

2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Kathleen Cullen. Credit: Will Kirk / Johns Hopkins University

As I watch my aging parents navigate their home, I can't help but notice their increasing hesitancy on stairs or how careful they are reaching for objects on high shelves. Like millions of Americans, they fear fallingand with good reason. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among seniors in the U.S., a reality that motivates my work every day.

I study the "silent sense" that most people never think about until it fails: the vestibular system in your inner ear. This remarkable system works constantly, detecting your head position and movement to keep you balanced and oriented to gravity. When combined with proprioceptionyour body's internal positioning systemit allows you to walk, turn, and navigate your world safely.

When this system fails, the consequences are devastating. People with vestibular impairment face a tenfold higher risk of dangerous falls. For those with complete vestibular loss, everyday life becomes extraordinarily difficultwalking, driving, and even standing up can become severely compromised.

These invisible disorders affect more than 69 million Americans, causing thousands of fatal falls annually and costing our health care system $50 billion. Behind these statistics are real people whose world has suddenly become unstable and frighteningwhere every step requires conscious effort and constant vigilance.

As a scientist funded by the National Institutes of Health, I see my research as part of a social contract with the American public. The American people's support, through federal funding, makes my research and my discoveries possiblediscoveries that ultimately circle back to benefit all of us.

My lab recently made a breakthrough discovery about how individual neurons in the cerebellumlocated at the back and bottom of the brainprocess sensory information when people are moving to maintain balance.

With aging comes a critical challenge: Our vestibular and proprioceptive systems gradually become less reliable, providing the brain with increasingly imprecise information about our movements and position. With degraded sensory input, the cerebellum struggles to detect and correct mismatches quickly enough, often resulting in falls.

Our research explains why people with these age-related impairments instinctively slow their combined movementsthey're compensating for declining sensory quality needed to calibrate their internal models.

The implications extend further beyond aging. This research provides insights for astronauts adapting to reduced gravity environments like the moon or Mars, where altered vestibular function affects balance. It also guides the development of neural prosthetics that might someday restore balance for people with vestibular disorders.

If our research were to pause today, we would lose vital momentum on work that impacts everyone as they age. Our studies of cerebellar adaptation are helping to explain the sharp rise in fall risk that accompanies advancing age. Our new diagnostic methods can help identify balance dysfunction before the first serious fall occurs.

For the 150,000 Americans with profound vestibular loss, our progress on neural prostheses represents their best hope for restored balance. We're translating these discoveries into targeted exercises that retrain the aging brain to better integrate sensory signalspotentially preventing many of those fatal falls and reducing the substantial medical costs that burden our health care system.

Whether it's for my parents, your grandparents, or ourselves someday, the ability to move safely and confidently through life is something everyone deserves.
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Global maps depicting epidemiologic stages of IBD evolution from 1950 to 2024. Credit: Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08940-0

The Consortium Global IBD Visualization of Epidemiology Studies in the 21st Century (GIVES-21) published data on the global prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Nature. Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have contributed to the study. While the number of people with incident IBD is relatively constant in Sweden, the prevalence is increasing and 1% of the Swedish population is now estimated to have IBD.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) mainly consists of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Throughout the 20th century, IBD was primarily considered a condition that existed only in the Western world but is now seen worldwide.

However, in the early 2000s, the number of people newly diagnosed with IBD ("incidence") began to level off in the Western world, although the prevalence continued to increasethe latter increase driven by the fact that individuals with IBD are largely diagnosed early in life and rarely die from the disease.

Swedish researchers from Karolinska Institutet have now participated in a very ambitious international initiative (GIVES-21) that has compiled data from more than 500 population-based studies on the prevalence of IBD from over 80 geographical regions and over 100 years of observations.

Using these data, four distinct phases in the development of IBD were identified, where stage 1 consists of single sporadic cases of IBD (e.g. Africa today); stage 2 is characterized by an increasing number of people with newly diagnosed IBD (i.e. the situation in many countries in Asia and Latin America), while stage 3 means that the number of new cases have slowed down, but the number of people living with IBD is still increasing. No country has yet reached stage 4 where the prevalence of IBD is expected to decrease.

Swedish conditions

"Even though the number of new cases has stabilized in Sweden, the prevalence of IBD continues to increase and at the turn of the year (202425) it was 1% in Sweden. Today, one in a hundred Swedes lives with IBD," says one of the authors, Jonas F Ludvigsson, pediatrician at Orebro University Hospital, and professor at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet.

"The study shows stabilizing incidence rates of IBD in Europe, including Sweden, confirming our own previous findings. We expect constant new IBD cases in Sweden, but increasing prevalence will demand attention from the Swedish health care system," says Anders Forss, co-author and ST physician in gastroenterology and postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet.

"Pinpointing where each region is on the trajectory for IBD incidence and prevalence gives health-care systems a clear roadmap for anticipating and managing the rapidly growing burden of IBD today and in the decades to follow," says the study's third Swedish co-author; Ola Olen, chief physician at Sachsska Children's and Adolescents Hospital in Stockholm and professor at the Department of Medicine Solna, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet.

More information: Gilaad Kaplan, Global evolution of inflammatory bowel disease across epidemiological stages, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08940-0. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08940-0 Journal information: Nature
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Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are the most common pediatric cancers and among the leading causes of death in children.

To improve kids' chances of survival, early diagnosis and prompt hospital treatment are required. ALL also requires numerous outpatient visits for consistent oral medication. The problem is that getting access to such care is much harder for families in some neighborhoods and small towns, according to new research by UC San Francisco.

The study, published in Cancer, establishes new neighborhood characteristics that contribute to higher death rates in children with ALL. Lead author Lena Winestone, MD, MSHP, and her team point to these characteristics as opportunities for clinicians and policymakers to save lives.

Children with ALL who live in mixed middle- and low-income neighborhoods, as well as those who live in Hispanic small towns, have a 30-40% higher risk of death compared to those in upper middle-income neighborhoods.

Compared to ALL, children with AML did not have a higher risk of death by neighborhood type. Why? Shorter AML hospital treatments and fewer outpatient visits likely reduce the challenges associated with following treatment plans for patients residing in underserved neighborhoods, according to researchers.

The study uses a new classification of neighborhoods based on 39 unique characteristics, such as having an unhealthy food environment and lacking easy access to pharmacies and public transportation.

Based on these characteristics, the team identified tailored interventions to decrease death ratessuch as boosting reliable access to care via pharmacies and transportation to appointments. These interventions are crucial for the prolonged outpatient care requiring consistent oral medication for kids with ALL.

By ensuring every child can receive medication and make it to appointments, it will be possible to provide early, prompt, and consistent lifesaving treatment for all children regardless of ZIP code.

More information: Lena E. Winestone et al, Impact of neighborhood archetypes on overall mortality among young patients with acute leukemia in California, Cancer (2025). DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35863 Journal information: Cancer
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Rural hospitals across the country are shuttering their labor and delivery units, leaving rural Americansincluding Texanswith less access to necessary medical care.

Across the country since 2020, 101 rural hospitals have stopped delivering babies or announced they soon will, according to a recent report from the Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform.

That includes three hospitals in Texas, bringing the state to a total of 93 rural hospitals that do not provide labor and delivery services. Across the state, well over half of rural hospitals do not deliver babies.

State organizations are sounding the alarm. The Rural Texas Maternal Health Assembly reported in November that 47% of Texas counties are "maternity care deserts." That's 14% higher than the national average, the assembly wrote.

Rural hospitals are a lifeline to their communities, which may be located many miles from the next nearest medical facility. In medical emergencies, minutes matterand long travel time leaves rural residents with lower odds of surviving.

"Travel burden is real, and the geography of Texas can be very challenging," said John Henderson, the president and CEO of the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals.

"That's okay for certain things.  It's not okay if you're having a heart attack or a stroke or delivering a baby."

For some rural Texans, labor and delivery department closures could be the difference between life and death.

'Canary in the coal mine'

It's not just about maternal healthacross the board, many rural hospitals are struggling financially.

Half of rural Texas hospitals are at risk of closure, according to the Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform. For some hospitals, the threat has already become a reality. Mid Coast Medical Center Trinity, north of Houston, announced in April that it was closing before the end of the month.

"It kind of feels like a death in the family," Henderson said of the closure.

For a struggling rural hospital, closing the labor and delivery unit may be an alternative to closing the entire hospital.

That's in part because labor and delivery units can be costly to operate. They must be staffed around the clock, since births can't always be scheduled or sequestered to regular business hours.

In rural hospitals, which often have low patient volume, the unit could go long stretches without seeing any births at all.

"You're basically paying people to sit in the hospital waiting for births that are very unlikely to happen on the majority of days," said Harold Miller, the CEO of the Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform.

Labor and delivery are also not a required serviceunlike other services such as emergency medical carewhich makes those units more likely to be chopped.

"In some ways, it's the canary in the coal mine on these things," Miller said. "If they're in trouble, where are they going to look first? That's where they're going to look first."

Exacerbating maternal health issues

As an immediate impact of labor and delivery closures, rural residents are forced to drive further to access care. That travel time means worse outcomes for women who are pregnant or in labor, according to the assembly's November report.

"The lack of local services harms the health of mothers and babies," the Assembly wrote.

The impact of travel time means that "rurality in and of itself is a factor in the maternal health crisis," the assembly wrote.

Long travel time also exacerbates an existing problem: Texas as a whole already falls short on maternal health outcomes.

The state's infant mortality rate is about on par with the national average, according to data from The Commonwealth Fund. The maternal death rate, however, is 34.7 per 100,000 live births, the data shows, compared to the national average of 26.3 per 100,000 births.

Overall, the organization ranked Texas as second to last in the country on women's health and reproductive care.

A 'long-term issue'

Advocates say there are potential solutions to rural hospitals' struggles.

Miller said the country as a whole should pay rural hospitals for their standby costs, so they can afford to keep the doors open no matter how many patients walk through.

In the meantime, he said, individual states and the federal government should take steps to protect rural hospitals. In his view, those efforts can't only be one-time grants or other short-term assistance.

"The problem is, this is a long-term issue," Miller said. "There has to be some stream of money that is adequate on an ongoing basis, year after year."

In Texas, Henderson pointed to a proposed bill from Rep. Gary VanDeaver, R-New Boston. House Bill 18 aims to stabilize rural hospitals' and clinics' finances through grant programs, training and a new state office focused on rural hospital finance.

"There are Texans who do not currently have access to hospitals and health care services that the majority of us take for granted," VanDeaver said at a public hearing for the bill in March. "We have the opportunity this session to change that."

House Bill 18 was passed by the Texas House on Thursday and is now in the Senate.

Rural hospitals might also benefit from Medicaid expansion, advocates have said, but the idea is a long shot in the Texas Legislature.

Outside of legislation, Henderson said he sees promise in telemedicine.

In order to survive, he said, rural hospitals and advocates need to look at unconventional solutions.

"It's not going to get easier. Rural hospitals aren't going to be less vulnerable in the near term," Henderson said. "We need to be working on innovative projects and finding ways for them to work together better."

2025 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Legislation designed to make it easier for parents to exempt school children from vaccine requirements is fueling tensions over declining vaccination rates amid the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas.

Currently, to exempt a child from school vaccine requirements, a parent must request the required form from the Texas Department of State Health Services. The department then mails the form to a parent, who must then fill it out and have it notarized before taking it to the school.

State Rep. Lacey Hull, R-Houston, wants the form available on the department's website, cutting days or weeks from the process as parents wait to receive the required paperwork.

During a debate that went late into the night of April 28, Hull said her House Bill 1586 was a "DOGE-like" proposal solely about government efficiency.

However, several testified before lawmakers that the proposal would undermine public health, expose children to diseases and further erode vaccination rates that have been declining in schools.

"By making it easier for parents to opt out of routine childhood vaccinations required for school entry, this bill threatens the protection of vulnerable children who cannot be vaccinated," said Catherine Troisi, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

The partisan divide was evident during the House Public Health committee's debate as a Democratic lawmaker questioned an advocate representing an organization dedicated to banning vaccine mandates.

Rep. Ann Johnson, D-Houston, said taking sides on the issue based solely on political party affiliation will hurt public health at large.

"If we make this purely Republican and Democrats, guess who suffers? All of us," said Rep. Ann Johnson, D-Houston.

Michelle Evans, executive director of Texans for Vaccine Choice, said receiving a vaccine exemption is "not only cumbersome but also irrational."

"There is nothing about this process that is intended to protect public health. It is simply a regulatory burden for those who decline one, some or all vaccines," Evans said.

Evans' organization estimated that labor and postage related to mailing the forms costs taxpayers $500,000. A state estimate noted the bill would save Texas about $178,000 annually. Opponents say those savings will be outweighed by the rising costs of treating the unvaccinated.

Hull, the Houston lawmaker who authored the bill, attempted to refocus the debate toward its seemingly straightforward intentto eliminate a step in providing a government form to parents.

"This bill is not about the pros and cons about vaccines," Hull said. "It has nothing to do with it. Y'all, this is about printing a form versus having it mailed to you. It is literally that simple. This is just about a form."

More than 660 measles cases have been reported in the state since an outbreak began in West Texas. Cases have been reported in Collin and Rockwall counties but appear isolated, so far.

Measles is one of the most infectious pathogens known. Health experts estimate that a community needs a 95% vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity. Opponents of legislation like Hull's proposal worry that they add steam to the anti-vaccine movement.

Dozens of bills related to vaccinations were filed this legislative session. They include proposals to outlaw mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, to create civil penalties for vaccine manufacturers and to require doctors to report adverse medical conditions caused by vaccines authorized for emergency use.

Hull's bill is one of the few to advance to a hearing in the House. It was left pending in committee.

2025 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Texas health officials reported 17 new measles cases on April 29, bringing the total confirmed cases since late January to 663.

The state's public health department estimates that fewer than 10 of the confirmed casesabout 1%are "actively infectious."

Since the outbreak's start, 87 people in Texas have been hospitalized, and two school-aged children have died, according to the Texas public health department. Both children were unvaccinated and had no underlying health conditions.

Ten counties remain under "ongoing measles transmission" status: Cochran, Dallam, Dawson, Gaines, Garza, Lynn, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry and Yoakum.

The state's update does not include a confirmed measles case in Collin County reported by health officials on April 23. That case, which involved a student who attends Willow Springs Middle School in Lucaspart of the Lovejoy Independent School Districtis this year's first instance of measles in a child in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

It was not immediately clear whether the child's measles case was connected to the ongoing outbreak that began in Gaines County in West Texas.

Earlier this month, an adult in Rockwall County who had recently traveled to West Texas tested positive for measles. It was not immediately clear if this person's illness is connected to the outbreak, according to a public health alert issued by the county's health authority.

The first confirmed measles case in Rockwall County, which was reported in late February, is not believed to be connected to the West Texas outbreak either.

Measles cases in Oklahoma and Mexico are linked to the West Texas outbreak. Tuesday's update does not include the rise of viral cases in these two states. New Mexico reported 66 cases as of April 25, and Oklahoma reported 12 cases as of Tuesday. Together with Texas, the measles outbreak has grown to 741 cases.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads mostly among unvaccinated people. The two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is 97% effective at preventing illness.

In the decade before the vaccine became available in the U.S., millions of people were infected with measles each year, an estimated 48,000 people were hospitalized each year and an estimated 400 to 500 people died each year, according to the CDC.

Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, due to high vaccination rates. There have still been outbreaks since then in communities with low vaccination rates.

Experts have said that the ongoing outbreak that began in West Texas may threaten the country's elimination status.

The vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone, beginning at about 12 months of age. People who are immunocompromised or pregnant are not advised to take the vaccine.

2025 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A federal judge ordered Tuesday that a restraining order preventing the government from deleting records of two Montana State University international students be extended another two weeks while he decides whether to issue a preliminary injunction.

These proceedings are not unique, as the Trump Administration has embarked on nationwide efforts to get noncitizens to self-deport. As of April 24, over 1,800 students had their international student status revoked. These records were restored as of April 25, but it's unclear whether that restoration will last, as the administration has provided no details on what its plan is for international students going forward.

On April 10, two international students at MSU, known as John Roe and Jane Doe in court records, were told by MSU that the Department of Homeland Security had terminated their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System records, which serve as the government database of international students. Without those SEVIS records, MSU is unable to let the student attend classes or work on campus, which was the only employment legally available to them. The DHS website stated anyone with revoked SEVIS records had to leave the country, so MSU relayed that to the students.

The two students, represented by ACLU, filed a federal court complaint on April 14, and Judge Dana Christensen issued a temporary restraining order, which meant that the government had to restore the status quo until Tuesdays hearing. Soon after, in response to a flood of similar lawsuits across the country from many international students who had their status revoked, DHS said it was coming up with a new policy, and reinstated SEVIS records until that happens. But even the attorney representing the government at Tuesdays hearing had no idea what that new policy could entail.

Its just so unclear to me when any new policy will be implemented, Christensen said. At the risk of understatement, the defenses approach to these particular issues is an ever-changing landscape.

Alex Rate, legal director of the ACLU of Montana, argued on behalf of the plaintiffs in Missoula's federal courthouse that, even though SEVIS records were reinstated, the judge should still extend the temporary restraining order into a preliminary injunction, which would preserve the status quo until the lawsuit is resolved. Rate said without a court order, DHS and ICE could easily reverse the SEVIS reinstatement.

This administrations actions have created an atmosphere of chaos and confusion, not just for our clients, but for international students across the country, Rate said.

Roe was eight months away from finishing his doctoral degree in electrical engineering and particle physics at the time of the SEVIS revocation, while Doe was slated to graduate May 8 with a degree in microbiology. Rate said that the government initially said that there was no harm to the SEVIS revocation because they could transfer their credits.

"It ignores the reality," Rate said. "[Roe] relies on a specific instrument that only exists at MSU...transferring credits at this stage of [Doe's] academic career would simply not be possible."

At no point in the hearing did the governments attorney, John Newman, attempt to justify the original termination of SEVIS records. Instead, Newman primarily argued that there were paths other than a lawsuit that the plaintiffs should have taken. Christensen, like most judges ruling on similar cases nationwide, rejected this interpretation.

Christensens ruling means that, for the next two weeks, the government cant terminate the plaintiffs' student status, arrest them without a proper process or deport them. Because of his first restraining order, the students have been able to return to work and school, though Rate said they now live in fear of leaving their homes. Over the next two weeks, Christensen will decide whether to grant a preliminary injunction, which would extend those conditions until a decision is made in the case.

Todays order from the bench provides our clients the certainty they need for the interim period, Rate told the Missoulian. But given the unpredictable actions undertaken by the Trump administration, the only long-term certainty our clients can get is from this court.
In a sharp rebuke to the income tax (I-T) department, the Bombay High Court (HC) has set aside a reassessment-related order passed against Modern Realty Pvt Ltd, observing that the assessing officer (AO) had failed to properly consider the taxpayers objections, rendering the process legally untenable.

In an order earlier this week, the bench of justice MS Sonak and justice Jitendra Jain says, "In this case, the AO has been extremely casual in dealing with Modern Realtys objections. As noted earlier, the objections have not been dealt with at all. This amounts to frustrating the salutary process... Modern Realty has filed only one set of objections, and without dealing with those objections, to say that objections followed by cross objections are an endless process, which should end at a certain point in time, was not justified."

"We think that such casualness in the matter of the disposal of Modern Realtys objections to reopening the assessment must end. In several cases, the AOs do not seriously deal with the assessees objections, forcing us to set aside such orders and remand the matters to the AOs. By shirking their duty of deciding on Modern Realtys objections, the AO cannot frustrate the scheme provided in GKN Driveshafts India Ltd. The impugned order is an instance where the AO has virtually declined to exercise the jurisdiction vested in him and to discharge the duty expected of him," the bench says in the order.

The Court, while allowing the writ petition filed by Modern Realty, noted that the AO had merely acknowledged receiving objections to a notice under Section 148 of the Income Tax Act (for reopening the 201516 assessment), but did not apply his mind to any of them.

Modern Realty had raised detailed objections on 14 February 2022 after receiving the reasons for reassessment on 7 July 2021. However, the order dated 25 March 2022 neither addressed these objections substantively nor applied the cited precedents meaningfully.

The HC held that such an approach undermines the safeguards established by the Supreme Court in GKN Driveshafts (India) Ltd v CIT (259 ITR 19), which mandates the AO to fairly consider and dispose of a taxpayers objections before proceeding with reassessment.

The bench directed the jurisdictional AO to freshly consider the objections and pass a reasoned order within four weeks. If any order is adverse to Modern Realty, the AO must wait another four weeks before initiating reassessment proceedings, it added.

Furthermore, the High Court awarded costs of Rs5,000 to Modern Realty, highlighting that judicial review cannot substitute the mandatory reasoning that the AO is bound to provide.

"The casualness with which the objections were handled must end," the Court noted, underlining that failure to address objections frustrates the statutory process and burdens the court with avoidable litigation.
On Wednesday, 2084 stocks advanced, 1871 declined and 151 remained unchanged on Bombay Stock Exchange with advance decline ratio of 1.11 indicating a positive closing in the broader market, as foreign portfolio investors continues to remain positive. The trend of the major indices on Wednesdays trading is given in the table below.

On NSE, 24 securities advanced and closed at a new 52-week high whereas 30 securities sank to close at their new 52-week lows. In sectoral indices, Nifty PSU Bank, Nifty Media and Nifty Energy were among the biggest losers. Nifty Pharma, Nifty Infrastructure and Nifty Auto were among the biggest gainers.

Strides Pharma Science (-0.31%) announced that its Singapore-based step-down wholly-owned subsidiary received approval from the USFDA for Celecoxib Capsules in strengths of 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg. This approval allows Strides to market a bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent version of Celebrex capsules in the US market. Celecoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor used to manage pain and inflammation associated with conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Gland Pharma (-0.91%) received approval from the USFDA for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Latanoprostene Bunod Ophthalmic Solution, 0.024%. This generic eye drop is bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent to Vyzulta Ophthalmic Solution from Bausch and Lomb. It is indicated for reducing intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Genus Power Infrastructures (-3.12%) received the sanction of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Allahabad Bench, for the demerger of the strategic investment business (Demerged Undertaking) of Genus Power Infrastructures Ltd into Genus Prime Infra Ltd and their respective shareholders and creditors.

Uno Minda (-0.04%) and Inovance Automotive. will collaborate on a Rs423 crore project to develop and manufacture high-voltage electric vehicle powertrains for four-wheelers and commercial vehicles. This includes components like charging units, e-axles, inverters, and motors. The partnership will operate through a new joint venture company, "Uno Minda Inovance Private Limited,". Uno Minda will initially invest 100% of the equity capital over 3 years, with Inovance Automotive (HK) later acquiring 30% stake post required approval.

Bajaj Finserv announced that its board of directors approved the issuance of 11,51,123 equity shares with a face value of Rs1 each as stock options.

Shoppers Stop (-6.98%) announced that its board of directors, at a meeting approved a further investment of up to Rs50 crore in Global SS Beauty Brands Limited (GSBBL), its wholly-owned material subsidiary.

Premier Explosives (-10.94%) suffered an explosion in a propellant mixing building, tragically resulting in the loss of three lives and injuries to six other individuals.

In Q4FY24-25, Vishal Mega Mart (+10.00%) sales increased by 23.15% y-o-y to reach Rs2,548 crore, while operating profit increased significantly by 42.23% y-o-y to reach Rs357 crore and net profit surged by 87.89% y-o-y to reach Rs115 crore.

In Q4FY24-25, Praj Industries reported 16% decline in sales y-o-y, while operating shrunk by 43.51% crore and net profit crashed by 56.69%.

In Q4FY24-25, Indiamart Intermesh (-0.98%) sales increased by 12.70% y-o-y to reach Rs355 crore, while operating profit increased significantly by 54.94% y-o-y to reach Rs119 crore and Net profit surged by 81.73% y-o-y to reach Rs181 crore.

The top gainers and top losers of the major indices are given in the table below:

The closing values of the major Asian indices are given in the table below:
Just like the toll plaza that we pay irrespective of the bad condition of roads and other services on expressways, property tax has to be promptly paid by citizens irrespective of pathetic civic amenities, Pune being a sterling example.

Questioning the reason why she must pay property tax when she hasnt received the desired services, Pune-based RTI activist Qaneez Sukhrani invoked the transparency law to get information from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) about the details of services it has rendered so that she is convinced of the reason to pay her property tax.

Ms Sukhrani filed ten RTI applications to the public information officers (PIO) of various departments of the PMC, between 2020 and 2021, asking them to give detailed replies to the following inadequate services, the information of which is her right as a tax-paying citizen:

- Pathetic road conditions and incomplete trench refills

- Broken or non-existent footpaths, with rampant encroachments

- Lack of hawker regulation

- Dumping of construction debris and absence of clean-up mechanisms

- Unmanaged and mixed garbage, leading to choked drains and flooding

- No system for pruning or removing broken tree branches and dead cables

- Arbitrary water supply controls and dependence on private water tankers despite water being part of the tax bill

States Ms Sukhrani, Despite filing over ten RTI applications, I received no satisfactory response from the PMC regarding the state of civic amenities in my locality. My moot point is: Why should citizens pay property tax when basic services are not delivered?

Subsequently, Ms Sukhrani, along with her two fellow complainants from Prabhag 3 of Pune, Ashutosh Mashruwala and Umesh Magar, filed a case before the additional district consumer redressal commission in Pune, complaining that the PMC continues to demand full property tax payments while failing to provide even the most basic municipal services mandated under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949.

The petition filed by them states that: Both field staff and senior officersroutinely neglect their statutory responsibilities under sections 203(1), 154, 130, 131, and other related provisions of the Act. Despite charging citizens under various heads such as General Tax (32.75%), Conservancy Tax (20.5%), Water & Sewerage (9.5%), and Street Tax (10%), the civic body has failed to deliver services corresponding to these levies.

In her complaint, Ms Sukhrani also highlights that she continued to be a law-abiding citizen and paid her property tax for the financial year 202021, even though the condition of basic amenities was appalling. However, in 202122, she withheld her tax payment and parked the amount in a separate account with PMC named as the beneficiary. This amount, she states, will only be released once the civic body demonstrates regular, daily delivery of essential services for a continuous period of at least six months.

Rues Ms Sukhrani, After none of my ten RTI applications yielded results, during 2020 and 2021, I have sent nearly 90 email communicationsmany of them with photographsto PMCs municipal commissioner, the chief ministers office, the principal secretary of the urban development department (UD-2), and the mayor, highlighting chronic civic lapses.

She accuses the four elected BJP Nagarsevaks of Prabhag #3Rahul Bhandare, Shweta Khose-Galande, Mukta Jagtap, and Bapurav Gangaram Karneof vanishing after elections and focusing more on ribbon-cutting ceremonies than on governance. According to the complaint, these representatives failed to supervise or monitor PMCs functioning in their jurisdiction.

On 16 August 2021, Ms Sukhrani invited additional commissioner Ravindra Binwade for a site visit. When he declined, she took assistant municipal commissioner Suhas Jagtap on a tour of the problem areas in September 2021. Legal notices were then served to PMCs commissioner, mayor, and other top officials on 20 September 2021. Ironically, the complainants state that the situation deteriorated further after this step, highlighting PMCs alleged apathy and lack of accountability.

Consumer Forum: Timeline of delayed proceedings 3 October 2024: Submission of verbal and written arguments.

19 December 2024: Scheduled arguments on legal points.

19 January 2025: Supposed delivery of the final order, was deferred due to system migration. Wait time: 2 hours.

21 February 2025: Yet again, no order was delivered.

20 March 2025 Pune DCDRC president Anil B Jawalekar acknowledged that hard copies cannot be issued until the website migration is complete and advised follow-ups with the record office. Since 10 March 2025 repeated calls and visits to the DCDRC office have yielded no clarity. Officers appear confused, shifting responsibility from one department to another. As of 24th March, there is no official status update. The record room staff seem unaware of the procedural next steps, while the president is rendered powerlesscaught in a bureaucratic deadlock between the Union ministry of consumer affairs and the yet-to-be-fully-operational e-Jagriti platform. Isnt the consumer affairs ministry accountable, asks Ms Sukhrani.

Ms Sukhrani states angrily that The PMCs lack of actions violates the Prevention of Delay in Discharge of Official Duties Rules, 2013, as well as the RTI Act, 2005. Expecting citizens to pay property tax without providing corresponding services is arbitrary and goes against principles of natural and fair justice.

The case was officially filed on 25 November 2021 and admitted by the consumer court on 13 December 2021. Here too, Ms Sukhrani faced inordinate delays. She rues, Over the past three years, we have faced multiple setbacks including a vacant bench, prolonged absenteeism, and the absence of a presiding officer.

However, the most recent delaystretching four monthshas reached unacceptable levels. Two reasons have been provided for the non-issuance of the order:

1. The order has not reached the record room.

2. The national consumer disputes redressal commissions (NCDRC) online system is in the process of migrating to the e-jagriti platform  from ( https://confonet.nic.in ) to the new ( https://e-jagriti.gov.in ) platform.

Ms Sukhrani minces no words at this inordinate delay of website migration when she says that Ironically, the e-Jagriti website claims to promote exemplary e-governance characterised by efficiency, transparency, and accessibility and aims to eliminate long pendency of disputes. On the ground, however, the experience at Punes district consumer disputes redressal commission (DCDRC) tells a very different story.

The `Prevention of Delay in Discharge of Official Duties Act, 2005, and its associated Rules of 2013, stipulate that: - Acknowledgement of emails must be provided by officers (section 8). - No file should remain pending for more than seven working days (section 10). These statutory provisions are being blatantly ignored.
The national consumer disputes redressal commission (NCDRC) has upheld an order directing the State Bank of Travancore (SBT), now State Bank of India (SBI), to refund the outstanding loan amount and pay compensation to the widow of a deceased home loan borrower, holding the bank accountable for service deficiency in processing an insurance policy.

The case pertains to the late Antony Issac, who had jointly availed a home loan of Rs18.94 lakh from the bank with his wife, Sophia, in February 2007. As part of the loan agreement, SBT recommended that Mr Issac enroll in the Super Suraksha home loan insurance scheme, meant to cover the loan liability in the event of the borrowers death.

Although the proposal form was dispatched from Dubai by Mr Issac on 31 July 2007, the insurance cover was activated only on 9 October 2007  over two months later. Tragically, Mr Issac passed away on 5 November 2007 due to a cerebral haemorrhage  just 27 days after the policy commenced.

The insurer, SBI Life Insurance, rejected Ms Issac, the widows claim, citing a 45-day waiting period clause in the group insurance policy, which excludes cover for deaths occurring within that window unless caused by accident. She contended that neither the policy document nor the exclusion clause had been shared with them and that the bank delayed the processing of the insurance.

In 2011, the Kerala state consumer disputes redressal commission partially allowed the complaint, holding SBT liable for the deficiency in service. It directed SBT to refund Rs6.53 lakh  the loan amount due at the time  if already paid by the complainants, with 12% interest from the date of payment. Additionally, SBT was ordered to pay Rs15,000 for mental agony and Rs10,000 towards litigation costs.

In the meantime, on 31 March 2017, SBT was merged with SBI.

The NCDRC, while hearing the appeal, dismissed the lenders challenge and upheld the state commissions ruling. It found no grounds to interfere, stating that SBTs handling of the insurance proposal had caused hardship to Ms Issac and her son Jagat, particularly by insisting on a fresh loan agreement after Mr Issac's death.

The NCDRC clarified that while the insurer could not be faulted under the specific terms of the policy, the bank, acting as an intermediary in the insurance arrangement, failed to ensure timely processing and communication of the policy terms  a lapse amounting to unfair trade practice and deficient service.

SBI has been granted two months from the date of receiving the order to comply, failing which it will be liable to pay interest at 15%pa (per annum) on the amount due from the original order date, 10 October 2011.

(First Appeal No34 of 2012 Date: 29 April 2025)
The cabinet committees on economic affairs (CCEA) and political affairs (CCPA), chaired by prime minister (PM) Narendra Modi, has decided that caste enumeration will be included in the forthcoming census. The CCEA also approved a higher fair and remunerative price (FRP) for sugarcane for the 202526 season and cleared a Rs22,864-crore greenfield highway project connecting Meghalaya and Assam.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, have been demanding a nationwide caste census, making it a major election issue, and some states like Bihar, Telangana and Karnataka have conducted such surveys.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the CCPA approved including caste-based data in the census, set to begin in 2025. This marks a shift, as caste data has not been collected since 1931, except for scheduled castes (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST).

Briefing the media after the CCEA meeting, he says, "Congress governments have always opposed the caste census. In 2010, the late Dr Manmohan Singh said that the matter of caste census should be considered in the Cabinet. A group of ministers was formed to consider this subject. Most of the political parties have recommended a caste census. Despite this, the Congress government decided to conduct a survey of caste or a caste census."

"It is well understood that Congress and its Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) partners have used the caste census only as a political tool. Some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes. While some states have done this well, some others conducted such surveys only from a political angle in a non-transparent way. Such surveys created doubts in society. To ensure that our social fabric is not disturbed by politics, caste enumeration should be included in the census instead of surveys," the minister added.

Stressing that the party and its INDIA partners have been demanding a nationwide caste census for long, Congress called the forthcoming census exercise by the Modi government as 'better late than never'.

The Cabinet also approved an FRP of Rs355 per quintal for sugarcane for the 202526 sugar season (OctoberSeptember) based on a basic recovery rate of 10.25%, with a premium of Rs3.46 for every 0.1% increase in recovery. In case of lower recovery, the FRP will be reduced by the same amount. However, in a move to protect farmers, the government has assured that mills with less than 9.5% recovery will still pay Rs329.05 per quintalensuring no deductions below this threshold.

The FRP marks a 4.41% increase over the current season and is 105.2% above the cost of production, which stands at Rs173 per quintal for 202526. This revised price, determined after consultation with state governments and the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), will be applicable to all sugarcane purchases by mills from 1 October 2025.

Indias sugar sector sustains the livelihoods of over five crore sugarcane farmers and their dependents, alongside five lakh mill workers and thousands involved in allied activities. As per official data, 99.92% of cane dues amounting to Rs1,11,782 crore were cleared in the 202324 season. For the ongoing 202425 season, 87% of Rs97,270 crore in dues has been paid so far.

In another key move, the Cabinet approved the development of a 166.8 km, four-lane greenfield access-controlled national highway (NH-06) from Mawlyngkhung near Shillong (Meghalaya) to Panchgram near Silchar (Assam). The project, to be implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Mode, aims to enhance connectivity across the North-East and will cost Rs22,864 crore.

The corridor will traverse through 144.8 km in Meghalaya and 22 km in Assam, passing through critical industrial zones such as Ri Bhoi and the Jaintia Hills, known for cement and coal production. Once completed, it will reduce travel time, decongest existing NH-06, and improve connectivity to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and the Barak Valley region.

The project is part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and aligns with the governments Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. It is expected to boost regional logistics, tourism and economic development, while providing seamless access from Guwahati to key cities like Shillong, Silchar, Imphal, Aizawl and Agartala.

The corridor is also designed to integrate with key national highways (NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, NH-37), improving inter-state and intra-regional transport infrastructure across the North-East.
The two remaining property tax relief bills at the Montana Legislature approached the finish line Tuesday, but not before some senators and lobbyists for the states largest businesses and utilities voiced their vehement opposition a final time.

Lobbyists for outfits like the Montana Chamber of Commerce, Northwestern Energy, the Montana Petroleum Association, Montana-Dakota Utilities and BNSF Railway lamented the property tax increases these entities would see under the package of bills and raised a number of constitutional concerns about the proposals. And as has been typical for the upper chamber this session, a number of senators grew agitated on the chamber floor Tuesday due to their dislike of the legislation, but it was not enough to defeat the bills.

Providing property tax relief is regarded as the main task before lawmakers this session, particularly because Montanans tax bills are set to rise again after dramatic spikes in recent appraisal cycles that put many Montana residents in financial binds. According to estimates from the Department of Revenue, the average residential property tax bill is set to rise again by 11%, roughly half the average increase Montana saw in recent years.

But because of the rigid way Montana levies property taxes, it is difficult to provide relief for homeowners without costing the state hundreds of millions of dollars or forcing others  such as corporations, farmers or pipelines  to pay more in taxes.

Senators took some of their final votes Tuesday on two major property tax relief bills  Senate Bill 542 and House Bill 231  to create a package that will lower property tax rates for primary homeowners and long-term rentals while eventually raising them on second homes and short-term rentals. The package includes a $400 rebate to be provided this year for primary residences. The changes to the property tax structure are so substantial that there are a few million dollars being funneled to the Department of Revenue to implement them in a timely manner.

But as lawmakers take their final steps in a two-year effort to provide property tax relief to residents, the specter of a lawsuit challenging the bills is looming large because the legislations detractors say the package is rife with legal issues.

Senate Taxation Committee Chairman Sen. Greg Hertz, a Polson Republican who was a member of the governors property tax task force that produced HB 231, said he is having very serious conversations about suing over the bills.

Bob Story, executive director of the Montana Taxpayers Association, opposed the bill because the organization represents large businesses that will see their property tax bills rise. He raised a slew of constitutional concerns over HB 542 in a letter to lawmakers, but was not as adamant as Hertz that action will be taken in court.

Story said there are certainly people looking at a lawsuit as an option, but somebodys got to stick their neck out and take the heat.

Hertz is concerned with the constitutionality of how the bills ultimately came together. Both HB 231 and SB 542 look nearly unrecognizable compared to their original versions, something Hertz says violates the state constitution's requirement that a bill shall not be so altered or amended on its passage through the Legislature as to change its original purpose.

Conrad Republican Rep. Llew Jones, the chief engineer of the property tax package, did not flinch when asked about the prospect of a lawsuit.

Hell, somebody will sue. They always sue, Jones said last week. You can't prevent lawsuits; you can only mitigate their chance of success.

Beyond Hertzs concerns, there are a number of provisions that people in the Capitol have raised as potential grounds for a suit. Some say the legislation in its current form did not get an adequate public hearing because of how much it has been amended in recent days.

SB 542 was originally three pages long, but all of that language is gone and has been replaced with dozens of pages that contain the bulk of the proposal. The latest version had its only public hearing Tuesday, which code commissioner Todd Everts said appears to be enough to adhere to public hearing rules.

Under Montana law, a bills contents can not stray outside of its title, and some have posited there are so many provisions in the bills that the contents stray outside their titles.

If its outside the scope of the title? That will be up to the courts to determine, said Everts, who has been with the Legislature since 1991.

And theres yet another piece that raises legal concerns: The city of Billings and the 351-person town of Sunburst have city charters that cap how much the municipalities can levy in taxes from residents, and because of how property taxes work in the state, the bill package nearing the governors desk stands to create budget shortfalls in both municipalities.

HB 231 and HB 542 seek to toy with those charters to address that issue, something that has incited legal concerns for weeks, a reality the legislation acknowledges. The package includes language that says if the charter provisions get hung up in court, the state will backfill the budget shortfalls.

If the packages do end up in court, there are still plenty of unknowns about what that might look like.

When Hertz was asked about the prospect of blocking property tax relief from reaching residents by bringing a lawsuit, he raised the possibility of a special session to bridge the gap in relief. Lawmakers are already under the impression they will be reconvening sometime in the next couple months because the federal government has said it hopes to change Medicaid reimbursement rates, a move that would force the lawmakers back to Helena to respond to those changes.

At the final public hearings on the bills Tuesday, lobbyists for the large businesses, utilities and pipelines were open that most of their opposition was rooted in the fact that the bills will raise taxes for their clients. Some grappled with the mandate to provide homeowners relief while raising taxes for their businesses.

I understand that the folks that drafted this bill and others made a commitment to the voter in November to reduce property taxes on homeowners. I fully understand it. I'm a homeowner too, Im a first-time homeowner, actually, said Sonny Capece, a lobbyist for the Montana Petroleum Association. Ultimately it makes Montana unaffordable, uncompetitive and unattractive for business investment.

Over the 2025 legislative session, much of the property tax negotiations have gone on behind the scenes between a select few lawmakers, and because of the factions that have formed within the property tax debate, its often clear to those in the building which measures will be successful.

Numerous lobbyists who appeared before the committee Tuesday quietly expressed frustration that the cake is already baked.

Aimee Grmoljez, a lobbyist representing two utilities, said, I know this is going to pass, adding that she is building a record for the future.

The lawmakers on the committee were unconvinced by their gripes. Jones said the employees at these companies are the homeowners who will receive some tax relief. House Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls, pointed out that some of the Chamber of Commerces businesses are smaller businesses that stand to see property taxes decrease.

There was also support, however, from proponents who believe it will provide meaningful property tax relief for residents.

Senate Bill 542 is an important step in tackling the overall residential property tax structure, said Rose Bender, the director of research for the Montana Budget and Policy Center, which typically supports progressive policies. Is there more to be done in the future? Yes. But is this what is needed today? Yes.

But later on Tuesday, rumored to be the eve of the Legislatures adjournment for the year, lawmakers in the Senate kept up their session-long streak of debating bills for hours, at times provoking tears and raised voices, and exposing animus over divisions among Republican members.

The senators raised a number of concerns, but primarily targeted the increase in taxes for large businesses and second homeowners.

This [bill] helps people at the expense of those it hurts, said Senate Majority Leader Tom McGillivray, R-Billings.

There was a point of agreement on the floor Tuesday, however. Those on either side of the bills said that introducing a sales tax  a phrase that Sen. Becky Beard, R-Elliston, whispered when she said it on the floor  may help mitigate the states reliance on property tax proceeds, and therefore work to shake up the system and lower property taxes for all classes. Hertz said he had never before seen such an appetite for a sales tax.

Both HB 231 and SB 542 ultimately passed the Senate on Tuesday evening and face final House votes Wednesday before they go to the governors desk for his signature. It is widely understood that once the House endorses these proposals and the state budget bill, lawmakers will be able to gavel out the 2025 Legislature.

Those in favor of the legislation, like Helena Democratic Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell, celebrated the near-final votes.

You can go home to your residents and you can say, I listened to you, I heard you; heres what we did, she said.
Board members of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) have unanimously endorsed Francis Atwoli to continue as Secretary General in the upcoming union elections. The decision was confirmed during a press briefing on Tuesday, April 29, where a board member shared that no other candidate within the board had stepped forward to challenge Atwolis leadership.

We, as the board, have already endorsed Atwoli as our candidate. We dont have any other candidate among ourselves, the board member stated, reaffirming their full support for Atwolis continued leadership.

The endorsement also comes amid growing concerns over individuals outside the labour movement expressing interest in leading COTU. The board member emphasized that many of these individuals lack the qualifications to vie for leadership positions, as they are not members of any trade union.

There are people who are eyeing COTU leadership, and they do not have any business being involved because they are not even members of any trade union. So we dont understand where their anxiety is coming from, the board member added.

Also Read  Atwoli Signals Exit from COTU After Serving Under All Kenyan Presidents

In his defense of Atwoli, the board member praised the Secretary Generals long-standing leadership, noting his ability to address pressing issues, such as the misuse of social media. He also dismissed recent calls for change within COTU, asserting that these demands were not coming from the heart of the labour movement.

Those who want to bring change in COTU are not part of the labour movement. They are not one of us. These voices are coming from people in the streets, he remarked.

He urged critics to respect COTUs internal processes and constitution, reminding them that leadership positions are reserved for legitimate members.

We are telling them to calm down. COTU has its rightful members and a constitution to follow. When the time comes, they can contest if they qualify, he continued.

The board member also confirmed that the official election notice had already been issued, and that Atwoli had publicly announced on April 18 that the COTU elections were approaching. He reiterated that those wishing to contest must first register as a trade union with the Ministry of Labour and stressed that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have no place in COTUs leadership affairs.

If anyone wants to take part in COTU matters, they must register as a trade union, not a non-governmental organisation (NGO). Once they are registered, we can consider their affiliation. But if you are coming here with an NGO agenda, youre in the wrong place. COTU belongs to its members, the board member concluded.

Atwolis leadership at Cotu began in August 2001. He was re-elected unopposed for a fifth term during the last election, with the next election scheduled for next year.
Five people were killed and two others injured on Tuesday morning in a fresh wave of suspected Al-Shabaab militant attacks targeting quarries in Mandera, with the Burabor location bearing the brunt of the assault.

Mandera County Commissioner Henry Ochako confirmed the attack, explaining that the victims had left Mandera town earlier than agreed, breaching the established security arrangement between quarry operators, workers, and the government.

Ochako stated that the group was ambushed at around 6:30 a.m., leading to the immediate deaths of five individuals. Two others were injured, and some workers managed to escape.

The group left earlier than usual and without the required security escort. We are now engaging with the driver and quarry owner to understand why they departed ahead of schedule, which left them vulnerable to the attack, Ochako said.

Authorities clarified that quarry workers typically follow a routine, reporting to the site during the day and returning to Mandera town by nightfall for safety. Straying from this schedule may have contributed to the tragic outcome.

Family members and friends of the victims gathered at Mandera County Referral Hospital to identify the bodies of their loved ones.

Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif expressed his condolences to the grieving families, assuring residents that justice would be pursued. He confirmed that the victims bodies would be airlifted to their respective home counties for burial.

This is a tragic loss. We are working with national security agencies to ensure justice is served and to prevent such incidents in the future, Governor Khalif said.

In response to the attack, security agencies have launched an investigation and intensified patrols in the area.
Nairobi County Chief Environment Officer Geoffrey Mosiria has proposed hefty reparations for Langata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalango, over his controversial remarks about overhearing a secret witches meeting in Kisii.

In a statement released on Monday, Mosiria acknowledged that Jalangos comments were likely intended as a joke. However, he stressed that the remarks had caused significant offense to the Kisii community and urged the MP to make reparations to calm the situation. Mosiria called for Jalango to take responsibility by meeting with Kisii elders to discuss the matter further.

As part of his proposed reparations, Mosiria suggested that Jalango bring 1,000 cows, 2,000 goats, 3,000 male sheep, and 1,000 pots of busaa (fermented alcohol) to facilitate the meeting with the elders. The animals, Mosiria explained, would need to be slaughtered as part of a symbolic act to seek forgiveness. Additionally, he recommended that Jalango be accompanied by the Luo Council of Elders to the meeting to ensure the discussions proceed smoothly.

We will meet at Manga Hills, where, as elders, we will deliberate on the matter. If you fulfill these requirements, forgiveness will be granted. In the meantime, everything is going well with the lighting. Kudos, MP Japho, Mosiria stated, referencing the positive work done by area MP Japhet Nyakundi in improving local infrastructure.

Mosiria also took the opportunity to school Jalango on Kisii cultural norms, emphasizing the importance of privacy in the community. He explained that public discussions of private matters, especially those related to secrecy, are highly discouraged in the Gusii culture.

If you saw witches meeting in secrecy, you should have kept it to yourself. Among the Abagusii, we take it seriously when people speak publicly about matters done in private. For the record, we are not witches; such meetings do not exist in our homeland, Gusii, Mosiria added.

He further emphasized, What is done in secrecy should remain a secret. Talking about it publicly is where one goes wrong. We deserve a little respect, just a little.

Jalango Apologizes After Kisii Witches Meeting Remarks Spark Outrage

The controversy stemmed from Jalangos remarks at a fundraising event in Kitutu Chache North constituency, where he joked about the widespread Kisii stereotype of witchcraft, particularly nightrunning. The MP had been praising local MP Japhet Nyakundi for his achievements when he shared an anecdote about stumbling upon a supposed witches meeting during his stay at Marani Simba Lodge.

I slept at Marani Simba Lodge, and while there, I stumbled upon a meeting of about 12 people and decided to eavesdrop. I then discovered that they were witchdoctors, Jalango said.

The former comedian further narrated, They were discussing how Japho (MP Japhet Nyakundi) had impacted their workthe ones who engage in night-runningbecause Japho had decided to bring electricity everywhere. Now their activities have been hindered because some of those street lights are motion-detected.

The remarks sparked outrage across the Kisii community, prompting Jalango to issue a public apology on social media.

My heart is heavy seeing my words misquoted. I hold deep love and respect for the Kisii community  they are my family, my friends, and my people. I would never insult them. Please watch the full clip. Lets stand for truth, not division, Jalango said.
Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir has relocated his office to the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in a bid to personally supervise critical reforms aimed at enhancing healthcare services in the county.

In a statement on Monday, Governor Nassir explained that the move would allow him to closely monitor the hospitals ongoing transformation and speed up the implementation of key changes.

This week, I have moved my office to the Coast General Hospital to personally oversee and accelerate the service reforms we are implementing, he said.

The governor highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving hospital services, including the recruitment of more medical staff, particularly nurses, and the digitization of hospital systems. These reforms are intended to streamline hospital operations, making them faster and more efficient.

Governor Nassir also noted that the county is expanding training programs for healthcare providers to further build the skills of medical workers. He emphasized that the county would intensify supervision and oversight at the hospital to ensure smooth operations and proper use of resources.

Oversight will also be tightened to ensure accountability in this vital county institution. Healthcare must work for our people, and we are making sure it does, he stressed.

The hospital has faced several complaints, with one of the most concerning incidents occurring on April 4, when an 81-year-old patient reportedly died after the hospitals oxygen supply was allegedly turned off during maintenance. The incident is under investigation.

Governor Nassir expressed his condolences to the families affected by the oxygen supply issue.

There was an incident. It is claimed that oxygen was cut off at Coast General Hospital, which may have led to the death of an elderly patient, he said.

Nassir met with the family of the deceased on Tuesday, agreeing to an autopsy to confirm the cause of death. The family has hired a private pathologist for the post-mortem, and both the hospital and Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) have been asked to submit detailed reports.

Anyone found responsible will face the law. There is no other way about it, the governor said, urging the family to be patient as the investigation continues.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued a firm directive to schools, warning them against withholding KCPE and KCSE certificates from candidates. In a notice released on Monday, April 28, 2025, KNEC emphasized that no school has the legal right to retain a students examination certificate under any circumstance.

It is unlawful to withhold a certificate from a candidate, the statement read in part.

To ensure this directive is enforced, KNEC encouraged any affected students to report the matter to the Sub-County Director of Education (SCDE), who serves as a key education official within the Ministry of Education.

SCDEs play a critical role in managing both public and private schools within their jurisdictions. They oversee the implementation of education policies, monitor teacher performance, and ensure that school heads comply with directives from education authorities.

Any candidate whose certificate is withheld should report to the Sub-County Director of Education, KNEC advised candidates.

By reporting to the SCDE, students can trigger formal action against schools violating the law and recover their certificates.

Alongside this warning, KNEC confirmed that all 2023 KCPE and KCSE certificates had already been dispatched to schools across the country through the SCDE offices.

The 2023 KCPE and KCSE examination certificates have been dispatched to all schools that presented candidates for the examinations through the Sub-County Director of Education offices countrywide. Candidates are advised to liaise with the schools where they sat the examinations to collect the certificates, the Council stated.

KNEC urged all 2023 candidates to reach out to their respective schools without delay and collect their certificates promptly.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into 36 police officers linked to the controversial June 2024 protests, which drew widespread participation from Kenyas Gen-Z movement.

The announcement follows renewed public interest after the BBC aired its investigative documentary Blood Parliament, which spotlighted alleged police brutality during the demonstrations. In response, IPOA revealed it had completed 22 investigations out of the 60 deaths officially reported during the unrest.

In a statement released late Monday, April 28, 2025, IPOA chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan confirmed that two of the completed cases are already in court.

The Authority noted that eight of the concluded investigations are undergoing final internal review before being forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for independent assessment. IPOA also closed two cases internally, referred four to the ODPP, and closed three more following the ODPPs directives.

However, IPOA expressed concern over a lack of cooperation in some investigations. The Authority reported that several police officers and witnesses had declined to provide information, slowing the progress of certain cases.

The Authority has encountered non-cooperation from both police officers and witnesses, which has hindered the progress of certain cases. However, the board continues to engage the police command to overcome these obstacles and ensure justice for all victims, the statement read.

Despite these setbacks, IPOA vowed to remain steadfast in holding officers accountable.

IPOA will assess each case individually, and if it establishes culpability, it will issue appropriate recommendations to the relevant state agencies and inform the public of its findings once investigations conclude, Hassan affirmed.
A public screening of the BBC Africa Eye documentary Blood Parliament is set to take place in Kayole, Nairobi, on the evening of Wednesday, April 30, as Kenyans resist attempts to suppress the powerful expose. The expose investigates alleged police killings during the anti-Finance Bill protests that erupted across the country in June 2024.

The Social Justice Travelling Theatre and the Kayole Community Justice Centre are organising the event, which will begin at 7 p.m. at Bidii Yetu Hall in Matopeni. Organisers have advised attendees to dress warmly and carry shukas, as the screening is expected to continue late into the night.

Tomorrow we will be screening Blood Parliament in Kayole. Our people must know who the enemies of the people are. Remember Not to Forget, the organisers said in a statement.

This grassroots screening follows the controversial cancellation of a planned official showing at Unseen Nairobi cinema on April 28. That event, which was supposed to include a panel discussion, was scrapped at the last minute after organisers reportedly came under pressure from authorities.

A screening of BBC Africa Eyes Blood Parliament in Kenya was cancelled due to pressure from the authorities, a BBC spokesperson confirmed. We are very disappointed not to have been able to share the documentary and panel discussion as planned. In the meantime, audiences can watch the film on BBC Africas YouTube channel.

The 37-minute documentary focuses on the events of June 25, 2024, when Kenyan youth led mass protests against the controversial Finance Bill. The film exposes claims of extrajudicial killings and police brutality, which have triggered national outrage and renewed demands for justice.

Organisers of the Kayole screening say their goal is to ensure communities most affected by state violence access the truth. They believe showing the documentary in grassroots areas is crucial to preserving collective memory and fostering awareness.

Our aim is to help people understand what really happenedespecially those who have experienced similar injustices, the organisers explained.
Opposition leaders are calling for June 25 to be established as a day to honor the youth who lost their lives during the anti-government protests.

This date marks the violent peak of the demonstrations, when many young protesters were fatally shot after storming Parliament on June 25, 2024, in a bid to demand sweeping government reforms.

During an appearance on Spice FM on Monday, April 28, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni urged that the day be officially recognized as a national remembrance for a generation that dared to challenge authority.

These young people paid the ultimate price for standing up against injustice. The least we can do is remember their courage and keep their voices alive through a national holiday, Kioni stated.

He stressed that recognizing June 25 would not only commemorate the victims but also serve as a powerful reminder to leaders about the consequences of ignoring the peoples will.

Its not just a date. Its a symbol of resistance, bravery, and a wake-up call for all those in power, Kioni added.

Earlier this year, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka also proposed that June 25 be declared a public holiday to pay tribute to the Gen Z youths who died during the protests.

Kalonzo described the date as a true liberation dayone that calls for the fight against injustice, the rejection of abductions, the condemnation of Kenyas resource looting, and an end to the impoverishment of the nations people.

I want to make a very serious proposalto honor the young Kenyans who died, many of them on June 25, which I call J25. If it meets the approval of young Kenyans, we will declare it a public holiday, Kalonzo said during the official launch of the Peoples Liberation Party in Februry.

The proposal has already received support from civil society groups and youth movements, who view June 25 as a crucial turning point in Kenyas democratic evolution.
President William Ruto has granted clemency to 57 inmates serving custodial sentences across Kenya, including 56 Kenyan citizens and one foreign national. The move comes as part of a broader effort to promote rehabilitation and reduce congestion in the countrys prisons.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei announced the presidential pardon in a statement released on Monday, April 28, 2025. He confirmed that the President acted on recommendations from the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee (POMAC) and exercised his constitutional authority under Article 133 to offer a second chance to deserving inmates.

It is notified that His Excellency the President, in accordance with the recommendations of the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee (POMAC), has exercised the prerogative of power of mercy conferred upon the Head of State and Government under Article 133 of the Constitution, Koskei stated.

The President granted conditional release to 31 inmates serving life sentences. He also approved conditional release and repatriation for a foreign national from an East African Community (EAC) partner state who had been serving a life sentence in Kenya.

Additionally, 25 inmates received remission and release, enabling them to leave prison after a reduction in their remaining jail terms.

Koskei also confirmed that President Ruto extended general amnesty to all petty offenders serving terms of six months or less, along with those serving longer sentences but with six months or less remaining.

Additionally, the Head of State and Government has extended General Amnesty to all petty offenders sentenced to six months or less and offenders serving sentences longer than six months, whose remaining terms are now six months or less, Koskei added.

Koskei emphasized that the clemency reflects the governments commitment to restorative justice. He said President Ruto had called on stakeholders in the justice system to strengthen practices that foster reconciliation, rehabilitation, and the successful reintegration of reformed offenders into society.
Busy working mom finds new accounting career through SIU Online

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Southern Illinois University Carbondale student Jennie Snyder has always loved the great outdoors, so for many years her forestry career suited her well. But a few years ago, she felt a career change calling her name.

It will be mission accomplished when the busy mother of three walks across the stage at SIUs May 10 commencement. Thats because when Snyder claims her bachelors degree in accounting diploma, earned through SIU Online while she continued to work full-time and keep up with her many obligations, she has already obtained an accounting job, beginning in July.

It hasnt been easy, but Snyder said, Its been a great experience and a great choice for me. Im a proud Saluki.

Starting in the forest

A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, Snyder originally found her way to SIU because Karl Williard, director of the forestry program and professor of forest hydrology and watershed management, recruited her for a graduate assistantship as she pursued her masters degree in forestry with a water resources specialty. She had earned her undergraduate degree in 2000 at Penn State University. In looking for a place for her graduate studies, she visited SIU and fell in love with the campus, the trees, Carbondale and the other small towns in the region as well as the opportunity offered by Williard. She met her husband Benjamin, a Neoga, Illinois, native, while completing her degree. She noted that hes also a proud Saluki, earning both his bachelors and masters degrees in forestry at SIU.

After they completed their degrees, they moved to New York for a time for their careers. By 2013, they had returned to Southern Illinois, where Benjamin is employed as a forestry fire manager for the State of Illinois. Jennie worked in a variety of positions in her field, predominately in natural resources and then stayed home for a few years with the couples children: daughter Greta, now 17, and sons Everett, 15, and Lincoln, 13. She reconnected with Williard, her former mentor, when she began working part time in SIUs forestry department in 2018. By 2023, she was working full time as a researcher for communications and special projects for the Universities Council on Water Resources on campus.

While she enjoyed forestry, Snyder had discovered that she absolutely loved data, numbers and working with people. She had also begun thinking about a more indoor focused job, so she pondered a career switch to a business field. But she had a full-time job, busy schedules of three active children and her time-consuming volunteer activities, including serving as the bookkeeper for the nonprofit organization that supports the Murphysboro High School Crimson Express Band (and previously for several years as 4-H leader).

I was afraid I wouldnt finish my degree until retirement age.

Yet that dream was still growing in her heart. She spoke with Kimberly Little, director of student services for the College of Business and Analytics, because she was interested in taking a class at SIU.

I talked to Kim, and she recommended enrolling in the online degree program, which I didnt even know was a possibility, Snyder said. She suggested I take one class and see what I thought. I did, and I was hooked. Im so glad she convinced me to do that. Kim has been great through this process, a big influence and very responsive.

Intriguing classes, even taxation

Although Snyder has always loved data, numbers and communication and gets excited at tax time, she expected some of her business courses to be tedious but found them to be anything but.

I was surprised how interesting the classes were, Snyder said. The classes are so fascinating, and everyone really works as a team. I love teamwork. The classes are online, but they have discussion boards, and you do form connections with your classmates, the faculty and the teaching assistants. Taxation classes sounded intimidating or dull but not so when taught by Tim Hurley, clinical associate professor, Snyder said.

He has so much knowledge, and you can just tell he loves taxation, Snyder said. Hes got a great personality, and theres so much information that his exams are open book, but I still studied so much for that class. Hes really straightforward. And I never learned more in a class and retained it than I did in the class taught by Professor Marcus Odom. Benna Williams and Patrice DeBlois are excellent, too. They laid everything out so well, and its obvious they really care, and they are happy people.

Balancing act with help from SIU, family

Completing her degree while fulfilling all of her other obligations has been a delicate balancing act, but Snyder said shes managed to do it in three years while maintaining an A average.

I enjoy the self-driven aspect of online classes, Snyder said. The hardest part is making sure you plan your time. Everything takes longer than you think it will. Luckily, Ive had a great support system.

She said her husband helped by taking on extra chores around the house, and Greta chauffeured her brothers around. Ben, the kids and the whole extended family have been very supportive, Snyder said. Time management is key. But it was difficult to sacrifice things sometimes. I remember one holiday, my whole family was outside playing kickball, and I was inside studying.

Snyder felt it was important to show her children how dedicated she was and that she was working hard to achieve her goals.

Now that they see Im getting my degree, I think they feel a sense of pride, too. Snyder said. They werent around when I earned the first ones, but they are this time and see the time, effort and dedication that goes into it.

She even shared some class lectures with them, especially those pertaining to finance and retirement. She was happy to see her daughter take the lessons to heart and apply them when investing in the stock market in her high school consumer science class.

Snyders goal each week was to complete half of her schoolwork by mid-week and then reserve the rest for the weekends.

Hobbies were almost nonexistent, Snyder said. School became my hobby. Im anxious to start really having time to spend reading again. But family comes first, then school, then work and everything else. Trying to do it all the best I can may mean I get a B on a test instead of an A so I can make it to my kids ballgame. You just have to have grace within yourself to not be a perfectionist all the time, and it has all been worth it.

Snyder has created quite an impression on the Saluki community.

Since 2022, its been a pleasure working with Jennie Snyder in our online accounting degree completion program, Little said. As a dedicated SIU staff member, shes shown incredible grit and commitment  balancing the demands of her full-time role with the discipline to stay focused and excel in her studies. Her discipline and drive have been seriously impressive, and shes always approached her academic path with thoughtfulness and purpose. Jennies collaborative nature and positive energy have made a big impact, and we couldnt be prouder of her well-earned spot on the COBA deans list. I am so excited to support her as she takes the next step on her journey.

That next step is going to be at SIU as well, since her new accounting job is on campus.

I just love SIU and being a Saluki, Snyder said. Its a great place to go to school and a great place to work.
SIUs Paul Simon Institute hosts State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Illinois State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe will join Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on Monday, May 5, for a discussion with SIU students and the public.

LaPointe, D-Chicago, will discuss her background, career in politics, legislative priorities and the legislative agenda in Springfield with John Shaw, institute director. The conversation, which is part of the institutes Pizza and Politics series, is at noon in the lobby of the institute, 1231 Lincoln Drive.

While primarily aimed for students to engage in a free-flowing discussion on topics focused on policy issues and careers in politics, public service or advocacy, the series is open to all. Registration is suggested but not required. Pizza and beverages will be served.

LaPointe represents the 19th Illinois House District on Chicagos northwest side and is a resident of the Portage Park neighborhood.

Representative LaPointe is one of the rising stars in Illinois politics, Shaw said. She is a passionate and effective advocate for making health care, including mental health care, more affordable and accessible and supporting teachers and first responders.

LaPointe has been a long-time advocate for protecting critical human services, violence prevention programs and reforming the criminal justice system to align with evidence-based and humane practices.

She is serving her fourth term as state representative of a legislative district that includes parts of Chicagos Big Oaks, Dunning, Forest Glen, Gladstone Park, Independence Park, Jefferson Park, Mayfair, Old Irving Park, Portage Park, Schorsch Village, Union Ridge, West Portage Park, West Walker and Harwood Heights neighborhoods.

She is chair of the Illinois Houses mental health and addiction committee and vice chair of the human services committee. She also sits on the adoption and child welfare committee, the health and human services appropriations committee, and the veterans affairs committee.

LaPointe was initially appointed to the Illinois House in July 2019 and won elections in 2020, 2022 and 2024. Before serving in the Illinois General Assembly, LaPointe worked in human services, state government, community service and policy advocacy.

She holds a masters degree in social work from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago and a bachelors degree in sociology from Grinnell College.

Attendees are encouraged to submit questions for LaPointe on the registration form or email questions to paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu .

Lists of the institutes upcoming events and past speakers and events are available.
Works by Lukas Kohler (top) and Enan Chediak (bottom) are sharing SIU Carbondales most prestigious art prize. (Photos by Russell Bailey)

Two SIU seniors share 2025 Rickert-Ziebold art award

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Southern Illinois University Carbondale metalsmithing senior Lukas Kohler spent time during childhood on walks in the woods with his mother, finding wonder in the diversity of textures, shapes and sizes of rocks in creek beds.

Taking flat steel sheet metal and transforming the material into a variety of shapes to replicate the diversity found in a creek helped Kohler, who is from Reading, Pennsylvania, share the 2025 Ricket-Ziebold Trust Award. Enan Chediak, a senior photography major from Herrin, Illinois, also earned the award  the universitys most prestigious art prize. Eight graduating seniors in the School of Art and Design competed this year.

The exhibition is through Saturday, May 3, in the SIU Surplus Gallery, 432 S. Washington St., Carbondale. The exhibition is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today through Friday and from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. A reception is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Surplus Gallery, with the awards presentation at 6:30 p.m.

I am kind of shocked. Im friends with a lot of the people, and I was really impressed by their work, Kohler said. Being awarded this honor, along with Enan, is extremely surprising, but Im very happy to have this opportunity as well.

An Explorers Dream

Kohlers exhibit consists of about nine pieces, with one piece having multiple parts. Kohler said his goal is for visitors to envision they are searching a small creek for a pebble, a little gem, or something that is nice and interesting while searching for treasure.

Each piece is an investigation of process and narrative with the goal of creating something that has a history and tells its own story, Kohlers artist statement said. Exploring these works should inspire the viewer and construct a space of awe and wonder.

Kohler said he came to SIU because of its well-known blacksmithing program. He became interested in blacksmithing in his high schools metal shop as a sophomore, and it was something that I really enjoyed. I found that it came naturally.

Preacher Boy

Chediak said he is blown away that his seven-photograph exhibition of self-portraits also won. The series is a reflection of my own experience with the conflict between my religious upbringing and my sexual identity, he said. So, I hope people will look at this series and see a piece of my humanity, whether they understand or empathize with me at all.

Chediaks photos are at the church Chediak has been a part of since he was a child, his home, a mural in Alto Pass, the boat ramp at Crab Orchard Lake during recent flooding and the photography studio in the Communications Building on campus. That image, Chediak said, is a re-creation of Oscar Wilde and is a capstone to the series prompting viewers to evaluate their perspective of the way I presented myself in the series and connecting them.

Chediak noted he was home schooled and enrolled in a dual credit program when he was 15 and graduated from John A. Logan College in 2023. He was able to directly transfer many of his credits to SIU, and said SIU Carbondale faculty members Antonio Martinez and Julia Rendleman taught me so much about photography and helped prepare me for this project.

Eight finalists

Xuhong Shang, professor and School of Art and Design director, and Najjar Abdul-Musawwir, a professor in drawing and painting and Rickert-Ziebold committee chair, each praised the finalists work. The winners were chosen by faculty vote.

All eight of the finalists did an excellent job in presenting their work and displaying it for the final judging. We were very pleased with their attitudes and how industrious they have been in putting their installations in, Abdul-Musawwir said.

The art competition is a monumental step for students to be able to see their work in this venue, Shang said.

The other six finalists were:

Paul Buckett, art education, White House, Tennessee.

Isabella Burkhardt, art education, Gardner, Illinois.

Leo Edwardson, communication design, Mount Prospect, Illinois.

Erin Kelley, general studio, South Bend, Indiana.

Olivia Posey, glass/metalworking, Mountain Home, Arkansas.

Josephine Williams, blacksmithing/metalworking, Lima, Ohio.

Longtime award

The purpose of the trust is to promote excellence in visual arts. The award was established by the Rickert family in honor of the late Joseph Rickert, an attorney and former state senator from Waterloo, to encourage young artists. Because of the Rickert familys vision, love of art, and confidence in the future, the School of Art and Design is able to annually present cash awards to Rickert-Ziebold scholars.
People take part in the European Defense Tech Hub hackathon at DeltaQuad headquarters in Amsterdam, Netherlands March 28, 2025. Photo: Reuters

A sense of patriotism stirred by the war in Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump's upending of security alliances is a motivation for many, as well as the opportunity to make money as European governments boost military spending.

For others, it's the appeal of working on cutting-edge battlefield applications that use artificial intelligence.

Reuters spoke to two dozen AI engineers, venture capital firms, government officials and defence companies in Europe who said the influx of tech talent reflected a changed political landscape as the United States retreats from its post-World War Two role as guarantor of Europe's defences.

"There are people that are really mission-focused, and what they want to do in their life is to have an impact and not only earn a big salary," said Loic Mougeolle, CEO of Paris-based battlefield AI provider Comand AI.

"They're really motivated to have an impact rebuilding Europe and change the course of history for Europe."

There are longstanding ethical concerns about the use of AI in battlefield contexts. But the technology appeals to investors: Comand AI raised $10 million in a December funding round, while Germany's Alpine Eagle, which focuses on technology to counter autonomous drones, raised 10 million euros ($11.4 million) in March.

Amid intense competition for AI talent, Mougeolle said Comand AI has recruited engineers and product managers from U.S.-based ChatGPT maker OpenAI and data analytics provider Palantir Technologies.

Alpine Eagle plans to hire across product, engineering, business development and sales as it looks to expand outside Germany. "Europe, in terms of defence and also public security, is a huge market," CEO Jan-Hendrik Boelens told Reuters.

People take part in the European Defense Tech Hub hackathon at DeltaQuad headquarters in Amsterdam, Netherlands March 28, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Salaries in Europe can be significantly lower than in the United States: Glassdoor data shows Helsing - Europe's only defence "unicorn", valued at over $1 billion - pays up to $150,000 per year for an AI engineer, compared with $270,000 at Palantir or $380,000 at Google.

Helsing declined to comment for this story.

As well as poaching experienced talent, companies like Comand AI, Helsing and Alpine Eagle are recruiting new graduates.

Stelios Koroneos, founder of variene.ai, a Greek defence tech startup, said the war in Ukraine had reduced the stigma around working in defence for many young engineers.

"Young people started realizing freedom does not come for free," Koroneos said. "You need to be able to defend yourselves. Some do it with guns and others do it with the knowledge they have and the things they build."

Julian Dierkes, a 27-year old doctoral student at Germany's RWTH Aachen University, researches reinforcement learning, which trains software to make autonomous decisions to achieve optimal results and has broad applications for defence.

"For me it is important if I do research in defence that I am protecting European democracies," he told Reuters.

People take part in the European Defense Tech Hub hackathon at DeltaQuad headquarters in Amsterdam, Netherlands March 28, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Startups surge

Defence startups have surged since Russia started its military campaign in Ukraine in February 2022, and technology - particularly drones - has helped keep Kyiv in the fight. PitchBook data shows venture capital investment in European defence companies reached $626 million in 2024, up from $254 million in 2023 and $62 million in 2022.

And Europe's rearmament plans promise more: the European Union aims to mobilise 800 billion euros ($911 billion) for defence while countries like Germany have pledged massive increases in their defence budgets.

According to the Zeki State of AI Talent Report, European defence companies are targeting top engineers as even established firms shift focus from hardware to software for everything from drones to troop-tracking technology.

Its analysis, based on a dataset of 800,000 people, found the number of top AI engineers in Europe's defence sector based on published research soared to 1,700 in 2024 from 144 in 2014. Comparable U.S. roles grew to 6,927 from 487 over the same period, according to Zeki data.

Zeki defined top talent as engineers with a proven track record of breaking new ground in AI discovery such as published research.

"We believe this represents significant and sustained growth in the sector," Zeki's chief executive Tom Hurd told Reuters.

Investors, tech workers and recruiters said unease with the current U.S. political environment was prompting some Europeans to seek opportunities at home. Deep cuts to funding for universities and research bodies by Trump's administration have prompted scientists in other disciplines to consider moving to Europe.

"Many of the world's top AI researchers come from Europe. Some went to the U.S., but many are returning to work on European sovereignty, resilience, and long-term value creation," said Jeannette zu Furstenberg, managing director at U.S. venture capital firm General Catalyst in Berlin.

"I think that's a powerful signal."

Words reading "Artificial intelligence AI", miniature of robot and toy hand are pictured in this illustration taken December 14, 2023. Photo: Reuters

More than money

Benjamin Wolba last year co-founded the European Defense Tech Hub, which aims to connect tech founders, investors and policymakers and whose events have received sponsorship from Helsing and General Catalyst.

He said more than 12 defence tech startups had emerged from hackathons it organised in Munich, Copenhagen and Paris in 2024 that were attended by around 440 people. The privately-owned network hosted a similar event in Amsterdam last month.

"We're seeing growing anecdotal evidence that AI graduates are increasingly open to working in defence, especially over the past 12 months," Wolba said.

British university student Michael Rowley, 20, said he had recently rejected offers of accounting and more traditional AI jobs to work for a company developing technology that allows sensors to better track troop movements.

"When I decided to go into defence I had quite a few options, and for me it was the opportunity to do meaningful work," said Rowley, whose Tiresias startup won a tech event in Munich in February. "If I want to work for most tech companies I might write code for advertising, but to be able to contribute to the front lines and help protect democracy is an opportunity not many people get."

Marie Inuzuka worked at OpenAI and Palantir before joining Comand AI as a product manager in December last year, attracted by the opportunity to do "more mission-driven, impactful work".

The 34-year-old is a descendant of survivors of the 1945 U.S. bombing of Nagasaki.

"My grandparents lived through the atomic bomb, so defence has always been very close to my heart," she told Reuters.

($1 = 0.8786 euros)
In a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds. The leaders engaged in productive discussions focused on deepening India-UK economic cooperation and strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two nations. In a post on microblogging site X, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, "It was a pleasure to meet @RachelReevesMP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, along with @JReynoldsMP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, UK. Had a fruitful exchange on advancing India-UK economic ties and further building on our strong partnership." Earlier, in February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom met on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in New Delhi, India, to underline the importance of resuming trade negotiations at an early date. India and the United Kingdom have resumed negotiations towards a trade deal between our two countries. The announcement was made by Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom the Jonathan Reynolds who is in Delhi. India and the United Kingdom have a close partnership, built through collaboration on security and defence, new and emerging technologies, climate, health, education, research and innovation, green finance and people-to-people contacts. "At the centre of this relationship is the collective aspiration to deliver economic growth and sustainable development," the Ministry of Commerce and Industry had said in its statement after the resumption of the trade talks. According to the official data of Commerce and Industry Ministry, from April to September 2024, India's exports to the UK witnessed a robust growth of 12.38 per cent, reaching USD 7.32 billion, compared to USD 6.51 billion during the same period in 2023. India's trade relationship with the United Kingdom continues to grow steadily, showcasing immense potential for deeper collaboration and strategic engagement. Mineral fuels, machinery, and precious stones, pharmaceuticals, apparels, iron and steel and chemicals lead India's export basket to the UK, contributing a 68.72 per cent share of total exports. The Ministry says that the UK is a priority country for the achievement of our ambitious USD 1 trillion export target by Financial Year 2030 (FY30), with exports to the UK expected to reach USD 30 billion by 2029-30. (ANI)
PRNewswire Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], April 30: Tata Tea JaagoRe is back with its latest campaign to fight climate change. This AI-powered campaign named 'Har Green Action se Farak Padega'by Tata Consumer Products Limited is aimed at awakening and nudging individuals to take small but meaningful actions in their daily lives that can collectively create a greater positive impact on the environment. The campaign reinforces Tata Tea JaagoRe's commitment of spreading awareness on a cause which is the most defining crisis of our time - Climate Change and carries forward the brand's purpose of being a catalyst for awakening consumers to drive positive social change. The initiative measures the positive impact of daily 'green' actions by individuals and is built on Google Cloud's AI suite of products. One of the biggest challenge of trying to solve this problem is addressing the apathy of fighting climate change i.e. a lack of interest, concern, or motivation to take action against climate change, essentially meaning people may not be actively trying to address the issue despite its severity, often due to feelings of powerlessness, overwhelm, or a belief that their individual actions won't make a significant difference Hence, as part of this campaign, Tata Tea JaagoRe introduces an innovative AI-powered Whatsapp based tool on its microsite, www.JaagoRe.com. Engineered with Google's Gemini, the tool enables consumers to see the positive impact of performing daily actions called 'green actions' such as using a lid while cooking on the stove, using public transport, increasing/managing air conditioner temperatures, and using a bucket instead of a shower while bathing etc. Consumers can now upload pictures of themselves performing these green actions using the Tata Tea JaagoRe chat tool. The AI tool utilizes advanced image recognition technology to identify the green actions and provide individuals with insights into the positive impact of their efforts on the environment, thereby giving them assurance on how their actions are meaningful and are contributing towards fighting climate change. To further amplify the impact of the JaagoRe movement, for every 10 green actions undertaken by consumers, Tata Tea commits to planting a tree. Renowned actor and environmental champion Dia Mirza has also joined the movement, featuring in a special digital film that encourages citizens to adopt simple green actions. Her association lends further strength to Tata Tea JaagoRe's mission of awakening collective action for a greener tomorrow. The message has been brought to life through a film, conceptualised by Mullen Lintas, that showcases everyday actions that collectively create a positive environmental impact. It opens with a conversation between a woman and a man discussing environmental conditions, symbolized by a headline about the diminishing green cover. While the parents express scepticism, the children take the lead by adopting simple green actions, such as using buckets instead of showers and placing lids on boiling pots. As the children's chorus sings, the message of small, collective actions for the environment resonates deeply, emphasizing that when everyone contributes, meaningful change can be achieved. Commenting on the initiative, Puneet Das, President - Packaged Beverages (India & South Asia), Tata Consumer Products, said, "Tata Tea JaagoRe has always believed in raising the society's collective consciousness on key social issues of our times and there is nothing more pressing than the need to fight against Climate Change for the world's future. As we face the challenges of climate change, we often underestimate the impact we can create through the power of collective actions. We are pleased to launch this latest initiative from Tata Tea JaagoRe, as part of our continued efforts to build awareness about how small, daily actions can make a meaningful difference. This campaign of Tata Tea JaagoRe, built using Google Cloud's AI technologies, reflects our ongoing commitment to empower individuals to make choices that positively impact the environment while leveraging AI to enhance consumer experiences and foster a deeper connection with them. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire meaningful change for a better tomorrow and unlock the power of collective action of the people, because 'Ek Ek Karke hum sab karenge, to Farak Padega." "We are thrilled to collaborate with Tata Tea's innovative JaagoRe campaign which leverages Gemini and helps solve the challenge of verifying diverse user-submitted actions. Gemini's advanced image recognition capabilities accurately analyzes these actions in real-time, providing users with immediate feedback and validation in natural language, fostering both accountability and a sense of achievement. The robust solution helps quantify individual impact, translating user actions into concrete environmental benefits," said,Bikram Singh Bedi, Vice President and Country MD, Google Cloud India. Kishore Subramanian, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Strategy Officer, Mullen Lintas , said, "Over the years, Tata Tea's JaagoRe campaigns in their inimitable style have delivered punchy messages aimed at shaking the common man out of his inertia on a variety of issues. On the plank of climate change, this time around, we continued that tradition by highlighting our collective apathy towards the issue and the prevalent belief that individual actions can't create meaningful change. Through the voices of children, the film emphasizes how small, individual efforts can lead to a powerful collective impact, urging all of us to do our bit... JaagoRe." Tata Tea JaagoRe A.I. Log on to https://www.jaagore.com/ About Tata Consumer Products Limited: Tata Consumer Products Limited is a focused consumer products company uniting the principal food and beverage interests of the Tata Group under one umbrella. The Company's portfolio of products includes tea, coffee, water, RTD, salt, pulses, spices, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat offerings, breakfast cereals, snacks and mini meals. Tata Consumer Products is the 2nd largest branded tea company in the world. Its key beverage brands include Tata Tea, Tetley, Organic India, Eight O'Clock Coffee, Tata Coffee Grand, Himalayan Natural Mineral Water, Tata Copper+ and Tata Gluco+. Its foods portfolio includes brands such as Tata Salt, Tata Sampann, Tata Soulfull, Ching's Secret and Smith & Jones. In India, Tata Consumer Products has a reach of over 263 million households, giving it an unparalleled ability to leverage the Tata brand in consumer products. The Company has a consolidated annual turnover of ~Rs. 15,206 Crs with operations in India and International markets. For more information, please visit www.tataconsumer.com About Tata Tea JaagoRe: JaagoRe is a flagship social awakening initiative of Tata Tea launched in 2007, with an objective to awaken people on relevant social issues, and inspire them to take action thereby bring about a difference in society. Over the years, JaagoRe has become a clarion call for social awakening and Tata Tea has always used this platform to facilitate genuine change across various social causes. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PNN Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], April 30: Azad Engineering, a leader in precision engineering, marked another significant milestone today with the inauguration of its lean manufacturing facility designed to meet capacity commitments to GE Vernova's Steam Power Services business unit at Azad's Centre of Excellence & Innovation Centre in Tunikibollaram, Hyderabad. The 7,600 sq. mts. state-of-the-art facility was inaugurated by the following guests from GE Vernova: Rodolfo Torres, Lean Leader; Ankur Chandak, Sourcing Leader; Martin Schaefer, Global Commodity Leader; Akhona Qabaka, Supplier Quality Leader; Carly Lorence, Global Planning Lean Leader; and Rakesh Chopdar, Chairman and CEO of Azad Engineering. This lean manufacturing facility marks a major milestone for Azad Engineering. The journey that began with a few machines in 2013 has now evolved into a world-class manufacturing centre, demonstrating a shared commitment to excellence. This achievement represents years of rigorous qualification processes, technological advancement, and unwavering determination. The path from 2013 to today was marked by exacting quality standards, intensive audits & assessments, and the mastery of increasingly complex manufacturing techniques. Azad's team overcame numerous engineering challenges, invested in specialized equipment and skills development, and demonstrated exceptional perseverance through demanding qualification trials. Each component required precision tolerances measured in microns, and the company continuously elevated its capabilities through vertical integration to meet the evolving requirements of Azad Engineering's customers for critical power generation components. This journey reflects not just technical advancements, but the building of trust through consistent quality delivery even under challenging timelines and specifications. This new lean facility is a significant investment in expanding Azad Engineering's manufacturing capabilities as part of its strategic focus on long-term partnerships with global OEMs across aerospace, defence, energy, and oil & gas sectors. This facility is also reinforcing the company's position as a key player in the precision manufacturing landscape. The groundbreaking for this facility took place on April 24th, 2024, marking the beginning of this significant expansion. Key highlights of the facility are that it currently employs over 180 direct skilled professionals, with ongoing activities expected to add several hundred more skilled professionals in the near future. It also features cutting-edge technology for high-precision components, and lean principles aimed at enhancing productivity, integrates with Azad's Centre for Excellence and Innovation and strengthens India's position in global manufacturing. Addressing the gathering, Rakesh Chopdar, Chairman and CEO of Azad Engineering, said: "The inauguration of this exclusive lean manufacturing facility marks a significant milestone in our journey with GE Vernova's Steam Power Services business unit that began in 2013. Our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and precision engineering has enabled us to evolve from a modest operation to this world-class manufacturing centre, further strengthening India's position in global manufacturing. This 7,600 sq.mt. state-of-the-art facility is part of our broader strategy to create dedicated manufacturing spaces for key global OEM partners at our Centre of Excellence & Innovation Centre. With over 180 direct skilled professionals currently employed and plans to add several hundred more, we are creating a robust ecosystem of precision engineering excellence to produce approximately 1,00,000 blades per annum from this factory. The rigorous qualification processes we've undergone, achieving precision tolerances measured in microns, reflect Azad's dedication to meeting the exacting standards of global industry leaders while continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence." The newly inaugurated facility is part of Azad Engineering's broader strategy to create manufacturing capacity at its COE & Innovation centre to meet the needs of key global OEM partners. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], April 30: India's luxury real estate sector continues to thrive, with Mumbai leading the charge. According to a recent CREDAI-MCHI report, the country's top seven property hubs, including Mumbai, witnessed an 18% rise in total sales value in FY 24-25, showing a clear signal of growing appetite for premium homes. But today's buyers aren't just looking for upscale residences; they're seeking a better lifestyle and community living with homes that offer comfort, security, and access to everything they need in one place. And K Raheja Corp Homes is leading this change. As expectations evolve, integrated communities have emerged as the preferred model of urban living. These self-contained environments are thoughtfully planned to bring together residential spaces with daily essentials, education, wellness, retail, and recreation -- creating convenience without compromise. For families in particular, these ecosystems offer the perfect foundation to raise children, with schools, safe walkways, green zones, and a sense of neighborhood that encourages both freedom and belonging. K Raheja Corp Homes recognized this evolution early and has consistently focused on building residential communities that cater to the rhythms of modern life. More than just housing, its developments are designed with foresight, ensuring that everything a resident may need is within reach. This approach fosters a seamless living experience, where infrastructure, amenities, and daily life are integrated into one cohesive environment. Communities such as Raheja Vihar in Mumbai and Raheja Vistas Premiere in Pune reflect this philosophy. Developed with a long-term vision and nurtured over time, they have grown into thriving neighborhoods that continue to attract families seeking a more balanced way of life. Both projects were built from scratch in developing micro-markets, transforming them into some of the most sought-after addresses in their respective cities. Their success underscores K Raheja Corp Homes' ability not only to build thoughtfully, but to shape localities that grow in value and vibrancy. However, creating a community is one thing, staying committed to its growth is what truly sets a developer apart. What sets the company apart is its continued involvement well beyond project completion. K Raheja Corp Homes remains committed, supporting the upkeep, evolution, and wellbeing of the communities it creates. This stewardship and long-term thinking are turning their developments into lasting neighborhoods of choice. Building on this legacy, the K Raheja Corp Group is developing multiple integrated townships designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents. Featuring residential, commercial, retail, and educational spaces within one unified ecosystem, these townships promote convenience, community living, and sustainable urban growth. They represent the next step in the group's journey, bringing together decades of expertise into a single, future-ready destination. As Indian cities continue to expand, the need for integrated, future-ready living will only grow. Backed by its legacy of vision-led development, K Raheja Corp Homes is ready to shape what comes next -- building not just homes, but complete environments where families can live, grow, and thrive. ~end~ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
China to develop ties with Canada based on equality, mutual benefits

Xinhua) 10:17, April 30, 2025

BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to develop its relations with Canada based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Mark Carney's Liberal Party won Monday's parliamentary elections in Canada, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

When asked to comment on Carney's victory and bilateral relations, spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a regular press briefing that China has noted relevant reports, and that China's position on its relations with Canada has been consistent and clear.

"China is willing to develop its relations with Canada on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits," he noted.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 30: World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) - an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center (WTC) locations in nearly 100 countries and territories - and World Trade Center Marseille Provence have successfully concluded the 55th annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF) in Marseille, France. The four-day event, which took place April 6-9, brought together WTCA members and their global networks, including leaders from business, government, academia, and international organizations. Each gleaned new insights on shifting global trade dynamics, cross-border real estate investments, the importance of Free Trade Zones (FTZs) and sustainability efforts. Over 400 attendees across more than 50 countries and territories, and nearly 120 WTC businesses, gathered to forge new global business connections, and to learn about specific opportunities in Marseille, a popular Mediterranean port city and the oldest city in France. With the theme, "Gateway to the Mediterranean," the Forum helped attendees amplify their businesses' growth and international reach, further elevating WTCA's core mission, "Connecting Businesses, Globally." The event included more than 20 workshops, plus various keynotes, panels, local company tours and over 500 business-to-business (B2B) meetings. In addition, GBF attendees learned more about the Marseille region's business climate, including: its strategic position as a gateway to Southern Europe, North Africa, and Middle Eastern markets; the city's wide range of thriving industries, from maritime and logistics, to digital technology and biotechnology; and its ongoing infrastructure investments. Select WTC businesses also participated in the "Connections Showcase" to formally acknowledge the meaningful connections and promising conversations initiated with those they met at the WTCA GBF. This year also marked WTCA's first dedicated Real Estate Summit during the GBF. During this portion of the event, global experts analyzed the state of commercial real estate, including its role in driving economic growth, and ways in which sustainable infrastructure and energy innovation continue to shape the future of developments. Additional topics of discussion included hyper-growth areas like data centers and logistics facilities. Amid shifting global policies and economic uncertainties, the WTCA network showcased at this year's Forum how it continues to be a vital and resilient force, fostering dialogue collaboration and trust across borders. Sessions held throughout the GBF focused on how the role of trade organizations is not only increasingly relevant, but is more indispensable than ever as businesses are actively seeking guidance, access and a global perspective. Leveraging its unparalleled global network, WTCA showcased how its members bridge market gaps and open doors to new business opportunities, while also elevating a city's global profile and connecting it to the world economy. To help in strategic business planning, WTCA's members around the world are able to provide on-the-ground information and valuable resources that can be shared throughout the network to create more cross-border connections. "Our annual Forum stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when business leaders from around the world come together in the spirit of collaboration - and that's precisely where the WTCA network excels," said John E. Drew, Chair, WTCA Board of Directors. "In today's climate, WTCA remains committed to promoting free and fair trade, open markets and healthy competition. We believe these principles foster an environment that attracts investment, drives prosperity and fuels economic growth. Through our global network of independent WTC operations - built on trust and collaboration - we actively support these principles by facilitating international business connections and trade opportunities worldwide. This year's GBF showcased the real value of connection: forging strategic partnerships between our WTCA members and local/international business delegates; opening new pathways to trade; and reaffirming our shared commitment to free, fair, and open commerce. Together, we will continue to 'Keep Calm and Trade On.' We are thankful to WTC Marseille Provence for hosting such a wonderful event to demonstrate the power of our global network." Speaking during one GBF session titled "Global Outlook: Navigating Trade and Investment Trends in 2025," Angela Ellard, Deputy Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), outlined the intergovernmental organization's role in navigating new trade policies, including the implementation or threat of tariffs. Her advice for GBF attendees was to remain level-headed and to consider not just the immediate effects, but the broader, long-term effects on global stakeholders. Benoit Vincent, CEO of WTC Marseille Provence, also said of the event, "This year's GBF underscored the vital role the Marseille region plays in shaping the future of international trade - we offer a thriving environment for innovation, industry and global collaboration. In partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Internationale) Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur, we united to host a B2B matchmaking platform that resulted in over 500 B2B meetings, connecting delegates from around the world with each other as well as with local Marseillaise companies. We are proud to have hosted an event that actually goes beyond dialogue - sparking real connections to catalyze regional and international business growth." The 2025 WTCA GBF concluded with a ceremonial announcement of next year's host during a Gala Dinner sponsored by Turkish Airlines. The 56th annual WTCA GBF is scheduled to take place in Philadelphia, USA from April 19-22, 2026, and will be hosted by WTC Greater Philadelphia. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
New Delhi [India], April 30: The supernatural thriller Bhay - A Gaurav Tiwari Mystery has wrapped filming in London, completing its final and most crucial sequences -- including an atmospheric promotional song with London's moody skies as the perfect final canvas.

Produced by Prabhleen Sandhu of Almighty Motion Picture and helmed by director Robby Grewal, Bhay dives into the spine-tingling real-life adventures of India's first celebrated paranormal investigator, Gaurav Tiwari.

The eight-episode series boasts a stellar ensemble: Karan Tacker, Kalki Koechlin, Saloni Batra, Danish Sood, Nimisha Nair, Avinash Sachdev, and even a four-legged scene-stealer, Bruno the dog. Together, they bring a story of mystery, fear, and the unknown to life.

Bhay is slated to stream exclusively on Amazon MX Player, and promises not just jump scares, but an emotionally gripping and thrilling exploration of the supernatural -- rooted in real events.

Stay tuned, the shadows are moving!

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PNN New Delhi [India], April 30: Aayush Wellness Limited [BSE:539528], India's preventive healthcare company, is taking a significant step toward accessible and proactive healthcare by launching its first healthcare centre in Virar (Mumbai), Maharashtra. Inspired by the E Sanjeevani National Telemedicine Service of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Aayush Wellness has installed a health ATM that shall conduct a wide range of diagnostics tests, in 2-3 minutes, maintain digital health records, and also facilitate Telemedicine to address health deficiencies before they become critical. * To Invest upto Rs. 25 crore in the expansion * Opens first centre in Mumbai, Aims to expand presence across India and to improve offline distribution network The Company plans to invest up to Rs. 25 crores in the first phase and shall review further investments based on business requirements. This expansion will increase company's physical presence across geographies all over India, improve the offline distribution network for our products and provide complete preventive healthcare solutions under one roof. The company envisions a future where preventive healthcare becomes a cornerstone of everyday life, reducing dependency on reactive treatments. With this initiative, Aayush Wellness Limited continues to strengthen its presence in the $372 billion Indian healthcare market, offering solutions that cater to the evolving needs of consumers. For the quarter ended 31st December 2024, company declared interim dividend @ rate of 1% per equity share having face value of Rs. 1 each. Naveena Kumar, Managing Director of Aayush Wellness Limited said "The Cloud Clinic model through this Health ATM is unique as it will deliver affordable yet high quality healthcare services to under privileged population of India. Our solution not only promotes early detection and prevention but also empowers individuals, especially those in rural and semi-urban areas, to take charge of their health in an accessible, cost-effective manner." The health ATM shall be able to conduct a up to 59 test including blood test, sugar test, Urine test, Haemoglobin test, skin test, eye test, cancer risk test, Lipid Profile test, and other basic health checkups, at a very affordable price. Further, the health ATM shall also facilitate Telemedicine, maintain Digital Health Records, Cloud connectivity generates smart reports and integration with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission to benefit majority of the Indian Population." At Our Health and Medical Support centres, we shall also be able to promote and integrate with health programs and initiatives announced by the Government. Services offered at Ayush Wellness Healthcare Centre 1. Core Diagnostic Services: * Health checks at Health ATMs, which use diagnostic machines (health kiosks) to do things like blood tests, heart and lung function tests, and vitamin deficiency screenings. * Regular checkups and tests based on age to detect common diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis early. 2. Treatment Assistance: * Online Consultation: Patients can talk to the doctor online first to get help based on the test results. * Make hospitalisation easier: Help the patient get into a network hospital or a government hospital at a lower cost. * Make Appointments: Help people make appointments with doctors, either in person or through online consultations. This will make sure that they can get medical care quickly and easily. 3. Other Services: * Help the patient get the benefits of any government programs they are qualified for. * Take part in any health campaigns run by the government, such as polio drives, vaccinations, basic health checkups, and so on. * Help with getting insurance and processing claims: Help patients understand their coverage, * file claims, and find the best insurance plan for them, which will make the administrative work easier. * Vaccinations: To improve community health and stop cases, give vaccines for diseases that can be avoided. * Mental Wellness Program: Your therapist will help you figure out and question your unhealthy ways of dealing and patterns, as well as help you replace them with healthier, more useful habits. Setting goals and working towards them in an organised way can be done with the help of your therapist. * Home Care Coordination: Set up nursing care, physiotherapy, and other help for people who need it outside of clinic hours. * Patient Transportation Assistance: Making it easy for people who need help going to and from medical appointments to get where they need to go. About Aayush Wellness Limited: (ISO 9000 and 22000 certified company) Aayush Wellness Limited [BSE scrip code: 539528], established in 1989 is a pioneering name in health and wellness solutions, dedicated to offering products that merge wellbeing with innovation. We are India's preventive healthcare company committed to offer quality products and services to enhance the consumer well-being. Aayush Wellness continues to lead the industry in promoting healthier lifestyle choices through its diverse range of wellness products and services. For more information, please visit www.aayushwellness.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL Gurugram (Haryana) [India], April 30: VDO.AI, a global advertising technology company empowering brands and publishers to leverage the potential of video content, recently marked seven years of being the frontrunners of the AdTech industry. With its proprietary tools and ad formats, VDO.AI has revolutionised video advertising to help its customers maximise their ad spends across OTT/CTV, desktop, and mobile devices. Founded in 2018 by Amitt Sharma, Founder and CEO, and Arjit Sachdeva, Co-founder, VDO.AI has scaled massively to serve more than 2000 web publishers and over 10,000 premium brands across eight countries. Delivering over 20 billion impressions per month, VDO.AI has powered ad campaigns of iconic brands like Hyundai, Flipkart, TATA Taneira, Swiggy, Gujarat Tourism, WWE, Singapore Tourism, and more. Speaking of the milestone, Amitt Sharma, Founder and CEO of VDO.AI, said, "In the last seven years, we have been driven by the bold mission of disrupting the video advertising landscape through our suite of tech-based video advertising solutions. This mission has helped us achieve a growth rate of 122% over the years, and we are proud of how far we have come in transforming ads into high-impact and meaningful interactions. Looking ahead, we're focused on scaling our product portfolio, deepening our global footprint, and helping our clients generate more ROI from their ads through contextual intelligence and tech-driven solutions." On the occasion, Arjit Sachdeva, Co-founder, VDO.AI, said, "As the global digital advertising industry races toward the $870 billion mark, it is important for brands and publishers to roll out ads that are relevant, interactive, and monetizable. Over the past seven years, we've engineered VDO.AI to lead this evolution with the power of AI. Expanding our client base by 52% YOY across sectors, we're excited to become one of the frontrunners in the AdTech space. Entering another pivotal year, our focus will remain on building and upgrading our tech stack to conquer advertising challenges and help our clients run high-impact ad campaigns." Stepping into the next chapter of growth, VDO.AI is committed to empowering brands and publishers with ads that capture attention, reach the right audience, and foster engagement. About VDO.AI VDO.AI is a global advertising technology company empowering brands and publishers to leverage the potential of video content across Web, Mobile, and Connected TV (CTV). Utilizing AI-driven targeting, data-led insights, and proprietary ad formats, VDO.AI offers a comprehensive programmatic ecosystem designed to deliver ads that perform at scale. Trusted by 2,000+ publishers and 10,000+ brands, the platform serves over 20 billion video impressions monthly. Acknowledged for its innovation in the AdTech space, VDO.AI has won coveted industry awards such as Excellence in Technology & Innovation (Adgully Leaders 2.0), Most Innovative Company of the Year (Assocham), and Best CTV/OTT Ad Campaign (E4M) for its collaboration with Scaler. Website - https://www.vdo.ai/ For media enquiries, please contact: Seeza Manocha, PR Manager, VDO.AI Email ID: seeza@vdo.ai | Phone: 09310908388 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PNN New Delhi [India], April 30: Iware Supplychain Services Limited (ISSL) has announced its plan to go public with an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on April 28, 2025, aiming to raise up to Rs 27.13 Cr with shares to be listed on the NSE EMERGE (SME PLATFORM OF NSE). The issue is Rs28,56,000 Lakhs equity Shares at a face value of Rs 10 each at issue Price Rs 95/-. IWARE SUPPLYCHAIN SERVICES LIMITED Incorporated in 2018, iWare Supply Chain Services Limited is pan-India integrated logistics company providing a wide range of services including warehousing (with third-party logistics (3PL) and carrying & forwarding agent operations), transportation, rake handling services, business auxiliary services, and rental income. The company offers services in multiple states, including Gujarat, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, ensuring comprehensive coverage and reliable service delivery. The company offers logistics support and solutions through its extensive network and integrated services across India. Key Highlights: Total Issue Size - 28.56 Lakhs equity shares of Face value Rs 10 each * FIXED PRICE ISSUE OF Rs 27.13 Cr* Issue Price- Rs 95 Per Share* Min Lot Size - Retail -1200 Equity Shares, HNI -2400 Equity Shares As of January 2025, iWare's fleet has grown from 15 vehicles in the financial year 2022 to a fleet of 47 vehicles, comprising 15 units of 22-feet open-body trucks and the remaining 32-feet containers. iWare's extensive network supports FMCG, Sanitaryware, Auto-components Engineering goods. Equity Share Allocation Total Issue Size (Fresh Issue, no OFS): 28,56,000 Lakhs equity shares (Aggregating up to Rs Rs. 27.13 cr) Objects of the Issue: The Issue Proceeds from the Fresh Issue will be utilized towards the following objects: 1. Funding the capital expenditure requirement for the construction of new industrial shed.2. To Meet Working Capital Requirements3. General Corporate Purposes GetFive Advisors Private Limited is the lead manager to the issue of Iware Supplychain Services Limited, while Kfin Technologies Limited is the registrar for the issue. The market maker for this issue is Smc Global Securities Ltd. Financial Performance: On the financial performance front, for the last three fiscals, the company has posted a total income/net profit :. Disclaimer: Certain statements in this document that are not historical facts are forward looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties like government actions, local, political or economic developments, technological risks, and many other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statements. The Company will not be in any way responsible for any action taken based on such statements and undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
BusinessWire India Gurugram (Haryana) [India], April 30: Exicom, one of India's leading EV charging and critical power solutions manufacturer, today announced the launch of its new ultra-scaling EV charging platform - TRI-FLEX, via its globally-owned brand Tritium, in California, USA. The breakthrough platform, featuring distributed architecture, enables seamless scalability from 4 to 64 charging points, empowering EV charge point operators to expand their capacity and revenue without overhauling existing infrastructure. Tritium, a global leader in DC fast charging for EVs, headquartered in the USA, was acquired by Exicom in October 2024. With this collaboration, Exicom brings technology best practices in the global EV industry to India. Tritium on the other hand, strengthens the company's global footprint across 45+ countries, to deliver future-proof and reliable EV solutions worldwide. TRI-FLEX features several industry-first innovations, such as the powerful yet flexible TRI-FLEX Hub - a power conversion system capable of expanding from 400 kW to 1.6 MW of AC and up to 3.2 MW of DC power. A single Hub can power up to 32 dispensers (64 charge points), a whopping 8x more than any conventional distribution system. This allows customers to mix and match 100 kW, 200 kW and 400 kW dispensers in a single system, for diverse passenger and commercial EV needs. The platform allows operators to start small and scale seamlessly as demand increases, preserving their original infrastructure investments. TRI-FLEX also integrates battery storage and renewable energy, enhancing charging capabilities in grid-constrained areas. Its 25-kW real-time load-balancing system optimizes energy distribution for peak efficiency. Additionally, the platform's IP65-rated design and advanced liquid cooling ensure consistent performance in extreme weather conditions, from -35C to +55C. In addition to its expansive capabilities, the TRI-FLEX platform also significantly reduces the total cost of ownership, compared to conventional chargers by maximizing charging density and eliminating costly utility upgrades. Commenting on this breakthrough, Anant Nahata, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Exicom, said, "Global breakthroughs like TRI-FLEX provide a blueprint for world class and future-ready EV charging infrastructure. I am confident that this product will lend unprecedented scale and speed to EV charging in Tritium's focus markets of US, Europe and Australia. At the same time, this synergy with Tritium will enable us to create charging solutions that are tailored to India but built with the world's best ideas." Arcady Sosinov, Chief Executive Officer, Tritium, said, "The launch of TRI-FLEX marks a significant paradigm shift in EV charging infrastructure. The TRI-FLEX platform is a fundamental reimagining of distributed charging architecture, designed to meet the speed of EV demand in the market." Earlier in 2025, Exicom introduced Harmony Boost, a BESS solution that integrates renewables with high-power charging, ensuring consistent performance during peak demand. With TRI-FLEX, Exicom cements its role as a catalyst in the global shift to green mobility, delivering scalable, cost-effective solutions for tomorrow's EV ecosystems. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], April 30: Motorola, a global leader in mobile technology and innovation and India's leading~ AI smartphone brand today added yet another disruptive smartphone to their edge 60 lineup with the launch of the motorola edge 60 pro. The device comes with the segment's only 50MP + 50MP + 50X (Telephoto) advanced AI camera, the segment's most personalized and contextual on-device AI experience with dedicated AI key and the world's most immersive 1.5K True Colour Quad- Curved display. Additionally, the motorola edge 60 pro also features world's highest battery rating after receiving DXOMARK's Gold Label certification - boasting a 6000mAh battery, with 90W TurboPower Charging and 15W wireless charging. Further the device is powered by the incredibly powerful and AI enabled Mediatek Dimensity 8350 Extreme Processor. AI Overview: Introducing the segment's most personalised and contextual AI, the motorola edge 60 pro is powered by moto AI. It works its magic behind the scenes to deliver a smarter, more intuitive way to interact and engage for the users with: Next move, which recognizes what's on a user's screen, such as a recipe or group chat, and offers helpful next steps in real time. Next move is ideal for those who are new to AI experiences and want to explore. The same goes for: * Playlist Studio, which curates the perfect playlist based on one's screen, so the right vibe is always achieved. * Image Studio, which uses generative AI creation and editing capabilities to turn ideas into images, avatars, stickers and wallpapers. Smart Connect with AI, which was announced earlier in the year, transforms a simple voice or text command like, "show me this on my TV," into streaming an app to a larger display, mirroring the phone to a PC or tablet, or activating a hub view for multitasking. Designed to enhance everyday tasks, moto ai makes everything from capturing the perfect photo to organizing notifications smarter and more personal. Under three core pillars--Create, Capture, and Assist--moto ai empowers users in meaningful ways. In Create, features like AI Image Studio and AI Playlist Studio unlock a new level of creativity and personal expression. Capture brings powerful AI to the camera system for intelligent image enhancements. Assist features such as Pay Attention- which listens, transcribes, and summarizes audio in the background--Remember This, Recall, and Journal help users remember, organize, and revisit important information and with Catch Me Up, they get a concise summary of missed updates. With the launch of the motorola edge 60 pro, Motorola redefines the smartphone experience by integrating powerful AI, both through moto ai and collaborations with Perplexity, Microsoft, and Google. Users can choose their preferred AI assistant for smarter, more flexible support. Motorola also becomes the first to bring Perplexity AI to smartphones, offering three months of Perplexity Pro for free. Microsoft Copilot is now embedded via moto ai for real-time assistance, while Google Gemini adds smart trip planning, live conversations, and three months of Gemini Advanced with 2TB cloud storage. Powered by Hybrid AI architecture, the Edge 60 Pro uses Meta's Llama and Google's Imagen 3 and Gemini 2 models to deliver faster, safer, and more personalized experiences--both on-device and on the cloud. Camera Overview: The motorola edge 60 pro takes smartphone photography to the next level with powerful AI features. From Signature Style that automatically fine-tunes every shot, to Action Shot that captures fast-moving moments with clarity, and AI-driven image and video stabilization for shake-free results -- every capture is effortlessly stunning. Photo and video enhancement features optimize lighting, details, and colors, while 50X Super Zoom brings distant subjects closer with incredible precision. True-to-life visuals are further elevated with Pantone-validated colors and skin tones, ensuring unmatched authenticity in every frame. Powered by a 50MP main camera with Sony's advanced LYTIA 700C sensor and optical image stabilization, the motorola edge 60 pro blends flagship camera hardware with next-gen AI innovation -- giving users professional-level results at every click. The 50MP ultra-wide camera offers a 120o field of view and Macro Vision, enhancing low-light performance by combining pixels for greater brightness and clarity. For extreme close-ups, Macro Vision brings users up to 3.5cm away from their subject. Additionally, the dedicated 3x telephoto camera captures distant subjects with precision, offering optical zoom or up to 50x with AI Super Zoom. With a 73mm equivalent focal length, it's also perfect for filling the frame with stunning portrait shots. Moreover, an advanced multispectral 3-in-1 light sensor measures the conditions around the user, enhancing the quality of the photos and videos. Coming to the front, the 50MP Hi-Res selfie camera lets users enjoy 4x better low-light sensitivity with Quad Pixel technology, which combines every four pixels into one for brilliant results for better more clear pictures, anywhere anytime. Display: Coming to the display, the motorola edge 60 pro flaunts the world's most immersive 1.5K True Colour Quad-Curved display -- the brightest and most vibrant ever on a Motorola phone. The borderless 6.7" pOLED screen (96.47% Screen to body ratio) hits peak brightness of 4500 nits, delivering sharper detail and 13% better resolution than standard Full HD displays with its Super HD (1220p) clarity. Quad-curved edges and ultra-thin bezels offer an uninterrupted, fluid viewing experience, enhanced by an ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a rapid 300Hz touch rate for stunning responsiveness. Colors pop with wide DCI-P3 coverage and Pantone Validated calibration, ensuring accurate real-world color representation, including true-to-life skin tones. Thanks to Smart Water Touch, the display remains functional even in rain, while DC Dimming and SGS Eye Protection help minimize eye strain. Completing the experience, Dolby Atmos-powered stereo speakers deliver deep bass, crystal clarity, and immersive spatial sound for the ultimate audio-visual performance. Design & Durability: The motorola edge 60 pro features a flawlessly quad-curved design, where the curved front glass blends seamlessly into the back for a sleek, ergonomic grip that feels incredible in hand. Designed in collaboration with the Pantone Color Institute, it comes in three specially curated shades -- PANTONE Shadow, Dazzling Blue, and Sparkling Grape -- putting users at the forefront of global color trends. A premium leather-inspired texture offers a soft, tactile feel while resisting everyday wear, while the nylon-inspired finish in Dazzling Blue color combines sophistication with added durability. Built for real-world adventures, the motorola edge 60 pro is IP68/IP69 rated for protection against dust, dirt, sand, and high-pressure water, and can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. It meets military-grade durability standards (MIL-801H), withstanding extreme temperatures from -20C to 60C, up to 95% humidity, and accidental drops from heights of up to 1.5 meters. Strengthened with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, it's engineered to be twice as tough while maintaining an elegant, sophisticated look. The motorola edge 60 pro delivers flagship-level, AI-boosted performance with the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Extreme chipset - which includes optimizations that deliver a noticeably smooth experience with AnTuTu scores up to 1,490,490.* Built on ultra-efficient 4nm technology, with CPU speeds up to 3.35GHz, it powers seamless multitasking backed by up to 12GB of blazing-fast LPDDR5X RAM. Paired with up to 256GB UFS 4.0 storage, users get ultra-fast read/write speeds and ample space for everything. To keep things cool during intense use, it features 8 advanced thermal components, including a massive 4,473mm2 vapor chamber for faster heat dissipation -- ensuring peak performance without overheating. The motorola edge 60 pro offers the world's highest battery rating after receiving DXOMARK's Gold Label, so you can fully maximize your day. It packs a powerful 6000mAh battery that delivers all-day power with ease. When it's time to recharge, the 90W TurboPower charger included in the box gives users approximately 45 hours of power in just a few minutes, so users can spend less time waiting and more time doing. And for those who prefer cable-free experience, the edge 60 pro also supports 15W wireless charging. Speaking on the launch, Mr. T.M. Narasimhan, Managing Director, Motorola India, said, "At Motorola, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation while staying deeply connected to the evolving needs of our consumers. With the launch of the motorola edge 60 pro, we are proud to introduce a device that brings together a revolutionary, contextually aware and personalised AI experience through moto AI, an unparalleled imaging experience and flagship grade display, battery, performance and durability. This launch marks another significant step in our journey to offer premium, meaningful technology experiences that empower users to do more, create more, and express themselves more effortlessly." Complementing moto ai is Hello UI, a customizable interface that lets users truly make the device their own. From fonts and colors to icons, users can personalize every aspect of their experience. Intuitive gestures like twist to open the camera or tap to launch apps make navigation effortless. Features like Family Space create a safe, kid-friendly environment with screen time controls and content filters. Meanwhile, Smart Connect extends the phone's capabilities to external displays or PCs, offering seamless multitasking across screens. All of this is secured by Moto Secure, a centralized hub for managing privacy and protection settings--giving users total control and peace of mind. The device comes with Android 15 out of the box and promises 3 years of OS and 4 years of security updates. Availability: The motorola edge 60 pro will be available in two storage configurations of 8GB RAM or 12GB RAM with 256GB storage in three stunning Pantone Curated colour variants- PANTONE Dazzling Blue, PANTONE Shadow and PANTONE Sparkling Grape. The smartphone is available for pre-order starting today, 30th April and will go on sale from 7th May 2025, 12PM onwards on Flipkart, Motorola.in and leading retail stores across India. Preorder starts today on Flipkart Launch Price:For 8GB+256GB variant Launch Price: INR 29,999For 12GB+256GB variant,Launch Price: INR 33,999 Operator Offers: To know more about the product, visit: Flipkart - https://www.flipkart.com/motorola-edge60-pro-coming-soon-storeMotorola - https://www.flipkart.com/motorola-edge-60-pro/p/itmbe844b03e063b?pid=MOBH9C9JNBGHUVS7 Disclaimers: *The AnTuTu benchmark score is based on Motorola lab tests. Actual data may vary depending on temperature, settings, and other testing conditions. Detailed Marketing Specifications (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], April 30: Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology and innovation, unveiled its latest breakthrough innovation -- the premium electric shavers in India. In an exclusive showcase event co-hosted by Vidyut Kaul, Head of Personal Health, Philips Growth Region (JAPAC, ISC, META & LATAM), and India's beloved tech expert Rajiv Makhni aka Gadget Guru. The dynamic duo took center stage to introduce the cutting-edge product, spotlighting its game-changing features and the brand's commitment to empowering modern consumers through smart technology. These premium electric shavers - Philips Series 7000, i9000 and Philips i9000 Prestige Ultra are designed with cutting-edge AI-powered SkinIQ technology. These shavers are engineered to deliver an unparalleled grooming experience that combines precision, comfort, and ease of use. These shavers intelligently adapt to individual skin and beard types, delivering an elevated and enhanced grooming experience offering an effortless and irritation-free shave every time. The new range of shavers from Philips marks a first-of-its-kind introduction in the Indian grooming landscape, poised to elevate the grooming experience. Apart from Skin IQ technology, they come with a host of features. * The Philips i9000 and i9000 Prestige Ultra are engineered to deliver the ultimate shaving experience with cutting-edge innovation and personalized comfort. Both models feature the Patented Triple Action Lift & Cut System, lifting and cutting hair precisely at skin level for an ultra-close, day-long finish. Powered by Dual SteelPrecision Blades (i9000 Prestige) and NanoTech Dual Precision Blades (i9000 Prestige Ultra), they execute up to 7-8 million cutting motions per minute, ensuring exceptional efficiency even on a 1, 3, or 7-day beard. The intelligent Power Adapt Sensor reads hair density 500 times per second to auto-adjust cutting power, while the Motion Control and Active Pressure & Motion Guidance systems refine shaving technique for effortless, skin-friendly results. To enhance comfort, the Hydro SkinGlide Coating reduces friction by 50%, and the 360 Precision Flexing Head dynamically adapts to facial contours for maximum contact and precision. The i9000 Prestige Ultra further elevates the experience with 5 customized shaving modes for ultimate skin comfort and a connected app offering real-time shaving insights. * Designed for precision and skin protection, the Philips Series 7000 features SteelPrecision Blades with 90,000 cutting actions per minute for a smooth and effective shave. The Power Adapt Sensor, adjusting 250 times per second, optimises performance based on hair density. A Motion Control Sensor ensures better shaving technique, while the Nano SkinGlide Coating minimises irritation by improving glide. Its 360-D Flexing Heads contour effortlessly to the face, delivering a consistently comfortable and close shave. Globally, consumers are gradually shifting from manual razors to electric shavers and with the launch of this new range of electric shavers, Philips intends to offer Indian consumers world class products. Commenting on the launch, Vidyut Kaul, Head of Personal Health, Philips Growth Region (JAPAC, ISC, META & LATAM), said, "At Philips, our mission is to continuously evolve and create products that enhance consumers' lives. The new Philips Shaver Series 7000, i9000 and i9000 Prestige Ultra have been meticulously crafted to provide a superior shaving experience, offering precision, adaptability, and ultimate comfort. By incorporating AI-powered SkinIQ technology, we ensure our shavers cater to different skin types that Indian men have such as oily, dry, sensitive, normal and combination, yet get a perfectly close and comfortable shave. With innovation at our core, we remain committed to redefining male grooming through technology-driven solutions. The launch of these products is yet another step towards our vision of delivering better care for more people, ensuring every shave is smooth, precise, and irritation-free." As male grooming continues to evolve, Philips remains at the forefront of innovation, bringing state-of-the-art technology to everyday routines. With a commitment to precision, comfort, and sustainability, these premium shavers set a new standard in grooming, making every shave effortless, efficient, and skin-friendly The following products will be available for purchase at www.shop.philips.co.in and Amazon.in. They will also be available in select modern retail stores of Croma, Reliance Digital and Vijay Sales. These premium electric shavers come with exceptional customer experience, featuring a 5-year warranty and a design that is built to last. - Philips 7000 Series (S7887) - INR 14,999- Philips 9000 Series (i9000) - INR 19,999- Philips i9000 Prestige Ultra - INR 34,999 (Open for pre-booking) Pre-Booking Link - https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/W0QceuRP6p Philips Electric Shavers | How to use - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pnkykM49lA Philips News Center: News Center Link (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
New Delhi [India], April 30: The Aiwan-E-Ghalib Auditorium turned into a lyrical haven on Saturday evening as Nisschal Zaveri took the stage for Andaaz, an evening that paid homage to the soul of Urdu poetry through music that felt both personal and lasting.

The concert opened with Zaveri's original composition "Kabhi Kaha Na Kisi Se" in Raag Miyan Malhar. Through a mix of classics and new compositions, he brought a fresh voice to the works of poets like Ghalib and Faiz.

A standout moment was the qawwali "Kar Qubool", composed by Zaveri and performed for the first time. Its energy had the audience on their feet. The performance closed with a heartfelt version of Ghalib's "Hazaron Khwahishein Aisi."

Speaking after the concert, Zaveri said, "Ghazals hold a kind of stillness that lets you reflect. I wanted the music to feel real, without chasing applause. It was about creating a space where people could connect with the words in their own way, at their own pace. That's what I hope they felt."

The evening was anchored by Dastangoi artist Syed Sahil Agha. Among the guests was Shazia Ilmi, National Spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Zaveri was supported by Shamshir Ali on tabla, Arshad Khan on esraj, Rohan Kadam on keyboard, Abshar Ahmed on guitar, Eshwar Dayal on percussion, and Shashank Saha for sound engineering.

Andaaz brought music and poetry together in a way that stayed with the audience long after the concert ended. For many, it was a return to a genre that continues to resonate across generations, carried forward with Zaveri's distinctive touch.

Instagram Link: www.instagram.com/nisschalzaveri/?hl=en

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Get ready for a bold new drama, 'Kull,' that delves into the complexities of power, loyalty, and family within the regal corridors of Bikaner. As the show gears up for its release, lead actor Nimrat Kaur reveals the challenges and rewards of portraying the intense and layered character of Rani Indrani Raisinggh. The trailer for Kull, streaming exclusively on JioHotstar starting May 2, has already generated considerable buzz with its portrayal of a royal family embroiled in a battle for the throne. At the heart of the drama is Indrani, played by Nimrat Kaur, who portrays a character whose strength is quiet but unyielding. Set against the magnificent backdrop of Bikaner's royal palace, the series promises a gripping exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the internal power struggles that shape the fate of a royal dynasty. In a conversation with ANI, Nimrat opened up about her character and what drew her to 'Kull'. "Indrani is a character who hides a storm beneath her calm exterior; she's complex, loyal, and quietly powerful," Nimrat said, adding, "This role offered me the unique opportunity to portray a woman whose strength is often unspoken, but whose loyalty runs deep." The show revolves around a complex web of family dynamics, with Ridhi Dogra, Amol Parashar, and Nimrat Kaur forming the central trio of the royal drama. Parashar plays Abhimanyu Raisinggh, a young prince who is thrust into the intense battle for power after the murder of his father. The royal family's delicate loyalties, long-held secrets, and cutthroat ambitions are put to the test in a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. For Nimrat, stepping into the shoes of a royal character was both a challenge and a rewarding experience. "I loved the complexity of Indrani. It's the first time I've played a character this intricate and layered," she said. The actor, who has portrayed powerful women in the past, found this role to be especially challenging because of the emotional depth and transformation required. "From where she starts to where she ends, there's a subtle yet profound shift. It was a huge challenge as an actor, and I had a lot of internal dialogue before I decided to take on this part." While playing a royal character may come with certain expectations of grandeur and elegance, Nimrat emphasised that the real complexity of Indrani lies in her internal struggles. "The power struggles in her life are not just external, they are deeply internal as well. It's not just about who inherits the throne, but about the emotional weight she carries as the eldest sister and her interactions with the people around her," she explained. Filming in the breathtaking Bikaner Palace added an authentic layer to the experience. "It was the first time I was staying at the location while shooting. The walk from my room to the set was only 1.5 minutes, and every time I walked through the palace corridors wearing a chiffon saree and pearls, I felt royal. It was a real-time inspiration that made the role even more immersive," Nimrat shared. For Nimrat, 'Kull' represents more than just a new project, it marks a reunion with producer Ekta Kapoor. "This is my second project with Ekta. I first worked with her on The Test Case, which was one of the earliest female-led web series in India. Ekta was one of the risk-takers, and she trusted me with that role. Now, she has trusted me again with 'Kull', and I feel lucky to collaborate with her and director Sahil Raza on this incredible story," Nimrat said. She also reflected on her approach to choosing roles, explaining that for her, it's all about the emotional resonance of the character. "When I read the script for Kull, I was immediately struck by the shock value of my character, Indrani. Her transformation is something I would love to watch as an audience member, and that's what made it a love-at-first-read moment for me." One of the most striking aspects of Indrani's character is her role as the eldest sister in a powerful royal family. Nimrat found this aspect particularly relatable, drawing on her own experiences as the eldest sibling. "There's always a sense of responsibility, a desire to protect, and a fierce love for your younger sibling. I understand that sense of unconditional love, the desire to teach them everything and sometimes even to protect them from the harsh truths of life," she said. As the eldest sister in Kull, Indrani carries not only the weight of family loyalty but also the emotional burden of trying to maintain balance within the royal family. With its rich setting, complex characters, and compelling narrative, 'Kull' is set to debut on JioHotstar on May 2, 2025. (ANI)
Actor Kunal Kapoor is back on screen with a gripping performance as Vikram Patel in the newly released action-thriller 'Jewel Thief.' The film, which premiered on Netflix on April 25, 2025, is a heist thriller directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal. In a recent conversation with ANI, Kapoor spoke candidly about his character, his preparation for the role, and the potential future of the film franchise. Kunal Kapoor shared his excitement for joining the 'Jewel Thief' project and said, "One of the things that drew me to this character was the opportunity to do something I've never done before. I've always wanted to be part of a heist film. Heist films are my favourite genre, and this was my chance to be part of one." Kapoor's character, Vikram Patel, a resolute and action-oriented officer, is hot on the heels of the charming yet elusive jewel thief Rehan Roy, played by Saif Ali Khan. The film's high-octane action sequences and layered characters made it an irresistible project for Kapoor, who expressed a deep respect for the filmmakers behind the scenes. "It was a combination of getting to do something new, being part of a heist film, and working with a team of really good filmmakers," Kapoor added. While Kapoor didn't find any particular scenes overwhelmingly difficult, he did mention the physically demanding nature of the shoot. "We had this intense fight sequence that we shot in the middle of the night. It was exhausting, but it was fun," Kapoor said, adding, "I had to do a lot of running throughout the film. Honestly, Tom Cruise might have some competition for all the running in this movie, and there's a lot of chasing involved!" Kapoor's portrayal of a determined officer, who relentlessly pursues Rehan Roy across continents, required intense physical effort. He noted that running through the night for many of the chase sequences proved to be one of the more physically taxing aspects of the role. When asked about special preparations for the role, Kapoor revealed that there wasn't any specific action training but shared how his physical transformation helped him embody the character of Vikram Patel. "At the time, I was working on another film called Vishwambhara, where I had to get bigger and more muscular. So, I put on quite a bit of muscle for that, and I carried that physique over to Jewel Thief as well," Kapoor shared. For Kapoor, gaining the necessary muscle mass to play the role of a tough, physically commanding cop was the primary physical adjustment for the film. "I gained around 6-7 kilos of muscle for both films, but other than that, the preparation was more about staying in shape and staying ready for the action sequences," he said. With 'Jewel Thief' leaving viewers on a cliffhanger, Kapoor shared his excitement about the possibility of a sequel. "It would be exciting to explore the backstory of Vikram Patel and delve deeper into the complex relationship between him and Rehan," Kapoor said, adding, "The film hints at their history, but there's so much more to explore. I think a sequel or even a prequel could offer a lot of interesting character dynamics." Kapoor also expressed a keen interest in further exploring Vikram's motivations and his long-standing pursuit of Rehan Roy. "There's a lot to uncover about why Vikram has been chasing Rehan for so long. If we had another part of the story, we could go deeper into that relationship," he said, while speaking to ANI. Having built a career in films ranging from 'Rang De Basanti' to 'Dear Zindagi' and others, Kapoor reflected on how his approach to acting has evolved over the years. "I've become a lot more relaxed now. I don't overthink things as much. Earlier, I would be stressed about the next scene or how to approach it. Now, I just prepare well and let my instincts take over during the shoot," Kapoor said, highlighting his growth as an actor. For Kapoor, working on 'Jewel Thief' was part of his ongoing journey of personal and professional growth. "I don't stress as much anymore. I've learned to enjoy the process more and just go with the flow," he added. When asked if, given the chance, he would swap roles with a character in 'Jewel Thief', Kapoor said, "I think Jaideep's character is fascinating. It's a very interesting role, and if I could swap, I'd choose his character," referring to Jaideep Ahlawat's portrayal of a key character in the film. Kapoor's on-screen interactions with Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat were limited, given the nature of the story, but he was quick to praise his co-stars. "Even though we didn't have much screen time together, working with Saif and Jaideep was a lot of fun," Kapoor said, adding, "Saif is a great guy, very smart and generous as a co-star. Jaideep, on the other hand, is so authentic in his performance. He just brings such a relaxed energy to his roles." Despite the limited direct collaboration on set, Kapoor enjoyed working with the duo and admired their professionalism and acting skills. "It was great fun, and I learned a lot just from being around them," he said. (ANI)
Riteish Deshmukh is set to play the role of an antagonist, a corrupt politician, in the upcoming film Raid 2, starring Ajay Devgn in the lead role. After an impressive performance as the antagonist in 'Ek Villian' and 'Marjaavaan', the fans of the 'Ved' actor are eagerly waiting for his next film 'Raid 2' which features him as a corrupt politician. For the actor, the film's script is a major factor for him to decide if he wants to don a negative role in it or not. Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Riteish Deshmukh shared that he often focuses on the emotional graph of his character while reading the script. "I should like the story and then I should like the character. What am I doing in the film? And it is very important for me to have an emotional graph of the character, which was in Ek Villain, which was in Marjawa and I think which is also in Raid 2," said Riteish. The actor also revealed that he has rejected at least 10-12 films in which he was offered a negative role. "It is not that I have ever thought that I have to play the role of an antagonist or do films. That depends on the film. There were at least 10-12 films in between to which I said no, in which there was the role of an antagonist because I did not like that story. It is not that I have to play the role of an antagonist or play the role of a big hero," added Riteish. The 'Ved' actor also shared his experience working with the Raid director Raj Kumar Gupta. After working with him in TV series 'Pill', Riteish said that he trusts Raj so much that never questions his judgements by watching the monitor or participating in the edit department of the production. "There is a trust factor. I did Pill series with Raj sir and now when I am doing Raid, I feel that I know for the fact that whatever work I do, I do not need to look at the monitor. Nor do I need to go to the edit to see what work has been done. It is not that I need to go to the edit. But it happens that they say, show some scene," said Riteish Deshmukh. "I do not see the scene, I do not even look at the monitor because that is how much I trust Raj sir," added the actor. 'Raid 2' also stars Vaani Kapoor in a key role. The movie is slated to release in theatres on May 1. (ANI)
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit has reacted to actor Atul Kulkarni's recent visit to Kashmir following the ghastly terror attack that took place in the Pahalgam region earlier this month. Kulkarni's visit was intended to encourage people to continue visiting the region to support its tourism industry. While speaking to ANI, the filmmaker, commenting on Kulkarni's approach, stated that it overlooks the deeper issue of "terrorism" in the region. He also expressed disappointment that Kulkarni "never condemned" the fact that "Islamic Jihad was behind this incident." Calling the attack an "undeclared war" against India, Pandit said, "The massacre that happened in Pahalgam was an undeclared war that Pakistan wages against India. Be it Atul Kulkarni or Suniel Shetty, they stated that tourism continues to flourish here, and by doing so, we can give a reply to terrorists..." "We, the Kashmiri Pandits who rate the victims, always say that tourism has nothing to do with terrorism. Even when crores of people are going there, this incident still happened. Terrorism is constant there... I appealed to Atul to study things and not handle and talk about such issues on a surface level. We all know that Kashmir is ours, but at such a time, you cannot take it as a joke... He never condemned that Islamic Jihad was behind this incident, and Hindus were killed selectively. He didn't condemn that, but was worried about tourism," he added. Earlier, while Kulkarni was in Kashmir, he expressed his deep sadness over the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. He revealed that he was moved by the news of "90 percent of tourist bookings" being canceled and decided to visit Kashmir in person to send a message of support, instead of just discussing the incident from Mumbai. https://www.instagram.com/p/DI8o3TmIlY9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link "What happened on the 22nd was a very tragic incident; this should not have happened. The entire country is deeply saddened. When I read about it, I was thinking that every time something like this happens, what do we do? We post on social media, we talk to friends, we write something, but then I thought, what can I actually do in real action?" Kulkarni told ANI. Earlier, at the sidelines of the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2025 ceremony, Suniel Shetty had also urged Indian citizens to plan their next holiday in Kashmir and nowhere else, while speaking to the media. "Hume nagrik ki taraf se ek hi karna hai, hume ye decide karna hai ki aaj se hamari agli chutti jo hogi, woh Kashmir mein hi hogi aur kahin nahi hogi. Unko ye dikhana hai ki hume darr nahi hai, aur waqi mein darr nahi hai (As a citizen, we have to do one thing. We have to decide that our next holiday will be in Kashmir and nowhere else. We have to show them that we are not scared)," said Suniel Shetty. On April 22, terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while leaving several others injured in one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were killed. (ANI)
Actor Vishal Jethwa recently visited 'Actor Prepares,' the acting school founded by thespian Anupam Kher, to deliver a special guest lecture to students. During his interaction, Jethwa opened up about his journey in the film industry and his excitement about his upcoming film 'Homebound,' which stars Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor and is set to be showcased at the Cannes Film Festival. While speaking to ANI, Jethwa recalled his early days as an aspiring actor and reflected on how it all started in an acting class. "It's a very surreal feeling. I never thought I would reach a place like this or be in this position. When I started out in the industry, it all began in an acting class just like this one. I remember my first class--I found it very boring. And today, we are representing India on an international level through our film, and that brings me a lot of joy," he said. https://www.instagram.com/p/DI52pYfI-kZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link The actor went on to thank everyone who had supported him throughout his journey--his well-wishers as well as his critics. "I am very grateful to everyone who supported me in this journey. I want to thank all my supporters, my fans, and even my haters, because even the bad things they said about me became a driving force in my life. I am really happy that my film is going to Cannes," he added. Directed by Ghaywan, the movie will be screened in the 'Un Certain Regard' section--a category renowned for showcasing artistic cinema from around the world.' Meanwhile, regarding the institute, 'Actor Prepares' is an acting school based in Mumbai, founded by actor Anupam Kher in 2005. Actress Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, and Varun Dhawan are some of the many notable alumni of this school. (ANI)
DMK leader TKS Elangovan has endorsed the Congress' demand for a special session of Parliament to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack. The attack, which resulted in the killing of 26 people, has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for action against those responsible. "They (opposition) want to know. There should be a discussion on such a huge incident in Pahalgam. It is right," Elangovan told ANI on Tuesday. "The Parliament should discuss...The people of India should know what has happened," he added. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting a special session of Parliament to discuss the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress leaders have expressed their willingness to work with the government in the fight against terrorism. The Congress demanded that the government take action against those responsible for the attack and ensure accountability for the security lapse. In his letter, Rahul Gandhi stated that the attack had outraged every Indian and emphasised the need for a unified response. "The terrorist attack in Pahalgam has outraged every Indian. At this critical time, India must show that we will always stand together against terrorism," the letter reads. He further stated that the Opposition believes a special session should be held to allow representatives of the people to express their unity and resolve. "The Opposition believes that a special session of both Houses of Parliament should be convened, where the representatives of the people can show their unity and determination. We request that such a special session be convened at the earliest," the letter added. The request comes amid increased political focus on national security and responses to terrorism, amidst outrage and mourning following the terror attack on April 22. The attack in Pahalgam is one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has taken strong measures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. (ANI)
The launch was held at the Directorate of Public Health as part of the celebrations for World Immunisation Week 2025, observed globally from April 24-30 under the theme: "Immunisation for all is humanly possible."

Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Mahaling reaffirmed Odisha's commitment to eliminating Measles and Rubella by the year 2026 -- in alignment with India's national target.

Highlighting Odisha's "outstanding performance" in child healthcare, Mahaling proudly shared that the State has achieved a remarkable 90.5% full immunisation coverage, the highest among all Indian states, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).

This milestone is a testament to the dedication of healthcare workers, community support, and strong inter-departmental coordination, he said.

"Immunising children and pregnant women remains our topmost priority," said Mahaling. "It is the most cost-effective and life-saving public health intervention. Together, we must ensure no child is left behind," he added.

The Minister emphasised that the success of the MR elimination mission depends on a collaborative approach involving multiple government departments such as Health & Family Welfare, Women & Child Development, School & Mass Education, ST & SC Development, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water, Housing & Urban Development, and Information & Public Relations.

Their joint efforts are being strengthened at the state, district, and block levels.

He further appealed for the active participation of parents, caregivers, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, PRI members, community leaders, NGOS, SHGS, and civil society to create a grassroots movement for immunisation awareness and action.

Let us unite as one community, he urged, to make Odisha a Measles-Rubella free state -- a shining model of public health excellence for the entire nation.

The event also paid tribute to India's immunisation triumphs, including the eradication of smallpox in 1977, the country's Polio-free status since 2014, and the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015.

Director of Public Health Dr Nilakantha Mishra, State Immunisation Officer Dr. Tapas Kumar Patra, and Binod Bihari Das, Private Secretary to the Health Minister, along with senior officers from the Department of Health and Family Welfare, were present at the launching ceremony. (ANI)
Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar on Tuesday said the Pahalgam terror attack had rattled the entire humanity and also praised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his statement in the Assembly in the aftermath of the brutal attack. "I believe what happened in Pahalgam has rattled the entire humanity... No one can understand the pain of terrorism more than Punjab. 25,000-30,000 Punjabis lost their lives to terrorism," Jakhar told ANI on Tuesday. Jakhar also said that Omar Abdullah has "touched the hearts of every person" with his statement in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. "The statement made by Omar Abdullah in J&K Assembly has touched the heart of every person, including Punjabis...He not only spoke keeping above politics but also showed the mirror to those doing low-level politics," he said. Reacting to Congress's 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi, which the party later deleted after political backlash, Jakhar said, "They (Congress) should learn from their INDIA alliance member Omar Abdullah. I hope a better sense will prevail in the Congress leadership and they will stop this low-level politics." The post had shown an image of a kurta-pyjama and black sandals with the word "GAYAB" and the caption "Jimmedariyo ke samay-Gayab" (Missing during the time of responsibility). This drew strong criticism from the BJP and its allies. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia sharply criticised the Congress, accusing it of sending the wrong message to Pakistan. "They are giving signals to Pakistan that in this terrorist attack, the Congress party stands with Pakistan and not with their own nation... This is not an innocent post by the Congress party. It is a sinister, poisonous design trying to weaken the integrity of our nation and target the Prime Minister of the country," Bhatia said. He also said, "There is a national political party that stays among us, but if we call them Lashkar-e-Pakistan Congress, it won't be wrong. The Congress's social media handle has tweeted an image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A strong message has been given to Pakistan that in India, the supporters of Mir Jafar are present here... 'Sar tan se juda' has become the ideology of Lashkar-e-Pakistan Congress today." Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also reacted strongly. "When our Prime Minister is leading the fight against terrorism strongly, why does Congress have such a low opinion of him? How low will Congress stoop? I abhor this Congress party's antics," Rijiju said on X. The attack, which resulted in the killing of 26 people, has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for action against those responsible. The attack in Pahalgam on April 22 is one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has taken strong measures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. (ANI)
"Everyone is rising above the politics, region, religion and caste and condemning this act of terrorism. All the state governments and senior leaders of the world are also supporting India," Reddy told reporters here on Tuesday.

"A big public meeting of BRS was held during these days in Warangal. But their leader, KCR, has not spoken a single word about Pahalgam...I request the people of Telangana to question and clear the stand of BRS in this matter," he added.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired a meeting which was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and three service chiefs. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present at the meeting.

The meeting took place days after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on April 23, following the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed.

Government sources said the Prime Minister affirmed that it is India's national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism.

The sources said PM Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian Armed Forces.

They said that PM Modi stated that the Indian Armed Forces have complete operational freedom. (ANI)
As many as 786 Pakistan nationals have left India through the Attari-Wagah border point within six days beginning April 24, said a senior official.

The officer informed that during the same time, a total of 1376 Indians have returned from Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border.

On April 24, the government announced that Pakistani nationals should leave India by April 27, and those with medical visas had until April 29 to do so. Those having diplomatic, official and long-term visas were excluded from the ''Leave India'' notice. The deadline for Pakistanis holding any of the 12 categories of short-term visas ended on Sunday.

The restriction on the stay of Pakistani nationals came after the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir''s Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed.

The government strongly advised Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Pakistan. Those Indian nationals currently in Pakistan are also advised to return to India at the earliest.

"Several have left via flight through Dubai or other routes, as there is no direct flight to Pakistan. We are expecting more Pakistan nationals to leave the country as state police and other central agencies are identifying Pakistan nationals residing at various places in the country," said the officer.

A large verification drive in all of the states is underway in close coordination with central intelligence agencies.

Strict action will be taken against Pakistani nationals, and their stay will be considered illegal if they continue their stay in India after April 29, said another officer who is closely monitoring the situation. (ANI)
The Congress has released guidelines for its leaders regarding their reactions to the Pahalgam terror attack. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal has instructed leaders to stick to the Congress Working Committee's stated position on the issue in the resolution passed on April 24, 2025. "All functionaries are instructed to exercise utmost discipline and consistency in public communication. Those authorised to speak on behalf of the party must confine themselves to the CWC's stated position in the resolution passed on April 24, 2025," Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said in a circular to the party leaders. "Any contravention of this directive will invite strict disciplinary action without exception. Let us remain mindful of the values and traditions of the Congress Party and rise to the occasion with the dignity and restraint that the nation rightfully expects of us," Venugopal added. The circular said that the Congress party is deeply anguished by the reprehensible terrorist attack in Pahalgam and stands in unwavering solidarity with the nation during this hour of grief. "At this critical juncture, when our collective resolve is being tested, the Indian National Congress must exemplify unity, maturity, and responsibility- virtues that have defined our conduct through decades of national service, in government and in opposition alike," the circular said. "Chaired by Hon'ble Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) adopted a unanimous resolution on April 24, 2025, setting forth the party's clear and considered stand on the Pahalgam attack. This resolution must serve as the sole basis for all public expressions of the party's stance on the matter," it added. Meanwhile, the Congress party on Tuesday deleted the controversial post on X that had appeared to depict a headless figure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a caption 'gayab' (missing) and criticised him for the "security lapse" that led to a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. The post had shown an image of a kurta-pyjama and black sandals with the word "GAYAB" and the caption "Jimmedariyo ke samay-Gayab" (Missing during the time of responsibility). This drew strong criticism from the BJP and its allies. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said that the Congress deleted its "Sar Tan Se Juda" imagery tweet due to pressure from the people of India. "Under Pressure from people of India the Congress party deletes it's "Sar Tan Se Juda" imagery tweet! This will not hide the Anti National Pro Pakistan Charactersitic of Congress!" he said in a post on X. (ANI)
A total of seven devotees lost their lives after a 20-foot-long stretch collapsed at the Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Visakhapatnam during the Chandanotsavam festival. Former BJP MLC Madhav spoke on the issue, saying it was an "unfortunate" incident. He stated that the accident occurred at 2:30 a.m. and that the government will investigate the matter. Madhav added that the seven victims of the accident will also be compensated. "This is an unfortunate incident that has taken place on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya...it took place at 2.30 am in morning...The government will investigate the incident and will compensate the victims...", he said. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief after the accident and shared a post on 'X' for the same. He paid his condolences who died in the incident and said that he has spoken to the District Collector and SP about the situation in the region. "I am deeply saddened by the death of seven devotees due to the collapse of a wall during the Chandanotsavam of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. My deepest condolences to the families of those who died in this incident due to the collapse of a wall due to heavy rains. I have spoken to the District Collector and SP about the situation there. I have ordered that the injured be provided with treatment. I am reviewing the situation from time to time", the 'X' post said. Meanwhile, after the accident, the search and rescue operations are underway by the teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force, an official said. According to an SDRF jawan, the incident occurred around 2.30 am. "Seven people died in the incident. The injured have been sent to the hospital for treatment...We immediately reached the spot after the incident was reported," the SDRF jawan told ANI. Vangalapudi Anitha, Home and Disaster Management Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has also reached the spot. Anitha told ANI that the incident was unfortunate. "There was heavy rainfall. All precautions had been taken. It is an unfortunate accident", she said. More information is awaited. (ANI)
Following severe backlash from BJP leaders, the Congress party has deleted its controversial social media post featuring a headless poster with the word "GAYAB" (missing), which targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move came after the BJP slammed Congress for the post, accusing it of echoing Pakistan's narrative in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The post had shown an image of a kurta-pyjama and black sandals with the word "GAYAB" and the caption "Jimmedariyo ke samay-Gayab" (Missing during the time of responsibility). This drew strong criticism from the BJP and its allies. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said that the Congress deleted its "Sar Tan Se Juda" imagery tweet due to pressure from the people of India. "Under Pressure from people of India the Congress party deletes it's 'Sar Tan Se Juda' imagery tweet! This will not hide the Anti National Pro Pakistan Charactersitic of Congress!," he said in a post on X. https://x.com/pradip103/status/1917240039882285543 BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia had also sharply criticised the Congress, accusing it of sending the wrong message to Pakistan. "They are giving signals to Pakistan that in this terrorist attack, the Congress party stands with Pakistan and not with their own nation... This is not an innocent post by the Congress party. It is a sinister, poisonous design trying to weaken the integrity of our nation and target the Prime Minister of the country," Bhatia said. He also said, "There is a national political party that stays among us, but if we call them Lashkar-e-Pakistan Congress, it won't be wrong. The Congress's social media handle has tweeted an image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A strong message has been given to Pakistan that in India, the supporters of Mir Jafar are present here... 'Sar tan se juda' has become the ideology of Lashkar-e-Pakistan Congress today."Union Minister Giriraj Singh defended the Prime Minister, saying he is one of the most active leaders the country has seen. "Hardly any Prime Minister of the country has been in as much active contact as this PM. The people of the North East were cut off, but the Prime Minister visited the North East many times and kept in touch with the people there. PM Mod has been actively interacting with the youth, farmers, and labourers of the country, as no other prime minister has been to date," Singh said. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also reacted strongly. "When our Prime Minister is leading the fight against terrorism strongly, why does Congress have such a low opinion of him? How low will Congress stoop? I abhor this Congress party's antics," Rijiju said on X. Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said the opposition should support the government at such times. "The PM and the Government of India have taken the right steps in response to the Pahalgam terror attack and will continue to do so. But instead of supporting them, the opposition is sending a pro-Pakistan message. Their statements are condemnable," he said. BJP leader Amit Malviya accused the Congress of using religiously charged imagery for political gain. "The Congress leaves little doubt with its use of 'Sar Tan Se Juda' imagery. This is not merely a political statement; it is a dog whistle aimed at its Muslim vote bank and a veiled incitement against the Prime Minister. It is not the first time Congress has resorted to such tactics. Rahul Gandhi, on multiple occasions, has both instigated and justified violence toward the Prime Minister. Yet the Congress will never succeed, for the Prime Minister enjoys the love and blessings of millions of Indians. On the contrary, proverbially speaking, if anyone's neck has been slashed, it is the Congress -- now reduced to a headless hydra, flailing without direction," Malviya said on X. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey reacted sharply to the post. https://x.com/nishikant_dubey/status/1917164472717971817 "Congress is hand in glove with Pakistani terrorists and their patrons, the killers of Hindus," Dubey posted on X. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh had explained the post, saying the Prime Minister skipped the all-party meeting but had time to campaign. "PM Modi was not present at the all-party meeting. We demanded on 22nd April that the all-party meeting should be held on this issue. PM did come back, but he went to Bihar to campaign for the election. He has time to address the election campaign but not the all-party meeting," Ramesh said. (ANI)
The Government of Odisha signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gates Foundation to scale up farmers' income and promote inclusive agricultural transformation in Odisha on Wednesday. The MoU was signed in the presence of Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. The MoU outlines a multi-year partnership focusing on technical support, research, and on-ground implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices. Anchored by the Department of Agricultural and Farmers' Empowerment (DAFE) and the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department. This initiative will drive science-based, ground-level interventions for sustainable agricultural growth. While speaking to ANI, Dy CM Deo stated that it is not the first time a MoU has been signed with the Gates Foundation. It is the third time that the government has taken such an initiative, which is primarily aimed at improving the livelihoods of the farming and fisheries sectors. "This is not the first time this MoU has been signed with the Gates Foundation. This is the third time, and it is mainly being done to improve the livelihoods of the farming and fisheries sectors. Both these sectors have benefited from the Gates Foundation. This will benefit the farmers", he told ANI. Earlier on April 27, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Government of Odisha organized a Workshop cum Capacity Building Programme to Boost Agri Products' Exports from Odisha at Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Hall, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the event featured over 10 stalls, represented by Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOS)/Farmer Producer Companies, women agripreneurs, government departments of Odisha, and exporters from across the state. Several GI-tagged and Agri-Products from the state, such as Koraput Kalajeera Rice, Nayagad Kanteimundi, Brinjal, Ganjam Kewda Flower Products, Koraput Coffee, Kandhamal Haldi Powder, Kendrapada Rasabali, Salepur Rasagolla, Khajuri Gud, Dhenkanal Magaji Ladoo, and Mayurbhanja Kai Chutni, were displayed at the University. (ANI)
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday morning asserted that it was their responsibility to remove "speed breakers" that hinder the development of the country. She said that the only way to achieve 'Viksit Bharat' was through 'One Nation, One Election'. Speaking about the huge amount of money spent in the elections, the Delhi CM said that people should make their choice only once, while advocating for new reforms to give the country a chance to perform. "Thousand crores of money are spent on elections every time. First, Lok Sabha elections took place, followed by the Assembly elections after six months. Thousands of government employees, teachers, and school management all get busy conducting elections. People should have to make their choices only once, and it is our responsibility to remove those speed breakers that are stopping our development. We should make reforms and give the country a chance to perform," Gupta said while addressing the gathering at Delhi University's North Campus. "We want the country to move forward in the path of progress. 2047 is a big target for us. When we talk about 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Viswaguru Bharat'...we only have one way for it that is 'One Nation One Election'," she added. Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan advocated for political stability to enable the country to achieve superpower status, stating that elections were held together until the 1960s, but the schedule has been disrupted over the last 40 years. "The elections were held together at once after Independence. It used to happen till the 1960s. This schedule has been disrupted in the last 40 years. If India needs to develop and become a superpower, political stability in the country and its states is required. The frequent elections take a toll on time and revenue, which is not good for the country's development," Pradhan said. Along with him, Delhi CM Gupta, Delhi Minister Ashish Sood and others flagged off the 'One Nation, One Election' run organised under the Delhi University mega run today. (ANI)
The death toll has risen to eight, with four others injured after a 20-foot-long makeshift structure collapsed during the Chandanotsavam festival at the Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Visakhapatnam during the early hours of Wednesday. While speaking to ANI, Vinay Chan, Principal Secretary of the Endowment Department, addressed the incident in Tirupati. He stated that it is premature to determine the cause. "So it is not appropriate for us to conclude on the reasons for the incident. Prima facie, we have noticed that there was a downpour between 2.30 and 3.30 am in the early hours. We are investigating the incident... Currently, we have information that about eight people have died. All the debris has been cleared...Rescue work has been concluded," he said. Search and rescue operations are underway by the teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force, an official said. According to an SDRF jawan, the incident occurred around 2.30 am. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the incident and informed that continuous monitoring of the situation is being conducted. Taking to X, CM Naidu said, "The death of seven devotees in a wall collapse during the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Chandanotsavam has deeply saddened me. The incident, caused by heavy rains, is truly unfortunate. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I have spoken to the District Collector and SP regarding the situation and instructed that proper medical care be provided to the injured. I am continuously monitoring the situation." Additionally, former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed shock and sorrow over the tragic deaths of devotees who lost their lives after a wall collapsed on the Rs. 300 ticket queue line due to heavy rains. Calling it a heartbreaking incident, he said it was extremely painful that devotees who had come to witness the divine form of the Lord had to lose their lives in such a tragic manner. YS Jagan urged the government to ensure the best possible medical treatment for those injured in the accident. He also appealed to the authorities to extend all necessary support and assistance to the families of the deceased. Meanwhile, BJP former MLC Madhav said, "This is an unfortunate incident that has taken place on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. It took place at 2.30 am in the morning. The government will investigate the incident and will compensate the victims." (ANI)
The Tis Hazari court of Delhi has recently discharged a restaurant owner, a manager and two female dancers in the case related to an alleged obscene dance. It was also alleged that a minor girl was employed to perform an obscene dance. During the raid, a minor girl was found dancing in the bar. However, the court was convinced by the argument of defence counsel that the minor showed documents as per which she was a major at the time of getting employed at Green Chilli Bar at Pahar Ganj. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Balvinder Singh discharged bar owner Sandeep Kumar Manchanda, manager Inderjeet Singh Lovely and two female dancers. After investigation, the Delhi Police crime branch had filed a charge against the accused persons under sections 294 and 109 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. It was the case of the prosecution that on October 7, 2022, the crime branch had conducted a raid on Green Chilli Bar after getting information that minor girls were doing semi-naked dance at the Bar. During the raid, the police had found a minor girl doing an obscene dance at the said bar. The police apprehended the accused persons, and a charge sheet was filed against them. During the arguments on charge, Advocate Rishabh Jain argued on behalf of the accused persons. He argued that the bar was covered by CCTV cameras s but police didn't produce the footage before the court. It was also argued that the victims' alleged semi-naked clothes were not seized by police. It was also argued that though the police officials were on the spot for two hours, the videographer and photographer were not taken in the said raid. The investigation was silent concerning the manner in which the dancers were dancing obscenely. After considering the submissions made by the counsel for the accused, the court discharged the accused persons for the offence under section 294/109/34 IPC and 12 POCSO Act. (ANI)
The Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked small-arms firing during the intervening night of April 29 and 30 from its posts across the Line of Control (LoC) in multiple sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a swift and proportionate response from the Indian Army, according to lndian Army. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Indian Army reported that Pakistani forces targeted Indian positions in the Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors in the Jammu region. Later updates confirmed that similar ceasefire violations were also recorded further north in Baramulla and Kupwara districts, as well as across the International Border (IB) in the Pargwal sector. "During the night of 29-30 April, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the Line of Control opposite the Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors. Indian Army troops responded swiftly and proportionately," the Army stated. Further, Pakistan extended the firing to additional locations across the LoC in Baramulla and Kupwara, in north Kashmir, along with the Pargwal sector along the IB. The Indian Army maintained that its troops retaliated appropriately to all such violations. This is the sixth consecutive day of India's effective relations since the Pakistan Army's unprovoked small arms firing on the night of 25-26. Meanwhile, Pakistan-based cyber actors have once again failed in their attempts to violate Indian cyber sovereignty. With its imprints in the Pahalgam terror attack clear, the Pakistani forces have been violating the ceasefire on the Loc every day. Now, Pakistan has redirected its efforts towards publicly accessible welfare and educational websites after finding mission-critical national networks impenetrable. Operating under the moniker "IOK Hacker" - Internet of Khilafah, the group sought to deface pages, disrupt online services and harvest personal information. India's layered cybersecurity architecture detected the intrusions in real-time and quickly traced their origin to Pakistan. Sources say that Intelligence assessments confirm four related incidents. The websites of Army Public School (APS) Srinagar and APS Ranikhet were both targeted with inflammatory propaganda. APS Srinagar also faced a distributed-denial-of-service assault. An attempted breach of the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) database was likewise detected, while a concurrent effort was made to compromise the Indian Air Force Placement Organisation portal. All four sites were promptly isolated, and restorative action was undertaken; no operational or classified networks were affected at any stage. These frustrated attempts highlight both the adversary's intent and its limitations. (ANI)
Calling Pakistan a 'rogue nation', defence expert Shiwalee Deshpande said on Wednesday that Pakistan is not only training terrorists to come into India but also sending "their regular army officers." "Now, since Pakistan has owned up that it trains terrorists and it gives terrorists funds, it gives them ammunition, it has been clear to the whole world that Pakistan is a rogue nation and Pakistan is a terror nation," the defence expert told ANI. Asserting that India is ready for a "strong step" to give as a reply to Pakistan, she added, "Now, after we are finding out details of these terrorists (in the Pahalgam attack), we find out they are ex-ISI officers and ex-Pakistan officers, and this is so terrible." "This proves that Pakistan is not only training terrorists and sending them into the country to commit terror activities, but it is also sending its regular army officers to India. So naturally India will take a strong step, and enough is enough, now this action is going to be something very big." Menwhile, in the meeting on April 29, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, CDS Anil Chauhan and the Chiefs of the three services, where India's resolve against terrorism was reiterated. Three Armed Forces were also given "complete operational freedom" to respond to the Pahalgam terror attack, the defence expert said that the response will be given at a time and place of "our choosing." Yesterday, during a ninety-minute meeting with all three chiefs, the CDS, and the NSA, the Prime Minister made it very clear that, from our side, the defence forces have a free hand to take action as and when they deem necessary. But the action will happen, and it will be at a time and place of our choosing, and this time it is going to hit big, we have the resources, our war games are already on," she said. The meeting, chaired by PM Modi, took place days after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on April 23, following the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed. Government sources said the Prime Minister affirmed that it is India's national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism. The sources said PM Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian Armed Forces. They stated that PM Modi said the Indian Armed Forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response. (ANI)
Union Consumer Affairs and Food Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday morning hit out at Congress over its "Gayab" remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and said that this exemplifies Congress stooping to the "lowest level". He further attacked the Congress ministers and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over "war not needed" remarks, accusing them of giving a "boost" to Pakistan. "We don't need further examples to understand that Congress can stoop to any low. This is the lowest level they can stoop to. Siddaramaiah and some of the Congress Ministers' statements have given a boost to Pakistan. That is why they deleted it later. At least they realised their mistake," Joshi told ANI. Following severe backlash from BJP leaders, the Congress party has deleted its controversial social media post featuring a headless poster with the word "GAYAB" (missing), which targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move came after the BJP slammed Congress for the post, accusing it of echoing Pakistan's narrative in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The post had shown an image of a kurta-pyjama and black sandals with the word "GAYAB" and the caption "Jimmedariyo ke samay-Gayab" (Missing during the time of responsibility). This drew strong criticism from the BJP and its allies. The leaders from the ruling party have reacted strongly against the post made by Congress' handle on X. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said, ""When our Prime Minister is leading the fight against terrorism strongly, why does Congress have such a low opinion of him? How low will Congress stoop? I abhor this Congress party's antics." However, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh had explained the post, saying the Prime Minister skipped the all-party meeting but had time to campaign. "PM Modi was not present at the all-party meeting. We demanded on 22nd April that the all-party meeting should be held on this issue. PM did come back, but he went to Bihar to campaign for the election. He has time to address the election campaign but not the all-party meeting," Ramesh said. (ANI)
BJP MP Sambit Patra lashed out at the Congress party on Monday over its 'Gayab' post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that the party should be called 'Pindi' alliance. Criticising Congress leaders, Patra stated that Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the Congress party are heroes of the Pakistani media and will soon contest elections in Pakistan. Speaking to ANI, Patra said "This is not INDI alliance, this is the Rawalpindi alliance. From today, we will not call them the INDI alliance; we are going to call them the 'Pindi' alliance. Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the Congress party are the heroes of the Pakistani media. I think that day is not far when the people of this 'Pindi' alliance will contest elections in Pakistan..." Meanwhile, after facing severe backlash from the BJP party, the Congress party has now deleted its controversial social media post featuring a headless poster with the word "GAYAB" (missing), which targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The post showed an image of a kurta-pyjama and black sandals with the word "GAYAB" and the caption "Jimmedariyo ke samay-Gayab" (Missing during the time of responsibility). This drew intense criticism from the BJP and its allies. The move came after the BJP slammed Congress for the post, accusing it of echoing Pakistan's narrative in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said that the Congress deleted its "Sar Tan Se Juda" imagery tweet due to pressure from the people of India. "Under Pressure from the people of India, the Congress party deletes it's 'Sar Tan Se Juda' imagery tweet! This will not hide the Anti National Pro Pakistan Charactersitic of Congress!," he said in a post on X. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia had also sharply criticised the Congress, accusing it of sending the wrong message to Pakistan. "They are giving signals to Pakistan that in this terrorist attack, the Congress party stands with Pakistan and not with their own nation. This is not an innocent post by the Congress party. It is a sinister, poisonous design trying to weaken the integrity of our nation and target the Prime Minister of the country," Bhatia said. (ANI)
Lakhs of devotees arrived in Vrindavan, Mathura on Wednesday, on the festival of Akshaya Tritiya, to catch a glimpse of Lord Banke Bihari's feet-a special darshan that happens only once a year. The temple doors opened at 6 am Instead of the usual 12 pm, the temple will close at 12:30 pm today, for the afternoon break. In the evening, the temple will reopen at 4:30 pm, one hour earlier than the regular time. Also, the temple will close for the day at 10:30 pm, an hour later than usual. To manage the crowd and ensure safety, senior officials, including Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Shailesh Pandey, District Magistrate Chandraprakash, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar, visited the temple area to review preparations. A meeting was also held with temple authorities to review safety measures for devotees. The entire area has been divided into three zones and nine sectors for better crowd control. Along with local police, additional forces from other districts and the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) have been deployed. The Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) has been stationed around the temple, and Flood PAC teams have also been deployed along the banks of the Yamuna river. Communication and monitoring are being handled through a public address system and CCTV cameras. To tackle traffic congestion, a special traffic and diversion plan has been implemented in the district. SSP Shlok Kumar said that strong arrangements have been made for crowd control and safety District Magistrate C.P. Singh added that the "administration is focused on ensuring that every devotee has a safe darshan experience", and urged the public to cooperate with the authorities. Celebrated on April 30 this year, Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej or Akti, is primarily observed among the Jain and Hindu communities. Additionally, the day is considered auspicious for purchasing gold, donating food items, and clothing, among other things. (ANI)
After Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann refused the release of more water to Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini lashed out at Mann and said that he had been trying to "politicise" the issue. Saini also clarified that Haryana had not received its full share of water, but only 60 per cent. "He is trying to politicise this issue. I would like to clarify that the SYL (Sutlej-Yamuna Link) canal matter is under the supervision of the Supreme Court. But this issue is not about SYL's water. It is about the issue of drinking water... Haryana has not yet received its full share. In the last week, Haryana received only 4,000 cusecs of drinking water, which is approximately 60% of the state's total demand. If BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) provides the remaining water per Haryana's demand, it will be only 0.0001% of Bhakra Dam's water reservoir..." Saini said, speaking to the media on Wednesday. Saini also stated that after the AAP lost the elections in Delhi, Bhagwant Mann was acting to punish the people of Delhi. "If there is less water at the contact point of Haryana, then Delhi's drinking water supply will also be affected. As long as the AAP government was in power in Delhi, Bhagwant Mann had no objection to the water being sent to Delhi. But now, since AAP lost in Delhi, he is doing this to punish the people of Delhi," Saini further said. He also requested Mann to rise above his party politics and provide drinking water to the state, further requesting him to rise above narrow perspectives and cooperate for the nation's interest. "I request Bhagwant Mann to rise above his party politics and provide drinking water to Haryana. It is necessary to empty the Bhakra Dam water reservoir before June so that rainwater can be stored during the monsoon. If there is no space left in the water reservoir, excess water will go to Pakistan via Hari-ke-Pattan, which is neither in the interest of Punjab nor the nation. Bhagwant Mann, I request you to rise above narrow perspectives, cooperate for the nation's interest, and ensure the supply of proper drinking water to Haryana," Saini said. Saini further stated that, although Mann had advocated for low water levels in the Pong and Ranjit Sagar Dams, he had not explained the situation with the Bhakra Nangal Dam. "Bhagwant Mann advocated the low water level in Pong and Ranjit Sagar Dam, but did not explain the situation of Bhakra Dam, from where Haryana gets its drinking water. Bhagwant Mann stated that, before today, neither Punjab nor the BBMB had kept track of water levels. This is false. Along with BBMB, the governments of Rajasthan, Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana continuously monitor every drop of water at all times. On 26 April, I informed him on the phone that Punjab officials were reluctant to implement the BBMB's technical committee's decision to release water to Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan on 23 April," Saini further said. The Haryana CM also alleged that he had been assured by the Punjab CM of water release but had been kept on hold till April 27, further stating that he had misled the people of Haryana. "Mann assured me that he would release the water by the evening and said that he would also congratulate me on the phone for this. However, the next day, on 27 April, the Punjab officials did nothing until 2 PM, and even stopped responding to phone calls from Harayna officials. The next day, I wrote him a letter to make him aware of this situation, but instead of replying to the letter for 48 hours, Mann released a video, and for political selfishness, he sidelined the facts and tried to misguide the people of Haryana," Saini said. (ANI)
A week after the Pahalgam attack, tourists were seen returning to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. Tourists in Srinagar were found enjoying 'Shikara' rides at Dal Lake. A tourist from Chandigarh said, "Kashmir is heaven. The people here are really helpful. Everyone should visit Kashmir at least once in their lifetime." Another tourist, Rahul, said that he had planned a visit to Srinagar around 3 months ago. Despite the Pahalgam attack, he didn't change the plan. "I have come from Bengaluru. We took a tour of Srinagar...there is no problem, it is safe...we have come here for 10 days, we made the plan 3 months ago, we didn't cancel it," he said. Earlier this week, foreign and domestic tourists strolled through the town, bringing a sense of normalcy and hope back to the region. Croatian and Serbian tourists were seen exploring the streets of Pahalgam, entirely at ease. Holding nothing back, they expressed their admiration for Kashmir's unmatched beauty and its warm people. Ljiljana from Croatia, while speaking to ANI, said, "We are coming from Croatia and we are now 3 or 4 days here. We feel very safe, and your country is truly beautiful. We don't have any problem staying here. Kashmir is beautiful, very beautiful. It's very nice, your country is different. We are very, very satisfied with your nature, and people are very kind. We are happy here. We are all 12 people, including two from Serbia and the others from Croatia." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the three service chiefs. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present at the meeting. The meeting took place days after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on April 23, following the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed. The government has said that the terrorists responsible for the attack and the conspirators behind it will face severe punishment. (ANI)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed grief on the loss of lives due to the wall collapse incident in Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Taking to Facebook, Rahul Gandhi in a post wrote "Saddened by the loss of lives during the tragic accident at Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, Visakhapatnam." The Congress leader also extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for a speedy recovery of the injured. "My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to those injured," the post further read. The tragic incident occurred when a 20-feet-long makeshift structure collapsed during the Chandanotsavam festival at the Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Visakhapatnam, claiming eight people's lives and injuring four people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the loss of the lives. In a post on X, PM Modi extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi," said the X post. Meanwhile, YSRCP spokesperson Konda Rajiv urged the government to take the necessary measures and treat the injured. Rajiv stated that the locals and devotees had previously raised doubts about the construction of the wall. "Today, an unfortunate incident took place at Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple during Chandanolsavam...due to a wall collapse, innocent devotees lost their lives...I urge this govt to take better medical measures to treat the injured...who is responsible for this?...devotees and locals had previously raised doubts on the construction and quality of the wall but there was no response from govt", the YSRCP spokesperson said in a video released by party's media cell." (ANI)
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Wednesday extended greetings on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Basaveshwara, saying that he was revered in society for his efforts to oppose the caste system and envision a society with equal opportunities for all. She said that despite being a Brahmin, Basaveshwara "rose above" the caste system and talked about equality for the backward classes and Dalits. "Today is Guru Basaveshwara Jayanti...we call him Basava Anna, which means brother; he has been a brother to everyone. He opposed the caste system and rose above it to advocate for equality. He brought equality among all the castes; he was a Brahmin, but he worked for the backward classes and Dalits. He was opposed, but he still talked about equality," Karandlaje, junior labour minister, told ANI. Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of the birth anniversary of 12th-century social reformer Guru Basaveshwara, while highlighting that a statue of the social reformer was unveiled at the Parliament grounds. Rajya Sabha Deputy Speaker Harivansh Narayan Singh, Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, Kiren Rijiju, Pralhad Joshi, Shobha Karandlaje and BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, among other leaders, on Wednesday paid floral tribute to social reformer and founder of Lingayat tradition, Guru Basaveshwara at Parliament premises. The Union Ministers and other leaders offered flowers at the statue of Basaveshwara and raised slogans in his praise. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Basaveshwara on his Jayanti. "On the auspicious occasion of Basava Jayanthi, we remember the profound wisdom of Jagadguru Basaveshwara. His vision for society and his tireless efforts to uplift the marginalised continue to guide us," the PM said in a post on X. Basaveshwara, also known as Basavanna or 'Basava', was a 12th-century philosopher, statesman, and Kannada poet in the Shiva-focused Bhakti movement. He is also considered the founder of the Lingayat tradition and a great social reformer who stood for the rights of the underprivileged classes and women. Basavanna spread social awareness through his poetry, popularly known as Vachanaas. He rejected gender and social discrimination, superstitions, and rituals and introduced the Ishtalinga necklace, with an image of the Shiva Linga, to every person. Known as the champion of equality, Basavanna introduced the concept of Anubhava Mantapa (hall of spiritual experience), where men and women from all socio-economic backgrounds were allowed to discuss spiritual and mundane questions of life without restraint. He was a strong advocate of nonviolence, also voicing his objection to animal and human sacrifices. The Basavarajadevara Ragale by Kannada poet Harihara is considered the earliest available account of the historical figure's life. (ANI)
Three postgraduate students from the state-run Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College (BJMC) in Pune, Maharashtra, were suspended and evicted from hostel following ragging allegations. The college dean, Eknath Pawar, confirmed on Wednesday that the accused were punished for allegedly ragging junior doctors on campus. The action was taken after the administration received a student complaint on Monday. In response, a probe committee was immediately formed to investigate the matter. Following its first meeting, the committee decided to suspend the three accused. An internal inquiry is still ongoing, with one victim formally lodging the complaint. Pawar stressed the institution's strict anti-ragging principles and said, "No one should engage in such activities, as we are all colleagues. As human beings, we must respect one another. However, if anyone is found guilty of ragging, the institution will take strict action, and no leniency will be shown," he stated. Further developments in the case will follow as the internal probe committee continues its investigation. (ANI)
Following the massive fire at a hotel in Kolkata's Machhua area on Tuesday night that claimed 14 lives, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dilip Ghosh has hit out at the West Bengal government, alleging rampant corruption and negligence in implementing fire safety norms. Speaking to reporters after the recovery of the bodies from the charred premises near Falapatti Machhua, Ghosh said such incidents were not new in the state and highlighted the lack of proper fire safety certifications and unchecked illegal construction. "This has happened before in Bengal. No one takes a fire certificate here. There are no safety measures. There is so much corruption in the government, illegal construction takes place, and markets are built everywhere, and then such incidents happen, and there is a loss of life. The government will have to be more serious...," he stated while speaking to reporters. Meanwhile, in response to the tragedy Kolkata Police has formed a special investigation team to determine the cause of fire and probe possible lapses in safety norms. At the time of the incident, the hotel had 88 boarders accommodated in 42 rooms and was staffed by 60 employees. According to Kolkata police, the deceased include 11 men, one woman, one boy, and one girl. Of the 14 bodies recovered from the site, eight have been identified so far. Thirteen people sustained injuries, of whom 12 have been treated and discharged, while one person remains hospitalized. Earlier, Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar had urged the State administration to rescue the affected immediately, and called for "stricter monitoring" of fire safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future. "I urge the state administration to immediately rescue those affected, ensure their safety, and provide them with necessary medical and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, I appeal for a thorough review and stricter monitoring of fire safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future," he said in a post on X. (ANI)
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed profound shock over the sudden collapse of the wall that claimed eight lives at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Simhachalam. According to an official press release, the Chief Minister instructed authorities to ensure the immediate provision of emergency medical services for those injured in this unfortunate incident. CM Naidu further added that a large number of devotees had gathered to see the Nija Rupam (true form of the Lord) on Wednesday, a wall collapsed in the queue due to heavy rain at midnight, due to which some devotees lost their lives. Soon after learning of the incident, Chandrababu Naidu held a teleconference with the Ministers, including Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, Vangalapudi Anitha, Anagani Satya Prasad, Bharat Ram, and the trustee of the Simhachalam temple, Ashok Gajapathi Raju. The Chief Minister inquired about the details of the incident and the medical assistance being provided to the injured. He also ordered an inquiry, forming a three-member committee to investigate the cause of the incident. Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, the CM Naidu announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh each to the families of the deceased and also stated that one member from each family will be employed on an outsourcing basis in the temples under the purview of the Endowments Department. Similarly, Rs 3 lakh will be paid as assistance to those who are injured, the CM Naidu said and assured the affected families that the State Government will certainly stand by them. The Chief Minister also ordered that the debris be removed immediately to prevent any inconvenience to the devotees. As thousands of devotees are expected to gather for the darshan of the Lord, the Chief Minister has directed officials to take necessary safety measures to ensure that the devotees do not experience any inconvenience or panic. Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the loss of lives due to a wall collapse in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. In a post on X, PM Modi extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi," said the X post. Additionally, former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed shock and sorrow over the tragic deaths of devotees who lost their lives. Calling it a heartbreaking incident, he said it was extremely painful that devotees who had come to witness the divine form of the Lord had to lose their lives in such a tragic manner. YS Jagan urged the government to ensure the best possible medical treatment for those injured in the accident. He also appealed to the authorities to extend all necessary support and assistance to the families of the deceased. YSRCP leader Gowtham Reddy criticised the government. Healleged that the Chandra Babu Naidu-led government failed to make proper arrangements for devotees at Simhachalam, resulting in the deaths of seven to eight people in the incident. He mentioned that a wall under construction, located beside the queue lines, collapsed, and the officials and government failed to manage the situation appropriately. He further reminded that Chandra Babu Naidu was responsible for the death of thirty people during the Godavari Pushkar. Reddy further accused the government of destroying temples and warned against playing with the Gods, urging caution. Earlier today, a 20-foot-long makeshift structure collapsed during the Chandanotsavam festival at the Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Visakhapatnam, claiming eight people's lives and injuring four people. Search and rescue operations are underway by the teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force, an official said. According to an SDRF jawan, the incident occurred around 2.30 am. (ANI)
Tangdhar is a remote village in the Kupwara District, which has long struggled with limited access to educational and technological facilities. Students with a desire to learn computer skills often had no choice but to travel to the central district headquarters in Kupwara or even as far as Srinagar. These journeys are not only time-consuming but also financially burdensome, making it nearly impossible for many students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue such education. Recognising this gap and stepping up to serve the community, the Indian Army has taken a commendable initiative by establishing the Shakti Vijay Computer lab in Tanghdar. This lab is now offering free computer courses to the local students, significantly reducing the barriers to digital education. The lab offers training at two levels: a Basic Computer Course, which lasts 3 months. This course focuses on foundational skills like typing, basic MS Office applications, and internet usage and Advanced Computer Course 6 months aimed at students who wish to pursue more in-depth training including programming fundamentals, data management, AI and other essential digital tools. A student who is studying computer advance course said that there was no facility to learn computers earlier in the region and people had to go to Srinagar by paying five to 10 thousand fees to learn computer. However, the training provided by the Indian Army is very helpful and free of cost. "I live here and there was no facility to learn computers. The army provided us this facility here and I do computer advance course here. We used to go to Srinagar, where we had to pay Rs 5 to 10, whereas here we are taught without any fee", the student told ANI. This initiative has brought new hope to students not only from Tangdhar but also from neighbouring villages. With access to computer education now available locally and free of cost, many young minds are being equipped with valuable skills that can open doors to better educational and employment opportunities. (ANI)
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Wednesday morning lashed out at Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav over a hoarding comparing the latter with Babasaheb Ambedkar, saying that it was "disrespect" to the architect of the Indian constitution. Intensifying his attack against the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Meghwal highlighted that Yadav was in alliance with Congress, which had a role in defeating Babasaheb in the 1952 elections. He said that Yadav's ideology doesn't match Babasaheb's since the former remains the chief of a political party headed by his family. "Akhilesh Yadav and his family members have been advocates of OBC reservation. But if anybody staunchly opposed the OBC reservation, it was Rajiv Gandhi who gave a lengthy speech that ran for more than two hours in the Lok Sabha. Akhilesh is allied with the same Congress and calls himself similar to Babasaheb. This is Babasaheb's disrespect," Meghwal told reporters in a press conference here. "Akhilesh Yadav is the chief of a family party, and Babasaheb was against nepotism... His ideologies do not match up with Babasaheb at all," he added. The Union Minister further claimed that many from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community were demoted in huge numbers during Yadav's tenure as the Chief Minister. He also spoke about an SP MP "tearing" a bill on a reservation in promotion during the time of UPA II. "Can't Akhilesh Yadav remember his tenure as the CM when engineers of the scheduled caste community were demoted in huge numbers? When a bill was about to be passed during UPA II about reservation in promotion, the one who tore up the bill in the Lok Sabha was an SP MP from Nagina," Meghwal said. The hoarding, featuring half of Babasaheb Ambedkar's image alongside Akhilesh Yadav, has sparked a huge controversy in political circles, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders attacking the Samajwadi Party (SP), accusing them of "insulting" Dr Ambedkar. (ANI)
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) chief YS Sharmila on Wednesday claimed that she was put under house arrest at her residence in Vijayawada by the Chandrababu Naidu government. After being released, she met her supporters, slamming the state government for committing "gross injustice" on multiple issues, including the demand for special status to Andhra Pradesh. "Why have you house arrested someone who wants to do good to the people of Andhra Pradesh? You and your alliance, the BJP, are doing a gross injustice to the people of the state, be it regarding special status, Polavaram (project), or Amravati capital. You haven't done any justice. Today, because we want to fight for the people, you have arrested the Congress chief in Andhra. Why are you scared?" Sharmila told reporters here. "Please tell the people of Andhra Pradesh. Is just going to my workplace at the PCC office now considered a crime? Why are you trying to curtail our constitutional rights? What is your government afraid of?" she posted on X. Sharmila asserted that the state government was afraid of the Amaravati Capital Committee formed by Congress, which aims to conduct research and create an action plan for the welfare of the people. "The government is scared of the Amaravati Capital Committee, which has six or seven members tasked with researching and creating an action plan for the welfare of the people. Anything the committee decides will be for the good of Andhra Pradesh," she said. Earlier, Sharmila demanded that the Chandrababu Naidu government complete the Polavaram Project in its original capacity, as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014, which states in Section 90 that it is entitled to be a national project. She said that the plans to reduce the project size, and by extension, its storage capacity from 194 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) to 114 TMC, were a "gross injustice." She further narrated the "injustice" being faced by Girijans from the Girija tribe who have given up their lands for the state government to realise the Polavaram project. Of the 160,000 families who have given up their land, fewer than 10 per cent have received any benefits, with rehabilitation packages provided to less than 9,000 families. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav attended a mass wedding ceremony organised in Daukhedi, Ujjain district on Wednesday and blessed the newly-wed couples for a happy married life on the occasion. A total of 70 newly-wed couples walked down the aisle during the ceremony, and CM Yadav wished that the lives of all the couples be filled with joy, happiness and prosperity. "Today, I attended a mass wedding ceremony in Daukhedi, Ujjain, on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Akshaya Tritiya is considered one of the most auspicious Muhurtas. Today is a very special day, and I extend my greetings to all the newlywed couples. Our government is also providing Rs 55,000 to each couple. The mass wedding ceremonies stop extravagant expenses, and the entire society participates in the function with pleasure at the same time," CM Yadav said. The Chief Minister further expressed pleasure after attending the mass wedding function and said that it felt good to see people from various villages and towns get married. Additionally, in a post on X, CM Yadav stated, "Best wishes to all the newly married couples for a happy life! Today, I attended a mass marriage ceremony organised in Daukhedi of Ujjain district and blessed the newlywed couples for a happy married life. I wish that with the blessings of Baba Mahakal, the life of all our sons and daughters is filled with happiness, prosperity and joy." Earlier, while extending greetings of Akshaya Tritiya, the CM added, "Greetings and best wishes on Akshaya Tritiya festival. I pray to Lord Vishnu and Maa Lakshmi to keep their blessings on all of you and provide everlasting happiness, joy and prosperity." Celebrated on April 30 this year, Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej or Akti, is primarily observed among the Jain and Hindu communities. Additionally, the day is considered auspicious for purchasing gold, donating food items, and clothing, among other things. People pray for the well-being of their loved ones. (ANI)
Union Minister of State for Railway Ministry V. Somanna on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key leaders involved in installing and unveiling the statue of 12th-century social reformer Guru Basaveshwara at Prerna Sthal in the Parliament complex. The event marked the celebration of Basava Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the 12th-century philosopher, statesman, and Kannada poet. While speaking to ANI, Somanna said, "I want to thank Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Karnataka's leader Pralhad Joshi ji...this is a historic decision...I thank PM also." Earlier in the day, several ministers, including Rajya Sabha Deputy Speaker Harivansh Narayan Singh, Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, Kiren Rijiju, Pralhad Joshi, Shobha Karandlaje, and BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, paid floral tribute to social reformer and founder of the Lingayat tradition, Guru Basaveshwara, at Parliament premises. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage to Guru Basaveshwara on his jayanti. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "On the auspicious occasion of Basava Jayanthi, we remember the profound wisdom of Jagadguru Basaveshwara. His vision for society and his tireless efforts to uplift the marginalised continue to guide us." Basaveshwara, also known as Basavanna or "Basava," was associated with the Shiva-focused Bhakti movement. He is also considered the founder of the Lingayat tradition and a notable social reformer who advocated for the rights of underprivileged classes and women. Basavanna spread social awareness through his poetry, popularly known as Vachanaas. He rejected gender and social discrimination, as well as superstitions and rituals, and introduced the Ishtalinga necklace, featuring an image of the Shiva Linga, to every person. Known as the champion of equality, Basavanna introduced the concept of Anubhava Mantapa, a hall of spiritual experience where men and women from all socio-economic backgrounds were allowed to discuss spiritual and mundane questions of life without restraint. He was a strong advocate of non-violence and voiced his objection against animal and human sacrifices. The Basavarajadevara Ragale by Kannada poet Harihara is considered the earliest available account of the historical figure's life. (ANI)
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), the scheme aimed at providing deposit free LPG connections to adult women from poor households, will complete 9 years on May 1 (tomorrow). Marking a significant milestone in India's journey towards ensuring clean cooking fuel for all. The scheme promotes health, environmental sustainability and women empowerment by replacing traditional cooking fuels like firewood and cow-dung cakes. As on March 1, 2025, the total number of active domestic LPG consumers in India stands at 32.94 crore, including 10.33 crore beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). According to the Ministry of Energy and Environment, there are 10.33 crore PMUY connections across the country. "Reflecting the sustained usage of LPG, out of the 8.99 crore connections released as on 01.04.2022, 8.34 crore beneficiaries have availed at least one refill during the last two financial years, between April 2022 and March 2024," read a statement from the ministry. The scheme, launched in May 2016, was expanded with Ujjwala 2.0 in August 2021 with the target of releasing 1 crore additional PMUY connections, which was achieved in January 2022. Following the success, an additional 60 lakh LPG connections were released under Ujjwala 2.0, achieving a total of 1.60 crore connections by December 2022. Further, the Government approved the release of 75 lakh additional connections for the period FY 2023-24 to 2025-26, which was successfully achieved in July 2024. Even Migrant families are able to avail the benefits of the schemes, as they can avail a new LPG connection through a self-declaration instead of requiring Proof of Address and Ration Card. With the aim of expanding the network of LPG distributors, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are continuously commissioning new LPG distributorships, especially in rural areas. Since the launch of the PMUY scheme, OMCs have commissioned 7959 distributorships across the country during the period from 1st April 2016 to 31st October 2024, out of which 7373 distributorships (93%) are catering to rural areas. Overall, the total number of LPG distributors increased from 13896 on 1st April 2014 to 25481 on 1st April 2024, marking an 83% growth. Distributors catering specifically to rural areas rose from 6724 to 17560 during the same period, registering an impressive 161% growth. According to the ministry, PMUY is the biggest program to provide Domestic LPG to more than 10.33 crore poor households at an effective price of about Rs 35/Kg. In comparison, the effective price of domestic LPG cylinder as of January 1, 2025 in Pakistan is Rs 1094, Rs 1231 in Sri Lanka and Rs 1206 in Nepal. As a result of various steps taken by Government to improve access and affordability of domestic LPG for PMUY consumers, per capita consumption of PMUY beneficiaries (in terms of no. of 14.2 kg LPG cylinders taken per year) has increased. Due to various measures, the annual per capita LPG consumption among PMUY beneficiaries has shown a steady increase. As of March 2025, the annual per capita consumption of a PMUY beneficiary is 4.43 cylinders, up from 3.01 cylinders in 2019-2020. Various independent studies and reports have also highlighted the significant positive impact of PMUY on rural households, especially women and families in remote areas, according to the ministry; such as health benefits from shifting from tradition fuels, reduced drudgery, as LPG reduced time and effort spent on collecting traditional fuel, environmental conversation, and better nutrition. Uttar Pradesh leaders the charge for most PMUY beneficiaries, with 1.85 crore LPG connections released. Then comes West Bengal with 1.23 crore, Bihar with 1.16 crore, Madhya Pradesh with 88.4 Lakh, and Rajasthan with 73.83 Lakh. The scheme has been praised by the International Energy Agency (IEA) as a "major achievement" in improving the environment and health of women, the ministry said, quoting IEA's executive director. "Providing access to LPG across India by 2020 is a major achievement. It is not an energy issue, it is an economic issue, it is a social issue," Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director had said. The WHO has also praised this effort in 2018, with them saying that while air pollution levels worldwide are hovering around the danger mark, there are a few countries that have taken the matter seriously and have initiated steps to tackle it. "While the latest data show ambient air pollution levels are still dangerously high in most parts of the world, they also show some positive progress. Countries are taking measures to tackle and reduce air pollution from particulate matter. For example, in just two years, India's Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Scheme has provided some 37 million women living below the poverty line with free LPG connections to support them to switch to clean household energy use," read a WHO report, according to the ministry. (ANI)
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao on Wednesday said that historic decisions were being made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed 26 lives and injured many. He said that the decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the security review meet yesterday was "historic" since the Army would be able to operate strongly. "The people of the whole country are angry with the Pahalgam incident. People feel that Pakistan should be taught a tough lesson. Historic decisions are being made under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, whether suspending the Indus Water Treaty or cancelling Pakistanis' visas. The way Pakistan is repeatedly violating the ceasefire on the border, the decision taken by the Prime Minister yesterday is historic," Sao told ANI. Speaking on Congress' "Gayab" remarks against the Prime Minister, Sao said, "This has exposed the mentality of the Congress party that they time and again speak the language of Pakistan and terrorists." In the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again convened a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) which will be followed by the meetings of Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) and a full Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. The CCS, which has convened for the second time following the Pahalgam attacks, will discuss security preparedness in the wake of the Pahalgam incident. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) last met on April 23 and was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. The government announced a series of measures, including holding the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, in a strong message to Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan, and the three service chiefs. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present at the meeting. Government sources said the Prime Minister affirmed that it is India's national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism. The sources said PM Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian Armed Forces. PM Modi stated that the Indian Armed Forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, was attended by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. (ANI)
TDP National Spokesperson Prem Kumar Jain addressed the wall collapse incident that resulted in the death of eight people. He stated that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has instructed authorities to provide immediate emergency treatment to those injured. He further said families of the deceased will receive an ex gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh each, while the injured will be given Rs 3 lakh each. "Due to a wall collapse inside Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, 7 devotees lost their lives. CM Chandrababu Naidu instructed to immediately give emergency treatment to injured devotees...CM expressed condolences over the incident. He has formed a 3-member probe committee...families of the victims will be given Rs 25 lakhs and injured will be given Rs 3 lakhs..," he said. Soon after learning of the incident, Chandrababu Naidu held a teleconference with the Ministers, including Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, Vangalapudi Anitha, Anagani Satya Prasad, Bharat Ram, and the trustee of the Simhachalam temple, Ashok Gajapathi Raju. The Chief Minister inquired about the details of the incident and the medical assistance being provided to the injured. He also ordered an inquiry, forming a three-member committee to investigate the cause of the incident. Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, the CM Naidu announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh each to the families of the deceased and also stated that one member from each family will be employed on an outsourcing basis in the temples under the purview of the Endowments Department. Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed shock and sorrow over the tragic deaths of devotees who lost their lives. Calling it a heartbreaking incident, he said it was extremely painful that devotees who had come to witness the divine form of the Lord had to lose their lives in such a tragic manner. YS Jagan urged the government to ensure the best possible medical treatment for those injured in the accident. He also appealed to the authorities to extend all necessary support and assistance to the families of the deceased. Earlier today, a 20-foot-long makeshift structure collapsed during the Chandanotsavam festival at the Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Visakhapatnam, claiming eight people's lives and injuring four people. Search and rescue operations are underway by the teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force, an official said. According to an SDRF jawan, the incident occurred around 2.30 am. (ANI)
Eight pilgrims died after a 20-foot-long stretch collapsed at the Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Visakhapatnam during the Chandanotsavam festival. The incident happened in the early hours of Wednesday. Meanwhile, the family members of the victims broke down in tears after the accident outside the King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam. According to Jogarao, who is a relative of the deceased Uma Maheswarao family member, a wall was recently constructed, and four lives of a family were lost due to the wall. Both the wife and husband worked as IT technicians. "A wall was recently constructed, and four lives of a family were lost due to the wall. Both the wife and husband worked as IT technicians. We are demanding justice for the family. How can a wall constructed without a pillar support? I am demanding that the contractor and engineer of the wall construction. The Government should announce one crore ex gratia and one government job to family members. Without announcing it, we wouldn't allow to perform postmortems on the deceased bodies", he told ANI. Another relative of the deceased family members said that they demand to get to the bottom of the matter, and the government should take action against the officers who were involved in the poor construction of the wall. "We need justice for losing our family members. The government should take action against the officers involved in the poor construction of the wall. Four members of my family lost their lives at the same time. Who will take responsibility for our family? The government should give one government and ex gratia to us", the family member said. Meanwhile, CPIM leader B. Ganga Rao stated that the incident occurred due to the government's negligence. He claimed that the contractor of the wall belongs to the TDP-Jan Sena government and questioned Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan regarding the incident. He said that he has announced a meagre compensation of Rs 25 lakhs to each deceased. He also demanded that AP CM Chandrababu Naidu grant at least Rs 1 crore each and permanent employment to the family members of the deceased in the state government. "This happened due to the state government's negligence. Our party strongly condemns the state government's attitude. The contractor who built this wall belongs to the TDP-Jana Sena government. Lakhs of rupees were corrupted on this wall construction... I am questioning Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan. Their government has announced a meagre compensation of Rs 25 lakhs to each deceased. We strongly demand that Chandrababu Naidu grant at least Rs 1 crore each and permanent employment to the family members of the deceased in the state government", he told ANI. TDP National Spokesperson Prem Kumar Jain addressed the wall collapse incident that resulted in the death of eight people. He stated that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has instructed authorities to provide immediate emergency treatment to those who have been injured. He further said families of the deceased will receive an ex gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh each, while the injured will be given Rs 3 lakh each. (ANI)
Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday defended his "giving religious angle harmful" remarks regarding the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack and said that his statement was interpreted in a "wrong way". He also advocated the call for a special assembly session in Maharashtra to discuss the terror attack, which left 26 people dead and injured many. "My statement on the terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir was shown in the wrong way. I had said that the terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir should not be given a Hindu-Muslim communal colour. It is an attack on our country, and the central government should take strict action against the terrorists," Pawar told reporters in a news conference here. He extended support to the opposition's call for a special assembly session in Maharashtra so that strict action is taken against outfits responsible for the April 22 attack in the Pahalgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. "The state government must call a special session to take strict action against the organisations responsible for the Jammu Kashmir terror attack," Pawar added. Pawar was speaking at an event where he inaugurated the Tuljapur Prati Mandir. He took a dig at leaders from the ruling party, who have criticised him for not visiting temples, and said, "The big leaders of the ruling party who used to say that I don't go to the temple, I don't pray. Today, this is the answer for them: I go to the temple and have faith in God." Earlier, the Indian National Congress called for a special parliamentary session to address the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which claimed 26 innocent lives. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday urged the government to convene a special session of both Houses of Parliament in response to the attack. In his letter, Kharge stated that the proposed session would be a platform to express a joint stance on the attack and would demonstrate a collective resolve to address the situation. The Congress President also added that the opposition's beliefs in unity and solidarity are the need of the hour. The request comes amid increased political focus on national security and responses to terrorism, amidst outrage and mourning following the terror attack on April 22. Earlier on Monday, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly held a special session condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. During the session, a resolution was adopted expressing strong disapproval of the attack and extending solidarity to the victims and their families. The attack in Pahalgam is one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has taken strong measures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. (ANI)
BJP MP Iranna B Kadadi on Wednesday hit out at the statements of various Congress leaders regarding the Pahalgam attack and stated that most of the Congress leaders had been "mentally disturbed" because they had nothing left to say after the excellent work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to ANI, Kadadi said "Most of the Congress leaders have been disturbed mentally because they have nothing left to say since our PM Narendra Modi has been doing excellent work... For the nation's unity, we must rise above our party agenda to make statements..." He further lashed out at Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah over his statement to secure minority votes further stating that he was the reason why the Congress High Command had banned leaders from making comments. "Siddaramaiah made his statement to secure minority votes. He took his statement back only after facing apprehension from the public. This is why the Congress High Command has banned all the leaders from making such comments... The country is in distress. In such a crisis, it is necessary to support the ruling party..." he further stated. Kadadi further stated that not every matter should be politicised, and said that Siddaramiah's statement had become popular in Pakistan and had been said only for the vote bank politics. "Not every matter should be politicised... Siddaramaiah's statement became popular in Pakistan, too... Such statements are being made only for vote bank politics..." he further added. Earlier on April 28, BJP leader Nishikant Dubey had also slammed Siddaramiah over his purported "no need of war" remark in the wake of the Pahalgam attack and said that people should find out whether Karnataka CM is a "patriot or a traitor." "Whether Siddaramaiah is a patriot or a traitor, people should find it out...I do not need to ask anything from Rahul Gandhi, I have faith in my Prime Minister, Home Minister and Defence Minister," Dubey told ANI. Siddaramaiah on Sunday clarified that he did not mean a complete no to war and that it should take place if inevitable. He also said that the government should have provided proper security to tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. Twenty six people were killed in terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam earlier this month. India has taken slew of measures against Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism. (ANI)
Lucknow University will provide free education to the dependents of those killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Vice Chancellor Alok Rai announced that the university will offer free education, accommodation, and books to dependents of those killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, welcoming them to study at the institution. "We will welcome the dependents (of those who were killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack) to study in Lucknow University. The cost of their education, accommodation, books, etc., will be borne by the University,' he said. Earlier, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath further reiterated the government's policy of zero tolerance against terrorism. Shubham Dwivedi, the only son of his parents, was among the 26 victims of the terror attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22. The attack, which left several others injured, has shaken the nation, with numerous leaders and organisations condemning the violence. The grieving wife of Shubham Dwivedi, Eshanaay, shared her heartbreaking account of the incident, recalling that they were having a meal when a man approached them and enquired about their religion before shooting Dwivedi. Today, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence, concluded this afternoon. Along with the CCS meeting, two additional committee meetings -- the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) -- were convened at the Prime Minister's residence. A cabinet briefing is scheduled for 3:00 PM today. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
Comparing the deadly Pahalgam terror attack with the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, Congress' General Secretary in-charge Communications, Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday, remembered how the Bharatiya Janata Party tried to politicise the Mumbai terror attacks by taking out an advertisement in a paper against the Congress, while Ramesh reiterated the call for unity and solidarity. "This is a time for unity and solidarity. This is a time for demonstrating a collective resolve to teach Pakistan a lesson it will never forget," Ramesh wrote in a post on X. https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1917479898844901536 He, however, highlighted how in 2008, the then Gujarat CM (now PM Modi) went to Mumbai just two days after the attacks and addressed the media there. "What did the BJP do on Nov 28th, 2008 - just two days after the deadly terror attacks began in Mumbai? In a brazenly unprecedented move, the then Gujarat CM went to Mumbai and, in an act of grandstanding, addressed the media," Ramesh's post read. "The BJP also issued an awful ad that very day in the newspapers. This is history. Let us now be cohesive at this most sensitive time. The country is waiting," his post added. In the post shared by him, the ad reads with a blood splatter, 'Brutal terror strikes at will,' ' Weak government, unwilling and incapable, fight terror, vote BJP.' He mentioned that Congress' stance was consistent, calling for an all-party meeting on the day of the Pahalgam attack itself, which was held two days later and chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, but was not attended by the Prime Minister. "On the night of April 22 2025, itself, the Indian National Congress had asked for an all-party meeting. The meeting was held two days later, but the Prime Minister did not attend. The CWC Resolution of April 24th 2025, is absolutely clear. The INC and other Opposition parties have also called for a special session of Parliament," Ramesh said in the post. Earlier in the United Nations, India strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as the worst civilian attack since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Delivering India's statement at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VoTAN) at the United Nations, Deputy Permanent Representative of India Yojna Patel, said, "The Pahalgam terrorist attack represents the largest number of civilian casualties since the horrific 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008. Having been a victim of cross-border terrorism for decades, India fully understands the long-lasting impact such acts have on victims, their families and society." The terror attack on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam targeted tourists, killing 26 people, including one Nepali citizen. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has taken strong measures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, were as series of attacks which took place in November when members of Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out multiple shootings and bombings at various famous landmarks of Mumbai, including Leopold Cafe, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Taj Hotel, Oberoi Trident, Nariman House and others. (ANI)
As the country mourns the loss of 26 people killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack, senior Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Jayant Patil on Wednesday said that it must be remembered that the "fight" was against Pakistan and not against common people in India. "There is no need to bring religion and caste into this," Patil asserted while talking to ANI. He said that the people in the country need to come together to teach Pakistan a lesson, and for that, the opposition leaders have extended full support to the government's decisions. "The countrymen need to come together to give a reply to this attack and to teach Pakistan a lesson. We need to remember that our fight is against Pakistan, not against the common man in the country (India). The opposition leaders have said that they will support the government's decision. The Modi government should take action to teach Pakistan a lesson," Patil said. Meanwhile, NCP SP chief Sharad Pawar defended his "giving religious angle harmful" remarks regarding the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack and said that his statement was interpreted in a "wrong way". He also advocated the call for a special assembly session in Maharashtra to discuss the terror attack, which left 26 people dead and injured many. "My statement on the terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir was shown in the wrong way. I had said that the terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir should not be given a Hindu-Muslim communal colour. It is an attack on our country, and the central government should take strict action against the terrorists," Pawar told reporters in a news conference here. Earlier, the Indian National Congress called for a special parliamentary session to address the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which claimed 26 innocent lives. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday urged the government to convene a special session of both Houses of Parliament in response to the attack. The request comes amid increased political focus on national security and responses to terrorism, amidst outrage and mourning following the terror attack on April 22. Earlier on Monday, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly held a special session condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. During the session, a resolution was adopted expressing strong disapproval of the attack and extending solidarity to the victims and their families. The attack in Pahalgam is one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has taken strong measures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. (ANI)
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has strongly criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of politicising the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and "indulging in petty politics." Gogoi's comment came in response to allegation labelled against him (Gogoi) by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday stating that they have evidence that Gogoi visited Pakistan and Nepal. Reacting to Sarma's comments on Wednesday, Gogoi said, "It is unfortunate that at a time when the entire country is united and wants a strong response against Pakistan for the terrorist sponsored attack on Indian citizens, the BJP leaders in various states, including Assam, are indulging in petty politics," Further taking a firm stand, the Congress leader alleged that CM Sarma's remarks were disrespectful to the victims of the Pahalgam attack. "I think the Assam CM is insulting those who laid down their lives in Pahalgam. He is demeaning and diluting the Pahalgam tragedy. He should be well advised to instead focus on the real issues that affect the people of Assam," he added. On Sunday, a heated exchange unfolded on the social media platform X between Himanta Biswa Sarma and Gaurav Gogoi, with both leaders trading pointed questions and allegations. In a post on X, CM Sarma questioned Gogoi, asking if he had visited Pakistan for 15 consecutive days and to clarify the purpose of the visit. Sarma further allegedly inquired whether Gogoi's wife receives a salary from a Pakistan-based NGO while working in India, and sought details about the citizenship status of Gogoi's wife and two children. "Questions for the Hon'ble Member of Parliament from the Congress Party: 1. Did you visit Pakistan for a continuous period of 15 days? If so, could you kindly clarify the purpose of your visit? 2. Is it true that your wife continues to receive a salary from a Pakistan-based NGO while residing and working in India? If so, may we ask why a Pakistan-based organisation is paying a salary for activities conducted in India? 3. What is the citizenship status of your wife and your two children? Are they Indian citizens, or do they hold citizenship of another country? Many more questions will follow," he posted on X. Responding swiftly, Gogoi countered with his own set of questions for the Chief Minister. He asked if Sarma would resign should he fail to substantiate claims of Gogoi and his wife being agents of an enemy country. (ANI)
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has strongly criticised the Samajwadi Party over a controversial poster displayed outside its office that compared SP president Akhilesh Yadav to Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. She warned that such acts are not only politically inappropriate but also disrespectful to the legacy of Ambedkar, and warned that the BSP may take to the streets if such portrayals continue. In a sharp post on X Mayawati also denounced the politicisation of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, urging political parties to stand united in support of the government's actions rather than indulge in "poster politics" which leads to confusion among the public. "All parties should unite and support the government in every step taken by it regarding the Pahalgam terror attack. Instead of doing dirty politics under its cover by putting up posters and making statements etc., because this is creating confusion among the people, which is not good for the country," She wrote. "Also, in this case, the architect of the Indian Constitution, the most revered Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar should not be insulted at all. Especially SP and Congress should take special care of this, otherwise BSP can take to the streets against them," she added. BSP leader Sudhindra Bhadoria echoed Mayawati's sentiments, calling the comparison "indecent and condemnable." Speaking to reporters, Bhadoria said, "Since this incident (Pahalgam terror attack) happened, she has been continuously saying that this is a matter of border security and public safety, the whole country should be united on this, and this matter should not be politicised... Politicising an issue in which innocent lives were lost is indecent and condemnable... " "Akhilesh Yadav and his Samajwadi Party colleagues are standing with posters trying to show that they have become equal to Babasaheb. No one in India has dared to do this... Even Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, whom they consider their guru, said in a letter that no other leader equal to Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar has been born in India to date... Akhilesh Yadav should apologise for this...," Bhadoria demanded. Meanwhile, as the controversy seems taking centre stage BJP also took the streets and hold protest in Lucknow against Samajwadi Party BJP MP Brij Lal says, " Akhilesh Yadav has insulted BR Ambedkar. He made a hoarding using half of his face and half of BR Ambedkar's face..." (ANI)
Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday congratulated Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Government of India Ajay Sood on being elected as a fellow of the Coveted American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The other two Indians conferred with the same honour are CEO Satya Nadella and C Jagdish, a physicist based in Australia. Taking to social media X, Singh in a post wrote, "Proud to inform that Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Govt of India, Prof Ajay K Sood has been elected as a Fellow of the coveted American Academy of Arts & Sciences. A rare distinction not only for him but for India as well. The other two Indians conferred the same honour this year are Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, and C Jagadish, noted Physicist based in Australia." Earlier on April 29, Singh, while addressing the YUGM conclave, highlighted India's transformation into a global leader in science and technology over the last 11 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his address, the Union Minister said, "Today, the picture has completely changed. India is now conducting successful experiments that the rest of the world follows. Whether it's the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, the success of Chandrayaan, or advancements in quantum technology, India is no longer a follower. On the contrary, it beckons others to follow. This remarkable transformation has taken place over the past 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. His government has given the highest priority to science, technology, and innovation" Reflecting on the past, Singh recalled the iconic image of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai transporting scientific equipment on a bicycle, symbolising a time of limited infrastructure and political support. "Remember that iconic photograph of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, where scientific equipment was transported on a bicycle? That image symbolised a time of scarcity--a lack of infrastructure and the necessary political support. That gap, that lack of systemic backing for science and technology, began to be addressed with the arrival of Prime Minister Modi. His leadership has provided the vision, resources, and commitment needed to build a robust scientific ecosystem in India," he said. (ANI)
Kerala Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan addressed a media briefing on Wednesday ahead of the commissioning of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, which is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2 at 11:00 AM. In the presence of state ministers V. Sivankutty, G.R. Anil, and Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran, Minister Vasavan announced the list of dignitaries invited to the commissioning ceremony. Along with PM Modi, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Ministers Suresh Gopi and George Kurian, State Ministers Saji Cheriyan, V Sivankutty, G.R. Anil, Opposition leader V D Satheesan, MPs Shashi Tharoor and A.A. Rahim, Mayor Arya Rajendran, and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar. "Our nation is about to witness an unforgettable moment. On May 2nd at 11 AM, the Prime Minister will commission the Vizhinjam International Seaport. This is a historic occasion. A list of invitees including the Governor, Chief Minister, Union Shipping Minister, Union Ministers Suresh Gopi and George Kurian, State Ministers Saji Cheriyan, V Sivankutty, G.R. Anil, Opposition Leader, MPs Shashi Tharoor and A.A. Rahim, Mayor, and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar. The Prime Minister's Office will finalise who will speak and sit on the dais. The event will be completed within 90 minutes as per protocol," said the port minister. Highlighting the operational achievements of the port ahead of commissioning, Vasavan said, "The port began its trial run in July 2024 and received its commissioning certificate on December 3rd. So far, 285 ships have arrived, handling 593000 TEUs, surpassing expectations even before formal commissioning. Vizhinjam has already outperformed many global ports. MSC ships, which previously did not dock in Dubai or Colombo, have reached Vizhinjam." On the port's capacity and future, Vasavan added, "Vizhinjam can handle up to 30 lakh TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) annually, and based on current operations, even 45 lakh TEUs is possible." Minister Vasavan further informed that the construction will be completed ahead of schedule. Addressing funding concerns, he said, "Initially, the Centre insisted on providing VGF (Viability Gap Funding) as a loan. Despite repeated requests from the State, including from the Chief Minister, the stance remained unchanged. Hence, we agreed to take the VGF as a loan, though our position remains the same. Under the revised agreement, construction will be completed earlier than expected, and revenue generation will begin sooner. There's no need for further land acquisition for the next phases of development." He refuted speculation of political conflict, stating, "There is no conflict between the Centre and the State. The central and state government advertisements will appear separately. This is being inaugurated as part of Kerala government's annual celebrations--what's wrong with stating that? It's not a CPI(M)-BJP project; it's a joint effort by both governments." Commenting on the participation from the opposition, he said, "Whether the Leader of the Opposition will attend is yet to be confirmed. The project has acknowledged the contributions made during the Oommen Chandy government. While the Left did not agree to the original agreement, the real construction began during the LDF tenure. The Vizhinjam port project required strong will--and it was the LDF government that acted decisively, modifying the agreement and driving the project forward." (ANI)
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured stringent action against the terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack and their handlers, promising a punishment that will be "unimaginable." Speaking to ANI, Pal emphasised the government's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, stating, "Pakistan stands isolated today, while the entire world supports India." "The Prime Minister has said that the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack and their masters will be given such a punishment which will be unimaginable... We have a zero tolerance policy on terrorism. Pakistan is isolated today; the whole world is with India...," he said. Meanwhile, the Pakistani military, it seems, has started preparing for Indian military action. Sources in the country's military establishment said on Wednesday that Pakistani Navy vessels, including its frigates and submarines, have already positioned themselves in their respective harbours in the sea to be able to tackle any possible Indian movement. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Air Force has reduced flying operations by over 50 per cent, and only essential operations are being conducted to avoid confusion in the airspace, sources said. Earlier, faced with mounting global pressure, a jittery Pakistan leadership resorted to accusations against India following the deadly Pahalgam incident that killed 26 people. The Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, had issued a statement claiming that Pakistan has "credible intelligence" suggesting India plans to launch military action against the nation within the next 24-36 hours. Sources in the country's military establishment said on Wednesday that Pakistani Navy vessels, including its frigates and submarines, have already positioned themselves in their respective harbours in the sea to be able to tackle any possible Indian movement. In New Delhi, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence, concluded this afternoon. Along with the CCS meeting, two additional committee meetings -- the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) -- were convened at the Prime Minister's residence. A cabinet briefing is scheduled for 3:00 PM today. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
Former Odisha CM and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader, Naveen Patnaik, extended his greetings on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on Wednesday. The BJP leader took to X, and wrote, "My heartfelt greetings to the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya and Akhi Muthi Anukula. May the blessings of the Lord bring good harvest, happiness and prosperity in the lives of our farmer brothers and sisters. #AkshayTritiya" Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated during the commencement of the sowing of rice paddy for the ensuing Kharif season in Odisha. On this day, farmers in the state perform the ritual of 'Akhi Muthi Anukula', a ceremonial sowing of seeds in paddy fields. Celebrated on April 30 this year, Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most auspicious days celebrated by Hindus and Jains across the country. The day is symbolic of good luck, success and fortune. The festival is celebrated through prayer, almsgiving, and spirituality. The day is considered highly auspicious for starting new businesses, making investments, and purchasing gold and real estate. In Sanskrit, the word 'Akshaya' means 'never diminishing'. It is said that things that start on this day expand forever with fewer obstacles in their way, and that doing good deeds on this day will bring eternal success and fortune. The occasion is celebrated on the third day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaisakh. According to the Gregorian calendar, this day typically falls in April or May. It is on this day that both the sun and the moon are said to be at their planetary best alignment. Earlier in the morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed greetings on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, wishing prosperity, success, and happiness for all citizens. In a post shared on the social media platform X, the Prime Minister wrote, "Infinite good wishes to all of you on Akshaya Tritiya. May this sacred festival dedicated to humanity bring success, prosperity, and happiness to everyone, and give new strength to the resolve of a developed India." (ANI)
Delhi's Patiala House Court has recently granted bail to a gangster accused in a case of murder of rival gangster Prince Tewatia in Tihar Jail in April 2023. While granting bail the court observed that the grounds of arrets were not communicated to the accused or his family members. The court said that it is an infringement of rights of accused which warranted his release on bail in this case. The court further said, "To put it pithily the constitutional guarantee has been infringed - warranting release of the applicant/releasing back his liberty but at the same time the offence/the consequence of the offence remain as it is for which the accused shall face trial or continue to face trial." He was arrested by the Special Cell of Delhi Police in the FIR connected with the murder of Prince Tewatia and was arrested from the Tihar Jail where he was lodged in another case. Additional Sessions Judge Sumit Dass granted bail to accused Ata Ur Rehman on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 50,000 and a surety bond in the like amount. "If I look at all those documents, from any of them or including all of them, I am unable to persuade myself that there was due compliance of the communication of the grounds of arrest," ASJ Dass said in the order. The court further said, " Infact what is more appalling which I may say so is that there has been no attempt also to comply with law or otherwise align with the same, not by the Investigating Agency nor by anyone else. "I also note a very important aspect that infact when the accused was produced before the Court for the purpose of police custody there ought to be a mention as to the communication of the ground of arrest or at least a discussion thereof in the said order," the court said in the order. The court said that mere presence of legal counsel does not fulfil the legal obligation of communication of ground of arrest. "I may note herein that there has been a complete disregard of the principle at the time of effecting the arrest, the grounds of arrest were not at all communicated. The Learned Magistrate had also not taken note of the said aspect. The legal aid counsel presence though was marked however the same also did not in any manner by his presence made this legal obligation meaningful," the court said. (ANI)
Odisha Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, performed 'Akhi Muthi Anukula', the ceremonial act of sowing seeds in the paddy fields, on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on Wednesday. Extending heartfelt wishes, in a post on X, the CM Majhi wrote, "The government remains committed to the welfare of agriculture and farmers. May the monsoon rains in the coming Kharif season be favourable for agriculture, and may the state make further progress in the agricultural sector. This is my prayer to Lord Jagannath on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya." Earlier in the day, the Government of Odisha signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gates Foundation to scale up farmers' income and promote inclusive agricultural transformation in Odisha. The MoU was signed in the presence of Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. The MoU outlines a multi-year partnership focusing on technical support, research, and on-ground implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices. Anchored by the Department of Agricultural and Farmers' Empowerment (DAFE) and the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department. This initiative will drive science-based, ground-level interventions for sustainable agricultural growth. Furthermore, on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his greetings, wishing prosperity, success, and happiness to all citizens. In a post shared on X, the Prime Minister wrote, "Infinite good wishes to all of you on Akshaya Tritiya. May this sacred festival dedicated to humanity bring success, prosperity, and happiness to everyone, and give new strength to the resolve of a developed India." Additionally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended his wishes. "Infinite best wishes for Akshaya Tritiya, the festival symbolising the confluence of nature and culture. I wish that this holy festival brings eternal virtue, good fortune and prosperity in everyone's life", Home Minister wrote. Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej or Akti, is a significant Hindu festival observed throughout the country. Celebrated on the third lunar day of the bright half of the month of Vaisakha, it is considered an auspicious day for beginning new ventures, buying gold, and making charitable donations. In Sanskrit, the word "Akshaya" means "never diminishing." It is said that things that start on this day expand forever with fewer obstacles in their way, and that doing good deeds on this day will bring eternal success and fortune. The occasion is celebrated on the third day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaisakh. According to the Gregorian calendar, this day typically falls in April or May. It is on this day that both the sun and the moon are said to be at their planetary best alignment. According to Hindu scriptures, Akshaya Tritiya also marks the start of the Kali Yuga and the end of the Dwapar yug. (ANI)
Justice Amit Bansal's bench ruled that the court lacked territorial jurisdiction, allowing the petitioner to explore other legal remedies.

The petitioner alleged she was a survivor of an alleged sexual assault orchestrated by Prince Raj (a relative of Chirag Paswan) and his associates, including Paswan, who failed to disclose this alleged "criminal antecedent" in his nomination affidavit for the elections.

She argued that concealing such information violates Section 125A of the Representation of the People Act, which carries a penalty of six months' imprisonment.

Advocate Sidhant Kumar, representing the Election Commission, stated that the petition was not maintainable in Delhi as the election took place in Bihar.

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma further argued that only a voter of the constituency or a candidate can file an election petition, and the petitioner did not meet these criteria.

Chirag Paswan, an Indian politician and former actor, has been serving as the Minister of Food Processing Industries since June 2024. He has been the founding president of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) since 2021 and previously held the position of president of the Lok Janshakti Party from 2019 to 2021. Since 2024, he has represented the Hajipur Lok Sabha constituency as a Member of Parliament.

Chirag is the son of the late Ram Vilas Paswan, a prominent Union Minister and Member of Parliament. (ANI)
Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Wednesday accused the BJP-led central government of weakening constitutional institutions. He made the statement during a 'Save Constitution' rally held in Dehradun. Speaking to ANI, Pilot said the opposition has a responsibility to raise questions on this issue. "In the last few years, we have seen questions being raised about constitutional institutions. The constitutional bodies that used to be impartial are now being undermined in various ways. As the Opposition, it is our duty to launch a nationwide campaign on this issue. Today, we organised an event in Dehradun," Sachin Pilot said. He also criticised the Uttarakhand government, saying it has failed to stop growing cases of oppression against women and Dalits. "In Uttarakhand, there is a 'double-engine' government, and the oppression, especially of women and Dalits, is continuously increasing. The government has no control over this. There is a wind of change here today. Elections will also be held here in one and a half years," he added. The Congress party had earlier announced the launch of a nationwide 'Save Constitution' campaign from April 25 to May 30. The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi. The meeting included general secretaries, state in-charges, and leaders of various frontal organisations. After the meeting, party communication head Jairam Ramesh briefed the media and said the campaign was in line with a resolution passed at the Ahmedabad AICC session. As part of the campaign, 'Samvidhan Bachao' rallies are being held at the state level from April 25 to April 30, followed by district-level rallies from May 3 to May 10. From May 11 to May 17, rallies will be held across 4,500 assembly segments. From May 20 to May 30, a door-to-door campaign will be conducted to raise awareness about protecting the Constitution. (ANI)
India is preparing for a significant response against Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that killed several innocent civilians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted the Indian Army complete freedom to take any necessary action, and four key meetings are being held in Delhi on Wednesday to decide the way forward. Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has accused the Congress party of playing politics in the aftermath of the attack, while voicing full support for Prime Minister Modi's strong leadership. Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Jai Ram Thakur said that this time, Pakistan will get a response that it will never forget. "Pakistan will receive a response this time that it will never forget for generations to come. In 1965, 1971, and 1999, Pakistan had to face humiliating defeats in wars against India, but it still hasn't learned its lesson. The recent attack in Pahalgam is another act of cowardice where innocent lives were lost. The entire country stands like a rock behind Prime Minister Modi," he said. Thakur pointed out that while the international community is exposing and condemning Pakistan for its role in terrorism, certain Congress leaders are making statements that appear to support the neighbouring nation. "Congress leaders are giving such shameful statements that they seem to be speaking in favour of Pakistan. A picture without a head is going viral on social media, reportedly shared with Rahul Gandhi's consent. It has caused nationwide embarrassment for Congress, forcing them to delete the post later. Such actions are bringing shame to the nation," Thakur said. He emphasised the seriousness of today's four high-level meetings in Delhi: the Cabinet Committee on Security, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, and the full Cabinet meeting, suggesting that a major decision on Pakistan is imminent. "These meetings are all aligned towards one direction, a significant move against Pakistan is on the horizon. Pakistan needs to be taught the best lesson possible. I am confident that the Indian response will ensure Pakistan never dares to repeat such actions," Thakur stated. Thakur also expressed condolences to the families affected by the Pahalgam attack and praised the swift actions of PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. "The Prime Minister immediately returned from his international visit, and the Home Minister flew directly from Delhi to Srinagar to assess the situation. The global community has expressed solidarity with India and condemned the Pahalgam attack. This is just the beginning, a strong message is coming," he added. Thakur didn't hold back in criticising Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and two of his ministers, Jagat Singh Negi and Chander Kumar. "Two ministers in the state government, Jagat Singh Negi and Chander Kumar, do not listen to the Chief Minister, nor does the CM seem to control them. They consistently make statements that contradict the Army and national sentiment. If they don't know what to say at this stage of life, they should keep their mouths shut. The central government will not seek their advice before taking decisions," said Thakur. He questioned whether such individuals deserve to remain in the cabinet and urged the Chief Minister to take disciplinary action. "Are they fit to hold ministerial positions? That's a question the Chief Minister must seriously consider. The Congress party's ministers are shamelessly giving anti-national statements. The CM must take note, "he said. Thakur said that when terrorists used to be killed in Kashmir during the Congress government, thousands would protest, and the Indian national flag was often insulted. "During earlier Congress regimes, when terrorists were killed, locals protested in large numbers, and the Indian flag was desecrated. But under Prime Minister Modi, the response is swift and direct. Wherever the terrorists attack, they will be eliminated and buried right there," he said. Thakur reiterated his faith in the current leadership, "I won't say much more, but I can assure you that under strong leadership, a decisive step is about to be taken. Himachal Pradesh stands firmly with Prime Minister Modi like a rock," he affirmed. (ANI)
Assam Mahila Congress leaders on Wednesday staged a protest in Guwahati against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his alleged remarks that women had to compromise their chastity to secure government jobs during the previous Congress regime. The protest, held at Rajiv Bhawan, saw Congress women leaders burning an effigy of the Chief Minister and demanding an apology for what they termed as derogatory comments. Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah had earlier condemned Sarma's statement, which was made during a campaign for the ongoing panchayat elections. In a post on X on Tuesday, Borah wrote, "Yesterday, BJP's most foul-mouthed CM @HimantaBiswa made an outrageous comment. He said that during the 15-year-long Congress rule in Assam (2001-2015), women had to get jobs by offering their virginity." Borah demanded a public apology from the Chief Minister, warning that legal action would follow if he failed to do so. "I can bet that in Indian politics--and maybe even in world politics--no one has ever made such a vile statement. In those 15 years, lakhs of women were employed in government jobs, from Anganwadi workers to senior civil servants." He further questioned Sarma's moral accountability during his time as a Congress minister. "Is Himanta Biswa Sarma suggesting that a systemic program of exploitation was in place? If yes, why did he remain silent as a responsible minister in that government? If not, how dare he cast aspersions on lakhs of female government servants?" Tagging the President, Prime Minister, Vice President, and the National Commission for Women, Borah added, "These women are daughters, mothers, and sisters. To imply that they offered their virginity for jobs is a condemnable and punishable statement." He warned, "If the Chief Minister does not apologise to the women of Assam within 24 hours, I will ask our Mahila Congress to approach the Gauhati High Court." Meanwhile, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi also criticised Chief Minister Sarma, accusing him of politicising the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and "indulging in petty politics." Gogoi's remarks came after Sarma on Monday claimed that he had evidence of the MP visiting Pakistan and Nepal. Responding on Wednesday, Gogoi said, "It is unfortunate that at a time when the country is united and seeking a strong response to the Pakistan-backed terrorist attack on Indian citizens, BJP leaders--including in Assam--are indulging in petty politics." (ANI)
During the ongoing election campaign in Assam, Deputy Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly and senior BJP leader Dr Numal Momin was seen attending to patients and reviewing their health conditions during a visit to Goalpara district on Wednesday. Momin also addressed several campaign meetings in support of NDA candidates contesting the upcoming panchayat elections. According to his office, the Deputy Speaker referred some patients to the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for advanced treatment and personally assisted them in the process. A resident of Padumpur village in Goalpara district said, "He (the Deputy Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly) came to our Padumpur village for the election campaign and took care of my wife and assessed her health issues. I am very happy for his noble work. He advised me to go to GMCH for better treatment of my wife (Rumila Marak)." Earlier on April 18, Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed confidence that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set to sweep the upcoming panchayat elections in the state. "The NDA has already secured 37 Zila Parishad (35 BJP and 2 AGP) and 288 Anchalik Panchayat (259 BJP and 29 AGP) seats unopposed. This is a massive and unprecedented mandate in Assam's political history. It reflects the immense trust and overwhelming love that the people of Assam have for the NDA and our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi," the Chief Minister said in a post on X. He added, "We are confident that when the final election results are declared, this tally will grow even more impressive. The NDA is all set to sweep the Panchayat elections in Assam." The panchayat elections in Assam will be held in two phases. The first phase is scheduled for May 2 across 14 districts, while the second phase will be held on May 7 in the remaining 13 districts. Counting of votes for both phases will take place on May 11. Over 1.80 crore voters, including 90.71 lakh male voters, 89.65 lakh female voters, and 408 others, are expected to cast their votes across 25,007 polling stations. (ANI)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report about the abduction, rape and murder of a minor girl and the death of the arrested accused in a police encounter in Hubballi, Karnataka. Reportedly, the incident happened on 14th April, 2025. "The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious violation of the human rights of the victim minor girl, and the arrested suspected perpetrator, killed in an alleged encounter," as per a National Human Rights Commission release. Therefore, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Government of Karnataka, calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks. The report is expected to include the post-mortem examination and the Magisterial Enquiry Reports of both the deceased. "According to the media report, carried on 14th April, 2025, soon after the girl's body was recovered from the bathroom, the angry residents protested outside Ashok Nagar police station, demanding the arrest of the accused. Reportedly, he was nabbed by the police within hours of the incident and was being taken for questioning when he tried to attack them, resulting in gunshot injuries to him, leading to his death," the release read. On April 15, Hubballi Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar said that police is out to trace details of Ritesh Kumar, the prime accused in a heinous case involving the rape and murder of a five-year-old girl, who was shot dead in an encounter after allegedly attempting to escape police custody. Speaking to mediapersons, Commissioner Kumar said, "Day before yesterday, there was an incident here, where a 5-year-old girl was killed. After that, while the accused was taken to get further details, he tried to escape from the police custody. In the process, there was a struggle, following which our local officer fired in the air and then on the individual who tried to run away from the custody of the police. When he was brought to the Police Station, he was declared dead." (ANI)
A day after the Delhi Cabinet approved the Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Bill, 2025, AAP leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Atishi urged Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to take urgent measures to protect parents from the arbitrary fee hikes by private schools for the current academic year. In a letter to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Atishi said that the draft bill seeks to regulate future fee hike from academic year 2026-27 onwards - and even those provisions will need to be examined, leaving the "most" important question unanswered: what happens to the fees already hiked by private schools this year? She questioned what would happen to the parents facing these problems in the current academic year, 2025-26, and said that if the Delhi government is serious about controlling excessive fee hikes by private schools, then it must take certain measures. Atishi said that an order should be issued stopping all fee hikes and new charges introduced by private schools for the current academic year. She said that any school that has already taken the hike in fees should be directed to refund the same immediately She said schools should not be allowed to increase fees or introduce new charges till the new Act comes into effect Adding further, she said that the draft Bill should be put in the public domain for feedback from all stakeholders. It should be placed in the Delhi Assembly after this feedback is incorporated "In the absence of controlling the excessive and unreasonable fee hike in the current academic year, passing a new law for the coming years would seem merely an eye-wash," stated Atishi in the letter. In a move to curb arbitrary fee hikes by private schools, the Delhi Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Bill, 2025, bringing relief to thousands of students and parents across the capital. Addressing growing concerns over frequent and unregulated fee increases by private schools, the Delhi Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, cleared the bill on Tuesday. The bill is expected to apply to 1,677 private schools in the city. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the government has swiftly responded to the recent widespread panic among students and parents regarding the hikes in school fees. "The issue of school fees had been ongoing for several days. We also examined the procedure for increasing school fees and sent District Magistrates to investigate complaints, conduct audits, and review the procedures behind fee hikes." Adding further, she said, "Section 17(3) of the existing Delhi School Education Act, 1973, failed to define government authority in this matter clearly. Since 1973, no government has taken a concrete decision on this issue. However, the bill, which has been passed today, will now apply to 1,677 schools across Delhi." Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood described the bill as a step toward complete transparency. "The new law introduces a structured process to determine if school fees can be increased," he said, emphasising that students and parents across 1,677 schools will now experience much-needed relief. The key provisions of the bill include a three-tier committee structure that will govern fee regulation. The first level comprises the School-Level Fee Regulation Committee, which includes a DOE nominee, five parents selected by lottery (two women and one SC/ST member), and school representatives. The second level includes the District-Level Committee, which is invoked if the first level fails to resolve the issue within 30 days. The third level includes the State-Level Committee, which is invoked if the issue remains unresolved at the district level within 30-45 days. Parents representing at least 15 per cent of a school's students can directly escalate a case to the district committee if dissatisfied. The Delhi Education Minister said, "Our goal is to establish a transparent system. Previous governments failed to act on this issue. Violating schools may face penalties ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh for non-compliance or bypassing the process." He further added that the bill has been passed and will soon be implemented by the Delhi government. Additionally, a session will be called, and the bill will be passed in the Vidhan Sabha as well. (ANI)
Amid the political row over the opposition's "Gayab" jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday criticised the BJP, saying the ruling party is confused about whom to "target" after the Pahalgam terror attack. "The BJP cannot seem to decide who the real target is -- the Congress, the terrorists, or Pakistan," Ramesh told ANI. "At a time like this, the focus should be clear. The real target must be the terrorists, and Pakistan should be given a strong response. Attacking Congress is pointless and irresponsible." Ramesh said the Congress party had extended full support to the Centre after the April 22 attack, in which 26 civilians, including one Nepali national, were killed in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. "On April 22, we demanded an all-party meeting. It was held two days later. Even though the Prime Minister did not attend, Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi were present and emphasised the need for national unity," he said. He added that on April 24, the Congress reiterated its position, calling for a firm response against Pakistan and proposing a special session of Parliament to discuss national security. "There has been no response from the government so far," he noted. Drawing a parallel with the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Ramesh accused the BJP of politicising that tragedy as well, by taking out an advertisement in a paper against the Congress. "This is a time for unity and solidarity. This is a time for demonstrating a collective resolve to teach Pakistan a lesson it will never forget," Ramesh wrote in a post on X. He, however, highlighted how in 2008, the then Gujarat CM (now PM Modi) went to Mumbai just two days after the attacks and addressed the media there. "What did the BJP do on November 28th, 2008, just two days after the deadly terror attacks began in Mumbai? In a brazenly unprecedented move, the then Gujarat CM went to Mumbai and, in an act of grandstanding, addressed the media," Ramesh's post read. "The BJP also issued an awful ad that very day in the newspapers. This is history. Let us now be cohesive at this most sensitive time. The country is waiting," his post added. In the post shared by him, the ad reads with a blood splatter, 'Brutal terror strikes at will,' ' Weak government, unwilling and incapable, fight terror, vote BJP.' He mentioned that Congress' stance was consistent, calling for an all-party meeting on the day of the Pahalgam attack itself, which was held two days later and chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, but was not attended by the Prime Minister. "On the night of April 22 2025, itself, the Indian National Congress had asked for an all-party meeting. The meeting was held two days later, but the Prime Minister did not attend. The CWC Resolution of April 24th 2025, is absolutely clear. The INC and other Opposition parties have also called for a special session of Parliament," Ramesh said in the post. Earlier in the United Nations, India strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as the worst civilian attack since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Delivering India's statement at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VoTAN) at the United Nations, Deputy Permanent Representative of India Yojna Patel, said, "The Pahalgam terrorist attack represents the largest number of civilian casualties since the horrific 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008. Having been a victim of cross-border terrorism for decades, India fully understands the long-lasting impact such acts have on victims, their families and society." The terror attack on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam targeted tourists, killing 26 people, including one Nepali citizen. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has taken strong measures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks were a series of attacks which took place in November when members of Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out multiple shootings and bombings at various famous landmarks of Mumbai, including Leopold Cafe, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Taj Hotel, Oberoi Trident, Nariman House and others. (ANI)
Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Wednesday said that the people of Bihar are seeking change due to the lack of improvement in core areas such as education, employment, and migration. Speaking with ANI, Kishor said, "One thing is certain in Bihar: people want change. Whether they are supporters of the RJD, BJP, JDU, or belong to any caste or religion, they want change because they have seen the leaders of all parties over the last 30-35 years. There has been no progress on fundamental issues like education, employment, and migration. They see the development in other states and feel cheated." Kishor suggested that the change is inevitable, although there may be debate on who will lead it. "There can be a debate on who will be the pioneer of change. It can be Jan Suraaj. But one thing is clear that they (people) want change," he said. Kishor further said that the Jan Suraaj will launch the 'Bihar Badlaav Yatra' on May 20. Ahead of the yatra, the party will begin a statewide signature campaign on May 11, targeting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's credibility on key issues. "We will speak to one crore people in Bihar about Nitish Kumar's track record on three issues -- the caste census, land distribution to Dalit Mahadalit families, and the land survey," Kishor said. Jan Suraaj is set to contest its first Bihar Assembly election, expected to be held later this year. The party had earlier contested bypolls but failed to make an electoral impact. The last assembly elections were held in October-November 2020. Kishor also condemned the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's (J-K) Pahlgam, which left 26 people dead and several injured. "Some issues are under the central government's purview like foreign policy and national security. On matters like this, every citizen, regardless of political affiliation, stand with the government..." he said. As many as 26 people were killed and several others were injured after terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Jammu and Kashmir's (J-K) Pahalgam on April 22. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. (ANI)
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Wednesday defended Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's refusal to release more water to Haryana, claiming that the neighbouring state has used its share of water. "Our Chief Minister has taken a firm stand on the water issue. Haryana has used its share of water. Punjab is experiencing a massive water crisis. The majority of our blocks are in the dark zone. Punjab is doing tremendous work on irrigation. The BJP wants to derail this work... Haryana is determined to take Punjab's share of water, but no one will give that," Harjot Bains told ANI. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had earlier termed the statement made by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding water distribution as shocking. He said that on April 26, he personally spoke to the Punjab Chief Minister over the phone and informed him that the Technical Committee of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) had decided to release water to Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan on April 23. However, officers from Punjab were showing reluctance in implementing this decision, he said. Saini said on that day, Bhagwant Mann gave a clear assurance that he would immediately instruct his officers to ensure its implementation by the next morning. A Haryana government release said that that by 2 pm the next day (April 27), Punjab government officers had done nothing and even stopped responding to calls from the Haryana Government officers and Saini wrote a letter to Mann to apprise him about the facts. Saini said he is astonished that instead of responding to his letter even after 48 hours, the Punjab Chief Minister released a video in an attempt to mislead the public by disregarding the facts and polishing his political image in Punjab. He said the Punjab Chief Minister's claim that Punjab or the BBMB had not maintained records of water distribution in the past is baseless. The Chief Minister emphasized that every single drop of water is meticulously accounted for -- not just by BBMB, but also by the governments of Rajasthan, Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana at all times. Saini on Wednesday accused Mann of trying to "politicise" the issue. Saini also clarified that Haryana had not received its full share of water, but only 60 per cent. "He is trying to politicise this issue. I would like to clarify that the SYL (Sutlej-Yamuna Link) canal matter is under the supervision of the Supreme Court. But this issue is not about SYL's water. It is about the issue of drinking water... Haryana has not yet received its full share. In the last week, Haryana received only 4,000 cusecs of drinking water, which is approximately 60% of the state's total demand. If BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) provides the remaining water per Haryana's demand, it will be only 0.0001% of Bhakra Dam's water reservoir..." Saini told the media. "I request Bhagwant Mann to rise above his party politics and provide drinking water to Haryana. It is necessary to empty the Bhakra Dam water reservoir before June so that rainwater can be stored during the monsoon. If there is no space left in the water reservoir, excess water will go to Pakistan via Hari-ke-Pattan, which is neither in the interest of Punjab nor the nation. Bhagwant Mann, I request you to rise above narrow perspectives, cooperate for the nation's interest, and ensure the supply of proper drinking water to Haryana," Saini said. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu also slammed the Punjab Chief Minister. "When the nation stands united against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, CM Bhagwant Mann chooses to divide states over water. Not a single drop of Punjab's water will be given away -- but this is no time for political posturing," Bittu said in a post on X. (ANI)
Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Wednesday asserted that PM Narendra Modi has consistently upheld the operational autonomy of the Indian armed forces after the Prime Minister gave operational freedom to the armed forces after Pahalgam attack. Referring to the brutal killings in Pahalgam, Chandrasekhar, while speaking to ANI, emphasised that justice for the victims remains paramount, and the military has been granted full freedom to determine the timing and manner of any retaliatory action against Pakistan. "Our Prime Minister has always been giving the operational autonomy to the armed forces. Unlike the 1962 war where Pandit Nehru told the Air Force not to be deployed. Our Prime Minister has been very clear that the nation's interest would be kept first. The people who were killed brutally in Pahalgam, justice for them will be kept at first. The Indian armed forces will be given complete operational freedom to decide time, place and the method, when this punishment will be meted out to Pakistan," Chandrasekhar said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired a meeting which was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and three service chiefs. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present at the meeting. The meeting took place days after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on April 23, following the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed. Government sources said the Prime Minister affirmed that it is India's national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism. The sources said that PM Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian Armed Forces. They said that PM Modi stated that the armed forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response. The meeting, chaired by PM Modi on Tuesday, was attended by Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg PM on Monday. The meeting came a day after Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan briefed the Defence Minister on some decisions in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. The government has said that the terrorists responsible for the attack and the conspirators behind it will face severe punishment. This came in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, including one Nepalese national, and injured many. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inspected the Surya Drone Tech-2025 program on Wednesday at Jaswant Ground in Garhi Cantt, Dehradun. The Chief Minister interacted with the concerned officials and operated a drone at the Surya Drone Tech-2025 program. The Surya Drone Tech-2025 program is a landmark defence technology event organised by the Indian Army's Central Command in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM). Held on April 29-30, 2025, at Jaswant Ground in Dehradun Cantonment, the event showcased cutting-edge drone and anti-drone technologies tailored for the Indian Armed Forces. The program included live demonstrations, featuring real-time demonstrations of advanced drone systems, including surveillance UAVS, loitering munitions, and anti-drone countermeasures. Earlier in the day, CM Dhami reached Yamunotri to mark the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra. The doors of the Shri Yamunotri Dham opened on April 30, and CM Dhami attended the ceremony. While speaking to reporters, Dhami said that the government monitors the situation from every angle and ensures that pilgrims do not face any problems. He stated that pilgrimage in the state has increased due to the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at all the dhams. He added that helicopter arrangements are being made to assess the damage around the complex due to the disaster at the Yamuna Ghat. "We are monitoring the situation from every angle to ensure that the Char Dham Yatra pilgrims do not face any problems... The journey to Yamunotri Dham is slightly more challenging than that to the other Dhams. For this, we are working on making a master plan... Pilgrimage has increased significantly since 2014, following the work undertaken on all four Dhams under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Due to a disaster on the Yamuna Ghat, arrangements for big helicopters are being made for the damage around the complex," CM Dhami told reporters. He further stated that the Char Dham Yatra is akin to a festival for the people of Uttarakhand and emphasised that the government aims for the Yatra to be safe, easy, and hassle-free. "Char Dham Yatra has begun, the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri have opened. It is like a festival for the people of Uttarakhand. All the preparations have been done. We want the yatra to be safe, easy, and hassle-free. Various departments have made arrangements. We will be working to facilitate easy yatra for people", he added. After the Char Dham Yatra 2025 began on Wednesday, more than 22 lakh devotees registered for the pilgrimage at the Rishikesh Transit Camp in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. (ANI)
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday disbursed Rs 1,025 crore to over 51 lakh farmers under the CM Kisan Kharif Season Assistance scheme, coinciding with the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Speaking to reporters, CM Majhi said the scheme boosts farmers' income and helps them prepare for the cropping season. "...Today, we have provided financial aid to 51 lakh farmer families under the CM Kisan Yojana. The amount is provided in 2 instalments under this scheme. One instalment is given today, and the other will be given on the occasion of 'Nua Khai'. This financial aid helps them to work...It increases their income," CM Majhi said. The CM-KISAN scheme, launched on September 8, 2024, offers Rs 4,000 annually to farmers, Rs 2,000 each during Akshaya Tritiya and Nua Khai, to support both Kharif and Rabi cropping seasons. The assistance is credited directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The scheme covers small, marginal, landless, and tribal farmers. CM Majhi also performed the traditional 'Akhi Muthi Anukula' ceremony, marking the beginning of seed sowing in paddy fields on Akshaya Tritiya. Extending heartfelt wishes, in a post on X, the CM Majhi wrote, "The government remains committed to the welfare of agriculture and farmers. May the monsoon rains in the coming Kharif season be favourable for agriculture, and may the state make further progress in the agricultural sector. This is my prayer to Lord Jagannath on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya." Earlier in the day, the Government of Odisha signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gates Foundation to scale up farmers' income and promote inclusive agricultural transformation in Odisha. The MoU was signed in the presence of Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. The MoU outlines a multi-year partnership focusing on technical support, research, and on-ground implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices. Anchored by the Department of Agricultural and Farmers' Empowerment (DAFE) and the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department. This initiative will drive science-based, ground-level interventions for sustainable agricultural growth. (ANI)
Congress MP Randeep Surjewala on Wednesday accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of pushing Haryana into a severe water crisis. The remarks came after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann refused to release more water to Haryana, stating that the state has already used its allocated share for this season. Speaking at a press conference here, Surjewala lashed out at both governments, saying, "The Modi-led government in the Centre and the Punjab government have pushed Haryana into a water crisis! The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) falls under the Electricity Minister, so why is Khattar ji not investigating it? Haryana is reeling under a major water shortage. The supply from Bhakra Dam has been reduced from 8,500 cusecs to 4,000 cusecs. This is the biggest water crisis since the formation of the state in 1966." Surjewala targeted Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, accusing both of mishandling the situation. "Bhagwant Mann and Nayab Singh Saini are only playing a game of statements and exchanging love letters. Power has gone to Bhagwant Mann's head, while Saini has no idea what's going on," he said. Mann's refusal to release more water has drawn criticism from the BJP leaders as well. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, in a post on X, said, "When the nation stands united against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, CM Bhagwant Mann chooses to divide states over water. Not a single drop of Punjab's water will be given away -- but this is no time for political posturing." Earlier in the day, Haryana CM Saini hit back at Mann, accusing him of trying to "politicise" the issue. He also claimed that Haryana had received only 60 per cent of its water share. "He is trying to politicise this issue. I would like to clarify that the SYL (Sutlej-Yamuna Link) canal matter is under the supervision of the Supreme Court. But this issue is not about SYL's water. It is about the issue of drinking water... Haryana has not yet received its full share. In the last week, Haryana received only 4,000 cusecs of drinking water, which is approximately 60 per cent of the state's total demand. If BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) provides the remaining water per Haryana's demand, it will be only 0.0001 per cent of Bhakra Dam's water reservoir..." Saini said. (ANI)
In the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, touristism in Kashmir valley witnessed a pause. However, with the situation gradually stabilising, travellers are once again making their way to the region. Locals, who strongly condemned the attack, have reiterated their commitment to welcoming tourists and ensuring their comfort. Several tourists reported that locals have been extending a warm welcome, urging others to not cancel their trips due to fear or misinformation. "We went to Katra, Srinagar, Gulmarg and also visited Dal Lake and Pahalgam. Everywhere we went, people were cooperative and welcoming. The situation felt normal," said a tourist from Kolkata. Another visitor from Kolkata, travelling with a group of around 30 people, said, "We were a little anxious at first, but after reaching here, we didn't face any problems. Locals are treating us like guests." Amid visible security arrangements, tourists expressed confidence in the government's efforts. A young female tourist, reacting to fears among some travellers, said, "What we experienced here is not what we usually see or hear in the news. I want to tell those who are thinking of cancelling their trip, please come and see the real Kashmir. The people are supportive and welcoming." Another visitor, Ankana, who is staying at a relative's home in the valley, said she was warmly received and that locals were friendly and made her feel at ease during sightseeing. Residents of Anantnag and the surrounding areas have strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack. "Tourists are being welcomed here, and there is no reason for them to be afraid. We want to tell those who cancelled their plans -- please come, we are inviting you. Come and enjoy Kashmir. Whoever carried out the attack should be punished. Our livelihood depends on tourism, and it was affected badly. Now that visitors have started returning, we hope things improve." On Tuesday, locals across Jammu and Kashmir united in strong condemnation, reiterating their call for peace and terming the incident an "attack" on humanity and the values that define the Union Territory. Expressing grief and outrage, residents emphasised that Kashmiris are known for their hospitality and peaceful nature, and such violence stands in direct contrast to their centuries-old traditions of welcoming guests. Local Kashmiris described the incident as not only a misfortune for the region but also a profound betrayal of human values. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting on Tuesday with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh also attended the meeting. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Prime Minister Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Monday. The meeting came a day after Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan briefed the Defence Minister on some decisions in the wake of the Pahalgam terror, in which 26 people were killed. The government has said that the terrorists responsible for the terror attack and the conspirators behind it will face severe punishment. The government had convened an all-party meeting after the Pahalgam terror attack. Opposition parties have expressed their full support for any action taken by the government against the perpetrators of the attack. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met a day after the Pahalgam terror attack. In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in Jammu and Kashmir and its steady progress towards economic growth and development. The government has announced a series of measures, including putting the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, to send a strong message to Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. (ANI)
As India prepares a strong response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Maharashtra BJP President and State Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday expressed "Faith" in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, saying he will deliver a decisive and appropriate retaliation. Speaking to reporters, Bawankule said, "PM Modi is a pride 'vishwagaurav' for our country. I have complete faith that he will take such steps that no one will dare to bat an eye or plan an attack on India." In the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Modi, held a high-level meeting at his residence on Wednesday afternoon. In addition to the CCS meeting, two other key committees--the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)--also convened at the Prime Minister's residence. A formal cabinet briefing has been scheduled for 3:00 PM today. The second CCS meeting focused on assessing India's security preparedness following the Pahalgam incident. The CCS had previously met on April 23 to review the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. In that meeting, the committee condemned the attack in the strongest terms, extended condolences to the bereaved families, and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. According to officials, the CCS was briefed on the cross-border linkages of the attack. It was noted that the incident occurred against the backdrop of the successful conduct of elections in the Union Territory and its steady economic and developmental progress. As part of its response, the government announced a range of measures, including putting the Indus Waters Treaty on hold, signalling a firm message to Pakistan over its support for cross-border terrorism. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi chaired a separate meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the three service chiefs. Sources said the Prime Minister expressed full confidence in the professional capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces and conveyed that they have complete "operational freedom" to decide on India's response mode, targets, and timing. The meeting was attended by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. (ANI)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday lauded the Union Cabinet for approving the proposal for the development, maintenance and management of a four-lane greenfield access controlled high-speed corridor from Shillong to Silchar. Taking to X, Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed gratitude for approving the Rs 22,864 crore project, noting that the expressway will cut travel time and "revolutinise connectivity" to Barak Valley. https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1917538069520977991?t=3ac0UDxrc4ql-lFsPbIUqQ&s=09 "My gratitude to the Union Cabinet led by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for approving the Rs22,864 cr greenfield Guwahati Silchar Expressway. This project will cut travel time between Guwahati and Silchar by over 50% and revolutionise connectivity to Barak Valley. It will be the first in a series of expressways that will criss cross Asaam," CM Sarma said. According to an official statement, the 166.80 km of National Highway No. 06 from Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) in Meghalaya to Panchgram (near Silchar) in Assam will be built on Hybrid Annuity Mode as an access-controlled greenfield high-speed corridor at a total capital cost of Rs 22,864 crore. The project length of 166.80 km lies in Meghalaya (144.80 km) and Assam (22.00 km). The proposed greenfield high-speed corridor will improve the service level for the traffic moving from Guwahati to Silchar. The development of this corridor will improve the connectivity to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and the Barak Valley region of Assam from mainland and Guwahati with substantially reduced travel distance and travel time. This will, in turn, contribute to the enhancement of logistics efficiency of the nation. The corridor will improve connectivity between Assam and Meghalaya and will spur economic development, including the development of industries in Meghalaya, as it passes through the cement and coal production areas of Meghalaya. This corridor will cater to the national and international tourists coming from well-connected Guwahati Airport, Shillong Airport, and Silchar Airport (via existing NH-06) connecting Guwahati to Silchar. This would connect scenic places of tourist attraction in the Northeast and promote tourism. This critical infrastructure project will improve inter-city connectivity between Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar, traverses through Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia hills, East Jaintia hills in Meghalaya and Cachar district in Assam reduce congestion on existing NH-6 and enhance transport infrastructure development in line with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. The project alignment integrates with major transport corridors, including NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, NH-37, providing seamless connectivity to Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Diengpasoh, Ummulong, Phramer, Khlieriat, Ratachera, Umkiang, Kalain. Upon completion, the Shillong - Silchar Corridor will play a pivotal role in regional economic growth, improving connectivity between Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Imphal, Aizawl and Agartala. The project aligns with the government's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, enhancing infrastructure while generating employment and fostering socio-economic development in Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. (ANI)
Following the Union Cabinet's decision to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming census, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday emphasised that the move sends a strong message of commitment to social equality and the rights of every section of society. In a post on X, Shah asserted that the decision would empower all backward classes. "The Modi government, committed to social justice, has taken a historic decision today. In the CCPA meeting held today under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, a message of strong commitment towards social equality and rights of every section has been given by deciding to include caste census in the upcoming census," he said. He also criticised the Congress for opposing the caste census for decades. "The Congress and its allies opposed the caste census for decades while in power and played politics over it while in the opposition. This decision will empower all economically and socially backward classes, promote inclusion, and pave new paths for the progress of the deprived," Amit Shah added. BJP President and Union Minister JP Nadda also targeted the Congress, accusing them of using the issue for political gain. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the Union Cabinet has taken a historic decision to include caste-based census in the census. This decision is extremely important from the point of view of bringing the economically, socially, and educationally backward castes into the mainstream and restoring the dignity to the people who have been deprived of their rights for a long time. For a long time, Congress has fulfilled its political interests by increasing animosity between castes and making them a means of vote bank," Nadda said on X. He added, "While in power, Congress always opposed caste census, the proof of which is that after independence, caste census has not been done in the country till date. This unprecedented decision of the Modi government will be a milestone in expanding social harmony as well as in uplifting every section and increasing the respect of the backward sections. I express my gratitude to Modi ji for this historic decision for the welfare of the entire society." Earlier, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had criticised previous Congress governments for opposing caste-based enumeration. "Caste was not included in all the census operations conducted since independence. In 2010, the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ji had assured the Lok Sabha that the matter of caste census would be considered in the cabinet. A group of ministers was formed to consider this subject. Most political parties recommended a caste census. Despite this, the Congress government decided to conduct only a survey of caste instead of a census. That survey is known as SECC," Vaishnaw said. He further noted that including caste enumeration would strengthen the country's social and economic structure. "Under the leadership of PM Modi, the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs has decided today that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census. This demonstrates that the government is committed to the values and interests of the society and the country," he said. (ANI)
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Guwahati Branch Office, in collaboration with the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Department, Government of Assam, successfully organized the 2nd meeting of the State Level Committee (SLC) on Standardisation, Quality Systems, and Hallmarking on Wednesday at the Chief Secretary's Conference Hall, Assam Secretariat in Guwahati. The meeting was chaired by Dr Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, and Chairman of the Committee. The proceedings began with a welcome and keynote address delivered by Anasua Dutta Baruah, Secretary, FCS&CA, Government of Assam, who also serves as the representative of the Member Secretary of the Committee. In her opening remarks, she emphasised the vital role of standards in strengthening public infrastructure, improving citizen-centric services in Assam, and creating a robust quality ecosystem. Following this, AK Purohit, Scientist-F, BIS, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the agenda points before the Committee. He elaborated on the various initiatives undertaken by BIS to sensitise and build the capacity of state government officials to understand the importance and implementation of Indian Standards. These included residential and non-residential training programmes, development of sector-specific training modules, and dissemination of relevant standards mapped to flagship government schemes. The Committee was apprised of the proposal to introduce standardisation sessions in Assam Administrative Staff College, to equip public servants with knowledge on quality systems, and also of the Manak Pravardhak Programme, which aims to engage young professionals from state departments in BIS's standardisation work through workshops, research projects, and committee participation. A major highlight of the presentation was the emphasis on integrating Indian Standards into the state government's procurement policies, referencing best practices from states such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. It was also proposed that the BIS website be linked to State Government portals to ensure a seamless flow of information regarding certified products, mandatory standards, and public resources. The BIS Care mobile app, with over 8 million downloads, was promoted as a vital tool for consumers, industry stakeholders, and enforcement officials to verify certifications, lodge complaints, and access standards in multiple Indian languages. The meeting also addressed the recent launch of Special Publication (SP) 73:2023 - a model building by-laws document aligned with the National Building Code - and recommended its adoption in Assam to harmonise development regulations. Proposals for implementing Management System Certification schemes, such as ISO 9001, in District Collectorates and Medical Colleges were discussed in the context of enhancing governance, documentation, service delivery, and citizen engagement. New certification schemes for piped drinking water management, aligned with the Jal Jeevan Mission, and milk products, developed jointly with the NDDB, were introduced. Both schemes aim to ensure safety, quality, and operational efficiency in public utilities and the food sector. A special emphasis was placed on the role of youth in the standardisation movement. BIS presented its achievements in forming over 10,000 Standards Clubs across India, including Assam, to inculcate quality consciousness among school and college students. The Committee was urged to formally recognise these activities within the academic calendar and extend support for exposure visits and hands-on learning. Furthermore, the creation of BIS Standards Clubs in PM SHRI Schools was proposed, aligning with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020 and encouraging inquiry-driven, experiential learning. As a gesture of appreciation, Dr. Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, was felicitated by BIS Guwahati with a BIS Memento for his invaluable support and leadership in fostering a robust quality and standardisation ecosystem in the state. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks, reaffirming the shared commitment of BIS and the Government of Assam to institutionalise standards across sectors and drive quality-driven development. (ANI)
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday, met the family of Shubham Dwivedi, a resident of Kanpur who was killed in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. Rahul Gandhi told the family that he would write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting a special session of Parliament to discuss justice for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. In a post on X, Gandhi expressed his grief over the incident and called for firm action against those responsible. "Today I met the family members of Shubham Dwivedi who was martyred in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam and consoled them. The whole country stands with the bereaved families in this sad moment. Strict and concrete action should be taken against the terrorists and the victim families should get justice. For this purpose, the united opposition has given full support to the government and has demanded calling a special session of the Parliament," he wrote. Shubham's father, Sanjay Dwivedi, said that Gandhi supported his demand for official martyr status for his son. "I demand that Shubham should be given the status of 'shaheed'. Rahul Gandhi said that he had written a letter to the PM for a special session in parliament. Priyanka Gandhi talked to me and said that my demands are right. She said - I'll put pressure on the government and talk to them at my level for giving the status of 'shaheed' to Shubham," he said. Shubham's wife also reiterated the family's appeal. "We have only one demand, and we have told this to Rahul Gandhi as well that Shubham should be given the status of 'shaheed'... Rahul Gandhi said that he will take this issue further and will write a letter to the PM for the same," she said. The April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam had targeted a group of tourists, leaving 26 people dead, including one Nepali national. India has since taken strong diplomatic steps against Pakistan over its alleged support for cross-border terrorism. On April 24, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also met the Dwivedi family in Kanpur and condemned the attack. "On April 22, a terrorist attack took place in J&K's Pahalgam in which one person from Kanpur was killed. Shubham Dwivedi got married two months ago, and he was killed in the terror attack there. This is a very cowardly attack by the terrorists and shows that terrorism is on its last breath... This type of incident is not acceptable in a country like India... The actions of the central government will put the last nail in the coffin of terrorism," CM Yogi said. (ANI)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday attended the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Shri Jagannath Temple in Digha. Later, in a post on X, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee gave the first glimpse of Lord Jagannath enshrined in the temple. https://x.com/MamataOfficial/status/1917527036744327464 "A moment to be cherished forever. The first glimpse of Lord Jagannath enshrined in the Garbhagriha of the Jagannath Temple in Digha will remain etched in my heart. I felt my spirit stir with the divine radiance emanating from the sacred idol. I had the privilege of performing the aarati and invoking the blessings of the Lord of the Universe upon our Ma, Mati, Manush," CM Banerjee said on X. On April 27, Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar asserted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was trying to win the upcoming state Assembly elections by "climbing on the shoulders" of Lord Jagannath. "Police did not reach Murshidabad for 4 hours, and because of this, Chandan and Hargobind Das were killed. On one side, you are killing Hindus, and on the other side, you are constructing temples. Constructing temples or mosques is not the job of the government. For the Ayodhya Ram temple, funds were raised by the people. For the Jagannath Temple in Digha, people should raise funds. Why does the state government have to get involved in this? Mamata Banerjee is trying to win the elections by climbing on the shoulders of Lord Jagannath," Majumdar told reporters. Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari had blamed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the 'migration' of Hindu families from Murshidabad. Adhkari, while speaking to ANI, criticised the TMC-led West Bengal government over the new Jagannath temple in Digha, alleging that Mamata Banerjee is anti-Hindu and is responsible for Hindus' migration from Murshidabad. "Mamata Banerjee is a fake Hindu. Do not mislead Hindu people. The Hindus make Hindu temples. Mamata Banerjee is anti-Hindu. Because of her, the Hindu people of Murshidabad are migrating from here," Adhikari said. Violence erupted on April 11 in Murshidabad, a Muslim-majority district, during a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The protest turned violent, resulting in two deaths, several injuries, and property damage. Thousands of people fled their homes in search of safety. The protest later spread to other districts, including Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly, where incidents of arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades were reported. (ANI)
The Rouse Avenue court on Wednesday allowed a revision petition moved by AAP leader Somnath Bharti. He had challenged the order dismissing his applications seeking permission to summon additional witnesses in his defence. He also sought to place on record seven video clips of an incident that occurred in Malviya Nagar in 2014. An FIR was registered on the order of the court based on a complaint filed by the victim, who is an African woman. She had alleged molestation by a group of people. Special Judge Vishal Gogne said, "The revision petition is allowed with liberty to the revisionist to lead further evidence in defence in terms of his applications dated 30.08.2024 and 11.11.2024, which are deemed to be allowed." "The Trial court shall pass appropriate directions regarding mode of proof of the video clips in question and the tender of the record relating to FIR of 2015, Police Station Malviya Nagar in evidence," Special Judge Vishal Gogne said in the judgement passed on April 30. He had challenged the order dated 19 November 2024, which dismissed his two applications praying for the summoning of additional witnesses during the leading of his evidence in defence. In one application, he sought to place on record seven video clips purportedly reflecting either the media reporting regarding the prevalence of prostitution in Delhi, especially the area of Khirki Extension or the purported efforts of the revisionist to curb such prevalence. The second application sought permission to place on record documents related to an FIR lodged in 2014 at the Malviya Nagar police station. Bharti had challenged the order of 27.11.2024, which dismissed his application for revision under section 76 of the Indian Evidence Act, praying for liberty to place on record the certified copy of the judicial proceedings in the above-mentioned separate FIR 2014 of Police Station Malviya Nagar. The Trial Court recorded that none of the videos in question were relevant for proving the defence of the revisionist. It was observed in the context of the 2014 FIR documents that the observations in the matter were not final and that the testimony of witnesses in the trial could not be relied upon. Furthermore, one of the witnesses in the said FIR, namely Aditya, had in fact been examined in the present trial related to the 2014 FIR. In the second order, the challenge essentially found the fresh prayer of the accused to be allowed to be placed onRecord the certified copy of the charge sheet in FIR of 2014 to be in the face of the order dated 19.11.2024, which had dismissed the same prayer. Advocate S.P. Kaushal, Counsel for the revisions, argued that the trial court had grossly misappreciated the grounds urged in the two applications, which were dismissed on 27 November 2024, finding the projected defence to be irrelevant. He also argued that since the video clips reflected media reporting of the activities related to prostitution in the precise area where the accused allegedly accosted Women of African origin, these videos would counter the prosecution's allegations. The incident occurred between midnight on 15 January and 16 January 2014. The present FIR was registered on a complaint made by Ms D (names of all victims are concealed in the present order as the alleged offences are also under sections 354 and 354A IPC) under section 156 (3) Cr.PC through order dated 18.01.2014 of the court of learned Metropolitan Magistrate of South District, Saket Court, New Delhi. The complainant, who is a person of African origin, alleged in her complaint that she, alongwith her sister and other natives, came to India on 03.01.2014 for her medical treatment. Since the treatment was taking a long time, she hired accommodation in Khirki Extension, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi. It was alleged that on the night of the incident, a group of people reached her accommodation and allegedly molested her. The complaint alleged that she was very frightened and tried to resist them, but the assailants started humiliating her by touching her body parts. They threatened to kill her if she shouted. They even allegedly tried to search for all her articles. The assailants even forced the complainant to come out of her house and dragged her to the car. After the incident, the complainant, while watching television, purportedly identified some of the persons whohad trespassed, assaulted, misbehaved, threatened and molested her on the date of the incident. The complainant learned through the media that the assailants were affiliated with the Aam Aadmi Party and had been led by the local MLA, identified as Somnath Bharti. A charge sheet was filed against Bhati and the person accused of commission of offence under section 323/354/354c/153a/147/149/452/ 186/353/356/143/152/506/509/427/341/342/34 of IPC. (ANI)
Assam Bharatiya Janata Party has warmly welcomed Union Cabinet's decision regarding the caste-based census to be conducted in 2025. In a statement released on the matter, BJP State President Dilip Saikia stated that this scientific and historic decision upholds a firm commitment to social justice in the country. Saikia pointed out that during the six decades of Congress rule, due to the absence of strong policy decisions and systematic data collection related to the country's social structure, social justice remained only a slogan. "As a result, crucial areas such as policymaking and budget allocation lacked appropriate interventions. This historic correction will ensure the development of economically weaker sections, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, marking the Cabinet's decision as a pivotal step," Saikia said in the statement. Saikia further noted that this decision would serve as a true tribute to the pioneers of India's social justice movement, such as Ram Manohar Lohia and Karpoori Thakur . He emphasized that earlier schemes and projects for the development of the economically weaker sections and marginalized communities were mostly based on assumptions and lacked data, which hindered the establishment of true social equity and the collective upliftment of all societal sections. Saikia asserted that social justice should move beyond being a mere political issue and must now translate into tangible action driven by political will--something made possible by the current leadership. The Cabinet decision for the 2025 census is a clear reflection of the "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" principle, reaffirming the Union Government's commitment to holistic development of the marginalized and ensuring the inclusion of even the smallest ethnic communities in building an 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat', Saikia said. On the other hand, the Assam BJP has also welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision to construct a 166 km four-lane National Highway from Shillong to Silchar at an estimated cost of Rs 22,864 crore. Saikia stated that this step will significantly improve the connectivity and transport systems of Assam, Meghalaya , and the entire Northeast, and expressed sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this crucial development initiative. (ANI)
Taking on X, DGP Punjab Police said, " Acting on a tip-off, TarnTaran Police apprehend Rupinder Kaur, a resident of Dhanoa Khurd, Amritsar Rural, and recover 4 Kg Heroin. Preliminary investigation reveals that Rupinder Kaur and her son, Gaganpreet Singh, are actively involved in drug smuggling and have direct links with #Pakistan-based smugglers."

https://x.com/DGPPunjabPolice/status/1917547716504170749

"An FIR is registered at PS Sarai Amanat Khan, Tarn Taran. Further investigation is underway to trace the forward and backwards linkages of the network. PunjabPoliceInd remains committed to dismantling drug cartels and making Punjab drug-free," the post added on X.

Punjab Police reiterated its commitment to continue its drive against narcotics and drug cartels to make the state drug-free.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Punjab Police's Counter-Intelligence unit in Amritsar arrested a man and recovered five illegal pistols allegedly supplied through cross-border networks.

The accused, identified as Jodhbir Singh, a resident of Naushera in Tarn Taran district, was apprehended following a specific intelligence input, said the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) in a post on X.

Police recovered five pistols from Singh's possession, including two PX5 pistols, one .30 bore pistol (Star marked), and two 9mm Glock pistols.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that Jodhbir Singh was allegedly in contact with a Pakistan-based drug smuggler, who facilitated the supply of illegal weapons into India.

An FIR has been registered at the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Amritsar. Punjab Police have initiated further investigations to identify and apprehend Singh's associates, while efforts are also underway to trace the entire backwards and forward linkages of the network.

"Punjab Police remains firmly committed to maintaining peace and harmony across the state," the DGP emphasised in his post.(ANI)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday called for strong action against terrorists involved in Pahalgam terrorist attack, saying they must pay a price and Prime Minister Narendra Modi must make it very clear that that "India is not going to tolerate this type of nonsense". Addressing a press conference in the national capital hours after the government took a decision to conduct a caste census, Gandhi said PM Modi has to take action and "must not dilly-dally". Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, earlier in the day met the family of Shubham Dwivedi, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. Rahul Gandhi said PM Modi can act in a timeframe he thinks necessary but also added that the Prime Minister has to act soon. "I am saying that 28 people have been killed in cold blood. It is pretty clear who is responsible for this. The people who are responsible for this must pay a price. The PM has to take action. The action has to be clear and it has to be strong without any confusion. The PM must not dilly-dally, must not waste time, must make it very clear that India is not going to tolerate this type of nonsense. So, he needs to act...He can act in whatever timeframe he thinks necessary but he has to act soon," the Congress leader said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired a meeting which was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and three service chiefs. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present at the meeting. The meeting took place days after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on April 23, following the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed. Government sources said the Prime Minister affirmed that it is India's national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism. The sources said PM Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian Armed Forces. They said that PM Modi stated that the Indian Armed Forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response. The government has said that the terrorists responsible for the attack and the conspirators behind it will face severe punishment. The government had convened an all-party meeting after the Pahalgam terror attack. Opposition parties have expressed their full support for any action taken by the government against the pepetrators of the terror attack. In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in Jammu and Kashmir and its steady progress towards economic growth and development. The government has announced a series of measures, including putting the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, to send a strong message to Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism. Rahul Gandhi said also that the party supports the government's decision to conduct caste enumeration during forthcoming census but it should specify a timeline. He said Telangana has provided a model for conducting caste census and it can provide a blueprint for the exercise at the national level. The Congress leader said the Congress has been demanding a caste census and the government had "suddenly after 11 years" taken this decision. "We had said in the Parliament that we will make Caste Census happen. We had also said that we would scrap the 50% cap, the artificial wall that is in place. Narendra Modi used to say that there are just four castes. Don't know what happened but suddenly after 11 years, Caste Census has been announced," Rahul Gandhi said. "We completely support it but we want a timeline. We want to know that by when this will happen. This is the first step. Telangana has become a model in Caste Census and it can become a blueprint. We offer our support to the government in designing the Caste Census...There are two examples - Bihar's and Telangana's and there is a vast difference between the two," he added. Rahul Gandhi said the caste census is the first step, and there is a need to bring a new development paradigm. "I would like to reiterate that Caste Census is the first step. Our vision is of bringing a new development paradigm through Caste Census. Not just reservations but we are also asking central questions - be it OBCs, Dalits, Adivasis, what is their participation in this country? Through Caste Census it will be found, but we have to go ahead of Caste Census...We had said one more thing, Congress had raised one more point, it was mentioned in the manifesto as well --- Article 15(5) - reservation in private education institutions. This is already a law. We want NDA-BJP Government to begin implementing it," he added. Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by PM Modi, on Wednesday, decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census. (ANI)
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Wednesday welcomed the Centre's decision to include caste data in the upcoming census, calling it a step towards uplifting "downtrodden people". "...We welcome this decision. From the beginning, Congress was against the caste census, but for the last 5-10 years, they have started shouting for this caste based census. The caste census will help to design the future policies of the government in favour of the downtrodden people," he told ANI. Reacting to the development, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census, calling it a long-standing demand that will help design targeted development schemes and accelerate national progress. Taking to X, CM Nitish Kumar said that the demand for a caste census had been raised long ago. "The decision of the Central Government to conduct caste census is welcome. Our demand for conducting a caste census is old. It is a matter of great happiness that the Central Government has decided to conduct caste census. Conducting caste census will reveal the number of people of different classes, which will help in making plans for their upliftment and development. This will accelerate the development of the country. Congratulations and thanks to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji for the decision to conduct caste census," he wrote. "We welcome this decision. From the beginning, Congress was against the caste census, but for the last 5-10 years, they have started shouting for this caste-based census. The caste census will help to design the future policies of the government in favour of the downtrodden people," Majumdar told ANI. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also welcomed the move, saying it would help in formulating targeted development schemes. Taking to X, he said, "The decision of the Central Government to conduct caste census is welcome. Our demand for conducting a caste census is old. It is a matter of great happiness that the Central Government has decided to conduct caste census. Conducting a caste census will reveal the number of people of different classes, which will help in making plans for their upliftment and development. This will accelerate the development of the country. Congratulations and thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji for the decision to conduct caste census." Meanwhile, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh took a swipe at the Centre. In a post on X, he pointed out that the Congress had already committed to a caste census in its April 9 resolution passed in Ahmedabad. "This was said in the recent Congress resolution on social justice, which was passed in Ahmedabad on 9 April 2025. Better late than never," Ramesh said. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw earlier in the day briefed the media about the Cabinet's decision. He said the move would help strengthen India's social and economic fabric. "Under the leadership of PM Modi, the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs has decided today that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census. This demonstrates that the government is committed to the values and interests of the society and the country," he said. (ANI)
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday welcomed the Centre's decision to include caste in the forthcoming census, asserting that the move will truly open the doors to social justice. Speaking to ANI, Shinde termed the decision a "historic one." "The decision taken by the Prime Minister to conduct a caste census is a very significant one. It is a historic decision, and Shiv Sena welcomes it. This decision will truly open the doors to social justice. It will help bridge the economic, social, and educational disparities. We will gain insight into the true condition of the people. It will become easier to formulate welfare schemes," he said. "Since independence, this is the only such major decision, and that is why I welcome it. I thank the Prime Minister because it takes courage to take such bold decisions. This decision is also linked to the future of the country," Eknath Shinde emphasised. Earlier in the day, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw briefed the media about the decision, saying the move would strengthen the country's social and economic structure. "Under the leadership of PM Modi, the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs has decided today that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census. This demonstrates that the government is committed to the values and interests of the society and the country," he said. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin linked the Centre's decision to the upcoming Bihar elections. "The timing is no coincidence. With Social Justice dominating the Bihar Elections narrative, this sudden move reeks of political expediency. The same Prime Minister who once accused opposition parties of dividing people on caste has now yielded to the very demand he maligned repeatedly," Stalin said. He emphasised that the caste census is essential and "not optional." "For objective policymaking, targeted welfare, and the pursuit of real social justice. You cannot remedy injustice without first recognising its scale. For the Tamil Nadu Government and DMK, this is a hard-earned victory. We were the first to adopt a resolution in the Legislative Assembly demanding Caste Census. We championed this cause in every forum. We reiterated this demand in every meeting with the Prime Minister and through multiple letters, consistently urging the Union Government to take responsibility," MK Stalin asserted. "While others called for state-level caste surveys, we stood firm: Census is a Union subject. Only the Union Government can and should deliver a legally binding caste enumeration under the Census Act. Our stand is now vindicated. Another triumph for DMK and INDIA Bloc in our arduous social justice journey, driven by the ideals of the Dravidian Model," the Tamil Nadu CM said. (ANI)
BJP leader Amit Malviya on Wednesday criticised Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for trying to take credit for the central government's decision to include caste in the upcoming census. In a post on X, Malviya said, "Rahul Gandhi must stop taking credit for the government's decision on the caste census. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already indicated on September 18, 2024, that the announcement was forthcoming." He also criticised the Congress party for failing to release caste data during its previous term in government. "In 2011, the Congress-led UPA government initiated the Socio-Economic and Caste Census, which included a caste component--the first such attempt since 1931. However, the Congress failed to release the caste data, citing inconsistencies and classification issues," Malviya said. "It is the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who truly uphold the mantle of social justice, and this move is a step in the right direction," he added. Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi welcomed the government's move, saying the Congress supports the decision but demanded a clear timeline. Speaking at a press conference, Gandhi said Telangana had set an example with its caste census and could serve as a national model. "We had said in the Parliament that we will make the Caste Census happen. We had also said that we would scrap the 50% cap, the artificial wall that is in place. Narendra Modi used to say that there are just four castes. Don't know what happened, but suddenly after 11 years, Caste Census has been announced," he said. "We completely support it, but we want a timeline. We want to know when this will happen. This is the first step. Telangana has become a model for the Caste Census, and it can serve as a blueprint. We offer our support to the government in designing the Caste Census... There are two examples -- Bihar's and Telangana's, and there is a vast difference between the two," Gandhi added. He also said the caste census should lead to a new development model focused on social justice. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided on caste enumeration on Wednesday. Briefing the media, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the move showed the government's commitment to social and national interests. (ANI)
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has welcomed the Centre's decision to include caste data in the upcoming national census, calling it a long-overdue move to ensure equitable policy-making. In a post on X, Owaisi lauded Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for leading India's first-ever caste census in an Independent state, which revealed that 56.32 per cent of the population belongs to Backward Castes. "The Centre has agreed to include caste data in the upcoming census exercise. This was needed urgently and it was a long-pending demand of many groups. I'd also made the same demand since 2021. I congratulate and thank Telangana CM Revanth Reddy for his leadership in implementing the historic Caste Census in Telangana," Owaisi said. "This was the first-ever initiative of its kind in Independent India, revealing 56.32 per cent of the state has Backward Castes (BC) population. Telangana took the extraordinary decision to propose to implement 42 per cent BC reservations also," the Hyderabad MP said. Owaisi also emphasised the urgent need to collect comprehensive data on the backwardness of Muslim communities, urging the BJP-led Centre to ensure transparency and policy alignment with the findings. "The need of the hour is proper data on the backwardness of Muslims, including the various castes/groups among Muslims. NSSO & other data clearly demonstrates that Muslims are economically, socially & educationally backward. BJP has opposed SC-status for Dalit Muslims; it's also opposed reservations for backward Muslims," the AIMIM Chief said. "It's for BJP to be intellectually honest. The data must be collected transparently & put in the public domain. Policies of the government must be consistent with the census data. The most backward communities should get their fair share in education & employment," Asaduddin Owaisi said. Earlier, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had criticised previous Congress governments for opposing caste-based enumeration. "Caste was not included in all the census operations conducted since Independence. In 2010, the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ji had assured the Lok Sabha that the matter of caste census would be considered in the Cabinet. A group of ministers was formed to consider this subject. Most political parties recommended a caste census. Despite this, the Congress government decided to conduct only a survey of caste instead of a census. That survey is known as SECC," Vaishnaw said. He further noted that the inclusion of caste enumeration would strengthen the country's social and economic structure. "Under the leadership of PM Modi, the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs has decided today that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census. This demonstrates that the government is committed to the values and interests of the society and the country," he said. (ANI)
Former Chief Minister of Odisha and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik welcomed the Centre's decision to conduct a caste-based census, calling it an important step toward ensuring social justice. He reminded that the Biju Janata Dal has long demanded this, along with the removal of the 50 per cent cap on reservations. Taking to X, Patnaik said, "Welcome the decision of the Union Cabinet to include Caste Enumeration in the forthcoming census. @bjd_odisha has been repeatedly demanding a countrywide caste census and the removal of the 50 per cent cap on reservation." Patnaik also mentioned that Odisha had already made some efforts in 2023 to count the number of people in different social classes within the state. He said these efforts were aimed at better planning for their development and upliftment. "In Odisha, we also took certain concrete steps in 2023 to enumerate the number of people belonging to different classes to help us in making plans for their development and upliftment. The same objectives would now be met by this decision of the Central Government to conduct a caste-based census," he added. Patnaik also emphasised BJD's consistent stance on supporting social justice, particularly for backward classes such as Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). "We in Biju Janata Dal always stand for #SocialJustice, especially for backward classes such as ST, SC, and OBC," he wrote. In a recent development, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision to include caste in the upcoming census, calling it a long-overdue step. He said that the decision was supported by the Congress party and its INDI alliance partners. Kharge further added that true social justice and empowerment cannot be achieved without a caste census. Earlier, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh took a dig at the BJP-led Central government regarding the decision, mentioning that caste enumeration had already been part of Congress's resolution on social justice. "This was said in the recent Congress resolution on social justice, which was passed in Ahmedabad on 9 April 2025. Better late than never," said the Congress MP. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking after the cabinet meeting, said the decision reflects the government's commitment to the country's overall values and interests. According to Article 246 of the Constitution of India, the Census is a Union subject listed in the Union List of the Seventh Schedule. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday participated in the 'Parashuram Janmotsav' celebrations at Janapav, the birthplace of Lord Parashuram, in Indore's Mhow. On the occasion of Parashuram Jayanti, CM Yadav announced the construction of a 'Parshuram Dham' at the revered site. Yadav offered prayers at the sacred spot and sought peace, prosperity, and well-being for the people of the state. Addressing the gathering, CM Yadav described Janapav as the holy birthplace of Lord Parashuram--one of the seven immortals of Sanatan culture--and called it a unique site and sacred location in India. "Whenever adharma prevailed, Lord Parashuram stood up to protect Sanatan Dharma, defeating evil forces and inspiring society with courage and righteousness. To honour this legacy, a Parashuram Dham will be developed at Janapav," he said. Recalling his divine legacy, the CM spoke of Lord Parashuram's role across epochs--from breaking the bow in Lord Ram's Swayamvar to gifting the Sudarshan Chakra to Lord Krishna. He also highlighted Lord Parashuram's role as the teacher of Guru Dronacharya, who mentored the Kauravas and Pandavas. Through his life and actions, Lord Parashuram gave the message of protecting righteousness and standing fearlessly for Dharma," he said. CM Yadav said India is a land blessed by divine forces. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the nation is progressing through a robust democratic framework. He praised the central government's efforts to safeguard the country and uphold its civilisational ethos. CM Yadav said India is a land blessed by divine forces and under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the nation is progressing through a robust democratic framework. He praised the central government's efforts to safeguard the country and uphold its civilisational ethos. "Our culture is rooted in the principle of "Live and let live." To promote Sanatan values, the state government has pledged to construct Gita Bhawans across Madhya Pradesh, advancing the cause of religion and culture," the CM said, adding that the state has launched four dedicated missions focused on the welfare of the poor, farmers, youth, and women. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to farmers, highlighting two major river linking projects -- Ken-Betwa and Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal-- aimed at providing irrigation water to farmland across Bundelkhand, Chambal, Nimar, and Malwa regions. (ANI)
On the occasion of Gujarat Foundation Day, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has extended his heartfelt wishes to all Gujaratis, according to an official statement from the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office (CMO). CM Patel honoured the great leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Shyamji Krishna Varma and other on the occassion for contributing to building the state. "Greetings to all. Warmest wishes to every Gujarati on the proud occasion of Gujarat's 65th Foundation Day. Gujarat is a sacred land that has given birth to great leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Shyamji Krishna Varma, Ravishankar Maharaj, Indu Chacha, and the globally respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It is a land steeped in the glorious history of India's freedom struggle. Since attaining statehood in 1960, every Gujarati has played a role in shaping the inspiring success story and rich legacy of Gujarat. Gujarat Gaurav Divas is a moment to remember and honour all those, both renowned and unsung, who have contributed to building this great state," CM Bhupendra Patel said, according to a statememnt. CM Patel added that today Gujarat stands at a remarkable height of development, drawing the attention of the entire world. Noting the words of poet Narmad, Patel said that state moved forward with unwavering determination. "True to the words of poet Narmad: 'Daglu bharyu ke na hatavu' (Once a step is taken forward, never retreat)--the state has moved forward with unwavering determination. Gujarat's continuous journey of progress continues to impress experts and economists from around the world, including those from the most developed nations," Patel said. Calling 'Gujarat Gaurav Day' a guiding light, CM Patel laid the roadmap for Diamond Jubilee of Gujarat's formation, which will be in 2035. "This year's Gujarat Gaurav Day is a guiding light for us. A decade from now, in 2035, we will celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Gujarat's formation. We have prepared a roadmap to celebrate the entire decade from 2025 to 2035 as the "Utkarsh Gujarat Diamond Jubilee." The goal is to turn this Diamond Jubilee into a public celebration that honours the pride of Gujaratis along with our rich history and cultural values," he said, according to the statement. CM Patel said that state has achieved remarkable progress over the past twenty-five years. "This progress is built on the visionary leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, under whose guidance the state embarked on a path of sustained development beginning in 2001. Since then, Gujarat has entered a new era of development politics and emerged as a role model of progress." he added. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are dedicated to achieving a Viksit Gujarat for a Viksit Bharat during this Amrit Kaal. To realise the vision of Viksit Gujarat@2047, Good Governance is key. We must uphold the core values of governance and the Constitution while continuing our development, guided by the inspiration and blessings of our national leaders," Gujarat CM said. Speaking about the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, Patel said, "The 75th anniversary of the Constitution crafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar, the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, and the centenary of the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a promoter of good governance--all these milestones are meant to inspire a sense of national pride and unity in every citizen. The 25 years leading up to India's centenary of independence in 2047 embody both Amrit Kaal and Kartavya Kaal. During this period of Kartavya Kaal, Gujarat and its people are fully dedicated and prepared to wholeheartedly contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047." "Today, owing to the Jyotigram Yojana, uninterrupted 24-hour three-phase electricity is reaching even the most remote villages of Gujarat. The state's electricity generation capacity has surged from 8,750 megawatts to nearly 53,000 megawatts. Gujarat is the only state in the country where infrastructure for a gas grid, water grid, and electricity grid has been successfully developed. Beyond electricity and water, there has been a transformative shift in healthcare services, education, and other social services. Gujarat has set a remarkable example of inclusive and holistic development," Patel added, according to the statement. (ANI) Bhupendra Patel added that the government have taken a decisive step toward fostering knowledge-based development, with a strong focus on the Garib (poor), Annadata (farmers), Yuva (youth), and Narishakti (women empowerment). "The benefits of welfare schemes are reaching 100 per cent of eligible beneficiaries, including tribal communities, the underprivileged, and marginalised groups. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, we have implemented a holistic saturation approach to ensure that no one is left behind," he added. "In addition to industrial, cultural, and social development, we have designated this year as the Urban Development Year to accelerate world-class urban growth. With projections indicating that 70 per cent of the population will reside in urban areas by 2047, we have devised strategic plans to accommodate this shift. To attract investment and promote the development of new industries and trade in Gujarat, a state renowned for its trading heritage, Shri Narendra Modi initiated the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit in 2003. This summit has led to the creation of numerous employment opportunities and, over its 20-year journey, has firmly established Gujarat as the top destination for investment," CM Patel said. CM Patel further said that Gujarat has emerged as a Global Gateway to the Future, CM Patel added, "We are in an era of solar, wind, and hybrid renewable energy, along with green growth through green hydrogen. Gujarat has already made comprehensive plans in this regard. Our renewable energy capacity now accounts for 15 per cent of the country's total. In the solar rooftop initiative, Gujarat has made remarkable strides, reaching over three lakh homes." "Gujarat, now a role model of development, is poised to scale greater heights through the Viksit Gujarat@2047 initiative. We are fully committed to contributing to this vision, as outlined in the Viksit Gujarat@2047 Vision Document. We take immense pride in being the first state in the country to prepare such a comprehensive roadmap. Building on Gujarat's consistent progress, this document outlines developmental goals for the next 25 years, in alignment with the nation's Amrit Kaal. Its core objective is to ensure the economic prosperity of every family by enabling access to adequate resources and sustainable income opportunities. Moving beyond traditional industries, Gujarat has accelerated the development of high-tech sectors. As a result of strategic policies in emerging areas such as semiconductors, three semiconductor plants are currently under construction in the state. To promote AI-driven industries, an AI Centre of Excellence has also been established at GIFT City," CM Patel said. (ANI)
Expressing his resolve to establish Uttarakhand as a defence production hub, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the state government has been working towards making the state a leader in drone and defence manufacturing. Chief Minister Dhami attended the "Surya Drone Tech 2025" program organised at Jaswant Ground in Dehradun Cantonment and observed the drone exhibition. Organised by the Central Command of the Indian Army in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), this two-day exhibition (29-30 April 2025) showcased the state-of-the-art drone technologies developed in the country. These technologies were in line with the multifaceted military requirements and inspired by the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" campaign. At the event, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "Drone technology is proving to be a boon for disaster relief operations in a geographically sensitive state like Uttarakhand. Therefore, our government is trying to make our youth not only drone experts but also develop technology-based solutions for civilian use." The Chief Minister said that defence production and tech innovation have received special priority in our new industrial policies. Surya Drone Tech 2025 is a confluence of science, technology, and talent. He said that such events not only provide a unique platform to showcase modern technological achievements but also inspire our youth to innovate in the field of drones and technology. He added that it was also a concrete step towards establishing Uttarakhand as a drone manufacturing hub. The Chief Minister said that the diversity in drone technology is living proof of India's self-reliant technological capabilities. It is a matter of pride to see that India is now not only becoming self-reliant in the defence sector, but is also playing a leading role in technological innovation. "Drone technology is bringing revolutionary changes in every field, from security to education, disaster management, and agriculture," he said. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that drone technology and military sector innovation are continuously encouraged in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. "Understanding the importance of innovation in the military sector, the state government is also working committedly to promote defence production in Uttarakhand," said CM Dhami. All the members of Central Command and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, drone experts, startups, MSMES, NCC cadets and school students were present in this program of 'Surya Drone Tech-2025'. (ANI)
Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Wednesday met the family of Shubham Dwivedi, who was killed by terrorists in Pahalgam on April 22. Bihar Governor stated that Dwivedi's sacrifice will inspire action against terrorism and deter future attacks. Speaking to mediapersons, Bihar Governor said, "I told them, 'We stand with you in your grief. You're not alone; the whole country is with you. I'm sure that this sacrifice will lead to action against terrorism, and no one will dare to do it again, ensuring that no one will dare to commit such acts again." Earlier on Wednesday, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi met the family of Shubham Dwivedi, a resident of Kanpur who was killed in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. Rahul Gandhi told the family that he would write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting a special session of Parliament to discuss justice for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. In a post on X, Gandhi expressed his grief over the incident and called for firm action against those responsible. "Today I met the family members of Shubham Dwivedi who was martyred in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam and consoled them. The whole country stands with the bereaved families in this sad moment. Strict and concrete action should be taken against the terrorists and the victim families should get justice. For this purpose, the united Opposition has given full support to the government and has demanded calling a special session of the Parliament," he expressed. Shubham's father, Sanjay Dwivedi, said that Gandhi supported his demand for official martyr status for his son. "I demand that Shubham should be given the status of 'shaheed'. Rahul Gandhi said that he had written a letter to the PM for a special session in parliament. Priyanka Gandhi talked to me and said that my demands are right. She said - I'll put pressure on the government and talk to them at my level for giving the status of 'shaheed' to Shubham," he said. Shubham's wife also reiterated the family's appeal. "We have only one demand, and we have told this to Rahul Gandhi as well that Shubham should be given the status of 'shaheed'. Rahul Gandhi said that he will take this issue further and will write a letter to the PM for the same," she said. Dwivedi, a 31-year-old businessman from Kanpur got married on February 12, and was reportedly the first to be gunned down by terrorists in Pahalgam. After this, chaos erupted and many people tried to run and save their lives. The terror attack on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam targeted tourists, killing 26 people, including one Nepalese citizen. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has taken strong measures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. (ANI)
The Centre has approved caste-based enumeration in the next census following a CCPA meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday welcomed the move as a historic decision for the upliftment of deprived sections, calling it vital for their empowerment and development. Taking on X, Rajnath Singh wrote it a historic step."Today, in the meeting of the CCPA, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A very historic decision has been taken from the point of view of social justice, under which permission has been given to conduct a caste census in the next census," he said. https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/1917601679953821810 The post further added on X, "This decision will prove to be very important for the empowerment and development of all sections of society, especially those who are exploited and deprived. I express my gratitude to the Prime Minister for this decision taken in the public interest." In a recent development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday emphasised that the move sends a strong message of commitment to social equality and the rights of every section of society. In a post on X, Shah asserted that the decision would empower all backwards classes. "The Modi government, committed to social justice, has taken a historic decision today. In the CCPA meeting held today under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, a message of strong commitment towards social equality and rights of every section has been given by deciding to include caste census in the upcoming census," he said. Meanwhile, reacting to the same, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh said, "It's a historical decision and we thank PM Modi for this courageous step. The Congress party was never serious about it. In 2010, the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured it in the Lok Sabha that a subcommittee would be formed, which also recommended this approach. However, the Congress government opted for a survey of social and economic conditions instead of a caste census. Even that report was not made public and remains in their archives. Congress party, for a few days, was demanding a caste census just for political gain and for optics; they wanted to create a divide in the society." In a significant decision, the government on Wednesday decided that caste enumeration will be included in the forthcoming census. Leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) also welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming national census. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated at a media briefing following the Cabinet meeting that the decision demonstrates the present government's commitment to the holistic interests and values of the nation and society. According to Article 246 of the Constitution of India, the Census is a Union subject listed at item 69 in the Union List of the Seventh Schedule. The Union Minister stated that caste has been excluded from all census operations conducted since India's independence. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials to review the prevailing security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir (J-K), a release said. According to the release, the meeting was attended by Nalin Prabhat, DGP Jammu and Kashmir, Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary Home, Nitish Kumar, ADGP CID Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu and Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range. LG Sinha directed for strong and coordinated measures to wipe out terrorism completely and its entire ecosystem from Jammu and Kashmir. "It is the collective resolve of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation to destroy the root of terror emanating from our neighbourhood. We must be resolute to fulfil this mission. Take strong action against OGWs who are providing logistics to terrorists, identifying targets for them and helping them to escape. The infrastructure and support system of terrorism in every nook and corner of the Union Territory has to be dismantled permanently. It should be our priority to ensure a sense of security for the common man," the LG said. LG Sinha also directed further strengthening of the security grid and stressed the need for better coordination and synergy among the security agencies. This comes after terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. Leaders across the world have condemned the attack. (ANI)
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming population census, saying that the decision reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji's deep commitment to inclusive governance. He added that this landmark step will enable more precise, data-driven policies that address the needs of our country's marginalised communities. In a post on X, Naidu said, "The decision to include caste enumeration in Census 2025 by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs reflects Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji's deep commitment to inclusive governance. This landmark step will enable more precise, data-driven policies that address the needs of the marginalised communities in our country. Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas continues to evolve from principle to practice, strengthening the foundations of social justice in India." https://x.com/ncbn/status/1917561104282312947 The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided on Wednesday to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census. After the meeting, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw briefed the media about the decision, saying the move would strengthen the country's social and economic structure. 'While some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes, these surveys have varied in transparency and intent, with some conducted purely from a political angle, creating doubts in society. Considering all these circumstances, and to ensure that our social fabric does not come under political pressure, it has been decided that caste enumeration should be included in the main census instead of being conducted as a separate survey," Vaishnaw said. The Union Minister Vaishnaw said caste was excluded from all census operations conducted since independence. "In 2010, then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh assured the Lok Sabha that the matter of caste census would be considered in the Cabinet. A Group of Ministers was formed to deliberate on this subject, and most political parties recommended conducting a caste census. Despite this, the previous government opted for a survey instead of a caste census, known as the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC)," he said. As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, the Census is a Union subject listed at 69 in the Union List in the Seventh Schedule. (ANI)
The decision of the government to go for caste enumeration along with the forthcoming population census drew support from opposition parties, who also took potshots at the ruling coalition over the "sudden decision" while asking for timelines for its implementation. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the party had been demanding caste census for a long time and the government has "suddenly after 11 years" taken this decision The decision on caste enumeration during census was taken at a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Briefing the media about the decisions taken by the Union Cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that some states have done caste surveys and that conducting a census is in the domain of the central government. He said the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) has decided today that caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census. Vaishnaw said this will strengthen the social and economic structure of the society while the nation continues to progress. Vaishnaw alleged that Congress governments "have always opposed caste census". "Caste was not included in all the census operations conducted since independence. In 2010, the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singhji had assured the Lok Sabha that the matter of caste census would be considered in the cabinet. A group of ministers was formed to consider this subject. Most political parties recommended a caste census. Despite this, the Congress government decided to conduct only a survey of caste instead of a census. That survey is known as SECC," Vaishnaw said. "It is well understood that Congress and its INDI alliance partners have only used the caste census as a political tool. As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, the subject census is listed at 69 in the Union list in the 7th schedule. According to the Constitution of India, census is a Union subject. Some states have conducted surveys to enumerate caste. Some states have done this well, while some others have conducted such surveys purely from a political angle in a non-transparent way. Considering all these facts and to ensure that a social fabric is not disturbed by politics, caste enumeration should be transparently included in the census instead of surveys," he added. Vaishnaw said this will strengthen the social and economic structure of the society while the nation continues to progress. "Under the leadership of PM Modi, the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs has decided today that Caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census. This demonstrates that the government is committed to the values and interests of the society and the country," he said. The Union minister said that the Modi government had earlier introduced ten per cent reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections without causing any stress on any section of the society. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the decision on the caste census sends a strong message of government's commitment to social equality and the rights of every section of society. "The Modi government, committed to social justice, has taken a historic decision today. In the CCPA meeting held today under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, a message of strong commitment towards social equality and rights of every section has been given by deciding to include caste census in the upcoming census," he said in a post on X. "The Congress and its allies opposed the caste census for decades while in power and played politics over it while in the opposition. This decision will empower all economically and socially backwards classes, promote inclusion, and pave new paths for the progress of the deprived," he added. BJP President and Union Minister JP Nadda also targeted the Congress, accusing it using the issue for political gain. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh took a dig at the BJP-led Central government over the Union Cabinet's decision stating "better late than never". Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said the party has continuously raised the issue. "The Indian National Congress had continuously raised the demand for a caste census, whose most vocal supporter was Rahul Gandhi. Today, the Modi government has announced that it will conduct a caste census along with the Census. This is the right step which we were demanding from the very first day," Kharge said. Rahul Gandhi said caste census is first step and there is a need to bring a new development paradigm. "We had said in the Parliament that we will make Caste Census happen. We had also said that we would scrap the 50% cap, the artificial wall that is in place. Narendra Modi used to say that there are just four castes. Don't know what happened but suddenly after 11 years, Caste Census has been announced," Rahul Gandhi said. "We completely support it but we want a timeline. We want to know that by when this will happen. This is the first step. Telangana has become a model in Caste Census and it can become a blueprint. We offer our support to the government in designing the Caste Census...There are two examples - Bihar's and Telangana's and there is a vast difference between the two," he added. RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said that the approval of the decision is yet another example of how socialist ideas, once dismissed or ridiculed, are eventually adopted by mainstream political forces. "What we socialists proposed 30 years ago--be it reservation, caste census, equality, fraternity, secularism--others take decades to follow. There is still a long way to go. But make no mistake--we will keep making these Sanghis dance to our agenda," Lalu Yadav said. RJD leader and former Bihar Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav hailed the decision as victory for social justice. "This has been our demand for over 30 years...it's a victory for all socialists and Lalu Yadav," he said. Yadav also spoke to the mediapersons and said, "We hope the census will be done before the delimitation exercise...It is a slap on the faces of those who used to blame us for spreading casteism." "Until we don't get scientific data, we won't be able to bring the backwards classes into the mainstream..Naturally, the people of the BJP will take credit for it. But Modi ji had rejected it many times. Lalu ji fought the actual fight for the caste census," he said. Speaking with ANI, Union Minister Chirag Paswan hit back at the RJD and said that those who once doubted the Centre's intent are now scrambling to take credit for its completion. He accused opposition leaders of undermining the Centre's commitment to the caste census. RJD MP Manoj Jha said, "Since 2000, Lalu ji and Tejashwi ji had been fighting for this...Now, it will be our request to the government not to use this as a tool but to ensure participation based on the data." Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also welcomed the upcoming census, calling it a long-standing demand that will help design targeted development schemes and accelerate national progress. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also thanked the Centre after it's decision over the caste census. "I extend my gratitude to PM Modi on behalf of the people of Bihar. In Bihar, CM nitish Kumar was already working in this direction (caste census), but today is a historic moment for the nation...BJP supported this in Bihar also. We make decisions at the right time..." AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said the decision is a long-overdue move to ensure equitable policy-making. Bahujan Samaj Party Supremeo Mayawati welcomed Union Cabinet's decision calling it a "step in right direction." However she pointed that the decision came after a "long delay." Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that his government wholeheartedly welcomes the Central Government's decision to conduct a caste census along with a population census. He also called for conducting a social, economic, and educational survey. (ANI)
Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday credited Rahul Gandhi's persistent demand for social justice as the driving force behind the Union Cabinet's approval of the decision over the caste census, calling it a long-overdue step toward inclusive development. Welcoming the Cabinet's decision to conduct a caste census, Ashok Gehlot said the move reflects the growing pressure created by Congress and its leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. In a post on X, Ashok Gehlot said, "Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi was continuously demanding a caste census for social justice. The real development of the country, inclusive development, can happen only when Dalits, backwards, tribals, and the exploited get a share in development in a scientific manner. That is why Rahul Gandhi was constantly emphasising the caste census." According to Gehlot, Gandhi's repeated emphasis on the need for accurate caste data compelled the PM Modi-led government to approve the demand. "Today, even the PM Modi government's cabinet had to approve this demand," he said. Gehlot also highlighted the historic nature of the decision, noting that this will be the first comprehensive caste census since 1931, nearly 94 years ago. "It's a necessary corrective step to address long-standing inequalities," he added. Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi said that the party supports the government's decision to conduct caste enumeration during the forthcoming population census, but it should specify a timeline. Addressing a press conference here, Rahul Gandhi said Telangana has provided a model for conducting caste census and it can provide a blueprint for the exercise at the national level. He said the Congress has been demanding a caste census and the government had "suddenly, after 11 years", taken this decision. "We had said in the Parliament that we will make the Caste Census happen. We had also said that we would scrap the 50 per cent cap, the artificial wall that is in place. Narendra Modi used to say that there are just four castes. Don't know what happened, but suddenly after 11 years, Caste Census has been announced," Rahul Gandhi said. "We completely support it, but we want a timeline. We want to know by when this will happen. This is the first step. Telangana has become a model in the Caste Census, and it can become a blueprint. We offer our support to the government in designing the Caste Census...There are two examples - Bihar's and Telangana's, and there is a vast difference between the two," he added. The Congress leader said the caste census is the first step, and there is a need to bring a new development paradigm. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated at a media briefing following the cabinet meeting that the decision demonstrates the present government's commitment to the holistic interests and values of the nation and society. As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, the Census is a Union subject listed at 69 in the Union List in the Seventh Schedule. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "This will ensure that society becomes stronger economically and socially, and the country's progress continues without hindrance. When a provision of 10 per cent reservation was made for the economically weaker sections of society, it did not create tension in any section of society." The Union Minister said caste was excluded from all census operations conducted since independence. (ANI)
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh has termed the Centre's decision to conduct a caste census "a victory for the crores of people of India". He added that when Rahul Gandhi said caste census is the "X-ray of society," the BJP "ridiculed him." "When our leader Shri Rahul Gandhi ji said, 'Caste census is the X-ray of society,' Then the people in the ruling party ridiculed him, ignored him and procrastinated," Ramesh said in a post on X in Hindi. Ramesh said that Rahul Gandhi had demanded a caste census for a long time, raising the issue repeatedly in Parliament, in public meetings. https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1917572272757313538 "But for how long could the voice of rights of crores of people be suppressed? Now the Modi government has agreed to conduct caste census. Well, better late than never!" the Congress general secretary said. "This is a decisive step towards ensuring social justice. This is the victory of crores of people of India. This is a victory for all those who have fought for equality, parity, and representation for years," he added. On Wednesday, briefing the media about the decisions taken by the Union Cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that some states have conducted caste surveys, and conducting a census falls within the domain of the central government. He stated that the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) has decided today to include caste enumeration in the forthcoming census. Vaishnaw alleged that Congress governments "have always opposed caste census". "Caste was not included in all the census operations conducted since independence. In 2010, the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singhji had assured the Lok Sabha that the matter of caste census would be considered in the cabinet. A group of ministers was formed to consider this subject. Most political parties recommended a caste census. Despite this, the Congress government decided to conduct only a survey of caste instead of a census. That survey is known as SECC," Vaishnaw said. Vaishnaw said this will strengthen the social and economic structure of the society while the nation continues to progress. "Under the leadership of PM Modi, the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs has decided today that Caste enumeration should be included in the forthcoming census. This demonstrates that the government is committed to the values and interests of the society and the country," he said. (ANI)